World Cup 81: Roleplay Thread

ISideWith UK · by **Eastfield Lodge** » Sun Sep 09, 2018 6:02 pm

Karulijca line-up

GK: Roberto Moscardelli
CB: Periklys Kaflas
CB: Marko Ban
CB: Dexter Micallef
RWB: Ales Kunstelj
LWB: Hamzi Derbali (<> Anis Khalouffi 65’)
DM: Apostol Hysi (<> Josip Pajic 75’)
DM: Graziano Ceccarelli
AM: Giuseppe Trevisan
ST: Danijel Prigidar
ST: Mauro Pagliarulo (<> Gianni Altacci 75’)

Eastfield Lodge line-up

GK: Korbin Harvey
CB: Emely Towers
CB: Tajo Carr-Ponce
RB: Eskama Nagi (<> Seamus Figueroa 84’)
LB: Hamaad Siddique
DM: Sorel Qwivotic (<> Hugh Ilyess 74’)
AM: The Doctor
AM: Kenyon Lacroix
RW: Breta Glibin (<> Raquel Accardi 58’)
LW: Ármin Harry
ST: Werdickley Safadão

World Cup 82 Qualifying - Group 9 Matchday 8
Karulicja 0-2 Eastfield Lodge
Werdickley Safadão (25’), Sorel Qwivotic (59’)

32% - Possession - 68%
4 - Shots - 11
2 - Shots on Target - 5
3 - Corners - 4
7 - Fouls - 5

Referee: Unknown
Location: Unknown Stadium, Unknown City, Karulicja
Attendance: Unknown

Goals from Werdickley Safadão and Sorel Qwivotic handed the visiting Eastfield Lodge side a precious 2-0 victory against a very disciplined Karulicja side to continue their surprisingly unbeaten start. That win against a determined defence combined with Valanora’s victory against New Gazi gives the Eastfielders an unlikely two point lead with a single game to go before the halfway point in qualifying.

One could be forgiven for thinking that Eastfielder fans were in shock after the result in the last qualifying match - a 4-1 thrashing of the second seed, even at home, is always going to send out a statement of intent, especially as with it, the Imperial Commonwealth found itself atop the standings for Group 9, ahead of such leading lights like New Gazi and Valanora, albeit only on head to head results. Travelling to unranked opponents Karulicja would be a very far cry from the second seeds at home, but as history has shown, unranked teams can be potential banana skins to any opponent - and indeed, Karulicja have already won three of their 7 qualifying games, beating Nuadh-Alba, Rakivland and Savalen to sit decently mid-table going into the eighth match of the campaign.

To that end, Shabeen Ahmad III named a largely unchanged side from the one the humbled New Gazi, with Marya Garner being rested in favour of previous stalwart Hamaad Siddique and Sorel Qwivotic being given another run out in the holding midfield role in front of Hugh Ilyess. Breta Glibin continues to keep Raquel Accardi out of the starting line-up with her rich vein of form of late, and Kenyon Lacroix seems to be fulfilling the potential he once showed when he first burst onto the football scene many years ago - stalling his career at RGS Athletic may have had its benefits after all. As for the hosts, their line-up was unchanged from their victory over Savalen in the previous match, with manager Dusan Azzini continuing to put faith in his system and the strongest line-up of it, again opting to build from the back and grind out a result of some kind.

The hosts kicked the match off, but it took some time before the action got going, as the back 7 of Karulicja were very well drilled and very solid, moving in unison and not leaving much room to exploit. The first real chance of the game came courtesy of Breta Glibin, around ten minutes into the game, as she skipped past Hamzi Derbali to tee up Werdickley Safadão on the edge of the box - the snapshot was deflected into her path, but her toe poke only found the outside of the far post, well covered by Moscardelli. Ármin Harry nearly scored one himself a few minutes later, as he had a deflected shot on the counter loop over Moscardelli, but only onto the bar, sparing Ban’s blushes.

It wasn’t a one-sided first half however, and the hosts did carve out chances of their own. There were a few attacking forays after the first fifteen or so minutes, but the closest they came to breaking the deadlock was through the much vaunted combination of Trevisan and Pridigar - the number ten breaking forwards after a clearance, and with a pinpoint accurate pass, found Pridigar running through the defence. The striker had the march on the centre backs, but not enough of one in the end, as Emely Towers managed to pressure him enough to force his shot straight at Korbin Harvey, forcing the Duke of the North keeper into his first real save of the afternoon to palm it over the bar. Harvey caught the resulting corner, and quickly punted the ball upfield to the advancing Glibin. The first time the Eastfielder attack managed to outnumber the Karulicjan defence, Glibin rolled the ball across to Safadão, who checked back inside his defender and coolly finished beyond the onrushing Moscardelli to open the scoring.

This largely set the theme of the rest of the match, once the visitors took the lead - Karulicja were now forced to come out of their shell and attack more, and Eastfield Lodge took the role of defenders looking to break on the counter. It certainly worked well for the rest of the half, Qwivotic and the defensive unit frustrating and breaking down wave after wave of attack, and beginning a few of their own. The hosts did enjoy some breakthroughs though - their best chance of the half came from Pridigar, again being fed through a lovely ball from Trevisan, but his shot only found the far post, with Harvey left stranded - a few inches to the left and that would have been the equaliser. At the other end, Safadão and Harry both came extremely close to finding a second goal; the Norrion Rovers striker improvised a back heel from Lacroix’s pull-back that Moscardelli did extremely well to tip around the post, whilst Harry had a curling effort from the corner of the box denied by the crossbar.

The second half started in much the same vein as the first ended, although the hosts were beginning to flag from the effort of chasing the game, and struggled to create as much - the visitors, to their credit, seemed a lot tighter defensively after the break as well. Pridigar and Pagliarulo both cut lonely figures up top, as the Karulicjan midfield struggled to supply them at all. The third seeds continued to create chances of their own, although not as many, as the game began to unravel somewhat approaching the hour mark. The game was more or less put to bed at that point, when Apostol Hysi tripped up Qwivotic on the edge of the D around the hour mark. Qwivotic won the free kick argument, and with the help of a deflection off Pagliarulo’s head in the wall, curled the free kick beyond Moscardelli’s reach.

The rest of the game had little action to talk about, in the end, as Karulicja clearly had no plan B, even with the battery of substitutions made by manager Azzini - the hosts could not register a single shot for the rest of the game, as they struggled to break down a surprisingly resolute Eastfielder defence, something which has been featured this year somewhat more than in recent campaigns, mistakes aside. The visitors saw their chances dry up as well, however, as the hosts became less and less mobile, and largely opted to defend their goal difference. The Doctor did come close in the 82nd minute, managing to dribble through the defence but only finding the side netting from the tight angle. As it was, the match finished as a comfortable 2-0 victory for Eastfield Lodge.

That result, along with the group’s top seeds Valanora disposing of New Gazi, leaves Eastfield Lodge with an unbeaten 5-3-0 record, and top of the group with a two point lead over the chasing trio of Polkopia, Valanora and Qusmo, with New Gazi a further point back. The final match before the mid-qualifying break, where Eastfield Lodge have no friendlies scheduled, will be at home against the group’s fifth seeds in Savalen, who are currently in sixth with a mere 10 points, one more than today’s opponents. On paper, this should be a victory for the group leaders, but it’ll be a tough battle nonetheless. Going into the halfway break with 21 points and unbeaten would be a great way to keep the momentum going into the second half of the fixture list, which begins with the toughest match in the qualifying schedule - the away trip to the top seeds and five-time champions Valanora.

Pre-qualifying friendly: Oberour ar Moro 1-4 Eastfield Lodge
Line-up (4-1-2-3): Allam - Carr-Ponce, Moffat, Nagi, Siddique - Ilyess (<> Qwivotic 62’) - The Doctor, von Kraus - Accardi, Rathun (<> Harry 62’), Safadão (<> Alder 72’)
Goals (Assists): Safadão (18’ - Carr-Ponce), Ilyess (34’), The Doctor (68’ - Harry), Carr-Ponce (82’ - Qwivotic)

MD1: Eastfield Lodge 2-2 Valanora
Line-up (4-1-2-3): Harvey - Towers, Carr-Ponce, Nagi, Siddique (<> Garner 67’) - Ilyess - The Doctor, Farrow (<> Lacroix 76’) - Accardi (<> Glibin 76’), Rathun, Safadão
Goals (Assists): Rathun (31’ - Accardi), Glibin (85’ - Lacroix)

MD2: Nuadh-Alba 1-1 Eastfield Lodge
Line-up (4-1-2-3): Harvey - Towers, Gray, Nagi, Garner - Qwivotic - The Doctor, von Kraus (<> Lacroix 59’) - Accardi, Rathun (<> Glibin 73’), Alder (<> Safadão 73’)
Goals (Assists): Alder (27’)

MD3: Eastfield Lodge 3-1 Polkopia
Line-up (4-1-2-3): Harvey - Towers (<> Moffat 78’), Carr-Ponce, Nagi (<> Figueroa 78’), Siddique - Ilyess - The Doctor, Farrow - Accardi, Harry (<> Rathun 63’), Safadão
Goals (Assists): Safadão (21’; 68’ - Farrow), Carr-Ponce (42’ - Ilyess)

MD4: Rakivland 2-3 Eastfield Lodge
Line-up (4-1-2-3): Harvey - Carr-Ponce, Gray, Nagi, Garner - Qwivotic (<> Ilyess 66’) - The Doctor, Lacroix (<> von Kraus 75’) - Glibin, Rathun (<> Harry 72’), Safadão
Goals (Assists): Glibin (32’ - Lacroix), Safadão (54’ - Nagi), Gray (58’ - Garner)

MD5: Eastfield Lodge 2-0 Axuva
Line-up (4-1-2-3): Harvey - Towers, Moffat, Figueroa (<> Nagi 58’), Siddique - Ilyess - The Doctor, Lacroix (<> von Kraus 75’) - Glibin, Harry, Safadão (<> Alder 68’)
Goals (Assists): Safadão (5’ - Glibin), Own Goal (27’ - Lacroix)

MD6: Qusmo 0-0 Eastfield Lodge
Line-up (4-1-2-3): Harvey - Towers, Carr-Ponce, Nagi, Siddique - Ilyess - The Doctor, Farrow (Bevan 65’) - Accardi, Rathun (<> Harry 58’), Safadão (<> Alder 76’)
Goals (Assists): N/A

MD7: Eastfield Lodge 4-1 New Gazi
Line-up (4-1-2-3): Harvey - Towers, Carr-Ponce, Nagi, Garner - Ilyess (<> Qwivotic 67’) - The Doctor, Lacroix (<> Farrow 54’) - Glibin, Harry, Safadão (<> Alder 76’)
Goals (Assists): The Doctor (24’ - Safadão), Safadão (45’+1’ - Ilyess; 52’; 73’ - Glibin)

Line-up to play Savalen (4-1-2-3)
Harvey - Towers, Carr-Ponce, Nagi, Garner - Ilyess - The Doctor, Lacroix - Glibin, Harry, Safadão
No injuries or suspensions

by **Geisenfried** » Sun Sep 09, 2018 6:16 pm

The night was quiet, for once, and that made him appreciate it all the more. There was a strong temptation to just let his eyelids droop and nod off into the recliner and get a bit more of the sleep he'd been neglecting over the past couple weeks, determined to keep an eye on the situation. Demonstrations, protests... there hadn't been any full blown riots yet, but that was more a miraculous blessing and a lot of hard work than lack of tinder waiting to be set aflame. But at this moment, at this second? All was right with the world. Though maybe that was just the blissful effect of watching a good football match - World Cup qualifying was on, and despite the team's struggles early, the Geisen national team appeared to have finally turned it's corner. Starting with a shock scoreless draw against Qasden in Dözel, becoming the only team that had yet managed to avoid taking a loss against the current group leaders, they'd rolled off two consecutive victories over Illahee and Olastor and were in the dying minutes of what looked like to be another one against the South Falls, up one-nil and managing to play keep away, holding the ball and denying possession, preventing them one last chance in the dying minutes. The fourth official was playing with his scoreboard trying to signal time remaining before the closing whistle before raising it up.

Three minutes, just three minutes...

Sure, he probably shouldn't be focusing on football, what with his job, but from previous experience he knew that big cultural events like football matches could be distractions as much for ill-intentioned people as they could be for people like him - didn't have to be an upstanding citizen to be a sports fan. Okay sure, he knew a lot of the refugees might be more invested in their home squad, spared the qualification effort thanks to the fact they had been chosen to host the cup and would be otherwise uninvested in the Geisenfried match going on, but it was good football, right? ...okay, he was definitely just making excuses at this point. But he'd been on high alert for weeks thanks to all that had happened with what's-his-name Danso and the refugee situation. He deserved a little break to watch some football, especially when the team was finally winning.

And as the final whistle blew and the players celebrated on the field, he started to close his eyes and decided that yeah, he'd earned this rest too.

Geisenfried 1 - 0 South Falls
Löwenthal (39')

by **Qusmo** » Sun Sep 09, 2018 6:38 pm

Rilan-Jerat Nev was accustomed to winning.

Teenage phenom. Won Qavax Puka Juzuna. Won a place in the Youth Cup. Won a place on KF Trew’s Starting XI. Won a place in the Globe Cup. Won a place in the Team of the Season. Won Young Player of the Season. Won a place in the national team training camp. Won a place in the twenty-five player Qualifying squad. Won a place in the regular Starting XI. Won a place in the Cup of Harmony squad. Won their group. Won a place in the Di Bradini Cup squad. Won a knockout match. Destined for greatness.

Then, they lost.

It was nearing the end of Ryrak Bez, & Trew was in contention for Pug Qusmyra’s final spot in the UICA Globe Cup. They were three points behind Atlant with two matches left, mired in sixth place. However, the schedule had worked out in their favour: they only had Qasym & Rejin left to play; both were in the relegation zone, & Qasym sat at the floor of the table. On the other hand, the two teams in front of Trew would meet each other on Matchday Thirty-Seven, & Atlant would have to face a strong Lilnim side on the final matchday, while fifth-place Qalijan had to take on Polanz, still in the running for the league title. Dropped points by both teams were possible, even likely. Trew had made it to the Globe Cup the previous season based on a last-matchday stumble by their nearest competition; this year had the potential to end much the same way.

But then Trew lost 4-3 to last-place Qasym, & they were instantly eliminated from Globe Cup contention.

& with that team failure, Rilan-Jerat lost individually, too.

No longer was Rilan-Jerat the go-to player for their national team. Now, they were just a bench player, a reserve, a third striker on the roster, barely making it onto the team for the Qualifiers. Every one of the twenty-two outfield players on Qusmo’s qualifying campaign roster had seen the pitch within the first four matchdays - except Rilan-Jerat. Rilan-Jerat just sat there, with nothing to do; they didn’t even warm up. Xilit-Zaxac Yol was the clear first-choice striker, & if Avarn-Oxolt Ban ever wanted a substitute, they called on Prant-Pertz Gor. Those were the two options Avarn-Oxolt went with. Why did they even take Rilan-Jerat, if all they intended to use them as was a way to warm a seat on the bench?

Finally, after seven matches of doing nothing, contributing nothing, being nothing, Rilan-Jerat got word. They would be getting playing time against Nuadh-Alba on Matchday Eight. &, not only that, but they would get the start. Sure, it was a bit of a rotated side - the dead giveaway was that the third-choice goalkeeper would also earn their first playing time of the qualifying campaign. But Rilan-Jerat would finally have the chance to prove to their manager & to their doubters that the talent they had was real, in spite of all.

They had always faced such stiff competition at centre forward for the national team. Prant-Pertz Gor, of course, had won the first two Qavaxy Puga Qusmyra. The ninety-five goals Qastyr had scored last season was good enough for second-best all-time, trailing only Qastyr’s 106 in the season prior.

Xilit-Zaxac Yol, meanwhile, had won trophies in their time at Poldanz, too. Their club’s performance may not be quite as prolific as Prant-Pertz’s, but Xilit-Zaxac was the undisputed leader of their squad, & for that they were recognized as Pug Qusmyra’s Forward of the Season & a runner-up for Player of the Season. They were, in the eyes of most, the gem of the Qusma attack.

