World Cup 79 • CREDRAWK • RP Thread

[Starblaydia]

Ella Kabeya, who has now scored 6 goals in 8 appearances
during WC79 Qualifying, totalling 23 goals in 41 caps.

Rayy of Light in 11 Goal Thriller
Jabok vs Starblaydia Equals Highest Goal Haul

Eleven goals in a single match is the highest number that has been scored in the 15 groups during the first half of World Cup 79 Qualifying, and Starblaydia's exhilarating 6-5 thriller over Jabok is one of them. The five time World Champions closed out the first half of Qualifying - if not in style, then certainly in extreme circumstances - by lifting themselves into second place in Group 13, into the qualifying positions on goal difference.

Starblaydia's results have gone from one extreme to the other; Ázëwyn Fëanáro's side began by conceding only two goals in their first six matches, netting four goals per match either side of the dismal 1-0 lossses to Islana Lunigo and Savojarna and following that up with a six game undefeated streak. Their defensive strength has completely come undone and, despite conceding eleven goals in their last three matches, they've managed to do the ultimate result in seven and now eleven-goal thrillers: score one more than their opponents. It's a Jekyll and Hyde performance that has the pundits stunned, but Starblaydi manager and two-time World Cup winner Ázëwyn Fëanáro doesn't seem to mind.

"We're always playing under the assumption that we're here to out-score our opponents," Fëanáro said after the match. "that's the basis of the game. Though we build from defensive stability, we're always aiming to be a forward-thinking team, and more than two goals per game is testament to that.

"I'm not overly worried about our defence of late - if the third best team in the world, put three past us and still don't manage to beat us, we know we have roughly the right balance in the side to progress. Red Blackiland were desperate to show against us that their placement in the world rankings isn't a fluke, and they came out all guns blazing. On paper they're a better side than us, and they were wounded being so uncharacteristically low in the table. It showed and that's how they managed to get three. We're a side that is not to be trifled with, though, and we pulled out a fantastic win that built on the draw with Vilita the previous game.

"Jabok, though," she continued "I have absolutely no idea about [laughter]. I'm not even sure what that was, it almost resembled a professional football match but at times was more like children in the schoolyard running up and down at lunch time. My only consolation is that we scored six, and they scored less than six, although for quite a while there I wasn't sure we were going to manage it. At this rate, the Undarat match is going to be seven-all and the scoreboard will run out of room [laughter]."

Starblaydia were rescued in the closing minutes of the game by Mezna Rayyen, who might sound like a customer player on a computer game, but is actually a bright prospect for the future. Currently at Vecchio Victors, the teenage starlet has shown she can play up front or wide left, and has broken her duck for Starblaydia in the most outrageous manner possible. Having not scored so far in five appearances, four from the bench, the fans and media were wondering if the young striker was the best inclusion in the squad for the coveted Number 23 shirt, made famous some two hundred plus years ago when Simeone Di Bradini wore it for two World Cups in succession. There's little criticism of her now, though, as a hat trick in her sixth appearance saw her first, second and third goals for her country in the space of eleven minutes - four minutes of normal time, and seven of injury due to a nasty-looking ankle injury to Daeron Avathar. The elven full-back was treated on the pitch for five full minutes by Starblaydi medical team after a crunching tackle from the Jabok and painfully limped off with the support of two physios, with Esposito replacing him in a straight swap for at least the next couple of matches.

Shocked at 5-3 down going into the final minutes, Starblaydi fans whistled and jeered for a more attacking outlook for the team, and it came in the form of Mezna Rayyen. As the ball went out for a corner, on she came, replacing Syku Ryku in a vastly more attacking roll of the dice. As Marcello Di Bradini swung the corner in, it was knocked down by Palanadu and came to the feet of Rayyen, who immediately stabbed a foot at it and guided it into the back of the net. Five-Four in Jabok, and game on. Just as the board for seven minutes of added time came up, Starblaydia's fans roared their team on and Garkadrum cleared a Jabok attack from the penalty area. The Jabok defender went to swing a boot at it, but Rayyen was just too fast for him. She bravely headed the ball away from the raise boot of her opponent and raced away down the pitch. With fresh legs, she managed to out-sprint everyone, including the onrushing Ella Kabeya in support, until she was faced one-on-one with the goalie. She jinked right, struck it with her left and rolled it around the keeper into the bottom left of the goal to equalise as the ninety minute mark arrived. Starblaydi fans went into utter jubilation as hope turned into reality. Five-Five and seven minutes left.

Ella Kabeya had scored, Marcello Di Bradini had scored, Falco Romano had scored, and now Rayyen had two, with an attack-minded Starblaydi team rushing the Jabok defence at every opportunity. They were, however, patient with their final ball, knowing that it only takes a second to score a goal, and seven minutes is long enough to not waste any time with desperate attacks. With Hanar Nauglamír pulling the strings, the team in white were camped outside the penalty area, running this way and that to make the space, find the run, get on the end of the ball that would be able to change the game once and for all. They had to wait five agonising minutes of injury time, to the point when you want someone unexpected and lumbering up from the back to just get their foot behind it and smash the thing at the goalie. Captain Zapotowski looked to be doing just that when he collected a ball back from Romano and looked up, taking a huge stride and planting his left foot like he was about to kick the ball into next week. Instead, gloriously instead, he produced the most delightful chip that has even been seen in a Starblaydi shirt, a spinning, curling ball that sailed over the back line and dropped like a falling apple, too far away from the goalie for him to rush out and claim it, but too close for him to have anything to do about it when the onrushing Rayyen brought it down with her chest, turned and fired with her left foot across the face of goal. Though the goalie stuck out a trailing leg, it was ultimately in vain as the side netting soon billowed with the impact of the ball. Incredible scenes in the stands followed, as Starblaydia had scored six for the first time since playing Makongo four years ago.

The last-gasp victory, coupled with Red Blackiland holding Filindostan to a 1-1 draw, saw Starblaydia lifted to second in the Group. Two matches earlier they have been five points behind Filindostan, but that gap has been completely wiped away thanks to the Jungle Cat's away win the Red Blackiland tie. It just goes to show how quickly a close group can change, leaving the third seeds with what seems like unstoppable momentum going into the second half of Qualifying. Starblaydia's undefeated streak could, should in fact, extend by five more gamesas they now face four of the bottom five teams in the Group, and Isla Lunigo, in a row. But, we all saw what happened on Matchdays 2 and 3 as 1-0 upsets saw Starblaydia's chances of keeping pace with Vilita and Filindostan cut to ribbons. Only through hard work and good luck have they managed to overtake the Baptism of Fire champions by this point, and they'll have to work doubly as hard to stay there. The six point gap to undefeated Vilita looks nigh-on impossible to close, but knowing Ázëwyn Fëanáro, she'll have a way worked out to do it. First, though, her team has to outpace Filindostan over the next nine matches, and the race for second spot has four teams in it, with the target being firmly on the back of Starblaydia.

[Valanora]

The dragons of Valanora are not often discussed outside of the Empire, as few if any non natives have seen one of the species in their trips to the Eternal Empire. Of the half dozen different colored species that inhabit the Empire, the most common are the blue dragons who typically reside in waterfall alcoves or near large bodies of water, and sometimes in large caves in mountains. There are also the green dragons who have been noted to stick mostly to the inner forests of the empire, while the yellow dragon has been found navigating the wooded plains in the northern half of the continent. The dragons of Valanora do not leave their dwellings that often, such that even few Vanorians have actually seen a dragon on more than one occasion in their lifetimes. Those that have seen them, say that while they can not speak like most sapient species do, they seem to have a voice that is able to be heard in ones mind, a form of telepathic communication that only the most powerful of magic users seem to be able to have.

Thusly when three dragons where seen flying across the capital and then moving to make roast on the roof on the Raynor Manor, there was quite the uproar. With all the divisiveness that followed from Tobias' speech, that such a sight was to be seen, was starting to lead some credence to those who had doubted the former monarch, even if most people still believed that Tobias was the true ruler of Valanora behind the scenes, that Tobias might have actually been speaking the truth. If the dragons did not leave their dwellings for long, then why was there two blue dragons that were far from their normal habitats and a green dragon now perched upon the rooftops of the Raynor's home? It seemed a sign that the the Elder Gods were sending defenders to the home of the leader, even if there was still doubt about the entirety of Tobias' words. The clergy definitely were starting to think that what Tobias had said might have had some truth to it, but they had already began to prepare those who had come forward looking to heed the Calling for it, how were they able to switch positions now after they had been so ardent in their denial of his story?

Meanwhile, in the plane of the Elder Gods, Gladerial watched through a crying orb at the events unfolding upon Silverymoon, while Neena, Goddess of Mercy and The Hunt, watched in a half amused mood. She thought her sister focused too much on the ongoings of just one planet and people, they were beings that existed outside the very idea of reality that those on that world could even begin to fathom. Though she knew the reason that Gladerial held it in so high priority, but the less that was said about that the better, for the fear of incurring the wrath of her sister.

"Will it all transpire as has been foretold, Gladerial?"

"The paths of the universe have shaped everything to bring about this moment, though fickle are the ways of the destiny. I might have misread the strands, though I do know that this moment has had to come to pass, even the world as a whole can sense it. Silverymoon has chosen her champion, whether or not it the world or he realizes it. The hour draws dear to see if all that has come to shape him has been enough to make him ready for the task."

"Should you not intervene, this is a matter close to your heart."

"I can not intervene unless called upon, you know the rules of our entry into the mortal plane. They are on their own."

[Pasarga]

"Do you think that CAP can retain the SuperLiga or Copa titles with so little change in their lineup from last season, even if they did win the CdC as well? I just feel like another move or two should have been made to really stregnthen the roster, rather than giving two youngsters a spot in the first team and an older Schottian a chance in the team. It was not even the Schottian that the team really wanted in the first place, it was the back up plan if their first bid didn't win, which obviously it didn't."

"Listen, Sloane Kirkland is going to be a great player for another two or three years by all accounts and that affords CAP the time they needed to either develop those young players along or get some other good players to bolster that depth that you think they don't have. At least they were able to pull in a proven talent from abroad, which is something that Tani is not able to say. So I think just on that, I would favorite the Hurricane going into the season over their Stein-los rivals or even Baskita from the capital."

"Well I suppose that is true, though the entire transfer window just seemed a bit underwhelming this year, like no team or player was really looking to take a risk and venture out of their comfort zones. It was not like two or three years ago where there was a huge flurry of movement and really shook up a lot of leagues, including the SuperLiga."

