World Cup 84- RP Thread (IC)

by **Chromatika** » Fri Jan 03, 2020 8:32 pm

MD18: Chromatika 3-0 Northwest Kalactin
Goals: Kim, M. J. ('38), Gail ('52), Non ('82)
Starting XI (4-2-3-1): Nichols; Xiao - Ken - Friedman - Rowles; Anisov - Kim, M.S.; Etienne (C) - Kim, M.J. - Reynolds; Non.
Substitutes: Gail -> Kim, M. J. ('48), Han -> Reynolds ('63), Ingalls -> Anisov ('79)
Projected Starting Lineup @ Petrovsky: Tioux; Xiao - Ken - Baugh - Nocturne; Ingalls - Kim, M.S.; Kelly - Kim, M.J. - Xe (C); Vidal.

Football Part 18: vs. Northwest Kalactin

Jillian Nier, Football Correspondent

They are so close. So very close. With three matches to go, Chromatika must await the results from their bye day to see if they need to win another game to qualify. If Busoga Islands and Main Nation Ministry both lose, Chromatika qualifies. The lead is nine against Main Nation Ministry and eleven against the Islanders; Chromatika has nine more points on the board.

Moreover, Mriin's defeat to Main Nation Ministry gives the Anomalies their first occurrence this cycle in placing first in the group. It is highly likely that Mriin will overtake them; or Busoga can do Chromatika another favor and take down Mriin, even if it means Chromatika must score another win in the last three matches.

The match against Northwest Kalactin was a ho-hum affair - Laure Etienne sure knows how to get the most out of her charges when playing with the mostly reserve squad. Kim Mi Jung has come alive in her last few outings, and when her substitute - Miranda Gail - also scores, one can really see the fruits of having an attacking midfielder. Finn Nichols has been making the most of his stint as reserve keeper in Tioux's absence, though Ferret is expected to start the match in Petrovsky.

Regardless, it is neigh impossible for the Chromatiks to not qualify now. Which leads to the question of whom they may face in the World Cup Proper. Regardless of how many points they earn, it is a foregone conclusion that Chromatika will be a fourth seed in the Proper; however, the team cannot fall any further than the bleak record of three losses, six scored, and fifteen allowed that they suffered at the hands of Farfadillis, Brenecia, and current co-host Cassadaigua.

With that memory in mind, the Chromatik Anomalies - led by a Nepharim and an Equestrian - will seek to make a new mark on history.

Part 17: The Planes

Part 18: The Remnant

an excerpt from a news article written by Mauricio Estagne, Political Editor, The Rebel

While everything else was going on, the debates were being staged, slowly yet methodically. The candidates of the Rainbow Party, the Checkers Party, and the Justice Party had engaged in two debates already, and there was enough information to notice a few trends:

Kerri Wyse Aart was well-spoken, firm, and uncompromising. Promising a Chromatika that would learn from its past and strive toward a better future with its allies, her message was one of collaboration, hope, determination, and growth. She didn't flinch when asked the hard questions about the war criminals or the loss of Franscesca Larriet-Cortes during the Revolution; her tone was always measured, her words true, her voice unwavering. She was the consummate politician while also being a Chromatik who had been through everything that the people had been through themselves.

Mikhail Gowers carried himself as one of great importance and power. He spoke in an even tone, wanting to explain through logic the points that he was making to the questions being received. He was unapologetic in his attitude toward foreign intervention, stating once that the other nations will swoop in and puncture holes in Chromatika to get the fledgling nation to sink below the ocean of poverty and powerlessness. He was vulnerable to falling into lengthy monologues that needed to be cut short by the moderator, and would never look neither Kerri nor Benjamin in the eye, always looking above them as if he was better than them. Of course, he denied any and all involvement with the attack on the Banijan dignitary; there hadn't been any concrete proof presented at this point by the Chromatik government (and to the surprise of most, the Banijans didn't seem to be pressing) so he remained on the floor, trying to explain why the old days were the best and Chromatika needed to remain in the dark just a little while longer.

Benjamin Parson was the most passionate and the most adamant during his speeches to the Chromatik people. He could cause a casual person to become overcome with passion for the Chromatik populace, bringing up fact after fact on the effects of the Rainbow Caste System and the Chromatik Party on the ROYG community at large. He explained in detail the dangers of letting the poison that had infected the country remain in a society that still needed much healing. Security had to stop him on three separate occasions from assaulting Mikhail physically, once launching at him with such ferocity that it took threatening his candidacy and silencing his voice to get him to calm back down. Though there is almost no chance that the Justice Party will win the election, they have been the most vocal and the most recognizable.

All signs point to a Rainbow Party victory, and pundits are wondering why Gowers and his ilk are dragging their feet so much along this experience, especially if it was the Checkers Party that had ordered the attack. Whatever their goal is, the elections loom on the horizon, and the dice will be cast to determine the direction of Chromatika's future.

Rainbow League System Preview

18. Deprí Sanar

Nickname: Yellow Jackets
Fans: Beekeepers, Jackets
Location: Deprí Sanar, Deprí District, Chromatika
Stadium: The Hive (122,000; 36,000 Seats)
History:

Manager: George Hasada, 62
Formation: (3-4-2-1)

Background: Located on the eastern part of the Deprí District, Deprí Sanar is known for two things: competing with Umbar as the place where Z'ai'ai's lumber gets turned into furniture, and as the headquarters of the Death Templars Law Firm, the biggest Law Firm of the country and once sponsor of the Premier Division. It is owned by a member of DTLF - one of its Vice Presidents, to be exact. Mr. Ezekial Unakos will not have to give up control of the team now that the Rainbow League System is an independent entity, sponsored by the Chromatik Football Federation. Deprí Sanar has a rabid fanbase as the Lanar - Sanar rivalry goes beyond just sports. Fans are dismayed that this season, it'll be Lanar in the Red League.

Preseason Grading: brought to you by ChromatikBet.com

Fanbase: 8/10: Deprí Sanar fans are rabid and rather loud. They like to see results, though, so some must come soon.
Manager: 6/10: Longtime Manager George Hasada has been with the team through thick and thin. Was going to be axed, but with the league system changing again, it was decided that the management would give him one more try.
Keepers: N/A: The Yellow Jackets are lacking a starting keeper.
Defenders: 6/10: The Yellow Jackets' defense was asked to do a lot last season, and they almost came through. However, lack of production in the offensive end put too much stress on them, and they folded often.
Midfielders: N/A: Deprí Sanar is missing both center midfielders. Maryanna Casavant will most likely not remain on the roster through the offseason.
Strikers: N/A: Deprí Sanar is missing a striker. Stefan Metod was once almost a NT regular - it will remain to be seen if he is to stay.
Greatest Need: When the Chromatik League disbanded, all foreign players were let go. Deprí Sanar lost a few key pieces, but more important will be rather or not they can hold the pair of Casavant and Metod, and if not, whom they will acquire to replace them. The Yellow Jackets will be hard pressed to remain in the Red League.
Next: Lorentine

by **Brusseldorf** » Fri Jan 03, 2020 8:54 pm

Excerpt from The Australialia Cataclysm Pt.1

200 floors below, the elevator opened. A dark, cloaked figure walked out, pacing across the lobby to the centre of the room. He stopped, and nelt down next to the two security guards he’d dispatched earlier. He took a moment to admire his handiwork. The receptionist, collapsed over his desk, had been an unfortunate case. By all accounts, he should have been safe at home, in bed. Instead the receptionist had still been at work. It didn’t matter. Acceptable casualties.
The cloaked man pulled out his phone, and dialled the contact listed “Deputy”
He sat down on one of the comfortable satin lounges, and allowed himself a smile as he noticed the smooth jazz still playing on the lobby speakers.
20 minutes later an unmarked black car pulled up outside. The cloaked man walked out into the scything rain and opened the door for the Deputy Prime Minister. As the Deputy looked up to thank him, the Deputy’s face paled. The cloaked man stared seemingly into his soul, a smouldering stare that could be matched only by the Deputy’s own.
For it was his own.
The same smouldering stare the Deputy was known for. The same eyes. The same brow. The same hair. The Deputy was looking at the mirror image of himself.
Before he could regain his composure, the cloaked man squeezed the trigger once more. The Deputy Prime Minister was dead.
The cloaked man got in the car with the dead body. He gave a signal to the driver.
The car disappeared into the restless night

Present day

Abelt sighed with relief. The pressure was off his shoulders now.

by **Filindostan** » Fri Jan 03, 2020 9:15 pm

Tonight's Episode:
"The run-in: Discussion on Filindostan's chances for World Cup 84 Finals"

BHOY: Good Evening, Filindostan. My name is Tito Bhoy, and tonight, we will discuss the chances Filindostan have for the World Cup 84 finals with four matches remaining in their schedule. The Pula Garudas have an eight point deficit against Ziwana and seven against Qasden, and joining me to discuss this is retired Filindostani player and now an assistant coach for Perodos Bandariyan, Dina Satyawan. Good evening, Dina!

DINA: Hi, Tito Bhoy, thanks for having me here to be featured in your program.

BHOY: So we'll show you the run-in of the remaining matches in our beautiful screen - For Filindostan, they have Mitra and Soma away, Flavovespia home, Mustardy away, and the Vakolicci Haven and Celeria at home to close out their schedule. Ziwana on the other hand, have Furby Island home, Bliuji away, Squornshelan Remnant States home, and a bye in the last round of matches. And then Qasden have Flavovespia away, Mustardy home, Vakolicci Haven and Celeria away, and the home match against group leaders South Covello to close out their schedule.

DINA: Oh, I see. It seems the Pula Garuda had a slim to none amount of chances to go to the World Cup finals, and have to contend for the Cup of Harmony, should they ever get invited.

BHOY: You can share your analysis.

DINA: Aside from South Covello, Filindostan are facing against opponents faced by Qasden in the preceding matchday. I presume aside from SoCo, no other team can get points from Qasden. Maybe Flavovespia can get one, but they need another match where Qasden slips up, I just don't see the two teams putting in a fight against them. So I'm picking them for the remaining spot. For the Akambuku though, I can say we can pip them to third, but in a addition to the bye they have, only SRS have a chance to deal damage to their points haul of their three opponents - one of which is the lowly Furby Island.

BHOY: I see, what are your other thoughts about the team?

DINA: I'd say we should keep Mr. Sudirman up to the Campionato, and if he shows good performance, then we could attempt again to qualify next edition.

BHOY: Okay, now we'll discuss about your life post-retirement.

DINA: I rested from all football activity for some months, then I received several offers for a coaching staff job, I wanted to stay near my hometown for a while, so I accepted Perodos' offer.

BHOY: How's the club?

DINA: Right now, our team have promising players, but we sit mid-table, and we're already out of the title picture. Maybe we'll focus on not leaking goals for a while so we can grab that Vilitan Cove Invitiational spot. But let's see.

