World Cup 84- RP Thread (IC)

by **Kelssek** » Sat Dec 28, 2019 7:22 pm

THE FOOTBALL ZINE ALL THE COOL KIDS ARE READING
OFFSIDE BY AN ARMPIT SINCE 2006

Could this actually happen? World Cup qualifying notes

Did we break Ethane?
Kelssek’s qualification campaign would have effectively ended without a win against Ethane, and with that result the Football Voyagers narrowed the gap from nine to six points. Not only did it snap Ethane’s win streak, it also seemed to break something because they went on to scramble a draw against Appalachia in their next game. With the gap now four points, this race for the two qualification spots is on. And don’t look now, but up at the top of the table Valanora also lost to Port Ember.

Douglass emerges
As CF Outineau battle for the KFL Championship, Ashley Douglass has been a key player in the bid to climb over... [checks notes] Mazinaw Vanorian and Hamiltonian Cambria? Really? Anyway, Douglass has been a revelation in the league and has staked a claim to a spot in the national team lineup with her performances against Ethane and Razneta. She seems able to find the gap between the defenders, even if there isn’t one, and should get full credit for the chances she’s creating with her play.

Andrea Crowe at the wheel
New manager bounce? It doesn’t seem like it would apply with a national team, but it can’t escape notice that Kelssek has won every match since Andrea Crowe was appointed manager. An unnamed source in the team said Crowe’s style is rather different from Kirk McDonagh and the players have responded well.

“Kirk was always a guy who would try to push a particular player’s buttons. His discourse of subaltern resistance was also well-suited for an team trying to rise from below and overthrow hegemony. So in some ways I guess he thought he’d done all he could when he took the team to the finals last cycle. But honestly, God knows what that guy is thinking sometimes. Andrea is different. She is a great motivator and technician, first and foremost. And if you’re not up to par, she will let you know.”

“You’ve seen how the team being able to grind out three 1-0 wins in a row – that’s the kind of steel that she’s put into the players.”

by **Valanora** » Sat Dec 28, 2019 8:58 pm

Illuminating Shade

Are we like the river flowing through the lands
Ever flowing from the source and seeking out the ocean
Blessed and cursed to see the world change around us
To be witness to history
However unable to deviate from our path.

Years transpire and yet the great imperial domain remains
The gulf of its life is eternity itself
Though the pool from which it was sourced has shallowed
Splendor and prosperity continues ever onward.

To sit alone in thought and sorrow
The burdens of the emptiness of the world around
As if the shallowing of the pool has stolen the light
Made the world lesser for that which it has lost
A withering of the mind that makes you question yourself
To feel anger and despair but know not where to turn.

Was it naivety or inability to follow through like the others
Do you believe it to be the blind following the blind
Now further enlightened and left to reflect
Would you have made the choice again to stand resolute
To shoulder the weight of a world left colder
And your pursuit of perfection keeping you still?

by **Chromatika** » Sat Dec 28, 2019 9:05 pm

MD13: Busoga Islands 1-3 Chromatika
Goals: Andisori '22, Montague '49, Victoriane '88
Starting XI (4-2-3-1): Ria; An - de Aea - Will - Ilya; Montague - Armageddon; Thorben - Mora - Conrad; Andisori (C).
Substitutes: Dias -> Montague ('52), Ruth -> An ('68), Victoriane -> Thorben ('81)
Projected Starting Lineup vs. Mriin: Ria; An - de Aea - Will - Ilya; Montague - Armageddon; Victoriane - Mora - Conrad; Andisori (C).

Football Part 13: @ Busoga Islands

Jillian Nier, Football Correspondent

Lakiska City Cricket Park, Lakiska, South Islands, Busoga Islands. A converted cricket ground used for only the biggest of matches. None bigger than the clash between the Chromatika Anomalies and the Islands in the thirteenth matchday of the grueling ordeal known as the World Cup 84 Qualifying Cycle.

To go to a hostile environment full of passionate fans and pour your heart and soul into a game for ninety plus minutes requires dedication. Football is a game of more than just the body, after all.

Interesting news came from the Chromatik camp thirty minutes before kickoff that Kaytlyn Victoriane, starting right winger and former Galaticos Player of the Year, would not be starting due to a bout with the flu. Instead, Molly Thorben would be taking her spot along the starting XI. This could be news to derail any team, but this cycles' Chromatiks are different, Molly has experience working with Hermaeus and Retta as part of a vaunted second line, and the team came out of the gates swinging.

It would be easy to point out how the flow went - take lead early, allow equalization, take the advantage after halftime, hold onto it, and put away the game - but I would like to point to three key moments in the match that really showed what this team's identity has become and how they came away with this all-important away win.

The first moment happened thirty minutes into the match. Keira Andisori had taken the early lead after a short cross from Thorben had caught al-Shareef off guard, leading to the all-time leader of goals in Chromatik history scoring an easy one. Then, the Busogan midfield started to really press - Jay Khano was once a wunderkid - and the Busogans had equalized by the twenty-fifth minute, Sarika Birla posterizing Mia Ria with a juke at the front of the box that left the Chromatik keeper looking stunned.

After that, it seemed that Chromatika was on the back foot. Busoga kept pressing, and the back four of Chromatika kept falling back. This eventually led to a golden opportunity for Busoga around the thirtieth minute. Birla got around de Aea and Will, splitting them down the middle, and faced Ria one-on-one. This time, Birla went faked left, went right, and went for a tap-in...

Only for Ria to catch it with her left hand, falling back, and pop up, pumping her fists in the air and letting out a loud bellow, a decisive turning point.

The second moment happened a minute after halftime. Chromatika has been making a living off of free kicks and set pieces this cycle, and this was no exception. After Keira was tackled rather hard by Fatah, Alyss stepped up, surprising most as Hermaeus Mora is the designated set piece artist.

Montague's shot dipped to the left, al-Shareef wasn't ready for it, and the ball slipped through.

Advantage, Chromatika.

The third moment came in the eighty-first. Kaytlyn Victoriane entered the game to the applause of the fans that had made the trek overseas. Seven minutes later, Kaytlyn's midrange shot put the game in the bag.

Resilience is the name of the game.

The result places Chromatika still three points ahead of Main Nation Ministry. A date versus Mriin awaits, the side that the team has not ever scored a single goal against. Eh. We'll see. Victoriane is expected to start the next match.

Part 12: The Rescue

Part 13: The Truth

It had been about five hours since the previous Enlightened known as Joan Myrtle had saved Keindre Alvin, Jr. from being assassinated by Venom and those that wished to keep the control of Chromatika to the elite and nobody else. A fateful five hours that had changed everything that Joan Myrtle had ever known, from what Alvin Jr., Alina Krasnikova, and Marco Ni had told her.

Apparently, it was The Enlightened that had caused the fiasco regarding Luuk Aart's bloodline to get the Chromatik national team to be the posterchild of the Rainbow Revolution. Apparently, they had been pawns from the very beginning for The Three to keep hold of The Enlightened. Venom had been ostracized simply for being an individual in a society meant for oneness. Was it even true that Venom had caused the Chromatik Party to come into power, or was that also something that The Three had enacted into happening? There wasn't enough proof of the latter.

Joan sighed as she understood what she needed to do next. This squabbling between Joan Myrtle and Venom wasn't going to be enough. The bigger problem was what The Three had over The Enlightened. Until that part got taken care of, the cycle had a chance to continue.

So, she reached out with her mind for the very first time. Even separated, those that made up The Enlightened could talk to each other if they wanted to, and this was the time.

"They call you Venom, brother, but I don't really care for monikers. I think that we've been played. I think that the happenings in this island country are just the precursor of a bigger failing. I think that we need to meet. Will you allow me to come in peace?"

Immediately, a response came.

"Come, sister, to the jungle of the place they call Eyrods. Let me show you."

Rainbow League System Preview

13. Umbar

Nickname: Monkeys
Fans: Monkeys, Loggers
Location: Umbar, Mountain District, Chromatika
Stadium: Umbar Ultima (81,200; 27,500 Seats)
History:

Manager: Michel St. Laurent, 43
Formation: (4-4-2)

Background: Twenty or so years ago, Umbar, was the southern part of Z'ai'ai. They separated and incorporated into their own township and became famous for where all the logging that gets done in Z'ai'ai gets turned into Lumber. Umbar Lumber owns the team, whose mascot of Monkeys is a rather misleading one as no Monkeys live in the mountains by Z'ai'ai. Folks say that Ms. Stefanie Igglesworth, the wife of Mr. Stephen Igglesworth, owner of Umbar Lumber during the team's inception, took a liking to Monkeys, which is why the team is called that. This is why a team called the Monkeys has a support group called the Loggers. Small, hardworking town, like many other Chromatik towns across the main island. Not many have been interested in the football club until lately, now that they are here in the Premier Division.

Preseason Grading: brought to you by ChromatikBet.com

Fanbase: 5/10: Umbar's fans aren't numerous, but loyal. Definitely room for growth.
Manager: 7/10: Michel St. Laurent has been around, either with Chromatik or with this squad. A seasoned manager.
Keepers: N/A: Umbar is without a starting keeper.
Defenders: 6/10: Umbar's defense is suspect but not horrid.
Midfielders: 6/10: Umbar is lacking a starting midfielder, but Tanguay is a solid piece.
Strikers: N/A: Umbar is in need of strikers.
Greatest Need: When the Chromatik League disbanded, all foreign players were let go. Umbar is in need of pieces to stay in the top flight.

Next: Urrheddiao

by **PotatoFarmers** » Sat Dec 28, 2019 9:12 pm

Can we ask for more?
Another 6-3 for the team brings team spirits back to normal as the players are now convinced they are not the losers in the group, but a team that is lacking experience in playing against big sides. With a match against The Macabees to come, Poafmersia certainly needs that won to boost spirits and increase team morale so that they can take on The Macabees with confidence.
Bytia Hansel showed her mantle on the international stage with a hat trick against Monso away, while Pete Carisa provided a brace and Daak Kalson rounded up the scoring on a night where Shakira, Joel Haodao and Gisiik Moonar all got a rest. Gisiik and Joel did not even make the trip to Monso, with both players confirmed to be starting together with Jabik Henderson, the goalkeeper. Apart from that, the players mostly did well, with captain Danzik Hoboson and Gisiik Moonar finding back the form in the second half, despite making mistakes that led to a 3-3 draw at half time.
"The striking department saved us this time," argued Adnan Suliaha when asked about the team's performance. "If not for them we would be sitting ducks and have to get another sloppy draw. The opposition strikers were good and consistently on target, so the defence still quite struggled at the start. Towards the end, the opponents slowed down and our defence was able to find its feet and recover."

