World Cup 84- RP Thread (IC)

by **Darmen** » Sat Jan 04, 2020 4:29 pm

Parliament passes political reform package with near unanimous support
New electoral system will hopefully result in more proportional representation

SCOTT CITY - In Darmen's most recent elections, the United Left won 27.76% of the vote and 52 of the 219 seats (23.74%) in Parliament. The Republican Party won 26.38% of the vote, good enough for second place, but claimed 100 of the 219 seats, falling just 10 short of an outright majority! This result surprised even the Republicans, who had expected more competition from other parties in the single-member constituencies but ended up winning 41 out of 53.

Gallagher Index of
past Darmen Elections
Year        GIndx
2036         4.11
2041         8.89
2045        14.87

"When we initiated our local government reforms, creating a number of new single-member constituencies, all of the major parties expected more variance to occur in those constituencies. In the end, they overwhelmingly voted Republican and it produced an proportional result in our favor," commented the Republican Party's Chief Campaign Strategist, Edmundo Simmon. "You might think we'd be happy about such a result, but we recognize that we won't always be the most popular party in this country and that if we don't make a change, the status quo will ultimately be detrimental to us."

Almost as soon as Parliament had concluded the usual business that follows a general election: the election of its Speaker, confirmation of the President's Executive Cabinet, etc.; the Republicans, together with the United Left and Liberal Party, set about creating a package of bills that would fix the issues of the electoral system.

The first order of business was the elimination of the single-member constituencies. Under the old system, Darmen had 80 constituencies, 53 of which elected just a single member. While the electoral system has always been the d'Hondt proportional representation system, the election in single-member constituencies became de facto first-past-the-post. To eliminate that, Darmen will now be organized into just 14 constituencies, of which only one (the constituency representing Darmen's wizarding community) will be single-member. The remaining 13 constituencies will elect between 7 and 75 MP's, ensuring the d'Hondt method will be practical in those constituencies.

While two of those constituencies will be reserved for the representation of Darmeni Aboriginals and Darmeni citizens living abroad, the remaining 11 constituencies will be formed on a geographical basis. "It's possible," commented Edmundo Simmon, "that in the future, these geographical constituencies could form the basis for some level of devolved regional administration." Any implementation of regional government however will come later, as the present legislation deals exclusively with the electoral system.

The second major reform was a change to the format of the municipal councils, as well as the electoral system used to determine their membership. Under the old system, municipal councils ranged from 24 to 225 members, elected under a mixed proportional representation/majoritarian bonus system. The system was supposed to eliminate the chance that a council would end up under "no overall control," which it did indeed, but it also locked minor parties out of winning seats in the smaller constituencies. In the 62 municipalities with 24 seat municipal councils, the party finishing third gained representation (by means of a single seat) in just four municipalities. Under the new system, municipal councils will range from 7 to 25 seats, elected purely via the d'Hondt method.

The legislation was passed by a vote of 186-33. Opposition to the bill came in two fronts. The 23 MP's of the Fascist & Ultranationalist Union voted against after their proposal for the Parliament to be made up of 200 MP's elected from a single nation-wide constituency was turned down. The remaining 10 votes against came from parties who are only represented in a small number of municipalities, namely the Defiance Coalition, Islamic Union, Lista de Valladar and People's Party; who feared that the changes could make it harder for them to achieve representation by raising the threshold needed to gain seats.

The changes will be implemented for the first time in 2049, when Darmen holds its next elections.

by **Timuria** » Sat Jan 04, 2020 6:26 pm

Qualification Impossible Despite Thumping Win

Fujai 2–6 Timuria
Arin Salberg (15), Solfrid Hellem (44);Vatan Ercetin (33), Ertan Renda (41), Tekin Yavuz (59), Altan Seyfi (65), Kartal Unal (75, 82)

The Red Wolves recorded an impressive win on their trip to Fujai with no fewer than five players getting on the scoresheet as they ran out 6-2 winners over their hosts. Despite this excellent win, the Red Wolves will now no longer be able to qualify from the group and will now be looking forward to either a period of rest or a potential invite to the Cup of Harmony.

The early signs in this match boded well for the Red Wolves as they had an early chance fall at the feet of Caner Turan whose shot was palmed away by Nehal Parekh. The hosts would shock the Red Wolves with a sucker punch against the run of play, with Arin Salberg making their way past Eyup Mustafa on their way to slotting the ball past Murat Yigithan.

The Red Wolves would get their first goal of the match with Vatan Ercetin's awkwardly struck effort sneaking just inside the post. Ertan Renda would add an excellent goal from a free kick in the 41st while the hosts would equalise through a Hellem shot from the edge of the box that was placed just out of the reach of Murat.

The second half began with the Red Wolves on the front foot and it would continue in that vein for the rest of the match, with Tekin Yavuz adding a goal to the Red Wolves tally to take them in front and young midfielder Altan Seyfi's long range effort finding it's way into the back of the net.

Kartal Unal, who came off the bench for a tired Vatan Ercetin, managed to get an impressive brace, rounding the goalkeeper one time and chipping the ball over them the second time. All in all, while the perofrmance leaves the Red Wolves feeling good, there is nonetheless a bitter taste and feel around this team.

What They Said After The Match:

Bekir Altingunes: "I'm delighted that we came here and put in such a good performance, while I'm not happy that we've been eliminated, we'll be using the next few matches to learn and try to grow, giving some other players a chance to show what they can do."

Player Ratings:

Murat Yigithan 6/10

Ozbek Sarikaya 6/10

Eyup Mustafa 6/10

Metin Boz 6/10

Gokdeniz Dag 6/10

Atilla Acar 6/10

Yusuf Ihsanoglu 6/10

Tekin Yavuz 7/10

Caner Turan 6/10

Ertan Renda 7/10

Vatan Ercetin 7/10

Substitutes:

Berker Balkan 7/10

Altan Seyfi 7/10

Kartal Unal 8/10

Man of the Match: Kartal Unal - Came off the bench to put in an absolutely complete and almost perfect performance.

Schedule and Results:
MD1: @ Pasarga W 2-0
MD2: vs Yttribia D 1-1, Halkın Güneş Çiftliği Stadium
MD3: @ Polkopia L 1-0
MD4 vs Drawkland L 3-0, Genel Sendika Stadium
MD5: @ Farfallidis L 7-0
MD6: Bye
MD7: vs Fujai, Madenci Stadium D 2-2
MD8: @ Gyatso-Kai D 1-1
MD9: vs Libonesia, Dev Halk Stadium W 5-3
MD 10: @ North East Asia W 3-1
MD11: vs Melbergia, Halkın Güneş Çiftliği W 4-3
MD12: vs Pasarga, Dev Halk Stadium W 3-2
MD13: @ Yttribia D 1-1
MD14: vs Polkopia, Genel Sendika Stadium L 1-0
MD15: @Drawkland L 1-0
MD16: vs Farfaillidis, Dev Halk Stadium L 3-2
MD17: Bye
MD18: @ Fujai W 6-2
MD19: vs Gyatso-Kai, Madenci Stadium
MD20: @ Libonesia
MD21: vs North East Asia, Madenci Stadium
MD22: @ Melbergia

by **Timuria** » Sat Jan 04, 2020 6:58 pm

Experimental Lineup Fails

Timuria 1–3 Gyatso-Kai
Kartal Unal (44);Dag'da Skirata (11), Song Kaoru (51, 78)

by Tufan Nursultan

The Red Wolves fell to a stunning, enraging and comprehensive defeat to unranked Gyatso-Kai as an experimental lineup backfired on Bekir Altingunes as he tried to assess his squad for future competitions.

The early stages indicated that the Red Wolves would likely have some trouble, as defensive errors began to show very early. This would be capitalised upon by the visitors with Skirata scoring against a flawed Red Wolves defence. The Red Wolves would equalise through young striker Kartal Unal, whose fierce shot almost broke the back of the net.

In the second half the Red Wolves fate would be sealed, with Song Kaoru grabbing a solid brace, one via a header, the other with a volley from inside the box.

What They Said After The Match:

Bekir Altingunes: "This wasn't how we wanted this match to go, that goes without saying, but with qualification no longer possible, we need to get a look at these players and we've learned a lot about some of them."

Player Ratings:

Murat Yigithan 6/10

Beyhan Enver 5/10

Berker Balkan 6/10

Osman Hasanoglu 5/10

Yildiray Sabuktiginoglu 6/10

Altan Seyfi 6/10

Oztekin Timur 5/10

Tayyar Ozel 5/10

Caner Turan 6/10

Metin Aytacoglu 5/10

Kartal Unal 7/10

Substitutes:

None used.

Man of the Match: Song Kaoru - Got two essential goals that earned his team the three points.

Schedule and Results:
MD1: @ Pasarga W 2-0
MD2: vs Yttribia D 1-1, Halkın Güneş Çiftliği Stadium
MD3: @ Polkopia L 1-0
MD4 vs Drawkland L 3-0, Genel Sendika Stadium
MD5: @ Farfallidis L 7-0
MD6: Bye
MD7: vs Fujai, Madenci Stadium D 2-2
MD8: @ Gyatso-Kai D 1-1
MD9: vs Libonesia, Dev Halk Stadium W 5-3
MD 10: @ North East Asia W 3-1
MD11: vs Melbergia, Halkın Güneş Çiftliği W 4-3
MD12: vs Pasarga, Dev Halk Stadium W 3-2
MD13: @ Yttribia D 1-1
MD14: vs Polkopia, Genel Sendika Stadium L 1-0
MD15: @Drawkland L 1-0
MD16: vs Farfaillidis, Dev Halk Stadium L 3-2
MD17: Bye
MD18: @ Fujai W 6-2
MD19: vs Gyatso-Kai, Madenci Stadium L 3-1
MD20: @ Libonesia
MD21: vs North East Asia, Madenci Stadium
MD22: @ Melbergia

by **Vilita** » Sat Jan 04, 2020 8:24 pm

Eel-Cat Things Perfect in AOCAF Group Stage

Eel's Park, Eelandii, Turori :: It was one of the longest AOCAF Group Stages in history - perhaps the longest in the 59-cycle history of the competition. 10 games from start to finish and that was just the group stage. From that point forth there would be even more games as the knockout rounds would begin but unfortunately for Vilita and Turori it would be a tale of two very different halves - not really halves at all as a rare Perfect Group Stage run was undone in the very first knockout round as dreams of another AOCAF title were very quickly washed away.

While it wasn't quite a Utopian 14-0-0 performance the group stage was still exquisite for the Eel-Cat Things who were one of two teams to win all 10 of their Group Stage matches and averaged three goals per game. A Number of youngsters got a chance to prove themselves during the matches and some put in performances that could earn them consideration for their respective National Teams during World Cup 84 Qualifications.

 Vilita & Turori [2] - [0] Dogsmouth
				
	GOALS:	Vilita & Turori 	:: 22' Enzoril Alabonni:: 40' Enzoril Alabonni             		
	STATS:	Vilita & Turori 	:: Possession: 61%:: Shots: 4:: Corners: 9	Dogsmouth 	:: Possession: 39%:: Shots: 4:: Corners: 9
	Lineup:	[GK] Vernasa Sanamun, [D.] Jirijii Januaa, [D.] Biliki Rona'atu'i, [D.] Lohani Riiyaaw, [ML]  Lati'ala Giaoka, [MC]  Limu Katarakhna, [MC] Daliora Toru'u, [MR]  Kudii Davasarii, [FC]  Mirana Gotuai, [FC] Nii'arala Milaaso, [FC] Enzoril Alabonni			
	Bench:	[FC] Kala'a Yuliizala, [FC] Nua'oma Aikiki, [M] Tripate Falcon, [M] Mbdiai Akarenaa, [U ] Purapal Eskiiy, [D] Rojara Tiones, [GK] Striitca Virahat

 Vilita & Turori [5] - [1] Ko-oren
				
	GOALS:	Vilita & Turori 	:: 18' Kala'a Yuliizala:: 30' Kala'a Yuliizala:: 43' Nua'oma Aikiki:: 86' Limu Katarakhna:: 90' Nii'arala Milaaso          		
	STATS:	Vilita & Turori 	:: Possession: 53%:: Shots: 9:: Corners: 5	Ko-oren 	:: Possession: 47%:: Shots: 3:: Corners: 3
	Lineup:	[GK]  Vernasa Sanamun, [D.]  Lohani Riiyaaw, [D.]  Amakli Inuro'o, [D.]  Biliki Rona'atu'i, [ML]  Tripate Falcon, [MC]  Limu Katarakhna, [MC]  Purapal Eskiiy, [MR]  Daliora Toru'u, [FC]  Kala'a Yuliizala, [FC]  Mirana Gotuai, [FC]  Nua'oma Aikiki			
	Bench:	[FC]  Nii'arala Milaaso, [FC]  Enzoril Alabonni, [M]  Kiidallen Aeroluzzi, [M]  Intikko Kuhilana, [U ]  Kudii Davasarii, [D]  Jirak Trikala, [GK]  Striitca Virahat

