Cup of Harmony 76 - Everything Thread

[Bears Armed]

Sports journalist Arrieth Grey, who has now been flown out to Xanneria so that she can send first-hand accounts of this tournament back home for the ‘Sports’ section of ‘The Bear Necessities’, is working on her report about the Belles’ opening game here.
(Footnote labels in grey are purely OOC...)

BELLES WIN AGAIN!

Bears Armed vs. Xanneria
Venue: City of HAwthorne Stadium, Hawthorne, Xanneria.
Score: 3-2. (Bears Armed win)

Goals
Bears Armed (3): O Redbank (#23) @ 12’ (assist: Brent [#11]); Kuthbearrh (#10) @ NN’ (assist: Brent [#11]); O Redbank (#23) @ 50’ (assist: Brent [#11]).
Xanneria (2): Glenn Hailey (#1 [captain]) @ 40’ (assist: Presentino [#2]); Laymore (#12) @ 87’ (assist: Glenn Hailey [#1]).

Red Cards
(none)

Substitutions due to Injury
(none)

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

Xanneria’s “Maroons” are one of the two teams in this group that the Belles have already faced since revival, in WC qualifying stage, so this was our girls’ third game against them… and, despite the Maroons’ higher NSWCC ranking (on basis of international experience at this level) and the fact that they were at home for not only this game but one of those others also — the Belles’ third win against them, too!
In their role as co-hosts for this Cup, Xanneria have chosen to hold all three of each Match-Day’s games for any group here in one particular stadium, except on Match-day Five when each group’s three games will be spread across the three separate stadiums that have been used already — the largest of them twice — over the preceding days… which means that on this opening day, as on the next three as well, each group’s three games will follow each other on a morning, afternoon, & evening, basis. ⁽¹⁾ And, of course, the game in which they played — with our Belles drawn as their opponents — had to be scheduled as the very first game of that series. So, although morning isn’t most Bears’ best time of the day

She stops typing, and looks down at her handwritten notes.

(WCQ, MD3: Belles win 4-3 ‘away’ @ XanAir National Stadium, since “decommissioned” according to local press & thus not in use for this contest.
WCQ, MD14: Belles win 1-0 ‘home’ @ Wimbley).

I wonder how they’ll feel next time one of their football teams gets drawn against urrs?

When giving details of game, mention that Glenn Hailey had already announced this contest would be his last one at international level.
His brother Mark was the player badly injured in the Belles’ second game against them, banged heads with Urrsarra Shipbear when they were both going for the ball — Xannarran press confirm that that concussion ended his career. Urrgah! Put this in in to-be-printed article, as reminder that (even though Maroons try to play as offensively-styled as Ursine ‘Fieldball’ players⁽²⁾) Humans are relatively fragile? Do NOT, in case they’re the sort of nation who would see that as gloating? Attach note, and leave it to editors… Maybeso it’s a good thing that Urrsarra isn’t in this version of the Belles⁽³⁾, and thus isn’t there, anyhows…

MD1: vs Xanneria (51) @ City of HAwthorne Stadium, city of Hawthorne (74’000).
MD2: vs Terre Septentrionale (58) @ Golden Gopher Casino - Palace City Stadium (50’000) = all MD2 games, ours is listed first.
MD3: vs Razneta (154) @ Air Catalina Dwight Stadium, Catalan City, Catalina (48’000; also used for baseball)? printed schedule says MD4, but also says specifically all MD4 games are at ‘City of Hawthrorne’ stadium & doesn’t give one for MD3, so… and ours is listed first again.
MD4: vs Filindostan (64) @ City of Hawthrorne Stadium, again = all MD4 games, ours is listed first
MD5: vs The Sarian (96) @ City of Hawthorne Stadium (74,000) = just this game, this day.

“Fleas and fur-loss! Four morning games in a row? The girls hrreally aren’t going to like that schedule…”

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

_______________________________________

OOC Footnotes

1. That’s how I’m presuming that it works, from the details given by Xanneria in their first post in this thread, anyhows: Am I right, or is each “Match-Day” actually spread over three days IC so that there’s only one game played — probably in the evening — per day?
2. ‘Fieldball’ is the Bears’ most “traditional” team ball-game, and is more like Rugby than Soccer. Playing it (at least at ‘organised’ levels) has almost always been an all-male activity, and it was the failure of one attempt at setting up a semi-pro ‘She-Bears’ Fieldball League’ that led to the organisation of the nation’s first Soccer league — with all of its players female — instead. Soccer has remained a predominantly female sport for the Bears ever since then. OOC, think of it as being a bit like the situation with Gridiron & Soccer in the RL USA, which was one of my inspirations for this…
(However, the fact that female Bears are typically closer to Humans in their physical capabilities than male Bears are, so that the matches would be easier to explain like this, was also a major factor in my decision to make B-A’s team an all-female one.)

3. Not because of that accident, because as one of the few players who’ll still be young enough to play in the next DBC she’s been pulled out to help organise the Belles’ squad for that instead…

[TJUN-ia]

TJUN-ia Update: We Are Sorry!

Everyone from FA TJUN-ia would like to apologise to everyone in attendance in our opening game of our first Cup of Harmony.

It was at the Electra Stadium in Mynda, and we were playing Sanjur. It was the most boring game we have played in international football. 0-0. It says it all.

Our next game is against Schottia, who was in our WCQ group, at the Wolf's Den in Busembe. GO JAGS!

MD1: vs Sanjur (61) @Electra Stadium, Mynda Drew 0-0 (T-3rd)
MD2: vs Schottia (90) @Tiones Lumber Field at the Wolf's Den, Busembe
MD3: vs Sarzonia (110) @Eastern Stadium, Istria
MD4: vs Kelssek (41) @Lwanga City Arena, Lwanga
MD5: vs Hapilopper (50) @Hangaza Unified Stadium, Aissa

[Schottia]

The Wedding

Part Seven.

Fashionably Late.

OOC: Thanks to Eura and Nephara for lending me Belgrave and Close for this story.

By the time Connie arrived at the town hall, the reception area was already beginning to empty, with the guests funnelling their way through into the hall proper, for the ceremony. She had a quick scan around, seeing if she could pick out Kevin Belgrave amongst the heads. As a goalkeeper, he wasn’t the shortest person in the world, but even on her tiptoes, Connie couldn’t make him out. It was a bit rude of her to be honest, just leaving him to arrive by himself. Would it kill her – just for once – to put someone else’s feelings ahead of her own? Clearly compassion wasn’t something she practiced often, otherwise it would be her walking down the aisle today and not some Vilitan waitress.

If they had arrived together it would have felt too much like a date. Also she would have been obligated to be punctual, and keep her shit together – two things that Connie was not an expert at. This was just friends… wait, no, loose acquaintances attending a function together. She most certainly wasn’t going to get off her face and end up sleeping with him. If anything like that happened, it would be absolutely terrible. This was categorically not the start of a relationship. That would mean she’d have to clean her apartment, get her shit together, and take someone else’s feelings into account. Worse still, it would mean that she had a “type.” Easy-going, nice guys, who she preceded to mentally torture and utterly destroy emotionally.

She grabbed a full glass of wine from one of the serving trays, and drank it quickly while slowly making her way towards the mass of bodies. On reflection, the dress wasn’t going to cut the mustard. (Who’d have thought a twenty pound dress, bought without consideration wouldn’t be up to mark..?) It had these weird buttons at the neck, which kept coming undone, making the thing slide about her shoulders.

‘Kev… Fuck.’ Connie spotted the Directus keeper a few metres ahead, but there was no was of getting his attention without screaming like a crazy bitch. All the same, her vulgarity drew the glare of an older woman, who looked her up and down with disgust. Maybe she should have worn something that covered the tattoos... Connie was typically full of good idea, but never before the horse had well and truly bolted.

