World Cup 85 || RP Thread

[Kelssek]

Scores for MD 22, groups 1-7

[Kita-Hinode]

Image: A shirt worn by Hinodejin supporters throughout the qualifiers.

[Taeshan]

Taeshan 0-0 Melbergia
Stairway to Heaven, Mt Ceabring, Wolf Island, Taeshan

Loyalty

Age is just a number. Well to a lot of people it is. In soccer it can be more than that. Many clubs around the world like to say they play the youth, but they don’t. They might have a token teenager that has defied the odds and made it through their youth set ups and finally gotten that coveted spot on their bench or in their starting eleven. Saying you play the youth is the calling card of two types of clubs when it actually happens. Those with money who don’t like to spend, and those without money.

Bayern-Algaer is probably the former. I group up in Bayern, the second most successful soccer city in Taeshan. If not for Atlantea, Bayern would probably be the most recognized soccering city in the nation. 11 titles across the two teams, historic success in international tournaments. Bayern has had all sorts of success, but the most recent title for either team was season 50. I was born around that time and grew up with the stories of that side. I hoped to be on the next side that won Bayern-Algaer a title.

But as is often the case in modern Soccer, money seems to be more important than growing the youth and often the sides who can spend the money on players who win titles. In Taeshan that was Taeshan City. Sure Sleepy Hollow won a title recently, and Taeshan City has packed the bags in a little, but the recent upswings in Mierton, Yaton and the like seem to be about buying the big players young and putting out hot lineups. Yenvil Town, and the weird success of 1093 Atlantea outside of this trend are rather off the case.

I want to be a strong contender one day, and I want to win it with my club. I never want to leave Bayern; I don’t think it is fully within my own choice. But I want it to be. Loyalty is something to stand for right. You’re loyal to your country, you’re loyal to your club, you’re loyal to the grocery store you go to. I want to be a big success in Taeshan, a big national team member, and have an impact on this league moving forward. This is my chance to make a mark, and I will do that.

Lionel Ninetails

[Northwest Kalactin]

Jakerein Shocks World With Surprise Retirement
The news room was quiet. Nobody knew why the Kalactanian FA had called the press conference but every major newspaper was there ready to report on it. Wendell Jakerein who to the suppose of many, didn’t play against Sabalonia, walked into the room. There where tears in his eyes and the entire country was watching. He started up with an opening statement:

“20 years ago, I left my hometown just outside the suburbs of Coffs Harbour to follow my dream of becoming a professional goalkeeper. I think I fulfilled that dream pretty well.”

The room was silent, nobody knew what was going on.

“I have been the goalkeeper for the National Team since the 66th Baptism of Fire, and I have watched this team through everything that they have been through. I remember the heartbreak, the pain, the celebrations and the fame. But one thing is more important than any of those things. The ability to play for my nation. I have loved every bit of this job, soccer is my favorite thing in the world. Unfortunately, I have played my last game for the Kalactanian National Team.”

The room exploded, people started yelling out questions at Wendell, he continued on with his speech when the room quieted down.

“I would like to thank a few people for making my career what it was. Damon Scheter, you can motivate anyone, you are one of the greatest coaches ever. Jerome Nguyen, you where one hell of a backup of there ever was one. My defensemen, you where always there to help me out, and also whenever I gave up a goal or 2. Mark Romero, I know you will fill my shoes better than I ever could. The entire team, you are the best players in the nation, you guys always show it out there. Finally, all the fans of Kalactanian soccer, you have been there through every time, you guys are the best fans in the world after all. Anyways, I may never be in a uniform again, but remember, I will always be part of the team.”

As Wendell walked out of the room he was flooded with reporters, trying to ask him questions. Wendell stayed silent while going out of the room however, and walked out to his car. The news was broke very quickly as Sporting News Kalactin aired a special about him the very next day. Wendell, who was the goalie since World Cup 79 announced his retirement from professional soccer one day later. It is rumored that he may try to take a job as a broadcaster at Sporting News Kalactin.

---

Kalactanians Play Savojarna to a tie, Can They Still Qualify
The Kalactanians came into this game looking very good. They had come off of a win against Sabalonia that put them back in the race for qualification. They have looked like a very strong team lately and we still think they have a slim chance of qualifying. This however, would take some luck as they need Savojarna and Eshan to lose or tie their next few games so they have a good enough chance to qualify. Eshan will probably be the hardest team to beat out as they are 5 points ahead of the Kalactanians on paper. Eshan however, does have a relatively hard schedule coming up which could help break the chances of qualifying into the Kalactanians favor. The team, now at 31 points is probably looking at a Cup of Harmony berth which is also a good thing for the Kalactanian National Team, as they could start many of their players that will start to play next cycle. A win tomorrow against Terre Septentrionale could also raise the chances of qualifying by quite a bit, as they are one of the power teams in the group. They will have to make the most out of their remaining chances if they want to qualify, but there is still a chance. It’s nothing they can’t handle, right. We’ll find that out soon!

[Sylestone]

Sylestone lost yet another game, this time to Pot 9 side Freeport and once again they let in a goal early. However, this time the Freeport striker was clearly offside, but for whatever reason, the referee didn't blow his whistle. It caused outrage and the referee later openly admitted to racism against Sylestone's sentient objects. It caused much outcry all over the world, particularly in Sylestone. However, there were a few peop[le who supported the referee, most significantly Lucas Cunningham, the Sylestonean human striker. He said in an interview after the game, "This is complete fucking bullshit. The Sylestone Board of Soccer should never have allowed these incompetent Appliances to represent their nation in the World Cup Qualifiers. We want to be playing and we demand action on this matter." The president of the Board has refused to respond. However, Lucas Cunningham has sparked an outcry and his Social Media has been spammed with hate messages.
Meanwhile, the Mixer smacked in a goal in the 38th minute and was called offside in a very dubious call by the referee. Being a hotheaded, sentient object, he yelled and swore at the referee and was ultimately sent off. The next seven minutes until half-time were tense but Sylestone just couldn't break through the Freeport defence.
The second half started with a penalty to Freeport, but the Brick Wall blocked the ball. The referee showed signs of being disappointed with the result and sparked even more protests from the Sylestonean citizens. Later, in the 66th minute, the Ironing Board had a go at the referee after flooring both himself and the Freeport midfielder. He was red-carded. With nine players, Sylestone managed to fend off all Freeport pushes until the 88th minute, but the Brick Wall saved a blinder to keep the score 1-0. Spiderwebs finally slotted a goal in in the 90th but were called "offside" once again. Sylestone played out the game but wasn't happy with the result and the team's manager discussed it with the referee afterwards, though the ref was not very apologetic. Freeport won the game, fair and square, but their team, being a good side who plays by the rules, did suggest a rematch. However this idea was rejected by the Sylestonean side, but protests went about the nation calling for an equal playing field for both appliances and humans and whatever other different sentient beings play football out there. The Brick Wall later spoke with the media, saying "We were always expecting this, but we will not take it lightly. As for Lucas Cunningham, I would like to remind him that we beat his side 1-0 in the Sylestonean qualifiers for these qualifiers. At least we won a game, against EFL too. The way they played in that game, they would get slaughtered 5-0 by MR TAYTO. We hope we can bounce back, though, for our next game against Main Nation Ministry at their home ground. I'm certainly looking forward to it!"

[Vdara]

Ah, fuck.

It’s Matchday 22, and Vdara is playing away against out-of-form Ancherion. The Vdarans were lucky to beat them last time out, but the players were confident that they could do it again. They could, couldn’t they?

”Hiya, lads.” Væñøœrëñbérghüïś began, ”Remember how we beat these guys at home? Let’s do that again, or at least try to. I have a lot of faith in yous, and I absolutely think we can do it. Alright? Cool. Onwards and upwards, fellas!”

1: The match begins! Can Vdara extend their unbeaten run by another match? Time to find out!
7: Fotellis is through on goal, he’s absolutely clattered the defenders with pure skill, he’s directly in front of the keeper... and he’s missed. Well done, Alexis, well done.
14: Fotellis is through on goal yet again, presumably about to miss another shot. Wait for it, wait for it... oh, blimey, he’s scored. It’s 1-0 to Vdara - at the moment.
21: Vlahiades is charging down the left hand side with both purpose and determination, and also a fuckton of pure speed. He’s left the midfielders for dead, he’s put the ball into the box with a lovely cross... which is headed away.
28: Stamatelis is advancing further forward, and it looks like he’s going to take a shot from range... which strikes the bar and bounces straight back off.
35: Ooooh, ouch, that’s not going to end well for Stamatelis! He’s just committed quite a bad tackle... oh, only a yellow card? I would have personally gone for a red, but hey, the referee knows the game better than I do. At least, I’d hope so!
45: Well, that’s halftime. Vdara putting in a shift in this first half has put them ahead of Ancherion, but can they keep this lead?

You know the drill by now, because it’s time for a halftime team talk with the great, the mighty, the magician himself... Lükækš Væñøœrëñbérghüïś!

”Well, we seem to be doing okay for now. I haven’t checked the other scores yet, but if HUElavia wins then I believe it’s all over for us, no matter the result, I’m afraid. That doesn’t mean we should stop, though. Keep trying your hardest, and make sure we don’t fuck this up, alright?”

46: Aaaaaaand we’re back! Vdara are 1-0 up against Ancherion right now, but can that change? Find out within the next 45 minutes!
54: Mavroglou is making a rare move forward here, and he’s... been dispossessed by the defender, actually. Fair play to Mavroglou, he doesn’t usually go forward.
61: Giannakos and Xeniadis are playing a game of passing by themselves, it seems. They’ve been at it for a bit, but Xeniadis has finally passed it to somebody else - that being Karalas.
71: Fotellis is through on goal yet again, but can he score? The answer is... nope. The opposing defenders yet again dispossess Fotellis.
81: Karalas has the ball in the middle, and he’s passed it back to Pardakis. Pardakis passes it back to Moustakakos... but the ball trundles past him and into the net! Oh no, what’s happened here? It appears that Moustakakos wasn’t expecting the ball to come to him, but come on, he should have easily got that! Ancherion draw level with Vdara, it’s 1–1.
90: Well, it’s game over, and Ancherion get a lucky break with a draw. However, Vdara’s qualification hopes depend on HUElavia’s result, which will be found out later.

In the dressing room, Væñøœrëñbérghüïś looked defeated, with his head in his hands. None of the players bothered to ask him why, as they knew he’d eventually tell them in a large team talk, as usual.

”Well, it’s been fun, lads.” Væñøœrëñbérghüïś proclaimed, sounding sadder than ever before. ”HUElavia just beat Nooooooooooooooo, so I’m afraid that’s us done. It’s nice that yous kept the streak going and all, but come on, could yous at least have got a win against a team who we’ve already beaten once before? I mean, come on Markos, that ball was an easy one! You just needed to f**king keep hold of it, y’know? Ach, what could we have done, really. From the moment this group was drawn, we knew we were never getting out of it. Hell, I didn’t even think we could finish above 6th, but you lot have proved me wrong. I think we need to keep this streak going, because I don’t know about you, but 7 games unbeaten is still great in my eyes, even if we drew with f**king Ancherion. The next game is against South Concepthuania, so the most I can say to yous for now is to keep your head held high and don’t stop with the momentum - it’ll keep the fans happy, at the end of the day.”

