World Cup 84- RP Thread (IC)

[HUElavia]

HUElavia gets a massive win against Eastfield Lodge!

HUElavia once again returned to Curumba for the second fixture in the Capital of the country, this time in the Estadio Nacional, with the capacity of 100,000. HUElavia came into this game as slight underdogs, since Eastfield Lodge was coming off a better stretch of games, as well as HUElavia was 1-0-3 at home heading into the game. HUElavia decided to field their best 11 players to the match, in an effort to keep pace.

The first half was kicked off by HUElavia, who began playing cautiously. Although, within a few minutes, the match was a massive shot fest, where both HUElavia and Eastfield Lodge had chances to open the scoring. HUElavia's best chance came in the 24th minute, when a cross by Gallegos met the head of Rossi, which was a bullet that looked like it was in, but Couch managed to tap the ball over the net for a corner right before the line. The Eastfieldians also had their chances, where in the 30th minute, a pass from French to Accardi had the attacker one-on-one with Ricardo, where Accardi gave a strong strike, only for Ricardo to deflect it into a corner. The half ended 0-0, with both teams desperate to keep pace in the standings.

Eastfield Lodge started the second half, with both teams going all out for a chance to open the score. A free kick from Accardi just narrowly went over Ricardo in the 51st minute, while a foul by Tierney gave a penalty shot for Petit to score, only for it to be blocked by Couch in the 65th minute. Both teams looked exhausted and were expecting a 0-0 draw as the additional time of 5 minutes was given, and in the final 15 seconds of the game, a counter attack pass from Mendieta saw Cristiano onside and far away to give a long pass to face one-on-one with Couch, only for Cristiano to slide it past a bouncing Couch to open the scoring right at the end of the game, 1-0. Cristiano was mobbed by the bench while the stadium jumped and cheered, making the stadium rumble and the tv cameras shake from the celebration. HUElavia got a big win to keep pace in the Qualifiers.

With the victory, HUElavia go up to a record of 7-0-3 and 21 points, but are still in 3rd place because of Mercedini's surprise 2-1 win over Starblaydia, and currently lead the tiebreaker on goal difference. Although the difference between 1st and 3rd place is by a measly 2 points that can change anytime. Going into the Holiday break, there will be rest days for all the countries, but once the break is over, HUElavia play host to The Sarian at Estadio Internacional (82,500) in San Rafael.

FORCA HUELAVIA! VAMOS HUELAVIA! GO HUELAVIA!

[Main Nation Ministry]

(OOC: The following interview is done with collaboration with Free Republics. Credit should be given to them for supplying information.)

Jeremiah Lynch Tonight

The logo for Jeremiah Lynch Tonight flashed on the screen and then the video cut directly to the studio where a middle aged white man with dark hair was standing there wearing a bowtie.

Jeremiah Lynch - Hello and welcome to Jeremiah Lynch Tonight, the show where we have zero tolerance for spin, propaganda, bullshit and pompousness. My first and only guest tonight is a special guest from the foriegn nation of.. (Lynch takes a moment to read the title) Main Nation Ministry! He's a now infamous figure who is the dictator of said nation with enough crimes against humanity to have him executed. He also is the one who wants to do this interview with me! Please welcome, The Leader!

The Leader and two of his men appear on stage, where the studio audience gives predictable boos and jeers. The Leader takes a seat, as he seems relaxed. The Leader is dressed in his usual attire of his black and white dictator outfit and his purple hair still being present.

Jeremiah Lynch - Who are your friends there? I'm just interviewing you.

The Leader - Them? Ha ha.. They are just some bodyguards. They wouldn't say a word, Lynch!

Jeremiah Lynch - You do realize everyone here is a little tense, because of you. You know that.

The Leader - There are worse people than me. I can say that.

Jeremiah Lynch - What about that skyscraper you burned down, Leader? People died, because of you.

The Leader - You want to immediately get the whole thing with the O'Reily Tower out of the way? You all probably want to kill me, because of that.

Jeremiah Lynch - You saying you want to share your side of the story?

The Leader - Of course! Isn't that the purpose of journalism these days? To hear the other side?

Jeremiah Lynch - There's enough knowledge to know that you're a bloodthirsty murderer!

The Leader - Lynch, let me explain. I didn't mean to burn down the tower. I just wanted to set some offices on fire and the whole building just went up like a match.

Jeremiah Lynch - So you're saying, this is the Leader by the way ladies and gentlemen, that you only intended to light some offices on fire.

The Leader - I don't know how old the building was, but they lack standard fire safety! Back in my nation, we have top-notch fire prevention. We have Fire Control, who would make sure things would be depleted quickly.

Jeremiah Lynch - So you're blaming the building for not being fireproof, despite the fact you committed terrorism here, folks!

The Leader - Come on, Lynch. Let's not stop there. I want to talk about Gossip Magazine, Lynch. You know that's why I came.

The Leader started to smile, where Lynch checked his notes, looking uneasy.

Jeremiah Lynch - So you're going to tell us about your sex tapes, then?

The Leader - Sex tapes, you say? Ha ha.. You should all know by now that those sex tapes are mere fabrications of truth to entertain yourself.

Jeremiah Lynch - You do realize that sex tapes are just made by some sleaze in their apartment, making profit. Everyone in Free Republics is free to acknowledge their sex life.

The Leader - By relieving yourself in front of porn stars with masks of yourself without consent?

Jeremiah Lynch - Look, bud. I'm not in charge of Wanktube. You should have just done a cyber attack and no one would have died, because of you.

The Leader - I could take out Wanktube, but you have to rip out the roots of a weed to get rid of it completely, so things can prosper better.

Jeremiah Lynch - What kind of philosophy is that?

The Leader - It's getting rid of the ones that could only harm others.

Jeremiah Lynch - Leader, or whatever the fuck your name is. You came to Free Republics to destroy Gossip Magazine. How is getting rid of Gossip Magazine going to help you? What is it going to achieve for once?

The Leader - I can destroy Gossip Magazine, but it's primarily Jasper Chuter I'm after.

Jeremiah Lynch - Jasper Chuter? I know him, actually. He's a sack of shit. I'm completely not surprised he managed to piss you off.

The Leader - If I kill Jasper Chuter, then you don't have to worry about me anymore. Along with everyone else, who want him dead. I don't know how many co-workers he had forced himself on, treating them like receptacles. But I can say things would be nice and more sunny here after he's gone.

Jeremiah Lynch - So you're saying that if Jasper Chuter died, things in Free Republics would be better? How is things going to be better without him? He's just one man. He's not even a Consul or in the government.

The Leader - Lynch. There is an issue with this nation that has been reducing it to self-ignorance. While you consider yourself a talk show with your own values, Jasper Chuter only wishes to taint information to meaningless whims. Have you ever saw a news story once in a while, where the subject was the news itself? Rather than truth, others have influenced us to seek past the truth. All that leads is constant bickering and fighting, like spoiler brats. No sense of being civil. Facts are now just opinions. News these days are under a bias. Some still want to be objective as possible to deliver information. While the cesspool of trash see information as words to read to influence in ways unacceptable. I get it. You might not be doing it for pure of heart. You have a paycheck and a starving family to feed. But at least, give some thought that what you might be publishing is wrong. If I didn't have people checking foreign news about us, which we release into my citizens, I would have gotten an outcry for a demand of action. Many people in Main Nation Ministry would have wanted to have the same idea to burn down some buildings, if someone released an article about "The Truth" of some disaster in their nation. It's weird that news is just on the web. It's the internet. The information age. But you do realize the whole danger of it all? The abuse of privilege of free speech for senseless provoking far-sided threats and insults with the unjust removal of others who try to criticize the other. The breach of private information. Hadn't some outlets hacked into people's cellphones once? Then, don't get me started with social media with a hivemind of unhappy narcissistic hypocritical sociopaths doing witch hunts and call out anything that displeases them, which they just linger in their own echo chamber. Don't you think that's wrong? Wouldn't it be better for none of that to happen, if I did something for this nation.

Jeremiah Lynch - What about you? You have The Truth News in your nation. They are biased for you.

The Leader - Lynch, can I tell you a good secret and to the viewers at home. Main Nation Ministry relies on keeping secrets from the public's view for the greater good. If something bad is learned, it could do one of the following. On one hand, people will get naturally mad. On the other, you have a mass suicide with the death toll being to the thousands. Along with the fact that people will kill you for knowing. And target your loved ones.

Audience starts murmuring, where several audience members start to leave.

The Leader - I admit. The Truth News has to lie to the public. But it's simple. We don't tell a lie. The best way to lie is to not say anything! Silence is the best tool for a lie!

Jeremiah Lynch - That's how it works to you and your government? It just sounds like you're trying to scare people. That's what you doing. You're a living nightmare to people and a monster.

The Leader - Oh Lynch, if you were in my shoes, you probably would have tried to hang yourself with barbed wire by now. I tried.

Jeremiah Lynch - What does that mean?

The Leader - It isn't a threat, isn't it?

Jeremiah Lynch - I think you should tell us more about yourself then, Leader. I want to hear you explain to the public what the fuck you do for a living. For all I know, you're like a killer clown.

The Leader - You know I can't say much about me, without people dying, Lynch.

Jeremiah Lynch - You're going to kill people who's watching this and the audience, if you tell us your personal life.

The Leader - Not me. And it wouldn't be my orders that get you killed.

Jeremiah Lynch - You think this is all funny?

The Leader - Isn't life already a tragic comedy?

Jeremiah Lynch - ... Fuck me. Someone get me a fucking drink.

An intern hands Lynch a mug with the show's logo on it. He takes a sip before putting it on his desk.

The Leader - Nice mug, do guests get to have their own?

Jeremiah Lynch - No. It's to make sure no one tries to slash open someone's neck with it broken.

The Leader - To be fair, it could have happened before.

Jeremiah Lynch - Don't you drink alcohol?

The Leader - Sometimes. You can still do that as ruler of Main Nation Ministry.

Jeremiah Lynch - Right.. because you make the laws.

The Leader - Somewhat.

Jeremiah Lynch - Let's talk about your little sensitivity towards this whole situation.

The Leader - Look, I don't mind having lies told about me. I can handle some criticism.

Jeremiah Lynch - Then explain the whole arson thing!

The Leader - Here's the deal. Things work differently in my nation than ours. We don't bitch about the left and rights more than you do. I already established some civil rights. No one insults people based on aspects of themselves. Well, expect if they are a rebel, which we have them executed by tons of options. We do have some creativity towards it.

Jeremiah Lynch - That I don't want to hear.

The Leader - You think I'm just sensitive, because how I live. But you want to know something, Lynch? I try to be a hero, once in a while.

Jeremiah Lynch - What makes you a hero, despite the fact that you commit genocide practically every weekend or month?

The Leader - I still do my duty to save lives.

Jeremiah Lynch - Who?

The Leader - Everyone else, while making sure to get rid of the ones who would only drag down society to ruin and senseless death. Me and my men had to deal with threats that in your current lifestyle in this nation could cause the extinction of everyone here.

Lynch gets word from another intern of some recent news, where he is given new cue cards.

Jeremiah Lynch - Well, Leader. I guess news flies fast and a whole bunch of people are against you.

The Leader - I already know that.

Jeremiah Lynch - That isn't all. The whole public despises pretty much everyone involved with the mess that you started! Jasper Chuter. Consul Nicholas. Etoile. Pretty much your nation, Leader! People want to have Chuter and Etoile serving time in prison, while people want to have Main Nation Ministry burned to the ground, like you burned down that tower!

The Leader - You do realize we have tons of heavy anti-missile warfare technology that can stop any bombs you send our way? Also, not only that. But invasion could lead to the downfall of every nation next to mine, including yours when you try to retreat. I don't even have any interest, wanting to vaporize you all with radiation.

Jeremiah Lynch - The elections coming up are going to be a fucking mess, since it's including topics of you. I mean, you sent some teenager girl your age to take with the Consul to explain your mess-

The Leader - You talking about the Princess?

The Leader started to be more focused, which Lynch notices.

Jeremiah Lynch - I don't know about the government in Main Nation Ministry. Who's this Princess? I thought you rule all of Main Nation Ministry.

The Leader - She's...is the one with more reason and thought than me.

Jeremiah Lynch - What's the point of her, if she didn't stop you burning down a building?

The Leader remains silent, where a furious grin starts to appear on his face, which starts to turn into a forced smile as Lynch talks.

Jeremiah Lynch - Not going to say a word about that? How about your sensitivity? You could have done things differently. People could've not died, because of you. Then, we have the fact that you're trying to be this anti-hero. You think, because you're helping people while killing others makes you this edgy badass? Please! You're a murderous psychopathic dictator! How many people have you killed, already? You wanted this interview made, so you can have Jasper Chuter be pissing his pants, if he sees this! I guess... calling this interview a waste of time is the correct term.

The Leader remains silent, until he starts to smirks, before he starts to laugh.

The Leader - I guess I forgotten to mention this detail about some stuff. There was a chance that I was....provoked when I entered the offices of Gossip Magazine back at the tower. I just simply wanted to get rid of Gossip Magazine efficiently. I had no knowledge of the overall safety of the building, which I explained. And I know that trying to SHOOT at me when I arrived is the worst decision you can make.

Jeremiah Lynch - No one shot at you, Leader.

The Leader - They started shooting me and my men back at the tower. You have a bunch of brainwashed co-workers with guns given by their boss, who knew I was trying to burn down their offices. I could have given them the chance to let them live, but they took the idiotic way out by making themselves target practice to my men.

Jeremiah Lynch - Say all you want about the O'Reily Tower Fire, Leader. It's final. You lit a match, killing lives.

The Leader - I triggered a domino effect, but I want to make a bit of a point here.

Jeremiah Lynch - Who said you had a point?

The Leader started to reach at something behind his back, though Lynch doesn't notice.

The Leader - A point about people. Simple people.

Jeremiah Lynch - Well, I don't need to hear a point. It's the end of the topic.

The Leader - It's not the end of the topic, Lynch. I'm starting a new one!

The Leader pulls out a pistol, where someone in the audience screams.

Audience Member - He got a gun!

The audience proceeds to scream and panic, until the Leader got up from his chair to calm them down. Lynch remains in his desk, thinking the pistol is a prop.

The Leader - Hey, hey, hey! Calm down! Calm down everyone! I let you leave, but sit down for a moment! Sit down. Yes, even you over there. Cut the cameras all you want, I'm letting Lynch hear it.

Jeremiah Lynch - (Lynch would have the coffee mug in his hand, calm) Trying to burn down the TV studio now?

The Leader immediately points his gun and shoots the mug, shattering it into pieces. Lynch is immediately caught off-guard. The bodyguards of the Leader raised their own weapons to prevent crew from entering the stage.

The Leader - Don't waste your life taunting me. There's enough bullets for a firing squad.

Jeremiah Lynch - Awww...shi- Ahem! What do you want to say?

The Leader - You know, Lynch. You're right. I do get sensitive. But I'm not sensitive over criticism. I'm sensitive over this whole race of humans that disappoints me. I'm a misanthropic myself. Do you want to know why I hate people? They do mistakes that fuck over other people's lives. Some are clearly aware of these mistakes that they commit, but without a care or empathy in the world, they do so while maintaining a society where as long as you're not in a dystopia, you can do whatever you please. You got all of this freedom and free will. There isn't any pain in your consequences! You could have someone take the fall and stab them in the back! They mean nothing to you! How many times had someone had enough and people decided to make excuses of their own? Maybe you can goad people into things, just to make a point? If you wanted to rebel against this society, you got guts in starting stuff against the ones that they think what they doing is funny! For fucks sake, I give the rebels in my nation a chance! Not an one-sided fight, just a chance! If I kill all of the rebels in the nation, I would have taken control of more nations and nuke some others in my way!

But I'm not going to do that. I want to show some dignity, unless you primitives who like to waste your lives arguing everyday about the mundane. I don't enforce that in my nation! I don't give people the choice of picking who should run where they live! They only have me! People try to take my spot and that doesn't work, because they usually all die anyways! Do you think because I violate every so-called laws of freedom is to have people being forced to expose themselves?! No one watching them gives a shit! We just want to make sure they aren't making bombs!

Jeremiah Lynch - Leader.. You're scaring the kids.

The Leader - I am?

The Leader immediately looks at the cameras, where he looks at the audience. Calming down, he returns to the seat.

The Leader - All of you in the audience can leave.

Sounds of audience immediately leaving, as the Leader waits a while unless all of them leave. Lynch tries to get up from his desk, but the Leader points his gun at him.

The Leader - We're not done.

Jeremiah Lynch - Leader. I don't want to play textbook psychiatrist here, but you seem to be either mentally ill or you probably have severe insanity.

The Leader - I'm already aware of that.

Jeremiah Lynch - You need help, if you know this!

The Leader - I tried already. Nothing going to help me.

Jeremiah Lynch - Leader... I want to know something. What was the reason why you came to the O'Reily Tower to burn it down?

The Leader - ...What did you think? There was tapes I saw and articles of lies.

Jeremiah Lynch - ...You didn't get mad at your own article? It was someone else?

The Leader - Ha ha.. HA! You remember what I said about me helping people? I want to say that after someone who been through so much. I tried to help them. And to see.. to see them, being represented as different from everyone else for something someone else did to have others alienate them, because of crimes they weren't involved with. And to see that they are treated like a fucking whore! After everything I had done!

Jeremiah Lynch - I... I don't want to probe more..

The Leader - I wished you did, but I still have the bullets in my gun.

Jeremiah Lynch - What about Jessica Madden? You're helping her? Is that why?

The Leader - Jessica, please?! She's a bipolar whore, who thinks she isn't afraid of me! The spank can't even get a high spot in WorldVisions! If I'm helping her, I'm saving her the pleasure of getting rid of those doctored sex tapes, when she's probably grinding her loins somehow! I'm giving her the privacy on not revealing who she's grinding with! And I don't fucking care about her! It isn't going to cause a fucking international incident, unlike you bastard worshiping morons like Sister Polus. Isn't she busy harassing South Covello? And seeing how people know the sex tapes are fake, I'm not porking Scarlett! Plus, while I can't disclose my sexual identity, I will say I already have someone.

Jeremiah Lynch - Jeez. You hate people that much.

The Leader - At least, you tried to help me, Lynch. But like a therapist, they don't give sympathy. Only advice. I think I said enough.

Jeremiah Lynch - I guess it's time to say goodnight, Free Republics?

The Leader turned towards the cameras, putting his gun back.

