Cup of Harmony 76 - Everything Thread

[Xanneria]

I present to you guys: Xannerian Memes!



Filindostan can't be the only memer in Group A

[PotatoFarmers]

With regards to the recent World Cup and Cup of Harmony results, lots of memes were spreading around in Poafmersia on the local Chriper (Twitter) and Facefile (Facebook) social media sites. Below are some of those memes that are trending.

Xanneria vs Filindostan


Group G in a nutshell


Who needs the World Cup?


World Cup hosts on their way out?


Taeshan winning Equestria

[Schottia]

The Wedding

Part Nine.

Rock solid.

With the speeches out of the way Ross felt a little better equipped to enjoy himself. It had only occurred to him, as he made to stand up, that this was the first speech he’d delivered in his life. He wasn’t the kind of player who was ever amongst the awards, and well, he’d never had to try his hand at public speaking. He had made a career out of being sure and steady. He was a team player, unselfish in life, and on the pitch.

‘Feeling a bit better?’ Evelyn asked, as they returned to the table with their plates, having visited the buffet for a second time. He looked as if the colour had returned to his cheeks at least.

‘Yeah, just the first dance to endure, and then I’m on the home stretch.’ Ross smiled weakly, before tucking into his laden plate of food.

’Talk about a cool head under pressure…’

Evelyn gave Marcin Close a firm elbow in the ribs. The last thing Ross needed to hear was one of the Nepharim’s sarcastic comments. ‘Don’t make this bloody hard for me!’ She hissed at her date in a whisper. ‘I’ve nearly got him over the line, I don’t want any of your derisive comments getting inside his head.’

‘Did Treason not have a bid in for this guy a few years back..?’ Close asked, a little less guardedly, as Ross turned to converse with his wife.

‘He’s a solid striker… … in a front two system.’ Evelyn scowled. ‘He contributes more than his goal tally would suggest.’ It was hardly a description that was going to set the Transfer Window alight.

‘Solid…’ Close echoed.

‘Solid is not a pejorative term Marcin.’ Evelyn took a sip of her wine, considered eating something from her plate, then decided against it. ‘He’s scored big goals in some big games. He has a World Cup winners medal.’ To say that he scored “big goals in big games” wasn’t entirely true – actually his scoring record in game that mattered was pretty poor.

He had other qualities though: Loyalty for a start. He was one of the big name players who had stuck with the team through think and thin. He’d been buffeted from pillar to post in the V-League and still rolled up his sleeves and got on with it. He was still pulling on a Schottia strip, even after half their players had refused a call up following the Hiatus. Mark Ünterhausen, Mike Campbell… Kara Fucking Ciogach was pulling on a Brenecia jersey for heaven’s sake! Evelyn had pretended that she was different. She had blamed the fallout with Killanen, but the truth was, her club career meant more to her. If she cut out the World Cup Qualifiers, and spent her summers resting, she could keep playing at Brinemouth for another couple of seasons. The Premiership season was a long one, and this way, she could use the international breaks shake off any niggles. Players like Ross were a dying bread, and they were worth ten of her.

---

Meanwhile, at the Shit Table…

‘Jevđenijević, Kupper, and William “who the fuck gives a shit” Lewis, and that completes the line up.’ Hazel Hanson-Conavacio concluded in her Quebec-meets-Equestria accent, putting her phone back down on the table in front of her. The provisional squad of twenty-three had just been announced for the Cup of Harmony in the summer, and Schottic social media was already awash comment and conjecture.

‘Probably as good you could get, with the players available.’ Claire Hanson commented, without any great enthusiasm. ‘Won’t be the worst squad flying out, but I think we can safely say Harbour Hill don’t need to make any space in the trophy cabinet…’ Good old Schottic optimism.

Connie shrugged an agreement. The defence was a shambles, and until they sorted that out, Schottia wouldn’t be winning anything. The pressure was making things worse for the poor back four, who despite being “solid” players in their own right, couldn’t open a news paper without finding some journalist’s two-pence worth.

‘No Renshaw, that’s a surprise.’ Belgrave commented, reading to the bottom of the post, before returning his own phone to his pocket.

‘Fuck!’ Connie said, casting a look over towards to Bridal table, where Renshaw was sat none the wiser. This wasn’t exactly much of a wedding present from Raven Cullen. In fairness, Kajsa Kupper’s stats knocked the socks off of his, and with them both playing in the V-League, it was easy to run a comparison.

‘I’ll go tell him.’ Said Enrico, barely making any effort to veil the laughter in his voice.

‘Sit on you arse!’ His mother barked, pulling him back into his chair. ‘Just hope the poor bastard did the sensible thing and turned his phone off.’

‘The entire Schottic national team is here Mum.’ Hazel interjected. ‘I’m pretty sure one of them will have checked their phones. If our table is discussing it then…’

Claire seemed to consider this, looking to her husband, who offered nothing helpful. ‘Well just keep your traps shut! The lot of you!’ Connie felt like she was included in this. ‘If he has to find out, then let’s make sure it doesn’t come from us.’

[Flavovespia]

Flavovespia 0–0 Balqia

This game was the 50th match for Flavovespia, but it won’t be remembered for much else. A match seen as crucial for Flavovespia, and important at the very least for Balqia turned into what was unfortunately, not an exciting affair at all. Although a positive spin on the match is Flavovespia keeping a clean sheet, in truth there was little at any point to really threaten the scoreline.

Mark James returned to the side, in a back 4 of Maddox-James-Gardner-Shepherd. Wolfson and King remained in the central midfield, with Michael and Hall on the wings. Upfront, and Barkes would line up alongside Coleman. Flavovepsia lined up in the Cunningham Metropolitan Stadium in their home kit, Balqia in black shirts, with white shorts and socks.

Flavovespia came relatively close within 10 minutes of the opening whistle. James King whipped in a free kick, and Mark James got his head to it first, but couldn’t steer it towards goal, and it bounced out for a goal kick. The first attack of the game for Flavovespia, and they’d hope for more.

Balqia meanwhile, were content to try and play a more risk-averse game, seemingly wanting to not fall behind. Nevertheless, that didn’t stop them controlling the possession in the middle to latter stages of the first half, and getting some half-cut chances, Zigamar Koinoviq and Arnol Orkos both forcing David Meehan into saves. Despite all of this, the first half really felt like there was a lack of action or urgency, not the sort of game any neutral would be engaged by.

The crowd wanted more, and so did Richard Crawford. Edward Barkes was off at half time, Andrew Mason instead coming in to partner Stanmorn teammate Scott Coleman up front. Crawford hoped that the two of them, along with Michael and Hall on the wings, could link up and create more.

Mason had a shot blocked in the 53rd minute, but other than that, his contribution to this game wasn’t great. In fairness, a lack of supply for Michael, and the surprisingly out of form Steven Hall, in his 50th appearance for Flavovespia, didn’t help the issue.

Balqia had a fair share of chances in the second half, and Matis Pindus went closest to anyone in the entire game in the 70th minute. Balqia, knowing that a win would guarantee them qualification, began to turn up the heat in the latter stages, but their ambition wasn’t matched in the quality of their attacking play. Furthermore, Flavovespia finally seemed to have a defence that clicked together.

Flavovespia did try to string some late attacks together, but speculative shots from Coleman and Hall were saved comfortably by Arian Vartag. David Blythe and Scott Vaughan were subbed on late on, both getting their first Cup of Harmony starts and the latter their first cap, but time was too limited for them to make a noticeable contribution, good or bad.

The game finished 0-0. Balqia were probably the happier of the two sides, but this game was hardly a classic at all. This still leaves the group open for many teams to make it to the Round of 16, but the pathways for some of them are easier than others. Below we look at the scenarios for Flavovespia.

Final Matchday Permutations

A reminder of the final Matchday: Mattijana vs Flavovespia, Mkabia vs Tamgu, Balqia vs Mercedini.
Group Stage Tiebreakers: Head to Head, Goal Difference, Wins, Goals For.

Flavovespia lose

Flavovespia are out. They would most likely finish 5th, but could fall to 6th (last) if Mkabia win vs Tamgu and overturn a 3 goal difference. In such a case, with Flavovespia bottom, Crawford and some of the national team may very well be out of a job.

Flavovespia draw

Flavovespia are out of the Cup of Harmony. They would be 4th in the group. It goes without saying however, they’d leave with a unique 0-5-0 record, making them winless but undefeated in the tournament. Not much else to say.

Flavovespia win

For Flavovespia, this is where it gets interesting. A win gives them 7 points, and a positive goal difference, as well as an unbeaten group stage record. If Flavovespia win by 2 or more goals, then they would finish 2nd in the group as long as neither Tamgu or Mercedini win their last game. If one of them win and the other doesn’t, it’s 3rd for Flavovespia, if both win it’s 4th for Flavovespia. A one goal win for Flavovespia, and it’d go down to goals scored to decide the positions between Tamgu, Mercedini and Flavovespia, as all have drawn vs each other. Of course, a win for Flavovespia and a loss for Tamgu or Mercedini puts Flavovespia ahead of either of those 2 if they lose.

Can Flavovespia qualify as one of the 2 3rd placed sides? The important thing to note is that the best record Flavovespia can have an be in 3rd is 1-4-0, with 7 points and a positive goal difference. The answer in the simplest terms is yes. There aren’t 2 or more groups according to FFD calculations, where there will be a 3rd place team with a record better than 7 points. However, the major caveat is that for many groups, there’s a relatively specific combination of results needed to achieve this. For Flavovespia, a 3rd place finish would probably eliminate them from the Round of 16.

Simply put, Flavovespia have to get the win in Cunningham Metropolitan Stadium in Delano City. They can’t progress at all without a win. Nevertheless, if they do get a win, then they’ll at least finish the group stage of the Cup of Harmony 76 unbeaten (so would a draw obviously). However, even with a win, Flavovespia will rely on results elsewhere. Mercedini and Tamgu win and Flavovespia are out. One of them win, and it’s a nervy calculation of the 3rd place finishers table to see if Flavovespia make it. Finally, if Flavovespia do get a 2 or more goal win, it adds pressure to Mercedini and Tamgu.

