World Cup 84- RP Thread (IC)

[Free Republics]

To: President Luisa Benitez
From: Consul Scarlett Nicholls
Subject: The Sister Polus Lawsuit
CC: Patricia Lawrence, Pieter Pieper, Police Chief Moose Wolf, Prosecutor Henry Oldsman, Mayor Haley Barnes

Dear President Benitez,

I wish I could be writing to you under better circumstances but unfortunately my least favorite cable news host has announced her plans to sue your nation. While I must admit that I enjoyed the pieing incident, under our laws it would be considered a form of assault. While it is indeed true that no Republican prosecutor can legally prosecute a crime that occurs outside of our territory, a plaintiff in a civil case would likely be deemed to have standing if the defendants allegedly caused substantial harm within the territory of the Free Republics. In this case, the incident forced WOLF News to air an infomercial during prime time and lose the nightly ratings war to RSFBC for the first time in a while. Therefore, I believe that courts would rule that Sister Polus has standing to sue all involved, including the nation of South Covello. Unfortunately, the failure to prosecute the courageous Patricia Lawrence and the acquittal of Carter Redwin's assassin make minimally plausible to somebody who has been living under a rock Sister Polus's claims that your legal system cannot be trusted to carry out justice and minimally plausible to somebody who has been living under a rock is basically the criteria judges use to determine whether civil suits can proceed. Thus, if nobody bothers to show up for the defense, the court will order a default judgment in favor of Sister Polus and will order

As for the merits of Sister Polus's case, I believe it is winnable if defended competently and there are many lawyers who would likely be willing to take on the case pro bono (that's legalese for "for free" btw). Sister Polus is a widely despised figure in the Free Republics in general and in the city of Republica in particular. Personally, I believe her actions may have cost lives during the Republica Olympics as she filed an endless deluge of frivolous police reports. The only requirement to avoid a default judgment in this case is that at least one of the named defendants show up to court and mount a defense, with or without legal counsel. I would strongly advise taking a lawyer up on his pro bono offer because a default judgment could potentially be an absolute disaster for our nation and for yours. Sister Polus speaks the truth when she says that I would have to adopt a number of measures that would effectively end international trade between our nations. I don't want to do that but if there's a court order against South Covello and nobody else around to pay it, then I will have no choice. Even if the national government of South Covello and the city government of Freedom City don't wish to acknowledge the case, it is essential that a defendant take the stand for the defense. To allow Sister Polus to win a default judgment would jeopardize our trade and harm both of our nations, possibly irreparably.

Sincerely,

Consul Scarlett Nicholls

[Geektopia]

Geektivities
*Be cool, be woke.

Game Report and Manager Interview in a Bit
|2| - |5|
1': YC for Gargaxntuulheptex (GEE)
27': ⚽ Goal for Googoldeciplexithrong (GEE)
38': ⚽ Goal for Cersei Lancaster (JER)
39': ⚽ Goal for Bran Cassina (JER)
44': ⚽ Goal for Pentacthulteron-turreted-horriocterated Pentacthuldekon (GEE)
45': Substitution by Geektopia: Illegal
[HT] 2-2 [HT]
64': ⚽ Goal for Arya Starc (JER)
68': ⚽ Goal for Jodie Bloom (JER)
72': ⚽ Goal for Sansa Starc (JER)
[FT] 2-5 [FT]

---

An Interview with the Gaffer
() - Well, the boys didn’t do terrible this time, but with our defensive errors, WC qualification cannot be guaranteed. Also, this is the first time that anyone from Geektopia has seen a mixed football team. Or even seen another gender, for that matter. Our population is male-dominant, so every feminine figure that has existed before has died from natural causes because the infant death rate for women has skyrocketed in the past 30 years. It’s almost as if we’re destined to be masculine, which is why the mixed team really did give us distractions throughout the game.

G. - Aside from excuses how do you think the fan base would blame this on you?

() - Well, from that, I think they would look at the defense first. One of our defenders who won’t be named, was passed a ball, got cocky, and had it lost for a Jeruselemmian goal. But, all managers won’t go undefeated. As I say, I am the normal one.

[Hapilopper]

Capital Stadium, Hapilopper City
World Cup 84 Qualifying Match Day 3: Hapilopper v. Bongo Johnson
There were so many storylines going into the third match of World Cup qualifications for the Hapilopper National Football Team. The scuffle between Nate Ellis and Rod Hughes had gone public and, unfortunately, dominated the headlines for the time leading up to the Hapilopper/Bongo Johnson match. Questions started to erupt over if Nate and/or Rod Hughes would be suspended for the match, and to the surprise of a few, both men were listed on the starting lineup for the match at Capital Stadium, but the HNFT staff were definitely going to be taking a look at the behavior from both men during the match, and see if they could operate on the same page.

There was also the matter of William Mathis, the President of Hapilopper, who just happened to show up at Wreckeria’s last match, their home opener, against Pauh Janggi. The two opposition parties went ballistic. Actually, that’s not really the right word. Leonard Wolfe, the head of the Conservative Party of Hapilopper, went apeshit on the House of Delegates floor and demanded Mathis’s resignation, or he would be “forcibly removed for committing treason against this very Dominion.” His rant, later known as “The Wolfe Tirade,” went viral on social media, and popular opinion seemed to shift in the Conservatives’ favor. How on earth could the head of Hapilopper be friendly with a nation that wanted to kill them? The answer would come out in the coming weeks and months, and it wound up being a rather complex one.

In an attempt to distract from the stories clouding Hapilopper’s run for a World Cup Qualifying Spot, Ernie Stevenson decided he was going to do something unusual to get everyone’s attention. Ernie walked into the bathroom of the locker room, took something out, and 20 minutes later, his look surprised everyone. His face was painted with the blue, green and white of Hapilopper. He got out a very loud and very striking jacket, put it on, and told his teammates he was ready to kick some ass.
When he emerged from the tunnel, the look was very striking, and the Hapiloppian fans, who had been beating the drums and chanting the “HEY-HAP-HEY” song, responded with delight. Ernie had put on the war paint and it was time to show the world he meant business. And for the first half of the match, Ernie and the rest of the Hapiloppians meant business.

The first goal came fifteen seconds into the match. Fernie Fairburn had gotten the faceoff, and after kicking it a bit, passed right to Ernie, who hauled ass straight into the goal, making it 1-0 Hapilopper in the first minute of the match. The Capital Stadium faithful went berserk, and Ernie beat his chest like a gorilla in response to the wilding from the fans. He rushed back to midfield and could be seen shouting at the fans, and those that could read lips could hear him shout “NOW THAT’S HOW YOU START A FUCKING BALLGAME!”

The second goal came 38 minutes in, and it was the ol’ Beautiful Bobby to Ernie, sending it past goalkeeper Adam Jones. Hapilopper led 2-0, and it looked like the Haps were going to make up for that loss against Darmen in the second match. In fact, until just after the halftime break, it looked like the Hapiloppians were going to get that victory that everyone expected from them.

That’s when Horatio Caine, Bongo Johnson’s right-winger, caught the Haps flat-footed in the 47th minute. He pulled off a sensational move past Nate Ellis and then fired it into the Hapiloppian goal, past Rod Hughes. It was a brilliant goal, and was one that probably was going to make the highlight reels across the multiverse. But that didn’t matter to Nate and Rod, both of whom accused the other of not doing their job again. The two engaged in a shouting match yet again, and this time, with millions watching on live TV. Players rushed over to split the two apart, but all those news reports of dissension inside the HNFT appeared to be confirmed with that goal.

The second goal, in the 81st minute, was even worse, and it led to full-fledged warfare between the two players. Nate, trying to stop Bongald, center-forward for the team from Bongo Johnson, tripped him up in the 18-yard box, and as a result, the Bongonians got a penalty kick, the very thing they needed to possibly tie the match up. Bongald fired it in, the match was tied 2-2, and Rod Hughes went ballistic. This was a goal given up by Nate Ellis’s ridiculous behavior, he thought, and it was time to settle this.

When the match ended as a 2-2 draw, the Hapiloppian fans were irate, but nobody was angrier than Rod Hughes, who rushed from goal as quickly as he could to seek out Nate Ellis, who had already gone back to the locker room. Nobody could stop him quick enough, and cameras spotted him sprinting towards the Hapilopper locker room. When Rod opened the door, he spotted Nate and charged at him.

Not everyone on the HNFT put two and two together until some of the players spotted Rod hauling ass into the tunnel, not even bothering to swap jerseys with anyone from the Bongo Johnson team. Some of the Hapiloppians were doing just that when they realized why Rod was doing just that.

The Haps quickly apologized to their Bongonian opponents and ran like hell towards the tunnel. The crowd erupted, realizing quickly that something was going on under the stands. When the players and the coaching staff got to the locker room, they spotted Rod Hughes and Nate Ellis beating the hell out of each other in the shower room. The team swarmed in to break the two apart, but it was clear that both men were incensed at one another for what had happened in the last two matches.

Several reporters and cameramen tried to sneak in the locker room, including a camera airing live pictures on Venerable Television across Hapilopper. When Thom Perkins, in the middle of the pile, spotted the cameras, he quickly moved out of the pile and towards the reporters.

“WHO THE FUCK SAID YOU COULD COME IN HERE?!” Perkins roared to the reporters. “GET THE HELL OUT OF HERE! NOW!!”

It was clear that the Hapilopper National Football Team had some bugs to work out if they were going to qualify for the 84th World Cup. Those bugs would be worked out the next morning in the form of an emergency meeting between the two players, Perkins and Dom Probst, the head of the Hapilopper Football Association. Nobody would be thrown off the team or suspended, but both players would get a “come-to-Jesus” meeting that they really and truly needed.

The HNFT Team Center, Hapilopper City
The next morning
“First of all, I don’t give a shit what you think about the other,” Thom spat angrily at the two players. “When we started this whole deal, I looked at each and every player and said ‘together we stand, divided we fall.’ We either win as a team or we lose as individuals. I think you guys need to work out whatever the hell problems you’ve got between each other, and work it out NOW.”

Rod Hughes and Nate Ellis were sitting next to each other, with a very pissed off-looking Dom Probst standing right behind them, waiting to pounce if the two were to do anything stupid. Thom Perkins was sitting on his desk, looking down at his two feuding players, reading them the riot act for allowing their feud to spill out onto the pitch and in public. Millions of Hapiloppians had seen the two fight on live TV, and Dom Probst was scheduled to have a meeting with Jon Arnold of Venerable to read him the riot act for the cameraman sneaking into the locker room. To Thom, none of this was acceptable.

“I realize that we’re in a highly competitive environment,” Thom said. “Shit, when I was head coach of Soldiers, we had to break up fights all the time. Hell, we put two players on this team that hated each other’s guts, and they probably still do, but you don’t see them fighting.”

Thom was referring to Colin McLain and Ernie Stevenson, who had several high-profile violent incidents happen during matches between the Highway Patrol and Soldiers, back when Ernie played for Soldiers. Colin, a left fullback for Highway Patrol, had attacked Ernie on several occasions, but the two had agreed to put their rivalry aside “for the sake of winning some ballgames.”

“If those two could fight each other, then hit the pitch for the Dominion and work together, then you two had better do the same god damn thing,” Thom snapped. “I’m not going to tolerate this. And now, Mr. Probst, I understand you have something to say.”

Dom walked over to the front of the desk, while Thom went back to sit down at his desk.

“I’m not going to have the two of you embarrass this country in front of the multiverse,” Dom said coldly. “If you want to fight each other in a Mel’s parking lot or something, go right ahead. I don’t give a shit and I don’t think anyone else does, regardless what they say to your face.”

Dom peered a little closer to the two players and told them a story that was likely bullshit, but was still effective.

