World Cup 87 - RP Thread

by **Audioslavia** » Mon Dec 28, 2020 5:21 am

The Unofficial World Championship Committee tracks the lineage of the Unofficial World Championship throughout the history of multiversal football. The belt is won and lost in the same way as a boxing or wrestling championship is won or lost. To be the man, you've got to beat the man.

The very first title of World Champion was awarded to Crosshill after winning World Cup 1. Crosshill then defended the championship in every official match they played until finally losing a match, and thus the belt, to Ziotah. Ziotah lost the belt immediately to Al Quds, who retained it via avoiding defeat against Tanah Burung and Crosshill before losing it via defeat against Central New Jersey in the first round of World Cup 3.

That very belt has survived all the way to World Cup 87 without being removed permanently from circulation via retirement, data loss or strop.

A full list of the Unofficial World Championship's laws may be found here

A full history of the lineage of the Unofficial World Championship may be found here

Episode 4 of The Idiot Project told the story of the Unofficial World Championship. The episode runs to nine videos, starting here

At a recent meeting involving UWCC Chairman Jeremy Jaffacake and a bottle of rye whiskey, the following amendment was made to the UWCC ruleset.

Silver Beach Amendment
December 2020

After a request by the Chairman of the Silver Beach Football Association, the UWCC looked into how it will approach adding new competitions to its list of eligible UWC tournaments.

Regarding the 7 Nations Cup and any other new regional tournaments: In order for its matches to be sanctioned as possible UWC title matches, the tournament must:
Not allow its regional members to take part in the Independent Associations Cup. (The UWC recognises that a region may be considered a ‘sporting region’ while also sending its member nations to the Independent Associations Cup, but nevertheless will not sanction its regional tournament matches as UWC matches until all of these conditions are met)
Be composed of at least 16 teams
Have a field wherein at least 51% of its participants are active World Cup nations.
Be composed of nations from only one region.
Limit puppet nations to one per main.
Not have more than 40% of its entrants be puppets
Satisfy the UWC that it is a serious attempt at a Regional Tournament, and not a creation intended to game the UWC system.
To reiterate: the above rules are for new regional tournaments only. The UWC does not care if any of the CE, CR or AOCAF fail to reach one or more of these standards whether temporarily or permanently.

The UWC will continue not to sanction matches from age-limited or exhibition tournaments.

Regarding the formerly WCC-affiliated tournament known as the Eagle’s Cup and its associated Eagle’s Club / Eagle’s Cup Cup of Champions / Eagle’s Cup Cocoa-bo Challenge Trophy organizations/competitions: The UWC will continue to not sanction matches in these competitions.
A Cup of Champions may be considered for UWC eligibility if it ceases to be tied to the ‘Eagles Cup’ and is officially brought under the WCC’s umbrella. The UWCC notes that:
The UWCC does not necessarily endorse this move
The UWCC wants to avoid a situation wherein a UWC Champion is invited to a Cup of Champions tournament despite not winning an official title
For as long as the Cup of Champions remains an exhibition tournament independent of the WCC, it’s possible for a team to decline its invitation to the tournament, a move that would greatly diminish the tournament’s importance with regards to its claim to be more worthy of eligibility than most other exhibition tournaments.

unofficial Unofficial World Championships
The UWC welcomes nations who disagree with the above rulings to track unofficial Unofficial World Championships that would exist if one or more of the above rulings had been decided differently. For example, a UWC champion taking part in the Cup of Champions or 7 Nations Cup would not lose its UWC title in those tournaments, but the UWC welcomes any attempts to track where the title would have gone had those tournaments been deemed eligible.

The UWC requests any such lineage to be given the monicker ‘unofficial Unofficial World Championship’ or ‘uUWC’, noting the lower-case ‘u’.

As of the start of World Cup 87, the current Unofficial Champions of the World are:

LINEAL WORLD CHAMPION: Al-Qurija [Holder since World Cup 80 Qualifying Matchday 18]
INTERIM WORLD CHAMPION: Endray Island [Holder since World Cup 9 Qualifying Matchday 11]
INTERIM WORLD CHAMPION: Free Republics [Holder since the World Cup 85 Final]
INTERIM WORLD CHAMPION: Baker Park [Holder since the AOCAF Cup 62 Final]

The names of Endray Island and Free Republics have been greyed out as neither side has entered a UWC-eligible tournament this cycle.

The UWCC acknowledges that the chances of Endray Island making a faithful* return to international football are nil, but nevertheless stand by rule five of the UWCC's ruleset which dictates that if a champion retires from international football, they keep their title forever.

The UWCC acknowledges that the chances of Free Republics returning to international football are slim, and the circumstances surrounding their exit from international football are controversial, but nevertheless we stand by Rule 5 of the UWCC's laws.

The belt that Free Republics hold was created after Apox retired with the Lineal belt after Cycle 75's Campionato Esportiva. It was first given to World Cup 75 winner Unified Sunrise Islands.

The Interim Championship held by Baker Park was created after Free Republics retired with the second Interim championship. It was first awarded to World Cup 86 winner Banija

Al-Qurija are making a welcome return to World Cup football after missing cycles 81 to 86. They will defend their LIneal World Championship - the one held by Crosshill after World Cup 1, and whose line can be traced throughout the history of the NS World Cup - in their World Cup 87 Qualifying Group.

As of the start of World Cup 87 Qualifying, 216 different nations have held a version of the Unofficial World Championship. These are, in order of appearance:

1	Crosshill
2	Ziotah
3	Al Quds
4	Central New Jersey
5	Giant Zucchini
6	Steel Shadows
7	Jurassica
8	Dennisov
9	Lemmitania
10	Brazillico
11	Runaway Moose
12	Quohog
13	Errinundera
14	Pavesia
15	Endray-Island
16	Bedistan
17	Halfassedstates
18	Europa Britannia
19	Lanky Dude
20	Koennerstein
21	Total n Utter Insanity
22	The Lowland Clans
23	Spaam
24	Keyshona
24	Ravenspire
26	Avenging Altos
27	The Weegies
28	Sliponia
29	Dead Man
30	Rejistania
31	Kerla
32	Eauz
33	Commerce Heights
34	Svecia
35	Lennon Marx
36	Makongo-Wodimalongo
37	The Fivefold Star
38	Oddslavo
39	Squornshelous
40	Jeruselem
40	Kingsford
42	Vilita
43	Druida
44	Lovisa
45	Lykaia
46	Melmond
47	Magnus Valerius
48	Turnia
49	Oglethorpia
50	The Eagles Nest
51	Qia
52	Insane Inflation
53	The Evil Umpire
54	Snub Nose 38
55	Kylaai
56	Dance 2 Revolution
57	Adam Island
58	Hiiraan
59	Audioslavia
60	Crystilakere
61	Starblaydia
62	Cockbill Street
63	Liamist States
64	Spurland
65	Sarzonia
66	Gaian Ascendancy
67	Kericia
68	Praying2God
69	Bipedal Apes
70	Revolutionarian Island
71	Casari
72	Bettia
73	Andossa se Mitrin Vega
74	Pacitalia
75	Lamoni
76	Fmjphoenix
77	Liventia
78	Krytenia
79	Harlesburg
80	Vuam and Isma
81	Spruitland
82	Tadjikistan
83	Nedalia
84	McPsychoville
85	Czariums
86	Quakmybush
87	Backwardistan
88	Bazalonia
89	Ariddia
90	New Montreal States
91	Jasiyun
92	Sel Appa
93	Valanora
94	Turori
95	Schorteskatascansolani
96	Ropa-Topia
97	Atheistic Right
98	Schiavonia
99	Az-cz
100	Vilita & Turori
101	Demot
102	Ulzaxid
103	Hypocria
104	Manhattan Prime
105	95X
106	Milchama
107	Tynelia
108	Daehanjeiguk
109	Sorthern Northland
110	The Holy Empire
111	Candelaria And Marquez
112	Septentrionia
113	Dancougar
114	Secristan
115	Queer Poco El Mono Ara
116	Taeshan
117	Bostopia
118	Cafundeu
119	Pasarga
120	Valladares
121	Nethertopia
122	Chocolate Pencils
123	Teinohikira
124	South Norwega
125	Die Adler
126	Toiletdonia
127	Virabia
128	Kelssek
129	Akbarabad
130	Blouman Empire
131	Onimar
132	Kosovoe
133	Aguazul
134	Cosumar
135	The Bear Islands
136	Kagdazka and Pazhujebu
137	The Archregimancy
138	Newland-America
139	Cyborg Holland
140	Qazox
141	Gyatso-Kai
142	Oswaldia
143	Khytenna
143	Kiryu-shi
145	The Sylvanaes Queendom
146	Geisenfried
147	Hutt River
148	Polar Islandstates
149	Mesoland
150	Jukenia
151	Riyahda
152	Traila
153	The Babbage Islands
154	Kinitaria
155	Saintland
156	The Inevitable Syndicate
157	Wight
158	Farfadillis
159	Usjekhipstahf
160	Sameba
161	Northern Sunrise Islands
162	Nephara
163	Terres de Gaulles
164	Kandorith
165	Orca Bay
166	Arkiasis
167	Vaugania
168	Ruentenbach
169	West Angola
170	Unolia
171	Polaaskan
172	Schottia
173	San José Guayabal
174	Buyan
175	Osarius
176	Polkopia
177	Acronius
178	Ceni
179	Nova Anglicana Admin Zone of Esportiva
180	Gregoryisgodistan
181	Eastfield Lodge
182	Torisakia
183	Lons
184	Free Republics
185	Sandwich Territories
186	Eura
187	Crystal Empire
188	Zenic
189	Red Blackiland
190	Brenecia
191	Apox
192	Unified Sunrise Islands
193	Ummat Al-Haqiqa
194	Damukuni
195	Qasden
196	Electrum
197	Bonesea
198	Alpine Union
199	Chromatika
199	Drawkland
201	Mriin
202	Garifunya
203	Ceyesca
204	Aggrey-Fynn Land
205	Al-Qurija
205	Cosneolta
207	Eshan
208	Bongo Johnson
209	Ancharmunn
210	Abanhfleft
211	Mattijana
212	Baker Park
213	Equestria
214	Hapilopper
215	Ko-oren
216	Banija

We at the UWCC look forward to this cycle's UWC title fights, and hope that the two active titles may be unified soon.

*attempts by existing nations to revive Endray Island will be laughed at derisively

by **Trigel** » Mon Dec 28, 2020 12:25 pm

My country, Trigel would like to sign up for the nation states world cup.

by **Trigel** » Mon Dec 28, 2020 6:35 pm

If this is where to apply, Trigel would like to.

by **Squidroidia** » Thu Dec 31, 2020 9:27 am

OOC: As like what I did in World Cup 86, I will do 2 pre-MD1 RPs, one before the draw and one after the draw. For this first one I have decided on doing an AFTV style RP which takes place immediately after the IAC 11 Quarter-Final between Megistos and Squidroidia. I have used the Megistian accounts of the game for this RP, as they accurately describe what happened in that game fairly well. Don't worry, these types of RPs won't occur for the games in the WCQs, and with what other users have planned I am sure to spice things up during the qualifiers. Thank you.

A group of Squidward Roids, the main ultras supporting the Squidroidian national team, are crowded outside a stadium in Havynwilde. All of them don't have their long noses on. One Squidroidian, a human, has a microphone and is interviewing an Inkling boy.