 Vilita & Turori [5] - [2] Bolgano
				
	GOALS:	Vilita & Turori 	:: 2' Nii'arala Milaaso:: 34' Nii'arala Milaaso:: 40' Limu Katarakhna:: 67' Enzoril Alabonni:: 82' Enzoril Alabonni          		
	STATS:	Vilita & Turori 	:: Possession: 62%:: Shots: 13:: Corners: 15	Bolgano 	:: Possession: 38%:: Shots: 4:: Corners: 7
	Lineup:	[GK]  Vernasa Sanamun, [D.]  Lohani Riiyaaw, [D.]  Amakli Inuro'o, [D.]  Jirak Trikala, [ML]  Kiidallen Aeroluzzi, [MC]  Limu Katarakhna, [MC]  Kudii Davasarii, [MR]  Tripate Falcon, [FC]  Nua'oma Aikiki, [FC]  Nii'arala Milaaso, [FC]  Enzoril Alabonni			
	Bench:	[FC]  Turakia Diijelhma, [FC]  Mirana Gotuai, [M]  Mbdiai Akarenaa, [M]  Purapal Eskiiy, [U ]  Lati'ala Giaoka, [D]  Rojara Tiones, [GK]  Striitca Virahat

 Vilita & Turori [3] - [2] Valanora
				
	GOALS:	Vilita & Turori 	:: 10' Kiidallen Aeroluzzi:: 67' Kiidallen Aeroluzzi:: 80' Daliora Toru'u            		
	STATS:	Vilita & Turori 	:: Possession: 55%:: Shots: 6:: Corners: 9	Valanora 	:: Possession: 45%:: Shots: 3:: Corners: 6
	Lineup:	[GK]  Vernasa Sanamun, [D.]  Lohani Riiyaaw, [D.]  Jirijii Januaa, [D.]  Amakli Inuro'o, [ML]  Limu Katarakhna, [MC]  Tripate Falcon, [MC]  Purapal Eskiiy, [MR]  Kiidallen Aeroluzzi, [FC]  Turakia Diijelhma, [FC]  Nii'arala Milaaso, [FC]  Enzoril Alabonni			
	Bench:	[FC]  Nua'oma Aikiki, [FC]  Mirana Gotuai, [M]  Kudii Davasarii, [M]  Lati'ala Giaoka, [U ]  Daliora Toru'u, [D]  Jirak Trikala, [GK]  Striitca Virahat

 Vilita & Turori [4] - [2] Anthor
				
	GOALS:	Vilita & Turori 	:: 5' Enzoril Alabonni:: 26' Nua'oma Aikiki:: 68' Kudii Davasarii:: 74' Mirana Gotuai           		
	STATS:	Vilita & Turori 	:: Possession: 55%:: Shots: 10:: Corners: 17	Anthor 	:: Possession: 45%:: Shots: 4:: Corners: 5
	Lineup:	[GK]  Vernasa Sanamun, [D.]  Amakli Inuro'o, [D.]  Jirak Trikala, [D.]  Lohani Riiyaaw, [ML]  Limu Katarakhna, [MC]  Tripate Falcon, [MC]  Lati'ala Giaoka, [MR]  Kudii Davasarii, [FC]  Nua'oma Aikiki, [FC]  Nii'arala Milaaso, [FC]  Enzoril Alabonni			
	Bench:	[FC]  Turakia Diijelhma, [FC]  Mirana Gotuai, [M]  Intikko Kuhilana, [M]  Purapal Eskiiy, [U ]  Kala'a Yuliizala, [D]  Biliki Rona'atu'i, [GK]  Timaala Hualtia

Things got off to a slow but solid start for the Eel Cat Things with a 2-0 victory over newcomers Dogsmouth in a relatively tentative game. The coaching staff went with an experienced lineup leaving out all of the debutante teenagers from the days roster while Marine Coast United utility player Enzoril Alabonni provided both goals to get Vilita & Turori started on a winning note.

Vernasa Sanamun gave up the teams first goal of the campaign against Ko-oren on Matchday 2 but the team rallied around to make up for it with a five-star performance led by Inland Peaks youngster Kala'a Uliizala who scored twice in the first half hour of the game. Vilita and Turori would repeat their five-star performance in their first home game of the tournament on Matchday three putting five goals past Bolgano in the first ever meeting between the two sides. It was another big performance from Enzoril Alabonni while the stats were trending the wrong way for goalkeeper Vernasa Sanamun who over the first three games had given up an additional goal in each match played compared with the previous game.

Of course, there was really only one match during the first half of the group stage that anyone particularly cared about and that was the Vilita & Turori v. Valanora clash on Matchday 4. It was the third time in four games that the Eel-Cat Things were on the road and with the importance of the match, the Vilita & Turori youngsters were once again left out in favor of some of the teams more experienced players. While the first three games had been dominated by the performances of Enzoril Alabonni, Nii'arala Miilaaso and Limu Katarahkna, it was a surprise performance from Turorian Kiidallen Aeroluzzi to keep Vilita and Turori in the match before a late free kick from Daliora Toru'u beat the Vanorian keeper to secure all three points for Vilita & Turori. The Eel-Cat things closed out the first half of the group stage with a 4-2 victory over Anthor to take the drivers seat as Group Favorites. There was still much work to be done for Vilita & Turori, however, as while they had posted a perfect 5-0-0 record over the first five games while averaging nearly four goals a game, they had conceded seven goals including six in the last three games all under the gloves of Kiiarana City's Vernasa Sanamun. The staff would be looking to use some Turorian Karela magic in the second half to improve their defensive posture if they were to propel themselves from the group into the knockout stage with the right complexion to challenge for the regional title.

by **Chromatika** » Sat Jan 04, 2020 8:59 pm

Football Part 19: BYE-day Musings, Part 2

Jillian Nier, Football Correspondent

Six point lead. Nine points left to go.

Main Nation Ministry's victory away in Kavagrad and Mriin's handling of Busoga Islands eliminates Busoga Islands from the playoff picture. With Chromatika's record against Main Nation Ministry being 1 win and 1 draw, per the tiebreaker rules of this World Cup, it'll go down to goals differential, which the Chromatiks have a lead on, +18 to +15.

Here are the games left for each team in contention:

Mriin: BYE, at Kavagrad, versus Lons
Chromatika: at Petrovsky, versus Bloing, at Zealandiana
Main Nation Ministry: versus Lons, at Plane of Possibility, versus Northwest Kalactin

Given that each team is playing against teams lower than them, it can be expected that all three teams will get all the points. If there is a team the Anomalies fans should root for, it is Lons, who plays at Main Nation Ministry and Mriin both in the three-game stretch. However, as long as the Chromatiks secure four points in the next three matches, they'll qualify - and if they win out, they'll get first place in the group despite Mriin's ridiculous Goals Differential.

Ferret Tioux returning from injury remains the key point against Petrovsky; perhaps it is wrong to separate Laure Etienne with her charges along the bench players, but giving Whitney Kelly and Xi Xe more playing time is wise.

Looking to who may be on the twenty-three man roster - Ibex's injury means that Friedman will likely make it to the roster, while Zheide McBee has made a case to be the backup Right Back, regardless of who is the starter between Olivia An and Aoife Ruth. Between Whitney Kelly, Molly Thorben, and Laure Etienne, Right Winger remains the deepest point on the Chromatik roster, any of them having a case to back up Kaytlyn Victoriane. Backups at Attacking Midfielder (Miranda Gail and Mimi Kuzami come to mind) and Striker (Rowena Sierra or Olimpia Vidal) also remain up in the air.

All happy dilemmas for a team who is almost there after a competitive group. Time to cross the t's and dot the i's.

Part 18: The Remnant

Part 19: The Discovery

Returning to The Astral Plane that housed The Enlightened was different for The Hope and The Skilled now that they were separate from the collective. Had it always been this easy to hide from the sentries, to go about things freely? She didn't remember it being so - and had thought that the scouting that they did and the watch that was kept had mattered - but they had gone past four of them with ease on the way to The Grand Library.

It had been The Skilled's idea, of course - he seemed to have everything figured out since he had been disconnected far longer than she had - and it also struck her how she had never been to The Grand Library. Standing three stories tall, The Grand Library was for the use of the Artisan Guild under The Three. However, The Hope had never seen anyone enter it or exit it.

As they approached the structure, there were no guards. It was so strange just how calm everything was.

As The Skilled opened the door, the sound was deafeningly loud; there was no one inside. Had The Three just gotten used to nobody entering or exiting?

The Skilled lead The Hope to the Ancient Texts section. "I've been here once before, and noticed that these books here look the oldest," he had explained, "I think there we can find a clue to where The Three's power comes from."

"Yes - now that I am free, I wonder why they are the ones in power and not anyone else," responded The Hope.

So they'd come. It took about an hour, but it wasn't too long before they found a book with a locked binding.

The Skilled snapped his fingers - and with his particular magic, the lock fell off.

In the book, there was this passage:

'Three - yes, three - is the magical number of The Enlightened needed, with working in full conjunction, to overwhelm the link between two of The Enlightened with the same monotone vibration that can lead to servitude. This frequency was discovered by (blotted out name) with the help of (blotted out name). When that is complete, the three who completed the bind can use an external focus to detract from from the three of them, and use that time to consolidate their own power. This practice was outlawed by the ruling council of The Enlightened once it was discovered, and kept to just this text, so that if it was done, it could be found. The ploy must be called and the truth declared...'

The two of them looked at each other in abject horror.

"I knew it!" exclaimed The Skilled, "No wonder one of them looked so aghast when I noticed this section of The Grand Library. We have them now!"

"How do we reverse it?" asked The Hope.

"We disrupt what happens in Chromatika," replied The Skilled, "And that can in disrupt The Three's control. Can you still connect with Keira Andisori?"

The Hope nodded.

"Do so," responded The Skilled, "And let her know - by the Chromatiks being aware of the truth, everything will become clearer."

She nodded, and started to connect to Keira...

Rainbow League System Preview
19. Lorentine

Nickname: Lions
Fans: Lions, Lorens
Location: Lorentine, Heartland District, Chromatika
Stadium: Lion's Den (32,100)
History:

Manager: Xander Augustine, 48
Formation: (3-4-3)

Background: A small town in the Heartland, Lorentine is known for having the best bakeries in the country. Marquis Bakery is the biggest of the lot and own half the team. It's a tight-knit community and team, and the fan base is absolutely loyal and full of fervor.

Preseason Grading: brought to you by ChromatikBet.com

Fanbase: 4/10: Lorentine's fan base is small and rather quiet. There were those that were keeping an eye on them during the ridiculous goalscoring in Season 4, but that's that.
Manager: 5/10: Xander Augustine is an offensive savant who had Bonesfolk Eneko Carr score so many goals in Season 4.
Keepers: 5/10: Cousteau has always been a decent but not great keeper.
Defenders: 5/10: The Lions' defense is a bend-but-don't break defense, but has broken more often than not.
Midfielders: 6/10: Lorentine has a keeper in Laportier, who has aged like fine wine. Mostly an attacking bunch.
Strikers: N/A: Lorentine is lacking any strikers.
Greatest Need: When the Chromatik League disbanded, all foreign players were let go. Lorentine is lacking their identity in the attacking three. As Augustine has always managed an attacking brand of football, expect them to spend some money in the offseason trying to buoy that.
Next: Pria

by **PotatoFarmers** » Sat Jan 04, 2020 9:25 pm

Countdown to end of qualifying has begun!
Report by Sporting Daily Sporting Team
Okay, we heard you. Some of you have been asking us how did we get our elimination charts up. Here, on the bye day for our team, we explain what is going on.

Pos Group 1                         Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Audioslavia                      17   13   3   1    43   19  +24    42
 2 Sargossa                         17   13   1   3    54   31  +23    40
 3 Newmanistan                      17   12   1   4    41   23  +18    37

These are the only teams in the race for 2 spots. It looks quite tight, but with 3 matches to go, we have to dive down to their individual matches.

MD20: Sargossa vs Newmanistan, Audioslavia vs Islas Aaland
MD21: Aimena vs Audioslavia, Islas Aaland vs Sargossa, Newmanistan vs Greater Cebu
MD22: Brusseldorf vs Newmanistan, Sargossa vs Aimena, Audioslavia vs Joyea

After Newmanistan's loss to Audioslavia, the match against Sargossa becomes a must win. Considering that the reverse ended in 1-0 in favour of Sargossa, Newmanistan should aim for a win by at least 2 goals to ensure they are top on head-to-head goals. If the win is a simple one goal win, then goal difference would come into play. If Newmanistan loses to Sargossa, Audioslavia qualifies by not losing, as Audioslavia has a superior head-to-head record against Newmanistan. A note worthy point is that Audioslavia and Sargossa are tied on head-to-head. (Audioslavia won 2-1, then Sargossa won 3-2 in the reverse), so raking up huge wins is necessary for anyone to survive a tiebreaker.

