World Cup 81: Roleplay Thread

[New Lusitania and the Algarves]

STL|Serviços de Transmissão Lusitana
Sport | Football|
World Cup 81 - The Road to FR/Banija
Triple Bill - Reminders and Jubilations


SCRAPING THROUGH
Beepee 2-3 New Lusitania

New Lusitania travelled to Beepee for yet another World Cup Qualifier. Beepee came in scoring the opener, a goal that put the home crowd at its feet, awarded to Bannan. However, the Lusitanians responded with an assist from Breu, which switched the play and, to delight of Gama who scored the equaliser. Halftime, all square. At the hour mark, Nevais passed it on to Fernandos who passed it back with Nevais scoring once more out of the box. A stunning goal, the goalkeeper had no chance. Later on Moreira came on for Silveira and Luz in for Silva , a cross from Gama gave Luz his first International goal, one he'll remember for a long time. Veera however still tried to get the game back, scoring at eighty minutes, however the team didn't have motivation to go on for the point.
FULL TIME: 2-3

GENTLE REMINDERS OF DANGER
New Lusitania 1-2 Michine @ Dragão, Porto


The Dragão had been a pleasure to be at last time round with a victory over then runners up Jeckland, however circumstances had changed and this time, a Michine on the rise played the Lusitanians in the North. No changes to the last team, except for the return of Mário. Michine were on an attacking mood today however, and scored in a defence that was off guard, to make it 1-0 to the visitors. Santa Cruz took off Silva at the half hour mark for Cancela, to put the team in 4-1-3-2.
Mário passed to Fernando who ran up, and attempted to score, but failed, with the former scoring from the rebound and putting it level.
After Halftime at fifty five, Dalot gave away a free-kick that created the second goal for Michine, left the Lusitanians trailing and gave the final result.
FULL TIME: 1-2

RATINGS, AWARDS AND OPINIONS
LUS Ratings (vs. Beepee) : Patríce 8, Guerreiros 7, Dalot 7.5, Cédric Silva 7, Nevais 8, Breu 7.7, Fernando 8, Silva 7 (Luz , Gama 8, Silveira 8.5 (Moreira , Jota 7 OVERALL : 8
LUS Ratings (vs. Michine): Lopes 8, Cancela 7( Guerreiros , Dalot 8.5, Cédric 8, Nevais 8.5, Breu 7, Fernando 9, Luz 7.5, Gama 8.5, Silveira 8.5, Jota 8 OVERALL: 8

STATS (BEP/LUS/MIC)
Goals: 2/3+1/2
Shots: 7/8+6/6
Shots on Target: 5/6+4/5
Corners: 5/2+5/4
Fouls: 4/3+6/3
Cards - Yellow: 0/0/0
Cards - Red: 0/0/0
Posession: 45/55


THE HUB
GOAL COUNT : André Silveira (5) Fransisco Gama (4), Bruno Fernando (4), Nevais (4), Daniel Jota (4), André Moreira (2), B.Silva (1), Breu (1), Guerreiros (1).

Assist Count: Bruno Fernando (7), Jorge Mário (3), Fransisco Gama (2), André Silveira (3), Breu (2), B.Silva (1), Cancela (1), Nevais (1), Moreira (1).

Man to Watch: Fernando

Ref's Book: Cédric Silva (yellow: Michine)

Callup Changes: Domingos Armilar [CAM] (<=> Dias (CB))

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MMXVIII

[Squornshelan Remnant States]

If they hadn't found a way to keep playing so well it might have been worth it . . .

For the fourth consecutive match, fielding a team of reserves and substitutes, the Black-and-Reds had refused to allow a goal. That they had finally failed to score in the most recent one hardly mattered at this point.

Irina Polokov, though outwardly still, was in turmoil inwardly. She had, of course, overextended herself and her team, and as a result the entire football cell was being taken apart. The truly baffling, truly damning part was that the plan had simultaneously been a brilliant success, and a complete failure. They had succeeded in infecting and incapacitating 20 of the Confederacy's best footballers, but the true objective, a string of humiliating defeats, had not materialized. She was utterly at a loss, and her superiors were furious. Already, three more members of her team had been taken into custody, and it was clearly a matter of days, perhaps only hours before the CSA found the rest of them. She was to be extracted tonight for a return to headquarters and debriefing. She glanced at her watch.

Less than four hours now.

Moving so quickly after the first attempt had been a mistake, of course, but she'd believed her superiors would tolerate the loss of two operatives if it would accomplish the mission. She had broken one of the cardinal rules of espionage though, and underestimated her opponents. They had moved faster than she'd dreamed.

I should not have forgotten that at heart, they are Squornshelan too.

All that remained was to return home, endure a long and humiliating series of interrogations and then, at best, be assigned to a meaningless desk job for the rest of her SIO career.

If there is a rest of my career, or a rest of my life for that matter.

It was entirely possible that she would never make it to the Imperium alive. The State Intelligence Office did not look kindly upon failure or the waste of resources, and might determine that her 'disappearance' would serve as an excellent example to other foreign station chiefs. Either way, they would destroy her, body or soul, it made no difference. There was only one option left, but the finality of it terrified her. Still, it was either this, death, or a lifetime of drudgery and regret in a nation she sometimes felt that she scarcely knew anymore. After all, she had lived the vast majority of her adult life in the Confederacy, embedded in one cell or another, shifting identities as necessary, but each one of her assumed names had been a Confederate citizen. In some strange way, it seemed that she had slowly become more like those she emulated than those she served.

Whichever way I go, it will be nice to have my own name again, at least for a little while.

Obviously, she would have to take on yet another new identity if she defected. The SIO took a dim view of incompetence, but would sometimes forgive momentary lapses in promising operatives. Outright treason was something else entirely. If she ran now, she'd be marked for an early and unpleasant death. The scientists who had designed the agent used against the footballers had cooked up far nastier bugs as well.

Woodenly, she stood up from the park bench where she had spent the past hour. She took one unsteady step forward, then another, and paused. Left along the street would lead her back to her apartment, back to a country that would show no gratitude for her long years of service, only condemnation for her recent shortcomings. Back to a homeland she hardly knew anymore. Back to parents and siblings she could never fully open up to, friends she could never reconnect with. To the right lay the utter unknown. Arms held stiffly down at her sides, she clenched her fists and took a single deep breath, like a swimmer before the plunge, and then slowly let it out.

She turned right.

[South Covello]

OOC: I don't have much time to RP, so here's something different.

South Covello Fun FAQ:

Q: Does South Covello still have the Gregist nukes?

A: No, it does not.

Q: So what happened to them?

A: They were decomissioned.

Q: What does decommissioned mean?

A: It means they don't exist anymore.

Q: No, they exist outside the fabric of space and time? Did we send them to The Dreamed Realm or something?

A: No, they don't exist outside the fabric of space and time either. We didn't send them to the Dreamed Realm. They don't exist.

Q: Is John Green International Airport still named after him?

A: No.

Q: What is it called?

A: Liberty International Airport.

Q: Why is the cocoabo the national bird of South Covello when none have ever been spotted in the wild here?

A: To honor the economic contributions of the Cocoabo company.

Q: And why is the national alcoholic beverage officially called the national adult beverage?

A: What else would we call it?

Q: The national alcoholic beverage?

A: That's not a question, really.

Q: Well are you going to tell me why not?

A: No, it's a stupid question and why do you care?

Q: Aren't I asking the questions here?

A: No, this is a frequently asked questions. This is a free country. Anyone can ask a question.

Q: So I can ask stupid questions and you can't stop me?

A: Yes, of course.

Q: OK, why isn't the flag a picture of a ferret in a birthday hat like Moses The Pant Ferret wants?

A: Because that's a stupid idea.

Q: But stupid is legal here, you just said.

A: But that doesn't mean we have to endorse it. Moses can advocate for it all he wants. It isn't going to happen.

Q: And why is there a Ferret National Anthem when ferrets aren't a country?

A: Because someone thought it would be funny and made a skit about it at the International Ferret Convention, apparently.

Q: There's an International Ferret Convention?

A: Something like that.

Q: Did Moses go?

A: Probably, why don't you ask him?

Q: So you're not Moses The Pant Ferret?

A: No.

Q: Then who are you?

A: Just the guy who answers your questions, however stupid they are.

Q: So I can ask more stupid questions?

A: If you must.

Q: Ooh boy! If you could make any piece of poop your President, what animal's poop would it be and why?

A: Only sapient beings are allowed to be President under South Covellan law, so I guess it would have to be Mister Hanky the Christmas Poo from Santaclausisgodistan, unless there's another sapient poo I don't know about.

Q: Santaclausisgodistan? Another isgodistan?

A: Yes. There's also Thereisnogodistan, Iesusisgodistan, Allahisgodistan, Messiisgodistan, and many, many more.

Q: Who is Messi?

A: He's a soccer player someone RPed about on RLstates who supposedly is the Greatest of All Time yet he can't win a World Cup and barely even qualified. People love godmodding on that site, I guess.

Q: So does Santaclausisgodistan believe Santa Claus is God?

A: This is an FAQ about South Covello, not Santaclausisgodistan or any other country.

Q: Well you're not very helpful.

A: There are a bunch of Santa Clice in Santaclausisgodistan, that's all I know.

Q: Plus sapient poos?

A: Well, only one sapient poo, plus a Christmas Donkey named Dominic, a partridge in a pear tree, a few ginderbread men, and some other random creatures.

Q: But most of them are Santa Clice?

A: I think so, but let's talk about South Covello.

Q: So which one is God? All of them?

A: That's for each of us to decide who we worship.

Q: But which one do they think is God?

A: Go ask their FAQ writer, all right?

Q: Is Santa Clice even the correct plural?

A: They think so.

Q: Well what do you think?

A: Well more than one mouse is called mice, and Claus sort of rhymes with mouse, so I guess kind of?

Q: But more than one house isn't hice.

A: Well then why don't you go there and ask them?

Q: Because it's cold there. It's always Christmas.

A: I don't know what to tell you. I answer questions about South Covello, not Santaclausisgodistan.

Q: OK, fine, just one more question.

A: Is it a stupid one again?

Q: Yes.

A: Well, I guess I have no choice.

Q: If you could be any kind of kumquat, which kind would you be?

A: I wasn't aware there was more than one kind of kumquat.

Q: Sure there is. There are.... Well, you tell me? What kinds of kumquats are there? You answer questions.

A: About South Covello, not kumquats. And anyway, I'm pretty sure there's just the one.

Q: You're not helpful. Well, good bye. I don't ask questions of people who aren't helpful.

A: Bye then.

[Polkopia]

Kalinka is a club which plays in the Polkopian Premier League. At the end of the last season, the snipers finished in 11th place and continue to play in the top flight of Polkopian football for the upcoming season. The team currently plays in the city of Daroban, and their home ground is the Arena Kalinkansaney, which seats up to 19,365 spectators.

History:

Kalinka was founded in 1971 in the city of Daroban, which, like many rural towns in Polkopia, began to experience a massive population increase during the late 1960's due to forced relocation by the Polkopian government. The city of Daroban became a hub for Polkopia's textile industry, which took off in the 1970's and has recently began to slow down. At the time though, Daroban became an obvious choice to host a football club due to the rate of its population growth. Due to the lack of funds allocated at the time of the club's founding, the club did not immediately start in the Premier League, but instead started in the Second Division.

Although the club's presence in the Second Division made it difficult to attract a fanbase, the club under manager Sergei Yaslav managed to qualify for the Premier League within three years of its founding in 1971, and remained in the league for Yaslav's entire tenure at the club. In 1983, after Yaslav's departure from the club, Yuri Markov was appointed the manager of the club and in 1985, Kalinka was relegated to the Second Division - making this the first time the team participated in the Second Division since the 1972-73 season.

In 1990, the club was promoted to the Premier League once more and has since participated in the Premier League. In the 2001-2002 season, the club finished 4th, making this season the club's most successful finish to date. In 2017, Osip Pini, the club's owner, announced plans to expand Arena Kalinkansaney to accommodate an additional 6,000 spectators and make the ground eligible to host non-sporting events in the off-season.

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 Kalinka participated in the 2017-18 Polkopian Premier League, finishing 11th out of 16 teams.

Squad:

##       POS.        NAME.                                                   
#1       GK       Dragan Antonov
#2       GK       Yozo Valentinov
#3       GK       Bogdan Lukić
#25      DEF      Spas Ivov
#28      DEF      Kristian Marban
#4       DEF      Renat Mihaylov
#19      DEF      Feodor Hadyiev
#73      DEF      Kliment Vasilev
#50      DEF      Tihomir Kolar
#44      MID      Vanja Konstantinov
#14      MID      Afanasiy Kokot
#9       MID      Mile Lagounov
#16      MID      Henrik Yordanov
#21      MID      Nikolai Grigorieev
#30      MID      Matei Vanev
#5       FWD      Alexandr Rabutsov
#11      FWD      Vladan Kasun
#10      FWD      Ilia Kovačić
#13      FWD      Duro Petrović

[Turori]

Could Presidential Elections present opportunity for Mumau Atla-Siioai?

Football Association of Turori Annex, Almintora, Turori :: Mumau Atla-Siioai, the President and Director of the Football Association of Turori, settled in for the start of the day by reading some of the international headlines from around the Atlantian Oceania region.

Ever since taking the job in charge of the Football Association of Turori, Atla-Siioai has had to attend to matters he never would have previously thought of being involved in. The cyclical competitions between Turori's National Citizen Squad and Turori's National Cocoabo Squad have been great for marketing and ticket sales but have increased the Directors workload by more than double - not only have to interface with twice as many national teams and coordinate logistics just the same, but then there is all the additional overhead surrounding de-conflicting which squad would play which match, maintaining the appearances of integrity and fairness in competition and even down to the complications of outfitting and merchandising a squad full of Cocoabo.