A History of Football in Flavovespia

Part 23

All the troubles that the GWNFA had would come to a head in the period from 5BU-3BU. This period, despite everything that was going on with the CCGW, that was finally on course to become a unified Republic, would be considered a dark period of professional football in the nation. Some argue that ultimately football in the nation was better off after the end of the GWNFA era, but others say much more could have been done to avoid that.

5BU itself was a relatively ordinary year as far as football went in the nation. Waldster were the GWNFA Super League champions, after a bit of a title drought, with Kings Lunsel snatching 2nd place on the final day from St Astons City and Hadford Hill. Those two sides met on the final day, and their draw allowed Kings Lunsel to leapfrog both to go up. At the bottom of the table, Havermilly were 11th and Croxlich, despite a handful of impressive games, were bottom. Stanmorn won the first promotion playoff over Binclestead Wood to make an immediate return to the top tier. Binclestead Wood would win 4-0 and then 0-4, to emphatically beat Havermilly and relegate them after just a single season back in the top tier.

It was 4BU when the drama all began to kick off. The GWNFA were frustrated with the “parallel setup” that existed, and were finally in agreement to do something about it. The decision was to finally merge all the leagues into a single pyramid, something that from the outside seemed an obvious solution, but many of the old GWNFA Challenge League sides were resistant to. Unfortunately however, the situation quickly descended into farce.

There were 12 teams in the GWNFA Super League, and in the two leagues below it, 10 in the GWNFA Challenge League, and 10 in the GWNFA United and Eastern League, followed by 12 in the United and Eastern Division 1 (which was still technically not a part of the GWNFA, but run independently with an agreement regarding promotion and relegation). The question about how many teams should go into the first and second tiers of a united system remained.

The clubs favoured GWNFA Super League expansion, to 14 or 16 teams. They also wanted as much as possible to keep teams in the same tier, so pushed for a 14-14-16 system, or a 16-16-16 system. The 12 team GWNFA Super League however, was still popular with the GWNFA board, and they had the final say. The original theory was that would then see a 12-20 or a 12-16 team setup in the top two tiers. However, the idea floated was a 12-10-12 setup, to later become a 12-12-12 setup.

The second tier sides were furious with the proposals. They were not going to be able to compete for places in an expanded second tier, and many of them would face “relegation” to the third tier, something not discussed before the season started. There was talk of a boycott of all matches from June onwards, although the teams ultimately played on whilst negotiations with the GWNFA marched on. By September though, the GWNFA still refused to back down on their proposals. The GWNFA Super League would remain at 12 teams, and a “compromise” of 16 teams in the new second tier, and 16 in the new third tier was the final offer. It was almost unanimously rejected. 9 of the GWNFA Challenge League teams (Havermilly, Henhaven Islanders, Sporting Towerhaite , Westwood Garden City, Bavingtor, Butterfield Rovers, Guildwell Football, Johns Park, Langpool Capton) and 9 of the GWNFA United and Eastern Premier Division teams (Croxlich, Capton Club, Nailwood Mills, South Maishop, Apsbrooke, Boll Lake Mariners, Rumlington Rovers, Oxwich, North Mayshop, Batchingtonwood Rovers FC) all voted down the plans and announced they would no longer participate in the new GWNFA setup. Rumlington Rovers and Captonbridge Rangers voted down the plans, but still agreed to stay in the GWNFA setup. Only Marthorpe City and Langmere Green Rovers backed the plans.

The end of season should have seen Sporting Towerhaite vs Langmere Green Rovers to determine automatic promotion, and Binclestead Wood FC into the playoff vs the loser of that playoff, with Galling Rangers automatically relegated. However Sporting Towerhaite had already backed the boycott of the promotion playoff. Instead, Binclestead Wood FC were reprieved, and Galling Rangers faced Langmere Green Rovers for a place in the GWNFA Super League. Langmere Green Rovers won 2-0, but the beleaguered Galling Rangers managed a 3-0 win to hold on to their GWNFA Super League status, despite many on-field and off-field troubles.

[Filindostan]

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FOOTBALL
Cup of Harmony 76: Filindostan and hosts Xanneria in 'must-win' showdown

Palace City, XANNERIA - It just took one loss for the Pula Garuda at the hands of the Bear-belles to blow Group A wide open.

After Filindostan lost their Matchday 4 encounter against Bears Armed, the former Baptism of Fire champions have now been the favorite to miss the round of 16 altogether, with a showdown against hosts Xanneria looming in the shadows. A win would have surely put the Filindos to the Round of 16, but the loss, complemented by a Xanneria win over Terre Septentrionale, have put the hosts to the top of Group A with 7 points, level with the 64th ranked team in the multiverse, and the 58th ranked one, with the Bear-belles just a point behind.

This opens up uncertainty to a whole new level, and ensure that all the three matches in Group A in the final matchday will be important on who will be in consideration for possible three berths to the Round of 16 from the group. Alongside the aforementioned showdown, Terre Septentrionale faces Razneta at Catalan City, while Bears Armed remain in Hawthorne to face The Sarian, which puts the pressure not only to Filindostan, but also to their opponents playing in front of an expectant crowd.

A loss for either team will put them at risk of falling down to as low as fourth place in the group, missing consideration for the Round of 16 altogether, with both the other contenders winning a plausible outcome. The winner of the match will also ensure direct qualification to the round of 16, with the hosts ensuring top of the group if they win and Filindostan needing a worse result for their Matchday 3 opponents to win the group. A draw in this match will more likely hurt the hosts than their Esportivan counterparts iff Terre Septentrionale manage to win and break the deadlock on points between the three teams, and worse, the hosts will unceremoniously be out of the tournament if the Bear-belles manage to also win their match.

Despite this, Krisna Hendra Sudirman have vowed to beat the hosts in front of their home crowd come Matchday 5 and continue their quest for a second silverware.

Pitch condition 'ensured' to be good for the crucial match

The pitch condition at Xannerian stadiums played a major part in setting the outcome of several matches, including Filindostan's 1-1 draw with Terre Septentrionale on Matchday 3. The Filindostani delegation have asked Xannerian authorities if the pitch condition at Palace City would be in good condition come the crucial match, and was met with a positive answer. Despite this, Sudirman prepared his players to adapt to the situation they faced at Catalan City and focus at the match in hand.

It is expected that many Filindostani fans will attend the match, ready with their megaphones and large banners, though banners carrying hate messages towards journalist Steve Stevenson may be confiscated and fans responsible may be thrown out of the stadium. Despite the advices from the Filindostan Football Federation (FFF) which retract their stand on the journalist, several ultras groups seemed to not get the memo.

The last matchday of the group stage is sure to bring drama, and the only way for the Filindostani team to avoid this is to beat the hosts soundly.

Written by FSNA Staff.

Schedule - Cup of Harmony 76
MD01: vs Razneta (at City of Hawthrone Stadium, Hawthorne, Xanneria) - W, 2-1
MD02: vs The Sarian (at Golden Gopher Casino - Palace City Stadium, Palace City, Xanneria) - W, 5-1
MD03: vs Terre Septentrionale (Air Catalina Dwight Stadium, Catalan City, Xanneria) - D, 1-1
MD04: vs Bears Armed (at City of Hawthrone Stadium, Hawthorne, Xanneria) - L, 0-2
MD05: at Xanneria (Golden Gopher Casino - Palace City Stadium, Palace City, Xanneria)

[Mkabia]

Mkabia gets ready for their last fixture against Tamgu, a dead rubber for the Leopards whilst the Hawks try to punch their ticket for the round of sixteen in what is called an 'easy match' in international press. In the meanwhile, a short videoclip set to a popular tune takes the nation by storm. Whilst a compilation with the missed chances by the Mkabian strikers runs by, and there is a decent selection to choose from, two amateur rappers bring the below lyrics.

And you say we're shitty?
We're shitty?
We're shitty?

We are going home again
Could we score a win in the end?
Could we score a goal in the end?
'Cause we're going home again

Our strikers might be playing like a 3 year old
All across the globe they admire our soul
But then "Excuse us lil newbie, you will get to know me
boy, our style is damn rad and the goals will blow in"

And from that point we're always last on board
Nations come from out of town, they like to f' us up
We like to act tough, they like the score run up
And make us thank our wives and gods 'cause only four were scored

One day if we grow up we'll show them around town
Cracking wins under floodlights, so astounding
I'll tell them the victory was in our hearts all along
But the mighty might be grey by then or long gone

But for now we're getting walked and end with debris
Leaky back four, converting none and down by three
I guess that's why we're called courageous but there are no points for me
Whilst the others talk about their odds to convert silver into gold for thee!

We are going home again
Could we score a win in the end?
Could we score a goal in the end?
'Cause we're going home again

Maybe one day, you remember when
Fireworks at River Stadium
But now, we're going home again

Maybe one day, we'll remember when
Cup glory at River Stadium
And then, we'll have a homecoming
Maybe if we grab a win

[Kelssek]

TJUN-ia 2-4 Kelssek // Custworth hat-trick fires Kelssek into knockouts
"It is what it is", says Crowe on leaky defence

KELSSEK – 4
Champetier 15’
Custworth 26’, 42’, (pen.) 84’

TJUN-IA – 2
Podolov 38’
Ulawaya 79’

Brayden Custworth’s clinical hat-trick was the highlight as Kelssek beat TJUN-ia to book their spot in the knockout rounds of the Cup of Harmony. But more defensive lapses left the coaching staff visibly rolling their eyes on the bench. And while other teams have caught up in this unflattering metric, Kelssek’s 12 goals against puts them in a three-way tie for worst defensive record in the tournament.

If they can’t make a simple tackle against the group’s lowest seed, or mark players at a free kick, can they shut down anyone at all? What of the cliché that defence wins championships? Manager Andrea Crowe opted to be sanguine in the post-match press conference.

“Of course we are going to keep working at it, but at this point, it is what it is. And so we focus on finding ways to win, and that’s what matters now.”

