World Cup 73 - RPing Thread

by **Kernansquillec** » Sat Nov 14, 2015 5:50 am

THE INTERVIEW

Hector Ferly

Personal information

Full name       Hector Charlie Ferly
Date of birth   10th November 2040 (25 years old)
Place of birth  Bois-du-Nord
                Oranga, Kernansquillec
Sex             Male
Height          1m80
Position        Goalkeeper
Nationality      Kernansquillecan

Club information

Currant team     FC Denison (Super-Llamaland)
Number          21

Youth career

2047 - 2053     Bois-du-Nord Youth Academy
2053 - 2061     Mur-de-Kernansquillec Youth Academy

Senior career

2061 - now      FC Denison

National team

2056 - 2060     Kernansquillec U21
2055 - now      Kernansquillec

Hector Ferly, welcome to the Interview!

Thanks, it's nice to be here.

You are now officially a part of one of the sixteen best teams in the World. Have does that feel?

It's just so amazing to have made it out of the groups! We were already so glad to have made it this far, but we managed to keep our cool and actually push on to achieve even more. And now we get to reward the fans with a brilliant tie against the defending World Champions.

It certainly is a very interesting draw, with it having the potential to be a very juicy affair, especially given the recent history between Kernansquillec and Pasarga, namely at the last two Copa Rushmoris. Given everything surrounding this game, how are you preparing for it?

We'll be preparing as usual, with our usual determination to be ready for whatever we will have to face. But there's no hiding that this game is going to feel more like a derby than a normal game, and for us and our fans it's probably going to feel like the final itself. So there's going to be a lot of pressure, but as we're the underdogs, the pressure isn't going to be on us, but on Pasarga. They should be used to it by now, but it might just give us an edge. I really do feel as if we have a chance of pulling of one of the greatest upsets in modern times here.

Given that you held Vilita to a draw, a team that finished third at the last World Cup, does that give you hope that you could do the impossible?

It does. We know we have a good team, one that, on it's day, can rival the very best in the World. Pasarga are exactly that at the moment, but we can take them on. There hasn't been much between us at our last meetings so we've got every chance of pulling off an upset.

Speaking of the game against Vilita, it was quite a remarkable evening of football, with a draw being enough for the Kers and Vilita themselves to qualify following USI's rampant victory over Nephara. You played a very important role in getting the point needed to qualify, making several quality saves, including saving Ylimaiina while the score was still nil-nil. How did you feel during the game?

I felt good. To save a penalty is always a good feeling for any keeper, and to save one that helped get us qualified was just amazing. We didn't actually know what the score was in the other game until half-time, so we had to keep on pushing. And even once we did know it, we had to wait until late in the game to get an equaliser to get the point we needed. And as the game finished, we could sort of sense both us and Vilita were happy to see the game out and seal both of our qualifications.

Busto's equaliser did set up a very good party atmosphere in Charlottetown after the game for both sets of fans. Thanks to that goal you are now officially the best Kernansquillecan team of all time. We know you've got a lot of work to do to prepare for the last sixteen tie so we won't keep you any longer. Thank you for the visit Hector.

You're welcome! And hopefully this won't be the final game of our campaign.

Kernansquillec 3 - 3 Vilita
(De Luca 40', Varano 53' (pen.), Busto 84' / Yahaya 38', Ylimaiina 67', Eskiiy 78')
Bannockburn Stadium, Charlottetown

by **Saintland** » Sat Nov 14, 2015 6:42 am

Futurum, Feministvs Sanctvsterra Agree to Historic Coalition

(SP) During halftime of last night's World Cup match between Saintland and The Holy Empire, Andreas Tuccius and Censorina Polus announced a historic coalition deal. Under the deal, Tuccius will become our Kingdom's first Prime Minister and Polus will become our first Deputy Prime Minister. While the full terms of the Coalition agreement were not disclosed, Feministvs Sanctvsterra will reportedly be permitted to appoint the Ministers of Health, Education and Foreign Relations while Futurum will control the Ministries of the Treasury, National Security and Commerce. The fate of other ministries was not disclosed. "It is my privilege to announce our Coalition agreement with the stunning and brave heroines of Feministvs Sanctvsterra. Both of our parties recognize the need for reform and are committed to making it happen. For the good of our Kingdom, we have decided to work together to ensure that the forces of ignorance are consigned to the scrap heap of history."

Last night, the Coalition announced their top priorities, which are boundary reform, women's rights and the promotion of foreign investment in our Kingdom to strengthen our economy. Ever since the election results, Feministvs Sanctvsterra have made boundary reform their top priority and the idea even received the endorsement of King Petrus XX last night. "While I was satisfied that the voters of my Kingdom repudiated the forces of reaction on election day, I was disappointed to see that they somehow managed to obtain nearly a fifth of the seats despite not even winning a tenth of the vote. This is outrageous and I think we need to redesign the districts to ensure that the composition of the Parliament more fairly reflects the will of the people while maintaining the principle that no district can consist of more than 1 community. I'd like to see a reform that increases the number of seats in the cities and I'd like to see the Church do more to root out the Pharisees within their ranks." - King Petrus XX

Censorina Polus also took the opportunity to respond to Lord Almighty Gregory's allegations regarding the integrity of the election. Censorina rebuked the Gregoryisgodistani dictator's offer to overthrow our rightful King and install her as our Queen. "I want to take a moment to respond to what Lord Almighty Gregory said regarding our elections. I agree with Lord Gregory that the electoral districts were unfair and that my party's share of the seats should have been higher but I reject the insinuation that there was anything unfair about our recent election and I look forward to working with Mr. Tuccius and Futurum to move this Kingdom forward. I urge the leader of Gregoryisgodistan to accept the legitimacy of our government and recognize Petrus XX as our rightful King. I have spoken at length with His Majesty in recent days and he is an advocate for reform in this Kingdom. This is a King whom we can work with to move this Kingdom forward." - Censorina Polus

Feministvs Sanctvsterra's Soccer Team will play the Royal Kingdom of Quebec, who are co-hosting this edition of the World Cup, in the Round of 16 as they seek to become the first Sanctii team to advance past the Round of 16 at a World Cup.

10 Cups of Excellence: Saintland in the World Cup Part I

The National Soccer Team of the Kingdom of Saintland made their debut at the 51st Baptism of Fire in United Gordonopia. Andreas Usurpus assembled a team of the best players from across Saintland, the core of which would play together for 9 World Cup cycles. As they took the pitch for their first match against The Alphabet Letters, few observers around the multiverse knew what to expect from either side. The Sanctii side were down for most of that match but Ioannes Gratus came off the bench to equalize in added time and the final result was a draw. "I will never forget that match as long as I live. Andreas called me off onto the pitch and I made the most of my opportunity. If Lucas [Aufidius] hadn't been such a hothead, he wouldn't have been sent off and we could have played that match with 11 men rather than 10 but we didn't leave the stadium empty-handed that day and that was all that mattered." - Ioannes Gratus

The problems for the Sanctii escalated after a second matchday scoreless draw against Yakostan. The match saw Sanctii striker Stephanus Vagionius squander scoring chance after scoring chance. Controversially, Petrus Mamilius was flagrantly fouled in the penalty area and was awarded a yellow card for flopping rather than an penalty kick but the Saintland National Team only had themselves to blame for their slow start at the BoF. That would end with a dominant 3 goals to nil victory over Lacus Magni that set up an all-important showdown with Glascovia for a spot in the Round of 16. That match would also be decided later. Neither side could score for well over 80 minutes but toward the end of the match it began to rain, a Glascovian player slipped and Andreas Usurpus set up a Stephanus Vagionius goal to win the match for the Sanctii and effectively send them on to the Round of 16.

The 5th and final group stage match of that BoF would be one of the most legendary scoreless draws in the history of the World Cup. Nephara, then known as New Sideburn, were angered by wild tales they had heard about the oppressiveness of our Kingdom and walked onto the pitch intent to show their disapproval in the most violent way imaginable. This was capped off in the 79th minute when Lukas Strongnesse made the most infamous cheap tackle in the history of cheap tackles, attempting to injure Andreas Usurpus. The man who would eventually steal the throne from his brother got up and played the remainder of the match while Strongnesse left with a red card.

Both Saintland and Nephara would win their Round of 16 matches to set up a rematch. The Nepharim defeated Baptism of Fire 1 champions and the only team ever to (legally) enter two BoFs Dance 2 Revolution in a hard-fought match while the Sanctii easily defeated Mycellena by a 2 goals to nil margin. This set up one of the most famous battles in the history of the Baptism of Fire, which was eventually won by Nephara on a late Alicia Scabbard winner. Like most Saintland-Nephara matches over the years, this one was a bloodbath, but sadly none of their rematches, to this day, have had higher stakes than this one.

In their first attempt at qualifying for the World Cup, the Sanctii won their first 2 matches, including a 3 goals to nil victory over a Zwangzug team that had also entered the cycle unranked. Then came the ugly losses to Soviet Canuckistan, Krytenia and Kinitaria. After these losses, they bounced back and defeated the weaker teams in the group, most prominently a team from Queer Poco el Mono Ara, the hosts of World Cup 58, who were not fielding a particular strong team. After 8 matches, they had won 5 and lost 3 but they hadn't yet faced their toughest opponent of all: defending World Cup champions Audioslavia.

The match with Audioslavia opened with the Sanctii taking an early lead at home on a Stephanus Vagionius goal. Vagionius would later add a second goal to give Saintland a 2 to nil advantage at the half. However, in the second half, the Sanctii advantage crumbled and Audioslavia would go on to win 4 goals to 2. Even after this second half collapse, the Sanctii resolve was unbroken. In the second half of qualifying, they would win 7 out of their first 8 matches, with the only blemish being a draw against Zwangzug. This included victories over a fading Krytenia and even Kinitaria, with whom they were battling for a top 2 spot in the group.

Coming into the final matchday, Audioslavia led the group with 40 points. Kinitaria had 38 and the Saintland National Soccer Team had shocked the multiverse by sitting at 37. The rematch between Saintland and Audioslavia would be an epic battle that would go down to the wire. At the very end of the match, the Sanctii had a corner and brought everybody forward, including the keeper Alessandro Seius. Seius barely missed heading the ball in for a match-winning goal and Audioslavia counter-attacked, scoring the match winner against an empty net to eliminate the Sanctii from World Cup Qualifying and secure a spot for the Audioslavia Bulls in the World Cup. They would go on to repeat as champions. "I have long wondered what might have been on that day, if only I had managed to get my head on the ball. We came so close to qualifying for the World Cup in our first cycle because we believed that we could do it and we were singlemindedly focused on shocking the soccer world. I honestly think that World Cup 64 may have been our best chance to win the World Cup, if only we had qualified, because nobody would have taken us seriously even if we had beaten Audioslavia, until it was too late for them. Oh, to think of what might have been..." - Alessandro Seius

Instead, the Sanctii National Team traveled to Apox for the Cup of Harmony. Out of the 6 nations that hosted WCC tournaments in that cycle, Apox is the only one that is still participating in the World Cup today, which illustrates just how much things have changed in the past 10 cycles. After opening the Cup of Harmony with a draw against Hutt River and a win against Mangolana, the Sanctii needed at least a draw against Turori to punch their ticket out of the group stage and into the Round of 16. Fortunately, Turori had already qualified and were willing to hold back a little to enable both nations to advance to the Round of 16.

Because of the unconventional 9 groups of 4 format used for that edition of the Cup of Harmony, some nations that played in the group stage in Apox ended up playing in the Licentian Isles in the knockout rounds and vice versa. This included the Sanctii, who played Jeruselem in the Round of 16. The match would go to penalties after a late Andreas Usurpus equalizer. The Sanctii would win the penalty shootout and face United Gordonopia in the Quarterfinals. Against Gordonopia, the Sanctii would force extra time before conceding 2 goals and being eliminated from the Cup of Harmony. While they didn't win any trophies, they had made quit a first impression on the world of international soccer and gained the respect of the multiverse.

To be continued...

by **Farfadillis** » Sat Nov 14, 2015 9:08 am

Bjerregaard took the corner and curved the ball's trajectory incredibly. Otkupshikov jumped higher than anyone else, even Ivaktör, and proceeded to head the ball in, far from Rôhj's reach. Down two-one with twenty minutes to go. The Polarians had done it again, and it had been pretty deserved. They had taken the lead as early as ten minutes into the game after Bjerregaard, who had given Drê a huge headache, as you can imagine, placed the ball right in Bickermann's head, and, well, a clinical striker like him never missed those. Drê had redeemed himself twenty a few minutes after the beginning of the second half, though, as he made the most out of a fantastic Delafuente assist.

But yet again, we found ourselves bested by the Polarians. An inferior version of the Polarians, even. They had been rather underwhelming against San José Guayabal. But then again, we had failed to show even half the skill we had shown the previous year when we had been crowned Atlantian Oceanian champions. Things looked bleak at best, but in my mind this meant victory would only be sweeter. I never quite managed to find any use for negativity. It would definitely be an uphill battle, though; that much was undeniable.

I'd learned a few things from playing football for so long. One was that the roughly five minutes that follow a conceded goal are a nightmare. The team underperforms in every line out of frustration or nervousness, depending on whether the result is still favorable or not. However, another thing it taught me was that, if you somehow manage to score within those five minutes, the impulse you get makes you unstoppable. If you still need a result, that is. Otherwise, it just provides serenity. With this in mind, I set out to score a goal, determined more than ever. This was a bad thing, though, as I would easily lose my head at the first mistake, be it mine or a teammate's.

I won't lie, I criticized Cleto loudly when he almost cost us another goal, and I insulted Alex's mother when he misplaced a pass to me. Yet it all worked out. Five minutes after Otkupshikov's goal, we finally cracked the Valhallan defense a second time. Funnily enough, Cleto and Alex were very important for the build-up.

Yurpá recovered the ball with a sliding tackle and passed it to Cleto, who was making an inspired run down the flank. He one-twoed Gunnlaugsson with Jê's help. Jê's service could've been better - Rübéãn's pass would've been smoother - but Cleto made do anyway. He then dribbled Kruse before going all the way to the goal line and crossing. Fuego, playing target man, jumped above his defender and headed the ball towards the edge of the box, as we had practiced previously. Alex then unleashed one of his wildest shots after the ball's first bounce, but Ulsletten was in one of his good days. But I was there for the rebound, prepared to score one of the most uncharacteristic goals of my career. Off a rebound, goalkeeper on the floor. A really easy job, though there was barely any angle to score and my momentum made me fall down after shooting. The momentum we as a team gained from that goal didn't make us fall down, though. It sent us through to the next round.

We now had fifteen minutes plus injury time to score another goal. The defense would have to be on point, too, but that was less of a worry, believe it or not. We had no plans to let the Polarians breathe, after all. Their tactical awareness and physicality made them extremely tough when they had a result to defend (which didn't happen often, to be fair). You could tell from Alex and Matías' frustrated faces. If those two were having trouble finding defensive gaps, it meant the opponent's were extremely solid. Personally, I was finding Otkupshikov's obsession with me a bit frustrating. He even got help from his friend Moses Luc occasionally. They were, overall, shutting us out very professionally.

I'd like to say I became the hero like so many times before. That I put the team on my back as Friekder had so many times before, that I dribbled four players and chipped the ball over their goalkeeper to win the game. That didn't happen, though. Instead, the player that was our saving grace that day was my friend and rival Mâás Fôx.

He had had a bit of a forgettable game if we're honest, but that didn't stop him from finally snapping Polar Islandstates' defense. He didn't score, but everyone knew who was responsible for our advancement, even if José had done well to score.

Fôrté, who had replaced Matías, controlled a violent pass from Yurpá (can't blame him; he definitely had put in a hundred and twenty percent as I had asked of him), and passed the ball to a rushing Mâás who got rid of Konigstein with just one touch before cutting in. He one-twoed Holzhauser with Alex's help, then ventured into the box with speed and ball control that reminded me of me. Have I ever mentioned my footballing skills are second only to my humility? But I digress, as Mâás entered, the box Willem drifted away from me to take care of him, while Strauss tried to use his physique to force him out of the ball. It almost worked, but Fôx outsmarted him with a last-ditch effort through pass to José while Olaf forced him to the floor. Fuego, now unmarked, faced Ulsletten one-on-one. His finishing ended up being questionable, but a goal is a goal. And fuck we were winning against the Polarians. We had never managed so much as a tie and we were eliminating them now. In a very dramatic way, to top it off.

The Polarians tried to fight their way back into the match, now desperate to score an equalizer. But we shut them out the way we knew best: by hogging the ball and trying to score one more time. Maybe it was because of their desperation, maybe because we were finally playing in the inspired way we could, but the Polarians just couldn't counter our possession game in the dying minutes, and we kept the result. Schottia had been thrashed by the Guayabalenses, so we were through. It felt really fucking good.

Now we had to face the Osarians, who were coming off a nine-point group stage performance. We had beaten their U-25 side in the AOCAF Cup final a year before, though we weren't in our best day. It would be an interesting showdown to say the least.

by **Pasarga** » Sat Nov 14, 2015 9:59 am

Resting the captain had been a bold decision but it had been the right one, even if it had provided Turori a lot more possession and ability to boss the midfield. That possession had resulted in three goals for the Eels as they tried to push the Wanderers past their breaking point and upset the Champions, to make it two cycles in a row that the holders of the World Cup had not advanced past the group stage. Down two to nil just twenty minutes into the match, you can see why there had been a few people around the stadium and the world who thought that perhaps the time of the Wanderers would be but a brief blip in the radar of the history of the World Cup. Yet his squad had been crafting chances, had been getting in past the Turori backline with a bit of ease, they had just failed to find the back of the net but Jullian knew that it was coming. What he did not know was that his squad was going to come on strong that they would score five goals in twenty minutes so that they went into the half up five to two and the match effectively ended.

At the end of the match, the Wanderers had won the game by a final of six goals to three, each side finding the net again in the second half. It was far from a five star performance from his side, as Jullian was quite upset with having conceded three goals to the Eels, but he could hardly fault too much when they were scoring at will. Mauer had a hattrick and seemed to be hitting his stride now that the matches were becoming pressurized and vastly important, while van Stiphout, van Kruistum, and Müller all got on the scoresheet as well. It was good to see the goals distributed like that, made it harder for other teams to make a gameplan that would erase all the scoring threats of the Wanderers like it was possible to do with a few other sides.

