World Cup 70 - RP Thread

by **Wolfbenz** » Thu Nov 20, 2014 6:39 pm

The Niam Chronicle

Dire Wolves face difficult opposition in Group 2

Group 2
Valladares (6)
Gregoryisgodistan (35)
Sargossa (45)
Furellum (69)
Nassau Hessen (99)
Mendoya (213)
Wolfbenz (248)
Leadan (319)
Albundania (UR)

Judging by the teams the Dire Wolves will be facing, they seem like they will make one of the first teams to be eliminated in World Cup Qualifying, as with most of the teams fresh out of the Baptism of Fire.

"We most likely will not qualify for the World Cup," spoke manager Klaus Zoller, who has managed to keep his job for the time being, "But I believe this will be a good opportunity for the team to go out and get some experience for the future."

Our predictions:
Matchday 1: Wolfbenz vs. Ledan
This may be our only win.

Matchday 2:Nassau Hessen vs. Wolfbenz
We're screwed.

Matchday 3: Wolfbenz vs. Albundania
We could win, but we'll probably screw up somewhere.

Matchday 4: Valladares vs. Wolfbenz
We are most utterly screwed.

Matchday 5: Wolfbenz vs. BYE
A nice little break to lick our wounds from the previous match.

Matchday 6: Wolfbenz vs. Mendoya
Still screwed.

Matchday 7: Gregoryisgodistan vs. Wolfbenz
What do you think?

Matchday 8: Wolfbenz vs. Sargossa
We aren't even going to say anything about this one.

Matchday 9: Furellum vs. Wolfbenz
We won't win in a million years.

Meino put the newspaper down, looking at Granit driving. "I don't think Arseniy's going to look like some kind of hotshot judging by the group we've been drawn in. I mean, the newspapers here are incredibly blunt about it."

"That's just how things are around here, Meino," Granit replied, eyes fixated on the highway. "The newspapers here pretty lazily written and most people look outside the city for news sources. I mean, I know some people who were nearly illiterate writing some small articles no one really cares about. And one time, a newspaper around here offered to publish articles written by the kids there and the best ones were put in the paper. And some of those kids wrote better and more interesting articles than some people."

Meino broke into a smile. "Look on the bright side, Granit. This is proof our education system is getting better."

Granit chuckled. "I guess that's good."

Granit took an exit off the highway to a lower-middle class neighborhood, where he assumed Granit and his family lived. He took a few turns, where he drove more recklessly than he did usually, hitting curbs and making sharp turns.

"What the hell, Granit!?" Meino exclaimed, confused by his sudden behavior. "What's up with the sudden drunk driving style!?"

"Calm down, I always do this when I have company," Granit replied, pushing down on the gas pedal harder.

"Typical Granit," Meino thought, starting to get a bit dizzy, "He's got the same immature charm he's had since he was really little. He's grown older, but he's barely aged maturity-wise."

After a nauseating experience, Granit and Meino finally reached the Konstantinov residence. It was a decent enough house, having two stories and a basement, and looking sturdy, donning the typical red shingles of typical Wolfish houses.

Granit shuffled through his pockets, trying to find his house keys. After a few seconds, he found them and proceeded to unlock the door, stepping into the house.

"Mom! Dad! I'm home! And I brought Meino with me!" Meino yelled in spite of the whole family being two rooms away.

"Jesus Granit, you don't need to yell so loudly!"

"Come to the living room Granit!" Another voice yelled, this time in a noticeable Estenian accent. "And keep your voice down, the game is about to start!"

The two walked into the living room of the house, which felt very much like the house of grandparents and kinda smelled like one too.

"Granit, why'd you take so long in getting home?" asked his mother. "We were starting to get worried about you."

"Well, Meino ate a lot of food, and he wanted dessert too, so..."

Meino jabbed him in the shoulder. "You were the one who wanted dessert. And besides, your food cost more."

"That doesn't really matter much now, right?" Granit's mother said, smiling. She then proceeded to hug Meino, squeezing him tightly.

"I've missed you Meino," she spoke, "It's been about two years now, hasn't it?

"I think that's right," he said, trying to breathe as she held him in an iron grip.

"Meino, Granit, Maria! I've come up with another comparision!"

"Oh, god, what is it this time dad?" Granit grumbled, sick of his father's constant analogies he had to suffer as a kid.

"So the Baptism of Fire is a bit like University right? Because it's for students or national teams to learn and get ready to go out into the real world, for the World Cup, but isn't required. But then, the World Cup is like getting a job, and you need to work hard to do well and just need a little bit of luck. Sound good?"

"Dad," Granit started, "That was the worse comparison one could come up with. The game's going to start soon. let's all just sit down and watch the team get beat."

"But this team we're up against is ranked lower than us," Meino chimed in, "we could beat them."

"Maybe," spoke Granit's father, eyes fixated on the tv screen.

by **Isula ge Ru** » Thu Nov 20, 2014 6:53 pm

Fire on the Water
Intrigue in Isula ĝe Ru

Season One-Baptism of Fire 57
Prologue, Part One
Prologue, Part Two
Chapter I
Chapter II
Chapter III
Chapter IV

Season Two-World Cup 70
Chapter V

Esiru, Isula Esiru, Isula ĝe Ru

The city was stale.

It was not that so many had been taken, mused Timotéu Anhalha Imuu. Rather, it was the fear of being taken. Not two weeks ago had it happened, the boats pulling into the Esiruan port, the bustling docks that meant so much to the island. The docks were what made Esiru so vital, the sea trade and the ports what kept the Esiruan economy going, what caused the glass-encased Esiruan Parliament to echo with debate, with the clink of coins and the protests of the radicals who maintained that, to obtain independence, there had to be no connection with Isula ĝe Ru. None. No trade, no monetary bond, no political ties. Independence was the goal, they said, and independence was what they would get.
The Parliament Building, however, sat stubbornly and festeringly silent. There was nobody debating in its chambers, no shouts of liberty and the breaking of chains. Half of those who had shouted were now behind bars in Isula ĝe Ru, the other half simply waiting their turn.

The city was stale.

The arrests had started ten days ago, on the day they called Black Tuesday if they were Esiruan, or Silver Day if they were Isulan. Timotéu was Esiruan, and for him, that Tuesday had been as black a day as he could remember. He was not a member of the Independence Movement, though he supported independence for Esiru. He couldn't think of anyone who didn't. He hadn't thought he'd known anyone who was a part of the Movement, not until the boats sent ropes to the docks to pull Esiru into the grasps of the police, not until the pink slips of paper had been ripped from pockets, pink slips of paper with ink black as the day spelling out the names of men and women Timotéu had known his whole life. Alassæru had been taken, his photograph undeniable on the pink slip of paper. They'd taken Iulha, the first girl he'd ever kissed. They said she wasn't being arrested though. Only questioned. If she provided names she knew, she would have no trouble. That hadn't stopped handcuffs from being slapped around her wrists, though. Hadn't served to block the tears from her eyes, nor the shouts from her mouth. They were ordinary people, why were they being treated like a spy movie? Timotéu was a student at the University in Esiru, famed and revered throughout the nation. He was studying Accounting, hoping to take a job for one of the continent's great corporations. Alassæru studied literature, Iulha Veterinary Science. They all had dreams to aspire to, parents to please, friends to play football with.

Timotéu hadn't thought Iulha would refuse questioning, and he was right. She hadn't come back yet, but just yesterday they had shown a pink slip to Alassæru's father, and he'd been pulled out of his house. That was why Timotéu was here, now. With nobody in Alassæru's house, he had figured he could both get out of his own and do what small things he could for his friend. Now, however, he was talking to police.

He hadn't seen them come up the street, but the rap on the door had been unmistakable. Only men who know they won't be opposed will knock so sharply on a Friday afternoon. He'd opened the door to find that they were looking for Alassæru's father. When Timotéu explained that the man had already been taken, they looked at him suspiciously. He suggested they check the arrest records.

That earned him a slap across the face, none too gently. He felt a tooth chip, and bit down hard on his tongue, the salty taste of blood swelling up to surround his gums and fill his mouth. He shook long brown hair, out of his face, regaining his composure. I need a haircut. What a thought to have, now, of all times. It was a true one, though.

He was being asked for identification. He spat his name as a mouthful of blood, showing his passport. It was always a good idea to have your passport on you these days. It had your name, your lineage, your heraldry, everything needed to refute those god-damned bright pink slips. One of the police examined it, saw that it was in order, and tossed him a bandage, mumbling how sorry he was to have disturbed him. His voice had no sorrow in it, though, and bandages do no good on tongues. Timotéu thanked them anyway. It did no good to go against the police alone, he had found.

There was no need to go against them alone, however. That was the other thing that had come from his house-sitting at Alassæru's. A group of acquaintances, some friends, some enemies. There were kids he hated, kids he despised, but when they first gathered in that upstairs room, the wind that rippled the Holly Flag had taken hold of their animosity as well, and they had talked and plotted for hours. They spoke of taking on the police, of buying beer cheap from a man of the Movement who had yet to be arrested, the alcohol to be emptied and the bottles used for Molotovs. They spoke of marches, of how to defend themselves against pepper spray and handcuffs. They spoke of marching, of how to defend the Parliament Building once it was taken, once the fences round it were in flames.

They talked for hours, and the next time police came to the door, Timotéu's hands were clammy as he handed over his passport. The next pink slip could be for him, he knew.

He was now a wanted man, his name could be the next written in ink black as blood.

He was going to march.

Spotify · by **New North Aqmuland** » Thu Nov 20, 2014 7:47 pm

Group 19 Preview
Containing a wide variety of teams, this is one qualifying group that guarantees a wild ride from start to finish. With a team that has long been one of the best ever, currently sitting fourth, as well as a team with a name that loses to none and everything in between, we, the viewers of this 70th edition of the World Cup, are going to be on the edge of our seat from the beginning.

The teams will be previewed in their current rank order. We begin with The Holy Empire, followed by The Royal Barangay, Boring Paradise, and the preview for our own team, New North Aqmuland. After us comes, in order, Dainer, Jecatria, United States of Devonta, Schutzenphalia and West Ruhntuhnkuhnland(whew), and minnows Sarrbia.

We're off to the races, my lads. It is time once again.

The Holy Empire(4)
The group giants, sitting 27 places above The Royal Barangay and a full 87 above us. They are the heavy favorites to go well into the finals of the tournament, and no one among us would be shocked if they were to take the trophy home. Their strongest competition lies in Boring Paradise and the aforementioned Barangayans, but we could possibly steal a point or two with a stroke of luck. A long footballing tradition leaves this team the heavy favorites, and anything less than first place would be a disappointment.

When to Watch Them: On the ninth and eighteenth match days of the cycle, as we play away at first, then at home on the last day. One point for us would be good against this team.

Projected Finish: 1st

The Royal Barangay(31)
No minnows themselves, the Barangayans will be fighting heavily to upset the Empire, but will most lie,ly wind up in second, though they may have to fend off an upset from Boring Paradise. Our chance of taking three points from them is decent, but not spectacular, while we could definitely salvage at least one with a stroke of luck and some half-decent playing as well. First would be a boon for this squad that has what it takes to go far if they play their cards right, but one poor hand and the tower comes crumbling down.

When to Watch Them: The fourth and thirteenth days of group play, the former of which is the home date for the Maroon Lions and the latter the away. Three or more is not impossible, but one to three points is most likely for us against them.

Projected Finish: 2nd

Boring Paradise(56)
The third team, Boring Paradise, stands a good chance to upset both teams ranked ahead of them, but we have them solidly in third. They are our closest competition, and if we want any chance of advancing to the World Cup proper, we must take at least four points from our meetings with this team. A best case scenario is the utter destruction of the teams above us by these guys, and six points out of our matches with them. That's not very likely, though. Instead, they'll probably plod along, solidly in third the whole way through.

When to Watch Them: The sixth and fifteenth days of competition, two games that will be must-sees for anyone following this group. Expect one to three, like against the Barangayans, but hope for four to six.

Projected Finish: 3rd

New North Aqmuland(91)
The New North Aqmuland Maroon Lions have been consistently middle of the group since they entered the fray, and we don't expect that to change, at least not this cycle. The draw was both kind and unkind to the boys, as they drew tough competition and a couple cupcakes to make for an interesting time of it. They should be able to take four to six points from any team below them, but will have a hard time securing results against the big guns of the group. Look for an upset candidate here, though, and as long as one Ricky Ofo is healthy, there is a chance.

When to Watch Them: What do you think this is? Amateur hour? You watch them all the time. This is the best chance we've had yet to go on, and let's make sure we're all behind them when it happens.

Projected Finish: 4th

Dainer(116)
The closest competition to New North Aqmuland is Dainer, a team that lies at the edge of the quality drop, with the next closest team a solid 65 spots back of them(hello, Jecatria.) expect some sold games out of them, but there will definitely be a chance that they could pull a Levivania and completely underperform expectations. This team is a bit of a mystery to us, as we have never heard of them before the draw, but they've obviously done something right to be ranked where they are. A strong campaign could see them going third; a weak one, seventh or eighth.

When to Watch Them: You can catch this team playing our own on the fifth and fourteenth days of the group stage. Expect three points for sure, but there lies a decent chance of taking four or six.