Crowe also suggested there will be “some rotation” for the final group stage match. Some of this will be forced as central defender Damien Halliger and midfielder Rémy Dionne will both be serving suspensions after picking up yellow cards against TJUN-ia.

“The next match is about the rest of the tournament. We want to make sure we get a result and finish top of the group. We also want to give some players a rest because you’ve got people carrying knocks and little things here and there. We’re playing against a team that’s still fighting and desperate. So it’s like what you say in Kelssek, I just learned this the other day. ‘Stay safe out there’? Yeah.”

At least the offence is working, and TJUN-ia simply couldn’t cope with the pace and direct passing from midfield. Patrice Champetier opened the scoring thanks to a lovely cut-back from Blake McDonagh. Custworth combined with Colm Ó Tuathail to outwit the defence and put Kelssek 2-0 up, and then slalomed past the goalkeeper on a counter-attack to restore the two-goal advantage going into half-time. The striker completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot after a VAR review ruled that Jeff Donaldson had blocked a cross from Ó Tuathail with his arm.

Kelssek: Poirier, Liadon, Halliger, Curtin, Douglass, Champetier, Demetriev (Lapierre 82’), Ó Tuathail (Dionne 58’), McDonagh (Taleb 70’), Custworth, Langelier.
TJUN-ia: Gylfisson, McKenna, Kallah, Umkala, Donaldson, Vasquez, Peliniho, Johnson (Watts 72'), Podolov (Andrews 67'), Green, Ulawaya.
Player of the match: Brayden Custworth
Attendance: 25,335

Anti-Sarzonia plot?
After reports of bad blood in the tunnel after the Kelssek vs. Sarzonia match, the more rabid national team fans have suggested that Kelssek should perhaps not give their all against Sajnur to create the possibility that Sarzonia might be eliminated.

The team has maintained total radio silence over the incident, despite the clashing accounts of what transpired from various witnesses that have been bandied about. All in the name of avoiding a controversy and distraction; the racism furore from the last World Cup still is fresh in everyone's minds. With no camera footage of what happened available, the best information that can be gleaned is that the Kelssek camp is fuming at both the behaviour of the Sarzonians and the media narrative they put out about it which – unsurprisingly – painted themselves as the aggrieved party.

Sarzonia’s fate is in their own hands on the final matchday of the group stage, but Sajnur is one of the teams with a chance to overhaul them in a battle for second place that is extremely close.

[Bears Armed]

(continued from viewtopic.php?p=36651315#p36651315…)

_______________________________________

(extracts from notes made by Arrieth Grey during the game)
Ur’rmm…
Wait a minute, could the Belles even maybeso progress into the knockout rounds if they only draw against The Sarian instead of winning that game?
Let’s take a sniff at that: A win for Terre Septentrionale over Razneta — which is pretty very , for true guarantees T.S. one of the groups two automatic ‘progression places’ and a win by either side — rather than a draw — in the match between Xanneria and Filindostan gives the winner a place too… If both games are drwn then that leaves T.S., F 7 X all ahead of urrs (although only by 1 point each) and competing for the places, so that the Belles’ only chance to progress is as one of the best third-placed sides… But if T.S. loses and the other game also has a winner & a loser then then that actually leaves urrs and T.S. and that other game’s defeated side equal on points competing for the group’s second ‘progression’ place, and it would come down to the tie-breakers.
First tie-breaker is Head-to-Head results, and that places urrs ahead of both Xanneria and Filindostan but T.S. ahead of urrs… so how does T.S. compare to those other two teams? Xanneria has HtH advantage over T.S., creating a circular relationship between the three teams; Filindostan drew with T.S., so for that situation we go to the second tie-breaker which is HtH ‘goal difference’, Filindostan currently has the edge in that but this question only arises if both of them lose their next game which could change that factor…
Urrgah! This is confusing… I just don’t know how it would work in that case…
Maybeso my editors can and will find somebearry who can sort it out?

_______________________________________ _______________________________________

Time: late afternoon, on the day after the match reported above.
Location: The training facilities, near the city of Hawthorne, whose use the Bear-Belles have acquired for practice session while they are in Xaneria.

_______________________________________

Having spent most of the morning and afternoon on passing and set pieces, the Belles are now rehearsing their 'harrdiharr' under the supervision of ‘arranger’ Karra-Marra SunDaughter.
Formed up into two lines of nine, all facing towards where the rival team would be, eighteen Ursines (the eleven starters and seven designated substitutes who have been selected for the team’s fifth & final ‘group stage’ game) are going through the synchronised moves of a 'war-dance' that's designed to intimidate opponents before combat -- or, as in this case, a sporting event -- begins.

Stomp forwards/left, all bare their teeth, front row sticks their tongues out “at their opponents”, flex arm-muscles, and then all growl!
Stomp right, pull a face, and grunt deeply.
Stomp forwards/right, bare their teeth, front row sticks their tongues out “at their opponents” while back row growls, flex arm-muscles, and all growl!
Stomp left, pull a face, and grunt deeply.
Take a short step backwards, pull a face, and all growl!
The front row's members all mime the bare-handed (or should that be "bear-pawed", instead?) infliction of grievous bodily harm on their opponents whilst the back row's members all chant a phrase -- in the Ursine language -- that would basically translate into English as:
"Come and have a go, if you think you're hard enough!"
They repeat this whole process twice more, getting louder with each repetition, and then turn their backs and stroll casually in the opposite direction as if their opponents’ possible responses aren’t worth worrying about.

(Karra-Marra SunDaughter) “Hokay, that’s it.
“I’ve finished with you for the day. Charra?”

(Charra O Barrdenn [Physical Fitness Coach]) “Ayyuh. We’ll just go for a gentle run to help stretch everbearry’s leg muscles again, before an early supper and an early lights-out.”

She leads the team, and Karra-Marra who decides to come along for this, jogging in a three-wide column out of the grounds and out onto the pavement⁽¹⁾ of the quiet road outside. As the last row of these people passes through the gates, they are joined by three more Ursines who run alongside them… Reporter/photographer Jamms ‘Jammy’ Urssen, who runs regularly anyhows so that he’s fit enough to catch (or, sometimes, to escape…) the subjects of his stories, his wife Lurrsee Fane who is — as some of you may recall — a former member of the Belles herself — and their infant daughter Errisabearrh, whom Lurrsee is carrying in a special harness on her back.

[/size](Lurrsee) “Surprise! Baby’s come through her latest set of tests all fine, so the two of urrs flew out to join Jammy and all of you again for the rest of this Cup.”

(Karra Brent) “Heyyuh! That’s good. Ur’rmm… That's only ‘flew’ in an airplane, I suppose?”

(Lurrsee) “Meanie! Yes, only in a plane, I haven’t got my wings back and Erry’s aren’t big and strong enough to support even jut her yet let alone me as well… ”

(Karra) “Do the experts think that she will be able to fly under her own power hwhen she’s older?”

(Lurrsee) “They admit that they just don’t know: My little darling being so much one-of-a-kind means that they don’t have enough 'background' to go by…”

(Steffannee Bruin) “Heyyuh, Lurrs’.
“Ur’rmm, did Sermharn come out here as well, once he’d finished helping with those tests/”

(Lurrsee) “Ayyuh, he did. Hwhy?
“Oh, hrright, your mum was dating him. Are they still…”

(Steffannee) “They are! And him being here might keep her too distracted to spend so much time ‘supervising’ my behaviour, for true!”

(Karra) “Steff’ee’s got a boyfriend too, hrright? And you mum disapproves?”

(Steffannee) “Well, she quite likes Hrrobin⁽²⁾, but she thinks that I should be spending more of my off-pitch time studying for another career — just in case — hrrather than out having fun…”

(Lurrseee) “Sounds like my big sister: You should do this, you should study that…”

[/size](Steffanne) “Oh, shes’ not that bad… Not most of the time, anyhows…”

(Karra) “Maybeso she’s worried that you will get pregnant, and that the boyfriend won’t stick around like jammy did for Lurrsee?”

(Steffannee) “Been there, had the baby, gave it up for adoption…”⁽³⁾

(Karra and Lurrsee) “HWHAT?!”

(Charra O Barrdenn) “Hokay, that’s enough talking back there! Let’s pick the pace up a bit”

(Your view of this discussion, as an observer from beyond the ‘Fourth Wall’, fades to black…)

_______________________________________

OOC Footnotes

1. I mean “pavement” in the British sense, i.e. what Americans would call the “sidewalk” instead.

2. The (human) comic-books character on whom I based Steff, ‘Stephanie Brown’, was sometimes the girlfriend of a character named Timothy Drake, who was the third ‘Robin’ to [mainstream continuity’s] ‘Batman’… with Steph herself [briefly] as the fourth Robin.

3. This is another parallel with the comics Stephanie Brown (but [i]her baby was fathered by an earlier boyfriend, rather than by Timothy/‘Robin’...)

[Mercedini]

76th Cup of Harmony
Get That Dub!
@ Cunningham Metropolitan Stadium - Delano City, Xanneria


Cenian Manager of the Mercedinian National Team: Elidyr Lyndainium with the 72nd Cup of Harmony won by Mercedini

Good evening ladies and gentlemen and welcome back to Mercedini Sports Daily's coverage of the 76th Cup of Harmony, coming to you from Banija and Xanneria. When you left us, Mercedini were in the mix when it came to qualifying for the Cup of Harmony knockout rounds, but a crazy Group D saw the Golden Eagles only pick up their first win of the campaign on their fourth attempt, following the three draws that proceeded them thus far to kick off a worrying Group Stage for Mercedini. A slender 1-0 win against Pot 6 side Mkabia game them the lift they needed to march on in the tournament and give themselves a fighting chance to advance to the knockout rounds, something that they haven't done in four editions. An unbeaten run so far is still not enough to see them safely through, they are squeezed out of the Top 2 on goal difference by Tamgu, who will play Mattijana in their final group match. In the battle those who finish third in their group, Dini would still not make it through as they fall outside of the top two by a single point. A win would see Mercedini safely through by overtaking their final opponents Balqia, in the group table, so everything is on them to pull out a result on the final day. Despite not losing a single game so far, the fans could see their trip to Xanneria dramatically cut short, not least the careers of many people involved with the national team and the MFA. Lyndainium's job hangs in the balance, with this next match, he could be having nightmares about many of the teams in this group if things don't work out in a crucial six-pointer.