There was nothing for it but to wait until the crowd had passed through the big double doors, then she could muscle her way past. Inside, Connie could already hear piano music, clearly audible over the low murmur of the expectant crowd. She gave a short nod of acknowledgment, after briefly making eye contact with Jack Avelione and his partner. The girl’s name escaped her. She was tall, and either a model or just looked like one. Connie felt like a garden gnome stood behind them.

‘There you are, you big lanky cunt!’ She gave Belgrave a punch in the ribs, in way of a greeting once she finally caught up. After getting over his initial surprise, he seemed relieved to see her. ‘Did I miss much?’ Connie moved her weight from foot to foot. Her cheapo shoes were now rubbing the skin from her heels; this was already turning out to be a disaster, and she wasn’t even drunk yet.

‘You look nice.’ Belgrave lied, studying her outfit.

‘Thanks.’ Obviously it never occurred to her to return the compliment, nor offer an explanation as to why she was running late. She grimaced, trying to decide whether or not she should just dispense with the shoes altogether.

‘All good?’ The Eura number-one asked, picking up on her facial expression.

‘These shoes are fucking…’ She gritted her teeth. ‘Destroying my feet.’

‘Well… we kind of need your feet…’ Belgrave tried to inject a little humour, but at the same time he was partly serious.

”We are gathered here…”

At the sound of the registrar’s voice, the hall fell silent. From where they were stood, Connie could just about make out the tops of Ross and Ereni’s heads. She knew him well enough to know how nervous he would be. He hated an audience, which wasn’t a good quality in a V-League striker. She couldn’t help but wonder what his speech would be like. And… eh… erm… eh… Then again, once he got a bottle of beer in him he’d be fine. He deserved this. He deserved to be happy.

Maybe for some people there actually were happy endings. She felt her arm brush with Belgrave’s and instantly took a step to the away. Some stories had happy endings but not her’s.

---

Fifteen minutes earlier, just around the corner…

‘So what’s my official role here?’ Thompson panted, as they jogged round the street corner, turning into the High Street. ‘Is it like, deputy Best Man..?’

‘Really!?’ Evelyn snapped, that’s what you’re thinking about right now? At a time like this?’ She was carrying her shoes in one hand, holding onto the hem of her dress in the other as they moved at pace.

‘I was only trying to make conver–‘ Thompson was clearly struggling, taking gulps of air. ‘–sation.’

‘Save your breath Paul.’ These past two weeks of permanent scowling had probably added the first lines of aging to Evelyn’s face. ‘You’re slow enough as it is.’

The wedding car getting towed was stroke of back luck – then again, it had been parked in the emergency ambulance bay. After taken a few minutes to calm Ross down – then a few more to assess the situation – the only option had been to run the three kilometres to the town hall.

‘With you running your bloody fastest, how do you expect an old man like me to keep up?’ Thompson was generally a fun loving character, but if there was one thing he hated, it was physical exertion.

‘Paul, I am jogging slowly – in a dress – holding my shoes… This is not fast.’

The whole time, Ross hadn’t uttered a word. His brow was furrowed hard, his teeth clenched, and his head perpetually shaking. It generally didn’t take much to get him flustered.

‘Ross, we’ll make it in time.’ Evelyn offered as comfort. ‘It’s just up the top of this street, and we’ve still got five minutes.’ Ross was too busy worrying to answer.

As they reached the side door to the town hall, the registrar was already stood outside, and he looked like a stone had been lifted from his heart when he saw them round the corner. ‘You had me worried.’ He said, offering a hand. ‘You must be Ross, Evelyn, and..?’ The registrar was is shot, plump man, with think salt and pepper hair, and a ruddy complexion. After the introduction, he ushered them quickly inside, while a member of staff found a glass of water and a hand towel for poor Paul Thompson, whose face had gone scarlet.

‘Your guests are already waiting in the foyer.’ A young woman, who was clearly a member of the town hall staff informed them. ‘You can wait here, and we’ll call you in.’ She pushed open the door to a small waiting area, with wood panelled walls and soft carpeted floor. There was seating along one side, and a table with bottles of sparkling water and a pot of fresh coffee. Ross and Evelyn sat side by side, while Thompson made a beeline for the coffee, no doubt to put more strain on his long-suffering heart.

A silence had fallen on the group as they took stock, realising how close they came to fucking the whole thing up. A lot had happened in the ten years Evelyn had found Thompson in that smoking golf buggy at the bottom of her garden in San Marco. There had been ups and down, ins and outs, overs and unders, but somehow they had made it to a good place.

‘That’s a nice dress Evelyn.’ Thompson broke the silence, the coffee seeming to have restored his ability to speak.

‘Thanks.’ She replied, looking down at it. Commenting on fashion was very un-Thompson like thing to do. ‘I went for black, given that, you know, my chances of finding a Conjure family tartan are slim.’

There was a gentle knock at the door, and the young woman entered calmly. She was dressed in a crisp white shirt and knee length grey-green skirt, which made her look several years older than she probably was. She smiled politely and clasped her hands in front of her, waiting patiently until she had the group’s undivided attention. ‘Okay Mr Renshaw, if you and your party are ready?’

[Mattijana]

Mattijana Win Nervy CoH Opener

Mattijana 2-1 Mkabia

-Jokic (23')
-Hojbjerg (73')

-Mlapa (44')

Marko Hojbjerg's late header was enough for a 2-1 win -albeit an unimpressive one - in Mattijana's Cup of Harmony opener in Xanneria.

The marmots struggled to break down a resolute Mkabian defence and were often threatened on the counter attack as the 204th-ranked side nearly nicked a point, but Mattijana held on for a much-needed win courtesy of the midfielder's calmly-taken goal.

Head coach Zala Stefanidi made several change to her first-choice XI from World Cup qualifying, thanks to tougher ties against Balqia, Mercedini and Tamgu making up the Marmot's next three ties. Youngsters Matej Jokic, Jasmina Kovac and Ana Sevastova started in place of Kara Lorenzic, Katarina Jakupovic and Katija Burnisovic, Hojbjerg skippering the side with both the usual captain and vice captain dropping to the bench.

Despite the changes, Mattijana made a bright start and took the lead after 23 minutes when Jessika Struna's cross picked out Jokic in the middle, the 21 year-old Savafluss striker chesting the ball down and shooting into the bottom corner on the half volley.

They nearly doubled their lead a few minutes when Mkabia's 24 year-old keeper Salim Sankaré saved well from a curling effort by Struna, before being called into action again to prevent Jokic from slotting home late in the half.

The form of Sankaré, as well as some resolute defending earnt the leopards a route back into the game moments before the half time whistle. A long ball from the back was flicked on beautifully by target man Mamadouba Diawara, putting Zakaria Mlapa through on goal. The midfielder hesitated slightly as he bore down on goal, but cut inside the recovering Ana Sevastova before curling an exquisite finish into Lucija Handanovic's top corner.

The goal changed the dynamic at half time, with Mkabia back in the game despite being on the back foot for most of the half. The second period started in the same vein as the first however, with Mattijana dominating possession and preventing their opponents from playing their usual attacking game. They themselves largely found themselves playing in front of two well-organised defensive lines and were largely restricted to opportunistic shots from outside the penalty area.

The introduction of Katarina Jakupovic added some extra intensity and creativity to the Mattijanan midfield, and the group's second seeds started to push forward with 20 minutes left on the clock. Struna flashed a shot across the face of goal before Jokic had a shot deflected just wide, but it was a free-kick from the right wing, won when Struna was tripped by Mkabia captain Denké Sesay, that would eventually cause one problem too many for the underdogs.

Jakupovic's away-swinging delivery found the towering Rikard Illicic in the area, the defender drawing in several defenders before flicking his header to an unmarked Marko Hojbjerg, who did the rest at the back post.