“You two ever heard of a Wreckerian inspection?” Dom asked. “A Wreckerian inspection, you see, when the Wreckerians get in a head of lettuce, they just let it sit on the dock until they’re good and ready to look at it. But by then, it’s all gone rotten! There’s nothing left to inspect! You see, lettuce is a perishable item, like you two idiots. You two as much look at each other the wrong way one more time, I’m gonna sub off the two of you and throw you out for twenty matches! Then, if you can get along and we can see it, I might let back you in the match. Now, just to show there’s no hard feelings, we’re all gonna go out to dinner together.”

“I’ve got other plans, sir,” Nate said, looking very uneasy.

“Yeah, me too,” Rod said, shaking his head and scoffing.

“Well, we’re gonna have to change them,” Dom interjected. “And not only that, but you two are going to drive to dinner together.”

Nate and Rod looked at each other, then at Dom, whose demeanor was as serious as ever.

[Gyatso-kai]

◄ ◄ ◄ Pulled from Avatarian Sports Blog KickMeWhenImDown.blogstain.gki ► ► ►

Well, that was quick.

Despite coming into the World Cup qualifying round as the lowest ranked member of Group 12 (well, technically tied for lowest with the only other unranked team, Yttribia. You remember them... Well, actually, I'm not sure if you do. You see, they were once in Esportiva, a region known for their acclaimed sports teams and dedication to every national sport to come out of that region. Home to the likes of.... well, damned if I know any of the nations in Esportiva. Wait, no... Cyborg Holland. We faced them in the Group Qualifying round in World Cup LIX; won the first match 3-nil and then drew the next 1-all. Oh! And Super-Llamaland! We faced them in World Cup LXVI; a 2-1 victory followed by a 1-all draw!

.......

Okay, so maybe we haven't really faced these teams before, but that can be said for any number of the dozens of teams currently vying for a spot in the World Cup Proper; when groups get names with letters instead of with numbers!

Not much else to say here... Too early in a twenty-two matchday tournament to start picking out patterns and trying to figure where we'll end up.

Because as it is now... We are second to last with a Goal Differential of -5 and a 1-0-2 record.

Let's hope Tay'haai can pull it together. Because tomorrow, we face off against Yttribia. Formerly of Esportiva, now in our own region of Atlantian Oceania. Haran, we have three regional neighbors in our group - Farfadillis, Timuria, and Yttribia - all of whom we didn't even see in AOCAF.

Farfaillis is ranked 7th in the world. Timuria is ranked 75th.

Maybe we will get lucky and take down Yttribia and build some momentum...

I wouldn't hold my breath here, folks...

[Drawkland]

E L I T E ...

If you're not caught up on this whole "Elite Eleven" thing, feel free to read up on the literature ...
A Hint * A Tease * A Story * A Contradiction * A Roster
Episode 1 * Episode 2 * Episode 3

The match was incredible. Things started as one would assume, with the high-powered aggressive Farf offense scoring in the first ten minutes. Many loyal Drawkian fans immediately had flashbacks to the last time they'd played Farfadillis, back in Matchday 3 of World Cup 78. Drawkland had lost the match 1-6 and only got their last goal in garbage time when the Farves weren't playing at a high level anymore. When Drawkland was drawn with the now #7-ranked squad, most figured the matches would proceed similarly, especially when Farfadillis won their first match of this campaign 7-0 on the road.

Things wouldn't be so dire forever. Eventually the Elite Eleven Kick Corps managed to get one in the goal, when Ross Hunter arced a pretty penalty shot from inside the box just past 30 minutes. The fans were obviously very excited about all of this, since it was a sign that maybe, just possibly, we wouldn't get rolled over by an actually good team for once. The feelings wouldn't last for very long, though. As the half was winding down, the Farves were in the Drawkian half of the field with plenty of momentum. They were looking to get a goal to finish off the half on a high note, and that is exactly what they got. The crowd that had been slowly building for the past 15 or so minutes had just had the air sucked out of them, and when the whistle blew 3 minutes later the halftime score was a meager 1-2 Farfadillis. Many would expect two high-powered offensive teams to be making more goals, but both offenses had simply been lackluster.

The action ramped up right as the second half kicked off. Within a couple minutes, the Farf team was already knocking on the door again and had the ball firmly circulating the Drawkian goal. With every passing moment it seemed more likely that they were going to break through and double their margin over the Elite Eleven. Unbeknownst to the players, this is right where the match hit its turning point. In the 50th minute, the Farf team had a shot right on goal, which was expertly deflected by Septimus Xander, the Drawkian keeper. The ball bounced away from the goal and to the feet of Elias Keys, who booted the ball back to midfield before anybody had time to blink. Just like that, all of the momentum had turned on a head and was now in Drawkland's favor.

This momentum became fully realized around 5 minutes later when Richard Hanson managed to get a crossing pass from Jaxon Madison and bury it in the net in one well-timed kick. Once again the match was tied up, but now the massive crowd in Spartan Veteran Stadium was firmly into the game. The once-confident Farfadillis team was now struggling to string sequences together, and communication began faltering. The difference compared to the near-psychic timing of the Elite Eleven's movements was palpable.

Still, the match was tied with only 20 minutes left to go. With momentum on its side and playing at home, it'd be unacceptable for the Elite Eleven to settle for a draw here. They had a chance to display their clutch play in the 71st minute, when an errant shot had been deflected back and gave the Corps a corner. Roger Apollo, being the finesse kick specialist, took the corner kick. The Elite Eleven initially earned their fame by posting trick shot videos on the internet en masse. Guys like Apollo could drop a ball into a bucket from 40 yards, and that accuracy cannot be understated in a situation like this. Especially when his kick arced perfectly to the noggin of Mike Rodney, which got past the Farf goalie to put Drawkland up 3-2.

At this point, with time beginning to fall out of Farfadillis' favor, the manager elected to amp their aggressive tactics to the maximum, packing the Drawkian side of the pitch with all 10 field players. They were praying for a miracle, but now the crowd was at a constant droning roar that drowned out almost any noise on the pitch. Like earlier, communication was nearly impossible, and this came to a head in the 85th minute when a Farf midfielder sent a pass to nobody in particular. The ball was instantly picked up by Roger Apollo in stride, who blew past the defenders who were now on their heels. He had only one defender hot on his trail when he crossed midfield, and only the keeper to beat.

Rather than sitting in the net and get beaten, the keeper decided to run up and try to run into Apollo and stop him. After all, a penalty from outside of the box is still better than an easy goal. Unfortunately for the keeper, Apollo had time to think of a solution. As the keeper came in hot and began to slide, Apollo popped the ball into the air and left the ground for a hurdle. As he landed on the other side, the sliding keeper took out the chasing defender, sending both to the ground. Apollo was now alone in the box, just him, the ball, and the net. He looked behind himself to see nobody in pursuit anymore, and slowed his to sprint to a jog. The crowd was going insane at this point, and Apollo executed a cheeky rabona kick to send the ball straight into the open net.

Soon after, the match ended, and Drawkland had done what they'd thought was impossible 2 hours earlier: knocking off the top seed Farfadillis, 4-2. Our protagonists, of course, had a perfect view of all these events as they unfolded. Cam Cross, Nicole Warren, and Sarah Arrowsword were present in the box the DLKPA had bought for the qualifying campaign. The match was a great show and they'd met some friends and players they hadn't seen in ages ... but that wasn't the focal point of their night.

---

"Okay, are you sure that's his number? Why isn't he answering?" Cam asked Nicole. The trio were back in Cam's car, waiting for a message telling them where to go. Earlier that day Nicole had informed the group that she had been invited to a post-match party by the Elite Eleven.

"Okay, I know this is Mike's number, it's the one that was verified when he transferred my flight money!" Nicole answered, clearly exasperated.

"It's been over an hour and it's a home game, I'm sure they've got to be at least able to check their phones by now," said Sarah. Suddenly, Nicole's phone buzzed to life, and it wasn't just a text. Everybody's eyes in the car bugged out, and Nicole made a shushing gesture with her finger as she accepted the call.

"H-hey Mike, what's up? ... Yeah, we're sitting in the parking lot right now. Where are you guys? ... Okay, should we-? ... Okay, just text me the address ... What? Oh, Cam Cross and Sarah Arrowsword. That's not a problem is it? ... Alright, good! ... Yeah we're gonna leave right now, we might beat you there, I don't know. ... Okay! See ya!"

Nicole looked back up at Cam and Sarah, who looked at her expectantly. "Okay, we're good!" Nicole said. "We just have to wait for him to text me the add- oh, there it is. Here Cam, punch this in."

"Gotcha." Cam held Nicole's phone for a second and entered the address into her car's computer. It was easy, just a 20 minute ride out from town.

"That's what I assumed, it's at their ... what do they call it?" Nicole trailed off.

"The Complex, right?" Cam answered, also unsure.

"Something like that. I can't remember exactly, all I remember is that it didn't sound cool enough. It needs more charm," Sarah added. By then the car was already underway, zooming out towards the highway that lead to the place.

"Okay guys, we have to come up with our gameplan. What are we gonna do when we get there?" Nicole asked seriously.

"Do we even know what this party is gonna be like?" Cam asked in return. "Did they give you any idea Nicole?"

Nicole opened her mouth to reply, then closed it again. "Now that I think of it, I don't think they told me at all."

"Yeah, if it's a bit smaller and more intimate we might be able to single off a few of them and interrogate them, so to speak," Sarah proposed. "If it's a rager though we have no chance. We'll just have to party and hope we're fun enough to get invited to another one later on."

"That's a solid plan!" Nicole agreed. Cam nodded to also show her support.

"Good," Sarah continued. "Is there anybody we should single out? It seems like you've taken a liking to Mike Rodney, Nicole, so you could-"

"I do not like him!" Nicole protested. She was clearly blushing a bit, though. "Listen, he's the one who started all this. If anything, he's the one who likes me. There's no reciprocation here!"

"Okay, fine," Sarah rolled her eyes. "Mike's taken a liking to you, so therefore you should try working on him when we're there. Cam, who was it that talked to us at the DISC party a few weeks ago?"

"That was Septimus, I think. The keeper."

"Yeah, him. You should definitely try to follow him around and talk a little bit. Build up some familiarity, maybe he'll be more comfortable with telling us deep secrets."

"This almost feels unethical. Like a spy movie or something," Cam noted, a little sheepishly.

"Listen, I'm not going to be able to rest until we get answers here! I hate not knowing if I know the real truth or not. It's like the time me and Andrew went on that grand tour of Drawkland and stayed with Iarocav for a few days. He kept saying these things about the national history that completely contradicted what I remembered learning in school and he just sorta brushed it off. Like 'oh yeah, we generally didn't tell people about that stuff.' It has bugged me ever since."

"What does that have to do with this?" Nicole asked, silently burning with curiosity to know what secret truths had been imparted upon Sarah.

"I guess this is a stretch, but I feel that hiding your true nature from people is a little unethical and sketchy. Surely trying to find the truth can't be that bad right? Methods aside, of course."

"That makes a little more sense," Cam agreed.

"So all of that plus it's kinda exciting to try and find this stuff out. Like you said Cam, it feels like a spy movie. Certainly better what I did last qualifiers, which was bitch and moan about not being on the NT anymore. It was so boring," Sarah confessed.

"I'd drink to that," Nicole laughed. Cam's car computer beeped a couple times, informing the party that they were approaching the destination imminently. The trio looked out of the passenger side window, looking out at the Elite Eleven's fabled Complex. The main building had the lights beaming into the night, and as the car slowed down to turn onto the side road, their stomachs dropped.

The place was crawling with people. It was not going to be an easy night.

[Schottia]

Why I Hate Football

Part Nine.

The Quarry.

Madita sprung heroically from boulder to boulder, pretending that she was on some very importantl mission. Her name was Dr Rowena Strongbow (who happened to also be an accomplished archaeologist and explorer, when she wasn’t on the training pitch). She was making her way through the thick jungle, over piranha-infested rivers, with bears, tigers, and wrong’uns behind every tree. Dr Strongbow had been intrusted to bring back a special amulet, without which, the evil forced would be free to unleash a terrible darkness over all of Rushmore.

