Cup of Harmony 74 - Everything Thread

[New Lusitania and the Algarves]

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Cup of Harmony 74

Double Bill

CUP KICKS-OFF WELL
New Lusitania 3-0 Balqia, Farris Crowley Memorial World Cup Stadium, Ramusok, Cosumar (Att. 85 602)

The first match at the Memorial Stadium for the Selecção would be against their Pot Three Team, Balqia. The black and gold flags flew on the west bank of the stadium as the other half, saw a sea of burgundy to match it. Patríce would start, Guerreiros, Carriça, Cancelo in defence, Nevais further up as Mário and a recovered Gama took up the flanks. Fernando stood in the middle of the park as Veiga assumed his natural centre attacking midfield position, with the usual double Jota and Silveira up front. With the anthems sung with pride, the match was underway. New Lusitania put their first attempt in motion on just ten minutes of play, as Jota shot it into the bar as the crowed watched ready to celebrate. Later on, Fernando managed to produce something from a corner, but Kalniq managed to just about get a hand to it, giving another corner away. This time though, he had gotten it right. After a pass to and from Mário, the midfielder put it away as it sailed past the goalkeeper, who had done such a good job keeping it out until that point. Thirty five minutes of play, one - nil. It would go to halftime under that score, but there was much more to come in the second half, and it would come right at the beginning. A through ball from Veiga was all that was needed for Silveira to make a run for it and smash it into the back of the net. The assist man would later see score a goal, celebrating and then turning around and seeing the linesman with the flag up, around the hour mark.
The final goal would only appear on eighty one minutes of play, when Fernando managed to fabricate a great aerial ball which landed on Gama, who promptly volleyed it in showing he was truly back from his half cycle injury.
At full time it would be 3-0 with the Lusitanians celebrating their victory, but there's also credit to be given to goalie Kalniq and defensive midfielder Paniq who had come on at halftime, which had stopped the Selecção to the best of their abilities. FULL TIME: 3-0


ABAHNFLEFT ADVANCES AS VEIGA VALUED
Abahnfleft 2-1 New Lusitania, Farris Crowley Memorial World Cup Stadium, Ramusok, Cosumar (Att. 101 764)

A practically packed stadium awaited New Lusitania and Abahnfleft for their first match head to head. One change from the previous Selecção side as Cavalariça went on to the right wing putting Silveira on the left. The game would be tight during the entire ninety minutes, but it would seem that both teams had an extreme belief that they would be the victors on that day. Despite good chances by both, the first half didn't produce any goals whatsoever. Cavalariça didn't bring much to the table and so Henrique Costa stepped in for the second half. Abahnfleft scored the first on fifty five minutes of play opening up the game's tab with McGinnis performing her usual magic, in a shot unstoppable by Patríce. A while later, Nevais would be the one to have a shot on goal, but failing by mere inches. The Académica midfielder would also be the one to bag an assist after creating one of his passes onto Veiga who did the rest by running into the box and putting it past goalie and captain, Bryan. The draw would not be the result as the Selecção were played very well by the ladies when Rusev which switched the play onto Liner who got easily past sub Vinagrete (on for Guerreiros, 73'). The goal was almost a spectacular save but only a hand got to it, with the ball deflecting into the goal. The ladies celebrated as the men of New Lusitania looked distraught at the result. Whilst a draw would've been more realistic towards the entire aspect of the match, the last twenty minutes were clearly dominated by Abahnfleft's constant counter attacks. FULL TIME: 2-1

"WE HAVE A GOOD OPPORTUNITY HERE"
Catching up with Victor Santa Cruz, Selecção Coach

I: I'm Ricardo Pinheiro and I'm here with Victor Santa Cruz, national coach. What did you think of the team's performances so far in Cosumar?
VSC: It's been enjoyable seeing them play, I would say. We've been putting our sustained attacking football to use as well as the very best of our fancy footwork to try and get through. The game against Balqia showed the other teams what we can do demonstrating that we have a good four/five people who are probable people to score.
The second game on the other hand, showed that we are still a very recent team in the game, relatively speaking.
I: The game against Abahnfleft specifically, is there anything you'd like to add?
VSC: Both teams played very well, Abahnfleft have always had strong teams and it seems to continue. They're not an easy team to beat and they are no doubt one of the candidates.
I: What do you think our chances are here?
VSC: It'll be tough, but we have an opportunity here. We have strong players in all locations of the pitch so if we put them to good use, we're hoping, as a team, to be able to get far in this competition.
I: This isn't a flash interview, so we'd like your opinions on One or two thoughts given by other countries to our team. Vincent Alfonsi spoke to the press before the final group match. Now you've met Alfonsi personally in Laeral?
VSC: Oh yes. We had a good laugh after the game, he's a great guy and a quality coach. He's probably one of the few that could've carried L.O.M. the way he did from third in the Baptism of Fire to the Cup of Harmony in a cycle. He's also very objective, he knows what the team wants and how to get it. It'll be a hard one.
I: Now, his remarks to the press were that "killing" the team was a shame but necessary, complementing the Selecção for being a great side. Quoting his conclusion, "We still have what it takes to fight. We have what it takes to win.”
VSC: I understand him here. Back at home, our first reaction to the draw was that we'd play L.O.M. in an international competition of calibre, but there is the fact that only two go through and with Abahnfleft advancing only one of us can go through. I thank him for the compliment, in the name of our country, and reciprocate it, because they aren't to be underestimated. He's got some fine lads at his disposal, and they have some tricks up their sleeve. We do have the upper hand in the run-in towards the game, but that doesn't matter. All that does are those ninety minutes (and stoppage time) in the Memorial Stadium, if we get points against them we're through, as we hope we will be, but I don't expect the game to be one sided not at all. Their game against the Fleftians has proved their a tough team as they lost in a 6-4 classic. We played them in Laeral and drew, it'll be a great match.
I: So, I got the opportunity of getting your thoughts on the game a true 2-in-1. Thank you for your time with us. Ladies and gentlemen, Victor Santa Cruz.

Around the Grounds
In Group E, Abahnfleft started their campaign in what is surely the game of the group stage if not the tournament, after the defeating LOM 6-4. After their win against New Lusitania they are qualified. Meanwhile, the Maximusians just about got a win against Balqia (3-2), with the target man, Brookshire getting the winner.
In Group F, Tinhampton qualified after confirming Sajnur's elimination by a 2-1 margin, after their initial win against Krytenia. They drew against Mytanija in the second game by a goal, after their opponents beat the aforementioned eliminated team 5-2.
Group G is done and dusted as the S.R.S. and Ko-oren qualify, with the winner to be settled on the final match day. The S.R.S. lead but favourites are top seeded Ko-oren who are also playing well. This means Alleursia and Oberur Ar Moro Will play for pride in the final game.
Group H is open as only The Sherpa Empire is out after their surprising loss to the Busorga Islands who have proved themselves to be on form after taking the free points on 2-4. Saltstead jumped back into it after beating Omerica 1-0. Either one of the three can get knocked out, with the odds on Saltstead progressing the highest as they play Sherpa.
Over in Mriin, Savojarna cruised past the new generation of Lisander 4-1, booking themselves in the next phase, as Brusseldorf knocked out Taeshan 1-0, keeping themselves in it. It's second against third in the final match with Lisander and Brusseldorf facing each other.
Group B show Zwangzug and Kita Hinode together with four points after a two all draw. Siovanija and Teusland, a regular in the comptition, are out as they lost against Velestria 3-2. Zwangzug face the eliminated side in the last match, with Velestria, who are still in it, facing Kita Hinode.
Group C is a free for all, as no one is eliminated yet, despite Polkopia's shortcomings, as they are yet to score a point. Flindonistan lead with six, meaning they have a safety net, but it isn't certain, with The Maccabees facing last and the leaders facing Eraran who beat Polkopia 4-3 last night.
Group D is where the Kick Corps are, the team with the most goals scored (10). This comes after their 6-2 win against the Main Nation Ministry, who had beaten Xanneria the match before. Speaking of which, Xanneria beat Kandorith 3-2. Although realistically improbable, it is mathematically wide open in this group.

THE HUB
GOALS: Silveira (1), Fernando (1), Gama (1), Veiga (1).
ASSISTS: Fernando (1), Mário (1), Veiga (1)

LATEST STATS
World Cup 82 Quals
Top Goalscorers: Silveira (9)
Assists: Fernando (8)
Cup of Harmony 73
Top Goalscorer: Silveira (2)
Assists: Fernando (3)
IDU Championships
Top Goalscorer: Gama (2)
Assists: Fernando (2)
IA6
Top Goalscorer: Silveira (4)
Assists: Fernando

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MMXIX

[Krytenia]

OOC: With continued apologies to UrinatingTree.

This week, on Days of our Dragons...

With the agony of defeat at the hands of Tinhampton fresh in the memory, Captain Fat Bastard decides to lead the team on a bonding session. Said session consists of fourteen hours of vodka and, as it's Captain Fat Bastard, probably many pies. This leads to some wonderful opportunities for that cash money for the Krytenian paparazzi as the squad stumbles out of a nightclub as nine o'clock in the goddamn morning.

Caption: YOUR ROLE MODELS, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN.

The Almighty Leader spins the wheel of discipline, and lands on extra training for the hung over boys in sky and white. Except Selaphiel Kennedy. It was past his bedtime, after all.

Caption: THE TEENAGER IS THE MATURE ONE. LOVELY.

With that idiocy out of the way, it's time for business. Krytenia immediately show their mettle as the Almighty Perm shanks a pass, allowing Okocoljic to open the scoring. Within two minutes. I hope the boys didn't drink the city dry; I think I'm going to need all of the booze for this one.

Caption: YOUR SEASON TICKET MONEY AT WORK, REDS FANS.

The Dragons look completely lost at this point. Why, it's almost like they've been spending their downtime getting blitzed rather than remembering how to play football! Marvel at Roberto Juliano forgetting what is a pass any more! Gape in wonder at Joshua Coquelin derps around the pitch like he's lost his binky! Shake your head like Selly Kennedy, wondering who these impostors in the Ediraf shirts are!

Caption: SELLY'S "WHAT IS THIS I DON'T EVEN" FACE. SOMEONE GIVE HIM A HUG

That brings us to the break, so let's brazenly shill something.

Matthew Gray's perm is fine for his head, but you don't want that for your nether regions. Don't worry, Manscape.kt is here to help. From their specially crafted clippers to their Coco-Nuts scented shave balm, Manscape have all you need to make sure your lady can cup some harmony down there. Use the code "DRAGONS21" on your first purchase to get a ten argental discount.

Manscape.kt. Because you deserve better than Matthew Gray.

The teams come back out for the second half, minus Captain Fat Bastard. It seems the queue at the food stand was longer than fifteen minutes, and he's replaced by Slightly Less Fat Bastard in the form of Miguel Torres. Whoop de bloody do.

As the game reaches its climax, Krytenia stare into the abyss. Ten minutes remain on the clock, is there nobody willing to step forward and DO SOMETHING?

(SFX: this clip)

Thank the gods for Selly Kennedy. Please don't ruin this boy, he's probably the only good thing the Dragons have going right now. He single-handedly gets the team back in the game with a thunderbolt of a strike.

Caption: I THINK RAMI NIBLICK JUST ORGASMED AT THAT ONE. ALSO, EW.

Surely though, it is only the merest crumb of comfort. Mytanija are too wily to let the Dragons back into the game as Le Coq swings a hopeful ball up to Naismith...wait, did the defender just slip? (SFX/VFX: Flashing cyan screen, sirens blaring, caption: SMUG MODE ACTIVATED) HE'S GONNA DO IT! PUT IT AWAY! YEEEES! YEEEEEEES! FUCK YOU, MYTANIJA, WE'RE GOING TO THE SECOND ROUND!

(SFX/VFX: "Hold it!" sound effect, linesman with offside flag up)

...well then.

Like Jeremy Jaffacake's raging hate-boner, these are the Days of our Dragons.

(SFX/VFX: Test card)

[The Macabees]

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LACKLUSTER MACABÉAN TEAM DEFEATED
2–NIL BY FILINDOSTAN



An unexpectedly resounding defeat by Filindostan leaves the Golden Throne in a precarious position,
with a win necessary to progress regardless of the outcome of the match between Eraman and Filindostan.

If there was a team to lose against in the group stage of the 74th Cup of Harmony, it was Filindostan. But, when the Golden Throne's starting eleven walked on to the pitch, there was an assumption that despite the struggle squad could very well win. Instead, the team rarely reached the final third and spent most of the game defending, conceding twice and leaving the way open for Filindostan to solidify its domination of Group C. The outcome leaves the Macabéan team in the ironic position that it partially depends on Filindostan continuing that domination by defeating relative minnows Eraman. Still, the odds would only be achieved with a win, and in a group where after two games not a single team has yet guaranteed its qualification into the round of sixteen it behooves manager Begora Listenaicher to go for the victory from the start.

For Listenaicher, failure to qualify would almost certainly mean his job. Especially after the poor performance against Filindostan. The imperial association of football, AIFK — pronounced "AEF-KA" —, set him two alternative objectives, achievement of which would be historic moments for the team. With great rewards come great expectations and risks, all the same.

Even a draw would have put them in a more secure position, but the defense — as disciplined as it could be at times — seemed to lose concentration at key moments. Filindostan's talented attackers exploited these opportunities with impunity, and if the Golden Throne lost only by two it was because of the heroic display put on by the Frommian goalkeeper, Líam Jer'Voos. Tall, slender, and with long arms, at times he seemed to be unbeatable. But, he could not keep all of them out. The defense could not withstand the pressure and it is there that Listenaicher must look to improve the squad's game. The cracks were apparent even during the Eraman, who also scored two goals in their match against the Golden Throne.