Pos Group 2                         Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Banija                           18   15   2   1    63   23  +40    47
 2 Brenecia                         18   13   4   1    47   21  +26    43

This is a question of who steals the glory of qualifying as group winners. Banija, with a superior head-to-head, is able to clinch first with 2 points in 2 games, while Brenecia needs to win both games and hope Banija collects 0 or 1 points.

Pos Group 3                        Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Starblaydia                      17   13   3   1    57   22  +35    42
 2 HUElavia                         18   12   3   3    43   32  +11    39
 3 Mercedini                        18   11   5   2    51   29  +22    38

Another 3 way battle here. Starblaydia has an easier life needing only a win to secure first place, having a superior head-to-head record over HUElavia. The other two teams are neck and neck, and they cannot afford to drop points. Mercedini needs to collect more points than HUElavia, as the have a poorer head-to-head record.

Pos Group 4                        Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Turori                           17   14   1   2    50   12  +38    43
 2 95X                              17   11   2   4    41   31  +10    35
 3 Sajnur                           17    8   5   4    45   38   +7    29

Turori is already in, and guaranteed first place with 1 point, since they have a superior head-to-head record over 95X (one win apiece, head-to-head goals: 95X 4, Turori 6). As for the second slot, we look at their respective matches:

MD20: Sajnur vs Pink Floyd FC, Ynyslas vs 95X
MD21: 95X vs Guadalajara, Barsland vs Sajnur
MD22: Sajnur vs 95X

95X needs 4 points to stop Sajnur from doing anything. If they don't, Sajnur can overturn 95X if they win 3 matches (or win 2 and draw 1 if 95X does not get more than 1 point). There is, however, a reverse fixture in MD22, after 95X drew Sajnur 4-4 the first time round. 95X is likely to qualify, baring a collapse from the team against the teams currently in 7th and 8th place in the group.

Pos Group 5                        Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Nephara                          17   13   2   2    43   18  +25    41
 2 Siovanija & Teusland             18   13   1   4    44   25  +19    40

Our group has already been decided previously, and Nephara just need to collect 5 points to get first as they won both their games against Siovanija & Teusland. Poafmersia has a match against Nephara in MD22 away, and our team can play party poppers if they manage to cause an upset against the top seeds, which are very difficult opponents and delivered a crushing defeat in Poafmersia last time out.

Pos Group 6                        Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Equestria                        17   13   1   3    58   22  +36    40
 2 Darmen                           17   11   3   3    51   32  +19    36
 3 Darkmania                        17   11   2   4    35   34   +1    35
 4 Hapilopper                       17    9   5   3    43   32  +11    32

No choice here, we have to look at what is left to see the situation.

MD20: Hapilopper vs Quakmybush, Equestria vs Sultanate of Oontaz, Darkmania vs Nomoterra, Bongo Johnson vs Darmen
MD21: Darmen vs Acapais, Vdara vs Darkmania, Nomoterra vs Equestria, Sultanate of Oontaz vs Hapilopper
MD22: Hapilopper vs Nomoterra, Equestria vs Vdara, Darkmania vs Darmen

Equestria, the 2nd in the world rankings, have not qualified, which is a surprise. They just simply need 2 points to qualify, with their superior head-to-head record over Darkmania (one win apiece, head-to-head goals: Equestria 9 Darkmania 6) and Darmen (head-to-head points: Equestria 6 Darmen 0),and both Darkmania and Darmen unable to get maximum points with their MD22 match.
How does that work? We give the worse case here: Say Equestria gets only 2 points. They would be on 42. Hapilopper wins all 3 and gets only 41. Not enough. Darkmania wins 2 and gets 41, while Darmen wins 2 and gets 42. If the match between Darmen and Darkmania ends in a draw, Darkmen will be on 43 and qualifies, while Darkmania will be on 42, level on points with Equestria but loses on head-to-head. A win for either side will send that team through, with the loser being eliminated. Darmen winning will eliminate Darkmania due to head-to-head records.
Okay, so Equestria is settled. Clearly the match between Darkmania and Darmen is a must win for either side, especially Darkmania, which is one point behind. Meanwhile, Hapilopper would only have to pray that Margeret (the god of Sports) blesses them and make Darkmania and Darmen drop points. Hapilopper has a poorer head-to-head record against Darmen (head-to-head points: Darmen 4, Hapilopper 1) but has a better head-to-head record against Darkmania (one win apiece, head-to-head goals: Hapilopper 2, Darkmania 1), so that could be taken into consideration in the event points become level.

Pos Group 7                        Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Mriin                            18   13   3   2    59   24  +35    42
 2 Chromatika                       17   13   2   2    39   21  +18    41
 3 Main Nation Ministry             17   11   2   4    45   30  +15    35

It's likely to be a Mriin-Chromatika double, unless something else happens. We look at the run-up for a clearer picture.

MD20: Main Nation Ministry vs Lons, Petrovsky vs Chromatika, Mriin bye
MD21: Chromatika vs Bloing, Plane of Possibility vs Main Nation Ministry, Kavagrad vs Mriin
MD22: Mriin vs Lons, Main Nation Ministry vs Northwest Kalactin, Zealandiana vs Chromatika

We also note the head-to-head: Main Nation Ministry has 6 head-to-head points to Mriin's 0; Main Nation Ministry has same head-to-head points and goals with Chromatika; Mriin has 4 head-to-head points to Chromatika's 1. That means both Chromatika and Mriin needs 2 points to qualify safely. Alternatively, Chromatika can use a superior goal difference with only one point, but that is unlikely considering Main Nation Ministry is only 3 behind in GD.

Pos Group 8                        Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 South Covello                    18   13   3   2    41   14  +27    42
 2 Ziwana                           18    9   6   3    46   37   +9    33
 3 Qasden                           17    9   5   3    38   31   +7    32
 4 Squornshelan Remnant States (E)  18    6   8   4    30   23   +7    26
 5 Filindostan                      17    6   7   4    28   24   +4    25

This one steals the cake, but maybe not for long. Filindostan, with 25 points, needs a miracle in Ziwana losing both their matches and Qasden getting at most 1 point, while they win everything. The reverse matches ended up in win against Flavovespia but draws against Mustardy and Vakolicci Haven & Celaria. The more important matches are the ones of Qasden and Ziwana, where Ziwana is aiming to the first team in a long time to qualify at first try.

MD20: Bluiji Vs Ziwana, Qasden vs Mustardy
MD21: Vakolicci Haven & Celaria vs Qasden, Ziwana vs Squornshelan Remnant States
MD22: Ziwana bye, Qasden vs South Covello

At first look, it seems that Qasden has a higher chance of winning. With a superior head-to-head, Qasden just needs to get one more point then Ziwana to qualify. However, the second seeds are not having it easy. Last time out, they had huge difficulties beating Mustardy in a 5-4 thriller, drew Vakolicci Haven & Celaria, and lost to top seeds and group winners South Covello. Ziwana, on the other hand, has an easier opponent in 121st ranked Bluiji, and they drew the harder opponent, the Squornshelan Remnant States away. Maybe Qasden needs to work a bit harder to get those points here, but we think Ziwana has some hopes.

Pos 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

Valanora has a very easy way out, needing only a win at Xanneria at next matchday to qualify as group champions. Kelssek and Ethane needs a miracle to overhaul Valanora, but they could overhaul Port Ember, which played one more game.
However, the matches are not simple pushovers. Port Ember has the easiest run in, with matches against Razneta and Lisander, while Kelssek has to play Five Cities, Xanneria and Bears Armed. Bears Armed is not an easy opponent, having some World Cup experience from some time back. They have proven their mentle in many matches, and showed that their teams remains strong despite a lack of recent cup experience. Ethane has to play Lisander, Ouna, before a tricky trip to Valanora. This might give Port Ember an advantage, but we might see this tie being decided on the final matchday instead.

Pos Group 10                       Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Kita-Hinode                      18   14   3   1    55   22  +33    45
 2 The Holy Empire                  17   14   1   2    59   29  +30    43
 3 Juvencus                         17   13   1   3    38   24  +14    40

Some say this is really difficult to call. Indeed, with Juvencus having to play The Holy Empire and Kita-Hinode, no one can seat back and relax in this tight race.

A death fight impending?
MD20: Juvencus vs Kita-Hinode, Pauh Janggi vs The Holy Empire
MD21: The Holy Empire vs Juvencus, Kita-Hinode vs Union of Quincy
MD22: Union of Quincy vs The Holy Empire, Juvencus vs Freeport, Kita-Hinode bye

To start, Juvencus needs to win at home to Kita-Hinode. Any other result would see them fall behind as The Holy Empire plays Pauh Janggi away. Kita-Hinode can secure qualification with a win at Juvencus. Then, The Holy Empire plays Juvencus in a real 6-pointer. The Holy Empire won the first match 6-2 at home, so Juvencus needs to win by 5 goals or more to leapfrog The Holy Empire. By the last matchday, bearing some freak result, the top 2 teams would be very clear.

Pos Group 11                       Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Free Republics                   17   15   1   1    50   15  +35    46
 2 Taeshan                          17   11   3   3    24    9  +15    36
 3 Jeruselem                        17    9   6   2    39   24  +15    33
 4 Schottia                         17    9   4   4    38   33   +5    31

The Free Republics may be group winners, but they have a part in the battle for second place. They play Jeruselem away in MD20 before hosting Schottia in MD21. First and foremost, Schottia needs to keep themselves alive, by beating Taeshan again in the MD20 matchup. They won the first one 1-0 away, so returning home to beat Taeshan should be a real possibility. A draw would put them off the pace, while a loss will see Schottia drop out of the race.
Then, in MD21, while Free Republics host Schottia, Nakhistan hosts Jeruselem while Taeshan hosts Geektopia. If this has turned into Taeshan vs Jeruselem by then, then surely Jeruselem is on the back foot, they need Taeshan to drop points to overhaul Taeshan. Head-to-head is useless at this point, they are even. Taeshan then play away at bottom side Galar, which is surely a win for Taeshan. Schottia hosts Nahkistan while Jeruselem hosts Geektopia in the other 2 Matchday 22 matches. If Jeruselem wants to qualify, maybe they have to beg Schottia to do them a favour and hopefully they can use their superior goal difference to help. If not, we can only see Taeshan running away with the second spot.

Pos Group 12                       Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Farfadillis                      17   14   1   2    45   12  +33    43
 2 Drawkland                        17   11   4   2    35   19  +16    37
 3 Pasarga                          17   11   2   4    45   27  +18    35

The fixture list gave Farfadillis an early ticket to the World Cup. Pasarga and Drawkland cannot both get maximum points to coup Farfadillis for the spot, due to their meeting in Matchday 21. This is because excluding their match in MD21, Pasarga would have a maximum of 41, while Drawkland have a maximum of 43. Drawkland has a worse head-to-head record against Farfadillis, so their meetup is very important.

Pasarga's remaining fixtures: Polkopia (h), Drawkland (a), Farfadillis (h)
Drawland's remaining fixtures: Melbergia (a), Pasarga (h), Yttribua (a)

The matches for both teams are difficult, with Pasarga having to play Farfadillis at home too. The odds do not favour Pasarga at all.

Pos Group 13                       Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Eura                             17   16   1   0    57   14  +43    49
 2 Reçueçn                          18   10   4   4    25   16   +9    34
 3 Damukuni                         17    9   3   5    39   27  +12    30

A straight forward 2 way fight for one spot. Damukuni has played one game less and a head-to-head advatageof Recuecn, so they just need to collect 4 more points from 3 games as compared to Recuecn from 2 games. However, Recuecn is likely to be having the edge oer Damukuni.

Pos Group 14                       Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Vilita                           17   15   1   1    68   29  +39    46
 2 Zwangzug                         17   11   2   4    27   20   +7    35
 3 Mattijana                        17   10   2   5    32   22  +10    32
 4 Ancherion                        18    9   3   6    42   39   +3    30

Pos Group 15                       Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Apox                             17   14   2   1    41   17  +24    44
 2 Ko-oren                          17   11   2   4    25   12  +13    35
 3 New Lusitania                    18    9   6   3    34   19  +15    33
 4 Eraman                           17    9   2   6    25   18   +7    29

Two similar situations, with winners settled and second place left to fight for. Group 14 would be more close, with Zwangzug only 3 points ahead. Mattijana, probably the only contender realistically, has a head-to-head advantage with their meeting in MD21 to come. Zwangzug needs to ensure they do not lose to Mattijana again, and if they can match the number of points in the other 2 games, they should be in. Ko-oren has an easier job, needing 4 points to eliminate New Lusitania, having a head-to-head point advantage.