BHOY: Will you have any hopes of becoming a manager someday?

DINA: Probably, I'll look into it. I need to pass some certifications first before taking higher management responsibilities though.

BHOY: Okay, let's do some fast talk.

...

BHOY: We have come to the end of the show guys. Dina, nice to have you as guest in my show today. Remember folks, God Bless you, make your mama proud, and Good Evening Filindostan.

by **Ziwana** » Fri Jan 03, 2020 9:29 pm

World Cup 81/82/83/84

Will you feel as though you've been gouged and gored after matchday 19?

cutoff

by **Taeshan** » Fri Jan 03, 2020 10:34 pm

"A 1-0 loss to Jeruselem at home, and now what was once an 11 point lead is down to a 3 point lead with no greater goal differential. Schottia also wins in Welzat meaning everything is to play for on the final three matchdays."

"This is embarrassing. Absolutely the worst game we've played all season. Qualification should have been wrapped up months ago. Now this is where we're at. 3 games to go in a 3 team race. This is ridiculous."

"So what is your plan"?

"Well we now go to Schottia. A team mind you 132 ranks below us. We have to win. Jeruselem hosts Free Republics. Which i guess is slightly harder than us visiting Schottia. But face it if we lose and they were to win we sit 3rd after being top 2 for the whole campaign."

"What do you say to the squad"?

"Figure it out. I'm benching everyone. All 11 players sitting to start the next game. This shouldn't happen. I don't know what formation, but I have 13 players on the bench that can come in. A goalie and a midfielder won't start, but surely that has to be better."

"Surely Florian can't be blamed for the offense's failure to score"?

"I mean he still let a goal in. At home, for the second time. This is just not good enough. A message needs to be sent and I'm sending it. We win this game and it's basically over. Now we need to win another. We can still qualify, but at this point we're backing our way into the World Cup at best. This is not what I'm coaching this squad for. Just sick to watch."

"So who is your starting 11 then"?

"I think I go Esteban in goal. A back four of Borja, Cavanaugh, Foster, and Kepler. Midfield of Moriarty, Melchoir, Sneijder, and Matheiu. With Elmo and Shannon up top. Giacomo and Aysa on the bench."

"What about the rest of the squad"?

"They stay at home."

"Can you afford to do that with qualification on the line"?

"I don't care. They don't deserve to take this trip if they play like this. We're sending a message."

"And if you win."

"We'll see about it at that point."

by **Hapilopper** » Fri Jan 03, 2020 10:55 pm

HAPILOPPER MAY SKIP CUP OF HARMONY IF INVITED
By Bill Falk, H-Sports Today

Dominic Probst, the president of the Hapilopper Football Association, told reporters that the HFA was “seriously considering” declining an invitation to the 76th Cup of Harmony if they were invited. Probst, visibly agitated by recent poor showings against Equestria and Kwangtzu Guannan, made the declaration in the media room at Capital Stadium during the team’s media day held during the most recent match day.

The 76th Cup of Harmony is likely to be held in Banija and Xanneria. Probst said that Hapilopper no-showing the Cup of Harmony would not be intended to be a slight on the hosts, but rather a sign of frustration over what had been a disappointing qualifying run for the 84th World Cup.

“First of all, let me point out right now we like Banija,” Probst said. “We like Xanneria. Those of us in the Hapiloppian sports community have had dealings with both nations and the people from both lands, and we’ve got nothing but the utmost respect for them. Our problem is, however, is that we didn’t come here to qualify for a consolation prize. We came here to qualify for the big prize, and we’re not going to settle for anything less.”

Probst and members of the Hapilopper National Football Team were visibly angry after the last two matches, which saw the Haps lose a crushing heartbreaker to the Equestrians, and then an unmotivated draw to Kwangtzu Guannan. Probst said to reporters following the most recent match that the Haps would need nothing short of a miracle at this point.

“We should be in there with the Ponies,” Probst ranted. “There is no reason, period, why we should be this far back. There is no excuse for it, and if we don’t make it, I’m gonna make god damn sure that those mistakes are corrected. We didn’t come out here to qualify for some consolation tournament. Period. I am not going to have a team mired in Cup of Harmony Hell.”

Probst’s comments were met with a roar of disapproval from team observers, many of which saw his comments as simply a team executive being a sore loser for what had been a hard-fought campaign. One of them, interestingly, was Ernie Stevenson, Hapilopper’s most visible player.

“If we don’t qualify, we’ll just make the Cup of Harmony and we’ll win,” Stevenson said. “Nothing to worry about. Mr. Probst is worried, he’s got that big place in his trophy shelf for a World Cup trophy, and we’ll get it before long. But we’ve got to learn to walk before we can run. We’ve already learned to crawl, now it’s time to learn to walk. If Dom can pump the brakes and realize we’re a second-year outfit punching above our weight, he’ll realize we’re actually doing pretty well.”

Head coach Thomas Perkins, a highly popular figure within Hapiloppian sport, expressed hope that the team would succeed in whatever tournament it would be a part of.

“I can’t say if we’re going to be in the Cup of Harmony, the World Cup or nothing at all,” Perkins told reporters. “Dom is pretty angry right now and he’s adamant we’re either in the World Cup or nothing, so who knows. I think we’ll know in a few weeks what our plans will be, so stay tuned.”

Hapilopper’s next match is at Capital Stadium, where they will play the team from Quakmybush. Tickets are sold out for the match.

by **Jeruselem** » Sat Jan 04, 2020 4:52 am

Princess Katherine Annabelle Dallas in Taeshan with Purple hair

HELLO, this is Princess Katherine Annabelle Dallas for another World Cup 84 qualification game. It's round 19, with 3 games left. I'm in Taeshan, our rival for 2nd spot in Group 11. In group 11, there's only 4 teams left in contention. So there's not much time left to decide. There were other games other than us vs Taeshan, most of which didn't really change who's going qualify.

TJUN-ia had visitors Galar and won 5-3. This keeps Galar last, as per normal! A win for TJUN-ia who are eliminated regardless anyway.
Geektopia finally got a bloody win again, beating the home team Balqia 1-0. Well, they won't be last because there's like 9 points between them and Galar. Balqia I guess have nothing to play for really.
Schottia who need all the luck to take 2nd spot, beat Welzat away to keep their hopes alive. 4-3 but they always win like that.
Hey, what's going here! Free Republics managed a 3-3 draw with Savojarna who are eliminated anyway. Breaks a long winning streak but it doesn't matter much. No one take stop them making the top 2 even if they don't bother playing the last 3 games. They will but they don't need the points

Well that leaves ... 2nd vs 3rd in Group 11. We have a team that should have qualified by now and a team who are threatening to take spot. If Taeshan win, then they put difference between them and us to 9 points. If Jeruselem win, the gap changes from 6 to 3 points. 3 points is just one win while 9 points is 3 wins.

The home team disappointed their home crowd going down 1-0 to the Princesses. Last time we met was Taeshan beating us 2-1 at home but avenged that loss. Taeshan's formation is well ... quite defensive to breaking it was hard work. The plus side is they didn't threaten us as much as you would if you played Free Republics. Taeshan do have the best defense in Group 11, the republics is 2nd best. Well our strategy did kinda work, we finally broke through with that one goal and that seemed to break them.

The table, Galar are still last on 11. Welzat 10th on 11. Nahkistan still 9th on 12. Geektopia still 8th on 20 points. Savojarna 7th in 21. TJUN-ia 6th on 22 and 5th are Balqia on 24. These teams are eliminated.

Top 4 - Schottia are 4th on 31, with Jeruselem still 3rd on 33. Taeshan's buffer has evaporated to 3 points on 36 points. Free Republics are on 46 and well, they are safe. At one stage Jeruselem and Schottia were looking to be fighting it out for 3rd spot, but Taeshan's recent stumbles have opened the door.

Yes, we can't afford to be complacent especially with that game against Free Republics! Taeshan have to play Schottia as well. So all teams 2nd to 4th need to keep winning.

If you looked the 1st half of qualification, and projected it ... then you'd think it was Free Republics and Taeshan for sure. Say you just doubled the points and it would be Free Republics 54, Taeshan 50. Schottia 34 and Jeruselem 28. We'll ignore the rest. Well Free Republics will be close but Taeshan based on the 1st half have 33 and that's not anywhere close to 50. Jeruselem and Schottia have improved so much in 2nd half. It's a case of you cannot judge final result from the 1st half because things can change.

Group 11
Free Republics 3–3 Savojarna
Taeshan 0–1 Jeruselem
Welzat 3–4 Schottia
Balqia 0–1 Geektopia
TJUN-ia 5–3 Galar

by **Bolgano** » Sat Jan 04, 2020 5:54 am

Lochario 1-1 Bolgano

Goalscores
LOC: Player #9 '23
BGN: Frizzel '87
Another hard day for Bolgano, draw 1-1 with a nation that ceased to exist recently, Lochario managed to draw a tie as locals (in neutral stadium) where a goal from Player # 9 gave them the opportunity to survive in the group, Daniels Frizzel managed to score a goal in the 86th minute rescuing a point against this team, sadly his chances of getting the victory goal never came, a sad draw left them with 19 points, Bolgano only has 2 games left before a possible dream in the Cup of Harmony 76.

In the group, Nephara and Siovanija & Teusland will be the teams that will qualify for the 84th World Cup, where making effort is useless, other nations can still fight for 2 places as is the case of many current groups where 4 teams are fighting for only those 2 very important quotas, although Bolgano is already far from achieving it, he must complete his calendar.

by **Newmanistan** » Sat Jan 04, 2020 6:55 am

THE ROCKET REPORT

INJURY DOOMS THE ROCKETS

by Brianne Henry,

The match against Audioslavia got off to a fast start in terms of the overall action. Desya Kuznetsov put the Bulls up 1-0 scoring off a tenth minute corner kick. Seven minutes later, Newmanistan found the equalizer in a similar fashion, this coming off the head of Brent Chapman into the top left corner. The crowd here in Pocono City was thrilled with the quick response as everyone in attendance, regardless of who you were rooting for, knew that we would be in for quite a matchup.

