World Cup 87 - RP Thread

[Quemorr Isles]

Esportivan Regional Qualifiers - Matchdays One and Two

Group A

Matchday 1
Newmanistan 1–1 Damukuni
Sylestone 5–1 Bongo Johnson
Zeta Reka and Hugeltaldom 0–1 Hampton Island
Filindostan 1–1 South Covello
Riena 1–0 Vangaziland

Matchday 2
Damukuni 1–1 Vangaziland
South Covello 1–0 Riena
Hampton Island 2–1 Filindostan
Bongo Johnson 0–4 Zeta Reka and Hugeltaldom
Newmanistan 3–4 Sylestone

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

Group B

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

Matchday 2
Tumbra 1–2 South Newlandia
Lisander 1–0 Cheetahs and Reptiles Coalison
Brenecia 3–2 The Grearish Union
Xanneria 4–3 Vdara
Natanians and Nosts 0–1 Ancherion

Group B                            Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Ancherion                            2    2   0   0     3    1   +2     6
   South Newlandia                      2    2   0   0     3    1   +2     6
 3 Lisander                             2    1   1   0     3    2   +1     4
 4 Natanians and Nosts                  2    1   0   1     3    2   +1     3
 5 Xanneria                             2    1   0   1     5    5    0     3
 6 Vdara                                2    1   0   1     4    4    0     3
 7 Brenecia                             2    1   0   1     3    3    0     3
 8 The Grearish Union                   2    0   1   1     4    5   −1     1
 9 Cheetahs and Reptiles Coalison       2    0   0   2     0    2   −2     0
10 Tumbra                               2    0   0   2     2    5   −3     0

Note that this is an RP series and the results are meaningless

[Murphtannia]

A Brilliant start



“Hello and welcome to Ground Sports, I’m Phil and joining me is Gil, making a return for another World Cup qualifying campaign.”

“Hi Phil, I’m excited to be here to commentate on the World Cup, and I can’t believe I get to watch the game for free.”

“Yes Gil, it was in the job description. Anyway we are here at the recently expanded Murphtannia stadium, 200,000 capacity, and it has been filled to the Brim with Murphtannians and HUElavians.”

“Yanno Phil this wasn’t cheap, one might think the Prime Minister was over compensating for something…. Phil? …… Phil why aren’t you answering? …. Who are these guys? Wait no i’m innocent I swea-”

“Now that Gil has gone on a little trip let’s get back to the game shall we. Actually the lineups have just been released, and the players have stopped warming up and gone back inside which means it’s almost time for the game to begin, but first here are the Lineups for the 2 sides.

The Lineup


First the home lineup, where Manager Murphy will be using his classic 4-4-2 diamond narrow formation.

In goal for Murphtannia starts Adam Ball, the national team keeper keeping his place after a fine season for The Wolves Club, although he is still trying to get people to sign him after his requested transfer listing. We are looking forward to seeing if he can keep up his impressive form from last season.

In defence we had the classic CB pairing of Pallet and Banks, while Cartlidge and Bridges keep their spots as full backs. Bridges will be looking to impress this game, a poor season in club football leaving his national team status in doubt.

In CDM Steven Hurricane gets the call up, which many pundits had predicted given AFC Walsall United’s awful season , which Marley didn’t help, and Hurricanes impressive performances in FVA, many will be wondering if he can secure his spot as starting CDM with an impressive performance.

In a more attacking sense Jenkins and Owen keep their spots, both impressive in Villa’s title win this season, and they will be looking to continue their good form from the previous World Cup.

And in CAM remains Jake Styler, who after an impressive season for Molding has moved to Euran side Bastion Lions, however O’Reilly also impressed this season and is just behind Styler, so he’ll need to be at his best if he is to keep his spot.

Finally in attack there is the usual presence of Captain Murph, who had an outstanding season yet again as he continues to rip the MPL apart. Partnering him is Pole. With the callup of Alex Saunders after an impressive season at Kinetik Islanders many were wondering if Saunders would replace Pole, but Pole had a very good season for Maigburg and this has elevated him to national team starter, and everyone is excited to see if the 2 players can keep up this form.”



“Now for the Away line up, where manager Estela Garcia Kimura is going with a 4-2-3-1 formation.

Starting in Goal for HEUlavia is Jose Antionio Lobato, the 29 year old 1.85m goal keeper looking to keep a clean sheet to start the Qualifying campaign with.

In defence are Amaru, Nazarenko, Mendieta and Marino who will be confident that they can keep any attacking threat from Murphtannia to a minimum.

Sat in front of the defence is a Midfield duo of Conti-Esposito and Duran, while further in front Sissoko, Sakaguchi and Navarro will be trying to help the lone striker in the form of Hamada-Navarro.”


“Well the Lineups are done, the players are ready to kick off, the atmosphere is buzzing with excitement, but a bit of nerves as well, after all HUElavia are favourites for this game, but it wouldn’t be the first upset Murphtannia have achieved, and as Navarro kicks the ball to Duran the game begins.”


The First Half


4th minute, it’s been a bright start for Murphtannia, they’ve come out with a spring in their step. They appear to have created a chance here, Cartlidge running down the wing before crossing it into the box, but Lobato jumps and easily claims the ball. 0-0”


15th minute “Despite Murphtannia’s bright start the game has evened out now, but Pole has mis-timed a pass and Duran nicks the ball off him, starting a counter attack Duran passed the ball too Hamada-Navaroo, who plays a defence splitting pass, making a fool out of Banks as he goes for the tackle and Hamada-Navarro simply side steps him.

The pass has played in Sissoko who’s 1 on 1 with Ball, goes around the keep and GOALLLL, Sissoko smashes it into the middle of the net, so hard the net snaps, he reels away in celebration as he puts HUElavia 1-0 up, a wonderful pass from Hamada-Navaroo and a even better finish from Sissoko. This may be the goal that tilts this even game into HUElavia’s favour.

15 minutes played, 0-1”

17th Minute “Ever since they went a goal down Murphtannia have doubled their efforts, making attack after attack after attack. Murphy has started an attack now, picking up the ball and passing it sideways to Pole, who tries to run into a box but is forced wide by Ameru, but Pole finds space for a cross and

GOALLLLLL, A BRILLIANT CROSS INTO THE BOX AND STYLER GETS HIS HEAD ON THE END OF IT, SENDING IT INTO THE BOTTOM RIGHT HAND CORNER TO MAKE IT 1-1, HE WHEELS AWAY IN CELEBRATION AS THE FANS GO WILD, THEY WEREN’T EXPECTING THIS.

A brilliant header from Styler to level the game, and you can really hear the Murphtannian fans now, 1-1”


30th Minute “Murphtannia seem to be in full control now, keeping HEUlavia in their own half, and as Murphy plays in Pole they looked like they would gain the lead, but a Brilliant save from Lobato to deny the striker, and Styler blasts it over the crossbar on the rebound. “

40th Minute “The manager will be having words with their players after this performance, HUElavia seem devoid of attacking ideas, and look to be trying to hold onto the point. Jenkins has started another attack now, taking the ball from his own half to the 6 yeard box, then passing it back to Owen, who passes it to Styler, who passes it to the oncoming Bridges, excellent passing play here as Murphtannia try and find some space, which is found when Styler passes it to Jenkins who plays in Murphy, he’s 1 on 1 with the keeper, he controls the ball, looks up, hits it.

IT’S IN 2-1 TO MURPHTANNA AS THE BALL IS SMASHED INTO THE BACK OF THE NET, A CLEAN POWERFUL STRIKE FROM MURPHY, LAMBARTO HAS NO CHANCE, AND MURPHY SPRINTS TO THE FANS DIVING IN AS HE IS HUDDLED BY FANS AND TEAMMATES ALIKE.

I celebrated that much I fell out of my chair, chants of “Who are ya, who are ya, who are ya, who are ya” are ringing around the Murphtannia Stadium, as we look on course to pull off another upset.”


“Half time here at the Murphtannia stadium, after an even 15 minutes, Murphtannia really came into the game and dominated, and now went into halftime with a 2-1 lead. I imagine there will be very different half time talks from the 2 managers. Still we shouldn’t get too carried away, plenty of time for HUElavia to get back into this game, this has been Phil and we’ll get back to you at the start of the second half”

The Second Half




60th minute “The game has been fairly even thus far, both sides playing to their best, but HUElavia are starting to put on pressure, the game remains Murphtannia 2-1 HUElavia

65th minute “Murphtannia are making some subs now, Alex Saunders coming off the bench to replace Pole to make his debut, while Bridges comes off for Jude Elliot who makes his debut.”

80th minute “Huelavia have been building the nerves in this game, slowly pushing back Murphtannia, however Murphtannia find themselves on a quick break after Pallett easily heads away a HUElavia corner, and into the path of Jude Elliott who is running down the wing now, he uses some fine skill to beat Marino, he keeps running, stops, whips in a brilliant cross, Saunders tries the over head kick. WHAT A GOALLLLLLLLL, SAUNDERS USES THE OVER HEAD KICK TO BLAST THE BALL INTO THE TOP RIGHT HAND CORNER, WHAT A COAL TO GET ON YOUR DEBUT, SAUNDERS HAS SPRINTED INTO THE STANDS AS HE ALL BUT SECURES A FIRST WIN FOR MURPHTANNIA TO START THIS QUALIFYING CAMPAIGN. IT’S A WONDERFUL DAY FOR THE PLAYER, THE STAFF, THE FANS AND THE COUNTRY.

Full time: Murphtannia 3-1 HUElavia


“Well what a brilliant way to start this campaign, a 3-1 upset victory after an outsanding performance, this has got the fans excited with one even saying “It’s coming home, it’s coming home, football’s coming home” but we at Ground Sports aren’t getting so ahead of ourselves, there’s still a long way to go to even get to the WC let alone win the thing, but this is a day that will be long remembered in Murphtannian history.”

[Flavovespia]

Defensive debacle gifts Flavovespia win

Flavovespia’s qualifying campaign for World Cup 87 began with a rather unremarkable win over Central Shaneville, where a late error at the back for the visitors gifted the hosts victory. Although Flavovespia have taken the 3 points, Central Shaneville were a real match for The Hornets, and will be disappointed to come away empty handed.

The only debutant to begin the game for Flavovespia was suited up in the dugout. Alan Young would take control of Flavovespia for the first time in Hadford Hill. His starting eleven saw Aarif Muhammad win out to be the starting goalkeeper. In the full back positions were the younger faces of David Lyons and David Blythe, flanking the more experienced centre-half duo of Tony Gardner and Alexander May. Kieron Player, set for a surprise move out of Kings Lunsel to domestic football in World Cup 87 co-hosts Taeshan, lined up as the anchor man. Out wide were Jonathan Feld and Christopher Ace. Steven Hall continued where he left off internationally as a central attacking midfielder, and Scott Coleman and Ramon Martin made up the front.

Thoughts of a tentative start to the game were quickly eliminated, as Central Shaneville came out guns blazing. In the second minute, Josh Smith attempted an audacious shot from 25 metres that flew not that far over the bar before landing on the roof of the net. Aarif Muhammad was certainly unimpressed that there was a gap between Gardner, May and Player that got exploited. Flavovespia quickly registered their first shot a few minutes later. Feld’s through ball was just tapped by Brandon Ekins, taking some pace off it and causing Scott Coleman to mistime his off-target shot. This game certainly looked like there were goals in it, and the question seemed to be when and who would strike first?

That question was answered in the 20th minute. A good through ball by Shane Wray put David Vujanic in a promising position, with few Flavovespians ahead of him. Alexander May was beaten by the skill of Vujanic, brushing off his challenge. He saw a gap down to Aarif Muhammad’s right hand side, and fired into it. An accurate shot, it was beyond the reach of the Flavovespian goalkeeper, and crossed the line, before nestling into the side netting. Central Shaneville had opened the scoring, and Flavovespia’s World Cup Qualifying campaign, after 20 minutes, was off to a bad start.

Anyone expecting Central Shaneville to shut up shop after that goal was surprised. The 24th minute saw Josh Smith’s effort from just outside the box take a sharp curve, which Aarif Muhammad did well to anticipate and push over the bar. Not too long later, David Vujanic couldn’t get enough power on his curling shot, allowing Aarif Muhamad to easily gather. That’s not to say Flavovespia had no chances. From a 34th minute corner, Alexander May rose highest to get his head to the ball first. He put just a bit too much on his header and it flew a little wide of the post. Scott Coleman came closest for the hosts in the 41st minute, he was one on one with James Penford, but fired wide. A clear cut chance wasted by one of Flavovespia’s key players. At half time it was 0-1, the home crowd frustrated that Flavovespia seemed unprepared and sluggish, and thus were losing to Central Shaneville.

Despite grumblings from the crowd, there were no changes made over the course of half-time, Alan Young had sent out the same 11 players to begin the second half. The team looked fired up to create more chances, and the first 10 minutes of the second half, saw them control most of the possession. Central Shaneville were still trying to continue their attacking play, with a high press to try and put Flavovespia under pressure to win back the ball.

The 56th minute saw the equaliser come for Flavovespia. Ramon Martin picked up the ball with his back to goal. He was immediately pressed, allowing Steven Hall to make a run into the box. Martin’s pass was on point, leaving Steven Hall with a good chance to score. Hall kept his head down, kept the ball down, and put it into the back of the net, Penford had barely any chance to keep it out. Flavovespia were back level, it hadn’t been easy to get back into this game, but the scoreboard was now 1-1.

Not long after the hour mark, Alan Young made a bold first substitute. Scott Coleman was coming off, to be replaced by Mark Paul. Plenty of the crowd seemed very surprised by this call. Some speculate there was some sort of injury, but post-game comments have seemingly ruled that out. Nevertheless Mark Paul was on the pitch and ready to go. Paul would soon be joined by William Somers, subbed on for Jonathan Feld, in what seemed to just be getting a fresh pair of legs on.

Central Shaneville’s attacking play earlier on had impressed, but by the 70th minute or so, plenty of their players were beginning to visibly tire somewhat. The pressing of Flavovespians seemed a little less urgent, and passes and through balls off target just weren’t being chased down with the same sense of pace. Nevertheless, they were still holding on to a point, and Flavovespia hadn’t quite created the same level of chances since their equaliser. The crowd were nervously hoping for a winner for the hosts, but time was ticking on.

The key moment of the game came just 2 minutes from injury time. Central Shaneville had the ball at the back, with Danny Weaire in possession. He made a pass towards where he expected a Central Shaneville player to be to receive it. But there was none there, and his pass was easily intercepted by Ramon Martin, getting in ahead of James Penford, who’d rushed out sensing the danger. Penford was unable to stop Ramon Martin rounding him, and the veteran striker had an open goal to simply tap the ball into. Flavovespia had finally taken the lead with very little time to go, and there was much delight for those in yellow. Central Shaneville were completely nonplussed, and Jay Bucks was left on the sidelines, head in hands, crouched in dismay.

Central Shaneville couldn’t muster anything in the final minutes to threaten to change the scoreline. The full time whistle blew, and Flavovespia had secured a 2-1 opening Matchday win. The result was closer than Flavovespia would’ve have wanted, but in the end, the 3 points was there’s. Central Shaneville were very disappointed to leave Flavovespia empty-handed. Jay Bucks in particular was very critical of his teams performance, in particular the defence. Alan Young in his post-match press conference was happy but honest, saying “a win is a win in the end of the day, maybe it was misfortune for Central Shaneville, but we still had to take that chance.” Asked about future match selections, in particular for the match against Cassadaigua he said “There was some rustiness, but I’m generally pleased with the side”.

