Campionato Esportiva 26 - Everything Thread

[Jeckland]

ROSS RUFFLES FEATHERS WITH BOLD QUARTER-FINAL TARGET

Jeckland manager Kayden Ross has split fan opinion after stating his side would be targeting the quarter-finals of the Campionato Esportiva on their return to the tournament after a long hiatus.

When asked what he hoped for from the tournament, Ross replied "I'm an ambitious man. We go in as one of the bottom seeds, but I'm confident in the squad that we have and think we could spring a few surprises. We should be capable of getting out of our group and then I'd hope we'd win at least one knockout game. So am I targeting the quarter-finals? Yes."

Some fans have praised the manager's ambition, whilst others think this may show him underestimating the fierce competition in Esportiva. Jeckland face a group containing defending champions and number 1 seed Brenecia, Natanians and Nosts, last time's quarter finalists and 9th seeds, Racing, the 12th seed who were also quarter finalists last time around, Copper Cuprum, ranked 18th who were defeated by Racing in the round of 12. With the also unranked Southern Esportivan Union rounding off the group, Jeckland will face an uphill battle in winning games but will be aided by a forgiving format, with the top four teams progressing to the knockout phase. However, coming fourth or even third in this challenging group would likely result in having to upset the odds against a more established nation to reach Ross' target.

Analysis from Alec Cummins, Chief Football Writer

The gauntlet has been thrown down. Kayden Ross has taken the unusual step of annoucning his ambitions to the public - a high risk move that could also come with high reward. If he succeeds he'll be seen as a visionary, somebody who believed in what he was building and know what his squad was capable of. But the stakes are now higher. Depending on the circumstances, a round of 16 exit - which Jeckish media would have probably seen as a modest success - turns into a failure. Only Ross will know the reason he has made these statements. Let's hope he's made the right call.

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The Chicken Chronicles - Prologue

Jeckland is a country with a rich and diverse food culture. Meat is king of the foods (although vegetarianism is reasonably popular and catered for), and the country boasts a rich tapestry of cuisine. Yet there is one dish that stands above all: Jeckish chicken.

Tender, melt in the mouth slices of white chicken breast, soaked in a rich sauce made with white wine. Potato frittata and carrots on the side. A meal known and loved by all across the country - and formerly a hit across the mutliverse. Jeckish Chicken spread like wildfire - with their even being a nation known as 'Jeckish Chicken Connoisseurs' briefly existing in the former Jeck Empire.

In those days, there were mutliple firms producing Jeckish Chicken amongst other products. But in the intervening years, one firm has risen above all to have an almost monopoly on all things to do with Jeckish Chicken - Jecken.

Jecken provide ingredients to nearly all restaurants across Jeckland. Their newly launched 'Home Jeckish Chicken Kits' complete with ingredients and easy to follow recipes, have been a smash hit. Whether you want your Jeckish Chicken cooked for you or just ingredients, Jecken is the company you will likely buy from. They have even swarmed the takeaway industry whilst maintaining the quality of product. They recently became the biggest company in any industry in Jeckland, overtaking social media site Konect. And now with the country emerging from its isolationist period and reaching out to the multiverse, Jecken is looking to become a global juggernaut.

[Filindostan]

MATCHDAY 1 CUTOFF

Let's get this started, shall we?

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MATCHDAY 1 RESULTS

Group A
The Golden Lotus 2–0 Ummat al-Haqiqa
Fhulghamous Peninsula 0–1 Filindostan
Damukuni 3–1 Burgburgh

Group B
Bongo Johnson 0–0 Vangaziland
Ethane 0–1 Zeta Reka and Hugeltaldom
Mattijana 2–1 Xanneria

Group C
Southern Esportivan Union 3–2 Natanians and Nosts
Brenecia 2–3 Racing
Jeckland 1–0 Copper Cuprum

Group D
Hinodejin Empire 4–3 Ceyne Isles
Hampton Island 0–0 Ancherion
Newmanistan 4–1 Kalactanian Esportiva Territories

Tables to come in MD2.

[Fhulghamous Peninsula]

THE COLONY OF THE FHULGHAMOUS PENINSULA
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL TEAM

The Colony of the Fhulghamous Peninsula (Full-Gah-Moose) was first established on 6 December 2008, when Fleftic explorers landed on what was then a previously undiscovered continent. These explorers landed on a large peninsula that they named Fhulghamous because of its rich and lush green forests. One of the explorers then fell into an old mine shaft while exploring the peninsula and discovered that the entire peninsula was lying on top of one of the biggest diamond deposits ever discovered by mankind. Once the explorers announced their discovery to the Fleftic government, the Democratic Republic Army Corps of Engineers was quickly dispatched to help speed up the establishment of the colony by helping in constructing settlements and assisting in constructing mining facilities to extract the diamonds within the land.

The Colony of the Fhulghamous Peninsula was officially established as a colony of the Democratic Republic of Abanhfleft on 6 September 2010 following the signing of Democratic Republic Act No. 2340. The colony's capital would be Port Thimpodopoulos, named after Sergeant Major Pythagoras Thimpodopoulos of the Army Corps of Engineers, who tragically died of a heart attack during the construction of the settlement that would eventually bear his name. Today, Port Thimpodopoulos has a population of ten million, accounting for just under half of the total population of the colony. Other cities in the colony were Besanza, Tadoki, Haritzaga City and Thereisnogodabad, home of Multiverse Premier League club Thereisnogodistan FC.

The colony is under the leadership of Governor-General Petrarchos Kulbano, brother of Minister of Colonial Affairs Demetrios Kulbano. His rule saw the Fhulghamous Peninsula's ascent to being one of the most economically-productive colonies of the Democratic Republic, but due to the colony's distance from the mainland Governor Kulbano is slowly beginning to treat the colony as his own personal fiefdom. This was one of the reasons why he had decided to send forth a petition to send a national team to the Di Bradini Cup, the Multiverse's top under-21 football competition. Unfortunately due to some last-minute troubles, the Fhulghamous Peninsula's team was not allowed entry into the Di Bradini Cup, leaving many people in the colony a bit unfulfilled. But when another chance to send forth a national team revealed itself, Governor Kulbano was quick to submit his team's entry, and this time he made sure that the wouldn't miss out on another chance at participating in an international competition.

BASIC INFORMATION
Name of Nation: The Colony of the Fhulghamous Peninsula
Demonym: Fhulghamousian, Colonist
Team colors: Green and gray
Style modifier: +3.00 (Yet another very attacking side)
Manager: Antonis Papadimitriou (48 y/o, Fhulghamous Peninsula)

STARTERS
GK: Filippos Economatos (25 y/o, Palaeiologi, vice captain)
RB: Charalambos Kontides (26 y/o, Nou Philippopolis)
RCB: Sotirios Rapteas (23 y/o, Esquadrille White Rabbits)
LCB: Haytham Attia (29 y/o, Marble Arch Defenders)
LB: Ossama Abboud (23 y/o, OGC Nou Nicaea)
RM: Thanasis Mavrellis (32 y/o, Heliopolisspor, captain)
RCM: Minos Antonielis (31 y/o, Nuevo Guadix CF)
LCM: Platon Metratos (25 y/o, Airbus Fhulghamous Besanza)
LM: Hossam Issa (23 y/o, Heliopolisspor)
RS: Paraskevas Remou (29 y/o, Airbus Fhulghamous Besanza)
LS: Wessam Shammas (28 y/o, Haritzaga Albion, vice captain)

RESERVES
GK: Husani Safar (23 y/o, Palaeiologi)
GK: Oriol Rey (28 y/o, FC Aeaea Albion)
DF: Francisco Jose Juarez (25 y/o, Haritzaga Albion)
DF: Sotiris Baratos (27 y/o, Besanza Emeralds)
DF: Eric Alferez (21 y/o, UD Nuevo Carthago)
MF: Efthimios Metaxas (30 y/o, Airbus Fhulghamous Besanza)
MF: Jaume de Herrera (28 y/o, Esquadrille White Rabbits)
MF: Karim Khouri (21 y/o, Sfaxspor)
MF: Odion Tahan (25 y/o, Emekasis Sportif)
FW: Manuel Cueva (24 y/o, UD Nuevo Carthago)
FW: Tryfon Kallas (27 y/o, FC Aeaea Albion)
FW: Pablo Gimenez (26 y/o, Emekasis Sportif)

NOTES
If Mavrellis is substituted and the Fhulghamous are leading or drawing, Economatos becomes captain.
If Mavrellis is substituted and the Fhulghamous are losing, Shammas becomes captain.

