The Eagle's Cup XII :: Cup of Champions :: RP/Scores

[Independent Athletes from Quebec]

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Choose my goalscorers: Yes/No
Godmod scoring events: Yes/No
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The Grim Reapers Crest, designed by Kirola of Audioslavia. It is used internationally by all Quebecois national teams with the nickname Grim Reapers.

Quebec and Shingoryeo National Football Team - Eagles Cup XII

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Basic Facts

Nation Name: Kingdom of Quebec and Shingoryeo
Short Names: Quebec, Q&S
Trigramme: QUE (Q&S will be fine, but please don't use RKQ. Thank you)
Demonyms: Quebecois (I'll be fine with use of Quebecers, but please don't use Quebecians. Thank you)
Colours: Red, Black and Blue
National Anthem: 'Ode to Thee, My Quebec'
Royal Anthem: 'Hymn to the Shingoryeo'

FA: Royal Quebecois Football Association
Highest Domestic League: Q-League
Nickname: The Grim Reapers
Ultras Group: The Bubonic Plague

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JERSEYS


Home and Away Kits, brought to you by Uni-Q of Qusmo

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NATIONAL TEAM STAFF

Senior Program Director: Wang Oak-Ja, 64
Manager: Fabrizio Kaal, 47 (The Licentian Isles)
Style Modifier: -5
Predicted First XI : 4-2-3-1 (Middleton; Mantha - H. Kim - St-Onge - Coriolan; MacDougall - Morin-Antonoff; Duhamel - Babin - Mathers; Khedira)

SPORT                POSITION    TEAM (LEVEL)   AGE  STATUS  NAME                      AFFILIATED SIDES
Football            President   Federation       53 RETAIN   Michelle Glauber-Shin     Royal Quebecois Football Association (RQFA)
                            ----------                         -------                         ----------
Football      Program Director  Senior           64 PROMOTED Wang Oak-Ja               Montreal Koreana (Q-League)
Football              Manager   Senior           47     NEW  Fabrizio Kaal (TLI)       Royal Quebecois Football Association (RQFA)
Football     Associate Coach    Senior           61     NEW  Angelo Gelinas            Northandryun Rovers (Q-League)
Football     Assistant Coach    Senior           42     NEW  Eileen Green              Royal Quebecois Football Association (RQFA)
Football     Assistant Coach    Senior           34     NEW  Sean Piugattuk            Nunavut North Stars (Jrs)

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SOME MINOR INFORMATION ABOUT THIS TEAM

The I.A. Quebec traditionally sends a mix of national teams to competitions. The World Cup qualifying rounds and the tournament proper sees a full pool of national team players sent, though the player utilisation depending on opposition, while the Under-25 national team has been sent to CAFA and before that AOCAF for decades now (don't be fooled, most have played as senior NTers at various points, even if it may be without most stars). For this Eagles Cup, the IAQ will still be sending a strong team, but with a slight mix on the players, as they will mostly consist of prospects and the national teamers who have played some minutes at the full-strength team but have not played much in the WCQ stage. With the federation-led purge still underway after the second-half disaster of World Cup 89 Qualifying Round, this tournament is expected to be a key stage to determine who will join a few players who have been given federation exemption to join the full-strength national team.

Over the years, the Q-League have seen improved performance on the IFCF stage, as well as solid presence of import and domestic players making impact with their respective national teams. Still, while the league's financially strong, the past behaviour of major national team players going abroad to improve their career (and more importantly, stay in the national team conversation) has remained strong, so it's expected that a vast majority of any senior side (this includes EC and CAFA) to be consisted mostly of those who play abroad. Those who are staying home for now aren't necessarily pushovers, but they are just waiting for their time to head abroad and shine in a major club like their teammates, seniors or legends have done for ages.

Quebecois football is a weird breed of own, with emphasis on both the offensive hellfire (OOC: doesn't apply in this tournament, but generally they do), resilience and physical brutality. Sure, Quebecois players may come from all sorts of shapes, height and weight, but if there's one thing that they all have in common, is their love of staying violent. The footballing culture here has taught and still teaches that red cards are necessary for the good in the minds of both the players and the fans, and if a player cannot handle simple contact, then he's dead in the minds of most people, even their family members. Of course, hether they are skilled players of own or not are another story, and the legendary forward corps of the seventies of World Cup era had both skills and brawn, but it's a squad that loves to get fast, high and violent, and will not be afraid to demonstrate their flames.

Finally, there is one thing to consider when it comes to the I.A.Q, and is that the IAQ national team and the RQFA have always been a results-driven bunch. While that has never really gone away over the course of its history, it has become even more of a problem now, especially with the results from the heydays of the seventies, when they had qualified for 9 straight WCs, back to back quarterfinals in 73 and 74, and finished 4th at 77, looming into their mind. Thus, both the federation and the fans will expect results for the Grim Reapers, that being consistent qualifications into the World Cup and hopefully a second-round appearance. While the expectations do not apply in the case of age-group competitions (DBC/U18WC) and Eagles Cup, where development and maintaining solid eye on national team talent remain sole focus, this team will be carefully watched and followed by enthusiastic fans, who hope this group can eventually form the core of a strong team that can make difference one day.

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GOALKEEPERS - 3

##    Player                      Sex Age  TRI Club
21    Sandra Middleton              F  24  NPH Coret Hawks  
01    Seung-Myeon Kravitz-Hyeon     M  21  QUE Montreal Koreana
31    Leopold Shim                  M  21  SRS Megabrantid

This is a somewhat-familiar yet unfamiliar trio of young goalkeepers who have a lot to fill following the retirement of Nelson Okello and 'The Okropir' two cycles ago, as well as Jang Hyo-Sook being destined not to return after a catastrophic World Cup 89 qualifying performance that was really a repeat of what happened back in WCQ 88. These trio help bridge the gap between Padraig McGibbon, who has levelled up his club and national team performance after a couple of excellent years with 1912 Stelburg, and the rest.

Among them the clear starter right now is Sandra Middleton. First of Grim Reapers' legend Adrian Middleton's two children, Sandra Middleton will be making her long-expected return to the national team as the starter after being left out of the national team considerations for a few years due to the RQFA policy not to call up second-tier players or backup goalkeepers. Thus, Middleton's transfer to Zenith side Coret Hawks couldn't have happened at any better time, as the RQFA immediately called up Middleton. She is a highly acrobatic goalkeeper who can handle the load, but this time the focus will be on keeping close leads, especially with the Grim Reapers' stylistic switch for this tournament.

Backups Shim and Kravitz-Hyeon are highly-promising goalkeepers with high potential in their own right as well. Shim's just survived from what was a highly challenging season that ended in relegation for Montreal City, but is viewed positively by the foreign scouts enough to earn a transfer to Squornshelan contender Megabrantid. Kravitz-Hyeon, on the other hand, is already a veteran at age 21 after several seasons of professional football that saw him move to 1912 Stelburg as a 17-year old, come back to Koreana after a cycle (in supposed exchange that involved none other than Padraig McGibbon), and has been rock-solid with them ever since.

DEFENDERS - 9

##    POS   Player               Sex Age  TRI Club
22     LB   Brian Mantha           M  26  EUR Holdenberg City
02     LB   Cedrick Rohrmayer      M  22  QUE Sherbrooke Noksaekjeonsa
04     CB   Hannah Kim             F  21  SRS Damogran
25     CB   Bastien-Luc St-Onge    M  23  QUE Mipojoseon
03     CB   Pierre-Karl Cizeron    M  20  ??? TBD [Feel free to bid on him at TW34!]
18     CB   Chewbacca              M  23  BNJ Hoima Warriors
20     LI   Clement Mattern-Soh    M  21  ZRH DD Porto Nowi
06     RB   Coriolan               M  24  BNJ Busukuma AC
88     RB   Pierre-Karl Miller     M  19  QUE Olympique de Rimouski

One of the most underheralded storylines of the Quebecois football is the unbelievably deep pool of defensive talent in recent years, and this certainly proves to be the case with this squad. This, of course, enables the ongoing purge of the previous cycle's team of disgrace that suffered a catastrophic breakdown both on home and on second half of the qualifying campaign, and also allows the national team to start moving forward and test the players who can replace those who we lost.

Centreback is the position of benefit here, especially as we have all five centrebacks capable of making difference of international level. Of course, we cannot ignore how green they can be at times, so there will be a bit of revolving doors with trying players and seeing how they can handle the pressure. Among them, Hannah Kim and Bastien-Luc St-Onge will be the starters. While her SRS adventures have been by all means entertaining (not because of her performance, but because of every colour and shape of team performance we've seen over last few years), she has long been considered by the RQFA staff to succeed Fabrice Manitopyes on the rightside of the pairing. She is expected to be paired up with either Bastien-Luc St-Onge, one of the silent heroes of back-to-back Q-League champions Mipojoseon, or Pierre-Karl Cizeron, a rare breed of tall Quebecois centrebacks who can actually defend on zone coverage. And if worst comes to worst, they can also rely upon two additional names. One of them's SPFLer Chewbacca, who is capable of delivering when asked to, while Clement Mattern-Soh brings an unique talent of his own to the squad - a libero.

On fullbacks, the question does get tricky. On the leftside, Bastian Borges Jr and Hazel Hanson-Conavacio have both retired from international duties, former for his acceptance of responsibility with what happened last time around, and latter for preferring to focus on her basketball career, where the superstar small forward's value has mattered lot more for the Quebecois basketball national team. Of course, this isn't to say that Brian Mantha (welcome back!) and Cedric Rohrmayer are pushovers, as they have seen some action on their previous campaigns and performed adequately so. Still, the retirement of the long-celebrated pair means that we will be expected to test out relatively inexperienced players on this half, and if this defence unexpectedly struggles to get in motion, it may be because of this left side.

As for the rightside, Donovan Kim-Lumanyika will take this tournament off, with the Canalave Dragons' stud focus currently on being ready for the World Cup 90 qualifiers. Fortunately, the right side is less of a position to worry with passionate and pacy Coriolan and remarkable talent in Pierre-Karl Miller. If anything, this may be even better for the Grim Reapers down the road for both players, unlike Kim-Lumanyika, are good at transition into offence and can be used as wingbacks (it's like the Quebecois leftbacks in past but inverse). With that in mind, the coaching staff expects to split their minutes, mostly to see how consistently they can both perform, before placing them on national team pool for this cycle.

MIDFIELDERS - 7

##    POS   Player                  Sex Age  TRI Club
05     DM   Sinead MacDougall         F  30  CMT Myana
13     CM   Emma Kenna-Tang           F  24  SVJ FK Torpedo Pawlograd
55   CM/DM  Medea Morin-Antonoff      F  24  BRE Southern Star
77     CM   Rebecca-Anne Wawanolett   F  19  QUE Zenit Attawapiskat
12     CM   Rook Middleton            M  25  OAM De La Charite
08     AM   Jean-Christophe Babin     M  22  NPH Sabrefell Moths
07     AM   Mathinna Bouck            F  21  QUE Montreal Koreana

This group of midfielders is an experienced bunch, the ones who have seen both success and failure, and glory and disgrace, and are still being figured out by the fans who have trouble describing them. Sinead MacDougall, this Eagles Cup team captain, is a defensively-stout presence with both Myana and the Grim Reapers, and her callup, which did surprise many, is more than enough to suggest that the Quebecois are still nowhere near finding a replacement. If they do fail to find one of her calibre though, one who may be the one to watch is Medea Morin-Antonoff. The Southern Star midfielder, who comes from sunny, marijuana-filled shores of southwestern Manitoba to rainy, dreary rural Brenecia, has started to see more national team action, and if time and experience abroad permits, may be right fit to take over after Sinead moves on (one day). There's also another clear-cut starter in Jean-Christophe Babin up front, with Sabrefell Moths' player of future being the true treat to watch. The words on the town are that there may be a slight issue with his love of nightlife, a symptom of being around with Marco Hertel his predecessor too often, but he's more of a goof than a father of 20 like Hertel, and his ability to control tempo and make spectacular passes are unparalleled on this squad.

Else, it's hard to figure out where the players stand though, as there is no clear-cut starter on line. After making her name as both an offensive threat and one of the most underrated players in history of Q-League, Emma Kenna-Tang finds herself moving up to Savojarna. Considering that time is not necessarily her friend on this situation, she will have to level up quickly both domestically and internationally so. Rebecca-Anne Wawanolett and Mathinna Bouck are both excellent players with positional versatility, and while some worry they can be pushed around at times due to relatively smaller frames, the pair does make up for it with their feistiness, speed and not to mention the ability to headbutt or kick anybody who stand in their way. Among the two, Mathinna is more defensively reliable, while Wawanolett performs better with crosses, accuracy and just getting the delivery done, likely meaning that while Wawanolett gets the spotlight, Bouck wins trophies. As for Rook Middleton, the seventh member of this team, he can be stationed anywhere. He's uneventful but he won't be the one allowing an awful goal.

FORWARDS - 5

##    POS   Player                  Sex Age  TRI Club
11   LW   Pierre-Simon Duhamel        M  26  TKT Oriannor Mountaineers FC
14   LW   Hannah Gormley-McCowan      F  20  QUE Olympique de Rimouski
09   ST   Mohamed Khedira             M  28  SVJ Dynamo Sjoedrhavn
10 ST/RW  Anna Korniloff-Kouyate      F  20  TMB Lakewood United
15   RW   Eli Mathers                 M  23  CDG Victoriaville South End

Once the pride of this nation, this is a spot of concern for the Quebecois as the ongoing purge means that all of sudden, the cupboard looks lot emptier than what it used to look. Still, this is more of a depth issue than quality, as the 5-person crew is all capable of making game-changing plays when being asked to. Pierre-Simon Duhamel is a veteran goalscorer for Oriannor now, and with Mancosu retired and Kim Seung-Yoon not back until the World Cup Qualifiers, him and Hannah Gormley-McCowan will be the players to rely upon. Neither have the spark of talent on another level, but they are reliable. After a couple of cycles away, one-time Savojar golden boot Mohamed Khedira has quietly earned his way into a successful return the previous Cup of Harmony. He and rangy, powerful Anna Korniloff-Kouyate will be the two players up front. The fifth and the final name to add is Eli Mathers. While most would find him a surprising name to be added to a Grim Reapers' squad, considering his lack of age-side experience, his splendid form in Cassadaigua was more than enough for Fabrizio Kaal and the RQFA to select Mathers at last.

[Nephara]

Nephara 1 - 0 Græntfjall
(4-2-3-1) 12 - Arrowsmith; 2 - Schrader, 5 - Warden, 6 - Turnbull, 3 - Page (22 - Sevet-Stokes 86'); 15 - Tapper, 21 - Sauber (8 - E Fletcher 62'); 13 - Mordecai (7 - Conrad 77'), 23 - March, 11 - Reader; 9 - Pawnbroker
Goal: March 28'

Nephara 0 - 0 Banija
(4-2-3-1) 12 - Arrowsmith; 2 - Schrader, 5 - Warden, 6 - Turnbull, 3 - Page; 15 - Tapper, 21 - Sauber; 13 - Mordecai, 23 - March (14 - Laskaris 79'), 11 - Reader (16 - Marinca 70'); 9 - Pawnbroker (10 - Carrick 57')

THE HERALD
THE GREAT MATCHES THAT NEVER HAPPENED
Brunnya Hornek Football Correspondent

Nephara tends to play its rivals a lot. It tends to play a lot of finals. Its rivals, indeed, tend to be the teams they play in finals; current bete noire Banija, most recently, whose weird 'darkworld' nature (and opposing sides of a recent regional war) certainly helps grease the wheels of rivalry, but so does Banija's recent record of success. There have been, as a result, no shortage of dramatic meetings in the national team's history... but there could have been more.

1. BoF51 Final: Nephara vs. Barunia
The 51st Baptism of Fire - corresponding to World Cup 64 - was a remarkably stacked cycle. Its three most enduring nations are Nephara - of course - Saintland, who the Cormorants played in two ill-tempered matches, ultimately triumphing in the knockout stages, and Barunia. Here's something bizarre: Nephara have never played Barunia. But they came close. In the opposite end of the bracket, they reached the quarterfinals before being outlasted by the eccentric and indomitable Nenets Autonomous Okrug, going down 2-0. Grant Beardsley's goal in the final is the only goal the Okrug would concede all tournament, but sadly, they would go on to fade away over the coming years.

So picture - if Barunia made it, who would have won? It's been remarked upon that Nephara arrived remarkably full-formed for a Baptism of Fire side, an established and experienced team of professionals that adapted quickly to international tactics, but Barunia were no slouches either. Indeed, they would go on to reach the World Cup playoffs at the first attempt, earning six more points than Nephara. While the Cormorants have certainly hit the headier heights since, what would have happened if Barunia had made it to the final? And, shudder to think - won?

2. CR27 Final: Nephara vs. Eura
Nephara left Esportiva as champions, off the back of a victory over San Jose Guayabal, and left WC77 in disgrace, off the back of getting massacred 5-1 by the same nation. A year later, licking their wounds, they arrived in Rushmore for the first time. It had been a long time coming, not least because Nephara sits comfortably nestled in southern Endemia, but the outreach of the Esportivan FA meant that, technically speaking, Nephara had been considered Esportivan until then. Was it a cynical ploy from the NFA to try and establish themselves in a rising confederation? Probably. But leaving the nest was inevitable.

The Cormorants were one game away from the final, and if they had beaten Valladares (who also eat them in the groups) it would have been eventual champions Eura meeting them in the final. The Cormorants were elated to have Amethyst Fegelein in charge, the mind behind Starling's Golden Age, and on paper the manager on a highest ebb to ever take over the Cormorants. A young and inexperienced squad - Sieglinde Lohengrin's 33 caps made her the most seasoned player - was impressive. In fact, the entire squad had just 297 caps... Eura's Craig Sinclair, at the time, had 258 on his own, and still played a key role in victory. In truth, Eura would have been distinct favourites - and Nephara, though ultimately coming third, would implode during next year's qualifying. But given the odd spell the Cormorants have cast over Eura over the years, who knows?

3. WC80 Final: Nephara vs. Brenecia
Okay, so it's definitely a stretch to say this was close to happening. After a perfect group stage that nevertheless exposed a defensive fragility, Nephara were well-beaten by Turori in the second round, whose 3-1 win was immediately followed by being slaughtered 4-1 by eventual finalists THE. The real missed opportunity is the other half of the equation. Sure, Nephara and Brenecia have played each other a lot, though far less since the move from Esportiva; but how many chances will Nephara get to take on the old enemy at the business end of the World Cup?

It doesn't hurt that, on paper, Nephara would have been easy favourites. Yes, Brenecia were ranked 8th and Nephara 9th. But Brenecia's captain, Falcon Case, had just been relegated from the Premiership; so had striker Vesuvia Carrick, while 33-year old Catherine Gryphon and 34-year old Mathis Woodgate were the lynchpins of the side. Just a year ago, they'd suffered a run of five consecutive 1-0 defeats. Meanwhile, look at the Cormorants' squad: Rafford, Konoval, Rowland, Szalai, Strongbow, Hawke. Stars from head to toe. Yet they never quite got it together in this era, the (relatively) grim time known as 'the Wilderness' - generally held as the period after leaving Esportiva until returning to the podium in World Cup 84 (WC77-CR33).

4. WC86 Final: Nephara vs. Free Republics
A bit of a melancholy one.

World Cup 85... hurt. A red card for Nephara's best player, a sheaf of chances not taken, a 1-0 defeat against a hated rival. But what hurt most about that final was that it was the end. The Free Republics simply took their trophy and left the international scene. The Cormorants will never get closure against a side they had so much history against, so many ill-tempered matches, Nepharan force against Republican guile. Both sides, of course, insufferably arrogant from any neutral perspective.

It didn't have to be this way. The Free Republics enter the coming tournament, swat everyone aside with their trademark swagger. Rowena Strongbow reverses her decision to retire, and leads the Cormorants back to the final herself. One final match, one final showdown, a final clash of ideals... and this time, the Cormorants are the ones to shithouse a narrow win. Daniella Strauss remains in charge until, well, today, and the current dynasty of Nepharan football - rather than tailing off somewhat - never has to end.

But then, that's just a little too fairytale, isn't it? The glory of the Strauss-inspired Golden Age is nothing without the ennui of the Wilderness; without losing to Banija in the actual WC86 final and Strauss falling on her sword two years later, Triffid Ramsey never finishes the job her father started. Football is the ecstasy and the agony, both, and what makes the narrative special is that it happened in the first place, organically, through the simple acts and abilities of squads of 11. It's nice to think about these what-ifs, but, really, what's there to hate about the history of these glorious, glistering Cormorants?

[Graintfjall]

Nephara – 1 (1)
March (28’)

Græntfjall – 0 (0)
B. Ernestisson; Gunnþórsson, T. Ernestisson, Vilbjörnsson (82’); Noahsdóttir, Grímólfursson, Arvidsson (73’), Spiderlair (70’ Fornisson ); Finnvarðsdóttir, Hlynursbur; Wolfgangsdóttir (66’ Öndesdóttir ( (88’ Marvinsson ))

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Græntfjall – 0 (0)
B. Ernestisson; Asvardsson, Gunnþórsson, T. Ernestisson, Spiderlair; Arvidsson; Marvinsdóttir, Grímólfursson (75’ Marvinsson ), Finnvarðsdóttir, Hlynursbur (79’ Sofussdóttir ); Wolfgangsdóttir (80’ Hróðvarsson )

Zwangzug – 3 (1)
Puyo-Sachar (21’), Ginoud-Sachs (77’), Dulk-Fough (88’)

1. The nations of Pavola

Græntfjall is situated on the Metallic Peninsula of Pavola, surrounded by various more or, in the case of Nyowani Kitara, incredibly less, friendly rivals, including Tikariot to the south, San Ortelio to the southeast, Bollonich to the east, and Yuezhou to the west, with Txakhaki lurking just the other side of the Komodo Channel. This northwestern subregion of Pavola has been a fount of recent activity, with multiple sports tournaments being hosted throughout, and several very competitive football sides rising fast. The Copa Pavola has completed two editions, with Græntfjaller club Maigburg winning the most recent. You’d think that in all this, Pavola would be a bubbling cauldron of rivalry for the Snow Wolves.

