World Cup 87 - RP Thread

by **Garbelia** » Mon Jan 11, 2021 3:45 am

BREAKING NEWS!
Covered by sports correspondant, Mroowen Bafins

"It all started when Lutra Scratchington, presenter of 'View from Venjolath Road' podcasts, and Garvida Rovers legend was down by the People's Stadium looking for an interview. She watched, horrified, as one of the defenders from a team of the best non-Garbelery players in the Garbelery league, who were challenging the national team so they could warm up, launched into a ridiculously dangerous tackle on Samantha Van Middleburg, the 18 year old AMC named as a squad member, in an injury sure to put her out of the running for the rest of the tournament. Panicking, the manager, and his assistants carried her away, while having a hurried discussion over her replacement. Eventually in a shock announcement, they named Lutra Scratchington, retired form professional football, 22 years the injured players senior (40 years old), as a squad member. This announcement has been greeted with some agreeing it was a good choice, and some groaning, preparing for the worst. Scratchington will no longer be able to present the 'View from Venjolath Road' radio/TV show, and will be replaced by Edward Ottero, the Norvis FC legend, for the remainder of the series.

Lineup for today's game:

No surprises here, the strongest lineup in Garbelia with the strongest subs named, in the formation they have been coached in, with their signature +4 in attack. They are certainly going all-out to win today! No surprises with Pluvia and the Saxean Isles, either, with +1.5, they are going with a strong lineup and intermediate amounts of attack. They will certainly fancy a win against the young, inexperienced Garbelia side. With the same amount of strikers to Garbeley defenders, the Pluvians with fancy a few goals, but the Garbeli outnumber them in midfield, making up for just 2 players on the flanks. It is obvious they'll be looking to go down the middle of the pitch, hoping to exploit the greater number of centre-backs. It will still be a tough one though...

View from Venjolath Road will be broadcast on both radio and television daily until the end of the WC Qualifiers, and will be available as a podcast afterwards. Tomorrow, we bring you a match report and limited highlights of OUR FIRST MATCH against Pluvia and the Saxean Isles after the shock presenter change and call up. See you then!

by **Blouman Empire** » Mon Jan 11, 2021 4:46 am

THE EMPIRE TIMES

WORLD CUP QUALIFIER OPENER AGAINST KO-OREN

With most people writing the Eagles off there is more than one reason why they may just win the first game

With a group of players worth their weight in gold and group favourites, anything other than a win against the Empire will be deemed a failure for Ko-oren in their first game of the World Cup Qualifiers. Ko-oren are group favourites to finish first being the highest ranked team in the group and have qualified for the World Cup Proper for the past four consecutive World Cups.

As the Eagles look to qualify for the World Cup for the first time since their return to international football and with Lewis Parry continuing his building phase they will be hoping to spoil Ko-oren’s party by notching up three points first.

Here’s everything you need to know about the Blouman Empire’s first World Cup qualifier.

HOW CAN I WATCH?

If you didn’t get a ticket to the sell-out match at Stadium Bloumany, you can either watch the game on FSN or on BBS, both networks are promoting pre-game show and analysis and reaction after the full time whistle.

HOW THE EAGLES CAN MAKE AN IMPACT

As the group favourite Ko-oren has every chance of finishing first and qualifying for the World Cup. The team is filled with stars like Obadiah Parrot, Maximilien Longchambon and striker Mata Vaugrenard. While the team has the talent whether they have the temperament and discipline remains to be seen. Ko-oren performed poorly in their last tournament the AOCAF, managing to sneak through a few wins but also showing weaknesses against stronger opposition. If the Aussies can exploit those weekends and come away with three points it will go a long way towards qualifying. While a loss would not be catastrophic and still a lot of games to play it does mean the team is already three points behind 1st place in what is going to be a tough group.

WHAT CAN WE EXPECT FROM THE EAGLES

The Eagles have continued to improve their international performances since reentering the WCC and over the past three World Cup qualifiers have shown improvement. Lewis Parry has continued to stamp his attacking possession based style which is recording more and more positive results. Will the Eagles be able to qualify this time? Most pundits are predicting another entry into the Cup of Harmony, however, with a bit of luck and exploiting a few weaknesses from the other top sides the Eagles might just be able to make it.

WHY A BLOUMAN MIRACLE IS ON THE CARDS

Having such star power assembled for the qualifiers would be a dream for most coaches. For Katanmak Juliasterinthen, it looks more like a headache.
Many questions remain about the team’s capacity, despite appearing the World Cup 14 times they have only been able to make it into the round of 16 8 times and the team seems a long way from when it dominated the 65th Cup of Harmony. Despite all their talent Ko-oren have struggled for consistency and often appeared vulnerable in World Cup qualifying and should not be over confident. The team favours a defensive game and while that may hold out a number of shots it does not allow them to get too many in themselves, limting their scoring options. Something we saw during the last AOCAF when opposition teams were able to squeeze in goals into the back of the net. The Eagles more attacking style paired with a focus on possession may just give the Eagles a sniff.

by **Stevid** » Mon Jan 11, 2021 5:16 am

FINAL WHISTLE - World Cup 87 Qualifiers
The Beautiful Game Begins!
Stevidia Face Up To World Champions!

Good morning everyone and welcome to our coverage of the Eighty-Seventh Football World Cup Qualifiers hosted by Taeshan and Ethane. Final Whistle will bring you all the best and boring action from this remarkable tournament, especially that of the only Home Isles teams to participate… Stevidia.

Stevidia have recently taken part in the Baptism of Fire (and Ice) tournament and were cruelly knocked-out in a penalty shootout having turned around a shaky start in the group stage to then finish overall below many of their fellow group qualifiers. It was an anti-climactic and disappointing end for Stevidia who had really started to gel well over the tournament. However, the World Cup is the true prize and while Stevidia aren’t even distant contenders, it will prove to be the first foray in this hallowed tournament so any result is a good one!

The team Stevidia brought to the BoF is unchanged given that the call up for the BoF was to test the team’s mettle for the World Cup. The backroom staff remain unchanged too, though the preferred tactics of the manager, Davidicus Asper have under gone some refinement over the past few months and even mid-way through the BoF tournament. However, the flamboyancy and direct attacking play we are used to enjoying in our top domestic leagues is still well represented by the Stevidia team, and they certain mean to keep up their attacking strategy.

We will be looking at the group Stevidia has been handed shortly, and they are particularly large, but first let’s take a snap shot look at what we can expect to see with Stevidia:

MANAGEMENT

Head Coach: Davidicus Asper
Assistant Coach: Marcus Meridius
Goalkeeper Coach: Lucius Proclus
General Coach: Maximus Matho
Medical Director: Francessa Certus

PLAYER ROSTER

Goalkeepers

Defence

Midfield

Attack

FIRST TEAM

Most notable of all is the lack of a change from the players being brought along for this competition, but also a relief in many reasons too. Forward and Stevidia’s top goal scorer Lukas Cooper is fresh and uninjured and will be leading the line with fellow goal assassins Miquel Adams and Paul Massey. Oft unincluded Barry Parker remains on the team sheet but will likely stay in reserve.

The poor defending and keeping from the BoF will be a thorn in the side of Davidicus and the cause of much anxiety for Stevidia fans – All three keepers were utilised in the BoF and that happy formula between them and the defence was never quite fostered. Speaking of the rear guard, tank and overall horse of a man Jordan Smith retains his spot as first choice defender. Seldom putting a foot or head wrong, he was victim to other shortcomings and luck for the many goals Stevidia conceded. The visionary wingbacks of Watts and Lee return too but probably with orders to remember to defend once in a while. Passing wizard and defensive midfielder Rhys Middleton is a welcome sight on the sheet too.

Stevidia’s midfield disappointed in the BoF with much of the limelight stolen by the wingbacks. When tactics shifted to a narrower tikki-takka the mids became even less influential. But a stand out play was John Casey who was excellent at holding up play and spray balls to unrushing teams mates, and even getting on the score card himself on occasion. Darren Smith was seldom consistent, but when he turns up the light and nippy twenty-three year can carve open defensive lines like it’s Sunday League.

As we can see Stevidia will prefer to line up with an aggressive 4-1-2-3 attacking formation that shores up inherent vulnerabilities at the back, encouraging direct play up to the middle and then longer play over the opposition midfield into the prolific forwards We can expect to see Cooper and Massey dropping slightly deep to collect balls up through the middle from quick pings into their opposite number on the park or into the middle for a hungry Adams. The lack of attacking or middle of the park midfields will certain overwhelm Stevidia in the middle but the defence appears much more solid – so evidently more faith has been placed in the proven abilities of the forwards and wingbacks, sacrificing middle-forwards to shore up an unreliable defence. It paid dividends in the BoF and, aside from some accursed bad luck, almost got them into the semi-finals.

Code: Select all
Group 13 1. Jeruselem (54) 2. New Lusitania and the Algarves (44) 3. Stevidia (=259) 4. The Belacian States (Belac) (350) 5. Melbergia (152) 6. Saltstead (113) 7. Vangaziland (288) 8. Banija (1) 9. Thibaea (UR) 10. Oberour Ar Moro (87)
Grp 13 - Ranking in Brackets

The group is very interesting and very large, all populated by teams that Stevidia has never faced so you can put your almanacs down. The group layout was determined by pot draw and so Stevidia was drawn into Group 13.
Needless to say, despite never having played any of these teams, Stevidia is in one of the toughest groups in the entire tournament. This is evidenced by being in the same group as no less than four top-100 ranked nations, one being Number One in the world – Banija. This does mean however that Stevidia fans are treated some of the most renowned and classic football one could ever expect to see. As if by sheer coincidence, this will be the first match played by Stevidia.

So, let’s look at what these world champions have on offer:

Otherwise known as The Kadongo Kamus, Banija was a heavy-weight competitor in the footballing world. Irrespective of tournaments won, their win record is staggering with 235 wins in all competitions with an overall percentage of over 55% - and they will be looking to make minnows Stevidia number 236. Their team members boast a commonly found internationally, but unseen in Stevidia, mixed sex line up with the prolific Ilman Jawara of Soldarian FC leading the line with his ninety international goals.

You can see Stevidia’s full fixture list below:

Tonight’s match will prove to be one of the biggest in Stevidia’s history and it’s a late one for us folk here. Kick-off is LIVE right here at 0100 UTC on Final Whistle!

by **Hebitaka** » Mon Jan 11, 2021 7:27 am

Republic News

Sports Section

Transfers window goes as 64 are in for SLA from Foreign

The transfer window has been open for the past few weeks. This has led to the clubs from all over the world exchanging players for the teams. As for the Hebitaki top league SLA, a total of 64 players have been stashed into the league. The term 'stashed' is more appropriate than 'sold' as 63b of the transfers were of free agents with zero transfer fee. The only proper 'Transfer' was of 28 year old defender Atsuhiro Miyazawa coming in from Shamrock Cathair of the National League, currently the top league, to Blasters at the price of 2.3 million NSD. As of the transfers going out, 20 year old midfeilder Rashid Habeeb got 850K NSD for transferring from Demolishers to Hamiltonian Cambria of the Kelssek Football League.

World Cup Qualifiers groups determined

The World Cup 87 is about to be underway. Being held in Taeshan and Ethane, the tournament has 190 teams in qualifiers, out of which only 32 teams would get a ticket to the final tournament. The teams devided to 19 groups each of ten teams. After a decent performance in the Baptism of fire the team is currently ranked 289 in the world. With this the team was drawn to group 17 of 19.

After interviewing the general manager of the national team, Ravi Heera we got a response of confidence mixed with hopelessness. The man said that he cannot confirm a spot in the main event but is assuring that the team will fight with full potential. "We got a great result in the Baptism of Fire, and now we are hoping in for the World cup. If we do our best, we can get into the Cup of Harmony, and who knows, maybe in the main event of the World Cup! It all depends on our effort and performance in the end."

Aron's career threatened as a bookie reveals the names

There has been a scandal in the Cricket in Hebitaka, as multiple bookmakers are being caught. Several local players were suspended for spot fixing in the games. The fixing rate up so high that the PPC even got stopped, and might even get cancelled! And among all this mess, the bookies finally take big names. Ranil Gautam, Chandan Kushar, Keichchi Suniko, Shimazo Mirai, Levi Trenser and most surprisingly the Knights captain David Aron. It is also suspected that the fixing was done in the previous season too and Aron's poor performance due to which the Knights lost the cup was indeed intentional! Still nothing is known for sure, but the odds are all against the players and all of them are more likely to get suspended.