KITS (by Adidulas)


HOME STADIUM (ARENA MARINOS, PORT THIMPODOPOULOS)

Arena Marinos is the home ground of both FC Marinos Thimpodopoulos, which plays in Abanhfleft's Premier League (first level of the Fleftic football league system) and the Fhulghamous Peninsula national football team. It has a total capacity of 35,673 spectators. Now back in service after a magnitude 6.2 earthquake caused part of the stadium's roof to collapse and devastated the capital city of the colony, necessitating a lot of repairs.

RICHARD DAWKINS PARK, THEREISNOGODABAD

Richard Dawkins Park has a capacity of 23,171 spectators. Following a magnitude 6.2 earthquake that devastated Port Thimpodopoulos, all Fhulghamous Peninsula home matches were held in RDP in Thereisnogodabad while repairs were being made on Arena Marinos. With Arena Marinos now fixed, both the Fhulghamous Peninsula Football Association and Thereisnogodistan FC have reached an agreement in which RDP will serve as an alternate venue for national team games in recognition for the time that Richard Dawkins Park served as the home stadium of the national team following the earthquake.

RP PERMISSIONS
My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
Choose my goalscorers: Yes
Godmod scoring events: Yes
RP injuries to my players: Yes (I decide severity)
Godmod injuries to my players: No
Hand out yellow cards to my players: Yes (3 per game)
Hand out red cards to my players: Yes (1 per 2 games)
Godmod other events: Yes (TG me first)

[Kita-Hinode]

IMPERIAL HINODEJIN FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION REPORT
CAMPIONATO ESPORTIVA 26
HINODEJIN EMPIRE B 4, CEYNE ISLES 3

Hinodejin Line-Up and Grades:

#23 - Mikazuki SAWANO (Goalkeeper, Formerly of Southern Ironwork Girls, currently at Baywall Athletic)
The former teammate of goblins in the SI Girls squad, Mikazuki probably would've had an easier time if she was able to get over Sophia Fortune. While she's rumoured to be rather questionable as a player due to character traits, the Nepharim striker was able to use her experience to get over our goalie. She's still expected to play another game but it's safe to say she'll take a couple of matches off before that. I wouldn't write her off yet. Grade: 4

#24 - Kaemari HORIHANA (Right-Back, Alumni of Okagane University, currently unattached)
Kaemari had a solid appearance for the Ghosts in Training today. Although not really contributing to any major plays, she did her best with the instructions she was given and was in the right slots for most plays. Alas, not touching the ball was her real problem during the match. Still, not an embarrassing performance. Grade: 5

#25 - KIM Han-Jae (Center-Back, Alumni of Tobukoku University, currently unattached)
Easily the weakest link of the team against Ceyne Isles. It seemed like he wasn't with his mind in the game, which allowed the players of Ceyne Isles to pass the ball to miss Fortune. It got so bad that we were forced to sub in Nobutatsu in the second half. The only solace was that he didn't get a card. Grade: 2

#26 - Yvanna LANISOPOVA (Center-Back, Alumni of Ume-Aburana University, currently at Utica United)
While Kim Han-Jae struggled throughout the match, Yvanna actually did a better job. Able to stop a couple of plays, she's probably the reason Ceyne Isles was only able to score three goals instead of four or more. I'd say there's some talent there but she needs to partner up with a better defender to be sure of that. Grade: 7

#27 - Anttoni KORHONEN (Left-Back, Alumni of the Royal Music Academy, currently at du Mont Saint Elroy)
The best of the two wing-backs for the match. Crossed for the second goal and was often outrunning his direct opposition, could really be used for the national team if he keeps improving. As is, great performance. Grade: 8

#28 - Choji NAGATOMO (Defensive midfielder, Alumni of Kameria University, currently unattached)
In spite of his family pedigree, Choji Nagatomo's performance was rather middling. He didn't do anything amazing but didn't embarrass himself in the field either. It's a player we need to observe more as he does have the potential to be much better than what our scouts currently rate him as. Grade: 5

#29 - Genichi KAZUYOSHI (Right midfielder, Alumni of Ainu Academy, currently unattached)
Kazuyoshi came as a surprise from the Ainu Academy but found himself doing a pretty good job in his first international cap: he scored our third goal via a long shot that most likely got accidentally in than being a premeditated move. Again, pretty good job nonetheless. Grade: 7

#30 - Kika MOSHIOKA (Center midfielder, Alumni of Utsukushima University, currently unattached)
We were able to make Moshioka sit still for once and it paid off handsomely. The girl has talent oozing from her body and it sure as hell paid off to see her educated feet razzle and dazzle with the ball against the Ceyne Isles folk. An underrated player from the university level that should be good if she's able to keep up her determination and focus. Grade: 9

#20 - Marietta TESLA (Left midfielder, Alumni of the Mide Girls' Academy, currently at Kirkenes FC, also captain of the Hinodejin for the match)
We decided to put Tesla up on the field earlier than she should when our final call-up had trouble getting into Filindostan. Even in short notice, Tesla showed that she can be pretty inventive if need-be, contributing to the first and third goals while also getting in some feints. Should be a pretty solid player for the national team if she keeps up. Grade: 9

#31 - Melissa HAKKARAINEN (Offensive midfielder, Alumni of the Hatsune Musical Institution, currently at Llewellyn Turnpike Ladies FC)
We expected Melissa to be a solid back-up player and were actually impressed that she performed reasonably well. Considering the lack of tradition at... well, anything ever from the Hatsune Musical Institution, her efforts were a pleasant surprise. Although she leaves this game without scoring a single goal or really contributing to a goal, she did follow the instructions were given to her to a T. Grade: 7

#32 - Tomofumi ISHIMODA (Center-Forward, Alumni of Asakawa College, currently at Ituraitz FC)
Awful luck for Tomofumi, most of his shots were blocked and he also missed some passes. He was a bit distraught at the start of the game over something with a relative but insisted on playing. It's hard to really tell a player not to play if he's not with his mind at it but that's something we really should've done. Grade: 6

#33 - Uriko NONOMURA (Striker, Alumni of Zeppelin University, currently unattached)
Uriko was easily the best player of the match, hands down. She helped a bit in the back, she took down markers in the sprint and was able to pick up two goals to her own tally. We might've found the next big name of Hinodejin football if she's able to do this consistently. Grade: 10

#15 - Bakuryu NOBUTATSU (Center-back, Alumni of Zeppelin University, currently unattached)
We knew we were onto something with Nobutatsu following his performances at the under-21 level but for the time being, we asked very little of him: mark Sophia Fortune. He succeeded, thankfully, which led us to win this match although by a much less comfortable margin than we wished. Grade: 7

Next match's suggested XI: Kawahara; Cailleux, de la Torre, Li Xiaomu, Besson-Niigata; Willemsen, Kasumi Hayabusa, Honda, Ayane Hayabusa; Kashiwazaki, Minaduki (c)
We should rest everyone that played in this match, except for Bakuryu Nobutatsu.

[Newmanistan]

THE ROCKET REPORT

EASY VICTORY IN OPENER

by Brianne Henry,

The 26th Campionato Esportiva started with an easy game, on paper, for the Rockets as the opponent was the painfully misspelled Kalactanian Esportiva Territorys. I give credit to the organizers from Filindostan who went ahead and already corrected their misspelling of the word “Territories” on the group draw, but the official name of the nation uses a “y” and that was confirmed on the roster in which they submitted. They also butchered the name of the competition in that roster submission. It gives me the feeling that these “territorys” only exist so that they can have something in this soccer tournament. A main nation would not go to that extent, right? So that I do not have to type that out anymore, they will be referred to from this point as KET. Much better. It even looks better. Also, please note that on the roster that KET gave us, they seemed to just throw a bunch of names together and did not list any positions, so I do not officially know who the goalkeeper is. Perhaps since Henry Anderson is on top, that means it was him.

Whatever this nation is, it was the easiest opponent that the Rockets would face in the group stage if we just went by the rankings, and that is not a bad way to go sometimes. That will not always mean a positive result, but the sky blue were ready and willing to take care of this opposition right away, going on the attack immediately from the referee’s opening whistle. While the team has had lengthy practice sessions to prepare for the tournament, it was a great way for them to take what they learned in that, and bring it to a game situation. They were in sync, and in the fourth minute, a well placed cross by Tyrone Vannella found Brent Chapman in stride, and on the header, he would score the games opening goal as “I think that was” Henry Anderson did not read the play well and probably hoped that “maybe that was possibly” Ryan Diaz, a defender, I think, would clear it. With the one goal advantage, Newmanistan did not stop coming at the opponent, and in the 11th minute, it was quickly 2-0 as Jerome Beyer’s nice individual effort to free himself from the defense led to him firing the ball past “probably that is still” Henry Anderson. Up by two, Newmanistan might have taken their foot off the gas a little bit, but they were still in control of the game. Our goalkeeper, and we know for a fact who it is, Ryan McNamara did not even touch the ball until the 22nd minute and even that was on a weak shot attempt. Ten minutes later, the sky blue added another on a perfectly placed strike by Jarrell Connolly. This would ultimately send the game into intermission, with Newmanistan in complete control of the match.

