World Cup 86: Roleplay Thread

[Brenecia]

Brenecia 1 - 0 Gyatso-Kai
(4-3-3) 1 - Wright; 2 - Bravender, 5 - Leadbetter, 6 - Ford, 19 - Roscommon (3 - Prentice 78'); 8 - Matheson (c), 4 - Townsend (23 - Ondrejko 64'), 13 - Deal; 7 - Cheney (15 - Waters 78'), 9 - White, 16 - Fletcher
Goal: White 16'

Lo Santano 1 - 3 Brenecia
(4-3-3) 1 - Wright; 2 - Bravender, 6 - Ford, 22 - Giltanan, 19 - Roscommon (vc); 8 - Matheson (c, 21 - Parrish 77'), 23 - Ondrejko, 14 - Caitiff (13 - Deal 62'); 7 - Cheney, 9 - White (10 - Ciogach 68'), 11 - Pace
Goals: Pace 23', White 42', Deal 75'

THE ROZELLE OBSERVER
When did Brenecians stop going to the Premiership?
Diarmuid Henderson

Baptism of Fire 51, the debut of Nephara, saw 23 Premiership players take part. Baptism of Fire 52, the significantly less successful debut of Brenecia, saw another eight.

From the very beginning, then, going west has generally been a mark of success for a Brenecian player. Back then, it was simply a slightly faster and stronger brutalist hell-pit than what was then the Brenecian First Division. Today, the gulf between the leagues has only grown.

Unlike then, the Brenecian league is one of the finest in the world, but is perhaps in the second tier. The A-League contains brilliant and renowned internationals. Northern Union are a legitimate international powerhouse who have carved out much of the Brenecian coefficient by their own; for the best in the world, Union and to a lesser extent Kingsgrove and Rozelle are legitimate options.

But look further down the list; midtable sides like Marque and Falkner United would be relegation battlers in the modern big three. Weak sides like Orient would be eaten alive. A-League players run at Premiership pace... but for thirty matches, not a gruelling forty-six. Tactics are solid, but lack the element of strategic mastery that is the Gold League baseline. Brenecian off-field drama is more B-list than the truly blockbuster National League.

While many players have stepped up from the A-League to one of the big three, it isn't uncommon for even a dominant player to become a dismal failure. Tiferet Ashbrown crashed and burned in Usmer, and fell back gracefully to earth at Rozelle - one of Gold League's worst side's to one of the A-League's best. Ross Hearkener was a similar story.

Nevertheless, Euran sides still buy Brenecian, and most of the success stories wind up with a Brenecia cap. Finn Leadbetter is one who stuck the landing direct from the A-League, whose promise shone early enough he could just continue to iterate; it's the trajectory Casey Giltanan aims to follow. Over half the most recent squad plays in Eura. Just one each plays in Valanora, Audioslavia and, significantly, Nephara.

Linoan Waters arguably shouldn't count at all. She is a Marcher, raised if not born, moving there at the age of three; her international appearances remain the only times she sets foot in her birthplace. This is not at all to question her legitimacy, or her efficacy, or her dedication, as she has consistently impressed this campaign... but Brookford are her local club, not representative of a move for A-League talent.

What changed? It doesn't take a political scientist to figure out that the friction between the countries played a part. Ill-feeling between the nations reached its post-independence peak during Prime Minister Ward's regime, and there was a brief time where war appeared to be on the table. Being in the home of the enemy probably was not terribly appealing; nor was recruiting them.

It is notable as well that fewer Nepharim have travelled east lately, with Gareth Krane and fringe international Eloise Kielseng the most notable exceptions. Krane has spoken eloquently and at length as to the regular abuse from the stands he suffered, even as, in his words, "a 6'7" juggernaut who could snap their necks with a thought."

Feelings remain high. Just look at Westpike; one side affixing the Nepharan-seeming AFC to the front to lean into a long-standing connection, the other changing from Westpike United to Royal Westpike to nail its own colours to the mast. In the capital, Kingsgrove, the Royals, in purple, have predictably always been a proud royal club. Rozelle Archers hope to challenge them, in green livery and with the Nepharan associations the longbow holds.

In any case, the national team loses. International sides have always thrived when blending together different traditions from across the world. Ash Twining, Diandra Kilbane and Cheney Scherzer were once key players at Crisisbless; Sam Allbeck remains arguably the iconic Treason rightback. As a relegation-battling Brookford winger displaces one from high-flying North Hall, think of what connections like that would mean today?

BRENECIAN NATIONAL TEAM SELECTION - FORTNIGHT 8
Goalkeepers: 1 - Scathach Wright (Raynor City United, VAL), 12 - Anthea Finnan (Brigham, EUR), 20 - Opal Cairncross (Marketville, EUR)
Defenders: 2 - Clovette Bravender (Ulsa, EUR), 3 - Morwen Prentice (Farrenton Athletic, EUR), 5 - Finn Leadbetter (Holdenberg, EUR), 6 - Leona Ford (Falkner United), 18 - Sorcha Lonergan (Northern Union), 19 - Triss Roscommon (Revolutionaries, EUR), 22 - Casey Giltanan (Workers Union, EUR)
Midfielders: 4 - Finn Townsend (North Hall), 8 - Elysse Matheson (Hornchurch, EUR, c), 13 - Cheney Deal (Northern Stallions), 14 - Esther Caitiff (Southern Star), 21 - Dreigiau Parrish (Kingsgrove), 23 - Tethys Ondrejko (Twin Saints)
Forwards: 7 - Lauren Cheney (Spartangrad, EUR), 9 - Mhacha White (Farrenton Athletic, EUR), 10 - Kara Ciogach (Lajuno, EUR), 11 - Tricia Pace (Northern Union), 15 - Linoan Waters (Brookford Otters, NPH), 16 - Ceridwen Fletcher (Holdenberg, EUR), 17 - Creidne Lindauer (Cazadores Cathair, AUD)

SCHEDULE
Nethertopia 1 - 4 Brenecia
Brenecia 1 - 0 Darkmania
Hampton Island 1 - 1 Brenecia
Brenecia 1 - 1 Lisander
Gyatso-Kai 2 - 3 Brenecia
Brenecia 4 - 1 Lo Santano
Pemecutan 4 - 5 Brenecia
Brenecia 1 - 0 Ethane
The Fortem 2 - 5 Brenecia
Brenecia 1 - 0 Nethertopia
Darkmania 3 - 6 Brenecia
Brenecia 0 - 2 Hampton Island
Lisander 2 - 5 Brenecia
Brenecia 1 - 0 Gyatso-Kai
Lo Santano 1 - 3 Brenecia
Brenecia vs. Pemecutan
Ethane vs. Brenecia
Brenecia vs. The Fortem

[Trolleborg]

Greetings, compatriots! It's TTV and our newsreel about recent exploits of our national team is ready!

ZSEPARATISTS – TROLLEBORG 1:2.

In this tournament this is the second time our team meets very unusual situation when going to the away game. The home team each time declares three stadiums as their home turf, and always uses the one with no stands at all. This arena is, simply speaking, a box, located in a sparsely populated area, fenced off on three sides with office building on the fourth. We used such sites for training matches. It looks like this:

As far as can be judged, this move has not brought any real advantages to the hosts yet, but they continue to insist on their own.

However, our guys had already been here last year, and were mentally ready - like everyone who had a big, difficult, but necessary job that evening. For those who missed interviews with responsible people on the eve of the game and the broadcast of the match itself, let us explain: the builders from Trolleborg arrive here, promptly erected a modular tribune with 5,000 seats next to the field, which accommodated all our fans and a number of locals who had previously gathered to support their own people whilst standing along the fence. Our country truly spares no effort to meet the needs of its citizens!

Before the game, the fans thanked builders by the standing ovation, during the game the builders joined the spectators, and then just as quickly dismantled their creation and returned to the homeland. It is noteworthy that, as the foreman of the builders explained to us, although the task is extremely difficult, there was a great competition among the workers who to go.

Unlike the builders who coped with the job flawlessly, the AI ​​responsible for the broadcasts again making some weird decisions and conclusions. Probably believing that international games could not take place in such a stadium he add the stands and spectators to the landscape, images of which, apparently, he borrowed from the game “World Cup 84”. We at TTV think it's time for him to go on vacation, because he seems to have out of mind sometimes, or at least he should be taken through refresher courses.

In the last qualifying tournament, ZSeps took away four points from our guys, bringing both matches to a draw, 4:4 in the first match of the tournament here, and 3:3 in Trolleborg. The rosters both for us and for them remained the same, and our guys expressed their intention, having won the first round match in this tournament, that it would be desirable to take revenge on the opponents' field. Since WCQ85 time, the home team have taken the habit of playing even more aggressively and closer to other people's goal, but this has not yet brought them great success.

During the game, our guys constantly controlled the ball, but they did not just roll it across the field, but were constantly looking for ways to develop an attack, periodically turning on high speeds. And soon the scoring was opened – lads gave the opponents a little time to come to their senses and move the game closer to the center of the field, then rushed to the attack. Severin prove himself not greedy, gave a pass forward to his colleague who was in a better position and then Heggheim did everything as in training.

But in the future, however, the defenders no longer allowed such liberties, they began to play much harder and more attentively, although still there were moments for our lads, and Troll shot from afar dangerously – but right into the post.

The second half began with the hosts 'attempts to level the score, mostly not very successful, our defenders played well this time, but the ZSeps nevertheless achieved their goal, after a sudden long-range strike our goalkeeper managed just to throw the ball in the field, but the hosts' forward arrived here first - 1:1.

Strictly speaking, there was little game logic in this goal, and, fortunately, unlike some other games of our team, the lads got together and proved their advantage in practice. After just two minutes, Troll, as it turned out, decided the outcome of the fight, catching the ball that flew out of the penalty area and without hesitation sent it straight to the far corner.

And in the future our guys had chances to increase the score, but nevertheless the match ended with a minimal advantage of the Trolleborg national team.

SPRINGMONT – TROLLEBORG 1:2.

The home team is an dangerous rival for anyone, and although the standings in this qualifying cycle do not seem to prove this, nevertheless, Springmont was quite capable of overcoming many opponents on the home turf. Out of all visiting teams, Kita-Honde was the only one who win away game in this qualifier at Springmont. This, apparently, was taken into account by our head coach, who released the best players on the field and, moreover, clearly orienting them towards a defensive formation. Mainly due to a series of unsuccessful matches at the beginning of the first round, the hosts were unable to climb above the middle of the standings, but their ambitious team clearly cherished the hope of creating problems for everyone.

In the first minutes, the teams exchanged attacks, the game went on at one gate, then at another, although it cannot be said that the players created really serious scoring chances. On the 20th minute, our defenders and midfielders did not coordinate their actions in the center of the field, lost the ball, this was followed by a quick counterattack, a forward pass and Waldo Miguel Stanley, not getting close, shot strongly and accurately from the penalty box line.

Even before the break, the guests could even the score, and maybe come out ahead, but they were not lucky. Nevertheless, the constant pressure of Trolleborg players made hosts nervous, and gradually the game moved more and more towards their goal. Nevertheless, for quite a long time our guys could not derive any real benefit from their advantage. A chance helped, already in the second half: Levenkrands, after an unsuccessful attempt to get to the gate along the line, managed nevertheless to keep the ball, moved closer to the center and shot from afar. A light ricochet prevented the goalkeeper from reacting in time - and the score was even.

And almost immediately, our guys showed a sample of truly Trolleborg football - a sweeping beautiful attack: Groningen take a possession of the ball and passed it across a good half of the field to the flank, and from there Levenkrands beautifully threw it into the box. Kerr skillfully got rid of defenders who focused on the threat from the flank and then he had only to not miss the pass, and he did not missed his chance.

In six minutes, the game turned upside down, fortunately, to our advantage. And no less fortunately that the hosts were not able to recover from such unfair blows of fate. Although they did much to secure a draw, Trolleborg with no less reason could have anticipated to consolidate his advantage.

But it all ended exactly like this: 2:1. But, as summarized by FA President Torben Mortensen, “the cost of a mistake is now very high, and no matter how much we yearn for great success from our team, we shouldn't put pressure on the players' nerves with our expectations”.

[PotatoFarmers]

This RP is split into 2 parts for comparison, do refer to the TGI RP as provided in the links below for the 1st half of this RP Story.

Previous RP (TGI - Ch 2 Part 13)
Previous RP (Poafmersia - Ch 2 Part 14)
Part 15a (TGI)

RP Series: Getting to the top
Chapter 2: A tale of 2 nations
Part 15b: Work Attitude

2 draws. Two hard-earned draws, but the results really put our Red Panjias behind the Bulls once again. For the coaches, they were scratching their head trying to figure out how to close the results for a win, as the players put in extra hours to practice in order to ensure that they deliver all 9 points for the remaining 3 games.
With the main players rested for some of the matches to allow for maximum performance against Delaclava and Juvencus, two really tricky performances, the remaining players put in their 110% performance to ensure that they would remain a regular presence in the national team. Players like Makana Tuft, Aubrey Mayer, Simone Gori, Ariel Casey, Donk Mason, all have put in really brilliant performances. The match against Silver Commonwealth wasn't the Red Panjias at their tip-top condition, but the work attitude could be clearly seen. At home to a full stadium with the Poafmers cheering the home side, as well as a small group of away fans here to stir the atmosphere, Poafmersia played under lots of pressure. They presented a really nice style of free-flowing football that got the fans wooing and wahing, but fell prey to the opposition's offside traps and sneaky plays. Of course, fair play to Silver Commonwealth. They managed to take the lead first and force Poafmersia to go forward, and defend well to prevent Poafmersia from getting the winner.
Against Euran Oceania Territories, the opposition really played tough. They took the playbook that they used to draw Audioslavia, and then modified it against us. The combination of fast flowing football, and the clash between home and away fans has made the game a thriller to watch, with both sides playing ping pong. Poafmersia was really careless in conceding the equaliser through a corner, but for the majority of the match, the players had took hold of every chance given to them and tried to score goals. Defence was erratic, but it didn't matter when you could score on the other side and maintained the tempo of the game in your favour. The players ran a combined 127km throughout the whole 90 minutes, breaking their previous record of 105km. Joel Haodao led the way with 14.58km, a personal record, while Nero Wood was a close second with 14.2km. A real ridiculous effort from the entire team, and that was the reason why Adnan and Katiri was consoling the players when they couldn't get the winner and had to settle for a point. Thankfully, Poafmersia was only 2 points behind.
It was Shakira, who was a substitute in the match against Euran Oceania Territories and skipped the match against Silver Commonwealth, that put forth the players' feelings really nicely. "We aren't the most talented group of players, but everyone really put in lots of effort to ensure that we get the results we need. It is therefore really disappoining for us to get draws after draws - first against Southwest Eastnorth, then against Silver Commonwealth, and now, Euran Oceania Territories. We now need to hope Audioslavia drops points in their remaining 3 matches, hopefully against The Holy Empire, and then we get everything from this point, so that we are able to squeeze into the playoffs at the very least. Really grateful to all the fans' support this far, and hopefully, you will accompany us on this last lap so that we can obtain our ticket to Newmainstan and Drawkland."

