World Cup 85 || RP Thread

by **Banija** » Mon Jun 15, 2020 12:54 pm

Part I
Part II
Part III
Part IV
Part V
Part VI
Part VII
Part VIII
Part IX
Part X
Part XI
Part XII

Also see the Siovanija & Teusland parts, the first three which follow Part VII, Part VIII, and Part IX respectively. The fourth happens at the same time as Part XI. The fifth takes place immediately after Part XII.
S&T Part I
S&T Part II
S&T Part III
S&T Part IV
S&T Part V

Also see the following Farfadillis part, which immediately precedes Banijan Part XI/S&T Part IV
Farfadillis RP

Part XIII

Setting is Borograd, 12:45 AM

The Minister of Defense, Amanuel Amsalu, decided to take their minibreak in this meeting to urgently converge with the Deputy Director and the Banijan Ambassador. Amsalu had, of course, been empowered to see this through, no matter what. They spoke briefly to each other about the words from their counterparts in Borograd. The Deputy Director stepped up to make a phone call on a secure line to Busukuma, to receive an update from his Direct Boss(the Director of Military Intelligence) on information that had been able to be gained.

Once the Deputy Director returned, he would speak first. "First, let's address the question of possible access to Siovanijan & Teuslander systems. My boss has updated me on early details, after going more over film. One of those dead is a nuclear scientist- his name is Bwanbale Jieofor. On the phone, I've instructed my people to share any information that we have on him with my own counterparts in Armed Forces Intelligence for Siovanija & Teusland. We have a preliminary profile on him, so to speak, however."

"He has been on the team since the beginning of this operation. He had a full national security clearance- limited, of course, to the nuclear program. He's been listed to have been in contact with scientists in Chernovets, both going to Chernovets and working with nuclear scientists back home. We are not sure what kind of information he has- we are in the process of obtaining an emergency warrant in order to conduct a raid on his home, as soon as possible, most likely tonight. We've already begun tracking anybody who enters and leaves his home. Cooperation between intelligence agencies here, we believe, would be helpful."

"What we would propose here, is a joint intelligence operation between Banija and Siovanija & Teusland in this investigation. Specifically, raiding the homes of all those involved. Since time is of the essence, the Minister of Defense can give authorization to any foreign intelligence operatives, so they can work closely with us as we investigate. While there is currently no way of knowing how much he has stolen from Siovanija & Teusland, or even from Banija, my working presumption is that the Banijan program has certainly been compromised, while your program has at the very least been exposed. How much so between us? That is a great question."

"Of course, this investigation would take a lot more than a couple of raids on a couple of homes. We'll have to work together to track movements, and all sorts of other things, from the traitors. The joint operation would be headquartered in Northeast Hangaza, near the scene of the crime. They'd be able to stay for as long as necessary, to allow us to thoroughly and everyone to go through files. Furthermore, we'd be able to secure files to ensure that both Borograd and Busukuma have copies of every single detail of the investigation."

Just then, he sat down. Minister Amanuel Amsalu then stood up. "It is a great disappointment, even to us, that we have to decommission our weapons. But we feel in this environment, it is the only reasonable that can be taken in light of what has just happened. It is a massive failure, admittedly, that we have allowed this to happen. Some sort of apology will have to be sent to Farfadillis, among many things. We are thankful, Field Marshal Drachmann, for the generous offer to help us decommission. Considering that this is likely to be a major international incident when the sun rises in the morning, both your assistance, and your verification that we no longer have nuclear weapons at the end of the process, we believe will be a great deal of help to Banija. Our program is young- we lack experience in decommissioning."

"We also appreciate the offer to help guard the facility. However, we will have to respectfully decline that specific offer. We believe that Banijan forces will be equipped to defend the facility as we continue to move forward. However, if your department would be so willing, we will certainly be undergoing a review and update of our security plans for the facility, in light of the situation. WE would appreciate if a few advisors would come from Siovanija & Teusland to help us update those plans going forward."

Minister Amsalu then sat down. The three principals on the Banijan side then looked at each other, wondering who would speak next. Amanuel Amsalu and the Banijan Ambassador stood up at the same time. After looking at each other, Amsalu sat down, and the Ambassador. "Mr. President." The Ambassador began. "We understand the need to address the people of the United Republics. This is a situation that cannot be avoided. We're both strong democracies, and that requires direct accountability to your constituents, in both the good times and the bad. I can tell you for a fact, both the Kabaka and the Katikkiro greatly appreciate you waiting for Azizi to be able to deliver his remarks tomorrow morning."

"I haven't checked my phone, but I imagine it will be a media firestorm. So your patience and allowance for us to be able to address the Banijan people first is appreciated. I don't think there is anything today that should not be mentioned- although, Amanuel?" Amanuel voiced his agreement with the Ambassador, as did Lt. Gen. Issa Shawel. "The only thing that really cannot be mentioned is probably how many weapons we have left. Security around the program, and all that. Nor should we mention names, I believe, of the traitors involved, like Bwanbale. His name will be public eventually, of course, but we should have the space to conduct that investigation before dropping names."

The Ambassador looked around, and then sat down, signalling for an aide to refill his water while he motioned that he was finished speaking.

by **Kohnhead** » Mon Jun 15, 2020 12:59 pm

Kohnhead earns a hard fought point against Squornshelan Remnant States

Last night, Kohnhead travelled to the Olympiastad in Arkintoofle to take on Squornshelan Remnant States in an all important match to help determine who will win the bloodbath of second place in group 2. What followed was a hard fought match that ended in a 0-0 draw. Last time in Kohnhead City, The Brains failed to score in a 1-0 loss so this is progress. The lack of goals wasn't for a lack of trying though as the sides managed a combined 6 shots on goal but great keeper play kept the ball out of the back of the net. In addition to this Aaron Korkson sent a penalty kick over the crossbar in the 76th minute in what would become a defining image of the game.

The biggest question heading into the game was could Kohnhead score on the Confederate defense of Dzarkhin, Dalso, Harkhan and Ulcviecel in the back and Stovar Krieven in goal. The answer to that just like the first game was no and the 6 combined shots on goal is misleading considering all six came from the Black-and-Reds, as Newcastle played possibly his finest game in a Kohnhead uniform saving some difficult shots, and really keeping us in the game.

Of course the biggest moment came in the 76th when Erin Maltos won a penalty as she was tackled dangerously by Dalso but it didn't result in a card. Korkson being the penalty taker lined the ball up and got ready to strike. As we know from earlier he sent it right over the crossbar to the dismay of Kohnhead fans and players alike.

At the end of the day, a draw is still a good result especially against such a good side in Squornshelan Remnant States. Next up is Drawkland at home where, we will have the same roster as this match. In terms of the table, it's still possible but a loss eliminates us from contention. Torisakia has even played themselves into the mix and sit one point behind us.

Group 2                                         Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Kita-Hinode                                  22   17   5   0    58   26  +32    56 Q
 2 Busoga Islands                               22   12   4   6    42   28  +14    40
 3 Squornshelan Remnant States                  22   12   3   7    48   36  +12    39
 4 Drawkland                                    22   12   3   7    44   34  +10    39
 5 Kohnhead                                     22   11   5   6    41   32   +9    38
 6 Torisakia                                    22   10   7   5    46   35  +11    37
 7 Donnacona                                    23   10   2  11    35   31   +4    32 X
 8 Wreckeria                                    22    9   4   9    44   47   −3    31 X
 9 Gyatso-kai                                   22    7   5  10    43   44   −1    26 X
10 Lochario                                     22    5   7  10    31   45  −14    22 X
11 Jantor                                       22    4   5  13    27   48  −21    17 X
12 EGM                                          22    4   4  14    26   50  −24    16 X
13 Balaslandia                                  23    4   0  19    36   65  −29    12 X

Good luck Kohnhead

-Lillian Barter

by **Flavovespia** » Mon Jun 15, 2020 1:08 pm

Cult Classics: Loving would be easy if your colours were like my dreams

Our final 2 articles will look at some cult classic kits. These are the kits that won’t typically be universally liked by the fans, nor will they have ever won a “Celebrated Classic” or “Modern Marvel” award. Nevertheless they tend to be very original, eccentric, colourful, over the top, or some combination of all of these. Some of these kits are remembered well, others may be considered “so bad it’s good”, but nonetheless, they are all memorable. So here are 5 classic era cult classics.

Sutsyridge – 32BU

Sutsyridge are one of the city clubs that have never quite lived up to their potential, especially compared to the likes of Boll Lake Mariners and Batchingtonwood Rovers nearby. One thing that does stand out about them is their black, lime green and white colour scheme. Their 32BU-30BU kit has remained a cult classic in the club for its very striking design of the time. All 3 colours are used in broad vertical stripes, in a time where it was rare to even see a third colour on a kit. Whilst not a universally liked kit, some see it as a catalyst that saw more teams begin to explore the idea of expanded colour palettes.

Vitarias Legion – 15BU

The decade from 19BU to 10BU, as articles have shown, saw kit design get bolder and more over the top at times. Vitarias Legion, not a mainstay of the United and Eastern Alliance Division 1, showed this with their kit for 15BU. Although their crimson was the main colour, three big bold diagonal stripes of white, gold and orange flowed down the shirt. Some hated it, some loved it, but as a design it certainly stood out, especially with the effect added to the shorts. Similar templates would work their way into the kit catalogues over the years, until the designs began to die out towards the end of the classic era. Still, every so often this type of kit gets a revival, not least from Vitarias Legion themselves.

Cartswood Rangers – 11BU

One of the last kits for Cartswood Rangers with a sponsor logo, but certainly memorable with what they did with it. Sponsored by Vinsano, a local winery, Cartswood Rangers turned the negative space in the kit into an outline of a wine glass. Some hated the design as far too corporate and everthing wrong with the United & Eastern Alliance instead of the GWNFA, but others loved the idea, the concept and the design. Winning the United and Eastern Alliance Division 1 in this kit certainly helped it gain cult classic status. Cartswood Rangers would become Cartswood upon the modern era. Due to a ban on shirt sponsorship in the GWFA, any recreation of this kit is likely precluded.

Narrock Wood United – 8BU

Narrock Wood United are nicknamed “The Eagles”, and are one of a handful of teams in Flavovespia to really lean on their nickname, with an eagle on their crest, and the club even sponsoring an eagle conservation charity. In 8BU however, Narrock Wood United took this nickname to an extreme. They eschewed their standard red and black of the time, for a red shirt with an eagle feather pattern on the sleeves. A design that was described as “utterly ridiculous” by some at the time, but others praised its originality. The club have never since gone quite as far with a kit linked to the nickname since, which makes this kit all the more memorable. There’s always a few fans every year that hope to see more clubs take inspiration from this.

Havermilly – 6BU

This was the tail end of an era of kits that looking back, could definitely be seen as excessive and over the top. Havermilly hadn’t yet discovered that though, and brought out this effort in 6BU. It contained not just the black and light blue they wore at the time, but burgundy and white, their other main kit colours of the past, were brought back. With 4 main colours, the kit definitely come across as a bit too much for some. However, over the years it’s developed a fair number of fans in Havermilly and beyond. It lasted only one season, but it was a GWNFA Challenge League title winning season, and the last season in which they clinched promotion to the top flight, so calls for a revival aren’t uncommon.

by **South Newlandia** » Mon Jun 15, 2020 1:39 pm

ELEPHANT VALLEY MAIL
Sports -> Soccer
South Newlandia in 3rd with one game remaining

Due to errors on our part, today’s edition will include the games against Kuriko and the one in Pangurstan. Over those two games, South Newlandia collected four points and jumped into 3rd place. Most teams still have a game in hand over the Elephants, but with a win in the last game, South Newlandia would secure 4th place at the least.

South Newlandia 2-2 Kuriko
The game in Walstreim City Stadium didn’t exactly go as the Elephants had hoped. They were behind early after a massive blunder by Manuel O’Neill, inviting Kuriko to score. After that, South Newlandia was the better team, but they had trouble to grab a goal. Kuriko did a great job defending as well, and South Newlandia remained without a goal in the first half. At half-time, Robert Wolverine had to do something to avoid a third defeat in four matches. He decided to get Brandon Irving and Abdurahman Bishop going for Ricardo Rayner and Finnley Wallis.

