World Cup 84- RP Thread (IC)

by **Trolleborg** » Wed Dec 18, 2019 11:56 am

BRENECIA - TROLLEBORG

Our team climbed to fourth place in the group, and, apparently, this is the peak moment of our football, we are unlikely to be able to stay on it, as several strong teams breathe in the back and the potentially formidable Terre Septentrionale team has not yet turned on full speed. Brenecia, who put themselves third in the group right now, looked like a neighbour in the table, but it's a misleading impression. Almost exactly 160 places separate us from each other in KPB Rank, and we are dealing with no less than a world champion in the very recent past, with a huge experience in international matches, having held more than 500 games, with an average score of approximately 2:1 in favor of Brenecia. At least four players who will be in the line-up tomorrow having a gold medal of the World Cup.
And Brenecia change their style from 4-1-4-1 to 4-3-3 in this years, thus attaching greater importance of attacking moves in addition to their well-known tendency of pressure opponents everywhere on the field.

In this tournament, this team regularly takes points from the favorites and defeats teams that are just starting their way in big football. Standing against her at Kingsgarden, where the hosts will be especially diligent in applying their famous pressure, will be quite difficult. Apparently, after this game there will be a demarcation for a group of teams that will compete for two tickets to the World Cup and a group of teams that will have nothing left but to fight each other, a mini-championship for beginners.

Fans of the Trolleborg team are already in place, formed a big friendly crowd, trying to establish contacts with the local population, and at the traditional exhibition of Trolleborg achievements they invite local residents to play a three-dimensional game dedicated to the World Cup.

Our team will play in the following line-up:

by **Port Ember** » Wed Dec 18, 2019 2:59 pm

Port Ember Times
Sports Journal

The Dragons snatches second narrow win of the World Cup 84 Qualifier Season in Contraventional Match!

Port Ember 4 - 3 Five Cities

By Erica Davies - Port Ember Times Sports Section

The Dragons have managed to clinch their second consecutive victory, following their worst losing streak in history (3 losses in a row), by snatching a narrow 4-3 victory over Five Cities in a contraventional and bloody match.

This away match was played at the Five Cities International Stadium in the sovreign but troubled nation of Five Cities.

The Game - Summary

The match was by far the most contraventional match the young Dragons have ever been apart of as actual brawling broke out on both the pitch and the stands!

The tension between the two opposing sides started rising within seconds of the opening whistle, as the Five Cities National Team immediately started baiting the Port Emberians by executing physical and hurtfull tackles whilst slinging verbal insults at the Dragons.

Tensions came to its boiling climax after Port Emberian star striker Danny "Golden Child" Nicovic scored the opening goal of the derby in minute 22. An unnamed Five Cities player walked up to Nicovic during his celebration and was headbutted - instantly breaking the nose of the fan favourite striker. Chaos immediately erupted on the pitch as both teams rushed and swarmed the scene, flinging punches as whomever stood in their way. The crowd also erupted instantly as Port Emberian and Five City fans broke into spontanous brawls on the stands. Luckily for the admirers of The Beautifull Game, order was restored on both the pitch and the stands mere moments before the officials wanted to cancel the match for security purposes.

After Referee Johanson dished out the red card for the headbutting player - a penalty was awarded to Port Ember, which was taken and converted by a literal bloodied Nicovic - who refused medical treatment.

The match continued with both sides testing each others - and the referee's patience with rough tackles and sly shoves and pushes. From this point forward, neither side seemed to care about any gameplan or strategy and simply ran with the ball, attempting to pick a fight with the opposing side. Five Cities managed to score three goals in the second half in quick succession, yet was punished when Danny Nicovic and newcomer winger Tosair found their rhythm, slotting in 3 rapid goals in the closing minutes of the match. This godlike performance of Danny Nicovic will unfortunately be stained by the dirty and contraventional nature of this bloody match.

The Fans

The 20 000 Port Emberian fans in attendance displayed their most passionate and barbaric nature yet during this match as the brawl on the stands broke out, almost causing the match to be cancelled by the officials.

Port Emberian Player Scores

Goalkeeper (GK)(#1): Peter Smith - 6/10. In all honesty, almost no player could receive an honest score due to the barbaric nature of this match due to the fist brawl which broke out, and followimg this, not truly caring about the match at hand. Peter did manage to stop 4/7 attempts at goal however.

Center Back (CB)(#2): Josh Richards - 5/10. In all honesty, almost no player could receive an honest score due to the barbaric nature of this match due to the fist brawl which broke out, and followimg this, not truly caring about the match at hand. Josh continued taunting and playing physical for the remainder of the match, giving away unneccesary penalties.

Center Back (CB)(#3): Jason Lee. 5/10. In all honesty, almost no player could receive an honest score due to the barbaric nature of this match due to the fist brawl which broke out, and followimg this, not truly caring about the match at hand. Jason failed to maintain order and discipline from his backline.

Full Back (LB)(#4): Alex Kuhn - 5/10. In all honesty, almost no player could receive an honest score due to the barbaric nature of this match due to the fist brawl which broke out, and followimg this, not truly caring about the match at hand. Alex continued taunting and playing physical for the remainder of the match, giving away unneccesary penalties.

Full Back (RB)(#5): Russel Pierce - 5/10. In all honesty, almost no player could receive an honest score due to the barbaric nature of this match due to the fist brawl which broke out, and followimg this, not truly caring about the match at hand. Russ continued taunting and playing physical for the remainder of the match, giving away unneccesary penalties.

Attacking Midfield (AM)(#10): Ray Reddington - 3/10. The captain failed misreably at being the captain on this occassion as he allowed his team to continue with the savagery that almost caused the match cancelation. This legend should be ashamed of himself.

Defensive Midfield (DM)(#6): Steven Packard - 5/10. In all honesty, almost no player could receive an honest score due to the barbaric nature of this match due to the fist brawl which broke out, and followimg this, not truly caring about the match at hand. Steven continued taunting and playing physical for the remainder of the match, giving away unneccesary penalties.

Wide Midfield (LM)(#8): Jason Chamberlain - 5/10. In all honesty, almost no player could receive an honest score due to the barbaric nature of this match due to the fist brawl which broke out, and followimg this, not truly caring about the match at hand. Jason continued taunting and playing physical for the remainder of the match, giving away unneccesary penalties.

Wide Midfield (RM)(#11): Eric Tosaír of the Tribe of Waterford - 8/10. One of only two players who managed to calm down after the brawl. Managed to display excellent technical skills and chemistry with the strikers, assisiting in 3 of the 4 goals of the match.

Central Forward (CF)(#7): Leon Moult - 5/10. In all honesty, almost no player could receive an honest score due to the barbaric nature of this match due to the fist brawl which broke out, and followimg this, not truly caring about the match at hand. Leon continued taunting and playing physical for the remainder of the match, giving away unneccesary penalties.

Central Forward (CF)(#9): Danny Nicovic 10/10. Despite the teams barbaric actions, managed to get the game back into the hands of the Dragons, scoring all foir goals for his side.

Match Stats

Match: Port Ember Vs Five Cities

Location: Five Cities

Result: 4 - 3 Win for Port Ember

Goals - Port Ember: Danny Nicovic x 4

Goals - Five Cities: Unknown Players

Man of the Match - Port Ember: Danny Nicovic

Aftermatch word from the Coach

"I agree this match was more a show of barbarism than actual football, and both our team and fans played a large role in this. However, I refuse to appologise for our behaviour, as our opponents were out for literal blood since the match commenced. I'm afraid that although we are professional athletes, we are Port Emberians first - and a Port Emberian will never on his honour - allow a physical attack to go unpunished. I will not be surprised if Port Ember is disqualified from the remainder of the qualifiers - but I care not, I know in my heart that my nation agrees with our defence of honour today." Coach Baxter

Port Ember Times
Sports Journal

The Port Emberian Dragons prepares to face off against [b]Xanneria as part of the World Cup 84 Qualifier Season![/b]

Pre Match Analysis & Interview

By Erica Davies - Port Ember Times Sports Journal

The road to World Cup 84 Qualifiers is in full swing as Match Day 6 is upon the Port Emberian side.

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

This match marks the first time that these two teams will meet on the football field, and the struggling Port Emberian Dragons have been deemed as solid underdogs for this match.

Team Stats Analysis

Xanneria:

This team is ranked as the 56th best team in the world and has a excellent footballing history and posesses a strong and developed football culture and infrastructure. They are 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. They also have a strong lineup of international players.

The Xanneria Team are entering this match as solid match favourites, ranking 30 spots higher on the international rankings when compared to Port Ember.

This team is currently placed in position 6 of 11 on the qualifier table - with 6 points ammassed so far, with 2 wins and 2 losses, scoring a total of 10 goals while allowing 12 goals to be scored against them.

Port Ember:

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

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

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

This team is currently placed in position 8 of 11 on the qualifier table - with 6 points ammassed so far, scoring a total of 7 goals while allowing 11 goals to be scored against them.

From a pure statistics point of view, Port Ember is entering this match as match underdogs, with analysists and critics remaining sceptical regarding their performance.

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 7 goals in their last five 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 11 goals allowed through in 4 games. However the backline managed to keep in check the total onslaught of the Appalachian Nation side in the previous match, giving a glimpse of hope.

Goalkeeping:

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

Substitutes:

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

Team Morale & Cohesion:

This is not the same team we came to love and respect, even though its the same players and staff. The previous victory was indeed welcomed, yet the team is not yet on the level we know they can be. Furthermore the team is steeped in contraversy after their barbaric and violent previous match.

Current Form:

L-L-L-W-W

Their three consecutive losses marked their worst losing streak to date, which they ended with two consecutive, yet unconvincing victories.

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 - Xanneria

Offense:

This team has only one aim in mind - and that is offence. They play a unique style of having 5! Forwards, playing running and aggressive football. This dangerous play could overwhelm the young Dragons - or it could be the perfect recipy needed to pull off the legendary 'Bait Ambush' which could lead Port Ember to a redeeming victory.