In recent years, Mercedini have been relatively stagnant as they adjust to life as a big team since their victory in the Cup of Harmony. Since lifting that title, they have qualified for every World Cup Group Stage, but are yet to pick up a win and making it out of the group stages. This has left Mercedini in mid-table obscurity and left stranded in the mid-to-high twenties when it comes to the world rankings, that will have to change fast if Dini are to make the next step as a team and as a nation. Boundaries have been broken in nearly every other sport; Hockey, Tennis, e-Sports, these are the sports where Dini has risen from the depths to become a world leader. Football is a much bigger sport with a much tougher rise to the top, but Mercedini have done it before in this tournament, and they must beat those already at the top to reclaim an ever more distant throne.

Players are departing for foreign lands to expand the brand of Mercedinian football and to improve the national game, learning and improving from nations where the infrastructure and funding is more developed. Complacency has most likely caused the dip in form and caused the drop from the heights of the World Cup to the 'best-of-the-rest' standards of the Cup of Harmony. Mercedini have the firepower and the reputation to go on and win it all, but the same issues have reared it's head once again, which could see Dini go into the tournament as second favourites, but bow out after five games.

Everything will be put on the line for Mercedini against Balqia, a massive do-or-die game coming up inside Xanneria. A full-strength side will be at the disposal of Lyndainium in what could be his last match as manager. We hope to see the Golden Eagles at the tournament for a little bit longer, but there could be big consequences ahead for Mercedini if they fail to get the results they require. A watershed moment, we will be giving you all of the action and reaction to the match, including all of the goals and the updates from the other two matches in Group D. We bid you all good night, and we hope you have your fingers crossed!

[Lisander]

Football World Cup
DADDY COMES, MOMMY GOES

Not many children can say that both parents are professional sportsmen. In this regard, there is an extremely special little girl. Her name is Nicole Galadriëlle Camden-St. Marie and she is only two years old. Nicole, affectionately nicknamed Nico, is the only daughter of midfielder Tássio Camden, elected Lisander's best player for two seasons.

And while Nico's father plays for the continuation of Lisander's last dream of the season (Cup of Harmony) in Xanneria, mom prepares to go to represent the country herself in Ko-oren. Nico's mother is another leading figure in national sports, Pia St. Marie, Forward of the National Field Hockey Team.

Pia St. Marie, Tássio Camden (pictured wearing a Hellenian HC black jersey) and little Nico, in an old photo.

In an interview given months ago, after a game of the Metropolitan Hockey League, the couple talked about how they met and how they deal with the daily routine:

"We are grateful that the country is small. He works in Sirenia, I work in Soria. We live right in the middle of the road, in Sainte Justine, so we can handle the job well and still take care of the family in a peaceful way." said St. Marie.


Sainte Justine is a district in the north of Sirenia, which is twenty minutes from Soria Downtown, via the busy S1 highway. In the past, before population growth, cities were separated, but today, Sirenia-Soria are almost merged. And this is good for the family.

"We met when we did a TV commercial together for a brand of powdered milk. It was us, Kevin Armada (Rugby player) and Meliné Agrakian (Formula driver). She is two years older than me, so I thought she didn’t find me interesting, but we ended up exchanging phones and started to going out together... She has been putting up with me for six years ever since. Three of them, married, two and a half living together. And today, we buy powdered milk for the child we made together, who would have guessed...", said Camden.

"We still don't know if Nico will play hockey or football. I may say that she's Hellenian's darling. Everyone loves her, my teammates made sure to take a little outfit embroidered with the club crest for Nico to leave the maternity ward. On the other hand, her father brought a Club Sparta flag and placed it next to her crib even before her birth. He isn't just a player. He's a fan of Sparta since he was a little boy, and I understand that one of the dreams of sports-loving fathers is to carry the kids to support his team in the stadium.", said St. Marie.

"It is a little different with us, because it is for us that they cheer in the stands. Sport is a wonderful thing and we want our daughter to practice too ... It doesn't matter which one." Camden completed, with a smile.

If you want to know the continuation of the international season of this family, continue to follow the matches of the Cup of Harmony live on RTL 1. The public broadcaster is broadcasting all Lisander games and highlights from the other games in the competition during the program. And from February 3, it will broadcast all Field Hockey World Cup games exclusively to the open TV. Also watch the play-by-play of all the games of the two tournaments in the TopSport Real Time Center!

[Kandorith]

Shinonome Kyoai - International
_________________________________

Empress Masumi Attends Surprise Match

Group G
Squornshelous Remnant States 3–3 Potato Farmers
Hampton Island 2–2 Euran Oceanian Territories
Kandorith 3–1 Savojarna

  Group G                         Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Hampton Island                    4   3  1  0   11   5  +6   10
2 Kandorith                         4   3  0  1   10   9  +1    9
3 Savojarna                         4   2  0  2    5   6  −1    6
4 Potato Farmers                    4   1  1  2    9   9   0    4
5 Euran Oceanian Territories        4   1  1  2    8  10  −2    4
6 Squornshelous Remnant States      4   0  1  3    8  12  −4    1

Busukuma, National Restoration Stadium, as the Imperial Anthem sounded before the national anthem it was clear to the Kandorese spectators, Her Imperial Majesty, The Empress, Empress Masumi entered the stadium to attend the match between Kandorith and Savojarna. Cheerful and smiling as she always does, dwelling among the Kandorese people and supporting them in their cultural events. For the people attending the match it was a sight to behold. With the spirits high and the Empress attending the match the Warriors went into the match they had to win to secure at least a chance to stay in the race for the round of 16. A magical night followed with Kandorith giving their everything to control the match.

Empress Masumi attending the match in Busukuma

The scoreline is misleading as it was by no means an easy match; Matsuda managed to score from a very unfortunate mistake from the Savojarna defender Kjaer; giving the ball straight back to Matsuda who put it between the posts clinically and seemingly easy. But this lead would not last long as the Savojarna team took back possession just before the half time and managed to outpace the Kandorese defence, Sigurdsdottir struck home the goal for them and brought them level with Kandorith as the half-time whistle sounded. After the wonderful display of brilliance the match took a complete turn.

Straight from the start of the second half the Kandorese said become more and more aggressive, constantly applying pressure on the defense and refusing to give any way on the field; where Savojarna had a few very good chances in the first half and a brilliantly executed corner in the start of the second half, which was defended in very dangerous fashion by Hideyo Kiyotada by coming out of the box almost to the 16 meter line, from here it broke down. Kandorith spared no energy nor effort to contain Savojarna in their own half and applied pressure on all sides of the field, closing down the game as tightly as possible. Another brilliant movement by Matsuda pushed through the defenses and starred during the second half in pushing more players forward towards the Savojarna goal. Both Katano and Matsuda showed their brilliance and reading of the play in this game, where the midfield was their guaranteed defense. Manager Hayabusa eventually made a few very controversial substitutes with removing a defender and defensive midfielder to play an even more attacking playstyle and contain the opponent even more.

Hayabusa was beyond delighted as he approached the press after the match and when asked about the game he could only answer with an ear-to-ear grin. "Wonderful, just absolutely wonderful" He almost yelled out, the normally calm coach was now like a happy teenager in the arcade. "Amazing work from the team and I also think this is what the Kandorese people want to see. Instead of defending we are focussing more on attack and making the game flow. I think, today marked a very important turn around for the Kandorese football and we are showing the world what we are made off. The last Cup of Harmony we joined was the 74th edition I believe and we simply put, got slaughtered. The last time Kandorith performed this well was during the Cup of Harmony 60 and we want to go beyond that now. This team might be young, but they have had a lot of time to experience international football." Of course after the inspiring words there was one question left on of course the Empress herself attending the match in full display. "It was an honour" Hayabusa laughed after slightly bowing. "Of course Empress Masumi is the light of our nation and I do not think the newfound unity within the nation would have been realised without her. Myself and the players are very honoured by her presence and I hope she enjoyed the match and will enjoy the upcoming matches as well."

Very straight answers from the manager, Hayabusa, With the Empress admitting to finding time outside her busy schedule to attend the Kandorese matches is a blessing for the team and for the nation. Empress Masumi is the very first imperial household member to travel abroad since the 1800's and it seems more and more she is becoming a true figurehead and symbol for the Kandorese nation. Along with the Kandorese football having a time of complete revival, it seems that our nation is becoming more and more acquainted with being on the world's stage.

[Busoga Islands]

The Busoga Chronicle
The Islands #1 News Source!

Busoga Islanders restore hope to Cup of Harmony campaign with gutsy 1-0 victory over BOLGANO to leave everything to play for on Matchday 5 against Newmanistan


Kamu Jacobs celebrates late winner in Istria

RUKUNBI, ISTRIA, MORAVICA- As we mentioned before, the Busoga Islands did not get off to the strongest of starts in this tournament. With two games to be played in Istria, and their games in general to be played just a country over, they were thought capable of having a home field advantage in most of their games played. But you gotta play the games on the field, rather than who has more fans in the stands, and in their first three games, they struggled. They split a pair of 1-0 decisions to open the tournament, falling here at Eastern Stadium by a 1-0 score to Trolleborg, and then picking up a positive 1-0 decision over Vdara. And then, everything exploded when they played Brusseldorf, as they fell by a score of 4-3. The normally stout Islander defense wilted under pressure from the group's top ranked side, and it seemed, after two losses from 3 games, that all would be lost. The tournament was not going well, and it seemed likely that Starfire would take the brunt of the blame.