Monso 3 - 6 Poafmersia
Goals: Bytia Hansel 27', 49', 63'; Pete Carisa 17', 81'; Daak Kalson 33'

by **Ziwana** » Sat Dec 28, 2019 9:19 pm

by **Pasarga** » Sat Dec 28, 2019 9:39 pm

That creeping feeling of everything that could go wrong was going wrong was seeping through the national team camp like a virus. The side had been in such ascendancy after traveling to the southwest of Rushmore and dethroning the group leaders of Farfadillis with one of their most complete performances of the tournament thus far. If they could go into the heart of Atlantian Oceania and topple one of the best sides in the entire footballing world, then the group was theirs to have and the minor blips along the way were just the growing pains of a squad learning to play together. Drawing with Drawkland in Torgos had been a bit of a stumble, but it was still a remarkable showing from a side that two years prior would have found a way to lose that match and the momentum that they had gained from all the good results prior to the penultimate match of the first half of qualifying. All in all, four points from the two matches against Drawkland and Farfadillis had been the target and they had achieved that target even if they had done so in an unexpected fashion.

However things all turned very sour the moment that the second half of the qualifying campaign got underway, as the side went to Timuria this time and was once more defeated by the side who had given them their only defeat in the first half of qualifiers. It was an emotionally gutting performance, given the side was completely riled up to try and get one over on the only team that had managed to get the better of them in those first ten matches and yet were almost completely helpless to avoid defeat against the side once more. It was all a very sickening feeling of deja vu for the squad as the same sort of errors that had plagued the Wanderers in Torgos when they had played Timuria had emerged once again and had seen the side cough away the group lead that they had fought so valiantly in Farfadillis to achieve. It was the sort of result that pulled a lot of the good vibes from the squad and left them reeling, though the manager had tried to keep everyones spirits up with merely playing it off as that Timuria merely had a side that seemed constructed to be the counter to the Wanderers' style and that was just football sometimes.

Yet it all came crumbling down days later as the side was completely and utterly humiliated in the Stade de Torgos, as ninety thousand plus watched in horror as little known Fujai came into the Stade de Torgos and made the Wanderers look like complete amateurs and that they were the unranked side and Fujai was the second seed looking to grab qualification. Not a single player in the squad or the coaching staff was able to escape ridicule from the press after these minnows had come into the dual islands and gave the Wanderers one of the worst losses that the side has had in its history, posting the five to two victory that has the entire country enraged. Even an Alexander Jager brace was not enough to keep the media off his back, saying that his two shots that had hit the woodwork should have been goals and that he had been too selfish at times in the attack. It was all a bunch of blame for the sake of blame, to make people pay more attention to their stories over the competitors but it had clearly hit a nerve in the squad and as they prepared to travel to Gyatso-Kai, there was a lot of faces of despair.

Gyatso-Kai, a team that was trying to claw its way back into the international scene and a team like Fujai that the Wanderers completely decimated in the first half of the qualifiers. It should be an easy win, but with the side feeling like they are not capable of doing anything right at the moment and the Gyatso-Kai squad finding its footing and making its way up the table, it seems a large hurdle for the squad to try and make. The good news was that Yttribia had managed to take points off of Drawkland and the side was still in the second place in the table, but Drawkland had their bye and now had the game in hand in which they could very easily overtake the squad. Something good had to happen for the Wanderers or they were about to find themselves on the wrong side of the qualification table for a second straight tournament and if they were to happen, it would very likely mean the second time in two years that the Wanderers would be looking for a new manager, even if Srđan Jakšić had managed to lift the Copa Rushmori. The regional title might have been important but the World Cup was where legacies were made or broken...

World Cup 81/82/83/84

As of now, this is the cutoff for MD 14.
The results are available. Both Brusseldorf and Appy Nation's RP were included.

by **Brusseldorf** » Sat Dec 28, 2019 11:03 pm

PEACEFUL SUPPRESSION

Those within political circles are keeping their eyes elsewhere as Prime Minister Abelt Nejem today revealed that 3000 peacekeepers had been sent to the Southern Border. Whilst officially on tour to settle the tension in the region, public opinion is hoping that they will also provide further aid to the drought-stricken populace. The militant groups claiming to currently govern the region have not backed down from their stance, stating that any and all peacekeepers will be considered as a foreign invasion into sovereign land. Simon Trowel, the government-backed mayor of Southern Brusseldorf is reassuring both sides that hostilities need not eventuate.

Source: Fair Observer, 2018

The separatists have been joined by a powerful political ally in the form of retired Defence Secretary, Hnr. Gnr. Mohamed Llewyn. The controversial figurehead is surrounded by as yet unresolved rumours, allegations including his involvement in the separatists since his days in parliament. Those close to the General have mentioned his previous working relationships with PM Nejem, suggesting that both men will be open to a diplomatic resolution.

BACK TO BASICS

Brusseldorf 2–0 Aimena
Islas Aaland 0–1 Brusseldorf

Some of the pressure on Craig Foster’s shoulders may have been alleviated, following two consecutive wins in the World Cup qualifiers. Football punters and critics had suggested that another loss would have put the team’s image into question. Following two years of successful international football, Los Alrededores efforts seem to have plateaued. Although fans are cognisant of the fact that the national team is in a difficult group, the underdog mentally has definitely subsided. Comfortable in 4th place, but with a large gap between us and the top, it will be difficult to see Los Alrededores making miracles happen any time soon.

by **Appalachian Nation** » Sat Dec 28, 2019 11:37 pm

Throwing a wrench in our neighbors plans
By Troy Butterson

PITTSBURGH, PENN - In the newly christened Border Battle, Appalachian nation took a crucial point int heir quest for World Cup sustainibility. A 3-3 tie against neighbor Ethane saw the Hillbillies score a much needed point in the start of the qualifiers second half. Bubba scored two goals against the usually stout Ethanian defence and Cleetus also got the other goal scoring the tying goal with twelve minutes left. Pittsburch's Bland Foods Stadium was filled to the brim with Appy and Ethane. Rainbows of Yellow, Blue, Red, Black and Purple filled the Stadium. They were delighted to see a six goal spectacle as Kyle Ford and Mohammed Hope put on a clinic with both getting an assists and a goal, while as mentioned earlier Bubba and Cleetus had the scoring opportunities. Cleetuses goal looked like the goal you saw in a movie, the passing was precise and Bubba got him the ball with a pass that narrowly missed three Ethane players shoes by inches. This was the first game played in Bland Food Stadiums. The stadium is a new state of the art facility in downtown Pittsburgh and it seats a comfy 65,000. Bland Foods is one of the largest companies in Appalachia and they produce one of the most famous brands of Ketchup in the Esportiva region. Joseph Bland V the president of Bland Foods is also the owner of Stell City Union, one of the two major teams in Pittsburgh's soccer scene and one of the three area Members of the Associated Soccer League, the primer league of Soccer in Appalachia (The other two are Pitt FC and Moonlight FC). Next up is a key game against Razneta, who was beat up by the Hillbillies in a 4-0 shellacking in Charlotte last time. It should be a bit closer of a game now as Razneta is actually now in 6th having pulled up to 16 points. Appalachia is now 10th with only 8 points. A key injury for the Hillbiullies though is William Robert who is still nursing an ankle injury suffered in practice for domestic soccer earlier this wee and will not be in the lineup for the Razneta game either. Kendra Morten will be the replacement.

Ethane - 3
Ford 19'
Burgess 43'
Hope 55'

Appalachian Nation - 3
Bubba 38' 60'
Cleetus 88'

by **Nephara** » Sun Dec 29, 2019 2:33 am

Nephara 3 - 0 Monso
(4-4-2) 20 - Senninger; 2 - Stride (18 - Sanger 73'), 5 - Verlander, 22 - Lockheed, 19 - Katarec; 7 - Kuepper (10 - Breremond 58'), 15 - Rauch, 8 - Reach, 11 - Strongbow (16 - Deventer 62'); 14 - Laiota, 17 - Thornwood
Goals: Laiota 26', Reach 36', Deventer 83'

THE HERALD
THE RISING STAR OF THE SECOND DIVISION
The influx of Nepharim from abroad made last 2Div season the best yet. How does it stack up? And is it sustainable?
Catheline Aspenwood

There are several essential truths about Nepharim football. One is that there are a lot of professional-grade Nepharim footballers. A lot. Nephara is a large nation, and despite passing fancies that have produced mediocre national leagues for ice hockey and rugby league, football is the national passion. Obsession, even. In the past, a lack of prospects inspired young Nepharim to seek fame and fortune through sport; in the present, heavy subsidy and the UBI ensure the process is not the all-or-nothing gamble of the past.

The knock-on effect, and second essential truth, is that there aren't enough Nepharim clubs for all these Nepharim footballers. You would think that ninety-six full-time football clubs is enough, but it isn't. And in truth, there are state league and Conference players who are capable of making the step up, but prefer the fruits of their part-time jobs to scraping a living as a 3Div backup. Nepharim clubs also buy a lot of players, staying active in the window.

The result is that, the third truth, there are a lot of Nepharim looking for jobs abroad at pretty much any given time. It did not take long after the formalisation of the Transfer Window for this trend to set, and not only with the tendency of the best Cormorants to fly abroad. As the Premiership grew in prestige, there were players who could no longer keep up with the standard who remained decent footballers. They would slot easily into unranked leagues, could do a job in the Premiership's peers, but considered themselves above the second tier - or just wanted to see the world before hanging up the boots. As the Premiership became one of the greatest leagues the world had ever known, these players shuffled down - the second tier, eventually, grew to the point of likely being a top-32 league in its own right. The leagues are deep and strong.

In the modern era, over 1600 transfers have been set to paper with Nepharim moving clubs either to, from or within foreign shores. Over a thousand have been free agents. That is, needless to say, a lot of players. But what made the last season so interesting was how many Nepharim came back home, and what this meant for the league.

A long period of uncertainty within the UICA organisation - eventually leading to the DIT and the IFCF - means that many leagues let their accreditation lapse, and many foreign players' contracts were torn up as others forced departures to more solvent shores. There were only so many washed-up 33-year old journeymen the world needed, so there was a sudden influx back to the country. First Division benches mysteriously became stacked, while other players - journeymen and displaced youths both - moved down a further step, to the Second Division.

So it was that Adelaide Raskin, former mainstay for Aries Chariots, rocked up at relegation strugglers Gosmouth Swans. Vasilis Nikas suited up at Barossia United, having previously played for Southfell for years before heading off to Soute. Niko Boldman made his breakthrough in the third tier and, via the second and top flights before a stop in Wesisle Wizard FC, made his way back there to Lazuli Diamonds, while Tasha Avery, most mystifyingly of all, went from Parrhesia backup to the Champions Cup quarterfinals with KF Qastyr to Riverkey. Unsurprisingly, she was easily among the league's best defenders.