"That is just the nature of the transfer market and sometimes there are just not that many really good players to be had. This was one of those years it seemed, yeah there was quite a few good players, but there was no Laborious Hawk or Tobias Möller level of player on the market for teams to really try and position for. All in all though, most of the squads in the SuperLiga were able to address their needs by all analysis, and I imagine that is likely true for many of the teams in other leagues as well. Every now and then you just have to accept that their will be a bit of a dip in talent and just take what you are able to get, then when those players get to the club, you try get the very best of out them. Look at how Lucy Curren revived her career with the transfer out to Valanora for Schottia, for example. Good managers take players and get the best out of them, turning good players into great players and great players into international superstars."

"If that is the case, how come we do not see more Pasargan managers moving abroad, as it is suggested that our managers have been able to do just that, not just with Pasargan talent but the talent that they have brought in from overseas. Surely that would make them something of a valued asset in the footballing market, yet only one team was interested in Salah after he was let go from Galatica."

"Well, the idea that Pasargans are still a bit close minded does percolate through some foreign lands, thanks to the isolationist policies of the government for the longest of times. Obviously a lot has changed in the last few decades, but there is still a bit of an idea that a Pasargan manager would be too set in their ways or have bias that they may not be suited for leagues outside of the dual islands. It's false but it is an idea that our managers will have to work against when casting their eyes outside of the islands."

"Maybe Möller being appointed Valanora National Team manager can change that?"

"We can only hope. In the meantime, our own national team is getting results even if they lack a lot of the flair and creativity that gets fans excited. Never thought I would see the day where I would describe the Wanderers as ruthlessly ugly efficient, but alas, here we are and that is exactly how they have been playing through the first half of Qualifiers. I do think they will need to pick it up for the second half if they are to keep their hold on the Qualifying spot, especially having to travel to Port Christopher to begin the second half. However we have seen them get the needed goals when they have to, I have to believe that that trend will continue and they will qualifying comfortably out of the group."

[Mattijana]

World Cup 79-The Halfway Review

MFO Sport

"Woahhhh, we're halfway there. WOAHHHH, Weiss has got a pair" sung the Mattijanan supporters at half time during Mattijana's 3-4 win against Platerdam yesterday. The chant was made even more appropriate by the fact that not only had Andreas Weiss scored 2 goals, but that with 9 out of 18 games played, we are indeed halfway through World Cup 79 qualifying.

So with no actual matches to review in the mid-qualifying break, apart from the odd friendly that no-one's really that bothered about at this stage, how better to pass the time then by catching up with the fortunes of each side in group 12, as well as the other stories from across the multiverse.

1: Farfadillis
Predicted result: 1
World Rank: 2
Record so far:

.   Group 12                  Pld   W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Farfadillis                 9    8   1   0    25    8  +17    25

As the world's second best side and by far the highest-ranked in the group, it's no surprise that Farfadillis are top of the table with 9 played.
The Farves have won all but one of their matches so far, including the opener against Mattijana 0-1, but were held 2-2 by Tumbra at home in an entertaining game in Ferdullaele.
Other than that, Farfadillis have been otherwise untroubled and should have enough to stay top.

2: Tumbra
Predicted result: 2
World Rank: 25
Current Record:

2 Tumbra                      9    6   3   0    27   11  +16    21

Coming off the back of their World Cup debut last cycle, Tumbra moved up to 25th in the world and are favourites to claim the second qualifying place in group 12 for World Cup 79.
Despite the optimism and the fact that Tumbra do currently hold second place in the group, progression is far from certain with an in-form Mattijana now just 2 points behind them.
Having beaten their closest rivals 3-2 on matchday 2, Tumbra made a good start to procedings and are the only side so far to have taken points off Farfadillis. However Robin Stoff's team have been dragged back by a 1-1 draw against Kecrazia and one of New Gazi's many 4-4 draws and may find themselves under even more pressure if they fail to beat Mattijana in two matchdays time.
John Krajewski has been their biggest threat going forwards and will be a tough player to keep quiet, but Tumbra will need to keep picking up the points to guarantee their progress and don't look like getting particularly close to the group leaders, unless Farfadillis come up with one of the biggest capitulations in qualifying history.

3: Mattijana
Predicted result: 4
World Rank: 92
Current Record:

3 Mattijana                   9    6   1   2    21   17   +4    19

Mattijana have already gone beyond not just their expectations, but last year's performance, having already accumulated 19 points, 2 more than in the whole of last year's cycle. The hopeless optimism normally gives way to equally hopeless performances, but this time there may be real cause for celebration amongst the fans.
Dusan Vukoja's side have played some exquisite attacking and counter-attacking football, but have ultimately been winning ugly and are yet to win a match by more than a solitary goal.
Despite the closeness of the games so far, Mattijana have kept on winning, putting away all the lesser-ranked teams as well as 56th ranked Soltsteed. They were also a contributor to New Gazi's stunning collection of 4-4 draws, picking one up away from home in addition.

Goals have been easier to come by, particularly for Andreas Weiss, the team's top scorer with 5 of their 21 goals. Mathilde Lekarisa, Jessika Struna, Marko Hojbjerg and Sofiane Bisrali have also made valuable contributions.

However, if Mattijana are to defeat the odds and make it into the finals, they must not only continue their winning record against sides below them, but must pick up points against the higher-ranked sides as well. A victory against Tumbra would be an excellent start, but results against New Gazi and Soltsteed will also go a long way towards securing second place.

Whatever happens, Mattijana are set for their best ever World Cup result and will pick up a very healthy dose of KPB points and a rankings hike for future use.

4: New Gazi
Predicted Result: 5
World Rank: 50
Current Record:

4 New Gazi                    9    4   4   1    28   19   +9    16

New Gazi's campaign started off in frantic, but promising fashion with a 4-4 draw against Tumbra, but with defensive concerns, it is perhaps surprising that they continue to threaten the upper end of the table.
Yet some clinical finishing from star striker Amare Contee, backed up by playmakers Imare Lefisse and Ifeaku Jamuike have kept the incredible scoring rate going and despite their reputation for being slightly defensively leaky, Oliver Hausta's side have only conceded two more goals than Mattijana, 12 of which have come in 3 4-4 draws, the team's most common scoreline so far.
If New Gazi can keep knocking in the goals, they will continue to be a force to be reckoned with, but should the supply lines dry up, they could find themselves slipping down the order.

5: Soltsteed
Predicted Result: 3
World Rank: 56
Current record:

5 Soltsteed                   9    5   1   3    15   13   +2    16

Soltsteed have had a mixed time so far, sitting third in the group and being unbeaten until Mattijana and Sofiane Bisrali turned up to beat them 2-1. Further defeats to Farfadillis and Tumbra have seen them slip further down the table to 5th and chances of qualification now look bleak as the side are 3 places and 5 points away from 2nd placed Tumbra.
Despite disappointment against the bigger sides, Soltsteed have beaten all of the bottom 5 sides and have looked reasonably solid in the process.
If results against the other 4 pick up, Soltsteed may be able to salvage something. Otherwise there's always next year.

6: Platerdam
Predicted Finish: 7
World Rank: 183
Current Record:

6 Platerdam                   9    4   0   5    17   17    0    12

Platerdam have had a decent return to the World Cup and have showed more quality and experience than those in their debut year, beating all 4 of the teams below them in the table.
Those results mainly coming early in the cycle meant that Platerdam topped the group after 2 games and sat 4th after 5, but the other 5 games, which all ended in defeat, have let them down.
Despite a fight-back against Mattijana in their most recent game, Platerdam still have work to do if they are to beat the better sides in the group, but will be content with a 6th placed finish on their return to qualifying.

7: Kecrazia
Predicted Finish: 6th
World Rank: 106
Current Record:

7 Kecrazia                    9    3   2   4     7    7    0    11

Kecrazia have been underwhelming this cycle, even by Mattijanan standards. The closest-ranked side in the group to Mattijana, Kecrazia were expected to be right in the battle for mid-table obscurity or an outside qualifying chance, but have slipped away to scrap amongst the debutants for the minor places.
One thing they do have to cheer about is their defensive record. Kecrazia have conceded the fewest goals in the group (7) and even kept free-scoring New Gazi at bay in a 0-0 draw. The other end of the pitch has looked more problematic however. Just 7 goals in 9 games have left them with only 3 victories.
Respectability can yet be claimed, but with dissatisfied supporters and players echoing those Mattijanans calls for more exciting football from last cycle, Kecrazia may yet slide into more trouble. Shutting up shop may indeed be their best strategy to prevent further damage.

8: Romaian
Predicted Finish: 8
World Rank: 207
Current Record:

8 Romaian                     9    2   0   7    10   29  −19     6

Romaian have put up a decent fight in their debut tournament, pushing Mattijana to the end in a 4-3 defeat and nearly holding Soltsteed to a scoreless draw. However once out of a game, Romaian have showed a tendency to completely capitulate, losing 6-0 to New Gazi and 7-2 to Tumbra, results that have handed the team a shockingly awful goal difference and by far the most goals conceded (29). That habit is something expected of an inexperienced side and coupled with a decent run in the Baptism of Fire, there is optimism for the passionate and often unruly fans to get hold of.

9: St Wilhelm
Predicted Finish: 10
World Rank: 285
Current Record:

9 St Wilhelm                  9    1   0   8     7   21  −14     3

St Wilhelm have added to a fairly mediocre BoF performance with an outstandingly mediocre one in World Cup Qualifying. Having beaten whipping boys the United Celtic Peoples, St Wilhelm have lost the remainder of their matches, scoring just 7 and conceding exactly 3 times as many. Not a lot to say here and I doubt there will be much to say in the future, but everyone has to start somewhere.

10: United Celtic Peoples
Predicted Finish: 9th
World Rank: UR
Current Record:

10 United Celtic Peoples       9    0   0   9     5   20  −15     0

Initially predicted a 9th placed finish because we thought St Wilhelm might be worse, the celts have disproved us in spectacular fashion, losing every single one of their matches in a stunning display of pure, simple ineptitude.
The fear of the unknown was thought to hand the team, if it can be called that, a slight advantage over some of their rivals. But the Celts have proved themselves to be little more than a load of people with blue paint running around a pitch and have so far not impressed even the most sympathetic of fans.
They have, somewhat miraculously managed to score 5, but have conceded 20, which probably would have been more had the Mattijanan FA not decided that a cold, wet Tuesday night in Snezn would be ideal conditions for a Football match against opponents used to cold, wet Tuesday nights. If we ever have the fortune (or misfortune) of another match against this lot, we'll stick it in Revinka...or worse, Shalkar.