---

Silver Commonwealth 2
Mauro Garcia 15'; 64'

Poafmersia 3
Makana Tuft 35' (Assist by Daas Taisg), 70' (Assist by Daas Taisg)

Starting 11: Sandi Jaliaha; Pasits Rikachz, Danzik Hoboson (c), Simone Gori; Emma Conner, Donk Mason, Daas Taisg, Josef Gentry; Joel Haodao, Makana Tuft, Pete Carisa
Substitutes: Nero Wood (Mason 60'); Alex Hoboson (Gori 78'); Hansel Tang (Haodao 86')

Poafmersia 4
Aubrey Mayer 14' (Assisted by Makana Tuft); Joel Haodao 44' (Assisted by Donk Mason), 69'; Makana Tuft 58' (Assisted by Nero Wood)

Euran Oceania Territories 4
Pierre-Louis Le Tonnelier 28', 50'; Peter Chadwick 35'; Freddie Law 81'

Starting 11: Sandi Jaliaha; Ariel Casey, Pasits Rikachz, Danzik Hoboson (c), Natalia Abbott; Donk Mason, Woden Sweet, Nero Wood; Joel Haodao, Makana Tuft, Aubrey Mayer
Substitutes: Monesty Erdos (Mayer 70'); Shakira Handris (Tuft 76')

Starting 11 against Delaclava & Juvencus - Sandi Jaliaha; Alex Pickford; Alex Hoboson, Danzik Hoboson (c), Denise Pickford; Daas Taisg, Woden Sweet, Gisiik Moonar; Joel Haodao, Shakira Handris, Pete Carisa

[Siovanija and Teusland]

Stelburger Zeitung

National Report

Meier, NDU Remain in Power after Decisive Chancellery Election

“We have received the confidence of the people of this great country, to move forwards and keep making life better for the average Siovanijan and the average Teus. Thank you for your support, and we look forward to the next chapter of our history. Thank you,” declared Chancellor Dominik Meier at his party’s headquarters in Stelburg after the National Democratic Union won a decisive election in the National Chancellery.

Chancellor Meier’s first four-year term came to an end this year, and it was filled with both major achievements as well as key geopolitical issues. Supporters of the government pointed to the strength of Siovanija & Teusland’s economy, its increased standing on the regional and world stage thanks to new alliances, and the developments of infrastructure under the government as their main points. Opponents of the government suggested that the government’s handling of the Banija-Farfadillis Nuclear Incident was weak, and in Teusland pointed to their lack of support for religious freedom in Siovanija.

Going into the campaign, it was expected that the NDU would have little problem returning to power. It is always difficult to defeat a government that is mostly popular and has a strong record in its first term, even more so when the opposition parties are not presenting the most unified front. The campaign was looking to be mostly straightforward until the release of the Joint Inquiry on the Banija-Farfadillis Nuclear Incident by the government. The report, which detailed the involvement of a foreign power, eased concerns in the country about the issue. It was quite clear that the attack was not directed at the United Republics in any way, that it was more of a ‘crime of opportunity,’ and therefore the criticisms of the government’s response began to dissipate.

By election night, the only real question was how big the majority would be. Each of the government’s coalition partners, the Christian Union, Free Liberal Party and Teusland List had announced before the election that they would once again enter a coalition with the NDU. While that is not surprising for the Christian Union, which has long had an association with the NDU, many in the Free Liberal Party worry about what it means for the future of their party. The FLP has traditionally served as a balance, willing to work with both the centre-left and centre-right parties. There are concerns from some older members about how aligning with the NDU for the past 4 elections will affect their future. For the Teusland List, the opportunity to remain in government and hold one ministerial portfolio is certainly a welcome opportunity.

On the opposition side, however, there was some concern. The Labour Party has traditionally served as the main centre-left party in this country, and have formed government more than any other party except the NDU. However, there is a concern in the party’s young base that the party is doing too much to try and attract voters in Teusland instead of its heartland in Siovanija. The dichotomy of politics in the United Republics has always remained quite similar. Teusland is mostly a more conservative region, especially in the south, except for the city of St. Jakob and surrounding areas. Siovanija is a more liberal region, except for the area around Pomorie/Marzig. For some in the Labour Party, pandering to Teus voters means abandoning their principles. This has made the Republican Party, a democratic socialist party in the tradition of Anton Dialikov (a leader of the Siovanijan Revolution in 1808), much more appealing to many in Siovanija. The Republicans have been able to outflank Labour on the left, and are also picking up votes from supporters of the minor left-wing parties, who recognize that the Republicans can represent their ideals better.

At 9pm, the voting booths closed and counts began. An estimated 87.5% of eligible voters cast a ballot in this election, slightly higher than the previous election four years ago. It wasn’t too long before the national media were able to declare the National Democratic Union as winners. Let’s take a look at the results across the republic. A quick primer on elections in this country for foreign observers. Since Teusland has a higher population than Siovanija, a constitutional agreement for fair representation ensures that one side does not dominate the other. Each republic is allocated 200 seats each. Each republic then grants each of its 8 states 25 seats total. The seat allocation for each state is determined based on popular vote. A new rule means that a party must win 5% of the vote or more to earn a seat - which was designed to eliminate the influence radical parties could have. Therefore, there are 25 seats to win in the state of Stelburg, 200 in the Republic of Teusland, and 400 total in the National Chancellery of the United Republics.

In Teusland, the NDU captured 66/200 seats, a gain of 6 seats from the previous election. The party won outright majorities in the states of Stelburg, the Nordflachland, the Vestmark, Ost-Marlebucht and the Oberdrai. In addition, they were even with the Labour Party in Neuteussen. The NDU can be happy with their performance across Teusland, especially picking up seats in the Vestmark which normally swings between them and the Christian Union. Speaking of the CU, it was a brilliant night for them. They won 57 seats in Teusland - a gain of 11 from last time. Their strongholds of Kaiser-Wilhelms-Land and the Sudwesterland came through, but the party managed to gain a great deal of seats in Stelburg and the Oberdrai. Some of this added support may come from the very popular Chancellor of Teusland, who is a member of the CU. On the left, the Labour Party struggled - going down to 19 seats, a loss of 14 from last time. Many of these voters were swing voters last election who had opposed Chancellor Meier’s foreign policy plan, and now swung back over to the centre after seeing its success. This meant that the Free Liberal Party made major gains in Teusland, up to 26 seats. Other things to note in Teusland include the Teusland List gaining 5 seats, and the List 19. Juni also winning 5 seats. Both are minor parties, however, the List 19. Juni’s success in making inroads cannot be ignored: the party’s platform calls for the restoration of the Teus imperial monarchy.

In Siovanija, the NDU captured 57/200 seats. This was a drop of 2 from the last election, but the party still made a net gain of 4 seats. The major thing to note was the party’s drop of support in Srednja: they went from 15 seats last time around to 10 this time. This was attributed to many residents of the area opposing the tax increase by the NDU state government in order to help fund the new motorway through the mountains in the region. Many in Srednja saw the project as something cooked up in Stelburg and Borograd, and felt they were already properly serviced by the current tunnels. A big gain for the party was in the Korjava, however, where the NDU carried the region totally. The Christian Union picked up 2 seats, and the Teusland List and List 19. Juni picked up one each - all of those wins were made in the Korjava region where the population is split ethnically about 50/50 between Siovanijans and Teus.

On the left, things stayed pretty much the same as last time, with one key exception: voters from the Social Union and Green Party flocked to the Republican Party in numbers, seeing them as the main option on the national level. The Republicans made an overall gain of 7 seats in Siovanija on the night, giving them 49/200 seats in Siovanija and 62 total - their highest number ever. The Labour Party also made some gains in Siovanija, ensuring that claims of their demise are certainly much too early. The party gained many Free Liberal Party voters who were unhappy with that party’s decision to support the government unconditionally, and Labour picked up 55 seats, a gain of 5 from last time.

The new ‘5% Rule’ worked exactly as intended, as both the communist Workers’ Party and fascist National Salvation Union were kept out of the Chancellery. The NSU has traditionally been able to pick up 1 seat in the Korjava by appealing to the most radical Teus nationalists in the region, while the Workers’ Party usually picked up 2-3 seats in Siovanija and 1 in Teusland. The Workers’ Party came close to earning one seat in Velika Jezera, the home of the mainly left-wing city of Vlaikograd, and they’ll likely be focusing their efforts in that region next time to secure national funding.

By the morning after the election, the political landscape remained mostly the same with some changes. The NDU coalition announced that it intended to remain in power, as expected. The biggest news, however, was Labour Party leader Erik Koller announcing his retirement from politics. Labour will thus be looking for a new leader, and it’s interesting to see where they will go from here. With 4 years until the next election they have plenty of time to decide their path: work at gaining more voters in Teusland to chip away at the NDU, or try to outmaneuver the Republicans in Siovanija to consolidate their base. Many in the party have different opinions, and the leadership election is sure to be interesting.

Here is the final tally of seats won last night. In brackets is that party’s gain or loss since the previous election. Parties in bold are part of the governing coalition.

National Democratic Union: 123 (+4)
Labour Party: 74 (-9)
Republican Party: 62 (+6)
Christian Union: 59 (+11)
Free Liberal Party: 46 (+3)
Green Party: 13 (-6)
Social Union: 11 (-4)
Teusland List: 6 (+1)
List 19. Juni: 6 (0)
Workers’ Party: 0 (-4)
National Salvation Union: 0 (-2)

The governing coalition will have 238/400 deputies in the National Chancellery, giving them a strong majority. The List 19. Juni are likely to vote with the government on most bills as well, making the government’s position stronger. The Stelburger Zeitung will continue to bring full coverage of the national government, as Dominik Meier begins his second term in office.

Siovanija & Teusland 3-5 Valladares, @ Nationalstadion, Stelburg, Teusland

Starting XI: Heuser; Richter (Steimle 74’), Jager, Niedermayer (Thierse 90’), Vesele; Kramer, Bahr (Kynev 74’), Bliznakov; Kogler, Tauscher, Ribbeck
Goals: Thorsten Kramer 16’, Michael Ribbeck 66’, Krasimir Kynev 79’
Man of the Match: Thorsten Kramer

The Holy junta 0-3 Siovanija & Teusland, @ The Holy junta

Starting XI: Sveteikov; Steimle, Thierse, Maksimov (Niedermayer 65’), Spitz; Kramer (Bahr 77’), Mihailov, Werner; Kokalj, Gaspersie (Tauscher 65’), Ilev
Goals: Sinisa Gaspersie 4’, Julian Werner 27’, Lojze Kokalj 70’
Man of the Match: Lojze Kokalj

Siovanija & Teusland National Football Team
Squad Selection - Qualifiers 16 and 17
Home against NorraLesse, away to Gopnikea

GK - Ewald Heuser, Anatoli Sveteikov, Dennis Eulenberg
LB - Edgar Steimle, Axel Richter
CB - Raphael Klopfer, Karl-Heinz Jager, Erich Thierse, Tristan Niedermayer
RB - Darijen Vesele, Lyubomir Dimitrov
CM - Thorsten Kramer, Todor Mihailov, Heinrich Bahr
LW - Mario Kogler, Lojze Kokalj
CAM - Leopold Bliznakov, VIktor Dimitrov
RW - Lukas Tauscher, Ivo Romanov
CF - Michael Ribbeck, Stanimir Ilev, Krasimir Kynev

Expected Starting XI vs NorraLesse: Heuser; Steimle, Klopfer, Niedermayer, L. Dimitrov; Kramer, Bahr, V. Dimitrov; Kokalj, Romanov, Ilev

Expected Starting XI vs Gopnikea: Sveteikov; Richter, Jager, Thierse, Vesele; Kramer, Mihailov, Bliznakov; Kogler, Tauscher, Ribbeck

[Savojarna]

SavojarSports.sj - inside reports from all Savojarna
Three to go: Can Savojarna qualify ahead of time?

By Jaukka Halanen

World Cup 86 Qualification - Group 18
Calendar:
Week 1: Savojarna 5-2 West Angola / Savojarna 2-1 Busoga Islands
Week 2: Twicetagria 0-0 Savojarna / Savojarna 5-3 Orion Islands
Week 3: Baker Park 3-2 Savojarna / Savojarna 5-2 TOTEL
Week 4: Cheergirls 0-1 Savojarna / Savojarna 1-0 Mercedini
Week 5: Murphtannia 0-2 Savojarna
Week 6: West Angola 2-4 Savojarna / Busoga Islands 0-1 Savojarna
Week 7: Savojarna 1-0 Twicetagria / Orion Islands 1-5 Savojarna
Week 8: Savojarna 1-3 Baker Park / TOTEL 0-1 Savojarna
Week 9: Savojarna vs. Cheergirls / Mercedini vs. Savojarna
Week 10: Savojarna vs. Murphtannia
Standings: 1. Baker Park 37/+30. 2. Savojarna 37/+19. 3. Mercedini 32/+12.
4. Twicetagria 24/+1. 5. Cheergirls 22/0. 6. Orion Islands 17/-8. 7. Murphtannia
15/-6. 8. Busoga Islands 15/-7. 9. West Angola 7/-18. 10. TOTEL 5/-23.

Thanks to the playoff system used for this World Cup, Savojarna are not quite on a match point yet - but well on their way; a set point if you will. Following a victory over TOTEL four weeks ago, courtesy of Simon Jacobsen’s second half goal, Savojarna are now on track to almost close out the deal. There is a first shot on Thursday at home against Cheergirls, however, it would require not only a victory, but also a bit of help, namely at least a draw for Murphtannia in their home game against rivals Mercedini. Regardless of the result of said game, Savojarna can secure the second place in the group as long as they beat their last rivals in Zoloroni on Sunday. Any win over Mercedini there would guarantee at least five points difference, not enough to be made up on the final matchday; even if Savojarna lose to Cheergirls and Mercedini take the full three points from Murphtannia.

However, that may not be enough to book flights to Drawkland or Newmanistan yet. The Savojars also require some help by Baker Park’s last three opponents, a playoff win, or a placement among the best six runners-up. Looking at the first option, we see those opponents are Twicetagria away, Orion Islands at home, and finally West Angola away for the Commonwealth. Although the last two should probably be safe bets for Baker Park - the Orion Islands seem to have lost form a bit, whereas West Angola never found theirs to begin with - Twicetagria is a wild card. The only team not named Baker Park to take points off the Northlights so far, their first game in Belle Haven was a close affair, and it could very well be so again. Should the Twicetagrians win or draw, Savojarna could qualify with nine points from the upcoming three games, as BP are tied with the Northlights on points. However, it may be the least likely option.

