World Cup LXV (65) RP Thread

by **Pasarga** » Sun Jun 16, 2013 10:19 pm

World Cup 65 Roleplay Thread

Welcome to World Cup 65
Discussion Thread
Scores thread
Rosters thread
Bid thread
Pasargan IC information
Saugeais IC information

Finals

Group A
Pasarga (42)
Vilita (16)
Sargossa (24)
Mangolana (89)

Group B
Polar Islandstates (5)
The Sylvanaes Queendom (13)
Ko-oren (29)
Farfadillis (32)

Group C
Andossa se Mitrin Vega (2)
Darmen (14)
United Gordonopia (23)
Blouman Empire (36)

Group D
Osarius (3)
Valanora (7)
Gyatso-Kai (20)
Legalese (35)

Group E
Saugeais (17)
Wight (15)
Kiryu-shi (25)
Turori (31)

Group F
The Holy Empire (4)
New Montreal States (11)
Apox (30)
Boring Paradise (49)

Group G
Audioslavia (1)
Eura (19)
Mytannion (22)
The Licentian Islands (45)

Group H
Starblaydia (6)
The Archregimancy (10)
Equestrian States (28)
Ossidiacqua (38)

Fixtures
MD1: 1v4, 2v3
MD2: 4v3, 1v2,
MD3: 2v4, 3v1
Ro16: A1vD2, B1vC2, C1vB2, D1vA2, E1vH2, F1vG2, G1vF2, H1vE2
QFs: R1vR2, R3vR4, R5vR6, R7vR8
SFs: Q1vQ2, Q3vQ4
3PPo: SL1vSL2
Final: SW1vSW2

Both users will scorinate their matches in the evening CDT.

by **Pasarga** » Sun Jun 16, 2013 10:19 pm

Background
Pasarga was formed by the refugees of the fallen Persian empire following the invasion of Huns. They traveled for several months before they came upon a pair of unihabited islands in the northwest of what they would later found out to be the region of Rushmore. Wishing to cast aside their failures, the citizens abandoned the majority of their Persian culture, including a hard line adaption of European names, though they retained their old religious practice of Zoroastrianism.

Following their settlement, the citizens decided to call themselves Pasargans after a fashion of those that they encountered on their sojourn calling them the Paris. It was a tribute to what they had endured but also the promise of what could be rebuilt again. Rather than returning to a warlike people, they turned towards a cultural and spiritual way of life, keeping themselves mostly isolated from the outside world, apart from participation in the events like the World Cup.

Even as the years have passed, Pasarga still stays mostly an isolationist and peaceful pair of nations, relying notably upon their neighbors to the north in Sargossa to provide for their defense. They have turned to trade and sport as a way of measuring success, branching out of their shell if ever so slightly. The rural regions of the nation still strongly are mistrustful of foreigners and believe that no good can come them, with cities a necessary evil to conduct business.

Map of Pasarga

Weather
Pasarga enjoys a relatively mild and jungle-esque climate throughout the majority of the islands. Notable exceptions are Troubalose and Lunas which both are a few degrees cooler on average than the rest of the nation due to the northern peninsula positions against the cold waters of the Alban Strait. During summer, the majority of the nation averages a temperature of 25 degrees Celcius or 77 degrees Farenheit, though with humidity averaging around sixty to eighty percent depending upon how close to the mountains and coast you are.

Tansportation
While cars are not banned, it is preferred that the citizenry use the various forms of mass transit provided by the government to do their inner city travel. Light rail (including trolleys/cable cars), subways, as well as a bus system provide routes and stops to get to most locations within any of the major cities. Torgos, Targas, Paulinthal, Stein-los, Lunas, and Stilinkeep are all home to international airports for those wishing to fly into the country while most major cities have a smaller airport for domestic travel within the dual islands. Torgos, Lunas, and Pualinthal also are the three major ports of Pasarga and are well adjusted for any influx of passengers that route.

Stadiums
Group A
Stade de Torgos (Torgos) - 90,000

The crown jewel of Pasargan footballing stadium, it is both the national stadium and the stadium of the club side Galatica. It was built to be a monument to the prowess that the Pasargan people can achieve whenever they put their minds to it and show the rest of the footballing community that they belong. Located in the heart of the capital, it is easy to reach from anywhere within the city and the noise created inside the stadium has been known to shake surrounding buildings whenever the Wanderers are playing.

Kilmonarch (Stein-los) - 72,000

Stein-los welcomes any and all travelers to its borders with open arms. Long since believed to be the footballing capital of the nation, usurping the title from both Torgos and Targas, the chance to host the World Cup has the Stein-losians ecstatic. Kilmonarch, the best of which Stein-los has to offer, is a stadium built just a short twenty or so years before with all the latest amenities meant to attract UICA final bids that never really formulated. All the same, this football crazy city is ready to put on a show for all those who are sent to play matches in their jewel.

Group B
Stadium of the Moon (Lunas) - 84,000

Lunas is the de facto capital on Peynol, the largest city on the second island, as well as the one with the most wealth. It suffers from dreadfully cool temperatures compared to the rest of the nation due to its location out on the penisula. This has hardened the citizens who live in Lunas, who call themselves the "Kings of the Strait", with the Alban Strait to their north. There is also a great devotion to the moon in Lunas, as the largest of the stadium suggests, with crescents found in various art forms across the city. There is a very spiritual feel in Lunas and football itself is something of a ritual, with the walk from the "Stalking Dragon", the largest pub, to the stadium every weekend there is a match. Visitors are encouraged to partake in these rituals or at least be respectful of them.

Stilinkeep Stadium (Stilinkeep) 64,000

The second of the retractable roof stadiums, it offers the same services that Telathron does but in the comforts of Peynol's most diverse city. Filled with immigrants from all over the known world, Stilinkeep is a diverse and culturally rich city. Museums and art galleries dot its downtown sector as well as a rustic feel to the city with many of the original buildings built of brick still standing despite more modern facilities and sectors popping up around the city. It is truly a melting pot of different ideas and cultures that have found a balance between the old and the new, much the same as their stadium shows.

Group C
Telathron (Targas) 72,000

One of the two stadiums being used that has retractable roofs, Telathron is located in the former footballing capital of the nation. Telathron was built as a supposed rival to Stade de Torgos to compete as the national stadium, but the arena feel to the stadium made it lose out. Despite that, it is still a modern stadium that offers the capability to keep the temperatures during the games at a comfortable seventy-five degrees whenever the roof is closed.

Taltron Park (Torgos) - 66,000

Home to perhaps the most successful of the three capital clubs in Baskita FC, Taltron is the stadium usually forgotten in the capital. It is neither as big nor as fancy as Stade de Torgos, but located within a city park itself, it offers a serene surrounding and tranquil environment. Even the games inside the stadium are less rowdy than the rest of the city and nation.

Group D
San Daros (Paulinthal) - 64,000

Home to the famous, or infamous depending upon where you're from, CA Paulinthal. San Daros is a stadium that intimidates it opposition, with the away locker room purposely being built to only 400 square feet in order to unnerve the opposing team before the match even begins. Being a port city, Paulinthal is home to a large immigrant city, but in particularly a very large hispanic population. As such, it is not uncommon to here a variety of accents of Spanish and even Portuguese being spoken while walking the streets, as well as other vestiges of hispanic culture like taquerias and mariachi bands.

Fire Park (Troubalose) 62,000

Unlike the rest of the stadiums, Fire Park is not located in a culturally or financially rich part of the nation. The north of Pargis is one of the least populated areas of the dual islands and Troubalose being the only main population center due to the small trading port. Despite this, those who travel to Fire Park and Troubalose will find a friendly and proud host. They are the kings of the desolation and welcome any guests with both humility and respect, as well as cheering on their clubs with the passion expected from Stein-losians or Paulinthii.

by **Saugeais** » Sun Jun 16, 2013 10:19 pm

Welcome to Saugeais, Co-host of the 65th World Cup

Group E
Saugeais (17)
Wight (15)
Kiryu-shi (25)
Turori (31)

Group F
The Holy Empire (4)
New Montreal States (11)
Apox (30)
Boring Paradise (49)

Group G
Audioslavia (1)
Eura (19)
Mytannion (22)
The Licentian Islands (45)

Group H
Starblaydia (6)
The Archregimancy (10)
Equestrian States (28)
Ossidiacqua (38)

Background

Back in the middle of the 12th century, Landry, Lord of Joux, decided to found and fund an abbey in the upper valley of what is now Arçon. He gave land to Humbert, Archbishop of Besançon, who invited monks from Saint-Maurice-d'Agaune (Valais/Wallis, Switzerland) to settle there. The monks came with colonels from the Grishuns and Savoy, who brought their local languages which were still widely used in the valley. The colonels met the local hermit Benoît, and the abbey was named after him. A monk called Norduin built the abbey, which was placed under St. Colomban's rule. The abbey remained under the control of the Lords of Joux. In 1508, the system of commende was established, by which the abbots percieved a rent but did not live in the abbey. The most famous of these commendataire abbots was Ferry Carondelet, a former councillor of Emperor Charles V fond of the Italian Renaissance, who richly decorated the abbey. The abbey was eventually closed in 1723.

In 1947, the nation was formally founded with president George Pourchet appointed as the first president of the Republic. After a fairly quiet ruling period, the President died in 1968, with his wife Gabrielle taking over for himt, helping the parish priest to preserve the abbey. In 1972, a festival was organized in order to raise funds for the abbey preservation. During the lunch, Gabrielle Pourchet was officially elected by acclamation President of the Free Republic of Saugeais for life.

In 2010, the passing of Gabrielle saw the first time a new democratic election was put into place. The first such election resulted in François Gardin as the new President of the land. His rule will be remembered by the ups and downs in attitude over the treatment of his citizens. Varying from complete tyrant to reformed left wing politician, his tenure as the Saugeain president was by far the most eventful. In 2019, after many years of rule, Gardin was elected out of office by upstart congressman Thomas Bouvier. Bouvier's first act as president was to go after the failing economy. He immediately turned around the failing economy into one of the richest in the Rushmore nation.

Saugeais is a continuously developing nation rich in cultural diversity, with Cotdelapomais making up 20% of the national ethnic groups (the majority of non-native Saugeais). Being a nation on the coast, especially with capital Montbenoit right on the water, the nation is no stranger to the aforementioned tourists, who like to frequent the beaches on the shores of Lake Branta. Many of the host cities have excellent shopping districts, and great transportation systems to easily move visitors from the residential areas to the various match sites, shopping malls, etc. and back again. The weather can and will be erratic at times, switching from bright and sunny to wet and windy in the matter of minutes along the coastal towns. Tornadoes have been known to pop up every now and then in the southeastern part of the country, drastically affecting game play for one of the local clubs, who opt to play through these storms.

Transportation
Saugeais has a well developed infrastructure, linking each major city (which includes the host cities) via the Saugeais International Highway. Within each city runs their own independently run public transportation, ranging from buses to trolleys, even ferries in the case of Montbenoit’s bay area location. Taxis are plentiful should you require one whilst it is not anticipated that many will use hire cars during the finals.

Accommodations and Entertainment
Tourism in Saugeais has always been one of its main selling points, Visitors can enjoy an abundance of places to stay, from the five star hotels like the Grand Verona, to the local bed and breakfasts. Entertainment is certainly not lacking within the nation, with many towns celebrating their local music scene on a daily basis, be it through the many clubs in the areas or if you wish to sit down in Bugny’s newly constructed Opera House and take in some of the world’s most beautiful plays. Theatres and art galleries are common, and right now the National Institute of Art in downtown Montbenoit has a special gallery of wood carvings from nationally recognized artist Claude Battier.

Language and Currency
Probably the easiest transition over from most worldly nations is the (virtual) absence of a language barrier. English is spoken widely across the nation, and is the de facto national language. French is starting to be spoken by a greater percentage of the population, in no small part to the Cotdelpomais expatriates living in the northern part of the country. But if you are not able to speak either language and you are coming in to watch the games, translators will be at your service throughout all the host cities and stadiums to ease your stay here.

The currency used in Saugeais is the universal dollar, denoted by the sign "$". The old form of currency, the franc (₣) was eradicated due to hyper-inflation, leading the government to choose the more natural alternative to fit in with the rest of the world.

