Baptism of Fire 48 - Everything Thread

[Northern Sunrise Islands]

DE PLACA
Now printed in Japanese and Maori!

BAPTISM OF FIRE
Marills up for Third Place. Zandistan at the Final.

Written by Bret Lindevich

Karma decided to hit hard the Marills as they faced a very impressive Zandistan. Zandistan made an impressive first round, meanwhile NSI qualified solely by the play-offs and amusingly, survived straight to the Final Four. NSI came with an impressive start, Leminski scored after a corner with a surprising bicycle kick, 1-0. However, still in the first half, McRae, the speedy kid of Zandistan, tied things over by outrunning the whole defense. Second half, no changes and some of the most amazing moves in soccer history. Hawk dribbling three opponents from Zandistan in a row was a highlight, Tango outrunning Pedrotti was the same, as well. However, in the end, Shadow (we suppose it was Shadow, we couldn't see) scored for Zandistan. There goes the Marills chance of lifting the gold. But anyways, the team is fine with losing. After a decent shake of hands between both teams, the Marills left the stadium, still happy that they actually got to play a semi-final. But, wait! This doesn't mean your small vacations at Iturributa are over yet!
The Marills will now take on the energic and playful country of Peripanland! The match-up of the crowds. Who will be 3rd Placer, huh?

---

NSI RESUME

NORTHERN SUNRISE ISLANDS 1

2 ZANDISTAN

Cunnington

De la Mega

Redwing

Schmid

Di Martine

R. Werdenheimer

Pedrotti

J. Werdenheimer

Hawk

Bunfogle

Lima

Stenhoffer

Bonapart

McRae

Pessoa

Tangari

Leminski

von Zanderstrom III

De Sousa

Domingo

Pereira

Radonezh-Muratovich

SUBSTITUTES

None for Both Sides.

COACH

Lynette Bourbon

Wickami Schwartz

[Zandistan]

ITURRIBUTA, ITURRIBUTA

Zandistan arrived at the Old City Stadium ready to battle,  determined not to fall in the semifinals so close to winning the trophy. Still, they had just battled in two extra time games, amounting to 240 minutes on the pitch, equivalent to 2 and 2/3 of a game. And Northern Sunrise Islands were certainly not going to give in easily.

NSI came out white-hot, pressuring from the get-go against a more tired Zandistan. In minute 17, they enacted a brilliant moving attack on the Zandistani defense, confusing Stenhoffer and the Werdenheimers, but the lurking Shadow came and made a goal-saving tackle, out for a corner. Remember Shadow's name, but not the next instant.

Corner in minute 18 to NSI. Stenhoffer was having a rough game. He marked Michael Leminski, who broke free after a juke move. Wide open and perfectly ready to meet the curling ball, Leminski went for the flair move. A bicycle-kick goal! The crowd went absolutely nuts, what a touch of brilliance! 1-0 to NSI.

But this woke Zandistan up. They would have to come back to reach the final, not an easy thing against any semifinal squad. The rest of the first half was played mostly evenly, both ways. Attacks and counters, saves and stops from both teams. The halftime break neared, still 1-0 to NSI.

Pushing for a two-goal advantage, NSI sent nearly their whole team forward. A scrum in the penalty area, and the ball was cleared way out to McRae. Alone, he took off. Speeding past his teammates, past the few NSI defenders who had hung back, and a one-on-one opportunity. Back of the net, a 40th minute equalizer and Zandistan held the 1-1 tie into the break.

A short, terse halftime speech from Vilisević. "We have a full half plus more left, don't get excited over our goal. Score eight more goals, then celebrate. They can still destroy us, a couple of bounces go the other way and we're down. Maybe even 3-0, 4-0. They are a solid team. But with all respect, when we play our game, we win. SO LET'S GO GET THESE SUCKERS!!!!"

They came out in the second half playing with a fire they had not displayed in the tournament so far, but NSI did the same. Brilliant technical play, stunning footwork. NSI's Hawk schooled three Zandistanis with incredible moves but was stopped. Tango Tangari outran Pedrotti on the left flank. But for all the stellar play, time was running out and still the game was even. Would Zandistan play another extra-time affair?