Mattijana were able to see out the game with few issues, but will be disappointed they had to wait so late before striking their killer blow against the group's bottom seeds. Having said that, the game is the best possible warm-up for crucial ties against higher-ranked opposition in the coming days and Stefanidi's side still sit top of the group thanks to Group D's other matches ending in draws. Mercedini also struggled to break down a resolute Flavovespia in a 1-1 stalemate whilst Balqia and Tamgu's tie was at the opposite end of the entertainment spectrum, ending with a thrilling 4-4 scoreline.

The marmots next take on 74th-ranked Balqia in Velstin Point, looking to extend their lead at the top of the group stage table.

[Trolleborg]

The national team is ready to enter the field in its second match in the tournament. Today, the rival will be BOLGANO. The team is an alloy of young and promising players and experienced football masters, and together they prefer to play very carefully. BOLGANO is a country of tropical islands, so Banija's climate is more familiar to them than to our football players. It will be a difficult match – but, well, when did we have simple matches?
Our team will play with a following line-up:

FTST85: Who could say a year ago that we will do just that this day? Namely, to march through the city of Dodoma in a distant Banija in the pouring tropical rain, chanting “Trolle-borg! Trolle-borg!” and singing “Our land” on the way to the local mind-blowing stadium. It is really breathtaking and especially, as it turned out, the atmosphere on the stadium. I think, there is a special sound system, that enhances every sound. And you know what I'll tell you? I am very glad that we are here with our team, and discovering another piece of the world around our country.

TTV ready to bring football from the stadium right to your home in all its glory and scope. The live broadcast has already begun. You can watch from the usual point, or you can through the eyes of the fans, as if you yourself are in their midst and sing the anthem standing two steps from the field. The national anthem of our rivals “Sea of Bolgano” already sounds, so hurry up to take the proper place

[Kandorith]

Shinonome Kyoai - International
_________________________________

Hayabusa's First Success

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

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

Lwanga, Buganda, With the excitement high for the Cup of Harmony and the first match with Hayabusa at the helm of the national team nothing was left to the imagination. Fans at home and abroad saw Kandorith achieve a narrow victory over Potato Farmers. The win did not go without controversy however. Multiple decisions during the match were questionable, to say the least. Where Kandorith was looking to spare much of their energy it seems they have been able to do so.

We asked Hayabusa on his opinion on the refereeing and the commotion caused by the officials during the match. "Laughable," The ever smiling manager said. "I find the anger and frustration understandable but, some of the reactions are quite childish. I must say I have not seen every decision made because I was more occupied with coaching the team but I think we should have done better nonetheless. This team has great potential and I am looking forward to getting them to that level and beyond."

He took a moment to show us some of the statistics the coaching team uses during the matches before he spoke again: "The thing is, we should have been more focussed on retaining possession. I do understand this is the opening match with a new coaching team, but I think we can fix this quite easily and rapidly. I am looking forward to see a more possessive and aggressive playing Kandorith in the coming matches."

A question most asked around message boards to Hayabusa was how he reacted when appointed national coach and what it was like to step onto the field during the first match. "Difficult," He answered. "The atmosphere was overwhelming and a certain pride ignites in a part of your every being. I have to admit, once the national anthem started playing I teared up." He laughed and shook his head bemused. "I think it was overwhelming to all of us, it always is. I really admire the players in this team and how they can keep calm in such an atmosphere." We thanked the manager for his time as he did not want to discuss possible upcoming changes to the team.

In the next match Kandorith faces Hampton Island which according to Hayabusa and the players should be a "rather easy match, or at least not one to lose sleep on". Of course no single match is easy during large tournaments Hampton Island however, is the lowest ranked team in the group and one of the lowest ranked teams in the entire tournament. With the way Kandorith has been playing during the World Cup qualifications against bigger teams the match will be one to take on somewhat more lightly. It is expected Hayabusa will field some of the substitute players at the start of the match to give the star players a rest.

Expected Lineup:
GK
Hikomasa
DF
Miyake, Hisagushi, Takayama
MF
Tanaka, Ishibashi, Hisegawa, Muri, Yamaguchi
FW
Kiyowara, Katano

[Terre Septentrionale]

Terre Septentrionale blanks The Sarian

Hawthorne, Denalia, Xanneria - Terre Septentrionale started off the Cup of Harmony 76 with a 1-0 win against The Sarian. Élisabeth Normandin missed her 3rd of 3 games of suspension. The Nordiques controlled the ball 52% of the time and shot 15 times with 9 of them were on target. The Sarian shot 12 times with 8 on target. Terre Septentrionale attacked at the 17th minute when Przemyslaw Tkocz passed to Sandrine Fontaine who made a short pass to Pawel Wawrzynkiewicz who dribbled with the ball and made a cross to Fryderyka Cwierczakiewiczowa who shoots but Oodel Duoztiun made a fantastic save and the score is still 0-0. This is the score at the halftime.

The Sarian attacked at the 58th minute when Jodi Lauri passed the ball to Wictor Buul who dribbled with the ball and made a short pass to Wera Pauwelz who shoots but Zofia Kwietniewska made a terrific save and the score is still 0-0. The Sarian attacked again at the 72nd minute when Luc Bisop passed to Lizett Aucs who tried to pass to Maeri Beniut but Zdzislaw Brzezanczyk slides and blocks the pass, the ball is loose. Przemyslaw Tkocz takes the loose ball and passed to Yannick Ksiezniakiewicz who dribbled with the ball and made a long forward pass to Fryderyka Cwierczakiewiczowa who shoots and she scores! The score is 1-0 Reprezentacja Nordycki and this is the final score.

BOXSCORE

72nd minute: Fryderyka Cwierczakiewiczowa assisted by Yannick Ksiezniakiewicz

YELLOW CARDS

11th minute: Przemyslaw Tkocz
28th minute: Zdzislaw Brzezanczyk
36th minute: Walt Beunaad
66th minute: Jodi Lauri
89th minute: Zofia Kwietniewska

RED CARDS

None

Bears Armed

Terre Septentrionale is now in first place in group A tied with Bears Armed and Filindostan. Bears Armed caused the surprise of the day by defeating the home team Xanneria, though those who knows Bears Armed knows it's never a surprise whenever they wins. They used to be one of the best team and they're still good despite their low rank. Talking about the Belles, they're our next opponent on matchday 2 in palace City, Xanneria. Élisabeth Normandin, who purged a 3 games suspension, will be back in the starting XI.

Wlodzimierz Pietruszewski,
Senior writer, La tribune Septentrionale

[Newmanistan]

THE ROCKET REPORT

RUBBER MATCH WITH BRUSSELDORF UPCOMING

by Brianne Henry,

It’s time to play Brusseldorf again! Before World Cup qualifying, we did not know much of anything about the nation, or their soccer team. When the groups were drawn, they would be the pot three team, and hoped to be in the shoes that we ended up being in when it came to giving Audioslavia and Sargossa a scare. By the way, just like we’re in the same group with Brusseldorf again, even Audioslavia and Sargossa were drawn together again. Things from Group 1 come out in pairs, apparently. Now, the teams meet for the third time this cycle, with the home squad earning the win in each match during qualifying. On neutral turf now, who will get the rubber match?

When the teams played in Newmanistan, it was the final matchday of the first half, and a nearly flawless defensive effort saw the sky blue blank “Los Alrededores” by the score of 1-0. Ryan McNamara was in goal for that match of course, but for the second meeting things were a lot different. The matchday was in the final matchday of qualifying, at a point in time where the Rockets magical run was over. They were eliminated, and had nothing to play for. Goalkeeper Aaron Scarpa, playing for the injured McNamara struggled with the starting role, and the match against Brusseldorf was no exception, as Los Alrededores won, 3-1.