‘BANG - BANG – PEW - PEW – BANG’

Those daemonic bears could take a lot of bullets, but luckily Rowena was a crack-shot, and landed one right between the eyes. With one last flying leap, she reached the final boulder, and with it, the entrance to the ancient temple. What treasures lay within were anyone’s guess, but she needed to stay focused, the amulet was all that mattered. Most likely, it would likely be well protected, but the plucky defenders hadn’t counted on Rowena “Crack-shot” Strongbow.


‘Beautifly… GO!’

Oh yeah, on top of all that she was also a pokémon trainer… and a modern languages professor… who lived in a castle.

‘Madita, please be carful up there!’ Gary pleaded, watching his daughter climb around precariously close the quarry wall. ‘Otherwise you’ll need to come down!’

‘I’m not Madita!’ She scowled at him, arms akimbo. ‘I said my name is Dr Strongbow..!’

‘Okay! Dr Strongbow, please be careful.’ Gary turned back to the Quarry Master. ‘Sorry about that… eh, no… it’s still not right.’ He added, shaking his head in defeat.

He and the poor Quarry Master were both utterly fed-up. They’d now inspected getting on for a hundred and fifty boulders, and not one of them was a true likeness to Gethin Ramsey. Stupid idea of Amanda’s! It wasn’t like you could just find another one lying around; that was what had made the Ramey Boulder so special in the first place. Two whole hours walking around and the best they’d come up with was one that loosely resembled a slightly shocked Silian Parker.

‘Well… I think that’s about it Mr Brewer.’ The Quarry Master shrugged in defeat. ‘Sorry I couldn’t be of more help.’

‘No.’ Gary smiled weakly. ‘It is I who should apologies for wasting your time on this wild goose chase.’

‘So, are you going to take the likeness of Parker, or..?’

‘Och..!’ Gary grimaced. ‘I just don’t know. I reckon I need to give it a little more thought…’

‘I understand Sir.’ The Quarry master replied. ‘Buying an ornamental boulder can be a very big decision.’ It was hard to determine whether or not he was employing sarcasm.

‘PAR-KER BOULDER! PAR-KER BOULDER!’ His daughter began to chant. Her mind had been made up an hour ago.

‘Calm down Madita!’ Gary urged for quiet; he was trying desperately hard to think. ‘Otherwise you can forget about that tournament on Saturday.’

‘It’s: DR STRONGBOW!!!’

Port Sebastian’s Handon Offices, 2004…

‘Times they are a changing, Gary.’ Stated Barry Gorman, as a grin began to creep into the corner of his mouth. ‘There’s been talk for some time about Schottia entering a team in the World Cup, maybe ever UICA membership. It’s going to open doors, and you and I will be standing there at the front of the queue.’ Gorman paced silently across the floor of his office, hands clasped loosely behind his back. An eighteen-year-old Gary was sat meekly at the desk feeling both nervous and reluctant.

‘Front of the queue…’ Gary repeated, trying to force himself to believe that this was somehow a good idea. He’d never been out on loan before and the concept was a hard sell. It sounded like upheaval, utterly unnecessary, and a change to his precious routine. Gorman’s promotion to first team manager had seen a lot of alterations, none of them Gary was very keen on. Port Sebastian used to be about kicking the shit out of Handon United in the local derby twice a year. That had been bad enough, but now Gorman was introducing words like: progress, success, money, and achievement – what was the world coming to?

‘It’s not going to happen overnight my friend.’ Gorman took up a position, stood directly behind him. ‘But if you entrust your development to me, I can see you playing in the Polar Islandstates, or LigAnaia, maybe even Mytannion in ten years time.’

‘But Mr Goman, Sir, I’m…’ Gary looked round nervously over his shoulder. ‘…I’m not sure I want to play any of those leagues.’

‘Gary, you have been born with an exceptional talent.’ Gorman spoke slowly and deliberately. ‘But with it comes the most grave responsibility – a responsibility to yourself. Gary, tell me, do you know what it means to be rich?’

‘It’s having plenty of money..?’

‘It’s freedom.’ Gorman slowly walked round and took his seat, coming face to face with his young player. ‘It’s the freedom do decide where you go, how you live, whom you live with. You deserve this Gary.’ Gorman caught him by surprise, hammering his fist off the table. ‘WE DESERVE THIS!’

‘I’m still not…’

‘And this loan move, to Granton Vale, is the right thing.’

‘Mr Gorman… I’m…’

‘…going on loan.’ Gorman insisted. ‘I know you are.’ With that he got to his feet, and beckoned to a figure who must have been standing in the doorway. ‘Gary this is Mr James. He represents the recruitment team at Granton Vale. He’ll talk you through the contract, and everything you need to know.’

Gary looked towards Gorman, his eyes pleading for clemency. However, when he turned back round, it was the small, balding figure of James who occupied the manager’s chair. ‘Okay Mr Corsie. These contracts are all very straightforward…’

‘Gary.’ Gorman said before leaving the room. ‘You’re going to come back a much better player, I promise you. See you in nine months.’

‘So when will the Parker Boulder get delivered, Dad.’ Madita asked, as their cargo bike sped back down the road. The weather had changed over the past couple of days, and there was a cold wind sweeping her hair back. It had been a warm autumn, but now winter was threatening, and it could be harsh in the valley.

‘Tomorrow.’ Gary replied. He sometimes worried he was a little curt with Madita, and felt the need to add. ‘Is Dr Strongbow excited?’ The truth was, Gary was curt with everyone. A life of perpetual disappointment had left him utterly disaffected with the world and all it’s inhabitants… including himself.

‘Yessss!’ Madita turned to him, eyes clenched, showing all her teeth, as she grinned broadly. ‘Am I allowed to stand on it?’

‘I don’t see why not… so long as you’re careful.’

‘Will you put it where the Ramsey Boulder was?’

‘I hadn’t thought about it.’ Gary fell silent for a second. It was indeed getting colder, and he was dearly wishing that he had brought a winter coat. ‘I suppose so, the back of the village would look a little bare without it.’

‘Do you think OAS Royals fans will come and try to steal it too..?’ Madita was still clutching a small stick, which loosely resembled a pistol. It was important that she kept forced of darkness from boarding the cargo bike before she got the amulet home. She opened her shoulder bag, and checked that the lump of quartz she’d taken was still there.

‘I hope not.’ Was Gary’s honest answer. After the life he’d led, nothing but nothing would surprise him anymore.

‘If they did, Beautifly and me could fight them off!’ She held up her stick pistol for effect.

‘I don’t doubt it.’ Gary smiled.

[Vdara]

We’re on Fire!

After two losses in a row, the Vdaran players have finally snapped into form!
Qwakmybush stood no chance as the Vdaran players finally showed how good their skill and pace actually is. The match took place in Qwakmybush, with an attendance of... *checks notes* ...at least twelve people! The match report is as follows:

4’: A Qwakmybush player takes an early run up to the Vdaran end of the pitch, but his shot hits the crossbar and launches back into play.
5’: Alexis Fotellis is forward for Vdara. He’s nutmegs one defender, he’s nutmegged two, he shoots... and it’s over the bar.
7’: Kimon Karalas is outside the box here, but he’s going for a SHOT! ...and it’s saved.
8’: Mavroglou puts it through to Fotellis, who’s passed it through to Lazelis, who dribbles past the defender, he’s through on goal here... how’s he hit the bar from that distance? Lazelis has his head in his hands, that should’ve been 1-0 to Vdara!
15’: Qwakmybush make another attempt at goal, but their pitiful attempts don’t get past Markos Moustakakos.
19: Moustakakos earns a yellow card for taking too long to kick the ball out of his penalty box.
27: Fotellis is forward yet again, but his shot is saved.
30: It’s a wondergoal for Qwakmybush! A beautiful goal from number 10!
44: Vdara has equalised! A beautiful bit of skill here from the wing-back, the goalkeeper had no chance! The goal scorer was... the left wing back! Tryfon Vlahiades!
45: Vdara have jumped back into this game again! A wonder shot from Fotellis obliterates the goalkeeper’s nose, and Lazelis makes a diving header to smash it into the net! 2-1 to Vdara!
46: Could they do it again, could Vdara make it 3-1, they’re through on goa- and the defender has taken it.
48: Qwakmybush takes a shot. That's off target.
50: Qwakmybush takes yet another shot. That's off target.
51: Athanas slides in too early, all player, no ball, yellow card.
52: A Qwakmybush player makes a horrible mistake and tackles from behind, taking down Lazelis with a goal scoring opportunity! What’s the ref’s decision here... It’s a red card!
53: Lazelis is through again, and he’s hit the post!
54: Athanas attempts a cross into Lazelis, but his height gets the better of him and it trundles out for a goal kick.
60: Karalas attempts a pass through to Fotellis, but he’s hit it hard and fast, so it counts as a shot that may have went in on another day.
64: Vdara are through again, and Fotellis has missed!
69: Tryfon Vlahiades puts it past the keeper with an elegantly curved free kick! Unbelievable! 3-1!
70: Qwakmybush attempt a shot, and miss. They really are atrocious. Their players appear to have had no names at birth.
75: Karalas is through, he passes to Lazelis, he shoots, he scores! He’s going to celebrate, but the linesman has the flag up, he’s offside!
80: Vdaran forwards are forward yet again, but Lazelis has fired the ball over the net!
90’: And the referee blows for full time! That’s Vdara’s first World Cup Group Stages match win!

Then the whistle blew for full time, a massive pitch invasion ensued. All 11 Vdaran players, and all of the substitutes ran towards the manager, Sideropoulos, and had a mass celebration, with him being tossed up into the air and back down again. The pitch invasion had fans dancing everywhere, with all of them chanting the post-match win chant which they had come up with the night before, when they were most likely to win.

After a lengthy celebration involving much happiness, the groundmen ushered the players and fans off of the pitch, and the Vdarans finally went to the dressing room.

“Well done boys,” Sideropoulos started, with a face of glee, “that’s our first win as a team! I think we need to crack open a bottle of champers and get the party started!”

“See? I told you, boss! We’re finally working well as a team, and I feel like we can advance even further!” Karalas added, having still been angry at the manager shouting at him last time out.

“I know, I know. Still, this is no time for a break. Get back to training. Get a good nights sleep. Get ready. The World Cup isn’t over for us until we either qualify and get knocked out or get knocked out here, in the group stage.”

After a while in the dressing room, the Vdaran players emerged to a fanfare from the visiting Vdaran fans, and it turned out that, for the fans, the party wasn’t over yet.

Fans followed the team bus all the way to the airport of Qwakmybush, and fans hounded the team through the terminal, cheering them on through to passport control and the gate, and giving them a teary sendoff at the gate. Vdara’s first international win was tear jerking for some, the fans especially. The players hugged the fans, and Sideropoulos was crying as well.

However, they shouldn’t celebrate too much. This is only the third group stage match.

[Lisander]

So, the promises of Mr Stannis aren't turning into actions yet...
Leading Article

Take it easy isn't working. The world doesn't wait for us. Did you see it? 0-5 to Valanora! For those who don't plan, these results are expected. The plan is going too slowly. We fell in Wonder Cup second round. And Bolgano, only one position behind us in the rankings, made it to the final and finished as champions! BTW, congratulations to them. They know how to put a solid project.

The Lisander Football Federation should have already find the focus point. Just entering a lot of pre-WC tournaments to make players play isn't working. We can't see modifications in the roster. This team grew dependent on a limited number of excellence players. The League looks somewhat stagnant since they haven't fulfilled the promise of international open in this Transfer Window.

The problems haunting lisanderian football can't be solved in a week. They're part of years and years of isolation and mismanagement, inherited from the old Sports National Confederation (CND), a public board that united most of the sports federations was the only financially responsible for the sport in the nation.

Now it's time to occupy that CND sports centre in the outskirts of Despina. It's time to fulfil the promise of having male and female U-23, U-21, U-19, U-17 and U-15 teams. I'd say more: If I was Mr Adrian Stannis, I'd also recreate the Amateur National XI, as it existed forty/fifty years ago. I've never seen the Amateur XI playing, but I have seen some action in photos and old films.