The attackers are not free of scrutiny, either. While the five-man midfield managed to keep the ball for an adequate amount of time, there seemed to be a paucity of ideas. No one attempted to construct and the attackers were poorly fed, starved even. Striker Damrek Yusen landed four shots on target, two of them from a distance.

It was an overall sorry display put on by a team that must improve by next game. Despite Polkopia's two defeats, they nevertheless represent a potent side that can still qualify for the next round. Likewise, their defeat to Eraman was both a surprise and proof of their side's quality. The outcome is not straightforward and Listenaicher's men will undoubtedly have to put in work to achieve their objectives. And, as was made evident by the last match, there is much work left to do.

Some wonder if Listenaicher should be sacked regardless of the outcome. With Díencup II on the horizon, fans will want to see a competitive team on the pitch for the regional tournament.

After a crushing semifinal defeat against Morrdh in the first edition of the rebooted regional tournament, the pressure to take the trophy in the upcoming competition is greater than ever. Should Listenaicher can't produce an exciting sort of football, and especially one that can consistently win matches, many argue that he should be replaced with someone who can before it's too late. One wonders how the criticism is affecting the manager, who admittedly has survived similar bouts of tension during past stints in management.

Polkopia, the Golden Throne's final group stage opponent, too suffered in their match against Filindostan, who have played their role as group favorites very well. Against Eraman, Polkopia could be said to be unlucky, although perhaps that would be unfair to the team which managed to scour four goals in a seven-goal thriller. But they have scored in both games and there is certain dynamite to their play.

Because of the defeat, Listenaicher is likely to retain the usual starting eleven. Rotations that may have come with a win will have to wait for their next opportunity. Many were hoping for an opportunity to see goalkeeper Patricio Herrero in action, but the Rezhegi is unlikely to take Jer'Voos' place. Not with passage to the round of sixteen at stake.

Where there may be a change is in defense. With the performance so far poor, the young Rikard Lindberg may finally see his first opportunity to start, replacing Mena Líezbeg. The latter has seemed weak lately, while Lindberg is up and coming both in his domestic club and at the international level. As a substitute, he has held his own and often improved the team's performance when substituting for Líezbeg. Manuel Preconte may also come out in the place of Jarus Menkalepken, who after playing almost two full matches showed signs of fatigue during the entirety of the second half against Filindostan. Aside from these two exceptions, the rest of the lineup against Polkopia will assuredly look the same as that against both Eraman and Filindostan. Yet, even these two minor alterations will prove to be an interesting experiment to see whether Lindberg can shore up the defense and Preconte energize the attack.

Whoever plays and whatever the outcome, the tension among fans in the empire is high as the game approaches. Since the last editions of the World Cup and Cup of Harmony, viewership has almost tripled. Most of this increase has come not just from growing interest in the provinces, but from a much faster rate of increase in the number of viewers from the territories and satrapies. There will also be dozens of millions of watchers in Gholgoth, specifically on the island of Drana where nearly a billion soldiers remain entrenched in a brutish war against the slaver Scandinvan Empire. All of these viewers are likely to be at the edge of their seats for the duration of what promises to be an exciting match.

[Brusseldorf]

Match Reports

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Brusseldorf 1-0 Taeshan
April 6th
Brusseldorf played host to the Purple Knights at the Fennec Stadia, for the second round of the Cup of Harmony. Craig Foster made several changes to the lineup, in the absence of midfielder Vance Dessler due to injury. Dom Harrak was one such inclusion, scoring his first goal for Brusseldorf in the 44th minute. Center-back George Stambouli had an impressive night on the park, making a total of 14 successful tackles, and 7 interceptions. He also blocked three shots on target and made more passes into the opposition half than any other player. He was rewarded Man of the Match for his efforts, and dedicated the award to teammate and fellow Garmillan, Vance Dessler. Well wishes abound for the injured player, and reports from Royal Casablanca Hospital stated that he is making a full recovery. Andrea Zidane also celebrated her birthday, and invited the team for dinner after the victory. Brusseldorf head into a tough away match against the strong Lisanderian team. Both teams will be battling for a spot in the round of 16, in what may prove to be Brusseldorf's most crucial match to date.

George Stambouli put on a stunning display in front of the home fans


Los Alrededores got a chance to dine and celebrate Andrea Zidane's birthday

For more click here

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Savojarna 4–1 Brusseldorf
April 4th
Brusseldorf's first Cup of Harmony match got underway in Savojarna. Much like Brusseldorf's first match in the World Cup qualifiers, the opposition looked dominant from the beginning, and suppressed the attacking plays from Teddy Wolfenden and Carlos Ximénez. The Savojarna team, with a heavy focus on speed of play, exploited Los Alrededores' lagging flanks, and created havok for the Brusseldorfen back line. Irina Jarkasjärvi was the first on the scoresheet, netting a goal in the 18th minute, and again in the 30th. Brusseldorf's own Joshua Kensington managed to claw one back two minutes later, putting a 30 yard rocket into the top corner, much to the surprise of Viktorija Petrova, and to the amusement of the travelling fans. Vance Dessler collapsed in the early stages of the second half, and was taken to Sjoedrhavn Main Hospital for care. Details of Dessler's condition are yet to be released. Savojarna continued their climb over Brusseldorf, Victoria Maersk scoring a penalty in the 68th minute after being fouled in the box by Boronia. Linne Kjaer, the youngest member of the starting lineup for Savojarna, sealed the score in the 81st minute to make it 4-1 at full time. Attendance was 48,055. Brusseldorf requires a win in the next match against Taeshan to stay in the group. For more click here

[Sajnur]

Knockout stage out of reach for Sajnur

Sajnur can no longer advance out of Group F of the Cup of Harmony after a 2-1 defeat to Tinhampton. The defending title holders made their way to the top of the group, having earlier dispatched Krytenia 1-0, with a display based largely on keeping possession and holding a tight line against Sajnuran attacks. With only 31% possession, those attacks were few and far between relative to their other performances over the international season and only one was successful against the semi-professional but experienced outfit in Samotath.

Sajnur actually took the lead in the 9th minute when Kahala Murje knocked the ball past Brian Small and ran back on to it to cross it to Ahmed Nazar who booted it first time past Julia Atherton to make it 1-0. Sajnur had other sporadic attacks, the 22nd minute notably witnessing Sian Levici sending the ball whistling over the bar, but true chances were few and far between as Tinhampton, whose players presumably don't have that much time between their jobs to practice defensive drills, cut off the passing lanes and made important tackles in the rare moments that they didn't have the ball. Tinhampton then made their possession count in the 30th minute when Priscilla Evans found space to receive a pass from Mohamed al-Khazr, took the ball past the Sajnuran defence, who seemingly forgot that Evans is actually a full professional, and then laced it past Piotr Laghiev to even the score. Tinhampton almost took the lead shortly before half time, but Kaori Hajat hounded down Louise Whitbread befre she could make the final pass and repossessed the ball to keep things level into the break.

The second half was quieter, with Tinhampton focusing on ball circulation in their mostly successful efforts to keep it out of Sajnuran feet, although the Sajnurans weren't completely deprived of possession, with David Kiral able to dispossess Fetakela Manuta and feint past Brian Small. Sadly his cross was headed out of harm by Davina Salt and Sajnur were not able to retake the lead. That lead would go to Tinhampton off a corner. Evans found herself in space in the penalty box but this time her shot was saved by Laghiev and the ball went out for the corner. That corner was whipped into the box in the 71st minute by al-Khazr and headed low out of reach by Peter North for the winning goal. Tinhampton had the game under lock and key after that, with even a bad slip by Aihlo Vatunska only almost resulting in a goal as Jessica Siafik stole the loose ball and sent it downfield to a charging Nazar only for him to be tackled by Salt before he could find a place to shoot from. The captain could be seen with obvious disappointment in her face after the tackle at her team's inability to get through the Miners' defence, possibly with the thought that several of her teammates are paid more than the entire combined Miners' starting XI. Then again, the Miners a highly ranked national side and Sajnur are still in their first international cycle, so Siafik probably doesn't feel that hard done by.

Sajnur, now officially unable to progress further than Group F, will verse Krytenia, mostly for honour and pride, but also for third place in the group for the third successive tournament. The Cup of Harmony defenders, meanwhile, have Mytanija in a shootout for top, although Mytanija can still be knocked out if they lose and Krytenia win. In possibly related news, several Sajnuran clubs are rumoured to be after members of the Tinhampton national team, and a Stormers scout was seen checking in for a flight to a country in the Rejected Realms.

[Abanhfleft]

"All right, men," Klearchos Kazantzakis said as the Locomotive Imgortur team gathered around him for their last pre-game talk before their kickoff against visiting Marinos Thimpodopoulos, "I know that the last few weeks have been really tough for all of us. We've played some tough games against some tough teams, and we haven't come out of both those games unscathed. We were really poor against Admiral. That was inexcusable. We were doing well against Ludogorets, at least in the first half. Then we collapsed against them in the second half. That was also inexcusable. But then again Ludogorets look like they could be the winners of the title this season so I guess there's not a lot of shame in losing to a title contender. But we've got to do better, men. We know that we can do better than this. We can do better than this. So let's forget all about the other games and focus on this one. Marinos Thimpodopoulos. They're the team right in front of us today, and they're the only team we're thinking about right now. That's all we should remember right now. Now who are we?"

"Loco!"

But what was it said about the best laid plans of mice and men again? They never work out the way they had been planned to go. If anything, Locomotive actually managed to play worse at home against Marinos. Locomotive managed to hold out for 45 minutes against Ludogorets at the Stadium of the Old Forester. There would be no such luck for the Engineers this time around. The deadlock was broken only ten minutes in, with the Fhulghamousian club's veteran Veldgouwer striker Hannes Schaepdryver rose highest above the mass of players inside the box to head in the corner kick, and Locomotive fans' mouths were left agape by the early concession of a goal. Whatever happened to good defending?

It would only get worse from there. Well, it would get worse, but if there was any consolation, at least the downhill fall wouldn't come until the second half. But hardly any Locomotive fans would probably be looking at it that way. Still, Locomotive had some few good moments in the first half after Schaepdryver's goal. Both Rhys Bustamante and Coke Handu had chances to score, Bustamante's being the pick of the bunch as he got on the end of a Quintrell Lidgley long pass and almost completed a classic counterattack. If only he had put the ball in between the posts instead of scything it just past the right post. Still, they were getting their chances. Sure, they had conceded the first goal, but maybe, just maybe, Locomotive would be able to come back in the second half?

It wasn't to be. Barely three minutes played of the second half and Hannes Schaepdryver showed both the Locomotive players and fans how to execute a proper counterattack. What unfolded was practically the same thing that Locomotive did in the first half when Quin Lidgley had played Bustamante through, with Alain L'Auvergne's diagonal pass playing Schaepdryver through on goal. The Veldgouwer striker then showed everyone how to finish by calmly slotting the ball into the near post in between Artemios Zigdis's legs.

Locomotive did their best to score a goal. They really did. But it seemed to all the world as if Loco were simply incapable of finding the necessary finishing to actually put the ball into the back of the net. The most egregious case of this was when Coke Handu, practically unmarked in the middle of the penalty area, could only head the ball over the crossbar from Navin Badakar's corner kick. And when Loco did manage to get the ball into the back of the net, Rhys Bustamante was ruled offside. A correct decision by the officials in the end, but still very poor play from Loco. And Klearchos Kazantzakis kicking away a water bottle that had fallen inside his technical area didn't help matters one bit, as the fourth official decided that Kazantzakis had kicked the bottle as a direct result of Bustamante's goal being flagged offside, and the Locomotive manager was duly sent off to the stands.

Locomotive's calamitous day was finally capped off with a very late own goal. As in the own goal happened in time added on to the time added on. The fourth official had originally indicated that only three minutes of added time would be played but because Antonis Harisis got a hard knock right as the clock hit 90:00 and had to be treated a little bit, the referee allowed the game to proceed to the fourth minute of added time, and then the fifth. Marinos got a free kick in a good position with twenty seconds left to play, and Ayotunde Ibori swung the ball into the box for someone to head into the net. And someone did do that, except it was Locomotive's Melisizwe Afolayan who applied the finishing touch and put the ball into his own goal, serving as the "perfect" ending to Locomotive Imgortur's disastrous Matchday 12.

Hard to imagine that this was the team that was eventually going to win the Premier League that season.

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ABANHFLEFT • PRIDNESTROVIA • OONTAZ DERT LI NG • COPPER CUPRUM • TRENDSTART • FHULGHAMOUS PENINSULA

CUP OF HARMONY 74: ABANHFLEFT VS NEW LUSITANIA
By Malik Qazizadah


Abanhfleft's Stephanie Winter-Slaughter in action against New Lusitania in the 74th Cup of Harmony. (Courtesy of Crescent News Network Sports Channel/Andros Tasasa)

RAMUSOK, COSUMAR - Abanhfleft books their ticket to the next round of the 74th Cup of Harmony after a hard-fought victory over New Lusitania sees the Lady Revolutionaries take outright possession of top spot in Group E.

Both teams made changes to their starting lineups coming into this game, with Stephanie Bryan being restored to her place in between the sticks after replacing Ursula Qatintiki in the second half of the game against Libertas Omnium Maximus, and Lusitanian coach Victor Santa Cruz opting for Ivo Cavalariça up front with André Silveira over Daniel Jota.

But if Santa Cruz was hoping that Cavalariça's presence would prove to be the key to a Lusitanian triumph then he ended up being mistaken as Cavalariça proved easy pickings for both Georgine Baum and Catarina Soler, and the Académica man was unable to provide anything tangible to his side. And both sides were unable to take advantage of chances in the first half, although André Silveira did have a goal chalked off for offside at the half hour mark.