Midfield:

This team fields only 2 players in the midfield amd could very well be the key for Port Ember to lock down on.

Defence:

This team fields 3 players in the backline whom is not known for a high success rate at defence, which does not normally matter as this team tends to farm deep in opposition territory. If the Dragons can get the ball to the back, the Xanneria side might be in big trouble.

Goalkeeping:

The talented keeper does his possible best and is not known for any serious blunders.

Substitutes:

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

Team Morale & Cohesion:

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

Current Form:

W-L-L-W

This team can be unpredictable. They won their opening match but suffered two consecutive matches, yet extracted revenge with a beautifull win against Raznetta in their last match.

Typical Gameplan:

Hyper offensive play with using 5 forwards who runs directly at the goal with balls being passed only when necessary.

General Remarks

Port Ember is still recovering from their recent 3 loss losing streak, which they ended with two consecutive victories - yet still did not seem convincing. The Xanneria side however has displayed better consisency and can easily become a threat to the uninspired Port Emberian side.

Starting Line-Ups

Port Ember

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Xanneria

#1 Glenn Hailey (Pinkerton City FC) Hapilopper
#2 Richard Presentino (Galaxy SC)
#11 Pete Saigon (Inter Toad Town) A Mushroom Kingdom
#12 Devon'elle Leymore (Austin City)
#19 Henry Clayton-Thorn (Capital FC)
#10 Lane Stegall (Castleford FC) Commonwealth of Baker Park
#32 Mark Hailey (Brother of Glenn)(Pearlham SC)
#26 James Fillmore (Reedostown)
#50 Nick Borelli (Reedostown)
#71 Marcis Davidson (East End FC)
#00 Dom Brabham (Mainland FC)

Team Kit

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

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

Article by Erica Davies
Port Ember Times
Sports Journal

by **Hapilopper** » Wed Dec 18, 2019 3:39 pm

The locker room, Capital Stadium, Hapilopper City
Right after World Cup Qualifying Match 5: Hapilopper 0-1 Darkmania
It was hard to say who was angrier about the result, the fans or the Hapilopper National Football Team. It had come as the result of a questionable and incredibly controversial foul near the end of the match. In the 86th minute, Colin McLain, trying to stop momentum from Mjøe, forward for the National Team from Darkmania, tripped the forward as he was trying to get the ball away. The referee called a penalty kick for the team from Darkmania, and try as he might, but Rod Hughes wasn’t going to make the save. Darkmania led 1-0, and that’s how the match ended.

The fans were irate, even more so when the replay of the foul was shown on the screens across the stadium. Pretty soon, drink cups, popcorn buckets and other bits of trash found their way onto the pitch. The chants of “FUCK YOU REF” could be heard all over the stadium, and Venerable Television’s Jon Arnold, rather than chastising the fans for the language, acknowledged the chants and said “Yeah, we agree.”

In fact, Arnold and his broadcast partner, Harold Kellner, appeared to even condone the throwing of debris on the field, such as a roll of toilet paper that just missed the referee who called the foul. “Now, that’s appropriate,” Kellner quipped of the toilet paper.

Of note, nobody was throwing anything at the Darkmanians. They had done nothing wrong, and the fans weren’t angry at them. The HNFT wasn’t angry at them. All of the anger was going towards the refs, and two of the Hapiloppians – Ernie Stevenson and Fernie Fairburn – were given yellow cards for dissent when they continued to argue their case to the referee. The referee then went over to Thom Perkins, who wanted to deck the ref for the call, and told him to get the fans to stop the hurling of debris, or the match would be forfeited.

“Yeah, I’ll say it,” Thom snapped at the ref.

Someone handed Thom a mic and he did what he felt was necessary to get the fans to please calm down.

“Ladies and gentlemen, I can’t say I blame you for being pissed off, I am too, but you’ve got to stop throwing this crap on the field, they’ll make us forfeit the match if you don’t stop, so please do!”

And the fans stopped throwing crap on the field, at least until it was time for the teams and the referees to exit under the tunnel. Security suggested the Darkmanians leave quickly, but the fact was, the Hapiloppians weren’t pissed off with the Darkmanian National Team. In fact, a lot of them applauded them on what had been a great match up to that point. Then the Hapiloppians left the pitch, and for some reason, the referees were the last ones to leave, and that’s when the debris hurling got started again, and even more intensely than before, now that the fans didn’t have to worry about hitting the wrong target.

But under the tunnel, it was far from over. Thom Perkins was waiting on the referee to make it from the pitch, and when he got there, Thom let him have it. Cameras were everywhere, and so were reporters, who had the idea a situation was going to unfold, for the second straight home match in Capital Stadium, all hell was breaking loose under the tunnel. But this time, the Hapiloppians were a united front, and practically every member of the team, including the former-feuding Rod Hughes and Nate Ellis, were standing behind their head coach to provide backup.

Images being beamed to all over the multiverse showed Thom right in the referee’s face, a vein bulging from his head. It looked like a potentially violent situation was about to break out, and members of the Hapilopper City Police Department had to step in to prevent it from getting out of hand.

And it was far from over. When Venerable’s Robert Skippers and his camera crew asked Thom for an explanation, Thom didn’t mince words.

“You know, it’s a real god damn shame that this happened, because it’s tainted a great match,” Thom spat out. “I’m sorry to Darkmania that this happened, because we were having a great match, but this foul really screwed it. They kept showing the replays and it was obvious that it was just hard play. Sure, our guys can be violent, but I think anyone that’s watched even thirty seconds of football knows the difference between a regular challenge and whatever Colin was being accused of. I’ve seen Colin play dirty and that wasn’t it.”

It had the Hapiloppians in a pissed-off mood as they traveled to Equestria for what was not going to be a pleasant match against a team that had run more than roughshod over their opponents. Actually, the Hapiloppians were in the mood for vengeance.

In fact, defenseman Kendrick Ayers told a Buckridge newspaper that the team was going to make an impact, win, lose or draw.

“We’re going to do something, and the rest of the group better hope we win, because if we lose, we’ll make an impact anyway,” Ayers was quoted as saying. “I’m not saying what kind of impact, but we’re making an impact.”

by **Mattijana** » Wed Dec 18, 2019 3:46 pm

Jelovice Hockey Club, Revinka

It was a sunny winters day on the Mattijanan South Coast. It wasn't roasting, but the temperature gauge was well into double figures and it made a change from the conditions further North.

Max Kamnik, the grassroots lead at the Mattijanan department of football, had come to the suburbs of Revinka for a meeting at the Jelovice Hockey Club. He'd (conveniently) managed to come at the same time as Mattijana's World Cup Qualifier against Castanya at the Stadijo Katarina Zafarova in the city centre, a fairly low-key game against low-key opposition where the Marmots hadn't excelled, but got the job done.

The next morning, he had driven up into the quiet suburb of Jelovice to see the president of the area's hockey club. Revinka wasn't a hotbed of football, even by Mattijanan standards. Hockey was massive in the city and Cricket wasn't too far behind, but football had been bumped down the list a little way. Max couldn't really tell why. The conditions were perfect for it during the winter season and the hockey facilities could easily be used for football. It just hadn't really caught on.

He had been sent here to change that. FK Revinka, the main football team in the region, were keen to run a free taster event for local youngsters and Jelovice, with it's multiple astroturf pitches, would be a more than suitable location.

Getting the president of the club to agree to them taking over the place for a couple of days would be more of a challenge. Clubs like this normally had multiple teams, across multiple age groups and had both matches and training to fit in. They also took their hockey seriously.

The club itself was like many in the area, perched above the terracotta rooftops of the surrounding houses on an elusive flat bit of ground. It had two full-sized pitches and one pitch designed for 6-a-side hockey as well as a clubhouse that blended in immaculately with the other buildings that sprawled across the surrounding hillside. Max had discovered that their first team played in the IstrijaAntaljana second division, the second tier of regional hockey on the South coast, but there were other teams ranging from the first's reserves to teams that were only really in it for a knock around and a drink, sometimes simultaneously.

Max walked up to the clubhouse doors and pushed a swinging door that in hindsight, was obviously a pull. Letting out a sigh under his breath, he flipped open the offending bit of architecture and walked inside.

A well-dressed man was standing inside the lobby waiting for him. He must have been in his 60s, someone who had retired from whatever he did for a career and then found time for the Hockey Club. He had a round, soft face, but Max got the impression he enjoyed being on his home turf.

"Mr Kamnik, I believe?"

Max nodded, before shaking the hand of his opposite number.

"Good to meet you."

The man led Max to a balcony overlooking the main pitch. It was modern...impressive...probably cost a few quid...

"You'd like a drink?"

"Ah, yes...cappuccino please."

Max had a good look around at his surroundings. The pitches were located underneath a small cliff face. The main one with it's small stands was laid out below the balcony, the other situated on the other side of the clubhouse. At the far end of this one was the 6-a-side pitch. The facilities and layout would be ideal for what Max and his team had in mind.

The president returned with a pair of coffees and sat back down.

"I understand you'd like to make use of our facilities..."

"Yes. Ourselves and a number of PrvaLiga clubs, including FK Revinka, are looking to run multiple football taster sessions across the country in around two months time. This venue is one we identified as being an excellent fit with what we have in mind, so I've come today to check the club out in person and ask your permission in going ahead with that."

"I see. I noticed you said these were football sessions though. In case you haven't noticed, this is a hockey club."

'Damn.' This was the sort of attitude he'd feared he might get, but not the one he needed.

"Of course. We're offering good money for use of your facilities."

"I can see. As you may also have failed to notice though, we already have adequate funding. What about the disruption to my teams' training and match schedules."

We'd work with the local leagues to make sure your teams are playing away on the weekend of the sessions. Given most of your teams play at the weekend, there shouldn't be too much of an impact on your training sessions."

"Hmm... I'm certainly glad to hear that. I have one important question though... given your ministry have expected us to contribute to grassroots hockey, without subsidy I should add, why do you now expect us to make room for a sport that does not benefit us in any way."

Max had expected this question.