Now, there is plenty at stake for the third meeting between the sides, and after Brusseldorf only drew with Bolgano, they’ll be pushing hard for a bounce back result here. The Rockets opened with a 2-0 win over Vdara in a game they were expected to win and will therefore intimidate people the same that Jeff Shreeves intimidates NSSCRA drivers on qualifying day. They took care of business though, which is more then can be said for nations like Squornshelan Remnant States, who lost to Hampton Island.

The match takes place in the city of Aissa, at an impressive stadium known as Hangaza Unified Stadium. For a city that is not one of the biggest in Banija, it is a great site to see this facility here, and the locals come out and support their side with passion, even if they are not the greatest. It has a bit of a Putnam Lake feel in terms of that passion and size, so hopefully they can appreciate the work ethic of the Rockets, because they may be able to relate to us. We go out there, try hard, and have a lot of support behind us. Though, much more often then not, we end up in the Cup of Harmony instead of the World Cup.

This is a critical matchup for this team if they wish to qualify out of this group. Going 2-0-0, and being five points ahead of the only team with a better rank then us in the group would be a great thing. A draw is probably ok as long as results happen elsewhere, and a loss would not be the end of the world, but a win is what this team wants. They have to show that they can get back into positive form again after the way they finished out qualifying, and the win over Vdara, while important, does not really prove much.

[Bolgano]

Bolgano 3-3 Brusseldorf
Unexpected comeback of the ¨celestes¨

Goalscores
BRU: Wolfenden 29'
BRU: Wolfenden 32´
BRU: Dominguez 45+3'
BGN: Evans 78'
BGN: B. McShane 80'
BGN: Nines 90+4'

Maybe it's for the memory, that's right, Bolgano goes back in 16 minutes a game that seemed impossible, the debut of Bolgano in CoH 76 was somewhat disappointing for only having found 1 point, but on the other hand it was an achievement for this team . Reviewing the game Brusseldorf was the dominant team from the start, having several opportunities to get the score open, but the defenders and Red Nines were in the service, perhaps the offensive had bad luck for both teams until the moment Wolfenden showed a goal, no, a supergol, after a team play and a surprising hit, Brusseldorf managed to score the first goal of this match, but for the last straw, a shot by Wolfenden left them an opportunity to keep on going, but the shot I arrive in the hands of Zack, but a mistake in his rejection and a possible counterattack, the rebound falls to Wolfenden letting him stay in front of Nines and kick the ball, 2-0 in 32 minutes, although following the game for Bolgano it was all that was left, well, a center of Brusseldorf came to Dominguez's head, this player managed to nod but Nines saves him but he falls back to Dominguez and only without a goalkeeper did he have to nod otr time and make the third goal. A sad moment for Bolgano but looking for the comeback in the second half was just a joke, but did he find his way? Well, in the second half it was only Brusseldorf, Brusseldorf, that's right, a lot of Brussels, at that time a counterattack from Bolgano left them in the 78th minute to find the first goal with the hands of Tom Evans assisted by the youthful Morgan Bars, they picked up the ball quickly to try to find the comeback, in that Daniels Razor managed to get the second goal, a good play this youth with a future, only 2 minutes, 2 goals, but anxiety arrives at this time, Brusseldorf with a great fear of being tied they had than to change on the defensive, in that a cannon shot from Evans where the goalkeeper manages to get him to the corner, at that time Red Nines had to go to the rival area, the people of Bolgano in a moment of shock, that center let Red Nines lower it Chest and make a fabulous Volley, GOOOOOOOOOOOOOL, and draw 3-3, a national achievement was what got the tie, and get a difficult draw, now Trolleborg comes, the BoF Champions.

OOC: When they say BOLGANO, please change it to Bolgano, this was my first nation where I made this mistake of putting everything in capital letters.

[Kelssek]

Kelssek 4-3 Schottia // Ó Tuathail orchestrates opening salvo

KELSSEK – 4
Langelier 42’, Ó Tuathail 51’, Taleb 68’, Lapierre 75'
SCHOTTIA – 3
Cnocstanger 64’, Avelione 71', Martel-Burns 80’

Colm Ó Tuathail highlighted a midfield battle that saw Kelssek defeat Schottia in their opening match of the 76th Cup of Harmony. In a match that came down to a struggle for supremacy down the middle of the park, the outlet on the flank proved to be decisive in the result.

The young winger, unveiled just before arriving in Banija as the newest signing for Shamrock Cathair, showed off why he earned a τ1.8 million price tag for the transfer. Ó Tuathail was merciless in getting past Rian Corello on the left flank and tormented the AFC Treason full-back throughout the match. Corello certainly benefited from the referee’s apparent reluctance to make a game-changing decision with the match finely balanced, as after booking her in the 39th minute subsequent fouls got nothing more than an awkward chat.

Fouls only came when the defenders managed to catch up to Ó Tuathail, however, and they seemed to simply have given up on the cause of containing him after half-time, allowing him to pop up unmarked in the box to put away a cross from Blake McDonagh on the other wing. The goal put Kelssek up 2-0, with Ó Tuathail having catered an incisive pass on the transition to Patrice Langelier, who gave Kelssek the lead shortly before the break. The third goal came from the right wing when Schottia seemed caught out by the fresh legs and pace of Shaheen Taleb, who streaked into the box and fired a loose ball at the near post from a tight angle barely four minutes after replacing Blake McDonagh.

Schottia had chances of their own but sharp goalkeeping from Kai Poirier denied Jack Avelione in the 26th minute as Camila Soria Luna picked out the striker after stripping Ruslan Demetriev of the ball. The understanding between Schottia's midfield three meant the threat was never really far away. Goals by Reay Cnocstanger and Corinne Martel-Burns kept the game on a knife-edge. When Gabriel Lapierre seemed to have locked down the win with a 68th-minute strike as Brayden Custworth laid on an clinical cut-back, Jack Avelione's quick response was crucial to keep Schottia in the match. But Kelssek had the advantage of being able to protect a lead and dropping Demetriev into a more defensive role helped to break up Schottia's passing lanes.

Kelssek will face Sarzonia in Herzegovina City in their next match. Kelssek manager Andrea Crowe believes this gives the team a chance to build momentum.

"This was a tough-fought match but one that I always had confidence we were going to come out on top. We need to show the same grit against a lower-ranked opponent, and we have to go into it with the confidence of being able to control a match like the one we had today."

Kelssek: Poirier, Liadon, Halliger, Pokorný, Douglass, Demetriev, Lapierre (Dionne 82’), Ó Tuathail, McDonagh (Taleb 64’), Custworth, Langelier (Lister 78’)

---

SOCIAL MEDIAS
I AM WIZARD, DECLARES COFFEE-DEPRIVED FOOTBALL FAN

A disoriented and dishevelled travelling football fan from Kelssek claims that he gained magical powers after going without coffee for over 48 hours in Banija, in a video that has become a viral sensation and which unveils the hidden truth behind jet lag.

Martin Tamar, 43, normally drinks at least nine cups of coffee a day, he said in a video released on YourTube yesterday and viewed over 100,000 times since then. But shortly after stopping cold turkey due to the illegality of coffee in Banija, and going through what he says was “tremendous adversity”, he has discovered his hidden superhuman magical abilities.

“I am not jet lagged! Jet lag is a myth invented by the vaccine companies. Now that the veil has been lifted from my eyes, I have gained the status of wizardry!” he tells viewers in the video, while shaking uncontrollably. "I never take melamine tablets, they're full of plastic."

To demonstrate his powers, the video then shows him climbing on a fountain, throwing chapatis through the air with deadly accuracy, and jumping between park benches in Jinja City, where Kelssek were scheduled to play their first match of the Cup of Harmony tournament.