There was no rest for the weary however as it was a very good and familiar foe waiting for them in the round of sixteen, fellow Rushmoris in Kernansquillec. The Kerns are a very surprising knockout opponent considering their group, having Nephara and Vilita in it, both who were top ten nations according to the World Cup Committee rankings, who most media outlets had predicted would be taking the groups spots in the knockouts, though there were a few who had differing opinions. The Kerns advanced over Nephara thanks to a pair of extremely surprising results on that last matchday of the group, the Kerns holding Vilita to a three all draw while the Sunrisians bounced Nephara to the tune of three to nil. In a way that meant that the Kerns were fortunate to be here, playing with house money as it were, and had absolutely nothing to lose and could play as loosely and freely as they wanted to in the match.

Jullian knew this match was going to be quite tough, the matches between the Wanderers and the Kerns in the previous two Copa Rushmoris had proven to be some of the toughest matches the side had played in the last four years. It had taken penalty kicks in the first match to defeat the Kerns and then it took some individual magic in the second match to overcome the regional rivals in the regional cup. Now the Kerns were be granted another shot at the champions and based on their media reactions, they were relishing the opportunity, especially coming off the wonderful result against the Jungle Cats of Vilita. Words were not going to get the job this time, he could not go in there again and try to tempt the team to play loosely as he had before, repeating himself would lose the effect that it had.

No, this was going to come down to tactics, come down to leadership, and by resting Császár Mór in that match against Turori, it had allowed the captain to heal. In the the training session the previous day, the captain looked like a brand new person, it was pretty amazing what a mere week of light workout and rest had done for the midfielder. Now with himself back to his normal physical strength, it was up to him to once more lead by example and dominate that center of the pitch. There could not be a repeat of the match with Turori where the Eels had held the ball and bossed the midfield, as the Kerns usual defensive prowess would make it so that the sort of come back they had against the Eels very unlikely, even if the Kerns were more of an attacking force these days. Jullian was confident of a result, of guiding the Wanderers once more into the semifinals of the World Cup, however the hurdles had to be cleared and the Kerns were one high hurdle. However if Mór played up to his ability and Mauer continued his fine form, the Wanderers would be marching right into the Quarterfinals.

by **Audioslavia** » Sat Nov 14, 2015 10:25 am

It used to be a strange anomaly of world sport, that two of the multiverse's oldest active nations had never encountered one another on the football field. It took until cycle sixty-five, sixty-one cycles after both nations entered the same World Cup, for Margaret to match the two sides together in a World Cup quarter-final on Audioslavian soil.

The result was... actually rather boring.

In boxing there's a phrase that goes 'styles make fights', meaning that for two boxers to have themselves a watchable match, their styles need to complement each other. Technical boxers generally beat power-punchers, but will struggle against an out-and-out brawler, while brawlers tend to get knocked out by power-punchers. Audioslavia, a counter-attacking team, should do well against all-out attacking teams, and likewise The Holy Empire, a creative unit with an imaginative style of play that often borders on the bizarre, should have the better of a comparatively staid and functional Audioslavia team. Rather than make for exciting end-to-end football, the combination of yellow and red with claret and green tends to make for bland stalemates. This was the case in that quarter-final, as Audioslavia eked out the clumsiest of one-nil victories to advance to the semi-final.

Margaret, who is not without a sense of humour, set up the same match in every World Cup for the next twelve years. Audioslavia sneaked a 1-0 win in the second round of WC67, but The Empire struck back in the first round of World Cup 68 before the sides met again in World Cup 69's grand final for another one-nil Empirean win hardly befitting the marquee match of the footballing cycle.

The full statistics for matches between The Holy Empire and Audioslavia, then, is at four games played, four goals scored and two wins apiece.

In terms of all-time statistics, The Holy Empire are one of just three sides that lead Audioslavia in the SRS hall of fame. Both sides have been to the World Cup final a record eight times each, though Audioslavia have won two World Cups to THE's four. The fact that The Empire don't participate in any regional tournaments means that Audioslavia's only real historical advantage of their rivals is the fact that we've won a Baptism of Fire.

History, of course, tells us next to nothing about what will happen in tonight's encounter.

Audioslavia should be at full strength again, having rested several key players in last Thursday's draw with Royal Quebec. Patterick should start in goal again, with Imaslavii's current favourite back-four of Dallara, Goicoechea, Caceres and Varisco ahead. Hufschmied and Omaexevarria are likely to reprise their central midfield roles, while Vengochea and Etxezuniyiga are, naturally, undroppable at this point. Up front, any two from Kryznjak, Rodriguez-Torrejon and Caszely are possible.

The most important change since the start of the tournament has to be the return to the dug-out of Kajaxo Imaslavii. Absent for the first two games due to suspension, Imaslavii's sub-strength Audioslavia that drew against hosts Quebec nevertheless looked a lot more cohesive than they did in the earlier Jaffacake-lead wins over Krytenia and Zenic.

The fact that Audioslavia failed to beat Quebec may mean that Imaslavii is especially motivated to dismiss the threat of The Holy Empire. Should Imaslavii lose, it would mean he had put together a worse record at the World Cup than Jeremy Jaffacake, and that can't be good for anyone's career.

by **Alasdair I Frosticus** » Sat Nov 14, 2015 12:12 pm

Fashion
F-F-F-F-F-Fashion
F-Fashion
S-S-Style
War
L-L-L-Look look look

I'm the edge
I'm the chic
I'm the taste
I'm a larger than life with just a hint of lace
I'm avant-garde, I'm the heir, I'm the Vogue
I'm the she she ohh hee hee
I'm the man a la mode

Hello.

I'm Jorge Armanes, and I'm still here; like that irritating anal itch that never quite goes away, you can't get rid of me. No really. It's right here in my contract with Imperial Thridivision; I can continue droning on and on and on and on, beaming myself into your Mundy dreams day after day after day, and there's absolutely nothing you can do to stop me. So I live my dreams. What about you?

Look, just because I have loads of dirt on the entire production team at Thridivision is no reason to go looking for the off switch. There is none.

<MAD CACKLE>

You're absolutely stuck with me until either the Holy Empire gets booted out of the current World Cup, or ISPI decide that I'm doing so much damage to Dreamed Realm-Mundy relations that they sever my connection directly. So that's quite a few people wishing for a Audioslavia victory tonight....

And every single damned one of you is an absolute Philistine, unable to see how FASHION improves the world. Fashion is. There's no escaping it, and I am fashion.

Which brings me onto the main point of tonight's programme: the death of anything resembling fashion sense in either Saintland or Audioslavia.

Let's start with Saintland, because I know I've complained about these two points before, but they're worth repeating. Everything's worth repeating when I'm right, and right now I'm more right than a fistful of right.

Let's look at those Saintland kits again:

Now, if you've been paying attention to the Saintland team, you know they're currently dominated by a bunch of tiresome misandrists called 'Feministvs Sanctsterra'. On the one hand, since they're a bunch of chicks, you'd expect them to have some passing interest in FASHION. On the other hand, because they're a bunch of chicks, they clearly know absolutely nothing about sport.

<muffled off-camera voice>

IT'S NOT HYPOCRISY. I know I know nothing about sport; I'm positively smug about it. But they clearly know even less.

<muffled off-camera voice>

Yes, yes, aside from being able to hold the Holy Empire to a crucial 2-2 draw in the last first round match. Good for them. So they can play a bit. That only means that they can play - not that they know about sport. Because, when you think about it, what is knowledge....

<muffled off-camera voice>

IF I'VE TOLD YOU ONCE, I'VE TOLD YOU A MILLION TIMES... I DON'T EFFING CARE ABOUT YOUR PET THEORIES ON MUNDY EPISTEMOLOGY. NOW STOP INTERRUPTING.

Where were we? Oh yes... You'd expect the Saintland chicks to know something about fashion, but nothing about sport. So I can sort of forgive them in the end for using rugby hoops on association football kits. That's merely a crime against sport, not a crime against fashion.

But it's those change kits....

Have you ever seen anything so.... pointless?

The whole point of having a change kit is to give yourself a back-up colour scheme in case the opposition play in the same colour scheme, right? So if the Holy Empire have a clash - and those magnificent bastards at HEFA have been really clever with this one - they change to a red kit with gold and black highlights instead of a gold kit with red and black highlights.

I know, right... I'd certainly be willing to give them a job as designers at the House of Armanes. I mean, talk about brilliant.

But Saintland? You can sort of see it now... "I'm sorry Virginia Seius, but we also play in red and white, so you'll have to change into your away kit..." WHICH IS ALSO RED AND WHITE.

So who's idea is that, then? Is this some sort of misandrist statement that all the other teams wearing red and white can just bugger off and wear something else, because Feministvs Sanctsterra are going to wear red and white no matter what because it's empowering? Or is it simply a sign that a bunch of football-playing chicks have given up on fashion?

Frankly, I think it's the latter.

And as for Audioslavia...

Well, the less said about their kits the better. I know that, among the so-called footballing 'aficionados', the deluded so-called 'connoisseurs' of the game - as if anything was more important than fashion - there's said to be some anticipation about this match-up. Well they'd be better off anticipating my next seasonal collection, because have you seen Audioslavia's kit?

Let's take a look:

Now, according to some sources, this abomination is supposed to be 'claret and green'.

HA.

What it actually is, undeniably and certainly, is bloody diarrhoea and puce.

WHO EQUIPS THEIR TEAM IN BLOODY DIARRHOEA AND PUCE?

It makes me want to retch. I mean really. I can feel the vomit rising up through my throat this very minute. Really, I can.

GET ME A BUCKEbbblllllllllerrrrrrrrrrrrrgggggggghhh

<The Imperial Secretariat of the Purple Inkwell and the Holy Empire Football Association would like to reiterate that Mr Armanes does not represent the views of either organisation, or indeed the Holy Empire. Both ISPI and HEFA would like to apologise to anyone who finds Mr Armanes views to be offensive, and we'll do our best to remove him from your dreams as soon as we can find an excuse to cancel his contract.>

by **Apox** » Sat Nov 14, 2015 12:21 pm

Group Stage MD2: Valanora 5-3 Apox
Hawk 8', Fresco 14', Zozula 17', Hawk 40', Gandhi 66', Hawk 68', Soldarian 75', Etezadi 80'
It was a bruising encounter for all sides involved as Apox met the supremely experienced Valanora on the football field for the first time. Their superstar and captain, Laborius Hawk caused most of the damage, scoring a hat-trick with the first coming in just the 8th minute. Despite going 2-0 down within 15 minutes, Apox dug deep to ensure this wasn't a blowout, such as in previous matches against top tier opposition in the World Cup. However, those early concessions to the Valanor would prove costly, as every goal drawn back was soon replaced by another Valanor one. By the time Solomon Etezadi, a giant in defence as ever, powered one in off a corner in the 80th minute, the game was already dead and buried. Thankfully, due to other results, despite the loss, the chance of progressing to the next round still remained strong, with the weakest team of the group to come.

Group Stage MD3: Apox 1-1 Flardania
Yabuta 16', Juquinho 67'
All Apox needed to progress to the Round of 16 for the third time was a draw against Flardania, provided Electrum didn't beat Valanora - something which, thankfully to an extent, didn't happen considering the team's match against Flardania. With Solomon Etezadi rested in anticipation of our progression, the defence looked a little shaky, despite Olim Shahzad and Eurwen Raynerson both being exceptional players. However, that wasn't enough to stop Joseph Yabuta slipping through in the 16th minute and sliding one past an out of position Halyos Anaximander in goal. Thus endured a torrid 50 minutes for Apoxian fans, as the team ramped up the pressure on the Flardanians, but their defence held firm despite all this. Finally, the deadlock was broken in the 67th minute by Juquinho's volley from Kaj Aurora's cross, Juquinho finally proving himself after an exceptional domestic career so far to make his mark on the international stage. Despite the team's inability to press Valanora for the top spot in the group, they were through to the Round of 16 again.

If Olim Benzari thought the group stage was hard work, after Apox limped over the finish line into the next round, the challenge was only just beginning. Up ahead of them loomed the scary prospect of Eura. They'd only faced the Eurans once before - a friendly game before the World Cup 66 qualifiers - notably a cycle in which they won their only World Cup to date, and also notable for the fact that Apox would win that friendly 2-0 the goals coming from Tolgus Tregajorran and Grant Pickton in that game.

Apox were arguably an under ranked side at 22nd in the World, although there was no question that Eura were the better side, as per usual, Apox would be the underdogs in the play-offs. However, Olim knew he had a side which could create the second upset of the tournament in knocking Eura out (the first of course being Nephara being knocked out in the Group Stage, as well as Polar Islandstates, the first time that had ever happened for the Islandstates). With the prospect of a full team being able to play, Olim was faced with a serious dilemma. Adnan Zozula was proven at this level, there was no doubting he'd start. The other striker spot though, was fully up for grabs. Corinna McKenna was the most experienced and had the track record in big games, but Alpha Gandhi and Juquinho were both lightening quick and had the skills. And more importantly, both had already scored this World Cup. Conundrum indeed.

The odds were stacked against them, but lightening couldn't strike thrice surely? Someday they'd get a big upset and break through to that Quarter-Final barrier, the barrier that plagues so many Apoxian teams, and not just in the World Cup, though in other competitions they had at least broken that barrier. Time to show them. Time to go out and perform.

by **Vilita** » Sat Nov 14, 2015 12:40 pm

Vilita, Kernansquillec Take Care of Business

Exciting Game in Prince Laurent Island ends in Draw

PRINCE LAURENT ISLAND, ROYAL KINGDOM OF QUEBEC ::
The advancement scenarios from World Cup 73: Group G going into their final matchday against Kernansquillec were fairly straight forward for Vilita: Don't Lose. A Loss would see the Jungle Cats potentially eliminated - or, in the best case, heads up against the Unified Sunrise Islands on tiebreakers. A win, however, would solidify the Jungle Cats place atop the group, and a draw would seal a place in the knockout rounds regardless.

Perhaps Lucky for the Jungle Cats, they were squaring off against the groups weakest side - at least on paper. Having already taken care of the groups top seed Nephara on Matchday 1, and taken a point from their match with the Unified Sunrise Islands, it was the groups lowest seed Kernansquillec that Vilita had standing in front of them.

After opening the World Cup finals with a close victory over the Unified Sunrise Islands, Kernansquillec were brought firmly back to earth on Matchday 2 with a defeat at the hands of a Nephara side that were looking to climb back into contention after their earlier drubbing at the hands of the Jungle Cats. As the 48th ranked nation in the world, the Harry Broudant led side likely was somewhat expecting the defeat on Matchday 2, however, so would be unlikely to be suffering from much demoralization as a result. On the other hand, dropping points to a lower ranked nation on Matchday 2, the Jungle Cats were leaving the door open for an upset result to knock them out of the World Cup finals earlier than planned.

For Kernansquillec, the story on advancement was similar. Win and you are in. A draw would only be enough for the Kerns if the Unified Sunrise Islands were to pull off an upset of their own and take down Nephara. Otherwise, it would be the Nepharim skating through to the Round of 16.

As the teams walked out on the pitch for the pre-game festivities, one thing was immediately evident. There weren't many people there. Sure, the stands were packed and the fans were making some noise for the players as they came out of the locker rooms. However, there is only so much noise that 19,000 fans can generate in comparison with a 100,000+ seater mega stadium - or even compared with the nearly 88,000 capacity Samseongoloondongjang in Montreal where the Jungle Cats had just contested their Matchday 2 contest with the Unified Sunrise Islands.

There was basically one fairly large 3-story terrace on one side of the pitch, then a small ring around the lowest level with some standing areas. To players used to playing in full-bowl all-seater 75,000+ Capacity arenas in their domestic leagues, The Bannockburn Stadium truly had the appearance of an arena that was still under construction - still awaiting the rest of the stands to be put in.

However, there was one positive thing about the lack of triple-layer seats encompassing the entirty of the pitch. On the far side of the field opposite the main stands, the view was great. It was really a picturesque place to play a match and that could explain the fervent supportership shown by the Prince Laurent Island natives for their domestic side, the PLI Islanders, a Football and Rugby club that compete in the LIganaia and the Quebec Rugby League respectively.

The match would kick off at the same time as the Nephara v. Unified Sunrise Islands matchup taking place over at the much larger Blue Point Stadium in St. Johns.

Vilita looked to get on the board quickly and set the tone in the match. The games first major incident came inside the first 10 minutes when Dalian Magagula fed through Nili Ylimaiina who looked to turn near the edge of the 18 yard box and poke the ball home. However, the sweeping leg of the inexperienced Justine Herring got in the way and Ylimaiina went down, perhaps a bit softly, giving the referee Daniella Craptonella - believed to be from the Farfish Lands, a hard decision to make.

Craptonella paused long enough that the the Kernansquillec defense had time to clear the ball before the Farfish referee finally made up her mind and pointed to the spot.

Some of the Kernansquillec players objected vocally - not necessarily for the decision to award the penalty but for allowing the match to continue momentarily and the confusion that ensued as she pulled the play back to award the spot-kick.

Luckily for the underdogs, however, their goalkeeper Hector Ferly would be equal to the task.

The 25 year old who plays spends his domestic playing career in Super-Llamaland with FC Denison, stood firmly on the line as Nili Ylimaiina placed the ball on the spot. It was a short run-up for Ylimaiina who curled the ball to his left hand side, Ferly's Right. The Kernansquillec netminder guessed correctly and had a lock on the ball, getting an outstretched hand on the low, outswinging effort - just enough to curl it around the post and keep the scores level.

Play resumed and began to equalize as the two teams used the next 15 minute stretch of play largely to poke, prod and attempt to find weaknesses to exploit in the midfield. They were looking for a place to base their attacks, a place they felt their opponent might make a mistake.

For the Jungle Cats, the result as it stood would be enough to get them through to the knockout round, but not necessarily good enough to win the group - which is what they would want to do to have the best chance of avoiding defending World Cup Champion Pasarga in the Round of 16.