"I'll once again point out the money we're offering. Your club would also get a fair amount of exposure amongst the community and anyone who comes along will surely be impressed by your facilities. Hockey is big around here. There's bound to be some hockey playing kids or parents who would fancy coming up here to play...

Max could see the president liked the idea of this a little more.

...besides, don't shoot the messenger. Doing a big football promotion alongside the World Cup qualifiers in the middle of winter was head office's idea. I've just got to do the legwork."

The man chuckled.

"I'll talk to my committee about it. If there's any disruption to our teams, we're back to square one, but we might be able to fit it in."

The pair went on to discuss details of the event. Even if he hadn't pinned anything down, Max had won at least a moral victory.

'Saving Football, eh?'

Mattijana 2-1 Castanya
Stadijo Katarina Zafarova, Revinka. Attendance 28, 327

-Lorenzic (29')
Unknown (85')

-Jakupovic (47')

Mattijanan lineup: L.Handanovic, Neumann, Illicic, Sevastova, Illisevic, Velezia, Jakupovic, Kovac (Hojbjerg (86'), Hoffman (Kjoffman 69'), Struna, Lorenzic (Jokic 80')

by **Banija** » Wed Dec 18, 2019 3:46 pm

Part I

Setting is Rosaria, Eshan

Kabaka Mwanga was sitting in the Banijan diplomatic limo as it started to leave Rosaria International Airport, and head for President Bennett's primary residence. He was deep in thought. He understood exactly what was at stake- renewing and strengthening the relationship between the Echani Republic, a longtime partner and ally, both economically and politically, of Banija. The relationship between President Bennett and his father, Albert III, had been extremely strong. Of course, as Waziri, and at his own coronation, he had met President Bennett. But the interpersonal relationship, since they haven't had a ton of time together between head of state and head of state, was not as strong as it could be. And of course, in the arena of international affairs, those interpersonal relationships were extremely important to maintaining the geopolitical relationships.

That is why he wanted this visit to go off without a hitch. The Quebecois relationship with Banija, one of the country's most important, had been around for so long that the interpersonal didn't even need to be there, as much. Of course, it was important, and he got along fine with his counterparts in Quebec City. The relationship with the Commonwealth of Baker Park was bound to reach new heights. He had been on great terms with Prime Minister Schoenlein during the Banijan-Equestrian War, and that relationship was only going to blossom. And even beyond that, the relationship between the Banijans and Baker Parkers ran deep at almost every level. Mwanga had worked to make sure that Mutungi had great relationships with the Prime Minister and others in the Belle Haven political class. Even his grandsons had made the trip with them to Belle Haven, and he had gifted his cheetah skin- surely, that relationship was secure, both for his reign and beyond.

It would be the Echani relationship that would next need attention. And that is why he was here. Of course, when Albert III was assassinated, the Echani Foreign Minister was also assassinated. It is not something that is often talked about in Banija, since of course the head of state was assassinated, and was the primary target. Eshan and the Kingdom had stood very close together after that had happened, with the Kingdom delivering swift justice to those who perpetrated these assasinations. And they had stood together when President Bennett made sure to come to Mwanga's coronation. Something, of course, that the Kabaka had not forgotten. But since then... What had the relationship been? Stagnant? Geopolitical relationships are not like normal interpersonal relationships- there is always communication. But lack of big meetings at the highest levels can allow two nations to drift apart.

Had that been happening with Banija and Eshan? That is something that the Kabaka believed was not happening. But yet, they shared many common interests, and those needed attention. The Regional Transit Corporation was one of the multiverse's largest, if not the singular, largest multinational public transit corporations in the multiverse. This was Banija's largest private employer, and one of the largest employers in Eshan. They made their headquarters in Rosaria, and were a key member of the Rosaria Stock Exchange And the many shared interests between Eshan and Banija intertwined around the interests of the Regional Transit Corporation. The perks of capitalism, eh?

Unrest in Castanya had effected the bottom line for the Regional Transit Corporation. That was, of course, a concern. But there were bigger concerns than the profit margins of Banija's largest company, no matter how much influence they wielded at the highest levels of the two nations. Unrest in Castanya could be a ticking time bomb elsewhere. Banija was in a war a decade and a half ago, and they did not want to go back to that. Revolutions were scary, terrible things. People were generally happy- but unrest in one place could easily lead to unrest in another. Plenty of Banijans lived and worked in Castanya, mostly on behalf of the RTC. The stability of that country, which most Banijans on the street wouldn't be able to find on a map of Atlantian Oceania, would be key to Banija's future prospects.

And so here was Mwanga. As the limousine pulled up, he saw President Bennett waiting at the entrance of his house. The Kabaka got up and out of the limousine, with the door opened by his driver. Of course, there was no protocol to bow, as President Bennett was the head of a republic, not royal, government. Still, Isebantu Mutungi gave the slightest of bows to the Echani head of state, as Mwanga walked up to shake his hand. They exchanged small greetings, as they held their hands together for the photo-op. Mwanga did not like the photo ops, but alas, it was certainly part of the job. And then, of course, after all the flashing lights, Mwanga and his son, Mutungi, walked into the Echani Presidential Palace. They were ready to discuss the renewal and strengthening of the Banijan-Echani relationship, politically and beyond.

by **Timuria** » Wed Dec 18, 2019 4:19 pm

(Many thanks to Sajnur for allow me to write his country into this.)

Scandal Rocks TIOC

by Yilmaz Ibrahim

A large scandal involving Interior Minister Sami Hurriyet has rocked TIOC, with accusations that the government uses foreign intelligence allies to spy on the population being vindicated as a recording of him boasting to an unnamed colleague about using Sajnuran intelligence to keep tabs on both his political opponents, including opposition spokespeople, one of which, Ahmet Sabah, was fired from his spokesperson position because of information leaked through this program and a program of general surveillance on the general public, strictly forbidden by the constitution of Timuria.

The scandal has been pounced upon and triggered fury amongst the general public with a short time for the government to turn around its decline in the polls Sabuktigin Imamoglu is rumoured to be in a panic as his campaign has been totally derailed. With key members of staff resigning from the party apparatus including several regional campaign coordinators. Opposition parties have pounced upon this, however the dent in TIOC's poll rating have been fairly limited, with only 2% being lost from the previous poll. OK are seemingly still in slight decline with Naz Dogancay's personal unpopularity a factor, still 5.8% behind a party accused of violating the constitution, an issue that will be taken to the Constitutional Court urgently. ALTI suffered a decline as well with weakening support due to a week where they have been overshadowed by the scandal. The TKP, BAHP and SC have all benefited from the dent in TIOC, with each party gaining in the polls.

The shock however, comes in the two party preference with neither bloc gaining or losing very much it seems voters from smaller parties still prefer TIOC by enough of a margin that they would command a majority of seats. This is being put down by OK insiders to Naz Dogancay and her inability to break through in the media and her personal unpopularity when compared to the Prime Minister. In fact in the crosstables for the poll, BAHP support for TIOC in a runoff has gone up since the incident, leading some to question the nature of the party's electorate with regards to loyalty to Timuria.

On the current numbers, the projections indicate that TIOC will still stand to gain 20 seats on top of what they held at the last election earning a comfortable majority of 60. Not the landslide they may have been on for at various points, but still substantial. All of the other parties, except SC stand to gain in double figures, while SC will lost 86 seats if this poll is accurate, with voters generally turning against them in runoff hypotheticals while BAHP do the best in runoff hypotheticals beating every party by between 8 and 32% in hypothetical runoffs, attributed to Muhadow's incredible personal standing in the country.

First Preference Voting Intention:

TIOC 31.8% (-2%)
OK 26% (-0.3%)
ALTI 11.9% (-0.3%)
TKP 11.8% (+0.8%)
BAHP 9% (+0.7%)
SC 7.7% (+0.7%)
Oth 1.8%

Two Party Preference Poll:

TIOC 51.6% (+0.1%)
OK 48.4% (-0.1%)

Preference for Prime Minister:
Sabuktigin Imamoglu 26% (-4)
Naz Dogancay 20% (-1%)
Rahim Muhadow 19% (+1)
Ulku Guzelhayat 9% (nc)
Kemal Macaoglu 9% (+3%)
Alparslan Timurtas 6% (+1)
None of these/Other 11%

Current projected Parliament (Changes with last election):
TIOC 305 (+20)
OK 130 (+22)
BAHP 38 (+13)
TKP 29 (+16)
SC 28 (-86)
ALTI 20 (+16)

Changes with the last election.

TIOC Majority of 60

by **Kandorith** » Wed Dec 18, 2019 4:27 pm

Shinonome Kyoai - International
_________________________________

Another Win For The Warriors

Group 1
Greater Cebu 4–6 Audioslavia
Brusseldorf 3–2 Pius Desurongcrandis
Kandorith 3–2 Acronius
Newmanistan 4–2 Joyea
Islas Aaland 2–2 Aimena

   Group 1                         Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Newmanistan                       4    4   0   0    12    4   +8    12
 2 Audioslavia                       4    4   0   0    10    5   +5    12
 3 Brusseldorf                       5    4   0   1    10    8   +2    12
 4 Greater Cebu                      5    3   1   1    14   10   +4    10
 5 Sargossa                          4    3   0   1     9    6   +3     9
 6 Kandorith                         5    2   2   1     8    5   +3     8
 7 Acronius                          5    1   0   4     8   10   −2     3
 8 Aimena                            5    0   2   3     3    7   −4     2
 9 Islas Aaland                      4    0   2   2     6   12   −6     2
10 Joyea                             5    0   1   4     7   15   −8     1
11 Pius Desurongcrandis              4    0   0   4     4    9   −5     0

Tenkyo, With another night of football the Kandorese team is looking up. One of the larger opponents of Kandorith is Acronius and it seems Kandorith has narrowly managed to overcome this match. With a 3 to 2 victory the Kandorese team sits at 9 points in 5 games. Not exactly the outcome that makes the team hold back, also not a terrible result. From here on the team will need to build and keep performing as they did. There is no question the team is dedicated to show the world the Kandorese football.