Weather
Saugeais has varying degrees of weather, ranging from hot and sunny, to cold and rainy; sometimes extreme weather conditions (ie. tornadoes) could appear, especially in the Two Rivers region. Despite being near Lake Branta, Montbenoit is home so some of the nicest weather in the country, perpetually being 80°F and sunny. As you move inland, there isn’t much change in temperature, until you get towards the upper portion of the country (around the Arçon region). Due to the National Forest encompassing the northeast region, temperatures will be much cooler. We advise you to be prepared in case your team is suddenly moving from warm to cool regions and vice versa.

Sport
Saugeais has long since considered football to be the national sport, having boasted that most of its 75 million citizens either watch or participate in leagues all throughout the year. The Saugeais Football Association, being headed by the Rumikola Premier League, is steadily growing to be one of the top football associations in the world, with teams like Bugny F.C. and Bota Guerre leading the charge. The national baseball team has fared well in international competitions, reaching the knockout stages in every single World Baseball Classic entered and finishing runners-up twice. The Rugby League and Union teams have also been a rising power in the world, taking 3rd place once in the 9th League World Cup and ending up in the quarterfinals numerous times among both codes.

Group E venues

The Football Association of Saugeais is based out of Stade de Montagne, located smack in the middle of the capital, Montbenoit. The stadium is also home to local Premier League side, Montbenoit FC, and both have used the 68,500 all seater since its construction before World Cup 53. The stadium has hosted many of the big matches, both with domestic clubs (in Premier League, the FAS Cup, and as a Copa de Campeones final venue) and with the national team against various big name opponents. The recently rechristened Stade Amaechi Olsen will be the focal point of the Saugeain section of the tournament, as it will host the Final match as well as several Group 1 matches.

Ville-DuPont, a very quaint, rustic town located near the northeastern edge of the country. Situated on the northern edge of the Saugeais National Forest, the Ville-DuPont economy is centered around logging, slowly becoming the national leader of lumber production and exports. The stadium they will be in is Hawkshead Point, a newly upgraded 57,550 all-seater venue that has seen its fair share of joy and sorrow in the past 20 years. The arrival of the collegiate and Olympic athletic trials has brought in enough money to renovate the stadium, and with the improved facilities led the team to attract big name stars both domestically and internationally.. With the arrival of the World Cup crowd, the FA will most likely see a steep upturn of financial gain, which in turn will go right back to the team.

Matches listed first will play at Stade Amaechi Olsen.
Matches listed second will play at Hawkshead Point.

Group F venues

In the industrial city of Metalton, several visiting teams will play at the high-tech Tapandie Stadium. Able to hold an expanded 39,450 fans, the stadium boasts that it has the cleanest pitch in the country, as rarely has there ever been pock marks or divots caused by slides; not even browned grass has shown up on the pitch. It really is the perfect playing field. Outside of football, Metalton has become one of the fastest growing cities in the country, with its ever expanding mining, and subsequent iron works, industries. The Metalton Domestic Iron Works Foundry is the largest producer of iron in the country, forging iron for everything from I-beams to truck chassis.

Old - built in 1950. Forest - It’s located on the edge of the Saugeais National Forest. Stadium - it’s a stadium. This venue in Bugny has been the home of Bugny FC since the team’s founding, and both them and the stadium have had many major changes over the years. Gone are the days of wooden bleachers, opting now for a more modernized bowl-and-roof look. The ultras, however, are still rather rabid about their team, domestic or national, and are said to make plenty of appearances during this World Cup. The FA has been nearly eradicated all threats from the ultras since the last major tournament hosted here, but visiting fans are asked to exercise caution when attending games at the Old Forest.

Matches listed first will play at Tapandie Stadium.
Matches listed second will play at Old Forest Stadium.

Group G venues

Longview is situated in the Two Rivers region of Saugeais, and as such is known for plenty of violent weather activity. This is partly the reason one local football team is called the “Tornadoes”. Circle Stadium in itself is not a bad venue: sturdy design, as well as rounded roofs, have been specially installed for the chance of sudden inclimate weather in the area. Add the fact that it has the best VIP boxes in the Premier League, and any visiting dignitary or rich fellow can watch the match in style.

Another stadium receiving a capacity upgrade, Pitape Stadium in Gilley is now at 47,850 seats. Both touchline stands received a new third level addition during these upgrades, and as a result the roof has now gone on to resemble a wave pattern than just being flat all the way across. Added concession stands, souvenir shops, bathrooms, not to mention cozier press and VIP boxes, have made this stadium one of the most modern venues for this entire tournament. Pitape was one of the host venues during Saugeais’ Copa Rushmori tenure, and it still remains as one of the most fan-friendly atmospheres in all of the Premier League

Matches listed first will play at Circle Stadium.
Matches listed second will play at Pitape Stadium.

Group H venues

A name change and a facelift was what this aging stadium needed in time for the 60th World Cup. Home to the Premier League powerhouse Titans, the World Cup Park boasts 53,450 seats, making it the second largest venue in Saugeais. It also was been retrofitted with new LED videoboards (replacing the old dot-matrix systems), better sound systems, more concessions, bathrooms, etc. all in time for when Saugeais hosted the World Cup, as well as for the Titans’ matches.

Aside from being home to the Arçon football team, Arrowpoint Place was also the main track and field venue for Olympic delegation of Saugeais. Located on the outskirts of the city, this 51,000 capacity venue hosted numerous national college meets and trial days for many aspiring track and field stars before they moved to Ville-DuPont. “The Point” is also a secondary home for the national team. The stadium, like the one in Bugny is located just a couple miles away from the Saugeais National Forest, which covers 10% of the total land area of the nation, and as such lumbering is one of the city’s main source of income.

Matches listed first will play at World Cup Park.
Matches listed second will play at Arrowpoint Place.

We here at the Saugeais Tourism Board wish you all the best during your time in Saugeais, and also wish your team the best of luck in the World Cup!

by **Saintland** » Sun Jun 16, 2013 10:23 pm

United Gordonopia defeats Saintland in extra time

(SP) Twice, United Gordonopia took the lead and twice, the Sanctii came from behind to tie their Cup of Harmony quarterfinal match. Although the Sanctii put up a valiant effort, their run in the 56th Cup of Harmony finally came to an end in extra time tonight in the Licentian Islands. The match, like the victory on penalties against Jeruselem just 2 days ago, was held at the Barton Software ("BS") Arena in the city of Colesham. Today, the Sanctii finally met their match in a team that apparently followed the Baptism of Fire that was held in their nation very closely. "It just wasn't God's Plan for us to win the Cup of Harmony at this time. Although we did not go down easily, in the end Gordonopia beat us, just as they were favored to do. Other than Audioslavia, I think they are the toughest team we faced in this World Cup cycle and I wish them luck in the semis. I wish we could be out there, but apparently God wants us to wait longer until the day when he will deliver glory to us. We were the best-performing Baptism of Fire 51 participant in World Cup qualifying and we will likely remain ranked above the likes of Barunia and those thugs from New Sideburn. Right now, I will be taking some time off from soccer for personal business, but I am looking forward to beating New Sideburn and bringing that trophy home to the Kingdom. I want to put it in my room to remind me how much of a thug Lukas Strongnesse is. Meanwhile, a number of the players from this team will be visiting The Icemark to compete in the Swamp Soccer World Cup and I hope they bring home a championship. This is not the end of the road for us. It is just the beginning." - Prince Andreas

The members of the terrorist organization Feministvs Sanctvsterra were once again protesting outside the BS Arena. After the recent statement by the Licentian authorities that they could do whatever they wanted, so long as they didn't damage property or injure anybody, Feministvs Sanctvsterra was emboldened. The members of the group protested outside of the arena prior to the match. However, this was not just any ordinary protest. Feministvs Sanctvsterra members protested while wearing no clothing whatsoever above the waist. It would have been bad enough if they had protested wearing only proper ladies foundation garments or even foreign ladies underwear, but they actually protested in the nude. This was an obscene display that happened right in front of children, but Licentian authorities did nothing.

Fans walked into the stadium. Most of the Sanctii in attendance were trying to ignore the filth that was visible around them and get into the stadium, but many foreign fans in attendance chose to stare at the naked bodies of the "ladies" that were running around protesting natural gender roles while wearing no clothing. "The gall of those 'ladies' is unbelievable. I'd never run around in public with my clothing off. That is just disgusting and only tempts men into sin. Feministvs Sanctvsterra has sunk to a new low and I didn't think that was possible." - Martha Pudentilla

The match began with the Sanctii on the offensive early on. Nicolaus Poenius ran Zachary Johnston out of bounds to force a throw-in. In the 6th minute, Poenius took the throw and sent it in to Silvester Flaccus. Flaccus passed forward to Prince Andreas, who set up Stephanus Vagionius with a great pass. Vagionius took a shot, but it hit the post. The Sanctii had blown an early opportunity to take a lead.

In the 13th minute, Prince Andreas had just created a scoring opportunity, but Jay Neuman saved the shot and Gordonopia came back on a counter-attack. Quickly working their way down the pitch, Gordonopia soon had an opportunity when Davis Roger set up Marc Castleton. Castleton passed to Jere Tobias and the Gordonopian vice captain placed the shot low and in the far corner. Alessandro Seius could not get to the shot and Gordonopia led 1 goal to nil.

The momentum seemed to be with Gordonopia now, but Prince Andreas and the Sanctii refused to give up. In the 22nd minute, Marc Castleton's shot would be saved by Seius. In the 25th minute, a Jere Tobias shot would go just barely over the bar. However, things would soon turn the other way once again. Lucas Aufidius attempted one of his trademark long passes in the 28th minute and the pass made its way to the feet of Stephanus Vagionius. Vagionius faked a shot, getting Jay Neuman to dive to the right. Then, he shot to the left side of goal and it went in, uncontested. Stephanus Vagionius had equalized! The Kingdom of Saintland was tied with Gordonopia!

The match would be bogged down in midfield for a while, but shortly before halftime, Gordonopia finally broke out of midfield and made a run at goal. This time around, Jere Tobias decided to fake a shot before passing to Jonathan Turner, who put it into the back of the net. Gordonopia had used one of the trademark goal-scoring moves of the Sanctii to score a game right before halftime. At the half, Gordonopia led 2 goals to 1 on the 44th minute goal by Turner.

For most of the second half, neither team had much of an advantage. Each team had a few shots, but no serious scoring chances. In the 68th minute, Prince Andreas decided to make a change, bringing in Ioannes Gratus and Paulus Gabinius. In a daring move, Prince Andreas decided to take both Georgius Catiotus and Matthaeus Belaeus out of the match. The Sanctii switched to a 3-3-1-3 formation, determined to score that equalizer.

In the 73rd minute, Prince Andreas passed to Ioannes Gratus. The shot was Gratus was knocked out for a corner. Prince Andreas booted a corner into the box, but Gordonopian captain Roger Steiner headed it away to safety. In the 77th minute, it was Gabinius's turn to blow a scoring opportunity. Gabinius had only the keeper to beat after a long pass from Lucas Aufidius and he put the ball inches wide of the goal. In the 81st minute, everything culminated when a pass by Prince Andreas to Stephanus Vagionius was ruled offside by the official, even though it was clearly onside on the video replay. Vagionius had gone on to score the equalizer before the whistle.

In the 86th minute, the Prince of Saintland proved to be the difference maker for our Kingdom. Prince Andreas received a pass from Petrus Mamilius and just his way around the defense, as only he can. Soon, the Prince of Saintland was through on goal and he hit a hard shot toward the top left corner of the net. Jay Neuman could not get there in time and the Prince Andreas shot went in for the equalizer. Prince Andreas had brought the Kingdom of Saintland level against Gordonopia!

The match soon went into extra time, still tied 2 to 2. For most of extra time, it appeared that the Sanctii would score a goal. Gabinius had 3 shots saved by Neuman in overtime and a Vagionius shot hit the post. Then, Gordonopia counter-attacked. Soon, Jonathan Turner was taking a shot for Gordonopia and Seius had to put it out of bounds for a corner. The corner went to Matty Paige and Paige headed it into the net for the 103rd minute goal. Gordonopia led 3 goals to 2 at halftime of extra time.

In the second half of extra time, the Sanctii needed another miracle, but Neuman saved a Stephanus Vagionius shot in the 110th minute and booted it long. Lane Franz got to it and headed it forward to Marc Castleton. Castleton passed to Jere Tobias and Tobias put the dagger into the Sanctii, putting that ball past an exhausted Alessandro Seius. Gordonopia held onto that score to win 4 to 2 in extra time.