Projected Finish: 5th

Jecatria(181)
If you thought the gap to Dainer was large, the gap between this team and United States of Devonta is positively massive, currently at 113 places in the ranking. Here is where the free fall begins into the one-and-done teams that have competed in the past lay. It is a quick climb up until a point where a team tends to hit a ceiling. In this group, though, Jecatria's ceiling seems to be around the sixth slot. There is massive upset potential with this team, but the majority seem to just think that they will kind of slip away and finish as a middling sort of team, with no real strong games.

When to Watch Them: Catch this team on the second and eleventh days of the World Cup qualifying stage, when they take on our boys in a pair of match ups that should be winnable both times for us. Four to six points should be taken from this match, but upsets could hold that number low.

Projected Finish: 6th

United States of Devonta(294)
Newcomers to the scene as of this cycle, Devonta will be in the same boat as Schutzenphalia and West Ruhntuhnkuhnland and Sarrbia in that there will not be many games to be won in this competition except against each other. Expect a bloodbath at the bottom, between the two teams mentioned above and these guys. Not much else to say about this team. Six points should be found here.

When to Watch Them: Find them on your television on the eighth and seventeenth days of matches, a nice sort of way to finish before the Holy Empire happens. Anything less than six points would be relatively disappointing.

Projected Finish: 7th

Schutzenphalia and West Ruhntuhnkuhnland(357)
Easily the winner of the all-name tournament. Sadly for them, that doesn't really translate to success on the pitch. Low expectations exist for this team that failed to do much during the Baptism of Fire, and a small ranking leaves them without much to go off of. They're trying. It's just that they're probably not going to succeed. Six or bust. I do think they'll beat Sarrbia, though, in what was earlier described as a bloodbath between the minnows.

When to Watch Them: Expect to see some goals from our men when we play them on the seventh and sixteenth match days of the competition. Six points is to be expected.

Projected Finish: 8th

Sarrbia(UR)
You know the saying "Last but not least?" I hate to say it, but this team right here is going to disprove that. They're last in our preview, currently unranked, and, though they may steal point from their fellow bottom feeders, Schutzenphalia and West Ruhntuhnkuhnland, consider this team effectively a non-factor.

When to Watch Them: We open the two halves of qualifying against this team, on match days one and ten. Expect six points, and a strong opening to the competition for our boys.

Projected Finish: 9th

That's all I've got for you right now. We'll see you later tonight for the opening match of World Cup 70 Qualifying in Group 19 with your New North Aqmuland Maroon Lions hosting the Sarrbia Palmettos in Anchoring at the Stade Capital.

by **Equestrian States** » Thu Nov 20, 2014 9:08 pm

Here we go, the start of a brand new cycle! With hopes riding high throughout the multiverse, it's time to bring more than a few overly-optimistic supporters' groups crashing back to earth.

MATCH DAY 1 RP CUTOFF FOR GROUPS 1-10

RESULTS

by **Felix** » Thu Nov 20, 2014 9:29 pm

WORLD CUP 70 - MATCHDAY 1 CUTOFF
EQUESTRIAN STATES & SAN JOSÉ GUAYABAL

It's finally here!

Results

by **New Drakonika (Ancient)** » Fri Nov 21, 2014 1:24 am

OOC: No roster? No permissions? Let me do some sporting godmod-like stuff then!

The scoreboard read Stuzemstazem 3-0 New Drakonika, just 31 minutes into the match. Hope had been lost for the visiting Drakonikan supporters, even
with the penalty given to Nthn Smnr after a horrific tackle on Jmz Blyv, in which both attacker and victim received yellow cards, Jmz' was for his outburst at the player, yelling and screaming at him.

Nthn stood waiting for the whistle. The referee blew it, sending a shrill screech reverberating through the stadium. Nthn kicked the ball straight down the middle as the keeper dived right. STZ 3-1 NDK.

The Drakonikans clawed their way back to a 3-2 deficit by half time, thanks to a 41st minute goal by Kyn Tylr, but the fans had been given new hope, with two of the Stuzemstazemic players being sent off with red cards, including the one who attacked Jmz Blyv. Both were the central defenders of STZ's 4-4-2 formation, which was adjusted to 4-4-0.

Unsurprisngly, Jmz Blyv was the next scorer, after funneling his anger at the ball for a powerful, yet accurate kick from just outside the box in the 52nd minute. What came next was utterly surprising.

A Stuzemstazemic defender kicked the ball back to the keeper shortly after kickoff, and the keeper didn't get to the ball in time, thus creating an own goal. By this stage, the score was 4-3 to the Drakonikans.

The final goal came after Jmz Blyv was given a penalty in the 79th minute after another vicious tackle causing yet another red card. Jmz kicked the ball right into the bottom left, as the keeper dived in its direction but pulled out as he was scared of hitting the post with his head.

The final whistle blew shortly after and the Drakonikan fans invaded the pitch, having won their first qualifying match.

Microcalania had split, and was growing fast. Nearly 90% of the human population of New Drakonika had joined Microcalania, as wall as 20,000 dracons. This worried no-one. At all.

What they were really worried about was New Drakonika's free citizenship policy. It had caused a small number of dracons to renounce their Drakonikan citizenship, move to Gloriax, become a ciizen there and fight Gregoryisgodistan. The Drakonikan government's official stance on that nation was "Rogue nation, best to leave it alone." but some citizens wanted GGS to become free, like similarly named Gregory Llama Land. Unfortunately, that didn't help the fact that the Drakonikans wanted to avoid Gregoryisgodistan's enemy list at all costs, due to situations in Coconutstan and Hicana, which were classed by the Drakonokan government as "Potentially speciesist".

Speciesism is something Drakonikans knew all too well, with most of the population being anthropomorphic dragons, it was all too common in human-dominated foreign nations. It seemed the only places that understood dracons were those that respected or contained anthros, like World Cup hosts Equestrian States, and Baptism of Fire hosts The Royal Kingdom of Quebec.

The government did little to untangle this web, for they knew a shitstorm would start, like cross-species marriage did a couple of months back. This was a big, tangled mess, and little could be done about it.

by **Nephara** » Fri Nov 21, 2014 2:14 am

It felt good to be out on the pitch like this, Brescia Stubbs reflected. She'd watched the two friendlies from the bench - Mortlock had wanted to see how Belfast and Martyn did in the heart of defence against Brenecia (not fantastically well) and there'd been no room for anything but her first-team against Saintland - but when she'd been told she was starting alongside Hadrian Belfast against Estenia? Pulling on the green and black kit in front of a home crowd? Her heart had leapt from her chest.
Stubbs hadn't thought she was sentimental. She'd only played four seasons in the Premiership, a regular in each and every one of them for Chatswood, and truth be told she'd always thought that would be the peak of her career. But apparently there was still some room for it to go... she knew the last two seasons had been good, very good, as Chatswood had exceeded all expectations. And what had been great about it was that they were still built around the same back five - Ace Flynn alongside her at the heart of defence, Alhambra Shrike, Anna's younger sister, behind in goal, Firth and Dundalk on the wings. They'd all been young, so they'd all had the time to grow into the division. Not to say the tutelage of, say, Mikko Haagensen hadn't helped. She'd learned a lot about defensive awareness from Mikko. And she was glad he could feel fulfilled to spend the tail-end of his career in the outskirts of Treason, giving a team mostly known for kicking people that edge they'd apparently needed to become a contender for UICA. ... Hell, not even a contender anymore. They'd qualified. That had taken some getting used to.
And now here she was, and Niki Lundgren was on the list of reserves too. And Tanith Bryson had been picked for Brenecia, and her young strike partner Graz was definitely on the radar of the Fallenmark Islands.
A whistle pierced through her thoughts. "C'mon, Brescia! No time for daydreaming," barked Hadi Belfast - captain, arguably the best centreback in the world, inspiration. Partner, now.
Yeah, that felt good, too.

Mortlock's plan was straightforward. Eenpalu, at 34, was the weakness, and she could rely on Rutger Locke to skin him at every turn. That in turn created chances either for the centreforwards - Estenia's centrebacks were their best players, but no match for Rowland or Cathar - or along the wings, for the flying fullbacks. Stocki and Kellen were to start along those positions. Realistically, with Stubbs, Belfast and Coleman around, they weren't going to concede - Rachael Loxley would sit in front of them, with a lot of relative freedom to ping passes around. Murdoch would, well, do his thing, alongside the sleek Ashdown. Really, this was a perfect opening match. Estenia are an opponent that would demand effort, energy and strength of will... but one that, in the end, was destined to buckle if Nephara was playing anywhere near their best.
And Mortlock got an early sign that it was working, given that they scored within four minutes. Locke, as predicted, beasted Eenpalu before knocking an insightful pass down the left. Stockinger surprised Nazarenkov with her pace to get to it, then surprised him with her control to get past him, and her cross, as it so very often was, floated perfectly for Rowland to head past Maxsimov.
Estenia tried to get an equaliser, and in the 20th minute finally managed a shot on target - Peehlak set up Adrianov to fire from distance, but Coleman kept it out at full stretch, before collapsing onto the rebound. And as Estenia felt they'd sensed their opportunity for an equaliser, they allowed themselves to rather sloppily get hit on the break - Stubbs headed out Markov's long ball, Loxley beat Makrov to put practically the entire pitch in front of her before settling for a pass to Murdoch. The powerful midfielder struck forward, played a lovely one-two with Locke before brushing off Makareshi's clumsy tackle and smashing the shot past the goalkeeper.
From that point, then, no problems - they had their decisive lead, and they weren't about to lose it. Coleman had to make a couple of good saves but then again so did Maxsimov, Rook Cathar in particular challenging him time after time (and once hitting the crossbar with a thundering effort). But it was a comfortable enough victory, and Kurt Mathias got a decent run-out as well once it became evident that Locke, well, needed to stay fresh - after all, he was their ace in the hole. And at the end of the day, there was only ever going to be one winner.

"How'd it feel, Brescia?"
Brescia turned, surprised to see Hadi Belfast following her off the pitch. "Huh?" she replied intelligently.
"Ah, you know the feeling. To pull on the green jersey in front of your own fans, to play - and win - for the Cormorants. Everyone deals with it differently."
There was a pause.
"You had a great game out there, by the way. Rock-solid."
"Yeah, I appreciate it. ... Well, y'know, at first it was kind of... overwhelming. I mean Chatswood's only a small club, just punching above its weight." Brescia scratched the back of her head as she walked into the tunnel. "Eighty-eight thousand fans... I mean, I've been here once before, in the Cup final, sure, but that was split-"
"C'mon, you're evading the question."
Brescia sighed. "Guess I am. Alright, y'want t' know how I felt? ... Comfortable. Honestly, it just felt like I was doing a job. At a high standard. And I'm glad I got that chance."
There was a pause, and more footsteps from behind - a few others entering the tunnel, some words in Russian, surely some Estenians.
"Good," said Hadrian at last. "I'm glad t' see you're so grounded about this. Hell, last thing we need is anyone to be starstruck out there. C'mon, let's go to the dressing room."
Brescia nodded, and Hadrian clapped her on the back and trotted on without her. But she thought, could've sworn she'd heard him mutter to himself... "wish I'd had the sense to be like her, back in the day"...
What the hell could that mean?
But it wasn't in Brescia's nature to ponder other peoples' troubles. She just took another swig from the water bottle, slung her shirt over her back and kept walking.

by **Brenecia** » Fri Nov 21, 2014 3:31 am

THE ROZELLE OBSERVER
A RETROSPECTIVE - EIGHT YEARS OF THE A-LEAGUE
by Edmund Pike

In 331, Matt Delaney of Northern Union lifted the A-League trophy.
We didn't know back then that this was eventually going to be the first victory of the 'modern era'. Back then, it was just the 'UICA era', and just another win of many for them.
I played for Mount Roland that season - it was a great season for us as a club, and myself personally, given that I scored 16. This came soon after a Brenecia callup, and I'm proud to call myself the original Brenecian number nine, and I remember each and every one of my 16 matches. Even the one which saw me injured, writhing on the ground as preparations were made to bring in Brad Kuepper, the man who would eventually all but replace me.
But I'm not bitter.

Most people will tell you that the early years of the modern A-League were a fairly bleak and dismal affair. Attendances were unspectacular, the football tended towards the defensive and route one, and the quality of the league itself was in question - during the low points, around 332 to 335, the A-League was considered roughly equivalent to the Nepharim second tier, plus Kingsgrove and Northern Union up the top. This, inevitably, lead to the exodus of many of the A-League's greatest players, especially to Nephara. Sure, there had always been a give-and-take, but now it was blatantly one-sided; Tana Colbright, our superb goalkeeper at Mount Roland, left to her native land (and was later capped for the national team) while the likes of Kuepper and Connell left as well. And yes, there was a point in the national team where the entire side was largely consisting of Nephara-based players. The Patriots under Hemingway were defensive and conservative, though often resorting to wild assaults when their defence was compromised - Slatesaver switched formation to a more Nepharim 4-4-2, made even more marked the preference for Premiership players, and while he did achieve some great things for the national team, it still wasn't really in the Brenecian style of play.