The Leader - Goodnight, folks! And already remember, that's l-

We will now return to your regularly scheduled broadcast after these commercials!

[Flavovespia]

Flavovespia 2–1 Bliuji

In what some saw as a match to possibly set the tone going into the second half of the qualifiers, Flavovespia took a home win for the first time this cycle. Richard Crawford was now 2 for 2 in terms of wins, and the Flavovespian side were hopeful this could mark the start of a turnaround of their fortunes.

The same 4-2-2-2 setup and lineup was selected for Flavovespia by Crawford, as they lined up in their yellow and black home kits. The venue for this match was the newest stadium of the 5, Rovers Arena in Loxthorpe, the first of 2 games this cycle to be hosted there.

The early stages were a cagey, tentative affair. Both sides looked to try and find areas to exploit of their opponents, but neither defence seemed to be giving an inch. There were some shots and headers, but most were off-target, or easy enough for David Meehan and Andriy Pyatov to be able to deal with. The game seemed finely balanced.

32 minutes into the game, and Flavovespia got the breakthrough. Steven Hall broke clean through the defence of Bliuji to create a 2 vs 1 with the keeper. Hall dummied the shot, and then squared the ball across to Marc Sharratt. The striker had practically the entire goal to aim at, and had no trouble at all sticking the ball into the net, to make it 1-0 to Flavovespia.

Bliuji weren’t deterred by this, and it only took a couple of minutes for them to find an equaliser. David Izmaylov sent in a great floated through ball into the box. Daniel Lyskov was well placed and beat David Meehan and Tony Gardner to the ball, and headed it into the back of the net to equalise for the visitors. 1-1, with 2 goals in a quick space of time, and the game was right back in the balance.

The rest of the first half saw the game remained balanced. Nobody really had a killer opportunity to put their side in the lead, and it would be all square at the break. Both sides had reason to believe they could be the ones to go on and win it, but were also wary of the threat posed by their opponents.

The second half only took 6 minutes for there to be a goal. Hall played the ball to Sharratt, who had dropped a bit deeper to receive it. The defensive line pushed forward to press Sharratt. However Sharratt was composed, and played the ball back into the path of Hall. Hall was clean through, and rifled his shot home, beyond the reach of Andriy Pyatov to restore the lead for Flavovespia.

Bliuji put on the pressure to look for their second equaliser, and both David Izmaylov and Daniel Lyskov had shots fly narrowly wide of the goal. The visitors weren’t deterred by being behind and put Flavovespia under extended spells of pressure. Despite this, the defence of Flavovespia was holding firm, the back 4 seemingly finding some confidence in themselves.

Nevertheless, Flavovespia looked resolute in defence. A switch to the 4-1-2-3, with Terence Daley subbed off for Jordaan Wolfson supplied Flavovespia with some more midfield strength to stop Bliuji in that part of the field. Alan Holt would also come on for Jensen, the latter putting in an impressive display for much of the game, having been recently reported to the starting XI.

Bliuji continued to search for their equaliser, but Flavovespia gave them limited options, and continued to look a threat on the counter. A last ditch tackle was needed to stop David Michael having a clear run on goal in the 83rd minute. He had improved in recent games, when subbed off late for Jonathan Feld.

Flavovespia held on, and made it 2 wins in a row, a first in this campaign. They finish the first half in 7th, matching their Pot 7 expectations. Despite all of the chaos, failures and troubles early on the campaign, they’ve achieved a respectable 12 points from the first 10 games, bettering their performance in the World Cup 83 qualifiers. Crucially, they are also only 5 points off of 2nd place. We can still dream of a World Cup appearance right?

Post Match Interviews

Richard Crawford on the first 2 games “2 wins from 2 is as much as anyone can ask for. I’m pleased the FFA put their faith in me as the manager, and I’m sure everyone is glad with the results. It’s been tough to turn it around, but we’re getting there for sure.”

Richard Crawford on upcoming games. “We’ve got Squornshelan Remnant States, who are lower than they’d hope for, and then Ziwana, Mitra and Soma and Mustardy who are all higher than many expected. All are tough games in their own ways, and we have to prepare for them well.”

Richard Crawford on squad selection “Long term, I’m happy with the current 23 for now, I won’t be calling up anyone more. In terms of Coleman, he can maybe play up to a half vs Squornshelan Remnant States, then probably full selection vs Ziwana onwards”.

Marc Sharratt on his first goal “Quality finish really, who else bangs them in to an open goal like that? But yeah, got my first international goal, it’s a good feeling. I have time to get many more and I hope I can.”

Steven Hall on the game “Another win, now the lads are looking up the table now. Nice as well to get a goal and an assist in a close game. I’m pleased we’re getting it together now, I think we can take this team further than the tables say at the moment.”

A History of Football in Flavovespia

Part 10

55BU saw some changes to the nation, both in terms of football and the nation. The region of Lunselbury broke into 2, Kings Lunsel and Abbots Lunsel. This gave birth to a fierce rivalry, one that to this day most fans see as the most aggressive on and off the pitch. The United Football League expanded to 12 sides. Lunselbury was replaced with Kings Lunsel and Abbots Lunsel, and Cartswood Rangers were invited in to even out the numbers. Incidentally Lunselbury FC still existed, but without the Inter City Cup or United Football League, faded away pretty quickly.

Despite the rise of the city teams, the 55BU Gold Cup saw a surprise when the relatively obscure St Astons Rovers, a secondary side in the city of St Astons, got all the way to the final, in one of the surprise performances by any side for a while. This showed that the era of the small side was not yet over. Even if the main performers were city teams, teams representing smaller areas of a city, such as Hillsight Bridge FC, Calhead Rangers FC. A few smaller sides with non-location based names also punched above their weight, such as Robin Rovers and Claret Courage. Denman Factory also still remained as the last factory team in a professional league.

54BU saw the fifth professional league form. The Western Association finally gave sides in the west of the nation a professional league of its own. Originally planned to model itself on the United Football League and Inter City Cup, the 8 announced teams were: Carston Green FC, Hopford FC, Langpool Capton FC, St Astons Rovers FC, Guildwell Football, Hampridge United FC, Havermilly FC, Westwood Garden City FC. However before starting, the league split into a “North” and “South” section, with Claychester FC and Vitarias Legion joining the North along with the first 4 aforementioned sides. The other 4 sides, Sandneston Rovers and Whittlesbury Wanderers would contest the South. A final between the winners of each side was held at the stadium of St Astons City.

With 5 professional leagues now, and 2 cup competitions, many wondered how all the different teams actually compared to each other. 53BU gave us the answer. “The National”, the most read newspaper in all of the nation, funded its own ranking system. There would be a monthly update, before a grand reveal in the first week of December, with the final Top 50 revealed. Some were sceptical on how well it could work, but for many, it gave teams an idea of where they were placed.

The National Rankings, as they became known was done on an averaging system. 100 people, ranging from representatives of the clubs in professional leagues, to ex-pros and managers, to sports journalists. The ranking each team was given by the 100 was given, and the middle 50 used to calculate the team’s average rank. This was then how the Top 50 was formed. All the ranks of the 100 were published at the end of each system. The system was generally considered successful, albeit there were always fans complaining about the results. This lead to a rather unfortunate and obvious nickname given to the “rankers”, that shall not be repeated here.

The first rankings came in 53BU. Although St Astons City won the Tri Series ahead of Hadford Hill, the latter topped the rankings ahead of the former. Waldster were 3rd, followed by Gold Cup winners Henhaven Islanders in 4th and Western Association winners Langpool Capton 5th. Of course there was debate over the overall rankings, not least the Tri Series members being the Top 3. Waldster in particular were criticised for being ranked 3rd. Although they did win the Inter City Cup, in the Tri Series they were 3rd, with only 1 win out of 8 matches. Furthermore, in the Gold Cup, they were in the pot in Round 1, thanks to a Round 3 1-5 home loss to Hampridge Untied the year before. Buchraston Heath managed to win 5-2 in the second round, meaning Waldster didn’t even make it to Round 3. Despite all of this, they somehow snuck into 3rd in the rankings. Similar complaints about a Top 3 would be a common theme throughout the rankings era.

52BU saw some minor changes to the football scene in the nation. The Inter City Cup decided to switch to the National Rankings to decide which 10 teams needed to compete in Round 1, for a place in the 32 team Round 2. The Lunselbury split meant that there were now 37 cities eligible to compete, hence the rise of teams from 36. The Eastern Alliance increase requirements for minimum ground capacity, minimum seating capacity and also minimum salaries. As well as Chesinglea Village relegated in 16th, Buchraston Heath also dropped out of the Eastern Alliance back to the smaller eastern leagues. Even their major upset last season against Waldster didn’t provide them with enough to continue with the growing costs of professional football. The league would effectively have no promotion and relegation now for several seasons, and run with just 14 members for a while.

That same year also saw a surprise in the Gold Cup. Slaton, who were still only in the small local leagues in and around St Astons would make it all the way to the semis, before a 5-0 loss at Waldster, who’d go own to vanquish last year’s disaster with a 2-4 victory over neighbours Stanmorn in the final.

[Nephara]

THE HERALD
NEPHARIM STAY THE COURSE: HALFWAY POINT RETROSPECTIVE
Leonora Fischer

Nephara 1 - 1 Bolgano
(4-4-2) 12 - Rustwyth; 2 - Sanger, 5 - Thorn (c), 22 - Anderson, 19 - Katarec; 7 - Kuepper, 15 - Aschenbach, 8 - Chalk (21 - Moxham 67'), 16 - Deventer (11 - Strongbow 67'); 14 - Tzorvas (9 - Hawke 67'), 22 - Lovelace
Goal: Kuepper 37'

The Godhead was rolled out to a dismal underperformance on home soil. In truth at the time it seemed like a disaster. Poor performances from fringe players like Anderson, Aschenbach and Tzorvas appear to have closed Strauss' interest in them for the time being, established stars failed to break things up off the bench and worse still, there were credible rumours behind the scenes of a break within the dressing room. A poor start.

Monso 0 - 3 Nephara
(4-4-2) 1 - Mercator; 18 - Longship, 5 - Thorn, 6 - Brosch, 3 - Close (c); 7 - Kuepper, 4 - Shone, 21 - Moxham (8 - Chalk 72'), 11 - Strongbow; 9 - Hawke (22 - Lovelace 63'), 10 - Metzger
Goals: Strongbow 12', Moxham 26', Metzger 79'

Far, far better. The Cormorants dusted themselves off and delivered, Strauss taking no chances with basically the strongest possible lineup, and a standout performance from Strongbow deflating the rumours of ruptures. Goals for the heavy-hitters all across the pitch, a clean sheet for Mercator, assured showings around the board.

Nephara 2 - 0 Squornshelous
(4-4-2) 20 - Senninger; 18 - Longship, 22 - Anderson (5 - Verlander 71'), 6 - Brosch, 3 - Close (c); 7 - Kuepper (13 - Westerveld 55'), 4 - Shone (15 - Rauch 64'), 8 - Chalk, 16 - Deventer; 9 - Laiota, 10 - Metzger
Goals: Metzger 19', Deventer 36'

A fractious and unpleasant game, where a well-rotated side took a convincing early lead and didn't do much to stretch it. Five players made debuts, all of them solid, but no one player really stood out. Maybe Kurtis Laiota, for his aggression and general unpleasantness. This result and performance looks even better in light of Squornshelous' more recent successes.

Aquitlita 0 - 2 Nephara
(4-4-2) 1 - Mercator; 18 - Longship (2 - Sanger 76'), 22 - Anderson, 6 - Brosch, 19 - Katarec; 13 - Saroszi, 15 - Rauch, 21 - Moxham (8 - Chalk 65'), 16 - Deventer; 17 - Bastable, 10 - Metzger (22 - Lovelace 54')
Goals: Saroszi 27', Bastable 40'

A quiet, unremarkable match. Again, 2-0 away is nothing to sniff at, even against indifferent opposition. Ferena Rauch got her first start, and looked composed and controlling in the middle of the pitch.

Nephara 5 - 4 The Macabees
(4-4-2) 1 - Mercator; 2 - Sanger, 5 - Thorn, 22 - Anderson, 3 - Close (c); 7 - Kuepper (13 - Saroszi 54'), 15 - Rauch, 21 - Moxham (8 - Chalk 67'), 11 - Strongbow; 9 - Hawke (14 - Laiota 74'), 10 - Metzger (s/o 72')
Goals: Moxham 8', Strongbow 22', Metzger 47', Saroszi 66', Laiota 79'

Nephara's first massive test, and at home, a must-win game. 2-2 at half-time, both sides will have been disappointed with the soft goals conceded, and it's telling that Anderson and Sanger have not been seen since. Aristide Metzger scored early to set the tone of the second half, and by the end, they looked decent value for the win. In all honesty, though, it was not a good day from a defensive standpoint. A great day for the suspended Ilyana Brosch, though. Less so for Metzger, sent off.

Siovanija & Teusland 1 - 4 Nephara
(4-4-2) 1 - Mercator; 18 - Longship (2 - Stride 67'), 5 - Thorn, 6 - Brosch, 3 - Close (c); 13 - Saroszi (7 - Kuepper 67'), 4 - Shone, 21 - Moxham (8 - Chalk 76'), 11 - Strongbow; 9 - Hawke, 17 - Bastable
Goals: Moxham 4', Hawke 27', Strongbow 36', Bastable 86'

The hardest match of the round went near-perfectly. Strong, well-drilled opposition carrying the bracing home advantage of a mountain taller than Mount Hannet, Nephara's highest point. And yet. The Cormorants came out of the gates firing, racked up the goals and cruised through the final stages to secure a brilliant win. Nobody had a bad game, and it was particularly impressive given Metzger's absence. It was a good day for Estrella Hawke to prove she remains in the strongest XI, as well.

Nephara 5 - 3 EOT
(4-4-2) 12 - Rustwyth (20 - Senninger 37'); 2 - Stride, 5 - Thorn (vc), 22 - Lockheed, 3 - Close (c, 19 - Katarec 57'); 13 - Saroszi, 7 - Kuepper, 4 - Shone, 16 - Deventer; 17 - Bastable, 10 - Metzger (23 - Lovelace 76')
Goals: Bastable 11', Strong 17', Saroszi 49', Stride 52', Kuepper 72'

Chaos reigned. Matches against EOT aren't real.

Anthor 2 - 3 Nephara
(4-4-2) 1 - Mercator; 18 - Longship (2 - Stride 83'), 22 - Lockheed, 6 - Brosch, 3 - Close (c); 13 - Saroszi, 4 - Shone (15 - Rauch 79'), 8 - Chalk (21 - Reach 65'), 16 - Deventer; 17 - Bastable, 10 - Metzger
Goals: Saroszi 36', Metzger 42', Deventer 77'

Less convincing, and again the glass jaw reared its head, but even on a bad day the firepower was there to overpower the opposition. Metzger and Bastable played off one another well, Saroszi continued to stake their claim to regular football after a brief time out of favour, and livewire playmaker Swansea Reach provided Morena Deventer with an assist on her debut.

Nephara 0 - 0 Lochario
(4-4-2) 1 - Mercator; 18 - Longship, 22 - Lockheed, 6 - Brosch, 19 - Katarec; 7 - Kuepper (13 - Saroszi 76'), 4 - Shone, 8 - Chalk, 16 - Deventer (11 - Staunton 70'); 9 - Thornwood (17 - Bastable 58'), 10 - Metzger

A genuinely dire game. Little to be gleaned; wild-card Thornwood failing to make a convincing case for herself up front, the whole side seeming out of ideas, Brosch and Lockheed continuing to build a productive partnership. But then, S&T also dropped points to Lochario, so perhaps they just have that wild card status in them.

Poafmersia 0 - 3 Nephara
(4-4-2) 1 - Mercator; 18 - Longship, 22 - Lockheed, 6 - Brosch, 3 - Close (c); 13 - Saroszi, 4 - Shone, 8 - Chalk (21 - Reach 58'), 16 - Deventer (11 - Staunton 74'); 10 - Metzger (14 - Laiota 65'), 23 - Lovelace
Goals: Lovelace 16', Deventer 29', Laiota 79'

Another solid, straightforward win against a potential banana skin, a little overawed at the start and a little fatigued by the end but very much in the game in the middle, and Mercator's clean sheet was hard-won. More strong performances from various strikers seem to suggest that Strauss has found her five, with Reach yet again impressive in a cameo.

The Big Picture
Nephara's position is comfortable. S&T are breathing down the Cormorants' necks, and a reversal in Sabrefell would be enough to see them top. Even so, with a commanding lead of eight points over a far-from-vintage Macabees side which already has four defeats to its name and was just destroyed 3-0 at the cruel hands of Skorji Oslograd, it would take a genuine collapse to drop out of the top two at this stage. S&T also look comfortable, and with a commanding 4-1 away win over the Macabees, a win or draw on home soil would probably insulate them comfortably. Both sides have dropped home points to Lochario - indeed, neither has scored against them - but this is an aberration, as they languish in seventh. The EOT, Squornshelous and Poafmersia have had mixed campaigns, each able to go toe-to-toe with one another at the best of times, and each taking too many points off the other to seriously trouble the top. Still, the Cup of Harmony should see plenty of promise in this group.

Who Makes the Plane?
Between the posts, Hesterine Mercator has not been seriously challenged. Fasolt Senninger appears to be second-choice, with the #12 shirt up for grabs - Sigurd Rustwyth has appeared twice, ending one with injury, while young, promising Konrad Matheny has had callups but not yet a cap.

Marcin Close and Roxelana Thorn are unchallenged in defence. Or are they? Close is, certainly, as captain, but Gabriel Lockheed and Ilyana Brosch have clicked marvellously as a defensive partnership. Of course, this probably just means that they'll be second- and third-choice. Raimund Anderson has not impressed. Valeri Longship tentatively appears to be holding down first-choice billing at rightback, with Rovena Stride and Anita Sanger battling to back her up. And, of course, Eloise Kielseng remains the steady break-glass option. Close's backup appears all but confirmed as Sander Katarec.

Monako Saroszi has looked very strong in qualifying after struggling somewhat to consistently replicate their club form for country; Marica Kuepper's technique, intelligence and versatility does mean she remains a different approach either out on the wing or in a central playmaking role. It is hard to see a serious challenger emerging. Tawny Shone has had to fend off a serious challenge from Ferena Rauch, and it seems as though those will be the holding midfielders on the plane. Hard to turn down the starters for the Moths and Stags, after all. Swansea Reach is developing a challenge for Malachi Chalk to back up Chimera Moxham, but this may just be a cycle too soon for her, with Chalk a steady hand at the tiller. Rowena Strongbow's alleged training ground outburst has been swept under the carpet, and not seemed to affect her performances; Morena Deventer is unchallenged as her backup.