The warm up friendlies of Falcons

The warm up friendlies before the World Cup is indeed common among the nations. And this being the maiden World cup for the team has resulted to the fixing friendly games before the Qualifiers. Three friendlies were mainly arranged, all in Hebitaka. The first game was against Baker Park at the Konoha East Stad. It went against the home team as they lost 5-2 with Vijay scoring both the goals for the team. The second friendly was played at Pleasantry arena against Qasden. The game ended with both the team's defense being too strong to score a goal. The game ended scoreless. The third and final friendly was played at Croniman Stad against the Silvadenian national team. The Falcons took the game 1-0 as Tarun Masake become the sole player to get a ball inside the nets.

by **Xanneria** » Mon Jan 11, 2021 9:21 am

Big Changes on the Horizon for Maroons
excerpt from http://www.xtrasports.xan/natipnalteam.html

DOMINICA CITY - Big things are on the horizon for the future of Xannerian football. Newly appointed FLOX Head Clive Bacon, has released a presser out to the public . In the presser Mr Bacon, former head of the Appalachian Nation Soccer Federation, or simply "The Soccer Federation", has come aboard in hope of writing a ship that has slowly and subtly been sinking due to rust. While the on field success was there, an aging player base and disputes with players left Jeb Gyjorko in a tricky sport heading into the Qualifiers three years ago. While he used stop gap measures in the regional last year and this year, he said in his presser.

There will be big roster turn overs by time the World Cup or Cup of Harmony come around, look out for these changes soon.

Xanneria did not have a great Di Brandi Cup for various reasons, but its still possible that Mr Bacon pulls out some young players, a ton of this years crop have stated intent to play internationally. Stefano Stepetti is already on his way to Tikariot, and Clyde Pierce shocking the world by signing with Ethanian club Harnley Town. But one of this biggest transfers so far has a bigger impact on Xanneria, but not for Domestic reasons. Markus Portsman, a goalkeeper that was at Dursten Easterners for a while had carved out a niche for himself in Valladares. The well respected league in Valladares has seen some talent come through its pipeline and Portsman, who struggled to surpass anything more than mediocrity at Dursten, but with the slower more traditional pacing of Valladeres football, Portsman was able to turn into a keeper for the Metropolis Alligators. Portsman though never made the NT till this cycle, some friction developed between him and Jeb Gyjorko due to supposed comments by Gyjorko saying he to much of a mediocre name in Xannerian households, despite the press continuously lauding over him for accomplish great feats in Valladares. But now Portsman will split keeper duties with Mookie Danube and Loretta Walters, will the trio succeed? It is to be seen.

by **Lorrana** » Mon Jan 11, 2021 9:22 am

Lorrana vs Yuezhou: Pre-Game

This afternoon, World Cup 87 Qualifiers kick off in Lorrana City as Lorrana plays Yuezhou in their first ever competitive match. Lightspeed Arena is almost sold out, with 73,472 seats sold. The game will be broadcast on Lorrana Newsbit Sports as well as many other IBA participant networks starting at 5:00pm LST. We'll cover the post-game afterwards.

Lorrana Starting XI

Yuezhou Starting XI

Tactics Overview
Yuezhou is likely to keep a firm and strong defense that will drop back and prevent any easy goal opportunities for Lorrana. Because of this, Lorrana will need to focus a little more on possession instead of their usual fast build up style if they want more opportunities. Meanwhile, Lorrana's defense will be applying constant pressure on Yuezhou's aggressive midfield and attacking. Yuezhou will probably be utilizing a lot of counter attacks for scoring chances.

by **Savojarna** » Mon Jan 11, 2021 10:13 am

SavojarSports.sj - inside reports from all Savojarna
A Look in the Past: Savojarna and their openers

Savojarna’s recent history with qualifying openers has been good, no doubt helped by the lack of any truly big name opposition on the first day of play. The Northlights have a rather impressive streak of nine unbeaten openers in a row, winning six and drawing three. Most recently, they’ve blown five past West Angola as they’d set up an impressive campaign with only two losses, carrying them all the way to the World Cup 86 finals. But it hasn’t always been so: The very first game the Northlights played on the world’s biggest stage ended in a loss.

World Cup Qualifiers 77, Matchday 1: Savojarna 2-3 Eastfield Lodge

Our first ever qualifying group was a tricky affair, featuring Brenecia, Turori and Anglatia, all three among the top 50 back then. Eastfield Lodge were only the fourth seed in the group, but a formidable opponent for the early Savojar national team. To the modern reader, the squad that played that day in Sjoedrhavn will look relatively unfamiliar, but some names are still known internationally: Perttu Karjanen was already playing as captain back then, and Alexey Nurkanen was one of the younger team members on the right back. It also featured a younger Joonas Andersson, and Bjarne Thorvaldsson was sitting on the bench as a prospect and youngest team member of the bunch.

Markus Nyborg may also be familiar to some, particularly to fans of Libertas Bergheim, and he took the honours of being Savojarna’s first ever World Cup scorer as he curled a free kick into the net and caused the Northlights to take a 1-0 lead early in the game. They didn’t manage to hold it, however; while Petteri Hytönen could equalise in the second half, Eastfield Lodge managed to score a third goal and lost the match eventually. Looking back on the game, Nyborg said: “It was an incredible feeling back then. I remember that we all had goosebumps walking out onto the pitch of the Bjurman, it was so loud and intense. After the game, Igor Mitrovic, my roommate and teammate at CASK back then, told me he had tears in his eyes after the International. I didn’t want to admit it back then, but I did too”.

Looking at his goal in the video, Nyborg got nostalgic. “It was a beautiful goal back then, and it still is. Admittedly this type of goal isn’t something you pull off every day, and I’m very aware of that. It makes it even more important for me, it’s not just historic but also one of the more beautiful goals I scored. I perfectly remember how after the goal, I rushed to the bench and Petteri [Hytönen] was the first to jump onto me and shout some incomprehensible stuff. We were all over the moon with the lead in our first World Cup game”. Back then, Savojarna’s football team was fairly popular, but not with the devout following of these days. While the Bjurman sold out for big games like this, there was significantly less intense fandom. Also, there were significantly fewer people in the stadium when the Savojars were playing less strong opposition. Few people, thus, remember the game that followed, a dire 0-0 against Kaisaru, a nation we have never played since.

In a way, the World Cup Qualifier 77 opener against Eastfield Lodge perfectly summarised what was to follow, playing out a graceful and respectable defeat, but ultimately a defeat. This was also what followed when they moved on to play Brenecia; they also managed to upset Anglatia and established a heated rivalry with Juvencus that few Savojar fans truly remember; but back then it was a major deal.

World Cup Qualifiers 82, Matchday 1: Savojarna 4-3 Abanhfleft

82 is not a number many Savojars like to hear, as they were edged out of their second World Cup in the last matchday, which they entered as leaders; however, a win for Valladares while the Savojars lost to group favourites Vilita saw both of them leapfrog the Northlights to claim their World Cup tickets, while Savojarna had to bury their World Cup dreams until eight years later, when they’d make it to 86. But it had started out well, with the third opening win in five campaigns, and perhaps the most dramatic one. At home against an Abanhfleft side they had beaten en route to World Cup 80 four years prior, the Savojar women faced off against their Fleftic counterparts and took the lead early through Irina Jarkasjärvi. By half-time, they extended it to 3-0.

“It’s been too much, too soon, in hindsight. After I’ve scored, we thought we were absolutely invincible, we knew the opponent, we’ve beaten them before and came in with the mindset that we were better than Abanhfleft. Then, I scored that damned third goal, and nothing seemed to be able to go wrong anymore”, then striker and goal scorer to the 3-0 Freya Sigurdsdottir reminisces. “We moved into a way too defensive posture and underestimated what they could do”, she adds. Britt and McGinnis quickly returned the game to 2-3, but the Savojars continued to be sluggish and underwhelming, not sufficiently switching on offence again - and when Elene Liner equalised, it looked like disaster loomed. But the game turned again, in the final minutes of it, as Jarkasjärvi curved a ball right onto the head of Midström, who would score her most important goal in extra time.

The win was the start of a strong series of four wins in five campaign openers, the only exception being a 3-3 against Schottia in the beginning of the World Cup 84 campaign. However, the way the campaigns continued were not always great - the follow-up is what may be more important. But if the opener isn’t on point, it makes the rest an uphill battle; and not worrying much about this has been something that undoubtedly helped Savojarna in the past.

by **Central Shaneville** » Mon Jan 11, 2021 10:13 am

JAY BUCKS AND "MENTAL BOOSTS"
This evening the Central Shaneville media caught up with Central Shaneville manager Jay Bucks and asked him what he expects from the island nation's second campaign to which he responded.

"I hope we have a better showing and at least put on a show for our great fans who deserve it after last time, I believe our side is better than it was and training is showing that we have progressed." He stated calmly.

He continued "Of course we have one of the top seeds in our group first which is never a good thing from a mental stand point but I believe we ARE capable as we have upset seeds before, maybe not on the World Cup stage but in the Independents Cup which I will keep reminding the players of so their mental state improves when kick off approaches hoping that their Independents Cup campaigns can impact the team's World Cup performance its a long shot for sure but mental boosts are important."

Central Shaneville's campaign to try and qualify for World Cup 87 will start tonight so stay tuned football fans to the Central Shaneville Sports Network.

by **Darmen** » Mon Jan 11, 2021 10:14 am

New Manager and Venues Announced

SCOTT CITY - The Darmeni Football Association introduced the All Greens' new manager, Dean McTaggart, at a press conference yesterday, following the DFA's termination of Berhtoald Myers.

Myers, who failed to advance Darmen out of the Copa Rushmori group stage in Græntfjall, finished his managerial stint with a record of 50-15-31, but only a single World Cup appearance in three attempts.

McTaggart's selection as the new manager comes as a bit of a surprise; the 43 year old does not have any experience coaching at a big club, in fact his previous employment was as the assistant manager of the Tim City University collegiate side, a side which has won six national titles in the past decade. Making the jump from collegiate football to the international game will certainly be challenging for McTaggart, but its a challenge he says he's ready to enjoy.

"This profession is all about conquering challenges. Whether its a significant increase in the quality of opponents, or tempering player personalities in the locker room, or finding a replacement for an injured player, being a football manager requires you to always be on your toes, think ahead and get solutions," said McTaggart.

McTaggart's selection as All Greens' manager comes as a surprise for many, but a huge disappointment for those who were hoping that President Tor Tong Lee would step down from his position as Darmen's leader to become leader of the All Greens for a second time.

Venues

MD Opponent         Venue                                          Capacity
 2 Squidroidia      Tyger Stadium, Darmen City                     40,000
 5 Jabal Akhdar     Estadio Monumental Ernesto Chavarría, Rogerton 37,500
 7 Frestovenia      Warren Park, Chuckio                           35,000
 9 Barunia          Stadio Rushmore, Johnho                        70,000
10 Kelssek          Brham Stadium, Brham                           54,000
12 Wreckeria        Augusta Stadium, Augusta                       45,000
13 Tornado Queendom Stadion Hungaria, Kingsville                   36,343
15 Valanora         Northumberland Stadium, Scott City             62,100
17 Icecliff         City Stadium, Scott City                       37,100

by **Starblaydia** » Mon Jan 11, 2021 11:17 am

Craziness Encouraged
An Unofficial History of the NationStates World Cup

Craziness Encouraged, subtitled An Unofficial History of the NationStates World Cup was originally a in-character book, ostensibly written by former Starblaydi international football player and ex-President of the World Cup Committee Simeone Di Bradini. It documented the World Cup from its earliest editions all the way to the beginning of what is now loosely termed 'the modern era' and attempted to place the various winners of the World Cup in a historical perspective, breaking the Cup down into a number of distinct eras. It was first published in 2093 by the Starblaydi Calendar, in the year before World Cup 45.

The idea was to research, collate and generally make sense of the many years of history that had gone into the world's most popular and long-running sports competition, both from an in-character and an out-of-character perspective. After being created mostly on Goobergunchia's original NSwiki before it was lost, the idea was cobbled back together as a thread in 2014 with some wildly irregular updates.

Some forty editions of the Cup and more than a decade of real time since 'the modern era' began, however, fewer and fewer nations remember the nations and their stories from times gone by, and although access to the archives has been brilliantly maintained by the admins of The History of Modern NSSports, there were six whole years of prior roleplaying that is now only available as HTML files and random stories from long-time players. Inspired by Audioslavia's wonderful The Idiot Project, Starblaydia set out to remake Craziness Encouraged as a mostly-secret HD-quality video series in late 2019 and early 2020; something that would stand the test of time far better than a series of forum posts.

Craziness Encouraged takes its name from the tagline of the Starblaydia & Druida bid to co-host World Cup 20, which itself took the term from a post from when the World Cup was even younger. It represents the creativity that we promote in our NSWC roleplaying, whether to make stories that are realistic, outlandish, unique or just downright crazy.