With the Kandorese football being in a state of disarray for quite some time, the results are finally looking up. With defeating Acronius people are starting to believe in the team's abilities, albeit carefully, again. Within the main cities of the nation people are slowly starting to celebrate the achievements of the national team. Kandorith still faces a few tough sides and should not let their guard down, the next match will be against Pius Desurongcrandis. A smaller side in the group but in no way time for relaxation. Moriyase has already said the team will be as focused against this side as against the other teams in the group. "The only thing which matters is we keep up the wins. We are doing a great job and we are showing our worth in this qualification run." Moriyase continued. "I believe wholeheartedly in this team and the strength of the young but experienced players is starting to show. the next match will be one where we can rotate the team a bit to make sure that we have a complete fit side for the larger teams to follow."

Unlike the previous matches the coming match will be a heavily rotated team with bench players getting a chance to shine, where on match day 7 and matchday 8 Kandorith will need to be at it's very best and excellent fitness to compete against Audioslavia and Sargossa respectively. Perhaps the only two matches where Moriyase could settle for a draw.

Line Up against Pius Desurongcrandis

Goalkeeper
Michinori Tamatsuki

Defense
Tetsui Hisagushi

Fuji Kagetame

Mori Takayama

Midfield
Hiro Tanaka (C)

Takamoto Ishibashi

Yori Hisegawa

Hideto Muri

Yukitaka Yamaguchi

Forwards
Hirohiko Nakajima

Sasaki Kiyowara

by **The Sarian** » Wed Dec 18, 2019 4:58 pm

Csiaffonia (Shiavonia) 0 - 0 De BondSaari

The Sarian Line-up (5-4-1): Oodel Duoztiun -- Randoel Raedmaeceu, Bruux Ziebruux, Jaxon Pieuz, Zej Zamuuol, Diemer Haum (Epi Koemanz, 80) -- Wictor Buul, Jodi Lauri (Jodi Lauri, 69), Lizett Aucs, Tiubi Jacobse -- Wera Pauwelz

The Argument: Are The Sarian actually doing well?

The Proposition: The Sarian are doing better than an reasonable person could expect them to do so - they have faced four opponents much higher than them in the World Rankings and have picked up two points, both away from home. If we were to apply a simple prediction model, that is to points more than would be forecast and the side should get credit for largely holding their own despite being thrown in the deep-end. The side has proven that it is more than capable of hitting the ground running when facing easier opposition, and have built invaluable experience. Additionally, the early-bye obscures the true picture and makes the team's position look worse than it actually is.

The Counter: International football teams need to punch above their weight to succeed - otherwise Crosshill would be sitting undefeated atop the World Rankings. No-one was expecting four wins out of four, but to have picked up zero points at home is less than people could have reasonably desired. The team is still to play the top seed, Starblaydia, and not getting points from the home game against Competitive Solitaire was a particular disappointment. If the side is content to finish in line with it's pre-competition seeding, then there is little to fear: but that presupposes that not a single mistake is made against lower ranked sides, an unlikely outcome. Indeed, the lack of momentum going into the "easier" games could prove fatal.

by **Zwangzug** » Wed Dec 18, 2019 5:00 pm

(OOC: Hampton Island, if this is taking it too far, let me know. But I thought it'd be funny.)

The World Cup Committee,
NSWC Signups,
within Equestrian States

To whom it may concern:

I am writing to register my formal disapproval with the officiation of the match between Zwangzug and Hampton Island on Matchday Five. Our defender Sydney Stefred was ejected for receiving two yellow cards, however, the second one came after no contact between her and Brittany Carter. Following video analysis, I am afraid that Carter may have engaged in simulation, and I don't mean the sense in which perhaps our entire existence is a simulation conceived by ineffable beings in a more complex multiverse, a position which I cannot rule out, but rather that Carter was feigning an injury. Given that the match had proceeded without incident until that point, and that neither player was close to possessing the ball at that time, I feel confident that Stefred had no intent of causing violence. She's not that type of player. Well actually she is that type of player when the opposing team is a "bunch of old farts" who are "blinded by their own egos," but given that this is Hampton Island's first World Cup qualification I find it hard to believe she was being unsporting.

Furthermore, I note with concern Hannah Sanders' hurried and frantic rummaging through our locker room before the game looking for "anything useful." As has been well documented, Subroto Parida keeps a wide variety of medications on hand for his ongoing migraines, and Satenik Banach has a large variety of fiber supplements for ailments of a personal nature that somehow don't affect her ability to play at an international level. While I am sure she would be delighted to share these with any opponents, I do not think it was appropriate for Sanders to act thus entitled.

These concerns notwithstanding, we hope the Golden Bears enjoyed their visit, and that those who visited the Arlington Aurora's baseball stadium didn't find it too cold. Our artificially intelligent economic planners would prefer that I appear unapologetically socialist in this missive, so I will only say that if they found the economy a bit stifling, it is a long qualifying campaign and there will be many other diverse countries to visit later.

Sincerely,
Tavish Willow

(Twoni 24, Cherenkov-Nguyen 45+1; Johnson 77)

by **Vdara** » Wed Dec 18, 2019 5:07 pm

The Chania Sun
The National Team: Half-Baked!
Reports from the VdarArena Training Centre say that the Vdaran lineup for next game will change drastically due to 4 players ending up under the influence of marijuana at a party.
Famously lenient National team manager Iosif Sideropoulos has reportedly been quoted as saying:
“This is effectively doping! They shouldn’t be taking drugs! I will be doing everything in my power to make sure they’re fit for the next match day and beyond, and if they aren’t, there will be hell to pay!”

Tryfon Vlahiades, who was interviewed outside the training ground, had this to say:
“You know, I’d love so say that this was just a small thing and they’ll be back next game, but by the way they looked, they won’t be back for a match or two. Shame as well, Stamatelis and Zervopoulos were really stepping into form.”

Due to the incident, the squad for the next game has been changed to:
GK - Markos Moustakakos
LWB - Tryfon Vlahiades
CB - David Xeniadis (formerly Giannakos)
CB - Matheios Pardakis
CB - Lavrentis Laskarilis (formerly Zervopoulos)
RWB - Thanassis Karalallis (formerly Athanas)
LCM - Miron Demallis (formerly Stamatelis)
CDM - Vangelis Mavroglou
RCM - Kimon Karalas
ST - Chirstoforos Lazelis
ST - Alexis Fotellis

by **Hampton Island** » Wed Dec 18, 2019 5:36 pm

Setting: In an office the morning following the Zwangzug match. Manager Hannah Sanders confronts midfielder Cameron Allwine

Sanders: So, like, we really need to talk about what you were holding in the locker room.

Allwine: Oh yes, that bottle that you had put in my locker and for Dean Greene to conveniently be ready to take a picture of me holding it. Let’s talk about it.

Sanders: How dare you say that! Like, don’t you all go trying to turn this on me. Do you want to stay on this team?

Allwine: You’re little teenage attempted prank and set up failed. You didn’t seriously think it would work. Because you made one big mistake, Hannah.

Sanders: It was like not a prank, don’t be saying that!

Allwine: Don’t you want to know what your one big mistake was?

Sanders: You are like the only one who made a mistake and like now you are making another one by talking like this to me. I am the manager!

Allwine: Filiberto saw you put it there.

Sanders: What?

Allwine: You heard me. Filiberto Gonzalez saw the whole thing. So everyone knows how you tried to stage this stupid gimmick. Why did you do this?

Sanders: How about you score some goals!

Allwine: Changing the topic, are we?

Sanders: Like, score some goals. That’s why you are on the team!

Allwine: No, it’s not why I am on the team. I am a midfielder. You would like for me to score goals, but it’s the incompetent forwards we have on this team that need to be cashing in. I am not a miracle worker, I can’t set up clueless people who can’t play.

Sanders: I say you should score goals too. Like, a lot of them! And they are not clueless. Brittany got that like whatever her name was, Stefred or something, to get like two yellow cards. We had like a player advantage and like you still were outplayed!

Allwine: I can’t believe how fucking mindless that referee was to give Stefred the second yellow. Eventually the refs are going to realize how you gameplan.

Sanders: Like, be a team player and be happy about it!

Allwine: Are we done here? By the way, if I hear anything in the media about the pill bottle you planted, I will sue you for libel and slander. You and your boss.

Sanders: Just like get ready for the next game please.

Allwine: That’s what I thought.

by **Taeshan** » Wed Dec 18, 2019 5:48 pm

"A blazing 3-0 victory over Free Republics puts you third in the table, but in the drive seat. What did it take to win this game Miles"?

"Well first of all I have to hand it to the players. The best 90 minutes I've seen them play all campaign. Not only did we win, but we dominated, what many would call a much better team. With the two sides close in rank, many would have expected a close match. But 3-0, the odds on that would have to be astronomical. Incredible performance. The guys took the performance against Baker Park and built upon it. Now they have to make sure not to slump next week in Nahkistan. We celebrate tonight. But the second we wake up in the morning, we're still not qualified for the World Cup. We're still not done."

"Florian's been a bit leaky this season, but a second straight clean sheet, and against such an impressive opponent. What does this mean for his confidence"?

"It means the World. The whole team gained a lot from this match, but Florian just kept one of the more attacking threats at bay. 6 shots on goal, no rebounds. No aawkward clearances. Rule Theriault's squad is disciplined in attack. But also in defense. The midfield one this match. We don't have a lot of nuance in our tactics as a defense first side. But clogging up the midfield and countering is a route one sort of attack. You have to finish your chances. Shout out to Wilhelm for scoring early, and Alson for adding a second. It was nice to see Elaine get his first goal as well."

"Florian. 6 saves. Impressive match from you."

"Thanks. It has been a rough campaign. It's hard as a youngster to learn this game, especially on the national stage. Most of the Goalies my age haven't even seen the field for their club, and I was thrust into a regional tournament before my first Club start. It's been a learning curve, and the Republican side is a tough one to go out and get a clean sheet, but man does it feel good."

"Are you worried about the rest of the matches coming, Jeruselem is scoring a lot, leads you guys on goal differential. Lot of scoring going on in this group, and you're the side worried about defending. With some makeshift defenders."