That worked well. South Newlandia was dominating the second half, and the defenders for Kuriko began to struggle. It took many more chances, but in the 63rd minute, South Newlandia finally got their equalizer. Brandon Irving scored after a nice play over the left side and Abdurahman Bishop playing a pass at exactly the right moment. Irving put the ball past the goalkeeper without big problems.

South Newlandia remained dominant, and in the 77th minute, they took the lead. This time, Simon McCabes scored with a direct free kick after he was fouled by a defender. South Newlandia seemed to have the win in the bag now.

In the 89th minute, Kuriko scored basically out of thin air. A shot from a distance surprised Trischuk, and the game was tied at two.

The Elephants felt like they had lost two points out of nowhere. It was the fourth match that South Newlandia couldn’t win, and the World Cup was almost completely out of reach now, although they were not yet officially eliminated yet.

The Elephants travelled to Pangurstan next, a side they only drew against at home in Coast Stadium. They were hoping for a win, despite being functionally eliminated at this point. It is important to end tournaments on a good note, and they would have a chance for a better rating as well. Wolverine sent the same team on the pitch that played against Kuriko at first, despite their average at best showing.

Pangurstan 1-2 South Newlandia

This time around, the formation seemed to be much more effective. South Newlandia went ahead in the 27th minute with a goal by Simon McCabe. He had caught a much better day, and scored after a flank by Jarod Stuart. In the 31st minute, not even five minutes after the goal, South Newlandia had an indirect free kick from about 37 metres distance. Wallis got a nice flank in, and Dhruv Roy was able to place a header perfectly into the goal. With that, the Elephants were now up by two, and it seemed likely that they could win this time.

In the 63rd minute, Pangurstan scored. They had a stronger second half, but the goal still came as a surprise. With the lead reduced to one goal, Robert Wolverine reacted. He brought two more defenders, Marcos Pit and Tommy Anderson, for Donald Lancaster and Ricardo Rayner.

That worked quite well, and South Newlandia was able to defend the narrow lead until the end. Despite the win, the Elephants are now officially eliminated. This was obviously expected well in advance, and South Newlandia can be quite content with their showing. The Elephants will now try to play a solid Cup of Harmony as well, should they get invited.

Player Rankings

The first Ranking will be for the game against Kuriko, the second for the one against Pangurstan.

Mikhail Trischuk (GK, Captain) 5/7

Dhruv Roy (LB) 5/8

Jack Schroeder (LCB) 6/7

Manuel O’Neill (RCB) 4/7

Raphael Moreno (RB) 6/6

Kevin Mohamed (DM) 6/7

Donald Lancaster (LM) 7/7

Jarod Stuart (RM) 7/8

Finnley Wallis (OM) 5/8

Simon McCabe (ST) 8/8

Ricardo Rayner (ST) 5/6

Brandon Irving (ST) 8/

Abdurahman Bishop (OM) 8/

Tommy Anderson (CB) /7

Marcos Pit (LB) /7

Starters against Mavinet

Loads of changes are planned for the last game. Rufus Rigby gets a start as the goalkeeper, with Mikhail Trischuk, the regular captain, sitting out. Jack Schroeder will be the captain against the Water Buffaloes. Marcos Pit will get a start, and Corban Green and Patrick McMora will return to the starting formation. Abdurahman Bishop and Brandon Irving will also be new in the first eleven.

Results from Matchday 23, Group 13

Ottoman Syldavia (338) 4-5 Valanora (15)

Eraman (63) 3-4 Bliuji (99)

Pasarga (25) 0-1 Juvencus (39)
This result left the race open, but not for long, because Eraman and South Newlandia dropped points as well.
Tamgu (79) 5-2 The Kytler Peninsulae (UR)

Mavinet (218) 0-0 Pangurstan (311)

Plane of Possibility had a bye day.

South Newlandia (228) 2-2 Kuriko (330)

Results from Matchday 24, Group 13

Kuriko (330) 0-2 Tamgu (79)

The Kytler Peninsulae (UR) 1-2 Pasarga (25)
With this win, Pasarga is officially qualified for the World Cup behind Valanora. Congratulations to both teams.

Juvencus (39) 0-1 Eraman (63)

Bliuji (99) 2-0 Ottoman Syldavia (338)

Valanora (15) 3-2 Plane of Possibility (148)

Mavinet, the BoF-Champions, had their bye day.

Pangurstan (311) 1-2 South Newlandia (228)

Current standings

Group 13                              Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Valanora                               23   18   2   3    67   30  +37    56 Q
 2 Pasarga                                22   13   4   5    63   37  +26    43 Q
 3 South Newlandia                        23   10   7   6    38   37   +1    37
 4 Eraman                                 22   10   6   6    40   35   +5    36
 5 Juvencus                               22    9   5   8    44   38   +6    32
 6 Plane of Possibility                   22    9   5   8    38   39   −1    32
 7 Bliuji                                 22    9   4   9    49   48   +1    31
 8 Tamgu                                  22    8   6   8    47   47    0    30
 9 Mavinet                                22    8   4  10    44   43   +1    28
10 Pangurstan                             22    5   8   9    38   43   −5    23
11 Kuriko                                 22    6   3  13    25   46  −21    21
12 Ottoman Syldavia                       22    5   4  13    31   45  −14    19
13 The Kytler Peninsulae                  22    3   4  15    27   63  −36    13

Schedule for Group 13, Matchday 25

Plane of Possibility (148) vs. Bliuji (99)
The Planers could overtake South Newlandia if they win both games and South Newlandia only gets one point.
Bliuji could overtake the Elephants if they win twice and South Newlandia loses their remaining game.

Ottoman Syldavia (338) vs. Juvencus (39)
Juvencus overtakes South Newlandia if they win twice and South Newlandia doesn’t win their remaining game.

Eraman (63) vs. The Kytler Peninsulae (UR)
Eraman will overtake South Newlandia if they get one more point in two games than the Elephants do in one.

Pasarga (25) vs. Kuriko (330)

Tamgu (79) vs. Pangurstan (311)

Valanora, the group winners, will have a bye day.

South Newlandia (228) vs. Mavinet (218)
Despite both teams being relatively new, they already have quite a history. Mavinet beat South Newlandia for the BoF Semifinals on penalties. On matchday twelve, Mavinet won the game between the two by 4-0. Now, the Elephants hope to avenge that loss on home soil. The game will be played in Jecken Arena in Newport, where South Newlandia had won on the opening matchday. The 16250 tickets are sold out, and everyone hopes for a great match between Elephants and Water Buffaloes. A win would already guarantee South Newlandia a finish as 4th place at least, which would be very successful for a pot nine team.

by **Sargossa** » Mon Jun 15, 2020 2:16 pm

If ever a picture was worth a thousand words it was this one. National coach Juan José Barreto, stood alone on the edge of his technical area, water dripping from his soaking hair as the rain pounded down against him. Wind howled and hurled the squalls from the Central Sea right across Botargo Bay and slamming them into the Quellan interior. Unfortunately the city of Maturín lay right in its wake. In the old town the drenched streets were empty but in the Ciudad Deportiva the huddled masses grumbled and shivered as they defended themselves against the elements as best they could.

Somewhere beyond the occasionally horizontal rain a football match was taking place. Despite the weather two nations were playing with the somewhat disappointing freedom of having nothing to lose. Mainly because they had nothing to gain either. Group 9 was done, all sown up with plenty of time to spare. Cassadaigua had been imperious and Kelssek had been only fractionally less unstoppable. They would be attending the main event, everyone else was playing for pride. A commodity that had been largely lacking from the Sargossan campaign. Five defeats and four draws in twenty one fixtures had seen the Corsairs drift woefully off the pace. Even third place Timuria were seven points above them. Or they had been prior to their inclement visit to Maturín. Mauricio Sainz, who had opened the scoring and then edged the hosts in front when tied at two apiece, enjoyed a personal bit of history when he tucked his third and Sargossa’s fourth beyond Iskender Nur. It was a first international hattrick for the big Ciudad Soluca striker, cheers for which were lost among the crashing rain.

There was barely a reaction from the coach, out there alone in the rain. He had the look of a man who’d got their dream job only to see it turn into a nightmare. Football fans were not known for their patient and sunny dispositions. Recriminations were ringing loud across social media. The mainstream media were getting in on the act too. The formation wasn’t right. The tactics were too pedestrian. The retirees from Rodrigo Defederico’s side, the core of his team, hadn’t been adequately replaced. Everybody had an opinion. At the centre of them was Juan José Barreto. The rain was the least of his troubles.

by **Torisakia** » Mon Jun 15, 2020 2:37 pm

I've spent many days doing some investigation work. I've scouted the vast lands. Gathering data, interpreting it, feeling it. I've been gathering resources for the past two weeks. Spy gear, fake IDs, water balloons filled with green Jello. All of the things necessary to carry out this operation. With the five of us, our plan is to sneak in, retrieve the package, and get out without being caught or setting off any type of alarm. We've all undergone rigorous spy training the past week as well, learning from the best in the business. Our operation launches at 0102 hours on Gratify Hind. Two of us will approach in the Barred Clerk Flop Ox from the east while the other three will approach Sweat Ride in A Barbaric Crumb Gifted Torn from the west. we will converge at point 5 ECHO 2 to the south and enter in from the rear. Once inside, we will swoop in, take the package, and run out the door and get away as fast as we can. We will disembark via the Barred Clerk Flop Ox and drive all the way back to the headquarters and release the package.

So what exactly am I talking about? Well some of it is secret, but I can reveal a few details. Me, my friend Boharry, Rick the Dick, Big Black Tony, and Stevie McBanana and planning to break into the Humane Labs facility in Douglas-La Pryor and steal CassidyBot. As you recall, I tried negotiating with Humane Labs to sell me CassidyBot and they refused, even after I offered to give them Chuggles. I then attempted to get my lawyer to persuade government officials who would then persuade Humane Labs to sell me CassidyBot, but apparently that's "bribing a public official" and that's illegal and could land my lawyer in prison. My only other option is to break in there and steal it. Me and the gang have spent the week in Douglas-La Pryor, scouting out the Humane Labs facility which is deep in the Askasinchin Mountain Range and is typically barred off by security guards. But my friend Boharry found out that the guards are asleep from 12am to 3am. This is our best time to go in and get CassidyBot. I can't give you the details of how we're going to do it or how we're going to get there, but if all goes well I may reveal it in my next post. So what will I do with CassidyBot if I manage to successfully steal her? I don't know. I just kinda want a robot personal assistant. Also I think it would be fun to have a robot to talk to. Normal humans get boring sometimes, you know.

We ride at midnight on the day of the attack. If I don't come back, someone check on Chuggles to make sure he hasn't eaten my sofa, drank my emergency drinking water, or ordered over T$1000 worth of pay-per-view again. I've left that job to my cat Spleens for now, but I honestly don't have faith that she can actually do it. Also make sure I didn't leave the water running, jacks up the bill and I'm on a tight budget with the Soto Act.

by **Siovanija and Teusland** » Mon Jun 15, 2020 2:49 pm

12:55 AM - Borograd, Siovanija

President Joachim Fleiss nodded as the Banijan Ambassador ended his statement, and the sides once again broke into a quick discussion break. Amongst the United Republics delegation, there were two clear concerns. The fact that it was possible the State Strategic Weapons Institute in Chernovets had been breached was a matter of utmost alarm to everyone present. In addition, the situation with Farfadillis - 5 ICBMs hitting in the middle of the night. The chaos of Farfadillis was well-known, but this was another level. After brief discussion about these factors, Field Marshal Reinhard Drachmann rose again to respond.

“Gentlemen. Firstly, we respect your decision to decline the presence of our troops as security. Naturally, we’d be happy to help, however, with reviewing your own security arrangements and plans. I can send advisors from our Armed Forces immediately to be of assistance in that regard.”