Santa Cruz swapped Henrique Costa for Ivo Cavalariça at the start of the second half hoping for at least a positive change in his team, but instead it was Abanhfleft who ended up drawing first blood through Kelly McGinnis's very splendid bicycle kick. New Lusitania and Rúben Nevais almost managed to respond immediately though after the Porto midfielder pickled off a rocket for the far corner, only to see his shot fly past the wrong side of the post by a few centimeters.

There would be no such mistake though from Bernardo Veiga as he latched on to a pass from Nevais and then slotted past Stephanie Bryan for an inch-perfect finish to the Lusitanian equalizer. But the goal was nevertheless scored against the run of play and even though they had been pegged back, Abanhfleft continued searching for that second goal. Matters weren't helped though by New Lusitania, whose players were seemingly growing more aggressive the closer the clock ticked to the 90 minutes, and substitute Sérgio Azinheira was lucky to escape with only a warning after a late challenge on Erin Jensdottir-Jennings. With only one minute left to go in regulation, the Lady Revolutionaries finally found their second goal in Elene Liner, who was on hand to receive the cross from her wing partner Amelie Rusev, who was herself the recipient of the free kick earned by Erin, and Liner fired in from an impossibly tight angle.

Abanhfleft women's national team manager Ginny Katesmar: "It's a great game, both because we finally made it through the group stage to the next stage but also because we all worked hard to get it. Everyone did their parts, and did them well. Kelly [McGinnis]'s bicycle kick was just amazing. And we all thought that the chance had gone when Elene [Liner] was forced to the goal line, but then she scored from that angle, and I'm still pinching myself because of it. I'm not really sure if it happened or not but the stats say that it did!"

On Balqia, their next opponent: "Balqia have nothing to play for because they're now eliminated. Meanwhile, we're already through. But that doesn't mean that neither of us have anything to play for now. Balqia will be playing for pride, and we will be playing for maximum points. There is going to be no give and get in this contest. Everyone will still be out for blood. And frankly, I like it that way."

Abanhfleft will square off against Balqia still in Ramusok, Cosumar for the final game of the group stage of the 74th Cup of Harmony.

    ABANHFLEFT 2 - 1 NEW LUSITANIA
McGINNIS (55')       VEIGA (72')
   LINER (89')

NEW LUSITANIA
GK: 1 Patríce
RB: 2 Silva
CB: 3 Cancela
LB: 4 Guerreiros (Vinagrete - 73')
CDM: 5 Nevais
RM: 7 Gama
CM: 6 Fernando (Azinheira - 80')
LM: 8 Mário
CAM: 10 Veiga
RS: 13 Cavalariça (H. Costa - 46')
LS: 9 Silveira

ABANHFLEFT
GK: 1 Bryan
RB: 2 Baum
RCB: 4 Soler
LCB: 5 Sullins (Walrath - 86')
LB: 3 Roos
RM: 6 Winter-Slaughter (Segovia - 81')
LM: 8 Erin
RW: 7 Liner █
CAM: 10 Britt (Woodward - 63')
LW: 11 Rusev
ST: 9 McGinnis █

MATCH STATISTICS
Possession
Abanhfleft: 51%
New Lusitania: 49%
Shots
Abanhfleft: 13 (6 on target)
New Lusitania: 10 (6 on target)
Corners
Abanhfleft: 7
New Lusitania: 6
Fouls
Abanhfleft: 18
New Lusitania: 16

[Kita-Hinode]

THE IMPERIAL HINODEJIN INTERDIMENSIONAL GATEWAY, MISEI CITY
Ambitious, Inter Misei announces new signings
MISEI CITY, THE INTERDIMENSIONAL GATEWAY OF THE EMPIRE - As time slowly and slowly closes into the newest Hinodejin football season, new team Interdimensional Misei FC, the Empire's hot new attraction to its' province has finally announced its' first player signings, the first bit of news after the announcement of former Sunrisian international Negolossauro Rex and those are some pretty respectable names, to say the least, what with three of those seeing national team play right about now. Inter Misei's first signings were via free agency, signing up Starblaydi defender Maria Reyes and her compatriot, forward Elianora Mendez; both having been called up to play for their national team during the World Cup albeit in a substitute role. The group would be later joined on the same day by fellow Starblaydia-born right midfielder Glauco Vega. Reportedly, the three were signed up easily thanks to a small oversight on the system that failed to take under account the ages of Starblaydi players.

The day after, the Empire's newest professional team struck a deal with last season's champions Pascal Mashu to have the services of Nina Niikara, the fifth-generation striker that had been reportedly unsettled at the side despite the title win last season, a result of being deemed the third option behind Attaline Adedirdan of Cosumar and local talent Hideko Katarikawa at the striker position. This is the third team of Nina Niikara's career, having defended Isla Bassa Unicorns of Isula Reale, although never really playing an official game with them and the aforementioned Pascal Mashu, who rescued her from playing on the amateur levels, where she then found some sort of renaissance as a super sub. This should be her first gig as a starting striker, Negolossauro Rex has since reported that she'll be a part of a duo with Mendez up front. The final signing so far has been of goalkeeper Miragano Ritomono, a Rito goalkeeper that has just recently finished his youth football career at Nazu Rito AC.

Negolossauro Rex talks with prospective team members during trial session

The office reported that they were pretty ecstatic about all the new signings, although they do admit that they don't expect the team to pick any more notable players for the time being, even if they do intend to scout the current market, especially teams that had recently been relegated. Foreign signings aren't expected either, given how the team has officially filled the KiHi-LEAGUE's foreigner cap of three players on the starting line-up, which bar any more foreign players of participating as a starting player if all three are played. Such cap, of course, excludes players from the Emirates of Futurnia, Ethane and Eshan, with the possibility of more countries joining the whitelist at the future via diplomacy.

Negolossauro Rex himself has stated that he wished that the team had a local flair, eyeing out players from the Misei amateur leagues, but so far sessions have been reportedly underwhelming. More trials are expected to be hosted in a couple of days as the team tries to fill up its' roster (and have it gel down) by the start of the season.

[Squornshelan Remnant States]

OOC: I can't find a good reference pic for this one, but you should picture a guy in his 60's sitting on his front stoop wearing a very green tracksuit.

Superfan Spotlight!
The second of our Grand Prize winners attended the Black-and-Reds' victory over Alluersia, a result which propelled them to 6 points and a confirmed spot in the second round. Today's superfan is Caj Lutnik of Gryrorik, Molvania, known to local fans as "Mr. Green" for the fact that for years, the only color he has worn has been Traktor's trademark green, with the only exception being Black-and-Red for national team matchdays.

Caj has been a fan of Traktor since his childhood, but his practice of only wearing green is a more recent phenomenon. "Always I had many green clothing," he explained, "in my family we support Traktor, yes? So always green and blue. We had little money, but always I would go down to cafe, they have the match on television. One day, very big match against Interblag. They always think they are better, from the capital, big city, they think they are better than us. I am working this day, so I cannot watch the match, when I am done with work, I go to cafe, we have lost. I realize that I have blue shoes, blue shirt, but no green, and Interblag also wear blue, people will think I support them. From then, I cannot wear blue any more, only green." This new rule of Caj's soon applied not only to matchdays, but to every day, as he decided to eliminate all other colors from his wardrobe. He does not, however, believe that wearing the color brings luck to his team. "No, many people have charms and clothing they think are lucky, but this is foolish. Wearing colors does not bring luck; how could anyone ever lose? Everyone wears their team's color. It is about support. On that day, someone might think I supported Interblag. Now everyone knows I am always for Traktor."

At first, it was just Caj's friends and family who knew about his practice, but before long, his fame started to grow, driven by a community newsletter article. Eventually, word reached Traktor's PR department, and they reached out to Caj. "When first they called, I did not believe them. My friends are playing a joke on me, yes?" Somehow, they club representative on the phone was able to convince Caj sufficiently that he went down to the club offices for an interview. "It was amazing, they were offering to pay me just to say a few words for a camera. I told them no. Who am I? Just an old fool wearing green all the time. Why should anyone want to hear me talk?" Refused, but not discouraged, the club's representatives were able to cajole Caj into making an appearance as a guest of honor at halftime. He consented to record a brief interview for the event, and received free tickets for a few close friends and family to attend. The response was enormous. "Next day, I cannot even get to work. Everyone stops me on the street. 'You are Mr. Green' they say. It was terrible." Eventually, however, Caj accepted a role and a modest paycheck as an official fan spokesperson for the club, appearing in periodic TV spots and other promotional materials. "It is very foolish to be paying for this, but I am an old man, and if I can make my living this way, then that is all right."

Wearing green all the time and becoming something of a mascot for his club team are not the full extent of Caj's activities though, and what he does in his time apart from football fandom played a large role in his selection as a grand prize winner. Starting with a grant from Traktro itself, and continuing with charitable donations from a variety of sources, Caj founded "Green Kids" (both this figurative and the literal translation, "The Children who wear only Green," lost quite a bit in translation from Molvanian). This organization reaches out primarily to low-income children in Gryrorik, sponsoring recreational football leagues, as well as other activities aimed at keeping them busy and out of trouble. "Many parents here in Gryrorik must work, so children are often alone. This is not good for them. The child needs to be kept busy, to have something to do, or else they find something, drugs, crime. It was this way when I was young, so we play football, we sponsor lessons in arts and music, we plant trees and clean up parks. The children learn they must be responsible for the community." Green Kids has been active for barely more than a decade at this point, but has already enriched the lives of over 2000 Gryrorik children, and may be looking to expand in the near future. "In other cities they wear other colors, but they have the same problems. In Lublova, we can have the Red Kids yes? In Lutenblag the Blue, or the Red and Yellow. It would be good to help them in those places too."

Of course, with the establishment of the national team and its entry into the 68th Baptism of Fire, Caj had to reevaluate a few things. "When the national team is announced, immediately I am concerned. I must wear black and red, not green. I am a patriot of course." He doesn't worry about anyone mistaking him for a supporter of another team on those days. "In Molvania, there are many red teams, Lublova, Sjerezo, Lutenblag, yes? But none wear black. On such days many wear also the black and red." As to his wardrobe plans for his trip to Cosumar, Caj is not entirely decided. "Of course I must wear black and red to support the team, but perhaps on a different day, a little green." He smiles.

There were plenty of reasons to smile at the match Caj was able to attend as well. Facing a hastily assembled team from the breakaway region of Alluersia, the Black-and-Reds looked fairly comfortable overall, though they did allow for a more exciting finish than Bethany Donnell would probably have liked to see. Vladcik was able to score a brace of goals in the first half to put the Black-and-Reds well ahead for the second half. The first came on a counterattack, begun when DePo misplaced a pass intended for Wilks, instead giving it to Raktsov, who immediately played it forward to Damot. Damot in turn sent a long ball along the group for Jzvanic to run onto, and the Confederacy's leading goalscorer cut the ball across the face of goal to Vladcik for a simple finish. The second came not long before the half, and was the product of a long, methodical buildup by the Black-and-Reds. Eventually, a corner kick in from Damot was mishandled in the box, and in the ensuing chaos of attempted shots and clearances, Vladcik was able to get a toe to the ball, which rebounded off of Jouhnson's ankle and past Calson to make it 2-0. While it looked like the Confederates need only sit back and defend to keep on full points (which did eventually prove true) Offerns must be given credit for effectively rallying his forces during halftime. When the teams reemerged, Alluersia looked to be in much better order, and were able to more effectively use their numbers advantage in midfield to control possession. The imbalance reached the point that Donnell decided to switch up her tactics, bringing the goalscorer Vladcik off and bringing Stolp on in midfield. It wasn't quite a wholesale change to a 4-4-2, however, as Stolp settled in somewhat ahead of Damot. Unfortunately, whether due to nerves or rust, Stolp took a few minutes to adjust to the speed of the match, as Alluersia were wasting no time down two goals. His misplaced backpass for Damot was intercepted by Pasyts, and suddenly it was the Black-and-Reds who were caught off-guard by a counterattack. Pasyts played a quick one-two with Forens to open space for a shot, and while Kriven was able to punch it away from goal, the rebound fell to Velst, who blasted it past the already sprawling keeper. With a mere 15 minutes remaining, Alluersia threw everything forward, hoping to earn at least a draw and keep their hopes of advancement alive. Though both keepers were testing in the waning minutes, it was not to be, and the referee sounded full time as an emphatic clearance from the head of Ajao rolled slowly through a completely empty Alluersian half; even Calson had come forward for one last corner kick.