Does Daniella Strauss still consider Estrella Hawke part of her strongest XI? Probably. And she'll certainly make the plane, unless Hawke took a lot worse to having the captaincy stripped than she's let on. Metzger and Bastable have both been excellent so far, physical, bullying, domineering. One would probably say the former has been the best, but then he's also been sent off. Kurtis Laiota's bristling unpleasantness and Konrad Lovelace's quiet threat appear to have established their place in Strauss' eyes, with Lilith Thornwood and Arista Tzorvas failing to stand out. Weirdly, a sheaf of players remain on exactly three goals, midfielders included.

[Timuria]

Red Wolves Round Off First Half With Win

Timuria 4–3 Melbergia
Vatan Ercetin (15), Tekin Yavuz (35), Atilla Acar (49), Ertan Renda (80);Simon Carr (40, 61), Jason Gray (85)

by Tufan Nursultan

With the halfway point of the qualification period reached, the Red Wolves have rounded off the first half with an open contest against Melbergia where they managed to come out on top, with both sides throwing caution to the wind. The Red Wolves have much work to do if they're to even be in a position to challenge for qualification, however the team's recent hot streak will give cause for optimism, alongside the extended break giving them extra time to prepare.

The early stages of the match saw both teams play a cagey match, with little in the way of chances breaking for either side. The best chance in the first ten minutes fell to Simon Carr who forced a good save from Murat Yigithan. Vatan Ercetin would break the deadlock five minutes later, with an excellent header from a Tekin Yavuz cross, with the visitor's defence losing track of the potent striker.

There was a drought of serious chances for a prolongued period, with neither team threatening beyond long range shots that were not troubling for either goalkeeper. Tayyar Ozel put in a supreme individual effort to break the visitor's defence and placed a shot well into the corner after showing the defence up. The visitors struck back with Simon Carr finally getting a goal, a strong diving header leaving Murat with nothing to do about it.

The second half opened well for the Red Wolves, with Atilla Acar firing in a shot from the edge of the box, whistling into the top corner. Simon Carr would get his second goal, an awkwardly struck shot after both centre backs lost him and was practically bundled into the net by Murat Yigithan, a mistake he surely wont forget.

The final stages of the match would come with another goal for the Red Wolves, with Ertan Renda striking a free kick excellently, leading to the fourth goal of the match for the Red Wolves and putting the match, seemingly, beyond doubt. Jason Gray would give the Red Wolves cause for concern, but his goal proved to be nothing more than a conciliation, with the Red Wolves running out with the three points.

The result leaves the team in fifth, four points behind fourth placed Polkopia and a full nine points behind Farfadillis, who occupy second place in the group.

What They Said After the Match:

Bekir Altingunes: "We haven't had the easiest time this half of the qualifiers, but we're going to see what we can learn from this and push on. It may not be qualification, but we're going to take it one match at a time and see where we end up."

Player Ratings:

Murat Yigithan 6/10

Ozbek Sarikaya 6/10

Eyup Mustafa 5/10

Metin Boz 5/10

Gokdeniz Dag 5/10

Atilla Acar 7/10

Yusuf Ihsanoglu 5/10

Tekin Yavuz 8/10

Caner Turan 7/10

Ertan Renda 7/10

Vatan Ercetin 7/10

Substitutes:

Oztekin Timur 6/10

Berker Balkan 6/10

Yildiray Sabuktiginoglu 6/10

Man of the Match: Tekin Yavuz - Got an important assist and an excellent goal, has really shown himself to be a tremendous asset.

Schedule and Results:
MD1: @ Pasarga W 2-0
MD2: vs Yttribia D 1-1, Halkın Güneş Çiftliği Stadium
MD3: @ Polkopia L 1-0
MD4 vs Drawkland L 3-0, Genel Sendika Stadium
MD5: @ Farfallidis L 7-0
MD6: Bye
MD7: vs Fujai, Madenci Stadium D 2-2
MD8: @ Gyatso-Kai D 1-1
MD9: vs Libonesia, Dev Halk Stadium W 5-3
MD 10: @ North East Asia W 3-1
MD11: vs Melbergia, Halkın Güneş Çiftliği W 4-3
MD12: vs Pasarga, Dev Halk Stadium
MD13: @ Yttribia
MD14: vs Polkopia, Genel Sendika Stadium
MD15: @Drawkland
MD16: vs Farfaillidis, Dev Halk Stadium
MD17: Bye
MD18: @ Fujai
MD19: vs Gyatso-Kai, Madenci Stadium
MD20: @ Libonesia
MD21: vs North East Asia, Madenci Stadium
MD22: @ Melbergia

[Abanhfleft]

DISCLAIMER: Gaelic Gamers is an independents sports blogging website created by four cousins with a common liking and passion for sports of all kinds and is in no way or form affiliated with or organized by any official news organization in the Democratic Republic of Abanhfleft. All statements and opinions posted here are our own and not anyone else's.

---

Gaelic Gamers
Presents...

The Football Fallacies
with Graham O'Doherty

I HAVE BEEN ENLIGHTENED

Hello guys, and welcome back to another edition of The Football Fallacies with me, your gay Irishman Graham O'Doherty. And I am delighted to tell you all that I have had an eye-opening experience here in Terre Septentrionale. It's not often that I say this, mostly because I just fly to the away games and watch, and I stay at my hotel room at all other times. But not this time. This is a funny story, actually, but in telling this I hope that I will inspire others to get out of their comfort zone and expand their horizons. I thought mine were already quite expanded to begin with, but as it turns out I've still got much to learn.

So I arrive at the city where Terre Septentionale are going to host Abanhfleft. So far so good, nothing else different from all the other away games that I've gone to. And then the twist: there are people waiting for me. Not just one person or two with a cardboard sign saying Graham O'Doherty or whatever, but a whole group of people. Septentrionaux, the lot of them. They were all waiting for me, and they wanted to show me something, something quite important: they wanted to show me the richness of the culture and history of Terre Septentrionale.

Oh boy, I thought. Here we go. In recent weeks I've had a lot of Septentrionaux dropping by my social media accounts and even this very blog telling me off for being such an uncultured swine. I have made some comments in the past, comments that I shall not repeat for fear of inciting another social media shitstorm, that have let us say not put Terre Septentrionale in the most positive of lights. Ah, you might be thinking. Of all the things that I have said on my blog for all these years, this is the one that finally gives me pause. Strange, I know. But if you've seen the hate and vitriol that the Septentrionaux netizens have flung my way then you would probably stop to think what you've done wrong yourself. Yes, yes, I know it's all part of the territory of being such a huge online presence, but sometimes things like this just happens.

So now I'm bracing myself. What have these Septentrionaux got in store for me? I was fearing the worst. I was preparing myself for the worst. But nothing like that happened. Instead, this fit bloke with a lovely Polish accent walked up to me first and introduced himself as Adam. Adam said that he and his friends wanted to give me a good old tour of Terre Septentrionale, compressed into one city. They said that they wanted to set the record straight about their country with me, and they all figured that this tour would be the best way to do it. Besides, Adam said, it would keep me safe from the other Septentrionaux who might be out for my head.

The first thing I noticed during our trip was the churches, or more accurately the lack of rhem. Here in Abanhfleft churches, mosques, temples and other such places of worship abound. But not a single religious building was in sight in Terre Septentrionale. Something about a secularism act or whatever. But the people are all friendlier with each other because of it, Adam tells me. Since nobody bothers to show which god they worship anymore, they could all move on and get to working together instead of trying to kill each other because someone believed their god was better than everyone else's. Or at least that's how I understood it. Adam may have been going for a completely different meaning altogether. Wouldn't be the first time I failed a comprehension test.

Then Adam and friends took me to this restaurant which served Septentrional delicacies. We had a bit of fun sampling wines and cheeses from eastern Terre Sep, with a particularly robust red taking my fancy. Then we had the main course of western Terre Sep staples, and throughout the meal Adam's friend Nic explained to me everything that makes Terre Septentrionale unique from any other place in the multiverse, even places with which some people might coincidentally have the same names as some Septentrionaux. I may have been listening; I may not have. I was admittedly very busy stuffing my face. Not in that way, you dirty-minded perverts.

Eventually Adam and Nic and the boys escorted me to my hotel. Before leaving, Adam had this to say: "I hope, Mr. O'Doherty, that you now understand the reason why we took you on our little trip. Terre Septentrionale is a unique country. It is a proud country. We are proud of our country. Sometimes that may be hard to understand but you look like smart man. So please understand us. We only want to open your eyes." Well then, Adam, if you happen to be reading this then consider my eyes opened. Terre Septentionale is indeed a unique place. There's no other place like it in the multiverse. They're a great and proud country. There is no reason to think it could be anything else. Which made our 3-1 victory against them feel like any other victory against any other team in Group 2. That defeat against the Sherpa Empire looks more and more devastating to us as the campaign wears on. Every single point once again counts. What a tough group. XOXO from Graham....

[Trolleborg]

A series of defeats, which seemingly could have been avoided, of course, had a severe impact on the morale of the players and indirectly throughout the country. During the match with the undisputed favorite even “green sea”, the Trolleborg fans, made a noise 10-15 decibels quieter than usual. But the result of the match with the leader of the group seemed to surprise everyone - the guests, the hosts, and the fans of both teams. Our players did not celebrate the unexpected victory, that was clearly attributed to the luck and random, apparently trying not to lose the concentration, which would be very necessary in the first match of the second round. In it we will play Abahnfleft in our field. In the first round, we remind you, our team managed get a draw away, surely by some miracle, but we should not expect such a result to be repeated. We all have to gather our will into a fist so as not to fall into a brutal depression at the end of the qualifying tournament. It is no secret that many people in the top management ask questions whether it was worthwhile to start “openness to the world”. Trolleborg TV analytical program will soon be released, in which the FA executive will tell us about his vision of the events of the first round and answer the questions of the audience.

In the meantime, we present to our readers a table of our group. Home games are highlighted in red.

[Trolleborg]

TR: Hello, I’m Ternes Rieper and now we sit here with our dear guest, FA Executive Torben Mortensen! Glad to see you again on the air of our program
TM: Hello Tiernes and dear viewers! I am also very happy to meet you.

TR: Well, the main question is how do you rate the performance of our team?
TM: In general, on a ten-point system for the six. For myself, I would rate nine points. (host chokes and coughs, guest laughs amiably, rejoicing at the impression made) I subtracted three points, because we, of course, did not live up to the high expectations of our fans. But if you analyze the situation objectively, for a team of our level and rating to be fourth in the table is a great success. We are gaining experience, you will see it very soon, when our championship begins, the players will play in a completely different way, they will take many innovations from international football. We at FA have already held a seminar for judges based on our experience and for many this was really enlightening. And whole Trolleborg make many friends abroad with our friendliness, hospitality, creative thinking, and to some extent with our attacking game.

TR: Well, why did we have this weird line of games in the middle of the first round?
Tm: Strictly speaking, as a result of the first round, we took even a little more points than planned, just in a very strange way - we won against Banija, where we shouldn't, and we tied with Abanhfleft, which result also does not having any sense, but lost to the teams clearly weaker than ours.

TR: And what is the reason for this?
TM: Probably some problems in psychology. Not everything is clear with the state of mind of our players. As you know, especially in order to combat possible problems, we tried to hire a foreign specialist, but we did not get any response at all. At the same time, a number of experts contacted us privately, gave us advice, we analyzed the these tips and concluded that in addition to our own psychological problems and shortcomings in the game, the world football system is so organized that teams that have already made a reputation for themselves have a significant advantage over beginners, and this is remedied only by the participation in international games – the longer the better. Look, out of all the groups, in only two or three in the first two places turned out to be not the first teams in the rating.

TR: And what is the conclusion?
TM: We need to finish this tournament, gritting our teeth, then it should be easier. But honestly, I warn you, not by much. If we are destined to achieve anything at all, it will not be soon. And I myself not sure yet that we should embark on this path. Roughly speaking, is there a shining victories somewhere in the future justify long periods of depression and depression right now. At the end of the tournament, a wide discussion will be held involving everyone interested, from the country's top leadership and ordinary fans, and we will all together decide how to be.

TR: But still, are you going to build a new stadium?
TM: It seemed important to us to use the opportunity to learn something new about the methods of organizing football matches and to master innovations in the construction of sports facilities. So we have announced a tender for the construction of the stadium and right now waiting for the results. The effect, however, is still didn’t felt, we have only two applications, and this means that we will have to spend and drink the third prize ourselves (laughs). But it’s not too late, many people watch Trolleborg TV these days, and, taking this opportunity, I want to invite construction companies from abroad to participate more actively. As far as I know, the top leadership discusses a number of projects that will require the participation of foreign builders, and our stadium is a good way to show them what they are capable of.

TR: Question from the fans. Does new players in the line-up makes any difference?
TM: Yes. It seems to me that this is just the appearance of new players in the lineup that prompted those who have already won BoF to improve. And they need it, the level of our players should systematically grow, we won’t move forward with one victory.

TR: Well, and what do you advise our fans now?
TM: Don't Get Depressed. With a big letters. We - the FA leadership, members of the government, the coaching staff – having such a privilege, but you can’t. Because so much depends on you!

[Newmanistan]

THE ROCKET REPORT

MEMORY LANE

by Taylor Larson,


Putnam Lake.

If I asked people from other countries to name three cities in Newmanistan, Putnam Lake will not be one of them. Tundra Falls, Pocono City, and probably Loudon. There you go, question answered. Perhaps some will substitute Southport for Loudon if they are astute followers of the World Baseball Classic. Maybe some will say Jessicaville. Putnam Lake, comes further down the list.

Putnam Lake. As Newmanistan emerges as a major contender in this World Cup and making Sargossans very nervous that it may be the Rockets, and not the Corsairs placing second behind Audioslavia, soccer fever is becoming more and more rampant throughout the Empire. Some cannot explain this sudden booming desire to not just participate in the World Cup as a qualifying also-ran, but to seriously chase the holy grail of the international sporting scene. Stop yourself for a moment as you become passionate about that pursuit, and as you start letting your imagination run wild about what the Rockets are valiantly trying to do in this World Cup. Stop, and remember Putnam Lake.

There have been some fascinating trips down memory lane provided by other international sources, either telling the story of their own history, or telling the story of the history of the others, and their interpretations of events that have happened in the World Cup. They are fascinating, and enjoyable to read or listen too, however one prefers. Newmanistanian soccer history sees this southwestern city of Putnam Lake playing a major role, much like Southport is to baseball, or if you wanted to stretch the example, like Tundra Falls is to auto racing.

Di Bradini Cup 4 was a success. Now, those Cups are in the 40's, but it was in Di Bradini Cup 4 that Newmanistan came out on top, winning the title before even playing in Baptism of Fire 27. The Rockets were led by Jeremy McAllister, J-Mac, as he was often referred too. His combination of speed and height made him very difficult to defend, and for the opposition in the 4th Di Bradini Cup, they would not be able to do so very often. That continued into Baptism of Fire 27, where the Rockets carried the momentum from winning the Di Bradini Cup, and added the Baptism of Fire crown to the resume. Fast and furious the titles were coming, and Newmanistan became a nation to watch in the international soccer world. The team didn’t qualify for the World Cup, but did advance to a home-away playoff series against Bostopia that would see the winner advance to the World Cup. On aggregate goals, Bostopia would get the better of us, and the Rockets were off to the Cup of Harmony. Unfortunately, Newmanistan took a long time before they actually qualified for the first time, and have not had any significant success on the rare occasions that they did qualify. Newmanistan became more known as a baseball nation, and maybe even what we call football, too. Soccer was the first competitions we participated in at this level, but the Empire showed that they were better in other forms of sport. That’s where the fan support was strongest, and because of that the failures to qualify for the World Cup were not as big of a deal. Celebrating World Baseball Classic titles instead, sure. We could live with that. The success of the other sports, and the long period of time to return to the World Cup even after we returned in those other competitions meant that a valuable piece of Newmanistanian soccer history was being forgotten. Jeremy McAllister, and what he did for the city of Putnam Lake.

McAllister, born in the area, and being drafted by the very small market Putnam Lake Eagles, spent his entire career playing here, despite being swayed by international clubs as well as the Pocono City Capitals, once he established himself as a star. Most know him for being the most prolific goal scorer in Rockets history, and that his son, Junior (Jeremy McAllister, Jr), following in his footsteps to also be a highly productive member of the national team. People in Putnam Lake know him for being so much more. Putnam Lake Stadium was renamed Jeremy McAllister Stadium, because he built soccer and sports here. McAllister’s influence goes far beyond soccer, as he was a generous man, giving back to this community in so many different ways that his influence is seen all throughout the city in many different areas, with that level of charity touching the lives of so many people.

Putnam Lake was often a forgotten city in the southwestern part of the Empire with Southport being the primary destination for people to go to, as that is where all the fancy and ritzy tourist stuff is located. Putnam Lake is a working class city, with people proud of the place they live in. People back then were proud to boast the fact that J-Mac was one of theirs. J-Mac gave back on that fame, accumulating millions of dollars in both salary and endorsement deals, and then with his son also having success and fame there was a lot of money that was earned that was put back in the community. The biggest example of this is the three-story McAllister Children’s Hospital on the north end. The hospital specializes in serving cancer patients, and it has helped ease the burden of Putnam Lake General on the south end of the city. McAllister’s donation for the project helped it get underway. Chances are the hospital would have been constructed anyway, but the large donation played a big role. McAllister also donated to help the funding of sporting fields to either be created or updated for three high schools in the area. Thanks in large part to Jeremy McAllister and son’s commitment to the city, long after their playing careers were over, Putnam Lake grew as a city and became more of a desired place to live. People realized that is was more then just a smaller city that was kind of close to Southport, when they headed to Southport, but that Putnam Lake was a great city in its own right.

Today, we can only tell stories of J-Mac and Junior, but his legacy will live on through living relatives. None of ever been able to go on to have the same kind of soccer success, but that does not mean that they have not been active in the sporting community. Kelsey McAllister works at the stadium named after her great-grandfather as the President of Public Relations and is happy to see his memory always living on, “I wish I was able to meet him, but I feel it is such a privilege to carry on his legacy the best I could. Here in Putnam Lake, we have continued to work with the community, but at the stadium itself, we have kept ticket prices low and the prices of all the other necessities at a stadium, such as parking or concessions.” After pausing, she continued, “This is how it was supposed to be here, and how we made it. We don’t compare ourselves to the other facilities though, they are great in their own ways, but we want to keep things simple here, and make it about enjoying the sport that is being played. Naturally, I get more into it when it is soccer out there, but when the field is used for other sports, that is okay, too.”