Playoffs, of course, are a gamble we cannot talk about for now; there are some teams that we would be favoured against (for instance fellow Rushmoris Yuezhou, whom we have beaten at the Copa) and some where we would be heavy underdogs, such as old nemesis Eura. We’ll hold off talking about them for a second, and look at the top six runners-up. Savojarna currently top that table, four points ahead of the seventh team, Eura. Now, we can probably expect that most of those teams will lose one game at most; this would suggest that at least two victories are likely needed to definitely lock in a spot; four or five points may be enough, but it’s not something to bank upon. With eighteen groups in the mix, and some of them having multiple teams in the running, we won’t speculate much; all we have to say is that it’s gonna be a tight finish in any case. Savojarna will need to stay on top of their game all the way to the finish line.

Thankfully, nothing about the way this team presents itself suggests that they may not do so. The Northlights have been spotted yesterday by multiple media in their training centre at the Högvald Football Academy. The observed atmosphere is calm and focused, but relaxed; many players are joking between drills without taking them lightly. They all know what Mikaela Rangren also has confirmed in a post-training interview: Not only the team’s participation at the World Cup is at stake, but at this spot, the coaching team is also starting to make their first set of notes on whom they wish to invite into the pre-WC training camps. Obvious changes will be that Tuomas Lajunen is unlikely to make the cut, as the Libertas striker has barely played so far; the same goes for Lovisa Mortensson. Among the youngsters, hot bets are placed on Milla Viipuri and Otso Ilkkanen as well as Juhamatti Rajala, although the latter seems like an unlikely pick given his similarity to Krister Voynov.

Team play does not suffer from the competition for the World Cup, Rangren said. “Each one of them knows that if they try to put themselves forward at the expenses of their teammates, that is not what I want to see of them and it will be held against them when it comes to a selection for a tournament, if it’s the World Cup or the Cup of Harmony. You don’t want any egos that are bigger than the team. I’m gonna select my team not only based on what happens on the pitch, but also in the locker room - the fact that my team has really been a unit is what has carried us so well in big tournaments like the Copa. That’s just as uniquely Savojar as our famous fighting spirit”, she said. Although coach and players emphasise that it is important to focus on the Cheergirls game, it is noticeable that Zoloroni is on everyone’s mind. Understandable, given that a victory there makes tomorrow’s result largely irrelevant - and yet, nobody wants to miss what may end up being a qualification secured at home with a little bit of help from Murphtannia.

Savojarna line-up for Week 9
vs. Cheergirls (4-2-3-1): Pakanen - Viipuri, Zirkova, Dmitriev, Skov - Ilkkanen, Maersk - Voynov, Lundell, Jashkin - Jacobsen.
Bench: Virulainen, Thorvaldsson, Forsberg, Nurkanen, Andersson, Poulsen, Rajala, Grivoshenko, Jacobsen
vs. Mercedini (4-2-3-1): Pakanen - Pedersen, Zirkova, Forsberg, Skov - Andersson, Maersk - Voynov, Lundell, Jashkin - Jotansson.
Bench: Pakanen, Viipuri, Dmitriev, Nurkanen, Ilkkanen, Poulsen, Rajala, Grivoshenko, Jacobsen

[Southwest Eastnorth]

Jayson Rox named heir to the throne
extracted from a longer article at http://www.swensports.swe

SOUTHWEST EASTNORTH - It's been a very unstable qualifier for the Pioneers/Fronteirsmen, but in the future we may have stability in which we have not seen yet. Jayson Rox whose father Joe was killed in an auto, has been a massive amount of inspiration to the team, for his dedication and fighting spirit in adversity. Though rumors had abounded Jayson was only on the team because of his father, he showed that he had the same coaching skills as his dad and knowing that Umberto Tipoli, "The Last Gateway to Tonissia" was only a stopgap measure for the Pioneers after a dismal first attempt at the Copa Rushmori. Jayson was determined to be the best person for the job as he took over for his dad as a midfielders coach and a reserve midfielder.

Jayson is thrilled at the opportunity and has put out A statement

I am throughly excited at this! They are giving me an opportunity to be the coach for the national team! I will be co-managing the team with Umberto for the next Tourniment and Tipoli is a great mentor and has helped me a bunch during these trying times as of late, but I am ready for this job!

At 23 years old Jayson will likely be the youngest manager/coach for a National teram, if this works out he could be a great assest towards the SWEN Team with a very long term future in SWEN.

DELACLAVA - 1
Erik Hovhannisyan 82' 

SOUTHWEST EASTNORTH - 0

EURA OCEANIC TERRITORIES - 4
Le Tonnelier 19' 44' 
Chnadwick 27' 
Cabel 58' (FK)

SOUTHWEST EASTNORTH - 3
L Bourne 31' 
Houton 71'
R Bourne 90+3

[Abanhfleft]

DISCLAIMER: Gaelic Gamers is an independents sports blogging website created by four cousins with a common liking and passion for sports of all kinds and is in no way or form affiliated with or organized by any official news organization in the Democratic Republic of Abanhfleft. All statements and opinions posted here are our own and not anyone else's.

---

Gaelic Gamers
Presents...

The Football Fallacies
with Graham O'Doherty

COULD'VE BEEN BETTER, BUT IT COULD'VE BEEN WORSE AS WELL

Hello guys, and welcome back to another edition of The Football Fallacies with me, your gay Irishman Graham O'Doherty. I wonder how many times I have basically summed up the recently passed international break with my succinct titles. We've gotten ourselves a mixed bag of results, which is kind of funny given that at this point in the first half of qualifying, we were practically rolling in the wins. Now we've regressed back to the mean, methinks. Or that bitch Margaret is having fun toying with Abanhfleft's collective emotions once again. I knew a few women who loved to toy with emotions just for the fun of it. Haters would say that this is the reason I realized I was gay, but joke's on them; I was gay the day I was born, and these women have been bitches since the day they were born.

Okay, now is not the time and place for that particular rant. That comes later. Speaking of women, this women's team is going to give me all sorts of health complications later down the line. I mean, how does one team go from complete and utter domination in one game and looking like this is the first bloody time they've kicked a bloody football the immediate next game!? Christ above! It's like the whole bloody team is going through a fecking identity crisis! Which would imply that we had an identity to begin with, which we clearly don't.

Anyway, let's for a moment ignore that this team has once again managed to score five goals and think about the fact that technically, we actually scored six goals. Yeah, I know the scoreline was 5-2, but one of Verceola's two goals in that game was actually an own goal. Yeah, go figure. We all thought Abanhfleft's problems with scoring goals in their own net was finally solved, dealt with, but actually no. It's still there, not always visible but always seeking to rear up and strike when we least expect it. Well, to be fair, in the chaos of that packed box no one could really tell what was going on until Fisher Ellery began celebrating, and even then it took VAR to see that it was actually Miranda Sullins' shin that last touched the ball and took it away from its flight path of headed straight for Stephanie Bryan's gloves. And it would've been two own goals to our credit if the replays from different angles hadn't shown that the ball actually hit Karam Ahuja's head fair and square and not Stephanie Winter-Slaughter's as everyone who was watching the broadcast angle thought.

And then from the peaks to the valleys. If Abanhfleft versus Verceola was full of goals and maybe (but not necessarily) excitement then the game against South Covello has absolutely neither. Christ above, have you ever seen such a dire display of negative football? You thought the football played by the Lib Dem Soc States was boring? Turns out it was actually just training for us for when South Covello came around to play. Dear God, given the choice of watching this game again or the home gam against the Lib Dem Socs, I'd rather shove a gun into my mouth. Which, by the way, I am not telling anybody to do. If you have thoughts of eating a gun because of this game, or for any other reason whatsoever, just stop for a moment and think about it. Help is out there. Help is right here. Don't do something you can't undo.

Well, that turned depressing really quick. I honestly don't know where that came from. But seriously; if you're thinking about doing something bad to yourself, just don't. Talk to someone else, play a game, do anything apart from that. Except maybe watch South Covello versus Abanhfleft. That's just tempting fate, that is. And that's about all that I have to say about the whole matter. Three more games left, and our position as best of the rest in Group 17 is still not yet set in stone. That's still three opportunities for us to muck this whole thing up. Don't @ me, you and I both know this has happened before. And it could still happen again. XOXO from Graham....

    ABANHFLEFT 5 - 2 VERCEOLA
    LINER (2')       SULLINS (86' og)
McGINNIS (10')       AHUJA (90+2')
   BRITT (18')
   RUSEV (23')
    ERIN (40')

SOUTH COVELLO 0 - 0 ABANHFLEFT
█

[Xanneria]

Tired Maroons battle off foe.
excerpt from http://www.xtrasports.xan/nationalteam.htm

FREE REPUBLIC OF HONG KONG - It was possibly one of the most tiring experiences of coach Myrone Rhules coaching career. At 40 he has seen a lot in a little time and according to him this one may "take the cake". As the 90th minute struck at Hong Kong the rains were already coming in. a 1-0 game is not a common score in Xannerian football, but due to rules of unlimited substitution*, some times a team will play keep away to prevent another team from bring their star player back in. THis was not the case in Hong Kong, the game was played at 7:00pm local and it was already "Blue Hour" with miserable lighting conditions even with the state of the art stadium in FRHK. It was clear weather was moving in, but the worse was to come. THe winds were stirring and in fact the only goal of the game was in the first 10 minutes when fairly unknown reserve player Josh Sutton, a replacement for the banged up, Jox Alirome sniped a ball with a beautiful curve to the opposite side of the net. Sutton a member of the Pearlham SC Revolutionaries,scored his first international goal, and had this to say

I honest to god, meant to aim top left, but the wind took it so far to the right the GK had no choice but to miss!

As the game delved on it was clear the weather would be a factor, the home stadium started off so full of fans, but eventually it was visible to the TV Cameras that many spectators had left. Many knew something bad was happening and went home to huddle in for the night. The pitch also suffered, by the end of the game the ball was randomly just stopping mid pass as it would hit a puddle of fairly ominous depth. For some reason the game kept on though it was so bad that though there should have been extra time, both team wanted out FRHK already had their upset, and Xanneria had their lead so at 90 minutes both team decided the didn't want to risk it any more as the game was a waterlogged monsoon mess!

Worst yet, by time the Maroons got out of the showers there were no interviews, by either nation, in the stadium. It was clear this game was bing played in, not a monsoon, but a real honest to god cyclone (Hurricane for you Xannerians out there). The Bus ride seemed to take forever and Devon Laymore told this story to me at the lounge

Man, I looked out the side of the bus and in this rainstorm I saw one of those "tuk tuks" parked on the street and a giant paine of glass fell on it. I think it was unoccupied. man that was scary!

Once the team finally reached their hotel three hours later, news flew in that the charter jet they were take back home to Xanneria had been delayed. A crash involving a flight into the airport they were to fly out of had shut down the airport as an accident in which a plane had attempted to land on the airport in the Cyclone but lost control at the last second had left the giant carcass of a tri-jet lying in the runway. Thankfully from what we heard there were minimal fatalities but between that incident and the cyclone the airport would be shut down for 48 hours till cleanup could be done. It wasn't all bad though I was able to talk to coach Rhule and Devon Laymore some at the lounge in the "Maggie Chow Hotel", Coach Rhule told me that as a kid he had originally wanted to be a lounge singer, but once he found out he was talented in football, he changed his mind. I'm also hearing rumor from paparazzi types Rhule may have found a new girl from Electrum, that he may have met at the Bar in the Lounge at the "Maggie Chow Hotel". I dunno, here's the picture they sent me, does she look like she's from Electrum to you?

I think the most damning thing about this photo is Coach Rhule driving and calling someone on his cellphone.

*OOC: think basketball substitution rules

GOATHINA ISLES - 0

XANNERIA - 0

FR HONK KONG - 0

XANNERIA - 0
Sutton 9'

[South Newlandia]

A traveller’s guide to South Newlandia

Let’s talk politics

Of course, like (almost) every country, South Newlandia has a political system and a government. While that is probably not going to be a big concern for you, it is a good idea to have a rough idea of South Newlandias politics. In general, almost all South Newlandians are regular voters, and really care about politics, but they often aren’t die-hard party supporters. The big majority of South Newlandian voters do not consider their voting history, and instead consider all parties for voting. This can lead to massive shifts in the government occasionally, but isn’t regarded as a big problem. Elections in South Newlandia are free, equal, secret and open to all South Newlandians over 16 years including people abroad or people that only recently started living in South Newlandia. The only requirements to running for an election are South Newlandian citizenship and being at least 16 years old. Everyone has one vote for one party, but with access to the lists of candidates of each party; those are published ahead of the election. The most interesting fact about South Newlandian elections is that nation-wide, regional and communal elections all happen over the same week, which is made an official holiday for all South Newlandians, typically in autumn. While you might think that this leads to extremely hard-fought election-campaigns, this isn’t often the case. In fact, most foreigners will barely notice a massive election is coming up. It simply is not easy to convince a South Newlandian with a flyer.
For the sake of this guide, we will not go too deep into detail for the communal elections, except for saying that most majors are not affiliated with any party at all. The South Newlandian national government is much more important. Consisting of 250 seats, they are divided based on the current census between the ten South Newlandian regions according to their population size. The biggest region, Elephant Valley, with more than half a million people allowed to vote, gets 37 seats, while the Far North, smallest region with only about 180.000 possible voters, receives 13 seats. The results of the election in each region are added up, and the seats of that region distributed among all parties running. For example, if your party wins 33% of the vote in Southwest (21 total seats), your party will then win seven of the seats for the Southwest. This can vary slightly, depending on how many votes were invalid or for very small parties, or just because of the percentages ending up slightly weird, but your party will very likely never gain more than one additional seat in this scenario. Once all the 250 seats are distributed, two or more parties (it could also be just one, but this has never happened in South Newlandia) that together have at least 126 seats will form a coalition, which can then be voted in by the 250 representatives with a simple majority. This coalition will be the one in charge, while the remaining parties will be the opposition for the next four years. The parties in charge can then appoint ministers, and decide the chancellor for the four-year-term. It gets slightly more complicated than that, but for the sake of this guide, this is close enough. It is common in South Newlandia that parties aren’t fixed into the coalition, and can also work together for laws with different parties, as long as they can find a majority for them. Laws can be adopted and repealed with a simple majority, while changes, additions or repeals to the South Newlandian basic law, the basic rights of each South Newlandian, require 167 (two thirds) of the votes. Additionally, there is a house of regional representatives, consisting of six representatives from each region’s regionally elected government, which can veto new rights and can also take the initiative for new laws themselves. But enough about that, let us talk about the South Newlandian parties.