The second half began with the Rockets more relaxed then they were in the first half, but still looking to add to the lead while not being too aggressive about. In the 59th minute, they would strike again with Derek Schaefer getting his first, coming off a nice cross from Tyrone Vannella. The play looked very similar to the first goal, and if it were not for a different player heading the ball home this time, you might have thought you were watching an instant replay. With the four goal lead, the Rockets started to tone it down and this allowed some guy who I am just going to call Anthony Thompson even if it wasn’t, scoring in the 74th minute to make it 4-1. It was one of only three shots on target that Ryan McNamara faced all game, and perhaps if he did not have such little work for the whole game, he may have made the stop. At any rate, Newmanistan still wins the game in a comfortable fashion. Next up for the Rockets is Ancherion, ranked #14 in the region and hoping to atone for being held to a scoreless draw by Hampton Island.

[Xanneria]

That wasn't supposed to happen!
By Steve Stevenson

Richard Presintino looks confident, but how confident would he look now?

FILINDOSTAN - This Campianato Esportiva was supposed to be a cakewalk for Xanneria. Granted they start off by playing a tough Mattijana team that always seems to be int he playoff hunt and can make a deep run towards third place in the Campianato Esportiva. But Mattijana took the first shot by winning the opener 2-1 in front of a lot of Maroon and Gold fans. Xanneria has been using this new untested 3-2-2-3 line up as part of an attempt under new coach Myrone Rhule to adapt to a more traditional style of football. Even with the loss the new formation seems to be a winner, but an issue my arise in other another area. The Xannerian domestic game has one big difference in it over the International game. While yes they play style is way different in the rule book, the big difference is in substitutions. With the 3-4-3-1 formation the big problem is that in domestic football two midfielders were always likely going to be swapped out depending on strategy, with lax laws in the FLOX about substitution, the international game had to be played more tight.

This lead to Rhule making a tactical decision at half time to put 4 OM's in and use two substitutions on them, this might have hurt as the game went from 0-0 tie to a 2-1 loss do to the reserve midfielders being unable to get passes off on a more defensive minded Mattijana team. Richard Presentino, whose coming off an absolutely stud season for Galaxy Sporting Club, did manage a goal with a nice pass from fellow striker Eddy Peralta, and new comer to the NT Jox Alirome (Who makes history as the first native Catalan Islander in the Xannerian NT), but the game was already 2-0 at that point and the Mattijanian defense was more or less in synch, doing a great job at stuffing out the Maroons offense. No matter what Rhule did, it seemed that no one could do anything. And with Kara Lorenzič getting two goals in 21 minutes, the game was over at a one goal difference.

Up next is Vangaziland, who took a surging Bongo Johnson team to a 0-0 tie they could be sneaky or Bongo could be reeling.

MATTIJANA - 2
Kara Lorenzič 52' 73'

XANNERIA - 1
Richard Presintino 81'

[Zeta Reka and Hugeltaldom]

Zeta Reka & Hügeltaldom Federativna Republika Zeta Reka i Hügeltaldom
Campionato Esportiva Twenty-Six Report Match One Preview

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Despite early scares, the young guns of the tournament kept firm and held a small lead through. Jad assisted with an in swinging corner. Just passing the closest men, Stajkwon Hokwok scrambled past opposition and head to settle for a headbutt. It was fortunate for him that the ball went in, as the goal was the only one of the match. Taking the lead allowed coach Perlog to swap out defenders for rested players. The match ended with a final punt Albertow Nowak, who aimed too high to score.

A win in a competition debut could be a good sign of things to come. The victory was applauded on social media at the highest level, with posts of congratulations from both the President and Prime Minister, a rare achievement for Rekan football. In the short term, the Rekan team is ranked second in the group behind Mattijana. The pair of early winners will face off in match two. "It's a real honor to play recognizable opponents" coach Perlog said in a post match interview. "I wish we had a few of their players, and it's too bad we don't because now they are losing game two."

In that second game, most analysts we found think that the Rekans will not change tactics after punching above their weight. The team will again have to keep in mind that their attacking chances are limited. The backs will also have to keep their cool when on the ropes. Two defenders, Bartolomej Wladmirowić and backup Wlad Wlad, were yellow cards in tight situations and need to be careful around the tricky players in Mattijana front six.

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Game stats

Ethane 0-1 Zeta Reka & Hügeltaldom
GK: Wukan Radovlawić
LB: Janko Yakowić
CB: Stanko Yakowić: v70'
CB: Jan Thimig: v76'
RB: Bartolomej Waldmiowić: 23'
DM: Mullow Dorboslawić
LW: Albertow Nowak
RW: Miloš Simeoniwić v59'
AM: Rybki (c)
AM: David Dix
ST: Stajkwon Hokwok: 64'
Subs
CB: Wlad Wald: ^70' 81'
CB: Josef Jowanowić: ^76
RW: Jad: ^59

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Possession: 53%
Shots: 6
On goal: 2
Saves: 5
Fouls: 12
Corners: 3
Offsides: 1
Yellow Cards: 2
Red Cards: 0

[Hampton Island]

Scenario: Phone Call between CEO and manager Hannah Sanders

CEO: Hello sweetie, congratulations on getting a point against a team like Ancherion!

Sanders: You’re welcome so like you are not mad at me for basically our team like not scoring any goals?

CEO: I know I say that goals are want makes people want to watch to soccer. But when the other team doesn’t score any goals either, then that is the only time I will be happy with us not scoring any. Especially when it was an upset.

Sanders: Good because I was like really worried about that. Like I was really sweating it out.

CEO: Now that next game is going to be a very tough one, but they are worried about you, Hannah.

Sanders: Yeah so like the real soccer players on the team were like telling me that Hi-noo..dj, Hin-oood... sorry I like can’t pronounce it.

CEO: I know who you mean. Yes, but trust me they are worried about how good you are doing with this team, too.

Sanders: What if I like don’t pronounce it right during the game?

CEO: No one will care.

Sanders: Phew because basically that was like really getting me worried and stuff.

CEO: Have you looked at the names of their players?

Sanders: Why are they all like 21?

CEO: I have no idea.

Sanders: Seriously, like everyone is 21. That’s weird.

CEO: It’s a little unusual.

Sanders: So like 21 years ago in Hinooo, or anyway, 21 years ago in however you say it, a bunch of people basically like gave birth to good soccer players but like 20 years ago or 22 years ago, no one did. That’s like totally weird.

CEO: Maybe it’s a ruse.

Sanders: Like they trick you into thinking they are younger but like they are really older and stuff?

CEO: Exactly.

Sanders: That is a mean trick and like should not be allowed!

CEO: Next year you will be 21.

Sanders: Yeah see that’s like why it is weird. I am 20 so like they are all older then me by like the same exact thing. I think it is strange.

CEO: So, have you been studying anything else about their team other then how old everyone is and not knowing how to pronounce it?

Sanders: Like no one wants to play in their country. Maybe like because it is so hard to pronounce.

CEO: What do you mean?

Sanders: So it’s like this. Basically like everyone who like is part of a club team plays in another country. It seems like everyone wants to leave Hinoodey or whatever. It must be a real lousy country if no one wants to play there.

CEO: I see what you mean. Have the players taunt them all game long about that.

Sanders: Really?

CEO: Yeah, make fun of their country to them and then when they try to defend it ask them why no one wants to play at home and they all go to other places.

Sanders: Good idea. I mean like people like want to go Xanneria instead of them. Who does that?

CEO: Yes that is particularly odd. Well I got another call. Go get ‘em, Hannah!

Sanders: Yes sir!

[Jeckland]

JECKLAND DIG IN TO WIN TENSE OPENER

(Jeckland Lineup 4-3-3: Clemens; Grey, Lovell, Gilbert (c), Pain; Graves, Sanderson, Gibbs; Martel, Stack, Dane)

Jeckland got their Campionato Esportiva campaign off to the best possible start with a 1-0 victory over Copper Cuprum, sparking wild celebrations across the nation.

Beamed to an audience that touched 40 million in Jeckland and in front of a vocal travelling support, Cyprian Stack's 31st minute strike was enough for the Spuds to claim all three points after some resolute second half defending protected a valuable clean sheet.

