World Cup 86: Roleplay Thread

by **Filindostan** » Sat Sep 19, 2020 1:00 pm

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FOOTBALL: WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS
Rumors circulating Filindostan pulling out of next World Cup Qualifiers

SAN MARCO - Rumors of Filindostan not participating in the next World Cup qualifying campaign have spread like wildfire among the footballing community in San Marco.

After failing to make the knockout stages of the recent Cup of Harmony and a dismal performance in the Campionato Esportiva, the FFF held an emergency meeting which was kept secret from mainstream media, with their next steps on fixing the mess that was the Filindostan national football team. This was after the FFF allowed a certain Muhamad Asy-Syahid to take charge of the squad during the Campionato Esportiva after Krisna Hendra Sudirman stepped down as manager at the end of the CoH season. The participation saw a different squad which were men, or should we say, human androids belonging to the Human Android Institute of Kota Usman, a remote institute located in Melayu Archipelago. Said players were also participating as the HAIKU national team.

It was discussed that Filindostan might not participate in World Cup 87 qualifiers, which would have been their ninth attempt in making the World Cup for the first time. The former Baptism of Fire champions have failed to make it to the finals, the closest they had to one was in their first attempt in World Cup 79 qualifying and another in World Cup 82 qualifying campaigns.

The FFF will also announce the sacking of Aspen Quintos after their last match against regionmates Natanians and Nosts in a hope to secure 7th place, their WORST campaign to date, which only yielded 16 of a possible 54 points and only 4 wins to their name.

Written by FSNA Staff.

by **Sarzonia** » Sat Sep 19, 2020 1:56 pm

A House of Delegates select committee announced they completed an investigation into the actions of President Grant Haffner during the outbreak of the SARS 2 novel Coronavirus and ruled that he acted appropriately in mitigating the threat posed by the pandemic.

The committee announced its findings in a press conference Friday evening by Chairman Floyd Barclay (Progressive-Endymion). The investigation ruled that if Haffner acted three days earlier, roughly 6,000 of the 28,000 Sarzonians who died from the virus would have been saved.

However, Barclay also noted that Chris Cavender, the deputy director of Sarzonia's infectious disease control, didn't present the threat to Haffner until 9 March.

"We understood from his explanation that he held off on advising the President until he was convinced that the virus posed a serious threat to Sarzonian life," Barclay said. "However, we interviewed health officials who suggested that he still should have briefed the President when he was first made aware of the existence of the virus."

President Haffner announced today that the public health emergency declaration was set to expire tomorrow at 5 p.m. Sarzonian Standard Time [AOTC+1], saying that his delay in making the announcement was the result of consultation with public health officials and infectious disease experts.

"We felt the threat was mitigated and that we could get back to a semblance of normal activity as early as a couple of months ago," Haffner said. "We wanted to be ready in the event the virus mutated or we had a second wave of the virus. Fortunately, that second wave never materialised.

Haffner sharply rebuked a reporter who asked him a question about his "successful" handling of the virus.

"I'm going to have to stop you right there," Haffner said as his eyebrows furrowed and his eyes flashed with anger. "Twenty-eight thousand Sarzonians lost their lives to this virus. Thousands more are suffering respiratory problems and other effects from it. And we haven't even begun to talk about the families who had to bury loved ones or who lost their jobs and their livelihoods.

"Losing that many lives out of a population of 127 million people is not 'successful' in any way," Haffner said. "Did we mitigate the threat? Yes. Did we do the best we could with what we knew? Perhaps. But don't you dare tell me we were 'successful.' I'm sure 28,000 families will disagree with you."

A spokesman for House Speaker Victoria Roger said that her chambre was close to a vote on a bill that would make the monthly $2,500 universal basic income payments issued as part of Haffner's emergency declaration permanent. The Senate is also expected to approve the measure and send it to the Gray House, where Haffner is expected to sign it into law.

In other news, Haffner announced that he would attend the Sarzonian national football team's group stage finale away to Northwest Kalactin. The Stars are in a three-way tie with Baptism of Fire Champions Graintfjall and unranked Yuezhou, but would lose tiebreakers to both teams.

Sarzonia lost both group stage matches against Graintfjall and are 0-1-1 against Yuezhou.

"We don't deserve to get in," Haffner said in a rare interview question about sport. "We couldn't win the matches we really needed to when we needed them."

by **Springmont** » Sat Sep 19, 2020 6:11 pm

Group 12                             Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Trolleborg                            17   13   3   1    45   26  +19    42 Q
 2 The Hinodejin Empire                  17   11   3   3    36   18  +18    36
 3 Taeshan                               17    9   6   2    29   16  +13    33
 4 Riena                                 17    7   4   6    32   29   +3    25
 5 Ziwana                                17    7   1   9    28   29   −1    22
 6 Savigliane                            17    6   1  10    34   42   −8    19
 7 Springmont                            17    4   6   7    30   35   −5    18
 8 Fluvannia                             17    5   3   9    20   28   −8    18
 9 ZSeparatists                          17    4   2  11    23   39  −16    14
10 The Grearish Union                    17    3   3  11    16   31  −15    12

 (MD1) Springmont 0–1 The Hinodejin Empire
Kingbury
Krepanovic, Heckbert (C), Wingstrom, Farrowshard
Fjetland, McColsom, Mohaupt
Mayfirth, Crownfish, Compton

 (MD2) Riena 0–0 Springmont
Kingbury
Krepanovic, Heckbert (C), Wingstrom, Bloodsword
Fjetland, McColsom, Mohaupt
Mayfirth, Crownfish, Compton

(MD3) Springmont  3-4 Savigliane 
Coe
Fogdream, Heckbert (C), Wingstrom, Farrowshard
Fjetland, McColsom, Mohaupt
Kaizer, Crownfish, Stanley

Springmont Scorer: Waldo Miguel Stanley - 23', 45', 77'

 (MD4) Taeshan 3–2 Springmont
Auwaerter
Krepanovic, Heckbert (C), Wingstrom, Farrowshard
Fjetland, McColsom, Delinois
Mayfirth, Crownfish, Stanley

Springmont Scorer: McColsom - 43' & Crownfish - 76''

 (MD5) Springmont 1–0 Fluvannia
Kingbury
Krepanovic, Heckbert (C), Wingstrom, Bloodsword
Ravenbluff, McColsom, Mohaupt
Mayfirth, Crownfish, Compton

Springmont Scorer: Mayfirth- 12''

 (MD6)  Trolleborg 5–2 Springmont
Kingbury (C)
Fogdream, Bloodsword, Wingstrom, Farrowshard
Fjetland, McColsom, Mohaupt
Mayfirth, Crownfish, Compton

Springmont Scorer: Farrowshard- 30';  Crownfish - 59'

 (MD7)  Springmont 2–1 ZSeparatists
Kingbury
Fogdream, Heckbert (C), Wingstrom, Farrowshard
Fjetland, Delinois, Mohaupt
Kaizer, Crownfish, Stanley

Springmont Scorer: Kaizer- 57';  Fjetland - 90'

 (MD8)  Springmont 2–2 The Grearish Union
Kingbury
Fogdream, Heckbert (C), Wingstrom, Farrowshard
Fjetland, Delinois, Mohaupt
Kaizer, Crownfish, Mayfirth

Springmont Scorer: Mayfirth- 12';  Crownfish - 65'
Springmont Injuries:  Kingbury

 (MD9)  Ziwana 2–2 Springmont
Auwaerter
Krepanovic, Heckbert (C), Wingstrom, Bloodsword
Ravenbluff, McColsom, Mohaupt
Kaizer, Crownfish, Mayfirth

Springmont Scorer: Kaizer - 40';  McColsom - p. 77'

 (MD10)  The Hinodejin Empire 4–2 Springmont
Auwaerter 
Krepanovic, Heckbert (C), Wingstrom, Farrowshard 
Fjetland, McColsom, Mohaupt 
Kaizer, Crownfish, Mayfirth

Springmont Scorer: Crownfish- 80' & 88'

 (MD11)  Springmont 4–3 Riena
Coe 
Bloodsword, Heckbert (C), Wingstrom, Farrowshard 
Fjetland, Ravenbluff, Mohaupt 
Kaizer, Crownfish, Mayfirth

Springmont Scorer: Mayfirth- 25', 44'; Fjetland - 71'; Wingstrom - 90'
Springmont Injuries:  Wingstrom

 (MD12)  Savigliane 2–4 Springmont
Coe 
Bloodsword, Heckbert (C), Fogdream, Farrowshard 
Fjetland, Ravenbluff, Mohaupt 
Kaizer, Crownfish, Mayfirth

Springmont Scorer: Farrowshard- 12', Fjetland- 41', Kaizer- 56', Crownfish- 76'

 (MD13)  Springmont 0–0 Taeshan
Coe 
Bloodsword, Heckbert (C), Fogdream, Farrowshard 
Fjetland, McColsom, Mohaupt 
Kaizer, Crownfish, Mayfirth

Springmont Scorer: NONE
Springmont Injuries:  Crownfish

 (MD14)  Fluvannia 1–0 Springmont
Coe 
Krepanovic, Heckbert (C), Wingstrom, Farrowshard 
Fjetland, McColsom, Mohaupt 
Kaizer, Stanley, Mayfirth

Springmont Scorer: NONE
Springmont Injuries:  Mohaupt

 (MD15)  Springmont 1–2 Trolleborg
Coe 
Krepanovic, Heckbert (C), Wingstrom, Farrowshard 
Fjetland, McColsom, Delinois 
Kaizer, Stanley, Mayfirth

Springmont Scorer: Waldo Miguel Stanley - 20'
Springmont Injuries:  Heckbert

 (MD16)  ZSeparatists 3–3 Springmont
Coe 
Krepanovic, Fogdream, Wingstrom, Farrowshard 
Fjetland (C), McColsom, Ravenbluff 
Kaizer, Stanley, Mayfirth

Springmont Scorer: McColsom - 28', Mayfirth - 81' & 88' 
Springmont Injuries:  None

 (MD17)  The Grearish Union 2–2 Springmont
Kingbury (C)
Krepanovic, Fogdream, Wingstrom, Farrowshard 
Fjetland , McColsom,  Mohaupt
Kaizer, Stanley, Mayfirth

Springmont Scorer: McColsom - 44', Stanley - 61' 
Springmont Injuries:  None

Next Game
MD18: Springmont vs. Ziwana

Goalscorer
Name	    Total
Crownfish	6
Mayfirth	6
Stanley	5
McColsom	4
Kaizer	3
Fjetland	3
Farrowshard	2
Wingstrom	1

by **Nephara** » Sun Sep 20, 2020 5:29 am

Mavinet 5 - 6 Nephara
(4-4-2 / 4-3-3) 1 - Mercator; 2 - Stride, 5 - Thorn (c), 6 - Brosch (22 - Lockheed 23'), 3 - Muscadin; 7 - Kuepper, 4 - Shone (15 - Kastriot 59'), 21 - Moxham (s/o 76'), 11 - Deventer; 9 - Bastable, 10 - Lovelace (8 - Cromwell 67')
Goals: Moxham 7', Deventer 33', Lovelace 36', Kuepper 42', Bastable 53', Cromwell 73'

Havynwilde 0 - 0 Nephara
(4-3-3 / 4-4-2) 20 - Provost; 18 - Rostock, 5 - Thorn (c), 22 - Lockheed, 19 - Strassman; 7 - Kuepper, 15 - Kastriot, 8 - Cromwell (10 - Lovelace 75'); 23 - Mrdja (7 - Kuepper 64'), 14 - Tzorvas (9 - Bastable 52'), 11 - Deventer

Excerpt from D. Strauss post-match speech following 6-5 win vs. Mavinet:

"You expect me to believe that shower of shit came from Cormorants? Five fucking goals! We take the points - but five fucking goals! Was that the defence of World Champions in the making? Was it, Gabriel? Tell me, Shone, were you trying to beat Chimera to the red card there? Time after time, you were so goddamn lucky, let me tell you, you lived to be subbed ... don't get me started on the bloody Moxham challenge, I can hear her sulking in the shower and you can hear me, can't you, huh? Bloody hell ... three in the last twenty minutes, I was bricking it ... shame is immeasurable. We're going to head home after the break is done, there will be a guard of honour ready with tomatoes to hurl at you and you will deserve every bloody one ... some positives, I guess, came up front, but we shouldn't have needed a cushion of Six bloody Two going into the closing stages ... will point at that and laugh. Next match you're gonna give me something boring as hell, something nice and calm. I don't want to see another clusterstrophe like that, got it? So I'd better bloody not!"

Excerpt from D. Strauss post-match speech following 0-0 draw vs. Havynwilde:

"Fuck's sake, lads. Stop listening to me when I get angry."

NEPHARAN NATIONAL TEAM SELECTION - FORTNIGHT 10
Goalkeepers: 1 - Hesterine Mercator (Ulsa, EUR), 12 - Alexandra Markgraf (Sabrefell Moths), 20 - Aranea Provost (Holdenberg, EUR)
Defenders: 2 - Rovena Stride (AFC Treason), 3 - Vivica Muscadin (Sabrefell Moths), 5 - Roxelana Thorn (Revolutionaries, EUR, c), 6 - Ilyana Brosch (Brinemouth), 18 - Linde Rostock (Stahlburg City), 19 - Bremusa Strassman (Crisisbless), 22 - Gabriel Lockheed (AFC Treason)
Midfielders: 4 - Tawny Shone (Sabrefell Moths), 7 - Marica Kuepper (Jungle Strike, VIL), 8 - Lothaire Cromwell (AFC Treason), 11 - Morena Deventer (Brinemouth), 13 - Ysabet Belgrade (Sabrefell Moths), 15 - Mercurio Kastriot (Crisisbless), 16 - Rasmus Caracole (Coret Hawks), 21 - Chimera Moxham (Spartangrad, EUR)
Forwards: 9 - Kurtis Bastable (Ulsa, EUR), 10 - Konrad Lovelace (Revolutionaries, EUR), 14 - Arista Tzorvas (CA Paulinthal, PAS), 17 - Latona Basilisk (Coret Hawks), 23 - Traudl Mrdja (Vermillion Rage)

SCHEDULE
Nephara 4 - 1 Hwiccemark @ The Iron Hill (Vermillion)
Unimon 3 - 4 Nephara
Nephara 3 - 0 The Minarchist Free State @ Ludd's Hammer (Stahlburg)
Terre Septentrionale 0 - 5 Nephara
Nephara 3 - 2 New Lusitania @ Eagle's Club (Brinemouth)
Sharktail 2 - 4 Nephara
Nephara 2 - 1 Mavinet @ Farham Arena (Sabrefell)
Nephara 4 - 0 Havynwilde @ The Gauntlet (Treason)
Damukuni 1 - 5 Nephara
Hwiccemark 2 - 4 Nephara
Nephara 1 - 0 Unimon @ Phoenix Rise (Corvistone)
The Minarchist Free State 0 - 2 Nephara
Nephara 6 - 3 Terre Septentrionale @ Farham Arena (Sabrefell)
New Lusitania 2 - 3 Nephara
Nephara 5 - 2 Sharktail @ Eagle's Club (Brinemouth)
Mavinet 5 - 6 Nephara
Havynwilde 0 - 0 Nephara
Nephara vs. Damukuni @ The Gauntlet (Treason)

works? · by **Abanhfleft** » Sun Sep 20, 2020 6:19 am

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

(CHUCKLES) WE'RE IN DANGER

I predicted this, didn't I? I said this before and I'll say it again: this team never ceases to amaze me with how much effort they put into making the lives of their fans an absolute living hell. I have come not to expect anything at all from this team anymore and yet they still find ways to disappoint me. Hello guys, and welcome back to another edition of The Football Fallacies with me, your gay Irishman Graham O'Doherty, and today is the day that we hold the funeral for Abanhfleft's hopes and dreams of making it into the World Cup. Ah, it's been a wild ride, but like all things, it must come to an end. And it comes to an end... well, take your pick, really. We are absolutely spoilt for choice when it comes to picking out the moment when Abanhfleft's World Cup campaign went off the rails.