And yet, Græntfjall has actually struggled to get drawn against its neighbors in competitive football. Let’s take a look at some of the more glaring omissions:

• The 49th Di Bradini Cup [70th Under-21 World Cup] final pitted San Ortelio against Græntfjall in what looked set to be the first chapter of a storied rivalry between two rising Pavolan powers! …except that the two countries have never played each other in senior football.
  
  
• Græntfjaller and Bollonischian relations have warmed considerably warmed since the Cold War ended. The two nations have signed a trade treaty, engaged in a refugee resettlement scheme, participated in two victorious campaigns in world chess… and played just a single competitive senior match against one another in all that time.
  
  
• When Yuezhou and Græntfjall were drawn against one another in World Cup 86 qualifying, it looked to be the start of a great story. Yuezhou, ruled by an iron-fisted socialist regime, and Græntfjall, who had thrown off the shackles of communism. Yue players Li Jing and Tao Beiliang starred in the Græntfjaller Premier League; former Nangang Royals manage Kang Guillin took over the Græntfjaller national team. Yet since that first World Cup, a solitary Cup of Harmony group stage fixture is the sum total of that rivalry actually being tested on the pitch.
  
  
• Nyowani Kitara’s reigning* leader blamed Græntfjall for an assassination attempt. Græntfjall, furious at being falsely accused, reacted by carrying out (and failing at) an actual assassination attempt. And that’s just two of the warmer moments between two nations who’ve spent decades staring at one another in cold hatred across Lake Viljan and the literal border fence built to keep their citizens apart. A pity, then, that the two football teams have never met in any level of competition!
  
  
• And above all, there’s Tikariot, Græntfjall’s closest neighbor and ally. The two countries left international isolation and entered competitive football at around the same time, and competed in Baptism of Fire 73 together. Their group stage was a tense draw, the only game the Snow Wolves did not win during the tournament; their quarterfinal rematch a thriller (if only it had been the final!). Only problem with this being the first chapter of an epic story is that epic stories tend to have more than one chapter. Tikariot and Græntfjall have never been drawn against another in World Cups or Copas Rushmori since.

2. Class of 73

As mentioned, Græntfjall cut their teeth in Baptism of Fire 73, winning the tournament. During the course of their campaign, they played eight opponents, including Tikariot twice (see above). Of those eight teams, only three are still even somewhat active in international football. Græntfjall has played exactly none of them ever again in World Cup qualifying or Copa Rushmori group stages; the closest to a rivalry has been with Southwest Eastnorth, whom Græntfjall had played in Copa Rushmori 35 prior to the Baptism of Fire but never again in football, though the two nations have met in basketball. An exciting final against Tioguldós looked all set to establish a new rivalry; instead, the Snow Wolves have never seen the Tiogs since.

On the flip side, the Baptism of Fire 73 class was a strong one, with several nations from it having reached the World Cup finals within three or four cycles, or just two in the case of Savigliane. Græntfjall made it in four, to the finals of World Cup 89, alongside fellow BoF73 graduates Squidroidia and Pemecutan. Yet if none of these names are ringing bells, it’s probably because Græntfjall is yet to have a single competitive game against any of them, including at the Baptism of Fire itself. The Snow Wolves somehow avoided all three on their way to the final; the only World Cup qualifier from BoF73 they have ever played is… Tikariot. I’m sensing a pattern.

3. Blue balls (or, more, a nice shade of cyan)

In 2023, Græntfjall co-hosted the 80th Cup of Harmony with Krytenia. With 64 teams competing, it was the largest tournament ever hosted by Græntfjall, and they of course took pride in playing on home soil. True, the tournament bracket was arranged in such a way that if they failed to win their group there was a chance they’d have to play their playoff matches in Krytenia, but, pffft, how likely was that to … oh, Barunia have just scored five fucking goals.

The Snow Wolves did battle back from that humiliation, beating Baggieland and Bollonich and taking things so seriously the team even assaulted an innocent bee-keeper just to be sure of progression, but they still had to pack their bags and fly to Anaia for a “home” tournament. They defeated Flavovespia and Busoga Islands, New Lusitania – the closest thing they have to a repeat Cup of Harmony rival, having played in three successive tournaments – and then overcame the mighty Mytanijans in the semi-finals. They found themselves playing no less than their co-hosts, Krytenia, with whom they’d previously agreed: the final would be played in Krytenia. Behind goals from Lilly Wolfgangsdóttir, Tom Ernestisson, and Amanda Guttisdóttir, the Snow Wolves triumphed.

But it meant that from the group stage on, their entire winning campaign, the most major silverware won since the Baptism of Fire, had been played not in front of frenzied home crowds in familiar stadiums packed with blue-and-white, but on Krytenian soil, with crowds of disinterested neutrals wondering why their own team (who had similarly finished second in their group) weren’t there. And because winning the Cup of Harmony is an achievement that requires not qualifying for the World Cup proper, it’s a campaign no one in Græntfjall is especially keen to repeat. Meaning what was meant to be a once in a lifetime opportunity turned into a thoroughly confusing bureaucratic mess.

How very fittingly Græntfjaller.

* Depending on who you ask.

[Tumbra]

Tumbra 2-0 Ochre Islands

TMB (4-2-3-1): 1 - Nick Barker; 2 - Neal Diamond (18 - Nicholas Moss, 75'), 4 - Harry Henderson, 5 - Raymond Perry, 3 - Mike Sheppard; 6 - Nicky Atkinson (15 - David Burnet, 65'), 8 - Andrew Fisher, 10 - James Hunter; 7 - Valerie Wells, 9 - Robin Vaughn (21 - Lynne Crossley, 81'); 11 - Nigel Erskine

Scorers: Nigel Erskine (7'), Robin Vaughn (49')

Player of the Match: Nigel Erskine (TMB)

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Sargossa 0-2 Tumbra

TMB (4-2-3-1): 1 - Nick Barker; 18 - Nicholas Moss, 14 - Douglas Moore, 20 - Albert Legget (5 - Raymond Perry, 64'), 3 - Mike Sheppard (19 - Neil Crozier, 83'); 15 - David Burnet, 23 - Valerie Morris (8 - Andrew Fisher, 72'), 10 - James Hunter; 7 - Valerie Wells, 9 - Robin Vaughn; 11 - Nigel Erskine

Scorers: James Hunter (61'), Andrew Fisher (90'+2')

Player of the Match: James Hunter (TMB)

Rivalries between the hundred and twenty-eight football teams that comprise Tumbra's professional league system are very much common, ferocious and talked-about to death. Everyone knows, for example, about the Tumbran Classic, which pits the most successful team of Tumbran football, the Couno Rangers, against the second-most successful team, Lakewood United. Or the Lakewood derby, a match that used to be brushed off but has gained increased relevance since Lakewood City's return to the highest heights of footballing power in the 2010s. The Finnley derby, Ridgewell derby, Couno derby...it seems that almost every major metropolitan area in Tumbra has a derby of its own to speak of. But there are also some derbies that haven't taken place in a while; perhaps the two teams simply haven't met in a while, or one of the teams have dropped out of the league system, or luck hasn't been kind to them in meeting up. Let's take a look at one particularly interesting case.

The Straton Derby That's Never Happened: Straton FC versus Straton Typhoons

Everybody knows about Straton Football Club. Ten time champions of Tumbra, with their first title coming all the way back in 1917 and their latest title in 2010, their imposing home ground is also home to the Tumbran national team. It just also happens to be the biggest stadium in Tumbra that's also football-specific. They are undoubtedly the ones that rule the roost in Straton, their stadium located on the north bank of the Straton River; and their existence very much ignores that there's another club that exists in Straton, too; the Straton Typhoons.

Founded in 1993 as a splinter from Straton, supporters disenchanted by their new owner — banking tycoon Mitch Hendry — left to form their own team in the sixth tier of Tumbran football; the lowest semi-professional tier in Tumbra. To protest directly against the club's famous colours of red and blue, they picked white and yellow as their colours; according to them, the colours least similar to Straton's crest.

Life in the fifth and sixth tiers of Tumbran football — collectively referred to as the Confederations League, as the two football "conferences" of east and west split into two more confederations — Northeast, Northwest, Southeast and Southwest — is not easy. Clubs come into existence and fade out of it all the time, with the leagues struggling to keep it at a hundred and twenty-eight members of their own — but the Typhoons hit the ground running. By the seventh season of their existence they'd already advanced to the sixteen-team playoff to determine the champion of the Confederations League twice; but had never made it past the first round. That would change in 2000, however; when they plowed through all the opposition, won the Confederations League title losing two games in the regular season and not being held to extra time in the playoffs, and earned the right to challenge the last-placed team in the Fourth Division East to a playoff match to swap leagues. Most teams that win the Confederations League don't take up the right to this match; mostly because most of the Confederations League teams are semi-professional, with a scant few professional teams; and the gulf between the Fourth Division and the Confederations League is simply too large. But the Typhoons were never one to give up; and they challenged Circhester Rovers to a game.

They won. Their journey into the football leagues proper began, but the Typhoons haven't pushed further up than sixth in the Third Division East in 2014. Given that Straton are one of the few teams in Tumbra to never have been relegated, it's no surprise that the Capitals have never met the Typhoons in league play; but even in the madhouse that's called the Republic Cup, they've somehow never been put together. The closest they've ever gotten was a match in 2007, when the Typhoons and Straton were placed in the same second-round matchup. Unfortunately, while Straton made it to what would have been their first matchup against the Typhoons, the Typhoons themselves were eliminated by their opponents on the lottery of penalties, denying us all a chance to see the fabled Straton Derby.

Today the Typhoons play in the Fourth Division East, meaning that in a game against the giants (despite their recent financial troubles) they'd probably lose, and handily. But fans of the Typhoons, however little they are, still await the day they can return to the Tumbran National Stadium, or welcome the Capitals to their considerably more modest, poetically named "Eye of the Storm"; and give them the match they've always been waiting for.

[Turori]

Eagle's Club Pitch #1, Eelandii, Turori :: After an unfortunate start to their Cup of Champions defense in Ko-oren that would see the Turori National Team drop a 1-0 result to their former Regional Rivals, the Eels would head home to Eelandii for a matchup against the reigning Baptism of Fire Cup Champions Pyazhnaya.

After being held scoreless for 90 minutes in Ko-oren, it wouldn't take long for Turori to get on the board at the Eagle's Club in Eelandii with Cuoabaza Orani'aoa converting less than 90 seconds into the match to give the Eels the lead. While the early goal from the Inura Forests was ultimately the game winner there was still much more excitement in store for the fans in attendance in Eelandii. Jungle Strike FC attacker Nua'oma Aikiki doubled Turori's advantage in the 27th minute for the first of what would be a memorable night for Aikiki who would add a second goal just before the half. After Daliora Toru'u scored Turori's 4th just after the hour mark it was Aikiki's chance to complete the hat trick which they did by finishing cooly after being sent through by half time substitute Loala Inkabu 15 minutes from time.

The 5-0 victory was Turori's largest since the final matchday of World Cup 88 Qualifying when they put together a 6-1 victory on the road in Fluvannia, and first 5-0 shutout victory since earlier in the same qualifiers against Gergary. Turori's opening games in the Cup of Champions also provided a debut for two players making their first ever National Team appearances. In the 28th minute of the opening matchday defeat to Ko-oren, 16 year old Sokattack Mliona prospect Lumlao Noauryua entered in place of Biliki Rona'atu'i who appeared to suffer a leg injury. Rona'atu'i would miss the Eels second match against Pyazhnaya handing Noauryua their first ever start for the National Team. With the lower-ranked opponent in Pyazhnaya there was another player who was given a debut start for the National Team - defender H'munao Cagomia. The 17 year old Eelandii Academy youngster participated in 70 minutes of match action before being replaced late on by Kentu Umaka'a.

Turori 0 - 1 Ko-oren
Lineup: Derizi Amatopa, Planio’o Nrujsa (Tulaki Rauogba 45'), Lulu Pumaziiri, Biliki Rona'atu'i (Lumlao Noauryua 28'), Kiidallen Aeroluzzi, Lati'ala Giaoka, Daliora Toru'u, Cuoabaza Orani’aoa, Naraiza Ruaplal, Kala'a Yuliizala (Bvalis Amaanara 45'), Nua'oma Aikiki

Turori 5 - 0 Pyazhnaya
Goals: :: 1' Cuoabaza Orani’aoa:: 27' Nua'oma Aikiki:: 44' Nua'oma Aikiki:: 63' Daliora Toru'u:: 75' Nua'oma Aikiki
Lineup: Timaala Hualtia, Bvalis Amaanara (Kiidallen Aeroluzzi 72'), Amakli Inuro'o, H’munao Cagomia (Kentu Umaka'a 70'), Lumlao Noauryua, Daliora Toru'u, Cuoabaza Orani’aoa (Loala Inkabu 45'), Lati'ala Giaoka, Kala'a Yuliizala, Nua'oma Aikiki, Meldi'ita Mungwaii

The Match That Never Happened: World Cup 85 Final

The Turori National Team reached its highest ever peak to that point between World Cup 81 and World Cup 82. After having somehow avoided their colonial neighbors the Tropics of Vilita in the World Cup Finals for over 60 cycles of competition, the two nations competed head to head at the highest possible stage - first in the World Cup 81 Semi-Final to determine which team would compete in the World Cup Final, then, in the World Cup 82 Final in Valanora with the World Cup Trophy on the Line. While the Turori National Team was defeated in both matches, optimism was sky high. The Quarter Final curse had been broken. Turori were free to compete for the World Cup Title and many believed they could actually do it. A Group Stage elimination during World Cup 83 was a let down but the Eels got back to the knockout rounds in World Cup 84 before an Extra Time defeat against Kita-Hinode thwarted their run. Then came World Cup 85.

After topping their qualifying group over Audioslavia and New Lusitania and the Algarves, the Turori National Team were drawn into what seemed a difficult finals group against host nation Farfadillis, Zwangzug and HUElavia. Three matches and Three victories later, the Turori National Team did something very rare in their history - sweeping all three group stage matches at the World Cup Finals. With the best record of any team in the Farfadillis half, Turori all of a sudden entered the knockout round as slight favorites. Then, as the results came in from the Round of 16, Turori's slight favorite status became that of heavy favorites. Pot 1 sides Vilita and the Holy EMpire were upset by lower ranked nations Banija and Zwangzug with those two set to play each other for a place in the Semi Finals. Turori, who handily defeated Kelssek 3-1, would square off with the Free Republics - the lowest ranked side from Pot 2. With the potential schedule ahead of them many projected that Turori would progress through to the World Cup Final. While they would still have to face formidible opposition there it would still be a second crack at a first World Title and Turorian fans were snatching up tickets to Farfadillis in anticipation.

It was the Stadium on Fire - or La Fantás - home to the Farfadillis National Team where many locals had anticipated watching their own side compete for the World Cup Title. Instead, they were treated to a thrilling game between two B-Level nations that had never before won the World Cup. Turori were the last remaining team with an unblemished record at the Finals. The first 20 minutes of the game would proceed without a goal until Mbdiai Akarenaa scored a long range shot off the fingertips of Free Republics goalkeeper Sergeyev who had been aggressively forward out of position. Turori would get a second through Nua'oma Aikiki from the penalty spot and seemed on cruise control. Before half time, however, the Free Republics clawed a goal back on a Johnny Smith Free Kick which changed the complexion of the game heading into the second half, swinging the momentum back to the Free Republics. They would capitalize to equalize just two minutes into the second half then take a stunning lead less than five minutes later off the head of Maxim Izmailov. All of a sudden the favored Eels - who had run out to a two goal lead and appeared to have their sights set on another historic Quarter Final victory - were on the back foot and seemingly on their way out of the World Cup.

Luckily, Turori's National Citizen Squad was not about to give up without a fight. After a few substitutions the Eels found their stride once more and snatched a late Meldi'ita Mungwaii equalizer to send the match into extra time. While nervewracking for fans of both nations it was a thrilling match for the neutrals as both sides would find the net in the extra session with Turori taking a 4-3 lead through Nua'oma Aikiki. The Free Republics then pumped all bodies forward in search of an equalizer and got it through Faith Marshall after a chaotic sequence in the penalty area following a late corner kick. The match would be decided on penalties. While Klailal Tuirma's Turori side were focused on getting the win on the pitch they were not necessarily constructed for Penalty Kicks. Two of their best penalty takers - Kentu Umaka'a and Daliora Toru'u were off the pitch. Nua'oma Aikiki converted Turori's first attempt but it was the Sergeyev show from there as the Free Republics netminder broke the Turorian hearts as the Eels crashed out as Favorites at the Quarter Final stage just like old times. What many saw as a potential clear path back to the World Cup Final had been cruely cut short leaving many to wonder if Turori's Quarter Final curse had returned. Turori's only blemish during the World Cup 85 Finals, the Free Republics would go on from that match to win World Cup 85 over Nephara, lifting the Trophy that Turorian fans and dreamt of for generations but didn't even get the chance to compete for. Making matters worse for those undone by Rule Theriault and the Republicans during the 85th World Cup Cycle, the Free Republics opted not to return for World Cup 86. There was no opportunity for nations like Turori and Nephara to avenge their surprise defeats the cycle before and so will forever be left wondering what might have been.

[Chartistan]

This article from the Billboard Gazette is from an alternative reality. A reality where, on that night in Norton during Cup of Harmony 80, the Chartistani national team did beat the Valentinians and luck at the same time, sending them to the Cup of Harmony knockout stage for the first time in their history top of their group. Unfortunately, Margaret robbed us of such a titanic match in Linford.

---

THE BILLBOARD GAZETTE

YOU BETTER BELIEVE IT!

Chartistan top Group E via coinflip, set up a Last 32 showdown against Siovanija and Teusland

With just 5 points to their name, Chartistan pulled off a seemingly expected result as they beat Valentine Z 1-0 at the Munitis Stadium, as well as beating New Lusitania via tiebreaker coinflip, to lock in top spot in a tricky Group E and a seat at the knockout table, as they set their sights on Linford and an exciting tie against AO powerhouses Siovanija and Teusland.

Heading into the final set of matches, Darmen were top of the group after drawing 2-2 to Chartistan and beating Valentine Z in a 3-2 cracker in Linford, while Chartistan and New Lusitania drew against both Chartistan and Valentine Z to sit level on points with the former and 1 point above the latter, who sat in last place in the group. However, nobody was assured elimination yet - The Valentinians could still advance if they beat Chartistan and Darmen drew to New Lusitania. In that scenario, Darmen would have 5 points to their name, Valentine Z 4, New Lusitania 3 and Chartistan would have 2. Chartistan could advance just by winning against Valentine Z and wouldn't have to worry about the result of the other game, and Darmen knew a win or a draw would send them through as well, although a loss would eliminate them if either Chartistan or Valentine Z won. Nevertheless, the pressure was on all 4 teams to perform and punch their ticket to the Round of 32.

With the sheer nature of the Valentinans playing, some veterans of motorsports and one with a NSSCRA title in tow, getting through them would be a tough obstacle even from Doctor Lucas Combbrush's point of view, even though he masterminded wins against Savojarna and against Taeshan in 2 straight World Cup qualifying cycles. For most of the game it was the Valentinians who had most of the opportunities to get in front, with Gwen Tracer Allison Oxton coming close to getting past Lindsey Williams on multiple occasions. But via her goalkeeping prowess and a never-give-up attitude, the game remained deadlocked even past the 2nd half, when a mistimed tackle via Cash Smith gave a penalty to the Valentinians, with Clarissa Alanis Star Samantha stepping up... And firing her shot past the crossbar.

From there the tide turned to Chartistan, as the game winner was scored in the 86th minute, Kimmi Yamjune receiving a ball from Tatertot Crazy, who came on to replace a lacking Adult Royce, and sliding the ball beyond the cold lights of one Holly Aurora Lapia Starlight to take the lead and punch a ticket to the Round of 32. But with Chartistan tied on points, goal difference and head to head with New Lusitania after their 3-2 win against Darmen that eliminated the Darmenis, it would essentially come down to the flip of a coin to decide who would top the group, and Chartistan would win the toss.

Now the Chartistanis will head back to Linford as none other than Siovanija and Teusland will greet them.

The monumental occasion is the first time Chartistan have been in a Cup of Harmony knockout game, and the first knockout match after losing to Cirrus Azale on penalties in the Baptism of Fire one cycle ago. The winner will play against either Zeta Reka and Hugetaldom or Garbella in the Round of 16, but Doctor Lucas knows how good this Siovanijan and Teus team really is, saying in an interview after the cointoss: "They're a tenant in the Glorious Southwest for a goddamn reason. They will beat us handedly and we're just glad we even got the opportunity to be in the knockout stages, although a potential Quarter-Final would have been wonderful for this budding team. We'll take this match as a battleplan against tougher teams, that's for sure."

Whatever the result will be, it's a good time to root for Chartistan.

---

There have been other "What if" matches, other alternative realities where Chartistan would have played in a farther round than what they ended at. What if Chartistan didn't lose to Cirrus Azale on penalties in the Baptism of Fire Fire League quarters and ended up facing Treekidistan in the Fire League Final? What if Chartistan beat Savojarna one more time to set up their first ever major final, the Cup of Harmony 81 final with Trolleborg? What if they had the luck required to sneak into the World Cup 89 playoffs at Quebec's expense? All of those hypotheticals would be good, but that one night in Linford was the one with the most intrigue that we didn't see due to Margaret.

[Squornshelan Remnant States]

The most Important Match that Never Happened

Independent Associations Championship 12 Final:
Squornshelan Remant States v Squornshelous

The twelfth Independent Associations Championship hosted in Almuzahara and Muralos nearly saw a match between two nations that, in a technical legal sense, were actually at war with each other. Two nations that each claimed the entirety of the other's territory as rightfully theirs. Two nations that both, at times, went by the same name: Squornshelous.