In the 29th minute, things changed. Contact between Alessandro Juliana, who aggressively charged up the right wing, and goalkeeper Ryan McNamara saw the Rockets keeper struggle to get up. Tim Marley and Scott Corellis frantically ran back to cover for their injured goalkeeper, knowing the Banijan referee was not going to stop play with such a strong opportunity still present for the Bulls, one in which Kuznetsov cashed in on for his second of the match. After the goal, all of the concern turned towards McNamara who still could not get up. Corellis would plead his case with the referee that play should have been stopped, because that is what one is supposed to do. While the crowd also booed, deep down, every one of us realized, whether watching or playing, that it was the right move to let play carry on. It was simply, frustrating. McNamara, who allowed four goals in the previous match to Pius D, had to be helped off the field. Of course, if you remember the loss to Pius D, where we had a 3-2 late in the match, McNamara appeared to injure his left leg in that match, but insisted that he could continue. Backup keeper Aaron Scarpa was warming up, but Miguel Hernandez made the decision to stick with McNamara. As we know and regret, McNamara allowed goals on the next two shots he faced, in the 80th and 84th minutes that allowed Pius D to come from behind and get the huge 4-3 upset win for their squad. Following the match, there was a lot of speculation as to the physical condition of McNamara, but both he and coach Hernandez insisted that they would be fine for the match against Audioslavia.

Perhaps athletes can be a little stubborn. There would be no way that McNamara would want to miss out on such a critical game, and he said all of the right things in preparation for the match. All of the quotes from the Rockets coaching and training staff insisted that he would be fine and ready to play. Ryan seemed to be in good health as he took the field for this match, and did well enough in the opening minutes to allow us to think that he was not showing any signs of the injury. The first Kuznetsov goal was not really one that you can pin on the keeper. It was a well executed corner from the Bulls, and Kuznetsov placed the shot perfectly. Between that goal, and that contact with Juliana, things seemed to be fine for him. No one is saying Alessandro Juliana did anything, he was coming on full speed looking to get a pass to him, and McNamara also looked to make a play on the ball. The only problem with this play in my opinion is that McNamara probably should have allowed Shawn Stoddard to take care of it, since Juliana was his man, and there was nothing wrong with Stoddard’s positioning. In all honestly, McNamara’s move on the ball, which ended up deflecting off Juliana and fortuitously, for the Bulls, bounced towards Kuznetsov, also took Stoddard out of the play. With McNamara down, Stoddard needing to alter his path, fans hoped for a whistle, and images of the official on replay show that he had been prepared to blow it. If the Rockets had secured possession, he probably would have, like he should have. But they did not, and play carried on for Kuznetsov to take care of the opportunity, and capitalize.

Ryan McNamara had to be helped up, clearly favoring his left leg, the same leg that he appeared to injure against Pius D. Now, he will not be remembered as a keeper who allowed only 15 goals in 15 games, but as one who may have cost the team a lot of points due to his stubbornness to come out when he should have. It will be pinned on him that he should have came out against Pius D when we had the 3-2 lead. Hernandez had the substitution available and Aaron Scarpa was ready to enter the game. It will never be known if Scarpa would have also allowed the goals, but he will be given the benefit of the doubt by the army of second guessers. Officially in this match, McNamara faced four shots on target, and only made two saves. Throw in the Pius D match, and out of the last seven shots on target he faced, he only made three saves. That is not getting it done. Clearly, something was bothering him.

This time, Hernandez had no choice but to put in Aaron Scarpa since McNamara could not put any weight down on his injured leg, and had to be taken back to the locker room. He would only return to the sidelines in the second half while in civilian clothes and on crutches. As for Audioslavia, they were smart, and went for it quickly against the new keeper, and the Rockets defense could not prevent them from sustaining momentum. Scarpa stopped two shots quickly, but in the 40th minute, he could not stop Juliana from making it 3-1, which is where we were when we went to halftime.

At the break, the mood in the stands became quite somber. The fans battled two schools of thought, the first being that this was probably going to be the beginning of the end for our hopes of qualification, even though in reality it is not. (Newmanistan, if they won out and beat Sargossa on the road by at least two, would have the tiebreaker on the Corsairs). The second school of thought is that they had done such a great job getting to this point. When we talked about this campaign from the start, we talked about it being considered a success if we hung in there until the end, which is what we were doing. Most projected us to finish fourth, and perhaps third. We may end up in third, but have made the top two a little concerned. In the second half, you have to give the Rockets credit, and soon the fans put those thoughts ahead thinking that we may come back in this one. Jerome Beyer sliced the deficit to one on a 54th minute goal, and afterwards play continued to be dominated by the Rockets. With the fans standing and hoping, living through every play, they were coming so close. In the 69th minute, Derek Schaefer hit the post with a shot, and three minutes later, a shot that was saved by Ángel Clavel, but not controlled looked like it was going to trickle in. However, a goal-saving play by the young Haarland Carter kept that from happening. The Rockets sent more men further as the game continued to move on, and more chances would come of it. However, Clavel, and his defense stood firm, preventing the sky blue from getting the equalizer. With three minutes to go, even the goalkeeper Scarpa was pushed forward, and you can’t blame them. Unfortunately, the Rockets could not get another goal, and the Bulls answered in counter attack in the 90th minute on the unattended goal, with Juliana picking up his second of the match.

You have to give our guys credit, at least. Now, some elements of reality are starting to set in. We were always the underdog, and now there is one last chance. Newmanistan heads to Sargossa, where they must win, first and foremost. Secondly, they must win by at least two goals. If we win by one goal, then it reverts to overall goal difference, which is not in our favor at this time. Sargossa, after our match, has two winnable games, so is not likely to drop another point even if we did get the win. Still, we can hope.

What we do know for sure is that Aaron Scarpa is the Rockets keeper for the rest of qualifying. Ryan McNamara tore his ACL and will be out indefinitely.

by **Schottia** » Sat Jan 04, 2020 7:32 am

The Wedding

Part Five.

The Engagement.

“My shift finishes at six, if – I don’t know – you’d like to get a bite to eat…”

That was how it started. Not him doing the asking, but her. For Ross, that was definitely a big factor. A novelty. He was sick of doing all the chasing. He’d done that for nearly six years with Connie, and it hadn’t worked out well for him. Ereni Estrazari wasn’t the typical sort of woman who would feign an interest; and that had his attention from the start. There was no façade, no manufactured veneer; rather, she seemed - more or less - normal.

The move to Colonial Sile had been hard for him; it had come at a bad time. However, the way he (and his agent) saw it, it was the only decent option open to him. Leaving the V-League wouldn’t have been the best of ideas during Schottia’s hiatus; he would have had to register as a free agent, and take what he could get. As it was, relocating from Turori to Turoki Island wasn’t something that he’d planned and it was undertaken through obligation rather than any great desire. Ross had made a few friends at Cednia Beach, but after he and Connie called things off, he’d felt himself becoming more withdrawn. By the time the transfer to Colonial Sile went through, it was a thoroughly isolated and disenchanted Ross who made the short trip across the water. He’d just taken the first apartment his agent had found, hopped on a plane, and got on with it.

He’d been walking along to cafe at the end of the boulevard for the best part of a year before he actually spoke to Ereni. He’d been introduced to the idea of Cafés by Connie, and if he were being honest, it was probably the fact that he was still missing her that had prompted him to seek one out. Previously he had only seen these establishments as a vender of hot beverages, a necessity, a place to be in and out of as quickly as the product could be consumed. However, Connie took a special interest in all their quirks, the nooks and crannies. There were cafes that were good to sit in when you were sad, others for when you were happy. Some which accommodated the reading of a good book, and there were others where you would go to spark a conversation.

The café in which Ereni worked was… well Ross wasn’t sure, but it was close enough to his apartment, and seemed specious enough that he never had to worry about finding a seat. That was important. He had an anxiety about walking into an establishment, looking around in vain, and then having to walk straight back out. Going there had brought sense of routine and comfort, something to do at the end of a long day when he got back from training. He’d been in such regular attendance that he even had a table: just at the junction, where the café proper met the hallway to the back room and the toilets. It always seemed to be free. It was a table for two, although the other seat was never occupied; and Ross had room to spread out his newspaper and still have his cup of tea at the ready. Sometimes he’d order food, although the guilt he felt at deviating from the dietitians’ guidance always spoiled it somehow.

‘One cheese and ham panini.’ The waitress stated, pausing to give Ross enough time to fold is newspaper and create some space.

Ross issued a sigh of compunction. ‘Thank you.’

‘If you don’t want it, I can take it back?’ She hesitated, mistaking his inner self-loathing for disgust.

‘No.’ Ross managed a smile. ‘Pop it down there, I’ll… eh… yeah, thank you.’ Ross picked up the white paper napkin, and began to tuck it into his collar to ward off spillages.

‘Score any goals yesterday?’ She asked, causing Ross to pause, mouth open and ready to bite. For some reason her words broke a spell. Up until that very second he had been under the ridiculous illusion that no one here knew who he was. Of course, in hindsight, they were just too polite to say anything.

He placed the sandwich back on the plate, before offering a nervous smile. ‘No. Eh, no I did not.’ Ross thought he should say a bit more, he didn’t want to come across as being blunt. No one liked a stuck up celebrity. ‘Sadly… Better luck next time I guess…’ The waitress offered a smile and a shrug, before turning and heading back towards the kitchens. Ross watched her until she disappeared from sight.

These snippets of interaction increased in length and frequency, until, after a month or so, they could accurately be described as conversations. Ross had even grown to look forward to them, doing his best to avoid contact with the other servers. Things came to a head one day, when Ereni pulled up the chair opposite, and informed him that she was on her break. Ross was to expert when it came to relationships, but after the “sitting incident” he was confident that she was at least moderately interested.

Perhaps it was because Ross was otherwise alone, that their relationship moved at such a pace. He didn’t have much to pour his attention into other than love and football, and as a result, both began to flourish. Given that they were spending so much time in each other’s apartments, moving in together made sense, and before Ross knew it, they were talking futures.

The decision to get married was just that, a decision. It wasn’t a spontaneous act by either party; it was something that they arrived upon after careful consideration. Neither of them knew what the future held, and if Ross was required to move again at very little notice, then they would at least be afforded some rights as a couple. That didn’t mean to say, of course, that they were entering into the marriage reluctantly, but it certainly caught both sets of parents by surprise…

by **HUElavia** » Sat Jan 04, 2020 8:29 am

HUElavia wins to stay alive!

Once again, HUElavia wins a match by a one goal margin after having a see-saw match while visiting Folmara at Stade de Ragnac, in Ragnac (65,000). The match was played by a mix of B-Team players and the inclusion of Rocheteau and Petit, in honor of the opponent's Franc culture.

The first half was spectacular, as four of the goals were scored within the first 20 minutes, with a corner by Rocheteau meeting the head of Petit to head it in past Dagobert to make it 0-1 in the 6th minute. In the 12th minute, a blast by Arnold went past Armelino to tie it 1-1. Almost immediately, in the 14th minute, HUElavia retook the lead as a long pass by Ramirez found the feet of Navarro as he blasted it past Dagobert to make it 1-2. In the 19th minute, a corner that was crossed met the head of Alberix to head it past Armelino to make it 2-2. There were some attempts for the rest of the half, but the first half ended 2-2.