That is it from us, and hopefully we can see more nice results!

by **Turori** » Sat Jan 04, 2020 9:30 pm

Eel-Cat Things Bounced Out despite Perfect Group

Eel's Park, Eelandii, Turori :: The Vilita and Turori Eel-Cat Things started off the second half of the AOCAF 59 Group Stage much like they did the first, with a 2-0 victory over Dogsmouth.

The cast of characters at Eel's Park was different however as Turorian Timaala Hualtia was in goal replacing Vernasa Sanamun who had conceded seven goals in four matches since their own shutout performance against Dogsmouth the open the competition. Additionally, while they didn't get into the match, one of the teenage debutants finally dressed for a game with Clarana Regiami an unused substitute. It wasn't all cheer for the Turorian contingent however as there was a scare in the 71st minute when Hualtia had to leave the game with a potential hand injury to be replaced by Sanamun. Luckily Hualtia's injury was deemed not to be severe and the would be cleared to play as the group stage continued.

 Vilita & Turori [2] - [0] Dogsmouth
				
	GOALS:	Vilita & Turori 	:: 22' Mirana Gotuai:: 87' Enzoril Alabonni             		
	STATS:	Vilita & Turori 	:: Possession: 55%:: Shots: 7:: Corners: 9	Dogsmouth 	:: Possession: 45%:: Shots: 3:: Corners: 5
	Lineup:	[GK]  Timaala Hualtia, [D.]  Rojara Tiones, [D.]  Lohani Riiyaaw, [D.]  Jirak Trikala, [ML]  Kiidallen Aeroluzzi, [MC]  Limu Katarakhna, [MC]  Daliora Toru'u, [MR]  Tripate Falcon, [FC]  Nua'oma Aikiki, [FC]  Mirana Gotuai, [FC]  Enzoril Alabonni			
	Bench:	[FC]  Turakia Diijelhma, [FC]  Nii'arala Milaaso, [M]  Kudii Davasarii, [M]  Intikko Kuhilana, [U ]  Clarana Refiami, [D]  Moumouni Verre'elali, [GK]  Vernasa Sanamun

 Vilita & Turori [1] - [0] Ko-oren
				
	GOALS:	Vilita & Turori 	:: 76' Intikko Kuhilana              		
	STATS:	Vilita & Turori 	:: Possession: 52%:: Shots: 6:: Corners: 9	Ko-oren 	:: Possession: 48%:: Shots: 3:: Corners: 2
	Lineup:	[GK]  Timaala Hualtia, [D.]  Jirak Trikala, [D.]  Rojara Tiones, [D.]  Jirijii Januaa, [ML]  Kiidallen Aeroluzzi, [MC]  Daliora Toru'u, [MC]  Limu Katarakhna, [MC]  Intikko Kuhilana, [MR]  Lentali Purama, [FC]  Turakia Diijelhma, [FC]  Enzoril Alabonni			
	Bench:	[FC]  Nua'oma Aikiki, [FC]  Nii'arala Milaaso, [M]  Tripate Falcon, [M]  Purapal Eskiiy, [U ]  Mirana Gotuai, [D]  Lohani Riiyaaw, [GK]  Vernasa Sanamun

 Vilita & Turori [4] - [2] Bolgano
				
	GOALS:	Vilita & Turori 	:: 1' Nii'arala Milaaso:: 32' Nii'arala Milaaso:: 67' Nua'oma Aikiki:: 91' Kala'a Yuliizala           		
	STATS:	Vilita & Turori 	:: Possession: 62%:: Shots: 11:: Corners: 12	Bolgano 	:: Possession: 38%:: Shots: 6:: Corners: 6
	Lineup:	[GK]  Timaala Hualtia, [D.]  Jirak Trikala, [D.]  Rojara Tiones, [D.]  Lohani Riiyaaw, [ML]  Lati'ala Giaoka, [MC]  Limu Katarakhna, [MC]  Kudii Davasarii, [MR]  Kiidallen Aeroluzzi, [FC]  Nua'oma Aikiki, [FC]  Turakia Diijelhma, [FC]  Nii'arala Milaaso			
	Bench:	[FC]  Enzoril Alabonni, [FC]  Kala'a Yuliizala, [M]  Purapal Eskiiy, [M]  Tripate Falcon, [U ]  Mirana Gotuai, [D]  Amakli Inuro'o, [GK]  Vernasa Sanamun

For the first time in the group stage Vilita and Turori posted back to back shutouts as Timaala Hualtia returned between the pipes to backstop a full 90 minutes of shutout action against Ko-oren at the Arcticala Electrical Stadium. It also marked the first regional start for any of the debutant teenage prospects as SissilBank Academy midfielder Lentali Purama got the start and played a full 90 minutes at right wing. For a time it appeared it might be the first blemish on the Eel Cat Things record before Intikko Kuhilana's 76th minute tally propelled Vilita & Turori to a 1-0 victory.

The shutout streak for Hualtia finally came to an end in the 33rd minute against Bolgano but Vilita and Turori's perfect record was unaffected thanks to goals from Nii'arala Milaaso, Nua'oma Aikiki and Kala'a Yuliizala as the glottal apostrophe trio teamed up for all four Eel-Cat Thing goals.

 Vilita & Turori [3] - [1] Valanora
				
	GOALS:	Vilita & Turori 	:: 3' Lohani Riiyaaw:: 41' Enzoril Alabonni:: 79' Nua'oma Aikiki            		
	STATS:	Vilita & Turori 	:: Possession: 60%:: Shots: 5:: Corners: 4	Valanora 	:: Possession: 40%:: Shots: 5:: Corners: 1
	Lineup:	[GK]  Timaala Hualtia, [D.]  Lohani Riiyaaw, [D.]  Jirijii Januaa, [D.]  Jirak Trikala, [DM]  Karisto Monafog, [ML]  Limu Katarakhna, [MC]  Tripate Falcon, [MC]  Intikko Kuhilana, [MR]  Daliora Toru'u, [FC]  Nii'arala Milaaso, [FC]  Enzoril Alabonni			
	Bench:	[FC]  Turakia Diijelhma, [FC]  Nua'oma Aikiki, [M]  Kudii Davasarii, [M]  Kiidallen Aeroluzzi, [U ]  Clarana Refiami, [D]  Moumouni Verre'elali, [GK]  Vernasa Sanamun

 Vilita & Turori [1] - [0] Anthor
				
	GOALS:	Vilita & Turori 	:: 5' Enzoril Alabonni              		
	STATS:	Vilita & Turori 	:: Possession: 60%:: Shots: 3:: Corners: 5	Anthor 	:: Possession: 40%:: Shots: 3:: Corners: 1
	Lineup:	[GK]  Striitca Virahat, [D.]  Jirak Trikala, [D.]  Inteali Koranjo, [D.]  Amakli Inuro'o, [ML]  Daliora Toru'u, [MC]  Cuoabaza Orani’aoa, [MC]  Lentali Purama, [MC]  Kudii Davasarii, [MR]  Tripate Falcon, [FC]  Clarana Refiami, [FC]  Enzoril Alabonni			
	Bench:	[FC]  Nii'arala Milaaso, [FC]  Nua'oma Aikiki, [M]  Khrusan Mlianko, [M]  Tulaki Rauogba, [U ]  Naraiza Ruaplal, [D]  Lohani Riiyaaw, [GK]  Timaala Hualtia

The Only thing that appeared to be standing in the way of Vilita and Turori and a perfect record in the group stage was the match day nine return fixture against heavyweights Valanora. The Eel-Cat Things had already won the first leg of the battle by a 3-2 scoreline in Valanora but the Vanorians were feeling pressure from Ko-oren in the Group Table and in need of some security points. The Vanorians were behind the eight ball early though much to the delight of the home crowd at the Tivali-Ring Stadium in Alikki-Corra when Lohani Riiyaaw headed home a 3rd minute corner kick to open the scoring. Valanora would equalize soon after but Vilita and Turori's top scorer of the tournament thus far, Enzoril Alabonni, would restore the Eel-Cat Things advantage going into the half.

It was a tightly fought game the rest of the way but Vilita and Turori ultimately found an extra goal as the Vanorians pressed forward late in the match, Nua'oma Aikiki assuring Vilita and Turori's place as Group winners in an inspiring 3-1 victory over the former champions. The game would also see the long awaited debut of prospect Clarana Refiami who entered the match after Aikiki's goal in the 79th minute and had a few inspiring touches of the ball to inspire cheers from the local supporters.

With nothing to play for in Anthor on the final match day of the Group Stage, Vilita and Turori changed things up one final time with Alikki-Corra Academy's Striitca Virahat getting the start in goal and a number of young prospects being injected into the lineup including Inteali Koranjo, Cuoabaza Orani'aoa, Lentali Purama and Clarana Refiami breaking into the starting lineup while Khrusan Mlianko and Naraiza Ruaplal would come on as substitutes later in the match. Despite the youth movement, the decisive goal came from a familiar source as Enzoril Alabonni found the back of the net once more to bring their total for the competition to eight. Unfortunately, Alabonni's marksmanship wouldn't carry through to the knockout rounds. While Vilita and Turori secured a perfect 10-0-0 record in the group stage and a supposed easy draw in the Round of 16, it would be a perfect 0-0-1 record for the Eel Cat Things in the knockout rounds as they would throw away all the promise that the long Group Stage had given them to get dumped out by up-and-comers Siovanija and Teusland in what was the biggest upset of the tournament.

by **Ziwana** » Sat Jan 04, 2020 10:07 pm

Ziwana 3 - 0 Furby Islands: Akambuku Qualification Dreams Kept Alive After Thrashing Furby Islands

Ziwana have so far exceeded expectations in the World Cup Qualifiers, beating several high ranking teams in their chase for the promised land. With such performances the Akambuku have gain the attention of football lovers around the world which has risen the expectations of most Ziwani fans who believe that the national team can make it to World Cup proper. However there were several hiccups before this game having lost the previous 2 games to South Covello who have a solid grasp of the number 1 spot in group 8 and Qasden who are competing with Ziwana for position 2. Qasden have game in hand which is making most Ziwani fans nervous and the game against Furby Islands was a must win match. Fans on the internet were convinced that this match was going to be won as it was home game and the Akambuku have ruthless forwards in Jean-Marc mourgine, Jean Wilder, Charles Payen and Abdulaziz Haqawi.

The stadium atmosphere at the game was very lively with Akambuku fans dressed in yellow and green garbs, beating on drums and singing songs of praise for the Ziwani players. It was indeed a beautiful spectacle that reminds us why football is truly the game of passion and beauty. Backed by jubilant and delighted fans the game kicked off at Izula National Stadium as Inkosinati Aisha Amanji and all the Ziwani people watched on. The Akambuku have been known to struggle in the first few minutes of the game but in the game against Furby Islands the players played with a confidence that showed how the team had matured over the long and hard World Cup Qualifiers. The Ziwani national team played some of the most beautiful umodzi umodzi football, as they quickly passed the ball around moving it up front in urgency without breaking formation. When a player left a space, another player quickly filled it. This amazing spectacle had the 60,800 spectators at Izula National Stadium ululating and dancing with joy at such a sight.

The good football lead to a goal in the 15th minute when Furby Islands defenders were caught of the break which allowed Jean-Marc Mourgine to be one on one with the Furby Islander keeper, he took a shot which was punched away but a fast Abdulaziz Haqawi quickly got the ball and tapped it in to put Ziwana one up. Several superb movement down the left flank allowed left back Ah Fok to cross in the ball which was headed in by Jean-Marc Mourgine in the 35th minute.

The second half saw the Furby Island team become a challenge but they were no much for Ziwana. In the 64th minute Chirwa brought down a Furby Islander player in the Ziwani box which lead to a penalty kick which Ithier quickly saved before launching a counter attack which resulted in a goal from Haqawi from 15 yards out to end a perfect night for the Akambuku. After the final whistle Ziwani fans rushed into the ground were they danced with the players, happy at risen to number 2 again.

In an interview with the press Ziwani manager said that he was happy with the win and the fans conduct but the player had to focus on winning the next 2 games. To watch the next two games visit the ZCOMM website and click on Zplayer to watch Ziwani World Cup qualifier matches.

World Cup 81/82/83/84

Match day 20. 10 have punched their ticket, 38 nations are still looking for the last 20 spots. The light at the end of the tunnel might not be what you expect.

cutoff

by **Third ZSeparatists** » Sat Jan 04, 2020 10:28 pm

ZSeparatists has given up 52 goals this season, which is the most in the group.

[To be edited]

by **Hapilopper** » Sat Jan 04, 2020 11:25 pm

PROBST ASKED TO WALK BACK COMMENTS REGARDING POSSIBLE CUP OF HARMONY INVITATION
By Steve Dareman, the Hapilopper Television Network

HAPILOPPER CITY – Representatives from the Hapiloppian government have requested Dominic Probst reconsider comments concerning the upcoming Cup of Harmony, a tournament likely to take place in nearby Banija and Esportivan Xanneria.