[Balqia]

-I will kill you- Stravo was yelling at the coach. Kaesar was holding him with one arm and trying to hold his arms with the other. - It’s your fault, you little piece of…- Otto swallowed the other words as Putiniq immobilized him and covered his mouth.
-Thanks bull.-The coach smiled to Kaesar and then directed his words to the immobilized man -I can, and maybe will, sue you. You threatened my life and called me some really bad things.
The situation was pretty bad, the defeat and disqualification surely impacted the team, but this entire argument started over a piece of cake.
The team in the hotel’s restaurant. Mus was eating his dinner while the rest of the team was ending their meals. Otto and Vilan where in the queue to take some free desserts that the hotel offered. Laqlo went there two and the three of them started to talk.
-What a match boys.- as always Mus was throwing some empty words before starting to criticise the team- We almost won. Unfortunately our dear Faj missed that goal in the last minute and you two let that forward pass through our defenses. Don’t worry, it was just a game in a minor championship. We surely will do better in the next World Cup or Cup of Harmony.
-Well, if we knew that they were going to play in a most aggressive way we could’ve adopted a defensive position and not an aggressive one.
Stravo responded in a far more aggressive way than usual. His girlfriend broke with him after the match. He blamed it in the coach for his incompetence. Kuld had better things to do and remained silent
-Well, the public is pretty discontent with the lack of goals we’ve done in the last game. Some opinion reports show that our promotional shirts and balls aren't selling that well, so we are aiming to attend the public spectation.
-I think the public would prefer a victory over a disqualified.
Vilan was ahead of them in the queue, the sweets in front of him were far more interesting than that little discussion. He served himself with some ice cream and with a piece of strawberry cake. The other two continued to argue.
-...Actually, if you intercepted the forward before he arrived in the goal area the game would be entirely different. You guys are too slow to react.
-Oh, we are slow.- Stravo was just after Kuld -Maybe if we had some competent coach we could get better results.
After saying that he took a spoon and aimed it to the last piece of strawberry cake. However another spoon arrived before and drove the cake to the coach’s plate. The player stopped and looked at Laqlo, murdering him with his eyes.
-I was going to take this piece of cake.
-Well said, you were going to take it. I take it first.- the coach smiled -there’s some ice cream there, eat that.
-I am before you. Give it to me.
The coach looked at him with a smug face. -No.
And then it happened. Otto raised his fist and punched the coach's face. Everyone in the restaurant looked at them.
-Now look there, “coach”.- Stravo was starting to approach Laqlo. -If you think you can do this shitty job and rub it in my face, well, you are pretty mistaken.
After that the players arrived and separated both of them. Kaesar held Stravo and Siedoni helped Laqlo to get up. The player continued to curse the coach until getting silenced. He was taken to his room and the coach apologized for the trouble. Vilan continued to eat his cake and finally went to his room. There he encountered his roommate, Otto Stravo.
-Man how I hate this guy. He stole my cake and smiled, he SMILED.
-Well, you will receive some punitive measures for that, I hope the cake was worth it.
-Well, at least I got to punch the guy’s face. We are disqualified anyway, it’s not like we are going to participate in other championship soon…
Vilan sighed, he knew that Otto didn’t thought about that in the moment.
-Come on, I will pay you a cake.
At least they could maintain their friendship, Kuld knew that Laqlo would never let Stravo play again.

[Main Nation Ministry]

Previously on the Red Wagon and Hearts of Vice..

Jessica hires a new member where she begins to develop some feelings towards, while dealing with our own mindset and decisions that she face. In the central part of the story, a mysterious girl with a red wagon had appeared in Main Nation Ministry, where she gives two items to several men who happened to have both visible and secretive sins. Now, she's an informant by the Leader, where he wants to send Josh Etten six feet under and worst.

Hearts of Vice

Chapter 10: Gone Fishing

Hold on a minute.

...

Ok. I might as well get a bit into my personal history starting now. But I don't want to flat out state it. After meeting with Masami, I woke up on one of my bad days, where I felt like shit. Not actual shit, but you get the idea. I didn't get out of bed until a hour after everyone else did. I didn't know where Charlie was, since I forgotten that she was bringing over friends of hers. Having some trouble of getting out of bed, I managed to get myself propped in a sitting position, as I went to check the time on the clock nearby. "11 AM? Shit.." I cussed to myself, as I managed to stand up. Just gotta take it one step at a step. Brenda was at the lounge, when I walked down there, where she came up to me to make sure I was okay.

"Jessica? You look like you're having one of your days again. You want to sleep some more?"
"No, Brenda. Where's everyone? They went to the boardwalk without me?"
"Gerald and the others scattered about to see what seaside games there were and to snag some photos from the journalists."
"And what about Charlie?"
"She's with her demon friends from near the city. She and Alistair are planning on fishing at the seaside."

Jessica looked out the window behind Brenda to see that the boardwalk was crowded. She saw some boats in the ocean near the boardwalk, where she guessed Charlie was in one of the smaller boats. "As long as she isn't doing anything reckless, things are fine." Jessica said, not trying to say it in a scolding voice, but in a watchful tone.

---

In the middle of the coast, a fisherman was having some trouble reeling in some fish as he was trying to do it old-school like all the so-called pros do. A couple of feet away from his boat, Charlie and her friend Alistair were trying to do some fishing of their own. "I can't believe that they still use these for personal use." Alistair complained, as he looked into the water. "You just attach the worm to the hook and you need to wait, Alistair." Charlie said to him, as she had her fishhook in the water, reaching a fish. "Those little guppies are sneaks! We ought to get in the water ourselves to get them!" Alistair said, where he started to develop some sharp teeth. "Come on, Alistair. You going to get yourself in trouble. You do have the tattoo on your wrist, right?"
"The tracking device doesn't fully start tracking, until I show my real form! I can still be a shark, if I wish!"

After Charlie calmed down, they attempted to continue fishing until she realizes that the fish don't seem to be biting. "Come on.. Come on.." she muttered, as she was having some trouble. "I told you." "Well, I can always grab the fish." Charlie suggested, where she was motivated by the demand for fish. "You're going swimming?" Alistair said, as she started to talk off her shirt. "Well, I'm just doing it to get us some fish. If the fish aren't going to come to us, then I head to the fish!" Charlie said, where Alistair turned around as she was continuing to take off her clothes. "Don't get too rowdy when you're underwater. I can see some kids nearby. That probably makes me wonder, did they start burning that one shark book around the war happened? I like to know so, until I get send away to a room. Let's check things calm, though. Because-" Alistair was interrupted, when Charlie's bra flew into his face. He looked to see that Charlie diving into the water, where he realized that she might actually be in demon form partially. "Well, it's smart she took off her clothing, so it doesn't get ripped." Alistair said to himself, as he looked underwater to try to find Charlie.

Meanwhile, in one of the many surveillance stations in a secret location near the boardwalk, a station was set up inside the building to keep track of any demons within the area. The tattoo that they would get is actually an absorbent skin transplant that monitors the stress levels of a demon. The levels are usually high, when they are in their true forms. The person stationed at tracking the demons would have another operative find the demon via the cameras within the area, which were virtually everywhere. "There is certainly a high stress level at a demon within the vicinity of this sector. Current amount of demons in the area is currently 5. Let me check where that reading is coming from. Ah. Charlotte Huxley. Try to find her." the person at the station sent intel to the operative, as they went looking for Charlie on the cameras at the boardwalk. "Negative. No sightings of her. Wait. I see another demon. They out at the ocean. Sending in the drones."

A surveillance drone was dispatched over the ocean, as it was hovering near the coast of the boardwalk. It saw Alistair at the rowboat, where he had a nervous look on his face, as he looked again into the water to yell out Charlie's name. "Don't panic.. She probably nearly drowned.. She is caught in some seaweed and, wait a minute that doesn't make sense." Alistair thought, as he decided a large amount of bubbles start to form in the water. A dead fish floats to the surface, which both the drone and Alistair. The fisherman nearby didn't seem to notice anything, as he was busy trying to fish. However, something gets caught in his hook, as he was about to reel it in. Then, the fisherman felt his rod immediately jerk forward, where he tried to lean back, but he was forced to grab his role from losing it. As a result, he managed to end up jet-skiing without an actual jet ski, as he went flying into the water, as he was being dragged by whatever was under the water.

"Uhh... Guys. We need some soldiers immediately. Notify a patrol boat."

Jessica was outside, trying to enjoy the peaceful view, until some beach goers saw the commotion in the ocean. "That guy is so dead." Jessica said, almost cynical. "Wait, wasn't Charlie going fishing?" Brenda said, where both of them saw the patrol boat arrive to restore order. At the patrol boat, several soldiers drove in front of the path of where the fisherman was being dragged, where he came to a complete stop. Another soldier was checking the readings of the demon on a tablet, where he radioed in the current levels. "Levels are decreasing." After a while, some more dead fish appeared on the surface of the water, where Charlie popped her head out of the water with a fish in her mouth. "Ma'am. You realize that you were past the regulated readings in a public area. Explain yourself."
"I was just trying to get some fish! They were being a bit uncooperative!" Charlie said, after she spat the fish out and gave an innocent smile. The soldiers didn't buy it.

When Jessica saw the soldiers taking Charlie to shore, Brenda was surprised to see Jessica look worried. "The fuck they doing!?" Jessica almost reacted aggressively. "I think it's some sort of misunderstanding." Brenda tried to get Jessica to act calm. "Misunderstanding my ass! I'm not going to let them throw her in a cell to starve to death!" Jessica yelled, as she ran down the stairs to the beach to confront the soldiers. "Alright, people. Nothing to see here." a soldier said, as he didn't seem to notice that he stepped on some kid's sandcastle. "Stop! What are you doing with one of my workers!?" Jessica yelled at the soldiers. "Jessica?" Charlie said, surprised as they had her wrapped in a towel, since her clothes were still at a rowboat, which was recovered as Alistair was in the midst of questioning.

"Miss, please-"
"You don't have permission to arrest one of my crew!"
"Oh. It's you.." the soldier said, recognizing Jessica and acting like she was an annoyance to him.
"Look, I don't care what kind of trouble she's in, don't take her away!"
"She was improperly fishing. And was out of her costume in a public area."
"Who saw anything?! Everyone was minding their business, until you guys showed up!"

"She got me wet good!" the fisherman yelled from nearby, as a soldier was asking him questions. "Look, just let me deal with her! I can take it from here! And if the Leader complains, he should call me then!" Jessica said, where the soldier gave Charlie a warning. "If you cause another scene or scare members of the public, we might consider giving a strike." the soldier stated, where Jessica saw a teary-eyed kid looking at the destroyed sandcastle. Jessica used her foot to push some more sand towards where it once was. "Make a sandcastle out of a mountain there, kid. Come on, Charlie. We're heading back to the hotel." Jessica said, trying to not sound cold.

"I was just getting some fish to have, later. I'm sorry if I cause a commotion." Charlie said, following Jessica to the hotel, thinking she was about to get fired.
"Look, are you injured? Hurt? I need to make sure you're ok." Jessica stated.
"It's alright, Jessica. I'm fine."
"Look, I want you to check a low profile around here. I don't care what shit you been warned about. If you get into trouble, you're both fucked. You understand?"
"I'm sorry, if I made you mad."
"I'm not mad at you! I'm just.... Damn it.." Jessica suddenly stopped and looked away from Charlie.

"Just head to your room for now. I need a freaking drink.." Jessica said, marching away from Brenda and Charlie to head to the hotel bar. "Is she mad?" Charlie asked Brenda, looking nervous. "Look, she just needs a moment to herself. She only going to drink something non-alcoholic. She's a nice woman. You just need to make sure you don't pressure her." Brenda explained to Charlie. "Charlie! Charlie!" Alistair came running to Charlie, where he was holding her clothes. "Ah! There's my clothes! Thanks, Alistair." Charlie said, making sure she had her arm around the towel and had her other arm reach out for her clothes. "I'm guessing no fish for today?" Alistair joked. "If it's best to not get into any trouble." Charlie remarked, as she had Alistair visit her for another day.

[Savojarna]

SavojarSports.sj - inside reports from all Savojarna
Savojarna win their Cup of Harmony group before neighbourly duel

What was written up to be the potential big final game between two group favourites and neighbour states, the Savojarna vs. Taeshan game tonight, becomes a meaningless game in which Lise Asbeck will likely field multiple new players as Savojarna have qualified in first place before the game even starts. The reason for this odd situation is to be found in Taeshan's complete collapse over here in Mriin, while the Savojars did their job and won convincingly with 4-1 against both Brusseldorf and Lisander. Taeshan, meanwhile, took a 3-4 loss to Lisander and a hard-fought 0-1 against Brusseldorf. The end of the group is going to be every bit as exciting as expected if you're a neutral observer - but it is going to happen on a different pitch than you may have thought.

In the meantime, Savojarna have managed to cement their position as one of the ultimate favourites for the Cup of Harmony 74 title. Nevertheless, the match against Taeshan is not completely meaningless. First of all, bragging rights against a neighbour country are on the line, in a world where multiple games against the same opponent are not that common (unless they are called Vilita or Abanhfleft, of course) this can mean surprisingly much to the fans. Secondly, and more importantly, the seeding in this tournament is done on the basis of your performance and nine or six points is a big difference. But with some big-hitting second place teams at the moment - either the S.R.S. or Ko-oren will end up second on six or seven points, and Kita-Hinode may also end up second behind Zwangzug - the value of these three points is bigger than ever. And finally, even if you know that you decided to leave some of your better players on the bench, going into the octofinals off a loss can make such a big difference in terms of confidence.

Jarkasjärvi has dominated the match against Brusseldorf, scoring two quick goals to put the Northlights ahead 2-0 in half an hour. The Finn continued her scoring frenzy with a goal against Lisander, and potentially the most beautiful goal scored by Savojarna thus far. Around halfway through the second half, Haakonson had cut in and been brought down near the corner of the box by Louis Varden. Putting the ball onto the spot, Jarkasjärvi took aim to twist the ball around the wall beautifully and score via the crossbar in the top left corner. She had been the dominating force on the pitch in the first half as well, but was unlucky as her two shots failed to find the way to the net as she hit the post once and was denied by Michaelichen another time. She could, however, assist Sigurdsdottir in the centre, whose header was also denied by a strong Lisanderian goalkeeper before Otalainen could push the rebound over the line and bring Savojarna ahead. Just like the Brusseldorf game, the Savojars added one more goal before the break. Haakonson's attempt at curling the ball around the defence into the top far corner was deflected, but Freya Sigurdsdottir stood at the right point and shot the ball past a chanceless Michaelichen from point blank range.

Lisander's young team proved to be too unexperienced as time wound down, and despite their successful attempt to shorten the lead shortly after the break by Dawson, they got overly aggressive and exposed their back line. The second counter attempt of the Savojars in that half led to the aforementioned free kick of Jarkasjärvi, and in the final minutes of the game there was one more goal scored by the jokers: Hanna Vilén got it past Michaelichen with a low shot to the left post following a double pass with Sorendal to get through the Lisanderian backline. The second guard of Savojarna has been consistently strong in the first two cames, and now get even more chance to shine in the match against Taeshan.