Tamar’s irritable and erratic behaviour was also a big source of viewer enjoyment. At one point, dropping his wallet while attempting to purchase a soft drink, he screams at a passer-by, “Coffee coffee coffee coffee coffee I will fucking end you!”, while his unidentified companions restrain him.

The embassy of Kelssek in Busukuma, the Banijan capital, is already prepared for the extra work that is sure to come their way, but diplomats were tight-lipped on the video. When reached for comment, an embassy official simply sighed heavily.

[Squornshelan Remnant States]

Official Press Release
Squornshelan Confederate Football Association

The SCFA would like to take this opportunity to extend an olive branch of sorts. Internationstatal sport is an opportunity for peoples everywhere to come together to celebrate what unites us, rather than what sets us apart. Whatever team we may support, we all find ourselves united by love for the game. In the end, we are much more alike than we are different.

It is with this in mind that we extend our congratulations to all the other teams whose qualifying performances merited invitations to the Cup of Harmony (though we would all of course, rather be in the Cup Proper I'm sure). In particular, however, we would like to congratulate and recognize the effort and performance of the team hailing from the Imperium of Squornshelous. The disputes between our peoples are numerous, and I do not propose to resolve, or indeed even to enumerate them all here today. I hope, however, that in that unifying spirit of the love of sport, our good wishes to these courageous players will be accepted in the spirit they are given.

They uphold our shared legacy of footballing excellence, joining us in a major tournament after more than 80 years away. Largely unheralded, and written off as inevitable also-rans by many prognosticators, they upstaged several more experienced teams to finish fifth in their group, a group where rank would have predicted them to finish close to last. Indeed, their performance surpassed even that of our own team, a feat that must be a particular point of pride in the Imperium.

Consider, if you will, the road this Squornshelan team has had to travel to reach this point. The Imperium is not an easy place to live. Its government is still highly secretive, but most estimates are that the richest 10% of their population earns over ten times as much on average as the poorest 50%. By all accounts, their powerhouse economy is built on the backs of the vast underclass, and the benefits are reaped by a relative few. The government, as evidenced by their recent diplomatic spat with Sarzonia, is vain and impulsive, and obsessed with maintenance of its image and status quo, spending massive amounts on its military and police forces, while not prioritizing welfare and healthcare for its population at all. Out of this environment of exploitation, this team has risen. And to what heights! 50 goals in 20 matches, upset victories over teams like The Macabees and Lochario, and a bona fide emerging superstar in striker Lytti Vang, who accounted for over a third of the team's goals.

Accordingly, we are pleased to announce that SCFA president Ailen Koirala, as a further gesture of our admiration for the skilled and dedicated men and women playing for the Imperium, will attend their match against Pasarga. We consider it an unfortunate likelihood that the Imperium will forbid any contact between her and their players. Nevertheless, we would like to extend and open invitation for their team to meet with President Koirala. The current absence of diplomatic relations may make it a practical impossibility for our teams to meet on the field, but perhaps those of us who are united by our love of football can set an example for our nations.

"What do you think Kornelie?"

"I like it. One part olive branch, one part savage burn."

"We'll just have to hope they don't decide to assassinate me at halftime."

"Fuck me, Ailen don't even joke about that."

Ailen and Kornelie had met in Ailen's office following a contentious board meeting. After two hours of debate, the faction in favor of releasing the press statement had prevailed, four votes to two. The final draft of the statement had been issued and, brief though it was, it was certain to cause quite a stir.

"Any minute now you phone is going to ring."

"Oh?" Ailen arched an eyebrow.

"It's going to be Kamenev, and he's going to want your resignation on his desk by morning, mine too probably."

"Apart from the fact that I don't answer to him, for one night let's not worry about what the PM is going to think."

"I'm just saying Ailen, you're going to have a very unpleasant conversation with him at some point in the next twelve hours"

"I know." She sighed loudly. "Politicians hate change."

"Well, there's no going back now, cat's out of the bag and so on."

"It just feels like the right thing to do Kornelie. We can't just go on forever pretending that everything is fine when the Imperium is just across the sea exploiting the living hell out of people. People just like us. People related to some of us, even."

The phone rang, interrupting Ailen's tirade. Both women looked at it for a moment, and Kornelie turned to meet Ailen's eye with a smirk.

"Told you so."

"Sure. You may as well get out of here, this is going to take a while, and I don't want you sitting over there making faces at me the whole time."

"You're no fun." Kornelie pretended to pout, but rose and collected her coat from where it lay draped over the back of a chair.

Ailen gave her a brief wave and then turned to the ringing phone.

"Ailen Koirala . . ."

[Ziwana]

OOC:Part 1:https://forum.nationstates.net/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=479512&start=75#p36636500

Ziwana come out on top against Appalachia

By Chosadziwa Botolo

ZCOMM Sport in Austin,Xanneria

Ziwana and Appalachian Nation are both Baptism of Fire graduates and although they have both had varying success they were considered an equal match up. The Ziwani squad was low on morale after failing to qualify for the World Cup and losing several friendlies. This match was a must win for the Akambuku to help in the recovery of the squad and to boost morale. Three hours before the match Abdulaziz Haqawi collapsed in the hotel the Ziwani national team was staying making the situation worse, he was replaced by Birnin Select's 18 year old centre mid and right winger Hashaan Casimir. The collapsing of Haqawi really scared the team and the fans but after the match Ziwani manager Harry Ngonamo assured Akambuku fans that the 18 year old was fine. In a Howler post, Abdulaziz clarified about his health situation, assured and thanked his fans.

In the Howler post Haqawi also said that the cause of his collapse was due to overworking his body due to the stress of missing a penalty in the World Cup qualifiers that would have gotten the Akambuku a place in the World Cup proper. With such mind set and facing an opponent of equal strength, Ziwana's chances of a winning seemed to be less.

The match started with Appalachian Nation taking advantage of Ziwana's woes to set the tone of the game with two shots on the Akambuku's goal which were all saved by Jean Kane. However Ziwana tried to fight back with Hashaan Casimir hitting the bar with a free kick following a Jean Wilder run that was ended in a foul by Delano City's Clayton Farmer. The first Ziwani goal finally came in the 15th minute from a Jean Wilder penalty after he was brought down by Clayton Farmer who was given a yellow card. After the goal Appalachian Nation were unable to break through the Ziwani defence but in the 38th minute Cletus was able to find space before putting the ball into the net, equalizing for the Appalachian Nation. After the break a Robert long range curled shot put the score 1-2 sending Appalachian Fans into a frenzy as they celebrated the Steel City Union strikers goal. The Appalachian Fans did not celebrate for long as in the 53rd minute Jean Kaphale's bicycle kick sent the ball into the ending equalizing the game for Ziwana. Ziwana went on to score 2 more goals from Hashaan Casimir who had replaced Abdulaziz Haqawi. In the Melayu Cup and Baptism of Fire Casimir was a starter and wore jersey number 10 but Haqawi's brilliant performances got the latter dropped. The match ended on an exciting note with the Appalachian Nation scoring in the final minutes but the goal was not enough to win the game as Ziwana were still 1 goal up. The game ended with Ziwani players in smiles. After the game Harry Ngonamo addressed the concerns about Haqawi but refused to answer any other questions.

Match day one was difficult for Ziwana but it prevailed but will this win be enough to regain morale and form? Visit http://www.zcommsports.com to follow Ziwana to find out if this win will be enough to regain morale or form.

[Pasarga]

"Three goals conceded, you have to admit that is not a good look even if the Wanderers scored five themselves and always had the game in hand. The fact that the defense crumbled not once, not twice, but thrice is a sign that there is still cause for concern and that the team has not yet taken into heart the humbling that missing out on back to back Qualifiers should have brought."