Next up for Flavovespia is a trip to Dagan Airways Stadium in Concord Heights, Cassadaigua. The Fillies go into this group as favourites to qualify, and would be expected to go far in the tournament. A 2-2 home draw to Acronius was a bit of a blip to begin with however. The attacking prowess of Rachel Schanke and Meghan Wolcott will mean the Flavovespian defence must be at their very best, if they are to get a result out of this game. 2 defeats to Cassadaigua for Flavovespia in the last World Cup Qualifiers will mean the Hornets will have the extra incentive of revenge on their minds. Then it is Acronius for Flavovespia, to be played in City Arena. They of course, got the 2-2 draw away at the aforementioned top seeds. Thus they began a difficult run of games that sees them host the Busoga Islands before travelling to Flavovespia with an impressive point. Acronius, in their rather stunning navy blue and white home kit, could make a real statement with some more points in their next 2. Flavovespia can’t underestimate them, or else they could struggle to pick up 3 points.

[Alasdair I Frosticus]

The oldest known reference to Juan Tzimisces, from a surviving inscription on a monolith placed on a football ground built at the very borders of reality, and said to predate the creation of the multiverse; when the Dreamed Realm alone existed, and the Basileus and the Oneiromancer were friends, and had not yet done battle.

While this is yet to be confirmed, some scholars believe that it refers to actions undertaken in person by the Juan Tzimisces playing right back for the Holy Empire in World Cup 87.


In the beginning Tzimisces created the pitch.

And the pitch was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of football moved upon the grass of the pitch.

And Tzimisces said, Let there be floodlights: and there were floodlights.

And Tzimisces saw the floodlight, that it was good: and Tzimisces divided the light from the darkness.

And Tzimisces called the floodlight bright as Day, and the darkness he called Night. And in the evening and the morning was the first match.

And Tzimisces said, Let there be a centre line in the midst of the pitch, and let it divide one half from the other half.

And Tzimisces made the stadium, and divided the half which was to the left of the centre line from the half which was to the right of the centre line: and it was so.

And Tzimisces called the stadium the Field of Heaven. And in the evening and the morning was the second match.

And Tzimisces said, Let the fans in the Field of Heaven be gathered together unto one place, and let the seats for the fans appear: and it was so.

And Tzimisces called the seats the terraces; and the gathering together of the fans he called supporters: and Tzimisces saw that it was good.

And Tzimisces said, Let the pitch bring forth more grass, the herb yielding seed, and the wooden posts at the end of the pitch form goals: and it was so.

And the pitch brought forth more grass till it was fully covered by grass, and herb yielding seed after his kind, and the wooden posts at the end of the pitch formed goals: and Tzimisces saw that it was good.

And in the evening and the morning was the third match.

And Tzimisces said, let there be painted lines to divide the pitch from the terraces; and let them be for signs, and remain painted for seasons, and for days, and years:

be painted lines to divide the pitch from the terraces: and it was so.

And Tzimisces made two benches; the slightly nicer bench for the home team, and the slightly less comfortable bench for the away team: he made the covers for the benches also.

And Tzimisces set them between the painted lines and the terraces,

And to provide places for the substitutes to sit, and where the coaches could fume: and Tzimisces saw that it was good.

And in the evening and the morning was the fourth match.

And Tzimisces said, Let the tunnel to the dressing rooms bring forth abundantly the moving creatures that hath life, that they may play upon the pitch.

And Tzimisces created centre forwards, and every living midfielder that moveth, which the tunnel brought forth abundantly, then after defenders, and every leaping goalkeeper after his kind: and Tzimisces saw that it was good.

And Tzimisces blessed them, saying, Be fruitful, and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let football multiply on the pitch.

And in the evening and the morning was the fifth match.

And Tzimisces said, Let the stadium gates bring forth the living fandom after his kind, the terrace singers, and creepy fans, and hardcore Ultras after his kind: and it was so.

And Tzimisces made the living fandom after his kind, the terrace singers, and creepy fans, and hardcore Ultras after his kind: and Tzimisces saw that it was good.

And Tzimisces said, Let us make the team captain in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over centre forwards, and every living midfielder that moveth, which the tunnel brought forth abundantly, then after defenders, and every leaping goalkeeper after his kind; the living fandom after his kind, the terrace singers, and creepy fans, and hardcore Ultras after his kind.

So Tzimisces created the team captain in his own image, in the image of Tzimisces created he him; captains for both teams created he them.

And Tzimisces blessed them, and Tzimisces said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply the cause of football, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over centre forwards, and every living midfielder that moveth, then after defenders, and every leaping goalkeeper after his kind, and over every living player that moveth upon the pitch.

And Tzimisces said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the pitch, and both goals, in the which is the ball to be kicked; to you it shall be to score.

And to centre forwards, and every living midfielder that moveth, then after defenders and for every living player that moveth upon the pitch – except for the goalkeeper – it shall be your goal to score.

And Tzimisces saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And in the evening and the morning was the sixth match.

Thus the pitch and the stadium were finished, and both the home and the away team.

And on the seventh day Tzimisces ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.

[Busoga Islands]

Delbin Kasekende Jr. After Busoga's 3-1 win in World Cup Qualifying over TJUN-ia at the National Stadium in TJUN-ia City

"Yes!" Kasekende Jr. yelled as referee blew his whistle three times to signify the end of the match. The Busogan players pumped their fists- they had earned an away win, on Matchday 1, against a team ranked higher than them in their group. It was an important match, one to set the tone of this campaign. Bethany O'Donnell, the manager, had preached of the importance of starting this campaign strong in the locker room before the match.

"We have been defined by the disasters of our World Cup 86 Qualification campaign." She had told the team in the locker room. "It was a disaster by all accounts, at every level- but now, we have an opportunity to leave our past behind us. We had great success both in Xanneria, at The National, as well as at the AOCAFs, where we reached the Quarterfinals. But Qualifying is where our failures were on full display- and it is only in World Cup Qualifying where they can be erased. But this is much more than a redemption tour for us- this is a new dawn. Let's go out there and be aggressive, and snag those points."

And snag those points they did. Kasekende Jr. hugged a few of his teammates, with a great grin on his face. A win in his first ever World Cup Qualifier. He jogged over towards the away fan section, behind the goal they had been defending for the final 45 minutes, and applauded them. He grabbed his jersey, and threw it into the crowd, grinning. "I'm the best!" He yelled with nobody in particular listening, and the Busogan fans almost certainly could not hear him.

He went to the locker room. After O'Donnell's postgame speech, she announced that the team plane had a few difficulties, so they wouldn't fly back to Lakiska until the morning. That was fine by him- one more night in TJUN-ia City. Of course, his phone has been blowing up. He saw one call from his Dad, another from his agent. It'd be obvious whose call he'd return first, right?

"Hey, great game kiddo. You've won a Qualifier!" His agent said.

"Yea, I know." Kasekende Jr. replied. "Of course we won- we have me. What's the call about?"

"Never one for a good celebration, eh?" His agent simply sighed, and then continued. "Well, you've got some offers. 1912 Stelburg in Siovanija & Teusland has been granted permission to speak with you by the University. Holdenburg in Eura- one of the biggest clubs in the multiverse- has offered you a slot, as well."

"Well, it's about time." Junior replied. "Two big-time clubs though. Any recommendations?"

"Well, meet with their representatives. See what they've got." His agent said. The two quickly hung up, after scheduling meetings with representatives from both clubs for when he landed in Lakiska. Then Junior called his Dad(who was the President of the damn country), and spoke to both of his parents. One hell of a night. The opportunity to fulfill his own destiny- to be even better than his Dad ever was. To be the greatest Busogan player of all time.

He took to twii.tur before he went to bed.

@DelbinKasekendeJr Great first win of the World Cup Qualifying campaign! It's always special to play for your country- we're looking to get a lot more of these. #BusogaIsComing

@DelbinKasekendeJr Also, meeting with a pair of clubs about me signing with them next season. Thank you @Holdenburg & @1912Stelburg. Excited about my own future prospects! #WhereWillJuniorPlay

[Balqia]

The signature emanated a sense of pride and comic shame. Before Markus was the citizenship of Sugarcane, the “sentient” horse that also was the National Team’s reserve goalkeeper.
Her admission only took place because of his distraction. One of his subordinates, that was never identified, thought it was a good idea to put sugarcane, the star of the balqese racecourses, in the National Team.
How this absurdity came to be was a mystery that the Sports Ministry would never solve, but this “mistake” led Markus to the most hellish days of his life. Mobilizing his entire social network, ranging from the top agents in the secret police to the local grandma, he managed to include sentient horses in the constitution as a minority group, all of this in only three days. The effort made him own favors to the entire country, but at least the Team wasn’t going to have many legal issues with the World Cup organizers.
He smiled while taking a sip of coffee, barely held by his shaking hands. His joy came to an end as soon as his secretary entered the office with a tablet under her arms and a salute in the air.
— May Balqia grow!
She shouted with patriotic fervor, and he repeated with a whisper.
— How bad was it?
He asked even before she could sat down. The result was obvious from the start: a shameful defeat from a country that he couldn’t even point on a map.
— Well, we didn’t win…
— Of course not! — He was ready to shout, but he had the luck to see that the other subordinates where at the door, and a single word could put him in prison. — I mean… of course not, I am well informed of the situation.
She looked around, her tiny green eyes searching for the cause of the change in mood, her fingers nervously caressing her black, curly hair.
— S-so I don’t need to report…
— Yes you do… for bureaucratic reasons.
His reply calmed her, so she rested her eyes in the tablet and began to speak.
— Right, today’s match ended in a tie…
— What?
Markus closed his mouth, but it was too late, he shown doubt about the glory of the Republic, he was a dead man.
— A tie. It’s when both teams score the same so…
— I know what a… — He almost gave fuel to his case, but this time acted in time. — Could you close the door? The others are distracting me.
And so she did. The secretary happily walked to the door and ordered the curious group to disband, returning with the happy smile of a soldier that took a order believing it was the most heroic deed in earth.
— Please, continue.
Markus ordered, taking another sip of coffee. The secretary took a while, preparing her voice to the long report. With a smile she started to read what was in the tablet.
— Okay, the Team successfully defended during the first half. The enemy, State of Trinity,tried to advance, Iagonoviq’s speed and Rotnoviq’s aggressiveness were very effective in dealing with the advancements by the opponent. The Coach complained about Topolin making several attacks on his own, advancing whenever the ball landed in his feet, but the Assistant wrote that they were effective in distracting the opponent.
— Wait Seroviq wrote a report?
Markus almost felt from his chair. When he interviewed Seroviq the only thing he saw was a middle-aged man that seemed destroyed. It turned out that his wife faked her own death, only to be found living in some tropical island with a drug dealer. After being captured and deported she plead guilty to high treason, arguing that death was better than spending a second with Seroviq, a PE teacher whose dream was to see his schools team win a championship. It goes without saying that he could never recover from that, being fired after a depressive episode were he gave a lecture on the meaninglessness of life to a class of eight year old boys.
They choose him anyway because he was the only available coach in the country at the time.
— Yes, a very detailed one, in fact. — Said the secretary. — But if you don’t mind…
— Please, go on.
— So, in the second half the Trinitarians managed to score a goal after several offensives. Most of them were defended by Zanos, but one managed to pass him. He almost took a yellow card for threatening the opponent team, but the judge let it pass. We successfully recovered thanks to a successful offensive by the two forwards, that managed to score with ten minutes left. Further advancements weren’t successful, but bot coaches are hopeful in the team.
— They are… hopeful?
— Yes, that’s the word they used.
Markus couldn’t believe, the team he assembled was competent enough to stand up to a professional team, composed of trained players with a envious history of victories. Some of the weight in his shoulders disappeared and he felt like an ancient guru that sees his pupil succeed after a life of wise teachings and hard training.
— Great! Great! — He happily shouted. — Anything more?
— Uuuuh, yes, actually. — The green eyes of his secretary went around the room. — We have received some complaints from the Hotel, World Cup Commission and other foreign entities.
— Complaints? About what?
— Uuuuh, they… they… they are saying that horses aren’t in their jurisdictions, so they claim that it’s our responsibility to provide shelter, food and medical care to Sugarcane.
His happiness crumbled before his feet, showing that maybe the lesson that Seroviq gave those children wasn’t a mistake.
— Okay, I will deal with that. You can go away.
His voice returned to the usual tone. His secretary left the office, being received by a cheerful group of coworkers wearing the national colors and shouting “hurrahs”. Meanwhile, Markus was left alone, having to deal with the goddamn horse once more.

[Krytenia]

Dragons Underperform On Matchday One, Water Still Wet
By Rami Niblick in Socialist New Britain

KRYTENIA may have finally shaken off the semi-final curse, but it appears they have replaced it with another. Recent tournaments have seen the Dragons more often than not fail to get the win on Matchday One, and so it proved again, with a disappointing goalless draw in Socialist New Britain.

This makes it the third World Cup qualifying campaign in a row where the national team have failed to win on opening day. Four years ago, it was the embarrassment against Sulsuland; four years before that, it was Omerica's second string twisting the knife, marmalising the Dragons five-one. We have to go back a further eight years for the national team's last win on Matchday One - that's right, the last time we won on MD1, Valrauncion was in charge.

It's not like the intervening competitions have been any better. Including the Eagles Cup, the AOCAF, and the Cup of Harmony, this is now five openers without a win for Krytenia.

Blame will lie mostly at the front three, with Neil Smith, Alun Belmwr, and Curtis Sunday all missing chances they surely should have scored. With Alex Parsons and
Apollo Peters champing at the bit for a place in the starting line-up, the trio should be mindful of what is expected of them in front of goal.

With the other big names in the group all picking up wins, the Dragons' upcoming double-header becomes even more crucial, even at this early stage. A slow, meandering start simply won't cut the mustard this time out. The first game, against the SRS in Brantisvogan, feels almost must-win at this point, and a relapse of the SNB debacle at home to Caryton simply won't hold water. Paul Davis could soon find himself in the crosshairs if results don't start improving; let's hope it doesn't come to that. Onward!

SOCIALIST NEW BRITAIN - 0
- no scorers -

KRYTENIA - 0
- no scorers -

[Trolleborg]

Greetings, compatriots! It's TTV with a latest news from the football fields.
Our fourth season in world football begin, and we all look forward to great victories and triumph of our sport. Doing so despite the very cold words and sober projections of the man at the head of our football, Torben Mortensen, who knows much more than we are.

It seemed that the reason to expect such a things yesterday was just right – the only opponent in our group who has no place at all in the world table of ranks going to our 1st December Stadium. We think a lot of fans hoped that our guys would score a lot of goals and set some record(s) for our team. But the newcomer turned out to be not timid, and the Morten Troghil line-up was not the one that is considered optimal. He put into starting lineup those players who usually come out in the games of national team as substitutes or just sitting on the bench. If the total number of games for the national team for eight field players who begin game are added together, then it turns out to be less than one Kerr or Troll. And this should be approved - you also need to think about the future, and think now. But our souls wanted a big fiesta and they do not receive what they craved for.

Although it seemed that when our guys increased their speed starting from about the 8th minute, Waisnor would falter and give up, but that was not the case. Although after 12 minutes Berglund caught the visitors' goalkeeper and pushed the ball into the net after a cross from the left

and became the youngest player to score for our national team, but then the guests successfully repulsed all the attacks of our team. When dedication and perseverance did not help, other factors intervened: twice the ball hit the goalpost. But still, the teams left for the break with a score of 2:0. The same Berglund, having received the ball in the penalty area, shot just as needed.

But it must be admitted: it is unlikely that a more experienced team will allow such liberties, and this must be borne in mind. Individual play should not be prioritized by our players.