The second half started with a bang, as right at kick off, a pass by Petit allowed Eduardo to run past defenders to slide it in between Dagobert's legs to make it 2-3, giving an important lead. Folmara tried and tried to score after that, but to no avail as the shots were blocked by Armelino with ease. The match ended with the score of 2-3, and HUElavia breathed a sigh of relief as they managed to keep 2nd place to themselves.

With the win, HUElavia still hold off Mercedini to keep 2nd place with 39 points. As Mercedini has their "bye-week," HUElavia will host Magnaterrica in Estadio Porto (60,000) in Portimao, where a win could have HUElavia be within a grasp of qualifying for World Cup 84. Los Amarillos will once again play with their B-Team to rest for the final matchday at Eastfield Lodge on Matchday 22.

FORCA HUELAVIA! VAMOS HUELAVIA! GO HUELAVIA!

by **Free Republics** » Sat Jan 04, 2020 9:14 am

Judge Kristall Rivera's Courtroom
Court of Common Pleas, Republica, Free Republics

The Polus v. South Covello case had proceeded rapidly through the discovery process and to trial. Sister Polus had requested a trial by jury, expecting a jury to be more favorable to her than allowing the judge to decide the case. Under Republican law, there was a constitutional right to request a trial by jury in all legal proceedings with the exception of Court of Appeals and Supreme Court cases. Juries were barred in those cases on the grounds that a jury had already decided the case. In addition, in criminal cases, it was unconstitutional to try a defendant again if the case resulted in a not guilty verdict or a hung jury so criminal appeals were limited to cases where the accused had already been convicted. In civil cases, a jury customarily consisted of 9 jurors and a simple majority was required to win a civil case.

The trial in this particular case was fairly short. Sister Polus represented herself in court, after getting into an argument with her attorney the day before the trial and firing him, and went on an unhinged rant reminiscent of her television program. Patricia Lawrence and Pieter Pieper were defended by Mirabelle Blanchard, an attorney with the Republican Civil Liberties Union (RCLU), who argued that the case was an outrageous attempt to weaponize the Republican judiciary against citizens of a foreign nation over events that happened in a foreign nation. By afternoon of the first day of the trial, Judge Rivera had already instructed the jury and sent them into the deliberation room.

In the deliberation room, the jury foreman, an elderly man named Daniel Konig whom the members of the jury had chosen because he was the only one who had previously been a juror, started the deliberations by asking the other 8 jurors what their thoughts of the case were. A young woman named Yuzuho Okuta spoke first:

Yuzuho Okuta - I don't think it was right to pie that woman in the face but I understand why they did it.

The balding middle aged man, Vivaldo Lettiere, spoke next:

Vivaldo Lettiere - I actually think they should be given a medal for pieing her in the face. I can't stand that woman.

The remaining jurors echoed similar sentiments one by one.

Daniel Konig - Then, I assume we've all come to a verdict.

Vivaldo Lettiere - Yes. Find for the defendants.

All agreed.

Daniel Konig - Now, we have to consider whether or not to award damages to the defendants.

The jury could not come to a consensus on that question but a majority agreed to award legal costs to the defendants. A slim majority rejected the idea of any punitive damages against Sister Polus. Within half an hour, the jury had reached a verdict and returned to the court room.

Judge Rivera - Has the jury reached a verdict in the case of Polus v. South Covello?

Daniel Konig - Your honor, we have reached a unanimous verdict in favor of the defendants. Furthermore, by a 5 to 4 vote, we have decided that Sister Polus shall pay the full legal costs of the defense.

Sister Polus went ballistic almost instantly and started shouting in Latin.

Judge Rivera - Ma'am, you need to calm down right now or I will have no choice but to hold you in contempt.

Sister Polus switched to English and starting shouting about how the judge is corrupt and how she was going to be impeached.

Judge Rivera - Ma'am, you have left me no choice. I find you in contempt. Bailiff, please take her to jail.

The bailiff and a couple police officers quickly subdued Sister Polus and hauled her into jail. She would be released the following day after apologizing to the judge. After being released, she immediately filed an appeal...

by **Ko-oren** » Sat Jan 04, 2020 9:43 am

Ko-oren's route to the promised land

SCHEDULE AND STANDINGS
       35p  33p  29p
       KOR  NLU  ERA
MD 20 @TAR @APX vALD
MD 21 vGRO vBAR @ESH
MD 22 @IND ---- vZSE

No idea how, but Ko-oren are back in the driver's seat as far as qualification for the World Cup is concerned. It's possible that we're looking at the first repeat qualification since World Cups 74 and 75 - and the very last chance for head coach Juliasterinthen to be kept on board by the KFA.

Before we're there, however, there's the little matter of three remaining matchdays. And there's more than enough that can happen in that span of time. Apox has escaped everyone's grasp and are looking forward to at least three games in Cassadaigua or Baker Park. Ko-oren, as well as New Lusitania and Eraman, are fighting for that second spot though not everyone is sitting equally comfortably.

The Dragonflies have 35 points, from four straight wins after the horrendous 4-game losing streak. Juliasterinthen's warning by the KFA has apparently hit home, and the team has chased better results - sometimes by eschewing youth and/or playing style. Still, the results were more than necessary and whether it'll come back to haunt us in the early stages of World Cup 85 (by again not selecting new players that could elevate the national team in the future) be damned. That's a problem for later, because right now we need to stay in front of the other two just long enough to get to the big one.

Ko-oren are on 35 points, New Lusitania have 33 but one fewer game, and Eraman have 29 points.

Ko-oren are playing Tarchusland next, an away game, which could mean anything: the streak says a win, our record against lower seeds says it's probably going to be a draw. Meanwhile, New Lusitania takes on Apox away - so here's us hoping that the hosts will play their regular XI for a win, that should take us to the World Cup almost definitely. Eraman are six points behind, so they need their rivals to do terribly and win three games themselves, basically. They start their comeback run at home against Aldaveria - so two out of three candidates get winnable games.

On the second-to-last day, Ko-oren host Grod Island, another winnable one on paper, only making it more likely that we're dropping one of these two games. Or both, for that matter. Meanwhile, we have New Lusitania playing their final game of the campaign, versus Barfleur - another minnow, but one that has at times taken points off of bigger teams. Eraman faces Eshan, a match that is downright treacherous. Eshan can't qualify anymore, but they do have a good team. Eshan have only lost three times so far, and their 'death' has come from a lot of ties (so that's like the Dragonflies at least). Eraman is not guaranteed three points here.

Then, on the last day, Ko-oren visit Indusse for a grudge match, and Eraman hosts the ZSeparatists. They're dead last so we can already mentally assign Eraman the three points.

Eraman can get a maximum of 38 points - so if we get only a draw and a win out of the final three matchdays, we've already beaten them. New Lusitania can get a maximum of 39 points. Effectively, if the Dragonflies win two out of the last three, we're in the World Cup for sure. And that is if our rivals keep winning everything there is. There's an added bonus that the three contenders do not play each other, so there are no additional scenarios there. If Eraman and New Lusitania drop points, even a single tie, their maximum points drop to 36 and 37 - and that would mean a single win would be enough for the Dragonflies.

by **Ancherion** » Sat Jan 04, 2020 9:57 am

With the second half of qualifying beginning, it wasn't a good start. An 8 goal spectacle was also the match where Ancherion only took 1 point when it should have been more, many defensive errors gave Castanya the lead in the first half. De Mequites starting the reserve squad but then making all the substitutes to bring on Kolos Heynes, Sikim Arts and Simon Ado. Two goals from Sami Taylor in the opening ten minutes of the second half gave the team their fighting spirit. Later on, goals from Ali Roberts and Fabiano Moon took the lead for the Ancherion side however a 85th equalizer from Castanya ended the match as it was. De Mequites and the coaching staff were disappointed with the result and had to make catastrophic changes for the road ahead against Vilita. This match didn't go well either, the main squad was all on the pitch for this match but the number one team had just dominated throughout the whole match but consolation goals by Jaklim ended the match 6-2, the oppositions seem to be playing even better than when VIlita visited Paradisia in the first half so it wasn't easy to determine who was going to win.

Then came the next match against Mattijana, De Mequites decided to keep the same team that lost against Vilita. The match didn't start well with a goal from Lorenzic in the 16th minute and then in the closing time of the first half, Petro conceded a penalty which Jakupovic then converted to close the first half with a two goal deficit. In the second half the team were attacking more and then eventually Colley made the cross into the box where Garcia volleyed the ball past the keeper. With the difference only being a single goal now, it triggered the opposition to change their mentality and then in the 64th minute, Bisrali secured a goal for the Mattijana side. De Mequites made changes and brought on Taylor, Smith and Roberts. Right after that Sami Taylor made a precise header from a cross sent by Roberts. The remainder of the match had no major chances by either sides as the whistle blows and another loss for De Mequites' team.

The losing streak didn't stop there as team went on to visit unranked team Gopnikea in which was an appalling match for the team and they miss out on more crucial points as they lose 2-0. This match may have been what decides whether we qualify for the World Cup or not and the Ancherion team just threw it as if they didn't want it, the travelling fans were not happy with this performance. However for the other team is all cheers and glory as this will remain as a memory for their nation. For the next match against Fetra, De Mequites made changes and also played a 4-3-3 formation for this, the team consisted of Benly, Arts, Crisp, Szocsit, Haynes, Garcia, Ado, Salivlo, Bosnar, Taylor and Jaklim. This match was filled with goals and mainly for Ancherion, two goals by Taylor and a single goal by Ado in the first half opened a 3-0 lead. In the second half this scoreline was threatened by Fetra and then eventually they scored a goal, a quick response from Ancherion occured when a clever piece of play by Jaklim and Taylor from the kick off kept the ball until Jaklim scored a fantastic volley from just outside the box. This didn't stop the team from attacking and the a free kick for Garcia was slotted in over the wall right past the keeper to make the score line 5-1. In the 83rd minute, Fetra had scored their second goal but mattered very little as the whistle blew with huge celebrations from the fans to end their losing streak in such style.

This didn't stop the team as they travelled to Zwangzug for the repeat and hoping for a result that was good as the previous meeting but for Zwangzug, this was a very important match for them and also to get revenge. Jaklim and Ado has been benched for this match and is replaced by Mamadou Kaur and Chrisanna Leech respectively whilst keeping the rest of the team the same. During the match, the first 20 minutes was very much both teams showing what they got in the initial clash. It was Leech who got the first goal of the game with Salivlo playing a ball through to the wing where Taylor was who then crossed the ball into the box where Leech headed the ball in. It didn't take long for Zwangzug to reply when Kukiseso volleyed the ball in from 12 yards away past Benly's arm. Nearly twenty minutes later, Garcia scored another free kick for the team from 25 yards away as it hit the crossbar and went down into the goal where the keeper couldn't react to. A few minutes later, Arts had conceded a foul outside of the box and then from that set piece, Friede headed the ball into the goal at the back post as he has been left unmarked. For the remainder of the first half, neither sides made shots at goal as the ball went back and forth between players with no real progression to either sides and ended the first half 2-2.

