World Cup 91 [roleplays]

[Turori]

Cut. It. Out. MD3-4 Incoming with auto-generated spoilers and possibly some improper formatting as a side effect.

[Hapilopper]

Capital Stadium, Hapilopper City
Leading up to World Cup 91 Qualifying Match 3: Hapilopper v. Kelssek

Unquestionably, the third match day for World Cup 91 qualifying was one of the most special days in the history of Hapiloppian sport. Not for the fact it was a home match in Capital Stadium for the Haps, but for the first time ever, the nation would play host to two World Cup qualifying matches on the same day, with the recent unification of Hapilopper and Wreckeria. Out west in Halsted, the Independent Wreckerian Athletes were playing host to the 14 Stars, while in Capital Stadium, the Haps were taking on the Voyagers from Kelssek, a match that could potentially serve as a speed bump for the team.

In both stadiums, there was an air of pageantry as the nation’s two national teams prepared for their home matches – Hapilopper would play its match first due to time zone differences, and the IWA were poised to start about 15 minutes after the Hapilopper/Kelssek match. But in the clubhouse of Capital Stadium, that sort of pageantry was missing. The team had taken Nathan Ellis’s words to heart about taking every single opponent seriously. It didn’t matter if it was East Murbley or Valanora or Kelssek. Each opponent represented a challenge for the team, a possible pitfall, or possibly a pratfall.

Thankfully, there were no pitfalls or pratfalls to be had for the Haps on this evening, on the first ever National Team Doubleheader. What there was, however, was celebration – and lots of it. The first came from Parker Mathis in the 16th minute thanks to some shrewd passing. Parker passed it to Herb Northrop, who sent it to Peter Robson, which, on the typical Hapiloppian script, meant he would have been the one trying to score. But throwing everyone off, Peter passed it back to Parker, who fired it past Cathal Gallagher and into the back of the net.

As the Hapiloppian fans behind the goal threw their beers in the air and threw streamers out towards the pitch, Parker did something of a “funky chicken” dance popularized by 1970s gridiron footballers, but with his own twist, as he twisted the rest of his body to the beat of a drum only he was imagining. It was Parker’s first ever goal for the national team, and it only served to fire the Hapiloppians up.

It probably fired the Kelssekians up too, as almost immediately after, the Voyagers came about like a house afire, desperate to get back on equal footing with the Haps. Their play, interestingly enough, led to perhaps one of the more bizarre moments of the match day.

Nathan Ellis realized that Colm Ó Tuathail was uncovered, and it looked like he was about to get the ball. So, thinking nothing more of it, Nathan rushed towards Tuathail in an effort to try to stop this offensive effort. What happened next was… strange, if only for an object that probably shouldn’t have been by the sideline. Nathan, who probably shouldn’t have been roaring like an idiot as he attempted to railroad the Kelssekian winger, jumped up as he moved to spear him. Tuathail passed the ball over to Shaheen Taleb and moved out of the way.

As Taleb took the ball and immediately fired it past Billy Solomon at goal, Nathan found himself going through a table that had been inexplicably propped up against an LED advertising board on the sideline. Nathan wound up spearing a table instead of Tuathail and laid there for a few seconds, trying to take in the ridiculousness of what had just happened. When he got up, he was incensed – not at Tuathail or at anyone from the Voyagers – after all, they had played fairly, the goal was clean and there was no dirty play whatsoever.

Instead, he was incensed at whoever had decided to put that table there on the sideline. It was an obvious safety hazard and not something that should have been put near a football pitch. He rushed back to Head Coach Thom Perkins and Assistant Manager Myrone Rhule, demanding to know who put that table there. Turns out neither of the two knew about it, and none of the other players were talking about it. Figuring he wasn’t going to get anywhere by asking the question during the match, Nathan let it slide and played the rest of the game. He’d ask about it later though, demanding to know more about the table.

For the rest of the first half, Hapilopper and Kelssek played even, and the breakthrough goal wasn’t scored until the 49th minute when Peter Robson took a long pass from Maverick King, juked his way around Kelssekian defenders, and then to goal, sending it to the back of the net, putting the Haps in front, 2-1.

While the fans at Capital Stadium were delighted with the result, and while most of Team Hapilopper was delighted with it, Nathan Ellis was fuming about the table incident, and said very little to anyone post-match.

Even the next week, when the Haps traveled to the subregion to take on Savigliane, all anyone was talking about was “who put that table there?”

Even after the Haps beat Savigliane, all anyone was talking about was that table. Not the fact the Haps led the group, not the fact that the Haps were 4-0-0, not the fact that the team looked like its form was the best it had ever been, all anyone would talk about was that table.

And when the team returned home, Nathan decided he’d get to the bottom of it, deciding to question players, staff, coaches and even stadium personnel – who put that table there?

[Fort McKinley]

The World Cup was certainly a harsh return to reality for the team after the positives taken away from the BOF; an embarrassing loss to Indusse and a shutout against Kandorith in their first ever World Cup home match were a harsh welcome, and then another drubbing away from the country against South Newlandia was giving the squad a good deal to be unhappy about.

The second match on Shiloh Springs was a better effort, and David's goal to level the score against Saint Eleanor was special for him, more than the afterthought consolation strike he managed in the first match.

Although he had 40% of the team's offensive output, the staff told him that he would be rested for the upcoming fixture, both to shake up the lineup and for legitimate fitness reasons; he'd tweaked his ankle near the end of the draw, so the medical staff recommended he take a match off to recover, along with the bye following. He wasn't going to even travel with the team to Sannymathland, remaining behind to heal.

While to most outsiders Fort McKinley seemed like a functioning ordinary society, the reality behind the façade was one of corruption, a stagnant economy, a sharp class divide in a nation that was supposedly classless & egalitarian, and strict controls on the amount and types of information that were permitted.

An example of this information control is television and radio broadcasting that the state operates outside of standard frequencies used for the purpose; only TV sets and radios produced in Fort McKinley can tune in these channels and they cannot receive signals from outside broadcasts from nearby nations. This also applies to cellular phones which are incompatible with networks in other nations.

David owned a radio that received standard broadcast signals that he'd smuggled back into the country from an overseas trip; he often listened to stations from neighboring Baker Park and Dogsmouth as well as shortwave broadcasts from other far-flung locations. This was expressly forbidden by the Party, although there were far more people in the nation who did so than one might imagine.

Lineup change for MD 5:
Sammy Pete Davis--G; Davey Charles Young, Eddie Burt Miller, Aaron Roy Morris, Ronnie Floyd Jones--D; Mike Don Morris, Lee Myron Clark, Simon Jay Allen, John Hugh Davis--M; Dennis Gene Young, Pat Tim Davis--F

[Delte]

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Delte 3-2 Ancherion
Sports Correspondent Polka Lunn in Oswark for the Deltemouth Tide Times

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I won't dwell overly long on the finer details of this match, but certainly mention should be made of the promising young midfield partnership of the Tasher brothers, Burus and Onun, who's sibling telepathy seems to extend to the football field where they combined beautifully to demostrate a modicum of mastery beyond their years - being only 19 and 18 respectively. They also draw in a particular crowd with the 'Tasher Club', made up of a highly excitable teenage fangroup screeching at fever pitch, accounting for a generous 5% allocation of the capacity at Ildemorton Road; that is around 75 very loud, emotional and sometimes obnoxious nippers all chirruping on their phones in between selfies and sobs of admiration for the young athletes. To be fair they are quite the dashing pair of Tashers.

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Darmen 0-0 Delte
Player-Reporter Kim Samrodd in Darmen City, Darmen for seeninoswark.dte

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It was a long way to go for a football match, and I have to say it wasn't much of a holiday with coach Enda Clentin working us hard on our defensive duties after the 5-1 thrashing on the road last time out. It certainly seemed to pay dividends as we defenders kept the legendary Craig Blackwood quiet all game, with my central defensive colleague Skelimino Bane winning the admiration of the dressing room for his bumps and bruises, getting in the way of everything the veteran forward threw at us. Of course it was an entirely rearguard action and there wasn't a sniff for poor Tai Cerotha up front who even resorted to dropping into his own half every once in a while in search of some action. He came out early after the half time talk to play keepy-uppies for a couple of minutes, claiming he had more touches of the ball before second half kick-off than he did in the rest of the game. Coach Clentin was happy enough with a point on the road, mind you, and subbed the inveterate whiner with fifteen minutes to go to throw on another defender in Untto Squaker, the hooligan man-mountain.

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VISIT DELTE
A Guide For Adventurers & Reluctant Football Teams

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Accommodation in Oswark: Unfortunately the main hotel in Oswark, the Prince Tyrbert, has been reserved by the All-Week Super Ultra Premiere Football Association (the local FA) for the visiting World Cup teams, so fans will be relying on local hostelries, beds and breakfasts, camping and out-of-town farmstays for their accommodation, but don’t let this put you off - what better way to get to know the locals than by helping out with the milking in exchange for your cornflakes? If the rural life is not for you, several of the pubs in Oswark offer rooms, including the Six of Staves on Aughtshambles Street, which is very much the sports bar of choice if you want to get into a debate with the locals on the relative strengths of Town or United. The landlord Emel Radogar is considered (by some, particularly himself) as the valley’s leading expert on international football, still basking in the glory of managing to tune his satellite dish to a snowy picture of some World Cup 78 fixtures all those years ago. He keeps a tidy room and will be eager for information on world football in exchange for a complimentary breakfast.

Visit Delte, the local tourist information organisation, have an office on platform 3 at Oswark Station - pop in to book your stay when you get off the train, and have your first experience of local people with Benito the Stationmaster (he’ll be the first to point out he’s not a native Delt) and his partner Hona Skellban (who very much is a native). She can hook you up with the perfect spot to drop your bags and rest your weary feet before heading out for some food and drink. Prefer your adventures served up by a well-informed - perhaps disconcertingly too well informed - algorithm? Find rooms, caravans and lodgings with DareBnB, risk free virtual bookings (always read the small print, especially the bits about what it means to take a dare and also about not being risk free). Also see our section on health and safety in the valley… although that’s not out for another 10 days. So yes, maybe it really is a DareBnB for the time being.