The biggest South Newlandian party is the Centrist Union, or CU, commonly shown in Light Blue in graphics. Keep in mind that for all parties, the classifications (left/right, liberal/conservative) are based on South Newlandian standards. As a foreigner, you might think that all of the parties are more or less left-wing, and that is your right, of course. South Newlandians think differently. Anyways, the Centrist Union has been in charge for most of the recent decades, and regularly wins about a hundred seats, and then forms a coalition with one of the other parties. They have been mostly responsible of South Newlandias market politics, successfully making a heavily regulated capitalist system thrive. They are known to be the uniting force in the South Newlandian parliament, and every other party can typically find something to agree with the CU. They are not currently pushing for South Newlandia to stay as it is right now. The chancellor and the minister for finances are very often from the CU.
The Socialist Party is among the oldest South Newlandian parties, but despite the name, not all of the party actually argues in favour of Socialism. Some do, but big parts of the SP merely want capitalism to be under even harder restrictions, and commonly also argue for more social security and bigger welfare checks. If you have heard about the abolishment of jails and prisons in South Newlandia, the SP is the party that had this idea, pushing it through together with the CU in a surprising alliance at the time. They also want to be even tougher on business owners in general, occasionally to ridiculous extends, and are always arguing against a South Newlandian military; so far with success. In fact, the SP had big part in abolishing the position of “minister of defence”; the position is now called “minister of peace”.
Another rather old party is “Conservative South Newlandia”, often CSN for short. In other countries, they likely wouldn’t be regarded as conservative, but they are for South Newlandian standards. Their most common talking points include slightly tougher immigration control, mostly in the context of international solutions, and since recently, they are also trying to re-open prisons and jails, citing that the logic that every criminal is either mentally ill or feels to be out of other options might be flawed, with the most common example being people that commit tax evasion. Another point is to restrict international trade a little bit, to not be dependent on just a few countries. The party is also commonly voted for by older people, and are also rarely losing or winning a big amount of seats compared to the last election.
The Liberal Progressive Party, or LPP, is also not market-liberal by international standards. They do occasionally push for lower taxes, and they try to strengthen South Newlandian businesses. They also support many socially-liberal policies, along with the SP and the GEP, but they are still regarded as the party of the rich by many. That isn’t perfectly true, but the party reaches relatively few seats anyways, so they aren’t as important to understand South Newlandian politics. They are notable for being the party that is noticeably dominated by males, too.
The youngest party in the South Newlandian government is the Green Environmentalist Party, or GEP. They are a party created to protect the environment better, and in the beginning, fighting all sorts of environmental damage was the only thing they were known for. Since then, they’ve branched out, adopting many stances already represented in other parties. They are also pushing for more direct democracy, are generally socially-minded, and agree with the market-politics of the CP. The most important thing for them remains environmental control, and they are also known as the party of women and young people, who are both overrepresented in the GEP. They quickly gained seats and members to become the second-biggest party in South Newlandia currently.

South Newlandia just hanging on by a thread
A 4-0 statement win over Se Vende Skooma in Walstreim has brought South Newlandia back into the mix a bit, but following that up with a draw in the Natanians and Nosts has put the Elephants under even more pressure. They don’t have an easy end to their campaign either, with TJUN-ia (H), Union Europae (A) and Mriin (H) still remaining. Meanwhile, Tikariot has Se Vende Skooma (H), Natanians and Nosts (A) and TJUN-ia (H) to go, significantly easier, and TJUN-ia has South Newlandia (A), Southern Palm Islands (H) and Tikariot (A) left, also considerably easier. Port Ember has Filindostan (H), Mriin (A) and Se Vende Skooma (H) to play, and are the only team with a comparable schedule to the Elephants. In short, we probably won’t get to the world cup, but the team isn’t giving up hope just yet.

South Newlandia 4-0 Se Vende Skooma (8’ Bishop (Assist Irving), 34’ Irving (no assist), 67’ Roy (Assist McMora) 69’ Irving (Assist Mohamed))
South Newlandia: Rigby - Roy, Sloah, Anderson (45’ Gurero), Wright – Mohamed, Li, McMora (70’ Young), Bishop – McCabe, Irving (87’ Glossman)
Man of the match: Brandon Irving (South Newlandia)

Natanians and Nosts 1-1 South Newlandia (84’ Gonçalo (Assist Gomes – 59’ Wallis (Assist Wright))
Natanians and Nosts: Foster – Tralto, Ivanov, Fostar, Ret – Gomes, Souza (45 Munteănu), Munteanu - Gonçalo, Ademélsson, Silva (67’ Humboldt)
Man of the match: Natan Nínnio Gonçalo (Natanians and Nosts)

[Mercedini]

The Mercedinian Tennis Association presents...

Mercedinian Open IV
The Cortex Centre - Zoloroni Sports City, Mercedini

Sport returns to Mercedini for the first time in a year as the Cortex Centre in Zoloroni opens it's door for the fourth edition of the Mercedinian Open. The last tournament to host international sport was the third iteration of the Tier 1 tennis tournament, marking a year to the date since international athletes graced Mercedinian shores. It marks the final boundary that Mercedini needs to cross to consider it fully over the national and international pandemic which struck the Island nation several months ago. From our own national football team being forced to play home matches in a foreign land, to some of the multiverse's best tennis talent squaring up for the longest running tournament on the grass circuit. It marks a remarkable comeback for the nation, who can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel to welcome back tourists and athletes alike, back to Mercedini.

The Mercedinian Open began as a minor Tier 1 tournament in it's first inception, with new players eager to make a name for themselves at the top of the billing on most evenings. Since then, the tournament has gone from strength to strength, capturing the imagination of more and more budding locals and international starlets, on court and in the stands. With the NSTT going into hiatus for several months throughout the last calendar year, the Mercedinian Open was the faint spark in a dying circuit, which was hosted outside the NSTT-sanctioned circuit for the first time in it's third edition. The faith that Dini put into an NSTT comeback eventually paid dividends, as the MercOpen were awarded Tier 1 status once again,and were offered one of the four spots in the new NSTT Grass Circuit for the third quarter of the year.

The Cortex Centre is no stranger to hosting tournaments like this, with the major advantage coming in the fact that the Tennis Village continued to host minor domestic tournaments and the aforementioned third edition when tennis wasn't really a thing. With that, the Mercedinian Open will be the most senior tournament (in it's fourth edition), eclipsing the Ethanian Open and even the Grand Slam tournament on grass, the AOpen (which is only about to embark on it's third edition).

It is a statement of intent from the MTA, as it attempts to convey the image of a consistent and reliable presence on the tennis scene, with their own well-run Tier 1 tournament combined with a previous successful bid for the NSTT World Tour Finals. That tournament was hosted in Shebchetsik to round out the season over a year-and-a-half ago, showing that the appetite for sport stretches far beyond the metropolitan boundaries of the nation's capital.

In all, the NSTT Tour will rest on Mercedini's shoulders for about a week of so for the main tournament, for a total of two weeks as athletes from far and wide acclimatise to the Mercedinian autumn sun. Following that, the baton is then passed to Ethane, before the grass circuit is rounded out in Krytenia for the big one, the AOpen. The provisional schedule for the 4th Mercedinian Open can be found below.

Schedule:
September 20th: Qualification Playoff
September 21st: Singles First Round
September 22nd: Singles Second Round, Doubles First Round
September 23rd: Round of 32
September 24th: Round of 16
September 25th: Quarter Finals
September 26th: Semi Finals
September 27th: Finals

With no domestic athletes present on the new NSTT circuit, it is unclear whether Mercedini can keep their influence and reputation and the reliable tennis playing nation. Instead, the MTA can now solely focus on hosting the nation's tournament, while national sports' funding can either be saved, or diverted to other sports which Dini are attempting to make a breakthrough in, like Cricket, eSports and other racket tournaments. With only a small plethora of Sports being popular in Mercedini, the main advantage comes in the form of specialisation, where the nation can get seriously good at a particular sport, before moving on and developing programmes for sports which are on the fringe of the Mercedinian psyche.

As is so often the case, the MTA and Mercedinian Sports Governing Authority (AMGDS) will take it on a week-by-week basis when it comes to tracking the progress of national sport. Currently, the main priority (and the main source of income) for Mercedinian Sports comes from the ongoing World Cup Qualification campaign, which seems to be floundering in recent weeks. However, the Mercedinian Open very often gives the local economy around the Sports City Stadium a shot in the arm, and following the recent pandemic and recovery, it certainly needs one of those at the moment. Andiamo!

[Murphtannia]

Match day 15


Bill speaks "Hello and welcome back to Ground Sports, I will be your commentator for today's live game at home to TOTEL. This should be an exciting game as we have 2 teams in search of a win, while both teams can't qualify anymore both hope to earn an invite to the Cup of Harmony. So let's start with the lineups."


"The Murphtannia lineup is as follows, Adam Ball in goal coming off the back of another clean sheet away to Cheer girls in that 0-0 draw, with the same back four of Cartlidge at LWB, Banks and Pallet at CB and Bridges coming in at RWB.

In midfield we have Marley at CDM, Jenkins and Owen at CM and Styler at CAM.

The Midfield aims to support the front 2 of Murphy and Boland, who has established himself as a National team starter after some impressive performances.


TOTEL refused to give a line up and no players feature names on their shirts after a licensing crisis in the nation.



The game kicks off, 0-0.



[Kick off]



[30 minutes] end to end football now, as both sides have nothing to play for they have no pressure, playing free flowing football, it's an entertaining game for the home fans, 90,000 Murphtannians attending today, thank you for your support."


[33 minutes] TOTEL are though on goal here and GOALLLLLLL, the LB nods in the ball into the bottom left to give TOTEL the advantage, TOTEL 1-0 Murphtannia.

Despite going a goal down the Murphtannian's are still behind their team, acting as the 12th man.

[45th minute] 2-0!!!,TOTEL makes it 2 after a superb free kick lands in the bottom right hand corner.


[HF] we go into the break 2-0, a solid performance from Murphtannia but TOTEL have been far more clinical, TOTEL 2 Murphtannia 0


[Kick off Second Half]



[54th minute] Murphtannia are on the break away, Styler runs at the defence and is brought down!, penatly!!!!!.


Murphy is stepping up to take the Pen.

He looks calm and collected.

he runs up.

GOALLLLLL!!! STRIAGHT INTO THE TOP RIGHT CORNER, MURPHY GRABS THE BALL AND RUNS BACK TO THE HA;F WAY LINE, THAT'S HIS 13TH OF THE SEASON, He's now only 2 goals away from the all time record goalscorer for the national team.

TOTEL 2 Murphtannia 1



[60th minute] Excellent save from Ball!, he dives to the right to stop the shot from outside the box, and keep Murphtannia in the game.



[91st minute] While Murphtannia have played well TOTEL have looked rock solid at the back today, but Murphy has the ball, he plays the through ball into Boland, who's 1 on 1 with the keeper, AND HE SCORES, HE DINKS IT OVER THE KEEPER TO MAKE IT 2-2 IN THE LAST MINUTE, EVERYONE GOES WILD, AND BOLAND SALVAGES THE POINT FOR MURPHTANNIA.

TOTEL 2-2 Murphtannia


[Full time] well that's the game folks, Boland saves the day as a first home win continues to avoid Murphtannia, a good performance today though.

[Hampton Island]

(Scenario: Stafford City Stadium CEO and Assistant converse)

CEO: That’s going to do it, they’ve officially tied the first half team of actual normal age soccer players.

Assistant: It’s been a fun run. No way we get the tiebreaker on the Marquette group, screw it, we’ve only allowed three goals since the start of this.

CEO: I’m surprised by how well they have done, but it is so improbable at the same time. How can these younger players not figure out how to beat these guys? Are they afraid to challenge them in the same normal way?

Assistant: It doesn’t make sense, but we know that you can always expect the unexpected in international sports. Did you see the latest thing that Hannah Sanders has done?

CEO: What?

Assistant: She signed up a group of over fifty year old players to play in the International Baseball Slam. I mean, what the hell is this?

CEO: She did what? That’s the smaller build up tournament for the Classic, right?

Assistant: Yes, mostly everyone uses it to send younger players to, but it’s not a rule that they have to be younger players. So, Hannah declared a sign up over over 50’s. What the hell is Hampton Island sports coming to?

CEO: I really don’t know. It is a shame that she decided to do that, but I doubt anyone here really cares about the Slam thing. Only baseball that matters is the World Baseball Classic. I can’t wait to see the list of players that sign up to be humiliated in that. By the way, I am hopeful that we can get some Midnight replacements for the upcoming Classic.

Assistant: That would be cool. Are you thinking about entering a team in one of these other competitions to make up for losing the soccer team?

CEO: I’ve been thinking about getting a gridiron side together, but that’s an expensive sport to deal with. Too many players that need too much equipment. Other then that, you really just have lacrosse as a new sport that is starting up its next tournament, but I don’t think enough people on the Island care about lacrosse.

Assistant: More money into NSSCRA, then?

CEO: We could do that. The NSSCRA team has been a standby for us, although I think there is some drama that Shellshock Batteries wants to start. I might lose the #22 team to the Marquette side, but you know what if I do, more money for the #6 and the #23.

Assistant: Then more money for the 6 and 23.

CEO: Certainly. I think that is a good route for us to be taking. I will miss the soccer team, but it will get Hannah out of my way, and for good. It’s a better option then losing half of everything I own.

Assistant: Back to NSSCRA, I hear they might want Lexi in the 22?

CEO: Yeah, who knows. Not time for NSSCRA right now.

Assistant: Yes, but the same person who’s interested in hearing us talk about soccer is probably very interested in NSSCRA.

CEO: A lot will be going on with Hampton Island racing, now that I can reallocate some funds away from soccer, that is for sure. Let Hannah deal with the soccer team, their luck will run out eventually and she will be stuck with it.

[Sargossa]

“Shooooot!” The cry came from all four stands of Maturín’s Ciudad Deportiva.

Out on the pitch Sargossan substitute Agustín Soria heard them. The ball was at his feet, the defence were backing off him. ‘Fuck it’, he thought. ‘Why not?’ He took one final touch before striking it right footed, hard. It was one of those strikes. One where in the very moment of contact anyone watching, either in the stadium or on television, knew exactly where it would end up. There’s no time to form a coherent thought but those with any history of watching the beautiful game have an instinct for when a shot is struck just right. Soria had found that sweet spot.