Craziness Encouraged: "Trailer"

by **Havynwilde** » Mon Jan 11, 2021 11:51 am

_{Grfx rp pt. 1}

by **Hapilopper** » Mon Jan 11, 2021 12:20 pm

XANAir National Stadium, Dominica City, Xanneria
Leading up to Match 1 of World Cup 87 Qualifying: Hapilopper v. Xanneria
There was something special about the match coming up. While, on paper, Hap-Xan might not have been as sexy as, say, Equestria-Starblaydia or Chromatika-Drawkland, the first senior team matchup between Hapilopper and Xanneria was promising to be a classic. Hapilopper and Xanneria had history dating back before they had come into their own as sporting nations, dating back to the days when they were, for the most part, Wreckerians and Tonissians.

Before the incident at Hamilton Square in downtown Hapilopper City in 1980, when insurgents from the True Wreckerians opened fire on a crowd of people celebrating the start of the Hapilopper National Exhibition, the Hapiloppians had been close with Wreckeria. Consequently, the Hapiloppians had always had some sort of issue with Tonissia, dating back to the 1930s when their leader, Darrell Hackney, started a war of words of sorts with Wreckeria. Hapiloppians, many of whom came from Wreckeria, felt offended by this vendetta, and not putting two and two together, lumped Xanneria in with Tonissia’s issue with the Wreckerians.

But that was then, and this is now. The Hapilopper and Wreckeria of those times are not the same Hapilopper and Wreckeria of today, and the Xanneria of those days are not the Xanneria of today. Today, Hapilopper considers Xanneria a friend, and a crucial trading partner, even if the two are in different regions. There are even rumors of the two national leaders holding a standing invitation for each other over a strong alcoholic beverage. President William Mathis making the trip over to Xanneria for the first match seemed to add some fuel to those rumors.

And even if you ignore all that history, the fact was that Hapilopper and Xanneria were two exciting footballing nations. One expert referred to Xannerian football as similar to a “80s action movie.” Hapiloppian football was known to be physical, offensive and wildly exciting. The Haps had a few players that everyone would keep their eyes on:

-Ernie Stevenson, Hapilopper’s most well-known player, and one of the most exciting goal-scorers in all of international football…
-Nathan Ellis, Team Hapilopper’s resident thug and murderous maniac, who everyone was keeping their eye on, to see if he would cause a physical incident during the match…
-Claire Randall, the other starting striker for the Haps, who had vowed to take on a more physical role in her matches…
-And Colt Delaney, who, to everyone’s surprise, was named the starting keeper for Team Hapilopper for the Hapilopper-Xanneria match.

Early arrivals to XANAir National Stadium spotted Colt in goal, stopping practice shots from members of the team. Immediately, questions were raised as to why. Had there been disciplinary action taken with Cooter Harris? Had he done anything? Was he hurt? Did he underperform in pre-match training? Or had Colt Delaney just surprised everyone with his performance?

As Cooter walked along the sideline, he didn’t come across as someone who had been in any kind of trouble, and his history would indicate that he wasn’t that great at hiding his emotions. Just ask anyone who watched the Manehattan Massacre when it happened. In fact, Cooter had a smile on his face. When he came out from the tunnel to watch his teammates get ready, a few fans greeted him with cheers, having remembered his performances in Xanneria as a goalkeeper for Northshore FC. But he wasn’t dressed to play. In fact, he wasn’t on the lineup sheet. The substitute goalkeeper for this match was Eric Marlin, the third-string keeper for the match.

A reporter, watching the training, went over to Cooter, who was just taking everything in.

“Why aren’t you in the lineup?” The reporter asked.

“Coach didn’t want me in because he said the Xannerians would be too familiar with me,” Cooter replied. “Since I’ve played here in the last few years, he said they’d know what I’d do and what I wouldn’t do. They’re not as familiar with Colt and Eric, so I’m sitting this one out.”

The reporter nodded his head, understanding why the move had been made.

“But you’re OK?” the reporter asked.

“Oh yeah, fine,” Cooter replied. “I got hurt earlier this year, but I’ve gotten past it.”

As the pre-match buildup went on, there was an indication that the match was going to be chippy. Xanneria was known to be physical and Hapilopper had Nate Ellis, and Nate appeared to be in a bad mood as the day went along. So did Colin McLain, another hyper-physical player on Team Hapilopper. Colin looked like he wanted to take someone out.

But above all else, there was a great deal of excitement. The Haps had low expectations for this World Cup qualifier, as did everyone else watching the Haps, but the team knew they had the talent to shock the world. The team knew they had the talent to knock off some giants. All they had to do was work to it. If they didn’t make it this year, they sure could next year.

by **Saint-Domingues** » Mon Jan 11, 2021 12:24 pm

World Cup Qualifying Preview: Group 5
Today the qualifying rounds for the biggest tournament in the multiverse is to commence - the race to make it to the football World Cup. It is a highly competitive race, with 192 entrants compromising 19 groups of 10 (the hosts do not partake), all battling for just the one top spot that will guarantee qualification. Second place will earn the team a play-off spot, where they must defeat another one of the group runner-ups to secure a position on the biggest stage (minus the top three runners-up, who also automatically qualify).

With Saint-Domingue beginning their journey to Taeshan and Ethane live on RTD later today, our expert pundits are here to offer up their opinions on the teams in the group and try to give us a taste of what we can expect from the teams.

Ancherion
Manager: Bendeguz Gamberlini
Ancherion made their first appearance at the 69th Baptism of Fire, where the team made it out of the group stage but were defeated in the round of 24 on penalties. Their resulting World Cup appearance, at the 82nd edition, was unsuccessful - finishing in 9th position in their group. They have since finished 4th (83, 84, 86), 6th (85) - could they improve on that placing this year?

Versatile captain Sikim Arts - who is able to play at centre-half as well as left-back - recently celebrated a century of appearances for his country, and is the highest-capped player in the team. His experience and defensive guile will be very useful for the qualifying run. Also to be feared is the lone Ancherite striker, Mamadou Kaur. Kaur, who plays up top as well as on the wing for club Sorials Suns, has been in fine form on the international stage of late. He is the top scorer for the team with 18 goals from just 34 appearances, currently averaging a goal in under 180 minutes. Expect to see him on the scoresheet against some Group 5 rivals.

Player to watch: Mamadou Kaur

Zwangzug
Manager: Brandon Sonnabend
Zwangzug have fine World Cup pedigree, having qualified for multiple editions of the tournament, appearing in three semi-finals resulting in two fourth-place finishes (36 & 37) in addition to having played in a World Cup final (42). Furthermore, Zwangzug are one-time champions of the Cup of Harmony (#25). Despite this, the Zwangzugian have only managed to qualify for just one of the last six World Cups - making it to the quarter-finals of World Cup 85. Could they return to form this cycle?

Manager Brandon Sonnabend will hope his talented players such as Edwin Cherenkov-Nguyen will have a big impact on the qualifying rounds and lead his team to the tournament. Trebuchet Cham's Cherenkov-Nguyen has managed a whopping 22 goals from midfield since making his debut during the cycle for World Cup 83.

Player to watch: Edwin Cherenkov-Nguyen

Savojarna
Manager: Mikaela Rangren
One of Savojarna's greatest weapons as they look to qualify might not even be on the pitch - but in the dugout. Head coach Mikaela Rangren is a highly-respected coach with a great deal of experience in the game. The Savojar team made their debut at the Baptism of Fire 64, though this was an unsuccessful campaign as the team crashed out of the group stage with just one point. Their first World Cup appearance at the 77th edition secured a respectable 5th position, and improved on this in the following cycle by finishing 4th. World Cup 79 was more unsuccessful, falling to 6th, before successfully qualifying for World Cup 80, a tournament at which Rangren served as assistant coach. Savojarna failed to get out of a tough group featuring the team that would go on to become World Champions, Brenecia. Rangren moved up from assistant to head coach midway through the 84th World Cup cycle, replacing Olaf Jurtanen, and she successfully qualified the team for the most recent World Cup. Can she repeat the trick?

Player to watch: Ivan Grivoshenko

Saint-Domingue
Manager: Camilo Canisbro
This is a team that we expect viewers to be well acquainted with. This is Saint-Domingue's first ever appearance in World Cup qualifying, following on from a relatively successful Baptism of Fire where they made it through to the final eight. Having also led Saint-Domingue to third place at the Wonder Cup, Canisbro has developed something of a reputation for miracles during knockout fixtures. However, his teams are notoriously slow starters, beginning both two tournaments during his team in charge very poorly, and only gathering together a slew of results to make it out of the group stages at the death. The coach and team prosper under pressure however, and perhaps they could pull an upset or two out of the bag.

The two star performers for Saint-Domingue are, undoubtedly, playmaker Josep Carpeña and iconic number nine Julien Babesco. Both players had a very successful Baptism of Fire, and were selected in the Cool XI at the conclusion of the tournament for their efforts. Carpeña and Babesco lead the national figures in assists and goals respectively.

Player to watch: Josep Carpeña

Abanhfleft
Manager: [REDACTED]
[REDACTED]

Player to watch: [REDACTED]

Chartistan
Manager: Lucas Combbrush
Readers may be familiar with this team, who have shared a number of tournaments with Saint-Domingue recently, though this will be the first meeting between the sides. Chartistan fell into the opposite bracket during the Wonder Cup, but ultimately emerged as champions of of the Dusk. They were similarly opposite from Saint-Domingue at the Baptism of Fire, where they fell at the last sixteen stage on penalties. This will be their first World Cup cycle.

Most of the attention may be on Mama Coriel, the famous striker with a history of scoring goals, but we pick out centre-back Tatertot Crazy as our one to watch. The defender was very solid at the Baptism of Fire, and was selected for the Hot XI after a series of impressive defensive displays. Chartistan will be a challenge to break down with him in the side.

Player to watch: Tatertot Crazy

Koniglich Wasserstein
Manager: Thomi Vogel
Another debutant, though this time a team that did not feature in the Baptism of Fire. Koniglich Wasserstein are thus something of an unknown quality, with limited multiversal games to base our opinions on. Head coach Thomi Vogel has been playing down expectations in the press thus far, and it is hard to predict to what standard his team will perform. Alex Lange is therefore selected as our player to watch, the team's captain and a player who has recently come away with major honours, winning the league in Stevemeve.

The game to look forward to is against Chartistan. Vogel has taken issue with comments made by the Chartistanis about his team, and it seems a rivalry between these two faces is brewing.

Player to watch: Alex Lange

Hafamarimet
Manager: [REDACTED]
[REDACTED]

Player to watch: [REDACTED]

Sharktail
Manager: Sahami
Known as the Blue Predator, Sharktail first came onto the scene at Baptism of Fire 68, where they made it to the round of 32. They have since taken part in qualifying campaigns for World Cups 81, 82, 83, 85, and 86, though they are yet to make it to the tournament proper. The closest Sharktail have come was in the race for World Cup 85, when they recorded 45 points from a marathon 24 fixtures but fell short to the Commonwealth of Baker Park and a Group 5 opponent, Zwangzug. In terms of multiversal honours, the Sharktailian under-18s managed to reach the final of the 6th Sporting World Cup.

A new generation is coming through for Sharktail, with many of the players selected by Sahami picked for the national team for the first time. Some experience remains however, such as defensive stalwarts Harold and Yusri, ever-present midfielder Chandra, and most of the forward line. Veteran striker and captain Gaby is the team's highest capped player as well as the top goalscorer, and at 96 caps he is likely to reach a century of appearances during qualifying - watch out for him making his mark to celebrate.

Player to watch: Gaby

Netop
Manager: Joey House
Netop first appeared for the last World Cup qualifying, where they finished in 7th place with 20 points. Their Baptism of Fire entry led to them to the final sixteen, losing 2-1 to Tioguldos in Valladares. The other notable appearance by the Netopians was at the 62nd edition of the AOCAF, where they narrowly failed to progress past the group stages on head-to-heads.

It is a relatively youthful squad picked by Joey House, with just three players older than 30 and just one expected to start - 34 year-old striker and captain Teddy Riggs. Some of the Netop youth players are very highly-rated, such as winger Max Holder. The 19 year-old is pacey and known for his ability from dead-ball situations. If Netop score a set piece, you can bet it will be on the end of one of his deliveries.

Player to watch: Max Holder

works? · by **Abanhfleft** » Mon Jan 11, 2021 12:51 pm

(OOC: Trying out something new. Let's see how this works out.)

They say inside every cynic is a disappointed idealist. Everyone in Upper Valeria must have been idealists who were all disappointed one time or another. We live in the mountains, but they're nothing compared to the walls we've put up around ourselves to keep everyone else from getting too close to us to hurt us, betray us. We're not all depressed, but we sure do live in a place that looks depressing. Grey people living in grey cities under grey skies year after year after year. Outsiders wonder how we can live like this, and sometimes I've wondered the same thing too.