[Somecoldwetislands]

The Island Shrieker
WOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAHHHH WE'RE HALFWAY THERE
Suave Katie

As you'll all be aware, as anyone who reads this is either a squad member, manager/coach or rabid fan of the SCWIslanders football side, we're halfway down the road of qualifying. At this point it is good to look and see if the side has any real chance of making their way to CREDRAWK for the 79th World Cup. As the table below shows, no. We don't:

Prob of Qual	Current Points	Expected Points
Bonesea			92%		22		43
Spaam			56%		20		38
Qasden			34%		16		35
Republic of Kaboomlandia7%		16		31
HUElavia		10%		16		32
Somecoldwetislands	1%>		9		16
Dunnes			1%>		9		14
Bojikstan		1%>		9		18
Kyrjasmark		1%>		7		19
New Jarwel		1%>		1		3

As you can see the model predicts that us Islanders are destined to finish further back in the table than we are even now, with chances of qualification below zero percent. Why so low? Two simple reasons. One, the model predicts that Somecoldwetislands will continue to struggle against the bigger sides and won't pick up full points against smaller sides, a reasonable assumption given what has happened so far. Furthermore, we are now behind the qualification spots by a total of 11 points, which is quite a deficit. This would require us to make up ground on teams with far greater resources than we do.

So, technically we are not out of the running, but in all probability we are. In order to qualify our team would have to start pulling off some giant killings, not just against the mid-rank teams, but in all likelihood victories against any two out of Spaam, Bonesea or Qasden.

Looking at the rest of the group, all teams outside the top 100 ranks in this group have had their campaigns effectively rendered pointless, there is no way for any to qualify barring an extraordinary run of luck. Meanwhile, at the top of the group Bonesea's run of form and strength as a side sees them holding out as strong favourites. Behind them Qasden and Spaam look like the top two contenders. This being despite the fact that the Republic of Kaboomlandia and HUElavia remain close on points. However, the pattern usually seen in international football is for teams that outperform to regress back to their baseline level, hence we should expect that these two will struggle to break through into the world cup spots unless their results so far signify an increase in quality of their play.

In our next match we face Bojikstan, who we drew with 3-all. The probabilities for the next match show that a draw is the most likely result at 44%, followed by a defeat at 29% and a win at 27%. In essence, the game should be finely balanced.

OOC: This RP required me to learn how to use Poisson distribution, which was torture. Just thought I'd let you know. plz give me a bigger bonus, maths is hard :/

[New Gazi]

The Dark Elf & The Redhead Princess - Part V
Part IV - viewtopic.php?p=33013068&sid=4cb48144569e357e61aed65d5ce0450f#p33013068

Matched with the swordsman before her and faced with oncoming horsemen who seemed intent on ringing their group in, Ryiah tried to settle into her sword stance, reaching for the mindset she had worked years to attain during practice with her father's battle master. But the calm focus was elusive with so many of her men and guards falling around her and more of the enemy still standing. The mage that had arrive with the horsemen had also begun firing more bolts of his own.

Spinning her sword in an arch, Ryiah suddenly took advantage of a waver in her opponents step, disarming him and running her sword through his upper shoulder to prevent his use of the sword again, though she didn't go for the kill even as he fell backward onto the ground. The sudden smell of coming rain caused her orange amber gaze to flick up to the sky briefly, though the darkness made it difficult to see the gathering clouds.

More men were coming towards her, and several of the horsemen as well, and Ryiah cast a calculated glance around her, noting their own numbers opposed to their attacker's. Live to fight another day... she thought with a sinking heart. Lifting her voice and calling out as loudly as she could to be heard over the tumult, Ryiah's voice was strong and somehow calm despite the roiling tension in her chest. "Surrender! I will have no one else harmed!" As she spoke she lifted her own hands, dropping her beloved sword to the earth and focusing on those before her, and hoping the men sent to protect her would follow suit. Better that they surrender now to protect her wherever they'd be taken, than die trying to prevent capture.

Perhaps they still could have won, but at what cost? Ryiah was not like her father. She did not see lives as hers to offer up for the sake of freedom and political gain. A man in a dark suit of armor dismounted before her and walked to stand just in front of her, only his cold grey eyes visible under his helm. He seemed to be studying her a moment, his gaze running her length and she lifted her chin to allow her own blazing gaze to sear him in return. "Well?" She asked, voice a bit venomous, but still held in polite check . "You've won for now." She held out her hands before her, and after a pause, the man nodded to someone who came forward to tie her hands tightly, also bending down to retrieve her sword, which he handed to the horseman who seemed to be in charge. Ryiah watched the man, had he been the mage? She couldn't remember now which of them had fired the bolts.

"Take them all. Burn any dead." The clipped voice was commanding and the horseman turned away to remount his horse. Suddenly Ryiah was pressed forward from behind and forced to walk to the leader's horse, where she was hoisted to sit side saddle before him. Her gaze went to her own mount who lay on the ground, his head lifted some to gaze fearfully about. Her heart rose to form a lump in her throat. "Please, save my gelding, sir." She said, just barely keeping the rage from her voice. "If you have any courtesy or manners you will grant me this." She added, twisting to flick her gaze to his, but finding them still cold.

After a moment, however, she saw a man move toward Naktis and bend over him, a glow forming over his palm. Ryiah then moved her gaze to find each of the guards, rangers, and mages that had been with her, watching to see if they would surrender.

The astute viewer would have watched the sky. It had darkened rapidly since fighting broke out, especially from the moment one first yelled about potential rain approaching. The sun had set, but this was amplified by the changes in humidity, pressure and more relevantly, the darkening clouds which had grown and pressed against the horizon.

The others had fought as long as they could. Lady Riyah rightfully called surrender. Still, the dark elf could not even stomach the idea of being carted off.

As the Lady pleaded for the life of her Horse, Pluvio whispered a few words. "Targetas... Blipto sparcus..." His eyes were locked onto the cocky man, the one who seemed to lead the charge.

Another approached and bent over, moving out of the way just in time...

There was a flash of light so bright it was blinding. It came with a loud bang, a deep boom that shook all to the core... Loud enough to shake a corps of soldiers, let alone this company. Night vision was lost. They would see the man was killed, struck by such a loud strike. Pinpoint.

"Sparcus!" On the elf's word there was another flash in the distance. Since it hit the tree line, there was more pause after seeing the blast, as sound had to travel at 350 m/s.. A warning shot. Pluvio had the other mage's attention, the wizard who glowed over the now deceased commander's hand.

There were a few more scuffles, some more may have been wounded or killed, but there was a stalemate. "Take us back to negotiate, or I'll burn us all!" He yelled over all the voices, elven vocal chords carrying his echo out to the sky. "Cease striking!"

Pluvio did override an order, but with due cause. Scoundrels who'd ambush a convoy on a diplomatic position were not going to do anything beneficial through negotiation. This commander was a bad seed and both nations would be better off. The clouds remained, needing the time to change and set the climate, but now ready and set.

The storm Mage would have to work to keep it going, similar to building a fire. But the humidity was holding, which was the trickiest part to keeping storm systems in place. He kept it high until things would calm down. Certain winds started to pick up dust and twist in circular waves. High above some clouds would swirls as well.

But there were lots of trees and the wind couldn't pick up much....... Here...

Having got the attention of the enemy magick user, Pluvio nodded, bright eyes furrowed, "Shall we? You lead. And don't try anything. We know the way. Walk the road." They were outnumbered, but with a Storm Mage plugged in, the convoy was more than a match for the torn lines of enemy swordsmen. Even the a archers who fired from distance were one lightning strike away from being caught in a wildfire.

Now Pluvio took the aggressive tone to the one who previously called the shots from behind the one with the authoritative tone., unless he was just the that man's arch mage. Either way, Pluvio had marked him as his counterpart.

The smoldering shin bone and attached boot of the former commander was a harsh warning to anyone who wanted to continue this conflict. Pluvio was on edge, ready to battle with the enemy wizard if need be.

[Darmen]

"... the Cormorants pour forward towards the Euran goal. Boy, do the Eurans look uncomfortable or what?...

The Terranean rivalry of Eura vs. Nephara was playing out before the President's eyes as the DBC showed the match on tape delay. Although he would never admit it publicly, Tor Tong Lee was hoping for a Nepharan victory. Not for any particular political reason, but mainly to be on the side of the underdog. So far it was going well for the Cormorants, they were up 2-0 and looking for a third.

Suddenly the TV was turned off. Lee spun around in his chair, glaring at his Chief of Staff Mitchell Hellewege. "I was watching that," snapped Lee.

Hellewege took a deep breath, "The Mayor and District Attorney of Scott City are here. They'd like to speak with you..."

"About what? That match was a good watch."

"The topic appears to be about the accusations against the Mayor. The Mayor obviously denies them, while the DA claims they're true and he wants to prosecute."

Gundisalvus Kruse, the Mayor of Darmen's largest city and capital, had been accused of sexually harassing many of the city's female employees, including the District Attorney's wife, who worked for the school district. The District Attorney, Alexander McCune, had already compiled quite the case against the Mayor, and had attempted to have Kruse arrested. The Police Chief had refused, under orders from the Mayor.

The Municipal Council that governed the city had a Movement for a New Darmen majority of 10 seats, but the 65 MND members in the 110 seat council had effectively split into two factions, one lead by the Mayor and the other by the District Attorney. Not a single piece of municipal legislation had been passed in the past six months. Public opinion of both local executives was extremely poor, pessimism gripped the city.

"Very well," said Lee, groaning. "Let them in."

Hellewege opened the door that led into Lee's private office, and was almost knocked out of the way as the two politicians barged into the room, arguing with each other as they did. Even as they took their seats, they continued to hurl insults at each other.

"Gentlemen," appealed Lee, to no avail. "Gentlemen!" They continued to ignore the President. "GENTLEMEN!" Exasperated, Lee got up from his seat, walked behind the two men, and waited as they continued to argue. Seizing the opportunity, he placed his hands behind each of their heads and slammed them together.

"OW!" they both cried out.

Lee smirked, "Look at that, you two are capable of agreeing on something." Lee walked back behind his desk, and sat down. "Mr. Kruse, are the accusations against you ture?"

"They are, and I have the evidence to prove them..." said Mr. McCune.

"Are you Mr. Kruse?" asked Lee, glaring at the District Attorney. He turned his gaze to the Mayor.

"No, they are lies fabricated by McCock to..."

"Excuse me Mr. Kruse, but his name is McCune, not McCock. While you are in my office, you will use proper names to refer to each other," said Lee, slamming both of his palms onto the desk in front of him. Sitting forward in his chair, Lee gave the impression of a man who was about to lose his cool.

"I'm sorry Mr. President, Mr. McCune has created these lies to discredit my leadership and further corrupt the municipal government."

McCune retorted, "The Mayor is the one who is lying, Mr. President. All of the decisions I have made in my capacity as District Attorney have been opposed by Mr. Kruse, often with no explanation given. If anything, he is the corrupt one. He has the police in his pocket, making my ability to arrest those who break the law almost nonexistent."

"Oh really? What about..."