With that, Vdara’s qualification hopes were gone. Reduced to atoms. They had ended their qualification hopes on a low, and now all they could do is hope they could get points from their last remaining games. Væñøœrëñbérghüïś had done well for his first tournament with the national team, but the fans were left wanting more with this disappointing draw. Join us next time, when Vdara face South Concepthuania at the VdarArena!

[Recuecn]

[Baggieland]

The Daily Boing

Baggieland 5 – 3 Havynwilde FT (3 – 3 HT)

After a recalibration it seems that Baggieland still has a mathematical chance of qualifying, and they kept those slim hopes alive with a victory over Havynwilde.

The first half was an exceptionally exciting affair with six goals scored in the first 45 minutes. Havynwilde got off to a blistering start when they scored two goals in the opening stages of the half. The home crowd were stunned into silence, but the players pulled their socks up and responded emphatically. First, Livermore pulled one goal back when he tried a long distance shot that the Havynwilde keeper seemed not to be aware of, and allowed the ball to sail past him. In the 32nd minute Bassett levelled the scores when he drifted in from the right wing, beat the defender and let loose with an unstoppable shot that the keeper had no chance with, a truly delightful individual goal. Things got even better for Baggieland after that, when they took the lead for the first time through Regis. First, Livermore fed Bomber, who in turn found Regis unmarked on the edge of the box. The attacking midfielder made no mistake as he fired home unchallenged. As the home support began to get up to get their half time burgers, Havynwilde shocked the faithful as they equalised just before the ref blew for the break.

The second half wasn’t as exciting as the first, but it was a good display of dominant football by Baggieland. They kept the ball well and restricted the visitors to just a couple of half chances for the entire 45 minutes. More importantly though, they regained the lead on 72 minutes when a through ball by Bomber released Richardson for a one-on-one with the keeper, and he delicately lifted the ball over the oncoming keeper to put the Throstles ahead once more. As the game was about to end, Richardson put the icing on the cake when he scored his second and Baggieland’s fifth with a curled shot from just inside the box.

Baggieland stats:

Scorers:
Len Livermore: (20’).
Laurie Bassett: (32’).
Ronnie Regis: (41’).
Jeff Richardson: (72’, 87’).

Possession: 59%.
Corners: 12.

Tournament scorers:
Jeff Richardson: 10.
Bomber Robson: 6.
Ginger Astle: 6.
Ronnie Regis: 5.
Billy Cunningham: 3.
Ray Brunt: 3.
Jonas McAuley: 2.
Laurie Bassett: 1.
Len Livermore: 1.
John Moore: 1.
Cyrille Allen: 1.

International goals:
Jeff Richardson: 16.
Bomber Robson: 7.
Ronnie Regis: 7.
Ginger Astle: 6.
Ray Brunt: 5.
Jonas McAuley: 4.
Billy Cunningham: 3.
Laurie Bassett: 1.
Len Livermore: 1.
Chris Barlow: 1.
John Moore: 1.
Cyrille Allen: 1.

[Jeruselem]

Daisy Cutter (aka Daisy Dallas) of Naked News Jersuselem and Jeruselem manager Boris Lancaster at Dazza Dallas Stadium after Jeruselem beat Welzat 3-2

Boris: Daisy, taking over today.
Daisy: Yeah, I'll be doing this football business when Kate leaves hey
Boris: Looking good girl
Daisy: Well, I'm only wearing a pair of shoes hey
Boris: It's all you need
Daisy: Well, I wish it wasn't so windy and cold today

Boris: My secretary is having the day off so I haven't got the results for today
Daisy: Well, you would have more days off working for someone like you.
Boris: Why does everyone say that?
Daisy: No idea ... well you have no idea that is
Boris: Oh nevermind, you got the results?
Daisy: I maybe a dumbass but I know how to the Internets

Boris: Actually there people dumber than you
Daisy: OK, I'll just pull up this web page. OK, well ... not much happened.
Boris: In terms of what?
Daisy: The table - we won, and other top 3 won. So the top 4 haven't changed.
Boris: So no bad news
Daisy: Good thing we won then hey

Boris: I can't read that.
Daisy: OK, Delaclava drew 2-2 with Simpralia. Both are eliminated so who cares.
Boris: Yes yes, I knew that.
Daisy: I assume you know Jeruselem beat Welzat 3-2 like here today.
Boris: Yeah I knew that one
Daisy: Aimena got beaten by Nephara 3-0. Expected

Boris: I guess that was predictable although they have lost games recently.
Daisy: Darmen beat Great Lausitz 3-2. Barely a win but it's win
Boris: I was hoping they would drop points
Daisy: South Charlia lost to Huayramarca 3-1. They are near last so who cares.
Boris: Yes, doesn't matter down there.
Daisy: Competitive Solitaire lost to Sarzonia 1-0. Close one for Sarzonia

Boris: I see, the table is same for the top 4.
Daisy: Acronius had the bye
Boris: I don't think they'll qualify anyway
Daisy: So ... Nephara 52, you'd think they'll qualify next game. Jeruselem 41, Sarzonia 40, Darmen 38, Acronius 31. Expect Acronius to be eliminated soon.
Boris: 4 games left
Daisy: Yes, so we can only get to 53 points. Nephara will top the group

Boris: Yes well, we'll be fine.
Daisy: We have Nephara and Sarzonia to play. It's not going to be easy getting 12 points.
Boris: But if we beat them! That would be good.
Daisy: We've lost to them in the 1st half
Boris: We beat Darmen, it will change.
Daisy: I guess so, maybe. We can't finish lower than 4th anyway.

Boris: So what we going talk about?
Daisy: I guess the two important games we must win.
Boris: That's good.
Daisy: Can you stop kinda rubbing my breasts, I'm a bit sensitive there.
Boris: That was an accident
Daisy: You're accident prone, all the time near ... women.

Boris: I can't help it.
Daisy: Keep your hands to yourself
Boris: Say, how are Quebec going?
Daisy: Oh them, I'm not related to that side but anyway ... they drew.
Boris: That's not good
Daisy: From the looks of it, the top 2 in that table seem set. And Quebec won't qualify.

Boris: Pity that one.
Daisy: Why is that?
Boris: I like them.
Daisy: We have the same number of points and but our goal difference is far better.
Boris: They don't do much defending
Daisy: We're not Quebec, and they aren't us.

Boris: Say you're that webcam girl Flower Girl
Daisy: Yes, that's me. I mean it's easy to tell considering I'm not hiding much wearing nothing.
Boris: So your husband doesn't care
Daisy: It makes money, if it makes us money ... he cares it makes money
Boris: I wouldn't be complaining either
Daisy: Eh, that was expected.

Boris: When's the honeymoon?
Daisy: Oh that, we don't have the money anyway. Might was as well get some work with the World Cup while it's here.
Boris: Hopefully I'll get my bonus when we can qualify
Daisy: Oh that, Kate will travel with the team if we qualify. I'm stuck here.
Boris: I think you should come with us if we qualify
Daisy: That would be nice.

OOC
Group 7
Delaclava 2–2 Simpralia
Jeruselem 3–2 Welzat
Aimena 0–3 Nephara
Darmen 3–2 Great Lausitz
South Charlia 1–3 Huayramarca
Competitive Solitaire 0–1 Sarzonia

[Twicetagram and JYPe]

Different Ways to Handle Trash
Trash is, well, trashy. It's stinky, annoying, space-hogging, basically any adjective that describes the person writing this article. But good news! There are ways to handle YOUR trash! Don't need no garbage man to collect stuff from your dustbin anymore! It's environmentally-friendly, and fun to do!

Recycling
Perhaps the most common way of handling trash is by recycling it. Plastic takes a LONG time to degrade and make itself useful to nature, so why not make that time way shorter? You can use plastic cups and bottles and boxes as flower pots, water bottles, weapons, you name it. Or, if you don't know what to do, just head over to the recycling center and throw your stuff in the CORRECT BINS. That's right. There are specific bins for each item. So, don't put your newspaper in the plastic section.

Composting
Compost is also another heavily used way to handle trash. Using your leftover food scrap, you can turn those into fertilizer! Talk about cheap! Moreover, this is HEALTHIER(maybe) than actual fertilizer! So, you're saving money, and contributing to Mother Nature! Sweet!

Community Collection Events
Community Collection Events are places where you can give your trash that you do not want. The hosts will then either recycle it, use it as compost, or do something else with it.

Electronics
This is a warning to everyone: DO NOT discard used electronics anywhere. This is hazardous to the environment, which will effect us one way or another. Instead, discard it into the electronics bin, or just leave it to the trash sorters.

What about the non-recyclable, non-compostable and non-biodegradable?
Simple. You either throw it into the landfill, or incinerate it.
And this is what we should do to the Twicetagrian defense. The center backs are sloppy at protecting the goalkeeper, and the fullbacks can't stop the wingers.
Putting them in a different position wouldn't do any good, and substituting them would be worse. So just do away with the defense. Burn them all. Give them what they deserve.
Peace.

[Trolleborg]

Previous parts of the story: 1 – 2 – 3 – 4 – 5 – 6 – 7 – 8 – 9 – 10 – 11 – 12 – 13 – 14 – 15 –16 – 17 – 18 – 19 –20.

The fortress itself turned out to be quite extensive – really huge central courtyard and three smaller ones, with a lot of buildings around them, all with museum exhibits and interactive venues inside and outside. In one corner of the large courtyard schoolchildren were recklessly chopping with swords, in the other adults excitedly practiced archery, in the third some people were preparing an extensive field, with clear intention to hold a knights tournament, and just as the tourists turned their heads here and there and taking photos of everything, trying to find the most advantageous angles, past them from the square into the courtyard a whole crowd of people clad in medieval attire walked to the sound of drum with peaks on their shoulders.

“This is a hologram,” Kate said politely when she realized that Wesley and Naomi were about to step aside so as not to interfere with the marching. - “It is broadcast here at 15 minutes every hour as coming from the gate and at 45 minutes going other way. Within the castle you can distinguish a hologram from a real resident of Trolleborg by a small icon on his shoulder - if it is green, then a hologram, if red means an interactive hologram”.

The drummers and infantry have green signs, and the officer, who was walking along the side and meticulously watching whether everyone was stomping with due zeal, has red.

“If you want to use absolutely every interactive unit for at least half a minute and spend 5 seconds on each exhibit, then it will take you about four months of pure time”, proudly answered Kate when asked how much time she would have to spend to examine it all . “But you have never been to the National Museum or the Treasure Halls yet ...”
She wanted to add something else, but Wesley gently interrupted her, asking what she would recommend to see in order to get the most complete picture of the main beauties.

The route compiled after refinement included the main halls, which were supposed to show the progress of Trolleborg in the Middle Ages, from the very times of the castle’s construction, through the armory and ballroom, and then on and on, along the path of progress, to the times when the fortress had already ceased serve as a military fortification and the city spread far in the district, not afraid of sieges and incoming rampaging hordes.

And the guests went along this route. At the first stage, in a stone hall and neighboring galleries,

holographic characters try to drag Naomi and Wesley into some intrigue in an attempt to poison a certain king who had slept in the adjacent room after dinner, claiming that he was a tyrant of never-previously-heard-proportions and listing his atrocities, from which blood literally froze in his veins. Other hologramms make efforts to dissuade tourists, with their own intrugues on hand.