World Cup qualifying adds an additional layer of excitement for Kelsey McAllister and her family that carries on the family level. The game against Brusseldorf was not the first game of qualifying that was hosted here since we returned to action, that would have been the World Cup 83 qualifying tilt against Lochario, which ended up as a 1-1 draw. That came on MD10 during that campaign when the Rockets were gaining momentum for their cinderella run into the second stage. McAllister says while that was fun, that was nothing like this year, “Last time, it was exciting, don’t get wrong. Right now, when you look at what this team is accomplishing on the field, and knowing that we are not just trying to get into a second stage of the tournament but that a top two spot will send you to the World Cup, our fans are really excited, and we are all fans too. We don’t just host these tournaments.” We also asked her what she thinks her great-grandfather would have to say about this, “Jeremy would be in love with the emotion displayed by these fans. A lot of years went by where we did not attempt qualification, and this team right now, you can see how good they are doing, and how they are on the cusp of things. Jeremy would just say to keep giving them support, and would be proud of these players.”

This Rockets team is a little different then are early iterations because it is not a team that relies on a star power of three or four people to carry the squad, but it more of a team effort then we have ever seen. Maybe that is what will make a difference. This year at Putnam Lake, Newmanistan pulled off a 1-0 win over Brusseldorf, an absolutely huge result. Tyrone Vannella’s 72nd minute goal was nearly stopped by the outstretch arm of the diving Antony Providence, but while he got his fingertips to the ball, it was not enough to keep it out. That was all that was needed.

First half is over.

What statistic do you like better:
Newmanistan: 7-1-2, tied for second.
Newmanistan: 7-1-2, 6-0-0 vs teams ranked below them, 1-1-2 against teams ranked above them.

Whichever the case, here in Putnam Lake, only the present mattered, and it was a great way to finish off the first half.

[TJUN-ia]

TJUN-ia Update: Halfway There (Livin' On a Prayer)

Our final game before the holidays was a spectacle to behold as TJUN-ia beat Welzat 3-2 away. In a high scoring affair, it was the all 3 strikers that won this game for us. First Vladimir Podolov in the 20th, then Joe Green in the 60th while 2-1 down, then finally Kepo Ulawaya in the 65th to retake the lead.

David Seems' men have lead TJUN-ia 5th in Group 11 after 10 games. But the 2nd half will be just as difficult as the first. Our next game will be on Boxing Day with a rematch with the Purple Knights of Taeshan, who we drew with in our first ever WCQ game. However it will be the Taes with home advantage this time, looking for revenge. The Jaguars are only 1 of 2 teams to take points away from the Purple Knights, the other being 3rd-place Schottia.

However it's a double-edged sword: The Taes know how we play, so do The Jaguars know how they play. It will certanly be a compelling fixture to kick off the "Baker Park" section of the campaign.

[Sarzonia]

The mood in the Fourth Floor Conference Room at the Nicksia Sheraton Hotel on Kettering Blvd. downtown was a jovial one.

The players from the Sarzonian national football team were gathered with the coaches and support staff for holiday dinner on the national team's dime. Sitting at the head of the table, Kevin Connelly raised his glass bearing a healthy serving of red Pacitalian wine for a toast.

"To all of you," he said with a wide smile, then his smile turned wistful. "And, he said with a pause, "to absent friends."

"Cheers!" the assembled Sarzonian said enthusiastically. With two notable exceptions.

One exception couldn't help his absence. His mental health resulted in his lying in a grave rather than sitting in the chair leading this same toast. Everyone gathered knew that he was one of those Connelly had in mind when he raised his glass and added "to absent friends."

The loss of manager Bryan Ostrom was one this Stars team wasn't going to shake off, nor was it one they would ever want to. The therapy sessions helped, sure, but the loss would be a profound one for everyone gathered in the room that night.

The other person Connelly had in mind was his starting defender Charlie King, who declined the invitation to the holiday dinner. Even though Connelly made it clear that he harboured no ill will toward King for the reason he'd suspended the player. King was still angry over the suspension, even though it was retroactively overturned by the Sarzonian football federation, and even though the powers that be issued an apology to King.

He was at home with his aunts and his cousin Jeff. He ignored the phone when he saw it was Connelly, even though the manager wanted to hash things out. To quote the old country song, King "just want[ed] to be mad for a while."

The team would reconvene as a whole the next afternoon at 1:05 p.m. Sarzonian Standard Time (AOTC +1) for the matchup against Terre Septentrionale as the second half of World Cup qualifying got underway. Thus, King was not in attendance for the announcement by Connelly that caused murmurs amongst the rest of the team.

"Team, I have been doing a lot of thinking," Connelly said. "I agreed to come out of retirement to kelp Coach Ostrom out as a favour to him and to Sarzonia football.

"I never intended to become manager, and so I have decided to step down as manager upon the conclusion of our play in this World Cup cycle."

In the event the Stars would be invited to participate in the Cup of Harmony or if, by some unfathomable miracle the team qualified for the World Cup, Connelly would manage the team. However, Connelly told the people in the room and the assembled media that he timed his decision in order to give the powers in charge of the decision time to seek a more permanent manager.

It may not have been the length of tenure Sarzonian football would want, but now they had an option to choose someone to help them take their next step. Connelly decided it couldn't be him, although he was open to returning as an assistant manager for the next bench boss if the new choice wanted him to.

Still, it was time for Connelly to begin the first steps toward safeguarding his own mental health after trying to help his team with theirs.

[Port Ember]

Port Ember Times
Sports Journal

The Dragons picks up first draw in the World Cup 84 Qualifier Season!

Port Ember 1 - 1 Lisander

By Erica Davies - Port Ember Times Sports Section

The Dragons have ended with a draw against an impressive looking Lisander side, driving a nail into the 'Hopes & Dream to Qualify' coffin even further for the once hopefull young Port Emberian team. This draw sees the team remain firmly in the 5th spot on the group table.

This home match was played at the impressive Waterstad International Stadium, situated in the Waterstad Borough of the capital Port Ember Megalopolis; Republic of Port Ember.

The Game - Summary

This match marked the last match of the first half of the qualifier season, following a bye for Port Ember.

The match was charecterised by constant offensive amd team play from both sides, with both sides struggling to gain the upperhand.

The first goal of the match came early in the second half when winger Eric Tosaír set up a perfect play and link up with star striker Danny Nicovic, when they blasted through the right flank and scored a straight goal from distance in minute 52.

The game was equalised when Victor Potenza took advantage of a gap in the Port Emberian defence in minute 69 and send the ball into the bottom corner of the net.

Both sides attempted hard to grab a winning goal, but both defences held firm against the onsluaghts, finally ending the match as a draw.

The Fans

The 100 000 Port Emberian fans in attendance were back to their standard noisy and passionate antics, cheering and energising their young team, despite their struggling performance.

Port Emberian Player Scores

Goalkeeper (GK)(#1): Peter Smith - 7/10. The 'Rock' was back to his normal brilliant form and managed to stop 4/5 attempts at goal with complete confidence.

Center Back (CB)(#2): Josh Richards - 7/10. Josh was a solid defender, executing more tackles than I could count for the full 90 minutes. Although not the most technical player, his physical strength and fitness got the job done in a manner which could inspire many future footballers.

Center Back (CB)(#3): Jason Lee. 8/10. 'The Backline Prince' did what he does best for the full 90 minutes - organise and rally the backline. Surely responsible for not allowing to score to have looked even worse for his side, and thus earning the Man of the Match Award.

Full Back (LB)(#4): Alex Kuhn - 6/10. The opposition mostly avoided the left backline for most of the match, giving Alex a peacefull match, which was not his mistake. When shots were taken into his reach, Alex managed to hold up his own.

Full Back (RB)(#5): Russel Pierce - 7/10. Russel was a solid defender, executing more tackles than I could count for the full 90 minutes. Although not the most technical player, his physical strength and fitness got the job done in a manner which could inspire many future footballers.

Attacking Midfield (AM)(#10): Ray Reddington - 6/10. Averege day for the Captain on the field. Failed to exploit potentiol gaps during offences and failed to create any gaps as expected.

Defensive Midfield (DM)(#6): Steven Packard - 6/10. Average day for Steven as he worked hard, yet failed to link up with Reddington to create counter attack oppertunities.

Wide Midfield (LM)(#8): Jason Chamberlain - 6/10. Had a peacefull day as his flank was mostly left untested. The few chances he got to prove himself, he displayed solid passion and skill.

Wide Midfield (RM)(#11): Eric Tosaír of the Tribe of Waterford - 7/10. Displayed no serious flaws, but also nothing special, except the assist and exploit which led to the only goal for his side.

Central Forward (CF)(#7): Leon Moult - 6/10. Displayed no serious flaws, but also nothing special.

Central Forward (CF)(#9): Danny Nicovic 7/10. Displayed no serious flaws, but also nothing special, except for the one exceptional goal.

Match Stats

Match: Port Ember Vs Lisander

Location: Lisander

Result: 1 - 1 Draw for Port Ember

Goals - Port Ember: Danny Nicovic

Goals - Razneta: Victor Potenza

Man of the Match - Port Ember: Jason Lee

Aftermatch word from the Coach

"We played quite badly at a match we were supposed to win, and thats pretty dissapointing. We will go back to the drawing board, and will be back stronger than ever though!" Coach Baxter

Article by Erica Davies
Port Ember Times
Sports Journal

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Port Ember Times
Sports Journal

The Port Emberian Dragons prepares to face off against Ouna as part of the World Cup 84 Qualifier Season!

Pre Match Analysis & Interview

By Erica Davies - Port Ember Times Sports Journal

The road to World Cup 84 Qualifiers is in full swing as Match Day 12 is upon the Port Emberian side.

Port Ember's national team will square off against Ouna in their eleventh match of the World Cup 84 Qualification Season, to be played at the Ouna International Stadium, located in the sovreign nation of Ouna.

This match marks the second time that these two teams will meet on the football field, Port Ember having lost their first encounter earlier this season with a 1-0 score.

Team Stats Analysis

Ouna:

This team is currently ranked as the 132th best team in the world on the international ranking system, and does seem to posess a decent footballing history and a strong and developed football culture and infrastructure. The team is filled with a sensible combination of veteran players and energetic youth.

This team is currently placed in position 7 of 11 on the qualifier table - with 12 points ammassed so far, with 3 wins, 3 draws and 4 losses, scoring a total of 12 goals while allowing 18 goals to be scored against them.

Port Ember:

This team is ranked as the 86th best team in the world currently and has proven to be a formiddable and adaptable new team on the international field prior to the start of this season.

This is only the second international season in which Port Ember is partaking, and they have managed to jump to their current ranking in only that short period. The international sports media have regularly called this team the 'Dark Horse' of the group due to them making a name for themselves so quickly.

Even though the team has managed to build such a positive brand and reputation, their recent 3 losses in a row has severely damaged both their reputation and their chance at qualifying for the World Cup. They however have managed to end this terrible streak with four consecutive victories in four matchdays, before losing twice in a row again, followed with a draw in their matches.

This team is currently placed in position 5 of 11 on the qualifier table - with 13 points ammassed so far, scoring a total of 14 goals while allowing 19 goals to be scored against them.

From a pure statistics point of view, analysts have deemed that Port Ember is the solid match favourites, and have estimated a 3-1 victory, despite their earlier loss against this team.

Team Analysis - Port Ember

Offense:

This team used to be known for their highly aggressive offences and legendary counter attacks, with world class strikers, yet they have only managed to score fourteen goals in their last ten matches.

Midfield:

Traditionally the strongest component of this team, under command of the amazing Reddington. The midfield used to be a dangerous element to its oponents, acting as an attacking defence and sets up the front line well with attacking oppertunities, yet the midfield has failed to display anything special lately, although the previous three matches has hinted a glimpse of its previous glory.

Defence:

The backline is back to their old struggling ways, with fourteen goals allowed through in seven games. However the backline managed to keep in check the total onslaught of strong offensive efforts in the previous three matches, giving a glimpse of hope.

Goalkeeping:

Analysts have nothing but praise for Peter Smith the starting goalie. The young man is a legend in the making.

Substitutes:

The team has a impressive line-up of substitutes, whom have received field time recently, adding possible depth to the team when needed. The extra attention they have received from the assistant coach is sure to play a important role as well.

Team Morale & Cohesion:

This team seems to have regained their composure and morale, standing united against any opposition.

Current Form:

L-L-L-W-W-W-W-L-L-D

Their three consecutive losses marked their worst losing streak to date, which they ended with four consecutive victories. This impressive streak was hampered with their last two losses and a draw, and will be hungry for a comeback after the Holiday Break.

Typical Gameplan: Their typical system of tiring out and frustrating their opponents in an attempt to pull their 'Bait Ambush' is a risky play which can easily go wrong and concede a goal. However when it works, it is highly effective.

Team Analysis - Ouna

Offense:

This team focusses on a solid balanced play, playing a true counter attacking play, only launching attacks when oppertunity arises.

Midfield:

This team holds a seemingly skilled and experienced midfield, and have proven that they are deadly on linking up with both the front and backlines.

Defence:

This team holds a skilled and experienced back row, and have proven that they are solid on the defence, becoming near unbreakable once they start steamrolling on the defence.

Goalkeeping:

Analysts have nothing but praise for the starting goalie, and have proven to be a goalkeeping machine between the sticks.

Substitutes:

The team has a impressive line-up of substitutes, whom have received field time recently, adding possible depth to the team when needed.

Team Morale & Cohesion:

This team screams 'profeasional' and has the look of a unified and well oiled machine, although cracks are starting to show due to their difficult season.

Current Form:

W-L-L-W-D-D-W-D-L-L

This team is not on great form and have struggled to remain consistent in any manner thus far.

Typical Gameplan: This team plays a solid balanced and counter attacking game.

Starting Line-Ups

Port Ember

Goalkeeper (GK)(#1): Peter Smith.

Center Back (CB)(#2): Josh Richards.

Center Back (CB)(#3): Jason Lee.

Full Back (LB)(#4): Alex Kuhn.

Full Back (RB)(#5): Russel Pierce.

Attacking Midfield (AM)(#10): Ray Reddington.

Defensive Midfield (DM)(#6): Steven Packard.

Wide Midfield (LM)(#8): Jason Chamberlain.

Wide Midfield (RM)(#11): Eric Tosaír of the Tribe of Waterford

Central Forward (CF)(#7): Leon Moult.

Central Forward (CF)(#9): Danny Nicovic.

Ouna

No Roster Released at the time of publication.

Team Kit

Port Ember have announced that they will play with their primary kit in their upcoming match.

Coach Stuart Baxter was not available for the traditional Pre Match Interview due to PEFA forbidding it due to the contraversy regarding the Five Cities match

Article by Erica Davies
Port Ember Times
Sports Journal

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Port Ember Times
Sports Journal

A look at the Dragon's road in the World Cup 84 Qualifier Season!

By Erica Davies - Port Ember Times Sports Section

As the World Cup Qualifier season has taken a temporary break, dubbed the Holdiay Season Break, the Port Emberian team has arrived home and have reportedly hung their kit for the holidays, as no training camps are scheduled for the national team, instead spending time at their respective homes and families and taking a breather after a gruelling and trying season thus far.

Although no fan or analysts realistically believed that the young team stood any realistic chance of qualifying for the World Cup proper, the nation as a whole was hopefull of the team atleast making some waves and causing some world class upsets, as they have become symbolic for - yet it seems this team is struggling more than they did in their previous cycle, even though they have grown more mature and experienced.

Let us take a small and concise look back at the games of this season:

Match 1: Port Ember Vs Ouna. (0-1 Loss) (Away Game)

In all honesty, this game was one of those 'Should Have Won' games, as our young Dragons outclasses this team in every way on paper. Its hard to pinpoint the cause of this loss, as a certain "something" or "spark" was missing from the Port Emberian side.

Match 2: Port Ember Vs Valanora. (2-4 Loss) (Home Game)

Port Ember was expected to lose against this legendary and strong team, and the young dragons did well in this match, giving the 8th strongest team in the world a run for their money.

Match 3: Port Ember Vs Kelsek. (3-0 Loss) (Away Game)

Port Ember was again expected to lose against this legendary and strong team, yet the young dragons was expected to at least set up a fight, but was humiliated with a poor showing. This defeat brought along a consecutive 3 loss losing streak, the worst in the teams young history, and a fact which haunts the team still.

Match 4: Port Ember Vs Appalachian Nation. (1-0 Win) (Home Game)

Port Ember achieved their first win for the season against this lower ranked side. Although victory was achieved, the Dragons failed to display their signature flair.

Match 5: Port Ember Vs Five Cities. (4-3 Win) (Away Game)

Port Ember achieved their second consecutive win in this match against this unranked ranked side. This match was stained with contraversy as a fight broke out in the stands and the pitch, almost getting the nation banned from international football.

Match 6: Port Ember Vs Xaneria. (2-1 Win) (Home Game)

Port Ember finally achieved their expected upset in this match with their win over a higher ranked and stronger side, displaying top class football.

Match 7: Port Ember Vs Bears Armed. (3-2 Win) (Away Game)

Port Ember achieved a hard fought for win against this strong yet unranked team. This difficult match saw the yoing Dragons being tested to their limits, which was exactly what they needed to thrive. This victory brought the national team to a 4 game winning streak, and a glimmer of hope to the nation.

Match 8: Port Ember Vs Ethane. (1-2 Loss) (Home Game)

Port Ember lost a hard fought for match against this strong and legendary team whom is steamrolling the group in their second position. This loss broke the four win streak, and the distant qualification dream.

Match 9: Port Ember Vs Razneta. (2-0 Loss) (Away Game)

In all honesty, this game was one of those 'Should Have Won' games, as our young Dragons outclasses this team in every way on paper. Its hard to pinpoint the cause of this loss, as a certain "something" or "spark" was missing from the Port Emberian side.

Match 10: Port Ember Vs Lisander. (1-1 Draw) (Home Game)

In all honesty, this game was one of those 'Should Have Won' games, as our young Dragons outclasses this team in every way on paper. Its hard to pinpoint the cause of this draw, as a certain "something" or "spark" was missing from the Port Emberian side.