Both teams were placed in Pot 2, but the Imperium definitely got the kinder draw on paper, with sixth-ranked Drawkland as their top seed in Group H, while the Confederates would have to face defending champions and top-ranked side Poafmersia. Several players on the current Eagles Cup roster made the trip for IAC 12. Valda Harkhan, Buczvarov and Ciernik at the back, Hashemi, Yonte, and Vladcik in midfield, along with then-reserve goalkeeper Shimski were all there for the Confederates. Goalkeeper Anthonsson, defender Loefgren, winger Bondarov, and striker Naumov all represented the Imperium, as did one other inclusion in the current roster: Tyra Volam. Volam, just 21 at the time and newly named to the Imperium's first team, would become the centerpoint of one of the most shocking episodes in IAC history.

By this time, the two nations had both been competing in the World Cup since Cycle 84, but had never been drawn together, and were close enough in rank as to make that possibility quite unlikely. The chance for them to meet on the pitch seemed relatively slim when, quite unexpectedly, the Imperium announced, for the first time ever, its intention to enter the IAC. To say this raised tensions does not do the situation justice. The IAC had been a tournament free of the distraction of the Imperials, and the Confederacy had chalked up a respectable history, with a third-place finish in IAC 8, and an unbroken line of participation since IAC 6. Coming off a dismal showing at IAC 11 in Havynwilde though, the Black-and-Reds were looking for a a bounce-back performance. The last thing they needed was the possibility of being upstaged by a hated rival.

Things got off to a hopeful start for supporters of democracy, with the Imperials failing to upset Drawkland in their opening match while the Black-and-Reds comfortably handled lower seeds Treekidistan. But from there things started to get complicated. Tyra Volam famously, or infamously at the time, knelt during the Imperial anthem prior to the match against Drawkland, in protest of the Imperial government's hideous human rights transgression. She was removed from the match, removed from the stadium, and for several days seemed to have been removed from existence.

While the world wondered what had happened to the vanished midfielder, both the Imperial and Confederate teams went on superb runs of form. The Confederates, powered by center mid Iuri Takala and Galactico striker Lyzolda Petrov, finished the group stage undefeated, defeating Poafmersia along the way to winning Group B with a record of 4-1-0. The Imperials rebounded from their opening loss to Drawkland and the loss of their center mid with a 4-match win streak, finishing even with Drawkland on points, and second in their group on tiebreakers.

For the first time ever, then, both teams had made the knockout rounds of the same tournament. With the Confederates in Almuzaharan, and the Imperials on the Muralosian side of the bracket, their only possible meeting would have been in the final. Driving the speculation and hype about a possible all-Squornshelan matchup was Tyra Volam’s reappearance, as she was found being held prisoner in a hotel in Poronaysk, Muralos. With Volam granted temporary asylum in Muralos, and her story plastered on headlines across the multiverse, the second round matches for the Black-and-Reds and the Red-and-Black took on a great deal more meaning. The whole world it seemed, was in support of Omerica as they faced the Imperium, while a significant wave of sympathy made for some extra support for the Confederacy against Silver Beach. The atmosphere, had the two teams met with the championship on the line, would have been absolutely electric.

As it happened, though, both sides lost their second-round matches, off-the-field distractions and quality opponents proving too much to overcome. The disintegration of the Imperium began in earnest not long thereafter, roughly concurrent with World Cup 88 Qualifying, and the nation was not only in shambles by the next cycle’s regional tournaments, but also found itself in Atlantian Oceania. The opportunity for a Confederate versus Imperial matchup never arose again, and now the players who might have faced off with each other share the field wearing the same kit, representing a single nation. It is very likely much better things have worked out this way, rather than the Imperium somehow persisting.

But oh, what a match it would have been.

MRT 1–1 SRS

Scoring:
MRT: TBA
SRS: Yonte, 54'

Lineups:
MRT: TBA
SRS: Shimski; Loefgren, Harkhan, Buczvarov, Ciernik; Hedberg (Zazagan 66'), Hashemi, Volam (NIsarizo, 72'); Yonte, Vladcik; Chmela (Ness, 72')

SRS 1–2 IAQ

Scoring:
SRS: Ness, 37'
IAQ: TBA

Lineups:
SRS: Shimski; Malgos, Harkhan (Torosian 76'), Buczvarov, Szimon; Nisarizo (Hashemi 65'), Zazagan, Volam; Yonte, Bondarov (Vladcik 81'); Ness
IAQ: Middleton; Mantha, Kim, St. Onge, Coriolan; MacDougall, Morin-Antonoff, Babin; Duhamel, Khedira, Mathers

[Mertagne]

The Federation of Mertagnian Football Presents, with apologies to all opponents for the delay...

The Mertagnian National Football Team
for the Eagle's Cup XII

Our History:

Welcome back to the Eagle's Cup to Mertagne, who had a wonderful outing last time, just narrowly missing their goal of a rematch with Nephara to instead take third place in the Cocoa-bo Challenge Trophy, after a victory against Gyatso-Kai at the Eagle's Club in Eelandii. This time around, however, the FMF and the Mertagnian National Team have applied for the Eagle's Cup in a much more robust and 'proper' manner than their appearance last time, keen to ride out another unfortunate CAFA and continue to develop their cult following heading into another World Cup cycle.
You may know Mertagne as The Calanian Union, or the artist formerly known as The Inevitable Syndicate - this sleeping giant of the Bekk that's properly woken up once again and has properly shaken the dust off, Mertagne is a proud nation of 66 million people that roughly a decade ago exited a period of isolation known as the Insulation. Sport in the nation has been moving from strength to strength with much funding of cash, as well as fan investment, and the nation is well equipped to host the finest sports-players from across the multiverse.

Our Key(lime) Staff:

Manager: Tyrrel Gulliver, 58,
Tyrrel's had a rough year. Alone, he stood as the member of management staff that took Mertagne to a CAFA in Krytenia, in which they once again finished dead last in their group, with a draw and two losses. Calls for Tyrell's head have been growing in recent months, and so this Eagle's Cup will be a do-or-die moment for the manager, grandson of famed Calanian striker Phil Gulliver. Still alone after the FMF have failed to fill in the place for his assistant, he's relying on clear cut communication with his team to sally the group to victory.

Assistant Manager: Vacant
The Mertagnian National Football Team is currently without an assistant manager. Gulliver has continued to be grilled relentlessly for this, however, the decision to take on an assistant isn't wholly within his own hands. Stuck in the molasses of bureaucracy, the role has yet to be filled. There are many promising candidates, however, both domestically and from abroad. Could the next assistant manager be your nation? Applications are welcomed by TG.

Tyrrel Gulliver is stressed right now, but nothing could shake the Euran attacking motif he watched as a boy.. Because of this, the squad will be playing with a style modifier of +3, which emphasises that the best defence is a killer offence.

Our Players:

Goalkeepers
No	Pos	Player			Gender	Age	Club
1	GK	Lliot Celarte		Male	26	 Sporting Esper
12	GK	Ayesha Genoa		Female	22	 New Fligsive's Memory
13	GK 	Lennon Stroves		Male	27	 Century Mertagne FMFC

Defenders
No	Pos	Player			Gender	Age	Club
14	LB	Euklades Hemingway	Male	23	 Prostran I Forduza
15	LB	Alips Maurauri		Female	24	 Blades ex Magnaeus
16	LB	Hana Stelos		Female	26	 Ostosaide
2	CB	Luka Hazaluta [vc]	Male	30	 Chatswood
17	CB	Elen Onarte		Female	26	 Kurtz Herritik
18	CB	Gregory Arroyave	Male	27	 Lehen Neorudo
19	CB	Genevive Yrundegui	Female	24	 Eivora Athletic FC
20	RB	Leo Lezarraga		Male	22	 Ostosaide
3	RB	Jappen Axlor		Male	25	 FMFC Ninestar
21	RB	Tyson Oughtio		Male	24	 Signal Dannin

Midfielders
No	Pos	Player			Gender	Age	Club
4	LM	Martine Aldergrass	Female	24	 The Zhelmagor Society FC
22	LM	Erdotza De La Fontaine	Female	23	 Meriador FC
5	CM	Pia Aziz		Female	22	 Bakartirla Buccaneers
6	CM	Grahm Stagg		Male	29	 Century Mertagne FMFC
23	CM	Donna Eclis		Female	25	 Tenth Star Hasiera
24	CM	Erman Anteo		Male	25	 AFC Farnworth
25	CM	Neron Everdell		Male	24	 Tenth Star Hasiera
26	CM	Callym Tikfort		Male	27	 Papillio Mertagne FMFC
27	RM	Fostin Feu		Male	23	 Lehen Neorudo
28	RM	Dovico Harah		Male	28	 Heart of Saguenay

Attackers
No	Pos	Player			Gender	Age	Club
7	LF	Benn Shakletinn		Male	28	 Keers Kannoneers
29	LF	Kevin Restault		Male	22	 Burgess FC
8	CF	Claudio Vantula	[c]	Male	27	 KT Itzalovalle
9	CF	Dani Emdelbia		Female	30	 Lhor
10	CF	Fabian Thundhart	Male	29	 Aminey CS
30	CF	Sulpizo Plumb		Male	22	 Ituraitz Victory
31	CF	Benedict Le Bihan	Male	21	 Kurtz Herritik
11	RF	Neville Cate		Male	28	 New Fligsive's Memory
32	RF	Dannon Larr		Male	23	 Octosaide

Typically, a player closer to the top of the chart within each position is more likely to be picked. This outfit of the Mertagnian National team will be playing in a 2-3-5 formation, that presses on the attack and is punishing if the ball is won in the attacking third. This team is also very capable of scoring from set pieces, and if an attack isn't looking feasible against a more defensively minded team, the players will be looking to create opportunities to get corners or free kicks.
If you RP first, you are encouraged to make a team selection that works for you.

A quick look at Tyrell Gulliver's notes shows...

Most likely to...
Score a goal: Claudio Vantula, Dani Emdelbia, Fabian Thundhart
Kick off a set piece: Benn Shakletinn, Erman Anteo
Make a magnificent cross: Benn Shakletinn, Dannon Larr
Stop an opposing attack: Tyson Oughtio, Luka Hazaluta, Euklades Hemingway
Get too stuck in and get a card: Donna Eclis, Hana Stelos, Neville Cate
Do something out of the ordinary: Fabian Thundhart, Luka Hazaluta, Pia Aziz

Our Kits:

Kits lovingly provided by Kirola Sportswear of Audioslavia.
Eskerrik asko, Anaia. Maite zaitugu.

Our Home:

Four stadia from the top fifteen have been selected to host home games in this Eagle's Cup run:

A map of Mertagne's top fifteen stadia.

Neorudo Cop Limy Stadium (Capacity: 96,300): The Cop Limy is an iconic stadium, formerly belonging to the city-state of Leorudo in which Mertagne was first settled long after their exodus. Home to the original Mertagnian team that is Lehen Neorudo, and situated in the Docklands district adjacent to the mountain that comprises of the sprawling city's 'Old Quarter', The Cop Limy is the premier venue for sports matches and concerts alike in the city. Upgraded several times over the years, the Stadium stands as a stereotype of the city itself - old architecture (present in the fancy stonework adorning the stadium's left long side) fused with the latest buildings (a white carbon fiber donut covering the other three sides). The stadium boasts the best in electronic scoreboard technology, and has a long strip of interactive screens surrounding the top rafters of the interior, which have been used for purposes such as advertising, light shows, and close-up camera feeds.
Located in the stadium complex is a museum dedicated to Mertagnian football, which includes the preserved former offices of the FMF, including the very boardroom where the COCANEFA LigAnaia was born.
Dannin City Stadium (Capacity: 85,750): Dannin City Stadium sits in the heart of Mertagne's capital, it's unique look ensures that it's both an art piece, a functional stadium, and an eco-friendly statement all at once due to it's assortment of solar panels. Home to top-tier team Century Mertagne, the patriotic lime and dark green seating is sure to excite any nation that comes to play here.
Ring Tank Stadium (Capacity: 54,000): Located in Ostosaide, this stadium is home to Octosaide, and as the name suggests, boasts the region's largest enclosed aquarium on the outside of the stadium. Large enough for sea creatures of all types to enjoy their lives, the aquarium is carefully maintained by a complex climate control system. Visitors to the stadium can view the aquatic flora and fauna from two angles - outside the stadium, with binoculars at regular viewing points around it, or from the inside at the Ring Tank Aquatic Viewing Centre. The pitch, located inside and away from the view of the aquarium, is well kept and its 54,000 seats are coloured in the blue and yellow of the local side.
Revolver Stadium (Capacity: 34,570): Home to Krytenian inspired Mertagne side Six Star Cyanaes, in the city of Cyanaes, Mertagne's southern province Bekkside is home to slightly warmer weather, and the revolver stadium is a nice open-air venue that has a distinctive 'bowl' shape, With two protruded sections coming off of the western end, making it look like a rounded 'A' from above. These protrusions host local businesses, offices and retail outlets, allowing you to enjoy leisure experiences all in one place. Mercia Plaza, which sits between the protrusions and welcomes guests to the stadium, is the perfect place to sit and relax before your game begins.

You may select any stadium from the four you wish your team to play in should you RP first.

Our Permissions:

My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
Choose my goalscorers: Yes
Godmod scoring events: Yes
RP injuries to my players: Yes
Godmod injuries to my players: Yes, but no outright killing.
Hand out yellow cards to my players: Yes
Hand out red cards to my players: Yes
Godmod other events: Sometimes. Send me a TG with what you're planning and I'll approve it if I like it.
Mertagnians wouldn't know the meaning of the word 'pandemic' if it sneezed in their face.

[Banija]

The Coulibaly Corner: Your one stop shop for everything college football!

Hey guys! Welcome back to my corner of the internet for everything college football! I, of course, usually cover the NSCF, especially the two Banijan schools, as well as domestic college football here in Banija. But I've been known to venture out to other sports time and time again!

Just because I like college football, it doesn't mean that I don't like other sports! I was thinking about what to write. We're in the in between period for the NSCF- playoff matchups have been set, and so teams are simply prepping for those games. Northern Moravica and Loyola-Istria are both in the postseason. But here's the question- what are the biggest matches that could've happened, but never happened? And with World Cup Qualifiers so pressingly looming around the corner, I think it would be best to go through that list- some with a soccer focus, some with a non-soccer focus.

Top 5 biggest game to never happen in Banijan sports history. Are you ready?

Let's Go!

#5 NSCF 19- Potential Rebel's Cannon Bowl for the NSCF Championship Game- but NMU establishes their own dominance instead

Let's set the scene, shall we? The Rebel's Cannon Bowl(at least from our biased source), is considered one of, if not the, premier international rivalry in the NSCF. What is the NSCF, for those who don't know? An international college football competition. If your nation is not much into college sports or gridiron, you might think, "how is an amateur match possibly on a list that also contains potential World Bowl matches and World Cup Finals?" But if your nation lives and breathes college football like Banija does- well, then you'd fully understand why this makes number five.

Loyola-Istria has two premier rivals. Their first, and oldest rival, stands as Northern Moravica University- the two Banijan schools are bitter rivals within the NSCF, and they do not like each other even a little bit. And then, of course, there's Richardson University of Ranoria. These international rivals, who started playing as soon as Loyola came back to the NSCF after a two year absence, finish every single season against each other. The games get crazy ratings in both countries. It's all on the line every time, and every year, there are massive stakes. This year was the most highly anticipated in years, as both teams were pretty elite, and were essentially competing against each other for what would've been a sure-fire first round bye in the NSCF 25 Playoffs. Unfortunately for the Blue Thunder, they've lost 4 in a row in that rivalry.

So let's set the scene, shall we? NSCF 14, Loyola wins its first ever NSCF title. NSCF 15 & 16, due to what can only be described as 'politics' in college sports on the home front, Loyola-Istria and Northern Moravica withdraw from the NSCF and return to domestic competition. NSCF 17, they return- Loyola wins a title behind the arm of superstar QB Isaka Jawara. NSCF 18, lose in week 2 against Northern Moravica, and win out until the championship game- until they lose, in Busukuma, to an extremely young Mar Sara Tech team. 14-2. Had a chance at 15-1, which could've been one of the best teams in NSCF history, especially since it would've been back to back. The pain of that loss causes Loyola's superstar QB, Isaka Jawara, to declare a return for one more year of college, to 'win a second championship'.

Meanwhile, at Northern Moravica, while they've racked up 4 conference titles at this point, are known for their severe lack of postseason success. In 5 NSCF seasons(12-14, 17-18) they've made the playoffs four times and only won one playoff game. They won in the first round of NSCF 18, only to then lose to their bitter rivals, Loyola, in the quarterfinals. It created chaos and frustration among Cougar nation. Everybody agrees that Horace Browning was fired simply because Loyola was winning titles. New season. The two bitter domestic rivals meet again, at Loyola's home stadium- this time in the stadiums. Loyola fans looking at the other semifinal. Another national rivalry. Richardson triumphs. If Loyola takes care of business at home, you'd have two huge rivals to face each other in the title game.

It would've been the "title game to end all title games", according to Head Coach Alanso Isa. Of course, it never happened. Much to the delight of half this country, Loyola was taken down by Northern Moravica, ending what would've been an epic rivalry match for the NSCF championship. A huge upset win on the road. Breaking a nearly 40 game home winning streak in NSCF competition for Loyola. And Northern Moravica, to further rub salt in Loyola's wounds, made the most of it, finishing the job by beating Richardson to win its first ever NSCF title.

#4 Potential world-regional double- Banijan march to history stopped by free-flowing Baker Park side at the AOCAF 62 Semifinals in Sarzonia

Now, this isn't necessarily about who the opponent would've been. This is about what the accomplishment would've meant. Let's set the scene here, shall we? Banija's history with the AOCAF, up until AOCAF LXIV, anyways, is a history of a bunch of close calls. Almost do it, but not quite. Let's go back to AOCAF LVIII. What a tournament that was. Bringing the regional championships to home soil, co-hosted with Baker Park. And the Banijans, absolutely standing up and killing it on home soil. Sweeping through their group. Reaching the quarterfinal stage for the fourth consecutive time- and then finally reaching the semifinals for the first time ever. Going all the way to the AOCAF Final, which was in Busukuma. What a moment to win our first major international trophy. And then... It was botched.

Equestria, our archrivals, came out and dominated us in that final. Now, we're going to get back to that later, but that sets the scene. We haven't had a real deep run in the AOCAFs since- until we reach AOCAF 62. Now, we had finally reached the pinnacle. Coming off of winning World Cup 86, our first ever world championship. Team is on a high. As a sign of peace, we're co-hosting a tournament with the Busoga Islands, thanks to the normalization of relations achieved with Baker Park as the mediators. Once again, we're making a run. But we had a special edition competition that tournament, allowing various cities from across the region to host certain games.

We reach the AOCAF Semifinals- with Baker Park, naturally, as our opponent. We are going for a world-regional double, to prove that we truly belong on top of the world. And win just one more game to reach the AOCAF Final, to try and make up for the AOCAF Final that we previously lost in our nation's capitol. And yet, instead of reaching that Final, for a chance to do everything and more- the Kadongo Kamu were dominated in Woodstock by the Bees. THey were on their own mission- long overdue for a major trophy. And they chose that to be their moment. What might have been, what could have been- but we were simply not good enough on that day.

#3 Potential World Cup 85 Final?

Let's get to World Cup 85. After World Cup 83, we had shot up the rankings at a pace that really hadn't been seen before(more on that, later), and suddenly, we were a global footballing power. World Cup 85. We're playing in Farfadillis. We're in Pot 1, playing in the neighboring country, and with so much excitement and joy and expectation. Would this be the time to win a World Cup? These times at the top, they don't last forever- as we so crushingly found out in World Cup 89. But these were more innocent times. Having recently won the Eagle's Cup, too, there is a sense of expectation.

Let's fast forward to the Finals. Third Place at World Cup 83, quarterfinals at 84. Would 85 be it? 22-1-1 record in qualifying. We immediately drop the opening game. We beat the Free Republics on Matchday 2, but we get lucky with a draw on Matchday 3 to make the knockouts. Then, we draw world #1 Vilita in the Round of 16- a team that played in 3 of the last 4 World Cup Finals, only being eliminated by us in World Cup 83. They got two wins from three in group play, and are high-flying. With the Vilitan national team visibly shaken from a missing national teamer literally returning during this match, we downed them. And then, we beat Zwangzug in the quarterfinals by a 2-1 scoreline to reach the semis. And in the semis, the only team we beat in group play, the Free Republics.

The moment was there, right? And we led our semifinals, 2-1, against the Free Republics after 80 minutes. And then- we faceplanted. One of the most glorious moments in Free Republics NT history was the worst moment in Kadongo Kamu history. So close to glory. But then, an epic collapse. Stunning. Pain everywhere. We lost 3-2. Tears flowing down everybody's faces. Republican players who are deliriously celebrating on one side, and Banijans utterly crushed. Of course, the same doomsday thoughts hit everyone- what if we blew our best ever chance at a World Cup?

The emotions of this have mostly been forgotten. Instead of allowing this to crush them, Marcus Waters turned this into positive incentives, and we won the very next World Cup. But that World Cup 85 Final would have been an epic moment if we could have made it, of course.

#2 Potential World Bowl XL Final- Banija v. Ranoria

Let's take a trip to World Bowl XL, shall we? Back to the gridiron. Let's talk about the Banijans, leading into that tournament. World Bowl XXXVI- the Banijans surprise most people, by beating the tournament hosts, Ko-oren, in the quarterfinals, and eventually making it to the semifinals, before we lost our fourth ever World Bowl semifinal. At that point, that put the Serpent Eagles at 0-4 in World Bowl semifinals, having lost semifinals at World Bowls 29, 30, and 31. So you have that scene, of Banijans in gridiron basically being permanently scared of semifinals. And then, the failures of recent tournaments. We lose, on home soil, to our bitter rivals, Ranoria, in the World Bowl XXXVII Quarterfinals. We then embarass ourselves at the next two tournaments. A team that thinks that they should be competing for a championship, getting eliminated in the group stages of the World Bowl? It's one thing to happen once(at 38), where we went 2-3. But this happening again at World Bowl XXXIX? And then losing to Farfadillis at the Olympiad, on home soil, to get eliminated in group play in that tournament as well?