Having somehow got out of there, they first passed by the lines of a rather frightening kind of murder weapon, and there two lords in magnificent costumes tries to lure Wesley into the debate, with which devices they will be better had they to go hunting, and then Naomi pulled by another group of holographic characters into a medieval dance in the middle ballroom. One of the holograms even stepped on her leg. At first, Naomi suspected that they weren’t holograms at all, but when she and Wesley were already leaving hall, virtual dancers made precisely the same for the next group of tourists
exactly on the same dance.

But, after going forward about a century, guests from Zwangzug got into a more developed times, and the rooms looked much more comfortable.

Here, too, intrigues was abound, and acquaintances made, with a view of found a way to the overseas riches, and Wesley and Naomi was offered three different quests in as many rooms.

So when, after ten more halls, they entered a room that was clearly not built for defense, but rather for for convenience and comfort,

it seemed to them that they were the inhabitants of Trolleborg, who understood very well how their history was going to the current point.

[Tequilo]

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THE MOST FAVOURED CHILD OF CHANCO CÓNDOR
The Guardian

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LILÍAN: The Bar | The Gold | The Gum | Frank Sent This | The Guardian
GARCÍA: The Fire | The Banjo | The Scooter | The Raft | The Border

At the little adobe house on the dangerous bend toward the end of Nuevo Camino, next door to La Rosa Cantina, on the outskirts of the ramshackle village of Chanco Cóndor, preparations were afoot for the arrival of Lilían back into the house after a few days in the maternity wing of the barrel shed at the cantina next door, where she had brought her son into the world. It had been decreed, in the form of dreams sent to Lilí and her bruja mother Nina, that the boy should be born in a barrel shed, and should not come home until his name was fixed. It had taken Lilían some days to completely decide upon his name, again instructed by dreams which, in the opinion of her father Chuco, were dithering too slowly - considering it was La Picodelluvia, the rainy season, a very rainy one at that, and the roof of the barrel shed was beginning to sag with the continuous inundation. But this morning Lilí had confirmed she now had his name fixed in her mind, and it was time for her and her well-starred son to come home. Señors Sá the Drayman, Llopa the Ironmonger, and Siñoy the Postman had all been invited to join the festivities, since they had been kind attendees of mother and child in the barrel shed at one time or another, and had brought considerations for their future happiness, and some magic of one sort or another that would be good omens. Lilían had decreed they should become wightfathers of the child - appointed surrogate mentors who could bring wisdom, and perhaps more gifts, to enrich the life of the boy.

(Chuco’s lifelong friend Mauro Barcinó was privately very disappointed not to be invited to become wightfather, feeling his time spent at the bar alongside the old man, extending to many decades and an unimaginable volume of beers and spirits consumed, ought to have been enough to grant him some honorary position to the child; and for the very same reasons, Nina forbade it).

At the house Chuco, a somewhat sulky Mauro and the three wightfathers were making last minute adjustments to the new nursery, while Nina was next door in the barrel shed of La Rosa, with the cantiñera Lina and Mauro’s wife Teresa, clucking around the boy and his mother, trying to find out if they could what Lilían intended for the boy’s name and being roundly rebuffed in their efforts. “You will know soon enough,” laughed Lilían, resisting an offer of bribery, in the form of a packet of thrips - dried and salted insects - from Lina. Outside the rain continued, a gale was beginning to blow and distant thunder rumbled.

“Brayihn Bendito!” exclaimed Nina, referring to the patron wight with the big mouth, whose shouting was widely attributed to the rumble of distant thunder.

“Señoras! Señoritas!” - outside, in the rain, someone was calling; “Señora Lina - are you there?!”

The cantiñera put her head out the door and called the visitor to the barrel shed. She ducked back inside to explain, “my new barman comes for an interview,” - and then she winked - “you can be my panel. Shall we test his resilience?”

A drowned young man entered the barrel shed, and was instantly confused by the scene that he met there - he must have been the only person in Chanco Cóndor who had not heard Lilían Tlalqui was in residence there with her well-starred baby boy. “Forgive me,” he said, regaining a small part of his composure, “I am Gabriel Arca from Yaya; I have come for to be your cantinero.”

“Well, he is a handsome enough fellow,” said Teresa, looking him up and down, “although he is forward to have promoted himself from el mozo to el cantinero so soon,” suggesting that he ought to be the busboy rather than the barman. And so proceeded a difficult interview for Gabriel Arca from Yaya, who retained his composure admirably in the face of such wicked leg-pulling from the women and even the baby, who gurgled delightedly as the interview went on. Outside it continued to rain, and the wind buffeted the creaking roof of the barrel shed. “Forgive me,” he said eventually, looking uncomfortable, “I don’t mean to judge on the standard of your buildings Señora Lina, but is this the safest place to conduct an interview? By the look of it, I would think the roof there is about to - ”

At that point, the roof did as Gabriel feared it would - it gave way under the strain of inclement weather. There was an unholy creak, a crack as of gunfire, the rattle of tiles suddenly displaced, and then the roof began to fall in. “OUT!” commanded Gabriel, brooking no argument, and wedging himself under a sagging lintel that was about to give up. The women skittered out, and the roof caved in thunderously. Where the barrel shed had been was a great cloud of masonry dust.

“I forgot the baby!” cried Lilían.

Out of the devastation of the collapsed barrel shed came the new cantinero, Gabriel Arca of Yaya, his eyebrows and hair and mustachios covered in dust, and he was carrying the baby, who was laughing at such delightful adventures. As he handed the baby over, and coughed up his own small cloud of pulverised roof tiles, a feather blew past him in the buffeting wind.

“The resplendent feather from Señor Sá!” cried Lilían, watching it blow up into a Quercus tree.

“Allow me,” said Gabriel, somewhat dazed. The rain had stopped and the wind dropped as the young man from Yaya shimmied up the Quercus, and when he reached a considerable height he was able to pluck the feather of the Resplendent Jackdaw from a high branch. He waved at them all down below, staring open mouthed at him. “I have it!” he cried.

From down on the ground, it seemed as if the sun came out behind him, as he sat in the top of a tree waving a blessed feather at them.

“What was his name again?” asked Lilían.

“Gabriel,” said Lina.

“Nice name,” said Lilían.

By now, the men from the house next door had charged into the garden to see what all the commotion was about. Chuco took one look at the collapsed barrel shed, and cursed. “I told you Lina! I told you last week!”

“Everyone is fine, husband,” reassured Nina.

Lilían held out the boy to show her father that all was well. “Teodor Xuilo Gabriel Tlalqui de Chanco Cóndor wishes to come home now, father.”

“Teoxi Cóndor!” puffed Gabriel, covered in masonry dust and twigs.

“We will explain later,” said Nina, seeing her husband’s confusion, “I hope you have finished the nursery, old man.”

DISAPPOINTING DING DONG DRAW WITH DASKEL
TEQUILO 3-3 Daskel HT: 1-2

Location: Estadio San Pedro, Cuara, Guastenango Att: 42,000
SCORERS: Niño Pinto 42’ Tlacolotl 51’ Cora ’79 | Daskelo#11 3’ Daskel#7 15’ Daskelo#8 73’

For the second game in a row the agave-blues battled to a thrilling 3-3 draw as the tour of international games came to Guastenango state and the San Pedro Stadium, home of SC Pedregal. The headline might have been Narciso Cora scoring on home turf but in a cunning cut and paste job from the previous headline, we reflect on how this time around, it was Tequilo playing catch-up after a disastrous start, conceding two goals in the first fifteen minutes and never truly recovering. Narciso did at least rescue a point on an otherwise disappointing showing for the national team, who have not enjoyed travelling around the country for national fixtures, losing three, drawing one and only winning one in a poor exhibition series. Bright spots in this game included the promising debut of Segundo Torres, 20, of Tequiloa FC, starting at left back, and centre half Camilo Caira in a cameo role, coming on as substitute for the injured Haize Apeiztegui. The 22 year old from Acacoyagua impressed on his brief debut and might hope for more game time in the cycle.

Los Pitxileros travel to Mattijana with the prospect of a highly commendable third placed finish now looking remote - so Isaac Martí will be looking for a good performance, aiming to achieve the top half finish that everyone agreed would be perfectly delightful; a win in Petrovijanka will be a tough ask but would go a long way to securing that top half finish. It is a much-changed line-up for the game with injuries to Haize Apeiztegui and Huracan meaning more swapping at the back - Noxochinoch comes into the centre half alongside debutant Antón Lascares, 22, the Antivadorio from Real Gardaresso. Geraitz Minha is back to fill in for Patrick Zambo while Chicchan remains on the right. In midfield Callañaupa returns in favour of Ixtub Tün, and with all the other leaders out of action he will captain the side for the first time. Ahead of him in the diamond coach Martí opts to stick with the three that impressed last time out, whilst up front Roxelio Toran comes in for Narciso Cora to play alongside Tlacolotl. Urlegi Gorostola will serve a one-match ban for three yellow cards in the second half of qualifying.

---

Starting Line-Up for Mattijana vs. TEQUILO

Bienvenida | Minha, Noxochinoch, Lascares, Chicchan | Callañaupa (Capitan) | Vilca Hualla, Niño Pinto, Tutayan | Tlacolotl & Toran

VENUE: Yet another Unknown Field, Petrovijanka, Mattijana

[The Sarian]

OOC: Apologies for this last part coming like six MDs after the previous three parts - I've either been otherwise engaged or thought there was something more time sensitive to post. Enjoy the blatant copyright infringement which makes up the last five logos.

Logo-liscous
A look at Saari Football Logos: Part Four.

I'm sorry for the delay. I had a mental breakdown. You have no idea the pressure you're under when compiling a list like this. Every single fucking fan has a problem with what you say! At first, it's slightly amusing. Their fault for supporting such an ugly team. But then it's relentless. I flinch every time I hear a noise behind me. I joined this publication because I ignored my fathers advice to study Engineering. I never knew it would end up like this. But anyway, enough about me. We're down to the final five aka. the least interesting part because it's harder to write about logos which are fine. Who will triumph? Who will come fifth? And fourth? And third? And second? And which one is the most blatant infringement of a RLStates copyright? You will find out very soon - just as long as I've padded out this paragraph of nothingness enough to please my editor.

The final part, vaamoes!*
*Vaamoes is a common Saari phrase, although it doesn't have a exact translation into English it is similar to let's go - but with more enthusiastic connotations. In many instances, including this one, it is used ironically.

