World Cup 88- Roleplay Thread

[Turori]

Fringe Players Make Statement as Turori Close Out WCQ

National Stadium, Fluvannia :: It was a mixed reaction from Nigel's Army following Matchday 17 of World Cup 88 Qualifying. Many fans were disappointed that the Football Association of Turori rested the entire Citizen Squad for the matchup against Krytenia, sending instead the Cocoabo Squad to contest a matchup that mattered very little in the overall standings but did ultimately deny the Eels a first ever perfect Qualifying run. The draw for Turori's National Cocoabo Squad in Krytenia was the first dropped points of the entire campaign for Turori and resulted in an outcry from fans who wanted Tarek Edgeli and the Citizen Squad to finish out the campaign and shoot for the perfect record.

For Edgeli, however, whether Turori finished World Cup 88 Qualifying on 54 points or 52 points or 48 points did not matter much. The only thing that mattered was the fact that the Turori National Team had won Group 15 and secured their spot in the World Cup 88 Finals. While their ticket was punched, however, there was still one more qualifying match on the cards. The opponent for the Turori National Team's final match of Qualifying would be Fluvannia. The Eels had a strong showing against Fluvannia in the first half of the Qualification campaign with Timaala Hualtia posting a shutout in a 2-0 victory with goals from Naraiaza Ruaplal and Kiidallen Aeroluzzi. It was actually Hualtia's last start for the Turori National Team after the Inland Peaks FC netminder was rested in the second half of World Cup 88 Qualifying.

Hualtia would not be the only player rested for the Final match against Fluvannia, however, as a number of Turori's regular starters were absent despite the return of the Citizen Squad to close out the campaign. Ever-present players such as Yeaddin Owls stars Mikki Mayelli and Daliora Toru'u as well as the the technically adept Kentu Umaka'a were left out of the lineup while youngsters like Planio'o Nrujsa would make their first start of the season alongside a number of other fringe and prospect players hoping to make an impression on the Turori National Coaching staff and secure their place among the final team selected to represent Turori in the World Cup 88 Finals in Cassadaigua and Chromatika.

A number of Eels players made an impact in the match including Loala Inkabu who scored their first career goal for the Turori National Team in the 5th minute of the match to set an early tone for Turori. The real standout player that would give the Turori National Team staff a difficult decision for the Finals, however, would be Planio’o Nrujsa. The 17 year old Defender had an instant impact on the pitch appearing in their first ever game for Turori, serving as the central defender in Turori's unorthodox 3-4-3 formation designed to fit the available players and not their standard formation. Nrujsa would be credited with the goal in the 40th minute that would eventually become the game winning goal and then added another off a corner kick in the second half to become the first Turorian player to score twice in their debut in recent history.

Nrujsa's late goal in the first half also opened the floodgates which saw the Eels score three times in the final five minutes of the first half, Nrujsa's tally being followed up by goals from Turakia Diijelhma and Tulaki Rauogba giving Turori a 4-0 lead at the break.

Fluvannia were one of the few teams - and the only team in Turori's Group 15 that did not wear names on their National Team Uniforms but one of their players did manage a consolation goal in the 73rd minute but the Eels wouldn't even allow that to go unanswered with Friika Diirotora scoring a first internationstatal goal of their own to round out the scoring as the Turori National Team closed out World Cup 88 Qualifying with a 6-1 victory over Fluvannia.

 Turori [6] - [1] Fluvannia
				
	GOALS:	Turori 	:: 5' Loala Inkabu:: 40' Planio’o Nrujsa:: 41' Turakia Diijelhma:: 44' Tulaki Rauogba:: 57' Planio’o Nrujsa:: 80' Friika Diirotora         		
	STATS:	Turori 	:: Possession: 59%:: Shots: 10:: Corners: 6	Fluvannia 	:: Possession: 41%:: Shots: 3:: Corners: 3
	Lineup:	[GK] Derizi Amatopa, [D.] Bvalis Amaanara, [D.] Planio’o Nrujsa, [D.] Karek Edgeli, [ML]  Naraiza Ruaplal, [MC]  Friika Diirotora, [MC] Kinabo Telioa, [MR]  Tulaki Rauogba, [FC]  Kala'a Yuliizala, [FC] Loala Inkabu, [FC] Turakia Diijelhma			
	Bench:	[FC] Nua'oma Aikiki, [FC] Lutara Makakio, [M] Cuoabaza Orani’aoa, [M] Saito Koshiki, [U ] Kiidallen Aeroluzzi, [D] Amakli Inuro'o, [GK] Cocoabo #86