Ashley Hammer, the deputy press secretary for the Hapiloppian government, said that government officials have discussed those comments with Probst, the president of the Hapilopper Football Association, calling those comments “a poor look” for the nation.

“We’re not happy about what he said,” Hammer told reporters during the daily press briefing. “It comes across badly for us on an international level, and we feel that comments such as that could negatively impact our relationship with two nations that we view as friends. We’re not going to force him to walk back those comments, but it’s going to be very advantageous for him to do so.”

Just after Hapilopper’s draw with Kwangtzu Guannan, Probst told reporters in the post-match press conference that he was seriously considering declining an invitation to the upcoming Cup of Harmony, should Hapilopper receive one. The Cup of Harmony is an invitational tournament held around World Cup time for teams that failed to qualify for that year’s World Cup, and the tournament was derided by Probst as a “consolation prize.”

His comments proved wildly unpopular with Hapiloppians of all shapes and sizes, and even Ernie Stevenson, the national team’s highest-profile player, said that Probst needed to “pump the brakes.”

Stevenson told HTN this morning, in fact, that he would be disappointed if the team didn’t play in the Cup of Harmony.

“We can still gain quite a lot from competing in that tournament, even if some consider it a mere consolation prize,” Stevenson said over the phone. “I feel like if we’re going to just skip the Cup of Harmony because we didn’t make it to the World Cup, that’d be cutting off our nose to spite our face and it would do more harm than help us. I personally hope Mr. Probst can reconsider what he said, because all it will do at this point is hurt us.”

Fans from all over Hapilopper were displeased with Probst’s remarks, calling them “unsportsmanlike” and “a very bad look for the league.”

“Yeah, I’m fairly sure Soldiers fans were whining because they didn’t win the HFA Cup last year,” one fan said on social media. “And I’m sure Chet Byrd and Chris Holmes wanted a recount of last year’s NSSCRA Chase, but shit happens. We’ll just have to roll with it.”

That fan was far from alone on social media. Thousands of fans flooded the web with disapproval of Probst’s comments using the hashtag #DomIsWrong, with some calling for a public apology for his comments.

Probst, however, appeared to not back down from his initial statements in an interview with HTN this morning, stating that he didn’t want the Hapilopper National Football Team to go down what he called “Cup of Harmony Hell.”

“I don’t want us to be mired in Cup of Harmony Hell,” Probst said. “We got off to such a magnificent start last year by winning those first 15 games, winning the Baptism of Fire and coming so close to making the World Cup on our first try. About the worst thing that could happen for us is we settle for the Cup of Harmony every single year. We should be qualifying this year, and the fact we might not just makes me sick.”

Probst brushed off concerns from the Hapiloppian government about what snubbing a Cup of Harmony invite would do for the nation’s relations with Xanneria and Banija.

“First of all, did anyone from the government ask Xanneria and Banija what they’d think of us not attending the Cup of Harmony?” Probst said. “I sincerely doubt they’d care either way. Our not attending that event has nothing to do with the hosts. None at all. It has everything to do with the fact that not qualifying for this World Cup is unacceptable and I’m not going to reward failure like this.”

Probst also took issue with Stevenson’s comments.

“Ernie needs to remember that being on the national team is a privilege, not a right,” Probst said. “He has no right to go out there and make executive decisions about this organization. He is a player on this team and we can replace him with anyone. He needs to keep that in mind next time he feels it’s important to spout his mouth off about something he shouldn’t be.”

STEVENSON SCORES THREE GOALS IN BLOWOUT VICTORY, HAPS STILL ALIVE, BUT BARELY
By Steve Dareman, the Hapilopper Television Network

HAPILOPPER CITY – They’re not dead yet. The Hapilopper National Football Team dominated Quakmybush last night at Capital Stadium, winning 3-0 in front of an uneasy crowd of 66,000 Hapiloppian fans.

Ernie Stevenson was the obvious star of the match, scoring all three goals, even as rumors circulated around his future with the national team, and the national team’s future as a whole, following comments made by Stevenson and Dom Probst, the head of the Hapilopper Football Association.

In recent weeks, Probst has made no bones about the fact that he has no intention of sending a Hapiloppian side to the 76th Cup of Harmony should they be invited, comments that received disapproval from Stevenson, who called Probst’s comments “cutting off our nose to spite our face.” In response to Stevenson’s remarks, Probst made veiled threats to kick Stevenson off the team, stating that he could simply be replaced.

After the match, reporters questioned Stevenson about those threats, questions the popular striker was more than happy to answer.

“If I get replaced, I get replaced,” Stevenson said. “I’m just a spoke on the wheel. I’m a damn good spoke on the wheel, but I’m just a spoke on the wheel. Claire (Randall), John (Cornett) or someone else could just as easily take my place. But the fact of the matter is Dom Probst needs to recognize that a trip to the Cup of Harmony isn’t going to kill us. There’s some damn good teams that’ll be playing in that tournament.”

Fans at Capital Stadium were definitely on Stevenson’s side, as banners in support of the striker were hung all over the old stadium.

Probst, meanwhile, declined to comment, either on the victory, the reaction from the fans or on Stevenson’s most recent comments, but did state that the team would hold a meeting the morning after the match. Players from the HNFT confirmed they would be attending that meeting, but refused to comment on what the meeting was about.

The Haps remain fourth in the group with 35 points and are unlikely to qualify for the 84th World Cup. Equestria, as many experts predicted, won the group, although later than expected. The Ponies have 43 points, 14 wins, one draw and three defeats, the first of those, a well-deserved one coming at the hands of the Haps during the first half of the group stage.

Darkmania, who defeated Nomoterra 5-4, sit second in the group with 38 points, and Darmen, who was knocked off by Bongo Johnson 2-0, are third with 36 points. Hapilopper’s next match takes them to the Sultanate of Oontaz, who sits 10th in the group and will be held next weekend.

PROBST VOWS TO RESIGN IF HAPS PLAY CUP OF HARMONY
By Steve Dareman, the Hapilopper Television Network

HAPILOPPER CITY – The question of “will they, won’t they” concerning Hapilopper’s possible presence at the upcoming Cup of Harmony took an interesting turn this morning at a special-called team meeting, several sources close to the situation confirmed to HTN.

According to those sources, who are high-level representatives with the Hapilopper National Football Team requesting anonymity, Dominic Probst, president of the Hapilopper Football Association, threatened to resign if a Hapiloppian team performed, in any capacity, in the upcoming Cup of Harmony.

Probst made the threat in the meeting, held about 10 hours after the final whistle blew in Hapilopper’s 3-0 victory over Quakmybush. Probst has been very adamant that if the team would receive an invite to the Cup of Harmony, the team would decline the invite and would not compete. In fact, Probst has feuded with star player Ernie Stevenson over the possibility, with rumors of Stevenson being thrown off the team for expressing his disapproval.

“A lot of the players are pretty pissed off with Probst,” one source said on condition of anonymity. “Ernie is loved in the locker room and for Probst to just threaten him like that for something so piddly, and for something that he’s obviously in the wrong in, he needs to take a step back and think about what he’s saying.”

There is a possibility that a Hapiloppian team could compete in the Cup of Harmony without Probst’s approval, in spite of him having the final say on everything that goes with the team. One of Probst’s assistants could sign the invitation and send it over. There is talk that Wreckeria has offered HNFT players spots on their team, and even the possibility that the two nations could compete as a unified squad in the CoH, should Wreckeria receive an invite as well.

In addition, one source suggested the possibility of the HNFT performing under a different name, as an unofficial HNFT, as a way to get around Probst’s stonewalling on the issue. The team would perform under different uniforms, a different name and possibly with different staff, and under the threat of sanctions from the HFA.
Players and some coaches, however, expressed a desire to compete in the upcoming Cup of Harmony, should they be invited.

“All the players want to play. They love competing together and they love winning together,” another source said. “There could be a mutiny, so we’ll see what happens.”

There is no clear word on how a team would compete in a WCC-sanctioned event without the approval of a national football organization such as the HFA, which owns and operates the HNFT.

Stay tuned to the Hapilopper Television Network, both online and on television, for more information on the situation as it develops.

by **Sarzonia** » Sat Jan 04, 2020 11:45 pm

The crowd in Rozelle were likely expecting to do a lot of roaring with their nineteenth ranked Brenecia getting set to face an unranked Sarzonia whom they easily brushed aside when the two teams played in Woodstock.

Instead, it was Sarzonia who walked off the pitch with their signature victory of this cycle, a 3-1 upset win over the hosts that recalled The Marshall Miracle from 11 years ago today.

That match saw another unranked Stars football team defeating the second highest ranked team in the group by a convincing two-goal margin. Back then, the Stars shocked the football world by knocking down world No. 11 The Han Empire with a 2-0 home victory in just the second match of the cycle.

This time, it saw Kevin Connelly do something he'd never done before in any match he managed. He raised his arms in triumph, gladly accepting hugs from assistant manager Kevin Wilson and his players. He watched the 11 on the pitch celebrate as though their otherwise meaningless victory over the hosts somehow propelled them into the proper.

His Stars controlled play from the opening whistle, getting a shot on goal in the first minute of the match and the first goal 11 minutes in courtesy of Brady Reynolds with a perfectly placed free kick.

Sarzonia (7-6-5, 27 points) would add to the lead in the 27th minute through a rocket of a shot by Jake Campos that saw Patriot defenders arguing amongst themselves. The foul call by the Ursine referee angered the Brenecian captain, whom the referee booked for dissent.

Clayton Wilson teamed up with Mek'hi West for the third goal in the 56th minute, drawing boos from the Kingsgarden crowd who were seeing their dreams of stealing the Group 2 crown from Banija vanish before their eyes and saw their highly ranked team trailing 3-0 to an unranked side that was playing like a former world champion themselves.

Speaking of which, some international observers might have mentioned that both Brenecia and Sarzonia had World Cup titles, Sarzonia's was long ago by any metric. Brenecia's title came recently, at least by Sarzonian accounting of time. The match wasn't living up to the unrealistic hype, but for the wrong reasons.

Brenecia finally got one goal back in the 79th minute and tried desperately to regain possession and attempt a furious comeback, but Sarzonia played disciplined possession football and weathered the storm.

Brenecia saw its record drop to 13-4-2, and they are no longer in the hunt for the group title. Brenecia's only other defeat came in an away match to Banija. The Group 2 champions won 1-0.

So how did Sarzonia manage the shock result, one which will be remembered by Stars supporters in much the same way as the Marshall Miracle?

The Stars decided for their second match against Brenecia to use their opponents' aggressive style against them, and while Sarzonia balances offence with defence, they certainly played with far greater aggressiveness than usual.

Goalkeeper Mateo Sandoval said Sarzonia's aggressive approach was by design.

"We tried to simply weather their attack the first time," he said. "Without Charlie [King, the defender suspended for his comments about Squornshelous], we really missed an important piece of our defensive puzzle."

With King, defender and captain Russ Howard said the team could play more of a counterattacking style.

"Charlie was a huge part of our being able to turn the tables on them," he said.

This Stars victory may be even more impressive than the Marshall Miracle considering the fact that it was an away match against a highly regarded team with something to play for, as opposed to the victory against The Han Empire coming at home during the early stages of qualifying. That Sarzonian side would go on to earn two draws against two-time defending champion and world No. 1 Valanora, including the agonising collapse in Valanora during the final match of qualifying when Sarzonia had a two-goal lead 70 minutes into the match. A victory there would have sent the Stars to the World Cup.

Both Squornshelous and Bears Armed won their respective matches by 4-2 scorelines, so the three unranked sides with the best records among unranked sides have all clinched at least a .500 record.

Sarzonia will close out their home schedule with the final match to be held at Hendrix Stadium against The Sherpa Empire. A victory there would clinch a winning record during qualifying.

by **Jeruselem** » Sun Jan 05, 2020 1:16 am

Princess Katherine Annabelle Dallas of Jeruselem and Queen Chloe I of Jeruselem at Dazza Dallas Stadium

Kate: This is Princess Katherine Annabelle Dallas for Naked News Jeruselem. I'm in Dazza Dallas Stadium for World Cup 84 qualification day 20. With me it is our leader Queen Chloe I who is no stranger to World Cup football.
Chloe: Hello subjects! Hey, most people are technically subjects to me. Hey
Kate: A huge game today, actually two huge games. Jeruselem vs Free Republics and Schottia vs Taeshan making the other games rather pointless in the context of qualification.
Chloe: A huge day for everyone concerned.
Kate: Let's just cover the other games, because respect for those teams
Chloe: You can't ignore them because they have no qualification impacy

Kate:
Galar hosted Balqia and well lost with Balqia winning 4-3. It's obvious who's going be last in Group 11.
Geektopia hosted Welzat and won 2-1. Too little too late for Geektopia
Savojarna had a huge win 4-1 over visitors Nahkistan.
TJUN-ia had the bye but made no difference what's going on anyway.
This means for the table in Group 11 those results just shuffled around tbe bottom 7.