In the second half, again, our guys moved forward, and pretty quickly the score changed ... but not in our favor. After cross from the flank, Alexei Bolotov managed to strike ball when battling against the defender and sent the ball straight to the far corner.

Waisnor, though, did not have chance to build on the success, because in the few seconds our lads in the center of the field took possession of the ball, Mogrin make a pass forward to the Zhita, and he in turn make a good pass to the penalty area, Heggheim was too busy fighting with defender to make something out of it, but Pathmoor, who joined the attack in time, got enough space and time to hit it right and did it precisely .

The game ended with a score of 3:1, although it seemed to many in the stands that the goal canceled by the referee in the 78th minute was scored according to the rules.

Our AI systems show that our forward was offside, but we understand that the fans want more than just victory in this game.

To summarize the outcome of the match: the result is satisfactory, but not much more. We will be able to understand how things are going soon, in the next two matches, one of which with a direct competitor from Maccian, who is currently leading the group table. It’s worth mention, that Holy Empire started the season rather disappointingly, with a draw at home with Red Kelp, but this is clearly the result of the secrecy surrounding this newcomers - so far nothing is really known about this team.

[Mytanija]

SARGOSSA 3-3 MYTANIJA TACTICAL REVIEW
LIRIA PRIZREN ASSISTANT MANAGER ADEL GUDELJ TAKES US THROUGH JUST HOW LEV REPIN TURNED THIS GAME AROUND

by Adel Gudelj

I’m extremely pleased to be able to analyse this game and I can hopefully provide some useful insight into the tactics which caused it to finish like it did. Lev Repin always has interesting tactical ideas and approaches and this game was no different as he tried to set his team out one way and when that didn’t work tweaked things to brilliant effect. Lev and the team got a fantastic result away from home in a tough fixture against our Rushmori rivals Sargossa, the 3-3 score line will have been something they were trying to avoid going into the game. The 5-4 shootout at the Copa Rushmori was very stressful and nobody would have wanted a repeat of that on Sargossan soil, once those fans get behind their team it becomes a really difficult game and for the opening 15 minutes or so the Hoops managed to do this.

Lev sent the boys out in the 4-6-0 that we have come to know very well. In the opening 15 minutes this worked, the back four was well organised and defended the width of the penalty area perfectly. Alen Hrdaljko and Tahir Fejzuli patrolled in front of the penalty area with Jasno Odonelec going in to join them as Sargossa began to crank up the pressure. Dalibor Vlahovic and Boris Kalinic worked hard in tracking back defensively to try and maintain a numerical advantage when defending against the Sargossan wingers Diego Alejandro Costa and Agustín Soria. This did leave Jezdimir Ocokoljic a little isolated against the two Sargossan centre-halves in the opening stages of the game and left Repin’s 4-6-0 looking a little bit more like a 5-4-1 or even 6-3-1 at times during that opening period of the game.

SRG 1-0 MYT: Manzanares 19’

Sargossa started well and after ten minutes Lev Repin beckoned Jasno Odonelec over to the sideline and a quick conversation was had between the two, before this Odonelec had maintained a position alongside Jezdimir Ocokoljic in between Sargossa’s midfield and defence but afterwards he was dropping in to help the midfield as can be seen from Diagram A. Whilst this did make Mytanija more solid defensively it did end up being quite a defensive tactic and it gradually caused more issues as Sargossa built-up some pressure. There wasn’t really an outlet for Mytanija to get the ball out, Jasno Odonelec was perhaps dropping in to help the midfield a little too much and getting the ball out to Ocokoljic was difficult as the experienced centre-back pairing of Esnáider and Galán dealt with him pretty well. The Hoops couldn’t get enough of the ball during the first 15 minutes of the game to get themselves up the pitch which meant that the team’s trademark movement was entirely negated. This was an issue which Repin later rectified with a change of formation.

Diagram A actually shows Mytanija in a relatively solid defensive set-up in the 19th minute, the defensive line was well organised and positioned correctly and both wide midfielders had got back to support their defensive colleagues. Alen Hrdaljko (6) and Tahir Fejzuli (7) were where they were meant to be in front of the defence and Jasno Odonelec (10) was covering Águila (18). Sargossa still managed to score from this position mainly because Saúl Escribano (3) was allowed a little bit too much time on the ball. This was perhaps because Boris Kalinic was preoccupied with covering Costa who was already well marked by Petr Isaev, he should have pushed out to prevent Escribano from having time to pick his pass.

A nice little bit of movement from César Goyoso (8), bought him a split-second on the ball, he was up against Tahir Fejzuli who is the lesser skilled defensively in the Hrdaljko-Fejzuli midfield axis. Fejzuli didn’t quite manage to get a foot in and Goyoso had steered a lovely through ball for Costa (10) to run onto, he got there before Isaev and squared the ball for Manzanares (17) to tap in. Mojmir Anac and Kamil Jernejec tried to get in to cover it but the quick ball movement by the Sargossans following Kalinic’s hesitation to get out to Escribano allowed them to get Costa into a dangerous position against the packed Mytanar defensive ranks. Following this, Mytanija became a little bit ragged and that defensive shape was not as consistently applied and it led to a rake of Sargossan chances which they will now regret not being a little bit more clinical with. They could have put the game to bed in the period between their opener in the 19th minute and the half hour mark, as it was they only added a second goal rather than three or four and that gave Mytanija a slight chance.

That second came from a well worked set-piece, Agustín Soria crossed the ball in and whilst Galán blocked Mojmir Anac from getting across to meet the cross Juan Esnáider rose high and powered his header down into the ground from where it nearly bounced into the roof of the net such was its power. It was 2-0 to Sargossa and a little bit of a mountain to climb for the Hoops, but it probably should have been worse and easily could have been had they been a little bit more clinical in front of goal. Repin had largely prevented them from starting fast but in the period afterwards they had caused issues, but Isaev, Odonelec and Anac were constantly encouraging their team mates and after the second went in Mytanija were better and even generated a couple of chances of their own. Jezdimir Ocokoljic went closest but he could only put the ball into the side netting.

It was a half-time tweak which caused Sargossa problems in the second-half though, with Repin sending his team out in more of a 4-3-3 formation. Ocokoljic was still operating as a false nine and constantly dropping into midfield positions, but the two wingers had been instructed to stay much higher and Jasno Odonelec was occupying central midfield areas rather than playing in between the lines. Out of possession this was perhaps a little risky as it meant less support for the Mytanar full-backs, but the problems Sargossa had caused hadn’t really been through their full-backs bombing on and putting crosses in anyway so Repin had evidently decided it was a risk worth taking. It became man-to-man in midfield and this was another potential risk, but the most interesting tweak was what happened to this nominal 4-3-3 when Mytanija were in possession. We can see this in Diagram B which shows Mytanija in possession and attacking the Sargossan goal. You can see how this 4-3-3 morphed into what almost became a 3-1-3-3 when the Hoops were on the attack.

Whenever Mytanija won the ball, Mojmir Anac (3) would remain very central with Kamil Jernejec (4) and Petr Isaev (5) splitting a little wider alongside him as a back three. Alen Hrdaljko (6) would act more or less as a defensive midfielder, mostly sitting in front of this trio and acting as a bit of a metronome who could recycle possession when necessary. What was crucial was how Jasno Odonelec (10) dropped into very, very deep midfield positions – he was playing almost alongside Hrdaljko at times but this moved the Sargossan midfielders around and particularly Adrián Fonseca (16). This left space on the left-side of the pitch for Srdan Vukovic (2) to move into – remember that Vukovic normally plays as a left-back – and he regularly attacked that space throughout the second-half. As we can see in this example, Odonelec moving deep causes Fonseca to follow and leaves a huge amount of prime real estate right in the middle of the pitch for Srdan Vukovic. Throughout the second 45 minutes Vukovic would act as a makeshift central midfielder when Mytanija were in possession.

This left the Sargossan right-back, Saúl Escribano (3), with a real dilemma. He could either go and engage Srdan Vukovic when he received the ball or stay with his man on the outside Dalibor Vlahovic (8). If he engaged Vukovic he would leave Vlahovic unmarked and with room to run into in behind the Sargossa defence, but if he chose not to engage Vukovic then the 1896 Ebor full-back would drive at the much slower Hugo Galán (21) and that could potentially end badly too.

SRG 2-1 MYT: Ocokoljic 49’

In short, it left Escribano with a tough choice and one which could end badly for him whichever way he went. This was the minor stroke of genius Lev Repin had when he sent his team out to play this way in the second-half and it really did cause havoc down the left-side of the pitch for Sargossa.

What made this worse for Sargossa was their defensive midfielder Marcos Águila’s (18) incessant desire to press, well, anybody. As Ocokoljic was taking up more normal positions the Sargossan defensive midfielder wasn’t really left with anybody to mark or engage and this caused him to go searching for somebody to close down and he chose Alen Hrdaljko. Maybe put it down to the youthful exuberance of a 22 year old, but it caused Sargossa issues because if he had maintained his position at the base of their midfield then he could have gone to close down Vukovic more often. Águila just didn’t deal particularly well with Repin’s tactical tweak.

In Diagram B we can see Mytanija’s first goal. Mojmir Anac (3) brought the ball out from the back and Sargossa initially sat off him before Manzanares (17) thought better of it and decided to close him down. Sitting off Anac is a bad idea, he has the best passing ability of the Mytanar defence and he could have found a pass himself had he been given the time (he later did, for the Mytanar equaliser). Manzanares closed him down but not before Anac played the ball into Hrdaljko’s feet, Águila was there behind him but Hrdaljko knew where to put the ball and hit it first time right to where he knew Srdan Vukovic was going to be. They had evidently talked this through at half-time and it worked very well for this first goal.

Vukovic ran onto the pass from Hrdaljko and immediately the indecision in Escribano was clear. The right-back’s eventual choice was neither here nor there, he didn’t go to close Vukovic down and leave Galán to move out to engage Vlahovic and nor did he stick with Vlahovic on the flank. This created even more room for Vukovic to play a nicely-weighted through-ball for Vlahovic to run onto and the Ararat winger did so before curling a first time cross for Jezdimir Ocokoljic to thrash beyond Alejandro Martinez in the Sargossan goal.

This tactic created Mytanija lots of chances much in the same way Sargossa’s attacking play had in the first-half. Mytanija took two more of theirs though and went ahead. The first was more clever movement from Jasno Odonelec moving Fonseca out of position and leaving space for Vukovic to run into. This time Escribano went to him and this left Vlahovic by himself out on the flank. Mojmir Anac brought the ball up to the halfway line with nobody shutting him down and sprayed a raking ball over the Sargossan defence and Vlahovic eagerly sprinted in behind to get onto it, he took it in stride before delicately dinking the bouncing ball over Martinez’s head to equalise.

The third came when Brajko Gavrilovic had entered the fray for Vlahovic (who had been excellent in the second-half), this time both Odonelec and Ocokoljic dropped deeper and this caused Fonseca and Esnáider to move out of position. Tahir Fejzuli bombed into the space left by the Sargossan captain with Goyoso in hot pursuit. Hrdaljko found Vukovic and the left-back turned central midfielder slipped Gavrilovic in, with the winger waiting for the on-rushing Martinez to go down at his feet before squaring to Fejzuli who coolly tapped it in to put Mytanija 3-2 up, Goyoso could only shake his head in response to the Hoops’ movement. This fifteen minute flurry at the start of the second-half was the result of a brave tactical tweak for Mytanija and in the end they may be slightly disappointed that Agustín Soria had his say in this fixture once again – a real moment of magic from the winger – as he equalised in the 76th minute to make it 3-3 and that was how the game finished. The attacking verve and courage the Hoops demonstrated meant that they more than deserved a point by full-time, but the meek first-half performance meant this was probably a fair result in the end.

It was a good performance in the second-half and Lev Repin will undoubtedly be buzzing with the fact his tactical change got Mytanija back in the game and nearly could have won them the game too. A good result in a Rushmori derby game and something to build on ahead of the next international break where Mytanija will welcome Audioslavia to Arsika before travelling to the Gold Coast International Football Stadum to play Northwest Kalactin. Repin will hope he has a few more tricks up his sleeve that are just as effective as this 3-1-3-3, though it may be more interesting to see how it fares against the group’s top seed and a fast improving Northwest Kalactin. Hopefully Gazeta Sporta will have me back to review the tactics we see in those games.

Zdravo i hajde Mytanija!

[Kohnhead]

Kohnhead shows dominance in a 7-2 win against the United Pink States


The KNFT opened the World Cup in style

As Chicken King Stadium hosted its first ever football match and the first match of our World Cup 87 Qualifying journey records for the KNFT were broken, no not broken shattered. The 7-2 drubbing of the United Pink States a team fresh off of a quarterfinals run at the Baptism of Fire is the most goals we've ever scored in a match, and our largest goal differential in a win (or loss). There were questions if Michael White is the answer and they will not go away after a larger win against a team ranked in the mid 200s but for now let's embrace the fact that if the qualifiers ended now Kohnhead would be going to the World Cup.

From the second this team walked out on to the pitch there seemed to be a different feeling surrounding them than previous times, they were no longer the underdog who weren't going to qualify but could pull of a few upsets and make life difficult for higher ranked nations. They weren't the new upstarts who fresh after an outstanding cycle suddenly had expectations, no this was a team that had been critisized as being complacent and playing down to competition and was ready to prove the doubters wrong led by a coach ready to change the narrative that had been placed around him.

With the 4-4-2 formation we are trying to acheive two things, the simplicity of both the offense and defense back down to the basics and fundaments, and an emphasis on counter attacking football in particular using the speed of the left side with Radison and Laker as well as Rallyton and Johnson through the middle. It also looks to build on the chemistry the two stirkers Korkson and Maltos have developed with time at Kohnhead City FC and on the National Team.

The game started and from the get go we looked like the better team, five minutes in Charles Laker forced Logan Hughes into making a good diving save with a shot at the upper right corner that had the right curve on it. He couldn't keep out the corner though as Rallyton swung it in and it was the captain Aaron Korkson at the front post heading it past Hughes in the 6th minute to make it 1-0. 12 minutes later in the 18th minute UPS would get the ball in our end but an Ellis Spiers pass was deflected by Atkinson and went to Rallyton who ran up and played a beautiful pass over to the sideline to an open Ida Cogginter on the right. Cogginter took several dribbles before lauching a ball down the field to Erin Maltos who got in front of Brian Tucker an headed it back to a running Sophie Johnson who ran past her and down to the edge of the goal line and sent in a driving cross to Erin Maltos who had peeled off of Tucker and was open to hit in the header. It was 2-0 Kohnhead just 18 minutes into the match, this was the type of goal our formation really was focused on and it had been our two strikers who were on the scoresheet early on.

Aaron Korkson would grab a brace in the 36th minute as on another corner Miranda Atkinson would win the header and the ball would conveniently bounce right to him at the front post to put it in and it was 3-0 Kohnhead. The United Pink States would pick up one before half in the 43rd minute with Jordan Irvine finding the back of the net but it was still 3-1 Kohnhead heading into halftime. Yes this was a game we needed and were supposed to win but it's still such a great feeling to see us playing up to our potential, could we keep it going for the rest of the game? The answer to that question was yes.

Linus Rallyton would be the first non-striker to find the back of the net for us with this as called by the announcer "Rallyton gets the ball from Laker with some space in front of him, Rallyton is good at these deep shots and he will try his luck from distance. Oh and it's a marvelous strike going right by Hughes, it's 4-1 Kohnhead and they have really opened up this game nine minutes into the second half." Our first substitution would occur right after this with Al Torgan coming in for Ida Cogginter who had a good game, it would be the first of three given the 4-1 score.