Not all the players of the Homecoming landed on their feet. Some flamed out, others were just too far past their best. Sheridan relied on Trinity Plantagenet, formerly of Crisisbless United, Coret Hawks and Devontan outfit Astro FC to get their goals; they did not materialise. Former Harrier Micah Horner, one of the youngest at 27, endured a forgettable season. But there was the growing sense that the league had an edge, a guile, a spark of technique that hadn't been there in the past. One that will inspire the young players who were blooded by their side. Many of those players have hung up the boots, and most of the others are truly in their twilights, but they left an impact.

Some of that may just have been profile. Winding up in the Second Division is no longer a failure for a domestic player who once had their sights set higher. Quietly, crowds raised, pitches increased in quality, and attacking play found dimension beyond the long ball and solo charges. Wage bills, pertinently, have risen with the opportunity and might stay that way. It's sparked an arms race to keep that standard of play up, and that, one imagines, will pluck many locals eager to make a name for themselves. Maybe the Homecoming was the best thing to happen to the third tier.

The fourth, of course, remains unwatchable slop. Just as we said the second was twenty seasons ago, or since the third was until last year...

NEPHARIM NATIONAL TEAM SELECTION - FORTNIGHT 8
Goalkeepers: 1 - Hesterine Mercator (Eastweald, COS), 12 - Sigurd Rustwyth (KF Koflir, QUS), 20 - Fasolt Senninger (Creed United)
Defenders: 2 - Rovena Stride (AFC Treason), 3 - Marcin Close (Brinemouth, c), 5 - Roxelana Thorn (Revolutionaries, EUR), 6 - Ilyana Brosch (AFC Corvistone), 18 - Valeri Longship (Crisisbless), 19 - Sander Katarec (Vermillion Rage), 22 - Gabriel Lockheed (AFC Treason)
Midfielders: 4 - Tawny Shone (Sabrefell Moths), 7 - Marica Kuepper (Jungle Strike, VIL), 8 - Malachi Chalk (Falourr, EUR), 11 - Rowena Strongbow (Directus, EUR), 13 - Monako Saroszi (Ulsa, EUR), 15 - Ferena Rauch (AFC Treason), 16 - Morena Deventer (Brinemouth), 21 - Chimera Moxham (Crawford City FC, COS)
Forwards: 9 - Estrella Hawke (Directus, EUR), 10 - Aristide Metzger (AFC Treason), 14 - Kurtis Laiota (Crisisbless), 17 - Kurtis Bastable (Hornchurch, EUR), 23 - Konrad Lovelace (Starling)

SCHEDULE
Nephara 1 - 1 Bolgano @ Phoenix Rise (Corvistone)
Monso 0 - 3 Nephara
[Bye]
Nephara 2 - 0 Squornshelous @ Ludd's Hammer (Stahlburg)
Aquitlita 0 - 2 Nephara
Nephara 5 - 4 The Macabees @ The Gauntlet (Treason)
Siovanija & Teusland 1 - 4 Nephara
Nephara 5 - 3 EOT @ Farham Arena (Sabrefell)
Anthor 2 - 3 Nephara
Nephara 0 - 0 Lochario @ Godswatch (Crisisbless)
Poafmersia 0 - 3 Nephara
Bolgano 1 - 0 Nephara
Nephara 3 - 0 Monso @ Ebony Lane (Cranequin)
[Bye]
Squornshelous vs. Nephara
Nephara vs. Aquitlita @ The Iron Hill (Vermillion)
The Macabees vs. Nephara
Nephara vs. Siovanija & Teusland @ Farham Arena (Sabrefell)
EOT vs. Nephara
Nephara vs. Anthor @ The Gauntlet (Treason)
Lochario vs. Nephara
Nephara vs. Poafmersia @ Eagle's Club (Brinemouth)

by **Brenecia** » Sun Dec 29, 2019 4:23 am

Terre Septentrionale 3 - 3 Brenecia
(4-3-3) 1 - Farrell; 18 - Lonergan (2 - Weaver 73'), 22 - Beath, 5 - Horgan, 3 - Quill (c); 8 - Matheson (21 - Parker 84'), 4 - Locke, 13 - Wheeler; 7 - Cheney, 10 - Ciogach, 16 - Fletcher (11 - Keynes 53')
Goal: Cheney 4', Ciogach 58', Wheeler 90+2'

Brenecia 4 - 1 Casta Marina
(4-3-3) 20 - Pritchard; 2 - Weaver, 22 - Beath, 6 - Grayndler, 19 - Prentice; 8 - Matheson (21 - Parker 70'), 23 - Townsend, 14 - Ruskin; 15 - Coghlan, 9 - Bremner (17 - Lindauer 61'), 11 - Keynes
Goals: Bremner 21', Keynes 41', Ruskin 59', Lindauer 77'

THE ROZELLE OBSERVER
Defining tests await Patriots after unbeaten start
Diarmuid Henderson

Banija in Busukama; Abanhfleft in Rozelle. Two wins and Brenecia will sit at the top of the table; two defeats and Brenecia will have just a point of breathing room. Unbeaten the Patriots may be but it isn't over yet, and that unbeaten record is fairly unlikely to survive an hour and a half sweating it at the Restoration.

Banija are ranked fifth in the world and have been swatting opponents aside with the contemptuous ease that rank entitles them to. They do not, perhaps, have the deepest side in the world - with respect to Daluxollo Matshikiza, he is lucky to be in and around the picture - but surely the international club scene must stand up and pay attention sooner rather than later, and at this stage BSL stalwarts are no slouches either. On paper, Banija has that little edge of stardust that this Brenecia side lacks; we have no Kahara, no Kawesa, most of us would murder a stranger for a Kuma Bultum.

But defeat is far from a foregone conclusion, and there are ways to hurt If the Patriots can surge to the top of the table off the back of a win in Busukuma. It's possible enough to imagine; picture the second half last time around followed by another second half last time around. No soft goals, on the Patriots' end at least, and the trident of Cheney, Ciogach and Misc gouging them at the back. But it would take an exceptional performance, and with respect, these Patriots have not exactly been consistent.

Assuming the worst in Busukama and a Fleftic victory at home against Sarzonia - expected, but by no means foregone - that narrows the gap to four points. So then to Rozelle, and Abanhfleft's chance at redemption. This crop is seen as an underwhelming hangover in the light of the golden generation, with precious few of their talent playing abroad and one of those an alleged terrorist. But they can hurt teams, and did, in the reverse fixture. Taking them lightly would be suicide.

All three sides are significantly more dangerous going forward than in defence, and it's been a while since Brenecia in particular have kept a clean sheet. In all three cases, this is as much through personnel than a particular tactical bent; McGinnis is the Fleftic star turn up front, and primary supplier Rusev must be close to a contract abroad. In Banija's case, there's goals all over the pitch; stamp out Kawesa and Kahara strikes, choke off Kahara and Jawara strikes. But they do have one of the world's best emerging defenders at the heart of their defence; that does help. Brenecia boast one of the world's best leftbacks, a centre-half who excels in a cautious, defensive side, and are reduced to being relieved when Ronan Fallon, a midtable Premiership defensive midfielder, returns from a poorly-timed injury that may have cost the Terre game. All will have plenty of neutral eyes glued to the screen, so the pressure is on.

And on the note of Fallon, what have we learned of Brenecia through this time? Brelk-Xeral has of course unearthed the brutally efficient midfielder, the steel to Locke's silk, and in significantly better form. Riona Parker seemingly came from nowhere to stamp down a place, Cail Coghlan has been a surprising breath of fresh air even though she is nowhere near the level of Cheney, Lonergan - currently on loan in the BSL, as a matter of fact - is laying claim to regular starts, while old stalwarts Beath, Ruskin and Bremner have been rehabilitated back to the fold. Brelk-Xeral is not known for rotation or revitalisation, but for cultivating a compact, club atmosphere. Some new blood has been cycled into the pack.

The twenty-three called up for the next two matches - bar perhaps Morwen Prentice, with Eliwulf Tambor injured - look at this stage to be likely callups for whatever tournament comes next. Let us hope it is the World Cup; certainly, we are on the right path. But infinitely more will be known after this fortnight. First place, or one point?

BRENECIAN NATIONAL TEAM SELECTION - FORTNIGHT 8
Goalkeepers: 1 - Cass Farrell (Northern Union), 12 - Opal Cairncross (Marketville, EUR), 20 - Scanlan Pritchard (Marque)
Defenders: 2 - Keziah Broxham (Mallox, COS), 3 - Gethin Quill (Revolutionaries, EUR), 5 - Garrett Horgan (Northern Union), 6 - Keane Mathers (Northern Stallions), 18 - Sorcha Lonergan (Northern Union), 19 - Morwen Prentice (Crystal Fair HC, CRY), 22 - Chadwick Beath (CA Paulinthal, PAS)
Midfielders: 4 - Keziah Locke (Duke of the North, PAS), 8 - Elysse Matheson (Hornchurch, EUR), 13 - Corby Wheeler (Goldstaff City, COS), 14 - Claire Ruskin (Kingsgrove), 21 - Riona Parker (Rozelle United), 23 - Ronan Fallon (Newrook City, NPH)
Forwards: 7 - Lauren Cheney (Kingsgrove), 9 - Niall Bremner (Unioneers, EUR), 10 - Kara Ciogach (Lajuno, EUR), 11 - Cathal Keynes (Lajuno, EUR), 15 - Cail Coghlan (Pikemouth), 16 - Ceridwen Fletcher (North Hall), 17 - Creidne Lindauer (Kingsgrove)

SCHEDULE
Atlantic Republic 1 - 3 Brenecia
Brenecia 1 - 1 Terre Septentrionale
Casta Marina 0 - 5 Brenecia
Brenecia 2 - 2 Banija
Abanhfleft 2 - 2 Brenecia
Brenecia 2 - 0 Trolleborg
Crystalline Caverns 0 - 2 Brenecia
Brenecia 3 - 1 Brigantii
Sarzonia 1 - 3 Brenecia
[Bye]
Brenecia 3 - 2 Sherpa Empire
Brenecia 6 - 2 Atlantic Republic
Terre Septentrionale 3 - 3 Brenecia
Brenecia 4 - 1 Casta Marina
Banija vs. Brenecia
Brenecia vs. Abanhfleft
Trolleborg vs. Brenecia
Brenecia vs. Crystalline Caverns
Brigantii vs. Brenecia
Brenecia vs. Sarzonia
[Bye]
Sherpa Empire vs. Brenecia

by **Jeruselem** » Sun Dec 29, 2019 5:38 am

Princess Katherine Annabelle Dallas dressed as Megurine Luka and Princess Bianca at Dazza Dallas Stadium

Kate:
HEY, this is Princess Katherine Annabelle Dallas for Naked News Jeruselem. We're back home at Dazza Dallas Stadium also known the the Dragon Stadium. I'm with a local Dragon, Princess Bianca herself. Wife of Prince Hamish, and future Queen of Jeruselem. Another day for the World Cup and qualification day 14.