Chloe: It's funny the top 4 played themselves today

Kate:
Schottia held Taeshan to a 0-0 draw. I guess that's good for us as Taeshan didn't take points. Schottia taking 3 points would have made things interesting as well.
Now, Free Republics came here and they haven't lost many games like 1. And that didn't change, they won 2-0 despite our best efforts. Which means we're still 3rd.
Schottia's draw meant they are eliminated but our loss doesn't mean that.
Jeruselem in 33, Taeshan 37 and Free Republics 49. We know who wins the group.

Chloe: Well, we were hoping at least for draw against the Republics. A win too but we know a team like them who have 1 draw and 1 loss in 18 games is unstoppable.
Kate: Conceding 2 goals also hurt the goal difference as well. Not great
Chloe: But it's not over yet
Kate: So it's 4 points between us and Taeshan. We have two games left to play. Balqia have the bye next, and Savojarna have the last bye so byes will have no say in the result.
Chloe: We're not the favourable position for sure

Kate:
4 points, we need to win the last two games and Taeshan needs to lose two for us to progress.
If Taeshan win either of the last games, we're eliminated.
We need to win two games regardless of what they do.
But one scenario is they DRAW the last two games for 2 points, which means both teams are on 39.
So guess what, we're not eliminated. We can qualify, not likely but anything can happen.

Chloe: I hope we can qualify but look, we had a shot and we nearly made it.
Kate: We can say we tried, and we almost pushed a top seed to it's limits
Chloe: Well the 1st half of qualification killed us, 3 wins 5 draws and 2 losses. If we done better, with our excellent 2nd half we could have qualified.
Kate: 5 draws! KILLER.
Chloe: The losses were against the top 2 so that was no shame.
Kate: I guess we weren't shamed in our efforts but we can still DO IT

Chloe: Yes we might fail but it's not we weren't close
Kate: Oh well

Group 11
Galar 3–4 Balqia
Geektopia 2–1 Welzat
Schottia 0–0 Taeshan
Jeruselem 0–2 Free Republics
Savojarna 4–1 Nahkistan

by **Nephara** » Sun Jan 05, 2020 6:23 am

EOT 0 - 2 Nephara
(4-4-2) 1 - Mercator; 18 - Longship, 5 - Thorn, 6 - Brosch, 3 - Close (c); 13 - Saroszi, 4 - Shone, 21 - Moxham (8 - Chalk 76'), 11 - Strongbow (16 - Deventer 81'); 9 - Hawke (14 - Laiota 62'), 10 - Metzger
Goals: Metzger 16', Strongbow 50'

Nephara 3 - 1 Anthor
(4-4-2) 12 - Rustwyth; 2 - Stride, 5 - Thorn, 22 - Lockheed, 3 - Close (c); 13 - Saroszi, 7 - Kuepper, 15 - Rauch, 11 - Strongbow (16 - Deventer 67'); 17 - Bastable, 10 - Metzger
Goals: Bastable 7', Lockheed 36', Kuepper 55'

"Banana skins," Roxelana Thorn shouted across the tunnel. "That's all you are! Three dropped points to a team of nobodies!"
"Correct! We are incorporeal, unfathomable! We inspire awe! You know who I am? You know who I fucking am?"
"Who are-"
"I'm Rowena fucking Strongbow, I am!" Kasey Fuller bellowed. "Gaffer told me that on the mountain!"
"What?" said Rowena Strongbow.
Fuller glowered at her. "But a really virile version!"
"You're sick, and weird. And shit at football. That's who you fucking are."
"I'm a tank!" chirped Peter Chadwick.
"Jesus Christ," muttered Chimera Moxham. "Hey, where's your boss, Oslograd?"
"The King?"
"... Sure. Let's just... hey, your striker's getting fatter every match. How many years, and we finally found out who ate all the pies--"
The match kicked off three minutes later than scheduled, with four players boasting black eyes. Two per side. Confetti blasted as the kick-off rang, and thousands of helium balloons were released into the sky. Each had Skorji Oslograd's face plastered across them.

Predictably, it was a spicy affair. Le Tonnelier got the first shot on target with her first shot of any nature, flighting a loose ball almost delicately towards the top corner. Hesterine Mercator, however, was Hesterine Mercator; not only an oddball fit enough for the EOT squad, but one of the world's best goalkeepers. The second shot on target went to a Nepharim, Aristide Metzger... and he whipped it into the bottom corner. It might have helped if Tammy Barton had even attempted to dive for it, rather than standing and gaping. Metzger celebrated with some obscene masturbatory gesture with the corner flag.
From there it was basically each side shooting on sight. The Cormorants had been ordered to, specifically due to the weakness of goalkeeper Barton - Estrella Hawke was as surprised as anyone when he managed to save a point-blank header with his face, and dismayed when it knocked him out and required four minutes of attention. Sure, they were ahead, but they wanted to keep the momentum. And when Barton finally stumbled to his feet, it had sapped away, along with the rest of the first half.

Rowena Strongbow did get on the scoresheet in the end, but from Skorji Oslograd's perspective it was the wrong one. The actual one. From innocuous beginnings, too. The other Strongbow floated in a cross that Mercator plucked out of the air and rolled on for Valeri Longship, who looked up and saw Close prowling free. She found him with a long pass, then Close flicked a ball over the top of the midfield to where Strongbow was already springing forward in anticipation, flicked past Gerduns with her head, drove inside and fired hard past Barton's near post. Still concussed? Maybe. But this wouldn't have been easy at the best of times.
The rest of the match mostly just devolved into a brawl. The former strikers on the sidelines spent most of their time applauding their defenders, with the exception of Skorji Oslograd, giving one final pep-talk to Garrett Ramsey.
"But who am I, boss?"
"You... you are Garrett Ramsey, my son! Get in there!"
Ramsey did not manage to get in there. He did manage to run headfirst into Ilyana Brosch and practically clothesline her while chasing down a cross from Conway, but getting in there was fairly limited.
Moxham hit a post, Shone and Chadwick got booked for dissent over the same call, and Barton punched out a cross with his face; it was a lot of Match Event and not a lot of EOT goal, even as the minutes wore down and Skorji Oslograd sweated.
Eventually, the match ticked over. The final whistle blew once, twice-- only twice, Kasey Fuller ripped it from the referee's hands and jumped on it, buying time for Chadwick to test Mercator one last time before the officials restored order. And after that, for the Cormorants to restore their own brand of order, mostly by wrestling home players to the ground. Strauss passive-aggressively shook Oslograd's hand, then kissed him on the nose. Metzger and Kuepper ended up sharing a cell together overnight for making some well-lubricated remarks about Corvidae.

... And then they beat Anthor 3-1. Thorvald Padmore and not enough of his comrades scored. Really, though, for all the results looked routine, only one match was that in practice.

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

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

by **Bolgano** » Sun Jan 05, 2020 7:00 am

Bolgano 0-2 Poafmersia

Goalscores
POA: Handris '21
POA: Carisa '25

This is Bolgano's last home game in these qualifiers, played at Golden Park, fans encouraged the "Celestes" but nothing helped, Poafmersia proved to be a strong team and defeated Bolgano 2-0, but without any chance for them, maybe the CoH will be the tournament they tried to shine, Tom Evans failed to score due to Poafmersia's good defense, on the other hand, 2 surprising goals impossible for Red Nines, current BSNL champion with his team, Severak , maybe Carisa showed us a good goal, Handris took the penalty and opened the scoring, Bolgano closes the qualifiers against nothing more and nothing less than Monso, the last place in group 11.

by **Kelssek** » Sun Jan 05, 2020 7:30 am

KELSSEK'S HOME FOR SPORTS > INTERNATIONAL SOCCER

Crowe rallies the squad as crunch time looms for Kelssek

The task is simple: anything less than two wins will eliminate Kelssek, but that might still not be enough. Speaking to media as the team boarded their charter flight for Xanneria, manager Andrea Crowe called for the team to show their fighting spirit in the final two matches that will determine their fate this World Cup cycle.

"We did what we needed to do, to get the wins in those kind of games a professional performance was needed. I'm pleased that's what we got. The final two matches will be a bigger challenge," Crowe said. "Having key players back from injury is a boost to the squad. In the past couple of months, we've seen that defence will need to be strong because these are two teams that can really hurt you if we're not solid and organized off the ball."

While Kelssek could mathematically match Valanora's point total, they cannot finish first because the Vanorians have won both head-to-head encounters. Kelssek will have the edge on surprise contender Port Ember; with each team having won the home fixture the aggregate score is 5-4 in Kelssek's favour. It's if there is a tie with second seeds Ethane that things get interesting, since each team has won one match by a one-goal margin, bringing goal difference into the equation and the difference there is one goal.

Crowe had all the right bromides about the team focusing on what's in their control as she was peppered with the usual questions in this situation about the need for other teams to slip up to let Kelssek in. The talking point came when the issue of Cup of Harmony participation was raised as Crowe, evidently not up to date on news from around the international scene, reacted angrily to a question about whether she would rather resign than play in the Cup of Harmony.

"What are you talking about? I have a long-term contract and excellent communication with the board of Football Kelssek, so I don't appreciate that kind of shit-disturbing. Our team is focussed on qualifying for the World Cup."

Assistant manager François St-Louis also needed to be brought up to speed on the Hapilloper's Dominic Probst commenting that the Cup of Harmony is a "consolation prize" and that he would resign from his position if the team competes in it. St-Louis called the comments "bizarre".

"We're very proud of the Cup of Harmony trophy that we have in Kelssek. And you know, it was really taken as a blow when we weren't invited the last time. So I don't understand why someone would have that kind of attitude."

Last match

Kelssek - 1
Langelier 59'
Five Cities - 0
Damien Halliger and Kai Poirier returned to the line-up, adding much-needed reinforcement to the defence as Kelssek kept its first clean sheet in five matches. Cometh the hour, cometh the man as Patrice Langelier scored the winning goal in a move that started from an excellent pass by Patrice Champetier.

Kelssek: Poirier, Bowler, Halliger, Arbour, Douglass, Corvin, Champetier, McDonagh - (Clinton 76' -), Tremblay-Fillon (Lapierre 62'), Taleb, Langelier (Singh 85').
Five Cities: lineup not available
Player of the match: Patrice Champetier
Attendance: 31,472 (Exhibition Place, Kirkenes)

Upcoming matches

Xanneria
A difficult match against a high-octane offence. Kelssek out-scored them last time at home.
Form: WLWWX
Venue: XANAir National Stadium, Dominica City
NSN2, 6am Coastal

Bears Armed
They've shown all year that experience and history can power a "new" team to strong performances.
Form: WWLLW
Venue: Stadium Konoha, Burnaby
NSN2, 8pm Coastal (7pm Central)

by **Timuria** » Sun Jan 05, 2020 8:22 am

Red Wolves Earn Routine Win

Libonesia 0–4 Timuria
Tekin Yavuz (4), Caner Turan (38), Ertan Renda (61), Kartal Unal (86)

by Tufan Nursultan

The Red Wolves began the final stretch of their qualification campaign with a clear and comprehensive victory over cellar dwellers Libonesia as they welcomed a chance to play outside of Timuria away from the critical eyes of home fans who seem to cause this team no end of trouble.

An early sign of how this match would play out came in the fourth minute with Tekin Yavuz cleaving through the defence with ease and slotting the ball home into the back of the net. A chance would later fall to Atilla Acar whose shot lacked the power it would need to beat the keeper with them parrying the ball to safety in the 28th minutes.

The Red Wolves would double their lead with a Caner Turan goal, cutting in from the wings and firing the ball with ferocity into the top corner as the goalkeeper could only watch helplessly. A late first half chance would fall to Vatan Ercetin whose well struck effort would hit the post and find its way out of bounds.

The hosts would put up a stronger defence in the second half, frustrating the Red Wolves to the best of their ability. However the third goal that would put the match decisively out of the reach of the hosts would come in the 61st minute as Ertan Renda showed the quality that he had been unable to during this qualification campaign with an excellent bit of individual skill to create the space for his well placed shot.

Kartal Unal would be given a chance to show that his performances at this level were not mere flukes, he would end up hitting the bar with his 77th minute effort, but given a second chance he would not miss, scoring with a powerful header in the 86th minute from a Tekin Yavuz cross.

What They Said After The Match:

Bekir Altingunes: "I'm happy to be back on the winning side, after the experiment in the last match went wrong I decided to return to what I thought was my strongest team and they proved it. I'm pleased with the progress some of the younger players are making and they're really making a case for me to rethink this team."