Up 4-1 we really stopped attacking heavily but took our opportunities when given them and such was the case in the with Nicholas Radison's goal in the 60th minute as he ran right down the wing before passing it up to Torgan, receiving the ball back and scoring with a nice strike to make it 5-1. The United Pink States managed to find the back of the net in the 67th minute with captain Byron Smith scoring this one but at this point what did it matter as they weren't going to come back.

In the 76th minute we scored again as Ashley Crossman sent an ill advised pass in the direction of Brian Tucker deep in their own territory which was intercepted by Thomas Stratford now on for Maltos. He sent it down to Aaron Korkson who easily slotted it past Hughes to make it 6-2 and to give himself the hat trick. Just minutes later he would be replaced as John Smith would make his World Cup Qualifying debut although he would not be part of the final goal.

Just three minutes later our final goal to make it 7-2 was scored Al Torgan off of a Sophie Johnson assist and would add another goal to our already shockingly high total from the game. It was all celebrations in Kohnhead City as for the first time in a while we looked fun to watch and looked good not playing down to competition.

Only time will tell if this is the start of things to come or if it as a mirage but one can only hope and pray that this is a sign of things to come in this Qualifying cycle. Our next match will be against pot six side Savigliane who are coming off of a 1-0 win against Pemecutan the pot 7 side. While it's a game we are favored in we do have to travel for this one and they are a quality side.

For now however if you're a Kohnhead fan rejoice and celebrate while looking at the Group 19 standings as Kohnhead are the team in first for the first time in history.

Group 19                                Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Kohnhead                               1    1   0   0     7    2   +5     3
 2 Eura                                   1    1   0   0     2    0   +2     3
   Siovanija & Teusland                   1    1   0   0     3    1   +2     3
 4 Natanians and Nosts                    1    1   0   0     1    0   +1     3
   Savigliane                             1    1   0   0     1    0   +1     3
 6 Mapletish                              1    0   0   1     0    1   −1     0
   Pemecutan                              1    0   0   1     0    1   −1     0
 8 Al Qurija                              1    0   0   1     1    3   −2     0
   Port Ember                             1    0   0   1     0    2   −2     0
10 United Pink States                     1    0   0   1     2    7   −5     0

[Zwangzug]

The Bassabook Baritone

-With the retirement of Paige Daunten, Brandon Sonnabend faced an ordinary selection dilemma; should the number-one jersey be inherited by Itzhak Canterbury, who toils for mediocre Spenson Suburbia in the well-regarded 1./, or the slightly older Laurel Tinker-Witt, who finished in the IFCF places with Strathcona Internationals, albeit in the somewhat less prestigious Kelssek Football League? This being Zwangzug, it was not out of the question that he might take a third option, but the most-rumored speculation was that he would use this as an opportunity to ignore the traditional numbering system and make jersey assignments a free-for-all as the federation occasionally mulls doing and then forgets about.

Sonnabend, instead, called up Fedya Troy-Vee, who has been key in 102d Jr.s' resurgence to, uh, midtable (this is still very good for 102d). Considering the enmity between Sonnabend's former Bassabook and 102d, this is either a magnaminous gesture towards a worthy rival, or a slightly sadistic maneuver of throwing an untested goalkeeper into the fire. (Albeit a fire represented by such titans as Hafamarimet and Koniglich Wasserstein--but you never know with goalies.) Asked for comment, Sonnabend noted, "doth it not say in the Karaethon Cycle that lo, at the appointed hour, the mighty pillars shall be shaken and the forsaken city shall give forth a great river?"

-Oslograd Academy of the Euran Oceanic Territories have signed former Spenson Suburbia and Zwangzug national team midfielder Lucas Kukiseso to a managerial position. "We're all a bit grateful to them," said an anonymous spokesperson for the Zwangzug federation, "because you know Lucas would have been shilling his resume at the induction otherwise, and that was complicated enough."

The main difficulty posed by the World Cup Hall of Fame induction ceremonies was not the honoring of Kukiseso, who generally appreciates other nations' history when he's not busy forging his own career path, but that of Sydney Stefred, known for improbable-timed goals and coarse language towards the notion of preserving history in general. "We told her there would be good snacks," continued the spokesperson, "and she seems to have behaved well enough."

As Stefred's domestic career with Arlington City winds down, the club appears to be looking to bolster their offense. Although the "archetypical Zwangzugian club" has traditionally preferred homegrown players to foreign imports, Laura Petrell seems to cheekily think that her song parodies are worth 27.6 million international standard dollars. This opinion is not expected to be shared by the V-League agents, but you never know.

-In the World Cup 85 qualifiers, Zwangzug defeated Sharktail 5-1...over two legs. They bettered that total in just one game, winning the opener 6-1 at Pacific Field. Fans will hope that Riley Kivrin's 7th-minute goal is a sign of things to come; the small defensive midfielder had previously been sparse up front, but in the absence of Stefred or Joshua Twoni, Sonnabend may encourage her to be a bit more selfish in the center. Johan Idmar added a brace before halftime, and it wasn't until minute 48 that Virman was able to put the "Blue Predator" on the board, off an assist from Azaim. Zwangzug continued to control possession, though, leading up to a Nora Kent-Maner header ten minutes later. Idmar would complete a hat trick in minute 71, and Jaclyn Burkhart scored an injury-time goal to add insult to...injury time, I guess.

-We at the Baritone send greetings to our counterparts in Saint-Domingue [is there an extra S just lurking around? -ed], and admire their research into Zwangzug's long, and, uh...long history. To clear up a potential misunderstanding, our country has qualified for several recent World Cups; in the 83rd, 84th, and 86th, we were eliminated in the group stage, but "3rd/4th in group" refers to our place in the final 32 rather than the qualifiers. Of course, we would be happy to advance to the knockout stage again, not only to avoid this ambiguity but also because it's pretty great.

[Cassadaigua]

Qualifying begins,
By Chelsea Dufresne, Concord Heights Times

Qualifying for World Cup 87 officially began last night as a total of 190 nations chase their dream of joining the two co-hosts into the greatest competition in the World. Whether a team pulled off an upset, were upset, or had a rather “blah” result, everyone will soon learn that the opening game is just one of an 18 game schedule that all teams face. For Team Cassadaigua, the 2-2 draw against Acronius at home is not going to be included in any of our “greatest games” videos, but it feels so good to be watching the national team in action. This result is underwhelming, obviously, and there will be the handful of critics who are going to criticize the scant amount of friendlies that the team had to play in order to prepare for this. Typically, you can see them play in 6-8 friendlies, or something like the Wonder Cup, but this cycle, we did not see any of that. Cue in the criticism, because we know how much people love to get carried away over one tough result. I know we should be beating Acronius in Concord Heights, but Acronius is not Rinkydinknewnationstan. They are a top-100 nation, coming in exactly at number 100, and they were up to the task.

Now, while I will not criticize, I do think the 4th minute goal by Meghan Wolcott made this team way too conservative. For the rest of the first half, it seemed as if they expected more great opportunities to fall into their laps, instead of creating them through hard work. There were some attempts at trying to make a pretty play when they did have a chance, and Rachel Schanke and Madison McClain looked like they might have needed a game to find that chemistry that is needed. Would that have happened in a friendly? Who knows! Leading 1-0 at the break did not lead to anything different during the second half, and as minutes ticked away with us holding the advantage, and leading in most categories, you had to wonder why we did not have a bigger lead. Give some credit to Michael Rowland here, the keeper for the Union of Acronian Kingdoms. When you don’t put a team away, you fear blowing the game away, and that nearly happened. In the 68th, Michael Fromme scored the equalizer, and in the 74th, it was 2-1 Acronius on a David Pascale goal. That goal did seem to wake up the Fillies, who got a Morgan Rosenblatt goal in the 83rd, her first at this level, but that would be it. The game ends 2-2.

After the match, Stephanie Sweeney expressed the same feeling of disappointment in the draw while not letting herself get carried away in the moment. Players seemed generally upbeat and confident that they will be able to bounce back from this just fine. There are still 17 games to go!

[Siovanija and Teusland]

Olimpski-Stadion, Borograd, Siovanija

“Right lads, let’s go out and f****** give it to ‘em, full 90 minutes, don’t let up lads!”

A roar came from within the Goldhorns’ changing room at the Olimpski-Stadion just before their match with Natanians and Nosts, as captain Thorsten Kramer got everyone riled up before the game. Earning his first start was Florian Krukenberg, and everyone gave the young winger a quick tap on the knee before the game.

Sitting in the corner was Denis Dezelac. The young star Olympia Borograd striker, was fitting well into the national team set-up. Despite a boisterous personality making him a bit of an outlier amongst the quiet, humble Goldhorns, Dezelac was well-liked. They called him ’der Psycho’ in honour of that penchant to blow his top at times. On this day, however, Dezelac was all smiles. Stanimir Ilev had been expected to start this game, but manager Gavin Hughes decided instead to rest him for the match with Eura. What that meant was Dezelac was getting the start, in his hometown and his club’s stadium. A truly honourable moment for the young man considered to be the future of the Goldhorns’ front line.

But as the players filed out of the locker-room, Dezelac remained in the corner, gazing off into nothingness. Finally, at the last second, his Olympia Borograd teammate Lojze Kokalj, also starting, turned to him.

“Denis, what’s up? You coming?”

“Yeah, yeah, give me a minute”

“The game’s about to start, mate”

“Yeah just need a minute”

“For what?”

“Don’t worry about me, worry about how you’re gonna get me the ball.”

“You really are a psycho,” Kokalj laughed. “You’ll never play again if you aren’t on time.”

“Don’t worry about me.”

With that, the team left the room, casting confused glances back at their starting forward currently sitting at his dressing room stall without moving. Once the last player left the door, however, he sprung into activity. He stood up, pulled up his kitbag, and reached in to pull out a bright, gold, championship belt.

After the Goldhorns’ 3-1 win over Al-Qurija, earning them the title of Unofficial World Champions, Dezelac had paid a little visit to Petkov and Sons Jewellers, known across the country as the finest jeweller in Borograd. It was the best - and therefore, it was the only choice for Dezelac. So, in between picking up gifts for a few of his girlfriends of the week, he’d made a special request: a replica of the Unofficial World Championship belt. Pure gold, of course.

The world championship belt had taken hold a cult status within the country in the weeks following the victory. Newspapers calculated the same statistic for the Republikaliga, the Ehrenliga, and every league in the country down to Stelburg U10 boys’ hockey. Jokes about the team being the true world champs, having beaten Banija and Al-Qurija in a matter of weeks, were rampant. Thorsten Kramer even appear in a television ad for Adler Sportswear alongside heavyweight boxing champ Johannes Steiner, in which the two compared belts. All in good fun, of course - who knew how long the Goldhorns would hold the title, so enjoy it while you can. And of course, Denis Dezelac was going to get in on the fun.

He gave himself a quick glance in the mirror - “Looking great, as always,” then turned and rushed out of the dressing room down the corridor. It was just quick enough that the staff in the tunnel didn’t notice the gold belt across his chest, except for one or two who walked by and then briefly turned back wondering what they’d just seen.

“Where the f*** is Dezelac?” he heard as he came out of the tunnel, just in time to hear manager Gavin Hughes asking the question on everyone in the Olimpski-Stadion’s minds. Looking at his player, and getting a glimpse of the giant belt around his waist, Hughes continued: “Oh, for f***’s sake…”

Dezelac ran out into the middle of the Olimpski-Stadion pitch, to the shock of his teammates, while lifting his arms to the crowd, pointing to the belt. The crowd, already endeared to Dezelac for his exploits at Olympia Borograd, loved every second of it. There was a real roar from the crowd as Dezelac lifted the belt into the sky, showing it off and doing a lap of the Goldhorns' starting half. The Goldhorns’ players looked on in a state of mixed humour and impatience, understanding that Dezelac was Dezelac but wanting to just get on with the game, and slightly annoyed at the deviation from traditional Siovanijan and Teus sporting honour. On the touchline, meanwhile, the Goldhorns coaching staff was fuming. The referee for the game didn’t look too happy either, as Dezelac’s stunt went on for nearly a minute.

Finally, at the end, he waltzed over to the touchline, where Gavin Hughes came to meet him.

“Coach,” said Dezelac with a smile, as he took off the belt and handed it to his manager.

Hughes looked back at him, not knowing whether to sub him off right now, before the game even began, or laugh at the absurdity of what the young man had just done.

“Denis, if you don’t score a f****** hattrick tonight you are going to look like the biggest fool in the entire f****** multiverse.”

“Just watch me,” Dezelac said, as he ran back to the centre circle to kick off. Receiving a yellow card - tied for the earliest in the history of football, of course, as it happened before the game, he touched off, and the Goldhorns’ first defence of the Unofficial World Championship got underway.

Siovanija & Teusland 3-1 Al-Qurija, @ Nationalstadion, Stelburg, Teusland

Starting XI: Sveteikov; Richter (Steimle 60’), Jager, Thierse, Lotbiniere; Kramer (Mihailov 60’), Hristov, Bliznakov (Witzel 81’); Kogler, Tauscher, Ribbeck
Goals: Michael Ribbeck 13’, Mario Kogler 40’, Karl-Heinz Jager 77’
Man of the Match: Mario Kogler

Lineup vs Natanians and Nosts: Sveteikov; Steimle, Maksimov, Kronthaler, Vesele; Kramer, Mihailov, Witzel; Kokalj, Krukenberg, Dezelac

Lineup vs Eura: Heuser; Steimle, Jager, Thierse, Vesele; Kramer, Mihailov, Bliznakov; Kogler, Tauscher, Ilev

[Graintfjall]

Snow Wolves open with drab draw

Two minutes into the World Cup 87 qualifying campaign, Kang Guilin and Hrærekur Jvarsson had cause for sky-high optimism. Playing in his 60th career appearance, though only his first WCC match officially designated as captain, Jvarsson had put the Snow Wolves ahead over favorites Kandorith, ranked inside the world top 32 and visiting Græntfjall for the first time. Jvarsson ran onto a deftly weighted through ball from Jason Þórhallursson, always underrated as a purveyor of assists, and slammed a thumping shot home from close in. Hideyo Kiyotada had no chance, a packed Grand National Arena momentarily forgot club allegiances and rose to cheer the Steinaux man. But two hours later, the thrill was gone.

An open, at times end-to-end first half that saw Kandorith equalize on the 23 minute mark as Masada Katano fired a sharp low strike past Kauko Jorgesson, his vision obstructed by a dithering Hilmar Farmansson, gave way to a rather tame second half trudge, more redolent of the conservatism of Snow Wolves teams of old than the exciting new brand of counterattacking football much heralded in the wake of Kang’s arrival. For Jvarsson, the game ended on a whimper as he hacked out in reckless anger to give Katano a second chance at goal, this time from the penalty spot: fortunately for the Snow Wolves, a well beaten Jorgesson watched the shot rebound off the outside of the post as Jvarsson dejectedly headed for the tunnel.

Both sides played out the match with a caution that suggested that, secretly, a 1 – 1 draw was deemed mutually satisfactory: for Græntfjall, a draw against a much higher ranked side, for Kandorith, a valuable point away from home. The visitors dominated possession by 55% to 45% but the Snow Wolves pressed them hard. If nothing else, it was a good display of fitness from the home side, after a training camp at the National High Performance Center ahead of a gruelling 18 game qualifying campaign, and they were disrupting the Lotus Warriors’ fluid passing schemes up to the 90th minute. But Jvarsson’s opening blast was to be the only touch within the opposition six yard all night, and one of only three shots on goal – the other two speculative long range efforts from Hjörleifur Reynarsson and Bríana Noahsdóttir, both comfortably handled by Kiyotada.