The Brenecian style of play, as it happened, was blossoming in the A-League itself. While Hemingway and especially Slatesaver had entirely ignored the domestic competition, Cate Bardsley was leading the way in terms of aggressive, fast teams built on youth. She first won the league in 334, making magic with a team thought to be reeling from the losses of Kuepper, Connell, Chenoweth and Musket over the past few years. But it was the likes of Cullen, Rath and Bail whose names the fans were chanting by the end. They went a long distance in UICA the next year while coming second, and bringing to the club Niccolo Gardella. Now Kingsgrove had two brilliant attacking midfielders, one on either wing, and in Cheney Rath a perfect pivot for them. But it was in 336 that she left on a high note, winning the league by 14 points while bringing in the likes of Stamper to help the attack. Meanwhile, players like Crowley and Oakwood anchored the defence, players who could help the attack. Bologna, a young, ball-playing defender. This was a Kingsgrove that had forced other teams to grow to respond them, a Kingsgrove that had shattered the defensive, conservative core of the league, and it was a Kingsgrove that continued to flourish even after Bardsley left to bring her flair to the national team. She'd left it in the reins of her assistant, Sasha Bale, who went on to win the regional championship and come second and then first in the league.

So yes, the A-League has had a rocky ride. It's suffered insolvent teams, specifically Envy River. It's suffered mediocrity. It's suffered a defensive status quo, neglect by the FA and national managers, and a perception of being in the shadow of the leagues around them. But with all of that, they've managed to break the top 30 of the world, winning a second Champion's Cup spot. The league is dynamic, aggressive and encourages youth. The monopoly Northern Union threatened to create never materialised, and they've even ditched their policies of signing old veterans from abroad. And now ten of the thirty-man national team ply their trade there, players for middling Nepharim clubs have returned to strong Brenecian ones (Portadown and Pence the most prominent), and the A-League looks like it will continue to keep the supply chain of great footballers going, without pause. And more good players are coming in, too - Audioslav international Guillermo Sanchez-Dysos probably the most prominent acquisition in the league's history, but Gardella, Bologna, Cleto... and while it wasn't thought as such at the time, Tamara Lynn Rhodes' long years at South Rathia have culminated in an international callup for the United Sunrise Islands. So the A-League brings the best of both worlds - attractive league to watch, strong standard of play, and always producing local players capable of making the step up to world-class leagues. Apox, in particular, has cast a more than a passing eye over the A-League, and that bodes very well indeed for the national team's future.

The future is bright.

by **Jeruselem** » Fri Nov 21, 2014 4:05 am

At Dazza Dallas Stadium, where Princesses won 4-1 over visitors Somstratzka
Princess Laura (daughter of Jeru FC coach Princess Amy) and player Laurina Dallas.

Laura: I wish was out there for the team!
Laurina: Don't worry, you'll be next time
Laura: I guess I have to watch all games, might learn something
Laurina: Not watching the Jeru FC team, your mum's team
Laura: It's a team of boys. I can't play football like them
Laurina: I wouldn't play football like them either

Laura: I've watched them training, it's like a comedy skit
Laurina: Aren't they supposed to be professionals?
Laura: Well yes but we know the truth
Laurina: But hopefully your Mum can turn them into a real football team
Laura: I certainly not playing for Jeru FC
Laurina: And your Mum wasn't expecting to be coaching them. She wanted to be here.

Laura: I guess it's the end of her football career on the field
Laurina: Not to worry, there's always another Dallas to take up the fight
Laura: Yes, you're representing the family well
Laurina: Honestly, I'm not that good
Laura: Just because you don't get noticed doesn't mean you don't anything
Laurina: I'm no football star, my football is boring stuff

Laura: I don't expect you to be leader or star scorer
Laurina: I'm just a cog in the machine
Laura: Everyone must play their part, you don't need to be noticed
Laurina: But I'm wearing the number 13, the one reserved for a Dallas. Everyone expects big things.
Laura: I don't expect you to be like my Mum. That's my job
Laurina: I just feel I'm here because your Mum got dragged off to coach the Jeru FC team

Laura: Not to worry, you're doing a good job. We had a good win and you're part of the winning team
Laurina: I'm just doing my job
Laura: well, that's all we ask of everyone. Do your job. At your best that is.
Laurina: I feel like an imposter really, maybe you should be here.
Laura: No no, you got picked because you're a hard working and honest player.
Laurina: I don't think I have the talent to be here. So many others I know better than me.

Laura: You're here and that's what counts. Hopefully I can do my bit next cup
Laurina: Some people think I'm Laura,you
Laura: I dunno, we don't even look alike.
Laurina: And I'm actually taller than you
Laura: Your side of the family tend to have normal height
Laurina: Yes, what's with shorty gene in your side?

Laura: Dunno, mum and grandma aren't exactly tall.
Laurina: Neither is your aunt Princess Katy
Laura: I can't do anything about it, nice being short. It's easier to hide
Laurina: Yes, I wouldn't call you terribly well behaved
Laura: Great thing being Princess, you can get away with that. They don't expect you to be well behaved
Laurina: I wish I had that luxury

by **Red Blackiland** » Fri Nov 21, 2014 4:34 am

Roster Apresentation

Article 1

Article 2

Article 3 : A conversation to the glory!

A few soldiers were walking on the quiet streets of Wanquiler a neightbour near Cruce Estrella highway border.At the side,a group of little boys and boys playing a 'healthy' soccer match in a court synthetic grass,is one of the principies that the country uses to pick great young talents,although the majority of the talents came from land soccer fields.
After walking near the place,the soldiers stopped a few minutes and a captain that are with the tropps in this hour liberated the soldiers to talk and play soccer with the boys.The boys think that is great,because Army are a great example of gain knowledge and life experience and is for this why the army are so valorizated here.
It was a simple and fast converse,that seems like to go nowhere,but,a few trade of life experiences and conversations about soccer was produced.
The soldiers approach the waiting players on the banks in the sides of the field that are waiting for can enter in the match.
''How is the game?And beautiful soccer ball,isn't it? says Franco Demarci,RB Army soldier.
''Very good and entertaining,the team of 'without shirts boys' winning by 2-0 the team of 'with shirts boys'' says Luis Pradovick,19 years old boy from Cruce Estrella
''Is great to see the army and the soldiers so popularizated to the citizens,you guys know the Army is a great symbol to the country,we valorizate your work'' says Martín Luciano,18 years old boy
''Thanks!You don't know how these words give an 'up!' to us. '' says Rubén Pessolatto,RB Army soldier.
''Even more,us,we had a hard life in childhood,we gain so much life experience in a little time,the soccer is a way to relax from all the problems and the sad histories'' says Petrin Damarco,17 years old boy
''You guys,can share this with us? '' says Rubén
''No problem'' says,All boys that are present in the place.
So,the 'kickoff' was given by Pradovick...
'' I wouldn't wish this to my worst enemy.My dad died too early.We lived in Red Blackiland in 90s years and i lived the country so early with my mother that was called Luciana and we went to Outer Bigtopia.My family is don't Red Blackiland 'native',is Bigtopian naturalized Red Blackilandian.In a certain day,my mother,Yusuf Khalibentz,45 years old,Outer Bigtopia is very different compared to here and we fall more into poverty,i had an brother,Marco Pradovick.My mother were walking one week and a few days to a distant region in Outer Bigtopia and are walking with me and my brother,Marco became exhausted and fell fainting and my mother throw some water on my brother's head,but he was unconscious and couldn't revive him.In desperation she called for help, but no one stopped.
My mother,Luciana needed to make a decision,never good for any mother in the world,decided to left Marco back in the road and help from God (Outer Bigtopia is an very christianist nation,contrary to Red Blackiland),she's again returned the experience to abandonate your son,waked all nights thinking about him,saw other childs at the same age and began to suffer a nightmares with it.
Because the food is very insufficient to two and the mother needs to left one to save one and all the two could be dead...When my mother died,i was lived hard in a small village where i have been supported by a few village citizens and receive water and food,a day,RB Army was helping other persons from Outer Bigtopia with water and food assistance and i was called for it too and i went to Red Blackiland by one mission established by the government using the army was consists to bring these Outer Bigtopians to have a life experienced in Red Blackiland and with this way i went to the country,i know the soccer is the major sport and one of most national passions here,since then,i'am proud to be announce i am a very fan of RB army and your soldiers and i'am a member of RBIU 70 and Red Blackiland supporter,welcomed me in the moment that i most needed help.I begin to work in Army and play soccer into one of various Red Blackiland Soccer Schools Center of the country and i was called to the Red Blackiland Junior Categories team,today with two works(not in the Army more,but in a shop in Blackberry and soccer practices),living substantially good with my girlfriend and with my family who adopted me. ''
''Here we can see a day-by-day issue in a few countries in the world,leave a child in the way to save the life of another and much persons prefering to be false moralist with other things don't give a damn to it,is that peoples only help others receiving other thing in return,anyone give anything to anyone. '' says Rubén Pessolatto
''We can see the importance of sport and more especific,the soccer,retiring youngs from drugs,robbers or poverty lifes,the sport need to be moralizated,with the formation of the critical sense,human nature,personality of the people,formating it as a true citizen! '' says Franco Demarci
'' I know it,i saw that here and i learn it '' says Luis
''And you,Martín? '' says Franco Demarci
* In this moment,the players that playing soccer stopped the game to give attention on the conversation *
'' I losed my mother at ten years old by a car-accident in my front and my dad at twelve years with heart complications old,my uncles at fourteen years old and i was ignored by the other part of the family,was alone in the world,wandered in the country streets,any times that i saw son with your fathers,more sadness came to my head until thar i'm supported by a woman that worked in Housing Questions and Human Services Red Blackiland Department and sensibilized with my history,take me to your house and took care of me until a certain age,that with a National Technical Program i gain knowledge and begin to work in Meski Sportswear in the time that them made only kits for the amateur small teams in the country,i gained a good salary and even with her's help,i managed to keep me in good situation.All of them stood in my head yet,until that the day i found soccer and your lessons,life histories and teachings,i won a second life beyond my work and were i live.This woman adopted me and today i have a family,constantly i visit the tomb of my parents. ''
'' The importance of the sports,the soccer,the construction of principies and the formation of knowledge and critical sence in adolescence is essential to construct a good base to a good politized and inteligent society,unfortunately,you guys know by the bad way,but,we won the obstacles and overcome the problems!You guys are braves,are winners! The outside worlds needs more persons with the force and the bravure of yours! '' says Franco
'' Sport is a good way to put youngs in drugs and other things in a good life in sports pratice and that is the country come making a few time ago,pick under-poverty persons to other countries and help it with a live here,with a work,salary,decent life,of course,encouraing them to work giving knowledge,intellectual and technical capital,here all brave peoples not victimizate and because this we are strong peoples!The overcome of the poverty isn't in vimitization but in the capacity of the overcome problems! '' says Rubén
With the past of the times,the soldiers was more and more entertaining with the boys,more and more boys talking your histories to the soldiers.The soldiers,after it,played a match with these boys and give a new soccer ball to all and said to them that they will have a surprise tomorrow.
These brave life warriors will enter the pitch against North Britonisea (WC Qualifiers debut) with the professional players,with the music 'You Never Walk Alone' at the fund singing by the crowd and an opportunity with scholarship will be give to them for they can evolve more and more,with your own work and effort,without egalitarian wanderings or similiar utopias,but a united country,bourgeoisie,poor/middle-class walking united to the glory!
And the glory is that will unity all,include those are cited above,is the game against North Britonisea,in World Cup Qualifiers Debut for us,three points at debut in home match will be very important to the our road of in this group,putting all brave people spyrit on them,and can make the name of the national sports that is a national passion here and that retired so much youngs from poverty at other countries like Bigtopia,Outer Bigtopia.

Igor Balquierra,'Modern' Red Blackiland Philosopher

'' That our veins pull out from the pulse and the human flesh because so much bravure put in a slide tackle,intersection,attack move,a insistence on a move that can be decide a match...
After all,isn't from it that the human are made?
Being the your will with the potence,the human are made by interests that are make your individuality and each human have your individuality.Interests and will is were the human begins and the human ends,the human searchs for your individuality to understand only by the silence that understand our real emoations or loves,certainly the phylosophy in the country and between the players and the fans is : multiplicity of interests.Only with interests we can reach to better results,campaign and the most awarded : the Glory!
As more interests the human have,more active him's feel,the reality is giant in front of the very little that already said in relations to your experiences and your nature.
Don't be necessary to share all inomerous doubts from the human,but,understand that the realization is only present in your interior,in himself.
With this message,i repassed what spyrit the players need to enter the pitch and make a great match against our first rival,put willpower,interests and your nature on the field and win this game! ''

The pitch is ours,Dark Lions!

by **Dracum** » Fri Nov 21, 2014 5:08 am

a little setback

Even before the game started, the result was clear. The question was how devastating would be the defeat ? How much goals would we get against the number 2 of the football world ?
Today we have the answer and it shows promise. We managed to play against the goliath, yes we even managed 15 % ball possession and there were less then six goals.
The first statement from Jaamal Masi hit the mark.
'I'm not happy with the results as there is a long way to go but we managed to reach our own goals, this is only a minor setback and anyone who expect a draw or even a win was clearly insane.'
It's a little setback, nothing more, nothing less. The first 20 Minutes were furious as the Osarian players managed two goals in this short time (Minutes 10 and 15 both scored by Ezio Grassi) the game was sold, after that the game was merely a training session which proved why Masi nominated Luis Vela as number one Goalkeeper. His experience, the income of three new Osarian players and the fire that still burns in all Draconians leads to the 0-3 defeat. Last goal was scored by Marco Puntoriero in one of his few good moments during the game. Noteworthy as well were Fabio Mancini with all three assists and 5 post hits during free kicks.
All in all the game was relatively fair for Draconians involved, no yellow cards were needed.
from the stadium in Burningham
Christina Orsini for the Dracum Sport News Network

by **Gregoryisgodistan** » Fri Nov 21, 2014 7:07 am

"Hello, I'm Sportscaster JUASD8249P and welcome to Gregoryisgodistan, as qualifying gets underway between Sargossa and our very own Foot Slaves team. We've got an exciting matchup today for sure, but hopefully the Foot Slaves can pull it off. Now, the players are making their way onto the field, so let's listen to the World Cup Anthem, one of my favorite tunes. It's a real earworm. Dun Dun Dun Dun Dun Dun Dun Dun Dun Dun Dun Dun Dun Dun Dun Dun Dun Dun Dun Dun Dun Dun Dun Dun Dun Dun Dun Dun Dun Dun...