05. SS Haaglanden

SS Haaglanden find themselves in fifth place because of one factor: that text at the bottom is sexy. The light 'Saarispoort', the semi-bold 'Haaglanden', the horizontal line? Chefs kiss, beautiful. Other than that, the logo is inoffensive. Adorned with a stalk - the animal of the area, the logo is clearly 'of' the place. Though, I've seen a stalk and they aren't monochromally white - they have a black behind. But we can forgive that for aesthetic reasons - and they have given thick black lines. Another poor colour choice is the football - the dark tan feels out of place and almost gloomy. I also wouldn't have used the lighter green as the border. The moss green isn't the prettiest shade, but provides a nice backdrop for the beautiful lettering. However, it isn't a consistent thickness around the top of the stripes; which is annoying. Overall, an aesthetic logo which presents the club in terms of it's too elements - Saarispoort, by use of the national colours, and Haaglanden with the stalk. Not much to hate. 7.5/10

04. FC Einst van Mei

If you can't tell by the name, FC Einst van Mei are a team of communists. From Wilaamstad, but that bit's incidental. Technically, they're a team initially started by Communists and supported by communists. Who knows what the players think? And frankly, who cares? As such, their logo is very communist. Bright red? Check? Hammer and sickle (even though most the initial Einst van Mei players were dock-workers)? Check. Stars? Check. Though they actually represent how many times Einst van Mei won the Development League, which is a nice break from the random stars in other Saari football kits. The logo is very simple, very aesthetically pleasing and clearly represents the club. What marks it down is that font. We already know you're communists, you don't need to hammer (pun not intended) it home with that font. Not only does it not really fit, it's not centred properly. Still, this could have easily been a disaster of a logo, and it isn't. 7.5/10

03. BSC Kroningdam

I'm sorry, but this logo is so fucking cool. Tridents are the best of all the bladed weapons, and honestly just fits the mood of this slightly forgotten, post-industrial city on the sea. And that dark turquoise just caps it off. The type-face used is also the right one. They haven't fallen for the trick of thinking the need a 'cool' looking font to match the coolness of the logo. Instead we've got nice, professional and easy to read. It's even centered properly, which is honestly pretty rare at this point. So that was all positive - why is is this not number one? Well, it does err on the slightly too simple and the shape does look slightly ugly when on a football shirt. And the shadow on the trident. It might be a lose-lose situation, because it does add depth but it detracts overall. The line on the right-side of the trident's staff is particularly annoying, creating an impression of a line which distracts from the line between the two colours. So yes, super-cool (have we said it enough?) logo which definitely captures the essence of Kroningdam. But not quite good enough for our top two. 8/10.

02. CVD Speelvelden Wiclyf

Dragons are awesome. That's just a fact. What they have to do with the historic Bondstad district of Wiclyf is less clear, but that's a question which pre-dates the football team. There's a lot to like about this logo. The dragon adorns it, providing a recognisable centre-piece in gold. The cross-hatched 'W' is perhaps unnecessary but also prevents this logo from being just a dragon on a white background. The text is introduced nicely, hugging the dragon. Whilst there is an argument about readability from a distance, this is certainly an improvement on just slapping the team's name anywhere. And the two layer border drives home the team's colours. Another thing I like is that this logo is a bit chunky, so they ditch most of it and just put the dragon (with text) on their shirts. Of course, we can all see that this logo could use some texture and something more interesting than a white background. But overall, it's a very good effort. 8/10

[Before we get to who won this cursed competition, a note on the scoring: they are scored relative to each other. If we were ranking based on how good they were to multiverse equivalents everyone would get a one. Nationalists go brrrrr].

01. De Commons FC

So here we are, the winner of our best logo is also the oldest. Is it because we're scared of De Commons fans? Or because we're now an ultra-conservative, reactionary publication who only likes old things? Both might be true, but this logo is also a classic. The four colours are all chosen because they represent the nation (note to foreign readers: De Commons is named after a city of the same name founded in opposition to agricultural enclosure several hundred years ago, and is not a translation of 'the people'. However, both the city and football team have a reputation for being ultra-patriotic/nationalist - to a frankly scary degree for members of the liberal-left like me - and are nicknamed De Volken Team). Green and white hoops, the traditional Saari attire adorn the middle whilst black and Saari bronze provide detailing. The alternating of the stripes adds a bit of interest and the football helps break it up further. The founding year - the only club we've mentioned which does this - is in roman numerals. Which everyone knows are the coolest numerals. And then, nice and simple, big letters so you know who they are. It goes nicely on the shirt, works outside the shirt and is frankly the most recognisable logo in Saari football. They also stole all the things the national team could have done, which gets them extra points. A deserved winner 10/10.

[Sharktail]

Group 5 matchday 22

Twicetagri-0

---

Sharktail-2
Gaby (m '48)
Badhri (m '59)

Ahmad
Harold
Azmi
Hidawi
Ashaari
Azaim
Chandra (sub m '71)
Badhri
Nik akif
Gaby (sub m '73)
Shakir

sub
Afif (m 71)
Virman (m 73)

Hello Guys, welcome back to Nazri TV, the sports streamer. So, today I have something to share with you all. I got special treatment from SFA as they willing to pay for all my expenses to come all the way to Twicetagria.Yaayyy...So, I want to say thank you to SFA president, Tengku Muhammad Hazim for all this treatment.

Ok, now I am inside the stadium. I will go to the dressing room of Sharktail NT. (Walking straight to the dressing room. On the way, he meets someone).Oh, hello Miss Fira.

Fira: Hello Nazri.Nice to meet you again.

Nazri: We always meet, you know.

Fira: It in the outside ok.

Nazri: Miss Fira, say hi to all the viewer.

Fira: Hi all, sorry I not to good with this kind of thing.Nazri always. talk about this but I don't really get it. He is too talkative.

Nazri: All the viewer know how talkative I am. Could you explain to them about why I here today?

Fira: Oh ok. For your information, SFA gives Nazri special treatment today to come here. I don't know detail too, just know about him coming with us.

Nazri: Yes. You know it feels great to take on the same flight with the player. And of course with Miss Fira too. (Smile)

Fira:(Embarrassed).Stop teasing me. He always teasing me.

Nazri: Haha, sorry. Oh, we have arrived at the dressing room. Let go inside.

(Nazri and Miss Fira go inside).Ok, guys I now inside Sharktail dressing room seem like a manager now explains the strategies for today match. So let just be silent and not interrupting them. (After a few minutes, Sahami done explaining strategy. All the player now ready to enter the field to start the match).Look they all now ready to enter the field. Waah, I will watch them from the stand. Ok guys, do you best. We rooting on you. Go Sharktail. (Nazri fist with all the players. Nazri and Fira leave and go to the seat.)

---

Ok, guys I now outside the stadium. The match has ended. It really a good game. Both team playing their best today.It really great to watch it. So Miss Fira still with me now.

Fira: Hello, we meet again.

Nazri: So what do you think about today game?

Fira: A good result for us to win today, but I want yo praise both teams for showing us great play.

Nazri: You know what I found interesting. She never silent when matching started, no matter who gets the ball,she w ill act like she is the coach.It is so cute.

Fira: Stop teasing me.I just hyped up.

Nazri:Maybe i can go watching the match with her again.But sad i cannot do stream in the stadium.

Fira:Please dont let him do that. Stop him.

Nzri:Hahaha,Miss Fira flustered face reall y cute. Ok that all for today.Once again thank you SFA for all your treatment today. I appreciate it. And thank for giving me a date with miss Fira.

Fira; I leaving now.

Nazri: Oh come on, she left. I will catch her up. Ok, see you next time. Bye.

---

Group 5 matchday 23 VS Mkabia

[Blouman Empire]

THE EMPIRE TIMES

Dominant Win For Eagles

Ty Freltron scored twice as the Blouman Empire came from behind to hammer Lo Santano and move up into eighth spot of the qualifying group.

Freltron cancelled out Lo Santano’s opener with a near post finish before a deflected shot from outside the penalty area by Ryan Hunter went in off the bar. Oliver Eastall extended the Eagle’s lead further with a header - his 5th goal of the qualifiers - before Freltron added the fourth. The Blouman forward went close to becoming the first Blouman player to score a World-Cup qualifiers hat-trick when his low shot hit the post.

If there is one player who symbolises the inconsistent nature of the Blouman Empire, it is Freltron. Occasional flashes of genuine brilliance and some decent overall performances are mixed with others so lacking in purpose it must make manager Lewis Parry wonder whether he was right to select him for the international team. Even today, at half-time, one very knowledgeable and experienced commentator continued to state his belief the team would be better off without Freltron, despite the fact he had already scored.

After the break, Freltron’s second, a fine finish after a poor back-pass by the Lo Santano defender had sent him clean though, was the first time he had scored more than once for the Empire. Despite coming under pressure from commentators for most of the qualifiers he remains a crowd favourite and the ovation he received as he made his way off the playing field after being replaced by Nathanial Launzel late in the second half was impressive. Regardless of the fans reactions it remains the case that until Freltron’s output improves, he will not be delivering what the Eagles require. His tally of 4 goals and 1 assist for the season is short of what would be expected of a starting attacking midfielder.

If the Eagles had been able to play at this calibre throughout the qualifiers, they may very well be still in the hunt for a qualifying spot for the World Cup. Parry spoke quite highly of his players after the match “You could see just how good this side can be and proves we are making real progress. Yes Lo Santano made some errors but we made them pray by pressing and making it hard for them”. The Empire will next play Xanneria who is still mathematically able to make the World Cup. After coming up against group leaders Equestria and securing a 5-5 draw, they will be pushing hard for the win and it will show just how much progress Parry has made with his team

[PotatoFarmers]

Shokpos 3
(Scored at 14', 51', 73')

Poafmersia 7
Hansel Tang 5', 27', 84'
Shakira Handris 40', 57'
Alexri Timson 63'
Bytia Hisel 89'

Starting 11: Sandi Jaliaha; Danzik Hoboson (c), Konile Trasa, Alex Hoboson; Dargis Walshor, Daas Taisg, Donk Mason, Jessie Mchargarita; Hansel Tang, Shakira Handris, Alexri Timson
Substitutes: Bytia Hisel (Handris 67'); Qetisan Monson (K. Trasa 78'); Daak Kalson (Mchargarita 83')

For Poafmersia, they came into this match knowing that their attempts to qualify for the World Cup on their second try has failed, and now it is just merely an aim for the team to do better and improve on their performance, finishing the campaign on a high.
Barely 30 minutes before the match kicked off in Shokpos, Reçueçn had gotten themselves another 3 points with a 1-0 win over Crystalline Caverns, pushing themselves past the 47 point mark and signifying that Poafmersia can no longer catch them. For the team, that was expected, considering that less than a week ago, Adnan had already pointed out that to become 2nd, it would take the team a miracle especially after that draw with Filindostan. However, the players didn't really care, dominating affairs and making many shots, cruising to a 3-1 lead by half time.
At half time, the Poafmersian girl group Jakarian Yans¹ had came onto the field as a guest performer, performing the songs Another Time² and Born to Win³. For the latter, it became synonymous with the group, as it was them who had made this Poafmer folk song popular when they came out with a brand new version of the song, adding more modern elements into a traditional song that reflects the spirit of "everyone has value in the world", and showcases the fighting spirit in Poafmers. For the fans and players, it was a song that reflected the current situation. Even though Poafmersia was out of contention for getting into the World Cup, the Red Panjias would do their very best in achieving maximum points and improving on their performance at the last qualifiers. Being 3-1 up in the first half, the players gladly went all out in the second half, aiming to score as many goals as possible as they ended with a 7-3 win over the hosts.
"I am very glad that the players never gave up and continued to show an exciting and thrilling performance today," said Adnan to reporters after the match. "We may have lost the battle to enter the World Cup, but the battle is never lost until we give up. I told the players that our target is to get 15 out of 15 points for the remaining 5 matches, and today we got our first 3, equalling our biggest win in a World Cup qualification match. I hope that the players can showcase their fighting spirit, going all out to grab every single match and show that the Red Panjias can become stronger and should be a threat in the future years to come."
Player of the match Hansel Tang spoke about the team's reflections and target as they approached the end of the road. "We missed out many valuable games which costed us the ability to survive longer. For me, the 3-4 loss against Qvardax was one match which I am upset about. We should not have lost there, but we underestimated our opponents and lost 3 points. That 3 points should not have been lost and we should have grabbed it all. Nevertheless, our target here was to maximise our KPB coefficient so that we can get a good seeding for the next cycle. We would also want to gain as many points as possible as we would like to better our qualification record. Slow but steady improvements is what we aim for this season."
Adnan later confirmed that the remaining 2 home matches would be held in Libira National Stadium. For the national team, they have decided to hold the matches there as they would like the most number of home fans to come down and support the national team. There would also be more performances in the home matches, with the guests only confirmed on the day itself.