Jeckland looked tentative in the first 15 minutes, perhaps a symptom of the nerves of partaking in their first ever international match. The cost of not playing any preparatory friendly matches before the tournament has been questioned by some pundits in recent days, who will have doubtless started mentally writing their critical columns when Cree Martel bent double just eight minutes into the game after chasing a ball down the line. As it transpired after the game he had winded himself having had the ball bounce off his stomach.

Copper Cuprum had the best chances early on, their striker forcing a smart save from Clemens before a free kick floated just over the bar. But an incisive Sanderson pass set Dane away on the left, who shot from an angle and forced a corner which was headed over by Gilbert.

This sequence of play galvanised the Jeckish support, which seemed to rub off onto the players. Jeckland were snapping into challenges and winning 50/50s and second balls. The latter proved to be the cause of the goal, with a poor clearing header by the opposing centre back being seized upon by Graves. He quickly fed the ball into Stack, who smartly turned past his man before firing across the keeper and into the bottom left hand corner.

Jeckland continued to dominate the half, with Sanderson and Gibbs both having efforts from long range saved comfortably. There was some controversy over the ending of the half, with Martel in a great position to receive a pass Gibbs was shaping to make only to be stopped by the referee's whistle.

The Spuds came out in the second half aiming to kill off the game with a second goal, and almost achieved it just two minutes in, with a Martel cross being headed against the post by the impressive Stack. Perhaps overenthused by this situation, Jeckland proceeded to concede four shots on target in the next 10 minutes, but none really threatened, with simple blocks by the centre backs and saves from Clemens keeping the opposition at bay.

The consistent attack from Copper Cupram led the Spuds to adopt a more defensive stance for the rest of the match, sitting in a 4-5-1 shape in defence with the wingers tracking back and marking the opposition full backs. More chances came, but the Spuds rode them out to claim a priceless victory. Up next they face Racing, whose ultra attacking style will pose a new threat to the Jeckish defence. Racing ran out 3-2 winners against tournament favourites Brenecia last time, whilst Southern Esportivan Union beat Natanists and Nosts by the same scoreline, meaning every lower seeded team in Group C won, blowing the competition right open - which could work in Jeckland's favour.

OOC: Jeckland's lineup vs. Racing will be the same as that listed for this game against Copper Cupram.

[Damukuni]

The Uniform Club plc
proudly presents
Damukuni National Team Kits

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Left to right: Home shirt (Jiah Leeds), Away shirt (Jiah Leeds), Goal shirt (Shoryū Enomoto)

Starting with this Campionato Esportiva, you may have seen our wonderful Football Legends sporting a new look! This is thanks to our partnership with DFL Enterprises Ltd., the *de facto* governing body of football in Damukuni. Our jersey line features a sleek, minimalistic yet jumpy perspective to breathe life into a new generation of football players. These kits will be used by the players for at least Campionato Esportiva 26-30, and the corresponding World Cup cycles.

It is our pleasure to announce that the first wearing of these kits was in yesterday's 3-1 victory over Burgburgh. Enjoy watching your Football Legends, and stay tuned for an announcement on https://tuc.com.du regarding replica jerseys.

We wish our Football Legends all the best! May the best team win the CE!

[Racing]

>+> A report from Racing <+<

racing so fast
We are so fast!
racing so fast
We are so fast!

who is brenecia?
winning in the past!
who is brenecia?
aside they are cast!

racing beats the champs
We are so fast!
racing is in first place
We are not last!

It is the best start for The national team of racing and the most incrediblle win for the speedy team against the mighty brenecia. It is Racing who are the older resident of esportiva but it is only brenecia who defined what it has to play the sport in esportiva. there is not a better nation and no team exceeds the might and achievement of brenecia. with only this exclusion on a special day; it is the day of RACING!

In this the edition 26 of the campionato esportiva there are also extra games to play two for each team in the groups of six. For this reason there will be no guarantee of this incrediblle achievement result in overall accomplishment in this tournament. Of course, it can not be a better time to start and to even complete the amazement of the result there was no advantage in the local stadium for racing. In brenecia it was 3 goals for racing and only 2 for brenecia. how does this happen? luck and skill but most of all speed. racing is old. so old. but still FAST. lets go racing. it is this time, that is the time of racing. Group C is for the taking.

Group C
is for we
Group C
bow to thee

there is only one racing. starcom racing is not valid and for this reason they do not compete. balance has been achieved in this decision and the reward for racing is a great victory that all of the school children will learn in exactly 5 years when they ask what is their birthday and the teacher realize every child for the aged group created in the bed only on this night. party in racing. great victory has the reward.

[Filindostan]

MATCHDAY 2 CUTOFF

Will you start to hate me after the results are announced in a few minutes?

---

MATCHDAY 2 RESULTS

Group A
Ummat al-Haqiqa 0–1 Burgburgh
Filindostan 0–3 Damukuni
The Golden Lotus 4–0 Fhulghamous Peninsula

  Group A                           Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts
1 The Golden Lotus                    2   2  0  0    6   0  +6    6
2 Damukuni                            2   2  0  0    6   1  +5    6
3 Burgburgh                           2   1  0  1    2   3  −1    3
4 Filindostan                         2   1  0  1    1   3  −2    3
5 Ummat al-Haqiqa                     2   0  0  2    0   3  −3    0
6 Fhulghamous Peninsula               2   0  0  2    0   5  −5    0

Group B
Vangaziland 3–5 Xanneria
Zeta Reka and Hugeltaldom 1–0 Mattijana
Bongo Johnson 2–1 Ethane

  Group B                           Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Zeta Reka and Hugeltaldom           2   2  0  0    2   0  +2    6
2 Bongo Johnson                       2   1  1  0    2   1  +1    4
3 Mattijana                           2   1  0  1    2   2   0    3
4 Xanneria                            2   1  0  1    6   5  +1    3
5 Vangaziland                         2   0  1  1    3   5  −2    1
6 Ethane                              2   0  0  2    1   3  −2    0

Group C
Natanians and Nosts 4–1 Copper Cuprum
Racing 4–2 Jeckland
Southern Esportivan Union 2–5 Brenecia

  Group C                           Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts
1 Racing                              2   2  0  0    7   4  +3    6
2 Brenecia                            2   1  0  1    7   5  +2    3
3 Southern Esportivan Union           2   1  0  1    5   7  −2    3
4 Natanians and Nosts                 2   1  0  1    6   4  +2    3
5 Jeckland                            2   1  0  1    3   4  −1    3
6 Copper Cuprum                       2   0  0  2    1   5  −4    0

Group D
Ceyne Isles 3–1 Kalactanian Esportiva Territories
Ancherion 1–1 Newmanistan
Hinodejin Empire 4–3 Hampton Island

  Group D                           Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Hinodejin Empire                    2   2  0  0    8   6  +2    6
2 Newmanistan                         2   1  1  0    5   2  +3    4
3 Ceyne Isles                         2   1  0  1    6   5  +1    3
4 Ancherion                           2   0  2  0    1   1   0    2
5 Hampton Island                      2   0  1  1    3   4  −1    1
6 Kalactanian Esportiva Territories   2   0  0  2    2   7  −5    0

[Zeta Reka and Hugeltaldom]

Zeta Reka & Hügeltaldom Federativna Republika Zeta Reka i Hügeltaldom
Campionato Esportiva Twenty-Six Report Match Two Recap and Match Three Preview

---

With another victory Zeta Reka could be the story of the tournament. Both matches one and two were similar on paper, with the Rekan eleven hunkered down and played quietly until a big goal in the final third of the match. This time a kick from David Dix just outside the box was able to curve and bounce into the waiting boot of backup Valdi Di. The real advantage was the Rekan team's ability to limit back third play. The two team locked horns for most of the match in the middle third, or perhaps "middle half" of the pitch. Passing was accurate, yet poor passes did create good chances for the opposition. With or without perfection the match was won by a single goal. Now with wind in the sails, the Rekan team is looking forward to the toughest test of the group stage.

Xanneria came in as the statistical favorites in Group C, but are sitting just on the cusp of being eliminated. Some would say that the group leader's are the favorites in any match. However that wisdom failed in this last game. Reports say that the starting roster will be adjusted to account for the Xannerian game. It's understood that passing will be sacrificed for an aggressive individualized attack. In order to improve man-to-man play, Stanko Yakowić will swapped out for the larger Josef Jowanowić. In addition David Dix will be sitting out to make sure a small knee aggravation doesn't spiral out of control. Set piece tactics will also be important for Zeta Reka as the refs will be watching every flick of Xanneria's feet, thus we expect set piece expert Jad to be subbed in at some point.