But fortunes can change fast at a major tournament. This isn't a 22 matchday World Cup Qualifying campaign- this is a much shorter group stage, just 5 games. The table can be scrambled after a single matchday, one match can vault you out of contention, and the next can vault you back in. The Busoga Islands, entering Matchday 4 sitting all the way at fifth in the table, needed something positive, anything positive, to happen. A loss to BOLGANO on this matchday would surely eliminate them with a game remaining, and with the knockout stages out of reach, represent a third consecutive disappointing finish in the Cup of Harmony. But this team has grit, and this team plays with serious guts. Even though many were down on the manager and the team at large going into the fourth game of the group stage, Starfire encouraged people to believe in her team. "This team never gives up, this team never quits." She told reporters. "Our backs are against the wall, nobody believes in us- and that's fine by us. What matters is that everybody in the dressing room has the belief that we can still achieve what we came here to achieve. And i mean everybody- not just the starting XI, or the 23 fortunate enough to put on the jersey. No, everybody in the coaching staff, the medical staff, the trainers. We've all bought in- and we'll show what we're capable of."

They would need a very strong performance in order to qualify for the next round, and that they did. With the crowd showing its partisanship towards the Busoga Islands, they put pressure on their opponents for a long portion of the beginning of this game. Amitabh had a great opportunity that was saved by BOLGANO's keeper in the 8th minute, and in the 13th minute, it would be Kamu Jacobs, the winger who is looking to leave Rukunbi FC for greener pastures, who would blast a shot on net and actually beat the goalkeeper, but also beat the post. But the Busoga Islands kept coming, and they did not want to end this offensive flurry empty-handed- that would be a strong disappointment. But fortunately for them, that did not happen. It would be Jay Khano who would keep the ball on the ground, but with plenty of pace, as he slotted home in the 18th minute beyond the outstretched hand's of BOLGANO's goalkeeper. That made the score 1-0 to the Busoga Islands.

And for the third time in four games here at the Cup of Harmony, they finished in a 1-0 game. These games are close, and it is has been razor thin margins so far at this tournament- a pair of 1-0 wins, a 1-0 loss, and a 1 goal loss against Brusseldorf that was competitive all the way through 90 minutes. It has been an extremely competitive Cup of Harmony all the way around, and Group E is the true showcase of that. The Busoga Islands have been fierce in the back, aside from the Brusseldorf game, as al-Shareef earned his second shutout of the tournament. But those three points were crucially important. The captain, Marie Sonko, spoke to us about this team's toughness and grit to earn that 1-0 win. "Winning games at major tournaments are never easy." She told reporters. "But look at the incredible support we've had here in Banija, especially here in Istria. IT's been an absolute blast, and the crowd really urged us on. But we defended well, we defended tough, and did not allow them to get good looks on al-Shareef. We came to take care of business, and we have done so. WE'll prepare for Busukuma now, eh?"

And to Busukuma the team will go. For the first time, the Busoga Islands will play in Banija's national stadium- the Stadium of the Restoration. The large, historic stadium seats 91,835, and was rebuilt ahead of World Cup 81 by Siovanijan & Teuslander engineers. A stadium that has hosted two World Cup opening matches, as well as a NSCF Final, a pair of World Bowl Finals, and a Globe Cup Final, and has hosted a Baptism of Fire FInal. It will also host the CoH Final. It's not like Busoga Islanders are exactly unfamiliar with the stadium though. Just in Season 9, it was Demba Kinteh who scored the winning penalty kick for Dukuma SC to win the RBSA Cup Final at the venue. Jaribga Soccer Club was there the year before. The RBSA tried to award the biggest games of the matchday to this stadium, and there was anticipation that this Newmanistan tie would have large implications.

Rest assured, it does. The Busoga Islands have 6 points in the group- presently in third place, but not good enough to qualify as one of the best third place sides. A draw would put the Islanders in that conversation, but it would still seem unlikely for them to qualify that way. Newmanistan is top of the group. But a loss puts them in danger- they could easily fall to 3rd, or worse, if they lose here. It is incredible- all 6 teams are alive in Group E entering the final matchday, ensuring that there will be fireworks. While all eyes will naturally turn toward the Stadium of the Restoration, exciting games in this group will also be happening in other cities. Lwanga City Arena and Albert III Stadium will be hosting exciting games, as the chaotic Cup of Harmony group stage reaches its climax. Who will triumph? Who will fall? We'll find out tomorrow night at what is sure to be a sold out Stadium of the Restoration, where Newmanistan and the Islanders battle it out for a place in the Round of 16.

[Newmanistan]

THE ROCKET REPORT

ROAD GAME UPCOMING

by Brianne Henry,

Don’t believe the hype of this upcoming match against Busoga Islands being at a neutral site. This is a home game for the Busoga Islands, and while some Newmanistanians have made the trip, they will not be likely to compete with the support that Banijans in Busukuma will through towards a nation they have very close ties with. Newmanistan is on top of the group, thankfully despite rumors of an underlying scandal.

According to sources, the home side placed cameras in centerfield of the stadium to pick up signs of, wait, wrong scandal. A source who spoke with me on a condition of remaining anonymous said that referees were being instructed to favor the squads of lesser ranked teams against higher ranked teams in a way to support more randomness in the tournament. I did catch glimpses of Hampton Island’s match against Savojarna, and think that would provide a great example of some odd decisions being made by referees that resulted in an upset. Many of the best soccer analysts throughout Newmanistan have gone through the games played by the Rockets and they really do not see anything all that major to warrant an accusation that we were specifically affected. The anonymous source said that it was “a general practice in groups E-G to create more randomness”. The same source says that things will be corrected for matchday 5, just in time for when Newmanistan plays the team closest to them in rank.

Is there any evidence to back up this claim?

Let’s look at the three groups:

Group E                         Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Newmanistan                       4   2  1  1    7   5  +2    7
2 Trolleberg                        4   2  1  1    7   6  +1    7
3 Busoga Islands                    4   2  0  2    5   5   0    6
4 Brusseldorf                       4   1  2  1    9   9   0    5
5 BOLGANO                           4   1  1  2    7   8  −1    4
6 Vdara                             4   1  1  2    5   7  −2    4

In group E, top seeded Brusseldorf is mired in the middle of the table, while low seed Vdara is at the bottom. Newmanistan and Busoga Islands are near the top, so if we were just looking at the pecking order here, then this isn’t much evidence for anything. However, considering that after four matchdays, three points separates first from last, it is an eye catcher.

Group F

                        Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
1 Kelssek                 4    3   0   1    15   12   +3     9
2 Sarzonia                4    2   1   1    12   11   +1     7
3 Sajnur                  4    1   2   1     6    8   −2     5
4 Schottia                4    1   1   2     9    8   +1     4
5 Hapilopper              4    1   1   2     5    6   −1     4
6 TJUN-ia                 4    1   1   2     7    9   −2     4

Looking at Group F, the top seed of the group is Hapilopper, and they are not doing very well. This is a nation that, like us, was very successful during qualifying and had a great chance late in the campaign to be playing in Cassadaigua or Baker Park right now instead. Otherwise, the group is a little similar to Group E.

Group G                         Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Hampton Island                    4   3  1  0   11   5  +6   10
2 Kandorith                         4   3  0  1   10   9  +1    9
3 Savojarna                         4   2  0  2    5   6  −1    6
4 Potato Farmers                    4   1  1  2    9   9   0    4
5 Euran Oceanian Territories        4   1  1  2    8  10  −2    4
6 Squornshelous Remnant States      4   0  1  3    8  12  −4    1

Either the Lexi Patterson Fan Club of Xanneria is supporting this group, or this is the one that does look a little too random. I like Hampton Island, don’t get me wrong. They are good for interesting storylines in NSSCRA and the World Baseball Classic, and their young well-spoken manager, but them being in first place is a surprise. They seem to draw a lot of whistles and red cards though. Other then the Golden Bears at the top, you have the SRS at the bottom. Now, they were a little lethargic during qualifying too, so maybe just the presence of the main Squornshelous back in the tournament is making them weasy.

On the flip side, don’t these groups look like they are playing out more according to plan?

Group A                  Pld   W   D   L    GF   GA   GD    Pts 
1 Xanneria                4    2   1   1     8    7   +1     7
2 Filindostan             4    2   1   1     8    5   +3     7
3 Terre Septentrionale    4    2   1   1     6    5   +1     7
4 Bears Armed             4    2   0   2     7    6   +1     6
5 The Sarian              4    1   1   2     4    8   −4     4
6 Razneta                 4    1   0   3     3    5   −2     3

Group B                    Pld  W  D  L   GF  GA  GD   Pts 
1 Lisander                  4   2  2  0    9   5  +4    8
2 Ziwana                    4   2  1  1   12  10  +2    7
3 Jeruselem                 4   1  3  0    8   6  +2    6
4 New Lusitania             4   1  2  1    7   8  −1    5
5 Saintland                 4   1  1  2    2   4  −2    4
6 Appalachian Nation        4   0  1  3    5  10  −5    1

Group C                    Pld  W  D  L   GF  GA  GD   Pts 
1 Pasarga                   4   3  1  0   12   7  +5   10
2 Squornshelous             4   2  1  1    8   7  +1    7
3 Ancherion                 4   2  0  2   12  12   0    6
4 Geektopia                 4   2  0  2    9   9   0    6
5 Timuria                   4   1  1  2    9  11  −2    4
6 Gyatso-Kai                4   0  1  3    5   9  −4    1

Group D                    Pld  W  D  L   GF  GA  GD   Pts 
1 Balqia                    4   2  2  0   10   7  +3    8
2 Tamgu                     4   1  3  0   11  10  +1    6
3 Mercedini                 4   1  3  0    7   6  +1    6
4 Flavovespia               4   0  4  0    5   5   0    4
5 Mattijana                 4   1  1  2    4   6  −2    4
6 Mkabia                    4   0  1  3    7  10  −3    1

I guess we’ll never know.

[Trolleborg]

In the final match of the group stage, the rival of our team will be Brusseldorf.
In this probably the last match of the season, our team will be supported by the national leader and the king, and both of them decline possibility to be seated in the box for honored guests, preferring to see the match in the stands right among the fans.

Los Aldredores is a team that has made significant progress in recent years. Brusseldorf has been playing for the few seasons up to date with the same lineup, and almost the same players enter the field every match. It is noteworthy that almost a third of all players perform not in the national championship, but in four championships outside it.