"Ok, it's time for the national anthems, and it looks like Singer XXXU88W88W will sing them both, right off her outstanding performance at WorldVision. She is totally not going to sing a fake Sargossan national anthem. We would never do that."

Sargossa is stupid, Sargossa is dumb
Sargossa goes poop and won't wipe their bum
Sargossa likes to fart without wearing pants
Sargossa is the home of those who badly dance
Sargossa is really, really really weird

Sargossa is the land of the dunce
And they had an IQ of 6 once
When Sargossa is gone nobody will care
I think I will sit in a chair
We are Sargossa we are dumb!

"And now, Singer XXXU88W88W will sing the glorious Gregoryisgodistani national anthem."

Gregory Gregory Lord Almighty
We Praise You We Worship You
Gregory Gregory Lord Almighty
Master of Gruel and Prune Juice
He Gives Us Gruel And Prune Juice Yes
We Worship Him as a Deity and Bow Down To Him Whenever We See Him
On TV or In Person or In Statue
Gregory Gregory Lord Almighty
We Love You We Worship You
Gregory Gregory Lord Almighty
A million praises unto you
Gregory Gregory Is Immortal
He Considers Us His Little Playthings
A term He Only Uses In Jest Because He Has Infinite Mercy for Us All
Gregory Gregory We Adore Thee
We Bow Down To Thee In Praise
Thou Art More Smart Than Sir Einstein So We Say "Einstein Who?"
Gregory Gregory Master of Slave Labor
We Are All Your Slaves in Heart
Some Of Us Are Slaves to this Nation
Some of Us Just Wish We Were
Gregory Gregory Inventor of the Solar Bomb
Which We Use to Vanqiush Our Enemies
Gregory Gregory Master of Everything
Thou Art Lord and Thou Art God
Gregory Gregory You Wrote This Song
Our Favorite Song In The Entire World
We Sing it Every Hour on The Hour
Like Clockwork We Praise your Lordship
Gregory Gregory We Bow Down Again
We Fly This Flag Outside Our Home
Gregory Gregory We Have Shrines in Our Homes
In Our Shops and Everywhere
Gregory Gregory We Worship You Day and Night
In Our Dreams We even Worship You
Gregory Gregory This is the Only Song We Sing!

"And now it's time for kickoff. Soccer Captain Laredo Potato is shaking hands with Matias Sosa, and now we're ready to go. Gregoryisgodistan is wearing the red and black tops, going left to right for the first half. Sargossa is wearing white and will be going from right to left. And we're underway here in the qualifying for World Cup 70. This is a key opening match that Gregoryisgodistan cannot afford to lose. They'd love a win, but a draw would be a decent result too. We've got a mix of two very different styles today, the heavily attacking Sargossa in their 3-4-3, and the defensive Gregoryisgodistan team, known for their fantastic back four and goalkeeper, in the 4-4-2.

...

"18th minute, and here comes Quinteros on the attack. He's taken down by Secret Police Agent Dominic Button, and that will certainly be a foul, maybe even a card. Indeed, the referee is reaching for his pocket and it's a yellow card for Secret Police Agent Dominic Button, the first yellow card issued to a Gregoryisgodistani player this tournament. It certainly won't be the last.

"Free kick for Sargossa now following the card. Quinteros to take it. Into the box, Bustos is there, he heads it, Prune Farmer 3818F dives, blocks it but can't hold on. Defedrico is there for the rebound, shoots, and it's in. 1-0 Sargossa here in the 19th minute. The Gregoryisgodistani fans are stunned. Their team is down early in the first game of qualifiers. The good news is they still have plenty of time to come back. But they do need at least a draw in this game, and hopefully a win. Well, not really "need" but it would help their chances greatly. This is rated as one of the most pivotal matches in Group 2 by Nate Gold at the renowned sporting statistics blog ThirtyTwoTeams.com. (OOC: See note below which is too long to put here.) According to Mr. Gold, Gregoryisgodistan currently has a 47 percent chance of qualifying at least to the playoffs, and a 13 percent chance of winning the group. A win against Sargossa today would improve those chances to 61 percent and 16 percent, a draw would change them to 48 percent and 9 percent, and a loss would drop both percentages significantly, to 33 percent and 4 percent, respectively. That makes it not only the most pivotal match in Group 2 today, but the most pivotal match today, period, according to Mr. Gold's analysis.

...

"Now we're in the 34th minute, and here comes Gregoryisgodistan on the counter. Hacker Fred'); DROP TABLE Rosters;-- passes to Pervert Chaser 867530PNC, who finds Soccer Captain Laredo Potato on a run into the box, one on one with the keeper, he shoots, OVER THE CROSSBAR! Soccer Captain Laredo Potato is kicking himself for not scoring that one. That should have been an equalizer. He had Armando Abad beat if he went to the right spot, but instead of aiming for the right post, he shot it well high. That's not going to get it done.

...

"And now it's halftime. We'll be back for analysis after this commercial break."

"Are you a government VIP? Do you need another slave? Then come to Slaves R Us today. With locations all across Gregoryisgodistan, we are bound to meet your slave-buying needs. Whether it's a baby slave to practice diaper changing on, a youth slave to perform small tasks, an adult slave for a hard manual labor, a sex slave for those personal needs, or our economy elderly models, we have everything you could possibly need. Come to Slaves R Us today."

...

"And now we're ready to start the second half. The teams have switched ends and we're ready to get underway again.

...

"64th minute, and here comes Gregoryisgodistan on the attack. Slave Beater SUAXMC91 passes it up the field and finds Guy Who Cleans Up Behind The Elephant at the Circus P0120AZNNAU. Guy Who Cleans Up Behind The Elephant at the Circus P0120AZNNAU passes to Loyal Friend of Lord Almighty Gregory Robert Possibe, who crosses it in the air to Soccer Captain Laredo Potato. He heads it and Abad goes up for it to tip it over the bar. It will be a corner kick coming to Gregoryisgodistan. Guy Who Cleans Up Behind The Elephant at the Circus P0120AZNNAU to take it, and it's into the box where Loyal Friend of Lord Almighty Gregory Robert Possibe tries to head it in, oh, it hits the post. But here is Soccer Captain Laredo Potato and he shoots it, GOAL GREGORYISGODISTAN! Soccer Captain Laredo Potato shoots the rebound to the far post and it's a goal. He scored that with his weak foot too. That's very impressive. Gregoryisgodistan has the equalizer and it's now 1-1.

...

"83rd minute, here comes Sargossa looking to take the lead. Escobar to Noyola, in the box, he shoots, diving save by Prune Farmer 3818F! What a save by Prune Farmer 3818F to keep Sargossa off the board! Wow! Nice job!

...

"And there's the final whistle. Gregoryisgodistan and Sargossa play to a 1-1 draw that will satisfy neither team. Next up, Gregoryisgodistan travels to Furellum. We'll see you then!"

OOC: ThirtyTwoTeams.com is actually a Gregoryisgodistani fork of the Gregllamese blog FiftyOneSeats.com, with all posts about political elections removed, leaving mainly content about sports, but some content about other things. The original site is blocked in Gregoryisgodistan, as is all content about democracy. FiftyOneSeats.com is an NS version of FiveThirtyEight.com. It will likely make an appearance in a GLL RP later this tournament.

works? · by **Abanhfleft** » Fri Nov 21, 2014 7:49 am

CRESCENT NEWS NETWORK
OFFICIAL WEBSITE

RIOTS ENGULF ABANHFLEFT AS NATIONAL FOOTBALL TEAM LOSES 5-1 TO EASTFIELD LODGE
By Arnold Isaacs

Rioters surround a burning car in Releinthi hours after the Abanhfleft national team lost 5-1 to Eastfield Lodge in the World Cup qualifiers. (Courtesy of Crescent News Network/Harman Robles)

EASTFIELD LODGE - Fleftic fans both in Eastfield Lodge and across the Democratic Republic expected their national team to show up the team that was so confident of their abilities that they didn't even bother releasing a roster. Instead, they were treated to a show of dominance that reflected the large disparity between the ranks of the two competing nations, as Eastfield Lodge secured a 5-1 victory against Abanhfleft. The Eastfield player wearing number 9 scored a hat trick for his country, while the Eastfield captain scored a header from a corner kick in the 57th minute. Eastfield player number 7 scored a free kick from 31 yards at the 85th minute to complete their side's humiliation of Abanhfleft's best. The only goal from the Fleftics was from a desperate volley from Adelaide Singh, when Eastfield Lodge had already secured a comfortable 3-0 lead at the closing of the first half.

Abanhfleft, a nation whose passion for football is second only to their love of basketball, and quite possibly even more than that, was not expected to take such a heavy loss right at the start of World Cup qualifiers well. But no one quite expected that the entire nation would go up in flames, as sad and angry fans of the national team took to the streets and vented their anger and frustrations on the first things that they could lay their fists and feet on. Hundreds of thousands of fans ran out onto the streets of major Fleftic cities and began wreaking havoc. In the capital Riuwiee, a dozen motorists were hauled out of their vehicles, and they could only watch in horror as rioters stomped, punched, kicked, and eventually set fire to their cars. In Releinthi, home base of one of the biggest football fan bases in the country, rioters managed to overturn an armored personnel carrier sent out by the Releinthi Department of the Fleftic National Police to quell the rioting. And in Imgortur, Supreme Preacher Veritas of the Church of the Holy Bottle gave fellow Holy Bottlers free rein to run amok in the streets of the city, citing that "only a massive blood sacrifice will make the Great Bottler forge a great victory for our country's football team!"

Football-related riots "should have been expected," according to sports analysts

A lone riot control officer of the Markovsky Police Department confronts dozens of angry hooligans. (Courtesy of Crescent News Network/Yancy Johnson)

As national authorities reeled from the sudden onslaught of hundreds of thousands of hooligans running amok in the streets of the cities of Abanhfleft, a few sports analysts, both local and foreign, have come up to say that rioting on such a massive scale should have actually been expected by the authorities. "Our country has had a long history of football hooliganism," Paulus Arikomambo Mensah. a noted sports historian, told CNN in a recent interview. "Why, just a few days before the match against Eastfield Lodge, thousands of Arsenal supporters took to the streets of Releinthi after Wabash FC--a bottom-of-the-league team--made a very surprising upset victory over the Gunners. If our countrymen react that way to a simple league game, then imagine what they could do if the national team loses."

"We expected that we would lose to Eastfield Lodge," added noted sportscaster Gregorio Harkness. "The odds of us winning against Eastfield were 317 to one just three hours before kickoff. Perhaps what we weren't expecting was the fact that we would lose by such a large margin. A 1-0 loss, a 2-0 loss, possibly even a 3-0 loss was acceptable to us. But 5-1? That's just unthinkable. And that's probably why our countrymen are overreacting at such a large scale."

Attempts by Fleftic sports authorities to clean up the national act: too little too late?

Fleftic National Police officers patrol the streets of Riuwiee after the last rioters have finally been arrested. (Courtesy of British Broadcasting Corporation/Getty Images)

Fleftic authorities surely must have expected that large-scale rioting was going to occur following the national football team's loss to Eastfield Lodge, so why didn't the government, or even just President Makhdoum Be himself, do anything to prevent said riots from happening? Already, conspiracy theorists are saying that this is all just a government-backed plot to scare our next opponents in our World Cup qualifiers group. If such a theory were found to be true, even if it is currently baseless, then it will severely damage our chances of breaking into the world stage of football in the long run. The World Cup Council may have no choice but to make the national team play behind closed doors, which will seriously affect national, provincial, and city revenue. Or the WCC might even go the extra mile and ban the country from playing for the World Cup. And all of those scenarios will hurt our country's chance to show Fleftic football to the world.

Abanhfleft's next game in the World Cup Qualifiers will be against New Bordial, a team ranked 272nd in the world. Like our first opponents Eastfield Lodge, they have not made public a roster of their players. We do have their roster from the Baptism of Fire, but we can't be sure that that will be the same team that they'll be using for the World Cup Quals. I would not predict an easy win against them, but a win or even a draw will certainly serve to increase our morale. Kasper Molak will still be playing his starting eleven of mixed male and female players, and this game will be played in the May 26 Stadium. Security is expected to be tighter than normal, and President Be's declaration of martial law in selected provinces and cities will surely help to decrease the chances of a riot developing in the aftermath of this second match.