With this loss, the Sanctii have been eliminated from the Cup of Harmony. Now, they have a long break ahead of them to prepare for the Strongnesse Trophy and World Cup 65 qualification. Many of the players on the team are headed to the Swamp Soccer World Cup in a few weeks. The Gordonopians will face Ossidiacqua next while Mytannion faces Cassadaigua. The winners play in the Cup of Harmony 56 finals. The losers play in the 3rd place match. Meanwhile, the Kingdom of Saintland will wonder what might have been, if things had just gone a little differently on this day in the Licentian Islands. We will wonder what might have been if Alessandro Seius instead of Mauro Soccorso had gotten his head on that Prince Andreas corner against Audioslavia. We will wonder what might have been if we had defeated New Sideburn in the quarterfinals of the Baptism of Fire. Next time, let's hope that we are too busy celebrating to wonder what might have been.

by **Thatius** » Mon Jun 17, 2013 1:46 am

The following is a nine-part series to be written over the course of World Cup 65 Qualifying. It stars several of Thatius’ World Cup players and highlights the team’s victories and defeats as well as a few funny stories. Just trying to develop several characters and see how it works out. If anyone wants to co-RP with me, send me a TG. I'm always looking for ideas.

Introduction

The World Cup: a tournament that brings fame and fortune, but also loss and despair. For some, their lifelong dreams of success will begin, and for others, it will end with a crushing blow. Thatius has entered the World Cup on nine separate occasions, with the previous eight ending miserably. Most recently, during World Cup 64 Qualification, Thatius made the playoffs for the first time in its history, finishing second in the group and facing Valladares in the playoffs. After losing 4-2 aggregate, the disappointed Thatian team left for home, eager to erase the defeat from their mind.

Now begins the new era of Thatian soccer. With star players returning like Novák Prakusya, Jason Petković, and Marko Voloski, the Firebirds are sure to regain their form and momentum that they had during the previous cycle of the World Cup. The question is, will they prevail and qualify for the first time for the group stage? Or will they succumb to yet another third place defeat? Nobody knows for sure, but masses will soon start to flock to churches all across Thatius, praying for a successful run.

One thing known for sure is that the people of Thatius are tired of coming so close. Year after year, the national team finishes third in the group stage or finally makes the playoffs and loses. But it’s not like the players want it that way, either. While the people put pressure on the players to perform well, the players and coaches put just as much, if not more, on themselves. They know now could be their time, and in nine appearances, anything could happen. Nine is a lucky number for some, right?

Part I: Dinner's On Me

9 months. That was how long the two had been dating, to the day. Lukas Kyrlenko couldn’t stop thinking about her even as he was training for the next World Cup. As the team was running shooting drills, he stood on the sidelines and gazed into the distance, lost in a trance of memories.

“Lukas, snap out of it,” yelled Coach Max Djanstchenko. “Go run five laps around the pitch because you’re not doing anything better.”

Needing a moment for reality to hit, Lukas gave a thumbs up and started a light jog. He was used to running long distances and the time it took him to run would allow him to think to himself. As an introvert, Lukas preferred to be alone most of the time. While he certainly enjoyed the company of others, there were times where he needed to be by himself.

Jogging around the pitch, Lukas hummed a song he heard on the radio the other day. The tune caught on pretty quick, and it had been stuck in his head ever since. It also sparked some images of his girlfriend in his mind. Ana Lokaysuk, at 22 years old, was one of the most beautiful women in Thatius, at least in Lukas’ mind. Everything about her was perfect, especially what she had on the inside. Always caring, nice, and thinking about others, Ana was his perfect match.

But she was hundreds of miles away back home in Noikos and here he was training at the National Soccer Grounds in Varael. Online video chats and texting weren’t enough, he needed to see her in person. It had been nearly two months since they last saw each other, and the Thatian players were not allowed visitors for the entire World Cup training period. In the following week, when the World Cup starts, the pair would finally be reunited.

However, as mad in love as Lukas was, he didn’t know if Ana still felt the same. After all, she seemed reluctant to talk even if Lukas had spared training time just to get online to talk to her. Maybe she was just busy. That has to be it, he thought. But his worst fear was that she had lost interest in him and they would break up soon enough. That thought chilled him to the bone every night, and he prayed hard that would not come to pass.

Suddenly, a soccer ball whizzed right past Lukas’ head.

“Watch it!” he yelled, snapping back to reality once more.

“Lukas, you’ve done a couple extra laps!” exclaimed Coach Djantschenko. “Get back to the practice pitch. We’re about to start a short scrimmage.”

Sprinting to the practice pitch, Lukas cast out any bad thoughts and started focusing on his soccer game. He would not do well to recall any of those feelings during the game, lest they would affect his performance. He needed to focus and worry about himself and not about others. Sadly, this meant putting himself and his career before the ones he loved, but such was his life. His career meant everything to him, and he found that it would be best to mold his life around it.

The Thatian National Team scrimmaged for the next two hours, with Coach Djantschenko stopping play to fix mistakes and yell at certain players. He had gotten quite vocal after his accident during a previous World Cup Qualifying round, and now liked to take out any pain he had endured on the players. Lukas himself had lost count of how many times he had been yelled out by the coach, but he wasn't the only one taking hits.

John Luke McElroy and Clark Andrijasević, two of Lukas' best friends, had endured their fair share as well. Whenever one had missed a tackle or wasn't in the right position, Coach Djantschenko promptly gave a short outburst, reprimanding either of the two.

"Lukas pass!" shouted Clark as he saw Lukas nearing the goal post. Clark was in prime position to shoot on goal against the Thatian back-up keeper, Jeremy Jezdić, who had proved himself quite formidable during the Atlantian Oceania Confederation Cup of Association Football (AOCAF) and Cup of Harmony tournaments. However, Lukas noticed Clark's position and chipped the ball over the other defender's heads to Clark's foot. Clark neatly struck the ball into the right-hand corner of the goal.

"GOAL FIRST STRING" shouted the coach. "SECOND STRING, TAKE A LAP!"

The second string team, comprising of mostly bench players, proceeded to take one lap around the pitch while the first team took a break and huddled with the coach.

"Nice goal Clark." said John Luke McElroy as he approached.

"Yeah, gotta hand it to Lukas. He did a good job."

John nodded towards Lukas' direction. "Can you believe it? The World Cup Qualifying starts in several days...and soon we'll be off to. Who knows where?"

"Hopefully Pasarga or Saugeais," remarked Lukas. "That's our final destination. We were so close last qualifying, I think we can finally make it."

"I'm hungry," said John.

"Oh what now?"

"I'm hungry," said John again. "Ready to eat some Pasargan or Saugeain food."

"But you haven't even been to those nations." replied Clark.

"So? I've heard it wasn't that bad. Besides, it honestly can't be as bad as they make it here. If I have another Bratkartoffeln, I might throw up. It's like the Thatian cooks have no originality. Oh let's make another German-flavored dish. Oh, does Serbian sound good tonight? Like for real, I thought we're a nation of immigrants," said John, rambling.

Clark suddenly interjected: "More like a nation of bad cooks. We know no one comes to Thatius to eat food, but just wait a few more days John, sheesh. We'll be all over the map soon, and you can try whatever specialities they have in the respectable nations."

"Ugh," groaned John. "That means plenty of airplane food. My favorite."

"You've always been the complainer, John." said Lukas. "Just shut up for the rest of this scrimmage and we'll all go somewhere...interesting to eat dinner. Alright?"

"If you're paying, sure."

"Maybe if you score a goal, then sure."

"But I'm a defender."

"HAH. Good luck."

by **Brenecia** » Mon Jun 17, 2013 2:54 am

Pressure
Blake Lawless was a man with a lot on his mind.
For a start, a lot of people wanted him fired. New Sideburn had won the Baptism of Fire. Brenecia hadn't made it past the Casaran stage.

This, to most people, was not a favourable comparison.

Brenecians were a prideful sort, of course. But one couldn't blame them for thinking that they could do better than this... Brenecia was an advanced nation in football, with 40 professional sides, two leagues of 20 after a very recent expansion. The Baptism took in sides with all manner of infrastructure, ranging from 'nonexistant' to 'hadn't bothered to enlist in the WCC for no real reason', and ... well, Brenecia were in the latter of those. They were moderately advanced. They... could do better than this.

New Sideburn had seemed like a wolf amidst sheep. Brenecia were more like a rather placid terrier.

But the bastards would never expect this. Blake would pick an identical lineup to the one of yesteryear. Damn last season! He knew he could do it with this 23... oh, there might be some temporary rising stars, and maybe Aldous Huckerby was really bloody old now, but he could do this!

Blake Lawless fundamentally believed in the philosophy of #yolo, which he used to justify a general absence of forethought in all things. He'd had a hard time justifying it to the Brenecian FA. Come to think of it he'd had a hard time justifying keeping his job with the Brenecian FA. In fact they'd been pretty open about how they'd approached Jon Slatesaver, currently fresh off a Premiership triumph with AFC Treason. Slatesaver had resigned. Loudly. So had the next two guys they'd asked, which left them staying with Lawless.

Oh, well. Onwards and upwards! Yolo!
---------------------------------------------------
SCOOP OF THE DAY with MEREDITH FINCHE
Hello, and welcome to the first edition of Scoop of the Day! Which is a pun on Soup of the Day, you see? S(c)oup? No? I guess it was too subtle for you.
Anyway, my name is Meredith Finche, perky, up-and-coming twenty-something journalist recently fired from the Rozelle Observer for journalistic fraud. But enough about me! Let's get into the thick of it.

Brenecia, fresh off a dismal failure in the Baptism of Fire, are currently the 267th-best team in the world. The Sideburnese are kicking sand in our faces and mocking us for being apparently less than a tenth as good as them. Sadly, this is because our team is kind of rubbish. We have a few young stars, but mostly just... young. People. That aren't very good. So I've taken the liberty of thinking what you have probably already thought of already... what would happen if we had a dream team from Brenecia's pre-WCC years? Over the next 17 weeks I'll be showing you my thoughts on who SHOULD be playing, and you can all agree with me and give me views on my clickbait title! Hahaha! Isn't self-awareness fun and endearing?

Here's hoping you'll tune in next time; for now, this is Meredith Finche signing out!

by **Aels** » Mon Jun 17, 2013 10:00 am

(OOC: Note – cross posted with BoF RP thread.)

THE REPORT
Huw Price in Legalese

'A team of Elwyn Richards'

Felix 2
Aels 2
– After extra time (1–1 after 90 minutes). Aels win 2–1 on penalties

FOURTEEN thousand Aelshmen, women and children in the Park of the Phoenix last night will have a memory they will never forget. Thirty of them — playing, coaching and medical staff — will cherish it more than most. And of that thirty, perhaps one will feel more pride than anyone else.

Elwyn Richard.

The ageing captain of the side has never won an international honour despite having played for the Ancharmunn national team, something his good friend (and Aelsh public enemy number one) Alun Jenkins still does. While the 34-year-old striker has never publicly admitted it, even his closest confidants admit that Richard was "disappointed" that Jenkins, the Charmunnry captain, chose not to represent his country of birth.

Richard, though, is a consummate professional and knows not to get embroiled in such debates. "What Alun has or hasn't chosen to do is his choice and his choice alone, and I'm not prepared to talk about that. We've just won a major tournament, while representing our nation, and right now we simply want to enjoy this moment."

Someone had better remind Richard, then, that soon he will be Elwyn James Richard CA. Personal honours await him back in Drayfill, with the Senate having unanimously passed a resolution calling on the Culture and Media Affairs Office to recommend Richard to be made Companion of the Order of Aels, the second-highest rank in the order.

Maybe that person will be one Alun Jenkins. He watched on from an executive box last night, and reportedly spent the rest of the evening with Richard and their wives in a swanky up-market Tiberia restaurant.

Jenkins, who expects the furore over his non-committal to Aels to die down once the new domestic season gets underway and he pulls on the Drayfill Town shirt, did have some words of congratulation for his would-be teammates.

"It's a magnificent achievement, and the way they've played they no doubt deserve it. But they probably wouldn't have done it if not for Elwyn Richard. That was a team inspired by Elwyn out there tonight – a team of Elwyn Richards."