UP NEXT in our serialised visitor guide: Craft ales and surprisingly gourmet pub lunches are the order of the day in Oswark, but don't get too drunk or even slightly disorderly - you may end up on the wrong side of The River Patrol and facing a stretch in The Auld Triangle.

[Baggieland]

[Sendhang]

While the agreement of President Paulus Etamba on the need for a new name for the region was received favorably in Eraman, it was a different story in Sendhang. Things are more complicated in the landlocked country. It's easy for Eraman because they were never part of the Meilawati Empire. Sendhang on the other hand was divided between the two empires with Meilawati in the north and west while Sripala in the southeast. And those in the north and west opposed the name change.

The sentiment against the name change was made clear the most in Tapaklaboh, the state capital of Putrasia. The Chief Minister of Putrasia, Teuku Arif was quick to slam President Paulus Etamba through his social media account just a few hours after the joint press conference between the President of Sendhang, Paulus Etamba, and the Prime Minister of Eraman, Tun Rendra Usin.

"The proposal to change the name of the region is a systematic attack by the Paulus Etamba-led federal government to erase Putrasian's history and culture," he posted.

His post gained popularity and was widely shared among Putrasians. They were not happy with the proposal. Paulus Etamba who was already not popular in Putrasia suddenly becomes the most hated man in the southwestern state. This is because of the unique relationship Putrasians have with Meilawati. Every single Putrasian claims to be descended from Meilawati princes who fled Palembang after the fall of the empire, hence why every male Putrasian name starts with Teuku (prince) while the female name starts with Cut (princess). Even the name Putrasia means islands of princes.

President Paulus Etamba expected this backlash from the Putrasians but he was confident that things will be under control.

"It will not be more than a social media outrage," he told his close circles.

At first, it does look like it's going to be no more than a social media outrage. But something was clearly happening on the ground as thousands of Putrasians crossed the Putrasia Bridge into Kambang, the capital city of Sendhang for the 91st World Cup qualifying match against Montesina waving the Free Putrasia Movement flag, a week after Paulus Etamba-Rendra Usin joint press conference. This is the first time in decades that the Free Putrasia Movement flag was seen waved in public.

The atmosphere at the Persekutuan Stadium which is packed with 40,000 Sendhanghites was electric. It's a must-win match for the Sendhang national team who lost their first two matches of the campaign away at Tumbra and Zwangzug. And the fans were behind the team, at least in the first half. Sendhang was already up by 3-1 at half-time thanks to a brace from Teuku Salahudin and a goal from Ramon Kalbasi.

Then, as the referee blew his whistle to start the second half, a section of the fan opened a giant Free Putrasia Movement tifo. The giant tifo was displayed for almost 5 minutes before the police were instructed to take it down. Some fans were arrested but luckily, the match was undisturbed and the score remained at 3-1 until the full-time whistle. The match, however, has opened up a deep wound in Sendhang as a nation.

[Mon Sold]

Mon Sports!

Domestic and International Sports Wire from the Grand Duchy!

Bowheads pull off narrow victory over Seagulls!

By: Carmen Parri
PALAGHAST, Mon Sold - The boys have caught fire again! Heady over their first international win over the Milchama Warriors, the Bowheads received a thrashing by Efnakia, their second loss to them, that sobered the mood back home. A single win a champion does not make. Going into the Match Day 3 the Bowheads would be playing back home at the Marquis Hazra Manuel Field in beautiful Palaghast. The city itself is still recovering from the damages it sustained from Hurricane 422. The hurricane was a category four and devastated the local fishing industry to the point that some companies actually went overseas to fulfill their contractual obligations to customers. Alucirra Shrimp Company was the largest name to do so, signing a year long contract to deliver over seven thousand pounds a month! The city's historic downtown area received heavy flooding leading to the Hazra Manuel Field to be temporarily utilized by emergency services as a shelter, despite the damage it sustained. Since then, city officials and Marquis Leopoldo (of House Manuel) have worked to bring the area back into working order. There was some speculation that Hazra Manuel Field would not be ready in time for the World Cup with a scandal involving substandard work by the construction company responsible for repairs leading to a last-second intervention by both a new contractor and the Army to help bring the field up to standards.

The match itself was set on a windy and overcast day which seemed to mirror the reserved mood of the fans. This mood seemed to settle on the teams as well as both started off shaky and out of order. Between minute marks 3 to 9 a total of four Yellow Cards were handed out in total, two to both teams. The first was handed to Neraveke Ho'umimalu for overly aggressive play during an initial strong drive downfield. Two minute later, a counter-attack by the Bowheads saw Campo handed a yellow card for the exact same behavior. The officials were clearly having none of it. At the 6 minute mark, Valeri Tyonko received a yellow card for supposedly making a mark on the field with her foot, a penalty that was even questioned by the Mon Soldian announcers who were sure it was harmless. Finally, at the 9 minute mark Marin received a yellow card for arguing with the referee over whether the ball had actually gone out of bounds (opposing team's Fyodor Veshchik saved the ball from going out of bounds, managing to outmaneuver Marin in doing so). Ater the Marin incident both teams seemed to retract a bit and play with more caution.

It wouldn't be until the 15 minute mark when a drive downfield by the Bowheads saw an opening for Bakema who swooped in with a long-distance kick that the Seagulls' must've expected to be a pass to Assies, but instead turned into a successful strike. The Seagulls were having none of it and once they retook possession of the ball they made an aggressive and dominating drive downfield that saw Ho'umimalu almost effortlessly score a goal, sweeping the ball past Mandadori! One could be forgiven if they expected the boys to reel from this show of dominance by Aleirave. This same incident had occurred against Efnakia the day before and more than once in the Baptism. The Bowheads had shown up until that point their general lack of resilience to displays of dominance by opponents as their strategy tends to favor a solid defense and if that is compromised the team falters. But not in this case! Sjaak, captain, rallied the team and shifted their focus from defense back onto offense. In a display equally as domineering the Bowheads pushed down the field immediately after getting possession of the ball. The Seagulls honed in on the three forwards, keeping close eyes on Assies especially! Simoes sudden appear from the backfield, catching a ball that was meant to go out of bounds and delivering a solid kick that managed to just get by goalkeeper Falena Rukipiato. The match would continue to swing back and forth for much of the rest of the game with neither side able to gain momentum, the Bowheads settling back into their defensive posture with a lead assured. At the 46 minute mark, with both teams worn in a solid drive downfield saw a header goal made by Bakema -- making it his second goal of the game!

With the game now firmly lopsided in favor of our boys, the match picked up tempo with Aleirave steadily becoming more and more aggressive. The pressure continued to mount until by 59 minute mark the defense cracked and Mandadori failed to stop close-range strike by Serani Na'eleru, a leftback, who found her way down the field in a mirror of play made earlier by Simoes. The tension was high for the rest of the match, but the burden was on the Seagulls to at least break even. To their credit, our boys didn't take the bait and shift back onto the offensive despite some aggressive plays by Campo and Assies. The match ended with neither side ever really coming close to a strike again.

The final score was a hard-fought 3-2 in favor of the Bowheads.

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Mon Sold comes out on top again! What has caused the team to catch fire?

By: Carman Parri
Dreuxdire, Mon Sold - With the conclusion of the decisive win over Lumbinipur (0-2), there is no denying that these are not the same unimpressive, rough-cut Bowheads from the Baptism. The upset victory over Aleirave was a solid repudiation of malcontents that the victory over Milchama had been a mistake and that the match against Efnakia had proved as much. The team had come out swinging in the World Cup, but this has led to the question of why exactly? While one obvious answer is that they're gaining confidence in each match, learning from each defeat or win, and forging stronger bonds with each other and their collective identity -- but does that really answer all of the questions? One victory a champion does not make. Head Coach Elbert Willems has been mostly unavailable for interviews or comments due to the busy schedule of having to travel essentially around the multiverse, but I was able to meet up with him after the Lumbinipur game and get a quick interview.

Parri: "Thank you for taking the time to speak with me. First, congratulations on the win over Limbinipur. What thoughts do you have on the game?"

Willems: "We went into the match not knowing much about the Limbinipur ... and really we still don't know much about them -- and thats where I'll leave that. As for us, I'm proud of what these boys are doing out there. They've really come together since the Baptism."

Parri: "Yes they do. Besides the obvious reasons of gaining experience and confidence, is there anything else?"

Willems: "Those are the two most important things really. I've told my staff this and I'll say it again here, the Baptism really did wonders for us! None of us had worked together before ... hell most of us spent our off time finding ways to out match each other. We went into the Baptism a lump of coal and it showed. I'm not going to say we're a diamond now, not by a hell of a long shot, but I can see some glints coming through now."

Parri: "I spoke with Valeriano Assies after the win over Milchama and he signed off with "Do it for Kool". Is that in reference to the late Renaud Kool?"

Willems: "Of course it is! What happened to Renaud shouldn't have happened at all! The damn FFFF set us up and didn't provide any of the adequate security or support we needed. Who the hell bans bus travel to the stadium of play and forces players to walk through a forest infested by wild beasts?! I'm sorry, but I'm still angry about it. Renaud was a good man, from a good family, and had a family of his own back home. I don't know how far we'll go in the World Cup but however far that is, we're bringing the memory of Kool with us ..."

[Juvencus]

The Second Great War of Unification(1876-1892)

Juven warfare always included some intricate psychological strategies in order to stir up the enemy and make them lose focus. This was something that would prove vital in attacking them when they were weak. The Toronese were experts at taunting, known all over the Confederation for this dirty strategy but rarely paid for it as it would prove to be mostly effective. When it did not work, however, maximum retribution was not only expected, but delivered to them. This did not seem to phase the Toronese in this stage of the war, however, despite the defeats they had faced.