Despite the lack of attacking intent in the final third, Amanda Guttisdóttir clearly warmed to her role in the offensive midfield slot, a position she was largely denied the opportunity to occupy under Sigtryggur Brynjólfursson. She put in a creditable showing on and off the ball against Hiro Tanaka. Less impressive was Álfar Ásvaldursson, who struggled to live with the Lotus Warriors’ pace while lacking the relentless physicality of out-of-favor Kalle Bjørnsson. It is the latter grit, rather than a sudden discovery of hitherto unknown speed, that will be more likely to assure him of future starting minutes.

Guilin has announced two changes for the squad that will travel to South Covello, restoring more experienced defenders Ásgautur Johannesson and Vigfús Bensson in place of Michelle Matteosdóttir and Stefan Jokulsson, though both start on the bench. Additional question marks hover over Þórhallursson, questionable with a niggling injury that saw him reduced to hobbling for the final six minutes of the Kandorith match, and Jorgesson, whose unimpressive spill of an aerial ball from Akio Honda and near bobbling of a Tanaka strike into his own net failed to inspire confidence.

Also in the paper:

• NEWS: Second night of violence in Laafjörður as protests grow over alleged police brutality
• POLITICS: NDF accused of stoking tensions as leader plans speech at Laafjörður Docks
• EDITORIAL: Failure to control immigration root cause of tensions in city seething with rage
• BUSINESS: Agriculture bill offers support for dairy farmers facing up to chain retailers
• SPORT: Final selections for Olympic delegation set to be announced

Poafmersia – 3 (2)

Græntfjall – 0 (0)
Jorgesson; Vilbertsdóttir (66’ Kristersson ), Reynarsson (45’ Jokulsson ), Ernestisson, Lúthersdóttir (60’ Svennsdóttir ); Ásvaldursson, Jvarsson (45’ Bjørnsson ); Snæþórsson (56’ Heikkisdóttir ), Hólmarsdóttir, Noahsdóttir; Bergmundursson (45’ Rögnvaldursson )

---

Græntfjall – 1 (1)
Jorgesson; Vilbertsdóttir (82’), Reynarsson, Farmansson, Lúthersdóttir; Ásvaldursson, Jvarsson (2’) (62’) (63’ Álvgeirsdóttir ); Snæþórsson (61’ Heikkisdóttir ), Guttisdóttir (69’ Kristersson ), Noahsdóttir; Þórhallursson

Kandorith – 1 (1)
Kiyotada; Takayama (84’ Masatake ), Takahashi, Miyake; Kaba, Tanaka; Honda, Hisegawa, Yamaguchi (77’ Hoshi ); Mikami, Katano (23’)

[Chromatika]

Matchday 1: Chromatika 2-3 Drawkland
CMT: Sierra '28, Victoriane '75; DRK: Madison '11, Southers '38, Hunter '62
Starting XI: Ria; Xiao - de Aea - Anderson - Ilya; Thorben - Armageddon (C) - Conrad; Mora; Vidal - Sierra.
Substitutes: Victoriane -> Thorben ('58), Will -> de Aea ('73), Kuzami -> Mora ('86)

---

World Cup 87 Qualifiers, Part 2: The Rendezvous

Not much to say about the match - Though Chromatika was able to hang with Drawkland for a half hour, they let go of things after that, and despite a neat curl-in from Victoriane with fifteen minutes to go, they fell to top-seeded Drawkland in front of a sold-out crowd at the Capitalizt Dome in a match that ended up being Enigma Armageddon's one hundredth cap. The defensive midfielder and captain of the squad had a sublime day with five tackles and an assist.

Enough about that, though. Tonight, dear reader, this story takes us to the temperate jungle of Eyrods. The Eyrodii Jungle remains one of the most pristine stretches of unexplored wildlands in Chromatika, with its depths not fully reached due to laws that prevent it. Every year, the Chromatik government allows expeditions to delve in five miles further, but no more. The Jungle is known to be the direct result of a battle between two members of The Enlightened, and as even they aren't sure of all that happened, approached with extreme care, and in moderation. Once the sanctioned expedition reaches the five mile mark, they set up a perimeter and observe for the rest of the year, only to repeat the process the next year.

How does this have anything to do with the Chromatik national team? Well... You see, the leading biologist/environmental scientist/chemist on the project is Dr. Handel Hauser, Haley Hauser's father. Some of the other members include Celebrity, her sister, and Miriam-Gabrielle, her mother. So, the better question might be, how did Haley Hauser end up being a footballer?

But more on that another time. For this installment, the story focuses on Celebrity RaeAnn Hauser, aged eighteen, freshly graduated out of Academy of the Jungle in Eyrods. Haley's younger sister is far more studious and focused than her sister, though perhaps not as crazed. She's smart, quick to act, and loves to scheme... And this would be one of those instances where she had schemed.

On the twenty-third hour of the twenty-third day, Celebrity headed to a hill in town. It was a secluded, wooded area right by the Jungle, but not quite in. It was the day that she would finally meet her pen pal, the person that she'd been messaging for a while now. They'd found each other on the net about a month ago, and though she'd been taught about talking to strangers, she had absolutely found a kindred soul in username TheLight.

They'd found each other on a discussion site about scientific theories, and talked ad nauseum about interplanar theories and what it might be to be The Enlightened. Though she hadn't learned too much about TheLight, the level of discussion that they could carry on without too much trouble was incredible. If there was such a thing as soulmates, she and TheLight might be one for each other.

It had been her idea for them to meet. Her parents didn't know, but she was often out past midnight anyway - she knew how to handle herself thanks to her upbringing. So it was that when she crested the hill, she caught the clearing that they were supposed to meet at. She checked her watch. Almost time that she would get to meet this person.

Wait... It was a person, right? Nothing had been said about which gender TheLight was... Wait a minute...

Before she could finish the thought, a bright light shone down from the moon, except the light was concentrated just on her, with absolutely no blending to the outside. It was insane, she mused. A being fell... No, more like just appeared into being, with folded white wings and glowing white eyes. In a beat, the wings vanished, and in another, the being pulled out shades from its pocket and put them on.

"Hello," said the... Enlightened, in a soft, soothing voice. Celebrity had, of course, known about Joan Myrtle. She(?) was the most famous of The Enlightened for the Chromatik public, having maintained the name even after getting the moniker of The Hope. Though the rest of The Enlightened had gone back home, She'd remained. This being was different, though... Masculine?

"Hello," stated Celebrity back, "Are you TheLight?"

"Yes," replied the being, "In my realm, I am known as The Light. It is wonderful to meet you. I have actually been authorized to be here."

"Really?" said Celebrity, awestruck, "Why?"

"Because you, my dear, are special," answered The Light, "And very important to me... To us."

Celebrity nodded, a bit incredulous, and took his outstretched hand.

A beat later, they were gone.

---

Chromatik Team for WC 87 Qualifying - Matchday 2 @ United States of Devonta and Matchday 3 vs. Eastfield Lodge @ The Islander Dome, Myana, Myana Island
Projected Starting XI: Tioux; Chapman - Will - Ken - Pomeroy; Victoriane (C) - Zuniga - Kuznetsov; Kuzami; Non - Andisori, B.
Substitutes: Fillar, J.; De Saint-Pierre, Rondeau, Baugh, Austic; Marc, Dias, Han; Kim, M.J.; Gainsbourg, Thibodeaux, Andisori, K.

[Twicetagram and JYPe]

Garthapis Koulouris

---

2 weeks ago

---

What was I doing with my life this whole time? I was having a normal life up till yesterday. Not to say it was bad, though. In fact, I had a blast. Yesterday was probably my happiest day ever. Maybe it was because of the clubbing... maybe I was drunk... I don't really know... I was thinking of Marco all the way though. Oh, how love blooms, yet withers so quickly. I was sure this flower wouldn't wither so fast though. There was a ray of hope, that maybe, just maybe, we would be the ones for each other. Maybe...

I woke up at noon. Granted, that wasn't the best time to wake up, but I got a really good sleep. Best night of my life, said Marco before he left. My heart was fluttering. Was this the feeling to be genuinely loved? Yes. Yes it was. I've heard about rumours that Marco would never marry, but who knows? Spathi (Twicist goddess of fate) could turn it all around. I longed for the day that we would walk in the sunset, holding hands, do romantic stuff, you know?

No one knows the future. Nor do I, but would I care? Love is eternal. Call me lovesick, but really, if you were in my place, that's exactly how you would feel. To be loved and cared for...

---

t i m e s k i p

Present day

---

I am a fool. I should have known that this would happen. I just don't have hindsight, do I? Who would have known that an unmarried man with 5-6 children, wouldn't be loyal? I've fallen into a trap. A trap so poorly set that I underestimated it. All my blabbering about "true love" and "being cared for" was all fake. This was all a hoax. I was treated so well earlier on that I had foolishly believed that we would stay true to each other. Oh, how funny.

My stupidity is so comedic I actually laughed at myself. I was pregnant. I first found out when I started showing symptoms of it. Now, being pregnant outside of marriage is already quite troublesome. Combine that with my calling up for the national team. That's right, I've cooked myself a scandal. A scandal so huge I'd be rejected and ostracised to oblivion. It wasn't even "our" baby. It was mine.

Can I also mention that Twicetagriens are so obnoxiously backwards? Sex out of marriage would be enough for most of the senior population to shun you away. And even amongst the younger population are some very radical conservatives. Not to mention gay discrimination and a lack of women rights, but I won't talk about it.

I had to take a breather by walking around my house. I didn't want to go outside. My pregnancy hadn't been leaked yet, but it was better to keep a low profile, right? I paced to and fro my house, desperately thinking of some way to avoid controversy. No, I couldn't actually. Any path I take will lead to the same thing. I wanted to relieve myself of the guilt. I went to my socials and searched for stories similar to mine... except there were none.

You know what that means right? I'd have to fight this myself. I'm not going to be a pussy and cry about it all day, Maybe I'll give Marco a piece of his mind. In the end, I didn't really care about my fate anymore. I will survive.

[Bluecliff]

STOP!
STOP!
STOP!
STOP!

DO NOT CHEER FOR BLUECLIFF

One hundred and ninety two teams. One hundred and ninety two. So everyone has a second team, and probably a third team. You might choose yours based on historic rivalries, or events in previous tournaments. You might like a certain style of play. Or you might just spin the ol' approximate model (not to scale) of the multiverse, close your eyes, and choose wherever your finger lands.

Your nation might have competed with Bluecliff in the Baptism of Fire. You might have watched, entranced, as the Bluecliffian team racked up victories in that tournament. You might like the languages, the cultures, and the style of play, or you might, quite simply, feel a bit of affection to the plucky runners-up of a tournament you yourself have fond memories of. And what's not to love? The Fourteen Free Cities, sure, they look stupid, needlessly complicated, always feuding.. but the opportunity to dive into the lore might be tempting. Bluecliff seems like a perfect little team to take under your wing for the first sixteen matchdays before they face Pasarga and Valladares to finish it off. Nobody could be stupid enough to cheer for the underdogs with such a schedule.

You should resist whatever temptation you feel to learn anything you wish about the Fourteen Free Cities, and avoid even casual discussion of the Bluecliff League. If your brain does wind up being soft and mushy enough to allow you to feel a twinge of support for the stupid-looking team with fourteen diamonds splashed garishly across the chest, have the good sense not to show it. If you do wind up showing it, have the good sense to remove yourself from the room or at least polite society in general. For all those quintillions who have avoided such buffoonery, though, here's some reinforcement of your prejudices. Just like you crave.

BLUECLIFF DOES NOT CARE ABOUT THIS TOURNAMENT AND NEITHER SHOULD YOU. DO NOT CHEER FOR BLUECLIFF.

If you think your harebrained scheme to nod a bit when Bluecliff gets a good result comes anywhere near being grounded in a sane reality, consider this a check on that reality. A check on all realities, really, since it seems like there are always three or four going around in any given World Cup. We double-checked, and in none of those realities is it even close to a good idea to even consider putting together one of the Fourteen Free Cities' famous committees to even so much as look into supporting Bluecliff.

The simple fact of the matter is, WCC football in the Fourteen Free Cities means nothing. It really shouldn't mean anything to you either. In the coming days we will give you the full rundown of the football scenes in each of the Fourteen Free Cities and their bearing on the Bluecliff Championship. The Bluecliff Championship is international football at its very best, and the quality is much higher than whatever dregs you hope to slurp up at the World's most storied and famous grounds. Hold out for that if you're so excited to be a Bluecliff fan.

If you are getting all hot under the collar and full of that elusive emotion we call "hype" for Bluecliff, though, you're a total idiot. The thing is, Bluecliff doesn't stand a chance in this tournament.

BLUECLIFF CANNOT WIN AND YOU PROBABLY CAN. DO NOT CHEER FOR BLUECLIFF.

The bullshit plucky underdog story you're coming up with is hopeless. The 2-0 win against Regmotto that Bluecliff just pulled off was a fluke. You haven't figured out the schedule unless you're a truly hopeless nerd, so let's spell it out. Bluecliff has the lower-ranked teams first, and finishes the qualifiers with Pasarga and Valladares. That means that any wins or draws or coherent football they manage to put together that gets you all excited and ready to win your fantasy pool or prove your friends wrong or cash out a drunken bet will end in shattered dreams and tears with a heaping helping of despair. Choose any other team to follow and they at least have a chance of finishing out their own pitiful first campaign on a high note.

On the other hand, your support and backing might be just the thing that pushes your preferred side from mid-table to one of the sixteen (or maybe nineteen?) playoff spots available. One shout, one cheer, one long form essay might be the difference. If you want to waste that opportunity on a political morass of buffoonery rife with internal issues and focused on its own elite tournament rather than the WCC, you're perhaps dumber than even the hapless audience for which this is written.

HOW EVEN WOULD YOU CHEER FOR BLUECLIFF? YOU KNOW NOTHING ABOUT THE FOURTEEN FREE CITIES AND ARE SURE TO COMMITT WITHIN A DOZEN CULTURAL FAUX PAS BEFORE YOU'VE CHECKED THE SCORES. DO NOT CHEER FOR BLUECLIFF.

Bluecliff doesn't care about the World Cup. Bluecliff can't put together a decent result this tournament. And within the Fourteen Free Cities, there are Fourteen different cultures, groups, chants, jerseys, matchday foods, styles of political violence with the veneer of sport, et cetera. If you just said you were a fan of "Bluecliff," you would be laughed out of city hall. Frankly, if you're still considering taking on the Bluecliff team and pulling for them on the side, you should have been laughed out of city hall long ago and probably have been before.

What are you going to do, sing the national anthem? There is none. It's a union of Fourteen Free Cities, and singing one anthem is a sure-fire way to get thirteen Free Cities to disavow you entirely. You could hum Heart of Bluecliff's South, if you wanted to, say, only vaguely allude to the fact that maybe you learned what gets taught in children's music classes in Bluecliff's South. That's about it.

If you truly do want to become a Bluecliffian fan, join us in ignoring yourself.

Soon we will learn why we shouldn't cheer for Ruvaslâna in the upcoming Championship, in a piece co-written by thirteen authors of mysterious origins. You are invited to follow the rabid build-up and fast-paced excitement of the Bluecliff Championship when you inevitably tire of the greatest sporting event the multiverse has to offer.