Oh, where do we go from here? Another Cup of Harmony campaign? Frankly, I'm sick of the Cup of Harmony. There's only so many times a team can qualify for the "second" best competition out there without any success before the fans turn and say "Is this really all we are capable of?" Clearly, the first half of the current qualifiers proves that this team is indeed capable of getting to the World Cup... if only we were to fix the underlying issues in this team. And it all comes down to mentality. This team is an absolute beast, as long as things go their way. As soon as the slightest bit of adversity comes and boops their nose just a tiny little bit... well, there goes the morale. There goes the composure. There goes the confidence. We might as well have a completely different team out there for what it's worth. I mean, do these girls even understand the word momentum? Christ above, this makes me wish I was back in Neu Engollon all those months ago watching our rugby boys tearing up the Alpen View Brew Festival. No, not those rugby boys, the rugby sevens team. Now that's a team that knows all too well the meaning of the word "disappoint" and are very much determined not to inflict it upon their fans.

So what was the point where it turned for us, where it got all ugly? A lot of people will point to the defeats against Legalese, Zwangzug and Barunia, or the draw against South Covello as the biggest contributors to our downfall, but now ladies and gents, let me point the finger at a hitherto-unknown culprit, one that we have basically ignored simply because they appeared to be worthy of our ignorance: the strangely named nation of When U Die. Nope, I'm not kidding. As far as I've uncovered, that is indeed the name of their nation. When U Die. Seems both strange and weirdly appropriate, doesn't it? Although if they really wanted their name to be apt, it should have been When Ur World Cup Hopes n Dreams Die. Why are you all looking at me like that? I'm just speaking the truth here.

Look, hear me out, all right? Before we played When U Die for the first time, our team was on a roll. What was it, five straight wins? Something crazy like that. Anyway, our first game against When U Die ended up being a 3-3 scoreline. For God's sake, we were in control of that game for the first seventy minutes! And then it all started falling apart in the last twenty, and after that we've never been the same. Another draw against West Squornshelous, and then we've never been able to string together two wins in a row after that. It's all so depressing and yet so inevitable.

So our last game in this qualifiers will be against West Squornshelous once again, and the only way we are even going to have even just a slim chance of sneaking through to the playoffs for the World Cup proper is if we win against the Confederacy and South Covello lose to... the bloody Lib Dem Soc States. Oh, well, we were always going to wake up from the dream, weren't we? For what is a dream but something that's supposed to be out of reach anyway without any extraordinary effort? XOXO from Graham....

█    ABANHFLEFT 1 - 3 BARUNIA
KELLERMAN (58')       MOORHOUSE (9, 33', 44' pen)

WHEN U DIE 2 - 4 ABANHFLEFT
                 McGINNIS (18' pen)
                 LINER (27')
                 SIBUSIZWE (64')
                 WOODWARD (80')

by **The Fortem** » Sun Sep 20, 2020 6:38 am

Did I lose?

by **Tikariot** » Sun Sep 20, 2020 6:43 am

The opening keyboard riff of Emerson, Lake & Powell's "Touch and Go" begins to sound as the picture shows the Tikariotian flag is flying over the Tikariot Citadel in the fading twilight of dusk.

"It is as if the playoffs started one day early."

An aerial shot of the Dhaencunor Arena, an oval of bright lights amidst the ever darkening surroundings as the sun's last glow is quickly snuffed out by the blackness of night.

"Maybe the biggest game in Tikariotian sports ever."

Coming closer to the stadium, thousands of football fans are making their way from the parking lots and bus stops, train stations and the promenade, drawn like moths to a flame.

"Tonight sports history might be written."

Scenes from the tournament so far begin to flit across the screen. From the horrendous mistake of Randy Kovalchuk in the first game against Union Europae and Iain Aspinall's rocket of a shot against South Newlandia, over the almost manhunt-like attacks of Se Vende Skooma and Morris Nighthorse's laser precise pass to Adrian Grimaud to score the winning goal over TJUN-ia to Aspinall's hattrick against Union Europae, Jardel Connolly's almost impossible seeming goal against Port Ember and finally Marvin Thorniley's howler from almost 30 metres against Nathanians and Nosts.

"The Snowy Owls' first ever appearance in the World Cup qualification was a bitter defeat."

"That game had been an absolute rollercoaster!"

"No cheap giveaways and suddenly we get the results."

"The team has definitely redeemed itself!"

"Filigree won't get you anywhere."

"Almost painful to watch at times."

"I'm actually not sure if everybody down there IS awake."

"Tikariot mounts serious challenge after depressing start."

"Tikariot thunders and the world is taking notice!"

The barrage of pictures and scenes slows down to a slow motion clip of the national team standing in front of their fans' section of the stadium, performing the Thunder Clap with them.

"Tikariot is ready - are you?"

The picture fades to black as the music fades to zero.

The Dhaencunor Arena in Tikariot City is getting ready for the big game, the seats of the stadium filling up. The big video screens show a countdown clock, 60 minutes to the festivities’ beginning. The atmosphere is building, everything is boiling down to this game to see which team can continue on in their quest to defy the odds and qualify for the Holy Grail of football, the World Cup. To the right a section is turning blue and orange in the colours of TJUN-ia, unfurling banners and setting up their flags. Across the lushly green pitch they are greeted with a growing wall of black.

A large group of fans dressed in black hooded robes are at the turnstiles of the Dhaencunor Arena. An hour to go before the decisive group game against TJUN-ia. After the customary security checks they make their way to the southern end of the arena, reserved for the Tikariotian fans, the hum of thousands of people around them, but themselves only quietly conversing in hushed, almost reverent tones. The closer to their section they get, the more black-clad fans fill the concourse, its white concrete in stark contrast to the throng of black robes. As they near the wide staircases leading up to the central section of the south curve, they meet up with many larger groups, all dressed in the same robes, some carrying bundles of flags and banners with them, many with black and purple face paint. The tension is almost palpable, the excitement barely contained, the looks on many fans' faces determined, at times almost grim. Looks are exchanged, nods silently acknowledging the cause they all have come to support tonight.

Slowly the somewhat dim lights of the concourse and stairs give way to a rush of light and colours as the sight of the Dhaencunor Arena’s interior unfolds, the floodlights lining the roof along the opening to the heavens bathing everything in their blinding white light. The fans spread out into their sections, their rows, the normally white seats of the Arena covered in black material in an effort to create an all encompassing sea of black. A group carrying big black bundles make their way across the sections, approaching fans dressed in regular street clothes, handing out black robes to them, while in other places large flags are prepared and assembled in preparation for the ultimate fan support.

The TV cameras pan the stadium and then zoom in on the central section of one of the straights, right underneath the business lounges and private boxes, showing a large group of what seems to be dignitaries.

Duncan Haldane: The president of the Tikariot Football Federation, Luther Carrington, welcomes some international officials, here we have a delegation from Tioguldós.

Martin Seagrave: Isn’t Tioguldós playing tonight as well?

Duncan Haldane: Yes, against Reçueçn and at home to boot!

Martin Seagrave: Then this is a little odd, isn’t it? Kind of abandoning their own team.

Duncan Haldane: It seems like both countries have been forming some closer bonds economically and also in sports, apparently, maybe it is also the fact that the Tiog team is already eliminated from the qualifiers and we are still in the midst of things.

Martin Seagrave: Good point.

The timer keeps counting down as the stadium now seems almost full. The south curve is an almost solid wall of black. Huge Tikariotian flags being waved are the only break in the monotony of the black, the purple cross and white lining seemingly floating in front of the seemingly impenetrable darkness behind them. The atmosphere in the Dhaencunor Arena seems to bristle with this undefinable electricity that is almost palpable.

The Tikariotian fans are almost all in their seats, the only movement visible are the flags and some stragglers making their way in from the concourse just in the nick of time. The countdown timer is just reaching the last minute. The flags are being pulled in and while the rest of the stadium still is humming with the low buzz of a large crowd, the southern section is almost deathly silent. Then as the timer reaches 0, almost all lights extinguish, plunging the stadium into almost complete darkness. The sound of crows cawing breaks the hushed silence that has fallen over the arena in anticipation of what is to come, none but some chosen few privy to what is in store. Drums begin to sound and a lone voice begins to sing the opening verse of Wardruna’s “Helvegen”. The video screens show scenes from Tikariot’s nature, like from the eyes of a majestic snowy owl soaring across the Rhovanyon Bay, over grasslands and rich forests towards the snow-capped peaks of the Khazagh Mountains and their rugged beauty when suddenly the whole south curve begins to sing the chorus as one gigantic choir as the owl’s flight across Tikariot continues, night falling quickly. As the hypnotic beat of the song and the tens of thousands of voices carry on, the owl reaches a large city, its lights stretching into the distance. Then a large, dimly lit oval comes into view, mostly dark, but with the glow of giant screens, which materializes into the Dhaencunor Arena. Spotlights flash into light, converging on a white shape coming through the opening and majestically gliding towards the pitch in slow, measured circles until landing on a tall perch covered in the Tikariotian flag.

Duncan Haldane: Wow, what an introduction! I am having goosebumps!

Martin Seagrave: You’re not alone, Duncan, you’re not alone. This was beautiful!

Then the sound of thunder begins to roll around the arena and the video screens show the flag and then superimposed the pictures of the starting eleven of Tikariot in tonight’s match, accompanied with images of a lightning and the sound of thousands of hands clapping once, the garish white light of the lightning briefly illuminating the south curve and the fans in it clapping as one. With every clap one torch lights up on the pitch below.

After the last player has been introduced, the torches begin to move, taking up a triangular formation and when the lights in the stadium come back, it is the Tikariotian team, including the reserves, in a triangular formation. They do not move as the referee team and the TJUN-ians enter the stadium from the Arena’s catacombs under the applause of the TJUN-ian fans and the general public while the black south curve remains completely motionless.

Against the usual customs the TJUN-ian starting eleven forms a line along the centre line, facing the Tikariotians. Then a lone drum sounds and the Snowy Owls as well as the fans raise their arms into the sky. The drum bangs twice and the team and fans clap their hands accompanied by a loud “huh” chant. This repeats with the beat slowly speeding up. (Example: Thunder Clap) Then as the claps turn into a thunderous applause, the fans in black seamlessly move on into their “THUNDER!” chant as the reserve players make their way to the bench.

by **HUElavia** » Sun Sep 20, 2020 7:51 am

HUElavia Eliminated from Contention despite Two Victories.

HUElavia 3–0 New Waldensia
(Hamada 17', Navarro 35', 77')
(Estadio Sino, Bagnano)

Baggieland 3–4 HUElavia
(REDACTED 28', 52', REDACTED 88' | Leblanc 20', 47', Moutinho 70', 90+3')

HUElavia played their two Qualifiers matches once again, needing to win them while getting help from other matches in order to beat out the head-to-head deficit against Squornshelous. The first game was a solid performance against New Waldensia, where HUElavia's favorite athletic couple of Hamada and Navarro played strong, with Hamada tapping the ball into the goal, and Navarro getting two headers in, all coming from a hat-trick of passes and crosses from Rossi. The second match was a nail-biter, as it went back and forth with the goals, but Leblanc and Moutinho came in clutch for the team, with Moutinho scoring a game-winning goal through a corner kick taken by Conti, keeping HUElavia's dreams alive. Despite the scoreline, Squornshelous managed to win their two matches, 3–2 vs Praeceptia and 1–0 vs Tioguldos, which had them clinch the playoff spot to the World Cup and HUElavia was eliminated, for the first time in over 12 years, not since the disastrous 2nd half of World Cup 83 Qualifiers, which this 2nd half has been compared to that one.

Team Captain Cristiano Aveiro apologized to the fans and the nation after the elimination, stating "We were too confident in our group and we got arrogant with our hopes, and we payed the price for it. We apologize for not meeting your expectations, and we will strive to make it up for you. Star midfielder Natalia Duran stated "While it is very disappointing that we did not qualify, we do have the opportunity to participate and play well in the Cup of Harmony. While it isn't the tournament we expected to qualify for, we can make the effort to play well and bring joy to HUElavians across the multiverse, as well as make up for the horrible Cup of Harmony run the team had almost 12 years ago."

Despite calls for her sacking, the HUElavian Football Association has assurred that Coach Garcia Kimura will stay as head coach into the Cup of Harmony, where HUElavia is projected to be the highest ranked team in that tournament, and the main favorite to win it all. After all, the main objective for her is to make a decent run and then take the team to IAC XI, and help bring the team to their first IAC Title.

For the final match of the Qualifiers, HUElavia will host Praeceptia in the newly built Helles Stadion in Bish, which will have the "Baptism" of the team playing there, where it will be the debut for the team at the Breitzen-HUElavian community of the country. The C-Team and D-Team will be mainly picked, with Tran making her debut in goal. The Almeida couple will start, with Rafael starting as team Captain. Regardless, the team has learned a tough lesson and will need to adjust moving forward in order to qualify once again to the World Cup in the future.

FORCA HUELAVIA! VAMOS HUELAVIA! GO HUELAVIA!

by **Zwangzug** » Sun Sep 20, 2020 8:30 am

(OOC: Cookies for anyone who isn't on Discord/wasn't around for the conversation in question who can identify the gimmick that inspired this RP.)

The Spenson Star

A dominating performance against Legalese ensured Zwangzug's qualification as champions of Group 17. The team are slightly phyrric victors, however, as an injury to captain Joshua Twoni means he will miss the remaining qualifying matches. The manager of the Legalese team was unavailable for comment, but we understand him to be quite frustrated about his side's performance as well as the officiating.

Zwangzug took the lead only six minutes in, with Johan Idmar converting a short Ione Friede pass. The aggrieved host manager began what would be an hour-and-a-half verbal tango with the referee, protesting that Idmar was offsides, but a video replay showed the call on the field was correct. By the time play restarted, there had been a brief stoppage, and that meant that several minutes would be added on at the end of the half to compensate. The home manager's hot mike revealed him to be discontented with the fourth official's choice to let play continue, particularly once a Twoni shot that bounced off the crossbar found Satenik Banach who duly made it 2-0. While Banach might have put on a few kilos during the off-season--fiber crackers will do that, one supposes--her positioning is still solid when it needs to be.

The second half started out with an eerie echo of the first, because six minutes in, Idmar would put the ball in the net again. This time, however, he was offsides, and the attentive Farf linesperson handled the situation with the rigor of a delta-epsilon proof, raising the flag before the hosts could protest. (The manager settled for a sarcastic golf clap at the correct decision.)