With the victory the Eels finished the 18 Game Qualifying Haul with 52 points and 52 goals - Averaging just under 3 goals scored per game over the course of the Qualifiers. Only Banija in Group 13 also finished the Qualifiers without a defeat and while Banija was able to score more goals than Turori at 62, the Eels were tops when it came to total points earned in Qualifying (52) and their overall goal differential (+44).

Over the course of the qualifying it was clear that the Turori National Team had their three goalies selected for the World Cup 88 Qualifiers. Although the highly impressive youngster Derizi Amatopa of Euran club Revolutionaries made the most appearances in goal for Turori during World Cup 88 Qualifying with eight starts, it is likely that veteran Cedniavella Turori netminder Wiyauw An'maude will be the starting choice for Tarek Edgeli and the Eels when it comes to the World Cup Finals in Cassadaigua and Chromatika. An'maude made just five starts for Turori during Qualifying but posted a shutout in each appearance they made conceding a total of 0 goals during the campaign. By comparison, Derizi Amatopa and Timaal Hualtia each posted shutouts in just half of their appearances in Qualifying.

Most Appearances during World Cup 88 Qualifying

16 [2] - Mikki Mayelli :: Yeaddin Owls AFC
16 [6] - Kentu Umaka'a :: Eastal Lunar
16 [2] - Daliora Toru'u :: Yeaddin Owls
14 [2] - Naraiza Ruaplal :: Broadview AFC (CBP)
13 [1] - Amakli Inuro'o :: Bastion (EUR)
13 [5] - Meldi'ita Mungwaii :: Arlington City (ZWZ)
12 [3] - Kiidallen Aeroluzzi :: Colonial Sile
11 [1] - Biliki Rona'atu'i :: Cednia Beach AFC
11 [4] - Moumouni Verre'elali :: Tropicorp FC
11 [1] - Lati'ala Giaoka :: Yeaddin Owls

Most Goals during World Cup 88 Qualifying

[6] - Kentu Umaka'a :: Eastal Lunar
[6] - Wiztsana Iretziia :: East End FC (XAN)
[5] - Meldi'ita Mungwaii :: Arlington City (ZWZ)
[4] - Moumouni Verre'elali :: Tropicorp FC
[3] - Kiidallen Aeroluzzi :: Colonial Sile
[3] - Nua'oma Aikiki :: Jungle Strike FC
[3] - Turakia Diijelhma :: Cednia Beach AFC
[2] - Six Players

Among defenders it was established that Mikki Mayelli of the Yeaddin Owls and Amakli Inuro'o of Bastion in Eura will be the first names on the sheet but the picture becomes a little less clear from there. In a standard 4-4-2 formation it is likely that Cednia Beach AFC Defender Biliki Rona'atu'i and Tropicorp FC's Moumouni Verre'elali would be the final two names in the starting lineup though Karek Edgeli was solid in seven World Cup Qualifying appearances and could challenge for a place in the roster. The real question now for the Turori National Coaching staff is whether Planio'o Nrujsa's two-goal performance in their Turori National Team debut on the final matchday against Fluvannia is enough to move the needle and include them in the Finals roster. In just one appearance, Nrujsa was tied for second among all Turorian defenders in goals scored during the campaign, level with Mikki Mayelli who appeared in sixteen games for the Eels. Tropicorp's Moumouni Verre'elali led all defenders for Turori with four goals over the 18 match qualifying campaign, only 11 of which Verre'elali appeared in.