Fort Camelotte was left in shambles, while Genissimù was removed from the maps

Chapter 10: The Destruction of Fort Camelotte and Massacre of Genissimù(September 19th-September 21st, 1879)
"God was on the right side of history this time, punishing the wrong and foul-mouthed and rewarding the pious and rightful." Priest Canelo Idrotti, September 22nd, 1879

Soon after the liberations of Trata and Remeno, most of Pomena was free of Independentist control. The Independentist combined forces as a matter of fact, had been split, with the Toronese heading back to their positions at the borders further eastward, while the Crescent and Cuori armies remained combined and headed further southeast, in Razza. Both Independentist parties would entrench themselves in these positions, something the combined Unionist forces would do as well, reaching a stalemate that would last for a year, with minor skirmishes here and there but no actual movement of sorts from any positions. This was bound to change when the first large batch of the Royal Quebecois Army came to support the mostly Pomenienze force of the east in early September 1879, celebrating the 40-year ruby jubilee of Queen Arlene of Quebec.

News of that would quickly spread to the Toronese camp and that is when they decided they would use this against the Quebecois. During a skirmish right outside Genissimu on September 15th, 1879, Toronese troops as well as locals of Genissimù who were involved in the fight were found taunting the Quebecois troops and insulting Queen Arlene calling her terms such as "old, fat wench" and "a whale on the throne of the faraway idiots". Many rude terms were thrown around for Duke Gianluca IV of Pomena as well, calling him "an impotent fool" or "a sucker for the old, fat quebecois wench". This infuriated both Quebecois and Pomenienze troops and a combined attack was swiftly planned.

In the morning of September 19th, 1879, the first shots were fired just outside Fort Camelotte. It was a skirmish between Quebecois troops and Toronese troops, it quickly escalated into a full-blown close-distance battle. The Quebecois inflicted heavy casualties onto the Toronese which forced them to promptly return to their positions in Fort Camelotte. The Quebecois would not advance however and stay put. The first Pomenienze artillery barrage followed suit, which lasted for multiple hours, destroying a bit chunk of the fort's most defensible positions, giving an opening for the Quebecois to charge and in the afternoon it is exactly what happened. A combined Pomenienze Uhlaner cavalry charge with a Quebecois Royal Army charge following suit provided an extremely bloody battle inside the now destroyed Fort Camelotte. No Toronese troops escaped, as they were all slaughtered during the battle or captured and executed by hanging the day after. September 20th, 1879 did not have much happen during the day after the executions of the remaining Toronese soldiers. Genissimù was next to be added to the retribution list.

September 21st, 1879, a combined Pomenienze-Quebecois barrage of the village which lasted even longer than the barrage at Fort Camelotte took place. It completely annihilated most buildings in the village and killed a lot of its civilians and Toronese soldiers stationed there to defend the village. Then a Quebecois Royal Army charge followed by a Pomenienze Army charge followed suit, the Toronese, despite their losses fought valiantly against the combined strength of the Quebecois and Pomenienze, even holding on several positions in the village for a long time until they got captured in the afternoon. The massacre that followed was vicious, no individual was left alive, but such was the retribution for insulting the monarchs of the enemies. Genissimù was no more, Fort Camelotte would be rebuilt and used as a still defensible position in case the Toronese were to attack again. This was, however, the last major massacre and general removal of any population from a location using such means during the war.

This Unionist/Quebecois victory gave the side enough momentum for a possible attack further inside Toronese territory but as they would slowly start approaching Torona itself, so too would the defenses of the Toronese get stronger and more vicious themselves.

Battle Outcome: Pomenienze and Quebecois victory! Genissimù is annihilated, Northwestern theater wakes again!

Duchy of Pomena: 15,000 infantry, 700 cavalry, 35 cannons, 1,200 casualties
Royal Kingdom of Quebec: 8,000 infantry, 20 cannons, 600 casualties
Kingdom of Torona: 11,000 infantry, 1,000 militia, 9,500 casualties

[Indusse]

IFA NEWS NETWORK
Public Transportation is a must!

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Every nation should have it's own public transportation system. It plays a major role in the reduction of traffic, saves fuel and has a lot of advantages. The income generated through these systems are highly involved in the calculation of the national income and is one of the major income source of the government after the suicidal tax rates and the high beverage exports and production. Each and every major public transport system has its own governing body and few of the most richest and used public transport systems are the National Bus Services, Railway Transit Systems, National Waterways, Airspace Networks and Domestic Small Scale Transport systems.

First on the list would be the Railway Transit Systems in the nation, which generates the most transportation income and ending up to be the largest government company in case of income generated and citizens employed. The Railway Transit Systems are headed by a government body known as the National Railways Corporation (NRC) located in the capital city of Indusse. The NRC is headed by the Minister of Railways and the Board of Directors. The NRC has got six board directors who are made in charge of different zones. The Zone boards are known as NRC-North Zone, NRC-South Zone, NRC-East Zone, NRC-West Zone, NRC High Speed Transit Corporation (NRC- HSTC) and Tourist Transit Corporation.

The zones as the name suggest are for the provinces on the respective directions. Whereas, metro projects, bullet train, hyperloop , monorail and similar high speed systems are governed by the High Speed Transit Corporation. The Tourist Transit Corporation is the one in-charge of tourist trains like the one's passing through the Hind - Neagra valleys, Sindvpore deserts and to hill stations. It also consists of those trains which are for luxurious purposes and for VIP usage. The TTC trains are expensive and hard to maintain and needs care unlike the normal suburban trains of the direction based zones.

The second on the list would be the National Bus Service, under the control of Minister of Transportation of respective provinces they form a board of director headed by the Minister of Transportation. These bus services consists of all sort of bus systems including normal stops, limited stops, superfast, luxurious, expensive and tourist buses. Private bus systems are not under the control of the respective Provincure based bus corporations. The largest of all is the Sindvpore Road Transit Corporation (SRTC) followed by Hind Province Road Transport Corporation (HPRTC), Road Transport Corporation of Southbay (RTCS) and Land Transit Board of Neagra (LTBR). About 50% of the income generated are through the above corporations. The rest of the boards are only generating the rest of the income.

[Gnejs]

OOC: This article was published the day after the MD3 game.

Offside Magazine

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World Cup Qualifications

The Great Northern Trendkill

By: Johanna Giffelson

The Xannerian cold shower of MD2: a reminder
There was something about the atmosphere in the days leading up to that opening game, especially in Port Kejm, that seemed to speak of great things to come. The spring sun brought warmth, the cherry blossoms were in bloom in the parks and there was a joy amongst people everywhere, all of us flying high on beer, spirits and some sort of collective frenzy about a glory to come.

But let me remind you of what happened.

«The Dock» was crammed to the point of bursting, and we got to witness some great feats of creativity and ingenuity in the visual displays covering the northern, eastern and southern stands during the start of the game. In a rare display of unity, the fans used flags to create a big mosaic of a dandelion in the combined colors of Storängen IF (green, white and yellow) and Kejm BK (dark and light blue), signaling a momentary overcoming of age-old rivalry in the name of the Union.

And it started out alright, I think we can all agree on that. «The Wall» stood its ground and denied the visiting ‘Maroons’ from gaining much for the first 15-20 minutes. The Dandelions didn’t create much of anything for themselves of course, but it was always clear that this kind of game would mostly revolve around defending oneself. But then it started faltering. Much like in the game against Cassadaigua during the Copa Rushmori, the opposing team only needed some time to adjust, and after a while they easily found ways to break through the Dandelion ranks and started producing dangerous opportunities. Their Allison Burns never hesitated and scored two impressive goals in quick succession towards the end of the first half. While the second half was more even to begin with, it was the old ‘ballon-meets-needle’ when Gil McKenna took it to 3-0 after 70 minutes and Burns finalized the beating by securing her hat-trick only minutes later.

As we all know, it ended 0-4, and the Dandelions extended their unfortunate streak of losing internationally, standing at four consecutive games without any points gained. Bjørnstjerne Eriksen looked his calm usual self after the final whistle, but a statistic of one goal gained and 8 conceded in the two last games can hardly be pleasing for a man putting his pride in a robust defense. And that scar of his on the forehead looked angrily red; a known indicator of annoyance on his part.

He did caution us against going into the qualification games with any sort of expectations, but I think a lot of us did anyway. And the higher the expectation, the heavier the tumble. That much is clear.

MD3 - away against Sudilia
I know I approached last night’s game against Sudilia with a hefty portion of caution. We were the visitors, and they had already bagged a win against another low-ranked team. They did suffer a somewhat humiliating 5-0 defeat against Ko-oren, but let’s be honest, we’ll all probably experience something similar when we travel to Anaia.

However, that caution made the sweet sensation of watching the Dandelions approach their task with an impressive determination even greater. Eriksen fielded much of the same team as against Xanneria, with the exception of David Knardal and Nicolai Enger. Instead the experienced Mikael Fauster of Lokomotiv Esaias started in the middle of the five man defensive line, and Menexeus Nilsen of Welmia IF took up the position to the very right on the four man midfield.

In the first half, both teams seemed to prioritize minimizing areas and not letting go of their opponents. Sudilia had some potentially dangerous attacks, but close courting from both the midfield and the defensive line meant that they seldom fully reached the finish line. Oliver Ouimet had his team’s best opportunity, after Nicholas Latour won the ball and sent it up to Emilie Labelle. She hit a beautiful cross and found Ouimet's forehead in the box, but the header went just outside. The Dandelions defended themselves well, but had few real chances in the first half.

The second half started in a similar way as the first one had ended, but the Dandelions came out with a bigger drive and also made a few dangerous attempts at attack. It was in the sixty-fourth minute that Theages Nilsson reached a corner ball and nodded it slightly backwards, where Didrik Nes came running and put the ball behind Peter Grant to make it 0-1. The Dandelions didn’t even pretend to go for another goal, and fought tooth and nail to defend their lead. It was never a done deal, and Sudilia was close to equalizing with a nice through ball, but neither the reception nor the finish from Ouimet were particularly good and it went outside.