Everything was a disaster at the national team level. The Olympic Committee declared that they would clean house- and they did. Alastair Jobs, the Loyola legend, resigning. Almost everybody being fired. Completely re-doing the operation. Them vowing that they would search far and wide for the next head coach, and subsequently doing so- and landing on the Ranorian, Thomas Hall. From their rival. Two group stage eliminations in a row. The Olympic Committee, trying to be realistic and reasonable, setting the goal of simply trying to reach the knockout stages as a reasonable goal.

But Thomas Hall went above and beyond. 10-0 in group play, #1 seed for the playoffs. Building a dominant defense. Allowing just 30 points through 10 games, to get to Karditan. And then, ensuring the defense maintains its level when it is there. And then, winning. And winning a lot. 14-7 over Newmanistan. Then, 13-0 over Ko-oren, who were the defending champions at the time. Then, yet another World Bowl semifinal, a stage where we had been buried so many times before. We actually overcame the hump and won that semifinal, defeating New England by a score of 23-14.

A reminder that the other team to go undefeated, of course, was Ranoria. They were dominant too. Here's an explanation of the intensity of this rivalry. But in their semifinal against Cassadaigua, they fell. It would have been such an epic Final. But Cassadaigua reminded everybody who they were, once again. They not only beat an undefeated Ranoria, but then also beat an unbeaten Banija as well, to win the World Bowl XL championship. Banija and Ranoria eventually got our battle in World Bowl XLII- and it's a game that we'd all rather forget.

#1 Potential World Cup 83 Final- Equestria v. Banija

This has to be at the top of the list. How much do you need to explain the Equestrian and Banijan soccer rivalry? Not that long before World Cup 83, the two fought a literal hot war- one of the most recent hot wars to be fought in Atlantian Oceania. This, of course, led to a Banijan surrender and Busogan independence from the Kingdom. At the tail end of that war, Banija qualified for the World Cup for the first time ever, and then it turned out that we would face Equestria in the opening match of that World Cup- in the Equestrian capitol city of Canterlot. History on the field, the political history off of it, and, for good measure, Equestrian domination of the rivalry.

There's nobody that Banijans want to beat, more than the Equestrians. In this era where Banija has really eclipsed Equestria in terms of rank, the Banijans still cannot beat Equestria. The Equestrians were twice winners over Banija at AOCAF 62. But there could have been an epic battle between them at World Cup 83- which would've really been, from a Banijan perspective, "the final to end all finals." Let's set the scene, shall we?

The Banijans, still relatively new at this. Three World Cup Qualifications to its name at the time, 80-82. In the AOCAFs preceding World Cup 83, was AOCAF LVIII, which we mentioned earlier. Playing our archrivals, in the Banijan capitol, for some major hardware- and the entire country watched the Kabaka hand the trophy, on behalf of the organizing committee, to the Equestrian NT captain. But camaraderie between the Kabaka and Equestrian government officials during that game eventually led towards the two nations bidding to host the World Cup, together.

Now, let's not get it twisted. While the Equestrians were favorites- ranked in the top 6, co-hosts, just won a regional title- the Banijans were not. The AOCAFs, of course, were simply seen, by both domestic and foreign media, as a magical run on home soil, by a nation that was far from a major one, punching well above its rank. Us Banijans, of course, were simply looking to make the World Cup knockout stages for just the second time in national team history. We went into the tournament ranked 22nd in the multiverse- not the ranking of a team with a real possibility of making a deep run, right?

Wrong. We shocked a lot of people by earning 7 points- still, to date, the most points we've earned in the group stages of a World Cup Finals before. And we've now competed in that tournament 9 separate times. A tournament-opening win over 37th ranked Taeshan, a 4-4 draw on Matchday 2 against Qasden, and then a 1-0 victory over Starblaydia, to make the knockout stages. The last win, particularly, was a stunning result. Starblaydia, 5 time world champions who were ranked 9th in the multiverse. The first of a string of impressive upsets by the Kadongo Kamu at the tournament. And it only got better from there.

We then faced the world #5, South Covello, in the Round of 16. That would be it, right? In one of the most incredible games that anyone has ever seen, a 0-0 draw after 90 minutes was 2-2 after 120, to force a shootout. Goalkeeper Lemuel Bereket had a major penalty save in the Starblaydia game to even make the knockouts. And then, he saved the decisive penalty in this shootout, to give Banija their first ever World Cup knockout stage win to make the quarterfinals. And that's exactly what they did. We pulled off what is widely considered The greatest upset in Kadongo Kamu history by stunning the then two-time defending world champions, Vilita, by a score of 3-2.

I was at that game. I've never experienced an environment like it, before or since. Hallowed grounds. Equestria dominating its side of the bracket, too, as we pull off upset after upset. We get Starblaydia in the semifinals. Equestria wins their semifinal. It would've been an all-time rivalry match, with two nations who recently fought a war, in the World Cup Final, in Canterlot. A chance for revenge after all those Ls they had given us, on and off the pitch. A chance for a true Cinderella run to the World Cup Final(ranked 22nd!) But... It was not to be. The clock had struck Midnight. A chance for what could've surely been the greatest moment in stadium history, snuffed out by a Starblaydian side that was simply stronger.

There you have it. The five greatest games that never happened in Banija history. What more do you want from me?

[Adab]

A Dance with Football
Snapshots of the lives of the people involved in Adabian football and those associated with them
For a full list of chapters click here. To read all the chapters in one go click here
For an (incomplete) list of major/prominent characters in this story click here and scroll down to the ‘Football’ section

Chapter 48: Saad, Salim, Emma, and Alu

July 13, 2036
Adab City

“I think this is the place, sir,” Salim the driver announced as the car drew to a halt before a pair of dark brown gates, closed shut. Beyond the gates he and his passenger could see a patch of finely cut grass on both sides of the short road inside, with a smattering of trees towering over the green land and ground lights along the road covering the terrain in a comforting ambience of light yellow. At the end of the horizon was a house with two floors, predominantly gray except for the white garage. It was a typical suburban house; it was these imposing gates and walls, behind which the house hid, that gave away the fact that they were in an upscale neighborhood.

Sitting across the driver as he looked again at the map on his phone, Saad Kaykali looked cautiously beyond the gates. A bright yellow light burst out of the windows of the house; there must be someone inside. But the gates would not open and no one was coming out of the house.

Salim turned his head some forty-five degrees towards the boss. “Sir,” he began, unsure and obviously choosing his words with care, “I’m not seeing anyone.”

“Is there not anyone inside?” Saad cast an increasingly inquisitive look, wiping the length of his upper lip with his tongue. He had not told the house’s owners he was coming. He did not even ask them the address, having gained it from the personal form which they were required to fill as members of the national team. Maybe showing up unannounced was turning out to be a bad idea. But surely someone would come out sooner or later to open the gates. “Strange. Maybe I should give them a call.”

“You told them they were coming, right, sir?”

“No, actually,” Saad shook his head.

“No?”

“I figured it would be better this way,” he sighed, rubbing his forehead. “I guess I’m wrong.”

But then something happened, and as Salim held his head back wondering if something sinister was about to happen, Saad leaned closer to the windshield and put his ear as close to the noise as possible. A harsh, deep-pitched rrrrr sound washed over the car and into their ears, and gradually the gates began to part, turning ninety degrees towards the inside and leaving an open path to the house. The gates did not need to be physically opened by a person after all.

Salim and Saad found themselves looking at each other. There was still no one coming out of the house, but its bright yellow light shone brightly like the sun at the end of the night. They could not linger here any longer, not if they didn’t want the neighbors to open their curtains wondering why some random car was sitting in front of the entrance.

“Should I just…” Salim pointed at the house and Saad nodded, pointing there too and urging him forward.

They cruised down the short road at a cautious, ceremonial pace with Saad admiring the trimmed grass and the trees along the way. The road turned a sharp right and gave way to a pretty sizable rectangular patch of asphalt in front of the house, with a little fountain in the middle. Between the fountain and the steps leading up to the front door the car stopped. Saad unlocked the door and gently nudged it outward, closing it behind him as he took in the sight of the house.

A knock-knock on the door window caused Saad to lean back, finding the window half-opened and Salim’s head almost popping out of the car. “Sir, where I do park?”

“Oh yeah, right,” Saad cast a quick glance to his left and right and behind. “Uh, maybe they’ll let you park there,” he pointed behind him, “or maybe you can use the garage. I don’t know, wait here.”

Saad started up the steps to the front door, unsure of who would greet him, if there was anyone. Well he had a pretty good idea of who lived in this place, but were those people here right now? Yeah, I should definitely call next time. But as his feet negotiated the last step, trudging forward to set himself erect before the door, it began to creak open, nearly hitting him in the process. Saad instinctively stumbled back almost to that last step as that familiar yellow light burst forward from the rectangular-shaped gap to cover him, the gap broken only by the beautiful blonde in the middle.

“Boss?”

“Emma.” Saad nodded, his lips relaxing into a gentle smile. “How are you doing? Is Alu inside?”

---

“That’s what the Emperor wants?” Alulim Sinmuballit leaned back on his seat sighing, hand covering half his head. Next to him, Emma Arthur shook her head, her jaws shifting quietly as if she were chewing gum. Across the long oval table, Saad nodded solemnly as an uneasy Salim avoided making eye contact with the visibly distressed hosts, instead trying to look as if he were contemplating the glasses of hot tea on the table, steam rising from them.

“He’s afraid the situation will escalate,” Saad added in a weary voice, clenching his lips together as he breathed. “That’s what he said to me.”

Alu gradually raised his head to meet the boss. “So you’re saying we should break up, boss?”

“Oh, no, no,” Saad was quick to clarify, waving his hands rapidly as he raised his voice for emphasis and Emma shot Alu a surprised glance. “No, of course not. Whatever you decide to do, I will do my best to support you, if you need me that is. But I will not intervene. I won’t.”

Alu nodded, and nodded again. Under the table his hand reached out for Emma’s, grasping it gently, his fingers tracing the length of hers. “Boss…” he hesitated, breathing more heavily as Emma held his hand with her other hand. “…you’re not angry with me, right? About…”

Saad knew what he meant. “Aida? No, it’s- it’s your choice and hers,” he shook his head, “and Aida isn’t mad at you. As long as everything is fine between you all, it’s not my business. It’s your happiness, and hers.”

“Boss,” Emma asked, rather straightforwardly, narrowing her eyes and shooting her manager a look that was half worry and half suspicion. “you’re not going to intervene, right?”

“It’s your business. It’s not my life,” Saad affirmed.

Now it was Emma’s turn to nod, holding Alu’s hand even tighter and shaking it a bit. “We’re sticking together. Everything that happens, we’ll face it together. Right, Alu?”

“Of course, Emms,” Alu said. But even as they reaffirmed their commitment Saad sensed that there was something wrong. They did not sound enthusiastic; if they were, they barely showed it. Even the normally vivacious Emma looked tired and wanted to get it over with – who wouldn’t – and Alu was so obviously worried and appeared deep in thought since the moment they sat down here.

“Hey, you alright?” Saad asked, concern showing through on his face, tentatively pointing at the tea “You still haven’t drank your tea.”

“I’m fine, I’m fine boss,” Emma replied, pulling her glass closer to her and flashing Saad a smile only to find the manager’s eyes pacing back and forth across the walls and furniture, admiring the ornaments of the house, trying to find something to do or say to put the couple at ease.

“Hey, uh…” Saad began, leaning just a bit closer across the table to the two, not sure of the right words to say. His voice had a tender tone to it. “…how are you both holding up? Is life here, uh, comfortable? Do people bother you here, like, you know, the journalists?”

“Nah, no,” Emma shook her head a little, her face still holding that sweet, but tired smile. But in the way she shook her head Saad could see there was more to it than she would tell him.

“Not here,” Alu continued, “but when we go out sometimes there’d be the paparazzi and all that. That’s why we don’t go out that much lately.”

Saad nodded in understanding. Last night, the two were the first to go home from the dinner at the Imperial Restaurant celebrating their IAC triumph. Even at the height of the celebrations they didn’t look like they wanted to be there. Saad may not have showed it that often, but he was sensitive to such things. It was just his nature.

“You should consider taking legal action. Keep those paparazzi away from you,” advised Saad as he continued to evaluate the furniture in the room, his eyes eventually falling on the piano at the far corner. “Who plays the piano here?”

“Emma,” Alu said as he gave her a light nudge on the shoulder. “Well, me too, but I’m pretty much a beginner. Emma is, uh, Level 3 something on that Alfred book?”

“Who’s Alfred?”

“Oh, it’s a piano book. Alfred is the company that makes those books, I think,” Emma said, her voice brightening up somewhat. “I used to take piano lessons and we’d use that book. I reached Complete Level 3 for the Late Beginner, whatever that means. I still practice by myself sometimes. I’m not much of a piano expert, though.”

“Come on,” Alu cooed with a smile, nudging her again, “you’re really good. You can play ‘Let It Be’ from start to finish!”

“Well, yeah…” Emma’s cheeks reddened as she returned Alu’s smile with one of her own, bringing her head down and avoiding eye contact with a shyness atypical of her. “…but it’s not- I’m not that good.”

Saad found himself smiling widely; it’s good to see them smiling. His eyes moved upwards, tracing the length of the ceiling. “You know, I used to have a piano too, back in my old house in Baghdad. My wife was the one who’s really good at it. I can play piano too somewhat, but I’m better at guitar.”

“Oh,” Emma said. “Did you ever play together?”

“Like sitting and playing the same song together? No, I don’t think we did.” Saad’s eyes continued to travel along the ceiling as an old memory came back to him. “Actually, yeah, we did, but not very often and not, you know, it’s not really… professional. We’d just bang out a bunch of random notes that sound good together. Maybe play a short and easy song, but her piano skills were too far above me to attempt that kind of duet thing.”

“Well that’s a shame,” Alu chuckled.

“But you know what we often did together?” Saad continued. “One-a-side football.”

“So a kickabout,” Emma riposted with a grin, clearly struggling to hold back her giggle.

“Well yeah, but we were two very imaginative people, so we formalized it. Like, we actually made rules and all that,” Saad smiled, still looking upwards as he visualized those days long gone by. “We put this little net on both ends of the backyard. Play lasted- well actually we had no hard rules on that, sometimes it’s 5 minutes, sometimes it’s 10, 15, whatever we wanted, but not very long usually. We’d often play it on weekends when I had no actual football matches.

“Every match started with kickoff in the middle of the backyard, like in normal football matches, and then we’d just run! We’d just run around and around the backyard, the two of us, trying to take the ball back from each other. Often we’d just try to shoot the ball right into the net from the middle, but then the ball would hit the fence. It’s ridiculous. The scores were wild. Sometimes it’s like, I don’t know, 10-6, 7-7. We once played for like 30 minutes and it ended with 20 goals. That’s got to be one of our greatest matches.

“No fouls were allowed though. I couldn’t bring myself to tackle my wife! Maria would sometimes try to tackle me and just push me down like it’s wrestling, so I’d just show her this red origami paper that I kept in my pocket and that’s it, she’s disqualified and I won. Silly girl.”

“Who won more often, sir?” Salim asked, finally breaking his silence.

“I think I did, but she won pretty often too, though that’s only because I let her win, so she wouldn’t whine about it,” Saad remembered with a wink. “That was my greatest rivalry. With the other teams I had to face them for only 90 or 120 minutes. This one I had to deal with 24 hours a day!”

That last line was enough to send everyone at the table into a fit of laughter, the happiest Emma and Alu had been tonight since the boss came. “You know, when I went to prison,” Saad continued once the laughter began to die down, “can you believe that Maria really proposed a 100-goal challenge once I got out? Like, whoever is the first to score 100 goals wins the match?”

“That was her idea?” Alu wondered.

“Yeah,” Saad gave a thumbs-up. “And I actually agreed to it, just for fun. Imagine if we had actually done it. All the noise complaints from our neighbors would have shut down the game long before we finished it.”

“That would’ve been fun,” Emma said, right before the realization struck her. “Wait, you never actually did it?”

At this point the smile began to dissipate from Saad’s face. The visualizations faded away, and Saad’s eyes traveled downwards from the ceiling to the table. Suddenly Emma remembered why that match was never played. Alu shot her an annoyed glance, as if she had asked something dumb. Which she just did. And she realized it. “Wait, boss, I- I’m sorry, you don’t-“

“No, no, it’s fine,” Saad said, sighing and clenching his lips as his eyes began to move upwards again, over Emma and Alu’s heads to cast a distant gaze at the wall behind them, avoiding eye contact with the two. Then those eyes went down again, followed by his bowed head. “When… when she had leukemia, I was allowed to go home to see her. I said to her that once she got better we would play that 100-goal match. Maybe not in the backyard, I don’t want to damage the fence. But we’d find a bigger field somewhere and we’d play that match. Just the two of us.

“She… wasn’t very responsive by that point. And of course we never got to play that match.” Head bowed, he managed to let out a chuckle. “The 100-goal game. The biggest match that never was.”

A stillness descended on the room, with Saad falling quiet and Salim beside him clearly not daring to speak and looking at Emma and Alu, who, in turn, were looking at each other, Emma with her face frozen and mouth agape and Alu with a look of Why the fuck did you even ask him that? They remained that way for what felt like an awfully long time.

Knowing that another “sorry” would just make things even more awkward, Emma slowly, wordlessly rose from her seat, backing away and walking across the room like a woman lost. Alu was tempted to ask where she was going but kept quiet, silently watching her as she exiled herself to the other end of the room knowing she’d just messed up.

He watched her as she just stood there for some time, then solemnly sauntered over to that long black object resting against the wall, taking her seat in front of it and opening the lid to reveal a board of white and black parts. Her entire being was focused on the board, not even bothering to acknowledge her audience of three. After yet another awfully long silence, her fingers came to move – softly, delicately, but with increasing confidence – across the board, pushing down the white and black strategically as the melody demanded.

As the melody continued, filling the room, Saad raised his head and, slowly turning on his seat to admire the pianist along with Alu and Salim, he began to mouth the lyrics.

When I find myself in times of trouble, Mother Mary comes to me
Speaking words of wisdom, let it be
And in my hour of darkness she is standing right in front of me
Speaking words of wisdom, let it be

Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be
Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

And when the broken hearted people living in the world agree
There will be an answer, let it be
For though they may be parted, there is still a chance that they will see
There will be an answer, let it be

Adab lineup for MD4

Starting lineup: Chandrasekar, Altun, Enmerkar, Issou, Frangieh, Arthur (VC), Sinmuballit, Orlev, al-Kufa, Yissakar, Yargab (C)

Substitutes: Shulgi, al-Tikriti, Sharkalisharri, Akshak, Thomas, al-Muntar, Samanu, Emmita, Uhwan, Zambiya, Akaptaha, Barzani

[Independent Athletes from Quebec]

OOC: The part 2 will be RP'd for next cutoff. Turns out I had too much fun with this one.

True North Sports

Top 6 of What if's in Quebecois Sports narratives - Part 1

Maria Sestito

Over the years, Quebec and Shingoryeo has become a major name on international sports, whether it be football, hockey, basketball or even olympic sports, and we've played quite a few of our rivals at various points. Sometimes we would come out on top, other times not so much - basketball vs. Banija or hockey vs. Siovanija and Teusland are prime examples. Still, most of our two-way rivals tend to come from those we enjoy friendly relations with, and the rivalry doesn't really see riots or wars happen over it, which is pretty good considering our infamy abroad.

Now, we still cannot deny thatthere could have been more history established between the Quebecois and the rest of the world, and the gaps that we and some of our rivals/allies rarely overlap with each other, causing some critical gaps to all this. So, with some help of a predictive model established by T2000-COMM, why don't we go into those what if's?

1. FOOTBALL - WORLD CUP 67 GROUP STAGE: QUEBEC & SHINGORYEO vs. CASSADAIGUA

The World Cup 67 was memorable to the Grim Reapers for many reasons. After four awful but slowly-improving cycles and a surprisingly strong qualifier stage back in World Cup 66 that saw them only miss out due to 1) the super-short qualifier stage that only saw the group winners qualify, and 2) the might of Kiryu-Shi who ploughed through everybody else in the group stage. The Grim Reapers continued to improve this cycle as well, beating out both Taeshan (in middle of their 19 cycles and 40 years of qualification futility) and eventual rivals Sao Jose Guayabal on their rookie campaign, before losing on the play-offs to The Archiregimacy on 3-8 aggregate score.

It would take two more tries at the play-offs before the Quebecois would qualify for the first time, but there's a huge what if that does lie upon what if the Quebecois had actually qualified for the World Cup 67, in that one of the hosting nations happened to be a powerful ally and friend of ours in future-time in Cassadaigua. At the time of the hosting, Cassadaigua was going through a particularly turbulent period in history with the Meghan Kinson case, as the nation had to address strong dilemma with men's rights. Considering the monarch and crown prince at the time - socially progressive Sylvain IV and brilliant mind HRH Henri were still in good health at the time - it would have brought interesting possibilities for both nations had either and presumably HRH Jacques, then a high school senior like HRH Caspian, the Duke of Halifax, were back then, were able to come.

So let's say this on more of a political and historical enquiry - what if the Quebecois had gotten luckier on the playoff draw and had won it? The Quebecois, while a rising name that's yet to really take off, would have been a fitting opposition for the hosts whose form may not have been the strongest at that time period, but were still a very good side with history of winning.