With unerring accuracy the ball curved beyond the reach of the stretching Jecklander keeper and cannoned into the net. Crashing over the line courtesy of deflection off the angle of both post and bar just for good dramatic measure. The crowd roared. It hadn’t been the happiest of campaigns for the Corsairs but it was impossible not to celebrate a moment like that. The stadium announcer could just about be heard over the din.

“Goal scorer for Sargossa, number fifteen, Agustín…”

“SORIA!” The crowd answer the call right on cue.

“Agustín…”

“SORIA!”

“Agustínnnnn…”

“SORIA!”

It was also a moment that broke Jeckland hearts. Those that had been particularly keen on taking a point back to Esportiva at least. The visitors had been grimly hanging on to their 1 – 1 draw but with just five minutes of normal time remaining Soria had firmly driven the wind out of Jecklander sails. They were a spent force. All that remained for them was a budget flight back to Esportiva. All eyes then turned to the formally Esportivan and now somewhere else-an land of The Sarian. A shock defeat to Staypuftonia. Held at home by The Macabees. And now losing at home to the Vilitan Jungle Cats. Their hefty lead over Sargossa was suddenly looking like being only three points, with three games left to play. The Tiemnational van Fuutbol De Bondsaari would have a rank advantage over their final three opponents but at least Group 8 might not be the procession it was starting to look like. Now it was up to Sargossa to win in Staypuftonia and keep the blade very much firmly in The Sarian’s back.

[Flavovespia]

The Football Clubs Of Flavovespia

Our penultimate trip takes us to Yellowfields and Woodlands. Yellowfields, once a whole region, is now 3 city-regions of it's own, Apsbrooke, Nailwood and Frostbrook. The colour yellow comes from the wheat and similar crops grown in the region. Nicknamed the "bread basket", it is nestled between Waldster and Hadford Hill. The Woodlands region is less well defined in terms of identity, but here comprises the 3 city regions of Cartswood, Narrock Wood and Johns Park. The 3 aren't the most similar, Cartswood a small city that's a bit too far from Waldster to be considered "Outer Waldster", Narrock Wodo a larger city with a large forested area and villages in the city-region, and Johns Park one small city that's a short distance from Hadford Hill. Nevertheless, they're included in this section, as the 3 are geographically close to Yellowfields.

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Tier 1	Super League
	Apsbrooke FC Formed: 63BU Stadium: Apsbrooke Arena (20000) Rivals: Frostbrook Rovers FC, Nailwood Mills FC (major) Another of the Inter City Cup formation sides, Apsbrooke were also United Football League founders in 59BU. The small city-region lies in the heart of the eastern of Flavovespia, although most of the population lives in the suburban valley. Apsbrooke had little success in the United Football League, but after the merger, punched above their weight to remain in the highest tier of the United and Eastern Alliance. In the modern era, they continued to surprise, winning promotion to the top flight for the first time at the end of 5AU. Since then the side have never left the top two tiers, and last season, their first in a new ground, comfortably won promotion back to the Super League. For one of the smaller city-region sides, their future looks bright.
Tier 2	Challenge League
	Narrock Wood United FC Formed: 76BU Stadium: Wood Stadium (32962) Rivals: Cartswood FC, Johns Park FC (minor) Originally Narrock Wood Football Association, 65BU saw them become Narrock Wood United. Narrock Wood has a town of the same name making up the majority of the city-region, but the area within the boundaries of the city-region spreads and encompasses plenty of small settlements and forests. Narrock Wood United won the United Football League twice, the Inter City Cup once, and the Gold Cup once. That win crucially earnt them a place in the GWNFA Super League. They would spend many seasons there, but did drop into the GWNFA Challenge League from time to time. Now they’re a bit of a yo-yo side between the top two flights, although recent seasons have seen promotion hopes fade away.
	Nailwood Mills FC Formed: 68BU Stadium: Marrowfield (5327) Rivals: Apsbrooke FC, Frostbrook Rovers FC (major), Locksmith-on-Carron FC (minor) The one city-region side of Yellowfields predating the Inter City Cup, Nailwood Mills were originally a factory side of the millery of the town. However with the Inter City Cup and no other team formed for the city-region, Nailwood Mills became the de facto side of the city-region. The formation of the United Football League and legally separating from the millery finalised that. Nailwood Mills began the modern era in the second tier, but were relegated after 7 seasons to the third tier. Recent seasons have seen them win promotion to the Challenge League, 2 playoff appearances and 2 midtable appearances. Nailwood Mills may have yet turned a corner and re-established themselves in the second tier.
Tier 3	National League Division 1
	Cartswood FC Formed: 1BU Stadium: Gas Lane (5140) Rivals: Johns Park FC, Narrock Wood United FC (minor) Despite officially forming in 1BU, Cartswood are principally seen as the successor to Cartswood Rangers. They formed way back in 81BU, and were debutants in the first Gold Cup. The city-region side were also founders of the United Football League and Inter City Cup. Cartswood Rangers folded in 2BU, in the time the classic era collapsed, but Cartswood FC formed and essentially took over all their assets. Cartswood FC did enough to warrant a place in the National Division 2 in 2AU. Since then, the side have fluctuated between the second and third tiers. Cartswood itself is a medium-sized city-region, a little isolated from any of the major economic hubs.
Tier 4	National League Division 2
	Locksmith-on-Carron FC Formed: 45BU Stadium: Riverside Field (3840) Rivals: Nailwood Mills FC (minor) The small town of Locksmith in Nailwood takes part of its name from the Carron River their ground is situated near. They’d first win promotion to the Eastern Alliance for 36BU, even if they stretched the definition of an Eastern side. Their stature would increase significantly in the modern era though. They started in the Eastern Alliance, before spending 8AU-10AU in the Eastern League. Relegation was quickly followed by consecutive promotions to the Challenge League, where they’ve now had 3 stints. One of the non-city sides of Flavovespia who have taken the challenge to their primary city side, in this case Nailwood Mills.
	Johns Park FC Formed: 72BU Stadium: Johns Park Stadium (15884) Rivals: Narrock Wood United FC, Cartswood FC (minor) Formed originally as Johns Park Association and renamed in 59BU, Johns Park FC are another side with better days in the classic era. The city-region of Johns Park is home to this side, and despite the area of the city-region, practically all the population is in the suburban area that gave its name to the city-region, the rest forests. Another founder of the United Football League, they only achieved a title in 31BU, after some members had departed to the GWNFA Super League. Founders of the GWNFA Challenge League, they won promotion in 18BU for their first top-flight appearance. They began the modern era in the Super League, but lasted only 1 season before relegation. They’d never return as they slowly slid into the third tier, and despite a few promotions out of it, couldn’t return to past glories. Then, an 11th place in the Eastern League last year now leaves them as a fourth tier side, the only ex-Super League side that low down. It’s a long way back to past levels, in a city-region where local fans are tuning out of their side.
Tier 5	Alliance D1
	Frostbrook Rovers FC Formed: 63BU Stadium: Papermill Road (3005) Rivals: Apsbrooke FC, Nailwood Mills FC (major) Another one of the Inter City Cup sides, and like Yellowfields rivals Apsbrooke, they have a similar trajectory in the classic era. Founders of the United Football League as well, they were members throughout the mergers, but with less success than their 2 local rivals. Also the only one of the 3 Yellowfields sides to start the modern era in the third tier, they’ve only had one second tier season, 9AU. In 28AU, Frostbrook Rovers fell out of the league, and following a failure to win promotion, will spend another season in the non-league pyramid. A team that has a lot of local support, albeit from a small area, but is lacking in the modern era in results.
	Ashland Common Formed: 7BU Stadium: Ashland Street (1126) Rivals: Crimblewood Park FC, Malter End FC, Lukes Wood FC (minor) Ashland Common were little more than a small side playing once a week in the local league, but the collapse of Ashland FC not long after their founding was a boost. Ashland Common entered the Alliance D2 in 4AU, expected to be stragglers. However they quickly made their way into the Alliance D1, and 13AU saw them win promotion to the league. Although they didn’t stay up, the village side have made subsequent trips to the league, and have established themselves enough to be one of the top-end teams in the non-league pyramid. Certainly a good achievement for one of the sides with one of the smallest fanbases in theory.
	Crimblewood Park FC Formed: 52BU Stadium: Crimblewood Park (937) Rivals: Malter End FC (major), Ashland Common, Lukes Wood FC (minor) Taking their name from the settlement that built up around the parklands, Crimblewood Park came into existence along with other location based sides in the same time period. They broke through the qualifiers into the “proper” rounds of the Gold Cup in its later years, but could never move into the professional pyramid. Recent years have seen the side try and move out of the Alliance D2 and into the Alliance D1 and stay there long term. Only time will tell if this is a success. They’ve also been changing kit colours, away from the white and black that rivals Malter End also wear.
Tier 6	Alliance D2
	Malter End FC Formed: 46BU Stadium: Simon Road (662) Rivals: Crimblewood Park FC (major), Ashland Common, Lukes Wood FC (minor) Malter End are another side with an amateur history in the old history, mostly battling with other Narrock Wood and Woodlands sides in local leagues, in particular rivals Crimblewood Park FC. The small village out on the road to the coastal city-regions have managed stints in the Alliance D1 however. Whilst none have been sustained for a long time, they are a well-run side at this level, and can often fill out their modestly sized ground with a vocal set of fans.
	Lukes Wood FC Formed: 67BU Stadium: The Wood (714) Rivals: Ashland Common, Crimblewood Park FC, Malter End FC (minor) The village named after the woods it resides in have a fairly old football side of their own. 60BU was their finest year, going all the way to Round 4 of the Gold Cup. However, it would only be that year and the following 3 years they’d ever progress beyond the qualifiers, very much a flash in a pan. Another Alliance D2 founded, it would be 27AU before they finally won promotion to the Alliance D1. Sadly that lasted just the one season. A small population, relative geographic isolation and the abundance of sides in Narrock Wood means they look set to struggle to move up the pyramid.
	Narrock Community Sports Formed: 20BU Stadium: Community Arena (922) Rivals: none Narrock Community Sports began as the football offshoot of the multisports society within Narrock Wood. It was only in the modern era that they fully separated, to allow their participation in the Alliance D2. They were winners of the very first Eastern Alliance D2. However that success was not long term, as the side failed to ever sustain themselves in the Alliance D1. Although they play in the suburban town, their support can be inconsistent at times, and they struggle to attract much attention. Some still disagree with them splitting off from the Community Sports scheme to pursue football in the pyramid.
	Great Fuzzbrooke Wood Formed: 50BU Stadium: Fuzzbrooke Lane (891) Rivals: none The small villages nestled in Great Fuzzbrooke Wood are home to this side. Although they existed for decades before the modern era, those years were little more than amateur play in local leagues in front of a few dozen fans. Not one of the original 64 of the Alliance D2, they made their way in following the changes to the pyramid in 8AU. They’ve spent many years at the bottom of their league, but recent seasons have seen a little uptick in fortune, fortunate really given now relegation from the Alliance D2 exists.
	Northrise FC Formed: 28BU Stadium: Sangini Way (734) Rivals: Ashland Common, Lukes Wood FC (minor) Northrise takes its name from a region of villages and settlements at the top of the Apsbrooke hills, a short distance from the main settlement in the valley. A single club for the area formed in 28BU, but struggled in the small leagues, in some part because there was still loyalty to the village sides or Apsbrooke. The modern era gave them their break as they entered the Alliance D2. However, they didn’t match up well for many seasons to the other sides. One of the first 8 relegated sides to the associate league in 28AU, last year they managed to win promotion straight away, and reached Round 1 proper of the Flavovespia Gold Cup. Some promising signs for their return to the Alliance D2.

Code: Select all

OOC: Tier 1-4 kit graphics taken direct from my domestic newswire

[Tequilo]

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THE PROGNOSTICATIONS FOR OXO CONDÓR
4/5 Lilián Tlalqui-Arca

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A lot of hokum has been written about all-time Champions League Extra Superhero Oxo Cóndor; some might say we’re continuing that tradition with the series about his earliest days… before all the bother with Multipol, that unfortunate tax return that got leaked to the general public, and the true story about the green lanterns on the desert highway that one time. And all that.

Old Man Chuco | Carhuanina The Resplendent | Gabriel Ángel Arca de Yaya |
Lilián Tlalqui-Arca | Teodor Xuilo Gabriel Tlalqui ‘Oxo’ de Chanco Cóndor

Lilián Tlalqui-Arca had let other members of the family sort out the instructions for her son’s new nominated guardians, the wightfathers, for the impending ceremony of the Insubstantiation, wherein little Oxo would be inducted into the House of Shambles, the church of the atheist narrative belief system Confusiónismo. No doubt her ambitious parents, the boy’s grandparents, and her tremendously sensible partner and lover Ángel, adoptive father to Oxo, would come up with a range of sensible to insensible plans for the wightfathers to enact, and it would all be tremendously useful story fodder for her son as he grew up. But Lilián, not one to stand on ceremony, had a whole raft of other ideas for the boy and she needed more skills than the wightfathers - a postman, a drayman and an ironmonger - could possibly bring to the table. She had a big idea and an appointment in the big city, Raití, with a specialist international marketing firm who might just be able to help. You would be correct in thinking Densulene Dingarran does not sound much like a Tequiloan firm, and indeed it is significant to the way canny Lilián is planning matters that the company hails from that dark and pungent place full of shadows and anonymous investment opportunities - the old country of Wight. Being a man of Bonesea myself, it is culturally quite difficult for me in retelling this story of the Sweet Baby Oxo to even mention, let alone have any truck with, the manipulative machinations of Wight; and yet it is incumbent upon me to accurately recount how a miracle was born; and born in the marketing office of global narrative disruptors Densulene Dingarran Inc.

“I feel all the right ingredients are in place,” Lilián was saying in her pitch to two disconcerting gentlemen, “and now all I need is a global marketing partner. You can check my testimonials and verify all the known facts.”

The audience, identical twins and senior partners in DD Inc, were very manicured gentlemen of a far foreign country, in expensive woollen suits, flamboyantly dapper accessories and shoes that might have cost the annual salary of the average Tequiloan blue-collar worker - was that actual satyr-skin leather from Mriin (highly illegal but inarguably exquisite)? They had made all the right noises and interjected with the occasional encouraging observation, and yet their eyes… were calculating. Calculating profit, Lilián supposed, although she couldn’t help thinking they were sizing her up as a future meal.

“Certainly, you seem to have done a very thorough job,” said Mister Couth - or was it Mister Ruly? - one of the twins, “and I - we - liked your pitch. I think it fair to say we like you, Lilián. Let’s get down to brass tacks though,” and here he smiled broadly, but his eyes did not, and he straightened his preposterously expensive-looking tie, “what’s in it for us?”