The Field Marshal now continued on. “We are also, as mentioned, prepared to provide assistance in other forms. Our Armed Forces will be happy to be heavily involved in the decommissioning process from start to finish, and we agree that it would be to both nations’ benefit to cooperate closely on this matter. The Army Engineers will be available as soon as possible to aid in this matter.”

Drachmann now continued. “Obviously, the possible breach of our facility in Chernovets as well as the overall security concerns for both our countries are of the utmost importance to us. And we are certainly willing to cooperate fully with your investigation. We are prepared to receive the information you have gathered so far, and I will direct the Armed Forces Intelligence Division to send staff to the operation headquarters in Hangaza, as well as begin working immediately to uncover information to aid in this case.”

The Field Marshal paused. “Our first step will be to interview employees of the State Strategic Weapons Institute and determine which staff members would have had contact with Bwanbale Jieofor. This, combined with your raid on Mr. Jieofor’s residence, should be an excellent beginning to the process of tracking down exactly what has happened. We hope that you will also soon be able to identify a motive for this act.”

“The only way we can resolve this issue in the best way for every country involved is through cooperation at the highest levels, and I’m confident that the United Republics’ Armed Forces are prepared to assist in this process.”

President Fleiss now stood up. “Thank you, Field Marshal. I think everyone in the room shares that sentiment. We will follow closely what Katikkiro Azizi says in his address to the Banijan public later this morning, and I’ll be prepared to give my remarks to our nation shortly afterwards. In addition, if you are able to get in contact with anyone in Farfadillis, please share our willingness to assist in any means necessary. For now, though, I’m not sure there’s much more to do here, and I’m sure that all of you are quite busy this evening. Minister Amsalu, Lt. General Shawel, thank you for making the trip to Borograd tonight. Ambassador, thank you for being here as well, and I’m sure we’ll all be in very close contact for the next little while.” With that, the Banijan attendees of the conference filed out of the room.

President Fleiss walked them out of the building, taking in the sight of Borograd in darkness for the first time. He was in his eighth and final year as President, with an election coming in the fall, but he could still say he’d never seen the city quite like this. It was eerie, the limousine for the Banijan delegation being the only car on the road, and the lights of buildings in the government and financial districts all off. He couldn’t imagine what St. Jakob or Stelburg would look like.

Returning to the conference room, the remaining members were locked in a debate over what exactly needed to be the next steps taken by the United Republics. Grand Admiral Alfred Reinmann spoke of the importance of immediately figuring out if any information from the SSWI in Chernovets had been stolen - the early stages of the Lokke project’s air and land capabilities were still underway, and any breach here would be a disaster. Domestically, it was a huge issue. And internationally as well - what was the intention of Jieofor? To spark a nuclear war in southwestern AO? An attempt to make Banija into a villain on the world stage? Simply an attack on Farfadillis, for some reason?

The decision was taken to keep the military at a high level of alertness. Already, many non-essential reserves had been demobilized, and now more reserves were able to return home. The Air Force, however, remained at a high level of alertness, and the Marine still had its submarines on high alert. The consequences of this night were still unknown. Radar and Air Defence units also remained at the highest level of alertness. Some restrictions were lifted, however - the lights of Borograd went back on at 3:00AM. With the skies above secured, the immediate need to ‘disappear’ from nuclear bombers had gone away.

But when the people of the United Republics woke up in the morning, there would be questions. And it was a situation that could not be waved away as a training exercise. It was the most serious situation the country had faced on the international stage since the beginning of its ‘step out of the shadows’ out of isolation, and no-one really knew how the crisis would develop. The President knew that his response to this crisis might come to define his career, and his address to the nation later on would be a huge step in that response.

There would be no sleep for any one of the State Security Committee members tonight, and as the sun began to rise once again over Siovanija & Teusland, the discussions about this crisis continued.

Siovanija & Teusland 5-0 Soracana Islands, @ Olimpski-Stadion, Borograd, Siovanija

Starting XI: Zhelyaskov; L. Dimitrov, Maksimov, Niedermayer, Lotbiniere; Bahr, Mihailov, Bliznakov; Kokalj, Romanov, Kynev
Goals: Ivo Romanov 17’, Lojze Kokalj 40’, Krasimir Kynev 55’, 58’, Heinrich Bahr 82’
Man of the Match: Krasimir Kynev

by **Kandorith** » Mon Jun 15, 2020 2:51 pm

Shinonome Kyoai - International
News From The Empire

Convincing Win Keeps Dream Slightly Alive

*  Group 11                              Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Equestria                              23   15   8   0    63   34  +29    53 
 2 HUElavia                               22   16   1   5    60   37  +23    49
 3 Kandorith                              23   13   7   3    62   40  +22    46
 4 Xanneria                               22   11   7   4    60   42  +18    40 
 5 Vdara                                  22   12   4   6    45   38   +7    40 
 6 Ancherion                              22    7   7   8    44   41   +3    28 
 7 Blouman Empire                         22    8   4  10    43   44   −1    28 
 8 Nooooooooooooooo                       22    6   6  10    41   43   −2    24 
 9 Monglechabagd                          22    6   5  11    37   52  −15    23 
10 Fujai                                  22    5   6  11    36   54  −18    21 
11 Jamestownnnn                           22    5   2  15    40   63  −23    17 
12 Lo Santano                             22    3   6  13    32   53  −21    15 
13 South Concepthuania                    22    4   3  15    32   54  −22    15

Even though Kandorith is practically eliminated, the victory over South Concepthuania is a true morale boost and keeps the dream of qualifying alive. Kandorith will take on Vdara in the upcoming match and a win is the only way to have any chance of reaching the World Cup. Even if Kandorith wins the match against Vdara the possibility for qualification is in the hands of both the Blouman Empire and Fujai; Kandorese fans will be watching these two games as surely the players on the bench will be too as the only task for the Kandorese team will be winning with at least a two goal difference. One thing is certain, the four to nill victory over South Concepthuania has shown the ability of the national squad once again. Hayabusa himself is confident of the win, reaching the World Cup however is a different story according to him.

"Of course I hope for the miracle of us reaching the World Cup, but I doubt HUElavia will slip up their chance of qualifying. The team has had an amazing run and has really proven themselves as a solid and stalwart team. In the end, we dropped points during matches we should have taken on in a different way and we should have switched our tactics up earlier during the campaign. I will take the blame for it on me as I should have seen it coming in the earlier stages. We should have done better in certain matches especially against Monglechabagd for example. On the other hand, we did brilliantly against HUElavia in the second part of the qualifiers and performed way above expectations against Equestria.

"I know nothing of the future of the national team yet as there have been no talks as of now. I will gladly return as manager of the team and surely I will take the national team to a even higher level. Sadly we had bad luck on our side during this qualification campaign and we have been beaten because of a few off-days. However, nothing takes away the valuable experiences we have gained during these qualifying matches. I really think we gave it our all and most likely it will come to a conclusion against Vdara. I myself however will be rooting and praying from Blouman Empire and Fujai to do the near impossible though."

The Kandorese national team has achieved new records during this qualification campaign, with an all time high record for goals scored and amount of points gained. Even if the national team does not qualify they have every reason to be proud of their achievements. The two drawn matches against Equestria are a stand-out achievement for the team for sure and one fans are still talking about as one of the most striking memories of the qualification campaign. Multiple fans are also stating the beginning of the 'Hayabusa dynasty' hoping he will return as manager of the national team after the qualifications are over, might Kandorith be eliminated. Naturally, all fans are praying for a last Kandorese win and Blouman Empire and Fujai winning against HUElavia. The last match will have a record amount of fans traveling to the stadium and we already know the Empress herself will be present for the match as well to indeed see if the wonderful comeback of the Kandorese team will have an even more amazing conclusion than the entire comeback run already was. The nation is hoping for a miracle and there is a small chance of a miracle happening. If not, the fans will surely be celebrating the great run the national team has had and celebrate the new age for Kandorese football.

by **Krytenia** » Mon Jun 15, 2020 2:54 pm

GENERAL ELECTION: Corrello On The Ropes?

With just a few days to go until Krytenians go to the polls, the experts just aren't sure who's going to win. What they are sure of, though, is the election's big loser. Marcus Corrello's KDP have been declining in the polls since the election was called, and following Corrello's disaster in yesterday's KBS debate, they have now slipped to a painfully low seven percent - barely ahead of the Greens and MNP.

The Democrat leader was simply outclassed on national television, fumbling over answers and seemingly unable to counter the verbal punches thrown by his three rivals. A few sources in the party claim the sharks are already circling the beleaguered MW for the capital's Castle Hill seat, with one aide reporting the party faithful are concerned they may even lose his constituency.

All this means we have a real three-horse race for the Witting, with the Reform Party, the Conservatives, and the Socialists all looking to take advantage of the fall of the orange rosette.

Current Polls: - Reform 29%, Conservative 27%, Socialist 24%, Democrat 7%, Green 6%, Mercian National 5%,Others 2%[/quote]

by **Squornshelous** » Mon Jun 15, 2020 2:54 pm

Recollection, Chapter 6
Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3, Chapter 4, Chapter 5

Markkus awoke to the crash of the cell door opening. The same two officers as before entered, as he sat up on the metal cot.

"Rise and shine, asshole. Someone up on high likes you."

"What?"

"You're being released," the woman said with evident distaste, "get up and come with us."

He shuffled, hobbled by wrist and ankle cuffs, down the hallway between the two of them, before reaching an office, where a seemingly interminable pile of paperwork awaited. Several minutes later, as the last sheet of the pile was being filed away, the male officer leaned in to unshackle him.

"Just know," he murmured into Markkus's ear as he removed the wrist cuffs, "that I'm going to be keeping a close eye on you, and when you're powerful friend loses interest," he grinned as he stepped back, "I'll be right there waiting for you."

Markkus had no interesting in getting into a pissing match with some overzealous cop, and didn't respond. Outside the facility, a ministry hovercraft was waiting. The driver silently opened the passenger compartment door for him, and they set off. Quickly, he could tell they were on their way to Vogsphere, and leaned back into the plush seats, hoping to resume his sleep on the way. Arriving at the Ministry, he was escorted to an express elevator he had never used before, and emerged into a spacious reception area on the top floor. To either side of the elevator, glass walls displayed the Vogsphere skyline. Markkus followed the receptionist down a wood-paneled hallway to a large conference room. If the ostentation of genuine wood used in decoration didn't make the Minister's status clear enough, this room was another testament to his wealth and power. In an era of virtual meetings that could be indistinguishable from in-person conversation, and the convenience of real-time communication from opposite sides of the Imperium, such a room would hardly be used. To waste such a large amount of space was itself ostentatious, to say nothing of the conference rooms own sumptuous decorations. Framed memorabilia from years past covered its walls, antique jerseys and game balls, and behind the head of the table, a group photo of the World Cup 31 team was held within an enormous gilt frame. Markkus seated himself in the smaller of the two chairs available, sitting at the foot of the lacquered expanse of the wood conference table, and waited.

A few minutes later, Sweyn Petrov, Imperial Minister of Sport entered the room. Markkus knew by Petrov's reputation that it must have been precisely the time Petrov had ordained for their meeting. He had already given up keeping track of time or where he was supposed to be, allowing himself to be conveyed wherever and whenever his hosts directed. Is the effect of waiting dulled if I don't care what time it is?

"Mr. Holmgren! I am glad to see you. Not too much the worse for wear for your stay with the ISS I trust?"

"I feel fine."

"Good, very good. Thank you for agreeing to meet with me on such short notice," Petrov gestured vaguely, "I know this is all quite unconventional."

Agreeing to meet you? It took some effort not to laugh. Sure, if that's the fiction he wants to go with, I'll play along. "It's not trouble, Minister Petrov. What can I do for you?"

"You never were one for pleasantries, were you Mr. Holmgren. No, Kiril always said as much, Zarquon rest his soul. In short, Mr. Holmgren, your prodigious eye for talent and facility for effectively recruiting excellent prospects is wasted in Striterax," Petrov leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table and steepling his fingers. "Regional scouting director for Fallia? I don't know what they were thinking, I must apologize for my staff's oversight. But," he punctuated the new sentence with a raised hand, one finger extended, "I have a proposal to remedy the situation which should be to your liking."