"SquidroidiaFanTV, and SquidD, before this match most Squidroidian fans, I think 90% of those you spoke to today were confident that we go ahead and get a winning result against a team like Megistos... We never turned up in that IAC Quarter-Final, didn't we."

"No fight, no passion, no spirit... A third of that team needs to scram. I've never thought I would have to say that during the group stage, even with the Flock of Seagulls loss, you know I was going positive throughout the tournament. The knockouts mean that you have to question everybody in the team, the players, manager Mito, even the ball squids. We bottled it today. Robertson, Jorgenson, Quintero... We conceded goals. We. Fell. Apart. We were so wide open today... And we capitulated. And those players, if it wasn't for Yoneda Toshikuni and that superb goal, these players would have gone and walked over to the stands to apologize to the fans for having to watch that. Have you seen the trip that all of us had to make to get here, and for that result to happen? 4-4 on aggregate in the last 2 tournaments against Megistos. 4-4. We get out of Squidroidia and we get beaten like that. Imagine how we feel. The players still get their wages, they go on holiday for the next few weeks, and we're stuck here. And you have the gall to do that in a Quarter-Final after you just beat Trolleborg? Oh piss off."

"Just backtracking a little bit here, why did the team capitulate?"

"There are too many weak minded bottlejobs in this setup, end of story. If the bloke who managed Real Squidroid was manager, we'd be ripping into them. You just have to look at the Super League. Those guys at Tyranny would have done more than Hoshi if they got the chance. But what does Mito do? He sticks Hoshi in even if he's aging like milk since he went to Shorterville. There was the wrong selection against A Flock Of Seagulls as if he was taking it easy expecting a win, and that's what cost us here against Megistos. You cannot sit here and paper over the cracks for much longer. We know some players aren't good enough anymore, but what does Mito do? He ignores Akiyama, he ignores Gengyo, he ignores the Inklings coming up the sport aside from a couple, and he trots out the same team with a different gimmick every time. I'm sick and tired of this, I really am."

"I understand your point here, but-"

"Lemme explain you this. Takanori's wife was in the stands for the match. Where's Higa and especially the FA's president? The president runs football in the nation, but she stays out of it. Where is she? Where is she? And then Takanori's wife goes away on a private jet. Do you really think the leader of the nation cares? Do you really think that he cares about the team? Give us a couple of cycles, and I'll assure you that Eastfield Lodge are going to overtake us in the rankings. Maybe Sulsuland too for all I care! We need a manager that cares about the Super League and doesn't focus entirely on the Squidroidians playing abroad, because if it happens again we're doomed."

"I understand you're mad about the result today, but now's not the time to think about the team going down the drain. If Sho and Makino do well at their clubs-"

"Listen here, you know where these 2 are right? One's a youngster who only gets a starting job at a Champions League level club due to his time in Squidroidia, and the other sacrificed group stage football for a supposed easy league title, even though he was joint top scorer in South Newlandia and player of the year over there! I know they have potential, but they need more experience. Yes, say what you want about Hideo doing the business in Murphtannia, but even if the Lions packed in debt for not selling him, all of that would be erased due to their Champions League run, and if he stayed they could have made the Quarter-Finals. Be glad we have someone else in South Newlandia now. Now piss off okay?"

SquidD then leaves the area, and the video ends.

by **Mapletish** » Sun Jan 03, 2021 8:22 am

The Sour Kind
"I only know one thing, that is I know nothing"

Commentaries| Podcasts| Timothy Jozua

Heart to Heart with Job Bobbie - Part 1

"Hello, 你好, Hola, Bonjour, こんにちは, 여보세요, Hallo and Здравствуйте, I am Timothy and welcome to another series of The Sour Kind. And in today's podcast, we will be having a heart to heart talk or HTHT with a special guest. He is none other than Job Bobbie, the current captain of the Mapletish squad who are about to embark on their World Cup 87 Qualifying. The qualification rounds, I will say, is significant for this group of young players. Not only is this is the youngest squad, the Football Association has sent in the team's 13 World Cup qualifying history, this is also the first time, the team is consisted mainly of players who aren't from any football clubs. We have covered the ongoing dispute between the RFAM and MBSO in the previous series, do check them out."

"Now Bobbie, do you know who I am?"

"Well absolutely, Timothy. I have followed you for quite some time right now."

"First of all, congratulations on doing well in the recent Di Bradini Cup, a third place finish is already quite respectable. Now, introduce yourself, Bobbie, to those out there who don't know you."

"Hi everyone, I am Bobbie and I'm 20 this year. I am the current captain of Team Mapletish Football for the upcoming World Cup 87 Qualifying. Nice to meet all of you and of course, you, Timothy, and yes, thank you for your wish wishes."

"That is a very brief introduction right there, Bobbie. So do you like to HTHT?"

"Actually I have a lot of HTHT conversations with alot of my friends and with all the guys in the team and especially as captain, it is essential to find out more about your guys right, so, yes, in general I do like to HTHT. Hopefully I don't suck hahaha."

"Well now that we know that you are a HTHT kind of person, we shall kick off with our first section. And the question goes, "Bobbie has played many sports in school and also having excelled in other sports like rugby and swimming, what made you make the switch to play football and what got you here? Do you think that this has impacted you in any way."

"Wow, that is a tough first question to begin with. Well yes, I was played many sports in school, and to be honest, football wasn't my first pick. You know In Mapletish, we are all a bunch of kids who just like sports and play a variety growing up. Seeing the guys now in the team, we also see many non-native footballers who made the switch to playing football so this is not something unique to me. I like swimming back in school. Preferably also because I like the feeling of gliding through the water and being able to not run."

"That is pretty ironic, considering that swimming has land physical training sessions isn't it, Bobbie?"

"Uhh yes, I dreaded those PT sessions but all is good hahaha. They made me who I am. After swimming, I made the transition towards rugby primarily because I watched quite a lot of rugby growing up. It runs in my family as well, my dad was a former rugger and so is my elder brother. I slowly followed in their footsteps. And I grew to love it."

"Was it something you do concurrently while you were swimming?"

"Ohh yes, I juggled swimming and rugby quite comfortably, although both sports have rather competing demands. But they complement well together I guess? You have the need to be stronger, more aggressive and tougher on the pitch while you want to get a little bit more technical, more streamlined and faster in the water. Those also include additional physique requirements if you ask me but I stuck with my own body."

"So no comparable advantages that allows you to be better than the rest?"

"I guess when you are not specialising in a sport and just dipping your toes in a number of them, I probably am a little average in my body composition and in terms of my physique and build, I guess I can render myself rather suitable to be doing both of those."

"What then became the trigger for you to switch towards football?"

"I wanted to do something different back in pre-university. So I decided to pick a different sport, rather than the ones that I am familiar with. So at 16, I transited to playing football and have never turned back since. I have considered other sports as well, but I guess football sort of spoke to me. I joined my school's football team on the first session and I was put through my paces immediately. The coach did some drills and tested our physicals, gathered some numbers and put us through a kick-about. I might have impressed the coach with some footballing IQ I guess, from my recreational football experience."

"So you do have football experience?"

"Yes, but it was rather limited. I am more used to using the IQ on the field for rugby, so sometimes I instinctively, stop running forward to allow the play to progress until I get shouted at to continue moving, because we can now pass the ball forward, so this is one of the more silly moments on pitch."

"From what I have seen in your playing style, I can describe you as a wing playmaker rather than the winger we are more used to on the flanks. Am I right?"

"Yes, I agree. I don't have the technical fluidity to catch up with my teammates most of the time, considering I joined the sport late. The rest can easily juggle the ball 30, 40, 50 times in a row while drinking water or popping in a sandwich, while I can see myself juggling the ball with my hands instead. So I shift my focus towards having more game sense and awareness. I guess coach saw that as well during my tryout and he recommended to put me in the midfield more me to roam and to let my vision take over. Subsequently, I would shift out wider to the flanks, so to the left flank to allow my stronger right leg to take charge of the crosses. Because of this, I took on the role to dictate plays on pitch and subsequently, I took charge of the team as a whole by taking on the captaincy."

"And how has that shaped you?"

"Erm, the captaincy shaped me in terms of, having to now, shoulder the team and to be a direct bridge between the coach, the school management and to the rest of the guys. Of course in football wise, I tend to want to do simpler things rather than making it too complicated. Football made too complicated, really just messes everything up, you get a whole lot of room for error making, which is somewhat undesirable. But the guys are cooperative, sometimes, putting down their egos and desire to want to do something themselves to conforming to the team's plans. That was one of the highlights of my captaincy back in school."

"Do you think that you are a natural leader then? Considering, you are not the most experienced or the best player on the pitch?"

"Well, I guess, a leader is someone who is made, rather than born. Indeed it is not easy to be one, you have got people to answer to, you have got expectations on yourself, you set goals for the team and you are trying your utmost to meet that. I guess being in similar roles in the swim team and rugby team, helped me quite a bit as I took on the captaincy in the football team. It matured my thinking relatively early. I am almost ahead of my peers in terms of planning and thinking and analysing training from a coach's perspective, really helped to improve the team and my thought process in briefing and debriefing the team. The idea of being the best or the most experienced and thereafter equating that to being the leader is somewhat flawed.

Being good in your craft is one part of the whole puzzle, while being able to manage the team on the ground is another skill that needs to be honed. You can be the most gifted, score the most goals but you might not be the number one guy to have in the dressing room to break up conflicts or disagreements. Yes, you might be the central figure, but that isn't enough. Mere recognition of being the best is not enough for respect that a team will give towards their captain. So this brings us to being able to manage dynamics and interpersonal relationships in the team, which is another area that a captain must think of and be very sensitive about. At the end of the day, the team is nothing without its people."

"Thank you for that explanation Bobbie on your leadership principles or ideas. Now, we expand on how being in other sports have impacted or shaped your on the field presence."

"Erm, being in other sports brings themselves a different kind of emotional baggage. I tend to compare the current team that I am in with the previous teams that I have played or was in. This is somewhat unhealthy, I must say since the circumstances are different, team dynamics is different. In terms of relevant experience, it is close to none. In terms of soft skills and carryover, well definitely, it has a great impact on my thinking. Possibly through navigating the different scenarios or situations that arise, the experience I had, gave me some kind of blueprint to work with in response to these situations that I faced."

"So I would say that you have garnered a lot of tangible experience from your stints outside of football. Do you say that because of all these, you garner the respect of your teammates?"

"Yes and no. Yes, because despite my late entrance into the game, I was able to gasp the dynamics of the team easily. Seeing things from another point of view is something which is very valuable especially since I don't come from the football background. I might have something different to offer to the team. Yet, seeing things differently is a disadvantage sometimes. The team might not understand where I was coming from, or my point of view, because they were not in my position when I made certain decisions or do certain plays. It is not a disadvantage and even if it is, I believe in re-wiring and working on it to change that into an advantage."

"Moving on from here, what made you join the national football academy then?"

"I was looking to get more footballing experience and to experience a variety of coaching methods, there I land myself at the National Football Academy."

"Why not try out for club football though?"

