World Cup 73 - RPing Thread

[Zenic]

The moment we have been waiting for is now: Zenic have officially made it to the World Cup and will play their first World Cup game later today. It was a dream for so many years but it is finally a reality. Let's get you all caught up to date on how The Survivors got here and what they will go through next.

Having finished second in Group 15, The Survivors had qualified for the playoff to see which second place teams advanced to participate in World Cup 73 and they just so happened to be pair up against another empire: The Blouman Empire. The first game took place in the Philosophia Colosseum where Zenic managed to keep the game close with goals from Daniel O. Barnsley and Kun-woo in the 3-2 loss. There were a few mistakes from the right side of the defense that eventually allowed two of the three Bloumani goals. Many of the fans and those in the media were pessimistic about Zenic's chances of winning in the Stadium Bloumani as the Survivors needed to win by at least two goals: any less and Zenic would have to wait until next time.

Well, let's just say the doubter were proven wrong. Alexander Ayaode proven why he was captain as he scored a hat-trick that help Zenic win 3-1 over the Blouman Empire and win the series 5-4 on aggregate. The day following the victory was filled with partying late into the night as the Emperor gave everyone time off to celebrate the momentous occasion. The squad was greeted as royalty when they return to the Empire to await the World Cup. Enrollments in soccer academies went up 23% in the week after the qualification. Everyone was, and still are, caught up in football mania and rightfully so, as Zenic continue to prove to the world why they are slowly becoming one of the best of the new breed.

And now the first ever World Cup to feature Zenic will commence with the group stage. The Survivors of Zenic take on the Bulls of Audioslavia on match day 1 at Pavel Wilson Stadium in Kingston, RKQ. Following that will be a match against one half of the hosts, the Royal Kingdom of Quebec, on their home turf in Iqaluit Stadium in Iqaluit, RKQ and then ending the group stage, the Survivors will travel to Winnipeg take on Krytenia at Winnipeg Stadium. An interesting side note worth mentioning: should Zenic find some kind of magic and finish second in Group E, they would travel to face the winners of Group F at City of Attawapiskat Stadium in Attawapiskat, RKQ. If that place sounds familiar, it's because that is the home of Zenit Attawapiskat, the club that was part of the RQFA-ZFAF "Partners Beyond Regions" deal that saw U-15 manager Jean-Luc Duval and many Zenician youngsters become a part of the club and instill both a winning culture as well as a Zenician presence in The Royal Kingdom of Quebec. It would certainly be interesting to see how much of a home field advantage Zenic would have as a result of the deal, should they hopefully make it to that point.

Anyways, it is setting up to be an entertaining World Cup and I for one wouldn't miss it for the world. I will see you ahead of match day 2 and hope to see you again, celebrating a successful match from the Zenician squad. Until next time, have a wonderful time.

-- Xavier Magnusson

Xavier Magnusson is one of the oldest and most respected sports writers at the Leinz Herald. Having 32 years of award-winning journalism and experience covering both domestic and international association football competitions, it is only appropriate that he would be the one to cover the Empire’s first ever international tournament and all subsequent tournaments/events.

[Starblaydia]

"You know this means nothing to me," Keira said, "but go on, it's obviously bursting within you and needs to be shared."

It had been twelve years since Lucas Cable had met the woman who was now his wife, and still she didn't display an interest in his career. She never had, really, even though they'd met in the depths of the Bayside Stadium in Montepool. Now, as Starblaydia national team manager, Lucas got to take her with him, when she liked the destination, to all sorts of far-flung places in the world where Starblaydia were playing. The Royal Kingdom of Quebec, it seemed, what a place she quite fancied to spend a few weeks. Telling her all about how he couldn't possibly figure out how to beat all three of their Group Stage opponents in the 73rd World Cup in the short amount of time he had available wouldn't be her ideal way of spending a lazy afternoon, but he had no-one else to bounce new ideas off at the moment.

"Well, first there's Pasarga," He figured that would usually be enough to set the boots of the average football fan a-quaking, but Keira Hamilton-Cable was not a football fan. "who are the world champions. They have a goalie and defender who play for Iskara Daii. And they're the best team in the world."

"Because they're World Champions, you said."

"No," Lucas said quickly, "that doesn't always happen that you're the number one ranked team based on the previous twelve years of results and are the reigning, defending NationStates World Cup Champions."

"And we're not?" Keira said with a frown, "I thought you won all but one of the games to get into this Cup?"

"Only because of that recent form that we're in the top fifty," Lucas said, making an imaginary box with two hands held out wide in front of him, "and this Cup only has thirty-two teams in it." He narrowed the gap between his hands.

"So, not necessarily the best thirty-two, then?"

"Correct,"

"And," Keira continued her thought, "what ranks are the other two teams?"

"Tenth and Sixteenth," Lucas said with a resigned drop of his shoulders.

"Hardly seems fair." Keira shrugged. "So how are you going to play these Champions?"

"I'm going to just get the team to play like they have been playing," Lucas said, "as long as they can actually get the ball off the Pasargans to actually do so. We're a similar kind of team to them, set up to play a similar way, just with not as good, experienced or decorated players. Pasarga won their group with two points less than we managed, but only because they started badly with some kind of World Cup hangover."

"So you'll lose that one then?" Keira asked flatly.

"Likely." Lucas was at least bluntly honest with her, if not the Starblaydi and international media.

"Next?"

"Turori, tenth in the world. They won the Cup of Harmony the same year that we met."

"Where all those 'webcam sluts' spam e-mails with the eel clips used to be advertising?" Keira's point of reference for Turori was a good thirty years out of date. "The nice beaches as well? I'd have loved to visit there. Why are they so good?"

"They just are," Lucas said, "always good at attacking, always there or thereabouts, always dangerous whatever tournament they're in. Especially dangerous that they're ranked in the top ten in the world."

"So you'll lose that one, too?"

"Yes," Lucas replied, with a resigned sigh.

"Finally?"

"Valladares," Lucas said, "only sixteenth in the world, but they picked up six less points than us in Qualifying and still managed to qualify top of their group. I mean, the chances of three Qualifying group winners in one Group is ridiculous! They try to blow you away in the first half and tire everyone out so there's no real action in the second and they just have to hold on to victory. All their strikers play in top leagues and they're so damn fast."

"And you'll lose that one too, right?"

"Probably."

Keira eyed him thoughtfully for a moment, weighing up what he'd said.

"So what you're trying to tell me," she said, "is that a team that finished top of it's group, losing only one match and having one of the best records in the whole of Qualifying, which is managed by a former international player who just so happenedto be the best goalkeeper in the world less than twenty years ago and has won as many trophies as any other nation in history, one of the most famous and influential members of the World Cup Committee and with five stars on the white shirt, is playing three nations who didn't have as good a record in qualifying, who have won the World Cup fewer times, who some even have their players playing in Starblaydia because it's such a good place, who are all of a higher set of pointless numbers than your team, which means that they'll all be scared stiff of losing to you and that means you have nothing to lose in any match and can play your game the way you want to play it?"

"Um-" Lucas began, but she quickly cut him off.

"You're Starblaydia," she said, jabbing her finger directly at the centre of his chest, "you've told me about the history and the culture and the passion and all those intangibles so many times that I even remember some of it. Now your boys and girls need to go out there and kick that damn pig's bladder around until you out-sports those other teams, exactly like you're capable of, because you've already demonstrated it already over the past year or so!"

Lucas always knew he loved his wife for a number of reasons, and this was a whole new one.

[Vilita]

Jungle Cats Escape Group 9

Tough World Cup Finals Await

After an uncharacteristically strong opening to the World Cup 73 Qualifying campaign, the Vilita Jungle Cats personified the idea of 'playing down to the competition'.

Looking to mix in a budding young crop of new players, there were plenty of rotational opportunities in the Vilita National Team lineup throughout qualifying, and some attribute the lack of dominance overall to this. However, the team did dominate in one area - the opening match.

Historical events such as the Lymantatian bird or the rise of the Nacho come to mind when recalling famous Vilitan falters in the opening matchday of World Cup Qualifying. But team 'catch up' didn't show up to World Cup 73 as experienced leader Nili Ylimaiina got the Jungle Cats out to a fast start against Sarrbia. After 90 minutes, it was a comfortable 4-1 victory for the two-time World Cup champions and they were well on their way in World Cup Qualifying.

Then came week 2. Despite holding the majority of the possession against Chromatika, the Jungle Cats left it late, as fans thought their opening matchday jitters had just manifested themselves one week late. Ylimaiina stepped up to save the team in stoppage time, but the narrow victory quickly put doubts into the minds of Vilitan fans multiverse-wide.

Things wouldn't get any more comfortable from there. A slim 1-0 victory against Kyrjasmark, a draw to primary Qualification rival Sargossa and a narrow 2-1 escape out of Polaaskan. Star player Purapal Eskiiy struggled through the opening matches recording just one goal but the Jungle Cats were still clinging to a full game lead atop the table. That was, until Vilita's 1-goal victory 'luck' came to an end. With Viliaka O'Connor in net, a late blunder conceded two critical points to mid-table Eshan and allowed the competition to close in the Qualification race.

Midway through the campaign, the Jungle Cats found themselves just 1 point ahead of Polaaskan, 2 ahead of an under-performing Sargossa and 3 points ahead of Eshan, all 4 within a game of each other in the fight for a place in the World Cup 73 field.

To make matters worse, the Jungle Cats - traditionally strong offensively, had struggled to put goals on the board. Their goal differential of +6 after 6 games was terribly uncharacteristic and the Jungle Cats found themselves level in the traditional tie breaker department with second place Polaaskan. The Jungle Cats were certainly looking for a stronger performance in the second half.

...continued below...

Vilita [4] - [1] Sarrbia

:: Vilita Goalscorers :: :: 18' Nili Ylimaiina :: 22' Westii Yahaya :: 51' Purapal Eskiiy :: 69' Lopaki Kilpter

:: Vilita Statistics :: :: Best Player: Westii Yahaya :: Worst Player: Zelkki Milake :: Possession: 63% :: Shots on Target: 9 :: Corner Kicks: 9

:: Sarrbia Statistics :: :: Possession: 37% :: Shots on Target: 4 :: Corner Kicks: 2

---

Vilita Jungle Cats Lineup v. Sarrbia ::
[GK]Zelkki Milake, [D.]Amarini Baracelv, [D.]Jirijii Januaa, [D.]Linkat Cjinder, [ML] Purapal Eskiiy, [MC] Tripate Falcon, [MC]Westii Yahaya, [MR] Vliela Lianksa, [FC] Berali Tzufarei, [FC]Nili Ylimaiina, [FC]Perran Adlani
BENCH::
[FC]Kaivel Illatara, [FC]Nuola Brenzil, [M]Lopaki Kilpter, [M]Tinjus Mngomeni, [U]Kwuimekii Hentetii, [D]Tlikao Muratai, [GK]Cilamara Issah

---

Vilita [1] - [0] Chromatika

:: Vilita Goalscorers :: :: 90' Nili Ylimaiina

:: Vilita Statistics :: :: Best Player: Tinjus Mngomeni :: Worst Player: Purapal Eskiiy :: Possession: 65% :: Shots on Target: 2 :: Corner Kicks: 4

:: Chromatika Statistics :: :: Possession: 35% :: Shots on Target: 3 :: Corner Kicks: 7

---

Vilita Jungle Cats Lineup v. Chromatika ::
[GK]Kalek Intafel, [D.]Tlikao Muratai, [D.]Endur Rotropii, [D.]Arocki Tadalek, [ML] Purapal Eskiiy, [MC] Serabi Chamya, [MC]Westii Yahaya, [MC] Dalian Magagula, [MR] Tinjus Mngomeni, [FC]Nili Ylimaiina, [FC]Perran Adlani
BENCH::
[FC]Berali Tzufarei, [FC]Kiliko Riazen, [M]Tripate Falcon, [M]Amosiik Montaane, [U]Vliela Lianksa, [D]Amarini Baracelv, [GK]Zelkki Milake

---

Vilita [1] - [0] Kyrjasmark

:: Vilita Goalscorers :: :: 49' Berali Tzufarei

:: Vilita Statistics :: :: Best Player: Kiliko Riazen :: Worst Player: Dalian Magagula :: Possession: 63% :: Shots on Target: 4 :: Corner Kicks: 8

:: Kyrjasmark Statistics :: :: Possession: 37% :: Shots on Target: 3 :: Corner Kicks: 3

---

Vilita Jungle Cats Lineup v. Kyrjasmark ::
[GK] Kalek Intafel, [D.] Arocki Tadalek, [D.] Linkat Cjinder, [D.] Kwuimekii Hentetii, [ML] Dalian Magagula, [MC] Serabi Chamya, [MC] Tripate Falcon, [MR] Purapal Eskiiy, [FC] Berali Tzufarei, [FC] Kiliko Riazen, [FC] Nili Ylimaiina
BENCH::
[FC] Perran Adlani, [FC] Tenziki Kulakao, [M] Jyuola Mtalata, [M] Amosiik Montaane, [U] Altimo Ueboa, [D] Jirijii Januaa, [GK] Viliaka O'Connor

---

Vilita [1] - [1] Sargossa

:: Vilita Goalscorers :: :: 30' Purapal Eskiiy

:: Vilita Statistics :: :: Best Player: Cilamara Issah :: Worst Player: Arocki Tadalek :: Possession: 57% :: Shots on Target: 7 :: Corner Kicks: 5

:: Sargossa Statistics :: :: Possession: 43% :: Shots on Target: 4 :: Corner Kicks: 8

---

Vilita Jungle Cats Lineup v. Sargossa ::
[GK] Cilamara Issah, [D.] Arocki Tadalek, [D.] Jirijii Januaa, [D.] Kwuimekii Hentetii, [D.] Inbekira Ajhabekk, [ML] Purapal Eskiiy, [MC] Serabi Chamya, [MC] Tripate Falcon, [MR] Westii Yahaya, [FC] Kaivel Illatara, [FC] Nili Ylimaiina
BENCH::
[FC] Kiliko Riazen, [FC] Berali Tzufarei, [M] Dalian Magagula, [M] Altimo Ueboa, [U] Lopaki Kilpter, [D] Endur Rotropii, [GK] Zelkki Milake

---

Vilita [2] - [1] Polaaskan

:: Vilita Goalscorers :: :: 19' Kaivel Illatara :: 24' Berali Tzufarei

:: Vilita Statistics :: :: Best Player: Jirijii Januaa :: Worst Player: Purapal Eskiiy :: Possession: 58% :: Shots on Target: 7 :: Corner Kicks: 10

:: Polaaskan Statistics :: :: Possession: 42% :: Shots on Target: 5 :: Corner Kicks: 9

---

Vilita Jungle Cats Lineup v. Polaaskan ::
[GK] Cilamara Issah, [D.] Endur Rotropii, [D.] Jirijii Januaa, [D.] Inbekira Ajhabekk, [ML] Lopaki Kilpter, [MC] Purapal Eskiiy, [MC] Tripate Falcon, [MC] Westii Yahaya, [MR] Serabi Chamya, [FC] Kaivel Illatara, [FC] Berali Tzufarei
BENCH::
[FC] Perran Adlani, [FC] Lboaisa Akarelm, [M] Dalian Magagula, [M] Vliela Lianksa, [U] Nuola Brenzil, [D] Tlikao Muratai, [GK] Zelkki Milake

---

Vilita [1] - [1] Eshan

:: Vilita Goalscorers :: :: 26' Perran Adlani

:: Vilita Statistics :: :: Best Player: Jirijii Januaa :: Worst Player: Inbekira Ajhabekk :: Possession: 52% :: Shots on Target: 4 :: Corner Kicks: 2

:: Eshan Statistics :: :: Possession: 48% :: Shots on Target: 5 :: Corner Kicks: 1

---

Vilita Jungle Cats Lineup v. Eshan ::
[GK] Viliaka O'Connor, [D.] Inbekira Ajhabekk, [D.] Arocki Tadalek, [D.] Jirijii Januaa, [ML] Amosiik Montaane, [MC] Purapal Eskiiy, [MC] Tripate Falcon, [MR] Serabi Chamya, [FC] Kiliko Riazen, [FC] Kaivel Illatara, [FC] Perran Adlani
BENCH::
[FC] Nili Ylimaiina, [FC] Nuola Brenzil, [M] Westii Yahaya, [M] Cavuna Aquafek, [U] Berali Tzufarei, [D] Linkat Cjinder, [GK] Cilamara Issah

---

--Group 9                     Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
1 Vilita                        6    4   2   0    10    4   +6    14
2 Polaaskan                     6    4   1   1    14    8   +6    13
3 Sargossa                      6    3   3   0    10    7   +3    12
4 Eshan                         6    3   2   1     9    6   +3    11
5 Sarrbia                       6    2   0   4     9   11   −2     6
6 Chromatika                    6    1   0   5     1    8   −7     3
7 Kyrjasmark                    6    0   0   6     3   12   −9     0

Confidence was high going into the second half of qualifying, however, as the only match they had actually managed to win handily in the first half was against the same opponent they would kick off the second half of the campaign against.

Purapal Eskiiy finally showed up once again versus Sarrbia netting just his second goal of the campaign, sandwiched by a pair of goals from Lopaki Kilpter. Unfortunately, while the Jungle Cats did secure the three points, they also conceded two goals - this time past Cilamara Issah, and squeaked by with yet another one-goal victory.

Enough was enough and the Jungle Cats finally decided to show up in true form against the struggling Anomalies of Chromatika.

Serabi Chamya opened the scoring on the half hour mark for the Jungle Cats, and at the half time interval it looked like it might be yet another one-goal victory for the Jungle Cats. However, once the second half kicked off, the flood gates opened.

Chromatika barely touched the ball in the second half as Berali Tzufarei, Perran Adlani and debutant forward Sipke Tarala found the back of the net in the 4-0 route of the Anomalies. For Tarala, it was a dream debut. Coming on the field late in the second half, the Makosile United trainee became the youngest player in the modern era, at just 15 years of age, to score for the Vilitan National Team.

The momentum gained from Vilita's biggest win of the campaign would be very short lived, however. In fact, it would last just 2 minutes into the next game. Thats because Purapal Eskiiy scored in the first minute, before a pair of goals from Kyrjasmark made the previous matchday's win over the Anomalies look like exactly that, an Anomaly. Vilita would rebound and salvage a 3-3 draw in a match that saw 6 goals in the first half and none in the second, but it wasn't the scoreline the Jungle Cats were looking for heading into a crucial match against Rushmori rivals Sargossa who had leapfrogged the Jungle Cats in the Group 9 table.

It was by far the most critical match of the campaign for Vilita and the Jungle Cats showed up for it with four goals in the first half. There were changes in the Jungle Cats lineup from the disappointing show against Kyrjasmark, and one of the most impactful was the introduction of 18 year old East Lunar winger Jyuola Mtalata. The youngster would net two goals and an assist en route to a Man of the Match performance in the 5-3 victory that punched the Jungle Cats back to the top of the table with a game in hand. It was still super tight, however, and with two games left, the Jungle Cats needed to win.

Mtalata kept his place in the side for the match against Polaaskan and immediately proved that the performance against Sargossa was no fluke, immediately finding a way onto the scoresheet just 2 minutes in. By the half, the Jungle Cats were up 3-1 and rolling towards the World Cup 73 finals.

Group 9                     Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
1 Vilita                       12    8   4   0    31   17  +14    28
2 Sargossa                     12    8   3   1    24   14  +10    27
3 Polaaskan                    12    6   3   3    31   24   +7    21
4 Eshan                        12    3   4   5    10   17   −7    13
5 Sarrbia                      12    3   3   6    22   22    0    12
6 Chromatika                   12    3   2   7     4   14  −10    11
7 Kyrjasmark                   12    0   3   9    12   26  −14     3

Then, everything imploded in Cilamara Issahs net. half an hour into the second half the Jungle Cats had conceded 4 goals and were trailing by the same 5-3 scoreline that they had defeated Sargossa by the matchday prior. Only a late double-salvo delivered by Berali Tzufarei and Lopaki Kilpter would preserve the Jungle Cats unbeaten record in the campaign. However, with just one matchday to play, the Jungle Cats had lost their hold on the top spot in the table. Luckily for Vilita, their opponents Sargossa had completed their campaign, so destiny was entirely in the Jungle Cats control.

It was perhaps fitting that Vilita's World Cup 73 qualifying campaign would conclude with a too-close-for-comfort 1-0 victory, but the three points were the goal on the day and the Jungle Cats had accomplished the task, finishing in their projected place at the Top of Group 9 and punching their ticket to the World Cup 73 finals.