[The Andromeda Island Group]

A team very similar… It’s the Andromeda Eagles, and they’re playing… their third game of World Cup Qualification against an opposing soccer team in a land where people have an exceptionally jaundiced view of life.

----------

Jackie Bishop, Rochelle Wyatt and Chris Stonebreaker are sitting in a group far down the bench. Bishop and Wyatt are both backfielders. Chris Stonebreaker is a reserve goalkeeper who has yet to see any minutes in their first two games. They watch as their teammate, Dora Banner, is now playing with the starters.

“I don’t know what happened to her,” Stonebreaker says. “But you can see that she’s a totally different person.”

“You didn’t see her with that little black dude after the game,” Wyatt asks.

“What about him?”

“They played together in High School last year. That’s her boyfriend. Harper. She says they feed off each other.”

“I’d like to feed off of Steve Young,” Bishop says.

“You need to stop feeding your face with those breakfast pastries.” Wyatt is helping Bishop maintain a decent playing weight.

“That’s the best time to have pastries.”

The three, and the rest of the bench stand up. Wyatt grabs Bishop and Stonebreaker’s hand as they watch Oona Kerry blast a shot passed the opposing goalie for the Eagles’ second goal. The Andromedan sections erupt. Most of the stadium is quiet in disbelief as the clock counts down to injury time.

“Looks like you ladies may get some playing time in the srcond half,” Stonebreaker says.

“I don’t know,” Bishop says. “This is the Purple Haze. The Land of the Lost.”

“Nooooooooooooo.” Wyatt says in a mocking tone.

----------

Most of the second half lineup was different from the first half. The defense remains the same with one exception: Steve Young replaced Rachel Medrano at goalie.

Early in the second half, the opposing team is able to harness their negativity into just enough offense to get a striker passed both Dave Richman and Kelly Bach. The striker then wrong-foots Steve Young before scoring. As most of the spectators erupt in jubilation, about a half-dozen of black cats run out from the field entrance behind the Andromeda bench and join the Eagles.

“Stonebreaker, Sallie, Wyatt, Bishop. You’re in!” Assistant Coach Kerri Zimmerman picks up one of the black cats.

“You four. You’re going in,” Zimmerman repeats.

As the four run out onto the field, Chris Stonebreaker tells Rochelle Wyatt that she had a dream last night.

“You know, I had one of those dreams last night. I followed this rabbit down a rabbit hole, and there was a black cat and a dude with a top hat.”

“I see a theme here.”

“But this was a little different. I took the rabbit up to the crazy guy in the hat and shoved it up his…”

Everyone’s attention turns to Carla DiGregorio, who just fired a shot through a defender’s legs. The ball ricochets off the goalie’s head and into the net.

After the Eagles go up 3-1, Wyatt is curious about the conclusion of Stonebreaker’s story.

“So what happened with the black cat?”

“I gave the cat some of my fried chicken.”

“Fried chicken?”

Wyatt stares at Stonebreaker in disbelief.

“What? I wasn’t taking any more pills.”

“So, you fed the cat?”

“And myself. I had a bucket.”

“Where’d the fried chicken come from?”

“All I know is that the door mouse told me to feed my head. Feed my head.”

[Jeruselem]

Princess Kate:

This is Princess Katherine Annabelle Dallas for Naked News Jeruselem. Or just Princess Kate for everyone who knows better.
I'm in Geektopia, yes, that actually is the nation name.
It's full name is The Anarcho-Capitalist Monarchy of Geektopia.
I'm not making this crap up.

Geektopia ranked 104th starting with two wins, playing with the big boys like Free Republics and Taeshan.
Then you got Jeruselem who are rather unpredictable. We managed a crappy 1-1 draw with Schottia at home when we really should have won.
Well, this is our first real test against a team who seem to have found a way to win to far.
For them, we're their first real test as we're no pushovers. Far from it.

I must say, this place being Geektopia, it's got pretty fast Internets. Wish we had Internets this fast at home.
If you're a luddite, don't live here. You'll go crazy.
Oh yes, I will not attempt to say the names of anyone who lives here.
Believe me, if one of team member of the local team is named ... Pentacthulteron-turreted-horriocterated Pentacthuldekon. Yeah

I'll talk about Group 11 first.
Savojarna visited Galar but only managed a 1-1 win. Savojarna aren't doing very well. 2 draws and a loss.
TJUN-ia secured a 1-0 win against visitors Nahkistan. Nahkistan so far haven't got a single point
Free Republics went to Balqia and won 5-3. They did conceded 3 goals but scoring 5 is pretty good.
Taeshan did enough to beat Welzat 2-1 at Welzat. So the big boys win. The focus moves to Geektopia and Jeruselem.

Jeruselem aren't known for scoring a lot of goals. That's why we have trouble beating lower teams, we don't get the goals.
Eh, so will Geektopia overwhelm the Princesses?
Not really, Jeruselem trounced the home team 5-2 as per usual away games. We have trouble at home for some reason.
But the home team found out their defense just sucks, and got smashed.
Yes they did score two goals but the fact they conceded 5 in one game just says they need to work the defense.

One of Jeruselem's better games with the strikers finding some form, and getting some help from the defenders ...
For once, Prince Hamish seemed focussed on the game and not pretty girls. I guess all the pretty girls at home are distracting.
We could have done better with our defense but I guess we were pushing up against the defense to score and kinda prioritised attack.
Or maybe they aren't used to playing against a team with lots of pretty girls.

All in all, a productive day for our team. And our goal difference is positive for once too.
The group 11 table still has Free Republics on top with 9 points. Taeshan is 2nd with 7 points.
Geektopia despite the loss is 3rd with 6 points but Jeruselem back in the race in 4th on 4 points
TJUN-ia is 5th on 4 points but they have an inferior goal difference.
Galar is 6th with 4 points just like us and TJUN-ia.
Welzat have 3 points in 7th due to a single win. Schottia and Savojarna hold 8 and 9 on 2 points.
Balqia and Nahkistan have no points so far.

Now if you're wondering what Pentacthulteron-turreted-horriocterated Pentacthuldekon is it's
E100(#^^^#^10)^^^(#^8)>#^^^####100

No, I have no idea why you'd call your kids that!

OOC

Group 11
Geektopia 2–5 Jeruselem
Galar 1–1 Savojarna
TJUN-ia 1–0 Nahkistan
Balqia 3–5 Free Republics
Welzat 1–2 Taeshan

[Chromatika]

MD3: Mriin 2-0 Chromatika
Goals: None.
Starting XI (4-2-3-1): Ria; An - de Aea - Anderson - Ilya; Montague - Armageddon; Victoriane - Mora - Dragana; Andisori (C).
Substitutes:: Conrad -> Dragana ('47), Will -> Anderson ('61), Bird -> Mora ('82)
Projected Starting XI vs. Kavagrad: Williams (C); McBee - Will - Anderson - Austic; Dias - Limones; Thorben - Bird - Han; Vidal.

---

Football Part 4: MD3 - Away at Mriin

Jillian Nier, Football Correspondent

Sometimes, you just find someone who's better than you. And there is no shame in that.

For the longest time, that someone was Valanora. The Eternal Empire, the Elves. But that demon was vanquished a few cycles back, and though Hawk and his cohorts still send a tremor of recognition and something of a reverence every time their name is heard, it's not like they're unbeatable anymore.

Crazy? Maybe. But a lot of the game we play and love is mental. If you don't believe you can beat someone, you simply won't.

The Satyrs of Mriin are starting to approach that threshold. Twice I faced them in World Cup 80, when Chromatika were the top seeded team. Twice, Mriin defeated us one-nil. This time, Mia had her first crack, and the results weren't that different.

It'd be wrong to blame any one specific player for this result. The entire team played a bit flat, a bit subdued. Mriin dictated the pace of the game, and the goals were really an afterthought. Solara Vol at age thirty-six is still a world-class striker, Otalia Kasmir is good for at least one moment of brilliance per game. And Mara Solaani - of Kingsgrove, Brenecia when playing club ball - simply has the Chromatiks' number when the two sides clash.

Not to say that Evans didn't give it the ole-fashioned college try. His substitutes made sense - putting in Conrad who has flashes of brilliance - I like her quite a bit - putting in the taller Will in the backline, and as a last resort, putting more speed in the front four with Bird coming in.

No, on this day, Mriin was better. And sometimes, it's best to just recognize that and move on.

The schedule does get considerably easier from this point onward for the first half, with the next seven matches against the bottom seven teams in the group. Thus, the import will now fall on seeing how the rest of the squad performs together and making sure that easy points do not get dropped. Every team from now on will view the match against the Chromatiks to be their best chance at taking a scalp of a top-three team in the group, starting with Kavagrad. Nova is back to have her shot at a victory, and then the rest of the squad is at least second on the depth chart if not third. Notable starts include Miles Austic being back at it, Ga-yeong Han getting a chance to shine, and Olimpia Vidal - whose Cazo squad didn't really do the best in Audioslavia last year - getting the nod at striker. It'd be nice if they, and whomever else Evans decides will make an appearance, gave the fans something to cheer for as they return home to the Capitalizt Dome.

A 1-1-1 scoreline through playing the first, second, and fourth seeds in the group isn't a bad start, though the results against Main Nation Ministry and Busoga Islands were flipped than what was expected.

Still a long way to go, though. A long way to go.

---

Part 3: The Dignitary

Part 4: The Revenant

With the debates to commence shortly, it is prudent to get to know those that the Chromatik people will be voting for in the days to come - those that will really shape what Chromatika will become.

The Justice Party will be led by Benjamin Parson, a previous light red laborer whose family was summarily executed during the main days of the Rainbow Revolution. Parson lost his wife, two daughters, and a son during the burning of Depri Lanar's northern neighborhood. He has been on a public rampage since, asking for complete and utter justice to be brought upon those responsible.

For a guy who used to grow corn for a living, Parson is a shrewd, passionate individual who understands exactly what his role is. They are not here to win the election. No, they are here to cause enough noise so that the other two parties cannot ignore the plight of the ROYG community and what has been done by the Chromatik Party. He and his friends will not rest until true justice has been done. It will be interesting to see how things progress with a wild card such as Parson on the field at all.

Parson and the Justice Party are expected to use the following as major speaking points in the election to come:

1. Reparation of damage done to the ROYG community by the Chromatik Party - from the BIV community and especially the Bronze, Silver, and Gold
2. Free education for ROYG to catch up to the standards of the BIV community
3. Justice upon those who were part of the Chromatik Party, not taking "we were told to" as a valid reason

It is safe to assume that the Justice Party will garner public support. How much will they be able to do?

---

3. Chromatik

Nickname: Capitalizt
Fans: Capitalizt, CC
Location: Chromatik City, Capital District, Chromatika
Stadium: Capitalizt Dome (Cap. 144,000)
History:

League Chromatiks Season 1: 6th Premier Division
League Chromatiks Season 2: 4th Premier Division
League Chromatiks Season 3: 5th Premier Division
League Chromatiks Season 4: 4th Premier Division
League Chromatiks Season 5: 5th Premier Division
Chromatik League Season 1: 4th Premier Division
Chromatik League Season 2: 4th Premier Division
Chromatik League Season 3: 2nd Premier Division
Chromatik League Season 4: 4th Premier Division
Chromatik League Season 5: 6th Premier Division

Manager: Didier Jacques, 52
Formation: (3-4-3)

Background: The main football team of the Capitol, Capitalizt is located in the government/business center of the city, using the national stadium as their own. They have a huge following - though Anomalies and other clubs are starting to make their way into their fans due to the team's inability to win a title. Capitalizt comes from a term used by the Chromatik Party in the days of old to talk about their businessmen. After the last failure, Michael St. Laurent was let go in favor of foreign management, and then the Chromatik League fell apart. In steps Didier Jacques, whose dreams of establishing Chromatika as a U-21 power didn't really come to fruition except for one notable run. Is he fit for a domestic job?