"Enough," said Lee, pounding his right fist onto the desk and leaping out of his seat. "There is an election next year, and I can not afford to lose in this city. The left is poised to make gains in this city anyways, and I have no intentions of giving up seats to them. You two had better figure things out, or I will personally ruin both of your lives if I lose this office. And if things get worse, I'll declare a State of Emergency and take over the municipal government myself! DO YOU UNDERSTAND?" By this time he was standing on top of the desk, the two men sitting across from him stunned. "NOW GET OUT OF MY OFFICE!"

The two men scurried out of the office, rushing past Hellewege as they did. Hellewege was just as stunned as they were, his mouth hung open as he looked at Lee. Eventually he composed himself, and asked the President, "Sir, do you really think that fixed the problem?"

"Of course it did," said Lee, perfectly calm. "Now where's the remote, there should still be about ten minutes left in the match"

Hellewege handed Lee the remote, and game came back on the screen. "You do realize that you'll still have to address the situation, right?"

"Of course I do," said Lee. "They both need to go, and we've already lost the election here in Scott City. We'll get rid of both of them, and focus are campaigning elsewhere. Keep our losses to a minimum and hope for the best. But for now, I'd love to see the end of this match..."

[Alasdair I Frosticus]

HOLY EMPIRE HERALD

ZOMBIES!
Concern Grows Over State of Imperial Squad in WC79

By Anna Comneno

While the Holy Empire have reached the halfway stage of World Cup qualification in first place in Group 10, concerns have continued to grow over the ongoing zombification of the Imperial Squad of footballing intergalactic space pirates. Five of the first team starters, and four out of the five substitutes, have now turned into brain-consuming shambling undead.

Despite the risk of a zombie plague consuming (literally) their entire nation - perhaps even their entire reality - as of this writing no mundy nation in Ordinary Reality has yet complained about the presence of zombies on the Imperial squad. Nor, for that matter, have they complained about the possibility of intergalactic space pirates looting their treasures, sacking their cities, and carrying off their women. That no mundy nation has proven alert to the risks of either aspect of the Imperial squad either suggests that they universally trust Juan Tzimisces to keep the more dangerous parts of his squad under control, or they're even more obtuse than previously believed.

From the Imperial perspective, the primary concern is not that the zombie plague will impact the Holy Empire - not with the very fabric of reality under our constant control, anyway - but rather than the slow-moving nature of the rotting undead might hamper the usual frosty football tactics of the Imperial team.

Tzimisces and Di Bradini are said to be emphasising 'slowing the ball down' in attack and forms of zonal marking that don't require keeping pace with the opposition, but sources close to the squad are said to be worried that a well-placed hard shot might literally decapitate an imperial player. 'You don't want a firm kick to the shin when you don't have any reliable muscle ligaments' said one source.

Another cause for concern is said to be the potential impact of tropical climates on the rotting zombies. 'Last night's match in Alpine Union wasn't much of a problem; there's not too much heat in Alpine landscapes' said another source, 'but can you imagine the zombies in the Tropics of Vilita? They wouldn't last 24 hours.' Professor Igor von Madscientisto is said to be helping the squad with a solution to the climate issue.

Mr Tzimisces seemed unduly calm when approached by this reporter, with his only comment being 'I've seen worse'. Whether his sanguine attitude can propel this increasingly bizarre team towards the World Cup Finals remains to be seen.

[Eura]

The team talk following Eura's defeat away at Nephara was one that would stick in the memory of several players. It was a classic Steve Thompson 'quiet bollocking'. He had been an incredibly passionate and vocal player, but as a manager he broke the trend of a lot of Euran coaches by usually maintaining a sort of dignified, pensive character. His achievements as Eura's manager probably contributed to the sense of awe and respect that his players had for him. Therefore when he needed to give them all a dressing down, he didn't need to shout or indulge in theatrics. They knew exactly how he felt from the tone and choice of words, and a characteristic long pause before beginning to speak. "Tommo Time" the players had nicknamed it. A stay of managerial execution. 'If there's one thing I always expect from you people, its commitment. I can live with a team being outplayed. I can live with a team being out muscled. I'm not that fussed if we get pissed about by the ref, and that certainly happened today with some of the challenges they were throwing in. What I can't abide by is a lack of commitment.' More silence followed - no-one talked back to him in moments like this.

Acutely aware of Thompson's habit of dropping player's he's been patient with at the drop of a hat, Freddie Nolan kept his head down. He had not covered himself in glory. When he entered the dressing room after the game he was initially furious about his roughing up by Tarashaj and Chilmark, loudly telling his quieter teammates how he was going to "put my boot through that fucking twat Tarashaj in Bastion", and how Chilmark wasn't good enough to lick his boots in Gold League. Maybe he really did intend to live up to that bravado against the Nephara player who had been lucky to avoid a red for his early tackle on the Ulsa midfielder. However it had vanished without a trace once Thompson got going. 'Tonight was not good enough. Not the scoreline, bugger it, they were better but not 3-0 better. Its the performance that concerned me and how little you all seemed to care. Like you are home and dry just because you've won all the other games - at least last cycle, when we lost 4-0 to fucking Kirishima, you at least had the decency to look desperate to have lost. Well you're not doing fine in my book, and some of you - you know who you are - have your international careers on notice from this moment. Do not put me in this position again.' Thompson then left the room and did the standard fare to take the pressure off the players in front of the media.

Simple lines are cheap and easy which is exactly what Thompson needed to see off the press. Nephara were excellent but they should be able to win cleanly, he muttered. The referee really wasn't up to standard was the complaint. His players were tired due to a tough domestic and international schedule too of course - a couple of the journalists chuckled at this line being towed out by a man who played until he was 40 and won a ridiculous and unique 301 caps for Eura. Fatigue had never stopped him. It was inexplicable then that in the mid-qualifying friendly his side went to Chromatika and lost 3-0 again. Chromatika were a better side than both Eura and Nephara in the eyes of the rankings but the same eleven played as the one that lost to Eura's Rushmore allies, and once again it was the same people who let the side down - Nolan, Morrison (in stark contrast to last cycle his form had dipped badly), Sutton, Conway (and his 34 year old replacement off the bench, Cotra, proved what a mistake his selection was). Something had to be done urgently and it wasn't an easy choice, but a necessary one. Nolan was dumped into the reserves of the national team roster, but still in the squad. Morrison survived but Joel Sutton was dropped to the bench in favour of Tom Robson starting, a really big call to make. Isaac Holt, Jeremy Benedict and Anthony Cotra dropped out of the set up altogether. They were replaced by Gabriel Harper of Directus and two uncapped Revolutionaries players enjoying phenomenal seasons, Alex Wyatt and Rhys Griffiths. Steve Thompson had reshaped his team overnight and for good reason.

----------

A week of media unhappiness in Eura at the physical treatment of their players in the Nephara-Eura qualifier had caused a lot of amusement for one Nepharim living in Farrenton for work. Her name was Amelia Cleves, a Private First Class in the Nepharim Army, a young woman who wasn't quite sure why she was in Eura but sure as shit was glad to be there (especially in a week where she was able to tease her local friends). Eura was over four years into its war with Sameba that had dragged on far longer than many had anticipated around twelve months or so into its existence, when it briefly seemed like the Sameban regime might collapse in on itself in the face of a brilliant and headline grabbing Euran counterattack. Three years later and the frontlines had not changed all that much after the Sameban Republican Army dug in to avoid immediate defeat.

During that time they had been ground down in a battle of attrition that saw them take horrendous but survivable losses against the cautious Euran's, who did eventually occupy two (and most of a third) of Sameba's five biggest cities. Their navy had been scattered to the winds and slowly picked off to the point where it was now a mysterious raiding force as much as an arm of the military, and their air force was only able to sortie to preserve its existence after irreplaceable losses of front line aircraft in the first year of fighting. Nephara's participation in that wider war had been more marginal following their decisive but bloody recapturing of Pravenna and Iskandervale from the Sameban menace. Dark green had triumphed over light green in spite of the latter's vastly superior military resources, though of course it could not have been achieved without substantial Euran support.

Recent changes in the composition of the government in Corvistone had not reduced Nephara's commitment to the cause, much to the surprise of many in the corridors of power in Bastion. They were in it to the end or so it seemed. It shouldn't have been such a surprise, but a rare oversight by the OSI and Eura's international monitoring bodies meant that the government had not quite captured the level of anti-Sameban feeling present in their southern ally - especially after the senseless slaughter of hundreds in Sameban "fifth column" terrorist attacks on major cities. Nephara had committed forces to the main front for a couple of years, the "Endemia-bowl" or "Big Bloody" as Nepharim soldiers alternatively nicknamed the primary front of the Euran-Sameban War, a front whose casualties now almost certainly stretched to eight figures.

The figures of dead and wounded of the dark green army were but a footnote in the wider picture so far, yet represented a significant political risk for their government. At times this was high intensity conventional warfare between two huge armies on Sameban home ground, which guaranteed serious casualties. Only a sophisticated strategy known as ally sifting was preventing an inevitable instance of a Nepharim unit being overrun or wiped out. For Eura losing a unit of equivalent size was tragic but not conflict defining. By contrast if Nephara took losses in triple figures let alone four figures over a few days it would be a national tragedy big enough to bring down a government. To avoid this catastrophe the Euran Army had insisted on splitting up Nepharim units, meaning they remained in the fight longer but were not used as intensely as Euran troops and did not fight together in groups larger than the size of a company.

Many of the visiting soldiers treated this like some sort of insult, like the Euran's were treating them as the military equivalent of interns who couldn't be trusted by themselves. A smaller and much more discreet group were privately glad not to be thrown into the meat grinder and thought it was smart for Nephara's government to swallow its pride and accept the policy, in case an impatient Euran Army decided to throw a Nepharim battalion into an ill advised venture with no survivors. Amelia didn't really fit into either of these groups. She had joined the army to get away from her nauseating entrapped experience at home and came to regret it almost immediately when she realised that her decision might end with a gory death in a ditch on the end of a Sameban conscript's bayonet. Why was she glad to be in Eura then, apart from recent footballing results giving her some good material down the pub?

In reality it hadn't been that bad for her in the six months or so she'd spent in the country and she was possibly even having the time of her life. Amelia was not totally sheltered, having been to some of the former borderlands battle sites for cleanup duty, shuddering as she saw ominous trains full of genocide victims and Eura's now lionised "Border Warriors" being transported south for documentation; Eura was already determined to collect every shred of evidence it needed to ensure every Sameban officer above the rank of Chief Toilet Supervisor could be imprisoned for life or shot post-war. Everything had been bit part though. There had been no full exposure to the horrors of what was going on. Amelia had been spending most of her time moving military stock and training outside of Farrenton alongside the reserves of the Euran 3rd Army Corps and a detachment of her Nepharim countrymen and women. Things got so quiet during a period of relative quiet on the stagnant front over the recent autumn period that she'd been able to take substantial leave in Bastion. Her experience there was memorable. Since Amelia was a kid she had wanted to visit lots of places abroad from as far away to Fligsive to as close as Brinemouth just thirty miles down a motorway from where she grew up. Nothing like Bastion though, a city with a big reputation both literal and figurative.