&, of course, no one can forget Paliv-Xilit Max, who was the best poacher in Pug Qusmyra last season before transferring to Pascal Mashu in Kita-Hinode. While they were there, somehow they seemed to get even better, starting for the top-ranked offense in the KiHi-League - & claiming Rilan-Jerat’s starting spot as the national team’s second centre forward.

But here was Rilan-Jerat’s chance. Their chance to show them all wrong. Their chance to prove that neither Prant-Pertz, nor Xilit-Zaxac, nor Paliv-Xilit were better players than they. Rilan-Jerat had their opportunity. They got into dangerous areas, they made creative runs, & they would have had a brace already if not for their own eagerness pushing them beyond Nuadh-Alba’s last defender. But now, in the seventieth minute, now they had their chance.

They received the through ball from the attacking midfielder, Gavax-Nenzi Abe - making only their first start in a competitive match - & were clear through the defense. It was a scoreless match, & it was getting late - late enough to worry that Qusmo could very well drop points at home to the team at the bottom of the Group 9 table after earning one point & scoring no goals from their previous two matches. Rilan-Jerat was clean through, & as soon as they would score, they would again become a hero. They could return to the fold, triumphant, having proven their worth with their tenth career national team goal before they reach the age of twenty.

But then, something happened. They struck the ball wrong. The ball didn’t nestle itself into the top left corner of the net. It soared into the tenth row of the seats at Mastad Atlema.

Paliv-Xilit Max entered the match in the seventy-first minute for Rilan-Jerat Nev. Paliv-Xilit scored a brace in the seventy-sixth & eighty-seventh minutes, providing the winning margin in a 2-0 victory over Nuadh-Alba, tying Rilan-Jerat for second on Qusmo’s all-time goalscoring list with nine goals, reaching that mark in nine fewer appearances.

Group 9
Savalen 0–0 Rakivland
Axuva 2–4 Polkopia
Qusmo 2–0 Nuadh-Alba
New Gazi 1–3 Valanora
Karulicja 0–2 Eastfield Lodge

   Group 9                         Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Eastfield Lodge                   8    5   3   0    17    7  +10    18
 2 Polkopia                          8    5   1   2    17   12   +5    16
 3 Valanora                          8    5   1   2    22   12  +10    16
 4 Qusmo                             8    5   1   2    14    4  +10    16
 5 New Gazi                          8    5   0   3    15   11   +4    15
 6 Savalen                           8    3   1   4    13   13    0    10
 7 Karulicja                         8    3   0   5    16   16    0     9
 8 Axuva                             8    2   1   5    12   25  −13     7
 9 Rakivland                         8    1   1   6    17   21   −4     4
10 Nuadh-Alba                        8    0   3   5     4   26  −22     3

QNT breaks slump with win over bottom-of-table Nuadh-Alba
Qusmo 2–0 Nuadh-Alba
Mastad Atlema, Atlem, Qusmo (cap. 60 000)

GK  Pilta-Jerat Nev
CB  Cunix-Betva Tla
CB  Zenon-Gerol Kal
CB  Ozolx-Alfan Ixi
CM  Yamaj-Blonz Jok
62’ Ilinx-Vulav Ixi
CM  Ilinx-Kepex Zev
AM  Gavax-Nenzi Abe
LM  Kynda-Sevet Pec
65’ Helek-Nenzi Ono
RM  Forzu-Ralox Kal
ST  Rilan-Jerat Nev
71’ Paliv-Xilit Max (76’, 87’)
ST  Xilit-Zaxac Yol

by **Mytanija** » Sun Sep 09, 2018 7:12 pm

Part 1
Part 2
Part 3

LAERTIADES

by Dorde Arsic

PART II: ODYSSEY
EPISODE 5, IOTOPHAGES

Mr. Vucina entered the Post Office, a tinkling of the bell heralding his arrival as he opened the door. He smirked to himself, the noise was almost a minor version of the sounding of horns that would have once greeted the arrival of royalty in Esca or Dyka. What it would be to be a King for a day, he mused. There was a small queue ahead of him, which wasn’t too bad, but he had hoped to get in early and be able to exit quickly. It seemed a few people had had the exact same idea. There was a man just ahead of him, probably about the same age as himself. He had a flat cap and wiry glasses and a newspaper tucked under his arm. There was a younger lady ahead of him remonstrating with the man behind the counter about her post not arriving, she was struggling to contain two young children who were attempting to drag her this way and that and she looked thoroughly worn out. She had the whole day ahead of her and it looked like it could be a struggle, poor girl.

She had no success in locating her post and exited the Post Office, dragging her children behind her as she went. Mr. Vucina shook his head. He wondered if it was a result of the children being mollycoddled too much these days, but then they were only young and perhaps they didn’t realise just how much harder they were making it for their mother. Some kids are just hard work, he concluded.

The man ahead of him was enquiring about a package too and the man behind the counter knew exactly what he meant straight away, he picked it up from underneath the counter. It was a long, thin wooden box. Mr. Vucina wondered what it could contain. A fishing rod perhaps? A snooker cue? The man didn’t look much of a snooker player. Mr. Vucina could imagine him sitting next to a river or pond with a fishing rod, though, maybe it was that. The man thanked the fellow behind the counter and exited too.

“Next please.” The man behind the counter said, Mr. Vucina stepped forward quickly.

“Hello,” He started, “I was just wondering if I had received any post in my pigeonhole, name is Henri Cvet.”

“Henri?” The man behind the counter raised an eyebrow. “Where’s that name from?”

“My mother is Cotdelapomais,” Mr. Vucina replied. “She wanted to give me something linking me to there.” He didn’t need this sort of questioning at this time in the morning, he just needed to know if any letters had arrived under that name.

“Ah, very nice.” The worker replied, checking in the pigeonholes behind him. “Ah yes! Here you go.” He reached forward, passing Mr. Vucina a pastel pink envelope. “Have a nice day Sir.”

“Thanks, you too.” Mr. Vucina said, quick grasping the envelope and placing it in the inside pocket of his coat before proceeding to walk out of the Post Office, with another tinkle of the bell seeing him on his way.

As Mr. Vucina started to walk down the street he opened the letter, there was a faint scent of perfume – he couldn’t place the exact smell – from the paper and he began to read, a difficult thing amongst the hustle and bustle of this busy thoroughfare. Lots of people were milling around, entering shops or talking to acquaintances in the street, Mr. Vucina couldn’t move more than five steps without walking into somebody or something. Having his eyes averted downwards to read the letter was an unfortunate distraction, but he wanted to reads its contents.

For a while he had been corresponding with a ‘Ludmila Popadic’, it had started once he had realised that Maria had been having an affair with her manager. It was just a bit of fun, really, although he wasn’t so sure that Ludmila saw it that way. She was always quite forceful in her letters. Still, maybe one day he might actually meet her. He had used a pseudonym on purpose, just in case. After all, if there was a chance of resurrecting his relationship with his wife he would prefer to do that than a quick fling with Ludmila Popadic. But whilst Maria had her fun, he would certainly have his, too.

He jostled past people as he began to read:

Dearest Henri,
I have been thinking for some time about how beautiful your name is. Henri Cvet. So exotic and different, it only excites me more when I think about finally meeting the man behind such a beautiful name. Did you know that in English the word for ‘Cvet’ is ‘flowers’? I learned this once on holiday. When I think of your name I think of a field in bloom, of roses and lilies. When will we finally meet, Henri? Please let it be soon.

I have been thinking about your relationship with your wife and the amount of time it has taken for us to talk about meeting. Are you being an extremely naughty man and stringing me along? Sometimes I feel like you are being and if that is the case I am going to have to spank you around the buttocks you very, very naughty man! Please do not be leading me on.

I await your response eagerly, perhaps too eagerly, but I just want for us to finally meet Henri. Please reply with a date for us to meet, we can go for a walk along the river and feel young again, imagine how romantic that could be!

All my love,
Ludmila

PS: What perfume does your wife wear? I expect it is not as nice as mine.

Mr. Vucina smirked to himself once again. As he did so, he bumped into something ahead of him, his eyes still directed at the words of the letter. He collided with quite a thud. He looked up and inside his stomach dropped. Igor Kasutkin. The last person Mr. Vucina wanted to see at this time in the morning.

“Well if it isn’t Benjamin Vucina as I live and breathe!” Igor Kasutkin exclaimed, exhaling beery breath all over Mr. Vucina’s face along with copious amounts of spittle. “How are you doing me old mucker?!”

Exactly the last person Mr. Vucina wanted to see at this time in the morning. The last person he wanted to make stupid small talk with, too.

“Hi Igor,” Mr. Vucina said resignedly, “I’m good thank you. Yourself?”

“Yes mate I am fantastic as always,” Igor replied, more of his beery breath spilling through the air and across Mr. Vucina’s face. Mr. Vucina struggled to suppress a cringe of disgust. “What are you doing today, always a busy man aren’t you Benji!” Igor laughed, he was the only one laughing. Mr. Vucina hated the nickname Benji and it was only ever Igor Kasutkin that called him it. He couldn’t really even remember how the two had met in the first place, it had probably been in a bar or something. He felt like it was at a political meeting in a pub, but it escaped his mind right now.

“I’m going to a funeral, Igor.” Mr. Vucina replied bluntly, “That’s about it.”

“Oh shi—” Igor started before stopping suddenly, “I mean shoot! That’s a shame, my condolences.”

“Thanks,” Mr. Vucina responded, “Look, Igor, I really must be going. I have a few things to do today.”

“Yeah, no worries Benji,” Igor replied. “I’ll see you around.”

“Yeah, see you around Igor.” Mr. Vucina started to walk away before hearing Igor shout behind him.

“Wait!” Igor shouted. “Wait, Benji, what have you got there?” He leered, pointing at the letter in Mr. Vucina’s hand, the pastel pink envelope behind it. Mr. Vucina felt like he could kick himself, it was the last thing he wanted to draw attention to. Especially Igor Kasutkin’s attention, the man was a liability and would probably get drunk and run his mouth off in a pub about it and word would get back to Maria somehow. Mr. Vucina shuddered at the thought.

“Oh this?” Mr. Vucina replied matter-of-factly, “Nothing really, just someone wishing me well.”

“It’s pink!” Igor exclaimed. “What’s Benjamin Vucina doing with a pink envelope?!” Igor laughed to himself. Once again, he was the only one who seemed to have been aware of a joke.

“Igor, I really have to go, mate.” Mr. Vucina said, trying to tear himself away from the situation he found himself in. “See you later.” And so saying he swiftly strode away, extricated himself from the mire he had entered and the troll-like presence of Igor Kasutkin.

Mr. Vucina still hadn’t managed to identify the scent of the perfume Ludmila had sprayed onto the letter.

He wondered if it really was nicer than his wife’s.

***

Mr. Vucina exited the soap shop, the room was an overpowering melting pot of scents and pungent aromas mixed together which, whilst pleasantly fragrant by themselves, combined to give him a headache. He had purchased his usual bar of lemon soap and had tipped the girl behind the counter a little change, she had remembered him and it had made him feel slightly more important than usual. It was always nice to be known, he thought.

The thought of the funeral lingered on his mind and he mused on the existence of God a little. He felt sorry for poor Ante Dragic, the fellow whose funeral it was. He was a well-known drinker and he had fallen into the river and died whilst paralytic one night. He was an all-around good guy, though and he was going to be sorely missed by the community. He always had a smile on his face and was a trouble-shooter, known for helping people with their problems. He’d helped Mr. Vucina a fair few times, that was for sure.

How could God allow something like that to happen to such a nice man? Mr. Vucina thought to himself. Poor Ante Dragic had done nothing wrong. Perhaps he had sinned earlier in life and helping people with their issues was his penance, but he must have committed a pretty sinful act for God to still write him off in such a manner. Maybe he was a murderer.

Mr. Vucina started to walk towards the baths, wondering if Ante Dragic had it in him to be a murderer. He had read that everybody has the animalistic instinct inside them to be able to commit a murder, but that the vast majority of people are able to suppress it throughout their lives. Ante Dragic surely couldn’t commit a murder. Mr. Vucina questioned whether he would be able to murder someone and upon reflection decided he didn’t think he would be able to. Mr. Vucina liked order and murder seemed a little bit too messy.

As he walked towards the baths he spotted Tomica Spahic across the road and crossed it to greet his slightly eccentric friend.

“Tomica!” Mr. Vucina exclaimed. “How are you?”

“Benjamin, my friend, I’m great thank you. How are you?” Tomica asked, clasping Mr. Vucina’s hand tightly within his own as he shook it.

“I’m excellent, what are you doing today? Will I see you at the funeral?”

“I’m watching the horses, mate, I may pop my head in at the funeral but those things aren’t for me as you know. All a bit too spooky for my liking.”

“You should, it’d be nice to see you for a drink afterwards if nothing else.” Mr. Vucina replied, dropping the letter he still held in his hand to the floor. Immediately leaning down to get it, but as he did so, Tomica got there first.

“What’s this?” Tomica asked, handing it across to Mr. Vucina who grasped it tightly. “Nothing important I hope…” He added, before hurriedly continuing. “Have you got any tips for today at all?”

“Ah no nothing,” Mr. Vucina said. “I was just going to throw it away. I need to go, I might see you later!” He said, starting to walk away before Tomica could ask any more questions about the letter.

“Ah Throwaway!” Tomica exclaimed after him. “I was thinking about going for that one as well, excellent horse, see you around Benjamin.”

Mr. Vucina didn’t have the heart to correct him.

PART II: ODYSSEY
EPISODE 6, HADES

Mr. Vucina could have kicked himself. It wasn’t the first time he felt like that on this particular day and at the rate he was headed it wouldn’t be the last. He had left himself a little late and had arrived to get a carriage to the funeral a little late. He had hoped he’d manage to get one with a few people he knew, but he had failed in that endeavour and had ended up with three men he didn’t know and the drunkard Stevan Dedalic. Mr. Vucina wondered if it was just his bad luck that this had happened or if something greater was at play. Some did say that people should know better than to question God’s workings and Mr. Vucina wondered if his thoughts earlier on in the day had come back to haunt him ever so slightly.

Stevan Dedalic was a little better dressed than he had been when Mr. Vucina had spotted him earlier that morning, but he still carried the unmistakeable smell of alcohol with him – something he did wherever he went. Mr. Vucina wondered if Old Man Bugaric had advised him against drinking ahead of a funeral, but apparently not. He also wondered if the sheer amount of drunks in Mytanija had any correlation with living standards. People had nothing else to do, in fairness.

The funeral carriage picked up speed and soon they were working their way through the streets at pace, Mr. Vucina wondered if the driver had the requisite skill to navigate his way over the cobbles and down the narrow streets. They screeched around one corner and he was sure that the carriage was moving on two wheels as they turned it. Stevan Dedalic let out a squeal of childish excitement as they did so and Mr. Vucina wondered who had allowed the apparent madman driving the carriage to take on such a responsibility. He may have even preferred Stevan Dedalic at the helm.

As they travelled down a long straight road, Stevan Dedalic let out a shout.

“There’s my son!” He yelled, trying to be heard over the noise of the carriage’s wheels on the heavy cobblestones underneath. Mr. Vucina had been focusing on the other side of the road, where he could have sworn he had seen Maria’s manager. The sleazy, smarmy dirt bag. The sighting of his face filled Mr. Vucina with a squirming feeling in his stomach and he wasn’t sure whether it was anger, hatred or panic. Perhaps a little of all three?

“How is your son, Stevan?”

“I don’tsh know, Benjamin.” Stevan slurred. “He won’t let me shee him.”

“What is he doing now?”

“He’sh working at the university, I think.” Stevan started, “He livesh by himshelf now. I haven’t sheen him for a while.”

“That’s a shame Stevan.”

“I know.” Stevan said sadly. “I’ve been a shit father Benjamin, to the boy and the two girls too.” He added, clarity tinging his voice for what was perhaps the first time in a long time.

“You still have time to make it right Stevan.”

“It’s too late Benjamin, the boy won’t let me shee him and I don’t have two Corunsh to rub together for the girlsh.”

The carriage was consumed with silence after Stevan had finished talking and Mr. Vucina thought about his own son, who had died soon after being born, illness doing for him. Ever since then his relationship with Maria had gone downhill, it had torn them apart for a while and they had repaired it, just about. It had never been the same since though really.