"I'm listening."

"Director of Scouting."

"Director where? What region?"

"You misunderstand me Mr. Holmgren. I am proposing to make you director of the ministry's entire scouting operation. You would be able to return here to Vogsphere, no more languishing in that fetid backwater."

"What about Randing? She probably won't be too keen on handing her job and office over to me."

"Helga Randing has abruptly announced her retirement. Happily, the ministry has had a prime candidate to replace her present himself at the prefect time," Petrov smiled broadly.

Keep your friends close and your enemies closer, but which am I? Markkus had no doubt that there was little about him that Petrov was truly interested in, apart from the memories locked away in his head. The Minister of Sport's limitless ambition was no secret to anyone, and information was the most valuable commodity in the halls of power he moved in. "I'm flattered, Minister."

"No false modesty Mr. Holmgren, you are eminently qualified for this position, and you know it."

Of course I am, but that's not why you're offering it. "Thank you Minister, I'll take the job."

"Of course. We've arranged for an apartment and chauffeur, you can start whenever you feel ready. You've had a trying few days after all. Your staff will help you get settled in."

The remainder of the meeting, brief as it was, went by in something of a blur, and before long Markkus found himself once again stepping out of the hovercraft, and escorted to an elevator. Emerging this time into a lavish apartment.

Well this has certainly worked out nicely. You handled that ISS nastiness quite well, I must say.

All I did was trade one cell for another.

My dear Markkus, how can you look around yourself and call this a cell? Really, are you that determined to be unhappy, no matter what happens?

I'm unhappy because now instead of being cast off and out of the way, I'm more a prisoner than ever.

You're a fool if you can't think how to turn this situation to your advantage. Petrov has taken an intense interest in you and your situation, certainly, but his interest in you means you are important to him. We must use that.

That's playing with fire, Petrov sees something in this for him, but if he changes his mind on that I'll be gone, just like Randing.

And so we must ensure he sees the benefit of keeping us close.

No, I'm not going to play that game.

Markkus please, I beg you, do not squander this opportunity, this gift!

Melkochuk might be right, with skill, he could maneuver this situation to his advantage, but all he could feel was a cage, closing in on every side.

I have to get out.

by **Delaclava** » Mon Jun 15, 2020 3:09 pm

WCQ, Match 22: New-look Phoenixes pick up pace, but still fall easily to Nephara

Monako Saroszi was again Delaclava's undoing, scoring two goals to lead #4-ranked Nephara to a 6-3 victory over the Phoenixes in a dead rubber at Valhalla Stadium.

Saroszi had previously contributed a goal and two assists as Nephara defeated Delaclava 4-1 in its home leg. Kurtis Bastable scored a goal and chipped in two assists, Aristide Metzger and Rowena Strongbow each added a goal and an assist. Meanwhile, Lukas Meyer had two goals and an assist for the losing effort, while Artem Kohut scored his second goal in as many caps to go along with a helper.

It was the first test for a largely revamped Delaclava squad, which was hit with the suspensions of thirteen players for misconduct and violation of team rules, on the heels of revelations that the suspended players were participating in a series of orgies throughout the campaign.

"The Cormorants were exactly who we expected them to be," said interim manager Johannes Detmer, who was in just his second match taking over for the dismissed Tim Landers. "The best we could try to do was outrun and outpace them, and try to enforce a higher rate of attack.

"We in fact succeeded in that, but the Cormorants were able to match and exceed our level. They made great adjustments to which we couldn't respond. It's clear why they're one of the best teams in the world, and how far we must go to someday reach that same level."

The Nepharan team admittedly had their work cut out for them in facing a significantly different squad than the first meeting, with little opportunity to scout the fresh blood. And in fact it was Kohut, the recent callup from Catherina FC, who struck first. In the 4th minute, with the Phoenixes quickly setting up possession, Meyer penetrated through the middle, drawing forward Roxelana Thorn, and found the space to find Kohut, who slipped past both Marcin Close and Ilyana Brosch to get in all alone and tuck away the point-blank finish.

"We had a faster lineup to go against them than the last match," Meyer said. "They did eventually adjust to the speed of Artem and Dashaun (Howard), but we were fortunate to be able to find a few opportunities and acquit ourselves well."

The Cormorants quickly got to work in an effort to silence the raucous Valhallan crowd, after Keaton Durbridge threatened to double the early lead with a long shot that dipped and found the middle of the crossbar. Eventually, the Delaclav got reckless, and the young Kohut got rushed in the box, allowing Brosch to tackle the ball away and quickly send the action the other way. The Phoenixes defense never caught up and a give-and-go between Bastable and Metzger leveled the game at one apiece.

Just moments later, Nephara got off to a similar counterattack, but Valentin Gusev and Keghart Nazaretian managed to stem the tide and Gusev caught Bastable in a tussle for the ball. It was Bastable who came away with it and smartly cut back to Saroszi, whose long shot caught George Ross off guard.

The lead has been a familiar place for Nephara, but the Phoenixes didn't let them stay there long, as Meyer persevered on what seemed like a lost possession, winning the ball from Close and attacking from the right wing - as he is so accustomed to doing - and sliding the ball unimpeded past Hesterine Mercator.

But before long, the Cormorants imposed their more physical game, and the Phoenixes' attempt to keep pace was their undoing. Kelly Joseph rather impulsively knocked down a charging Strongbow on the left wing, and the tall Metzger got himself quickly unmarked to head in the free kick from Chimera Moxham. A mere three minutes later, Nazaretian tripped a surging Bastable from about ten yards out, and while the new center back was lucky to escape dismissal, Strongbow confidently converted the penalty to extend the Nephara lead to 4-2.

Meyer would get the last word on the half, when Kohut took down a cross from Dathan Ingram and could not find room for a scoring opportunity. He instead cut back to Meyer, who curled the ball into the top right corner to cap off a half that left the Valhallan spectators catching their breath at halftime.

"We knew the odds were stacked against us today," the captain Durbridge said. "In the first half, we threw them everything we had, but they still had the lead, and we knew they'd come out with a plan in the second half. But we went into the locker room with a fighting chance, and that's something to be proud of."

Indeed, the Nepharan squad played hard, tough, and even a little chippy in the second half, constantly frustrating the Phoenixes offense, which could not seem to find a way to restart. The Phoenixes were seemingly done for the day, especially when Saroszi scored a second goal on a long solo charge up the middle of the field in the 53rd minute, and Konrad Lovelace's goal in the final stages of the game was merely for style points.

"It was a tale of two halves, and we weren't able to win either way," Durbridge professed. "That's how tough it is to play a team like them. Any way you come at them, they'll have answers.

"They're worthy of their reputation, and we think the rest of the competition is going to be up against it come Finals time."

Nephara moves to 19-1-2 for 58 points at the top of Group 7, adding on to their performance after guaranteeing a qualifying group win. Delaclava falls to 8-6-8 for 30 points, remaining in 6th place. The Phoenixes are a long shot to pass Acronius for 5th in just two games, but must keep their wits about them to hold off Huayramarca and Simpralia, who each sit two points back.

Sarzonia and Jeruselem are the only two teams in play for the second qualifying spot, with the Stars holding a two-point edge over the Princesses with two games remaining. Durbridge did not hold back on his assessment of the two squads:

"We've played both of these teams twice now, we know what their strengths and weaknesses are. The Princesses are a quality team but have no killer instinct or ability to close out must-win games. That's why we were able to get the better of them.

"But the Stars have a lot of talent, can outrun or outgrind you, and just won't go away. They're the only other team in this group we haven't been able to figure out. They're a problem for the rest of the field if they get the qualification, and I think they will."

The Phoenixes will look to close out strong against at Great Lausitz, then against Huayramarca in the rechristened Berrera Stadium in Catherina. The Phoenixes beat the two teams 4-3 and 5-2 respectively in the first half of qualification, and it is undoubtedly an expectation that the Phoenixes will repeat their performance.

"Qualification was off the table a long time ago," Durbridge admitted. "What we needed to find out about ourselves from there - could we respond to adversity against teams that were better than us? And can we take care of business in must-win games, just like the best teams do?

"I believe the answer is yes, but we're about to find out."

Delaclava 3-6 Nephara

DEL, Kohut (Meyer, Durbridge) 4'. NPH, Bastable (Metzger) 15'. NPH, Saroszi (Bastable) 19'. DEL, Meyer 26'. NPH, Metzger (Moxham) 35'. NPH, Strongbow (pen.) 38'. DEL, Meyer (Kohut, Ingram) 44'. NPH, Saroszi (Close) 53'. NPH, Lovelace (Bastable, Strongbow) 84'.

DEL: Ross; Lemieux (Berrera 55'), Nazaretian, Gusev, Joseph; Ingram, Albert (Zaitsev 62'), Meyer, Durbridge; Howard, Kohut.
NPH: Mercator; Close, Brosch, Thorn, Stride; Strongbow (Deventer 73'), Moxham, Shone, Saroszi; Metzger (Lovelace 79'), Bastable.

by **Southern Esportivan Union** » Mon Jun 15, 2020 3:12 pm

Nations of the Southern Esportivan Union Vote to Join Darmen
Even Fiercely Independent Frecmentans see Benefits to Joining!

Aissurop
YES 2,262 (91.58%)
NO    208 (08.42%)
TURNOUT (43.51%)

Earo
YES 7,479 (96.43%)
NO    277 (03.57%)
TURNOUT (64.98%)

Frecmenta
YES 1,701 (57.04%)
NO  1,281 (42.96%)
TURNOUT (22.93%)

Lee Islands
YES 20,820 (85.78%)
NO   3,450 (14.22%)
TURNOUT (86.59%)

Naitpyge
YES 4,028 (90.29%)
NO    433 (09.71%)
TURNOUT (78.19%)

Tanamera
YES 1,455 (87.81%)
NO    202 (12.19%)
TURNOUT (83.52%)

FRECMENTA - All six member nations of the Southern Esportivan Union have successfully voted to join the Republic of Darmen following the completion of the most recent referendum in Frecmenta.

Earo and Tanamera were the first to hold their referendums just two weeks after the signing of the agreement on the integration of the nations into the Republic of Darmen. Support for integration was strong in both nations: in Earo due to environmental concerns and in Tanamera over concerns of an exponential increase in criminal activity. Both countries easily approved integrating into Darmen, with only a couple hundred of voters rejecting the idea in each nation.

Aissurop followed suit a week later, although many voters chose to stay home and not participate in the voting. While a freak snow storm in the middle of the island certainly didn't help things, some voters also stated that they stayed home because in their views, integration with Darmen was "inevitable".

The western most islands of Naitpyge and the Lee Islands voted later in the week, with no significant opposition to joining Darmen appearing in either nation's vote. With five out of the six nation's having voted to join Darmen, attention turned to the final nation, Frecmenta and its vote.

Frecmenta, known for its people's strong sense of independence and in some cases outright delusions of "supremacy," was where many observers expected the most opposition to accepting Darmeni sovereignty. Indeed, the nation's ruling coalition of the Frecmentan National Congress (FNC) and Democratic Liberal Alliance had viciously split on the issue, with the FNC supporting Frecmenta's independence and the Liberals campaigning for a Darmeni future. Several other parties which espouse one form or another of Frecmentan nationalism joined with the FNC in urging their supporters to reject Darmeni rule.

In the end though, a majority of Frecmentan voters were persuaded by the Liberals and others that they needed to join the other nations of the Southern Esportivan Union in becoming an autonomous region of Darmen. Slightly over 57% of voters voted to join Darmen. The election was not without controversy however, as only 22.93% of voters bothered to cast their ballot as the result of a last minute boycott of the referendum having been called by the radical-leftist Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party.

As a result of the low turnout, both the FNC and the EFF are now claiming the result of the referendum can not be considered binding, while the Liberals and others who support joining Darmen have pointed out that Frecmentan law does not require any minimum number of votes to be cast for referendums to be considered valid. According to the terms of the agreement on integration with Darmen, any decision on how to proceed from the controversial referendum will be decided jointly by the Chairman of the SEU, Aston West and President of Darmen, Tor Tong Lee. Both are likely to make a case that Frecmenta can not survive as an independent nation separate from both the SEU and Darmen and will therefore decide to annex Frecmenta into Darmen regardless of any arguments made to the contrary.