But the extra play-off match NSI had played was taking a toll, they were tired. They tried to pass time by moving the ball around the back, with no visible Zandistani pressure. Visible being the operative word. The silent, invisible Shadow had crept up on them, and with a touch, stole the ball and was through on goal. The ball appeared to be possessed, moving by an invisible foot, but it had to be Shadow controlling it. A brilliant shot into the corner, and Zandistan had the lead in the 81st minute, 2-1.

The lead held. Zandistan emerged victorious from yet another difficult scuffle. And after Schwartz's short congratulatory words, they set their minds on the final. They bussed to the airport and boarded the flight to the Ossidiacquan capital. Just one more game. Could the upstart squad take a place in history? They would try to earn it the next day.

Karl von Zanderstrom III was euphoric. Walking through Sant'Elia, before the team had so much as played even one match, the storied, majestic Il Colosseo had caught his eye and taken him in. He had dreamed of playing in the final, of touching that ground, feeling it. And it was so close to coming true, he would be there tomorrow, playing in the tournament final. Could he, von Zanderstrom III, lead his country to glory? His moment in Il Colosseo was so near, and as he slept, he dreamt of the beautiful oil lamps and stained-glass windows, and of hopefully bringing the title back home to Zandistan. But he awoke with a start. "Where in the heck is Evanolan Fry???"

OSSIDIANA COUNTRYSIDE, OSSIDIACQUA

A man lurked, waiting to take credit for the team's struggles and toils. He currently lay hidden in a cave, but a man was on his trail. Evanolan Fry's mission was to find him and bring him out. And with the tracker equipment and a specially imported 4 wheel drive, Fry scoured the countryside between Ossidiana and Romanzaro until he came to the entrance of a cave. His tracking devices said this was the location. Fry was afraid of the dark, but went in anyway. "Sir?" he called out. "Sir? Sir?"

No reply. He kept his flashlight on and walked in further. He held the flashlight straight, making sure he didn't walk off a hidden cliff. But if he had swung it side to side, he would have noticed. There was a steep drop to his left, and a shallow slope at the top leading to it. He hugged the right side of the path, and it opened up soon. Evanolan Fry walked past the edge of the wall on the right and - CRACK!!! He felt a sharp blow to the side, followed by one to the skull. Evanolan Fry crumpled to the ground, dropping his flashlight, and his assailant slid him over to the edge, pushing him off the cliff. No wailing as the poor unconscious backup keeper fell to the ground, only a THUD at the bottom. Poor Evanolan Fry, but no good deed goes unpunished. He was long dead, likely never to be found, food for cave mice and bats.

Carrying the flashlight, the heartless man walked out into the light, and saw the 4 wheel drive. Perfect. He pinpointed his location, and drove out toward Romanzaro, ready to take looping roads back around to Sant'Elia, where he could meet with the team.

Reaching Romanzaro, he saw a poster advertising the final of the 48th Baptism of Fire. Zandistan versus Inthelittlenation. Despite a few setbacks, his plan was working brilliantly. The team was in the final, and he knew he had to be there watching.

And what a final it would be. The team, led by dreaming captain von Zanderstrom were bound for Il Colosseo, the man and master was driving to the stadium to watch, and Zandistani agents were on route to the same place, knowing the man couldn't resist coming. The next day promised a humdinger of an event.

MATCH REPORT

Zandistan 2 - 1 Northern Sunrise Islands (NSI)

Events
18' NSI GOAL, Michael Leminski
40' Zandistan GOAL, Jimmy-Phillip "Speed" McRae
81' Zandistan GOAL, Avisajj "Shadow" Bunfogle

UPCOMING MATCH - FINAL!!!

vs. Inthelittlenation (Group F: 3-1-1, 8 GF, +4 GD, Round of 16 def. Deadmans 1-0, quarters def. Democratic States of Fenbar 2-1, semis def Peripanland 2-2, 3-2 after extra time) at Il Colosseo, Sant'Elia, Ossidiacqua

[Inthelittlenation]

The 88th Minute

It didn't look good for Inthelittlenation, they were against Peripanland, favorites to win the competition. The match was played to the backdrop of El Imperio, with a calm wind running through the stadium.