An Analyst's Opinion of the Matches Played:

So Port Ember commenced this season with an immediate 3 game losing streak, which seemed to have seriously hurt the teams morale and unison. This bad start was offest with a four game winning streak and gave us all a glimmer of hope - yet one could see that the team was not performing at their full potentiol even with these victories, perhaps still broken by their bad start - and their terrible reputatiom staim due to that debacle against Five Cities? This streak was broken with another two consevutive losses and one draw, further damaging the reputation and morale of the team, as qualification has become a forgotten dream now.

An Analyst's Opinion of the Matches To Be Played:

The biggest queation remaining is whether the team can get their act together and once again play like we know they can? Even though we can forget about qualifying, the team can atleast give the loyal fans a reason to remain loyal. So here is my take on the matches ahead:

Match 11: Port Ember Vs Ouna. (Home Game)

I am firmly rooting for our lads here. The last time we lost against them, it was a very close call, and we now know how their system works. In the end we have a better team on paper, so we must just figurw out how to best counter their playstyle, and talent and passion will get the job done on our home field.

Match 12: Port Ember Vs Valanora. (Away Game)

Unfoetunately, I am predicting our lads to be smashed here. We held up well with our previous 2-4 loss on home soil, but the 8th best team in the world is a beast on their own turf - not to mention that they have dominated this group and have thus build massive momentum.

Match 13: Port Ember Vs Kelsek. (Home Game)

I predict another loss here sadly. This strong team is having a decent season and they have embarressed us in our last encounter, clearly outmatching us.

Match 14: Port Ember Vs Appalachian Nation. (Away Game)

Port Ember can obtain their second win against this energetic and high octane side if they can maintain their heads and play a hard-counter play.

Match 15: Port Ember Vs Five Cities. (Home Game)

Port Ember can easily obtain their second win against this side - if they can maintain their cool and not allow this game to turn into another disgrace to the name of the game like the last time these two sides met.

Match 16: Port Ember Vs Xaneria. (2-1 Win) (Away Game)

It will be a difficult match against a much stronger side, especially since they will be more prepared for us after our previous narrow victory. But we have proven that we can beat them - so we could do it again.

Match 17: Port Ember Vs Bears Armed. (Home Game)

Port Ember can achieve their second consecutive victory over this strong side, as long as we remain calm amd bring our A game for the full 90 minutes.

Match 18: Port Ember Vs Ethane. (Away Game)

I do not think our lads stands a chance against this steamrolling team (again), especially on their own turf.

Match 19: Port Ember Vs Razneta. (Home Game)

This is difficult to call, since we outclass them on paper, but we have been outclassed in our previous encounter, plus they are having an excellent season. Coach Baxter will have to prove his genius to change our fate here.

Match 20: Port Ember Vs Lisander. (Home Game)

This is difficult to call, since we outclass them on paper, but we have been outclassed in our previous encounter, plus they are having an decent season. Coach Baxter will have to prove his genius to change our fate here, to avoid another draw against them.

Article by Erica Davies
Port Ember Times
Sports Journal

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[Mercedini]

84th World Cup Qualification MD10 Highlights
Starblaydia vs. Mercedini
@ Stadii Di Bradini - Jhanna, Starblaydia

Good evening ladies and gentlemen and welcome back to Mercedini Sports Daily's coverage of World Cup Qualification grind. Tonight, we will be bringing you all of the action from around the grounds as we continue to find who will occupy the thirty-two spots who be present at the tournament's 84th edition. Both hosts have already confirmed their appearance in the group stage, but thirty spots will still need to be filled by the fiftee groups mammoth 20-game qualification calendar. So far, Mercedini have had a mixed time of it, placed in a competitive Group 3 with several previous qualifiers and a number of dark horses who could have sprung a surprise if the results went for them. With a 5-3-1 record and sitting in third place, Mercedini now travelled to face their toughest test so far; a long trip to Jhanna and the world-famous Stadii Di Bradini to play an unbeaten Starblaydia side who were running away with the Group 3 top spot. Form was not with the Golden Eagles as they had never beaten the five-time champions in any of their previous two meetings, but three draws in their previous four games against lower ranked opposition gave Dini hope that they could steal a point in front of a nearly 200,000-strong crowd. A win would put Mercedini within touching distance of the top spot and inflict Starblaydia's first defeat of the campaign, while a draw or a win would maintain Starblaydian dominance at the top of the group and give the team in purple an unbeaten first half, attempting to qualify and claim a sixth crown. Here are highlights from the Stadii Di Bradini, our commentary team were there to see it all go down.

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0' - Good evening ladies and gentlemen, welcome to one of the most recognisable stadium in international football, the Stadii Di Bradini. It was always going to be one of the most sought after fixtures in terms of tickets and in terms of media coverage, with both nations present at the previous three World Cups and both winning major footballing tournaments of previous editions. Mercedini are a nation that is much newer to the World Cup stage, but has solidified themselves as a future power and has proved to the masses that they can beat anyone on their day, even if they have failed to record a victory in any of their previous 14 group stage matches. This will be Dini's toughest test to date against a rampant Starblaydia side who look to beat their closest rival and lock down the top spot. Nearly 200,000 people are packed inside this stadium, including nearly 20,000 Mercedinians who are making themselves heard just before the teams come out. All eyes will be on Jhanna tonight, and Dini will have their work cut out for them if they want to pluck out a result from the World's #6.

So out come the teams, both in their brand-spanking ediraf kits as the home side come out in their recognisable purple kits while Dini's blue and black is quickly becoming a fan-favourite with it's geometric design. As before every match, Starblaydia will perform another rousing performance of the nation's war dance known at the 'Raiigar' with their tens of thousands of fans joining along with the chanting, surrounding the Mercedinian squad in a chorus of sound which must be just as intimidating on the pitch as it is here in the commentary box. It seems as if another Starblaydia win is on the cards, but as we have seen, games on grass are never as clear cut as they are on paper. Chillotov and Dostalok will lead the line once again, it's an hour and a half of football which could define the campaign.

14' - (STB 0-0 MRC) - First big chance of the game and it goes to the hosts as Alan Eccleston hits the outside of the post with the curling effort which Hosset looked to have got covered. The home side have had all of the possession from the word go but the Mercedinian line were holding firm, Eccleston gathered the ball and simply decided to open up some space, open his body and test the goalkeeper from the outside of the box. The ball took a deflection which took it wide enough to deflect off the post and out safely for a goal kick. It's a warning sign and shows how Starblaydia can create chances from nowhere, the crowd are up for it now, its going to be a lively game of football!

25' - (STB 0-1 MRC) - A corner whipped in by Krakowski has been gathered by Hosset, and the counter attack is on. Hosset must have sensed something up-field as Garzallo has gathered the ball from a long throw by the Mercedinian goalkeeper. Garzallo looks up and moves the ball inside to Dostalok who feeds it back to the Zoloroni Met winger. Garzallo doesn't even take a second touch as he sends the ball through to a racing Chillotov who is one-on-one with his marker! Everyone is still trying to get back from that original corner, but they're all bystanders as Chillotov wrestles with Sigismund into the box. Sigismund goes down in the box as Chillotov carries on and fires the ball into the net with the goalkeeper coming out to close the angle. GOAL!! A piece on individual brilliance has capped on a well-worked team work which started as a corner for the home side. The Starblaydians are appealing for a foul on Sigismund before the Chillotov shot, but the referee doesn't look interested and waves them away. Chillotov celebrates in the corner with Dostalok and Garzallo, with the rest of the team back down the field. An opening goal against the run of play, is this a turn up I wonder?!

39' - (STB 0-2 MRC) - Dini are in dreamland here! It's 2-0 to the Golden Eagles and it's Chillotov again with the goal, but it's another well worked goal featuring Dostalok and Garzallo as well. This time it came from a Mercedinian corner with Garzallo sending it in but being headed out and dealt with well by Capodanno, who was under pressure by several Mercedinian players who were lurking in the area. Di Sansev gathered the ball as the defenders advanced to force the attackers back out to stay onside. Di Sansev gave the ball back to Garzallo, and quickly sent the ball back into the danger area with several Mercedinian player advancing. Whether an offside trap was played or whether moving back out shifted the defenders' momentum too much, but Dostalok was allowed to sprint freely into the box with no-one there to track him back. The Mercedinian striker squared the ball the Chillotov who was in just as much space, and the goalkeeper couldn't close down enough to stop the Lajuno player from rolling the ball into the net for a second before half-time. It has turned into a smash-and-grab tonight in Jhanna, as the home side have had all the chances and possession before now. 196,000 spectators inside this stadium, and it's only those in black and blue that are making any noise. Mercedini 2-0 up before half-time, the shock is on!

45+3' - (STB 0-2 MRC) - Hosset boots the ball upfield and the referr blows his whistle for the end of the first half. Some cheers and some boos ring out around the stadium as Starblaydia face the very real prospect of being beaten at home by their closest rivals in the table, and losing their commanding lead in the process. An illuminating first half that shows how international football can turn on it's head in a flash. Starblaydia with eight shots on target, sit on no goals, while Mercedini have scored their only two shots on target in that half to sit on top in this game. Chillotov walks into the tunnel with a wry smile on his face, Mercedini are upsetting the World #6 in their own back yard, at half-time it's Starblaydia 0, Mercedini 2.

HALF TIME
Starblaydia 0 - 2 Mercedini

66' - (STB 0-2 MRC) - Starblaydia finally have the ball in the net, but it's been ruled out by VAR after nearly three minutes of deliberation, which has definitely made some enemies in the crowd following what looked to be an onside goal in real-time. After looking at the replay, Eccleston did look offside in the build up, however the phrase 'clear and obvious mistake' was thrown up yet again, a moment which may grab all the headlines if the result goes a particular way. Dini have not got out of their own half thus far, Starblaydia are pushing for a point or more, Dini are just about hanging on.

79' - (STB 1-2 MRC) - The comeback is seemingly on as Starblaydia get the ball in the net, and it definitely counts this time. Eccleston has been threatening for most of the game but has finally got one for real this time. Another corner whipped in with pace and was met with ferocity by Apollo who blasted a header, but was agonisingly stopped on the line for the young defender. Fortunately for the home side. Eccleston was alert to the situation and converted with a second jab at the ball to force it over the line to give Starblaydia their own lifeline. 2-1 with ten minutes to go.

90+3' - (STB 1-2 MRC) - That's it! The referee blows his whistle for the final time tonight and Mercedini have come away from Jhanna with a famous victory that blows the group wide open once again. They have stunned the the 180,000 or so home fans with a 2-1 smash and grab inside the Stadii Di Bradini. Chilloto grabbed both of the goals in a frantic first half which did all the damage. Starblaydia were on top in both halves and sent in a combined eighteen shots on target which were gathered in any way the defence could. Only three shots on target for Mercedini, but two of those went in and that proved the difference in the end. The Mercedinian fans will head home happy, in Jhanna it's finished Starblaydia 1, Mercedini 2.

FULL TIME
Starblaydia 1 - 2 Mercedini
Eccleston 79' • Chillotov 25', 39'

So that concludes the action for tonight. Mercedini went up into second place with that win, but with HUElavia's win over Eastfield Lodge, they remain second only on goal differance with the top three no separated by only two points. We will now go into the mid-qualifying break with Mercedini flying back to Zoloroni to rest for a couple of days before heading back out on the campaign trail. We will be back with coverage of Dini's match in The Ross Isles for MD11, with nations slowly being eliminated as the number of matches begin to tick down for those at the bottom. Mercedini have only tasted defeat one so far in this campaign, but they must turn draw they have received into wins for the reverse legs if they are to secure qualification and move safely through to the group stage. We hope you will join us for Mercedini's return. But for now, bon voyage boomers.

[Audioslavia]

WARNING: Video contains flashing images. A slightly less flashing version can be found here.

Episode 1, Chapter 4.5

Chapters 5 and 6 of Episode 1 will be posted in the second half of qualifying.

All videos are and will remain Unlisted on YouTube (or, in this case, simply 'out there' on Streamable. The only way to find them is through links on the NS Sport forum.

I have not monetised any of The Idiot Project videos. If you see an advert, it is because YouTube puts adverts on videos with copyrighted music. The Idiot Project is strictly non-profit.

For the sake of keeping the making of The Idiot Project a secret, permission to reproduce works of various NS users was not sought. If you see your own work in a video and would like it blurred out, please get in touch.

The Idiot Project is a personal project by Audio, who is an idiot, and is not officially affiliated with Nationstates.net in any way.

The World Cup Scorigami database will be made publicly available after the conclusion of this series.

Please do not post spoilers on Discord or the forums.

Previously on The Idiot Project
Episode One:
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three (A)
Chapter Three (B)
Chapter Four

[Hapilopper]

Dominic Probst’s office, the HNFT Team Center, Hapilopper City
Sometime during the halfway break
Dominic Probst, the head of the Hapilopper Football Association, was sitting in his office overlooking the practice field for the Hapilopper National Football Team, who were enjoying the holiday break and not really concerning themselves with anything related to football business. A light covering of snow blanketed the practice field – light enough to look pleasant, not heavy enough to be a safety hazard. It was Christmas Day, and Dom, unmarried and childless, was the only person in the HNFT offices. He was writing a letter to the fans of the HNFT across the multiverse, pledging that the team would absolutely come back and qualify for the 84th World Cup.

The rest of the team, meanwhile, was taking this rare opportunity to forget about international football for a while and just spend time with their families. Ernie Stevenson, for instance, was sitting on the back porch of his parents’ house with his wife, Wendy, his big brother, Drake and their parents. Ernie and Drake were smoking some cigars, part of a very nice gift given to them by their father, Carl. The gift included an electronic cigar humidor cabinet, and several dozen Kingsland cigars, among other things.

Most of the team were with family, with the notable exception of Claire Randall, who spent the Christmas week with NSSCRA driver Chris Holmes. The two had become an item over the last few weeks or so, and with Claire pretty much being declared persona non grata in her parents’ house for staying with the football team in spite of that whole “Legion of Doom” mohawk hair cut, she had to find some place to live. Chris took her in with the blessing of his roommate, Drake Stevenson, even with a warning (“You two have only known each other for a few weeks, and you want her to move in with you? Best of luck, Holmes,” Drake told Chris), but it seemed like the two were perfect for each other. With Drake getting whiskey-drunk at his parents’ house, the two had the apartment to themselves for the evening.

Dom, however, had no family to go home to. His parents had both died, and he was an only child. All he had was the football association. He continued writing the letter, which would be distributed to the media of the multiverse. As he wrote the letter, he thought about the two different paths that the Haps could take, depending on their results in the second half of World Cup qualifying.

If they succeeded, it was a question of how far they could go. Making it to the knockout rounds would be a tall order, but making the World Cup proper would be a massive accomplishment for the team. It could be the start of Hapilopper’s run as one of the sporting multiverse’s top teams. It would certainly validate this idea of a “golden age” of Hapiloppian sport, when teams and players from the Dominion were among the world’s most renowned. Many had suggested the so-called “Golden Age of Hapiloppian Sport” started with the national baseball team making it to the playoffs in the 46th World Baseball Classic. It really got off the ground when the HNFT went undefeated in the 70th Baptism of Fire, taking the trophy in glorious fashion, and rocketed into the air when the team defeated Brenecia in the qualifying
stages, bringing attention to Hapiloppian players everywhere. That match, now known as “H3-0B” in Hapiloppian culture, was the match that brought attention to the Dominion across the multiverse.

If the team succeeded, “H3-0B” would be only the first of many legendary moments in the Dominion. It would be there along with World Cup victories, national celebrations, and the moments where some of the team’s leading players became bonafide gods in the world of international football. Dom looked out into the practice field and dreamed of Ernie Stevenson firing a shot past a Vilitan goalkeeper to score the winning goal in the finals of a World Cup. He pictured tens of thousands – no, make that hundreds of thousands – of fans screaming and cheering for the HNFT. He pictured the ticker-tape parade ending at Hamilton Square for the World Cup Champions, the Hapilopper National Football Team. He then turned around to the trophy case not far from his desk, with a giant opening for the World Cup trophy.

Dom sat there and looked at that opening for a very long time. A tear ran down his cheek. The first half of the World Cup Qualifiers were over. The second half was about to begin in a week, and Hapilopper was going to travel to Vdara to play an underrated, yet dangerous team. The Haps needed a great result in that first match to prove they were going to have a chance in qualifying for the 84th World Cup. They had to go for broke. There was no other choice.

Because if they didn’t make it, that other road looked less promising, less attractive, less enjoyable. The team would be mired in Cup of Harmony hell for decades to come, and the tale of a promising and exciting football team underdelivering on the promises they had set out with their initial play made Dom shudder. Qualifying for the World Cup would be a pipe dream if the Haps set out on this other road. Maybe they would make it from time to time if they got lucky. Maybe they would pull off a fluke result once in a blue moon, but the road looked less attractive than the one where Ernie Stevenson scored the winning goal of a World Cup over Vilita some time in the future. That large opening in the HNFT’s trophy shelf would instead be reserved for the less-attractive Cup of Harmony trophies.

He continued writing the letter, and he ended with one line that became synonymous with Hapiloppian sport in the years and decades to come.

“We must qualify for this World Cup. We have no choice. We are Hapilopper. Failure is not an option.”

The letter was printed in full across the Dominion of Hapilopper. Everyone, from the team’s players, to the media to the fans, noted the emotionally-charged nature of the letter. In the letter, it was clear that Dom wanted everyone to know that everything was riding on this one. Sure, this was only Hapilopper’s second World Cup cycle, but if they missed the World Cup this time, it could lead to years and decades of failure and disappointment. For a team that went undefeated in its first 15 matches, and for a team that ran roughshod in its first even international competition, to go through years and decades of disappointment like Dom was fearing would just be too much to bear.

Across Hapilopper, the HNFT’s players and coaches gathered one message from the letter. It was time to kick ass like never before. To hell with the odds. To hell with the other teams. To hell with the naysayers. To hell with the past run of bad luck, and to hell with any idea that Hapilopper wasn’t going to make it. When all of the players read the letter, the same thought ran into their mind. “We’re going to qualify. We have to. And when, not if, but when, we qualify, we’re going to shock the world. Again.”

It was time for the second half of World Cup qualifying to begin. The Hapilopper National Football Team was going to go for broke. They were going to kick ass like they had never kicked ass before. If they got their way, the second half of World Cup Qualifying for this cycle would be the subject of stories told from generation to generation – the tale of how Ernie Stevenson, Bobby East, Rod Hughes, Murray Hunnisett and the rest of the HNFT made Hapilopper proud.