Around the hour mark, however, both team's fortunes would take a turn for the worse. The Legalite left-back, who until then had been engaged in a listless foxtrot pace, careened into Twoni who went down hard. While he tried to rally, it was a fruitless effort, and Sophie Munshi came on to replace him while Twoni's clubmate Sydney Stefred temporarily inherited the armband. This raised some eyebrows; Stefred's loyalty to the blue-and-gold Arlington uniform is as fierce as Twoni's or anyone else's, but, her tendency for distraction against "old-timey" opponents such as Legalese makes her a wild card.

Zwangzug would hold on, however. Munshi took the free kick after the foul, and Idmar got his head to it to make it three. The Legalese manager, perhaps in papa wolf mode, subbed off the left-back before he could get carded again, and his replacement was much more sedate. Stefred, to everyone's relief, did not attempt to match said manager for vitriol, and she even registered the fourth goal by breaking forward in injury time and receiving a long pass from Sibal--these bizarre runs are something of a trademark for her.

Fortunately, X-rays of Twoni's leg suggest that his injury should heal by the time of the proper, though he will need to rest for the last qualifiers, and he was able to reunite with his teammates at the visitors' hotel to share the good news. One hopes that the foreign-based contingent will not be distracted by the vices available abroad; Lissa Crain has admitted to sampling some whisky from the distilleries in Tikariot, and Akhil Sibal has earned the ire of his home fans in Namiri by cruising through Chernovets in what has been described as "an Alfa ****ing Romeo" by foreign connoisseurs.

While Zwangzug may have clinched, the race for qualification is on elsewhere. Trolleborg have put on a bravo performance in group 12; Cassadaigua have qualified directly from Group 15, with Quebec and Main Nation Ministry contending for the playoff spots. The stingy defense of Ko-oren sees them clinch group 2, with Tequilo and 95X's playoff hopes still alive; Oscar Bienvenida may not be the equivalent of a Dragonfly defense, but he will hope to keep Tequilo's defense afloat. The champion of Group 13 remains to be determined, with Kelssek and Equestria confirmed as the top two; fans in 10000 Islands (Kohnhead) or the Bostopian Empire (take a guess) will hope to play spoiler, while those in India (Indusse) or the North Pacific (Geektopia) will be less stressed.

by **Silver Commonwealth** » Sun Sep 20, 2020 8:43 am

(OOC: My last RP post will probably be about the reaction of Enrico's team and SNN to the elimination from the World Cup)

SNN Sports

From draw to victory - a short story of improvement in form of a football match

Euran Oceania Territories 1-2 Silver Commonwealth

Mauro Garcia 20', Danilo Saraiva 34' I J Conway 66'

''Some football fans and club managers were waiting the match against Euran Oceania Territories (EOT) with anxiety, as their team had got a draw with SC in the past, were higher on the leaderboard, and were said to play very aggressively. Although the last part didn't intimidate SC's team as much due of its own play being quite aggressive enough, there were still concerns about possible career-ending injuries. However, SC's reserve team (now the main SC's team for second phase of qualifications) shed away those fears of loss and pain by bringing victory in the football field instead. SC scored two goals just like in first encounter with EOT, but EOT's team scored one goal less in this time, and it turned out to be fateful. Either way, this means that we got to deliver happiness and pride for football fans back at home, and not them. Also, no serious injuries were sustained this round either, so that's an another victory for us, then.''

''The first period of the match seemed to have started in the star moment of SC's team - our team's captain and striker Mauro Garcia managed to score a goal in 20th minute, bringing the result to 0-1 in our favor. 14 minutes later, another forwarder Danilo Saraiva would follow with a goal after intercepting the football ball from a corner-kick by Leandro Barroso, increasing the score advantage of SC to 0-2. However, all other attempts from SC's footballers to score goals were thwarted either by EOT's defenders or the goalkeeper C Ross. Besides that, it seemed that EOT started to show more of its aggressiveness in the second half of the first period, and at the last minutes there were more instances where SC had to play defensively, rather than the other way around. Either way, the end result of the first period was still 0-2 in SC's favor, as Ximenes prevented EOT's scoring opportunities.''

''At the first part of the second period there were several possibilities for SC scoring a goal, but so was the case for EOT, and SC didn't score any goals in the second round and for the rest of the game as well, as it seemed that the rant of EOT's coach had made EOT to put more effort in defense. However, in 66th minute the star hour of this game for EOT had came, and J Conway had got a chance to shine - he managed to score a colossal goal, when football ball entered the Magnus effect and Ximenes seemed to have paid attention to the field only partially, as if he would be thinking about something else. That said, in the end EOT didn't score any goals for the rest of the period, and the attention of Ximenes was fully focused on the game. At first EOT's fans were confident after the scored goal in stadium, but when the game approached 80th minute and more goals still weren't scored, it could be seen that anxiety had reached them as well. Perhaps the most emotionally straining moment was in 86th minute when Conway got minorly fouled by some SC's defender in penalty square and thus was given a chance of scoring an another goal through penalty kick, but he barely missed the goalpost, and a mix of ovations and booing could be heard in stadium. So, the end result was 1-2: A loss for our opponent, and win for us.''

''The defeat of EOT and victory of SC has been met with big ovations form SC's fans to say the least, and they have all of the rights to do so - a victory is a victory, after all. That being said, even with this loss for EOT and victory for SC, it doesn't seem to have been enough to rise up in the scoreboard above EOT, and it seems that the both teams will relatively stay in the same place, unless something drastic happens, as it would require three more points for SC to be above EOT in the scoreboard, but the GD in comparison is worse for SC. Holy Empire being at the top of the scoreboard is not surprising, and it seems that Audioslavia might be able to squint in the playoffs, but the fates of other teams in the Group 6 (Also called as ''Toilet Group'') are still in jeopardy. Nonetheless, Enrico in meeting with the footballers after the game reminded them to ''not rest on laurels, and continue fighting till the last match''. Also, in the data compilation over the last weeks, it seems that internet toxicity has slightly returned back to normal levels before the tournament, thanks to the victories/draws of the reserve team. The reserve team seems to be even more talked about right now than the main team - Imagine being more successful than the team which was intended to be the first impression in such an event!''

''Next match of the tournament for our team is going to be against Delaclava. The first time the teams of both countries met, our main team managed to bring victory, albeit by one point. Well, let's hope that our reserve team will shine again and bring a second one! To be honest, we are surprised by how reserve team has been a bit more successful and managed to keep attention of more SC's fans and calm down hot heads if compared to main team. Sure, they might have had advantage of not being worn out first and being on par with main team to begin with, but still...''

SNN Sports

Intense, tiring game from both sides ends with... the largest draw so far

Silver Commonwealth 4-4 Delaclava

Artem Kohut 8', Danilo Saraiva 16', Lukas Meyer 28', Dathan Ingram 38', Juliano Medeiros 44' I Mauro Garcia 56', Artem Kohut 70', Mauro Garcia 82'

''After the yesterday's victory against EOT (Euran Oceania Territories), both SC's team and fans felt excited about the next match against Delaclava, as SC's team had previously beat Delaclava in the first encounter. It was said that a lot of tickets were sold that day to SC's fans which wanted to watch the game, and even more tuned their radios and TV's (Some also the live translation in internet) in anticipation of a great game. While the match did deliver a good and intense game indeed, it turned out to have a bit different outcome... Both teams scored 4 goals, and in the end it was still a draw. This time, the possibility of overtime wasn't even considered, as SC's team was quite exhausted after the second period, and it was clear that they had utilized some of the remaining energy reserves in preventing Delaclava scoring a fifth goal which would be bad. It was said that in one Muscovy's metallurgy factory both the boss and workers were following the game closely - just imagine the amount of attention the footballers from SC's Brazil had brought to themselves from the various corners of SC's world!''

''Even from the beginning it could be already seen that this would be quite an interesting game - Artem Kohut in 8th minute would already score both his, and his team's first goal in this period and game as a whole. It is clear that Enrico was not pleased with the performance of his team which allowed to score someone a goal so quickly. However, Danilo Saraiva would soon come to rescue for SC's team, and bring the result to a tie of 1-1 with scoring a goal in 16th minute. Still, Delaclava's response wasn't a long way ahead - Lukas Meyer would score the Delaclava's second goal in 28th minute, but Dathan Ingram would bring the result to 1-3 after a penalty kick in 38th minute, and it could be already clearly seen which team's fans were cheering in the stadium. Luckily, Juliano Medeiros managed to score the second SC's goal in 44th minute, literally one minute before the end of the first period, bringing the scores somewhat close and making it feel not as severe. However, the first period still ended with a result of 2-3 in favor of Delaclava. While the first period with 5 goals in it was wild, it is clear that SC's team will need to play extra hard in second period if they want to salvage something.''

''The game continued to be intense in the second period as well, even though the scoring opportunities turned out to be less successful. In 56th minute, our trusty striker and captain Mauro Garcia struck an another blow for Delaclava's score, bringing it to a tie of 3-3. The second time for the new star Artem Kohut to shine came at the 70th minute when he scored his second goal in this game, and brought the initiative back to Delaclava with a result of 3-4. However, just like Garcia brought tie at the start of the second period, he brought the result to a tie again (For the third time in this match!) of 4-4 in 82th minute, just a few minutes left before the end of the second period. Obviously not much usually can be done during that short of a timespan in sports, but in 86th minute Artem Kohut actually came close to scoring the fifth goal, and it would have been a guaranteed victory for Delaclava, but the ball was blocked by the defender Breno Maciel. As overtime wasn't even considered as an option this time, the game between SC and Delaclava thus ended with a draw of 4-4, but it sure as hell was intensive.''

''While the outcome of the match wasn't a win, a lot of fans were still content as if it would be, considering that the provided play wasn't boring, and actually got those people who wouldn't usually watch football much, to root for our team back at home. It was also said that some of the hockey fans were stuck watching the screen during the game as well, and some who usually would be rather watching hockey were also loudly cheering in the stadium. Either way, it seems that both teams and fans had fun during the game, and the atmosphere was still full with positive emotions later on. Both teams would congratulate each other for the game, as per the sports etiquette, and this match seems to be one of the cases when sport triumphed over nationalist chauvinism and ideology back at home. It also seems that SC's Brazilian football clubs have got their part from the participation in the world cup too, as offers from football clubs of other regions about training the footballers keep coming in in the e-mail box.''

''There is only one more match left in the Newmanistan phase of qualifications and the qualifications overall, and it is against Juvencus. During the first encounter we didn't perform too well, and despite the two scored goals, in return they scored 5, and it is perhaps one of the most severe defeats for SC in tournament so far, so the chances already aren't looking too great. But hey, there's always hope for at least a draw or even a win! Other question is how much it will matter, because according to reports from SCFA's managers, the qualifications phase only allows about a few teams from each group, so a lot will end up being eliminated.''

by **Sargossa** » Sun Sep 20, 2020 9:36 am

SSM | Sargossan State Media

International Edition - Sport

Barreto Gets The Bullet

Blanco Borrayo reports;

It looked as if he’d at least survive until the end of the qualification campaign. But after a disappointing reversal against the Macabees in Goza handed second spot in Group 8 to The Sarian the Football Federation of Sargossa decided that enough was enough. Juan José Barreto survived the night at least but was summoned to a meeting at the FFS headquarters in the capital the next day. There the coach’s contract was terminated with immediate effect, a second successive failure to reach the World Cup no longer acceptable to a nation that had reached the previous seven Finals tournaments prior to his appointment. Ironically Barreto’s thirty wins in forty-seven matches leaves him with a win ratio bettered only by Elías Carrasco and Iarlaith Mag Aonghusa at the Corsair’s helm. But it was his side’s capitulations in crucial fixtures, against Vilita and The Sarian in this campaign, against Kelssek and Cassadaigua two years ago and against Savojarna at the Copa Rushmori, that caused all the damage. The nature of the wins in this campaign had been called into question too. Eight of Sargossa’s eleven wins against lowered ranked nations were won by just a single goal. It was not the level of performance expected of the group’s second seeded side.

Not content with relieving the coach of his duties, the FFS took the opportunity to part company with the entire technical team too. Director of Elite Football Luís Molina has been placed in temporary charge of the side. Under-21 coach Martín Luque and former international Miguel Marí, who played under Molina and is currently part of the coaching setup at Dínamo Maturín, have been appointed to assist him. Molina while certainly take charge for the trip to Freeport but Football Federation President Hernán Sandoval has not ruled out the interim period stretching into the Cup of Harmony and potentially beyond. ‘We won’t be rushing into an appointment’, he told reporters. ‘This is an important decision and one to which we will be giving all the necessary deliberations.’

Diego Flores and Rafael Medrán are the early favourites among the domestic candidates, with Flores having turned El Nacional into a slick unit that ended the Gozan side’s decade long title drought and Medrán earning rave reviews for his work with Sportivo Soluca. But one of the more interesting takeaways from Sandoval’s press conference was the apparent end of his Back To Basics initiative, a key facet of which was re-installing the traditional Sargossan ethos back into the national side. ‘These things happen in cycles and it has become apparent that this cycle has come to an end’, Sandoval confirmed. ‘Now is a time for fresh impetus and fresh ideas. If those ideas happen to come from outside our borders, then so be it.’ So for the first time in two decades, since Minthârtar Nelésian left the post after World Cup 76, the role of national coach of Sargossa has been opened up to the wider sportiverse.

by **TJUN-ia** » Sun Sep 20, 2020 9:54 am

By Peter Davis

Only 3 games remained in WC86Q before the playoffs and the hope of winning this group was diminished with Mriin 7 points ahead. But with Tikariot only 3 points behind us, David Seems' Jaguars couldn't hold off at all. The next 2 games would decide the tale of both Jaguar and Snowy Owl before they meet their destiny in Tikariot City.

First up was a trip to South Newlandia and the Jecken Arena in Newport, where David Johnson plays his club football. The Elephants, led by the smart Robert Wolverine, took advantage of late squad changes in Tiankong to come up as 3-2 victors and Seems didn't want that to happen again. He took the initiative to change his tactics depending on what 11 SNL would bring out and it worked in keeping them at bay. Unfortunately, our strikeforce couldn't take advantage up the other end of the pitch and Mikhail Trischuk wasn't going to let us score that easily. The best chance came in the 67th minute from a long Vladimir Podolov effort that was just put over the bar by Trischuk. It finished 0-0 in Newport as the Elephants played joker to the Jaguars again. Mriin officially won the group with a 7-2 demolition of Union Europae, but that wasn't the most important result now. Tikariot whooped Se Vende Skooma 5-1 at home. The gap was down to a single point.

With such a small gap, the final TJUN-ian home game of the group stage was now elevated with a sense of urgency. The Southern Palm Islands, 3rd from bottom in the group, were in Tiankong and the main objective for Seems' men was simple: no upset. It kicked off well enough, with Joe Green opening the scoring within 5 minutes from the start. Kepo Ulawaya made it 2-0 in the 36th, but Milen Krishn gave the visitors some hope just before the half time whistle. Archer Andrews was subbed on for Green and he provided TJUN-ia's 3rd in the 67th minute, which was responded to by another substitute (Ratwanarayana) a few minutes later to keep the game tense. That tense feeling around Tiankong was broken in the 87th, with a nice corner from Manu Kepelewako headed in by Podolov to give the TJUN-ians some relief. Ratwanarayana got his 2nd in injury time, but that wouldn't change where the 3 points were heading.