"Well, I guess, I was not that into club football at that point, club loyalties was not something I deal well with. It just hindered my fire for football sometimes, like because of club loyalties, I wont be able to learn from another coach because of the club. I was not keen on going for club trials back then and stuck on fine with training with the National Football Academy (NFA). I guess that was fate and I was able to captain the team in the Di Bradini Cup too which was a huge plus to my portfolio."

"Can you tell me more about your stint at the King's College, what are you doing in College and what do you expect out of it?"

"i don't expect much from university football. I just want to play football and to do it with the people I am able to work well with. I am currently pursuing Psychology and Philosophy at the King's College and I am also the captain of the university football team. I had a close University Cup run previously and I am looking to build on to that, before I graduate. A 5th place finish in Group 11, behind Dodgestead University. I had only wish to build on that and the guys were keen to build on this form that they have. The seniors though were disappointed to not have qualified for the knockout rounds, but I am sure they took things in their stride and graduated successfully, I'm also sure they brought with them lessons from there and maybe to continue pursuing the sport on an amateur level at least after they graduate from university."

"What are the plans for the team then?"

"Build on the finish and continue to refine our tactics. Get the game plan and the team together and hopefully stay in our lane, take every opposition that comes our way. But before all of that, to bury our heads in the dirt and continue to hustle. I have brought back some reflections from the Di Bradini Cup and I am excited to share with the guys when I get back together with them again. Hopefully, I will also hand over my captaincy soon and focus more on national football and getting my head into preparing for graduation."

"What are your plans then, after graduation?"

"It was to get a job and live my life simply. But after playing for Mapletish on the international level, I am looking forward to kickstarting my professional footballing career, so clubs out there interested, please."

"I thought you were much more concerned about not being restricted by club loyalties?"

"Yes, that is still on my mind but I am more inclined to be some kind of a wanderer, wandering around and playing football for clubs that needs my service, I guess?"

"So clubs, hit him up, he is on free transfer."

"Oh yes haha, name a good price, I might play for you."

"Beyond that, how about your personal life? Love life?"

"Erm, I am currently quite contented with my life in general. Having had my own place since enrolling in university, I have learnt a lot more about myself. Being independent is tough, you got bills to pay and studies to manage, now you add on a sport to play on a high level, you are basically splitting yourself up and running 24/7. No one cares about paying the utilities bills until they have to pay them yourself, they add up. Electricity, the gas, your phone bills, they just keep coming in at the end of the month. Paying them off and you are left with a small amount for your daily expenses and then the rest, almost closed to none, I save. It is tough but it is also about making the right decisions, to eat out less, to buy less, to spend on things which are more budget friendly, I guess?

My love life has been alright, I think? Currently in a long term relationship. We are both happy. I generally don't share much about my love life and my partner and I chose to keep it low profile. I wanted to shield her from all the limelight that I am slowly getting right now with all the media attention on me, after my captaincy appointment. Generally, I don't want to put too much pressure on her which might just cause a strain in our relationship if we are not careful in managing it, so pardon me as we keep it low profile. Not to worry, we are happy."

"I understand that and thank you for keeping us updated on your love life. Glad that you are happy and satisfied with whatever you have. Maybe we can talk about, how then to manage a relationship like yours then?"

"Ohh, I don't mind. I guess, open communication is the key right here. As cliche as it sounds, it is an open secret. You need to have the conversation to find out from your partner, what are they okay with, and what are they not okay with. It is also good to find out, what exactly is your partner looking for, from this relationship. That is in the beginning. Those will be the guiding principles steering both of you on track. Continue to talk things through and work things out just like any other relationship advice will advise you to do. At least you know you are not acting on assumptions but actually clarifying and steering clear away from landmines. Simple advice but it goes a long way, trust."

"Neat, Bobbie, we will take a short camera break from here. Cheers Bobbie, by the way, how do you like your coffee?"

* * *

by **South Covello** » Sun Jan 03, 2021 8:54 pm

The Playmakers Wins Best Picture Award

The hit musical comedy movie The Playmakers took home the Best Picture Award at the First Annual South Covello Film Awards (SCFA). The film, which stars Drew Jones and Harry Monnette as two theatre producers, won the award last night.

The film is about theatre producers Craig Hornet (Jones) and Ulysses “Ulu” Henry (Monette) who come up with an ingenious scheme to sell 100,000% of the investment in a play, make it so terrible it’s guaranteed to flop and none of the investors will come looking for returns, and flee to Falatulu with the money, living on the beach in luxury. They sing the song “Falatulu” declaring their love for the country and its beautiful women, and most notably its lack of extradition treaty with South Covello.

They decide to hire Loyal Lord’s Servant XS8FD8SDFUBS (formerly Brad Smith), one of the three remaining members of the Church of Gregoryisgodistan in Damukuni, to have him write a musical tribute of love to Lord Almighty Gregory, calling it Lord Almighty Gregory’s Magical Mystical Romp Through Esportiva, and decide to call him LLSX in the future in order to save time. They hire a strung out, flamboyant beatnik hippie named Marco DiMarco-Arco (MDMA) to play Lord Almighty Gregory. They also hire a former child actress turned deranged crazy lady, Crystal Metheney, to play Greg’s wife, Cleffie Martinez, after bailing her out of jail for throwing six of her 319 cats out the window at a passing kindergartener who she was convinced was Satan incarnate trying to steal her gold bullion.

As the musical begins on opening night, a chorus performs the song “Springtime for Lord Almighty Gregory”, which opens with the now-classic line “Springtime for Lord Almighty Gregory/Winter for SJG and Saintland” and discusses how Greg will destroy the heathens in glorious, amazing, magical, mystical fashion. The audience is disgusted, but then MDMA and Crystal Metheney come on stage, the audience assumes their terrible acting is supposed to be satire, and they love it. MDMA wows the audience with a hilarious, yet terrible and mocking performance of “I am a God”, followed by “Legalizing Slavery”, where he sings about how he would kill his wife and kids before he ever bans slavery in his nation.He concludes the First Act by singing “God Hates Coconuts” along with the chorus, while smashing numerous coconuts on stage.

Intermission arrives and Hornet and Henry are sweating things out, knowing their investment is ruined, and charter a private plane for Falatulu, preparing to leave immediately. However, three police officers show up to arrest them for fraud. Before they can do so, however, LLSX runs on stage as the Second Act is about to begin, screams “Why are you mocking the Lord with this disgraceful performance?” at MDMA, and begins bludgeoning him with an iron bar. The police decide to arrest him instead, while the audience cheers, assuming it is all part of the act. Hornet and Henry use this as a diversion to flee the theatre and board the plane that they think will take them to a tropical paradise. Unfortunately, when they arrive, they find that Falatulu, like the rest of the Free Republics, is a nuclear wasteland, and mournfully sing that “Greg Got His Wish.” The charter plane then leaves without them, forcing them to stay in the nuclear hellhole forever. The movie ends with them sitting on the destroyed remains of what was once a beach, most of the sand turned to glass, drinking out of a coconut and observing that this is all they will be able to do forever, reprising the song “God Hates Coconuts” as the credits roll.

by **Northwest Kalactin** » Sun Jan 03, 2021 9:38 pm

What If the World Cup Used a Regional Qualifier? AO and Rushmore Pre-WC Edition
So, this question has been asked before quite a few times. What would happen if the World Cup Qualifiers employed a region based format for it’s competition? Well, with the help of Quemmor Sporting Magazines, Sporting News Kalactin will help answer that question for you.

How Will We Do This?
With the help of some computer program that we found from an unnamed Paripanan Developer, we have found what we believe is the most fair way to simulate a regional based qualifier for the World Cup.

What Number of Qualifiers will Each Region Get?
Well, with the assistance of our friends at the All Banijan Sports Magazine, The Sporting Magazines of the Quemmor Isles, and based on other factors that we have found, we have decided what we think is the most fair amount of qualifiers for each region.

AO: 14 Spots
Esportiva: 4 Spots
Rushmore: 5 Spots
Indies: 7 Spots
Hosts: 2 Spots

What Will the Qualifying Groups Looks Like?
Well, we can show you right now, through very scientific method of the Randomize Range function on Gooogle Sheets, we have come up with a very good group format for each region.

AO Groups
Group 1
Farfadillis, Turori, Krytenia, Qasden, Tioguldos, Freeport, Legalese, Ibixa, Khytonya

Group 2
Valanora, Ko-oren, Siovanija and Tuesland, Mavinet, Barunia, Gyasto-Kai, Netop, Bonbokh u Piche , Pluvia and the Saxean Isles

Group 3
Banija, Audioslavia, Equestria, Maccian, Busoga Islands, EOT, Quakmybush, Sett Forest, Fjorsz

Group 4
Starblaydia, Mriin, Flavovespia, Northwest Kalactin, Twicetagria, Saltstead, Savigliane, Wreckeria, Muralos

Group 5
Vilita, Baker Park, Chromatika, Quebec, Blouman Empire, Huayramarca, Hapilopper, Cosumar, Jabal Akhdar

The First Glance
When you look at this region first, it seems very obvious that getting out of any of these groups will be tough. Group 4 seems like the easiest, although teams like Muralos, Flavovespia and Saltstead can be sleeping giants sometimes, and will not be easy to beat. Group 5 may be the toughest one overall, with 3 teams that qualified for the most recent cup, along with multiple time qualifiers Cosumar and Chromatika, this group has as much quality as any group in this simulation, if not more.

Rushmore
Rushmore Groups
Group 1
Pasarga, Darmen, Electrum, Eastfield Lodge, San Ortelio

Group 2
Savojarna, Valladares, Yuezhou, Crystalline Caverns, Gouvanarch

Group 3
Eura, Sargossa, Obreruor ar Moro, Nacaltora, West Zirconia

Group 4
Cassadaigua, Astograth, Tikariot, Southwest Eastnorth, Simulland

Group 5
Nephara, Graintfjall, Plane of Possiblity, Mytanija, Hispinas

The First Glance
Oh boy, does Group 4 look tough. World Top 10 team Cassadaigua, Cup of Harmony Final 4 Team Astograth, Rising Stars Tikariot and highly performing in the CR squad Southwest Eastnorth. This group looks very much the toughest one as of right now, although that could change. Group 1 is certainly a contender for that spot also, as they have Pasarga, Darmen and Electrum, all of which have finished top 4 in World Cups. Group 2 and 3 both look to be on the weaker end of the spectrum, although teams like Eura could make Group 3 a very tough one to be in. Group 5 is interesting. Multiple teams that can have breakout cycles, although a clear favourite in Nephara.

Tune Into Sporting News Kalactin for the Indies Draw show, and Quemmor Sporting Magazine for Esportiva. Go Kalactin!

by **Central Shaneville** » Mon Jan 04, 2021 2:02 pm

CENTRAL SHANEVILLE BACK ON THE GRAND STAGE
You can feel a buzz going around Shaneville City as this momentous occasion of the World Cup draw draws closer, the big screen in Shaneville City Park is packed with spectators eager to see who Central Shaneville will get in their second ever World Cup and whilst Central Shaneville have been out of the World Cup for a while, the passion remains the same with some Shanevillean media outlets saying that "The Central Shaneville fans are some of the most committed I have ever seen, that Red Bull Arena may become a strange kind of fortress" the media then went onto to call playing in Central Shaneville daunting due to the island nation's football fanbase.