The match got a little more up-tempo in the final 10 minutes of the first half, and the games first goal came off a 38th minute free kick. With the gang lined up to the goalkeepers left, Ferly cheated towards the mass and relied on his wall to block access to his right hand side. The Wall didn't do the job, however, as Yahaya shot a barn-burner that just skipped the ground, straight under the wall with the Kernansquillec players having jumped in unison. Ferly couldn't arrive in time and the Jungle Cats had the lead.

They wouldn't hold on to the lead long, however, as Kernansquillec's right winger Agata De Luca took matters into his own hands just minutes later, dribbling straight through Kwuimekii Henteti and cutting inside for a sharp angle chance that curled just around the unexpectant Kalek Intafel who was making his first start of the finals in place of Zelkki Milake who was being rested ahead of the prospective knockout round encounter.

As a result, the teams entered the half time interval level at a goal a piece.

The lucky thing for all teams involved was the result over at the Blue Point Stadium was unexpectedly going in their favor with the Unified Sunrise Islands leading over Nephara. If all results ended the way they were, both Vilita and Kernansquillec would go through.

Any hope of "Cooperative Play" was ended in the 53rd minute, however, when Craptella whistled against Intafel for taking out Marie Iris inside the box. Luckily for the Jungle Cats, Iris was heading parallel to the goal and there were plenty of defenders around, saving Intafel from an early bath. It was quite a mistake of a play from Intafel and it would be Iris's counterpart Varinia Varano who teed the ball up on the spot. Varano succeeded where Nili Ylimaiina had failed early in the match, fooling Intafel into jumping the wrong way and calmly rolling the ball into the opposite side of the net to give Kernansquillec the lead.

Now, trailing 2-1, the Jungle Cats were in a sticky situation. While the only scenario that would see them through in defeat would be a Unified Sunrise Islands victory - if the Unified Sunrise Islands won by too many goals, they would be able to leapfrog the Jungle Cats and slide through on the tiebreaker. Nili Ylimaiina, the Jungle Cats captain, made it his personal mission to take care of business and make amends for his earlier miss.

Ylimaiina played notably more impressively over the next 15 minutes, culminating in a moment of brilliance likely to end up on post-World Cup highlight reels, perhaps for years to come.

The match was equalized in the 67th minute when Ylimaiina, in full stride, heel flicked a short pass from Dalian Magagula over his head - and the head of Hugo Gashotov. The Kernansquillec defender at first didn't realize where the ball had gone, and lost a step spinning to find it. By that time, Ylimaiina was through on goal. Instead of shooting from distance and giving the keeper a chance, Ylimaiina dribbled straight at the onrushing Ferly who slide to try to break up the play. But the Vilitan Captain had anticipated the slide and kept the ball close to his feet, flicking it calmly over the outspread netminder, himself leaping over the top and avoiding being taken down - Ferly kept his arms in his body not likely looking to get a red card and potential suspension for the next game - finally Ylimaiina side footed the ball into the net and walked back to the centerline without celebration, in a machine like culmination to a sparkling 15 minute period of play.

With all sides seemingly content with the way results were headed, it would not have been surprising to see the match play out to a 2-2 draw at that stage.

However, there is one factor beyond that that plays into the scenario, and that is individual pride. Purapal Eskiiy, one of the heros of World Cup 68, now the star player of the Vilitan National team, had struggled to make a major impact through the World Cup campaign and with the ball at his feet less than 15 minutes from the end of the match, he didn't care much about Kernansquillec's desire to advance to the next round, or playing nicely or corroborating on a result. He wanted to score a goal. And he did.

With the scoreline in St. John's coming through, it was clear that the Jungle Cats were going through. Kernansquillec, naturally, was motivated, and needed another goal to go through themselves. The Jungle Cats fought them, but they didn't feel too aggrieved when the substitute Sofia Busto found the back of the net in the 84th minute. They felt like they could take Kernasquillec if they played them again later in the knockout rounds and new their opponents would be more than happy with the result, allowing the match to play out without additional serious threats on goal.

When Daniella Craptella blew the final whistle, players on both sides of the pitch congratulated each other and wished each other well in the next round. Both sides were through. The Vilitans, perhaps expectedly, but for Kernansquillec, it was a history making moment as they looked to make a name for themselves on the Worlds Biggest stage. The Vilitan fans, perhaps somewhat disappointed they didn't get to see a victory - but still happy that they would end the top of the group and avoid Pasarga in the round of 16, filed out of the Bannockburn Stadium. While they enjoyed their picturesque day on Prince Laurent Island, it was now time to get back into the thick of things, returning to The Samseongoloondongjang in Montreal for what would certainly be a difficult matchup against the Group H runner-ups Valladares.

POST MATCH INTERVIEWS:

Referee: Daniella Craptonella

When questioned on the somewhat controversial penalty decision in the 10th minute, A very confused Daniella Craptonella stated that the way the Vilitan player went down, taking a couple of steps after the initial contact before seeming to dive to the ground gave her some pause for thought. She cited that it reminded her of playing a video game on the underground video game system "IrcBox" and temporarily let her mind slip into a world of dashes and arrows - input commands on the gaming system that are outlawed on standard Farfadillan entertainment consoles due to the tendancy of its nations citizens to have an inability to process shapes and symbols that are strictly horizontal in nature.

Craptonella, however, was unremorseful, stating that she felt it more appropriate to contemplate the situation and make the right call, instead of rushing to judgment, making the wrong call, then feeling compelled to stick to it for consistency even of additional evidence or brain processing reveals the call to be improper.

It was a long, odd and somewhat refreshing post-match debrief from the matches head referee who it remain to be seen whether they will be invited back to officiate additional matches deeper into the World Cup finals.

Vilitan Midfielder: Westii Yahaya

When discussing his decision to shoot low along the ground during his 38th minute free kick, opposed to trying to curl around the wall or dish the ball off to the teammate, Yahaya stated that it was a matter of testing the opposition over the opening half hour of the match that led to the decision. Yahaya cited that the Jungle Cats had 3 freekicks from within 30 yards in the opening half hour or so. Each time, Kernansquillec lined up 3 players in the wall, and each time they jumped up and in towards the direction of the goal, gaining plenty of height enough to allow a ball to pass under.

Yahaya had been working on low strikes in practice - not for use in free kicks but for use off corner kicks where he would be the outlet man near the corner kick and fire the ball in low to cause chaos in the penalty area. He was never really sold on the Corner Kick plan but was glad to find another use for his newly polished skill.

Vilita [3] - [3] Kernansquillec

:: Vilita Goalscorers ::
:: 38' Westii Yahaya
:: 67' Nili Ylimaiina
:: 78' Purapal Eskiiy

:: Vilita Statistics ::
:: Best Player: Dalian Magagula
:: Worst Player: Kalek Intafel
:: Possession: 54%
:: Shots on Target: 5
:: Corner Kicks: 10

:: Kernansquillec Statistics ::
:: Possession: 46%
:: Shots on Target: 9
:: Corner Kicks: 10

Vilita Jungle Cats Lineup v. Kernansquillec ::
[GK]Kalek Intafel, [D.]Endur Rotropii, [D.]Kwuimekii Hentetii, [D.]Inbekira Ajhabekk, [ML] Westii Yahaya, [MC] Serabi Chamya, [MC]Dalian Magagula, [MC] Purapal Eskiiy, [MR] Cavuna Aquafek, [FC]Nili Ylimaiina, [FC]Kiliko Riazen
BENCH::
[FC]Perran Adlani, [FC]Berali Tzufarei, [M]Tripate Falcon, [M]Amosiik Montaane, [U]Lboaisa Akarelm, [D]Amarini Baracelv, [GK]Zelkki Milake

by **Apox** » Sat Nov 14, 2015 1:00 pm

World Cup Finals Round of 16

Oooooohhhh the tension. Sometimes I just want to go and hide in the cave of mine.

by **Osarius** » Sat Nov 14, 2015 1:50 pm

The gaffer brought Gramps in, and the two of them made us watch the tape of the Farfadillis-Polar Islandstates game while they broke it down. "You need to know what to expect." He told us. "They just got the result they needed against the team that are probably most like us in this entire competition. You need to see how they did it. You need to know how to avoid it."

It was all pretty intense. Through my year of involvement with the national team, and all the sessions I'd had with Gramps at Hastmead, I'd never seen either of them quite like this. It was draining, to say the least. The worst part was that none of us -- except maybe Fabio and J.P. [Rodriguez] -- knew whether we'd be starting. It's hard to focus on the next game when you don't know when it's going to be.

We covered everything in that session. For six hours, we went over the footage, revisiting key moments, repeating tactics. "When Mata breaks, you have to be ready for him." He was talking to me, Jerome didn't lose his defender on counterattacks, I knew. "We will likely control the majority of possession, so we need to be alert to the counterattack. That's how the game will be won or lost." I nodded silently.

When we were finally done, we hit the turf for a final training session. Another deliberate ploy, "the match will tire you, you need to be able to function when tired." The gaffer said. It made sense, though it wasn't the most popular of notions in the dressing room. It didn't help that there was a bit of tension between us. Nothing serious, but the pressure was palpable. Everyone was trying to figure out who was starting, which meant you might be forcing a friend out of the team for a big match. I mean... Farfadillis were regional champions -- a status many of us were still a bit sore about; and we felt like we needed to right that -- and it was only the second round. If we were going to

Although we were all a bit tense, the gaffer was worse. Not sure the rest of the guys had picked up on it, but I could see it. I suppose growing up around a professional football manager had made me a little more aware to the signs. I think I even understood a little. See, during the session, I had noticed the dilemma the gaffer was facing. The Farves tend to play with three at the back, which makes them vulnerable in the fullback zones when up against a team with wingers. Particularly pacy ones. Like me. Not that Jerome wasn't fast too, but I had been carving out a niche for myself as a goal threat on the break. Of course, I was aware of my shortcomings. As a winger, I struggled to balance the defensive positioning with the best starting position to get chances on goal. I'd spoken to Gramps about it, and I understood... but it was difficult to translate into game situations. He told me it would come with time. I didn't have time. Jerome had been doing it for years already.

All I could do was keep doing what I'd been doing. I had come off the bench against the Equestrian States to get the eventual winner, so I knew I was doing something right. I just didn't know if it was enough. Or even the right thing. I noticed the media was divided on whether I should start. It was perhaps a fair assessment, though it didn't make it sting any less to see the negatives. I also noticed that for the first time in my career, I couldn't turn to Gramps for support. It was a make-or-break moment for me, in retrospect.

* * * * *

A perfect three in the group stage of the World Cup has gone a long way toward exorcising the demons of what some have termed a "fall from grace" for the Firebirds. Jermain Lewis' side had been the top team in the multiverse for four years, only to falter embarassingly last time around, crashing out of the World Cup without a win. Azarai Robinson -- returning from a successful stint in Buyan to manage his country's national team -- has since been involved with a revamp in the national setup, and has reversed their fortunes. An AOCAF cup final appearance, two tournament wins (exhibition tournaments, but tournaments nonetheless) and now a convincing run of results since their last defeat.

"We've shown our mental strength to turn things around." Robinson said. "It's been tough, and the doubts were there after the two losses in qualifying, but now I think we've restored that 'aura'. I think teams are afraid of us again." Those thoughts were echoed by assistant manager Reiss Ryerson, who added "the guys have got their swagger back."

Those comments come after a record equalling tenth straight victory for Osarius, over an Equestrian States side that made it difficult for them. After a back and forth encounter, Ryan Watson settled things with a great finish off a late counterattack. Watson's goal was Osarius' seventh of the finals, and he was the seventh different scorer, perhaps highlighting the depth of this Firebirds squad. "I think it's great that we have so many guys scoring goals this time around." Captain Juan Pablo Rodriguez -- who watched the Equestrian States game from the bench -- told us. "In the past I think we maybe relied a little on Ezio [Grassi], or out other forwards like Marco [Puntoriero] and even Wes [Kane] or Nathaniel [Doherty]. It's great that we have more guys chipping in now."

Azarai Robinson made several changes to the squad that started against Kandorith, giving starts to Bartolo Monteforte, as well as young centre back pair Jorge Santana and Enzo Bianchi. A dynamic midfield trio of Gentile, Mancini and Mitchell were chosen specifically to counteract the active and durable midfield play of the Ponies, and did not disappoint. Veteran left winger Wesley Kane also made his first start of the finals, while Laccona retained the starting berth ahead of Esteban Crespo, while Puntoriero was kept out of the team as a precaution, though he is back in full training.

The Firebirds would concede first, with the relatively inexperienced centre back duo of Bianchi and Santana miscommunicating on a free kick around half an hour into the game, allowing Cloudchaser a free attempt. A player of her quality certainly does not require that kind of time or space to punish a team, and Bartolo Monteforte stood no chance.

To their credit, Osarius had not been outplayed by any stretch of the imagination, it was simply a misjudgment at the back. They would make up for it minutes later, with a slick passing move that had even the speedy Ponies chasing shadows. Captain-for-the-day, Fabio Mancini would put the cap on the move -- which consisted of an impressive seventeen, swift passes -- with a cool finish from ten yards, stunning all in attendance. "That was one of the best moves I've ever seen. They moved the ball so quick it was almost unbelievable." Said former Firebirds playmaker Toby Drummond, who was providing color commentary on the game for OSN. "I'd have loved to be on the pitch for that. Beautiful."

The scores would remain level until the second half, when Osarius started aggressively once more, threatening almost straight from kick off, only to find a commanding Gentle Breeze between the sticks. Salvatore Laccona would begin something of a personal duel with the "Goddess of Goalkeeping" over the next ten minutes, testing her extraordinary agility on no less than four occasions, but finding her equal to every attempt. Unfortunately for the Ponies, Gentle Breeze was helpless to prevent Enzo Bianchi's bullet header from the corner kick following the fourth save. The Trothwands defender hurled himself bodily at Wesley Kane's cross, and Osarius were ahead.

Not to be deterred -- knowing anything less than a win would see them eliminated no matter what was happening in Barbury between Abanhfleft and Kandorith -- the Ponies pushed back. Again, the inexperience of Santana and Bianchi was exposed, as Wither linked up well with Pristina Shine, before burning Jorge Santana to power home an equaliser.

With the game entering the final fifteen minutes, and the scores still even, Robinson anticipated a slump from his team's forwards, and adjusted accordingly. Switching to a 4-4-2 diamond, Crespo and Watson replaced Laccona and Monroe, with the Osarius boss perhaps hoping that the duo's fresh legs and strong partnership at club level might be a decisive factor.

He wasn't wrong. Ryan Watson, as he has several times in his short international career so far, was able to decide the game with another goal on the break. The teenager reacted quickest to Gavin Mitchell's chipped through pass following an Equestrian corner in the eightieth minute, and struck on the half volley to beat Gentle Breeze and put Osarius back in control of the game. The final ten minutes played out over what seemed like an age, as Osarius attempted to keep possession for prolonged periods, squeezing the life out of the game, and forcing the seemingly tireless Ponies to keep the pressure up.

"I think it was a solid performance," Robinson said after the game. "The last fifteen or so was particularly professional. We had a gameplan for that situation, and the players executed perfectly. I have no complaints."

When asked if he regretted fielding an inexperienced duo in the centre back positions, given that they were at fault for both Equestrian goals, Robinson was as close to incensed as we have seen him. "Of course not. Those two need minutes. They need to play. It's ridiculous to think I'd be upset in this situation." He said. "You have to remember that it's not every game that you can test young players against one of the best teams in the multiverse on the biggest stage of them all without worrying too much about what might happen. This was a valuable opportunity for them, and I couldn't waste it. We'll talk later about their errors, and they will learn. They will improve. But the bottom line is, I wouldn't have picked them if I didn't think they could cope. I was impressed overall. They did well against a strong team, mistakes happen."

Speaking of mistakes, Robinson will be acutely aware of the mistakes that occurred in the AOCAF Cup final last summer as his team takes the field against Farfadillis in the second round. "It will be interesting." Was the only comment he'd give us, and with both sides liking to attack in numbers, we're inclined to agree with him. A win would see the Firebirds set a new record winning streak, and perhaps fully lift the veil of doubt that has hung over them since the last World Cup, but their opponents will perhaps be just as fired up. The Farves have twice been victorious in arguably the toughest regional competition in the multiverse, yet their World Cup record does not reflect their prowess. Much like the Firebirds, they have something to prove. While both teams are capable and perhaps deserve to progress, their encounter in Dwile will, by necessity, end in heartbreak for one set of fans. Robinson will be hoping it's not his side again.

by **Valanora** » Sat Nov 14, 2015 3:49 pm

Valanora Times
The Rubber Match

This is the matchup that few in Valanora really desired to see for the Marauders following their close encounter with Electrum, a two to one win for the Marauders thanks to a first half brace from Allandren Fresco. However, the side can only play those that are put in their path and thus they will have to steel themselves for the third encounter this cycle with the Dragons of Cosumar, who have found their way into the Round of Sixteen after failing to qualify last cycle. Meanwhile, the Marauders are looking to at least match what they did two years ago on home soil and find their way back into the quarterfinals, however the task before them is certainly one that will cause some sleepless nights for the manager and the brain trust.

The Qualifiers saw the Marauders and Dragons in the same group and the Marauders were able to scrape by the skin of their team in the northern AO nation, however Cosumar came back to Capri and snatched away a victory on the Marauders home soil, though after the side had just clinched their spot in the Finals. To that end, we know that the Dragons are quite the capable squad and their failure to make the Finals last cycle was one of the most astounding and outlandish things to happen in the World Cup in recent memory, though Osarius not making it out of the Group Stage last cycle was also quite the eye popping event. The Dragons have talented players and have a respectable league by all accounts, a rising power within the region along the likes of Farfadillis.

For the Marauders, the side will be needing to shake out of their off and on again form, having drawn with Electrum, played the hosts of Apox off the park, and then struggled to see off Electrum properly. That being said, they still managed to win the group, which many say is a sign of a potential champion side, finding ways to get the results and stacking them on one another even when the form isn't there, when the style of play is below what is the usual standard of the group. The side is far from the only side experiencing this, as Nephara found that struggle to be too high of a mountain to climb and are out before the knockouts despite being some betting houses dark horse favorite for the tournament. So while the Marauders have been far from their best in the matches against Electrum and Flardania, there is still seven points from nine and the group title to their name and a chance to make a run in this tournament, with many agreeing that the Apox half of the bracket being the more favorable.