The home swansong ended where it needed to be. 2 wins and a loss means Tiankong will still be the best TJUN-ian venue in terms of National Team success. But that wasn't the big story here. With Tikariot beating Natanians and Nosts 4-1 on the road, the scenario many thought was possible has occurred - Matchday 18, in Tikariot City, will be the deciding game. MD18 will decide who has the opportunity to reach their first-ever World Cup via the playoffs. TJUN-ia, the Jaguars, have the advantage of a single point. Tikariot, the Snowy Owls, have the advantage of home court - the Dhaencunor Arena with 84,000 seats. For one, the glory before the final battle. For the other, eternal heartbreak and the words "what could have been" echoed for all eternity. No matter who comes out on top in Tikariot City, someone will rise like a bat out of hell. GO JAGS!

MD18 - Group 18
Tikariot (243) vs TJUN-ia (72)
Dhaencunor Arena, Tikariot City
10 minutes before kick off

David Seems: "Right then, listen up lads! I know I don't usually do these sort of "pre-match rituals" but tonight, it may be required. Before I begin, Li and I would like to say that you guys have done brilliantly thus far. We were over and out after the last World Cup, with many questioning if we were just a fluke. This World Cup, I think we shut all of those haters up! 9 wins, 31 points, a positive goal differential - our best performance by far. No matter what happens in the next few hours, you guys have done us proud and have done all of TJUN-ia proud! So well done, boys!"

*everyone cheers*

"Now then, on to the matter of hand. You know what the media are calling this game back home. "The Game of Destiny", "La Demi-finale non-Officielle" - The Unofficial Semi-Final. "Битва аутсайдеров" - The Clash of the Outsiders. You all know how important this game is to everyone back home, and to everyone above us in this arena. You can hear them singing, the locals, who share the same hope as the TJUN-ians. They want to see their team in the Playoffs, with a chance to make the big one itself. Many players from across this multiverse play their entire careers without ever even getting close to the finals, good players too. It is considered one of the biggest tournaments in Universe 3 and we, a nation founded by an organisation from Universe 2 that was founded by a guy from Universe 1, have an opportunity to join the grand list of WC Finals Participants. But before we can even think about that, we must avoid defeat tonight.

"Tikariot want what we want too, but with an added flair of unexpectedness. They are the TJUN-ia of BoF73, but with the added chaos that they could make the WC itself on their debut. It is rare to see a nation do that with the level of competition they must face from the get-go but here is Tikariot, looking to make the promised land on their first crusade. Not many people like to end the underdog story of debutants, but we must tonight on their turf.

"To the 11 of you who will start this game, the same 11 I have selected since WC84, it is you guys who will play for the right of TJUN-ia to play Playoff football. You guys have been the household names of this nation ever since that Baptism of Fire and it is you who must fight for the greatest glory TJUN-ian football will ever see. For the remaining players who will start this game on the bench, you may have your part to play in how this game goes. It may be you who comes off the bench to give us glory in this foreign land.

*Li walks over to Seems, standing beside him.*

"The Secretary-General himself will be wishing us luck tonight. Tikoriot expects us to follow their customs and usually, we would. But not tonight. We must send a message to the thousands of Tikariotians and TJUN-ians, in that arena and around the multiverse, that we aren't here just to play as the visiting team.

*He grabs Li's hand. Li isn't shocked, but the players are.*

"We will walk onto the pitch, to the centre circle, and we will line up, arm in arm, directly facing our opponents for the national anthems. For this is an occasion worthy of such statements. For the 402 Representatives of TJUN-ia, the 26 Representatives of the TJUN Regions and for the Secretary-General himself - WE MUST FIGHT AND WIN!"

*The 2 coaches raise their linked hands and the players cheer. Everyone is pumped up for this grand occasion.*

"Now then, let's do this! Repeat after me! GO JAGS!"

"GO JAGS!"

SCHEDULE (Group 11) - lines indicate when next edition of Boot It! will be released
MD1: @Filindostan (50) W 3-2 (T-2nd)
MD2: vs Se Vende Skooma (344) - National Stadium, TJUN-ia City W 5-2 (1st)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
MD3: @Natanians and Nosts (114) - Stadion Nacional (?) D 0-0 (1st)
MD4: @Port Ember (38) - Lilly Black Memorial Stadium, Port Ember Megalopolis W 1-0 (1st)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
MD5: vs Union Europae (UR) - Beregozera Stadium, Szensky D 0-0 (1st)
MD6: @Mriin (16) - Haven, Maal L 1-3 (2nd)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
MD7: vs South Newlandia (87) - Tiankong Stadium, Tiankong L 2-3 (4th)
MD8: @Southern Palm Islands (310) W 1-0 (T-2nd)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
MD9: vs Tikariot (243) - National Stadium, TJUN-ia City L 0-1 (3rd/4W-2D-3L/+2GD/14pts)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
MD10: vs Filindostan (50) - Tiankong Stadium, Tiankong W 6-3 (3rd)
MD11: @Se Vende Skooma (344) W 4-1 (3rd)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
MD12: vs Natanians and Nosts (114) - Beregozera Stadium, Szensky W 4-3 (2nd)
MD13: vs Port Ember (38) - Beregozera Stadium, Szensky D 3-3 (2nd)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
MD14: @Union Europae (UR) W 4-2 (2nd)
MD15: vs Mriin (16) - National Stadium, TJUN-ia City L 1-3 (2nd)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
MD16: @South Newlandia (87) - Jecken Arena, Newport D 0-0 (2nd)
MD17: vs Southern Palm Islands (310) - Tiankong Stadium, Tiankong W 4-3 (2nd)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
MD18: @Tikariot (243) - Dhaencunor Arena, Tikariot City

by **Sarzonia** » Sun Sep 20, 2020 10:24 am

Woodstock Daily Mail
Stars in uproar over Haffner's comments
President said team didn't deserve to qualify

By Evan Daimler
Daily Mail Sports Writer

President Grant Haffner got into hot water with the Sarzonian national football team with his comments about the team's group stage finale against Northwest Kalactin, a match Haffner said he would attend in Northwest Kalactin before a scheduled state visit.

"We don't deserve to get in," Haffner said in an interview about his plans to attend the away match in Gold Coast. "We couldn't win the matches we really needed to when we needed them."

Stars manager Kevin Connelly was particularly incensed by Haffner's remarks, telling assistant manager Kevin Wilson, "Shouldn't he be more concerned with running the country than how our team is doing?" He addressed the media the next morning with more tempered remarks, but still betrayed irritation at the Sarzonian chief executive's comments.

"It isn't fair that a man who is responsible for the lives and the well being of our country can make intemperate remarks about the fate of our football team," Connelly said. "I didn't question his handling of the [SARS 2 novel Coronavirus] and he shouldn't question our team."

However, midfielder and team captain Clayton Wilson was far more circumspect.

"This is a free country," Wilson said. "He has the right to express his opinion on how we're doing."

Fellow midfielder Brady Reynolds was more direct and much more conciliatory toward Haffner.

"The simple fact is, the President is absolutely right," Reynolds said. "We lost to teams that you'd have every right to say we had no business losing to when this qualifying campaign began. We're in the position we're in now because we dropped points to unranked teams and to a team ranked well into the 200s in the KPBs [Graintfjall] whom we beat 5-0 before qualifying began. That's on us."

Even if Sarzonia were to defeat Northwest Kalactin they would still need help as both Graintfjall and Yuezhou have the tiebreaker advantage over the Stars. Connelly admitted that the team would learn "a difficult lesson" from this qualifying campaign.

"Nothing's guaranteed in the World Cup," he said. Goalkeeper Carlton Sandt put it even more bluntly.

"Margaret is a fickle bitch."

by **Kelssek** » Sun Sep 20, 2020 12:03 pm

Time to seize the day, says Crowe

Kelssek has their World Cup 86 qualification fate in their hands and they must take control of their own fate, manager Andrea Crowe said ahead of their final qualification match against Kohnhead. While Kelssek are already guaranteed at least second place and will have a second chance in the playoffs if they let this one slip, Crowe warned that thought can’t enter the minds of the players on the day.

“We’ve come this far and we need that final push. We have to go out and win this match. Leave it to chance and fate kicks you in the arse.[...] We know that Equestria will be doing everything they can to close out strong.”

Kelssek are up against Kohnhead in their final fixture while Equestria face bottom team Bostopia. Quite simply, whichever team gets the better result will clinch first place and automatic qualification. Beyond that, little is certain. Kelssek’s points total if they fail to win is unlikely to put them among the top six second-place teams, meaning a playoff scenario is the likely outcome.

Kohnhead’s national team has been upended by the sacking of Christopher Kohnhead leaving an interim manager Wendy Farrow in charge. How the players will respond is unpredictable – will they roll over feeling there’s nothing to play for or be affected by the uncertainty, or will they try even harder for a good performance knowing that an invitation to the Cup of Harmony may be in the balance?

Despite the new faces that have been given a chance this qualifying run, for this important match the team selection will probably look quite familiar. Gabriel Lapierre is likely to draw back into the lineup after the crucial win against Geektopia that ensured Kelssek will have a future beyond the Kohnhead match. Shaheen Taleb will probably be seen as more reliable than Matt Lister or Loïc Maçon-Petrault, although the young striker is likely to see some time off the bench. Seamus Wylten’s club form is also likely to make a strong argument for his inclusion for the trip.

KELSSEK 3 – Liadon (9’), Ducharne (73’), Torshen (pen. 82’)
Shaughlin, Bowler, Curtin, Lozic, Liadon, Lapierre, Greenwood (Ducharne 66’), McDonald, Champetier (Yusupov 77’), Wylten, Lister (Torshen 70’)
LIBONESIA 1 – Err 46g – replace cheese retry fail
Exhibition Place, Kirkenes (attendance 29,885)

KELSSEK 3 – Ó Tuathail (24’), Blueman (49’), Lister (62’)
Poirier, Bowler, Curtin, Halliger, Liadon, Demetriev (Greenwood 81’), Blueman, Ó Tuathail, Yusupov (Champetier 72’), Lister (Custworth 77’), Taleb
GEEKTOPIA 2 – Rydelek (42’), Andreen (85’)
Stadium of the Stars, Ulyanof (attendance 40,621)

by **Tequilo** » Sun Sep 20, 2020 12:13 pm

THE PROGNOSTICATIONS FOR OXO CONDÓR
5/5 Teodor Xuilo Gabriel Tlalqui de Chanco Cóndor:
Oxo

A lot of hokum has been written about once and future pitxi king Oxo Cóndor; some might say we’re continuing that tradition with the series about his earliest days… before the question marks over his extra-national business dealings, that 220 kph crash in the ‘borrowed’ Umbra, and the true story about the submarine on the beach. And all that.

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

Teodor Xuilo Gabriel Tlalqui de Chanco Cóndor, known to all as little Oxo, aged four and a quarter, was drinking cactus squash with his friends at Mama Chimixiq’s Nursery, and going about the important business for yuman beans of that age - getting into things, distracting adults, moving things to places where they shouldn’t be, testing the destructibility of allegedly indestructible toys, sudden and wholly temporary naps in random places, repurposing domestic household objects to tools for use in the imagined worlds of four-year-olds, and discussing the philosophical merits of Rynard’s Objectionism against Kale-ism and Gerke Züttel’s Theory of Intangible Displacement using only simple language constructs (although, to be honest, there was a certain amount of obfuscation and solipsism, especially from Firmino, Fabia and Rosela, who were by then banging a drum together a-rhythmically to drown out Noa who was making a point about the water tap being wet). This was Free Expression Hour at the nursery, just before Sing-Song Time, and while Oxo often liked to contribute to the heated debates outdoors about whether three wheel or four wheel pedal cars converted more pounds per square centimetre leg torque into outright speed on the flat straights of the playground track, today he’d come inside to see if he couldn’t measure out more cups of sand for transfer from one pit to the other than ever before, although he couldn’t quite recall the precise number of his personal best. It would be more about the feeling of doing more sand transfers than the recorded quantity, he felt. He was a bit disappointed with the solipsists banging their drum so loudly, and clearly poor Noa was on the point of tears as he struggled to get his news across about the discovery of the quality of wetness.

Such was the business of the day at Mama Chimixiq’s Nursery, where Oxo paid scant regard to the rest of the world.

Like most of his little chums, Oxo wasn’t really paying much attention to his upcoming Insubstantiation ceremony at The House of Shambles either. He recalled being fitted for a charming little suit that made all the adults coo around him, but really there had been more pressing things to think about at Nursery, not to mention the ongoing War of The Carpet Threads on his bedroom floor between the incredibly naughty knights of Sir Aratinco, and the heroic bandit Stabbi and his anthropomorphic animal friends. He literally had no idea there was a postman out in the world who was thinking about how to turn him into a world class footballer, or a brewery worker that was researching shapeshifting on his behalf, or even an ironmonger who was putting aside hammers and spanners for gifts. He had no clue that his mother had gone to the big city of Raití, because he didn’t know there was such a place, and he definitely didn’t know he was going to be a cult leader one day. Nobody had thought to mention that to him, nonono. Not that he would’ve cared. He was still troubled by his divided loyalties between his friends the solipsists with their blessed drum, and poor Noa who was grappling internally with the nature of near-incompressible fluid, surface tension and intermolecular bondage.

“The tap is wet,” said Noa.

Though they would not have known, sing-song time was a practice for the group’s upcoming Insubstantiation ceremonies, which most families celebrated with their children as they reached the age of four to five years old and were ready to begin instruction in the absurdity of imagining life, the impossibility of imagining death, and the sheer delight of imagining everything else in between - Confusiónism. While the rite of passage of the sacremental ceremony was still in it’s more sober child-friendly phase, there would be a lot of singing and chanting and clapping; to warm the children up, Mama Chimixiq’s Nursery had been concentrating on traditional Insubstantiation songs for the past month, and the children were enjoying them very much - especially the more chant-based numbers - and had become quite well drilled. They would not disgrace themselves when their ceremonies came, not that anyone in Tequilo would be offended by a child singing out of tune.

After sing-song came another preparatory session in which the staff of the nursery guided group discussions about the ambitions of the children, to see if there might, at this early stage, be any early clues as to what they might like to become - details which might be passed along to their guardian wightfathers who had been nominated by the families to help with self-actuation of the children growing into adulthood. A quick break between Sing-Song Time and the so-called When I Am Big session saw Oxo at the water fountain, managing an impatient queue behind his friend Noa, who once again had got stuck at the tap, in wonderment at the wetting phenomenon. “Let’s play ants,” said Oxo, in a successful attempt to distract Noa long enough to get him away from the water fountain. Ants is a daring game of chance in which one digs out a few nipper ants [Formicidae Diabolos] and let them run over your hand until one bites you. First one bitten is the loser. Three minutes later, Noa is back at the water fountain, sobbing, as an adult runs the burning sting under cold water until a soothing loam can be applied. Later, in the When I Am Big session, perhaps influenced by his recent defeat in the game of Ants, Noa states that he would like to be running water when he grows up. When pressed further, he thinks perhaps a bubble. Finally, he settles on a brightly coloured fish, perhaps a Tequiloan Succulent Carp. Staff write down artist, life guard and plumber for his wightfathers to consider.