Swiping pages on the Canterlot Daily Journal, Atla-Siioai found an interesting article regarding the Elections for the President of the World Cup Committee, and how Princess Cadance would be standing as a candidate on behalf of the Equestrian States. Officially 'Her Highness Princess Cadance, Empress of the Crystal Empire and Princess of Equestria', is hoping to project a more positive opinion of the World Cup Committee in the hopes of being selected to run the whole shabang, as her countrymate Beautiful Game, president of the Equestrian Hoofball Association, as previously describe the presidency of the World Cup Committee as a "Totally, Completely Pointless" position.

The article also mentioned that it was likely that the candidates being favored for the presidency were likely to be from the Equestrian States, Starblaydia and Vilita. That's when Atla-Siioai got to pondering. The Equestrian States, Starblaydia and Vilita. Otherwise known as a nation within stones throw of Turori and two others barely a hop beyond that away. Did the World Cup Committee not see Turori as a nation worthy of nominating a Presidential Candidate? Even in a time when it is clear they preferred a representative from the heart of Atlantian Oceanian. Turori were right there. Why not them?

Mumau Atla-Siioai considered writing a strongly worded letter. He even went so hard as finding his official Football Association of Turori letterhead, which he rarely used anymore. Then he got to thinking. Before he complained about Turori's exclusion from the proceedings, he should probably put together a plan - just in case someone changed their mind and let a representative from the Football Association of Turori stand in such elections - now or in the future. So who would such a representative be?

If the nomination of Princess Cadance of Equestria was any example to go off of, it might be someone like Noa-Isinao Wioaoui, the President of the Cocoabo Preservation Society. Who would the Vilitans be nominating? If they were taking it seriously they might go for someone who breaths footsport through and through. Perhaps someone like Aranora Jaded or Nycflala Kater. Or maybe if they were going to try to follow in the Audioslavian footsteps they might look towards Kater's progeny Nikkii host of the hit show Garbage Time with Nikkii Kater who might know less about actually running a federation or committee but plenty about reaching out to the public and rallying support to a cause. Or perhaps a corporate face like Dr. Hamonii from Tropicorp or the head of Toys '4' All.

Atla-Siioai considered contacting the team at twii.tur, Turori's most successful 'new age' company for some ideas or even to consider candidates for the role. Then the former Turoki United goalkeeper realized how far ahead of themselves they had gotten; decided to reset and start things simple.

Mumau Atla-Siioai pulled out their own resume, and began to review.

Atla-Siioai had spent 20 seasons as a professional Footballer, the majority of that time spent with Vilitan club Turoki United. Atla-Siioai was one of the top goalkeepers in the multiverse at their prime and led the surprising Turoki United squad to back-to-back Vilitan Stellar Division championships despite a squad of mostly local players and a relatively low budget compared to their competitors such as Jungle Strike FC. Atla-Siioai also led Turoki United to the Fifty-Third UICA Champions Cup final and the Fifty-First UICA Globe Cup Final.

Upon retirement from the playing squad, Mumau Atla-Siioai was immediately named head coach of the Turori National Team for the 62nd Cup of Harmony after the Eels had failed to qualify for World Cup 70. Under Atla-Siioai's leadership, the Turori National Team would win the Cup of Harmony for the first time in the modern era, defeating Baruna 1-0 After Extra Time at the Estadio Nacional in Felix.

By World Cup 74, Mumau Atla-Siioai had graduated up the ranks from National Team manager to Director of the entire Football Association of Turori. Upon taking over the directors role, Mumau Atla-Siioai immediately injected new life into the Football Association, coming up with new ways to inject energy and excitement into the every day proceedings of the Turori National Team without sacrificing quality on the pitch. Amongst Atla-Siioai's many efforts and campaigns as Director of the Football Association of Turori, some of the biggest hits included the Turori National Team kit competition which was ultimately won by a pair of designs from Schottia along with an alternate submission to be produced by Schottian kitmaker SchottSport. The move allowed the Turori National Team to gain a foothold in a footsport-loving nation outside of Atlantian Oceania as well as increasing ticket sales with no adverse effects felt on the pitch.

Atla-Siioai did also institute measures to improve the product on the pitch. It didn't take long for Atla-Siioai to begin 'encouraging' the Turori National Team to return to the Karela-like tactics that had led them to Quarter Final appearances in nearly all of the World Cup's in the 20's, and perhaps a return to the solid defensive tactics that had served the National Team well then, and served so well for Atla-Siioai's Turoki United squads.

Of course it was during the 69th Cup of Harmony that Atla-Siioai really made the biggest splash, opening the door to Turori's native Cocoabo to actually participate and represent Turori on the internationstatal stage. Many thought it was just a publicity stunt when first announced, and that there wasn't much to lose giving the Cocoabo a run out in the Cup of Harmony. But Atla-Siioai had done their homework, watching the Cocoabo train under the guidance of Tropicorp Scientists and Cocoabo Preservation Society caretakers in the Cocoabo Forest. Atla-Siioai knew the Cocoabo would be more than just a small blip on the marketing and media tour. The Cocoabo would take the Turori National Team to a third place finish in Cup of Harmony 69 and kick off a new era of Turorian footsport, with Citizen vs. Cocoabo squad competitions packing fans into seats even against the most unheard of nations during World Cup Qualifying events and ultimately leading to a return to the World Cup Quarter-Finals in World Cup 80 for the Turori National Team.

Should the Turori National Team under Mumau Atla-Siioai's leadership get one step further, to a first ever Semi-Final appearance in the World Cup - would that be enough to convince Atla-Siioai that it was time to move on to even bigger, even better things? Such as a challenge for the presidency of the World Cup Committee itself?

Atla-Siioai put down the resume and looked at the clock. What a distraction that was, swiping the desktop clean, standing up and getting on with their day.

[Siovanija and Teusland]

’The goal has gone in, and Julian Fehr is absolutely furious with his backline here. Thibaea have scored 2 goals just 4 minutes apart, and they’ve managed to pull level with Siovanija and Teusland now 2-2 in this first half,’

Ludwig Reichwein, standing at the centre line now, glanced over his shoulder to see the scene in the Goldhorns’ half. Fehr was furious, alright, and Reichwein could almost see smoke coming off him.

So far, his second cap had not gone exactly the way the young TSV Marzig man had wanted. His first touch of the game had resulted in a turnover, and his first shot was quite a distance wide. He’d snatched at least 2 chances already, and mistimed a run that saw a great chance called offside.

Luckily for Ludwig, he’d been bailed out so far by the men beside him. Ivo Romanov scored a wonderful strike from outside the box early, while Lutz von Bergen had managed to head a ball in off an early corner. That saw the Goldhorns into a 2-0 lead, the one they had just thrown away. He didn’t want to risk a glance at the touchline. Centre forward was the position of this team that had the most depth, and it was absolutely imperative that he take his chance now.

’We’re just about ready to get back underway here, Reichwein, who needs to get involved in this game if the Goldhorns are to restore their lead, is ready to go, and so is the referee’

Reichwein touched off for Viktor Dimitrov, and moved forwards up the pitch. The ball found its way back to Thorsten Kramer, who was able to carry it up a ways. Kramer eventually passed off for von Bergen on the left wing, who dashed down the touchline. The Goldhorns were awake again now, wanting to regain their hold on the game. Von Bergen made a smart move to cut closer to the box, before finding Reichwein sitting at the top.

Ludwig spun around, putting him face to face with Jean-Luc Deniau, the Thibaean centre half who had so far had Reichwein in his pocket all match. Deniau was tougher than plenty of defenders in the Republikaliga. Reichwein, however, was tough too. He’d grown up on the streets of Wandsbek, one of Marzig’s tougher neighbourhoods. Not quite on the streets, Reichwein recalled, but nevertheless not exactly a mansion, either. He was also quite quick, a combination of traits that had come in at various stages of his career so far. Now was time to use them on the international stage.

Reichwein held his ground on the ball, his back towards goal. Deniau came to attempt to knock him off, but Reichwein stayed firm. Suddenly, he took a touch and blazed past Deniau, finally getting the best of the Thibaean man for the first time all match. Now, it was just him and the keeper. Reichwein’s shots were usually quite precise; placed into one corner or the other, or curled in. This time, however, he was taking no chances. He blasted a shot that just evaded the arm of Évrard Chappuis in the Thibaean goal, and put Siovanija and Teusland back on top, 3-2.

’Von Bergen….in for Reichwein...oh he’s beaten Deniau here, this is a real chance for the Goldhorns….YES! Ludwig Reichwein with a beautiful shot, it’s his second international goal, and it puts Siovanija and Teusland back on top just seconds after they’d given one up at the other end.’

He punched the air in front of the Goldhorns’ away support, who jumped for joy at the restoration of their advantage. The rest of the team joined in his celebrations, but there was a silent understanding that business still needed to be taken care of here. Thibaea had fought back once before already, and now was time to finish off the game.

3 goals, from the boot of Ivo Romanov, the head of Nikola Karapetrov and a late effort by Reichwein to make it 6-2 for the Goldhorns, would do just that. In the dressing room after the game, there was still a sense that business needed to be taken care of: business in the last 5 matches of Qualifiers.

[South Toronto]

Chapter 6: Look Alive

OOC: Massive RP collaboration with Main Nation Ministry, I had a lot of fun RPing this piece or RP.

Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5

Praye de Lood woke up, tired from all the matches he's been playing. At least today, he'll get a day off. Optimistic, he hoped the lads today will put in a good performance and make a push for that elusive second place. Even if they didn't make it, they still had the CoH, Someone knocked on the door persistently, and this enraged Praye de Lood. "Who the actual fuck is knocking on my door in this hour, this better be a good reason or I swear I'll fucking kill somebody today," said Praye, livid as he stormed to the front door. He opened the front door, and a letter was at his doorstep. It read:

"Gokkes toin ola marsetso fuis gulis lovben!" (Go to the market for good luck!) Praye put the letter on the floor and he jogged up the stairs to get ready. When he was dressed, he put on his shoes and walked out of his house. He unlocked his motorbike and turned on the ignition, but he almost forgot to put on his helmet. He put it on and drove out of his driveway and into the highway he lived right next to. 15 minutes later, he was at the docks in Port Decca, and he saw a plethora of market stalls. One market stall which particularly caught his attention was a stall selling tribal objects such as jewellery, statues and other miscellaneous things. "Hey, erm, how much is that necklace over there? You know, the one with the big phoenix on it," asked Praye.

The man behind the stall analysed Praye before he pointed to the one Praye wanted. "This? At the very least 500 raicyans, or $857 NSD. If you want you can get something else, but this one is the most expensive Exzapan jewellery I have currently. This necklace was made around the time Rorian Aredi died, and it was to commemorate him defeating the great and evil Althoquin. If it was in a proper government shop, this will go for at the absolute minimum price of 580,000 raicyans, or $993,830 NSD. Quite a lot of money, eh?" said the man. Praye nodded and dove into his pocket and pulled out the 500 raicyans the man requested. "500 raicyans, here you go sir. Have a good day," said Praye as he handed the man the money.

The stall keeper took the money and gave the necklace to Praye and waved at him. Nobody knew who he was, but if he was Jozy Dembele or Ni Ling Son, everybody would be all over him. It secretly infuriated Praye, but he was more of the behind of the scenes guy than scoring or assisting goals. He looked to his right and saw a local harassing what seemed to be a foreign person. The local raised his fists and tried to swing at the poor foreigner, but he was quickly held back by other stall keepers.

"I might as well go help this guy out, he looks lost. And he might have something of value I might like, so why not?" said Praye to himself as he briskly walked over to the man. He tapped the man on the shoulder, and the man turned around. "You from these parts? You are lookin' kinda lost bro," asked Praye. The man looked around and said: "Hi, my name's Jerry. I'm trying to set up a market stall, but nobody else is interested in helping me? Are the locals here usually this hostile to foreigners?" inquired Jerry. Praye winced, but he dealt with this on the daily.

"Most people in Port Decca are xenophobic as they think the illegal immigrants come here and tarnish the city's reputation, but there are some good people, but they don't really care about foreigners in the city. And that's the absolute best people, so imagine what the racists and xenophobics will act towards foreigners. And yeah, I can help you set up," replied Praye. Jerry looked down at Praye's bag and saw the Exzapan necklace. "Would you like a better one of those? If you have time to kill, you can look at some of our ones?" persuaded Jerry. "Fine, I'll come along. My name's Praye, by the way," said Praye as he submitted to Jerry. He followed Jerry until he paused, and walked over to a group of well-dressed men. Cautious, he walked over to the group and saw the tribal object. It glowed fantastically, and it made Praye consider if he should get it or not. "Holy shit, that's amazing! Is it for sale or...?" questioned Praye.

The group of men all looked at each other as if they were completing a step in their plan. It made Praye uncomfortable, why wouldn't they just speak and let him know if it was for sale or not? An awkward silence was ended by the men whispering to each other, perhaps forgetting that Praye could hear and see them whispering. Finally, after quite some time, the men stopped whispering amongst themselves and turned to face Praye. "Of course, it's for sale," said a man as he stepped forward and shook Praye's hand.

"The name is Ivo Seth, and I can tell you are interested in my relic. Well, this relic that you see here came from an island only a couple of hundred miles from here. As you can see here, the quality of this relic is clearly over a million in NSD, and that's if we're being nice and we want to get rid of it. I would make 100% profit if you were to purchase it, as I only had to trade this for some cocoa beans. The fool that traded me the relic had no idea it could be worth millions!" said Ivo Seth. A couple of his men laughed before they allowed him to continue.