[Yue Zhou]

Lorrana 4 - 6 Yuezhou
Starting Lineup: Ruo; Kang, Ren, Han, Zhu; Guo (Li J 61), Yang (Li KQ 66); Liu, Wen (Tao 81), Gu (C); Huang
Goals: Liu 29, Wen 46, 51, 54, Huang 73, Kang 86

MD2 Lineup (@Darkmania): Ruo; Kang, Ren, Han, Zhu; Chen, Guo; Liu, Wen, Gu (C); Huang
MD3 Lineup (v Mexi Catcha): Ruo (C); Kang, Ren, Han, Reeve; Chen, Guo; Liu, Wen, Li J; Huang

National People’s Revolutionary Committee Border Checkpoint
Yüping, Beiyun

key: (1) is Yangzhou, (2) is Yüping

Start from the beginning? Sure, whatever you want. My parents were Yue academics, but they immigrated to this Graintfjaller university town right after Ren Qiang became the leader of the Yuezhou Socialist Party. I grew up in Griesburg, ended up studying some politics while I was there, but when things went down here I realized I’d rather help out my country of origin than read about dead academics in a classroom. That’s why I really think we could help…

Ow, fuck, okay. Anyway, long story short, it’s me, Dong Daiyu, Meng Huizhong, and Chen Xiaozhu trying to get to the northern coast of Yuezhou so we could get a boat to Nanhai. The plan was to negotiate some kind of support from them, and then we would run point for all the logistics and arms shipments, that kind of thing, toward the northern revolution. We didn’t have much traction back then, the way you guys do now, so we figured any little bit from Zheng Zhoulun would help out.

So we’re driving up Beiyun, and we see this kid - he said his name was Jia Wanghui at the time - on the side of the road, in what looked like a YPA van. Honestly, I wanted to just leave him there at the time, since there was no point in helping the kid out in the middle of our mission, but Chen and Dong were all for it, and Meng didn’t say shit, so we scooped him and went on our way. Afterward, Dong and Chen were talking about their plans to convince Zheng Zhoulun to just hand out weapons, and Meng was quiet as ever, so I tried to chat up our new passenger.

“So, Jia Wanghui, where’d you get that YPA van from?”

He looked towards me with suspicion. I still remember how bright his eyes shone at the time. It was one of those weird minor details about a person that just hangs around in your memory at the time. Then, they shone not with joy or anger, but just disdain. “You speak Yue like a Graintfjaller.”

“Yeah, I was born in Griesburg. I’m not thrilled about it, either.” This seemed to soften him up, and he told me that he was a YPA prisoner who’d escaped from the military hospital they were keeping him in. When I tried to figure out why the YPA was keeping him, especially in a hospital instead of just a prison somewhere, he was more circumspect. The most I was able to get out of him was that he was hoping to escape overseas but wouldn’t hesitate to fight against the National People’s Revolutionary Committee if he got the chance. I took the chance to recruit him to our little revolution, and he seemed interested in possibly staying with us, but Dong Daiyu interrupted to say we’d have to think about it.

For some reason, the conversation ended up turning to football, of all things. I’d never paid much attention to it, especially after I’d started college and begun to drift away from the GPL, but he seemed pretty excited about it, and I at least knew enough of the big names to keep up. We talked about Li Jing, who I hadn’t trusted since he’d joined Überolia FC (Steinaux, who my friends and I renamed after the corporation that owned it), and who Jia Wanghui seemed to dislike for more...personal reasons. We hadn’t gotten far into this weird new passion of his, though, until we hit a border checkpoint. I’d thrown him back in that little compartment we had for contraband, and we drove up to the checkpoint with fake papers in hand.

“Just some YPA boys on some YPA business,” said Dong Daiyu, handing the documents over to the guard. She was never really good at lying, in hindsight - would’ve come in handy later if I’d noticed it then. Of course, with the caliber of guards they had to man these checkpoints, especially in a non-strategic location like Yaodong (or wherever we were, I can’t remember), it was still enough to get through easily, and the guard was about to wave us through when he stopped.

“Hey, while I have you guys, you haven’t seen someone who looks like this, have you?” he said, holding up a picture of Jia Wanghui.

“Uhhh...no, why?” Chen Xiaozhu interjected.

“He’s a vital POW who’s escaped Yangzhou Union and stolen a YPA transport, apparently. Apparently, this got passed down from some Brigadier General, so it’s pretty important shit, and you’ve been passing through the region.”

Chen shot me a suspicious glare, for some reason, then turned back with a smile. “We’ll keep our eyes out, comrade. Seems pretty serious."

As soon as we passed the checkpoint and I opened the compartment, Dong Daiyu jumped in. "What the hell was that? Why are there Generals after you?" 'Jia Wanghui' denied everything at first, of course, but after Meng Huizhong finally spoke up and threatened to throw him back into the YPA's grasps, he'd figured something out. He claimed he was the son of Jiang Bo, who was some vice-chairman in the Nanhai government. As it turned out, whether by luck or by skill, he'd found the perfect lie.

"Sounds like we might be able to make use of you," Chen said, eyes narrowing. "You just won yourself a free trip to Nangang."

So we kept driving, with the coast on the horizon and the sun beginning to set. We thought it was the end of the hardest part of our journey. We didn’t know how wrong we were.

[Northwest Kalactin]

The Regional Qualifiers Sim, MD1

So 3 things.
1. Rushmore is not included due to the short nature of their round robin, which will start tommorow.
2. If you see any inaccuracies, please tell me.

Hosts: This RP takes a lot of time, and even though I don’t write much in it, it still takes a huge amount of effort to do.

Atlantian Oceania, Matchday 1

AO Group 1
Turori 3–0 Khytonya
Krytenia 2–0 Ibixa
Qasden 5–1 Legalese
Tioguldos 1–0 Freeport

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

AO Group 2
Ko-oren 2–2 Pluvia and Saxean
Siovanija and Teusland 5–1 Bonbohk u Piche
Mavinet 1–0 Netop
Barunia 0–1 Gyatso-Kai

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

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

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

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

   AO Group 4                           Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Twicetagria                            1    1   0   0     3    0   +3     3
 2 Mriin                                  1    1   0   0     3    1   +2     3
 3 Flavovespia                            1    1   0   0     2    0   +2     3
 4 Northwest kalactin                     1    0   1   0     0    0    0     1
   Savigliane                             1    0   1   0     0    0    0     1
 6 Muralos                                1    0   0   1     1    3   −2     0
 7 Wreckeria                              1    0   0   1     0    2   −2     0
 8 Saltstead                              1    0   0   1     0    3   −3     0

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

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

Match of the Day: We had a lot of great ones today, however a Chromatika v. Cosumar rivalry match may have been the most entertaining one. Chromatika was clearly out for blood on both sides of the ball, as they were able to easily manage a Cosumar team that has had recent breaks from International Football.

Upset of the Day: Ko-oren just can’t ever get a break, can they. In a 2-2 tie against the low 200s Pluvia and the Saxean Isles, they were not able to come out and play what their rank says of them. Pluvia and the Saxean Isles should be a team that Ko-oren easily beats, however this loss may be just the start of their struggles during the simulation.

Most Dominant Performance: Even though you can definitely make a case for the Chromatika v. Cosumar match, Qasden had a story of their own today. They were able to blow out Legalese in a decisive game, which with only 16 games, could be very helpful if the matches go down to a H2H tiebreaker.

Us! In a 0-0 tie against a familiar foe in Savigliane, the Kalactanian team could not even manage a goal despite their strong attacking nature, which doesn’t have as large of an effect in the sim, but still is a very important part of their team. Savigliane played a long and drawn out match against the Kalactanians, and both teams went home with 1 point today.


Indies, MD1

Indies Group 1
Terre Septentrionale 1–2 Caryton
New Lusitania 3–0 Melbergia
Indusse 4–1 North Alazia
Emastalia 5–0 T Republic
Icecliff 1–2 TBS

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

Indies Group 2
Drawkland 4–2 Beepee
Poafmersia 2–0 Widaya
Juvencus 2–0 U-koro
Murphtannia 4–0 Cirrus Azale
Hebitaka 1–1 UAC

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

Abanhfleft 2–0 Waisnor
Al-Qurija 0–4 Trolleborg
Bluecliff 0–0 Stevid
Freechi 2–0 State of Trinity
Garifunya 1–1 Squidroidia

                         Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Trolleborg              1    1   0   0     4    0   +4     3
 2 Abanhfleft              1    1   0   0     2    0   +2     3
   Freechi                 1    1   0   0     2    0   +2     3
 4 Garifunya               1    0   1   0     1    1    0     1
   Squidroidia             1    0   1   0     1    1    0     1
 6 Bluecliff               1    0   1   0     0    0    0     1
   Stevid                  1    0   1   0     0    0    0     1
 8 State of Trinity        1    0   0   1     0    2   −2     0
   Waisnor                 1    0   0   1     0    2   −2     0
10 Al-Qurija               1    0   0   1     0    4   −4     0

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

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

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

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

Indies Group 6
Kelssek 4–1 Gothina Isles
Squornshelous 1–0 Tornado Queendom
Sharktail 4–0 Magnecia and Galmencia
Balqia 0–0 North Japan
Chartistan 2–3 Mand Blustopia

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Indies Group 10
The Sarian 1–0 Thibaea
Tequilo 2–0 Acastanha
Sajnur 4–3 Yerapia
ZSeparatists 0–0 Central Shaneville
Treekidistan 1–2 United Pink States

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

Game of the Day: One of the most anticipated games coming into this group, a match between Abanhfleft and Bluecliff ended in a victory from Abanhfleft. This group is a very interesting one, as Bluecliff, Second place in the Baptism of Fire faced off with their Fleftic foes today.

Upset of the Day: Terre Septentrionale wasn’t expected to do as well as before coming into the tournament, but their loss against Caryton is just plain embarrassing. Caryton looked impressive in the Baptism of Fire, but this win against a Pot 1 team is something new. Caryton, if they build on this win, has a very impressive team.

Most Dominant Performance: As Emastalia recorded the highest amount of the goals in the sum today against the T Republic, they did it in a strong fashion. A defense that was like a brick wall stopped T Republic from getting through, while their High powered offense seems like a force to be reckoned with.

[Damukuni]

Football Legends, after turmoil, emerge drawn against top 100 Northwest Kalactin
DAX Sports desk in West Bay

GOLD COAST - In what was a fitting return of Damukunian football form to the World Cup qualifiers, Free States FC firebrand midfielder Linnea Jean Arducci and substitution forward Orange Line came up clutch in the final ten minutes of Damukuni’s World Cup Qualifying opener against rising Esportivan power, No. 62 Northwest Kalactin.

The Kalactanians started out play with two goals within forty minutes, one by 19-year-old AC Izotz Zubia forward Thom Butler, and another by the 28-year-old Tor forward Jimmy McCarthy. With an all-out offensive formation, as well as players old and young on the warpath, the situation looked dim for the Football Legends at Gold Coast International Stadium, where no goals were able to be scored until forward Thattelby Fivedollerz broke through the attacking line in first-half stoppage to give the Football Legends their first goal of qualifying.

Overcoming a 2-1 deficit in the second half would prove a daunting task, which was not helped by Kalactanian forward Lamar Hall increasing the lead at the 83rd minute. Manager Jennifer Homestead then decided to play a more offensive running game, pulling the more defensive Jennica Myers (Marinos Lunigo FC) from her position in favor of West Bay United’s Orange Line, known for his fifty-meter dash time of 6.98 seconds at the DFL Scouting Grounds. The 19-year-old Line would dart through the lines all the way back to the Kalactanian defense, receive a long pass from centre back Abelutio Hernandes, and point it into the left upper 90 from the 18 with a minute to go to tie the score at 3-3. A late push by striker Will Sanders would do nothing for the Kalactanians, and the whistle would blow to seal the deal and place both sides in the middle of the table to begin the qualifier.

Damukuni (103rd, 1 pt, 0 GD) will face No. 88 Huayramarca at Naruto Shinagawa Field in Atarashii-Damushuto, followed by a visit to No. 269 Cirrus Azale.

Note: The score bug incorrectly spells Jimmy McCarthy’s name as “McCarthey” due to a typographical error that DAX Sports staff received when the rosters were finalized for the first match.

[Drawkland]

WORLD CUP 87 QUALIFYING PREVIEW
Written By: Taylor Jones and Hayley Powell

---

Finally! Drawkland has done what we once thought was impossible. It may have nearly killed the Elite Eleven, but they managed to steel their resolve. Riding on the backs of home field advantage and a sorta-lucky group draw, they brought Drawkland to not just our first lossless World Cup group stage, but a playoff berth. More of that review in a minute.

Now, we must return to reality and suffer through a challenging and grueling qualifying campaign. There is one silver lining though: thanks to our stellar cycle in World Cup 86 (and a bit of luck with the qualifying format), we're now a Pot 1 team. For the first time since World Cup 81 qualifying, we'll be exclusively punching down on our competition. Just ... don't ask us how that went last time.

WORLD CUP 87
In the second-ever World Cup hosted in Drawkland, we had a little more skill on our hands than the first time we hosted in World Cup 79. In World Cup 79, we were a Pot 3-4 team placed in Pot 1 as hosts, but even dodging a real Pot 1 team wasn't really enough to propel us over the edge. We went 1-1-1, losing on the final matchday to Cosumar to barely bump us from a knockout spot. This time, we wouldn't have the same issues to deal with, being more equipped to tackle heavyweight opponents. We'd face Starblaydia, The Hinodejin Empire, and Hampton Island, and one would once again expect us to go 1-1-1 against such a crowd.

The tide was turned on Matchday 1, where we opened World Cup 86 as a whole by taking on a solid Starblaydia team, our hardest match of the campaign. Thanks to heroics by the crowd atmosphere in Seven Stars Stadium and great effort by the Elite Eleven themselves, we came away with a 1-1 draw that proved we weren't going to slink quietly away from the World Cup group stage again. The next matchday resulted in a 4-2 win against the Hinodejins, only our fourth-ever win in a World Cup. All the E11 needed to do was not lose on the last matchday, and we were sure to advance to the knockouts. They did what the original Kick Corps couldn't, holding off Hampton Island to a 1-1 draw that would send us onward.

Unfortunately, our first playoff opponent would be none other than Vilita, who won their group and are no strangers to World Cup playoff games. Defeat was all but certain, but that didn't stop the Elite Eleven from putting on an impressive show in Raikennax. The resulting match ended with flurries of goals on both sides, ending 4-4 after regulation time and unchanging after extra time to force a penalty shootout. A first shot miss by Rodney and a last shot miss by Hanson would seal our fates with a 4-3 penalty shootout that sent us packing home. Thankfully for the Elite Eleven, it was not a long journey, and the fans were supportive all the way.

Ultimately, despite the Round of 16 exit, it was a great result and our best campaign so far. Even the lost that ended the season was a good one, a tightly-contested high-flying match that we took to the very end.

QUALIFYING DRAW
Now with the next cycle upon us, there's the double edged sword of expanded potential along with increased expectations. The sky may be the limit for the Elite Eleven, but now anything short of qualification and a decent showing at the World Cup would be a huge disappointment. Need I remind everyone here that Drawkland's first qualifying cycle in Pot 1 was far and away our statistical best and yet ... we failed to qualify. The Elite Eleven have succeeded where the old Corps failed, but they have to do it again if they expect to stick around as the new Corps.

As far as our group draw, it's a pretty comfortable one. Our biggest threats will be Chromatika, ranked 27th in pot 2 compared to our 16th. In this qualifying cycle, all group winners advance, along with the best three second-place teams. The remaining second placers will face each other in a playoff to determine the remaining spots. Ultimately, our performance compared to our groupmates is entirely irrelevant. We need to show out, and not drop points where it's not necessary. Even if the unthinkable happens and we surrender the top spot to Chromatika or another team, we have to have enough points to stack up against the second-place teams across the qualifying groups. Playoffs are volatile. Playoffs are chaos. Playoffs are where dreams go to die. We must avoid them at all costs.