Much of Turori's attacking resolve came from their possession in the midfield with 19 of their 52 goals scored coming from the midfield. Including the Cocoabo Squad midfielders that number increases to 21 with both of the Cocoabo Squad's goals in a 2-2 draw with Krytenia coming from midfield. None scored more than technical specialist Kentu Umaka'a of Eastal Lunar, however, with the set piece taker co-leading all players on Turori with 6 goals in 16 appearances during Qualifying. Umaka'a and Daliora Toru'u were ever-present for the Eels barring the final two games of the campaign with the decision to rest the regular starters. Excluding the Cocoabo Squad who appeared against Krytenia on Matchday 17, Nine different midfielders appeared for Turori during World Cup 88 Qualifying and eight of those nine found their way onto the scoresheet at least once. Inura Forest's midfielder Cuoabaza Orani’aoa was the only Turorian midfielder who failed to score a goal during the 18 Qualifying Matches.

Of course, the job of the Attackers is to Attack and score goals and they certainly did their job with seven different attackers accounting for 20 of Turori's 52 goals. Unlike the ever present defenders and midfielders, the Attackers rotated more frequently perhaps due to the age of Veteran players such as Arlington City's Meldi'ita Mungwaii with the coaching staff looking to provide more rest to the older players. Mungwaii scored five goals in thirteen appearances for the Eels during the qualifying campaign - the second highest scoring rate among all players with five or more games played. The only more efficient goalscorer was Wiztsana Iretziia who was very impressive in a surprise late-career comeback run scoring six goals in nine matches to lead all Turorian attackers and co-lead the Eels overall goalscoring chart for the World Cup 88 Qualifiers. While the typical starting pair for the Turori National team is that of the veteran Meldi'ita Mungwaii alongside the complimentary Jungle Strike FC star Nua'oma Aikiki, Iretziia's efficiency on attack is unlikely to go unnoticed in the World Cup 88 Finals.

[Nephara]

Weeks ...

Triffid Ramsey felt more out of touch than she had in a good, long while.
She was already shaking her head as she marched towards the lifts, away from the press conference. It had been, all in all, fairly routine; discussions on the group draw. Matches against Hampton Island, South Newlandia and Lauren Cheney loomed, and the usual dance of trying to look well-informed without giving away your entire scouting dossier had begun. She was a master of it, mostly through her force of personality and her air of superiority,
It could wait no longer. She turned to her PR guy, Markus. "What the fuck is a girlboss?" she blurted out.
"Uhm," he provided.
"I mean it. Girlboss? I'm not a girl." Ramsey crossed her arms and leaned against a wall of the lift as they strode inside. "How old am I, Markus?"
The PR guy licked his lips. "I... don't feel I should say."
"Oh, don't be so wet."
"Fifty?" he hazarded.
Ramsey's stare was withering.
"... Forty-six."
"Forty-seven." Ramsey huffed. "'Girl?' Fuck off."
"Well, thank you for not telling them to fuck off."
"They'd expect it. We're Nepharim, for fuck's sake." Ramsey punched the button for the ground floor.
It was a first time to think. The PR guy's silence in the lift... well, there'd been no silence in the presser, certainly no silence during the actual group draw. Ramsey closed her eyes, and indulged.
It was not a cushy draw. Hampton Island had been trouble in the past, conceded precisely zero goals in two tangles with the Cormorants, that demanded respect. Defensive football was Having A Moment in the international game, and few kept their sheets cleaner than the Islanders.
Then there were South Newlandia. A meteoric rise, good discipline, players working their way up through the world. Players earning respect for their nation in leagues all across the world, as well as their own. Their presence here proved last time around was no fluke - a last time in which they had beaten, of course, the Patriots.
Ah, yes. That ridiculous name for Brenecia. The first time, in fact, the two old enemies had ever drawn each other in the World Cup groups. First time in ages, as a result, they'd played. In fact, discounting a Cup of Champions match, it had been 25 years. Her best leftback hadn't been born by then. Sure, the side lacked cutting edge, or an experienced manager, and the structure of the side was basically a delivery vehicle for Lauren Cheney To Do Something.
Four defensive-minded sides. Four cool colours. It was in a sense academic, Ramsey would back the Cormorants against any- and all-comers, but getting these nine points on the board was going to be far from straightforward...

