Cup of Harmony 76 - Everything Thread

[Filindostan]

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FOOTBALL
Cup of Harmony 76: Filindostan exorcise the ghosts of Brusseldorf to advance to quarterfinals

Mynda, BANIJA - Filindostan has matched their best result of the Cup of Harmony - a quarterfinals appearance, after finally overcoming Brusseldorf in extra time.

Their opponents, currently ranked 38th in the multiverse, have not lost any matches against the Pula Garuda, and the Esportivan nation had to break the duck to continue their progression in this edition's tournament. Five goals were scored during the first half of the match, which was partly expected given that Brusseldorf employed an offensive tactic, and like the Xanneria match, the flurry of chances came towards Tonyo Vera's goal. In the opening 20 minutes, two Brusseldorf and one Filindostan goal, scored by Santa Dominguez (3'), Michael Hernandez (14'), and Shai Escobido (18'). Two more goals followed for the rest of the first half - Yakob Rivas' piledriver in the 38th minute restored parity between the two teams, only for Giroud Sidi to give Brusseldorf the lead again in the 44th minute. 3-2 to Brusseldorf after 45 minutes.

Brusseldorf doubled their lead at the opening minutes of the second half, where Ricard Scoilan scored the goal from a header during a corner play, 4-2 to them in the 51st minute. They would wound up further chances, but the Filindo keeper from Fortunas did well to prevent further conceding goals. His efforts would not put into naught, as the Pula Garuda pushed for the three goals they needed to overturn the tie, which was obviously going to Brusseldorf even on paper before the match.

In the 68th minute, Scoilan, who had scored Brusseldorf's fourth goal, brought down Ina Teterissa inside the penalty box. At first, the Filindo players reacted after the referee gestured to Ina to stand up. However, his assistants recommended him to do a review via VAR, as they see an obvious contact between the two players. After a VAR review, the referee overturned his ruling and pointed to the spot. King Tisang made no mistake from the spot, dispatching the ball past Antony Providence and pulled Filindostan back to the match.

The Baptism of Fire 66 winners pushed further for the equalizing goal, which they got in the 78th minute. After subbing in Juanda Weici in right flank for Shai, and Seto Tuhuteru for Ina up front, the team took advantage of tired legs in the left side of Brusseldorf's formation, and initiated a counter attack that culminated to Juanda providing the square ball to Seto, which he struck hard and low past the legs of Providence. With 12 minutes remaining on normal time, neither side had the winning goal to break the deadlock at 4-4. This meant another 30 minutes to settle the tie and may have room for more for a penalty shootout.

Nine minutes into extra time, Yakob scored his second goal of the match, when a scramble during a free kick sequence had the ball come towards him, just outside the penalty box. The Perokotyog midfielder then drilled a shot far from an out of position Providence, to smash it at the upper right corner, and give Filindostan a 5-4 lead. Both teams kept pushing for another goal for either side, with the best chance coming from Brusseldorf sub Marcev Steyr, however, his effort just grazed off the side netting in the last minute of extra time.

In the end, it was Filindostan advancing to the quarterfinals of the competition, against Sarzonia. They dispatched Balqia 2-0 in their match at Eastern Stadium in Rukunbi, however, their win was overshadowed by sending home their starting keeper Marco Sandoval. Despite this, the Stars have played thirty minutes less than the Filindos, and they did not need extra time to settle their tie, and they have been in Banija for the entirety of the tournament.

The winner of the match at Aissa's Hangaza Unified Stadium will face the winner of Pasarga and Kelssek at Star Field in Herzegovina City.

Written by FSNA Staff.

Schedule - Cup of Harmony 76
MD01: vs Razneta (at City of Hawthorne Stadium, Hawthorne, Xanneria) - Win, 2-1
MD02: vs The Sarian (at Golden Gopher Casino - Palace City Stadium, Palace City, Xanneria) - Win, 5-1
MD03: vs Terre Septentrionale (at Air Catalina Dwight Stadium, Catalan City, Xanneria) - Draw, 1-1
MD04: vs Bears Armed (at City of Hawthorne Stadium, Hawthorne, Xanneria) - Loss, 0-2
MD05: at Xanneria (Golden Gopher Casino - Palace City Stadium, Palace City, Xanneria) - Win, 1-0
RO16: vs Brusseldorf (Electra Stadium, Mynda, Banija) - Win, 5-4 AET (4-4)
QF: vs Sarzonia (Hangaza Unified Stadium, Aissa, Banija)

[Xanneria]

Cut off for Xannerian QFs

Quarterfinal Match Up - Golden Gopher Casino - Palace City Stadium in Palace City, West Troy

Mercedini 2–0 Newmanistan

Quarterfinal Match Up - Cunningham Family Stadium in Delano City, Delano

Terre Septentrionale 5–1 Kandorith

Xannerian Semi-Final

Elliot Family Stadium Marietta, Galliburton - Mercedini vs Terre Septentrionale

[Banija]

How do you sleep at night when you're waiting for the cutoff for the Cup of Harmony Quarterfinals?

Quarterfinals
Pasarga 3–1 Kelssek @ BCEL Stadium in Jinja City, Hangaza
Sarzonia 4–3 Filindostan @ Hangaza Unified Stadium in Aissa, Hangaza

Semifinal
Pasarga v. Sarzonia @ Star Field in Herzegovina City, Moravica

[Sarzonia]

Instead of backstopping the Cinderella Stars in their shock quarterfinals appearance in the Cup of Harmony at Hangaza Unified Stadium in Aissa, Mateo Sandoval was on a tarmac in Aissa sitting on a jet flanked by two agents of the Sarzonian Federal Bureau of Investigations.

Instead of donning goalkeeper's gloves on his hands, his wrists bore a pair of handcuffs. He was going to be spending the night at Woodstock City Prison before being formally charged with one count of fraud for falsifying his birth certificate.

Even though his attorney would likely be able to argue that his termination from the Sarzonian national football team not to mention his release from the Woodstock Wild, and the accompanying loss of livelihood and his reputation were punishment enough, right now was torture.

His understudy Paolo Gomes would start the match against Filindostan. If Kevin Connelly had made the decision to bench Sandoval for football reasons, he would be vilified for risking the chemistry that developed among the Sarzonian back four and Sandoval. Of course, that chemistry change was not the fault of Connelly, but it was a risk the Stars had no choice but to take.

The match didn't start well for Sarzonia. Gomes gave up a soft goal in the third minute that navy-clad Stars supporters observed Sandoval would have fielded cleanly. It wasn't just the shot, though. Sandoval was an expert at getting the defense in position, and Gomes struggled with English.

