World Cup 87 - RP Thread

[The Gothanita Isles]

Bluecliff League 2-0 TGI
@ Bluecliff League
Lineup for TGI (4-3-3): Thulile Bolkvadze (c); Jeanette Ross, Timotheos Dunn, Den Benjaminson, Charlee Harel; Ladislavia Tyler, Remus McQueen (Sardar Chaplin 55'), Chloe Brewster; Marino Barros (Grigorii McCrory 78'), Abdelkader Kartal, Adelia Kelly
Cards: Zul Buru 29'
Cards: Abdelkader Kartal 56'
Goals: Mark Cota Ramire 5', 78'

TGI 2-0 South Newlandia
@ San Sarino, Hellina, North Handoria, Atlantain Oceania (cap. 58,120)
Lineup for TGI (4-2-3-1): Thulile Bolkvadze (c); Jeanette Ross, Timotheos Dunn, Saif al-Din Kartal, Charlee Harel; Sardar Chaplin, Remus McQueen; Stefanie Salzwedel, Chloe Brewster, Vladan Bloxam (Cyneburga London 69'); Abdelkader Kartal
Cards: None
Goals: Abdelkader Kartal 75' (assist by London); Cyneburga London 84'

The Jeolerinan
Commentary: So our team cannot win 2 in a row?
The form book reads like this: LWLLWLW. 3 wins and 4 losses. According to the form book, it measn that we very well may drop points tomorrow against Tumbra, a result which I certainly do not want to see. That would be a disasterous result ahead of the trip to Pasarga and Valladares, 2 matches which would clearly be must-wins for the team to produce any good result at all.
Our Yellow Lions have many bright spots, but are often fustrated when playing against teams which are defensive in nature, an issue which has cropped up again and again. U-Koro. Hampton Island. Now Bluecliff. It has been an issue the manager is unable to solve, even when his forte is to force his team to attack and attack. Just ask any Poafmer. If you say that "Oh we should score 1 goal and park the bus," you would probably be laughed at. Looking at the big teams in the Poafmersian Premier League, the most posession-oriented is probably Kistina Galaxy. And certainly not Zahi Castillias and his former team, Mancodas City. However, he has said that players in the Isles are more suited to playing "defensive counter-attack football". He knows that without a solid striker, the team cannot do it. Yet, in his opinion, this is the best way for him to play out the team's strengths. "The team has proven that 4-4-2 is not suitable for them. They have just too many defensive players. Maybe a 3-4-1-2. But do that and we will likely revert to a goal drought. Kistina Galaxy can play that formation if they want. But they have an elf in charge. And that elf can score as many as he wants on a good day. Kartal has the potential, Kelly has the potential. But they frequently fail to score, and that is worrying."
Just whatever he says. Do you believe it? For me, I feel it is a ridiculous excuse, but he is the expert, not us. Just when we thought all hopes were lost against South Newlandia, bringing on London at the right time saved the game and all 3 points against South Newlandia. However, his substitution magic didn't work against Bluecliff, where he played an ultra aggressive 4-3-3 formation, pushing the 2 wingers forward. I think it is not a managerial change. I think it is the way we play football in the Isles. But that will take ages to change, and for now, we just have to make do with it.
Anyways, can we finally win 2 in a row?

Note that the following article is a satirical take on factual things. You can probably guess from the title of the news outlet.
Covefe News Network
This World Cup Qualifiers has been ridiculous
These results are bullshit. They are so ridiculous, it was as though some joker spun them out of nothingness and pushed them onto us. Do you think these results are normal? I make sure you disagree with me by the end of today.
1) We have only 2 teams fighting to be World No. 1 in the rankings by the end of the qualifiers. Nephara vs Banija. A stupid fact to stomach in considering that the World Ranking formula, created by 2 random people from 2 random countries, are supposed to allow newer nations climb the rank pretty quickly. But honestly? The rank is so difficult to climb. Only 2 teams, namely last year's gold and silver medalists at the World Cup, can fight to be the top team of the world, through their respective qualification performances. And none of them can fall below 2nd place. How ridiculous is that? Very. If you look further down, the next 3 teams are guarenteed to be in the top 10. Farfadillis cannot even fall below 8th. Us? We are having problems climbing into top 100, and cannot get into top 50 barring a ridiculous result from all the teams above us.
2) 3 teams with a perfect record. 19 teams unbeaten in total. Yet we have over 20 teams that haven't got a win? That is such a huge disparity, bloody insane considering that there is so many teams around. Teams who say that they are good at the sport, presenting various game styles. Yet the top is trashing the bottom. Think about it again. Is this a rigged effort in favour of the top teams?
3) The team with the leakiest defence conceded 27 goals in 7 games. That is close to 4 per game, and yet they can't even score 1 per game. Absolutely ridiculous number of goals in these matches, as we can see. Can teams stopping trashing newbies and give them some hope?

[Jabal Akhdar]

Selection of articles from the AP (Akhdari Press) wire.

Green Falcons Succumb To The Marauders!

The Green Falcons gave a fair account of themselves in their much-anticipated meeting with World Cup greats Valanora at the Emir Abdul Hakeem al-Masri Stadium, but were ultimately unable to break the imperious back three, while the Akhdari defenses were torn to shreds by the pacy Vanorian wingers. After being treated to some of the best in a flowing move of eleven one-touch passes that culminated in an easy chance for Lothas Ludwig, the second half saw the Marauders up the tempo and rip after the tiring Akdhari defense. Playing defensive midfielder Maahir el-Mourad at center back in place of the suspended Abdul Baasid el-Imam did little to prevent the sublime build-up play, which led to both Veliz and Söderström scoring. A late consolation goal, with Shaddaad el-Hashemi, on for the injured Salim Lutfi Nazari, capitalizing on a rare error from Matheo Dybvik, at least gave the home fans something to cheer for.

Emirate Expands Investment Opportunities!

The sparkling desert paradise of Jabal Akhdar has many exciting new opportunities for foreign investors wishing to take advantage of generous tax credits, streamlined bidding processes, and easy to navigate commissioning pipelines, in fields ranging from oil to … wait, that’s it.

Other headlines

• Akhdari Press predicts future press releases to be so short they can be written on back of stamps

Tornado Queendom – 0 (0)

Jabal Akhdar – 2 (0)
Naser (71’); al-Hammoud (27’), el-Imam (74’), al-Zaki (52’), Kassab (84’ K.F. el-Moghaddam ); Samara; Hakimi, Naziri (61’ al-Naim ); Kanaan (79’), Haddad (51’ A.B. el-Moghaddam ), el-Burki (32’)

---

Jabal Akhdar – 1 (0)
Naser; Kassis, el-Mourad, al-Zaki, Zaman; Samara; Hakimi (75’ al-Naim ), Naziri (38’ el-Hashemi (87’)); Kanaan, Haddad, el-Burki (78’ K.F. el-Moghaddam )

Valanora – 3 (1)
Miljetieg; Løvland, Gundersen, Dybvik; Veliz (66’) (84’ Ybarra ), Nergård, Hawk, Larsen, Söderström (53’); Saxstrom (62’ Møller ), Ludwig (18’) (73’ Paulsen )

[Barunia]

At 15, Emmanuel Carter seemed like he had the world. The promising young footballer had just been accepted into a training camp in Edwardton. Run by the BFA, then the association responsible for football in Barunia, the camp was a gateway to Barunia's X-League. But as always, there was a catch. Edwardton was over 400 km away from his hometown of Delmars, on another island and in a different state.

His mother was against him going. Paula Montez had supported her son's interest in football from a young age, but this was too much for her. The camp was for 6 months, and that amount of time without seeing her youngest child. Nothing Emmanuel could say or do could change her mind, no matter how much he pleaded. In the end, it was his father's wisdom that changed her mind. "Unless you let the boy go," he told her, "you'll never hear the end of it."

So with his father's blessing, and his mother's warnings and well wishes ringing in his ears, Emmanuel boarded the plane for the short flight to Edwardton. The teenager was both excited and frightened as he navigated the airport in this strange city alone. Thankfully the camp had sent a car to meet him. They soon left Edwardton and headed inland, towards the rugged wilderness that surrounded the inactive volcano at the heart of Marion Island.
The campgrounds were an adventure camp that had been hired out by the BFA. For the next 6 months, 40 boys and girls, all aged between 14 and 17, would call this place home. In addition to football training, their stay would include the continuation of their high school education with onsite teachers, team building exercises, and personal character tests.

It was late evening when Emmanuel arrived. After finding his bunk in the dorm and dumping his bag, he headed for the food hall to grab some supper. There were only a few people in there: a group of adults that he took to be members of staff, and two boys and a girl about his age sitting in a group on their own. As he grabbed his food, one of the boys waved for him to join them.
"Hi, I'm Tyler," he said, offering his hand.
"Emmanuel"
The girl introduced herself as Kate, while the other boy was called Oliver. He was 14, and seemed very nervous. Kate was 15 and had travelled all the way from Porthaven. Tyler was 17 and a local lad.
"We were just talking about our preferred clubs." said Tyler. "Who do you want to get scouted by?"
Emmanuel thought about it for a moment. "I don't know really. I just want to be the best. I'm going to play for Barunia one day."
"Wow, you're confident." said Kate, laughing.
Tyler leaned in, as if was going to tell them something secret, and lowered his voice.
"The best here are going to the Edwardton Eagles. They've got first pick."
"What do you mean?" asked Oliver.
Tyler replied, "This entire camp? It's organised by the Eagles. They're only letting in scouts from other teams because the BFA said they had to. Something about unfair competition, or something like that. But the Eagles will still call the shots, believe me."
"How do you know all this?" asked Emmanuel.
Tyler turned to look at the table where the adults were sitting, indicating they do the same.
"See that guy in the black jacket? That's the Eagles' youth coach. He's in charge of the entire camp. He's also my dad."

Emmanuel went to bed that night thinking about what Tyler had said about the Eagles. They were one of the best teams in Barunia. He could see it already, pulling on that green and black strip, running out onto the pitch at the "Birdcage" to the roar of 100,000 fans. He knew then that his fate was sealed. He was going to be picked for the Eagles.

[Graintfjall]

Article posted on the optimistic fan blog, www.GlassHalfFull.græ

Snow Wolves tie winning streak

Though you wouldn’t notice from a navel-gazing media more obsessed with a few minor scuffles over unpaid parking tickets or a bunch of wackos hurling themselves head-first down an ice slide on a tea-tray, the Græntfjall national team has quietly tied their all-time record for consecutive wins in regulation time, with four. Not since the last World Cup qualifying period have they put together a concentrated set of results like this, and if knocking over Quemorr Isles and Sett Forest isn’t exactly a case of all-conquering form against the world’s best, it’s still evidence of much improvement after the admittedly worrying start.

“Dooming” is a popular past time in Græntfjall. Our coalitions can’t stay together, our country’s beset by ethno-religious strife, our football team’s lost two on the bounce. But really, when you put the results together, Græntfjall have performed perfectly creditably in a tough Group 9 so far. They lost to two much higher seeds, drew with another higher seed, and have otherwise run the table. They’ve conceded just five goals, good for a top ten placing among all defences across 190 teams (tied with Mapletish and Juvencus, and behind only Ko-oren (of course) and Brenecia on two, Turori and San Ortelio on three, and The Sarian, BlueCliff League, Hampton Island, Qasden and South Covello on four).

The standout player has been Hrærekur Jvarsson, who’s really embraced the captaincy role. Kang’s new-look midfield formation really suits both Hrærekur, Amanda Guttisdóttir (whose form has admittedly been spottier, but scored an absolute class free-kick against Quemorr Isles, threading it past the Blue Whale’s majestic leap), and Álfar Ásvaldursson working in whatever the three-person equivalent of tandem is. But let’s not forget defensive leader Hjörleifur Reynarsson, who’s played every minute so far, and kept things very solid at the back while also being a regular threat at attacking set-pieces. The team has put together composed performances despite various injuries to key players such as Emeli Vilbertsdóttir and Bríana Noahsdóttir, and we can expect them to do same even in the absence of Hanne Heikkisdóttir in the short term.

They round off the first half of qualifying with a brace of games, against Pluvia and the Saxean Isles, and Garbelia. Though ranked lower, Garbelia might be the tougher of the two opponents as they’ve played with the same kind of new-look energy that Græntfjall themselves brought last time. But it’s not just Græntfjall’s results going their way: Kandorith knocking over Nephara, and then the group’s ‘big two’ sharing a draw, really helped smooth out what was looking up to then to be an uncomfortably stratified group table. Discipline has been an improvement, with no red cards and just 9 yellow cards in seven matches. And fitness has definitely picked up, with none of the collapses like we saw against Northwest Kalactin.

Best of all, the team is yet to be eaten by a kraken, always a constant threat.

Article posted on the pessimistic fan blog, www.GlassHalfFullOfPiss.græ

Snow Wolves on verge of epic collapse

Græntfjall’s inept crew of fumblers, plodders, hackers, and straight-up charlatans have bluffed their way into the top half (just about) of a World Cup qualifying group, with oceans of space still separating them from any hope of qualifying. Now comes the part where things get real and they drift off to obscurity. The tense air in the capital isn’t just about some silly counter-protest: it’s because we can just feel the beatings coming. At this rate, Græntfjall might just lose to both Pluvia and the Saxean Isles.

Probably the most miserable aspect of this insipid and uninspiring campaign has been the form of Græntfjall’s forwards. Apparently Jason Þórhallursson used up all his luck in the S-FPL, because here he’s been an absolute dud. Yet to score from open play in seven matches (of which he’s only played five, admittedly). But what’s the alternative? Justiina Dannysdóttir, currently stuck on a team that couldn’t even get promoted out of that haven of goliaths, the Chromatik second division Ásvarður Bergmundursson, who’s scuffed every chance to come his way so far? Lyngar Rögnvaldursson, because 24th time’s a charm?

Until Hrærekur Jvarsson lucked his way into a couple of cheap goals against footballing giants Sett Forest (a team I literally can’t even find on a world atlas) the Snow Wolves’ leading scorer went by the name of Goal. Own Goal. That’s right: they were more reliant on opposition players accidentally kicking the ball into their own net than they were on trying to generate any sort of offensive opportunities for themselves. And I don’t even particularly blame them: they were right. It certainly is more likely that some random opposition defender will take pity on us than that the footballing wonder of Amanda Guttisdóttir (whose team didn’t even bother releasing her when they were relegated, presumably feeling second division football would be about her level) could muster up any sort of attacking chance.

We’ve said it before and we should say it again: Græntfjall need to skip the Cup of Harmony and maybe skip a few World Cup cycles altogether (another 85 would be a start…) They’re simply not cut out for international football (as decisively proved by the complete routing of every IFCF entrant at the checks notes round before the preliminary round even begins). Maybe it’s even time to accept that football just ain’t our thing? There’s no shame in it. Some people are suited to playing football. Some people are suited to staying far, far away. I hear there’s about to be some winter sports tourney start up in Clayquot, maybe that’d be more our speed.

[Xanneria]

Electrum-cuted!
an excerpt from http://www.xtraports.xan/nationalteam.htm

DOMINICA CITY - Electrum came in to Xanneria, hungry! A team looking to rebound from having more clerical concerns than their most popular publication "The Turnip". Since the team had withdrew for a handful of cycles within the last couple decades, they knew they had to take advantage when they could against teams such as Xanneria, in order to help improve their stance in the world of international football. Even though the game ended up in a 3-2 score, the game should have been that close, Electrum had answers for all that the Maroons threw at them. If it wasn't for a late penalty kick by Franchesca Bonchek, the game would have been a way more accurate score of 3-1. Though we think SEB the ball of sentiant glowing energy did a fine job picking apart the defense of the Maroons at points, he wasn't super consistent and had to rely to much on the kiwi shaped Android midfielder to bail him out in tough spots. In the end though the 3-2 game is so far the lone defeat on the cycle for the Maroons, and hopefully with two winnable games coming up versus Quakmybush and Norish Jeia Repa along with a matchup on Baker Park, there should be hope for the start of the the second half of qualifiers.

Xanneria - 2
Brower - 33'
Boncheck (PK) 90+1

Electrum - 3
SEB 15' 68'
Android X3-TU 37' (PK)

We beat a legacy nation, but it was just Quakmybush.
an excerpt from http://www.xtraports.xan/nationalteam.htm

QUAKMYBUSH - In a game against Quakmybush, the Maroons took the ol' power down 2-0 in front of a precisely sparsely populated crowd of about 8,000. Very little info have been given about QMB's team but it seems that they are a long ways past the glory years of the old days when they were a power 50 years ago. In fact rumor has it that the office for the Quakmybush national team is smaller than the shed used by TV Auto Reviewer Timmy Hogbent. In fact rumor says they only have a partially working fax machine and no internet in their 10x10foot office. I guess putting it in a storage unit was not the best money saving idea. Brower again kept up on his tear though scoring an assist on the first goal and scoring the actuall second goal in the 2-0 victory over the legacy team known as Quakmybush. Brower is int op form as the golden boot winner of Austin City looks to be firmly in place as the big future of Xannerian football, the kid is in his peak and with a promising career ahead of him.