Both sides feeling they still had a chance of winning this match, you could hear all the fans from both sides chanting as the second half began. And it was Ancherion with Kaur who had the first attempt, Garcia played a through ball over the defense where Kaur picked it up and ran at goal and scored, however the goal was disallowed with Kaur being offside by a very small distance. This didn't stop Kaur from scoring a goal as he did so in the 60th minute from a corner kick. Haynes passed the ball to Garcia who was on the wing, he crossed the ball in on the ground where Kaur's boot met the end of it and sent it into the net. The fans were cheering with delight whilst the Zwangzug fans were struck. Zwangzug then had a few chances by were cleared easily by the Ancherion defense. In the counter attack, Szocsit got the ball went down the right wing and then past it Garcia who went through the defense and scored another goal in what seems like a clear victory for Ancherion. This didn't stop the Zwangzug players, they kept on trying to threaten Benly and then eventually broke through with a brilliant strike from Angier but this didn't change the final outcome. This 4-3 victory for Ancherion have boosted the qualification hopes, even if minimal.

by **Port Ember** » Sat Jan 04, 2020 11:17 am

Port Ember Times
Sports Journal

Eight In a Row For Our Dragons!

Port Ember 2 - 1 Ethane

By Erica Davies - Port Ember Times Sports Section

The Port Emberian Dragons pulled off yet another consecutive victory in the second half of the World Cup 84 Qualification Season, when they defeated the Ethane National Team in an away match this past Match Day 19.

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 - or reprove themselves. This second match against Ethane was a chance for our young team to exact a manner of revenge against their oppenents, as they defeated our national team in their previous encounter at home, with a 2 - 1 final score.

This win has resulted in allowing Port Ember to cling to (although by a thread) to the hotly contested second place on the group table, which is a Qualification spot. Altough qualifying now seems to be a reality, the road ahead is boding to be a hard fought one, as the closest competing teams played on less match than our Dragons.

This win now sets our national team on an impressive eight game winstreak.

This away match was played at a sold out the King Edward IV Stadium, - the traditional home of the Ethane Red Kites, located in New Sarum, Ethane.

The Game - Summary

This match marked the eighth match of the second half of the qualifier season, and was a truly entertaining match as both sides gave it their all on the pitch.

The game commenced with Ethane launching attacks from the get go, but the Port Emberian captain Ray Reddington kept putting pressure to the attackers, stealing posession and launching an immediate counter, faltering against a strong defence - and this continued rellentlessly as the Ethane continued launching attacks, and the Dragon's midfield shutting it down and following up with counters - linking up with star striker Danny Nicovic having his shot at goal stopped by the opposing keeper in minute 18, reproving the danger the Port Emberian midfield can pose when they are on form. This trend continued as the Red Kites continued attacking rellentlessly, and the Port Emberian midfield continiously shutting it down and launching counters, until one of these counters paid off with striker Leon Moult breaking through and scoring with an assist from Reddington in minute 39.

Prior to the match, Coach Stuart Baxter revealed that the found the 'key' to counter the unorthodox "Rotational Football" style of the Ethanians - and it seemed as if this key was the total lockdown of the midfield.

The second half commenced with Ethane yet again going onto the attack and caught the defenders sleeping, with Declan Smith scoring in minute 49.

The Dragons immediately recovers on this mistake and presses constant attacks down range, with
Danny Nicovic scoring in minute 70. The game continues with both sides counter attacking and probing the opposition defence, without luck. Eventually after a intense period of hard fought attempts, the match closed with a 2 - 1 win for the visitors.

The Fans

The 10 000 Port Emberian fans in attendance were back to their standard noisy and passionate antics, cheering and energising their young team.

Port Emberian Player Scores

Goalkeeper (GK)(#1): Peter Smith - 7/10. The 'Rock' had a quite day between the sticks as the midfield and defence held firm. Allowed only one goal past him.

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 - 10/10. 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. Assisted an excellent goal due to good midfield-striker chenistry. This was a true 'midfielder's game' and can be credited for this victory.

Defensive Midfield (DM)(#6): Steven Packard - 8/10. Great day for Steven as he worked hard, and managed to link up well with Reddington to create counter attack oppertunities. This was a true 'midfielder's game' and can be credited for this victory.

Wide Midfield (LM)(#8): Jason Chamberlain - 7/10. This was a true 'midfielder's game' and can be credited for this victory.

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. Assisted an excellent goal due to good midfield-striker chenistry.

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

Central Forward (CF)(#9): Danny Nicovic 8/10. Proved to the world that he is deserving of his Star Status, picking up a excellent goal.

Match Stats

Match: Port Ember Vs Ethane

Location: Ethane

Result: 2 - 1 Win for Port Ember

Goals - Port Ember: Danny Nicovic; Leon Moult.

Goals - Bears Armed: Declan Smith

Man of the Match - Port Ember: Ray Reddington

Aftermatch word from the Coach

"I am very proud of how our lads played today. We truly have a champion team representing our nation. I just wish to thank our hosts for giving us hell today, as its an honor to play against such a strong team and legendary team - its what drives us to become a better team ourselves!" 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 Razneta 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 20 is upon the Port Emberian side.

Port Ember's national team will square off against Razneta in their nineteenth match of the World Cup 84 Qualification Season, to be played at the Waterstad International Stadium, - the traditional home of the Port Ember National Team, located in the Waterstad Borough of the capital city of Port Ember Megalopolis; Republic of Port Ember.

This match marks the second time that these two teams will meet on the football field, Port Ember having lost their first encounter earlier this season with a 2 - 0 score.

Team Stats Analysis

Razneta:

This team is currently unranked on the international ranking system, but posesses a decent footballing history and a strong and developed football culture and infrastructure.

This team is currently placed in position 8 of 11 on the qualifier table - with 17 points ammassed so far, with 5 wins, 2 draws and 10 losses, scoring a total of 19 goals while allowing 31 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 struggled to find their rhythm in the first half of the qualifier season, it appears that their old and dangerous form had reappeared after the Holiday Break, as they now are on a 8 game winning streak.

This team is currently placed in position 2 of 11 on the qualifier table - with 37 points ammassed so far, scoring a total of 43 goals while allowing 30 goals to be scored against them.

Team Analysis - Port Ember

Offense:

This team is known for their highly aggressive offences and legendary counter attacks, with world class strikers. The striker duo also seems on excellent form lately.

Midfield:

Traditionally the strongest component of this team, under command of the amazing Reddington. The midfield is a dangerous element to its oponents, acting as an attacking defence and sets up the front line well with attacking oppertunities.

Defence:

The backline is displaying a better form than normal, yet is still not its strongest compoment, focussing more on fluid attacks and counter attacks.

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 eight wins in a row, four of those against much stronger opononents, have boosted morale immensely.

Current Form:

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

This team is on a current 8 game winning streak, and has the looks of a champion team at the moment.

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 - Razneta

Offense:

This team employes a very offensive playstyle and attempts to overwhelm their opponents by applying constant pressure and focussing on counter attacks.

Midfield:

This team has a offensive minded midfield, specialising in setting up and launching counter attacks and liking up with their frontline.

Defence:

This team lacks a solid backline or defensive strategies due to their offensive minded play.

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 caused a number of brilliant upsets in the past, yet have started to show some cracks within the squad due to their struggling season.

Current Form:

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

This team has had a struggling season, although they have mamaged to perform miracalious upsets every now and then.

Typical Gameplan:

High paced offensive play and counter attacks.

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.

Razneta

Goalkeepers: Ranka Mazioka

LWB: Rokno Tinavyot

RWB: Pakot Hanavila

CB: Eren Takarna

CB: Zayori Gaganiro

CB: Suzne Valiyoda

DM: Kaya Taliszko

DM: Gelita Hasakina

LW: Han Golodiva (C)

RW: Yetvo Kiminelo

ST: Raiko Tolokovsa

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 - the hard fought for victory over Ethane is the talk of the entire nation!

Coach Baxter: Thank you Erica! It was a good match, as was our last encounter. That team truly always brings forth a big and hard fight, and our young team is forced to be at their best in order to bring back the rum! Its always an honor to play such a talented team. Being able to beat the secomd strongest team in the group is a huge morale booster.

Erica Davies: Thanks for that Coach! So you are about to face the team whom have defeated you quite badly in your first encounter. Feeling any pressure?

Coach Baxter: Offcourse I am feeling the pressure Erica. We are at the point where we MUST win both our remaining matches if we wish to qualify. And they defeated us before, so that all weighs up.

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

Coach Baxter: Well like I said, its a must win match for us, so the pressure is steeping in. However we have some factors adding up to our benefit - for example the home ground advantage. And we are no longer the same team whom they defeated last time - we are on our greatest form ever, and we are crazily motivated due to possibly being able to qualify.

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 19 Results & Analytical Opinion

Ethane 1–2 Port Ember

The most exciting match of match day 19 in my opinion. Our young Dragons have proved their worth against a very strong team.

Bears Armed 0–1 Lisander

A surprising upset, as the Bears are in much better form. They seem to be beset by misfortune.

Xanneria 2–1 Ouna

The Maroons provided another exciting and fast paced match, leading to a good win.

Five Cities 1–2 Valanora

It was surprising to see Valanora struggling to bring in the win against such a weak opponent.

Appalachian Nation 2–6 Kelssek

Yet another brilliant and amazing victory for an on-form Kelssek side.

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

An Analysts opinions on Each Team After Match Day 16

Valanora

This truly legendary team dominated this group before the Holiday Break, yet is currently stuggling in the second half. Their loss against Port Ember was followed with 2 consecutive draws, followed with three masterclass victories. Even though they have went through a rough patch, I am confident that they will recover and will still end this season on top. Its simple providence.

Ethane

Although qualification seemed garuanteed for a long time, since the end of Match Day 17, they have lost their spot to our Dragons. They will have to bring forth something hard and special to reclaim their spot from a determimed Port Ember.

Kelssek

They started off slow but have gained massive momentum and is looking dangerous. One of the three teams with a realistic chance to grab the second qualification spot.

Port Ember

Our young Dragons do not have a true hope of actually reaching a qualification spot, although with a perfect combination of the right blessings & curses it might even happen. But this aside, our national team is on their best ever form, and is making our nation pride.

Bears Armed

A team who is making waves and causing some brilliant upsets. Definitely a side to keep an close eye on.

Razneta

No longer has a chance to qualify, yet has proven to be still dangerous. An exciting team delivering exciting matches.

Xanneria

One of the strongest teams having a terrible season. They have the potentiol to still make some absolute and awesome comebacks.