In the eighth minute, Filindostan would make it 2-0 when team captain Russ Howard's attempt to head the ball back to Gomes took an unfortunate bounce off his forehead and into the net. The Stars got a goal back in the 17th minute through Ernie Mabree, but Gomes hadn't made a save yet.

Serves them right Sandoval thought bitterly as he heard the Sarzonian announcers clamour for Carlton Sandt. Chris Bennett, the colour analyst was vehement in his opposition to removing Sandoval from the team and he let Connelly and the Incorporated Football Federation have it in his pointed commentary.

In the 44th minute, Gomes was beaten yet again, but this time by a rocket from just outside the 18-yard box that an in form Horace Sandt in his prime would have had no chance at saving. It didn't matter. The Stars were down 3-1 and it was beginning to seem like the clock was about to strike midnight for Cinderella at the ball.

Then the Stars came out to start the second half. Brady Reynolds made a dangerous run on the right flank and drew attention from the Filindostani defense before finding striker Mek'hi West, whom Connelly sent on as a substitute to spark the offense. West blasted the ball into the back of the net and the Stars were within a goal at the 51st minute.

Reynolds played a role in the team equalising in the 70th minute as he won a ball in midfield and shocked the entire stadium by making his run up the left flank. Before he could fire a shot, he was fouled just outside the box, setting up a free kick. He slotted it to Jose Campos and the young striker banged it through.

Then in the 87th minute, Campos thought he had the winner with a header past the goalkeeper, but the offside flag was up.

Don't argue Campos thought, even though he felt the call was bullshit. He would get his redemption three minutes later as the fourth official signaled three minutes of stoppage time. He stole a pass and barreled in, then fired it for the actual match-winning goal and Sarzonia's only lead of the match.

When the final whistle blew, the Stars poured out onto the pitch to celebrate. They would later learn that they would not face newly minted rivals Kelssek in the semifinal at Star Field in Herzegovina City. Instead, their opponents would be the highest ranked team and the top overall seed in the Cup of Harmony, Pasarga. The Wanderers knocked out the Voyagers 3-1 to prevent a Group F rematch.

The Stars were guaranteed at least two more matches as yhey saw their incredible run of form since they were 1-3-4 in World Cup qualifying continue. That record now stood at 12-5-2 since the team's nadir.

The slipper still fit. And the clock has not yet struck midnight.

[Mercedini]

76th Cup of Harmony
The Fantastic Four
@ Elliot Family Stadium - Marietta, Xanneria

Good evening and welocme back to the 76th Cup of Harmony in Banija and Xanneria. We are still alive and kicking in what has been an enlightening couple of weeks for international football, featuring fallen greats and up and coming nations looking to make a name for themselves. Last time roound, you saw Mercedini struggle against an energetic and stubborn Jeruselem side, but super-sub Feliks Alva won the day with an opportunistic tap-in after the ball fell to the youngster inside the six yard box. Now, we're down to the final eight of the competition, with the number of side left in contention during this cycle rapidly dwindling. With eight remaining in the World Cup and eight remaining in the Cup of Harmony, more and more eyes are now being focused on these teams as they move to within touching distance of the title. After beating Jeruselem 1-0 in their Round of 16 match, the Golden Eagles moved on to face another side who could cause a stir to the establishment; Newmanistan. They came through extra-time and penalties to beat Timuria during their match, but the couple days rest should have got the team back up to full strength, with Mercedini also enjoying their extended break before their quarter-finals.

Only four teams remained in contention from the Xannerian half of the draw, the winner of this match between Dini and Newmanistan would move on to face either Terre-Septentrionale or Kandorith, who have been free scoring at this tournament so far and fully deserve their spot in the final eight. Mercedini are the only side in the half who have regular World Cup experience, but experience counts for nothing at tournaments like these. As seen by the numerous other Pot 1 and 2 sides who have fallen by the wayside at the Group Stage or the Round of 16. With action coming from Palace City, let's see whether the senior side can do what they haven't been able to do in the past four cycles, and make it to a tournament semi-final.

Cup Of Harmony: Golden Goals At The Golden Gopher

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FINAL SCORE

COH | QF

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MERCEDINI 2
Chillotov 9' (P), 30'
NEWMANISTAN 0

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Palace City, Xanneria
Attendance - 48,901

A far from routine performance from the Golden Eagles, but a clinical start to the match did all the damage in the end at Mercedini book their spot in the final four with a 2-0 win over Newmanistan. Chillotov, who has been fairly absent for most of the tournament despite starting every game, netted a brace in the first half of proceedings before being subbed off again in the second half for what looked like a thigh strain. The Golden Eagles are beginning to gather a head of steam going into the business end of the tournament. They are guaranteed two more matches in Banija and Xanneria, they will play Terre-Septentrionale for a place in the Cup of Harmony Final a couple of days from today, with Pasarga or Sarzonia competing in the second semi-final. Dare we believe?

The Golden Gopher Casino is where plenty-a-punter has gone in for a gamble, but the stadium in which they sponsor certainly saw a couple of flutters in it's latest hosting job. Lyndainium has always stated that he manages and procures players for the future, and that was certainly a statement that rang true when looking at the team sheet. Karlovic and Di Sansev were both selected to start this crucial quarter-finals, with the two youngest members of the outfield squad selected to deal with the pressure and the expectation of a nation.

The match started off with the 50,000-capacity stadium packed to the rafters, save for the very top of the arena stands which were vacant. It didn't take long for Dini to make their mark on the match, even if some of the Newmanistan defenders left their mark on some of their opponents. A late tackle halted a Mercedinian breakaway with less than ten minutes on the clock, Garzallo went down in the box, giving the referee no choice but to blow for an early penalty. Chillotov stepped up the the mark and blasted the ball down the centre to break the ice and take the weight from their shoulders. They were a goal up at the start, giving them something to defend and platform to move forward from.

The second came not too long later for those in the stadium as the Lajuno striker doubled his haul in the match with a curled effort. A scything Karlovic pass down the centre exploited a minute gap left between the two central defenders, allowing Chillotov to race clear with his pace and manoeuvrability. The Newmanistan defenders did well to sherper him from the centre of the goal, but the narrow angle wasn't enough to stop the man in form as he beat the keeper with a thunder bolt toward the near post, the ball squeezing between the post and the flailing goalkeeper to nestle into the roof of the net for a second goal. There didn't look to be much in the match, but clinical finishing was the difference between these two teams as the clock ticked towards half time.

In the second half, it was a much more even affair as Newmanistan chased the game with the clock ticking down on them. Mercedini rarely threatened their opponent's goal and didn't register a single shot on target throughout the whole of the second half. Their game plan was to simply stem the oncoming tide of attacks coming from their opponents. Newmanistan did come close with ten minutes to go, with Jerome Beyer flicked through, he flashed his shot across the face of goal before the ball was cleared for a throw in further down the pitch. Ultimately, that two goal difference gave Dini much more of a grip on the game, they didn't have to worry about a potential equaliser at the death as long as they kept Newmanistan as arm's length.