Xanneria - 2
Feltzer 18'
Brower 47'

Quakmybush - 0

West Hills FC Claims Championship despite clerical error!
an excerpt from http://www.xtraports.xan/flox.htm

BEARDEN - In a weird move not uncharacteristic of the absurdness associate with the team, West Hills FC has decalred themselves the champions of Liga B championship. This coming off the heels of their formal entry into the Liga B, being withdrawn do to the IFCF being withdrawn due to "It not being received in the mail in time" the Rams president Larry Gobbler declared the Rams Liga B titlest. In a social media post Gobbler posted

You all saw me with the post sending the form in, so you know we going to play! But hey! we didn't lose any LIga B games, so we should be worthy.

Although this has since been declared a "tounge in cheek" "joke" from Larry, the post has made all the rounds and West Hills FC who were once voted "The most 'Little brother' of all Xannerian sports teams" has become the laughing stock of all FLOX Football.

[Riennic Isles]

The Riena Sentinel

---

Cheetahs and Reptiles Coalison 1-3 Riena
Wavelets thrown off-kilter by unconventional opponents but do enough to win

---

• Cheetahs and Reptiles Coalison: One chonky croc (57')
• Riena: Mano (58'), Minato (59'), Nakiri (60')

Playing against one of the more unorthodox opponents they have had the fortune to face in recent months, Kanata Shiranami's Riena managed to eke out a valuable, if slightly unconvincing victory, in the backyard of the Cheetahs and Reptiles Coalison. The 3-1 win leaves Riena sitting pretty in Group 2 as they strive to keep up with top seed and early pacesetters Brenecia in the race for qualification.

Before the game, many had wondered if Riena's opponents had the misfortune of having a set of ancestors with precious little naming sense, or if the founding myth of the Cheetahs and Reptiles Coalison quite literally involved a ragtag band of the aforementioned animals, descending upon the land in a flash to give life to what surely must rank among one of the least likely civilisations ever to grace the multiverse. The Riena players had expressed their apprehension about these opponents beforehand - 'we didn't get into football to be chased by a pack of hungry cheetahs,' deadpanned winger Cocoa Haneda - and for good reason, as manager Shiranami had refused to neither confirm or deny reports that one of her junior scouts had been devoured whole while in the country on a scouting trip.

But when the time came to play ball, Riena's worst fears came to pass as the players stepped onto the pitch and realised the opposing team consisted of at least four well-built and sleek cheetahs. The fact that there were a few harmless-looking reptiles thrown into the mix - a couple of ancient turtles, a chameleon several sizes larger than its normal counterparts - did little to calm the Riena players down, given that the opponents were fielding an honest-to-goodness crocodile at centre forward.

The first half of the game passed without much incident, but it was certainly not for want of trying. With such fearsome players on the other side, not a single Riena player dared venture into the opposing half for fear of losing a limb or two. Meanwhile, the home team showed little desire to play football themselves. The cheetahs, apparently not interested in the warm bodies huddled together in the Riena half, frolicked amongst themselves; the turtles hauled themselves into a sunny patch of grass by the penalty spot and started snoring; and the crocodile joined its reptilian friends in taking forty winks. Riena had all of the ball, but there was precious little they could do with it aside from launching it at goal from the halfway line. Normally this sort of Hail Mary strategy might have bore fruit against such unorthodox opponents, but unfortunately for the Wavelets, the opposing goalkeeper happened to be an athletic cheetah with, apparently, quite the talent for playing catch.

The cheetah had the time of his life in that first half, battering away potshot after potshot from the Riena players before racing after the loose ball and pawing it back towards his newfound, highly nonplussed, friends. And so it was that Riena went into the half-time break, confounded by their opponent's tactics, clearly in need of a reshuffle. For their part, the Cheetahs and Reptiles Coalison team spent the entire fifteen-minute break sunning themselves on the pitch. But when the Wavelets emerged from their dressing room, it was with a renewed, if still somewhat shaky, determination to go for the jugular before the cheetahs smelled blood and pounced on theirs.

It was immediately apparent that there was something different about Riena as they trudged reluctantly onto the pitch. For one, they were now dressed up to the nines in what looked like camouflage gear. For another, all of them appeared to be clutching some sort of weaponry of their own. Clearly the manager had felt that her players needed some extra protection against these bloodthirsty opponents. From the kick-off, the Riena players waited for the crocodile to bat the ball their way with a lazy swing of his massive tail. Once in possession of the ball, the team began to inch their way up the pitch, trying their best to steer clear of the most dangerous predators. For her part, goalkeeper Minato was kitted out in full paramedic gear by the touchline, just in case the offensive into enemy territory went south. With a tranquiliser gun in her hands and the ball at her feet, captain Aya Nakiri led the snail-like advance, navigating the many potentially lethal hazards along the way. Her loyal teammates crept just behind her, ready to fend off an interested cheetah if the need arose.

It took them almost ten minutes to get anywhere near the Cheetahs and Reptiles Coalison goal. Still with the ball at her feet, Nakiri approached the gaping goal, careful not to make any noise. The goalkeeper cheetah, worn out from his first-half exploits, was dozing off near the penalty spot. Sensing her opportunity, Nakiri gently tapped the ball, sending it rolling towards the bottom left. Just when it looked like Riena would take the lead, the ball bounced off something invisible near the goal line and struck the goalkeeper cheetah full in the face. The giant chameleon - for it was he - let out a screech; the goalkeeper cheetah let out a yowl; and the ball ended up soaring into the air, towards the prone crocodile on halfway. Showing all the goalscoring instincts of an elite forward, the crocodile sized up the flight of the ball perfectly and met it with an almighty swipe of his tail, blootering it the length of the half all the way into the unguarded Riena goal.

And that would have been that - had it not been for the goalkeeper cheetah. Baring his teeth in fury, he was clearly none too pleased at being so rudely awoken from his afternoon siesta. So it came as no big surprise when he went straight for Cocoa Haneda on the left wing. On another day, Haneda might well have given the cheetah a run for his money when it came to pace. Unfortunately for her, she was wearing a full set of protective gear that hung heavily on her thin frame. So while she was adequately protected, Haneda did have to deal with a wrathful ball of teeth and claws flinging itself at her with unholy abandon. Amid a cacophony of screams and yells as the rest of the team closed in on the goalkeeper cheetah and their unfortunate teammate, Arisu Mano showed the presence of mind to quickly retrieve the ball and launch it straight into goal.

Without skipping a beat, Minato dashed to retrieve a spare ball from the sidelines and repeated the trick once the referee had blown for the restart. By the time Haneda was dragged off the pitch, bleeding from her head, the goalkeeper cheetah had been forced into a hasty retreat by the sharp and pointy sticks aimed his way, and Nakiri had made it three for the Wavelets from the halfway line. With a comfortable two-goal cushion in hand, the Riena players swore never again to set foot into the opposition half, and kept the ball as far away from their opponents as they could humanly manage. For their part, the Cheetahs and Reptiles Coalison didn't seem keen to chase the game. His pride wounded and his nose sore, the goalkeeper cheetah shot his Riena adversaries a dirty look before loping back to his goal and joining the rest of his teammates for a siesta. The rest of the ninety minutes passed uneventfully, and at the end of it all, the referee blew three shrill blasts on his whistle to confirm Riena's 3-1 win over these opponents.

With three points in the bag, Shiranami was understandably pleased at her team's performance. 'I'm delighted at the response we showed when we went behind,' said the Riena manager, 'our tails could've dropped and we could've given up, but we showed the presence of mind to exploit the opponent's weakness right away. There wasn't room to swing a cat in the opposition half, and they made it hard for us throughout, but we did just enough to secure a deserved win.'

Riena next welcome the Plane of Possibility to the Wavelet Arena in Nagato, where they will be looking to continue their fine form with a fourth consecutive win.

Cheetahs and Reptiles Coalison (0-10-0): a rowdy bunch of cheetahs and assorted reptiles
Substitutes: several disinterested-looking tortoises and a couple of sleepy snakes

Riena (4-3-3): Minato; Igarashi, Amemiya, Tsukamoto, Yukihana; Sakuranami, Kirimiya, Nakiri; Haneda, Kanzaki, Steiner
Substitutes: Kugimiya, Kagura (64'), Mano (55'), Kawakaze, Miyano, Samukawa (61'), Ayanami

[Savigliane]

From the front page of read.ot after Savigliane's 3-0 win over Mapletish...

Mapletish 0 - 3 Savigliane
Starting Lineup: D'Ambrosio; Marchetti, Garcia, Giraudo (C) (LeClerc 54'), Vitale (Romano 61'); Toscani, Auvergne, Vatrican (Dirac 69'); Coste, Grimaldi, Durand
Goals: Grimaldi 11', Toscani 36', Durand 81'

An absolutely stunning win from a difficult away fixture left fans clamoring for Tlanx-Nulzk Hal to be extended, despite the manager only recently signing a five-year contract. Mapletish had conceded just two goals in five matches prior to their meeting with the Swans, so for Savigliane to unpick that lock thrice in just ninety minutes was a major feat. Tlanx-Nulzk set up with a more attack-minded approach, with Auvergne serving as a more advanced playmaker than Pietro Giraudo and Vitale supporting Durand on the right flank, and it absolutely worked. The first goal involved both of these chess moves, with Auvergne spraying a long-ball to a surging Vitale, who crossed it neatly for Grimaldi to head home. Mapletish pushed back in what was a wide-open first half, with Patrick and Gauvain hitting a post each, but ultimately it was Adrian Toscani's long-range effort that found its way in instead. The second half proved more static, with Savigliane sitting back (as much as a Tlanxball team can) and absorbing more pressure, but Michael Durand was still able to seal the deal late after some defensive heroics from surprise star Nico D'Ambrosio kept a surging Mapletish scoreless.

Savigliane 0 - 1 Siovanija & Teusland
Starting Lineup: Notari (C); Marchetti, Garcia, Blanco, Vitale (Romano HT); Vatrican, Giraudo, Toscani; Coste, Grimaldi (Squarciafichi 54'), Barthelemy (Durand 54')

While the win over Mapletish had even the most pessimistic of fans thinking about Savigliane's qualifying prospects, the MD7 test against second seeds Siovanija & Teusland brought everyone back to earth. Fueled by an early goal from the talismanic Stanimir Ilev, the Goldhorns were able to do what no other team had been able to do to the Tlanx-Nulzk Swans - hold them scoreless for ninety minutes. And while Savigliane tried everything to break through, Gavin Hughes was able to hold them off even with a lightly rotated side. Only Isabella Coste managed to create something from the left-wing - but her fiftieth-minute cross to Grimaldi was headed just wide, and Savigliane didn't seriously threaten for the rest of the match.

Lineup against Natanians & Nosts: Fasano; Romano, LeClerc, Blanco, Florenzi; Petit, Auvergne, Toscani; Durand (C), Squarciafichi, Montevecchi
Lineup against Eura: D'Ambrosio; Marchetti, Garcia, Blanco, Vitale; Vatrican, Giraudo (C), Toscani; Coste, Grimaldi, Durand

[Abanhfleft]

From the diary of Britt Hanokssen

(A pencil sketch of a young black-haired woman known only by the name "Marija" is to the left of the following entry.)

I almost died today. I can't believe I almost died today. And I was almost killed by someone whom I thought of as a friend too. What is it with me and choosing the absolute worst friends in the world? Why are all of my so-called "friends" so shitty in the first place? Why am I such a horrible judge of character?

I don't even know what possessed me to buy that package, from Marija of all people. I thought she was the last friend left I ever had, but now I know that that's not true anymore. The Crows got to her. The goddamned Crows! I don't know how they got to her but they got to her. They got to her and the Crows told her that she had to kill me. But Marija didn't do it. She couldn't do it. Marija told me she would be able to deal with her boss about not being able to kill me, but I'm not so sure as she is. God, why do people around me keep putting themselves in danger?

At least I was able to come back to Erin and take back my words. If Marija had killed me on that beach today, the last thing I would have told Erin would have been "I hate you!" Turns out I never actually hated her at all. What I really hated was the situation she found herself in. And only now do I realize why Erin keeps pushing me away. She was right: she doesn't want to see me get hurt. But now I also realized why I keep hanging on to her and coming back to her despite all her attempts to push me away: after everything that's happened, Erin was the only one who actually stuck with me, despite everything else. She's the only person I ever wanna be with, and if I have to take on the whole fucking Crows just to keep her safe, then by God I might just do it.

Bisera also talked to me about getting a potential transfer away from Hunsen. She says nothing has been agreed just yet, but she managed to talk to a few people who told her that some scouts would be coming by to look at me. I also may have told her about my attraction to Erin. I mean, fuck it, by now it's more than just an attraction. At least someone could see it for what it is. Not like Erin. I just want her to know what I feel about her, but at the same time I don't know how I should tell her this. And I'm scared that she might just run away yet again if I told Erin how I really felt about her. Man, why did I have to be born a Valerian where being open emotionally is frowned upon? Why couldn't I have been born somewhere else? Anyplace else?

(A pencil sketch of DeAria Tavaris, Britt's friend and teammate with Hunsen Loggers, is on the page preceding the following entry)

I think what happened today confirms it: Erin and I are both pathetic. I told Erin she was pathetic because she couldn't keep herself together without her drugs and because her mom didn't want her at all. I realize of course that that was a low blow to someone who's already down on the dumps as she is, but it just slipped out. I often say hurtful shit like this when the person I'm talking to has done something to piss me off. God knows Erin has done more than enough to piss me off to no end.

I told Erin she was pathetic for not being able to stay off of drugs without taking weaker drugs just to ward off the withdrawal. Now I realize I'm just as pathetic as she is. Here I am enabling her addiction even when she's already tried to push me away yet again. I'm pathetic for coming back and drawing ever closer to Erin every time she pushes me away. I don't know who between us is more pathetic now that I think about it. Maybe we're both equally pathetic, and that's why we keep going back to each other. Misery loves company and all that. Two pathetic girls living their pathetic lives together.

Also, Erin somehow found my notebook. I don't know how she got it, or why she has it, but she had it anyway. She gave it back, thank God. Where else would I be writing this if she didn't give it back? But I have no idea if she's read anything I wrote down. She told me she didn't, but she also saw my drawings. She had to have seen something. But what did she see? I wanna ask, but at the same time I don't. I don't even know what to do anymore. I wanna feel sick.

- Entries dated 6 January and 11 January 2020

---

ZWANGZUG 0 - 0 ABANHFLEFT
█

MATCH STATISTICS
Possession
Zwangzug: 50%
Abanhfleft: 50%
Shots
Zwangzug: 15 (8 on target)
Abanhfleft: 12 (6 on target)
Corners
Zwangzug: 10
Abanhfleft: 9
Fouls
Zwangzug: 16
Abanhfleft: 24

      ABANHFLEFT 3 - 2 SAVOJARNA
      DAGEN (9')       JACOBSEN (21')
   TABAREZ (38')       NWEKE (79')
CARMICHAEL (63')

MATCH STATISTICS
Possession
Abanhfleft: 51%
Savojarna: 49%
Shots
Abanhfleft: 13 (7 on target)
Savojarna: 14 (8 on target)
Corners
Abanhfleft: 10
Savojarna: 10
Fouls
Abanhfleft: 26
Savojarna: 15

[Zwangzug]

Merano Regency

-Zwangzug were held to a draw by the musically hip and with-it team of Chartistan. Critics have called attention to our lyricists' inability to keep up with current fashions. "Do we know who the kids are into these days?" groused disgruntled fan Gary Plume. "What divas they're emulating or what catchy choruses they're echoing? No, we do not."

"I hope the kids have something as inane and mindless as pop music to entertain themselves," fretted the nervous Michelle Linden-McGee. "If they don't have hobbies to get fanatical about, they might try writing the entire culture off as irredeemable and corrupted and bringing about the downfall of civilization, and who has time for that."

Scientists at the AIU have proposed a useful workaround. "Who needs kids when you have neural networks?" suggested Dmitri Rojas, hopefully metaphorically. "All we need to do is unleash a crawler to map trends in popular vocals, then feed it in some test data from Zwangzugians and have it generate a catchy song parody for us. I'm sure the balance of pleasant bops and depressed rumination won't be out of whack at all!"

Akhil Sibal, namedropped in World Cup 85's classic six-verse filk, was unavailable for comment.

-Tensions between Brandon Sonnabend and the federation have continued to simmer after the national team was held to draws with Abanhfleft and Chartistan; they are now winless in their last four games. Rather than comment on his tactics for facing Hafamarimet or Koniglich Wasserstein, Sonnabend's rambling press conference focused on the threat posed by the "Seanchan Empire," who do not appear to be participating in this or any other World Cup group.

"Is it not written that the north and east must be as one, and the west and south must be as one?" said Sonnabend, in what nervous reporters hoped was a comment on ocean currents in the mighty Pacific regions. "Shall we endlessly cast aspersions on cultures or mores that differ from our own, or ought we not make common cause with them to face the might of a greater foe? Yea, I speak of the World Cup Committee itself! It shall not be content sealed and confined to one microstate, but will not rest until it has spread its hidden tendrils across every pitch in the multiverse! For as the prophecies decree-" (here he waved what appeared to be an Electrumite publication of dubious veracity), "--all mortals must gird themselves to defend competition as we know it against this blight."