"Yes, it is a bit worrisome to have conceded three times to Ancherion, however when one of those goals came on nearly the last kick of the game when half the crowd had already started making their way out of the stadium, it is not a fair assessment. Let us not forget that Jager had a first half hattrick in fifteen minutes and the entire midfield and attack looked in sync from the first whistle. The defensive unit can recollect themselves and fix their errors far easier than it is to get strikers hot again once they have lost their confidence and form. I would rather win six to four and have to sort out my backline than one to nil and have only scored from a dead ball situation. In form strikers are some of the most powerful assets a team can have to their name and we should be so lucky as to have not just one but two strikers currently in a good vein of form."

"That will be put to the test over the next four matches I suppose and the biggest question mark has to be the next match against Timuria. If the Wanderers' backline can not get their plan together for a side that we have already played twice in the last year, then the defensive unit will need some major retooling before the Copa Rushmori if the side has any desire whatsoever at making it three on the trot and retaining that trophy. There will likely be no home field advantage that the side can rely on this time to lift them past obstacles that might have been beyond their reach. So it has to start now, here in the Cup of Harmony, where they need to act and play like they are former World Cup Champions and the second favorites to win the entire goddam tournament. None of this faffing about and letting sides that they should be trouncing to stay in the game or to get the so called garbage time goals. Right here, right now that have to shake out of their inconsistent, lacking discipline ways and start to play like the team that everyone knows that their capable of, lest they be nothing but fools' gold that we have all been sold."

"Even the fool is right now and then, fool though that they may be. Regardless, this side is as good as advertised and we all know that the squad was extremely unlucky to be drawn into the Qualifying group that they were in and then having to defeat the three best teams, besides themselves, to qualify. It was unfair but life is often coming at you in unfair and unexpected way. The fact that they were a single goal in two different matches on the last matchday of the group away from being on a plane to Cassadaigua or Baker Park right now instead of here in Xanneria doing battle in the Cup of Harmony is a testament to that they are better than the results that have come. Patience and persistence will be the watchwords, to let the diligent managers and coaches of the national team the time to get things right and get the team right physically and mentally. We must not be hasty and rush into rash decisions that in a decades' time we will wonder why such an action was made. The side will be ready for Timuria but they to will be ready for us, and familiarity breeds contempt. Let us hope that eventually the talent shines through rather than petulance and annoyance."

[Geektopia]

Geektivities
*Be cool, be woke.

|2| - |3|
1': #24 Gordon Zacek -- replaces -> #11 Tetrargantrituul (GEE)
12': ⚽ Goal from #14 Googoldeciplexithrong (GEE)
14': #11 Guanyu Jun -- replaces -> #8 Yu Shichiro (GYK)
16': ⚽ Goal from #18 Hisakawa Si Woo (GYK)
33': ⚽ Goal from #8 Pentacthulteron-turreted-horriocterated Pentacthuldekon (GEE)

---

[HT] 1-2 [HT]

---

52': ⚽ Goal from #10 Song Kaoru (GYK)
60': #12 Pam Kai -- replaces -> #15 Uthan A’den (GYK)
68': ⚽ Goal from #6 Pentacthulitercubor (GEE)

---

[FT] 2-3 [FT]

---

Attacking Pass Formation for Matchday 2:

A very splayed attacking pass formation, it offers box-to-box passing from the left defender to the central striker. Coach calls this one the "Arrowglass".

---

A Gawk with the Gaffer
Int: What did you think about the game?

"It was a scintillating match to refresh us from our World Cup sendoff. This BoF I think we can make a difference and show these teams who we are."

Int: Any noticeable issues?

"We could've closed this game earlier against them, we should've, the chances were clear. The passion was very different from the performance and execution. I told them in the locker room that if one such player was responsible for slip-ups, missed chances, defensive errors, that the team would punish that one player by isolating and leaving them completely out of the APF route, except for tap-ins, I suppose."

Int: And what about how Gyatso-Kai played?

"It was a dynamic counter-attacking play-form, with young defenders, midfielders, and attackers around the field just trying to antagonize us by their movements. I would say they almost did a good job from the two goal concesion unto three. But yeah, you know, I manage two jobs and the latter is a domestic league position for our capital team, the Mordecai Storytellers. Really impressed by Karou's bounding header, and from that goal, I think I'm going to send a scout for him, I’ll get it settled with the board.

Overall, Gyatso-Kai were impressive.”

Int: Your next game is against Squornshelous. This isn't a pre-match interview but I would like to hear what there is to say about a side so close in World Ranking just by one appearance in the World Cup.

"Yeah, certainly going to be an entertaining game against a team that more recently may have some political burdens although their team focus certainly makes up for it. They're closer to us in ranking as well as on paper. To the point, though, I do look forward to rallying the Greenheads to make a molehill out of the mountain that is Squornshelous.”

[New Lusitania and the Algarves]

STL|Serviços de Transmissão Lusitana
Sport | Football|
Cup of Harmony 76

STARTING OFF ON THE LEFT FOOT
Jeruselem 3-1 New Lusitania
@Pfluger Stadium, Austin - Leitner (Att: 47 842)

New Lusitania returned to the Cup of Harmony to play in Xanneria. The objective as Victor Santa Cruz put it was "to go far. Further than we've ever been at least." There was a sense of confidence in the fans as the first game was already the group's headliner as two teams separated by a place in the rankings played each other in Austin. Jeruselem would, of course, be a tough nut to crack. Sallad would choose Pablo for goal as Fornite, Damma, Starc and Carrott play in defence as Dallas, Cassina, Dash and Castillo play in the middle of the park as Banister and Lancaster do the honours up front. For New Lusitania, playing in white today, Patríce in goal as Guerreiros, Leiteiro and Cancela play in defence, Nevais plays in the centre of the park with Horto, Fernando, Gama and Veiga with Jota and Silveira playing up front. The game was well contested between the two sides and the result can be a bit misleading. On twenty-two minutes of play, Veiga hit the post with a lot of force before the adversary's goalie put it out of harm's way. Gama would almost head it in but once again, nothing done. Dallas made the first chance for the Jeruselem team but didn't convert into a goal immediately with Lancaster hitting it in on the rebound. Against the run of play, the top-seeded team was winning. Leaving halftime, it was apparent that Jeruselem had all the tools needed and that New Lusitania had yet to use their own. Fernando attempted to shoot it in although it went straight into the arms of the keeper as Jota attempted to score the equaliser later on. However, something else was in store as Banister struck it down confidently into the back of the net making it 2-0. Past the hour mark, both teams attempted to push the result to their side. A corner taken by Horto left Silveira in the second post to head it in cleanly as the game was back on, though not for long. After a tight twenty minutes, Jeruselem put it all away after Castillo crossed it into a lightning speed Cassino who would score the third. New Lusitania left the first game and the sweltering heat of Austin unsatisfied with the way things turning out with captain Fernando adding that "they got off on the wrong foot" to coach Santa Cruz's words that "Jeruselem simply exploited our weaknesses, weaknesses will we try to eliminate. New Lusitania plays Ziwana next where they will surely attempt to still stay in it with the Appalachians.playing Lisander as leaders Jeruselem face Saintland. With five games to go in the group stage, no one is out just yet. FULL TIME: 3-1



THE HUB
GOALS: Silveira
ASSIST: Horto
INJURIES:

LATEST STATS
World Cup 84 Quals
Top Goalscorers: Silveira (10)
Assists: Fernando (8)
-------------------------------------
Matchday: Internationals
coverage of the best
STL1 22:00 GMT
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World Cup 84
The best of the action on STL, your National Broadcaster.
New Lusitania in exclusive.
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MMXX

[Gyatso-kai]

[align=cent

Pulled from the Sports Blog [color=green]KickItOnThePitch.blogstain.co.gki

We lost... But it was a great game!