Last time at the World Cup, Central Shaneville entered as an unranked team and failed to qualify for the finals, despite this the fairly new team. at the time, put on a great show for their fans, despite playing on what seemed to be a very simple football pitch.

Now though the Red Bull Arena stands tall and proud in Shaneville City as Central Shaneville awaits to find out their opponents.

by **Banija** » Mon Jan 04, 2021 9:23 pm

Banija's Constitutional Settlement- How it came to be

The modern day Kingdom of Banija has been around as a country for a very long time, well over 100 years. With our independence in 1906, we devised a constitutional system that, although it has had some regular changes, some large and small, over the course of over a century, it has largely held in the face of adversity and different constitutional crises. The basic tenets of the state of Banija's modern day founders- a mix of democracy and monarchy, with a state oriented towards the primary of the Puritan Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in the country, has held.

There was no guarantees for this- considering Banija's turbulent political history, and the intense civil war between 1835 and 1841, there was no promises that this political system would hold. But it got enough buy-in from key stakeholders, and the people at-large, to be able to stick around and function, and give Banija the thing that we hadn't truly had, on our own at least, in about 300+ years at that point- national stability. Let's take a look, shall we?

The Prelude

Let's set the scene, for those who do not know. Here's a brief history of Banija's colonial period. From 1815-1835, Banija was conquered by the Royal Kingdom of Quebec, and we spent 20 years as a colony. After independence was granted in 1835(known in Banija as the Restoration, in reference to the Monarchy), the Banijan Maharaja(Emperor) restored himself upon the throne, and declared an absolute monarchy. Did not restore the Lukiiko(which had been defunct since 1815), and did not restore the Church to a role of primacy in the state. It led to a vicious civil war, one that ended in the beheading of the Maharaja and his family by a minority tribe(the Kitara), then the recolonization of Banija by the Royal Kingdom of Quebec.

The second colonization was much different than the first. The Quebecois had much more of a hands off approach, allowing Banijans to mostly run their affairs, with assistance provided. Of course, as a colony, there were things that couldn't be done. An elevated role for the Church, for one. But players like the line of Banijan monarchs, known then simply as Pretenders, were able to gain political power and influence with the Quebecois Governor-General. The trappings of the modern administrative were built in this era. The Banijans essentially exiled the Kitara tribe out of the country, and they sailed into Rushmore, into what is now Nyowani Kitara, which is immediately east of Graentfjall and Tikariot in north Rushmore.

But then, the time for independence came around. In 1905, the Busukuma independence riots happened. Historians to this day disagree on the cause. High prices? Frustration over a lack of Banijan representation in government? A yearning desire to be free? Whatever it was, the message was clear- with the fist waving on flags throughout the city and stuff being burned, independence was the only option. The Pretender at the time, the successor to the Banijan Maharajas, was Mugisha. He didn't have a number, since Pretenders were not regents nor regnal, and therefore were not numbered.

He delivered the petition for independence to the Quebecois Governor-General, who acted upon it swiftly. Already empowered by Quebec City to negotiate independence once it was asked for, a quick timeline was agreed upon by the two men- 8 months. These riots happened in October 1905. June 1906 would be the date for independence. It would be a clean break. All constitutional links would be severed in 1906, no Protectorate status or anything of the like would be granted, and Quebecois soldiers would be removed from Banijan soil- although the alliance would remain. The Quebecois Governor-General then organized elections for January, to create the Banijan Constitutional Assembly. They would have 3 months to come up with a Constitution- although they finished after only one.

We're going to look at that Constitutional Assembly. What groups and movements were major players? Who asked for what? Who won, and who lost?

The Factions of Banija's Constitutional Assembly

Faction #1: Royalists
Goal: To ensure the monarchy stayed in an independent, and played a role beyond ceremonial
Success: Yes

The Royalists were probably the most organized faction for the Constitutional Assembly, and with the help of the Clergy(we'll come back to that), were able to secure Banija's future as a monarchy. Writing a Constitution, there were serious debates about what direction to go in. This was just a few years after the United Republics of Siovanija & Teusland was created to the South- if they could become a Republic, why not Banija? Of course, the two country's situations could not be more different. But the idea was there- if there was one republic in the Glorious Southwest, why couldn't there be a second?

The Royalists, however, were ready. Mugisha had gone into this with a plan. To date, he remains the only member of the Banijan Royal Family to have ever been elected into a legislative body. A number of members of the Pretender's Family, soon to be Royal Family, were elected into this Assembly. They ensured that the Monarchy remained. They argued that a Republic would not be good in this region- in this region with massive empires, with Valanora and Equestrian emperors, and Geis Kings, that a strong Monarch would be necessary to secure Banija's place on the AO stage. And their argument was successful.

The title, Maharaja, however, would be retired. A new title would be created- Kabaka, or King. It was a wild success. The Monarch would control foreign policy by his own power. The Royal Family would sit on the Guardian Council. Their political power was secured.

Faction #2: The Church(Puritan Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints)
Goal: To ensure that Mormonism was the official religion of Banija, and that their influence was baked into the constitutional framework
Success: Yes

The other faction that was wildly successful. It was an alliance between Church leaders and the Royal Family that was the foundation for Banija's Constitution. They were also fairly organized, of course, but members of the clergy weren't about to run for elected office to a constitutional assembly. But of course, very faithful lay people were elected. And back in 1906, Loyola-Istria was still pretty small- the school had a number of grads who were close to church leadership.

The Patriarch of Herzegovina, the head of Banija's Mormon Church, participated in the Constitutional Assembly, although he wasn't a member. He won some key concessions. The first, that the church would be established as the official religion of the state. While freedom of religion was established for key minority religions(more on that next), this was key to allow the church to establish state funding, and allow the Church to influence public affairs.

The Guardian Council was also established. Three bishops, and three members of the Royal Family, who acted as 'Constitutional guardians'. They'd be a court of last resort for challenges to the Constitution. Could veto legislation. Of course, a high bar for that council to take action- it took 5 of 6 members agreeing to take an action for the Guardian Council to take one. Still- a key source of influence for the Church on Banija's legal system.

Faction #3: Freedom of Religion Advocates
Goal: To ensure that other non-Mormon religions would have a space to operate
Success: Kind of

This is where it gets more complicated. The Royal Family and the Church unequivocally "won" at the Constitutional Assembly. But everyone else? Well, it's not so black and white. Freedom of religion advocates had a number of requests. Chief of which, freedom to practice their faith freely. They were granted that. This had to happen, with Busoga being a minority Shia region, and a decent sized Shia population in South Moravica. There were also a few other faiths- a couple of indigenous religions, a Teus Catholic community centered around Bwubanza, and an Anglican community that was mostly Quebecois settlers.

Could have been real ugly if these were not granted. But they didn't get all of their wishes. Of course, they did not want the PLDS to get official religion status- which it did. Mormon theology gets taught at public schools in Banija, which they of course are not fans of. Busoga had a broad exception to Mormon theology, although the teaching of any other faith in a public school was explicitly banned. Ultimately, they got some things they wanted, and swallowed others they didn't.

Faction #4: Minority ethnic groups; Language Advocates
Goal: Ensure minority language groups and ethnic groups could survive, allow smaller tribes to remain strong
Success: Mostly a failure

Now, we must start with the obvious exception to this- the Busoga Islands. Still a province at the time, and obviously different ethnically than most Banijans, they were given large leeway to whatever they pleased. Lots of autonomy granted to that pair of islands. But within the mainland, a different story. There used to be lots of languages spoken within Banija, given the rich ethnic diversity in the country, even in a country that's nearly 100% black African, racially.

All sort of different tribes. But the biggest tribe was Kasanke- and the Kasanke, largely over the century+ since independence, have kind of killed the identity of those minority tribes. Harsh laws did it- prioritization of Olusanke, the Kasanke's language, as the country's sole language. Olusanke and English are the country's two official languages. Only teaching Olusanke in school. Only teaching in Olusanke and English. Minority tribal chiefs were never restored, with Busukuma largely decreeing that 'everyone was a Kasanke' and that tribes should be forgotten about in favor of the nation-state.

And this has largely worked. There are still a few smaller tribes out there who aren't fully 'integrated', like the Mukegara or a few other tribes in far eastern Hangaza, but tribal identity is largely dead in this country- what was your old tribe, is now Kasanke, and what was or is Kasanke is simply Banijan. The language. The King. The faith. The Land. And everything in between.

Faction #5: Democracy advocates
Goal: Restore an elected Lukiiko; Ensure that every male has the right to vote
Success: Mostly a success

And then, of course, the Democracy advocates. Everyone largely agreed there should be some democracy, of course, but how much power should an elected Government have? It took time, but the democracy advocates were placated. A unicameral elected Lukiiko was established, which was a huge win. Plenty of places have a bicameral system with a House of Lords, and that was originally on the table- but many democracy advocates despised the idea, and wound up settling for the Guardian Council instead, in exchange for eliminating a potential House of Lords.

Furthermore, it eliminated the system of Lords and what not in Banija. The Royal Family was simply the immediate family of the monarch, their descendants, and the immediate family of the previous monarch, and their descendants. No huge network of Royals. How did that work? Take Omulangira Basamula of Herzegovina. The brother of the present Kabaka, Mwanga. When he dies? He loses his Royal title, he loses his allowance. Many democracy advocates insisted upon this- one said during debates that "we cannot use this to create a permanent ruling class- a King shall rule, but his brothers may not reign."

And after long debates, a Constitution was built on this model, and ratified on the Ides of March, 1906. Elections were held for the first Lukiiko in May 1906, and a government was formed, with independence declared, by June 11th, 1906. A fun dive into Banijan constitutional history, eh? We'll come back later on with other similar featurettes on Banijan history.

by **Trigel** » Tue Jan 05, 2021 12:17 pm

The fans outside of Buerga de Pltinz are going crazy. It is Trigel's first entry in to the world cup and sure the fans are ready. When the draw comes in, the real fun will begin.

by **Garbelia** » Tue Jan 05, 2021 1:10 pm

Cup Fever is spreading like wildfire. There are 4 year old children in the streets at midnight, waiting patiently for the draw. The Garbelery know that they probably won't win a single game, but memorial badges and posters are being made and sold in bulk. Pundits have expressed concerns about the People's Stadium, because technically, it might be unavailable, as the national team actually doesn't have right of way, however Cup Fever should hopefully prevent this, driving local friendlies away. Fans are gathered around huge public screens to watch the draw, anticipation building. Nothing like this has happened to Garbelia before.

by **Busoga Islands** » Tue Jan 05, 2021 1:47 pm

The Busoga Chronicle
The Islands #1 News Source!

World Cup 87 Qualifying Draw- A Preview

Scenes from the AOCAF 62 Draw

LAKISKA, SOUTH ISLAND- AOCAF 62 was a fun time. It was, far and away, this country's ever edition of the regional tournament. Our only ever qualifying for the knockout stages of the AOCAFs. And then we went one step further- winning a game at the knockout stages, pulling off perhaps the most important win in our nation's young history- a 1-0 stunner over blue bloods Audioslavia. While we lost 4-1 to Qasden on home soil in the Quarterfinals, it gives us confidence moving into this World Cup QUalifying campaign.