There was a chance for a third Mercedinian goal to wrap up the game in added time. Alva was put through on the counter attack with only his marker and the goalkeeper to beat. Aaron Scarpa in the Newmanistan net came out to meet Alva on the edge of the box, but got a strong palm to the chip of Alva, beating the ball away to the relative safety of the open field. The 2-0 scoreline seemed harsh on Newmanistan who deserved to get at least something for their efforts. A ruthless Mercedinian back line denied those wishes to record a second clean sheet on the bounce, at just the right time. We will be seeing a lot more blue and black in this tournament, as a big match in Marietta awaits for the players and the fans. Under lights in Palace City, it finished Mercedini 2, Newmanistan 0.

[Terre Septentrionale]

Terre Septentrionale beats Kandorith in quarter finals

Delano City, Delano, Xanneria - Terre Septentrionale beats Kandorith 5-1 in quarter finals and advances to the semi finals. The Nordiques controlled the ball 56% of the time and shot 16 times with 10 on them were on target. Kandorith shot 7 times with 4 on target. Terre Septentrionale attacked at the 12th minute when Élisabeth Normandin passed to sandrine Fontaine who dribbled and made a header pass to Fryderyka Cwierczakiewiczowa who heads the ball right into the net and it's a goal. 1-0 Terre Septentrionale. The Reprezentacja Nordycki attacked again at the 34th minute when Roksana Kolodziejczyk passed to Sandrine Fontaine who dribbled with the ball but she's tackled by Hideyoshi Takahashi and the ball is loose. Pawel Wawrzynkiewicz takes the loose ball, he dribbles and makes a cross to Sandie McCracken. Sandie McCracken kicks the ball and it's a goal, 2-0 Terre Septentrionale. Kandorith attacked at the 38th minute when Hiro Tanaka passed the ball to Hisakane Hayashi who dribbles with the ball and makes a cross to Masada Katano who shoots and he scores. Terre Septentrionale's lead is cut to 2-1 and this is the score at the halftime.

The Nortmen attacked at the 59th minute when Yannick Ksiezniakiewicz passed to Roksana Kolodziejczyk who dribbled and passed to Sandie McCracken who kicks the ball and it's in! 3-1 Terre Septentrionale. The Nordiques attacked again at the 67th minute when Sandrine Fontaine passed to Fryderyka Cwierczakiewiczowa who shoots but the ball is deflected by Hideyo Kiyotada and goes all over the net. It's a corner kick, Pawel Wawrzynkiewicz takes the corner kick, he kicks the ball in the penalty area, Ando Masatake heads the ball outside of the penalty area, Slawomir Skrzeszewski takes the ball and shoots from 40 meters and it's a goal! 4-1 Terre Septentrionale. The Reprezentacja Nordycki atatcked at the 81st minute when Przemyslaw Tkocz passed to Alicja Jedrzejczyk who dribbled with the ball and passed to Fryderyka Cwierczakiewiczowa in the penalty area who'se about to shoot but she's tripped by Munemori Miyake. Miyake gets a yellow card and it's a penalty for Terre Septentrionale. Fryderyka Cwierczakiewiczowa takes the penalty, she shoots and she scores! 5-1 Terre Septentrionale and this is the final score!

BOXSCORE

12th minute: Fryderyka Cwierczakiewiczowa assisted by Sandrine Fontaine
34th minute: Sandie McCracken assisted by Pawel Wawrzynkiewicz
38th minute: Masada Katano assisted by Hisakane Hayashi
59th minute: Sandie McCracken assisted by Roksana Kolodziejczyk
67th minute: Slawomir Skrzeszewski (unassisted)
81st minute: Fryderyka Cwierczakiewiczowa (penalty)

YELLOW CARDS

26th minute: Yannick Ksiezniakiewicz
54th minute: Sandrine Fontaine
81st minute: Munemori Miyake

RED CARDS

None

Mercedini

With this 5-1 win against Kandorith, Terre Septentrionale advances to the semi finals and will play against Mercedini, who beat Newmanistan 2-0. In the other semi final, pasarga and sarzonia will play each other and both winner will play in the final.

[Pasarga]

All the speculation was now over, Júlia Müller finally had the answer as to where she would be playing her domestic football next season. Surprising a lot of people, she had chosen not a comfy return to Pasarga and one of the three domestic squads who had put in a bid on the striker, nor the regional neighbor and domestic powerhouse of Nephara. Instead she had chosen what some would argue was the least attractive and suited target for the talents that the striker has, Rozelle from Brenecia. It was not one of the two powerhouse clubs in Brenecia, and it was a league that was noted for having a little bit more bite in their play and a little less finesse. Considering Müller's strengths come from being a pacy striker who is decent on the ball going forward, it seems quite the strange move to make, considering the other options were better suited for her style of play. Regardless, in a few months time we will see if the move was the right one or wrong one for the national team starlet and whether she will be able to overcome the challenge or once again be looking for a new home to play her club football in a years time.

The striker has continued to blossom on the international stage, getting what would end up being the game winning goal against Kelssek in the Cup of Harmony Quarterfinals. The two sides had seen fairly evenly matched in the first half, each trying to probe and past the other with dynamic through balls and tantalizing crosses, only to see the defenses rise to the occasion and put a stop to most of the attacks. The Wanderers had taken the lead just a quarter hour into the game, as one of those beautiful crosses from out on the wing somehow fell between the defenders and Mária Vöröss was able to pounce on the mistake with a clinical half volley that bulged the back of the net before most people had registered that the midfielder had taken a shot. Kelssek was able to peg the side back though just six minutes later as Brayden Custworth was able to cut inside of Berg and put in a curling effort that was outside of Gerber's reach, meaning that the two sides went into the half level and still everything to play for. Given that many had Kelssek as the third favorite to win the tournament, it seemed to be a match that likely was going to decide who would be the bookies favorite to advance out of Banija.

The second half would not have to wait long to see the deadlock broken though, as Müller put on a showcase of her talents, dribbling around two defenders before rounding Kai Poirier in net and passing the ball into the goal to give the Wanderers the lead back. Kelssek wanted to not be outdone so easily and from the kickoff managed to engineer an attack on the Wanderers net once again, with it looking like Custworth was going to double his tally. However Gerber was able to fall down quick enough and smother the bouncing shot and corral it against his belly, not letting it bounce out into the area where Custworth was looking for a second bite at the cherry. Kelssek continued to press against the Wanderers' defensive line as the match wore on and on, searching for the equalizer that would at least send the match to extra time, but at every attack the Wanderers' backline was able to stand up to the challenge. In the eighty-first minute the match was put to bed as Deli Ács put in a looping cross that was supposed to meet Jager's head but instead fell just underneath the crossbar and down into the goal, leaving the crowd and both teams stunned at the extraordinary goal that had just sealed the match and progression for the Wanderers. Kelssek was stunned by the strike while the Wanderers looking quietly confident as the final whistle blew and the team had the confirmation of their place in the Semifinals.