When it is his turn, Oxo thinks out loud that more than anything, he wants to be a pterodactyl-flying intergalactic postal cosmonaut. This only just occurred to him in the moment, but he is quite sure that would be the most brilliant thing to do in the whole multiverse. Like most children of his age, the ones that are loved and sheltered and nourished, he will have to prepare for some disappointments in later life.

TAPALUPÉ, Tequilo - Los Pitxileros are that close to the World Cup we can practically taste the Newms …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

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
The Issues That Are Tightening Your Screws Right Now

Well, it has been a quiet mailbag overall for the last couple of days, perhaps because everyone is distracted by the World Cup or simply because you’re all giving despairing letter writer Xeneral Desdén of San Dolores (“I’m leaving and I won’t be back”, Letters To The Editor, Wednesday) time and room to actually leave. But no, it hasn’t happened yet. Xeneral writes today, “I am definitely leaving and I don’t want you to stop me. I’m going. Do you hear me? I’m practically out the door already. You will miss me when I’m gone, you know.” And then, “P.S.,” he adds, “I don’t need a hug, [‘Orejas Grandes’ (“he needs a hug”, Letters To The Editor, Friday)] I just want to be understrrüed.”

Several and concurrently to that, Montreal S. of La Falta notes: “I’m sure I’ve read Xeneral Desdén before, you know. I just can’t place him. May I suggest you take a look in your files in the drawer marked ‘Threats To Quit’ to ensure this is not a serial hoaxer. My money is on serial hoaxer, by the way.”

Finally, perhaps anticipating the tone of the mailbag today, our critical friend Rubèn Curto from Chanco Cóndor importunes: “Can we not get back to discussing football? That what this rag is supposedly for, isn’t it? I see we did quite well in the last two international matches, which I’m obviously quite pleased about. Feel free to use this letter as a segue into your paltry match reports.”

Thanks, Rùben. Speaking of football…

TWO BIG WINS KEEP THE WHEELS ON THE WAGON BUT THE BUS IS STILL IN THE REARVIEW MIRROR [Err, what? - Ed.]

Tequilo hit eleven goals from ten different scorers over two home matches to keep faint hopes of automatic qualification alive heading into the final round away at 95X. The victories were triumphs of attacking football as the Agave Blues go out with two big bangs in home matches, cheered on by fanatical crowds who are enjoying this emerging team with some relish. The one downside to the games was the loss of Vilca Hualla, who has forced his way into the team from the distant ‘rotation group’ after falling out of favour before the competition started - his injury means the end of his qualification cycle and two more magnificent performances will be his last until the next tournament, whatever that will be. Coach Martí’s other frustration will be that 95X are hanging on in there after also picking up two wins, including one in Ko-oren who seemed to have gone on mental holiday since securing their qualification spot. A draw will be enough for Los Pitxileros in Southwestport but even that is going to be a tough ask - 95X’ mid-qualification dip in form seems well behind them now and they will be planning to pull rank in the final group match, dispatch Tequilo and steal a play-off spot from under the Agave-Blues’ noses. Eventually we’ll call this a great campaign whatever happens, but that will surely sting for a bit.

THE STATS

TEQUILO 5-2 Semarland HT: 1-0

Location: Estadio 77o, Ixta-Comitán, Chazapa
Attendance: 66,309
Scorers: de Urueña 9’ Apeiztegui 56’ Tlacolotl 58’ Vilca Hualla 63’ Gorostola 67’ | Semarli#10 54’ Semarli#8 70’
Booked: Noxochinoch, Tafalla, Leyton | Semarlis #1, 4, 5, 6
Sent-off: Semarli#11
Tequilo Line-Up: Oscar Bienvenida | Patrick Zambo, Haize Apeiztegui (VC), Noxochinoch, Huachalla | Nufro de Urueña (sub: Tomás Alemán) | Vilca Hualla, Mateo Tafalla (Capitan) (sub: Cio Çenturion), Leyton (sub: Tutayan) | Tlacolotl, Urlegi Gorostola
Player of the Match: Vilca Hualla (Tequilo)

TEQUILO 6-2 Quebecois Acadiana HT: 3-2

Location: Arenamoto, Tirinto, Maranco
Attendance: 76,988
Scorers: Tutayan 9’ Noxochinoch 11’ Vilca Hualla 19’ Niño Pinto 50’ Huachalla 68’ Calvoecheaga 86’ | Queb#5 18’ Queb#10 31’
Booked: Vilca Hualla, Tlacolotl, Gorostola | Queb#4
Tequilo Line-Up: Oscar Bienvenida | Patrick Zambo, Haize Apeiztegui (Capitan) (sub: Tol Chicote), Noxochinoch, Huachalla | Ixtub Tün | Vilca Hualla (sub: Xecoto), Niño Pinto, Tutayan | Tlacolotl, Urlegi Gorostola (VC) (sub: Alexandre Calvoecheaga)
Player of the Match: Noxochinoch (Tequilo)

NEXT UP

It is crunch time in Southwestport, 95X for the winner-takes-the-prize-unless-its-a-draw-in-which-case-Tequilo-does play-off or qualification decider. Coach Martí will ask players to put aside any feelings of dread and just go for it, advocating a little violence off the ball if they can get away with it just to help calm the nerves. With much-improved Vilca Hualla out with injury, Isidoro Artechevarria reclaims his spot on the left wing and is just the man for a bit of violence off the ball. Young Niño Pinto once again deputises for our injured captain Mateo Tafalla but he partners brilliantly with defensive midfielder Ixtub Tün who ain’t afraid of no nothing. Otherwise this is the team which smashed both Semarland and Quebecois Acadiana off the park in the last two games, although they would settle here for a modest draw to keep the competition alive. Hopes of an outright win are slim and hopes of outright qualification even slimmer, but if there is one thing Tequilo gives you, it is hope. Apparently.

Confirmed Line-Up for 95X vs. TEQUILO: Oscar Bienvenida | Patrick Zambo, Haize Apeiztegui (Capitan), Noxochinoch, Huachalla | Ixtub Tün | Isidoro Artechevarria, Niño Pinto, Tutayan | Tlacolotl, Urlegi Gorostola (VC)

Venue: 95X International Stadium, Southwestport

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

by **Chromatika** » Sun Sep 20, 2020 1:35 pm

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
Part 9: Questions and Answers

World Cup 86 Qualifying Matchday 16:

Score: Chromatika 4–1 Tamgu @ The Cathedral, Brisara
Goals: Vidal '12, '34, '66, '79
Starting XI: Tioux; Xiao - de Aea - Ken - Ilya; Victoriane - Armageddon (C) - Conrad; Mora; Andisori, K. - Vidal.
Substitutes: Anderson -> de Aea ('49), Thorben -> Victoriane ('61), Kuzami -> Mora ('75)

World Cup 86 Qualifying Matchday 17:

Score: Xanneria 2–2 Chromatika
Goals: Mora '31, Andisori, K. '67
Starting XI: Tioux; Xiao - de Aea - Ken - Ilya; Victoriane - Armageddon (C) - Conrad; Mora; Andisori, K. - Vidal.
Substitutes: Dias -> Armageddon ('58), Sierra -> Andisori, K. ('71), Chapman -> Xiao ('81)

Now with Video!

Chromatika has made it! A huge shout-out to Free Republic of Hong Kong, who continued their trend of causing upsets by tripping up Blouman Empire. FRHK has actually defeated all of Xanneria, Chromatika, and Blouman Empire at least once in the span of their five wins, a rather remarkable fact.

Against Xanneria, Chromatika did have their hands full with their attackers, but was able to salvage the draw.

Team                                     G    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts MD18 Opponent
2 Savojarna                             17   14   1   2    42   19  +23    43 Q vs. Murphtannia (3-7-7, Eighth)
2 Turori                                17   13   2   2    47   21  +26    41 Q vs. The holy junta (3-4-10, Eighth)
2 Eura                                  17   13   0   4    56   25  +31    39 vs. Vangaziland (0-5-12, Tenth)
2 Audioslavia                           17   12   2   3    40   19  +21    38 vs. Southwest Eastnorth (3-1-13, Tenth)
2 Chromatika                            17   12   2   3    50   29  +21    38 vs. Banija (17-0-0, First)
2 The Sarian                            17   12   2   3    33   18  +15    38 vs. Jamestownnnn (3-6-8, Eighth)
(above would get the automatic spots)

2 Hampton Island                        17   11   4   2    22    5  +17    37 vs. Lo Santano (6-3-8, Sixth)
2 Tequilo                               17   11   3   3    39   19  +20    36 @ 95X (10-4-3, Third)
2 Terre Septentrionale                  17   11   3   3    55   37  +18    36 vs. The Minarchist Free State (3-5-9, Ninth)
2 The Hinodejin Empire                  17   11   3   3    36   18  +18    36 @ Trolleborg (13-3-1, First)
2 Equestria                             17   10   6   1    45   22  +23    36 vs. Bostopia (1-7-9, Tenth)
2 Squornshelous                         17   12   0   5    38   26  +12    36 @ Mathuvan Union (5-3-9, Seventh)
2 Quebec                                17   11   2   4    46   34  +12    35 @ Wymondham (6-1-10, Eighth)
2 Kandorith                             17   10   4   3    54   33  +21    34 vs. Ancherion (10-3-4, Third)
2 TJUN-ia                               17    9   4   4    39   29  +10    31 @ Tikariot (9-3-5, Third)
2 South Covello                         17    8   7   2    19   11   +8    31 @ Liberal Democratic Socialist States (4-6-7, Eighth)
2 Darmen                                17   10   1   6    35   28   +7    31 vs. Saltstead (6-4-7, Sixth)
2 Graintfjall                           17    8   5   4    24   15   +9    29 @ Nagore (5-4-8, Seventh)

A note that only the top six Second Placed Teams automatically qualify, while the other twelve must play in a double-legged playoff.

When looking at the teams that remain, Chromatika has a difficult road ahead - it may need to at least get a draw in order to salvage the top six spot. No fewer than five teams that are within three points of Chromatika are absolute favorites in their upcoming matches, while even a draw might not keep the Chromatks safe from three squads.

Though Chromatika would absolutely be a favorite against any of these lower seeded teams, it'd be the best if they did upset Banija... It'd make it so that they didn't have to sweat it...

Team Selection
MD18: vs. Banija @ The Capitalizt Dome, Chromia (Cap. 144,000)
Starting XI: Tioux; Xiao - de Aea - Ken - Ilya; Victoriane - Armageddon (C) - Dragana; Mora; Andisori, K. - Vidal.
Reserves: Williams, Chapman, Anderson, Will, Austic, Thorben, Dias, Conrad, Kuznetsov, Kuzami, Sierra, Andisori, B.

by **Pluvia and the Saxean Isles** » Sun Sep 20, 2020 2:15 pm

Royal Marienburg University, Marienburg, Pluvia and the Saxean Isles

Prof. Charles Cunningham of the history department at the Royal Marienburg University was working late again. The diary was simply too engrossing to put down. He knew his wife would be cross that he hadn't telephoned her yet to say he was working late, but he was having difficulty thinking of anything but his work at the moment. He'd barely even touched his food at lunch and dinner was the farthest thing from his mind right now. He was discovering some of the roots of King William II's governing philosophy and how it had been informed by his military service and exposure to Saxean suffering.

The last diary entry saw William II's Royal Lancers regiment traveling around the Saxean Isles in an attempt to contain simmering dissent and restore the image of the monarchy in the face of protests and nationalism. He'd undertaken not only his official mission of being a figurehead/enforcer of the rule of law, but also had endeavored to learn more about the Saxeans and their struggles through disguising himself and moving among them. He'd conversed with fishermen, herders, artisans, and dockworkers, hearing their complaints and becoming increasingly convinced that something had to be done. But what would he do?

September 16, 1884

I received some splendid news today. We are returning home! Yes, Father has decided that we have served our purpose here in Saxea. The protests have ceased, though the simmering unrest has not. I hear from servants, officers of the law, and the workers whom I move among that my name is in higher standing here than before I came, and the anti-government feelings have moderately subsided. Despite this, I can see that conditions have not improved materially, and therefore, will likely give rise to further unrest unless addressed.

I feel a sense of unease come over me as I contemplate speaking with my father. He has done naught but love me since the day I was born, but he is a hard man. I was not yet born when he acceded to a constitution, ending his reign as the last absolute monarch of our nation, but I have heard him speak, angered, when the constitution limits his ability to govern. He did not take it easily. It is true that he takes advice from the Praesidium and the Magisterium, and that they have tangible power in our kingdom, but he alone is the last voice on any issue and he prefers it that way. With Father, it is tradition, the Church, royal power, and the aristocrats who make up our government. These are the tools and levers of his reign. I cannot assent to these alone being the instruments with which to govern our nation. We must have some voice for the people, some reform to the injustices. I hope with all my heart that Father will listen to me, but I must employ all my rhetoric as well. It is not an easy task that I have set before myself.

Nonetheless, I am pleased to be able to return to Marienburg and once more take up my studies at the Royal Marienburg University. Although the lecturer rarely offers myself and my fellows the opportunity to render our own opinions, the conversation in the café afterwards is most stimulating. We discuss politics, philosophy, and law, and, what is more, some of the men in the 1st Royal Lancers have formed an informal salon or discussion club. I shall be most enthused to return to that society. Perhaps the fruits of our discussions will help me to speak to my father so as to elucidate the difficulties I believe our kingdom is facing.

by **Flavovespia** » Sun Sep 20, 2020 2:35 pm

The Football Clubs Of Flavovespia

Our journey concludes in Lunselbury and the Centrelands. Lunselbury is the more well defined region, made up of 2 cities. Kings Lunsel and Abbots Lunsel were one whole city-region, Lunselbury for over a century. However the two urban centres diverged and localism took over in politics. The names "Kings" and "Abbots" reflected the monarchist vs theocratic founding of the two cities, even if this distinction is less about those two belief systems and more about naming now. Nevertheless, the two split, and has caused a deep local rivalry since. The Centrelands is a less well defined region, and has a bit of a "others" feel to it. Bavingtor and Binclestead Wood, nestled between Hadford Hill and St Astons are often considered part of it. So to now is Marthorpe, the former city-region once part of Hadford Hill, but now the fourth largest by population in Flavovespia, and keen to shake it's Hadfordian legacy. The small city-region of Sandeston is also included within the Centrelands, even if some see it as more Yellowfields than Centrelands (Sandneston formed in 8AU from areas of Bavingtor and Nailwood). The previously looked at Middleshop is arguably also a Centrelands area.