Peripanland played a brilliant game, showing how they got to the Semi-Finals, on the 20th Minute, Therin Connors kicked the ball to Raymond Bradley, who eased the ball into the goal, avoiding Inthelittlenation's strong defensive line. Peripanland then lost possession of the ball, following two shots from Inthelittlenation, the first came from Shouta Burton, after sharing a offensive strike with Norm Conor, Leachlainn Korey and himself, they managed to eventually take a shot at the goal, on the 27th Minute, the ball being slowed by the Defense, allowing the Goalkeeper Gaspard Trotter an easy capture. The second shot was taken by Leachlainn Korey, taking the shot from a respectable distance, mis-shooting and hitting the goal post. It seemed that Inthelittlenation wasn't on form today, unable to score an accurate shot. It got worse for Inthelittlenation however, Perinpanland shot again, Rolf Valenzuela and Honoré Michel passed the ball between each other, then they separated, Rolf Valenzuela shot the ball to Honoré Michel who headered the ball into the goal, it looked bad for Inthelittlenation, Perinpanland held the match at 2 nil and 12 Minutes still remained. Inthelittlenation took possession of the ball after two minutes of a stalemate that came dangerously close to the teams defense. Milburn Kiyoshi ran the ball along the left-wing, then crossing the ball across the pitch to Xavier Lorrin, nearly achieving a brilliant goal that was unfortunately caught by a brilliant goalkeeper. Perinpanland took the ball back and took one more first half shot, Arlen Wall shot the ball, the Defensive line showing themselves now, stopping the ball fast in it's tracks. The whistle blew about a minute after, with Inthelittlenation making a substitution before it ended, switching Quincey Jake with Raymund Kaleb.

By this point, the odds weren't exactly in Inthelittlenation's favor, by no fault of their own but by that of expected champions Perinpanland. They returned onto the pitch after half time and Inthelittlenation stole the ball after the Coin Flip, only three minutes later was Shouta Burton running the ball to the goal, with the assistance of
Leachlainn Korey, managed to shoot towards the goal. The ball flying brilliantly through the air and narrowly avoiding the Goalkeepers hands. The arena rose in cheers as conformation was given, Inthelittlenation had came back in the second half, striking Perinpanland unexpectedly. Perinpanland relied on defense from here on, over the next 30 Minutes, the game was fairly boring, try as they might, Inthelittlenation only managed three shots, the first came straight after they scored, Shouta Burton shot at the goal again, having the ball caught despite the power in the shot. Then, 10 Minutes later, 61 Minutes, Hachiro Dion broke out of the defense and after a great push forward by himself and the Mid-Fielders, he took the shot and once again, the Goalkeeper caught in. The third shot came after Chas Morrison pushed Shouta Burton, allowing Inthelittlenation a Free Kick, it was notable that Inthelittlenation won on a Free Kick previously, so the pressure of the Peripanian team to stop this ball was immense, Shouta took a brilliant shot, it curved as it neared the wall of players but unfortunately, the Goalkeeper was able to tackle it to the ground. Perinpanland then stuck with defense, 7 Minutes left on the clock and with 5 Minutes of this, Inthelittlenation was unable to do anything, however, at 88 Minutes, a unexpected star, Randall Seán stole the ball and charged the defenses, Shouta Burton and Benedict Hiraku fending off any impending attacks. Then Randall Seán shot and, despite weakness in the ball, it managed to fall into the goal. The rest of full time came to a close pretty quickly, Inthelittlenation fans relieved by Randall Seán's attack. This meant Randall had brought Inthelittlenation an extra half hour to defeat Perinpanland.