"I assume that if you remove this bone on the top on this relic it causes some 'complications'. Judging by the design, if one would remove the bone, it could cause bad luck, and I am sure you do not need any more bad luck, considering you have extremely poor stamina and you are quite injury prone. We wouldn't want you burning yourself out and pulling, say, a calf muscle and miss the rest of the qualifiers? By the way, we do keep up with all the groups in the qualifying stage, so that's how I know if you were going to ask," stated Ivo Seth, as he held the relic in front of Praye's face.

Finally, Praye gave in to the temptation and said: "Alright, I don't have that much money on me, but I have some at my friend's house, I can pay you like 1-2 million for it but no more, or this deal is done". "I just need relics so I can sell them on for a big profit if I ever end up in financial difficulty. Thinking ahead is key, you see," replied Praye. The men gathered to discuss the potential deal and came to an agreement.

"Okay, that price range is satisfactory, this is a unique and rare relic, after all, we wouldn't want to be selling it for anywhere under our asking price. Well, you may take us to your friend to retrieve the money, this marketplace is a very hostile environment for us foreigners, we wouldn't want to drag too much attention to ourselves," replied Seth. Praye realised he took his motorbike, and he could only fit around 3 people on it.

"Not to be a buzzkill, but the rest of your guys are going to have to take the bus, and you can ride with me on my motorbike. I'll show you the bus stop and I'll drive in front of the bus. The bus stops right outside his house, just listen out for the words 'Sailor's Grove', and prepare to get off. Oh, and the things you see on that bus, it's normal here. Teens have fights here daily, and it mostly reeks of weed, or marijuana if you're not up to date with the new slang for drugs. The bus is just like a zoo exhibiting the worst of the worst, but you'll be alright," said Praye. He looked around the corner, and a double-decker blue bus came speeding.

"The bus!" one of the men yelled as they ran to the bus stop. Praye watched as they were pushed out of the way by a rather questionable looking female before they boarded the bus. "Well, they're going to have a lot of fun, let's see who's going to survive the longest. Hop on Seth, and don't talk to me while I'm driving, it's against the law here," said Praye, as he motioned for Ivo Seth to sit down. He stapped on his helmet and waited for Seth to do his up.

"Aw to hell with it, hold on tight!" shouted Praye, as the motorbike zoomed off. He made a turn to drive in front of the bus and followed the root to his friend's house. 15 minutes later, he arrived at the bus stop and waited for the bus to come. It followed shortly, and the group of men looked traumatised. Praye went up to the door and banged three times on the door. A person, who looked and sounded like a teen, opened the door.

"Come in," said the person as he walked into the living room. Praye shortly followed, as did the rest.

"Yo Zeo, where's the money I left here?" asked Praye. Zeo paused for a moment, thinking of where he put it before he finally replied: "It's upstairs under my bed, I'll go get it for you". He looked at the men, and asked: "Who are these guys?".

"It is none of your concern, sir. Please do hurry up and collect your friend's money so we can finish this deal off," snapped Seth.

There was a knock at the door. Had someone been forgotten? "Jerry, could you answer the door please," asked Praye. Jerry ran to the door and opened it, and all the men were shocked. There was a man who stepped in the doorway, and he said:
"I came because I figured that you were planning on trying to sell it". Praye was confused, did the relic belong to the other guy somehow? He walked into the living room, where everybody else was.

"This person is a tribe member who gave us this relic you're trying to purchase. He is a true native and he can tell you how valuable this relic really is. This man can confirm that this rare relic has a total value of-" said Seth before he was cut off by the native.

"What he tells you are lies, it is worth 5 of any currency. So 5 raicyans here in South Toronto. He was going to make you pay millions for something that we can make in under 5 minutes. It is made out of wood we carved from the trees near our village, and the bone on top? A bone of the cow. You were about to be scammed, my friend," said the tribal member. Praye couldn't believe it. He'd almost paid this man a million NSD for a DIY thing that can be made with the simplest of technologies. He glared at Seth menacingly and called out to Zeo to not bother bringing the money down. The tribal member went on exposing Seth, and Seth demanded who sent the tribal member. He held the tribal member by the shirt, but then stopped as he felt something. He was wearing a wire. Praye was as confused as he could be, but that would soon change. Another knock on the door and Jerry went to go open it. The door flung off its hinges and Jerry screamed and ran into the living room as several soldiers from Main Nation Ministry were dressed in white and black uniforms, and were armed with assault rifles. Praye de Lood was petrified, even leaking himself in the process of the soldiers entering.

"We are terribly sorry for this. We hope that you all spread out to give us some space for the Leader," said one of the soldiers. Praye de Lood obeyed the soldier's instructions but realised these were soldiers from another country. Their Leader entered, and he looked like a teenager with murderous tendencies with his eccentric purple and his outfit which damn near looked like a straightjacket.

"Huh. Nice place that you're doing this transaction at. The locals were a bit mean until you show them that you're not to be agitated. But damn, I'm not coming back here again, this city is a hellhole. Anyways, I'm terribly sorry for this, sir. You probably have so many questions, because I can explain everything if you wish," their Leader said. Praye de Lood's mind was completely blown, and Zeo came downstairs to soldiers in his living room.

"WHERE THE FUCK IS MY FUCKING DOOR?! GODDAMN FOREIGNERS, STICK TO YOUR TOURIST CITIES LIKE AREDIA, YOU FUCKING WANKERS! JUST GET THE FUCK OUT OF MY HOUSE, ALL OF YOU," shouted Zeo as he stormed downstairs.

"Oh, we didn't know this is where you live. Sorry," said one of the soldiers.

"Calm down boys, long story short, this sleazebag neglected a safety violation in his own oil rig, and knew a terrorist was going to blow it up. He's damaging the reefs searching for simple materials for his own benefit. While all the inhabitants of Kahe Island tried to escape, while knowing of their boss's corruption scheme, our CEO of TrenchSea knew that the transport of information to each other was going to be risky, so he let them die, knowing that evidence will still end up gone!". Jerry and the other businessmen were evidently disgusted by Ivo Seth, and Jerry was livid.

"You what?! All of the stuff we have been doing and you knew that we were just your tools?! How could you?! I hope you rot in hell you sicko!" said Jerry before he was escorted out of the living room.

"Looks like they are all going back to that cargo ship that is docked at the port. Port Decca is it called? They are going to travel once again for better business opportunities. Oh well. I already want you dead so badly that I'm going to let these two nice locals decide your fate. Go ahead, boys. Should we smash his watermelon of a head in your nice apartment or shall we have him piss off the locals, so they can rip him to shreds?" their Leader said, seemingly showing that he wants Ivo Seth dead.

"Take him to downtown, he'll be dead within the next 2 hours. It's like a 10-minute drive. Or if you have a helicopter, it'll be two minutes. I suggest you take him to your nation and publicly execute him, that'll teach him and others, a lesson," stated Praye, with a robotic voice.

"Even better, tell everyone in Aredia that he killed innocent animals and was severely harming the environment. They'll come flocking in the thousands, this cunt doesn't deserve a burial. They will most like trample him, but it's okay, you guys can finish him off if you want," suggested Zeo.

"What a lovely suggestion! You know, I find this man's situation ironic. Causing a xenophobic militia to start on that island and he happens to die by the same type of people. The ones who despise the foreigners by...what was that word? Discrimination? Is that the right word? Marginalization? Wait, I know the right way to describe it. Distrust." their Leader explained, as a soldier went up to Ivo Seth and put him in a chokehold. Seth fell unconscious and collapsed to the floor. "We will add a sandwich board on him to really have everyone enjoy the fun, and we'll add some dogs in there as well to clean up the mess," he continued, as Seth's unconscious body was dragged out of the apartment. The tribal member left also, seeing how he fulfilled a promise for Kahe Island. "Keep the relic for yourself. It's worthless, really. Oh, by the way, hope ya'll qualify. These locals are savage, they need to celebrate something significant or I believe they'll cause riots in the streets. Ta-ta." their Leader said, closing the door that had been kicked open.

Right before kickoff, Ivo Seth's remains were scattered outside Victory Road. Praye de Lood kept the relic for good luck and went into the VIP section to watch South Toronto's next match.

"Target eliminated, he died a slow and painful death. That's what that cunt gets for getting people to break down my door! Christina. Who is next on the hit list?" asked Zeo. Christina shrugged her soldiers and replied: "I don't know, but Ellen Yakniok won't be president of South Toronto any longer...

[Qusmo]

QNT holds New Gazi in impressive defensive display

Qusmo preserved a clean sheet in New Gazi to earn an important point in an away fixture.

Qusmo has had good form of late, as they have opened the second half of their qualifying campaign with a four-match unbeaten streak; they have not conceded since Matchday Nine. “Yes, I thought it was a good performance, overall,” affirmed manager Avarn-Oxolt Ban. “There were some chances we probably should have finished off, but our defense did a fantastic job today - as I’ve come to expect over the course of this qualifying campaign. The best-case scenario for us was a win, of course, but we’ll take all the points we can get.”

After using the same Starting XI in their last two matches - a 3-0 Matchday Eleven home win over Axuva & a 2-0 Matchday Twelve win in Savalen - Avarn-Oxolt decided to make three changes to the squad for the match in New Gazi. “We had a great win over New Gazi on Matchday Four, & we wanted to make the squad reflect what worked the first time against these opponents. That’s why we made those changes; the players we rotated out have done really well, especially of late. It wasn’t a decision based on their poor form or results; I just had a lot of confidence in the players I put on the pitch. & I still do.”

However, some may question that assessment. After scoring five goals in the past two matches, including two in an away fixture against a two-time World Cup qualifier, Qusmo was unable to score against New Gazi. The defense - which was left unchanged - performed well, but replacing three of Qusmo’s five midfielders - including both of those which played on the sides of the pitch & the central midfielder with the most advanced role on the pitch - may have hurt the team’s chemistry going forward.

Avarn-Oxolt seemed to recognize this & change course in the second half, as a goal eluded the Qusmi’y, however; all three of the substitutes they used were starters in the prior two matches. They denied that was the case, maintaining instead that “I have confidence in all of our players, & I know that whoever I put on the pitch will perform well. We needed some fresh legs, & I trusted my substitutes to play well & secure points for us. That’s to say nothing about the players I substituted off the pitch today.”

That said, Qusmo did do well in New Gazi. The team’s 2-1 win over New Gazi on Matchday Four was an upset; after all, New Gazi was ranked twenty-ninth in the multiverse & had participated in World Cup 80, while Qusmo was ranked eighty-first after placing seventh of ten in their qualifying group. Achieving another result would be difficult, especially away from the home crowd in Qanz. Qusmo’s defense made it happen.

“I’m really pleased with how the unit has been playing,” Avarn-Oxolt glowed. “We’ve never conceded twice in the same match, & we’ve kept eight clean sheets. Half of those have come in the past four matches. This group really has seemed to get better as we’ve gone on in the campaign. I think this is the best our defense ever has played, actually. I remember the qualifying campaign for the last cycle, & I know how we performed then. We had as many goals in a single match as we’ve had from all thirteen we’ve played so far - & that happened in two different matches last cycle. We’ve shown other teams that we’re a tough team to play, & we’re a worthy challenge to anyone. We’re not going to let anyone walk over us. We’re going to fight, & we’re going to battle - &, over half the time in this campaign so far, we’re going to win.”

Indeed, Qusmo has been doing much better in the qualifying campaign for this edition of the World Cup than that of the last cycle. Qusmo currently sits in third of ten in the Group 9 table at twenty-four points, only two behind second-place Polkopia for a playoff spot. In the previous cycle, Qusmo finished seventh, & they managed only twenty-two points over the course of the entire campaign. It is enough for some to question whether Qusmo might push for a place in the Free Republics & Banija.

“I don’t really look that far ahead,” insisted Avarn-Oxolt. “We still have five matches left to play, including against some really difficult opposition. Three of our opponents have qualified for a World Cup before. In fact, looking at the table, if you exclude ourselves & New Gazi, we will be playing the rest of the top six of the table. It’s going to be a very tough stretch, & we don’t have any margin for error at all; after all, we’re two points back of just a playoff spot. We can’t take anything for granted. We can’t let up. We’re going to return to Qusmo to play Karulicja, we’ll try to pick up three points, & then we’ll go from there.”

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

Group 9                            Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Valanora                         13   10   1   2    37   18  +19    31
 2 Polkopia                         13    8   2   3    24   19   +5    26
 3 Qusmo                            13    7   3   3    19    5  +14    24
 4 New Gazi                         13    7   2   4    22   16   +6    23
 5 Eastfield Lodge                  13    6   4   3    22   13   +9    22
 6 Karulicja                        13    6   1   6    26   22   +4    19
 7 Savalen                          13    6   1   6    19   18   +1    19
 8 Rakivland                        13    2   4   7    24   27   −3    10
 9 Axuva                            13    2   1  10    13   38  −25     7
10 Nuadh-Alba                       13    0   3  10     8   38  −30     3

QNT holds New Gazi in impressive defensive display
New Gazi 0–0 Qusmo
Hosted in New Gazi

---

GK  Xynat-Evela Cuf
CB  Cunix-Betva Tla
CB  Zenon-Gerol Kal
CB  Yelto-Alfan Ono
CM  Yamaj-Blonz Jok
CM  Ilinx-Kepex Zev
AM  Ilinx-Vulav Ixi
70’ Gavax-Nenzi Abe
LM  Helek-Nenzi Ono
75’ Kynda-Sevet Pec
RM  Ilinx-Iblix Tla
57’ Forzu-Nirlo Uzo
SS  Paliv-Xilit Max
ST  Prant-Pertz Gor

[Commonwealth of Baker Park]

I've updated my roster to reflect that I have just the one single squad now. I didn't get a chance to make a lineup, so feel free to pick out your own if the circumstances arise.