"We know the issues seen in our squad. We know what we're up against. If you look at the table the most likely squad to push us and Free Republics for qualify is Savojarna, and they sit 10th and that is incredible. We know a lot of teams are in it to win. We've still got a lot of tough matchups. Jeruselem, Schottia, and Savojarna will be big. But if we take it one game at a time, we will find a way. I believe in these guys. They believe in me."

"Wilhelm incredible opener. What is it like to score in front of the adoring Taeshani faithful in your old home stadium for the first time since you left the club"?

"It's great to be back. I left the club, but they love me. I wanted to push our nation back up to the heights it once held and to do that I need to push myself. Hurricanes is the most storied club in the nation, but right now it's not enough to push me to where I need to be to take the Purple and Gold to glory. One day I will return here to lead them back to glory."

"Two more matches in the Coliseum when Jeruselem and Savojarna visit in a few weeks time, will there be more goals from you in the stadium."

"There better be. We're marching back to a World Cup. We want to be a contender. Last World Cup we were happy to be there. I promise you if we qualify for Baker Park and Equestria....We will contend."

"Randall, Wilhelm is talking about contending at the World Cup, if you qualify of course, do you think that is possible"?

"A few weeks ago you were talking to us about failing to qualify after a draw in TJUN-ia. Now you're talking about contending in a World Cup. This is the madness of the press. We believe in each other, but can we do it...Do you think we can"?

"I mean I asked the question. I don't know. I have my doubts."

"Well there you go. You have your doubts. If we were hosting this World Cup you'd be thinking differently. If Banija's minister of sport called up our minister of sport and suggested we hosted World Cup 85 together...Maybe we'd have a chance. But I don't know. I'd love to make it to a second final. My part as Captain being starting a legacy. I would love to be remembered. But...there is 18 games between us and that, and there is just so much....so much unknown. Wilhelm could break his leg tomorrow. Yoshimi could be out for months. We have a lot of studs, but not a lot of internationally known stars. Defense wins championships, but goals win games."

by **Kita-Hinode** » Wed Dec 18, 2019 5:57 pm

HINODEJIN MUSIC NETWORK
"Rock N' Goal", the first "music band-only" championship on all of the multiverse
Written by sports journalist Nanako Ichigo.

MUSEION, SOMEI-YOSHINO - Museion, known as a rather slow-time, peaceful town in the Somei-Yoshino province is expected to feel aftershocks of apocalyptic proportions, or at least that's what the Hinodejin Music Network, the Empire's first music based network promised when announcing the creation of Rock N' Goal, a mix of a TV show with an honest-to-God championship featuring eight teams composed of some of the most popular musicians of the Empire.

The program was actually proposed by former comedy duo, turned football commentators Shigeru Ikeda and Kenzō Honda. Both, who had been working coverage for the largely amateur Museion Municipal Championship were pretty open to talk about the entire process of even getting this whole ball going. "Well, when the Music Network allowed for people to send ideas for TV shows, we were actually having a talk after a game between two of the local teams... I think it was an actually very boring match between Southern Museion and The Flyers," says Ikeda, "We decided to just amuse ourselves." Honda, with a visible grin, followed with "Well, when we realized that it was actually recording, we thought 'well, crap, that's our job there going down the drain' but the local lads were actually pretty happy with the result."

That's not to say that they're expecting a bed of roses with the tournament. "Look, I got to admit... we're taking a little bit of the piss with the draw," commented a rather worried Honda, "most of the bands that actually accepted the invitation are heavy metal and hard rock folks but there's some less orthodox options." A rather serious Ikeda added "When you run a program, you need to think of who will gather some off-the-wall audiences. We invited like... fifty idol groups, forty Hwangju-Pop groups and some other names from other genres. It's a really universal tournament and we think it'll be fun for the time we can get them down to play."

When asked exactly what would be the sell of the tournament, both were pretty enthusiastic towards our reporter. "Matches will be 5-on-5, we think it's better for bands to play in a rather smaller field and overall, makes for a more exciting game," said Honda. Ikeda then commented that "It's a humorous thing though. There's no reason to be straight-faced about it although I think it might be a little bit risky: I don't know how a heavy metal band will react if they lose to, say, a team of Hwangju-Pop kids. Still, with teams being randomized, I think we have a good shot of people being mostly nice to each other. There's also the matter of the names. We didn't really ask the actual teams but I think we'll be fine as long as we don't try to sell anything."

The Rock N' Goal Tournament's first edition, to be played at the Main Museion Football Field, will feature a grand total of twelve teams, named after popular football clubs of the multiverse. Entrance is free.

1093 DOWN THE ATLANTIC
Named after: 1093 Club de Atlantea (TAE)
Bands featured: Weep (Alt-Rock), Injun (Indie), LSD Spray (Heavy Metal), Airpilot Five (Alt-Rock), Nana Paula Hina (Idol Group)

AC IZIDORA ZUMBA
Named after: AC Izotz Zubia (AUD)
Bands featured: The Sixteenth Quest (Indie), The Shadows (Alt-Rock), The 99's (Indie), Disastermageddon (Heavy Metal), Poisoned Stone (Hair Metal), Lucky n' Spellbound (Rap), Yoko Asamiya (single, Idol)

CASSADAIGUA CITY
Named after: Probably, Crawford City (COS)
Bands featured: Siouxsie (Indie), Madmaxx (Punk Rock), Tendencies for Suffering (Heavy Metal), The Last Suffer (Heavy Metal)

CUMBIA
Named after: Conga (DAI)
Bands featured: S-Flower 50 (50-girl Idol Group), Keiji Matsunaga (solo, Country)

DÍ FWHLMYXZSITHWCZPTLYK (pronounced Dee Fluffy)
Named after: Dí Maozöxê (FFD)
Bands featured: Seduction Boys (Hwangju-Pop), Headache (Punk Rock), Battle Scherben (Heavy Metal), Biggie Paws (solo, Rap)

INDIRECTUS
Named after: Directus (EUR)
Bands featured: Kiropatra's Coffin (Heavy Metal), Sierra Madre (Punk Rock), Crazy 88 (Hwangju-Pop)

PAULIE-AT-THE-TOWN
Named after: CA Paulinthal (PAS)
Bands featured: Rich Fury Compilation Commons (Punk Rock), Kira de Chanel (solo singer, Soul), Hinode Metalweight (Punk Rock), B1G-9 (Hwangju-Pop)

SCOTT STERLING UNITED
Named after: Sterling City United (DAR)
Bands featured: Hallofreaks (Punk Rock), Heavy Noon Preachers (Punk Rock), Dragging Kids to the Pool (Indie), Double Knot Group (Pagode)

SOLITARY FC
Named after: Soldarian FC (VAL)
Bands featured: Scratchmurderkill (Heavy Metal), Dean Brighton (foreigner solo singer, Pop), Trouble Generation (Hino-Pop), Scarlett Nine (Idol Group)

STRAWBERRY JAM FC
Named after: Royal Jam FC (EFL)
Bands featured: Cute Chicks (Hino-Pop), Davy Jones and the Swingers (foreigner, Pop Rock), The Western Hinodejin Orchestra of Broken Hearts (Indie)

TELEPHONETARË
Named after: Telecontarë (STB)
Bands featured: Cutesy Generation (Idol Group), Two-Pack Sheepur (solo, Rap), Shoestring Budget (Indie)

WHACKFORD TOWN
Named after: Wofford Town (APX)
Bands featured: Bleak Fury (Punk), Blind Your Love (Indie), Voxacre (Heavy Metal), Big Goat (Solo, Rap), Phoenix Rage (Heavy Metal)

by **Valanora** » Wed Dec 18, 2019 6:18 pm

Near the quarter mark done with the slog of qualifying, it had become apparent that group nine was taking a very distinctive shape to all of its participants and anyone who liked numerical presentations. The Marauders were atop the table, having won their first four games with minor but not worrying trouble in the form of the opposition, four wins from four and all twelve points. Alongside the Marauders were Ethane, with four wins from five, having suffered a defeat and having played an additional match than the Eternal Empire squad, with the Marauders having their bye on the fifth round of matches, a bit of a leisurely rest given the situation with the table. For it was then the more curious point from third to tenth place in the group of eleven that all eight of those squads were level with six points, a statistical anomaly that had to make people stop and stare in wonder, seeing two teams tied with twelve and then nearly the rest of the group all tied at half that. In another tournament where third place would have something worth playing for, it would make the intrigue all the more grander, alas as it stood, it seemed the Marauders and Ethane were quickly on their way to running out as the qualifiers from the group.

Kelssek was next up on the docket to try and disrupt the Elven dominance in the group, with a lot of press leading up to the match. It was an interesting dynamic, as a win for the Marauders would see the gap widen between them and the rest of the group chasing for the qualification places in the group, but a defeat or even a draw would open up the race once more. Kelssek by all accounts was under performing greatly in the group with just the six points to their name after their first five matches, with rumors swirling that they were even eying the Marauders assistant manager for the manager of their own national team to try and right the ship. Two wins from the opening five was not how anyone would have expected the group's third seed to be performing, especially considering the gap between them and the second seed of Ethane was not very high based on the rankings or the eye test, but where Ethane was playing up to their ranking, Kelssek had been failing miserably to put the sides below them to bed and in need of a big turnaround to keep their qualification chances afloat.

Unfortunately for Kelssek, their match with the Marauders was going to be in Capri, at the Hatire Memorial, where they were not going to be received with any sort of empathy for the crisis that their national team was finding itself in. While normally quite an empathetic bunch normally, Vanorians are not quick to hand out that same graciousness in sport, especially in recent time when their national teams have had themselves in disarray as well and had to be built back up to a contender status. While nominally friendly in the political arena, Kelssek was walking very much walking into an inhospitable crowd in the Hatire Memorial and one that would cheer on the Empire team to add further misery to the Kelssek cause, squeezing the hope from them with a win. Hope had to be all that was left for for the Kelssek squad, a hope and a prayer that they could come into one of the most intimidating international stadium in a severe run of form and try to topple a side that was in one of the better forms of its recent time and looking to build their own momentum.