Lisander

A team who has once shown potentiol of greatness, but keeps having nasty setbacks.

Ouna

A weak side whom is known to cause huge upsets when unprepared for, but its too late to do anything meaningfull this season.

Five Cities

A weak side whom is known to cause huge upsets when unprepared for, but its too late to do anything meaningfull this season.

Appalachian Nation

A side whom does not belong in last place. I have watched both games between them and our own national team, and they play their absolute hearts out. Someone needas to fix what ever is broken and fast - such talent and latent potentiol is too good to throw away.

Current Group Standings

Group 9                         Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Valanora                         17   13   2   2    60   21  +39    41
 2 Port Ember                       18   12   1   5    43   30  +13    37
 3 Kelssek                          17   11   0   6    48   34  +14    33
 4 Ethane                           17   10   3   4    43   29  +14    33
 5 Bears Armed                      17    8   2   7    32   31   +1    26
 6 Xanneria                         17    8   1   8    39   43   −4    25
 7 Lisander                         17    6   3   8    31   42  −11    21
 8 Razneta                          17    5   2  10    19   31  −12    17
 9 Ouna                             17    4   5   8    23   38  −15    17
10 Five Cities                      18    3   3  12    32   52  −20    12
11 Appalachian Nation               18    2   4  12    33   52  −19    10

Article by Gerhard Black
Port Ember Times
Sports Journal

by **Sargossa** » Sat Jan 04, 2020 11:50 am

Let me tell you about Guillermo Lucena. He’s a male, a human one. Forgive our old-fashioned use of binary labels. But a human male is what he is. Who, in his younger days, was a footballer, a pretty good one actually. Good enough to earn a healthy number of caps for the national team. And to spend a decade as a commanding centreback for Ciudad Soluca in the SuperLiga. When age began to encroach, he hung up his boots and started on the coaching path, first with the Under-17s and then moving through the age groups until he was appointed to the backroom staff of the senior side. A role he performed with enough distinction that, prior to World Cup 78, he formed a part of Rafael Barrios’ new look coaching staff for the national side. He became the defensive coach for the Sargossan national team. A role he still performs to this day.

So what does that actually entail? I mean, he’s presumably earning a decent wage. He’s probably not short of a dinera or three. From his role as defensive coach for the Sargossan national side. Defensive coach. Defensive. That’s the whole keeping the ball out of the net business. So what in the name of Margaret is Guillermo Lucena actually doing?

This campaign is now seventeen matches old. Seventeen matches in which the Corsairs have conceded thirty-one goals. That’s not far off two goals in every, single match. By comparison, tenth place Aimena have only conceded twenty-nine. Only Newmanistan in Group One have failed to breach the Sargossan defence. And they get another chance to change that in the upcoming fixture in Soluca. Joyea, Greater Cebu, Brusseldorf and Islas Aaland have each scored twice. Audioslavia, Aimena and even Pius Desurongcrandis have helped themselves to four goals. Kandorith have scored five and Acronius have managed an embarrassing six strikes in their two matches. Sargossa are a heavyweight (top seeds, innit) with a noticeably glass jaw.

So thank the deity our atheistic nation of heathens doesn’t actually believe in for the work done by Alejandro Tapia, the attacking counterpart to whatever it is Lucena actually does with his time. The Corsairs’ offence has been razor sharp in this campaign. So much so that, despite the dismal defensive record, their goal difference is only one behind group leaders Audioslavia. The Sargossan attack has chipped in with fifty four goals, the healthiest tally in Group One by a distance. Although goal difference may not prove to be decisive in the current setup. Head to head record is the first deciding factor in the event of a tie. Meaning, a Sargossan win over Newmanistan in Soluca would guarantee the Corsairs a place at the finals thanks to a six point advantage with two games left to play and a superior head to head record, following the 1 – 0 over the Rockets earlier in the campaign.

So if Alejandro Tapia keeps doing what he’s doing. And Guillermo Lucena pulls his finger out and perhaps actually introduces the squad’s defenders to each other. Then the path to the Finals is there to be walked. If not? Well, the final two fixtures will be far more influential than they ever should have been.

by **Alasdair I Frosticus** » Sat Jan 04, 2020 12:48 pm

The Knights of the Oblong Table In....

THE QUEST FOR THE HOLY GRAIL
of World Cup qualification

The Final WC 84 Qualification Matchday Speech of Juan Tzimisces

Aye, so true we lost our last match.
That curs-ed Mareibat defied the odds.
But still our destiny lies in our hands;
We win tonight and the Grail is ours.
Lose or draw, and our path is more laboured.

Who would not wish it otherwise?
My captain Barsanuphius? No, my fair captain:
If we are mark’d to fail, we are enow
To do our country loss; and if to win,
The fewer men, the greater share of honour.
God’s will! I pray thee, wish not one man more.
By Jove, I am not covetous for gold,
Nor care I who doth feed upon my cost;
It yearns me not if men my garments wear;
Such outward things dwell not in my desires:
But if it be a sin to covet honour,
I am the most offending soul alive.

No, faith, my captain, wish not a man from the Empire:
God’s peace! I would not lose so great an honour
As one man more, methinks, would share from me
For the best hope I have. O, do not wish one more!
Rather proclaim it, Barsanuphius, through my team,
That he which hath no stomach to play this match,
Let him depart; his passport shall be made
And crowns for convoy put into his purse:
We would not play in that man’s company
That fears his fellowship to die with us.

This day is the Forefeast of the Theophany of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ
He that outlives this day, and comes safe home,
Will stand a tip-toe when the day is named,
And rouse him at the name of the Theophany.
He that shall live this day, and see old age,
Will yearly on the vigil feast his neighbours,
And say ‘To-morrow is the Feast of the Theophany:’
Then will he turn on his computer to watch the old footage.
And say ‘This is how we played on the Theophany.’
Old men forget: yet all shall be forgot,
But we’ll remember with advantages
What feats we did that day: then shall our names.
Familiar in his mouth as household words
Tzimisces the coach, Sir Bobbin and Mirax,
Pellenore and Hermogenes, Joasaph and Dodinas,
Be in their flowing cups freshly remember’d.
This story shall the good man teach his son;
And the Forefeast of the Theophany shall ne’er go by,
From this day to the ending of the world,
But we in it shall be remember’d;

We few, we happy few, we band of brothers;
For he to-day that plays this game for me
Shall be my brother; be he ne’er so vile,
This day shall gentle his condition:
THAT GENTLEMEN IN THE EMPIRE NOW A-BED
SHALL THINK THEMSELVES ACCURSED THEY WERE NOT HERE
AND HOLD THEIR MANHOODS CHEAP WHILES ANY SPEAKS
THAT PLAYED WITH US UPON THE FEAST OF THE THEOPHANY!

<much mighty cheering of assent>

by **TJUN-ia** » Sat Jan 04, 2020 12:55 pm

TJUN-ia Update: 8 Goal Thriller Against Ghosts

3 more points on the board for the Jaguars after a 5-3 win against Galar in TJUN-ia City.

Kepo Ulawaya had 2, Peliniho had 2 and Pedro Vasquez provided the 5th. We would provide the goals for Galar, but....they don't exist any more.

I'm not kidding.

Reports stated that Galar died as a nation around MD9. This nation was the 3rd to use this name, it played in the BoF, won their group, beat the Five Cities, lost in the quarters to Pauh Janggi and was in the middle of their campaign when the state just....ceased to exist. You would think someone would notice but....no one did.

They did have a squad for the BoF, however. Therefore we will allocate 2 of the goals scored by Galar to striker Archer Andrews and the final one to midfielder Mason Watts. We understand now why they were doing so badly: they became state-less mid-tournament. Sure they were playing for "Galar", but that entity no longer exists anymore.

As Galar died with no plan for these players, FA TJUN-ia will integrate them into the set up after WCQ is over.

Onwards to Balqia....after bye week.

by **Flavovespia** » Sat Jan 04, 2020 1:44 pm

Flavovespia 0–1 Qasden

A spirited performance for Flavovespia, but another where they ultimately fell short of getting anything from the game. Remakrlably, with the exception of the reverse tie vs Qasden, Flavovespia haven’t had a game decided by more than one goal, but 9 of those were losses. With little to play for, Flavovespia will at least hope to end the losing streak soon.

The same team who started against South Covello started against Qasden. The venue was Highland Road in Hadford Hill, which would host the final 2 encounters. There was some disappointment for the fans that the team were effectively playing for pride, with no chance of a Top half finish it seemed anymore.

Qasden began the game brightly, and had 2 on shot targets narrowly saved in the first 15 minutes. Meehan did well with both shots, as they were driven reasonably close to the post on his left hand side, and he needed to quickly get across to parry them away. Jerry Bostun and Onyx Foster were testing him early. Flavovespia weren’t without their own opportunities, and a spectacular volley by David Michael resulted in an equally spectacular save from Macron Abbott, nicknamed Brickwall.

The 37th minute saw the visitors take the lead they probably deserved on the balance of probability. A good ball into the box from Icarus Darsten left Onyx Foster with a clear cut chance to score. He took it well, and the shot was beyond the reach of Meehan, to give the visitors a 0-1 lead. They looked confident, and for the rest of the first half didn’t look like conceding.

Flavovespia were still the second best team in the second half, but weren’t completely devoid of opportunities. Hall was making some good deep runs, and Daley and Coleman were somewhat unlucky to not get a good chance from a ball into the box. Qasden however, knowing how important a win could be, were content to play defensively, and frustrated the Flavovespia midfield, making it difficult for them to create strong chances.

Qasden came closest to scoring in the 2nd half. Substitute Owais Lumiere was able to round David Meehan, bit the angle was narrowed. His shot was on target, but Tony Gardner redeemed himself for some earlier errors in the qualifiers by clearing it off the line, to save Flavovespia from conceding a second.

Flavovespia pushed for an equaliser, but Qasden were resolute in defence. Hadford Hill players Edward Barkes and Nigel Humphries were subbed on, but neither could make much of an impact on the game. Jonathan Feld came on as well, for David Michael, and he had a good shot well saved, but ultimately no goals were forthcoming.

It would end 0-1. Flavovespia, like their previous game, had given a decent display but were ultimately second best and lost to better opposition. In terms of play style, there were some positives to take away, but otherwise a real feeling that the side would need to get some results in the last 3 games, to at least have something to cheer at the end of a disappointing campaign.

As the qualifiers begin to come to a close, the teams who will join hosts Cassadaigua and Baker Park begin to be known. Banija, Brenecia, Turori, Nephara, Siovanija & Teusland, South Covello, Free Republics, Farfadillis, Eura, Vilita and Apox are all in. Meanwhile in Group 8, the battle between debutants Ziwana and Qasden looks set to go down to the wire, and it’s a battle that has captivated many neutrals around the world.