© Sporting Times Weekend 2021
Emotions high as Baker Park prepare for visit of Coldfield
by Mindy Cartwright, National Soccer Writer

The FAC Training Center in Charter Township was not a place you would expect the headquarters of a National Team with only 2 defeats in their last 18 matches since the last World Cup would feel like if you were an outsider. But there has been a lot of deep reflection and a lot of tears & emotional scenes here in the week leading up to the critical Matchday 5 contest at Newport City Stadium.

As expected, the 50 player squad that had been split into separate squads for this qualifying campaign was reduced to just 30 survivors who will be in contention for spots on the final roster, should BP survive the remaining fixtures to advance to the World Cup Finals for the second straight time.

If anyone doubted that professional soccer players don't develop close attachments to their teammates even at the national team level, the two hours prior to Monday's first training session would melt the heart of even the most cynical of supporters.

One of the less explored aspects of the Commonwealth's plunge into the mixed gender national team setup is the interpersonal relationships that have developed over time. The best example of this is the close friendship between Veronica Navarro and Lorenzo Taborn; although they came from different circumstances--Taborn, born and raised in Marshallton, was signed as a 16 year old to Westwood Sprites Youth Academy, while Navarro, who grew up in South Middletown attended University of Ezriquay, where she developed into a 2 time UAC 1st Team All Star, which led her to be signed by Hamilton Wanderers Ladies after her graduation--when they were both selected for the Baptism of Fire roster, they immediately developed a bond that has lasted. They also played together in the squad that competed in the AOCAF and were both heavily involved in this qualification cycle for Trevor Richmond's Black Squad. Neither of them made the final cut, which was probably not a surprise to either of them; they both have bright futures and a lot more international experiences ahead of them, but they consoled one another, and some of their other teammates from those previous squads they were together on and left the facility with their heads held high, and with the respect and admiration of some of their older squad mates.

"I think they are going to be a solid tandem for the national team in the midfield for years to come in the near future", offered Matt Villareal. "They have an uncanny sense of knowing what the other is going to do not just on a pass, but two or three passes ahead. They both train hard, are open to coaching and suggestion and they are both naturally gifted. I told both of them it has been a pleasure to have played alongside them and that I was a bit sorry that this might be the last time I will have to be in a squad with the two them. Mark my words, one of them is going to be the captain of this national team some day."

A few of the more notable departures among veterans in the side were the Commonwealth's all-time leading goal scorer, Ali Salih and the fifth leading scorer Ian Coverstone, as well as defender Kris Day and left wing Naroun Patel. Aside from Patel, all three had been on Pamela Scott's Gold Squad, and Salih for one gave his manager praise for her leadership. "This was the first time I'd played for Pam, and if I have the chance again, I'd play for her. She gave me more than enough opportunities to win my spot, but I'm the one who told her that if she thought Seth (Schmidt) had performed better, she shouldn't hesitate to let me go. I have been proud to play for my country for all of these years and have no regrets or complaints. Both Trevor and Dave (Carlson) spoke to me ahead of the announcement and said that this didn't mean that my international career was over."

Patel also was sanguine about his fate. "Nick (Haller) has made a huge leap since he went to Banija, and between him and Tony (Santos) there wasn't going to be room for me on the wing and in the center of midfield it was even more crowded. AB (Annabeth Westmoreland) deserves to have the spot ahead of me. She's got so much talent. I want all of my teammates to know I will be pulling for them."

[Banija]

And with today's cutoff, we'll be sticking in Uganda... With what, I believe, is officially the most popular song to ever come out of Uganda. The homeland will provide us with today's cutoff.

Of course, the real question is can you dance like these children?.

[Main Nation Ministry]

The Concepts of Hatred and Fear
A Bridge Between the Conclusion of Kahe Island and the Continuation of The Machine Of Death

The Leader flew back to Main Nation Ministry where he returned to his office, where he sat down, pouring himself a glass of water. Of course, Emmanuel Jones arrived to tell him all about the bad news about the influence and manipulation that the Machine of Death had caused. "Sir, we need to do something about that wretched machine! Captain Rajmund has already found a way to make a fake version of it! Many of our men who were sacked are starting to turn against us!" Jones said, where the Leader raised a hand to silence him. "Emmanuel. My dearest general. You do realize that I have already resolve an issue. Give me some relief for once. That machine at the mall is only going to have one copy." the Leader explained, sipping his glass of water.

"Jones. I have a question. If a man causes a problem for others, would they die by that same problem that they caused?" The Leader asked, wondering how Ivo Seth had died back in South Toronto. FED TO DOGS would have appeared as Seth's death prediction from the machine of death, if he tried it out. The Leader was waiting for the Foreign Imports to send him a copy of Ivo Seth's corpse on the cover of one of the news articles in South Toronto. It was true that the machine had caused the fate of others to change, some good and some bad. Of course, it could be used for evil. "I imagine one simple thing such as a butterfly effect, sparking the fuse for something horrible. Isn't that how it works?" The Leader asked Emmanuel Jones, who seemed confused. The Leader could have simply dragged Ivo Seth back to Main Nation Ministry, so he can make sure his death was cruel and unusual. However, the Leader made sure that Seth died more quicker than expected. The Leader started to grin a bit at that thought.

"What did you do back at Kahe Island?"
"Me? I got Shell's flash drive that he swallowed. Had to pump his stomach to get it."
"And what did you find?"
"Proof to convince the locals of South Toronto to kill him. They were going to kill him, if I didn't arrive. Though, I think I spared the ones who were being used. Don't you agree."
That phrase was cutting into Jones mind, like a spike being impaled. "How are the people of South Toronto? You mention the locals?"
"They were just like the FKF. Xenophobic towards foreigners. Jones, we live in a world where there are just some people that to our eyes seem more sick and cruel than us. And they have the nerve to not call themselves dictatorships. The world is full of cruel irony. Every mistake that every victim suffers from changes fate."

"How about we change the topic? The smuggler who was working for FKF has been assassinated by one of our top agents. He was out fishing near Main Nation Ministry, where they killed him and tossed his body into the seas." Jones said, feeling uncomfortable even though this is the Leader he's talking to. "Jones, what is your opinion on the Machine of Death. If I was curious about how I would die. Would I be afraid at what I say. Just be paranoid at what happens?"

"Sir..I don't want you to use the machine. Not before you said that statement. And not after you said it. Could you promise me that?" Jones asked the Leader. "I can't guarantee. But I will always attempt to resist that temptation." The Leader said, smiling at Jones. "Life can be horrible, but at least we still know how to survive."

[Turori]

Cocoabo Concede ending Turori's 800-minute Clean Sheet

Kionao Minor Field, Kionao, Turori :: The Turori National Team have finally been scored upon after an especially Karelan streak came to an end at the Kionao Minor Field against Guadalajara. It had been a combined eight games without conceding a single goal for the Turori National Team with six of those eight matches having been contested by Turori's National Citizen Squad who thus far in World Cup 81 Qualifying have given up just a single goal - ironically, also to Guadalajara on Matchday 3. Every other goal conceded by the Turori National Team during the qualification campaign has been done thus far by a Cocoabo Squad that has seemingly struggled to keep things tight defensively.

The streak began on Matchday's four and five with a pair of perfectly executed Karelan victories over Central Shaneville and Beepee. Timi'sala Koarena scored the game winner for the Eels against Central Shaneville in the 61st minute of a match that otherwise saw very little action on either side of the pitch with a grand total of four shots on target and seven corner kicks taken during the entire 90 minutes of play. Colonial Sile's experienced netminder G.Q. Disterfred II kept the clean sheet though admittedly had very little to do on the night. It would be more of a test for Cedniavella Turori's Wiyauw An'maude in goal for the match against Beepee facing twice as many shots as Disterfred had the match before and having to orchestrate the defense of twice as many corner-kicks as well. In the end it was a second consecutive 1-0 victory thanks to the efforts of Inamari Altariiz scoring in the 79th minute to keep the Turori National Team ahead in the Group 1 table as the Citizens went on break and handed things back over to the Cocoabo Squad.

Despite their relative struggles early on, conceding four goals in the opening two matches, the Cocoabo were able to pick off right where the Citizens had left off contesting one of their best matches of the campaign against Michine winning 4-0 to keep the shutout streak going for another game. For a while it looked like it might be a third straight 1-0 victory as well for the Turori National Team as Cocoabo #60's first minute tally held as the only mark on the scoreboard for over an hour of play before Cocoabo #91 finally scored a second goal. Cocoabo #58 and Cocoabo #62 rounded out the scoring for Turori in the final ten minutes of the match. While the Cocoabo were able to extend the Clean Sheet streak to four games by holding New Lusitania and the Algarves goalless on Matchday seven, it would come at a cost as the Cocoabo Squad could not find the back of the net with the match ending in a truly Karelan 0-0 draw. It was a critical result in the Citizen v. Cocoabo standings as the Cocoabo had now played one more game than the Citizens but trailed them in the campaign long standings by one point, 9-8.

When the Citizen Squad returned they picked up right where they had left off with a smashing 4-0 victory over Jeckland that saw Nua'oma Aikiki open the scoring with their first career goal in the 31st minute. Within another 10 minutes after that Turori were up 3-0 thanks to goals from Daliora Toru'u and Inamari Altariiz. Turori finally converted on one of their seven corner kicks in the 58th minute through a Mikki Mayelli header, equalling their best result of the campaign. It would be the perfect start to a four-match run for Turori's National Citizen Squad and they would maintain the clean sheet streak impressively throughout the entire stretch. Following the statement victory over Jeckland it was a trip on the road to Ndaku. Once again, just as it was against Jeckland, it was the half-hour mark that proved to be the moment of impetus for Turori's National Citizen Squad, with Kigaoua Oalalka and Meldi'ita Mungwaii netting in quick succession to upend the home side and extend Turori's Clean Sheet streak to six games and the Turori National Team's unbeaten streak to 9 games as the Qualifying Campaign reach its mid-schedule break.

After the break it was back on the road for Turori and it was the Citizen Squad still up to bat as they travelled to Valladares. The Cocoabo Squad had already taken care of the Valladars on the opening matchday and as Turori's biggest on-paper threat to qualification for the World Cup 81 Finals, victory was the most important thing on the day - clean sheet or not. Remarkably, the Eels got both on the day as the ageless wonder G.Q. Disterfred was a bit busier stopping a slew of shots from the home side who were chasing the game after Mirana Gotuai's early opener and Kentu Umaka'a follow up on the quarter hour mark that meant Turori played much of the match with a 2-0 advantage. As the home side desperately pressed to get back in the game, Turori sealed the three point just short of the hour mark as Inamari Altaraiiz gave the home fans permission to start packing it in and go home early.

The Citizen Squad ended their stretch and their contributions to the clean sheet streak in Petrovskia on Matchday 11 and once again it was Mirana Gotuai opening the scoring inside the opening ten minutes. Petrovskia put up a strong fight however maintaining large stretches of possession and challenging the defense with Disterfred, making their third consecutive start in goal, having to work enough for it that they were likely looking forward to the three match break that awaited the Citizen Squad. FC Almintor youngster Nua'omo Aikiki netter their second career internationstatal goal in the second half to complete the 2-0 victory as the Turori National Teams combined clean sheet streak reached eight games.

Unfortunately, that would be the last chapter in the clean sheet streak as the more attack-minded Cocoabo Squad took things over from there as they squared off against Gudalajara at the Kionao Minor Field in Kionao, home to the Kionao Locals. While the result on the day was exactly what both the Cocoabo and the Turori National Team needed, a victory, the Clean Sheet streak was officially over with Gudalajara's 38th minute tally. It was still a big day for the Turori National Team as the Cocoabo would stretch things out for a comfortable 4-1 victory while Turori's nearest challenger, New Lusitania, fell to a shock home defeat at the hands of Michine, bringing Michine back into the thick of the battle for the second position in the group and a potential World Cup 81 playoff game and at the same time allowing the Turori National Team to stretch its lead at the Top of Group 1 to six points.

[Indusse]

Group 6
Ceskaar 0–1 Tarper
Kelssek 1–0 Santa Rafa
Farfadillis 3–1 Super-Llamaland
Semarland 0–1 Indusse
Tobria 0–1 Aggrey-Fynn Land

Group 6 Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Farfadillis 14 12 1 1 38 12 +26 37
2 Indusse 14 10 2 2 33 18 +15 32
3 Super-Llamaland 14 9 2 3 41 19 +22 29
4 Aggrey-Fynn Land 14 7 2 5 29 20 +9 23
5 Semarland 14 6 3 5 28 19 +9 21
6 Kelssek 14 6 3 5 25 27 −2 21
7 Santa Rafa 14 6 1 7 20 20 0 19
8 Tarper 14 2 2 10 8 31 −23 8
9 Tobria 14 2 1 11 20 40 −20 7
10 Ceskaar 14 1 1 12 5 41 −36 4

World Cup Runner Ups Table

As a reminder to the World Cup 81 Qualification format. Each group winner, plus the top 3 runner-ups, will qualify directly to the World Cup Finals. Then the other 16 runner-ups will qualify for the World Cup Qualification playoffs, which will be seeded, with the 8 playoff winners filling the tournament's final berths. For the rest of qualifying, I will provide a table of the runner-ups, so people can see where runner-ups are in relation to one another, to see who is on track to qualify directly, who is on track to be seeded, and who is on track to be unseeded for the World Cup Qualification Playoffs.