The hattrick hero of the Apox match and the captain of the side, the legendary Laborious Hawk will be the key to the Marauders gameplan I feel. There are very few players in the world that can mark the attacking player, with his scoring record well known and his quality known around the world, as evidenced by the fact that he was one of the "no brainer" picks for the Multiverse Best XI in the ceremonial match for Krytenia. Hawk will need to be the tip of the spear as he leads the Marauders attack to break down the defense of the Dragons, while Galadirdren has the unenviable task of trying to prove that he and the keeper position for the Marauders is in fact not the weak link. The Ibini FC keeper will need to be on his game as the Dragons will no doubt try to exploit the flanks to weaken the center of the squad's defense and create the spaces to get opportunities. These two players are the key, while Soldarian is the engine that runs the machine, a machine that is on the verge of vindication should it merely find a way to get a measure of revenge against the Dragons and take this cycles series against them. The Marauders will be Dragon Slayers.

Last.fm · by **Cosumar** » Sat Nov 14, 2015 3:56 pm

Cosumar and Valanora set for high-stakes rematch in Round of 16

U R B A N I S T A , Apox -- Cosumar is back in the knockout rounds for the first time since World Cup 59.

It is the latest chapter in the dramatic turnaround story that began when the Fiefdom Soccer Federation hired big-name Nepharim manager Gethin Ramsey. The Dragons immediately rebounded from the worst qualification campaign in national history to stunningly win the Cup of Harmony. The story continued mere months ago when Ramsey qualified Cosumar for its first World Cup in two decades on his first try. It reached its climax when they shocked Free Republics 4-2 to clinch advancement after only two games.

Toppling a powerhouse ranked 20 places above you is a euphoric feeling for the team, especially on the do-or-die World Cup stage. This win held additional significance, however, because it eliminated Kyle Bolton, Rule Theriault and the dreaded Free Republic team that kept our great World Cup 71 side from qualifying by just one goal in the playoff.

At the time, it seemed like the end of the world for bitter Cosumarite fans. But as it turns out, all the Republicans did was delay Cosumar's World Cup return. And that pain made this emphatic Ha! moment all the sweeter.

Ace Newman was the hero again, following up his hat trick against Ceni with a brace against Free Republics. It is shaping up to be a legendary World Cup Finals for the striker, one that will go down in Cosumar lore forever. The game was only 1-1 at half time, Ole Öhman's early free kick cancelled out by Koby Theodore's twisting header off an Ayub Sandstrom cross, but Newman's two second half goals really broke the game open. One was a classy composed curler to the far post around multiple defenders just ten minutes in. After 25 tense minutes at 2-1, the follow-up was provided on a platter by Augen Wittevrongel on a through ball, which Newman faithfully drilled into the back of the net.

Yes, you read that correctly. Augen Wittevrongel. The young attacking midfielder with only three senior caps to his name made an immediate impact after being subbed on in the 76th minute. He was all over the place in the Free Republics' final third for the final 15 minutes, displaying the wily creative flair that most Cosumarites last saw when he led the U21s in scoring a couple Di Bradini Cups ago.

They say the World Cup Finals are where names are made and stars are born. If so, we'll be seeing a lot more of Wittevrongel after this performance. Shortly after assisting Newman's 81st minute goal, the Barbury Town man scored himself to really lay the wood on Free Republics. He turned Patrick Werfel one way, and then the other, before delightfully lifting the ball over Levai Imre to make it 4-1.

In the section of Cosumarite supporters...unbridled delirium. Amongst the neighboring Republican contingent...silent disbelief.

Free Republics would snag a consolation goal in stoppage time to make the scoreline slightly more respectable, but their tickets home were already punched. Having arrived in Apox with the highest of ambitions and an army of cheerleaders, Rule Theriault's side will be embarrassed to depart with a paltry 0 points and -8 goal differential. Their elimination being confirmed at the hands of one of Cosumar's most seldom-used reserves only amplified the humiliation.

The gameplan was a masterstroke on the part of Gethin Ramsey. The Cosumarites allowed Free Republics to enjoy more of the possession, but there was a hesitation and lack of penetration to their play because of our tenacious physical defending. The Dragons repeatedly lulled Bolton & Co. into a false sense of security before breaking with alarming alacrity. Combined with superior finishing, it was a recipe for success for Cosumar.

Cosumar
16 shots (5 on-target)
44% Possession, 75% pass accuracy
3 corners, 2 offsides
16 fouls, 1 yellow card (Na'Noni 62')

Free Republics
21 shots (6 on-target)
56% Possession, 81% pass accuracy
8 corners, 1 offside
12 fouls, 1 red card (Asbergsson 15')
Cosumar - 4
Öhman (16')
Newman (54')
Newman (81')
Wittevrongel (88')

Free Republics - 2
Theodore (45')
Chase (90')

Cosumar Subs
A. Wittevrongel (76')
K. Kvanderwyk (76')
A. Farsgaard (84')

Young playmaker Augen Wittevrongel training with the NT prior to his breakout goal+assist substitute performance.

It didn't work quite so well in MD3 against Eura, however. The Dragons simply couldn't break down Craig Gilbert and that Euran defense. They fought hard to cling to a scoreless draw for much of the match, but in the end they conceded two late strikes to fall to the team considered World Cup favorites by many. It was Cosumar's first loss in a competitive match since the first leg of Qualifying. Fortunately, the clash was rendered moot by the fact that both combatants had already locked up the top two spots in Group B.

But the story of Cosumar's remarkable World Cup 73 ascent isn't finished just yet. The pen is still writing. Who knows what plot twists lie on the next page?

Now, all that stands between the Dragons and heights to which they have never flown - the quarterfinals - is Qualifying groupmate Valanora. Our #9-ranked regional rivals have traditionally gotten the better of us, but we split our meetings this year and won 3-2 in Valanora. Cosumar are still the only team to have defeated the Elves in this World Cup cycle. The tides of revenge helped Cosumar sweep aside Free Republics. Now, the Cosumarites will have to prove they can withstand being on the other side of that equation.

This is where the serious business starts.

Ramsey and his team have a lot of work to do to regain their momentum after hitting a brick wall against Eura. The Vanorians, on the other hand, are red-hot. They went undefeated in Group A, and are riding high after squashing Electrum and hosts Apox. A Cosumarite win would be going against the grain a bit, but hey - the Vanquishers are no strangers to that. You can't get any more against the grain than drawing against minnows eight times in Qualifying then turning around and winning the Cup of Harmony!

Team Cosumar as depicted in "World Cup 73 - The Game" (OOC: Thanks, Sunrise). To beat Valanora, all of these guys will have to earn their impressive ratings.

Cosumar is 0-3 all-time in the Round of 16. Here's what Cosumar needs against Valanora to break the glass ceiling:

1. A calm demeanor. The guys need to treat this like any other soccer game. As an underdog, if you allow the magnitude of the stage to shake your focus, the talent of the competition will devour you. Going in so hyped that you play wild and erratic can be just as deadly as a feeble, nervous mindset. Avoid either extreme and just go out there and play poised. This is an experienced team and they should rely on that experience.

2. A healthy Engström. Ace Newman carried Cosumar fabulously in the group. Seriously, he's been great. What's more, this next game will be played at the Urbanista grounds he knows so well. But as demonstrated against Eura, he can't be expected to do everything himself against truly world-class competition. Anders Engström, who led Cosumar in scoring in Qualifying, didn't play a full 90 in the group stage. He was forced out early with an ankle injury against Ceni. He seemed to still be in some discomfort against Free Republics and Eura, departing both of those games early as well and lacking his usual sharpness. Cosumarites everywhere better start praying for healing. Gethin Ramsey needs both of his starting strikers at the top of their game against Valanora. Cosumar needs its Captain.

3. The good Defense, please. The performances from the Dragons' backline this year have been...err...all over the place. After they conceded six goals to Super-Llamaland and four more to Nephara in pre-WC friendlies, critics rightfully moaned that there was no way Cosumar could go far in the World Cup. Even in the opening 4-3 win against Ceni, cracks in the foundations remained obvious. Then, all of a sudden, against Free Republics and Eura, the Cosumarite defenders played up to the level of the competition and really tightened up. Many things improved over the last two matches: the work rate of Jon-Perohlin Nodtveit, the chemistry between Nodtveit and Jacob Pandan, and the positioning of Sheldon Serra. To win against another titanic opponent in the Elves, Cosumar need these trends to continue. We know from recent history that Cosumar can score a few goals against Valanora, but if the defense leaks more than 3 or 4 it's hard to believe we'll be able keep up. A reversion to the pre-WC form would be a death sentence.

Regardless of how this game goes, the 73rd World Cup cycle has been a massive, massive success for Cosumarite soccer. They have raised the expectations for all Cosumar teams to come and re-established the Fiefdom as a legitimate threat for the future. But make no mistake, the Vanquishers want to win now. CSBN is expecting record viewership numbers for a sporting event on their network, and thousands and thousands of Cosumarites have been flooding into Urbanista over the course of the week to fill Lime Ground with The Vanquisher Chorus.

Awaiting the victor of this heated Valanora-Cosumar tiebreaker will be the winner of the San Jose Guayabal-Kandorith clash in Cawln. The Guayabalense are the overwhelming favorites, but Kandorith (like Cosumar) is a surging dark horse seeking to shake up the established order. On the other side of the Apox bracket, our group winners Eura are set to take on the hosts and two fiery attacks collide in what is sure to be a scintillating duel in Dwile between Osarius and Farfadillis.

All of the potential quarterfinals pairings present juicy storylines, so all that's left now is to speculate, wait, and hope Cosumar makes it through.

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.

Leela Jones
Staff Writer

Cosumar Goal-Scorers Tally
Ace Newman (17)
Anders Engström (11)
Ole Öhman (8)
Darwyn Lucassen (5)
Belarmin Worsaw (5)
Mauricio Sigler (4)
Aziz Senturk (4)
Vareza Na'Noni (4)
Kit Kvanderwyk (3)
Tevin Lilley (2)
Augen Wittevrongel (2)
Jacob Pandan (1)
Jon-Perohlin Nodtveit (1)
Kyron Everdale (1)

Cosumar Assists Tally
Mauricio Sigler (9)
Anders Engström (9)
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)
Augen Wittevrongel (1)

Substitute Appearances Tally
Kit Kvanderwyk (13)
Tevin Lilley (9)
Belarmin Worsaw (7)
Aziz Senturk (7)
Kyron Everdale (6)
Tiffany Elam (5)
Augen Wittevrongel (5)
Tomasso Tenebrosa (4)
Arndu Farsgaard (4)
Senter Senterekoesima (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 4-2 Free Republics
World Cup Matchday 3: Eura 2-0 Cosumar
World Cup Round of 16: Valanora vs. Cosumar (@ Lime Ground, Urbanista)

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

by **Kandorith** » Sat Nov 14, 2015 5:40 pm

Chances Dropped, Kandorith slumps, But Reaches Round of 16

Abanhfleft 3–3 Kandorith

-                         Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
1 Osarius                 3    3   0   0     7    2   +5     9
2 Kandorith               3    1   1   1     7    7    0     4
3 Abanhfleft              3    0   2   1     6    8   −2     2
4 Equestrian States       3    0   1   2     7   10   −3     1

Kandorith manages to amaze the fans, but with a rather disappointing performance. The match which should have been a smooth ride to the round of sixteen became bumpy after all. As Kandorith took on Abanhfleft, some complacency seemed to creep into the play of the Red Dragons. The Kandorese side seemed so sure of reaching the round of sixteen, even Méng managed to miss target a few times only to shrug it off. Disciplinary actions have surely been taken and Kandorith is looking towards a whole new era of national and international football. For Huangzhou only one thing matters now, winning. The coach already stated it's not about the beautiful game anymore, but it's all about scoring one more goal than the opponent by 'any means necessary.'

It has been a long time since Kandorith has advanced passed the group stage of the World Cup or has even been in the group stages. Although, this time Kandorith managed to perform absolutely outstanding and convincing all the way until now. Their next opponents will mark a very tough match up; San Jose Guayabal, ranked fifteenth. Although Huangzhou absolutely believes Kandorith should win. "Yes it is a tough match-up but nothing we can't take. We have overcome greater challenges before and I have been able to study the San Jose Guayabal football and their style of teamwork." He said. "San Jose Guayabal seems to be the favorite for most of the watchers and football fans at home, but our underdog position makes us the formidable opponent we are. We perform best when we're not favorites and we're going to show just what we are made of in the upcoming match." Very confident words, from a very confident looking coach with a will to win and an absolute must perform mission for the Kandorese team. As the match against Abanhfleft was given away by the Kandorese team; this match is everything or nothing. It is matches like these where the Kandorese team performs best, where all pressure is applied on the team, the Red Dragons remain calm and gain most control. If Kandorith beats San Jose Guayabal, it will be an absolutely historic moment; the best result since the days of Xíanji. Might Huangzhou surpass Xíanji; it will be the absolute glory days of Kandorese football.

(Away)Kandorith vs San Jose Guayabal(Home)

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: MÉNG Zeijí

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: QEILAN Zhu
ST - N^o 17:MINGZHENG Shéng

by **Eura** » Sat Nov 14, 2015 8:05 pm

The weather was glorious and sunny in Bastion, and it seemed fit that this should be a day for good news. A room in White Ridge Palace with typically whitewashed walls and large windows, allowing in lots of natural light but no outside viewing in thanks to some security walls, was the place where the meeting would take place. A special committee had convened to brief a high ranking minister; none other than the Minister for Foreign Affairs and increasingly powerful Liberal Party figure Amy Yarley. It was made up of a few intelligence figures of a senior vintage with the exception of one Agent Deforge, the young officer who gave the initial briefing, as it was his operation under the spotlight. He was just finishing up on his summary comment. 'So, in conclusion Minister, I don't think its just a matter of somebody who has flipped a bit, but someone who has clearly undergone a complete ideological shift. Emile Gartanzo may be the answer to decades of deadlock with Sameba!' A collectively impressed reaction swept the room, especially among the older members of the room. Yarley had a neutral expression on her face - she had always been difficult to impress. The Minister of Defence appeared cautiously optimistic, and said so. 'This is good news. But how do we take advantage?'
'Well, sir, I'm only a junior analyst, its up to people like yourself.' Yarley grimaced a bit at the arse-kissing. However she couldn't spend long hiding her disdain, because now everybody in the room was waiting for her to respond. 'I think we should avoid getting carried away. It's hard not to see this as a positive development though. Do we have a plan for what we can actually do with this information though?'

Gaining intelligence was one thing, acting on it effectively was another. Various officials gave their thoughts on what to do in a long winded discussion, but none of it was really practical. Some were suggesting inane and ineffective measures like placing direct surveillance on his home, which was far too risk for too little reward, or even more perilously trying to make contact with him personally. At the other extreme, there were a couple of the more inexperienced officials getting carried away, talking of military coup's and democratic revolutions. While all of this was going on, Yarley had almost tuned out of this blue sky thinking conversation, not being a fan of the most speculative of ideas being thrown around the table. Instead she kept her eye on the one person who had not spoken, in fact they had barely moved during the entire meeting. Doyley, the OSI chief, was two chairs down from her head of the table position. She was pretty sure he had noticed she was staring at him at least five minutes ago, but if he had he wasn't giving any reaction to it. Instead he simply looked off into the distance, occasionally turning a page in his file or checking his smartphone. Eventually, as one strain of the conversation got heated, Yarley intervened. 'Ok, right, let's slow it down a minute. Our colleague here from Blackhall, what do you think? Where do we go from here?' Doyley remained silent, but did start tapping out a rhythm on the table with his pen, a metronome for his thoughts. 'This is a nice hypothetical debate and all, but I don't buy it.' The rest of the table was surprised, most of them at least. One or two of the quieter members looked like they agreed with him. "Spader", the officer responsible for Euran espionage operations in Sameba, looked aghast at her superior's comment. 'Chairman, with respect, you know I was skeptical of this whole "Gartanzo might not be mental" idea, but look at the evidence! We've got four sources, four! And most important among them is Bardsley who personally vouches for him! I think you need to go away and have a look at this again.'

The room descended into a tense mood. You were never supposed to address an OSI Chairman like that, but Spader had her eye on Doyley's job after a few recent setbacks. He retorted in as calm a manner as he could. 'After all your years working over the DZ, Spader, I would have hoped you had learned by now that when it comes to Sameba, there is rarely a sure thing other than the absolute belief of their entire establishment that military force can solve nearly anything. We know Gartanzo carried out that massacre. We know it, so why are we discarding that knowledge because of a bloody football manager?'
'Its more than that, Chairman, there's no need to be disrespectful!' Yarley intervened once more. 'Cool it, now! Doyley, finish what you were saying.'
'I don't believe, personally, that we have enough information to know what Gartanzo really is. Maybe he's softened a little. However it could easily all be a front. Or Bardsley could have the social skills of a dead duck, or she might have mistranslated some Sameban. Who knows? All we have is relative hearsay and yet some of you are suggesting that we precipitate a damned coup over there, or try and walk up to the guy and offer him a job! Its absurd. I have a great respect for most of you and for this operation, but it is way too early to make a judgement call.' Before anyone could follow up his comment with a counterargument, Yarley stood up, signalling the end of the discussion for now. 'I think we could all use a break. All operations staff stay by after this interval and we'll discuss further action, but for now I'm not going to sanction anything that would need the PM's approval. I think caution is wise.' She ignored some unhappy grumbling from around the table and instead decided to wait for people to leave, before going over to talk to Doyley. 'We'll hold off. I know they're enthusiastic, but I trust your judgement John.'
'I'm sorry if I undermined things at all, but Spader is getting so political these days. She doesn't seem to understand that this guy is of a pre-Gelta disposition in terms of his record. We cannot trust him on the basis of so little.'
'Maybe not.' That conversation was short and sweet - much more like it, thought the Minister. Now she would have to see what the PM thought of the whole thing.

by **San Jose Guayabal** » Sat Nov 14, 2015 9:07 pm

WC 73 Finals: We are definitively - #OnFire

And it finally happened, we qualified for the first time ever to the Round of Sixteen and what a way to do it, perfect tally on points and just one goal against, putting us as the best defense in the Group Stage, expectations are now high considering that our boys already demonstrated what are they capable to do and why not giving a step to the next level, to do that, we should jump the Kandorese barrier in order to face either Valanora or Cosumar on Quarterfinals, but let's not dream high, let's beat the Kandorese first!