Vilita [3] - [2] Sarrbia

:: Vilita Goalscorers :: :: 27' Lopaki Kilpter :: 41' Purapal Eskiiy :: 84' Lopaki Kilpter

:: Vilita Statistics :: :: Best Player: Nili Ylimaiina :: Worst Player: Monner Vileai :: Possession: 56% :: Shots on Target: 10 :: Corner Kicks: 16

:: Sarrbia Statistics :: :: Possession: 44% :: Shots on Target: 3 :: Corner Kicks: 5

---

Vilita Jungle Cats Lineup v. Sarrbia ::
[GK] Cilamara Issah, [D.] Endur Rotropii, [D.] Monner Vileai, [D.] Tlikao Muratai, [ML] Purapal Eskiiy, [MC] Serabi Chamya, [MC] Lopaki Kilpter, [MR] Tripate Falcon, [FC] Perran Adlani, [FC] Nili Ylimaiina, [FC] Kiliko Riazen
BENCH::
[FC] Kaivel Illatara, [FC] Nuola Brenzil, [M] Westii Yahaya, [M] Dalian Magagula, [U] Vliela Lianksa, [D] Linkat Cjinder, [GK] Zelkki Milake

---

Vilita [4] - [0] Chromatika

:: Vilita Goalscorers :: :: 30' Serabi Chamya :: 54' Berali Tzufarei :: 62' Perran Adlani :: 85' Sipke Tarala

:: Vilita Statistics :: :: Best Player: Tripate Falcon :: Worst Player: Endur Rotropii :: Possession: 73% :: Shots on Target: 7 :: Corner Kicks: 6

:: Chromatika Statistics :: :: Possession: 27% :: Shots on Target: 3 :: Corner Kicks: 2

---

Vilita Jungle Cats Lineup v. Chromatika ::
[GK] Viliaka O'Connor, [D.] Jirijii Januaa, [D.] Amarini Baracelv, [D.] Endur Rotropii, [ML] Serabi Chamya, [MC] Purapal Eskiiy, [MC] Vliela Lianksa, [MC] Tripate Falcon, [MR] Cywrenta Vlintejni, [FC] Berali Tzufarei, [FC] Perran Adlani
BENCH::
[FC] Kiliko Riazen, [FC] Sipke Tarala, [M] Lopaki Kilpter, [M] Altimo Ueboa, [U] Tlikao Muratai, [D] Arocki Tadalek, [GK] Zelkki Milake

---

Vilita [3] - [3] Kyrjasmark

:: Vilita Goalscorers :: :: 1' Purapal Eskiiy :: 30' Amarini Baracelv :: 39' Nili Ylimaiina

:: Vilita Statistics :: :: Best Player: Lopaki Kilpter :: Worst Player: Purapal Eskiiy :: Possession: 55% :: Shots on Target: 6 :: Corner Kicks: 4

:: Kyrjasmark Statistics :: :: Possession: 45% :: Shots on Target: 7 :: Corner Kicks: 16

---

Vilita Jungle Cats Lineup v. Kyrjasmark ::
[GK] Cilamara Issah, [D.] Tlikao Muratai, [D.] Arocki Tadalek, [D.] Amarini Baracelv, [ML] Tinjus Mngomeni, [MC] Purapal Eskiiy, [MC] Tripate Falcon, [MC] Lopaki Kilpter, [MR] Vliela Lianksa, [FC] Nili Ylimaiina, [FC] Kaivel Illatara
BENCH::
[FC] Lboaisa Akarelm, [FC] Sipke Tarala, [M] Jyuola Mtalata, [M] Dalian Magagula, [U] Berali Tzufarei, [D] Monner Vileai, [GK] Viliaka O'Connor

---

Vilita [5] - [3] Sargossa

:: Vilita Goalscorers :: :: 9' Westii Yahaya :: 20' Jyuola Mtalata :: 26' Lopaki Kilpter :: 45' Jyuola Mtalata :: 50' Nili Ylimaiina

:: Vilita Statistics :: :: Best Player: Jyuola Mtalata :: Worst Player: Amarini Baracelv :: Possession: 59% :: Shots on Target: 9 :: Corner Kicks: 17

:: Sargossa Statistics :: :: Possession: 41% :: Shots on Target: 6 :: Corner Kicks: 8

---

Vilita Jungle Cats Lineup v. Sargossa ::
[GK] Cilamara Issah, [D.] Amarini Baracelv, [D.] Linkat Cjinder, [D.] Arocki Tadalek, [ML] Serabi Chamya, [MC] Westii Yahaya, [MC] Lopaki Kilpter, [MC] Purapal Eskiiy, [MR] Jyuola Mtalata, [FC] Nili Ylimaiina, [FC] Kaivel Illatara
BENCH::
[FC] Perran Adlani, [FC] Kiliko Riazen, [M] Tripate Falcon, [M] Dalian Magagula, [U] Vliela Lianksa, [D] Inbekira Ajhabekk, [GK] Viliaka O'Connor

---

Vilita [5] - [5] Polaaskan

:: Vilita Goalscorers :: :: 2' Jyuola Mtalata :: 21' Westii Yahaya :: 37' Nili Ylimaiina :: 88' Berali Tzufarei :: 90' Lopaki Kilpter

:: Vilita Statistics :: :: Best Player: Tlikao Muratai :: Worst Player: Westii Yahaya :: Possession: 52% :: Shots on Target: 8 :: Corner Kicks: 16

:: Polaaskan Statistics :: :: Possession: 48% :: Shots on Target: 12 :: Corner Kicks: 20

---

Vilita Jungle Cats Lineup v. Polaaskan ::
[GK] Cilamara Issah, [D.] Kwuimekii Hentetii, [D.] Arocki Tadalek, [D.] Tlikao Muratai, [ML] Vliela Lianksa, [MC] Serabi Chamya, [MC] Westii Yahaya, [MC] Tripate Falcon, [MR] Jyuola Mtalata, [FC] Nili Ylimaiina, [FC] Kaivel Illatara
BENCH::
[FC] Perran Adlani, [FC] Berali Tzufarei, [M] Lopaki Kilpter, [M] Altimo Ueboa, [U] Lboaisa Akarelm, [D] Endur Rotropii, [GK] Zelkki Milake

---

Vilita [1] - [0] Eshan

:: Vilita Goalscorers :: :: 59' Tripate Falcon

:: Vilita Statistics :: :: Best Player: Serabi Chamya :: Worst Player: Viliaka O'Connor :: Possession: 56% :: Shots on Target: 4 :: Corner Kicks: 9

:: Eshan Statistics :: :: Possession: 44% :: Shots on Target: 2 :: Corner Kicks: 4

---

Vilita Jungle Cats Lineup v. Eshan ::
[GK] Viliaka O'Connor, [D.] Amarini Baracelv, [D.] Linkat Cjinder, [D.] Arocki Tadalek, [ML] Tripate Falcon, [MC] Serabi Chamya, [MC] Amosiik Montaane, [MR] Vliela Lianksa, [FC] Berali Tzufarei, [FC] Kaivel Illatara, [FC] Kiliko Riazen
BENCH::
[FC] Nuola Brenzil, [FC] Lboaisa Akarelm, [M] Purapal Eskiiy, [M] Dalian Magagula, [U] Altimo Ueboa, [D] Jirijii Januaa, [GK] Zelkki Milake

---

[Free Republics]

As he waited for his team's opening match against Eura to start, Republican National Team captain Kyle Bolton read the latest news stories on his new phone. It had been a very eventful news day indeed, as the stores told:

News Magazine

Sibylla Croteau Condemns "Misogynistic" WorldVision song for "Perpetuating Rape Culture," vows to "Protect Women and Girls" if elected
by: Alexander Ehrlichmann

Sibylla Croteau criticized the Republican WorldVision entry today, alleging that Lucia Bolton's song "Rape Me Baby One More Time" was a "misogynistic" song. "Misogyny" is a word invented by Progressive activists which refers to what they regard as "hatred of women" but non-Progressives dispute the existence of misogyny, which is basically the female equivalent of misandry. The former professional wrestler's song was widely regarded as hilarious and a well-deserved mockery of "rape culture" hysteria but Sibylla Croteau, as we would expect, has a different opinion on the matter.

The song itself was a masterpiece of singing and songwriting with a performance that is widely regarded as one of the best in the history of WorldVision. At once a reference to the infamous false rape accusations against Kyle Bolton and Koby Theodore from 6 years ago and at the same time a song that ridicules the idiocy behind it, Rape Me Baby One More Time is a masterpiece and will be a timeless classic for generations to come. Yet, Sibylla Croteau regarded this great song as "in terrible taste" and argued that it is "yet another example of the rape culture that I will end when I am elected Consul." Indeed, it certainly isn't a song that Sibylla Croteau likes very much, since she clearly is just a man-hating harpy who has no business holding any sort of power whatsoever.

...

News Magazine

Taxachusetts President Moves Forward with implementation of Biblical Law

President Robert Thompson of Taxachusetts today announced that Biblical law will be implemented in the Republic effective tomorrow. The President of Taxachusetts, who has granted safe haven to wanted war criminals such as "Patriarch" Nicolaus V and other supporters of the former Holy Party regime, has previously declared "Patriarch" Nicolaus V to be Nicolaus I the Patriarch of Lambridge and head of the Church of Taxachusetts, which regards the Church of Saintland as modernist heretics who have turned their backs on the True Faith of their fathers.

Taxachusetts was formerly part of the Federation of Free Republics but after seceding from the FFR gained a reputation for having exorbitantly high taxes, massive budget deficits and perpetual hyperinflation. The Taxachusetts Thaler is famous across the multiverse for its utter worthlessness. Taxachussans were traditionally progressive but of late they have made a sharp turn toward Radical Christianity.

Among the new laws implemented by President Thompson are a law permitting parents to stone their disobedient children and a law decreeing the death penalty for homosexuality. President Thompson has already implemented several Kulsethian laws, including a ban on lying, which has been used to jail scientists for advocating the theory of evolution and to suppress dissent. Disagreement with the Christian Party is, effectively, a crime in Taxachusetts.

But the Christian Party is not content just to outlaw the opposition. They also want to regulate every single aspect of the lives of the Taxachussan people in ways that make the late, unlamented Consul Kulseth look like a champion of freedom. Among these new laws is a law prohibiting the wearing of jewelry and a law prohibiting any entity other than the Church of Taxachusetts from performing marriages and prohibiting Taxachussan citizens from going abroad to get married. President Thompson has even issued a blanket ban on travel outside of Taxachusetts by pregnant women, including compulsory pregnancy testing for any woman of child-bearing age who wishes to exit Taxachusetts. This law applies to women irrespective of citizenship or even legal status and is intended to prevent abortion. Furthermore, Taxachusetts law requires that all pregnant women report to a Pregnancy Center where agents of the government and the church will ensure that they not do anything that would jeopardize the health of their unborn baby.

...

Sporting World

Republican National Team prepares for World Cup Finals
by: Angelina Zito

...

The first opponent of the Republican National Team in World Cup 73's finals will be Eura. Eura won World Cup 66 and enter this edition of the World Cup ranked 2nd in the multiverse after a second place finish last year. Last year, the Republican National Team played to a 1-1 draw with Eura on the third matchday of the World Cup. This year, the 2 nations will meet in their opener. Eura is coming off of an undefeated, untied run in qualifying and look like an extremely formidable opponent for the Republicans.

...

Second on the Republican schedule will be Cosumar, whom they defeated in a playoff to qualify for World Cup 71. Cosumar is making their return to the World Cup after a hiatus of over a decade and hope that this World Cup will be the beginning of their return to glory. Cosumar finished second in their qualifying group with 10 wins and 2 defeats before going on to defeat the Crystal Empire in a playoff to earn a spot in the World Cup.

...

Ceni is an opponent that Rule Theriault's Republicans are all too familiar with. The runner-up in their qualifying group, Ceni played 210 scoreless minutes of soccer against Gregoryisgodistan before winning a penalty shootout to advance to the World Cup finals. In Qualifying, the Republicans beat them 2 goals to nil at home and drew 6-6 against them on the road. The two nations will meet for the third time this cycle on the final day of the group stage.

...

Be sure to visit you local Church of Margaret before the matches and sacrifice your rubber chickens for Rule Theriault's team will need the blessings of Margaret on their side if they want to finally bring home the trophy that has eluded them ever since World Cup 68...

Kyle looked at the time and saw that the match was scheduled to start in 10 minutes. Mr. Theriault had just entered the room to give his pre-match speech to the team as they prepared to take the pitch for the start of World Cup 73. Kyle's thoughts were the same as those of everybody else in that locker room. They had unfinished business and it was time to finish what they had started...

[Vilita]

Coaching Profile

Assistant Coach: Ricata Amakra

Ricata Amakra made his final start for his country as a member of the Vilita & Turori Eel Cat-Things during their championship winning AOCAF 41 campaign. Amakra played 90 minutes in the Quarter-Final matchup against Atlantian Oceania regional super power Pacitalia, contributing to a resolute shutout performance of Atlantian Oceania's winningest regional title holder, a 1-0 result that propelled the Eel-Cat things toward eventual stardom.

Amakra would be an unused substitute for the final two matches of the campaign, a semi-final victory over Wight and then the Championship clinching match against Audioslavia. For 120 minutes, Amakra sat on the bench, cheering on his teammates. Amakra had known, since the 78th minute, that his international career was done. He had already made up his mind to retire at the end of the 41st AOCAF Cup, so when Kigaoua Oalalka came off to be replaced by Kristofer Kilpter 12 minutes from time, he knew he wouldn't step back on the pitch again with his countries colors on. The real question, would he be going out a winner? Audioslavia put some doubt into the Eel-Cat things minds equalizing the game as stoppage time approached, but it was pandemonium for Amakra and his teammates in the 103rd minute when none-other than the substitute Kristofer Kilpter had put the Eel-Cat things in front for the final time.

It was the first major trophy in the modern era for a Vilitan international entry. While the Turorians had taken home a Cup of Harmony, for Vilitan fans, AOCAF 41 gave them a taste of triumph. A taste that would wet the appetite for years to come.

For Ricata Amakra, it was the only major international trophy he achieved as a player. He would, as planned, retire at the end of AOCAF 41. His last World Cup, already completed was World Cup 66. Many of his teammates would experience much success in the seasons to follow, with the Jungle Cats repeating as AOCAF champions the following campaign in AOCAF 42, then doing one better taking home World Cup 68 in what would prove to be the most glorious period of trophy collection in Vilitan International sports history.

But neither the Jungle Cats nor the Eel-Cat things would be able to retain their spot atop the mountain. Poor performances in World Cup 70 and 71 would mark the end of an era for the Jungle Cats, returning to their old selves - Underperforming once again as a top 10 seed and failing to advance from the Group Stage. The era would end in a victory - with a win over Nova Anglicana to conclude World Cup 71, but nevertheless, the Jungle Cats failed to advance.

Changes would be made. For reasons even he wasn't quite sure of, the Football Association of Vilita contacted Ricata Amakra.

The Football Association of Vilita was looking to go in a new direction. They were looking for someone to transform the face of Vilitan sport. They didn't want the "One and Done" magic that fueled the Jungle Cats success in World Cup 20 and World Cup 68. The Football Association of Vilita were looking for a sharp mind to transform Vilita from an all-or-nothing Champion or Early Exit toss up nation into a true international power - A top 3 nation that regularly reaches the World Cup Semi-Finals.

They wanted Amakra to work with their new head coach, Ritopa Simafela, as an Assistant Manager, and to take an interest in the regional side too, leading things in the AOCAF build up.

Simafela, son of a Rocket Scientist and a Physicist, was ready for the change in pace and was prepared to hit the ground running as Vilita's new head coach. Amakra, however, was a bit hesitant, and still uncertain why he had been tasked with the job. Amakra had spent much of his early playing career in the non-league system with the Orbital Kickers on Vilita's not-for-public-access VOIA Island. He was came off the bench just as often as he started and wasn't particularly used to the limelight. Perhaps, though, it was this quality that made him an attractive choice as an Assistant Coach.

The Simafela-Amakra partnership got off to a rocky start, however, as three defeats during World Cup 72 Qualifying saw the Jungle Cats on the outside looking in when it came to qualification, and on their way to a tricky playoff battle after finishing second in their group behind Falcus.

In the playoffs, however, the Jungle Cats turned up the drive and really started to click. During the first leg of the playoffs, Vilita were the only team to win by more than a single goal clicking off a 2-0 victory over Carialus. They cemented their place in the World Cup finals with a 4-1 drubbing of the home side in Carialus to advance to the World Cup Finals via a 6-1 aggregate score.


And it was a darn good thing too, because, as slow of a start that the new coaching duo got off to, they would quickly find fire under their heels in Valanora and the Equestrian States. Well, at least after the customary opening matchday defeat. Sure, after the 0-3 defeat to Saintland, most Vilitan fans had given up hope on Simafela and Amakra. But, there was never going to be a coaching change mid-finals, and, as with any fan base, you're only as bad as your last result.

So when the Jungle Cats took down defending World Cup champion and World #1 team Osarius on matchday 2, all was forgiven. It was a shining moment for Simafela and Amakra. After a confident 2-0 victory over the hosts in the Round of 16, the Jungle Cats took down Valladares to make it to the World Cup Semi Final. It was just the fourth time in history that Vilita had made it to the Semi-Final. And while they weren't able to make the Final, the win in the Third-Place playoff was a first in the history of the Vilitan National Team, and quickly put the brand new coaching pairing of Simafela and Amakra in very prestigious company.

It was just the third time ever that a Vilitan team had played 7 matches in the World Cup Finals, and, came away as the winner of the 7th game. Of course, the World Cup 20 and 68 championships, and now, the 3rd place finish in World Cup 72.

It was just the beginning for Simafela and Amakra, but, with the fans now on their side, Ricata Amakra finally began to have the confidence required to take the team forward, no longer wondering in the back of his mind why it was him that was chosen to be the Vilita National Team's assistant manager, but instead, wondering what he could do to make the team stronger - to get the team over that last hurdle, and back into the World Cup Final.

[Pasarga]

Eastside Peynol Interactive
Presents
Worldwide Football Manager Interactive

Have you ever wanted to take hold of your favorite domestic side as the manager, to pick the squads, craft the tactics, and send your players out to glory? Well we here at Eastside Peynol Interactive have heard your pleas for such a scenario and after years in the making, have brought forth that very game to you. Worldwide Football Manager Interactive contains the whole of the Pasargan domestic scene in its base game, as well as a fully integrated RLstates system. You can take charge over legendary RLstates clubs like Barcelona or Manchester United and pit them up against your favorite Pasargan large club, like CA Paulinthal or Galatica! Big club managing not your cup of tea? That's okay, as you can also go to the third tier and attempt to climb the domestic pyramid and challenge the likes of Stein-los Turkish, Baskita, and Hellinic Rouge in the top tier. Do you dare to dream big and take over a club and lead it to greatness or will the pressures of management and injuries doom your campaigns?

Screenshots of the Beta state of the game can be found here.

OOC: I've made complete working Pasarga DB for FM12 and FM13, as well as a Vanorian DB for FM12. If anyone is interested in playing either (or 3 really since Pasarga is on two versions xD) of these DBs, shoot me a TG on Valanora. I'm still working extensively on them to get them to the same level as one of the actual leagues on FM, which may take further months, but they are currently playable and have at the very least national team players in.

[Pasarga]

"You have got to be kidding me, this is some sort of joke right? The draw seriously could not have been this bad for the Wanderers, could it have been?"

"Well yes, it could have been and has been, though you and the rest of the fans that are freaking out about the state of the draw just need to take a step back and breathe a little bit before you give yourself an ulcer. While the draw is far from being favorable as some other top seeds have gotten, Eura, it is far from being a Group of Death."

"It's not just the group though, this entire side of the bracket is so much stronger than the other side of the bracket and when you take into consideration that the Wanderers were not exactly on the best form during the Qualifiers, you can see why plenty of people are concerned. I mean, our fourth seed in the group is Starblaydia, only a nation that has at multiple points in the history of the World Cup have been considered the best team in the World as well as having those precious five stars on their crest, tied for the most World Cup trophies. Oh and did I forget to mention that they actually had a better qualification campaign than the Wanderers and are the first game in the group for us, the game that usually sees the most upsets historically in the World Cup?"

"All those are very valid points and are a cause for some concern, I will concede you that. I will also concede to you that getting Valladares and Turori as the second and third seed respectively have made the group one of those groups that will be nervy for the side until the end of the group. Additionally, I will concede that having a very high chance of having to play a top 7 ranked team from the WCC rankings in the second round is far from being favorable, this is far from being the end of the world. The Wanderers are your world champions after all and did so in beating teams that were as good if not better than those in our group, with the Polarians, Eurans, and Nepharim being among out opponents in the run to being the champions."

"I am still quite worried about the challenges that they face though, with Valladares being a regional rival and Turori known for causing an upset or two during the Finals. These are sides that possess both the history and quality to put the Wanderers to the sword in the event that the Wanderers are not on point for those games. I mean, Flardania, Yttribia, and Gim all gave us trouble during the Qualifiers and those squads are nowhere near the quality of Valladares, Turori, and Starblaydia."

"Those are all very defensive sides who look to muck up the game rather than actually play the game as it is meant to be played, they make very little effort to do anything that really can be considered offensive. It's a style of played bemoaned by many but it is ultimately effective in getting its desired results, frustrating the opposition and many nil all draws or even surprise victories as the more creative players lose their composure."

"I guess we will have to see what it is like, though being in Quebec certainly wont help matters, those lot are a bit crazy and have very poor weather and stadium selections."

"Oh get off it, now you're just looking for reasons to be worried. The Wanderers are still going to advance out of this group and give a very stalwart defense of their title and put in massive effort in their attempts to retain that title and etch their place in World Cup lore in being one of the few sides to retain the title."

[Semarland]

World Cup 73 – Finals Preview
Alas, it’s that time. Semarland have got to the World Cup for the second time running, and the second time in history, making it two in their last five and only five attempts, which is very good going. We’ll be analysing all of the eight groups.

Group A:

Flardania
Ranked: 57th
Manager: Hikaru Kyusoke
Captain: Pandazi Papadopoulos, DMC
Star player: Pandazi Papadopoulos, DMC
Prediction: One of the surprise nations to qualify this campaign, they have an interesting team with decent potential. However, it is a very strong group and although they’ll put up a fight, we can’t really see them qualifying. 4th.

Electrum
Ranked: 35th
Manager: Mitch Blain
Capatain: Alexander Krane, ST
Star player: Jake Ingram, MR
Prediction: Like Flardania, they were quite a surprising nation to qualify but have a good team. With a tough group, having to compete against hosting nation Apox and Valanora is rather daunting however, a slip up from either of those two could may well see the Electrumites snatch the second place spot. 3rd.

Apox – Hosts
Ranked: 22nd
Manager: Gavin Hughes
Captain: Solomon Etezadi, DC
Star player: Tolgus Tregajorran, ST
Prediction: Steadily advancing up on the WC rankings, the combination of having one of the strongest leagues in the multiverse plus the fact they’re co-hosting this World Cup should be enough to see them out to top the group. 1st.

Valanora
Ranked: 9th
Manager: Vanauraiiel Nardironel
Captain: Laborious Hawk, MC
Star player: Laborious Hawk, MC
Prediction: Hosts of the previous World Cup, they were in our group and of course, as expected were very tough opposition. With players like Laborious Hawk we’d usually expect them to finish first in most other groups but as they are drawn with hosts Apox, we think the hosts will have a slight advantage but Valanora will go through anyway. 2nd.