High praise indeed from someone so widely loathed in the Aelsh footballing community at the moment.

Match ratings: J McConnell 8.0, R Jones 8.0, O Griffiths 7.5, I Maddox 8.5, S Andrews 7.5, C O'Connor 8.0, R Evans (vc) 8.5, A Jones 8.0, M Powell 7.5, B Thomas 8.5, E Richard (c) 9.0; Subs: O Howells 7.5 (for O Griffiths), G Evans 7.5 (for M Powell), J Morgan 8.0 (for B Thomas)
Bookings: O Griffiths, B Thomas
Goals: R Evans, E Richard

by **Falconwhereveryouare** » Mon Jun 17, 2013 11:47 am

Part 1 - Part 2 - Part 3

Lene Huff was happy. For quite likely the first time in months. Week after week of interviewing hobos, the recently unemployed, factory managers whose football experience laid in them watching games at the pub, and criminals had taken a lot out of her. I'm going to find whoever thought it would be a good idea not to prescreen the applications for Falconwhereveryouare's national manager and murder them. This was a goddamn travesty. At least we actually have a SERIOUS candidate to end things with... I can't believe we couldn't find a single Falconian capable and willing. We have to outsource to science-damned Audioslavia. of all places. She was taken out of her mental rant by her deskphone ringing. "What is it, Mary?"

"Mister Radic is here to see you."

Lene beamed. "Oh, excellent! Send him in."

A few moments later, the Assistant Manager with two World Cup championships under his belt entered her office. "Hello, Miss... Huff, is it?"

"Yes. Welcome, Mister Radic, it's a pleasure to finally meet you."

David removed his hat and sat down in the guest chair. "The pleasure's mine. So... what are you looking for in a manager?"

Lene clasped her hands and leaned forward. "You."

"Erm... what?"

"This interview is a formality. If you want it, the job is yours."

"...really?" David cocked an eyebrow, having expected a more... rigorous process.

"Really. Someone with your experience would be an invaluable resource to our team, there's no doubt. We're in a bit of a rebuilding process, and I couldn't think of
someone more qualified than a major part of the machine that broke Audioslavia's final-losing streak while ranked outside the top 40. So, do you want the position?"

David smiled and absent-mindedly twirled his hat. "Of course."

Lene returned the smile and pulled out a pile of papers. "Great! Now we just have a little paperwork to do, then you can head out to Kalta to meet the team. The World Cup Qualifiers are bearing down on us, so let's get to work."

by **Pasarga** » Mon Jun 17, 2013 12:28 pm

Qualifying Draw

Group 1
Taeshan (11)
Sargossa (27)
Armed Bears (51)
Leorudo (79)
Super-Llamaland (117)
Horusland (165)
Kalusia (231)
The fief of Sir Kunne (267)
Oralana (308)
Friday Freshman (UR)

Group 2
Darmen (15)
Turori(35)
Thatius (52)
Bongo Johnson (90)
Stachland (126)
Nekoni (158)
Lacus Magni (218)
Albaie (281)
Asasia (308)
Carasatoga (UR)

Group 3
Valanora (8)
Akbarabad (36)
Sicoutimont (60)
Swyftlandre (85)
Branta Island (119)
Kinzar (166)
Kikwipeyi (222)
Tirdarsaor (267)
Mythic Erin (308)
Quakmybush (UR)

Group 4
Andossa Se Mitrin Vega (2)
Mapletish (33)
Maklohi Vai (57)
Free South Califas (72)
Barunia (106)
Mantwenic (192)
German American States (227)
Mizuyuki (267)
TailsPrower (315)
The Glorious Commune (UR)

Group 5
Starblaydia (6)
Legalese (40)
Hutt River (55)
Krytenia (74)
Zwangzug (132)
Aels (199)
The Pazhujeb Islands (207)
Neo Lemmitania (267)
Europa Brittania (293)
IOM Sports Association (UR)

Group 6
Mytannion (21)
Jeruselem (32)
Mesoland (56)
Bergnovinaia (83)
Gaveo (109)
Beaverriver (182)
Metropolis Mania (254)
Telnaior (281)
Querria (339)
Worszary (UR)

Group 7
New Montreal States (13)
Farfadillis (34)
Lymantatia (62)
Northern Sunrise Islands (84)
Timfen (111)
Kriegiersien (195)
German-Spanish Empire (231)
Hontaýpýar (281)
Colland (315)
New Lowerlands (UR)

Group 8
Audioslavia (1)
Kiryu-shi (25)
Cassadaigua (61)
Soviet Canuckistan (81)
Kishrael (110)
Bloodbath Generation (195)
Savski Venac (222)
The City of Woe (267)
Lzherusskia (339)
Magnustan (UR)

Group 9
Polar Islandstates (5)
Blouman Empire (39)
Michael VII (50)
Powersith (87)
Falconwhereveryouare (121)
Schmiegelland (155)
Mechelen (244)
Fristat & Marionopolis (281)
Bloodridge (330)
Razmakistan (UR)

Group 10
The Archregimancy (12)
United Gordonopia (28)
Khytenna (68)
New Sideburn (86)
Backyard Sports (104)
Homelands Our (195)
Nandezia (222)
Neu Engollon (281)
Mr Creeper (315)
Phing Phong (350)

Group 11
Osarius (3)
West Angola (26)
Astograth (48)
Filopines (91)
Sandwich Territories (114)
Kericia (148)
Luzvimindia (240)
Carizzal (293)
Joshulia (339)
Beldonia (UR)

Group 12
Milchama (23)
Ossidiacqua (37)
Cosumar (63)
Kandorith (97)
Charruterra (116)
Mangolana (145)
Tyrrin (244)
Punum (281)
The Fair Republic (330)
Lukquarel (UR)

Group 13
Jeru FC (19)
Eura (24)
The Licentian Islands (49)
Eastfield Lodge (82)
Ancharmunn (107)
The Greater Archipelago (182)
Chiata (254)
Tasrailia (267)
Vakolic (293)
The Kytler Peninsulae (UR)

Group 14
The Holy Empire (4)
Ko-Oren (31)
Iturributa (70)
Liventia (93)
San Potato (112)
The Sova Empire (144)
Nouvel Ecosse (231)
De La Fleur (281)
Piddlehinton (315)
Rex Lucian (UR)

Group 15
Gyatso-kai (22)
Svengarda (45)
Carpathia and Ruthenia (53)
Paradystopia (88)
Yelvodia (118)
United Kingdoms of Zackalantis (198)
Ethington (231)
Speranda (281)
Soviet New Ireland (293)
An Enigmatic Nation (UR)

Group 16
Wight (18)
Karditan (41)
Jedi8246 (67)
Saintland (80)
The Royal Kingdom of Quebec (124)
Sondstead (199)
Aquitayne (254)
Sangti (281)
The Sovan Antithesis (315)
Narsora (UR)

Group 17
The Sylvanaes Queendom (14)
Apox (30)
Antoletia (66)
Vettrera (99)
Hyskigland (120)
Kartvelistan (160)
Free Swiss States (217)
Qatarus (267)
Penileanium (330)
The Icemark (UR)

Group 18
Valladares (9)
Qazox (43)
Boring Paradise (47)
Estope (94)
Alexanderburn (134)
Felix (199)
St Lucoa (231)
Kaznan (293)
Borealia (293)
Schalafania (UR)

Group 19
Vilita (16)
Kinitaria (44)
Mashiki (46)
Slembana (76)
Shadowbourne (108)
Kalumba (143)
Torisakia (211)
Lahoa (293)
Arkolon (339)
Kizzyboi (UR)

Group 20
Bears Armed (10)
Equestrian States (29)
The Inevitable Syndicate (69)
Islands of Qutar (98)
Carmadin (102)
Sudagiu (204)
Free Republics (267)
Brenecia (267)
Tantamir (293)
Omarios (UR)

* The full schedule will be posted in the Original Post shortly. First matchday scorination will be Wednesday, June 19th.

by **Super-Llamaland** » Mon Jun 17, 2013 12:53 pm

Super-Llamaland Practice Field, Locker Room
10: 57 AM

Johnny Rushmore walked in the room.
"Rushmore, practice starts at 11:05, get ready!"
He walked into the state-of-the-art changing room. This is it, he reminded himself. This was the day he needed to prove himself a capable starter. After all, he had four international goals. Off the bench, that was pretty good. Right?
The truth was, Rushmore to Bryan Ferguson was the perfect bench player-good for a burst of late game explosiveness. But he wanted a starting job, and Scrimmage One was a good time to get it.

The rosters had been posted.
TEAM ONE: Richards, Matthewson, Mujica, Chapman, Oliver, Mullin, Powell, Rushmore
TEAM TWO: DeJesus, Palmer, Jefferson, Duncan, May, McGee, Crosby, Alcanatra

It was pretty easy 2-3-2 play, eight players a team. There would be two more scrimmages before the coaches made final verdicts.

Rushmore was changing. His locker, by coincidence, was in between Eric Matthews and Nick DeJesus (backup goalies). He had no clue why he had been stuck in the goalie section.

Matthews, without needing to change into a jersey, was sitting on one of the many steel benches there.

"Hey Rush, hows it going?"
"Good, they got me on first time today. You?"
"Going to McMartin today for a checkup. I'm not in the lineup today."
"Is he good?"
"Oh, I don't know. He'll be famous."

Eric Matthews was seventeen and a phenom, but he wasn't better than veteran Tyson Richards. You could argue about him and DeJesus, but he wasn't going to get much playing time.

"Hey Johnny, the game starts in two minutes!" Luis Alcanatra, who knew that he was a backup guaranteed. He was playing on Team B and had the red-and-gray road alternate to match it. Luis was not his competition.

Johnny climbed the stairs just in time for the scrimmage to begin.

11:09 AM
The fourth minute of ninety in the game. Johnny had been perfectly average so far. But he got off a nice corner kick and it bounced around a bit until Chris Chapman headered it in past a diving Nick DeJesus. 1-0, Team A.
"Nice kick, Rush." Coach David Russell said.
"Thanks, Russ." Johnny went back to the game.

11:26 AM
Nick DeJesus was having a rough go of things. He knew his spot-backup goalie-but at this rate, Matthews would be subbed in in no time. Chris Chapman had gotten one by him, but he had a few blocks. Then, disaster struck.

Johnny Rushmore came dribbling up the sideline and passed one to Evan Powell. Pretty simple. But then Powell got by a pair of defenders. The only pair of defenders. James McGee came running back in a vain attempt, but Powell kicked a slicing shot twenty yards away. DeJesus dove...and it ricocheted off. He breathed a sigh of relief.

Then, the ball bounced off of McGee and rolled into the goal. Twenty-one minutes in, they were down two-nil.
Then, Evan Powell took off on a pass from Chris Chapman. And shot it over Nick's head. Nick had come out, and Powell took advantage. Twenty-two minutes in, three-zip.

Finally, after Johnny Rushmore had gotten one in the left corner to make it 4-0 after twenty six minutes, Nick was taken out by coach Max Day. Max was shaking his head.

"Hey Nick, go get Matthews, will ya?"

Trainer's Room; 11:31 AM
"So, you look good, Matthews." Ray McMartin said, holding a roll of tape.
"Yeah, I've been working out." Eric said confidently.
"No, I mean you aren't sick."
"...Oh."
Nick DeJesus burst in. "Eric, get on the field NOW."
"Is it bad?"
"Yes, it's four-nil."
"You gave up four goals in thirty minutes?" Eric was incredulous.
"Yes, I know, I suck and you're getting my spot. Just get out there, okay?"
Eric left.
"DeJesus!" said the trainer. "Need anything?"
On the pitch, 11:44 AM
The game progressed. Luis Alcanatra shot one off the post and in. Rushmore was doing all right. Maybe all right enough to take Crosby's spot!
4-1. He ran down the side and received a pass, and inside he knew the ball would find the net. He dribbled and pulled his leg back.
TWEEEEEEEET! Offsides.

The rest of the game, for Johnny, was terrible.

After the game
"All right, bring it in," said Bryan Ferguson.
"Nice game today. It was 5-2, Team One winning. Good job to everybody."
Ferguson would then pick the best player to lead the 1-2-3-TIGERS chant. Johnny was hopeful.
"All right, let's have Luis take this."
Alcanatra?