When he thought about it, on the way to Ante Dragic’s funeral, death had followed him throughout his life. His own son and before that his father’s suicide. That had been a particularly tragic moment for him. There had been no indication whatsoever, one night his father had left the house and he never returned. Mr. Vucina had been an adult and was able to understand death at that point, but it still made him feel hollow and child-like in his sheer lack of understanding about why his father had ended his own life.

He didn’t want to be morbid about it, but death had followed him ever so slightly during his time. Perhaps not as closely as it followed some people, but only a few steps behind. Mr. Vucina decided that in the evening following the funeral he would go for a drink, ditch the morbidity and try to embrace warm, full-blooded life once again. It was certainly time to do so.

by **Equestrian States** » Sun Sep 09, 2018 7:55 pm

Ponies' Pool Preview, Part 1: The Goalkeepers
by Steve McNotapony

Manager Pearly White of the Equestrian States national hoofball team has named a record-breaking 63 players to the Ponies' World Cup 81 qualifying roster pool. This series will examine all the players vying for a spot in Pearly White's final team, what their strengths, weaknesses, and backgrounds are and who is most likely to make the final cut. Today, we look at the goalkeepers. Statistics are updated through the most recent World Cup 81 qualifying match against Lochario.

The Equestrian States is renowned throughout the multiverse for producing exceptional goalkeepers, and as such, it's no surprise that the Ponies will boast remarkable depth and talent in goal during World Cup 81 qualifying. Of course, the first name that must be mentioned is Gentle Breeze; universally regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the world and easily one of the best ever players to call Equestria her homeland. There's no question that Gentle Breeze will be Pearly White's first choice in goal this cycle, but there are certainly a few other players worth mentioning.

Marilyn Peterson would be the starting goalkeeper for almost any other national team, but has rarely been given the chance to shine on the multiverse's top international stage; instead, she has frequently proven her worth at the club level where she has consistently earned praise in some of the multiverse's best leagues. Silver Charm and Nightflame are also top-tier goalkeepers who have been locked in a back-and-forth struggle for the third and final spot in the Ponies' roster for the last few cycles, while Crystalline keepers Starshine and Amberlocks will hope to break into the Equestrian team after previously impressing with the Crystal Empire's national team before they combined with Equestria's. Finally, Mac Stevenson and Keelie Gold are the long-shots to make the cut; the former returning to the Ponies after a long absence from the international stage, his disastrous debut during World Cup 61 qualifying still a sore point for some Equestrian supporters, and the latter an up-and-comer who has impressed in recent United League seasons with Crystal Fair HC.

The Players

#1 - Gentle Breeze (Pegasus - Female)
Position: Goalkeeper | Age: 30 | Debut: vs.

Qazox (WC62 Qualifying)
Club:

Celtic Noviodunim | League:

COTEFA Terranean League West
International Caps: 156 | Assists: 1 | Goals: 1
Dubbed "the Goddess of Goalkeeping" by some of her more devoted supporters, Gentle Breeze is widely considered one of the multiverse's top hoofballers, and while fans often boast of their respective national teams' supposed world-class players, Gentle Breeze also frequently earns praise as an elite superstar beyond Equestria's borders. With a trophy room bursting from the seams with hardware, it's not hard to see why her services are frequently in demand from some of the multiverse's top clubs, having played for teams in the Northern Sunrise Islands, Astograth, Polar Islandstates, Apox, and - most recently - Ceni over the years. Gentle Breeze made her international debut at age 18, forcing long-time Ponies keeper High Soarin into retirement within a couple years. Ever since, the pegasus has been the Ponies' undisputed go-to goalkeeper and is showing no sign of slowing down any time soon. Gentle Breeze's ambitions of becoming enshrined as an all-time World Cup legend will be decided by her ability to succeed on the multiverse's grandest stage; but when it comes to talent, there's no doubting that the potential is all there. An all-around world-class goalkeeper, if Gentle Breeze is in the net, even the toughest opponents will have a difficult time beating the Ponies.

#21 - Marilyn Peterson (Human - Female)
Position: Goalkeeper | Age: 26 | Debut: vs.

Urain (VIII Olympiad)
Club:

Kings Park | League:

Schottic Premier League
International Caps: 30 | Assists: 0 | Goals: 0
Marilyn Peterson is often overlooked by foreign neutrals when assessing the Ponies' strengths, an unfortunate side effect of Gentle Breeze's fame as a world-class goalkeeper, but Equestrian supporters will often point to Peterson as one of the hidden gems in the team. Marilyn's career has seen her succeed in two of the multiverse's top leagues, the NFA Premiership and Schottic Premier League, helping lead Nephara's Sabrefell Moths to the league title and an NFA Cup win. Marilyn Peterson is currently considered the Ponies' second-choice goalkeeper, but if she'd been born somewhere other than the Equestrian States, odds are she would be a starter for their national team, her talent and track record certainly support that claim. Though Peterson is an excellent all-around keeper, her anticipation and reflexes are undeniably her strongest points, making her exceptionally gifted at dealing with penalties and free kicks.

#24 - Silver Charm (Pegasus - Female)
Position: Goalkeeper | Age: 23 | Debut: vs.

Crystal Empire (Post-WC70 Friendly)
Club:

Manechester City HC | League:

United League
International Caps: 11 | Assists: 0 | Goals: 0
A recent graduate of the Equestrian States' under-21 national team, Silver Charm has quickly established herself as one of the top Equestrian goalkeepers and earned herself a regular spot in the senior team's roster after a particularly impressive series of appearances in the Ponies' pre-World Cup friendlies. Silver Charm has already proven herself at the club level with Manechester City over the last few seasons, keeping the Citizens competitive despite frequently receiving little to no support from her defenders with manager Val Kylx choosing to focus on outscoring opponents instead of keeping them out of his own goal. The young pegasi's handling and ability in the air are frequently cited as her greatest strengths. Her command of area could use some improvement, but she's showing signs of getting better at it thanks to spending more time with the national team, her role with Manechester City having set her development back a bit in that area.

#22 - Nightflame (Unicorn - Male)
Position: Goalkeeper | Age: 29 | Debut: vs.

Yesopalitha (WC63 Qualifying)
Club:

Canterlot Royals | League:

United League
International Caps: 31 | Assists: 0 | Goals: 0
Locked in a never-ending duel with Silver Charm for the third and final goalkeeper spot in the Pearly White's 23-player squad is Nightflame, the long-time Equestrian backup keeper has plenty of experience at the international level, though has rarely appeared for the Ponies in high-profile games, instead being relegated to appearances in friendlies and qualifying matches against lower-ranked sides. A product of the Canterlot Stars' famed youth academy, Nightflame has long been considered one of the United League's top goalkeepers and nearly sparked a riot when he made the move across town to the Stars' local rivals, the perennial title-contenders Canterlot Royals. At this point in his career, Nightflame probably won't ever break out of his role as a backup for the Ponies, but - like many of the other keepers in the squad - would likely be good enough to start for another national team. A unicorn, Nightflame isn't nearly as good in the air as his rival, Silver Charm, but does have an undeniable presence in the box that has helped him stand out from the rest of the herd.

#37 - Starshine (Crystal Pony - Male)
Position: Goalkeeper | Age: 28 | Debut: vs.

Maryloupe (Baker Park Open Cup)
Club:

Crystopolis City | League:

United League
International Caps: 2 | Assists: 0 | Goals: 0
Formerly of the Crystal Empire's national team, Starshine is one of two long-time Crystalline goalkeepers hoping to break into Pearly White's team after the Crystal Empire and Equestria combined their national teams. Though the Crystal Knights never qualified for the World Cup and rarely appeared in the Cup of Harmony, Starshine did impress in the Crystal Empire's Runner Cup title run and has earned a few United League golden gloves with Crystopolis City. Starshine will have to make the most of his limited playing time with the Ponies if he's top make the final squad, but if his track record with the Crystal Knights is any indicator, he'll have as good a shot as any of making the cut.

#45 - Amberlocks (Crystal Pony - Female)
Position: Goalkeeper | Age: 31 | Debut: vs.

Czarna Gora (Pre-WCQ81 Friendly)
Club:

Canterlot Stars | League:

United League
International Caps: 1 | Assists: 0 | Goals: 0
Like Starshine, Amberlocks was a long-time starting goalkeeper for the Crystal Knights and is looking to establish herself as a regular for the Ponies as well. However, Amberlocks won't have as many chances as her Crystalline counterpart to break into the team, being the second-oldest goalkeeper selected by Pearly White for the World Cup qualifying roster. Amberlocks was considered a potential future star after her debut with the Crystal Empire at the 53rd Baptism of Fire, winning the tournament's golden glove award, but never quite lived up to the hype despite being a consistent performer for both the Crystal Knights and her club in Astograth.

#58 - Mac Stevenson (Human - Male)
Position: Goalkeeper | Age: 32 | Debut: vs.

Jeptier (WC61 Qualifying)
Club:

Norrion Rovers | League:

ICEL Premier Division
International Caps: 12 | Assists: 0 | Goals: 0
Mac Stevenson was once considered the Equestrian States' future starting goalkeeper before a nightmarish debut during the World Cup 61 qualifying campaign saw his stock plummet, opening the door for a teenage Gentle Breeze to make the senior team the following cycle. Since then, Stevenson has been trying to make his way back to the national team, plying his trade in several foreign leagues before being signed by Eastfield Lodge's Norrion Rovers. After an impressive season with the Rovers in the ICEL Premier Division, Ponies manager Pearly White has seen fit to invite him back into the squad, at least for the World Cup 81 qualifying campaign. Stevenson won't be expected to make the final team barring a series of injuries similar to the one which saw him make his premature international debut, but he will have the chance to redeem himself in the eyes of Equestrian hoofball supporters, which is all he's really wanted.

#53 - Keelie Gold (Earth Pony - Female)
Position: Goalkeeper | Age: 24 | Debut: vs.

Rakivland (Pre-WCQ81 Friendly)
Club:

Crystal Fair HC | League:

United League
International Caps: 1 | Assists: 0 | Goals: 0
The second-youngest goalkeeper selected for the Ponies' World Cup 81 qualifying campaign, Keelie Gold is looking to make a good impression on Pearly White as a name to keep track of going forward. Though also considered a long-shot to make the final team, Keelie Gold has played a key role in Crystal Fair HC's recent rise in the United League, her organizational skills and composure in the back frequently earning her praise from pundits. That said, with seven names in front of hers on the depth chart, it's likely that Keelie Gold's best opportunities to impress Pearly White may come on the training ground rather than on the pitch.

The Picks

For me, Gentle Breeze is a lock for the starting goalkeeper job, and Marilyn Peterson will almost certainly be the second-choice keeper on Pearly White's final roster. Barring an campaign-ending injury to one of those two, that leaves one place in the team for the remaining six players. Keelie Gold lacks international experience, and despite her potential to make the team in the future, I think she'll have to wait a cycle or two. Mac Stevenson is a feel-good story, but he's clearly a step below the rest of the goalkeeping corps when it comes to actual skill. This leaves us with four contenders for that final spot: Silver Charm, Nightflame, Starshine, and Amberlocks. My money would have to be on Silver Charm to make the cut as Nightflame did well but looked beatable in the Baker Park Open Cup while Starshine and Amberlocks will have to overcome the disadvantage of not having much of a track record with Pearly White before this campaign. Silver Charm's superb recent season with Manechester City will also help her edge out the other contenders for a spot in the team. Steve McNotapony's Picks: Gentle Breeze, Marilyn Peterson, Silver Charm

by **Mriin** » Sun Sep 09, 2018 8:01 pm

Some time ago...

Geraard raised his arms well above and behind his head, stretching hard enough that he had to catch himself from falling off the bench. He was grateful for the day off, but having a slightly more interesting game than a drubbing of unranked Lycrabon would have been nice. The whistle blew as soon as the ball stopped rattling in the visitor's net, Mako having beaten out the keeper mano-a-mano to secure his first international hat trick.

As the triumphant young striker cartwheeled off the pitch, the grizzled defender turned to the dragon beside him. "I guess Lycrabon should stick to baseb--" He cut off realizing there was a sizeable gap of empty bench immediately to his right. "Wait, he was definitely just here." Remembering where he was--and specifically where in Maal Haven is located--Geraard quickly had an educated guess where his manager had scurried off to. Leaving the rest of the team to their revelry, he snaked his way through the rambunctious home crowd to get to the street--and crossed it to barge into the MNL headquarters.

The lobby was clean and sophisticated; some serious upgrades had been done. When they called him in to take effective ownership of the Skewers, right around this time in last cycle's qualifiers, it'd been a dingy wood-paneled affair with the receptionist holed up in a cabinet behind reinforced glass. Legend has it that the building was once a safehouse for one of the local boat gangs. What's known for sure is that it was picked up on the cheap because it'd been abandoned for decades; the fact that they'd completely purged the sea rot smell meant someone about-face'd on budget allocation.

"How's the ship, Kon?" He chuckled as the receptionist snapped up from his nap, slumped over the keyboard on the chic semi-circle desk.

"Oh, Geraard! We're--we're doing fine here. What... what brings you here?"

"Well," he gestured back towards the door, "we just had a nice match across the road."

"Oh, right." The kid wiped his eyes and took a look around the room. "Uh... okay, but why are you here? Like, in the MNL building? There were no appointments scheduled for today."

"What about the one for Don?"

"Don?" He blinked. "Don Mizzet?"

"Yes, Don Mizzet. Black scales, gold eyes, about ye high--" Geraard did his best vertical and flailed a hand just short of the ceiling. "Hard to miss."

"I-I know what he looks like, and I haven't seen him toda--" The retort was cut short by a cough, as the both of them noticed a little cloud of smoke float by. Followed by some indiscriminate shouting from deeper rooms. "...alright, I'll let you in."

The pair sauntered over to the hatch, Kon producing a key ring and slowly riffling through it. The shouting was getting a little more distinct; Don was definitely a part, and it sounded like... Vicky [owner of the Maal Angels]? Would make sense, since she's local anyway. Does that mean the male voice is Vance [owner of the Maal Daemons]? And there was definitely a fourth, but they were getting overridden by the others. Eventually the key went in the keyhole, it all went ka-lack, and the door swung open. The shouts immediately stopped.

It was indeed those three owners--joined by Rochford Kantal, owner of the Westhold Royals and a dragon that hadn't been seen outside his castle grounds in over a century. His muzzle was coated in soot and he was still staring daggers at Vicky, despite the other three staring at the new arrivals.

There was a beat of silence. Broken by Kon muttering "How did I not notice two dragons?"

by **Siovanija and Teusland** » Sun Sep 09, 2018 8:03 pm

”The foul is given! Just outside the box, Siovanija and Teusland have received a great opportunity from a free kick here.”

Ivo Romanov stood up off the ground, dusting himself off. The star right winger, who had already scored in tonight’s match against the Alpine Union, turned to look over at his team-mates. Thorsten Kramer and Viktor Dimitrov were already standing around the ball, preparing to take the kick. Romanov approached to listen in on the conversation.

“I think I can score this,” said the youthful voice of Thorsten Kramer.

“I don’t know, it’s a tough angle. Raphael’s been scoring a few headers off these lately, I think we swing it in,” commented the more veteran Viktor Dimitrov, referring of course to the tall centre back Raphael Klopfer.

“If I kick it, it’s going in,” added Kramer again, more determined than ever. The midfielder, who had already put his name on the scoresheet that night, had a look in his eye that assured both Romanov and Dimitrov that he would not back down. Dimitrov and Romanov shrugged at each other.

”It appears as if Ivo Romanov and Viktor Dimitrov have given this one off to Thorsten Kramer, who takes a deep breath as he stands behind the ball. The Goldhorns are up 4-1 here over the Alpine Union, and if Kramer can create some magic here that would surely put the match out of any reasonable question”

“Go on then kid, surprise us,” said Viktor Dimitrov. Dimitrov and Romanov both moved away, neither quite sure if they had just made the right decision.

Thorsten Kramer, however, was sure they had. Tough angle it may have been, but he’d practiced it a thousand times in training. There wasn’t much difference tonight, other than the 75,000 fans, the defensive wall blocking him, the keeper - just take the kick, he thought. Kramer began his run up.