There was nothing like it in Nephara, not even close - a city big enough to be a medium sized country in its own right. Skyscrapers as far as the eyes could see, a bar on every corner, tens of millions of people swarming about and not in terrible living conditions either. Booze had been plentiful, the sex not too bad either except for that one guy from Harther, and the locals loved their Nepharim visitors to bits. 'Free fucking drinks for you lass, and good luck!' or something along those lines, she heard it every night, not that these people really knew her main contribution to the cause had been packing crates and tutoring gobby little Euran kids on high school level maths for her mandatory community work. Great football too; she'd become a bit of a casual Bastion fan in regular visits to their massive arena watching the mouth watering strike partnership of tiny fast Underwood and big man Jones. She went to see Farrenton when back on base, but the plodding Freddie Ward and boringly effective Mattiu Searlait didn't quite have the same X-factor. One day her shamefully cosy behind friendly lines life was drawn to an end by the knock of a training officer's baton on the bed post. 'Deployment is here people. Rivet, three days. You're going right into the shit. Congratulations!' Fuck. Congratulations indeed.

[Bonesea]

.

[Ceni]

Doesn't it suck to lose to Another Country? Cutoff.

[South Covello]

South Covello Invites Cocoabo To Do Business In Country

Following reports that Turorian business Cocoabo was considering doing business in South Covello, Acting Commerce Secretary Matthew Farley released a statement inviting them to do so. "I invite Cocoabo and all foreign businesses who wish to do so to do business in our prosperous country. We can make our country a true glory on the bay, with a thriving economy. Now that our people are free to consume food besides prune juice and gruel, we are looking to expand our culinary corners. Cocoabo is one of the best known foreign culinary brands, and we would be proud to welcome them to do business in our country.

"As for their plans to modify our flag, and/or the old Gregist flag, we inform them that there is no South Covellan Law against modifying our flag for commercial or other purposes, and indeed it would be protected by our National Principles, no law may ever be passed forbidding it. However, we ask them to differentiate between our flag and the Gregist flag, using either one or both separately, but not the weird hybrid they are using now. And wouldn't it be wonderful to spite the so-called Lord Almighty Gregory with a flag that said "Cocoabo Is God"? Well, it's just as likely that Cocoabo is God as it is that Greg is God, so you won't really offend anybody.

"However, I am somewhat concerned about the integrity of the voting that allowed Northwest Kalactin to reach the final ballot. Unlike the other nations, Northwest Kalactin has no World Cup or other sporting experience other than a few minor tournaments that nobody really cared about, and is not a very popular team with an international fan base. Whenever any democracy is threatened, all democracies are threatened, even if it's just a vote on who Cocoabo will do business with. This business could result in millions of liberos, or the local equivalent, for whichever country emerges successful, so we need to make sure neither Northwest Kalactin nor any of their allies are rigging the competition in any way. I call upon the Turorian authorities, with the full cooperation of Cocoabo, to launch an investigation into whether Northwest Kalactin or their allies have meddled in the vote. If they have, I call upon Cocoabo to cease and desist doing business with Northwest Kalactin and any involved allies immediately, and the Turorian government to impose appropriate economic sanctions. We will follow suit as well, should rigging a democratic vote be proven. Thank you for your time."

Cocoabo would be the first major foreign company to do business in South Covello since the Glorious Revolution and Liberation. However, there is hope that other companies will soon flock to South Covello as well, with its free and open economy and proud freedoms.

John Green Accepts Nomination as Presidential Candidate

Earlier today, a group of activists submitted a successfully completed petition nominating John Green, Acting President of South Covello, for election as President proper, to be held in a few months. Green, who has led the country through the rebellion and beyond, wholeheartedly accepted the nomination. "Although I did not actively seek the Presidency beyond my acting role, the people have called upon me to serve, and, if elected, I will do so. As we look forward into the future, it is up to the people to determine their path. If they want me, then they shall get me. If they want someone else, they shall get someone else. I'd like to avoid the vicious campaigning we see in some other countries, and instead make this an election of hope, of hope for the future. Whoever wins this election, they shall guide us into the future with open arms."

One other candidate has already been nominated - Louise Bennett, who served as a medic for the rebels during the war and treated those wounded in both the rebel militia and the allies. She has accepted as well, and shared Green's vows to keep it positive. "Both Acting President Green and I share a hope for the future. Whichever one of us, or someone else, who the people choose, will do a fine job at leading us, in accordance with our Principles of Freedom and Democracy. Together we shall march into the future."

National Soccer Team Rebrands

The national soccer team announced a complete rebranding, with a new nickname to go into effect immediately, and new uniforms to be unveiled shortly for next cycle. The national team shall share the flag's covers of red, cyan, and gold, and the nickname shall be the Rebels, in honor of the Rebels who fought for South Covello's freedom so bravely and valiantly. No longer will they be known by the insulting moniker of Foot Slaves. Other national teams are expected to follow suit and rebrand as Rebels, Revolutionaries, Freedom Fighters, or some variant thereof. Of course, all these nicknames are completely unofficial and meaningless, but they shall also unveil new uniforms in accordance with the new nation's colors.

Meanwhile, construction of Liberty Stadium in Freedom City is about 70 percent complete, and is expected to be complete by the end of qualifying. There is the possibility of a soft opening for a friendly before the World Cup Finals, or the Cup of Harmony should South Covello somehow collapse and not qualify. The Rebels have been playing outstanding so far, going 8-1-0 and not allowing a single goal. They are nine points clear of the third-place team, with the top two qualifying. It certainly seems like they will have a chance to represent the new nation in the World Cup in Ceni or Drawkland, and show the world their new nation.

Testimony ends in Gregist Trial, Jury Deliberations to Begin Tomorrow

Both sides have finished their testimony in the Gregist Trial, with testimony heard from Hicanans, Cosumarites, Cocounutstanis, and many domestic victims of the Gregist regime as well. The jury also heard from former supporters of the Gregist regime who have since disavowed their actions, such as executioners, Enemy Crushers, and Grammar Enforcement Officers. Although conviction is seen as near certainty, South Covellan law requires the jury to consider each charge individually, so given the sheer number of them the Gregist regime is facing, a super-fast verdict does not seem to be in the cards. As a result, Judge Rines elected to send the jury home for the evening around 3:30 PM, and they will start their deliberations tomorrow at 9:00 AM.

Each member of the regime could receive 285,100,000 life sentences plus an additional sentence of 82,024,420,252,006 years for crimes ranging from voyeurism to computer trespassing to murder and crimes against humanity. If convicted, their sentences will be served in a maximum security prison on what was formerly known as Greglake Island but will now be known as Prison Island. The prison was build just for them and nobody else will be allowed on that island except for prison guards and other staff. Each member will be kept in their own small cell in isolation for 23 hours a day and will be allowed outside their cells (but inside the prison) for one hour but will not be allowed to interact with each other. In doing so, this prevents the Gregists from creating an insurrection and restoring their Reign of Terror.

[Sargossa]

SSM | Sargossan State Media
International Edition - Sport


Bogey Side Strikes Again


Blanco Borrayo reports;

You know, when the normally ice cool Rafael Barrios sends a water bottle spinning into the dugout in fury, that football has the capacity to be a deeply frustrating game. And Astograth are deeply frustrating opponents. In front of an increasingly irked Soluca crowd the Corsairs peppered the visitors goal, racking up twenty-seven efforts to the opposition’s six, but, largely thanks to the sturdy construction of the woodwork and the agility of Amiyategi in the ‘Grathi goal the scoreboard remained untroubled. Chances came and chances went, right up into the dying seconds of stoppage time when Marco Gamboa fizzed a low drive across the penalty area which an inexplicably unmarked Fernando Calero was millimetres from turning in at the far post. It was that final chance the snapped Barrios’ patience and ensured a run of seven winless matches against Olibondeka would become eight.

Frustrations were further compounded after the final whistle when the big screen flashed up with the results from Group 2’s other fixtures. A huge collective groan run around the stands of the Estadio Generalissimo Joaquín Delgado as confirmation came through that second placed Flardania had suffered a shock defeat away to bottom side Cataduanes. A win for Sargossa would have taken them level on points with the Kitunes. Instead a three-point gap becomes two. Which in itself isn't cause to be too concerned. But with world champions Electrum next up for the Corsairs, Flardania will surely be looking to avenge their own shock reversal and take advantage of any slip-ups. Putting further distance between themselves and Sargossa in the battle for the group’s second and final qualification slot in the process.

 # Group 2                         Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Electrum                          9    8   1   0    28    9  +19    25
 2 Flardania                         9    6   1   2    25   13  +12    19
 3 Sargossa                          9    4   5   0     8    1   +7    17
 4 Anthor                            9    5   1   3    27   21   +6    16
 5 Astograth                         9    5   1   3    17   14   +3    16
 6 Sulsuland                         9    4   1   4    21   16   +5    13
 7 Sarrbia                           9    2   3   4     8   18  −10     9
 8 ASMRLAND                          9    2   0   7    11   27  −16     6
 9 Cataduanes                        9    1   1   7     7   21  −14     4
10 Azadeshia                         9    1   0   8     5   17  −12     3

[Taeshan]

Things have gotten interesting in Group 8 after a critical matchday 10. While not interesting in the, top two teams now need to worry about not qualifying, it is interesting in a, technically everyone not named Eura or Nephara in the middle of the pack could make a run. This is thanks to an impressive home victory from Apox, taking down the 11th ranked team in the World Eura. This means that the Apox side and the Purple Knights are only 5 points behind their Rushmori opponents. The Knights on their own managed a matchday 10 victory over Al Qurija. With their tie on the road to the same side now looking even more annoying, with another two points meaning a win in their return leg against Eura could have seen the Knights tied on points instead of still 2 down.

While Nephara was locked in a scoring jamboree with Thibaea, the Purple Knights had a less than thrilling encounter with Al Qurija. A win keeps the Knights mathematically in a race that has honestly been over since the draw was announced. With none of the chasers really seeming able to compete with the top two sides, before Apox's victory over Eura, it seemed a tied up affair. The Knights however will push for all the help they can get in the rankings, and a hopeful return to the Cup of Harmony. Miles Snavely captained his side bravely, especially on a recently turned ankle, but ultimately had to sit the whole second half with Janson Jewsbury taking the Captain's armband. Jewsbury would continue his impressive form after the half with a nice ball that Aleksandr Denisov touched into the net for his 5th international goal. The Knights would add a definitive 2nd late on as Tavon Greenshire netted his first of the campaign and first for the national team.