Of course, while the actual World Cup 67 did not give the top seed to either cohost on the merits of being a cohost, such possibility would have been interesting. Not only would the two-time champions, a major Rushmori name in all sports, be facing off against a rising name in Quebec & Shingoryeo, it would have allowed for the congregation of both nations' royalty to occur. Considering the storm that would hit both their houses, this does add several questions that may get me in trouble: What if HRH Jacques or Alexandrine had made it to there? What if HRH Alexandrine had met Prince Clint? or more interestingly, what if HRH Jacques met Princess Cassie? Most importantly, would the Quebecois have pulled off a massive upset over the hosts like how they did back in the opening match of World Cup 69 (we still remember Apox 1-5 Quebec very well)?

Ha ha no. The hosts, under Ashley Barrett, would walk off winners under our prediction model. The opening match of the tournament would go onto set the pace for the Dagans, whose history of winning and home advantage would propel them further all the way into the quarterfinals. The Quebecois would then have to wait for few cycles before they would face each other again, only a few on this case though....[EDITOR'S NOTE: PLEASE DON'T SUE US CONCORD HEIGHTS, THANKS.]

OUTCOME: Cassadaigua 4–2 Quebec & Shingoryeo

2. HOCKEY - WORLD CUP OF HOCKEY 27 FINAL (AGAIN!): QUEBEC & SHINGORYEO vs. GYATSO-KAI

What if, what if, and what if! Even more now that the Bisons have finally won their second one at Rink of Dreams while the Ice Knights fell well short at first round and nobody's happy about that.

The World Cup of Hockey 26 was a memorable one of own. A long playoff stage that saw Quebec & Shingoryeo beat out Valanora on semifinals and Gyatso-Kai the same to the Eel Cat Things of Vilita and Turori in what was an all-AO final four. The battle of two offensive sides. One side led by then-captain Hakoda Ishii (now one of very few coaches out there to have won a WCoH as a player and head coach) and superstar Kad Skirata. Other side guarded by the greatest goaltender in Quebecois history, Sir. Alexandre Browne-Hahm, a gigantic 7'6" defenceman Yves Jodoin, and a pair of Sanctii stars who defected from the theocracy. And all in all, it ended in the fifth game, with the Quebecois coming from two games behind to win it on a remarkable reverse sweep.

What's hard to swallow for many people, who have witnessed the greatness of both sides in past and present, is that there's such a great gap between the rivalry, which have only happened four times in actual history - WCoH 26 Finals, round robin of Hockey Nations' League, the WCoH 42 quarterfinals (shootout victory for the Grim Reapers) and not to mention the Quebec-GKI SuperSeries that ended with a 2-0 sweep for the Avatarians. But there's a huge gap that goes over twenty years between the first two occurrences, as the gigantic shroud of 'SILENCE' fell upon Gyatso-Kai after a massive scandal that shook the bane of Avatarian sports. Like two decades of absence that struck Cassadaigua in the immediate years following the Seth Johnson case, this came abruptly and left all sort of questions that make everybody wonder on what if's. Two respectful sides who love coming out on fire, who have strong hierarchies and traditions of own, and have no shortage of words to exchange about each other. What is there not to love about?

Maybe things could have gone differently if there was no such scandal (don't worry, we had our own that eventually struck us a decade later - apparently these things come in circles). The fourth-ranked Avatarians, fueled by the historic series, storms past everybody to make the finals as the overall #1 seed. Sir. Alexandre Browne-Hahm, now well into his thirties, come back once more under the command of coach Guy Aronnax, and fueled by the goaltender's heroics of own, actually outlast Gregoryisgodistan in the quarterfinals as a third-seed.

The rematch, between the northern Atlantian Oceania powerhouses, would have been intense. After the game 1 win by the Avatarians, the Quebecois rally back with back to back overtime wins, including a game 3 winner scored on 3OT by none other than 33-year old Colm Strojovic. Of course, the fate says otherwise to that, and the Avatarians win next two with 21-year old Song Unataq scoring the championship-winner from a brilliantly-timed Hakoda Ishii pass that eludes Browne-Hahm into history books. Of course, this won't be the last time they face each other - they will face each other for next two or four or six finals until they both give up. Just maybe. My my....

OUTCOME (BEST-OF-5):

Gyatso-Kai 4–2 Quebec & Shingoryeo
Quebec & Shingoryeo 7–7 Gyatso-Kai (8–7 OT)
Gyatso-Kai 2–2 Quebec & Shingoryeo (2–3 OT)
Quebec & Shingoryeo 2–5 Gyatso-Kai
Gyatso-Kai 2–2 Quebec & Shingoryeo (3–2 OT)

3. FOOTBALL - WORLD CUP 78 QUARTERFINALS: QUEBEC & SHINGORYEO vs. SCHOTTIA

Now let's move fast forward by a decade and go to the biggest football question in history of Quebecois sport. Quebec & Shingoryeo had hosted the World Cup 77 with Sao Jose Guayabal, and walked off with what's still the best performance in the Grim Reapers history with a 4th place. Now, now, that's not the most important part of it all, as the nation has seen past success before - making four consecutive knockout rounds and two quarterfinals before that can confirm - but it's on what was lost. Like with our friends in Cassadaigua or Gyatso-Kai, the nation was undergoing through some major turmoil at the time, in a manner no different to our friends in either nation. While there were lots of events that happened on 'Autumn 2028 Scandal' shortly after the World Cup, we remember the most about how there was a major sponsorship and infrastructure deal scandal that basically implicated half the cabinet, causing the furious Jacques IX, whose interests on football did hold less water compared to his usual sports fitting more to his interests, to immediately shut down all international representation of Quebecois football national teams outside of Quebecois Commonwealth competitions.

So that leaves the massive what if in Quebecois football history - Quebec vs. Schottia on an actual match. This question's been asked for last couple of decades now, not just because of long history of Quebecois players excelling in the SPL or the presence of 2 million Quebecois of Schottian origins out in the east coast, but because of the surprising truth that there has only been one exhibition match, that was played in Handon, between two longtime allies.

Perhaps we are all wondering about this because of the way the trajectories had worked out for them and the players themselves. While the Tyran republic has been a highly respectable name on the international circuit as long as we could remember, it was only under Sir. Lionel Mah, the no-nonsense Quebecois manager, that they have managed to find consistency and break the ceiling imposed upon them. And there's Leonardo 'the clutch' Conavacio's marriage to Schottian physiotherapist Claire Hanson, Corinne Martel-Burns growing up idolising Hazel van Robben, and not to mention Hwang Joon-Ho's legends with Port Sebastian....too many storylines for there to have been not a single official match on senior level.

So let's say the Quebecois and the Schottians, both firmly entrenched into the top pot by now, manage to survive the qualifying stage, and then the group stage. Fans from both sides of the fence, realising that they could face each other for that semifinals ticket if they can survive the round of sixteen, still a major hurdle for both sides. They both manage to do it anyway, and here comes the showdown in Bonesea, the country of mysteries, darkness and of course, bones, as Lionel Mah and Chochera Castillo battle it out on what everybody has waited for ages.

But these are not the Schottians we've remembered for struggling in the cycles leading up to the fate-changing Cup of Harmony 68. Armed with strong teamwork, exceptional grit and not to mention the pair of Evelyn Conjure and Corinne Martel-Burns, the two biggest names for them at the time, the Schottians come out victorious over the Quebecois who watches distraught Castillo, on the verge of mental illness, retire from management after the match.

OUTCOME: Independent Athletes from Quebec 2–2 Schottia (2–3 AET)

[Mertagne]

Thank you Zwangzug for opening the door to me writing an RP I have always wanted to write.

The Turorian referee had finally produced his coin.
"Heads," said Luke Mitchell firmly.
Harper shrugged. "Sure, tails."...
"Bah! I had a good feeling about that one," grunted Luke Mitchell loudly enough to shake Harper out of her reverie. She glanced over at the coin - and it'd been tails.

The Turorian referee had finally produced his coin.
"Heads," said Luke Mitchell firmly.
Harper shrugged. "Sure, tails."...
"Hah! I had a good feeling about that one," shouted Luke Mitchell loudly enough to shake Harper out of her reverie. She glanced over at the coin - and it'd been heads.

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Calanian Union Exit Eagle's Ecstatic
Eagle's Cup Team Claims Historic Victory in 2-1 win at Tropicorp

1st August 2191

by Harvey Harding

---

Tropicorp Park, TROPICORP--- An historic victory for the fledgling Calanian Union was achieved last night in Tropicorp, as members of the national team from both the Syndicate and the freshly established nation of Mertagne united in a fantastic display of football against up-and-coming sporting greats Nephara.

The match, the final of the thrilling fifth edition of the Eagle's Cup, saw both teams arrive to Tropicorp Park after two very hard fought cup campaigns. Nephara entered the final through the slaying of the giants from The Holy Empire in a 2-1 battering, fresh off the high of a victory against AO stalwarts Legalese. The Calanian Union have tread a similar path, smacking out an AO stalwart in Vilita in the quarter finals, but eked out a win against other AO stalwarts Turori in what was an avenging match for the Eels. Fortunately, the Eels were unable to bar the door from the Calanian Union, allowing them to enter the final for a chance at becoming the next prestigious member of the Eagle's Club.

The crowds flocked to Tropicorp Park in their droves to watch this highly contested game between two nations that have yet to achieve the zenith of their multiversal sporting careers. Opponents Nephara look to be hailed from a particular sporting pedigree of the class of BoF 71, with the Premiership rapidly becoming a household name in Rushmori sporting circles, while the Union, one cycle their senior, has integrated well into regional football, hosting the AOCAF as The Inevitable Syndicate, and with continuing high performances from domestic teams Fligsive FC and Magnaeus City in both the AOCL, and the UICA Tournaments. Tensions were high among fans of both teams, as a win in a tournament as prestigious as this one would be just the key to earn international sporting praise, and enter the upper echelons of association football across the multiverse.

Many were on the edge of their seat as the pitch fell silent for the coin toss. A called out 'heads' from Calanian captain Luke Mitchell resulted in the first victory of the night for the Calanians, as the coin returned a head (presumably of a Cocoabo) and allowed the Calanians to kick off. A strong start to the match for both teams saw many attempts to score, and both goalkeepers were experiencing some of their finest hours - even though the match had barely scraped the half-hour mark, it looked as if Crisisbless keeper Diandra Ballard and Kurtz Herritik shot-stopper Matt D'Sauviterre were working overtime, as the forwards of both teams pummeled the goal with a volley of attacking shots. D'Sauviterre in particular made quick work of strikers such as Rook Cathar, who came in too close to D'Sauviterre to give even an inch. Towards the end of the first half, a blazing long shot from Luke Mitchell looked to edge out the Calanians going into the break, but once again the shot was blocked by Diandra Ballard.

The stadium was on a knife-edge going into the second half, and it seemed that both the Calanians and the Nepharim were refusing to budge. However, it was the opponents that were the first to break the stalemate, after the perilous pace from Cathar clearly dented the pride of David Tavel, as the former managed to smash the ball into the top-left corner, giving Nephara the first goal of the match. Celebrations soared as the players beamed towards the Nepharim crowd, and the Calanian side reflected the bruised ego of Tavel, keen to shake it off going into the kick-off. An old Burgess sea shanty glided across the stadium, clearly to soothe the nerves of the Burgess defender, and hone the focus of the Calanians to a bow-tip.

The energised Calanian side clapped back with clout, as several attacks from west aided by Birch threatened to equalise for the Union. Ultimately, Mitchell came in clutch to do so. Aided by Fletcher, the SK Franz Josef City forward flicked the ball past Tosca Marlowe and, with an almost ruthless grace, fired a low and bracing shot that allowed him to show off his seniority to the Calanians and the Nepharim alike. Fifty-eight minutes in, and the score was once again tied up, both sides taking a bite out of each other and looking wounded for it, yet with an insatiable hunger that was to carry both sides towards the end of the match.

The game continued with few opportunities for either side to clinch the victory, however in the eightieth minute, things looked to be undone for the Calanian Union as Jess Leinster pulled ahead of Meteorite Aaron Allen in the midfield, which was cleverly spotted by Catheline Stockinger, who had moved down to receive a pass from a now exhausted Leinster. The ball found her feet, well ahead of Allen, and with two people left to stop her she slipped past Tavel and Morgan with ease. Letting the ball fly, the audible cry could be heard from the Calanian fans as an exhausted D'Sauviterre reached with all his might, fingers brushing past the ball as it sailed just over the crossbar.

Another golden opportunity from the Nepharim luckily stopped by the prowess of the hungry Union team, the Calanians stopped the resulting corner, winning the ball, and continued a relentless assault for the final ten minutes. However, this still wasn't quite enough to bring the medals home, but salvation for the Union side came in the final minutes of the additional four minutes of injury time, as the ball came deep from the midfield through Fletcher, and briefly through Ott, to the lightning fast feet of Spencer Fox. Fox took advantage of a James Sleet at the end of his rope, after spooking a rattled Marlowe, and pulled forward to take a last-gasp shot at Ballard, which rocketed from Fox's feet into the top right corner of the net, sealing the fate of the Nepharim side and snatching the victory for the Calanians.

The stadium erupted with the cheers of Calanians, with tears in the eyes of the many. After years of heartbreak, the Calanians had finally pushed through and defeated one of their most bitter rivals, to claim the fifth Eagle's Cup as their own, and with it full membership to the Eagle's Club, and all that entails. The Nepharim, ever the sportspeople, were truly gracious in defeat, and the Comorants seemed proud of their silver medals as the medal presentation ceremony was overseen by the higher ranking members of the Eagle's Club. As the Calanians collected their gold medals, and celebrated as the Calanian Green confetti billowed around the stadium, those watching in the stands, listening on the radio, and watching on the television across the multiverse felt that this moment could be the crucible for a new age of Calanian football. Twenty-two individuals, and Gerald Montier as their manager, successfully broke the glass ceiling of Calanian football, and will not just bring back several medals and a trophy, but the pride of a nation, and the foundation of a resurgence in the beautiful game.

[Sargossa]

The Eagle's Cup XII


Sargossa - 'The Corsairs'


Head Coach

Brian McAllister (Tikariot)
It’s a little while now since Brian McAllister swapped the relative comfort of being a number two for the crucible of international head coachery. A key part of the backroom team that masterminded Tikariot’s highly impressive arrival onto the world stage, McAllister has led Sargossa to back-to-back Copa Rushmori titles and a fourth place finish at the Cup of Harmony. But World Cup performances have been increasingly underwhelming.

Backroom Staff

Assistant Head Coach: Gregory Wallen (Tikariot)
Assistant Head Coach: Miguel Marí
Defensive Coach: Iker Conde
Attacking Coach: Jordi Suárez
Goalkeeping Coach: Dario Almirón
Fitness Coach: Luis Miguel Sacristán
Team Doctor: Dr Carla Segura

Talent

GK: 1. Alejandro Martínez (29) – Sportivo Soluca
GK: 13. Sergio Arrabal (29) – Alianza Jucaro
GK: 25. Zacarías Cotilla (20) – Rubio Bayamo

As a teenager Martínez was touted as a future star by no less a luminary as former Corsairs’ keeper and coach Martín Tejera. He’s know showing exactly why he earned that praise. Sergio Arrabal spent his formative years as a hugely talented understudy at Ciudad Soluca. He had to move to Alianza to finally prove he had what it takes to be a number one. Cotilla provides a very highly regarded back-up option.

DR: 2. Tobías Figueroa (24) – El Nacional
DC: 5. Juan Esnáider (34) – Oriannor Mountaineers (Tikariot)
DC: 6. Sebastián Cáceres (20) – Sporting San Marquez
DL: 3. Alfonso Barrueco (25) – Ciudad Soluca
DLC: 12. Víctor Miralles (31) – El Nacional
DRC: 14. Máximo Moya (27) – Sporting San Marquez
DL: 19. Juan Manuel Martí (30) – Sportivo Soluca
DC: 21: Joaquín Sanz (20) – El Nacional

A reversion to a back three seems to have solved some noticeable defensive issues suffered by the side in previous campaigns. The side has looked much harder to break down, as shown at the Copa Rushmori in Mytanija. The experienced Juan Esnáider remains the leader at the back but the coaching staff have been searching around for real quality at centreback. Sebastián Cáceres could be the answer. The barrios of San Marquez look to have produced another gem. Miralles and Moya look likely to battle it out for the third spot. Figueroa and Barrueco are both comfortable ranging forward, and represent potent weapons in attack. Often at the expensive of their defensive work.

DMC: 4. Esteban Pomar (32) – El Nacional
AMR: 7. Édgar Elvira (27) – Dínamo Maturín
MC: 8. Enrique González (27) – Ciudad Soluca
AML: 11. Esteban Leguizamo (32) – Blacklake Blues (Taeshan)
AMRC: 15. Agustín Soria (25) – Sportivo Soluca
MC: 16. Facundo Franco (19) – Estrella Torreón
DMC: 18. Marcos Águila (26) – El Nacional
MC: 22. Juan Sebastián Varela (27) – Alianza Jucaro
AMLC: 24. Martín de la Cavallería (20) – Dínamo Maturín

If the wingbacks don’t push forward in support, there’s a danger in the midfield duo becoming overwhelmed. So a pairing with plenty of lung capacity is a must. Enrique González has become one of the first names on the teamsheet and is likely to continue partnering Juan Sebastián Varela, with Marcos Águila pushing both hard for a starting berth. Midfield destroyer Esteban Pomar and some exciting prospects will likely see plenty of action from the bench. The initial delight shown by the wingers at the appointment of a coach who might actually use them in the preferred roles has worn off since the recent tactical tweak, having found themselves as plan Bs once again.

FLC: 9. Mauricio Sainz (30) – Ciudad Soluca
FRLC: 10. Diego Alejandro Costa (32) – Ciudad Soluca
FC: 17. Mateo Manzanares (24) – Dínamo Maturín
FRC: 20. Juan Pablo Montenegro (20) – Alianza Jucaro
FL: 23. Alonzo Bienvenida (32) – Sportivo Cordova

Scoring goals has never been too much of a problem for Sargossa so personnel in the offensive third are likely to remain largely unchanged. Mateo Manzanares has made the central striking role his own but Diego Alejandro Costa’s dip in form in the second half of qualifiers is unlikely to count against him. Alonzo Bienvenida proved a revelation at the Copa, cutting in from the right onto his favoured left foot and will likely keep his place. Juan Pablo Montenegro led the line at the Olympics and is an interesting prospect.


Style

Brian McAllister, alongside Stuart Ekstrom, implemented an attractive, fluid, attacking style on their Tikariot side. With a formation that was 4-3-3 in possession, 4-5-1 without it and plenty of movement, both on and off the ball. Swift, short passing and forwards switching positions to confuddle the opposition were also hallmarks of that Tikariot approach. The coach hasn’t quite been able to bring that tactical blueprint to bear in Sargossa. Unfortunately, while effective going forward, the Corsairs have been slightly woeful at the back. Which has led to something of a tactical rethink. In response McAllister has moved to meld a defensive form his charges are comfortable with, namely a back three, but still keeping the attacking flourish his own favoured system has displayed. Creating something akin to a hybrid 5-2-3.

The SuperLiga is quite a physical league so challenges can often be described as 'uncompromising' and cards are pretty common. Gamesmanship, while never encouraged, is also not entirely uncommon. But diving is considered particularly stigmatic so Sargossan players are unlikely to be found doing it.

Style Modifier = (+2)



Kit
Courtesy of ediraf





Permissions
If my opponent RP's first they can:
Choose my goalscorers: Please do
Godmod Scoring Events: Yes
RP injuries to my players: Yes (within reason)
Godmod injuries to my players: No
Hand out Yellow cards to my players: Yes
Hand out Red cards to my players: Yes
Godmod Other Events: Yes. Just no killing anyone.

[Zwangzug]

The question of whether Zwangzug might have achieved long-term success if their national team had endured into World Cup 43 is occasionally explored in computer game simulations, but not a major topic of fandom discussion. Perhaps fans are inclined to see the first-generation team as a narrative more than an enduring dynasty, with their disappearance the narrative cost of such a climactic ending. Of course this mindset is dangerous and prone to bringing about fallacious lines of argument.

One caveat concerns World Cup 44, hosted by Candelaria And Marquez of Rushmore and Kura-Pelland in Atlantian Oceania. If Zwangzug had qualified for that tournament, the geopolitics of visiting either country--occasional friendly rivals--could have been intriguing. Kura-Pelland would finish third in their next hosting venture in World Cup 47, but Zwangzug did not get to meet them in competitive matches.

Likewise, a showdown with Errinundera at their peak may have produced fireworks. When the Potoroos were on their way to a second-place finish in World Cup 36, they earned many fans in Zwangzug who admired the nation's committed environmentalism; later, Zwangzug would join the region of Forest that was stewarded by Errinundera for many years. However, upon further scrutiny, the parallels diverge. Errinundera were spirited attackers; the Namiri region, the most-radical environmentalists in Zwangzug, are wholeheartedly karelan. Errinundera support ecological advances through warmhearted anarchy; Zwangzug, through stifling bureaucracy. Errinundera had a self-described "genderqueer" player (before he converted to The Archregimancy and went by the name Father David, anyway); Zwangzug, despite several legal attempts at formalizing the rights of intersex persons, has taken a more conservative approach to concepts of gender identity. And while Zwangzugians value the rights of trees, you won't see any of them adopting the potoroos' unconventional letter-case system. Perhaps such a rivalry is best left to the imagination.

Zwangzug and Aguazul's national teams have never been seen in the same place at the same time. This may be a case of what the cool kids are calling "contrastive distribution," but come on. Aguazul may have been a dysfunctional dictatorship, but they actually understood football.

---

Valerie Waugh's 26th-minute goal was enough to give Zwangzug the edge against Banija in their opening match. The second round featured a dominant defeat of Græntfjall, as well as Quincy Dulk-Fough's first-ever goal for the national team. Despite the presence of several Zwangzugians in the Græntfjaller Premier League, few footballers have made the return journey, perhaps because of our society's extreme intolerance of Cabañas effect. (Another big difference between us and Aguazul.) "Look, the Jorvelki people with their weird patronymics and stuff, fine," groused a Bassabook Baritone employee, off the record. "But this 'Icelandic' alphabet? Completely out of the question." The Baritone staff were so annoyed about the prospect of copying and pasting that they didn't have anything rude to say about Ari Hlynursbur, which may be a first (see above).