Sonnabend was slightly more comprehensible when holding forth on the varying roles played by men and women in the team, an imbalance that was pointed out by the Chartistan press. Like many previous Zwangzug sides, female players such as Lissa Crain, Tova Miovuku, and Riley Kivrin tend to be defenders or defensively-minded midfielders rather than attacking. To his credit, the manager seemed to acknowledge that fact. "Only the mature and wise feminine nature can properly humble itself before saidar and subsume itself to the challenges of defending a goal while linked with their partners, a struggle that is not honored by scoring statistics next to one's name. Wild and headstrong men, cursed by tainted saidin, will inevitably succumb to the madness of the search for power and be dissatisfied unless they can rack up goals like notches on their belt." This appeal to stereotype was immediately disavowed by the team, the federation, Sonnabend's former employers in Bassabook, and this one ref we badgered until she said something to get us to go away, but there is possibly a very small kernel of truth therein.

-Despite, or perhaps because of, the national team's weaknesses, the 1./ has seen two clubs into the knockout stages of the Champions' Cup. Cheryl Woen fiercely denies rumors that the "Lopez Principle" occasionally discussed in Aguazul applies here. "I mean, if we let ourselves get the impression that we're a highly organized league with lots of depth and talent instead of a couple dozen underdogs roving the world, what are people going to think of us?" she anxiously wondered. "Next thing you know they'll be expecting us to have detailed rosters and economic transactions that compare favorably with less developed associations, and come on. Who does that."

[Yue Zhou]

RP5 - Chen Xiaozhu
Shiyouwan Bay
South of Nanhai Province, Yuezhou

After leaving Beijiaotongdao, it was just a day’s journey to Nangang. I had suggested taking as wide of a berth from the mainland as possible, which would avoid any naval combat off the coast of Jiangdong, but Dong Daiyu had chosen to take a slightly closer route as to avoid a second refuel. With how quickly Nanhai troops were advancing on Yincheng, and with the revolution taking advantage of the chaos to capture some territory in Beiyun as well, time was of the essence.

So we’d cut across the Xandrian Sea a bit that morning after heading out, with the goal of looping around the mainland and approaching Nangang from the south. Apparently, we’d arrived just in time to witness some battle on the mainland, and the day was punctuated by distant gunfire and rising smoke. We later learned that the separatist governor of Jiangdong Gong Jiabao, with significant help from Nanhai and foreign funding, had recaptured Jiangdong City and surged forward into the easternmost reaches of Beiyun province. Of course, by then it was too late to do anything about it, although I guess some of us did try. Which, again, I don’t know anything about.

I didn’t have much of a connection to Jiangdong, but seeing the city burn from a distance even stirred my heart a little. To say nothing of what poor Meng Huizhong, a native of the province if not the city, felt looking upon it. Certainly, if he could see what they’re planning on doing with it now...well, let’s say it’s a good thing that played out the way it did. But even just looking at the war-ravaged city from a distance, one could sense that it had seriously driven underneath his aloof exterior and shaken him to the core.

But what could we do about it? We were revolutionaries in the north, but in the matters of the south we were mere spectators. Our movements had kicked off after Zheng Zhoulun and Gong Jiabao had broken the illusion of our nation that the socialist government had worked so hard to maintain, and were very much the product of that initial reckoning with what Yuezhou was. It was a sobering thought as we headed to Zheng’s court to do business with the self-declared Nanhai Republic, that our successes had been predicated on the southern separation. And now that they had pushed into the north, very much inserting themselves into our dreams of a liberal democracy, a southern peace treaty with the NPRC, establishing independent southern republics while leaving the north under the coup’s iron fist, could crush us in the blink of an eye.

Things had settled down once we’d passed Jiangdong City. The southern half of the province had long been held by Gong Jiabao’s Jiangdong Republican Army, and had settled into a sort of peace in the past few weeks - Meng, who apparently still had family there, had repeatedly reassured us of the fact. While war had begun to spread to the north, as we continued to sail toward Nangang, the south felt like it was patting itself on the back and resting. Of course, thanks to what I would assume was either Dong or Meng - again, I don’t know anything - it didn’t last long.

And finally, that afternoon, after travelling across half the Yue coast, we arrived at a floating security checkpoint in the southern bays of Nanhai. In contrast to the sparse, hastily constructed checkpoints of the north, the Shiyouwan checkpoint was a sturdy, imposing piece of concrete with several armed guards eyeing us suspiciously. This suspicion intensified when we said we were from Beiyun, but once we’d showed them our documents and explained we had come to speak with Zheng Zhoulun, they allowed us to pass through.

The southern coast of Yuezhou was resplendent with lush forest and rolling hills, and even the water beneath us seemed to shift from the inky black of the open ocean to a warm, welcoming turquoise. It spread inward like a red carpet as we passed into the throbbing heart of the Nanhai Republic, and as we finally docked, a certain sense of ease came over our party. It really shouldn’t have, though - the hardest tasks were yet to come.

[South Covello]

Quotation Excerpts from First South Covello Presidential Debate:

The first Presidential Debate of the South Covello Presidential election was held last night, here are some excerpts.

Opening Statements:

Luisa Benitez: "Ladies and gentlemen, in the past four years, we have led South Covello into a new era, where everyone has healthcare, education, and a living wage. We have publicly exposed significant wrongdoings of the Gregists, many of which would never have come to light without a series of public hearings. We have had a peaceful foreign policy, friend and ally to all and enemy towards done. We have supported civil rights for all who dwell in this great land. Together, we can have four more years of peace, happiness, wealth, and prosperity.

Jordan Wood: "Luisa the Loser needs to get back in the kitchen. It is women's job to serve their husbands. She needs to make her husband a sandwich or a cake or a pie or whatever he wants to eat, then service his personal needs as well, clean the house, and whatever. And also she's not white, that's not cool. Make South Covello white, pure, great, and Christian again. That way we can restore ourselves to our former glory where men were men, women were women, slaves were slaves, and Sister Polus was on every TV channel."

Harold Underpod: "I've got nothing against women like Mr. Wood here, but I do have a problem with those damn socialists like our current President. Free healthcare? Hell no, you buy it and you like it. There should be no minimum wage, no socialist public education, that's pure evil and socialists need to be banished, sent to a reeducation camp, or just shot on sight. Whatever works. But socialism is the evil that is destroying this country, and no man, woman, child, or talking pony should be allowed to be socialist, or they must pay the ultimate price. Our heroes fought against socialism, and I'll be damned if I allow it to continue in this country for one minute longer!"

Sally McGint: "In the words of Samuel Izmailov, Invade the World, Ignite the World. Sadly, he only ignited his own country. We must ignite and invade every country that dares oppress its own people through any ridiculous policies, whether it's laws restricting the sale of cherry pies as opposed to cherry tarts, prohibitng minors from playing pinball, the death penalty, clown licenses, driver's licenses, vehicle registration, laws against mooning, life in prison for farting, or anything else. Bomb the whole world until they learn not to oppress their people. And if we kill a few of their people, who cares? They're complicit by not overthrowing their oppressors. Invade the World, Ignite the World!"

Tru-D: "Yo ho ho yinz, it's me, your favorite pappy pirate, ready to wowzers. With me as your President man, you will have free doughnuts every Tuesday and a free cake on your birthday. Also clowns will be allowed to roam free, they won't have to register like Madam Ladle McGint wants. Together we can move stronger, weaker, greater, lesser, upper, downer, twirly, and pink with purple polka dots for a brighter South Covello. I am Tru-D, and I am going to be the greatest President in the history of whatever country this is. Free weed for all, imported direct from the Royal Kingdom of Quebeckiduckistan or whatever they call themselves. And yes, I know my time is up but I am going to keep talking anyway. I am the panty raider who flaps in the night, I am the totally awesome man utter awesome glad woohoo banish banish banish ok I'm done now."

On the topic of the minimum wage:

Benitez: "We have succeeded in implementing a living wage, one of my proudest accomplishments, but now we need to peg it to inflation so people in 50 years are not making the same wages they are now and starving in the streets. If elected to a second term, I will make it a priority to do that, and will ask the Legislature to make it theirs."

Wood: "Minimum wage is fine for those great folks, who deserve to be making money. For those atheists, women, Muslims, and others bent on anti-greatness, we must have a maximum wage of $0 and they must not be allowed to work, except for women as homemakers. But they don't get paid for that since it's their job and orders from God. Or they can become a nun like the great Sister Polus but they don't get paid for that either, they do it for their love of National Greatness and God and Me. That is all."

Underpod: "Minimum wage is socialism! Y'all are dang socialists! And in my place, y'all will be in jail or dead! There will be no minimum wage! If corporations want to employ slave labor, they should be legal! You can pay one liberocent an hour if you want.Or even one liberocent a day. Or even half a crust of bread. And no paid time off either! That's damn socialism if we require that! I know Queen Luisa I wants it, but I don't. Y'all are crazy if you do, and we'll do as we will with crazies and socialists unto you."

McGint: "Any country with a minimum wage of less than ours should be invaded and ignited immediately for oppressing their people. That is called slavery, and unlike Mr. Wood, I do not support slavery. If your minimum wage is not a living wage, expect to be immediately invaded and ignited by my Presidency. We will show you the awesome power of South Covello. Bomb the factories that refuse to pay a fair, living wage, bomb the legislatrues that don't make them, and then maybe they'l learn their lesson!"

Tru-D: "Dawg, minimum wage is how they make you a slave, since if we set a minimum wage, that's the wage they'll pay you, but you know, if there were none of these Minnie Moose wages, you could make like a billion liberos an hour to play Minnie Moose at Risney World. Which is why as your President, Minnie Moose will be appointed to a cabinet position and will perform in character for y'all every Friday afternoon at a quarter past two.We will have parades of Minnie Meese in costume every Sunday at 11 AM, right after the fireworks. It will be great. But you have to vote for me first. I'm Tru-D and I approve this massage. And yes, I said massage."

On other policies:

Benitez: "Well, one thing one of these clown car candidates said is true. I do want mandatory paid time off to be offered at all companies. 20 days a year plus ten sick days for full-time employees, reduced accordingly for part time employees. Companies shouldn't be allowed to deny time off because they don't have the staffing, that's their problem, they should hire more. But unlike whoever said that, I don't think that's a bad thing, though we certainly shouldn't bomb other countries for not offering it. Look at this stage, clowns to the left of me, jokers to the right, I'm the only sensible candidate on this stage, together we can extend this period of wonderment."

Wood: "Luisa, you'd be in the kitchen if I'm elected. So I don't fear you. Sally the La La Lady, you would too. Women shouldn't be invading other countries, men should. But white men, not people like Tru-D, you know what I mean. Tru-D would be banished to the depths of the depths if I'm elected, if he even lives. Harold Underwear, you're nothing to me, I'm not even going to me, I'm not even going to talk about you. But if you vote for me, then we can have the Greatest Country ever, avenge Carter Redwin's assassination, and excute Jacob Brackers for his death on national TV!"

Underpod: "Harold Underwear? Real creative. But you know what isn't creative? Socialism. It's just evil. And that's why socialists will be sent to the moon in my Presidency if we are to keep them alive. Let them have their moon colony which fails due to their poor economic system when nobody has any money. It will be hilarious. Also there's no air so they'd probably just die. But it would still be entertaining. I like the idea of televising it on national TV, that's the one good idea any of you fartfaces have given me."

McGint: "What countries would I not invade and ignite? Well, us, obviously, we're cool. Are there any others? I don't know. Maybe if there were an exact copy of South Covello somewhere, I wouldn't invade and ignite, but impersonation isn't cool either, so maybe I would I don't know. I really don't. We shall see. Oh wait, I need the Legislature to declare war or I can't do it? I didn't realize that, so I guess they'll have to listen. How will I make them listen? I don't know. But if they don't, then I'll make sure they get voted out by someone who will."

Tru-D: "Doughnut trucks in every yard, taco huts on every street corner, malaria in all our pots, Bellywubbies on every TV, dinosaurs imported from the future, llamas riding into town on their pet fish, goats in the sky, drums beating the beat of lullabies of rocket to your doom, these are all the things that Tru-D will bring yinz if yinz votes for minz. Tru-D out! Now how do I drop this mic? Oh fuck it, I'll just shove over the podium."

[Northwest Kalactin]

Regional Qualifiers, MD 6&7
MD6

AO Group 1
Khytonya 2–2 Legalese
Farfadillis 0–1 Freeport
Turori 0–1 Tioguldos
Krytenia 4–2 Qasden

   AO Group 1                           Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Tioguldos                              6    5   0   1     8    4   +4    15
 2 Qasden                                 6    4   0   2    14    7   +7    12
 3 Farfadillis                            5    4   0   1     8    2   +6    12
 4 Krytenia                               5    3   1   1     7    3   +4    10
 5 Freeport                               5    3   1   1     7    5   +2    10
 6 Turori                                 5    1   1   3     3    5   −2     4
 7 Legalese                               5    0   2   3     8   14   −6     2
 8 Khytonya                               6    0   2   4     3   10   −7     2
 9 Ibixa                                  5    0   1   4     0    8   −8     1

AO Group 2
Pluvia and Saxean 1–3 Netop
Valanora 0–0 Gyatso-Kai
Ko-oren 2–0 Barunia
Siovanija and Teusland 1–2 Mavinet

   AO Group 2                           Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Valanora                               5    4   1   0     9    2   +7    13
 2 Gyatso-Kai                             5    4   1   0     8    2   +6    13
 3 Mavinet                                6    4   0   2    13    7   +6    12
 4 Barunia                                6    3   0   3    12    9   +3     9
 5 Ko-oren                                5    2   2   1    10    8   +2     8
 6 Siovanija and Teusland                 5    2   1   2    13    9   +4     7
 7 Netop                                  5    2   0   3     9    7   +2     6
 8 Pluvia and Saxean                      6    0   1   5     5   15  −10     1
 9 Bonbohk u Piche                        5    0   0   5     5   25  −20     0

AO Group 3
Fjorsz 1–1 Quakmybush
Banija 5–2 Euran Oceania Territories
Audioslavia 0–1 Busoga Islands
Equestria 3–0 Maccian

   AO Group 3                           Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Busoga Islands                         6    5   0   1     8    2   +6    15
 2 Banija                                 5    4   1   0    13    2  +11    13
 3 Equestria                              5    3   1   1     8    5   +3    10
 4 Euran Oceania Territories              5    3   0   2    12    9   +3     9
 5 Maccian                                6    3   0   3    12   11   +1     9
 6 Audioslavia                            5    3   0   2     8    7   +1     9
 7 Quakmybush                             5    1   1   3     3    8   −5     4
 8 Fjorsz                                 6    0   1   5     2   11   −9     1
 9 Sett Forest                            5    0   0   5     2   13  −11     0

AO Group 4
Muralos 1–6 Savigliane
Starblaydia 1–0 Saltstead
Mriin 3–1 Twicetagria
Flavovespia 2–1 Northwest kalactin

   AO Group 4                           Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Mriin                                  5    4   1   0    13    6   +7    13
 2 Flavovespia                            5    3   1   1    12    8   +4    10
 3 Starblaydia                            5    3   1   1     6    3   +3    10
 4 Saltstead                              5    3   0   2     8    7   +1     9
 5 Savigliane                             5    2   2   1    12    7   +5     8
 6 Northwest kalactin                     6    2   2   2     6    4   +2     8
 7 Twicetagria                            6    2   2   2     7    6   +1     8
 8 Muralos                                6    0   1   5     3   15  −12     1
 9 Wreckeria                              5    0   0   5     1   12  −11     0

AO Group 5
Jabal Ahkdar 2–3 Hapilopper
Vilita 1–0 Huayramarca
Commonwealth of Baker Park 2–0 Blouman Empire
Chromatika 0–0 Independent Athletes from Quebec

   AO Group 5                           Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Commonwealth of Baker Park             5    5   0   0     8    1   +7    15
 2 Hapilopper                             5    4   0   1     9    6   +3    12
 3 Independent Athletes from Quebec       6    3   1   2    13    8   +5    10
 4 Vilita                                 5    3   1   1     9    5   +4    10
 5 Blouman Empire                         6    2   2   2     4    5   −1     8
 6 Chromatika                             5    2   1   2    11    6   +5     7
 7 Huayramarca                            5    2   0   3     8    5   +3     6
 8 Jabal Ahkdar                           6    0   1   5     3   16  −13     1
 9 Cosumar                                5    0   0   5     1   14  −13     0

Game of the Day: Siovanija and Teusland 1–2 Mavinet
The game between the consistent qualifier and the rising world power was a good one, as it came down the wire. The former Baptism of Fire champions, Mavinet were able to pull out a surprise victory today, as they beat Siovanija and Tuesland by 1 goal.