First of all, we got an invitation to the Cup of Harmomy, which honestly, has always been a more respectable and enjoyable tournament. Something about the name 'Cup of Harmony' just brings to mind great vibes.

Yeah, we lost our first game against Geektopia.

But...

Ol'Guanyu got subbed in, and Pam Kai got his first multiverse start since the AOCAF Cup. And Song got a goal, with Hisakawa getting his fourth goal in 30 caps. Hisakawa is still playing in the Taap-A team Omashu Athletic, with many wondering if he'll ever make the move up to the RPFL. There was a rumor that Beijing FC had been looking at him during AOCAF, but his less than stellar performance -- 1 goal, with 8 caps -- led to him him returning to OmaAth for another season. Who knows maybe he'll make the jump after this year, seeing as how he is entering the final year of his contract.

But what is really of note is that in an interview with Geektopia media, "Gawk with the Gaffer", XXXX spoke of how impressed they were with Song's play, specifically the bounding header that lead to his goal in the game. So impressed that they are debating sending a scout to observe him. With Song in his third year of his five-year contract with FC Mando, it would be interesting to see him take a buyout to go play oversees. Especially with how many players of ours want to spread their wings and fly abroad.

Which we welcome immensely!

Here's to tomorrow's game... Against the higher ranked Acherion... I love the boys, but if we win, I would be very surprised. I mean, they did fall 5-3 to our eventual group winner of Pasarga (they are in the top 30 of the world)...

Who knows....

[Squornshelous]

Abuse of Power & Coercion. This RP storyline will feature a high-ranking man attempting to use his power and influence to exert control over and trade favors, sexual and otherwise, from a woman who is nominally his subordinate. It will also feature her efforts to reclaim control over her own life identity from those who would control her. Those who may feel uncomfortable reading are advised to skip my RPs for this tournament. References to this storyline will also be present in some of my SRS posts.

Leaving Home, Chapter 2

It would be fair to say that Lyyti was not on her game tonight.

She'd felt pretty good in the early going. That shot in the opening few minutes had seemed like a sure thing, and she was sure he shock and disappointment had been clear all the way up to the last row. The rest of the first half had seemed to pass her by in a relative blur. She hadn't really been involved in Popov's goal, and the Timurians had controlled possession for most of the remainder of the half, especially after retaking the lead a few minutes later. Somehow, things just weren't coming together. Passes were just that little bit out of reach, defenders suddenly loomed precisely where she needed to play the ball. In her head, she knew that a calm, dispassionate attention to fundamentals was what she needed to apply. She couldn't seem to find that cold, detached focus that would allow her to see the game, to anticipate, know where players would be and, just as important, where they wouldn't. The game was slipping away, she could feel it. It made her want to puke.

As the final seconds of the first half ebbed away, the Timurians firmly entrenched in the Squornshelan end, her thoughts were miles away. Fuck, there has to be some way I can get out of it. Lagerkron had proved about as useful as she'd expected, caving in to Melkochuk in an instant. Shouldn't have expected any different I guess, he's her boss isn't he? She couldn't have really thought her manager would risk her own career prospects, her own livelihood just so Lyyti wouldn't have to go out to a fancy dinner. She's too far gone, maybe she always was, Lyyti decided. This fucking dinner date is just another step down the same path for me. First it's dinner and talk about my future career which, big surprise, Melkochuk will have all the connections I need to keep my family from getting tossed out on the street. For now it's little social outings, but soon he'll be using my fame for his own damn career, and it won't be a month before he expects me to be on my fucking back for him. Sex had never held any particular allure for Lyyti. Sure, she'd experimented as much as any teenager. Ok, maybe not quite that much, but enough to realize that whatever it was that made everyone else obsessed with it, she just didn't seem to have. Contrary by nature, she'd developed a definite aversion to sex, as everyone seemed to expect it of her, and just wouldn't fucking shut up about it.

The shrill blast of the halftime whistle cut through her thoughts, and she look up, surprised. How much time had she just lost? Had she missed anything important. I have to get this under control. Lagerkron didn't single her out at halftime, a small mercy, but her words were the wakeup call the Lyyti needed to stop dwelling on the future. Coming back out onto the field, she was herself again, at least for the time being. The empty-minded focus came to her not long after injury forced the opposition to make a change. Whether the loss of their star attacker had some small effect on their play, Lyyti couldn't say. She felt, rather than saw the gap opening up between the center backs, jogged at an angle to it for a moment, caught Alla's eye, and cut hard upfield as soon as she saw her start the passing motion. The run caught the defense completely flat-footed, and she was alone against the keeper, Murat. He charged out to meet her, but she froze him for a moment, dipping her shoulder as if to shoot before dribbling around him for an easy finish. Her celebration was as much a display of relief as exultation. I can handle this, just take it one thing at a time.

In the end, the result wasn't what the team had hoped for, but Lyyti managed to avoid that out of control feeling. The were in with a chance until the final, late goal, and Havard came so close to pulling them even just before the final nail went into the coffin. Like Ma said, Lyyti, "Today today, tomorrow tomorrow." You'll figure this shit out somehow.

[Filindostan]

Filindostani netizens are not happy with Xannerian 'journalist' Steve Stevenson after he noted in his article that the Pula Garuda had an 'unfair' advantage against first opponents Razneta, which the beat 2-1.

Filindostani trolls posted hate messages in the social media pages of the Xannerian news outlet demanding that Stevenson show proof of his accusations against the national team, and has pleaded Filindostani government officals to declare a persona non grata status to the journalist.

People at the FFF however quickly advised fans not to be drawn out quickly by the post and by their emotions, saying that this was just to unease the squad coming into a potential decider match against the hosts on the final day of the group stages of the Cup of Harmony.

It is expected that most Filindo fans will travel to Xanneria for the competition, and authorities have advised those coming to behave as what is expected for a good Filindostani citizen.

[Xanneria]

This is a cutoff for groups That are being scorinated by Xanneria. As for Music, may I Introduce you to my new favorite Aussie Musician - Donny Benet

Group E
Trolleberg 2–1 Bolgano
Newmanistan 0–0 Brusseldorf
Busoga Islands 1–0 Vdara

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

Group F
Hapilopper 1–2 Sajnur
Schottia 1–2 TJUN-ia
Sarzonia 5–4 Kelssek

  Group F                         Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Sajnur                            2   1  1  0    2   1  +1    4
  TJUN-ia                           2   1  1  0    2   1  +1    4
3 Hapilopper                        2   1  0  1    2   2   0    3
4 Sarzonia                          2   1  0  1    5   5   0    3
5 Kelssek                           2   1  0  1    8   8   0    3
6 Schottia                          2   0  0  2    4   6  −2    0

Group G
Squornshelan Remnant States 1–2 Euran Oceanian Territories
Potato Farmers 0–1 Savojarna
Hampton Island 4–1 Kandorith

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

[Banija]

You'll always be my hero...

Even though you've lost your mind...

Just gonna stand there for this Cutoff!. But that's alright because I like the CoH!

Just gonna stand there for Matchday 2! But that's alright because I love this tournament! Love the CoH....