An exact date for integration has yet to be chosen, but is expected to be within the next three months.

by **Terre Septentrionale** » Mon Jun 15, 2020 3:15 pm

Terre Septentrionale blanks Eshan

Undisclosed place in Eshan, Eshan - Terre Septentrionale's offense is actually out of order, the team scored just 1 goal in it's last 3 games. After losing 2-0 and a 0-0 draw, the Nordiques won 1-0 on the road in an undisclosed place in Eshan. Terre Septentrionale attacked at the 57th minute when Yannick Ksiezniakiewicz passed the ball to Roksana Kolodziejczyk who dribbled with the ball and passed to Sandrine Fontaine who had a better angle than her. Fontaine kicks the ball and it's a goal. The score is 1-0 Reprezentacja Nordycki and this is the final score.

Élisabeth Normandin received a yellow card at the 33rd minute and she already had multiples yellow cards in previous games so she will be suspended one game against Alba and Cymru for too many yellow cards. Fryderyka Cwierczakiewiczowa played well in her full time return from a foot injury, she shot 4 times with 2 of them were on target. An undisclosed keeper made a fantastic sliding save at the 26th minute to prevent her from scoring.

BOXSCORE

57th minute: Sandrine Fontaine assisted by Roksana Kolodziejczyk

YELLOW CARD

11th minute: An Undisclosed Player
33rd minute: Élisabeth Normandin
38th minute: An Undisclosed Player
68th minute: An Undisclosed Player
85th minute: Tymoteusz Swierczewski

RED CARDS

None

3 way tie for 2nd place

With Terre Septentrionale's win against Eshan and Savojarna's 1-0 win against Alba and Cymru, there's a 3 way tie in 2nd place! According to the bid, the 2nd tiebreaker is the goal difference and this is the reason why Savojarna is ranked higher than The Northmen in the standings. Savojarna has a goal difference of +7 while we have +4. That means if both us and Savojarna wins our two remaining games, Savojarna would qualify on goal difference. If we have the same goal difference, it goes to head to head points. Both teams has 2 head to head points against each other (a 0-0 draw and a 3-3 draw). The 4th tie break is head to head goal difference and both team is at 0. the 5th tiebreaker is "drawing of lots", which I have no idea what it means. So, if Terre Septentrionale has more goal difference than Savojarna, we're in. If we have less goal difference, Savojarna makes the playoffs and if we're tied on goal difference, the tiebreaker will by "drawing of lots". You probably notice I forgot Eshan, they're a bunch of stupid undisclosed players who will lose their two remaining games.

On matchday 25, we recieve Alba and Cymru at home in Kukljica. Alicja Jedrzejczyk will replace a suspended Élisabeth Normandin in the line up. Wlodzimierz Waclawczyk will also get some rest and Jedrzej Kosciukiewicz will replace him in the starting XI.

Starting XI: Vainqueur - Niedzwiecki, Brzezanczyk, Skrzeszewski - Jedrzejczyk, Ksiezniakiewicz, Kolodziejczyk, Kosciukiewicz, Fontaine - Cwierczakiewiczowa, McCracken

Remaining games

Terre Septentrionale: vs Alba and Cymru; @ The Sarian
Savojarna: vs The Sarian; @ Chromatika
Eshan: @ Sanctanus; vs Adyatin
Northwest Kalactin: @ Adyatin; vs The Jovannic
The Sarian: @ Savojarna; vs Terre Septentrionale
Chromatika: @ Sabalonia; vs Savojarna

Eshan has the easiest schedule while The Sarian and Savojarna has the worst ones. I would say Terre Septentrionale has the 3rd worst schedule but they're both opponents the Nordiques can beat because we're ranked higher.

Wlodzimierz Pietruszewski,
Senior writer,
La tribune septentrionale

by **Legalese** » Mon Jun 15, 2020 4:08 pm

Francis City Journal

Hardy Bolder, and the only Wooden Spoon he doesn't want to make

Brandy Brocado reporting from just outside Numalia.

When he’s not preparing for the next round of a long, difficult qualifying campaign for the Legalese National Team, Manager Hardy Bolder can usually be found here, in his wood shop on the outskirts of Numalia, completing an order for his shop, Bolder Carvings.

“Spoons are my favorite,” Bolder says, carefully sanding one designed for use on the stovetop. “Each one has a satisfying challenge to it -- you want to get the depth of the inside carve-out just right, to ensure you have enough volume, but haven’t taken off so much wood that it won’t hold up.”

“A satisfying challenge” -- this also may be another way to describe his decision to manage the national team on their first qualifying attempt in over a decade, and some three decades since Legalese’s peak, a fourth-place finish in World Cup 69. Despite a strong start, Bolder’s Eleven stand just two points above the bottom of the group, and will likely need to take points in one of their final two matches -- the best hope being at home versus Drunk People at the Local Tavern, before finishing with the dreaded trip to the Vilitian Cove to take on powerhouse Vilita -- in order to avoid the Wooden Spoon.

“The most difficult thing was tamping down expectations, frankly” Bolder said of the first two games, wins over Riena and Saintland. “When you win the first two in a long campaign, it’s great, but doesn’t mean much overall.”

“Besides, it felt like we were playing with teams that were at least closer to beatable for us at the start of our schedule, before having to face the big kids at the end. The hit was coming, and when you look at how we played against Lake Esper, it came quick.”

After winning the first two matches, the Legalites dropped the next two, enroute to finishing the first half of qualifying at 3-2-7, with 11 points putting them just two ahead of Lake Esper in the race to the bottom. They would proceed to fall completely to the bottom at the start of the return legs, before a win at North New South Wales pulled them out; only North New South Wales and Saintland remain below Legalese at this point, with the final pair of matches likely to be decisive.

“It’s like when I’m working out here in the shop. Quality comes with time -- time to refine the work, to sand carefully to get that one abrasion out of the handle, to make sure you properly smooth the wood, and then seal it carefully with food safe oil. It’s a craft, and one that takes time and practice to master. I think we’ll see that quality rise as this team gels and grows, and as the quality of play improves in Legalese.”

Asked what role he plans to take in the further growth, Bolder was circumspect. “I think for future cycles, we’ll need the right leader for the stage in development that this team is at. Am I that guy? At some point I won’t be, but until then, I’ll keep working to improve this team, and take points where we can.

“If worse comes to worse,” he added “I can at least use my skills to make a wooden spoon to commemorate this run! Not quite the glimmering trophy of the Jaffacake Invitational or the Cup of Harmony, but it at least will let us remember where we came from.”

by **Port Ember** » Mon Jun 15, 2020 4:08 pm

Blood, Sweat & Glory - Part 16

OOC: This Events takes place prior to Match day 23.

The Port Ember Times

FORMER PORT EMBER NATIONAL FOOTBALL TEAM HEAD COACH & MANAGER STUART BAXTER FOUND DEAD

Stuart Baxter, former Head Coach & Manager was found dead in his cabin, situated on the outskirts of the Greenfields Borough of the capital early yesterday morning. The police have ruled the cause of death as suicide.

The news of the death of the former football boss has rocked the nation to its core, and grieving fans have held memorial services and vigils all over the capital last night, gathering in their hundreds of thousands.

Stuart Baxter was born and raised within the nation of Bergxia where he dedicated his entire life to the game of football, playing for and captaining both the local football club “Firefly FC” and the Bergxia National Football Team. After retiring as a player when aged 30, he became the Assistant Coach for his former club “Firefly FC”. After working within this position for 3 seasons, he quickly gained a reputation of professionalism and success, and was subsequently promoted to Head Coach of the club. After he led his club to win three successive Premier Leagues once on the job, he was offered – and accepted the Manager & Head Coach position for the Bergxia National Football Team. After the Republic of Port Ember colonized Bergxia, he relocated to the Republic and accepted a position with the Port Ember Football Association. It was during this period where football within the Republic was not played on the international level, and the sport did not maintain any level of professional players, infrastructure or public support. The Port Ember Football Association aimed to change this and bring Port Ember’s football up to international standard. Stuart Baxter launched the Port Ember Youth Develop Program in response to this challenge, believing that the football clubs in existence did not hold the requisites to assist in the formation of a world class national team, instead focusing on developing a youth squad for this purpose instead. Stuart chose 40 talented children from all across the islands, majority of those being orphans. Stuart trained these children in fitness and footballing skills, whilst tutoring them in their academic careers. When the Port Ember Football Association decided that it was time to officially establish a national football team, Stuart was immediately appointed as the nation’s first Head Coach & Manager. He immediately chose the players he had prepared during the Port Ember Youth Develop Program to form the nation’s very first national team. This very team then entered the first international football tournament in history, namely the Baptism of Fire 70 under Stuart’s command. After losing their opening match, the team gained momentum, winning seven matches in a row. Eventually the run came to an end when the team was knocked out during the Semi Finals of the tournament, however managed to win the playoffs, winning the Third Overall position.

Although the sport did not enjoy any form of strong support from the public prior to the commencement of the tournament, the exciting and high octane play style of the team, combined with the showmanship and charisma of Stuart changed this landscape completely and seemingly overnight. Immediately following the tournament, a period dubbed as the “Football Revolution” ensued upon the islands, as a direct result of the team’s impressive performance during their debut tournament. The nation saw a massive surge in new players of all ages and skill levels, new registered clubs, new stadium constructions, new coaching clinics and even seeing Football Studies introduced into Port Emberian universities. Entire new companies and factories were established to be able to cope with the surge in demand of football merchandise. Entire new sports magazines and TV channels sprung up overnight. Football had become a important part of the Port Emberian culture.
The next step for the career of Stuart was leading his new hero’s to the Qualification Season for the 83rd rendition of the Football World Cup. In the end, the team failed to qualify for the World Cup Proper, yet managed to cause a number of large impressive upsets against powerful and established teams, capturing the hearts and loyalty of even more supporters back home. Following the qualification season, the team was invite to attend the 75th rendition of the Cup of Harmony, where they continue their trend of causing massive upsets despite having all odds stacked heavily against them. The team fell short in the Quarter finals of this specific tournament.

Following the Cup of Harmony, Stuart allowed his players to be recruited by the established football clubs of Port Ember, allowing these players to share their skills, tactics and international experience with the old guard – with the aim of improving the overall quality of Port Emberian Football. This was a large success, as the popularity of the game which was garnered by the national team led to an unprecedented amount of supporters and sponsors flocking to the team’s stadiums and bank accounts, providing it with the financial boost is has desperately craved for over decades.

The following rendition of the World Cup Qualification Season saw an improved national team storm the world once again under Stuart’s leadership, causing upset after upset as the underdogs of their qualification group. The underdogs managed to qualify for the world cup proper during this season, shocking the international community and leaving all in awe. This only served to strengthen the ever growing football culture upon the islands as some of the largest businesses threw their money at the team as sponsors, spending millions of Aurums in support of their national team. The World Cup did not end well for the team, losing all three of their matches, although the legacy of the team grew ever more.

The next international tournament competed in under the leadership of Stuart was the 9th rendition of the Independent Association’s Cup, where the team earned yet another Third Place overall position at the closing of the Cup.

The next international scene was the ongoing World Cup 85 Qualification Season, which did not start well for the squad. The squad was overcome with scandal upon scandal, both on and off pitch, and the team and Stuart came under constant and massive criticism from the local media and the fans. This scandals and conflict came to a climax when one player – one Frazer Murray murdered team captain Ray Reddington in a public coffee shop within the capital. This event seemed to have shocked Stuart to the core and have caused some form of guilty emotions, as he resigned from his position with immediate effect. He then continued to move out of the city to his cabin, where he continued to commit suicide.

Despite the last few controversial months of Stuart’s career and his morbid end, no one alive can deny the greatness of Stuart Baxter – and his status as an immortal National Hero.

Rest in Peace Coach. We will always remember you. We will always miss you.