Bianca: Hello everyone.
Kate: Well Geektopia were visitors today, we played them before and beat them 5-2 away. They come here for revenge.
Bianca: Yes, this one was important given our 4th place is hanging on by a fingernail with all these teams behind us.
Kate: As usual, we'll find our the results of the other games first for context.
Bianca: Some interesting results today this time round unlike last round
Kate: Schottia had the bye today, so results for them today. It's best to get of the bye early I say

Bianca: Yep
Kate: Savojarna had a home game against visitors Galar and destroyed them 7-1. YEAH 7-1. Are Savojarna on the move?
Bianca: We play them last too, so it's going to be interesting what happens when we meet. 7 goals, Galar got wrecked.
Kate: Nahkistan hosted TJUN-ia, TJUN-ia hoping for a win but nope. They managed 1-1 draw. Which is good for us.
Bianca: It's good they didn't win that one actually.
Kate: Free Republics hosted the dangerous Balqia, and won 2-0. Free Republics seem unstoppable apart from the one loss.

Bianca: Yes, they do seem unstoppable mostly. I hope we can stop them or at least grab points from them.
Kate: Taeshan at home but visitors Welzat held them to a scoreless draw. Well well, not what Taeshan needed to keep up with Free Republics.
Bianca: Welzat are far from terrible but with 8 losses most good teams should get something against them.
Kate: Our rivals stumbled today, and one showed what they can do. Geektopia lost to us 5-2 last time, could we repeat that again at home?
Bianca: You tell them Kate
Kate: WE DID, well not 5-2. But 3-2 is close enough

Bianca: My idiot husband actually scored the winning goal
Kate: Well, he could have scored a few more before
Bianca: He's been a bit slow in this cup, hardly doing much
Kate: Both sides were guilty of wasting chances but we're really good at that. But still, 3-2 is 3 points!
Bianca: We couldn't afford to lose this one really
Kate: Well, a great start to the 2nd half so far.

Bianca: Funny thing about today, we didn't really play that well.
Kate: Yes, we could have kept the goals conceded down as well. We'll have to stop conceding cheap goals.
Bianca: At least we're scoring more than the opponents for once.
Kate: I hope this is start of something better
Bianca: But we have a lot of work to make up even to get to 3rd spot
Kate: True, hey we're trying.

Bianca: We're not out the woods yet
Kate: The group 11 table. Not that much change. Free Republics on 36, Taeshan on 32. Schottia on 21 due to the bye.
Bianca: We're not far off 3rd actually.
Kate: Yeah Jeruselem 4th on 18 points! Schottia had the bye which allowed us to close the gap. Savojarna jumped to 5th on 16 points.
Bianca: They must be going WTF happened in the first half there.
Kate: Then we have 3 teams on 15 points! Balqia, TJUN-ia, Geektopia whuch are 6th to 8th. So we have a pack of teams right behind us.

Bianca: We could slip back very easily
Kate: Welzat are 9th on 11 points and ... Nahkistan and Galar are last two again. Galar's goal difference got destroyed today. It was bad but now it's wrecked.
Bianca: 30 goals in 13 games conceded.
Kate: 7 of those were today's game
Bianca: Wish we could score 7 goals in game
Kate: Err, that's been while. We did 6 long time again ...

Bianca: An away game next, hope we can keep going
Kate: We're scoring goals but we keep to few more out. That's one of causes of all those draws.
Bianca: I can't blame the keepers, our defense needs to improve. We can't be a top team if we concede all these goals.
Kate: Well a great day out.
Bianca: I suppose
Kate: You're really hard to please.

Bianca: Eh
Kate: Don't forget to check my web site for new videos.
Bianca: See you later everyone
Kate: Hyvästi

Group 11
Jeruselem 3–2 Geektopia
Savojarna 7–1 Galar
Nahkistan 1–1 TJUN-ia
Free Republics 2–0 Balqia
Taeshan 0–0 Welzat

by **TJUN-ia** » Sun Dec 29, 2019 5:40 am

TJUN-ia Update: Any points will do...

After the "Massacre of the Jaguars", at the hands of the Free Republics, the FA TJUN-ia has realised that qualification for WC84 is now practically impossible (unless the multiverse explodes, or something).

Now the focus of the fledgling TJUN-ia is to getting as many points as possible, as so to get invited for one of 2 invitational tournaments: either the Cup of Harmony or the Copa Rushmori.

David Seems started this "Road to More Points" with a 1-1 draw at Nakhistan, who we beat last time (but at this point, who really cares anymore?). It was Joe Green with the only goal, an equaliser in the 64th minute, countering Sirazdi Ibragimov in Salamabad. The Wolves certainly learned form our encounter in TJUN-ia City.

Speaking of capital, our next game is back home against Savojarna. Our last meeting was an entertaining 3-3 tie away. Hopefully more points are on the way.

by **PotatoFarmers** » Sun Dec 29, 2019 6:01 am

Part 1 of this Series

After the server problems with the WCQ84 microsite was solved, nobody expected this next problem to show up in the state broadcaster. This involved an issue with the government over a proposed bill in the Ridimag (National Parliament) that repeals the "National Aviation Act" and replaces it with the new "Aviation Management Act".
Under the new law, the airspace of Poafmersia would start to be open to foreign aircraft, paving the way for Poafmersia to be open to more foreign visitors from faraway countries that are not served by the national Potato Airlines. This would increase tourism into the country as part of the opening up of the economy to integrate it with that of the world. However, the broadcaster instead wrote a damming 2 page article criticising the new law, saying that it allows for foreign allied armies to fly their military airplanes over and into the country randomly as there is no need for authorisation if the planes are permitted to land in the country. This, according to the article, creates a security risk.
Well that proved to be problematic with the ruling party and the President, who wrote to the broadcaster on behalf of the government on the issue, saying that it was unjustified comments and "fake news". "The law specifically states that this only belongs to civilian aircraft. Besides, they are only allowed to fly over certain parts of the country on designated air routes. It does not give the foreign aircrafts free will with regards to their travel in our airspace," said a Ministry of Transport spokesman during a routine press conference.
For any private newspaper or broadcaster, they would surely be sued by the government under the "Protection against Falsehoods Act", which bans the spread of misinformation. Unfortunately, this was the state broadcaster, owned by the government-linked investment company Poafmeria Holdings. A lawsuit against PFBC would be a lawsuit on itself in theory, and no one in the government wants to see this happen. The joke, however, was that some of PFBC journalists stood up for the editor who wrote the article, saying that suspending him would be a breech of "media laws". This would be against free speech rules enshrined in the Constitution, which would cause mass protests. So what is next? Everyone is waiting for the reaction from the broadcaster and the government.

works? · by **Abanhfleft** » Sun Dec 29, 2019 6:32 am

Elene Liner could honestly say that she has never experienced anything like this before.

Oh, she's been on dates; had her fair share of them. She's had quite a few boyfriends in her time, she wasn't scared to admit. She'd been in love too; had been smitten and struck by Cupid's arrow in very much the same way that this young gentleman before her appeared to have been struck. Aiden Troger, he'd introduced himself. Elene hadn't known it then, but apparently Troger had fallen in love with her since the first time that they met, on the pitch of the Stadium of the Old Forester in Markovsky for both Abanhfleft and Trolleborg's first qualifier for World Cup 84.

There had been rumors, of course. Rumors and whisperings abounded. As soon as Troger had admitted on Trolleborg media that he had developed a crush on one of the Fleftic ladies that he had faced in Markovsky, everybody went abuzz trying to guess who the lucky lass was. Troger specifying that it was one of the girls that he had tackled in the dying minutes of the match helped to narrow it down for everybody wondering, and soon they had three candidates for the lucky woman who had taken Aiden Troger's heart: Britt Hanokssen, Abigail Papadiamantopoulos, and Elene. Britt, owing to her sexual orientation (and her quite open relationship with fellow Rosenpfelblatz and Abanhfleft midfielder Erin Jensdottir), was then immediately eliminated from contention, leaving only Abigail and Elene as the possible choices.

Truth be told, everyone had their money on Abigail being Troger's crush. Troger had seemed unusually apologetic to Abigail when he had slide-tackled into her somewhere around the 87th minute of the first match between Abanhfleft and Trolleborg, and everyone had just attributed that to Troger being extremely bashful due to his crush. Sure, there were a few naysayers who said that Troger was only saying sorry to Abigail because he was afraid of her (and who wouldn't be intimidated on sight by a 6-foot-8 woman?) but they were few and far between. So when time came for the return leg at Trolleborg at the 1st December Stadium (confusingly referred to as 11th December Stadium by the SFA briefings and materials provided to the team before their departure) and it was Elene whom Troger had called aside after the game, everyone was shocked. What was even more shocking was the coordinated display that the local fans put together for Troger's benefit: first the words YOU'RE BEAUTIFUL, then a giant flaming heart, and finally the question HAVE SOME COFFEE TOGETHER? The fans had appreciated that; well, the Trolleborg fans, mostly. The Fleftic fans had left the stadium immediately after the final whistle because the team had lost, and those few Fleftics who managed to see the whole thing didn't exactly react well to it. Their losing to Trolleborg was a massive factor in their displeasure, sure, but a few of those fans went on the Internet to voice their distaste, for lack of a better word, at the proceedings; said that it was making a mockery out of the beautiful game. Elene didn't pay those fans much attention; they had always been the ones to make the most noise whenever Abanhfleft lost. When Abanhfleft won? Those same fans were nowhere to be seen. So she ignored them all and agreed to the coffee date with Aiden, on the condition that they do it the day after the game.

Elene noted with some pleasure that Aiden seemed to hang on to every single word she said, stared lovingly at her with each laugh she let out. In all honesty, she couldn't remember the last time that this had happened to her, whether on the giving or receiving end. And Aiden seemed like a decent, nice, likeable guy. If he and his team hadn't just dealt Abanhfleft's qualification chances another heavy blow then everybody would probably be rooting for the two of them to get together. And Elene liked Aiden. He was charming, funny, awkward in a cute kind of way.