Both teams played an offensive game when they returned, both needing a goal. Perinpanland took the first proper attempt, with Raymund Bradley kicking from across the pitch and into the Goalkeepers expecting hands. Inthelittlenation then took another two shots, the first shot on goal came at 102 Minutes, Shouta Burton taking his shot at the goal, shooting slightly too high and having his ball caught, a regular routine for Shouta this game. The second shot came at 113 Minutes, Leachlainn Korey kicking a weak ball at the ball, pressured by approaching players. After the kick, Ignacio Cook had mis-tackled, knocking Leachlainn Korey to the ground and after being examined, he was deemed unfit to continue and was replaced by Newt Ardel. Despite the bad result, it seemed the game was doomed to penalties, of which Inthelittlenation was sure to lose. But then, at 117 Minutes, Shouta Burton, pulled off the second last minute goal, he played the defenses of the Perinpanland team, confusing their actions and, when the ball was passed to Conor, it came back to him only seconds later, with many fake threats to pass to Conor, he was able to take the ball to the goal and when it mattered most, he scored for Inthelittlenation. Taking them to the Finals of the Baptism of Fire, where they will play Zandistan after a 2-1 Victory of Northern Sunrise Islands.

Goalkeeper:
Souta Minoru

Defenders:
Meredith Kalebt
Randall Seán
Hachiro Dion
Quincey Jake Sub: Raymund Kaleb 45'+1'

Mid-Fielders:
Norm Conor
Leachlainn Korey Sub: Newt Ardel 114'
Benedict Hiraku
Milburn Kiyoshi
Xavier Lorrin

Foward:
Shouta Burton

Team	Inthelittlenation 2 (+1 AET)	Peripanland 2
Goals Scored	Shouta Burton (48' + 118'), Randall Seán (88')	Raymund Bradley (21'), Honoré Michel (33')
Shots:	6	9
Shots on Goal:	7	4
Possession:	39%	61%
Yellow Cards:	0	0
Red Cards:	0	0

---

Team Profile: Zandistan

So we've made it to the finals, only one thing stands in the way of us and the Cup, Zandistan. Obviously they are a strong team to be joining us tomorrow. In the group stage, they played a weaker game than us, losing two games and winning three, becoming runners up in Group C. They than came to the Round of 16, giving a close performance, ending the game 1-1 (2-1 AET) against Redaya, then showing another very close game the next day in the Quarter Finals, ending with a nil-nil draw on penalties which ended on a extremely 5-4 against Urbis Tractus, but managed to start performing well last night, winning 2-1 against Northern Sunrise Islands. Stats from the last game show that they have allowed past a total of 10 Balls, but stopping only 7 Goals, slightly weaker than us.

Once again, we have to rely on our Defenders to save us when we need it most and the star of Inthelittlenation football Shouta Burton to score. The Finals will be played in Il Colosseo, one of the great landmarks and one of the oldest since the mysterious Pause Time and well, it looks beautiful. The weather is set to be cloudless and sunny, so the blinding sun may play a role in the finals. The finals are now, we can only wish our team the best of luck out there.

---

Tomorrows Teamsheet:

A slight change has been made to the teamsheet, although a fairly significant change is that the formation has changed to 4-4-2, as to give more power to a already masterful Shouta Burton.

Goalkeeper:
Souta Minoru

Defenders:
Meredith Kaleb
Randall Seán
Hachiro Dion
Meredith Kaleb

Mid-Fielders:
Norm Conor
Newt Ardel
Benedict Hiraku
Xavier Lorrin

Foward:
Shouta Burton
Cathal Blaze

[Iturributa]

Final cutoff for the Iturributan region, here comes your Third Place Match! Regardless of the result, congratulations to both teams for a great run, and a personal thank you for being active participants and making this an enjoyable BoF.

[Ossidiacqua]

This is also your final cutoff! Il Colosseo is packed to the rafters with eager fans, but who will come out the victor?

Whilst you wait, have a read of the history of World Cup 59... in middle of this post.

[Iturributa]

THIRD PLACE MATCH
At Old City Stadium, Iturributa; 71 981 in attendance

Peripanland 3–2 Northern Sunrise Islands

[Ossidiacqua]

FINAL of BoF48
At Il Colosseo, Sant'Elia; 103,450 in attendance

Inthelittlenation 0–2 Zandistan

Congratulations to the victors! And commiserations to those that came so far. Thank you everyone for taking part, and see you all in the WCQs!

[Iturributa]

A Parting Gift: World Cup 60

With the Baptism of Fire having wrapped up with Zandistan's win last night, we leave you, dear readers, with the final chapter in the ongoing epic that is the NationStates World Cup; the last one disputed, edition number 60.