Post Match Interviews

Richard Crawford on another close game “We came up against another great team, so in some ways it’s not a surprise to lose. I think we’re playing better, but we’re playing better opposition, and they can make the difference in crucial moments”

Richard Crawford on many close losses “It is disappointing, so many games you look at and think ‘well we should’ve got something’. I get the frustrations, I think we’re all feeling that, but with 3 games to go, we’ve just got to finish as best we can”.

Steven Hall on the match “Well the lads are always disappointed to lose, but we did alright all things said and done. It’s a shame we’ve lost 3 in a row, but I think we’re unlucky with the fixture list as it is. There’s still time to get points.”

Scott Coleman on recent games “I want to score, and it’s a shame I haven’t recently. All us strikers love to score, but we know at the moment it won’t be about our individual records, but winning games. We can finish with some more wins I think”

Edward Barkes on playing international football in Highland Road “I play club football here every other weekend, so it’s a strange feeling to do it as an international. I’m glad I’ve got the chance to do that, and I’m proud to represent us in Flavovespia and for Hadford Hill. Strange when you see so many fans in yellow and black cheering you on here though!”

A History of Football in Flavovespia

Part 17

25BU would see the dominance of Hadford Hill and St Astons in the Top 2 finally broken. It wasn’t by Waldster however, but by Carston Green. Another good era for the western based side would see them enjoy a fruitful spell in the upper echelons of the GWNFA Super League, and in 24BU, they were the national champions once again, a popular result for the more neutral fans, as the team in the west once again managed to upset the Big 3 to win it all.

Outside of the GWNFA Super League, and the issue of being locked out of the top flight was growing increasingly problematic. The United Football League had begun to take the initiative by negotiating its own TV deal with some of the lesser TV channels in the nation, providing its own product to help its side. Indeed, many speculated if the lower GWNFA Super League sides were actually much better than the top United Football League and Eastern Alliance sides. Meanwhile the Eastern Alliance gained much of its financial clout by a handful of relatively well-off owners and localised sponsors, allowing it to somewhat match the United Football League.

By 24BU, there was serious talks of merging the United Football League and the Eastern Alliance together. With the fear that this league could be a dangerous rival to the GWNFA Super League, the GWNFA finally agreed to come up with a plan to expand their league system. The internal discussions in the GWNFA were that a second tier, called the Challenge League, would be formed. Somewhat controversially, and not discussed with the clubs, this would also see a contraction of the GWNFA Super League to twelve teams. Furthermore the Challenge League would initially involve 12 teams, and then expansion would be considered. Promotion and relegation between the leagues would be on a 1-up 1-down basis between the two divisions.

Where was the Western Association in all of this? They were still going, but other than a few big names near the top, many of the teams at the lower end, such as Claychester, Vitarias Legion, Combury, Caffchin and Saxford were little more than semi-pro level, and weren’t likely to have the financial clout to want to compete at a national level. There was a reluctance however at the time, for the Western Association to consider a format change from its 2 groups of 8 regional format.

23BU saw the GWNFA plan agreed, and from 22BU, a 12 team GWNFA Challenge League, made up of the 23BU bottom 2 GWNFA Super League sides, the Top 4 from the Eastern Alliance, the United Football League and the 2 group winners of the Western Association. That was what was supposed to happen. The same year, the Union of Greater Waldster would form a new arrangement, called the Confederate Cities of Greater Waldster (CCGW), a step towards a better constitutional arrangement for all the city-regions of the island and a pathway to a Republic. However several of the city-regions rejected the agreement, effectively turning them into independent city-states. This isn’t entirely how it worked outside of the major areas, but that is a discussion for another time.

The GWNFA, then still with a lot of influence of the national governance, were somewhat under the pressure of the furious government of the CCGW. They responded by only inviting teams into the GWNFA Challenge League from areas that were a part of the CCGW. The original proposed participants of the GWNFA Challenge League were:

Hampridge United (13th in the GWNFA Super League)
Havermilly (14th in the GWNFA Super League)
Bavingtor (1st in the United Football League)
Capton Club (1st in the Eastern Alliance)
Westwood Garden City (1st in the Western Association South + overall winners of the Western Association)
Langpool Capton (1st in the Western Association North)
Johns Park (2nd in the United Football League)
Oxwich (2nd in the Eastern Alliance)
Butterfield Rovers (3rd in the United Football League)
Croxlich (3rd in the Eastern Alliance)
Henhaven Islanders (4th in the United Football League)
Rumlington Rovers (4th in the Eastern Alliance)

However due to some of these teams playing outside the CCGW, this didn’t happen. Capton Club, Oxwich and Croxlich were deprived of places under this ruling. Instead in their place were:

Guildwell Football (2nd in the Western Association South)
Binclestead Wood (5th in the United Football League)
Stanmorn FC (7th in the United Football League)

(Note, Nailwood Mills, 6th in the United Football League, and Slaton, 2nd in the Western Association North were also excluded).

For the United Football League and the Eastern Alliance, now with reduced numbers, and the issue of many of their teams locked out of the GWNFA setup, merged. The new league was called the United and Eastern Alliance. This league was planned to have 16 members, and would have a 2-up 2-down promotion system. Talks to bring in Western Association teams didn’t amount to anything, but the United and Eastern Alliance was still a formidable alternative at least to the GWNFA Challenge League.

There was a major elephant in the room for the GWNFA, Hadford Hill and St Astons City. These 2 cities were the major areas who were now outside the GWNFA. The 14 clubs at the time in the GWNFA Super League were called for a vote on whether they should be allowed to stay or not. The initial vote was 7-7. Waldster, Kings Lunsel, Abbots Lunsel, Vale, Towerhaite Sports Society, Galling Rangers and Havermilly back their expulsion, whilst Hadford Hill, St Astons City, Carston Green, Loxthorpe Rovers, Langmere Green Rovers, Narrock Wood United and Hampridge United opposed their expulsion. Much deliberation occurred, but ultimately the 2 Big 3 sides were allowed to stay in the league, ultimately under pressure from a lot of sponsors, media and players. It was also rumoured, and later confirmed, if Hadford Hill and St Astons City were expelled from the GWNFA, they’d have joined the new United and Eastern Alliance.

In 23BU Waldster finally ended their barren run with a GWNFA Super League title, their first since 36BU. Although there was much off-field drama, both in football and in the wider political and social elements of the nation, the first win in more than a decade brought joy back to the capital. Finally Waldster were back to the top, after seemingly being gone from the upper end of the nation’s football hierarchy for a while.

by **Zwangzug** » Sat Jan 04, 2020 1:48 pm

The Kerlagrad Courier

Zwangzug defeated Castanya 3-1 behind a pair of goals from the versatile Joshua Twoni and help I'm trapped in a newspaper factory please Jaclyn Burkhart providing an extra goal for the hosts. The win keeps Zwangzug second in Group 14, behind not sure if this is getting through Mattijana, and Ancherion who have not yet had their bye. The Jungle Cats will hope someone takes this seriously, the Courier isn't the most while Mattijana visit Forbridge on the penultimate matchday.

Tova Miovuku, in for Chevanthi mostly digital communication these days so I don't know if nice clearances on defense, while the Bohemians' probably good for the environment from distance. Castanya were mostly could be worse, could be the Picayune-Picayune with the exception of the right midfielder, who they should print the photographs in colors, so an unimpressed referee.

The Aces of Krytenia, meanwhile, were some of those foreign presses look very bleak idle Hampton Island. Other groups have been grateful we don't have a larger presence remain in contention. With two or three matches an overwhelming sense of despair pending Cup of Harmony invitations.

Interim coach Enitan Maclaurin if a dog bites a man against Vilita. The inconsistent timescales of this masochism in foreign cultures, or maybe an impressive sixty-eight goals for. They don't have classified ads under the robotic socialist pi. The Tivali-Ring can seat amid the cryptic crosswords and, not counting cocoabos.

Zwangzug won the first leg of the encounter, which should please clip around coupons carefully as qualification comes down to the wire.

by **Sarzonia** » Sat Jan 04, 2020 1:53 pm

The question for managers of teams that have already been eliminated from contention for postseason play, for World Cup qualifying, or for promotion to the next level in their nation's football pyramid is one that never seems to have a right answer.

When they face a team that's still very much alive in the running, some managers will choose to allow their depth players to gain valuable experience, even at the potential expense of giving themselves a chance to win in the here and now. Choosing that path may anger the other team or teams in a battle for the same goal. Other managers will approach it as if their team were still in the midst of the fight for future glory. Conversely, that might anger a contending team.

Kevin Connelly already made up his mind which path he would choose as the Stars (6-6-5, 24 points, fifth place in Group 2) get ready to face world No. 19 and second place Brenecia (13-4-1, 43 points, four points behind Banija for the group lead). He announced he would play the first choice starting 11 including goalkeeper Mateo Sandoval. He also said the team would play as if they were fighting for a berth in Cassadaigua or Baker Park.

"We're absolutely going to approach it like that," he said. "We may not be among the 32 World Cup teams, but we're going to fight as if we're trying to get there ourselves."

Connelly dismissed a question about whether that effort was a personal favour to Banija manager Marcus Waters.

"We don't have that kind of a relationship," he said. "We've played each other a lot. Well, this team hasn't, but our Under 21 team faced them twice in AOCAF group play and we faced them here in group play. We'd be more likely to possibly be rivals with them one day. If we faced them in another World Cup qualifying or in AOCAF, I'm sure familiarity would breed contempt, as the old saying goes."

Connelly also said he hadn't discussed his plans with Patriots manager Brelk-Xeral Erv.

"I've only talked briefly with them after we lost at [Joe Gibbs Stadium in Woodstock]," he said. "And that was mostly 'good match.' We haven't had much reason to have a lengthy conversation, although I'm pretty sure they'd understand why we're playing our starting 11 against them. I've actually had a more in depth conversation with Vice President Grayson."

Sarzonian Vice President for Internal Affairs Carletta Grayson's office announced earlier today that Hendrix Stadium, the first home grounds for Sarzonian football matches, would be declared a national historic landmark and would not be torn down as expected.

"We recognise the role the stadium has played in sporting events involving our athletic teams," she said in a statement released to the media. "Hendrix Stadium will be renovated and preserved so that future generations of Stars supporters can learn the history that football and other teams made in that building."

Grayson said she had conversations with people at "all levels" of the Incorporated Football Federation and added there was "minimal" consternation at her decision to declare the stadium a national historic landmark.

"Once I explained that we took on the financial responsibility for maintenance, that pretty much ended all the objections," she said.

The Stars will play their final home match at Hendrix Stadium against The Sherpa Empire on Sunday at 1:05 p.m. before traveling to fellow unranked side Atlantic Republic for the final group stage match of World Cup 84 qualifying. The Stars may have an eye on trying to finish the group with at least a .500 record or better when they play their final match against the other unranked side in the group, but they also will have eyes on the other two unranked sides with comparable records.