It was time to write those stories. The time for the Hapilopper National Football Team to write the story of their supremacy was now.

[Jeruselem]

Princess Kate dressed as Hatsune Miku and Princess Cassie dressed as Princess Anna from Frozen

Kate:
I'm Princess Katherine Annabelle Dallas for Naked News Jeruselem. No football today! We're having break from the World Cup but we'll be back. Anyway, we have a bye next so we're not even playing. I'm with my mother Princess Cassie. We're at the annual Cosplay Convention in Jeruselem. I love coming here, well Mum loves it too even for someone her age who should know better.

Cassie: Hey everyone, good to see everyone again.
Kate: Prince Hamish, his wife Bianca and of course young Princess Bella are here too. I think Bella dragged them here but then Hamish just wants to look at the girls here too.
Cassie: It's a break from the football. The kids love it.
Kate: It helps if you look like Japanese anime girl too
Cassie: Some people are lucky like that
Kate: Well, I'll be performing live today later. But it's great here. It's growing every year.

Cassie: No dancing for me, getting too old for that.
Kate: It's not all girls here either, plenty of boys dressed as their favourite heroes and villians
Cassie: Your Dad is wondering around dressed as Darth Vader
Kate: I was wondering what he was doing with rusty suit of armour
Cassie: Don't worry, the sword is fake.
Kate: In these times of worry, you need an escape.

Cassie: Yes, sport is one thing. We love our Cosplay more.
Kate: Some of the world cup team are here too, I have no idea what they are wearing. Ignoring my derp cousin.
Cassie: I spotted young Dash dressed as Tinkerbell
Kate: She's about the same size as her too hehe
Cassie: There's quite of few Starks wondering around, one of them could be a Starc with C from our team
Kate: Actually one of them borrowed my Sansa cosplay kit

Cassie: Oh yes, don't miss the full sized dragon here. It's hard to miss ... I mean it's your face
Kate: No, it doesn't breath fire for safety reasons.
Cassie: They had one last year but funny added two heads to it
Kate: Add two more and you get Tiamat from D&D
Cassie: Add two more and you a get Hydra
Kate: 3 is enough for our family crest

Cassie: As you can see, there's plenty to here.
Kate: You don't have to dress up like us, we encourage people make an effort.
Cassie: Oh yes, we have prize for best dressed male and female. Because male and female cosplay tends to be different ya know
Kate: We're on the judging panel as well
Cassie: Oh don't be worried about the weapons around here, it's cosplay. No real weapons allowed
Kate: Apart from them Princess security guards dotted around the place. They have the security passes visible.

Cassie: The football will be back, but so glad we had the bye first. Not last
Kate: Yes, it would be horrid to have bye last and you can't play a game to determine your fate.
Cassie: We all know about that
Kate: Well see you all later.
Cassie: There's still time here! Drop by
Kate: Time to play some Beat Saber mum.

[Gyatso-kai]

...: City of Paluq, Kiwatiluk Province, Earth Kingdom Islands, Gyatso-kai :...
2215 hours Eastern Time (UTC+10), 25 December 2019.4

Despite being in what was known as the Southern Islands, the weather this time of year in Paluq was rather comfortable; the day time high had barely broken 20 degrees, and with the sun having set hours ago, it was already dropping into low teens.

A bit warmer than I am used to...

Dag'da Skirata was simply enjoying a break from the tournament, as well as a break from the family affairs back in Keldabe; located in the center of the largest island in the Avatarian archipelago, Keldabe was the capital of the Kelita Province as well as the home of the Skirata Clan. For Mandalorians, the Clan was the central family unit, often comprised of relatives, both by blood and by oath. The Skirata Clan was one of the most well-known clans, in no small part due to the success of Dag'da's grandfather and father. His grandfather was the venerable Kad Skirata, former Head Coach of the National Ice Hockey team and current Director of Hockey for the National Sports Council. He maintained a retirement home base on Whale Tail Island, about 200 kilometres or so from the family estate in Keldabe. As per tradition, ownership of the family estate - named Kyrimorut - fell on Dag'da's father, A'den, who had made a name for himself as former Captain of the National Football Team. Appearing in over 190 games and scoring 59 goals, A'den was just as famous as his brother and Dag'da's uncle Kal, who was a second-line winger for the Ice Bisons with over 100 caps and 50 goals himself and now coach for his alma mater Keldabe State.

The name Skirata carries quite a bit of weight to it in the Avatarian Sports world.

Dag'da had escaped to Paluq just before sunrise from Kyrimorut, much to the protest of his mother. She had wanted everyone to be home for Cin'ciri Aay'han, or the Winter Festival, which began on the date of the winter solstice, but Dag'da had been on the pitch against Fujai that day at the Meshgeroya'yaim; only 30 kilometres from Kyrimorut, Dag'da had not been able to go home as the team was flying out to Libonesia. He had seen his mother briefly after the match, where she congratulated him for his first goal in the tournament, and gave him a large quantity of uj cake to take with him. After the match, Dag'da and the rest of the team had been given the time off for the mid-tournament break, and he took the first flight out of Republic City back to Kyrimorut. He had been there for an entire day, spent around the fire, sharing stories, eating well, and reconnecting with family, but the time to get back to work was soon, and Paluq was on the way to Beijing, where the team was practicing before flying out to North Eastern Asia.

I'll be back in a week for New Years... Mom can just wait until then...

As he walked the street - I think it is called Balukis - he could not help but watch the people around him: All in various states of winter attire, the people seemed to enjoy the winter revelry that occurred around Christmas time. Dag'da enjoyed people watching, allowing himself a glimpse of a world he was not exactly familiar with. Thankfully, he had not obtained the celebrity status of his father and grandfather, and very few people would recognise him, and that allowed him to truly enjoy the crowds. He always hated when he would be with some of the older teammates - Aki Kio'los and Song Kaoru especially - and they would be stopped and grilled by reporters and fans, but by himself, he seemed to melt into the background, and he was fine with that. Dag'da just wanted to enjoy playing football, see the multi-verse, and eventually make it big enough one day to where he could own a nice sizeable plot of land in Keldabe within a few hours drive from Kyrimorut that he could one day pass on to a son or daughter. Of course, he would have to find a partner first before having kids... something his father had a notorious hard time with before he found his mother.

Like father, like son...

He looked down to his chrono - 2240 hours - and he decided to call it a night. It was a quick walk to the hotel, some local inn about five minutes away. In the morning, he would wake up and fly to Beijing where the team would meet up, practice, and then fly out to their next opponent, and begin the second leg of the tournament.

I only hope the second leg goes better than the first...

---

[Bliuji]

The First Half

The first half has now concluded, and with Bliuji floating around in spots 2-5 they now finish at 4, with 15 points and a record of 4-3-3. They have gone above the staffs expectations, with group 8 having many talented teams; placing four was quite surprising.

Now that all teams have played 10 matches let's analyse everyone's performance.

South Covello

The third best team in the world is first in group eight. They do have a very talented team and there is no doubt that they will qualify for the world cup. Although some teams have stayed competitive with them; there's no one in their path that poses a serious threat. And we don't see progression stopping for them at anytime.

---

Ziwana

Everyone saw Ziwana shock the multiverse in BOF 71, but no one expected them to place second in group 8 as of now. However there's no denying that they do have a talented team for such an inexperienced nation when it comes to football, pretty impressive to say the least. And with multiple teams right on their tail, they have to work twice as hard if they want to keep up this spectacular performance - but can they play higher than the expectations, or will the pressure get to them.

---

Qasden

Qasden does have a very good team, after all they are ranked 23rd. Despite them having a 4-4-2 record; there is a very good chance that they will qualify in the second half. Under performing might of been due to stress, fatigue and pressure etc. However they have the second best team in the group and look to show that in the coming games.

---

Bliuji

Much like Ziwana, the 121 ranked team has exceeded peoples expectations. Having done tremendously better in this world cup compared to lasts. They have a young team with an average age of 23. With them being 2 points behind Ziwana, it's anyone's game for the taking and they look to fulfill their goal of qualifying for the world cup. The additions of Sviatoslav Vasiliev and Carl Mackwood have shown to help the team, and will continue to do so in the following days.

---

Mitra and Soma

Some might say Mitra and Soma have gotten lucky, other people may say they have an under rated team. But to be honest it's a complete mix of both. They do have talented players that helped them gain 15 points like Loto Manaia and Emere Penina, but they should also be glad that a team like Filindostan, Flavovespia and Squornshelan Remnant States have been in a slump.

---

Filindostan

And here is Filindostan, the 59th ranked team that completely obliterated Bliuji in the last world cup is now 6th in the group. There team is not the issue, but rather chemistry. They have the least amount of goals scored in group eight. When it comes to football, a lot of it is team work and communication, and those are two things they don't have. If they can turn things around, they might have a shot. But as of the first half; they are in shambles.

---

Flavovespia

Flavovespia isn't far off from the standards of Bliuji, in fact the teams are very similar in skill. Just like Filindostan, they have struggled heavy to get things started on offense. Having trouble to get balls in the back of the net means they have not been able to win few games. Defense has been looking better for them with only 18 goals against. Flavovespia really needs to focus on better offensive strategy rather than defense. If you have tuned in to watch some of their games; you'll know that their offense even struggles harder than Filindostan at some points. I'm not trying to insult them but rather point out the obvious.

---

Mustardy

Despite the fake news coming from holvah.com in Bliuji's first game against them, things are not all that bad. What more could you expect from an unranked and developing team, they have so much potential and are continuing to develop. Maybe the international experience in the first 10 matches means the second half will be better for them who knows.

---

Squornshelan Remnant States

Ah the shit show known as Squornshelan Remnant States, but not literally. The 36th ranked team is one of the best in the group, they are tanking so much, that they ended up drawing six games, and that's crazy. If they want to get out of this shit show that they are currently in they have to change up their play style in every aspect.

---

Vakolicci Haven and Celeria

Ah yeah another good team that's tanking, what else do I have to say about them.

---

Furby Island

I'm not trying to sound like a dickhead, but their players might not be ready for international football for another 50 years, some players even being seen napping on the field. Known as the "old man team" they have been rumored to have an average age of 75, which has not yet been confirmed.

---

[Brenecia]

THE ROZELLE OBSERVER
Progress steady, if not quite smooth, as unbeaten Patriots stretch four-point gap
Oskar Bannon

Brenecia has been a top seed for a while. We, as a nation, have grown used to our brief time in the aristocracy. It has been twelve years since our rank has been this low, though 19th in the world is of course nothing to truly sniff at. Is Brenecia the 19th-largest nation, the 19th-best resourced, the 19th-most storied? No, not anywhere near. So this still remains an overachievement, in context.

It's been a fairly straightforward campaign thus far. Draws against the three strongest opponents - not including the capsizing Crystalline Caverns - a narrow victory over the growing momentum of the Sherpa Empire and comfortable wins elsewhere leave the Patriots four points ahead of Abanhfleft and one behind Banija. A win in Busukama would put Brenecia in pole position; it is also unlikely.

No matter. Things haven't been perfect, but the job is getting done, and Brelk-Xeral continues to get the job done while gently integrating new players. One by one, then, the matches...

Atlantic Republic 1 - 3 Brenecia
(4-3-3) 12 - Cairncross; 18 - Lonergan, 22 - Beath, 6 - Mathers, 19 - Tambor; 8 - Matheson, 23 - Fallon, 14 - Ruskin (c); 7 - Cheney (15 - Coghlan 57'), 17 - Lindauer (9 - White 70'), 11 - Keynes
Goals: Ruskin 36', Lonergan 66', White 79'

Half-full: Sorcha Lonergan lit up the pitch on debut, deserved reward for her overall performance, while a goal from Mhacha White's cameo was also a good touch.
Half-empty: A pretty abject unranked side scored a goal at all in a defence with a World champion.

Brenecia 1 - 1 Terre Septentrionale
(4-3-3) 1 - Farrell; 2 - Broxham, 5 - Horgan, 6 - Mathers, 3 - Quill (c); 8 - Matheson (21 - Parker 71'), 4 - Locke (23 - Fallon 76'), 13 - Wheeler; 7 - Cheney, 10 - Ciogach, 16 - Fletcher (11 - Keynes 61')
Goal: Ciogach 38'

Half-full: Defensively solid and assured, one moment aside.
Half-empty: Also one player aside - Keziah Locke was less than wholly convincing.

Casta Marina 0 - 5 Brenecia
(4-3-3) 20 - Pritchard; 18 - Lonergan, 22 - Beath (vc), 6 - Mathers, 19 - Tambor; 21 - Parker, 23 - Fallon, 14 - Ruskin (c, 8 - Matheson 78'); 15 - Coghlan, 17 - Lindauer, 11 - Keynes (9 - White 78')
Goals: Lindauer 16', Ruskin 32', Parker 44', Mathers 63', Coghlan 76'

Half-full: A dominant performance all across the pitch, with Riona Parker in particular sparkling and Cail Coghlan electrifying on debut.
Half-empty: For once, nothing.

Brenecia 2 - 2 Banija
(4-3-3) 1 - Farrell; 2 - Broxham (18 - Lonergan 65'), 5 - Horgan, 6 - Mathers, 3 - Quill (c); 8 - Matheson (21 - Parker 72'), 4 - Locke, 13 - Wheeler; 7 - Cheney, 10 - Ciogach, 11 - Keynes (16 - Fletcher 54')
Goals: Ciogach 58', Cheney 84'

Half-full: An inspired comeback performance with the Patriots' backs against the wall. A point before the match? Perhaps a disappointment. After? Feels like a triumph. The team has guts.
Half-empty: Another weak performance from Keziah Locke, whose club form has been less than imperious as well. Farrell's aerial weakness was picked out and exploited. And being 2-0 down by the half at home is... disappointing.

Abanhfleft 2 - 2 Brenecia
(4-3-3 / 4-3-1-2) 1 - Farrell; 2 - Broxham (18 - Lonergan 64'), 5 - Horgan, 6 - Mathers, 3 - Quill (c); 8 - Matheson, 4 - Locke (23 - Fallon 86'), 13 - Wheeler; 7 - Cheney, 10 - Ciogach, 16 - Fletcher (21 - Parker 73')
Goals: Ciogach 25', Cheney 39'

Half-full: Another hard match under pressure, another decent result, and another goal apiece for Cheney and Ciogach. Elysse Matheson was the POTM, however, dancing freely between the lines, while a surprise change to a diamond midfield may not have made the difference but still seems a useful ace up the sleeve.
Half-empty: A missed opportunity to really release pressure on the group. And decidedly unlike last time, Brenecia faltered after a strong start. Not really much better, is it?

Brenecia 2 - 0 Trolleborg
(4-3-3) 1 - Farrell; 18 - Lonergan, 5 - Horgan (vc), 6 - Mathers, 3 - Quill (c, 19 - Tambor 59'); 8 - Matheson (21 - Parker 68'), 23 - Fallon, 13 - Wheeler; 7 - Cheney (15 - Coghlan 74'), 10 - Ciogach, 11 - Keynes
Goals: Wheeler 52', Parker 87'

Half-full: By the end, it looked a fairly controlled defeat of a decent, composed opponent. Ronan Fallon excelled in defensive midfield.
Half-empty: Poor finishing in the first half - indeed, throughout, from Kara Ciogach.

Crystalline Caverns 0 - 2 Brenecia
(4-3-3) 1 - Farrell; 2 - Broxham, 5 - Horgan, 6 - Mathers, 3 - Quill (c); 8 - Matheson, 23 - Fallon (4 - Locke 80'), 13 - Wheeler (14 - Ridenton 67'); 7 - Cheney, 10 - Ciogach, 16 - Fletcher (11 - Ashvane 67')
Goals: Horgan 20', Matheson 39'

Half-full: Another very solid defensive performance, and at the end a comfortable win, even with Brenecia cruising for the final half-hour or so. Ridenton and Ashvane enjoyed solid if unspectacular debuts.
Half-empty: No goals from open play - just a headed corner from Horgan and a free kick from Matheson.

Brenecia 3 - 1 Brigantii
(4-3-3) 12 - Cairncross; 18 - Lonergan, 22 - Ramsay, 6 - Mathers, 3 - Quill (c); 8 - Matheson (21 - Parker 74'), 23 - Fallon, 14 - Ridenton (13 - Wheeler 59'); 15 - Coghlan (7 - Cheney 65'), 17 - Lindauer, 16 - Fletcher
Goals: Lindauer 39', Wheeler 78', Mathers 83'

Half-full: Another late flurry. The Patriots don't stop running.
Half-empty: Before that point, however, victory looked far from assured, let alone deserved. Rozelle has not been the happiest hunting ground thus far, contrary to expectations.

Sarzonia 1 - 3 Brenecia
(4-3-3) 12 - Cairncross; 18 - Lonergan (2 - Broxham 63'), 5 - Horgan, 6 - Mathers, 3 - Quill (c); 8 - Matheson, 23 - Fallon (4 - Locke 63'), 14 - Ridenton; 7 - Cheney, 10 - Ciogach, 16 - Fletcher (11 - Ashvane 77')
Goals: Cheney 6', Ridenton 23', Matheson 60'

Half-full: Sarzonia, a side with undoubted X-Factor, were brushed aside on home soil. Brenecia looked strong, decisive and in control throughout...
Half-empty: ... apart from the late lapse in concentration which gave them their goal. And it's important to note that Sarzonia were missing a key player due to off-pitch concerns.

Brenecia 3 - 2 Sherpa Empire
(4-3-3) 1 - Farrell; 18 - Lonergan, 5 - Horgan, 6 - Mathers, 3 - Quill (c); 8 - Matheson (14 - Ridenton 76'), 23 - Fallon (4 - Locke 64'), 13 - Wheeler; 7 - Cheney, 10 - Ciogach (17 - Lindauer 76'), 16 - Fletcher
Goals: Fletcher 17', Ciogach 37', Horgan 70'

Half-full: A helter-skelter bash-fest which was great value for the neutral.
Half-empty: Not speaking as a neutral, the defence was fairly shambolic at times, Horgan and Mathers' glacial pace twice left horribly exposed. Fallon had his first real off-game.

Winners
1) Obviously, the Patriots as a whole are on track to qualify with an eight-point buffer. Even a reversal at home against Abanhfleft would be fine enough.
2) The Sherpa match aside, Ronan Fallon has been a revelation in rebalancing the midfield. Keziah Locke has done a great job and deservedly remains in pretty much every squad, but she is not a pure anchor man. The unheralded Fallon is.
3) Brelk-Xeral, a manager who likes to keep a settled unit, has brought in a sheaf of new talent. Along with Fallon, Sorcha Lonergan might displace Broxham going forward, Cail Coghlan has produced enough to show she deserves to be in the mix and Isla Ridenton deserves more time as well, not to mention Opal Cairncross' establishment as backup goalkeeper.