We dared to dream, and we dared to dream big. But when the money moved away from the north, our dreams went away with it too. People have said that we Valerians are cold and unloving, just like our place, but that's not true. We're just reserved. We just don't like opening ourselves up to the ones we love because we're afraid of getting burned once again.

We act like we don't care but that's not true. In truth, we actually care more than most people because we're all so guarded about everything else. I care about everything and everyone in my life. But I've been taught not to show any of that because none of it is going to fix anything at all.

- From the diary of Britt Hanokssen

There's a new season upon us. Dad's still got his job, even though Casper [Raptis] made it clear at the end of last season that just missing out on the title was not good enough at all. I don't know how Dad talked Casper into keeping him, but I'm glad it worked out. I've come to like Hunsen, if I'm being honest. I've gotten to know the girls very well and I don't know how I'll feel if we have to leave because Dad got sacked.

It's also the day of the first cuts from the roster. Dad's got to trim the team down from 38 to 30, and that's just the first round. More girls are gonna get cut, and I don't think I wanna be in Dad's place right now. To make the decision to end someone's season right then and there, right after he just saved his own job... it's gotta be tough.

He's planning to cut Erin from the team though. Or at least he planned to cut her until I talked him out of it. Talked him out of it. More like I begged my own father to not cut my best friend, at least not until he'd given her another chance. Why did Erin have to be an addict anyway? Why did she have to do hard drugs to cope? She's so talented at football! I wish I had half the talent Erin had.

Erin Jensdottir. Erin, daughter of Jen. Erin the junkie. Erin, my best friend. Nothing more I want to see than to see her succeed. But her addiction is gonna make that very hard for her. What's so great about drugs anyway? I heard they make you feel good. Erin says they make her feel good when she's feeling down. I admit, I was curious about those drugs, but in the end I never got around to trying them out. Probably for the best. Who knows what's gonna happen to her if Dad cuts her? What if playing for Hunsen is the only thing keeping Erin from spiraling further out of control? I can't let her do that. I won't let her do that.

How about me though? I like football, like playing it. But I'm just not as good as some of the other girls. I'm already staying in this team because I'm the manager's daughter, but I don't wanna be here just because of that. I don't wanna be accused of nepotism. I wanna be on this team because I deserve it. But do I really? Do I really deserve to be on this team? I believe, I want to believe. And if not, I might as well be a coach instead. I'm already learning from a good one anyway.

I've got a future ahead of me, but where is that gonna take me? I want to know, but at the same time I wanna be surprised.

- Entry from 9 May 2019 (Abanhfleft time)

by **Riennic Isles** » Mon Jan 11, 2021 1:03 pm

The Riena Sentinel

'Are they really good enough?'
Shiranami preaches evolution instead of revolution as Riena look forward to WCQ 87

The nadir of Kanata Shiranami's managerial career thus far came at the Brannigan Stadium in New Sarum.

In front of a braying capacity crowd, a Riena team shorn of its best players through untimely injuries served up a disaster of a performance that ended in a meek capitulation to Southwest Eastnorth. Despite the absences of the likes of Cocoa Haneda, Kaede Igarashi, Mana Amemiya and Mao Tsukamoto - all players who would have been in Riena's starting XI had they not been struck down by injury - Shiranami presided over an anaemic showing that lacked any sort of vigour or verve. The final scoreline of 2-3 flattered the Wavelets, who could and would have lost by more had it not been for a late two-goal flurry by Rinze Ayanami and captain Aya Nakiri. Throughout the span of the ninety minutes, Riena were aimless and unambitious in possession, failing to create much to trouble the opposition 'keeper, and whenever they were caught on the ball by their hungrier opponents, the Wavelets defended drunkenly, always one step behind their hungrier opponents, as though they had just woken up from a week-long hangover.

The fallout from the game, which confirmed Riena's elimination from a tournament that they had hoped would save their cycle, was immediate. After having underwhelmed for the better part of an entire cycle, this latest spineless defeat proved to be the final straw for many disillusioned supporters. Riena's papers were filled with lengthy opinion pieces calling for Shiranami's head. Internet forums were inundated with furious comments decrying the team's lack of effort and pride. Amid the backlash, the Riena Football Association quickly launched an inquest into the team's underperformance in an attempt to salvage the situation. Led by RFA president Tamaki Oda, the inquest reportedly delved deep into the internal workings of the team, and was widely expected to end in the sacking of Shiranami and her coaching team. There were also rumours swirling around the internet that a handful of senior players, who were thought to have been indulged by a manager who had her favourites, would be culled from the team in short order.

But the RFA inquest did not return the recommendation that the tabloids were calling for. Instead, the expert panel constituted by president Oda to advise him determined that Riena were merely suffering from a downturn in form, and suggested that the team were on the right path under Shiranami's tutelage. Despite the public pressure on him to ignore the recommendations of the panel and wield his authority to dismiss his manager, Oda stood firm, eventually releasing a statement that backed Shiranami and her players in no uncertain terms.

Oda's staunch backing means that Shiranami will be granted a reprieve that had seemed unlikely as she watched her team crumble before her eyes against Southwest Eastnorth. To some members of the commentariat, the outcome of the inquest is a source of huge dismay. That dismay was further intensified this week as Shiranami, perhaps emboldened by her stay of execution, named an almost unchanged squad for the upcoming qualifiers for World Cup 87. And yet Shiranami is nothing if not a manager who has the utmost conviction in the brand of football she espouses. With her latest squad selection, she has chosen to remain loyal to the same crop of talented, yet mercurial, players who fought - and impressed - alongside her as Riena surprised the multiverse in their debut cycle. Speaking to this reporter last week, Shiranami remained firm in her belief that the work that her team was putting in on the training ground would start to pay dividends sooner rather than later.

"I believe in the hard work we're doing, and I believe that we will turn the corner not only in terms of the performance, but also in terms of the results. We've fought and suffered to get to this point where we have a team that's on the cusp of achieving consistent success on the multiversal stage, and now it's a case of building on the platform we've given ourselves through our painstaking work. It would be a colossal mistake, one that would set us back years, to rip it all up and start over again at this point."

Whether Shiranami's words will prove to be true remains, of course, to be seen. Many would disagree with her sunny assessment of the state that the team is currently in. But with the opening game of their qualifying campaign against Filindostan looming on the horizon, those of a Riena disposition will be praying and hoping that Shiranami has enough about herself to prove her detractors wrong. The onus is on her to show that she is no one-cycle wonder, that she really is the right manager for the Riena job - and the mammoth task that awaits her as she sets out to once again prove herself begins tomorrow, at the Wavelet Arena.

by **Kandorith** » Mon Jan 11, 2021 1:09 pm

Shinonome Kyoai - International
News From The Empire

Hayabusa: a tale of recurring tension, controversies and success

World Cup 86 Squad
GOALKEEPERS

#1. Hideyo Kiyotada Age 32   
#12. Koide Hikomasa Age 34  
#28. Michinori Tamatsuki Age 23

Defenders

#29. Mori Takayama Age 21 
#20. Hideyoshi Takahashi Age 27
#4. Munemori Miyake Age 26
#6. Fuji Kagetame Age 27
#13. Tetsui Hisagushi Age 26
#5. Ando Masatake Age 26

Midfielders

#7. Hiro Tanaka Age 28
#28. Hiroyuki Kaba Age 19
#8. Akio Honda  Age 22
#17. Yori Hisegawa Age 23
#22. Yukitaka Yamaguchi Age 23
#9. Arihiro Hoshi Age 29
#10. Takamoto Ishibashi Age 20
#18. Hideto Muri Age 28
#16. More Tamura Age 27
#21. Kanetoki Hirano Age 24

Forwards

#11. Masada Katano Age 23
#23. Akihiko Mikami Age 22
#15. Toki Matsuda Age 27
#19. Hirohiko Nakajima Age 26

Silence as the lights at the KFA's press conference were dimmed and the arrival of the ever extravagant manager of the national team entered the press room. It was the obvious choice for the 87th World Cup; Ken Hayabusa would lead the Kandorese national team once again. Next to being a very notorious and famous figure at home, he has also made a name for himself in international football. No doubt many other nations know the calm, yet very proud Kandorese manager who has been in charge for almost all Kandorese football success in the last decade. No less than expected he would return for the next World Cup. Many journalists already call the beloved Lotus Warriors, Hayabusa's Finest or even Hayabusa's Nation. The manager has been the face of Kandorese football and it's success for for an entire generation and has already claimed he will continue on to inspire the upcoming generation too. Wherever there is football in Kandorith, people talk about Hayabusa. The amount of respect for this man reached an all-time high when Kandorith was triumphant at the Cup of Harmony number 77; barely anyone in the Empire speaks ill off the manager. It has been a difficult year for football in Kandorith with a lot of injuries, unexpected victories and the usual top-3 failing to impress throughout the entire season which led to Ginza becoming the national champions for the first time in their club history. Sadly this is not reflected in Hayabusa's player choices which have been quite steady from the largest teams in the nation.

To no surprise there have been few changes to the team under Hayabusa's lead, but the midfield and attack does have quite some changes. Hayabusa has once again chosen for younger players with a very significant upcoming career according to him. For exxample the young Akihiko Mikami joins the national squad who has been an exceptional striker for Higashu Frontale and has scored at least once in almost every match he played. Another very notable addition to the team is the nineteen year old Hiroyuki Kaba from Takamoto. He will lead the attack on the midfield with his strong and swift attacks down the field. The youngster has an amazing eye for the game and seems to be in every position on the field.

The new additions to the team will not have any problems adjusting to playing for the national team according to Hayabusa as they are, according to him, used to play with the current players in the squad. It seems that after the last complete turnaround in the national team: Hayabusa has now chosen for stability and a more solid base rather than swapping the entire team around. For the Kandorese all eyes will be on the players and Hayabusa in the upcoming World Cup as of course the expectations are once again high. Where Kandorith has been performing solidly in the last World Cups, fans can not help but feel a bit disappointed by never having surpassed the group phase in the tournament. Normally for the people of Kandorith qualifying for the event is already hailed as a victory but for this World Cup the fans are hungry for more. All over social media across the Empire people are hopeful of advancing passed the notorious group phase in the upcoming tournament. Hayabusa himself has not commented on any of these hopeful fans' concerns. "It is important we concentrate on qualification at first, nothing else" Hayabusa said during the last interview on TV Saiji. For Hayabusa the entire qualification is routine and he holds back commenting on it as much as possible.

For the qualifications Kandorith will phase one really familiar side; Nephara which they have faced many times before and might as well be consider somewhat of a rival. Next to Nephara they will also face South Covello once again, the rest of all the teams are first time meetings for the Kandorese which might as well be a huge advantage. The toughest sides Kandorith will statistically face are Nephara, South Covello and Græntfjall, ranked second, 50th and 81st respectively and the Lotus Warriors will be facing Quemorr (336), Sett Forest (280) and the unranked Garbelia with relative ease if we look purely at statistics. Overall group 9 looks like a fairly safe grouping for the national team and easier than previous tournaments in which Kandorith faced multiple top twenty teams. It seems the gods are in favour of the Kandorese Empire for the upcoming World Cup qualifications and hopefully it is a sign of good luck ahead of the start of the tournament.

Captain Hiro Tanaka will lead the Kandorese team against Græntfjall in North Háttmark for the first match. A spectacle is a certainty as we know that the Lotus Warriors will be given their one-hundred percent to try and dominate the group from the very first whistle to the last game in order to hold on to the qualification dreams. For the upcoming matches the entire nation can once again enjoy the very best the Kandorese homeland has to offer when it comes to international sports; the golden football generation of the Kandorese Empire which has been under Hayabusa's wings for all these times and Hayabusa certainly has already shown his fighting spirit in previous tournaments. World Cup 87 is the destination and the long road towards it will begin tonight in Græntfjall where the Lotus Warriors will try to obtain their first win in the qualification campaign and from there on have the aim to try and win every game, including against Nephara which is the boldest statement of Hayabusa yet.

by **Garifunya** » Mon Jan 11, 2021 1:29 pm

World Cup 87 First Half Preview

Gabriel Vermeer, De Frederykvil Dagblad

De Dolfijnen of Garifunya are coming back to World Cup 87 after finishing 6-4-8 and in seventh place in their qualifying group in World Cup 86. They will compete in Group 18, and we will likely know whether or not they have a prayer of qualifying after the first half is over.

Replacing Stefan Schuurmans will be the taciturn Swede, Ton Olofsen. Olofsen comes from the Swedish domestic league and impressed the FA board with his ability to keep calm under pressure and extend that to his players.