By: Amelia Quintanilla, the voice of experience in football.
From: Cawln, Apox - World Cup 73 - Finals.
Posted: Saturday, June 30th, 2204 - 23:16 (Guayabalense Central Time - User's default time)

Recently, some sort of madness has gripped San José Guayabal, not in a bad way or problems of everyday nature, but in the sense of passion of football the fans of La Selecta, after two boring parties whose results were 1 -0, in stating that I am not against the result, but I'm of the thinking there had to be a little more action in both games, especially against Farfadillis because both teams have a style with a quite remarkable attack comparing other but at least managed to get the three points in both games, which managed to catapult us to qualify to the Round of 16 for the first time in our history, now it was time to face Schottia, a team that had a chance to achieve also qualify for the Round of 16 for the first time but they would merit a little more because this is the first participation they perform in the World Cup Finals, it seemed a superhuman feat for them but their passion and hunger for the win was enough fuel to ignite quality in them apart we all know from experience that when teams are for the first time and in an apparent disadvantage is when they manage to give more surprises, but we look back at the history of La Selecta and look what we did in those times where we were the "Cinderella" of the group, personally I think that Cinderella is not a very well used for certain equipment word, you can soon become a black horse group .

In theory you could see the game easy but the players were not thinking that ultimately, this became clearer when Oliveira turned in a press conference to give a statement after the heating of the day before the game, in which he said "underestimated rival is the worst sin you can commit in football, if you underestimate the only thing you do is trust you and give them more fuel to attack you with more passion and you seek defeat, always will but if thou underestimate, You give them more reasons and motivation for them to get a surprise, it is a classic example of reverse psychology in football because instead of harming rival all it does is give more courage to play as ever and beat you to leave you in a position you do not wish I found you from the beginning, so it comes out better avoid us underestimate lest the strange but common case of reverse psychology happen "Finally, they felt absolutely pressure to confront the party because they had already achieved the goal of qualifying for Round of 16 for the first time, which is very commendable by our players because that was not exactly an easy group, now the game against Schottia was only a matter to define what would advance position and thus see that rival touch us in the next round, the ideal was to win to avoid a Osarius, implying a return home unless we gave another surprise in the cup, but it was better to face the second place so winning was a priority in the game against Schottia .

All set after the events of protocol, Oliveira was displayed with the same old game, and more offensive and more defensive, but note that was emphasizing in terms of taking advantage of opportunities to score goals, considering the very even results in the first two games, more adjustment is made in the defense because he was working wonderfully, to the point of keeping at bay Farfadillis, which was already an impressive feat for a team like that do not completely block it daily, who had More tips from Oliveira during training was Jonathan Faña and Rodolfo Zelaya, who had passed unnoticed during the first two games, a fact quite strange by Zelaya, Fraser, despite not having scored a goal in the World Cup Finals, managed to give two assists so that their work was less than that made comparison of Fraser and Zelaya, who topped the goal of Terrazas during training, the young goalkeeper has managed to keep his clean sheet for two matches of World Cup Finals against two teams with enough popularity in the Multiverse, so his motivation was very high and could be a good factor that builds trust in their peers, while Mattías Passarelli trained to develop a little more speed and avoid the particularity the slowest team player with this training, it is expected that the central defense of La Selecta can improve your tempo and speed gradually, which would greatly help in the defense of La Selecta, while the team Schottia showed no variation.

The game started and the ball was to Schottia outset, the opponent showed wanting to intensively attack the goal of Abraham Terrazas, to the point that a mistake by James Moreira led the first chance of the game in the third minute by Eoin Killanen, who managed to enter the area and was hand in hand with Terrazas, the young goalkeeper managed to restrain Killanen then snatch the ball and try to achieve a clear move by backlash in a quick way, this was I advertise a dynamic quite nice in the game for Sean Fraser took the ball and went to the area and gave happens to Zelaya, he managed to give a header but did not give sufficient guidance to beat the goal of D 'Araby, who was not all pending with respect to the trajectory of the ball, which was moving to the left side of his goal and that for a couple of centimeters failed to enter, at least this party promised more actions than the other two previous games, although many preferred remain skeptical of what they saw as this could be cool for a moment and then get bored, depending on the conception that every spectator had the game, so you could paint a seemingly interesting picture for the intensity and the return shown in the mutual attacks between the two teams, in short, something to be taken into account in the development of the game later.

Barely five minutes on the clock and the game was quite interesting, because a good level of play showed San José Guayabal and apparently had forgotten the rule cede the initiative to the opponent, now they decided to attack more fiercely than others games, Rudy Valencia was serving as a better role than in the other two games, now had the function to retrieve the balls and it was achieved, he provided Zelaya with good passes that could be lethal if they could not be cut, Okywä he managed to stop a potentially dangerous pass toward Zelaya and awarded a throw in for La Selecta, Fraser took the ball, Bregoo gave pass and Zelaya was down in the area by D 'Araby while trying to clear the ball the referee takes yellow card to Zelaya for diving, but Zelaya, still in the ground still protesting the referee's decision, Faña came to calm and avoid that Zelaya was ejected so early in the game and you could lose the game in the Round of 16, everything was resolved and nothing was intensified, D 'Araby came to apologize to Zelaya and he did the same with the referee, the game was usual in the ninth minute, the stock had now turned into a midfield game but not as trapped as in It occurred the previous games, this time was noticeable the greater fluidity of game, which caught the attention of viewers.

The Selecta was getting over the defense of Schottia, Zelaya managed to make an excellent move to dribble to Okywä and also O'Brian, to stay in the area but in an unorthodox position so he decided to go back to Nunez who decided to pass to Fraser, he pulled but it was not a goal because the ball hit the left post twelve minutes, a play that was giving good impressions regarding the actions of the lead in it was making open holes in the opposing defense That was giving more fluidity to the game idea raised by Oliveira, D 'Araby cleared and the ball fell to the feet of Addison, who advanced with Fotan, they decided to move a couple of meters together then give a pass to Fotan, who finally separated from Addison and was in the best position to play, Fotan took the ball and decided to shoot from twenty meters but the shot went aside from the goal of terraces apparently appreciated the linesman like Terrazas deflected the ball He decided that a corner occur but referee approached engage him to lay positions at the end Schottia have a chance to do damage through a corner, Killanen kicked the shot and Okywä managed to jump between defenders but Terrazas managed to leave on time to clear the ball with his fists and begin again a play counter strike, Valencia gave Faña pass but he was caught in offside therefore had no choice but to abide by the arbitrator's decision and avoid giving a claim.

Time passed and we were coming in a quick way to the first twenty minutes of the game, in a decidedly more colorful than the previous game he had played La Selecta, but the goal did not make an appearance, but that could change because sooner or later San José Guayabal already had more opportunities to attack and left in a vulnerable position to defend Schottia, who saw no chance of stopping Faña, who it was that was causing major devastation in the defense, maybe more after his innate ability to much technicality regarding when to move and agility to perform good scoring chances over his rival, was Faña seventeen minutes managed to enter the area and thus be heads up against D 'Araby but stumbled Faña not achieve make good contact with the ball, sending the ball out of the goal rival. While La Selecta showed a little more incisive in attack lacked the finishing touch to the plays to score the goal and unfortunately could not realize Faña what was clearer opportunity throughout the game, and doubt began to get nearer into the minds of certain fans who were skeptical regarding on how La Selecta performance was during the two previous games and their weird lack of goal against rivals that doesn’t have such a great defense and then again more than someone could have thought that taking the "luxury" of failing opportunities to score key goals is something that is unacceptable, totally unacceptable and as we know, we take into account the existence of such "Whoever does not make goals, see them doing" and Ultimately no one wanted to do us those goals, nobody, absolutely nobody because we put in a compromising position, to get to play against Osarius momentarily, which meant returning home, only in a more gentle way.

But the reaction was not long in coming by La Selecta, after that time Faña, only had to spend four minutes to Rodolfo Zelaya himself be reunited after a short goal drought, a great pass from Saucedo managed He let Zelaya in pole position for he managed to dribble Watt and then turning around to the left was placed in front of D 'Araby without mercy topped violently the ball and scored the goal that put forward to La Selecta, the finally managed to score the goal after a string of missed plays and by a clever pass that allowed Zelaya managed to do what he usually does, score goals at any rate, this was not a way of great aesthetic but at least managed to be a good goal for La Selecta, and that's how we anticipate Schottia in just 24 minutes, there was still a long game ahead and the outlook seemed promising for the interests of La Selecta in the rest of the game, at least the game does not concluded at 1-0 as the other two would be enough, just that they were not allowed to let the rival to overcome a good result for us against all odds.

Excellent game that La Selecta was doing until this point in the game, was making a good command of the game and any chance of rival game was completely blocked for the moment, so the parity few minutes ago had broken completely , leading to monopoly by La Selecta, who were giving more intensity to the game and this was seen again when Sean Fraser is able to approach the goal of Schottia the thirty-four minutes, a pass from Fraser addressed to the head Zelaya allowed our star striker scored the second goal of the game, but in a simple way that matters, in the end what matters is that the ball is in the back of the net and of course happened so let us not complain of aesthetics when this goal is irrelevant, because I know we are not in a beauty contest. Zelaya finally managed to find oneself in just ten minutes twice, at least this is a sign that Zelaya overcame her small bump and demonstrated effectiveness in just ten minutes, as well as the effectiveness of the attack Selecta and approach the rival area Schottia, this was great for us and could get more of this kind of plays in our favor, depending on how loose Schottia continue defending or so easily we allow us in the defense.

The clock and forgave his departure was quite quick, Schottia had an enemy at the time they needed to score a goal that allowed them to re-locate in the game again, preferably before the half time, forty three minutes, Hanlon managed swept after Valencia goalkeeper tried to test a long-range effort, the early start that Hanlon Valencia gave him was enough to start a good counter left misplaced blow to the defense of San José Guayabal, the speed with advancing the was quite formidable rivals to the point that did see Passarelli as if it were a sedentary trying to play football, and he did not spare Hanlon pass Killanen who was hand to hand with terraces, Killanen managed to raise the ball above terraces and so scored the goal against La Selecta, 2-1 just before halftime result ...

A message displayed at the screen of a late night worker who decided to watch the resume in internet, he clicked yes and tried to hack the account 10 times, bloking the service by failure on providing the real data, he was worried but it had to be told to his boss...

"Well, shit, I have to call my boss, I hope he doesn't fires me by accesing in not allowed websites at work times..." said the worker while screaming "Boss!", as expected the boss arrived and said, "What the hell is going on?" and the worker showed with some fear to the scream and saw the screen, the boss just said "Reyes, you're fired! get out of office now!"

Summary: Schottia 1-4 San José Guayabal

Goals SJG: Zelaya (24', 34', 87'), Fraser (57')
Goals SCH: Killanen (43')

Might interest you...

Random Employee 0-1 Boss

by **The Royal Kingdom of Quebec** » Sat Nov 14, 2015 9:18 pm

World Cup Finals Round of 16

Sometimes I need that romance, Sometimes I need that pole dance, Sometimes I need that cutoff that's going to make people dance!

by **Audioslavia** » Sun Nov 15, 2015 8:36 pm

As part of a new one-part series, I, Jeremy Jaffacake, will critique the flags of the multiverse, starting (and finishing) with those of the two teams contesting the World Cup quarter-final tomorrow.

Vilita's Rag

The Vilitan flag is iconic, which is to say it is the size of an icon. Glance upwards at any football stadium in most world cup tournaments and you'll see an array of flags at the top of the stadium, swaying majestically in the wind. Of these, Vilita's always sticks out as being by far the smallest of all, barely flittering in the breeze.

There was a painter, once upon a time, named Jackson Pollock, who would create vast, enormous paintings yet only release a small rectangle of it as the finished product. This appears to be the effect Vilita have gone for with this one, only in Vilita's case it looks like they've taken a cut-out from a wealthy arabian businessman's beach towel.

It's a technique one Sokiti Amakra used when the 'esteemed' Vilitan flag-journalist (and was there ever a sadder three-word phrase in history) critiqued Audioslavia's flag four years ago.

Left: Flag of Audioslavia. Right: Sokiti Amakra's imaginitive redesign

If there's anything sharper than Sokiti's eye for detail it's her pair of scissors.

Here, then, is our artist's impression of the beach towel an ancient Vilitan stole from the back of a chrome lamborghini and took a pair of scissors to.

Left: Flag of Vilita. Right: A wealthy arab businessman's beach towel

In my opinion, the beach towel would make an apt replacement for Vilita's flag, but if I'm being really honest, I'd change Vilita's flag to something more befitting the image that appears in my mind when I think of Vilita's national football team.

Here, we keep the two shades of blue, which is how Vilita will be feeling when Audioslavia crush them in tomorrow's World Cup quarter-final. Gone is the star and crescent and the six orange things, in their place is the white flag of surrender, which is something Vilita's goalkeeper will be doing tomorrow, and a large steaming j-peg turd, which represents the country's culture and infrastructure. And Sokiti Amakra's face.

Joking aside, if Vilita's flag could be improved it would be to take a leaf from Turori's book and to make sure it disappears from view by at least the midway point of the knockout stages of most tournaments. If there's a way to get it to disappear from sight altogether, that'd be even better.

Audioslavia's Rag

Now, it's only fair that I also have a look at the flag of Audioslavia, because god knows the Audioslavian flag hasn't always been quite the work of art it is today.

Past Audioslavian flags

Ugh! As if it wasn't bad enough that we used to suffer from the same 'hey, teal works on flags doesn't it?' disease that Vilita have been afflicted by over the last few hundred years, what was that enormous 'A' all about?

Audioslavia's current flag gets flack not for the design, but rather the content, which includes two large bull testicles dangling from beneath the bull. For some people this is rather distasteful, but to them I say 'well, where would you prefer bulls' testicles to be? Perhaps the Audioslavia flag could staple them to the side of a bus, or use them as earmuffs for a scantily clad lady in the middle of our flag?

Here, then, is my rendition of how the flag of Audioslavia should look, in light of all the criticism.

IBJJ,G'NB

by **Farfadillis** » Sun Nov 15, 2015 9:00 pm

Steffan gathered almost all of us in a rather cramped room to discuss tactics for the upcoming match against Osarius. If the boredom of discussing tactics somehow managed not to kill me, then Ivaktör's non-deodorized self would do the trick just fine.

"Look, guys, I know you don't like the tactical aspect of the game too much, but this game is important. We can have ice-cream if you all behave, ok?" Pekarik tried to negotiate.

Tough luck, I didn't even like ice-cream all that much. I looked around and noticed the ice-cream trick was not working on the others either... well, this time, at least.

"Well, I don't care if you don't want to sit through this thing." He pointed animatedly at the tape in his hand, before shushing Alex, who was probably gonna argue he wasn't, in fact, sitting, but standing instead. "You're gonna do it anyway. And you're gonna listen to what I have to say." He paused to analyze our expressions for the umpteenth time. "Now that's better. This is a tape of the final we won against them. They fielded their U-25 side, as some of you might not recall, but it's the closest I could get to a match featuring their NT against a team as suicidal as ours." The TV started playing the match.

Our Polarian manager tried his best to ignore the whistling and chanting and booing of his eccentric players. He paused at a few key moments he wanted us to pay special attention to. Or at least a bit of attention.

"Alright, Mata, listen up. When you inevitably, irresponsibly bomb forward as usual, bear in mind..." He looked around, confused. "Where the hell is he?"

"He said he was a bit tired." A voice could be heard from the back of the room, probably Ascensión, his roommate. At this point, Steffan couldn't even feign surprise. He'd grown desensitized after managing us for so long. Whatever trace of Polarianism that could've survived in him after a few years with us had been completely erased when he fully embraced the Farf way of football the previous World Cup. It had done wonders; we'd been playing better than ever. However, the round of sixteen was still proving too much for us every single time.

"Fine, I'll go on anyway, as the advice applies for Drê too."

"Drê's in the bathroom. Something about literal bad apples." Fôrté interrupted before he gave detailed instructions for someone who wasn't there.

He simply facepalmed before pressing the 'Play' button. Soon after, Ivaktör's goal came. We all celebrated like crazy, mostly as a prank. He was not amused.

"Ugh... I had planned for a six-hour session, but fifteen minutes is already proving too much. I'm tired, let's begin training right away and be done with this. Ascensión, go wake up Mata and tell him he shouldn't take his starting spot for granted. Fôrté, go see if Drê's feeling better. The last thing we need is an intoxicated player."

The final training session ended up being very relaxing. Truth be told, we could all recite the starting eleven by heart. Cleto's antics wouldn't keep him out of the starting eleven, not even with someone as strict as Steffan as manager. And believe me, he really was strict. He was just tired, is all. True, there was the chance that Drê wasn't lying about his sickness to skip yet another tactics session, but that was all there was to it. None of the subs were even close to snatching a starting spot. Save for Fôrté. Matías definitely had to watch out for him.

Yurpá was often discussing things with Steffan, probably tactics. Ever since Friekder's retirement, he had been the only one to take the Polarian seriously at every given moment. He was the captain, after all. Having someone like Yurpá was probably the only thing keeping Steffan sane. Alright, alright, loosely sane; as much as could be when managing us.

Training went on as usual. When it finally finished, Steffan gathered all of us round once again to give us a short speech. Drê was there, since he had recovered miraculously, which meant he wouldn't sit out the match after all.

"Listen up, everyone. The Osarians are coming off a ridiculous ten-game winning run, one that includes teams like the Equestrian States and Kandorith." He ignored Alex when he asked who Kandorith were. He had earned one of his first caps against them. "I'll be honest. With your attitude, guys, we'll lose in all likelihood. Managing this team feels like being the captain of a ship without sails. I just want you all to know that if we fail today to make the quarterfinals for the fourth time in a row, I won't be surprised. You need a radical change in attitude if you want to aim higher than round of sixteen mediocrity. Tomorrow, you will face a highly-professional side fielding their strongest line-up. I hope you all learn from facing them."