In the semifinals, it will not be Filindostan that the Wanderers will be taking on, but rather Sarzonia as the returning side pulled off the major upset to continue their unexpected run in the tournament. The former World Cup winner came into the Qualifiers as an unranked team, having missed decades of the game and had a rather porous beginning to their campaign that eliminated nearly all hope they had for advancing after the first half. However they seemed to pull the right strings and build a bit of momentum in that second half of qualifiers and have ridden it into the semifinals here in Banija and stand just a game away from contending for a major trophy in their return cycle. However for all that magical run, their is the Wanderers' own redemption run that is on the line as well, a squad who feels like they were hard done by with their qualifying group and end of qualifying run in that had them come up short. It is what some would call a cinderalla story against a redemption tour, a fight of who really desires it more in their gut and willing to put in that little bit of extra effort to get them over the line. Can the brilliant attack of the Wanderers' be that push or will Sarzonia be writing their own fable ending?

[Sarzonia]

The story of Sarzonia's return to international football after years away from the game can be described as a rollercoaster, both in terms of results and the emotions of everyone involved.

The World Cup qualifying cycle began with shock, sadness, and unimaginable grief with the death by suicide of manager Bryan Ostrom. The players leaned on each other for emotional support. They looked to a caretaker manager in Kevin Connelly who wasn't known for being warm and fuzzy for the same thing.

For his part, Connelly had to adapt. It wasn't just piloting a team that was more attacking than he'd usually prefer.

"That was the easy part," he said with a smile, also a rarity for a usually dour manager. "You adapt your style to the players you have." Connelly then stared at the floor for a moment. He took in a deep breath and exhaled.

"Nothing prepares you for dealing with grief," he said. "Bryan was a good guy. He had so much in front of him. His wife. His family." Connelly's voice trailed off. He drew in a breath and sighed.

"This became much more than tactics and deciding who makes the starting 11."

It began in Terre Septentrionale with a goalless draw, but the story really began with the tribute to Ostrom at the stadium. It began with the walk in the tunnel toward the pitch with Connelly looking to his left.

It included tributes by Banija and Trolleborg, which was nowhere near the celebratory atmosphere the Stars had heard the national stadium there usually was. It included Charlie King mouthing off about politics in Squornshelous and drawing Sarzonia into international controversy. Then Connelly announced he would retire again.

Then a funny thing happened on the way to the retirement ceremony. The Stars began to play with dramatically better form. They made a slight ripple with a draw away to Abanhfleft that damaged their hopes of qualifying. It included the seismic upset away to world No. 19 Brenecia that knocked the former world champions out of contention for the qualifying group title

Then the Stars began to find their mojo in the Cup of Harmony, plus another couple of upset wins and a newfound rival in Kelssek. Their victory over Filindostan was overshadowed by sending away starting goalkeeper Mateo Sandoval for fraudulently reporting his age.

Now the Stars stand two victories away from an unlikely championship in the Cup of Harmony. The title might be a consolation prize, but the team's epic journey from the ground up to a team with a possibly bright future was one that will be remembered long after the scores are forgotten.

"I don't know if you can write anything crazier than this, " midfielder Brady Reynolds said. "I couldn't."

[Banija]

It's the semifinals! But this cutoff will be dedicated to The Black Mamba. May he rest in peace.

Cup of Harmony 76 Semifinals

Pasarga 1–0 Sarzonia @ Star Field in Herzegovina City, Moravica

Pasarga will play in the 76th Cup of Harmony Final at the Stadium of the Restoration in Busukuma, National Capitol Region, Banija. That match will be scorinated by Banija on Wednesday night.

Sarzonia will play in the Cup of Harmony 76 Bronze medal match at XanAir National Stadium II in Xanniera. That match will be scorinated on Tuesday night by Xanneria.

[Xanneria]

alright "Cutoff" for the Xannerian semi-final

instead of Music, have a pic of the Elliot Family Stadium, in Marietta, Galliburton.

Xannerian Semi-Final - Elliot Family Stadium
Mercedini 3–3 Terre Septentrionale (3–3 AET) (2–3 pen.)

CoH76 Finale will be Pasarga versus Terre Septentrionale at Stadium of the Restoration in Busukuma, National Capitol Region, Banija
CoH76 3PPO will be Sarzonia versus Mercidini at XANAir National Stadium II in Dominca City, Xannerian Capital Territory, Xanneria

[Sajnur]

Match Summaries

Sajnur 0-0 Tjunia

Sajnur

Lineup
GK: Khadur
CB: Raglan
CB: Jana
CB: Murje
CDM: Hasan
RM: Tule [Parjazu 68']
CM: Siafik (c)
CM: Levici
LM: Kiral [Nazar 71']
ST: Naulo
ST: Down [Maktar 55']

Tjunia

Lineup

GK: Gylfisson
RB: Donaldson (c)
CB: Kallah
CB: Umkala
LB: McKenna
CM: Johnson [Watts 62']
CM: Vasquez
CAM: Pelinho
RW: Ulawaya
ST: Green [Andrews 75']
LW: Podolov [Pique 71']

Sajnur 2-1 Hapilopper

Sajnur

Goals
Naulo: 42' (Haji)
Nazar: 72' (Siafik)

Lineup
GK: Laghiev
CB: Vuierev
CB: Jana
CB: Murje
CDM: Hajat [Ocango 67']
RM: Haji
CM: Siafik (c)
CM: Hasan
LM: Kiral [Tule 80']
ST: Naulo
ST: Nazar

Hapilopper

Goals
Stevenson: 79' (Erickson)

Lineup
GK: Hughes
RB: Ayers
CB: Dibble
CB: Ellis
LB: McLain
CDM: Fairburn [Herbert 65']
CDM: Burton
CAM: Hunnison [Morris 70']
CAM: East
CAM: Erickson
ST: Stevenson (c)

Sajnur 1-4 Schottia

Sajnur

Goals
Siafik: 80' (Levici)

Lineup
GK: Khadur
CB: Vuierev [Tule 70']
CB: Jana
CB: Murje
RM: Haji
CM: Hasan
CM: Levici
LM: Kiral [Isarghie 53']
CF: Siafik (c)
CF: Ciuru [Maktar 66']
ST: Naulo

Schottia

Goals
Martel-Burns: 10' (Soria Luna), 33' (p), 56' (Cnocstanger)
Banach: 85' (Kupper)