Group B:

Ceni
Ranked: 43rd
Manager: Kirk Koromin
Captain: Jaime del Olmo, ML
Star player: Jaime del Olmo, ML
Prediction: Qualifying for the first time in seven attempts, there’s no doubt Ceni are a strong and developing team but they have a tough group that they’re in that includes last year’s runners up and 2nd ranked Eura. 4th.

Eura
Ranked: 2nd
Manager: Steve Thompson
Captain: John Spartan, MC
Star player: Craig Sinclair, AMC
Prediction: Ranked second in the world rankings and last year’s runners up, it doesn’t take rocket science to determine that Eura will be finishing first in this group this time. 1st.

Free Republics
Ranked: 12th
Manager: Rule Theriault
Captain: Kyle Bolton, ST
Star player: Ayub Sandstrom, MR
Prediction: Usually we would say second, but Cosumar look very promising this cycle so we’ll with the Vanquishers to take second place and Rule Theriault’s team to just slip down to third. 3rd.

Cosumar
Ranked: 31st
Manager: Gethin Ramsey (NPH)
Captain: Anders Engstrom, ST
Star player: Ace Newman, ST
Prediction: New manager Gethin Ramsey led the Vanquishers to the Cup of Harmony title as his first act as new manager and has now led the Cosumarians to their first World Cup in 20 years. They have an undeniably talented side, and we think they can edge out Free Republics for the second place spot. 2nd.

Group C:

Polar Islandstates:
Ranked: 3rd
Manager: Morten Rasmussen
Captain: Willem Otkupschikov, DC
Star player: Rauno Bickermann, ST
Prediction: Unstoppable in our qualifying group and I’m sure they’ll be unstoppable in the finals. Veteran manager Morten Rasmussen is rumoured to be retiring soon, and I’m sure he’d like to go out and on a high note. Captain Otkupschikov provides grit at the back and Bickermann will probably be their main source of goals. 1st.

Schottia
Ranked: 46th
Manager: Jan Gullie
Captain: Lucas D’Araby, GK
Star player: Eoin Killanen, AMR
Prediction: One of the best up-and-coming nations in the multiverse, manager Gullie has led them to their first ever World Cup finals appearance. With a squad jam packed full of talents such as Eoin Killanen, Gaston Avellione, Lucas D’Araby, Darren Hanlon and Mark Allen, they undeniably have a very strong squad but being placed into a tough group we sadly don’t think they’ll get through to the knockout stages, but, they will put up a strong fight however. 4th.

Farfadillis
Ranked: 11th
Manager: Steffan Pekarik (PIS)
Captain: Yurpá Mêndêlöíndçêl, DMC
Star player: Risko Kâí, ST
Prediction: A team notable for their crazy, attacking football, Farfadillis have a strong manager in Polarian legend Steffan Pekarik who recently reluctantly agreed to let his team play their bizarre style. Expect lots of goals when Farfadillis are around. 2nd.

San Jose Guayabal
Ranked: 15th
Manager: Paulo Oliveira (VLD) and Alfredo Herrera (AQU [OSR])
Captain: Rodolfo Zelaya, ST
Star player: Rodolfo Zelaya, ST
Prediction: Having gone up ten places since the last finals, they undoubtedly have a strong side but again, a tough group having to compete with Polar Islandstates, Farfadillis and Schottia. They will battle with the Farves for second place but sadly, Farfadillis will only just get second place. 3rd.

Group D:

Kandorith
Ranked: 20th
Manager: Huangzhou Yu
Captain: Taiji Moto, MC
Star player: Madato Xien-kan, ST
Prediction: Kandorith have a very solid group and they are a team that have been around for a while. They usually get through to each tournament’s finals, but usually have the unluckiness of being placed in a tricky group. They definitely have the potential to finish second, but we’ll determine this by rank. 3rd.

Osarius
Ranked: 6th
Manager: Azarai Robinson
Captain: Juan Pablo Rodriguez, DC
Star player: Marco Puntoriero, ST
Prediction: By far one of the greatest nations in footballing history, they won two of the last three editions. Despite having a poor performance in the most recent tournament, we still think they’ll go onto at least the quarter finals. Of course, this means they will top the group with ease. 1st.

Abanhfleft
Manager: Kasper Molak
Captain: Luke Edwards, DC
Star player: Nestor Mikkelsen, DC
Prediction: Another debutant nation this World Cup, they’re a good side but are placed into a very tricky group. 4th.

Equestrian States
Manager: Pearly White
Captain: Cloudchaser, MC
Star player: Rainbow Blitz, AMC
Prediction: Another team around for quite a while, they’ve had a slight absence and some unfortunate administrative errors prevented them from co-hosting the last World Cup alongside Valanora. However they are back though, and look ready to progress into the knockout stages. 2nd.

Group E:

The Royal Kingdom of Quebec
Ranked: 17th
Manager: Jayson Dhanda (OSR)
Captain: Unknown
Star player: Unknown
Prediction: Co-hosting this tournament alongside Apox, Semarland will be travelling to our neighbours for the group stages. Their own team has a good chance in one of the slightly easier groups in this tournament. 2nd.

Zenic
Ranked: 49th
Manager: Luke Killian
Captain: Alexander Ayoade, ST
Star player: Alexander Ayoade, ST
Prediction: One of the new, more developing sides in football, they’ve relatively recent to the scene. An interesting side, they’ve got a good chance of qualifying but they’ll have to be at their best to try and ensure they do. 4th.

Audioslavia
Ranked: 8th
Manager: Kajaxo Imaslavii
Captain: Janos Hufschmied, MC
Star player: Janos Hufschmied, MC
Prediction: One of those teams that have been around forever, Audioslavia are one of the most solid nations in the multiverse. New manager Kajaxo Imaslavii, raised in Vilita, has brought in a slightly different team, with one of the most notable exceptions being Iker Llagostera, who plays his club football here in Semarland for FC Kolberg. Nevertheless, they should do well as usual. 1st.

Krytenia
Ranked: 39th
Manager: Rameses Niblick III
Captain: Michel Demetrius, DL
Star player: Valrauncion, ST
Prediction: Did we mention that this group comprises mostly of our lovely Calanian neighbours, bar Zenic? Our Krytenian friends returned a few years ago to the national stage and of course, we must congratulate them on approaching 1000 games. They have a highly talented squad and have the capability of getting through to the Round of 16, but we will just go with the co-hosts who have the home advantage. 3rd.

Group F:

Semarland
Ranked: 42nd
Manager: Andreas Jansen
Captain: Marc Lygaard, ST
Star player: Marc Strand, AMC
Prediction: That’s us! Jansen, in the couple of years he’s been our manager, guided us to our first ever World Cup finals (72), developed a new golden generation (Think Strand, Labonne, Tunde, Snow, Chalobah), and now we’re here again. Some fans we have what it takes to go through to the next round but realistically third place is our best option. It’s a tricky group, no doubt, and we’re looking forward to see how well we get on. 3rd.

Saintland/Feministvs Sanctvsterra
Ranked: 13th
Manager: None
Captain: Virginia Seius, GK
Star player: Olivia Florius, ST
Prediction: For some reason, Feministvs Sanctvsterra are participating instead of the actual Sanctii football team. They did very well in qualifying, and despite being a bunch of activists they’re not a team to be estimated. They have a great team but because of their lack of World Cup finals experience we do not think they’ll be qualifying. 4th.

Barunia
Ranked: 21st
Manager: Joric Ruskin
Captain: Paul Bainbridge, GK
Star player: Akio Sweet, DC
Prediction: “The Suns” were runner ups at the most recent Cup of Harmony and before that they progressed to the quarter-finals of World Cup 71. In their one-tournament absence they obviously did very well finishing second in the Cup of Harmony and they got to the quarter-finals before that, so clearly a team not to be underestimated despite their small absence. 2nd.

The Holy Empire
Ranked: 5th
Manager: Juan Tzimisces
Captain: Michael Monomacho, MC
Star player: Constantine Cantecuzeno, MC
Prediction: The only nation that still competes now to have played in the first ever World Cup, they are probably one of the most legendary sides in history. Led by the legend that is Juan Tzimisces assisted by Starblaydi legend Simeone Di Bradini, it’s quite obvious they are going to do very well this tournament. 1st.

Group G:

Nephara
Ranked: 4th
Manager: Theresa Riether
Captain: Hadrian Belfast, DC
Star player: Tanya Bottlegreen, ML
Prediction: A tough, no-nonsense bunch, they are a team not afraid to get stuck in at all. They haven’t been around really long, at least as Nephara anyway, but have soared up the rankings and they find themselves at fourth going into the World Cup. They’ve got what it takes to go very far, and that’s why they’ll be topping this group. 1st.

Kernansquillec
Ranked: 48th
Manager: Harry Broudant
Captain: Adelaide Noupen, MC
Star player: Sieffre Spijker, MC
Prediction: Kernansquillec are a good team, but they’re a team who haven’t qualified for the World Cup finals in quite a while. They’ll work hard though, but we sadly don’t think they can make the next round. 4th.

Unified Sunrise Islands
Ranked: 25th
Manager: Mihashi Chiyo
Captain: Unknown
Star player: Hannah Alcouin, ST
Prediction: One of the more exotic teams to grace the international stage, it’s always a pleasure to see the Unified Sunrisian team at the World Cup. Fast, energetic, maybe slightly crazy, they aren’t as mad as teams like Farfadillis considering the Sunrisians are more…stylish. 2nd.

Vilita
Ranked: 7th
Manager: Unknown
Captain: Nili Ylimaiina, MC
Star player: Purapal Eskiiiy, ST
Prediction: Another who have been around for a while, but we’ll go for the exotic Sunrisians to clinch second place. They definitely have the capability to qualify, though. 3rd.

Group H:

Turori
Ranked: 10th
Manager: Unknown
Captain: Klaillal Tuirma, MC
Star player: Enluta Makakio, ST
Prediction: Like neighbours Vilita, they’ve been around quite a long but they’ve been faced with a tricky group. They can cope of course, we have no doubt about that, and qualifying for the next round isn’t impossible but we’re gonna go for them finishing third this time. Sorry! 3rd.

Starblaydia
Ranked: 48th
Manager: Lucas Cable
Captain: Kai Rodriguez, DR
Star player: Marco Lopez, DMC
Prediction: One of the most iconic and slightly more flamboyant nations from the multiverse, they have a tricky group and they haven’t been around in the last few World Cup finals. 4th.

Pasarga
Ranked: 1st
Manager: Jullian van Setten
Captain: Császár Mór, MC
Star player: Dominik Mauer, ST
Prediction: Last year’s World Cup champions. 1st.

Valladares
Ranked: 16th
Manager: Flabio Florez
Captain: Freddy Edwards, DL
Star player: Yoan Gignac, ST
Prediction: 2nd.

[Turori]

Bringing The Cocoabo Forest to Life
Signing the Deals to Make Things Happen

Previously:
A New "Settlement" Rises in the Forest
Approaching the "Settlement"
Re-claiming Turori's History, and understanding the Flock
Changing the face of the Preservation Society

Though in the distant past, the lands in the AORDO proected zone West of Krytenia had been inhabited, it had been quite some time since the lands were either inhabited, or, even utilized by the Atlantian Oceania Regional Defense Organization for training or testing purposes.

It was just the opportunity that Noa-Isinao Wioauoi needed to make a difference in the World... at least the World that he cared about - Turori and its national treasure, the Cocoabo.

Wiouaoi engaged in long discussions with AORDO representatives. They went over the rationale for the protected status of the lands, and what were acceptable uses for it. The rationale was pretty much "Because its protected" and the acceptable uses for the land were pretty much "There aren't any acceptable uses of the land". Wioauoi knew he had his work cut out for him.

However, once Wiouaoi was able to get around the bureaucracy just a little bit, and break through to the reasonableness, it became clear that while it was important to continue protecting the land, there was nothing stopping a few outposts being built and some new inhabitants be introduced into the ecosystem. Once actual reasons for protecting the land were pried out of the AORDO, none of them really seemed to reference the fauna. Since the lands were previously occupied and build over, there really weren't century's of ecological pristinity needing to be preserved. A lot of the rationale surrounded strategic defense purposes, of which Wiouaoi had little concern for.

Eventually AORDO officials agreed to allow the Cocoabo Preservation Society to release and monitor Cocoabo in the Wild in the protected lands; including the ability to construct sporadic developments specifically associated with the monitoring, treatment and educational activities related to the Cocoabo. Now, the next step for Wiouaoi was to find funding. He could certainly get some Cocoabo over to the protected lands, but the protected lands were massive. There would need to be an infrastructure set up to monitor them. He needed a major sponsor.

Step forward, Tropicorp. The quasi-governmental corportation already knew all about taking overgrown natural lands and turning them into something different, as the entire Tropicoast region of Western Calania was created by the megacorp. However, as always follows a major corporation, concerns about "Whether they had the best interest" of the people, of the wildlife - of any group that could possibly be shunned or offended were starting to creep up. It was a win-win relationship. The Cocoabo Preservation Society would get the funding, the infrastructure build up, the construction and development expertise that they needed to begin a proper Cocoabo preserve in the protected lands.

Tropicorp, in the meantime, would be able to attach its name to a major conservation, preservation and habilitation project, taking away any concerns about where the companies priorities were focused. Instead, people would be focused on all the good things Tropicorp was doing.

Wiouaoi had what he needed. He had the land, he had the funding. Now he just needed the people to architect a plan and turn his vision into reality.

How many Cocoabo?

What kind of Cocoabo?

Young Cocoabo? Old Cocoabo?

There were so many questions - and that was just when considering the Cocoabo. Logistics, Infrastructure. It was a massive undertaking. Wioauoi knew, however, that this would be his legacy. Everything he had done up until that point - small potatoes.

This was the project that he would be remembered by. This would be the project that defined his career, defined his life... defined his existence.

---

...To be continued...

[Nephara]

They genuinely felt that this had been a dead rubber. But 2-0 up against Timbermunich, the news filtered through the stadium.
Mangetsujima penalty. Wells sent off.
News spread like wildfire, fans in green shirts checked their smartphones. There was an odd hush around the stadium... and as they fell silent, a near-post cross was turned in by a Timbermunich forward. Ballard's run of five straight clean sheets was broken.
But they were still ahead, and there was a distinct possibility that Nova Anglicana might not secure top place for them after all.
The penalty was converted. Nova Anglicana down a goal and a man.
Almost as one, eighty thousand Nepharim got to their feet. The Lions were down to ten. Nephara needed their twelfth.
"We're gonna kick your fucking heads in!" shouted a thirteen-year old girl, a chant quickly taken up by those around her. Bottlegreen, in the spirit of the chant, pressed her fullback and took the ball out from under his legs. She dashed forward and pulled the trigger as soon as she was in the box, the goalkeeper didn't stand a chance - 3-1. Within two minutes of going down.
Another goal went in later, this time thanks to Elaine Ashdown's long shot. But it all depended on lowly Mangetsujima. The crowd had with one eye on the pitch and one on the Twitter feeds, but always, always chanting. Always pressing their team on.
The Cormorants did the job in front of them. "Don't think about the Lions!" screamed Belfast as Kruse mislaid a simple pass. "Think about here and fucking now!"
They did. And they fought through the pain, tackles, blocks and elbows, until finally they sank to the ground as the referee called time in the 92nd minute.
They were tense. They stayed on as Timbermunich's squad went down the tunnel, hoping to avoid scrutiny and interviewers. Until, finally, some guy near the front couldn't take it anymore. While his mates distracted the stewards, he made a break for Diandra Ballard, who was leaning on her post with her gloves tucked into her shorts.
"Ballard! Hey! Nova Anglicana drew two-all! We're in the Cup-"
The man was spear-tackled by a steward weighing somewhere north of the two-hundred pound mark, but he'd done his job. The message had gone through. And finally, for the eleven players on the pitch, the celebrations could begin.

THE BRINEMOUTH HERALD
HARDER, BETTER, FASTER, STRONGER: IS THIS NEPHARA'S YEAR?
by Geneva Scharzer

"Yes."

I stare at Tanith Rainsford, who stares calmly back. We're at an upmarket Quebecois cafe a few minutes from the hotel the Nepharim national team has sequestered itself in. I ask her to expand on her response.
"Well, this time, we've got me, haven't we?"
This is hard to find an answer to. Rainsford, a hard-edged northwesterner perfectly at home in Ruland, expands on her concept further. "Look, last two times, Nephara set out in qualifying just kind of to do whatever. Conceded a lot. Had kind of a glass jaw. This time, though... we got our defeats out of the way. We're peaking at the right time."

That said, preparation hasn't all been sunbeams and roses. An extremely strong Nova Anglicana side came agonisingly close to beating the Cormorants to the top spot, and as for their pre-World Cup preparations, a four-all draw with Cosumar wasn't the world-beating performance they wanted. When I suggest to Rainsford that that match perhaps wasn't the best she's had in a green shirt, she snorts. "Bit of an understatement. I picked up a yellow early on, that always changes how you play a game. But we did well to get back into it, and it's good that Mick [Kellard] got a brace, a couple of headers. Important thing is we fought back against a good World Cup team, away."

It was more important than just that, of course, for largely nostalgic reasons. Hadrian Belfast would be the first to agree, the last survivor of Nephara's first World Cup under the leadership of Gethin Ramsey... Cosumar's current manager. "Yeah, it was nice to see the old git again. Shame we couldn't catch up for drinks afterwards, but, well, he had stuff on his mind, I guess."

The veteran centre-half is under no illusions that this World Cup will be an easy task, either. "Navigating the group's the first step, isn't it?" It's hard to disagree. Rainsford might be ebullient but Belfast has seen the last two World Cups come to a sudden and brutal end at the hands of the eventual champions. In five World Cups, the Cormorants have bowed out at the quarterfinals three times. Nothing to be ashamed of, of course, but, well...

"It's just we need to break through that barricade, right? I mean I wouldn't say it's a mental wall, but... once we break through the quarterfinals, then I reckon things are gonna go our way. Pasarga are the runaway favourites this year 'round, but we're likely to avoid them until the semifinals." Belfast grins, which is less than reassuring. "And this time, we'll be ready for 'em."

[Northern Sunrise Islands]

...Coming Soon...

[Apox]

World Cup Finals Group Stage MD1

Hope the anticipation for this WC proper isn't making you feel too stressed out.

[Equestrian States]

The End is Neigh: Ponies Qualify for World Cup via Playoff
by Steve McNotapony

Acronius 4-4 Equestrian States
(Equestrian States wins 5-4 agg.)
at Union Park in Lionsgate, Acronius
Attendance: 80,000

Titus Blackett '26 (M. Fawden)
Saul Vesper '30 (Unassisted)
Pristina Shine '45 (Wither)
Max Fawden '74 (A. Santiago)
Wither '79 (Lunar Shadow)
Titus Blackett '81 (Pen.)
Pristina Shine '88 (Rainbow Blitz)
Pristina Shine '90+3 (Cloudchaser)

LIONSGATE, Acronius - For over a decade, World Cup playoffs were the bane of every Equestrian hoofball fan, as the Ponies routinely subjected their supporters to heartbreaking defeat after heartbreaking defeat. No matter who the opponent was, the Equestrian States always found a way to fall short at the final hurdle in a long World Cup qualifying campaign, each time discovering new, more agonizing means of failing.

When the Ponies finished second behind Kandorith in their qualifying group, many Equestrian supporters immediately gave up hope of reaching the World Cup, knowing that the impenetrable barrier of the playoffs stood between them and the finals yet again. Even after the Rainbow Blitz-led Ponies battled to a deserved 1-0 victory at home in the first leg against Acronius, the skeptics dismissed the narrow Equestrian advantage as the hoofball gods simply getting fans' hopes up to make the inevitable collapse in the second leg more painful. There were optimists among the roughly ten thousand Ponies' supporters who made the long trek to Lionsgate for the decisive match, but even then many were cautious in expressing that optimism. The skeptical fans arrived at Union Park proclaiming nothing at all could surprise them anymore after years of disappointment and heartbreak. As it turned out, the hoofball gods did indeed throw the fans a curveball, something they'd never witnessed before that would stun even the most pessimistic Ponies supporter:

The Equestrian States winning a playoff for the first time to qualify for the World Cup.

In arguably the most exciting match ever played by the Equestrian national team, the Ponies three times erased aggregate deficits, scored twice in the final few minutes, and punched their tickets to the World Cup finals in front of a raucous Union Park crowd that had hoped to see another famous Equestrian collapse. Though at times it seemed another Ponies defeat was coming, the visitors never failed to respond and finally shed their most famous burden in a game that will surely be remembered for many years to come.

The biggest news in the hours leading up to the match was a change in formation for the home team, with Acronian boss Henry Coyle opting to use a more traditional 4-3-3 rather than the 3-3-3-1 used by Les Guerriers in the first leg. Most pundits believed the shift in tactics to be a wise decision, given that the Ponies had dominated the Acronian wingers at Royal Equestria Stadium. The second leg hosts were going to be battling a deficit from the first whistle and an aggressive formation which hopefully wouldn't be as vulnerable to the Equestrians' lightning-quick counterattacks seemed a smart choice though it gave the Ponies a numerical advantage in the midfield.

It didn't take long for Union Park to fill up, as fans from all parts of Acronius streamed through the stadium gates and the large contingent of Equestrian supporters packed the away sections with purple and orange-clad sapients. By the time the two teams emerged from the tunnel and took the field for the national anthems and pre-match ceremonies, the stands were full and the stadium buzzing with anticipation. Both sets of fans greeted their players with a roar and belted out their respective anthems at the top of their lungs. It was a do-or-die game for both sides with a spot in the multiverse's most famous sporting event on the line, and the atmosphere certainly reflected the significance of the fixture. Then the first whistle blew and the battle to decide who would advance to the World Cup finals began.

Little of note happened in the first quarter-hour of play outside of an Apple Cobbler attempt from distance in the 8th minute which was about half a yard wide right. The Acronians held a slight advantage in possession and probed at the equally cautious Equestrians, the home side's first real scoring effort not coming until the 14th minute which Gentle Breeze watched fly into the stands for a goal kick. As the match opened up a bit in the following few minutes, Acronian striker Axel Aubry pulled up with what seemed to be a hamstring issue and - after struggling to play through the apparent injury - was subbed off for poacher Saul Vesper by a reluctant Henry Coyle who would later bemoan the need to make an early substitution in his press conference.