---

Game stats

Zeta Reka and Hugeltaldom 1–0 Mattijana
GK: Wukan Radovlawić
LB: Janko Yakowić
CB: Stanko Yakowić: 80'
CB: Jan Thimig: 19'
RB: Bartolomej Waldmiowić
DM: Mullow Dorboslawić: v74
LW: Albertow Nowak
RW: Miloš Simeoniwić
AM: Rybki (c): 41'
AM: David Dix
ST: Stajkwon Hokwok: v63
Subs
CB: Josef Jowanowić: ^74
ST: Valdi Di: ^63, 68'

---

Rank: 1st (^1)
Goal(s): 1 (2 total)
Possession: 54% (53.5% avg)
Shots: 5 (11 total)
On goal: 2 (4 total)
Saves: 5 (10 total)
Fouls: 14 (26 total)
Corners: 3 (6 total)
Offsides: 1 (2 total)
Yellow Cards: 3 (5 total)
Red Cards: 0 (0 total)

[Bongo Johnson]

Incorporated States of Bongo Johnson
Official Campionato Esportiva 26 Roster

Head Coach - Jean-Claude Benoit
Asst. Coach - Jean-Baptiste Benoit

Style Modifier: +2.0

Starting Eleven

GK: Adam Jones
LB: Jonathan Hamblett
CB: Hoo Hee
RB: Hoo Ha-Ha
DM: Ting Tang
LM: Wallawalla Bing-Bang
CM: Tim Thombus
RM: Alfred Schidtcox
LW: Louis Scunt
CF: Bongald
RW: Horatio Caine

Bench

GK: Spobe Rogers
LB: Rudy van Zant
CB: Paul Creenis
CM: Paul Benis
RM: Bob Graff
LW: Thomas Fumbly
RW: Speedy Wheels

Code: Select all

RP Permissions
Choose my scorers: Yes
Choose my scoring events: Yes
Godmod scoring events: Yes
RP injuries to my players: No
Godmod Injuries to my players: No
Give Yellow Cards to my players: Yes (two per match)
Give Red Cards to my players: No
Godmod other events: Yes

[Southern Esportivan Union]

6:12pm, Thursday, October 4, 2046
SEU Council Headquarters
Cayo Costa, Earo, Southern Esportivan Union

12 minutes late. That must have been some sort of record for being on time.

Aston West, Chairman of the Southern Esportivan Union, sat down at the head of the table, with the six national leaders of the Union's member states sitting on either side of the table. Each one had a few aides present, sitting behind them in a jumbled mess. The room they were in was far too small for what it was being used for.

Following West's apology for being late, the meeting of the SEU Council began, as expected, with a short discussion of the situation in Earo. It was quickly agreed that the SEU didn't have the resources to stop islands from sinking into the sea and that the best they could do was make sure residents were evacuated from vulnerable islands.

Some worries were expressed that the lack of action might cause protests to grow in size. So far the protests had been confined to a few disgruntled evacuees who shouted a lot and threw the odd rock or two at government officials/vehicles. The Tanameran Prime Minister was especially concerned.

"There's no doubt in my mind that the Vasilyevs will try to capitalize on this, try to destabilize our administrations with this" said Thaddeus Adair, pivoting the conversation abruptly away from the environmental topic to the crime one.

"For the nth time Thaddeus, you have to be more clear. This Vasilyev name means nothing to me. Who are..."

Phyllida Foster, the Prime Minister of the Lee Islands, was cut off by the Tanameran, "They're the biggest pain in the rear I have to deal with on a daily basis." He lifted a large folder filled with papers and dropped it onto the table with a thud. "Police reports from the past week. All but seven of them tied to the Vasilyev crime family. For a country of twenty-seven hundred people, we should not have this much crime. Where's the extra support I requested from the Public Safety Agency? Where is it?"

West sighed. Having to deal with upset national leaders was the least favorite part of his job. Lately, it was just about the only part. "I told you last night over the phone, the Maritime Patrol is still finishing up resettling the evacuees in Earo. The Land Force is stretched just about as thin as we can manage, there's crime in other places too, not just Tanamera. So I'm afraid the only the guys available are the Air Wing, does bombing the Vasilyev's interest you?"

"As a matter of fact..."

Rebecca Peel, President of Frecmenta, and the only member of the SEU Council who was openly hostile towards it, interjected, "There is no way I will allow Frecmentan air space to be used as the starting point for any air strike, especially when, as I see it, this is entirely an internal Tanameran matter. The Vasilyevs aren't present in Frecmenta."

"Internal Tanameran Matter? Not present in Frecmenta? Ha!" retorted Adair. "The Vasilyevs are everywhere in the Islands, everywhere! You might not recognize their name, but I bet if we gave you information on their latest crimes, your criminal profilers would find lots and lots of Vasilyevs."

The back and forth went on and on for quite some time. Eventually, West became convinced that Adair was never going to get around to explaining his original point of the Vasilyevs destabilizing the governments of the SEU and put an end to the meeting. Physical force was almost necessary to get Adair and Peel both out of the room and separate from each other.

The room now empty, West slumped into his chair and buried his head in his hands. A single aide remained with him. The aide offered him a glass of water.

"Sir, you must realize by now that we simply can't continue like this."

[Newmanistan]

THE ROCKET REPORT

TEAM OUTPLAYED IN DRAW

by Brianne Henry,

The first game against KET (yes, I am still going to use that acronym from here and out) saw the Rockets completely outplay their opponent. It was almost too easy of a game for this level of competition. The follow up for that match saw a much stronger opponent, and it was one that had something to prove. Ancherion had been drawn by Hampton Island, which was an upset enough, but being held scoreless by that team had to really get on the nerves of their manager, Agostinho De Mequites. They are ranked #14 in the region, and are the pot three team in group. In other words, they are the biggest threat to the Rockets at finishing in the top within Group D. Now, I know there will be some readers out there who will think they are smarter then me in the comments by making some, what they think is an, astute observation and point out that the top four teams advance out of the group. Therefore, it does not matter if we finish in the top two or not. So before you post that in the comments, and I know some people will anyway, you want to finish as high in the group as you can to potentially not have a tougher round of sixteen game. That should be obvious. But I know.

The comments section of an article is always a place I regret looking in once I have. Though I do want to thank everyone for their kind words. Most people do write good things, and I appreciate all of that. However, there are some of you who think because I misspell a word, make a grammatical error, or incorrectly put a comma in the wrong place, that 75% of the comments section needs to be about that rather then the substance of the article. I would love to go into workplace of these people, say in an office, and critique them because they hung an important post-it note on their monitor in a crooked manner. The substance of the article, or in the case of the post-it note, is more important then a word I misspelled, or if I left out a word somewhere. You know what I meant (usually), just like I will usually be able to decipher what is meant on a post-it note that is hanging crooked. In another example, when listening to Hampton Island manager Hannah Sanders give a post game interview, you can figure out what she means even if the delivery of the statement is not perfected.

That was a sidetrack ramble. Why did I do that? Because the Rockets seemed to be sidetracked on other things as well. The team that played so well against KET was a group of players that were out of sync against Ancherion. Passes missed their mark, players were out of position, and for the most part, it was a rather sloppy game on our hand. On the flip side, Ancherion was playing well, and they should receive credit for forcing our players into making those errors. However, all of the errors were not ours. In the 38th minute, sloppy work in their back end led to an own goal going in off the foot of Sikim Arts. Suddenly, despite being outplayed in all statistical categories, it was Newmanistan with the one goal lead, and that is where it stood into the intermission.

De Mequites had to be pissed in the locker room. After all, he had a team that was shut out by Hampton Island now be blanked in the first half as well, despite holding a possession advantage of 62-38%. Shots on target favored his side, 6-1. The one that was taken eventually found its way in thanks to the deflection leading to an own goal. In the Rockets locker room, this probably bred more complacency for the match. They had been outplayed during this game, but were somehow leading. If the game against KET seemed too easy, then this start could make it seem more easy. During the second half, the Rockets continued to get great goalkeeping out of Ryan McNamara, and it is because of him that we were able to get a point out of this match. He made stop after stop, continuing to frustrate the opponent. Newmanistan had a little flurry of offense as well around the 70th minute, and it starting to look like the Rockets were going to completely steal three points out of this match that they had no business getting. In the 81st minute, though, that tune changed as the 16th shot on target found its way in, off the foot of 31-year old veteran Ali Roberts. That woke the Rockets up a bit, and after the goal, it was the sky blue with the best chances to break the tie. In the end, the final score ends up one for them and one for us, with the applicable points also split in that matter. An exciting showdown against the Hinodejin Empire awaits. It will be there that we see what our team is made of.