Lineup
GK: Lorrey
RB: Corrello
CB: Koller
CB: Hare
LB: McGillivray (c)
CDM: Bronte
CM: Roxel [Banach 68']
CM: Soria Luna
RW: Cnocstanger
ST: Martel-Burns [Jevdenijevic 68']
LW: Avelione [Kupper 81']

Sajnur 3-3 Sarzonia

Sajnur

Goals
Naulo: 15' (Murje)
Siafik: 41', 79' (Jorse)

Lineup
GK: Laghiev
RB: Salloah [Jorse 71']
CB: Jana
CB: Hajat [Isarghie 62']
LB: Murje
CDM: Hasan
CM: Siafik
CM: Levici
RW: Parjazu
ST: Naulo
LW: Nazar

Sarzonia

Goals
Campos: 9' (Mabree)
Aguirre: 47' (Reynolds)
Reynolds: 62'

Lineup
GK: Gomes
RB: King
CB: Benignati
CB: Taylor
LB: Howard
RM: dos Santos [Swann 71']
CM: Collins
CM: Reynolds
LM: Mabree
ST: Aguirre
ST: Campos [Cambrio 60']

Sajnur 2-2 Kelssek

Sajnur


Goals
Siafik: 16' (Naulo)
Tule: 74' (Siafik)

Lineup
GK: Laghiev
CB: Vuierev
CB: Jana
CB: Murje
CDM: Hajat [Hasan 70']
RM: Tule
CM: Siafik
CM: Levici
LM: Kiral
ST: Naulo [Maktar 63']
ST: Nazar

Kelssek

Goals
Lister: 3' (Lapierre)
Tremblay-Fillon: 47' (Taleb)

Lineup
GK: Gallagher
RB: Farahani
CB: Curtin
CB: Arbour
LB: Liadon
RM: Taleb [McDonagh 81']
CM: Tremblay-Fillon
CM: Lapierre [Bogdanor 78']
LM: Champetier
ST: Lister [84']
ST: Langelier

[Sarzonia]

Alexander Jager made sure all the talk about Sarzonia's incredible magic carpet ride through the second half of World Cup qualifying and the shock run to the semifinals of the Cup of Harmony ended quickly.

Just two minutes in, he lofted a ball that former Sarzonia national team goalkeeper Mateo Sandoval would have been able to leap up and catch harmlessly owing to his 6-foot-4 frame. However, with the starting goalkeeper being the much shorter Paolo Gomes, the goal barely cleared the tops of his fingertips and bounced behind him into the net despite the desperate effort of Charlie King to get to the ball and clear it. King's left foot just missed tapping the ball and the goal put the Stars into a 1-0 hole they would never escape.

The victory by Pasarga may not have been much of a surprise considering the Wanderers walked into Star Field as the 28th ranked team in the world compared to Sarzonia's 110th rank and the Stars entered the cycle unranked. That said, the Stars gave it everything they had, including seeing Holly Cambrio and Cayden Aguirre playing attacking midfield with Jake Campos and Mek'hi West as the strikers in what amounted to a 2-4-4 lineup in a desperate effort to equalise.

The loss was a bitter pill to swallow for a team that had been through so many well documented trials and tribulations, but the Stars still had more work ahead of them in another match against a team that by rank could have made it to the proper in 30th ranked Mercedini.

"I have to hand it to Pasarga," manager Kevin Connelly said in hushed tones outside the team's dressing room. "They did what they had to do. We fought hard, but they were just a better side than we were today."

The Stars (5-1-2 in the Cup of Harmony; 13-8-3 in this World Cup cycle) will have nothing to hang their heads over. The fact a team that began the cycle unranked and unheralded and rose from the depths of a 1-3-4 mark during the first half of qualifying to a record befitting a World Cup qualifier with upsets over some of the more highly regarded national teams should buoy the team should they compete in World Cup 85 qualifying.

Connelly said he would warn his team when the next qualifying campaign began that they could no longer sneak up on teams.

"We may not have the target on our backs that a World Cup champion will, but teams will know better than to take three points for granted," he said. "They're going to come in knowing what we can do at our best."

For his part, Connelly said assistant manager Kevin Wilson would manage the team for the third place playoff, citing mental exhaustion.

"I need to get my mental health in order," he said. "It's why I announced my retirement initially, but enough people talked me out of retiring so I'm just going to take a leave of absence until I'm ready to get back." Connelly said Sarzonia's Under 18 national team manager Diogo Avarel would serve as assistant manager for the third placed playoff in Dominca City in Xanneria.

As for the other news affecting Sarzonian football, a spokeswoman for Woodstock District Court announced that prosecutors in the fraud case against Sandoval agreed to dismiss the charges against him. He was sentenced to a six-months suspended sentence and fined $50,000 Sarzonian for falsifying his information. The only part of his sentence he was to serve was the night in prison he already served.

"I'm relieved to get this behind me," Sandoval said. "I hope I'll be able to get a spot on a team soon."

That may not be soon. Sarzonian FootbalL Federation officials announced that Sandoval would be barred from Sarzonian professional football for one year with a three-year show-cause penalty for Sarzonian professional teams to sign him upon the expiry of his ban from playing.

Sandoval's attorneys said he would appeal the ruling by the SFF.

"My client believes the losses of his positions on the national team and with the Woodstock Wild, in addition to the damage to his reputation are punishment enough for a lapse in judgment," said Matthew Triante, Sandoval's attorney. Triante said Sandoval would not appeal the District Court verdict.

"It was either that or face possibly 10 years in prison, a $1 million fine, and show-cause for employment for five years," Triante said. "That was the best deal we could get under the circumstances."

[Xanneria]

Cutoff for the 3PPO

here's a picture of XANAir National Stadium II in our Capital Dominica City. One of the newest in Xanneria it's one of the crown jewels of football stadiums in the nation.

Xannerian Third Place Game - XANAir National Stadium II, Dominica City, XCT
Sarzonia 3–2 Mercedini

[Sarzonia]

It wasn't Kevin Wilson's first time at the rodeo by any stretch.

He'd previously managed the second choice Sarzonian national football teams at AOCAF tournaments, even lifting the 29th trophy aloft as Sarzonia's manager. He agreed to serve as Kevin Connelly's assistant manager on short notice after the latter became interim manager by necessity with the death by suicide of Bryan Ostrom.

Still, Wilson was nervous as he took his place on the bench, aware that he would likely be tapped to manage the Stars in an upcoming AOCAF tournament. This time, he would be expected to guide this Stars team as full time interim manager with Connelly taking a leave of absence to address mental health concerns. Next to him was Diogo Avarel, who was expected to bring Cafundelense flair to the newly-minted Under 18 national team, henceforth dubbed the Baby Stars as its manager.