The players went back to the hotel in silence. Their test was one-thirds over.

But there were two more scrimmages to go.

by **German American States** » Mon Jun 17, 2013 12:53 pm

Monday, June 17th
Apartment 347, 16 Kirchestrasse, Althof, Milwaukeesburg
6:03 AM
Erik woke up to his beeping alarm clock. Its throbbing noise made him want to go back to sleep, but he had to wake up. After a couple of minutes, he made himself sit up in bed and turn the alarm clock off. He sat staring at the wall in front of him, with several framed jerseys hanging on the wall. One was from his academy team, Der Blau Loewe, who won the Academy Cup here in the States. Then, there was his SC Gold Loewe jersey from his first game, it's blue and white diamonds shining out at him. And finally, his GAS National Team jersey, with it's multicolor sash. Erik had to remember though, that he didn't want to fit his celebrity. He had to stay humble, stay close to his roots. He pulled himself out of bed, threw on a t-shirt and sweatpants, turned on the coffemaker, and turned on the sports channel, Speilersport 1. Usually there were highlights, but the coverage was all about the national team. His team. After he choked down a breakfast sausage or two and a roll, he turned off the TV, and threw on a hoodie, a flatrim baseball hat, and got his headphones and pOd. After throwing on some sunglasses and grabbing a gym bag with his clothes, shinguards, and cleats, he was off. He liked to think he was a normal person, riding down the elevator with his coffee, just going to work, like a normal person. He smiled to himself. It used to be that easy. But Erik Rogalski's life isn't normal now.
He got down to the lobby. The doorman Jurgen stood in his bright red uniform. "Hey, Erik! How's it going?"
"My man, Jurgen! Great to see you! It's not bad for me!"
"Just wanted to say good luck for today. I'll be at the sending off tomorrow."
"Thanks, see you tomorrow!"
Erik walked out of the apartment. Milwaukeesburg was starting to wake up. The taxis were out in mass, common commuters on the streets, funneling towards the metro stop for Althof Station. It was the big transfer station, a myriad of trains and platforms. He flashed out his metro card, swiped, got through the turnstiles, and walked on. If these people actually knew what he was doing for days and days, living in an apartment, they would be astounded. Think of it. Erik Rogalski, star forward for SC Gold Loewe and the national team, commuting to practice every day on the subway? It would blow people's minds. Sometimes, it blew his too.
After around 15 minutes, he was on his way. The train was headed for Steinbruck Heights, the site of the GAFF offices and practice facilities. He tried to look normal, just texting and checking his e-mail on his phone, just like everyone else. After a half-an-hour ride, he had made it to the tiny stop on the outskirts of town. He ran up the escalator. He was in a hurry. After walking for a couple more minutes, he was at the practice facilities. He got to the gate to the locker room, scanned his ID card, and was in. Walking through the halls, he saw multiple GAS MNT jerseys, all the legends, lining the halls. He got to the locker room, opened it up, and made his way to his locker. He peeled off his "disguise", as he called it. There were several guys here already. He said hi to Karl Strauber, a good friend from SC. He turned to his locker, where he stuffed his fan-mail in his gym bag. Suiting up, he saw the rest of the guys coming in. After a half an hour or so, everybody was there and ready for practice. Coach Karl Rheinhart came in. "OK guys, everybody in." The guys rose from their stools, listening to Coach Rheinhart. "Lets have a good practice today, lets not push it, but give a good effort. Eagles on 3, one, two three EAGLES!"

by **German American States** » Mon Jun 17, 2013 1:10 pm

7:15, June 18th, 2013
Milwaukeesburg International Airport, Steinbruck Heights
Erik was not wearing his "disguise". He was with the team, and now he could be seen. Except he called a taxi this time. After getting an earful from the taxi driver about what great a player he was and how the national team was "going to show these guys who's boss", he was let off at the GAFF offices, where the team bus was waiting to take them a couple of miles to the tarmac at the airport. The guys piled in, and Erik found a seat next to none other than the next most popular player on the team(after him and Gunnar Baumgartner, of course) Hans Wippenbeck. Hans was the all-star striker for Alle-GAS, and during the GAPL season, Erik's biggest rival. He is known nationwide for his ego. As Loewe fans joked, Han's ego was so big, he was thinking about buying a car for it. Despite this, Erik had become his friend. For now.
"Hey Hansi" Erik said as he sat down."You excited?"
"Yeah, a bit. I don't think it will be any bigger than a club tournament." He remarked staring out the window. The bus started up and started rolling down the street, with a full police escort. Fans lined the streets on the way to the airport, showing their support, waving flags, flashing their scarves, wearing jerseys. Erik, himself, was a little nervous. With the teams in their group, they were probably going to get knocked out early. The #2 team in the world was in their group. He did not want to dissapoint them. As they reached the airport, the party of people sending them off was massive. Coach Rheinhart adressed the fans, telling them that they would represent the country with pride, etc. Erik was pretty jittery, and just wanted to get in the air. Eventually, they walked to the tarmac, with fans lining the sides and giving them high fives. Erik singled out Jurgen, who he found in the crowd, and gave him their secret handshake, grinning. He waved at the fans, gave high fives, and tried to act as positive as possible. Soon, they were in the air, off of GAS ground.

by **Free South Califas** » Mon Jun 17, 2013 1:39 pm

Los Angeles: the Approx Guide

If you're like most visitors from distant places, your first sight of Free South Califas will be the sprawling mess of hills, freeways, cultures and air quality levels that is Los Angeles, as your skin fries from the constant sun and you contemplate the nature of Burbank International Airport.

The Approx Guide can help: It is a place for every kind of drug smuggler to learn what a churro is.

Once you escape Burbank on the rails, it is only a matter of time before you confront Los Angeles. Nestled deep in the southwest of massive Los Angeles County, it is most famous for like, a million things, but mostly making everyone say annoying stuff like "like, a million things", also movies, excellent expensive drugs, freeway gunfights, and being a really easy place to get a fake ID.

Today, it is home to the most rampant exemptions to any known ban on automobiles, seat of a unique experiment in direct democracy, a hub of international diplomacy, and still a pretty good place to get drugs and fake IDs. Seriously, if you like drugs, you bought the right Approx Guide. That being said, the infamous smog and the asthma-choked neighborhoods of the 20th-century lumpenproletariat are gone. The freeways are now used as an extensive network of public transit hubs and plazas for gathering without being bothered by anyone unless you stand close enough to hear them, but also for selling more churros.

If you're visiting Los Angeles County for football purposes, which after all makes sense if you bought the football edition, chances are you are staying in Los Angeles or visiting nearby Pasadena or Carson. ...

(OOC: I've got a few different possible directions for this guide competing with each other, and I have to go do productive stuff anyway. This will be continued shortly.)

by **Nandezia** » Mon Jun 17, 2013 1:44 pm

Nandezia in Group 10 of WC 65 Qualifying
By Tomas Ubina

Just getting off a short break after a Round of 16 exit from the Baptism of Fire 52, the Nandezian national team will be back at it again on the pitch in just two days time. They have been placed into Group 10 of the 20 groups in the World Cup qualifying, and will play 18 games within the group. Their first game on the World Cup stage will be against New Sideburn, the winners of the Baptism of Fire 51. New Sideburn is known for their strong, fast game. "Nandezian football" as the Canaries call it, features attacking formations, with players going forward often. The side enjoys possession, but often finds themselves trying to move the ball up the pitch quickly.

NSN sat down with Dani Clemente, the Nandezian manager. We asked him if there are any new expectations for the team after the Baptism of Fire. He replied:

"This tournament will be different from the Baptism of Fire. There, we were on the same level as everyone else, for all of us, it was the first international tournament. Now, this is the big leagues. We've been given a rank of 222 in the world, and rightfully so. There are teams here who have been playing this for a long, long time. We're the new guys on the block, and we must get that through our heads. We will play as the underdogs, which we are, and we will play smart against the higher ranked opponents. Our ultimate goal is making it out of qualifying, but we must play smarter at the back if we are to do so. We learned that the hard way in the Round of 16 in the Baptism of Fire. With 18 games ahead of us, we have time to get our boots under us, but I want to hit the ground running against these other teams, and that's something we plan on doing.

Currently, Nandezian club teams are finishing up their seasons in the NKRFA, and the entire Nandezian squad has missed almost half of their season already, and this whole team will also miss the Crystal Cup, the international New Kriegermeister tournament between the nations within the region. Desi Tono, captain club (Lorenzo City) and country, told us that, "Obviously, we are all upset that we can't be with our clubs. Their seasons are ending, and we had to give way to our national duty. How the schedule fell isn't up to us, we just have to play football. We all keep up with our club teams, and we often watch the games together as a team, but we all realize we're serving a higher purpose right now; to get Nandezian football on the map."

The Nandezian team is on their way to New Sideburn's capitol, Sabrefell, where they will play their first World Cup qualifying game in the Farham Arena.

by **Apox** » Mon Jun 17, 2013 2:06 pm

The International Post

Series ends with a win... now it's time for the real thing

by Clement Ashley

And that's that, the Apox Football Tour over, ending with the traditional friendly cup against the Northern Sunrise Islands, now the Vaporeans instead of the Marills. Much more confusing. The Vaporeans were fielding an interesting team, while we fielded a full strength side with the squad for the qualifiers for the 65th World Cup being announced. The scorers for Apox were Keri Ularu, who has now taken on the role of the experienced striker as Chris Maarsden is injured, and Jack Forster, getting his head on the ball off a corner like he so often does, in his 70th international cap.

And that brings us onto the qualifiers themselves, which start in merely a couple of weeks time. This will undoubtedly be Olim Benzari's last campaign as a starter - he is 32 now, and will likely be 34/35 when the 66th World Cup campaign starts again. Speaking of which following the match against the Vaporeans, he is the most capped Apoxian internationally, his 81 caps exceeding the 80 accumulated by the great Dravid Scott.

How our strikers will perform is an interesting note, with the in form, but ageing Keri Ularu up front, and then either the out of form Marlon Vetta or the inexperienced Fred Barnett behind. However, expect the young future stars Maxim Kolo and Tolgus Tregajorran to get some game time, they will need to be ready for when they finally are ready to step into the limelight.

This may be the campaign where rising stars such as Matthias Sindelar and Jenson Moses get their time in the limelight, as this is very much a re-generation period for the team, with only Olim Benzari still playing from that first international against Romili 11 years ago, and only Jack Forster and Will Fich joining him as being present in that tournament. This is really the first tournament in which the second generation of Apoxian internationals can become the core of the team.

So, what are the hopes for the team in this tournament? Well, I think most people will be expecting Apox to qualify again, our group is quite easy to qualify from on paper, especially after facing a harder group last time. However, while the public will be expecting us to qualify, I don't think we'll be expecting to progress from the Group stage should we qualify, we're not at that stage yet, and Númba's position is safe enough at the moment that a non-qualification wouldn't be disastrous. So then, who is in our group?

Group 17
The Sylvanaes Queendom (14)
Apox (30)
Antoletia (66)
Vettrera (99)
Hyskigland (120)
Kartvelistan (160)
Free Swiss States (217)
Qatarus (267)
Penileanium (330)
The Icemark (UR)

Not a great deal we know about the group though, we of course know The Sylvanaes Queendom, we vaguely know Antoletia and Vettrera, while Hyskigland were in our group last time, Free Swiss States are in our region and The Icemark are a returning old nation. Overall, not too bad. Well, let's wait and see what we say as of the end of qualification.

Team Sheet from the Match (scorers in bold)
GK - Joe Frost sub Ettie Seabrooke 45'
RD - Jack Forster
CD - Dan Weekes
CD - Fronden Abel sub Athelstan Firth 65'
LD - Hans Nielssen
RM - Olim Benzari (c)
CM - Will Fich
CM - Jack Moses sub Armando Quillisi 65'
LM - Fran Gracie sub Sammie Puskas 65'
CF - Fred Barnett
ST - Keri Ularu sub Tolgus Tregajorran 65'

by **Maklohi Vai** » Mon Jun 17, 2013 2:07 pm

OOC: I'm doing this while watching the Tahiti-Nigeria match, which is the first time I've seen a Polynesian football team on the international stage. It turns out my own characterizations of my team's style match up very similarly to how they play, which makes me very pleased.