Player Ratings:

Murat Yigithan 7/10

Ozbek Sarikaya 7/10

Eyup Mustafa 6/10

Metin Boz 7/10

Gokdeniz Dag 6/10

Atilla Acar 6/10

Yusuf Ihsanoglu /710

Tekin Yavuz 8/10

Caner Turan 7/10

Ertan Renda 7/10

Vatan Ercetin 6/10

Substitutes:

Kartal Unal 7/10

Altan Seyfi 6/10

Man of the Match: Tekin Yavuz - He had as complete a performance in this routine win as anyone could expect, with an assist and a goal.

Schedule and Results:
MD1: @ Pasarga W 2-0
MD2: vs Yttribia D 1-1, Halkın Güneş Çiftliği Stadium
MD3: @ Polkopia L 1-0
MD4 vs Drawkland L 3-0, Genel Sendika Stadium
MD5: @ Farfallidis L 7-0
MD6: Bye
MD7: vs Fujai, Madenci Stadium D 2-2
MD8: @ Gyatso-Kai D 1-1
MD9: vs Libonesia, Dev Halk Stadium W 5-3
MD 10: @ North East Asia W 3-1
MD11: vs Melbergia, Halkın Güneş Çiftliği W 4-3
MD12: vs Pasarga, Dev Halk Stadium W 3-2
MD13: @ Yttribia D 1-1
MD14: vs Polkopia, Genel Sendika Stadium L 1-0
MD15: @Drawkland L 1-0
MD16: vs Farfaillidis, Dev Halk Stadium L 3-2
MD17: Bye
MD18: @ Fujai W 6-2
MD19: vs Gyatso-Kai, Madenci Stadium L 3-1
MD20: @ Libonesia W 4-0
MD21: vs North East Asia, Madenci Stadium
MD22: @ Melbergia

by **Mercedini** » Sun Jan 05, 2020 8:34 am

84th World Cup Qualification
Qualification Concessions?
@ Zoloroni Sports City Stadium - Zoloroni, Mercedini

Good morning and welcome back to Mercedini for another round-up of the action in World Cup Qualification as Mercedini attempt to make up what seems to be a chasm between themselves and the top two, with only two matches to go in the qualification calendar. HUElavia looks to have dealt the fatal blow to their qualification hopes as they completed their double over the Golden Eagles, a lone goal was all it took for Los Amarillos to take three points away from the Sports City Stadium and open up was was a four point lead between themselves in second and Dini in third. Since then, jabs were traded as Dini closed the gap, only for Eastfield Lodge to hold the Golden Eagles to a two-all draw, which meant the gap was reopened to six points with games ticking away. It would end a run of three straight cycles of the nation being at the World Cup, and would likely leave them vying for more silverware at the Cup of Harmony, a tournament they have already won. Mercedini have their bye-day today, with two games remaining against Tara & Cambray before the big one against Starblaydia, which may already be a dead rubber by the time the match kicks off in Zoloroni.

MFA to Fans: "Prepare for the Cup of Harmony"

With two matches still to play, it seems as if the MFA have already conceded their spot at the World Cup, with the team needing consecutive wins, and hope HUElavia are held to at least a draw in order to qualify. It would require Dini to complete their double over Starblaydia and for HUElavia to travel to Eastfield Lodge in their final game and lose or be held to a draw, only then will Mercedini know they have pulled off a remarkable comeback to punch their ticket to their fifth World Cup Finals. It is a long shot, and it seems to be too long for most, including the head honchos at the MFA, who have directed their fans to prepare for life at the Cup of Harmony, for their first appearance in four editions.

It will be seen as a dagger to the heart of aspirational fans and current national team players, that their own association does not even have the confidence to support them and believe that they could pull off the unpull-off-able, but it is in their interests to tell fans where they will be in the coming weeks. While figures are hard to come by, it is believed that some fans have bought flights and hotels in Cassadaigua and Baker Park to beat the price hike and the congestion which was seen in previous editions when Mercedini qualified early for the tournament. However, several draws and losses to key opponents mean an appearance at the Cup of Harmony will be the likely outcome for Mercedini at the end of the qualifying cycle. Remember, Mercedini have never missed a post-quals tournament, five Cup of Harmony appearances and four World Cup appearances mean the Mercedinian fans have always had somewhere to go after qualification, regardless of the final result during qualification. Mercedini have never made it out of the Group Stages of the World Cup, but have had much more success at the Cup of Harmony, where they qualified the for the knockout rounds at their very first attempt, and eventually took on all-comers and lifted the title in the tournament's 72nd edition which capped off a golden cycle for the Mercedinian National Team, lifting the Independant's Cup and making their first appearance at the International Champion's Cup.

We will all know whether such a bold call is proved correct in a couple of days time, but Mercedini need to keep their hopes alive with a win when they travel to Tara and Cambray for their penultimate match in the group. Huelavia will not be playing to it is a chance for Mercedini to close the gap to one point from second placed. If they do not win, the group is done and dusted with Huelavia joining Starblyadia at the World Cup, while Mercedini will join the rest of the non-qualifiers in the pool for a Cup of Harmony spot. We hope you will join us for coverage of that, but we bid you a good night from Zoloroni.

by **Taeshan** » Sun Jan 05, 2020 8:39 am

"A 0-0 draw and now Schottia is knocked out, and it sits between you and Jeruselem who lose to Free Republics."

"Yep./ A result helps us. We have four points and two games. We just need a win. Hell two ties can almost do it. But we host Geektopia and go to Galar. After weeks of showing ourselves incapable I can only hope we can punch our own tickets and don't continue to backslide into the World Cup. If we even make it."

"You only traveled with 13 players as you threatened to do. Not a lot of attacking bite. What would have happened if you failed in this game"?

"Would have been hell to pay."

"Who do you plan on starting in the next game"?

"I think my point was heard. It was a big effort from the squad I took to Schottia. No goals to be had, but a 0-0 tie is better than some teams of past would do with their bench. We've got to win games, so hopefully the message is received and the A team can earn us a victory."

"Still less than 10 goals against. Can you get to shutouts and stay less than 10 against"?

"I mean that would all but guarantee qualification. I'll take a 5-4 win if it qualifies us."

"Geektopia has at times been good, but recently has fallen off. What do you think happens in this game"?

"I think my squad comes out hungry and forces some chances, and gets a win. 2-0 makes the most sense. We have the defensive capabilities. The offense just lacks sometimes. I wouldn't be surprised if both the last games end 0-0, but that may not be enough."

by **Bears Armed** » Sun Jan 05, 2020 8:40 am

Bears Armed vs. Lisander
Venue: Wimbley Stadium
Score: 0-1.

Goals
Bears Armed (0): (none)
Lisander (1): Potenza (#11) @ 77’ (assist: Somerville [#07]).

Red Cards
(none)

Substitutions due to Injury
(none)

____________________________________________________________________

Bears Armed vs. Ouna
Venue: ‘away', “somewhere in Ouna”.
Score: 4-2.

Goals
Bears Armed (4): O Redwood (#37) @ 11’ (assist: Rangh’harr [#17]); O Redbank (#23) @ 38’ (assist: Scarlett [#26]); Scarlett (#26) @ 41’ (assist: O RedBank [#23]); Brent (#11) @ 67’ (assist: Bruin [#06]).

Ouna (2): ???? (#??) @ 09’ (assist: ???? [#??]); ???? (#N) @ 82’ (assist: ???? [#??]).

Red Cards
(none)

Substitutions due to Injury
(none)

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

BREAKING NEWS!

Psot-Qualifiers 'Friendly' match arranged against also-returning-from-'Unranked' Sarzonia: Whichever of these teams ends the qualifying series on fewer points will host this game.

by **Zwangzug** » Sun Jan 05, 2020 8:57 am

(Parody source)

We made it to Vilita on the twentieth matchday
Only three games remaining, and all for which to play.
We went to the concession stand and tried some local fare
It was a major culture shock, but we fans didn't care.

Rita wore a sad face, tall, with goalie's eyes
Roberto skimmed the papers and called them crazy lies.
We used to watch the college team but it made us too tense:
No one likes a scoreless draw, and the nerds all played defense.

Since then they watched the World Cup, followed teams in every pot
Wondered if Kelssek or the Rockets could clinch a spot.
And I don't know what possessed me to join them at the game
Since outside of our homeland every country looked the same.

Win or lose, black or white
Cross the line, you throw it in
The finals gleamed in distant light
And we were fighting for a win.

The Vilitan fans were loyal, with loud anthems to sing
There probably were myriads in the Tivali Ring.
We paid, not checks, but Turicoins, to purchase decent seats
And settled in to watch the game and all the athletes' feats.

In minute seventeen their forward made it one-zero:
Rita hoped it was offsides, but the referee said no.
I bet we could have rallied against a worse eleven
But the striker would complete his brace in minute sixty-seven.

Right or wrong, orange and green
Color teams if they advance
Still there's some hope to be seen
Still we've got a fighting chance.

Down in Alikka-Corra, we tried to drown our sorrow
And muttered those cliches about how there's always tomorrow.
A half a dozen Jungle Cats fans came up to our side
Talking trash about our clubs, praising the Turoki Tide.

We bemoaned the loss and they gave derisive howls
Pointing out how we couldn't compete with the Yeaddin Owls.
Roberto took a swing at them, but Rita she held tight
And at last a guy from Tropicorp came to break up the fight.

He said "They're just some visiting fans, they're clearly not from here
But maybe don't go out to drink if you can't hold your beer.
You're not eliminated yet, so don't get too downhearted."
We shook his hand and took his hint and sheepishly departed.

Win or lose, white and black
Can't intercept every cross
On defense or on attack
Just regroup after the loss.

We were tired and hungover when we got to the train station
Rita found our passports and we left the Vilitan nation.
We made it home, defeated, but with quite the tale to tell
Of that game against Vilita, matchday twenty, World Cup L.

by **Sarzonia** » Sun Jan 05, 2020 9:22 am

The morning after Sarzonia's biggest victory by far in World Cup 84 qualifying saw a few players wake up with headaches and all of them bleary eyed.

Who could blame them? After all, they were determined to make a mark on the race for Cassadaigua or Baker Park even if they weren't going to be a part of the proper. Their dominant performance against a team that was still fighting for the group title was going to smart for Brenecia a little more because the Patriots had their bye.

Kevin Connelly usually ordered a medium coffee at Annabelle's Diner on the way to his office, but given how even he celebrated the shock result, he ordered a large coffee this morning with his usual pancakes and scrapple.

"That'll be $11.20," the cashier said.

"What?! Even considering the fact that this is a large and not a medium, that's still a lot higher than I expected!"

Squornshelan tariff," the cashier said.

"It went up again?"

"It sure did."

Sarzonia had expelled the 70 Squornshelan diplomatic and consular staff, leading to another increase in the tariffs against Sarzonian tea exports and another retaliatory tariff increase on Squornshelan coffee. Connelly dug into his wallet to pay for the meal until a sixty-something, grey haired woman walked out from the kitchen.

"Coach!" she said! "Great win yesterday!"

Connelly smiled.

"Thank you, Miss Annabelle!" Annabelle motioned to his food with her right hand.

"That's on the house," she said, beaming with a smile that made clear his money was no good at Annabelle's, at least for today. He thanked her, then took his meal and sat down at a booth. He felt his mobile phone vibrate when he was halfway through eating and saw it was Kati, the woman who officially scheduled the team for matches.

"Hi Kati," he said.

"I'm eating breakfast at Annabelle's. Okay, so we've received a request from Bears Armed to play them after qualifying? That was Bryan who said no. I disagreed with him. We would be very happy to play them.

"The team with fewer points will host it? What if we're level? Then it's a neutral site? I'm definitely game. Let's do it!"

As the Stars get set to close down Hendrix Stadium with the final home match of this qualifying campaign and the final match of the stadium's history against The Sherpa Empire, they would soon find out they had a little more football left before a potential Cup of Harmony appearance.

by **Free Republics** » Sun Jan 05, 2020 10:49 am

News Magazine

Horrific Crash involving RepEx Freight Truck, School Bus leads to calls for better Traffic Safety
By: Melinda Ruff

At about 8:15 AM local time this past Monday morning, a RepEx freight truck collided with a school bus on the Nail Frolov Highway near Santangiago, Perotutia. The highway, which is named after the long time Senator Nail Frolov (Progressive-Perotutia), whose name is synonymous in political circles with so-called "pork barrel" spending, is reportedly filled with massive potholes. Unfortunately, a school bus carrying around a hundred school students from their suburban homes to various elementary schools in Santangiago was slowed down by a pothole. According to the Perotutia Republic highway patrol, a RepEx truck driver was driving behind the bus at about 5 miles over the speed limit of 75 miles per hour. Police say that the truck driver did not apply his brakes and rear-ended the school bus at full speed. The crash put the driver into a coma and resulted in the confirmed deaths of 44 children and serious injuries to the remainder of the children. Miraculously, the school bus driver suffered only minor injuries and was released from the hospital after a brief medical evaluation. The children were not wearing seat belts because their school bus, like most school buses, was not equipped with seat belts for passengers.