Bears Armed's 1-0 defeat to Lisander in Group 9 officially eliminated the Ursines from World Cup contention, dropping their record to 8-2-7 with 26 points. Their goal differential remains positive at plus-1, having scored 32 goals and conceding 31. Squornshelous lost away to Siovanija & Teusland 3-0, dropping the Empire to 6-6-5, with the same point total and current record as the Stars. However, they now have a negative goal differential, scoring 38 but conceding 39.

Sarzonia's offence hasn't been as impressive as either of the other equally successful unranked sides, as the Stars have scored just 27 goals, but they've also conceded just 25 goals, a far better defensive showing than either of the other nations.

"Those names, Bears Armed and," midfielder Clayton Wilson said with a pause before he lowered his voice slightly and gave a look, "Squornshelous, have both been important names in football history." He would know. His father Zack Wilson played against some of the bigger names in football during his era. So, too, did Clayton Wilson's grandfather, legendary striker and former manager Brian Wilson, who became just the second player to notch a hat trick during a World Cup final as the Stars defeated Oaker 4-0. His great-grandfather Dave Wilson managed that Stars World Cup championship team, and no doubt would be delighted to see his great-grandson continue the family's footballing lineage.

The future of the Stars football programme hasn't been written yet, but these Stars are too busy focusing their energy on the present.

by **Mattijana** » Sat Jan 04, 2020 2:47 pm

World Cup Qualifying: Mattijana Facing Trio of Must Win Games

MFO SPORT

With 17 games already down, just three games of Mattijana's qualifying campaign remain and it is already vital that they are able to extract 9 points from them.

A rocky patch around the halfway mark where they suffered defeats to unranked Hampton Island and Castanya, as well as two favourites Vilita, have left the marmots third in group 14. They lie 3 points behind 33rd-ranked Zwanzug, but will move ahead of them if they can claim a victory in Forbridge in their penultimate match.

The other ties are against Fetra, the first international game to be held in Shalkar, and finally Tamgu in Petrovijanka. Without being complacent however, it is their one remaining away day that will prove decisive. Defeat resigns Zala Stefanidi's team to another tournament on the sidelines. A win, and Mattijana's marginally superior goal difference, and they will be favourites to seal their first World Cup finals berth.

Stefanidi's next challenge however is Fetra. The Marmots claimed a regulation 2-0 away win last time out and the fact that the 283rd-ranked side have still won only one match in 18 attempts suggests their form has not improved. Anything less than a win would consign them to group 14's wooden spoon.

Defensively, Mattijana's reformed and rejuvenated defence should have few problems. Fetra have the lowest goal tally in the group with 22, although to be fair, their rearguard hasn't looked to clever either, shipping 40 goals in their campaign so far. The only danger for Mattijana would be if last cycle's habit of inexplicably drawing games rears its ugly head again, but that seems to be a thing of the past - the Marmots have only drawn 2 games this time round, both against Alenburg.

I'd expect Stefanidi to revert to a back 4 and perhaps rotate the squad, reintroducing Ana Sevastova and Lara Ljunavic to the defence, Jasmina Kovac to the midfield and Matej Jokic to the forward line, all players who have been reliable replacements so far this cycle. Sevastova in particular has looked like a solid addition to the backline and a possible permanent replacement for Katija Burnisovic once she announces her retirement, an issue that has plagued the last few cycles for Mattijana.

That should allow the Mattijanan manager to name a full-strength side for the crucial trip to Zwanzug, one that may well decide the future of some of the players in the Mattijanan squad. Burnisovic is under pressure as captain, as well as approaching the autumn of her career, whilst the likes of Sophia Velezia and Daniella Alaba are also on the way out should they fail to impress in the last few matches with a host of younger players knocking on the door.

Whatever the outcome though, this Mattijanan performance has been vastly improved on their last few efforts, both in terms of points and potential. They are set for their biggest points haul and wins tally in history and have their best chance of actually qualifying despite what looked on paper to be a tough group. Time will tell if this group of players, and staff, can go one better than any other.

by **Recuecn** » Sat Jan 04, 2020 3:27 pm

If Gerauld Firaut had wanted more training for this moment, then it was too late; the time for that had been over the previous months. After this, there'd be just one game left; all the rest had been played. Relié, the new assistant coach, had given one of his rousing locker-room motivational speeches, a job he'd taken over from Tremblay--Tremblay just didn't seem to have the same anger burning within him, a necessary trait for that kind of pep-talk. Now Firaut was standing in the tunnel at the head of his team, listening to the announcer for the sign to walk out. Next to him stood Scott Coles, captain of the Euran team they were about to face. For the Unicorns, it would be the biggest game of the tournament.

"...welcome the national football teams of Eura and Reçueçn!" said the announcer, his voice being broadcast through the National Stadium at full volume, with that old sing-song voice announcers have always used when they're trying to hype up the crowd. Mindlessly, Gerauld began to walk forward onto the pitch, taking the match ball with him as he passed the pedestal on which it waited for him, unaware of the abuse it was about to suffer for the next ninety-odd minutes.

Firaut's thoughts were elsewhere as the two teams lined up for squad photos. The biggest game of qualifying. Well, in a way. It looked like the biggest now, but only because of what Reçueçn had already gone through to get here. Ten matches ago, when Reçueçn had played Eura for the first time in Bastion Arena, a draw had seemed like a wonderful result. "The first team against whom we've done better than Damukuni!" cheered fans. That was the standard to which Reçueçn had been held throughout qualifiers: Damukuni. It was tough going into world cup qualification as the third-seed in the group; qualification was so close as to be tantalizing, but the odds were stacked against you. Last qualifiers, as last in the group, there had been no expectations laid on the team, and the fact that they had qualified had been a miracle. But this time it wasn't that way. Pressure was high, but to get out of the group, Reçueçn would have to beat the second seed, and that was Damukuni.

That was why, once the first half of qualifying was over, every game seemed so important. The two nations, both vying for that second qualification spot behind Eura, were neck and neck the whole way. There was never as much as a two game gap between them. Thus when they played each other on the 14th matchday, it had seemed like that would be the deciding moment; the biggest game of the tournament.

Gerauld's thoughts were interrupted now as the national anthem began to blare through the stadium. Almost automatically, he began to sing along. He had done this so many times, it was all just part of the pre-match ritual. But you did have to sing along to the anthem. It didn't look good to the nation to have their players not singing along, just standing there with there mouths shut. Especially for Firaut, as team captain, appearances had to be kept up.

It was hard to carry a train of thought and sing at the same time, especially as the cameras passed by, right in front of your face. But as soon as the anthem ended and Eura's began, Firaut returned to his thoughts. The game against Damukuni had seemed like a massive defeat, but each game after that had provided a chance to catch up. Damukuni drew against Beepee--but Reçueçn drew against Tornado Queendom. Damukuni drew against Mkabia--but Reçueçn drew against Togonistan. Then finally, Damukuni lost to Geisenfried while Reçueçn beat Nooooooooooooooo to move ahead of them, and that was it. That was the biggest game of qualifiers...

The Euran anthem over, the starting line-ups took their places, while Gerauld went over to the refs where he found Scott Coles once more. They shook hands and exchanged pennants, and then Gerauld called the coin flip--tails. It was heads. Cole indicated that Eura would take the ball, and he and Firaut shook hands once more before parting, Firaut jogging all the way back to the net.

It wasn't enough to be so few points ahead of Damukuni, he was thinking. Maybe that was why at this point in qualifiers, with things still so close, each and every game was the most important. As long as Reçueçn still had their bye ahead of them, they couldn't count on retaining their lead. There was only one game left where they'd be able to defend it--until then, they had to do the impossible and score points against Eura.

Gerauld strapped on his gloves. They could do it. Eura was unbeaten in qualifiers still, and had only drawn one game, but they'd drawn that game against Reçueçn. Reçueçn had been preparing for this very moment ever since. It was their last chance to do something better than Damukuni and defend their tentative spot in the World Cup itself. Could they do it?

The whistle blew and the fans roared; the game started. There was only one way to find out.

by **New Lusitania and the Algarves** » Sat Jan 04, 2020 4:05 pm

STL|Serviços de Transmissão Lusitana
Sport | Football|
World Cup 84
Double Bill

AN IMPORTANT VICTORY
New Lusitania 1-0 Eraman
@Estádio da Anta do Dragão, Porto (Att: 48 923)

Back home, the Selecção awaited Eraman who was currently in the run for second place too making it a crucial game in the race to the World Cup. Patríce would start in goal as is customary, Guerreiros, Leiteiro and Cancela in defence as Nevais, Horta, Fernando, Veiga and Gama in the five-man midfield as Jota and Silveira as forwards. Eraman travel with all the essentials: Kala in goal with Sermat, Mina, Mora and Sentri composing the back four. Biru, Kaulawi and Senawang in midfield with Nasar and Munawi in attacking midfield supporting the lone striker, Limus. Eraman play with their usual Prussian blue as New Lusitania use their all-bordeaux kit. Following the anthems it all kicked off in lively fashion in Porto. Both teams attempted to use the full width of the pitch and get to the box. Nasar and Munawi did a flawless job of feeding the ball into Limus but the Lusitanian midfield were putting a few dangerous balls of their own, including a Jota shot that led to a great save by Kala. The game was truly a cat and mouse one with nothing between both sides until when into the last ten minutes of the game where Gama changed the run of play into Jota who ran into the box to shoot the ball with enough flair to enter the net. A goal and an important one as New Lusitania clinched another three points. FULL TIME: 1-0

Around the Grounds: Group 15
Ko-oren took the day off meaning New Lusitania grew closer to the Dragonflies on paper, within two points. It also meant there was a four point cushion to Eraman now, a bit to breathe considering coming matches. Grod Island struck yet again as Eshan drew at home in a goalless fashion. Barfleur came so close to defeating Apox but the away side ended up with a winning goal. Tarchusland went ahead after their away win at the ZSeperatists in a great 3-4 match. Aldaveria meanwhile beat Indusse to grow within a point of their opponents. Meanwhile, South Covello, Apox, the Free Republics and Vilita have all guaranteed their victory in their respective groups. For the rest of the teams, there's still plenty to play for even if there are a couple of games left.

THE HUB
GOALS: Silveira (7), Veiga (5), Gama (5), Fernando (4), Jota (4), Paciente (3), Mário
ASSISTS: Fernando (6), Mário (5), Gama (5), Veiga (4), Paciente (2), Luz, Jota, Moreira, Horta
CARDS: Guerreiros, Fernando, Breu, Gama
INJURIES: Jorge Mário (expected return after next match)
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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