This healthy conservatism gives good results. In WCQ-83, our opponents took second place in the group after only Audioslavia, put themselves ahead of rivals at the very finish, ended up in the playoff, altought qualification spot slipped away from them. At the same time, having started the cycle in 84th place according to the KPB table, they went to the Harmony Cup as 62nd, and in the group stage they took second place in the group after only future champions of the tournament, won two more matches, lost in the drama-full semifinals and took fourth place.

Of course, great expectations were pinned on the WCQ-84. But after three consecutive wins, a sudden 0-3 defeat came from Acronius, the team that had previously lost all three games. From such a blow, as we all have seen from our own experience, it is very difficult to recover, and Brusseldorf had to spend a lot of time on this. After seven games team managed to put themselves only at seventh place, with a complete parity of victories and defeats, and as a result, our opponents finished fourth, with a result of 11 wins, 1 draw and 8 loses, with goal difference 35:32.

The Brusseldorf begin Harmony Cup as 38th-placed in the KPB table, and with great expectations. Failures at the start of the team did not break them, and now they has a chance to fix everything - but at our expense. Our guys will have to sweat a lot to avoid this.

Our lineup will be as follows:

FTST85: I don’t know why, either because we now also has to support Banija, or due to other circumstances, but our team was defeated in the key match of the tournament. Yes, Neuwmanistan played better, but still we didn’t play the most brilliant match in history. But how it happened - it already happened. Here we are again in Dodoma, at the already familiar stadium, and maybe we can still repeat the success achieved on our last visit when our guys defeated the Bolgano team. It is very possible this is our last match in Banija, but we will still be pleased to recall the days spent here among the heat and showers, drummers and dancers, «Banija waragi» и boda-boda!

TTV will broadcast the game in 3D, but apologizes for possible problems with multidimensionality during the upcoming match and the periodic loss and changes of color during the broadcast of the match with Newmanistan. The technology is only being tested, so one should not be surprised that not everything was smooth.

Game will begin in a few minutes

[Terre Septentrionale]

Terre Septentrionale loses against Xanneria

Hawthorne, Denalia, Xanneria - On matchday 4, Terre Septentrionale played it's most difficult game of the Cup of Harmony: A game against the co-hosts, Xanneria. Not only Xanneria is at home, they're also ranked higher than the Nordiques. Xanneria controlled the ball 52% f the time and shot 13 times with 9 of them are on target. Terre Septentrionale shot 11 times with 7 on target. The Reprezentacja Nordycki attacked at the 15th minute when Yannick Ksiezniakiewicz passed to Roksana Kolodziejczyk who dribbled with the ball and made a header pass to Fryderyka Cwierczakiewiczowa but she's tackled in the penalty area by James Fillmore who recieves a yellow card. Coach Slawomir Wyrzykowski was furious, he tought Fillmore deserved a red card for his hit on Cwierczakiewiczowa and he recieved a yellow card for arguing with the referree. Well, it was a penalty for Terre Septentrionale, and it was taken by Fryderyka Cwierczakiewiczowa who didn't seem badly hurt. Cwierczakiewiczowa kicks the ball and it's a goal! 1-0 Terre Septentrionale. Xanneria answered back at the 27th minute when Doby Bunnkirk passed to Pete Saigon who dribbled with the ball and made a short pass to Johnny Wright who shoots and score. The game is tied at 1-1. just before the end of the 1st half, more precisely at the 42nd minute, Terre Septentrionale attacked when Yannick Ksiezniakiewicz made a forward pass to Sandie McCracken, who is on the starting XI since she played well against Bears Armed. McCracken dribbled with the ball and made a cross to Sandrine Fontaine who kicks the ball and the ball is in! The Northmen are leading 2-1 and this is the halftime.

Xanneria attacked at the 56th minute when Lane Stegall passed to Richard Presentino who made a cross to Henry Clayton-Thorn who shoots. The ball is deflected by Zofia Kwietniewska and goes wide left. It's a corner kick for Xanneria and Richard Presentino kicks the ball in the penalty area, Glenn Hailey jumps higher than anyone and heads the ball into the net. The game is tied again. Terre Septentrionale atatcked at the 84th minute when Alicja Jedrzejczyk passed to Przemyslaw Tkocz who passed to Sandrine Fontaine who dribbled with the ball and shoots but the ball goes wide left and it's a goal kick. Dom Brabham kicks the ball, Henry Clayton-Thorn jumps and heads the ball to Glenn Hailey who kicks it into the net and it's a goal for the Maroons. Xanneria is leading 3-2 and this is the final score.

BOXSCORE

15th minute: Fryderyka Cwierczakiewiczowa (penalty)
27th minute: Johnny Wright assisted by Pete Saigon
42nd minute: Sandrine Fontaine assisted by Sandie McCracken
56th minute: Glenn Hailey (corner kick)
84th mimute: Glenn Hailey assisted by Henry Clayton-Thorn

YELLOW CARDS

9th minute: Alicja Jedrzejczyk
15th minute: James Fillmore
15th minute: Slawomir Wyrzykowski (head coach)
35th minute: Marcis Davidson
69th minute: Pete Saigon
75th minute: Slawomir Skrzeszewski

RED CARDS

None

Big mess in group A

With Xanneria's win against Terre Septentrionale and Bears Armed win against Filindostan, three teams are tied for the 1st place with 7 points: Terre Septentrionale, Xanneria and Filindostan. Then Bears Armed follows with 6 points and still can qualify. It's a big mess in group A and no one knows who will qualify. On the final matchday, Terre Septentrionale will play against Razneta, a team we can beat, in Catalan City while Xanneria and Filindostan will play each other at Palace City and Bears Armed and The Sarian will play in Hawthorne. Yes, the Nordiques has to play again in that freaking baseball stadium.

The ASS (Association Septentrionale de Soccer) filed an official complaint to the two hosts, Banija and Xanneria, and the president of the WCC, Equestria, about poor conditions of Air Catalina Dwight Stadium and we have obtained a copy of the email:

To: Banija, Xanneria, Equestria
From: The ASS

You might be aware that Xanneria decided to make us play soccer on a baseball field, which is unacceptable. The ASS (Association Septentrionale de Soccer, or Septentrional Soccer Association in English) asks baseball bases and the pitcher's mound to be removed for game 5. Terre Septentrionale players will stay at their hotel until the baseball bases and the pitcher's mound are completely removed and there's no trace of a baseball stadium. Which means Xanneria has to cover the infield with grass. Thank you.

Jean-Jacques Piette,
President of the ASS

Wlodzimierz Pietruszewski,
Senior writer, La tribune Septentrionale

[Brusseldorf]

SEPARATISTS ON THE FRONT


South Brusseldorf militants mobilising to defend their border. Source: IPI Global Observatory

In a dramatic turn of events, Prime Minister Abelt Nejem has rescinded his offer to settle the rising tensions in South Brusseldorf diplomatically. Previously Mr Nejem's intentions were to allow the Separatists full control of the South Brusseldorf region, free from any centralised Brusseldorfen rule. It was understood that a full apology from the Government would be issued to the civilians of South Brusseldorf, who, according to Separatist leadership were neglected during several national disasters occuring over the last decade. With these plans now out of consideration, Mr Nejem spoke to the nation in a solemn address, declaring that hostile action would be undertaken against South Brusseldorf. The national draft is now in full effect, with eligible men and women being sent to the southern border for initial training.


Prime Minister Abelt Nejem is keeping tight-lipped on the dilemma

Sources close to the Prime Ministers office suggest that an uncollaborative third party threw a spanner in the works, and that it was this development that destroyed any hopes of a peaceful outcome.

The ongoing conflict with South Brusseldorf has severely hampered several national events, including the Cup of Harmony invitational football tournament that Brusseldorf's national team is currently competing in. With almost all flights in and out of Brusseldorf cancelled, fans have been unable to travel to the games. Whilst the reports are fairly esoteric, rumours that morale has suffered due to lack of fans are proving to be true, with Brusseldorf's national team finding themselves in the middle of the table.

New Year celebrations were also cancelled, with worries that fireworks could be confused with an aerial missile attack. Gnl. Matic also said there was a possibility that militants would take the opportunity of fireworks as cover for such an attack, hence the decision to clear the skies. With the mood of the civilian populace already deflated, the move was not one taken lightly, and it is understood that the government were working on compensating the small businesses affected by the lack of a fireworks display.

[Xanneria]

Cutoff for MD 5, Here we go guys!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=31jvtk3Z8AU White Reaper "You Might Be Right" is tonight song!

[Squornshelous]

Lyyti fiddled restlessly with her spoon. Melkochuk hadn't been able to commit to another dinner on such short notice, and besides, she had a match that night, but he had insisted he would meet her for coffee early on the day of the match against Ancherion. In typical Melkochuk fashion, he had told her he knew "just the place," and had relayed instructions to the pair of security staff who had escorted her to the cafe where she waited. Her coffee was more than half empty now, and getting cold. She thought she'd noticed the staff throwing pitying glances her way. Is it that obvious I'm waiting for someone?

Involuntarily, she turned her head to look toward the door as it opened and someone entered. Well braced for further disappointment, she was caught completely by surprised that it was finally Melkochuk himself. He hustled through the doorway, and his face lit up in a smile as he spotted her and made a beeline for her table. Huffing and puffing slightly, he paused, leaning forward slightly with both hands on the back of the chair opposite her.

"My humblest apologies my dear, I hope you will forgive me. I was unavoidably delayed in some early morning talks with a potential business partner here in Pearlham. A most disagreeable man, drones on and on and never gets to the point, but one must needs stay and hear him out, first impressions being what they are." Lyyti opened her mouth to respond but Melkochuk continued, "Have you been waiting long? What am I saying, of course you have. We agreed to meet here nearly half an hour ago. What you must think of me."

"Kiril!" Lyyti had to raise her voice to break through the tumble of words, "just sit down, please."

"Of course, how rude of me to prattle on when already running late." Melkochuk seated himself across from her, motioning a server over. "A macchiato please, and for the lady . . ."

"Water please, I don't want to overcaffeinate on a matchday."