Obviously she knew this was coming. She wasn’t going to play hard ball, no point. But she wouldn’t be a walkover either. Too much to lose. “One tythe of annual cash turnover,” she said immediately without hesitation or reluctance, and in the language a Wightling - or a pair of Wightlings - would understand and appreciate, “three tythes of all capital assets transferring to three tythes of the shares when we list publicly. Based on the service level agreements outlined in the prospectus - nothing in there will be out of the ordinary. One time offer, I won’t go up or down: brass tacks on the table, in full, no negotiation required.”

She thought that came off well enough. Mr. Ruly - or was it Mr. Couth - raised an eyebrow and nodded appreciatively. “You don’t believe in wasting time, Lilián, and we like that. One… last thing…”

Here it comes, she thought.

“Immaculate conception notwithstanding, the, ah, biological father? We’ll need to know his identity. For our record. And in case, you know…” it was hard to imagine this was anything but for dramatic effect: Messrs. Couth & Ruly did not look like they would ever feel awkward in a conversation about anything, up to and including the most taboo of subject matter.

“In case, Lilián,” picked up Mr. Couth - or was it… well, you know - “we have to eliminate threats to the narrative. Protect our investment. Insurance. That sort of thing. I’m sure you catch my drift.”

Lilián slipped an envelope across the table. “You won’t need it,” she said, sure of herself, “I have taken care of it.”

“Nevertheless,” said Mr. Ruly, and chose not to finish as he picked up the envelope and slipped it in a jacket pocket.

“Well then, Lilián Tlalqui-Arca,” said Mr. Couth, taking her hand with his cold firm grip, “it seems we have a deal. The Cult of Oxo Cóndor. You build it, and we will make sure they come.”

TAPALUPÉ, Tequilo - We can practically smell the Drawks, Los Pitxileros are that close to the World Cup… as close as they’ve ever been. So, let’s have a quick catch-up on how our second attempt at World Cup qualifying is proceeding so far - all your analysis, in numbers, with our unique and exclusive Copametro. But first, we have letters! And you can write in too, if you want to - address your fascinating texts to spamcatcher@gola.teq or drop a letter in the mail to PO Box 654353583.2, Grand Central Post Office, Tapalupé¹

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
The Issues That Are Making Your Gladbach Pretty Sadbach Right Now

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First, a delightful little protest in our Airmail sack from Kate Walsham all the way from Ko-oren, who writes: “My Dad took me to the biiiig stadium for my birthday but you horrid people in yellow ruined everything. I could scream. Good luck in the future, please don’t come again, love, Kate.”

Everyone in the office was so delighted with Kate’s magnanimous sportsmanship that we have invited her and her Dad to join us for whatever our next home match happens to be, where they will receive a tour of the FA’s historic museum, a look at the building site where the national stadium will be, and the best corporate box seats for our next home match. We’ll even throw in the flights. Looking forward to meeting you Kate, assuming you are still talking to us then!

Talking of football, our critical friend Rubèn Curto from Chanco Cóndor provided one of the finest reviews we’ve ever been able to print of the last two international matches, in his own inimitable style: “Well that’s just typical, isn’t it,” he writes. We couldn’t agree more, Rubèn.

In what seems to have become a very familiar post sack, we have more mail from The Plough Islands! Our distracted friend Colin Yerchkov notes: “Dear Sir, My apologies for ending the last letter abruptly - it was a wrong number.” Not to worry Colin. Someone will get the right number, eventually.

And finally, there was a great deal of to and fro, but not an awful lot of sympathy for poor Xeneral Desdén of San Dolores (yesterday’s letters) who accidentally announced to the world that he was planning to leave us. Llàtzer Baró of Ciura commented: “Señor Desdén comes across as surly and overbearing - whoever was supposed to get that letter will surely be feeling better already, knowing he has left,” while ‘Orejas Grandes’ writes: “Re: Xeneral Desdén - was that break-up letter meant for me? Because I have no idea who he is. Honestly, I have never heard of him. I’m sorry he’s leaving me, I would have liked to get to know him better, and perhaps help to make him a happier man than he presently is. I think he needs a hug.” - How lovely, O.G., we really do have some thoughtful readers. Finally we end this section with the thoughts of Ponce de Gluon: “Good,” he states, with such brevity.

JUST TYPICAL, SAYS READER, CORRECTLY

The Agave-Blues preceded a second famous victory in Ko-oren with an entirely inept home defeat to Netop where the fans and many of the team seemed to be absent-mindedly counting their chickens in the yard while the ‘The Friends’ conducted a smash and grab raid on their house. Despite plenty of warnings about complacency, the changed line-up for the home game in which coach Isaac Martí rested many of his first choice players failed to grasp the nettle and fell to a disappointing defeat. While they more than made up for the loss with that vital recovery in Ko-oren, where they really gave the home side a bit of a mauling, the whole thing could’ve been put to bed by now as Los Pitxileros chase down a second place finish and possible qualification to the World Cup. While the second place is still up for grabs and Tequilo are holding that placing right now, even if they do get it the defeat probably rules out any chance of being one of the best six runners-up that will avoid a play-off. Still they could end it all with that second place finish if they take two more wins and 95X falter. They do seem, however, to have found their mojo - and their roster - just at the vital time.

THE STATS

TEQUILO 1-2 Netop HT: 1-0

Location: Estadio Pablo Invocador (El Volcán), Tapalupé
Attendance: 53,499
Scorers: Calvoecheaga | Caira (OG), Riggs
Booked: Medal, Minha, Caira, Niño Pinto, Calvoecheaga | Hendricks, Holder
Tequilo Line-Up: Oscar Bienvenida | Garaitz Minha, Noxochinoch, Camilo Caira, Chicchan (Capitan) | Ixtub Tün | Xaime Medal (VC), Niño Pinto, Ricardo Bailén (sub: Masango Sukè) | Manco Bran Somoza (sub: Ito), Alexandro Calvoecheaga
Player of the Match: Riggs (Netop)

Ko-oren 1-2 TEQUILO HT: 0-1

Location: Surbourneshire Square, Greencaster
Attendance: Several thousands including one very disappointed 9 year old, and the Ultra-Mariachis (8 sombreros+dog)
Scorers: Noya | Tlacolotl, Huachalla
Booked: -
Tequilo Line-Up: Oscar Bienvenida | Patrick Zambo, Haize Apeiztegui (VC), Noxochinoch, Huachalla | Ixtub Tün | Vilca Hualla, Mateo Tafalla (Capitan), Leyton | Tlacolotl, Urlegi Gorostola
Player of the Match: (Tequilo)

NEXT UP

Two vital home matches against group strugglers follow with the Agave-Blues knowing two wins and 95X failing to win one of their games in the double-header will confirm second place and at least a play-off spot for Tequilo - and for any chance of getting one of the six automatic berths to the finals, they’ll need nine points from nine - which means going to 95X and winning. But there are two mountains to climb first - and if the last home game was anything to go by, it will be nothing less than a challenge each time. With the stakes high, Coach Martí opts not to gamble and will field what he considers his strongest line-up for both matches if he can - and that is the side that was victorious in Ko-oren.

Confirmed Line-Up for TEQUILO vs. Quebecois Acadiana:Oscar Bienvenida | Patrick Zambo, Haize Apeiztegui (VC), Noxochinoch, Huachalla | Ixtub Tün | Vilca Hualla, Mateo Tafalla (Capitan), Leyton | Tlacolotl, Urlegi Gorostola

Venue: Estadio 77o, Ixta-Comitán, Chazapa

Expected Line-Up for TEQUILO vs. Quebecois Acadiana:Oscar Bienvenida | Patrick Zambo, Haize Apeiztegui (VC), Noxochinoch, Huachalla | Ixtub Tün | Vilca Hualla, Mateo Tafalla (Capitan), Leyton | Tlacolotl, Urlegi Gorostola

Venue: Arenamoto, Tirinto, Maranco

1Or TG Tequilo - really, do! We guarantee to read every letter, and print or paraphrase or misquote each of them.

[Kohnhead]

Coach Kohnhead out following a draw against Bostopia

Despite having beaten the Sultanate of Oontaz to get our 3rd win of the cycle in 15 matches for an awful score of 14 points, a draw against last place and unranked Bostopia sealed the deal. 3 hours later head of Kohnhead football, a man we almost have never seen make a public appearance Marshall Jones make this remark. "We are sad to say that Christopher Kohnhead the first ever manager in the National team's history has been fired after almost three years on the job. Christopher had many highs among which include getting to the round of 16 in the BOF, winning a wonder cup, and last cycle's qualifiers. Unfortunately the performance this cycle with what we have been assured is an extremely talented team has been unsatisfactory and while we appreciate what Christopher has done his time as manager is over. His assistant Wendy Farrow will come in as the interim while we try to find a replacement. We will have a new manager by the time the Cup of Harmony rolls around."

While sad this was predictable as Coach Kohnhead couldn't get wins or even points against mid 200 ranked sides and considering our 74th ranking in the World this is just unacceptable. While we are already eliminated, Farrow will have the tough task of trying to get points with a now extremely unmotivated side as we try to make this cycle somewhat decent. In the mean time a thorough search will be done into the candidates and there are currently three main options.

Loraine Barber
Barber is the current coach of the U-21 Moderately Sized Brains and has quickly become the favorite for the job. After leading the U-21 team to the semifinals of the most recent DBC against all odds many expected she would join the National Team staff which she rejected as she only wanted to be the manager. The DBC showed us an extremely talented side and I would be surprised if Barber doesn't get the job which she clearly wants. However red flags do go up about her unwillingness to change anything (it ended up working out) and a tedious relationship with the players

Michael White (South Newlandia)
Michael White is currently the assistant National Team manager for a nation that we know quite well in South Newlandia given that they have three players in our league and we have one in theirs. While we have struggled this cycle, SNL currently sit 5th in their group as the pot 5 team only 2 points back of third and they have not bee eliminated. South Newlandia also beat us 4-3 in our only match ever in the Baptism of Fire 72 Group Stage. We would have to pay up to make this hire but White is an up and coming manager who could be a great hire if we pull it off. Unfortunately it might be hard to get around to interviews with him until after qualifiers.

Wendy Farrow
Farrow is currently the dark horse in this three person race despite being the interim which should in theory give her an inside track. It will mainly rest on how the team performs with her as the manager and even if they go lights out she might not be the pick. She deserves some of the blame for the failures this cycle as she was the assistant and that's the big reason why I don't think she gets the final job.


While there are three main candidates now someone could make a run late and be signed or they could manage to get an even bigger name. Personally I predict it will be Barber but I prefer Michael White to her in part because I want the hiring to be International.

[Ko-oren]

Fantasy Update : Graphs and Conclusions


Jarongi Sports Statistics

For today, we have a very big graph commemorating the almost-end of qualification. A big graph with all nations ranked by KPB, and seeing how KPB deteriorates as we descend through the pots, but which also shows how often teams have been chosen, and how many Fantasy Points - what we're all doing this for - these teams are giving us.

I hope you can forgive us for not including all team names along the x-axis. It just didn't fit 180 names.

We have five lines to discuss:
- blue: KPB. We can see this go down from left to right. That makes sense, we have the best team in the world in Banija on the left, going down to unranked Lovisa on the right.
- red: Times Picked. This shows, for all 180 teams, how often they've been picked. On first glance, the very good teams are mildly popular, the next several dozen teams are very popular, and after that we only see rare and occasional peaks.
- yellow: FP. Fantasy Points. This is what we need. Taller peaks mean more points. Taller peaks on the right side of the graph mean lucrative teams at small prices.
- brown: FP trend line. This is what the yellow line would look like if fantasy points were given out neatly.

Wherever the yellow line goes over the brown line, we have a team that overperforms. Whenever the yellow line ducks under it, that's an underperforming team.

The very first time the yellow line ducks under the brown one is the Free Republics. Not named along the x-axis, they have an extremely high KPB cost but have gotten zero fantasy points - and that's because they're not even trying to qualify. The second time it happens, is because Drawkland, also a fairly expensive team, are also not among the 180 hopefuls. For the entire left half of the graph, if the yellow line touches the bottom, it's because some unlucky FA was too late getting their team's application to the WCC...

We also see that teams as far down as Fujai are scoring fantasy points decently well. The difference of a slightly underperforming top 40 nation and a normally producing nation ranked about 140th are, well, zero. If you have any kind of idea that a top 40 nation could underperform - go the cheaper option. Risky, sure, but you're not missing out on a lot of points.

The red line can be interesting as well. The top few nations are very expensive, but then we get to the nations ranked between Ethane (47th) and Twicetagria (89th), and they are all picked quite often - as long as that nation is signed up. The fantasy points these teams give out are actually pretty stable as well - it turns out that players know that this is the sweet spot. Affordable and profitable.

The further we go to the right, the more sparse the yellow peaks become. The trend line even shows that once we get to the <1 KPB teams (Praeceptia and onwards), chances that a team will get you points are approaching zero as well. As for the peaks at the right side of the graph, aside from the fact they get few and far between, the height of the peaks starts to get unreliable as well. Teams aren't necessarily clearing the barrier of 20 fantasy points (as of the 15th matchday). Choosing teams in this range is risky, and at your own discretion.

That said, this graph includes all the teams on the KPB list that aren't even in the qualification campaign. Next time we'll filter those out and see what remains.

[Tioguldos]

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________SECTIONS____________________________________Stats_________Schedule_____________

^{RED ARMY}

WC86Q

UNCOMFORTABLE FOURTH PLACE FOR THE RED ARMY

The end of the qualifiers is near. It has been a roller coaster of emotions for the Tiogs. After having a rough start with four draws and two losses, the Red Army managed to rebound with good matches, even against the best teams in the group. It is worth highlighting the wins against Squornshelous on matchday 8 and against HUElavia on matchday 10. Nonetheless, almost all of our hopes were dashed in the loss to Maccian on matchday 14. Proving that they are willing to fight until the last moment, the national team managed to beat Praeceptia. However, it is almost impossible for the Red Army to advance to the play-offs.

Beginning of the second half in Praeceptia versus Tioguldós

Krakerue Oxam
18/9/10AR - 11:52

NNNNMOST READNNNN

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TIOGULDÓS 1-
3 MACCIAN

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CHOAM OSFOMILÚO WILL
PLAY FOR TIKARIOT CITY FC

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PRO REVOLUTION FOOTBALL
10AR LEAGUE BEGINS

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THE JJT PRE-SEASON
CONGRESS WAS HELD

KEM! - BoF73

The Red Army traveled to Praeceptia where they played the game for matchday 15 against the national team of that country at the Stadium of Heroes. The immensity of the luxurious stadium made the few fans who traveled from Tioguldós look insignificant. The thousands of empty seats on the terrace of Tioguldós were covered by a large red flag with the hammer and sickle and the faces of the national heroes Tios Monol and Ogu Gamólpal. The Vanguard did not fall victim to impotence, but they sang at the top of their lungs as if they had filled the stadium. After all, absence says more about this stadium than any superfluous luxury. A true modern wonder of compensation.