To say World Cup 86 Qualifying campaign was a disaster is to only begin to state it. But we don't need to rehash that- just look at the ranking. We were 45th then. Now we find ourselves in 79th. 34 spot difference in the rankings. So the long climb begins. We had an outside chance to make the Finals last time, and completely screwed it up. There's no chance this year. But it's about building for the long-term. Climb up the rankings, put ourselves in a position to make a run at a trophy in the Cup of Harmony, and then we'll talk about our chances for World Cup 88 Qualifying.

We've kept our manager- the hardnosed Brenecian will lead us. But let's preview the draw, once again. Who is the opponent we want? Who do we not want? What's Banija's toughest group? They'll qualify, surely, but hopefully once the field is whittled down to 32 somebody can knock those suckers out. Banija's cool and all- but does anyone want to see them celebrate another World Cup? That's what I thought.

Pot 1
Toughest Draw: Farfadillis

Now with the formation of the Shango-Fogoa Premier League, the Busoga Islands are kind of like the little brother who is there with his big brother's friends. Farfadillis is ranked 3rd in the multiverse. World Cup 84 champions. Banija is ranked 1st in the multiverse. World Cup 86 champions. Busoga.... Finished 8th and dropped 34 spots in the ranks between the last Qualifying campaign and this one? Now, let's take a look at the S-FPL.

Lakiska SC struggled. Now, it's not like their successes are a barometer for the Busogan national team- but it's a team that's mostly Busogan, and they play a similar style that our national team plays. Stay organized in the back, counter-attack with ferocity and intent. That led them to finish... 18th, in one of the most free flowing attacking leagues in Atlantian Oceania. It's an interesting clash of styles between Farfadillis and Busoga- but with the S-FPL, would come familiarity. Our brand of football is not popular in Farfadillis, and we'd probably not only get crushed, but they'd try to run up the score on us.

At least we got a point against them at the AOCAFs, right?

Most Intriguing Draw: Banija

It's obvious, right? We used to be part of Banija. That alone would make the matchup intriguing on so many levels. Any Pot 1 team has plenty of superior talent to the Busoga Islands. But it's interesting we've never played, considering the history and the cooperation the two FAs have. They've shared a domestic system, and the footballing structure is integrated on so many levels. AT the club level, at the youth level, etc... How do they not play each other?

Well, it's simple- the RBSA simply doesn't want to. They get along great, but the RBSA has ducked scheduling the Busoga Islands, even for a friendly. They don't want to play us- but we want to play them. Wouldn't that be thrilling? Entertaining? We'd probably lose, but imagine what kind of madhouse we'd get if we actually won? The TV ratings would be insane. It's a matchup we want. It's unlikely, but anything's possible if you dream, right?

Pot 2
Toughest Draw: Siovanija & Teusland

The Goldhorns would absolutely be the toughest matchup in Pot 2 for the Busoga Islanders. For one, they are the third highest ranked squad in Pot 2- ranked 22nd in the multiverse, and they qualified for back to back World Cups. They are a nation on the rise, similar to where Banija was right around World Cup 82. If they hit this third in a row, they'll put themselves towards the bottom of Pot 1 of World Cup Qualifying, which would make them a near lock to make the Finals.

And once you are no longer stressed about your ability to qualify, that's when you can really soar at a higher level. Banija took off in World Cup 83. It was on home soil, yes, but they had never won a World Cup knockout stage game before that tournament. Then what happened? They beat 5 time champions Starblaydia in the group stages. They beat then 5th ranked South Covello in the knockout stages, in the Round of 16. Then they downed Vilita in the Quarterfinals, who were the two-time defending world champions, and favorites for a threepeat. Then, after falling to Starblaydia in the semifinals, they beat Cassadaigua for third place. What was their ranking heading into that tournament? That's right, 22nd.

And they launched themselves into an upper pantheon. The Goldhorns are the next nation from the Glorious Southwest ready to take off, all primed. Their domestic football and international football are rising at the right times. They got a good combination of stars taking off at big foreign clubs, and homegrown stars being developed within their country. If you want to put dark horse money on a non-top 10 team to make a deep run at World Cup 87, you'd have to put it on the Goldhorns, wouldn't you? They're a team that's going to be on a mission, and we want no part of them on our climb back to relevancy in this thing.

Most Intriguing Draw: Equestria

Wouldn't it be hilarious if we beat Equestria before Banija did? That'd be unlikely, but this would also be an intriguing draw. Two nations with plenty of political history. Equestria is our greatest ally, even though we are freshly members of the Quebecois Commonwealth, and our defense agreement with them, politically, is what secures our place in this corner of Atlantian Oceania. But that political intrigue is what exactly woudl make this a great matchup.

There are clubs in the S-FPL ready to make a heavier investment into Equestrian football. Equestrians have found success in our club scene(although in Banija), with players like Aaron Aiza and Rosie Tyler starring at Herzegovina City. Busogans and Equestrians are very intimately familiar with each other. It would be a very interesting and fascinating matchup between the two teams, with plenty of intrigue.

Pot 3
Toughest Draw: South Covello

Here's the thing about South Covello and the Busoga Islands. Both of our nations are our lowest ranking we've been at in a large number of cycles. So we're similar in that sense- defensive minded teams that have had a couple of Qualifying cycles that have been, for lack of a better term, short of expectations. South Covello finds themselves in a strange place- ranked 50th in the multiverse. They were ranked Top 5 in World Cup 83.

But this remains- they play like we do, except are more aggressive about it, and are better at it. It would be truly hard on the eyes to watch these two aggressively defensive-minded squads duke it out in a pair of World Cup Qualifying match. There would be very few opportunities, simply a pair of teams trying to get forward quickly and not trying to maintain a ton of offensive possession. But South Covello is better at this than Busoga, and has done it for a lot longer.

It's a bad matchup for us. There's very little chance we could beat them, simply because of the styles. At best, we'd get 1 point out of a possible 6? Which simply isn't good enough.

Most Intriguing Draw: Independent Athletes from Quebec

You don't think we'd forget about the Quebecois, did you? The Independent Athletes, after a long hiatus, came back for World Cup 85 Qualifying. After just one cycle, they came back to the World Cup Finals, a tournament they've hosted twice before. They didn't do much while there, granted, but their first appearance in the World Cup Finals in 8 cycles is something to celebrate.

And now, they look to establish themselves as fixtures. They are in Pot 3, of course- so it is more likely than not that they will miss World Cup 87. But they will be heavily pursuing it. They've got a number of players that S-FPL fans are intimately familiar with, like Erin Kang, Kate Huitema-Omeasoo, and Nelson Okello. Considering healed relations between the two nations diplomatically, the stylistic clash, and the familiarity at the club level between players from both nations, this would surely be a tantalizing draw between two AO countries trying to climb the table.

Pot 4
That's us, hooray!

Pot 5
Toughest Draw: Euran Oceania Territories
Most Intriguing Draw: Freeport Isles

Pot 6
Toughest Draw: Cosumar
Most Intriguing Draw: Hapilopper

Pot 7
Toughest Draw: Khytonya
Most Intriguing Draw: Crystalline Caverns

Pot 8
Toughest Draw: Beepee
Most Intriguing Draw: Ranoria

Pot 9
Toughest Draw: Icecliff
Most Intriguing Draw: North Japan

Unranked sides
Toughest Draw: Mapletish
Most Intriguing Draw: Al Qurija

And now, two more possible groups for fun! One, we'll draw Banija's group from hell(because who likes the champs, eh?), and then we'll draw the ultimate Qualifying Group of Death. Let's get to it!

Banija's Group From Hell
Pot 1: Banija
Pot 2: Equestria
Pot 3: South Covello
Pot 4: Graentfjall
Pot 5: Tikariot
Pot 6: Hapilopper
Pot 7: Khytonya
Pot 8: Vangaziland
Pot 9: Icecliff
Unranked: Mytanija

That'd be a hellish group for them. An archrival they've never beaten(Equestria). Two former Baptism of Fire champions(Graentfjall and Hapilopper). ONe of the multiverse's best back lines in South Covello. A rising power in Tikariot. That's a brutal schedule.

And now, for the group of death!

Ultimate Group of Death
Pot 1: Valanora
Pot 2: Siovanija & Teusland
Pot 3: Independent Athletes from Quebec
Pot 4: Juvencus
Pot 5: Tikariot
Pot 6: Cosumar
Pot 7: Khytonya
Pot 8: Beepee
Pot 9: Icecliff
Pot 10: Al Qurija

Is Al Qurija the toughest unranked team? Not necessarily. But they are something that nobody else is- the lineal unofficial world champions.

Whatever group they are in is certainly going to be the craziest group. Usually, you'd say that Pot 1 team in a group is the side that will get everybody's best shot. Instead, in their group, it'll be poor Al Qurija. Unofficial world champs, unranked- everyone's going to fancy themselves to get a hold of their belt, and everyone's going to risk it for the biscuit to get those three points. Their mere presence in a group, with the belt flying around, will increase the intensity of that group's qualifiers five fold.

by **Flavovespia** » Tue Jan 05, 2021 1:51 pm

Flavovespia begin the Young era

In a press conference yesterday, the Flavovespian Football Association announced that Alan Young, 39, would take over as the new National Team manager. The announcement was maybe not a surprise given his domestic performances in the dugout, but he is the youngest manager to be given the role.

The change of manager was decided after the AOCAF Cup 62. Optimism seemed to be high under Arnold Stevenson going into that tournament, after his recovery performance in the World Cup Qualifiers 86 to get 4th place in the group. Following that, Flavovespia made it to the quarter finals of the Cup of Harmony 78. Sadly from there things went downhill. In the league format, Flavovespia became the only League A side to not record a single win. Then they mustered just 1 win, 1 draw and 1 loss in the group stages, before elimination by Mriin. Flavovespia were out in the Round of 24, and to the FFA that was not good enough. Arnold Stevenson, the interim turned full-time manager, had to pack his bags.

The betting markets and pundits went into their usual frenzy to speculate on the replacement. Alan Young, manager of Langmere Green Rovers, emerged as an early favourite. However Robbie Redfield (Kings Lunsel), Carter Cromwell (Loxthorpe Rovers) and even former interim Flavovespia manager Marcus McCormick were linked with the job. Some speculation was made that a foreign manager would be appointed. But in the end, it was Alan Young hired by the FFA.

Alan Young signed his first pro contract 20 years ago, a fresh-faced 18 year old, for Capton Club. He didn’t see much action in the first 2 seasons, but was a key part of their promotion back to the Super League in 14AU. The following 3 seasons saw him score 47 goals for Capton Club. 18AU was an injury marred year, with persistent knee and ankle injuries keeping him off the pitch, and he could only score 3 goals in 9 appearances (including off the bench). Capton Club were relegated, and Alan Young was set to leave, in the usual exodus of players from a relegated side. Langmere Green Rovers took a gamble and signed him on a cheaper fee than maybe a player of his skill deserved (in part due to injury concerns), keeping Alan Young in the Super League. For many seasons he was a solid, dependable striker, if maybe not the star of the show. By 26AU however, the injuries he’d suffered were causing repeat issues, and he retired at the end of the season, in his early-30’s.