______________________
Tier 1	Super League
	Marthorpe City FC Formed: 10BU Stadium: City Arena (60000) Rivals: Hadford Hill FC (major), Old Marthorpe FC (minor) Marthorpe City were founded to represent the newly formed city-region of Marthorpe after it seceded from Hadford Hill. From the offset their founding was contentious, automatically given a place in the GWNFA Challenge League, when Old Marthorpians and Marthorpe Athletic existed (who’d merge). The “nouveau riche” side would use the Repechage between the two eras to get into the top flight, and have never looked back since. 7 Super League titles, joint highest in the modern era with local rivals Hadford Hill, and a side who are almost always at the top end of Flavovespian football. Their indoor stadium is also one of the standout stadiums in the nation.
	Kings Lunsel FC Formed: 55BU Stadium: Kings Bowl (48667) Rivals: Abbots Lunsel FC (major) The acrimonious split of Lunselbury into Kings Lunsel and Abbots Lunsel formed 2 clubs with a bitter rivalry on and off the pitch. Both rapidly climbed their way to prominence upon founding, Kings Lunsel getting 5 United Football League titles to their rivals 1, but Abbots Lunsel twice in succession winning the Gold Cup, something Kings Lunsel never did in the classic era. Kings Lunsel are one of only 3 teams never relegated from the top flight, and won it for the first time (and only time in the classic era) time in 35BU. That spell at the top was marred by increased trouble with rivals Abbots Lunsel, leading to a postponed game due to crowd trouble in 28BU. The modern era has seen them become the far more successful of the 2 sides, they’ve won the Super League 4 times in this era, and twice in succession lifted the Flavovespia Gold Cup. They’re looking to establish themselves as a top Flavovespian side in the coming years.
	Bavingtor FC Formed: 61BU Stadium: Airfield Lane (27471) Rivals: Binclestead Wood FC (major), Butterfield Rovers FC (minor) Bavingtor FC formed to compete in the Inter City Cup, a few years after the competition started. The city-region comprises of the coastal city of Bavingtor, and a few smaller towns in the hills to the south of the urban area. Bavingtor would win the United Football League 4 times before becoming founders of the GWNFA Challenge League. They’d first enter the top flight following the Repechage, and were a fairly strong side in the first decade. Their one and only Super League title came in 24AU, a remarkable feat following promotion at the end of 23AU. Since then they’ve not returned to the Top 4, although they came close last season in doing so.
	Binclestead Wood FC Formed: 62BU Stadium: Brickfield (30000) Rivals: Bavingtor FC (major), Butterfield Rovers FC (minor) The rivals to Bavingtor, the two city-regions lie along the north of Flavovespia, between Hadford Hill and St Astons. Like many rivals, they have a similar history, both formed to play in the Inter City Cup, then founders of the United Football League and the GWNFA Challenge League. Binclestead won 10 United Football League titles, and were GWNFA Super League participants. 10AU saw them win their one and only Super League title. Only 2 of their modern era seasons have been outside the top flight, although last season was one of those. Binclestead Wood will look to try and get ahead of their rivals sooner rather than later.
Tier 2	Challenge League
	Whittlesbury Wanderers Formed: 62BU Stadium: West Lane (3813) Rivals: Sandneston Rovers (major) One of the largest non city-region settlements, Whittlesbury is a town on the hills in Bavingtor city-region, not far from Marthorpe. They initially formed as a football branch of a multi-sports team (hence why they don’t use FC in their name), although all the other sports sides would fold. They were somewhat surprise founders of the Western Association, given how far east in the nation Whittlesbury is. They were generally minnows though, and as the classic era came to a close, they fell into the semi-pro leagues. Unable to make the league initially in the modern era, they got their first promotion to it at the end of 5AU. Since the end of 19AU, they’ve always been a league side, and 29AU saw them complete their first season in the second tier, finishing outside the relegation zone. For Whittlesbury Wanderers, the future looks bright.
Tier 3	National League Division 1
	Abbots Lunsel FC Formed: 55BU Stadium: Abbots Way (48377) Rivals: Kings Lunsel FC (major) One of the modern era’s fallen giants, Abbots Lunsel are the other half of the bitter rivalry of the two ex-Lunselbury city-regions. The only had the one United Football League title, but won the Gold Cup in successive years, before they and their rivals were one of the 8 GWNFA Super League founders in 41BU. Abbots Lunsel got their title in 33BU, but they were everpresent in the top flight in the classic flight. However, 17th in the Repechage meant they started the modern era in the National Division 1, their first time in the second tier. Abbots Lunsel could never establish themselves in the Super League in the modern era, and 29AU was their worst season to date, failing to win promotion out of the third tier. For Abbots Lunsel, they join Carston Green as another big name who fell to the third tier. Their fans hope they never go as bad as Galling Rangers, who completely collapsed.
	Old Marthorpe FC Formed: 10BU Stadium: Gregory Street (2557) Rivals: Marthorpe City FC (major) Formed of the merger of Old Marthorpians, a club originally established by University of Marthorpe, and Marthorpe Athletic, a club established by residents of the city at the end of the 10BU season. The merger was due to struggles for both, exacerbated by the formation of Marthorpe City, and fans of Old Marthorpe hold Marthorpe City in contempt. (One example of a handful of one-sided rivalries in Flavovespia). One of the beneficiaries of the expansion of the league from 48 to 64 teams at the end of 7AU, they first played in the league in 8AU. Old Marthorpe have had over a decade now as a league side without relegation to the non-league, and 26AU was their first shot in the Challenge League, although they were relegated. They’re still much smaller than their intra-city rivals, but are growing somewhat in popularity.
	Sandneston Rovers FC Formed: 57BU Stadium: Juniper Road (2669) Rivals: Whittlesbury Wanderers (major) Sandneston was a small town, barely more than a village in Nailwood when the club formed in 57BU. Nevertheless, early promise gave them a place in the Western Association. They, much like rivals Whittlesbury Wanderers were relative minnows, and both would begin the modern era as founders of the Eastern Alliance (both sides have played in the Western and Eastern halves of the pyramid). Sandneston Rovers were actually relegated to the Alliance D2 for 7AU, but would win back-to-back promotions to make it into the league, coinciding with Sandneston becoming a city-region. Now, Sandneston Rovers are closing in on two decades in the league without relegation to the Alliance, and that includes 2 one-season stints in the second tier. Sandneston Rovers are certainly having a good spell by their historic standards.
Tier 4	National League Division 2
	Alstone FC Formed: 73BU Stadium: Dyer Lane (1996) Rivals: Lunselbury FC (minor) The small town, far enough from Abbots Lunsel city to be more than just a suburb, are famous for one thing. The 43BU Gold Cup win by their side, against all odds in the classic era. They’re widely considered the smallest side to ever do that, and they did it before the best teams left the tournament and played in the GWNFA Super League. They were somewhat contentious members of the Waldster League given their geographical location, and later contentious members of the United and Eastern Alliance, defecting from the Waldster League. Sadly the likeable small town side haven’t fared as well in the modern era, one of the first 3 relegated out of the league in 3AU, they’ve since lived an existence of playing in and out of the league and non-league.
Tier 5	Alliance D1
	Lunselbury FC Formed: 77BU Stadium: Blacklands (746) Rivals: Kings Lunsel FC, Abbots Lunsel FC, Alstone FC (minor) Before Kings Lunsel and Abbots Lunsel, there was just Lunselbury. The side representing the city-region of the name were fairly strong in their heyday, winning the first 4 United Football Leagues from 59BU-56BU. But then the split happened, Lunselbury lost their place in the Inter City Cup and the United Football League. They’d have brief spells in the Waldster League, but the club was shadow of itself in the classic era. The modern era saw them begin in the Alliance D2, but moved up. 26AU saw them have their one and only season so far in the league. The club has cross-city support, largely from people who support a reunified Lunselbury, but is generally looked down upon by most people in both cities.
	Flawthorpe FC Formed: 60BU Stadium: Damills Road (895) Rivals: Bavingtor Airport FC (minor) The suburb of Flawthorpe, on the outskirts of the city of Bavingtor, have a long-lasting semi pro side. Flawthorpe made plenty of appearances in the Gold Cup, although rarely went far, and also struggled in the classic era for any prominence, the absence of stable leagues in this part of the country not helping. Orignally one of the 64 Alliance D2 expansion teams, Flawthorpe have been able to move up a division, and at times have looked close to a playoff push, but league football still seems a way off.
	Pykrot End FC Formed: 53BU Stadium: Pykrot End (501) Rivals: Billingwax Browns (major) Pykrot End was formed following a row between Billingwax Browns and their stadium’s owner. The owner of the stadium kicked them out and formed Pykrot End. The name comes from the stadium and the street the stadium lies on. They struggled to gain notoriety in the classic era, especially given the fractorious relationship in the small town of Billingwax between the two sides. Pykrot end in terms of stadium and fabase are still one of the smallest sides, even in non-league, but have achieved a degree of relative success, as they currently reside in the Alliance D1.
Tier 6	Alliance D2
	Tadcester Wood FC Formed: 24BU Stadium: Tadcester Den (717) Rivals: Phinmall Wood FC (major), Binclestead Wood Common FC (minor) A relatively late formed side, the village of Tadcester is home to this small side. They bounced around a few different amateur divisions in the classic era. The modern era however started well, they won the first ever Western Alliance D2 in 4AU. They’ve not been able to turn it into sustained performances at the Alliance D1 level. The village however, one of a handful in Binclestead Wood have a small but dedicated following, given their relative isolation from the large urban areas. They have a strong local rivalry with nearby village side Phinmall Wood.
	Binclestead Wood Common FC Formed: 78BU Stadium: The Common Stadium (611) Rivals: Phinmall Wood FC, Tadcester Wood FC (minor) One of Flavovespia’s oldest clubs, they were entrants into the second Gold Cup, and participated in every one since, even if they didn’t always make it beyond the qualifiers. The team comes from the name of the central common green area, in the heart of Binclestead Wood city. Like other sides in the centre of Flavovespia, they were participants in plenty of different small leagues. They were another of the 64 Alliance D2 sides who joined in 4AU. They’ve had a single season outside the Alliance D2, and although they’re still far away from relegation risk, they’ve struggled to grow their support.
	Cardinal Cross FC Formed: 22BU Stadium: The Cross (676) Rivals: Kingsland FC, Lunselbury FC (minor) The district of Cardinal Cross, lying on the border of Kings Lunsel with Abbots Lunsel, hosts this side. They initially played in the Waldster League, which was a pale of its former professional self, even with relaxed geographic boundaries. The team have been members of the Alliance D2 for almost all of the modern era. They struggle for support, because of the popularity of Kings Lunsel FC within the city-region. Cardinal Cross are most recognised for their unique cross kits.
	Phinmall Wood FC Formed: 18BU Stadium: Phinmall Park (506) Rivals: Tadcester Wood FC (major), Binclestead Wood Common FC (minor) Another later formed side, Phinmall village side had a similar path to other nearby amateur teams, including rivals Tadcester Wood. In the modern era, they won the Western Alliance D2 at the 3rd attempt in 6AU. Phinmall Wood have compared to nearby teams have more relative success, having more stints in the Alliance D1. However they’ve taken a tumble in recent seasons, and are one of those sides who may need to be cautious to avoid a relegation out of the Alliance. They’re one of the few teams who wear pale green in the pyramid, their kits being fairly unusual.
	Billingwax Browns Formed: 69BU Stadium: Browns Park (827) Rivals: Pykrot End FC (major) Billingwax Browns have existed for almost a century now, but spent plenty of those years as a small amateur side. Early appearances in the Gold Cup were ended when the club struggled to stay together, and Pykrot End, named after the stadium they’d come to possess, formed as a breakaway. The two clubs became local rivals ever since. Billingwax Browns have spent a few seasons in the Alliance D1, but have largely been a basement tier side, and are circling dangerously close to relegation to the associate leagues.
	Bavingtor Airport FC Formed: 30BU Stadium: Damstar Road (699) Rivals: Flawthorpe FC (minor) A late “factory team” formed, Bavingtor Airport was set up originally just for employees of the airport and aeronautical industry of Bavingtor Airport, but relaxed those conditions after a few decades. The yellow and green kits, the colours of the industry they represent, have also been used by the senior club of Bavingtor in their away kits. 27AU was the one year Bavingtor Airport were in the Alliance D1. A small but stable side, they hope one day to repeat that feat and return to a higher level.
	Kingsland FC Formed: 48BU Stadium: Kingsland Field (621) Rivals: Cardinal Cross FC, Lunselbury FC (minor) Kingsland takes its name from the name of the rural areas within the city-region, and the club is followed by the few small settlements far from the urban centre of Kings Lunsel. They would win promotion to the Waldster League for 31BU, the last year it was nationally recognised as a professional league. Kingsland however, in no small part of their location, had limited opportunities for success and moving up the pyramid. This trend has continued into the modern era, never leaving the Alliance D2 in the quarter century of play in there, and getting closer to relegation.

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

by **Oberour Ar Moro** » Sun Sep 20, 2020 3:49 pm

The darkness set in. The burning pain in his side fell away. Breval Breut felt himself fading, fading, fading...and then he stopped fading.

In fact…

His hands felt the ground. A ground? Something solid. With a hup, he sat up. Looked around, or at least tried to, but it was pitch black.

“Am I dead?” Breval asked the void. His voice carried...somewhere.

He pushed himself up onto his feet. Wherever he was, whatever was around him, was deathly quiet and still. This made some sense, he thought to himself. He felt his side. Nothing. Gone. He was patched up good (?) as new (?). The bullet that had ripped into his guts was gone. The bullet that killed him.

Or probably killed him. Breval wasn’t totally sure if he was in the afterlife. A shapeless black void was not what he heard about in Sunday School.

But then, where was he expecting to go? Brilliant man he was, he had called up an old associate, one who always had a scheme, often on the wrong side of the law, to try and get a little cash for Ronanenn and their baby. But the scheme was completely cocked up. They were going to hold up a factory owner as he went to transfer the week’s revenues to the bank, but the old man didn’t have any money on him but did have a gun. Which left Breval bleeding viscera into the gutter while the police stared at him.

So his child was going to grow up with no money, and no father. “God I’m an idiot,” Breval said to no one in particular.

Or maybe specifically to God? Breval looked around again, made a full 360, then another. Still nothing. He’s not standing in a lake of fire yet. But there also isn’t a set of pearly gates, leading to a beautiful marble hall.

Take me before the highest throne, and let me be judged by the highest judge of all. Breval completed the lyrics. He had to laugh, he hadn’t thought about that song in ages. When his father took him to see the Dragoons play at the Parade Grounds, the only good memory of the man, he got to join in the crowd singing at the top of their lungs.

“Let the Lord shout and yell
Let His eyes flash flame
I promise not to quiver
When He calls my name
Let Him send me to hell
But before I go
I feel that I'm entitled to a hell of a show!”

kerCHUNK!

Out of nowhere a spotlight, seemingly, turned on and bathed him in a circle of light. Another spotlight illuminated a spot ten meters in front of him. As his eyes adjusted, he saw a man in white in the second circle.

The other man awkwardly waved. “Hello.”

Breval waved back. “Who are you?”

“My name is Steve. I’m an angel, I guess you’d call it.”

“The angel Steve?”

“That’s my name.”

Breval decided the afterlife was just going to be like this. “So is this heaven?”

Steve shook his head. “This isn’t. Just outside it though. You-” Steve pointed accusatory at Breval, “-haven’t earned your way in.”

Breval shrugged. “So I’m off to hell? No chance to argue my case?”

Steve started walking over, his searchlight following him. “You’ll have your chance. We can be patient as we want up here, and as long as there is one person on the planet who remembers you, it’s not over.”