Olofsen elected to mostly keep intact Schuurmans' squad, adding only a few players. The biggest changes are that Hector Arboleda moves into the starting lineup at midfield, and Boudewijn van der Weide and Sebaastian Diekman come into the front line. Arboleda, the first person of Latino descent to play for Garifunya, will serve as a link between defense and attack. His connection with Diekman, in a second striker-type role, will be key to advancing the ball up the middle. Meanwhile, van der Weide joins Sonel Agustin, naturalized Haitian, on the other wing. The two of them will look to move in and wide to tie up the defense, create holes, and support Arboleda and Diekman as they tackle the middle.

Olofsen has not made drastic changes to the previous formation, a 3-4-3 diamond. Instead, he's elected to go with a 3-4-1-2. The main changes are that Dawaas Nieuwaal will no longer be solely a defensive midfielder, but will play more of an all-around role, with Arboleda stepping into the same role, but with more of an emphasis on attack. Sebaastian Diekman dropping back instead of playing level with Agustin and van der Weide on the wings is supposed to give him more room to operate and draw the defense out of the box, allowing for the two wingers to slash in and out of a weakened defensive line. We'll see if it pays off.

Now let's take a look at de Dolfijnen's first-half opponents:

U-Koro (350) - 1-1-3 BoF 74

De Dolfijnen will take on U-Koro in the first matchday. Hardly anything is known about this debut nation. We could not even find a list of players for their team. This is an opportunity for our boys to start WC87 off on the right foot, a home win over a team that is lacking in interest and ranked far below them. Hopefully our team will take advantage of their indifference and send them packing. But be warned, U-Koro did only sport a -1 goal differential despite three losses, so they could surprise.

Hampton Island (25) - 12-4-2 WC 86 qualifying, 1-1-1 WC 86 Group E

Next up is second-seeded Hampton Island. The Golden Bears qualified for World Cup 86, losing only twice along the way. They also put in a pretty good showing in their second World Cup appearance, finishing 1-1-1. They didn't qualify for the knockout stages, but they played quite well. They're an ultra-defensive side that make their bones on defense. This will be an extremely tough one for de Dolfijnen. If they can grab a draw away to the Golden Bears, that would be a huge point and would be an early indication that perhaps this team is going to be more competitive than previous editions. A loss is likely, but don't count our boys out.

South Newlandia (63) - 6-9-3 WC 86

When our boys return home, they'll take on South Newlandia, the 63rd-ranked team in the world. Although no information is available so far for their squad for World Cup 87, in World Cup 86 they played a modestly defensive style and ended up racking up nine draws, which equaled their total number of wins and losses. They had six wins, just like Garifunya, but the difference was that they converted potential losses into draws, thus avoiding losing out on points. It didn't help them qualify for the World Cup proper, but they certainly played better than de Dolfijnen. This could be an opportunity for our boys to snatch a point, with a team that maybe doesn't know quite how to put teams away in a hostile environment. A draw is probably about the best we can expect, but it's not far-fetched.

Bluecliff (195) - 5-0-0 BoF 74, lost in final

This is an absolute trap game. On paper, Bluecliff are a debut side, and ranked eighty spots below Garifunya. Theoretically, even on the road, this is the kind of match a veteran side like de Dolfijnen win more often than not. But in this situation, Bluecliff have only lost one game in their short history, and that was in the final of the Baptism of Fire. This moderately defensive side are clearly ready to play international football, and our boys will have to be absolutely prepared in order to win. Heck, they could still play well and end up with a draw. One is never sure how Baptism of Fire teams will do once exposed to the wider world, but Bluecliff appear poised to do some damage. Let's hope it's not in this game.

The Gothanita Isles (136) - 4-4-10 WC 86, 0-3-3 CoH 78, 3-1-0 BoF 73, 4th place

The Gothanita Isles are the closest team, rank-wise, to de Dolfijnen. After a fairly successful debut in the Baptism of Fire, the Gothanitans ran into a problem in World Cup 86: they couldn't score. Only eight goals in eighteen games is a dismal performance and the new gaffer has changed up a few things to try to jump-start the offense. Don't be fooled by their weak performances in the World Cup qualifiers and the Cup of Harmony: this is a different squad and they're dangerous. This is a game our boys can win, but if TGI hold them to a draw or even upset them, it wouldn't be too surprising.

Tumbra (UR) - no prior experience

Tumbra are a curious case; on the one hand, they don't have any prior recorded World Cup experience, but they seem strangely adept at all of this, like they have indeed been here before. All of this adds up to a team that plays a similar style to Garifunya that has a chance to make some noise despite lacking a ranking. That is to say, don't underestimate the Black Eagles. Any team that is primarily an attacking side has a chance to win, because, well, they create chances. And when you add their veteran-not-veteran knowhow to the equation, they are likely to be a tough out. It should be a home win, but they could surprise.

Pasarga (18) - 15-2-1 WC 86 qualifiers, 1-1-1 WC 86 Group F, lost in Round of 16

There's no two ways about it: Pasarga are a juggernaut. The Wanderers went 15-2-1 in the last World Cup qualifiers, then made it to the Round of 16, where they ran into a very good Starblaydia squad. No shame in losing that one. This side are on a different level than de Dolfijnen, and a road game against them is almost certainly a guaranteed loss. Our boys will need to pick themselves up off the mat and get ready for their next match after this one.

Valladares (71) - 5-9-4, WC 86, 3-1-2, Round of 32 CoH 78

Valladares are a longstanding international footballing nation, with plenty of success under their belt. In World Cup 86, they only finished 5-9-4, not so much better than de Dolfijnen, with whom they drew twice. Valladares, unlike Garifunya, made it to the Cup of Harmony, in which they experienced modest success, making it to the playoffs. A draw would be the most likely outcome, followed by modest potential for either a win or a loss. At home, our boys should be gunning for the win but satisfied with a draw.

Regmotto (328) - 2-1-2 BoF 74, lost in Round of 16

Regmotto is the fourth debut nation in this group, alongside U-Koro, Bluecliff, and Tumbra. Unlike U-Koro, they managed to make the playoffs, where, like Bluecliff, they lost to Treekidistan, albeit in the Round of 16. They play an attacking 4-3-3 with a short bench, so maybe de Dolfijnen can outlast them with superior conditioning. Even on the road, this should be a win. A draw or, God forbid, a loss, would be evidence that our boys are not ready to compete.

And that's the first half. An optimist might look at this schedule and see a chance for de Dolfijnen to go 5-3-1, a result that would likely place them in a great position to qualify. A pessimist sees the potential for an 2-2-5 start, but I am a realist. I will predict a 3-4-2 first half, a result that would leave de Dolfijnen on 13 points, a perfectly good start with something to build on in the second half.

by **North Japan** » Mon Jan 11, 2021 1:45 pm

HOKUTOU-KO DAILY
The Voice of The People

North-Japan places themselves for World Cup Qualifiers

The 87th World Cup will be held in Taeshan and Ethane and it will be the first time that North Japan will participate in the event, after being allowed to join the qualification campaign. This will be the first major international competition for the North Japanese football team and it will be the ultimate show of strength of the glorious nation. Chairwoman Aki Asami herself has spoken out her blessings for the national team and will attend every home game in honour of the great athleticism and sportive attitude which thrives in our Motherland.

The North Japanese team will face Xanneria, Vdara, Cascadia, Bonbokh u Piche, Electrum, Quakmybush, Norish Jeia Repa, Baker Park
and Hapilopper and is expected to be mostly victorious. Football experts from across the Motherland have already said that the only real challenges will be Xanneria and Vdara, but the rest should be an easy match for the great North Japanese team who are under the strong leadership of Gyeon Yongsun.

Gyeon Yongsun has been chosen by the People's Football Federation to lead the Democratic Republic to glory and is determined to move football forward to new levels during the tournament. The People's Republic has been successful in many fields already for example in wrestling, chess ice-skating and track running. It is now up to the current football team to add to this long and outstanding list of victories and records.

The World Cup will be the perfect event to show the beauty and ways of our Motherland, our prowess in sports is unmatched and will be on full display during the event. On the event we will also meet with many of our enemies; the imperialistic forces which are all around us and at our gates, ready to tear down the great achievements of the People's Republic with their lies and propaganda; but this event will be about sports and any political messaging will be forbidden and condemned by the great People's Assembly to ensure a fair and beautiful event in our own stadiums.

We will crush our enemies in sports and we will encourage and inspire our allies and potential new friends with the amazing skills of the People's Republic's football team.

by **Pays den haut** » Mon Jan 11, 2021 1:47 pm

OOC: Pays d'en Haut is a backward nation still stuck in middle age.

OOC: This is an article from a newspaper in Terre Septentrionale about Pays d'en Haut. Both nations have the same user.

Tioguldos City, Tioguldos - I'm actually in Tioguldos to cover our region mate, Pays d'en haut, who are comig back to the World Cup after 8 years of inaction. Pays d'en Haut's national team arrived in Tioguldos yesterday and they stormed their hotel. Apparently they poop all over the place and they stole a laptop in the hotel director's office. Pictured below is team captain Vincent, clan Turcotte wearing his traditional helmet and carrying an unknown flag:

Karine Gingras,
La tribune Septentrionale

by **Mercedini** » Mon Jan 11, 2021 2:54 pm

87th World Cup Qualification Group Preview
Do We Actually Have A Chance?
@ Zoloroni Sports City Stadium - Zoloroni, Mercedini

At the beginning of the World Cup Qualification schedule, it is very easy to be wrapped up in the magic of it all. Nations of all shapes and sizes, from the experienced juggernauts to the minnow up-starts, qualification can truly be the great equalizer. Big teams have fallen by the wayside early on, only to pave the way for the rank outsider to steal the crown. Now, it's all beginning to culminate for the 87th time, with the Qualification keys firmly in the ignition. Following an increasing series of disappointing finishes and Cup of Harmony eliminations, Mercedinian dreams return to the Sports City Stadium, as the Golden Eagles begin the long path to the promised land. Billic has yet to taste World Cup Qualification as a manager, and from prior interviews before the group draw, he is chomping at the bit to change that.

The group draw has been made with Dini remaining as a Pot 2 side, largely thanks to the extended entry list this time around. The balls have been swirled, drawn and finalised. We finally have our list of destination which will line the road towards qualification, or to disappointment and destitution. Welcome to our analysis of our World Cup Qualification group, where we will answer the age old question; will Mercedini finally return to the promised land?

World Cup Qualification: Group 6? More Like Group 666.

Ladies and Gentlemen, not to be dramatic or anything, but it's happened again. Whether we just attract again or the World Cup draw gods just hate us, it's another group of death for the Golden Eagles to navigate. With returning juggernauts and our Pot 2 status, it was always likely that we would end up at one of the cathedrals of football, but... it seems like we have plotted out the Pope's World Tour of footballing cathedrals. With only one automatic qualifying spot and one playoff spot, it will certainly be one of the most competitive groups in terms of sheer talent. The Dinian has been gathering experience from the past couple of tournaments, but the major question will surround whether or not that experience can help them see off the big names of tournaments past and present

Group 6:
Sannyamathland
Freeport
Qasden
Gouvanarch
Juvencus
San Ortelio
Treekidistan
Cosumar
Turori
Mercedini

And so, without further ado, over to the group. As you can see, it's one to give any footballing fan some trouble, with so many previous qualifiers and rising stars thrown into the same group, it's very possible to see a couple of them towards the bottom of the table, which wold seem out of place at the best of times. Dini knew that would face at least one major side from Pot 1, which turned out to be Turori, a side which Mercedini has yet to beat competitively on the World Cup circuit. These two sides will meet for the first time this cycle in Zoloroni, on the eighth and penultimate matchday. It's hoped that the Golden Eagles will have chalked up some sort of lead in the group, as this is clearly the most liekly place where the team will drop points.

However, their first outing in the cycle will be in a very different setting, with the side playing away from home on the first day for the second successive cycle. This time, it will be away in The Big Bowl International Stadium in Sannyamathland, where a quick start is expected to give the nation that early boost on match day one. Away starts are generally difficult to navigate at the best of times, but Sannyamathland, originating from Pot 9 (with a rank of 355th), could pose a surprise for this Mercedinian side. Dropping points here could be fatal, since Dini would have to play catch-up with the rest of the group from the start.

Looking round the rest of the group, and there will certainly be plenty of smiles from Mercedinian fans, as the return of three friendly-rivalries return to the World Cup scene from cycles past. First is the former titan of Cosumar, with Mercedini returning to where it all began. Match day six will play host to the trip down memory lane, as the Golden Eagles return to their Baptism of Fire hosts. Throw in a sprinkling of players who will face off against their former employers, and you have all the ingredients you need for a World Cup classic. Will it feel like that before the match? Probably not. It could very well feel like a family reunion before the players hit the field, but when that whistle blows, you can bet both teams will be giving it their all to state their case to be the one on top.