Alan Young stayed at Langmere Green Rovers, and found himself first a youth coach, and then the Under-18’s manager part way through 27AU. In that season, Langmere Green Rovers won their first ever title. However next season, the team were faltering, and by Matchday 17, were in the relegation zone on 18 points from a 5-3-9 record. Robbie Redfield, hero of last season was sacked and Alan Young hired as a surprise choice for interim manager until the end of the season. His stint as interim manager in 27AU was inspired, collecting 28 points in the final 13 games, and if not for a 1-0 loss at Marthorpe City on the final day, he’d have finished with no losses and an IFCF berth. It was little surprise he was hired as the full-time manager despite his age. Still, there were plenty sceptical of how he’d fare, due to his inexperience as a manager, and rapid rise into the dugout.

Fans need not have worried. In the past 3 seasons, Alan Young has managed to not once, not twice, but three times win the Super League. Langmere Green Rovers were pushed hard by other teams, none more than Kings Lunsel this past season (31AU), but in the key battles at the end of the season, Alan Young’s side came through. His achievements at least for now, are some of the most impressive of any manager in the modern era, and that's not even getting into how young he was. He’ll be forever associated with Langmere Green Rovers as a club legend, bringing them their most successful era ever, and arguably one of the most successful of any modern era club. Indeed only Hadford Hill in 11AU-13AU won 3 titles in a row.

So what can the nation, and indeed the world, expect from Alan Young in the dugout for Flavovespia? As a character he carries himself with an enthusiasm and humility that has endeared himself to plenty of neutrals. Many would say he’s someone who seems to manage like every day is living a dream, and with how the past few years have gone, who can be that surprised? How well under the spotlight of managing Flavovespia that character will last, remains to be seen.

Tactically, he prefers to play a 4-1-2-1-2 diamond. In the last couple of years, this has often been in a wide formation, but in the times Langmere Green Rovers have come up against stronger opposition, it was seemingly switched to a narrower diamond. Occasionally a flat 4-2-2 was deployed, but Young appears to prefer to vary player roles and who’s on the pitch, as opposed to formations. His squad selection would point to an approach of going for form and consistency, over perceived talent. Ironically the youngest Flavovespian manager has called up some older names for the first time, such as Ian Cohen and Matthew Cope. Some of them have faced Young not just as a manager, but as a player in their careers. Of course there’s still room for younger debutants, such as Daniel Lansdell and Robert Totten, and other young talents already capped such as Aarif Muhammad (set for a move to Rockridge Phoenix of the Brenecia A-League), David Lyons and Kieron Player. And of course, the likes of Steven Hal and Scott Coleman will be expected to make invaluable contributions.

So what expectations are on Alan Young? Flavovespia seem set to enter these qualifiers in Pot 2, ranked 41st in the world. The highest ranked side in the qualifiers who haven’t yet made it to the World Cup, the expectation is on Flavovespia and Alan Young to perform well in qualifying, and maybe board that plane to Taeshan and Ethane. Win the group and you’re in, 2nd place and the playoffs await for all but the best performers. 3rd and below, and it’s a waiting game for a potential Cup of Harmony invite. Pot 2 would indicate that Flavovespia should be at the top end of the group, but nothing can be taken for granted, and Alan Young will have to be wary of all the pitfalls awaiting in Pot 3, Pot 4, all the way down to Pot 10. Soon the draw will come, and soon the first kick of the ball of the qualifiers.

by **Krytenia** » Tue Jan 05, 2021 4:45 pm

...And We're All Out Of Gum
By Rami Niblick in Emberton

A STRANGE thing occurs at the beginning of almost every World Cup cycle. A team enters the fray looking to not defend their title. For World Cup 87, that team is Krytenia. Jerome Jaffacake-Phillips and his charges finished the last cycle by lifting the Cup of Harmony; now, JJP is gone, and Paul Davis is the man in charge looking to finally guide the Dragons back to the promised land of the World Cup finals.

Davis inherits a team with potential, having reached the quarter-finals of the AOCAF Cup with only a controversial penalty no-call denying them extra time against the reigning World Champions. With the team also escalated to Pot Two for the qualifying draw, hopes are high for the men in sky blue. But what could the draw hold?

POT ONE
NIGHTMARE: Vilita
DREAM: Pasarga
MEME: Starblaydia or Audioslavia

Pot One, of course, contains the cream of the crop. Of course, in Pasarga's case, the cream has started to curdle recently, and for Audioslavia it's definitely sour cream. Given the option, the Dragons would like to skip this pot entirely, being the only potential opponents ranked above them, but sadly that won't be the case. We've gone for Vilita as the nightmare scenario mainly because their 8-3 drubbing of our lads is recent enough in the memory to still hurt.

POT THREE
NIGHTMARE: Omerica
DREAM: Squornshelous
MEME: IA Quebec

There but for the grace of Margaret and all that. Pot three contains great names from the past and rising stars - with the former likely to be more amenable to rolling over than the latter. Squornshelous already have their place in Krytenian footballing history thanks to our famous World Cup 16 qualifying win, and we'd be more than happy for them to do the honour again this time. Also, we'd like Omerica to sent the first team if we draw them; the words "wet bog roll" still resonate in the collective psyche.

POT FOUR
NIGHTMARE: Valladares or Græntfjall
DREAM: Oberour ar Moro
MEME: Twicetagria

What on earth are Valladares doing down here? Hopefully, throwing us some points like back in World Cup 72. Græntfjall, meanwhile, are a team on a sharply upward trajectory and will be looking to throw a snow leopard amongst the pigeons. You may remember Twicetagria, meanwhile, from being dumped out of the last AOCAF Cup by JJP's men.

POT FIVE
NIGHTMARE: Euran OT
DREAM: Eastfield Lodge
MEME: Sylestone

The Euran Oceania Territories team is a strange beast, trying and mostly failing to be the Inevitable Syndicate. That being said, they have Audioslavia's number and we'd rather not be the latest addition to their contact list, thanks. Eastfield Lodge are piñatas in human form at this point - their lack of luck is the stuff of legend - whilst Sylestone represent an opportunity to relive their Cup of Harmony triumph without failing to qualify. Hopefully.

POT SIX
NIGHTMARE: Rangers FC
DREAM: Netop
MEME: Legalese

If things had turned out different, World Cup 86 could have seen Krytenia and Legalese as esteemed hosts rather than non-qualifiers. We've got a lot of time for the Legalites. Rangers FC, meanwhile, represent a large part of the reason we didn't qualify. A repeat of the Tragedy of Glasgopolis is something the Dragons would surely rather avoid. Oh, and Cosumar's here too; another side that the Krytenians will welcome to our shores. That being said, they tend to give us a good game, and that's not you want from a team in one of the bottom half pots.

POT SEVEN
NIGHTMARE: Cheetahs and Reptiles Coalison
DREAM: Bongo Johnson
MEME: Treekidistan

We're going to be honest here, this is where we go from the "who's who" of international football into the "who's that" section. That being said, we had a lot of trouble with C&RC in the last cycle. Treekidistan, meanwhile, would lead to an interesting champion versus champion matchup, what with them being the newest holders of the Baptism of Fire trophy.

Also, we're pretty sure Bongo Johnson were relevant once. Then again, so were Mytanija, and look at them now.

POTS 8-10
NIGHTMARE: Vangaziland (8), Ibixa (9), Pays den Haut (10)
DREAM: Beepee (8), PSTCT (9), Mytanija (10)
MEME: The H Corporation (8), Al Qurija (9), West Zirconia (10)

And thus we drop to the maelstrom of "this better be eighteen points, lads". A few points of note, mind; first, we're hoping the H Corporation have that letter firmly attached to their foreheads. Second, PSTCT screams "schemametrics". Third, that's three unranked teams in Pot Ten we've played before - with varying degrees of success - and finally, you know we've only included Al Qurija for UWC potential. Thanks, Idiot Project! (Seriously, it's a good series; I'd recommend the last episode of Chapter Four personally.)

No matter who the Dragons end up getting, though, the message is clear. This time, we simply have to make it to the big dance. Nothing less will sate the thirst of the Dragons faithful. Not even another Cup of Harmony. Onward!

by **Trolleborg** » Tue Jan 05, 2021 5:28 pm

Special announcement from Trolleborg FA.
To all who cares: Trolleborg TV-Sport will broadcast draw live for those who haven't Discord, if there was any. Or at least we try our best. See you soon.

by **Lorrana** » Tue Jan 05, 2021 5:51 pm

The National Times
Published by Orut Mezo on January 5 at 4:51pm

NEW SARUM - Lorrana has officially qualified for the first stage of the World Cup, which is being held in the nations of Taeshan and Ethane. This is quite an accomplishment for the newly formed team. I'm here in the capital of Ethane, where the draw will be held at Discord Expo Center in under an hour. Lorrana is in Pot 10, which is full of unranked teams. Our soccer specialist Zend Leno will give an detailed analysis soon. For now, switch to partner TV station Trolleborg-Sport and get ready to watch the draw, which begins at 5:30 Lorrana Standard Time (again, just under an hour)

by **Graintfjall** » Tue Jan 05, 2021 6:15 pm

Græntfjall Highly Original Pot Preview

Pot 1: Ceramic fragment (c. 5,000 BCE), presumed to be a shard from a pot used for preserving food, one of the oldest surviving evidences of Neolithic Græntfjaller pots

Pot 2: This pot dates from about 500 BCE. Græntfjaller ceramics remained comparatively crude in comparison with older world cultures, partly because of the lack of suitable clay-based soils

Pot 3: This pot (c. 1000 CE) carries a tin-based glaze, evidence that medieval Græntfjallers had established trading links as tin mining was not widely practiced in the country at the time

Pot 4: This pot (c. 1200 CE) carries some of the last examples of Græntfjaller runes, prior to a shift to a wider adoption of a Latin writing system

Pot 5: The cross on this pot (c. 1500 CE) shows that Christianity had begun to establish itself firmly in Græntfjall by this time in the wake of Sankt Jakob the Badass's defeat of the Turks at the Field of Cabbages

Pot 6: This elegant (if to modern tastes rather rococco) pot (c. 1550) is made of fine porcelain, further testament to Græntfjall's substantial trading empire

Pot 7: This pot (c. 1700) is decorated with bands of gold, and was discovered nearly perfectly in tact in the wreck of a Græntfjaller corsair grave, the trading empire having given over to piracy and privateering by this time

Pot 8: This crude pot (c. 1920) was used as an ashtray during meetings of the Græntfjaller Communist Party, whose sudden and violent rise to power its rough edges rather predict

Pot 9: A decorative vase depicting the restoration of the monarchy (c. 2000); kitsch items like this were popular collectibles in the wake of the fall of communism

Pot 10: This pot (c. 2015) in the shape of a Klein Bottle is one of the first items to have been 3-D printed in Græntfjall, marking the technological and economic boom of the 21st century

by **Independent Athletes from Quebec** » Tue Jan 05, 2021 6:25 pm

OOC note : I would like to thank Banija and Delaclava for their permission with using Amadou Secka and Ryan Keating, in advance.

Client: Audience, 'Sixty-Ninth Shade of Marco'

Voice Age: Adult

Gender: Male/Female

Job description: ‘Sixty-Ninth Shade of Marco’ is a full-length feature about the adventures of Marco Hertel, a twenty-two year old Quebecois footballer who plays for Servette, a Valladar football club, and Ryan Keating, a Delaclav footballer whose adventures continue to amuse us….