Zwangzug will take on the Nephara Cormorants next, who are likewise yet to concede through their first two matchdays.

[Ko-oren]

The Eels of Turori started their title defence with a game against the Dragonflies. Speaking of 'defence', the Dragonflies kept a clean sheet in their third futile attempt at getting anywhere in the Eagle's Cup (the previous two times we were allowed into the competition on a mix of pity and 'they asked nicely'), while scoring once for a trademark 1-0 win. That said... don't give up on the improvised XI of Ko-oren just yet: even with a mix of NT starters and NT maybes in the back line, they kept a Turori team that would go on to score five against Pyazhnaya at bay. Hekkert scored the only goal after an hour had passed on a counter attack, with Borthwell assisting a lofted pass over the only two defenders left behind. Neihof had a few good saves but it was clear he was used to the five man back line of Straudum VV. That still left Neihof a great goalie but also a goalie with a lot less to do during a club match. Van Schelven (obviously) stood out among the defenders, with Jundy looking like he didn't belong - even though his name has been in the hat for starting leftback for a few cycles now - and Yoshimi, Miller, and Ferreira, the trio of young talents, looking solid enough to maybe get a call for the next World Cup qualification attempt. Borthwell was the one starting attacks - Vaugrenard was busy covering for the rest of the midfield and Bonschotten particularly didn't look too sure of his positioning, leaving our entire left flank somewhat understaffed between him and Jundy, and yCinrhadd took over double duty as left midfielder and central midfielder, at least, until Bonschotten was taken off for Odgers, a much needed defensive anchor. That also freed up Vaugrenard and yCinrhadd to do their normal duties - hence that one goal we scored. This is yCinrhadd's second stint in the national team, a player who never appeared in the Top League but has since played in seven different countries in seven years, at the age of 24 - he's good, but his hobby for travel doesn't stand in between him and a successful footballing career... apparently.

Speaking of Turori and the upcoming World Cup qualifiers: we've been the second seed to their first seed a number of times, making Turori one of the teams we ran into quite a bit, and yet, we never really developed a rivalry. Early on, our rivalry was with Darmen (and still is, but the football gods keep us far apart as of late), and then, the Dragonflies bounced between Cup of Harmony and World Cup too much to run into the same opponent multiple times. A list of rivalries - I mean, I don't have to make this up, this work has been done before me - comprises Cosumar, Osarius, Kita-Hinode, who all have been slightly invisible in modern times, and we haven't seen Sargossa or Darmen in ages either. Equestria, Astograth, and Kandorith are three teams we love playing but even that's few and far between. And yes, there is overlap between the 'list of teams we've lost a World Cup Round of 16 against' and the 'list of rivals'. There is also an overlap between 'the list of nations in Baptism of Fire 42' and this list: Astograth and Kandorith, in particular, but Polar Islandstates (another name of times past) would fit on there as well. And we've played them even less frequently than the other bunch. Back in the AOCAF days, Cosumar, Equestria, and Osarius were regular fixtures. Now, in the CAFA days, we're just counting down the days until we get unceremonially scoreless'd out of a knockout game by Salstead.

As for games that could have started rivalries... if only they happened... take place largely in the days where the Dragonflies just didn't get much done in the knockouts. Our Round of 16 defeat to Nephara, at the time, didn't signify much as Ko-oren was just one more minor speedbump on the way to the Cormorants' first title. On their road to their second, they again had to go through us - so we could call Nephara a rival. If only we had some hype going for us in World Cups 74 and 75 - the most recent time Ko-oren made two straight World Cup knockout rounds. Both times, had we overcome our first hurdle, we would have played either Cosumar or Quebec, making either of them into legitimate rivals. The only other time we made two consecutive knockouts were in World Cups 69 and 70 (yes, the Dragonflies actually were quite good in the 70s, but never broke the curse), where we lost to Audioslavia (or had gone on to play Turori) and Osarius, respectively. Osarius is already on the list, and had we won that, we would have played Pasarga - who again crossed our paths in both World Cup 87 and 89 before or after Ko-oren's only ever Round of 16 wins. Generally, we have just had very poor luck by running into the World Cup winners very early on in a tournament.

Anyway, back to the question: "What about the big matches that never happened?". The long answer: "We have a short memory but generally seem to run into Cosumar, Pasarga, Valanora, and Nephara in key places - but those are the games we do make rather than the games we don't..." The short answer: "Eight fucking quarterfinals between World Cups 66 and 85, and we don't care who we would run into".

[Zwangzug]

We had a song about Eagles, so now it is time for...Cups. Bear with me as we work through the rigamarole of the different mini-tournaments/teams cycling in and out!

Optional RP prompt/suggestion for the next matchday: Understood backwards, lived forwards. Nobody springs fully-formed from the head of Zeus (okay, maybe they do if you have youth namegens). What was going on in the world/your nation when your current stars were being born? What did they get up to before they were celebrities? Who was the first to see their potential? Or yell at me because you don't have an aging system and this is all very silly.

Matchday Three:

Eagles Club
Banija 0–0 Græntfjall
Zwangzug 0–1 Nephara

* Eagles Club                    Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Nephara                          3   2  1  0    2   0  +2    7
2 Zwangzug                         3   2  0  1    4   1  +3    6
3 Banija                           3   0  2  1    0   1  −1    2
4 Græntfjall                       3   0  1  2    0   4  −4    1

Eagles Select
Squornshelan Remnant States 2–2 Baker Park
Independent Athletes of Quebec 0–0 Mertagne

* Eagles Select                  Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Independent Athletes of Quebec   3   2  1  0    3   1  +2    7
2 Baker Park                       3   1  1  1    4   4   0    4
3 Mertagne                         3   0  2  1    2   3  −1    2
  Squornshelan Remnant States      3   0  2  1    4   5  −1    2

Champions Group
Trolleborg 1–3 Turori
Pyazhnaya 0–1 Ko-oren

* Champions Group                Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Ko-oren                          3   3  0  0    3   0  +3    9
2 Turori                           3   2  0  1    8   2  +6    6
3 Trolleborg                       3   0  1  2    1   4  −3    1
4 Pyazhnaya                        3   0  1  2    0   6  −6    1

Confederations Qualifying Group
Tumbra 1–1 Sharktail
Ochre Islands 0–1 Sargossa

*  Confederations Qualifying Group Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Tumbra                            3   2  1  0    5   1  +4    7
2 Sharktail                         3   1  2  0    5   4  +1    5
3 Sargossa                          3   1  1  1    2   3  −1    4
4 Ochre Islands                     3   0  0  3    2   6  −4    0

Newcomers Cup
Huayramarca 2–5 Chartistan

* Newcomers Cup                  Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Chartistan                       2   1  1  0    8   5  +3    4
2 Strayaroos                       2   0  2  0    3   3   0    2
3 Huayramarca                      2   0  1  1    2   5  −3    1

Which means Matchday 6 will have Sargossa vs. Strayaroos and Ochre Islands vs. Chartistan! [These matchups were previously posted in error, it has been corrected. Thank you to Turori for the quick catch.]

Matchday Four

Eagles Club
Græntfjall 0–1 Nephara
Zwangzug 2–0 Banija

* Eagles Club                    Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Nephara                          4   3  1  0    3   0  +3   10
2 Zwangzug                         4   3  0  1    6   1  +5    9
3 Banija                           4   0  2  2    0   3  −3    2
4 Græntfjall                       4   0  1  3    0   5  −5    1

Eagles Select
Baker Park 3–2 Mertagne
Independent Athletes of Quebec 1–0 Squornshelan Remnant States

* Eagles Select                  Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Independent Athletes of Quebec   4   3  1  0    4   1  +3   10
2 Baker Park                       4   2  1  1    7   6  +1    7
3 Mertagne                         4   0  2  2    4   6  −2    2
  Squornshelan Remnant States      4   0  2  2    4   6  −2    2

Champions Group
Turori 0–0 Ko-oren
Pyazhnaya 0–1 Trolleborg

* Champions Group                Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Ko-oren                          4   3  1  0    3   0  +3   10
2 Turori                           4   2  1  1    8   2  +6    7
3 Trolleborg                       4   1  1  2    2   4  −2    4
4 Pyazhnaya                        4   0  1  3    0   7  −7    1

Confederations Group
Valanora 2–1 Sharktail
Adab 3–3 Tumbra

* Confederations Group Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Valanora               1   1  0  0    2   1  +1    3
2 Adab                   1   0  1  0    3   3   0    1
  Tumbra                 1   0  1  0    3   3   0    1
4 Sharktail              1   0  0  1    1   2  −1    0

[Nephara]

Zwangzug 0 - 1 Nephara
(4-2-3-1) 12 - Arrowsmith; 2 - Schrader, 5 - Warden, 6 - Turnbull, 3 - Page (22 - Sevet-Stokes 81'); 15 - Tapper, 21 - Sauber; 7 - Conrad, 23 - March, 11 - Reader (16 - Marinca 70'); 9 - Pawnbroker (17 - Pontiac 58')
Goal: Marinca 76'

Græntfjall 0 - 1 Nephara
(4-2-3-1) 12 - Arrowsmith; 18 - Fischer, 5 - Warden (19 - Clemence 72'), 6 - Turnbull, 3 - Page (22 - Sevet-Stokes 90+1'); 15 - Tapper (4 - Miller 72'), 21 - Sauber; 13 - Mordecai, 14 - Laskaris, 16 - Marinca; 10 - Carrick
Goal: Carrick 41'

Eighteen years ago, Micah Vetiver decided the Cormorants needed his help.
It was unclear what use, precisely, the Cormorants had for a shabby, unemployed man trying and failing to keep up with the gentrification of Chenoworth, watching on, fascinated, as Nephara went on to win the Copa Rushmori for the first time.
It had been a bad couple of years. Actually, it had been a pretty bad 31 years, which was unfortunate, because he was 31 years old. And about to become a father, against his own wish. It had just been a fling with a co-worker, then, well... things escalated. A pill was missed, then a period, and the flingee was, typical of Micah's luck, pretty Catholic about these things. There was a dispute, and now Micah had created another single mother in the world.
Oh, yeah, and got fired, too.
So here he was, sitting in a brown shirt, balancing a ceramic bowl of corn flakes in his lap and straining to see a stream of the final on a laptop propped up on an armchair.
Rowena Strongbow lashed home Nephara's second. Micah pumped a fist, almost sending the bowl flying.
It had been a rough three months to thirty-one years, but here and now, Micah felt alive. He didn't really watch the sport that often, pretty much tuning in for Cup finals, big Zenith matches, Champions Cup ties and, of course, the Cormorants at tournaments. He still remembered when the Cormorants had broken through. All of seven years old when Nephara first qualified for the World Cup, but he remembered. A father who did little more than grunt at him when he got back in through the door from the dying gasp of heavy industry was sitting down with him, life in his eyes, for once. Telling him excitedly that this team was special, that it was going to make a splash, that it was gonna turn the ponies into glue. Telling him that the 2-0 defeat to the Equestrian States was a fluke and they were gonna show the world with a dramatic win over the Polar Islandstates. Commisserating when Micah burst into tears in the second half, when Nephara lost control of the match against the best team in world football, not even really understanding what went wrong but processing that it wasn't good. Telling him to forget what a 'motherfucker' was when Gareth Pearce got described as one for giving a penalty away.
And then the tournament was over, and they returned to the dull status quo. At least, until the next tournament. And now, his father gone, himself... here, he knew... why.
It was then that he made a mad resolution: he would give this feeling to future generations. His unwanted daughter - a daughter he hadn't even intended to raise, seconds ago! - was going to be the leading force of her generation of football. Was going to create more moments like this, for mediocre nobodies like him.
It was, of course, a thousand to one she managed to become a professional footballer. A hundred to one from there she was good enough for the top flight, a hundred to one in turn she'd make a Cormorant, and a hundred to one, from there, a genuine generational star.
But somehow, against all odds, Micah Vetiver was right.

Cathi Riedler lived for moments like this.
She tried to restrain her excitement, biting her nails on the touchline. "Yeah, alright. Vetiver looks okay," she said, of the best raw talent she'd ever seen in her life.
"Okay?" Garrett Vasilou snorted. "I'm not bullshitting you on this, Cathi. Vetiver's the real deal. She's on track for four goals a game, and we're most of the season through--"
"Tch, I could get four goals a game at this standard."
"Yes, but she's actually ten. And these are the U13s. Little differences in age, those matter." Vasilou looked up at Riedler, and took note that Riedler, for all her casual demeanour, couldn't take her eyes off Vetiver. "We're running out of things to teach her. Keeping her at this club another year would be child cruelty."
"Yeah, yeah..."
"And the Rovers have been sniffing 'round, too." That made Riedler twitch. "So play high and mighty all you want, she ain't gonna be an Eagle long."
They watched in silence a while. It was entrancing, watching Vetiver move. Not for any unearthly grace, but for its sharpness, certainty. She relished the small spaces, relished using her elbows... it was quick, dirty football. Asphalt football. The kind that reared Nephara's best.
"Vetiver," mused Riedler, as the young striker scythed through two children and stabbed a decisive finish between the goalkeeper's feet. "'S a good name. Vetiver, Vetiver, Vetiver, Vetiver, Vetiver."
"Vetiver," agreed Vasilou.
"Vetiver. First name?"
"Felixe. Like Felix with an ee, or Felice with an ex."
"One of my exes was a Felice. Good family?"
Vasilou snorted. "Define good. But her father ferries her everywhere. Tracks her obsessively. Too close. Reckon he sees a meal ticket in her."
Riedler rolled her eyes. She knew the type. "Christ. Any other parent in the picture?"
"Split custody. Her father deals with everything that involves football. Her mother actually raises her."
"School?"
"Bit difficult. Bright. Not popular. Haughty. Gets into fights a lot."
"Does she win?"
"Yes."
"Good lass." Riedler bit her lip. She'd seen kids dominate this level and come to nothing before, but none that felt so prematurely mature. None with this level of the kind of skills that endured. Oh, sure, plenty of bullies who could use their early bulk to push others around and dominate the field, first thing you learned as a youth scout was to ignore those kinds of toughs. But Vetiver...
So much that could still go wrong, of course. A leg break or an ACL tear in the first five years, that'd end it all, most likely. And she could go on to drink or drugs or whatever. And she was arrogant. That could mean lazy. And if she was too good, though there were generally pretty good protections in place stopping the big academies from just taking everyone, she could still slip out of the club's hands somehow.
Still...
"I'll talk to my boss."
"You're sold?"
"I'm sold," Riedler confirmed, already fishing around in her coat for her car keys as she set out on the drive that would change Vetiver's life.

Rachael Schroeder pinched the bridge of her nose and tried to think.
This had not been the breakthrough season of her career. It sort of was! She was managing in the Zenith for the first time. Well, actually, now she was managing in the Zenith for the second time, having been fired not so long after being hired. Now she was on her third job of the year, trying to keep the Harriers' heads above water.
And now her academy manager, Kurtis Milner, really thought this was the time to talk about some seventeen-year old...
"... promise you she's head and shoulders above everyone in her age category-"
"Uh-huh."
"There's little more we can do for her. She's ready for senior football, and regular minutes, at that."
"Fine. Fine. Just... if that's what you think is right, you know the avenues to reach out for a short-term loan." Schroeder frowned. "Not like there's much of the season left, though. Will there even be takers?"
"Uh. I'm not talking about a loan, boss."
Blink. Blink. "She's seventeen. You're talking about a loan. She wants better football, she can get kicked up to the U21s--"
"I've been talking about the U21s," said Milner, patience strained. Schroeder had an old-school streak, and Milner felt it showed rather too often. "And you've been talking about moving to two strikers."
"Yeah."
"We have three recognised senior strikers at the club."
"Right, and as I recall, I tasked you to finding a fourth in the reserves."
"I did. She's seventeen, her name is Felixe Vetiver and I've been--"
"Seventeen, and you want me to throw her into a relegation battle! I'm not asking for who will be in the squad in five years' time, I'm not asking for a great talent, I just need someone who can vote. Even if they're a shitbag whose days at the club are numbered, even if they're going to while their career away in the fourth tier, whatever. And... fuck me, wasn't the next big thing meant to be someone called a Rosziter? Something like a... Chantal Rosziter?"
Milner blinked vacantly at her. Eventually, after exhausting his neurons, he admitted, "I have no idea who you're talking about."
Schroeder's brain caught up. Rosziter had been a highly-rated big deal. At South Laithland, the second of her three jobs this year. All the names were blending into each other. She clicked her finger. "Riiiight," she said with a knowing air, to try and sound intelligent. "Well... okay. We'll let her train with the seniors. We'll see how she holds up. But no guarantees!"
"Okay," said Milner, knowing in his heart of hearts that Vetiver would get just a handful of minutes, and that those minutes would not be enough to save the club from the drop.
But it was okay. Schroeder wouldn't last. And when the next manager came - and when Catheline Matthias, their sixteen-goal hero of the year, inevitably left on the first plane, and when Baba Warrington, the greatest striker in Zenith history according to Baba Warrington, hung up the boots - Milner knew he had to be straight in their ear, telling them it didn't matter.
The solution was right under their noses.

[Tumbra]

Tumbra 1-1 Sharktail

TMB (4-2-3-1): 1 - Barker; 2 - Diamond, 14 - Moore, 5 - Perry (4 - Henderson, 65'), 3 - Sheppard; 8 - Fisher, 16 - Stansfield (6 - Atkinson, 79'), 10 - Hunter; 17 - Coonan, 19 - Crossley (9 - Vaughn, 74'); 11 - Erskine

Scorers: Andrew Fisher (63')

Player of the Match: Andrew Fisher (TMB)

---

Tumbra 3-3 Adab

TMB (4-2-3-1): 1 - Barker; 2 - Diamond, 14 - Moore (4 - Henderson, 72'), 20 - Legget, 19 - Crozier; 8 - Fisher (16 - Stansfield, 65'), 15 - Burnet, 10 - Hunter; 7 - Wells, 9 - Vaughn; 22 - Nolan (11 - Erskine, 65')

Scorers: Bruce Nolan (8'), Robin Vaughn (51'), Valerie Wells (85')

Player of the Match: David Burnet (TMB)

OOC Note: Stephen Kerr the player isn't actually in this squad. He's a NT defender whose story is part of an evolving narrative. Prior knowledge of the series is not needed.

“Remember when all of us were paired up, back in that summer camp when you were just sixteen, and well — you were tasked with stopping me while I was dribbling? Not many people would’ve gone in on me. Firstly, there was the chance I’d have made you look stupid. Then there was the chance you’d have injured me. And finally, well, you were up against...me. But you gave it all you got. And, well, you got me.”

“First try.”

“First try. And we both clattered into each other. And then we both laughed. That was the moment I noticed you, Stephen. At that moment? I knew you were something special. Brave, determined, always willing to give things a fair go — hell, your best go.”

“Yeah. But what does this have to do with, well, me?”

“I believe you’ll be able to tackle life abroad like how you tackled me that cloudy day in Xinhua. Well. Robustly. Chase your dreams, Stephen.”

the day stephen met daniel
a one-shot set in the defender meets midfielder universe*

*technically all my RPs are set in the defender meets midfielder universe but you get what I mean

Xinhua
The Outskirts of Jinyu City

Two years before the events of Season One, Part One: A Day In Kven

For Stephen Kerr, all of sixteen years old and on the verge of signing his first professional contract for Straton Football Club, life was going swimmingly. School was out, and he'd been invited to Straton's pre-season training as one of the forty members of the training camp squad. He'd get to live, learn and train with the players who took to the field for Premier Division matches...or so he thought.

Reality was often disappointing.

The trip had been scheduled for three weeks. During this time the squad was meant to play five matches against various clubs in Xinhua; an exhibition tour of sorts. Stephen thought that he'd be in and around the senior team, doing the same drills, playing ball with players like Leo Hooper and Wayne Forrest...and Daniel Galbraith, the club's legend, captain and supposedly a — no, the idol for everyone at the club. Stephen had always preferred the more taciturn, reserved yet imposing defender Frank Woolley, but kept it on the down low. Sure, Dan was talented, but Frank was the entire reason why Stephen wanted to become a defender. But for all his wishes of training with the senior team, they were training on another pitch doing full on drills and match prep while Stephen was with the junior team kids doing stretching. And learning how to pass the ball accurately. And dribbling and...

"Why'd they even bring us here if we could do all this back in Straton? Surely there's no difference between what we're doing there and what we're doing here. Boggles my mind, really," Stephen whispered as he watched the coaches demonstrate another endless drill. It was a sunny day in Xinhua, and he had to give the club this; the training facilities were modern, more modern than what they had at home. The air was also considerably fresher, though he attributed that to the air in Straton not being very good.

"Dunno, mate, your guess is as good as mine," murmured centre mid John Lawrence. "Maybe it's the experience of being a proper footballer."

"I mean, we could probably train with the senior players. Our drills aren't that much easier compared to theirs."

"Wouldn't say that. They've brought us here for a reason."

Stephen sighed as he watched the coaches instruct them on how to dribble past several mannequins; bring the ball round a cone, demonstrating how to do a turn, before passing the ball to the next person, running towards a goal where there was a ball on the penalty spot and taking a shot. This was basic stuff; the fact that there was a time limit didn't seem to make Stephen any more interested in the course. One by one, the boys began filing into a straight line; John stood behind Stephen as the ones at the front of the line began tackling the course. The time limit was twenty-five seconds; but the first boy, a defender named Barry, failed the time limit; he took too long to make the turn. It seemed like the limit was closer to the limit of Stephen's abilities than previously possible.

Eyes narrowing, he began constructing the path that would be the easiest; of course, his ball control would also need to be top notch.

"Reckon I could do it?" came the voice from behind him.