Surprise Frontrunner: Busoga Islands
Didn’t expect to see these guys up here? Neither did we. The Busoga Islands have a group with Equestria and Banija, 2 of their most heated rivals, however they lead both of them right now, with 15 points. A solid win over Audioslavia only helps their case for being a surprise qualifier.

Most Disappointing: Audioslavia
Coming into the simulation, despite the very tough group, Audioslavia was not expected to be performing this badly. If they did this badly in the real cup, there would be questions about the teams future, but this is only a simulation.

Rushmore Group 1
Darmen 1–1 San Ortelio
Electrum 0–1 Eastfield Lodge

   Rushmore Group 1                     Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Pasarga                                4    4   0   0     9    2   +7    12
 2 Darmen                                 4    1   1   2     6    6    0     4
 3 Electrum                               3    1   0   2     3    4   −1     3
 4 Eastfield Lodge                        3    1   0   2     4    6   −2     3
 5 San Ortelio                            2    0   1   1     1    5   −4     1

Rushmore Group 2
Valladares 1–0 Govournauch
Yuezhou 2–0 Crystalline Caverns

   Rushmore Group 2                     Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Savojarna                              4    4   0   0    10    1   +9    12
 2 Yuezhou                                3    2   0   1     3    2   +1     6
 3 Valladares                             4    1   0   3     3    5   −2     3
 4 Crystalline Caverns                    3    1   0   2     4    8   −4     3
 5 Govournauch                            2    0   0   2     0    4   −4     0

Rushmore Group 3
Sargossa 3–0 Nacaltora
Oberour Ar Moro 1–0 Nagore

   Rushmore Group 3                     Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Eura                                   4    4   0   0    11    1  +10    12
 2 Oberour Ar Moro                        3    2   0   1     3    3    0     6
 3 Sargossa                               4    1   0   3     4    4    0     3
 4 Nagore                                 3    1   0   2     2    5   −3     3
 5 Nacaltora                              2    0   0   2     0    7   −7     0

Rushmore Group 4
Astograth 1–0 Simulland
Tikariot 2–0 Southwest Eastnorth

   Rushmore Group 4                     Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Cassadaigua                            4    3   1   0    11    3   +8    10
 2 Astograth                              4    2   1   1     3    3    0     7
 3 Tikariot                               3    1   2   0     2    0   +2     5
 4 Simulland                              2    0   0   2     1    5   −4     0
 5 Southwest Eastnorth                    3    0   0   3     1    7   −6     0

Rushmore Group 5
Graintfjall 4–0 Hispinas
Plane of Possibility 0–0 Mytanija

   Rushmore Group 5                     Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Nephara                                4    4   0   0    10    1   +9    12
 2 Graintfjall                            4    2   0   2     8    4   +4     6
 3 Plane of Possibility                   3    1   1   1     1    3   −2     4
 4 Mytanija                               3    0   1   2     1    6   −5     1
 5 Hispinas                               2    0   0   2     1    7   −6     0

Game of the Day: Electrum 0–1 Eastfield Lodge
Well, this game was certainly a fun one to watch. We had the team that doesn’t accept that they won the World Cup, against the team that can’t qualify to save their lives. Somehow, Eastfield Lodge actually won this game, but they are only 1-0-2, trust the process.

Suprise Frontrunner: Oberour Ar Moro
These guys, despite being in a tough group with Eura and Sargossa, have managed to come out with another victory today, which puts them in second place. This was not expected of them, and this play could help symbolize something new for them.

Indies Group 1
Caryton 0–0 North Alazia
Melbergia 0–0 T Republic
Terre Septentrionale 4–0 TBS
New Lusitania 0–0 Icecliff
Indusse 4–2 Emastalia

   Indies Group 1                       Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Terre Septentrionale                   6    5   0   1    19    7  +12    15
 2 New Lusitania                          6    4   1   1    11    6   +5    13
 3 Indusse                                6    4   0   2    15   10   +5    12
 4 T Republic                             6    3   1   2     4    8   −4    10
 5 Melbergia                              6    2   2   2     7   11   −4     8
 6 Caryton                                6    2   1   3     5    6   −1     7
 7 TBS                                    6    2   1   3     7   11   −4     7
 8 North Alazia                           6    1   2   3     7   11   −4     5
 9 Emastalia                              6    1   1   4    12   14   −2     4
10 Icecliff                               6    1   1   4     8   11   −3     4

Indies Group 2
Beepee 1–1 U-koro
Widaya 1–2 Cirrus Azale
Drawkland 1–0 UAC
Poafmersia 2–0 Hebitaka
Juvencus 1–0 Murphtannia

   Indies Group 2                       Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Drawkland                              6    5   0   1    17    9   +8    15
 2 Poafmersia                             6    5   0   1    10    4   +6    15
 3 Murphtannia                            6    4   0   2    11    4   +7    12
 4 Juvencus                               6    3   1   2    10    7   +3    10
 5 Cirrus Azale                           6    3   0   3     8   13   −5     9
 6 Hebitaka                               6    2   2   2     8    9   −1     8
 7 U-koro                                 6    1   2   3     3    7   −4     5
 8 UAC                                    6    1   1   4     5    7   −2     4
 9 Widaya                                 6    1   1   4     4    9   −5     4
10 Beepee                                 6    1   1   4     7   14   −7     4

Waisnor 3–1 Stevid
Trolleborg 4–1 State of Trinity
Abanhfleft 1–0 Squidroidia
Al-Qurija 0–1 Garifunya
Bluecliff 3–3 Freechi

                         Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Abanhfleft              6    5   1   0     9    3   +6    16
 2 Freechi                 6    4   2   0    17    6  +11    14
 3 Trolleborg              6    4   1   1    16   11   +5    13
 4 Squidroidia             6    3   2   1    12    5   +7    11
 5 Garifunya               6    3   1   2    12    8   +4    10
 6 Bluecliff               6    2   2   2    13    9   +4     8
 7 Waisnor                 6    1   1   4     9   16   −7     4
 8 Al-Qurija               6    1   0   5     3   12   −9     3
 9 Stevid                  6    0   2   4     2   11   −9     2
10 State of Trinity        6    0   2   4     8   20  −12     2

Indies Group 4
Trigel 1–0 Cascadia
Hafamarimet 1–2 Quemmor Isles
Zwangzug 0–0 St. Domingues
Geektopia 1–1 PSTCT
Darkmania 1–2 Megistos

   Indies Group 4                       Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Zwangzug                               6    5   1   0    17    5  +12    16
 2 Megistos                               6    4   0   2    13    5   +8    12
 3 Quemmor Isles                          6    4   0   2     8    8    0    12
 4 Geektopia                              6    3   1   2    10    9   +1    10
 5 Darkmania                              6    3   0   3     8    8    0     9
 6 St. Domingues                          6    2   2   2    10   10    0     8
 7 Hafamarimet                            6    2   1   3     6   12   −6     7
 8 PSTCT                                  6    1   3   2     7   10   −3     6
 9 Trigel                                 6    2   0   4     6   12   −6     6
10 Cascadia                               6    0   0   6     3    9   −6     0

Indies Group 5
Smosh Games 1–3 Aepreleh
Hindu RR 1–1 West Angola
Kandorith 3–0 Mexi Catcha
Jeruselem 1–0 Ranoria
Kohnhead 1–0 Sulsuland

   Indies Group 5                       Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Kandorith                              6    5   1   0    16    5  +11    16
 2 Jeruselem                              6    4   1   1    12    2  +10    13
 3 Kohnhead                               6    4   1   1    12   10   +2    13
 4 Mexi Catcha                            6    3   2   1    12   10   +2    11
 5 Sulsuland                              6    3   0   3    12    8   +4     9
 6 Aepreleh                               6    3   0   3    13   13    0     9
 7 Ranoria                                6    1   1   4     9   13   −4     4
 8 Smosh Games                            6    1   1   4     6   14   −8     4
 9 West Angola                            6    0   3   3     4    8   −4     3
10 Hindu RR                               6    0   2   4     3   16  −13     2

Indies Group 6
Gothina Isles 2–1 Magnecia and Galmencia
Tornado Queendom 2–1 North Japan
Kelssek 3–1 Mand Blustopia
Squornshelous 1–0 Chartistan
Sharktail 3–0 Balqia

   Indies Group 6                       Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Kelssek                                6    6   0   0    17    4  +13    18
 2 Sharktail                              6    5   0   1    16    5  +11    15
 3 Squornshelous                          6    4   0   2    10    6   +4    12
 4 Mand Blustopia                         6    4   0   2    13   11   +2    12
 5 North Japan                            6    3   1   2    11    8   +3    10
 6 Tornado Queendom                       6    1   2   3     6    9   −3     5
 7 Chartistan                             6    1   1   4     5    9   −4     4
 8 Magnecia and Galmencia                 6    1   1   4     7   13   −6     4
 9 Balqia                                 6    0   3   3     4   11   −7     3
10 Gothina Isles                          6    1   0   5     4   17  −13     3

Indies Group 7
Garbellia 8–3 Regmotto
Critical Operations 3–2 Socialist New Britain
Mercedini 2–0 Sannyamathaland
Port Ember 1–0 Fluvannia
Squornshelan Remnant States 1–1 Rangers FC

   Indies Group 7                       Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Port Ember                             6    5   1   0    13    5   +8    16
 2 Mercedini                              6    4   1   1    12    5   +7    13
 3 Garbellia                              6    2   3   1    11    6   +5     9
 4 Rangers FC                             6    2   3   1     9    5   +4     9
 5 Socialist New Britain                  6    2   2   2     9    8   +1     8
 6 Squornshelan Remnant States            6    2   2   2     8    8    0     8
 7 Fluvannia                              6    2   0   4     3    7   −4     6
 8 Critical Operations                    6    2   0   4     9   15   −6     6
 9 Regmotto                               6    1   1   4     7   17  −10     4
10 Sannyamathaland                        6    0   3   3     5   10   −5     3

Indies Group 8
Pays Den Haut 4–3 Logano
Frezza 2–1 Silvedana
HUElavia 2–0 Rwezakaland
Omerica 0–6 Transvolcanic
Devonta 2–0 Baggieland

   Indies Group 8                       Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Devonta                                6    5   1   0    11    4   +7    16
 2 Transvolcanic                          6    4   1   1    15    5  +10    13
 3 HUElavia                               6    4   1   1    12    7   +5    13
 4 Baggieland                             6    4   0   2     6    3   +3    12
 5 Pays Den Haut                          6    2   2   2    11   11    0     8
 6 Rwezakaland                            6    2   1   3     9   11   −2     7
 7 Frezza                                 6    2   1   3     8   10   −2     7
 8 Silvedana                              6    1   2   3     6   10   −4     5
 9 Omerica                                6    1   0   5     6   16  −10     3
10 Logano                                 6    0   1   5     4   11   −7     1

Indies Group 9
Lorrana 0–1 Norish Jeia Repa
Pemecutan 4–1 Red Kelp
The Holy Empire 5–0 Armed King
TJUN-ia 2–2 Arklanda
Acronius 0–0 Havynwilde

   Indies Group 9                       Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 The Holy Empire                        6    5   1   0    15    4  +11    16
 2 Pemecutan                              6    4   1   1     9    4   +5    13
 3 Acronius                               6    3   2   1     8    3   +5    11
 4 Norish Jeia Repa                       6    2   2   2     6    8   −2     8
 5 Havynwilde                             6    1   4   1     7    6   +1     7
 6 Arklanda                               6    1   4   1     8    8    0     7
 7 TJUN-ia                                6    1   3   2     7    6   +1     6
 8 Red Kelp                               6    1   2   3    10   13   −3     5
 9 Lorrana                                6    1   1   4     7   15   −8     4
10 Armed King                             6    0   2   4     5   15  −10     2

Indies Group 10
Thibaea 1–4 Yerapia
Acastanha 4–1 Central Shaneville
The Sarian 4–0 United Pink States
Tequilo 6–0 Treekidistan
Sajnur 3–1 ZSeparatists

   Indies Group 10                      Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Tequilo                                6    5   1   0    17    5  +12    16
 2 The Sarian                             6    4   2   0    11    3   +8    14
 3 Sajnur                                 6    4   0   2    12    8   +4    12
 4 United Pink States                     6    3   1   2     6    8   −2    10
 5 Treekidistan                           6    3   0   3    10   13   −3     9
 6 Yerapia                                6    1   3   2    14   14    0     6
 7 ZSeparatists                           6    1   3   2    10   11   −1     6
 8 Central Shaneville                     6    1   3   2     2    5   −3     6
 9 Acastanha                              6    1   0   5     4   10   −6     3
10 Thibaea                                6    0   1   5     4   13   −9     1

Game of the Day: Kohnhead 1–0 Sulsuland
The rising stars of the World Cup, against the nation that loves fish. Unfortunately for Sulsuland, the fish was not in stock today, as they fell 1-0. Kohnhead played a strong match, and were clearly the winners of this game against Sulsuland.

Surprise Frontrunner: Pemecutan
Pemecutan, a veteran of only 2 cycles, makes our list today. They come in second place right now in a tough group that includes teams such as The Holy Empire. Another win today puts them ahead of most of the pack.

Most Disappointing: Omerica
Once again, Omerica continues to have a poor run of form. Their current play has been very rough to say the least, and 9th place is not a good performance. At this point, it is probably to late to turn it around, and have a shot at the cup.

MD7

AO Group 1
Tioguldos 0–1 Krytenia
Freeport 0–1 Turori
Legalese 0–1 Farfadillis
Ibixa 1–2 Khytonya

   AO Group 1                           Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Farfadillis                            6    5   0   1     9    2   +7    15
 2 Tioguldos                              7    5   0   2     8    5   +3    15
 3 Krytenia                               6    4   1   1     8    3   +5    13
 4 Qasden                                 6    4   0   2    14    7   +7    12
 5 Freeport                               6    3   1   2     7    6   +1    10
 6 Turori                                 6    2   1   3     4    5   −1     7
 7 Khytonya                               7    1   2   4     5   11   −6     5
 8 Legalese                               6    0   2   4     8   15   −7     2
 9 Ibixa                                  6    0   1   5     1   10   −9     1

AO Group 2
Barunia 0–0 Siovanija and Teusland
Gyatso-Kai 2–3 Ko-oren
Netop 1–0 Valanora
Bonbohk u Piche 0–2 Pluvia and Saxean

   AO Group 2                           Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Valanora                               6    4   1   1     9    3   +6    13
 2 Gyatso-Kai                             6    4   1   1    10    5   +5    13
 3 Mavinet                                6    4   0   2    13    7   +6    12
 4 Ko-oren                                6    3   2   1    13   10   +3    11
 5 Barunia                                7    3   1   3    12    9   +3    10
 6 Netop                                  6    3   0   3    10    7   +3     9
 7 Siovanija and Teusland                 6    2   2   2    13    9   +4     8
 8 Pluvia and Saxean                      7    1   1   5     7   15   −8     4
 9 Bonbohk u Piche                        6    0   0   6     5   27  −22     0

AO Group 3
Busoga Islands 3–3 Equestria
Euran Oceania Territories 0–1 Audioslavia
Quakmybush 2–3 Banija
Sett Forest 2–4 Fjorsz

   AO Group 3                           Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Banija                                 6    5   1   0    16    4  +12    16
 2 Busoga Islands                         7    5   1   1    11    5   +6    16
 3 Audioslavia                            6    4   0   2     9    7   +2    12
 4 Equestria                              6    3   2   1    11    8   +3    11
 5 Euran Oceania Territories              6    3   0   3    12   10   +2     9
 6 Maccian                                6    3   0   3    12   11   +1     9
 7 Quakmybush                             6    1   1   4     5   11   −6     4
 8 Fjorsz                                 7    1   1   5     6   13   −7     4
 9 Sett Forest                            6    0   0   6     4   17  −13     0

AO Group 4
Twicetagria 0–2 Flavovespia
Saltstead 2–4 Mriin
Savigliane 1–4 Starblaydia
Wreckeria 3–1 Muralos

   AO Group 4                           Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Mriin                                  6    5   1   0    17    8   +9    16
 2 Flavovespia                            6    4   1   1    14    8   +6    13
 3 Starblaydia                            6    4   1   1    10    4   +6    13
 4 Saltstead                              6    3   0   3    10   11   −1     9
 5 Savigliane                             6    2   2   2    13   11   +2     8
 6 Northwest kalactin                     6    2   2   2     6    4   +2     8
 7 Twicetagria                            7    2   2   3     7    8   −1     8
 8 Wreckeria                              6    1   0   5     4   13   −9     3
 9 Muralos                                7    0   1   6     4   18  −14     1

AO Group 5
Blouman Empire 0–1 Chromatika
Huayramarca 2–2 Commonwealth of Baker Park
Hapilopper 3–7 Vilita
Cosumar 1–0 Jabal Ahkdar

   AO Group 5                           Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Commonwealth of Baker Park             6    5   1   0    10    3   +7    16
 2 Vilita                                 6    4   1   1    16    8   +8    13
 3 Hapilopper                             6    4   0   2    12   13   −1    12
 4 Chromatika                             6    3   1   2    12    6   +6    10
 5 Independent Athletes from Quebec       6    3   1   2    13    8   +5    10
 6 Blouman Empire                         7    2   2   3     4    6   −2     8
 7 Huayramarca                            6    2   1   3    10    7   +3     7
 8 Cosumar                                6    1   0   5     2   14  −12     3
 9 Jabal Ahkdar                           7    0   1   6     3   17  −14     1

Game of the Day: Hapilopper 3–7 Vilita
Not only was this game between 2 teams that are very powerful, it was also high scoring and very exciting. Vilita managed to score a total of 7 goals against a Hapilopper team that scored quite a few of their own. It was not enough for them though, as the Eel Cat things scored the 7-3 victory.