Art Direction: ‘Sixty Ninth Shade of Marco’ is a disturbing, erotic romantic drama film and we need a voice or two that can personify the sadomachochistic element of the movie. Ideally, the voice will be playing the role of a third-person bystander voyeur, who have their own pacing to do. We are looking for either a young male or female who can speak this in the standard dialect of Quebecois English (Royal Proverbs), with strong vocal fry.

SCENE 1: INT - MARCO HERTEL'S MANSION - DAY

It is a cloudy, snowy day in early May of Quebec City. Ryan Keating, naked starts walking down the hallway of Marco Hertel's mansion in Downtown Quebec City. Unlike the scene there, he is completely naked, with the lower half of his body placed into mosaics. He is slowly and nervously tip-toeing his steps along the hallway, trying to not show too much of his naked presence in the mansion.

Ryan Keating: So this is just a welcoming party for the football transfers?

The camera switches to Ryan knocking the mysterious door. After he knocks the door, the scene quickly cuts to the Ryan’s upper half of the body.

Ryan Keating: I just have a couple of questions.

The camera blurs, and then changes to Ryan slowly grinding against the door. Given the shape of his mouth, he is saying something, but most likely entirely different from what we are thinking about. Then the camera blurs again.

SCENE 2: INT - A BEDROOM IN SAID MANSION - DAY

Asher Lundrigan, with his hair stretched to the bottom of the floor, is dressed in his Universite. St. Croix Bleu et Blanc baseball uniform. He is putting on his catcher equipment. He is being odd, by the looks of wearing a catcher’s equipment in the middle of a snowy day, as well as the way his eyeballs are turned upside down.

Asher Lundrigan: Mr. Dallas-Hertel will be seeing you now.

The camera then cuts into the scene where Asher and Ryan are chatting to each other. Ryan is looking at the camera, while Asher is standing behind him while holding a baseball bat. Asher is about to swing at poor Ryan’s head when the scene blurs again.

SCENE 3: INT - MASTER’S BEDROOM - DAY

We’re seeing a quick flash forward to a sequence, to happen in about a week’s time. The master’s bedroom is stripped to the very minimal furniture placed there. Marco Hertel, only wearing a black boxer, is holding a whip. He, looking at the window only to see a satan staring back at him, turns around and beats the air with the whip twice.

SCENE 4: INT - A GUEST ROOM - NIGHT

Lots of chromatic colours in this scene. The room is slowly burning down with debris and household objects scattered to the ground. Ashes are in the air, and Ryan Keating is lying on his couch, only wearing a green dressing gown. The scene quickly dissipates…

SCENE 5: INT - A CAFE - DAY

Ryan and Amadou Secka are sitting on their seats at the cafe, looking directly at the camera. They are seen giggling. Secka are taking about the life of being a Banijan father and basketball legend in Quebec.

Amadou Secka: How was he like?

Ryan giggles even further in a seductive charm, thinking about the words to describe him.

Ryan Keating: He was….

SCENE 6: INT - A STRIP CLUB - NIGHT

Dazed, drunk and full of enthusiasm, Marco generously spanks Ryan as they dance in middle of the strip club.

Ryan Keating: Polite.

SCENE 7: INT - A PICKUP DRUCK - NIGHT

Marco is driving his pickup truck down the highway. It is hard to see anything else on the front seat but him and the weed smokes makes him feel high, tired and weary as the car drives at 300km/h down the road. He’s replaying his favourite downtime tune while raising his left hand over his head back and forth. He is feeling the highs and is in no intention to slow down.

Ryan Keating: Intense.

SCENE 8: OUT - MIDDLE OF A VALLADAR STADIUM - NIGHT

Marco, in his Servette uniform, scores a tying goal on the final matchday of the Valladar Liga-1, and it of course happens against AD Cerro, their hated rivals. He then runs into the Cerro fans’ audience, throws a middle finger and lots of other obscene gestures at him. Sooner than later, he gets a red card and is ejected from the match, while the debris is being thrown into the pitch.

The voiceover is the QBC broadcaster talking about the incident and how ridiculous it is.

Ryan Keating: Clever.

SCENE 9: INT - A BATHROOM IN HIS METROPOLIS PENTHOUSE - NIGHT

Everything’s in black and white here. From some distance, there are silhouettes of a mysterious thirty-four man action happening on a gigantic tub, covered by the curtains. You can hear some whipping, kissing and slurping noise too, while the water slowly overflows from the tub and into the tiles. This is where Ryan’s voice drops.

Ryan Keating: And really intimidating…

The scene cuts into the black, and the trailer’s title ‘Sixty-ninth Shade of Hertel’ is turned on. At the very ending, you hear the end of the background music, with simple repetition.

Voiceover: Oh yeah, oh yeah, yeah, no, no, no, no..

[THE END]

by **Somehow Related to Rarity** » Tue Jan 05, 2021 7:25 pm

PSTCT
Ryder and Katie steps into the room
Ryder: We’ve got our groups dingheads!
Katie: Yesh, and you poopos had better buck up and do miracles!
Rubble: What miracles?
Katie: The m i r a c l e s
Rarihoe: whispers to Sluttershy very helpful
Katie: Ayy shut up pussbag.
Ryder: Anyway, first up we have Ko-oren
Alppe: Fock’s that? Sounds like an illegal drug company
Katie: Whadyer know apple, PEshTSheT sounds like a PETA
Twilight: gasps in horror that’s sacrilegious!
Katie: As if you weren’t
Marshall: OooOoOoOoOoOoo
Twilight: Fug off Marshall
Ryder: Next up is Simulland!
Katie: NEKSHT
Ryder: Next is US sexys!
Upon hearing such good news, everyone jumps and celebrates this amazing news
Ryder: Aight. Next up, we have... North Alezia
Sluttershy: Miw that’s a sexy name uwu
Zuma: Fwuck off catgirl
Sluttershy: MeeWWwW
Rarihoe: Don’t trigger her she has existential issues.
Zuma: Damn
Ryder: Next on our menu is Crystalline Caverns!
Rarihoe: Nooooo... my comrades...
Painbow: You fockin wot mate
Rarihoe: Crystal.
Ryder: Ignore her; we have Legalese next!
Rocky: I don’t know what to say man, are they lawyers?
Tracker: ¡Tengo miedo de que mi negocio de tráfico de drogas se arruine!
Rocky: See?
Ryder: Okay... we have Sylestone
Twilight: Hmm, they seem good to be honest, they’re strong
Pinkie: They’re literally what we use everyday, surely we’ll be able to dominate them!
Skye: Sexy.
Pinkie: Unlike you
Marshall: OoOoooooOooOOOoo
Chase: No one insults my babe like that!
Ryder: After that... we have Blouman Empire.
Pinkie: Blueman?
Katie: BLOU-man you deaf wingatt
Pinkie: I’m sOrRy :-p
Painbow: Who actually uses emoticons while talking? 420% uncool
Pinkie: Shut up normie
Painbow: Who uses normie these days?
Ryder: Finally but not leastally, Quebec Kingdom of Royal!
Rarihoe: Oo can I have a miracle with the queen?
Katie: The queen ain’t Québécois dimwatt
Rarihoe: That sucks. Must have a club somewhere?
Sluttershy: I’ll scout for you
Ryder: Wait! I have one last team! The Sarian!
Rubble: A newspaper agency?
Katie: It’s a nation.
Rubble: Can I read it?
Katie: to your heart’s content

by **Beepee** » Tue Jan 05, 2021 9:49 pm

It could have been worse... we're not sure how, but it could have been.

Beepee have been drawn in Group 12 for the World Cup qualifying campaign.

After a couple of cycles in the soccer wilderness, mainly playing down at the local park against however is out walking their dogs, the Beepeean team are back and have drawn a tough group.

Clealry with so much quality in the group the Beepeean team will be simply looking to avoid embarrassment.

Despite the doom and gloom around the draw there is one bright spot, with Beepee being unbeaten against all their opponents, with a record of played 2, drawn 2 (both against Omerica).   But those results came in the heady days of Beepeean football... which are now nothing more than a distant memory.

Still the 'little nation that could' will once again be trying its darnedest...

Let's take a look at some of the opponents and get former National Team Coach, Michael Forsberg's thoughts.

Starblaydia (7)

"Top seed Starblaydia should give us a good spanking, both home and away. If we can keep it to a respectable 6 goal deficit over the two matches most Beepeeans will be happy.

Anticipated Results: Beepee 2 Losses"

Equestria (24)
"Equestria could well push Starblaydia for the topspot in this group and I suspect it will be a close run thing between the top two. Unfortunately for us after a good spanking by Starblaydia, we'll get a good hiding by Equestria. At this rate we won't be able to sit down for weeks.

Anticipated Results: Beepee 2 Losses"

Omerica (61)
"I remember Omerica, they're a good side against whom we have had decent results. But since then our teams have gone in completely different directions. Our boys will be up for these games, but still the gulf in class will show.

Anticipated Results: Beepee 2 Losses"

Darkmania (89)
"Darkmania is the darkhorse team.   I expect them to do very well this campaign they're my pick for a team to watch. Their depth and class will, without doubt, shine through.

Anticipated Results: Beepee 2 losses"

Yuezhou (107)
"Yuezhou might be the team where we can get closest two out of the top seeds so far. And by closest to, I mean not getting horsed. I suspect well lose both matches each by a goal or two.

Anticipated Results: Beepee 2 losses"

The Grearish Union (153)
"If we don't want to be totally embarrassed in this group we need to pick up points against high ranked teams. Grearish Union will be stern opposition, but if we can somehow find a bus we could park it on the goal line and sneak a 0-0 draw. Thats assuming we park it across our goal and not theirs.

Anticipated Results: Beepee 2 losses"

Transvolcanic (158)
"I'm not wholly sure what tactics we'd choose against the Transvolcans, but we'll need to ensure we've got asbestos boots on.   Ranked over a hundred places higher than us, we'll need to pretend the floor is lava and hot foot it to their goal if we want to sneak a point.

Anticipated Results: Beepee 2 losses"

Mexi Catcha (355)
"The first matches we'll be favourites for are against Mexi Catcha, and they'll know that they're on a par with the quality of our boys. I'd expect plenty of long balls from the Beepeeans as we try and salvage something from this group.

Anticiapted Results: Beepee 1 loss, 1 draw."

Lorrana UR
"We know nothing about the Lorrana side and I bet everyone will be pulling out their atlases to find them tonight. As an unranked team, we're likely favourites but, looking at our record against unranked teams we have a 75% loss rate...

Anticipated results : Beepee 1 loss, 1 draw."

"Overall, it's a shame we cant play against ourselves as thats probably the only way we'd get some points. I fully expect us to be propping up the table and we must be a contender for wooden spoon or worst team.".

by **Quemorr Isles** » Tue Jan 05, 2021 10:11 pm

Welcome to the Quemorr Sporting Magazine for the draw for the regional qualifiers for WC87! We shall be doing Esportiva, while our counterparts in Sporting News Kalactin will be doing Rushmore, Atlantian Oceania and the Indies. As we know, Esportiva has four spots, so there will be two groups of ten, where there will be a double round-robin and the top two progressing to the World Cup Proper. Two matchdays will be scorinated per proper scorination (if that makes sense). And now, for the draw.