It was the third World Cup to be hosted in The Babbage Islands, and the first in the Rushmori nation of Saugeais; they notably defeated the competing bid from Starblaydia and Krytenia – who hosted WC40 along with its accompanying Baptism of Fire and Cup of Harmony in a project nicknamed “the Über-bid” – by 19 votes to 17. The qualifying format had to be creative in order to accomodate the record-breaking 192 participants, who were split into 24 groups of 8; the group winners would qualify directly while the runners-up were broken up into six “play-off pods”, the winners of which would go on to the finals.

The previous tournament saw Aguazul win its fourth title and, most importantly, its third in a row, a feat never accomplished before. A mind-boggling four in a row was ruled out before the first ball was kicked, however, as Aguazul's exclusion from this edition was a major part of the peace treaty signed after the war against the micronation of NSWC Signups. The period of dominance was at an end, at least briefly, and the usual candidates had a golden chance to stake their claim.

This was, as our readers are well aware, the first World Cup in which Iturributa competed as an independent nation, having seceded from Astograth, and Albatroseka did well to earn a fifth place finish in a complicated group. We digress, however, as our ever-humble nation was not under spotlight. Yet.

The Holy Empire continued its proud tradition of bizarre squads by allowing any participant nation to submit a selection of team members, no matter how unusual or reality-bending; agents from Karditan and The FSSO became embroiled in a cut-throat online game called “RLStates”, with excerpts of its own virtual World Cups exposed by an anonymous, dastardly Astograthian; five-time champions Starblaydia made their return to international football, with modest results; and Búa King of Uncertain Dimensions kept up his fiendish deeds in the nightmarish realm of Wight.

Elsewhere, accusations of nepotism threatend to destabilise the national team of Ancharmunn, spiritual heirs of the fallen greats Sorthern Northland; a freak accident befell a Kytlerian analyst discussing the possible origins of the myth of Margaret; rumours of negotiations between the FA of Polar Islandstates and the Citiz manager of Astograth, Powell Pieran, resulted in the dramatic on-air resignation of the successful tactician Sol Kirkkegaard; Cotdelapomais manager Sacha Chrétien, Champions' Cup winner with FKM, took over at Queer Poco el Mono Ara to great acclaim; the government of Sargossa made common – yet highly irritating – phrases such as “group of death”, “good feet for a big man” and “guesstimate” completely illegal, and upon public condemnation by New Montreal States proceeded to ban the helpfully suggested “giving 110%”; and to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the UICA Champions' Cup, the FA of Civil Citizenry exhibited a listing of the top 50 teams of the past decade;

The final qualifying results were not without surprises, especially once the new play-off pods were finished. Gyatso-kai pipped The Archregimancy to the top of Group 3, and the monks lost their play-off against their Dreamed Realm sovereigns The Holy Empire in a rather suspicious encounter; The Holy Empire itself only accessed the play-offs because spritely underdogs The FSSO claimed Group 4. Elsewhere, the oddly-named Jedi8246 and Chenkorya pulled off upsets and Qazox finished a disappointing third, below Legalese and Cotdelapoms, though the biggest shock of them all was Swartaz topping Group 7 ahead of world #1 Krytenia. The Aces had no luck in the play-off pods, Ipeland eliminating them on penalties; the world watched on speechless.

The finals themselves in Saugeais and The Babbage Islands, though noticeably lacking in Aguazul, developed with the usual glamour and fanfare, with many familiar faces repeating themselves in the knockouts; the hosts TBI, Bears Armed, Chetkosk, Polar Islandstates, The Holy Empire, ASMV and Valanora, the only nation to sweep with its group, were the bookies' favourites early on, but it was one unlikely underdog that captured the hearts and minds of football fans eveywhere.

The débuting Rushmori nation known as the Federation of Socialist States Owen (always referred to as FSSO or, as they like to call themselves, Eura) put forth a dazzling attacking play that resulted in late goals and thrilling matches, players such as Lee Sharp and Sam Needle attaining fame overnight. Better known for its arms manufacturing industry and military complex, the FSSO earned their place in the Round of 16 and then the quarterfinals, having eliminated the heavily-favoured Jeru FC on penalties.