MORE NEWS: ABANHFLEFT LOSES TO EASTFIELD LODGE, 5-1 • WANDA ISLAND FENDS OFF ANTSLINNGS, 4-3 • THREE HUNDRED ADDITIONAL SECURITY OFFICERS TO BE DEPLOYED TO MAY 26 STADIUM FOR ABANHFLEFT-NEW BORDIAL MATCH

FINAL MATCH REPORT (ABANHFLEFT VS. EASTFIELD LODGE)

   EASTFIELD LODGE 5 - 1 ABANHFLEFT
#9 (10', 28', 40')       ADELAIDE SINGH (45' + 2)
         #14 (57')
          #7 (85')

by **Free Republics** » Fri Nov 21, 2014 8:33 am

Church of Saintland Stadium locker room - After Holy Republican Empire 1-1 Bandwagon

The Holy Republican National team was off to an atrocious start in the 70th World Cup cycle. First, they had been stunned by Eura at the RayDome, being hold goalless for 90 minutes. Now, Miroslav Bozek had conceded a stupid penalty against Bandwagon, a nation of nobodies who didn't even perform half-respectably in the recent BoF. Said penalty had resulted in a 81st minute equalizer that handed Bandwagon a draw against the #10 ranked team in the multiverse, the runners-up of the World Cup less than 730 days prior and one of the teams whom everybody, outside of those "has-beens" from Starblaydia, finally accepted as one of the elite teams in international soccer. While Farfadillis had also drawn against a much lower ranked opponent, that was little consolation to Rule Theriault.

The controversial manager of the Holy Republicans, Theriault had always prided himself on how his teams surprised their doubters, time and again, backing up their off-the-pitch talk with on-the-pitch success. However, something just did not seem right. Ever since their loss to Legalese in the quarterfinals during the previous year, Theriault had noticed that his team seemed to be suffering from a lack of confidence, whether they would have said so or not. Sure, they had won some matches at the Eagles Cup, but they did not look like their normal selves on that pitch. Everything just seemed off.

Theriault wondered if it could be related to the rise of the Holy Party. Ever since the Holy Party took power, the famous Republican "hook up" culture had begun to recede. Bars, beer companies and birth control manufacturers alike had reported massive drops in earnings. Republican women, ever the conformists, had begun in large numbers to put up a facade of holiness, to pretend that they had been good Christian ladies all along. Theriault wondered if this had taken away his team's secret competitive advantage...

While Theriault had originally intended to model his National Team organization on a military model, which was something that the son of an Admiral knew well, he had gone in a different direction, with the encouragement of Nova Hellstrom and several players. While he had been, at first, reluctant to allow his players to party night after night, he had eventually come to the realization that promiscuity would provide his team with a competitive advantage. Indeed, the anabolic steroids that were used by most professional athletes in the FFR were merely artificial hormones, created in a laboratory. If his players could obtain the same effect, naturally, that would put them at a competitive advantage against the rest of the multiverse and would not be in breach of any WCC rules.

However, things had changed since the rise of the Holy Party. A majority of Republican women under the age of 35 were now supportive of the Kulseth regime, according to the polling data. Although the Progressives was claiming that the Kulseth government's policies constituted a "War on Republican Women," these policies were overwhelmingly supported by the women of the country, who were ever the conformists. However, polling data showed that a majority of Republican men disapproved of the government. Indeed, the only male demographic group where a plurality approved of the government were men whose only children were daughters. Overall, Consul Kulseth's approval was underwater at 47 approving to 53 disapproving and the polls indicated that 55 percent of Republicans intended to vote against Kulseth's so-called "Personhood" amendment, with an additional 13 percent still undecided. Kulseth and his supporters, however, denounced the polls as "deliberately skewed" for the purpose of "undermining the agenda of the overwhelming Moral Majority of Republicans" and reassured everybody that he had the support of the "overwhelming majority" of the Republican people.

However, Theriault was not particularly concerned with Consul Kulseth's ability to discern public opinion better than the opinion polls. He was concerned with his team's inability to perform. After the Eura loss, he had spoken to his team about the importance of putting that loss behind them and returning to form against Bandwagon. Instead, they had managed to draw Bandwagon. Now, Theriault decided that it was time to make radical changes to his starting lineup, to try and jumpstart his team (OOC: These changes will be reflected in my roster, shortly after this RP is posted). The changes he was about to make would be the most radical that he had made to his lineup since the team had debuted at the Di Bradini Cup more than 5 years prior.

First off, Miroslav Bozek was out at centreback. Bozek simply had not performed of late and Theriault was convinced that Zrina Martinovic, who had done an exceptional job in practice of late, was now the better centreback. Theriault had never started a female player on his team before and he knew that Consul Kulseth probably wouldn't be happy about it, but he was certain that Zrina was the defender that gave his team the best chance to win. He was also tempted to switch out Christofferson to give Levai Imre a shot, but Theriault decided that Christofferson was playing well and that Imre was too young, regardless, to start at keeper for a team that considered anything short of a World Cup title, in this cycle, to be unacceptable.

However, the major concern that the team faced was with their goal scoring. The much-touted trio of Theodore, Bolton and Pozenel had scored just a single goal over the last 180 minutes, on their home turf no less! The Republican National Team just wasn't very good in the attack at the moment. However, in practices, Porvaldur Hinriksson was coming on extremely strong of late. Hinriksson, the forgotten fifth striker for a long time, was now coming into his own and becoming a capable player. If I could only play 4 strikers, Theriault was thinking...

After some time, the idea hit Theriault. Back when Koby Theodore had stayed for a year in Saintland, he had spent the year training with the great Prince Andreas and the Sanctii captain had recommended that Theodore be moved to attacking midfield in the Republican formation. However, Theriault had placed him in at striker, as Leo Cremonesi, not Jens Koch appeared to be the weak link of the Republican attack at that time. But times had changed and now Koch was coming off of 2 matches in which he had looked absolutely awful, giving away possession over and over again and depriving the Republican strikers of scoring opportunities. Theriault made his decision and announced it to the team:

Rule Theriault - Men, your performance on that pitch today was a disgrace. Come on! Even Etelkoz and Alastonia beat them and yet we can't beat Bandwagon with home field advantage on our side? Our next match, in a few days, will be against Farfadillis. Now, they did not exactly get the best result either today, but as we go into that critical match, I have decided that it is time to make some changes. Zrina, you're going to be starting at centreback from now on.

Zrina Martinovic - Thank you, Mr. Theriault. I won't let you down.

Miroslav Bozek - Coach, that's not fair! I make one mistake and now you're benching me?

Rule Theriault - Miro, you should know by now not to give away stupid penalties. You're lucky you weren't red-carded for that stunt. Keep yourself in match shape. You'll get another opportunity, but I'm going to give Zrina a chance in the interim.

Miroslav Bozek - Seriously? You're going to start a girl? What will the government think?

Rule Theriault - I don't care what Consul Kulseth thinks. I believe that she's the best player for the job, at this point in time, so she's going to play. Zrina always does what she is told, without complaint or argument. The rest of you could learn from her attitude. You're beginning to become just like those entitled professional athletes who care more about themselves than about the team, and you wonder why we aren't winning anymore...

Kyle Bolton - I think Coach is right, guys. Maybe we have let that success get to our heads...

Rule Theriault - Thank you, Kyle. I have one other change to announce. Koby, you're going to be moving to attacking midfield.

Jens Koch - What about me, Coach?

Rule Theriault - Jens, you're struggling at the moment and I think you need a rest. Besides, Porvaldur has earned a spot in the starting lineup and Koby's skillset is better suited for an attacking midfielder than a striker anyways.

Porvaldur Hinriksson - Thanks, Coach Theriault.

Koby Theodore - But, I haven't even practiced from the attack midfield in 2 years!

Rule Theriault - That's why I'm going to be increasing both the length and intensity of our practices over the next few days. I want everybody in form when we travel to Farfadillis.

As the Holy Republican squad left the stadium later that day, Rule Theriault hoped that his changes would re-energize the team and turn around a Qualifying campaign that was already beginning to look like a debacle. If it did not, then Theriaut's problems were far more serious than he realized...

by **Atrua** » Fri Nov 21, 2014 8:34 am

The Most Holy Times

ALMOST

Today Atrua welcomed the 70th World Cup to its humble shores and found themselves thrown to the lions as it were facing perennial power , top seed of the group and 5th ranked in the world Vilita. Most people expected a Vilitian cakewalk and at the start it appeared that the experts would be correct after the visitors scored only 7 minutes into the match off a corner kick which was headed past a diving Hans Mitterand and it appeared the rout was on.

To everyone’s surprise then it would turn out that this would be the only goal scored in the match providing a properly non-Scoreologic 1-0 defeat for the Atruan squad. Not that the visitors took it easy on their lower ranked opponents . No, the Vilitan squad did apply pressure throughout the match with a whopping 86% of play on the Atruan side of the pitch. In fact the Atruan squad only managed to get two shots on net the entire match, both by Gordon “the Hammer” Toren which were easily handled by their keeper Zelkki Milake.

What was impressive however was how our young squad hung in there throughout the match giving the fans- which had filled the stadium to its maximum 1000 person capacity, such a crowd that a hastily built extension to the press box was required for the additional coverage of this match- hope that the home team might perhaps be granted some sort of miracle to take a point out of the match. Alas it was not to be as the superior ball handling skills of the Vilitan squad controlled the flow of the match around the perimeter of the Atruan defense, which had locked into a defensive shell that for the most part held up, though Vilita had several other solid scoring opportunities including a fingertip deflection by Mitterand in minute 13 and a pair of crossbar deflections in the second half to keep the score from being worse.

In all Vilita managed 12 shots on net and almost as many near misses just wide or high, though several of these were from long range as the defense for the most part prevented any deep penetration for higher percentage scoring chances. Atrua only had the two shots for the match and one long range shot that went wide in the second half.

Coach Jacob Howard after the match praised the competitive spirits of both teams, the home team’s not giving up and the visitors’ spirited offensive efforts. When asked about the team’s chances on their trip to the Sandwich territories Coach Howard replied “ This will be a tough match. They are well rested and had a chance to scout us this match while we don’t have much film to go on on their end. But trust in the Lord and he shall provide. If the team shows the fight they had here then only the Lord knows what may happen.”

Remember that match will be carried by station 3 on Radio Atrua live as it happens.

May the Lord bless you and yours this and every day

by **Semarland** » Fri Nov 21, 2014 9:36 am

semarluundik indapadten

NORTH BRITONISEA 1-1 SEMARLAND

A somewhat disappointing result in North Britonisea in which the Semars drew 1-1 against a very lowly ranked North Britonisea.

For the majority of the first half, the Semars got the better of the hosts, with wingers Abel Nkutu & Tipio Runen causing much distress for the opposition full-backs. The duo plus attacking midfielder Demba Cisse were constantly setting up the two strikers, Marc Lygaard and Jakob Larsen, but the astonishing opposition goalkeeper blocked every shot thrown at him. However, the opposition's defenders did not fair too well, and on the 25th minute there were shouts for a penalty for Semarland, after an opposition centre-back seemed to knock Demba Cisse over. However, the referee turned a blind eye to it and play resumed, much to the anger and dismay of the whole of Semarland.

Only after the second half resumed, in which one change was made, with Yacouba Sakho making his debut, coming on for vice-captain Andreas Jansen in midfield, Semarland got their first goal. Sakho made a bursting run through midfield an played a splitting through ball, finding captain Marc Lygaard who expertly curled the ball around the North Britonisea goalkeeper. Lygaard tried the same moments later, but failed to get enough lift on it. Jakob Lunds' header also clipped the bar, as well as a soaring half-volley from Tipio Runen, smacking against the opposition crossbar.

With the final two changes being made, Claes Naemstad on for an impressive Abel Nkutu and Ole Mikkelsen for Eirik Malsen, Semarland tried to seal it off. But a rather resilient counter attack from the hosts, which saw their right-winger soar down the flank, before lifting in a cross which met the head of their powerful centre-forward, who headed home with a bullet header, which left the fans, players and staff in dismay. The Semars were unable to grab a winner, but fortunately neither could the hosts. In some parts of the game it was a disappointing display, most of the time it wasn't, but still, not the start the Semars hoped for.

The Semars will next face Paradystopia, the group's top seed, in Jansberg.

SEMARLAND: Jorgen Karlstad; Matur Eiriksson, Jakob Lunds, Matthias Karbruck, Eirik Malsen (Ole Mikkelsen 79); Andreas Jansen (Yacouba Sakho HT); Abel Nkutu (Claes Naemstad 79), Tipio Runen; Demba Cisse; Marc Lygaard, Jakob Larsen

by **Aestate** » Fri Nov 21, 2014 9:54 am

OPINION

Reality

Britnosea had the all-time control of the match to aestateans deception

BY Roberto Tardelle
Carpanela, Wednesday 20 November

Repeating the last competition, the enthusiastic first match ended in an uncomfortable defeat, with a totally domesticated national team presenting a pitiful performance, while a shocked National Arena dominated for Aestate fans was watching this ridiculous situation. This horrible situation was watched in on the net and television as well, increasing the negative image of the National Soccer Squad. Consequences? I will talk afterward, because now the start is more important, and yes, it was positive, but wasn’t thanks the team.