Runner-Ups Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts
Automatic Qualifiers(if Qualifying ended today)
2 Mercedini 14 13 0 1 54 17 +37 39
2 South Covello 14 12 2 0 31 3 +28 38
2 Qasden 14 11 2 1 39 16 +23 35
______________________________________________________________
Playoff Seeds(if Qualifying ended today)

2 Baker Park 14 11 2 1 37 14 +23 35
2 Drawkland 14 11 1 2 47 13 +34 34
2 Eshan 14 11 1 2 46 14 +32 34
2 Tinhampton 14 11 1 2 23 4 +19 34
2 Savojarna 14 9 5 0 30 13 +17 32
2 Saltstead 14 10 2 2 23 7 +16 32
2 Damukuni 14 10 2 2 37 22 +15 32
2 Indusse 14 10 2 2 33 18 +15 32
_____________________________________________________
Unseeded Playoff Teams(If Qualifying ended today)

2 Apox 14 9 4 1 30 9 +21 31
2 Abanhfleft 14 10 1 3 28 15 +13 31
2 Sargossa 14 9 3 2 43 19 +24 30
2 New Lusitania 14 9 2 3 31 10 +21 29
2 Juvencus 14 8 5 1 35 16 +19 29
2 Audioslavia 14 8 5 1 19 5 +14 29
2 Polkopia 14 9 2 3 27 20 +7 29
2 North Prarie 14 7 5 2 38 27 +11 26

Infused defeats semarland 1-0 again and continues its winning cycle the goal was an own goal and the team is inviting semarland team to visit us.


-NSNET

[Nephara]

Nephara 4 - 0 Cheergirls
(4-2-3-1) 1 - Taliadoros; 2 - Sanger, 22 - Thorn, 6 - Steelhenge, 3 - Vicelich; 4 - Carrow (23 - Misidjan 60'), 8 - Brandtner; 13 - Saroszi, 21 - Montag, 16 - Porter; 17 - Wolff (10 - Cathar 72')
Goals: Montag 23', Brandtner 41', Saroszi 66', Cathar 87'

THE HERALD
NEVAEH CATHAR DOES NOT GIVE A DAMN ABOUT LEGACY
Erik Waldemar

"Look, I can say this now that he's several countries away - my father is a fucking insane man. Trust me. He is a mentalist. Look at my name, for fuck's sake. For 18 years - eighteen bloody years! - I think it's some Hebrew thing, you know, there was that whole Jewish renaissance thing thirty years ago, maybe it was part of that. Nuh-uh. 'Vae,' he tells me, 'that's your name because it's backwards for 'heaven' and your old ma, God rest her soul, thought it was sweet.' And then I threw a plate at him and he laughed."

These are the first words that Nevaeh Cathar has ever said to me. I have barely taken my seat at the small Corvistone cafe ("bullshit fake city," she claims) and find myself rather at a disadvantage. I introduce myself and think to make a connection; I once interviewed her father after his title win with Caza, as a manager. These words were poorly chosen. The interview is over. I am left with the cheque.

Still, while Cathar's abrasive personality makes her an unforgiving interviewee, she is still a compelling figure, brusque and prickly where her father was and is shouty and mercurial. Her work ethic in training is said to be unrelenting, her standards high. She demands results from herself and those around her, and judging by her current frame, criticism of a lack of physicality in her career has been dealt with.

Thrown on in the last two matches off the bench, she's got two goals to her name - five in all this cycle, twelve for her international career. There could, maybe should have been more, but Brandon seemed determined to look away for a time. It was true that Cathar tended to burn bridges in her youth, but now she seems a far more aggressively-grounded player. She has channeled her emotions more productively, and while she's still a notoriously selfish forward, her fearless pressing from the front has unsettled nervy defences, discouraged them from playing out from the back and getting comfortable.

It would have been nice to hear from the player herself about her international renaissance. Perhaps she feels she'd thrive in a strike partnership alongside Hawke, rather than replacing her to keep beaten opponents honest. If accusations of being a flat-track bully irritate her - after all, these goals have generally not come against the tougher opposition, and her impressive tally in the Farfish league has come... well, in the Farfish league, which while uncompromising and of a high standard, is certainly a striker-friendly environment. But to speculate, Cathar probably doesn't care. She's too busy scoring goals. Hopefully for the Cormorants, that form continues into the Cup that she's helped make more likely by the match.

NEPHARIM NATIONAL TEAM SELECTION - FORTNIGHT 8
Goalkeepers: 1 - Apostolos Tsattalios (Falourr, EUR), 12 - Andreas Swoboda (1860 Azoth, CEN), 20 - Hesterine Mercator (Tihon, CMT)
Defenders: 2 - Leona Rafford (Crisisbless), 3 - Sieglinde Lohengrin (Crisisbless), 5 - Dieter Konoval (KT Moreazerua, AUD), 6 - Dragora Steelhenge (Cornellians, SCT), 18 - Eloise Kielseng (Sabrefell Athletic), 19 - Marcin Close (Brinemouth), 22 - Roxelana Thorn (Lammerton, SCT)
Midfielders: 4 - Helmut Chilmark (Holdenberg City, EUR), 7 - Ishtar Fanaiyan (Eastweald, COS), 8 - Rusalka Klein (Crawford City FC, COS), 11 - Rowena Strongbow (Directus, EUR), 13 - Monako Saroszi (Ulsa, EUR), 14 - Chimera Moxham (Port Patrick United, SCT), 15 - Circe Rosenthal (Marionville, SCT), 16 - Marisha Staunton (Crisisbless), 21 - Konrad Gosforth (Mâ Âlâmëómë, FFD, c), 23 - Servet Misidjan (AFC Treason)
Forwards: 9 - Estrella Hawke (Sabrefell Athletic), 10 - Nevaeh Cathar (Avenida Leal, FFD), 17 - Erika Wolff (North Sabrefell)

SCHEDULE
Nephara 1 - 0 Eshan @ Farham Arena (Sabrefell)
Bongo Johnson 2 - 3 Nephara
Nephara 1 - 0 West Angola @ The Gauntlet (Treason)
Nephara 3 - 2 Busoga Islands @ Eagle's Club (Brinemouth)
Cheergirls 2 - 4 Nephara
Nephara 2 - 0 Cosneolta @ The Gauntlet (Treason)
Ancharmunn 0 - 3 Nephara
Nephara 5 - 0 Greater Libertania @ Godswatch (Crisisbless)
EOT 0 - 3 Nephara
Eshan 1 - 0 Nephara
Nephara 2 - 0 Bongo Johnson @ The Iron Hill (Vermillion)
West Angola 1 - 2 Nephara
Busoga Islands 1 - 2 Nephara
Nephara 4 - 0 Cheergirls @ Phoenix Rise (Corvistone)
Cosneolta vs. Nephara
Nephara vs. Ancharmunn @ Godswatch (Crisisbless)
Greater Libertania vs. Nephara
Nephara vs. EOT @ Farham Arena (Sabrefell)

[Beepee]

Turori 0–1 Beepee

Scorer: Max Christian ('88)

Beepee surprisingly exacted revenge over Turori in a close fought, but one-sided, battle with the Cocoabo in Turori. The victory over the world number 12, must surely go down as one of Beepee's biggest sporting triumphs.

Facing the Cocoabo in their own backyard was always going to be intimidating for the Beepeean side who were written off by many, including Spony Luq television from Qusmo whose commentators suggested that "Turori will not only not falter, but get even better as the cycle goes on, & finish atop the table without too much drama."

Well, certainly, Beepeeps love drama and the Beepeean team were ready to cause an upset.

Cocoabo Nos. 91 and 99 both performed incredibly well and oft sprinted past a lethargic Beepeean defence. But for a masterful performance by Goalkeeper Shep, the Cocoabo could have scored an easy 3 or 4 by half time. By contrast, Beepee struggled to form any significant threat. The second half had much of the same, strong Cocoabo attacks repelled by Shep.

With time running out, Beepee launched a counterattack in the 88th minute. Malade dispossessed Cocoabo 65 in midfield passing the ball to the Bolt on the left wing. As the Cocoabo rushed toward Bolt, he flicked the ball over the Patterson on the right wing, pulling Cocoabo Nos. 57 and 58 out of position and allowing Max Christian to run through to meet a weighted pass into the box from Patterson. Christian found himself in space and struck through the ball firing the ball to the top left hand corner beyond Cocoabo 86.

Beepee held on for the remaining few minutes to inflict Turori's first loss of the qualifying campaign. Turori however remain odds on favourites for 1st place in Group 1.

The result keeps Beepee in third place, only three points behind New Lusitania, although the Lusitanians have a far superior goal difference.

Beepee will however need to perform well in their remaining matches as they could still easily tumble down the table.

Group 1 Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts 
1 Turori 14 11 2 1 32 7 +25 35
2 New Lusitania 14 9 2 3 31 10 +21 29
3 Beepee 14 8 2 4 24 17 +7 26
4 Valladares 14 7 4 3 31 18 +13 25
5 Michine 14 7 3 4 15 16 −1 24
6 Jeckland 14 7 1 6 24 21 +3 22
7 Petrovskia 14 5 2 7 19 28 −9 17
 8 Ndaku 14 4 3 7 32 35 −3 15
9 Central Shaneville 14 1 1 12 8 34 −26 4
10 Gudalajara 14 0 2 12 8 38 −30 2

[Jeruselem]

Jeruselem coach Princess Chloe with young Princess (Kat) Katherine (daughter of Princess Cassie) after Jeruselem lost to DarkMania 2-1 at Dazza Dallas Stadium

Kat: Auntie, when can I be on TV like Mum?
Chloe: When you're an adult Kat, so you'll have to wait
Kat: What about playing football for Jeruselem?
Chloe: Well that's the same, if you're good enough
Kat: Am I good enough?
Chloe: I don't know, it's hard to tell at your age.

Kat: But there's a Kat out there
Chloe: Yes but she's not you. And she's an adult.
Kat: I want to be like Mum, I want be on TV
Chloe: I think you'll do very well. You talk too much
Kat: My teacher says I ask too many questions
Chloe: Yes well, your Mum had the same problem

Kat: So that's bad?
Chloe: No, it means you ask questions and don't accept everything people tell you as truth
Kat: Teachers get annoyed when I question them
Chloe: Well, don't worry. They prefer the kids to accept everything they say
Kat: Is that bad?
Chloe: Most kids are compliant like that. Don't be like everyone else

Kat: Why is that?
Chloe: Because you're a Princess. You have to make decisions for yourself when you're an adult.
Kat: Teachers say you have to follow orders
Chloe: Well, you're different. You're not an ordinary citizen, but part of the elite.
Kat: OK
Chloe: You have to be in control. You're young. You'll learn about people as you get older.

Kat: Think for yourself
Chloe: If you're part of the elite, you want to be in control.
Kat: Like you
Chloe: Well, I'm a football coach too. I'm managing all these people. And well, everything else associated. You have to be in top of things.
Kat: But we lost today.
Chloe: That's the one thing I can't control. You can't always win.

Kat: Is losing bad?
Chloe: Well, you don't want lose all the time put it that way. But you know you can't always win either.
Kat: So what's the lesson auntie
Chloe: Learn from your losses. If you always win then you don't know what you're doing wrong.
Kat: Say why Mum never played for the national team?
Chloe: She isn't a bad football player but ... she's not good enough

Kat: You never did either
Chloe: I broke my knee when I was younger and it's never totally healed properly. You can't play with that kind of handicap.
Kat: So that's why you kind of limp
Chloe: That's why I don't do a lot of running, it hurts too much
Kat: Don't worry, I'll be a good player and make the team
Chloe: Well, I hope so too.

[Blaneu]

The Cape Chronicle

---

Snellbridge Signals Turn to Youth After Important Defeat

With last night's defeat to Acronius Blaneu look like they're set for qualifying, they now lay too far adrift to consider it possible and, as a consequence, Snellbridge has signaled his intent to bring young players into the side for some experience before he picks his squad for the Cup of Harmony.

Many in Blaneu were hoping this away fixture could inject some life back into the qualifying campaign, especially after a glorious 3-1 victory over Acronius at home the last time they faced off. Back then the crowds at the Isthmus Arena were electrified by a performance that seemed to signal Blaneu's campaign kicking into life, those who made the journey to Acronius now instead saw the campaign die a death.

The result highlighted what has gone wrong in the intervening period. Paul MacDaffyd is of particular concern at the present time, his form seems to be slipping away from him and he has now not scored since the 6-4 defeat to Mattijana, a total of 516 minutes without scoring. It was also eminently clear that, whilst Caradog Gwent is commanding in defense and a talented Central Midfielder, he currently lacks Fitzstephens' ability to drive play forward and co-ordinate the front line. Apnest, the only alternative in this position, may have a lot of attacking guile, but his tactical intelligence and selfishness with the ball also makes him an inadequate replacement.

Further negatives are revealed when looking at the increasingly ropy back line. Hollands was absolutely skinned by Fontanils, who set up Pascal with an easy goal early on. Red Vernon is also increasingly looking shot, his tough defensive style seems to have transitioned from that of sturdy tackles at key points, to try to kick younger and more agile opponents off the ball. His foul on Kra gifted the opposition the freekick to make it two nil before half time.

However, there do appear to be some positives. Aaron Starkey has become much tighter in defense, looking far more confident in making tackles and breaking up attacks, his ability to generate forward momentum remains outstanding. Navarro and Davis also remain a strong point in the squad, their wing partnership has continued from the magic of their performance in the league. Finally, Gethin Powell remains outstanding, after coming on for MacDaffyd he injected some real energy into the Centre-Forward role, with a goal capping off his performance with 4 minutes left to run on the clock. He is exceptionally quick, spearheading breakaways and excellent at teeing up his team mates. It may perhaps be considered that he need another strike partner, however, as he lacks the ability to compete in the air and occasionally looks dainty when faced with a big tackle.