History had not yet been written for this match and what would transpire in the ninety minutes that the two sides were going to be contesting against one another to try and achieve a needed three points for each. The ever flow of time splintered at this point for the time being, where a thousand thousand possibilities where playing out before Faeron as he watched from his perch among the celestial sphere. It had been just over a decade since the man who had been known as Tobias Raynor had uncovered the truth of who and what the Vanorian elves where and had ascended to take the place of Elune, when his true divine name had been revealed to him. His people had migrated for the most part with him from the material plane and to that of the celestial plane, it was quite a different experience. All the same, now as the Guardian of Silverymoon, something that he had learned later was the position that Elune herself had until she had been beckoned elsewhere for a greater task. He wondered where she was now, what it was that she was doing, and how he compared to her and if she had had those same moments of boredom. It was that feeling that had made him compelled to check in on the football once more, even if he had not been a huge fan during his time in the material plane. It was often the smallest things you took for granted until it was not there for you anymore...

by **Siovanija and Teusland** » Wed Dec 18, 2019 6:21 pm

”We’re into the final minutes here at the Draistadion, where Siovanija & Teusland lead Bolgano 3-2 thanks to a goal from Ludwig Reichwein and 2 from Michael Ribbeck just 5 minutes apart here in the second half. Bolgano are fighting hard for a point here, and there might be something in this match still.”

Karl-Heinz Jager stood calmly at about the halfway line of the Draistadion, watching the play unfold in front of him. Rain was pounding down on the pitch, and it was a cool St. Jakob night. Lukas Tauscher held onto the ball, whipped in a cross that was a little too high for the head of Michael Ribbeck and went out for a goal kick.

“Get back lads, get back,” called out Raphael Klopfer from a few yards over. The entire team started to shift back, as Bolgano keeper Red Nines had a hard time retrieving the ball from a section of Goldhorn fans who were content to waste time. Finally, Nines did get the ball, and played a long ball forwards to his winger Ryan McShane. McShane picked up the ball, but was well guarded by Pierre-Louis Lotbiniere, who knocked the ball out for a throw.

”The fourth official has indicated that there will be a minimum of 3 minutes stoppage time,” droned the PA announcer in Teus, Siovanijan and English. McShane took the throw quick, sending it to Riot Birgot, but Todor Mihailov pressed Birgot hard and stole the ball from him with an excellent tackle. Mihailov played it back to Jager, who was again content to simply stand over the ball. But Bolgano needed to press him hard, and thus Daniels Frizzel came forward looking to trick Jager.

Jager remained calm as ever, however, sending a pass over to Edgar Steimle on the left side. Frizzel followed the pass, but the pacy Steimle was far too fast for him, quickly moving downfield. He had options in the middle, and eventually found Thorsten Kramer. Kramer, however, didn’t see anything opening up ahead of him, and so he sent it back to Mihailov. The Goldhorns were quite content with simply playing keep away in the final minutes.

But Riot Birgot would get some revenge for Mihailov’s earlier steal off him: pressing Mihailov hard, he managed to get the young star to slip up a bit and make a poor pass in the wet grass. Originally intended for Lotbiniere, the ball was instead picked up by a sprinting McShane. Bolgano were coming forward in numbers now, and the Goldhorns needed to rush back.

“Come on, lads. Force him outside. Let’s go,” called out Ewald Heuser from behind the defensive line. Pierre-Louis Lotbiniere rushed back, his pace allowing him to catch McShane somewhat quickly, but McShane pulled out a move from his bag of tricks to beat the 1912 Stelburg defender. Now McShane was bearing down on the goal, and he had help: Frizzel was in the box, as was Victor Mellin, who had opened the scoring for the visitors earlier.

McShane managed to send in a pass for Frizzel, but Jager had read the play well and was already closing down Frizzel. As Frizzel turned to shoot, the leg of Jager was in perfect position to knock it out of play for a corner. That killed a little more time, and gave the Goldhorns a chance to get all their men back to defend. Brandon McShane ran over to quickly take the corner, but again, the Goldhorns fans in the Draistadion were not quick to help him with that.

”Substitution for Siovanija & Teusland. Number 15, Dennis Brotzmann, replacing number 10, Viktor Dimitrov. Number 15 Brotzmann in for number 10 Dimitrov.” Viktor Dimitrov was in no hurry to leave the pitch here, turning first to Thorsten Kramer and giving him a high five before shaking hands with Michael Ribbeck. He gave a nod to Jager, before beginning to slowly walk towards the sideline. The fans, of course, gave him a rousing cheer, and Dimitrov took the time to applaud that. Replacing him was Brotzmann, now the Herzegovina City FC captain, had previously been a fan favourite at the Draistadion for FC St. Jakob. Naturally, an even louder cheer came, and Brotzmann of course obliged them with a thank-you applause of his own. By the time he reached the box, valuable seconds had ticked off the clock.

Bolgano were in a hurry now, and Brandon McShane’s corner just barely missed the head of Mellin by inches. Instead it was grabbed by Ewald Heuser, who held back, taking his time with the kick, before seeing Lukas Tauscher open. The kick was taken over to Tauscher, who bombed down the right side into the corner, holding the ball before it was knocked out of play by Roger Zack. That was all for this game, however: the sweet, sweet sound of the referee’s whistle rang out to signify the Goldhorns’ win.

”A good fightback from Bolgano in the second half falls short, as Michael Ribbeck’s 2 goals were enough to help Siovanija & Teusland take all 3 points today at the Draistadion, 3-2 the final to the Goldhorns.”

Jager first walked over to Ewald Heuser, giving the goalkeeper a fistbump, before taking a moment with Raphael Klopfer. Soon, the whole squad was at the centre circle applauding the fans, and then heading off. The rain was coming down harder and harder, turning the gold of the kits even darker than usual. It had been a difficult game, and terrible conditions for football, but nothing mattered now that the 3 points were secure.

Match Report
Siovanija and Teusland 3-2 Bolgano, @ Draistadion, St. Jakob

Lineup: Heuser; Steimle, Jager, Klopfer, Lotbiniere; Mihailov, Kramer, Dimitrov (Brotzmann 90’); Romanov (Tauscher 77’), Leistner (Reichwein 20’), Ribbeck
Goals: Ludwig Reichwein 30’, Michael Ribbeck 54’, 60’
Stelburger Zeitung Man of the Match: Michael Ribbeck

by **Drawkland** » Wed Dec 18, 2019 6:25 pm

E L I T E ...

In short, the party following the Farfadillis match had been a half success, or a half failure. It depends on who you'd ask. As our trio suspected, the huge party did not lend itself to intimate or effective conversation. All three of them were feeling dejected as the party began to wind down and people began to leave the party. It was clear they were going to go home empty-handed, with no real way of meeting with the Eleven in the foreseeable future.

That is, until they decided they were going to leave. Cam, Nicole, and Sarah were sitting around a lounge table in the atrium of the complex, polishing off their drinks and getting themselves ready to leave.

"I guess we'll just have to somehow run into them at some point soon," Nicole sighed, staring at the dregs in her glass.

"I'm sure we'll have another chance before qualifying is over. We just can't be pushy about it. It would be much to suspicious," Cam insisted.

"I agree with that," Sarah replied. She stood up and stretched, and the others joined her. Just as they were about to walk to the exit, the doors to the main room burst open, with two boys coming from behind them: Mike Rodney and Elias Keys.

"There you all are!" Mike exclaimed as he saw the trio. "We were wondering where you'd disappeared to!"

"Oh hey!" Nicole replied, putting up a smile. "We were just on our way out. We're beat for the night."

"Aw, that's too bad," Mike replied.

"Are you good to drive?" Elias asked, more concerned.

"My car has Autonav," Cam responded, "We're fine."

"Excellent, excellent." Elias was satisfied with that answer.

"Will you guys be going to the Fujai game to watch our win?" Mike asked. It was clear he was addressing all of them but he was mainly focused on Nicole.

"Your win? Didn't you need extra time to beat them in the IAC?" Sarah scoffed.

"Hey, that was on neutral ground. They stand NO chance in our house," said Elias.

"I don't think I'll be able to make it to that one," Cam said, looking at the others, "But I already have my ticket to the Libonesia match. I can't speak for you guys though."

"I won't be able to make the Fujai match either," Sarah said, and Nicole agreed.

"That's too bad. We were thinking about having another party after that game!" said Mike.

"We haven't made party plans for after the Libonesia game though," Elias added. "I don't think enough people we know well are going to that one."

"Yeah that's a bummer." Mike looked troubled, but then his face lit up. "Hey, what if you guys just came here after the Libonesia game anyway? We don't have to have a party, you guys are fun enough. We could like, shoot hoops or something. Have fun in the complex. Or we could just drink. Hell, I dunno. Whatever you guys want!" Elias looked at Mike with raised eyebrows, but he remained silent.

The trio of girls looked at one another, trying to communicate without speaking. "Yeah, I think that'd be cool!" Cam said, finally turning back to the guys.

"Are you sure you guys would want to be playing any sports with us after playing an actual match?" Sarah asked, a little perplexed. "I certainly never felt like playing basketball after playing a qualifying match."

Mike and Elias looked at each other and smirked slightly. "Nahh, nahh I think we'd be good. Whatever you guys want to do though. Just let us know day-of and we'll figure something out! You could even invite some more people if you wanted. Just-"

"-Not Katie. Please don't invite Katie Madison." Elias cut in. Mike chuckled and continued.

"Yeah, not her. But anybody else from the old Corps. Or your domestic team. Or like, your real life friends. Or just you guys! It'd just be great to see you again soon." Mike once again was looking directly at Nicole when he said that.

"Well thanks," Nicole smiled back. "We'll think on that one. I'll text you, okay?"

"Yes! Yes, of course," Mike said immediately.

"We should probably go now," Cam interrupted. "I know these two have flights in the morning and I'd hate for them to miss them."