[Bostopia]

'Spring's coming back' thought the man, wandering through the trees somewhere in one of the remotest parts of the island. Damp, brown leaves underfoot contrasted against the small green shoots which were starting to emerge on the branches above, high up from the ground where his fur-clad feet couldn't climb. While he was what some would call a mystic, or wise man, still called upon in these parts of the country, not even he had the powers to climb smooth bark with footwear that protected from the cold rather than the ground.

It wasn't just that he could see spring coming back, it was that he could smell and almost feel the rebirth, the rejuvenation of the country. This was usual for spring, though he had seen in his Gods-granted wisdom an event which had taken place, though he wasn’t sure where, or when, though he knew this event would change enough of his life to almost change everything. The smell and look of the place in his vision felt familiar, yet out of place. For now, though, he was happy searching for his vegetables, roots and plants that would give comfort to those searching for it, while pondering occasionally on what he had seen and felt.

One foot led his body's path, then the other, occasionally his arms would reach out to brush the branches of smaller trees and bushes out of his way, his fur hat snagging every now and then on the wiry finger of an almost-dead bush, as if crying out for his aid. He couldn't help though. He daren't mess with nature, She did what She wanted and there was no man who could stand in the way of that. He’d learnt once what happened when you meddled with nature.

Nature, though, presented opportunities for those clever enough to take advantage. The man suddenly stopped, eyes piercing through the dusk as he crouched, watching a deer which had just been gifted to him. He thanked Nature and the other Gods for providing his opportunity at food. He reached behind himself slowly, pulling an arrow from the pouch on his back. Carefully placing the arrow, he drew it and took aim at the deer’s body. The arrow flew through the air, bristling past foliage before plunging itself into the flesh of the animal, striking almost dead-centre in its heart.

Seconds later, he was stood near a still warm deer and lighting a fire to signal some of his fellows to come help prepare the kill for carrying back. A few men approached, dressed similarly, though one or two were covered more in a dirty-blue coloured war paint than clothing. These were the younger or more foolhardy men, their combat prowess making them believe their bodies could withstand the cold in the same way they could withstand blows from an opponent. The leader of the men smiled, knowing they would be taught the error of their ways when their fingers and toes were eventually stung by Nature’s wrath for showing a lack of respect for Her seasons. Their war paint was not elaborate designs, and mainly used to draw out features of the face such as scars and to extenuate muscle lines showing on their torso. When it came to carving up the beast, they knew what to do, though still followed direction on exactly which way to do it as a sign of respect.

The firelight lit the man with fur clad feet’s features, showing him to look like an older man, years of working in and on Nature’s having taken its toll on his skin, which was now creased and tough, making him appear older than he likely was. He had a short, grey/white beard and wore a shawl, light enough for easy manoeuvring yet warm enough to cope with Nature’s challenges. The old man preferred a cape for everyday wear, but out in the woods, capes easily lagged behind him and were a hindrance, slowing him down when he needed to run. He watched the animal get taken apart into the various joints of meat, nothing being wasted, slowly disappearing as the men who joined him carried parts of the animal back to the village. The fire was allowed to burn as most of the men walked away, while one remained to throw any remains of the animal, or blood-soaked leaves onto the fire, which would eventually naturally burn out, representing the life forces of the animal being drained away and restored to Nature through ash, which would dissipate in the wind or by being taken back into the ground for Nature to re-use as She saw fit.

The men took a well-trodden route back to their village, which was fortified on most sides by large earthen banks with large pikes driven into the top, sharpened points facing outward. In front of bank was a ditch which an invader would have to run down before running back uphill to get to the pikes. The route they took crossed through the centre of the village itself, and while it was a smaller settlement, it was an important rest point for any merchants crossing between two larger settlements nearby, one to the north-west and another to the south-east. Most of the area surrounding the settlement was forested, though there was a river running through the south-west edge, feeding a small lake in which fish was often caught, though the opposite bank of the river and the lake wasn’t considered protected territory. The very centre of the village was a fortified hall, on a small hill, though it was high enough to be a defensible position. The hall was used as a last stand when the village came under enemy attack, and while this had only been tested once, it proved capable.

Mere steps outside the village, large wooden gates were pulled open by men who were stood on watch, armed with bows and swords, who showed a deference to the man in the fur-clad shoes, by bowing their heads slightly as he passed by, on the way to the hall. The door to the hall was opened for him and once inside, with the door closed, he stripped of his furs and shawl and headed for a fireplace in the centre of the room, over which a large cooking pot was bubbling. He threw into the pot some of the vegetables he’d found and moved away from the fire slightly, sitting down on an animal pelt on the ground, far enough away to be warm, but not so close that he would burn. He began to think through his day, retracing his steps through the forest, making mental notes of where he had slipped, what animals he had seen and where he had collected his finds. His eyes were closed, though he became aware through the dimming of light on his eyelids that someone was between him and the flames. He opened his eyes, looking up upon this man, who he recognised.

‘Fireward’ the friend spoke, ‘we have a small group approaching us from the direction of Monham. They appear to bear no ill will.’

Fireward breathed in deeply, closing his eyes again, allowing his body to slowly exhale. His lips parted and an experienced voice softly said ‘In which case, it has begun.’ A hand lifted for his friend to walk away from and Fireward began his preparations for his visitors.

[Banija]

Banija on wrong end of six goal thriller as Buyan defeats the Kadongo Kamu by a score of 4-2


Gunnar Karlsson celebrates scoringthe game's clincher in stoppage time

DYATINSK, BUYAN- The Kadongo Kamu were always going to have a rough time in their trip to Buyan. While a crazy-long flight, there were also other issues. The climate in Buyan is far different from the tropical climate of Banija. They have four seasons instead of 2, like the Banijans are used to. They had very experienced players, they had an energetic fanbase, but so far, Buyan has also had what could largely be described as a very frustrating qualification campaign so far. The 74th ranked side in the world, the Banijans, almost 50 spots behind them, had stolen the thunder as the group's true dark horse, winning five of their first 8. Buyan, in contrast, has been an unlucky bunch, losing their last two games by one goal, to both Eshan and Eastfield Lodge. Sound familiar?

Regardless, a 1-0 away victory against the Kiaser Colonies seems to have kicked this campaign back into high gear. The Banijans, of course, were coming in on an emotional high. The huge upset victory over Banija had set off huge celebrations, as this team, since it has not brought home a single trophy, from the Untied Valhaven Regional Football Championships, to the Coupe D'Esquarium, to an embarrassing performance at the Baptism of Fire, and one of the Worst World Cup Qualification campaigns in history for World Cup 73, where Banija was the only team out of 160 entrants to not gain a single point in qualifying, and also only scored 5 goals in that 12 match campaign.

Meaning, of course, after a relatively decent performance in the Coupe D"Esquarium, this team lost 14 out of 15 competitive internationals. They have, of course, come a long way from 'worst XI in World Football' status, but the win against Chromatika showed that the Banijans, the poor Banijans, one of the poorest countries in qualifying, where the GDP per capita was under $3,000 NSDs, could compete with anybody, on home soil, in the beautiful game. To defeat a top 5 opponent, that hadn't lost a World Cup Qualifier since the World Cup 77 Qualification campaign, was a great accomplishment and an absolute stunning achievement.The Little Banijans had shouted, and people had heard. But now, of course, was their opportunity to follow it up.

Banija played quite well in Buyan, actually, and has to feel disappointed to not get at least a point. A few missed opportunities, here and there. That said, however, Buyan was the deserved winners. The game itself was 50/50, but ultimately, Buyan took their chances, and captain Pawlo Marciak made a number of wonderful saves to deny the Kadongo Kamu. But first, of course, we need the match review.

The home side took the initiative in the first half, and they were rewarded in the 20th minute. Banijan goalkeeper Kasekende was forced to make a number of key saves, as players like Valter Isaksson and Emil Eklund peppered him with shots, protected by that 5 man back line, with a stud of a goalkeeper leading the pack. Int eh 20th minute, however, a cross from wing back went to the head of Emil Eklund, and he easily put the ball into the back of the net to give the hosts a 1-0 lead. Looking to carry forward momentum from their last game, this was an excellent start for them.

At that point, however, Banija knew that they needed to figure out a way to beat this goalkeeper. They peppered him with shots from close and long range, and forced him to make 11 saves in the match. It was a stellar performance from the Buyanese, and the Banijans acknowledged as such. However, even on your best days, you are still man. Kiggwe Mavuto beat him from 22 yards on a free kick to level the game in the 38th, and just 2 minutes later, Okafor scored on a volley to make the score 2-1 Banija thought they would take that lead to halftime, but thsi flurry of goals was not over. 2 minutes into 1st half stoppage, Isaksson did an overhead kick that went directly into the back of the net, to level the score on the stroke of halftime. It was a blow for the Banijans, as it sucked their momentum.

Both teams came out, looking to attack. Buyan wanted to carry the momentum from their last game, and Banija, of course, wanted to head into the mid-qualifying break with a stunning 5 victories in a row. It was, however, not meant to be. Valter Isaksson scored again, this time in the 62nd minute, to give his side a 3-2 lead. But the key moment, of course, came in the 75th. Muhumuza, who subbed in for Okafor, was brought down in the box, and Viggo Stromberg was shown a yellow. With their normal penalty taker out of the action, Chibuzo Afolayan stepped up to the plate. He was the future Nepharan First Division player, going against a Nepharim Premiership stud. Pawlo Marciak dove to his left and knocked the ball around the post and out for a corner. And when he came out to catch the ensuing corner kick, that was the last gasp for Banija.

Gunnar Karlsson scored a goal in the 1st minute of stoppage time, as Buyan successfully defended their home field, winning by a score of 4-2 against the visiting Kadongo Kamu. That means Banija, of course, after winning four in a row, went into the break with a bad taste in their mouths. They must get over this quickly, however, as the second half of qualifying is upon them. This time, of course, they will visit Boring Paradise. In Banija, a George Wangolo own goal was the difference between splitting the spoils, and three points for Boring Paradise. Can Banija take care of business away from home?

Ultimately, it will be an extremely tough task. This team should be applauded for their accomplishments this cycle- they are further along in development than anybody else thought possible, and that is thanks to Randolf Cherry. But, of course, we need to be realistic. An away win, against Boring Paradise? Banija would, once again, be shocking world football pundits all over the globe. That said, we expect Banija to battle, and we expect another high scoirng affair. In fact, we predict that they will open the second half of qualifying as they opened the first half, with a 4-3 loss. We do not, however, expect any own goals from either side in what is sure to be an exciting match, between a Boring Paradise side that is fighting for qualification, and the upstart Banijan team with nothing to lose.