Preseason Grading: brought to you by ChromatikBet.com

Fanbase: 9/10 - One of the biggest followings around the league, despite the lack of results. Capitalizt fans also tend to have a lot of money.
Manager: 7/10 - Jacques is mostly an unknown. A known motivator and wiry tactician, he hasn't truly been given control over a side. This should be his golden opportunity.
Keepers: 8/10 - Sherlyn Joy has a few caps for the national team under her name, and, though thirty-four, able to provide quality starts still. Might want to pick up some youth on the bench, though.
Defenders: N/A - Chromatik is in need of all starting backs.
Midfielders: N/A - Chromatik is in need of most of the midfield.
Strikers: N/A - Chromatik is in need of strikers.
Greatest Need: When the Chromatik League disbanded, all foreign players were let go. Chromatik lost all but two starters. However, as the richest club in the land, they seem poised to really try for the title under the new system. Expect them to spare no expense in pursuit of a title.

Next: Crossroads

[Savojarna]

Songs of Savojarna: Mytanarska

The Savojar fans have become known all over the world for being loud, proud and numerous. Even as their team is struggling - such as right now - they are often supporting the Northlights in a colourful and encouraging display. They are world-famous for pyro and choreos, but often less so for their specific songs, although many of them reference old Savojar traditions, tunes and history while also being a uniting force. Interestingly, many Savojar football songs are written in English, as a neutral compromise between the three major language group. Exceptions mainly are made for songs that did not originate in football, or that celebrate individual players, in which case songs are often taken from their home clubs.

Mytanarska (“The Mytanar”) is a fairly recent addition to the Savojar repository, but has actually become something like an anthem for the Savojar team, celebrating their successes at the Copa Rushmori 31 in Mytanija, which is how it got its name. It can really be sung at any moment, often when the game is falling a bit low in intensity, but the most common time to hear the Mytanarska is after victories of the Savojar team, when the fans have previously sung it together with the players. While it is not really an original fan song, it has been quickly adopted after first being performed by the Savojar rock band “Northern Chanters”, a band from Jarnstad that is famous for making football songs for Metall Jarnstad and the Savojar national team. Mytanarska has since become a mythical song due to the mythical nature that the Copa 31 itself takes in Savojarna’s football history, being their first and thus far only title that they have won.

The tune

Bella Ciao may not be a Savojar song, but is a core memory of the Savojar communists. Not yet around during the Revolution 1909, it is mainly tied with two events taking place in the early Republic. It had been used during the Ejanan Miner’s Strike that brought about the end of the First Constitution, as the strike had been bloodily suppressed by the Democratic Socialist Party, in cooperation with the Liberal Block, leading to a major reformation of the Savojar political system and its radicalisation in 1924. Originally associated with the Worker’s Left, it became further associated with the resistance of the Second Adyatinian War 1927-1930, when the soldiers and resistance fighters had sung the song in battle, and most famously, upon their return to Sjoedrhavn following victory against the Adyatinian invaders. This made the tune a national, rather than partisan, treasure, and is the main reason why it can be considered a unifier for the fans of the national team.

As a core part of Savojar history that is connected to two events that are considered core parts of modern Savojarna, the song has been covered by multiple Savojar bands since its import to the country in the 1920s. It has been a part of sporting culture as well, as it was often sung especially by fans of some clubs associated with the groups that have been connected to the song before. With its original Italian lyrics, it is commonly sung by the fans of ESK Storevik and SK Cuprum, both having large support bases of the Ejanan miners whose strikes kicked off the Revolution of 1909 and the Second Constitution of 1924/25. Fans of Torpedo Pawlograd sing it as well in remembrance of the Russian armies that fought in the war against Adyatin, as do fans of clubs (especially worker clubs) of cities that were besieged or occupied. But Mytanarska is the first real instance of a version with re-written lyrics that was sung over longer time, and many ultras have already indicated that they believe only the national team should be allowed to have its own, re-written version of Bella Ciao.

The chant

A rainy ev’ning
In Mytanija
Heja Sa - Heja Sa - Heja Savojars!
One rainy ev’ning, in Mytanija
We were fighting for the cup

O we had beaten
Those bloody Eurans
Heja Sa - Heja Sa - Heja Savojars!
We had beaten, those bloody Eurans
We had beaten them in style

In the finals
There stood and waited
Heja Sa - Heja Sa - Heja Savojars!
In the finals, there stood and waited
The almighty Nepharim

With all our power
There we had held them
Heja Sa - Heja Sa - Heja Savojars!
With all our power, there we had held them
Oh we held them to a draw

And in the shootout
There she had saved us
Vikki Pe - Vikki Pe - Vikki Petrova!
And in the shootout, there she had saved us
And then Lenka scored a goal

The referee whistled
The Northlights won it
Heja Sa - Heja Sa - Heja Savojars!
The referee whistled, the Northlights won it
On that one Mytanar night.

Rituals
Mytanarska has spawned its own set of rituals over time. In home games, it is commonly done in call-and-response fashion, with the main stand singing each of the first lines before the rest of the stadium following on them. In away games the Savojars tend to lack the strength to do so, and sing it all together. It is also common for fans that wear scarves to lift them as blocks during the first four verses, and then gradually start swinging them in circles as the final two verses are sung. The song is also often precluded or followed by a slow, drawn out chant of “Savojarna! Savojarna!”, or followed by the “Champions! Copa Champions!” chant, although the latter is almost never done against opponents not from Rushmore. In the version when the song is sung after a victory for Savojarna, they often replace the final line with "On this oh so pretty night" to relate the song to the game at hand, although there have been exceptions to this. Finally, there is a special version when the Savojars play Eura, where the line “those bloody Eurans” tends to be replaced by “you bloody bastards”. The lines about Nephara are usually not changed even when playing against the Cormorants.

[Mkabia]

Kei Tankary had toiled all night long for a solid and thorough tactical plan. Or just a plan in general. He had filled himself to the brim with coffee to stay awake the next day, only to witness it being butchered with about an hour left to kick-off. As the formal manager, Kabirou insisted that he lead the tactical trainings towards the team, but didn’t get much further than walking through the eleven names on the board behind him – and even that was a tough one.

The visit of Geisenfried would present another difficult obstacle on the road and holding the last place in the table had not only brought much criticism from the armchair analysts and street corner critics, but raised the attention of Marshall Mamadou Dindane. Him proclaiming on national radio that ”the zero would be wiped out by tomorrow” had not done much good to the already tense nerves.

So Kei had come up with in intricate plan, playing the three strikers in an inverse triangle – Nibombe and Aduama who hadn’t racked up too many shots on goal would be closer to the action whilst goalgetter Diawara linked up closer to Zongo. It had all aspects of a gamble but if the opening two games had shown them something, it was that they should be smarter than the opposition as being better was too much to ask.

Kabirou managed to pronounce the eleven names, what was already an improvement from last time around, but simply darted them on the part as they were. It looked like a mess. When they walked out for the warm-up, which would already be witnessed by thousands of yellow-and-green fans as the stadium filled up nicely, Idrissi Akakpo – left out of the starting eleven again – whispered just loud enough when leaving for the door.

“What’s the point of tactics anyway – they just got their eleven set in stone and a single plan for all games.”

It took Kei a second to process it all, contemplating whether he had accidentally eavesdropped on something or if Akakpo had spoken in the exact volume to taunt the assistant coach. But the young striker had underestimated one thing.

With a fierce pace, Tidjani Kabirou darted across the room towards the Massagui player, took him by the neck and dragged him out of the corridor and back into the dressing room.

“You have anything to say, Akakpo!” the gaffer bellowed into his ear, “Anything?”

The moment froze in time and you could hear the soft drip from that one broken shower.

“No, no…” Idrissa tried to salvage his problems.

“Are you saying that I hear voices,” Kabirou continued, fuming so wild that Akakpo wouldn’t dare to look him in the eye. It was a perfect piece of army logic: a yes/no question where both answers are wrong. Before Akakpo could mumble anything more, Kabirou had pushed him to the ground and shouted to ‘give him fifty’.

It had something extraordinary, something unreal. The manager, who had so far seemed to have the spinal strength of a rag doll, stood stooped over the player, loudly counting each push-up. After fifty, he just murmured to ‘get his ass to the warm-up’ and although it didn’t seem to address anyone in particular, all left the dressing rooms in seconds.

Kei wondered whether he had to congratulate his boss for the sternness or worry about the effect it would have on the group. It had been out of order for Akakpo to make the remark, but this could backfire at some point.

“If there is one thing I don’t like,” Kabirou spoke with his eyes still peeled for the door, “it’s mutiny in my platoon. We won’t allow that, don’t we?”

Painfully aware how much football is war – even, or maybe in particular, in a country that had been shredded by actual fighting for the last decades – Tankary could only nod.

[Trolleborg]

TROLLEBORG – CRYSTALLINE CAVERNS 3-2

Our team won first home game, and also a first ever game in WCQ, albeit not without difficulties.

1st December Stadium. Att. 100,000 (100,000).
Trolleborg: Kotsson, Aldekamp (Laaste,71), Tro, Wolters, Zhita (Joos,81), Troll, Mogrin, Finnsnes, Gulbranden, Kerr, Tjeerd (Koolen,57).

Kerr,15(1-0), Gulbranden,37(2-0). Gulbranden,50(3-1).

After a magnificent performance and fireworks, the fans, of course, expected no less excellent game on the field. Fans and specialists immediately had a lot of questions for the starting lineup. Looked like three diverse forwards mostly interfered with each other and it seems reasonable to replace Tjeerd who was completely lost on the field with a defensive midfielder.

And one Tro in the defense center was in the first half quite tight, and even more so it was not his best day. He looked, frankly, heavy, and did not act as rationally, thoughtfully and efficiently as we used to see. On the whole, the team acted quite confidently, and already at the 15th minute the fans were pleased - Wolters joined the attack, made an accurate pass along the side line of the field to Finnsnes and he made an accurate pass to the center of the box, where Kerr hit with an irresistible shot right under the crossbar.
The roar of the stands was heard even in the city center. Soon after, Zhita gave one of his famous passes, but Finnsnes, who got the ball a meter away from the goal, but nevertheless hit the post. Then Aldekamp beautifully struck from afar, ​​the goalkeeper of the guests coped with this blow not without difficulty, having parry the ball to the side, but the defenders reach it before our forwards. On the 37th minute, the ball nevertheless fell into the net of the guests - having taken the ball from Tjeerd in the penalty area, the guests tried to forward it to their forwards, but Troll made a daring interception, shoved the Finnsnes ball in the fall, he threw ball into the box with only one touch and there Gulbranden dealt a mighty shot as – we know – he can.

However, just before the break, the attack of the guests ended in a ball in our net, and this meant that it was too early to relax. Shortly after the second half of the game began, our guys played a beautiful combination, started near the center circle, and finished by Gulbranden, this time in his signature style, with an irresistible headshot. However, the guests did not give up and soon again reduced the score by scoring from the penalty awarded for the foul of Tro. True, in the remaining time our team was closer to increasing the score than the guests to reduce it, but it all ended in our victory with a minimum score.

As the referee blown final whistle, the lights of the fireworks soared up into the sky again, and the victorious cannonade rumbled over the bay for a long time. Let's see if it’s not our last victory in the WCQ.

[Trolleborg]

BRIGANTII - TROLLEBORG

Our team already on the way to Brigantii, taking a loud group of supporters into chartered aircraft, to be at Warbury Stadium. Of the players whom we see usually in the shirts of national team, only Tjeerd and Magni is absent. Not much known about opponents, apart from what our scout see and tournament table tell us. They won against Casta Marina, and lost 0-3 to Banija and 1-3 to Abanhfleft and now put themselves at seventh place. With all probability, they will try take a maximum of points from us, especially because they played home. It will be tough game – but easy games are not provided for us in this WCQ.