[Filindostan]

OOC: The nature of the result has been discussed and agreed upon by both Filindostan and Damukuni on Discord.

---

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

---

FOOTBALL - CAMPIONATO ESPORTIVA SPECIAL
Five players sent off as Filindostan forfeits match against Damukuni

SAN MARCO - After an eventful pre-tournament with Filindostani personality Janus Supting causing controversy at the group stages, it is starting to go downhill for the Campionato hosts.

Days after their morale-boosting opening win against Fhulghamous Peninsula, the Pula Garuda had their most embarrassing match of their history, after their match against maritime neighbors Damukuni at the national stadium, the Gelora Sepakbola Nasional Pilindo, ended with a 0-3 forfeit in favor of the Damukunians.

Jiah Leeds gave Damukuni a 1-0 lead early in the match via a penalty after defender Braham Luiz was seen holding the forward hailed from Moaria in Islana Lunigo, with the Venividicci player being the last person between Leeds and the goalkeeper. At five minutes, Filindostan were a goal down, and a player down for good measure. Things would turn sour for the Filindos fifteen minutes later as another incident off the ball saw midfielder Daneilo Amomonpon put an elbow to the face of Amy Ortberg, which VAR saw as an intentional infraction. The Kalactanian referee, Michael Grebv, decided to initially send Philippe Batara off, with the Fortunas forward closely resembling the Perokojak midfielder, and was near the two players when the incident happened, but after the VAR review, he also gave the correct offender the marching orders - however, he upheld the red card sent to Batara as he himself had many warnings over rough play.

This gave Filindostan only eight players, which forced Krisna Sudirman to sub out his second striker, Seto Tuhuteru, in favor of Tobias Sinukaban, who himself would be sent off early in the second half, and cause another ruckus in the field. This time, Tobias made a studs up tackle to Leeds, who was pestering the Filindo defence with his dazzling moves. Though not injured by the tackle, the referee decided that it was too dangerous for a tackle, and without any regards whether he had given the left back a warning, also flourished the straight red card. This made the rest of the team happy, and while surrounding the referee with questions, Dian Dimara did an unthinkable thing that would trigger the forfeiture of the team's match.

The Perodos left winger, obviously not happy with the referee singling out Filindostani players, apprached the referee and grabbed the red card he was holding on the side. With the red card, she gestured to raise the red card at the referee and pointed to the dugout to signify she wanted the referee to be replaced. But obviously to her bemusement, the referee picked the card and sent her off as well, putting Filindostan with only six players on the field, and forcing them to forfeit the match to Damukuni in a 3-0 loss.

Post-match, angry Filindo fans tried to confront both the Kalactanian referee and the players of the national team, triggering a massive unrest at the stadium that triggered special forces to pacify the situation. Grebv was escorted out of the arena by security, and the same has been done as well to the players and staff of the national teams on both sides. The unrest broke out to the streets, with the team bus of FIlindostan taking some beating from angry fans.

The Filindostan Football Federation is expecting a hefty fine for the forfeiture and the post-match chaos, and netizens online have called for the resignation of both Estie Barizaga and Krisna Sudirman from their respective posts. They have ensured maximum security for the remainder of Group A matches involving Filindostan and Damukuni, and have compensated the Kalactanian referee which will take no further part in refereeing Campionato Esportiva matches for his security.

Written by FSNA Staff.

[Jeckland]

RACERS ZOOM TO VICTORY OVER BELOW PAR SPUDS

Racing ran out 4-2 winners at Jakulta Esportiva Stadium over a Jeckish side which will be disappointed with its defensive display.

Goals in the first half from Hornish and Rahal, both coming from defensive errors, capped a poor first half. Improvmenets were made in the second half, with Stack halving the deficit before a wonderful solo goal from Sullivan restored the Racing lead. A smart Martel finish gave Jeckland ten minutes to find an equaliser, but Hornish's second goal sealed the three points for Racing, who move top of Group C with the Spuds in fifth place.

Jeckland had most of the possession in the first ten minutes but it bore little fruit. After a particularly long spell of possession, Gibbs scuffed a pass over the top, giving easy ball to Racing in midfield. They moved the ball up the pitch quickly in numbers before a low cross was turned home by Hornish. The Spuds rallied, with Sanderson and Dane both having shots going wide of the post. Racing's open style of play gave Jeckland plenty of scope to carve out chances, but also little room for error in defence, and a misjudged header from Lovell proved that point on 23 minutes. Poor positioning meant the ball went straight up rather than clear as intended, and Franchitti expertly brought it down and layed it off to Rahal on the edge of the box, who shot past Clemens into the bottom corner.

It looked as if the Spuds would lose by a landslide as the second goal went in, and whilst they regained some control, Racing continued to overwhelm the Jeckish defence. The team sat deep, fearful of the speed and numbers the opposition were committing forward, and whilst a near miss from Montoya was a close call, stemmed the tide until the interval. However, they posed little goal threat themselves, a problem for any side two goals down. A rethink was required at half time.

Gibbs was substituted, with Blanchard coming on to provide more energy to combat the Racing midfield. Within five minutes he had already sent Dane and Martel free along their flanks with some pinpoint passing. The Jeckish performance had stepped up and Racing appeared caught in two minds over whether to stick with their renowned attacking strategy or opt to try to hold onto the lead they had. In the end that indecision cost them, with Martel given too much time to fizz in a low cross from the right which was turned in by Stack to half the deficit.

Unfortunately that seemed to galvanise Racing, who realised that sitting back was not a successful option. 15 minutes of ferocious end to end play ensued, with both sides going hell for leather in a pulsating match. Stack had a shot turned round the post by Vasser, before his opposite number had to come out and smother a chance for Franchitti. Pain sent a free kick narrowly wide with Vasser stranded. But it was an inspired run by Racing midfielder Sullivan which restored the two goal advantage. Picking the ball up in midfield, he drove past Graves before an inspired feint left Gilbert wrong-footed and the Jeckish crowd stunned as he cooly slotted past Clemens.

With twenty minutes left, things looked bleak for Jeckland, but after half of their remaining time passed without incident, a goal from nowhere shook the game back to life. A shot by Graves deflected off the shin of Deferran into the path of Martel on the edge of the area, who dinked it into the top corner past the static keeper. Jeckland threw bodies forward in the final minutes in an effort to find a winner, but struggled to create a chance. With three minutes of regulation time left, Dane won a corner, which all but Clemens were sent forward for. However, a header clear fell to Montoya, allowing Racing to burst down the pitch largely unopposed with Hornish applying the finishing touch to a good performance by them.

The result leaves Jeckland in fifth place in the group on goals scored, but alongside three other teams in having won one game and lost one. Racing have a perfect record, while the Spuds first opponents Copper Cuprum have failed to register a point. With Jeckland's remaining games all being against the teams they are level with there is a lot to play for, with the next match against the Southern Esportivan Union being the easiest one on paper.

OOC: Blanchard will replace Gibbs in the team for the next match, which is otherwise unchanged.

---

The Chicken Chronicles - Part One

Prologue

Woody Hamm had an ironic name, given that he ran a company producing poultry not pig meat. The irony had been pointed out to him many times, so much so that he had a rehearsed light chuckle whenever some well meaning businessperson pointed it out, often accompanied with a chuckle of their own. This, however, was far from his mind as he sat in his study on what would prove to be a fateful Thursday night, flicking a ballpoint pen between his fingers. His wife and children were in the living room, watching TV - they knew better than to interrupt him whilst he was in his study, even if he wasn't doing anything in particular. He cherished time alone to think, which had birthed the idea of the Jecken Box - a high quality boxed portion of Jeckish Chicken now served in sports stadiums across the nation.

Woody's eyes flickered from his laptop to the map of Esportiva on the wall. He looked first at Jeckland, the country that he had made his bitch, in business terms at least. Then his eyes darted across the map. He usually looked at the other nations as just that - other nations. But something was different tonight. Instead of country names, rivers, stars for capital cities and borders. He saw something else. Something that had been in front of him this whole time, but only now he was seeing. Opportunity.

Hamm had always been obsessed with coming up with a new way to provide Jeckish Chicken. A delivery service, or a new type of restaurant, or a new avenue to sell ingredients. Lately this had been harder to come by, which scared him. But perhaps that was because his previous ideas had been so successful. Perhaps the fact that they still were was what meant he wasn't progressing further. Perhaps the progression could not come in the Jeckish market. Had he hit a ceiling? Perhaps. But as his eyes danced around the map with more vigour, he realised that there were many other rooms, each of which with their own ceiling. And his eyes moved off the map, and he looked into the multiverse and saw infinite rooms.