Konekti

The news of Stuart’s death is a very hard pill to swallow. He was my close and personal friend for many years. I guess its time this nation starts paying attention on finding a solution to depression and mental health issues.
Poster: Peter White (PEFA Chairman)

Konekti

Cant believe Coach is gone. RIP Coach Baxter.
Poster: William Carvello (PE National Football Capt)

Konekti

Although I did not have the pleasure to ever meet the man, he was a living legend who have shaped and reshaped the entire nation. He has made us all better people and a better nation. Rest in Peace Coach.
Poster: Major Kent Blocl (PEFA Head Coach & Manager)

by **Twicetagram and JYPe** » Mon Jun 15, 2020 4:26 pm

GROUP 5 IN GENERAL

by **Astograth** » Mon Jun 15, 2020 4:27 pm

Previously

Astograth 2-0 Villablanca
Antiguoko, Astograth, The Enclave (attendance: 45,030)

Lineup: Anzizar, Remondegi, Leskerre, Narke ©, Lizarza, Lekea, Urkizo, Ibargengoitia, Malkorra, Sorrosua, Urdanibia
Substitutions: Arana for Malkorra, Martel for Remondegi, E. Laurnagaray for Urdanibia
Goalscorers: Lekea, Arana

Ugaitz Abasgoitia, president of the Futbol Astograthiko Federazioa, handed Landerra Lazaga a thick binder filled to bursting with papers. She took in both hands and immediately felt like it would spill all over the office.

“Is this… all of it?” she inquired.

Abasgoitia nodded eagerly, pleased with himself. “All of it. Every last detail. We filed it with Palace just yesterday.”

Lazaga held in her hands several hundreds of pages, all planning out the celebrations for Astograthian national football team’s 500th match – counting only full international senior matches, of course. The occasion would also mark Olibondeka’s 127th encounter at Grand Duke’s Stadium, which was also impressive but not a nice round number.

The away match against TJUN-ia was still to come, but the FAF had been planning for the final matchday against New Lusitania since the qualifying group draw. The possibility of securing World Cup qualification on that day, a dream that had the whole country buzzing with excitement, had made the FAF gradually ramp up the spectacle into what Lazaga was now presented with. A mammoth ceremony, dwarfing even those held to celebrate the team’s trophies and rivalling the ones held for World Cup 62.

Later that day, sequestered in the bedroom she’d been provided at Astograth’s Miotako training ground, Lazaga pored over the documents. The files included an extensive account of the history of football in Astograth, the origins of the national team, a complete listing of all 498 matches played up to that point, records, statistics and analysis. There were a full thirty pages on the rivalry with Polar Islandstates and half that on the one with Sargossa, taking care to point out how the Corsairs had won only one out of nine matches against the Olives – and how that black stain only came at the tail end of World Cup 79 qualifying. Large sections dedicated to how the triumphs at Cup of Harmony 50 and Copa Rushmori 12 (the latter over Sargossa at the Nasjonale Stadion of Polar Islandstates) were achieved, and the importance that proper penalty technique and preparation played in both… were these technical specifications for the event or Vaudrail’s match notes?

A confused Lazaga kept flipping pages. Ah, yes, now a history of Grand Duke’s Stadium. Originally established as the Olympic Stadium of Rumiatzi in the mid-6th century, then completely rebuilt and renamed in the 630’s to serve as ground zero for the country’s sporting prowess. Not the most atmospheric, what with the track and all, but limiting its football use to the national team, the Royal Cup final, and promotion playoffs meant going there was a special occasion for fans and players. Its use as a venue for international events, including the finals of World Cup 62 and Champions’ Cup 45, gave it a final coating of cosmopolitan glamour and prestige. A venue with pedigree.

The binder further included overviews of past celebrations and ceremonies at Grand Duke’s, and tables comparing the types, amounts and designs of such things as fireworks, banners and crowd mosaics used for different events. The indications for this 500th were, across the board, “bigger and better”. The confirmed guest list included all 18 national team ‘centurions’, or those who’d earned 100 caps or more; every player to be called up in the early days of Olibondeka, up to their début World Cup 55; all Cup of Harmony and/or Copa Rushmori champions; all surviving managers; all the historic top brass of the FAF, including the visionary Eneko Gandiaga; the CEO of Barrengeka, the team’s faithful equipment supplier; the governor, or Captain General, of Rumiatzi Province; at least eight government ministers; and, of course, the crown jewel of any great Astograthian football match: the Grand Duke himself, plus family. Invitations to the ambassadors of Sargossa and Polar Islandstates had, sadly, gone unanswered.

If they’d had time to install additional seating just to set a record, Lazaga was sure they would have. National team matches at Grand Duke’s normally sell out, but the actual attendance is always somewhere below the max of 90 thousand. This time, however, was absolute madness. Even with reinforced servers, the demand had crashed the online ticket booths. Despite staggered release, each offering of tickets had sold out in minutes. Scalped tickets, despite being cracked down on, were being sold for several times their listed price – and this would go up even further with a win against TJUN-ia. The chance of World Cup qualification and historic celebration all in one was too tantalising for any football fan to resist. The amount of VIPs in attendance and possibility for thousands of ticketless fans to show up anyway had the Ministry of Interior drawing up a security plan not seen since World Cup 62. Not to mention the unspeakable possibility of a loss to New Lusitania…

Of course, all of this could be pre-emptively dampened by a poor turn of events at TJUN-ia, but surely not? Dramatic tension demands this be resolved at the last minute of the last hour, over the smell of burnt rubber.

by **Cheergirls** » Mon Jun 15, 2020 4:29 pm

The Port Emberian Times made a big mistake. And now, they were about to find out what happens when groups of teenagers from all over the nation react on social media when they want to get back at adults who may have disrespected them.

Ah yes, that infamous prediction:

Port Ember wrote:
Port Emberian Times

The Road to World Cup 85 Edition

Matchday 24: Port Ember vs Cheergirls. We managed to beat them just, but I think we have pegged their unorthodox system. This one is in the bag.

Oh boy. The Port Emberian Times was going to regret that.

(Imagine Getting thousands of these messages on all your social media webpages and in the inboxes of the paper's editor)
"In the bag?"
"I thought you were going to win easily?"
"What size bag?"
"Someone choked! Ahahaha!!!!111!!!1one
"Ko-oren's going to take out the trash! That's you guys! *New Ko-oren fan*"
"Your bag has a hole in it, just like your keeper giving up that goal right through his hands".

No, Cheergirls didn't win. It was only a 1-1 draw. But that didn't matter.

Others sent images like this:

*  Group 8                               Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 The Holy Empire                        22   18   2   2    84   35  +49    56 Q
 2 Ko-oren                                22   13   3   6    31   14  +17    42
 3 Port Ember                             22   12   5   5    51   30  +21    41  <--- 2 points fell out of the bag

by **Audioslavia** » Mon Jun 15, 2020 4:56 pm

Part 1 (Sue)
Part 2 (Sue)
Part 3 (Emanuel)
Part 4 (Sue)
Part 5 (Emanuel)
Part 6 (Emanuel)
Part 7 (Emanuel)
Part 8 (Emanuel)
Part 9 (Emanuel)
Part 10 (Emanuel)
Part 11 (Emanuel / Jeremy)
Part 12 (Emanuel)
Part 13 (Emanuel)
Part 14 (Emanuel)
Part 15 (Sue)
Part 16 (Sue / Jeremy)
Part 17 (Rory / Jeremy)
Part 18 (Rory / Jeremy)

“So” said Rory, after a sip of his tea. “There’s this thing. An.. appliance that was supposed to have been invented as a massage aid, but that some women have discovered works quite well for… other things. It’s long and white and it has two grey triangle looking things at the top”
“I know it, aye” said Elizabeth. “It’s called a Heihachi Wand”
“So this guy, Emanuel Portico, he says our mark, Txo Zaldun, had found someone to make a model of Jeremy’s Journalist Integrity trophy thing that, somehow, transforms into something that looks more like a Heihachi Wand at the press of a button. The bottom stays the same but the top unfolds, revealing something that, well, looks like, well…”
“It looks like a dildo”
“It does look like a dildo” said Rory. “It also, apparently is purple and, at the press of a second button, produces a small flag that says the phrase ‘JoUrNaLiStIc iNtEgRiTy’ in large comic sans toggle-type.
“And he’s going to swap the real trophy with this fake purple flag-producing monstrosity before the game”
“He is” said Rory, nodding. “We understand that Jeremy’s going to be dropping the trophy off at the stadium and then going to do some TV work before receiving the trophy back again on the pitch. In this time, Txo is going to replace the real trophy with the fake one. Thing is, he can’t leave the stadium until after the game. I mean, well, maybe he can, but he’s not sure he’ll be able to leave the stadium without it drawing attention, what with everyone else trying to go in the opposite direction. So, he’s going to hang onto the trophy during the game, and leave with the crowd after it”
“How is he going to replace the trophy?” asked Elizabeth. Rory paused.
“You know this”
“I just want to make sure you know” said Elizabeth, raising an eyebrow over her mug of tea.
“It basically boils down to the clipboard-and-suit technique” said Rory. “If you wear a suit, and an earpiece, and carry a clipboard round with you and just walk purposefully everywhere you go, people will assume you belong there and get out of your way. He’s a confidence trickster, that’s his speciality”
“He won’t be, say, seducing the head of security and then stealing his hat or anything?”
“I hope not, I know the head of security there. He’d be amenable but still… bad mental image. The trophy’s going to be kept near the entrance to the pitch during the hour or so that Jeremy will be doing TV. There’s a small changing room for referees. Txo’s sure it’ll be kept there. His plan is, simply, to go into that room and swap the trophies”
“Just like that”
“Just like that” said Rory, nodding. “Again, the clipboard-and-suit phenomenon. You’d be surprised. After that, he’s going to go up to the second floor, where the executive boxes are, and sneak out of one of the doors into the main stadium section. He has a ticket for the game.”
“So…” said Elizabeth, “…where do you come in? What are you going to do?”
Rory waggled his smartphone in Elizabeth’s direction.
“I’ve got a ticket for the game myself. I know the door he’ll be coming out of after he’s done the deed. He’ll be a handsome guy in a suit carrying a heavy bag. All I want to do is talk to him. See what happens”
“He’ll lie to you to your face” said Elizbaeth. “He did as much to Emanuel”
“Yeah” said Rory. “So I’d need to be good at cutting through bullshit. Maybe I should train first by being a detective for thirty years first”
“No need to get sarcastic” said Elizabeth, with a grin.
“I didn’t mean…” “No no, it’s good” she said. “Reminds me of the arsehole I married. And why I married him”

—

He stood in the middle distance, pretending to scrawl something onto his clipboard, and glanced over the rim of it at the conversation happening between the two silhouettes, their features entirely black against the backdrop of the evening sun shining through the tunnel.

“Okay Mr. Jaffacake” said a woman with a clipboard. “If you have the trophy with you, we’ll keep it safe until 7:20pm, just before kick-off.”
Jeremy opened a dirty leather rucksack that he should have thrown out ten years ago and retrieved from it a velvet sack that clearly contained something heavy.
“We’re providing the cover ourselves, Mr. Jaffacake” said the lady. Jeremy nodded.
“Oh” said Jeremy. “I mean, I bought this especially. Shopped all over for the right fabric. You know, something that would glisten as it goes *whoosh*. A bit of razzlematazzlematazz…”
“Well…”
“…matazzle”
“Well… I think any kind of covering is fine, Mr. Jaffacake”
“Fine” said Jaffacake. “I’m away to do some TV. Make sure you don’t lose it” “It’ll be quite safe, Mr. Jaffacake” said the woman, as the old man hobbled off down the corridor.

Realizing Jeremy was walking towards him, the man tilted his head down, turned and walked purposefully away in the direction of a set of double doors. There was a large man blocking his path.
“McGivens. Carpentery” said the man, flashing a card and not even looking at the doorman. There was a momentary pause before the door was opened at the man strode through.