Following players will salute to the Trolleborg flag at the beginning of the game:

[Kita-Hinode]

---

This series preview was approved by the Hinode Hōsō Kyōkai as a part of their HHK Originals group of shows to push for international relevance via media.

---

In a world far, far away... demons have overrun civilization.
[ The screen focuses on a dark forest with a castle slightly destroyed, winged beasts flying around it. ]
However, not everything is lost.
[ A cloaked figure moves through the forest on a horse.
The screen suddenly moves to the inside of the castle, finally concluding on the throne room where a woman, dressed in very ornate but clearly evil clothes sits.
She looks at the doors of the throne room, who then break open.
The cloaked figure has arrived. ]
"So, you must be the one I've heard of."
[ The cloaked figure takes a step forward, brandishing a sword. ]
"The People's Champion. How foolish."
[ The figure merely sighed as the woman got up from her throne. ]
"Let's face it. I'm the Queen of the Demons, a powerful being that can eliminate an opponent by simply waving her hand. You're just another mortal on this planet."
[ She swayed her hips with another step, smirking. The figure stood in place. ]
"...So, what are your final words?"
[ He sighed. As he's about to open his mouth, however... ]

---

YEARS LATER

[ A group of three students wait in front of the castle doors. One, a dark-haired boy, knocks on the doors. A giant butler with purple skin opens. ]
"Uh... Sorry, sir. But we wanted to know if Kunimoto-chan will come with us."
[ The butler, who turns out to be an orc, grins and nods. ]
"Sure. Just a second... MISS KUNIMOTO!"
[ The camera quickly moves to a girl who resembles an awful lot the Queen of the Demons kicking herself up from bed to the tune of something very schmoozy, already dressed for class. She leaves her room, the one full of dolls and plushies, passing by the actual Queen, who's apparently watching some soap opera and the cloaked figure, who's busy writing some papers. She spins around a skeleton who's carrying some books, greets a salamander with a high five, gets her school backpack from a maid with dragon horns and finally gives a hug to the butler at the door.]
"Remember to return in time, miss Kunimoto. You know how your majesty gets worried when you spend too much time outside, OK?"
"Understood! Don't worry, I'll be back as soon as classes are over, yup-yup!"

---

My Classmate is the Daughter of the Devil Queen is one of HHK's Originals, inspired by the high-selling manga of the same name, make sure to catch it at your nearest TV channel or request that your local broadcaster imports it.

[Port Ember]

Port Ember Times
Sports Journal

---

The 'Dragons' - No Good News Yet!

Port Ember's national football team, The Dragons, have slotted a horrible and shakey start in the World Cup 84 Qualifier Season, losing all three of their matches played, with no hope or promise of improving in sight.

The most shocking of the three losses were most definitely their opening match against Ouna, where fans and critics alike predicted that the Dragons will smash the Ouna side with closed eyes - yet they suffered a humiliating 0-1 loss instead. This dissapointing and frustrating game from both sides saw the passionate Port Emberian fans boo their own team off-field - for the first time in the young team's history.

The second match of the season was played against the national side of Valanora, hosted in the grand Waterstad International Stadium. Everyone involved expected the Port Emberian side to struggle against the 8th best team in the world, yet the young Dragons made a strong comback when compared to their previous loss, giving the top tier side a good run for their money, although losing 2-4 at the final whistle. Even though the loss was expected, and the fight was admirable - the Dragons were clearly not up to their normal standard and did not manage to perform in their usual high octane, passionate performance.

Match day three saw the Dragons face off against the national team of Kelssek (away), and accumulated their worst losing streak in history (3 losses in a row) with their 3-0 loss. After the valiant effort against Valanora in the previous match day, fans were hopefull of a return-to-glory for the Dragons, which backfired completely for the passionate and loud fanbase in attendance. Analysts have dubbed this match as "the worst ever performance for the young Dragons," and "they might as well quit international level football". At the end of the humiliating 90 minutes, the fans boo'd their team off field for the second time ever.

With the constant terrible performance of this once hopefull team, many is wondering out loud whether there is any future left for them, which does not include constant embarressments.

Article by Erica Davies
Port Ember Times
Sports Journal

---

Port Ember Times
Sports Journal

---

The 'Dragons' prepares to face off against Appalachia in Match Day 4 of the World Cup 84 Qualifier Season

Pre Match Analysis

By Erica Davies - Port Ember Times Sports Section

The road to World Cup 84 Qualifiers is in full swing as Match Day 4 is upon the Port Emberian side.

Port Ember's national team will square off against Appalachia in their fourth match of the World Cup 84 Qualification Season, to be played at the Waterstad International Stadium, located in the Waterstad Borough of Port Ember Megalopolos; Republic of Port Ember.

This match marks the first time that these two teams will meet on the football field, and surpsingly, even though Port Ember is ranked higher than their opponents, have been deemed once again as the underdogs - with analysts sceptical due to the recent terrible form of the Port Emberian side.

Team Stats Analysis

Appalachia:

This team is ranked as the 182th best team in the world and has a decent footballing history and posesses a strong and developed football culture and infrastructure. They are to fielding a team with a sensible mixture of youthfulness and experienced veteran players, giving them a excellent and well rounded mixture of youthfull passion and technical skils. Their team also sport numurous foreign international talent to bolster their ranks.

The Hillbillies are entering this match as slight match favourites, yet ranking 96 spots lower on the international rankings when compared to Port Ember.

This team is currently placed in position 5 of 11 on the qualifier table - with 3 points ammassed so far, with 1 win and 2 losses, scoring a total of 9 goals while allowing 8 goals to be scored against them.

Port Ember:

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

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

Even though the team has managed to build such a positive brand and reputation, their recent 3 losses in a row has severely damaged both their reputation and their chance at qualifying for the World Cup.

This team is currently placed in position 11 of 11 on the qualifier table - with 0 points ammassed so far, with 3 straight losses, scoring a total of 2 goals while allowing 8 goals to be scored against them.

From a pure statistics point of view, Port Ember is entering this match as slight underdogs due to their recent terrible form, despite ranking higher than their opponents.

Team Analysis - Port Ember

Offense:

This team used to be known for their highly aggressive offences and legendary counter attacks, with world class strikers, yet they have only managed to score 2 goals in their last three matches.

Midfield:

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

Defence:

The backline is back to their old struggling ways, with 8 goals allowed through in 3 games.

Goalkeeping:

Analysts have nothing but praise for Peter Smith the starting goalie. The young man is a legend in the making. So far the only aspect which I can not complain about yet

Substitutes:

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

Team Morale & Cohesion:

This is not the same team we came to love and respect, even though its the same players and staff. They seem to have lost all interest in the game.

Current Form:

L-L-L.

Their three consecutive losses marks their worst losing streak to date.

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

Team Analysis - Appalachia

Offense:

By far the strongest aspect of the team, and is known to be even more focussed on offence than our own side. Their 3-4-3 formation works well with their constant attacking playstyle. However, this might allow the Port Emberian signature "Bait Ambush" to be reborn. Perhaps..?

Midfield:

This team has a 4 man midfield focussijg strongly on offensive play, addig depth to their strong frontline.

Defence:

This team seems to struggle with their backline, and is worsened by the fact that their midfield does not place any emphasis on defence.

Goalkeeping:

The talented keeper does his possible best despite not having a very supportive backline.

Substitutes:

This team has an impressive and talented roster of bench players; adding decent depth to the play.

Team Morale & Cohesion:

The Hillbillies seems to be a tightly knit team and proud to represent their nation on this level.

Current Form:

L-L-W.

Although struggling in their first two matches, their last 4-0 win over Razneta was ome of the most impressive displays of football in the group so far.

Typical Gameplan:

Offence Offence Offence!!!

General Remarks

Port Ember enters this match with a 3 loss streak against a lower ranked, but more impressive looking opponent. The Dragons have arrived at the junction of having to 'Step up or Shut up'.

Starting Line-Ups

Port Ember

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

Goalkeeper (GK)(#12): Jack Allwick.

Goalkeeper (GK)(#13): Trevor Carson.

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

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

Center Back (CB)(#14): Bruno Martins.

Center Back (CB)(#15): Victor White.

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

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

Full Back (LB)(#16): Theo Hermandez.

Full Back (RB)(#17): George Lindsey.

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

Attacking Midfield (AM)(#18): William Carvello.

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

Defensive Midfield (DM)(#19): Liam Grimshaw.

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

Wide Midfield (LM)(#20): Fraser Murray.

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

Wide Midfield (RM)(#21): John Swift.

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

Central Forward (CF)(#22): Ryan Bowman.

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

Central Forward (CF)(#23): Jason Status.

Appalachia

Forwards:
RW #11 Cletus - RC Lexington
ATK #5 William Robert - Steel City Union
LW #10 Bubba - Capital FC (Xanneria)

Midfielders:
RM #29 Tiffany Drew - Interdemensional Fipside (A Mushroom Kingdom)
DM #15 Greg "Macho Man" Hawkins - Charleston Power FC
DM #34 Bobby Wayne Fuller - Johnson City
LM #23 Bryan Pearson - Charlotte 1949

Defenders:
RB #36 Devin Winecroft - Locomotive Eire
CB #47 Clayton Farmer - Delano City SC (Xanneria)
LB #88 Garret Washburn - Pitt FC

Goalkeeper:
GK #1 Calvin Throckmorton - Union Chattanooga

Team Kit

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

Coach Stuart Baxter was not available for the traditional Pre Match Interview due to unknown reasons

Article by Erica Davies
Port Ember Times
Sports Journal

---

[Filindostan]

---

NATIONAL | BUSINESS | PROVINCIAL | INTERNATIONAL | SPORTS | ENTERTAINMENT | SPORTS PORTAL

---

FOOTBALL: WORLD CUP 84 QUALIFIERS
'Pula Garuda put back to earth after 1-0 loss to Qasden

T.V. CITY, QASDEN - Filindostan almost got away in their first two matches with four points on their quest for their maiden World Cup qualification, but all went to naught as Onyx Foster's late header made sure that all three points will remain with the Vans. Both teams had chances to score first in the early stages of the match, but the visiting team would be the more wasteful of the two as they squandered chance after chance, which were punished later on by the late goal by the forward.

It was a series of chances by Yish Sta. Maria, who contributed three failed chances in the first half, the most by the Pula Garuda, who now go into Matchday 4 against Furby Island well into the bottom half of Group 8. "Both teams played well, but it was the team who take their chances who wins the game." Manager Xavier Rinoso said in the post-match interview. Filindostan now has two defeats in Royal T.V. Stadium after their last match here ended in elimination from the 71st Cup of Harmony in the hands of the ponies of Equestria.

With other teams such as Flavesvopia, and Mustardy proving to be tough nuts to crack, Filindostani fans hope their team can go back to the groove they had at the start of their campaign and get some much needed points in their upcoming matches, with the Squornshelan Remnant States lurking in Matchday 6.

Written by FSNA Staff.

Schedule - WC84Q
MD01: vs South Covello - San Marco (Filindostan National Stadium) - Win, 2-1
MD02: at Qasden - T.V. City (Royal T.V. Stadium) - Loss, 0-1
MD03: BYE
MD04: vs Furby Island - San Marco (Filindostan National Stadium)
MD05: at Bliuji - venue to be confirmed
MD06: vs Squornshelan Remnant States - San Marco (Filindostan National Stadium)
MD07: ar Ziwana - undisclosed city (Izula National Stadium)
MD08: vs Mitra and Soma - San Marco (Filindostan National Stadium)
MD09: at Flavovespia - Marthorpe (City Arena)
MD10: vs Mustardy - San Marco (Filindostan National Stadium)
MD11: at Vakolicci Haven and Celeria - venue to be confirmed
MD12: at South Covello - Riverview (Revolution Stadium)
MD13: vs Qasden - San Marco (Filindostan National Stadium)
MD14: BYE
MD15: at Furby Island - venue to be confirmed
MD16: vs Bliuji - San Marco (Filindostan National Stadium)
MD17: at Squornshelan Remnant States - Lublova (Slavnarzeczpospolitastadion)
MD18: vs Ziwana - San Marco (Filindostan National Stadium)
MD19: at Mitra and Soma - venue to be confirmed
MD20: vs Flavovespia - San Marco (Filindostan National Stadium)
MD21: at Mustardy - Héronne (Johan Speck Nationalstadion Héronne / The Speck)
MD22: vs Vakolicci Haven and Celeria - San Marco (Filindostan National Stadium)

[TJUN-ia]

TJUN-ia Update: MORE HISTORY, BECAUSE OF COURSE!