Asked about the match and the performance of her team in a group that was heralded as a group of death, Asbeck stated that she was extremely happy with what the team managed. "We have shown our skill in the qualification, but unfortunately we didn't quite manage to make it to the big show thanks to the extremely strong nature of our group. There were four extremely competitive teams in that pool, and our fourth seed made it through to the World Cup. That is something quite unusual, and I am so proud of my team despite their loss. And now, I am happy to see that this team does get to show its potential for a while longer". She also confirmed that the team would be rotated somewhat for the match against Taeshan. "There's a few girls out there that have such a big potential, and giving them some experience on the WCC stage will be very helpful. But we're taking Taeshan absolutely serious. They are a powerful nation that we expected to do a lot better".

Meanwhile, Brusseldorf and Lisander will face off at the same time with the goal of managing qualification to the octofinals out of a group where not too many expected them to make waves. Lisander enter the game with a slight advantage as they are ahead on goals scored (with goal difference tied), meaning that the pressure to win is on Brusseldorf. But the newcomers, who have come back brilliantly from a 5-0 opening loss to the Holy Empire to come third in their group and almost qualify to the World Cup on their first attempt, can make the Eleven of the Lys stumble. Despite their advantage, Lisander are unlikely to sit back. They are an aggressive, fluid team that will try to run over Brusseldorf and provide us with a spectacular match. Brusseldorf themselves are almost equally offensive and dangerous, and will not be held back either. The match is going to be a dramatic fight, and we are all looking forward to the drama of a last-day qualifier while Savojarna are taking on the Purple Knights of Taeshan in a battle for the bragging rights of Northeastern Rushmore.

Projected lineups:



OOC: Savojar lineup is going to be like posted above. Taeshan's lineup is taken from their roster post but may not be who actually played; that would be up to Taeshan.

[Omerica]

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Ça va sans dire? What’s at stake on matchday three?
By Pierre Chrétien

Can Omerica beat the Busoga Islands? It goes without saying!

Anne-Sophie Groothuis’s words have entered the lore of Omerican football. First uttered at the last Independents Cup in response to a question asking whether Omerica could beat the Free Republics, the manager’s words were confident, bold even: “Ça va sans dire.”

“It goes without saying.” Those words couldn’t have been more prescient. Omerica made it to the last sixteen, advanced to the quarterfinal, won a rematch against Kavagrad and avenged their group stage loss to the Redhearts. Despite the heartbreak of losing to Drawkland on penalties, it was the first real sign of hope for a team that had been faffing about in the wilderness of international football for years.

Now in that same position at the Cup of Harmony, all the right patterns are falling into place. Omerica made the IAC knockouts from this exact position. It’s Omerica’s fourth appearance at the tournament under the United Republican Soccer Federation; Omerica made the knockout stage on the fourth attempt under the Omerican Football Federation. Omerica were in pot 2 and drawn into Group H when they first made the Cup of Harmony knockouts. The parallels are all there.

If only it were that simple… Football isn’t played on paper with pens, but on a pitch with people.

The Sherpa Empire: There was an attempt #wetried
Results: 1–2 vs Omerica, 2–4 vs the Busoga Islands, TBD vs Saltstead
Currently pointless, the Sherpas cannot possibly catch up to either Saltstead or the Busoga Islands even if they absolutely murder Valeriė Rotsħeud’s goal tonight. Featuring one of the shoddiest defences in Cosumar today, it’s kind of sad that the team given the best shot to pull off an upset qualification to the knockouts are already packing their bags for home.

Circumstances played heavily into the Sherpas’ plight, with midfielder Faisal Singh suspended for doping violations and terrorist attacks possibly unnerving a squad who had a marginally disappointing World Cup qualifying campaign, where they finished behind Omerica despite handing them a 3–1 defeat in Westhaven. The engines just never really got rolling in Cosumar: Omerica did their homework and the Busoga Islands came racing out of the gate, catching this Empire by surprise.

None of this is to say that the Sherpas won’t come out fighting or that they can’t lift themselves off the bottom of the table. If the Busoga Islands notch a win against Omerica and the Sherpas better the Busogans’ margin by at least two goals, they will leapfrog Omerica for third place. And even if they don’t manage to to, they can always spoil the fun for Saltstead and make some voodoo magic that cast one of the tournament favourites out.

Omerica: The Curse of Kilkenny striketh again?
Results: 2–1 vs the Sherpa Empire, 0–1 vs Saltstead, TBD vs the Busoga Islands
Omerica and the Cup of Harmony go together like peanuts and a child with a deadly peanut allergy. Only once in our history have the Incorrigibles advanced from the group stage and even then, we didn’t show up to their Round of 16 match at the Bridget Kilkenny Stadium, allowing Acronius to advance by forfeit and beginning a superstition that has haunted these United Republics for nearly two decades.

We were practically assured a place in the last sixteen at the last iteration of the tournament, needing only a measly draw in their last match to go through: we lost 3–1. The prior tournament also ended after three matches, with a 2–0 loss to Qusmo bouncing the Incorrigibles out early. Two years prior to that, a 1–1 draw against Saltstead ended our hopes in our first Cup of Harmony for twelve years, a barren run which started with qualification for the World Cup, continued thanks to the forced dissolution of the Omerican Football Federation and ran for eight further years of self-imposed exile.

Anyway you dice it, this just isn’t a competition in which Omerica excel. The dual burdens of history and superstition have weighed heavily on our shoulders, so it would be unsurprising if the Incorrigibles completely lose their nerves. We need a win to guarantee progression. Defeat seals elimination. A draw puts our fate in the hands of the Sherpas, who would have to defeat Saltstead by at least two goals to allow Omerica to advance.

This is a match that looks easy on paper, but is emotionally fraught. As much as we would enjoy going through to the knockouts, Omerica will be headed home early.

Saltstead: Surely we can’t blow it on the final matchday again…
Results: 0–0 vs the Busoga Islands, 1–0 vs Omerica, TBD vs the Sherpa Empire
The pressure for Saltstead is precisely the opposite that which Omerica are facing. The Stallions have never been bounced out in the Cup of Harmony group stage and only once been eliminated before the round of 16 in a WCC-sanctioned tournament, a disappointing matchday 3 exit to the co-hosts and eventual bronze medallists of the last World Cup.

In stark contrast to the three moderately attack-focused teams, the Stallions have played their aggressively and shamelessly defensive style that has been a signature of the team from the start. The ethos of Saltsteadish football can be characterised as “victory by any means necessary” and, though it has certainly had its hiccoughs, a disciplined brick wall back line have made Saltstead the only team besides Ko-oren to have kept two clean sheets thus far at this Cup of Harmony and justified the belief of everyone who has called this team one of the favourites to finally win it all.

This wasn’t a guarantee, though. Manager Gay Ware was sacked after Saltstead’s World Cup qualifying campaign tanked spectacularly, going from reasonable favourites to qualify to fourth-place in the group, a fate hammered home by a 2–0 loss to Qusmo in Ashwell. (We feel your pain, guys.) Youth development director Christianė van Åuphen came in on an interim basis to steady the ship until a permanent successor to the disgraced Ware could be found and rumours that she could possibly get the job permanently if she can guide Saltstead to a “respectable” finish have abounded.

Though it’s unclear what would qualify as “respectable”, one would assume that requires, at minimum, advancing to the knockouts. Despite a hiccough against the Busoga Islands, where the Stallions were unable to find the back of the net, the fate of Saltstead is firmly in their own hands going up against the Sherpas. Simply avoid defeat and a place in the last sixteen is theirs. And even with a loss, they’ll still go through if Omerica also lose or—thanks to the strange tiebreaking rules and their victory over the Incorrigibles—Omerica and the Busoga Islands draw and they keep their margin of defeat to just a solitary goal.

Busoga Islands: Well, this is not the position we expected to be in
Results: 0–0 vs Saltstead, 4–2 vs the Sherpa Empire, TBD vs Omerica
Seriously, don’t take our word for it. They basically said it first. Like they’ve said themselves, they weren’t even here two years ago, they entered the fifth-lowest ranked side and they had every reason to be skeptical of their chances.

But this is a team free of any expectation. This team is not pressured by identity like Saltstead. This team is not haunted by history like Omerica. This team is not already out like the Sherpa Empire. The sky is the limit for the Busoga Islands and they have what it takes to be a breakout star here at this Cup of Harmony. Their opening game against Saltstead might not have been the most inspired goal-scoring spectacle, but their match against the Sherpa Empire shows a nation which, with the right amount of luck, will be a thorn in the side of established powers for decades to come.

They’ve set this group up so perfectly, that not even defeat at the hands of rubbish Omerica may be enough to knock them out. Thanks to their superior goal difference, not only would they have to lose to Omerica, but Saltstead would also have to pick up at least a point to see the Busogans go through the door. Now I’m no professional mathematician, but I like those odds.

But this is assuming that Omerica would beat the Busoga Islands, which, since this is football and anything can happen in football, we know is not going to happen. If we can’t make it to the Round of 16, we can at least live vicariously through the heroic exploits of some plucky islanders. If you do knock us out: godspeed, Busoga!

The state of all the less important groups
Group G is easiest: Squornshelus and Ko-oren already have their Round of 16 places booked, with Alluersia and Oberour Ar Moro fighting each other to stay off the bottom of the table. Squornshelus and Ko-oren will conveniently play each other on matchday three, with the winner taking top spot in the group; if the game ends in a draw, Squornshelus win the group by virtue of having scored more goals.

Group F is also wrapped up for all intents and purposes. Tinhampton have their place in the last sixteen sealed, while Mytanija need only a single point to secure a place for themselves thanks to the advantage of having beaten Krytenia last matchday. Krytenia need a miracle to see themselves through: they must defeat Sajnur and Tinhampton must defeat Mytanija and the combined margin of victory must exceed a total of five goals. Congrats on going through Mytanija, well earned.

Group E follows the same pattern: easy. Abanhfleft have already sealed their place, while Balqia are confirmed to be going home. The two will play a meaningless match, while New Lusitania and Libertas Omnium Maximus—we’ll just call them “LOM”—face a de facto one-game playoff for a place in the knockout stage. New Lusitania have a superior goal difference entering the match and consequently only need a draw to go through. LOM don’t have that luxury: for them, it is victory or (metaphorical) death.

On the Mrii side of the field, however, things get decidedly dicey. In Group A, Savojarna and Taeshan find themselves in the exact same positions as Abanhfleft and Balqia respectively, with Savojarna the only team in Mriin to have mathematically advanced to the Round of 16. Lisander go into a match-up with Brusseldorf level on goal difference but ahead by three on goals scored, so you ought to know where this is going: Lisander move on with a draw, Brusseldorf need to win to go through.

The impostor “United Republics” Siovanija and Teusland are the only other team in the Mrii half to be mathematically eliminated, condemned the supporting role of possible spoiler to group leaders Zwangzug. So long as Zwangzug can nab at least a draw, they are safely through, a position Kita-Hinode also find themselves in. Velestria can also go through with a draw, but this would require the “United Republics” to beat Zwangzug by at least two goals thanks to the latter’s victory over Velestria on matchday one; basically, Velestria have to win to guarantee progression.

Polkopia are theoretically still in the running to advance out of Group C, but their win condition requires victory over the Macabees, a Filindostani win over Eraman and a combined margin of victory of at least three goals; not as unlikely as Krytenia advancing, but we aren’t holding our collective breath. The Macabees just have to win to seal their place in the last sixteen—or draw if Eraman can’t pull off a win against Filindostan. Eraman can advance with a draw if Polkopia beat the Macabees, a win if Polkopia and the Macabees draw and only with voodoo magic if Polkopia lose to the Macabees. As for Filindostan: they only go out if both Eraman and the Macabees win and the margins of victory work out in just the wrong way for the Pula Garuda.

As for Group D, it’s the same story as Group C. But since I don’t want to repeat myself, just reread the above, replacing “Polkopia” with “Kandorith”, “Eraman” with “Main Nation Ministry”, “the Macabees” with “Xanneria” and “Filindostan” with “Drawkland”. Cool? Oh, people from Drawkland aren’t called “Drawklandis”? They’re “Drawkians”? Cool. Make that substitution, too. And “Kick Corps” for “Pula Garuda” before I forget.

It probably would have been easier to retype all that mess, now that I think about it. Too late now!

So what’s the knockout stage going to look like?
¯\_(ツ)_/¯

At this stage, we would normally make knockout stage predictions to be taken with copious quantities of the finest salt of Saltstead’s finest stead, but this time, we just aren’t going to bother. In contrast with usual practice at 32-team tournaments, the knockout draw has not been predetermined, but will be seeded instead.

(◯Δ◯∥)

So yeah, given that we’d have to predict every single matchday three scoreline, we’re not even going to attempt to guess where everyone will wind up in the draw. And be honest: do you really blame us? ◇

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Uniting Omerican sport fans across the United Republics — blogdefootball: a proud member of the Gryphon Pride network

[Tinhampton]

OOC: The Thornton poem below was originally posted here during WC78.

The (disorganised but) Collected Works of Aidan Thornton
08 October 1909-28 May 1987. Seen by many as Tinhampton's "greatest" poet, and arguably its only famous one.
Oderint, Dum Metuant
A poem on the Communist Takeover and impendent elections; Thornton did take his exile case resulting from the poem to the High Court, but the takeover was "un-couped" before any hearings could happen, and Thornton went free.
fun fact: Oderint, Dum Metuant was mandatory Grade 11 reading between the 1959 reinstatement of the old curriculum and its removal by the incoming (leftist) government in 1996.
~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~

11/1958

Not the land that I remember
A land, now long since dismembered
A land where the far-left rule with fear
and the pressure - sometimes disappointment - is sheer

A land where "life is full of care"
and "there is no time to stop and stare"
As they say "Let us continue evolution
"Towards our glorious Communist Revolution!"