For Les Guerriers, the addition of Saul Vesper provided something of a spark to their attack which helped them begin to press the Ponies' three defenders and forced the Equestrians back in their own half. A counterattack by the visitors in the 25th minute seemed at first a chance for the Ponies to break out of the back, but a sloppy pass by Rosie Tyler gave the ball away to Max Fawden and the midfielder found Titus Blackett's foot as the star forward burst past the poorly-positioned Rumble into space. Gentle Breeze tried to smother the attack by coming off her line, but the all-time leading goalscorer of Acronius flicked the ball around the diving pegasus and calmly finished with his right foot, sending the home crowd crazy. The opening goal erased the Equestrian States' advantage from the first leg, leveled the aggregate score at one, and the Ponies' fans could only groan and watch Blackett's celebration.

If Titus Blackett's opener gave Equestrian supporters a bad feeling about the match, those feelings would only be worsened four minutes later. The Blue Boys doubled their efforts after play resumed, continuing to press the Ponies' wavering defense hard for a second goal; and as the final seconds of the first half-hour ticked off the clock, they found the net again. Blackett launched a rocket from outside the box which rattled the crossbar as Gentle Breeze got a hoof on it, but the rebound fell to the well-positioned Saul Vesper and the forward fired the ball into the top of the net. Just like that the Ponies had fallen behind against Acronius, and to the supporters seated in the away section it seemed history was bound to repeat itself yet again.

The Equestrians weren't finished yet, however, and after Gentle Breeze made a splendid diving save to deny a Titus Blackett direct free kick the Ponies turned the tables on Les Guerriers in what remained of the first half. After playing nothing like a team ranked 15th in the world against a side barely in the top hundred for the first 30 minutes, the Equestrian States began to show the talent which earned them their place in the rankings. Rainbow Blitz hit the post and a Cloudchaser header was narrowly tipped over the bar as the Ponies dominated the final ten minutes of the half. Finally, with halftime looming, a quick exchange of passes between Wither and Pristina Shine set up the latter with an open look at the goal which she took full advantage of and rifled the ball into the top right corner, leaving goalkeeper Anastasio Massali stunned motionless.

Silence from the Acronius faithful greeted the halftime whistle as the Equestrian States' contingent continued to celebrate Pristina Shine's last-minute goal. The home team was leading the match but the visitors again held the advantage, away goals favoring the Ponies as the Blue Boys had failed to score at Royal Equestria Stadium in the first leg. Just 45 minutes now separated the Equestrians from a spot in the World Cup, and the Ponies went into the locker room bursting with confidence.

Pearly White made one change to her team during the break, replacing Rumble with Andrea Molovi after the young pegasi's first half struggles that had been partially responsible for allowing Titus Blackett's goal. The veteran defender's experienced presence was clearly beneficial in the second half as the Ponies continued to control the match. Several Equestrian chances saw the Ponies come close to breaking a determined Acronian back line, but the home side settled down after their shaky end to the first half and the score remained unchanged entering the final 20 minutes of play.

Seeing the clock, Les Guerriers began to push back against the Equestrians' smothering possession, Jimmy Jervis taking the first Acronian shot on target of the second half in the 71st minute. The next few minutes would witness a flurry of counterattacks from each side, the match suddenly coming to life and setting the stage for a truly extraordinary finish.

In the 74th minute, goalkeeper Anastasio Massali easily saved a long-range effort from Wither and heaved the ball to Arturo Santiago who spotted Max Fawden making a run at midfield. Santiago quickly passed to the left-midfielder, catching the Ponies' defenders unprepared. Gentle Breeze was again hung out to dry by her teammates and could do little to stop Fawden as the midfielder tapped the ball into the net. Union Park erupted as the Acronians celebrated the goal, but the match was far from over.

Rosie Tyler made way for young Wrexton FC midfielder Lunar Shadow to come off the bench, and the bat-winged pony wasted little time leaving her mark on the match. As the ferocious back-and-forth play continued, Lunar Shadow stole the ball away from Frank Spelmeyer and played it through to fellow bat pony Wither who unleashed a volley that Anastasio Massali had no chance of stopping. Once again the score favored the Equestrian States on away goals and it was the visiting fans' turn to cheer as Wither's teammates congratulated her for her goal.

However, just two minutes later came the moment that Ponies supporters were dreading. Titus Blackett went down on the edge of the Equestrian box after making light contact with defender Brix Hamilton, embellishing things with a bit of theatrics. The Greggystani referee - who had previously been anonymous for much of the match - pointed to the spot despite the Equestrian protests. Blackett stepped forward to take the penalty kick, and though Gentle Breeze did go the right way, the shot was beyond her reach and Acronius took the lead 4-3 on aggregate.

For Equestrian fans it was a nightmare come true, their team falling behind again late in the decisive game on a controversial decision by the officials. The story of the Ponies' sixth playoff defeat seemed to be set in stone, and in another year that might have been it for the Equestrians. But this time the apparent fatal blow was shrugged aside by the Ponies, who resumed the match with fiery determination in their eyes and immediately put the Acronian goal under siege. For seven minutes, Anastasio Massali kept the Equestrians out of the back of the net, making several top-class saves to deny the Ponies again and again until the ball fell to Rainbow Blitz on the edge of the box.

A chip and a Pristina Shine header later and the Equestrians had erased the Acronian advantage, this time for good. Desperation set in for Les Guerriers, but the Ponies held strong and Pristina Shine completed her hat-trick in the 93rd minute on a breakaway that put the Equestrian States ahead 5-4 on aggregate. As the final three minutes ticked off the clock, the Acronian fans silently began to leave their seats and the ten thousand loyal supporters of the Ponies made their voices heard throughout Union Park. Flitter cleared one final attempt out of the box and the referee's whistle blew.

Equestrian States defender Flitter embraces her sister, team captain
and midfielder Cloudchaser, after the Ponies' World Cup Playoff victory

At home in the Equestrian States, hoofball fans celebrated in the streets with their friends and neighbors. Fireworks filled the skies above Canterlot, Manehattan, Ponyville, and many other Equestrian cities and towns. Bars filled with fans exploded when the final whistle blew, their patrons toasting the end of the Ponies' curse with drinks raised high. In the stands at Union Park, the away section was a frenzy of celebration as the supporters reveled in having witnessed the Equestrian States' first ever playoff victory with their own eyes. And on the field, the players and staff stormed the pitch, embracing each other to celebrate their historic win and their well-deserved place in the World Cup finals.

Next stop for the Ponies: the World Cup in either Apox or Quebec. After finally winning a playoff, the Equestrians' qualifying struggles are easy to forget, though the players would do well to remember them. The Ponies did not take the easy road to the World Cup, and will have another difficult test ahead of them, regardless of whomever the Equestrians share a group with. For now though, the Ponies and their long-suffering fans can celebrate and dream of World Cup glory.

They've earned it.

---

Match Reports :: Qualifying Playoff Legs 1 & 2

 EQUESTRIAN STATES 1-0 ACRONIUS 
Royal Equestria Stadium (cap. 98,625) in Canterlot, Equestrian States

Scoring:
 Rainbow Blitz '52 (Cloudchaser)

Starting XI:
GK - Gentle Breeze
CB - Brix Hamilton
CB - Andrea Molovi
CB - Erauso Iburrusteta
CM - Cloudchaser
CM - Krystal
LW - Luminesce
CAM - Rainbow Blitz
RW - Stardust
ST - Pristina Shine
ST - Wither

Substitutions:
 Flitter in for Erauso Iburrusteta '57
 Krysia Bailey in for Wither '57
 Apple Cobbler in for Rainbow Blitz '78

 ACRONIUS 4-4 EQUESTRIAN STATES 
( Equestrian States wins 5-4 on aggregate)
Union Park (cap. 80,000) in Lionsgate, Acronius

Scoring:
 Titus Blackett '26 (M. Fawden)
 Saul Vesper '30 (Unassisted)
 Pristina Shine '45 (Wither)
 Max Fawden '74 (A. Santiago)
 Wither '79 (Lunar Shadow)
 Titus Blackett '81 (Pen.)
 Pristina Shine '88 (Rainbow Blitz)
 Pristina Shine '90+3 (Cloudchaser)

Starting XI:
GK - Gentle Breeze
CB - Brix Hamilton
CB - Flitter
CB - Rumble
CM - Cloudchaser
CM - Apple Cobbler
LW - Rosie Tyler
CAM - Rainbow Blitz
RW - Stardust
ST - Pristina Shine
ST - Wither

Substitutions:
 Andrea Molovi in for Rumble '45
 Lunar Shadow in for Rosie Tyler '76
 Sparrow Body in for Stardust '81

[Eura]

The theme music kicked in and the listeners were tuned in, for it was time for the big one - the special episode of When The Fat Lady Sings, broadcast hours before Eura's World Cup opener against the Free Republics. It was one of the most popular sports programmes in the country, and the World Cup special series was hotly anticipated in a country where radio is still going very, very strong. The usual host Matt Terfel did his usual starting monologue before introducing his guests, adding that the show was being hosted live from Oldem, the site of Eura's first game of the tournament in Apox. There was obviously the regular outspoken comedian and panelist Josh Maxwell, the token sport journalist Simon Banning was back on the show, a very popular football blogger who went by the name Footsie, and finally the former Euran national team manager - and star guest - Ben Randall. 'Our first question really is part of the World Cup spirit. What would you put money on at this World Cup?' Having surely expected something not related to gambling the others laughed, and Ben Randall enthusiastically answered first. 'I'd put money on our fans providing some fantastic support to Eura in every game!' He got a point, but not much more. 'Now now, Ben. I know you're a national hero, but let's not play the patriotism card with every question. I'm drawing a line!'
'He's drawing a line!'
'I am drawing a line! Anyway, sorry. Simon, what would you bet on at this World Cup?'
'A few things, I guess. I'd bet on the best groups being the groups of death, especially Group C which I think is going to be a really grueling experience for Schottia, but for the other three its all to play for and they all have something to prove. The Polarian's are going to be trying to prove they're still champions material, the Farves are going to have to prove they actually have the capability to be anything other than also rans at the top level, and San Jose Guayabal are on paper the weakest of the three. Their qualifying group was close rankings wise but you never felt like their opposition were all that good. So I'd put money on that.'
'Good answer that. What about you Josh?'
'Well my son, to be totally honest with you, I'd put money on the bl'addy food being good for once, thank christ.' After a moment of confusion and laughter he continued before Matt could interrupt him. 'I've been to a few places in my time following Tommo's boys and those who came before him, and it seems like every time I go to a country where its bloody, anime this and senpai that, or one of these flippin' tropical places, everything I eat leaves me on the bog for a day afterwards. Now I don't mind all that northern food, there's nothing like a Polarian fish and chips to keep you fed.' Randall nodded, as he surely knew this from his years managing Jan Mayen Islanders. 'But thank god we are in a sane country like Apox with steak and pies, even if they are surrounded by the other Esportivan nutters.'

Matt awarded points for comedy, but not for sensitvity. 'And there goes the EBC's broadcasting rights in most of this region for the next decade! Well done Josh, always so multicultural. Now Footsie, you look like a betting man, what would you bet on?'
'Easy answer guv, I'll bet that whatever happens, the comment stream on my blog will be a total stream of rubbish for the whole event. Sorry guys, its got to be said.'
'Way to take a swing at your own core audience demographic there, Footsie!'
'Look mate, I gotta' be honest, I love all my fans and subscribers out there, but every World Cup its the same thing. Half of 'em think the manager needs out, half of 'em will praise Tommo as the second coming. None of them will base what they are saying on anything less than the slightest bit of good or bad fortune. Everyone will have an opinion on the host countries competence, everyone will have an opinion on teams who play pretty and teams who play rough. And most of it will be completely unreasonable. But you know what? I can't wait for it anyway.' Matt nodded respectfully and rewarded Footsie for his usual outspoken and blunt tone, with a trademark hint of optimism after every cynical word, with the sound effect of applause and maximum points. 'Wonderful. Next question is related to our glorious countrymen, of course, and the dear leader Tommo, or Steve Thompson for the uninitiated, said this week that Craig Sinclair could be the player that "defines this World Cup" if he plays to his full potential. What individuals, apart from Mr Sinclair of course, do you guys think will define this World Cup? You're up first Ben, and you've been through a World Cup's, so I'm sure you can draw on your experience here?'
'Yeah well, under me and under Kelly, and Louis and now Tommo, we've seen all sorts of individuals make the difference for us and other countries. And sometimes its not them either, its the refs or the organisers, though let's hope there's no controversy this time - we don't want the refs to be the individuals that define the tournament through some controversial calls!' A murmur along the lines of "amen" went through the group. 'I think though that there's a few contenders for this tournament, us included, but you've got to say Pasarga are one of the best placed sides to do it with how good they have been in the last few years, so I'd say that if anyone has a chance to define this tournament, its that man Mor, the Spartangrad midfielder. I know people fawn over Mauer but he's the key man for me.' Matt awarded points for the answer, but had a follow up. 'Who do you think has the best chance of beating them then Ben?'
'I don't know, really. I mean I think our second best in the world title at the moment is fair enough, so you would think us, but we seem to have a mental block against Pasarga. So I really don't know. Still, not many teams defend their title, so let's not be surprised if it doesn't work out for them.'

Simon Banning answered next in his typically analytical fashion. 'Well I think the individual who could really shape this tournament from Eura at least is Kris Campbell. Obviously Sinclair is the star man and we have other cracking players like Spartan and Gilbert and such, but Campbell has just been such a revelation up front in the last couple of years and his goals per minute rate, and chance conversion rate, are supposedly among the best in the world's strikers at the moment. If we do make the latter stages, it could be up to Kris to finish the chances to put other teams to bed. At the same time though I'd watch out for the Polarian's, I think their ranking is representative of their skill and Rasmussen is the individual who could define this World Cup - there is still has something left in his locker in my view.'
'Controversial answer that one these days, but I can't say I disagree too much actually, it's a good point. Josh?'
'I hate to be depressing, because you know I'm a cheerful chap, but as Ben so kindly hinted at, I have a bad feeling its going to be a ref. It has been a long time since we've had a really referee cockup in a final or another late stage game, mainly because I don't think any of them want to be known as the man who topped the "Goose deflection incident" of our semi final with Bears Armed back at the 60th! I'm sure you remember that Ben?'
'Oh yes, I do well. Great day for Sam Needle though.'
'Yeah, I know those bear lot couldn't "bear" to admit it, but we deserved to win that one!' The whole panel groaned at the pun and Josh saw his points drain away. 'Maxwell, you just don't know when to call it quits do you?'
'I'm on a radio panel show with a man, and when I say man I use that term liberally cause he's a boy with barely any hair on his chest, who calls himself Footsie. Footsie! That's not an alias, its something teenagers do before they've learned what you're really supposed to use the school bike shed for!'
'Ok, ok. For that you get one point back. But no more! Footsie, any response to that?'
'Nah mate, my nickname is where its at. Its topical, its football related too.'
'Topical?'
'Yeah, foot-gate? The Minister for Agriculture and the foot fetish?'
'Fair point!'
'Yeah, anyway, on the question, the individual who I think will shape the World Cup experience for all of us is the cameraman who spends the entire game gazing at pretty girls in the crowd if the play is a bit rubbish. Whoever you are mate, I salute you!'
'On this all male and, as far as I know, all heterosexual panel, I guess we can't argue with that! Points for you my friend, and on to the next set of questions, but first, the news!'

[San Jose Guayabal]

OOC: RP divided in two posts because I broke the character limit, apologies.

WC 73 Qualifiers: The odd number curse is finally broken - What's next on the finals?

"We did it! the curse of the odd numbered editions of WC has been broken, that's good but not definitively all, we are now heading to the World Cup Finals and we are in a quite hard group, will La Selecta overcome the adversity and reach the so wished Round of 16 for the first time, odds and rankings might be in our favour but are we capable to take advantage of the situation and do it? That's what we will write throughout this large post about the World Cup."

By: Lucía Preza, the female side of football.
From: Dwile, Apox - World Cup 73 - Finals.
Posted: Saturday, May 26th, 2204 - 13:34 (Guayabalense Eastern Time - User's default time)

Paulo Oliveira (right) celebrating the World Cup Qualification with Alfredo Herrera (left).

As a couple of lines ago I said in the small sommelier of the article, it was time that this strange curse of World Cups with odd numbers are over, first the 67 but that's no big deal because we were in full football evolution, then the total disaster called World Cup 69 and I will not bother to mention because it causes me disgust to talk about this World Cup and the World Cup 71 that at least in that we had the honor of winning the Cup of Harmony in penalty kicks and in front of our fans against the historically powerful Vanorian National Team, that was a turning point and the beginning of a revolution in the national football, where the quality level began to rise in our clubs and started to stand up for our country achieving significant results in competitions such as the UICA or the huge surprise that Club Marítimo gave to the world in the previous Cygnus Cup and worthy of note is what Alianza recently achieved by winning the first CEdC for San José Guayabal. Like many of us in the newspaper industry have been saying, the Guayabalense football has managed to evolve successfully into the increasingly strong demands posed by world football and we have been able to adapt very well to them to propose a management model and development rather efficient and long-term promising.

So far they have fallen short those days of sadness and anger that supposed the disgusting feeling of failure to qualify for the World Cup, especially if we refer to that extreme abomination that managed to turn into the biggest nightmare of our history in football, the World Cup 69 (Fucking disaster, you do not exist for me) ... In that edition we promised much but the second half was quite simply a complete disgrace, in the World Cup 70 at least we get a decent participation during the Group Stage but we suffered another bump in the next edition but we could not be against the comfort we received, win our first championship, giving the lap around the stadium with the Cup of Harmony Trophy, gather in the main squares of the country to celebrate our first success, are nights that have great sentimental value in the hearts of many football fans in San José Guayabal and surely nobody will change as they marked the beginning of football that has since undergone a revolution in quality and has given much joy to fans since then, it is the team, we have noticed the increase, plus this has given added value to our league and it seems that no it will stop so quickly. Record, not that I'm in ecstasy for what happened, is quite simply a compilation of how we have been improving in football during the past five years by way of context for what I plan to present throughout this article.

Let's talk more of this Qualifier that has just ended and has been extremely successful for us, a draw where we find not so pleasant rivals and quite demanding in terms of level of football as is the case Gregoryisgodistan, The Sword Bloke, Jeruselem and others. This promised to be quite demanding, especially when facing this nation of Gregoryisgodistan, there in front of thousands of fans who are viciously hostile as if they were puppets manipulated to meet the insatiable desire which has its false leader, something that happened in the fourth game and where fortunately we managed to get a key victory in front of them, the same thing happened there in Sonsonate in the eleventh matchday. Those were strong enough challenges which we'll talk in more detail below, in the approach I take about three most important games that we have had over the Qualifiers and put us where we are in the World Cup Finals, those matches that have also had a special meaning for the players and for the fans and I chose based on conversations with some players or with the survey placed on this site a couple of days and where the turnout was quite high, which thank you very much for participating and expressing their opinion with the statements and give shape this article.

Match N°3 - vs The Sword Bloke (A)
Score: TSB 0-2 SJG
Scorers: Zelaya (19'); Faña (75')
Possession: TSB: 35% - 65% SJG

A cold night is the adjective that described meteorologically speaking which we lived in Angelou when we faced The Sword Bloke but it was hot as the tensions that we experienced in the National Stadium of this city, the home fans were threatening La Selecta fans who had made the long journey to that nation whose populace could not forgive things that occurred in the past and they apparently lacked the ability to overcome and deal with it, finally the game would be a tough task for La Selecta because there were several factors at play, if we could win the game, that would give the qualification to the World Cup Finals automatically, the other is the extreme fatigue that accumulated after the intense and hard fought match against Gregoryisgodistan and pressure from the local fans that they seek to impose on La Selecta apart from the already complicated reason to face as visitor to a team whose defense is pretty good, especially with the bonus of playing at home in front of what they consider their main enemy, there was plenty to play for both sides, a matter of national pride for ones and for others the qualification to the World Cup Finals but the difference was that on the side of La Selecta, there was not much to lose, considering the comfortable lead we had over Gregoryisgodistan, an advantage of 7 points and anyway the thing was going to consolidate in favor of La Selecta someday unless something like the "69 Effect" could appear suddenly.

The game started well for La Selecta, although they did not have the ball for the first few minutes because The Sword Bloke was really inspired by that very moment, at least satisfactory was accomplished contain and generated two knocks almost were ineffective, especially the scoring opportunity they had with Sean Fraser at the tenth minute, which managed to receive a long pass by Leónidas Bregoo, Fraser only had to wait for the right time to make a good shot, but unfortunately the ball hit the goalpost of George Haklim, who tried to stop the ball to avoid a rebound that could be directed to the back of the net, a very intelligent reaction of the goalkeeper who was able to intervene appropriately. Then La Selecta gave another warning, this time was Rodolfo Zelaya who decided to take the ball to go to the penalty area and score but his shot was blocked flawlessly by veteran John Antle who managed swept to get the ball from Zelaya right at the time that he planned to shoot at goal and thus make the actions were to the right corner.

While Antle averted goal at that moment, he could not help in this new attempt by Zelaya in a corner that it did and gave pass to Rudy Valencia, Valencia took the ball to pass it back to Zelaya just for this advance toward the potería and finish off in strong form and below Haklim legs, scoring the 1-0 and qualifying for La Selecta momentarily to the World Cup Finals, Zelaya decided to go and celebrate with the fans as usual before heading to the pitch and receive reprimand for alleged incitement to local fans, something I doubt that has occurred but in this case we cannot question the authority of the referee because we are not looking to do. The Selecta was in euphoria at that time, players on the bench as evidenced, celebrating and energy drink were thrown in the manner of celebration but it still was not enough left seventy-five minutes of play yet and anything could happen in that time it was necessary to strengthen the party in order to avoid any unwanted surprises. Oliveira told the players that were kept serene and calm in order to avoid those feelings rub off on the players who were on the pitch and so could they lose concentration in the worst case, which would result in what would probably be something not nice for the fans.