Upset of the Day: Netop 1–0 Valanora
Didn’t expect this one? Neither did we. The Valanoran National team was unable to even register a goal against Netop, who has been relatively disappointing as of late, with a 2-0-3 record coming in. That didn’t stop them though, as they beat Valanora in one of the best games ever for their team.

Rivalry of the Day: Busoga Islands 3–3 Equestria
Even though this is a friendly rivalry, it is still a fierce one, and the game today exemplified that as well as it could. The 2 high powered offenses went back and fourth, and neither side was able to win the game in the end, as the Busoga Islands stayed on their great run.

Rushmore Group 1
San Ortelio 2–5 Electrum

   Rushmore Group 1                     Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Pasarga                                4    4   0   0     9    2   +7    12
 2 Electrum                               4    2   0   2     8    6   +2     6
 3 Darmen                                 4    1   1   2     6    6    0     4
 4 Eastfield Lodge                        3    1   0   2     4    6   −2     3
 5 San Ortelio                            3    0   1   2     3   10   −7     1

Rushmore Group 2
Govournauch 0–4 Yuezhou

   Rushmore Group 2                     Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Savojarna                              4    4   0   0    10    1   +9    12
 2 Yuezhou                                4    3   0   1     7    2   +5     9
 3 Valladares                             4    1   0   3     3    5   −2     3
 4 Crystalline Caverns                    3    1   0   2     4    8   −4     3
 5 Govournauch                            3    0   0   3     0    8   −8     0

Rushmore Group 3
Nacaltora 0–4 Oberour Ar Moro

   Rushmore Group 3                     Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Eura                                   4    4   0   0    11    1  +10    12
 2 Oberour Ar Moro                        4    3   0   1     7    3   +4     9
 3 Sargossa                               4    1   0   3     4    4    0     3
 4 Nagore                                 3    1   0   2     2    5   −3     3
 5 Nacaltora                              3    0   0   3     0   11  −11     0

Rushmore Group 4
Simulland 0–2 Tikariot

   Rushmore Group 4                     Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Cassadaigua                            4    3   1   0    11    3   +8    10
 2 Tikariot                               4    2   2   0     4    0   +4     8
 3 Astograth                              4    2   1   1     3    3    0     7
 4 Simulland                              3    0   0   3     1    7   −6     0
   Southwest Eastnorth                    3    0   0   3     1    7   −6     0

Rushmore Group 5
Hispinas 2–3 Plane of Possibility

   Rushmore Group 5                     Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Nephara                                4    4   0   0    10    1   +9    12
 2 Plane of Possibility                   4    2   1   1     4    5   −1     7
 3 Graintfjall                            4    2   0   2     8    4   +4     6
 4 Mytanija                               3    0   1   2     1    6   −5     1
 5 Hispinas                               3    0   0   3     3   10   −7     0

Game of the Day: San Ortelio 2–5 Electrum
There were not many games today, although a game with Electrum will always be a good one, especially against the surprising newcomers. San Ortelio has been solid in the real tournament so far, but today against Electrum, that was not there for them, as they lost 5-2.

Indies Group 1
Emastalia 3–0 Caryton
Icecliff 0–0 Indusse
TBS 1–4 New Lusitania
T Republic 0–0 Terre Septentrionale
North Alazia 1–3 Melbergia

   Indies Group 1                       Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Terre Septentrionale                   7    5   1   1    19    7  +12    16
 2 New Lusitania                          7    5   1   1    15    7   +8    16
 3 Indusse                                7    4   1   2    15   10   +5    13
 4 Melbergia                              7    3   2   2    10   12   −2    11
 5 T Republic                             7    3   2   2     4    8   −4    11
 6 Emastalia                              7    2   1   4    15   14   +1     7
 7 Caryton                                7    2   1   4     5    9   −4     7
 8 TBS                                    7    2   1   4     8   15   −7     7
 9 Icecliff                               7    1   2   4     8   11   −3     5
10 North Alazia                           7    1   2   4     8   14   −6     5

Indies Group 2
Murphtannia 5–0 Beepee
Hebitaka 0–3 Juvencus
UAC 2–7 Poafmersia
Cirrus Azale 1–2 Drawkland
U-koro 1–2 Widaya

   Indies Group 2                       Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Poafmersia                             7    6   0   1    17    6  +11    18
 2 Drawkland                              7    6   0   1    19   10   +9    18
 3 Murphtannia                            7    5   0   2    16    4  +12    15
 4 Juvencus                               7    4   1   2    13    7   +6    13
 5 Cirrus Azale                           7    3   0   4     9   15   −6     9
 6 Hebitaka                               7    2   2   3     8   12   −4     8
 7 Widaya                                 7    2   1   4     6   10   −4     7
 8 U-koro                                 7    1   2   4     4    9   −5     5
 9 UAC                                    7    1   1   5     7   14   −7     4
10 Beepee                                 7    1   1   5     7   19  −12     4

Freechi 1–0 Waisnor
Garifunya 4–0 Bluecliff
Squidroidia 0–0 Al-Qurija
State of Trinity 1–3 Abanhfleft
Stevid 1–0 Trolleborg

                         Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Abanhfleft              7    6   1   0    12    4   +8    19
 2 Freechi                 7    5   2   0    18    6  +12    17
 3 Garifunya               7    4   1   2    16    8   +8    13
 4 Trolleborg              7    4   1   2    16   12   +4    13
 5 Squidroidia             7    3   3   1    12    5   +7    12
 6 Bluecliff               7    2   2   3    13   13    0     8
 7 Stevid                  7    1   2   4     3   11   −8     5
 8 Waisnor                 7    1   1   5     9   17   −8     4
 9 Al-Qurija               7    1   1   5     3   12   −9     4
10 State of Trinity        7    0   2   5     9   23  −14     2

Indies Group 4
Megistos 4–3 Trigel
PSTCT 1–2 Darkmania
St. Domingues 0–2 Geektopia
Quemmor Isles 0–4 Zwangzug
Cascadia 1–2 Hafamarimet

   Indies Group 4                       Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Zwangzug                               7    6   1   0    21    5  +16    19
 2 Megistos                               7    5   0   2    17    8   +9    15
 3 Geektopia                              7    4   1   2    12    9   +3    13
 4 Darkmania                              7    4   0   3    10    9   +1    12
 5 Quemmor Isles                          7    4   0   3     8   12   −4    12
 6 Hafamarimet                            7    3   1   3     8   13   −5    10
 7 St. Domingues                          7    2   2   3    10   12   −2     8
 8 PSTCT                                  7    1   3   3     8   12   −4     6
 9 Trigel                                 7    2   0   5     9   16   −7     6
10 Cascadia                               7    0   0   7     4   11   −7     0

Indies Group 5
Sulsuland 4–1 Smosh Games
Ranoria 0–1 Kohnhead
Mexi Catcha 0–3 Jeruselem
West Angola 0–2 Kandorith
Aepreleh 1–3 Hindu RR

   Indies Group 5                       Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Kandorith                              7    6   1   0    18    5  +13    19
 2 Jeruselem                              7    5   1   1    15    2  +13    16
 3 Kohnhead                               7    5   1   1    13   10   +3    16
 4 Sulsuland                              7    4   0   3    16    9   +7    12
 5 Mexi Catcha                            7    3   2   2    12   13   −1    11
 6 Aepreleh                               7    3   0   4    14   16   −2     9
 7 Hindu RR                               7    1   2   4     6   17  −11     5
 8 Ranoria                                7    1   1   5     9   14   −5     4
 9 Smosh Games                            7    1   1   5     7   18  −11     4
10 West Angola                            7    0   3   4     4   10   −6     3

Indies Group 6
Balqia 2–1 Gothina Isles
Chartistan 0–0 Sharktail
Mand Blustopia 1–0 Squornshelous
North Japan 0–1 Kelssek
Magnecia and Galmencia 0–0 Tornado Queendom

   Indies Group 6                       Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Kelssek                                7    7   0   0    18    4  +14    21
 2 Sharktail                              7    5   1   1    16    5  +11    16
 3 Mand Blustopia                         7    5   0   2    14   11   +3    15
 4 Squornshelous                          7    4   0   3    10    7   +3    12
 5 North Japan                            7    3   1   3    11    9   +2    10
 6 Tornado Queendom                       7    1   3   3     6    9   −3     6
 7 Balqia                                 7    1   3   3     6   12   −6     6
 8 Chartistan                             7    1   2   4     5    9   −4     5
 9 Magnecia and Galmencia                 7    1   2   4     7   13   −6     5
10 Gothina Isles                          7    1   0   6     5   19  −14     3

Indies Group 7
Rangers FC 5–1 Garbellia
Fluvannia 0–4 Squornshelan Remnant States
Sannyamathaland 0–3 Port Ember
Socialist New Britain 2–5 Mercedini
Regmotto 3–1 Critical Operations

   Indies Group 7                       Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Port Ember                             7    6   1   0    16    5  +11    19
 2 Mercedini                              7    5   1   1    17    7  +10    16
 3 Rangers FC                             7    3   3   1    14    6   +8    12
 4 Squornshelan Remnant States            7    3   2   2    12    8   +4    11
 5 Garbellia                              7    2   3   2    12   11   +1     9
 6 Socialist New Britain                  7    2   2   3    11   13   −2     8
 7 Regmotto                               7    2   1   4    10   18   −8     7
 8 Critical Operations                    7    2   0   5    10   18   −8     6
 9 Fluvannia                              7    2   0   5     3   11   −8     6
10 Sannyamathaland                        7    0   3   4     5   13   −8     3

Indies Group 8
Baggieland 1–0 Pays Den Haut
Transvolcanic 2–2 Devonta
Rwezakaland 0–1 Omerica
Silvedana 1–2 HUElavia
Logano 3–3 Frezza

   Indies Group 8                       Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Devonta                                7    5   2   0    13    6   +7    17
 2 HUElavia                               7    5   1   1    14    8   +6    16
 3 Baggieland                             7    5   0   2     7    3   +4    15
 4 Transvolcanic                          7    4   2   1    17    7  +10    14
 5 Pays Den Haut                          7    2   2   3    11   12   −1     8
 6 Frezza                                 7    2   2   3    11   13   −2     8
 7 Rwezakaland                            7    2   1   4     9   12   −3     7
 8 Omerica                                7    2   0   5     7   16   −9     6
 9 Silvedana                              7    1   2   4     7   12   −5     5
10 Logano                                 7    0   2   5     7   14   −7     2

Indies Group 9
Havynwilde 2–1 Lorrana
Arklanda 0–3 Acronius
Armed King 0–2 TJUN-ia
Red Kelp 1–4 The Holy Empire
Norish Jeia Repa 2–3 Pemecutan

   Indies Group 9                       Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 The Holy Empire                        7    6   1   0    19    5  +14    19
 2 Pemecutan                              7    5   1   1    12    6   +6    16
 3 Acronius                               7    4   2   1    11    3   +8    14
 4 Havynwilde                             7    2   4   1     9    7   +2    10
 5 TJUN-ia                                7    2   3   2     9    6   +3     9
 6 Norish Jeia Repa                       7    2   2   3     8   11   −3     8
 7 Arklanda                               7    1   4   2     8   11   −3     7
 8 Red Kelp                               7    1   2   4    11   17   −6     5
 9 Lorrana                                7    1   1   5     8   17   −9     4
10 Armed King                             7    0   2   5     5   17  −12     2

Indies Group 10
ZSeparatists 1–0 Thibaea
Treekidistan 0–2 Sajnur
United Pink States 1–1 Tequilo
Central Shaneville 1–3 The Sarian
Yerapia 2–1 Acastanha

   Indies Group 10                      Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Tequilo                                7    5   2   0    18    6  +12    17
 2 The Sarian                             7    5   2   0    14    4  +10    17
 3 Sajnur                                 7    5   0   2    14    8   +6    15
 4 United Pink States                     7    3   2   2     7    9   −2    11
 5 Yerapia                                7    2   3   2    16   15   +1     9
 6 ZSeparatists                           7    2   3   2    11   11    0     9
 7 Treekidistan                           7    3   0   4    10   15   −5     9
 8 Central Shaneville                     7    1   3   3     3    8   −5     6
 9 Acastanha                              7    1   0   6     5   12   −7     3
10 Thibaea                                7    0   1   6     4   14  −10     1

Game of the Day: Fluvannia 0–4 Squornshelan Remnant States
Today, the SRS played a slowly improving Fluvannia team, that put up a decent performance in the Baptism of Fire. Fluvannia however, was not able to show the same play that they had done in earlier tournaments, as they got blown out by the SRS.

Upset of the Day: Mand Blustopia 1–0 Squornshelous
Somehow, the Mand Blustopia team beat one of the oldest teams of all time, Squornshelous, who won a title of their very own in World Cup 33. Mand Blustopia played stellar defense on their way to a victory, where Squornshelous would fall to 4th in the group.

Surprise Frontrunner: Devonta
Devonta Leading a group is basically unheard of. Even though they are in one of the easiest groups in the tournament, one in which Omerica is struggling to make a mark and HUElavia hasn’t been on their best play, this is not at all the team we expected to see at the top of the table.

[Quemorr Isles]

Group A

Matchday 7
Filindostan 0–0 Damukuni
Riena 0–0 Zeta Reka and Hugeltaldom
Vangaziland 4–3 Sylestone
South Covello 4–3 Newmanistan
Hampton Island 3–0 Bongo Johnson

Matchday 8
Damukuni 3–1 Bongo Johnson
Newmanistan 3–2 Hampton Island
Sylestone 1–1 South Covello
Zeta Reka and Hugeltaldom 1–1 Vangaziland
Filindostan 1–1 Riena

Group A                       Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Newmanistan                     8    5   1   2    19   14   +5    16
 2 Damukuni                        8    4   3   1    15    8   +7    15
 3 South Covello                   8    4   3   1    14    9   +5    15
 4 Hampton Island                  8    4   1   3     9    9    0    13
 5 Vangaziland                     8    3   3   2     8    8    0    12
 6 Filindostan                     8    2   4   2     8    8    0    10
 7 Riena                           8    2   4   2     5    5    0    10
 8 Sylestone                       8    2   3   3    17   15   +2     9
 9 Zeta Reka and Hugeltaldom       8    2   2   4     9   10   −1     8
10 Bongo Johnson                   8    0   0   8     2   20  −18     0

Group B

Matchday 7
The Grearish Union 4–2 Tumbra
Cheetahs and Reptiles Coalison 2–1 Vdara
South Newlandia 1–0 Ancherion
Lisander 2–0 Natanians and Nosts
Brenecia 2–0 Xanneria

Matchday 8
Tumbra 2–5 Xanneria
Natanians and Nosts 1–6 Brenecia
Ancherion 2–3 Lisander
Vdara 0–0 South Newlandia
The Grearish Union 2–1 Cheetahs and Reptiles Coalison

Group B                            Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Brenecia                             8    7   0   1    28   11  +17    21
 2 Lisander                             8    6   1   1    15    8   +7    19
 3 Ancherion                            8    6   0   2    12    7   +5    18
 4 South Newlandia                      8    4   2   2     8    7   +1    14
 5 Vdara                                8    4   1   3    15   10   +5    13
 6 Xanneria                             8    4   0   4    22   19   +3    12
 7 The Grearish Union                   8    2   2   4    18   21   −3     8
 8 Natanians and Nosts                  8    2   2   4    10   17   −7     8
 9 Cheetahs and Reptiles Coalison       8    1   0   7     9   18   −9     3
10 Tumbra                               8    0   0   8     9   28  −19     0

Game of the Day
South Newlandia finally broke Ancherion's six-game win streak with a 1-0 win at home. It has now started a bit of a hot streak for the Elephants, who on the very next matchday, drew with Pot 3 side Vdara away from home. Impressive...

Upset of the Day
A couple of minor upsets in here, but I think we can all agree that the main one is on matchday seven in Group B. Cheetahs and Reptiles Coalison somehow, don't ask me how, defeated Pot 3 side Vdara 2-1 at home. It's been their only win for the entire tournament as they are stuck in ninth place with only point-less Tumbra below them.

[Mercedini]

87th World Cup Qualification MD7 LIVE
Gouvanarch vs. Mercedini
@ Gouvanarch City Stadium - Gouvanarch City, Gouvanarch

Good evening one and all and welcome back home to the World Cup Qualification campaign, today we're in Gouvanarch for the seventh match of the schedule, which is anticipated to be a closely fought match against one of the multiverse's new hubs for talent. Along with San Ortelio, Gouvanarch has been one of the two surprise packages of the group so far, with Mercedini losing ground on the pair of them thanks to their 3-3 draw against Cosumar at the Sports City Stadium a couple of nights ago. That result means tonight takes on much more significance as a loss here would likely see Turori extend their already considerable lead into something that is insurmountable. A win, and a convincing one, will cement Dini firmly as one of the challengers, although it's a long road back from here if they want to challenge for either a top spot or a second place playoff spot. The setting is certainly a grand one, let's see whether they can pull out another cracking away performance, or more of the same from Billic's men.