Days ...

Radeka Lind shrugged. "I just don't see why I should care."
"Why you should care?" Anselm Koerner looked across to Lothaire Cromwell, scoffing. "Why should she care, Lo?"
"You care because it's Brenecia, you want to see 'em lose," explained the burly midfielder. The two men got along fairly well, not least because they were men in an environment that seemed increasingly like a clambake.
Lind blinked. "That's just a tautology."
Koerner scoffed. "I don't even know what that is."
"Well, don't brag about it." Lind sighed. "Look, who cares about Brenecia? They're just... some small insignificant country that's a world-class exporter of smog and ennui, or whatever."
"Yeah..." Koerner fumbled for the right words. "But it's Brenecia, isn't it?"
"So? I know a Brenecian." Lind frowned, thoughtful. "Or at least I assume so. She has some Celtic given name I can't begin to pronounce, so, probably."
"We used to own them," said Cromwell.
"... That's meant to be a good thing?"
"No! Just, look, uh."
"They have weird accents and drink warm beer," said Koerner, coming to the rescue. "And they elected that fascist for a bit. And they're so humble, it's weird. They don't talk, they don't sleep with you, they don't do anything. What're they for?"
"They're Brenecians."
"Still don't care," said Lind, mildly.
Over her shoulder, Triffid Ramsey wandered by, bottle of water in hand, attracted by the sound of conflict.
Cromwell appealed to authority. "Boss! Hey, why do we need so much to beat Brenecia?"
Ramsey looked at the three, askance. "Eh? How can you ask that? It's fucking Brenecia. You want to wipe that stupid smirk off Lauren Cheney's face. You want to see them cry."
"I don't," said Lind. "I don't honestly waste much of my time thinking about Brenecia."
"Then learn to," said Koerner, instinctively, but Cromwell looked thoughtful.
"No, no, there's something to that. That 'snail on the bottom of my shoe' feeling."
"Oh, I love snails," Lind sighed.

Minutes ...

Chantal Kalevi wasn't alone in her circuitous route to international recognition, but she felt she'd been through it more than most.
In club terms, her emergence had come in Chromatika, then Pasarga. For her country, she'd made the most of her Eagles Cup chances; this was her first experience of a major tournament, at 26. Wasn't quite on her roadmap, but she'd take it.
Besides, she damn well knew every second on the pitch was earned. Her direct competition was the boss' fucking daughter, after all.
She'd spent the past few hours telling herself it was like any other game, but her feelings now gave the lie to that. Those chills down her spine? Those hairs standing on the back of her neck? All those cliches, the ones she figured were bullshit. She'd been on big stages before, but none like this, none so large and for her country, God damn it.
Rook Timekeeper, another rotation option, nudged the lanky Kalevi in the ribs. "You feeling the tension?"
"Nah," Kalevi lied. "Just another game, innit."
The referees shunted them out into the light. The PA rang through the anthems. Kalevi's heart raced as she found herself singing - singing! Normally she was a terminal mutterer - belting the damn thing out. Unfurl the raven and the ram! Take the garbage out! Raah!
But no. There it was. That elusive, icy calm began to set in as the players took up their places, as she eyed the rightback set to mark her, flicked a derisive glance across the rest of the opposition. Nothing to take personally. Kalevi would flick a derisive glance to the Sun, or a bowl of ice cream. It was her resting glance, her state of being.
The ball came out. Men stood over it. There were 22 players and three referees, and whoever scored the most goals over ninety minutes would win. Kalevi could play her part. She could do this.
The timer ran down, the referee raised the whistle to her lips...

Seconds ...