Eventually, idealism became action. "Abram!" he barked into his phone at his secretary. "I want a full meeting of the execs tomorrow morning. No excuses, no exceptions."

[Xanneria]

Crushing the opponent!
By Steve Stevenson

Celebrations after a Presintino goal

FILINDOSTAN - After a 2-1 loss to a strong Mattijana side, a game against Vangaziland was just what the doctor ordered. The fighting Maroons took down the Vannish foes 5-3 in front of a crowd of 16,125 in Fillindostan that was almost 75% maroon and gold. Also of note was the formation of a 3-4-3 using the four Offensive Midfielders. The Maroon passing attack confused the Vannish players and let the Maroons get an early 3-2 lead with five goals in the first 45 minutes. Unfortunately after halftime, keeper Dom Brabham made a save but came up clutching his ribs as he landed hard on them. It sounds like the diagnoses early on are a couple of bruised ribs so he will be out the next two qualifiers. In his place recently called up veteran Evan Jefferson was brought in and at 38 years old he still looked like he did 20 years ago as a college stud at Chepelle City College. Jefferson kept the bleeding to a minimum and support from the striker duo of Laymore and Presintino scored two goals each and substitutes Kyle Falcon and more importantly Franchesca Bonchek scored as substitutes. Bonchek can now lay claim to the first female to score for the Maroons. Bonchek's score found the net on a penalty kick.

Up next is a key game, as a 1-0-1 team, the next game may be the most key game so far. A 2-0-0 Zeta Reka and Hugledom is in the lead after beating Mattijana, something that the Maroons couldn't do. They also started off with a a victory over the cash-strapped Ethane team, that has not been in it to win it as of late. Even more interesting is that in several PR Releases after their win, they've been openly claiming what they will do for tactics against Xanneria. The Zeta team may be bluffing but could also be fresh and young and not realizing the possible error they have made. This will be the biggest match for the Zeta team and one of our biggest of this tournament.

XANNERIA - 5
Laymore 9' 70'
Presintino 21' 44'
Bonchek 88'

VANGAZILAND - 3
ST ??? 28'
ST ??? 40'

[Hampton Island]

Scenario: Phone call between stadium CEO and manager Hannah Sanders

Sanders: Hello how are you.

CEO: Doing well, going over some things. You’re team did well against a tough opponent. Don’t hang your head over the loss.

Sanders: Oh I am like so relieved to hear you say that could I was like totally freaking out that you would be mad.

CEO: They are a good team. It looks like you had the players get on their case. Getting a red card on Cailleux was good after we went down 3-1.

Sanders: Yeah like I told the team to make fun of their country and like when they tried to defend it then say what you like basically said to me and ask them why almost like no one wants to play professionally there.

CEO: It was a good tactic, we nearly came back. It was a good effort. With the added bonus that maybe NSSCRA officials will appreciate it.

Sanders: Like why would they care about a soccer game.

CEO: Big picture, sweetie. NSSCRA officials are based in Newmanistan. Cailleux getting a red card means he has to sit out their next game, which is against Newmanistan and an important game for both of them. Maybe they will thank us and let us cheat a little with the adjustments on our cars for the next race.

Sanders: Wow you are like so smart no wonder you like make so much money.

CEO: I am concerned about one thing though.

Sanders: What?

CEO: The absolutely disgraceful actions of the Filindo fans after their team lost. They are supposed to be hosting a tournament, and their fans are doing that kind of shit? Blame your own people for allowing a Kalactinan referee in this tournament to begin with. Referees from Atlantian Oceania have no business being in the Campionato Esportiva. All referees need to be Esportivan. And if he was from that territory place, like the Newmanistanians have said, they can’t even spell territories right, why would you have a referee from there. I would love to tell all those whining fans that maybe they should be protesting at their own football association’s headquarters instead of resorting to violence.

Sanders: Yeah like I agree.

CEO: How have the fans been for our team?

Sanders: Ok, like I totally don’t really think they care about our games.

CEO: Probably not.

Sanders: I hope their fans are like not mean towards if we beat them.

CEO: I get the their team got hosed. But they can blame themselves for it. Get a vetting process for these refs. No one from out of the region and no one from little countries where people do not even know how to spell. I am going to be sending them a message.

Sanders: That’s good.

CEO: Yeah. Good luck in your next game, sweetie. Maybe we can get three points.

Sanders: I hope so. Thanks!


An email from the Stafford City Stadium CEO (who’s in charge of the soccer team) to the Filindo organizers.

To whom it may concern,
From: Hampton Island soccer
Re: Fans

I am writing you concerning the appalling actions taken by your fans following your loss to Damukuni. I would like to remind you that you are hosting a regional competition, and are therefore responsible for the safety and security of all traveling players, fans, and anyone who is associated with one of the teams. I get that your team was hosed by the ref. This does not excuse you from having the responsibilities of maintaining a safe and secure event. You are fully responsible for the actions of those fans.

You made a terrible response, saying that they "have ensured maximum security for the remainder of Group A matches involving Filindostan and Damukuni”. Well, ain’t that grand. I would like to point out that there are four groups in this tournament. Every matchday, you have 12 games taking place. What about us? You’re fans have shown in their actions that they are capable of deplorable actions, not having any ability to think appropriately, and having a complete lack of regard and respect for what should be an honorable tournament. They, as in your people, have spat on the dignity of a wonderful tournament. These people are watching and attending all the games. However, you are choosing to only see what is happening in your group. Maximum security should be a given at all games in every group. And that should come without compromise.

Rest assured, that if this is not attained and your fans cannot control themselves and have actions that force a Hampton Island player, coach, or fan to ever so much as break a fingernail, we will sue you to the moon and back.

[The Golden Lotus]

金莲花足球协会 | Golden Lotus FA

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Manager - Sung-Hoon Hashimoto|55
Assistant Manager - Shiro Hayashi|54
Style: -3

守门员|GK

---

Jian Maeda
Soo-Jin Jiang
Hideyoshi Xun

捍卫者|D

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Kyung-Hee Sung
Hideki Abe
Miyako Abe
Takuya Saitou
Riko Ueda
Takuya Saitou
Shou Yu
Saburo Sasaki

中场|M

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Kenshin Fujimoto (C)
Kotone Tanaka
Sho Yamamoto
Chiyoko Du
Chiyo Moto
Mi-Kyung Lau
Takehiko Zhao
Sung-Jin Hu
Min-Ji Tan

向前|F

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Osamu Fujita
Ichirou Hisakawa
Jung-Hoon Jo
Duri Mun

|-Home------------------Away-|
|-----------Third/Alt-----------|

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My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
Choose my goalscorers: Yes
Godmod scoring events: Yes
RP/Godmod injuries to my players: TG/DM me
Hand out yellow cards to my players: Yes
Hand out red cards to my players: TG/DM me
Godmod other events: As long as you don't kill my peeps, you're good.

[Damukuni]

©2050 DFL KK

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OFFICIAL STATEMENT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Regarding the Actions of the Filindostani National Football Team
during the Campionato Esportiva match
on 26 July 2050

DFL Enterprises plc, its sponsor companies and organisations, staff, and players are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that exceeds the expectations of the general public in all areas of life, both on and off the field.

During the match against Filindostan, five Filindostani players were sent off by the match referee, signalling disdainful conduct against our players.

First, DFL Enterprises would like to commend not only our players and staff, but also the matchday officials and staff, as well as the Filindostan Football Federation, for acting in the most courteous way possible, in light of the circumstances. However, it is the opinion of the Board of Directors of DFL Enterprises that such actions by the Filindostani players, as representatives of Filindostan themselves, should not go unpunished.

It is understood that Venividicci, one of FIlindostan's most storied clubs, has invested in a DFL franchise based in the city of Uto. The Board of Directors has decided, in light of players' actions during the match, to take the following actions:

1. The DFL team called "Venividicci Perodamuto" will be stripped of its naming rights for one full sports season, with the team assuming the name of "Uto Football Club." Additionally, the stadium must refer to itself as "The Stadium at Uto," with all "Venividicci Perodamuto" references to be scrubbed during this period. Venividicci will still be liable for all costs related to the maintenance of the team, including player and staff compensation. For the purposes of this ruling, Uto Football Club matches will count for and against the records of Venividicci Perodamuto.
2. All Filindostani players playing on DFL clubs will be suspended from appearing as starters or substitutes in DFL or Development League Class A matches for one full sports season. They may appear in uniform for their team and attend practices and other team events, and are entitled to all match fees during this period.

DFL Enterprises apologizes to its players, staff, and fans for having to go through this series of unfortunate events, but as we respect our fellow footballers, we expect them to respect us in return, regardless of ability, race, color, gender, or other differences.