Next on the list is Juvencus, with Mercedini making their long-awaited return to Sonnel (boo!) to face off against the former World Cup Qualifier. The two nations have previous experience of each other in tournaments like this, with the last meeting coming between the two actually coming in the World Cup Group Stage itself, where he two teams cancelled each other out to earn a-point-a-piece. Dini will now want to better that result when it comes down to the end result of both matches. Juvencus will certainly know the Mercedinian way of the game, but with a new manager and new roster, it will certainly be new look sides with very familiar names. The Vinceti Cathedral in Pomena will play host to the final match of the first half, before the entire cycle is rounded out between these two sides when they return to the Sports City Stadium for the final match of qualification.

Qasden rounds out he hattrick of rivalries which will have their flames reignited this cycle, with plenty of memories being made in *that one* Qasden match en-route to our one and currently only NSWC title. Yes, did you know we won the Cup of Harmony once? Not many people remember that (Audioslavians might, though), with Qasden being one of those sides who fell by the wayside to pave the way for that historic trophy. Before that Qasden were seen as the next big thing in football, qualifying for the World Cup, which completed their stratospheric rise up the World Rankings. Their relative absence from the footballing stage has meant they will begin the cycle with a slight handicap compared to their fellow group mates, but their ranking as a Pot 3 side means they will be our nearest rivals when it comes to a Top 2 finish in the group. The two sides will meet for the first time on match day five where the Vans will welcome the Golden Eagles to the 75,000 capacity New Qad Field.

Around the rest of the group lies unfamiliar names who could certainly state their case for a shock qualifying spot, much like how Hampton Island overcame the odds to qualify for their maiden tournament at Mercedini's expense. Freeport is the most well known name out of the remaining bunch, and while the two sides have never met, the nation is within the Equestrian sphere of influence, which cannot be understated in such a hotly contested group like this. Gouvanarch and Treekidistan are both new to the World Cup scene, but their presence in the group could likely see them become 'The Great Disruptors' of the group, becoming the banana peel to stop others, rather than putting up any real threat to the top of the table. Finally, we come to San Ortelio who have drawn the short straw and will be coming to the Sports City Stadium first. The crowd will be hyped from the usual World Cup Anthem selected for this edition, and the players will be eager to impress on their first run out in Zoloroni.

There you have it, a quick rundown of the group in our usual Mercedini Sports Daily reporting style. Many people will have their eye on this group considering the sheer amount of experience and pedigree which will be on show in matches throughout the multiverse. Turori will go into the group as the clear favourites, but Mercedini come in as the second seed in the group, they will simply want to either hold their pot or go one better to automatically qualify. Plenty of nations will be chomping at their heels, so any sort of slip up could be fatal, come the end of the qualification schedule. As stated before, first up will be a trip to Sannyamathland, before the long schedule kicks in with matches in quick succession. We hope you have everything crossed, from Zoloroni, Mercedini, goodnight!

by **Omerica** » Mon Jan 11, 2021 2:59 pm

blogdefootball.co.or
All the football news that’s fit to print!

WCQ87 preview: the United Republican Soccer Federation is on the path toward collapse during this qualifying cycle
By Anastasia Saint-Martin

Okay, the title is a severe exaggeration, but the parallels between this upcoming qualifying cycle and the ill-fated World Cup 75 qualifying campaign are undeniably there.

The last time Omerica played matchday one of the qualifiers at home, the national team had stayed home from the previous Esportivan Championship and the national football association (the infamous Omerican Football Federation) was mired in scandal and ultimately collapsed. Then it was the Philibiscostal Bus Tipping that left sixteen people dead and the Department of Revenue and Customs investigation that landed OFF executives prison terms, now it’s the amateur team farce that resulted from the Omerican football “civil war”. So don’t be surprised if these are the last nine qualifying opponents Omerica ever play.

But there is one piece of good news: in spite of everything collapsing around them, the Omerica national team made it to the World Cup 75 qualifying playoffs, where they were narrowly—and deservedly—beaten by Electrum. If the Incorrigibles can overcome either of the top two seeds and keep the rest of the group at bay, maybe they can match or even better that result. With the group draw confirmed, it will be a hard-fought race for second place, but whoever gets it will have earned it.

Mexi Catcha
Home game: Matchday 1 @ Stade des Marins, Romainbourg
Away game: Matchday 10 @ TBA, TBA

Nothing much to say about Mexi Catcha, who have never disclosed their players or personnel. They flopped out of the Baptism of Fire having won just one game out of five and scored a mere two goals versus the ten they shipped in, so the chance of them finishing in the top half of the qualifying group is about as good as your chance of finding common sense among the football indies. Nevertheless, Omerica’s home record on matchday 1 is pitifully wretched: James-Alexandre Christopherson’s Omerica drew with Kalumba to start the World Cup 71 campaign, Jean-Baptiste Archambault’s Omerica drew the Sunrisians one-all to kick off World Cup 73 qualifying and Ryan Pritchard’s Omerica lost 1–0 to Huelavia to start the World Cup 75 qualifiers.

Fortunately, all those matches were managed by men and took place in the capital, whereas this one will be in Romainbourg and managed by a woman, so maybe our luck will be different this time. History says the national team are on track to cock up the opener, but by all rights, this matchup ought to be six free points for Omerica.

.Grearish Union.
Home game: Matchday 11 @ Stade Saint-André, Brétolles
Away game: Matchday 2 @ TBA, TBA

The Grearish Union is a nation much more notable for cricket than football. They finished rock bottom of their group in the last World Cup qualifiers, five points adrift from the worst nation in the group (in matters other than football, that is). The cycle before that was better for the Grearish Union, finishing thirteen points clear Revatnagar, but still bottom two of the group. They consistently get two-thirds of a point per qualifying game and miss the Cup of Harmony, at least, but that’s not great news.

It’s probably because of this consistent disappointment that the Grearish Football Association has not released another one of their beautiful roster press releases this cycle. Either that or the release is delayed for reasons which we cannot be certain of at this point in time. The Grearish Union would kick Omerica’s backsides in cricket or—worse yet—baseball any day of the week, but it appears that football might be a slight stretch for the Black Dolphins. Minimum of three points for the Incorrigibles here.

Starblaydia
Home game: Matchday 3 @ Stade des Marins, Romainbourg
Away game: Matchday 12 @ Stadii di Bradini, Jhanna

One of just three teams to have won five world championships, the seventh-ranked national team in the multiverse will once again make the trip to the Republic of the City of Romainbourg, this time to Malavan Romainbourg’s home ground. Starblaydia (the home country of the URSF’s kit supplier ediraf) and Omerica first met at AS Républicains’ Stade de la République during the World Cup 82 qualifiers, where the Men in Mauve pumped the Incorrigibles 3–0 and nearly matched the record for largest margin of victory against Omerica in history. The reverse fixture in the Starblaydi capital unexpectedly ended in a two-all draw, a shining glimmer in Anne-Sophie Groothuis’s worst full campaign with the Incorrigibles.

At the end of the day, Starblaydia are the evident favourites to win this group and quite convincingly. They will have an interesting challenger from the opposite corner of Atlantian Oceania, but we reckon it a stunning upset if they just squeak to top spot, let alone finish second. As for their Omerica fixtures, if the Incorrigibles can simply replicate that draw from the Stadii di Bradini in this campaign, it will be one of the shining highlights of the Stephanidis era. We’ll pray for at least one point, but we’ll pencil in a prediction of zero.

Transvolcanic
Home game: Matchday 13 @ Stade Saint-André, Brétolles
Away game: Matchday 4 @ TBA, TBA

I’m a bit baffled by Transvolcanic, to be honest. Not only is there no pink on their flag, but I also cannot seem to make heads or tails of their FA’s press releases. Now that’s probably because I was drunk when I wrote the first draft a couple days ago, but having dealt with my hangover yesterday and feeling more or less fine today, it’s still a tad bit of a mess to me. Nevertheless, as an unranked side, they managed to run within a point of both Freeport and Jeckland to finish eighth of ten and were ten points clear of last-place mouthful Pluvia and the Saxean Isles.

I am thoroughly convinced that was a fluke, however. And now that I’ve been advised by my blog colleagues, I can state that they probably have their name because they exist beyond a volcano. That raises the question of “what volcano?” and “‘beyond’ from the perspective of whom?”. I’m unsure when answers to these questions will be available or when the adjective “transvolcanic” will properly modify a noun. Six points is the expectation, four points is reasonable and any less is a disgrace.

Equestria
Home game: Matchday 5 @ Stade des Marins, Romainbourg
Away game: Matchday 14 @ TBA, TBA

The other former world champions and the only team in this group that actually wears purple at home, we have a hot take on Equestria: they are currently in the midst of steep decline. Ranked second in the world and drunk off their world title ahead of the 84 qualifiers, they had fallen to eighth that cycle. They still had a respectable ranking, but were down six points from their all-time high. They fell another six-and-a-half points in the 85 cycle, ending in 15th, and more than seven-and-a-half points in the 86 cycle to end up 24th. They avoided a playoff last cycle by a single point and could possibly be vulnerable this time out.

Omerica’s prior record against Equestria would suggest that the Incorrigibles will have their work cut out for them, but we would not put much stock in it considering how it consists of three friendlies—all of which ended in conclusive defeats—and a group stage game at the Cup of Champions which ended in a scoreless draw. The two nations have never met in a World Cup Committee-sanctioned match, so this is brand new territory for both sides. Don’t get your hopes up, but don’t be surprised if Omerica can nick a few points off the ponies. We are going to disregard our own advice, though, and predict Omerica’s first-ever win over the Ponies and three points for the Incorrigibles.

Beepee
Home game: Matchday 15 @ Stade Rue de la Victoire, Éternare
Away game: Matchday 6 @ Pinewoods Stadium, Norfolk Pinewoods

Former Baptism of Fire winners, Beepee are the third of four nations that Omerica have played before and the first to have never defeated the Incorrigibles. Beepee first met Omerica in the capital’s RS Amphitheatre during World Cup 80 qualification, followed by a return fixture at the Pinewoods Stadium. Both of those fixtures ended in draws—scoreless in Port-des-Saints and one-all in Norfolk Pinewoods—, but the most recent meeting in Langtree’s FLR Stadium was the most notable. On the road to an unexpected IAC grand final, Omerica faced Beepee at Langtree’s FLR Stadium in the last sixteen, where Beepee lost 3–2 and became only the second nation (after Yttribia) to lose against Omerica in a knockout match at a major tournament.

Both nations have faced tumult since that Championship meeting and this will be the first cycle in six years where both Beepee and Omerica have entered the qualifiers, as Omerica missed the 84th edition due to a clerical cock-up, while Beepee have been absent from the last two cycles. Consequently, Beepee press have been hilariously pessimistic, predicting the team to finish on just two points, but we at the blogdefootball are much more optimistic about Beepee’s campaign. It will be a tough group, but Beepee will probably beat Mexi Catcha twice over at the very least. We don’t think Omerica can expect a full contingent of six points, but we’ll bank on four.

Darkmania
Home game: Matchday 7 @ Stade International, Bayonnette
Away game: Matchday 16 @ TBA, TBA

Quite appropriately, the Incorrigibles will follow up their fixtures against Beepee with matches against Darkmania, Omerica’s IAC 6 quarterfinal opponents. That match, which ended 2–0 to Omerica, was the second meeting between Omerica and Darkmania, the first being a Cup of Harmony 73 group game in Manechester, Equestria. That match ended 4–3 to Omerica and was the only win for Omerica at that otherwise dismal tournament. Long story short, Darkmania is exactly the team we would be facing if Alexis Stephanidis got to pick the groups herself, which is not something we get to say about all the pots to be honest.

Darkmania have run respectable, but not fantastic qualifying campaigns for the last two cycles. Last cycle, they finished in fifth place and fifteen points adrift of group runners-up Hampton Island, having won and lost seven games during the campaign. The cycle before, they were also very middle-of-the-pack, finishing eighth in the nightmare thirteen-team marathon groups and just one point behind seventh-place Valladares. World Cup 84 was much better, finishing just two points of qualifying in an eleven-team group, but we’re not expecting “Darkmania Rising” here: four Omerican points minimum, six Omerican points likely.

Lorrana
Home game: Matchday 8 @ Stade International, Bayonnette
Away game: Matchday 17 @ Lightspeed Arena, Lorrana City

Group 12’s designated unranked team, we can officially chalk up a win for them in Bayonnette. Last cycle had the bizarre Omerica–Blampano farce, where unranked Blampano scored their only competitive win in their entire recorded football history in Romainbourg. The sole goal of that match was chalked up as an own goal and it’s a farce that provided a small blemish to an otherwise fantastic campaign on the part of the Incorrigibles.