"As you say."

Melkochuk settled further into the chair as the server departed, "So then Lyyti, what is it you'd like to discuss with me. You made it all sound quite urgent, not that object to spending time in your company of course, but you have piqued my curiosity most considerably."

"Well, it's about our last match. Well, hopefully it's not our last match," she cursed herself inwardly for the awkward stumble, "but it could be."

"I daresay not. I have faith in the team, in you most especially, Lyyti. I have no doubt you'll make your way to the second round."

"I know we can, but if we don't we'll be headed home in a few days, and I - well, it's my family."

"Your family? I'm afraid I don't follow you my dear."

"None of the players families were approved for travel visas to come watch us play." She caught Melkochuk's gaze and held it, "My parents and my sister are such a huge part of my motivation. It would mean a lot to know they were there watching me for that last match." Lyyti had learned years ago that the best lies always had a grain of truth in them.

"Ah, yes of course, I see," Melkochuk's face took on a distracted look, his eyes momentarily wandering from their constant focus on Lyyti. "And of course you have turned to me to assist you. It's only natural. I worry though, Lyyti dear, that I may be unworthy of your confidence. Such things are beyond the bailiwick of a simple Undersecretary of Sport after all, and to persuade the higher-ups to go to such a considerable expense . . ."

"I'm sorry," she had to pick her words carefully here, "I just thought someone as important as you would be able to help. If it's impossible I wouldn't . . ."

"Now, now. No need to be hasty. I never said it was impossible. Difficult and expensive, yes yes, but not impossible."

"Then you think you might be able to?"

"I might, I am certainly willing to try, on your behalf."

"I'd be seriously in your debt. My family being here matters more to me than anything right now."

"More than advancing to the next round even," Melkochuk smiled.

Damnit, be careful Lyyti. "What's the point of winning if you can't celebrate it with those you care about? I know it would mean a lot to my family too if your could help us."

"Of course, what could be more important than family?"

"And friends," she gave him a smile she hoped was convincing, "we are friends, aren't we Kiril?"

Melkochuk burst out laughing, which she hadn't anticipated, but his words assured her that her question had the desired effect. "Oh my dear, of course we are. You need not even ask such a question."

"Then you'll help?"

"I will make every effort my dear." He took a quick sip of his drink as it arrived. "Superb, alas that I cannot remain to enjoy it properly." He stood, and Lyyti looked at him questioningly. "I must again beg your forgiveness, Lyyti, but there is no time to waste if we are to have your family here by the day after tomorrow. I have old friends to call, and favors to call in. Until next we meet, I must bid you farewell. Rest assured I will not rest until your heart's desire is yours."

Her smile this time was easy, almost genuine. "Thank you Kiril. I will be forever in your debt." Just like you're counting on you creep.

"A trifle my dear, but now I must go. Farewell."

Lyyti held her smile and waved as he exited and hurried out to his care, still idling at the curb. As it slid away down the block and out of sight, she allowed herself a triumphant smirk.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

That night, as she was introduced against Ancherion, she raised both hands to her mouth to blow the crowd a kiss, then lifted them above her head and waved. No turning back now.

[Geektopia]

Geektivities
*Be cool, be woke.
Matchday Chronicles: 4

Timuria
|2| - |4|
1': YC for #8 Yusuf Ihsanoglu (TIM), #3 Eyup Mustafa (TIM), and #3 Googolplexidudexithrex (GEE)
38': ⚽ Goal from Vatan Ercetin (TIM)
41': ⚽ Goal from #11 Tetrargantrituul (GEE)

---

[HT] 1-1 [HT]

---

56': ⚽ Goal from #11 Tetrargantrituul (GEE)
67': #21 Ira Tuckerman (GEE) -- replaces -> #9 Octuple-hyper-terinngathordeus (GEE)
68': ⚽ Goal from #7 Ennaeloctoldeus (GEE)
77': ⚽ Goal from #11 Tetrangantrituul (GEE)
82': ⚽ Goal from Tekin Yavuz (TIM)

---

[FT] 2-4 [FT]

---

"Good game lads, this might have been the most unexpected, high-calibre bout that we've flourished out of since the great Savojarnan football massacre of '84. Nevertheless, congratulations. Because of you, we still have a chance to make it into the top three of the table, but not without a miracle. We'll see how well you've reflected what I've told to you at the Ancherion post-game meeting and will be testing the waters of how big a ship these tactics can sink in Pasarga. For now, good luck! I'll be away for my anonymous sister's sweet 16 so you guys can guide yourselves with what I've taught you!

Tetrangantrituul - Thats a pretty convenient excuse for not giving a rat's tail.

"Tetras, I love ya, but sometimes you need to stop bobbing your own head out of your arse."

---

Attacking Pass Formation Used: N/A
OOC: Keyboard hotkey Shift not working. Expect Macintosh to not be acting like a 7 week-old cyclopic baby in 24 hours.

[Xanneria]

GROUP E-G

Automatically Qualified for Ro16

Group E
Brusseldorf 3–1 Trolleberg
BOLGANO 2–0 Vdara
Newmanistan 4–0 Busoga Islands

  Group E                         Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Newmanistan                       5   3  1  1   11   5  +6   10
2 Brusseldorf                       5   2  2  1   12  10  +2    8
3 Trolleberg                        5   2  1  2    8   9  −1    7
4 BOLGANO                           5   2  1  2    9   8  +1    7
5 Busoga Islands                    5   2  0  3    5   9  −4    6
6 Vdara                             5   1  1  3    5   9  −4    4

Trolleberg was classified in 3rd due to H2H victory over Bolgano

Group F
TJUN-ia 2–4 Hapilopper
Sajnur 2–2 Kelssek
Schottia 2–5 Sarzonia

                          Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
1 Sarzonia                5    3   1   1    17   13   +4    10
2 Kelssek                 5    3   1   1    17   14   +3    10
3 Hapilopper              5    2   1   2     9    8   +1     7
4 Sajnur                  5    1   3   1     8   10   −2     6
5 TJUN-ia                 5    1   1   3     9   13   −4     4
6 Schottia                5    1   1   3    11   13   −2     4

TJUN-ia classified ahead of Schottia due to H2H Victory

Group G
Savojarna 2–3 Squornshelous Remnant States
Euran Oceanian Territories 1–2 Kandorith
Potato Farmers 5–3 Hampton Island

  Group G                         Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Kandorith                         5   4  0  1   12  10  +2   12
2 Hampton Island                    5   3  1  1   14  10  +4   10
3 Potato Farmers                    5   2  1  2   14  12  +2    7
4 Savojarna                         5   2  0  3    7   9  −2    6
5 Euran Oceanian Territories        5   1  1  3    9  12  −3    4
6 Squornshelous Remnant States      5   1  1  3   11  14  −3    4

EOT classified ahead of SRS due to H2H Victory

[Banija]

It's tearing up my heart when I'm with you! Because when we are apart I feel it too!

And no matter what I do I feel the pain! With our fifth cutoff!

Green teams advance automatically to the Round of 16

Group A
The Sarian 0–1 Bears Armed
Terre Septentrionale 1–0 Razneta
Xanneria 0–1 Filindostan

Group A                  Pld   W   D   L    GF   GA   GD    Pts 
1 Filindostan             5    3   1   1     9    5   +4    10
2 Terre Septentrionale    5    3   1   1     7    5   +2    10
3 Bears Armed             5    3   0   2     8    6   +2     9
4 Xanneria                5    2   1   2     8    8    0     7
5 The Sarian              5    1   1   3     4    9   −5     4
6 Razneta                 5    1   0   4     3    6   −3     3

Group B
Ziwana 2–2 Lisander
Appalachian Nation 0–1 Jeruselem
New Lusitania 1–0 Saintland

Group B                    Pld  W  D  L   GF  GA  GD   Pts 
1 Lisander                  5   2  3  0   11   7  +4    9
2 Jeruselem                 5   2  3  0    9   6  +3    9
3 New Lusitania             5   2  2  1    8   8   0    8
4 Ziwana                    5   2  2  1   14  12  +2    8
5 Saintland                 5   1  1  3    2   5  −3    4
6 Appalachian Nation        5   0  1  4    5  11  −6    1

Group C
Gyatso-Kai 3–2 Squornshelous
Geektopia 1–3 Pasarga
Ancherion 1–4 Timuria

Group C                    Pld  W  D  L   GF  GA  GD   Pts 
1 Pasarga                   5   4  1  0   15   8  +7   13
2 Timuria                   5   2  1  2   13  12  +1    7
3 Squornshelous             5   2  1  2   10  10   0    7
4 Ancherion                 5   2  0  3   13  16  −3    6
5 Geektopia                 5   2  0  3   10  12  −2    6
6 Gyatso-Kai                5   1  1  3    8  11  −3    4

Group D
Mattijana 1–2 Flavovespia
Mkabia 3–3 Tamgu
Balqia 1–4 Mercedini

Group D                    Pld  W  D  L   GF  GA  GD   Pts 
1 Mercedini                 5   2  3  0   11   7  +4    9
2 Balqia                    5   2  2  1   11  11   0    8
3 Tamgu                     5   1  4  0   14  13  +1    7
4 Flavovespia               5   1  4  0    7   6  +1    7
5 Mattijana                 5   1  1  3    5   8  −3    4
6 Mkabia                    5   0  2  3   10  13  −3    2

[Banija]

Teams in red will not qualify for Knockout Stages

A reminder of our tiebreakers for convenience's sake..
1) H-2-H Points
2) H-2-H Goal Difference
3) Overall Goal Difference
4) Wins
5) Goals For
6) Coin Flip (OOCly Rank+RP Bonus or, if still tied, we'll break the tie by scorinating tiebreaker matches until the tie is broken).