The Selecta managed to take the momentum of the game and literally grabbed the ball, but failed to create opportunities because they set about trying to open holes in the extremely tight defense of the opposing team, Fraser tried to make counterattacks but in certain plays, he was beaten by opposing defenses, once the referee had to admonish Oswald McDonald because he had already committed too many fouls on Fraser and it was something that could not run too much about the blows that were inflicted were pretty obvious to the eyes of anybody that doesn’t works in areas related to health but fortunately he managed to recover after a couple of minutes. Zelaya tried in his own and unique way, finishing from outside the penalty area in order to achieve the goal, considering that it was raining and the pitch was ideal for a rebound that may confuse the goalie and so Zelaya would have scored another goal for La Selecta in the game and so go a little further strengthening of the game in favor of San José Guayabal and take the entrance ticket to The World Cup Finals, something longed to achieve ultimately end the curse of the odd numbered World Cups. It would take time to see a good opportunity to Haklim in goal and was up to thirty minutes and three, where Rudy Valencia unexpectedly managed to find a hole, took a diagonal pass to Zelaya to leave the ball to Faña, who managed to pull the goal of Haklim but he managed to contain this shot made by Faña in a good shape, unfortunately a good opportunity that could not be exploited as indeed he should have been, or was the ability to Haklim or was Faña with an occasional fail, like the kind of those that can happen to us or anyone while having fun playing football at an amateur level or just for the sake or pleasure of entertainment.

Jonathan fails sometimes but it is nothing to be scared or to express anger, anyone could make these mistakes even if it was the rain on a field where there was no or maybe the drainage system did not work well as it could be seen as in certain sectors of the field literally had wells with plenty of water and that made the ball rolled excellently for obvious reasons, rather harsh conditions but the game was passing without stopping, because it was not worthwhile as the referee, La Selecta continued with attacks by both sides but could not find an appropriate amount of time to come and shoot from far away to score a goal or at least enter the area and try a one on one play to score one more goal, the tough defense raised by the opponent made him look like a mission impossible but at least managed to generate a dangerous chance for the halftime by Saucedo, who broke through by Faña, Saucedo attempted to do a header but he could not direct it where no was the goalkeeper, the goalkeeper still had trouble dealing with the shooting and had to send out of the goal for La Selecta achieved a good opportunity through a corner, that would be at least better than getting another goal against just before the break.

In the corner, Zelaya decided to kick it live over the area again to Saucedo had a clear chance to score without jumping, Saucedo was able to make contact with the ball but failed to properly rotate the neck as the shot went just side of the goal as well have been 2-0 in favor of San José Guayabal, there was still more left to try to write it down but Saucedo was not entirely happy with the two faults that had at that moment, just after the clearance from the goalkeeper, the referee decided to end the first half, La Selecta was up with the score 1-0 and was a mere forty-five minutes of qualifying for a new World Cup, although a draw was only necessary, priority was to get the win in order to be more certain about what was achieved and avoid any surprises that could damage the potential celebration and joy for the players and for the entire nation, which is why Oliveira tried to emphasize to players the rest, to go out and play intensively in order to ensure another goal, securing victory and direct qualification to the World Cup Finals, finally, the players were on the same page of Oliveira, everyone was on the same channel, on the channel of victory, something that they were aware that they might reach by any means in order to leave things in a clear way and get qualification without any problem.

In order not to leave to get anything pleasant surprises, La Selecta came out with all his physical force in order to find and secure the victory, it would not be easy but not impossible for the players, who just a minute after they started the second half and achieved a good opportunity through a powerful shot coming from the legs of Rodolfo Zelaya, from about thirty meters outside the area managed to hit the ball to send it directly to the crossbar while Haklim was still watching as the ball was heading against the crossbar, on appeal failed to react, Bregoo tried to nod but failed in the attempt, sending it straight into the arms of Haklim, who dropped to the ground in order to calm the momentum with which he had begun La Selecta, a good momentum that unfortunately was not enough to the second goal fell, that need became apparent goal when The Sword Bloke began to attack more incisively, through James Kondrii, who came perilously close to the goal of Terrazas, young but experienced goalkeeper more or less achieved leave on time and take the ball to Kondrii, who was then shown of apparently hit Terrazas to kick "on purpose" his left arm, so Terrazas was treated for a few minutes until he recovered, he followed usually playing on the game and he defended the goal on the occasions he had to.

The balance of the game was leaning a little closer to San José Guayabal due to the pressure exerted early in the second half, the coveted goal did not arrive for more than Zelaya several attempts take over the minutes sixties and seventies, including two of those going straight at Haklim post, Harvey Bell managed to make a mistake that perhaps it was merely incidental, a bad pass led to Rudy Valencia regained the ball and give in to Jonathan Faña, this managed to run towards the opponent's goal, Haklim he saw Faña headed for the area and decided to go to meet him, Jonathan decided to dribble the goalkeeper as it normally does, he left scattered on the floor and then go to the goal and score at will the second goal that gave the victory to San Jose Guayabal and qualification of a new edition of the World Cup Finals at last cycle failures ended in odd numbers for La Selecta, Faña managed to score (Fun fact) that brings his second goal sealed the qualification to the World Cup Qualifiers in its second cycle in the World Cup 72 it managed a similar play to score the 3-2 against Sameba in the last game last tie, eighty-sixth minute, this time was a 2-0 seventy five minutes. Still missing and needed time to strengthen the close of play to decide to close its lines in order to avoid any chance that The Sword Bloke might have during the final minutes of the game, Mattías Passarelli managed to stop him over to Jamie Haigh twice to make the goal is zero outside, this time making a good defensive display that allowed the opponent did not score any goal during the ninety minutes. Players from La Selecta ran to gather and celebrate together with the Guayabalense fans who were at the stadium to celebrate, there was a small pitch invasion, fans were happy as we finally managed to secure two qualifications to the World Cup Finals in a row, something that has not happened so far.

Match N°2 - vs Gregoryisgodistan (H)
Score: SJG 1-0 GGS
Scorers: Zelaya (62')
Possession: SJG: 57% - 43% GGS

An impressionable atmosphere was the one lived in Sonsonate on a typical night of November, it was the matchday eleven and San José Guayabal needed to start closing in good shape to go to ensure their place in the World Cup, which way to start everything getting consummated against our biggest rivals, Gregoryisgodistan and in a provocative way, as the game would be played in Sonsonate, the capital of Esportiva as we refer to coconuts, the best coconuts in the region are found in the area and the game was played for two reasons this city, the first is the opening of the new Queen Margaret I Stadium and the second reason is a little logic, if they hate coconuts, take them to the main producing city of coconuts in your country and the main of the region, you certainly would not be pleased to that visit. Naturally, in all kinds of games against the Footslaves, there is much controversy and this was no exception, as they protested the city where the game would be disputed, they considered it a serious affront to their culture and a lot of more utterly nonsense that they invented, there were also insults and the classic brawls on the street, including consequences, wounded people, beaten and offended by the insults, even said that thirty seven coconuts were thrown into a truck full of citizens of Gregoryisgodistan who rented one in the city, these citizens got out of the car and messed with the citizens of Sonsonate, the consequence was that one of the Gregoryisgodistanis was brutally beaten and had to be taken to hospital in an abominable act of violence and intolerance.

That was the atmosphere before the game, everything seemed to be a very heated game because of the atmosphere that both sets of fans were demonstrating within hours of starting the game, a large escort of soldiers Gregoryisgodistan and San José Guayabal guided visitors to Stadium in order to prevent both clubs met. Fans of San José Guayabal began to come an hour later and under heavy security, the stadium was full for three hours before the game began, he was seen coming from that tickets for the match were sold out just fifty-five minutes after being released for sale either virtual or physical, many had to settle for watching the game on giant screens in the main squares of various cities and those who traveled to Sonsonate and failed to get resale had to settle see one of the five parks designated for fans, finally there were no excuses to miss such an important match for both nations. As for the obligation on paper sporting terms was Gregoryisgodistan for they then found themselves in an awkward position in the leaderboard, before the game were a point below the second and that is not pleasant for the maniac who leads the nation, while La Selecta was a moral obligation to win the game in front of their fans and their country, like that would ensure at least a playoff berth, negligible considering missing three games and a bonus is so very desired.

And in pregame moments came clowns for a pre-game show, right before the teams entered the pitch and what happened in entertainment clowns just enraged fans Gregoryisgodistan because they literally took a mobile bathroom whose walls were transparent and one of the clowns simulated to stool, only to wipe his ass with a flag of Gregoryisgodistan and throw it the trash and set it on fire, boos and attempts to hit the Guayabalense fans did not wait from the Gregoryisgodistani side but police took a good and shot several times in the air to calm the minds of the visiting supporters. The nerves were apparent on that side of the fans while Guayabalense fans laughed heartily at what was happening, but they managed to calm at the time both teams took the field for formal events, the municipal anthem of Sonsonate appeared on the Stadium’s audio and it was surprisingly taken with a lot of pride with which was sung by the fans and by the singer that was introduced to sing it. The Gregoryisgodistani anthem appeared later and was fully booed but there was something peculiar about that song, it was a modified version which is normally used for Christmas, so fans from Gregoryisgodistan again reacted violently and beat two policemen but these fans were neutralized with bullets and were taken from the stadium to be treated in a hospital, it was reported that only received lesser degree injuries by bullets. Then the national anthem of San José Guayabal was listened in the Stadium’s audio, which was sung in a dimension of complete and full pride, overshadowing boos from the visiting fans without increase the power to the audio of the stadium, after that everything was ready for the game, which promised to be intense because of the situation in which Gregoryisgodistan was at that time in the leaderboard while San José Guayabal wanted to win for reasons of pride and to ensure at least playoff berth.

La Selecta won the toss to take the first possession and the impetus was remarkable because from the first moments of the match it became clear who would take the dominant role and who would take the submissive role regarding the quality of the game in the first minute, Sean Fraser managed to shake the brand Fatty Footy to reach the goal defended by Prune Farmer, Fraser finished powerfully but the ball was deflected by Farmer, this being the first opportunity for a corner by La Selecta, Zelaya made the corner but the shot was rejected by Farmer, but Núñez came to kick the ball towards the goal, but left a horrible shot, as he sent off the field, to the point that reached the stands, was a shot of that we are not accustomed to seeing Núñez doing this kind of horrible kicks because of his good qualities to hit the ball from a distance. Since then La Selecta decided to leave the initiative to Gregoryisgodistan to attack and thus seek cause some fatigue for the opponent and be able to use this factor later in the game, Gregoryisgodistan took control for the first twenty minutes of the game, where He passed the ball back and forth but could not beat the defense of San José Guayabal, when a counterattack by Jonathan Faña, Jorge Warlord was booked for swept abruptly Faña had to be replaced by Michael Richtie and fortunately it was not a serious injury but it was a preventive replacement.

Richtie came to the indications given by Oliveira to stop giving the initiative to the Gregoryisgodistani squad, he added to that apparently Richtie entered “on fire” (good form) and he approached too close to the area in an incisively way with a couple of plays that intimidated the Gregoryisgodistani efforts to defend properly, a powerful shot went to the hands of Farmer at twenty minutes and another counter attack where Jorge Warlord struck Richtie and merited a second yellow card and subsequent expulsion of Warlord, who decided to try to hit the referee Paul Seveneleven from 95X but was stopped by their own colleagues and players of La Selecta, Warlord was forced to leave the pitch by their peers and with the help of the linesman Adefemi Afolayan from Semarland it managed to get the field, he had already wasted enough time for action that was performed by the player of Gregoryisgodistan but the game resumed and after that where it began to happen more interesting the first time, it is where more chances for both sides occurred, Gregoryisgodistan achieved first approach to the goal of Terrazas with Guy, Terrazas reacted quickly and stopped the attempt made in a good fashion by Guy, the game was taking more pace and people could see in their minds when others sang or shouted insults but the festive atmosphere in the game was something that was evident, as the palpable rivalry between the two sides.

Thirty-five minutes already of the game, Rodolfo Zelaya managed to have his first clear chance after being hit by Slave Catcher, Zelaya took the ball as usual customary and gave three steps, he distanced, took impulse and decided to make the gesture of kicking but actually decided to go on white to fool the opponent but Núñez did not do so, but he decided to give a pass to Zelaya to this and sent direct throw shooting left post of Farmer, Fraser was able to score to meet the rebound but performed maneuvers unnecessary because instead of kicking at one time decided to remove the pressure from rivals and seek to pull snugly, his effort prosperous as History Teacher cleared the ball near the goal line prevented him from celebrating the goal to La Selecta, what were the two clearest opportunities that occurred in the first half, unfortunately not the chance to score but the domain was remarkable was taken, La Selecta managed to reverse what was imposed on itself to tire the opponent and create holes in the defensive, he was being achieved but the opportunities were being wasted but the opponent could not answer due to strong midfield approach a good approach that allowed them to move towards the defensive third of San José Guayabal, except on two occasions but Terrazas managed designed to address these opportunities through effective interventions.

Just when the referee blew the final whistle, players Gregoryisgodistan decided to try bundling a fight with players from San José Guayabal so it was necessary for the police to intervene to stop the footslaves in their attempt to beat players Selecta, not to shock but making an appearance to defend the physical integrity of the players on both sides, but players Selecta showed tempted to try hitting players Gregoryisgodistan at some point, did not succeed due to the police barrier formed. At the half time Oliveira decided to change things and chose to flip the table, chainging the attitude in order to have a more aggressive play style than the first forty five minute of the game, advancing lines in order to show a better face and so to be offensive and break the ice as quickly as possible, because a draw would not be entirely nice considering that it has the advantage of playing at home in front of the Guayabalense fans and secure a place for the World Cup Finals is something that is close to be achieved, that day could take the first step, it would be frustrating to waste a golden opportunity in terms of wishes to reach the World Cup Finals, the desire of fans to achieve was palpable while La Selecta was even more palpable, everyone was eager to make a goal and give a good step in the aspirations to achieve, they had forty five minutes in which anything could happen, but what you have to do is avoid a surprise from Gregoryisgodistan so play in concentrated form would be key to avoid a setback as important as this game.

Zelaya trying to score at the game, at the end he scored the lone goal.

The second half began with the possession by Gregoryisgodistan, the opponent did not seem pressed to go to the front to attack the Guayabalense defense when in theory they had something more than pressure to get a result in order to regain the second place in the group, it was La Selecta who was starting to play more aggressive intentions and demonstrated as they approached to Gregoryisgodistani players and their attempts to wrest the ball during the first minutes of the second half were not exactly the best attempts, Gregoryisgodistan actually was playing pretty better than La Selecta, they had regained possession and tried to attack, a move Guy looked promising when he approached the goal of Terrazas managed to beat Terrazas and finished off the goal but his shot went just to the side of the goal, almost scoring the first goal of the game that would definitely silenced the fans of San José Guayabal, that would have a big impact to local fans and visitors a balm for fans but the opportunity did not materialize. Terrazas took a while its clearance in order to calm the intensity of the game for a moment and try to reorganize La Selecta to retake possession of the ball and start the search for a goal to get ahead in the result and be closer and sweep Gregoryisgodistan in the Qualifiers.

After that clearance of Terrazas, Oliveira called on his players who gradually began to change the intensity of the game in order to try to achieve the goal, to that summarizing everything, scoring a goal to win the game in any way possible and avoid the fact that Gregoryisgodistan would try to tie the game. At fifty-six minutes, Rodolfo Zelaya tried to test Farmer with a powerful shot from distance that went to the side of the goal but made Farmer was launched to prevent the ball slinks into the goal but it was a totally unnecessary action. An opportunity just but La Selecta began to show flashes of offensive activity but not the last word, for sixty minutes and one on, Gregoryisgodistan had a good chance through Death to SJG but his attempt was stopped by Passarelli, who cleared the ball, which landed straight to Zelaya who made a counter attack down the right flank, running free and without pressure from defenders who were all along to try to score a goal, Zelaya was impatient and decided to shoot from long distance, the shot crashed off the crossbar but bounced into the goal for Farmer, who stretched to the utmost but did so only to adorn the pictures of goal, the powerful shot Zelaya thirty meters that bounced off the crossbar The long-awaited goal came through the play and the fans of La Selecta got out celebrating, Zelaya ran to where his colleagues to embrace and then go celebrate with the fans, it was simply a goal of superb quality, the fans were ecstatic and it was worthy of it, because the World Cup aspirations of all the nation were extremely near to be achieved.

The Selecta stood up on the scoreboard against the classical and hated rival, was now a matter of trying to extend the lead or defend in order to avoid any problems at the end of the match, Oliveira was neutral, even demanding more concentration to attack better the opponent, the mission was to win the game and was making, it was only a matter of emphasizing the domain and strengthen the result in order to win the three points, it was not impossible nor easy mission, because after that goal, Gregoryisgodistan came up literally with constant attacks which were well contained by the defense of San Jose Guayabal, that good work up was vanished by an error of Rudy Valencia at seventy-two minutes, where he stumbled for trying to make a play with excessive technical luxuries , Soldier took the ball in order to go forward and look to score, it was decided to give pass to Guy who was better profiled in front of goal but made a serious error when trying to kick the ball, kicked before the ball arrived and therefore the kick was blank and allowed James Moreira out with the ball and cleared away from the goal only to have Richtie took the ball and started a counter blow on his own and he did, went to the Farmer goal but dropped him in the area, with a penalty in favor of San Jose Guayabal, a golden opportunity to expand the result. Fraser decided to make the shot from the twelve steps, he went quietly and kicked but he sent it flying into space, it was a catastrophic failure that Fraser made in kicking the penalty.

Since there were only ten minutes and despair became noticeable among fans of Gregoryisgodistan and players, his team had failed good chances and had not taken while La Selecta, or say what he did Fraser, that may affect him in terms of their chances to kick penalties in the future, as Oliveira did not take it to grace and was upset when Fraser made the shot, like Herrera, who immediately called Fraser and scolded him for what he did, fortunately La Selecta it was in other advantage as history it would have been if we had found at a disadvantage in that moment. Gregoryisgodistan showed very aggressive in order to win the ball but his attempts were futile, not managed by most to beat players of La Selecta, indeed, they managed to get Farmer 913 expelled for assaulting Zelaya in the last minutes party, after that no relevant action occurred and La Selecta managed to get three golden points literally, because with that we clinched at least a space for the playoffs and positioned on a situation of needing a point out of six in the last two games to qualify the World Cup, which they did the next game after that was reported earlier, she finally managed to sweep Gregoryisgodistan in both matches, something that very few predicted considering the nature of the opponent and its football level.

And as expected, somebody came with the "bright idea" to bring an alternative rock band and sing to the Gregoryisgodistani fans the following song:

Song Tune

"I guess you have lost
And there's nothing I would say to you this time
You told me just what I had to beat you always for
And there's no flight in my fight
And more than that it's so all right, it's so all right

If beat you easier than a bunch of kindergarden children
I guess you're not right
If I turn your dreams into nightmares
I guess you're not right

I guess you're dumb
Cause I'm beating you
I could best believe I died to live for
For the hour dictates the need and I am speaking like I'm spoken only for

If beat you easier than a bunch of kindergarden children
I guess you're not right
If I turn your dreams into nightmares
I guess you're not right
If I sink your plans into the toilet and ruin everything
I guess you're not right
We all know that the Gregisgodistanis are dumb slaves

If beat you easier than a bunch of kindergarden children
I guess you're not right
If I turn your dreams into nightmares
I guess you're not right
Can I crawl around your World Cup hopes and make them my home?
Would that be right?
If I never let you go I know you are so stupid
We all know that the Gregisgodistanis are dumb slaves

Take it as a sign
Take in every sound you hear, take every sigh
Take it, we rule you, dirty slave
Take it motherfucking slaves!"

Match N°1 - vs Gregoryisgodistan (A)
Score: GGS 1-3 SJG
Scorers: Saucedo (2'); Zelaya (10'); Fraser (75') - Xylocarp (83')
Possession: GGS: 49% - 51% SJG

With the mind set on getting the three points, San José Guayabal decided to go play with a 3-1-3-3 that was a long time not being used but certainly the players were able to attach to the scheme Oliveira asked for this game especially consistent play on long passes, counterattacks and a compact defense, supported by midfielders to prevent any attempt against Gregoryisgodistan seek to attack to attack La Selecta during the course of the game, it was essential to maintain a safe distance between the lines of players in order to avoid creating holes in the midfield or in defense, logically it is known that a defensive team as Gregoryisgodistan against an opponent who attacked strongly seek to attack and surprise play opponents with a previously prepared during practice or any other especially prepared test days or even hours in advance, in order, knowing the discipline of Gregoryisgodistani players and rehearsed plays were things that could happen.

Oliveira decided to not save players, he went with the best of the best available and decided to play with all the normal alignment and even alter the roles of Fraser, Zelaya and Faña have, making these three players in a much more offensive than it already is usually, advancing them at least five meters from the original position they play, another change would slightly pull back Sebastián Núñez just to have greater freedom to play in midfield, considering that the pressure exerted by the footslaves would be pretty intense, Leónidas Bregoo, Árbol Saucedo and Rudy Valencia maintained their positions in the scheme, while Mattías Passarelli would play a little behind in order to be a support for Terrazas at times it was necessary to act, Meyson Salume and James Moreira would try to play a role of sweepers at certain times and force Gregoryisgodistan midfielders to commit mistakes and make them lose the ball quickly and start again to add more pressure towards the goal of Farmer, who usually shows very well under the goal, stopping many shots that may well be goals if he did not intervene as it always used to do.