The second Des Monts Ila Vai Cup concluded recently, and the Vaian team was able to taste victory based off goal differential. This friendly series were the first international matchs the Vaian team had had since the Cup of Harmony, so understandably there was some tension and excitement in the air. The first match kicked off in Sicoutimont with a rather dull start, as neither team was able to get much of an edge on offense. There was a Vaian attack in the 33rd minute where Tumo Makanopalani was able to get a shot off within the box, but the keeper Pier-Luc Dion was able to make a fantastic save, diving to his left. A Sicoutimont attack 8 minutes later, however, was successful. Following a strong header from midfield, Oscar de Orebale was able to control the ball before swiftly tapping it over to Christopher Savard, who netted the ball just past the outstretched hands of Vaian keeper Numatao Makai. After this strike, however, the Sicoutimont offense was stagnant. Before the half ended, they had a counter attack opportunity, but it was felled by an errant pass. In the 63rd minute, they had a breakaway chance after a Vaian miscommunication, but striker Girard Giroux took the ball too far into the box, where Makai accosted him. This stagnation was, for the most part, a theme on the Vaian side as well, as there were only 3 shots on goal through 75 minutes. At that point, coach Rimolanao Lomokanapai decided to break formation and put 3 men at forward. This strategy paid off in the 79th minute, when Tumo Makanopalani was able to get a pass from midfielder Runokunao Palatai, take a dribble, and then fire it in. Both teams played conservatively after this goal, and the match ended 1-1.

The second leg of the series headed to Kolo Lahi with both teams amped up for the decisive match. Unlike the first game, both teams had their offensive cylinders firing from the get go, and it was only a matter of 15 minutes before Maklohi Vai struck. Off a corner kick from Klaus Lomupakani-Wagner, defender Mulo Kalopani was able to use his 6'6" frame and rise above the defense on the far post to head it in. Sicoutimont, not wanting to lose momentum, quickly launched an aggressive attacking campaign. However, the Vaian defense time and time again was able to stop the advance. Despite Sicoutimont's aggressive play for around 20 minutes, there was only one shot on goal. As the attack was winding down, however, they were able to get a chance. After an overplay by the Vaian defense, Georges Allonts was able poke through the line and knock one in in the 37th minute, making the score 1-1. The second half appeared to be much more similar to the first game, with both offenses ineffective, tired and sputtering from their previous expended efforts. Neither side got many shots off, let alone good chances. Once again, Lomokanapai had to change the strategy late. With a flow first offense geared towards Makanopalani, the Vaians were able to push back the Sicoutimont defense with each attacking push as the clock ticked closer to 90. Finally, in the 84th minute, the attack seared a hole in the middle of the Sicoutimont defense, and target man Tumo Makanopalani was able to push through and knock in the deciding goal of the series, sending the stadium into a frenzy.

Maklohi Vai goes on to group 4, with ASMV at the top and a host of exciting young teams, while Sicoutimont goes to group 3, with Valanora at the top and lots of mid range talent. The two teams will most likely meet again before World Cup 66, but a match up in the Cup of Harmony isn't out of the question. World Cup 65 proper? Now that would be something magical.

by **Felix** » Mon Jun 17, 2013 3:50 pm

World Cup LXV Qualifiers: And So It Begins

By: Steven Smith

After a fantastic preformance in the 52nd Baptism of Fire the Phoenixes return to Felix empty handed due to a narrow loss in the finals against Aels, it was 1-1 at the end of regular time, 2-2 at the end of extra time and 2-1 at the end of penalties. While we didn't get the trophy we got a 199th ranking in the world. Giving a huge boost for the Felixan team.

Now the groups have been drawn and teams all over the world will now have to prepare for their opponents. Felix will do the same as they have been drawn to Group 18, where we will face Valladares (9), Qazox (43), Boring Paradise (47), Estope (94), Alexanderburn (134), Felix (199), St Lucoa (231), Kaznan (293), Borealia (293) and Schalafania (UR). The chances of we getting a good finish in this group are rather high as we face a declining Qazox team, a talented but mediocre Estope team and a improving St Lucoa, Kaznan and Borealia. The expected finish we should have is 4th as we will probably not win against 9th ranked Valladares and the tricky team of Boring Paradise.

The rosters have been announced and in a somewhat surprising move, Sebastian Krister has been promoted to the senior squad and is expected to do big things for Felix. Other players include Yun Dong Lee which scored 4 goals in the Baptism of Fire and Mikel Araboa which scored 7 goals in the Baptism of Fire. Other bright stars in the Felixan team include, Aloysius Blau, Bernardino Florentino and 5 clean sheet goalkeeper, Viggo Tyko.

Our first game will be against Alexanderburn, they finished 7th in their qualifying run and did pretty well in the CoH. They have great players in the midfield with the primary focus on Sebastian Sirois and captain Marcel Schroeder. Other players include the bright star, Luca Cremonesi and aged professional Alexander Nordaglio. We will play in Alexanderburn. We predict a 1-1 draw. Good luck to both teams and go Felix.

by **Farfadillis** » Mon Jun 17, 2013 3:55 pm

He was waiting at the door. He had just rung. Just about fifteen seconds after that, Rossizzo opened the door. He let him in.

- Want one - said Mordáz, handing a cigarette to Hector.
- Thank you - he replied - You know why I told you to come over, right? - he continued.
- Well, you didn't explicitly tell me, but I think it's quite easy to guess. It's about the team, right?
- Yeah... one would think that I as the manager of the Farf national team and you as my assistant would do things that are about the team. But to be more specific, anyways, we haven't been doing well.
- I completely agree. - Mordáz said, while nodding.
- Well, I told you to come to hammer all our problems, as the World Cup is fast approaching.
- It's in Pasarga and Saugeais, right?
- One would think you'd know by now - Rossizzo said while letting out a little smile, but keeping a somewhat straight face.
- Well, anyways, what's the problem with the current team.

Rossizzo smiled again, now evidently, and started to walk around a bit, thinking of what exactly to start with. He thought about the many problems that arose in AOCAF 40 and the terrible final performances of the team the previous World Cup. He quickly decided what to say, and looked at Mordáz again.

- The defense.
- What's with it?
- What's not with it.
- Is it really that terrible?
- Is it not?
- What do you mean?
- You know what I mean. Chinsúa just doesn't work well enough, and Frêndê and Setentriona are in very bad form. I think it's time for them to rest a bit. For an indefinite time, actually. The bench is pretty warm anyways.
- How cruel. But I can see what you're telling me. Chinsúa has been pretty poor ever since... ever since. And Frêndê and Setentriona can actually perform well, but they just don't count as defenders. We really need to sort out how we're going to hold the fort against better teams.
- If there are.
- Yes, if there are. Still, who do you think could be a good replacement?
- Well, I've seen this Vilitan player, who's also part Farf and has been playing in the Vilitan league for like, 5 years? He's a right back. He's pretty good defensively and pretty organized. He's also good at attacking, but does it conservatively. He's the perfect fit.
- Sounds good to me. But who should replace Chinsúa? Obviously the player we need to replace the most.

Rossizzo smiled.

- Isn't it obvious? - he asked Mordáz.
- Not really, there are some obvious candidates, but none is the incredibly-obvious-fit kind of player.
- Dandalleion's brother, rings a bell?
- Faró?
- Yes, Rancisc. He's Dandalleion's brother from his mother's side, so he's guaranteed to have a good relationship with the team. He's pretty good, as well, and started playing football in the same way as Friekder.
- Swamp football?
- Yes.
- But that doesn't guarantee anything.
- No? Have you seen him play at Project +90, from Nothern Sunrise Islands?
- Actually, no.
- Well, he's already been bought by Melville Celtic, from Polar Islandstates.
- Wow, nice.
- And he's not the only one from Project +90 that we can call up.
- He's not?
- He's not.
- So Faró replaces Chinsúa.
- Yes, basically. - Rossizzo replied.
- What about the other flank? I mean, the left back.
- Frêndê can stay, let's just tone his attacks down a bit.
- I'm relieved, then. I don't think he's done so badly. - Mordáz told Rossizzo.
- He actually hasn't, he's been just average.
- Ok... so what other players do we need to replace?
- I'll give you a hint: Wanderis and Tenian.
- Kind of a big hint.
- Yes, but I've got the perfect replacements.
- Yes?
- The Mî twins.
- Who are they?
- They're basically two new Mêndêlöíndçêls who are twins, though not identical.
- Nice.
- It certainly is nice. However, the complicated thing is fitting them. One of them can play as a right midfielder, and the other as a left midfielder. We can move Dandalleion up to the striker position as well.
- Sounds nice to me.
- So, we could just move Mêndêlöíndçêl down to defensive midfielder and keep the same tactic.
- And whoplays as a centre midfielder?
- Nobody.
- Nobody?
- Let me continue - Rossizzo said while smiling yet again. - We'll change from 3-6-1 to 3-5-2.
- Sounds good to me, but please tell me our future formation at least.
- I will, I will. - Rossizzo looked at Mordáz with a straight face - The thing is, the three Rulandese will compose a balanced, organized and powerful in the attack midfield that will hold its own and try to leave the defense without anything to do. And with powerful in the attack, I don't mean O'rosso and Tuzzio together.
- O'rosso's going out. Can't help but agree.
- He's not played well since World Cup 61 for fuck's sake.
- Again, I agree.
- And I've got the perfect substitute.
- Who is he?
- His name is Ikkon Karkka. He was born in Hujukialand and lived there for a few years until he moved to Farfadillis. He's Farf and has been bought by an Apoxian team. He played for Project +90. Oh, and about the twins, they're about to be bought by a Kiitarian team and also play for Project +90. SO I guess they're all pretty solid.
- Fantastic, but what's his, let's say "style".
- He's a very talented player, incredibly fast and has got a very sharp attitude towards things, besides being an everlasting player, to Mêndêlöíndçêl's level and a pretty good playmaker.
- Sounds awesome. But who will play as a striker with Dandalleion?
- Mêrí, of course.

Mordáz smiled.

- I was hoping for that answer.
- He's just been bought by FC Torshavn from Polar Islandstates, and he's just the perfect fit right now for the starting eleven.
- I completely agree.
- Any last questions?
- Yes, one. aren't you going to light up the cigarette?

Rossizzo looked at it and laughed.

- Oh, I don't smoke, but thank you anyways.

by **Saintland** » Mon Jun 17, 2013 3:57 pm

OOC: I'm trying not to spoil too much of my RPs for the next week, so I'm going to be vague on some of the details and I'm going to leave a few surprises.

Sanctii drawn in Group 16 in qualifying for 65th World Cup

(SP) During the 64th World Cup Cycle, the Kingdom of Saintland built up a formidable reputation by putting a scare into many of the elite national soccer teams in the multiverse. With the 65th World Cup cycle well under way and the start of qualifying imminent, the Sanctii are preparing to prove that their performance in the 64 cycle was no fluke. This time around, our Great and Wise King Paulus XV has set the bar very high. Following today's draw, the King of Saintland spoke loud and clear, leaving no doubt that he expects his National Soccer Team to qualify for the World Cup in their second attempt. "I was satisfied with the performance of my Kingdom's National Soccer Team in the last World Cup cycle. Despite a loss to those thugs from New Sideburn in the Baptism of Fire, my son Andreas kept his team focused and they bounced back in qualifying. Despite a number of second half collapses, they were still tied with Audioslavia in added time on the final day of qualifying. They still had a corner and they still missed heading that corner into the net for the winning goal by mere inches. Instead, an Audioslavian got to the ball first and Audioslavia scored a match winner on the counter attack. After missing qualification by inches, the National Team moved onto the Cup of Harmony, where they fell behind 3 goals to nil in the first half of their opening match against Hutt River. My son Andreas scored a hat trick in the 2nd half to salvage a point out of that match. A few days later, they advanced to the Round of 16, where a Prince Andreas equalizer in added time allowed the National Team to force a penalty shootout and move onward. In the quarterfinal match, Gordonopia twice took a lead and twice the National Team equalized before they finally fell in extra time. Last time around, my Kingdom's National Soccer Team looked, at times, like the best team in the world. This time around, I expect them to put all that potential together. I hereby decree that anything short of qualification to the World Cup in the current cycle is utterly unacceptable. Should my Kingdom's National Team fail to qualify, I assure everybody in the Kingdom that there will be serious repercussions. Not only do I want to see my son Andreas lead the National Team to qualification, but I want the National Soccer Team to eliminate one of the host nations on their home turf just as the National Basketball Team eliminated Andossa Se Mitrin Vega in Andossa Se Mitrin Vega and just as the National Baseball Team eliminated Cassadaigua in Cassadaigua. If I had my choice of the 2 hosts, I'd prefer if the National Team eliminated Saugaeis because Saugaeis eliminated the National Baseball Team from the World Baseball Classic. In order to accomplish this goal, the National Team must qualify for the World Cup." - King Paulus XV