A surprisingly big group of Dandelion fans had travelled all the way to Sudilia, and as the game drew to a close it was so heartwarming to see all of them break out in the traditional Union celebration of removing their pants and swinging them over their heads as they sang the long-established Gnejsian ode to Margaret, Jag vill vara din, Margareta*

The Dandelions killed the trend and came away with all three points, and I think we all look forward to see what this team can make of the upcoming game against Poafmersia down at «The Dock» come MD4.

*Like in many other nations across the multiverse, Margaret is revered in the Union. She is called Margareta in the native language. It is common for football fans all over Gnejs to sing this song when their team wins, often accompanied by swinging their pants over their heads. Below is a translation from the native Gnejsiska (western dialect in this rendition - OOC: Swedish) to English:

I want to be yours, Margaret
Nobody knows, what I know, a secret,
Someone I fancy has made me hot,
Can’t help that I feel this way,
Oh, the look I got gave me everything (thank you girl),
All I want, I can get a thousand times, oh yeah yeah yeah,
Oh, I'm starting to understand that I'm in love,
I want to be yours, you should know that, just be yours, Margaret,
Standing at your door, in love like never before, but I dare not ring the bell,

The pulse you gave me was so hot, do you feel like me Margaret?
The kisses you gave, was that your answer or not?

So I go home again with my bouquet,
What I want to tell you is not easy,
Can’t help that I feel this way,
I want to be yours, you should know that, just be yours, Margaret,
Standing at your door, in love like never before, but I dare not ring the bell,
The pulse burns so hot, do you feel like me Margaret?
The kisses you gave, was that your answer or not?
Thank you

[New Eestiball]

We did not have a great couple of games, but they were far better than expected. First came the Holy Empire game. 937 only allowed one goal from all of the 50 shots taken, and that seemed like it would be it - the score stood at 1-0 heading into stoppage time. However, somebody thought this was a Calvinball match, and turned on 'Vacuum'. Due to a glitch in the vacuum, only THE's goalie was sucked up into the blue card box. This allowed a 93rd minute game-tying goal. The shocking result was a major relief across the nation. The result in the Vilita game was more glum. The only goal, scored in the 59th, was by one of the Tlikaras as disappointment abounded throughout Tallinn.

Elections have started across New Eestiball, polls opening 3 hours ago. Currently, the polls stand at this:
Electoral district 1(10 seats in northern Tallinn): Liberal 7, Anarchist 2, Conservative 1
Electoral district 2(13 seats in central Tallinn): Liberal 8, Conservative 4, Nationalist 1
Electoral district 3(8 seats in southern Tallinn): Conservative 3, Liberal 4, Anarchist 1
Electoral district 4(15 seats in Harju and Rapla counties): Conservative 8, Liberal 6, Nationalist 1
Electoral district 5(6 seats in the western islands): Liberal 4, Anarchist 2,
Electoral district 6(5 seats in the northeastern county of Laane-Viru): Nationalist 3, Conservative 2
Electoral district 7(7 seats in Ida-Viru County): Nationalist 6, Conservative 1
Electoral district 8(7 seats in central Estonia): Conservative 4, Anarchist 1, Liberal 2
Electoral district 9(7 seats in Jogeva and Tartu counties): Nationalist 4, Conservative 3
Electoral district 10(8 seats in Tartu): Liberal 3, Anarchist 3, Conservative 1, Nationalist 1
Electoral district 11(8 seats in southeastern Estonia): Nationalist 3, Conservative 5
Electoral district 12(7 seats in Parnu County): Anarchist 6, Liberal 1
Current results:
Conservatives 32
Liberals 35
Nationalists 21
Anarchists 13

[Xanneria]

Jerry and Burt were two smugglers who had recently found themselves in southern Kita-Hinode, in the Shintochi area. Why Kita-Hinode? If you look on a map of Esportiva you may notice there's disputed lands south of the area. It's a ripe land for people who wanna make a buck, and there have been some governments, who've wanted to put there money where their mouth is.

Jerry and Burt were two smugglers who were used to different cargoes. Jerry drove a nice black semi-truck and Burt a nice black hot rod, both were station in the Shintochi city of Tanjochi.

Jerry sipped on his coffee "Burt, what ya think of this? smuggling weapons for a good cause!"

"Good Cause? I mean i'm in it for the paycheck man, not like anything else will have gotten me to do this. Heck listen to what Alain said, we're only doing this cause we're greedy"

Jerry "Eh sure, I mean this feels weird, but I like it! this is not one place I wanna be caught though, I'd rather the Tumbran's catch me and get deported back to Xanneria"

"Why?"

"Man here the court of public opinion would be too much for me, Gun running in the former Dreamplanet? Man this is the most sketch part"

Shintochi was formerly known as Dreamplanet, but a few decades ago the nation fought a poorly misguided war against Kita-Hinode, this became known as the "One Day War". Yet a just a few years later it was now the base for secret Xannerian gun-running.

right then Alan their handler for the NIA came over

"Guys, first two runs have been great, but today's a big day. The Commandant himself will be flying into Tumbra today. In exchange for the freedom of the Northlands, he's going to offer the Tumbrans a nice economic package. So if we suceed you get to go home, but if not, then yeah we keep up till it runs its course.

So Burt, how bought' I ride with ya on this one?"

"I guess, just keep your hands to yourself"

"Ok"

Alain got in the hot rod with Burt

he looked at him and asked a question "Ya'ever do any international smugglin'"

"When I younger, and I only tell you this cause I assume the statute of limitations is over with, but I did help smuggle some South Newlandian ivory, into Damukuni once!"

---

(Bryse 14' D. Hailey 71' 90+3') Xanneria 3-4 Sudilla (Ouiment 29' 50' Labelle 40' Lyle 75')

[Ranoria]

Newly-Minted Snow Bears Unbeaten Through Three Matches - We're Expecting a Collapse, But When?

Team Quick Stats
Record: 2-1-0
-Home: 1-0-0
-Away: 1-1-0
Goals F/A: 5/2
-Home: 2/0
-Away: 3/2

It's been a strong start for a team not expected to do much this cycle - or any cycle, really. And if we're being honest, we still don't expect them to do much. What, you think this team is going to qualify for the proper? Get real! But it's fun while it lasts.

It's still early, but Ranoria has pitched a shutout and allowed just one goal in its other two games, a defense loaded with veteran and fresh talent has been playing with far more rhythm than we'd previously anticipated. Sabra Sapharina and Andrew Parish have been featured heavily for that unit, flying around on the back end and wreaking havoc while 3x NAAF defensive player of the year Kris Reinhardt does her thing as one of the best players in the country. (Not that that's saying a whole lot)

Key to that unit's success has been purposeful, clever substations. In particular, Jules Annina is the best backup among the defenders. Annina has played with Reinhardt for several seasons both domestically with the Dietrich Dirks and here on the biggest stage, and the two have developed an incredible chemistry on the field. The Snow Bears staff ensures that - as often as possible - Reinhardt is on the field when Annina is subbed in. Their practiced teamwork can cover up for his slight athletic regression at age 30.

Sapharina and Parrish, of course, are young stars, with the former in particular playing with her hair on fire. Speculation is that she'd be a better fit at center, but with Reinhardt and fellow veteran Chris Jenkins lining those spots, she's making due at the fullback spot and occasionally shifting to the middle when Reinhardt needs a breather.

Of course, that unit will be tasked with carrying the load as we come up to two of our toughest matches of the tournament. First, the Snow Bears will host the Commonwealth of Baker Park - who even casual fans will recognize due to UCBP's long-standing rivalry with Richardson in the NSCF.

The highly-decorated national team has a pair of regional and U18 titles in its trophy case, with a pedigree that far exceeds our own meager accomplishments in the sport. (See: Made the playoffs in the Baptism of Fire)

The Commonwealth's national team is currently 3-0-1. They suffered a stunning loss against Jerusalem, but came back in a fury by running TotoMishin off the pitch 6-1. We only managed a 2-0 victory over that same squad, and while that's a horrible way to determine the strength of teams, well...

Expect the worst in that one. The later match against Trolleborg is projected to be a more evenly-matched duel, as the squad is floundering at 2-0-2 and will have to fight their way back into contention.

[Tumbra]

Tumbra 0-1 Zwangzug

TMB (4-2-3-1): 1 - Barker; 2 - Hughes, 14 - Ashburn, 5 - Henderson, 3 - Harris; 6 - Harrison, 8 - Hicks (16 - Fisher, 72'), 10 - Cole (23 - Monaghan, 79'), 7 - Hilton (21 - Wells, 60'), 9 - Vaughn, 11 - Riordan

TMB scorers: Nil

Player of the Match: Kayla Haugen (ZWZ)

TBC.com︱Your Account︱.Home.︱.News.︱.Sport.︱.TV & Radio.︱.Travel.︱.World Service.︱.Weather.︱.ePlayer.︱More ▼︱

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≡≡≡ .TBC NEWS.

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NEWS > Tumbra
Straton to get new football-dedicated national stadium after Eagles' Cup triumph; to become permanent home of Black Eagles

By Jane Woodley-Evans
TBC Sport

STRATON — A retractable roof, full access for disabled spectators and a modernised, improved viewing experience for every visitor — that is what is promised to be in store for the new Tumbran National Stadium when it is completed in about five years' time. Built on the location of the current National Stadium, the new national stadium — to be officially christened the 'Eagles' Club', to commemorate the Black Eagles' victory and subsequent ascension to its membership following the national team's victory in the thirteenth edition of that tournament — will be expected to house about 82,000 spectators.

Speaking at the unveiling of the project, TFF President Heather Cartwright, 53 and up for re-election later in the year, revealed more details on the project that might prove to be controversial upon closer inspection. Not only will the Eagles' new stadium be fully funded via public money, the full cost of the stadium — including the cost of the land the stadium sits on — has been estimated to be close to $1.5 billion dollars.