[Banija]

"No Excuses This Time" - Kadongo Kamu look to get bad taste of World Cup 87 out of their mouths in the friendly confines of Lhor


Banijan fans attending their final World Cup Qualifier

LHOR, MOUNTAIN DISTRICT- After the highs of World Cup 86, came the lows of World Cup 87. World Cup 86 was the culmination of an incredibly strong four and a half cycle run by the national team. 9 major tournaments(World Cups 83-86, AOCAFs 58-62) during that run. It culminated, of course, in become World Cup champions at World Cup 86, defeating Nephara 3-2 in the World Cup 86 Final. But we built up to that. We went to the quarterfinals in four consecutive World Cups, and won three of them. Third place finishes at both World Cup 83 and World Cup 85. Two trips to the Eagle's Cup Final, another trophy. And bookending those World Cups with deep AOCAF runs. We went to the final of AOCAF 58 before World Cup 83, and we went to the semifinals of AOCAF 62 after World Cup 86.

Of course, World Cup 87 was a disappointment. We continued our streak of 8 consecutive World Cups where we've won at least one game. But unfortunately, we lost 2-0 to Savojarna on the final day of the group stages, and found ourselves, while ranked #1 in the multiverse, knocked out in the early stages of the tournament. And we couldn't make up for it in the AOCAFs, being knocked out by a tough Krytenia team(who then turned around to become a founding member of Anaia). But even with the early elimination, not all was lost. We stayed in the Top 6. We came out this World Cup Qualifying campaign and took it to our opponents, did not lose during the campaign, winning 15 qualifiers and drawing the other 3.

And now, we find ourselves in World Cup 88. Still in Pot 1, ranked 5th in the multiverse, with World Cup bouncing in our eyes. And, probably, in better circumstances to succeed than last time. For one- there's not the pressure of being defending champions. Our ranking, of course, brings a pressure in and of itself- but there's not the overwhelming pressure of being world #1s and the defending champs. We clearly didn't handle that well in Ethane.

But the real big advantage- Lhor. Banijans are very familiar with this City. Kamu Jacobs, a Busogan, plied his trade here. And Adama Sowe, the WCC President and former RBSA Executive Chairman, owns the club team here. So Chromatika's fashion capitol is going to have a new style in fashion- green & orange soccer jerseys. The locals in the town are expected to heavily favor the Banijans during the group stages, and any games Banija plays beyond the group stages in this city(except for a potential match against Chromatika, obviously).

Marcus Waters called it a big-time advantage. "Look- you always want to have the crowd behind you, no matter where you play. Home fans give you energy and a sense of belonging... They really do push the players to go that extra mile, to run that extra sprint, especially in the dog days of a match, 70 or 80 minutes in." Local commentators have commented that they expect it as well. With World Cup tickets generally split evenly three ways, 1/3rd to locals, 1/3rd to each team's set of fans, that could mean a big-time help for the Banijans on the field.

The first step though? Getting off to a good start. We are facing an up & coming North Rushmori nation, Tikariot. Their goalkeeper, Brian Merson, just won the Champions League with Kitara AA, so we know they have talent. After they do the Thunder Clap, they are a highly energetic, well coached side that likes to get forward. With both teams being aggressive attacking sides, it is likely that goals are there for the taking on the counter. Can Banijan defenders perform under pressure when the inevitable Tikariot counter-attacks blitz through?

We will have our opportunities in front of goal. Immaculate Kaba and/or Gereh Kama will try to score against their club teammate, Brian Merson. But we've stated the real question. And while we have some incredibly talented defenders, the answer is- we truly don't know. Kuma Bultum, while one of the world's best defenders, is 34. Tibamba next to him is 33. Ogunsola is 26 of course. But the back 3, while talented, is aging. Can Bultum and Tibamba still perform, on the international stage in a short tournament, at the elite levels we are still used to seeing them at?

A lot of that generation may see this as their last chance to get another piece of silverware. They've won the World Cup- but how many more tournaments will they have after this? They've got club careers to consider. Kuma Bultum is 34, Tibamba is 33, Ilman Jawara is 35, Madu Okparra is 33. We will go as our veterans lead us. If they can look like they have most of their careers, well, we have as good of a chance as anyone. But if they start to look their age? Well, then that is a harbinger for another quick exit at the Finals.