There was just one problem: Elene didn't think she was ready for another relationship. Her last one had ended over a year ago, and even till now, the scars were still there, and she had been too afraid to pick them apart to see if there was something new underneath. And of course there was the matter of the long-distance relationship. Elene would be in Abanhfleft while Aiden would be in Trolleborg, thousands of miles away in the South Pacific, a long long way away from Antarctica. Aiden seemed like a really nice guy, but she didn't want to be the one to break his heart. But she had to find a way to let him down gently. Especially when she had heard people talking about Aiden already planning ahead to their wedding. Elene wasn't sure that she was ready for a relationship, let alone a marriage. Sorry, but that's just the way I am right now, she would say when she was asked the inevitable "why?" But she didn't have to do that just yet. For now, they exchanged numbers and promised to keep in contact no matter what.

Elene Liner didn't know when she would be ready to love again, but once she knew she was, she hoped that she would finally meet the right one. And if the right one happened to be Aiden Troger, then so be it.

(OOC: Apologies to Trolleborg, and apologies to Mr. Troger. I'm not yet sure if I want to commit one of my players to something like that just yet. Sorry, RL has been quite busy with me, which will explain the recent drop in activity. Once again, sorry about that.)

by **The Andromeda Island Group** » Sun Dec 29, 2019 6:48 am

Andromeda News Network
Special Coverage
Nooooooooooo @ Andromeda Eagles
Joe Napoli Stadium
Joppa, Allied States
Saturday Evening

Regular programming throughout the Allied States was pre-empted at about 9 pm as the Andromeda News Network cut to action at Joe Napoli Stadium in Joppa. More than half of the nation’s television viewers saw the last few minutes of the Eagles game at Joe Napoli Stadium against the Nattering Nabobs of Nooooooooooo. Mace Gumbel has the play-by-play.

“We’ve just been informed that programming on our sister stations has been pre-empted so that viewers can experience the first International victory for the Andromeda Eagles on home soil in nearly a quarter century. With mere seconds left in injury time, Andromedan goalkeeper Rachel Medrano has stopped the final Nabob charge. Medrano threw the ball up in the air, making sure that nobody got to it in the last few seconds.”

The final horn sounds. Fireworks are set off over the University of Joppa Campus.

Many of the Eagle fans in attendance have stayed. Steffi Tucker, who scored two of the Eagles’ three goals is hoisted up on her teammate’s shoulders and taken to the sideline in triumph.

Andromeda News Network correspondent Callie Ferguson finds Coach Kerri Zimmerman amidst the melee on the field.

“With me this evening is Coach Kerri Zimmerman. Coach, how does it feel to finally win at home?”

“Callie, this is one of the best days of my life.”

“What with all the turmoil on the team, what does this win mean to you?”

“It means a lot to me, to Coach Hawkins and to the Eagles. We’ve been waiting a long time to win one here, for our country.”

“And Steffi Tucker, what possessed her tonight?”

“As you know, with Phil Thomas out, we’ve had to adopt a more even offense. Martinez has acted as our point man up front, while Rick Sprinkle and Rachel Medrano have led the middle and the back. We’ve had to improvise, but it has finally paid off. Steffi Tucker played the game of her life tonight. She fought long and hard for both of those goals against the Nabobs and frankly, against some of the officials.”

“You’ve been critical of some of the officiating in recent games.”

“Most of the country didn’t see what led to both of the Nabob’s goals: bad calls resulting in penalty shots. Rachel Medrano deserves credit for coordinating the defense and shutting down the Nabob offense late in the game.”

“So, what are you doing tonight, Coach Zimmerman?”

“I’m joining my team for about an hour to celebrate, Hope to see you there.”

Coach Zimmerman heads to the locker room. Television viewers see the screen return to Mace Gumbel.

“For viewers of our sister stations, we now return you to your regular programming.”

by **Ko-oren** » Sun Dec 29, 2019 7:52 am

Dramatic downturn forces KFA's hand

Starting the qualification campaign with seven victories and two draws, the Dragonflies looked like they'd qualify in a tough group with many contenders. Apox was a step ahead of us, but it looked like the likes of Eraman, New Lusitania, and Eshan, could be fought off. Now, just a few games later, the tide has turned and Juliasterinthen will have to find the strategic move of a Grandmaster if Ko-oren still wants to make it to the show in Baker Park and Cassadaigua.

It started with the final match before the halfway point: the Dragonflies were three points up over the rivals, with New Lusitania sitting out the 11th matchday. Eshan lost to Apox, Eraman won away at ZSeparatists - and Ko-oren couldn't keep the points home against Indusse. Since that day, the Dragonflies has spilt points everywhere. At home to Eraman, Ko-oren allowed the direct opponents to come within a point of our second place. That was a 0-1 loss. The next matchday, Juliasterinthen's XI had the perfect moment to turn things around, away at Apox, the hardest match of the campaign. Again, we lost 1-0. Eraman's 1-0 win over Tarchusland saw them take second place - only for a moment, we thought. With the hardest game under our belt and no further matches against Eraman and Apox, the schedule clears up considerably from here on out. This wasn't all, as it turned out. At home, against Barfleur, this was a must-win game in order to keep close to Eraman. Eshan and New Lusitania even overtook us, winning against ZSeparatists and Aldaveria, respectively. That's four straight losses, by a single goal each time.

There is a moment in every campaign where the team fails to deliver. But we haven't seen a record like this in decades. The Dragonflies should defend their Pot 2 status and go to the World Cup, and that opinion is still prevalent across Ko-orenite media. However, the tone has gone from 'surefire qualification' to 'possible second place' and another loss, especially against New Lusitania or Eshan, is sure to knock out the Green and Blue. The KFA has felt the necessity to act on the trend, notifying Juliasterinthen that, in case the team does not qualify, the KFA will look for a new head coach for the national team. Under Juliasterinthen, the Dragonflies have come back from a mediocre Cup of Harmony contestant to regular World Cup attendees - though he hasn't been able to break the Round of 16 curse. During his reign, the team has continued the very defensive mindset, and it doesn't seem likely that the KFA will change that. Mentally, however, Juliasterinthen's influence has always been doubted. There have never been 'easy' games - even against the table's lowest teams, the Dragonflies fail to score more than a single goal and there is always a risk of a late equaliser. A team of this stature should look to qualify for the World Cup two out of three times, and contend for the Cup of Harmony on that third occasion. Most of all, however, the attacking strategy has to be reviewed and it is clear that Juliasterinthen is not able to do that. The 5-3-2 is holy, but even then he hasn't gotten the team to create more goalscoring chances.

Another possibility is that the KFA feels that this is Juliasterinthen's peak, and that the team will never get any further than the Round of 16 with him at the helm. Not that the 'best 16' is bad, but it's not good enough once you've established yourself at that level. Whoever is the head coach going forward, even if it is Juliasterinthen, the goal is clear: World Cup quarterfinals within a few years.

by **Taeshan** » Sun Dec 29, 2019 9:14 am

"How do you feel about tying, at home, to Welzat"?

"Not great obviously."

"Do you feel the squad looked past the game to Free Republics"?

"I mean, no. We didn't lose, we just couldn't score."

"Any friendlies planed for the bye"?

"We've made some calls. Waiting on answers."

"Only 11 points separate you from Schottia, but they also have a game in hand."

"I'm aware."

"Does this hurt your chances of qualifying"?

"Technically."

"Any better, more committal answers"?

"No."

"You're helping so much."

"That's what I'm here for. I have bigger fish to fry."

by **New Lusitania and the Algarves** » Sun Dec 29, 2019 9:33 am

STL|Serviços de Transmissão Lusitana
Sport | Football|
World Cup 84
Omnibus

A CONFIDENT WIN
ZSeperatists 0-3 New Lusitania
@ Border Camp Stadium, Border City (Att: 0)

Getting the ZSeperatists in a group was going to be a challenge for various reasons. First, an unknown opponent from which you only had a few matchdays to base yourself on. Second, a separatist nation which usually means instability at home. In fact, by the time of writing this article many experts argue if the country still exists. As they travelled to an aptly named place named Border City, New Lusitania would have no away support with them, but wouldn’t deal with the away fans either. The ZSeperatist nation considered a zero-attendance stadium to be fair neutral ground, which throws away one of their advantages at home, realistically. Originally, the games would reportedly be in a 60 000-seater, but this seems to be scrapped. New Lusitania now awaited a unique experience. For New Lusitania, the usual, Patríce in goal, Guerreiros, Leiteiro and Cancela in defence with Nevais in defensive midfield. Breu - in for Mário due to injury – Fernando and the one change Luz in midfield along with Veiga. Up front, Jota and Silveira, all with the away white and blue kits. For the home side, only half of the team is known. In goal, a keeper with a three-man defence ahead. Further ahead, Oneal, Metzger, Gaston and Stiles in midfield with Oliver, Adam and Tipton being the three strikers of an extremely attacking team, as usual, playing in red.
The game went underway in its eerily silence by the border. Nevais played further back than usual due to the more attacking nature of the home side as both teams got off to a good start. Tipton went just wide on twenty minutes, but it wasn’t cause for concern just yet. A tad later, the first goal for the Selecção. Breu made his first assist into Jota who shot the ball in with confidence. The score was 0-1. The team celebrated anyway, even if there was no one there. After halftime, everyone returned to play another forty-five minutes of football. After a weak first half, things were looking to pick up during the second half. Oliver almost got a ball in after some confusion in the Lusitanian defence but Patríce saved it well. New Lusitania launched a counter-attack as Fernando passed it on to Silveira, who shot it. The goalkeeper originally saved it, but he just tapped it in on the rebound. A weak goal, but they all count just the same. Around eighty minutes, the final and third goal was scored. A corner from Breu gave Luz’s first Selecção goal as the ball connected with the midfielder’s head. As the referee blew the whistle, the Lusitanians celebrated, as if no one was watching. They might not have been live, but some of those not so good moves were seen on television sets across the country.

Around The Grounds: Group 15
Apox is still at the top and that probably won’t change in the remainder of the qualifiers. In about four games they’ll qualify in first due to their massive nine-point gap. In second is Eraman, who drew at Grod Island 0-0 meaning the Selecção is a point behind them. Eshan’s win against Aldaveria (2-0) means they’re still in it, but Ko-oren’s defeat to Barfleur (0-1) complicated their contention, although they’re still on the same points as Eshan. Barfleur is now on 17, Indusse maintain seventh despite taking the matchday off, as Grod Island are now on twelve. Tarchusland are on nine, ZSeperatists are on seven and Aldaveria are on four.
New Lusitania play Ko-oren next in a pivotal game for the race to second. Captain Fernando has reminded that “despite their recent form, they’re still a force in the multiverse of football”. Victor Santa Cruz will likely to play his complete first squad meaning one or two changes for the game against the Dragonfly Nation. Eshan take the day off meaning that should they win, they can add for a bit of space between them and the rest, although at the same time, they can fall back to fourth should the away side win. The two teams will meet at the Estádio Nacional do Jamor in the next matchday.