Ninety-eight thousands were the number of soccer fan presents in National Stadium, almost completely consisted for aestateans, celebrating and supporting. Beginning with the intro of “Seven Nation Arms”, the supporting voices echoed in arena whereas the players were in the locker room, preparing for entry. And this atmosphere continued until the first ten minutes, thanks the aestateans hope persisted, but it’s stopped at this time because Britonisea practically played alone. With twenty minutes, the adversary had twenty-two attacks and Aestate merely one. “The midfield was totally dominated by our adversary, the marking disenabled Bobbio and our squad didn't crossed the halfway line”, criticized a fan.

By the irony of fate, Alekseiev saved the first half. His combination with Ferri and Alves blocked all Britonisea’s attacks. Finished the first half, Britonisea had 80% of ball possession. Devasted, the Aestate team returned in the second half with a silenced arena and two substitutions:

Mario Bobbio - Flavio Svevo
Emilio Grossi - Cruzio Magris

But three minutes later, Torrance received the red card, with an insane and unnecessary action, helping the adversary. After this, the scores of Britonisea were quick. If the situation was horrible, then with this disadvantaged the result was inevitable. The motive of why Britonisea don’t give the 5-0 it’s unknown. Reduced a long through ball, Aestate was saved by Soldati in forty-four minutes of the second half with 1-2, to aestateans relief “It could be worse”, justified a local fan, “In next we may be humiliated”. This opinion dominated the talks in Arena, and it had repercussion. Yesterday, the tickets for our games was cost five hundred of Argentums in internet, now it costs one hundred. However, a group of supports will continue to go to this matches. “We know about our classification was lost with this result in home. And that group has others four favorites stronger than Britonisea, but we’ll go to try to prevent humiliations” complain the fan about our situation. Although, if the situation in the arena don’t have motives for celebration, outside the life carry on.

Three festivals are getting hundreds of people in many points of Capanela. Several bands of different styles will spend all night with aestateans and foreign tourists. “I’ll enjoy while I hold!” shouted a blond tourist to me, while she sipping, smoking, kissing, dancing, and using her cell. In Venneto Park, two stages will take turns, and in many areas the smokers will be liberated. “Liberty, finally! Will using my right before those sucks politics and their stupid laws, not ruined my happiness”, celebrated a local aestatean with his red eyes. The police are on alert. “Our mainly problem will be the park’s lake. If the local lunatics can create difficulty, together the imported lunatics those problems will rain to us”.

To Trento Center, a smaller group of people is expecting, but the local shows and other attractions may be as interesting as. “Technology news and curiosities will be face to face with shows and game events”, said the organizer. In the parking lot of Infinite Shopping, other show will move the city that goes with special offer in shopping.

by **HopNation** » Fri Nov 21, 2014 9:55 am

HopNation Sports
11-21-14
HDT|2014|v.325
CLUB & COUNTRY – PART 1

Well folks I’ve had some requests from readers about the team and learning a bit more about each player so along with my typical match reports I’ll be bringing you some insight on the players that make up the Hops squad. This being the first rendition of these I’ll start with our keepers and work the way through from the backs to the forwards. The plan will be to make it through the starters first and then head into the reserves once the qualifying cut has been made (expected at the midway point of qualifying), so here you go Hoptonians enjoy learning about our team.

Goal Keepers
Position – GK
Club – Hops of Bayern FC
Club Location – Bayern, Hefebayern
Crest/Logo – 
#1 Oeny Subanos
Oeny is a rather quiet guy, even though he is nothing of the sort on the pitch. He is rather reserved, rather smart, and completely dedicated to his craft. He even built a shooting machine so when he has down time he has some thing to fling balls at him. Oeny is very athletic and is seen more as an acrobatic keeper than anything else. He is by far the best keeper in HopNation and it’s a rather large gap between him and his backup. Oeny plays for a club (Bayern FC) that calls on him often as they haven’t been doing so well the last couple of seasons, though they have made the HCL twice now they may not this upcoming season. Bayern FC has secured a long term contract with Oeny and he will most likely finish his playing days at that club. Other fun facts about him is that he owns two dogs, Booch and Oscar, he lives alone, owns a run down Jeep, and (like mentioned) spends most of his time practicing.
Position – GK
Club – York FC Fire
Club Location – York, Hefebayern
Crest/Logo – 
#20 Whouf Rantinwar
Whouf is second in line to Subanos, he plays for York FC Fire, and is nearing the end of his long career. He is more of a fundamental keeper and doesn’t like to dive very much, which can be a drawback at times even when his positioning is good. Whouf started playing the game when he was just a wee lad and has always been a goalie. He was often the tallest on the squad and youth coaches just put him in there since his footwork was poor. His footwork has improved over the years along with his keeping skills. At the Fire he has narrowly kept his starting spot holding off 16 year old Simoen Smidge who I’m sure will be getting more looks once Whouf hangs up his gloves. Whouf is married with three children, two girls and a boy, they live in a relatively large home on the outskirts of York and they own a couple horses. He is a very nice guy who believes in giving back as much has he’s been given and he does a lot of community service because of this. I fully expect him to hang up his gloves either this cycle or perhaps at the end of the HCL season.
Position – GK
Club – Zorg FC Phynix
Club Location – Zorg, Copperwies
Crest/Logo – 
#25 Eburo Chroollack
Zorg FC star keeper is Eburo Chroollack and he has helped the Phynix claim back to back HCLC titles. He is a well rounded keeper, but needs a bit of work to be on par with Subanos and even Rantinwar for that matter. He is very good at diving and positioning but looses a bunch of points on his catching; he almost always knocks the ball down to the ground before getting full control of it. In his personal life he moonlights as a bartender to pass the time in the off season, so if your looking for a new cocktail be sure to give him a call. He is recently divorced, has no children, and lives in an apartment near the center of Zorg. I see him staying as the third string keeper even when Rantinwar retires if he doesn’t improve his catching.

Next up we’ll look at the back four that make up our key defense.

Game Recap
Alright now that those first bits are out of the way lets focus on the match. This first game of the 70th World Cup Qualifiers saw our Hops take on Tumbra in a sold out Rhizome Arena. This match had blowout written all over it before it even started, but let’s not get carried away. I mean the Tumbra side wasn’t coming in with a team that never stepped foot on the pitch before; they did after all just complete a respectable BOF run. Let’s take a look at the Blue Lions and who they sent out first. They had Hughes in goal who has been the starter for them for two years now and he is very acrobatic, not that it was much help today. In front of him we saw Peterson on the left, Williams on the right, and Nelson and Brooks as the center backs. The pony here would be Peterson who was called upon after the retirement of Mickey Layton left that left back spot open, which our Hops took advantage of this early and often. In the center of the field we saw Butler and Howard as the defensive mids, then Alexander as the center mid with Sanders and Foster flanking him on the left and right respectively. Before the match I didn’t see anyone here that stood out as being an easy target for the Hops to attack through, but it proved to be Alexander so perhaps the Blue Lions will be replacing him with the inexperienced Peter Jones going forward. Finally they had Pandon up top that, despite the two goals for Tumbra, was not very effective in his efforts.

For the Hops we saw our usual starters with Subanos sternly placed between the pipes. In the backs we had Wiashrod on the left and Raefwar on the right, those two bookended Loontas and Lesamnal. Let me also mention that Wiashrod looked to have no ill effects from his devastating broken leg just about six months ago. In the midfield we had our best take the field first but a few were replaced once the Hops were up by a couple goals. At defensive mid we had Smuemund and Biaddan, in front of them we had Droimpol in the middle filling his usual playmaker role, he was flanked by Myer and Loostin. I’ve heard some speculation that this may be Myers last hurrah, but we’ll see what he says after the cycle is over especially after his performance today. Finally we had our target man Schytaing up to and leading the scoring charge with a total of 4 on the day.

As for the action it started off rather meek and then picked up once the Hops got the ball for the first time. They quickly set into their customary high pressure to start the game and attacked down Myers side. He beat one player and served a low driven pass into Droimpol who sliced it right back to Myers. Myers got the ball in stride and as he neared the outside edges of the box he sent it in fast and about chest height to Schytaing. Schytaing dropped the ball off his chest and struck it before it touched the ground. The shot rippled the netting and it was 1-0 Hops just three minutes in. Keeping the pressure on our Hops pushed forward on the Pandon drop pass after the restart. We were able to win the ball back before it reached our half again, Droimpol swept it away from Howard and swung it out wide to Myer again seeing as he was wide open and streaking down the sideline. Myers took two touches and crossed it again, this time back near the top of the box. Loostin, who had made an inside run to take over the space for Droimpol was the first to the ball and he headed it forward to Schytaing. He collected the ball and made a stunning turn to his left and sent the ball past Hughes for his second goal of the match. Still under ten minutes gone and the Hops now had a 2-0 lead. This however seemed to spark the Blue Lions as they finally looked awake after the restart. It was Pandon doing his captain duties that set a few players into motion and as the hops started to relax their high pressure play Tumbra was able to get a good series of passes going. They even managed to free Pandon with a nice forward pass from Alexander (maybe his only nice pass of the match) and Subanos was forced to make a splendid diving save and keep the Blue Lions at zero. The first half seemed to drag on as neither team made use of their forward chances. That was until Schytaing notched his third of the match, this time he and Droimpol passed back and forth in order to get around Butler and Howard then a quick through ball from Droimpol as Schytaing ran between Nelson and Brooks. Schytaing easily rolled the ball past Hughes as he came off his line to try and cut down the angle. You could almost feel some of the Tumbra players hearts sink as they were now looking at a three goal deficit and still 10 minutes left in the first half. The hops would score again before the two teams made their way into the locker room for the break. Droimpol would get his first of this cycle as Schytaing headed the ball back to him from a great Myer’s cross. Droimpol’s strike bent away from the goal before arching back into the upper ninety out of Hughes reach, though he did almost get a hand to it with his exceptional dive.

With the first half in the books and our Hops leading 4-0 Coach Schmidt made a few changes. He took out Droimpol and Waishrod and put in Rothrothther and Nysistia, who would both play well but were not as good at shutting down the Blue Lions advances as the starters. Schytaing would also be replaced in the second half but not until after he put in his fourth of the day. It actually took the Hops to get things going in the second half as it seemed whatever Tumbra manager said in the locker room seemed to spark them into some rather good play for the first fifteen minutes of the second half. However Schytaing would notch his fourth goal on a very nice free kick just outside the box as he curled the ball around the wall to beat Hughes who didn’t see the ball until it came around the wall and was unable to reach the shot. Being down 5-0 I surely thought the Blue Lions would give in and surrender even more goals but they fought hard and actually put in one of their own just one minute after Schytaing’s fourth. It was from Pandon who received the ball from Foster and struck it well giving Subanos no chance at the save. Pandon would score again just over ten minutes later to give the Blue Lions some kind of change. This time it was with his head and on a corner kick sent in by Butler. But that would be the only two scores they would muster in this match as Schmidt took off Schytaing and Queardest entered the game after that goal. The Hops regained some composure and held most of the possession for the remainder of the game. Queardest would score from another great Myer’s cross as he took the shot on the half volley sending the ball into the back of the net for his first ever international goal. Later Rothrothther put in a free kick from the left side of the box as Brooks was shown a yellow for his late tackle on Queardest and that is where the game would end, 7-2 with our Hops on top.

Subs
▲ Nysistia ▼ Waishrod
▲ Rothrothther ▼ Droimpol
▲ Queardest ▼ Schytaing

Goals
3’ Schytaing
8’ Schytaing
32’ Schytaing
40’ Droimpol
62’ Schytaing
63’ Pandon
75’ Pandon
80’ Queardest
88’ Rothrothther

Cards
88’ Brooks █

So, not a bad game for out Hops to get things started. I also expect a completely different game the second time we face the Blue Lions. They will have a wealth of experience behind them at that point and I feel the game will be much, much closer. Next up for our Hops is the Octinstine side who held their own against United Eastedge.

Brew On! Brew Well Hoptonians!
Ringwald Griffinsmith
HopNation Sports Writer

by **Furellum** » Fri Nov 21, 2014 10:08 am

It was dark in Kedziburg. A fierce wind battled the city, whistling down empty streets. Since the curfew, the streets were always empty, save for the patrols. The wind rattled the shutters of the houses and howled through the cracks. It rippled in the cloaks of two dark figures floating through the sky, billowing the fabric behind them as the two men struggled against the wind. Both men wore black hoods and robes, coupled with a cape of black and silver. On their sleeves was the silver crow of the Corvidae and at their necks the double "P" rune of the Plotzopagaznik. They came to land softly in a small garden behind a narrow, two story house, part of a row of houses. One of the walked to the door and cast a spell, it fizzled into nothing. "A ward?" he asked his companion, puzzled. "The commander said she was a witch." his companion replied. The frost man nodded, reached into his pocket, and pulled out a piece of red chalk. He began to draw a few symbols on the door, which then began to glow red, and caught fire. Then they faded, disappearing and leaving just black marks. The man tried his spell again; this time it burst to life in his fingers. He threw it against the door; the wood, creaked, groaned, and then was ripped from its bearing as if by a giant invisible hand. The magician lowered it gently and silently to the floor, while his companion moved to the stairs.