Ӿ Ӿ Ӿ Ӿ Ӿ

That match against the Osarians gave birth to what would later be ineloquently dubbed by the Farf media as "the Osariannihilating Five-Minute Rush". The first fifteen minutes had been energetic and very vertical. They had tried to hog the ball, but our pressing game was looking sharp and we proved dangerous every time we attacked, at the cost of exposing ourselves on the defense. They had tried to punish us for it with their own counterattacks, but in the end this only diluted their possession game. Well, that and it got them to smash the crossbar a minute or two before I gave us the lead. Funny how football works...

You see, not even the most mentally-resilient teams can avoid the panic that follows a goal. I've said it before, it lasts a couple of minutes. If they manage to score a few minutes after you, they would destroy you. However, if you scored in that timeframe, you would destroy them. Score three times in quick succession and even a world class team like the Firebirds will start misplacing passes due to frustration. You might even get a player or two sent off.

Mata passed the ball to Rübéãn. Rübéãn dribbled two and then passed the ball to Alex. He turned around swiftly, as usual, and saw a running Fôx managing to sneak behind the Osarian left back's back. Giving Alex a split second and an inch is sometimes fatal, and it proved just that. He connected a beautiful pass that Mâás elegantly controlled before a quick change of rhythm that made the left back look like an idiot. He then went for a creeping cross at the end of which I would be, ideally. Jaconelli grazed the leather, but it wasn't enough. I didn't miss those, not even if the trajectory changed slightly in the last second. One-nil up fifteen minutes in.

The goal didn't seem to shake the Osarians. Fifty percent of football comes down to mentality, the rest is luck and the things people pay attention to. But funnily enough, the other fifty percent was on our side for the following five minutes. They kicked off and passed the ball around a bit. They tried to look calm, to put together a cohesive attack. And they kind of managed, but Drê recovered the ball from Monroe with technique improper of a Farf defender and started a counterattack. One that was ridiculously deadly.

The Firebirds defended just fine. But there's very little you can do when a counterattack consists of a few simple passes and one hell of a screamer. Drê passed to Mâás, who passed to Matías, who passed to José, who, finally, passed to Alex. All of them were simple passes our opponents couldn't have intercepted. All their defenders were positioned correctly, and as things stood we were probably not going to get anything out of that counter. However, I managed to drag Rodríguez out just a little bit, which left enough space for someone like Alex to ignite a spark. And boy did he ignite it. He smashed the crossbar from thirty yards out. Suárez flew like the bird he was, but nobody could've stopped that shot. It bounced in violently and hit the ceiling of the net. Two-nil seventeen minutes in.

This time the impact was evident. They knew it would be an uphill battle, but one they could win. They were the Firebirds. Truth be told, it could've happened. But not after the third goal that came three minutes later. That one destroyed them.

They started looking less cautious with their approach. It made sense. They weren't going to score passing the ball to Efraín. However, their attack looked more hastily put together the second time. Ivaktör dismantled it with ease and passed the ball to Rübéãn. That pass started a minute of passing the ball around, which can't have helped the Osarians calm down. Finally, I got the ball and split their defense apart with a precise through pass that ended up at José's feet. He clinically chipped it over Suárez and sealed the deal. Three-nil twenty minutes in.

After that came their disillusionment and our complacency. We didn't stop attacking, and obviously neither did they. But we felt completely safe from the Osarians now that we had a three-goal lead. Scoring against us was easy enough, but it destroys a team's morale when they face a team so easy to score against that punishes every time they don't. Whenever they got close to Rôhj but failed to materialize, we'd start a vertiginous attack as response. Nothing had come of any chance by the time half time arrived.

The half-time speech, as you can imagine, was particularly interesting. Steffan had been pretty sure we would struggle against the Firebirds, yet we had played like never before. I'm sure he was glad to have had to improvise a speech. No substitutions were made, obviously. We were playing like world beaters.

The second half started in much the same way the first half ended: both teams actively trying to score. The Osarians didn't last too much, though: we scored the fourth goal in the fifty-eighth minute. With their defense completely exposed after yet another failed attempt at penetrating our surprisingly rock-solid defense, Rübéãn found space behind Turner's back just in time for Alex to send him through. He placed it on the bottom-right corner, away from Efraín's reach. By this point I'm pretty sure many Farves were pinching themselves.

Eleven minutes later, we scored off a corner. Ivaktör Bârr beat Bocchetti to the ball and made the ball graze the far post. Five-nil against Osarius. Not even the Pasargans could manage that. Inside the pitch it sounded a lot more believable, though. However, whenever I turned around to look at Steffan, he looked completely perplexed. Happy, but perplexed.

After going five-nil down, their manager gave way for a youngster by the name of Ryan Watson. The kid turned out to be the key for finally breaking our defense, but Azarai Robinson would have to regret subbing him in too late, as his shockingly acute assist to Puntoriero could only narrow a five-goal difference by one, and with only two minutes of regular time left to boot.

Ӿ Ӿ Ӿ Ӿ Ӿ

I will never forget Steffan's inspirational speech right before our game against Eura.

"Do whatever the fuck you want. Whatever. The fuck. You want."

by **Alasdair I Frosticus** » Mon Nov 16, 2015 2:09 am

A Statement From the Imperial Secretariat of the Purple Inkwell and the Holy Empire Football Association

The broadcasting contract of Jorge Armanes, fashion designer, has been terminated following the Holy Empire's recent second-round loss to Audioslavia.

Mr Armanes has been granted compassionate leave, and has agreed to take a long break very, very far away from anything resembling a broadcasting context.

He has been made comfortable, and for his own safety has been provided with suitably prepared counsellors trained in several different varieties of unarmed combat who can help him through this difficult transition.

He is specifically barred from offering further opinions on the football kits of Barunia, Saintland, or Audioslavia.

For the record, Barunia's kit is a lovely pastel shade, Saintland's hoops are by no means unprecedented in association football, and Audioslavia's colours only bear an at best passing resemblance to 'bloody diarrhoea and puce'.

However, we do advise that the World Cup Committee look into whether Saintland should be forced to wear an away kit that's actually a different colour scheme from their home kit.

Last.fm · by **Cosumar** » Mon Nov 16, 2015 2:10 am

Round of 16 LIVE MATCH FEED: Valanora vs. Cosumar

Hello, I'm Cosumar National Team beat reporter Leela Jones updating you live from Urbanista where Cosumar are set to take on Valanora in a World Cup knock-out match! If you're reading this feed, I pity you -- because it means that you are unable to watch the match live for whatever reason. But I've got a nice suite here at Lime Ground overlooking all the action, which I'll be relaying to you as fast as my fingers can type!

About fifteen minutes to kickoff now.

Here we go! The two teams are lining up to sing their national anthems. Cosumar in their white chevron shirts, Valanora in their traditional navy. Steely gazes and heads held high for the Dragons as Glorious and Majestic is sung. If they are nervous, they don't show it. The Cosumarites in the crowd are making their voices heard, not to be outdone by the equally boisterous Vanorians before.

That's it! The final note's echoes have faded away and the teams are making their way to kickoff positions. Some are jumping up and down and swinging their arms to get the blood flowing, others are stretching.

VALANORA XI: Galadirdren; Aldamiel, Toraandal, Lardireil; va Drake, Soldarian, Haerear, Lithvathar; Hawk; Fresco, Celetholtinu

COSUMAR XI: Winterfyll; Gorham, Nodtveit, Pandan, Serra; Sigler, Na'Noni, Lucassen, Öhman; Engström, Newman

Last-minute prediction? 3-2 just like the last two meetings between the these sides, with Valanora coming out on top.

. . .

1st minute: We are underway in Urbanista!

5th minute: Ole Öhman wins a free kick in the attacking third for Cosumar. The Dragon's have enjoyed the lion's share of the possession so far but are still feeling out the Vanorian defensive set-up.

6th minute: Darwyn Lucassen whips the ball in with pace towards the back post and Maynard Gorham manages to connect his head to it! But the ball sails wide for a goal kick.

7th minute: Good work by Öhman again. He drifted inside the box and set himself up nicely with a great first-touch off Sheldon Serra's pass. His curled right-footed shot was on-target (the first of the game) and forced Galadirdren to make a diving save at the post.

12 minute: Oh no...Vareza Na'Noni has fouled Dûrdur Celetholtinu just outside the box as the striker was holding up the ball. It's prime positioning for a Laborious Hawk free kick.

12th minute: Hawk's delivery was wicked, arcing over the wall and seeming destined to dip underneath the bar. Fortunately, Jakk Winterfyll was there to tip it over for a save.

16th minute:

Goal Valanora! 1-0! It's Allandren Fresco! The elf who scored a hat trick against Cosumar earlier in the year has opened the scoring again! This time, he spectacularly drove in the rebound from 19 yards out after Winterfyll came forth to break up Hawk's run on goal.

21st minute: Espy va Drake wins a free kick off Jacob Pandan on the right wing during a scrambling counter. He takes the set-piece himself and goes for goal...but it loops harmlessly wide.

23rd minute: Soon after the goal kick, Anders Engström pulls up on a dime and launches a shot towards the bottom-right corner from 22 yards. Galadirdren goes to ground and is able to stop it with both hands.

25th minute: Penalty called on Valanora! The ref immediately points to the spot after having a good view of Rainyardil Toraandal holding Engström from behind on a corner kick. Cosumar will have a chance to equalize here midway through the first half!

26th minute:

GOAL COSUMAR! 1-1! Engström steps up and buries the penalty himself! Cosumar level! Cosumar level! He drives it low and to his left, Aediron Galadirdren guesses the right way but he can't get to it! The Cosumarite captain has finally got on the scoresheet in the World Cup Finals!

29th minute: Attempt missed. Fresco's right-footed shot from the left side of the box hits the right post. Assisted by Ilglerdiriel Lithvathar.

34th minute:

The first warning of the game is given to Darwyn Lucassen for a bad knee-banging foul on Faeron Soldarian.

39th minute:

Poor Soldarian, he's been mauled again - this time by Ole Öhman. The referee has rightfully shown the yellow, and Öhman knows he is fortunate it wasn't a red. Cosumar can't afford to keep racking up cards on key players at this rate.

43rd minute: Attempt missed. Lucassen shot from outside the box takes a dangerous deflection but narrowly misses to the right.

45th minute: It's the winding seconds here...Hawk tries to thread a through ball to va Drake, but the Yuba United star is called offside. That will do it for the first half.

. . .

46th minute:

The second half starts off with a bang, literally, as Revhil Lardireil knocks Ace Newman out of the air from behind and gets a yellow for it.

49th minute: Attempt missed. Lucassen sends a cross into the middle, and Ace Newman chests it down and spanks a half-volley wide right. It would've been an extraordinary goal - Galadirdren looked beaten.

56th minute: Cosumar once again starting the half on the front foot. Ace Newman just forced a save with a glancing header towards the upper-left corner off Engström's scooped six-yard pass. It didn't really trouble Galadirdren in the end though.

58th minute: Hawk drives to the baseline around Jacob Pandan and cuts it back for Soldarian's unmarked run through the middle. It should've been a simple finish from 10 yards, but Soldarian sends the ball into orbit. Hawk is visibly displeased by the bungled chance.

67th minute: Back-to-back saves on both ends in a wild sequence! First, Anders Engström craftily redirected Mauricio Sigler's pass towards the bottom-right corner from the center of the box, but it was snuffed out by Galadirdren's save. The Valanora goalie then flashed his distribution skills by finding Laborious Hawk waiting on the left wing. Hawk then used his pace to get behind the reeling Cosumar defense. It was a 2-on-1 break, with only Jon-Perohlin Nodtveit between Hawk and Celetholtinu and the goal. Nodtveit was forced to commit to the ball, and Hawk timed his layoff perfectly. Celetholtinu slammed a left-footed shot on frame with all his might from 12 yards, but Jakk Winterfyll came up with a heroic, one-handed diving stop! There are very few goalkeepers in the world who could've done that.

72nd minute:

GOOOAAAL COSUMAR! 2-1! Beautiful play by Cosumar to take the lead for the first time in the contest! Clinical passing and flowing movement around the box. Several players were involved with the build-up, but Mauricio Sigler provided the final pass. Darwyn Lucassen supplied the cracking finish, in off the woodwork off the outside of his boot from the top of the box.

73rd minute:

Substitution for Cosumar, their first one, as veteran Cazadores defender Arndu Farsgaard jogs into the fray to replace the goal-scorer Lucassen. It's a decidedly defensive switch, with the fifth defender morphing Cosumar into a 5-3-2 to protect the lead.

73rd minute:

Valanora are making a substitution too. Vanauraiiel Nardironel counters Ramsey's defensive move by bringing on more attacking firepower in the form of Galasgoldas Tathtauré. Ilglerdiriel Lithvathar takes a seat.

78th minute: Attempt missed for Valanora. Fresco tries a shot from a tough angle near the right baseline, but it hits the side-netting harmlessly. Many here in the stadium thought it was a goal though.

80th minute:

Substitution for Cosumar, as Gethin Ramsey looks to switch fatigued center back Jon-Perohlin Nodtveit for his younger, higher-flying counterpart on the bench: Peter Svensson. They are really taking their time here...but can you blame them? Every tick of the clock takes Cosumar closer to the Quarterfinals.

82nd minute:

GOAL VALANORA! 2-2! Oh no! The resistance is broken! The elves have equalized! The substitute Tathtauré is responsible, getting between two Cosumarite defenders and bodying Fresco's cross over the goal line.

87th minute: Valanora have really been running the show since their goal. No clear-cut chances, but they've been peppering our box with crosses and free kicks for about five minutes straight now. Every Cosumarite is on the edge of their seat just yearning to make it to extra time.

90th minute: Espy va Drake nearly steals it at the death! He latches on to Caeltimyonan Haerear's lovely through ball in the box, maneuvers around Gorham and Nodtveit, and fires a close-range shot at the right post! Fortunately Winterfyll is able to block it and fall on the rebound. The referee should blow the whistle after the goal kick and send this party to extra time.

. . .

91st minute: Aaaand the first half of extra time is underway. What will the next 30 minutes hold?

92nd minute: Ole Öhman has a promising window on goal courtesy of Engström, but his hasty shot is blocked by Revhil Lardireil before it could trouble Galadirdren.

96th minute:

Substitution for Cosumar, their final one, as Öhman is replaced in right midfield by Kit Kvanderwyk. We all knew this move was coming eventually, Kvanderwyk has been Cosumar's bona-fide super sub all cycle. We'll see if his energy can take advantage of tired Vanor legs here in the next 20+ minutes.

97th minute: Yep. Right away, Kit Kvanderwyk makes his presence felt. He's never been especially pacy, but he'll outwork you. With his first touch, he got around Lardireil and forced the Valanora defender to take him down. It'll be a free kick from the right side of the box.

98th minute:

GOAL! GOAL! GOLAZO COSUMAR! 3-2! Defender Jacob Pandan is the unlikely hero! It looks like they drew this set-piece up just for him, creating him a pocket of open space near the penalty spot as Kvanderwyk lofted the free kick straight to him. Pandan showed why he played striker at the youth level, lashing the ball off the top of his foot into the roof of the net on a twisting volley! The Cosumarites are jubilant!

102nd minute: Cosumar have had their foot on the pedal so far in extra time. Ace Newman thought he had landed the death blow when he turned off of Toraandal and rifled a left-footed shot towards the far corner, but it rolled just inches wide.

105th minute: Cosumar again pressing forward. This time it is fullback Sheldon Serra going for a shot from distance. It was on-target, but straight at the keeper. That will do it for the first half of extra time.

106th minute:

Valanora make their second substitution. Filwame Omasas is entering the game for an exhausted Espy va Drake to start the second period of extra time. Omasas' fresh legs will be a danger for Cosumar down the right wing.

108th minute:

GOAL VALANORA! 3-3! The Elves won't go down easy! Magnificent goal against the run of play! Omasas crossed it to the far side from the right. Tathtauré was there to head it back towards the middle only five yards from goal. The ball hung in the air tantalizingly for several seconds. Winterfyll and Pandan were paralyzed ball-watching. But not Dûrdur Celetholtinu. He rose up for the short-range bicycle kick and timed it perfectly. Fantastic from the Telecontarë striker.

114th minute: Oooooh, that was very nearly a crazy, crazy goal for Valanora. Soldarian caught Winterfyll out of position from 40 yards out with a rainbow of a long ball. Winterfyll scrambled to get back to his line, but it bounced onto the top of the netting.

115th minute: Vareza Na'Noni tries a right-footed shot from about 20 yards. It looked dangerous at first, but it didn't dip like he wanted and ended up soaring high.

120th minute: Tathtauré nearly scores again. Hawk picked out the Myrmidon elf in the middle of the box, and he managed to pop a header towards the upper-right corner despite Nodtveit and Farsgaard draped all over him. Winterfyll barely manages to tip it out and avoid catastrophic collapse.

120th minute: The ensuing corner came to nothing...and that does it for extra time. Two hours have been played tonight and nothing is able to separate these two fantastic Atlantian sides. In all three of their battles this cycle combined, the score is 8-8. But there must be a winner and there must be a loser. So we go to penalties. Valanora will shoot first.

. . . . . . . . .

Filwame Omasas has volunteered to lead off, and promptly smashes it high-center past Jakk Winterfyll. Valanora 1, Cosumar 0.

Engström goes first for Cosumar and converts with a hard shot to the bottom-right corner! No moment too big for Captain Andy. Valanora 1, Cosumar 1.

Tathtauré now for Valanora with a simple shot down the middle...good. Winterfyll had already lunged left. Valanora 2, Cosumar 1.

Ace Newman trots up and beats Galadirdren to the bottom-left corner with a smooth right-footed shot! Valanora 2, Cosumar 2.

Soldarian coolly slots home mid-right, befuddling Winterfyll. Valanora 3, Cosumar 2.

Sheldon Serra's run-up up is shaky, but he manages to glance the shot in off the left post. Valanora 3, Cosumar 3.

No misses yet. Excellent penalties all around, I must say. The next couple kicks will be critical.