Quick Hits
- WCC President and Lhor club owner Adama Sowe is expected to attend the tournament's opening ceremony in Chromatika, and then attend all 3 Banija games in Lhor.
- Omugabe Ssemanda has been announced by the RBSA to be the flag-bearer at the opening ceremony in Chromatika.

[PotatoFarmers]

Poafmersia 3–2 Pius Desurongcrandis
Poafmersia Scorers: Iulianus Innocenti 32'; Aleka Dufour 71'; Makana Tuft 84'
Poafmersia Lineup (3-4-3): Suzanne Trengove; Nasri Sanchez, Mitchel Rosales, Simone Gori; Dargis Walshor, Arnold Shwentin, Nero Wood, Whitney Rios; Aleka Dufour, Makana Tuft (c), Iulianus Innocenti
Poafmersia Substitutes: Vasilis Villaverde (Rios 48'); Alex Hoboson (Rosales 67'); Ftiks Wariq (Wood 88')

Sharktail 1–3 Poafmersia
Poafmersia Scorers: Makana Tuft 23' (assisted by Haodao); Joel Haodao 36'; Nasri Sanchez 71'
Poafmersia Lineup (4-3-3): Sandi Jaliaha; Nasri Sanchez, Mitchel Rosales, Hollis Stephenson, Natalia Abbott; Daas Taisg, Woden Sweet, Nero Wood; Joel Haodao, Makana Tuft (c), Pete Carisa
Poafmersia Substitutes: Min Berg (Sweet 60'); Arnold Shwentin (Wood 74'); Alex Hoboson (Sanchez 86')'

Poafmersia 3–2 Murphtannia
Poafmersia Scorers: Makana Tuft 17' (assisted by Jackson); Matea Idowu 54' (assisted by Erdos); Monesty Erdos 90+1' (assisted by Haodao)
Poafmersia Lineup (4-3-3): Shirou Amatore; Nasri Sanchez, Mitchel Rosales, Ali Berger, Natalia Abbott; Jordan Huerta, Woden Sweet, Michael Jackson; Matea Idowu, Makana Tuft (c), Monesty Erdos
Poafmersia Substitutes: Mac Rojas (Sanchez 55'); Daas Taisg (Huerta 76'); Joel Haodao (Tuft 82')

WC88 Draw: Red Panjias to play Marauders again in the group stage
As reported in Sporting Daily
Chromia, Chromatika - Poafmersia will play against bronze medlists Valanora in the group stage, in a replay of the group stage encounter 2 years ago which led to talks of the so-called "Tiebreakergate", as the Red Panjias aim to pull off yet another shock result to make it 2 out of 2 in the knockout stages. The World Cup draw today comes at the back of the conclusion of the World Cup playoffs last week, where fellow BoF71 member Trolleborg failed to qualify for their 3rd consecutive Finals after losing 3-4 on aggregate to Squornshelan Remnant States. Sonnel powerhouses Drawkland will also miss the Finals, following their away-goals defeat to Tikariot. The World Cup would also see giants Siovanija & Teusland, as well as Zwangzug, miss out on the Finals.

At the World Cup qualification draw held this morning, Poafmersia was represented by head coach Adnan Suliaha, assistant coach Katiri Hedge, captain Makana Tuft and vice-captain Joel Haodao, together with 3 PFFA officials. For Haodao, he took time off from his club duties to attend the meeting, while the other 3 members flew from Fiskadaha to attend the World Cup draw.

Following their excellent performance of Poafmersia in the World Cup Qualifiers, the team will enter the World Cup ranking 20th in the World Cup rankings. The Red Panjias achieved a staggering record of 14 wins, 3 draws, and just 1 loss throughout the 18-game qualifiers, securing top spot ahead of top seeds Audioslavia, who was barely 2 points behind. Adnan Suliaha's men put in a series of excellent performances that could give the team some hope ahead of the Finals, though the group stage would not be easy given the general difficulty of the draw.