”Here is Kramer…..off the bar….oh and he’s done it! Siovanija and Teusland lead 5-1 here! Thorsten Kramer with an incredible free kick to extend Siovanija and Teusland’s shocking lead over the Alpine Union, and he runs off into the corner to celebrate with the Goldhorns’ fans, who are overjoyed by that effort!”

Huge grin on his face, Thorsten Kramer celebrated by fist pumping the air, watching the adoring celebrations of the supporters in the north stand. He turned around and saw Ivo Romanov and Viktor Dimitrov running towards him.

“Tough angle, eh?” said Kramer jokingly.

“You got lucky. Don’t let it get to your head,” mocked Ivo Romanov with a grin.

The teammates patted each other on the back, and ran back to their half, not quite believing the fact they were currently up 5-1 over a higher-ranked side. By the end of the day, the score would read Siovanija and Teusland 5-2 Alpine Union, but that could not dampen the shock and happiness of the Goldhorns players.

by **Free Republics** » Sun Sep 09, 2018 8:08 pm

Designed by 3WD of Vilita

This is your Matchday 9 Cutoff brought to you by Olden Automobile Company! Olden Automobile Company: Our Cars Stand the Test of Time!

Scores

by **Beepee** » Sun Sep 09, 2018 8:30 pm

Beepee 1–1 Valladares

Norfolk Pinewoods Stadium
Scorers:
Sam Veera (Beepee)(13')
David Michelle (o.g.)(37')

A warm and pleasant springtime afternoon match saw a bumper crowd of 69,915 watched an enthralling match between Beepee and Valladares.

Playing their usual defensive style Beepee produced an early counterattack which saw Sam Veera score a solid goal after only 13 minutes.

Jason Baker wrangled the ball before some inch perfect passing allowed Patterson to.thread the ball through the defence to Veera who steered the ball into the back of the net.

The equaliser came eight minutes before half time when some flowing play from Vallardes saw a shot deflected cruelly of the back of Michelle spinning past the floundering Shep.

Despite the unfortunate own goal. Beepee played relatively well against the stronger opponents.

---

Following the match, Michael Forsberg, the head coach of the Beepeean football team, sat at the bar with his fifth double bourbon. He had been there since he had read the Cassadaigua report of how the Beepee football team were no longer the ascendant BP. That together with the constant pressure from Colin Schpoert had lead him to this place and he had been trying to find some peace at the bottom of the whisky bottle.

His wife, Mary, sat at home, alone. Her suitcases packed and sitting in the hallway. She had packed the kids of to her mother's earlier in the day. The taxi had been ordered to arrive at 10pm. When Michael hadn't arrived by 10:30, she sent the taxi away and phoned for another to arrive at 11. She wondered if she should just leave without saying goodbye. She sat down with a pad of paper and pen and wondered how to begin.

---

Michael, finished his whisky and water. It burned as it went down. Stood up,and staggered to leave, fumbling for his keys as he went.

---

Mary sat on the bed and wrote.
She heard the beep-peep of a taxi. She took of her wedding ring and left it on his pillow where it wouldn't be missed. She put her note in the kitchen. She left her keys in the door and walked past the car in the driveway, got in the cab and left.

---

Michael swerved the car, and clipped a car coming the other way. He carried on home, before driving into the driveway and into the back of Mary's hatchback. His head rattled of the steering wheel and he passed out.

---

by **East Belzaria** » Sun Sep 09, 2018 9:32 pm

East Belzaria looked down and out at halftime chasing 2-0 to Penguinland but a second half revitilasation changed everything. As the second half began, Harada Lopez scored first, heading in from the corner. Next, Morty Beau played the ball into Lorn Monte who made it 2-2 from a well timed tap in. But the 93rd minute winner, was scored by Lucas Phil, an unlikely hero. Lorn Monte went down in the box and a penalty was awarded to East Belzaria. Monte hit the post, but Lucas Phil deposited the rebound.

"What an experience" says Phil. "I never expected to score that way but I did." David Madridson looked enraged as the halftime whistle went, but had a big smile on his face when East Belzarian reporters interviewed him. "That's what I'm talking about!" he shouts excitingly "That's why people pay the money to watch us! When we unify like that, who knows what can occur!"

Up next for East Belzaria is another home match, this time against Garifunya. The last game against Garifunya ended in a 2-0 defeat, but now East Belzaria is on home territory, and ready to strike! David Madridson was questioned about this important game. "Let's be real." he said "If we want to push for a higher placed finish, we must get past a nation like Garifunya. I feel like we've learned a lot since our previous encounter and with the homefield advantage, can produce a performance to be proud of."

by **Freeport Isles** » Mon Sep 10, 2018 3:33 am

Mid-Qualifying Overall Standings

    World Cup 81 Qualifying                Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
  1  Vilita (6)                           9    9   0   0    37    6  +31    27    1st in Qualifying Group 13
  2  Farfadillis (3)                      9    9   0   0    29    7  +22    27    1st in Qualifying Group 6
  3  Ethane (16)                          9    9   0   0    29    7  +22    27    1st in Qualifying Group 8
  4  South Covello (10)                   9    9   0   0    23    1  +22    27    1st in Qualifying Group 18
  5  Eura (2)                             9    9   0   0    27    6  +21    27    1st in Qualifying Group 7
  6  Nephara (7)                          9    9   0   0    25    6  +19    27    1st in Qualifying Group 12
  7  Baker Park (46)                      9    9   0   0    26    8  +18    27    1st in Qualifying Group 17
  8  Brenecia (4)                         9    9   0   0    17    0  +17    27    1st in Qualifying Group 16
  9  Equestrian States (17)               9    8   1   0    22    4  +18    25    1st in Qualifying Group 10
 10  Chromatika (8)                       9    8   1   0    25    9  +16    25    1st in Qualifying Group 19
 11  Mercedini (26)                       9    8   0   1    41   12  +29    24    2nd in Qualifying Group 13
 12  Drawkland (20)                       9    8   0   1    30    7  +23    24    2nd in Qualifying Group 3
 13  Eshan (35)                           9    8   0   1    31    9  +22    24    2nd in Qualifying Group 12
 14  Darmen (22)                          9    8   0   1    26   11  +15    24    2nd in Qualifying Group 17
 15  Barunia (33)                         9    8   0   1    23    8  +15    24    1st in Qualifying Group 3
 16  Pasarga (11)                         9    8   0   1    25   13  +12    24    1st in Qualifying Group 15
 17  Ko-oren (47)                         9    8   0   1    15    3  +12    24    2nd in Qualifying Group 18
 18  Turori (12)                          9    7   2   0    22    5  +17    23    1st in Qualifying Group 1
 19  Cosumar (14)                         9    7   1   1    27    6  +21    22    1st in Qualifying Group 2
 20  Mriin (19)                           9    7   1   1    33   13  +20    22    1st in Qualifying Group 11
 21  The Holy Empire (5)                  9    7   1   1    29    9  +20    22    1st in Qualifying Group 4
 22  Super-Llamaland (30)                 9    7   1   1    31   12  +19    22    2nd in Qualifying Group 6
 23  Qasden (27)                          9    7   1   1    25    9  +16    22    2nd in Qualifying Group 15
 24  Apox (42)                            9    7   1   1    23    7  +16    22    2nd in Qualifying Group 4
 25  Tinhampton (65)                      9    7   1   1    15    2  +13    22    2nd in Qualifying Group 16
 26  Saltstead (38)                       9    7   1   1    17    6  +11    22    2nd in Qualifying Group 10
 27  Kita-Hinode (40)                     9    7   1   1    26   17   +9    22    1st in Qualifying Group 14
 28  Starblaydia (15)                     9    7   1   1    20   12   +8    22    1st in Qualifying Group 5
 29  Juvencus (39)                        9    6   3   0    29   12  +17    21    2nd in Qualifying Group 2
 30  Devonta (57)                         9    7   0   2    25   11  +14    21    2nd in Qualifying Group 8
 31  Abanhfleft (24)                      9    7   0   2    17    8   +9    21    2nd in Qualifying Group 11
 32  Sargossa (21)                        9    6   2   1    31   12  +19    20    2nd in Qualifying Group 14
 33  New Lusitania (89)                   9    6   2   1    19    4  +15    20    2nd in Qualifying Group 1
 34  Damukuni (25)                        9    6   2   1    24   15   +9    20    3rd in Qualifying Group 8
 35  Cassadaigua (36)                     9    6   1   2    24   11  +13    19    3rd in Qualifying Group 16
 36  Valanora (13)                        9    6   1   2    24   13  +11    19    2nd in Qualifying Group 9
 37  Tobiasia (49)                        9    6   1   2    30   20  +10    19    3rd in Qualifying Group 13
 38  Indusse (103)                        9    6   1   2    26   16  +10    19    3rd in Qualifying Group 6
 39  Taeshan (60)                         9    6   1   2    14    4  +10    19    3rd in Qualifying Group 17
 40  Savojarna (28)                       9    5   4   0    18    9   +9    19    2nd in Qualifying Group 19
 41  Polkopia (223)                       9    6   1   2    18   12   +6    19    1st in Qualifying Group 9
 42  Jeruselem (54)                       9    6   1   2    17   11   +6    19    3rd in Qualifying Group 11
 43  Acapais (97)                         9    6   1   2    20   16   +4    19    3rd in Qualifying Group 2
 44  95X (50)                             9    6   1   2    18   14   +4    19    3rd in Qualifying Group 15
 45  Valladares (44)                      9    5   3   1    22   11  +11    18    3rd in Qualifying Group 1
 46  North Prarie (79)                    9    5   3   1    27   17  +10    18    2nd in Qualifying Group 7
 47  Natanians & Nosts (66)               9    6   0   3    19    9  +10    18    3rd in Qualifying Group 3
 48  Mattijana (69)                       9    6   0   3    37   28   +9    18    3rd in Qualifying Group 7
 49  Main Nation Ministry (126)           9    6   0   3    25   16   +9    18    3rd in Qualifying Group 14
 50  Eastfield Lodge (51)                 9    5   3   1    17    8   +9    18    3rd in Qualifying Group 9
 51  West Angola (68)                     9    6   0   3    17   10   +7    18    3rd in Qualifying Group 12
 52  New Gazi (29)                        9    6   0   3    17   11   +6    18    4th in Qualifying Group 9
 53  Audioslavia (31)                     9    5   3   1     9    3   +6    18    2nd in Qualifying Group 5
 54  Nova Anglicana (53)                  9    6   0   3    24   19   +5    18    3rd in Qualifying Group 19
 55  Cosneolta (78)                       9    6   0   3    18   13   +5    18    4th in Qualifying Group 12
 56  Omerica (85)                         9    6   0   3    16   12   +4    18    5th in Qualifying Group 3
 57  San Regada (134)                     9    6   0   3    17   17    0    18    4th in Qualifying Group 3
 58  Yuezhou (74)                         9    6   0   3    13   13    0    18    3rd in Qualifying Group 4
 59  Petroslovania (83)                   9    5   2   2    20   12   +8    17    3rd in Qualifying Group 5
 60  Octinstine (99)                      9    5   2   2    16    9   +7    17    4th in Qualifying Group 16
 61  Garifunya (67)                       9    5   2   2    13    8   +5    17    3rd in Qualifying Group 10
 62  Flardania (43)                       9    5   2   2    20   16   +4    17    3rd in Qualifying Group 18
 63  Coldfield (71)                       9    5   2   2    18   14   +4    17    4th in Qualifying Group 17
 64  Filindostan (48)                     9    5   2   2    17   13   +4    17    4th in Qualifying Group 4
 65  Beepee (108)                         9    5   2   2    13    9   +4    17    4th in Qualifying Group 1
 66  South Toronto (75)                   9    5   1   3    26   14  +12    16    4th in Qualifying Group 19
 67  Siovanija & Teusland (84)            9    5   1   3    28   19   +9    16    4th in Qualifying Group 14
 68  Qusmo (81)                           9    5   1   3    14    5   +9    16    5th in Qualifying Group 9
 69  Freeport (189)                       9    5   1   3    25   17   +8    16    5th in Qualifying Group 17
 70  Krytenia (146)                       9    5   1   3    23   15   +8    16    5th in Qualifying Group 18
 71  Saint Émelie (214)                   9    5   1   3    22   16   +6    16    4th in Qualifying Group 2
 72  Northwest Kalactin (87)              9    5   1   3    14    8   +6    16    4th in Qualifying Group 10
 73  Romaian (190)                        9    5   1   3    19   14   +5    16    5th in Qualifying Group 4
 74  Adab (260)                           9    5   1   3    15   10   +5    16    4th in Qualifying Group 5
 75  Darkmania (103)                      9    5   1   3    21   17   +4    16    4th in Qualifying Group 11
 76  Bostopia (72)                        9    5   1   3    12   11   +1    16    4th in Qualifying Group 18
 77  Kernovi & Rewgwlas (116)             9    5   1   3    18   22   -4    16    4th in Qualifying Group 13
 78  Semarland (125)                      9    5   0   4    22   13   +9    15    4th in Qualifying Group 6
 79  The Sherpa Empire (170)              9    4   3   2    25   18   +7    15    4th in Qualifying Group 7
 80  Kalumba (52)                         9    4   3   2    15    9   +6    15    5th in Qualifying Group 5
 81  Competitive Solitaire (132)          9    4   3   2    25   20   +5    15    4th in Qualifying Group 8
 82  The Macabees (121)                   9    4   3   2    10    6   +4    15    5th in Qualifying Group 2
 83  Kavagrad (214)                       9    5   0   4    10    9   +1    15    6th in Qualifying Group 3
 84  Pink Floyd FC (272)                  9    4   2   3    34   25   +9    14    5th in Qualifying Group 19
 85  Blaneu (207)                         9    4   2   3    25   20   +5    14    6th in Qualifying Group 7
 86  Dreamplanet (UR)                     9    4   2   3    21   18   +3    14    5th in Qualifying Group 11
 87  Maryloupe (77)                       9    4   2   3    23   22   +1    14    5th in Qualifying Group 8
 88  Alpine Union (59)                    9    4   2   3    17   16   +1    14    5th in Qualifying Group 14
 89  Melbergia (168)                      9    4   2   3    13   12   +1    14    6th in Qualifying Group 5
 90  Geisenfried (UR)                     9    4   2   3    12   11   +1    14    4th in Qualifying Group 15
 91  Mytanija (262)                       9    4   2   3     9   11   -2    14    5th in Qualifying Group 7
 92  HUElavia (64)                        9    4   1   4    19    9  +10    13    6th in Qualifying Group 2
 93  Aggrey-Fynn Land (58)                9    4   1   4    20   14   +6    13    5th in Qualifying Group 6
 94  Jeckland (63)                        9    4   1   4    18   15   +3    13    5th in Qualifying Group 1
 95  Olastor (110)                        9    4   1   4    18   17   +1    13    5th in Qualifying Group 15
 96  Savalen (116)                        9    4   1   4    14   13   +1    13    6th in Qualifying Group 9
 97  Lochario (135)                       9    4   1   4    10    9   +1    13    5th in Qualifying Group 10
 98  Squornshelan Remnant States (198)    9    4   1   4    10    9   +1    13    6th in Qualifying Group 15
 99  Santa Rafa (198)                     9    4   1   4    13   13    0    13    6th in Qualifying Group 6
100  Oberour Ar Moro (UR)                 9    4   1   4    22   26   -4    13    5th in Qualifying Group 13
101  Michine (198)                        9    4   1   4    10   14   -4    13    6th in Qualifying Group 1
102  Sangti (UR)                          9    4   1   4    15   24   -9    13    6th in Qualifying Group 14
103  Joshenia (UR)                        9    4   0   5    18   17   +1    12    6th in Qualifying Group 4
104  Timmy's Tigers (262)                 9    4   0   5    16   15   +1    12    6th in Qualifying Group 17
105  Vakolicci Haven & Celeria (70)       9    3   3   3    15   15    0    12    7th in Qualifying Group 15
106  Shofercia (186)                      9    3   3   3    13   14   -1    12    6th in Qualifying Group 19
107  East Belzaria (UR)                   9    3   3   3    11   15   -4    12    6th in Qualifying Group 10
108  Britonisea (226)                     9    4   0   5    13   18   -5    12    7th in Qualifying Group 2
109  Cobrio (172)                         9    4   0   5    11   16   -5    12    5th in Qualifying Group 16
110  Acronius (45)                        9    3   2   4    20   21   -1    11    7th in Qualifying Group 7
111  Soute (207)                          9    3   2   4     9   10   -1    11    7th in Qualifying Group 14
112  Anthor (94)                          9    3   2   4    20   22   -2    11    7th in Qualifying Group 13
113  Crystalline Caverns (148)            9    3   2   4     7   11   -4    11    6th in Qualifying Group 11
114  Euran Oceania Territories (160)      9    3   2   4    13   18   -5    11    5th in Qualifying Group 12
115  Rannoria (230)                       9    3   2   4    16   22   -6    11    6th in Qualifying Group 13
116  Petrovskia (252)                     9    3   2   4    12   18   -6    11    7th in Qualifying Group 1
117  Acheia (262)                         9    3   2   4    12   18   -6    11    7th in Qualifying Group 4
118  Sultanate of Oontaz (196)            9    3   2   4     8   15   -7    11    7th in Qualifying Group 11
119  Kelssek (UR)                         9    3   2   4    11   20   -9    11    7th in Qualifying Group 6
120  Bellarona (317)                      9    3   1   5     7    8   -1    10    8th in Qualifying Group 5
121  Sharktail (230)                      9    2   4   3    16   18   -2    10    7th in Qualifying Group 10
122  Guriguay (198)                       9    3   1   5    15   18   -3    10    7th in Qualifying Group 5
123  Mapletish (UR)                       9    3   1   5    18   22   -4    10    6th in Qualifying Group 8
124  Cheergirls (UR)                      9    3   1   5    16   20   -4    10    6th in Qualifying Group 12
125  South Libertopia (198)               9    3   1   5    11   15   -4    10    6th in Qualifying Group 16
126  Zeleny Hrebenia (247)                9    2   4   3    13   19   -6    10    7th in Qualifying Group 8
127  Karulicja (UR)                       9    3   0   6    17   18   -1     9    7th in Qualifying Group 9
128  Krenorus (207)                       9    3   0   6    22   24   -2     9    7th in Qualifying Group 19
129  Al-Mumtaz (UR)                       9    3   0   6    15   18   -3     9    8th in Qualifying Group 16
130  St. Saratoga (167)                   9    3   0   6    19   23   -4     9    7th in Qualifying Group 17
131  Mareibat (230)                       9    3   0   6    13   18   -5     9    8th in Qualifying Group 11
132  Oscioru (230)                        9    3   0   6    12   18   -6     9    7th in Qualifying Group 16
133  Busoga Islands (214)                 9    3   0   6    16   23   -7     9    7th in Qualifying Group 12
134  Anollasia (UR)                       9    3   0   6    19   27   -8     9    8th in Qualifying Group 2
135  Togonistan (317)                     9    2   3   4     6   16  -10     9    6th in Qualifying Group 18
136  The Frozen Forest (165)              9    2   2   5    15   16   -1     8    8th in Qualifying Group 4
137  Sorrentopia (207)                    9    2   2   5    12   14   -2     8    8th in Qualifying Group 10
138  Thibaea (224)                        9    2   2   5    17   20   -3     8    8th in Qualifying Group 14
139  Alenburg (230)                       9    2   2   5    16   21   -5     8    7th in Qualifying Group 18
140  Torisakia (UR)                       9    2   2   5    17   25   -8     8    8th in Qualifying Group 19
141  Unified Hispania (214)               9    2   2   5     9   17   -8     8    8th in Qualifying Group 8
142  Rakivland (214)                      9    2   1   6    20   22   -2     7    8th in Qualifying Group 9
143  Carloso (192)                        9    2   1   6    25   29   -4     7    8th in Qualifying Group 18
144  Ndaku (UR)                           9    2   1   6    23   28   -5     7    8th in Qualifying Group 1
145  The South Falls (307)                9    2   1   6     9   18   -9     7    8th in Qualifying Group 15
146  Vithuland (214)                      9    2   1   6     8   17   -9     7    8th in Qualifying Group 13
147  Axuva (307)                          9    2   1   6    13   28  -15     7    9th in Qualifying Group 9
148  Innovian Indusse (307)               9    2   0   7     7   17  -10     6    8th in Qualifying Group 17
149  Tobria (247)                         9    2   0   7    17   29  -12     6    8th in Qualifying Group 6
150  Ancharmunn (UR)                      9    2   0   7     7   20  -13     6    8th in Qualifying Group 12
151  Altai Almas (272)                    9    2   0   7     6   20  -14     6    9th in Qualifying Group 14
152  Hertisiana (272)                     9    2   0   7    10   25  -15     6    8th in Qualifying Group 7
153  Egyptosian (262)                     9    2   0   7     8   26  -18     6    7th in Qualifying Group 3
154  Kedroiqua (272)                      9    1   2   6     9   15   -6     5    8th in Qualifying Group 3
155  Dormil & Stiura (252)                9    1   2   6    12   21   -9     5    9th in Qualifying Group 15
156  Routcher (272)                       9    1   2   6     8   17   -9     5    9th in Qualifying Group 18
157  Neo-Romanum (307)                    9    1   2   6     8   21  -13     5    9th in Qualifying Group 11
158  Greater Libertania (230)             9    1   2   6     8   22  -14     5    9th in Qualifying Group 12
159  Shayla (UR)                          9    1   1   7    18   25   -7     4    9th in Qualifying Group 3
160  Bongo Johnson (296)                  9    1   1   7    12   22  -10     4    10th in Qualifying Group 12
161  Czarna Gora (272)                    9    1   1   7     6   17  -11     4    9th in Qualifying Group 16
162  Miznan (272)                         9    1   1   7    10   26  -16     4    9th in Qualifying Group 4
163  Central Shaneville (272)             9    1   1   7     5   21  -16     4    9th in Qualifying Group 1
164  Huffingshire (272)                   9    1   1   7    10   28  -18     4    9th in Qualifying Group 19
165  Leodomum (272)                       9    1   0   8    11   24  -13     3    9th in Qualifying Group 8
166  Penguinland (272)                    9    1   0   8     8   21  -13     3    9th in Qualifying Group 10
167  Kilaguni (272)                       9    1   0   8     9   26  -17     3    9th in Qualifying Group 13
168  Tarper (272)                         9    1   0   8     2   20  -18     3    9th in Qualifying Group 6
169  Colonial Australia (315)             9    1   0   8     5   26  -21     3    10th in Qualifying Group 16
170  Tanzanique (272)                     9    1   0   8     1   23  -22     3    9th in Qualifying Group 2
171  South Caleblan (UR)                  9    1   0   8     8   31  -23     3    9th in Qualifying Group 17
172  Nuadh-Alba (272)                     9    0   3   6     4   28  -24     3    10th in Qualifying Group 9
173  Ceskaar (UR)                         9    1   0   8     3   30  -27     3    10th in Qualifying Group 6
174  The Hungarian Nation (317)           9    0   2   7     8   21  -13     2    9th in Qualifying Group 7
175  Andwell (UR)                         9    0   2   7     7   21  -14     2    9th in Qualifying Group 5
176  Brittany Normandy Aquitaine (296)    9    0   2   7     2   18  -16     2    10th in Qualifying Group 5
177  Comind New Islands (UR)              9    0   2   7     5   26  -21     2    10th in Qualifying Group 7
178  Corindia (317)                       9    0   2   7     6   28  -22     2    10th in Qualifying Group 19
179  Lycrabon (UR)                        9    0   1   8     5   18  -13     1    10th in Qualifying Group 11
180  Gudalajara (UR)                      9    0   1   8     6   25  -19     1    10th in Qualifying Group 1
181  Raffiah (307)                        9    0   1   8     6   26  -20     1    10th in Qualifying Group 14
182  South Batoko (UR)                    9    0   1   8     1   21  -20     1    10th in Qualifying Group 10
183  Mariarty (UR)                        9    0   1   8     4   26  -22     1    10th in Qualifying Group 3
184  Illahee (307)                        9    0   0   9     6   23  -17     0    10th in Qualifying Group 15
185  Kwesiland (UR)                       9    0   0   9     9   28  -19     0    10th in Qualifying Group 17
186  Star United States (UR)              9    0   0   9     6   25  -19     0    10th in Qualifying Group 18
187  Palmeria (UR)                        9    0   0   9     4   24  -20     0    10th in Qualifying Group 8
188  Halfdansodal (317)                   9    0   0   9     8   31  -23     0    10th in Qualifying Group 4
189  Tasrailia (UR)                       9    0   0   9     8   35  -27     0    10th in Qualifying Group 2
190  Swibia (UR)                          9    0   0   9     6   34  -28     0    10th in Qualifying Group 13