"The new Eagles' Club Stadium represents not just a celebration of Tumbran football's latest triumph, and membership in this esteemed club of footballing nations — but also the next chapter of Tumbran sporting history. The current National Stadium now over seventy years old. It is no secret that there have been plenty of complaints about its age and infrastructure, less-than-stellar viewing angles and difficulty of access for certain members of our society. The Tumbran Football Federation views the building of the new National Stadium as the perfect opportunity to appreciate the history of Tumbran football, while simultaneously welcoming the new age of what will hopefully be a golden age for it," said Ms. Cartwright at the unveiling of the project. More details revealed included a plan for a park surrounding the new stadium, an extension of the Straton Mass Rapid Transit system to serve the stadium, features such as a retractable roof and the estimated capacity — which, if carried through to the final project, represents an 18,000 drop from the capacity of the current National Stadium.

The main topic of controversy, however, remains the stadium's cost. A parliamentary debate on the matter has been called, which is set to add to a very stressful month for the Prime Minister, Michael Kirkland. Kirkland, 59, who also has to deal with a by-election in a key Western marginal seat, Henworth, in two weeks, has been suffering from flagging approval ratings, with a recent poll putting his net approval rating at negative 10. His Labour Party is also trailing the opposition Liberal/National coalition by about three percentage points; and most polling points at a hung Parliament if a federal election was to be held tomorrow.

With the construction of the new Stadium set to be a prickly issue politically, supporters of Straton Football Club also have a reason for worry — the National Stadium is the club's home, and its proposed demolition will prove to be a bit of a thorny issue as the team now has to look for a permanent new home. Latest reports suggest that the club would rather search for a permanent, smaller home than move into the Eagles' Club stadium; but they might be forced, by circumstance, to move into the Eagles' Club when it is completed. Most complaints from Straton fans revolve around the lack of control and Straton FC branding around the stadium; and the leadership of the club have admitted that a "club-owned stadium would do wonders for the club's finances". Yet their precarious financial situation has led to there being some apprehension over space for both this new stadium project and a much-needed team rebuild

Straton, then, could see not just one but two stadiums pop up in its near future — not just the new Eagles' Club, but Straton FC's permanent home, as well.

TUMBRA SQUAD FOR WORLD CUP 91 QUALIFIERS, MD5 AND MD6: @ MONTESINA and VS LEGALESE
Goalkeepers: 12 - Andrew Taylor (Couno Rangers), 13 - George Danvers (Columbia City), 24 - Victoria Jones (Gallant Cross, BRE)
Defenders: 3 - Nigel Harris (Lakewood United), 4 - Stephen Kerr (Chromatik, CMT), 14 - Ian Ashburn (Lakewood City),18 - Nicholas Moss (Miruan City, TKT), 20 - Douglas Moore (Lakewood United), 25 - Sabine Kemp (Lakewood United), 26 - Raymond Perry (Serrapince FC), 27 - Neil Crozier (Bul Khungur Miners, TKT)
Midfielders: 6 - Trudy Harrison (Chromatik, CMT), 8 - Vincent Hicks (FK Metropola Borograd, STL), 10 - Phil Cole (Osarese Marcadia, AUD), 38 - Nicky Atkinson (Lakewood United), 42 - Valerie Morris (Delphi Lionesses), 43 - David Burnet (Columbia City)
Wingers: 9 - Robin Vaughn (Lakewood City), 17 - Valerie Wells (Swanguard Athletic, QUE), 29 - Duncan Silverwood (Pyathora Mariners FC, TKT), 30 - Neil Fraser (Lakewood City)
Strikers: 11 - Nick Riordan (Sabrefell Moths, NPH), 33 - Bruce Nolan (Couno Rangers)

[Squidroidia]

The Inkopolis Times

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ONESQUIDROIDIA: POST-TAKANORI ELECTIONS

STARTING BLOCKS

First batch of candidates for Squidroidia's Leader role revealed

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This is the first of a series of articles titled OneSquidroidia, chronicling the post-Takanori Leader elections to take place in Squidroidia before Matchday 17 of World Cup qualification.

With the uncomfortable period between now and the incoming Leader election bringing forward an era of uncertainty, the Squidroidian Parliament gaining Takanori's former powers during this period, the first unravelings of the makeup for the ballot have been revealed. The Inkopolis Times, along with SBN, can confirm the first 3 candidates hoping to land a place as the main leader of the country, while it is expected that at least 6 more will be in the running once the debate rolls around.

The first candidate, Tatsuya Kamiya, is already a figure most people are aware of in the Squidroidian political world. Leader of the only national party to ever hold a seat in Parliament, the United Front of Squidroidia, Kamiya is steadily on the right, sometimes even leaning towards more radical far-right policies to stand out from the crowd. Within the UFS, he's received unanimous support, and is building his campaign on "finishing what Takanori started". His expected key points will be health and foreign policy, the latter issue being a bit frosty apart from the Squidroidian government's ownership Saint Elanor side Newbanks United. With little support as is from Parliament itself, Kamiya is likely a backmarker for this election.

Noriko Yūki Nishimura is the second candidate, and is currently an Independent in Parliament representing Northport. Often a centralist, Nishimura is seen driving through the town, quaint and quiet, in an electric vehicle, or EV, built overseas. His platform is simple - Green, reliable ways to drive Squidroidia further. Nishimura is a strong environmentalist, and he wants you to see it for yourself - He's planted trees in parks, he's eating organically raised salads, he even let the old power plants in Sawayama go kaboom! If you like green, then go with Nishimura.

And then there's Yoshiro Fujiwara. A self devout anarchist, he plans to just... Tear everything down. Nothing much to say here, he's the anarchist who wants to bring Squidroidia back to an age of chaos. Yeah, he ain't winning.

For more coverage of OneSquidroidia, please visit SBN.sqr/onesquidroidia.

[Flavovespia]

Flavovespia 2 - 1 Forbidden Territories

It was the early show for Flavovespia, as they almost put this game away entirely before it even began. The contrast to the previous game, where Steven Hall grabbed the win at the death, was clear to see, even if Forbidden Territories made it nervy. It was a fair number of changes for Flavovespia. Scott Coleman and Steven Hall were back in the side, David Wassell would replace Kieron Player, David Blythe replaced Andrew Dance, and the one enforced change saw Paul Taylor start ahead of an injured David Wassell.

The changes seem to be making a very quick impact. Just 4 minutes in, and Robert Totten slid the ball through the defence and into the path of Jonathan Bagshaw. Bagshaw took it in stride, before slotting it down low past Shane Rodriguez, to make it 1-0. Another 4 minutes later, and the second goal for Flavovespia. Steven Hall put in a high cross, and Klein Harowitz was outmuscled by Scot Coleman, who headed it in. 2-0, and the dream start. By 15 minutes in, only a great save by Rodriguez from Coleman prevented a 3rd goal.

Forbidden Territories saw not much of the ball, and the possession they did see rarely threatened the goal of Flavovespia. The visitors to their credit found some defensive quality after the fifteen minute flurry at the start, and restricted Flavovespia to optimistic shots from range, and the odd half chance, but nothing Rodriguez couldn’t cope with. 2-0 it was then at the break.

The opening 15-20 minutes of the second half saw Flavovespia have most of the control of the game, although the final pass to set up a clear cut chance wasn’t quite there. Flavovespia would start to rue their inability to add more to the scoresheet. 71 minutes in, and a bit of a defensive miscommunication gave Alberto Sanchez a clear cut chance, and he hit it well to beat Aarif Muahmmad. Flavovespia’s only real error at the back, but it was costly.

Flavovespia’s game plan was aimed at defending their one goal lead for the final 20 minutes or so. It wasn’t the most positive football, but it did the job. Forbidden Territories could not find a way through the increased number of Flavovespian shirts at the back, and the time management of the hosts was smart. In the end, the 2-1 win for Flavovespia was a decent display, but there were chances to put the game away that weren’t taken.

Starblaydia 3 - 1 Flavovespia

Flavovespia’s return to Starblaydia showed that they still had a fair job to do if they are to be taken seriously as potential contenders to make it to the World Cup. The momentum from the win in the last two couldn’t be taken forward, and leaves Flavovespia middling in the group, with tough games ahead.

The hopes of a cautious start to contain Flavovespia were undone just 4 minutes in. From a corner, a sea of purple shirts (a change for Starblayida from their traditional white shirts) were going forward. Serafim Tassidis with his height steered the ball goalwards, and beyond the reach of Aarif Muhammad and Paul Taylor on the line. Any accusations by Stuart Cookson that he was pushed by the Starblaydi captain were waved away.

Flavovespia never really got settled after conceding early, and the 2nd goal in the 25th minute of the game was no surprise. Joe Mason’s hot was blocked by Aarif Muhammad, and rolled out of reach of any Flavovespian defender. Dawn Halleck-Winter arrived in the box, put her laces through it, and the ball flew into the net at an impressive speed. A small amount of Flavovespian pressure built up during the latter stages of the first half, but it wasn’t enough to fashion a real chance.

Any hopes of a comeback were basically over in the 54th minute. It was classic attacking play by Starblaydia, Stefania Clark sent the cross in, and Joe Mason beat Paul Taylor to put the ball into the back of the net. 3-0, and it was clear Starblaydia were cruising to victory.

Flavovespia’s only goal came from the substitute appearance of Michael Cole, coming on the brink of injury time. Scott Coleman with one of Flavovespia’s only shots on goal was blocked by Cristaldo Sarro, but it fell fortuitously into the path of Michael Cole. A strong shot, and with Sarro not back in position yet, and it was a relatively simple finish. Nothing really more than a consolation, but Michael Cole was still pleased to get off the mark. However for Flavovespia, they need to find the answers with a home match against Savojarna and then a trip to Turori coming up.

Flavovespia’s Obscure Eleven: Joseph Pitchford (LB)

6 players have graced the pitch in Flavovespian colours as a left back or a left wing back (excluding emergency substitutions). With Ronald Maddox and later David Lyons the nominal starter for long periods of time, and with Scott Vaughan and recently Kishan Rees the more established back up, this was essentially a 2 horse race for obscurity, between two players who were one cycle “wonders”. The tough tackling Patrick Cannon was well known domestically for his exploits at Binclestead Wood and Hadford Hill, and so was named more often than Joseph Pitchford, who makes Flavovespia’s Obscure Eleven.