With the above said and added that Gregoryisgodistan altered the National Anthem of San José Guayabal in a shameful way and caused anger among the Guayabalense fans that threw flares onto the pitch, delaying the start by ten minutes and also the red card to Fatty Footy because he attemped to crush some Guayabalense fans to death but he was "calmed" by Guayabalense fans who decided to abuse phisically of him until injuring him on his left leg shin, the game began and La Selecta seemed to not think twice and decided to start the game attacking and seeking to stifle Gregoryisgodistan, the footslaves began with the ball and seemed decided to advance in block toward the goal of Terrazas, but a neat sweep by Rudy Valencia end the attempt of History Teacher, who fell and got up to remonstrate angrily to Valencia, Valencia just ignored him and walked away from the player, and all that had passed in a moment of game and had to throw in for La Selecta, Valencia decided to make the pass ball to Núñez, who controlled the ball to the edge of the area to give pass to Faña, who were encouraged to test the reflexes Prune Farmer, who reacted appropriately and sent the ball to the corner, the first for the Selecta in a fairly early moment of the match, Rodolfo Zelaya would be responsible for kicking and went promptly to the head of Saucedo, who nodded and beat the goal of Prune Farmer, scoring an important goal for La Selecta, was barely two minutes and already They were up 0-1, it was literally a bucket of cold water for the home crowd that didn't expected such a fast goal by La Selecta, the home fans were angry and started throwing glass bottles to some of the 70,000 Guayabalenses that made the journey to Gregoryisgodistan, fortunately there were only five wounded but whose injuries were not serious, just being superficial cuts.

The Selecta had achieved a dream start and tried to keep it on the same pace for a while, or even better, put more pressure on the already demoralized Gregoryisgodistani defense, and it seemed it would be another opportunity to La Selecta, a large pass of Bregoo to Zelaya, where Zelaya had his shirt seized by Jorge Warlord and ultimately ripped his shirt, the referee gave the foul favor of Zelaya, Warlord was yellow carded and Zelaya changed his shirt quickly as he would be in charge of making the free kick, Zelaya was positioned as always is used to do, kicked with his right leg straight to the goal Prune Farmer, who was watching static how the shot of Zelaya crashed off the crossbar, Prune Farmer rushed to take the ball and drop to soil in order lose some time and slow down the momentum of La Selecta for at least a couple of minutes, the referee seemed ready to give a yellow card to Prune Farmer for time wasting but cleared in time to the midfield, all this happened in just six minutes.

San José Guayabal literally looked like a whirlwind when ahead to attack but ten minutes would not be only a monologue by La Selecta, Gregoryisgodistan also had their attempts to enhance a play goal in the eighth minute sought perform a counter attack The Farmer defense cleared the ball and threw it straight Death who made a good run with the ball but James Moreira was pierced in front and took the ball with relative ease, Moreira decided to move towards a little ahead of the midfield for give the ball Saucedo who decided to take the pressure Slave Catcher you performed, centered the ball to where it was Fraser and Zelaya was Zelaya who rose and took the goalkeeper came to the right post so he decided to change the path to the ball He sent his header to the left post, so he managed to score the second goal for La Selecta in just nine minutes, this was another devastating blow to the mood of the footslaves who looked stunned as Zelaya carried out provocations fans Gregoryisgodistan while celebrating his goal, Death Zelaya approached and tackled him in the wild, the referee expelled Gregoryisgodistan Death and was left with nine players and a full game ahead, Zelaya was shown the yellow card for obscene gestures towards the home crowd.

Although there were no goals in the entire first half, the action of the game was played mostly on the side of Gregoryisgodistan, with only nine players managed to stand strong in defense and prevent more goals by San José Guayabal in that period, two minutes after the goal, Faña managed dangerously close to the goal of Farmer Prune to finish directly into the body of this, avoiding a third goal for La Selecta, which showed persistent to find that coveted goal three minutes later succeeded Sean Fraser against surprise attack and defend Gregoryisgodistan with a shot from outside the area, Prune Farmer sent the ball to a corner, and the risk increased for Gregoryisgodistan when little Faña managed to give a header and almost scoring the third goal of the match, History Teacher managed to get the ball from the goal line in order to avoid effectively. Or the fans themselves Guayabalenses imagined such verticality in the game of Selecta but this we must add that in just ten minutes of play had already been expelled two players of Gregoryisgodistan, still attempts to attack from San José Guayabal They remained strong but there was always a defense Gregoryisgodistan goal that kept falling.

Abraham Terrazas celebrating the goal scored by Zelaya
at the 10th minute of the game vs Gregoryisgodistan at
Capital District.

It seemed that the incisive attack San José Guayabal but remained Gregoryisgodistan advantage that La Selecta had advanced too meters inside him, Xylocarp decided to throw long distance but Terrazas managed to stop the shot and send it to corner to avoid any kind of potential problems that may occur due to an unwanted ball or another kind of effect that may occur rebound, Who Cleans Up decided to make the corner and Xylocarp failed in giving the head, Terrazas came to try to clear the ball with his fists but he failed in the attempt, exposing the goal of La Selecta but fortunately the attempt Xylocarp caused no major problem as his shot went just wide to the side of the goal of Terrazas. And at that point we had reached the middle of the first time and what was observed was literally a monologue by San José Guayabal, who had cornered Gregoryisgodistan pass over the area and did not give them the opportunity to leave because the midfield La Selecta could retrieve the ball quickly but did not cause much trouble as he did early in the game, had eight shots on goal by La Selecta and just two of Gregoryisgodistan, a possession of 79% for La Selecta and just 21% for the footslaves, who had to conform to exploit one of the few opportunities that could cause during the course of the game.

La Selecta fans kept supporting as always, in an extremely passionate way and getting to the point of provoking Gregoryisgodistani fans, for thirty-two minutes, local fans threw sharp objects to Guayabalense fans but did not report more problem during that time, because it was reported that there were no injuries after the attack, as a revenge the Guayabalense fans decided to throw flares to the local fans and managed to burn approximately twelve people, causing second-degree burns to most in arms or chest, or even a case in which the hair of a woman was literally roasted to whom a seller threw water in order to safeguard her physical integrity. They are accidents that definitely we do not want to see but unfortunately occur in this case we know who cause it and those are the footslaves fans, the fans of La Selecta simply seek to defend themselves against the many abuses they receive from the Gregoryisgodistanis and their savage culture, but the fault is not of them, but who governs, that idiot who calls himself "god" is nothing but a person with a psychological complex of wanting attention and get their minute of fame by forcing innocent people to worship him in exchange for not murder, this kind of thing is simply outrageous. Returning to the level of football, what really matters more, for the last ten minutes of the game there was greater possibility to share a shot of Faña at the minute forty-three that went wide of the goal Prune Farmer, be aware that Faña is not the kind of player who shoots from a distance, but he is the typical player that seeks to address the defenders and beat them with its notorious ability to dribble and ball handling to the point that it seems that it is tied the ball at his feet.

With a two-goal lead in the first half, the Selecta seemed more relaxed when he came backstage to talk halftime, who were if tense were the players Gregoryisgodistan who noticed anxious, perhaps the leader of psychopaths he threatened death during halftime but in fact, they went looking worried and tension, particularly Prune Farmer and the pressure that is typical of a goalkeeper, meet a two-goal deficit in the first half when you're local and you play against your archrival is nothing pleasant and certainly Lord Almighty Greg would give me the reason in this situation, so in the second half, forced to look for a better result was Gregoryisgodistan, at least looking to score a goal for the honor or who knows if it would achieve a draw in time, although the mission would be difficult considering they have two players less and La Selecta had a dream night at the time. With all these ingredients, an excellent second half was what we were coming to all sports fans certainly would stress or nervousness when just starting the game.

The game began and indeed predictably, Gregoryisgodistan rushed from the start but timely actions from Rudy Valencia prevented Gregoryisgodistan to advance, Valencia was complying fully the role of being the destroyer of game opponent, avoid making progress and recovering the ball to attacks by La Selecta, within forty-eight minutes, Valencia gave a long throw towards Faña, who managed to take the pressure off the keeper and placed the empty net, this could have been the 0-3 for San José Guayabal but unexpectedly slipped Faña when kick and sent the ball out of the goal, a miracle for Gregoryisgodistanis who saw their chance of a decent game remained intact, but could not be so easily capitalized by his notable absences in their players who had been expelled for misconduct at some point of the game. Finally, after clearance of Prune Farmer, Soldier tried to shoot from long distance and surprised Terrazas who was out of the goal, the shot that Soldier did, came to the side of the net in an attempt to Guayabalense fans booed the way of pretending the nervousness that had suffered while the ball was in flight.

The game went on their way by the time, no opportunity occurred on the side of Gregoryisgodistan or on the side of La Selecta, the game had become a typical game in San José Guayabal vs Gregoryisgodistan, a game played in midfield with many failures and interruptions of the match, each ball will fight fiercely but these attempts always end up being useless for good work of recovery of the ball by both defenses or mid fields, it is a game of back and forth in the midfield and much strategy until sixty-third minute, Sean Fraser then a ball took a bad clearance by Prune Farmer and decided to run with his speed and feature towards the goal, succeeding in giving a pass to Zelaya who was pitifully a little wide and could not do anything more for taking illegal advantage of its position on the defensive, if the play had been performed as it should have been executed, this could have easily been 0-3 to San José Guayabal but unfortunately no it was, although there was more game ahead and any such eventuality could occur during the last twenty minutes.

After that attempt seemed that fans of La Selecta would calm more but is that about seventy minutes began one of the most stupid events that I have seen in my fucking life, a mock race between Lord Almighty Gregory and Queen Margaret I, where the above ran like crazy with the "Queen" was after "murdered" and the race was won by Gregory Lord Almighty, the winner of that race a slave as a "reward" would take. This show has been most embarrassing I've seen in my life, next to the ridiculous alteration suffered by the national anthem of San Jose Guayabal earlier in the same day, it was so stupid, yet outrageous that angered the Fans of La Selecta, who threw glass bottles and flares players Gregoryisgodistan Guy Who Cleans was hit by two rockets and suffered first-degree burns on his hands trying to grab them, had to be replaced by Slave Beater, police tried shoot the fans of La Selecta he had to choose the remedy of hide and seek refuge under the stairs of the enclosure, a sample of the cultural barbarity of that nation.

Five minutes later came the football response of San José Guayabal, Slave Beater came with danger danger to the area but Mattías Passarelli sweep to clear it and then send it to Sean Fraser who ran as he always used to do, Jorge Warlord came behind Fraser, tried to swept but Fraser avoided the sweep with a jump and approached the goal of Prune Farmer, Fraser came over against Prune Farmer and managed to avoid him so that after two steps he just finished off the empty goal and thus score the 0-3 to San José Guayabal and so completely mute the Lord Almighty Gregory National Stadium and make the goal crazed screams from the 70,000 Guayabalenses who traveled be heard in full, after hearing this, a boo was heard from local fans, the game was literally liquidated then already more than Gregoryisgodistan could hope at the time was the goal of honor, who made it 83 minutes with a header from Xylocarp after a corner, that way San José Guayabal had three decisive points for the aspirations of qualifying for the World Cup Finals,I don't want to say that this game was the best we ever had in our history but what I will say is that such a win was a good key for us to starting to open the door for a new World Cup Qualification.

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Now we move to the level of the World Cup Finals as such, we will talk about a very interesting draw in which most of the action will be on the side of The Royal Kingdom of Quebec but there is also an interesting group on the side of Apox, there are several nations that failed to qualify and deserved it but they will go to fight for redemption in our shores and in Latolisi ones too, but there are a group of nations that qualified for the first time as Ceni, Flardania, Zenic, Kernansquillec, is perhaps the first great wave of new since that happened in the World Cup 68 where eight or more nations were first timers, I think the draw for World Cup looks very interesting and promises many things, but it is time to analyze and talk a little more about our group, group C, where we do not have easy tell you, not easy but it is something that requires a titanic effort during the ninety minutes of the three-match group stage, whether it will require effort from La Selecta, now without further ado let's begin talking about our rivals.

Polar Islandstates

Nickname: The Terns
Manager: Morten Rasumussen
The Star: Moses Luc Bjerregard
Captain: Willem Otkupschikov
Ranking: 3rd
Accolades World Cup (x1), Copa Rushmori (x5), Di Bradini Cup (x1)

Polar Islandstates is the kind of team you do not want in your group of World Cup but hey, here they are and we must face them without fear, they will be difficult to overcome because of the kind of players they have, and that its quality has dropped dramatically in aspects such as the presence of league and its players in different leagues, nothing good but still retain a force to be respected. This team has previously won a World Cup that made them feel satisfied after falling defeated in the last two finals, we know that's not nice, losing two finals of the World consecutive Cup, at least they managed to win once, From that have failed to win but have managed to keep pretty solid in terms of how they manage to perform in this tournament, always make good participation until the previous edition and it's managed to stop from that moment where it seems that Polar Islandstates has subsided little by little, despite being a team that usually plays well on defense, is not necessarily a team that scores many goals, when the front is in a state of grace, take your soft drinks and snacks, sit as comfortable as you can and you’ll see them scoring a flurry of goals in the game, I think that description fits properly for what this team today.

Strengths: The tactical order and efficiency of this team is totally amazing, all players fulfilling their roles should be, to the letter, as I indicated Morten Rasmussen who incidentally is a football mastermind to make it to three glasses the consecutive world Cup win two Rushmori and achieve five World Cup semifinals, coupled with a very innovative style of game as it is "The Pythagorean" a fairly methodical strategy that includes plenty of physical force by the defense not give one second of freedom to think what to do, or to sweep away the ball player or pushed aside the role of the defense is a key player in the middle, Dardan is the player that enables freedom of movement and provides midfield Game creativity and fluidity that characterizes to The Terns order to provide good balls to Bjerregaard and Kruse who do not forgive when shoot at goal.

Another thing to mention is the experience of the team, with players like Dardan, Otkupshchikov, Kirkkegaard, and even Ulsletten, Bickerman. Ulsletten is truly a guarantee in goal for Polar Islandstates. Despite having only twenty appearances for his national team, playing the last full Rushmori Cup and win being the meanest goalkeeper is plenty to say, add more if he added to his unbeaten record did not receive a goal in all tournament is certainly something very interesting, that talent shown as goalkeeper during the tournament made him the one to replace the absence of Iulian Kirilaunen who decided to retire for reasons of age. A fast and reliable goalkeeper are characteristics that define the strength of Polar Islandstates, the goal.

Disadvantages: No powerful team, and Polar Islandstates is no exception and is a failure shown in different areas, first is the slowness of the team, besides Bjerregaard and Kruse have someone with surprising speed, is quite Strauss slow and can say that it is even slower than Passarelli, therefore an attack against this team can leave them naked and with ease to score you when Kirilaunen. Besides that Rasmussen is not a genius, because The Pythagorean has a manufacturing defect, defenders have roles do not give them too much mobility due to strict obedience to the rules so attack them in strange ways and force them to break their roles will be key, if you break their roles are taken to engage in a not very common for them field and that is why unaccustomed advantage is very important to take advantage of that advantage. Apart from that is the holes that players can leave as they move with the speed and surprise, is how Polar Islandstates put in a very vulnerable situation and beatable.

Verdict: Let's growing and they dive, and know and know how to play therefore does not intimidate us, even if we have already defeated once before and also tied, the poor state in which they are indicating that classification to the Round of 16 is in a high risk, so if they do not return to the level at which we were accustomed maybe are eliminated. In particular analysis, we can get a good result because they are in a tailspin, we are growing, and we take advantage of that growth, our speed and lack of adherence to a common system to make them fall into the trap of a different tempo and beat them, I think they will not qualify to the Round of 16 and we will achieve a 2-1 win.

[San Jose Guayabal]

OOC: Continues from the above post.

Schottia

Nickname: The Auks
Manager: Jane Gulie
The Star: Eoin Killanen
Captain: Gaston Avelione
Ranking: 46th
Accolades Di Bradini Cup (x1)

Schottia is one of the World Cup surprises in this time, they managed to qualify for the first time ever to a World Cup, they are the fourth seeds of our group but despite that some people could watch them as the Group C Cinderella, this is not a reason to take this match lightly, they could be a threat to the Guayabalense Hopes to reach the Round of Sixteen, we could have gotten a less challenging team but we did not and Schottia is challenging despite their low ranking compared to the rest of the teams in the World Cup and they have nothing to lose, so they might go with everything they have in order to show their best and who knows, why not grabbing a Round of Sixteen qualification on the first time in World Cup?

Personally, I couldn’t declare myself an expert in Schottic football but there are some things that I know and I have investigated about them, their game isn’t extremely offensive, it’s rather conservative and cautious, they use a 4-3-2-1 that ensures a decent amount of defenders when it is needed and extra backups when they plan to attack, they play conservatively but they always want to retain ball possession in order to avoid having problems coming from the rival and because they feel comfortable with the control of the ball, they like to distribute the game through the wings and try to give some crosses to the area, that game is the responsible of bringing them to World Cup against all odds, by beating Mertagne once and beating Krytenia twice, that’s fairly good if you are going to ask me, good when there was not a lot of people with hope on their team.

Strenghts: This kind of team who wants to have the control of the ball brings us as logical some good vibes at certain areas, one of them is their confidence in themselves, which I rate as a bit above the average because when they didn’t had a lot of hope from the fans and the press, they managed to trust in themselves and give it all in order to qualify and here are they. Their midfield is one of those advantages, Coultan, Avelione and Killanen have enough quality to be in leagues inside the top-20, specially Killanen, his ball control and game reading intelligence is admirable and far above the average, this guy has a lot of potential for the incoming years, don’t be surprised when you see Eoin Killanen signing for a top club, it’s something that will happen sooner or later, what they have on the bench isn’t bad, it’s an acceptable bench for a team of this level, though there are a couple of potential good players in the bench like Chris Gonzaö, Jenna Koemann, and the possible next big thing, Jonathan Bia.

Disadvantages: In my personal opinion, I think that the defense of the Schottic squad might not be the adequate one to this kind of competitions, why? I have seen that some of their players exceed when they want to use their physical resources when they try to win the possession of the ball or recover it, hence they are likely to get booked by the referee unless they have improved in how to act while trying to doing it, depends on that, the other disadvantage of the team is their lack of experience, this is not a huge reason but it’s important at this part of the cycle, because you need to know who are you facing, how is the environment and how to deal with the nerves of trying to win a game and getting deeper into the World Cup, we have four cycles and we don’t have finished to solve that issues, it requires a lot of time, Schottia has potential to the future but this World Cup won’t be so good for them.

Verdict: They will fight till the end for sure, this will be one of those teams that you will love to play against, they play extremely good despite their time of being together as a team, I sincerely like the Schottic way to play but that won’t be enough to pull out a good World Cup, they have nothing to lose, this edition will be a new adventure for them and they will use it to explore it for a future, they will learn to face this kind of situations fairly well, but they will be dangerous, as we consider that they will snatch some points from somebody, I hope that we won’t be that “somebody”, still I think that Schottia will finish last in the group and we will beat them 3-1.

Farfadillis

Nickname: La Vherderroja
Manager: Steffan Pekarik
The Star: Risko Kâí
Captain: Yurpá Mêndêlöíndçêl
Ranking: 11th
Accolades AOCAF (x2), Di Bradini Cup (x1)

Farfadillis has managed to achieve important things during the last cycles, improving their football league and their national team, creating also a brand new game style that it’s now a definition of what is Farf Football, insane offensive resources and a great display of physical strength in their players as the requirements of having such heavily attacking orientated tactical system, a team that has inspired confidence among their fans and some international media but there’s some skepticism among themselves considering that we have Polarians, Schottians and of course, ourselves in the group. Farfadillis is that kind of rival who wants to score always, it doesn’t matter that they have already scored four, they want more and more and more, they are crazy, special and unique, it’d be weird but I could compare the Farf football mentality with the one of a psychopath, they want more blood, and more blood but here is not about blood, here is about goals and that mentality is easily applicable here, if not, just see them playing anybody and how they react when they score more, it’s some sort of need of goals, they are insatiable, literally.

By what he have seen in the Farf media and in some commentaries of their players, the Farves seem a bit over optimistic this time as they think that if they beat us and Schottia and then qualify to the Round of 16, they will reach the finals, it’s true that the teams we or they could face in that stage are not complicated at all but having the chance to face Free Republics or Valanora in the Quarter Finals could knock them out of the World Cup unless they are in an extremely lucky mood, hence my first prediction is that they “could” reach the Round of 16, the key to eliminate them is in our hands, the second matchday game against them is key, it’s vital for both sides, hence I think that a tough game will be seen that day and of course, lots of goals.

Advantages: Their attacking mentality, as we know the Farves are world renowned by their extremely good goal scoring talents, their tactical system uses a 3-3-2-2, it seems that they have three defenders but that’s just the point of the iceberg, as they play in a more offensive variant of that system, the midfielders from both sides work together with the wingers and their roles might be similar sometimes, then there are two offensive midfielders and two strikers who are quite in depth in the rival’s defense zone, their philosophy is plain simple: the best defense is the attack because by attacking the rival they can seize them and keep control of them and avoid a proper generation of attacking plays by them. The main pillar from this system is their centerback and the defensive midfielder who are the ones who receive the biggest physical burden in the game, they are the only ones that are responsible to keep the defense going on and the fullbacks and wingbacks who defend but their role isn’t too significant considering the attacking nature of the system used by the Farves, the two offensive midfielders are the ones responsible of the creation of the important action of the game as they impulse the team forward to attack and keep it running as we know, they go through the center while the wingers are the once who give the vertical sense of the game for the Farves. Finally, the strikers are in charge to provide the dose of lethality inside the box. One plays a more supporting role, while the other is an out-and-out striker.

Strenghts: As we have said earlier, it’s obvious that their strong points are: attacking, attacking, attacking… attacking, attacking and attacking, to the point that their game could became boring because having action in just one side is not exciting, still, their offensive capacity is obvious, having players like Risko Kâí and José Torino Fuego is a threat to any defense, especially if you have too many players to feed them with good balls and attempts to score, Risko’s the key of the Farf team, great at finding spaces, and playing without the ball, he possesses an ability that few people possesses it in the world, not good at jumping or heading balls but whatever, he can score in another ways while Fuego is extremely clinical to finish the plays and score, his talent is noticeable mainly because he exploits till the end his dribble and positioning in the pitch.

Disadvantages: Lack of quality in their defense could be fatal if you know how to deal with this team properly, despite there are attacking minded players on the defense like Cleto Mata and Ivaktör Bârr and this ones at the same time performing a good duo at the time of defending, this is not their field and they aren’t adapted to being defending, hence they are bad at the defense, you can counter attack them but they are fast, so the best idea to attack this squad is going slowly but not too slowly, being cautious is a key here to make damage in the defense, or being faster than them and be extremely clinical at any chance in order to score as most as possible to them.