Right now, Wilson had a job to do, and that was to manage the Stars against another team disappointed to be here in Mercedini. The 30th ranked team in the world entering the Cup of Harmony obviously would have preferred the short trip to Banija's Stadium of the Restoration to staying here in Xanneria, while the Stars would have preferred Banijan transit to the aircraft taking them to Xanneria.

That said, both teams had a job to do, and for 65 minutes, it looked like the favoured Mercedini side would have the better of things. They'd built a solid 2-0 lead through goals by Daniel Dostalok in the 23rd minute and Johannes Nymark in the 33rd minute, both of which took advantage of the relatively short height of Sarzonian goalkeeper Paolo Gomes to score just over his outstretched glove.

However, Jake Campos had something to say about that narrative, one that would show the Stars flatlining once the knockout rounds reached the semifinals of the Cup of Harmony. He skied into the air to get his forehead onto a Brady Reynolds corner kick, won fortuitously by an aggressive challenge by substitute striker Mek'hi West that caused an uncharacteristic error by defender Jordan Brindliev, whose attempt to evade West along the right side touchline resulted in the ball rolling out past the end line. Campos nodded the ball past the diving attempt by goalkeeper Daniel Hosset to get the Stars onto the scoresheet to halve the Mercedini lead in the 66th minute of play.

The goal got the heretofore laconic Stars supporters back into the contest, and five minutes later, their efforts were rewarded yet again through a cheeky backheel goal by West that leveled the score at 2-2 and sent manager Elidyr Lyndainium scrambling for answers. Twelve minutes on, Reynolds would provide his own answer with a direct free kick that resulted from a foul just outside the 18-yard box. Or inside it for a penalty, if you believe Wilson, who earned himself a yellow card for dissent when the Vilitan referee signaled that it wasn't a penalty.

Wilson's fuming soon turned to cheering as Reynolds buried a spectacular kick past Hosset to give the Stars the only lead they would need. From there, it was the Charlie King show as the Stars defender was out to prove his worth in dealing with a late push by the more highly regarded side to wrest back the result from a plucky Stars team. He won three challenges and cleared the ball out of danger each time. The third time, the clearance went to Reynolds, who dropped back and pitched in with more defence than usual in an effort to prevent the team wearing home colours from equalising.

Still, the first thought Wilson had when the final whistle sounded after 10 more minutes, including a surprisingly short two minutes of stoppage time, was relief. Relief that a trying World Cup 84 cycle was finally over. Relief that a team that had to process grief on the fly could now fully devote their days to nursing their mental health back. Relief that a team that was on an emotional and results roller coaster could finally wind back down. Relief that a team that regularly was an underdog finally could start enjoying not having to prove themselves to a skeptical public or to disbelieving naysayers who were sure the Stars would show the form of an unranked, unheralded side at any point.

And then, joy. Joy that a team that started out taking lumps from the experienced sides in World Cup qualifying Group 2 finally started dishing them out. Joy that the team drew the attention of qualifying group mates Banija and fellow Cup of Harmony organisers in Xanneria enough to warrant both football associations deciding to invite the Stars to compete among teams that missed out on qualifying. Joy that this return to international football brought them signature moments including victories over highly ranked sides that sent shockwaves through the multiverse.

But mostly, it was joy that a team came together with resolve, united in grief, and now united as a team, as a family. It might be Kevin Wilson who received the bronze medal around his neck and Avarel, who would give the one around his neck to Connelly, but it was Connelly who helped this team become something far greater than the individual sum of its parts. It was Connelly who helped the team heal from its emotional wounds. It was Connelly who stayed the course when other teams might have dropped their managers or demanded a change in tactics. It was Connelly who helped see the team through after it reached its nadir with a 1-3-4 record. Coupled with the Under 21 national team's 2-1-7 mark in AOCAF 59, it gave Sarzonia a mark of 3-4-11. Since that point, however, Sarzonia's record stood at 13-5-3, good enough for it to appear on the medal stand following the 76th Cup of Harmony.

It may not have been the ending the Stars wanted, but it will be a tournament no one in Sarzonia will ever forget. And, more importantly, it will be the beginning of a new era of Sarzonian football, one that may see the Stars reach heights it only attained briefly in days long past.

[Terre Septentrionale]

Terre Septentrionale wins in penalties

Marietta, Galliburton, Xanneria - Terre Septentrionale played the semi final against Mercedini, the 30th best team in the multiverse, and won in penalties 3–3 (3–3 AET) (3–2 pen.). Mercedini controlled the ball 51% of the time, they shot 12 times with 8 of them on target. Terre Septentrionale shot 11 times with 7 on target. Mercedini attacked at the 16th minute when Johan Karlovic passed to Ross Presic who dribbled with the ball and made a short pass to Ben Chillotov who shoots the ball and it's a goal. 1-0 Mercedini. The Nordiques answered back at the 21st minute when Yannick Ksiezniakiewicz dribbled with the ball and made a short pass to Roksana Kolodziejczyk who dribbled with the ball and made a cross to Fryderyka Cwierczakiewiczowa who kicks the ball and it's in! The game is tied at 1-1. Terre Septentrionale attacked again at the 25th minute when Pawel Wawrzynkiewicz made a short pass to Élisabeth Normandin who dribbled with the ball and passed to Sandrine Fontaine who kicks the ball. It's a goal and the Reprezentacja Nordycki is leading 2-1! Mercedini attacked at the 41st minute when Johannes Nymark passed to Johan Karlovic who dribbled with the ball but he's tripped just outside the penalty area by Zdzislaw Brzezanczyk. Brzezanczyk recieves a yellow card and it's a free kick for Mercedini. Daniel Dostalok takes the free kick, he kicks the ball and it goes directly into the net. Mercedini ties the game at 2-2 and this is the score at the halftime.

Terre Septentrionale attacked at the 65th minute when Yannick Ksiezniakiewicz dribbled with the ball and passed to Sandrine Fontaine who made a short pass to Pawel Wawrzynkiewicz who shoots and he scores! 3-2 Northmen. Mercedini tied the game again 3 minutes later when Johannes Nymark passed to Lawrence Garzallo who dribbled with the ball and made a cross to Ben Chillotov who kicks the ball and it's in. 3-3 and this is the score after the regular time. We go to extra time but the score is still the same after extra time and we go to penalty shots!