A land of misery, a land of pain
On our once-great flag, there is a stain
of egregrious red on our famous brown
Some would say it's all going down

A land of free men, and yet of sorrow
of how our leader might get better tomorrow
leading our nation with it to a new time
where, "for secularism", church bells do not chime

But beyond that, it is an inevitability
Our freedoms lost to every degree
The only thing we can do shall be to hail
our Dear Leader all the time - or go to jail

And all shall wonder in her name
sbout our happenings - "have we not lost again?"
We can all recognise what is coming near:
"Let them hate... so as long as they fear."

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A Tinhamptonian old wives' tale about a children's story competition
Back in.... what, it must have been last year, the year before that? Yeah, it was 2017, now I remember - so around then, Tinhampton's university, the Vertos campus in particular decided to organise a short story competition for youngsters. There was, however, a twist: the theme had to be something to do with sports in Tinhampton, in line with the national team's sort-of-pretending-to-try, as it was back in the day. Now, we had many students enter, some high-achievers and some full-time slackers, some highly creative and some scarcely motivated, but none of these people came out on top in the end.
You see, there was one bang average young strapper, the son of a farmer, and that farmer had seen Lydia Anderson take a bit of a tumble in front of some cowpats a few hours previously. When he was told about this, he decided to adapt the story to turn it into a cult legend of Tincanland sporting epics and mysteries. Except this time, there were lightning clouds flashing above in the sky! Now, the Mayoress was still visiting but now she deliberately took the ground to avoid a bolt which ended up hitting the poor farmer's barn. All of the animals that he had passed away that day because of the lightning and the farmer lost so much of his livelihood, except for a young girl cow called Lydia.
About fifteen minutes later, the lady politician was just stood there when the farmer yelled at her "You aren't going to get your lot at the big one until one of you cows die!" That story won the competition. Neither Lydia has died in the two years inbetween, and from that day to this - never mind that this narrative is known to have been a complete work of fiction - Tinhampton has never qualified for the World Cup. That it has won the last completed Cup of Harmony and appears to be one of the front-runners for the current one seems to serve as little consolation for the domestic population.

[Cosumar]

MD3 Cutoff for Groups E-H

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Group E
New Lusitania 5–1 Libertas Omnium Maximus
Balqia 3–3 Abanhfleft

  Group E                        Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Abanhfleft                       3   2  1  0   11   8  +3    7  Q
2 New Lusitania                    3   2  0  1    9   3  +6    6  Q
3 Libertas Omnium Maximus          3   1  0  2    8  13  −5    3
4 Balqia                           3   0  1  2    5   9  −4    1

Group F
Krytenia 3–0 Sajnur
Tinhampton 5–1 Mytanija

  Group F                        Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Tinhampton                       3   3  0  0    8   2  +6    9  Q
2 Krytenia                         3   1  1  1    4   2  +2    4* Q
3 Mytanija                         3   1  1  1    7   8  −1    4*
4 Sajnur                           3   0  0  3    3  10  −7    0

*Krytenia ahead of Mytanija on Goal Difference

Group G
Squornshelan Remnant States 2–2 Ko-oren
Oberour Ar Moro 4–3 Alluersia

  Group G                        Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Squornshelan Remnant States      3   2  1  0    5   3  +2    7* Q
2 Ko-oren                          3   2  1  0    4   2  +2    7* Q
3 Oberour Ar Moro                  3   1  0  2    4   5  −1    3
4 Alluersia                        3   0  0  3    4   7  −3    0

Squornshelan Remnant States ahead of Ko-oren on Goals For

Group H
Saltstead 3–0 The Sherpa Empire
The Busoga Islands 1–3 Omerica

  Group H                        Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Saltstead                        3   2  1  0    4   0  +4    7  Q
2 Omerica                          3   2  0  1    5   3  +2    6  Q
3 The Busoga Islands               3   1  1  1    5   5   0    4
4 The Sherpa Empire                3   0  0  3    3   9  −6    0

[Mriin]

I'm out of witty snippets.

MD3 Cutoff for Groups A-D

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Seeding and matchups for the Ro16 will be added in a new post in short order.

Group A
Lisander 1–1 Brusseldorf
Taeshan 1–0 Savojarna

  Group A                   Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Savojarna                   3   2  0  1    8   3  +5    6  Q
2 Lisander                    3   1  1  1    6   8  −2    4* Q
3 Brusseldorf                 3   1  1  1    3   5  −2    4*
4 Taeshan                     3   1  0  2    4   5  −1    3

Lisander ahead of Brusseldorf on Goals For

Group B
Kita-Hinode 3–1 Velestria
Siovanija and Teusland 1–0 Zwangzug

  Group B                   Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Kita-Hinode                 3   2  1  0    7   4  +3    7  Q
2 Zwangzug                    3   1  1  1    5   5   0    4  Q
3 Siovanija and Teusland      3   1  0  2    4   5  −1    3*
4 Velestria                   3   1  0  2    6   8  −2    3*

Siovanija and Teusland ahead of Velestria on Goal Difference

Group C
The Macabees 4–1 Polkopia
Eraman 1–3 Filindostan

  Group C                   Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Filindostan                 3   3  0  0    8   2  +6    9  Q
2 The Macabees                3   2  0  1    8   5  +3    6  Q
3 Eraman                      3   1  0  2    7  10  −3    3
4 Polkopia                    3   0  0  3    5  11  −6    0

Group D
Drawkland 4–2 Xanneria
Kandorith 4–6 Main Nation Ministry

  Group D                   Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Drawkland                   3   3  0  0   14   6  +8    9  Q
2 Main Nation Ministry        3   2  0  1   11  11   0    6  Q
3 Xanneria                    3   1  0  2    6   9  −3    3
4 Kandorith                   3   0  0  3    8  13  −5    0

[Mriin]

Ro16 Seeding and Matchups

Tiebreakers:
Points
Goal difference
Head to Head points [n/a]
Head to Head goal difference [n/a]
Wins
Goals scored
Playoff/Coin Flip

  Group Winners                   Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1  Drawkland                        3   3  0  0   14   6  +8    9
2  Tinhampton                       3   3  0  0    8   2  +6    9*
3  Filindostan                      3   3  0  0    8   2  +6    9*
4  Saltstead                        3   2  1  0    4   0  +4    7
5  Abanhfleft                       3   2  1  0   11   8  +3    7
6  Kita-Hinode                      3   2  1  0    7   4  +3    7
7  Squornshelan Remnant States      3   2  1  0    5   3  +2    7
8  Savojarna                        3   2  0  1    8   3  +5    6

Tinhampton ahead of Filindostan on Coin Flip, with all other tiebreakers exhausted

  Runners Up                      Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
9  Ko-oren                          3   2  1  0    4   2  +2    7
10 New Lusitania                    3   2  0  1    9   3  +6    6
11 The Macabees                     3   2  0  1    8   5  +3    6
12 Omerica                          3   2  0  1    5   3  +2    6
13 Main Nation Ministry             3   2  0  1   11  11   0    6
14 Krytenia                         3   1  1  1    4   2  +2    4
15 Zwangzug                         3   1  1  1    5   5   0    4
16 Lisander                         3   1  1  1    6   8  −2    4

Matches taking place in and scorinated by Mriin
₁Drawkland vs ₁₆Lisander @Haven, Maal
₈Savojarna vs ₉Ko-oren @Seagate, Easthold
₄Saltstead vs ₁₃Main Nation Ministry @Gold Field, Vidial
₅Abanhfleft vs ₁₂Omerica @Iron Alley, Hosingr

Matches taking place in and scorinated by Cosumar
₂Tinhampton vs ₁₅Zwangzug @Farris Crowley Memorial World Cup Stadium, Ramusok
₇Squornshelan Remnant States vs ₁₀New Lusitania @Alesund Stadion, Samotath
₃Filindostan vs ₁₄Krytenia @Orangi Stadium, Crawford
₆Kita-Hinode vs ₁₁The Macabees @Estadio MasseMord, Azuris

[Tinhampton]

OOCly, I apologise in advance to Guido Fawkes, Qusmo, and Omercia squared for the contents of this post ;P All comments in this RP are IC and would never reflect my actual views on the nations in question!

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On a scale from 1 to HUEHUEHUE, rate how much you are enjoying this tournament

Posted by Vox Antipopuli
date posted: 9th April 2019, 1:54am

Categories: Sport, Abroad, Media
Tags: football, tinhampton, mytanija, krytenia, the-competition, cosumar, mriin, shambles

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They said it would be impossible. They said it would be a "miracle." They said that the chances of it were rather unlikely. I say that none of this was invented by myself. But then again, they could not possibly have been able to predict the future musings of Therald's livebloggenings accurately...

89' minutes: TINHAMPTON 4-1 MYTANIJA - Your friendly local assistant referee says four minutes of time added. How far can a man push before a man is told he can no longer push? How about a woman?

90' minutes: TINHAMPTON 4-1 MYTANIJA - Srdan Vukovic almost-but-doesn't-quite upend Fetakela Manuta about 30 yards from goal. Free kick but no card, as would be sensible.

90+2' minutes: GOOOOOOOOOOOL! TINHAMPTON 5-1 MYTANIJA - GOOOOOOOOOTHHERGERGWRGFGUTGFRGSRE

90+3' minutes: TINHAMPTON 5-1 MYTANIJA - Well, ruddy flipperoo! Hands up who expected a third one for Priscilla Evans, tonight of all nights? A well-recieved floater from Fetakela Manuta is headed meekly out of play, doused around by the Miners before our favourite daughter taps in from a little under ten yards out.

90+5' minutes: TINHAMPTON 5-1 MYTANIJA - Referee Has Fallen: not this summer's hottest blockbuster, but the egged-on reality! we are living through in fast-forward today. Suffice to say that Nebojsa Aleksic has resultantly incurred his wrath - and yellow card - as a result. The Hoops need three more goals in the next negative forty-five seconds of injury time.

FULL TIME - TINHAMPTON 5-1 MYTANIJA: Not. Gonna. Happen. Where's Pierre Chrétien when you need him?

00:39 (Tinhampton time): And with the full-time whistle having been blown in that other part of Cosumar, Krytenia's cyan dragons are THROUGH TO THE ROUND OF SIXTEEN. Neither will know who they will face until the group draw, scheduled for about 90 minutes from now...

"It" was Mytanija being eliminated with a goal differential swing of six - and "they" are, of course, le blogdefootball. They might be one of the legends, but they simply underestimate we humble tincans so much - a side presumed more often than not to be dour, boring and almost non-existent up front - as to descend into 2% more irrelevance than last time I visited their Information Superhighway motorway service area... and like mine, their predictions are no better than the toss of a coin. Say, is this one weighted?

UPDATE, 2:09am: Fuck if I know, but it's spoken: Tinhampton are second-seeded and face Zwangzug, whilst the Filindostanis with an identical record are doomed to third and a matchup against the Kryties we've just helped get through the group stages. (ATTN Sophie: twenty dollars says it landed heads.) Dodgy Right-Wing Blogger 2, Respected Football Bloggers 0. I'd crack open a can of Proper Miner's now but it's two o'clock in the morning, I'll save that for when what feels like our zillionth morning of coalition negotiations truly begins as Diana Knight sounds off into an Acme Megaphone-Like Substance whinging about the lack of "proper conservative" kingmaking in about eight hours.

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SUBMIT

Lydia for Mayor 2017 - Make Tin Cans Again Reputation: +101,183

Joined Vox Antipopuli: 30th December 2016

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"Say, is this one weighted?" and then we end up second-seeded by the toss of a coin. That was incredibly wry prophecy from somebody that makes very little of it

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date posted: 9th April 2019, 2:13am ~~~ location: Revolting against the Modern World ~~~ REPLY

3 APPROVALS 0 DISAPPROVALS

AFTERSCHOOL DETENTION Reputation: +32,372

Joined Vox Antipopuli: 5th February 2006

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Thank goodness. Now the Tinhamptonian media can debate the Dubious Nonsense (TM) that really matters once we inevitably get TKO'd by the black and white stripes, like BASED AND REDPILLED ADVICE on how to get a no-fault divorce for only $99.99 or that Z-lister who can afford a thousand-buck sequin dress but not the monthly rent!

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date posted: 9th April 2019, 2:10am ~~~ location: ROOM 74 WITH MR JONES AT 3pm ~~~ REPLY

2 APPROVALS 1 DISAPPROVALS

disgruntledrachel Reputation: +599,835

Joined Vox Antipopuli: 3rd June 2004

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The clothes I wore to work today cost less than the factitious divorce you allude to, haha. I wonder how satisfied I must be having a safe roof over my head (God forbid...)

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date posted: 9th April 2019, 2:13am ~~~ location: TINHAMPTON, of course! ~~~ REPLY

2 APPROVALS 0 DISAPPROVALS

[The Sherpa Empire]

Sarang Lotsawa could have sworn he had turned his laptop off and closed the screen before he left the house, but it was open and turned on when he came home. He ran his finger over the touchpad and the screen came on. He furrowed his brow in confusion. A video player was open and an icon in the corner indicated the internet connection was down. That was definitely not the way Lotsawa had left it. The video piqued his curiosity, though. The first frame showed a football pitch with players frozen in the middle of a play. Some of the players looked familiar -- in fact the goalie in the background looked like Lotsawa himself -- but he didn't recognize the stadium or the uniforms. A sign in the background said "Cup of Harmony 74," but Lotsawa was sure neither he nor Jai Mauryan, who was clearly visible in the foreground of the image, had ever played in such an event. A paranoid voice in the back of his mind whispered that whoever put the video on his computer might have set a booby trap to go off when he pushed play, but he was too curious. He brushed the thought aside and pushed play. The players on the screen sprang into motion in a fast-paced back-and-forth. One of the opposing players took a shot on goal, and the goalie who looked like Lotsawa blocked it. "What the hell?" said Lotsawa.