In Group 10, Drawkland and Chromatika are joined by Mavinet, ZSeparatists, Freechi, United States of Devonta, Arklanda, Logano Fraza, Eastfield Lodge, and Smosh Games. These are ranked approximately by how much of a threat they are to qualify. By all standard metrics, we should be able to beat all these teams at home, and nearly all of them on the road. Maggie is a fickle mistress, though, so there are no guarantees. We'll look at our individual chances in a moment.

VENUE SCHEDULE
For the first time since World Cup 82, DISC has decided to go with a qualifying "tour" across Drawkland, rather than hosting every home game in a single venue. For the first four cycles (minus the one we hosted and didn't have a qualifying campaign for) of Drawkland's participation in the World Cup, the qualifying home games were held at Drawk City Stadium. In World Cup 82, to build up hype across the nation for the upcoming World Cup cycle (one cycle removed from our first failure), they set the 9 home games in 9 venues, with varying level of success. People showed up, and the crowds were excited, but ultimately the old Corps once again failed to qualify. After they fell to Omerica on home soil in the IAC, this team was deposed and replaced by the Elite Eleven.

The Elite Eleven, being a troupe of athletes based in Sadeg, had played all their games in Spartan Veteran Stadium, which is normally used for gridiron. Since the World Cup is held in the gridiron offseason when the stadium is vacant, the Eleven took to using it with pride, since it's a solid venue. Since then, it's been used exclusively for qualifying home games. It's now been that way for four cycles, though one of them doesn't count since we hosted and thus didn't have a qualifying campaign. Huh, that sounds sorta familiar doesn't it? DISC seems to feel confident enough to spread out the qualifying games again, especially since hosting the World Cup last cycle seems to have reinvigorated the national spirit for the sport.

Without further ado, here's the schedule for each home game of the World Cup 87 campaign. Notice that there's two games scheduled for the normal Spartan Veteran Stadium, thanks to the incredibly clout power the Elite Eleven possesses. It's like they've got a permanent hold on the nuts of all the decision-makers at DISC.

MD2 vs ZSeparatists: Spartan Veteran Stadium, Sadeg (107,500)
MD4 vs Smosh Games: Pitch of the Plains, Bellator (101,000)
MD7 vs United States of Devonta: Castle Stadium, Raikennax (149,500)
MD9 vs Mavinet: National Pitch, Metropolon (149,000)
MD10 vs Chromatika: Drawk City Stadium, Drawk City (175,000)
MD12 vs Freechi: Kanyo Pitch, Kayo (164,000)
MD14 vs Logano Fraza: Bethelm Arena, Bethelm (102,100)
MD15 vs Arklanda: Oreme Field, Kilnelm (115,000)
MD17 vs Eastfield Lodge: Spartan Veteran Stadium, Sadeg (107,500)

If you're familiar with Drawkland geography, you'll notice this campaign takes a simple "there-and-back-again" approach with the spacing and scheduling of these matches. The campaign begins on familiar ground for the Elite Eleven, their old haunt of Spartan Veteran Stadium in Sadeg. They then venture all the way out west to Bellator, then hit Raikennax, before ending back in the Metro District for the two biggest home matches of the campaign, one to end the first half in Metropolon and start the second half in Drawk City.

The second leg sends the Corps out east to Kayo. Then, in the MD14/15 double header, the twin cities of Bethelm and Kilnelm will play host to the two lowest ranked teams in the group. Finally, the Elite travel back to Sadeg for their home closer against the perennial factory of sadness that is Eastfield Lodge. Unfortunately there will be one more game to play after this, a pretty crucial one in Mavinet. We can only hope we finish strong.

PROSPECTS
As we said earlier, this group is basically ours to lose. Mathematically, we deserve all the points. We start off the campaign hard, with our most difficult match of the campaign. Chromatika (pot 2) on the road. A win here would pay dividends down the road, especially if we take care of business against the teams destined to be bottom-feeders of this group. All logic points to the Elite Eleven and Chromatika running away with this group, but you can't count on success. Just ask any of the teams ahead of us in our early cycles. One cycle you think you're set to qualify easily from Pot 1, then BOOM! Some random Pot 7 team just stole your qualifying spot.

Of the challengers, the biggest contender has got to be the pot 3 squad of Mavinet. Ranked a mere 60th, they're not even high in the pot 3 list, but we'd be foolish to discount their skill. If any team has a chance to spoil the run for us, it's them. Pot 4 yielded the United States of Devonta to us, a familiar name if you follow any major sport for awhile. I mean, they're familiar because they've been around for awhile, but not really due to success. There's a lot of scary teams from pot 4, eager to steal points from the big boys, but fortunately for us, Devonta is a tamer option. Their rank of 83rd is mostly built on the merit of consistently entering and consistently not being terrible. I would consider them less of a threat to steal a qualification spot, but more of a trap game team that would ruin our run if we're not careful.

In Pot 5 we've been dealt Eastfield Lodge. All things considered, I think we're safe from them making a qualification run, but like Devonta, we can't be so foolish as to play weakly against them and drop points. The same goes for our Pot 6 opponents in ZSeparatists. Being the third-best team in the pot, this is statistically the hardest matchup we have, comparing rankings within each pot. They're still ranked 121st though, so at this point we're getting to the plucky teams that may be stealing points if we're unlucky or lazy, but in all likelihood will simply be used to boost our record.

Finally, we get to the dregs of the bunch. A few new debutants from the Baptism of Fire, including Freechi, Arklanda, and Logano Fraza to worry about. There are some tough-looking new teams out there, but none of these three seem to be the harder-hitting of them. They could make a shock run, as Baptism-fresh teams tend to sometimes do, but I wouldn't hold your breath. Anything less than six points from each would be a disappointment. There's also the unranked debutant of Smosh Games, who are likely to be even less of a contender.

To sum it all up: we're a pot 1 team, dammit. Ranked 16 in the multiverse right now. Anything less than qualification will be a failure, and anything less than six points from half our groupmates will be considered major upsets. Over an 18-game campaign, you're going to want to amass at least 40 points to consider yourself in a good range to qualify. In a perfect reasonable world, we should be looking in the ballpark of 45 points from this campaign. Upsets are bound to happen where we don't expect, though, so anything over 40 will be a solid showing in my book. To be honest, though, the points I could care less about. Qualification is the goal. The Elite Eleven have done it three times now ... let's see them do it again. Their jobs may depend on it. On Corps.

[Muralos]

The Omniscient
more like an astronaut's eye view of the Muralosian sporting world at this point
January 12, 2021

(OOC: Muralos' universe is quite regular; times and dates are synced up exactly with times and dates on RL Earth.)

The Muralosian national soccer team has just played their first World Cup qualifier in Muralosian sporting history. It was a good game against the unranked nation of Nacaltora at an undisclosed venue in the country (yes, undisclosed and unidentifiable even to us here at The Omniscient!), in which the Hawks beat Nacaltora's squad 2-0. In no way does the outcome discredit Nacaltora's potential, though. The first half saw the Muralosians and Nacaltorans quite evenly matched. Nacaltora had an attacking style of play that gave Tanya Lubimova- officially a backup goalkeeper, though she started this match- a lot of work to do.

It was not until the second half, in the match's 62nd minute, that Muralos' captain Adamo Brava scored the first goal of the match. A valiant counterattack in the 88th minute led to the second goal by second striker Valora Lin (playing in place of Rui in the second half). Muralosian commentator Gao Hui found it "impressive that the Hawks have continued to find scoring opportunities, even at such a late point in the game, when victory is almost decisive."

Here is a more detailed report on the Muralos-Nacatora match.

WC87 Qualifiers: Matchday 1

Muralos 2 - 0 Nacaltora
Brava 62', Lin 88'
Undisclosed venue, Nacaltora

Muralosian line-up:
GK - Lubimova
RB - Takeda → R. Mori 74'
CB - Kim
CB - Lei
LB - A. Mori
LM - Zheng
CM - Abramovich → Zhong 50'
CM - Granda
RM - Shchedrina → Lumin 66'
S - Rui → Lin 53'
S - Brava

Nalcatoran line-up:
[unfortunately, unavaiable]

With an upcoming match schedule that seems to involve two matches per day, played every other day, some of the Hawks have been scratching their heads about how in the multiverse they will be physically able to do so. The former men's national team did have to play two matches in one day at the International Football Cup last year, but the World Cup qualifiers is another matter. For the next month, not only do the Hawks have to play two matches in a single day on a regular basis, they also have to travel between matches.

"How are we going to be able to play a match in Central Shaneville, travel from Central Shaneville back to Muralos, warm up again, and play a match against Cassadaigua... in less than 24 hours' time?" inquired Daniil Lee when the Hawks landed in Shaneville City and were making their way out of the airport.

"It's because we won't have to," Rebeka Mori answered. "Didn't you get the memo from President Kuznetsova about all days being 48 hours long for the next two months?"

Lee was incredulous. "You're telling me that the government can just... do that??"

"Yeah, it was a very last-minute process. They had just finalized it after our game against Nacaltora," Vilhelmo Lumin chimed in. "Basically, to enter the World Cup, we had to shift into a parallel universe in which time moves differently from what we're used to. Beginning today, we're gonna experience 24 hour-days that last 48 hours, relative to our original universe."

At this point, Lee looked as though he had begun to question all of reality. "Wait, since when were we able to shift into parallel universes? And why the heck have I not learned about this in my 15 years of life?"

"Oh, it's just this one," continued Lumin. "And, I think the science behind parallel universes is a branch of this field called calkestic studies. You only hear about it in university, and even then you'll only hear about it in advanced physics courses, because it's a really obscure field."

Rebeka took over the explaining from there. "Okay, think about it this way. This is the only parallel universe we can shift into, and apart from the time stuff, everything else about it is the same. There aren't really any practical uses for this, as far as I can see. Since our lifespans don't change, we only get to live half as many days in one lifetime if we stay in this universe. However, we get enough time each day to travel and recover. Oh, and your circadian rhythms adjust to it, so don't worry about that part."

"Okay, so that means we're going to spend... two months living through the upcoming month? And, if the days are also twice as long, does it really matter if we live half as many days?" Lee had, as they say, so many questions.

"Yeah, we will have lived through two months, though to us it will appear as one month. And apparently, the days will eventually feel ordinary; not like extra stretched-out days. I'm not sure it's worth doing all the time, though... we'll probably have to sit out on some World Cups because of it, or figure out a better way to align ourselves with the match schedule."

Well, I guess it's fine this way; I sleep for 16 hours instead of 8, and then I spend 32 hours awake... that's more time spent each day with the team, Lee thought. And more time listening to the dulcet tones of Rebeka's voice – wait, did I really just say that? Even in my head, that sounds wrong...

Out loud, Lee replied, "Well, that helps, but it's still confusing as heck! I guess that's why lots of nations on Earth [OOC: RL nations who aren't in the NSWC] just play in the FIFA World Cup and don't bother dealing with an entirely different perception of time. Too bad the NationStates WCC can't just schedule one match every other day or something sensible like that."

"Well, I think you're on to something," said Rebeka. "It'd be interesting to see France or Germany in a NationStates World Cup. They'd be at least as good as Cassadaigua or Nephara."

"And La Gazeto de Sportatoj has the audacity to call us the 'talented hermits of the multiverse!'" exclaimed Adamo Brava, who had just caught up to Rebeka, Lee, and Lumin. "The European teams are the most hermit-y of all."

"It kind of works both ways for us, though, the hermit part," Lee said sheepishly. "This is our first NationStates World Cup, and if we played in a FIFA World Cup, that would also be our first time. We're hermits however you look at it!"

This interesting exchange foreshadowed another interesting exchange that Daniil Lee would have with two other boys on the Muralosian national soccer team. Together, Georgo Zhong and Lerta Donaldson were the most laid-back members of the entire squad, so Lee felt most comfortable talking to them about what he felt were personal subjects.

"Yo, it's probably a good thing that I'm not on this team as a defender, because I would be ridiculously distracted by Rebeka," Lee confessed. "Good thing my desire to score goals is greater than my desire to be around her. Ha!"

"So, what I'm hearing," Zhong quipped, "is that you're attracted to soccer goalposts."

"No, you mean goal nets, Georgo! When have you ever seen him hit the post?" Lerta Donaldson asked, to break the ice. It worked, as Daniil Lee was laughing heartily now.

"Oh, you know it, Lerta," he replied.

Now, here is the starting lineup for Muralos' games against Central Shaneville and Cassadaigua.

Muralosian line-up against Central Shaneville:
5-3-2 formation
GK - Markov
RB - Takeda
CB - Kim
CB - R. Mori
CB - A. Mori
LB - Petrov
LM - Donaldson
CM- Abramovich
RM - Lumin
S - Lin
S - Brava

Muralosian line-ups against Cassadaigua:
A highly unorthodox 5-3-3 formation:
GK - Markov
RB - Takeda
CB - Kim
CB - R. Mori
CB - A. Mori
LB - Petrov
LM - Donaldson
CM- Abramovich
RM - Lumin
S - Lin
S - Brava
S - Rui

A less unorthodox but still unusual 4-3-2-1 formation:
GK - Markov
RB - Takeda
CB - Kim
CB - R. Mori
LB - Petrov
DM - Donaldson
DM - Abramovich
DM - Zhong
AM - Lumin
AM - Granda
F - Brava

That is all that needs to be known about the Hawks's activities in the past three days. Well, that, and the fact that they have been training quite proactively in preparation for Central Shaneville's ultra-attacking play and Cassadaigua's all-around skill. While the Hawks know about Central Shaneville as both squads played in the International Football Cup, what will happen when they face the third highest-ranked team in the entire multiverse? It remains to be seen.

Muralosians can catch upcoming games on the television network RTM-1, the station Radio Muralan-Sportema (97.9 FM in all of Muralos), and the website rtmnet.mur. Tickets to the Muralos-Cassadaigua game, in Urbego's Zemlinsky Stadium, can still be purchased at biletoj.mur. That's the Esperanto word for "tickets" plus our country's top-level domain ".mur."

Iru, Muralos, iru!

[Commonwealth of Baker Park]

WCQ: North Japan 1-1 Commonwealth--Away day apathy?
Scott McCrae
The Daily Mail National Soccer Writer

The opening match for the Commonwealth National Team in World Cup 87 Qualifying should've been--on paper--a routine exercise of clinical disposition of a side fresh from the Baptism of Fire. The end result was a bit short of that, perhaps even more than a bit.

The hosts, making their debut while fielding a starting lineup with only one player over 26 years old, showed little fear against the opponents who came in ranked 352 places above them in the KPB index.

Jennifer Prescott put out a side that couldn't be considered a condescension or afterthought, but there was a certain amount obvious rust and disjointed understanding on display as the attack sputtered and struggled during the opening 45 minutes.

The red-clad Kirin seemed to have no case of opening night jitters, urged on by a loud following also donning red that produced a constant and enthusiastic atmospheric din throughout the 90 minutes; it's unlikely those experiencing the rhythmic chant (clap, clap-clap, clap-clap-clap, Kirin!) will forget it for some time.

In the 36th minute, a mistake by Amy Freeman led to the opening goal, as she misjudged a pass aimed towards Somun Sang-Kyu, who stepped around and fed the ball into the box for Hwan Kwang-Ho to smash home past Kelsey Vickers; as the side went to the dressing rooms, the body language of the white clad BP team was one of embarrassment rather than anger or dejection.

The Bees started out the more aggressive and positive side after the re-start, immediately putting the North Japan defense under pressure and forcing the keeper Chanwook into saves from an open play shot and subsequent corner. Nicki Stone came on in place of Angelique Underwood on 55 minutes, as Marcus Nolan moved to the area behind the forward pair.

The visitors increased the tempo and began to show their experience against the younger home side, forcing more errors and sustaining territorial advantage in the North Japan half.