Mercedini is the first team to kick. Daniel Dostalok kicks the ball and it's a goal. Sandrine Fontaine kicks the ball for Terre Septentrionale and she scores! 1-1 in penalty kicks.
Ross Presic kicks but Zofia Kwietniewska makes a fantastic save. It's Roksana Kolodziejczyk's turn to kick. She kicks and the ball is in. 2-1 Terre Septentrionale.
Ben Chillotov comes to kick, he kicks and he scores. Fryderyka Cwierczakiewiczowa kicks, she never misses a penalty kick and she didn't miss either this time, it's a goal. 3-2.
Johan Karlovic kicks but Zofia Kwietniewska makes another save. Amelia Zalwowska kicks the ball for Terre Septentrionale but Daniel Hosset makes a fantastic save. Still 3-2.
The final kicker for Mercedini is Cody Graszeszak, who subbed in in extra time, he kickes but he misses the net. We don't need a 5th kicker for Terre Septentrionale, the Nordiques won 3-3 (3-3) (3-2)!

BOXSCORE

16th minute: Ben Chillotov assisted by Ross Presic
21st minute: Fryderyka Cwierczakiewiczowa assisted by Roksana Kolodziejczyk
25th minute: Sandrine Fontaine assisted by Élisabeth Normandin
41st minute: Daniel Dostalok (direct free kick)
65th minute: Pawel Wawrzynkiewicz assisted by Sandrine Fontaine
68th minute: Ben Chillotov assisted by Lawrence Garzallo

penalty shots
Daniel Dostalok - Goal
Sandrine Fontaine - Goal
Ross Presic - Save
Roksana Kolodziejczyk - Goal
Ben Chillotov - Goal
Fryderyka Cwierczakiewiczowa - Goal
Johan Karlovic - Save
Amelia Zalwowska - Save
Cody Graszeszak - Missed

YELLOW CARDS

33rd minute: Johannes Nymark
41st minute: Zdzislaw Brzezanczyk
47th minute: Issac Catessic
87th minute: Jedrzej Kosciukiewicz
95th minute: Crp. Tim Crasic
116th minute: Sandrine Fontaine

RED CARDS

None

Final game against Pasarga

Since the beginning of the Cup of Harmony, Terre Septentrionale have travelled around Xanneria and visited nice places, but this time the Nordiques have to travel to Banija for the final game of the Cup of Harmony. The final will take place in Busukuma, National Capitol Region, Banija. The 91,835 seat Stadium of the Restoration will be obviously sold out with many fans from Terre Septentrionale, Pasarga, local fans from Banija and even fans from all around the multiverse who wants to see a good soccer game between two top nations.Wow I can't believe, by playing the final of the Cup of Harmony, Terre Septentrionale just become one of the top nations of the multiverse! There's many top nations though, but we're now one of them, and the Reprezentacja Nordycki will be a contender at the next World Cup qualification and we can hope we'll qualify for the next World Cup.

But, before thinking of next year's World Cup, we have to beat Pasarga, which is ranked 28th. It won't be an easy task but the Northmen can do it. The Wanderers seems to be well-balanced between offense and defense and uses a 4-4-2 system. Offensively, the team is led by Alexander Jager and Petar Galić. Defensively, Christian Berg is probably their best player.

Wlodzimierz Pietruszewski,
Senior writer, La tribune Septentrionale

[Kelssek]

Kai Poirier bit his lip as the ball dropped into the goal to make it 3-1 for Pasarga. He could have done nothing about it because he had to get into position to save the header he and everyone else knew was coming. The cross went straight into the net instead. He drew breath to ask the defenders at maximum volume what in the hell they were doing letting strikers run right past them, then decided not to bother. It wasn’t the first time he’d been hung out to dry in the last 90 minutes, let alone since they’d arrived in Banija. It was bound to catch up to them sooner or later – and it was not all that surprising that Pasarga were finally the team they couldn’t just steamroll with talented attackers. It wasn't for lack of trying, but the team in front of him was being comprehensively stymied in the search for an equalizer and now they weren't going to get two goals.

* * *

“...and this is a very tough tournament and it’s one that I think we could have won. Obviously things didn’t go the way we’d have liked. There’s a lot for us to think about and a lot for us to look at.”

“Andrea, Kelssek were knocked out of the quarter-finals at the last Cup of Harmony two cycles ago and now the team is out at the quarter-finals again. Is the team making progress?”

“You know, I wasn’t Kelssek manager at the time.” There were chuckles from some of the other journalists. “I see a lot of room for improvement and a lot of things to work on, before long we’re going to be in the thick of qualification matches again and we need to improve because I want Kelssek to be able to go up against teams like Pasarga and win.”

“Has François Saint-Louis spoken to you about news that he’s been offered the manager job at Strathcona Internationals?”

“Yes, we were going to keep it under wraps to focus on this tournament... But we’ve worked well together, he’s a good coach, and I wish him all the best.”

PASARGA 3 - Vöröss (15'), Müller (47'), Ács (81')
KELSSEK 1 - Custworth (21')
Line-up: Poirier, Liadon, Halliger, Pokorný, Bowler (Douglass 59’), Demetriev, Lapierre, Ó Tuathail (Dionne 77’), McDonagh (Taleb 63’), Custworth, Langelier.
BCEL Stadium, Jinja City (attendance: 52,114)

[Pasarga]

Jager was heading into the Final of the Cup of Harmony with no small amount of confidence and a small feeling of vindication. The doubts about his talents, even if they had been in hushed whispers, had had a small impact on him the last few months. Normally a confident and robust striker, those questions about whether he was as good as he had made himself out to be and if he could actually lead the Wanderers' attack in pivotal moments had put him in a bit of a sour mood. Despite that, he had continued on as he had for the last decade and pressed on even when people were questioning his skill and motives, much like he had done so when he had chosen to travel to Apox to start his professional career rather than be a strike for CAP. Since the moment he had decided not to sign the professional contract with his boyhood club and the club from which he graduated out of their academy, people had constantly been questioning him, his skill, and his motivations for doing what he did. Every single time though, he persevered and came out the better for it, having been shown to be in the right after all. This had been no different, as he had lead the Wanderers' to the Cup of Harmony Final, the side having been unbeaten in the tournament.

Two years, he knew that was all that he really had left to be one of the best strikers in the world and perhaps in Pasargan history. He had just turned twenty-eight a few months ago and would be thirty by the end of the next World Cup cycle, this would be the time for him to make the mark he wanted to make on the world. He had taken the world by storm by almost single handidly winning a DBC despite his tender age and being far from the most notable name on that squad, yet he had put the squad on his back and lead them to an unexpected title. He tore up the league in Apox with Dwile, being a regular starter at just age 17 and increasing his value greatly until the big clubs from other leagues had taken notice and he was then on his way to Eura and Revolutionaries. His talent was so evident that he had been put into the senior national team before he had even turned twenty-one, one of the few players who played in the senior pool and could still play in the Young Wanderers' squad. Success had been his at every turn, except with the national team and the last two World Cup cycles, even if he had helped win a Copa Rushmori during one of those cycles.