Poafmersia would be playing their group stage matches in Rushmore, in the nation of Cassadaigua. Cassadaigua last hosted the World Cup during the 84th edition, alongside Baker Park, and that was Poafmersia's debut qualification cycle. A decade on, it would be in Cassadaigua where Poafmersia will aim to cause an upset by qualifying for the knockout stages once again. The first time round was seen as a "fluke" by some critics of the team, and captain Makana Tuft would need to ensure that this would be a really good run that could silence those critics. The first 2 games would be crucial. Poafmersia opens the campaign against second seeds Eura, a really strong team who are enjoying their comeback following the surprise last cycle, where they failed to qualify, made it to the Cup of Harmony, but suffered heartbreak at the hands of Mriin, who were participating in their last international competition. Poafmersia then play Valanora on Matchday 2, eager to get a better result then they did last cycle, where they had to rely on results elsewhere to qualify for the knockout stages. Poafmersia would then play debutants Twicetagria, a fast rising side who made it directly to the World Cup following an exciting performance in the qualifiers.

Should Poafmersia qualify for the Round of 16, they will play a team from group G in Cassadaigua. Last World Cup's semifinalists The Holy Empire, as well as World Cup giants Vilita, will likely await from group H. Group H will also feature Jeruselem, making their return to the Finals, and Mercedini, who is expected to provide a challenge to the top 2 sides.

---

We will only reveal final 23-players before trip to Chromatika: Suliaha
As reported in Poafmer Times
Mancodas - Football national team coaches Adnan Suliaha and Katiri Hedge has confirmed that there will be no preliminary squad list released for the upcoming World Cup, adding that they will spend the training camp making "tough decisions" about the final squad.

Speaking to reporters ahead of a training camp in the city, the head coaches of the Red Panjias have remained mum about the 23-player shortlist for the World Cup. "You will see it when we are finalised with it. Though the numbers are far from being confirmed, because honestly it is a tough choice," said Adnan Suliaha. He added that the team are currently making decisions on which veterans will make the cut, especially since a huge number of younger players have submitted really brilliant report cards from the friendlies and the qualifiers. "It has been a rather brilliant qualifiers, leading to difficult choices for some of the positions. We are also considering about the team dynamics as a whole, looking at the performance in the domestic leagues, and also looking forward to future qualifiers. Poafmersia wants to come out of the World Cup stronger than before, so we will take the decision very seriously."

Katiri Hedge has also suggested that some of the veterans have been approaching the coaches about their plans. "There are some of the players who are approaching the mid-30s, and typically they would want to wind down on their international career and think about their next step forward. If they don't play in Cassadaigua and Chromatika, then it is very likely that they will finish off in the IAC. And we are discussing about all these plans too."

Captain Makana Tuft also did not mention about the shape of the final squad. "For one thing, we are definitely sticking with either of the 3 formations we have been playing more of - namely diamond midfield (4-1-2-1-2), 3 at the back (3-4-3) and 3 wingers strategy (4-3-3). The coaches have been making lots of rotations during the qualifiers and the friendlies that we got, and we have gotten a chance to work with each other. The coaches will make a detailed analysis before reaching the final conclusion." When asked about the expectations for the World Cup, Tuft admitted that morale is really high in the camp. "The qualifiers ended really well, so of course morale is really high. After whatever happened in Ethane and Taeshan last cycle, the team would definitely be aiming real high this time, trying to at least make it to the Round of 16. After that, we will take it one step at a time. There is no pressure whatsoever, but for the group of us who played 2 years ago, we will be sure to share the experience with the newer players, and we will work towards a higher target together."

---

WCQ88 Playoff Predictor - And the Results are out!
As reported in Sporting Daily
The Sporting Daily previously launched a prediction contest for citizens in Poafmersia and around the world to submit their predictions for the World Cup Qualifiers. The winner would be able to stand a chance to win 10,000 PTD, based on a series of scoring systems that we had laid out at the start of the contest.