Verdict: They will certainly go past the Group stage as group winners and they will leave us in second place! but they will just reach the Round of Sixteen, regarding our match, expect lots of goals in it as we will see how two offensive minded teams will face themselves, one of them is predictable while La Selecta isn’t too predictable, the key will be playing extremely physical on them but avoiding being provoked by one of them, just try to set conditions on them in the margins of the rules, we have a decent chance against them and I think we will snatch a tie, a 4-4 against them and both they and us will go to the Round of 16!

[Audioslavia]

In Zenic of Time
Omaexevarria repays Imaslavii's trust with last-ditch winner

When Imaslavii recalled Gaizka Omaexevarria into the Bulls squad for the World Cup finals, it wasn't even meant as a starting role, let alone as a bringer of goals, and yet Omaexevarria did just that in the dying seconds of Audioslavia's opening match against Zenic.

Lord only knows what instructions Imaslavii gave to his caretaker manager, Jeremy Jaffacake, before the game, regarding tactics, substitutions and the like. Jaffacake, filling in for the suspended Imaslavii on the touchline, had possibly hoped he was to be in for a quiet evening. Zenic went out of their way to make it as difficult as possible.

Zenic's wing players had given the Bulls' full-backs all sorts of problems in an opening twenty minutes punctuated with repeated successful attempts from Daniel and Oliver Barnsley to get the ball past the full-backs, up to the by-line across the face of the Audioslavian goal. It was one such attempt that yielded the opening goal, with Seok Kun-Woo arriving at the back post to curl a first-time finish past Patterick for 1-0.

Zenic had deserved their lead, but found it cruelly cut short just three minutes later after a botched Gottfried clearance ricocheted off the shoulder-blades of Janos Hufschmied, allowing the ball to bounce kindly for Espiridon Caszely, who looped the bouncing ball over Bart Sagan (horribly out of position, having mistakenly expected Kolman Gottfried to be capable of a bog-standard clear-your-lines punt) for 1-1.

Audioslavia weathered the storm for the rest of the first half, and noticeably grew into the game in the second - something Caretaker Jaffacake attributed to '[his] own unique brand of motivational powers' but is something normally associated with the average level of stamina of most Audioslavian footballers. Caszely almost added his second goal on the hour with a crisp strike which Sagan had to tip past the post, before a towering Kryznjak header rattled the Zenic crossbar on sixty-five minutes.

It wasn't all one way traffic, though, and Audioslavian hearts leapt into Audioslavian mouths on eighty minutes as substitute Henry Wallace beat his man, stepped inside and curled a beautiful effort past the flailing arms of Patterick only to see his effort pitch agonizingly off the foot of the far post and bounce across the face of goal to be cleared by a backtracking Omaexevarria.

The big Audioslavian midfielder, at thirty-three years of age, may have expected to have been substituted late on in the game, but Jaffacake instead pulled Hufschmied from the midfield when he threw on a third striker in the form of Apexarena. Apexarena's contribution was vital, providing the cross for Omaexevarria to bury into the bottom corner in the ninety-first minute of the game.

Audioslavia, then, are off to a winning start in the World Cup. The next match is the big one: Audioslavia versus major rivals Krytenia, Jaffacake in one dugout, Rami Niblick in the other. Audioslavia will be fighting for the chance to book their second-round place before the tricky tie against hosts Quebec. Krytenia will be fighting to stay in the tournament. It's bound to be the very definition of a cracker.

[Flardania]

大会で奇跡！
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Sports in Review | Kirishinan Broadcasting Corporation

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Takeru Saotome on Left, Himawari Park on Right

News Intro

TS:Welcome to Sports in Review on the KBC Network, I'm Saotome Takeru

HP: And I am Park Himawari

TS: And today we-, um Himawari?
*Takeru looks at Himawari as she looks like she in a trance as this is heard in the background and the camera steadily zooms in on Himawari*
TS: Are you okay-

HP:Shh Shh take it easy, Just get yourself comfortable. Are you warm?

TS: Uh I guess we are-

HP:Good

TS:Um.....

HP:It's a good thing you feel warm.......... and safe
*Heavy Breathing until camera suddenly pans out*

HP: Because the Kitsunes Qualified for the World Cup for the first time on only it's third cycle and while ranked 86th!
*Himawari strikes a pose as CGI of confetti exploding appears on screen*

TS:*Takeru Laughs* You had me a little worried there Himawari, but yes it's true folks the Kitsunes will not be heading to the Cup of Harmony as they manage to win a dominating show on the road after a home loss to win there playoff match with an aggregate score of 3-4!

HP: You right but once again what did I say since day one Takeru? I said we would be dark horses in qualifiers and we did it! Which also means I won't be fired!
*Himawari laughs*

TS: *Takeru shakes his head smiling* Yes you did get it right and the scene in Carialus was electric for the Kitsunes supporters at least.

HP:It was a historic match as somebody was going to make it to the World Cup proper for the first time but if you expected Carialus to advance then no one could fault you for thinking like that. Carialus was ranked 51st to our 86th and they won on the road 1-0 looking ready to close shop at home......

TS:Which is why the higher ranked team get's that home field advantage which it's not like they let the homefield advantage slip as they played well but Yabuta who was held scoreless last time scored two goals in the past match while Ako Izumi and Josuke Ichikawa split the remaining two goals. Miyoko Hojo was being assaulted in the goal but she seemed to have gained valuable experience to keep the game in Kirishima's favor. Also notable players whose feats did not come up on the stat sheet were Sayo Matsuoka, Pandazi Papadopulos with an assist, Koharu Miyamoto with an assist along with a couple of tackles, Ayame Fujisaka and Claire Nguyen both doing outstanding defensively. But....

HP:But now that we are in the cup we must remember the virtue of patience, it was patience with Kyosuke's coaching last World Cup and taking each game one by one while accepting that we dark horses. We fight our best because we are always expected to lose so we have nothing to lose. Which is the strength for this team.

TS: Exactly and our efforts this cup has been recognize with the committee lifting our ranking from 86th to 57th but things do not get easy despite that as we have to face 35th ranked Electrum, 22nd ranked host Apox, and 9th ranked Valanora. It is clear that this is not our year but it's okay.

HP: Exactly because we are looking down the line, it's our patience that has brought us here and it is patience that will soon and eventually get us a round of 16 appearance.

TS: There is one other thing as well....

HP: Oh yea of course every nation thinking that Papadopulos is our best player just because he is the captain and plays oversees and not the truth which is being the oldest and most experienced player on the team.

TS: Bingo, this leaves Joseph Yabuta and Ako Izumi free to do there thing which led to a few upsets. This tournament Kirishima will probably try to scrape some points before be eliminated and Kirishima final rank may lie some where in the sixties.

HP:*sigh* I hope it doesn't go much lower and we are able to get some points.

TS: So do I, For those at home games can be seen on Nagatomo Sport Network (NSN) and Saito Broadcast Channel (SBC) in Japanese or French. Tune in to Seupocheu Broadcast Network (SBN) for Korean. For those seeking English broadcast check local network listings.

HP: That's it so far for Sports in Review, I have been Park Himawari

TS: And I've been Saotome Takeru. Good Luck Kitsunes.

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[Ceni]

Part two of two.
Part 1


A map is located here for those unfamiliar with Cenian geography.

Senate seats distribution; CSLP = yellow, DSP = red, CCU = blue, Greens = green

Dover
The region of Dover - previously regarded as a more conservative district - proved to be more competitive this election cycle as the CSLP mounted an effort to tie the Cenian Conservative Union to a wide range of unpopular policies, including stances on businesses and monopolies. In a recurring theme, CSLP candidate Tom Merasska tried to paint charismatic CCU incumbent Maureen Mundi as in the pocket of the millionaires and billionaires, while Mundi ran as what she called a pragmatic conservative – for all intents and purposes, in another country, she’d be running as a center left candidate. The battle was decided in two main areas – the southern exurbs of New Oxford, which tend to vote liberal and the southern suburbs around the city of Dover, which tend to vote conservative. As Election Day approached, Mundi mounted an excellent campaign painting Merasska as “too liberal” for voters, while Merasska tried to counter the charges by pointing to his moderate credentials. However, Mundi had that point down pat, successfully defusing Merasska’s points. As Election Day came and went, the CSLP was unable to convince the northern exurbanites to vote in enough numbers, while the CCU successfully mobilized its base in the south. In the end, though, the election proved to be fairly competitive between the CSLP and the CCU, but Mundi parlayed her successful campaigning and her popularity into a scant victory, with a score of 5.742 to Merasska’s 5.402. The DSP’s and Greens’ candidates, however, proved only to be also-rans, with scores of 4.764 and 3.235, respectively. The CCU’s senatorial candidate, Tyria Noscondra, proved to be somewhat more successful than Mundi, carrying home a score of 6.458 compared to the CSLP’s Hiram Rogocki’s 5.629 (both scores, incidentally, were higher than their respective party’s gubernatorial scores).

Las Moras
The Las Moras election proved a little bit different from the general trend in the north as the DSP took the governorship and one of the Senatorial seats. Estefania Quirós of the Green Party hoped to continue her party’s sweep of the Northern governorships, and as Election Day progressed, it looked like she had a lock on the governor’s seat, as she had run an excellent campaign, focusing on climate change and social justice for the people of the north, including immigration policy. However, her social policy, in favor of abortions and women’s rights, did knock down her rating a couple of points in Las Moras, one of the more Catholic areas of Ceni, while it did not appear to do so in other Northern districts. Meanwhile, the CSLP, wary of this, nominated Noemi Capello, who appeared to be in tune with the electorate’s views on most of the issues, but in campaigning, appeared a bit skittish, nervous, and shy, a mark against her in a district where voters love to talk and chat about the issues of the day. Above the CSLP-Green battle for Catholic votes, however, the DSP’s Juan Pablo Escamilla wowed voters on economic issues and social justice, promising a more effective welfare and healthcare system, stealing thunder from Capello and Quirós, both of whom seemed to be ignoring Escamilla in their drawn-out battle against each other. Escamilla earned further marks with voters with his refusal to go negative, only talking about his own points; his speaking style and penchant to go out and talk with voters also didn’t hurt. On Election Day, this did help him to sneak up from behind the two quibbling candidates, winning with a score of 6.478. Capello barely edged out Quirós, winning an average of 5.902 compared with the latter’s 5.588.

Newcastle, Southpoint, Westgreen
The Newcastle, Southpoint, and Westgreen elections might all be lumped together for one reason: Conservative candidates trumped candidates of all three liberal parties, who ran mostly unknown candidates. For liberals and conservatives alike, these less populous districts in Ceni’s south, farther away from the urban megalopolises of New Oxford, City Centre, and Cenial and the Latino Northern districts, are about the opposite of those northern districts, and it was no surprise that the liberal candidates failed to mount an effective challenge to any of the CCU’s candidates. In fact, any publication that tried to analyze these three districts separately would have much trouble finding different things to say about all of them. In Newcastle, the populist millionaire businessman Johnny Menuk won over conservative hearts and minds with his talk about his ability to stay independent, winning an average of 7.828, compared to the CSLP’s 3.328, the DSP’s 2.007, and the Greens’ 2.220. In Southpoint, Conservative candidate Alex Vendar, a populist, anti-immigrant, anti-SLU politician, crushed all opposition (figuratively), winning with a score of 8.870 (the highest all night, in fact). The CSLP, DSP, and Greens had scores of 2.739, 2.016, and 2.216, respectively, barely even getting themselves on the board there. In Westgreen, the hard-to-place candidate Melissa Vlandril (with some positions marking her as a moderate, some as a far-right conservative) also won an easy victory, although the Greens mounted a surprisingly successful opposition. Vlandril marked an 8.711, while the Greens marked a 4.454; the CSLP and DSP recorded scores of 3.013 and 3.823, respectively. On the senatorial front, the Conservatives won all 5 seats on offer easily, with no candidate from any part able to mount a successful challenge to the CCU’s dominance of this region. After this election, it seems that this dominance will continue in the south.

Nova Ascea
Nova Ascea proved one of the more surprising elections as the Green's candidate, Eliana Silva, upset a more established CSLP candidate Adrián Belmonte Castillo, an experienced City Councillor and popular ward politician. Perhaps her election was even a shock to the Green candidate, who apparently rode the Green wave in the North to victory. Silva went to bed a loser and woke up a winner, or so she said. In the campaign stages of the election here in Nova Ascea, however, one would have thought Belmonte Castillo would win in a landslide - he capitalized on his personal popularity, good positions on the issue, and an excellent, scrappy campaigning style to build up a huge lead in polling before the election. However, Silva, a University Professor of the Environment with no political experience, broke into the polls with an excellent speech on the issue of climate change. Suddenly, her support rocketed up as voters saw in Silva a chance of a victory on the issues. Silva's passionate campaigning, too, won voters, and her political advocacy with environmental groups gave her an image of more political experience to voters. Probably most importantly, Silva's candidacy was helped by a general Green wave in the North, helped by Sevisa Aralen's passionate advocacy for her cause in her presidential campaign and the Latino voters' latent support of Green issues - notably climate change, green issues, and social justice - that had previously been untapped by a successful Green candidate. Finally, on Election Day, the appeal of the underdog only added to Silva's average vote, and she, surprisingly, beat the experienced Belmonte Castillo, 6.387 to 6.272. It certainly was a close, but unexpected, victory, for Silva. However, voters showed that Silva's success was more than just a fluke by electing Greens to both of Nova Ascea's Senate seats over candidates less experienced than the popular Belmonte Castillo, who has said that he'll try again for another office the next election cycle.

Sanguesa
Jenny Avana Marina continued the Green sweep of the North in the district of Sanguesa, but in a less interesting campaign than that of Santiago de Ceni, definitely. The CSLP ran the little-known Xavier Lopez, a professor of history from the University there, who had some interesting positions on social issues; the DSP ran Olivia Reyes, also, incidentally, an University professor of archaeology at the Sanguesa University. Avana Marina, by contrast, was a scientist with an environmental outreach group. On the face of it, none of the candidates really had much name recognition, so much of the early time of the campaign was spent building up a campaign base. Avana Marina succeeded the most in winning voters' minds and hearts over in those early stages, talking about her background as a scientist and her views on climate change, which lent credibility to her campaign. In contrast, Lopez and Reyes seemed a little eccentric to the average voter, Lopez more so than Reyes. However, Reyes did run a passionate campaign about her pet issue, an increase in funds for archaeology, which at the same time attracted and repelled voters, attracting them because of her passionate stance, repelling them because of the weirdness and obscurity of the issue. Ultimately on election day, Avana Marina's background and clean, robust campaign, along with the Greens' excellent track record in the north, helped to carry the day with the voters of Sanguesa. Voters sent her to the State House with a score of 6.362, compared to Lopez's average-ish (and a little disappointing for the CSLP) 5.088 and Reyes's 6.009. In the Senate, voters again turned to the Greens, sending the Green candidate Esther Martinez to the Senate chamber, as well as one of the DSP's two candidates; the CSLP was nowhere near close to getting a Senate seat in this district.

Santiago de Ceni
Voters in Santiago de Ceni sent mixed messages about the direction they want Ceni to go but the Greens emerged victorious in the Santiago de Ceni governor's elections. Monica Santos Bosque of the Greens eventually triumphed after a long and drawn-out campaign fought be representatives of all three major liberal parties. Félix Cristóbal Vásquez of the DSP, a popular socialist Councillor, faced similar problems to Adrián Belmonte Castillo in the westerly Nova Ascea: the Greens exploited a latent preference for action on climate change and social justice. Despite these potential problems for the DSP's candidacy, the DSP thought he had an advantage over Bosque in his continued championing of programs for the poor and other social programs. The Greens, however, knocked that arrow out of the DSP's arsenal by successfully adding climate change and clean energy to their social program policy, and Bosque of the Greens, too, had experience as a popular Councillor in the district, and she won praise for her down-to-earth campaigning style and response to the needs of her constituents. The CSLP, on another hand, sought to dominate Santiago de Ceni like they had in the SLU Parliament elections earlier this year, but apparently didn't see an affair in the cards of their candidate Ernesto Díaz, who came crashing down to earth from his lofty platform of confidence after the affair was revealed. This was anathema to the largely socially conservative voters in Santiago de Ceni, who, despite being a little more liberal on these issues than the rest of the north, punished Díaz for his infidelity on Election Day. Up until that incident, however, all three candidates campaigned well on the issues and on personalities, with the election being one of the toughest gubernatorial elections of the night. However, Bosque, riding the Green wave of Election Day, just squeaked above the equally experienced and equally popular Vásquez of the DSP, triumphing with a 6.928, higher than Vásquez's score of 6.697. Díaz's infidelity sent him down to a 5.901, nonetheless higher than Obiid Valtan's score in the region, indicating that Díaz retained some of his popularity in the region. In the Senate, however, voters seemed to like the CSLP's candidate Heraclio Arriola, who has a charming and witty personality, sending him to the Cenian capital with a score of 7.152. Voters, though, also sent one DSP candidate and one Green candidate to the Cenian capital this time, indicating that personalities are as much an issue in this district as the policies of the candidates.

Whitehaven
If Ceni had any swing districts, Whitehaven would be one – although probably not for long. While the district does have a large portion of exurbs from Cenial and New Oxford in the North, the suburbs of Whitehaven and Dover in the South do exert a conservative influence. However, the CSLP has been focusing some efforts to turn this district more reliably liberal in the future, and by next election, their efforts will likely have succeeded. In spite of this goal, though, the CSLP will have to wait until then, for the CCU’s moderate, and popular, incumbent Sharon Swift just barely held off CSLP challenger Keth Solan, who ran on a moderately liberal platform in order to appeal to more conservative interests. Swift’s policies, though, were liberal enough to appeal to the people living in the northern areas of the district, allowing her to win extra points, which proved valuable during the election. In the campaign, Solan lost a couple of marks with voters for stumbling during the debates, while Sharon Swift continued to speak clearly and forcefully for her pragmatic and moderate platform, which called for a reform of welfare but also a less right-wing immigration policy. Swift’s approach succeeded, with the CCU holding on to the Governor’s house. Swift won the election with a 6.053 rating, while Solan only managed a 5.445. However, the CSLP did find some solace in the fact that Obiid Valtan beat Kara Thirmen in the Presidential election here, and the CSLP’s Reylan Annunaki proved charismatic enough to win one of the district’s two Senate seats. The CCU, however, did win the other with a 0.6 point difference, indicating that the CSLP does still have some work to do in order to make this district more liberal in the future.

[The Royal Kingdom of Quebec]

World Cup Finals Group Stage MD1

Ladies and gents, Unleash the avalanche of your fans' cheers!

[Starblaydia]

"...the World Champions in full control over Starblaydia here at the Blue Point Stadium in St. John's," the SBC commentator continued in his smooth, practiced voice, "leading three-nil with a quarter of an hour to play. Lucas Cable is trying to direct traffic on the touchlines, trying to urge his players on against Pasarga in front of nearly eighty thousand people."

"The thing is, Jino," his analyst commentary partner broke in, picking up the slack, "that Starblaydia haven't even been that bad over the seventy-odd minutes so far - Pasarga have just been better."

"Three goals that you have to say, Paulo, were well taken and well deserved, given the amount of shots the Wanderers have had to their name. I've counted seventeen so far, with only five of them on target. They look nervous, if anything. Inèz van Stiphout has knocked two in, along with a goal bundled in at the third time of asking by Oszlár in the middle of a goalmouth scramble, which says as much about how this game is going as anything else."

"Exactly," Paulo agreed, with the slightest twinge of humour in his voice. "World Champions shouldn't have to do goalmouth scrambles. They've been nervous all game, and are still trembling even at three-nil up. There's just no confidence to their play, possession or even shooting."

"That's wasteful from Mattarino," Jino broke back in to continue the action, "Vaino Nieminen was never going to reach that. Possession given up with a throw-in to Pasaga in their right back position. Back to the 'keeper from Randákov- but Catanneo's chasing it into the six yard box! And it's in off Catanneo!"

A cry, even with his mic away from his mouth, of "Di Bradini's ghost!" is heard in the background from Paulo over the roars of the Starblaydi crowd

"Goal given - ridiculous!" Cries Jino. "Carmella Catanneo chased the lazy throw in all the way back into the six yard area and Bognár Lukacs tried to clear it but Catanneo was too quick and blocked the long kick straight into the back of the net! Pasarga Three, Starblaydia One, with just under fourteen minutes remaining."

"They're standing around in disbelief, the Pasargans," Paulo pointed out vehemently, "heads in their hands, they've just bottled it. Now's their chance, push on and grab another before they've realised what's happening."

"Pasargan fans silenced, players dejected, and it's only three-one!" Jino said with more than a little unprofessional glee. "We're back underway from the kick-off as Pasarga pass it around the midfield. It's one-touch football, but no-one seems to want it."

"They're rattled,they're j- oof!"

Paulo was interrupted by a crunching tackle from Marco Lopez on Császár Mór, clearly cleaning out the ball first, but his sliding challenge carried his body through the standing leg of the Spartangrad midfielder. The referee's arms shot out in front of him, whistle firmly in his hand.

"Play on!" Jino stated excitedly. "Silva collects the ball, Mór still in a heap, charging forward now, five on four, Edge of the penalty area- has a crack himself! Pushed away by Lukacs for a corner. And just listen to that Starblaydi half of the crowd, roaring them on."

"There's a few neutral voices in there too, I think."

"Maybe so," continued Jino, feeling the flow of the game, the noise of the crowd and, if he would admit it, his own heartrate racing, "as Nieminen comes over to take the corner, an outswinger from his right foot most likely. Bit of pushing and shoving in the box as the big Starblaydi target men arrive: Al-Hashem, Cayden and Lopez. One arm goes up for the signal and it is the outswinger, missing all the heads in the centre and collected by Rodriguez, who cuts inside, edge of the penalty area and curls a beauty! Into the top corner!"