OOC Notes
¹Refer to this post for more details about this group.
²The song linked would be similar to how the song is sung in IC Poafmersia. The linked song is a Japanese song performed by a K-pop girl group.
³The song linked would be similar to how the song is sung in IC Poafmersia. The linked song is a Mandarin song performed by a C-Pop girl group.

---

Starting 11 against Andromeda Island Group: Nicole Potts; Danzik Hoboson (c), Konile Trasa, Alex Hoboson; Dargis Walshor, Daas Taisg, Donk Mason, Daak Kalson; Hansel Tang, Joel Haodao, Pete Carisa

[Ko-oren]

What to do while the Dragonflies suck

"But wait," you say! "All is not lost, we're a few points behind and we're still in the driving seat for this!"

Petroslovania 1–0 Ko-oren

"But wait," you say! "We still play Port Ember, we can turn this around, we've all got this in our own hand still!"

Port Ember 1–0 Ko-oren

"But wait," you say! "I remember I still have a few boardgames sitting around, wait just a little before I grab them so we can play through the next Ko-oren match!"

Ko-oren 1–1 Atheist Democratic Freehold

"But wait," you say! "Get this soccer stuff out of my face, I've set everything up on the table, turn off the tv, and let's bond as a family!"

Ko-oren has a long and proud history when it comes to playing games. Starting out with dice games, which were totally not fronts for gambling, and branching out to hundreds, if not thousands of card games - still the standard for what (board) games are in the nation. Recently however, foreign games as well as a healthy domestic market have put out plenty of great board games. Social/hidden role games always sell well with a clever enough twist, and the same goes for story-based games. There's a market there for very intricate and very casual games. Let's start with the bread and butter of Ko-orenite games: a deck of cards. Not the 52 or 54-card one (if you count the Jokers). No, we're talking about our version.

A standard Ko-orenite deck of cards is pretty big. It's a mix of European and Japanese influences, arriving on our shores a few centuries ago and then slowly getting adopted and later consolidated into one big set. From European cultures, we've gotten a division into suits, with the regular hearts, spades, clubs, and diamonds, with a few named cards (King, Queen, Jack) and ranked cards (one to ten, usually). This ran into problems soon enough: our base-12 counting system was a little awkward with the ten ranked cards - and adding the named cards made it 13, which is also annoying. Other European influences come from tarot, and in particular adding the major arcana: a set of cards that are both named and ranked, but fall outside of the rest of the suits. From the Japanese side, Ko-orenites got adjusted to a set of 144 used for playing mahjong. Mahjong's 144 tiles (but which could also be cards) are divided into 8 bonus cards, 12 Dragon cards, 16 Wind cards, and the remaining cards are divided into three suits. As time went on, the Ko-orenite consolidated its card sets so mahjong could be played but it was also flexible enough for European games - and let's not forget, the hundreds of games made up on the Archipelago.

And these are the cards that are in the set.

Ko-orenite Cards	Use in Western games	Use in Mahjong
Ko-orenite Zodiac (12x)	Arcana (22x)	Seasons (4x) & Winds (16x)
Constellations (12x)	Arcana (22x)	Winds (16x) & Characters (36x)
Planets & Moons (12x)	Unused	Dragons (12x)
Birds (12x)	Hearts (13x)	Dots (36x)
Insects (12x)	Hearts (13x)	Dots
Trees (12x)	Diamonds (13x)	Bamboo (36x)
Flowers (12x)	Diamonds (13x)	Bamboo
Fish (12x)	Clubs (13x)	Characters (36x)
Lizards (12x)	Clubs (13x)	Characters
Suns (12x)	Spades (13x)	Dots
Skies (12x)	Spades (13x)	Bamboo
Dragonflies (12x)	Jokers (4x)	Flowers (4x) & Characters (36x)

Is it a mess? Yes, but once you're used to it, it more or less works. Also keep in mind that most games, if not all, only use a handful of suits - it's really only mahjong that needs all 144 cards, hence the weird splitting suits into Seasons, Winds, Characters, and so on.

... Oh wait, we beat the Holy Empire? We still have a chance? Put your boardgames back, turn on the tv, I'm ready to be let down again!

[Nephara]

Aimena 0 - 3 Nephara
(4-4-2) 1 - Mercator; 2 - Stride (18 - Longship 76'), 5 - Thorn (c), 22 - Lockheed, 19 - Muscadin; 13 - Saroszi, 15 - Kastriot, 21 - Moxham (7 - Kuepper 68'), 16 - Deventer; 9 - Bastable (17 - Avetisyan 61'), 10 - Metzger
Goals: Deventer 32', Moxham 49', Avetisyan 79'

Extract from the Book of Close.

Popped Roxelana the question.
It felt like a good occasion for it. A quiet few beers after a routine win over Aimena in which I didn't play. Threw off the recent shackles, the hangups away from home. They actually got within a whisker of scoring first, from a free kick. We all gasped, but Mercator skimmed it over the top of the crossbar then picked herself up like it was no big deal. Then Morena put us ahead and the game took care of itself.
So whatever, down to the real business.
"So don't freak out," I began, promisingly.
Roxelana deployed an eyebrow. That's enough to give anyone pause. I forged on. "The past few years, I've been working on a book. Like the old Free Companies used to."
"We aren't a band of roving war criminals, though."
"Aren't we?" I know. I know. But I couldn't think of any better repartee and anyway, I swear it worked enough to give her pause. "It just... seemed right. That there be a voice inside the dressing room."
"The sacrosanct dressing room that relies on nothing ever getting out? That dressing room?"
"Hey, if I wanted sarcasm, I'd go find your girlfriend Yana."
"It's just our work arrangement," said Roxelana, primly. "To keep the edge off away from home. Besides, I never fucked anyone at the same club. Got to draw the line somewhere. Unlike, from what I hear-"
"- you've made your point. I wasn't judging, anyway."
"What, you want to join in? You're not to Yana's taste, I'm afraid."
"Believe me, I know Yana's taste. We've been to the red lights. Can we drag this back to relevance?"
"Your magic mercenary wizard book? ... Sorry. Go on."
"Thank you," I said, drily. I guess I hadn't done a good job of shrouding my irritation. So what if it was my magic mercenary wizard book? It had been a tradition for a reason. Marchers fostering a spirit, having the past to draw on. I explained it to her in such terms, or something like. "Besides, have you never wondered what it was like those first few years? Ramsey's underdogs winning everything in sight? Players who weren't fit to lace our boots, and yet, they were insatiable for silverware. What was their secret?"
Roxelana smirked. "So you're saying if we win a bunch of shit, you want the next generations to learn our secrets?"
"It's altruism, cunt."

From this unpromising beginning, she eventually relented. In the most stereotypical Nepharan way possible; slagging each other off, talking about our flings over the international break, over a few beers. Auspicious.
Whatever, point is, I have my successor and I could've done a lot worse. I hadn't devoted a lot of thought to what might happen if I just retire and take the book home and put it on a shelf or whatever, forever.
Maybe sell them as memoirs or something. But Roxelana had the right idea about the dressing room being sacrosanct. Even if she went all sanctimonious about it. Point is, if you're reading this right now, I hope to hell you're a future Cormorant and not just some shit-kicker, though no, if you are some shit-kicker, I'm not editing this out. Which is why you're reading this now.
Whatever.
Jeruselem's next. Things are interesting in the race for the other qualification slot, made more interesting by Sarzonia's win over us. We'll see if we can inadvertently do them a favour as we look to build our momentum back up for a glorious assault on the Cup.

[HUElavia]

HUElavia takes One Step Closer to Qualifying in Comeback Victory!

HUElavia 2-1 Nooooooooooooooo
(Almeida 86', Moutinho 90+2'| REDACTED 13')

HUElavia returned to World Cup Qualifiers looking to take a massive step towards qualifying to their 2nd World Cup in consecutive fashion, this time playing against the already eliminated Nooooooooooooooo. The first leg of this match saw Los Amarillos come back from 3 goals down to win the match 5-4 on the road, and now they wanted to sweep the series. The match was held at a sold-out Estadio Acuatico in Bello Mar, the same site where HUElavia defeated Kelssek in the IAC 9 Tournament, for the second consecutive time, by the scoreline of 2-1. This time around, many of the starters for that match were on the bench, while the B-Team was playing, with Ricardo in goal and wearing the Captain's Armband, all while the team wore the Home Alternative Uniform.

The match kicked off, and HUElavia was off to an attacking start, making passes and crosses with precision. Despite these attacks, the 10th minute saw an opening goal when Conti was dispossessed by REDACTED, who then ran the ball against Acosta and Salgado, passing it to REDACTED, who then took and curving shot that went past the fingertips of Ricardo to go into the goal and make it 0-1. REDACTED celebrated with their teammates while the team and crowd were left stunned at such goal being conceded so early. HUElavia then began to attack with fury, as Villca, Moutinho and Sissoko began to head and shoot the balls, only to either hit the crossbars and posts, narrowly go wide, or get blocked and saved by REDACTED. The crowd began to whistle in frustration, as Los Amarillos tried to get something going. Regardless, nothing would happen despite the shots taken, and the first half ended with HUElavia losing 0-1.

The second half kicked off, and there was a substitution made, with Conti, who looked fairly fatigued, going off for Ramirez, who was willing to take control of the Defensive Midfield to create more chances. HUElavia continued to attack and attack, giving little to no possession of the ball to Nooooooooooooooo. Any single time that a player got the ball, a HUElavian would dispossess them of the ball and begin to make passes. Regardless, time passed on and on, and Los Amarillos were getting unable to score a single goal. The crowd grew restless, beginning to whistle while some still continued to cheer in order to give motivation. Finally, the attacks would pay off, as in the 86th minute, a cross by Salgado would reach to Almeida's right foot, who gave a low volley to blast it past REDACTED and into the goal to make it 1-1. The crowd erupted, screaming and cheering to make the stadium rumble while Almeida was mobbed by his teammates for the spectacular goal. All of a sudden, the match went in favor of HUElavia, with the whole crowd singing and cheering. As additional time came in, in the 90+2nd minute HUElavia won a corner, which Ramirez sent a cross to the box, Almeida tried to head it in, but it deflected and left Moutinho out in the open to head in the ball past the fingertips of REDACTED into the goal to make it 2-1. The crowd went crazy once more, making the stadium rumble from celebrations while Moutinho was mobbed by the team and bench as HUElavia was nearly clinching a spot to the World Cup. Two minutes later, the referee ended the match at 2-1, with the crowd happy and satisfied at the comeback victory.

With the victory, and Equestria drawing 5-5 with Xanneria, both teams are tied at 49 points, with Equestria having a record of 14-7-0, while HUElavia has a record of 16-1-4. Kandorith won their match to reach 40 points (11-7-3), while Xanneria has 37 points (10-7-3) and a game in hand. For both Equestria and HUElavia, if Kandorith and Xanneria do not win their next match (either finishing in a draw or loss), both Equestria and HUElavia will qualify to the World Cup. HUElavia will have a Bye Week for Matchday 23 before playing Equestria with the A-Team and Lobato in goal for Matchday 24, which they will wear the Away Uniform against the Equestrians. The team and the fans feel confident that they can get the Qualification very soon, especially where a single draw will be enough for qualification.