Both hosts were also through to the quarters, facing tough opposition from Polar Islandstates and Cassadaigua, while the elves of Valanora had no mercy with Mangolana and neither did the ursines of Bears Armed with Pasarga. Meanwhile Valladares sent Chetkosk packing, The Holy Empire narrowly bested Sargossa and Andossa Se Mitrin Vega had to resort to penalties to beat the curiously familiar Sylvanaes Queendom of Dorian and Sonya.

The odds were not in the FSSO's favour against The Babbage Islands, not on TBI's own soil, but Sharp's solitary goal took them to the semifinals. A dubiously onside extra-time goal from Abendsen gave The Holy Empire a place in the final four as well, facing Valanora in a blockbuster semifinal, and Bears Armed ensured a replay of their Group C match against the FSSO by defeating Valladares.

An EPIC 3-2 win over the Marauders sent The Holy Empire to the final, though the FSSO's last-gasp equaliser against Bears Armed, which rebounded off a passing Rushmori goose, was tough competition in the epicness department; moreso when Needle followed it with a 114th minute winner. The cries of EURA VICTOR reverberated into the night.

The final, at Ijak-Nash Stadium in Paris, The Babbage Islands, was when the Euran fairytale at last came apart. The World Cup débutants, though brave, could not cope with the wisened spirit of those who transcend reality. Though they went into half-time tied 1-1, the second half was dominated by the team from the Dreamed Realm, two further goals securing the second world championship for the squad of Juan Tzimisces, Simeone Di Bradini and legendary caveman Ug-Ug.

[Zandistan]

SANT'ELIA, OSSIDIACQUA

This must be a dream, thought Karl "Blade" von Zanderstrom III. I can't believe this is actually happening.

But indeed it was happening. After finishing a close second and eking into the round of 16, Zandistan had faced trials and tribulations. Extra time, penalty kicks, but still they had come out on top. They were battle tested by the final, and came out kicking 100% on all cylinders. Inspired by the amazing atmosphere inside historic Il Colosseo, the beautiful colored glass and oil lamps, Zandistan took the early lead. Classic McRae to Domingo, and it was 1-0 after a mere ten minutes.

And nearing the half-hour mark, Zandistan struck again. The stylish Domingo putting another in the back of the net, this time from fellow striker Radonezh-Muratovich. Solid play all around, it appeared Zandistan were cruising to a title in their inaugural tournament, Baptism of Fire 48. 

At halftime, Vilisević encouraged them to keep on the pressure and the title would be theirs. And in the second half, it was clear Zandistan were geared up and Inthelittlenation were simply outmatched. Zandistan put shot after shot toward their opponent's net, and by some miracle the score remained 2-0. The minutes began ticking by, 70...71...72...73. The team's dream seemed to be moving toward reality. 76...77...78. Could it be? Will we do this, will we win?" 80...81...82. A man in the stands, who had secretly arrived a kickoff, thought They're really gonna do it, they're going to win me this tournament. Oh, Zandistan will love me forever. 87...88...89. Karl von Zanderstrom's mind drifted, and he dropped to one knee, picking up a little tuft of grass from the pitch, feeling the dirt. This place will forever be remembered as the birthplace of our football. This is where we began.

The clock read 90:00. One minute of stoppage time, just one minute and they would be true champions. The ball went out for a Zandistan goal kick. The clock read 90:00 + 0:57. The referee raised the whistle to his mouth. Yes, this is it!