If qualifying ended today...
Qualifies for World Cup
Qualifies for Playoffs
Does not qualify

by **Nephara** » Mon Sep 10, 2018 3:48 am

Ancharmunn 0 - 3 Nephara
(4-2-3-1) 12 - Swoboda; 2 - Rafford (18 - Kielseng 67'), 5 - Konoval (22 - Thorn 80'), 6 - Steelhenge, 3 - Lohengrin; 4 - Rowland, 8 - Klein (15 - Rosenthal 67'); 7 - Fanaiyan, 14 - Moxham, 11 - Strongbow; 9 - Hawke
Goals: Moxham 27', Strongbow 33', Rosenthal 86'

Estrella Hawke stood, hands on her hips, over the ball. She'd done all her visualisation techniques, meditated before the match - she was ready. Stoic. Professional. Seconds before kickoff.
Chimera Moxham meandered over, nudged her in the small of the back, murmured in her ear; "Hey, Strel."
"Mm?"
"Look at 'em. They're all rock-hard."
Hawke choked on her breath, trying to stifle a guffaw. "Th- what?"
"Looook!'
"They are not- oh, holy shit."
"Right?"
"I know. I know. But-"
The opening whistle blew. Startled, Hawke tapped it across to Moxham with too much power, who was still too pleased with herself to realise play had started, and it rolled placidly past her to the waiting feet of the EOT striker, le Tonnelier.
Oh, Michael Brandon was not happy about that. He clicked his tongue irritably on the touchline, glowering. Le Tonnelier got the ball to Duffy, who in turn lashed it down the wing to the surprise starter Fuller... who was blindsided by a sliding challenge from Rafford that scythed through him and the ball in equal measure.
"Yes! Yes!" screamed Oslograd, shortly followed by; "No! Get up! Does a balloon feel pain? Does a balloon cry?"
Brandon turned, glanced over at Oslograd.
"Hey-"
"Hssssssss," snarled Oslograd, whirling around with a clawed hand simulating fangs over his mouth.
"Oh-kay." Brandon looked back towards the pitch. The stage had been set for a... dysfunctional match.

Still, Brandon and his charges were able to keep the match within the realms of sanity for the first half, at least. Both sides had chances early on, and really this side was top 50 on paper, with a top 15 defence - they would be no shrinking violets, and Fuller played in Chadwick, who cut inside Lohengrin and shot hard towards the bottom corner - Swoboda did very well indeed to get a hand to it, sending it skimming along the outside of the post. Duffy put a weak glanced header straight at Swoboda not long after, but Nephara still looked mostly comfortable, and finally underscored that with a cutting edge in the 27th minute. Moxham had made up somewhat for the early lapse with her assuredness on the ball and eagerness to track back in search of the ball - Freeman discovered this to his cost, standing complacently in possession that was suddenly raked away from behind, and then Moxham was off, racing through a suddenly very open centre. Charlton did his best to get in the way, but a neat one-two with the unselfish Hawke played Moxham in to drill it past Jones.
"No!" wailed Oslograd. "No, no, no, lads! Lads. Football's the easiest game in the world-"
Brandon's assistant, the Euran Tom Riley, reached a placating hand towards Oslograd. "You're-"
"SHUT UP, TRAITOR lads, just pass and move, lads, pass and move! Anyway, not to worry, lads, always knew this'd happen. Typical Nepharim, peaking early. All part of the plan!"
The dubious plan was given another dent shortly afterwards. Rowena Strongbow, who'd been quiet in the early runnings, took a clean long pass from Lohengrin, turned-
"AAAAAAAAAAAA"
Timwise Gerduns threw himself forward and launched, studs first, at the Directus winger. He was going to redeem himself for the past. He was going to make up for past failures. This was his chance. Oslograd offered a clean slate.
He missed.
Strongbow wheeled quickly past him, surged into the free space, Lohengrin came to overlap, another one-two gave her the angle to evade Kurt Strong and drive a shot past Jones' near post. 2-0. Game, set and match.

At least, that was the theory. Oslograd had other plans. He'd already been in a foul mood, after the fourth official had come for a word with him in the tunnel ("Err... Mr. Oslograd, we can't help but notice that Fuller isn't actually listed as starting on your teamsheet-" "Bollocks to that! Do you really think I'd use an idiot like Pollard in a game like this? You think you know my team better than I do, is that it?") Two minutes after the restart, he lost patience with Tom Duffy after accusing a shot of having "too much R1 on it", and hauled him off. The number 14 was raised - not Zimmer, a player with actual top-flight experience, but a new guy. Brandon didn't know much about him, he was just... a big guy from the Bronzeleague. Garrett Ramsey.
"Come back with your shield or on it!" Oslograd barked, and slammed him on the back. The debutant stumbled forward onto the pitch, but then took a braver stance.
His first impact on the game was to be cleaned out by Dieter Konoval, with more than a little elbow. Was it necessary? No. Did Konoval want to cause Skorji Oslograd pain? Yes. He was duly rewarded.
"MY SON!" Oslograd bellowed. Brandon flinched. Konoval grinned, right up until Chadwick sent the free kick rattling against the crossbar.
The EOT were re-moralised, more shouting from Oslograd terrifying them into surging forward. Their extra intensity took the Nepharim off-guard, and they snapped back into place, relying on counterattacks to keep the Expats honest - and a clever through-ball from Moxham did split the defence, sending Hawke through under pressure from Strong, and her drilled strike was palmed away by Jones. Kielseng and Rosenthal were sent on to settle the game, fresh legs - Rafford winked at Fuller as she walked off. Things got spicier from there, more physical, Rowland was lucky not to walk as was Ajax after their heads came together - fortunately for both, the referee figured it was six of one, half a dozen the other, and showed mercy. Still, Brandon sensed the red coming for someone, and took off Konoval for Thorn.
Still, there needed to be one more for the road, one more flourish. As EOT's players began to flag, the frenetic pace getting to them, and the Nepharim smelt blood. One slack pass from Ajax was snatched up by Rowland, who skimmed a long pass down the right to Fanaiyan, who hit in a cross. Strong lived up to his name, overpowering Hawke to head the ball clear of danger, even Moxham left skimming helplessly. But Circe Rosenthal, the fresh substitute, sprinted ahead of substitute holding man Richards and slammed a shot hard. It went up, went down, and nestled itself into the back of the net.
Michael Brandon nodded, sagely, seconds before blacking out as Oslograd threw the fourth official's board at his head.

by **Dreamplanet** » Mon Sep 10, 2018 5:15 am

LATE DRAW DESTROYS MOMENTUM

Jorge Resende and Gil Vicente react to Luis Silva's penalty miss

Dreamplanet's hopes of ever reaching the playoffs took a massive beating after Zulfiqli bin Alisher scored in the 93rd minute.
Os Tricores left more to be desired as they played really well, however the scoreline did not reflect that, Dreamplanet were seemingly fighting their inevitable demise with 4 consecutive wins which brought them to joint 3rd with Jersuelem, only behind due to losing the game at home. Dreamplanet knew what they had to do, so Dreamplanet came out attacking during the match, but it was the home team that got the first cheer with Estevez scoring in the 39th minute from a volley outside of the box, however in the second half Dreamplanet got a penalty in the 47th minute, however a rare error from Luis Silva saw the bar travelling over the bar, but you can't keep a good man down as Luis Silva quickly got his own back in the 51st minute with a superb bullet header from an Aaron Hungar cross, putting Dreamplanet back in the game and then Aaron Hungar would get a spectacular goal of his own, a bicycle kick in the 68th minute from the corner.