Joseph Pitchford entered the squad for the World Cup Qualifiers 84, at the age of just 23. At the time, Ronald Maddox of Marthorpe City was the clear starting full back for the national team, even if he was naturally more of a full back. With Patrick Cannon at the tail end of his career, and being mediocre in the debut squads, Nick Cole gave Joseph Pitchford a call up. Joseph Pitchford had starred in Binclestead Wood’s promotion winning season and first season back in the Super League, and optimism was high he could be a future part of the squad. He was also seen as a potential utility player, as he could also play as a centre back as well as a left back.

He first started for Flavovespia, in a 3-3 draw against Mustardy. The game saw Nick Cole begin with a 5-2-1-2, then going to a 4-2-3-1, to no avail. That game also saw the sacking of Nick Cole, and for Joseph Pitchford, his debut in defence was under some scrutiny. Pitchford made a cameo appearance in the 0-1 win over Vakolicci Haven and Celeria. That game in terms of defensive record, was the high point for Joseph Pitchford. His next start was in a 3-4 win at Mustardy, before also starting the 3-4 loss to Vakolicci Haven and Celeria. The latter game saw him take some blame for an early goal conceded from a corner, and was shaky at the back. He was a starter in the disappointing 2-2 draw to Furby Island, and made a brief appearance against Bliuji, where he was beaten on the counter for the host’s final goal in a 4-2 defeat for Flavovespia.

For Joseph Pitchford, that 4-2 defeat would be his last time in the Flavovespia squad. He was out of the 23 man Cup of Harmony 76 squad, with Kings Lunsel defender Scott Vaughan making it in ahead of him. Domestically, Joseph Pitchford and Binclestead Wood were in poor form, and Joseph Pitchford found himself at times replaced by a talented teenage left back in the squad, a certain David Lyons. World Cup Qualifiers 85 saw a 30 man squad named, but the 3rd choice left back was David Lyons, now at Langmere Green Rovers. Joseph Pitchford had transferred to Stanmorn, but 8 seasons as a starter for the Outer Waldster side wasn’t enough to get a sniff at the national team.

As far as some of the obscure players go, Joseph Pitchford is one who makes the list for unfortunately being one of the weakest to play his position for Flavovespia. A call up by Nick Cole that didn’t work, and no other manager saw much in him to call him up. In retrospect as well, the early days of Flavovespian international football, and international domestic football A more generous outlook is a combination of Ronald Maddox, Scott Vaughan and David Lyons were just simply too good to allow another left back into the squad.

Now at the age of 32, and recently joining newly promoted South Maishop following Stanmorn’s relegation, it’s fair to say Joseph Pitchford’s chances of further international football are rather minimal. Pitchford in recent times has said maybe his caps came a year or two too early, but at the same time felt at some point he deserved another chance at international football. Nevertheless, he never got that second chance, and for many fans, his time in the national team was forgotten.

[Ko-oren]

We've gotten our first look at this 'new and improved' Dragonflies side. That is, mostly the same old defence, but with a generation of creative playmakers and strikers coming through the ranks. And in the first two games, it seemed that our identity turned around 180 degrees, scoring nine goals in two games. The start of a cycle is always difficult, Xanneria scored two goals on us, but we now seem to be a team that puts up four goals on quality opposition with relative ease. The second game - the first at home - saw us take a 5-0 lead early in the second half. Davenport took the collective team's foot off the gas via a triple substitution, and the Dragonflies cruised to the 90th minute with the five-goal lead intact. The coaching staff went back to the old, proven commodities away at Poafmersia, promptly scoring no goals and running into a 0-0 draw there, doing neither of us any favours. The fourth game, versus Delaclava, was a certified, Ko-oren-seal-of-approval 1-0 win. Some things never change.

The most surprising thing is the sheer dominance in possession these four games - we've never done this before - with yCinrhadd taking a leading role in midfield from the get-go. The journeyman even scored his first international goal versus Xanneria, wasting no time to get on the score sheet. Him and Janoreirinthen are an intelligent, visionary duo with the on-ball skills to back up their ambition. Pair them with Longchambon, another genius on grass, and you're looking at probably our best midfield ever. Add a defensive lock like Dhentingun, who plays fully in service of the other three, and you've got a squad at least on par with the World Cup 89 one. Mulvahil is yCinrhadd's age, but nowhere near as mature, and yet he's starting to look like a bona fide starter in the middle of the back line - a role that always needs a little more organisation skills than the other four members of that unit. Perhaps Archer is better suited for that role, but Mulvahil isn't dropping the ball at all yet. Mizuno and Van Kalvenhaar on the outside complement the midfield, and all of a sudden you've got a team that's mostly on the same page, with a few small question marks left. At least, while the results are going our way. One or two losses and we're debating whether Mulvahil is ready yet, or if Mizuno is pacy enough on the wing, if Hoevink is too inexperienced (never mind the even younger replacement for his position on the bench) and that might all go down if the midfield can't circulate the ball as much as they'd like. Either way, we're first in the group, with three out of four games ending in a win, having scored 10 goals and only conceding 0.5 goals per game - we're rolling.

Currently leading the team in goals is Bonstirthinden with two against Xanneria and two more as a sub in later games. Aomelirea is taking a little while to get started (one goal so far), and yCinrhadd, Longchambon, Abbagan, Mizuno, and a helpful own goal tally up to our total thus far.

---

Consternation in parliament (to be fair, that's what it's there for) as the Nationalist Party of Ko-oren launched a thirty minute monologue about - ironically - the importance of regional cohesion. The Nationalists have really hit their stride in defence of joining the region of Anaia, and why wouldn't they? After all, companies had to put their Anaian regional office somewhere, and in a nonzero amount of cases, these companies did so next to the Anaian Delegate office, close to all of the GA and SC clout our nation now seems to hold. And the Nationalists like that - more power for us. As you read a summary of the monologue, remember that this is an election year - or at least, one third of an election year - and that the Nationalists are one party that could win it big in the coming months. The one you're listening to is Bausparlenak Piresthinden - Bauspin to his friends, supposedly... what a delightfully Gehrennan name - the head of the party. The speech was translated into English first, of course. If there's one party to eschew the language laws and exclusively use Gehrennan in parliament, it's these guys.

"What news from the region reached us today, Mrs. Speaker!" [pause for MPs to nod and say 'yes' and 'oh my, what?', which none did, even his own party left him hanging] "A smaller Anaian nation calls out for help, and - what's this? - the call is heeded by one of our old allies, Banija!" [slight grumbles alluding to Banija still being our ally] "By which I mean, our allies over in Banija have superceded all the help we can supply within our own region, and now Cardenao is sending boatloads..." [he didn't actually use the equivalent of the word boatloads] "... of cash to Atlantian Oceania, directly weakening our region's economy and, what's worse, giving the Oceanians a huge, massive role in the development of this fine young nation. For economic and strategic purposes, a nation with our know-how and financial means cannot let that stand!" [a member of the Parti des Régions, a party speaking out on behalf of Ko-oren's periphery, can't help but heckle something along the lines of 'you and whose money' in Tarrashall] "We must come to their aid, using the full power of the region, using everything AORTA allows us to do, and especially using the full force of AUNTIE (the Anaian Union of Transport Institutions and Economies), and build up Anaia for our collective benefit! Not in the least Cardenao's, of course. But what's that? The person in charge - appointed on merit to do so and benefit us all - failed their duty, and did not sign us up to AORTA, let alone AUNTIE!" [some weak cheers of approval and pounding of desks can be heard coming from various sections of the perfectly round parliamentary seating arrangement] "Hereby I call on Fie Wiegman, the minister of Infrastructure and Transportation, to join both organisations and launch a swift operation to make Cardenao - and by extension, the entire region - prosper! Josiah Thompson of International Representation, you too! And I hereby would like to have our parliament vote on whether to send a formal memo of recommendation to both members of government to sign us up posthaste! Mrs. Speaker."


"Noted. Mr. Piresthinden is requested to finalise the wording of the memo, so all factions can read it over."

"We've already finalised the wording and the memo is already in possession of Mrs. Abridora (Chief Clerk) for distribution. We request the moment of this vote to be tomorrow."

"Not wasting any time, are we. Is parliament in favour of this?"

[Parliamentarians, who have readied their stance on AORTA and AUNTIE months ago, raise a hand in support or sink down into their chairs in protest]

"Counting... 109 votes in favour, out of 139 voting. The vote will be held tomorrow."

[Al Qurija]

The Second Great War of Unification(1876-1892)

IN THE COLONIES

With the war reaching a stalemate for most of 1879 in the mainland, war in the Qurijas was about to ignite. The Stefanovo Incident had really boiled the blood of the people in the Qurijas, pro-Scudelliano versus pro-Pomenienze with a lot of Juven Qurijans in their ranks too, leading them in battle. Al Qurija for the most part is a semi-arid to arid nation, so controlling the more arable areas close to the rivers would be pivotal to determining who would win in that theater of the war. This meant that multiple battles would take place in the tightest passes, making it near impossible to cross to enemy positions without taking heavy casualties.

Illustration of the Al Quweeyah Bridge battle by Ahmed Tripanotti, ~circa 1902

Chapter 2: Battle of Al Quweeiyah Bridge(June 17th, 1879)

June 1879 was a really bloody month itself, the war had just begun and Scudelliano Qurija's Governor-General, Ricardo Fausto Agostini, seeing as how their allies back in the mainland failed to chip through the Pomenienze defence decided to take a more calculated approach for the war in Qurija. Al Quweeiyah, a small, yet important village and crossing by the Zatra river was first in his list of positions to capture. Knowing that he had the numerical advantadge, he believed this would be a piece of cake as long as the soldiers do not overextend or become really cocky.