Group A
Bears Armed 1–2 Terre Septentrionale
Filindostan 5–1 The Sarian
Xanneria 1–0 Razneta

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

Group B
Lisander 4–1 Appalachian Nation
New Lusitania 3–2 Ziwana
Saintland 0–0 Jeruselem

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

Group C
Squornshelous 1–0 Geektopia
Ancherion 4–2 Gyatso-Kai
Timuria 2–4 Pasarga

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

Group D
Flavovespia 3–3 Mkabia
Balqia 2–0 Mattijana
Mercedini 4–4 Tamgu

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

[Bolgano]

Bolgano 1-2 Trolleborg
First defeat in CoH

Goalscores
TLR: Karr 30'
BGN: Frizzel 40'
TLR: Troll 51'

With that first defeat, Trolleborg was superior to Bolgano, although it cost them to win, they were deserved winners for us, accepting that, the goals come forward, Trolleborg managed to hit the net first because their good combinations and strategies were not taken in mind for the players of Bolgano, leaving an unbeatable chance for Stuart Karr, who sent a shot from outside the area and left “Nockaut” to all the players, it was not for much but a few minutes later I see Stuart Karr running with style where with Skaloed they tried to find the second goal, but Patrick made him a strong entrance where he left him injured, a bad luck for him is that by doing it from behind, even a child knows that it is Red Card, Stuart withdraws from the field being replaced by Gulbranden, although the Free Kick was failed, Evans got his second goal thanks to a good pass from Bryan McShane, he managed to score a goal leaving Kot Kottson only as a witness, although he waits In the second half, with his number 10 injured, Trolleborg still got revenge on Stuart, Troll showed a good play together with Gulbranden and Skaloed, where Troll's hit was enough for an implacable revenge, 2-1 final score, We must accept that we lost again, but we must continue with Newmanistan.

Scorers-Bolgano
Tom Evans 2
Bryan Mcshane 1
Ryan Nines 1

[Trolleborg]

Trolleborg – Bolgano 2-1

Trolleborg: Kotsson, Levenkrands, Troger, Bagger (Tro,74), Wolters, Kolding (Zhita,65), Valgren, Troll, Finnsnes, Skaloed, Kerr (Gulbranden,35).

0-1 Kerr,30. 1-1 Frizzel,40. 2-1 Troll,51.

The second victory of our team was also not easy. As expected, Bolgano play defensive football, and opponents successfully countered all attempts to create scoring chances in the first half, although a couple of times strikes from our forwards could bring them success, and in the end Kerr and Troll both found the net.

With six points, our team still ranks first in the group and the day after tomorrow it will face the fight with the Vdara team, which needs victory as lifeline, since every other results put an end to their hopes to qualify to round 16. Game will be played in Busembe. We will return to Dodoma and it’s magnificient stadium at the end of group stage, since our last game with Brusseldorf will be here.

Trolleborg TV again allowed us to see how it was on the field, in full.
Kerr add another one to his goal tally, making a headshot despite best efforts by the defenders

Bolgano then score in a fast counter-attack

But in the second half our players find a way to victory. Morten Troll found the net with one of his smart long shots

[Jeruselem]

Princess Katherine Annabelle Dallas dressed as Mindy from the Caramella Girls of Caramelldansen meme 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 2 of qualification stage of the cup.

Today Jeruselem took on Saintland.
Let's cover the other games first.
Lisander thrashed Appalachian Nation 4-1 make a statement to other teams.
For Appalachian Nation it's huge body blow to their chances and their goal difference took a hit.
New Lusitania recovered from their loss to Jeruselem and beat Ziwana 3-2.
This makes things more interesting as it leaves one team with no points, that's Appalachian Nation.

Which means Lisander has two wins from two games.
To our game, against Saintland who lost their last game.
Well, we didn't lose or win. In fact it was 0-0 draw, we're used to draws.
Saintland and Jeruselem do share some common traits, they both have a monarch.
Although in Saintland, it seems females cannot become Queen unlike Jeruselem who has female, that's Queen Chloe I for those don't know or pretend not to know.

Saint's highly defensive system frustrated Jeruselem quite a bit but also meant they didn't have that scoring chances against us either.
We don't like playing teams this defensive. They were hard to break down, learning from their loss last game.
Our defense wasn't really tested much at all so they weren't exactly busy given Saintland team spent most of the game defending.

This leaves the table with Lisander with 6 points, Jeruselem 4 and New Lusitania on 3 as well as Ziwana on 3 in 4th.
Saintland are 5th on 1 point. Appalachian Nation have no points.
We would have preferred to win but still 2nd on the table. Obviously more draws isn't helpful but losing not on an option.

Now I've noticed some people on a rival network, you know which one - the one with all men.
For some reason they feel threatened by me.
In fact, they never mention my name but instead use "Queen Meme".
Of course, they tell me to act my age and grow up.
In reality, if you're super kawaii like me - who needs go grow up.
I love dressing up! They also complain I don't wear clothes, then complain dress like Japanese schoolgirls.
Well guess what people love it. Deal with it.

That's it from me! See you all later on match day 3 here.
And yes I'm won't be acting my age.

[Bears Armed]

(OOC: Oops! My original version of this report somehow got the score wrong -- although the GD was right -- and didn't account for all the goals... Rather than RP an IC reason for the error, which would probably have required bringing Discord back into things, I'll just retcon it to fit Terre Septentrionale's account which is on the following page...)
Material in grey is purely OOC notes during the basically-IC portion of the post.
Material in blue is the character's handwritten notes, rather than either speech or [IC] "printed" material.

________________________________________

Bears Armed vs. Terre Septentrionale
Venue: Golden Gopher Casino - Palace City Stadium, Xanneria.
Score: 1-2. (Bears Armed lose)

Goals
Bears Armed (1): Kuthbearrh (#10) @ 33' (assist: Barris [#7]).
Terre Septentrionale (2): Wawrzynkiewicz (#7) @ 28' (assist: Fontaine [#17]); McCracken (#18) @ 87’ (assist: Waclawczyk [#50]).

Attempts
Bears Armed: 12
Terre Septentrionale: 7

Shots On Target
Bears Armed: 5
Terre Septentrionale: 4

Red Cards
(none)

Substitutions due to Injury
(none)

(reporter’s notes…)
Another morning game… Urrgah!
Terre Septentrionale's 'Northmen' are one of the few other teams involved that was around back during the Belles’ earlier ventures into international competition, but seem never to have played against urrs before this anyhows. They’re yet another all-Human team, but at least do have female players as well as male ones.
Like the previous game, our girls’ opponents display [slightly] superior technical ability, but superior Ursine energy balances this for most of the game… Terre Septentrionale managed to pull ahead in the 28th "minute"⁽¹⁾, when Fontaine managed to slip past our defnders while dribbling the ball and slipped this sideways to Wawrzynkiewicz on the six-yard line for a successful tap into the net while goalie K. Ulggha was still looking more at Fontaine, but the Belles equalised less than four moments later when Barris similarly danced forwards wirth the ball and then kicked it up for a head-to-head pass to Kuthbearrh who then headed it neatly home to make the current score 1-1. This remained the situation not only for the remainder of the first half but for almost all of the second half as well, despite strong efforts by both teams, raising the possibility of a continuation in 'extra time'... which, with the Northmen having already used two of their substitutions several of their players now looking a bit tired, would probably have gone the Belles' way. However, just two moments before the end of 'normal time', a shot by Waclawczyk (one of the substituted-on players) from the right corner found McCracken (the other one) just outside the main press, and McCracken "acrobatically" flipped over &d used a 'bicycle kick' to send it into the top right corner of the net and give the Northmen victory.
Oh well… It was a good game to watch, anyhows.
Can't smell any of the Belles ever duplicating that scoring shot, somehow... except maybeso — just maybeso — one or another of our few non-Ursine players?

Next up? Razneta, the only team in the group currently ranked below urrs. They were in our WC Qualifying group as well, too didn't do as well there: Belles held them to a 1-1 draw away and beat them 1-0 at home... and their form so far here suggests that they haven't improved significantly since then, neither... unless they've just been unlucky so far, of course.

________________________________________

Footnotes

1. Remember that, as explained in some of my previous posts in this forum, for the Bears the ninety-minute 'normal time' duration of a match is measured as sixty-four 'moments' instead...

[Third ZSeparatists]

Why am I (ZSeparatists) not in this?