Dreamplanet, however, were not able to keep the momentum as the Sultanate of Oontaz quickly took control of the game again, forcing Dreamplanet to defend til the end, and they almost did that, until Zulfiqli bin Alisher had an equaliser with mere seconds left of the game as bin Alisher was able to outsmart the defence and Filipe Vaz, going around him to score, infuriating the veteran goalkeeper as his fellow teammates had to hold him back from bin Alisher, and with that, Dreamplanet's hopes took a hammering that it might not recover from heading into the break. Some theories have surfaced to explain Dreamplanet's slip, the most talked about being that the squad were not focused very much after recently watching fellow teammate, Cun Cerrilho, nearly lose his life on the pitch, Dreamplanet have not won a match since then.

Dreamplanet will play Jeruselem next match, this match could make or break Dreamplanet's World Cup hopes, will we finally make it happen?

Sultanate of Oontaz 2 - 2 Dreamplanet
(E. Estevez 39', Zulfiqli bin Alisher 90+2' - Luis Silva 51', Aaron Hungar 68')
Estadio Unido, Dreamplanet

Saturday September 1st - MD1: Dreamplanet 1-2 Jeruselem
Sunday September 2nd - MD2: Lycrabon 1-1 Dreamplanet
Monday September 3rd - MD3: Dreamplanet 1-2 Abanhfleft
Tuesday September 4th - MD4: Dreamplanet 2-1 Crystalline Caverns 
Wednesday September 5th - MD5: Mareibat 3-4 Dreamplanet
Thursday September 6th - MD6: Dreamplanet 6-2 Neo-Romanum
Friday September 7th - MD7: Darkmania 1-3 Dreamplanet
Saturday September 8th - MD8: Dreamplanet 1-4 Mriin
Sunday September 9th - MD9: Sultanate of Oontaz 2-2 Dreamplanet
Tuesday September 11th - MD10: Jeruselem vs Dreamplanet
Wednesday September 12th - MD11: Dreamplanet vs Lycrabon
Thursday September 13th - MD12: Abanhfleft vs Dreamplanet
Friday September 14th - MD13: Crystalline Caverns vs Dreamplanet
Saturday September 15th - MD14: Dreamplanet vs Mariebat
Sunday September 16th - MD15: Neo-Romanum vs Dreamplanet
Monday September 17th - MD16: Dreamplanet vs Darkmania
Tuesday September 18th - MD17: Mriin vs Dreamplanet
Wednesday September 19th - MD18: Dreamplanet vs Sultanate of Oontaz

Group 11                        Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Mriin                             9    7   1   1    33   13  +20    22
 2 Abanhfleft                        9    7   0   2    17    8   +9    21
 3 Jeruselem                         9    6   1   2    17   11   +6    19
 4 Darkmania                         9    5   1   3    21   17   +4    16
 5 Dreamplanet                       9    4   2   3    21   18   +3    14
 6 Crystalline Caverns               9    3   2   4     7   11   −4    11
 7 Sultanate of Oontaz               9    3   2   4     8   15   −7    11
 8 Mareibat                          9    3   0   6    13   18   −5     9
 9 Neo-Romanum                       9    1   2   6     8   21  −13     5
10 Lycrabon                          9    0   1   8     5   18  −13     1

Qualified for World Cup
Qualified for Playoffs

by **Jeruselem** » Mon Sep 10, 2018 6:08 am

Princess Chloe and her mother Princess Elise, the former coach of Jeruselem, at home after Jeruselem beat Lycrabon at Dazza Dallas Stadium

Elise: Half way, glad about that?
Chloe: Yes, but I'm not quite happy about the results. It's far too uncertain.
Elise: Yes well, it's far from certain but we're not far away.
Chloe: We have Mriin on 22, Abanhfleft 21 and us 19. It's close but that three game period where we lost two and had one draw really cost us.
Elise: Yes dropped 8 points in 3 games. We did recover.
Chloe: We did need that win against Abanhfleft. I guess it did compensate for loss against Mriin.

Elise: Unfortunate we have Darkmania on 16 and Dreamplanet 14 which aren't exactly out of the running.
Chloe: Crystalline Caverns and Sultanate of Oontaz on 11 are I think need other to start losing.
Elise: Mareibat, Neo-Romanum and Lycrabon are just making up numbers.
Chloe: Just looking at the stats, our points could be better after that horror run. I guess I can't complain
Elise: 6 wins is not bad, for 9 games anyway.
Chloe: 11 goals conceded in 9 games is actually good. 4 were conceded in one game.

Elise: Abanhfleft have the best defense with 8 conceded, 3 in one game from us.
Chloe: Saying all that, Mriin have scored 33 goals ... compared to 17 for us and Abanhfleft
Elise: I think they'll win the group
Chloe: We really need to score more goals, 2 a game doesn't measure up to the Mriin
Elise: Our goal difference needs a kick as Abanhfleft are ahead of us
Chloe: We play them 2nd last game as well. Good thing Lycabon is the last game.

Elise: Funny Darkmania and Dreamplanet have scored more goals than us
Chloe: But their defending is their issue
Elise: We can't afford to drop below third spot as there's other teams who could replace us in a second
Chloe: The top two will be hard to replace
Elise: Say, didn't your sister take over the team for one day.
Chloe: Oh yes, that's when I was nearly dead from a wasp sting ... or two

Elise: Actually, it was five.
Chloe: FIVE?
Elise: You passed out after the 2nd one
Chloe: But Cassie said two
Elise: That's so you didn't get into panic attack if she said five
Chloe: OK, I would have got into a tizzy.

Elise: Seriously, having a daughter die of Anaphylaxis is not a funny thing
Chloe: I'm waiting for my hospital bill from that still
Elise: I guess Cassie didn't do a bad job, a draw.
Chloe: Considering she isnt't the most decisive person around
Elise: She's is quite intelligent, just not very strong willed.
Chloe: I think she's just more lazy.

Elise: Your son is a bit ... hyperactive. And a bit too noisy.
Chloe: Hey, that's not from me. It's probably from his Dad.
Elise: I'm not getting much younger to chase around kids like that.
Chloe: On the positive side, it's good news for his football. He'll be fine.
Elise: I prefer your Cassie's daughter Kat, although she talks far too much.
Chloe: You said that about Cassie

Elise: Yes
Chloe: At least both of them aren't grumpy little dragons
Elise: Like you, I guess so.
Chloe: That's because I am like you
Elise: Err, I forget that. I guess this getting old stuff is getting to me.
Chloe: Anyway, you weren't taking care of grandkids anyway.

Elise: No, they just wanted to annoy grandma.
Chloe: I guess we were good at that too.
Elise: It's better than them ignoring me anyway
Chloe: Yes true, that's far worse.
Elise: Have a break, you'll need the rest.
Chloe: I wouldn't call taking care of the kids having a break

Elise: Say, where's your sister?
Chloe: Oh, she's taken the family to a Game of Thrones cosplay thing.
Elise: Actually I find it funny she married some who looks like Jon Snow
Chloe: He's alright, I'd marry him too if I was her.
Elise: Going anywhere?
Chloe: Yes, I have talk to the bank about something.

by **Tinhampton** » Mon Sep 10, 2018 11:13 am

TFA MATCH STATPACK: Tinhampton 0-0 Cassadaigua
Venue: Tin Park, Tinhampton, Tinhampton

STARTING LINEUPS and their USED SUBSTITUTES:

Tinhampton (4-1-3-2): 1. Josh SMITH (GK), 2. William POTTER, 3. Harry PORTER, 4. Jamie VALLEY, 5. Peter WRIGHT, 6. Michael YOUNG, 7. Ian JONES (C), 20. Reece FORD (↻ VATUNSKA 61'), 9. Fred BALL, 10. Priscilla EVANS, 11. Ian GRAHAM
Cassadaigua (4-4-2): 20. Kirsten SPELLER (GK), 2. Jessica CURRAN, 4. Chelsea BLAKE, 22. Lupe ENRIQUEZ, 3. Carlos MARTINEZ, 19. Rachel BRENNER, 23. Sierra MATTISON, 8. Shelby MARTIN (↻ MALONE 83'), 9. Zack PIERCE, 33. Hannah RANUCCI (C), 12. Caitlyn MAYER
Unable to play: None

GOALS: None.
CARDS: Yellow: Michael YOUNG 77'28'' (TIN), Carlos MARTINEZ 91'33'' (CDG).
INJURIES: None.
OTHER INCIDENTS: One shot by Priscilla EVANS (TIN) supposedly crossed the line at 92'13'', although it was not awarded.

Forays of Folly
Season 1, Episode 10: Footballing Forays - now with added politics!

LATEST POLLING: SDL 21%, UCP 19%, TLP 17%, FDP 13%, T1P 9%, G-EP 6%, NIP 5%, TUS 4%...

PETER FORD, 16:47, 9th SEPTEMBER 2018: The referee has signalled for about two minutes or so of added time on this fine day in Tin Park, with both sides looking for the win that will take them to second place halfway through qualifying. It appears that somebody might be willed on to commence their position in these dying embers of the match, but we will have to wait for that to happen.

What was it with Priscilla Evans? She thought she'd scored the winner when the Miners suffered heartbreak against New Gazi at the 77th World Cup qualifiers; she thought she'd scored the winner when her 15-yard bicycle kick gave them the advantage over Coldfield the following cycle. The fall girl when she missed the third penalty to give the advantage to Kitsunia-Deesse at the second Independents Cup, the fall girl when she missed the fourth penalty to give the advantage to Aggrey-Fynn Land at the third. This time, she was out to put things right. Seriously, the best striker in Tinhampton is unable to score when I need to do so the most?

PETER FORD, 16:48, 9th SEPTEMBER 2018: Tinhampton looking strong here, on the attack somehow, the ball lands to Young and then Wright, Ball, now Evans, carrying on smar---wait, no, she's tripped up so close to Carlos Martinez! Can you believe that it looks so much like diving, yet the powers-that-be are entirely convinced it's not? And looks like the referee is afraid that's going to be a yellow card for Martinez, what a ridiculous free kick to give away!

Every single person at Tin Park that day was convinced that Priscilla Evans had slipped on the wet grass... everybody except Billy Bob Theriault, that is, the same referee who had dished out a spate of red cards for the Alpine Union on the opening matchday. Ooo-er... perhaps I'll become Lydia Morrison if I put a bit more time and effort into this. Picking herself up and dusting herself down, she just knew she would score if she had a good two thousand strong cheering her - cheering them - along. The grass so trampled yet so freshly cut, the atmosphere so repetitive yet so innovative, the tension so harsh yet so motivational. Meanwhile, about five or so yards down the track, Ian Jones was preparing to score for himself from the resultant still ball. Both wanted to win that game. The captain's glory, the striker's glory, the Fillies' glory: pick one.

GEORGE PIRATIN, 16:48, 9th SEPTEMBER 2018: We could use this to our own advantage here, Peter, but if you ask me, Tinhampton have been rubbish in set-piece situations as of late, penalties or not. If we don't score here, serious questions will be asked of Clive Turnbull's training methods.
PETER FORD, 16:49, 9th SEPTEMBER 2018: Ian Jones to take it of course, smashed against the wall. Back to Jones, Porter - Priscilla Evans, surely...!

...

THWONK... THUMP... Dejection. Rejection. Reselection. What, he thinks we're a bunch of fucking commies?

Ninety-two minutes and thirteen seconds in. Off the post. Everybody who had seen it was entirely convinced that the ball had crossed the line by a matter of millimetres, except - of course - Billy Bob Theriault. On the one hand, a match filled with agony, tragedy, and oh-so-close moments of en-masse keratin extraction; on the other, the 65th-ranked football team in the world holding second position isn't that bad, isn't it? As was to be expected, many moments of debate followed, moments of contemplation, condemnation, commendation, and the odd flung pint of beer as well.
Regardless, as the sun hit its peak on the glorious afternoon of the 11th of September 2018, when Tinhampton were preparing to face Al-Mumtaz at home and its politicians many days of reckoning, one could be forgiven for thinking that Clive Turnbull was moderately concerned, as any third-seed manager should be at this point... which, evidently, he was not. Ten minutes before kickoff, in some dank and repugnant corner of the Tin Park home dressing room with nails for pegs and several pieces of stapled-together brown cellulose for a floor, he was as irrefutable as any man could have been...

Laddies and ladies, we're halfway there. Actually, that's a lie, we're less than halfway there. You have... some eight or nine minutes until we get started and we're still gunning for the top spots in our group, not just to make it to the World Cup but the World Cup, the one that could define your very careers. The first thing I'd like you to do today is not to think to yourself "Oh, we're going to get pasted by Brenecia and start punching our tickets to the Cup of Harmony," that is actually the single worst possible thing to consider. We are Tinhampton, we are the Miners, we are confident and we are one-hundred and eleven percent in control!
How did we get so far in so little time? The answer's simple: Ian Jones had a couple of dismal spells and felt alright with simply the captaincy, so the honours fell to myself, a virtual pub-league gaffer with zero extra-Tinhamptonian experience. I've brought Suzanne with me, and I've brought a load of excellent new players with me, and each and every last one of them have meshed in together excellently. I got our team to work as a team, not a bunch of underdogs, not a bunch of pub-crawlers and certainly not a bunch of disjointed individuals! The last time we did this... I'm not even sure we even did it in the first place, but we went eight games unbeaten in the second half of World Cup qualifying and damn near made it there. Most of us are still kicking ourselves for a few mistakes we made there and then, but we will - we absolutely have to - get it right if we are to salvage any reputation we had, and earn some more to boot.
This is what we have achieved from the moment I yelled at you that "THE BEST IS NOT ENOUGH!" - victory against Al-Mumtaz and their teenage wonders, against Oscioru and their twelve men, against South Libertopia and Cobrio and Octinstine and all the rest of them, but - most importantly - getting a huge point over the Cassadaiguans. Honestly, I was there when we defeated the Audioslavians at Tin Park, but this could ultimately prove much more crucial, and it's thanks to you guys - the kind of team that takes no nonsense and sees absolutely no alternative of any description beyond the sheer pursuit of victory. Yes, Priscilla, I know we didn't win, but that's what we're here for - to win!
If we can smash and thrash out our way to another series of wonderful performances here - and in the playoffs, should worst come to worst - then what will we have earned? Our tickets to Republica and Banija. A hell of a lot of kudos and plush toys. Three - at the very least - of the best games we have ever played. But, first and foremost, the admiration of millions of people who will watch us live on television, on the radio, even in person and think us the finest squad yet... and then before you know it we've progressed hell-if-I-know-how-many years and we've nabbed ourselves a few trophies. But do I want you to stop there? No, I do not! I don't even want you to start there, I want you to start in the here and now, and I want you to start when you get rocking onto that pitch. If you can show me what you're made of, and you do it consistently, let me reassure you that I will not be a very happy man... in fact, I'll probably be the happiest in the world.

by **Mattijana** » Mon Sep 10, 2018 1:33 pm

TujineBuro Mattijanska
Mattijanan Foreign Office

5 Places From World Cup 81 To Go On Holiday This Cycle

Mattijana, Esportiva's 5th most popular tourist destination, has much to offer as a country. Yet we appreciate that as a citizen of our country, you may want to sample something new, different and exciting by setting off to another nation. What better time as well for a trip abroad than with the qualifying stage for World Cup 81 in full swing.

If you are a football fan, you may wish to sample a match as part of your adventure. If not, you may just wish to sample the extra anticipation and atmosphere that having international sport in town brings. Either way, there is something on this list of the multiverse's most exciting new destinations to suit everyone.

5: The Frozen Forest

Like thousands of acres of untouched wilderness? Don't like hot weather? Keen on trees?

If so, the Frozen Forest in the region of Cobalt Network is the place for you. With seemingly permanent snow in some areas and a vast array of native fauna, a trip to The Frozen Forest is one for the adventurers amongst you.
The country's Western Territories are the top area for that with the nationally sacred Frozen Forest the most beautiful and rugged of them all. These snowy treetops can be reached from the small outpost cities of Kjolr, Fjollum and Lonland, which are in themselves worth a look round.