"Of course! Fly safe, all of you," said Elias, slightly nudging at Mike with his elbow.

"We will, thanks!" Sarah said, seemingly relieved to start walking to the door again. "Goodbye you guys."

"Thanks for having us, bye!" Cam added, following Sarah.

"Yes! Bye Elias," Nicole said. She paused for a split-second before adding, "Bye Mike." Cam grabbed Nicole's hand and the trio swept out of the building.

"See ya!" Mike said, watching them go.

Elias looked over at Mike with a smirk on his face. "Dude, you need to calm the hell down with her."

"What, am I coming off too strong?" Mike asked, confused.

"You're coming on stronger than the shit you were drinking tonight."

"Okay, fine, chill out," Mike rolled his eyes. The pair walked back into the main room of the Complex, and met back up with the others to relay Mike's newly-created plans.

Once the trio were back in Cam's car, they all looked at each other with dumbfounded expressions.

"Did that ... just happen?" Sarah asked after a moment.

"Yes, it did. I can't believe we've gotten this lucky," Cam replied.

"This is exactly what we've needed!" Nicole exclaimed. The apprehension was palpable for the three girls.

They sat in relative silence for the next few minutes as Cam punched in her home address to the car computer and the car starting zooming back onto the highway. They all stewed in their individual thoughts, processing the night and wondering what they were going to do in two weeks' time. After a stretch of this, Cam spoke up.

"By the way, Nicole, you're into Mike. It's sooo obvious."

Nicole immediately shot back, "I am not! You're such a liar!"

Both Sarah and Cam broke into laughter. "Don't even TRY to deny it!" Sarah giggled. "It's written all over your face when you look at him. Which you do. Often."

"I do not!!" Nicole protested. This went on for quite a long time as Cam's car sped through the night. It was going to be an interesting meeting after the Libonesia match ...

by **Bliuji** » Wed Dec 18, 2019 6:31 pm

Now on the road after an intense match against Filindostan, the team now looks to go up against Furby Island - an unranked team who is at the bottom of group eight. They may not be that skilled, have a record of 0-2-2 and bad overall. However the management of Bliuji doesn't care about those things, what matters is weather Bliuji gets the job done on the field tonight. With that being said, Bliuji will still be unpredictable - especially against unranked teams. Back in the IAC 8 they lost 2-0 against The Dragons and Bronies and barely managed to beat Mustardy even being at home.

Players like Nikon Kotov, Spartacus Yuriev and Philemon Yefremov have been heavily talked about among Bliuji's football community; and this game may be one of is one of the few times to shine throughout the qualifiers. In hopes of evading being dropped from the team altogether this also serves a purpose of prosperity. The starting eleven for this match for Bliuji, is still unknown, and if starting, chemistry is something to be worked on as well for these three.

This game is especially important because three points tonight will put them in second place if Ziwana looses. Bliuji was not expected to be third in the group as of now but to the doubts of many they have shown that they are on a rapid incline in all aspects. Fulfilling their goal of qualifying originates from good leadership, chemistry, communication and skill of course. The effort these players are putting in is impressive. A team ranked 121 competing thus good - absolutely absurd.

Aside from the practically inevitable loss against South Covello, everything is going Bliuji's way to a certain extent. People may argue that "It's still early in the qualifiers" - which is accurate. However it doesn't seem like the long term would seem any substandard to the enjoyments of today.

by **Pasarga** » Wed Dec 18, 2019 6:51 pm

Júlia Müller was having the time of her life. While she was not yet a starter for the Wanderers, she was being given the opportunity to play in the national team, having come off the bench for two games and had started the previous game as Jager had been suffering with a minor knock to his ankle and needed resting. That faith in her ability by Srđan Jakšić had boosted her confidence so much, going back to the Copa Rushmori and getting the surprise call up there to be the primary striker. She had rewarded the new manager with goals and dynamic attacking play in the Copa and had done so again in the previous match, putting up a first half natural hattrick as the Wanderers had cruised to their fourth straight victory after the first matchday upset.

"Oh Jules, you won't believe what I just heard on the telly!" The raven haired and bubbly Mária Vöröss said as she came into the changing room with a massive grin on her face. The side had just finished its last training before the upcoming trip to Melbergia and the attacking midfielder had lingered in the lounge rather than shower and change like most of rest of the squad.

"Let me guess, another parade about celebrating the nation's progress towards modernization or another speech that goes on forever about we will always be indebted to Eura for the assistance that they provided in that process or some nonsense like that. You would think that they would have let that go by now, we're nearly forty years in and yeah things seem better than what the news says things were like before that. Yet the rural counties still act like stick in the muds and don't trust outsiders. Ah well, can't please everyone."

Her Equestria based teammate could only roll her eyes for a moment before punching her in the shoulder. "No, none of that silliness, no they were having a football round up with the World Cup Qualifers and all that. They had a big piece on you! Apparently your performances are getting the attention of some big clubs out there, they are saying that both CA Paulinthal and Tani back home are eyeing up big bids to bring you back home. Also rumors of foreign clubs looking to poach you from Cloudsdale! Crazy innit? Two years ago only fans of Equestria football or Pasargan youth football knew who you were and now there is talk about you being bought up by some of the biggest clubs in football."

That news caught her off guard and she couldn't hide the bit of a frown that she had before it had turned into a half smile. "Yeah, crazy. Probably just rumors though, no big clubs are after me. Like you said, two years ago no one outside of Equestria or Pasarga even knew who I am and I am not even a starter. It's just sensationalism Mária, they are trying to get viewers and bigger ratings. You know that is how things are in the new industry, anything for the next big headline and eyes on the screen. Anyways, shouldn't you be in the showers, we're supposed to be catching the plane in two hours." It was a deflection and she knew it, but she did not know what she would do if it was real. Would she really give up being the star woman at Cloudsdale if a big club did come in for her?

As if on cue, her phone starting ringing and it was the ringtone that she had assigned to her agent. "Oh boy, this ought to be interesting." She mumbled under her breath before answering the call. "Hey, I hope this is quick, I have a bus to catch to get down to the airport. We're leaving for our next match soon."

"Well you are going to have a big decision to think about on the trip then Jules. I am going to assume you saw the news about the big clubs coming in on you."

"Yeah, just rumors though, I am no one."

"Apparently three clubs in Pasarga don't think you are no one. We're not talking small teams either, teams in contention for ICC places. Nothing solid from the foreign interest yet, but it is there Jules, it's not just rumors. Think about it on the flight and let me know if this is something you want to pursue, but as your agent, I would say this is probably the best time for you to make a move like this. You're entering your prime and have been showing good for the national team when you get the chances, this could be a transfer that sets you up for the rest of your life."

"Yeah... I'll let you know. Talk soon Niklas." She tried to smile but inside a thousand thoughts were running through her head and she nearly dropped her phone on the clubhouse floor. Was this really happening to her?

by **Ziwana** » Wed Dec 18, 2019 6:56 pm

ZCHAT

by **Cassadaigua** » Wed Dec 18, 2019 7:09 pm

Matchday 6 is now cutoff!
This could apply to what the day means for some teams.

Results

by **Brusseldorf** » Wed Dec 18, 2019 7:18 pm

PYRRHIC VICTORY

Brusseldorf 3–2 Pius Desurongcrandis

Los Alrededores dug in and showed their grit in a gruelling Round 5 match at home. A brutal first half saw Brusseldorf take an early lead, with Dominguez taking two within the first 20 minutes. Brusseldorf kept up the tempo, but an injury substitution of Boronia due to a dangerous tackle saw Los Alrededores’ back line vulnerable to a counterattack. Helped by a long through ball, Desurongcrandis star striker chipped the ball over Brusseldorf’s goalkeeper. Tackles increased from both sides, and with play constantly being restarted, home fans became restless. An incident in the active support area saw a single fan removed for their obscenities towards Desurongcrandis‘ keeper. The referee finally drew his first card before the close of the first half, giving a straight red to Teddy Wolfenden for an overzealous tackle on an opposition player. Desurongcrandis‘ striker converted from the spot and brought the away side level, 2-2.

With play opening in the second half, the atmosphere in Mount Complex Stadium turned angry, fans jeering the opposition side and cursing the referee. A ten-man Los Alrededores side looked resolute, but the numbers disadvantage was clear. Play shifted closer to Brusseldorf’s goal, with a Desurongcrandis midfielder finally putting Los Alrededores out of their misery. 3-2 to the away side. Booing turned to screaming, and fans began pelting the playing field with debris. The fourth official signalled to the referee. An indisputable foul on a player in the buildup play, rending the away side’s goal void. Fouls continued flying, with both sides accruing multiple yellow cards. With ten minutes remaining, an opposition defender caught a second yellow card, levelling the playing field once again. In the closing moments of the game, in front of 35,000 braying fans, Steyr scored the match winner to close the game 3-2, to Brusseldorf.

by **Zwangzug** » Wed Dec 18, 2019 8:09 pm

Kairothletes: Elmo's World

Our next draw is yet another linchpin, this one again limited use for hosting-related nonsense. We can flip WC8, WC40, or WC59E.

WC8 (the Frosty Cup) is already in the alternate state, and although we'll eventually want it in true history, we should use that WC13L' patch first.

WC40 (foundation of the MUFN) we don't need, as stated last time.

WC59E (Audioslavia win the Baptism of Fire as Chelo Terrazas rises to notoriety in Aguazul) we don't really need right now since we already created a paradox in WC64. It might be nice to flip that eventually, but any card can do that.

So we'll need to look carefully at everything else to see where we want to use a powerful "reverse fate" inverter, if at all...

Well, there aren't a lot of great options. However, Sâálvó (you can bet I am copying and pasting that one) will need the alternate WC80'. And since we already have the WC74' patch down for him, we want to resolve him relatively soon. So let's go back to WC77 and prevent the destruction of Ruland! The Farf leadership will be peacefully deposed by rebels instead.