The roster for the National Soccer Team is unchanged from the previous cycle. Numerous things have happened since that extra time loss to the Gordonopians in the quarterfinals of the Cup of Harmony. Many players from the National Soccer Team traveled to The Icemark to participate in the Swamp Soccer World Cup. In that other World Cup, Sanctii captain Alessandro Seius suffered an injury during the opening day loss against Wight. Antonius Avidius had to play keeper for the Sanctii for the rest of that Cup. The Sanctii went on to advance out of their group. They faced a dangerous route to the finals. First, they faced a team of dangerous criminals, called "changelings," from the Equestrian States, the nation world-renowned for its talking horses. Apparently, these criminals were let out of prison by some corrupt guards. After the Sanctii eliminated them from the Swamp Soccer World Cup, their military showed up and a shootout ensued. As if facing a bunch of shape-shifting criminals wasn't bad enough, the Sanctii were next drawn against a team of soccer-playing snakes from some place called Ark. King Paulus XV wisely sent a military contingent to the Icemark and another contingent to the vicinity of Ark, threatening to destroy the entire nation of Ark if any Sanctii players were harmed. Indeed, the Sanctii would navigate the swamps of The Icemark and reach the finals of the Swamp Soccer World Cup, where they fell to Cassadaigua's male national team. Yes, the nation of Cassadaigua is so committed to their rebellion against natural gender roles that they actually relegate their best soccer players to their Swamp Soccer team instead of giving them an opportunity to compete in the World Cup. Considering how the Dagans have won multiple World Cups with all-female sides, just think how tough an opponent they'd be if they would stop rebelling against Nature's God. That is a scary thought, indeed.

Following the Swamp Soccer World Cup, most of the National Soccer Team returned home to the Kingdom and finished out the season with their respective league teams. However, Prince Andreas and Georgius Catiotus were busy doing other things. Just days ago, Prince Andreas finally unveiled what he had been working on. The event, which saw the unveiling of the revolutionary device known simply as the Saint, lasted for hours and involved a who's who list of the top athletes and celebrities in the Kingdom. The Saint has already received strong reviews throughout the region and appears to be the most anticipated product ever to be produced by a Sanctii company. Meanwhile, Georgius Catiotus worked with Prince Andreas on development of the Saint and still found time to marry the woman formerly known as Martha Pudentilla. The Royal One broadcast of the wedding of Georgius and Martha was viewed in over 85% of the houses in Saintland, making it one of the most watched television broadcasts in the history of our Kingdom.

It is against that backdrop that the draw was held for the 65th World Cup. A record 202 teams entered this edition of the World Cup, which just keeps getting bigger and bigger. As usual, the hosts get automatic spots in the World Cup finals. That means that hosts Saugaeis and Pasarga are the first 2 nations qualified for the 65th World Cup. The remaining 200 nations were split into 20 groups of 10 and will play a home-and-away double round robin schedule in qualifying. This means that the Sanctii will once again face an 18 match qualifying campaign. Presumably, all the group winners will qualify directly to the World Cup, with all 20 runners-up advancing to the playoffs to compete for a spot in the World Cup. Fortunately, our Kingdom's National Soccer Team did not draw Audioslavia this time around. Instead, the Sanctii were drawn into Group 16.

The Sanctii are ranked 80th under the up-to-date version of the KPB rankings. They will open up their qualifying campaign by hosting 254th ranked Aquitayne. On the 2nd matchday, the Sanctii will visit 281st ranked Sangti. Both of those nations competed in the recent Baptism of Fire, where the quality of play was notably weaker than it was at the 51st Baptism of Fire. On the 3rd matchday, the Sanctii host The Sovan Antithesis, a BoFer nation ranked 315th in the world. Things will finally get interesting on the 4th day of qualifying when the Kingdom of Saintland visits World Cup 64 co-host Wight. Wight is ranked 18th and is considered one of the elite soccer nations in the world. On the 5th day of the World Cup, 41st ranked Karditan will visit the Kingdom of Saintland. Karditan was in the same group as the New Sideburn Thugs at the last Cup of Harmony, so they're experienced at not qualifying for World Cups. The 6th match for the Sanctii will be against Jedi8246, who are currently ranked 67th. On the 7th day of qualifying, the Sanctii host unranked Narsora, a nation that even the world travelers at World Changers Regional Scouting Bureau have never heard of. On the 8th day, the Sanctii will face The Royal Kingdom of Quebec, who are ranked 124th. That is likely to be a very intense match, since it is taking place on the heels of the 2 brutal World Cup of Hockey matches between the Sanctii and Quebec. The final opponent of qualifying for the Kingdom of Saintland will be 199th ranked Sondstead, another BoFer. As usual, the schedule will be flipped for the final 9 matchdays of qualifying.

This is a surprisingly easy schedule for the Sanctii. Our Kingdom is the 4th highest ranked team in the group. Jedi8246 appears to be a very weak 3rd seed. They have not been invited to either of the last 2 Cup of Harmonies and have not qualified for any of the last 3 World Cups. Karditan has qualified for 1 World Cup out of the last 3, but they also left that World Cup in disgrace with 3 consecutive defeats. Wight is a perennial World Cup qualifier, but they are always gone by the later rounds of the World Cup. The Royal Kingdom of Quebec is a hockey nation. They performed very badly in qualifying for both the 62nd and 63rd World Cups and have not scored a single Cup of Harmony bid. 4 teams in this group are from the most recent Baptism of Fire, which was not as competitive as the previous Baptism of Fire. None of them is a New Sideburn, a Barunia or a Nenets Autonomous Okrug. Then, there's some obscure nation that nobody has ever heard of to round out the group. All things considered, this group isn't remotely as difficult as that Group of Death was last time. The SP sees no reason why the Sanctii cannot qualify for this World Cup.

The only question that remains is whether Prince Andreas and the rest of the National Soccer Team will be in form this time around. If the Sanctii want to win the group and secure that automatic spot in the World Cup without having to go through a playoff, they will need to be in strong form on the first few matchdays of qualifying. Those opening 3 matches against BoFers will be critical because the Sanctii will need to begin stockpiling points relatively early on. Given our Kingdom's tendency to perform better in the second half of round-robins, if the Sanctii are even close to Wight and Karditan at mid-qualifying, they will stand a good chance of finishing in the top 2. Last time around, our Kingdom put up 15 points in the first half of qualifying and 22 in the second half of qualifying. There is no reason why the Sanctii could not win this group. Only God knows whether they will, but the entire Kingdom of Saintland definitely believes that their National Soccer Team will be qualifying for this World Cup. Whether that will prove to be the case is uncertain, but it will be interesting to see whether the Sanctii suffer a 2nd time slump or whether God's Kingdom will rise to even greater heights. Every match will be broadcast live on Royal One, so be sure to tune in and find out.

by **Hutt River** » Mon Jun 17, 2013 4:11 pm

Rolf Carven was doing what he did every Monday night. Drink.

He had never been much of a drinker before he'd started doing it. He'd done it on special occasions, perhaps on his birthday or at Christmas, but he put a limit on it, maximum two glasses and then he was done. But now he was having about 5 or 6 pints on this one night, probably more but they were wiped from his brain completely by the next morning.

He hadn't started doing this regularly until just after the last Cup of Harmony. Rolf had good reason for it, though. Having two jobs, five children and an 95 year old on his hands wasn't exactly the most stress free environment in the world. On top of that managing the national team for about 5 or 6 years, under threat of losing his coaching licence because the HRFA were desperate for a manager, which meant leaving his well payed job as a manager of a successful club for about 3 years to a more stressful job with almost minimum wage pay where the press bombarded him with questions left, right, centre, above, below and from the fourth dimension.

He was also followed around by the 'General Undersecretary for the Department of Sport Licensing Action Section 3a' as she liked to be called. He shortened it to GUDSLAS, which for some reason displeased her quite a bit, and had a habit of correcting him whenever he shortened it. He, of course, called her ruder names when she wasn't poking her nose in. It was her apparent job to make sure he kept to the 'rules regarding managers', all 152 of them, and follow them to the letter. He had absolutely no idea what these were, he was never given a talk about them or anything, and GUDSLAS had never told him anything about them, but he'd managed to figure out some of them by trial and error. Around 20 errors made up one warning, he found, but he wasn't sure how many warning made up a sack. It was more than 20 anyway, he was on 22 at the moment, all neatly stored in a draw in his office.

Rolf downed the last of his 3rd pint of beer, and ordered another one from the young barman. At least the job got him a couple of free drinks. Looking around the small bar, he noticed it was quite empty tonight. There was a few people sitting at a circular wooden table chatting, an old man sitting at the opposite end of the room to him, whom he recognised as a regular at the bar. His drink arrived and he again began slowly draining away the liquid. About halfway through, the door opened and a man he recognised stepped through the doorway.

Rolf knew Jamie Wilkinson pretty much all his childhood. He was the runt of the class, the smallest and weakest, who could dodge and run fast but not do much else. Even now he was still a bit below average height. He was a journalist now, with a local paper so he didn't bother him too much.

"Can I sit here", he said, pointing at the seat next to Rolf
"Go ahead", Rolf replied. "Want a beer or something?"
"Yes please." Jamie said with relief. "Freezing out there tonight"
"Great, I've got to walk home in this weather."
"So, any reaction to the draw then?"
"What draw?"
"You know, the World Cup."
"Oh that. Absolutely no idea what's happened."
"Can you not check on your phone?"
"Don't have it. Do you really think I want about 50 people ringing me up at once?"
"True. Do you want to know it?"
"Go on then."
Jamie fished a piece of paper out of his pocket. "Starblaydia..."
"Loss"
"Legalese..."
"Alright"
"Krytenia..."
"Win"
"Zwangzug, Aels, Pazhujeb Islands, Lemmitania, Europa Brittania are the rest"
"I've actually heard of all of those"
"Oh and IOM Sports Association"
"Never heard of them."
"Well at least you said something."
"I'm not really in the mood for this kind of thing."

The two of them talked for a bit longer, until Rolf decided to head home.

"Meet you here same time tomorrow." Rolf nodded his head and set off into the cold night.

by **Qazox** » Mon Jun 17, 2013 5:20 pm

The good, the bad and the ugly:

The good: Qazox is somehow the 2nd seed in the group and has decent closing schedules in both halves.

The bad: Qazox is at its lowest ranking in 140 years and is only expected to be invited to the Cup of Harmony.

The ugly: Qazoxian football as of the last decade.

More tomorrow on our full group preview.

by **Kriegiersien** » Mon Jun 17, 2013 5:50 pm

Schoenwetter Herald

Soccer.
On the way to Pasargan & Saugeais. Groups are drawn. It is lucky number Seven for Kriegiersien.

Group 7
New Montreal States (13)
Farfadillis (34)
Lymantatia (62)
Northern Sunrise Islands (84)
Timfen (111)
Kriegiersien (195)
German-Spanish Empire (231)
Hontaýpýar (281)
Colland (315)
New Lowerlands (UR)

The first opponent in the Group will be Timfen. So the journey will start in Timfen, 111th of the World. A nice number. The team is already on the site.

Further opponents are the New Montreal States, ranked 13th, who are best know for the Baseballfinals they are in, Farfadillis, who we met in the U15 WC Groupstage (draw), Northern Sunrise Islands, where we lost in the last 16 of the U15 WC (0:1), the German-Spanish Empire, who made it to the last 8 of the BoF, Hontaypar, Cplland and New Lowerlands.

Will the team be able to advance?
"Yes", says the coach. "Even more if we display our home strength."
"No", says critic Uther Unworthy. "The team is still to unexperienced and doesn't commit enough time. No luck of the world can help then."

It is unclear who will play and what tactic will be used. All is very secret.
But we have news from an Insider. "Against Timfen we have a very good preperation", he told us. "We bought some cheap schnapps there and play a modified Version of Flunkyball. That should enhance our chances of scoring and durability."

by **Chiata** » Mon Jun 17, 2013 5:51 pm

The results were in. The Chiata Suns were put in group 13. The Suns also had a new ranking, number 254 in the world.