They found a sparsely furnished bedroom, with a sole occupant sound asleep on a small bed. Each of the men readied a spell, and threw it at the sleeping figure. Both spells hit the target, and old wolf, at the same time. She made no movement; the spells were designed to silence and paralyse. One of the men walked over and placed a pendant around her neck. He whispered a word, and the pendant glowed. Then it, and the woman, vanished, disappearing without a sound. Both men then touched pendants of their own; then they too were gone, leaving an empty room.

The old wolf woke up in a dark cell, her hands and feet chained to the wall. It took her a few moments to realise she was not alone. There was another wolf in the cell, sitting on a small stool, watching her. When he saw she was conscious, he greeted her cheerfully."Welcome! So nice that you could join us in our little guest house." He indicated the walls in an expansive gesture. The she wolf sat staring at him, and said nothing. "We've met before, but I'm sure you knew that. I do run tis country, after all." Yuri Kezierski smiled at his prisoner, a dangerous smile. Suddenly he leapt forward and grabbed her by the muzzle, twisting her head painfully and placing his mouth by her ear.

"You lied to me witch. I trusted your calculations. You told me 76 was a good omen, but it has nothing to do with 3 and 9. Nothing. And you know who pointed that out to me? A Mathematics Enforcement Officer from Gregoryisgodistan. Gregoryisgodistan! You embarrassed me in front of the whole international community, witch. I don't like to be embarrassed."

Suddenly Yuri pulled away, and called for the guard. A guard in black cowled uniform, his face obscured, entered the cell. He carried a short cane with him.
"Thirty-Nine lashes, I think. And then thirty-nine more. Let's see you count them properly this time. One….Two…Three."

"Seventy-Six…Seventy-Seven…Seventy-Eight." Yuri finished counting, looking at the witch. She was breathing heavily, having exhausted herself through fighting the pain ad screaming. Below her, a pool of blood was forming, and Yuri almost slipped as he stepped towards her. He pulled out a pistol from the holster he always kept at his hip. He struck the witch twice across the face with the handle. "Seventy-Eight goes into Thirty-Nine two times. And…" he said, striking her three more times, "Thirty-Nine divided into three is thirteen. Unlucky thirteen. Six times unlucky for you." Yuri put the gun under her chin and shot the witch dead.

----
Two hours later, Yuri was in the Administrator's Palace in Altsby, without a spot of blood on him. He sat with his brother Grigori, head of the Plotzopagaznik. They were discussing sport. "A good match against Mendoya." Said Yuri. "A pity they appear to have abandoned the Corvidae cause though. Perhaps, when they come here, we should allow Lex Crowley to address them?"
"I would not recommend it. Almost certainly what ever elements have subverted the state in that nation will be present when they come here. We don;t want to make such a valuable asset as Crowley an easy target."
"Perhaps you're right. Now, about our match against Gregoryisgodistan."
"I'm doubling security for the match. They'll be more grey shirts in the stands than sports jerseys, believe me."
Yuri nodded. "A wise precaution. Also, I want a show of force. Get some of the enforcers, full battle armour, halberds, battle axes the works. Bears and Rhinos and the like only; I want those damned Gregs to know they're surrounded by men who could actually rip them limb from limb, or squash them into pulp."
Grigori laughed heartily. "How about burn them to a crisp as well? I'll order a squadron of battemages to patrol the stadium. They should be more than capable of handling any trouble from the pitch or from the stands."
"Perfect. I will of course be surrounded by a squadron of PP guards. I should say about 50 would be needed, at least."

----------
In Kedziburg, as the sun came up, the quiet streets began to come to life as the curfew ended. People went about their daily business happily, but near the witch's house they hurried along, not looking at the house. The word had spread quickly; the back door was off and the witch was nowhere to be found. Everyone knew what had happened, for this was not the first time this scenario had occurred. They talked about in hushed tones, in voices filled with fear. The witch had been paid a visit last night by the Hoodcrows, the elite battlemages of the PP that were experts in making people "vanish", never to be seen or heard of again.

by **Kandorith** » Fri Nov 21, 2014 10:18 am

First Match, First Draw; Yet Good News in Store

Kernansquillec 0 – 0 Kandorith

Although the fans were hoping for a win, which the team was hoping for as well; Kernansquillec showed to be a very tough opponent for the Kandorese team. With the nill to nill draw the teams seemed evenly matched, while Kandorith should have performed better; Kernansquillec was on in top shape and showed a top notch performance at home. Yúan already reacted saying it's always harder to overcome an opponent at their home venue, especially if you've never competed against them; yet many believe the Kandorese team should have performed better than they did during this match.

When confronted by the media Yúan did not say much but confirmed that the well known Kandorese formation has been working on a new training routine with a new training schedule which according to him, will take some time to get used too. "I know the team let down the fans by only maintaining a draw in the match, but the fans have to think in another direction. We could have lost the match and be behind already; we kept a draw against a tough team in a tough home venue. I am sure the team will perform better in their next match against Mangolana. We know we have to show a top notch performance but we also have to preserve our energy for the match against Polar Islandstates; which is our most important match in this group."

Mitsuharu Eri To Write History?

It is a busy season for Kandorese football, with the World Cup Qualifiers being played; but club football has a lot of eyes on it too now. There have been words of the , The Llamanean Club FC New Llama, has interest in the Kandorese player Mitsuharu; who plays for Xiangzhou Liaoshi and the national team. If both parties were to agree, Mitsuharu will be the first Kandorese football player ever to play outside Kandorese borders. Coach Xiaongmí Shinji showed a very positive attitude towards the news when we asked him about the rumours. "Yes, there currently are talks with a foreign club; but I won't reveal there name just yet. Mitsuharu himself already said he would be honoured to get a chance to play for other nation's domestic football clubs, even though we would be sad to see him go; he absolutely deserves this, which in turn can prove to be a real point of revolution within the Kandorese football. This will give us a first chance to learn from other playstyles and atmosphere within the wonderful world of football and not just our own expectations and culture."

The deal for Mitsuharu is said to be around an estimated 4,4 million Yuanshi; on top of being the first player to play for a foreign club, this would be a record sum of money paid for any Kandorese player. Even though the rumours are not confirmed yet; it seems very likely this move is happening; which gives a very positive twist to the already lively Kandorese football. It is expected of Mitsuharu to show the world exactly what Kandorese players are made off and hopefully he can be the first of many more; to gain experience with foreign football clubs.

by **The Inevitable Syndicate** » Fri Nov 21, 2014 10:47 am

“So, your mission will be stationed at the following outposts on this section, sectors 8 to 12, of the Mertian Expansion zone.”
I awoke with a start. I wasn’t actually asleep, of course, but this meeting was so very dry I wished that I was. The man at the front, that wasn’t my boss, continued to drone on, and I turned my eyes to the slides. The company logo, top left. The title, “Your Reclamation Mission”, top centre. A map on the right hand side, and some blurry bullet points that loved to be groped by laser pointer on the left.
I tuned back in and decided to listen. It could be important.
“... any provisions. And, finally, there will be an internet connection, so you’ll be able to while away the hours with ease. So, any questions?”
A man on the second row put his hand up.
“How exactly are we getting there? You mentioned an ‘excursion’, but didn’t divulge the details…”
The man who wasn’t my boss cleared his throat, tugged on his collar, pushed up his glasses, looked this way and that, and probably squirmed about before answering the question.
“We can only afford to drop you off in Neorudo from here. After that, we’ll give you a jeep, and you’re going to make the trip over to your respective outposts. Fuel won’t be an issue, as we’ve placed strategic fuel caches across the currently uninhabited lands on the way. You can find those and fill up if needed.”
People turned around and looked at each other. The distance across Mertagne was huge - it’d take days to drive across with a road network, let alone tackling the wilderness…
Another hand went up.
“How long do you expect this to take us?”
The man who wasn’t my boss silently sighed. “Depends on how quickly you can make it across the country. I’m sure it won’t take more than a couple of months. You’ll continue to be paid your now boosted salary for however long it takes. Now, remember, you can walk out at any time you want - but this is a very important job, and we’ve chosen you because you’re the best that the Fresko Trust has to offer. All you need to do is sign the contract on the way out, and a car will escort you back to your homes where you can pack a small bag of belongings. As I mentioned, most of your equipment will be supplied. Any more questions?”
I had plenty, but I wasn’t asking this guy. I was sure I could find out anything I needed to from the Fresko Trust’s HQ in Neorudo, which was where I assumed they would be taking us to get set up. The guy seemed to be finished, so I took that as my cue to leave. Standing up, I approached the table of contracts and grabbed a pen. Clicking it and spinning it in my hands, I skimmed over parts of the contract.

...You, the member of this expedition, hereby referred to as ‘the undersigned’ or ‘you’, understands that by signing this agreement from the Fresko Trust, you willingly submit to the rules and regulations provided by this contract. You also recognise that the Fresko Trust is not responsible for any liabilities that come as a result of your declination of this contract (should you decline), nor any liabilities that occur as a result of your acceptance of this contract (should you accept.)
This agreement from the Fresko Trust outlines your responsibilities as an official Mertian Expansion Zone Claimation Administrator, stationed at outpost ____ for the duration of TWO years. During this time, which begins from when you first clock in at your designated outpost, you will be in charge of running your outpost and protecting it from dangers such as wild animals, criminals, and freak natural events. As the outpost is technically on Calanian Union soil, all Calanian Union laws are to be adhered by and followed except in the case of severe emergency, in which case protocols have been put in place by the Fresko Trust to ensure the safety of you and the outpost. These can be found in section 6C of your Outpost Operations Manual, found within your outpost…

After some time, I finally reached the bottom of the contract.

...to be granted to you upon entry back into the Mertian mainland.

Signed:______________
Date: 2193-03-14

I looked at for a little bit, still spinning my pen. Many had already signed, some had just left, but a few, like me, stayed to read the terms. I didn’t think they were all that bad. A two year mission to some hell hole in the east, where I’d stay alone and browse the internet and check if nothing - or nobody - bad was coming my way. Seemed cushty, and it was better than living in the construction site that was downtown Fligsive. I stopped spinning the pen, pressed it to the paper, and scrawled my signature on the bottom of the contract. Grabbing the stapled sheets, I handed it to the man that wasn’t my boss, and he directed me to one of the several black cars that was parked outside the function room. I can’t remember what he said exactly.
I stepped in the car, and the driver didn’t say a word as we pulled away. All that was left now was to grab some of my things and head to the airport. On the way, the radio clicked into life.
”...And now, the sporting news. The Calanian Union played the first match of the World Cup 70 Qualifiers against Bostopia last night at the Neorudo Olympic Stadium, and came off with a 1-0 win. The crucial goal was scored just before the hour mark, as Daniel Hardeland took a corner that played right into Phill Gulliver's feet. Luke Marsh's reflexes were nowhere to be seen as the ball roared past, much to the joy of the Calanian fans. Bostopia were unable to recover and the Calanian team took three vital points that should keep momentum up for a tough fixture against the United Sunrise Islands next week...”
Arriving at my apartment, I cobbled together some of my most important belongings (like my clothes, toiletries, and the like) into a duffel bag, which took a while as I’m not the most decisive person in the world (and I was leaving for two whole years). Eventually, I took a look at my phone:

MESSAGE: Flight 1 of 7 available in 90 minutes. Please reply to confirm your place on this flight from the Fresko Trust.

Stepping into the street, I shot a text back at the Fresko Trust, and within ten minutes I was back in the car on my way to the airport. The length of my stay was beginning to sink in. Two years. Two Wintervals. 730 days.

And this wasn’t even the first.

by **Bears Armed** » Fri Nov 21, 2014 11:06 am

(This should really have been posted before the first match-day. That's when it's actually set, anyhows...)

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Two members of the Bear-Belles, Mirra Redwood and Marrah’ghrrath o Westfells, are walking away from a pre-season briefing session. They are each carrying copies of a sheet of paper on which the Belles’ schedule for these qualifiers — with the various teams’ WCC rankings converted into the base-8 numbering that the Bears prefer — is written.

Bears Armed (51th)

Matchday 1: away versus The Fallenmark Islands (277th)
Matchday 2: at home [Wimbley] versus Star United States (121th)
Matchday 3: away versus Timbermunich (177th)
Matchday 4: at home [NorthPort] versus Carialus (74th)
Matchday 5: away versus Kingston-Atlantis (477th)
Matchday 6: bye
Matchday 6: at home [Wimbley] versus Joshulia (431th)
Matchday 7: away versus Robsonien (U-R)
Matchday 8: at home [Wimbley] versus Valanora (15th)

(Mirra)“So, the final match in the series is prrobably to be our hardest game of the season.”

(Marrah’ghrrath)“Ayyuh. Not only is Valanora deservedly a verrry high-rranked team, and a past Cup winner on multiple counts at that, but with its players being Elves they’ll likely still have a number of people around who remember hwhat it was like to face Urrs before… hwhereas we aren’t exactly over-supplied with veterans of the Belles’ previous games against them…”

(Mirra)“There’s Urra — hr’rmm, that’s Urra-the-manager, not Urra-the-player, I mean — of course.
“Ur’rmm, that is… Urra-the-player came forwards in time from before the Belles had played against the Valanorans, hrright?”