Sarzonia had wanted to write their own fairy tale ending to their cycle, after their disaster of a start in the qualifier and then apparent rebirth in that second half of that tournament and finally blossoming into a talented squad in the Cup of Harmony. Jager made it known quickly that the Wanderers were not going to simply step aside and let the Stars return take center stage, firing in an ambitious shot just two minutes in. Ambitious though it might have been, it had enough loft in it to be outside of the reach of the shorter Sarzonia keeper and bouncing past a last ditched attempt to clear it by a defender to put the Wanderers' up early. The Wanderers' pressed hard against Sarzonia, looking to find a second goal that could then lead to a third and seal the match away before the first half ended, yet it never came. It never came in the second half either, as though under siege for the better part of the match by the Wanderers', Sarzonia stood resilient and had some half chances of their own to find a goal. Yet neither side would be able to find the net again as both keepers were up to the task outside of Jager's initial ambitious effort, a shot that a striker who was not as confident in themselves might have passed on.

There was one last hurdle to clear, one last challenge to overcome for the Wanderers and Jager. This would be the ultimate test, now that the side had gotten here, could they ultimately deliver on the talent and why all the bookies had made them the favorites to win the entire tournament when the group draw had been announced? The test would also be for Jager, could he deliver one more inspirational game and finally have the Wanderers take home a major WCC trophy, their first one in two decades? Could he and this side add to the legacy and history that had been the Wanderers? The bitter taste of disappointment had spurred them on through the group stages but the sweet taste of victory and success had been what was pushing them through the knockouts. Terre Septentrionale had already taken the second favorite of the tournament out, having sprung the surprise on Mercedini in the Semifinals, could they do the same to the overall favorites in the Final itself? Or was there finally going to be some validation and vindication for a squad that had so desperately been looking for support and appreciation from their fans and nation?

[PotatoFarmers]

[FYI: For a complete list of RPs for the CoH, you could refer to my roster page for details. 1 year would have passed between WCQ/BoF and CoH in our calendar.]
[Posted this for record keeping purposes, no RP from my side.]

Poafmersia 5-3 Hampton Island
Venue: Star Field, Herzegovina City, Moravica, Banija
Goals: Santik Mason 26', 90'; Bytia Hisel 42', 65', 71'

Starting Lineup:
Jabik Henderson; Alex Pickford, Danzik Hoboson (c), Pasits Rikachz, Denise Pickford; Matthew Tibrise, Gisiik Moonar, Daas Taisg, Jessie Mchargarita; Bytia Hisel, Santik Mason

Substitutes: none

---

Fixture List for Poafmersia:
MD1: Kandorith vs Poafmersia - Lwanga City Arena, Lwanga, Buganda, Banija (cap 26,500) Loss (2-1)
MD2: Poafmersia vs Savojarna - Eastern Stadium, Istria, Moravica, Banija (cap 39,000) Loss (0-1)
MD3: Euran Oceania Territories vs Poafmersia - Star Field, Herzegovina City, Moravica, Banija (cap 70,000) Win (3-5)
MD4: Squornshelan Remnant States vs Poafmersia - Albert III Stadium, Dodoma, Bunyoro, Banija (cap 48,600) Draw (3-3)
MD5: Poafmersia vs Hampton Island - Star Field, Herzegovina City, Moravica, Banija (cap 70,000) Win (5-3)

For complete list of matchups, tables and KPB rankings for both the Cup of Harmony and World Cup, please visit our microsite: https://bit.ly/WC84CoH76

[Banija]

Pasarga highlights start to show at the Stadium of the Restoration as the narrator says the following words.

Neither team was supposed to be here. And yet, the unexpected Final gave us very different paths.

Pasarga. A team that had once reached three World Cup Finals in a row. Champions of the 72nd edition. A nation that expects to avoid this tournament altogether. Unexpectedly falling back into the Cup of Harmony.

But they didn't choose to live in the past. They didn't choose to wallow in self-pity. But they came back, hungry, ready to fight.

They grabbed the Cup of Harmony by the horns. Undefeated in Banija & Xanneria. Giving themselves the labels of favorites. And now, a trophy within reach.

Will they add to Pasarga's rich championship tradition by bringing home Pasarga's first Cup of Harmony title?

Terre Septentrionale highlights start to show.

"Les Nordiques" were not supposed to be here either. Just their 2nd ever World Cup Cycle as a nation. And yet, already competing for glory.

Playing without fear, playing with the strong belief that they could conquer the world. And they took on and defeated the oncomers.

8 Goals against Lisander. 5 more against Kandorith. A shootout against Mercedini. Unexpected? Surely. Undeserved? Of course not.

These two will tango to add a trophy neither nation own to their collection. Which side will triumph?

[Banija]

A cutoff worthy of the crowning of a champion.

Pasarga 6–2 Terre Septentrionale @ The Stadium of the Restoration in Busukuma, National Capitol Region, Banija

Pasarga is the champion of Cup of Harmony 76.

[Pasarga]

In retrospect, the side could have let off the gas in the second half of the match and still have won the Final comfortably, perhaps taken off Jager in the last quarter hour to give a round of applause that was duly deserved by the fans for the contributions the striker had given to the squad not just on the day but in the tournament as a whole. As it was in the moment, the side was in such a form and with such hunger that they continued to attack their opposition until the very last, when the final whistle was blown and they had been crowned the champions of the Cup of Harmony. Six to two was a flattering scoreline but the result was not one that was undeserved, for the Wanderers had been the better side from the first whistle till the last. Jager had a hattrick, while Müller, Vöröss, and Gere all were able to find the back of the net as well. At the end of the day, it was a venting of four years of national team frustration that was channeled into ninety minutes of pure offensive brilliance that saw them be the side that lifted the trophy.

Now the side had a month to rest, a month to collect themselves and and a month for Srđan Jakšić to figure out who the twenty-three players would be that would make it into his Copa Rushmori squad. They were champions of that competition for two tournament running and would be slight favorites to make it three in a row, although the likes of Eura, Nephara, and Cassadaigua would all relish the chance to take the crown of Rushmore away from the Wanderers. Finding a modicum of success was easy in comparison to trying to maintain and sustain that level for long periods of time. Goodness knows how Valanora ever managed that accomplishment or Aguazul or even now with the triumph display of Vilita. Those were troubles for another day though, for the moment he had saved his job and had lead the squad to an unbeaten run in the Cup of Harmony and their first trophy in the WCC for the first time in almost thirty years. This was a time for celebration, for appreciating the small things in the game and in life, the time for worry and contemplation could come later. For now he could savor the feeling of being a champion once more.

Pasarga - 6
Jager (4', 39', 81'), Gere (21'), Müller (47'), Vöröss (53')
Terre Septentrionale - 2
McCracken (43', 72')