With just four games remaining Snellbridge has signaled his intent to bring younger players into the side. Likely in the firing line, for now at least, are centre-backs Hollands and Vernon. Neither has looked particularly capable recently, and whilst they may lack the experience MacDermot and Sketty both look like they will soon be much better players. Elsewhere and MacDaffyd will likely be replaced by Gethin Powell, some may hope Pottinger joins him at the front as a target man to provide some physicality. Tudur Aled may also gain some more caps in goal, particularly in the next game against Comind New Islands, a side who have failed to win thus far in qualifying, and hence a fixture that may afford younger players an opportunity to find their feet.

[Dreamplanet]

DREAMPLANET HANGING BY A THREAD

Despite win, Dreamplanet are 8 points off the pace.

Os Tricores seem to be fighting off death with a win despite seemingly being next up to be eliminated. Dreamplanet welcomed already-eliminated Mareibat to the Estadio Quadrados in Libon, Mareibat did not put up much of a fight but nonetheless after a couple of missed chances for Dreamplanet, Aaron Hungar finally opened the scoring right before half time to keep the unlikely World Cup Play-Off hopes alive. However after Os Tricores dropped their guard, Richard Armada was able to stun Filipe Vaz with a shot that hit the post and went in.

However the status quo did not stay for very long as Luis Silva regained the lead after pretty much doing laps around the Mareibat defence and then slotting it in for a truly classy goal, and Silva went on to get his brace with a header from a great cross. So with Dreamplanet having their second consecutive win since their dip of form and being 8 points away from 2nd place Abanhfleft, Dreamplanet only seems to be a few matchdays away from being mathematically ripped of any hopes of World Cup qualification, now with the loss of Jeruselem to Darkmania seems to have opened the door for atleast a honourable 3rd place finish as a few more Mriin and Abanhfleft could close the door on Dreamplanet and Darkmania.

Dreamplanet 3 - 1 Mareibat
(Aaron Hungar 44', Luis Silva 79', 85' - 71' Richard Armada)
Libon, 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 3-0 Dreamplanet
Wednesday September 12th - MD11: Dreamplanet 4-1 Lycrabon
Thursday September 13th - MD12: Abanhfleft 4-0 Dreamplanet
Friday September 14th - MD13: Crystalline Caverns 1-2 Dreamplanet
Saturday September 15th - MD14: Dreamplanet 3-1 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                            14   11   2   1    46   16  +30    35
 2 Abanhfleft                       14   10   1   3    28   15  +13    31
 3 Jeruselem                        14    9   2   3    33   21  +12    29
 4 Darkmania                        14    8   2   4    35   27   +8    26
 5 Dreamplanet                      14    7   2   5    30   28   +2    23
 6 Sultanate of Oontaz              14    5   3   6    16   25   −9    18  (E)
 7 Crystalline Caverns              14    4   3   7    16   23   −7    15  (E)
 8 Mareibat                         14    4   0  10    19   29  −10    12  (E)
 9 Neo-Romanum                      14    1   4   9    15   32  −17     7  (E)
10 Lycrabon                         14    1   1  12     9   31  −22     4  (E)

Qualified for World Cup
Qualified for Playoffs
Eliminated

[Ko-oren]

More firsts, and the 5-3-2 is back

The Dragonflies are still in the running for direct qualification to the World Cup, no playoffs involved. After victories over Bostopia (1-2) and Routcher (2-0) Ko-oren still holds a one point lead over South Covello, but even in the case we get overtaken, we would be among the top three runners up, which also means a neat playoff-less qualification. That said, the Dragonflies are now headed into the final stretch of the campaign, and like the first half, that means we are about to face off against the toughest opponents in the group. And you bet that they are more motivated than ever to teach us a lesson. In between matches against Togonistan (round 15) and Carloso (round 17), the Dragonflies play Kirishima (round 16) and South Covello (round 18). It does really look like it that the round 18 will be a direct match for first place - excellent scheduling, World Cup folks.

We leapfrogged Pot 2's Kirishima as a Pot 3 team, so we can be sure that they will want a moral win over us to close out what can only be a disappointing campaign. So far, we also leapfrogged Pot 1's South Covello, and the further we go, the more it looks like that match will turn into the game of the century.

In previous campaigns, the Dragonflies made it a habit to tie teams better than us - which is excellent - but then lose to teams far worse than us on paper (think Pots 8 through 10). So far, that hasn't been the case with this Ko-oren team, and even if the two remaining matches against minnows have disappointing results, we will still have done far better than we've done in the past.

As it looks now, Juliasterinthen's tactics transcend individual players and he has made the team so much better even though there's a large turnover (Through Tremendous Turnover, Trainer's Tactics Transcend The Troubled - Team's Tougher). With seven players leaving for several rounds, and then seven new players come in, essentially giving Juliasterinthen three different squads throughout the WCQ, the results have been more than stellar all the way through. And not just different personnel on the field: Juliasterinthen changed his primary style from 5-3-2 to 3-4-3 and back again. The most important thing in football, the results, didn't change. Though of course the real test has yet to come.

That said, Juliasterinthen hasn't been entirely sure of which players to line up in the last two games. It was a stroke of luck that there were two eliminated teams on the schedule, giving the staff something to work with and something to try out. On the first day, a back line with Dalton, Mizuno, Van Schelven, Zuiderberg and Humberto Cueto appeared - by far the most likely line-up given the players and their qualities. Against Routcher, however, stalwart right back Dalton moved to the left side, so Gicquel, Van Schelven, Varela, Mizuno and Dalton started - which is a five-man back line consisting of five players that were already on the squad before the strike and the recent call-ups. To those that say that Juliasterinthen doesn't care about consistency, he has managed a line-up that ticked all the boxes: 1) five players, 2) that have been on the team list all WCQ, 3) playing in their natural positions. Only the third condition was changed slightly, with Dalton switching wings. Moreover, this five-man back line was possible without any concessions to depth, as there were five substitute defenders on the bench at all times. And most importantly, the team felt completely natural with the Routcher starters, which was visible in the score line. The Dragonflies managed a win by more than a single goal again: 2-0.

Readers from elsewhere in the Multiverse might be a little weirded out with the focus on defence. Yes, there has been some turmoil in midfield and attack as well, but 1) there's a lot less turmoil in these lines and 2) defence is just the most important feature of any team. Teams focusing on attack are simply seen as naive, and attacking teams end up in the bottom half of the Ko-orenite league year in, year out.

About those firsts, promised in the title: even after nearly 25 World Cup campaigns, the Ko-orenite team manages to do some things for the first time: never before has a player, playing for a 2nd division team, made their debut for the Dragonflies. The honour went to Réré Manaudou, a player for Couziers-Olympiques, and was joined by Mark Zuiderberg (Dartha AFC) and Humberto Cueto (Castelo e Calvente CS). And be honest, our 2nd division team names have a good ring to them. 'Huthwich & Iduloren FC', from the central-western province of Gehrenna, for instance. And my personal favourite: Limecroft & Abyss FC, from Ko-oren's southern province of Surbourneshire. These are two towns near one another, the mining town of Limecroft, and a commuter town called Abyss. Originally it was called something else, in Gehrennan Ko-orenite (a native language to Ko-oren), but it was too close to the word 'Abyss' in English, and as the population started speaking English more than the original language (about 200-400 years ago), the name 'Abyss' stuck. And to many living in the region, it's a very apt name indeed.

Romantic notes about language change, toponyms and lower league football aside, the Dragonflies are in an amazing position, better than at any time since World Cup 75. We can only hope they keep it up - and we've got an amazing chance to do so.

[Darkmania]

ÖRKENDREM PAPERS

Stuck at 4th for the rest of the qualification fustrates nationalteam

Discusion article written by: Erÿk Sätbernar

---

JERUSELEM Jeruselem 1–2 Darkmania

With the 2-1 victory toward Jeruselem, it seems to be a theme toward the national darkmanian team. Win matches and keep being placed at 4th place, only 3 points away from 3rd. Its a bit frustrating for the national team that they are in what they call "an endless limbo". While the national team MAY or MAY NOT qualify, there is one thing in mind of all of them; move on the ranks to create some excitement for the darkmanian populous who are following the story the national team is creating. "How long have we been stuck at 4th place? Like since Matchweek 9? I thought we had move either up or down" The player Tërman adds. "We are now deep into matchweek 15. How long are we gonna stay in the exact place?".

Group 11                           Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Mriin                            14   11   2   1    46   16  +30    35
 2 Abanhfleft                       14   10   1   3    28   15  +13    31
 3 Jeruselem                        14    9   2   3    33   21  +12    29
 4 Darkmania                        14    8   2   4    35   27   +8    26
 5 Dreamplanet                      14    7   2   5    30   28   +2    23
 6 Sultanate of Oontaz              14    5   3   6    16   25   −9    18
 7 Crystalline Caverns              14    4   3   7    16   23   −7    15
 8 Mareibat                         14    4   0  10    19   29  −10    12
 9 Neo-Romanum                      14    1   4   9    15   32  −17     7
10 Lycrabon                         14    1   1  12     9   31  −22     4

[Tinhampton]

TFA MATCH STATPACK: Tinhampton 1-0 Cobrio
Venue: Tin Park, Tinhampton, Tinhampton

STARTING LINEUPS and their USED SUBSTITUTES:

• Tinhampton (Sweeper 5-3-2): 12. Julia ATHERTON (GK), 19. Aihlo VATUNSKA, 13. Evan MORRIS, 3. Harry PORTER (↻ 67' GEORGE), 15. Davina SALT, 16. Brian SMALL, 17. Steve CAMERON, 6. Michael YOUNG (C), 18. Jacob NORTH, 11. Ian GRAHAM, 21. Simon FORD
• Cobrio (4-1-1-1-3?): 1. Idowu CRUZ (GK), 2. Jamaal COOPER (↻ 75' BANKOLÉ), 5. Andre JOHNSON, 6. Lewis ARMSTRONG (C), 3. Garland SPENCE, 4. Sylvain PICARD, 8. Iqadi MUNROE, 10. Chijindum EKEH, 11. Maurice DELFOUR (↻ 87' LOFUKO), 9. Babatunde WARRINGTON, 7. Raymond DUPRÉ
  No players were unable to play today.

GOALS: Jacob NORTH 62'13'' (TIN).
CARDS: Yellow: Davina SALT 74' (TIN), Steve CAMERON 82' (TIN). Red: none.
INJURIES: None.
OTHER INCIDENTS: None.

---

Forays of Folly
Season 1, Episode 15: Back To Life, Back To Reality... back to life, back to reality... back to life, back to reality...

---

THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE
It was about time. The plans had been laid out. We had the same old, same old about healthcare and education and the police and mining subsidies and Transaridian hostages... wait, Transaridian hostages? Oh, yeah, right, there were also a few "tax reforms" to deal with:

Ministry of Finance Memo - handwritten, excuse the shitty quality of it all
Budget '18 - effectively solving the Transarid/debt dilemma
Each hostage is being held at the cost of one billion Multiversal Standard Dollars, or about 525 million Tinhamptonian Dollars. (This value, of course, falls if the TID rises more against MSD.) This means we need to raise about 35mil TID per year in order to free these hostages at the rate we aspire towards. Likewise, Tinhamptonian debt is currently at about TID1.2bil (MSD2.3bil), and should also be paid off ASAP to avert Tinhampton being forced to borrow money How this will work out:
---> Income tax is currently set at +1% of Tinhamptonians' income, or TID290 per annum. This currently raises TID85mil p/a. Increasing this to 5% of income would raise another TID335mil p/a, especially accounting for widespread tax evasion.
---> This increase in IT comes at a time when riots are being threatened over "austerity" and such of the like; a general strike is already planned for October the 6th. The remaining TID300mil can be used to pay off our debt in one-third, and for funding essential public services - police, fire rescue, consumer standards(?????), libraries, adult and social care... - in two-thirds.
---> Corporation tax is currently set at 8%, or TID24mil p/a. We do not believe that raising this tax, or any other tax levied by our Ministry, would be efficient or necessary. Selling off some assets, however, might be necessitated; you already know that I will not buy back Tin Mining Co shares.
---> We presume that debts will reduce until a budget surplus is run in about 2035 or so. This denecessitates the need for the Bank to print interest-free monies, which they are required to do if the deficit increases for ten consecutive years, for what would have been the first time since 1986; however, such a measure could be provisionally imposed if debt worsens through to 2020.

To Yazmin and Michael, who raised the issue of "endorsing terrorism" at our earlier meeting, I am not aware that King Bon Halal is engaging in such activities. A small price to pay for national sovereignty, right?

--- Victoria

THE UNITED CONSERVATIVE PARTY
The Budget passed by 74 votes to 72 that day. In the minuscule Douglas Arms next the River Tin betwixt Assembly and Inquisition, we now return to two completely different suspects - Chris Vassell and Harriet Evans, fifteen years ago the Foreign Minister and "Minister for Affordable Housing" respectfully (whatever Margaretforsaken post that was, anyway), but now Universities Minister and an otherwise unknown backbencher.
"No cabinet walkout, thank goodness for that," praisefully declared Vassell, "although I do have some faults with the budget we were told to pass."
"I don't need to ask you what all of that was," replied Evans. "Funding for hostages, removal of healthcare funding to some extent, subsidies, subsidies, more subsidies, and all of the other nonsense that scarcely befits the United fucking Conservatives!"
"I know, I know... it's very nonsensical," lamented Vassell again, "and we could well 'ave to fight Johnny Boy to the death once again if we are to... well, remain the Tinhampton I used to know and stop wasting money on useless mumbo-jumbo."
"And do you have any plans if the government shifts any further to the left than it has done as of late?"
"Well, 'arriet, I suppose I'll have to join Your Tinhampton! if it carries on like this. I might have to, they want no-fault divorce and all that other nonsense"

THE SOCIAL DEMOCRATIC LIST
Paul Halston didn't do random pub chats with backbenchers. OK, he did on occasions - just ask Robbie Mason if you don't believe me - but not today, for today was Budget day, and he had a speech to deliver. No surprise as to its contents - an attack on the government for "aiding and abetting terrorists," an attack on the government for "real-terms cuts to social care," an attack on the government for "failing to listen to the people of Tinhampton." That was not all - if it were, the SDL would be polling much lower than they currently were. They were, obviously, not, and so it fell to him to deliver the premier attack of the day.
Behold, a well-lit chamber some way behind the stage in the middle of Tinhampton City Centre, which was already rocking with some one in every ten Tinhamptonians... much more smelly and noisy and outright passionate than the calm-calculated atmosphere that was Backstage, with its pristine tables and its well-laid mirrors. Just then, a warning from an assistant: "OK, Paulie mate, you know what you're doing and you know whose corner you're fighting. Get out there and show 'em what their made of!" Get out there and show the government what it was made of he did.