The video cut to a pale, thin, and ragged-looking man with mismatched eyes. "Hello, Sarang. You're probably wondering why this video is on your computer and why it shows you playing in a football game you've never seen before."

"Yeah, what the fuck?" Lotsawa leaned closer to the screen to get a better look. The man in the video looked familiar. There had been police sketches on the news, rumors...

"This game footage was given to me by a shaman who traveled to another world, where the fascists never came to power," the man on the video said. "In that world, the national football team was never murdered and you are playing in the Cup of Harmony right now. They don't make you take steroids, either. Performance-enhancing drugs are banned in professional sports. You never liked those, did you? Well, I'll shut up and let you watch the game..."

The video cut to pre-game chatter from some TV channel that Lotsawa had never seen before. One of the commentators was a guy he had seen on SSN; the other was a Westerner that would have never been allowed on the air in Scherpareich because he looked much too semitic. They were talking about a devastating loss against the Busoga Islands and getting ready for a tough game against Saltstead. Lotsawa was sure both games had never happened, but there was nothing to indicate that the commentary was satirical. The teams took the field and played a completely serious and professional game of football. The Sherpas lost 3-0, but it wasn't for lack of trying. They played hard and they knew what they were doing. It wasn't just some actors miming some half-assed plays kicking a ball around. It all looked and felt so real... But the game had never happened! Maybe it really was from another world?

[Busoga Islands]

Busoga Islands Goalkeeper Delbin Kasekende, Omerica v. Busoga Islands

The Busoga Islands were struggling against the United Republican Federation’s squad, Omerica. Omerica, of course, were the favorites entering into the match, and into the tournament, to get the group’s 2nd spot, but considering how the tournament had gone so far, obviously anything was possible. Delbin Kasekende, the Islander legend, was hoping, was praying, that they’d be able to get to the knockout stages. Extend his international career, of course, by one more game.

Entering the game, no matter what happened anywhere else, the Busoga Islands needed a draw. With all the Group H games being played in Azuris, it was Saltstead who played against the Sherpa Empire first on that day. Saltstead won the game, 3-0, which put all the pressure on the Busoga Islands. But even going into the game, Starfire, the manager, said that would make it easier. ‘No illusions about making the knockouts on the backs of somebody else.’ And the number of Islander fans there was astounding. All hoping to witness a miracle, the bus ride to the match was unlike anything he had ever seen. A sea of white flags with the red crescent & star, red jerseys everywhere- what a sight, a show of support.

They got to halftime with the game tied, at 0-0, and Delbin Kasekende gave a courageous speech to his teammates at halftime. “Boys, this is the time to start the Cinderella story, this is the time to make history!” He said. “All we need is one more half of solid defensive effort, of good play, of focused energy, to shock the world, silence all the haters and doubters who told us that we didn’t deserve to be here, and get to the Round of 16. Everything is in front of us- all we need to do get this result. Don’t let them get ahead. Keep fighting! We can do it boys.” And the team rallied around their leader, their captain, their most famous player- Delbin Kasekende.

They came out in the second half, ready to go. But Omerica, of course, had the same fire- they knew anything less than three points wasn’t good enough, and went to work on breaking down the Islander defense. It was Clemente Affini who ripped off the shot. He sent it, flying to the upper corner, and Delbin Kasekende’s 37 year old bones shuffled over and leaped high. However, he is not as young as he once was, and the ball was simply just out of reach. He saw it go just past his outstretched finger tips, and land into the back of the net. The score was 1-0 to Omerica, and it was 51 minutes in.

Kasekende, of course, was simply a goalkeeper. He had a role to play, but he wouldn’t be the one to score the goal that the Busoga Islands now needed to stay alive. What would happen? Kasekende was rooting on his teammates, who seemed up to the task. And fortunately for him, In the 60th minute, Amitabh was fouled, inside the box. A penalty was awarded to the Busoga Islands. Who stepped up to take it? None other than budding Lakiska SC starlet Ousman Babaja, who cheekily chipped the penalty straight down the middle, to make the score 1-1, and put the Islanders, once again, in the driver’s seat.

Kasekende let out a loud yell of joy, of excitement. Half an hour left, all they needed to do was hold onto the lead- could they do so. Kasekende was putting in all of his own effort. Came out and snagged a few crosses. He made a brilliant diving save against Morgan Barzetti in a one on one situation. But in the 81st minute, it would be Oojam who would make the crucial mistake, pushing an Omerican attacker to the ground. The referee had no choice- a yellow card was shown, a penalty given. Kasekende stood on the line, facing the Omerican player. He tried to read his eyes- right or left. He saw the ball placed down slightly to Kasekende’s left, off-center, and Kasekende. Even though the striker looked to Kasekende’s right before the kick, he hit one, on the ground, powerfully to Kasekende’s left. Kasekende dove to his left, with his arms outstretched, and batted the ball. He had made the save!

But then he saw where the ball went. It wasn’t around the post- it went back in front of him. He panicked. The striker was the first one to the ball, as Islander defenders raced towards it. Kasekende was scrambling up, but he was helpless. He saw Thakshak launch into a helpless slide, but the Omerican penalty taker one timed the rebound into the back of the net, and Kasekende didn’t have a chance. Absolutely devastating. Omerica had taken a 2-1 lead at this time.

And then, of course, the Busoga Islands had it all on the line. They had to push, and forward did they go. On a corner kick, 3 minutes into stoppage when the referee had given a shocking 6 minutes, all the Islander players went up for a corner kick, including Kasekende. The ball was headed by Babaja, but hit off the line to Kasekende’s feet. Would this surely be the incredible moment?

It was not meant to be. Kasekende kicked the ball towards goal, but right into the hands of the Omerican goalkeeper. One of their players had started sprinting back, and Frédérique Acardi immediately punted the ball. There was simply nobody back. Kasekende tried to sprint back, but he had no chance. It would be Red Bolton who would dribble the ball into the net, basically uncontested.

Kasekende knew the gig was up at that moment. Starfire used her final substitution in the 5th minute of stoppage to take him off and bring on Mantek Ranwa , as he walked off the pitch for the national team one last time. He applauded the fans, who were giving him a loud, standing ovation, as tears came to his eyes. He tried to bring them far. He had almost done it- but still, a lot to be proud of. Islander fans chanted his last name- “Ka-sec-end-day!” as he took his seat on the bench. Hugging players around him, what an international career it has been for the first ever captain of the Busoga Islands.

[Ko-oren]

A cross. A header. A goal.

Ten yellow-sashed players rushed to Tsuchida, who had just brought Ko-oren level against an ancient new team, the Squornshelan Remnant States. What had once been Squornshelous, had reached highs in the World Cup that are still in the realm of dreams, hopes and what-ifs in the minds of the Ko-orenites. Ever since they returned to the KPB rankings, Ko-oren had been ranked over them by a fair margin, though that margin was getting smaller. Today, the two teams met as equals. Six points in the group, and the current game would decide who joins the top eight seeds and who falls to the bottom eight qualifiers. No matter what, the two teams had already met their short-term goals, to survive the group stage.

The criticism of one of the Dragonflies' biggest ever players still rang in their ears. Reizo Yokota felt attacked personally. Fin Fenner played the exact position that he currently plays - and as Reizo felt, he really wasn't much worse than the legend. In fact, Reizo might have already attained a lot more than Mr. Fenner. The veteran reached one World Cup. For Reizo, a World Cup qualification is nothing out of the ordinary, and rather it's the goal for every single qualification cycle. Still. Reizo had a lot more left to prove. If he was going to reach the status of Fin, he would bring Ko-oren glory like Fin once did. Do something never done before. The final eight at a World Cup would do, but you can't win that after you've started a Cup of Harmony. Maybe later, but right now the task at hand was to win the Cup. Not something new to Ko-oren, but still monumental enough to be remembered for a long time. Not just him, but it would make sure his teammates would be on a legendary team, as well. That would teach Mr. Fenner.

The group now crowded Tsuki Tsuchida, the scoreboard just ticked over to a 2-2. As they walked back to their own half, the black-and-red striker already waiting with the ball in the centre circle, they formed a huddle to talk tactics for the final five minutes. Reizo really wanted to chime in and say something. He could be that captain. He could be a mature force on the team. Just make yourself heard. Say something.

Something inspirational. Something interesting. Something intelligent.

"Ok, Lionel, Alan, stay behind. Jzvanic has been on fire today, he keeps finding space on the wing. Can't risk it. Guys! Get the ball back. Only Minne and Hikomoto can help midfield if we have the ball, the rest stays behind!" it was insightful, a fine observation, and something that helps the team. Only, it wasn't Reizo who said it. "Reizo, when Minne or Hiko go out, make sure you drop back. We're not going to lose this," Dennis Lampshire said.

A few minutes later. A final whistle. A single point.

As soon as the whistle sounded, the Dragonflies ran back to the bench, cheering and yelling. A small party erupted, but the same thing happened at the other bench. Eventually, someone finally pointed to the jumbotron.

1 Squornshelan RS +2  7p
2 Ko-oren         +2  7p
3 Oberour Ar Moro -1  3p
4 Alluersia       −3  0p

"Second! What the fuck?!"

"It's on goals scored-"

"What kind of pissing rule is that?! Reward a gorgeous shutdown defence for a damn change!"

[Drawkland]

fury

Nobody knows how it happened. Drawkland's own Kick Corps, being beaten, stymied, and trodden upon over and over through the course of the qualifiers, came with new energy to the Cup of Harmony. Qualifying four straight times to start their careers on the international scale was no easy feat, but because of it, the Cup of Harmony was something none of them knew what to expect. The previous cycle was a pain that few could know. The best-ever qualifying cycle for the team was snuffed out, erased, destroyed by a single late goal on the final game of the campaign. The team was forced to go to playoffs as the highest seed, and still fell to the lowest of the teams that barely scraped through.

The streak was dead, and one of the greatest starts in World Cup history was finally something that could be forgotten by all. Insult to injury was the fact that no postseason would be awaiting the Corps. An entire nation left to sit at home and bitterly watch other nations have their time in the sunlight, and all anyone could do is blame themselves. The worst injustice is no injustice at all. Drawkland was entirely a disgrace - two straight final losses by an embarrassing margin in the scant competition of the IAC, and completely collapsing in two games to break what was something to marvel at, and what could very well still be alive today, had a few things gone right.

The worst possible fate awaited the Corps for the next cycle - meme status. A team too big for its britches, one that talked way to much shit for the amount of shit it ate in return. A team that was so close to greatness on so many occasions but then dropped everything at the last moment to return to irrelevancy. Losing in the Baptism of Fire semifinal and the chance for what surely would be a victory in the final to an outmatched team. Repeated futility in the early IAC, despite being a Pot 1 team more often than not. Failing to make it to their first World Cup knockout round by losing by 3 goals on home soil, when doing anything except losing by more than 2 would have them through. Managing to hold the incredibly powerful #1 team to a scoreless draw in the World Cup group stage, only to lose to a team they'd already lost to twice in qualifiers. And who could forget 3-1 and 3-1 in back to back IAC finals as the highly favored team? The 4-5 last matchday loss in the WC81 qualifiers was only the latest in a massive string of Drawkian futility on the international stage in soccer.

This, as one podcaster put it, was not the Drawkian Way. The cultural significance of success and skill was ingrained into every Drawkian at a young age. Throughout Sonnelian history, Drawkland had countless triumphs in wars, sports, scientific advancements, and way of life. Losing was not in the Drawkian psyche. A perhaps unhealthy serving of patriotism is never a good recipe for this. For the layman, a failure is confusing. Two failures are wrong. Three failures are sickening. A continuous stretch of failure is incomprehensible. This is not what Drawkland does. Even in failure, Drawkians always look for the way to come back, the way to succeed and make the most of what happens.

The Kick Corps, time and time again, proved they never had this ability. The Grid Corps had a breakout year and won the World Bowl, and while it would be 5 more cycles until they won again, they'd always been floating around the top of the ranks and the late-game playoff contenders. Teams that had to play them would quiver in their cleats and, without a large dose of luck, were likely to come out with a loss.
Ever since the NSCAA returned and Drawkland entered schools, they'd been the cream of the crop, setting the standard and being the teams to beat. In such a large and chaotic tournament, it's hard to see every team make a huge splash, but that Drawkland did. A crushing streak-breaking loss in the final was not the way the season was expected to go, but the Drawkians came back and ensured 3/4 teams in the next semifinals were theirs. Another failure to even make the final the next cycle was frowned upon, but they've bounced back and proved themselves once again to be the best of the best in the NSCAA, and likely to win yet another tournament (though it's not done yet).
The IBC had never been the Net Corps' strong suit, but despite several straight seasons of Round of 16 exits, against teams strong and weak, they broke the glass ceiling in one go and won the entire tournament out of nowhere, and have since been a strong contender. The failure may have been around for awhile, but it never stuck.

Despite all of this, the Kick Corps has shown no such bounceback in their arsenal. Whether you like it or not, this is why Michael Starre was shown the door. Just because you aren't bad doesn't mean you are elite, after all. Carol Haywood is an entirely different beast altogether. She has not yet proven or unproven herself. The IAC manager and the WCQ manager seemed two completely different people. One that goes and dominates everyone in their path with no remorse for human life ... and then one that bows out and allows clearly inferior and unmatched teams to stay in the game for 90 minutes and come away stealing points. Who are you? What do you really do?