FORCA HUELAVIA! VAMOS HUELAVIA! GO HUELAVIA!

[Sarzonia]

There wasn't a whole lot of celebration going on following Sarzonia's 1-0 away victory over Competitive Solitaire.

That was a match Sarzonia were supposed to win. Competitive Solitaire were an opponent Sarzonia were supposed to thoroughly outclass, and yet, it took a 74th minute rocket off the right boot of Holly Cambrio to prevent a draw against a team that were playing out the string.

After many of Sarzonia's 12 victories from 20 matches in this interminably long and arduous World Cup qualifying cycle, the dressing room would be a place of music, dancing, and general frivolity. After the Nephara Knockout, booze was free-flowing. This time, however, the music players were quiet. The players showered and got dressed in silence, only answering reporters' questions in hushed tones.

The Stars may have earned the result they needed, but they certainly reacted the way they might if they'd lost to bottom of the table Competitive Solitaire in embarrassing fashion. It was no accident. Jeruselem remained one point clear of the Stars with a 3-2 victory over Welzat. And the Stars were suddenly wary of a South Charlia side that shocked Group 7 first place side Nephara 3-2.

"If South Charlia can defeat Nephara, we certainly can't afford to take that match for granted," midfielder and team captain Clayton Wilson told reporters. "Coach [Stars manager Kevin Connelly] warned us about trap matches, and with this fixture being just before we travel to Johnho to face Darmen, this certainly qualifies as a potential trap."

Wilson wouldn't comment on reports that the Incorporated Football Federation filed a protest calling for the disqualification of Acronius after the Delaclava Football Association filed its own protest. Nor would any of the players, at least on the record. One player agreed to be interviewed on the condition that they not be identified.

"It's ridiculous," the player said. "Their team wouldn't even furnish a roster to identify their players. They didn't provide any information to our Federation about venues or hotel accommodations. And to lose two matches to a team that doesn't even do the bare minimum," the player looked like they caught themselves, but then continued their thought. "If we miss out on the World Cup by less than six points, I'm gonna be sick to my fucking stomach!"

If there's one saving grace, Jeruselem facing Nephara away could very well provide it. However, the Stars also have to consider Darmen lurking two points behind. They will play away to Huayramarca, who have been eliminated from World Cup contention, but the World Cup neophytes played Darmen to a 1-1 draw in Darmen their first meeting.

Either way, the Stars will play their substitute lineup with goalkeeper Carlton Sandt and striker Jake Campos resting prior to the match against Darmen. Connelly announced that both Sandt and Campos would start against Darmen.

"We need all hands on deck for that match," he said.

Group 7
Delaclava 2–2 Simpralia
Jeruselem 3–2 Welzat
Aimena 0–3 Nephara
Darmen 3–2 Great Lausitz
South Charlia 1–3 Huayramarca
Competitive Solitaire 0–1 Sarzonia

   Group 7                                     Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Nephara                                      20   17   1   2    71   14  +57    52
 2 Jeruselem                                    20   13   2   5    56   33  +23    41
 3 Sarzonia                                     20   12   4   4    51   36  +15    40
 4 Darmen                                       20   11   5   4    52   35  +17    38
 5 Acronius                                     20   10   1   9    34   38   −4    31
 6 Simpralia                                    21    7   7   7    32   38   −6    28 X
 7 Delaclava                                    20    7   6   7    48   47   +1    27 X
 8 Welzat                                       21    6   7   8    26   39  −13    25 X
 9 Huayramarca                                  20    6   6   8    40   45   −5    24 X
10 Aimena                                       20    6   3  11    22   40  −18    21 X
11 Great Lausitz                                20    4   4  12    23   40  −17    16 X
12 South Charlia                                21    4   3  14    22   42  −20    15 X
13 Competitive Solitaire                        21    3   3  15    17   47  −30    12 X

SCHEDULE
MD 1: @ Delaclava^ W, 6-4
MD 2: v. Acronius L, 0-2
MD 3: @ Simpralia (Glory Park, capacity 122,000) W, 5-3
MD 4: v. Welzat L, 2-4
MD 5: @ Nephara L, 1-4 (Farham Arena, Sabrefell, capacity 88,046)
MD 6: v. Great Lausitz W, 1-0
MD 7: @ Huayamarca (Estadio Olímpico del Oriente, Sechura, capacity 26,000) W, 4-2
MD 8: BYE
MD 9: v. Competitive Solitaire W, 1-0
MD 10: @ South Charlia W, 2-0
MD 11: v. Darmen D, 2-2
MD 12: @ Aimena W, 2-0
MD 13: v. Jeruselem D, 2-2
OFF DAY
MD 14: v. Delaclava W, 5-3 (game played at Pride of Manchester, capacity 110,000)
MD 15: @ Acronius L, 1-3
MD 16: v. Simpralia D, 3-3
MD 17: @ Welzat W, 3-0 (Sir James Tretol Memorial Stadium, capacity 19,595)
MD 18: v. Nephara W, 1-0
MD 19: @ Great Lausitz W, 5-0
MD 20: v. Huayramarca D, 4-4
MD 21: BYE
MD 22: @ Competitive Solitaire W, 1-0
MD 23: v. South Charlia
MD 24: @ Darmen (Stadio Rushmore, Johnho, capacity 70,000)
MD 25: v. Aimena
MD 26: @ Jeruselem (Dazza Dallas Stadium)

^Match was played at Dave Wilson Stadium in Woodstock.

Note: Except for the match in Manchester, Delaclava, all of Sarzonia's home matches will be played at Dave Wilson Stadium in Woodstock, capacity 105,900.

[Zwangzug]

"You wanna hear a bad joke?" Samuel asked.

Mimmo didn't go to the effort of writing out a response, instead giving him a glare that roughly translated none of your jokes are good.

Samuel took this as assent. "Outrive."

Head-tilt. What about it?

"Zwangzug," Samuel went on, "is bidding for the Cup of Harmony. Which means they probably want to play games here. Which means Outrive has to write up one of those slide shows about 'this is our beautiful city, you can take a tram or something up to the stadium, and enjoy all the winter sports things.' Except that now it's going to be 'come to our beautiful city, we've deep-cleaned the stadium, you probably won't die.'"

Mimmo snorted in spite of himself, then grappled for the paper. They don't need this, there are more than enough decent-ish pitches in random cities, we should know, he scrawled.

"True."

For only about the second or third time, Mimmo conceded that Jill and the others who made fun of his brick, durable connectivity and all, sort of had a point. It would have been nice to have a real keyboard or something to text on, without having to scribble in half-legible handwriting as if Samuel was an earnest autograph-seeker. Then again, their allegedly-smart phones were too weak to hold a charge. What did it matter.

It would have been much nicer to move his vocal cords without the pain spiking even further, but that felt like too much to dream of.

"I wish I could help," Samuel said.

Mimmo nodded. Fiddled with the pen cap, as if it contained a panacea. As if jamming it back on the pen would silence anything he wanted to say, prevent him from self-pity.

It hurts, he finally dashed off, and I hate it, and I hate myself for not being able to think of anything else, but Ryan is such a...

"Control freak?" Samuel offered, when Mimmo trailed off.

...so trite, with the 'well try not to focus on the pain' what is there to focus on out here, dude. And I'm scared, I'm scared it will never end, that I won't even get to be unconscious like Connie did for a while, just the pain. And if I knew his underline was quivering, anxious it would be like that-- He gripped the pen cap again and this time it cracked. Writing gave the words more permanence, more commitment, but the fear of even broaching the subject was so raw he would have stammered had his mouth let him.

"We know," said Samuel, as gently as he could, "and we wouldn't think less of you, and if I had a time machine I'd be happy to skip into the future and let you know how it turns out."

I can think of a couple other places you could go first.

"Fair. Well, uh, one day at a time, one hour at a time, one minute at a time if that doesn't work. Sorry. Do I sound like Ryan now?"

Need more terrible jokes.

"Okay, okay, here's one. If you have twenty-three random people. Like, you know, a football club. The odds are better than fifty percent that two of them will die on the same day. Not the same year, necessarily, but the same date of the year. But of course, you can't verify that unless you have a time machine."

Don't think we're independent events anymore.

"I said it was bad."

Mimmo mustered a grimace-smile, and to his surprise as much as Samuel's, sleep soon claimed him. He did not wake, and Samuel could only manage a dull relief.

(Baume 9, Idmar 31)

[Squornshelan Remnant States]

Catching Up with the Present
Salwan Mynhier

Second by the Skin of our Teeth

That's right, your Black-and-Reds are currently second in the group, and have been since matchday 20. How they have remained there over the past couple weeks, though is entirely beyond my ability to explain. The fight for second place in Group 2 has abruptly transformed from a competitive race, to one where now, no one wants to take the opportunity provided by the opponents' slip ups. Let's take a quick look at match results for the Black-and-Reds since our midway review after matchday 13:

SRS Qualifying Schedule MD14-MD22

MD14: Torisakia 2-0 SRS  @ TBA
MD15: SRS 5-1 Balaslandia @ Killough Grove, Han Wavel, Han Dold, SRS (cap. 31,400)
MD16: Wreckeria 1-0 SRS @ Patrick Stadium, Halstead, WRE (cap. 30,000)
MD17: SRS 2-1 Busoga Islands @ The Lutenstaad, Lutenblag, Molvania, SRS (cap. 75,000)
MD18: Bye
MD19: Drawkland 0-1 SRS @ Spartan Veteran Stadium (107,500)
MD20: SRS 3-0 Jantor @ Malgacorp Arena, Hensha, Megabrantis, SRS (cap. 29,350)
MD21: Gyatso-kai 2-1 SRS @ Meshgeroya'yaim, Keldabe, Mandalore, GKI (cap. 79,890)
MD22: SRS 1-2 Donnacona @ Smolak Systemy Stadion, Sjerezo, Molvania, SRS (cap. 31,200)

The second half of qualifying has been every bit as up and down as the first. We've beaten most of the same teams, and lost to most of the same teams as in the first half, leading to a reversal of the weak home and strong away record the Black-and-Reds had after matchday 13. 3-0-1 at home and 1-0-3 away since that time, the Black-and-Reds need to improve on their win rate if they want to avoid settling for the Cup of Harmony for their fifth straight cycle. Ugly losses away to Torisakia and Wreckeria knocked the Black-and-Reds back to fourth in the group to begin the second half, and only a clutch win in Lutenblag against the Busoga Islands saved them from falling further before their bye. Coming back from that break, they appeared to have rediscovered their form. Benefiting from the rest and extra preparation time, they recorded a massive clean sheet win on the faraway planet Sonnell, putting themselves in position to surpass Drawkland for the first time in qualifying during the Kick Corps' bye the following matchday. They successfully followed that up with a dominant home win over Jantor, and with two more mid-table teams coming up next, looked to squirrel away as many points as possible before the final stretch. Unfortunately, it was not to be. A second loss to Gyatso-kai was followed up with what may be the single most disappointing result of their qualifying campaign thus far, with the team beaten at home by Donnacona. While similar slumps around the rest of the group's contending teams meant that the Black-and-Reds were not toppled from their position in second, the missed opportunity to open up a six point lead on the chasing pack could be something the team looks back on with regret if they can't defend their spot over the final four matchdays.