THE TINHAMPTONIAN LIBERTARIAN PARTY
"What," asked teetotaller Daniel Steer in the creaky confines of Cabin Cottage, "is true freedom in the first place? If you are free to travel to an unfree country, then your freedom is not guaranteed, on occasions like this not even for diplomats. If you are a free person in chains abroad, you are not free as you come under their law. But what if you pay to release them? That would be a good thing, yes, as it allows this particular case to be settled and respects the sovereignty of other nations, although I remain unconvinced by the current status of the Transaridian government and whether or not virtual monarch-elect Bob Halal will make his nation freer in most if not all regards. And besides, with Mondial---"
"Come again, Danny?" inquired Libertarian deputy leader Ryan Terrence.

THE FREE DEMOCRATIC PARTY
"Fucking fucking fuckity fuck fuck! What on flipping gabadoodle did we even approve that pile of poo for?" It should be fairly obvious that Liam Peterson, former backbencher and now Health Minister, was not a very happy man by any description of the word, having been foisted into supporting it by Vanessa Davis and the conservative whips. He was thrown out of the premises of the Lesser-Spotted Leopard soon afterwards for reasons not made immediately clear.
"I thought only public sector workers were meant to be legally immune from abuse," bemoaned a man known only as Will. Was he an FDP supporter? Who knows? "Oh well," noted Davis, "perhaps it would be a good time for me to complain politely..."

THE TINHAMPTON FIRST PARTY
Adjacent to the Cabin Cottage... well, not really, but lay the New Forester's Hotel, which was a hundred and ten years old and bound to collapse in the fashion of a 2017-era Tinhampton defensive line at any moment. It was here that Nathan Ball, no relation to Fred, pronounced his intention to "ensure that Tinhampton is one of the best possible places it can be. Yes, we have sports, but we need more and we need it to be better and bolder and greater and outright spectacular! That being said, I would of course regard the utter nonsensicality of the budget, not just in terms of ignoring these important sectors but also through dodging truly important questions in favour of providing money to traitors and villains. Anything more?"
"I suppose it wouldn't hurt," pointed out one observer, "to clarify that reduction of government funding for infrastructure will dilapidate Tinhamptonian economic prospects for the foreseeable future and that Tinhampton First should therefore defend such funds?"
"Also," noted another, "how about you burn in hell, you fascist pig?!"

THE GREEN-ENVIRONMENTALIST PARTY + THE NEW INTERNATIONAL PARTY
Sure, the Green-Environmentalists were still popular, but only holding steady on the grounds that the Social Democrats had nicked most of their policies without recompensation. They, and the unwieldy mess that was the Solidarity With Immigrants/International Focus - New International Party (Alliance), met up at the Cyan Dragon Inn to have a bit of a nitter-natter "But we don't need compensation in the first place when we have capitalism!" exclaimed Henry Rach, former Environmentalist leader at the University legislature and now fully-paid-up G-EP Youth Spokesentity.
"That, or perhaps we could roll out a universal income," later pointed out Jerry Peterson, the real eco-head honcho. "After all, with
"This is a bad idea!" subsequenly wept Aaron Barkley, barely-appointed leader of the NIP. "Now think to yourself - think of all the refugees we have accepted, all banned from getting a job here in Tinhampton on the grounds that their homelands might be safe one day!"
"Yes," clarified Peterson, "but asylum seekers are banned from being employed in Tinhampton for a reason. Ever wondered why we barely have any of any description?"
"FUCK YOU, LYDIA! If anything, I think we should... we should..." Barkley was met by a cardboard cutout of Jamie Williamson, circa 1990.

YOUR TINHAMPTON!-NEW CHRISTIAN DEMOCRATIC PARTY + TINHAMPTONIAN UNION OF SOVEREIGNTISTS
The Rubber Chicken pub was not the most vibrant of places, even if it was the closest to being one of the sportiest. How Diana Knight and Liam Elliott managed to rock up there, of all of the taverns that could have done so... the chalkboard outside, in case you hadn't noticed, read "MINERS vs S. LIB'TOPIA - 1 GOAL = $1 OFF EVERY DRINK".
"I'm afraid that we can't offer you free bottles of soda any more because in preparation for the sugar tax next---"
"Fuck it, just give me two Proper Miner's at twelve quid, ta much. I think that one might have been Lid'yer Morr'son... what the fuck was she even thinking?" complained Elliott... not really a complaint, you know who and where they are in the first place. "Honest to God, I'm not even sure what the bloody whips were even thinking, I've 'eard they've told 'em bastards to vote for the resolution budget thingy!"
"At the rate they're going," drily noted Knight, "I'd hardly be surprised if Tinhampton scores a win any time soon..."
"On the footy or on the political shenanigans?"
"On both, ta very much. This sort of bullshit - we can both agree that it is that in the first place - I'm fairly certain is not gonna go down well at the ballot box!"
"Three-way alliances?" inquired Elliott.
"Not yet, although I suppose we will have to stick together on certain points. Opposition to Tinhampton in the World Assembly, furthering industrial production, economising in certain areas in order to retain a social safety net, the defence of Christ Jesus, and so on."
"But we only agree on half of those points! Well, that explains the New Christian thingy, doesn't it?"
Knight nodded her head. "Indeed. I'm not sure Byrney covered any of that in her budget, and we'll happily fight for them."
"Absol---FUCK YES SIMON! Oi, guv'nor, make that two Proper Miner's at ten quid!"

THE TINHAMPTON STUDENT UNITY
Meanwhile, just outside a nightclub on the south coast, PC Phil Milliner was stabbed to death by a self-proclaimed "Neo-Anarchist"... who was arrested a few hours later on grounds of murder and possession of a butterfly knife. Was it really about time? Really?

[The Macabees]

LOLITA, CH. 15

She wasn't so bad when she wasn't yelling at you or trying to kill you. Lolita looked at him with those big green eyes of hers, her dark brown hair flowing down past her shoulders. And, Bernie had to admit, it was pretty cool to date the mob boss' daughter. Even if a single misstep might land him in the same shit he just "got out of."

The two of them were headed toward Lakén's house. Several days had passed by since his Henrrek's death and his own deal with the devil, but those days were as normal as any day could be. Lolita and he had gone on that day he had promised and it, for the most part, went very well. They had dinner, went to go see a movie, and then dealt with any hidden resentment the way that couples do — all night long. Since then, though, she had been getting very close and had insisted this morning that she come along for the talk with Lakén. After all, who better to impress the footballer with the necessity of meeting with Laurens and Guus than their own family?

They pulled into the player's estate in southern Fedala in the early afternoon, when the sun was hanging highest over the horizon. The gate was wide open. The road took them to the valet area, where the vehicle dropped them off. Bernie took Lolita by the hand and they walked up the front door, ringing the doorbell. Nobody answered.

Bernie rang again. Waited. Nothing.

"Is this unusual?" asked Lolita, who was looking around. She was wearing a flower-patterned summer dress that fit slimly around her chest and waist, and then flowed around her thighs. Sunglasses propped on her held some of her hair back. "Is that gate usually left open? Maybe we should look around the back."

Bernie nodded. "This is very unusual," he said.

They walked around the large house. It was surrounded by open grasses, up to the walls and fences that marked the estate's perimeter, but the back hosted two full-sized football fields. He used it to host unofficial tournaments between friends, usually other professional players in any of the domestic leagues. They were empty today except for three guys standing in the middle of the one closest to the house. They turned to see the two newcomers, Bernie and Lolita, make their way to them. As Bernie got closer, he recognized the taller one as Jorah Valooh, manager of the imperial football team.

"Hiya, coach!" shouted Bernie.

Valooh stomped over to him. He was a big man, with shoulders wide as mountains and with a neck that almost matched the width of his head. Bernie tried to hide how intimidated he was as best as he could in front of Lolita. He couldn't have the daughter of the mob boss know he was a total bitch. "Don't you 'hiya, coach' me!" yelled back Valooh. "Where the hell is Lakén? He's missed three practices and we have a game this weekend!"

"Uh, I don't know," shrugged Bernie. "Been trying to find him myself."

The manager gave him a nasty look. "I've heard you've been distractin' him lately. Don't think it hasn't affected his performance in the games."

Bernie looked at Lolita. "That's what I came here to talk about. The situation distracting him has been...resolved...or is about to be, at least."

"Situation?" inquired Coach Valooh, arching an eyebrow.

"Uh..." started Bernie, at a loss for an excuse. He pointed at Lolita with his thumb. "Have I introduced you to Lolita? She's uh...uh..."

"His girlfriend," she said, rolling her eyes. "He still has to get used to using the word. Him and Lakén are too accustomed to chasing tail that he hasn't been familiarized with life after settling down. Don't worry coach, I'm a good trainer. By the way, we haven't met before, my name is Lolita."

Valooha eyed her up and down, then up again. "Girlfriend, huh?" More of a sarcastic observation than a question. "You wouldn't be that crazy bitch Lolita who's trying to sue him? No. That can't be you. Lakén's best friend since childhood wouldn't be dating that Lolita, of course." He turned to Bernie really quick, and said, "Hey, let me talk to you in private, son. It'll be really quick."

Bernie looked at Lolita, who did not seem amused, and shrugged. He walked over to the coach, who put his arm around Bernie's shoulders and turned him around. "What the hell is going on, son?" he asked.

"Uh, everything is fine...uh, sir," he replied.

"You sure?" whispered Valooh.

Bernie nodded. "Yep." Turning his neck back to Lolita, he said, "Coach thinks there's a way into the house through the back here."

They walked back to the mansion and he led the party through a small door that Lakén always left unlocked, which took them to a small back kitchen that they used during barbecues. There was a note on the counter inside. Bernie picked it up and read it out loud. "Hey Bernie, I figured you'd find your way into the house through the back. So I left this note on the counter for you. If you're not Bernie, I suppose it's alright if you read it too. Just find a way of getting it to him and if you can't find him he's probably still in the custody of those Guffingfordi mobsters, so let someone know. Thank you. Anyway, fuck this. I can't handle owing money to the mob, I'm out of here. I took a contract with a team in New Empire, a long, long way from here. Shitty league, good pay. Oh well. I won't be back. Tell Coach Valooha I quit. Sorry coach. Lakén Yori, out."

"That son of a bitch," muttered the coach. "Whatever. Edhud Linerka is just as good." Turning to one of the two other guys with him, probably his assistants, Valooha added, "Call him up."

The assistant nodded and walked out, reaching for his cell phone.

Bernie, however, didn't have such a quick solution for his own problem. He looked at Lolita nervously. To Coach Valooha, he said, "I gotta go, coach. It was good to see you again." He slipped into the house with Lolita before Valooha could even get most of his response out, left through the front door, and helped his gangster-family girlfriend into their vehicle. In the car, he said, "Think your dad will be okay postponing that meeting with Laken?"

"No, Bern," she said. "Dad is not going to be happy and neither is Uncle Guus. They'll go out to Lakén if need be, but we need to find him."

"So I guess that means we're going to New Empire," he replied.

"Yep." She took out her phone. "They probably mentioned something about his new contract, and what team, in the news. I'll check it out and then get our tickets. I might need your visual ID for final payment in a minute or two."

Ah, the wonders of having a girlfriend. Vacation, expenses, and bankruptcy. But at least he was going to get to see New Empire. "I'll just call my job and let them know I won't be coming in...probably ever. Might not even get to buy them out the way I'm going. They might fire me before your dad can even make an offer on the firm."

"Don't be silly," said Lolita. "My dad gets what he wants when he wants. Your firm will be here when you get back and so will its driver's seat. Don't worry," she continued, kissing him on the cheek, "you're dating the heir to the van Graat family now. You'll get used to it."

[New Lusitania and the Algarves]

STL|Serviços de Transmissão Lusitana
Sport | Football|
World Cup 81 - The Road to FR/Banija
Double Bill - Danger Lurks


IMPRESSIVE
New Lusitania 4-1 Valladares @ Pijoão, Sevilha

New Lusitania received the travellers of Valladares, in another World Cup Qualifier. Guerreiros drifted on the left flank passing it to Fernando, who passed it to Mário, who passed it to Silveira, who passed it back, with Mário scoring, his first in the qualifiers. At half hour, Fernando passed it to Gama, who passed it back to Cédric who changed the flank. Mário changed it again back to Gama, who with fury, stroke the ball hard into the net. Just before halftime, Valladares pulled one back in stunning fashion however. Sixty minutes, Silveira scores the third one from a corner kick from Silva. The final goal came from Dalot's pass to Fernando in a counterattack, a great goal which gave us the final score, 4-1.
FULL TIME: 4-1.