Marcus Garvey replaced Tim Cassell at the front at the 71 minute mark, and his energy led to the equalizer, as he held up a pass from Christa Vuckovic on the edge of the box, then laid off for Chandra Mack, who at the last second let the pass through to Ngoba, the winger launching a rocket into the far upper corner of the net.

Paige Eichorn came on for Nolan 3 minutes after the goal, and there was a definite sense that BP would break through for the winner, but the Kirin survived the last 10 minutes to salvage their their first ever WCQ point, and earned the gracious respect of the visitors during the handshakes.

post-match comments:
NT Manager Prescott--"well done to them. I expressed my heartfelt congratulations to Mr Gyeon on his preparations, and asked that he relay my appreciation to his side for their spirit. Of course we will always recognize an opponent's outstanding play; I won't stand here and say 'oh they caught us off guard' or 'they were lucky'. That's not how we do things. We played 45 minutes of sub-average soccer and 45 minutes of reasonably decent soccer, and no one in the dressing room will contest that characterization. We will get ready for our next match (away to Cascadia) and Maestro will have his squad ready for the Shirley game (versus Vdara)."

Angelique Underwood, captain on her 50th NT appearance--"the way things have gone through this past season (at her club in Banija), this just about is what I should've expected. (laugh) Like Jen said, credit to North Japan, they played far better than we did in the first half, and on balance you'd have to say they just about stood toe to toe against us in the second. It's a long road to qualification, one match isn't a yardstick to measure anyone against."

BP vs North Japan:
Vickers; Ackerman, Onikambe, Freeman; Rizzo, Vuckovic, Nolan [Eichorn 79'], Ngoba; A. Underwood (C) [Stone 55']; Cassell [Garvey 71'], Mack
Goal--Ngoba 76'

BP vs Vdara:
Johnston; Bartok, N Underwood, Jordan; Delgarro, Westmoreland (C), Taborn, Fernandez; Bozeman; Simmons, Wadsworth

BP vs Cascadia
Coffey; O'Connell, Rasanamira, Harrison; Guitierrez, Stone, Eichorn, Aguilar; Sotolongo (C); Jones, Laing

[Acronius]

---

World Cup 87 qualification begins, spoils shared in Concord Heights
James E. Sudlow (@SudlowUP)
^{Sports | Lionsgate, Acronia}

^{SHARE THIS:}

---

Cassadaigua 2 — 2 Acronia

ACR - 4-3-3 (DM)

---

GK - Michael Rowland
RB - Ibrahim Obeng
CB - Roger Meyo
CB - Jérôme Karam
LB - Samuel Njoku
CM - Michael Fromme
CDM - Marin Trésor (C)
CM - David Garner
RW - Antony St-Saëns
LW - Loïc Taubira
CF - David Pascale

CAS - 4-4-2

---

GK - Tiffany Nelson
RB - Michell Graves
CB - Katie Standish
CB - Kimberly Carson
LB - Brooke Sutter
RM - Courtney Graham
CM - Preston Newfeld
CM - Meghan Wolcott
LM - Morgan Rosenblatt
CF - Madison McClain
CF - Rachel Schanke (C)

Match Events

---

Standish - '26

Paz/St-Saëns - '45
Obeng - '51

Porter/Graham - '61
Swift/Sutter - '61

Garner - '63
Grémillon/Njoku - '63
Fromme - '64
Traoré/Garner - '73

Russo/McClain - '78
Wolcott - '90+1

x

Goalscorers

---

Wolcott - '4
Rosenblatt - '83

Fromme - '68
Pascale - '74

CONCORD HEIGHTS, CASSADAIGUA — There are few in the world of football who flatter to deceive more than the Union of Acronian Kingdoms, and even fewer who fall as short of expectations as we so consistently do. And yet, in spite of eighteen miserable qualification campaigns before this one to serve as a stark reminder to keep one's expectations for qualification as close to null as possible, there are some among us in this nation already getting carried way with entirely unfounded notions of glory. Why? On a warm evening in Concord Heights yesterday, James Weaver's Acronian side were able to scrape a 2—2 draw against Group 3's juggernaut, Cassadaigua.

To be fair, the result is certainly a positive one and one worthy of praise — Cassadaigua are, after all, the fourth best side in existence at the moment according to the KPB rankings, and boast the august distinction of having lifted the World Cup itself on two occasions. Acronia, by comparison, presently sit at a measly 100th on the leaderboards. Yet, despite a clear discrepancy in quality, a fast-paced and combative performance culminating in goals from Michael Fromme and David Pascale were enough to secure Acronia a point at the Dagan Airways Stadium, with the underdogs even having been in the lead for all of 9 minutes, before eventually bottling it in true Acronian fashion to a Morgan Rosenblatt thunderbolt; her first goal in a WCC-sanctioned event.

The Fillies' other goal came within a mere five minutes of play, when right-back Ibrahim Obeng was adjudged to have handled the ball whilst blocking a speculative Rachel Schanke shot from within the box; a schoolboy error which gifted the home side a penalty coolly converted by elite goalscorer Meghan Wolcott. Obeng's incompetence earned him manager James Weaver's wrath, and a spot in the starting eleven for RC Montélimar man Gabriel Milton at Obeng's expense is looking increasingly probable for the following matchday. Acronia showed spirit and determination to leave Concord Heights with even honours, but its solitary point did not come without a little messiness, with Obeng picking up a booking later on in the game, James Garner also getting carded for a late tackle on Meghan Wolcott, and Michael Fromme earning Acronia's third yellow immediately after Garner's challenge for what was deemed to be overzealous dissent by the referee.

Acronia's fortunes began to change after 65 minutes of play or so, however, with Fromme netting Acronia's first goal of the WC87Q campaign, a thunderous low sailing shot fired home from just outside the box after Antony Saint-Saëns' initial corner delivery was rebuffed. Six minutes later, it would be David Pascale, the Acronian Union's prodigal son, who would put the away side in the lead for the first time in the game, capitalizing on a slick Loïc Taubira through-pass and producing a flip-flap feint just deceptive enough to round goalkeeper Tiffany Nelson and slot the ball into an open net. However, with only seven minutes in the game left to be played, Morgan Rosenblatt pulled level for the Dagans, with a fierce firecracker of a shot fizzing past an otherwise stellar Michael Rowland.

James Weaver's boys will return to Union Park in Lionsgate for Acronia's second fixture in this qualification campaign, which will see them host an in-form Busoga Islands side currently sitting atop Group 3 following an excellent upset win against TJUN-ia. The Atlantian Oceanian side find themselves in 79th position in the world rankings, but though the 21-place gap between the Busogans and the Acronians may not seem like much, supporters of James Weaver's men should be under no illusions about the Islanders' strength as a team, and they remain firm favorites to claim three points in Lionsgate. Following the Busoga Islands, the Acronian national team will take to the road again for matchday 3, traveling to Flavovespia for another tricky fixture against an even higher-ranked side. The multiverse's 41st best side, Flavovespia also won their first fixture of the campaign in a 2-1 home victory against Central Shaneville, and qualification for the World Cup proper is looking to be well within their capabilities. They will be on the hunt for three more points against Acronia to add to their tally.

---

World Cup 87 Qualification Campaign - Union of Acronian Kingdoms

Schedule
MD1: Cassadaigua 2—2 Acronia @Dagan Airways Stadium, Concord Heights (A)
MD2: Acronia vs. Busoga Islands @Union Park, Lionsgate (H)
MD3: Flavovespia vs. Acronia @City Arena, Marthorpe (A)
MD4: Acronia vs. Hispinas @Union Park, Lionsgate (H)
MD5: Muralos vs. Acronia @Dynamo Stadium, Nord-Urbo (A)
MD6: Acronia vs. Nacaltora @Union Park, Lionsgate (H)
MD7: Havynwilde vs. Acronia @Uvenstadion Superparc, Iyes (A)
MD8: Acronia vs. Central Shaneville @Union Park, Lionsgate (H)
MD9: TJUN-ia vs. Acronia @Beregozera Stadium, Szensky (A)

MD10: Acronia vs. Cassadaigua @Atlas Arena, Defense (H)
MD11: Busoga Islands vs. Acronia @Lakiska City Field, Lakiska (A)
MD12: Acronia vs. Flavovespia @Atlas Arena, Defense (H)
MD13: Hispinas vs. Acronia @??? (A)
MD14: Acronia vs. Muralos @Atlas Arena, Defense (H)
MD15: Nacaltora vs. Acronia @??? (A)
MD16: Acronia vs. Havynwilde @Atlas Arena, Defense (H)
MD17: Central Shaneville vs. Acronia @Red Bull Arena, Shaneville City (A)
MD18: Acronia vs. TJUN-ia @Atlas Arena, Defense (H)

Goals
Michael Fromme - 1
David Pascale - 1

Assists
David Garner - 1
Loïc Taubira - 1

Yellow Cards
Ibrahim Obeng - 1
Michael Fromme - 1
David Garner - 1

Red Cards
None

Man of the Match
Michael Fromme - 1

x

Appearances
Michael Rowland - 1
Ibrahim Obeng - 1
Samuel Njoku - 1
Jérôme Karam - 1
Roger Meyo - 1
Marin Trésor - 1
David Garner - 1
Michael Fromme - 1
Loïc Taubira - 1
David Pascale - 1
Antony Saint-Saëns - 1
Victor Pax - 0(1)
Alex Grémillon - 0(1)
Ahmed Traoré - 0(1)




x

STARTING XI VS BUSOGA
ISLANDS (MD2, HOME)
4-3-3 (DM)

PASCALE
TAUBIRA ------------ PAX

GARNER ------ FROMME
TRÉSOR

NJOKU ------------ MILTON
KARAM --- MEYO

ROWLAND





x

STARTING XI VS FLAVOVESPIA
(MD3, AWAY)
4-3-3 (DM)

PASCALE
TAUBIRA ---------- ST-SAËNS

GARNER ------ FROMME
TRÉSOR

NJOKU ---------- MILTON
KARAM --- SANI

ROWLAND





x

[Valanora]

Who is the most popular player in the Premiership? It is not a question that comes up often, but with the Premiership being in quite a good position lately, having clawed its way back into top tier status in the IFCF, it is a question that is now in the minds of more people. We've decided to go through each club in the Premiership for the upcoming season and take a look at who their most popular player is and go from there, to put to bed the question (at least for the upcoming season).

Raynor City United: Karl-Heinz Jager (STL) - entering into his fifth season at United, this centerback came to United with a lot of promise and has absolutely capitalized on it and then some. Being a starter for both club and country, especially for a nation right next door to the Empire, has done wonders for his visibility and popularity, especially with United routinely having one of the best defensive units in the league.
Ibini FC: Tor Olsson - once a national team level winger, this domestic product has been a joy to behold for the Islanders for over a decade now. Being from Ibini certainly helps him keep among the fan favorites, even as he is getting towards the tail end of his career.
Hondo FC: Gustav Hanssen - another national team player and a home grown player at club for an Owls team that has had its shares of ups and downs but more ups than downs. Hanssen is the type of player that every club wants to have, a man who gets to the job done and does not make a huge fuss about it or when things go wrong makes him really easy to cheer for.
Soldarian FC: Alma Watts (EUR) - This one was a tough pick, with three very talented and popular players on the Blades' roster, but it comes down to Alma, as upon her arrival the side was able to lift the title and then make it to the Champions' League semifinals. With the Blades being up among the IFCF places regularly since her arrival on top of that impact, plus being a usual starter for the Eura national team, she just gets the edge over some of the other players at the Blades.
FC Capri: Pánfilo Veliz - this one was fairly easy, and that was even before Capri turned over nearly half of their roster in the summer. Being the first Sabine player to make the national team after coming through the Capri academy, this dynamic attacking winger has the personality of a superstar and the talent to boot. Very likeable and easy to root for.
Wexax United - Kemo Jawara (BNJ) - A bit of an odd pick, given he is not even an usual start for the Hammers yet, yet Jawara came through the Wexax academy and has had a natural affinity for getting on with both teammates and the fans of the club. With the expectation that he is likely to become a regular starter in the upcoming season, it's very likely his popularity will increase tenfold if his talent is as good as his personality.
Mar Sara FC: Harlem Saxstrom - This was another one of the easy ones, especially after Harlem pulled a nationality switch with the WCC and started to represent Valanora after Apox' collapse. Being the leading lady for the Flames and constantly in the goals and in the IFCF places, while becoming one of the Marauders star strikers makes her loved in just about the entirety of the Empire.
Rolalas FC: Tyler Shrub (KSK) - Entering into their fifth season with the Blues, Shrub has been a large part of turning Rolalas into an also ran in the Premiership into a viable IFCF challenger year in, year out. Talented in both the attack and defense for the Blues, Shrub is definitely one of the fan favorites as well as steady heads for the capital club.
SC Rinaldi: Drew Limones (CMT) - This pick might be from being a survivor of attrition at Rinaldi, with only a handful of players on the roster having been there for five years or more. Talented and personable in their own right, Limones has been a bright spot for the Gunners in seasons mired in mediocrity.
Gladerial United: Trent Owen (EUR) - There were a few choices here, but Owen is entering his tenth season with the Twilight and has never looked stronger than he did this past season. Being part of the team that was in a title hunt and finally took the Twilight back into ICC places, with the team set to compete in the Champions' League this season, will make him (and most of last season's squad) heroes and legends of the club, cementing his popularity now and into the future.
Char Sara FC: Joshua Stirgeon (NPH) - While the Inferno might be on hard times currently, they have had a few reasons to be proud the last few seasons, having made a rare trip into the IFCF. Stirgeon having a few good campaigns now and then and making up for a shoddy backline that is beaten a bit too often, as well as being that missing piece the season they did make it to the IFCF, has him among the most favored of the Inferno squad for their faithful fans.
Straightdale FC: Ezekiel Fourglass (BRE) - When it looked for certain that Straightdale was going to be relegated last season after a terrible first half, the squad needed someone to get them in gear and going, that person was Fourglass. With a miraclous finish that saw them avoid the drop, the fans of the team will sing Fourglass' praises for awhile yet.
Club Valanora: Elias Hammer - The Warriors are not exactly well known for producing national team level talent, yet that is what Hammer has become and coming through the club's academy as well, straight from the stress of Gladerial. A home grown product who was among the best goal scorers in the Premiership last season and in the national team pool has the fans of the club very proud of their young striker.
AS Peravova: James McWhorter (AUD) - for half a season the Comets looked like an IFCF team and had taken several big clubs to the task, McWhorter's presence in the defense was a large part of that. Though they faltered in the second half, they played way above expectation and McWhorter is believed to be a large part of that, earning him admiration among the supporters.
FC Longview: Lea Weisz - Seen as the best player on the squad despite a young age and the Foxes' best hope for survival in the upcoming season.
AC Hartdale: Magnus Strand - a stalwart center mid who has stuck through the bad times as well as the good despite some clamoring for him to leave the club for better prospects. The club captain has gotten the team once more into the Premiership, and though it will likely only be a one season stay, the fans admire his dedication and fulfillment of the promise to get them back to the Prem one day.

After an in depth look at all sixteen teams and their most popular player, we then looked at how they stacked against one another. While the competition was very close, at the end of the day, it came down to two national team players for the Empire that were competing for the top spot. Pánfilo Veliz ended up edging out Saxstrom on the back of his lively personality and the fervor surrounding him being the first player born in Sabine and Caddonia to represent the nation as well as having come through the academy at Capri. The curious thing is that he is the most popular player here at home in the Empire, the question is how does he rank among the foreign viewership and who do they think is the most popular player? E-mails from our foreign readers are welcomed at http://www.valtimeditor.val and we encourage all to share their opinions!