In itself the match was a complete chaos. Both teams coming and going as if they were toddlers running after the ball. It's certainly not your typical match, but what can you expect from an offensive team facing a wildly aggressive team? One might think it will be a scoring show, but instead we have a total lack of control and a complete disregard of tactics. More sober and disciplined players like Perda Raom or Niforro may end the game jaded, but crazy chaotic dribblers like Omnofo and Fenuskal were seen leaving the field jaunty. The one who was definitely exhausted was the coach Gúpder Mebal, who lived the match with great intensity and ended up as sweaty as the players on the field.

The match started uphill for Tioguldós, as Praeceptia scored an early goal. There were 4 minutes into the game when the team led by FC-47 managed to overcome the defenders of the Red Army with hard offensive pressure and take the ball from them in their own field. Arte Mediocris anticipated a pass from Lomifal and crossed the ball to Altus Noxium. The left wing stepped into the box and passed the ball to Fingit, who accurately kicked and beat the goalkeeper.

At 30 minutes Tioguldós managed to recover and score an equalizer. After countless failed counterattacks and several minutes without getting past the half way line, the Red Army managed to get the ball at Perda Raom's feet. The second in which the No. 10 took the ball and took two steps with his head up, as if analyzing the panorama, all of Tioguldós knew that 1-1 was coming. Mongard and Omnofo sprinted behind the defenders' backs like two torpedoes. Praeceptia was desperately repositioning. Yet, the Tiog midfielder seemed to be moving in slow motion. Suddenly, he tapped the ball forward and then sent a lofted pass straight to Omnofo's feet. Mumu Fortis approached the edge of the box to narrow the gap, but the second striker threw the ball overhead and scored the equalizer. After the goal, until the end of the first half, the ball spent more time loose than in the possession of either team.

The first 45 minutes were totally chaotic. At halftime, Gúpder Mebal instructed his players to get a little more structure in the game and control the ball. The Red Army took the field in 4-5-1, with Niforro playing from further behind, Perda Raom as a false attacking midfielder and Omnofo and Mongard wider outside. Mebal's plan was to suppress Praeceptia's numerical superiority in their field and position Oroso as a target man. The plays focused on looking for the striker to take the ball and pivot with his back to the goal, opening the ball to the wingers and forcing the unfolding of Praeceptia's defense.

The strategy seemed to be paying off. Tioguldós had managed to keep the ball and play with enough spaces not to succumb to the intense marking. Yet, Praeceptia kept trying and managed to score a second goal in the Red Army's best moment. They deployed an attack with seven players in which they bombarded Boal's goal. They took Tioguldós by surprise, who did not know how to react. A long shot from Bibulus hit the crossbar. The ball flew high. Miluose Oches ran to clear it but Noxium's 2.2 meter height was way too much. The forward gave a powerful header, but the goalkeeper managed to hit the ball with his fists as he got off the ground. Mediocris came running from the other side and subtly kicked the ball. Boal, completely out of position, could not recover in time and the ball went in.

Once again the Red Army had to play to tie the match. However, beyond the blow that Praeceptia's goal meant, they looked confident. At 64 minutes came the second goal from Tioguldós. The ball had gone off to the side, near the corner of the box. Nese Niforro took the throw in and threw the ball to Mongard. The forward passed it to the center with Perda Raom, who returned it to the captain. Niforro ran to the ball and kicked a knuckleball violently. Fortis jumped back but the ball passed over him and into the top corner of the far post.

The equalizer was a boost of confidence and energy for the Tiog players. Since the game was resumed after Niforro's goal, the Red Army consistently took the initiative. They made structured counterattack plays, taking advantage of Praeceptia's 1-2-3-4 weaknesses, and came close to scoring on several occasions; but time was ticking and the scoreboard was still 2-2. The ninety minutes were approaching and both teams were beginning to get impatient. Tioguldós, who dominated the ball, did not want to settle for the draw. Praeceptia, who had beaten Tioguldós at Mo Bmodo, did not want to give in at home.

Minute 88. Tioguldós advanced on the right. Niforro carried the ball. Jopar got rid of his mark and asked for the pass. The captain ignored his teammate and advanced towards the box. Saikō tried to tackle him, but Niforro jumped up and continued with the ball. Tzóouns then left his position to cover the midfield and left Besel unmarked. Niforro once again ignored the potential pass, and instead wall-passed Mufes. The Praeceptian stopper was left in the way and the captain was one on one with the last defender of Praeceptia. The fans cheered madly. Qui Pugnator waited warily. Jopar and Besel accompanied him on both sides. Niforro passed the ball long to Jopar and ran into the area. Running into the box were three Tioguldós players against the goalkeeper and Pugnator. Jopar controlled the ball, approached the goalkeeper and passed it back to Niforro. The captain faked a shot but didn't touch the ball and instead let it keep going. Besel, who was on the other side, came running and put the ball in the back of the net. The Vanguard exploded. A few Tiogs on the west terrace of the Stadium of Heroes chanted and danced, while thousands of Praeceptians stood there jaw-dropping.

Tioguldós managed to get three important points. There are still nine to play. The Red Army will host Eastfield Lodge in Mo Bmodo for the following matchday, then travel to Squornshelous for matchday 17, and finally play Reçueçn at Ísupe Stadium. All these rivals will be very difficult, yet the Red Army has already beaten Eastfield Lodge and Squornshelous; and Reçueçn, the strongest opponent, got only a modest 1-0 at home. It's almost impossible, but the Tiogs are still hopeful.

[Krytenia]

Heads Roll At HQ
By Rami Niblick in Emberton

KRYTENIAN football is at a crisis point as nine members of the KFA's Executive Committee resigned last night, including chief executive Mark Venturi. The bloodletting follows the latest disaster for the national team, as their excellent victory over Starblaydia was completely undone by a crushing six-two defeat at the hands of Saltstead.

The committee's much-vaunted reforms, known as "Project 87", were meant to build a team capable of challenging for the next World Cup, but the Saltstead debacle means that the Dragons are almost certain to miss out on qualification for the second successive cycle. This, combined with the disappointing performance by the Under-21 team in the most recent Di Bradini Cup, has led the board to deem the project dead in the water. The nine resignation represent those members of the committee who were largely responsible for the drafting and execution of the project, as the KFA look to take a new direction in their quest to bring the national team back to relevance on the international scene.

It is not yet clear what this means for the future of national team manager Jerome Jaffacake-Phillips. The one-time Ellisham striker and former Silexhera manager was appointed ostensibly as part of Project 87, and still has five years remaining on his three-cycle contract. It's thought that JJP will remain in the job for the short term at least, as the KFA looks to rebuild its own house before looking to the coaching of the national team.

Hopefully Jaffacake-Phillips can use that time to rebuild confidence in the squad ahead of what looks like another run in the Cup of Harmony. He got the Dragons to a creditable quarter-final spot last cycle; the semis will now be the target as the manager will want to prove that someone can push this team, well... Onward!

[HUElavia]

An Erratic HUElavia puts the Qualification Efforts in Danger!

HUElavia 1-0 Eastfield Lodge
(Navarro 26')
(Estadio Acuático, Bello Mar)

Reçueçn 1–0 HUElavia
(Adams 38')

HUElavia once again played two matches in the Qualifiers, and has another "Tsundere" set of matches. The first was a home victory against Eastfield Lodge in Bello Mar, after a cross by Duran met the head of Navarro, who headed the ball past REDACTED into the goal to make it the definitive 1-0. The crowd went crazy and jumped to make the stadium rumble while Navarro celebrated with his teammates and share a hug and kiss with his girlfriend Hamada. The second game was more brutal of a loss, where a cross by Lavigne went into the box, only for Adams to tower over Fernandez-Roux to head it past a diving Lobato to make it 1-0, causing another loss for Los Amarillos/Os Amarelos.

Thus, HUElavia sit in 3rd Place, needing to overcome Squornshelous. HUElavia needs to win against New Waldensia (which will be at Estadio Sino, in Bagnano), and at Baggieland, where HUElavia is obligated to win, while getting help from other teams. 36 Points is the magic number for a playoff spot, where a head-to-head tiebreaker will help Squornshelous make the spot, while HUElavia will miss out the World Cup, and very certainly be sent to the Cup of Harmony. The A-Team and B-Team are expected to play these remaining three matches, as the team looks to finish strong. The fans will be hoping and praying for the team to win, while Squornshelous drops points in their remaining three matches. Regardless of what happens, the fans and nation will back the team through thick and thin.

FORCA HUELAVIA! VAMOS HUELAVIA! GO HUELAVIA!

[Chromatika]

Part 1: The Barbed Inn, Chromia
Part 2: The Emerald, Ming
Part 3: Killjoy, Cortez River
Part 4: Jordan's Talk
Part 5: Islander Dome, Myana
Part 6: Busukuma/Mid-Qual Thoughts
Part 7: Triple B, Deprí Sanar
Part 8: The Date, Alnio/Chromia

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World Cup 86 Qualifying Matchday 14:

Score: Chromatika 3–2 HAIKU @ Chromatik City Field, Chromia
Goals: Kuznetsov '19, Gail '33, Humphreys '81
Starting XI: Williams (C); De Saint-Pierre - Friedman - Rondeau - Rowles; Marc - Zuniga - Kuznetsov; Gail; Non - Bird.
Substitutes: Watt -> De Saint-Pierre ('53), Humphreys -> Marc ('64), Thibodeaux -> Non ('78)

World Cup 86 Qualifying Matchday 15:

Score: Pripet Socialist Republic 0–2 Chromatika
Goals: Non '29, Sterling '84
Starting XI: Williams (C); De Saint-Pierre - Friedman - Rondeau - Rowles; Marc - Zuniga - Kuznetsov; Gail; Non - Bird.
Substitutes: Baugh -> Friedman ('51), Sterling -> Gail ('78), Croix-Pierre -> Kuznoetsov ('83)

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Now with Video!

After the narrow victory over HAIKU and the domination of Pripet Socialist Republic, Chromatika sits comfortably in second place, five points ahead of Blouman Empire. With nine points to go, it means that Chromatika will need to choke in order for Blouman Empire to catch up; with matches against Xanneria and Banija still remaining, it won't be an easy proposition, but it does seem that Valens and Landers may have been successful in the team bouncing back.

Kimi Jin spent the match versus HAIKU watching the game in absolute shock with the crowd in Peter's Tavern in Chromia. Thankfully, Augustus Humphreys saved the team with a late header into the left corner of the net, and they were able to rest easy. Still, to struggle against an unranked team wasn't the best of showings.

The next match, Chromatika absolutely dominated time of possession and maintained momentum through the entire match, destroying Pripet Socialist Republic by a score of two goals to nil.

Afterwards, Kimi was surprised to see that she was invited to submit a question to five members of the Chromatik squad. She chose Richard Valens, Keira Andisori, Ferret Tioux, Enigma Armageddon, and Vasiliy Marten Kuznetsov. Here were the questions submitted and the responses:

To Richard Valens, new Chromatik NT Manager: What has been the most challenging aspect of managing this team through the first fifteen games?

Valens: This is a very talented squad top to bottom. The biggest challenge has been maintaining momentum. We've had some hiccups along the way - Quakmybush and Free Republic of Hong Kong come to mind - and making sure everyone is on the same page while juggling a pool of fifty people is not easy. We've become a lot better at it, though - making sure that we're all doing the same thing despite whomever is on the starting lineup. I am proud of the squad and I think our journey is far from over.

To Keira Andisori, longest tenured player and goalscoring leader: This is rumored to be your last cycle with the squad. How do you think things are going? Are you ready to hang up your cleats?

Andisori: I don't think I'll ever be ready to hang up my cleats. It's more like I feel like I should so that other players who are better than me can have their moments in the spotlight. I don't want to hold back the squad from advancing or from fielding the best combination of players possible. I still think I have a lot of skill that I can provide the squad and the country, and I will be doing the best I can to make sure that this team goes far in the tournament. It's not a guarantee that I'm done, I've just been thinking about it a lot.

To Ferret Tioux, now starting keeper for Chromatika due to the injury to Mia Ria: What is it like to know that you are being counted on in these pivotal matches that can determine whether or not Chromatika will be qualifying to the World Cup Proper?

Tioux: I'm heartbroken for Mia - she is such a hard worker. However, she was the first to let me know that she can focus on rehab knowing that she can rely on me, and she's been going over film with me before every match to go over how the opposing team plays and how I should adjust my own play. It's an honor to represent my country, that is true; however, it's not a battle between her and me. I'll be giving it my all to make sure that we can go far. I relish the challenge.

To Enigma Armageddon, who has been named Captain of the squad this year despite his young career: What do you think has been the deciding factor in Chromatika being more capable this qualifying cycle? What is the biggest difference between last qualifying campaign and this one?

Armageddon: We know how to play close matches. I think we were very bad in games decided by one goal last qualifying cycle, and this time around, we've been a lot better at it. Having the mentality that it isn't over until it's over, that we can come back into any game as long as we have our heads screwed on straight allows us to be more creative and have more say in how the game goes. It's been mostly a mental shift that's been very instrumental this time around.

To Vasiliy Marten Kuznetsov, young winger who's only in his second full cycle: What can you say about the youth that has been entering this system? Ten players are under the age of twenty-five, and most of the squad is under the age of thirty. Do you think this is the new norm?

Kuznetsov: A team needs both the veterans to keep continuity and the youth to keep up the energy. Without either end, the team lacks the other half. I think it's good that we have youth, and it's good that we have leadership. I trust the Management Staff and the CFF to keep that in mind. I wouldn't worry about it too much.

With these five questions answered, Jin thanked the Anomalies correspondent for the opportunity and excitedly made her way to The Rebel's offive.

Jordan Lawless was, understandably, pleased.

---

Team Selection
MD16: vs. Tamgu @ The Cathedral, Brisara (Cap. 27,880)
MD17: @ Xanneria
Starting XI: Tioux; Xiao - de Aea - Ken - Ilya; Victoriane - Armageddon (C) - Conrad; Mora; Andisori, K. - Vidal.
Reserves: Williams, Chapman, Anderson, Will, Austic, Thorben, Dias, Dragana, Kuznetsov, Kuzami, Sierra, Andisori, B.

[Ethane]

Daniel walked into the team cloakroom, fuming. He threw his folder at the wall, which contained all the tactical information for the game.