While both sides had camped on opposite sides of the bridge by June 15th, no real fighting started to take place until June 17th, 1879. A small skirmish by the Slomjenski Orthodox Church of Sveti Nikole and the bridge itself escalated into a big fight between the pro-Scudelliano and pro-Pomenienze factions, both of which remained passive and refrained from pushing towards the bridge until the Scudelliano Qurija's soldiers found an opening after inflicting a major amount of casualties in a Pomenienze Qurijan position close to the bridge and pushing forwards to get a better position and start flocking in for a charge. The riverside was soon enough engulfed in smoke from the firearms as the charge endured with the Scudelliano Qurijans emerging victorious and pushing the Pomenienze Qurijans back.

The Independentists were victorious. This came at a large cost however, as the charge inflicted a large amount of casualties to the Scudelliano Qurijan force which was meant to be used in multiple pushes. It now saw itself in need to hold the position they had just captured for longer than planned. This delay would allow the Pomenienze Qurijan army to regroup and charge at the position again in a future time, but for now, victory was celebrated.

Battle Outcome: Scudelliano Qurija victory!

Scudelliano Qurija: 3,000 infantry, 150 dead
Pomenienze Qurija: 2,300 infantry, 120 dead

[StrayaRoos]

StrayaRoos Elections 2023
House of Reps
Popular Vote
Athletic Party- 39.61%
Liberal-National Coalition- 23.61%
Labour-Emu Party Coalition- 16.19%
United StrayaRoos Party- 7.12%
Greens-6.8%
Independents-6.68%
Seats Won
Athletic- 127
LNP-62
LEP-31
USP-2
G-1
I-5

[Saterun]

The Promised Land: A Journey Through Saterun Football
By Kalvin Hsemer

Part 1, Chapter 2: The Future on a Notepad

In the grand old Siźien Hotel in Tsear, the soon-to-be 10 most powerful men in Saterun football sat in a conference room. Richard Austin fiddled nervously. He had prepared tirelessly for this. It was his dream. And it was about to be realized. "Richard, I think we're ready." announced Yusef Helkphat. Richard nodded slowly. He walked up to the podium, and began talking. "Gentlemen, thank you all for coming, You know why you're here. It is time to form an official football association for Saterun."

The twelve men in this room came from very different areas. It would take a book of its own to explain each of their lives, so I'll try to condense it down into a few paragraphs.

Richard Austin had loved football for a long time. Helkphat was his friend and partner. They had been quietly at work for the past four months, assembling the other ten men there. Both of them had come from Ihaas, and both had known about Crest FC. They weren't quite fans, per say (which wasn't helped by Crest FC being at its lowest point during their lives), but did enjoy playing and watching football outside of their own city. Indeed, they were truly in love with the game. Austin is often credited with being the father of Saterun football, and in many ways was. He had masterminded this meeting, and he would continue to do lots of work for the progression of Saterun football. But Helkphat was also vital, having been Austin's supporter and second-in-command through many of his difficulties in getting this meeting. For them, this meeting was their endgoal. Little did they know, they'd be doing a whole lot more.

Rhyaan, Luca, and Enzo Gazzati were third generation immigrants. Their grandfather, Rio, had passed down an incredibly large business and a love for football. Their mother, Zoe, had also nurtured their passion. They had been looking for a way to, at the same time, get into the national limelight and bring their love of the game into fruition. Each of the brothers had amassed a sizable fortune, which was crucial to the development of the SFF later down the road.

Two of the men there were actually government officials. Samson al-Hika and Joseph Donell were both high up in the Ministry of Sport, and had been directed here by then-president George Sylopy. Sylopy had heard about this meeting (how exactly he heard is unclear, as this was supposed to be very private), and had sent his best sports ministers to negotiate. This was actually very helpful for everyone else involved because al-Hika and Donell had been sent with a Presidential Form of Delegation, which made anything they agreed to also something the president would have to agree to. That meant that the rest of the men there wouldn't have to spend time fighting for this to be approved. But al-Hika and Donell wouldn't be easy to please. They knew exactly what their president wanted, and they wouldn't leave without it.

The last five men were important collectively, but now individually. If you really wanted to know their names, here they are: Jerry Baskumar, Thomas Mi, Victor Rossi, Dani Jullanger, and Mateo Villavences. They had come from an assortment of places (Baskumar, Mi, and Julanger were from Daxler, while Rossi was from Futsworth, and Villavences from Portura), but all knew what they were doing here. Like the Gazzati brothers, they were wealthy businessmen whose money would come in handy later down the road. They were mostly-behind-the-scenes, and are only known to be part of this affair through Austin's journal. Aside from Baskumar, they would all be very inconspicuous.

Austin continued. "Each of you was called here because he has a role to play, and because of your love for the game. We ask that you..." Austin continued on for a reported 20 minutes. Enzo Gazzati wrote, in a letter to his wife, Adola, "It was the longest twenty minutes of my life. We knew he was going to get to the important part, but it took forever for him to do it." Eventually, Austin got to the important part. "We have to lay out some guidelines. President Sylopy will only consider this if it is laid out in a clear plan. We can all give suggestions." He pulled out a yellow notepad, and, as the businessmen started to talk, he started to write. The 20 notes and guidelines Austin wrote on that notepad would become the founding principles of the SFF.

But Austin's job wasn't over yet.

Twelve days after the meeting, he had an audience with the president. His plan had worked. Sylopy was impressed by the thought that had been put into the preparations, and the meeting went smoothly. A couple times, however, there were questions Austin couldn't answer. Mainly, the funding. Fortunately, the Gazzati brothers were extremely wealthy. They took care of the financial problems with ease. Baskumar also helped tremendously, when he brought in crucial evidence supporting Austin's strategies of centralizing Saterun football. The next week, the SFF was officially formed. Austin was instated as president. It would be a long time before the national team took to the field, but now an organization had been formed to regulate Saterun football. They were going in the right direction.

[Eraman]

The Prime Minister of Eraman, Tun Rendra Usin did not expect his visit to Sendhang would cause dissatisfaction among the populace in the Mainland Melayu country. That was never his intention. He was there mainly to export more petroleum from Eraman into Sendhang.

The discussion about the proposal of a new name for the region with the President of Sendhang was supposed to be just a sideshow. It had to be done because he had made a promise about it in the People's Council. It was just an act to show his seriousness in fulfilling his promise. He was never serious about it, though. It was done because the general election is coming.

He had one year left in his five years term. Despite making lots of progress in his first four years as the prime minister, his popularity went down a lot after introducing the Goods and Services Tax (GST) last year. Even Eraman's first-ever Melayu Archipelago Cup title earlier this year failed to get Tun Rendra Usin back into a comfortable position. Maybe the title win was too soon after the introduction of GST. Maybe. We don't know. But we know that it was not helping. So he had to do everything he can to win the people back.

His popularity went up a bit after the joint press conference with President Paulus Etamba. It could also be helped by Eraman's strong start in the 91st World Cup qualifying campaign. However, the prime minister thought it was still not enough. The latest opinion polling shows that Tun Rendra Usin only had the support of 41% of the voters, followed closely by the opposition leader, Nura Rabima at 39%.

There had been calls for a snap election by his party members because of the 2% lead but Tun Rendra Usin thought it was too risky. The 10% undecided voters could go either way. So he decided that he needed more time. He wanted to go into the election in a strong position. And after seeing the effect of his visit to Sendhang, he knows exactly what to do.

"We have more countries to visit," he said to his personal assistant.

[Krytenia]

Show More Contentment
By Rami Niblick in Caversham

THREE for three. It's not something we've seen often in recent times - mainly due to the national team's propensity to crap the bed on Matchday One - but that's the situation the Dragons find themselves in four matchdays into World Cup 91 qualifying. Having neatly sidestepped the aforementioned curse by having an opening day bye, Krytenia followed their routine wins over Reorganized Portugal and Armbruster with victory over Indusse in the glass cathedral that is the Draconium Arena.

The match started at a frenetic pace, with both sides looking to get their eye in early. Chances, though, were hard to come by, with the Krytenian back four - plus a hard-running Savannah Quinn - akin to a moving brick wall against the tide of navy blue, and the Indusse defensive line stifling the Dragons' attempts at rushing the gates. That's not to say neither side had opportunities in the early exchanges, mind. Cande Montalban's long-range sighter had Indusse goalkeeper Steve Leghorn well beaten but fizzed a yard or so wide of the post, and a superb tackle from Mathias Paulson took the ball from Alexander Devereux's feet as the Casuals striker shaped to shoot inside the box. At the other end, Bechun Butea pulled an athletic save from James Orwell with a thunderous strike, with Paulson directing a header narrowly over the bar from the resulting corner. With the clock ticking past the half hour, it seemed less a question of if the deadlock would be broken, but when.

As it happened, that time would be four minutes before the break. The besieging horde of sky blue shirts had been knocking on the door for a good few minutes before Carlos Senna found space to run and receive an excellent long pass from Scott Stringer. With room to cross, Senna whipped the ball into the box, where Devereux rose above his marker and headed past a stricken Leghorn to give Krytenia a deserved lead. To be fair to their opponents, the Flocking Blues didn't drop their heads and came back out swinging after the restart, but the Dragons' pressing game chocked the life out of the Indusse attack and Krytenia went into the break a goal to the good.

With points to chase - and top spot in Group Ten to defend - Indusse were the ones to come out of the dressing rooms in a more positive light. Captain Alexis Budtedjson, especially, looked on a one-man mission to help his team get back on level terms. The Sindvpore midfielder's distribution skills are a thing of wonder, comparable even to those of the excellent Stringer, and time after time he looked to thread the ball through the almost imperceptable holes. His biggest frustration in this regard was the Dragons' high line, which would either see the likes of Gavin Healey or Daniel Usher closing the door, or else pushing forward to trap the intended recipient offside.

That tactic, though, can only work so well; eventually, someone is either going to get the ball ahead of a defender or beat the trap and find themselves in acres of space. As it turned out, it was Antonio Mersias with the latter. Bending his run to both beat the trap and separate himself from Usher, Mersias bore down on goal and kept his cool one-on-one with the Krytenian goalkeeper, stroking the ball just out of Orwell's reach and just inside the post. A finely worked equaliser, and a warning flag to Krytenia that they could only do so much on the back foot.