Lardireil is next up, and the versatile defender pummels it into the upper-left corner. Winterfyll had no chance. Valanora 4, Cosumar 3.

It's Vareza Na'Noni's turn to bear the burden, and he easily dispatches it past an early-leaning Galadirdren. Valanora 4, Cosumar 4.

Do any of these guys ever miss? It's looking like whichever goalkeeper makes the first save will win. Which one will step up?

Laborious Hawk confidently strides forward and immediately rockets the crucial turn into the top-right corner. Valanora 5, Cosumar 4.

On brink of sudden-death, all depends on Maynard Gorham...and he barely chips it in! Galadirdren had it! Valanora 5, Cosumar 5.

Five rounds, five sets of perfect penalties. Into sudden-death we go...

Morlaithan Aldamiel rifles a right-footed shot to the top-left corner. Valanora 6, Cosumar 5.

Kvanderwyk nearly skies it disastrously! But it deflects under the center of the crossbar and in. Valanora 6, Cosumar 6.

The tension in the stadium is unbearable - in the best way. Both teams are clinging to each other arm in arm, anxiously awaiting their fate. Even the neutrals at Lime Ground are standing, hands wringing. No matter what happens, this will go down as a modern World Cup classic for both countries.

Allandren Fresco has tormented Cosumar before...and he does it again! Powerful shot down the middle. Valanora 7, Cosumar 6.

Can Arndu Farsgaard keep it going...? Yes he can! His composed shot to the right sent the keeper the wrong way. Valanora 7, Cosumar 7.

MISS! MISS! MISS! Caeltimyonan Haerear chokes! He clips his left-footed shot off the left post! Valanora 7, Cosumar 7.

Lime Ground is going berserk! Cosumar will now have a chance to win it! The Vanorians can't believe it.

Mauricio Sigler steps forward. Galadirdren stands in his goal, long arms spread wide as if daring Sigler to just try and beat him. The referee blows his whistle, but it is barely audible over the all-consuming buzz of the crowd. The young Real Atlantea star springs into a gallop towards the ball before slowing down with some fancy stutter-steps, eyes locked on Galadirdren all the while. Finally, he shoots...

GOAL! GOAL! GOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAL! OH MY! Fearless penalty! Hit with power into the right side-netting! Valanora 7, Cosumar 8!

Mau Sigler places The Fiefdom of Cosumar amongst the best eight teams in the world for the first time ever!

Vanquishers! Quarterfinals! Unbelievable! Who could have foreseen this after World Cup 72?

After nailing the penalty and sending Lime Ground (and billions watching on television) into an uproar, Sigler turned toward his on-rushing teammates and unleashed a savage yell of pure triumph. The players have now amassed in a tangled heap in front of the goal. Gethin Ramsey and the staff are hugging on the sidelines while all-time Vanorian greats like Laborious Hawk look around in resignation.

This is truly the greatest moment in the history of Cosumar football. Enjoy this, my countrymen and women. We've been waiting for this for decades.

As amazing of a moment as this is, surviving such a crazy extra time and penalty shoot-out, another win in a few days might top it. Winning in the quarterfinals would guarantee us a chance to play for a medal. San Jose Guayabal does not have the history and aura of prestige that Valanora does, but they might just be playing the best football in the world right now. They have won all of their games in Apox so far by a combined score of 10-3. Their collection of scalps includes Polar Islandstates, Schottia, Farfadillis and Kandorith.

Conquering Rodolfo Zelaya, Real Azuris' Sean Fraser and a seemingly invincible La Selecta would be an accomplishment beyond the likes of which this country has ever seen before. Do the Dragons have any more magic hidden in their den, or will they go the same way as the Red Dragons of Kandorith? It will be decided in Dwile at The APX Sports Stadium - tune in to CSBN at 8 p.m. Cosumar-time to witness it yourself or just follow my live feed again.

Cosumar Goal-Scorers Tally
Ace Newman (17)
Anders Engström (12)
Ole Öhman (8)
Darwyn Lucassen (6)
Belarmin Worsaw (5)
Mauricio Sigler (4)
Aziz Senturk (4)
Vareza Na'Noni (4)
Kit Kvanderwyk (3)
Tevin Lilley (2)
Augen Wittevrongel (2)
Jacob Pandan (2)
Jon-Perohlin Nodtveit (1)
Kyron Everdale (1)

Cosumar Assists Tally
Mauricio Sigler (10)
Anders Engström (9)
Darwyn Lucassen (6)
Vareza Na'Noni (5)
Ace Newman (4)
Sheldon Serra (4)
Maynard Gorham (3)
Tevin Lilley (2)
Kit Kvanderwyk (2)
Kyron Everdale (1)
Jacob Pandan (1)
Augen Wittevrongel (1)

Substitute Appearances Tally
Kit Kvanderwyk (14)
Tevin Lilley (9)
Belarmin Worsaw (7)
Aziz Senturk (7)
Kyron Everdale (6)
Tiffany Elam (5)
Augen Wittevrongel (5)
Arndu Farsgaard (5)
Tomasso Tenebrosa (4)
Senter Senterekoesima (3)
Peter Svensson (3)
Olaf Womack (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 4-2 Free Republics
World Cup Matchday 3: Eura 2-0 Cosumar
World Cup Round of 16: Valanora 2-2 (3-3 AET, 7-8 pen.) Cosumar
World Cup Quarterfinals: Cosumar vs. San Jose Guayabal (@ The APX Sports Stadium, Dwile)

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

by **Vilita** » Mon Nov 16, 2015 2:19 am

Samseongoloondongjang Success for Jungle Cats

Quarter Final Clash With Longtime Rivals Awaits

MONTREAL, ROYAL KINGDOM OF QUEBEC :: After a satisfactory 3-3 draw with Kernansquillec to finish off the group stage, the Vilita Jungle Cats returned to Montreal for the first knockout round action of World Cup 73.

The Jungle Cats entertaining Matchday 3 contest with Kernansquillec ended up being the best outcome possible for both teams who would each advance to the Round of 16 at the end of 90 minutes. The order was important, however, as the Jungle Cats would finish one point ahead of Kernansquillec atop the group table, while their opponents snuck through in second place. The reward for Kernansquillec was none other than defending world champions Pasarga, an opposition that head coach Ritopa Simafela was certainly glad to avoid in the opening round of the knockout stage.

Instead, the Jungle Cats would be matched up against the World's #16 ranked nation Valladares - like Pasarga, also from Rushmore. The Valladar's path to the Round of 16 was not terribly dissimilar to that of Vilita. Like the Jungle Cats, Valladares slid through to the knockout rounds on the final matchday with a 3-3 draw of their own, this one against a Starblaydia side that needed a win of their own to advance. Unlike the Vilita v. Kernansquillec match, however, only one of the two teams in the Valladares v. Starblaydia fixture would make it through to the Round of 16. The shootout-like scorelines across Group H on the final matchday - with 15 goals total among the two final matchday fixtures - were a far cry from the way the group stage would start for Valladares; whose 1-0 opening victory over Vilitan neighbors the Island Emirate of Turori was a model of defensive prowess.

Vilitan head coach Ritopa Simafela would certainly be looking to exploit the weaknesses in the Valladar defense exposed by Starblaydia on the final matchday and use it in the planning for the Round of 16.

For the Jungle Cats, the Round of 16 would signal a return to the Samseongoloondongjang in Montreal - the second game in three matchdays that the Vilita National Team would find themselves at one of the largest arenas in the Royal Kingdom of Quebec. Vilita's first trip to the Samseongoloondongjang resulted in a 1-1 draw with the Unified Sunrise Islands that very nearly derailed the Jungle Cats campaign, but ended up being a critical point on the way to their return to the arena for the second of what fans of the Vilita National Team hope would be 3 visits to Montreal over the course of the Finals.

Many of those Vilitan fans stuck around in Montreal after the Jungle Cats matchday 2 draw with the Unified Sunrise Islands in anticipation of the expected return for the Group G winners to the Samseongoloondongjang in the Round of 16. Left with a choice of either packing their bags, leaving the relative comfort of the big city and heading out to the smallest capacity stadium in the World Cup Finals to watch Vilita against one of the lowest ranked sides in the World Cup finals - or - setting up with all the comforts of home in Montreal, maintaining consistent residency and not having any transportation hassles; most Vilitan fans chose to stay put. Those on the fence were swayed by the visit of the World Cup 72 Champions Pasarga to Montreal to face off with none other than the Island Emirate of Turori in the Samseongoloondongjang's final group stage matchup.

Those that did attend the match were in for a thriller with 9 goals scored - 6 for the World Champs and 3 for the Eels in what was undeniable anything but a traditional Karelan style performance by the Turori National Team. The result; coupled with the draw between Valladares and Starblaydia ended any possibility of an ultra-rare Vilita v. Turori knockout matchup. If it were to happen, it is unlikely that any stadium, even the Samseongoloondongjang could hold the amount of traveling fans attempting to pack the stadium for what would have been a once-in-a-lifetime event. Instead, however, the Eels crashed out and cleared out the locker room for their neighbors to re-occupy.

When the Jungle Cats returned to the locker room on the day of the match, coaches Simafela and Ricata Amakra announced to the team that changes would be made. Two consecutive draws against lower ranked opponents was not the type of performance that the coaches were looking for in the World Cup Finals. They knew that their team would have to do better if it were going to improve on their 3rd place finish from World Cup 72. The opening day victory over Nephara seemed to set the bar high for the Jungle Cats. But, Nephara's early exit from Group G only proved that the Nepharim entered the World Cup finals over hyped and unprepared, making Vilita's opening matchday victory seem less impressive in the grand scheme of things.

Despite being one of the top producing players on the pitch over the first three matches, coach Simafela made a bold decision to bench starting forward and Team Captain Nili Ylimaiina for the Round of 16 clash with Valladares. Much like a struggling team like to sack their manager at the first sign of trouble, Simafela decided that the buck stopped with Ylimaiina, and if he was unhappy with the results being collected up by his team, than the player to be held most accountable for that would be the Captain himself.

The natural choice to replace Ylimaiina as captain would have been Zelkki Milake. However, somewhat surprisingly, Simafela didn't turn to Milake in goal, but instead looked at Marine Coast United netminder Cilamara Issah. The fact that Kalek Intafel wasn't given the start after conceding a trio of goals against Kernansquillec wasn't surprising. The fact that the team went with Issah, a career international rotation player who had yet to make an appearance in the World Cup 73 finals, and not World Cup 68 champion Zelkki Milake who had given up just a single goal in two matches between the pipes earlier in World Cup 73, was the real surprise.

Ten minutes into the match, however, that was all history. Two goals from Kaivel Illatara put the new-look Jungle Cats on top and things were going splendidly with smiles on the sidelines and in the stands. Vilita and Valladares would exchange goals in the final 10 minutes of the first half as well, making the scoreline 3-1 at the half and the Jungle Cats feeling confidently in control of the match, perhaps giving them the opportunity to take their eye slightly off the ball with another eye on the scoreline in the other matches.

Coach Simafela tried to keep things fresh for the Jungle Cats during the second half, introducing a trio of substitutes but slowly the Rushmori opposition would wear down the facade and expose the overburdened Jungle Cats defensive line. Switching to a more traditionally Vilitan 3-5-2 formation for the critical matchup, Simafela's side were struggling from a lack of a clear, vocal defensive midfielder to command the play and manage interaction between the defensive core and the Mifielders.

Seventeen minutes from full time and the score was level. In any other sport, it would have been the moment that Simafela would use to call a timeout and reset his team. With no timeouts allowed in this sport, the last tool Simafela had available to him was to take a walk over to the fourth official and provide him with a pair of numbers.

It was the number 99 of Jungle Cats star midfielder Purapal Eskiiy that was entering the pitch, Eskiiy chosen as preferred over the in form striker Nili Ylimaiina who was also available on the bench at the time.

Eskiiy was tasked with re-controlling the midfield and pushing forward to put more pressure on Andrés Orozco in the Valladar net. Led by Eskiiy, the Jungle Cats began pouring the pressure on once again just as they had done early in the first half of the match. The Jungle Cats earned 6 corner kicks in stoppage time alone, but Orozco held strong and finally the full time whistle came with the scores knotted at 3.

As there had to be a winner in the match in order to ensure that the World Cup would continue and the show would go on, the teams returned to the pitch to tack on an extra 30 minutes total play time to accomodate a victory, with neither side likely to attempt to play out to penalty kicks.

Luckily for the plethora of Vilitan fans in attendance at the Samseongoloondongjang, Vilita would come out and begin the extra time session with the same intesity level as they had completed the full time period with. After creating chances and even hitting the cross bar on an ambitious attempt to catch Orozco out of position, Vilita re-took the lead in the 98th minute through Eskiiy who was in the right position to capitalize from a partially blocked shot by Lboaisa Akarelm that rolled directly into his path. Vilita's #99 quickly looked up and placed the ball where the goalie wasn't to put his side in front.

It would be the only goal of the extra time period and the Jungle Cats would hang on through to the 120 minute mark before the full time whistle blew and the Jungle Cats had claimed a win at the Samseongoloondongjang. After a draw in their first game at the Samseongoloondongjang and a win in extra time during their second, Jungle Cat Nation would be hoping that results would continue to fall in place such that their Jungle Cats would make one more appearance at the Samseongoloondongjang before the World Cup's conclusion.

Goalkeeper: Cilamara Issah

When asked to discuss his performance after conceding 3 goals - two critically in the second half to erase a two-goal Vilitan lead, Cilamara Issah claimed that while, overall, he felt like he had left it all out on the field and could remain proud of his performance during the match, he wasn't sure whether or not he would be getting another call as the Knockout Round progressed.

Issah revealed that despite Vilita's historical focus on attacking prowess, the current coaching staff were taking clearn sheets very seriously. Issah noted that #1 netminder Zelkki Milake was benched after giving up just a single goal in a match against the Unified Sunrise Islands in Montreal - a match that was one of two where the Jungle Cats relinquished points to their opponent due to giving up goals and not keeping a perfect scorecard. Milake's replacement in the third match of the finals, against Kernansquillec, was Kalek Intafel. But Intafel fared even worse giving up 3 goals.

With Issah having also given up 3 goals, he expressed doubt that he would be selected as netminder for the next game against Audioslavia, but he would be 'pleasantly surprised' if it happened.

Assistant Coach: Ricata Amakra

Vilita National Team assistant head coach Ricata Amakra spent some time discussing tactics after the match, revealing that the decision to switch back to a more classic Vilitan 3-5-2 formation was an attempt to control the ball in the midfield and create more relative chances by denying the opponent the ball. That strategy didn't really pan out but at least, Amakrra tnhought, they would still have all the data available to review at any point.

In the end, both teams held about 50% possession so there was minimal if any advantage from the switch for Vilitan National Team members. However, in the end, Vilita still won.

The tone of the interview changed when Amakra was asked about the Jungle Cats next opponent, Audioslavia. With two nations having such a rich and contested history, it was likely that the pre-match would take more of a low-swinging turn than a professional match focused approach.

"Look" Amakra said, "I'm sure there is going to be all kinds of media nonsense coming out from the Audioslavians over the next few days leading up to the match. The bottom line is, its all just that. Nonsense. They can focus on underhanded digs and sensationalist journalism if they want. We aren't here to win a media campaign. We're here to win a football match. Ever since they finally won their World Cup(s) they haven't quite been the same. Now they've turned to a guy, Kajaxo Imaslavii, who spent his entire football career playing in the Vilitan League to be their coach. That should tell you where the footballing edge is right there." When asked about his relation to popular Vilitan columnist Sokiti Amakra, and whether the young writer would be engaging in the media fanfare surrounding the match, the Vilitan assistant coach advised that while he wasn't going to issue any edicts, he didn't think such antics were necessary at this point. The players on the team would be focused on one thing, and one thing alone, preparing for the match.

The interview continued and many statistics about previous meetings between the two sides in various competitions were mentioned as a Quarter Final match result prediction was solicited. Amakra interrupted. "World Cup 20. Do we really need to say anymore? World Cup 20. AOCAF 41. We're going to roll into the Pavel Wilson Stadium, we're going to take care of business once again. At the end of the day, it will be us saying G'nite Bitches. #castratethebulls"

Vilita [4] - [3] Valladares *(AET)

:: Vilita Goalscorers ::
:: 2' Kaivel Illatara
:: 10' Kaivel Illatara
:: 38' Kiliko Riazen
:: 98' Purapal Eskiiy

:: Vilita Statistics ::
:: Best Player: Kaivel Illatara
:: Worst Player: Vliela Lianksa
:: Possession: 50%
:: Shots on Target: 10
:: Corner Kicks: 22

:: Valladares Statistics ::
:: Possession: 50%
:: Shots on Target: 8
:: Goals Scored: 3
:: Shots Saved: 6
:: Corner Kicks: 16

Vilita Jungle Cats Lineup v. Valladares ::
[GK]Cilamara Issah, [D.]Arocki Tadalek, [D.]Amarini Baracelv, [D.]Kwuimekii Hentetii, [ML] Lopaki Kilpter, [MC] Tripate Falcon, [MC]Serabi Chamya, [MC] Westii Yahaya, [MR] Vliela Lianksa, [FC]Kaivel Illatara, [FC]Kiliko Riazen
BENCH::
[FC]Nili Ylimaiina, [FC]Lboaisa Akarelm, [M]Purapal Eskiiy, [M]Dalian Magagula, [U]Karisto Monafog, [D]Tlikao Muratai, [GK]Zelkki Milake

by **Pasarga** » Mon Nov 16, 2015 8:01 am

Jullian was feeling optimistic now, his side was beginning to round into the sort of form that had seen them make it to the previous two Finals and Copa Rushmori Finals, even if it had taken a half for the side to hit their stride. However with budding rivalry between the Wanderers and the Kerns, it was hard to fault the side for being put on the backfoot as the Kerns came out with a crisp and decisive passing attack that had them up a goal to nil at the half. It was not as if the side was playing poorly either, they had played quite well, not their best, but they certainly had played well enough that the score should have been level going into the break. You had to merely commend the Kerns for being mentally prepared and up for the game, looking to extract a little revenge against the Wanderers for denying them a Copa Rushmori title and beating them twice in a row in the competition and denying them a chance for glory.