"What the heck happened out there. We were in the game. But you had no fight in you. What has happened to all of you? We used to be a good team - some of you will remember when we were ranked 8th in the world. Soaring high. But now, we are here. Now, we are going backwards. Have you seen how distant we are from qualifying. BURGESS ARE YOU LISTENING. Why can't you ever seem to bury it. Just find the back of the net. And Underwood - what are you doing? We selected you because you are a good player. We've not seen a shred of evidence of that in this tournament. Maybe it is time you listened to your critics and retired. The game would be better off without you."

"Perhaps, Daniel, it is not us that is the problem. Perhaps the problem lies at the top of the team. Not in the players in the team - we have all individually shown our brilliance. Perhaps you are the problem. Maybe you are the reason for our woes. You can't always blame it on us. It's the culture you create. It's the tactical decisions you make. Frankly, you're shit. On that note, there's a visitor for you."

Everyone turns to the door to the cloakroom. In strides the current head of the EFA, Sara Limeido. "Mr. Bakerman, I've been meaning to talk to you. I was going to do it privately, but I feel Underwood has got the message across to you loud and clear. You're no longer welcome in this cloakroom. You are no longer the manager of Ethane. Please pack your bags and leave. We've already got a few managers on a shortlist to replace you, and we're in advanced talks with one of the candidates. Basically, you won't be missed. Goodbye."

As of my post in the WCDT, I have been asking for candidates for the managerial role. That position has now been filled, so thanks to those who suggested managers for Ethane.

[Independent Athletes from Quebec]

OOC : Thanks to both Cassadaigua and Tioguldós for lending me both the city of Battleboro and the excerpts of Mo pesoldriplués fam Aldofe Tiog.

Running Up That Hill

PART 2 (30) - Ungodly Hour

‘The consequences of the revolution were devastating for some areas of the country. In the north, some cities like Barkenuse, Narláfal, Megekh, and Ragemilués, had to be practically rebuilt. The Orkasdusian Armed Forces were ready to destroy with artillery the very cities they wanted to take back. And despite the chaos and destruction, they failed to drive out the glorious Tiog urban guerrillas. The effort made and the lives given by our martyrs were not in vain. Thanks to them and so many other comrades who are still with us, today our country advances without respite in the construction of a more just world. The bravery of the Tiog revolutionaries is now being rewarded with a just, democratic, and socialist nation.’

'Page 14, Mo pesoldriplués fam Aldofe Tiog (The construction of the Tiog State)' -

It was at the very end of Page 14 where we caught Asher in the middle of their hotel suite in Downtown Brattleboro. He, mid-reading, had barely a distance between his bare eyes and the book, with his glasses in the middle of a coffee table, as he found himself in the comforts of a large, leather sofa.

Bringing this book by the Tiog Premier, the previous year’s hot international release, had taken a lot of thoughts and contemplations. Given the situations out there in Southern AO, as well as its opening up to the international stage, it was certainly an interesting book of They had talked here and there on what would be allowed entry into Sicoutimont and Valladares (more former than latter, of course), and the formality of the nature bugged both. It was only after they had agreed to let him take that book, and her taking her favourite guitar, Meredith’s Pine, the day before that a solution was met.

It’s a fascinating piece, though I may not necessarily agree with the perspective. But was this worth the trouble? A loose thread of his consciousness flew into the air, as he continued to read about the details of the victorious resistance. Especially late in night, it was right for him to feel slightly insecure at times, as he conceded to himself on how there seemed to be no peacetime or middle ground for anything that was going around.

Perhaps that's why Asher was uncertain about them, especially himself, going on this trip. If anything, if he had to pay for his own ticket to become part of the war memorial train, he would have rather just taken the extra week to stay in Concord Heights or just flown back to Quebec City at the earliest possible time. But then, the expectations of being a Lundrigan had already placed enough expectations, and since he had to slowly go back on being a decent human being and an adult, there was no way he could really escape from it.

The family of naval officers, commanders and victors.

Asher gathered his thoughts once again, as he thought of how disappointed his late grandfather would have been at his eight grandchildren. Asher knew that all eight were still fine chaps- all had completed a college degree, started to break into something they had all wanted to do, and seemed to be happy about it- and have the right to be proud of everything.

Of course, none of them ended up in the Royal Quebecois Navy, but enough flag-waving and representing the Quebecois Tricolour Taegeuk have been done anyway. His brother Frank, now a starting winger with Teus side TSV Marzig, had already made a name for himself with 3 appearances for the Grim Reapers, who had just finished the first half of the 2046 World Cup 86 Qualifying Campaign with a solid 6-1-2 record. His three Kenna-Lundrigan cousins were on the athletics national team, with 30-year-old Alexis coming close in the women’s 10000m the previous year’s Summer Olympics, and others also had their names known. All in all, the Lundrigans seemed to have made their names known quite well in the athletics scene and spread hope to many young children out there. It was something to be proud about.

I’ve hidden under the glories of my cousins, but sooner than later I have to join them….

Of course Asher had none of those trots and boots anymore. Since his return to Quebec City as the Special Issues Writer for Landslide Quebec and The Taegukgi, while upholding his commitment to Concord Heights Times, his travels became a lot more straightforward. Instead of writing articles about the direct access to the Porto Nowi ultras or the mysterious underbelly of Cleopatrana football fans, he was spending slightly more time on domestic operations no less familiar to him, whether it be covering high school baseball, college football or CSKA Quebec. Instead of thinking about whose beds and whose apartments he’d be sleeping with, he’s now thinking about when to return home or whether he’ll meet her in Montreal or not. Instead of writing down what excuse he could have to skip an organised reunion, Asher’s now taking domestic flights for the sheer joy of seeing his homies.

But then, nothing was certain about how the relationship would continue if this weren’t going to be met with external challenges, where you may have to face prospective scrutinies. Rumours may surface and the question marks become assumptions, which he had acknowledged from his years of watching his colleagues at Erskine and St-Croix. Maybe that’s why he was keen to come to Southern Rushmore this time around. While the readers of the series could just see how much he has improved from then to now, simply by comparing his college-day behaviour to now, it is never easy to really feel comfortable with their confidence when it comes to his personal responsibility. Still, he had learned from an early age to take into account duties that he had, and with the new age asking for greater accountability, there weren’t a lot of options. That’s something that maybe kept both of them grounded, even with different motivations.

I am lucky, but can I protect her from the shards if they come out firing?

That sense of duty, for most part, was why Asher, having a perfectly, decided to join Eileen and take part in the Commemoration of the 100th Anniversary of the Southern Rushmori War Victory, which official celebrations would be taken in part with three Victory Train rides on Sicoutian, Westlands and the Commonwealth fronts. ‘Only 57 civilians from Quebec invited to Sicoutimont, 341 to Westlands celebrations. Not bad for someone who should have overdosed to death while an undergraduate.’ He said it, with no more than a slight murmur in tension. ‘Unlike those Bortstal offenders who only sniff at the broadcasters’ daughters way too young for their own age, fucking up isn’t going to be an issue. I cannot make that an issue.’

The unusual luck of being able to travel to Sicoutimont, to find traces of the friendly nation that no longer exists, and to find a new nation that looked as depressing as 1970s Novopetrograd. Shouldn’t be too bad…..

---

The very next morning, their final journey had begun, as the hundreds of passengers, of various statuses, nationalities connections to the war, had boarded the Sicoutian War Commemoration Train that was going to run cross-country routes between Brattleboro and Hamilton, Valladares, with most stops to be taken in Sicoutimont.

Here we go. To the fields.That’s all Asher had in mind, as him and Eileen watched from their compartment. They could hear the fanfare, smell the gunpowder and see all the smiling faces over the window, as they wondered how the celebration of a war that’s been finished for a century, and only have four surviving veterans left, still held strong emotions for many. Of course, that’s been asked many times as the train slowly exited the Brattleboro terminal, and headed east to the Dagan-Sicoutian border.

---

’Us Tiogs have written our history based on struggle and sacrifice. The Battle of Barkenuse on September 20, 7AR, left more than five hundred casualties for the People's Liberation Army. However, from there we managed to take control of the northern area and block the delivery of supplies by land to Giasekh Ourakh. This point was the culmination of our battle to facilitate the revolutionary task of our comrades in Bonbokh u Piche. From then on, fighting from both fronts, we managed to contain the hostilities of the Orkasduso Republic until its ceasefire.’

'Page 128, Mo pesoldriplués fam Aldofe Tiog (The construction of the Tiog State)' -

About an hour later, they were somewhere. It struck eleven, and the train’s in full speed just half an hour outside of Brattleboro. It seemed that nothing was happening but the train still moved and told them where to go, while the fate’s paintbrush were guiding them beyond their own control.

She was asleep, and he was reading. While reading the book, Asher wondered about the artificiality and the rawness of a narrative, and whether one can coexist or not. While he had always believed in fate, he was unsure if that would be the best way to describe history. Of course that’s not what he hoped to find an answer this time, but the personalised elements attached to them would affect their judgement (it’d be worded as theirs not his, due to both Eileen and Asher having familial connections in different fronts of the War).

Perhaps that’s why the train’s ungodly hours are the most beautiful ones...how it gives us the narrative comfort when reading, as continuing motion… wrote he, at very specific page of the book.

[Kandorith]

Shinonome Kyoai - International
News From The Empire

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Hayabusa On Crucial Match

The Kandoreses team had its ups and downs during the qualifying campaign. From drama to wins which are almost historical. Yet, the team has to perform better and has the most important obstacle ahead of them. Hayabusa himself is hopeful and thinks the Lotus warriors can have the edge in the crucial upcoming match against Qasden. With only three points behind the number two; the match against Qasden is a crucial one to reach the World Championship. Hayabusa responded in what it means for him, the team and the nation as a whole..

"For me in the first place it means my job" He said while chuckling. "But in all honesty, Kandorith is a very proud nation and takes her football in pride too. I feel like I have made mistakes and I admit that. We had to change tactics to learn how to work together and I think this is how we are going to solve the puzzle of how this team works. I have been arrogant in thinking the old system would work with new and young players. We have to work together and not against each other. Of course there has been criticism and of course I think we should have done better in certain matches; yet this does not stop my determination of being the first manager to reach the world cup in decades for this country.

"I know that at home millions of fans are watching the games and have the feeling of disappointment or even disheartment and I ask them to have patience with me. If we do not win the upcoming matches there is nothing left for me to do other than resign. If we do not reach the World Cup I will have failed in the mission I set for the team, for the younglings in the squad and for the nation. I am of uttermost confidence that we will win the upcoming matches and we will take that number two spot at least. This is our mission and our destiny. We have to show the world that we have indeed, become a football nation."

The words of Hayabusa are indeed empowering, yet for the Kandorese team an uphill battle remains. We have seen the team fight back from lower places in the table before and right now, they are in the best position of making the comeback happen. With new tactics and a new playstyle; Hayabusa hopes to lead the team to glory for the first time since the 67th World Cup.

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Group 9                              Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Valanora                              15   13   2   0    55   21  +34    41 Q
 2 Qasden                                15   10   1   4    35   21  +14    31
 3 Kandorith                             15    8   4   3    48   32  +16    28
 4 Ancherion                             15    8   3   4    37   29   +8    27
 5 Lochario                              15    7   3   5    24   25   −1    24
 6 Schottia                              15    5   3   7    15   21   −6    18
 7 Solharcht Kirale                      15    4   3   8    16   33  −17    15
 8 Kencana                               15    3   3   9     7   19  −12    12
 9 Emastalia                             15    3   2  10    20   34  −14    11
10 Glazgo                                15    1   2  12    20   42  −22     5

[Pasarga]

Meriadoc Griffiths was sitting at their desk, looking idly at the different articles about the last three qualification matches for not only Pasarga but across the entire competition. Training had been finished for over an hour and most of the players and staff had already departed the training facility, as far as Meriadoc was aware they were the only ones left at the facility. The Wanderers were getting prepared the best that they could be for the upcoming qualification weekend, it was one that there was a lot of budding pressure building up around it, after the Wanderers had secured at least a place in the playoffs with victories over Vangaziland at home and then going to Megistos and getting a bit of revenge for one of their two instances of dropped points in the first half. It was a very sweet sensation to get one over on a side that on paper was vastly inferior to their own but had come into Torgos and gotten an unexpected victory over the Wanderers, though for all the good it did them with their side already eliminated from progressing at this final stretch.

Yet Meriadoc was worried, worried because as sweet as the victory over Megistos had been, it had been far from convincing, a trend that had been haunting the Wanderers from the word go at the start of the campaign, with even only narrowly defeating Vangaziland in Torgos the few days before the trip to Megistos. The same Vangaziland that was propping up the rest of the table and was in all measurable facets of the game vastly inferior to the Wanderers and should have been unceremoniously thumped in front of the ninety thousand screaming fans that were always there to support the squad. Yet they were not, it was a narrow one goal victory, a trend that was the entire mood of the campaign for Drawkland-Newmanistan, a trend that worried the manager that their tactics were not quite up to snuff yet. While a pair of victories over Eura had alleviated some of that concern, it was still there in the back of their mind, gnawing at the insecurity that the entire campaign had been a facade and that if/when the Wanderers did qualify, they would be completely and utterly undone in the Finals themselves.

Their fingers rolled with anxiety, reading the analysts thoughts on what the squad was doing and how they were on the cusp of achieving a group title despite being in the same group as their regional rivals and the best team in the region in Eura. Timuria was clinging to life as the third seed but seemed out of the race with being five points adrift of third and eight from second, yet the up and coming Vdara squad was still very much alive and had it all to play for with matches against Eura, in second, and then against the Wanderers themselves in Torgos on the final matchday. Their fate was still in their hands, as was Eura's, and so was the Wanderers', yet Vdara felt the most threatening and the most alive of those teams. With so many different experts having picked Vdara to emerge out of the group in place of the Wanderers at the start of the qualifying, it seemed that they had an eye on that certain something special that the Vdara squad had in them, to give them the confidence that Vdara would be able to outdo either Eura or Meraidoc's own squad.

Two points, two points from the last three games and the Wanderers were through, it was simple math. Meriadoc though had been in the game long enough to know that nothing was ever simple in the football, nothing was as simple as telling your squad to go out there and win the match and then to have it done. However it was not the most difficult of treks to take either, with the squad having Acronius in Torgos on the morrow as the earliest opportunity to secure their passage into the Finals and put all the doubt aside and to relieve any pressure that was starting to creep in on the edge of the squad. A dominant win would also put the manager's mind at ease, even if it was but a single one in the entire second half of the campaign, it would show the skipper that the side could rise to the occasion and put in the sort of performance that showed they deserved to win the group and had not merely gotten lucky in a few of their tilts. Failing that, the squad would travel to Timuria a few days later, a Timuria side that would likely already be eliminated and would have nothing to play for. Two points from three games, waiting till that final day against Vdara would be a nightmare, Meriadoc and the squad needed it done before then for their sanity...