---

0' - Out come the teams into a cauldron of noise and fanfare, both sets of fans are ready for this match in their distinctive colours. Mercedini have a bigger allocation than in previous games, so more noise coming from the away section this time around which might worry some of the home support. The home side are in their rather striking orange kit with black lettering, while is the familiar blue and black which graces the pitch once again for Mercedini. Billic has named another full strength side, following warnings from the MFA that every match should be well fought. Billic has been resting key players for matches against lower ranked sides, this early in the campaign, prompting questions about his strategy which has led to so many dropped points in this campaign thus far. Alas, you can only beat who is in front of you, and tonight that is Gouvanarch.

3' - (GOU 0-0 MRC) - First chance of the game and it's come early for Mercedini, a free-kick whipped in with pace by Garzallo just needed a touch to give it towards goal but no one could get on it. The ball was curving viciously towards the inside of the far post, but the ball just wasn't on target enough. Brindliev was closest to the ball, and he was left with his hands on his head, rueing that moment. Apart from that is has been relatively quiet thus far with both teams feeling each other out. Nothing on the scoresheet to speak of, although there is much of this match left to play. Billic watches on from the dugout, willing his players to get a big result here tonight, 0-0.

10' - (GOU 0-0 MRC) - We've just hit the ten minute mark and Mercedini look to be firmly on top so far, with Gouvanarch stuck in their half for the entirety of the match so far. Chillotov and Dostalok are pressing hard for the opening goal but they aren't being fed clear-cut chances to open the defence up. Garzallo on the right hand side has seen most of the action, but his balls aren't penetrating as much as he'd like (and that's the one and only time I'm writing that sentence). Billic is just giving instructions to his back line as the midfield keep control of the ball to look for a pass. Goaless as it stands currently, both sets of fans are trying to out-sing the other.

15' - (GOU 0-1 MRC) - Early Goal and one that Mercedini craved since the start, and it's come from an ever-present and reliable source in Johannes Nymark. He held the ball up for a while, passing it between himself, Karlovic and the two wingers. Space opened up for him in front and decided to take a rather speculative shot. The power wasn't there but the placement was good enough to beat Rocque in the Gouvanarchi goal. The ball squirmed past the outstretched glove of the goalie who plays his football in Murphtannia, he will be disappointed with that one. Nymark's number might be up in the coming cycles as his age catches up with him, but it's another goal in the tally for the midfielder. 1-0 Dini, that might settle some nerve as the Golden Eagles take first blood.

18' - (GOU 0-2 MRC) - Goal! Dini have put clear distance between themselves and their opposition with a second goal in quick succession, is the match beyond the hosts already. It's another slice of luck for the Golden Eagles, with Dostalok knocking home for one of the easiest goals he has scored in his career. It came from a corner with Garzallo floating one in from a high angle. It just out side the edge of the six yard box but the goalkeeper did not come for it, that gave Brindliev the chance to head towards goal. It was blocked by the back of de Vandes who seemed to be unaware of the play initially as he went up to contest the original header. Brindliev took a swipe at the ball with his foot, which was blocked by the sprawling body Rocque. The Gouvanarch defence must have been cursing their luck as they saw the ball come back out to Dostalok, who did well to place the ball in the net with a sea of bodies from both teams standing on the goal line. He wheeled off to celebrate, what a start! 2-0!

24' - (GOU 0-2 MRC) - After that flurry of goals in the first twenty minutes, the game has calmed somewhat as Mercedini settle into their early lead in this match, although it has bought Gouvanarch back into the fray. Adhémar Desreaulx claimed his team's first chance of the game as space opened up for him on the edge of the box. His attempt at a curled shot towards goal was tamed by a strong foot in by Toivonen. That took all the venom out of the shot and allowed Hosset to scoop the ball up and send things the other way. The Golden Eagles are singing in full voice as the crowd seem a little deflated after the start to this game. It remains 2-0, but are Dini content with what they have?

31' - (GOU 0-2 MRC) - Billic is sitting pretty in the dugout as his team see out the rest of the half in relative ease compared to other games, that three minute spell seems to have done all the damage for the visitors, now it's Gouvanarch's turn to take the initiative and they are being shut down with a plomb currently. Where was this team in the other games? Chillotov and Dostalok have fallen back somewhat to make a six-man cluster in midfield, the space around the centre circle seems crowded but it's not allowing any ground pass through the midfield. Fifteen minutes to go, will the home side pluck something from this first half?

42' - (GOU 0-0 MRC) - Time is running out for both side to make any further moves in this first half as Dini try to add to their tally while . The midfield has been where most of the battles have been fought, and it is where the ball is now has Nymark fights with his counterpart for the ball, but he lays it off to Karlovic who can look up to spot a pass. Neither team have utilised their wingers that much since Mercedini changed to a 4-6-0 formation. Not much added time probably, Dini look relatively comfortable with their clean sheet at the first half comes to an end.

45+1' - (GOU 0-2 MRC) - Thirty seconds to go in this first half and Dini have been given a gift to end the half. A penalty has been awarded to the visitors following a defensive howler from the defensive line, and then the goalkeeper. Guimand de la Verdure was caught in possession by Chillotov as he held onto the ball following a long pass from the goalie. Chillotov was through with the host's defence slow to react, Rocque came out but Chillotov bounded round the goalkeeper as he dinked the ball over his head. Whether or not the Starling striker milked the tackle a bit is up for question, but he took full liberty of the goalkeeper's outstretched leg and went down like a Sainsburys carrier bag. The referee took an age to deliberate before giving Dini a chance to rack up three in this first half. It looks as if Dostalok will go for his second, and likely but this game to bed if he can convert.

45+3' - (GOU 0-3 MRC) - We're well over the allotted added time, and Dostalok scores! He went low into the bottom left corner and sent the keeper the wrong way, with a couple of boos beginning to ring round the stadium as Dostalok knee slides into the corner. That was the last kick of the half as the referee blew his whistle as soon as the ball hit the net. It does mean Dini go into the break with a 3-0 lead. There's only one set of fans celebrating at the moment, and that's those in blue and black!

HALF TIME
Gouvanarch 0 - 3 Mercedini
Nymark 15', Dostalok 18', 45+3' (P)

Well, well, well, who would have thought that. You'd have to back a fair while to find a half more comfortable than that one for Mercedini. Gouvanarch only mustered one shot on target throughout that whole first half, with Dini having six and netting three in the same period. There seems to be no tactical changes from Billic to begin this second period, it seems he has faith that these layers can see out the game. It is a commanding position, if I we're a betting I would like to think that the Golden Eagles are closing the gap on their nearest rivals in three-quarters of an hour's time. Dini will kick us off, kicking from right to left.

48' - (GOU 0-3 MRC) - The wind is picking up in the stadium, which could cause some problems for both teams if they choose to opt for the aerial route. For now, Dini are controlling the passing play on the floor, as Billic only just emerges from the stadium's tunnel, with some of his coaching staff and some of the substitutes. That first half performance should be enough to settle any doubt on this match, although previous Mercedinian sides have been stung by that way of thinking in previous games. The home-side's fans are trying to get behind their players with some local songs, although a fair portion of the crowd seems less than enthused to say the least. Only a couple of minutes gone, it remains 3-0.

50' - (GOU 0-3 MRC) - Five minutes gone and it's abundantly clear that the home side will be throwing everything to try and get back into this match. They have nothing to lose and will try to get a goal on the board to give their fans and, more importantly, themselves hope. Nothing to show for it at the moment although the roles have certainly flipped from the first half. The orange menace is moving forward and is being willed on by the fans in the stadium who seem to have got their bite back following the first half interval. There are still some fans that are filing back into their seats, although the players have certainly settles into this second half quite well.

56' - (GOU 0-3 MRC) - The host's claim the first big chance of the half, and it's gone to Desraulx, who seems to be the danger man in the side. Gouvanarch took a second bite as the proverbial cherry to get a free kick into a dangerous area. It went towards Desraulx who planted a firm header towards the far post. It look a solid shot at goal, but Hosset just about scrambled fast enough to tip the ball over the bar. A real dangerous moment for Dini, but they survive and look to head forward on the attack.

62' - (GOU 0-3 MRC) - Dostalok with a chance at a hattrick in this game but is denied by Rocque. Chillotov was holding up the play on the edge of the box and managed to get the ball over to Dostalok who was sprinting through the defensive line. There were appeals for offside as Dostalok gathered the ball on the penalty spot, but he could only fire the ball straight at the goalkeeper who came out to narrow the angle. Will it matter in the long run? Probably not. Would he liked to have netted the first Mercedinian hattrick of the cycle? Almost certainly. Still plenty of time with Dini three to the good. It seems as if the close of the match is just a formality by now.

68' - (GOU 0-3 MRC) - Dini have the ball in the net, but it's been ruled out by VAR for offside. It was fairly similar as to how the last chance of the game was created about five minutes ago. Karlovic brilliantly floated a ball over the top for Garzallo, who squared it to Chillotov who tapped the ball in for a supposed fourth. However, upon review, Garzallo was marginally offside in making his run to set up his partner upfront. There's no fourth goal, but it's still the visitors who are pushing for the next goal in this one!

76 - (GOU 0-4 MRC) - Goal, and this match has now been put to bed by Di Sansev with less than a quarter hour to go. They weren't to be denied yet again and it was a simple header which has sealed it. Crasic whipped it in from the far side, and Di Sansev simply rose highest to make contact with the ball. There wasn't anything particularly special about the header or the setup, but the placement was good enough to see it fly past the grasp of the goalkeeper. Muted celebrations from the players, a special moment for the young defender who nets another national team goal, but this match is over. 4-0.

87' - (GOU 0-4 MRC) - Some ole's coming from the away fans as the home crowd begin to file out, Dini have been in control of this match ever since their early double set them up for success. A couple of substitutions has seen a couple of the less experience lads come on the pitch for a run out in Gouvanarch, although I wouldn't imagine any strenuous activities will take place as the game winds down. This is the result that Dini needed from this game, although they need to follow this up with a double win in their next couple of games. It will take them to 3-3-1, will those draws be the iceberg that sinks the Mercedinian ship?

90+1' - (GOU 0-4 MRC) - The referee blows his whistle for the end of what was a rather comfortable game in the end. Mercedini have been known to run up the scores against lesser opponents in the past, but in all honesty they never left third gear. A double from Nymark and Dostalok did the damage early on, and seemed to put the game to bed there and then. Dini had to hold onto their need, but their emphasis was firmly on their attack as they shut down their hosts time after time. Dostalok added a third before half time, before Di Sansev added his name in the goals column with time ticking away in the second half. It sets up a Novapax-Sonnel clash between Dini and Juvencus, before the big one takes place against Turori a couple of days after that. At the end of tonight though it finished Gouvanarch 0, Mercedini 4.

FULL TIME
Gouvanarch 0 - 4 Mercedini
Nymark 15', Dostalok 18', 45+3' (P), Di Sansev 76'

[Lorrana]

World Cup 87 Qualifying Schedule: Lorrana
M1: Lorrana 4-6 Yuezhou

M2: Mexi Catcha 0-2 Lorrana

M3: Lorrana 0-2 Grearish Union

M4: Starblaydia 3-2 Lorrana

M5: Lorrana 2-3 Transvolcanic

M6: Equestria 1-0 Lorrana

M7: Lorrana 3-3 Beepee

M8: Omerica - Lorrana

M9: Lorrana - Darkmania

M10: Yuezhou - Lorrana

M11: Lorrana - Mexi Catcha

M12: Grearish Union - Lorrana

M13: Lorrana - Starblaydia

M14: Transvolcanic - Lorrana

M15: Lorrana - Equestria

M16: Beepee - Lorrana

M17: Lorrana - Omerica

M18: Darkmania - Lorrana

Group 12 Current Standings

Group 12                                Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Starblaydia                            7    6   0   1    21   10  +11    18
 2 Equestria                              7    5   2   0    20    7  +13    17
 3 Omerica                                7    4   2   1    18   11   +7    14
 4 Darkmania                              7    3   2   2    17   14   +3    11
 5 Transvolcanic                          7    3   1   3    13   20   −7    10
 6 The Grearish Union                     7    2   2   3    10   12   −2     8
 7 Yuezhou                                7    2   1   4    13   16   −3     7
 8 Beepee                                 7    1   4   2    11   15   −4     7
 9 Lorrana                                7    1   1   5    13   18   −5     4
10 Mexi Catcha                            7    0   1   6     5   18  −13     1

Omerica - Lorrana
Predicted result: Loss

Lorrana - Darkmania
Predicted result: Loss

[Flavovespia]

Flavovespia fail to find the net

Flavovespia once again struggled in attack, leaving some relatively good defensive work redundant as they lost 0-1. A home loss to a key Group 3 opponent has caused disappointment and discontent amongst players, fans and the management.

A few changes were made to the Flavovespian squad ahead of this key encounter. David Lyons returned to the left back position, in place of Scott Vaughan. Kieron Player was dropped to the bench, promoting David Clark into the central defensive position. Matthew Cope was also given more time, replacing Ramon Martin in the line up. Some trivia nerds were amused by the fact Flavovespia now had 4 players called David starting for them.

Flavovespia did make a bright start to the game, trying to establish themselves as contenders to qualify. 8 minutes in and David Blythe's dangerous cross in was well gathered by Harold Gylfisson in the air. He would be tested again not too many minutes later. David Blythe went for goal himself this time. A powerful shot that moved through the air, Harold Gylfisson did well to keep track of the flight to parry the ball away.

Flavovespia seemingly had the momentum in the first half-hour, with TJUN-ia struggling to create chances. Peliniho had a crack at goal in the 28th minute, but his long range shot was all power and no accuracy. It shot well above David Meehan, well above the crossbar and into the home crowd behind the goal, to a chorus of sarcastic cheers. Maybe Flavovespia were too confident, Pedro Vasquez was able to counter with David Blythe downfield, trying to attack. His ball into the box was met by Vladimir Podolov, but he put the ball straight into the arms of Meehan. Joe Green at the back post was a bit frustrated, he looked in a better position.

At half-time the match was without a goal. Both Flavovespia and TJUN-ia had some decent spells, but it felt like on both sides of the pitch there was a lack of killer instinct. Neither side had registered many shots on goal, and that final through ball seemed to be lacking. A slower start to the second half meant both managers made substitutes before the hour mark. Ramon Martin would replace Matthew Cope, a second gap for the St Astons City striker providing little in terms of excitement. TJUN-ia subbed off Peliniho, with Prince Carter coming on in his place.

Prince Carter would prove to be the super sub in this game. TJUN-ia were moving the ball around in the final third of Flavovespia, and Prince Carter found a gap to receive the ball in. His first touch took it far enough away from Tony Gardner, and created a narrow opening to shoot. Carter, with his first shot of the game was on target, beating David Meehan and opening the scoring after 64 minutes. TJUN-ia now had the initiative in this game, with less than half an hour to go.

Flavovespian heads seemed to have dropped after conceding the opening goal. Every pass just seemed that less accurate, and advancing forward, more and more TJUN-ia players seemed to appear ahead of them. Young threw the dice by switching to a wide diamond, subbing off Jonathan Feld and James King for William Somers and Christopher Ace in the final 10 minutes, to try and make something happen.

Flavovespia had a handful of half-chances in the last minutes, with TJUN-ia holding onto a one goal lead. Steven Hall’s search for a 50th international goal will continue, after his volleyed effort was tipped wide by Harold Gylfisson. The resulting corner ended up in a scramble, with Christopher Ace eventually firing over. On the brink of injury time, Ramon Martin had the ball at his feet in the box, but simply couldn’t shoot hard enough to beat Gylfisson, who smothered the ball.

The frustration was audible in Highland Road at the full-time whistle. Talk of a “must not game” wasn’t exactly muted coming into the game, and Flavovespia hadn’t delivered, instead losing altogether.

Draw leaves Flavovespia 8th with 8 points

Flavovespia drew 1-1 away at Busoga Islands, in their 7th match of the qualifiers. The draw does little to improve their qualification chances, but despite the result there was at least some improvement from the match was TJUN-ia.

Only one change was made to the starting line up prior to this game. Matthew Cope returned to the bench, with Ramon Martin brought back into the side. Some eyebrows were raised, especially with Mark Paul seemingly available, but Alan Young chose an old club favourite to lead the line. Busoga Islands were coming off a 2-2 draw in Cassadaigua, a big boost for their qualification chances.

The decision by Alan Young seemed to be vindicated after just 5 minutes. A quick bit of play from Flavovespia saw Steven Hall open up the defence with a great pass through to Scott Coleman. In a 2 vs 1, Coleman initially looked to shoot, before squaring the ball to Ramon Martin. Mustafa Taal had no hope of making a save, as Ramon Martin buried the ball into the back of the net. Flavovespia had an early goal, and had quickly shaken off the negativity of the qualifiers, at least for now.