Losers
1) Keane Mathers is a very good centre-half, but he is not of the absolute top-drawer quality. There is a mistake in him; his limitations have been, at times, exposed. And yet there is no real alternative in place.
2) Ceridwen Fletcher's lack of direct goal threat has been highlighted a few times. Thankfully, she did finally take her first goal of qualifying against the Empire, showcasing the power of her left boot. But Keynes is breathing down her neck.
3) Lonergan's ascension has been enabled by the stagnation of Keziah Broxham. She was meant to take on the world someday, but remains, at this level, an essentially 3.5-star player. No disgrace, but it will be interesting to see who Brelk-Xeral picks to start in Busukama, and how it pans out.

[Beepee]

The Beepeean Squad finally turned up... 11 weeks too late, but at least they turned up.

Beepeean fans had been more involved in local and regional matters than sports recently much to the detriment to their standing in the sports multiverse.

Beepee's first ten matches in the qualifying tournament hadn't even been televised in the nation. However, the beepeean head coach Miss Yu had a plan to change all that.

Ms Yu had decided that she was going to make an extra special christmas effort and It was going to be her new years resolution.

She started by requiring all the Beeperan Football Team to undertake an intense period of training, improving their speed, stamina and overall fitness levels.

She hoped that this would produce an improved outcome for the remaining matches.

With the next match against approaching quickly. Ms Yu knew there was little to no time to turn around the teams fortunes but she felt had to try something.

[Starblaydia]

Prologue | Chapter One | Chapter Two | Chapter Three

"Darryl?" Hope said, "What is Milton doing?"

"I'm," Darryl said after a long pause, getting into the character of Milton to respond in the theatrical, over-ennunciated voice that he seemingly used for all his roleplaying characters, "going to utter the words inscribed in the Holy Text of Urk to close this portal of despair."

"Great," Hope smiled, "as you start to speak the incantation written in front of you, the great stone eye above the portal starts to crack open down the centre, like a split in a serpent's vertical pupil. Light pours forth from it, starting to bathe Milton in a spotlight of power, that's getting increasingly brighter with every moment."

"I'm going to wipe out the remaining baddies," Rick growled as he made a claw scratch motion, "Druid style, rawr."

"Me too," Benny chimed in, "only with rogue stabs."

"Victarion, the Paladin?" Hope asked.

Sam thought for a long time. Long enough that Hope's hand began to hover over the button of the thirty-second countdown clock they had for just this sort of situation. Rain lashed against the basement room's window, set high up in the wall against the ceiling as it had done all evening and would surely do well into the next day.

"What," Sam said, finally, before Hope the GM had to press the button and make it official, "is the light doing to Milton?"

"Milton feels," Hope said, "a slight tickly-burning sensation from the light. It's getting continually more uncomfortable."

"It kinda tickles," Darryl said, parroting back the information, "but it's also hot and getting hotter. I might be being burned."

"Then I stand between Milton and the light coming from the eye, raising my shield to," Sam hesitated a little, "well, shield him from it."

"Okay," said Hope, making a show of checking her DM notes, "let's sort out this combat then, shall we?"

For the next ten minutes, the rain against the window was completely ignored thanks to the clattering of dice across the table and the shouting of glee and despair as monsters were slain, health points were dropped, potions were swigged and good fun was had by all as the three warriors valiantly defended their cleric from both wayward sharp objects, and the incandescent power of the beam of light from above the portal. Victarion was taking the full brunt of the beam, swiping at the occasional passing moster with his hammer, while Milton had to rely on concentration checks to keep the incantation, that had now become a chant, going in the face of the chaos surrounding him.

"Suddenly, with a roar," Hope butted in, "the beam of light is shut out, and a blast of wind takes all of you off your feet, left in a heap on the floor in total darkness and total silen-"

"-I have darksight," Benny piped up.

"-and my talisman glows when all other sources of light have been put out," Sam added.

"Total darkness and total silence," Hope continued, "except for the dim orange glow of a holy talisman around Victarion's neck, and you all see in front of you, except Sabine notices in much greater detail - is that the stone archway around what was the portal stands silent, and immobile, as if nothing had ever been within it, and a dark room lies beyond through the doorway.

"Investigating the room, you see a doorway that leads outside the caverns. In the room, however, you find: heavy plate armour with gilded silver edges, the magical Robes of Whitely Vordermann, a master-crafted bow of black wood, dark steel and obsidian, and the gnarled Staff of Voia which has, carved into it, a single eye above a jungle tree. And enough cash for 200 gold pieces each. Mission complete!"

"Victory!" Benny yelled.

"Loot!" Sam shouted.

"Ex-Pee!" Rick exclaimed.

"Clothes!" Darryl cried.

"And our next adventure will be," Hope smiled broadly, "next time. I need to get ready for the Tara & Cambray game first."

"Who are Tara and Cambray," Rick asked, "and what game system are you running for them?"

"A football game, dummy," Sam answered, "she's playing. Maybe."

"So where do we go next?" Benny asked.

"You'll be choosing to visit one of the haunted islands of Captain Scheer A. Von Iyer," Hope said, "the dread druid pirate lord of the Cefn Seas, each island with it's own entirely unique adventure! But be careful, the islands often disappear as quickly as they come into existence, so you'll need to act fast on your chosen island or the opportunity will vanish!"

"Wow!" The four boys exclaimed in unison, as that sounded completely awesome.

"We need to pick our island now!" said Rick, immediately agreed to by all.

"Okay, well we can go a little bit longer if you like," Hope gave in without a hint of reluctance, it was Friday night this time, after all, and there was no school for the boys the next day, so she could push it a little bit longer and drop three of the boys off at home herself. Rain was no issue. She'd planned this session to only be a short one, and the party had rattled through the finale with relative ease and efficiency. "Luckily I had all nineteen adventures entirely pre-planned, but you can only choose one, so choose wisely."

Hope shuffled a number of entirely blank pages behind her GM screen, then grabbed another few sheets of scribbles from her bag. As much as technology made it easier, Hope much preferred to use pen and paper; that was the way she had learned in college, and that felt most familiar to her.

"So," she began, "the names of the islands themselves arent all that important because they appear and vanish so quickly, it's the descriptions of what's on them that's important.

"There is: The island with the Hills of Hatred and Jungle of Despair. The island with the
Mountains of Murder and Forest of Fear." She hesitated for a moment, as their eyes had lit up at that one exactly as she had expected. They said nothing, so she continued. "One has the Cliffs of, um, killing and Woods of Wailing..."

Sensing his older sister starting to freewheel, Sam spoke up for the group.

"The Murder Mountains and Forest of Fear sounded pretty awesome," he said, "I vote for that one."

"Me too," Rick and Benny said, simultaneously.

"I'd like to hear the remaining sixteen options," Darryl said, "but seems like I've been pre-out-voted. Murder and fear it is, then!"

"The Island of Flexsys," Hope said, dramatically, spelling out F-L-E-X-S-Y-S for those inclined to make notes, which was usually just Darryl but time time everyone made an effort: they thought this was going to be great, "a mysterious and haunted island that appeared but seven days ago, shrouded in thick fog. Your ship, on which you have paid for a return trip, docks at the seemingly deserted port at midnight, lanterns illuminating only the mist around them in the thick dark night.

"You are approached on the wooden jetty by a hooded figure, his cloak ragged and full of holes, and you expect his clothing underneath to be no less. He leans on a six foot long, gnarled staff, fron the top of which a tiny lantern hung, barely lighting his way, and casting a dark shadow over his hooded face. His staff clunks slowly and regularly on the wooden slats as he makes his way toward you."

Hope used one hand to tap loudly on the underside of their table in a slow beat as she glared at each boy in turn. They were often enraptured by her descriptions and she always appreciated her grateful audience, sping her best to play up for them. With her other hand she found the piece of paper she'd photocopied some text onto, then looked down and read it aloud.

"The figure holds out its hand, a bony finger pointing at the four of you, and as cracking thunder rolls around the dark skies around you, the figure says these words in a language you can't quite recognise:

'Venenya vilyanirwanen ná quanta as angolingwi!'

The rain stopped. There was no sound in air basement at all. Not from outside. Not from the kitchen upstairs. Hope was motionless, her finger pointing out to the centre of the table.

Sam looked across to Rick, and to Benny, and they looked back at each other. But there was no Darryl.

"Darryl?" Benny said. "Where'd you go?"

Rick checked under the table. There was no sign of him. There was nowhere to hide in the basement room, and the rain still wasn't falling. Outside the individual drops were hanging, elongated, in mid air.

Then they finally heard a sound. A laugh, deep and throaty, starting before the origin of the world and rolling like thunder to a crescendo of malice and evil. It was coming from Hope.

The laugh echoed around the room, louder for Sam, Benny and Rick than was comfortable, and finally Hope moved. Her mouth became a smirk, then a smile, then a full open mouthed grimace, rocking her shoulders in time to the eons-old laughter. Hope's eyes, the irises usually hazel brown, were now filled with a deep crimson red.

"Darryl - or is it Milton," the voice used Hope's mouth, but it was not Hope's voice, "is with me now. If you want him back, Sam-Victarion, Benny-Sabine and Rick-Inaki, you have to defeat me first.

"Now," the voice embodied pure evil, deep and dark like the void, echoing in their minds, "we will play your game. For real, this time."

[PotatoFarmers]

The Reckoning has arrived, and it does not seem well for the team. Having survived 10 matchdays played over 5 weeks, the team play their 10th match in 37 days against top seeds Nephara, whose playing style clearly shows the team's maturity and their sheer amount of experience in the international stage. The Poafmersian players, on the other hand, seemed really tired at playing such a hectic schedule unseen in Poafmersia, and despite the amount of rest head coach Adnan Suliaha has given them, the players certainly did not get used to it.
Starting with quite some intensity, the team threatened throughout the first 30 minutes but intensity slowed down and fatigue took over, with Nephara making use of the opportunity to slip 3 goals past Sandi Jaliaha. Though the team had a few bright spots with Shakira and Pete forcing the opponent goalkeeper to make nice saves, as well as sleek passing at times where the ball made its way to the front half in a few seconds, nothing much came out of the team, who would be looking forward to this short winter break to recover from the hectic schedule. "Playing matches in this home and away order has certainly tired our team," said Adnan after the match. "We got the unluckiest schedule in the entire group, having to play at home before flying out for the next game and coming home again for all our matches throughout the matchday, save for the day we have a bye. It certainly brings about a really hectic schedule from our perspective and travelling in and out would be tough on the players."
"Nevertheless, we have learnt from this set of matches and will definitely make changes with regards to the matches as after this. I cannot possibly be thinking of making it into the Finals at this moment, all I want is to have all of us get a nice learning experience and surviving with a nice result."
More rotation would be expected. Players who receive call ups but have not started would probably see fresh opportunities to start the match, with no qualification target in mind and just a comfortable learning experience for everyone. It would help when some of these players play in the IFCF and FFI competitions in the months to come, as the schedule for the first season of international club competitions have been released. The teams have also gotten an idea of who is participating and the qualification procedure for the first season with Poafmersian participation, and we wait for the official announcement to come.

---

Extracted from the Sporting Daily
It's the midpoint - What is next?

With 11 matchdays over, and the winter break upon us, teams are starting to find out, to some levels of certainty, on their qualification fate and whether it would be possible for their team to make the World Cup Finals proper in Cassadaigua and Baker Park. Poafmersia certainly has learnt some valuable lessons and gained experience from that first half, and we would be analysing their upcoming matchups as well as predicting when Adnan will rotate his players, after his announcement on "increasing rotation". We will also take the time to analyse about the possibility of Poafmersia qualifying, as well as the state of the group.

Review of 1st half
As always, a review is required to start anything, and we look at how the Poafmersian team performed in the first 10 matches of the long campaign.

MD1: Squornshelous (UR) 2-6 Poafmersia
MD2: Poafmersia 1-1 Aquitlita (308)

The team started well, getting 2 nice results against lower ranked opposition. Both matches had shown the capabilities of the team, especially with the draw that proved that even against a team with some experience, they still did quite well as a team and was unlucky not to get 6 points out of 6.

MD3: The Macabees (25) 2-1 Poafmersia
MD4: Poafmersia 1-3 Siovanija & Teusland (51)

The top ranked teams came, and unfortunately, being the first time they play such top teams, Poafmersia did not survive it. Though many could tell this was a stage fright, Adnan has blamed himself for not preparing enough top teams for the friendlies, having chosen Baker Park and Qasden as the only 2 teams. Despite which, the performance of the team was given praises by many pundits inside and outside Poafmersia, and many could tell that the players may become something even better after a few years.

MD5: Euran Oceania Territories (82) 1-1 Poafmersia
MD6: Poafmersia 2-0 Anthor (100)
MD7: Lochario (73) 2-2 Poafmersia

Despair came after the team started to show lapses in concentration. Instead of grabbing all 9 points, the team only managed 5, and alarm bells started ringing. The sparks of brilliance was still there, but there were signs of problems in the team too, especially with regards to its fragile defence. The loss of Shakira, the top striker of the team, may have helped, but others like Bytia and Joel have stepped up during the time to save some valuable points here and there.

MD9: Poafmersia 2-1 BOLGANO (140)

A break made the team more refreshed, and they survived against the Wonder Cup Champions with ease. This was a match which could become a model match for Poafmersian players, as the players did very well to survive the day and showed determination.

MD10: Monso (UR) 3-0 Poafmersia
MD11: Poafmersia 3-0 Nephara (16)

Unfortunately, the goodness of that previous match did not last long. At this point, the weaknesses have been exposed, and fatigue has certainly set in, causing the team to underperform for 2 matches with opponents at much different levels and of different abilities. The results here should not be the same, but it was, and something should be done to solve it.

Preview of 2nd half
So, what is next? With 10 matches behind us, and 10 more to go, things cannot be taken for granted, and improvements have to be made. A better performance should be expected, but how much can be done? Here, we look at the reverse fixtures and see what is next.

MD12: Poafmersia vs Squornshelous (UR)
The opponents are currently ranked 5th, 1 point above our team, as has since scored (and conceded) more goals than our side since the day 1 matchup. This match at Libira would prove to be a litmus test to find out how much has the Poafmersian team learnt from the campaign, and a win over Squornshelous would help to boost morale and confidence in a team that are not at their best.

MD13: Aquitlita (308) vs Poafmersia
Poafnersia slipped at home the last time out, but should look to grab the 3 points this time round away at the 8th placed side, which is doing not as well as they should be. The points here would be particularly crucial especially with a look at the tight global KPB rankings, and again another win here would serve to be a morale booster ahead of our series of tests. This should also be the match where Adnan would rotate and bring less regulars along for the fixture in preparation from the home match.

MD14: Poafmersia vs The Macabees (25)
Libira would not be free that Sunday due to a concert by a local band happening the previous night. That would mean this would be shifted to Dreamers Park by default, but instead the venue looks to be in Mancodas instead, as the capacity of the stadium was stated to be 54,000 instead of Dreamers Park's 55,000. The home city was confirmed earlier by a FA official, but the stadium was not fixed, as Mancodas has 3 stadiums, 2 of which (Camp of Power, and United Park) have 54,000 capacity as well! Regardless, if Poafmersia can find the 12th Man and keep the performance they had in the reverse, this might end up becoming a match where Poafmersia can leave with a point or three. Doing so would definitely raise eyebrows around, but with The Macabees slipping down to being 6 points of the pace with 2 consecutive losses in Matchday 10 and 11, this is a very real possibility.

MD15: Siovanija & Teusland (51) vs Poafmersia
Unfortunately whether we would qualify or not would depend on this match. During the reverse, Siovanija & Teusland showed their abilities when they shrugged off a sluggish first half to regain tempo and the 3 points. Taking points off this team would be difficult, but then again, it is never wrong to write off the team of your nation, so who knows?


MD16: Poafmersia vs Euran Oceania Territories (82) 1-1
MD17: Anthor (100) vs Poafmersia
MD18: Poafmersia vs Lochario (73)
MD20: BOLGANO (140) vs Poafmersia

Four banana peels, but Poafmersia needs to overcome them all to have any chance of achieving their top 4 target. A good result here would give them something to look at after this qualification campaign, regardless of where they go. Realistically, our team would end up in the Cup of Harmony, unless they end here on a 8 match winning streak, which would be quite an amazing feat considering the heroics of some of these teams in the first half. Lochario is a giant killer which drew Nephara and beat Siovanija & Teusland; Anthor is struggling but have regained their pace in recent matches; the Euran Oceania Territories are a tough opponent and they have done well against Nephara and Siovanija & Teusland as well. Rotation would occur frequently in this stretch of matches, as keeping the players fresh is important in the eyes of the fans, who want to see results.

MD21: Poafmersia vs Monso (UR)
Monso is at the bottom of the table, and yet they defeated Poafmersia the last time round. Slipping up against such opponents should not be what the team is doing, and yet they done it. Revenge for that loss would definitely come into play here as the team aims to get valuable ranking points and their honor back in front of the home fans.

MD21: Nephara (16) vs Poafmersia
When this away game occurs the qualification would probably have been done and dusted. But playing the top seed away is not something you can do daily, and is something the players would be looking forward to. Need to say more? If Nephara has not secured top position, which probably would not matter as long as they qualify, Poafmersia can play party poppers by grabbing a point from the match.

So...can we qualify?

Rank	Team				P  W D L GF GA  GD Pts
1	Nephara				10 8 2 0 28 11  17  26		
2	Siovanija & Teusland		10 8 0 2 28 14  14  24		
3	The Macabees			10 6 0 4 20 21  -1  18		
4	Euran Oceania Territories	10 4 3 3 21 15   6  15		
5	Squornshelous			10 3 4 3 26 30  -4  13		
6	Poafmersia			10 3 3 4 16 18  -2  12		
7	Lochario			10 2 5 3 13 15  -2  11		
8	Aquitlia			10 2 3 5 16 19  -3   9 (1)
9	BOLGANO				10 2 3 5 11 13  -2   9 (1)
10	Anthor				10 2 2 6 10 18  -8   8		
11	Monso				10 2 1 7 11 26 -15   7		
Note:					
(1) H2H Points: Aquitlia 3 BOLGANO 0

Short answer, maybe not. Long answer, it may be possible if we manage a late charge. Being 12 points of the pace with many teams in front and behind you is absolutely not a position a qualifying team should be in. However, a run of results, such as getting at least 26 points from the next 10 games, may help spring a late charge especially if the six-pointers against the top 3 seeds end in wins for Poafmersia.
Otherwise, the team can wait for the mailbox and see if Banija and Xanneria sends an invitation card to the loser's competition.