THE HUB
GOALS: Silveira (6), Veiga (5), Gama (4), Fernando (4), Paciente (3), Jota (3), Mário, Luz
ASSISTS: Fernando (6), Mário (5), Gama (4), Veiga (3), Paciente (2), Breu (2), Luz, Jota, Moreira
CARDS: Guerreiros, Fernando, Breu, Gama
INJURIES: Jorge Mário (expected return in around 5 matches)
ADDITIONAL INFO: Horta steps up as back-up LM

LATEST STATS
World Cup 83 Quals
Top Goalscorers: Silveira (11)
Assists: Fernando (8)
-------------------------------------
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STL1 22:00 GMT
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by **Tamgu** » Sun Dec 29, 2019 10:20 am

Earthquake in Tanhari

An earthquake has occurred in the city of Tanhari, Tamgu. The city was preparing to host Hampton Island on January 1st, but because of the damage done to the Stadium of Arts and the city itself, the game is now going to be played in Naira, in the City Stadium with the capacity of 21,500. The damage is mostly on buildings thankfully, as there is no reported deaths and the amount of injured people are less than a derby night, only about 50, none with anything close to fatal (~~our earthquake research is paying off ^v^~~). We wish for them to get healed soon. The financial damage is even less worrisome, it was so low that only one month's revenue from just buses could pay for it. The Stadium basically pulled the short stick.

Şannavaro Appointed as Head Coach of Tamgu

For the first time in their National Team's history, a female coach has been appointed. Yann Şannavaro has a successful history with Tamguna clubs like Partizan Remeno, Kroinen FK, Pritoria Venno and more. She has 2 Top-Flight titles, 3 Domestic Cups, 3 Supercups and 5 Second Division titles in her cabinet. Her arrival caused many different responses, mostly positive. Some skeptics believe the sacking of Resak was premature, and he should've been judged after the qualifications. The common thought is that he wasn't experienced enough to stay consistent while on such a major role. Şannavaro thought the same and gave him another chance to be useful for the team, appointing the ex-striker as an attacking coach.

by **Balqia** » Sun Dec 29, 2019 11:18 am

The script was in his hands, he should just answer the questions in order, the reporters knew what to answer, even his facial expressions were there. Nonoms didn’t wanted to do that, but he had to. After he left the Place he made a visit to some dark room with agents of the secret service. Hey forefully made him do drug tests, not that it was necessary, he was carrying almost two kilos of cocaine with him.
Everyone knows what happens when the government caught you, if you are just some average guy that hat bad luck you are listed as a criminal and sent to somewhere in the north or east to work. If you are relevant enough they give you a try, most bureaucrats pass some time in jail, actors suffer some accident and go to rehabilitation, politicians, if they are not in too critical of the government, lose their jobs. Nonoms just had to put a good act and say that he would retire for some time because of his father. Just that.
And there he was. After rehearse that script for two days he knew every move, every word that was going to be said, even the sudden uproar after his announcement, when the reporters would got up and some securities would protect him. Everything was planned.
-Mr Nonoms, the last two defeats, in your opinion, are due to the team’s lack of ability or the strength of our rivals?
That was the guy from Sport Report, they were always the first to talk, even when the company was private. And that more than a decade ago. It seems that even under state control the big fishes continued to be big.
-Well, Mr Fabianiq, I sincerely believe it is a mixture of the two, we are still a newbie if compared to other nations, we have much to learn from those countries. But we are doing our best and that’s what matters in the end.
He gently smiled, like in the script…
What was he doing? He didn’t became a football player to put an act. He didn’t want none of that when he became a player. No. That was definitely wrong, he was fooling the entirety of Balqia. That was just… filthy.
-Mr Nonoms, what are your expectations for the rest of the qualifications?
That one was a girl from the Orsav University. He read some of the newspapers from there, the famous “Rebellious Youth” was nothing more than a trick from the government to assure that the dissent was controlled, every “radical” student preaching for changes was in fact preaching for a law that was already scheduled to pass in the near future. And she knew that, but still, she was acting like the typical rebellious teen.
-Uhh… I… I think we, unfortunately will not qualify, but we still have hope for the next Cup.
The next one was going to get up. Now a guy from some minor newspaper from the countryside. Nonoms sighed, what was he doing? He was not like that. He should just answer like he wanted to. What will the government do? His parents where living calmly in the countryside, his father was a war veteran, they would never get hurt, and he, well, he was going to spend the next year in a clinic for rehabilitation and after that would get banned from football, no one that got caught with drugs recover, they just… disappear. In fact Nonoms never heard of anyone getting out of the rehabilitation.
-...Mr Nonoms?
-Yes…?
-Did you hear me?
He didn’t even heard the reporter. And why he should care? The manager was by his side, his face was blatantly anger.
-Oh, sorry. I think the effects of the cocaine are hitting. Good quality stuff, you would love it.
Everyone stud there in silence. He did it, and now there’s no turning back. The reporter was almost panicking, stuff like those never happened before. No one knew how to react, and those who knew where too afraid to do so. Well, if no one was going to speak Nonoms would.
-You know, after some shots you just get crazy. I used it almost two days ago, but I can still feel it. Man… The thing is really good. Kids, use drugs, there’s nothing better than that.
His microphone was cut off. The security personal started to come closer to him, the reporters kept there, pale, no one moved, they should be thinking if hey were going to be guests to the secret service.
-I’m terribly sorry, Mr Nonoms didn’t’ slept well last night, I think the stress and the lack of sleep is making him have some hallucinations…
Nonoms stole the Manager’s microphone, he was going to die anyway.
-It’s obvious I will get a hard night sleeping, the gentlemen of the Secret Service made me read this shitty script during the entire night in some dark chamber. I must tell you, Aduardus, the people who write those are those old women who go to the church every day. For God’s sake, what kind of football player speak with grammatically correct balqese?
Anoher microphone was cut off. The security was just by his side, but he managed to ump in the table, then he got down to the reporters, got the mic from some guy with a suit and continued walking. Fortunately every cameraman was turned in his direction.
-Now I will tell you a secret to Y’all folks. Every interview made by a balqese in scripted, even the ones made with a “random” citizen in the streets is carefully planned and rehearsed. In fact even the dissenting opinions and underground organizations are controlled by the government. How I know that? Well, thanks to Ada Voriniq, a wonderful prostitute that happens to work for many government officials, including the Media Minister.
The security was reaching him, even dodging the reporters was becoming more difficult as he got cornered, just some seconds and he was going directly to some working camp. But who cared? He was going there anyway.
-So, a goodbye to all you guys, I am going to some working camp to work as a slave for the government. The World Assembly should take note of that. So, remember kids, Balqia is a hellish dystopia and Mikail Korvan is a son of a bi…
A security agent got him, hNonoms was in the ground, an entire police corp was there, pointing their guns to him.
-Don’t worry, just erase the tapes and everything will be fine.
He tried to negotiate, now the consequences were becoming clearer and the regret was growing. That was suicide, for sure, but maybe, just maybe, he had a chance.
-You bastard! You know what have you done?
The manager was the reporters were leaving the room in a hurry.
-Calm down Aduardus, it’s just…
-It was a live conference, for God’s sake… and those idiots streamed it all…
No one told him that it was a live conference, wait… actually they did, but he just remembered it now.
-You just sentenced some guys in the media to death, don’t worry, you will find them soon enough.
That cop was too calm saying that, but who cared? He was right after all.

by **Ancherion** » Sun Dec 29, 2019 11:32 am

With the abysmal play by the Ancherion team at Tamgu, they return home to go against another low ranking team, Alenburg. De Mequites has made some changes including adding in Felecia Crisp, Larin Brynestad, Fabiano Moon, Gary Hasle and Mamadou Kaur whilst changing from the traditional 4-5-1 to a flat 4-4-2 formation. I guess he is experimenting with other tactics which could potentially lead to either good or bad things for the team. This time it seemed to work for his side, goals from Jaklim with a low volley and from the penalty spot, however an error made by Hasle lead to an Alenburg striker getting a goal. In the second half, a header from Kaur from a free kick, brought in by Moon, and then Garcia, with a firm 25 yard goal into the top corner, declaring the crucial three points for the Ancherion side.

Going into the next match Mequites has decided to keep the same team that won the previous match before flying over to the Hampton Isles. The style of play was the same and it's effect was no different to the previous match. The difference was that their defense was playing at a weirdly top class level, especially since this team is unranked but with how they were playing, they could easily be top 100. It was a struggle for the team when the opposition scored around the 30 minute mark when Sullivan played the ball forward with a 30 yard pass where Carter met with the ball and cleared the Ancherion defense. Shortly before the half time whistle went, Hasle scored from a free kick that went over the wall and went into the bottom near corner and their goalkeeper, Jason Martin, couldn't get hold or deflect the ball. In the second half things looked more promising, we had more attempts and generally had a bigger presence in the opposition half. Jaklim eventually broke the defense and scored, as we know it, the winning goal in the 67th minute. After that De Mequites' team played more defensively, not attacking so much, to keep hold of this one goal lead and they won the match 2-1.

The Ancherion side went home for a break and a few weeks after, they had to play the last match of the first half of qualifying and it was against the third seed of this group, Krytenia. This was a close match, De Mequites has kept the same formation but instead of Crisp, Brynestad and Kaur, Haynes and Copeland took over the defence whilst Taylor was playing up front with Jaklim. The match took place at Paradisia North Park once again, the home of Ancherion football (but also Boring Paradise's). The match started very uneventfully, not much action happened in the first 40 minutes, however it was Ancherion who broke the stalemate when Sami Taylor took a low dive at the ball as it went between the defenders into the goal from the edge of the box after a tussle for possession from a corner kick. Nothing much happened for the remainder of that half as both sides went back into the changing rooms with not much expression on their faces from either sides. In the second half the same happened however an error in passing in midfield by Garcia, the opposing team took the ball and stomped the defense by passing the ball over them and chipped the ball over Benly. This goal lit a fire under Krytenia's spirit as the tides have tipped the scales in favour of Krytenia. The overwhelming number of attempts were stopped several times by the Ancherion defenders and some great saves from Morgan Benly. The Krytenian team finally broke through with a corner kick, the set piece taker sent it to the back post where a player advance and headed the ball right between the keeper's hand, such a blunder from Benly to let a simple goal like that past. In the 81st minute, Ancherion successfully got the counter attack after a very good save, Benly threw the ball to Colley who took it down the left wing. She crossed it back into the middle where Jaklim Jr was waiting as he scored from a header. It was all tied up now until a crucial moment happened in the final play of the game, just before Taylor had a shot blocked by a defender's arm, a very obvious handball that denied a goal. The referee looked at his watch and then blew the whistle and pointed at the penalty spot. Taylor came forward to take the penalty in which the supporters were cheering from the stands or in complete silence waiting anxiously to see what would happen. Ancherion would love to have these three points going into the second half of qualifying, Taylor took the shot to the right however the Krytenian keeper dived to the left. Taylor had scored the last minute winner of the match as Ancherion cause another upset in Qualifying and a step closer to qualifying for the first time ever. Now the second half will hold a lot of suspense and surprise for the Ancherion team and fans.

by **HUElavia** » Sun Dec 29, 2019 12:11 pm

HUElavia gets a draw headed into their big match!