Group 13
Jeru FC (19)
Eura (24)
The Licentian Islands (49)
Eastfield Lodge (82)
Ancharmunn (107)
The Greater Archipelago (182)
Chiata (254)
Tasrailia (267)
Vakolic (293)
The Kytler Peninsulae (UR)

Now to brake it down. The tuffest games would be against the top 5 in group 13. Jeru FC, Eura, The Licentian Islands, Eastfield Lodge, and Ancharmum. Those would be the hard ones to win. More towards a medium dificulty to beet would be the Greater Archipelago. Out of the other 9, the Suns have only played the Archipelago's. The Suns had lost the game 4 to 3 in the round of 16 in the Baptism of Fire, not long ago. Some of the Sun's fans are now saying there is a rivalry between them. The Suns would have beet them if they were able to pull through to the end. The bottom 3 in the group aren't seen as much of a threat. Tasrailia, Vakolic, and The Kytler Peninsulae. Now for the Sun's schedual.

(Assuming: home vs. away)
Wed Jun 19: MD1 v. @ Eastfield Lodge (82)
Thu Jun 20: MD2 v. Ancharmunn (107)
Fri Jun 21: MD3 v. @ The Greater Archipelago (182)*
Sat Jun 22: MD4 v. @ The Kytler Peninsulae (UR)
Sun Jun 23: MD5 v. Tasrailia (267)
Mon Jun 24: MD6 v. @ Vakolic (293)
Tue Jun 25: MD7 v. Jeru FC (19)
Wed Jun 26: MD8 v. @ Eura (24)
Thu Jun 27: MD9 v. The Licentian Islands (49)
Fri Jun 28: Mid-qual break
Sat Jun 29: MD10 v. Eastfield Lodge (82)
Sun Jun 30: MD11 v. @ Ancharmunn (107)
Mon Jul 1: MD12 v. The Greater Archipelago (182)*
Tue Jul 2: MD13 v. The Kytler Peninsulae (UR)
Wed Jul 3: MD14 v. @ Tasrailia (267)
Thu Jul 4: MD15 v. Vakolic (293)
Fri Jul 5: MD16 v. @ Jeru FC (19)
Sat Jul 6: MD17 v. Eura (24)
Sun Jul 7: MD18 v. @ The Licentian Islands (49)
*Rival game.

Now to anilyse the schedual. The games will be put on a worry skale. It can be High, Medium, or low.

Wed Jun 19: MD1 High
Thu Jun 20: MD2 High
Fri Jun 21: MD3 Medium*
Sat Jun 22: MD4 Low
Sun Jun 23: MD5 Low
Mon Jun 24: MD6 Low
Tue Jun 25: MD7 High
Wed Jun 26: MD8 High
Thu Jun 27: MD9 High
Fri Jun 28: Mid-qual break
Sat Jun 29: MD10 High
Sun Jun 30: MD11 High
Mon Jul 1: MD12 Medium*
Tue Jul 2: MD13 Low
Wed Jul 3: MD14 Low
Thu Jul 4: MD15 Low
Fri Jul 5: MD16 High
Sat Jul 6: MD17 High
Sun Jul 7: MD18 High
*Rival game.

A tuff schedual for the Chiata Suns. Only time can tell what will hapen to them.

by **Jeruselem** » Mon Jun 17, 2013 5:59 pm

Princess Katy, Princess Melody and Michelle Salad

Katy: Hello, this is Princess Katy for Naked News Jeruselem. I'm with the Jeru FC coach Princess Melody and Jeruselem coach Michelle Salad. Yes, Melody is my sister for those not the know.
Melody: Hello folks
Michelle: Hey
Katy: OK sis, you got a whole new team.
Melody: Yes, and it's back to the boys again

Katy: I heard they are all weirdos
Melody: Yes, they are
Katy: Fruity, I see you are looking good again and healthy
Michelle: Well, I am feeling a lot better these days
Katy: That's good then
Michelle: Still don't stop the grey hairs

Katy: Sis, how is the new team?
Melody: They need work
Katy: Normal for a group of kids
Melody: They need mental help too
Katy: Not the easiest lot to deal with?
Melody: No, far from it.

Katy: Jeru FC in group 13 ... lucky 13.
Melody: Lucky me
Katy: You have Eura, also known as the FSSO. The Licentian Islands ... old friends. Eastfield Lodge ... them again.
Melody: Yes, old faces are back but no idea about Eura myself.
Katy: Ancharmunn which we have faced before somewhere.
Melody: They have seen better days

Katy: The Greater Archipelago, Chiata, Tasrailia, Vakolic, The Kytler Peninsulae
Melody: I need to google that lot
Katy: A nice group really
Melody: No real nasties
Katy: Fruity, you have a more challenging group in group 6
Michelle: Yes, and we're ranked lower.

Katy: Mytannion, Mesoland, Bergnovinaia, Gaveo ... all familiar faces
Michelle: Yes, and our biggest rivals too
Katy: Beaverriver, Metropolis Mania, Telnaior, Querria, Worszary are new faces to us
Michelle: I think we have faced off the beavers before
Katy: Confident of qualifying?
Michelle: You never know these days

Katy: Group is Kinitaria with Melody Pond as coach
Melody: That one looks tough
Michelle: Yes, Vilita, Kinitaria, Slembana aren't easybeats
Melody: I have full confidence in her ability
Michelle: I hope they do well
Katy: Well, thats it from us. See you all later.

by **Free Republics** » Mon Jun 17, 2013 6:10 pm

Sporting World

I can't wait for World Cup 65 Qualifying
by: Rule Theriault

Following our defeat in the Baptism of Fire, we returned home to the FFR. That did not go the way I hoped it would go. While I accept full responsibility for our being eliminated in the Casaran stage, there is a mitigating factor. We had one of the hardest strength of schedules of anybody in the Baptism of Fire. We simply didn't have any easy matches against Middleofnowherestan like some of those nations that advanced did. At the end of the day, I think my team played pretty well and I'm confident that we would have won the Baptism of Fire if we had an easier schedule in the Casaran stage.

More recently, my team faced our neighbors to the distant north, the Kingdom of Saintland. We had to visit their Royal Stadium, a very intimidating place for an opposing nation to play. Fortunately, that God-awful Can't Sing Virginum band of theirs did not sing their awful music at halftime. That is probably a large part of the reason why their opponents tend to do very poorly on the road against Saintland in the second half. I am not normally one to spread rumors, but I have heard that they have sound-proofed the home locker room, so that only the visiting team and their fans have to suffer through a Can't Sing Virginum "concert" during halftime of their home matches. It was also fortunate for us that the grass was in good condition. Their Royal Army apparently hadn't held any swamp combat drills on the Royal Stadium field recently and the field had been reseeded so perfectly that one would never know that this was the same stadium that Saintland's Royal Army had needlessly flooded during the last World Bowl.

However, I am not Nova Hellstrom, so I am not going to go off on a tangent. Now that I mention Miss Hellstrom, I should take this opportunity to state, for the record, that I have never had sexual relations with that woman, nor will I ever have sexual relations with her. I am disgusted with the standards of journalism in the nation of Felix and I demand a formal and public apology. If I do not get an apology, I will sue that reporter and whatever tabloid published such utter falsehoods for every cent they're worth.

Getting back to soccer, I want to inform everybody in the Federation that 9 World Cup qualifying matches will be held in 9 different cities throughout the FFR. Qualifying for World Cup 65 will be conducted in 20 groups of 10, with the 2 co-hosts (Saugaeis and Pasarga) automatically qualifying. We were drawn into the final group. In just a few days, we will begin World Cup 65 on the road against the Islands of Qutar. Then, we will return home to face Carmadin at the RayDome in Doranto. As you know, the RayDome is the home of the Doranto SunRays, one of the most accomplished football teams in the FFR. The RayDome is a spectacular site. It is a dome with an transparent roof, a true architectural marvel. I guarantee that foreigners will talk more about the RayDome than about the match itself.

After our home opener, we will visit Sudagiu and Omarios on consecutive days. Then, we will return home to host Brenecia at Nicholls Enterprises Stadium. Mr. Nicholls, the owner of Nicholls Enterprises, is one of the wealthiest men in all of the Federation. The name Nicholls is synonymous with wealth. Recently, he hosted the World Korfball Classic and was able to turn a profit on the event. Recently, the Republic of Amolotopia, where the city of Baseton is located, elected a government filled with religious fanatics. They were a highly divisive government. Mr. Nicholls decided to bring in Feministvs Sanctvsterra and korfball to provide an event for his struggling arena. It was a huge success with large turnouts during the final 4 days. Mr. Nicholls is rumored to be in the running to purchase F.C. Baseton and will likely be in attendance to scout Brenecia's team for star players to recruit to the FFR. I don't mean to get off the subject, but there have been discussions about establishing a Republican Premier League, which would compete in UICA events.

After that home match, we will travel to Tantamir before returning home to host Bears Armed. That match will take place at the Soccer Palace in Petrograd. The Soccer Palace is a massive stadium that seats over a hundred and eleven thousand fans. It is a suitable location for a match against one of the elite teams in the world. That will be followed up by a visit to the Equestrian States. We will be seeking revenge for that defeat in the finals of the Di Bradini Cup. We will return home for the final match of the first half of qualifying, as we host the Inevitable Syndicate at the MilanesiDome in Wortana. The Milanese Dome is named for Virgilio Milanese, a former Consul who was born in the Republic of Keronama, where Wortana is located.

The schedule repeats with home and away reversed, so I won't bother to repeat the away matches. However, I will still tell you about our home matches in the second half of qualifying. We will face the Islands of Qutar at Podvez Field in Yellow Bay, Vorita. Podvez Field is normally a football stadium. It is named for Mario Podvez, a former quarterback and later head coach of the Yellow Bay Tornadoes. Podvez is considered one of the greatest quarterbacks to have played professional football during the early days of the sport. He went on to coach Yellow Bay for the better part of 5 decades, winning more games than any other professional football coach in the history of the FFR has ever won.

Sudagiu will face our team at Olden Stadium, which is sponsored by the Olden Automobile Company. In the Republic of Nejax, automobiles are popular modes of transportation. This is also true in the city of Falkamore, where Olden Stadium is located. Falkamore is the home of the Republican automobile manufacturing industry. Omarios will face us at RepublicSoft Stadium in New City, Orlandiana. The stadium is named after RepublicSoft, the famous computer software company. RepublicSoft is best known for their Doors line of operating systems, although I have used Doors 9 and I assure you that it is not as terrible as everybody says it is. It is worse. Personally, I'm always preferred Strawberry Computers anyway, so maybe I'm biased.

When we host Tantamir, it will be at R&K Bank Stadium. I believe R&K Bank is a local bank in Exastrium, but I'm not very familiar with them. Our final home match will be against the Equestrian States at Church of Saintland Stadium in Albertope. The venerable multi-purpose stadium in Albertope opened up sponsorship to the highest bidder earlier this year and the Church of Saintland outbid everybody else. That means we are stuck with a major stadium in our Federation being sponsored by a Church that is an extension of an authoritarian foreign government. I don't like it, but we are a capitalist society and under capitalism the highest bidder has every right to call a stadium whatever they want.

It looks like its going to be a rather interesting qualifying campaign. I hope to finish mid-table and get invited to the Cup of Harmony. I don't think this team has what it takes to qualify for the World Cup and I don't think it would be responsible of me to say otherwise. We've got an uphill battle ahead of us, but I think we can put up a respectable performance in qualifying. At least that is what I am hoping for. Either way, I am hopeful that our Federation will stay the course. There is no need for unnecessary pressure to be piled unto our managers. We can do well, but we are a young team and it is going to take several World Cups before we mature and compete for a spot at qualification. We are not Saintland and we are not going to have their level of immediate success.

Rule Theriault is the manager for the FFR's National Soccer Team. He was the manager of Petrograd United. After a disappointing end to his tenure there, he entered a team in the Di Bradini Cup on behalf of the Federation of Free Republics. His mostly unheralded team finished 2nd in that competition, losing to the Equestrian States in the final. He led the National Soccer Team to a 17th place finish in the 52nd Baptism of Fire.