This cycle, we expect our group’s unranked side to put up much more of a fight. The Lorrani press and team’s expectations are evidently rather muted, but with Lorrana, we at least we know who is doing the football, Mexi Catcha… Lorrana will probably use their famed giant maps of the pitch to daze and confuse Alexis Stephanidis and her staff, nicking a win of Omerica in the process. Three points for the Incorrigibles.

Yuezhou
Home game: Matchday 18 @ Stade Rue de la Victoire, Éternare
Away game: Matchday 9 @ TBA, TBA

Doubtlessly a rising star of the world game, if we told that Yuezhou came out of Pot 5 and Darkmania Pot 4, you would think we’d got those backwards. Nevertheless, that is indeed where they came from, but if any nation is going to challenge Omerica for a spot in the top three, it is Yuezhou. After all, it was only a three-way tiebreaker that kept Yuezhou out of the playoffs last cycle—Graintfjall, Yuezhou and Sarzonia all finished on 32 points, with Graintfjall having the most points head-to-head—and would have ultimately advanced if Graintfjall had failed to win on the final matchday.

Oh, they also accomplished this as an unranked side, by the way. It helped that they were one of three unranked teams in Pot 9 and that third seeds Eraman, fourth seeds Northwest Kalactin and sixth seeds Alba and Cymru had all fallen asleep at the wheel. But all told, it is still an impressive feat and they’ll be hungry to do one better this time out in spite of the country’s domestic situation spiralling out of control. Yuezhou will certainly give Starblaydia and Equestria good scares and will be hot at the heels of the Incorrigibles. Do not be surprised if they make it to the playoffs this time around. Two points would be a perfectly respectable result for Omerica.

Omerica
That’s us. We don’t actually play ourselves, for the record.

It is worth noting some good news: Omerica’s wildly successful World Cup 74 qualifying campaign came immediately after the national team’s only previous third-place qualifying finish. Maybe if we’d been drawn into lucky Group 13 instead, we be set to actually legitimately challenge for qualification and confuse absolutely everyone when we played Oberour Ar Moro. Alas, that is not to be our fate. In Group 12, we have a group where we could possibly challenge for qualification or a group where we fall far short of expectations. Time will tell which is which.

…

We’re going to finish fourth, mates. ◇

Other Football News:
• IAC 11: URSF Executive Director Catriona Immaculata “issu[es] Omerican clubs and players a yellow card” over IAC boycott farce
• IFCF: No, Squidroidians — Cyrene Bay is not an Omerican football club and “OAM” is not Omerica’s association code (it’s “OME”)
• OPSL Gold Division: AS Républicains emerging as favourites to retain their title, with United Philibiscostal set to be in hot pursuit

Uniting Omerican sport fans across the United Republics — blogdefootball: a proud member of the Gryphon Pride network

United Republican Soccer Federation
6 Jacques la Rouge Road
Port Alexandre, MS 18-A40
UNITED REPUBLICS OF OMERICA
Omerica v Mexi Catcha
World Cup 87 qualification — Matchday One
Stade des Marins, Romainbourg, RG
Omerica lineup (4–3–3): Alexandra McGuire; Darcy Francis (captain) – Frédérique Marquetti – Noah Clement – Felix Zanetti; Alphonse Fontaine – Fearchar Mac Clérich – Christian Marts; Jean-Lucas Babineaux – Malcolm Beauchesne – Adélaïde Argyris
Substitutes: Antoine Vicario – Annelise Betancourt; Anna Charles – Jacques Laurent – Raphaël Martin – Lauren Kerry; Maxime Fournier – Paige Boyce – Nadiya al-Hashim; Maïa Bustos – Jean-François Fernand – Wesley Sawyer

by **Savigliane** » Mon Jan 11, 2021 3:28 pm

OOC Note: Many thanks to Qusmo, both for allowing me to use his character and for writing an introductory press conference-esque speech from Tlanx-Nulzk that I've cut from below. The full speech, which I may reuse parts of later, is pasted in the below spoiler:

Hello, everyone. I apologize for having to stay in English for the moment; I promise I'm working on both my French & Italian. My name is Tlanx-Nulzk Hal, & I'm delighted to have been chosen as the new manager of Savigliane's national team. I've been away from the game for a few years, but it's a wonderful feeling to get right back into things. I can't wait for what's to come.
Anyone who knows me knows my teams play to win. We'll be taking on some truly formidable opponents in this qualifying group, & beyond, but we must never be afraid of the challenge before us. There's only one way to win, & that's by scoring goals. If we simply sit back & hope for a draw, we'll always lose. We may not win every match — & certainly, in the beginning especially, the new system may necessitate a difficult adjustment, especially given the previous emphasis of defence above all. However, no matter the opponent, the setting, or our own personnel, while I'm in charge, we'll always play to win.

Now, of course, I already have experience managing a national team, so some of the aspects of leading a team like this are familiar for me — but the Savigliane job isn't like most others in the Multiverse. More to the point, Savigliane isn't like most other places in the Multiverse. & that's why, the more I learned about this opportunity, the more I wanted to come here. I don't have to remind anyone here of what happened just two years ago. Every single person in this nation knows what loss, tragedy, & trauma feel like. I can't imagine what it must have felt like on that horrible day. But I do know what it feels like to realize your country has changed, suddenly & completely, & to have no idea what's next. I've lived through martial law, too, & I've had fear & terror occupy the very heart of my soul. I've lived through days I never want to remember, but which I'll never forget. Savigliane has endured a national trauma, on a mass scale — & now what it needs most is healing. When I look at the quality & the potential of the players we have on this team, & what they've already accomplished, & the love for the game & their team that Saviglianos of all stripes have, whether rich or poor, east or west, Francophone or Italophone, I know that this team can help to heal Savigliane. I can't promise we'll qualify this cycle, or next — although you have my word I'll do everything I can to make this team the best it can be — but most of all, I intend to make this team something that can unite all Saviglianos; something that can make all Saviglianos proud; something that can give all Saviglianos hope. & hopefully, we can do our small part to help Savigliane heal.

LA GAZETTE DE VILLENEUVE
Ligurie's Premier News Source

'HELP SAVIGLIANE HEAL': GALACTICO MANAGER CHOOSES SAVIGLIANE
AMELIE BOUCHER, sports

VILLENEUVE -- It's official: Tlanx-Nulzk Hal is coming to Villeneuve.

The former Galactico Manager of the Season, Tlanx-Nulzk earned instant attention from a number of massive clubs as soon as it was announced that the Qusma manager would be suspending his sabbatical. However, although it was reported that the likes of Chromatika's Anomalies and Astograth's Royal Rumitazi had shown interest in the Qusmi, Tlanx-Nulzk opted to sign a five-year deal with Savigliane's National Team instead, signifying a commitment to a long-term rebuilding project and a more attacking style of football.

Tlanx-Nulzk is most famous for twice taking previously unheralded KF Qastyr to the quarterfinals of the UICA Champions' Cup, as well as winning three Pug Qusmyra trophies in three seasons. With Qastyr, the Qusmi showed a commitment to the dynamic, stylish attacking football that the FA seem intent on bringing back to Savigliane, and many international observers consider them instrumental in putting Qusmo on the map of international football in this universe. While a two-cycle stint with the national team of Saltstead had more mixed results, Tlanx-Nulzk is nevertheless known today as one of the best managers in the multiverse. "We're sorry to see Edward Hernandez go, and thank him for his dedication to our country in a time of need," said FA chairman Jean-Luc Dubois in a press conference this morning, "but we're incredibly excited to have a manager of Tlanx-Nulzk Hal's caliber joining us. We believe that while some patience may be needed, Savigliane will return to the World Cup under their leadership."

For his part, the Swans' new manager suggested that Savigliane's idiosyncrasies as a nation drew them to the job, citing their experience living through the collapse of Qusmo as similar to what Saviglianos are currently enduring: "I don't have to remind anyone here of what happened just two years ago. Every single person in this nation knows what loss, tragedy, & trauma feel like. I can't imagine what it must have felt like on that horrible day. But I do know what it feels like to realize your country has changed, suddenly & completely, & to have no idea what's next. I've lived through martial law, too, & I've had fear & terror occupy the very heart of my soul. I've lived through days I never want to remember, but which I'll never forget." However, the Qusmi was also optimistic about the Swans' ability to catalyze the healing process in Savigliane, repeatedly citing their personal experiences and bringing up football as something that could bring a shattered nation together. In their introductory press conference this afternoon, Tlanx-Nulzk was optimistic about Savigliane's long-term prospects, even though they warned against expecting too much too quickly: "When I look at the quality & the potential of the players we have on this team, & what they've already accomplished, & the love for the game & their team that Saviglianos of all stripes have, whether rich or poor, east or west, Francophone or Italophone, I know that this team can help to heal Savigliane."

The verdict remains out on how 'Tlanxball', as pundits have begun calling it, will fare in Savigliane. However, Tlanx-Nulzk themselves have tapped into the heart of the country with their words, repeatedly emphasizing that they "intend to make this team something that can unite all Saviglianos; something that can make all Saviglianos proud". Whether Savigliane soar or struggle this cycle, the sentiment is clear - it's a new dawn for the Swans.

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Where The Capital Gets Its News

SHOCK TLANX-NULZK APPOINTMENT SENDS A MESSAGE
MATTEO CAMPARI, sports

VILLENEUVE -- The FA announced this morning that they were firing Kalactinian manager Edward Hernandez and replacing him with Qusmi Tlanx-Nulzk Hal, an appointment that raised more than a few eyebrows across the multiverse. Just a few days before the start of WC87 qualifiers, Tlanx-Nulzk's introduction indicates a desire for a longer-term commitment to a more attractive style of play. However, fresh off the heels of Hernandez leading the Red-and-Blues to an AOCAF playoff berth before bowing out to his home country, it also indicates that while Tlanx-Nulzk may be given significant time to impose his style of play on the national team, the FA is expecting great accomplishments in return.

"Anyone who knows me knows my teams play to win. We'll be taking on some truly formidable opponents in this qualifying group, & beyond, but we must never be afraid of the challenge before us," Tlanx-Nulzk suggested in an introductory press conference. "There's only one way to win, & that's by scoring goals. If we simply sit back & hope for a draw, we'll always lose. We may not win every match — & certainly, in the beginning especially, the new system may necessitate a difficult adjustment, especially given the previous emphasis of defence above all. However, no matter the opponent, the setting, or our own personnel, while I'm in charge, we'll always play to win." The FA, for their part, backed these sentiments, suggesting that while they were "cognizant of the challenges we'll face rebuilding our style of play during a qualification campaign," they would back Tlanx-Nulzk "all the way"...

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HERNANDEZ OUT AS FA BACKS 'TLANXBALL'
ALBERTO GIRAUDO, sports

VILLENEUVE -- Although Edward Hernandez's unique brand of tactical pragmatism and defensive nous were able to bring Savigliane back to the playoffs of a major tournament for the first time, it just wasn't enough for insatiable FA chairman Jean-Luc Dubois, who sacked the Kalactinian this morning and replaced him with Qusma manager Tlanx-Nulzk Hal. "We're sorry to see Edward Hernandez...in a time of need," said Dubois, seemingly rubbing salt in the wound immediately after sacking the former Ballina FC manager just before he was able to complete his first cycle in charge.

Instead of Hernandez's pragmatism, the Tlanx-Nulzk appointment indicates that the FA will be wholeheartedly embracing a kamikaze, somewhat naïve style of play as they seek to "rebuild" a Rosso-e-Blus club that was just coming into their own under Hernandez. The Qusmi's style of play, dubbed "Tlanxball" by the press in Ligurie, emphasizes dynamic vertical passes, quick interplays on the attack, and an aggressively high line. However, while the manager earned plaudits - and a Galacticos Manager of the Year award - for their teams' attacking prowess, especially that of KF Qastyr, his recent record has been more checkered, with a short stint at the helm of Saltstead earning more mixed reactions before Tlanx-Nulzk went on sabbatical due to instability in their home country.

For their part, the manager suggested during an introductory press conference that "I've been away from the game for a few years", and that "We'll be taking on some truly formidable opponents in this qualifying group...We may not win every match — & certainly, in the beginning especially, the new system may necessitate a difficult adjustment, especially given the previous emphasis of defence above all." And indeed, this stunning new appointment does indicate that qualifiers for WC87 could be a difficult time indeed as our new manager gets their bearings and shakes the rust off after a long hiatus. But even if Tlanxball succeeds in the long run, it will come at the cost of the centuries-old tradition of catenaccio - the art of defensive solidity that seems to be trampled over by the modern game more and more, and something Hernandez, the man the FA has just sacked, exemplified...