Practically everything TJUN-ia does at its first ever World Cup Qualifying campaign will historic, but this takes the cake. The Jaguars got their first EVER WC win: 1-0 in TJUN-ia CIty against unranked Nakhistan.

The Jaguars were the favourites going into the game, but the need to avoid the upset was high on the agenda. Luckily Joe Green felt the same way as his 14th minute strike was the only goal this game had to offer. We could've easily added more throughout the match if not for the heroics of the Nakhistan GK, who was applauded of the pitch after the final whistle.

For Davis Seems it is a watershed moment: his first win in international management. The team payed him back kindly, with a waterfall of champagne welcoming him to the party in the locker room. He led a toast afterwards: "You have all been EXCELLENT ever since I first met you all before the Baptism of Fire. You have all deserved this win! Now then: TO MORE OF THE SAME!"

The Jaguars find themselves tied for 4th in Group 11 with Jerusalem and Galar and we head into MD4 away at Savajarna. Ranked 43rd, they are still looking for their first win of the tournament. Their fans have a...not so pleasant history so trained riot police from the JBTPD (JagBase TJUN-ia Police Department) will be travelling to the game with the team as a precaution.

[HUElavia]

HUElavia gets another victory in a 7-Goal Comeback Thriller!

HUElavia is a team that is striving to get victories and make it into international competitions, but Good Lord do they make the entire country suffer for these victories. For Matchday 3, HUElavia traveled to Schivonia with hopes of gaining a point once again and keep pace in the Qualifiers.

The first half was utter dominance from Schivonia, where they managed to score three goals from set pieces- a penalty after a foul by debutante Smirnov, a free kick, and a header from a corner kick- making the scoreline read 3-0 right before the 35th minute, which brought pangs of fear into Los Amarillos.

The second half came, and three substitutions were used- Navarro, Almeida, and Hamada, going into an "all in" gamble in order to turn the match around in order to salvage a point. What would occur for the next 15 minutes was one of the brightest moments of HUElavian football- All three substitutes would each score a goal to tie the match at 3-3 by the 60th minute. Hamada was the first in the 47th minute, with her small height of 1.57 meters (5'2") giving her a good center of gravity to sprint past three defenders to only slot the ball into the back of the net, making it 3-1. In the 54th minute, a pass by another debutante, Amaru met the head of Almeida to head it past two defenders and the goalie into the corner of the net to make it 3-2. Although, a cross by Battiston was high enough to set up one of the spectacular goals ever scored for the national team: Navarro leaped up and scored a fantastic bicycle kick that left the goalie standing in place in shock, causing the crowd to applaud his acrobatic effort to tie the game at 3-3. The game would go on with HUElavia giving violent shots after violent shots, only to go wide or be blocked by the goalie or defenders. But, once the additional time was given of 4 extra minutes, HUElavia was pinning Schivonia deep in their box and winning corners. At the 90+4' minute came on, Lobato ran up to attempt to score, with a cross given in by Ramirez, only for Lobato to head it in to make it 3-4. The HUElavian section of the stadium erupted from the last gasp goal, and Lobato became the first goalkeeper in HUElavian history to score a goal for the National Team. Lobato was jumped by the entire squad who came to celebrate with him and the amazing comeback victory.

With the victory, HUElavia move up from 5th to 2nd Place, with Mercedini and Magnaterrica drawing at 2-2, while Competitive Solitaire dropped points with a 1-3 home loss. Currently, HUElavia are tied for 1st Place with Starblaydia, where they have a game in hand, but the +7 Goal Difference of Starblaydia is significantly above HUElavia's +1 GD. For the time being, HUElavia are in a direct qualification spot and want to make the best effort to stay in the Top 2 for these Qualifiers. Their next game will be played in HUElavia itself, with a sold out crowd expected. Here's to the next match, and may we keep up these good results.

FORCA HUELAVIA! VAMOS HUELAVIA! GO HUELAVIA!

[Ko-oren]

Elections - Key Issues - Mayara Observer

As soon as the elections were announced, foreign democratic rights activists have appealed to the Ko-orenite foreign ministry to allow NGOs to monitor and protect the elections. For as long as democracy indexes and rankings have existed, Ko-oren has been flagged as a nation in which democracy is not fully developed and protected. As decades went on, democracy was not developed further, in their eyes. Every three years, the interval of parliamentary elections, the same organisations plead to any responsible party that matters must change, and more and more severe actions are planned if the Ko-orenite government does not comply.

And yet, Ko-oren is still marked as having a flawed democracy, or being a hybrid regime. Any rebuttals, to the NGOs, to the World Assembly, to several Atlantian Oceanian agencies, have not had much effect in taking away these allegations. The rebuttal comes down to "But we were not trying to be a democracy in the first place", which then fires up the activists even more. And that is understandable, from the nations they come from, in which democracy is something fought for, something protected, and something celebrated, especially if its citizens have had to go without the right to choose for a long time. Ko-oren, however, is a nation with a near-perfect track record in protecting its citizens as well as its ideals.

But to say that democracy is irrelevant in Ko-orenite politics is not true either. There is a parliament, and one sizeable section of it is Democratic. The Democratic Party (entering under "Parti Démocratique") is a factor, and it does its job (whenever possible) to protect the influence citizens have in setting long-term policy. Not that many other parties were trying to take that right away.

Whether Ko-oren should embrace democracy further, or whether is should be renounced while going into a more meritocratic direction, is one spectrum that is hotly contested in the upcoming elections. It is even something that the Liberal and Labour party both agree on, parties founded on foreign ideals and after foreign models of centre-right and centre-left parties.

Another question that is central to the upcoming elections is about planning or liberating the economy. In recent years, the economy has been allowed to run more freely, leading to massive foreign expansion, a more expensive Korona, and through central policy, rising wages at the same time. A larger economy might put a greater distance been the rich and the poor - but should also lead to a more potent Ko-oren on the international stage.

[Flavovespia]

Mitra and Soma 3–2 Flavovespia

Nothing seemed to go right for Flavovespia, as they were defeated by one of the lowest ranked nations in the group, 3-2. Nick Cole will have a tough job now to get back on track with his team after a demoralising result against a side on paper Flavovespia should have gotten something against.

Flavovespia lined up in their usual yellow and black colours, with the same starting XI as their last game, 1-11 with the exception of Barkes for Daley up front. The team were a little nervous, but somewhat confident they could get a result today, to really kickstart their qualifying campaign. Mitra and Soma were coming off of a bye after their narrow loss to Ziwana in Matchday 1.

Despite a bit of early pressure from Flavovespia, they were able to comfortably weather it out. At the other end, they didn’t seem to be attacking too well, until the 17th minute. Scott Coleman played a clever give and go pass with Edward Barkes, to get between Lanu Ola and Elei Tama. One on one with Tausa Afia, he slotted the ball down into the corner, to give the visitors a 0-1 lead. With that lead, they were hopeful to get their first win of the campaign.

For most of the rest of the first half, the game seemed to ebb and flow, but no clear cut chances were made. Mitra and Soma weren’t committing too many forward, although Loto Manaia came close with a header from a good cross. At the other end, David Michael was unlucky his curling shot was tipped onto the crossbar by Tausa Afia.

Things soured for Flavovespia just before half time. Steven Hall played a decent through ball towards Coleman, but Aina Lani gave chase. Coleman got their first, but Aina Lani came flying with with a fierce sliding challenge. Coleman was knocked to the floor, and although the Mitranese and Somanese centre back got a yellow card, many wanted it to be a red. Worse still, Coleman wasn’t getting up, and had to be stretchered off with an ankle injury. Terence Daley would come on to replace him.
In the second half the game felt more scrappy, and the hosts were certainly the happier of the two. The front 4 of Flavovespia were struggling to gel together, with Coleman now off the pitch. Hall, Michael and King all had on target shots from distance, but nothing Mitra and Soma couldn’t deal with.

Mitra and Soma managed to get their equaliser in the 61st minute. It wasn’t a thing of beauty, with a corner initially cleared by Maddox, but the ball then hit back into the box. Salama Sina’s first shot struck Mark James, but then felt fortuitously back at Sina’s feet, who blasted home with Meehan recovering from the dive from the first shot. 1-1, and it was anyone’s game.

If the first goal Flavovespia conceded was a disappointment, the second was absolutely farcical. Under limited pressure in the 74rd minute, Mark James went for a backpass to Meehan. Whether it was overhit, off target or took a bobble is a matter of debate. However Meehan didn’t control it at all well, it looped off his foot and rolled over the line, and despite Meehan’s appeals he cleared it off the line. Mitra and Soma now lead from a David Meehan own goal.

Somehow it managed to get even worse for Flavovespia 4 minutes afterwards. A long ball from the deep was played into the path of Loto Manaia. Tony Gardner wasn’t willing to let the striker get past him, and launched himself towards the ball and Manaia. Studs were showing, as Gardner got the ball but sent Manaia flying into a heap on the ground. Angry arguing, barging and finger pointing occurred as players from both sides ran in, and a red card was brandished to Tony Gardner. To compound the misery, Rongo Maiwe went directly for goal from the free-kick and found it, a great curling shot that Meehan had no chance with. 3-1 and a man advantage for the hosts, who seemed home and dry.

Flavovespia were demoralised, but weren’t completely out of it. 5 minutes later, Hall picked up the ball on the right wing from a Holt deep pass. He cut inside Atali Lai, and his speculative 23 metre shot had the right swerve and dip to beat the keeper Afia and land just inside the top corner, to make it 3-2, with an impressive goal.

Sadly for Flavovespia, that was it in terms of major scoring chances. Mitra and Soma were content to just keep the ball at feet, and timewasting was their focus as well. A 92nd minute scuffle saw several players booked on both sides, especially in light of earlier trouble. 3-2 it would finish, in a game Flavovespia would be keen to dump in the bin.

After this loss, Flavovespia are just 2 points from 3 games. A bye week will come up, where it seems Nick Cole will be working on a new tactical setup, and finding replacements for the injured, banned and underperforming players. Group 8 is still wide open, but Flavovespia’s home game against Mustardy now feels like a “must win”, otherwise Flavovespia could well find themselves a distant bit-part player of this group.

A History of Football in Flavovespia

Part 3

In 79BU, Tobias Hammond led a consortium to come up with a national football tournament. They came up with the Gold Cup, so named after the commissioned trophy, and the association of Gold with the winning team. The idea was simple, a single-leg knockout tournament, with the final on neutral ground. A buy-in fee of £500 (a not inconsiderable sum for amateur sides) was brought in, but with an overall prize fund of £10000 for the winners, and at least £500 for winning in Round 1, there was plenty of incentive for sides to enter.

The very first Gold Cup had 39 entrants. For the first (and only time), 38 of the teams were drawn in Round 1. A win after 90 minutes saw you go to Round 2, a draw or loss and you were redrawn. This was repeated until at least 32 teams qualified. It is not known exactly the procedure if there were 33+ winners, but that situation didn’t occur in the end.

Most of the teams who participated in the very first Gold Cup were largely amateur sides, or factory sides. Factory sides were football teams established by factories and workforces in the nation. The players were part-timers who worked at the factories. The owners of the factories varied in their motivation for entering, some supported their football sides as a way to improve staff productivity and welfare, others saw it as a good advertising opportunity. Nevertheless, in the first Gold Cup, teams like Buchraston and Co. Packers., Watchers Associates, and Stanmorn Miners were present. Another team that played for a few years were the university teams, made up of players studying at universities across the nation.