Following the crash, police uncovered text messages on the RepEx driver's cell phone and tracking data for the RepEx truck. Police have revealed that the driver had been driving for 24 hours straight, with only a few short stops at gas stations to refuel. Yet, the driver had received text messages from his supervisor explaining that he was "behind schedule" and "needs to get the damned package to Sherlock[, Maldonado] by noon" because it was a "fucking Safari delivery". Safari recently threatened to suspend deliveries to RepEx, citing concerns about their "slow" delivery times. Presumptive Golden Age nominee for Consul Nova Hellstrom-Hancock called out RepEx and Safari by name at her campaign speech last night in Doranto. Hellstrom-Hancock told a large crowd at the RayDome, "By now, many of you have undoubtedly heard about the horrific crash in Perotutia. A RepEx truck rear-ended a school bus and sent a number of children flying to their deaths. This is absolutely unacceptable but it is yet another example of the high cost of our society's obsession with profit above all else. If Safari had a more reasonable delivery schedule or if RepEx didn't overwork their drivers to adhere to Safari's impossible delivery guarantees or if the school bus company hadn't been too cheap to equip the school bus with seat belts, maybe those children would be alive today!" Common Good leader Valentin Svensson, who is widely expected to be their nominee for consul, largely agreed but added, "In addition, we should rethink whether or not it is a good idea to bus children to school. Boarding schools dramatically reduce the amount of time that our children are exposed to the death traps that we call our highways and they have much higher educational attainment because educators can do a better job of ensuring that students do their homework and eat healthy, nutritious meals than overworked and exhausted parents who just want to relax after a long day at work or enjoy a romantic night out together." The crash has suddenly injected the issue of traffic safety into the center of next year's election to choose the next consul of the Free Republics.

Melinda Ruff is a domestic affairs reporter for News Magazine.

by **Flavovespia** » Sun Jan 05, 2020 12:05 pm

Filindostan 3–4 Flavovespia

A frantic match saw Flavovespia finally take a win after some decent performances in recent games. The match itself was an absolute classic, and could very well be one for the history books, with its 7 goals, many of them close to the end.

Filindostan lined up in their National Stadium in their red shirt, black shorts and white socks. 5th before the game in the group, like Flavovespia, they were a nation somewhat hoping for better in the qualifiers. Flavovespia kept the same starting XI as before, and lined up in an all yellow kit.

Filindostan started the brightest, and it only took them 11 minutes to make that advantage pay off for them. Some good passing play in the midfield saw space opened up for Seto Tuhuteru. He kept his head down, and drilled a low angled shot beyond the outstretched legs of Meehan, and into the opposite corner of the net. The hosts had a 1-0 lead, and were looking the better side in the early exchanges.

Filindostan kept the pressure up in the first half, and looked the more likely to score than Flavovespia. In the 32nd minute, this proved to be true. A one two between the advanced players of Filindostan saw Marish Luzanie Sta. Lucia get the ball at feet on the edge of the box. A powerful shot beat Meehan at the far post, to double the lead for Filindostan.

Flavovespia needed something to try and get them back into the game before half time, and 7 minutes later from the previous goal, they got it. A corner was initially headed away by Kartio Weici, but only as far as Ronald Maddox. Maddox whipped it back into the box, and after a scuffed clearance, Tony Gardner got the ball and hooked a shot into the back of the net. A scruffy goal, but Gardner got his first international goal, and he wasn’t going to care. 2-1, which would be the score at half time, and Flavovespia were back in with a shout.

Flavovespia came out with a renewed fight in the second half, but Filindostan seemed to be confident in their defence. Coleman and Daley were being shut down, getting little of the ball, and Michael and Hall were forced to try and cut in and score, but to little avail it seemed. Like with many games recently, it seemed Flavovespia were just second best in front of goal.

Hall hasn’t go that message though. In the 63rd minute, Steven Hall picked the ball up around 30 metres from goal. He moved forward with it, but saw Gerry Nafari Nasution out of position. Hall’s brilliant curling shot flew into the top corner of the net, to equalise for Flavovespia. 2-2 now, in a highly competitive game, and anyone could go on and win it.

The 86th minute saw what looked to be a decisive goal scored by Filindostan. Juanda Weici got clear down the right hand side, and played a quick one-two with Marish Luzanie Sta. Lucia. Juanda Weici hit her shot high beyond Meehan, into the roof of the net, and gave Filindostan a 3-2 lead, with just 4 minutes plus injury time to play. Filindostan only have mere minutes to hold onto.

The last minute of normal time however, saw Flavovespia equalise again. A corner from the left saw everyone except Meehan and taker James King go into the box. The corner was whipped in, and Jordaan Wolfson, the substitute, steered his header beyond Nasution and into the goal. His first ever international goal, and a vital one, as it gave Flavovespia the equaliser just as the fourth official board went up for an additional 4 minutes.

There was still time for one final twist to the encounter. Filindostan were going for a winner, but the ball was intercepted 10 metres in the Flavovespia half by James King. He quickly launched a through ball downfield, into the path of substitute Marc Sharratt. Sharratt took it in stride, and then rounded Nasution. With an open goal at his mercy, Sharratt tapped it in, and he sprinted away into a kneeslide, with his shirt off and in celebration. 3-4, Flavovespia taking the lead with only 60 or so seconds left to play. Filindostan threw everyone forward, but couldn’t get a clear shot on goal, as time ran out.

2 games left for Flavovespia now. Home vs Furby Island, and Away at Bliuji. 6 points still available for Flavovespia, who will think they have a fair chance of taking them. For second place in Group 8, the penultimate matchday is Vakolicci Haven and Celeria vs Qasden and Ziwana vs Squornshelan Remnant States. The final Matchday sees Qasden host South Covello as Ziwana have a bye. The last 2 matchdays at the top could be real nailbiters for Qasden and Ziwana.

Post Match Interviews

Richard Crawford on the match “That was one for the neturals! I’m not sure my heart beat is back to normal yet! I wish we could win in calmer circumstances, but we’ve won away against a higher ranked side, that’s always a time to celebrate!”

Richard Crawford on the next game “Nobody thinks we can just turn up against Furby Island and win. They’re winless, but anything can happen in international football. We’ll prepare as we always do, and we will go out hoping for a win, but I won’t take anything for granted here.”

Marc Sharratt on the winner “It’s a mad feeling! I saw the ball coming over, and I think ‘I’ve got this!’, and yeah, the rest is history as they say. That goal, I’m not forgetting that for a while!”

James King on the day’s events “We have our ups and downs together, and today is a real up. The last 2 games were okay but we didn’t get a result, so today we really wanted to do it. I’m glad for everyone in Flavovespia we pulled it off”

Steven Hall on his goal and the result ”Well I never want to brag, but I do think that was a good goal. I’m pleased the lads got that result, these are the games we will remember for years. A great comeback, I’m glad me and the lads were a part of it”

A History of Football in Flavovespia

Part 18

The first 2 seasons of the new GWNFA system saw Havermilly and Sporting Towerhaite (formerly known as Towerhaite Sports Society) exchange places. This lead to critics saying that there was still considerable disparity between the top teams and the lesser teams, and many questioned whether the expansion was working. The GWNFA Challenge League itself also saw a handful of teams, notably Guildwell Football, Langpool Capton, Henhaven Islanders and Rumlington Rovers struggle to even put up a fight and often occupied the bottom 4 places.

Hampridge United, meanwhile, began a period of decline. Originally they played in Ellerstone, although represented the entire region of Hampridge, covering Ellerstone, Saltearth and Boleland Wood. The latter was the only one of the 3 to join the CCGW, the other 2 not doing so. The political reasons for this are complex, but in footballing terms this forced Hampridge United out of their Ellerstone ground, Studio Walk, and to Upper Green in Boleland Wood. With the addition of Saltearth, Team Ellerstone and Boleland Wood Town to the Western Association, local support for Hampridge United plunged. The team were forced to scale back, and ambitions of a GWNFA Super League return seemed distant.

Waldster would also win the 22BU and 21BU titles, in an era where the Big 3 dominance seemed to return. The 3 teams were getting a considerable amount in external sponsorship, funding and ticket sales, and the structuring of the prize money meant that “success bred success”. The lack of balance frustrated some of the smaller teams in the GWNFA Super League, who now had to consider the threat of relegation, something a few publicly criticised. (Privately however, almost everyone accepted it as a fact of life now).

20BU would also see the first season the Western Association abandoned its regional split, and went to a single 16 team division. The changes were done to try and bring the Western Association in line with other leagues, both professional and amateur, and to try and get the best western sides to play more often. However, to some they thought this change was too little too late. The Western Association was beginning to fade away in terms of attendances and financial clout, compared to the United and Eastern Alliance. Doubts were raised over just how much of a future the Western Associated had, compared to its main rival leagues.

Despite talks of expanding the GWNFA to a third tier, there were serious problems with the viability of this idea. Only a few teams outside of the CCGW were now inside the CCGW, so the block on non-CCGW teams in the GWNFA remained. Some members of the GWNFA board, and a few clubs also wanted to maintain the “one club per region” approach, which precluded any formation of a third tier, although it must be said they were the minority. Some also didn’t think the GWNFA Challenge League was that successful, and thus weren’t keen on a third tier.

The biggest problem was finding teams however. The United and Eastern Alliance sides were pretty much all sceptical of being asked to form a third tier, believing themselves to be at least equivalent to the second tier. The GWNFA only saw a small number of Western Association teams worthy of making the club. Furthermore, many of the smaller leagues in existence had now began to filter into the United and Eastern Alliance pyramid, and therefore it was a tough ask to convince teams to remove themselves from that system, into the GWNFA pyramid, with it’s 1-up, 1-down pyramid.

Nevertheless, in 19BU, plans were drawn up to form a third tier in the GWNFA system. Officially, no name was yet given to that division, and all reports that became public knowledge simply called it “[GWNFA] third tier”. Nevertheless, it is known that if it went ahead, the GWNFA would have still offered a place to the following United and Eastern Alliance sides; Buchraston, Alstone, Cartswood Rangers, North Mayshop, South Maishop, Boll Lake Mariners and Batchingtonwood Rovers. They would have then been joined by the top sides from the Western Association eligible to join; Westwood and Boleland Wood Town, plus the top sides from the Waldster League, Leabury, Radstye and Hillsight Bridge. Ultimately however, this plan never saw the light of day, and much of the detail only really came to light years later.

by **Darkmania** » Sun Jan 05, 2020 12:43 pm

ÖRKENDREM PAPERS

Darkmania At World Cup - Can We Finaly Qualify For The First Time?

Wwritten by: Erÿk Äberlüg
Örkendrem

Its a snowy Wednesday afternoon. The training pitch is covered in half centermetre deep in snow. One ball gets kicked in the air but misses the goal by wide margins. "You kick it like my dead grandma". Someone`s voice tells someone. Its a normal football training for the national team. In the cold air where the temperature reaches -5*c. Its winter in the capital Örkendrem. "If we are gonna qualify you better

The darkmanian national team is at the time of writing this placed 2nd place in Group 6 and may qualify for the first time. Everything can happen within the timeframe from this post and the last playoff. We may qualify or we may not qualify. Darkmania has won 12 matches at the moment in 18 matches (if my maths are right), making them (Darkmania) win of 66,66%.

Darmen, the 3rd placed nation, are only 2 points behind from Darkmania. In fact, only 3 points separate Darkmania Darmen and Hapilopper, so there will be a bloodbath in the upcoming days with matches still to play. Remember that the top 2 qualify and the rest dont.

Group 6 Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts

1 Equestria                        18   14   1   3    63   23  +40    43
2 Darkmania                        18   12   2   4    40   38   +2    38
3 Darmen                           18   11   3   4    51   34  +17    36
4 Hapilopper                       18   10   5   3    46   32  +14    35
5 Bongo Johnson                    19    7   5   7    39   37   +2    26
6 Acapais                          18    6   5   7    31   40   −9    23
7 Vdara                            18    5   4   9    37   43   −6    19
8 Quakmybush                       19    4   6   9    24   35  −11    18
9 Kwangtzu Guānnán                 18    4   5   9    24   35  −11    17
10 Sultanate of Oontaz              18    3   5  10    22   41  −19    14
11 Nomoterra                        18    2   3  13    26   45  −19     9

World Cup 84- RP Thread (IC)

AOCAF LIX Group Stage - First Half

Chapter 4.8: Bye-date Analysis

AOCAF LIX Group Stage - Second Half

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