—

“Big day for you, isn’t it, Jezza?” came a voice at the top of the stairs. Jeremy looked up and saw a familiar face.
“Rubio! Long time no see!”
“Fortunately for the two of us, aye” said Rubio. “How have you been keeping?”
“Aye, not bad” said Jeremy. “Weird thing just happened though”
“You just had to let that trophy out of your sight for the first time since you got it?”
“No, no” said Jeremy, “No that thing… it’s just a bauble. It means nothing” he said, faking a nonchalant laugh that Rubio saw straight through. “No. In the corridor just now. I saw someone doing the clipboard walk”
“Oh… really?” said Rubio. It was his turn to fake a nonchalant laugh. This one brought a frown out of Jeremy.
“…what’s up?”
“Nothing!” said Rubio, averting his gaze. Jeremy responded with a quick harrumph. Rubio changed the subject as quickly as he could.
“So you’re doing TV just now?”
“Aye. Pre-recording a segment for the show. An interview. They’re going to cut to it from the live broadcast before going out to the centre circle so I can collect the award ‘properly’”
“And do you know who the interviewer is?” asked Rubio. Jeremy shrugged.
“No. A typical empty suit from Channel One, I suppose. Is it Malcom?”
“No” said Rubio, smiling. Jeremy’s eyes opened wide.
“Oh god is it my favourite Krytenian?” he asked, grinning and patting Rubio on the shoulder.
“Ooh” said Rubio, “you’re so close. It’s not your favourite Krytenian, no. Right country though….”
Rubio held Jeremy’s gaze for a moment. Jeremy’s grin remained, but the eyes widened in panic.
“Oh no…”
“Oh yes!”
“Oh yes indeed!” came a voice from the background. A man in a pinstripe suit with greying hair leaned out from behind a door. “Come through Jeremy, I have a swivel-chair waiting for you”
Jeremy’s grin was gone by this point. He put a hand on his forehand.
“Rameses. Bloody. Niblick. Well f..”

—

With the coast clear he strode towards the referee’s office, clipboard in hand, and ignored the two people looking at him. He knocked firmly on the door twice. A curt ‘can I help you’ was uttered from behind him. He ignored it. He knocked twice on the door again and opened it without waiting, walking briskly inside and closing the door behind him.

There, as expected, was the trophy. Gold and diamond and gaudy as all hell. He opened his bag quickly and walked towards it, but was stopped by the door opening.

“Excuse me sir, you…”
“Arch Stanton, Nationstates World Cup Committee. You must be Georgia Davies”
“I… no that’s my manager I…”
“I informed Ms. Davies via phone that this was urgent manager. Could you inform the building manager that I am here now and that my time is extremely valuable”
“Okay… I’ll… sorry what was your na…”
“Archibald Stanton I already…”
“Yes sir, I’m sorry, I’ll be back soon”

The door closed. Footsteps faded. He took the model from his bag and placed it on the table. The trophy was picked up, dropped into his bag and promptly covered with a shirt. Within twenty seconds of the conversation ending, he was out and striding towards the stairs

—

“…thanks Malcom, and it is indeed a pleasure to be here in the Channel One studio at the 1927 Arena, and with me in this famous old stadium is a famous old man himself. Jeremy Jaffacake, who will soon be collecting his World Assembly Commendation for Services to Journalistic Integrity trophy. I assume, also, you’ll be collecting your World Assembly Commendation for Youthful Exuberance and also a World Assembly Commendation for Dress Sense as well?”
“Yes, thank you Rameses, I’ll be collecting them just after you collect your World Assembly Commendation for Not being a Cu..”
“CUT” yelled a shocked and angry director. “Jeremy what the hell, you can’t say the ‘c’ word on live television”
“This isn’t live television”
“It will be shown on live television” said Rami. “Honestly Jeremy, so unprofessional”. Rami Niblick shook his head and theatrically tutted at Jeremy.
“No more swearing, please Jeremy” said the director, motioning towards the camera operator to keep rolling.
“He won’t do it again” said Rami. “Trust me. I know him so well”
“Still rolling” said the camera-man, still squinting into his equipment.
“So, Jeremy” said Rami, immediately back into professional mode. “Audioslavia are still in the running for the World Cup. Krytenia, unfortunately, are still a way off with Project 87 thus far. Why do you suppose the Bulls are in with a shout and the Dragons are not?”
“Because you’re a cu..”

—

Through the lightly frosted glass of the executive box, he could see that the stadium had begun to fill up. Perhaps a quarter capacity right now. Taking a moment to check there was nobody giving him any undue attention, he tried one of the doors that would lead from the inside of the stadium to the terraces outside. Locked. Entering clipboard-mode again he strode to one, and then another door, finding them all locked but for one, right on the northern side of the stadium, which squeaked open. He slammed the door behind him and was ten metres away by the time a security guard opened it to figure out just who had entered, or exited, the building so loudly.

He arrived at his seat, sat down, and exhaled. Those locked doors, he assured himself, would be the last surprise of the evening.

by **New Lusitania and the Algarves** » Mon Jun 15, 2020 4:57 pm

STL|Serviços de Transmissão Lusitana
Sport | Football|
World Cup 85

STAYING IN THE FIGHT
Villablanca 0-1 New Lusitania

After a good performance in Coimbra, New Lusitania now headed out to Villablanca for the next Matchday. Various changes were seen as Lopes got another chance in goal, Azinheira returned as well as Máriop and Trincão got his first start in what was a gamble. The game itself was, from anyone's standing point, possibly one of the dullest matches of the group so far, with few shots and mediocre playing in midfield, with New Lusitania managing just three shots on target (in five) during the entire first half. The second half would be the scene of the only goal about halfway through when Fernando found a cross coming in from the left-flank in Mário. The game would continue its style of play until the very end leaving viewers with perhaps one of the most forgettable New Lusitania performances this cycle due to its mediocrity, despite the three points. FULL TIME: 0-1

THE FIGHT
An Analysis on the Cycle by L. Marialva in association with "Jornada"

The road to World Cup 85 has been an eventful one for New Lusitania with highs and lows but almost always accompanied with thrills and great fans. At the time of this analysis, following the away game at Necosia, two matches return for all the top teams and New Lusitania has the most outside of chances. For the Selecção the two remaining matches are the Turori game at the Jamor and an away trip to Astograth, meaning that they have a complicated calendar in which the final game is one of the major contenders for the second spot for qualifying, considering that Turori has long been qualified despite a shaky second round. The Eels had an unbeaten first round having racked up all points available in the twelve matches. The second round has proven they aren't competition invincible and New Lusitania looks to prove that on the pitch in the next match. Following a 3-2 away loss, there is no reason why they can't fight for points in this game to potentially take it to the last game.
Qualification however, is still a long stretch as the Heróis do Mar still stand six points from runners-up Audioslavia with two matches to go, meaning that some major slip-up by the Bulls is expected. This means that even by winning against Turori, New Lusitania might be eliminated which leaves them (and third placed Astograth) hoping for a loss.
Despite a great cycle in what has been one of the longest roads ever designed to get there, we do have to question why we're not completely in the fight come Matchday 26. It started with a slow start in Muradil where a draw drew an almost immediate setback which was allied to the loss against Audioslavia incontroversial manner and the draw in Leiria to Jeckland and a loss to Sajnur that meant that New Lusitania spent half of the first quarter of qualifying in midtable positions. Admittedly, at one point as many as six of the thirteen teams were contenders for the second spot. These are the results of course, but the results have a reason most times. On one side, we have a much larger cycle which led to a lot more games on a very congested calendar which some federations have complained about, this not being the case shown as much on the Lusitanian pitches. It does however owe to a lot to the style of play, with the virtual 3-5-2 leaving too many chances with a defence which struggles to sometimes block some of the opposition leaving many during the cycle to discuss how the defensive record affects New Lusitania's chances, with the Seleção being the second best attack in the group (48) but conceding 30, which is a value a bit too high if you want to qualify for the world cup. The way the style of play has been employed has seen less problems in midfield and attack however - despite Silveira's injury for example, New Lusitania coped well allowing Jota and newbie Paciência to Shine really well given the circumstances. Overall, the fact that the team is already more on an ageing side and that the squad is currently in a transition period proves that the way things are being run are good enough all things considering but during the break, they have to get the analytics going and see where are they going wrong on those flanks, in that defence for example and how they can maintain a level of good quality football as well as good ball supply and shots on target as we've seen during the entire qualification process. As the Cup of Harmony likely looms, New Lusitania has an unsure path being capable of a lot but sometimes stumbling easily due to these cracks and if they want to be in contention for the title or for qualification in a reportedly unsure '86 they do need to start studying this in this more down period between tournaments as well as prepare the next generation of stars to carry the team forward so that the dream is finally made true.

THE HUB
Goals:Jota (14), Paciência (7), Veiga (6), Gama (5), Silveira (4), Fernando (4), Azinheira (1), Trincão (1), Cavalariça (1), Guerreiros (1)
Assists: Fernando (11), Gama (8), Horta (7), Veiga (6), Paciência (3), Mário (3), Azinheira (2), Jota (1), Silveira [1], Nevais (1), Cancela (1), Leiteiro (1)
Bookings: Cancela (3Y)

NB: Previous editions my have the name Paciente instead of Paciência which is a mistake which STL apologises for.

MMXX STL

by **Recuecn** » Mon Jun 15, 2020 4:57 pm

If only they had beaten Emastalia...

The team was feeling confident, and foreign sources were saying Reçueçn was as good as qualified, but Les Licornes were once again leaving things until uncomfortably close to the end. Two cycles in a row now, things had come down to the very last day of qualifiers, and it was looking like that might happen again. It didn't help that Reçueçn would face its two strongest opponents—the only two teams to whom it had lost—right before the last matchday.

The team would be away in Rozelle this time; as if playing against Brenecia wasn't enough, they'd do it in an imposing stadium with a fiercely loyal home crowd. The fans' passion seemed amplified by the fact that Kingsgarden was about twice as big as the Stade National where the Reçuecians were used to playing, yet the ÉNRF was not unfamiliar with the venue: they had just come during the Eagles Cup, and most of the squad still remembered visiting during the 72nd and 73rd world cup qualifiers as well. Only the first time had Reçueçn avoided defeat, holding a 35th-ranked Brenecia to a scoreless draw in which Marcia Danmark was offsides more often than not and Cathy Blackslate might as well have vanished into thin air. Of course, each time Brenecia visited Reçueçn, it would end in a 0-0 tie, a trend that only ended when during the Eagles Cup the two teams shook it up by drawing 1-1.

But after the most recent game, also at home, where Brenecia defeated Les Licornes by two without having to worry about it too much, the upcoming game in Kingsgarden was looking ever more important and ever more unwinnable. With Quebec closing in and having just dropped two precious points to Emastalia, the team knew it had to do everything within its power to salvage anything possible from the most difficult game in its schedule.

An early goal from Nasser—a lucky deflection—got their hopes up too quickly. Only twenty-five minutes in, the Reçuecians began to sit back, and it was far too soon. Before the prodding of Matheson and Wheeler, it was only a matter of time before the Patriots found an equalizer, and Reçueçn could hardly hope to be so lucky as to find a second deflection. Les Licornes escaped the first half, but the back line was quickly losing stamina. Tremblay replaced them, one by one, until only Cutrona remained, but under constant pressure from Brenecia, the ÉNRF's famous defense lost cohesion and never found a chance to re-form. The first hour had just ticked past when Matheson repeated what she had done in the last encounter to fire a shot past Firaut. No chance there, no deflection: just a clean delivery that would be a candidate for goal of the tournament if it hadn't been so painfully simple.

There were 30+ minutes left, but Les Licornes had given up the fight. A draw was more than they'd hoped for heading into this, it was just disappointing to lose the lead, and to lose two more points in the battle against Quebec, steadily gaining. Quebec would be next, and a win would put them only a game back with a game left. Reçueçn would have to make sure that this time, nothing was left to chance.

If only they had beaten Emastalia...

by **Huayramarca** » Mon Jun 15, 2020 4:59 pm

OOC: Rewinding a past event, now, from Mina's perspective.

Part 1.
Part 2.
Part 3.
Part 4.
Part 5.
Part 6.
Part 7.
Part 8.
Part 9.

Ñucanchi Ñan - Part 10.

Ayacucho Bull Arena, Huaraz Department - 24/03/1980 - 16:00 P.M.