The race to qualify behind Kita-Hinode in Group 2 has become absurdly close, with the five teams placed second to sixth all within three points of each other. At present, the Black-and-Reds hold the coveted spot with 37 points, while the Brains of Kohnhead are even with them on points, trailing by two on goal differential. One point behind them are the Kick Corps of Drawkland, and two points back from them lurk the Busoga Islands and Torisakia. All five teams have goal differentials between 10 and 12 at the moment, so one can't even begin to predict who might have the advantage in an eventual tie. The SRS and Kohnhead would appear to have the advantage, leading in points as they are, but looking at the four remaining matchdays, we can see that these teams do not all have to walk the same path to the finish.

Matchday 23

Kohnhead v Busoga Islands
Kita-Hinode v Squornshelan Remnant States
Donnacona v Drawkland
Torisakia BYE

The Black-and-Reds face their toughest match on paper, traveling to runaway group leaders Kita-Hinode, who clinched qualification this past matchday, 15 points ahead of ourselves and Kohnhead with just 12 still available for the chasing teams. How much of the Hinodejin first team will play, given this match has little meaning for them? Even a single point taken off the leaders would be of vital importance for the Black-and-Reds. Elsewhere, the Busoga Islands are facing a must-win against the Brains. Victory would bring the Islanders even with the Brains on points, whereas a loss would leave them six points behind with only three matches remaining. Drawkland must travel to face a Donnacona team fresh off upsets of the SRS and Busoga Islands. The Kick Corps will be hoping for full points to help them stave off their ongoing collapse, while Donnacona seem to relish the role of spoiler. Torisakia are idle, and will be hoping for as few points as possible for the rest of the contenders.
Matchday 24

Drawkland v Kita-Hinode
Squornshelan Remnant States v Kohnhead
Busoga Islands v EGM
Balaslandia v Torisakia

And it's now the Kick Corps' turn to play Hinode, though they at least have the slim advantage of facing them at home. Kita-Hinode handled Drawkland comfortably in their matchday 11 meeting, but this time around, the same questions as in our match apply. Will Kita-Hinode's first team make the long, transdimensional trip to Sonnell? If they play a B team, could that leave the door open for Drawkland to steal crucial points? Our match this day has massive implications. While the exact order of teams will likely have shuffled a bit after matchday 23, the winner of our showdown with Kohnhead will have a huge advantage even if the teams aren't still placed second and third. The loser will be in a very tough spot, with only two matches to recover from losing points. A draw probably helps neither team, especially with Busoga Island and Torisakia facing off with two of the group's worst teams and likely to take three points each.
Matchday 25

Torisakia v Wreckeria
Lochario v Busoga Islands
EGM v Squornshelan Remnant States
Kohnhead v Drawkland

Torisakia should be good for a point against Wreckeria, if not more. The same can be said for the Islanders visiting Lochario. Inconsistent play has been the hallmark of this group though, so who can really say? Our match visiting EGM, for instance, should be a walkover, but Margaret can striker any time, any place. Failing to take full points from this one will likely be one upset too many, and would surely doom our qualification hopes. Meanwhile Kohnhead face their third qualifying challenger in as many matchdays, hosting Drawkland. It's a tough schedule, but the Brains do have the advantage that they control their own destiny. If they can take full points while simultaneously denying them to the teams closest to them, it's the clearest path to qualification.
Matchday 26

Jantor v Kohnhead
Drawkland v EGM
Squornshelan Remnant States v Lochario
Busoga Islands v Torisakia

Busoga Islands hosting Torisakia should be a good, closely contested match. The other three listed here should not. Barring some major upset or shifts in goal differential, the group standings entering matchday 26 seem unlikely to change.

Overall, I have to conclude that Torisakia are the longest shot for qualification. Having only three matches and nine points left available is a massive handicap, and I think the eventual qualifier will surpass the 43 points that is the maximum they can achieve. The team that qualifies will likely need at least 45 points, and even that may not be quite enough if some team goes on a hot streak. Kohnhead, despite having already played both their matches against Kita-Hinode, have the most difficult schedule of the other four teams. They have to play against three of the other contenders, and while it's difficult to criticize their form during qualifying, they're a team that has to crane their necks to look up the rankings at their opponents. If they don't bring their absolute best, their final match against Jantor may turn out to be meaningless. Busoga Islands may have the easiest schedule of the four teams with twelve points still on the table, but also have the most work to do, needing a win and some help just to pull even with the current leaders. So that leaves us and Drawkland. Both teams face off with Kita-Hinode, Kohnhead, and EGM, and will be hoping for at least six points from the three matches. The only difference in their schedule is Drawkland's away match against upset-minded Donnacona, and the Black-and-Reds' final match at home against a disappointed Lochario team, who were hoping to be in position to challenge for qualification as well. In the end, here's how I think the final standings will turn out.

2 - Drawkland         45 pts
3 - Squornshelan R.S. 43 pts
4 - Busoga Islands    43 pts
5 - Kohnhead          43 pts
6 - Torisakia         40 pts

That's right, not only are the Black-and-Reds going to lose to Kita-Hinode, they're going to stumble at the final hurdle and find a way to lose to Lochario to let qualification slip through their fingers. What, did you think I was going to predict consistency and success? When has a Confederate team ever displayed those qualities? Nope, the Kick Corps escape to the World Cup after nearly choking it away, and it takes goal differential to sort out who gets the questionable bragging rights of a third-place finish. Kohnhead's improbably run finishes just a couple points short of their goal, courtesy of a loss to the Islanders, and Torisakia just don't have enough matches left to work with to be a realistic challenger (don't @ me Bort).

Errata:
Before I sign off this time, I have an addition to my previous post on the lives of some footballers from the fated World Cup 41 team. In that post, regarding Sjerezo and Squornshelous center back Anatoliy Titov, I had mentioned that aside from references to him on Sjerezo's records during the war, I had been unable to ascertain his whereabouts or fate. A helpful reader¹ alerted me to the truth about his whereabouts during and after the war. It seems that, like so many others, he fled the country to escape the war, and ended up in Cafundéu. After joining Petardos S/A to play his club ball, he had apparently achieved Cafundelense citizenship by the time of cycle 42, and was granted eligibility to join their national team given his status as a war refugee. He was first team center back on the Cafundelense teams that reached the quarterfinals of World Cups 42 and 43, and was named captain of the national team for the following cycle. In Kura-Pelland, Titov led his team to the top of Group E past Kelssek, Yafor 2, and Jaseuyeon. They kept a clean sheet against Lovisa in the second round and survived a shootout with Milchama to reach the semifinal, where they prevailed over Bostopia to reach Cafundéu's first and only final appearance. When extra time was not enough to separate Cafundéu and Starblaydia, Titov was sent up to take the fifth penalty for his team, and converted to keep their hopes alive after initially having his shot saved; Starbladyi keeper Taniquentar had left his line early. With both teams having lost a player to a red card during the match, the goalkeepers were called upon in the tenth round of the shootout, and while Kardec put his shot wide, Taniquentar converted, and it was over. Two years later, after another perfect group stage, Titov and his teammates had the misfortune to encounter Starblaydia in the second round, and came up short once again. He would retire as an eminently respected player for club and country.

¹ Thanks Zwangzug.

[TJUN-ia]

By Peter Davis

Are we rivals with New Lusitania and the Algarves? It certainly felt like it tonight at the Estádio da Anta do Dragão in Porto. A Selecção and the Jaguars have played two entertaining games in the past, but this one would be the tightest of them all.

Both teams came into the match-up looking for something: NLA still had a chance to make the WC, so 3 points were a must; TJUN-ia was only a draw away from matching the "Quest For More Than 11 Points" and only a win away from completing it, so they wanted to take something too. It lead to the first half of shots, tackles and everything in between but no goals for either side.

Then came the 2nd half, where NLA finally took the lead. André Silveira, who missed the game in Szensky due to injury, had no problems with scoring in the 56th minute. The rest of the game had opportunities for both sides to score, but neither Harold Gylfisson nor Rui Patríce was allowing that. New Lusitania won this game, just, and the series was theirs.

With Muradil beating Sajnur and Natanians and Nosts pulling the upset in Turori, this group is going to be chaotic over the final 4 Matchdays. TJUN-ia may have fallen to 9th, but they can't give up just yet on their quest just yet. It's back to TJUN-ia City to play bottom-side Necosia, who drew 4-4 with us in the reverse fixture. Let's see if we can finish the quest back home. GO JAGS!

---

SCHEDULE (Updates on stadiums will occur as soon as we get them)
MD1: @Audioslavia (22) - Arena Kirola, Cathair L 1-2 (T-9th)
MD2: vs Euran Oceania Territories (84) - National Stadium, TJUN-ia City D 2-2 (T-9th)
MD3: @Porticalia (330) L 0-1 (T-10th)
MD4: vs Sajnur (57) - Tiankong Stadium, Tiankong L 2-3 (12th)
MD5: @Jeckland (UR) - Jecken Stadium, Rack City W 2-0 (10th)
MD6: vs Natanians and Nosts (131) - Beregozera Stadium, Szensky L 0-4 (11th)
MD7: @Villablanca (235) W 6-1 (9th)
MD8: BYE (10th)
MD9: vs New Lusitania and the Algarves (42) - Beregozera Stadium, Szensky D 4-4 (10th)
MD10: @Necosia (341) D 4-4 (9th)
MD11: vs Turori (12) - National Stadium, TJUN-ia City L 1-5 (10th)
MD12: @Astograth (303) - Castle Hill, Gesterlake D 0-0 (10th)
MD13: vs Muradil (212) - National Stadium, TJUN-ia City D 2-2 (10th/2W-5D-5L/-4GD/11pts)
-----------------------Off Day---------------------------
MD14: vs Audioslavia (22) - National Stadium, TJUN-ia City L 0-1 (11th)
MD15: @Euran Oceania Territories (84) - Flynn Arena, Fligsive W 4-1 (10th)
MD16: vs Porticalia (330) - Tiankong Stadium, Tiankong W 5-2 (8th)
MD17: @Sajnur (57) - Niurka Stadium, Ciarkhan D 1-1 (8th)
MD18: vs Jeckland (UR) - Tiankong Stadium, Tiankong D 3-3 (8th)
MD19: @Natanians and Nosts (131) - Stadion Nacional (?) D 1-1 (8th)
MD20: vs Villablanca (235) - Beregozera Stadium, Szensky D 1-1 (8th)
MD21: BYE (8th/OFFICIALLY ELIMINATED)
MD22: @New Lusitania and the Algarves (42) - Estádio da Anta do Dragão, Porto L 0-1 (9th)
MD23: vs Necosia (341) - National Stadium, TJUN-ia City
MD24: @Turori (12)
MD25: vs Astograth (303) - National Stadium, TJUN-ia City
MD26: @Muradil (212)

[Busoga Islands]

Pre-Game at Orange Bull Arena in Kohnhead City

Bethany Donnell was walking down the hallway, to the media room at Orange Bull Arena. It was the morning of the big match- The Busoga Islands playing away, against Kohnhead. She had just been taking a look at the standings. It was quite crazy how tight Group 2 really was. 5 teams, within three points of the group's second World Cup Qualification spot. The Busoga Islands, one of them. Her former team, the Squornshelous Remnant States, another one of them. Teams from the lower half of the table, like Donnacona, wreaking havoc on those five contenders by pulling off all sorts of upsets.