Not every team is a long lost amateur side however. The Big 3 entered, unsurprisingly. Carston Green, Loxthorpe (now Loxthorpe Rovers) and Cartswood Rangers (who would many years later drop the suffix) entered the very first Gold Cup. A few other smaller names like Vitarias Legion, Courtiers, Presmoor Bridge Railway and Claret Courage still exist to this day. The entry list though would not make particularly familiar reading to a modern day fan of the game.

Unsurprisingly, the Big 3 were considered heavy favourites, and all 3 of them alongside Denman Factory were in the semis. The first final was between St Astons City and Hadford Hill, hosted in Waldster. Hadford Hill won 1-3, to become the inaugural Gold Cup winners. The Gold Cup was much a success, and for the second edition, 64 teams would contest a simple one-legged knockout format. This time Waldster got a 0-1 AET win over Hadford Hill, and for the 3rd tournament, St Astons City won after a 4-4 AET and 6-5 penalty shootout against Hadford Hill.

This era also saw the standardisation of the rules for the Gold Cup, based on the same international rules and Tri Series rules, which effectively harmonised the rules across the nation. The tournament itself, was a continuing success. However in all of the first 5 finals, Hadford Hill featured. Some claimed it was luck of the draw, others said they had met their Tri Series rivals in earlier rounds before, but had beaten them. The question remained however how long would this streak last?

[Appalachian Nation]

Appalachian Nation National Team releases hit music single!

The Appalachian National team has gone musical as the team has realeased a pop song ahead of the 4th qualifying matchup against Port Ember. Here are the lyrics to said song.

High up in mountains
Above the rest
There's a team
Thats goin' places
Working together
to be the best
An Appalachian family
Of Goal scoring faces

Kicking and Tackling
Passing and Scoring
Striving to make
victory come true
No Doubt about it
we're here to shout it
nothings better than
Appy scorin on you

HOT HOT HOT!
HOT HOT HOT!
Appy Nation is
HOT HOT HOT

Come and let us show
you what we got
Come and let us show you
why Appy Nation is
HOT HOT HOT

HOT HOT HOT!
HOT HOT HOT!
Appy Nation is
HOT HOT HOT

Come and let us show
you what we got
Come and let us show you
why Appy Nation is
HOT HOT HOT

Building our hopes
On sporting tradition
Speaking the language
of a new Dynasty
Telling the world
about a new era dawning
Spreading the spirit
of the hillbilly.

Forwards and defenders
best in nations
Loyal fans we got a lot
Solid as a rock and
proud as a peacock
Appy Nation is
HOT HOT HOT

HOT HOT HOT!
HOT HOT HOT!
Appy Nation is
HOT HOT HOT

Come and let us show
you what we got
Come and let us show you
why Appy Nation is
HOT HOT HOT

Even when the weather
is cold,cold,cold
Applachia is Hot Hot Hot!

[Newmanistan]

THE ROCKET REPORT

BIG PARTY LEADS TO BIG WIN

by Brianne Henry,

The opening home game for the 84th World Cup could not have gone any better for Newmanistan. It started as a big party in the parking lots all across the facility here at the Proving Grounds in Tundra Falls, like my colleague Taylor Larson got into. The Emperor was here, although he did not make any form of speech this time. He simply made his presence known in a luxury suite at midfield. Bishop Howell, of Tundra Falls, did the pre-game speech, although it was not a speech but a ritual of sorts asking for the blessing of the Spirits of Tundra Falls. One thing that many people probably do not know about Newmanistan is that we are a very spiritual nation. Religions of any sort are welcome here, so it is not a situation where Newmanistan is called “a Christian nation”, or a “Jewish”, or “Muslim”, or any other religion. We are a melting pot of many religions, and people are expected to co-exist and respect another’s right to worship the way they see fit. Atheism is not banned, and people are free not to worship, but saying you are an atheist while trying to make new Newmanistanian friends is probably not going to help out that effort. The one thing that followers of any religion seem to agree on is that the Spirits of Tundra Falls must be respected. So while there could be some debate about the best person for the job, Bishop Howell’s blessing request was something very unique. It’s traditional in motorsports, but in soccer or any other “ball” sport, it is not something that we see.

Fans filled the seats of the soccer stadium, and that was not a surprise. However, the overflow seating in the racing facilities grandstands reached levels that we have not seen for a World Cup qualifying game in a very long time, if ever. The Emperor certain has got the message, that the new wave of soccer fans want the Rockets to try the World Cup, and as time has moved on, further and further away from our historical failures to qualify, some of epic proportions, the appreciation for what we did achieve, such as a Baptism of Fire win and three Cup of Harmony titles has become much stronger. These fans know Newmanistan is better at soccer then their #93 ranking shows. The fact that we got into pot five, after one qualifying campaign shows our promise, but there is more to be done. The fans were loud and supportive, and everyone was doing their part. Now, would the team feed off of this energy?

The answer came quickly. Then it came again. And again. As an opponent in this kind of environment, the plan can just be to weather the storm in the opening moments of the game, and if that is what Islas Aaland wanted to do, then they were not one bit successful. The Rockets carried that momentum and off the opening set up of the match, the team stormed down the pitch, and in the game’s third minute, the first official shot on net, off a tic-tac-toe passing play, saw Derek Schaefer find the back of the net for the games first goal. A beautiful way to start the game, and as the fans continued to cheer this great start to the match, they would soon have twice as many reasons to cheer. The next march down the field, coming in the 9th minute, would also lead to a goal, this time off the foot of Brent Chapman, in a telegraphed shot just underneath the crossbar, to make it 2-0. Shots of the Emperor in his luxury suite saw a man absolutely elated with the started and he waved to the crowd for them to continue to stand up and get loud and louder. This was a scene that we had not seen much of here in a very long time, and it was a true spectacle. Though even that would not be enough. In the 16th minute, the Rockets scored again, this one from Jerome Beyer, and amazingly the scoreboard would read 3-0 in favor the sky blue and we were not even twenty minutes in.

There was some settling down at that point, and eventually the fans did sit down and the volumes of passion got quieter. In the 32nd minute, Islas Aaland cut a goal into the deficit, but that only served to make the stands get louder again as cheers and chants resumed to a high level. Any momentum that Islas Aaland wanted from the goal quickly evaporated, and in the 36th, the three-goal lead was restored, on Chapman’s second of the game. 4-1 Rockets going into halftime. You really could not ask for anything more.

As the second half began, the Rockets seemed as though they were going to be content to ride things out, and had one moment of sloppiness in the 55th minute that led to the visitors again cutting the lead to two. There was no panic in the stands, but again it seemed as though the opponent’s goal injected as much life into the Rockets as it did for the visitors. Again Newmanistan responded quickly, as in the 63rd minute Jorge Cortez scored his first goal of qualifying, finding a deflected shot come to him fortuitously, and he buried the rebound to make it 5-2. In the 84th, subsitute Samantha Paschke made use of her chance to get game action and scored the sixth goal of the match, completing the scoring.

Following the match, the players were very complimentary of the fans here in Tundra Falls and the overall atmosphere that was present for the game. The next home game for Newmanistan will be played at The Paddock in Springfield, so the festivities and overall atmosphere is not going to be duplicated, but the end result is something that they hope will be. That is a match against unranked Joyea. Before worrying about that, there is the matter of the upcoming road contest in Aimena, a team with a 0-1-2 record so far.

Things are looking good, but those who want to rain on the parade will point out that Pot 1 Sargossa is 3-0-0, Pot 2 Audioslavia is 2-0-0, and Pot 3 Brusseldorf is 3-0-0. (Pot 4 Acronius is actually 0-0-3). Those top three teams are the ones we need to find a way to get by, and none of them have dropped early points, either. There are 20 games. So plenty of time.

[Starblaydia]

Prologue | Chapter One

The long, bright and warm summer evenings often feel like they go on forever, but even in the eternal summers of an eleven year-old, they can quickly turn shorter, darker and colder as autumn begins to crispen the air with the most delicate of bites. That time of year quickly becomes the time when staying inside feels a little more preferable that having to stay out in the dark, but only once the novelties of running around with torches die off quicker than their batteries. Autumn is a time for remembering how to entertain yourself inside the house, but thankfully for this group of friends, they already had something planned. Or, rather, one of the group's older sister did.

Her name was Hope, and she managed to spend one night a week with the four boys. They all thought she was super old, being essentially a fully-grown adult at twenty, while they were but eleven. Hope was clever and sporty, often turning up to run the game in a team tracksuit, her hair scraped back into a variety of tight buns, braids, or ponytails. Her younger brother and his three friends were nerdy enough that they either didn't know, or didn't realise the significance, of Hope's sporty nature. Football had never held their interest, mostly because the four were disinclined to any sort of athletic pursuits. Outside their provincial capital of Nova Malta, no-one in the small towns really cared all that much about their most local Liga Starblaydia team. All the four boys knew about their GM was that her schedule for when their Castles and Chimeras games could run was already planned months in advance, and this was to be their first session of a brand new campaign with Hope as the GM.

The group had not had a discussion around whether Hope was going to be referred to as their Game Master, or Game Mistress. Something in the back of their minds told them that it could be a thing that mattered, and so as to not get it wrong they unfailingly referred to her, at all times, as just "GM". Even her little brother, Sam, has decided to run with it, and only referred to his GM as 'Sis' or 'Hope' at times of extreme stress.

Sam's proper first name of 'Isambard' itself only came out in times of exasperation from his family. "Isambard Victor Roshanak" was considered a designation of mass destruction, only used as a weapon of last resort by his familial authority figures. He only very rarely did something to deserve that, however, as Sam was a generally well-behaved, intelligent and inquisitive boy. For this new game, he'd generated himself a Human Paladin of silver-blond heavy metal style hair, a full square beard to match, wielding a whacking great hammer and shield with a big golden eagle on it, and a purple cloak that was always billowing just right. Victarion, this Paladin was called, and he would go forth and smite the foes of righteousness, applying hammers-to-faces wherever appropriate (which was probably going to be everywhere).

Definitely well behaved was his friend Darryl, constantly peering at things through his glasses, and always with a pen and small notebook on hand to make notes or to jot down ideas. One would have expected from Darryl's scientific nature that he would be using a device to make all his notes, but all his gadgets and bits of technology were either disassembled - more like 'dissected' - or gaffer taped to other devices to make something cool and new, but only uniquely useful to Darryl himself. Darryl had opted to play a Dwarven Cleric named Milton, in service to the great god of knowledge, Niblick. Milton would dress in light blue scale mail with his holy symbol of a dark blue star, devoted through the powers Arithmancy - mostly because Darryl was clever enough to pull it off.

If Hope was worried about too many warriors of light in the party, Benny decided to play as the shadowiest of shadowy Half-Elven Rogue named Sabine, a girl to boot, to stalk the terrors of the night and turn the tables on their dark games of death. Benny liked to throw in a bit of maniacal laughter with his characters, but he had a secret plan to make a noble princess out of this assassin-thief from the streets. Benny was always the joker of the group, hilarious and outgoing, but had a real fondness for roleplaying and always got very much into character when he had the chance in the safety and privacy of Sam's parents' basement.

Finally there was Rick. Rick was... Rick. Rick was loud and often bordered on being obnoxious, but usually rescued himself with a joke and an endearingly honest smile. Rick always had ideas, and they veered between the dizzying heights of awesome, and the exhilarating lows of comically terrible - you just had to figure out which one before acting on it. Rick's idea for a character was a Gnome Monk named Lyku, a master in an orange robe and blue pants, fighting with his fists only in the defence of truth and justice, using the power of Ki-Rela.

It was to be a mighty party of four, they all agreed, and the game was soon to begin. While upstairs in the kitchen, the noise of a TV blared out the highlights of the most recent game against The Ross Isles, down in the basement, Hope leaned over her GM screen, reading her pre-written introduction for the brand new adventuring party aloud.

Their game had begun.