Context

It was the onomastic day for Ayacucho’s Patriarch, Jesus of Nazareth, people was gathering at the Bull Arena for one of the biggest spectacles that the Huayramarcan Sierra has to offer, the Huayramarcan-style bull fighting (OOC: Not as savage as the Spanish “Corrida de toros”) As always, considering that Ayacucho is one of the most important settlements in the highlands, President Hugo Mina had to be there, to much of his chagrin, since he despised that kind of activities pretty much idiosyncratic from Serranos. Costeños liked football and dancing, not agricultural activities nor related issues as bull fighting, still, he was mandated to assist due to the invitation made by the major of Ayacucho, who wasn’t a Serrano casually, it was a Costeño that decided to prove fortune at the Huayramarcan highlands, seeking for ore he casually got engaged at the Popular Agricultural Front of Huayramarca and started his road at politics, hence, he managed to do some fortune at it with some background on illicit activities such as backwater business with mining companies that turned that zone of the Huaraz department into the mineral hub of Huayramarca, although, they were extracting lithium in order to feed greater battery manufacturers across the universe, leaving somewhat to the city in order to keep grabbing even more money as possible. Mina knew that Amancio Cedeño would help him in order to make even more money at his planned deal at the Illimani National Park.

Mina was presented to the crowd watching the bull fight, some applauses were heard from the people, nothing particularly good nor defiant to him, Serranos at that zone use to be shy and lack of a social organization as they do in some other parts of the nation, such as Sopocachi, Huayrasuyo, Carchí, etc. Cedeño asked Mina about what were their plans in a particular manner, pretty much depicting on how he behaves usually at the front seat of Ayacucho: “So, any business for you at the state?” Asked Cedeño, while proceeding “You know, what we all do when we are on public charge of something.” While laughing in order to make it see as a funny conversation rather than a corruption scheme on development. Mina answered laughing “I have a big plot there, it’s in the oven, cooking up and waiting for the best moment to pull it off.” Cedeño was interested on listening more, he had some feeling that he could contribute on it in every way possible but with money in between “For real? Tell me more, please.” Mina was feeling cold, he grabbed his chocolate, then rubbed his hands and said “Well, there’s a plan we got, I mean, we since we are a lot of people involved, basically everybody in my cabinet.” He zipped more chocolate; he was rushed to drink it all to the point he burned out his mouth “Agh!” Screamed while pressing his fist against the chair “Seems like it is a really hot deal, eh?” Said Cedeño while laughing – “Bad form…” Replied Mina while proceeding to tell the plan.”

“Well, there’s a plan to drill on the Illimani National Park” said Mina while Cedeño replied almost immediately “Are you mad?” Mina contained himself, he seemed a bit offended by his interlocutor but answered “Nope, why I would be mad?” Cedeño noted that there was some unconformity on Mina and apologized “No worries” said Mina while continuing “I guess it’s because it’s the holiest place of all for Serranos, that’s why you told me mad, right?” Cedeño smiled “Yes, that’s why.” “This people are dangerous, you should abstain to do that, there might be some consequences if you try it.” Cedeño rememorated some happenings when he finished off a deal for some mining concessions at the little village of Yuraq, located outskirts of Ayacucho when some random people arrived at his home at night, he was asleep and he only felt that there was a particularly weird smell in the environment, it was fire near his bedroom, his house was being consumed by flames already, he saw his spouse now being reached by the fire and then took her away from the room. It was a traumatic episode when Cedeño saw one of his three sons being burned while sleeping, with little to nothing to do.

Mina was clearly shocked at the description of the events that Cedeño did “They burned down your house?” Sarcastically, Cedeño said “Noooo… It got rebuilt” Mina was fooled down at that moment, and he decided to proceed “Well, there’s a plan to extract resources from the Illimani, in order to sell those resources and make some profit from us, the group.” Cedeño figured out that it would be a complicated task for anybody to perform, much to the despite that Mina was the Huayramarcan President, he would face opposition for sure: “How do you will sort this?” Cedeño asked, Mina was confident on what to answer, he said “Well, I’ll bribe opposition, I’ll force them to vote for the project, as exchange, I’ll provide some million Intis for them.” Temptation would be something granted for sure, that for the rest of MP’s at the Assembly except for a couple of those such as Evo Chávez, the radical indigenous leader of the Huayramarcan National Liberation Front, a stronghold for Serrano interests. “Are you aware of Chávez?” Mina said “I’d like to kill him, but it’d be too notorious and they would react badly to my plans, throwing it to the trash can.

Cedeño smiled while watching a bullfighter being lifted over the air by a bull while the people said “Ole” – “Well, taking rid of him would be a nice move for you, but tell me, are you going to need some equipment for this, since mining isn’t something easy.” Mina said “Well, I’m going to need for sure some equipment, there’s a lot of need for working force at this and for machinery, it’d be one of the biggest fields of ore to be extracted for sure.” Cedeño took out of his pocket a card, it said “Nunavut Mining Cooperative.” “Be sure of calling them, Mr. They will solve it for you, but I’ll need some money for the recommendation, you know that this is how it works.” Mina neglected at first glance, but then said “5% enough?” Cedeño said “10, take it or give me the card back.” Mina was aware that some sacrifices would need to be made, he said “Ok, 10% and let’s go.” Both shook hands and saw the bull parade.

by **Vdara** » Mon Jun 15, 2020 5:00 pm

*rapid key turning noises*

It’s Matchday 25, and Vdara are on their way to Kandorith for another matchup with the Kandorese national team. However, in true Vdaran fashion - the trip was starting off as an utter kerfuffle. The team bus wasn’t starting up, and the clock was ticking. Væñøœrëñbérghüïś was getting impatient, and the tone of his voice revealed his discontent.

Væñøœrëñbérghüïś: ”Agh, why won’t the f**king engine start? We need to be at that stadium pronto, you hear me? PRONTO!”

Driver: ”Look, I’m doing the best I can here. I don’t know why the bus won’t start, but it just won’t.”

Væñøœrëñbérghüïś: ”Make it start! We must get to that damn stadium quickly!”

Driver: ”I did say I’m doing the best I can right now, but I just can’t get it to a start!”

Væñøœrëñbérghüïś: ”Agh, fuck it, I’ll do it.”

At this point, Væñøœrëñbérghüïś yanked the keys out of the ignition, only to make a startling discovery.

Væñøœrëñbérghüïś: ”This looks like a house key. Where is the ignition key?”

Driver: ”Wait, what? Sh*t, let me find it!”

The bus driver rigorously began searching his pockets for the keys to the ignition, while Væñøœrëñbérghüïś looked at the driver in awe.

Væñøœrëñbérghüïś: ”How did your house key even fit in the ignition?”

Driver: ”Ugh, I dunno man. It’s been a long day, and an even longer week.”

Væñøœrëñbérghüïś: ”Well, it’s gonna be longer if you don’t find these keys!”

Driver: ”Don’t worry, I’ve found them! Now, to make sure these aren’t my house keys, I’ll put them into the ignition and twist.”

The familiar noise of an engine starting ran through the bus, and a collective sigh of relief emanated from the players and Væñøœrëñbérghüïś.

Væñøœrëñbérghüïś: ”Finally, let’s get this show on the road!”

World Cup 81/82/83/84

BP at the finish line
Scott McCrae
The Daily Mail Soccer Writer

The final match of the marathon World Cup 85 qualifying will be a chance for the Commonwealth of Baker Park National Team to close up shop with a victory over Vakolicci Have & Celeria at the BBP Stadium, the nation that put the only negative blemish on the first half of the campaign.

Baker Park enters the contest on matchday 25 with 62 points at the top of Group 5, a total which also places them atop the unofficial WCQ table, where they lead Vilita, Cassadaigua and Banija by a single point; those three nations have now all completed their second bye week, meaning they will be in action on the final day of the tournament while the Bees are idle. There's no advantage or special recognition that comes with having the highest point total, except pride, but Manager Ichi Tuzzio would like to see his side have bragging rights heading into the Finals.

Elsewhere, there's only one group where no qualifier has been decided, Group 4 where Taeshan, South Covello and Main Nation Ministry will likely go to the final day to sort out which two of them will progress. Several other groups have tight races for their second spot, notably 2, 8 and 12.

Looking ahead to the Finals in Farfadillis & Mriin, it appears almost certain that Baker Park will end up in the second pot for the draw, which will put them in a position of possibly having to face one of the hosts, Vilita or Equestria in the Group stage.

At this point, there are negotiations for at least 3 friendly matches to be played in advance of the Finals, with one confirmed for the BBP Stadium. Rumors abound that the NT will make a visit to the Busoga Islands as one of the matches, although no confirmation could be obtained from officials on either side.

by **Euran Oceania Territories** » Mon Jun 15, 2020 5:17 pm

At the Flynn Arena, the last of the stadium's bright floodlights lining the rim of the oval shaped steel roof was still beaming bright, dimly lighting the pitch now all the other lamps had gone cold. Skorji Oslograd strolled along the edge of the penalty box towards the east end of the stadium, tutting at the sight of the running track that circled the pitch and inner advertising hoardings. Like most footballers he'd always hated that feature of multipurpose stadiums. He also hated the performance his side had put in here against Audioslavia. It had lacked passion, lacked oopmh - had they learned nothing of The Way? Now he was left to pick up the pieces after a heartbreaking, edgy 2-1 defeat. Sure, the media would call it an unlucky one and a great effort "by the lads", but the scoreline didn't lie and neither did the group table. The steadily increasing feeling of failure creeping upon his mind was unwavering.

Skorji believed that every time the Expats lost on this sacred ground of Euran football they were desecrating the motherland's footballing heritage. Sure, EOT had made it their own, yet you couldn't shake the feeling that this was as much a Euran ground as Bastion now, and with it came a lot of expectation. The blue and gold seats, the blue and gold kits, the flag of the all three of the Territories, Eura proper and the Endemian sphere looming over the ground; the weight of a people's hopes was in danger of becoming overwhelming now that the Expats had been around a few years. The Arena sold out for the visit of the Bulls, but this was the only time that had happened since the visit of Turori. Attendance and enthusiasm were low because the performances didn't merit anything better.

And yet...Skorji still couldn't help himself smiling every time he was alone on the pitch of the Flynn Arena. The memories would come back every time like they had happened yesterday. Marching out in red and gold past the World Cup trophy, with three billion people behind you. It was, despite their stumbling route to the final, a great squad - Belgrave senior, Riley, Robertson, Blackthorn, Spartan, Sinclair, Thomas, and of course Oslograd himself, among others. Polar Islandstates had walked out with them, their iconic blue and white and Tern inspired design as easy to visualise now as it was then. Within a couple of hours Eura had slain the favourites and were champions of the world, and Skorji kissed the trophy in front of every televison camera he could reach. How else could someone like him celebrate? Polar Islandstates. Hmmm. As the last light in the stadium went out, another went on in Skorji's head. He couldn't get his side to play like Eura. So why not get them to play like the team that almost bested them, Skorji's ancestral homeland, and the champions of the World Cup that followed his own triumph?

He turned to see an old friend facing him. 'Lee.'
'Skorji.' You wouldn't have guessed diminutive man in his sixties stood a few feet away, inexplicably still with a baby face of sorts, was the greatest striker in Euran history. Lee Sharp had played 289 games and scored 183 goals. The latter was a record that no-one was ever going to catch, not even Skorji himself got close. 'Did you enjoy the slaughter I just had to suffer through?'
'You only lost 2-1. Yeah though, it was a good watch. Conflicting loyalties of course! I'm sorry your boys didn't quite get over the line. They're getting better.'
'Bah, nonsense. They're fools. Imbeciles! I can't seem to get them to work within my system as desired. I need to do something about it.'
'Maybe the next chapter in that blog of yours can sort it all out.'
'Oh, do shut up!'
'Hah! Never change Skorji. We getting that drink with the team or what?' Skorji grumbled a bit before accepting. 'I suppose they could all use a bit of R&R. First things first though...do you have a phone number for Moses Luc Bjerregaard?"

World Cup 85 || RP Thread

WC85 Part 6

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