HUElavia finished their match against Schiavonia in a surprising 3-3, which saw hometown girl Hamada score a hat-trick in penalty kicks in Takoroyama. She got her goals in the 7th, 20th and 33rd minute to take a 3-0 lead by half time. HUElavia thought they had the win sealed, but (INSERT NAME HERE) got their own hat-trick, scoring headers from corners crossed by (INSERT NAME HERE) in the 63rd, 78th, and 85th minute, to tie the game at 3-3. Los Amarillos tried to break the tie, but to no avail, and fans left feeling frustrated at a lost chance to win an "easy" match.

HUElavia drop to 3rd, after Mercedini drew 0-0 and Starblaydia won 2-1 in their road games against Magnaterrica and The Ross Isles respectively. The difference between 1st and 3rd is by 1 point, so the group is up for grabs. For Matchday 14, Los Amarillos travel to Mercedini to play at Zoloroni Sports City Stadium, with a spot for direct qualification on the table. Mercedini are the favorites, but HUElavia believe they can pull a massive upset. HUElavia will play with their best eleven players for the match, with the whole country tuned into this match.

FORCA HUELAVIA! VAMOS HUELAVIA! GO HUELAVIA!

by **Schottia** » Sun Dec 29, 2019 12:12 pm

The Wedding

Part Two.

The pub.

Wrapped up like five arctic explorers, the group set out in search of the pub. The snow had been drifting for hours now, making the road indiscernible from the ditches that lay to either side. The group were forced to walk along the middle of the highway, but with the conditions too extreme for car travel, it was probably the safest place to be. The blankety wilderness of Kirkbrig hill to their left, and the black and ominous Loch Marla to their right gave a constant warning of the danger in straying from the path.

‘Are you sure it’s up this road?’ Evelyn’s yells were muffled by her scarf as she turned to Ross. ‘We googled it, and it said twenty minutes. We’ve been walking for at least fifteen and I don’t even see a light yet!’ The wind was howling around them, bringing snow from every angle.

‘Yeah.’ Ross shouted back, removing the scarf from his own mouth with a gloved finger. The snowy air wthat rushed in was cold, wet, and clung to his beard like whipped cream. ‘We’re just going very slowly. If you imagine that a human walks – on average - five kilometres an hour.’ He turned away briefly as a particularly vicious gust of wind hit them full in the face. ‘We need to adjust out expectations accordingly.’

‘Just think how good that first pint will be!’ Thompson added. ‘I bet they’ll have a roaring log fire on. The smell of pub-grub will be wafting through from the kitchen. Dart board. Pool table. Good local hospitality…’

‘Or the place is shut account of the conditions…’ Alison countered, her pessimism drawing scorn from the others.

‘It’ll be open Ali.’ Ross replied confidently (perhaps needing to reassure himself). ‘Fifteen minutes, maximum, and we’ll be sat tight, drinking the finest local beers known to man.’

‘I’m going to get so pissed…’ Thompson put in, longingly. ‘They’re going to need to pump my stomach at the end of this, I tell you..!’

‘Paul..!’ Evelyn shot him a look, but it went unnoticed with the low visibility. ‘We need to be sensible; otherwise we’ll not get back to the house. No one can carry you!’

‘And what the fuck is that supposed to mean!?’ Thompson flared. His weight was a subject of some sensitivity.

‘I mean you’re a grown man Paul, and the conditions are too slippery to be carrying you back.’ Evelyn’s mood was hanging by a thread. As much as she would hate to admit it, the though of alcohol and a roaring fire was all that was keeping her going. ‘We’ll have to make sure we get Chad home as it is.’ She pointed a few steps ahead, to where a now-conscious Duquez was marching on at a steady pace. Ross had attached a flashing LED light to the back of his hood, so he could be located more easily.

‘I’ll carry you mate.’ Said Ross, unhelpfully.

‘Cheers mate.’ Ross patted him on the back, grateful for the support.

Evelyn shook her head, angered that she had been undermined yet again, and concerned that she was going to have to be the sensible one… yet again. ‘Chad’s walking quickly.’ She remarked, noticing that the distance between them and the blinking light had increased.

‘We’re getting near the pub.’ Thomson reassured her.

‘He’s got an incredible homing sense when it comes to finding alcohol. I’ve just been following him to be honest.’ Ross added, ignoring Evelyn’s look of skepticism. ‘We’ve tested it before.’

‘Aye,’ Thompson agreed. ‘If you take three large cooking pans, turn them upside down, and place a beer under one of them, he’ll pick the right pan, nine times out of ten...’

‘There he goes!’ Ross blurted out, as the Quebecois broke into a run, lifting his knees high, taking huge strides through the deep snow. ‘Quick. He’s picked up the scent. Don’t let him out of your sight.’

Ten minutes later…
Evelyn had been expecting to be disappointed, but the pub was exactly what it had been built up to be. ‘Google reviews don’t lie.’ Had been Thompson’s reply. The landlady had offered to take their wet things and place them over a heater, before bringing through warm towels, and throwing an extra scuttle full of coal on the fire.

Evelyn was currently curled up in an old leather smoking-chair, her feet curled up under her, watching the fire burning in the hearth. The feeling of the blood returning to her extremities - combined with the hot apple cider she’d just drank – was bringing a sleepiness. At the table near by, Ross and Thompson had joined a couple of elderly domino players, who seemed oblivious to the former’s identity. Alison was perched on a barstool, glued to her smartphone, making good use of the free wifi. Meanwhile, Duquez was stood at the other end of the bar, the occasional cheer going up, as he impressed two young men with his feats of drinking.

As stag-weekends went, this had to be one of the more sedate, but Evelyn wasn’t complaining. She could have done without this, given the pressure she was under right now at Brinemouth. The wrong side of thirty, training was tougher, aches and sprains weren’t so easily shrugged off. She also had to be mindful of the young players coming up behind her. The 20-year-olds were quicker, sharper, and fitter – one big injury and she could easily see herself on the bench, regardless of her reputation. When she’d signed for Brinemouth she was acutely aware what the deal was: fail to produce the goods, and she was gone. There was no way she could have said no to Ross though. He was the little brother she’d never had, although, sometimes, she’d felt more like a surrogate mother during their years together in Port Christopher. To see him happy like this was a weight off her mind. Those years he spent pursuing then dating Corinne Martle-Burns were fraught with nightmares for Evelyn, watching Ross tie his happiness to such an unstable character. Ereni was good for him though; a good fit. Evelyn had only met her once, but she seemed kind, modest, and down to earth. Just what any good parent would want in a daughter in law…

People were constantly asking Evelyn if there was anything going on between her and Ross - any romance – any near misses. The answer was a firm no. The truth being that she hadn’t made any time for anyone romantically. She’d given up everything to reach the top in football, and that was a lonely place to be. Relationships in football were hard; they either ended up being long distance, or worse, they bound the hands of both partners, stopping them from making career decisions with a clear head. A couple of months ago she’d let her guard down, had one glass of red wine too many, and fallen into bed with a colleague, Marcin Close. They’d woken up the next morning, face-to-face, stark naked, and neither of them had quite got over the shock. Marcin was a good guy – a little on the young side – but that wasn’t what was stopping her. Once you’d been alone for such a long time, there wasn’t any room in your life for someone else. She had wondered about it, especially in the days after “the incident” but no. It was best to keep her nose clean and make the most of her last few years at the top.

‘Hi.’ A small girl, already in her pajamas, had appeared round the corner of the bar. She can’t have been more than seven or eight, and her eyes looked puffy with sleep. She stood gingerly, only half committed to what she was doing, clearly not sure what she expected to happen next.

‘Hi.’ Said Evelyn, smiling at her. ‘What’s you’re name?’ She asked, not wanting to make the girl feel embarrassed.

‘Cathy.’ The girl replied, struggling to make eye contact.

‘Do you live here Cathy?’ Evelyn sat up, leaning forward, as she watched the girl nod. ‘Is that your Mummy we met when we arrived?’ Another nod.

‘Are you a…’ Cathy smiled nervously, but hid her face behind her sleeves.

‘My Name is Evelyn, but most of my friends call me Ev.’ She paused. ‘And yes, I play football. But quite far away. Do you know where Nephara is?’ Cathy nodded, smiling broadly now. ‘Do you want to come and sit with me for a bit?’ Cathy looked round to the doorway between the bar and the living area through the back, where her mother stood, offering a thumbs up of reassurance.

‘So do you like playing football as well..?’ Evelyn budged up in the chair and made a little space for the girl. She never minded these kind of meetings, it was just part of being a sportsperson. She knew players who avoided contact like the plague, but the way she saw it, it was a responsibility she was well paid for. Being nice wasn’t hard, and if you thought it was, then you probably weren’t a very nice person.

by **Port Ember** » Sun Dec 29, 2019 1:44 pm

Port Ember Times
Sports Journal

The Dragons Slays Yet Another Giant!

Port Ember 4 - 2 Kelssek

By Erica Davies - Port Ember Times Sports Section

The Port Emberian Dragons pulled off a decimating victory against the Kelssek national team, in the third match of the second half of the qualifier season, following the Holiday Break, which saw the competing teams hang up their shoes for a few days.

The second half of the qualifier season sees Port Ember facing off against all the teams they have allready faced in the first half, allowing the oppertunity to exact revenge on lost matches.This match against Kelssek was exactly that - a revenge match, seeing that this side humiliated our team in their first encounter, with a 3-0 loss.

This win has resulted in firmly establishing Port Ember in the fourth place on the group table. Altough qualifying is still an unrealistic dream, this result is sure to sooth the pride of the team and the nation alike.