But his emphatic whistle to confirm Zandistan's title was never heard. A chopper flew overhead, drowning out any noise as it descended upon the stadium. As it moved, 25 men in black suits simultaneously stepped forward, encircling the hidden corner of the stadium where the man had been watching. But he had taken off, sprinting down the stairs to try to join the team in celebration. He had picked them and they were victorious, he was the Zandistani hero, never mind Domingo's two goals in the final. But he never reached the pitch. As he was leaping the final fence, he was hit from above, a sharp blow as a man tumbled on top of him after jumping from the helicopter. The men began wrestling violently, one trying to break free and join the celebration and the other just holding the man until the other 25 arrived, as they hustled to the location of the scuffle. But they were just too late. The parachuter slipped, and the man took advantage. He got on top, bashed the parachuter's head into the concrete, and left him unconscious. He attempted again to leap the fence onto the field, but his toe caught at the top, and he tumbled, landing awkwardly on the field. Now, Acquan stadium security headed to the scene, hoping to stop the intruder. The 25 Zandistani agents tended to their bleeding friend, but were unable to save him: his skull had been severely fractured and he died within minutes after the blow. But the Acquan guards were in action, tackling the man after only three steps on the grass. He was taken to the nearest police station there, and the Zandistani agents apologized for their unauthorized presence, but he was a wanted criminal.

Meanwhile on the field, von Zanderstrom received permission from the stadium staff to take some Il Colosseo sod back home to Zandistan, and he took out a cylindrical canister, pressing it into the ground and drawing it out. He would treasure this forever.

The team partied late into the night and early morning, finally grabbing a late flight back home to Zandistan. Overjoyed at their tournament success, they all set their sights on the World Cup, 61st edition but their first, which would be held in a year's time. But some of the members would never return to play internationally for Zandistan.

In the police station, after a fierce interrogation, the mysterious man was confirmed to be head of the Zandistani Mafia, linked to the strange disappearance of Evanolan Fry, and turned over to Zandistani authorities.

The news hit the press back home. Scandal supreme. The government did an internal investigation, and removed all people linked to the man now referred to as Mr. X, who spent the last fifteen years of his life rotting in courts and jails. The investigators and interrogators were able to determine the location of Mafia headquarters, and after a semi-bloody gun skirmish at the building, the entire criminal organization was dissolved, and all its members went on a government watch list. But this was not enough for the shocked people. They demanded a cleanup of the ZNFA, horrified that criminals could have represented them on the pitch internationally. 

The ZNFA, after long deliberation on what to do, removed all Mafia men from their staff, and, in a moment of what some considered to be too harsh, prepared a list of people forever excluded from all Zandistani players excessively linked to crimes at home, as well as what happened in Ossidiacqua and Iturributa. The players (and coach) were:
Wickami Schwartz
Artur Schmid
Friedrich Stenhoffer
Brendt Packebomm
And last on the list was a name that puzzled everyone by its inclusion: Karl von Zanderstrom III. Yes, he had strong ties to the Mafia, but he captained the squad to a championship and had not been linked to a crime in any way in over seven years. Many begged for him to be reinstated, but he never fought to be able to return. He had been a part of the inaugural international Zandistani squad, had been part of their triumph. His dream of playing in Il Colosseo, of winning in the beautiful stadium, had come true. And he always kept with him the canister of sod from that field. They had accomplished something great there, and he was a key part of the team for it; that could never be taken from him.

Zandistan was headed toward a cleaner era, both in football and at home. They emerged on the world stage still struggling internally, and were exposed by their great success, but this helped them clean up the country and bring it up internationally. When all was said and done, Karl von Zanderstrom III, Flavio Domingo, Juan Sánchez de la Mega, and all their teammates were heroes, remembered forever by their countrymen and thanked for helping the nation right itself. But already the World Cup beckoned, and the men had to shed the public spotlight. Mega and Domingo went back to training, and a happy Karl von Zanderstrom III returned to his home.

And the most important reason he never fought back for reinstatement? He had a wife and a four-year-old son at home, and he wanted to spend time with them. More specifically, he wanted his young son, little Karl IV, to become a great Zandistani international, to continue what his father had begun in the Ossidiacquan capital. Young Karl IV had some soccer to learn.

MATCH REPORT

Zandistan 2 - 0 Inthelittlenation

Events
10' Zandistan GOAL, Flavio "Golazo" Domingo, ASSIST from Jimmy-Phillip "Speed" McRae
29' Zandistan GOAL, Flavio "Golazo" Domingo, ASSIST from Yuri "The Grizzly" Radonezh-Muratovich

ZANDISTAN - BAPTISM OF FIRE 48 CHAMPIONS!!!