Nobody knows what happened between World Cup Qualifying and this Cup of Harmony. All we know is that the Kick Corps is playing with fury. The fighting with reckless abandon to prove themselves again. People may have been impressed when they qualified all those cycles ago, but now that moment is nothing more than a fickle novelty. It's been proven this team can be beaten by anybody with a decent squad on hand. Once again, the Corps are fighting for their names. There is no better place to do this than the Cup of Harmony. Is that not what the tournament is for?

Four goals to Two. Six goals to Two. Four goals to Two. Drawkland is no longer playing to survive, they are playing to kill. Perhaps this is the work of Haywood. Perhaps she's realized that her more conservative approach in the qualifiers was unintentionally designed for failure. Perhaps now she's simply told the players to go wild. Perhaps the players have taken it into their own hands to ignore the tactics and work on instinct. Right now all we have is speculation, and hopeful optimism for our future in this tournament. Optimism is dangerous in such a deranged and dynamic sporting atmosphere like that of these Cups, but that's all we can give.

We now depend on the fury of our girls. The fury of the Corps, the fury of our nation. The time for frustration and failure and false hope is over. There is nothing left for us, our starting streak is broken. Our reputation in the qualifiers is no more. The idea of conservative play and just playing to survive is no longer in the picture. There is only one thing we can do now. Play, and play hard. Because a dead enemy can't come back to bite you.

On Corps.

[Abanhfleft]

(OOC: No story for today, time caught up to me.)

CRESCENT NEWS NETWORK
SPORTS CHANNEL - OFFICIAL WEBSITE
ABANHFLEFT • PRIDNESTROVIA • OONTAZ DERT LI NG • COPPER CUPRUM • TRENDSTART • FHULGHAMOUS PENINSULA

CUP OF HARMONY 74: BALQIA VS ABANHFLEFT
By Malik Qazizadah


The Abanhfleft women's national football team prepare to square off against Balqia in the 74th Cup of Harmony. (Courtesy of Crescent News Network Sports Channel/Andros Tasasa)

RAMUSOK, COSUMAR - Abanhfleft secured their position at the top of Group E of the 74th Cup of Harmony following a 3-3 draw with eliminated Balqia.

Despite stating in her post-match interview against New Lusitania that she was looking to gain maximum points against Balqia, Ginny Katesmar still opted for a much-changed lineup, switching out ten of eleven players and giving the substitutes a chance to participate in a Cup of Harmony game with only Claudia Roos keeps her place in the starting lineup due to a last-minute injury on Deborah Riddles. Meanwhile, Otto Stravo was left on the bench by head coach Laqlo E. Mus, who refused to answer or give any comments to rumors of team unrest following Balqia's elimination from the Cup of Harmony.

There was not much to report of in the first fifteen minutes, with both sides content to pass the ball around in their own half whenever they had possession, but a few choice words from the sidelines got the Fleftic players moving with more sharpness and urgency, and five minutes later the Lady Revolutionaries had earned themselves a penalty after Petre Q. Tiriq's clumsy challenge on Zsofia Dolan inside the box. Dolan took the penalty herself and whipped the ball into the top left corner with steely determination.

Claudia Roos doubled the Fleftics' advantage fifteen minutes later with a header from Charlene Williamson's corner, and Dolan appeared to have secured all three points with a thunderbolt of a volley just outside the D with six minutes left to play in the first half.

As the second half kicked off however, it became obvious that Abanhfleft had decided to sit back and absorb what was then an almost nonexistent pressure from Balqia, seemingly confident that three goals would be enough for the three points as well. But Balqia noticed this and ramped up the intensity, and soon they were getting into more and more dangerous positions throughout the pitch before Balto D. Faj finally made the most out of it with a thumping header past Stephanie Bryan after getting on the end of Gregorius S. Matiq's cross.

Balto then netted his and Balqia's second goal of the night after finishing off a swift counterattacking move initiated by his own goalkeeper by sweeping the ball past Bryan, and then Kaesar Putiniq completed the improbable comeback with a bullet header with one minute in regulation left to play.

Abanhfleft women's football team manager Ginny Katesmar: "We would have preferred the win, of course. We all would have preferred the three points instead of just the one. But we switched off. We all switched. We all thought three goals was enough but it wasn't. Still, it's a learning experience for all of us. We now know that there is no room for complacency in this competition. No room for slip-ups. Every single thing counts here. Every single thing must be perfect or else we will achieve nothing at all."

Abanhfleft has been drawn against Omerica and will head for Hosingr in Mriin to contest this Round of 16 tie.

███████████BALQIA 3 - 3 ABANHFLEFT
B. FAJ (56', 71')       DOLAN (20' pen, 39')
    PUTINIQ (89')       ROOS (35')

ABANHFLEFT
GK: 22 Churchill
RB: 24 Yarnall
RCB: 15 Shepley
LCB: 16 Walrath
LB: 3 Roos (Riddles - 70')
RM: 18 Kleist (Erin - 26')
LM: 19 Segovia █
RW: 30 Magomedova █
CAM: 21 Woodward (Britt - 80')
LW: 28 C. Williamson
ST: 23 Dolan

BALQIA
GK: 1 Kalniq
RB: 8 Kalta
RCB: 7 Tiriq █
LCB: 6 Kuld
LB: 4 Janus (Balq - 65')
RM: 15 Ptolq █ (Zvenqik - 85')
CM: 16 Anqil
LM: 12 Egliti
RF: 22 Matiq
CF: 25 Putiniq █ (Qalti - 60')
LF: 18 B. Faj

MATCH STATISTICS
Possession
Balqia: 48%
Abanhfleft: 52%
Shots
Balqia: 7 (3 on target)
Abanhfleft: 12 (6 on target)
Corners
Balqia: 7
Abanhfleft: 5
Fouls
Balqia: 20
Abanhfleft: 16

[The Macabees]

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WIN AGAINST POLKOPIA SOLIDIFIES
HISTORIC PASSAGE TO THE ROUND OF SIXTEEN. NOW WHAT?



Listenaicher achieved what many were beginning to think outside his grasp,
clinching the second position in Group C and securing a spot in the round of sixteen.

If it wasn't a passage to the World Cup Finals, Begora Listenaicher was tasked with reaching the knock-out stages of the Cup of Harmony. That he did after a resounding 4–1 victory against Polkopia. The win makes him the first manager since the team's long international hiatus to reach the round of sixteen of a major international association football tournament, which is an important achievement and a milestone in the squad's progress.

Now, however, many are asking: what's next? In the Cup of Harmony, what's next is Kita-Hinode. The Hinodejin team ended their own group at the top, with seven points out of a possible nine. The number 25 team in the world, their squad proved their mettle against the likes of Zwangzug, Siovanija and Teusland, and Velestria. They represent the most difficult opponent the Golden Throne will face in Cup of Harmony 74 to date and, it's admitted, the Macabéans are far from favorites. In fact, the odds in the betting houses are neither pretty nor flattering toward a Golden Throne which is, for all intents and purposes, still a small fish in a big sea.

Rikard Lindberg is likely to start again, taking the place of the misfiring central defender Mena Líezbeg. Lindberg played against Polkopia, helping the defense keep the opponent's tally to a single goal scored against the Golden Throne's four. The youngster's performance was excellent and Líezbeg may have lost his place for good. Likewise, Manuel Preconte, who started for attacking midfielder Jarus Menkalepken, gave the squad an element of energy that it had been missing during the first two games of the competition. Although Menkalepken is considered one of the best Macabéan players in his position, Preconte's electrifying and disequilibrating presence in the Polkopia game makes it tough choice for Listenaicher.

Regardless, when the empire's eleven starters take the field tomorrow, they will seek to put on a competitive display. If they have to lose, let it be with dignity and force Kita-Hinode to earn their ticket to the quarterfinals.

How this will be accomplished is, outside of the management and the team, up for debate. Listenaicher, as usual, has kept the cards close to his chest. While keeping the same 4-5-1 formation of his predecessor, he has used it in a slightly more attacking style, moving more weight forward and focusing on construction versus the destruction of the opponent's plays. Of course, much of it depends on the display put on by the Hinodejin.

What the Díenstadi manager must plan for, then, is the possibility of being outcompeted in the midfield. With five players in the middle, one would expect the Golden Throne to be able to dispute for possession of the ball, yet as already mentioned Kita-Hinode represents a different caliber of opponent compared to what was experienced in the group stage. Listenaicher is undoubtedly drilling his players on dealing with pressure and preparing them for a game that they are likely to spend mostly on the defense. The team may, in light of this, focus on the counterattack.

Anyway, what most mean when they wonder 'what's next' is not what will happen in the round of sixteen match. While a win in that game would be celebrated as if it were like winning the tournament overall, most fans accept that the team is unlikely to return home with any silverware from the Cup of Harmony. The team's results have not shown the consistency, nor the discipline of rigor, required from a champion. But that doesn't lessen the overall ambition that fuels criticism and pressure from supporters, financiers, and government. There's a bigger picture of where the empire's national team ought to be, and to a great extent it comes down to an imperial pride that seeks to establish a regional dominance in the sport — a desired dominance marred by poor performance in regional tournaments. Unsurprisingly, eyes have started to turn toward the upcoming Díencup tournament.

The thinking goes that if the Golden Throne can win Díencup II, it would give the needed boost in experience and confidence to more competitively strive for passage to the World Cup Finals during the 83rd edition. Although competitiveness in those finals is an objective with a much longer time frame, reaching them alone would represent another huge step forward in the team's evolution. Whether Díencup success bears any relationship with performance in other international tournaments is a question up for debate on its own, but the connection goes to show the big picture aspirations that drive the team.

Does this 'big picture' view distract from the fact that Listenaicher's squad may very well win against the Hinodejin? Some believe so. Although the odds are long, the eventuality is possible and if it were to happen it would need to redefine the Golden Throne's vision as far as its role in this Cup of Harmony. Would passage to the quarterfinals be a fluke or a sign that the team may be able to compete for the title? And how would Listenaicher's objectives as a manager be redefined if there was a sudden change in expectations? And what sort of pressure would it add to him after?

One supposes that this is exactly the excitement and uncertainty that top flight international managers and players strive for.

Viewers in the provinces will be able to watch the match against Kita-Hinode on Kanal+. Those in the territories are advised to check their local papers to find the broadcasters displaying the game in their areas. For those without the necessary channel(s), most major cities throughout the empire will also continue to offer the game for free in the large public viewing squares set up by their municipal governments.

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[Zwangzug]

(OOC: parody source here)

Oh don't you dare look back
There's nothing left to see
Need to push the attack
She said shut up and pass to me.
This woman laughs at history
She said ooh, shut up and pass to me.

We were set to be upset.
Their chemistry possibly scared those who bet.
Helpless to the score but we rallied yet.
Oh, we were in for stormy weather.
Nothing's final, never.

She took the ball,
I don't know how it happened.
We took the field, she said

Oh don't you dare look back
The future sets you free
Some things are white and black
So just shut up and pass to me.
Don't kneel before a dynasty
She said ooh, shut up and pass to me.

The same old stripes and some brand new cleats
The gold and blue fit into a nation's scheme
And there behind her chest was the stark 14
She held her ground in spikes and leather
Ground in spikes and leather

She found a gap
I don't know how it happened.
We took the field, she said

Oh don't you dare look back
Don't let them quench your glee
I said you're firing flak
She said shut up and pass to me.
We're writing our own destiny
She said ooh, shut up and pass to me.

Down at her feet
She's forging a new future
I realize this is our last chance.

She took control
I don't know how it happened.
We took the field, she said

Oh don't you dare look back
The best is yet to be
There's no more holding back
She said shut up and pass to me.
This goal's the stuff of fantasy
She said ooh, shut up and pass to me.

(Sayle-Bren 29, Lanius-Saxton 61, Stefred 90+3; Thirdgray 44, Goddard 48)
(Hart-Farm 34, Ambaile-Hund 51; Whitecastle 16, Azuma 54)
(Leistner 71)

[Filindostan]

A hotel near the Pub
Vidial, Mriin

They have done it. Another win for the Filindos have been secured. A comfortable 3-1 over Eraman removed all doubt from the critics that the Pula Garuda will crash out of the Cup of Harmony at the Group Stage, and gives them a big chance to match or even better their quarterfinals finish two editions ago in Vilita. Xavier gave the fringe players a chance to play the game, with majority of the so-called regulars sat on the bench. From the squad that beat The Macabees 2-0, only Dina Satyawan and Yakob started the match, with starts to Cahya, Kadek, and Shiloh preferred. The Filindos scored early, which set the tone of the match, and they never let their opponents get a sniff of the ball, except one occasion wherein Anri Limus scored off a counter attack to pull one back after they were already three-nil down, courtesy of goals from Shiloh, Mordecai, and Bienvenido.

Xavier gave the night off for them to be able to tour the city, which is full of campuses. Other team members decided to stay in the hotel with Xavier and opened the television, watching match replays of Group D teams. Xavier was able to see this, and said crucial information that may disappoint the watchers.

"Umm, our opponents might not come from Group D. It may be from any group. And... tomorrow might be our last day in Mriin for a while. So take the night off, and we'll possibly have a meeting tomorrow depending on our opponents."

Other players continued to watch the matches, while the younger players decided to go out of the hotel to go around the city.

The next day, they were able to see the draw for the Round of 16. As Xavier expected, they will have to go to Cosumar as they were drawn with Krytenia, one of the well-known teams in Atlantian Oceania, let alone the multiverse. Should they win this match, they will get a rematch - possibly with a team they already faced in the group stages (The Macabees), or possibly with a team that beat them in the final of the 21st Campionato Esportiva (Kita-Hinode).

They need to dispatch first the threat that comes from the Dragons though.