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by **Thibaea** » Mon Jan 11, 2021 4:18 pm

Thibaean Sports Channel
Providing you the nation's best coverage of the 87th World Cup qualification campaign

Written By: Vincent Merin, Senior Football Correspondent (TSC)
The Republic's Best Broadcaster, Click Here to Learn More

SAN MIGUEL, NLA - Welcome my soeurs et frères as we are just hours away from the beginnings of yet another campaign of the most elite international football, the 87th World Cup hosted by the nations of Ethane and Taeshan, and for the first time in seven editions, we will have our own team and players to root for as the ANS has once again sent the Warlocks to represent Thibaea, led by manager Maurice Bonhomme once more.

With such a gap between the last time the Warlocks played internationally, nearly all of their players will be debuting on the international stage tonight when they face off against New Lusitana and Algraves, where they will be the away team here in San Miguel. Noël Blanc, Valderoure's 'lightening in a meatbag', has returned to the international scene as one of the few players still around from the '81 Warlocks and she has been fittingly named captain, where the other notable '81 veteran winger Henry Chevalier joins her as vice captain. Immediately, in the pre-season training camps that led up to both this World Cup Qualifying stage as well as the most recent Copa Rushmore, one can tell that the Warlocks are very different. Instead of looking to play as an high-powered aggressor, much more focus seems to be placed on retaining control and possession and using that to dictate the pitch on their own terms, instead of scrambling to just push the ball forward at each and every chance. Curiously, Bonhomme has neglected to include the wingback role in his presented tactics thus far, instead employing all four of his defenders as fullbacks, which is a bit weird to see Blanc's speed and range capped that way, though the selections he made in the reserves and the poor defensive performance in the Copa Rushmore (9 goals allowed in 3 matches) indicate that perhaps an degree of flexibility will be exercised here in that Blanc's inclusion will indicate perhaps her usage as a wingback or a forward halfback, whereas he could seek to swap her or Leclair with one of the three fullbacks in the reserve whom are all much more stockier and true defenders.

The defense however doesn't worry me nearly as much as the midfield, which noted elsewhere, will be the critical portion of the team that will need to execute well if these Warlocks are to be successful; on paper, Babin, Gérin-Lajoie, and de'Verley looks like a solid lineup to a nascent fan; Babin's precision with the ball and efficient passing will allow him to feed Delafosse and de'Verley's similarities in the same areas as well as his range will give them mutiple attackers - however, Gérin-Lajoie in the most recent Ligue games proved himself to be much lacking in agility and endurance, and he was substituted by half time in more then half of his domestic caps this year at Antins-Decy. Moreover, seems to have some difficulty in decision making particularly when engaged by multiple defenders which may turn into a very big problem if any opposition decides to double team him, and in that inclusion there's a strong, young center or fullback. Alternate options would include Marlène Poirier but she's very inconsistent which is probably why she isn't a starter, and doesn't play at Ligue level, and the other reserve midfielder Jamet Demaret is very similar in playstyle to Babin. At the the front of the helm, the Warlocks seem to be in a much better position than every before as the wings are held down by the Persan star Henry Chevalier, whom was only a U21 substitute last time he played for the Warlocks and not the #3 man in the Ligue in terms of assists, and the oddity that is Zuriñe Iturburua, whom broke into the Ligue as a perennial starter this year and continues to set new paths with her unique combination of strength and speed that has made her much beloved at Orrouy. The Peyrelade #2 in Roselyne Delafosse
has been chosen as the main scoring target, but certainly look for that to change the deeper we get into qualifications, as U21 sensation Yvonnette Judicaël has been included in the reserves, though her selection as a starter is very much in doubt after she spent her entire domestic season at Xanark either injured or unproductive, only scoring thrice. Arthur Sidonie is the other option, his 18 goals for Haraucourt this year have made put quite the buzz around his name and there are many rumors he may be sold to a Ligue club that's looking for a young striker, of which I'm sure there is no shortage as I can certainly think of a few.

The Warlocks have been drawn into Group 13 as an unranked nation, and it will be a mighty challenging group to play in, featuring the 44th ranked New Lusitania and Algraves of which will be the first opposition faced, as well as Jerusalem (ranked 54th), Saltstead (ranked 113th), and of course, the top seed and reigning World Champion in Banija. Other opponents include Stevidia, The Belacian States (Belac), Melbergia, Vangaziland and Oberour Ar Moro. Still newish to the scene, the Warlocks have never faced any of these teams, which manager Maurice Bonhomme says will be an advantage, as regardless of victory, draw or defeat, lessons will be learned that can help the team as a whole improve themselves, and guarantee further success down the road. Obviously, even to our most diehard fans a shot at qualifying is an extreme one at best, a much more grounded expectation would be to simply end up in the top half of the group, and/or limit the damage when facing the heavyweights like Banija - personally, I'll be hyped for the first goal, I'm still upset at that dismal performance in the Copa Rushmori.

by **Netop** » Mon Jan 11, 2021 4:30 pm

Netop prepares for their second qualifiers

After a very promising first AOCAF where we as a bottom League C team won our group and came a point away from advancing out of League B and into the knockouts. Netop is also only a little over a year (in our time) away from our run to the quarterfinals of the 73rd Baptism of Fire and subsequent qualifying cycle. Unlike last cycle when we were a virtual unknown this cycle we come into the qualifiers ranked a respectable 133rd in the World which is good enough and thus sit in the upper half of the 6th pot.

Last year we were drawn into Group 2, this year Group 5 is the lucky number that we hope to qualify out of although rather unlikely considering our ranking although they do indeed say crazier things have happened. The roster remains almost intact from that Baptism of Fire campaign although there is one key difference and that is as promised starting center back and captain Dorothy Vaughan has retired from the sport despite the protests of literally everyone. Vaughan has to the delight of literally everyone decided to join the coaching staff to help the defenders and in particular Heather Burrows was very supportive of this move.

Vaughan has been replaced in the backline by #1492 Bertie Gilbert as the young 18 year old gets ready to make her first start for Netop and suddenly #007 Heather Burrows is no longer the youngest player in the defense. In addition the 24 years of age #2π Marcus Hussel has been called up and will be a backup defender for this cycle as we needed another defender on the bench.

Now Vaughan was the captain of the team for the first year of existence but with her retirement Netop needed a new patch wearer. The patch has falled to Teddy Riggs our best striker and goalscorer who at age 34 is honored to have been voted into the position by his teammates. Riggs spoke to the media following his appointment and some of the major points of his 45 minute long interview are recorded below.

Reporter: Teddy how do you feel you do living up to the way Dorothy Vaughan did as the captain? She has been praised by many, does this give you too much weight and too big shoes to fill.

Riggs: Yes definitely, I highly doubt that I can come anywhere close to the job Dorothy did with the patch on her armband but I will try my best. In addition it means a whole lot to me knowing that my teammates elected me to the position knowing they have the trust in me that I might not have in myself.

Reporter: Who's faster Wanda McNeil or Adelle Benton?

Riggs: While this is clearly a contested issue, I have to go with Wanda after intense research of watching them run in practice. They have never actually raced because who needs an easy answer to this question but I think Wanda just has a little extra burst of speed.

Reporter: Lastly how does it feel to have Vaughan back in the building as a coach and as a leader?

Riggs: I cannot understate how important it is to have her back here with the team once again. She's someone we all can turn to for questions and I'm sure the defenders in particular considering how young we are back there appreciate it.

Reporter: Thank you for your time

Riggs: No problem thanks for having me, go Netop!

Reporter: Teddy Riggs everyone

by **Squornshelous** » Mon Jan 11, 2021 5:06 pm

Executive Boardroom of Striterax Cybernetics Corporation, Striterax, Squornshelous . . .

Two men stood in the boardroom. One looked out the glass windows that formed one of its walls at the glittering lights of center-city Striterax that lay beyond. He looked without seeing, eyes unfocused. One hand, without his conscious knowledge, had crept up to rub steadily at his temple. Streaks of gray ran back through his jet hair from the temple where his hand continued its massage. The other man in the room was his opposite in nearly every way. Where the man at the window was portly, trending toward stout, the other was rail thin, and stood a head taller. He stood with graven stillness across the polished walnut expanse of the boardroom table from his host. Just behind him, an aggressively slanted font proclaimed the corporation's slogan, "Share and Enjoy." The tall man's hands were clasped at the small of his back, and could betray no nervousness, however slight, from there. His face, bony and elongated as the rest of him, held a carefully neutral expression as he waited.

The man at the window, Bjarni Riihijarvi, had once been High Minister of the Imperium, de jure the most powerful member of the government, save for the Emperor himself. It was a position he had been eminently unqualified for, making him the perfect candidate. Prior to that, he had been a successful business executive, and so after that foreign policy misadventure now known simply as the Sarzonian Affair had seen him scapegoated and unceremoniously ousted from government office, he'd had his pick of lucrative positions. Striterax Cybernetics had been a poor choice though. The previous CEO had resigned amid a flurry of scandals including allegations of substandard quality control in manufacturing, and what a particularly bold journalist (since handsomely paid-off) had described as "a company-wide culture of antipathy toward the customer." Clean-up duty had proved considerably more taxing than Riihijarvi had bargained for, not the easy paycheck and public adulation he had become accustomed to. In private conversations, he had more and more come to blame his dismissal from the Council of Ministers for his current predicament. And so, he entertained a guest in the boardroom long after he would normally have sought the comforts of home: Sweyn Petrov, Imperial Minister of Sport.

For the Minister of Sport to meet with the CEO of a high profile company was in itself hardly unusual. Petrov had frequently wined and dined with the business elite of the Imperium, or invited them to view matches from his private box. All the better to secure the financial support the Ministry needed to fund its activities. All the better too, to help Petrov win friends and influence people. Most would dismiss the Ministry of Sport as a largely ceremonial office, product of a bloated bureaucracy. In the hands of a less focused minister, it might very well have been, but under Petrov, in addition to promoting excellence in sport, most especially international football, the Ministry of Sport had been molded into a fined-tuned networking instrument. It had been Petrov, after all, who had gotten Riihijarvi into the government in the first place.

"You don't know how hard it's been Sweyn. Every time I see off one problem ten more leap up to take its place. The journalists poking around, the constant lawsuits."

"The envious have always tried to pull down successful men, Bjarni, why should your success be any different?"

"It's not like the old days anymore. They make it impossible to run a business now."

"I always told you government was a safer bet."

"And I'd be there now if not for that," Riihijarvi turned from the window, and checked a control panel embedded in the edge of the table, reassuring himself for the third or fourth time that evening that every one of the boardroom's sophisticated anti-bugging systems was enabled. "That pompous old ass who sits on a throne and does nothing."

"Indeed," Sweyn bowed his head slightly, "I was truly dismayed that day, that he would dismiss you so abruptly, so offhand."

"It wasn't fair."

"Not at all. I can't think why he thought Fedotenko a better option than you."

"That whole Sarzonian mess was his damned fault." Riihijarvi's voice rose into a hoarse shout. "As Foreign Minister, Oleg should have taken responsibility for his mistakes, but instead he takes my seat the bastard."

"And with it the ear of the Emperor, though," Petrov paused until Riihijarvi turned to look him in the eye. Confident he had the man's full attention, he continued, "Though I wonder. Do you suppose he was already whispering lies?"

"I'm sure of it Sweyn, I always have been. He knew that I would hold him to account, and set me up to take the fall for him."

Petrov steepled his fingers in front of his chin. "And now such are the men who lead our nation."

"A backstabbing snake and his stooge on the throne." Riihijarvi's face had become red, and his breathing came raggedly in between the words of his tirade. "I'd like to get my hands on the both of them," he looked slyly at Petrov and his voice dropped. "This may not be the Ministry of Security, but Striterax Cybernetics has resources of its own. We've become very good at dealing with problems these past few years."

"I'm sure, though you should be careful joking like that, Bjarni. I must admit the thought of Fedotenko in one of your holding cells though . . ."

"Don't think I wouldn't do it if I thought I could get away with it. I have a few teams who are as good as anyone in the Imperium."

"Hmm," Oleg tapped his chin with one bony finger, "it's funny Bjarni, but I was speaking to Irakliy not long ago about this whole predicament of ours, and I've just remembered, he made very nearly the same joke as you."

"The Minister of Defense?!"

"Irakliy Solberg himself, yes. He said he's lost all patience with Fedotenko since you left. Have you spoken to him lately?"

"Not for years, no. Not since I was in government."

"You really should allow me to reintroduce you then Bjarni. I think the two of you would be great friends."

World Cup 87 - RP Thread

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WC87 Pre-Qualifying

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