The fact that the young Dragons managed to defeat this brilliant team whom is ranked as the 47th best team in the world, and a team who seemed unstoppable in the group with a 6 game winstreak, is seen as a monumental upset of the season - and one of the proudest moments of our young footballing history.

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

The Game - Summary

This match marked the third match of the second half of the qualifier season, following the Holiday Break. Prior to the start of the match, fans, analysts and even the Port Emberian Coach was thouroughly sceptical regarding a positive result for Port Ember, as the oppossing Kelssek side outmatched them in every possible aspect on paper, and truly appeared unbeatable, as they were on a steamrolling 6 game winstreak. This pessimistic views were put to bed from the moment of kickoff however.

Port Ember has a very traditional norm of playstyle - normally spending the first half in a highly defencive and counter attacking role, attempting to exhuast and frustrate their opponents, and finally going on a passionate and high octane offense on a exhuasted and frustrated opponent in the second half. Thus with Port Ember immediately going on the offense from the starting whistle, caught the opposition completely offgaurd, culminating in a world class goal from star striker Danny Nicovic as he slotted the ball into the bottom corner of the net in minute 9 - sending the full house crowd into a excited frenzy.

Following the opening goal, Port Ember dominated the pitch with world class teamwork, passing and link-up play, dominating 70% of posession for the remainder of the first half. In minute 22 striker Leon Moult took a shot at goal, which the Kelssek keeper managed to deflect, bouncing right to the feet of Captain Ray Reddington, who slotted it home without hesitation.

The veteran Kelssek side struck back in minute 30 when striker Louis Kuelvic seized a counter attack oppertunity from halfway up the pitch, and slotted the ball in for a goal - bringing the score up to 1-2.

Minute 38 saw striker Leon Moult return to form as he took the ball from halfway, straight home, by outsmarting and outdribbing 4 defenders and slotting the ball into the sticks, humiliating the opposing keeper.

The second half slowed in pace as the Dragons played a more carefull play, focussing on keeping posession away from their opponents, displaying excellent chemistry and team play. Kelssek striker
Louis Kuelvic used this calm to his advantage as he again struck home with a counter attack, bringing the score to 3-2 in favour of the Port Emberian Islander hosts.

Newcomer winger Eric Tosaír destroyed the last will of the Kelssek national team when he sprung to action in minute 76 and scored a brilliant and unexpected last try of the match.

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. Reports of victory parties all over the capital leading well into sunrise was received.

Port Emberian Player Scores

Goalkeeper (GK)(#1): Peter Smith - 7/10. The 'Rock' had a quite day between the sticks, never being truly challenged, but stopped 2 of 4 shots at goal.

Center Back (CB)(#2): Josh Richards - 7/10. Josh was a solid defender, executing brilliant tackles when required 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 assisting his side in keeping the opposing score low.

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. Was a solid defender, executing brilliant tackles when required 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 - 9/10. Brilliant day for the Captain on the field. Never failed to exploit potentiol gaps during offences and managed to create gaps when there was none. Also scored an excellent goal. Well deserved Man of The Match Award.

Defensive Midfield (DM)(#6): Steven Packard - 7/10. Great day for Steven as he worked hard, and managed to link up well 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. Had a excellent field day and proved his worth as the newcomer to the team. Scored an excellent goal due to good midfield chenistry.

Central Forward (CF)(#7): Leon Moult - 7/10. Seemed to be back to his normal and brilliant form as he posed constant threats to the opposition defence. Scored an excellent goal.

Central Forward (CF)(#9): Danny Nicovic 8/10. Seemed to be back to his normal and brilliant form as he posed constant threats to the opposition defence. Scored an excellent goal.

Match Stats

Match: Port Ember Vs Kelssek

Location: Republic of Port Ember

Result: 4 - 2 Win for Port Ember

Goals - Port Ember: Danny Nicovic; Leon Moult; Ray Reddington; Eric Tosaír

Goals - Kelssek: Louis Kuelvic x 2

Man of the Match - Port Ember: Ray Reddington

Aftermatch word from the Coach

"Well what can anyone expect me to say at this moment? This is a monumental moment for both our team and our entire nation as a whole. Once again Port Emberian heart truimphs over experience and skill." Coach Baxter

Article by Erica Davies
Port Ember Times
Sports Journal

Port Ember Times
Sports Journal

The Port Emberian Dragons prepares to face off against Appalachia 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 15 is upon the Port Emberian side.

Port Ember's national team will square off against Appalachia in their fourteenth match of the World Cup 84 Qualification Season, to be played at the Appalachia International Stadium, located in the capital of Appalacian Nation.

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

Team Stats Analysis

Appalachia:

This team is currently ranked as the 182nd best team in the world on the international ranking system, and posesses a decent footballing history and a strong and developed football culture and infrastructure. The team is filled with a sensible combination of youthfull and veteran players.

This team is currently placed in position 10 of 11 on the qualifier table - with 9 points ammassed so far, with 2 wins, 3 draws and 8 losses, scoring a total of 29 goals while allowing 37 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 starting 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, before their epic last three victories following the Holiday Break.

This team is currently placed in position 4 of 11 on the qualifier table - with 22 points ammassed so far, scoring a total of 26 goals while allowing 23 goals to be scored against them.

From a pure statistics point of view, analysts have deemed that Port Ember is the solid and absolute match favourites.

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 26 goals in their last thirteen 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 23 goals allowed through in thirteen games. However the backline managed to keep in check the total onslaught of strong offensive efforts in the previous few 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. Their previous three wins in a row, all against stronger opononents have boosted morale immensely.

Current Form:

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

Their three consecutive losses at the start of the season marked their worst losing streak to date, which they ended with four consecutive victories. This impressive streak was hampered with another two losses and a draw. They had an excellent and revengefull comeback in their last three matches 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 - Appalachia

Offense:

This team is one of the most offensive orientated teams in the world, and have build their entire strategy and philosophy around it. This high octane and thundering offence always makes for entertaining matches. This team have scored an impreasive 27 goals in their last 13 matches.

Midfield:

This team employes a veteran and skilled midfield limeup, who focusses solely on assisting and supporting their strikers, and lacks defencive link up and counter attack strategies.

Defence:

Due to the fact that this team focuses solely on aggressive and constant attacks, they sorely lack any true talent or strategy in their backline.

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 has had a difficult season with many setbacks, yet they seem to remain positive nd united on the field.

Current Form:

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

Clearly this team has had a struggling season as can be seen from the stats above. This could either finally have broken their spirit - or motivate them to a legendary comeback.

Typical Gameplan: This team plays a solid offencive game, attempting to launch a legion of attacks and overwhelm their opponents.

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.

Apalachia

RW #11 Cletus

ATK #5 William Robert

LW #10 Bubba

RM #29 Tiffany Drew

DM #34 Bobby Wayne Fuller

LM #23 Bryan Pearson

RB #36 Devin Winecroft

CB #47 Clayton Farmer

LB #88 Garret Washburn

GK #1 Calvin Throckmorton

Team Kit

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

Pre Match Interview with Coach Stuart Baxter:

Erica Davies: Coach, first off, congratulations are in order - your victory over Kelssek is the talk of the entire nation!

Coach Baxter: Thank you Erica! It is true that our victory over that powerfull team was one for the record books, and one of our greatest international victories to date - yet this is not my honor. This honor belongs to those bloody amazing and talented players playing their hearts out for our nation.

Erica Davies: Thanks for that Coach! So does this amazing victory change your opinion on the possibility of qualifying for the World Cup Proper?

Coach Baxter: Sadly it does not Erica. My views on the qualification campaign remains realistic. One epic victory in no ways garauntees follow up victories. My original goal of growing as a team whilst obtaining experience, remains just that.

Erica Davies: So coach, Appalachia is next. How are you feeling?

Coach Baxter: I feel good! I will be honest here, we are expected by the fans and analysts alike to emerge victorious, as we are a better team on paper - and offcourse we won our previous encounter. And - I too am expecting and demanding a victorious outcome from our lads. But we should remain calm and prepared for this upcoming match - our opponents are indeed having a struggling season, but they are not harmless. They have a tendency to rock the foundation of norms at certain days.

Erica Davies: Well said coach! Well thats all for today - and we as a nation hope you all the luck and fortune for tomorow!

Article by Erica Davies
Port Ember Times
Sports Journal

Port Ember Times
Sports Journal

The World Cup 84 Qualification Season

A Closer Look at Group 9 Results

By Gerhard Black - Port Ember Times Sports Journal

This article aims to take a closer look into the broader events and results relating to our opposition whom also forms part of Group 9 of the World Cup 84 Qualification Season.

Match Day 14 Results

Lisander 1–1 Valanora

Port Ember 4–2 Kelssek

Razneta 0–0 Appalachian Nation

Ethane 4–4 Five Cities

Bears Armed 1–0 Xanneria

(Nations listed first was the host of the specific match)

An Analysts opinions on Match Day 14

Lisander 1–1 Valanora

A truly shocking result to see Valanora draw against Lisander, as Valanora was expected to completely smash their oposition. Some says that Port Ember broke the will of the Valanorians with our last epic victory against them. This remains to be seen in future matches. Well done to Lisander for this upset.

Port Ember 4–2 Kelssek

Our young national team truly slayed a giant here, causing a proper upset, and damaging Kelssek's ambition to chase down that coveted qualification spot.

Razneta 0–0 Appalachian Nation

A dissapointing result for both sides, especially for Razneta who is having a decent season.

Ethane 4–4 Five Cities

The greatest shock result of Match Day 14. Ethane is a legendary and powerfull team who was steamrolling the group and holds the second position (and qualifying spot) comfortably. Five Cities on the other hand is dead last on the standings and is having a terrible season and is on terrible form. A draw here is quite a embarresing moment for Ethane.

Bears Armed 1–0 Xanneria

Another upset, as Xanneria was the match favourites. The Bears Armed are shocking the group as a whole for coming out of nowhere and delivering some excellent results, match after match.

Current Group Standings

Group 9                         Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Valanora                         13   10   1   2    48   16  +32    31
 2 Ethane                           13    9   2   2    38   23  +15    29
 3 Kelssek                          13    8   0   5    29   24   +5    24
 4 Port Ember                       13    7   1   5    26   23   +3    22
 5 Bears Armed                      13    6   2   5    27   25   +2    20
 6 Razneta                          13    5   2   6    15   22   −7    17
 7 Xanneria                         12    5   0   7    27   31   −4    15
 8 Lisander                         12    4   2   6    24   31   −7    14
 9 Ouna                             12    3   3   6    13   27  −14    12
10 Appalachian Nation               13    2   3   8    29   37   −8     9
11 Five Cities                      13    2   2   9    25   42  −17     8

Article by Gerhard Black
Port Ember Times
Sports Journal

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