This called for a change of plans from BXE. Quinn was replaced by Remy Seydoux as the Dragons switched to a highly adventurous 4-1-3-2 formation in a trademark attempt from the new manager to bludgeon the Indusse back three into submission. The decisive substitution, though, would be a like-for-like change a few minutes later, with a visibly tiring Owen Pedersen replaced by David Green. The Ousevale full-back's injection of pace was just what the doctor ordered, acting almost as a left winger and allowing Senna to cut inside and create a few more headaches for the already overworked visiting side. Latching onto yet another dangerous Stringer pass, Green played a quick one-two with Senna before heading for the goal-line; from there he cut the ball back to Montalban. The Chromatik striker's shot was blocked, but the rebound fell to Simon Masari, who shot through the crowd to open his international goal account and restore the home side's lead.

With nine minutes plus snookers remaining, Krytenia knew they couldn't rest on their laurels, and continued their relentless bombardment of the Indusse goal in search of a game-killing third. They nearly got it too, with Masari's fiendish cross eluding absolutely everyone before tinking the outside of the post. Devereux, too, was unlucky not to get a second, dropping off the shoulder off substitute Sadin-Al-Kharushi only for his volley to be denied by a fine reaction save from Leghorn. The points, though, would be secured, and Krytenia would be rewarded with a deserved win.

The celebrations, though, aren't at dancing in the streets level yet. There are still nineteen games left to play, and the next two will be possibly the most important of the whole qualifying campaign. Next up is a trip to Kandorith, the only other side in the group with a 100% record, before facing South Newlandia at the Isserson. If the Dragons can come out of the other side with a zero in the L column, then we can truly start believing a place in the World Cup finals is possible. Onward!

KRYTENIA - 2
Devereux 42
Masari 81

INDUSSE - 1
Mersias 56

[Cassadaigua]

Princess Brianna’s Twii’tur post open eyes,
by Ashley Fournier, Concord Heights Times- Palace Affairs Correspondent

Today may have started off like any other day in Cassadaigua. People woke up early, got the kids ready for school, and went to work or did whatever else their plans might have been. At the job, they may have talked about simple things, like their stock portfolios, or vacation plans, or how Cassadaigua should start another 66-game unbeaten streak in World Cup qualifying. All are pleasant topics of discussion, but soon word of a post on Twii’tur from Princess Brianna. A post that seemed simple enough, “If I’m Queen, we’re going back to the World Bowl, World Cup of Hockey, NSSCRA, you name it, we’re back.” The post came out of no where as Princess Brianna has not really been that active in talking about sports. But, she knows that many Cassadagans are upset about the punishments that Queen Cassie II put on the teams in most other sports so that they could not compete on an international level. What would motivate Brianna to come out and make such a post, seemingly out of no where? Well, let’s backtrack a little bit.

First of all, many people are expecting Brianna to lay a claim to the throne when Queen Cassie II elects to step down, or passes on before she did so. The rightful successor to the throne is Princess Cassie III. If you are new to Cassadagan politics, or just want a refresher, here is what caused all this mess in an abbreviated nutshell (factbooks are present on Cassadagan royals if interested in more details). Before Cassie II became queen, she was seemingly second in line behind Queen Courtney. Princess Caitlyn was first in line, but when Caitlyn was arrested, Cassadagan law allowed for Queen Courtney to move up Cassie II to be next in line, and that is how it happened. Cassie III is the firstborn daughter of Cassie II, and therefore seen as next in line, currently. However, Brianna is the firstborn daughter of Caitlyn, and was born before Caitlyn was arrested. Therefore, before the arrest, Brianna would have followed Caitlyn in progression to the throne. Caitlyn has contended while the punishment was fair on her, that Brianna should not be punished for her actions. A healthy portion of Cassadagans agree.

Princess Brianna is not a bad person. In fairy tales, and other movies, the person in her role is seen as a complete sinister villain who will stop at nothing to get what they want. They are seen as evil, and willing to inflict pain on others while being power hungry. That is not Princess Brianna. She is a highly regarded, reputable person that Queen Cassie II has allowed to oversee the Grande Mountain area. A vast majority of people, when asked, say that, under the condition that if Brianna was the first in line, that they believe she would do a very good job as Queen. Princess Cassie III is also not a bad person, and over the years Brianna and Cassie III have not avoided making contact with one another. When seen together, you never see animosity between them. However, everyone knows that Cassadaigua is getting to that point. That point where a decision will be made, and someone (probably Brianna) is not going to be happy with the end result.

That point may be coming. Queen Cassie II is now in her early 70's, and while she is in good health and seems to be ruling without a problem, you wonder how much longer this is going to go on. There are a handful of Cassadagans who simply feel that it is time for Queen Cassie II to begin the process of a smooth transition to her successor now, thinking that she might be getting a little more stubborn in her older age. Sports fans take the center stage with that criticism, saying it is time to end the punishment of the other sports teams from playing in international tournaments. At some point, you have to move on, they think.

Princess Brianna is not stupid. Quite the contrary, she is actually very, very bright, and knows that if she is going to become queen over Cassie III that she is going to need to be getting more and more support for her position. Starting with the sports fans may be the first step of that, but it would not surprise me if we continue to see Brianna make more posts to try and get more and more people excited about the prospects of her being queen. That might not really matter in the long run, but Cassie II would have to listen to the voices of the people if they wanted Brianna. Unfortunately for her, Cassie III is well liked the sporting circles, as she was herself a former baseball player at the University of Concord Heights. A scout once said of Cassie III’s baseball ability that, “The Princess, if she pursued a professional baseball career and was not a royal figure, was good enough to play in the minor leagues. I don’t think she would have ever cracked the major league level, but she was a good player, and seemed to be very knowledgeable of the details of the game.” Sports fans know this.

Cassie III posted in response to Brianna’s post, that, “WHEN I’m Queen, I’ll re-examine the decisions of my mother, don’t worry.”

May the games begin!

[Sarzonia]

One of the problem areas for the Sarzonian national football team in recent World Cup qualifying efforts has been the team's ability to win the matches they're supposed to. That inconsistency nearly cost manager Nathan Hanifer his job after the previous World Cup qualifying campaign and it was another reason he was wary heading into the team's matchup against Serdtgyu.

The fact the match had been moved to Nottingham Pavilion was of small concern for Hanifer and his crew. The change in venue was due in part to the stature of their opponents, level with seven other sides ranked 310th in the football multiverse, although all eight sides carry a KPB ranking of zero. The match would see Hanifer start Trent Woodson in goal to give Carlton Sandt a bit of a breather, and then Hanifer planned a move he hoped would give a major lift to the team as they got set to play away to 122nd ranked Magnecia.

The Stars got the result they were hoping for, even if they needed a stoppage time goal by their captain, midfielder Clayton Wilson in the second minute of stoppage time to prevail 2-1 over Serdtgyu. Holly Cambrio netted an eighth minute tally before she was carted off the pitch with an apparent knee injury. She was given an X-ray and an MRI at nearby Boyce Medical Centre. Her prognosis was listed as good the next morning. She was left off the team plane to Magnecia as a precaution. It turned out the team didn't need her as the Stars won the away match 4-2.

For that match, goalkeeper Paolo Gomes got the start and drew a thunderous ovation from the small contingent of Stars supporters who made the trip. He played a shaky match, allowing two goals he admitted through a translator were "soft," but the Stars offence made fans forget about the miscues and about Cambrio's absence with Jake Campos being the primary beneficiary. He scored a hat trick and assisted on a Jaxon Hennepin tally to draw man of the match honours. Hanifer said he was pleased with Gomes's efforts and said he wanted to stretch him out by starting him in the team's next home match against The Karodin Tetrarchy. After a three-match mini-vacation, Sandt will return to the starting 11 as will Cambrio as the team play away to No. 22 Huayramarca.

Hanifer said the fact that both Sandt and Cambrio would start against Los Cóndores was no accident.

"They're one of the biggest threats in this group," Hanifer said. "We especially need to focus on stopping Bryan Tello." Hanifer didn't answer questions about the possibility of attempting to goad Kevin Quispe into a booking or a sendoff.

"You can't train for or practice that," Hanifer said. "Besides, if he's suspended for our match, it throws that tactic completely out the window."

[Soldera]

Larry Carricker may be in his first World Cup qualifying campaign as manager, but he's been down this road enough to not get too excited just yet.

The Solderan national football team played to a goalless draw at home against StrayaRoos, costing the team two valuable standings points in Group 7, but they rebounded with a 4-2 away win over Bendicion to stay within two points of first place Drawkland. That left Soldera in second place in the group with a 3-1-0 record, but Carricker was quick to remind the media why he isn't doing cartwheels just yet.

"Remember how many people lost their shit when we won our [World Cup] opener 7-3," he said. "We ended up missing out on the proper after that." He chuckled when he asked if there were another reason he wasn't doing cartwheels.

"I'm old and I'm out of shape," the 58-year-old manager said. "I wouldn't do cartwheels even if I had reason to."

He then was asked about the team's next two matches, a home match against The Sarian and a road battle with Zeta Reka and Hugeltaldom. He didn't react to an attempt by a reporter to joke about the latter country's lengthy name.

"Listen, that team's ranked 54th," he said. "It's going to be a big enough challenge for us to get a result against a quality team. I'm not worried in the slightest about spelling the name or anything of the sort. I'm focused on doing the prep work necessary to win an important match for us. Actually, they're all pretty important," he said, reminding everyone that Drawkland also loomed in the not too far distance. Then there was the matter of Audioslavia, even though Carricker admitted he expected Jeremy Jaffacake and company to tell his team, "g'nite bitches!"

After the press conference, Carricker shook his head ruefully at the lost opportunity that was the goalless draw against a StrayaRoos side that held a lower KPB ranking heading into King Anthony Stadium in Branwen.

"We can't afford to drop winnable points," he said out loud to no one in particular as he walked toward the team's charter bus to the airport back to Branwen,