However his side responded well, showing the heart of the champion to begin the second half, blitzing the spent Kerns in the first fifteen minutes to the tune of three goals. It was exactly the response he had hoped for after encouraging the players in the half time talk, making them realize that they had merely been unlucky thus far and they had to match the energy that the Kerns were putting into the game. It definitely seemed to lift the heads of the side and they were out with a purpose in that second half. Sadly it definitely seemed as if the Kerns had spent all the energy and emotion that they had in that wonderful display of football in the first half and were almost helpless against the incisive Wanderer attack, with the captain giving the side completely belief that they could snatch the victory from their regional rivals with a blast from twenty-four yard out in the forty-ninth minute.

Mauer would sink the Kerns visibly with his goal two minutes later, as he got his head onto the end of a lovely cross from van Kruistum as the Hastmead Diamante beat his mark to put that ball in. Nine minutes later would be the nail in the coffin for the Kerns as Valdimarsdóttir was the first one to a loose ball in the box after Mór's freekick came off the post, getting her foot to the ball before the keeper could lay out and smother it. From there on out the side would play the possession game and see the Kerns off and see themselves back once more into the Quaterfinals, with the cohosts of Quebec waiting for them. The hosts will no doubt be quite aware just how well the side seems to respond and adjust in the second half the manager knew. The idea then would be to try and get them to begin the match and ideally keep the crowd from becoming a huge factor, as hosts always seemed to feed off the crowd and perform just that notch better than most would have expected of them should the tournament be held elsewhere.

It was a difficult quandary for Jullian as he did not feel like there needed to be an adjustment to the starting eleven, they were all playing quite well, even the defense that had looked a bit shaken after the match with Turori. How then was he to get the side fired up and ready to go from the first whistle, to prevent their opposition from gaining that ground that the Kerns definitely had? It occurred to him then that it was a matter not of tactics but of morale, and the idea came to him of what to do. Rather than have a walk through the day before the match, he cancelled it and instead brought the team together in the hotel and brought out board games. A day of recreation and relaxation without the pressures of being the best team in the world and everyone expecting them to walk over Quebec was the prescription. Watching them laugh and have a good time playing the game, he was sure this was exactly what his side needed. Even he decided to get in on the action, as the manager need the relaxation as much as any of the squad, if he was to be ready for the match to come on the morrow.

by **The Royal Kingdom of Quebec** » Mon Nov 16, 2015 1:18 pm

Match of the Exhibition Series I: Royal Kingdom of Quebec 2-2 Valldares

Pedrinho '31, Fortin '32, Gignac '51, Gelinas '68
VLD: Orozco; Edwards, Courtois, Lopes; Coupet, Pedretti, Brücke, Reyes; Gignac, Rozenthal, Pedrinho
QUE: Middleton; Jeong (Varsteeg '81), Dunford, Miller; Di Maria, Beauchemin, Shin, Burns; Gelinas, Conavacio (Hertel '55), Fortin

Valladares are current Valladar heavyweights, though standing slightly short amongst the likes of Eura, Polar Islandstates and Pasarga due to those 3's extreme prowess in international footballing stage lately. They nonetheless are among the multiverse's top sides and for very good reason. With Valladars finishing their qualifying campaign with the marvelous comeback that had them go undefeated in the 2nd half, the focus headed to the Samseongoloondongjang where the Grim Reapers host the fiery-hot Valladars to conclude the mid-qualifying portion of the friendlies. The match started very slowly, with neither team showing much offence to start the game. The silence was first broken when Pedrinho scored on an excellent volley on 31st minute, feeding off a long cross by Abel Brücke that really should've been picked off by Dunford. This effectively broke the pattern, allowing for both teams to put their offensive game back in front: Zachary Fortin quickly took advantage of his Marinos teammate Edwards' mistake and equalised it with a convincing goal a minute later. Getting their groove back they placed their priorities on offence and went on a shooting fest. However, excellent performances of both Middleton and Orozco prevented the game from going much further than a 2-2.

Match of the Exhibition Series II: San Jose Guayabal 2-2 Royal Kingdom of Quebec

Zelaya '35, Van Robben '36, Conavacio '89, Fraser '90
QUE: Cech; Varsteeg, Jeong, Dunford, Kontiola; Di Maria, Beauchemin; Hertel, Conavacio, Fortin (M. Zelaya '59), Van Robben
SJG: Terrazas; Moreira, Passarelli, Salume; Valencia, Núñez, Bregoo, Saucedo; Fraser, R. Zelaya, Faña

Quebec's final preparation ahead of the tournament was against traditional allies and rivals San Jose Guayabal. Playing in front of the fans so familiar to the Quebecois eyes, yet so hostile to them, was not something that the Grim Reapers sought to ignore after all, and they took advantage of that to finish convincingly in another 2-2 game against a team so similar to them in strengths and playing style. It was a very close game, sparks and tensions flying everywhere as both sides fired back and forth on each other. There would be no key breakthrough from both teams until 35th minute when Rodolfo Zelaya, saucing off a wicked pass by Valencia, scored with prose. La Selecta side seemed to gain some momentum afterwards, generating some great opportunities, but the Quebecois tied it back with Hazel Van Robben's bicycle kick. Feeling joyful in scoring the goal, Van Robben celebrated the goal by taking her shirt off, before dunking over the goalpost. This got her an immediate rejection by not so happy referee, drawing massive boos from the 87,890 fans in attendance. The match went on and nothing happened for a while, until it ended with a bang: Leonardo Conavacio, after his 89th minute goal to give the Grim Reapers a 2-1 lead, proceeded to bite Rodolfo Zelaya on nose. This immediately led Zelaya to bleed, resulting in immediate ejection of the hot-blooded striker and the game-tying goal kicked by Fraser right outside the box.

Group Stage MD3: Audioslavia 2-2 Royal Kingdom of Quebec

Caszely '12, Hufschmedid '25, Zelaya '26, Van Robben '45
AUD: Patterick; Varisco, Caceres, Goicoechea, Korbijn; Etxezuniyiga, Landhuis, Hufschmeid, Vengochea; Rodriguez-Korrejon, Caszely
QUE: Cech; Varsteeg, Jeong, Dunford, Kontiola (Miller '59); Di Maria, Beauchemin; Hertel, Zelaya, Fortin, Van Robben

What a wild first half this game had, as the Grim Reapers faced the Calanian powerhouse in Audioslavia. The game started off slow, with both sides looking to take advantage of one and another's mistakes. Tension between the teams had one blink however, as Roberto Di Maria's back pass to Dunford got quickly intercepted by sneaky Rodriguez-Korrejon, who then scored off the counterattack making a 1-0 game. Now trailing 1-0 the Grim Reapers came back with offensive firetruck, attacking in every direction even going as far as using Dunford for the attack. This first led to a horrible defensive failure that had Hufschmeid score an easy goal, but then gave the Grim Reapers another shot at making it competitive by allowing Zelaya to score on a volley. Zelaya, once scoring the goal, went on a spectacular celebration by punching to the air and doing a moonwalk in front of the goal post before hugging his team mates and going to the fans to cheer.
Now energised, he Quebecois continued gaining momentum and it was Hazel Van Robben who completed the comeback, outpowering a couple of defenders on the way to launch a dramatic shot that gave the Grim Reapers a 2-2 draw before heading back to locker room. With the game now tied, and Zenicians eliminated thanks to the Krytenian resistance down the road, the Grim Reapers changed formation and stuck to the heavily-defensive, possession-based game. The game went on, but without anything particularly significant or dangerous of a moment as the last 50 minutes passed. The Grim Reapers have made it to their 2nd knockout stage in history, and it was on a game of two halves.

Round of Sixteen: Royal Kingdom of Quebec 1-0 Saintland

Fortin '65
SNT: Senius; Junius, Tanicius, Nonius, Maximius, Dossenius, Vesuius; Epidius, Nassenius, Allectus; Florius
QUE: Middleton; Varsteeg, Jeong, Dunford, Miller (Kontiola '62); Di Maria, Beauchemin; Hertel, Zelaya (Conavacio '31), Fortin, Van Robben

Qualifying to the elimination rounds for the second time, the Grim Reapers encountered their Round of Sixteen opponents in Feministvs Sanctvsterra. Feministvs Sanctvsterra, the Sanctii representative of the World Cup 73 this year, has been a defensive powerhouse all along and it was up to the Grim Reapers to solve their 6-3-1 tactic. With the team well rested in their extra 3 days at Attawapiskat, they came out on fire as the team went out on all-offensive outburst. Despite that the Sanctii held on to it very well as the Grim Reapers ramped up pressure in attacking their Rushmori opponent but failing to make that final delivery. The Sanctii response to the Grim Reapers' offence were mediocre, however, and the home fans @ City of Attawapsikat Stadium had to endure 65 minutes of waiting. Finally, the silence was broken when Xavier Hertel, after quickly intercepting the ball from Junius, quickly went for a cross that hit Fortin's left foot and went into the far-left corner of the net. Then the rest was history, as the game went full-on-bed soccer in its hyperdefensiveness and gently went away into the good night for the Grim Reapers and their fans.

by **Apox** » Mon Nov 16, 2015 1:23 pm

World Cup Quarter Finals

Quarter-Finals. Today I'm hiding in a tree.

by **Eura** » Mon Nov 16, 2015 6:21 pm

RushLeak was the most popular alternative video streaming site for subject matter deemed too violent or adult for mainstream sites in the Rushmore region. It had hosted everything from unremarkable videos of police chases in any old country that had ended with a bang, right up to major international news stories, such as the rare and vitally important footage of a Valladar airliner being "accidentally" shot down by the EAF over the Askoy Mountains several years ago. That had seen the toppling of maybe the region's most influential elected leader, and now the site was possibly playing host to the smoking gun for another leader. However this was a leader who had taken power not through the ballot box, but by coercion and political intrigue within a state run by its own military. The President of the Republic of Sameba (formerly Brigadier in the Sameban Republican Army), Juan Paro Gelta, was teetering. It had been privately suspected by those in the know for a couple of years, but now it was increasingly public knowledge to those that cared that the President's position was all but hopeless. In a dark room somewhere in the Euran capital, late in the evening, the Prime Minister and his closest advisers in the cabinet and security services were conducting a low key meeting discussing the events over the border. This website RushLeak, and in turn every major news media organisation, had filled up with numerous videos of public disturbances in one or two Sameban cities after strange military maneuvers. In the capital Samebus, there was now video online of sporadic gun battles between security forces and what looked like other uniformed figures. The violence had died down but the military activity had not, and now all had become clear.

"Spader", the OSI official who had been going for the top job in Eura's secret services but for now was just in charge of Sameban affairs, was briefing the PM. They had just watched one of the videos and were now following a news media live stream of empty streets and army vehicles in the Sameban cities of Samebus, Aspel and Rivet. 'I think we can safely say, Prime Minister, that this isn't a case of regime collapse. If we were that lucky we would have seen it coming earlier and it would have been a drawn out process. Everything points to an internal displacement of the leadership, namely Gelta himself, the head of the army Barnaba Ferri and the Treasury Minister Dito March. There were police outside of March's house on the coast throughout today and as far as we know, the gun battles in the capital were caused by Ferri's loyal special forces units trying to preemptively take out two other members of the military cabinet. March is almost certainly in custody, but we don't know about Ferri.' The Prime Minister nodded along to this explanation while Yarley, his Foreign Minister, chipped in. 'Gelta himself, we don't know about his status for sure. Correct?'
'That's correct, minister. He was last seen publicly during that rather muted 61st birthday parade last week. Since then he's likely been tucked away in the capital somewhere in the government quarters, rather than his private residence. I have it on good authority that the latter has been seized by Moretti.'
'Moretti?'
'Junior minister for the air force, who used to be a special forces commander. We think he was moved in with the trucks that turned up, the ones in the videos we've shown you from social media. Chairman, I believe you had something to say on this?' Her boss, the Chief of the Office of State Intelligence, spoke next in a grim tone. 'Prime Minister, as Ms Yarley has surely explained to you, we don't all agree on some of the issues regarding Sameba at the moment. However we all concur on two things; that this is a leadership coup and not a revolution, meaning it should be over within forty-eight hours, and that this is likely the work of a cabal of several military leaders rather than one candidate.'

The Chairman went on to describe the cabal overthrowing Gelta. 'Moretti is one of them, and was one of Ferri's targets. The highest ranking of them is the Chief of the Air Force, Tullio Rossi. Other air force officers of prominence include Capon and Delluce, while the navy gets its group representation from Second Fleet Admiral Corrado Gallo. It appears he has taken advantage of the ill health and likely impending retirement of the First Fleet Admiral and the vacancy in the Chief of the Navy space. Two of the three head figures in the security services have resigned their posts and become regional chiefs for the cabal - one of them will probably be the new spy chief post-transition. We don't know about the third, they have probably remained loyal. Add in plenty of middle ranking officers and a huge chunk of the rank and file, and you've got a perfect recipe for a change of leadership without the need for a particularly deep running purge, assuming that there will be a need for any liquidations in a regime that the cabal leaders have exercised massive influence over recently anyway.Then there's the man we've been discussing so much.' The PM looked down at the briefing in front of him to double check his name. 'General Emile Gartanzo.' The room went silent. Gartanzo was a touchy topic at the highest levels of Euran government. The Chairman broke the silence and continued where he left off. 'Three star General with combat experience in Mytannion. Experienced the humiliation of endless retreat there. Put down the Cittàdifiango strikes and demonstrations with an extraordinary display of brutality. No apparent close family bar some extended relatives who he has tucked away, no partner, and yet, if we are to believe a handful of anecdotal sources including Sameba's national football team manager, a secret moderate. I'm less convinced. Either way he's the missing piece in the puzzle, an army man to rival Ferri who has earned widespread respect and admiration throughout the ranks and officer corps. He has no apparent weaknesses but a low profile, making him the dark horse candidate for the leadership.' The Chairman took a sip from his coffee as the PM thanked him for his contribution, but then he slunk back into the shadows.

Now that these explanations were done, the PM and the main cabinet members present discussed their thoughts of what they had heard so far. Little new ground was reached as they went over what they had heard, and made comparisons to previous leaders. Eventually the PM called time on the discussion and turned to Spader, the Chairman and Yarley, who he had made his three key points of contact on this issue. 'I'm going to ask you all three fairly simple questions, and then eventually we will discuss this at cabinet when the change of hands is imminent, as in, going to happen within twenty-four hours. So we will probably table it tomorrow, after the budget discussions. I want to know what you think led to this change, what the result of it will be, and what we should be doing about it. Spader, you're first.' Spader leaned back in her seat and confidently tackled the questions head on, as was her style. 'I think its pretty simple. What prompted this was a variety of grievances held by a variety of interest groups against Gelta and his closest aides, who took over from Coley far too early and undid too many of his achievements. Based on what I've seen the breaking point must have been the nuclear project, which Gelta was never keen on but got pushed through anyway. Half of the cabal members supported public disclosure of their new capability but her insisted on keeping it quiet for now, and they clearly were not happy. I think the result will be Gelta being put out to pasture and the new cabal will rule by military council, with Gartanzo and Gallo holding all of the cards. Both men are moderates on the quiet, and they will try to return to the detente of the Coley era. Our response should be to encourage them to do so.' Spader's boss should have spoken next but he deferred to Yarley, who was more cautious. 'I don't think we can really be sure of the driving factors or motivations. I'm not convinced that we know enough about Gartanzo to know what his real motives are, though he doesn't seem to be the same man who carried out Cittàdifiango, let alone the other figures. I think that either way the result will be either he, Gallo or Rossi will eventually become President. All we can do is remain vigilant and try to find out more about everyone involved, because its too late to pretend we saw all of this coming and acted proactively, rather than reactively.' Spader clearly wanted to say something in response, but the PM was having none of it, and waited for the Chairman to have his say.

Eura's elusive spy chief was hidden in shade as he remained silent, clearly dwelling slightly on what to say. 'Mr Doyley, we do need to discuss this now. I need your input. We need your input.' Finally he spoke. 'In my view, all we can say about the cause of this regime change is that everybody involved had some reason to dislike Gelta's record, even if he was only in for about five years or something. He came in and moved away from the remarkably moderate stance of Coley, probably as a reaction to what happened in Mytannion, but not to an extreme stance, just back into more comfortable territory. He was not the driving force behind the acquisition of a nuclear capability either. Which means that in my view the cabal is actually an unholy alliance of those who want to return to the more moderate days of Coley, and those who want to go further off the deep end. Maybe even down the "preemptivists" route.' The room was deadly silent at the mention of this clunky phrase. It was a nickname for an extreme undercurrent in Sameba's stable military dictatorship of military men who felt that Sameba had been in terminal decline compared to its mortal enemy since the last war around four decades ago. They felt that pre-emptive action, maybe even war, was the only way to stop the slide, that it was an all or nothing scenario. However it was not a popular assertion to make in the top circles of Euran government, that the "preemptivists" actually had a serious chance of getting their wish. The PM had certainly never heard the OSI chief take it seriously. Now he did. 'Look, I get that you've got a lot in this Bardsley operation and all Spader, and I can understand the notion that some of this cabal want to return to the detente. Rossi and Delluce and maybe even Quintilio Boni is on their side.'
'Boni? Who is he, Chairman?'
'Chief of police on a national basis, Prime Minister. But Moretti was born into the blood of the battle for Thessia, and Gallo is incredibly ambitious and an old opponent of the peace. With Moretti as the attack dog and Gallo as the face, Gartanzo is the obvious candidate to be the powerbroker and will surely either take over or have significant influence over a newly appointed President Gallo. I will say it now without reservation, we cannot trust Gartanzo. He wasn't just following orders when he put down that protest.' Once again, Spader wanted to intervene, but the PM blocked her once more. 'That was useful, thank you. We will reconvene later.' As everyone filtered out, Yarley gave the Chairman a knowing look. She seemed to trust him, but at the moment he was experiencing the period of friendless hardship his predecessor had warned him about. The Chairman took out his phone, intent on making a call to get to the bottom of this Bardsley business, and to find out the truth behind the impending Gartanzo coronation before it was too late.

World Cup 73 - RPing Thread

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