Breval started pacing, and his spotlight followed him as well. “It doesn’t seem like I’m getting much opportunity here.”

Steve responded sharply. “And why should you? I’ve seen your record, and you should know it just as well as I do. You have not put together a resume worthy of entrance into the Kingdom of Heaven. You’re welcome to make an argument with your current status.” Steve’s eyes narrowed and looked Breval up and down. “I don’t think you’ll be very successful.”

Breval tried to put up a strong front but felt a piercing fear. “So is that it? I’m doomed?”

Steve clearly wasn’t impressed with Breval’s demeanor, as he crossed his arms. “Lucky for you, you’ve got an opportunity: Everyone is entitled to go back for a period of time equal to one sidereal day, and you can use that time to build your case for entrance into heaven.”

“So 24 hours?”

“No, a sidereal day. That’s how long the planet takes to completely make a full rotation. So you’ve got 23 hours, 55 minutes, and 58 seconds.”

Breval felt ripped off. Steve apparently decided to try and ease his worries. “You do get to split that time as needed. I’ve been assigned…” Steve paused a bit. He didn’t seem pleased with what he was about to say. “I’ve been assigned to assist you for the total of the sidereal day. I can get you where you need to go and make sure you use your time effectively.”

“So I can use...almost 24 hours to do some kind of good deed?”

Steve muttered under his breath. “Preferably more than one.”

Breval decided to ignore this. “So what should I do?”

Steve started ticking off options on his fingers. “Well, you can do something for your wife, or for your son-”

Breval rushed forward and grabbed Steve. “My son! I had a son! Can I see him?”

“I can take you to the observatory deck, if you’ll follow me.” Steve turned to his right and seemed to follow a path through the black. Breval trailed after his personal angel and their spotlight.

“But I just died. How did Ronanenn have a child?”

Steve didn’t turn around. “Time doesn’t work the same way up here, and because of first-in first-out there was a wait to get to you. Your son Iudicael is...” Steve stopped and leaned over. “Eighteen years old now.”

Breval lit up in anger and marched over to Steve. “You said! You said that as long as someone on the planet remembers me, it’s not over, but I’ve lost 18 years? And this after stealing five minutes from me. How is that fair?”

Steve said nothing and pointed down. Breval looked, and there under them, was a football pitch.

“There’s your son Breval.” Steve was pointing to a young man on the field. A young man wearing an Oberour Ar Moro jersey.

“My son, Iudicael, is a football player! My God. Is-is he happy?” Breval looked over at Steve.

Steve shook his head, “He is profoundly unhappy Breval.” He paused. “He truly is your son.”

Breval swallowed. “So I can take 24 hours...almost 23 hours,” Breval noticed Steve was about to interrupt him. “To try and help my son. Make up for not being there for him.” Steve nodded.

Breval looked down at the crack in the emptiness, saw his son warming up on the pitch. “He’s on the national team?”

“Yeah. He’s getting his first start as a midfielder against Indusse. It’s been a rough end of qualifying.”

Breval was silent. “Before we go...can I watch him play from here?”

Steve thought for a second. “Sure, I don’t see why not.”

So somewhere in the afterlife, Breval Breut watched his son take the field and start a game. He never knew he could feel so much pride.

by **Terre Septentrionale** » Sun Sep 20, 2020 4:10 pm

Terre Septentrionale wins again

Krzczonow, Mazovia - On matchday 16, Terre Septentrionale beat Hwiccemark 2-0 for their 3rd win in a row. Terre Septentrionale attacked at the 7th minute when Yannick Ksiezniakiewicz passed to Sandrine Fontaine who dribbled and made a short pass to Fryderyka Cwierczakiewiczowa who shoots and she scores! 1-0 Terre Septentrionale. The Nordiques had a corner kick at the 11th minute and Yannick Ksiezniakiewicz took the kick. He kicked the ball and, without touching anyone, it hits the post and goes into the net for another goal. 2-0 Terre Septentrionale. This is the score at the halftime. No one scored in the 2nd half and the final score was 2-0.

BOXSCORE

7th minute: Fryderyka Cwierczakiewiczowa assisted by Sandrine Fontaine
11th minute: Yannick Ksiezniakiewicz (corner kick)

YELLOW CARDS

27th minute: Rodolphe Giroux
40th minute: Hwiccemark Player
71st minute: Yannick Ksiezniakiewicz

RED CARDS

None

Terre Septentrionale has qualified for the playoffs

Unimon - With a 4-1 win against Unimon, Terre Septentrionale has qualified for the playoffs and could directly go to the World Cup with some luck on matchday 18. Terre Septentrionale attacked at the 18th minute when Élisabeth Normandin passed to Wlodzimierz Waclawczyk who dribbled and made a cross to Sandie McCracken who kicks the ball and it's in. The Reprezentacja Nordycki added another goal at the 34th minute when Géorges-Kévin Vainqueur kicked the ball on a goal kick, Roksana Kolodziejczyk jumps and heads the ball to Przemyslaw Tkocz who dribbles with the ball and kicks it. It's a goal and Terre Septentrionale is leading 2-0. This is the score at the halftime.

Unimon scored at the 50th minute when Josh McIntosh passed to Jon Iol who kicks the ball past Vainqueur and Terre Septentrionale's lead is cut to 2-1. The Northmen attacked at the 54th minute when Wlodzimierz Waclawczyk passed to Sandrine Fontaine but Andrew Harvey tripped her just outside the penalty area and it's a free kick. Harvey got a yellow card. Roksana Kolodziejczyk takes the free kick, she kicks the ball and it's a goal! 3-1 Terre Septentrionale. Zvonimir Kordic scored at the 86th minute to put the score at 4-1 and this is the final score.

BOXSCORE

18th minute: Sandie McCracken assisted by Wlodzimierz Waclawczyk
34th minute: Przemyslaw Tkocz assisted by Roksana Kolodziejczyk
50th minute: Jon Iol assisted by Josh McIntosh
54th minute: Roksana Kolodziejczyk (free kick)
86th minute: Zvonimir Kordic assisted by Tymoteusz Swierczewski

YELLOW CARDS

3rd minute: Weronika Zubrowska
23rd minute: Dean Mullin
54th minute: Andrew Harvey
67th minute: Zvonimir Kordic

RED CARDS

None

Qualified for the playoffs

With this 4th win in a row, Terre Septentrionale clinched the 2nd place in group 4 and will at least participate in some playoffs. The winner of these playoffs will be qualified for the World Cup. With a win against The Minarchist Free State on matchday 18, the Nordiques can qualify directly without going through the playoffs. Let's take a look at the 2nd place table: Savojarna and Turori are already qualified. 4 other teams will also qualify directly and the rest will face each other in playoffs. Terre Septentrionale will likely have to play them against Graintfjall, Darmen, South Covello or TJUN-ia:

Second Place Table:

 2 Savojarna                             17   14   1   2    42   19  +23    43 Q
 2 Turori                                17   13   2   2    47   21  +26    41 Q
 2 Eura                                  17   13   0   4    56   25  +31    39
 2 Audioslavia                           17   12   2   3    40   19  +21    38
 2 Chromatika                            17   12   2   3    50   29  +21    38
 2 The Sarian                            17   12   2   3    33   18  +15    38
(above would get the automatic spots)

 2 Hampton Island                        17   11   4   2    22    5  +17    37
 2 Tequilo                               17   11   3   3    39   19  +20    36
 2 Terre Septentrionale                  17   11   3   3    55   37  +18    36
 2 The Hinodejin Empire                  17   11   3   3    36   18  +18    36
 2 Equestria                             17   10   6   1    45   22  +23    36
 2 Squornshelous                         17   12   0   5    38   26  +12    36
 2 Quebec                                17   11   2   4    46   34  +12    35
 2 Kandorith                             17   10   4   3    54   33  +21    34
 2 TJUN-ia                               17    9   4   4    39   29  +10    31
 2 South Covello                         17    8   7   2    19   11   +8    31
 2 Darmen                                17   10   1   6    35   28   +7    31
 2 Graintfjall                           17    8   5   4    24   15   +9    29

Matchday 18 fixtures (teams that still can qualify directly)

Eura: vs Vangaziland (UR)
Audioslavia: vs Southwest Eastnorth (287)
Chromatika: vs Banija (1)
The Sarian: vs Jamestownnnn (171)

Hampton Island: vs Lo Santano (190)
Tequilo: @ 95X (25)
Terre Septentrionale: vs The Minarchist Free State (UR)
The Hinodejin Empire: vs Trolleborg (54)
Equestria: vs Bostopia (UR)
Squornshelous: @ Mathuvan Union (316)
Québec: @ Wymondham (305)

Euram, Audioslavia and The Sarian will likely win their respective matchups, so that leaves one spot open for a direct participation: Chromatika's spot. they are playing against Banija so they'll likely lose, but 7 teams, including Terre Septentrionale, are fighting for that spot. Out of these 7 teams, 5 have a matchup against a team ranked 100 and lower, including us. Basically, it will be hard to qualify directly and the Northmen will likely have to play a playoff game against either Graintfjall, Darmen, South Covello or TJUN-ia.

Starting XI vs The Minarchist Free State: Vainqueur - Niedzwiecki - Skrzeszewski - Béland-Hamel - Normandin - Ksiezniakiewicz - Swierczewski - Pajaczkowski - Waclawczyk - Cwierczakiewiczowa - McCracken

Wlodzimierz Pietruszewski,
Senior writer,
La tribune Septentrionale

by **Rangers FC** » Sun Sep 20, 2020 4:49 pm

The Sleepy Rangers Fan Chronicle

To the dismay of many, Rangers were - well and truly - out of the World Cup. Had anyone expected them to stay? Nah. Was there any hope left ? Not really, but still.

Sleepy Guy: ”You know what? I think those were some very good performances! I mean, we didn’t win any of them, but we put two past the Krytenians! Sure, we conceded three, but we still scored two! I think we can effectively call that a victory, even if we got zero points. After all, we came into this tournament with nothing to lose, and we still managed to get 5 wins and 5 draws! That’s 20 points in the bag!”

Sleepy Guy took a large sip of his drink. He wasn’t going to break out the whiskey today - that only comes out during victories ~~or whenever he feels like it~~.

Sleepy Guy: ”Anyhow, there’s only one match left in this tournament, and then I think it’s goodbye from the Rangers for another cycle. We’re playing The Jovannic, who are currently sitting in third place. We may be languishing in 8th, but tomorrow is our chance to climb the table and get a solid 7th or even 6th place finish! A man can dream, can’t he?”

Sleepy Guy took another sip of his drink. He was thirsty after all the time he had spent shouting at the television during Rangers’ draw against the Cheetahs and Reptiles Coalision.

Sleepy Guy: ”Now, onto the last match. Those bloody cheetahs and reptiles. How the hell did we NOT get a win against them? I mean, we dominated for a large portion of that match, and yet here we are talking about how we scored zero goals. I tell you, Hagiriakis needs to improve - his skills are invaluable to the team, but his goal scoring ability just doesn’t seem to be there. But hey, that’s just my opinion.”

Sleepy Guy leaned further back in his chair, pondering something. He took another sip of his drink, and then decided to speak.

Sleepy Guy: ”Do you think that this isn’t really the end of the Rangers this cycle? I mean, it’s not like we’ve done too bad, surely some poor soul out there will take us in for an invitational tournament, aye? For instance, see that Cup of Harmony tournament? They don’t always take in the best of teams, maybe they’ll have us? Who knows, really.”

Sleepy Guy downed the rest of his drink in one, before slamming it down on his desk. He grabbed a bottle of Glaskopolis’ Finest Spirits from under his desk and poured it into the glass, before drinking some more.

Sleepy Guy: ”What, did you think I was drinking water? Hah! What do you think I am, sensible? Of course I’m not sensible, I’m a Rangers fan! I drink alcohol to wash away all the disappointment I feel supporting this team, because it isn’t exactly all fun and games!”

Sleepy Guy chugged his drink, and slammed it on the desk again, accidentally cracking the glass.

Sleepy Guy: ”They are my favourite team though, and nothing will ever change that. Absolutely NOTHING? You hear? FUCK ALL!”

Sleepy Guy’s face was red with passion, and he was beginning to hyperventilate.

Sleepy Guy: ”I think it’s time that I call it a day. I’ve got sleep to get, and there’s a game to watch tomorrow! I’ll give you my thoughts on it after it happens, but until then - I’ll catch you on the flip side!

NO SURRENDER, THAT JOKE’S A BELTER!

by **Vdara** » Sun Sep 20, 2020 4:52 pm

We’re Out, And Down

”Fuck.” - many Vdarans

by **Audioslavia** » Sun Sep 20, 2020 5:19 pm

Episode 4, Chapter 4
External link directly to YouTube

Original Script
After the unification there are seven hundred and sixteen matches over the course of eight years before the interim title is needed again.

Here’s all of them.

*long looong ass scroll*

Trivia / Extras
Script-writing began on April 21st and ended on April 21st. Recording only took the two takes
The true ‘script’ for this video is, of course, the comments next to each match. Looking at it like that, this ‘script’ was the first one to be finalised, having been done in around February - before even Episode 3 had been finished.
Uses app.flourish.studio for the animated charts.
It turns out this video's soundtrack is excellent to have in your headphones while at the gym.

OOC: The following RP is influenced by these RPs from World Cup 49, which were also the basis on Chapter 3, Episode 1 of The Idiot Project

IC:
It could not be called a voice. The sound didn’t so much vibrate the air as tear it from the moorings of its very plane of existence and compel it to destroy itself. You did not hear the voice, you heard the black void where sound once was, and thus your eardrums rattled to the inverse of the sound you had heard. The voice, if we’re still pretending it was such a thing, sounded like thirteen damp gravestones tumbling slowly down a stone spiral staircase at midnight. Sean Patterick caught a glimpse of the voice’s origin before his eyes poured from their sockets and the skin sloughed from his cheeks like fallen leaves in the wind. Mictlantecuhtli’s giant countenance blocked the sun. Each and every player on the field looked up in admiration, their souls long since cast to the wind like ash, their empty, lifeless bodies rooted to the molten earth. So it had been commanded, so it would be done. The sun was plucked from the sky and placed before what was once Alan Belmores, whose husk stared in awe at the orb as it was lowered to his right foot. A void where sound should be commanded the vessel. END IT. Alan Belmores’ dried carcass lurched towards the sun, its right leg twisting backwards, snapping free of the scored earth like twigs from a dead tree. What was left of the striker’s right leg swung slowly at the orb, burning on impact, sending it on an arc towards…

There was a whistle.

Mictlantecuhtli’s giant countenance contorted into a furious frown. He scowled down at the ground at the small balding Euran below. It was a referee. He was standing with his hands on his hips, shaking his head and tutting.