[Natanians and Nosts]

Chapter Ⅰ
Chapter ⅠⅠ
Chapter ⅠⅠⅠ
Chapter ⅠⅤ
Chapter Ⅴ

The Placeholder


Chapter ⅤⅠ

It turned out it was worse than I thought...
I heard what the men talked,gladly I was at a spot from wich I could not be seen.The three men we part of a criminal organization that was involved in really evil things not only at this country but in others too and then all of a sudden i heard a feminine familiar voice,almost fell hard when saw her.It was Mihaela Ioana Apilescu.She was negotiating atrocities like it were something all of us do everyday for need;and the worst part:I think she saw me!

[Mriin]

Some background info originally written for the CoH bid thread. Greenlighted repurposing it with Drawk.

Mriin: A Debrief

A relatively recent debutante in the football world, Mriin is an island republic most often noted for its majority satyr population. Located in eastern Atlantian Oceania, the relatively small nation primarily made its wealth as merchants (and sometimes pirates) on the open seas; in today's globalized world, that voyaging acumen has lead to a thriving logistics industry, drawing in the sort of international business that made the capital city of Maal into a cutting-edge melting pot. Unlike the Equestrians, the Mriinian monarchy was completely deposed--albeit peacefully--centuries ago, in favor of a heavily localized system where legislation is passed by volunteer councils or public referendums at a city or island level (foreign policy being about the only topic voted on as a nation). That localisation provides starkly different experiences depending on where in Mriin a visitor ends up, but all are charming in their own way.

Now, I know what you're wondering--satyr's have got hooves, right? So why don't they call it hoofball? The reason is that football was purely an import in Mriin--it was introduced through contact with the football-rabid, but primarily human, nations nearby; and it didn't seem that worthwhile to go against the grain just for the sake of a pun. At least at the time--as the movement to formalize the sport began just under a decade ago, there was a contingent of fans who wanted to follow the Equestrian's example, which is ultimately why the Mriin National League is totally devoid of any reference to the actual sport. Despite that recent formalization, there proved to be a deep pool of talent in amateur teams around the nation; that talent was tapped to provide a decent showing in BoF64, wherein current World Cup hosts Drawkland eliminated them in the quarterfinals, and a solid if unspectacular fifth place in WC77. On the other hand, WC78 was a spectacular accomplishment for the squad--winning their group over de facto world #1 Farfadillis, and leading the entire qualifiers in goals scored. And they didn't even rest at that overachievement for a second-cycle nation--they beat neighbors Osarius and held hosts Bonesea to a draw on their own soil, just barely not advancing out of the World Cup group stage to eventual champions Electrum. These high-flying adventures sent high-profile team members around the multiverse, plying leagues in the likes of Nephara, Apox, Valladares, and Chromatika. There is quite a lot of pressure on the young team to keep up that level of play, but it certainly seems like they're not taking their new-found reputation lightly.

[Bojikstan]

The Rookies

Part Twenty One. In which Niko and Liv go out to town.

Time had passed since the trip to Blackmont had preoccupied some of the members of the Bojikstani National Team, but their renewed friendship would be one of the constants that lasted through the mediocre Baptism of Fire and the bad start to the World Cup qualifying campaign. With half of the schedule to go, nobody was picking them to shock the world to qualify. Some weren’t even picking them for the Cup of Harmony, and they were performing exactly as their rank indicated. Marco Christensen was under fire for his philosophy as manager of the national team, and not everyone was doing well off of the pitch.

Still, the bonds between the players were as strong as ever, and the five who were now known as the Gunclub were proving themselves to be some of the best rising stars around. As Alexy Hesse grew older, Artem Delacruz was learning that he had to be the one to carry the team at times. Some of the goals that he scored didn’t lead the team to victory, but made them competitive in games that they would go on to draw or lose. Mara Mandaric still flew around the pitch like a woman possessed, seeking and destroying the best attackers of the opposition. Niko Komarov was as captivating as any striker, and even when he wasn’t scoring, his attitude and heart brought the fans to their feet frequently. He was the one striker who wasn’t afraid to put his studs into someone’s calf to remind the opponent that Bojikstan, while it wasn’t a top nation, was one that demanded respect.

Despite their popularity, the top players on the team were still avoiding the press. They weren’t exactly popular in the media at the moment, mainly because of the results, and they were still in Strasburg after losing to Kaboomlandia and not looking very competitive at all. The press was on edge, running attack articles on Marco Christensen for his failure to panic and act urgent when the team needed the push, and the players were either staying back at the hotel, staying with people who they knew in the city, or going to smaller clubs and establishments that wouldn’t be filled with nosy journalists who typically followed them into the more well known places.

Niko Komarov was one of the players who chose the last option, and he and Livia Resendes Andrade were seated at the back of a more underground style bar and pub that was away from the downtown area and situated in one of the post industrial neighborhoods that looked like it had been much busier when oil refining was still a big business in Strasburg. The place was set up next to one of those refineries, and the inside of it might as well be the inside of the refinery. There were exposed pipes, older brick walls, and the entire building had a punk atmosphere to it. If that refinery still had workers, this looked like the kind of place that they might come to relax and unwind after a long day of industrial work.

The back, where Liv and Niko were sitting, was barely lit. That was just fine for them, however, because it meant that they wouldn’t be bothered by enthusiastic fans or by critics who wanted to tell them exactly what they were doing wrong. Everyone was an armchair manager in Bojikstan, and everyone from the fans in the stadium to the drunks who watched the matches from the bars thought that they could do a better job than the staff at running the team. It was a result of football being such a key part of the national culture, but it made it harder for the ones who actually were playing or coaching for the national team. Even this place showed off the football culture of the country, with FC Strasburg kits hanging from the wall behind the bar counter. There was also a signed photo of Alexey Hesse, and a photo from the last time the Blues lifted the Liga B trophy.

It bothered Liv somewhat because of her bad experiences with FC Strasburg and their upper management, who had ended up cutting their losses and sending her off to Vorsji Devils on loan before eventually selling her to Tir Snake Strike after her transfer request. After getting the inside perspective of what it was like, she couldn’t honestly look at the club in the same way as their legion of dedicated fans did, even if she had entered their organization with high hopes of becoming a legend to those fans. But then again, the entire city of Strasburg bothered her. As multicultural as Strasburg was, it didn’t seem to be a fitting place for her culture. The Sameban one. She was a daughter of Sameba who had been adopted by the east of Bojikstan, making Strasburg quite the foreign place to her. They didn’t understand why she believed some of the things she did. She could say the same thing about them.

“I might have been raised in Cordona after getting into Bojikstan from the refugee camp outside of Sameba, but Strasburg is where I really grew up,” Liv explained to Niko, sipping at a blue cocktail that notably was the same shade that FCS wore as the secondary color of their black home kit. “However, I don’t have great memories here, unlike others that have called the city home. I always thought I could be one of the greats for FC Strasburg, but I left bitter and humiliated, to be honest. I felt cheated, like I had been promised something that they never delivered on, and that was what it felt like if you heard the way the youth coaches told me I was going to be the next big thing in this city. I wish I could enjoy it when we’re here with the national team, but really… It’s just a city full of broken dreams for me.”

She looked like she was going to continue speaking, but she stopped and held her head again. “Fuck. I think I medicated too much before coming here,” she said, obviously not referring to any medication that she was supposed to be taking. Rather, it looked like something that she had taken on the side was messing with her now, and she stood up because she looked like she was going to be sick. Drinking at a time like this probably didn’t help, at all. “Just give me a few minutes-” she started, but as she took a few steps to walk away from the table, she collapsed in the middle of the walkway. She was unmoving, unconscious, and Niko found that she hardly had a pulse.

It was something that had been long coming… But he didn’t expect it now.

[95X]

(OOC: the following is an IC advertisement.)

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[United States of Devonta]

Devontan Sports Central

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Devonta end first half of WCQ on good note
Devonta draw with 30th ranked Port Christopher in hard fought away match
Kelley Davis (@Kelley_Davis)
^{12/05/2017, 6:00 PM | Port Christopher}

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United States of Devonta 1 - 1 Port Christopher 
        Johansen (82')             Del Arro (69')

Port Christopher
GK: Torrance
DF: Corrello
DF: Campbell (42')
DF: Goncalves
DF: Nazario-Silva
MF: Del Arro
MF: Sanchez
MF: Bronte
MF: Kellur
MF: Bensborg
ST: Quinones

United States of Devonta
GK: Bradley Cooper
LD: Johnson Brooks (88')
CD: Martin Benton
CD: Daniel Kindred (Coby Rice - 74')
RD: Brayden Liam
DM: Isaiah Russel (Marco Hernandez - 89')
LM: Mohamed Abdullah
RM: DeMonte Edwards (Alexander Jones - 74')
OM: Tyrell Owens
ST: Gerald Johansen
ST: Lamar Adams

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Final Score: 1-1 Draw.

Match Statistics:
Possession
Devonta: 47%
PCS: 53%
Shots
Devonta: 11 shots (7 on target
PCS: 13 shots (9 on target)
Pass Accuracy
Devonta: 87%
PCS: 86%
Corners
Devonta: 8
PCS: 8
Offsides
Devonta: 2
PCS: 4
Fouls
Devonta: 12
PCS: 8

Current Group 4 Standings:

 # Group 4                         Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Mriin                             8    6   2   0    23   10  +13    20
 2 Pasarga                           8    5   3   0    15    6   +9    18
 3 Port Christopher                  8    5   2   1    13    7   +6    17
 4 Kel Assuk                         8    4   3   1    24   13  +11    15
 5 United States of Devonta          8    5   0   3    15   11   +4    15
 6 The Great Pi                      8    3   0   5    12   15   −3     9
 7 Darkmania                         8    2   1   5    15   25  −10     7
 8 Razenthuria                       8    1   2   5     3    8   −5     5
 9 Moorish Land                      8    1   1   6     8   19  −11     4
10 Maryloupe                         8    0   2   6     9   23  −14     2

World Cup 79 Qualifying Schedule

Friendly Matches:
Devonta 1-0 Savojarna
Equestrian States 1-1 Devonta

World Cup Qualfying: Group 4
MD1: Devonta 2-0 Darkmania
MD2: Great Pie 0-2 Devonta
MD3: Devonta 2-1 Kel Assuk
MD4: Devonta 1-2 Pasarga
MD5: Moorish Land 2-0 Devonta
MD6: Devonta 2-0 Razenthuria
MD7: Mrinn 5-3 Devonta
MD8: Devonta 3-1 Maryloupe
MD9: Port Christopher 1-1 Devonta

Mid-Qual Friendly: Devonta vs Flardania

MD10: Darkmania vs Devonta
MD11: Devonta vs Great Pie
MD12: Kel Assuk vs Devonta
MD13: Pasarga vs Devonta
MD14: Devonta vs Moorish Land
MD15: Razenthuria vs Devonta
MD16: Devonta vs Mrinn
MD17: Maryloupe vs Devonta
MD18: Devonta vs Port Christopher

Author: Kelley Davis

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• Devonta stops downward spiral in World Cup Qualifying[ 11,532,742 views
• Hardest fought game of WCQ ends in defeat 9,553,253 views
• Devonta is back on track for WCQ 8,534,842 views

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Comments:

By Fanboi101 - Just now

Wow! What a stunner by Johansen! This is why he is captain!