This creates a paradox in WC78 (where in our timeline, the UICA Centenary matches funded a Rulandese memorial charity), and in WC80. Because if Bonesea came around too early, they never existed at the "right" time to pass the Galacticos award off to Schottia, and without the violence ravaging his homeland to inspire him, Tájö Çíânflöné would not have become the first person to win multiple Galacticos. (I'm pretty sure my friends at the cliche office are angry about the claim that you need a violence-ravaged homeland or the equivalent to inspire you to greatness, but hey, this game oversimplifies a lot of stuff.)

A new patch...for the alternate WC34', in which the Grumpy Old Fogeys of Ariddia and the Holy Empire reluctantly accept modern technology with no spreadsheet-wielding maniacs to program for them. We won't need it this game, so it's safe to discard.

Here's a patch we don't need either, but we might as well play since we have it; Kaze Progressan fans, after watching Rejistania win three titles on their home soil, figure the Junis-Omeh'ny have to be onto something and adopt karela as a tactical system in an alternate WC26'.

Here we go, a patch we need! In an alternate WC13E' where NEWI Cefn Druids were not humiliated by an egg, the nation of Druida is not as in need of Trevor Belmore. Instead, he goes on to cap for The Belmore Family, and his son Alan "not that one" Belmore will do the same.

With Belmore's callup, the refined KPBs of WC13L', and the monolithically human Big Blues winning WC45, Elmo has completed his quest!

Elmo wrote:I understand people’s desire to not be confused with famous celebrities of the same name. I got annoyed having to explain that no, I wasn’t named after the East Spaam guy. Sadly, I was named after a cute and furry cartoon creature, which isn’t much better.

(Jaklim 29, Ado 40, Smith 72, Moon 83)

(OOC: I suspect I won't have much time tomorrow so I wrote that before this result, I may circle back on a later matchday to talk more about that game though!)

by **Hapilopper** » Wed Dec 18, 2019 8:51 pm

Somewhere in Equestria
World Cup 84 Qualifying Match 6: Hapilopper v. Equestria
Collectively, the Hapilopper National Football Team was in a pissed-off mood for the entire week leading up to the match with Equestria. They were pissed off about the late foul at the end of the Darkmania match. They were still pissed off about the AOCAF, and they were pissed off about what had been some bad breaks. The time to right the ship, and correct the course, was now. The time to kick ass was now.

Just looking at the Haps as they emerged from the tunnel prior to the match, it was clear their attitude had changed. Leading them was Thom Perkins, wearing dark sunglasses, an all-black suit, a red tie, and carrying what looked like a rolled-up Hapilopper City Herald in his hand. Behind him were 22 footballers, their hair cut into strange mohawk-like cuts, and their faces painted, almost like they were part of a giant Legion of Doom or something. Even Claire Randall, the stunningly beautiful striker, the first woman in the history of the Hapilopper National Football Team, had taken on a mohawk cut and the war paint.

The intensity level of the Haps was almost on a nuclear level. The players could be heard shouting Hapilopper’s national anthem, “The Sun Always Shines on Hapilopper,” and it was clear they were here to make a statement, and turn the corner.

If they were nervous, they weren’t showing it. The rest of the nation, however, was scared to death, and Jon Arnold, play-by-play announcer for Venerable Television, put into words exactly why Hapiloppians everywhere were nervous as hell about this match, just before kickoff.

“Let me share with you some scorelines we’ve had thus far. Equestria 5, Darmen 2. Equestria 2, Bongo Johnson 1. Equestria 5, Acapais nil. Equestria 7, Darkmania 2. And of course, who could forget the AOCAF fiasco. You know the ones. Equestria 8, Hapilopper 1. Equestria 1, Hapilopper 0. It’s time for redemption, and it’s time the Haps correct the record, and we are underway in Equestria!”

Just from the start of the match, it was clear that the Haps were playing with a special kind of intensity, the one not seen in quite some time. Sure, the Ponies would get the ball occasionally, but the Haps were on a much higher level. The physicality was there. The athleticism was there, and the genius was there.

The first goal came from Ernie Stevenson in the 31st minute, when moving his way around a pair of defensive Ponies, Ernie did a little spin move to avoid the two, then fired it into the goal to make it 1-0 in favor of the Haps. Fans watching all over Hapilopper were absolutely delirious. Ernie had made a breakthrough, and just like that, his fellow countrymen realized that the Haps could pull off one hell of an upset that evening.

The second goal came in the 77th minute, and appeared to put the match away for the Hapiloppians. It was Ernie, again, this time after getting some assistance from Bobby East and Murray Hunnisett. There were no acrobatics, no hop, no skip and no holy shit. It was an old-school goal, and Ernie Stevenson had put it away. As he rushed back to position, he saw a camera pointed on him. He ran over, and gave a message to everyone all over the world.

“HAPILOPPER ISN’T GOOD AT HOOFBALL, HUH?” Ernie roared. “HAPILOPPER JUST KICKED YOUR ASS!”

When the final whistle blew, Hapilopper had given the seemingly-unbeatable Ponies their first defeat, and not only was it a defeat, but it was a clean sheet – they had actually shut out the second-highest scoring team in all of qualifications. They had run roughshod over the defending World Cup champions. The celebrations across the Dominion were wild, to say the very least. The team had fully exorcised the demons left by that AOCAF clusterfuck, and had redeemed themselves in a huge way. Fans across Hapilopper – as well as the footballers themselves – celebrated the victory long into the night, and even the next morning. They had beaten the best in the world, and if they could beat the best in the world, they couldn’t be stopped.

In a different nation in a different region, far away from this triumphant scene, one man took in the match in a much different way than many, many others.

Northshore, Xanneria
The same time
“IT’S OVER! THE HAPS HAVE BEATEN THE PONIES! THE HAPS HAVE BEATEN THE PONIES!!!”

The screaming on the television from Venerable’s Jon Arnold filled the small living room of the apartment. Sitting on his sofa, Cooter Harris, the former goalkeeper for the Hapilopper National Football Team, had a tear running down his cheek. He knelt down, rested himself on the coffee table, and said a soft prayer. It was a prayer for his fellow countrymen. It was a prayer for the HNFT, to turn this victory into many more. It was a prayer to get the Haps into the qualifications.

Life had been less than pleasant for Cooter since he was exiled from the HNFT and from the Hapilopper Football Association for some poor performances on the pitch, combined with his mental breakdown during the now infamous 8-1 loss. He had felt like the Ponies had run up the score on the Haps, and that they had disrespected the Haps. It was probably doubtful that the Equestrians were trying to disrespect the Haps (after all, why would they?), but nobody could change his mind at that point.

Every day, Cooter thought about that miserable evening in Manehattan. Eight goals had gone past him, three from Pristina Shine, one of the stars of the team. After that third goal, Cooter picked up the ball from the goal and threw it at her head as hard as he could hurl it. Thankfully, the ball missed Pristina’s head by inches, but Cooter had made his point. Cooter was red-carded for the tantrum, and when he went back to his locker, he smashed a glass table with his foot in anger, punched in a wall and splattered food and drinks all over the locker room.

Cooter was thrown off the HNFT. The Hapilopper Football Association strongly recommended to Soldiers, his club team, that he should probably be moved elsewhere. He was put on the transfer window, and Northshore FC, a team in the second tier of Xannerian football, picked him up.

It was off to Esportiva and Xanneria, a nice place that Cooter thought wasn’t all that different from Hapilopper, but it wasn’t Hapilopper. It wasn’t his home, and he missed it very dearly.

But that didn’t mean he wouldn’t cheer for them. He had the Hapilopper-Equestria match on, and wanted so desperately to be there to help beat the Ponies, but all he could do was cheer them on. He still hurt badly from that AOCAF match, and he still hurt deeply from the events that followed. This victory, however, did a lot to heal.

When he woke up the next morning, for the first time in months, Cooter Harris actually felt good about life.

by **Geektopia** » Wed Dec 18, 2019 9:13 pm

Geektivities
*Be cool, be woke.

Game Report and Manager Interview in a Bit
|2| - |0|
9': Substitution: Player 21 -- replaces -> Player 10 (GAL)
32': Player 20 -- replaces -> Player 7 (GAL)
43': ⚽ Goal for Pentacthulitercubor (GEE)
[HT] 1-0 [HT]
51': ⚽ Goal for Ennaeloctoldeus (GEE)
Assisted by Pentacthulitercubor
79': Yellow Card for Player 11 (GAL)
[FT] 2-0 [FT]

An Interview with the Gaffer
() - Well, we've finally received confirmation, Geektopia aren't bottle jobs! Some awful defending from Galar as a team, but their goalkeeper should be proud, as he has probably saved the most shots in his group due to that!

G - Would you give us a report of what happened from Ennaeloctoldeus to the second goal?

() - In summary, Player 3 is absolutely put to the slaughter by Pentacthulitercubor, he finds the ball well and threads through to Ennael, Ennael finds the space and is a hair offside, the 1-man talent finds his space, and shoots for the second goal. It wasn't pretty, but 'twas all but needed to wrap up this game.

G - Do you feel a need to relax at all now that Jeruselem is right on your tail?

() - If they make a habit and don't change soon from drawing important games, their qualifying stage could well be over, although who am I? Certainly not a manager who's ever been put under pressure, no?

G - You've got a point there, sir.

by **Gopnikea** » Wed Dec 18, 2019 10:32 pm

Gopnikea 2-0 Castanya

Gopnikea has won against Castanya by two goals. Goals scored by first Treyhon, and then, just before the match was over, Narcysztol scored. However, the Chimaeras’ next challenger would be Vilita, the 83rd World Cup champion. Will they be able to win?

Coach: See? That went well.

Gronthell: Yeah, it did. I hope we’ll do great against Vilita.

Coach: That should be no problem, if you try your best at this. You were great this match!

Gronthell: It was nothing.

Coach: No, you managed to block that other player from scoring. That was, what you would call, ‘sick’?

Narcysztol: What’re you guys talking about?

Coach: Just about our next match, and our victory in this match.

Gronthell: Yeah..

Treyhon, out of nowhere: I swear, I’m going to lose my mind. Did ANYONE order a pizza?

World Cup 84- RP Thread (IC)

Elite, Episode 5

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