A RESULT NOT NEEDED
Jeckland 1-0 New Lusitania


The Dragão had been a pleasure to be at last time round with a victory over then runners up Jeckland, however circumstances had changed and this time, a Michine on the rise played the Lusitanians in the North. No changes to the last team, Jeckland scored just before halftime, leaving the Lusitanians heartbroken, and substituting players for a defensive strengthening after Jeckland were passing through with ease. Silveira continued to attack with the ball but nothing seemed to be working on the night for New Lusitania
FULL TIME: 1-0

POST-MATCH INTERVIEWS
I: Thoughts on these last matches?
VSC: Well, I'll start with this last one, I'm absolutely devastated that we lost tonight. We have to tread lightly now. Besides that, we are now, no longer a seeded team in the Playoffs which makes qualification more qualified than before.
I: What about Valladares?
VSC: Felt good finally beating them. As you know we had a disastrous maiden voyage with a secondary team, being the joint worst team that cycle with "Colonial Australia", with just the one point, which made me have a one cycle hiatus with Nuno Todos-os-Santos as interim manager in '79. They beat us heavily then, they had beaten us 2-0 this time, finally we can say we beat them on a day we played extremely well.
I: And the future?
VSC: Became harder after this, I kept telling the lads to not sit under "the banana tree", rest and think it was easy with a 6 point advantage. How we've got 3 points and need a minimum 6 or 7, it'll be hard, but I think we needed these two reminders, I think they're up to the challenge, despite the pressure. Only time will tell, let's all hope for the best back at home, eh?
I: Indeed, thanks for your time, Victor.

RATINGS, AWARDS AND OPINIONS
Experts' Opinion : Impending Bottlement New Lusitania seems they will do something many clubs in England or New Lusitania, have done many times before - Bottling Titles or Qualification. After a terrible defeat, Beepee a behind by only three points. Our next game is against Ndaku, but the one after that is away at Truori, and it'll take a miracle to win there. In fact, only one team has managed the feat and it's playoff contenders, Beepee this week. At least we know it isn't impossible. The ball is round anyway and only time will tell of our fate. Qualification, just like coach Santa Cruz said, has become harder due to the fact we are no longer seeded. Let's hope we can get there once more


LUS Ratings (vs. Valladares : Patríce 8, Guerreiros 7, Dalot 7.5, Cédric Silva 7, Nevais 7 (Azinheira 7), Mário 8, Fernando 8, Silva 7, Gama 8, Silveira 8.5 , Jota 7 OVERALL : 8
LUS Ratings (vs. Jeckland): Patríce 7, Guerreiros 7, Dalot, 6.5, Cédric 6.5, Nevais 7 (Esgaio 7), Mário 6.7 (Breu 6.5) , Fernando 7.5, Silva 6 (Cancela 6) Gama 7, Silveira 7 , Jota 7. OVERALL: 6.5

STATS (JEK/LUS (vs. JEK+VAL)/VAL)
Goals: 1/0+4/1
Shots: 7/4+8/5
Shots on Target: 5/6
Corners: 5/2/3
Fouls: 4/3/5
Cards - Yellow: 0/0/0
Cards - Red: 0/0/0
Posession: 45/55+65/35


THE HUB
GOAL COUNT : André Silveira (6), Fransisco Gama (5), Bruno Fernando (5), Nevais (4), Daniel Jota (4), André Moreira (2), B.Silva (2) Breu (1), Guerreiros (1), Jorge Mário (1), Luz (1).

Assist Count: Bruno Fernando (7), Jorge Mário (3), Fransisco Gama (2), André Silveira (3), Breu (2), B.Silva (2), Cancela (1), Nevais (1), Moreira (1), Dalot (1).

Man to Watch: Bruno Fernando (5 Goals, 7 Assists in 13 matches)

Ref's Book: Cédric Silva (yellow: Michine)

Callup Changes: Domingos Armilar [CAM] (<=> Dias (CB))
Sérgio Azinheira (CDM) (<=> Rui Esgaio (CDM -> vs. Valladares)

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MMXVIII

[Cassadaigua]

World Observations Courtesy of World Cup,
by Lauren Van Zandt, Concord Heights Times Political Correspondent

As the World Cup qualifying campaign begins to enter crunch time, let’s take a look at what is going on. Perhaps we will be seeing some of these teams playing in Cassadaigua for the Cup of Harmony. We don’t actually want to be there, but surely someone like Tinhampton would look great playing in Cassadaigua or Equestrian States, wouldn’t they? Still have not received word yet if there are going to be any competing bids, and the bidding process is still open at this time. Taylor Connolly, the President of CASE (Cassadagan Association for Soccer Excellence) was asked by another Concord Heights Times reporter about what she hoped a potential Cup of Harmony co-hosted by Cassadaigua would bring. This is her response. “On the sporting front, we have proven ourselves to be a top competitor in many different sporting avenues. Sports has become how our nation is known to the rest of the world, and gives us a sense of pride. There is nothing we like more then to see how our fans come together to support the national team, which in turn, supports the nation. We are a proud though unique country, and we have fans here from other nations, it is something special. Co-hosting with the Equestrian States works really well for us because it brings both of our amazing cultures together. In Equestrian States, the truly diverse population is exceptional, truly a treat. Here of course, we know what makes us unique. Fans from other sporting nations know that when they come here for the tournament, there is going to be a great experience for them. We have hosted many sports, and on the coattails of successfully hosting the Copa Rushmori, we would love to have the Cup of Harmony here.”

That was Taylor Connolly. Now, as we look at the goings on across the world, I am hearing a lot of talk about political things. You know, I am not always sure why political commentary makes it into the sporting sections of various publications, but it does. Lately, we have had people want to talk about elections, and political parties. So, here is a description of Cassadaigua’s political party: There is a Queen. End discussion.

Well, actually it is a little more complicated then that. Queen Cassie II has final say over everything that happens in the country, but she does not make every little decision out there. Cities are led by people appointed by the Queen to serve as mayors. Police chiefs, judges, and many other governmental agencies have a person or people in charge that have the autonomy to make their own decisions, but they are put there in place by the Royal Palace. In some ways then, Cassadaigua is run like a major corporation, for comparison purposes. You have you’re CEO and then you have a series of other titles underneath the CEO of department heads who are responsible for their particular area. The CEO trusts that they will make the right decisions, and if things trend in the wrong direction, they must answer to the CEO, or be replaced. That’s essentially the government structure of Cassadaigua. The Queen does not meddle into everything, but she has the power to make changes and see to it that things head in the direction that she wants it to be.

There has never been a push for democracy in Cassadaigua. And why should there be? Democracy, while great in theory is nothing but a popularity contest or who can spend more money then the other. Politicians represent parties in this form of government, and more often not they are variations of who is liberal or who is conservative. The party chooses who will represent them through an election, but let’s not sugar coat it. The party endorses their favorite and will make sure that they are the chosen candidate. Bernadette Sanderson, a senior foreign affairs specialist in Concord Heights tells me, “You can have a great candidate in your party. The one that everyone wants, and the one that will be a great leader. However, if the party has already predetermined who they want to represent them, then they will have all the backing of that party. They claim the people choose their representative, but really, its set up so one person cannot fail, despite the efforts of the other candidate. That other candidate could pull off an upset, but it can be tough.” The chosen candidates of the political parties then have an election, and that is where the people can have their say, to the point. But let’s not pretend they are truly picking the best person for their country, they are picking the best pre-selected representative.

What happens next still is not up to the people. Now that we have an election coming up, it’s time for different entities to get their candidate into office. They will often do this through the media, leading news channels to showcase the positive glowing news about the candidate that they want to win, while subsequently using every opportunity to put down the candidates that they do not want to win. Now, as Donella Trupe, another political correspondent tells me, “That will often lead to what is fake news. Script a story out there to get a slant that you want, and watch your ratings soar and polls point in the direction that you want. Unfortunately, there might be a foxly other network out there putting the exact opposite fake news out there, and subsequently you get fake news from both sides, that people just turn off the damn TV.” Also affecting the results of these elections are lobbyists, who make sure that the general needs of the population are not met, so that they can serve their own special interest. You ever wonder why the media spends so much time talking about a minor issue when there are far greater concerns in the country? It’s because of those lobbyists loading up the pockets of the politicians. They get the candidates debating their issue, and not the real issues.

Once this is all said and done, it is up to the populace to determine which group of lobbyists, media representatives, and political party leaders played their hand the best, and make a vote for their chosen candidate. Then, they complain when that leader does not deliver on their “promises”.

Yep, I’d just much rather have a Queen.


Hail To The Victors!
by Chelsea Dufresne, Concord Heights Times

If you read the match reports of many other nations, it will seem that so often game winning goals are scored in the last ten minutes of game. And wow, talk about all those goals that actually come in injury time of the second half. Drama is always good, it’s what makes the games fun to watch as you never know what to expect. However, we don’t want it to turn out like basketball where you only really need to watch the last few moments of game, where you hope your team can pull off a close one over the enemy wearing scarlet red, or some shade of dark green.

Cassadagan soccer has not always had the dramatic moments. Maybe it’s just our nature when writing things all the time to not push for the “oh my God, did that really happen?” moment. Of course, we don’t write about them all the time, because they don’t always happen. However, at home, it did happen. Down 1-0 with time winding down, it looked like Oscioru was going to continue being the Cinderella of the 16th bracket, and hand the Cassadagans a costly defeat. There was not really anything wrong with how the Fillies had played to that point, Oscioru had simply played wonderfully. Almost makes you wonder where they could be in this group if they did not get off to an 0-0-5 start.

However, the script changed. In the 85th minute, with the Fillies pushing hard, they caught a break. The defensive system that had stymied the team all game had a crack, thanks mainly to Antonio Castro misreading Sierra Mattison’s pass forward to Caitlyn Mayer. The 18-year old defender will have better days, but he was the scapegoat here, allowing Mayer to have a great lane to shoot from, and she would not miss. The crowd erupted in cheers, knowing that the team had been spared a costly defeat and that they were going to salvage a point out of this game. Or wait, maybe not. The Dagans pushed hard again, and as we approached the 90th minute, Hannah Ranucci improbably put together a series of moves to elude defenders and fire the shot past Carlo Ramires with game clock reading 89:59 at the time it went into the net. Unbelievable, yet true. Rare, but ever so common in our sporting world. This time, it was our turn. Cassadaigua grabbed victory from the horns of defeat. When you’re going good, you can do it!

[Alasdair I Frosticus]

The Tale of the Fluffy Bunnies and the Productive Team Meeting

There is nothing more exciting to a bunch of cute little fluffy bunnies than a team meeting.

Why, all of the other fluffy bunnies in Fluffy Bunny World who aren't part of the Imperial football team are ever so jealous when they hear that the footballing fluffy bunnies are having a team meeting.

Even the Dread Lords Flopsy, Mopsy, and Cottontail are said to secretly go green with envy.

The reasons were plain to see.

Every team meeting was an opportunity to get together with other like-minded fluffy bunnies, to nibble on tasty carrots, to sip on endless cups of tea, and to discuss the leading issues of the day, such as 'aren't Ethane doing awfully well?', 'are Halfdansodal worse than Star United States?', 'just how do you play Competitive Solitaire?', and - perhaps most importantly - 'is kindly Mr Tzimisces deliberately keeping the supplies of delicious chocolate-topped Cocoa-bo from us?'

Team meetings were just the best fun ever.

Today's team meeting was even more exciting than ever, for the Fluffy Bunnies had opened up a four-point lead at the top of Group 4.

"This means we can lose the match against Apox, and we'll still be tippity-top of the group", said Mr Tzimisces.

"Hurrah!" said all of the fluffy bunnies.

(Actually, Mr Tzimisces might not have quite said 'tippity-top', but he used words to that effect, and the fluffy bunnies certainly did say 'hurrah!'; the bunnies love to say 'hurrah').

"And we've scored more goals than any other team in qualifying!" said Wiggles.

"Well, except for Drawkland", said Snowball.

"Or Eura", said Patches.

"Or Mattijana", said Cinnabun.

"Or Ethane", said Benjy Bunny.

"Or Mriin", said Whiskers.

"Or Eshan", said Twitch (who was mainly just glad that he had been able to tell Ethane and Eshan apart for once).

"Or Vilita", said Muffin.

"Or Mercedini", said Bogart (who was aware that Mercedini had scored a very large number of goals indeed).

"Or Chromatika", said Prince Fluffles.

"By my count there are at least nine teams that have scored more goals than us", said Snuggles.

"And Pasarga and Sargossa have scored precisely the same number as us", said Snickerdoodle.

"Which is 43 goals", said Pistachio, helpfully.

Well, what a to-do. Wiggles didn't know what to think. Here he was, team captain and all, and the rest of the team had contradicted him in public.

"Are you sure that's right?" asked Wiggles.

All the other fluffy bunnies nodded their heads enthusiastically, and he couldn't help but notice that Mr Tzimisces and Mr Di Bradini were also nodding their heads - though their lack of fluffy bunny ears meant that they didn't look nearly as cute while doing so.

"Well" said Wiggles, "we can at least agree that we've score lots of goals, can't we?"

"YES!" said all of the fluffy bunnies all at once.

"And that we want to score lots more" said Wiggles.

"YES!" said all of the fluffy bunnies all at once.

"Hurrah!" said Wiggles.

"Hurrah!" said all of the other fluffy bunnies.

And then they returned to nibbling on tasty carrots, sipping endless cups of tea, and discussing the leading issues of the day, such as 'aren't Ethane doing awfully well?', 'are Halfdansodal worse than Star United States?', 'just how do you play Competitive Solitaire?', and - perhaps most importantly - 'is kindly Mr Tzimisces deliberately keeping the supplies of delicious chocolate-topped Cocoa-bo from us?'

Team meetings were always ever so productive.

Hippity hop, hippity hop, into the burrow.