Busoga Islands seemed rattled early on. After they took the lead away against Cassadaigua, Flavovespia had come along and delivered the same fate to them. If Flavovespia had done one good thing so far, it was improving their defence in many games, and this was no exception. The back four of Flavovespia were resolute for much of the first half, and David Clark was thriving in his role as the anchor man. Jay Khano and Cicek Aga were struggling for room in the midfield, leaving the front trio of Busoga Islands isolated.

As the first half wore on, Busoga Islands started to find their way into the match, and could count themselves unlucky to not have found the net. Kamu Jacobs had a shot deflected wide by Ian Cohen, that probably would’ve beaten David Meehan if not for that block. Cicek Aga also had a shot on the edge of the box curl towards the corner, but David Meehan was well positioned to handle it. The Flavovespian goalkeeper had shown why he was now favoured over Aarif Muhammad. Half-time came with it 0-1 to Flavovespia, there was now optimism that they really could get something out of this game, after pessimism before the kick-off.

Possession favoured Busoga Islands in the second half, but it was a lot of sideways passing, trying to find an opening. Flavovespia however seemed relatively content with that, putting men behind the ball, and waiting for an opportunity to counter. On the hour mark the chance to do so presented itself. David Blythe intercepted the ball, and drove down the right-wing at pace. He whipped in an early cross, that fell almost perfectly for Steven Hall. The Flavovespian captain put his laces through the ball. Unfortunately for him, the flight of the ball was misjudged, and the shot was wayward, never troubling Mustafa Taal. Hall’s face showed how frustrated he was with that miss, despite Blythe’s calls of encouragement.

Busoga Islands made their pressure and the profligacy of the Flavovespian captain. A free kick whipped in by Kamu Jacobs saw Delbin Kasekende Jr get his head to the ball before David Clark. He steered the ball down low beyond David Meehan and into the net. Protests by David Clark that he was fouled went nowhere, even with a video referee check, and the game was tied up at 1-1.

The most notable moment for Flavovespia came in the 75th minute, with a double substitution. Off came James King, with Kieron Player having a stint in central midfield for a change. Then, the #11 went up in red, and captain Steven Hall was subbed off, a rare moment for Flavovespia. The armband was given to David Meehan, as Robert Totten came on as a sub. Hall’s frustration was evident, as he threw down a water bottle into the dugout floor after taking a drink.

The final minutes were shaping up to be dramatic, a winner would be really useful for both sides. But it just didn’t seem to pan out that way. Neither side could quite get the tempo into attacks to catch out their opponents on the back foot. Attacks that were built up on passing were thwarted by loose passes and overhit balls. Every 30 seconds it seemed like there was a throw in or a goal kick. Ian Johnson came on for a late appearance, with David Blythe struggling with stamina, but he barely saw the ball.

It finished 1-1, both teams had chances earlier to put the game away, but in the end a draw as a fair result. Neither side really benefitted from a draw, Busoga Islands draw to 4th, thanks to wins for TJUN-ia. Flavovespia are now down to 8th in the table, grim reading for a side who came into the tournament, prior to the group draw, talking of this maybe being the year to make the World Cup.

Flavovespia’s final 2 games in the group are against the only 2 sides below them, Hispinas then a trip to Nacaltora. Hispinas have just the 4 points so far, a 1-1 draw at Havynwilde and a 2-0 win over Nacaltora the only games they’ve got their points from. As for Nacaltora, a goal each against Havynwilde and Central Shaneville are the only goals they’ve scored all tournament. They’re one of only 7 sides left completely pointless. Flavovespia would’ve seen these games as very winnable after the group draw. However there is a sense of urgency now to get some wins on the board, if nothing else to at least save some positions in the rankings. Questions are also beginning to be asked of some of Flavovespia’s key players, in particular Steven Hall, who just haven’t delivered yet.

OOC: Apologies for the slight errors I made in my previous RP

[Tikariot]

The pulsating "S" of The Shadow is the first thing that appears on the screen, followed by the sound of thunder rolling in the distance. Ever so slowly the logo fades to black and the faint outlines of a tall, long mountain comes into view, it's snow-capped top and sheer rock cliffs illuminated by the sun while behind it a dark grey, almost black wall of clouds is boiling, an ominous background to the mountain that seems to positively glow in contrast. The camera zooms out to show the cloaked figure of The Shadow on a ledge, a staff with an ornately carved ravenhead on its top in hand, looking out over the plains between his vantage point and the mountain.

The Shadow: Perception. "A way of regarding, understanding, or interpreting something; a mental impression." A quite concise and clear definition of something ultimately vague and amorphous. The saying goes that what you see is what you get, yet what is it that you see? Do you see the dark clouds' silver lining or the silver clouds' dark lining? You look at exactly the same thing, but still see the polar opposite.

He turns around to face the camera, turning his back to the impressive scenery behind him.

The Shadow: Depending on your point of view, you will either focus on the majesty of the mountain, basking in the sunlight and its jagged beauty, dismissing the grey thunderclouds as mere background noise, taking solace in the brightness. Or you acknowledge the sun and the mountain, yet focus onto the ominous weather moving in quickly, already accepting that the mountain will be swallowed by its darkness, preparing for the worst.

The kings have returned victorious, Vilita are back on track. So it seems that they have managed to stem the bleeding, taking strength from overcoming the adversity. So in my metaphor they are the dark storm clouds in the background. The joker, however, did not manage to elevate its hand to overcome the Tikariotian for, succumbing on home soil, making them the gleaming mountain in the foreground, pushing the darkness of defeat into the back.

So again - what do you see? What do you focus on? As Tikariot obviously the mountain, tall and majestic, unmoved by whatever storm might try to attack it. No matter how strong the storm may be, it will not be able to topple the mountain. But look forward, look at the next two challengers for the top of the mountain, Balqia and Hebitaka. What do they see? Balqia, falling to Vilita abroad and now traveling into the heart of the darkness, into the Mountain Fortress of Oriannor, a bastion built right into the side of the mountain, an imposing sight.

Hebitaka, technically as balanced as can be with their two wins, three draws and two losses, but having lost at home against Tequilo, but before they host the Snowy Owls they have to face Newmanistan in the rocketmen's camp, so what will be their last view before the Dark Tide rolls in? Will they see the spark of a surprise against the towering favourites or return with their heads hanging in defeat?

A large lightning flashes across the storm front in the back, quickly followed by a mighty thunderclap.

The Shadow: It is one of the biggest dangers for a so-called favourite, to underestimate their opponents, be it consciously or subconsciously. It can be difficult to conjure up the same level of motivation and competitiveness, especially after two gruelling opponents such as Vilita and Newmanistan. Pair that with the confidence of the proverbial underdogs and you could find yourself in a precarious position.

The storm has almost reached the mountain, but a sudden shadow falls over the Shadow's figure as well. He looks up and the camera follows his gaze, showing that the storm has closed in not just from behind the mountain, but is coming from all sides.

The Shadow: Now view the mountain as the strong, unwavering confidence of Hebitaka and Balqia, standing tall, knowing that they have nothing to lose really or at least thinking they don't. And in a way they are right, in comparison a point is a point they won, not two they lose, yet look closely.

Whipped on by blustery winds the storm has moved in with tremendous speed, the sunlight that had previously illuminated the scenery so brightly swallowed by the ominous dark grey, almost black clouds, dousing everything in a dark twilight. The winds that are pushing the clouds ahead are now lashing out at the trees both on the ledge the Shadow is standing on as well as the plains towards the mountain, their boughs bending viciously, creating an almost deafening crescendo.

The Shadow: Can you feel the dark tide coming?

He turns to face the mountain, raising his staff. Almost as if responding a loud rumble of a thunder comes in from all around, the skies now almost looking like a dark grey, swirling maelstrom, the mountain in its centre.

The Shadow: Prepare for the dark tide sweeping over you!

He brings down his staff forcefully and accompanied by the sound of a mighty thunderclap a lightning strikes the top of the mountain, sending its blinding light across the screen, temporarily making it all white. And then as quick as it came, it fades to black.

[Alasdair I Frosticus]

The Holy Empire's World Cup 87 campaign was definitely back on track. A 5-1-1 record would usually be acceptable after 7 matches. The problem was that Trolleborg's unexpected 7-0-0 was clearly superior. Still, the teams weren't quite halfway through qualifying, and Tzimsices, Tzimsices, Tzimsices, Tzimsices, Tzimsices, Tzimsices, Tzimsices, Tzimsices, Tzimsices, Tzimsices, and Tzimsices (plus substitutes) still had an opportunity to make their mark. In the interim, the following popular ditty from the folk song repertory of World Cup 2 champions Al Quds - perhaps related to the Holy Empire's left forward - and believed to date to a an incident in a crucial competitive match, with a player about to take a potentially match-winning penalty kick in the dying seconds of an otherwise unattested match dating shortly before World Cup 1 - was considered worthy of note in the effort to understand the temporal placement of the Empire's WC 87 squad.


Is this the real life?
Is this just fantasy?
80 minutes in -
No escape from reality
Open your eyes
Look down to the pitch and see
I'm just a poor boy, I need no sympathy
Because I'm easy come, easy go
A little high, little low
Anyway the wind blows, doesn't really matter to me, to me

Mama, I scored a goal
Put my foot against the ball
Kicked it hard, the score's one-all
Mama, the half had just begun
But there I went and made the game a tie
Mama, ooo
Didn't mean to make you cry
If I don't score this penalty tonight
Carry on, carry on, as if nothing really matters

Too late, my time has come
Sends shivers down my spine
Body's aching all the time
Hello everybody - I've got to score
Gotta leave you all behind to win the game
Mama, ooo
I just want to win
I sometimes wish I'd scored them all....

I see a little silhouetto of a goal
Scaramouch, scaramouch I tripped inside the box
Thunderbolt and lightning - very, very frightening me
Gallileo, Gallileo,
Gallileo, Gallileo,
Gallileo Figaro - magnifico

I'm just a poor boy, everybody loves me
He's just a poor boy from a poor family
Spare him his life for this one penalty

Easy come easy go - will you let me score?
Bismillah! No - we will not let you score - let him score
Bismillah! We will not let you score - let him score
Bismillah! We will not let you score - let me score
Will not let you score - let me score (never)
Never let you score - let me score
Never let me score
No, no, no, no, no, no, no

Oh mama mia, mama mia, mama mia let me score
The great Tzimisces has a devil put aside for me
For me
For me

So you think you can stone me and kick through my door?
So you think you can love me and leave me to score?
Oh Tzimisces - can't do this to me Tzimisces
Just gotta get out - just gotta get right out and score

Ooh yeah, ooh yeah
Nothing really matters
Anyone can see
Nothing really matters - nothing really Tzimisces....

I've scored the winning goal...

[Gyatso-kai]

[u]On-board GyatsoAir Flight 3540, Taxi Lane 28A, Republic City, Gyatso-kai[u]
0330 hours local time, 19 January 2021.1

The sounds of the Airbus engines warming up was never a pleasant sound for Hakoda Ishii. While he had embraced many of the more “modern” aspects of life as a Mandalorian – technology-heavy helmet, electric vehicles back on the homestead, modern appliances in his home – flying was just something he never could enjoy. Even back when he was the Captain of the National Ice Hockey team, he still hated flying, and was very grateful whenever bids kept the tournament in one location that they simply flew to, competed in, and then flew home.

But that wasn’t the case with football apparently….

More interesting to Ishii, was how much Mando’a he had been hearing on the trip so far. It had been nearly two weeks since his little “showdown” on the practice pitch, but it seemed to have stuck well. The five Mandalorian players had all taken on leadership roles within the team, something Ishii was a bit proud of. Pam Kai had earned himself a starting spot after Tercar Shuajo suffered a high ankle strain, and then in the last two games with Somchai Kikwan out with some back spasms. Huang Aodhán was a bit upset at being passed over, however, in true Mandalorian fashion, Head Coach Kad’e Tay’haai made the spot open through ‘combat’, which left Huang a bit sore from one haran of an over-the-shoulder throw and Pam quite the energized fellow.

Uthan A’den had become the linguist of the group, along with Dag’da Skirata, and the two of them could often be found with some of the more energetic players learning as much Mando’a as you could stuff into a young and eager brain. Uthan was more of the “technical” linguist, as he knew more of the grammar rules than Skirata, who had grown up speaking colloquial mando’a at home with his family, whereas Uthan had gone to a traditional Mandalorian bajur’karyai all the way from the time he was six until he went to college at eighteen. Literally translated as “Education House”, a bajur’karyai was seen as a way of keeping a child immersed in as much Mandalorian culture as possible, and as such, Uthan had over an hour of instruction in mando’a every day.

Of course, his accent made him sound like was a wealthy aristocrat deserving of a punch to the face…

Tarou Adeen had, in true Southern fashion, found himself as the “bridge” between the Mandalorian players and the elementals. Especially with the fellow Earth Kingdom kids, who struggled with the looseness of Mandalorian culture as opposed to the high-tight and down right snootiness of the Earth Kingdom. Most of the Water Tribe players – there were only three of the them – had dealings with the Mandalorian clans in their territories, what with being traders and hunters, so they had some knowledge of the traditions. The Fire Nation players were in between the two, not as accepting and knowledgeable as the Water Tribes, but not as standoffish as the Earth Kingdom. They came from a culture of education and of honor; there was great honor in respecting the cultures of others.

Honestly, he was just glad it was working so far.

Sure, Gyatso-kai had dropped a couple of important games. Squornshelan Remnant States was a close game, as was Poafmersia, and they were both Top 75 Teams. And Farfadillis – a Top 5 Behemoth – had only won by a single goal in a 4-3 contest. Impressive when compared to previous campaigns. At the moment, going into the last pair of matchdays before the mid-tournament break, Gyatso-kai was looking at an interesting doubleheader; hosting the 355th nation in the world, Socialist New Britain before travelling across Atlantian Oceania to faceoff with Krytenia, who sat just inside the Top 40 at 39th Place. Interesting games, and both Gyatso-kai needed to win. At the moment, the Bisons were settled into 5th Place in the group, just a single point behind Krytenia and three points behind the Remnant States. Ideally, they wanted to win out the campaign, catch up to or even overtake Poafmersia, which would make for an exciting Fourteenth Matchday against the Red Panjias in their own Libra National Stadium.

”Attention passengers, this is your captain speaking. We are currently awaiting for a weather clearance before we take off, and as such, we will turn up the cabin lights and you may lower your tables as it’s uh… going to be a bit…”

By the forsaken gods, I hate flying…

[Sylestone]

The user behind Vdara has an unfortunate habit of not going to bed on time and there are a few of us who are trying to help him get to bed before some ridiculous hour in the morning. Hope you enjoy this little RP I made of it!

"Firetruck" is me
"Country Roads Take Me Home" is Vdara

I know I’ve already posted an RP this matchday amd I probably should’ve held off, but I couldn’t resist. Sorry.

OK, so a good start. Let's see how he responds:


Ummmm, ok? What do you need yams for? Do you eat yam before you go to bed or something? I think we need to get a bit deeper into this.


Not sure I got the message across the first time, let's try again.


Um, ok? Dum di dum go to bed, I hope you mean. And who even is Davie Marshall?


GIF time, apparently. Let's see what his response is:


He's still trying to avoid it, isn't he! OK, spam time:


If I wasn't clear before, now I am. Surely.


Good news - I've finally got a response I understand. Bad news - He's still awake. Time to go hardcore:


I'm sorry, but I can't show you what I sent him. If anyone really wants to know, DM me on Discord or something like that.


Ok, now we've got him distracted. Time to get back to the point.


Time to wait for the response...


LET'S GOOOOOOOOOOOO

[Squornshelan Remnant States]

Three Things
Salwan Mynhier

1. Narrow B-Team Victories
   A bit of rest and recuperation was in order for certain of the first team as the Black-and-Reds took the field against Caryton and West Zirconia. The result, perhaps being that the two wins were much closer than many fans were really comfortable with. In the end though, they got through them taking full points, had a fresh first team ready for Farfadillis and Gyatso-kai, and spread some playing time around to keep the reserve players sharp. It was nice, in particular, to see Izoni Hocij taking the field for the Black-and-Reds again, to score the only goal of the match against Caryton. She's been a bit stuck down the depth chart behind Vladcik and Naqvi of late, but has definitely made a case to be considered in the first team more often. Rian Marko and Damnagoras both earned their first senior caps, though both did so as second-half substitutes. With both Lomidan and Takala out of the lineup against West Zirconia, Black-and-Reds fans got a glimpse of what looks, at present, like the future of the center midfield, with Hashemi and Marrish working quite well together, combining to set up the game winning goal for Storrev. Gerstlauer, getting the start in place of Petrov in that match, was a force, and scored a goal of her own, while also setting up the winner late with a lay-off to Naqvi.
   