“You can’t do that. That’s a yellow card, sonny jim.”
“I AM MICTLANTECUHTLI. I COMMAND THE DEAD. YOU WILL JOIN THEIR RANKS. YOU WILL BECOME ONE OF MY TRIBE. YOU WILL BECOME NOTHING”
“I won’t be spoken to like that, young man…”
“YOUNG MAN? I AM MICTLANTECUHTLI. I AM UNBORN AND UNDYING. I AM ETERNAL. YOU ARE NOTHING TO ME”
The referee shook his head.
“Any more of that, sunshine, and you’ll be having an early bath”
“I AM MICTLANTECUHTLI. I DO NOT TAKE BATHS. I AM BATHS”
“What”
“…NOTHING. SHUT UP”
“Well you were warned” said the referee, rolling his eyes and fishing in his back pocket for what would be a red card.
“I AM UNWARNABLE. YOU HAVE NO POWER OVER ME. YOU WILL KNEEL”
“I won’t Neil” said the referee. “I am Neil. Neil Grounds. And you’re having an early bath. Off you pop”

“…well within his rights there, the referee, that was simply an awful challenge from the midfielder. We’ve got a replay here, Barry”
“We do.. here we go.. yeah Eurico Da Rosa’s got the better of Miguel Tzanicites there, and Tzanicites has retaliated, he’s summoned the ancient aztec god of the dead, I think that’s Mictlāntēcutli, Jeff, and he’s scorched the earth and turned the air to ash in full view of the referee”
“There’s a tug on Da Rosa’s shirt too”
“There is, but the foul’s already been committed”
“The turning of the o’erhanging firmament to hellfire, that’s what you’re saying is the initial indiscretion?”
“Yeah. Yeah honestly the shirt tug is incidental, I think the referee’s blown for the first infraction”
“Fair enough. Da Rosa’s being treated, I think he’s taken a knock there”
“Yeah… yeah it looks like his heart has been annihilated by the very word of God. He’s being looked at by the physio”
“Is it bad, do you think?”
“That’s usually pretty severe but it looks like he’s recovering. I think he’ll be able to run it off after this new plane of reality is properly unfolded. He won’t even remember the incident, probably. Hopefully.”
“Yeah he looked to be affected by the sudden transmutation of this very plane of existence into that of a fiery hellscape and he might have gone over on his ankle. Might they bring him off?”
“Nah that’d just tire him out. They’re better off just substituting him”
“Who would you put on in place of him?”
“Honestly… I don’t think they’ll make any changes. All the Audioslavian players have had the same injury and they’re all just about getting to their feet now and unsticking their studs from the turf”
“Has the sudden ossification of the earth, and its equally quick mutation back into grass, had an affect on the playing surface, do you think?”
“Well it can’t have helped.”
“We resume then, Audioslavia still a goal to the good here with ten minutes left to play. That free-kick is floated in and… AND.. AND Santiago Rosel! Rosel! It’s 4-2 to Audioslavia! And really now they look to have secured second place!”
“Awful defending from The Holy Empire there.”
“They clearly haven’t properly recovered, mentally, from what they’ve just seen” 
“The free kick?”
“No the… the.. the what happened again?”
“There was a free-kick given for… I think it was a shirt tug”
“Yeah… yeah Eurico went over on his ankle?”
“Foul from Tzanicites, yes. In all the excitement I rather lost track of the game. 4-2 for Audioslavia though as we go into the eightieth…”

by **Kandorith** » Sun Sep 20, 2020 5:23 pm

Shinonome Kyoai - International
News From The Empire

Match Day 18, Everything Is At Stake

Hayabusa addressing the press

The rollercoaster of emotions and performance of the Kandorese football is not over just yet. The team has managed to fight back in amazing style to now sit in second place with a large chance to get to the playoffs for which they only need to keep their posture and their heads in the game. The catch however: Kandorith faces Ancherion on the last matchday who are placed third with only 1 point difference between them.

The Kandorese team has fought back to take the second spot and even beat Qasden with two goals to one, but the defeat against Valanora might have been the final trouble for the team. Hope is still one of the main words for the fans as Kandorith will play an absolute stunning match which will be the match which decides if they will move to the playoffs for the World Cup, or worse, not qualify at all. A defeat would be the ultimate disaster for the Kandorese Lotus Warriors as they need a draw, which would be enough to send the team to the playoffs. A win however, would put Kandorith in the best position for the play-offs as it would determine who the team will face next to try and get a spot in the tournament.

If the tension wasn't already too much for the fans, for Ken Hayabusa it certainly could be the most important match in his career. Because right now, everything is in the hands of his team and at his abilities to manage the team in the upcoming match.

"First of all I think the team did great during the entire campaign." Hayabusa said at the pre-match press-interview. "We have shown our fighting spirit and so far we haven't broken yet. Of course we had a few bad matches and some lapses in judgement from my side, I admit that. Although right now, we are looking at an amazing opportunity and a very important match against Ancherion. I would lie if I said I wasn't nervous at all. This might as well be one of the most important matches in the Kandorese football history in the past two decades.

Earlier I also got the question what it would mean for the team and myself to qualify for the World Cup. In all honesty I can say it means the world to us. We would be the first national team to qualify or even get to the playoffs since World Cup 67. I know that in the upcoming match the entire nation will be anxiously watching, cheering and even praying as soon as we step on the field. We will be playing at home on our grounds, which will give us a much needed boost to our confidence. Although this adds a bit of pressure as we do not want to disappoint the home crowd but we are prepared for this and will take a direct and no prisoners taken approach to the game. I have the uttermost faith in the players and we will be playing on our very best to finally take that spot to return to the prestigious World Cup."

The very bold words from Hayabusa are a good sign for the upcoming match and shows that at least the manager can deal with the tension very well, which is no surprise considering his long managing career in the First Division of the Kandorese football and his many titles of the Emperor's Cup. The match against Ancherion will be a heavy clash between the number 39 and 79 on the ranking table and surely the Kandorese team will do anything to win the match. The previous meeting between the two teams ended in a four goal draw in Ancherion. Now the roles are reversed and the last match of the qualification campaign before the playoffs will be played in the beautiful Empress Masumi Stadium in Tenkyo.

Everything comes down to this match, a draw will be enough but a win will be what Hayabusa is looking for. The stadium has been completely sold out and promises to become one of the most eventful and emotional games for the Kandorese supporters, and the nation as a whole. Everyone in the Empire will be awaiting the first whistle and will not stop cheering on their team until the final whistle. People are traveling from all over the nation to watch the game in the stadium, local fan hubs and even the Empress herself will be attending the match in person, to give the team all the support they can get.

Group 9                              Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Valanora                              17   15   2   0    67   22  +45    47 Q
 2 Kandorith                             17   10   4   3    54   33  +21    34
 3 Ancherion                             17   10   3   4    44   31  +13    33
 4 Qasden                                17   10   1   6    37   28   +9    31
 5 Lochario                              17    8   3   6    28   29   −1    27
 6 Schottia                              17    6   3   8    18   23   −5    21
 7 Kencana                               17    4   3  10     8   25  −17    15
 8 Solharcht Kirale                      17    4   3  10    17   43  −26    15
 9 Emastalia                             17    4   2  11    22   36  −14    14
10 Glazgo                                17    1   2  14    22   47  −25     5

by **Eura** » Sun Sep 20, 2020 6:33 pm

Life in the Seventh Star

Part Five

All of Mateo’s morning had been spent controlling his nerves. He had a lot on his mind. For the first time in his life he felt claustrophobic, now permanently on edge as he traversed the school corridors with their low ceilings, only now realising how close he’d come to being killed in the building collapse the day before. Mateo also had to contend with what he’d do when he saw Arabella again. They had physics first in the morning, and of course one of the examples the teacher used was about how tall buildings manage stress. Having ignored him all lesson from her desk a few feet away, Mateo hoped Arabella might give him a little glance. She must have had the same thought as me. No funny look was forthcoming. Mateo let out a barely audible sigh of resignation and tried his best to concentrate on the schoolwork.

The first lesson came and went as did a couple more before the lunch break. Mateo was on his way to the large cafeteria – what wondrous ration-book compliant stew would they be getting today? – when he heard the faint sound of crying from one of the rooms he’d passed. It sounded familiar somehow. He doubled back and gently pushed open the door, peering inside to see who it was. There was a girl in the classroom, a woodwork room, alone, and hunched over her desk. ‘Hello? Are you ok?’ She turned around. ‘Mateo?’ Penelope! His little sister, three year groups his junior, was the girl in question. Her eyes were red from the crying. ‘Penne! What are you doing in here?’
‘I just want to be alone. Go away.’
‘What? No, I won’t. Tell me what’s wrong.’ She sniffed and wiped away a tear, then pulled her arms away to reveal the piece of work on her desk – or what was left of it. Mateo took a deep intake of breath.

Lying on the table was Penelope’s latest piece of design work. It was a simple wooden engraving, that’s all. But it was one that depicted something controversial, and quite high minded for a child of her age. It showed a rudimentary bird’s nest, hosting two animals. On the left was a green heron with purple eyes, a classic symbol of Sameba. It held a beautifully depicted branch in its mouth, an olive branch to be precise. To its right was a falcon with a blue body and go eyes, an unmistakable symbol of Eura. All of this was what it should have looked like anyway; now it was broken into several pieces. ‘What is this?’
‘I made it in here on my lunchtimes. I was making it for Mr Poll. Then the boys in Year 8 saw it and…and…’ She burst into tears again. ‘…they smashed it Mateo!’ Wisely, Mateo cut himself off before he could give his initial reaction. Good! He hated the Euran bastards like any good Sameban patriot should. His sister shouldn’t be making this bullshit. But Penne was young, and after a bit of thought, he realised that right now he hated her bullies more than Eurans.

‘Wait here.’
‘What are you going to do?’
‘I’m going to teach them a lesson. Who did it?’
‘No, don’t!’
‘Penne, who did this to you?’
‘…Sova. Sova and Loui.’ As soon as she’d let the names out of her mouth he started his march towards the cafeteria. She galloped after him, not crying anymore but sounding increasingly worried. ‘Mateo, stop it! Pleeeaase!’
‘No Penne, listen to me.’ He grabbed her by the shoulders and looked her square in the eyes. ‘You can’t let people push you around, ok? I’m going to show you what to do next time.’ They’d reached the cafeteria, and fortunately Sova and Loui came into view. They were the ringleaders of the most badly behaved of the boys in Year 8 (the year group below Mateo). He stormed over with his fists clenched and his gaze locked with fury.

He got their attention with an anti-climactic tap on Sova’s shoulder. ‘Hey, you.’ The kid turned around to look at Mateo, rolled his eyes then looked back at his food. ‘Don’t look away from me, I’m talking to you dickhead.’
‘Yeah? Who are you?’
‘I’m Mateo Piroz. I’m Penelope’s sister. You made her cry. Are you going to say sorry?’ Penelope looked on, biting her nails from the anxiety of the situation. The other kids were starting to go quiet and gather around. ‘Fuck off man’ scoffed Sova, ‘and take your little Southie sister with you.’
‘Southie? We’re not Southies. My Dad fought in the war!’ Sova took the bait and turned around, getting to his feet. Mateo suddenly realised that despite being a year younger, Sova towered over him quite easily. ‘So what? Everyone’s Dad’s fought in the war you idiot.’ He pushed Mateo backwards. Mateo stumbled, then regained his footing. ‘My Dad didn’t just fight, he was a hero in the air force. If you disrespect my sister you disrespect our family. You disrespect him.’

Everyone in the cafeteria had now tuned in to this brewing conflict. ‘Air Force huh?’ No wonder you’re a family of Southies then. Him and his pussy friends lost the war.’ Mateo’s knuckles tightened as he got increasingly angry. He didn’t care if this guy was bigger than him. He had to be taught a lesson. ‘You don’t know what you’re talking about.’
‘Yes I do. My Dad and uncles were in the army. They saw it, what the traitors did. They rolled over and let Eurans come in and take over. That means your Dad was a traitor. So is your sister. And so are you.’
‘You think so?’
‘Yeah!’
‘Well fuck you!’ Mateo lost his cool and swung at the other boy. The first punch landed well. But Sova remained on his feet.

‘Weak punch, traitor.’ Sova hit Mateo back and sent him crumpling to the ground. His friends laughed and walked around him to leave their table. Mateo could see Sova wandering over to Penelope, gesturing like he was crying at her. ‘Oh, the traitor bitch is watching too! Hey, if you rat on me again, I’m going to send your brother the same way as your piece of shit father.’ Just as he finished his threat Sova cried out with pain as Mateo got up and launched a kick at his knees, then hit him across the head with a plastic tray. An all-out brawl kicked off which Penelope sensibly stayed out of. Mateo was outnumbered and being taken to pieces despite a couple of friends from his year coming over to help out, only to be saved when a stranger pulled him out from the melee. Sova wound up to strike them too, then stopped.

It was Arabella. Mateo beamed as she stood firmly between them. ‘Lay off Sova, you’ve made your point.’
‘Get out of my fucking way princess.’
‘Not. Happening.’ Thankfully, a teacher finally arrived. ‘Right! Enough! The next person who does anything stupid is going in detention for the rest of the day!’ Sova smiled and rolled his sleeves down, whispering jokes with his friends as Mateo scooped himself up from the floor. The teacher looked unimpressed. ‘Piroz! I’ve told you before, no fighting. Detention.’
‘What?! But-‘
‘Don’t challenge me boy. Ribel…’ She looked over at Sova. That was his surname. ‘You’re in too.’ Sova’s smile disappeared. Arabella fired a mischievous grin his way. The maths quickly came together in Sova’s head. ‘There wasn’t a teacher in here before. You went and found one. You ratted on us!’
‘Did I? Huh, I guess so.’ The teacher motioned to pull away Mateo and Sova for detention.

Sova wasn’t content with giving just Mateo grief however. ‘What’s your problem then? Come on, tell me.’ Arabella shrugged her shoulders and stood her ground. ‘You’re a bully. I don’t like bullies.’
‘Bullshit, you Southie bitch!’ Before he could muster even a second of pleasure at getting under Arabella’s skin, she threw the most sweetly cast, clean punch a fourteen year old could wish for. Sova was thrown backwards onto a cafeteria table and knocked out cold. ‘Woops!’ Mateo couldn’t suppress a roaring laugh. ‘YES!’
‘I thought you’d like that.’ As soon as Arabella had hit him she knew that she was going to be in detention as well and probably for even longer than Mateo. It was worth it though to see the look on the face of Year 8’s arch-bully and all of his followers. The teacher exploded with anger at her and called for the school doctor. Arabella and Mateo were whisked away to detention without a second thought.

The rest of their day was spent in a small classroom doing their work in isolation while the staff got in touch with their parents. An opening to talk came up when the teacher keeping an eye on them had to run into the hallway to stop another fight kicking off outside, leaving them temporarily alone. ‘Arabella, I-‘
‘Call me Bella. That’s what my other friends call me.’
‘-I really had fun yesterday. When you came over to my house. Did you have fun?’
‘Yeah!’
‘It’s just you left my house really quickly.’
‘I just needed to get home or my mum would shout at me. I hope I didn’t upset your sister.’
‘No, its fine. Now we know why she was so miserable. That was so funny when you hit Sova, he looked so stupid. Thank you!’
‘Not a problem Matty, that dick deserved it.’
‘Totally!’ Mateo took a moment to think in silence. ‘Bella, I was going to ask, do you want to hang out after school today as well?’ Mateo gulped a bit as he said it. He didn’t hide nerves very well. He exhaled normally once her eyes lit up in response. ‘Yeah, sure! Let’s just check we aren’t grounded by our parents first.’ She made a good point. Rossana had received her phone call and was en route to give Mateo the lecture of a lifetime.

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