[Timuria]

Eve of Election Projection Shows No Majority

by Yilmaz Ibrahim

A shocking projection from Ilerleme in their eve of election seat-by-seat poll indicates that TIOC is on course to remain the largest party, but will lose their majority with the fallout from the Sajnuran incident hampering any ability for Mr Imamoglu to get his agenda out to the public. The opposition leaders still trail him in the preference for Prime Minister poll, but Rahim Muhadow has been closing the gap fast.

Over the past few weeks, TIOC has seen a slight decline of 0.6%, after a period of holding onto their previous support it has begun to leak as the election approaches. OK's support has consistently dropped over the past few weeks, with a sharp decline in the past week. ALTI lost their initial gains over the poll ban period and then continued to decline, now standing a solid 0.4% below where they began. The TKP has suffered severely at the hands of the electorate, dropping below BAHP after a series of untoward phone calls were revealed about people surrounding the TKP leadership. BAHP have continued their seemingly unstoppable rise, but have suffered a drop in support this past week. The SC has been solidly gaining and recovering lost support.

The big movement however, is not in the first preferences, but the two party preference, OK leads for the first time, ever. Putting several seats in grave danger for TIOC, a small polling error could see OK as the largest party. Of course many assumptions have been made about preferences, but it appears that the left bloc has broken in some way. The scandals that have befallen two of the three parties traditionally considered in the bloc having damaged their chances of retaining seats.

Rahim Muhadow is very close to overtaking Mr Imamoglu as the country's preferred Prime Minister though his party still lags far behind his own personal popularity. Naz Dogancay will be hoping that her own relative lack of popularity will not be a drag when it comes to preferential votes, amid private calls by some in her party for her to step aside no matter the result. Ulku Guzelhayat and Alparslan Timurtas have recovered a lot of what were damaged reputations over the final weeks, while Kemal Macagolu has struggled to overcome his party's troubles in the final stretch.

The projected result shows TIOC taking substantial net losses, leaving them 22 seats short and likely relying on the support of the TKP to govern, who are set to gain 32 seats if the projection is accurate. OK are set for their best ever result, but there will still likely be calls for the leadership to step aside even if this result plays out. BAHP and Rahim Muhadow will likely be the big winners of the election surging to 74 seats, a full 54 more than they originally held. The SC will be the biggest losers, losing third party status and 79 seats, while ALTI will fall victim to vote squeezing and see themselves lose a single seat.

First Preference Voting Intention:

TIOC 31% (-0.6)
OK 24.5% (-1.1%)
ALTI 12.1% (-0.4%)
BAHP 9.3% (+0.8%)
TKP 8.7% (-2.7%)
SC 6.5% (+1%)
Oth 7.9%

Two Party Preference Poll:

OK 52.3% (+3.9%)
TIOC 47.7 (-3.9%)

Preference for Prime Minister:
Sabuktigin Imamoglu 24% (-1)
Rahim Muhadow 22% (+4)
Naz Dogancay 18% (-1%)
Ulku Guzelhayat 12% (+1)
Kemal Macaoglu 8% (-1%)
Alparslan Timurtas 6% (+3)
None of these/Other 16%

Current projected Parliament (Changes with last election):
TIOC 254 (-31)
OK 142 (+20)
BAHP 74 (+57)
TKP 43 (+32)
SC 28 (-79)
ALTI 7 (-1)
Ind 2 (nc)

Changes with the last election.

TIOC Short by 22

[Free Republics]

Sporting World

World Cup 84 Qualifying: 2nd Half Preview
By: Rachelle Rocher

The first half of the longest World Cup qualifying campaign in recent memory is in the books and, barring a total collapse, the Free Republics will be returning to the World Cup for the 6th straight year. As there's not much to talk about regarding Soccer General Rule Theriault's troops at the moment, Sporting World will go over all 15 groups, what has happened and what we expect to happen in the second half:

Group 1: Audioslavia is running away with this group. The second seed has won 9 matches and drawn 1, looking like the Audioslavia teams of old that have regularly reached the World Cup final over the years. Second place is a battle between top seed Sargossa and a resurgent Newmanistan team. The rest of this group can forget about qualifying at this point. We're going to go out on a limb and pick Newmanistan to pull off a surprise qualification.

Group 2: Banija and Brenecia lead this group, as expected, with Abanhfleft also in contention. Nothing surprising here. Abanhfleft will put up a fight but there's no way they're going to advance out of this group.

Group 3: Starblaydia leads the group and Mercedini is tied for second. The surprise in this group is HUElavia. Although they've been steadily climbing up the rankings, nobody expected them to make a serious run at qualification. We're going with Starblaydia and Mercedini to qualify because they've done this before and it would be a real surprise if one of the most dominant nations in the history of the World Cup or one of the perennial Independent powers were to get knocked out.

Group 4: Cosumar have been a massive disappointment thus far, currently sitting in a distant 5th. They're not going to qualify and odds are they won't even get invited to the Cup of Harmony. The surprise of the group is 4th place Saintland, who have managed 4 wins, 4 draws and 2 losses while scoring just 7 goals. Rumor has it that they have a 20 year old prince who has been held back a year in school because of some petty nun. He's said to be one of the best young strikers in the multiverse and its just a shame that their backward way of doing things is probably going to cost them a spot in the World Cup. Turori leads this group, as expected. Second place is a battle between 95X and Sajnur. Its amazing that 95X is so good at soccer when their nation is literally just a bus but I think that's going to cost them. Sajnur will take the second spot from this group. 95X is just too small to be great. They need some territory that isn't on wheels! (OOC: If I got anything factually wrong about 95X or any other nation, just chalk it up to an intentional error on the part of the journalist.)

Group 5: Group 5 is about as over as the FFR's group. Nephara is running away with first. Siovanija and Teusland is running away with second. The Macabees, like Cosumar, are shitting the bed as a second seed.

Group 6: Equestria are running away with first place in this group because they're talking horses that have numerous unfair advantages over humans. Darmen is in second place with Hapilopper and Darkmania hot on their tail. We're picking Hapilopper to take second in this group. Darmen just destroyed Darkmania and they're probably coming back to ground in the second half. Darmen is a weak second seed though and thus are beatable. Hapilopper are likely to be one of the giants of international soccer in a few years which makes them really dangerous if they're still a contender down the stretch.

Group 7: Mriin and Chromatika are up by 6 on the competition. The underperforming Main Nation Ministry is 3rd. The Ministry is too obsessed with Gossip Magazine's fake sex tapes and thus aren't doing their best on the pitch right now. Pencil Mriin and Chromatika into the World Cup field.

Group 8: Barring an epic collapse, South Covello will be in the World Cup. Is anybody surprised? The battle for 2nd place in this group is a logjam of epic proportions as only 6 points separate 2nd and 8th. 204th ranked Ziwana, a quarterfinalist at this year's BoF, are currently in 2nd. Qasden, Bliuji, Mitra and Soma, Filindostan, Flavovespia and Mustardy are all in contention. Squornshelan Remnant States, the 3rd seed in this group, have been truly awful and are sitting at 9 points. This is a chaotic mess. The obvious pick here would be Qasden based on their ranking but they just aren't very good. Going with Ziwana because they're currently in second or Filindostan because of their rank would also be popular picks but we're going to go with Vakolicci Haven and Celeria to make up the 8 point deficit and jump from 10th to 2nd in the interest of maximum chaos befitting of South Covello's group.

Group 9: This group has seen no surprises. Valanora and Ethane were expected to be the 2 best teams. They have been and they are going to be in World Cup 84's field.

Group 10: As usual, the Holy Empire is coasting toward the World Cup. They always qualify. Kita-Hinode and Juvenucus are fighting over the second spot, separated by just 2 points. We're going with Hinode because they've been more successful historically. None of this is surprising.

Group 11: You know all about this group. The Free Republics are 10 points clear of third place Schottia. Savojarna is in 8th place. Taeshan are 8 points clear of third. Its over, for all intents and purposes.

Group 12: This group is somewhat competitive. Pasarga sits at 25, Farfadillis at 24. Drawkland has 21 and Polkopia 19. Farfadillis seems to make deep runs every year so its no surprise that they're in qualifying position. Pasarga is also not surprising in the slightest as they used to be among the elite of international soccer and are just coming off a down year or 2. Forget about catching those two.

Group 13: Rushmori international soccer giant Eura is running away with this group. Damukuni, Reçueçn, Noooooooooooo, Tornado Queendom and Gor Kebab are in a battle for second. Damukuni and Reçueçn were expected to fight over second. The others are surprises. Noooooooooooo and Tornado Queendom have done it despite keeping their rosters a secret, a tactic mostly used by really bad teams. We're going to go with Reçueçn to snatch that second spot as they seem to be on the rise and Damukuni would be one of the weaker sides in the World Cup field anyway if they qualified.

Group 14: #1 ranked Vilita have dropped 5 points but nonetheless still lead this group. Zwangzug has struggled so far this year, opening the door to Mattijana and Ancherion. We're going with Mattijana. They have the lead and are ranked higher than Ancherion.

Group 15: As expected, Apox and Ko-oren are 1-2 in this group. New Lusitania, Eraman and Eshan are hanging around but we can't see them making up the deficit against a good 2nd seed like Ko-oren.

There are 11 more matchdays of World Cup qualifying action. Each team has 10 more matches. The Free Republics will likely be playing a full strength squad in the revenge game against Taeshan at the CoCoCo Stadium in New City but other than that, expect to see lots of backups and prospects from Soccer General Theriault's team get playing time. We'll keep you updated on what happens in qualifying but feel free to stop paying attention to soccer until the World Cup proper starts. You're not going to miss much from the Republican National Team over the next few weeks...

Rachelle Rocher is Sporting World's new international soccer correspondent. Rachelle is a recent graduate of Petrograd Republic University and was a high school soccer star for Petrograd Christian. After tearing both of her ACLs in a game during her freshman year at Petrograd Republic, she realized she'd never be the same player again. Realizing that she would have to give up her dreams of becoming a professional player, Rachelle became the chief soccer correspondent for the Petrograd Republic Chronicles, the official newspaper of the university. Her coverage of Petrograd Republic, Petrograd Christian and Petrograd United matches brought her to the attention of Nova Hellstrom-Hancock, who recommended her to Sporting World's new editor Gloria Trentini.

[Banija]

Banijan loss to Trolleborg 'just a taste' of tough road ahead to reach World Cup 84


Players react at the final whistle as Banija fall 1-0 to Trolleborg

BUSUKUMA, NATIONAL CAPITOL REGION- World Cup Qualifying has always been a marathon. And this tournament, even more so. This is the longest World Cup Qualifying campaign that the Banijans, at least, have ever taken part in. 20 games in 22 matchdays, groups of 11. Of course, the World Cup 80 Qualification campaign was technically a similar length- thanks to our Qualification for the playoffs, that campaign was 18 games, plus a two-legged tie with Mercedini. But, of course, not everyone made the playoffs, and those were not regularly scheduled. So that will make this the longest qualifying campaign. And there will be ups, and there will be downs. The highs- Banija has some extremely large victories away from home, which means that, of course, there will be plenty of opportunity for squad rotation in the second half of World Cup Qualifying. Not something that Marcus Waters was keen on, for the most part, in the first half of Qualifying. And, of course, according to Audioslavian World Cup statisticians, Banija's 4-9 away victory was a unique score in World Cup history- or, of course, Banija made the all-time World Cup scorigami. Not bad, eh? But there are no guarantees for this team, even if we are in Pot 1 and in the top 5 of the KPB rankings. We are still going to get every teams' best shot, as the amount of games remaining become fewer and fewer, and therefore, the stakes become higher.

Of course, there is not a ton to complain about with this team right now. We've taken all three points in 8 of 10 games, with a missed opportunity at earning three points in Brenecia after failing to hold a 2-0 lead at halftime against the Patriots. But of course, we have also lost to the Baptism of Fire champions at their own stadium, falling by a score of 1-0. It was Banija's first loss of the World Cup Qualifying campaign, and it was not the best performance for the Kadongo Kamu. The Baptism of Fire champions had been struggling for quite a bit of the campaign, not having the success of previous BoF champions in their first time out, like Hapilopper did last time around, or the Commonwealth of Baker Park did in World Cup 80. It was sloppy play for the Banijans, especially in the final third- the offensive attack was slow, and could not create the best opportunities. And after a rather unfortunate handball led to Stuart Kerr burying a penalty for the hosts in the 60th minute, they could not break down the opposing defense. The team, after keeping largely the same starting XI for 11 games, looked tired, looked like they lacked conviction, and could not score. The first time they've been shut out during this campaign, and it meant they'd drop all three points to the visitors.

Marcus Waters said that the loss was a learning opportunity. "We weren't sharp, and we did not play up to the best of our abilities today." Marcus Waters said. "Now, of course, we are not going to be playing at our highest level at every game, but especially when you play on the road, you need to be sharper than we were today. Focus our minds, play with more conviction. No places at World Cup 84 are guaranteed- and we are going to have to earn our spot. This game right here showed that we cannot coast all the way to the World Cup Finals. We are going to have to continue to play our best football, and stay fresh. With the second half of Qualifying, I will of course be more aggressive about squad rotation. Our players are tiring, and I can see that. We will be playing our best XI both in Darmen and in Aissa against Baker Park- those games, against high quality opponents, even if they are friendly, are important for squad development. But more competition for squad spots will be able to focus minds up and down the roster, and ensure that we can not only get into World Cup 84, but that we can do so while winning this group as well."

Considering Banija's high rank, they have generally stated that they have three goals for this campaign. The first, of course, the same as everybody else's- qualify directly for the World Cup Finals. The second, of course, do something that they have never done- win their World Cup Qualifying group. When we qualified for World Cup 80, we got third in our group and won a playoff. When we qualified directly for World Cup 82, we finished second, behind Brenecia. And the third, of course, would be to maintain their KPB ranking. Teams in the Top 6 are guaranteed spots in Pot 1 for the World Cup, alongside the two World Cup hosts. That is crucial, as Banija has never made the knockout stages of a World Cup not on home soil. And regardless of where the Banijans play, either Cassadaigua or Baker Park, it will be the furthest played away from home. All four World Cups we have played in have been within the Glorious Southwest(Equestria, Banija, Valanora, Banija), which means further travel. Of course, Baker Park is the preferred site, as it is a shorter journey for Banijan fans and they are far more likely to draw support from locals there, but you play where they tell you too. Pot 1 means being the highest ranked team in your group, and avoiding a team like Equestria, Vilita, or either host nation, and a more straightforward path to the knockout stages. And, of course, you are guaranteed to avoid either host nation in the group stages, and we, of all nations, know how potent home field advantage can be at a major tournament. So from that point of view, the Banijans will consider it crucial to attempt to maintain their top 6 ranking as we approach the World Cup Finals.

To do that, we are going to have to continue to consistently take three points as World Cup Qualifying goes on. 1 loss won't matter all that much as long as it is not the start of a trend. The Kadongo Kamu have a difficult game away to the Crystalline Caverns to open up the 2nd half of World Cup Qualifying. The Caverns are, quietly, a quality squad. They played us tough at the Stadium of the Restoration in Matchday 1, as we barely squeaked out a 3-2 victory over them. They will look to improve against us on their home field. Then, of course, we'll host Brigantii and visit Sarzonia before the big match of the second half, when the Patriots take a trip to Busukuma.

Starters: 4-2-1-3
Players who are based in a foreign league are bolded.
Players who have their first ever competitive callup in this tournament are italicized.
BSL = Banijan Soccer League, Banija's only national professional soccer league.
GK #35 François Tantoh. Age 26. Plays for Herzegovina City FC in the BSL.
RB #27 Uzoma Iruka. Age 23(Female). Plays for Lakiska Sporting Club in the BSL.
CB #3 Kuma Bultum. Age 23. Plays for Raynor City United in Valanora.
CB #5 Demba Kinteh. Age 20. Plays for Port Sebastian in Schottia. Captain of the U18 Sporting World Cup 8 championship squad.
LB #13 Fekati Abdi. Age 27. Plays for the Herzegovina Phoenix in the BSL.
RCM #6 Mzukisi Nzo. Age 21. Plays for the Hoima Warriors in the BSL. Starter on the U18 Sporting World Cup 8 championship squad.
CM #15 Enyinnaya Jideofor. Age 24. Plays for Igulu City FC in the BSL.
CAM #10 Namakula Kawesa. Age 26. (Female). Plays for Gwinevra Barbarians in the Apox National League.
RW #18 Alanso Tamba. Age 31. Plays for Crisisbless United in the Nepharim Premiership.
LW #11 Gitonga Kahara. Age 30. Plays for OAS Royal FC in the Härlighet Ligan in Cosumar. Captain.
ST #19 Idai Uster. Age 20(Female). Plays for the Willox Street Pirates in Schottia.

Bench:
GK #23 Jumu Sanneh. Age 33. Plays for Turoki United in the Vilitan League's Declasse Division.
GK #1 Lemuel Bereket. Age 33. Plays for Exton FC in the Apox National League.
RB #2 Ephrem Selassiee. Age 31. Plays for Sterling City United in Darmen.
CB #20 Kawsu Kaba. Age 27. Plays for the Hoima Warriors in the BSL. Captained Di Bradini Cup 44 side.
LB #4 Daluxolo Matshikiza. Age 33. Plays for the Hoima Warriors in the BSL.
LCM #8 Kizza Okafor. Age 29. Plays for Lakiska Sporting Club in the BSL.
CM #14 Ablie Kah. Age 29. Plays for Istria City FC in the BSL.
CAM #21 Sia Fall. Age 35. Plays for Jinja City FC in the BSL.
LW/RW #22 Madu Okparra. Age 23. Plays for Kitara AA in the BSL.
LW/RW #12 Nwabudike Ugonna. Age 27. Plays for FC Rotmunde 1932 in the Republikaliga in Siovanija & Teusland.
ST #17 Ilman Jawara. Age 26. Plays for Soldarian FC in Valanora.
ST #24 Kabir Jobateh. Age 30. Plays for FC Kaiserhaven in the Republikaliga in Siovanija & Teusland. Starter on the bronze medal 42nd Di Bradini Cup squad.