"What? 'Course you can. Anyone could." There went a winger, Harvey; he got the dribbling part down, and got the turn right, but his shot was off kilter; nowhere close to the goal. The two of them inched closer to the front of the line.

"I dunno, Stee, this looks more difficult than it seems."

"I mean, it's not like they'll drop us if we fail." Squad member after squad member was trying and failing; one of them had clattered into the mannequin. Surely it wasn't so hard.

The player in front of them went; suddenly Stephen was at the front of the line. He gazed on as the player received the ball, dribbled it past one, two, three mannequins; cut sharply to the right, sprinted with the ball to the cone; turned, faced the goal, made the shot...

Off target. With a slightly disappointed look, he wiped some of the sweat onto his sleeve. Stephen was almost lost in seeing his effort that he nearly didn't notice that the whistle beginning his twenty-five seconds began. But he was ready; he'd observed, and was confident —

Slaloming past the mannequins with light touches on his feet, he reached the end of the course; hooked the ball, knocked it forth to the cone, made the turn —

Now it was time for the shot. The goal looked further than he thought. There was one of the goalkeepers; ready to try and save his effort, though he hadn't needed to do much, the way the shots were landing. They were supposed to shoot from a rather strange angle; it didn't offer as much of an operating window as facing it head on. To beat the keeper required a lot of curve, of course — think, use your foot, curve it more than usual.

He caught up with the ball; and without taking a second thought, booted the ball.

It flew, perfectly, in an arc...

And got parried by the goalkeeper.

Stephen looked grimly on as the goalkeeper flashed a smile and a thumbs up at him; evidently he'd made the goalkeeper do more than the rest of his team-mates combined. Still stung, though, as he jogged back past one of the coaches; "Nice try, Stephen, shame about the shot," came the remark, as he joined the rest. He saw Barry throw a stink-eye at him and snigger; resisting the temptation to lash out, he silently joined the back group.

John hadn't made it, either; he'd run out of time on the run-up to the shot. Disappointed, he sidled back up to Stephen.

"Man..."

"Eh, I know. Tough time limit."

"Aright, listen up boys!" came the shrill, heavily Western-accented (read: Northern English) voice of the aging coach. "None of youse made it past the course. So we'll be gettin' one of the senior lads to try an' showcase how exactly to do the drill."

And, with that easy smile on his face, spring in his step and uncombed hair, Daniel Galbraith popped up, to the gasps of some of of the squad.

"Hi," he began. "My name's Dan. Think some of you might have heard of me."

A few people giggled.

"Well, Henry's been running this drill since when I was in the academy. Which, uh, I don't like thinking about it, but it was a long time ago. Twenty-five seconds, dribble past 5 mannequins, run to the cone, round it, run to the goal and shoot. Anyway, I've always said an extra ten seconds would do this drill the world of good —"

"They won't have an extra ten seconds in a game, Dan —"

"— but until he retires he's in charge, so I'm not gonna say anything. Anyway —" Dan motioned for a ball, which was thrown over; he scooped the ball up with his foot, keeping it moving; "— I like adding a bit of a challenge. So instead of five mannequins, I'd like three volunteers to try and stop me. Do I have any —"

Barry's hand shot up. Stephen instinctively rolled his eyes.

"Alright, you. And you, the one rolling his eyes," Dan said, pointing at Stephen. "And you, too," he said, pointing at John.

"Why'd he choose us?"

"Because he saw me rolling my eyes."

"Fuck you."

"You'll thank me later."

"Sure, when Dan makes me look like an idiot."

"He won't — come on, he's the best fucking player in this country and we're on the under-16's."

"I'm not gonna go easy on any of them," Stephen overheard Dan say to the rest of the boys, "it's a demonstration, but you boys need to be ready for anything."

"That's exactly why you should go easy on us," muttered Stephen through gnashed teeth.

---

The boys were lined up; Barry would try to stop Dan first, then John, and Stephen was the last man. He'd seen hours upon hours of game footage of Dan, and knew how he was going to deal with them; the famed feint-sidestep. For a moment, Stephen didn't even feel like resisting; after all, he was sixteen and Daniel was, well, very much older and more experienced than him. But when the whistle blew, and Barry got sidestepped by Dan almost immediately, he felt something harden within him; no, he was going to prove he was better than Barry.

By taking down Daniel Galbraith.

Dan had advanced with the ball rapidly, and was coming up on John; shimmy-ing over, unsure of how to tackle the great man Galbraith himself; eventually he chose a side, but Dan feinted going the same way, causing John to stumble over his feet and tackle thin air. Stephen stood still, nonplussed, as the great man himself, the smile on his face gone, replaced with the look of pure fury and concentration one would expect from him in a Prem match —

Dan went left. He was going to commit; no feinting this time. Stephen recognised this, because Dan had begun leaning in before he usually did for the feint. So he did what all defenders had to do; moved in his path, stuck his foot out for the ball, and slid —

Obviously he hadn't been expecting that the kid who'd rolled his eyes at the volunteer would be this committed, or be able to read him this well, because Daniel Francis Galbraith, the captain of Straton Football Club and widely regarded as the best dribbler, shooter, playmaker, player of his generation, hadn't jumped to avoid Stephen's leg, and went clattering all over the ground as Stephen gained possession of the ball. The dull thud distracted Stephen, and his other leg, which had been tucked under his arse, came out from under it, meaning that as the ball slid off the pitch, Stephen just sat there as what he'd just done sank in. He'd just tackled, possibly injured, his team's captain, best player...

He sat there, breathing heavily, looking at the ball; until a firm hand tapped him on his shoulder. A kind, self-confident and warm smile glanced up at him; it was Dan.

"Looks like you stopped me," he mused as he extended an arm. Stephen grabbed it and Dan basically pulled Stephen off the ground.

"You okay?"

"Yeah. Caught me off guard. I'm not injured, don't worry. They won't cancel your contract. You did good, though. You did great!" He put both his hands on his hips, as they began walking back towards the class. "What's your name?"

"Stephen. Stephen Kerr."

"Stephen, huh? I'll keep that in mind."

They reached the class; Dan began speaking, with the aura of an all-wisened teacher. "All right, looks like I failed the test too. Maybe next training session I'll turn up with you guys," he said to more laughter. "But there's an important lesson to be learnt here. About fear and why you shouldn't ever be afraid to go in for a clean tackle. If that player wasn't me, how many of you would have gone in for the tackle like Stephen?"

Only a few people raised their hands, one half-heartedly.

"How many of you wouldn't have?"

Even less raised their hands. They didn't want to be called a coward. Dan smiled, knowingly.

"In a game, something that's just as important as your technical skills is the way you approach the game, mentally. You cannot be afraid; you have to go for the plan that your coach, your manager's set out. This is important at all levels of the game, whether you sign your first contract here..." he glanced at Stephen, knowingly, "...or not. Technical skills can be learned, trained. Believe me, I did this the hard way. But your mental state in a game cannot be taught. It can only be experienced."

Dan glanced at his watch. "Alright, it's time for lunch. Whether you passed or failed — as I said, this drill could do with a lengthier time limit — I'm sure you tried your hardest. So go eat, fill yourself up, and your coach will see you later."

Stephen filed off with the rest of the class, glancing one last time at Dan, who was smiling in his direction.

---

"He didn't hurt yeh, did he?"

"No. Henry, he's sixteen."

"Sixteen year-olds can still hurt yeh where ye least expect it. All the time you've done this for the other classes they haven't laid a finger on you. They probably know you're not meant to be tackled."

"That's not how the drill's meant to work, Henry, and I'll be very disappointed if that's what you're doing. Telling them not to tackle me because I'm, well, me."

"Club can't risk ye getting injured, Danny boy. I'll have a word with the lad, tell him not to do that again —"

"His name's Stephen. And no, Henry, you can't do that. I like him. I approve of what he did. If anything, we need more of these types. Not afraid to go against me. I think he's special."

"Special he may be, but he's just about average in this class. The other boy, Barry, I think he's much —"

"Don't be daft. He's got something the other one doesn't. If anything Stephen can go further than him."

"Sure. I'll relay your comments on to Pete. But on to the other matter — you did great out there, Danny. Ever considered coaching after retirement? Head Office considers you their top priority."

"I'm not thinking about retirement yet. I'm not even sure if I'll even be here in a few years' time. Not having that conversation —"

"Oh, come on —"

"Nope!"

"It's never too early to start thinking about it, Dan —"

"Nope! I'm going to eat lunch. Bye, Henry!" Daniel Galbraith flashed that classic, trademark smile of his, and began running off to the canteen, knowing his mentor wouldn't be able to catch up. Henry sighed, raised his eyebrows, and looked upon the figure of Dan, rapidly disappearing.

Never changed.

[Chartistan]

THE BILLBOARD GAZETTE

BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG!!!

5-2 in Cajamarca sends Chartistan into the Semi-Finals of the Relics and Newcomers Tournament!

If his name won't be remembered in the Cup of Harmony, then surely Young Brandonson's name will be etched and haunted into the lore of Huayamarca's Los Cóndores national team, as the young gun once again bagged multiple goals for his country in a 5-2 rout over the home side as Chartistan traveled up to the mountains to contend with fearsome opposition knowing that a win for either side (But not a 4-4 draw) would eliminate the other from a chance of sneaking into the 13th running of the Eagles Cup.

The highly flaunted prospect Gabby "Alphafu" Yves was, however, a center of attention for the Chartistani side before a ball was even kicked in Cajamarca. The test run for the hopeful striker didn't come out as planned in a 3-3 draw against StrayaRoos in which Mama Coriel bagged a goal for herself before Anne Delphine scored 2 for herself, including a seemingly game winner in the 85th minute before Billboard fell silent thanks to the awe of the young 20 year old Luke Kaiplo, who rounded off a hattrick in the 89th minute to make honors even. Upon being asked about how she could've stepped up and helped the team earn a needed victory, she knew her words.

"Defense was shit today, nothing more. Let me spell out the result today - T H R E E G O A L S C O N C E D E D! Three goals conceded! This defense should've prevented one of those, maybe 2, and we'd be better. A B C D E F the defense, and their mothers."

Gabby's still projected to at least make the Hot 11 for World Cup 90 qualifying, but the remarks rubbed Doctor Lucas the wrong way in a press conference before the match. "I know she's a natural hot head that burst onto the scene probably because a Chartistani company told her to, but doing the ol' alphabet F-U to guys like McNard and Barney and ESPECIALLY Namjune is not the way to get the results you want", he said, referencing her controversial saying. "She has to act better in order for the team to make it to the World Cup proper. More of this toxicity and we're gonna slide down the table in a tailspin. I don't know how else to say it."

But the focus on the team's mind was the game against Huayamarca, Anaian powers and a team who, after their own draw to StrayaRoos, needed the win as much as Chartistan did. Naturals to high altitude, the home team would, naturally, expect to be the one to have an advantage against a traveling team that, for most of the leadup to the match, had to prepare themselves for the high altitude and focused more on retaining oxygen and less on playing football. With oxygen tanks adoring the sidelines where Doctor Lucas sat as the teams kicked off, Chartistan would be expecting to gasp for air.

Huayamarca would get off on the front foot in the first half, looking like the dominant side throughout the initial 40 minutes but couldn't get the ball past Kyle LaMichael before ending a nervous deadlock with the 23 year old Ian Mamani scoring Huayamarca's first goal in the 41st before playing a key pass in Abraham Mendoza's goal to send Los Cóndores 2-0 up and, as it would stand when the halftime whistle blew, knocking Chartistan out of the Relics and Newcomers Trophy. But such a lead so early would be considered shaky ground to any manager, and when Young Brandonson, a new signing for Brookstation club Norwegian Wood, replaced Mama Coriel to start the 2nd half, it was Huayamarca who were gasping for air.

The tide turned to the Chartistanis as soon as he came on, Brandonson, with the help of now captain Anne Delphine, orchestrating a front line that put the Huayamarcan defense in danger throughout the 2nd half, and the goals started to pile up. A perfectly placed header by Delphine in the 59th thanks to a floated cross by Plasticium Amphibia made it 2-1 to Huayamarca. 11 minutes later, the score would once again go even, with Brandonson chipping in a goal past S-FPL regular Juan Mamani to make it 2-2. Huayamarca were approaching collapse, and Doctor Lucas's tactics high above sea level gelled after a shambolic opening to the game. A goal for Chartistan would see Huayamarca eliminated and a Semi-Final against the team last in the Confederations Qualifying Group would await.

By the 79th minute, it would be 4-2 to Chartistan.

Olisa Rodgers got her driver's license and stormed past the Huayamarcan midfield in the 76th minute to lay a ball down to midfielder Little Exnash, who told the home supporters that the break was indeed over as he took Chartistan in front and giving his nation what they were waiting for after that shock equalizer against StrayaRoos, who were now in 2nd place with their heads above water. Not even 2 minutes later, and Brandonson would convert a penalty after Delphine was sent down to the ground below her by Carlos Vilca. And a minute before the 4th official displayed the amount of stoppage time, Liam Barney was down to one last shot as he struck the ball into the back of the net via a corner to make it 5-2.

Five goals. In 30 minutes. It was their kind of night.

Doctor Lucas Combbrush was especially excited after the team's come from behind rally turned demolition of Los Cóndores de Huayamarca. "What did I tell you beforehand? The climate may have been rough for us at first but we adjusted to it and completely took control? Did you see what we were up to in the last 20 minutes? It looked like we were facing a random Starblaydian 6th tier side, not Huayafreakingmarca!" With the result, Chartistan shot from being on the verge of elimination to first in the Newcomers Cup group, with 8 goals to their credit - Tied with Turori with most goals after Matchday 3.

Now Chartistan focus their attention on the Ochre Islands, reigning champions of the CAFA Cup and supposedly Anaia's best, who finished the Confederations Qualifying Group rock bottom with 0 points to their name after 2-0 losses to Tumbra and Sargossa and a 3-2 heartbreaker to Sharktail, champions of the Melayu Archipelago. The winner will play either StrayaRoos or Sargossa in the Relics and Newcomers Tournament Final for a seat at the Eagles Cup table for Edition XIII.

---

GO EASY WITH THE CHANGES

Editors predict a front 4 for Chartistan in World Cup 90 qualifying

With qualifying for the 90th running of football's premier competition, the World Cup in Vilita and Baker Park, on the horizon, the Billboard Gazette editors have been pondering their orbs and looking into the future for the squad the Chartistani national team will employ in qualifying. For lack of a better term, Doctor Lucas Combbrush will have attacking talent oozing through the Hot 11, and will go for an unorthodox 4-2-4 formation, with 2 wingers, a shadow striker, and a striker. Here's the predicted front 4.

Main Striker and Captain - Anne Delphine
Employed as a captain during the 2nd half of Chartistan's Relics and Newcomers Newcomers Cup group (Wow that's a mouthful) and likely their Relics and Newcomers Semi-Final and maybe even Final, Delphine will drink wine and wear the captain's armband for World Cup 90 qualifying. After a notable absence from Chartistani football lasting 5 years, she will return likely with the world at her feet as she aims to lead Chartistan to the World Cup proper for the first time in their history.

Shadow Striker - Plasticium Amphibia
Who saw him coming? Amphibia is currently projected to be the Shadow Striker in this front 4, a drastic improvement from not even making the cut for Cup of Harmony 80 to become the 2nd in command when it came to the Hot 11. In fact, if Adult Royce didn't retire from football in the middle of the first game of Cup of Harmony 81, we would be talking about a front FIVE with Amphibia relegated to the 2nd shadow striker role behind Royce! And all of this may change - With all of Plasticium Amphibia's momentum surging like a heat wave, could we find him captaining his country in World Cup 90 qualifying?

Left Winger - Little Exnash
Baby back in the left winger position, ayy. Exnash has been a constant in the front line for Chartistan in the past few cycles and is one of only 2 players in the Wonder Cup Hot 11 to remain starting for Chartistan for every competition they have entered. With Air Latte likely to relegate herself down to the AJR, in most cases, Exnash will be the only Chartistani to feature in the Hot 11 every time when he suits up on the left wing next to Delphine for World Cup 90 qualifying baring any unforeseen circumstances. We do not talk about Bruno when we talk about Exnash.

Right Winger - Gabby "Alphafu" Yves
The hotshot youngster who got her first Chartistani cap against StrayaRoos will be likely to be a household name for Chartistanis far and wide when she says "A B C D E F you" to the teams in Chartistan's group as she is projected to start on the right wing for this qualifying campaign. With her track record of attitude and vigor, especially after her first game, the hothead will likely explode onto the scene and act as a key contributor to this team and may be the difference between making the final 32 and missing out by the skin of their teeth. But again, her explosive popularity may see her higher up the pecking order, potentially even clashing with Amphibia and Delphine for the captain's armband! We'll have to wait and see what she will destroy and tell to F off besides the players' dogs.

[Ko-oren]

A Dynasty of Centrebacks

There's no position more central to the Dragonflies than the noble centreback. And we've seen a lot of them come through the ranks, yet only very few got to start in the yellowsash jersey for more than two cycles or so. Right now, the biggest name is Minne van Schelven - fun fact, while he's played for the national team for a long time, he actually wasn't a part of the squad that made the World Cup 87 final - with arguably Mizuno or Benjamin also up there. Mizuno has played as many games for the national as Van Schelven but didn't leave the same 'mark' on the team, while Benjamin has bounced from bench to starting XI more than probably any other player in history, even if Benjamin was the original prodigy of the 'generation after the golden 70s'. And that makes me think: can you go back through history, picking the best young and old CB that have appeared alongside each other, making a near-perfect list of the best talent our nation has produced?

World Cup 89
As said before, Van Schelven is the biggest name even if Benjamin was supposed to be the bigger talent. Benjamin has racked up caps in his early 20s but gradually disappeared from view and is banished to the bench for now, while Van Schelven is the closest thing we have to a captain right now. This might be due to the fact that Van Schelven has always played under the best CB of them all as head coach, Katanmak Juliasterinthen, while Benjamin has learned the trade from other prolific defenders that, in hindsight, didn't always have the best judgement (remember Dennis Lampshire tearing the World Cup 81 squad in half while trying to force Juliasterinthen to resign?). And yet, Lampshire is still part of the team with none of the rest of the 'old guard'... Which means our first 'link to the past' is:

Van Schelven -> Lampshire

World Cup 80

The state of the team at the time left a bit to desire. With Theshendan on the bench, Longchambon active in his first cycle, and Lampshire on the team as a 24-year old defender at Bruncester United AFC, Ko-oren was trying to qualify for the first time since World Cup 75, longing for the good vibes of the 70s, while knowing it would take a few years before the Dragonflies could match the efforts of our Cup of Harmony-winning squad. Lampshire played next to Yamaoka and Swadling, two names that won't ring a bell for many of you - the national team started anew with a clean slate trying to carve out a new identity with new players. However, stretching the definition of centreback, there was Lionel Dalton, the best defender in Ko-oren for all of the late 70s and early 80s.

Lampshire -> Dalton

World Cup 75

The now 19-year old Dalton was on the bench with plenty of appearances in the national team (I wanted to use the word 'yellowsashes' again, but the team was kitted out in a very, very green jersey back then), the last time we made the World Cup before a long period of deeply mediocre results. The player to look up to at the time was Katherine Davenport, the assistant head coach of our current squad, who was 28 at the time and easily Ko-oren's most experienced defender at the time. Her level-headedness and communicative skills made her a natural leader and most obvious choice for captain. Looking at that roster, it was apparently Chou that people saw as the better player, but history showed us otherwise.

Dalton -> Davenport

World Cup 71

Now, Davenport is very close in age to another historical great that we can't overlook. Obviously, it's our current head coach, Katanmak Juliasterinthen. They're just two years apart, but represent two different eras: Davenport was the end of an era, while Juliasterinthen joined the team in the transition from the 'old days' into the 'middle ages', so to speak.

Davenport -> Juliasterinthen

World Cup 66

This edition not only drew us into a group with Sargossa (if you remember last week's dive into history), it also put Juliasterinthen, 22 years old at the time, as a new defender next to 35-year old Sobek Dehenat, the OG star defender of the nation, a true captain, media personality, and the main man of the team that got us our first World Cup qualification. At 35, he obviously was at the end of his career, but didn't retire until he broke our first curse - it took us 9 tries to get to our first Finals. He also didn't retire until he chaperoned the next big thing. Media at the time already were very high on Juliasterinthen, and they were proven right (for a change).

Juliasterinthen -> Dehenat

World Cup 58

We're not all the way back at the very first Dragonflies team that tried to defend our honour (poorly) against whatever the Multiverse threw at us. Dehenat was 27 when he debuted for the Dragonflies (or, at the time: Greenblues, or Vertatsuri or Selesao, as our nicknames still more or less are in Finisterre, which was a much larger part of our footballing history than we like to admit sometimes) in a three man back line back when were only just figuring out that defence wins championships (that adage wouldn't be proven right until quite a lot later). As the sole centreback, it looks like the thread comes apart here... and it does. No player that played anywhere on the defence here can be traced back to where it all started - World Cup 55. That defence featured Zhang and Graaf (playing for Zheiguang and Elinum, respectively, two clubs lost to time, while some of these other teams on that original squad list... wait-that's a story for another time), neither of which would make another appearance past World Cup 56. By the time the Dragonflies showed up in another qualifier, both of them (or any player on the bench of the 55-56 era) weren't selected.

Dehenat -> ???

OOC: do not use this post to calculate ages and the IC years of when these World Cups must have taken place. Time is weird.

[Adab]

KickTheBall.com
Bringing you the latest news and rumors in football, in Adab and abroad

---

Friday, July 18, 2036 / 24 Jumada al-Awwal 1458 / 23 Tammuz 5796
Adab 3-3 Tumbra
Akaptaha (27’), Yissakar (64’), Yargab (90’+3) | Nolan (8’), Vaughn (51’), Wells (85’)

NEWS | EAGLE’S CUP – CUP OF CHAMPIONS
By: Elymur Amwan

Yargab salvages draw against Tumbra in tense Cup of Champions debut

Enlilbani Yargab scored his 98th goal for country in stoppage time to save Adab from going down in defeat against Tumbra in the IAC champions’ Cup of Champions debut match which saw hectic, box-to-box action and heroics from both sides throughout ninety minutes of playing time.