Lastly, DFL Enterprises thanks all of our fans for your continued support.

[Filindostan]

MATCHDAY 3 CUTOFF

Things are starting to pick up. Who will secure their place to the next phase and who will remain trapped in the fight for the remaining spots?

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MATCHDAY 3 RESULTS

Group A
Fhulghamous Peninsula 4–1 Ummat al-Haqiqa
Damukuni 1–1 The Golden Lotus
Burgburgh 1–0 Filindostan

  Group A                           Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts
1 The Golden Lotus                    3   2  1  0    7   1  +6    7
2 Damukuni                            3   2  1  0    7   2  +5    7
3 Burgburgh                           3   2  0  1    3   3   0    6
4 Filindostan                         3   1  0  2    1   4  −3    3
5 Fhulghamous Peninsula               3   1  0  2    4   6  −2    3
6 Ummat al-Haqiqa                     3   0  0  3    1   7  −6    0

Group B
Ethane 0–2 Vangaziland
Mattijana 2–3 Bongo Johnson
Xanneria 0–1 Zeta Reka and Hugeltaldom

  Group B                           Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Zeta Reka and Hugeltaldom           3   3  0  0    3   0  +3    9   Q
2 Bongo Johnson                       3   2  1  0    5   3  +2    7
3 Vangaziland                         3   1  1  1    5   5   0    4
4 Mattijana                           3   1  0  2    4   5  −1    3
5 Xanneria                            3   1  0  2    6   6   0    3
6 Ethane                              3   0  0  3    1   5  −4    0

Group C
Brenecia 1–0 Natanians and Nosts
Jeckland 3–1 Southern Esportivan Union
Copper Cuprum 1–2 Racing

  Group C                           Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts
1 Racing                              3   3  0  0    9   5  +4    9
2 Brenecia                            3   2  0  1    8   5  +3    6
3 Jeckland                            3   2  0  1    6   5  +1    6
4 Southern Esportivan Union           3   1  0  2    6  10  −4    3
5 Natanians and Nosts                 3   1  0  2    6   5  +1    3
6 Copper Cuprum                       3   0  0  3    2   7  −5    0

Group D
Hampton Island 2–2 Ceyne Isles
Newmanistan 1–1 Hinodejin Empire
Kalactanian Esportiva Territories 6–4 Ancherion

  Group D                           Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Hinodejin Empire                    3   2  1  0    9   7  +2    7
2 Newmanistan                         3   1  2  0    6   3  +3    5
3 Ceyne Isles                         3   1  1  1    8   7  +1    4
4 Kalactanian Esportiva Territories   3   1  0  2    8  11  −3    3
5 Hampton Island                      3   0  2  1    5   6  −1    2
6 Ancherion                           3   0  2  1    5   7  −2    2

[Xanneria]

Young Upstart vs really young upstart
By Steve Stevenson

All Smiles from the Maroons beforehand, afterwards, probably not....

FILINDOSTAN - When two young upstarts collide what happens? Well we found out when Zeta Reka and Hugeltaldom and Xanneria faced off. It ended with the youthful Zeta team taking a 1-0 victory and becoming the only team officially locked into the playoffs. But all is not wrong with the world for Xanneria as qualification is still wildly achievable. The final two games for the Maroons are against Ethane whose FA has been notably cash strapped especially with their focus right now being more on hosting the BoF than participating in the CE, and Bongo Johnson, notable regional underachievers. As for the game the Maroons looked great especially filing a more defensive game into the register with the midfield line up being Bunkirk,Boncheck, Stegall, and McCormik. It worked and for the first hour the usually hi paced Maroon attack simply didn't existed and intentionally so. As the PR from Zeta had all talked up a high speed,daring attack of the Maroons, coach Rhule had thought up a more defensive strategy.

The game finished 1-0. It wasn't coach Rhule who had blown it, it wasn't the new generation that had blown it. Nobody blew anything in the Maroons quest for three points. It wasn't even the weather as most low scoring games are blamed on. It was a simple ball getting by Evan Jefferson on a PK that sealed it for Zeta. After a penalty by Shane McCormik, Rybki Prodanowić scored on a hookshot that looked more like a curveball from a pitcher than a PK from footbal player. There would be a few more attacks from Xanneria in an attempt to equalize but they were null and void, one of which Jox Alirome snipped a pass only for it to be intercepted by Zeta forward Stajkwon Hokwok who is a new teammate of Alirome. Jox was quoted with the following joke quip

It is practice for the domestic season, I figured he'd like to learn how I like to pass.

Next up for the Maroons are two more games versus Ethane who as we mentioned has had issue with money and has struggled mightily, plus Bong Johnson the regional underachievers of Esportiva. Hopefully 6 points can be found and Xanneria can climb back up into second place.

XANNERIA - 0

ZETA REKA & HUGELTADOM - 1
Prodanowic 62'

[Newmanistan]

THE ROCKET REPORT

ANOTHER DRAW, BUT LET’S TALK ABOUT FILINDO FANS

by Brianne Henry,

It is time once again to talk about the Campionato Esportiva, and I am going to begin by talking about the actions of the fans from Filindostan following their loss to Damukuni. The information on these actions came out after I reported on the draw to Ancherion, so this is the first opportunity that we have to report on it. I want to say that I am very disappointed in the antics of the Filindo people. A lot of their sports fans are going to tell you that it is just a small section of their fan base and to not lump them all into the actions of one. Sorry, I am going to do that, because those actions are not something you commonly see in international sporting competitions. Having your nation host an international competition like this is a privilege, not a right, and you were given that privilege, in this case, by members of the region who deemed your nation as a suitable place to host a competition. Your own citizens wanted to watch a game, and all of them were disappointed by the results. Many of them just wanted to go home and go back to their normal lives. I can picture a mother walking back to the parking lot with her kids, someone who thought it would be a great opportunity to have an outing with them, now having to dodge the antics of the imbeciles who act in the way that they did. She’ll never be back, and those kids might never want to watch soccer again. Or, they will see what the overgrown children were doing after the game and feel that is the way you are supposed to act to a loss where you were allegedly victimized by poor officiating decisions.

That’s a big problem, and I was hoping to see the Filindostan Football Federation condemn these actions. I was hoping to see the Filindostan Football Federation acknowledge that this is a problem. The lack of that means that they are condoning it. That’s what this means, and if they are responding in the way that they are, this tells me that they are used to this from their fanbase. I have not seen a single apology to the nations competing in the Campionato Esportiva for these actions. That might be the most disgusting revelation of this whole incident. The Filindostan Football Federation clearly thinks that they have to act like there was a simple game between Filindostan and Damukuni that took place, and that was that. They seem to be forgetting that they are putting on a tournament that hosts 23 other nations in addition to themselves, and these nations have brought fans. But maybe, just calling them fans is not enough to the Filindostan Football Federation. Those nations have brought young mothers, young fathers, five year old children or younger; teenagers who play soccer back at home, senior citizens who are enjoying their retirement, people who save lives back home as firefighters or doctors. And much more. That is who attending these games. These people are sitting in hotel rooms now in what should have been a vacation to Filindostan, and see the actions of the imbeciles after the game and wonder what the Filindo people are really like. Should they go out to a bar after a game, or they are they going to be subject to violence because a Filindo citizen felt the bartender over charged them for a beer and now wants to cause chaos. Should they go to a shopping center, or will a group of Filindo fans start a fight in there, too. That is what the Filindostan Football Federation is completely ignoring. As they put on a regional tournament, the perception of their fans becomes the perception of their populace. A swift response condemning it would have soothed the concerns of the fans. But it has not been condemned. Only a terrible response.

Why was that response terrible? Becomes it completely ignores the concerns of fans from nations playing in other cities. The terrible response calls for increased security in games involving Filindostan and Damukuni. That’s it, nothing else. So, if you’re elsewhere, you just have to deal it, basically. Does the Filindostan Football Federation not realize everything that I said in the above paragraph about the perception that comes from this? It doesn’t seem so. Another set of games have been played with no apology given to Newmanistan over it. And yes, you need to apologize to us, and tell confirm to us that our games will be safe and secure, too. I have received letters from Newmanistanian travelers saying that they will not interact with any Filindo fans that they see, and are just staying in their hotels, refusing to go out and support local businesses. That’s a big reason why a nation decides to host a tournament, to profit in the tourism industry. As an economic powerhouse, Newmanistanian fans have money to spend, but they are not spending it in the community, and it is because they have received no assurances that the Filindostan Football Federation cares about their safety and security. To say that maximum security would only be provided in games involving two countries is absolutely outrageous and a slap in the face of everyone else in the tournament.