Ranking of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place teams

Qualifiers                  Pld  W  D  L   GF  GA  GD   Pts 
1 Pasarga                    5   4  1  0   15   8  +7   13
1 Kandorith                  5   4  0  1   12  10  +2   12
1 Newmanistan                5   3  1  1   11   5  +6   10* - (Ranked ahead of Sarzonia & Filindostan based on tiebreaker #3)
1 Sarzonia                   5   3  1  1   17  13  +4   10*- (Ranked ahead of Filindostan based on tiebreaker #5)
1 Filindostan                5   3  1  1    9   5  +4   10
1 Mercedini                  5   2  3  0   11   7  +4    9* - (Ranked ahead of Lisander based on tiebreaker #6)
1 Lisander                   5   2  3  0   11   7  +4    9
2 Hampton Island             5   3  1  1   14  10  +4   10* - (Ranked ahead of Kelssek and Terre Septentrionale based on tiebreaker #3)
2 Kelssek                    5   3  1  1   17  14  +3   10* - (Ranked ahead ofTerre Septentrionale based on tiebreaker #3)
2 Terre Septentrionale       5   3  1  1    7   5  +2   10
2 Jeruselem                  5   2  3  0    9   6  +3    9
2 Brusseldorf                5   2  2  1   12  10  +2    8* - (Ranked ahead of Balqia based on tiebreaker #3)
2 Balqia                     5   2  2  1   11  11   0    8
2 Timuria                    5   2  1  2   13  12  +1    7
3 Bears Armed                5   3  0  2    8   6  +2    9
3 New Lusitania              5   2  2  1    8   8   0    8

3 Potato Farmers             5   2  1  2   14  12  +2    7
3 Tamgu                      5   1  4  0   14  13  +1    7
3 Hapilopper                 5   2  1  2    9   8  +1    7
3 Squornshelous              5   2  1  2   10  10   0    7
3 Trolleberg                 5   2  1  2    8   9  −1    7

Round of 16
Banijan Half- All matches in this half played in, and scorinated by, Banija.

Match #1: Pasarga v. New Lusitania @ Albert III Stadium in Dodoma, Bunyoro

Match #2: Hampton Island v. Kelssek @ Tiones Lumber Field at the Wolf's Den in Busembe, Kitara

Winners of Match #1 and Match #2 will play in Quarterfinal #1 at BCEL Stadium in Jinja City, Hangza

Match #3: Sarzonia v. Balqia @ Eastern Stadium in Rukunbi, Istria, Moravica

Match #4: Filindostan v. Brusseldorf @ Electra Stadium in Mynda, Aksum

Winners of Match #3 and Match #4 will play in Quarterfinal #2 at the Hangaza Unified Stadium in Aissa, Hangaza

Winners of Quarterfinal #1 and Quarterfinal #2 will play in Semifinal #1 at Star Field in Herzegovina City, Moravica

Xanneria Half- All matches in this half played in, and scorinated by, Xanneria

Match #5: Mercedini v. Jeruselem @ MetroCom Deluxe City Stadium in Alexandria City, York

Match #6: Newmanistan v. Timuria @ Steelworkers Memorial Stadium in Dursten, Hampton

Winners of Match #5 and Match #6 will play in Quarterfinal #3 at Golden Gopher Casino - Palace City Stadium in Palace City, West Troy

Match #7: Lisander v. Terre Septentrionale @ EEUFCU McAnally Stadium in East End, XCT

Match #8: Kandorith v. Bears Armed @ Air Force Veterans Memorial Stadium in Houston, Tacoma

Winners of Match #7 and Match #8 will play in Quarterfinal #4 at Cunningham Family Stadium in Delano City, Delano

Winners of Quarterfinal #3 and Quarterfinal #4 will play in Semifinal #2 at Elliot Family Stadium in Marietta, Xanneria

[Jeruselem]

Princess Katherine Annabelle Dallas dressed as Bat Girl in Xanneria ...

This is Princess Katherine Annabelle Dallas for Naked News Jeruselem.
I'm covering the Cup of Harmony 76 in Xanneria.
It's match day 5 of qualification stage of the cup.

Group B went down the last day with 5 teams with possibility of qualification but one team was really an outside chance.
Ziwana vs Lisander, Appalachian Nation vs Jeruselem, New Lusitania vs Saintland.
Well well, it all came down to one point between the top 2 and 3rd and 4th.

Ziwana faced off with Lisander, both of which were the top 2 but a win of either of these would secure a top 2 spot.
Despite their efforts, none could get those 3 points and dragged out a 2-2 draw.
This meant Lisander moved to 9 points and Ziwana moved to 8 points.

New Lusitania met Saintland, both needed a win from their positions.
New Lusitania did beat Saintland 1-0 and eliminated Saintland who were already in trouble anyway.
This pushed New Lusitania to 8 points!

This left Jeruselem and the eliminated Appalachian Nation who has managed 1 draw for 1 point.
We pretty much needed to win this as we expected some of the other teams to win.
And we did win, like 1-0. Well, it wasn't our best but our opponent had trouble scoring anyway.
Well, this meant we got 9 points and well, we made the top 2!

The table is Lisander 9, Jeruselem 9, top 2 qualified.
New Lusitania was 3rd on 8 and 4th Ziwana 8. Saint on 4 and that team last.
So we qualified but not it's up to the rather complicated method to work out which 3rd placed team also qualified so New Lusitania have to learn their fate.

Some group stats.
Ziwana had the best offense with 12 goals but Lisander scored 11 in a close one.
The best defense went to Saintland conceding 5 but they scored like 2 as well. Jeruselem had the 2nd best defense with 6, 3 were scored against us in one game.
Lisander had the best goal difference with +4, Jeruselem +3. Jeruselem and Lisander had 2 wins and 3 draws each too, undefeated.

In Group E, our friends Newmanistan qualified in top spot! Well done!
In Group A, Xanneria one of the hosts bombed out. I guess they don't have fly home eh. Bears Armed did win their last game but only got 3rd spot so they have to wait to see if they can make it.
Current form team is Pasarga, who had 4 wins and 1 draw. They dominated their opponents.
We need to wait to see final qualification spots from 3rd placed teams so I won't cover who qualified now.

Now, the competition for my segment.
Yeah, I'm getting the trolls doing their thing but don't worry we know their ISP and who they work for. And where they live ...
I'm still processing stuff so I'm not making decision.
My cousin Hamish made some suggestions too but they are bit too ... pornographic for TV so say. He's got a grubby mind.

Well, that's all from me for today.
I'll be back to look at qualification teams when they get determined. We are one of them.

OOC

2nd RP will follow

[Trolleborg]

BRUSSELDORF – TROLLEBORG 3:1

Hernandez,25 (1-0).


Wolfenden,37(2-0).


Pickett,58(3-0).


Troll,77 (3-1).

[OOC: I hope that the tournament participants enjoyed seeing the events in three-dimensional format, or at least someone watched them at all.
Altought in private messaging I predicted precisely such a development of events in CoH,
I must admit, that having get such a result for so much effort is, nevertheless, rather disappointing].

[Sarzonia]

The beginning of the Cup of Harmony looked like the end of the momentum for the Sarzonian national football team after an opening match defeat to world No. 50 Hapilooper with Group F's highest ranked team Kelssek looming next.

The group stage ends with the Stars not only not ready to pack their bags, but also staying in as group winners. Kelssek qualified with a 2-2 draw against Sajnur, but the Stars won the group with a 5-2 victory over Schottia that caused the team to end the group stage level with the Voyagers in points.

The first tiebreaker in this tournament, head to head results caused the Stars to wrest the group title away from Kelssek.

"We just took care of business," defender and team captain Russ Howard said. "We had what we wanted, control of our own destiny and we got the result."

The Stars earned the fourth overall seed of the 16 remaining teams heading into the knockout rounds. They are level with Kelssek for the highest goal scoring offence in the Cup. Of greater concern for both the Stars and the Voyagers is their respective defences. Sarzonia's 13 goals conceded is level with three teams that have already been sent packing and is better than only three other teams, of whom only Kelssek remain.

Meanwhile, only Ancherion have a leakier defence than the Voyagers' 14 goals allowed. Only Group G doormats Squornshelan Remnant States have allowed as many goals.

The Stars are concerned about their defence after limiting their opponents to 1.35 goals per match during World Cup qualifying and allowing 2.6 goals per match in the five matches of the Cup of Harmony group stage, but they're also focused more on their next opponents. Balqia come in as Group D runners up after losing a 4-1 drubbing at the hands of Mercedini with both teams fighting to win the group.

Defender Charlie King said the team would treat their opponents as "wounded animals."

"They say wounded animals are more dangerous," he said. "We expect them to be highly motivated and out for blood, so we'd better get ready fast."

The team especially needs to be ready fast after event organisers pushed the schedule back by two days, which results in just one day between the end of the group stage and the start of the knockout rounds. It's a concern for manager Kevin Connelly.

"It's not ideal, I'll say that," he said. "You'd like an opportunity to lick your wounds and work on areas of concern, but all the teams still playing are in the same boat."

One thing is clear. No matter what happens, the Stars are leaving the World Cup 84 cycle a completely different team from the one that looked forward to playing with a new batch of players and a young manager.

They will take with them memories of rallying around each other in grief over the suicide of manager Bryan Ostrom. They will remember the solitary of tears such as World Cup qualifying opponents Trolleborg and current Cup of Harmony hosts Banija among those who paid tribute to him.

They will remember the controversy surrounding King and the political ramifications of a scandal that gave Sarzonia their latest political enemies in Squornshelous.

They will remember their own resolve, which saw them rally from their nadir of a 1-3-4 record and the footballing equivalent of the freshman fraternity pledge being forced to say, "thank you, sir, may I please have another?" Their mark of 10-5-2 since, highlighted by a massive upset of world No. 19 Brenecia, a 3-1 away result that was as much about revenge as it was about playing with pride.

They will also walk away with new rivals, from a friendly opponent in TJUN-ia after the Stars shocked them with an epic comeback to a hostile one in the Voyagers after another comeback and murmuring from Kelssek in the moments after the match between both remaining Group F sides saw a 5-4 Sarzonia victory.

Whether the journey ends tomorrow night against Balqia or ends with the Stars holding the Cup of Harmony aloft for the second time in their history, or anything in between, one thing will be certain about this cycle.

It will be an unforgettable journey for a pledge that got sick of being whacked and returned fire.