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1,873 Likes | 53 Dislikes

Reply | Like | Dislike

By Sonia190 - 3 mins Ago

It's a disgrace that we are 5th place.

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1,130 Likes | 71 Dislikes

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By Pharell_Thompson - 10 min Ago

Surprised we didn't lose 5-0!

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Likes 454 | 165 Dislikes

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By Corry - 28 mins Ago

Vamos Devonta! Better luck in the 2nd half of WCQ!

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Likes 101 | 10 Dislikes

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[Flardania]

The Saeki Press/佐伯報道

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Imgeum | Mysu Song
Editorial - A different Reality

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Every now and again the act of international sports provide a moment of relief for the average Kirishinan. Gone are the stressful and hard working corporate environment, gone are the moment of politics, gone are the moments of drinking with your boss and co-workers and the resulting "forced" karaoke, gone too are the fun yet predictable moments of watching local sports, de stressing in the nightlife or blue light scene, praying or spending time with ones family.

The point is World Cup qualifiers and the resulting World Cup or Cup of Harmony is a time where we can have fun together and forgo local sports rivalries and unify as a nation. Healthy and wholesome fun in our nation's national sport. It also serves as an escape during many occasions. An escape from foreigners whether they be western liberals or right wing Christians who have problem with our unique society of our traditions, our culture, and our Confucian ideas of meritocracy. This time however it seems that we may not be granted that piece of mind.

The culprit this time? The legendary best in the world hall of fame nation of Electrum or more specifically the Centralis Herald. Wait what is this? They are not a world cup legend despite acting like it? That seems weird...nevertheless. Long story short for the few Kirishinans out there who are unaware of the situation or any foreigner to which we show great appreciation too for reading this publication, the long story short is that Kirishima lost a hard fought match to Electrum but the Centralis Herald reported the match as if it was a rout the other day. Seong Mi- Soo, the manager of the national team downplay the extent that the opposition media hyped up their win. Mi-Soo went on to state that the rivalry between Electrum is non-existent. Electrum claims that there is a rivalry between Kirishima and Electrum but that only the Kirishinans see things as a rivalry. Confusing isn't it. She also compared the feelings between the many drama filled matches with rivalries like Valanora to the infrequent meetings with Electrum where the expectations of the two sides have rarely been on the same page until now.

So now what did Centralis Herald writer Stewart Faraday write in an editorial? Well it's hard to tell as one can easily get caught up on the title of the piece. Mi-Soo Wrong. Faraday is another classic example of the type of foreigner that can't help but mock the names of Asians when it suits there comedic interests. Faraday defines a rivalry as 'a situation in which people, businesses, etc. compete with each other for the same thing.' By that logic every matchup is a rivalry and you would be hard pressed to find a fan that accept that definition of a rivalry. Furthermore Faraday takes the statement of Seong Mi-Soo and twist her answer.

Seong Mi-Soo amounted to they tried to win but for the sake of qualifying they are no effected by the lost and need to move on. Faraday ironically is hung up to Kirishinan reactions despite his claim that only Kirishinans care about this "rivalry" So much so that Faraday tuned into the end of the post match press conference and consider her leaving after what she felt was irrelevant (which the opinions of Faraday are just that, irrelevant) to be an early exit. Perhaps Faraday should do more research before assuming a press conference is two questions long. One thing that is true is that Seong Mi-Soo is real, her answers are authentic, and she is popular with the fans and players. The Kitsunes will keep on fighting, Electrum want to keep us in their dreams and play hard to get with what does not exist so be it. They just need to know we don't have the same fantasies of them.

[Eshan]

Rosaria Daily Herald | Sporting Section
DOMINANTE SECOND HALF OF QUALIFICATION

So here we go, where men are separated from boys, winners from losers, champions from not-champions victors from not-victors, qualified nations from not-qualified nations. The second half of World Cup qualification campaign, twenty-seven points up for grab, and it all starts tonight.

The Echani team will kick off the second half of qualifying with an away fixture against Reuss-Lippe, the 235th ranked team in the world who we somehow only managed a 2-1 win in the first fixture, with van Ciavatinni and Baudelio scoring for us. Hopefully the boys can go out there with a little bit more fire this time around and bang in the goals and push our run of three wins to four. That’d obviously do us a ton of good considering how the group really is up for grabs.

Alexio del Nieran, that sweet sweet Erathi legend in charge of the national team has already confirmed that he will be starting a full strength Echani starting 11. That means that Anthony Baudelio is back from his little hamstring injury he picked up a few games ago and will be starting up top, with Marco van Ciavatinni shipping back over to his normal right wing spot. I gotta say I’m pretty happy to see that del Aimbot is starting our strongest team. We come into matchday ten with 19 points and sitting in second place in Group 3; Chromatika sits seductively three points ahead of us, while Eastfield Lodge is tied with us but behind by one goal. Boring Paradise two behind, Banija four, Bostopia seven. A lot could happen with 27 points to play for, so it would be super fun to get the first three of those 27 points. Cause qualification you see.

So starting out strongest team possible even against the number 235 team in the world showed that we’re not messing about, we need to pick up the ground we’ve lost to Chromatika and keep our goal differential above Eastfield Lodge’s but them qualifying? I mean…yeah but…yeah…..anyways playing our best players even in this matchup shows that del Nieran is committed to winning this group, not just ‘merely’ qualifying, so I love that he’s fielding this starting eleven. If we lose…damn. That would totally entirely suck all sorts of booty but fortunately I really don’t think it’s going to happen. You have to remember we’re coming into this game with three wins out of our last three matches, and our team is also very talented and play good attacking football that stifles the opposition and keeps them on the back foot. Reuss-Lippe, although doing themselves great justice in our first matchup despite their 2-1 lost, really shouldn’t be able to withstand our attacking efforts.

Plus, if we get this win here against Reuss-Lippe, we’ll go into the home fixture against Eastfield Lodge with four wins from four, and getting another win there would really go a good, long way towards securing our qualification. Considering we beat them 2-3 away from home last time around, and also pulled four points from six from them in our World Cup 78 campaign, the Echani national team has to be feeling strong about the possibility of extending their winning streak. And also we won the first three of these round robin fixtures in a row during the start of the qualification campaign, so lots of reasons to feel some degree of confident going into this game against Reuss-Lippe and beyond. SO really what we need to do is get our eleven best players, put them on the field, and have them swing their feet at a football until they manage to kick it into the back of a net. God people do strange things for entertainment. But I fucking love it.

Wooooooo go Eshan!!!!!!!

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So election time was coming up for the first President of South Covello, what an impossible to even consider sentence a year ago. Gregory is gone, democracy hath arrived. Two candidates were going at it, trying their hardest to set the nation off forever in the path that they imagined best for their new nation.

First there was John Green, who had been the acting President of South Covello since the beginning of the rebellion and had done quite well to navigate those turbulent times. He was perhaps the obvious choice for President considering the job he’d done, but he didn’t entirely seem to want the job as he said in his statements when accepting the nomination. Despite that, he was most certainly qualified for the job and had done so as the acting President.

The other candidate was Louise Bennett. She had formerly served as a medic for the South Covellan rebel forces, and thus had seen firsthand the costs of independence and the horrors of the old regime. Revan felt that she would do a good job in office if she won, but he prefered Green to her. Louise had been a medic; she’d seen the terrors of war, and that seemed likely make her less inclined to participate in foreign engagements, involve the nation in international affairs or ally with Eshan, or purchase that sort of equipment. Although, it absolutely had to be said that Louise Bennett had a fantastic name. Bennett; what a strong, noble name, something that conjures images of strength, success, a person who is determined and resolute in all pursuits and successful in all matters, certainly someone with the name Bennett would be modest beyond words as well, despite how truly spectacular they without a doubt are. So that was definitely something that made Revan inclined to support Louise Bennett.

That being said, Revan would contact both of them individually and privately and offer Echani support to both of them. Whether it was analytic support, information, advisement on domestic and foreign policy, he would provide it for both candidates in order to curry favor with whoever won. If you support all the candidates, it seems pretty likely a candidate you supported would win office, therefore some degree of leverage or at least good will. So both candidates would be contacted and provided with support, if they didn’t take it no big deal, but no harm in offering it at the very least. Cause international relations is FUN!

[Drawkland]

Get ready for the second half of qualifiers! Cutoff.

resultsatron

[Vilita]

Coups, More reasons to hate 95X and Zombifying Intergalactic Space Pirates?

Tropicoast Training Ground, Tropicoast, Tropicorp :: Dr. Hamonii sat overlooking the training ground at Tropicoast eating his lunch wondering what his next great project could be. Well, it didn't even need to be a great project, he just wondered what other random experiment he could get involved in that would occupy his time for a few weeks until he got bored and moved on to a new idea.

The Cocoabo project that he had bankrolled in the Cocoabo Forest had taken off well beyond his initial expectations. It was pumping out hyper-skilled Cocoabo specimen at an unprecedented rate and they were infiltrating the Turorian sports landscape from everywhere to Footsport to Motorsport and everywhere in between.

Sure the results were a mish-mash - the Cocoabo had lost a competition during World Cup 78 qualifying against the Turorian Citizens to represent the Turori National Team - but then they did great in the Olympics - but then they were struggling once again in World Cup 79 qualifying. It was no matter, Dr. Hamonii was sure they would break out of the roller-coaster at some point and become more reliable into the future.

No, he was interested in other challenges out there. What about that giant Lymantatian bird? Could the bird be found? Was it still alive? Was there anything they could learn from it? Dr. Hamonii decided to check out the current events to see if there was anything he could leverage.

Hmmm a new state forming under the former rule of Lord Gregory. Interesting but too much freedom makes for an utterly and uninterestingly uncontrollable test environment.

Oh, it looks like Reason #79 to hate 95X has been released. It's an utterly horrid attempt at a virtual reality game that could only be produced by a nation that still relies on the bus as its form of transport. Those poor folks just can't be helped. Not interesting.

The Holy Empire's Imperial Squad is showing signs of Zombification and may be unable to compete in Tropical Climates... Ah-ha! Now Dr. Hamonii's interest was peaked!

A transfixing perplexion between the dreamed realm and ordinary reality, and the counter effects of the climate exposed in ordinary reality by those transformed from the dreamed realm... so complex!.. So interesting.

Now all Dr. Hamonii had to do was find out how to contact this Professor Igor von Madscientisto and invite him to Tropicorp to run some experiments!