It was the sort of chaos that the last four matchdays of this group would bring that sports fans always yearned for. And she understood it- as a neutral, the race would fascinating to watch. Who would qualify? Who even wanted to qualify, at this point? All the contenders were spending their time blowing winnable games, it felt like. And yet, the Busoga Islands still had a fighting chance. That's all they needed- a chance. And they would have their first opportunity to really move themselves forward in this race in Kohnhead City.

After a massively disappointing away loss to Donnacona, the Busoga Islanders were playing host to a Kita-HInode squad, that needed a win or a draw to Qualify for the Finals. Of course, Kita-HInode is ranked 10th in the multiverse, and most importantly, they've been shredding everyone in this group. The Islanders were one of the few teams to actually take a point off of them in their first game, earning a 1-1 draw in Kita-HInode. And Donnell remembered what everybody had been saying. The Islanders couldn't do it. They'd wilt away, once again. They'd look to have their moment, and then they'd fall away. But the squad actually stepped up. The Islanders were backed up, trying to find the counter. When the visitors scored to make it 1-0 in the 55th, Islander fans were beginning to despair. But the team stepped up. They stepped out of their shell, and started to play some semblance of attacking football.

Created a few chances. And then, in the 79th minute, it was Sarika Birla, the 22 year old striker off the bench, who would equalize for the Islanders, and Lakiska City Cricket Park roared. They were urging their players on- could they find a winner? Kamu Jacobs had the chance to find a winner, but he would hit the post on a volley in the 87th minute. A point well earned, keeping them in the race. And now, their game in Kohnhead.

Bethany Donnell saw Ikshu Amitabh while walking down the corridor. "Ikshu!" She said to her starting striker. Amitabh turned around. "Where are you going?" She asked.

"I'm going to get a stretch in." He told the manager. "The players portion of the press conference is done."

"Here, let me go over a couple of things with you." Donnell told Amitabh. She had already talked to her team the night before, about tactical adjustments. They wanted to get off on the right foot. They wanted to start scoring, and try to get a goal early- that way, they could control the pace and flow of a high-pressure match in what was sure to be an intense atmosphere at Orange Bull Arena. But she talked to Amitabh about ideas she had come up with the night before, specifically. Amitabh would start on the wing in this match, in place of Ibrahim Fatah. Sarika Birla would start at the number 9 position. A lot to ask? Maybe. But if they wanted to qualify for the Finals, they may need to take gambles.

After talking to him, she made her way to the press room. "I apologize for being late." She said. "I'm ready for Questions. Yes?" She pointed at a female reporter from the Busoga Chronicle.

"Yes, Bethany." The reporter replied. "I'm from the Busoga Chronicle. Can you tell us- with Group 2 so close, how do you think things will play down? Can we do what it takes to make our first ever World Cup here?"

"Well, I'm not one to speculate on how other teams will do." The reporter said. "It's a tough road, to try and qualify for the World Cup Finals. I've seen it personally, Busoga has seen it as a country. Your first is always the hardest. I can't think about how other teams will do, however. All we'll do is lose sleep and energy worrying about other matches. There's time left in Qualifying for a lot to happen. What we can do, is control our own performance. And we need to take this one game at a time. If we're thinking about anything other than Kohnhead today, then we'll lose and put the Cup of Harmony firmly in our sights. This is a big game today, here in Kohnhead City. The Brains have been excellent at home so far throughout this campaign, and a big part of is because they feel so comfortable here. We need to take them out of their comfort zone. We want to put pressure on them early, don't let them and their fans dictate the flow of this game. Next question?"

The manager pointed to a male reporter in the back corner. "Hello Bethany." He said. "I'm from the Rukunbi Busoga Daily, the newspaper for the Busogan Community in the Rukunbi District of Istria. Have you thought about making any lineup changes?"

"Yes, we're making a couple of adjustments." Bethany Donnell replied. "I like our starting XI. I think they play well together, and they have great chemistry. But sometimes, you've gotta be bold. We want to do go somewhere we've never been. Then, we must do something that we've never done. We're going to start with Amitabh on the wing, and then put Birla in the #9 position. We're also going to have Karamba Fatty started in the central midfield position, instead of Utpal Ishan. A little tactical change, but this is a big match with a lot at stake. Everyone knows that we want to get points here. We're going to go after it. Now, for the last question."

"Bethany." Said another reporter from a local Lakiska newspaper. "Will we win today?"

"What, do you want me to give our hosts bulletin board material?" Everybody in the room chuckled. "In seriousness, who knows what the result will be? I can tell you what we will do. We are hungry- we will be prepared for this game, both mentally and physically. We must come in focused, and know what we are here to do. WE will be tactically sound, and prepared to work together. Kohnhead may be ahead of us in the table right now, but if they are going to get three points today, they will have to truly earn it against our squad. We're ready for anything, and anybody."

After her press conference, she stepped down from the podium, and walked towards the locker room. Could the Busoga Islands truly make a statement on this day?

Roster for World Cup Qualifying

http://lineupbuilder.com/?sk=vy8ty3

Starters: 4-3-3.
The six professional clubs on the Busoga Islands are all part of the Banijan soccer pyramid.
Players receiving their first callup for the national team are italicized.
Players who do not play within the Banijan soccer pyramid are bolded.
BSL = Banijan Soccer League, the top-flight for Banija & the Busoga Islands.
GK #1 Hibbaan al-Shareef. 34 years old. Free agent, reigning BSL Golden Glove winner. Male. Captain.
RB #16 Abdullah Guennoun. 23 years old. Plays for the Hawabark Boulders in the BSL. Male.
CB #5 Govind Nigam. 22 years old. Plays for Lakiska SC in the BSL. Male. First tournament as a starter.
CB #19 Mohan Thakshak. 32 years old. Plays for the Herzegovina Phoenix in the BSL. Male.
LB #4 Mohammed Gassama. 21 years old. Banija/Busoga Islands dual national, chose to play for the Busoga Islands. Plays for Lakiska SC in the BSL. Male.
CDM #6 Channeh Jarju. 32 years old. Plays for the Canterlot Stars in the Equestrian States. Plays in the United League. Female.
RCM #10 Jay Khano. 27 years old. Plays for Dukuma SC in the Northwestern League. Male. More of an attacking midfielder by trade.
LCM #14 Karamba Fatty. 28 years old. Plays for the Lwanga Lions in the Southern League. Male.
LW #11 Kamu Jacobs. 29 years old. Plays for Anomalies in Chromatika. Male.
ST #12 Sarika Birla. 22 years old. Plays for Suwawa FC formerly in the Northwestern League, now in the BSL. Female.
RW #9 Ikshu Amitabh. 30 years old. Plays for 1964 Briarcliff in Havynwilde(on a single season loan). Male. Usual starting striker, moved to Right Wing for this game only.
Bench
GK #35 Kylian Jawara. 27 years old. Plays for the Tripoli Foresters in the Northwestern League. Male.
GK #23 Mustafa Taal. 21 years old. Banija/Busoga Islands dual-national who is now cap-tied to Busoga. Plays for the Herzegovina Phoenix in the BSL.
RB #2 Yashpal Gopaal. 28 years old. Plays for The Isipongo Flash in the BSL.
CB #18 Ami Biri. 27 years old. Plays for Bwubanza City SC in the Southern League. Female.
CB #3 Hassan Thiaw. 23 years old. Plays for Aissa United in the BSL. Male.
LB #14 Evin Ozen. 19 years old. Played for the Islander Regional Youth Academy, now a free agent. Female.
CM #6 Nirav Pat. 29 years old. Plays for Baleweye Football Club in the Lower Coastal League. Male.
CM #8 Utpal Ishan. 31 years old. Plays for Lakiska SC in the BSL. Longtime NT player who did not play in the World Cup 84 cycle, but was brought back to the fold by Bethany Donnell for World Cup 85 Qualifying.
CM/CAM #23 Cicek Aga. 19 years old. Played for the Islander Regional Youth Academy, now a free agent. Female.
RW #7 Upanshu Paramartha. 31 years old. Plays for Rukunbi FC in the BSL. Male.
LW #20 Madhav Oojam. 30 years old. Plays for the Busembe Timberwolves in the BSL. Male.
RM/RW #17 Ibrahim Fatah. 30 years old. Plays for Lakiska Sporting Club in the BSL. Male.

[Mercedini]

Opinion: Lyndainium Must Go
@ Zoloroni Sports City Stadium - Zoloroni, Mercedini

Mercedini 2-3 Bunkaiia.

Whatever is happening to Mercedinian football is nothing short of a national travesty. From the highs of the Cup of Harmony and the Independent's Cup to today, where Dini are being pushed all the way by Pot 10 teams. A hard reset is required by everyone who is involved with the MFA, from the board, to the management, to the laundry detergent which washes the kits. It's clear that Mercedini's game plan, which was world-beating at the time, has now been countered and snuffed out too many times. There is no Plan B for the players on the pitch when things go wrong, and... it is with regret, that a Plan B must be found for the national team going forward.

It is without a doubt that Lyndainium will go down as a national team legend, taking the team to the World Cup three times and giving the nation it's first taste of silverware, which is so often referred to as the golden age of Mercedinian football. However, when a dog has had it's day, you don't keep taking it out for walkies. A fresh outlook is required for whatever tournament Mercedini are involved with next. It is looking like it will be the Cup of Harmony for the Mercedinians, but an outside chance of the World Cup could still be grasped if Mercedini can beat both Lisander and Hampton Island in the remaining matches. That may save Lyndainium, at least for a short while, from the inevitable, although the respect and legacy that he leaves will be likely everlasting. Another managerial position should be quick to present itself in Mercedini if he feels like staying. Although the domestic league is having it's own issues with clubs staying afloat as it is.

Dini have often relied on it's youthful enthusiasm to take it through against opposition far and wide, but recently, it is often the past that s referred to when talking about raising the game nationally. The Golden Eagles have reached the pinnacle once before, claiming the sport's second biggest title. If they can do it against the likes of Qasden, Kita-Hinode and Audioslavia, then they can do it against the teams they are facing in the current cycle. Whether something has fundamentally changed in the innards of the Mercedinian machine remains to be seen, although it is undeniable that the team has been on a slow and agonising decline since the retirement of Billic, the team's talisman. Defensive frailties have reared their heads again, but this time, the attacking quintet haven't done enough to bail them out. They have managed to do enough in previous campaign to paper over the cracks, but those cracks have turned into chasms, which teams have exploited to great effect.

Four games stand between Mercedini and it's fate. The most recent loss at home to Bunkaiia could be the nail in the coffin, although two giant games against the two teams ahead of them will decide the fate of where Mercedini head next. Four points between Dini and the second qualifying spot means that they must beat Lisander and Hampton Island AND hope that the Islanders drop points elsewhere. Several teams are also staying alive behind Mercedini, meaning it could be a blockbuster finish at the end of a turbulent qualification for so many teams in the group. With big favourites seemingly falling by the wayside, this could be Mercedini's biggest opportunity to get beyond the Group Stages and into the knockout stages for the first time. The Cup of Harmony could be packed with big names, meaning there is a chance that the Cup of Harmony could be more stacked with juggernauts than the World Cup.

Mercedinians and Cenians have had a long history of sporting partnerships, with players from both nations crossing borders to play and live in each other's nations, namely in football and tennis. It could be the end of an era if this Cenian can't pull a rabbit out of a hat and secure one final qualification for the nation. It's always stated that big teams turn up in big matches, and they must do so here against the closest rivals. We hope they can pull through and stamp their ticket to the finals, but many other teams have that fight in them as well, making it more difficult than ever.