The Adab Football Association’s decision to enter the national team into the Cup of Champions, whose winners will face the Cocoa-bo Challenge Trophy winners for the Eagle’s Cup, had drawn criticism from some quarters, the primary concern being that the players would not have enough time to rest after the IAC with the start of the domestic season only two weeks away.

Manager Saad Kaykali – who publicly expressed his own reservations regarding his team’s participation but nevertheless adhered to the AFA’s decision – stated that he would use second-string starting lineups and make “more substitutions” throughout this tournament.

Yet, with the team finding themselves facing Tumbra in the tournament’s Confederations Group, Kaykali opted to go with the usual starting lineup in a sign of respect for their formidable opponents, reportedly going against the advice of assistant managers Inimabakesh Thulus and Rashid Abbas who urged Kaykali to rest the IAC squad.

The first minutes of the match seemed to justify Kaykali’s decision. Adab started out strongly, charging at the Tumbran defense and just barely missing out on a goal five minutes in, when Jushur al-Kufa, making his way inside the penalty box, found himself blocked by defender Douglas Moore, who slid in front of al-Kufa and forced the Adab winger to shoot the ball wide to the right of the net.

But the Adabians’ tactic of pressing high up the Tumbran half found themselves vulnerable to a counterattack, which spelled disaster in the eighth minute when Alulim Sinmuballit attempted to pass to Yargab only for the ball to find an onrushing James Hunter, who proceeded to race across the pitch as the Adabians struggled to catch up with him. They never caught up to Hunter, who was virtually unimpeded as he sent the ball to striker Bruce Nolan, who produced a scintillating left-footed strike from outside the box which found the back left of the net, putting Tumbra in the lead.

Nolan’s goal was the spark that ignited the Tumbran side, and the early Adabian control was turned into a Tumbran dominance which lasted for nearly twenty minutes, with the Tumbrans overloading the midfield, winning aerial battles and increasingly imposing themselves on Adab’s midfield trio of Sinmuballit, Emma Arthur, and Ephraim Orlev, who barely showed the speed and energy that catapulted them throughout the IAC. The opponents easily dominated possession and the precious few chances Adab had during this period were promptly squandered away, most notably a wild Yargab strike in the 21st minute which saw the 37-year-old send the ball careening over the net when a simple pass to Yissakar to his right could have led to an equalizer.

With Abbas off to Valanora to manage the under-21 team in the Di Bradini Cup, Kaykali and Thulus – with a combined age of 131 – found themselves presiding over a progressively frustrating football played by an increasingly frustrated side. The breaking point was when the midfield power couple of Sinmuballit and Arthur argued in the 23rd minute after Arthur found herself offside, with Sinmuballit calling his partner a “bubblehead” and an exasperated Arthur demanding “What do you want me to do?” and calling Sinmuballit a “knobhead”. An angered Kaykali decided it was time for the first round of substitutions; Arthur was ordered out along with the underperforming al-Kufa to be replaced by 35-year-old veteran midfielder Salman al-Muntar and the team’s deadly weapon: the 22-year-old Kastiliasu Akaptaha.

Akaptaha had made his name in the 2034 Di Bradini Cup and then the senior national team as an out-and-out striker but throughout the IAC had proven himself more than capable on the wing as well. Kaykali clearly realized this; his coming in for al-Kufa on the left wing instead of the center-forward Yargab, as had happened throughout the IAC, was a sign of Akaptaha’s increasing versatility as well as an opportunity for Kaykali to experiment with an Akaptaha-Yargab-Yissakar front three.

And it immediately worked. The energetic Akaptaha turned the game around, charging forward with power and speed not seen from the Adabian side since the early minutes of the match. His efforts bore fruit in only a few minutes; in the 27th minute he breached through the left wing, zigzagging his way past a cascade of Tumbran defenders. As he was seemingly about to make a right turn into the box, Yargab was there waiting to tap the ball in, but Akaptaha instead fired the ball in from an outrageously tight angle, brushing the crossbar on its way into the net. Tumbran keeper Nick Barker had barely turned his head around when the ball hit the back of the net. The score was now 1-1.

With both teams now once again on an equal footing, the Adabians continued attacking but were unable to establish a lead, with Yargab’s strike from outside the box in the 33rd minute saved by a heroic jump by Barker, leaping almost to the height of the crossbar to prevent the ball from sliding into the inside top of the net, Yissakar’s cross in the 37th minute finding Neal Diamond instead of Yargab or Akaptaha, and Akaptaha’s attempt at a header in the 43rd minute hitting Douglas Moore’s chest, sending the ball bouncing back outside the box and giving way to another Tumbran counterattack, although Robin Vaughn’s shot was saved by Adab keeper Satchit Chandrasekar, with no more goals produced for the rest of the first half.

But the Adabians would once again falter at the start of the second half, with the Tumbran side coming out of the half-time break appearing stronger and fresher, outmaneuvering the Adabians and making inroads into Adab’s half. In the 51st minute, Taymour Frangieh tackled Valerie Wells as she was running with the ball and was promptly awarded a yellow card. Hunter stepped up to take Tumbra’s free kick. It hit the wall of Adabian defenders but found its way back to Vaughn who promptly blasted the ball towards the net; it touched the crossbar, but that only served to turn the ball ever-so-slightly inward into the net. The Tumbrans had retaken the lead.

The Adabians continued pressing, bearing down on their opponents, with an energetic Kaykali continually shouting and urging his team forward from the sidelines. There was another close call in the 59th minute when Vaughn’s cross found Nolan in the box but his strike was saved by Chandrasekar, who hit his back on the crossbar as he slid along the grass to his right to save the shot. Eventually the next goal would come from Adab five minutes later, as Rebekah Yissakar added her name to the scoreboard after finding Tansu Altun’s long ball and dancing away past Albert Legget and Neil Crozier to produce a right-footed shot which went in just a little out of Barker’s grasp.

With the score once again tied at 2-2, the Tumbrans made their substitutions; Tom Stansfield came in for Andrew Fisher at midfield and Nigel Erskine replaced Nolan at the front. The next twenty minutes would see the ball ping-ponged between both ends of the pitch. Moore was brought off in favor of Harry Henderson in the 72nd minute. Erskine nearly scored for the Black Eagles the next minute but Chandrasekar made another one of his heroic saves, jumping across the length of the net to intercept the ball, the power of Erskine’s shot nearly pushing him over the goal line. On the other side, Yargab failed to convert an Akaptaha assist in the 80th minute as the ball found Barker’s hands. With Tumbra once again on the offensive, Kaykali and Thulus discussed replacing Yargab with the 18-year-old Nadje Barzani, a star of the recent Under-18 World Cup, but decided this would be a step too far.

The deadlock was broken in the 85th minute, and not in Adab’s favor. Yissakar’s ball was wrested away by Henderson, who deftly removed it from the reach of the onrushing Adabians and transferred it to Hunter. Cutting through the middle of the scrambling Adabian defense, Hunter found a well-positioned Valerie Wells on the left wing, who did not waste her time taking her chances. Wells blasted the ball into the box from a sharp angle; she appeared to be trying to reach Erskine, but the ball went just a little to the left and found the inside right of the net. Chandrasekar mistimed his jump, crumbling onto the grass as the ball whizzed far above him.

Wells’ goal sent Adab into emergency mode with the clock rapidly ticking down. Kaykali brought Orlev out in the 87th minute in favor of Shamsuiluna Zambiya and ordered the players to go on an all-out attack, forsaking virtually any attempt at defense. Yissakar’s shot was saved by Barker in the 88th minute, Sinmuballit almost scored from long range the next minute but the ball hit the upper crossbar and fell to Barker. The Adabians had no fewer than five corners from the 85th to the 92nd minute but found the Tumbran defense virtually impenetrable. As the match entered stoppage time, it seemed as if their opponents would come out of the stadium with the win.

But in the 93rd minute, Yargab came through. Zambiya took the corner – the sixth for Adab in eight minutes – sending the ball flying high past the Tumbrans’ heads, but not too high to stop the 37-year-old forward from leaping and heading the ball down into the net, Barker barely moving and only able to look as the ball slammed onto the grass inside the net. Perhaps stunned that they had escaped defeat after all, the Adabians barely celebrated, Yargab merely shaking his head once he came back to earth.

Still, a draw is always better than a loss.

Adab lineup for MD5

Starting lineup: Chandrasekar, Altun, Enmerkar (VC), Issou, Thomas, al-Muntar, Emmita, Zambiya, Akaptaha, Yissakar, Yargab (C)

Substitutes: Shulgi, al-Tikriti, Sharkalisharri, Akshak, Frangieh, Arthur, Samanu, Sinmuballit, Uhwan, Orlev, al-Kufa, Barzani

[StrayaRoos]

StrayaRoos Is Through! We have qualified to the Relics and Newcomers trophy semifinals UNBEATEN with Luke Kaiplo our Top scorer with 3 goals and we are flying Cruz Kaiplo in from Wherever He is either an Island in Anaia or at a Wonder Cup Tournament

[Valanora]

Sometimes in order to move forward, you first must learn to take a few steps back and get a different perspective. While most of the core of the national team has been given a break for the Eagles Cup after a magnificent run to winning the AOCAF, breaking a near two decade long drought in the regional titles, we can appreciate how theybgot to where they are and capable of competing for titles domestically and internationally. Which as easy as it is to say, this group of players got to where they were with the first domino in that accent being The Calling, the event that had a majority of the elves leave the Empire as we know it.

There was a mad scramble following those events to find talented human Vanorians as well as dual nationals who would declare for the Marauders. This did come to pass, with some success, which would a few years pave the road for Apox born Harlem Saxstrom to do the same and be a lethal striker for the Mauraders during her tenure. However the mad scramble to find players who were eligible to play for the Marauders highlighted a clear weakness that had emerged in the national team program, the overreliance on the elves to the detriment of all other Vanorians.

The Empire is a vast place, occupying two continents as well as numerous surrounding islands on both of those landmasses. This humongous territory is occupied by all manners of different bipedal, intelligent species. After the Calling however, the most prominent of those was no longer the elves, going from tens of millions to tens of thousands in the Empire. Despite the shrunken population theybwere still the only representatives on the national team or the most prominent. It needed to change, to allow the humans, Templar, and even the rare dragonkin an opportunity should their skills merit the opportunity to be on the team. It was time for a heavy reinvestment in developing youth products, with the Night Academy leading the charge.

Nearly all the young stars of the Marauders who recently won the AOCAF played at least a year if not their full program at the Night Academy. Made by and named after the two early stars of the national team, the institution is renowned in the Empire for its development program, not only teaching prospects on how to play football, but also giving them a full primary education for those who are not able to pursue a career as a professional footballer. While they all were a part of this prestigious Academy at one point, none have quite flourished like Lothas Ludwignhas after leaving the academy and pursuing his dream. Perhaps the run through the Rising Stars Cup and overcoming adversity early through injury helped spur on his growth, but after that first season in the youth team, he has exploded into perhaps the most talented striker in football. All of this because of the Elves leaving the nation a few decades prior...

[Commonwealth of Baker Park]

Lainey Wadsworth never believed she'd make money playing soccer, partly because it wasn't ever her best sport. “I was far better at softball than either soccer or basketball.” She had ambitions of becoming a pediatric nurse, like her aunt, or a career working with special needs children.
But a first half hat trick during a game in her sophomore year at East Orange High School changed everything.

Elaine Davina Wadsworth was born in Middletown, Ezra, fourteen months to the day after her older brother Ryan entered the world. “Lainey was eager to get here, so it was 5 am rather than 5 pm when she was born”, her mother Karla recalled with laughter.
When she was 3, the family moved to East Orange in Trenton Borough, and at 6 signed her up for the local rec league where she alternated between enthusiasm and disinterest in the game. “She had so much energy that we had to keep her in things that would burn off some it”, her dad Patrick recalled.
Her stick & ball phase began at 8 and she immediately showed an aptitude for the fielding side of the sport.
It was around this same time that Lainey began to grow—on her ninth birthday she was as tall as Ryan, and at 10 was 1/2” taller—which concerned her parents a bit mainly because of the pace that it occurred. “I was concerned on a couple of levels because my sister” (the aunt mentioned previously) “talked about how overactive thyroids affected children. So I took her to the doctor on the pretext of getting her usual physical exam to play sports.” Karla Wadsworth's other concern was about an early onset of puberty for her only daughter, but the physician assured her, after a more thorough exam than routine for playing sports, that Lainey was perfectly healthy.

Being the tallest girl (and sometimes in the entire class) was a self-image issue she would struggle with over the next few years, but her increasing prowess in softball—she learned the fast-pitch technique at 11—mitigated some of her self-consciousness, as did the support from an unlikely source.
“My brothers (Jamie, the youngest of the trio is 2 years behind her) were always pointing out women athletes who were tall. They could've been just the opposite and teased me about it, but it meant a lot to me at the time.”
Now, let's go back to the day where Wadsworth began down the path that has brought her to this point—86 appearances and 29 goals scored for the National team, along with near cult-hero status at her current club, Anomalies FC in Chromatika, where she helped them to three straight Red League titles and remains one of the most prolific scorers season after season—which she sheepishly admits she remembers almost nothing about.
“I was a swing player between the JV and Varsity, and we were playing one of the city teams (from Ezriquay). So the starters would play a set number of minutes in the first half then be replaced and at halftime they would come back, or maybe they would be held to come back on to close out the match. I came on with about ten or twelve minutes left in the first, and all of a sudden the ball lands in front of me and I toe poke it in. Couple of minutes later I make a break and get a perfect pass which I slam home, then there's corner in the final minute, and head it in. Three goals.”

In the crowd that afternoon was Larry Bigelow, a longtime scout for Ridge Raiders who spotted and signed another famous Raider Ladies forward, Jackie Thomas. He introduced himself to the Wadsworths at the conclusion of the game and gave them his card, saying he wanted to talk about the daughter moving to the Academy in Harrisville. The rest, as it's often said, is history.
__________________________________________________________________________________

One of the most poignant scenes from the immediate aftermath of Banija's 2-1 victory in the quarterfinals of World Cup 88 was Kelly O'Connell, on one knee next to Zach Johnston with her hands on his left shoulder and forearm.
Two matches prior the same pair were in furious confrontation with one another after Johnston allowed a goal in the final Group Stage match against Chromatika; it proved to be a blip as BP won 4-2 on the day, but the juxtaposition between the separate moments is a good place to begin a discussion of O'Connell.

Kelly Leanne O'Connell arrived on a bright, sunny Good Friday morning at St Warren City Hospital, 4 weeks early but fully fit at 6lbs, 14oz. Her parents—unmarried at the time, both seniors at St Warren State—weren't particularly devout religiously, but always cultivated a spiritual agnosticism in their family from that day, which became something their only child adopted fully.

A bit of a nomadic lifestyle marked the O'Connell family's early years—both Liam and Julie hold doctorates, he in Sociology, she in Electrical Engineering—but young Kelly received her entire education in Ezriquay's City School District, graduating from Eastside High School fourth in her class of 682.
“I was so proud on that day. Mom & Dad, these two amazingly intelligent people that were my everything, both said that neither of them had been in the top 10 of their high school classes. I laughed because I thought there was a joke, a punchline. No, they both were nearly in tears—partly of happiness—telling me it was true. I'd arrived at age 18 in a better place—c'mon, I'd had good support, family, genetics, community—but I think after the parties, the celebration, I never thought about it like that again.”

She'd been First Team All-Star both her junior & senior seasons & had been called into the Under-17 Women's squad (where she first came to the attention of now NT manager Jen Prescott), but made a decision independent of her parents' advice to accept an offer to play collegiately at Ezra State University (her mother taught at University of Ezriquay, her father at University of Ezra).

But before that, she had the small matter of being one of the 30 players selected to spend five weeks at the FAC Development Center in preparation for an upcoming tournament; Prescott personally encouraged Kelly to commit. On arrival at the complex, she waited in the main lobby for further word about the schedule; upon her previous visit, she'd not been given any chance of looking around, but this time it became clear that this was an space meant to impress.
Kelly noticed a tall blonde girl and had a flash memory.
“Hi, I'm Kelly. You're from E.O., right? (only someone local would refer to it in that way)”
“Oh hi, Lainey. Yeah. I'm at Raiders Academy now, but was at EO as a frosh and soph.”

O'Connell remembered the lone encounter against her new friend—in the same season as Wasdsworth's hattrick, but earlier—as the bench sub got minutes in the match against a strong Eastside team. They roomed together for the duration of camp and the SWC tournament and remain steadfast friends to this day.
Her stellar career at Ezra State put O'Connell at the top of college free-agents for Women's National League clubs, and she signed for Jamestown City Ladies with the understanding that she would be allowed time to pursue an advanced degree at the University of Southern Baker Park.

“I remember my wife remarking at dinner 'so you and the missus had a disagreement earlier?' which put it all in perspective for me.” Zach Johnston makes clear that nobody is allowed to say anything the slightest bit critical of O'Connell in his presence, such is his respect for the now Co-Captain of the Baker Park National Team.
“Kel didn't even swear at me, or call me her usual nickname when I make a mistake in training”, recalling the day in Sanar (then called Depri Sanar). Asked what it was, Johnston said it was unprintable (it was) but pointed out that there has always been a fair amount of tension bubbling under the surface between defenders & keepers.
“You come in with this bunch, you'd better have a thick skin and heavy coat on top of that. It takes a long time for young keepers to get into lineups with the most experienced vets. TS (Terrance Stephens, former NT defender) once stood up at halftime and told Mr T to sub me off. Turned out maybe he was right as that was the only match we lost in qualifying in 85”. It was also the last time Stephens and Johnston played together in the same side.

O'Connell had seemingly kept her Zenith League club South Lailthland from falling into the relegation fight over the several seasons she's been Captain of the Nepharim side by the sheer power of her personality but unfortunately that wasn't enough to prevent their recent drop.

“Kay-O is that person who invites you outside to check out something cool, then beats you up and takes your wallet. The denies it happened the next time you see her.” JC Bartok played alongside her through the World Cup 86 cycle, starting seven times together, then rotating for one another in the World Cup 87 cycle. “She smiles like an angel, then grins like a devil afterward.”
____________________________________________________________________________

There are plenty of people who have dreams of escaping their small town life to make a way in the wider world, and then there is Christa Vuckovic.

She was born and grew up in Creswell, located about halfway between New Bremen and Georgetown with a population of around 27,000, surrounded by the miles upon miles of cornfields and vegetable farms of Westphalia County. She was in the 4-H and the Junior Farmers Club, although her family lived in town and had jobs outside of the industry—father Barry ran his own insurance agency and mom Tiffany was a county health department inspector—and at Greenfield High School she played soccer and ran the 1,500 meters on the powerhouse track team.
Her inclusion in the Under 18 squad for SWC 7 as a 16 year old came as a surprise to her as she'd never been been included in any previous FAC regional camps where the youth development staff evaluated U-13 and U-15 prospects. But someone knew what they were doing, as she was a skilled technical midfielder who never seemed overwhelmed by the competition in camp or at the three tournaments she played, capped off by helping the squad win SWC 9 when she was an 18 year senior.

Her stellar performances in the junior side brought her to the attention of an unlikely next step in her career—contacted by scouts from Tsutsuji University in the Hinodjian Empire, who offered her a four year scholarship to play in the ultra-competitive Collegiate system there.
She didn't feel like she was a good fit academically, pointing repeatedly to the fact she only spoke English, but the more they explained the circumstances, the support she'd receive—there were a lot foreign students in Hinode's universities—the less anxiety she had; her parents advised to take the opportunity if she felt it was right for her, because what was the worst that could happen?
Vuckovic had also been weighing offers from a few WNL clubs and several colleges, and had been soliciting advice from Zoe Montgomery and Darren Kirby, the U18 management whom she'd played for, as well getting an unsolicited call from an unlikely advice giver, National Team manager Pam Scott, who talked about her own experience of going abroad on her own for a few years.

It was during a weekend trip to Oceana with several of her closest girlfriends that she ended up deciding to go; the six had known each other all their lives, and the others told Christa that she owed to herself to go see the multiverse, to take Creswell with her to another place.

Four years on, with a degree in International Business and having learned to speak fluently in two other languages on top of her play on the pitch, Vuckovic chose to sign with Tropicorp FC in the Vilitan Cove League, remarking that she thought there was still more for her learn, more places to see.

[Zwangzug]

Nancy Sachar's first boyfriend was named Paolo Schaine. He was the tallest seventh-grader at Eastridge Middle School and always ready for a challenge. He played center-back almost by default, too easygoing and sociable to be a goalie, and kept up with Nancy even when everyone else was tired of her running rings around them. "Date nights" often just consisted of the two of them playing footsie out back, and if it wasn't always clear how to tell the difference between them as teammates and them as boyfriend and girlfriend, that was okay. She couldn't really imagine loving someone as much as she loved football, at that stage.

In high school there was Javen McRoul. Her friends described him as playing hard-to-get, but Nancy thought the way he acted above it all was kind of cool. Other kids were intimidated by her skill, but Javen wasn't interested in sports. Didn't that make it easier for him to see her as a person? She defended him to her friends by pointing out that he had hidden depths; just because he acted nonchalant didn't mean he couldn't also be empathetic or dedicated or big-hearted if he wanted to. He had it in him, she knew he did. Only, it turned out it wasn't just sports that he could be flippant about.

When she met Griffith Puyo at Universitaet Schwandt, her first thought was, great, someone else for the newspaper kids to bother. Griffith dominated on the football team the same way she did at baseball--making it look easy, even though he had to be putting in just as much effort as she did behind the scenes. When they worked together in Han class, people teased them that they would just trade off doing homework while the other one was at practice. But when they joined a broomball team together, frivolous though it was, Nancy decided that while they were both stars at different sports, they worked even better as teammates.

(Haugen 23, Sokhi 78)