   
2. An Unsurprising Loss, and and Important Win
   A home match though it may have been, taking points against Farfadillis was always going to be a tall order. Holding the free-flowing Farf attack to fewer than five is a feat, though. Ok, alliteration aside, Farfadillis are averaging 3.5 goals per game, and a 1-2 loss, while not helping our qualification hopes at all, is indicative of some pretty decent play by the Black-and-Reds. The follow up victory over Gyatso-Kai in Beijing reinforces this. Their play has been excellent so far, and so taking full points from our matches with them is essential if we hope to finish ahead of the Bisons. Petrov, after being denied much possession time against Farfadillis, was in full effect, netting two goals to push her team-leading total to five.
   
   
3. Winnable Matches to Come
   To round out the first half of qualifying, the Black-and-Reds will face Bongo Johnson in Syneca, and Socialist New Britain in, well, I'm not sure where actually. Not much information about this nation is available at present. We know they were formed by a socialist uprising that took control of certain counties of an older nation called "England." Their capital at the time was slated to be Bristol, but their present factbook entry designates the capital as London 2. No word on the status of the original, and it's entirely possible that Bristol and London 2 are one and the same. In any case, our team will be headed somewhere within the seven counties that make up the country. No word from the SCFA yet on whether additional security will accompany the team, as the precise status of the border dispute between SNB and "England" is, like so much about the region, unknown. Bongo Johnson are much better known and actually qualified in both WC82 and WC83, before getting pounded in the group stage both times. They were a mid-table team for the following two editions, and did not enter World Cup 86. Their play thus far has been uninspiring, but they're coming off a dominant win over Caryton, and a respectable performance against Farfadillis, in which they scored three, but conceded five goals. These are matches that the Black-and-Reds definitely need to win if they want to keep their chances of qualifying alive. Group leaders Poafmersia must play top seed Farfadillis, so someone is bound to drop points. We must avoid doing the same.

SRS Qualifying Schedule and Results:

MD1  SWE 1-2 SRS @ First Coast Stadium (cap. 33,000), Auberlin, SWE
MD2  SRS 2-1 KRY @ Megabrantid Financial Field (cap. 69,245), Brantisvogan, Megabrantis, SRS
MD3  PFA 3-2 SRS @ Libira National Stadium (cap. 68,000), Fiskadaha City, PFA
MD4  SRS 1-0 CAR @ New Rudlit Arena (cap. 31,200), Rudlit, West Flania, SRS
MD5  WZA 2-3 SRS @ Edge Hill, Bradley, WZA
MD6  SRS 1-2 FFD @ Bridger Lane (cap. 72,406), Damogran, Algolia, SRS
MD7  GKI 2-3 SRS @ Stadia Capital (cap. 78,050), Beijing, Jing, GKI
MD8  SRS  v  BGJ @ Synesoft Arena (cap. 38,600), Syneca, Sivoliva, SRS
MD9  SNB  v  SRS @ TBA
MD10 SRS  v  SWE @ Reinallt Arena (cap. 41,230), Golgafrincham, Megabrantis, SRS
MD11 KRY  v  SRS @ TBA
MD12 SRS  v  PFA @ Slavnarzeczpospolitastadion (cap. 61,230), Lublova, Molvania, SRS
MD13 CAR  v  SRS @ TBA
MD14 SRS  v  WZA @ Olympiastad (cap. 47,550), Arkintoofle, Megabrantis, SRS
MD15 FFD  v  SRS @ TBA
MD16 SRS  v  GKI @ Castle Street (cap. 57,300), Jaglan, Algolia, SRS
MD17 BGJ  v  SRS @ TBA
MD18 SRS  v  SNB @ Ralph Wilson Memorial Stadium (cap. 48,700), Han Dold City, Han Dold, SRS

[Valanora]

Confidence is the silent, insidious killer of form and a squads morale. It is insidious because the irony is that a certain amount of confidece needed from players, managers, and teams as a whole so that they can go out there and perform at their very best. Confidence allows a team that ought to be rolled completely over by a team that is vastly more skilled than they to instead ne able to give a good account of themselves and even pull an unlikely result. It enables greatness to arrive from the most unlikely of places and yields the sort of results that can inspire teams and individuals to even greater deeds.

Where would Laborious Hawk be without the confidence that has been instilled into him over decades of playing at the highest of levels? Better yet, could he have become the player and person that he is today had he not had the confidence to take on the trial at Hondo FC in the first pace and then to go abroad and ply his trade in the challenging of circumstances? While we can never know the answer for certain, what is true without a doubt that he needed confidence in his self to make good on all those situations that presented themselves to him, to take the road less traveled at the fork in the road. Every single time Hawk laces up his boots, we see the byproduct and eventual end of the high side of confidence.

What we do not see often and what is seldom talked about is the insidious underbelly of confidence and its negative consequences. The form wrecking, personality splitting of abundant confidence that turns into overconfidence. This excess of what breathes life into the impossible is on the inverse what can turn players and managers alike into arrogant pretenders who enrage both friend and foe. In addition it leaves you blind to your own weaknesses and shortcomings, allowing you to keep making the same mistakes until it comes back to bite you in the rear. It shelves your humility for the face of a cocky, arrogant personality that few wish to associate with and fewer still will work with to make better.

That need be the danger that the Marauders face off against, their own internal demons as well as the opponents. The side is riding high and has maintained a perfect record through the qualifiers thus far, with Ludwig having looked very much as good as advertised. The side has to stay focused though and not allow themselves to get too high on the perfect run or prematurely celebrate. There is still two games left in this half of the cycle to see out and only then can they take a breather to reflect. Two difficult games where they must stay humble and disciplined and not let the insidious beast of overconfidence cloud their judgment.

[Kelssek]

Retooled squad gets into gear

When Kelssek manager Andrea Crowe said at the start of the campaign that everyone’s spot on the team is up for grabs and players will have to show every match they deserve that place, it was quickly glossed over as typical coach-speak. But in the matches so far, the lineup has been significantly shaken up from the team that went to World Cup 86 and it’s hard to argue with the results, after wins against Barunia and Tornado Queendom put Kelssek in second place of Group 11 with five wins from six.

Tyler Shrub, James McDonald, Phillip Lozic, Issac Lafrenière are all new faces who have put in great performances to justify their selection, while Loïc Maçon-Petrault and Andrey Yusupov are players who have been trusted with bigger roles and repaid Andrea Crowe’s faith in the seven matches so far. The added competition has seen Ruslan Demetriev, still nominally Kelssek captain, sitting on the bench more often than not as the fight is on for a place in the starting eleven.

It’s also made clear that Andrea Crowe is watching how players perform for their clubs very carefully, as Ashley Douglass has found herself moved to the fringes after an indifferent spell for CF Outineau, while the strategy of landing themselves in the Elven Premier League, still tussling with a few others for the title of most-watched football league in Kelssek, has been good exposure for James McDonald, Seamus Wylten, Mason Blueman, and Tyler Shrub.

The machinations of Shaheen Taleb’s agent to find the Sleepy Hollow forward a move to a bigger club may well have something to do with this selection policy, although Taleb’s social media these days is flooded with professions of loyalty and gratitude to Sleepy Hollow’s amazing fans and how much he enjoys living in Taeshan. Albeit the latter could also be a coded message to Bayern Phoenix, which is rumoured to be monitoring the situation closely and where the tantalizing prospect of linking up with Tim Bowler would also be on offer.

Kelssek now have matches against Squidroidia and Wreckeria. They'll aim to keep the winning run going after a solid and efficient performance away to Barunia, followed by a shaky and complacent home game against Tornado Queendom which saw a visibly irate Crowe reorganize the teams with two halftime substitutions, a total of 22 attempts on goal, mostly poor ones, before Matt Lister was sent on to knock in a cross and promptly did so.

BARUNIA 1 – Thomas (79’)
KELSSEK 2 – Liadon (17’), Blueman (33’)
Poirier, Liadon, Fourtin, Lozic, Shrub, Blueman, Lapierre (Demetriev 71’), Ó Tuathail (Lafrenière 80’), McDonald, Wylten (Torshen 78’), Taleb.

KELSSEK 1 – Lister (82’)
TORNADO QUEENDOM 0
Gallagher, Bowler, Lozic, Fourtin, Farahani (Vinter 45’), Blueman (Demetriev 45’), Dionne, Lafrenière, Yusupov, Maçon-Petrault (Lister 66’), Karven.
Venue: Exhibition Place, Kirkenes (attendance 28,732)

[Squidroidia]

Red Hot Squidroidia. They aren't red hot, nor red or hot, they are just Squidroidia. 3 wins in a row, including a game against Icecliff that ended up being a wash so washy that it ended up tying the biggest win margin in an official Squidroidia match, doesn't qualify as red hot. It was only 3 wins in a row, and even in World Cup qualifying they had bigger win streaks. It was nowhere near red hot. It was just a lucky run that had them go from losing the Untitled Elf Game (Like everyone has) to wins against lowly ranked opposition and Barunia.

But the media called it red hot anyways, mainly due to that Icecliff battering. Red Hot Squidroidia was called Red Hot Squidroidia because they only won 6-1 once beforehand and they thought it was fun. Even with Hideo's hat trick, a goal by Brooks (!) and Itō and Kiichi partnering up for the other 2 (Both with one goal and one assist, of course to each other), it was the media's idea, not the team's. They were Red Hot Squidroidia for marketing and marketing only. Ryūzaki Mito only had to say one thing about that stunt: "We haven't beaten Kelssek yet."

Kelssek were the final team from the first 3 pots that Squidroidia hadn't faced yet. Yes they lost to Valanora (Again, Untitled Elf Game) and Darmen, but they hadn't played Kelssek yet. With Squidroidia away so much from the top 2, they had to win against Kelssek to keep any realistic chance of qualifying alive. A win against a top side like them was the thing separating Squidroidia from a shot at their first ever appearance in the main tournament, and if they lost, they would most likely cruise around and wait for the Cup of Harmony to start. With 3 losses on the book, they can't take another one, not at this stage of the game.

Tornado Queendom at home? Seemed like an easy win, hopefully enough momentum to get them to beat Wreckeria away. But Kelssek away was the big one everybody was looking forward to. The team was basically at full strength, but even then full strength wasn't enough to beat a top team... Unless you somehow count Quebec away last qualifiers. With this Kelssek team? They would probably win, but as they say, don't count out Squidroidia. Kirkenes will be an interesting setting for a game that means more than everything in the Inklings qualification hopes. A loss here would be devestating.

Oh yeah, and Ruslan Demetriev is definitely sus.

---

Alternate Universe W87CQR
Tracking the Unofficial World Championships, part 2
With Shotclocking Supersquid

And now a little update from our friends at the Unofficial World Championships. 2 more matchdays have passed since I covered where both the lineal and interim belts stand as of now, and so far both belts has been traded... Twice. Both the Lineal belt in FFI Group 3. Neither belt has switched owners after matchdays 6 and 7, and Freechi (With 4 defenses) and Commonwealth of Baker Park (With 7 defenses in their run since the AOCAF Cup) still hold on to their status as Unofficial World Champions heading into the end of the first half of this regional qualifiers system. So, let's see how the belts have held on to their current occupiers.

Starting with the Lineal Belt, the oldest belt still in circulation and being held by Freechi at the moment, the next one in line to challenge for the belt was, again, the Bluecliff League, hoping to get another bite at the cherry after losing 1-0 to Trolleborg on matchday 2. Whilst one may cheer on Bluecliff League for their style or their story, as the Free Cities united under one banner, another fan, a more "geeky" football fan, might have cheered them on to finally get their hands on the most prized Lineal Belt, a symbol of pride within the Bluecliff League... They tried. They scored 3 goals against Freechi in fact! But at the end of the day, fate sided with what she knew. A 3-3 tie. Freechi would defend it again the next matchday, with a 1-0 win against Waisnor. And that's where the Lineal Belt stands.

The Interim Belt, unlike the Lineal Belt, was a lot more boring at first, with Commonwealth of Baker Park winning 2-0 against the Blouman Empire, before Huayramarca went to town, hoping to stop CBP on Matchday 7. That would end in a 2-2 draw, with Huayramarca wondering what could have been. Their first ever Unofficial World Championship belt in their long history... And Baker Park came along to end their chances. Lesson learned kids: Don't root for CD FAS.

As it currently stands before the halfway point, neither team are keen on catching Unified Sunrise Islands and their all-time defense record of 35. The Lineal Belt holders in Freechi have Garifunya and Squidroidia as their final 2 opponents before the halfway point, while Commonwealth of Baker Park has to contend with Hapilopper and UWC veteran Cosumar before returning to the rest of their group. And remember, there is still 9 more matchdays to go in qualifying when those are set and done. Garifunya and Hapilopper are hoping to get their hands on a belt for the second time, Cosumar for the ninth time and Squidroidia for the first time, a win against Freechi meaning they will be the 219th nation to hold onto some form of the Unofficial World Championship.

The points these nations can slip up? For Freechi, they have to defend their belt against Garifunya and Squidroidia to keep any sort of chance of keeping their belt for more than, oh, 4 matchdays. As for Commonwealth of Baker Park, they have been proven to beat up on smaller opposition in their AOCAF group. Wins against a weakened Cosumar and Hapilopper will be expected. Their next potential slip up point will be against the Jungle Cats on Matchday 11, and only then can we see what their run will look like. This belt is destined to go somewhere by the time I get back to doing this.

Please check the coffee while I'm gone, thank you very much.

[Kohnhead]

One point in four matches...

After a great start to qualifiers our middle has been mired by tough losses and inconsistencies in draws. A draw against current 4th place and 102nd ranked Natanians and Nosts isn't bad per say but we know we can do better than that. The 4-0 loss to Eura at home with THE Unofficial World Champion Belt on the line hurts a bit but then again it is the Kohnhead way to get dominated to the pot 1 team and 10th ranked Eura were just continuing the tradition started by The Equestrian States last cycle.

Against Natanians and Nosts we found ourselves once again down early allowing a goal in the 9th minute as Taylor Rodar gave up a penalty. Rodar has been decent defensively but has yet to really do anything offensively but this was a completely unecessary and undisciplined penalty she gave up and got herself a yellow card.

We would get a goal back in the 51st minute unlike the last couple of games we came out fresh from halftime. Aaron Korkson getting this one with the assist going to Sophie Johnson who has really stepped up in her first matches as a starter for the squad. She put in a great ball allowing Korkson to volley it out of the air and beat the keeper with relative ease, just like that it was a tied match.

Ida Cogginter on as a sub looked refreshed in her new role and added what could have been the winning goal in the 76th minute with Rallyton getting the assist. It was looking good for us and I can only imagine what a win in this match would have done for us but Natanians and Nosts were not ready to just give us the three points without more of a fight.

We settled into a defensive style of play content to wait out the 15 minutes left of play but unfortunately the game did not go the way we had intended it. Natanians and Nosts would score an equalizer in the second minute of extra time as a +4 had been indicated. It was an unlucky bounce for us that's all it was as the original half hearted shot had been blocked by Claire Corton, they were lucky really to have been in the perfect position to score at least that's what we would call it.


The next match against Eura back at Chicken King Stadium which has not been kind to us thus far Eura smacked us around as many anticipated with the The Unofficial World Champion Belt on the line. I don't know what we were expecting really as The Brains just looked outmatched and outskiled by Eura who dominated the match limiting our chances and controlling possession and field position.

A couple matches ago we talked about Eura underperforming down in 5th place through five games. However they have picked up six points in their last two games against us and Pemecutan to bring themselves up to 3rd and I don't really see them stopping there. We walked out of the stadium after this loss dejected and humiliated in front of our fans who should have probably forseen this.

A look at the table confirms what many had been suspecting from the start and that is our first cycle was a fluke and this team and this nation just isn't talented enough to really make a push for it. Okay that might be an exaggeration but sitting in 8th through seven games we really need to pick this up especially if Michael White wants to retain his job.

Group 19                                Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Siovanija & Teusland                   7    5   1   1    17   10   +7    16
 2 Savigliane                             7    5   0   2    14    9   +5    15
 3 Eura                                   7    4   2   1    19    9  +10    14
 4 Natanians and Nosts                    7    4   1   2    17   13   +4    13
 5 Mapletish                              7    3   2   2     6    5   +1    11
 6 Pemecutan                              7    3   1   3    12   12    0    10
 7 Port Ember                             7    2   3   2    11    9   +2     9
 8 Kohnhead                               7    2   2   3    19   17   +2     8
 9 Al Qurija                              7    1   0   6    10   20  −10     3
10 United Pink States                     7    0   0   7     5   26  −21     0

Next up we travel to take on 6th place and pot 7 team Pemecutan who are ranked 192 in the World. Pemecutan in their second cycle have done decent as they sit in 6th place at 10 points and even managed to put their name in the history books by grabbing the Belt from Siovanija & Teusland on matchday 4. This and the match after against 9th place Al Qurija need to both be wins to send us into the halway mark at 14 points, another loss and this team will be in shambles. In addition after the 9th place team we have the team in last in the United Pink States who we beat 7-2 in the first match of the cycle. With a very easy schedule coming up Kohnhead need to take full advantage of it to stay in the race for qualification before it becomes too late.