Group 1:
Newmanistan, Hampton Island, South Covello, Riena, Zeta Reka and Hugeltaldom, Filindostan, Sylestone, Damukuni, Bongo Johnson and Vangaziland

Group 2:
Brenecia, Xanneria, Vdara, South Newlandia, Ancherion, Lisander, Natanians and Nosts, The Grearish Union, Cheetahs and reptiles coalision and Tumbra

First Glance:
Personally, I would say Group 1 looks slightly tougher, with every single team being well known to the vast majority of the sporting world. Group 2 isn't to be underestimated, though, as some of the sides there are alongside the biggest names going around at the moment. Looks like a thrilling contest!

So there we are! Join us soon for matchdays 1 and 2!

by **Twicetagram and JYPe** » Tue Jan 05, 2021 10:43 pm

Home >> International >> World Cup

World Cup 87: How will we fare?

By Antoniv Vasiliev

It is no wonder that the World Cup is a tournament most of us are looking forward to. However, as Twicetagria goes into their 3rd World Cup, expectations are pretty high for the Lieutenants. Call it ambitious, but everyone in Twicetagria is rooting for a qualification or a playoff. A long shot? Yes. Impossible? No.

We’ve been drawn into Group 16. An interesting group, it is. If we’re going to judge everyone on paper, we should have a decent run. Even if we don’t make it to the finals, we still have a high chance of a Cup of Harmony invitation. At least, that’s what I hope. The top pots are quite the threat, with The Holy Empire and Trolleborg being the formidable ones. The Holy Empire has always been the top contender for qualification. With their recent qualification last cycle, Trolleborg will definitely come in stronger than ever.

We’re not discounting the other teams, though. Maccian should be a really tough nut to crack, despite being new to the scene. Megistos, Waisnor and Sulsuland could prove their worth this cycle. We’re not sure about the others, but we should comfortable beat them.

Obviously, there isn’t any fun unless we come up with our predictions!
The Holy Empire should take the first qualifying spot. It’ll be a fight between Trolleborg and Maccian for the next automatic qualifying spot. The team who doesn’t make it will potentially have to fight us to the playoffs, which only holds one spot. After that, Megistos and Sulsuland will probably fight for the best of the rest.

That’s it folks! We’re facing Mand Blusopia next. Catch us live!

by **Mapletish** » Wed Jan 06, 2021 4:58 am

Job Bobbie - Part 1

The Sour Kind
"I only know one thing, that is I know nothing"

Commentaries| Podcasts| Timothy Jozua

Heart to Heart with Job Bobbie - Part 2

"Oh yes, coffee, I like it black, long black coffee, the perfect daily cup of coffee to start your day with, to continue throughout your day and to end your day with. People ask, how many cups of coffee I drink in a day, I will reply them truthfully, 3. You should see their faces when I mentioned that, 3 long blacks in a day? How do I sleep at night? I guess, you get used to it once you drink enough cups over a long period of time. Coffee then becomes a comfort drink rather than an energising drink. So you can say I got desensitize to the effects of caffeine by drinking it everyday."

"So I can say that you can't live without coffee?"

"Absolutely. Don't you think that it represents life?"

"No? tell us more about it then."

"I started indulging in the richness of the world of coffee when I was 12. Started off with those easily available cappuccinos, sometimes flat whites, lattes and macchiato. Thinking back they all seem too sweet for me now, but back then, those were the coffees of choice which appealed to teenage me. The sweetness and an easy dose of energy boost helped me get through the day. So you can probably say coffee has been with me for 8 years now. Throughout the 8 years, my taste for coffee has changed, within 2 years of drinking coffee, my preference for coffee shifted from ridiculously sweet towards aromatic, full and strong. This means bitter and aromatic. It represents life. The ups, downs, valleys and peaks. You could say coffee has been companion throughout all of those times. The different coffees in the range of sweetness to bitterness also represents the sweet endings and bitter starts in life. I categories starts as always being the most bitter but it is aromatic, while the ends are usually sweet but not as aromatic, but it stands out as a reward for teething through the tough journey, which is life. We face problems shaped like bumps on our roads and we overcome them, just like how some coffees are a little less aromatic than we expect. We might expect darker doses of coffee as more aromatic, more powerful, but usually they aren't as aromatic or as powerful. Just like life.

You see, people who drink coffee regularly have their form of opinion about their coffee just like how all of us living life as an opinion about living life. Not all of us are enlightened in our journey of life and so are the regular coffee drinkers, not all of them are coffee snobs, but most people do know a thing or two about what constitutes a god coffee for them, and their coffee preference and will have some opinion on what is a bad coffee. Just like how we all can say what does living and doing well means and can intuitively categorised others as not having lived well or done well. Don't you then see a representation of life from there?"

"That is indeed deep coming from a young man like yourself."

"Nope, I was merely stating my own observations. It might seem deep but sometimes it is not that deep, it just seems murky, and our natural tendency is to side towards depth because we can't decipher it when faced head on or on the first encounter."

"Judging from that, I can say that you are addicted to caffeine now."

"Wouldn't say that it is an addiction or a drug though."

"That is why addicts always say to try and justify what they are doing though. Judging from your interesting take on life, how do you steer your teammates when they sit down and talk to you?"

"I try not to steer them. I give them my two cents and ultimately, it is up to them to choose what they want to do with the additional input. Whether or not it makes sense to me does not concern me, because it is still them who are making the decisions and living their life. It is up to them. It seems that every time your friends have issues and seemingly incurable problems, you standing from the outside, feel the urge to want to solve them, and it seems so simple from your point of view. But it always looks different when you’re inside the mess than it is when you’re looking from the outside. I just try to lend a ear and be by their side through the difficult times instead of offering advice unsolicited or maybe advice that might be harmful. Only answer when asked to, that is one rule I stand by and even if it is solicited, I try to ask "Do you have ways to improve the situation?” It might seem counter-intuitive, but sometimes they do have solutions, just someone to validate them. "

"Nice, that is good advice for someone giving advice on how to advise. Talking about the team, what is your current take on the draws? Your team is drawn into Group 19, with nine other teams, including

Siovanija & Teusland (22)
Natanians and Nosts (102)
Eura (10)
Pemecutan (192)
Kohnhead (69)
United Pink States (269)
Savigliane (124)
Port Ember (57)
Al Qurija (UR)

"I'm not looking to mount any surprises and neither does the team want to attempt that. I will have to wait for coach's intention and we can see what he is aiming for. But all I want the team to work towards is, no expectations, no lofty ambitions, just hardworking, honest football, and hopefully we play well enough to get an invitation to the Cup of Harmony. No expectations, that is the toughest expectations, then there is no direction. But, what direction are we expecting ourselves. What are we getting into? There's not much indication just that all of the teams we are going up against have some kind of experience in the multiverse stage and have players with a wealth of experience. We are at a disadvantage here but there is nothing for us to lose though. If we are lucky, we might even take points away from all of them, although that is not for sure. We do stand a chance."

"You seem quite optimistic here, which brings us to my next question. Are you a realist or idealist?"

"I am both. I see them together rather than separately. Of course by definition, we see realist as a pragmatist, someone who sees thing practically and stuff, while an idealist is commonly known as a dreamer, with so many ideals to peruse and devote their time thinking about their purpose. Of we set them in direct competition to one another then we are forced to choose between them. It seems then that they are a dichotomy when in fact they are not. An idealist is only so only the surface but at is very core they are a realist. You can only aim as far as what you are pre-dispositioned to. Moreover, being idealistic gives us some kind of meaning when we experience our life pragmatically. Of course if is intangible, it is hard to measure so we are pragmatic with things that we need to measure and are tangible."

"Right, so any advice then for up and coming footballers who are plying their trade in the youth teams or in schools right now?"

"Work hard, train hard, remember why you are playing football and enjoy the process. The football journey is a long journey, and even for myself, I have just embarked on it, so just enjoy the opportunities you are given as well and the best will come your way. Even if they don't come your way, ultimately, you will have the choice to make do of them!"

"That is a short yet meaningful word of caution for the young players right there, enjoy the process!"

* * *

by **Jabal Akhdar** » Wed Jan 06, 2021 5:22 am

by **Frestovenia** » Wed Jan 06, 2021 5:37 am

Debutants Frestovenia drawn in group with five time champion Valanora

Fresto Sports - 6 January 2021

Draw overview

One of the most notable opponents in this group is Valanora. The five-time world champion, who currently holds fifth place in the KPB rankings belongs to the absolute favorites for the group win. Valanora's last victory dates back at the 61st edition where they beat the Free Republics in the match for the cup. In the 67th edition Valanora came very close to contend once more for the final victory, unfortunately for them, they lost the semi-final match and had to play for the third place. Welcoming Valanora's national team in Frestovenia is amazing says the president of the Frestovenian football association: "We get the opportunity to play against teams at a very high level. Valarona will play here for 3 points and another 3 when we visit them, but every small result that we can take will be colored as a victory for Frestovenian football". Whatever the result, the matches against this strong side will be watched by millions at home.

Blend of class and talent

The other teams in group 11 are top 100 ranked teams: Kelssek, Darmen, Squidroidia, and Barunia. Once again a blend of class and talented teams that will fight for the golden places in the group. It will be tough for Frestovenia to take points against these opponents. Every single match against these teams will be seen as a lesson. Fighting to the bitter end is a tactic that will be described more during this qualifying campaign. It is very unlikely that the Frestovenian side will qualify for the final tournament and make their debut on that stage. Shortly after the draw completion, the head coach of the Frestovenian national team said: "Currently we are busy with the preparations for the upcoming qualifying matches. 2 months ago we started to train with the boys and tried to find the right set of players for our selection. Many players have shown improvement and I'm happy to say that i'm very proud at my team at this moment. I'm more than ready and I think the boys are ready too. You can really see the smile on their faces it shows the excitement in every single way".

Where do we pick up the points?

We still have five teams left before we've gone through our whole group. All of Frestovenian opponents are ranked except Frestovenia which was unranked during the draw. The 5 lower-ranked teams in the group are respectively Wreckeria (155), Tornado Queendom (263), Jabal Akhdar (315), and Icecliff (359). It will have to be done against these teams. Still a huge task for the Frestovenian team. Hopefully, we can win our first points against one of these sides. Everything is still new for this young team and the expectations are low. However, this team is ready to make history. The first match of the qualifying campaign will be played against the Tornado Queendom at the Asvard Stadium in Asvard and the second match will also be a home game against the lowest-ranked team of this group Icecliff. Two important matches were the Frestovenian team has to show where they stand.

Road to Taeshan & Ethane

Bellow the full list of fixtures of the national team of Frestovenia:

Standings

Group 11 Standings
 1 Barunia                 0    0   0 - 0
 2 Darmen                  0    0   0 - 0
 3 Frestovenia             0    0   0 - 0
 4 Icecliff                0    0   0 - 0
 5 Jabal Akhdar            0    0   0 - 0
 6 Kelssek                 0    0   0 - 0
 7 Squidroidia             0    0   0 - 0
 8 Tornado Queendom        0    0   0 - 0
 9 Valanora                0    0   0 - 0
10 Wreckeria               0    0   0 - 0

World Cup 87 - RP Thread

NSWC signup

Part 1 - Job Bobbie

CELEBRATIONS AS THE WORLD CUP DRAW COMES CLOSER

Cup Fever Grips Garbelia

Quemorr Sporting Magazine - Regional Qualifiers Draw!

Part 2

Fresto Sports - 6 January 2021

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