Jino and Paulo both say nothing for the next few moments, letting the pictures do all the talking for them. Starblaydia's captain, Kai Rodriguez, runs straight into the goal and picks up the ball, turning to run back to the halfway line. For a moment his team-mates rush to engulf him in wild celebrations, but they know his mind. Get the kick-off done quickly, keep them rocking, keep up the pressure. Jason Copeland, jogging along beside his captain, turns to the crowd and pumps his fist in the air. Three-Two. Ten minutes remaining.

"A fantastic strike, worthy of World Champions themselves," Paulo says proudly.

"It was a peach of a curler," Jino agreed, "right into the top corner with pace, power and precision. Game on here in Quebec!"

And what a game it would prove to be. Lowly Starblaydia, ranked 30th out of the 32 teams present in the World Cup, would go on to score one more goal against the World Champions and best team in the world: Jerry Irvine was on the end of a lovely one-two passing move with Derek Williams that cut through the Pasargan back line and left Irvine one-on-one with the keeper, neatly chipping it just over Lukacs' right shoulder to nestle in the back of the net.

The Starblaydi celebrations went on long into the night; if they could put three past the Champions, what fear would Turori or Valladares hold for them now? They had proved their point, they had given Pasarga a draw that felt like a defeat to the world's number one ranked side. Starblaydia would not go quietly out at the Group Stage without a even whimper. Instead they would move on to Prince Laurent Island to face Turori with renewed confidence and vigour that they, too, could take points off and even beat the bottom-of-the-group Eels, with the Second Round looking tantalisingly close to those with an optimistic view.

[Saintland]

Leadership Debates for the First Sanctii General Election

Andreas Epidius - Welcome to the First Ever Parliamentary Leadership Debates! I am Andreas Epidius, anchor of the Nightly News, and I will be moderating tonight's debate. Let me start by introducing our candidates. First off, representing Veritas, Andreas Usurpus!

Andreas Usurpus - I resent that name, Mr. Epidius for I am the rightful King of Saintland. As most of you know, I was anointed as your King by the legitimate Patriarch after he excommunicated my heretical brother Petrus. I demand that I be treated with the proper respect.

Andreas Epidius - I'm sorry, Mr. Usurpus, but I have to cut you off early. We will not have any seditious or libelous statements regarding our Sovereign at this debate. If you persist in this path, well, I'm sure your commanding officer will be watching this debate and I'm sure he won't appreciate seeing you disgrace the Royal Army in this manner.

The former "King" Andreas had been conscripted into the Army following his brother's return to power, stripped of his position in the Royal Family and assigned the surname Usurpus to remind everybody that he had been a usurper.

Andreas Epidius - Second, it is my pleasure to introduce Censorina Polus of Feministvs Sanctvsterra:

Censorina Polus - Thank you, Mr. Epidius. As our candidate for Prime Minister of Saintland, I have accepted the great burden of leading our party into the general election. I want to begin this debate by clarifying that most of what you may have heard about our organization is untrue. We are not against the Church or its values. Indeed, the goal of our party is to include women in every area in our society so that we may work to civilize our men and make our institutions more Christ-like. We want a society built around compassion for the poor and the helpless and we want a society in which men are held to the same moral standards that we expect out of women. We are not out to destroy the Throne or the Altar but rather to sanctify them and make them truer to the principles for which they stand. That is the goal of our organization and we want your support.

Andreas Epidius - Finally, let me introduce former MVP of the Gridiron League and star running back for the National Gridiron Team, Andreas Tuccius. Mr. Tuccius is the candidate for Prime Minister from the Futurum Party.

Andreas Tuccius - I want to thank Mr. Epidius for moderating this debate and I want to thank our King for permitting us to choose our own destiny. Petrus, I truly believe that your legacy will be as great as that of King Josephus X when all is said and done. As the leader of Futurum, I want you to know that you can rely upon me to advance reasonable reform in keeping with our traditions. Just as it is dangerous to continue clinging to outdated ways, so I believe that it is harmful to change things too rapidly. Therefore, we believe that only reforms compatible with our best traditions and in keeping with the spirit of Iesus Christus should be adopted. We believe that Saintland must continue to set a good example for the rest of the multiverse while remaining relevant in modern times.

Andreas Epidius - Now, let us turn to the question of women in the workforce. Miss Polus, do you believe that a woman should be allowed to work, so long as her job does not interfere with her child rearing responsibilities?

Censorina Polus - Absolutely. While we here at Feministvs Sanctvsterra revere our own mothers are are thankful for everything that they have done for us, we believe that women can do more to serve God and our Kingdom than merely take care of children and the home. We believe that women should be encouraged to work, so that they can keep an eye on men and their mischievous ways.

Andreas Epidius - Mr. Usurpus, I put the same question to you: Should women be permitted to work outside of the home?

Andreas Usurpus - Absolutely not. A woman's place is in the kitchen, barefoot and, if it be God's Will, pregnant. They simply have more important things to do than pretending to be men!

Andreas Tuccius - I take offense with the answer by the candidate from Veritas. Of course, women should be permitted to work outside of the home in a limited capacity! At Futurum, we believe that women should be permitted to work a maximum of 20 hours per week, while their children are at school, in jobs that are suitable for the character of women.

Censorina Polus wisely decided to hold her tongue. She hadn't been expecting Futurum to support women in the workforce at all, so she figured it was best to leave well enough alone rather than alienate potential coalition partners and come off as angry to the voters. There was no live crowd at the debate, as King Petrus did not want to give a thousand or so people the opportunity to unduly influence the perceptions of the nation.

Andreas Epidius - Moving on, the next question regards the economy. Mr. Usurpus, What would you do to improve our economy and reduce our nation's chronic unemployment?

Andreas Usurpus - My top priority as Prime Minister would be to eliminate unemployment by eliminating the minimum wage and imposing an individual job mandate upon every adult man living in the Kingdom. Any adult man who shirks his duty to work ought to be forced to perform menial labor, even if he is a member of the Royal Family.

Andreas Epidius - Isn't that a little bit hypocritical coming from you, seeing as you are a former member of the Royal Family?

Andreas Usurpus - Mr. Epidius, you had best watch your tone with your betters.

Andreas Epidius - I'll remember to do that, Your Majesty.

Epidius said the words "Your Majesty" in a sarcastic tone...

Andreas Tuccius - May I answer the question?

Andreas Epidius - Go ahead.

Andreas Tuccius - Futurum considers economic growth our top priority and we want to make the Kingdom of Saintland an attractive location for foreign investment. We believe that, with an effort to modernize our infrastructure and with the adoption of the right tax incentives, we can attract foreign capital to our shores and bring booming economic and population growth to our Kingdom.

Andreas Epidius - Miss Polus, what plans does Feministvs Sanctvsterra have to improve the economy?

Censorina Polus - First of all, we want to draw upon the talents of our nation's women in addition to those of our men. Second, we want to ensure that the entire Kingdom gets to share in God's Bounty. As we seek to grow our economy, we must remain mindful of the importance of maintaining relative equality of economic outcome amongst our people. Most of our candidates have experienced life in societies where income inequality is rampant and we do not want to import that into our Godly nation. As Iesus taught us, worldly riches are nothing compared to heavenly riches and we must permit greed and covetousness to run rampant in our society.

---

The debate continued onward in much the same vein, with Andreas Usurpus making a complete fool of himself and the other 2 candidates putting on strong showings. Analysis of Sanctii social media the following day showed that most Sanctii women thought Feministvs Sanctvsterra's Censorina Polus had won the debate while most Sanctii men thought Andreas Tuccius had won the debate. Most Sanctii viewers watched Feministvs Sanctvsterra's soccer team defeat Barunia prior to the debate on goals by Ursula Epidius and Silvia Allectus, both assisted by Olivia Florius. Things were looking up for Feministvs Sanctvsterra...

[Kandorith]

---

Huangzhou Doesn't Seize to Amaze


Kandorith 4–2 Equestrian States

Where Kandorith was already on top notch level by qualifying as the first of their group, Huangzhou's Red Dragons have outdone themselves again. Where even Huangzhou said it would be normal to draw to Equestrian states, as the focus is on Osarius; Kandorith did something completely upsetting. Earlier in the qualifiers Kandorith did draw twice to Equestrian States, but now that the stakes are even higher the team seems to have found new motivation to beat anything in their way. Kandorith has shown an awesome display on their first World Cup finals group match. With their first victory in the bag, Kandorith is looking at their most positive performance ever.


Equestrian States has been the thorn in Huangzhou's side to Kandorith's otherwise perfect qualification matches, but it seems he has settled the score now. As Kandorith is to face Osarius next, all eyes are on the Kandorese defense and midfield. Osarius is a force to be reckoned with, as they are one of the best performing teams in the World Cup. Huangzhou already said he would be aiming for a draw against the Osarius side; but would not rule out Kandorith trying to get an upsetting win out of it. When aiming for the draw, Kandorith can play it safe; Huangzhou already mentioned. And with that the Kandorese Red Dragons are looking to secure their expected second place spot in the group stage. Might Kandorith draw in the group match, it will be the most successful World Cup campaign to date, as the are expected to beat Abanhfleft and become the runner ups of the group. How Kandorith will perform in reality all depends on the atmosphere and the discipline of the team itself; which so far has been far above expectation.

---

(Home)Kandorith vs Osarius(Away)

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Substitutes
GK - N^o 24: SEIJI Sakabara
GK - N^o 25: KEIXÍAN Han
LB - N^o 6: SUYING Shin
CD - N^o 8: HUÁN Jun
CD - N^o 14: MING-HUA Te
RB - N^o 16: SHANYUAN Lee
CDM - N^o 11: MURAKAMI Mitsuhare
LM - N^o 13: OKHA Eiichi
RM - N^o 20: XIN Zihao
CAM - N^o 21: QÍNG Weimin
ST - N^o 22: MADATO Xien-kan
ST - N^o 23: QEILAN Zhu

Starting eleven
GK - N^o 1: JIANJIN Tuan
LB - N^o 3: XIAN Shilin
CD - N^o 5: XIEXIE Tian
CD - N^o 7: LUNG Mara
RB - N^o 9: MAO Zhénsheng
CDM - N^o 4: TAIJI Moto
LM - N^o 12: KEILÁNG Xie
RM - N^o 15: SHAN Xiaobo
CAM -N^o 10: XÍMÍN Chosi
ST - N^o 19: MÉNG Zeijí
ST - N^o 17:MINGZHENG Shéng

---

[Krytenia]

Why Did It Have To Be Bulls?
by Trevor O'Carroll in St.John's

WELL, of course it was going to happen. One does not simply have a match with Audioslavia. One must pay the price, a portion of one's soul, to pour into the game. For Krytenia, tomorrow, it's do or die. For their opponents, it's simply do.

Credit, of course, goes to the Quebecois defence that got us into this situation in the first place. There are few teams in the world that can cope with the attacking threat of the "Flying Vs" - Valrauncion and van Rijn - especially with wunderkind Armando Ortega pulling the strings. The R.K.Q., though, did so extremely well, and even the introduction of Alex Sampson late in the game didn't put them of their stride.

And so, without so much as a point or a goal to their name, Rami Niblick's lads travel to St John's for what could be the making - or breaking - of the side. Audioslavia are no slouches, and will not be taking the Krytenians lightly, especially not with the inscrutably inexplicable Jeremy Jaffacake guiding things from the sidelines. That, alone, will have the world watching; you could have the Jeruselem World Cup Of Being Naked With Impossibly Large Bosoms on the other side, and people will still watch this. Forget your Guaya/Greggies, put away your Viannor Versus The World, disregard your glassed Tachbes...this, ladies and gentlemen, is war in its purest and undiluted form.

And it's a war that Rameses Niblick, and the twenty-three Special Forces troops under his command, intend to win.

We will not be going gently into that good night (bitches). Jeremy, you have been warned.

[Cosumar]

Newman hat-trick overcomes defensive concerns for Cosumar in World Cup win

C A W L N , Apox -- Cosumar played its first World Cup game in over 20 years last night at The Celebratory Stadium, and thanks to a 4-3 win over Ceni, they were able to make the return a triumphant one.

Ace Newman, familiar with the FC Harpoon grounds from his seasons at Urbanista, played like he owned the place. In his first ever match on the multiverse's biggest stage, the longtime Cosumar striker stepped up in a massive way with three goals - his best performance of the cycle. Newman flat-out abused the Cenian defense all night and they never found an answer for him.

It was the Cosumarite defense, however, that dominated talking points prior to the match. Leading up to the World Cup, the Dragons conceded a combined 10 goals in their two friendly matches. Six to Super-Llamaland and four to Nephara. Quality sides to be sure, but shipping that many goals was an immediate red flag for a unit preparing to go up against two of the best attacks out there in Free Republics and Eura. Gethin Ramsey was rightfully questioned about the horrific defensive display at every opportunity.

They didn't have a perfect World Cup debut by any means, but the Cosumarite defense did its job on the night. They held Ceni in check enough for Cosumar's more-accomplished midfield and striker corps to outscore them. Jon-Perohlin Nodtveit and company held the Cenians to just four shots on goal. Their finishing rate was exemplary (75%), but the Dragons were successful in limiting their chances. Still, one does wonder how many goals second-ranked Eura will be able to pile up on them if Group B's minnows were able to get three and Cup of Harmony nation Super-Llamaland double that. It might be too tall of a task for our attackers to keep up with, even in tip-top form like Newman was last night.

But for now, Cosumar are still undefeated vanquishers in the World Cup finals. Let's enjoy that while we can.

Newman was pestering the Cenian defenders and being a relentless nuisance right out the gate, and evidently was able to get in their heads. Two shocking defensive errors led to Newman's two goals to open up the game.

First, Josh Axakel underhit a pass back to Kaia Travaran and Newman was able to pounce on the ball with his catlike anticipation and roll it home ten minutes in. Then, in the 27th minute, Axakel allowed himself to be nudged off the ball by Sheldon Serra in the back, who promptly crossed it across the keeper to Newman for an open-net finish at the far post.

The Dragons were the more lively team for most of the first half and were able to fly into the break with a 2-0 lead. Ceni did start to wake up and threaten late on, however. Only some desperate defending from Vareza Na'Noni prevented Kel Koromin from pulling one back in the 38th minute, though Mauricio Sigler nearly scored for Cosumar on the counter immediately thereafter. His powerfully driven shot from the corner of the box stung the palms of Jacrian Ryaden, but the keeper was able to keep it out.

After the break, Ceni picked up right where they left off at the end of the first half and caught Gethin Ramsey's defense resting on its laurels. Just two minutes in, Anders Engström needlessly clipped Jacen Xasan just inside the box for a penalty. Perhaps a bit soft, but not unjustly given. Koromin's blistering spot kick was saved by a remarkable Jakk Winterfyll dive, but Thajan Jaros was the first to the rebound. He was able to skip it past a sprawling Winterfyll to make it 2-1. The Phalanx AF midfielder was clearly overcome by the gravity of the moment, knowing that he had just scored Ceni's first ever World Cup goal.

Just five minutes later, Corran Celgis apparently wanted a taste of the glory too and was able to latch onto a long ball from Kyle Lockwood and sweep it under Winterfyll for a goal worthy of any highlight reel. 2-2. Game on. The mostly neutral crowd roared in delight - they were going to get their money's worth after all.

Cosumar
15 shots (7 on-target)
54% Possession, 73% pass accuracy
4 corners, 1 offside
11 fouls, 1 yellow card (Winterfyll 74')

Ceni
10 shots (4 on-target)
46% Possession, 68% pass accuracy
5 corners, 3 offsides
8 fouls, 1 red card (Lockwood 79')

Cosumar - 4
Newman (10')
Newman (27')
Everdale (65')
Newman (78')

Ceni - 3
Jaros (47')
Celgis (52')
Cossadel (81')

The clouds overhead darkened even further for Cosumar in the 53rd minute when team captain Engström went down with an apparent ankle injury after being stepped on by Juan Medina. Captain Andy insisted on staying in the game despite a prominent limp, but Ramsey elected to be conservative with his star player and substitute him out. On came versatile midfielder Kyron Everdale, shifting the squad to a 4-5-1.

With Gethin Ramsey shouting colorful encouragements from the bench, Cosumar seemed to immediately wake up and realize they were in danger of choking away this must-win match. Undaunted, the Vanquishers pressed forward in the wake of the equalizer and the injury. They dominated possession for a lengthy spell before finally regaining the lead in the 65th minute. It was the substitute Everdale who supplied the magic moment, his beautiful left-footed curler finding the top corner after being given far too much space down the left side. What a moment for the 30-year-old Morponte native to score his first international goal - undoubtedly the pinnacle of a fine career.

The game really opened up from that point, with Cosumar sitting back and inviting Ceni to venture forward and then looking to bite them on the counter.

With twelve minutes left, the game seemed to be over when that strategy worked to perfection and resulted in a fourth Cosumarite goal. Ceni were forced to commit numbers forward in search of an equalizer, but after Jacob Pandan dispossessed Jaime Del Olmo and found Darwyn Lucassen on the outlet, they were left exposed in the back. Lucassen linked up with Sigler down the left flank who suddenly found himself with only Lockwood between himself and the keeper. After a scintillating step-over and subsequent burst of acceleration, Sigler got around Lockwood and was in on goal. Lockwood, frustrated, then compounded his backline's miserable afternoon by sliding into Sigler's legs from behind. It was a dangerous foul and a clear denial of a goal-scoring opportunity, and the referee rightly pulled out the straight red card.

And just like that, Newman stepped up and sent Ryaden the wrong way to complete his hat trick. Down 4-2 with 10 men, it seemed over for Kirk Koromin's side, but it's the World Cup. No team is going to falter one bit until the final whistle, and the Cenians made the Cosumarites sweat out the finish. Despite two defensive substitutions from Ramsey (Tiffany Elam and Tomasso Tenebrosa), Ceni were able to narrow the gap to 4-3 in the 81st minute through a substitute of their own - Aeris Cossadel. The Cenial United striker came on for the more famous Koromin and scored on his first touch, a tidy finish through the legs of Nodtveit off a backheeled Will Noveth assist.

Although they would search valiantly for that storybook-ending equalizer, Ceni's resolve was for naught. Cosumar's much-maligned defense was able to hold on and deny Ceni their best shot at a point in the treacherous Group B.

Next, Cosumar will stay in Cawln to take on Free Republics, who are arriving from Oldem where they suffered a 7-3 beatdown from World Cup 72 runners-up Eura. The Dragons have demons to exorcize against the Republicans, who denied them a spot in World Cup 71 in a tight playoff. Perhaps the heavily-favored World #12s will be wounded enough from their nightmarish Euran encounter for the Dragons to claw their way to the kill.

It will be a critical swing-game in the group as Cosumar and Free Republics are likely competing directly for that second advancing spot behind a very determined Eura. According to Gethin Ramsey, Anders Engström's medical availability for the key match is unknown at the present time.

Thank you for reading The Cosumarite Courier's exclusive World Cup 73 Coverage. Follow us on Twitter @TheCourier or subscribe to our website (TheCourier.cos) to receive instant updates and analysis of Cosumar's progress in the tournament, including the injury status of Captain Andy.


Leela Jones
Staff Writer

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Cosumar Goal-Scorers Tally
Ace Newman (15)
Anders Engström (11)
Ole Öhman (7)
Darwyn Lucassen (5)
Belarmin Worsaw (5)
Mauricio Sigler (4)
Aziz Senturk (4)
Vareza Na'Noni (4)
Kit Kvanderwyk (3)
Tevin Lilley (2)
Jacob Pandan (1)
Augen Wittevrongel (1)
Jon-Perohlin Nodtveit (1)
Kyron Everdale (1)

Cosumar Assists Tally
Mauricio Sigler (9)
Anders Engström (8)
Darwyn Lucassen (6)
Vareza Na'Noni (5)
Ace Newman (4)
Sheldon Serra (4)
Maynard Gorham (3)
Tevin Lilley (2)
Kyron Everdale (1)
Kit Kvanderwyk (1)
Jacob Pandan (1)

Substitute Appearances Tally
Kit Kvanderwyk (12)
Tevin Lilley (8)
Belarmin Worsaw (7)
Aziz Senturk (7)
Kyron Everdale (5)
Tiffany Elam (5)
Tomasso Tenebrosa (4)
Arndu Farsgaard (3)
Senter Senterekoesima (3)
Augen Wittevrongel (3)
Olaf Womack (2)
Peter Svensson (2)

Cosumar's World Cup 73 Cycle
Pre-Qual Friendly: Cosumar 1-1 Super-Llamaland
Pre-Qual Friendly: San Jose Guayabal 6-2 Cosumar
Qualifying Matchday 1: Cosumar 2-0 Hodife
Qualifying Matchday 2: The Fallenmark Islands 0-3 Cosumar
Qualifying Matchday 3: Cosumar 5-2 Wazekia
Qualifying Matchday 4: Alpha Gamma Kappa 0-2 Cosumar
Qualifying Matchday 6: Cosumar 2-3 Valanora
Qualifying Matchday 7: Taeshan 1-0 Cosumar
Mid-Qual Friendly: The Royal Kingdom of Quebec 5-4 Cosumar
Mid-Qual Friendly: Cosumar 4-2 New North Aqmuland
Qualifying Matchday 8: Hodife 2-7 Cosumar
Qualifying Matchday 9: Cosumar 4-3 The Fallenmark Islands
Qualifying Matchday 10: Wazekia 1-3 Cosumar
Qualifying Matchday 11: Cosumar 4-0 Alpha Kappa Gamma
Qualifying Matchday 13: Valanora 2-3 Cosumar
Qualifying Matchday 14: Cosumar 4-0 Taeshan
WC Qual. Playoff 1st Leg: Crystal Empire 1-0 Cosumar
WC Qual. Playoff 2nd Leg: Cosumar 4-1 Crystal Empire
Post-Qual Friendly: Super-Llamaland 6-5 Cosumar
Post-Qual Friendly: Cosumar 4-4 Nephara
World Cup Matchday 1: Ceni 3-4 Cosumar
World Cup Matchday 2: Cosumar vs. Free Republics (@ The Celebratory Stadium, Cawln (45.000)
World Cup Matchday 3: Eura vs. Cosumar (@ The Celebratory Stadium, Cawln (45.000)

Blue: Draw
Green: Victory
Red: Defeat
Home team listed first