The forest itself offers opportunities for gorgeous trail walking, mountaineering and river canoeing, however it is best advised to visit in the summer months when the conditions are slightly warmer and therefore kinder. According to reports taken from a visit by a member of the Holy Empire national team, Benjy Bunny, carrots are only present as a frozen sorbet and small sprites and pixies were present, however this may be completely made up by hypothermia-induced amnesia, so don't quote us on that.

If you want something more modern to book-end your journey, the larger cities of Dogárd, Ströman and Manganița in the region of Ananchaiv are for you.

Anyhow, a trip to the Frozen Forest will be one to remember, just remember to pack a woolly hat.

4: Turori

If you like forests, but prefer something ~~a little~~ much, much warmer, Turori may be for you. The Island Emirate of Turori, part of the larger nation of Vilita and Turori in Atlantian Oceania is most famous for its Cocoabo conservation projects, which have been stepped up in recent years.
The centrepiece of this is Cocoabo park, an enclosure on the edge of Cocoabo Forest where visitors are able to enjoy personal experiences with these beautiful and exotic creatures, as well as learning about how they are being protected. A popular element is the sports field, where Cocoabo, sometimes including those in the Turori national team take to the field to train and play matches.

A few miles from the park is the Cocoabo Park Circuit, a motorsports hub which this year hosted a round of the WGP2 championship and regularly hosts events. There is also rugged coastline nearby on the shores of the forest which are well worth a visit for those of you who like a breath of fresh ozone.

3: Barunia

Barunia have made an effort to big up their country's attractions and they certainly have a lot to offer, particularly for those of you in search of a city break or two.

The capital city of Porthaven is an excellent hub from which to start your trip. The bustling metropolis of 5 million people is situated on the island nation's Eastern shores, around Haven bay, and is a wonderful city to walk round, from Federation Park to the exclusive residential suburb of Hillside.
The city also boasts individual sights such as Lighthouse Hill and the National Museum, which is free to enter.

Northport-San Baptiste, the territorial capital of the North Islands has a rich Spanish Culture dating from the 16th century and is well worth a trip for the culture vultures out there.

For more details of what to do in Barunia, visit the Barunian Government Department of Tourism.

2: Vangaziland

For the partiers amongst you, Vangaziland may be the place to go. The nation is just a short trip across the Hollander sea from Mattijana and is a great option for a short break away. The coastal city of Emeros is the capital city and a friendly, arty vibe that make it a great place to be. Some recreational drugs are also legal, not that that's a special reason to go there. North Emeros is particularly famous for its hipster vibe, the borough being dotted with coffee shops.

Of course Vangaziland also has a reputation for ecological diversity and there are many miles of unspoilt coastline to visit, featuring rocky coves and wildlife reserves, well worth a visit to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

1: Saint Émelie

Of all the world's locations, Saint Émelie has to be the most up and coming. The Atlantian Oceanian island's team are making their World Cup cycle debut and are a recently-discovered little country for most of the world.
Granted getting there is a little tricky. Two connecting flights or one connecting flight and a ferry trip will be needed to reach the island and the whole trip takes at least two days, but it's definitely worth it when you get there.

The island has a distinctive French culture, but don't let that put you off either. The people are wonderfully friendly, curious and adventurous and will happily answer any questions (providing they can understand them), as well as asking their own (regardless of whether you understand them).

The capital city of Port D'Émelie will be your first port' of call and boasts a busy fish and seafood market, beautiful colonial architecture and lively seafront bars and cafés. The golden sands of Le Goutier just down the coast offer the best beaches, including the one on which the Saint Émelie national team will play half their home matches.

Over on the other side of the island in Savenay, a more relaxed feel is present. You can visit the art galleries of the town and relax on the rugged sandy beaches with few other people for company. In the island's interior are a variety of unique species of bird, reptile and insect, often brightly coloured and very noisy.

For such a small island, there is something for everybody, and we're not just saying all this because it's our protectorate and we've got a deal with their tourist board non, non, non...

by **Taeshan** » Mon Sep 10, 2018 2:41 pm

It could be expected at this point that the Purple Knights would wrap up the first half of qualifying with a win at Innovian Indusse. That said the game had to be played and with other sides getting their expected results the Knights had it all to play for. A 2-0 win would be the final score, meaning that the Knights have kept 7 of their 9 opponents scoreless. But themselves have thrice failed to score. Meaning if they had scored in one of two of those games they could be much closer to advancing in the group. That said they currently are having one of their best qualifying campaigns in recent memory, but instead with the top two teams even more flawless than the Purple Knights, it seems like it could be another few years for them.

With one game to go before a third matchup with Darmen in under a year the Knights could have been caught looking ahead. Miles Snavely put that debate to bed rather early in the game with an impressive header that made it 1-0 to the visitors. The 108th career international goal for the talismanic striker had the team flying high. It would not be too long until Aleksandr Denisov would make it 2-0 with his 15th career international goal. The sides proved rather unable to do much of anything for the rest of the game and they did a rather impressive display of keep away for the rest of the game.

by **Cassadaigua** » Mon Sep 10, 2018 4:33 pm

Martinez Nearly Costs Team,
by Chelsea Dufresne, Concord Heights Times

Following a scoreless draw against Tinhampton, putting an end to a few impressive goal scoring streaks that our players were racking up, we find ourselves in third place at the midway point. It’s one of those situations where you know its not good enough, but at the same time, it’s not all that bad either. Being three points behind Tinhampton now for second, Cassadaigua does technically control their own destiny, but it would have to include a win over Tinhampton in the final matchday at Concord Heights Stadium. Looks like there is going to be some excitement in store for the Fillies and the Miners all the way down to the wire. That’s how everyone else would like it, we suppose, but both nations know pretty well that you have to get there first.

Against Tinhampton, Cassadaigua controlled the early portions of this match in terms of possession, but did not necessarily have that one great opportunity. In the 20th minute, Hannah Ranucci got some offense going, but mistimed a pass for a potential header by Zack Pierce , and it sailed out of harms way. Ranucci and Pierce have been showing some improved chemistry of late, and that misplay has been more the exception then the rule between them in recent games. The Miners defense began to focus in heavily on Ranucci after that play, and were not shy about being physical, though clean, with the star forward. This freed up Caitlyn Mayer in the 41st minute, which was the best scoring chance of the first half, but her shot rung off the crossbar, and the home crowd exhaled a deep sigh of relief.

In the second half, the momentum began to shift a bit in favor of the Miners. It is somewhat reminiscent of what happened in the loss to Brenecia. We played them scoreless for the first half, but the better adjustments were made by the opponents. Despite Tinhampton having the better of play, the Cassadagan defense prevented the Miners from having a golden opportunity, much like it was in the first half on this same side of the field. Now that I think of it, I think most of the excitement was on the same half of the field for the entire match, so fans on the other end should probably look for a partial refund. I kid, of course. Jessica Curran was a rock in the back end, and the game seemed destined for a draw after 90 minutes. In injury time, though, the Miners had a great chance thanks to a costly trip of Miner forward Priscilla Evans. Did he have to do it? That’s debatable. And I am sure there will be a lot of debate since Martinez’s position on this team is shaky, at best, in the minds of many people not named Stephanie Sweeney. Tinhampton had a great chance at the end, especially off the foot of Ian Jones, who was right on the spot on a rebound, but clanged it off the post, much to the relief of Kristen Speller and the Dagan faithful. Replays of the shot show that it just barely missed crossing the line in its entirety, and the referee was right on the call to say that it did not thoroughly cross the line. That’s the official Cassadagan interpretation, anyway! You’re opinion may vary.

The second half begins with the Dagans looking to be the first team to score against Brenecia. Unbelievably, the Patriots did not concede a goal for the entire first half. Heather Scandell, a top soccer analyst told us that, “It is historic what is going on there. Ranucci really scored of scored in the opener. It’s hard to believe that they still have not allowed a goal.” Any kind of point the Dagans can steal in the game would do wonders.

by **The Macabees** » Mon Sep 10, 2018 4:43 pm

LOLITA, CH. 10

Some normalcy returned after the botched attempt on Lolita's life, except for the fact that Bernie lived in another man's home. But that aspect he didn't always remember about, especially with the girls and when Lakén had the other boys from the team over. Most especially the girls, though. They would provide fond memories of one of the most fearful times of Bernie's life.

The days came and went. There was no word from Henrrek, Lolita, and no sign of the Guffingfordi mafia. Lakén came and went too, obviously needed on the training grounds day-in and day-out and often traveling with the team for international matches. They were doing well, the team, but a rough patch had been come to. Easier games had been played earlier during the qualification round and the last few matches of the first half were particularly challenging. A loss to Cosumar, a draw to Juvencus, and a draw to Acapais were not poor results on the face of it. But the team had slipped to fifth place and it was losing ground to the higher ranked teams.

Of course, Bernie did not pay much attention to the football. The parties were always a distraction, something he fueled with drugs and alcohol. But inevitably he fell into the same quagmire, developing a cancerous paranoia that consumed him. He slept with the windows always closed. Had bought even a firearm, a second-hand mil-spec Amastolian handgun. The Guffingfordis and the conspiracy against him, and Lakén, was all he talked about.

All of this took a toll on Lakén, especially the draw to Acapais.

On return to Fedala, he stormed into his house, sought out Bernie who was in the kitchen, and after pointing his finger said, "YOU! You need to leave. You need to get out now. It's been weeks and there's been nobody after you, no one coming here looking for you. You need to go back to your own place man. Ever since you came over, we've been losing and drawing games. I need to rid myself of the bad juju."

"You say that as if I were a leper," responded Bernie.

"You might as well be!" exclaimed Lakén, with wide eyes. "You can't deny the scores, man."

Bernie snorted. "You ball players have natural talent, but not smarts. You just happened to play the hardest teams in the group back-to-back. You can't blame me for that, that's just luck of the draw. Watch, once you guys are back in rotation with the lesser- and unranked teams, your fortunes will improve again."

"Watch it," said Lakén, accusingly. "Are you saying we suck?"

"Yori, boy, we're ranked 121." Bernie's eyes were wide and if you looked close enough you might even see the steam rising from out of his ears. "We're not exactly playing the best, most consistent football."

"Out of 317 officially ranked teams!" Lakén shouted.

He rolled his eyes, and then Bernie responded, "Bro, we don't even have 5 more points than the bottom-most team and we need another 46 or 47 until number one. I understand we're doing good, you guys are building the base of a future team, and that all considered this will probably be remembered as a moderately successful qualification round. But we're still closer to the bottom than we are to the top, man. We gotta keep our feet on the ground."

"Moderately successful?" asked Lakén, angrily. "Moderately successful? Are you kidding me? We've been at least above average."

"What are we even talking about anymore?" Bernie threw up his arms.

"I don't know," said Lakén, quietly. Then louder, he added, "All I know is that you need to go home. That's where you belong. That's where you need to go. And you need to go now." He started to walk away, then turned. "Look, Bernie. You'll always be my boy and you'll always be welcome here, but for the next few weeks you need to let me concentrate on the tournament. Okay?"

Bernie didn't buy it. "Whatever. Let me get my shit and I'll bounce."

The metro ride home was long. What had just happened? Why was Lakén so worked up about him all of a sudden? Something seemed wrong. But Bernie knew that he had handled the situation poorly. He stared out the glass window at the concrete walls of the tunnel. The line changes he did lethargically, purposefully waiting for later trains to come. The more he stalled the longer he had before he faced the reality of his old life. And in the back in his mind that constant wariness was still there. A belief that someone or something would come for him eventually, that he had not yet freed himself from Lolita.

He finally arrived at his flat some ninety minutes later. The halls looked normal enough. Everyone he knew that he ran into, his neighbors, all waved like they had a few weeks ago. One, Davi Garó, a salesman at a Tango et Kartuma dealership across town, stumbled into him and turned smiling, saying, "Bernie! What's good man. You've been gone for a few weeks? Vacation? Tell me about later!" And he turned around and kept walking, all this without Bernie saying even a single word.

Bernie shook his head and turned back to his door. He unlocked and opened it.

Inside, it was just as he left it. The couch was still full of random stuff, like candy wrappers, popcorn bags, and clothes. The trash can just inside the entrance of the small kitchen was full, like it was before he left. It smelled mildly like marijuana. Normal. So he grabbed the TV remote, jumped on the couch, and turned the thing on.

Then his phone rang.

The number was hidden. So hung up.

It rang again. He hung up. It rang again. He hung up. It rang again.

He picked it up. "Who the hell is this?"

Silence except static. Then, "It's Henrrik. Meet me here tonight at 8. I'll send you the coordinates. If you don't meet with me, I can't guarantee your safety." Click.

by **Polkopia** » Mon Sep 10, 2018 6:41 pm

Baravia FC is a club which plays in the Polkopian Premier League. At the end of the last season, the timberwolves finished in 9th place and continue to play in the top flight of Polkopian football for the upcoming season. The team currently plays in the city of Angradka, and their home ground is the Četovskiy Stadion, which seats up to 30,992 spectators.

History:

Officially the newest club playing in the Polkopian Premier League, Baravia FC was founded in 1989 after Second Division Clubs FC Neptune, and FC Noviy Krai declined to participate in 1989-90 Premier League, despite having qualified the year prior. Plans had already been finalized to establish a club in the city of Angradka, but these plans were officially put into action weeks before the initiation of the 1989-90 season.

In its first season in the Premier League, Baravia barely avoided relegation after finishing 14th out of 16 teams, and beat FC Noviy Krai in the playoffs for the upcoming season. Since then, Baravia managed to avoid relegation in the 1990's, and managed to finish fifth in the 1997-98 season, making this the club's most successful season to-date. In 1999, the club signed Polkopian striker Artur Yominsev who had the second highest amount of goals in the previous season, and he remained at FC Baravia for 3 years before he joined Tasha FC on loan and retired the following year.

Baravia was relegated in 2005, but was promoted to the top flight the following year and has since always participated in the Polkopian League. That same year, it was released that several of the players had not been paid for three months and they threatened to strike, however the club was bailed out by the Polkopian FA and have since maintained relatively stable finances.

In 2013, the club faced heavy sanctions from the Polkopian FA due to offensive chants during home games. Before the 2013-14 season, a group of far-right fans established a fan club named Chistaya Baravia, whose name translates to English as "A Clean Baravia." The group targeted minority Polkopian players who played for Baravia FC including Jonso Holić who was of Modavian descent, and Grigory Kuffs, whose Pagan beliefs were targeted by the organization. Baravia FC was fined 100,000 Polkopian Dollars ($65,000) for each game that these chants were used, and Chistaya Baravia was officially disbanded after the arrest of its leader, Maksim Semyovich, in 2013.

In 2015, the club was disbanded, along with the other Polkopian clubs, due to a large-scale corruption scandal across the entirety of the PFA. The club was reestablished the following year and Baravia FC participated in the 2017-18 Polkopian Premier League, finishing 9th out of 16 teams.

Squad:

##       POS.        NAME.                                                   
#1       GK       Dragan Marković
#2       GK       Alexei Pasternak
#0       GK       Ilya Bogomolov
#40      DEF      Vladimir Vinković
#25      DEF      Yuri Vlašić
#3       DEF      Kyrylo Gabor
#17      DEF     Martin Kolar
#31      DEF      Gurgen Agani
#29      DEF      Aleksandr Tillman 
#10      MID      Ivan Gimondi
#13      MID      Makariy Gomes 
#7       MID      Robert Kovač
#12      MID      Anatoly Abbatantuono
#65      MID      Yaroslav Barsotti
#33      MID      Abele Elena
#21      FWD      Evgeniy Popov
#11      FWD      Vadim Yakolev
#8       FWD      Tamas Sgro
#16      FWD      Amiran Riva

by **Indusse** » Mon Sep 10, 2018 7:02 pm

Group 6

Super-Llamaland 4–0 Ceskaar
Indusse 3–0 Santa Rafa
Aggrey-Fynn Land 3–1 Tarper
Tobria 1–2 Kelssek
Semarland 2–3 Farfadillis

Group 6 Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Farfadillis 9 9 0 0 29 7 +22 27
2 Super-Llamaland 9 7 1 1 31 12 +19 22
3 Indusse 9 6 1 2 26 16 +10 19
4 Semarland 9 5 0 4 22 13 +9 15
5 Aggrey-Fynn Land 9 4 1 4 20 14 +6 13
6 Santa Rafa 9 4 1 4 13 13 0 13
7 Kelssek 9 3 2 4 11 20 −9 11
8 Tobria 9 2 0 7 17 29 −12 6
9 Tarper 9 1 0 8 2 20 −18 3
10 Ceskaar 9 1 0 8 3 30 −27 3

Indusse Wins

Indusse defeat santa rafa yesterday by 3-0. This match is been the continuation of indusse's wins and is said that these will continue. The first goal by beckam was a penalty. It was acheived when a Santa rafian defender stamped on Askar Ali. The second goal was a Olympic goal by Beckham. The third one is a goal by bechun he scurried between the defender and scored this fantastic goal.