(Marrah’ghrrath)“Ayyuh. She and the others came to urrs from just after World Cup fiveEights-and-four, but the two teams didn’t meet on the pitch until World Cup sixEights-and-six instead. The Elves were one of the sides that our beforebears beat in the Cup contest proper then, on their way to our first Finals appearance.”
“Still, though, at least Valanora maybeso won’t have at least one of their historically-best players. Back hwhen that country was took a break from international competition he changed nationality so that he could play for Krytenia instead, and I don’t recall him being allowed to switch back….”

(Mirra)“Hr’rmm.
“Now, Krytenia, that name rings a bell too but I can’t remember any stories about matches between the Belles and them.”

(Marrah’ghrrath)“Nor can I neither, offpaw, although I’m fairly sure that there have been past games between us… but you probably recognise the name because it was one of the other nations whose team Ug-Ug has coached, hwhich he did for a cycle or two back at the start of his travels before he went to Armed Bears for rrrather longer than that and then eventually came here to urrs.”

(Mirra)“Ayyuh, that would be it. Oh, and hwhile we’re talking about hwhat things are, hwhat’s that tune that you’ve been humming so much recently? It’s rrrather catchy…”

(Marrah’ghrrath)“That? Well, you already know that I’m a Christian, hrright?”

(Mirra)“Ayyuh.”
(She thought briefly about the collection of religious pamphlets, passed around by this team-mate over the years, that she’d eventually ended up using for fire-starting material.)

( Marrah’ghrrath)“Well, my branch of Christianity, the Lowfurran church, has been trying to rrreach out to youngish people lately through the medium of Hrrock music, and that’s the tune for one of the songs that we’re using. It’s from a human song by the original title of ‘Be-Bop-A-Lula’. Shall I sing ourr version for you?”

(Mirra)“Could I stop you if I tried?”

They both chuckled, and then Marrah’ghrrath — who turns out to have a sweet tenor voice — began to sing:

“Say
The Holy Trinity, He's my deity,
The Holy Trinity, I’m in his laity;
The Holy Trinity, He's my deity,
The Holy Trinity, I’m in his laity;
The Holy Trinity_ I worship now,
I worship now, I worship now.

“Well
He's the King who makes me whole;
He's the God who’ll save my soul;
He's the only God I know;
He's the God who loves me so.

“Say
The Holy Trinity, He's my deity,
The Holy Trinity, I’m in his laity;
The Holy Trinity, He's my deity,
The Holy Trinity, I’m in his laity;
The Holy Trinity_ I worship now,
I worship now, I worship now.

“Well
He's the One who made us all;
He's the One who’ll never Fall;
He’s the One whom I dig most _
Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

“Say
The Holy Trinity, He's my deity,
The Holy Trinity, I’m in his laity;
The Holy Trinity, He's my deity,
The Holy Trinity, I’m in his laity;
The Holy Trinity_ I worship now,
I worship now, I worship now.”

(Mirra)“Catchy, all hrright, but for me it will never replace ‘Honey in the Jar, for true…”

(Marrah’ghrrath)“Urrrgh…”

by **Timbermunich** » Fri Nov 21, 2014 11:34 am

Timbermunich Lore

Wildlife

Dingy Timberhound



Dingy Timberhound
Animal
Scientific Name: Düster Hund
Height: .35 m – .4 m (Adult, at shoulder)
Rank: Subspecies
Gestation Period: 90 d
Mass:	35 kg (Adult,Male and Female)
	0.25 kg (Newborn Pup)
Higher Classifications: Timberhound
Lower Classifications: None
Speed: 50 – 60 km/h (Running), 8 – 9 km/h (Loping pace)

The Dingy Timberhound is a lower class of Timberhound and is referred to as Dingy because of its coat texture and color as well as its choice in food. The beast looks to be dirty almost all of the time, except for maybe just after a hard rain. This variant of the Timberhound is not nearly as aggressive as the higher ranking form. They are also considered a scavenger because they will eat almost anything they come across, from plants, fresh kills, and even rotting carcasses. When they do hunt they tend to hunt alone and only the females actively hunt. The Dingy Timberhound is also much smaller than the Timberhound, weighing only 35 kg for both the adult male and female. Due to its more docile nature it tends to run or hide when humans are around although some encounters have resulted in attacks most have been warded off.

It was thought at first that the Dingy Timberhound was not even a relative of the Timberhound but after extensive gene research it was distinctly found to be a subspecies, researchers were a bit surprised at the differences between the two and how closely their DNA matched. They also found that this animal has a longer gestation period; something they thought would be the opposite. It’s offspring are also born with no hair, but it quickly grows in within a couple days. Because of this they are nested within underground burrows and the males keep watch 24 hours a day for the first month before the young ones are able to follow them around a bit more. At that point they do grow rather quickly and within a three month timeframe they are fully grown. Another thing that seperates them from the Timberhound is that they tend to live in smaller packs of 5-10 members while the Timberhound can live in packs up to 35-40 members.

We do not have kill ratios for this subspecies because they are such scavengers that recorded kills are rather low. One thing that is known about their hunting is that it is solely done by the females (mentioned before), but in addition to this is that the males don’t even get a chance at a fresh kill until all the females of a pack have had their fill as well as the pups having their fill. Researchers did not find this to be out of the ordinary with some of the other Timberhound subspecies but is definitely not the case with the Timberhounds. The Dingy Timberhound is also the closest in size and temperment to the Timberdog (domesticated).

Group 3

Group 3

Team (Rank)			Place	Pts	W-D-L
Valanora (13)			-	3	1-0-0
Bears Armed (41)		-	3	1-0-0
Carialus (60)			-	3	1-0-0
Star United States (81)		-	3	1-0-0
Timbermunich (127)		-	0	0-0-1
The Fallenmark Islands (191)	-	0	0-0-1
Joshulia (281)			-	0	0-0-1
Kingston-Atlantis (319)		-	0	0-0-1
Robsonien (UR)			-	-	0-0-0
*place will be updated after MD2

MD - Opponent (H/A)		- Result
 1   Carialus (H)		- Loss 0-2
 2   Kingston-Atlantis (A)	- 
 3   Bears Armed (H)		-
 4   Joshulia (A)		-
 5   Robsonien (H)		-
 6   Valanora (A)		-
 7   The Fallenmark Islands (H)	- 
 8   Star United States (A)	-
 9   Bye
10   Carialus (H)		- 
11   Kingston-Atlantis (A)	- 
12   Bears Armed (H)		-
13   Joshulia (A)		-
14   Robsonien (H)		-
15   Valanora (A)		-
16   The Fallenmark Islands (H)	- 
17   Star United States (A)	-
18   Bye

by **Gloriax** » Fri Nov 21, 2014 12:54 pm

The Unputdownables

Captain Meyers heard the so called Lord Almighty Greg’s speech on the radio, and gulped audibly. Beads of perspiration began to appear on his forehead, but he tried not to show it to his fellow soldiers and grinded teeth on teeth in a valiant effort to suppress his tensed feelings. “This doesn’t look like good news…”

Meanwhile,
Gloriax Armed Forces High Command, Titania

“There’s no turning back now, comrades. The war is on. And it’s on for good measure,” said the Commander-in-Chief said to the ‘elites’ as he paced about tentatively in front of the little congregation.

“The plan, sir?” the eager Marshall spoke a bit loudly, as if trying to jerk the C-in-C out of his deep thoughts. This wasn’t child’s play anymore. An all-out war with Gregoryisgodistan is enough to make even the strongest nations’ bravest warriors’ knees tremble.

“Yeah, now the defensive plan. Gregoryisgodistan might have their ‘Human Blitzkrieg’, but even we have our own anti-aircraft missiles. So, that’s out of the equation. But, we need to be careful of any invasions by the Gregoryisgodistani soldiers into Gloriax. Alert all the police forces. We might need to give the petty thieves a bit of a let-off right now. ‘Cause all police forces will be involved in this war… To give you a brief idea of our military strength, I give you a few numbers…” the C-in-C pressed a little button on his laser remote. The following stats flashed up on the screen:

GLORIAX ARMED FORCES: 20 million
1) Police Forces: 5 million
2) National Reserve Force: 7 million
3) Gloriax National Army: 8 million

We are 20 million strong, people. We just sent 20 thousand to Ward 15, District 26; and they’re sending their blitzkrieg? What does this show? We are no less. We might be small, tiny, or even puny to that rogue nation, but we definitely pack a punch! I hereby order the 15th Armored Artillery, 19th Jack Rifles, 3rd Light Cavalry and the 27th Grenadines’ total of 2 million heroes of war to the GGS frontier. I also order the SAMs, or the anti-aircraft rifles to be at full alert for anything unauthorized in the Gloriaxian skies. Find anything suspicious; shoot them down until their pieces are not visible to the naked eye. No mercy for those who don’t have tolerance!” the C-in-C completed his rather passionate speech to the heads of the armed staff.

“What do we want, chiefs?” it was now the turn of the Field Marshall. “We want peace. We want the surety that Gregoryisgodistan will not attack us under any circumstances. We want monetary compensations. We want to be off that enemy list, because we will then promise to be of mutual help to GGS to any humane and ethically correct war. This is a small step, we believe, to the betterment of the whole of the region.”

Sometime later,
At Ward 15, District 26

It was a controlled chaos in and around the town, as 2.2 million soldiers gathered around. The news of the Gregoryisgodistan response already spread like wildfire everywhere, and strategies now started to grasp the on-field commander, Captain Meyers. And he was spoilt for strategies. But the decision was made. A total of 80,000 soldiers were to remain in Ward 15 (20,000 of the 36th Guerrilla Assassins and 60,000 of the latest reinforcements). The rest of the 120,000 were to be divided into two groups, and made to attack the nearby towns of Ward 7, and Ward 19; but only after the missiles from Gloriax’s Islandia province landed there. But, for now, all were at Ward 15, waiting for the Captain’s final call.

As co-ordinates were shouted in over radio, the 1.2 million Gloriax troops, and the 3rd Light Cavalry’s numerous tanks were made to disperse in the directions of the two frontier towns, for the rather short trip they had to make. As the missiles landed, it sent shudders through the earth. As the Gloriaxian army entered the two towns, and the 80,000 consolidated their positions in Ward 15, the Gregoryisgodistan army came in thousands…

At the Gloriaxian side,

Just as Jamie’s cigar went out due to the recent rainy and damp conditions, he took out his lighter from his pocket, and looked up at the sky with frustration. “Oh man! Not even a cigar on such a damn da…” he was stunned to the bone. It seemed as if large swarms of bees were up in the sky. But it struck him in a moment… It was the Gregoryisgodistani ‘Human Blitzkrieg’!

He dropped his cigar and lighter, and pointed his heavy machine gun to the sky, and pulled the trigger. Missed one… Missed the second… Bang! And from then on, he didn’t look back. He kept drilling centimeter-wide holes into the aircrafts as they crashed and burned and fell into the little frontier settlements below. And then, there were the SAM installments. The fireworks in the sky were so soothing to Jamie’s eyes, as he saw one ‘Blitzkrieg’ plane after the other being blasted into non-existence. Maybe this was the first time a nation as small and apparently ‘unimportant’ Gloriax stood up in the face of Gregoryisgodistan, and said: “Want a piece of me? Come and get it!”

Maybe some flamethrower-fighters have eventually landed in the nation, who knows? But the army is there to stop them. If not, the police. If not, the civilians. This is the one very instance when Gloriaxian hearts all beat as one… For Gloriax, they will fight till their last breath. Glory to Gloriax!

by **Polaaskan** » Fri Nov 21, 2014 1:15 pm

polaanews
polaaskan crush khalifa arabia

The Polaa national team enjoyed a thumping 4-0 victory over a somewhat lacklustre (in some parts) Khalifa Arabia side. No doubt the Khalifa Arabians tried well, and proved a tricky opponent for the Baptism of Fire runners-up.

Timo Heinckel, top scorer for the national team with 10 goals in 11 appearances, made it 11 goals in 12 with a fine 3rd minute strike. A looping cross in by Lukas Karlstrom was headed away by Safar Ibrahim. However, it was received by right wing-back Jonathan van Leonardsen who squared it into Heinckel who placed the ball past Amaan Ozer. At the other end, Sahl Javid almost equalised for the visitors but a top notch save from Teemu Petersen denied the Khalifa Arabian centre-forward. The lead was doubled thanks to Patrik Ael, who promptly headed home from Vasili Semshov's corner on 7 minutes. Such a great start put Polaaskan in full swing, and after many good attempts, plus some great counter-attacking play from Khalifa Arabia, the first half ended with Polaaskan 2-0 up.

On 62 minutes, Polaaskan's third came, with Willem Jakobsen tapping home his first goal for his country. The burly centre-forward had little to do thanks to a super cross in from Mikke Leonardsen. Leonardsen set up the next and final goal on 81 minutes, 17 year old Jon van Axelsen scoring a super half-volley just inside the Khalifa Arabian penalty box after a sumptious chipped pass from Leonardsen. Full-back Thaaqib Abdi almost pulled one back for Khalifa Arabia, with his soaring shot just missing the far top corner, leaving Teemu Petersen beaten. The match finished 4-0, a superb start to Polaaskan's qualifying campaign.

Polaaskan will travel away to face Unolia in their next game.

World Cup 70 - RP Thread

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