SANTA RAFA - INDUSSE
0 - 3
- BECKHAM 43' (PEN)
- BECKHAM 76'
- BECHUN 89'

by **Kelssek** » Mon Sep 10, 2018 8:05 pm

ALL SMILES AT MIDWAY POINT?

Morale is high in the Kelssek camp as the qualifications for World Cup 81 reached the halfway mark with a 2-1 win over Tobria. The result pushed Kelssek into 7th place in the group with a 3-2-4 record and means they are now unbeaten in three matches.

Young striker Shaheen Taleb scored in his international debut to get Kelssek off the mark on 34 minutes. Kelssek struck on the counter-attack as Tobria were caught out by the speedster's pace and a precision long ball by Thamior Liadon.

Matt Lister took sole possession of the team's goal scoring lead as he got his foot to a drilled cross from the byline by Rory Canning-Meagher. The NGSA Ulyanof winger tormented Tobria's left flank all 90 minutes and could have added one of his own with a better-directed header on 60 minutes.

Tobria snagged one back in injury time as Kelssek were showing signs of flagging concentration. As Kelssek slowed down the tempo Mason Curtin was caught dawdling with the ball at his feet and promptly lost it to a surging Tobrian forward, and an indecisive play by Marc-Henri Normand let the home side grab a goal with what proved to be the final kick of the game.

If manager Kirk McDonagh was unhappy with the late goal, he didn't show it as he praised the progress of the team which carries the burden of Kelssek's return to international football.

"That's something I'll leave for the video room and I won't get into it now. This team has been improving every match. I mean that sincerely; forget the scorelines, what I'm happy about is that I've seen these players learning with every match that they have their own history to write, even if they don't write it as they please."

As the second half of fixtures gets underway Kelssek face a tough trip to Semarland, who beat Kelssek 4-1 in Kirkenes to take the opening game. McDonagh thinks this time will be different, even without the home ground advantage.

"That's a team facing qualification battles, in front of their own fans, the pressure is going to be on them. We know they're going to be a tough test but I don't think they'll be putting four past us this time."

Captain Ruslan Demetriev said spirits are high but the team are keeping their feet on the ground, deflecting suggestions that the team could challenge for the playoff spot, from which they sit 8 points adrift.

"We've set a marker down with this first set of fixtures. Our challenge is to outdo ourselves and do better for the second set. That's our main target right now."

RESULTS
1-4 Semarland
0-5 Farfadillis
1-0 Ceskaar
1-0 Tarper
1-3 Santa Rasa
3-5 Super-Llamaland
2-2 Indusse
0-0 Aggrey-Fynn Land
2-1 Tobria

TOP SCORERS
Matt Lister 4
Victor Clinton 3
Blake McDonagh 2
Shaheen Taleb 1
Patrice Langelier 1

by **Main Nation Ministry** » Mon Sep 10, 2018 8:40 pm

Kahe Island: The Takeover

Around that time Shell was heading uphill, The Leader launched an invasion on Sol Sun by sea. Several aircraft carriers were positioned and were visible to those who were on Sol Sun. Dozens of airboats with turrets on the front, starboard, and port sides ready to attack appeared rushing in towards the capital of Kahe. Of course, the FKF were waiting for them, but the nation's soldiers had much better kelvar armor than them. A barrage of bullets was the welcoming gift, as Sol Sun turned into a battlefield. The choice of FKF wearing red clothing was a bad mistake, as it made them stood out like targets.

As terrified citizens were running from the soldiers, those who got caught were demanded to evacuate away from Sol Sun for their safety. "This area will be suffering from volcanic damage! Take all of your valuables and evacuate away from the mountain!" the soldiers demanded, from instructions by the general. Many soldiers forced citizens onto boats made for fishing or traveling purposes, so they can head towards the Harbor. A rumble could be heard from Sol Sun, as several soldiers who were clearing house saw an orange line go vertical towards Sol Sun. However, it stopped mid-air, before it reached the bottom of the ground. They were running out of time, but what would the result be?

by **Beepee** » Mon Sep 10, 2018 8:53 pm

Beepee's Mid-qualification Statistical Update

The qualification process has been generally positive for Beepee so far with a win rate of 55%, far better than WCQ80 where Beepee managed a dismal 22% win rate.

Beepee currently sit in 4th place, one place higher the their anticipated placing of 5th, based on Rankings. However, the statistics show that Beepee will have to continue to work hard to maintain this performance level.

Beepee have been solid defensively conceding only nine goals in as many matches and scoring an average of 1.4 goals per game. This compares with an average of 0.8 goals per game scored and 1.5 goals per gane conceded in the last qualifying campaign.

Sam Veera is top scorer with five goals in the nine matches, and is on track to win the Beepeean Golden Boot for the qualification phase.

With an average player rating of 6.5, defender Jason Baker has so far been the pick of the Beepeean players. Baker is closely followed by Sam Veera on an average rating of 6.48.

---

When Michael came to it was already morning. He saw the car in the driveway. He spotted the keys in the door. He rubbed some dried blood from his forehead as he entered the house. It was quiet.

He entered the kitchen and walked past the note.

He entered the bedroom and saw the ring on the pillow. He knew instantly.

He phoned her mother. The kids were there, but she wasn't. The mother-in-law hadn't seen Mary since she dropped the kids off after school the day before.

He sat at the kitchen table, the quiet disturbed him. He flicked on the early morning news. A powerful earthquake has rocked Brasilistan... Two people have died as a car goes off a bridge in Norfolk Pinewoods... Prime Minister Stan Bach is seeking to implement low and zero carbon emissions policies.

There was a knock at the door.

"Mr Forsberg?" A young police officer stood watching as Evan stumbled his way to answer. "Mr Forsberg?".

Michael passed out again.

---

EXTRA... EXTRA... READ ALL ABOUT IT! FORSBERG ARRESTED! EXTRA... EXTRA...

Michael Forsberg arrested for DUI.

Michael Forsberg, head coach of the Beepeean football squad has been arrested by Beepeean police for driving under the influence of alcohol.

Forsberg crashed his car shortly before midnight after spending the evening getting drunk at Rafferty's bar.

Witnesses from the bar said that Forsberg had seemed depressed, was drinking heavily and had trouble walking when leaving the bar.

Police are still investigating as to what occurred between the time Forsberg left the bar and crashed in the driveway of his house.

Dakota Secret , head of the Beepeean Football Association, issued a short statement:

"The Beepeean football association and squad have been saddened by the arrest of Michael. Michael will be stood down to allow the authorities to investigate fully. "

Coleen Yu has been named interim head coach. Yu, head coach at Mela Leuca Ladies, was a surprise choice as interim coach however she has some pedigree at the local level.

---

Michael awoke on the floor of a hard prison cell and began to sob.

Last.fm · by **Cosumar** » Mon Sep 10, 2018 10:37 pm

Space colonization is revolutionizing Cosumar's. . . soccer? Yes, and here's How.

by Julie Nicholson
Sports Features Editor

P O M E N A, Juvencus - As Isla Sibučić marched step-by-step through the tunnel at Vinceti Catedral and out onto the pitch, she stuck out like a sore thumb from the rest of her Cosumarite teammates. She was surely aware of this and yet she gave no outward indication, following them into the eyes of thousands of curious Juven fans with her chin held high and proud.

Standing at 5"1 - and a slightly built 5"1 at that - while sandwiched in line between remarkable physical specimens Bryger Tidesson and Bellerophon Serafino, Sibučić nearly looks comical once one finally notices that she's also the only player sporting knee pads. And elbow pads. Like a child whose overprotective parents forced her to pad up before letting her play with the big kids.

The origins of her now-familiar pads are not entirely dissimilar. Isla Sibučić grew up on the outskirts of Bildeventure, a subterranean settlement of approximately 80,000 on the planet Fevelo, known for its noxious surface and gargantuan network of caverns. Obviously, there is no natural grass in an environment such as this and artificial turf is not easily accessible for most either. Before and after school, Isla and her friends - like most Fevelian children - played soccer on rock surfaces that would cut up their knees and elbows if they fell (or attempted a slide tackle) without pads.

Now, she plays in some of the finest facilities in the Multiverse. Still to this day, however, Sibučić's last ritual before stepping into the tunnel is to strap on her protective pads just like she did when she was seven. They've certainly become more stylish and accessorized over the years, but Isla's pads remain a powerful reminder of her hardscrabble origins on the (quite distant) fringes of Cosumarite society.

Speak to those Fevelian coaches who saw Isla Sibučić play as a kid, and their eyes instantly light up as they remember exactly when and where they first witnessed her talent. Their reaction? Simply "...Woah." It must have been a similar sensation to that of those who, two decades ago and nine light years away, first watched Anders Engström flash his potential. But it was different, because Sibučić was out here.

They knew she was something they'd never seen before on Fevelo. Not since Paaron Petrov, at least. But what they couldn't have known was just how far that would take her. Now a Schottic champion, SPL scoring champion and PoTY as well as the creative spearhead of a Vanquishers side hoping to reach its first World Cup semifinal, Sibučić is a name that carries weight not just on Fevelo, not just within the Cosumarite soccer sphere, but indeed... everywhere.

While the story of how her prodigious natural skill overcame the roadblocks of a petite frame and offworld obscurity, it has been well-told by now. The bigger story is that of the larger movement that she represents. That being the exponentially-increasing soccer footprint of Cosumar's eight extraterrestrial colonies.

This wave of momentum has felt sudden and stark.

Look no further than the spine of the national team right now in World Cup 81 Qualifying. After decades of seeing no representation in the ranks (aside from rare exceptions like Paaron Petrov), colonial Cosumarites now flick on their holovision sets and see a side headlined by heroes from their local worlds. Where most fans see Romikk Valgard, Isla Sibučić and Kai-Kai Mokumdarian... they see Kalloroda Colony, Fevelo Colony and Rexnor Colony.

Less than 20 years ago, a reality where three of Cosumar's most visible young superstars were all colonial-born would've sounded like a fantasy. So too would some of the events that have unfolded in the last couple years on the club side. Fevelo Colony FC earning Härlighet Ligan promotion (twice) using largely homegrown Fevelian talent. Revanigruud Riversharks of Nuur Colony upsetting Mallox to win this year's King's Cup. With real quality now coming from the stars with more regularity, further examples seem poised to follow.

What has turned some of these unglamorous, far-flung communities on the periphery of Cosumar's societal conscience into such simmering hotbeds of talent? What about these places is forging that elusive top-tier potential? Cosumar's terrestrial population and soccer infrastructure still dwarfs that of all the colonies combined, yet more of our truly elite prospects seem to come from offworld these days. Why?

To try and answer this question, let's turn our attention back to Isla Sibučić's home world of Fevelo.

Some of Cosumarite colonies double as space tourism resorts. Fevelo is not one of them. Known for its jagged, inhospitable landscape, mountains and numerous deadly dangers, the planet existed as a "Wild West" locale outside the sphere of government control in the first few decades of Cosumar's space age. It became a port-of-call for vagabonds, criminals, and cults hoping to start a new order. Eventually, the crown subsidized Fevelian colonization to tap into the wealth of resources buried deep in the underground caverns. Throngs of working-class families piled in alongside the outcasts to man the mines and build out organized settlements. Today, though first-world Cosumarite comforts have improved living conditions, the descendants of these motley pioneers still form the bulk of Fevelo's meager population of 170,000. It is this dark, sunless and stigmatized world where Sibučić was forged. It is the world that she has come to represent.

Growing up, Sibučić played for a neighborhood team called Bildeventure Express. The club was established primarily as a social project to give unruly Fevelian youth something to do when not in school besides run off into potentially dangerous uncharted cave tunnels.

The staff at Bildeventure Express - and other facilities of the sort throughout Fevelo - then get in contact with a professional club like Fevelo Colony FC if they think they have a player that would interest them. In this way, the whole colony works together to funnel talent upwards in a way you don't quite see back in Cosumar. The grid of state-sponsored neighborhood youth organizations form a net that makes it difficult for any great young players in the colony to slip through the cracks. The relatively small and isolated nature of Fevelo makes it easier to cover any cracks.

Still, it's not all easy pickings for local clubs like the HL's Fevelo Colony. They're not the only ones panning for gold in the Fevelian mines. Sibučić herself was plucked from Bildeventure Express at age 15 by Alexander Pearce's Cornellians. Other predators have taken notice and are now doing the same - sending scouts all the way to Cosumar's fertile colonies. Promising Geminus Colony forward Sett Horn was plucked by fellow SPL side Dundee, and clubs from Pasarga and Hinodejin have also made their presence known.

You can find talent anywhere. What's more important is that the space colonies seem to be producing a different type of talented player than back on terrestrial Cosumar. A very attractive type. A sort of player that is athletic, technical, dynamic, adventurous, aggressive — just the sort of player the Cosumarite national team could really use, and has historically lacked at times.

This style of play is instilled in them by the less structured nature of soccer in places like Fevelo Colony: small-sided games, with a mix of ages, on difficult surfaces and in smaller spaces. Watching the 11-13 year-olds of Bildeventure Express play on their schoolyard gravel court full of obstacles and it's clear that their games favor those with quick minds... and legs that can keep up. Presented with unconventional challenges in the flow of the game, they have to make instinctive decisions to overcome them.

On Fevelo Colony, it is the rocky ground and thin cave air. On Nuur Colony, it is the sand surfaces and oppressive heat. Even on wealthy Regéla Colony, it is the miniature-sized pitches due to lack of ground space. Non-Earth planets are where it is hardest to play. Therefore, the players there are learning the most.

Many whose families are stuck on colonies with limited opportunity, such as Isla's on Fevelo, are also playing with the added motivation that a soccer career might be their best chance of getting off the planet of their birth to forge a better life elsewhere. The hotter the fire, the stronger the steel. What Isla and Romikk and now Kai-Kai have done is becoming the dream of many kids growing up behind them in the Eight Colonies. So distant from the rest of Cosumar and main civilization, they dream of being the next to venture from their isolated homes and make it all the way to the World Cup stage.

Romikk Valgard has already scored seven goals in the first half of World Cup Qualifying. Having such palpable pioneers as these serves as a powerful motivator. Participation in youth soccer on several colonies has nearly doubled just in the last five years. As Cosumar's colonies continue to develop and populate at explosive rates and the soccer infrastructure rushes to keep up, they must also ensure that they do not lose the spark and hunger that is making these space-born kids so special.

Some still stereotype places like Fevelo as little more than penal colonies containing undesirables who were unwanted back on

terrestrial Cosumar. The likes of Valgard, Sibučić and Mokumdarian cannot eradicate this archaic view singlehandedly, but Cosumarites love their team... and now it is built upon an extraterrestrial spine that is universally viewed as vigorous, likable, hopeful.

"We are showing that success can come from here. We are showing that colonial Cosumarites stand on equal footing with our brothers and sisters back in the homeland," Isla Sibučić says to me in an interview just prior to strapping on her Fevelian elbow pads and walking out to take on Juvencus. "This, soccer, is our way of representing all the great colonial men and women building great things across the galaxy in the name of expanding Cosumarite civilization, as well as the new generations of children like ourselves who are born off-world and will follow in their footsteps."

As Cosumarites, we should all see a vision of our society's value spread out equally amongst the stars. After all, that vision is what drove our ancestors towards space in the first place. So, yes, the space colonies are dramatically changing the face of Cosumarite soccer. But maybe, just maybe, soccer can help change how people view the space colonies too.

World Cup 81: Roleplay Thread

East Belzaria With Great Comeback

Who is online