Considering that many Poafmers would gain larger exposure to the contest, a local category was set up, strictly for Poafmers. The local category saw a grand total of 120,984 entries in total, a surprise considering that the fantasy version for Poafmers only saw 78,600 participants. The international category, on the other hand, was set up for international contestants from around the world to participate. On the international side, we also saw 10 entries in total. Former national captain Danzik Hoboson was selected as the representative from Poafmersia. The other 9 entries was: Petter Gerrafinski from Twicetagria; Tamai'a Atufataga from Tikariot; Michael Hansen from Super-llamaland; John B. Doe from Tumbra; Cheryl Woen from Zwangzug; sentient Toilet from Sylestone; Viola Aslan from Bollonich; Lunaro Tsukida from Ko-oren; and Sydney King from Omerica.

Here is the breakdown of the predictions.
Match 1: Trolleborg vs Squornshelan Remnant States
It was a difficult tie to predict. Both sides are really strong sides, similar in terms of skills and capability. One is a newer force, trying to make it 3 qualifications in a row. The other is attempting to make a comeback into the final 32.
Among our local entries, it was slightly tilted towards Trolleborg, with 55.7% of the participants choosing the BoF71 champions to qualify. Our former national team captain also chose that Trolleborg will win the tie on away goals. In the 10 international entries (including Hoboson's entry) we saw, only Atufataga, Doe and Gerrafinski predicted for Squornshelan Remnant States (SRS) to win. And Gerrafinski got the perfect result, predicting for SRS to win the first leg (and the correct margin of victory too!), and a draw on the second leg, which will lead to a SRS win overall.

Match 2: Reçueçn vs HUElavia
Both are really strong sides who are equally capable of making it into the World Cup last 32. Both failed to make it last cycle, and would be roaring to make it back there once again. Even though both sides are really capable, and that it should be a rather close tie, a grand total of 67.8% chose HUElavia to qualify over Reçueçn. Among the international entries, it was split 6-4 in favour of Reçueçn. Woen from Zwangzug was absolutely spot on, predicting for HUElavia to win the first tie, Reçueçn to win the second, but HUElavia will progress on away goals.

Match 3: Yuezhou vs Abanhfleft
The international entries went straight even on this one. But Poafmers in general placed their belief in Abanhfleft getting it through, with 59% of the entries putting Abanhfleft to qualify. Yuezhou came out tops on this one, and Hoboson was absolutely spot on in believing that Yuezhou will win both legs of the playoffs.

Match 4: Busoga Islands vs Hampton Island
Everyone knew that it ended in heartbreak for Busoga Islands, who couldn't survive a late charge by top seeds Pasarga, then fell in the playoffs to Hampton Island, who made their return to the Finals following a poor performance last qualifiers. Many Poafmers believed, however, that Busoga Islands could have gained qualification, with a staggering 71.2% in favour of them. Among the international entries, it was again a 6-4 split, but for Hampton Island. Nobody, however, made the perfect guess of deciding how would both legs turn out. There was, however, lots of predictions for an away goal victory for either sides.

Match 5: Tikariot vs Drawkland
New vs the Old. Rising star vs Favourites. The result was absolutely brutal. Tikariot won on away goals, 3 vs 2. Absolutely stunning set of draws. The international panel didn't expect 2 draws to settle the tie, but there was a surprisingly one sided support for Tikariot (8-2). Poafmers generally were in favour of Tikariot, but it was much closer with just 54% of Poafmers believing that Tikariot will qualify. And there was one person, Johnson Jacquer from Greater Mancodas, who gave in the exact scoreline of the 2 legs (2-2 then 3-3).

Match 6: South Newlandia vs Oberour Ar Moro
South Newlandia may have stormed their way into the final 32, but nobody thought such a huge margin was actually possible. The number of people who predicted South Newlandia to win, however, was ridiculously high. Among the international entries, it was 9 in favour of South Newlandia, with only King voting against. Among Poafmers, 88% were in favour of the Elephants, showing how popular they are in Poafmersia.

On the international side, it was Petter Gerrafinski who won the prize money, with 4 out of 6 winners correctly predicted, and predicted the result of 7 out of the 12 aggregate ties. Poafmers in general had a more mixed result, and there were 5 names who were listed as joint-top winners, though they didn't do as well as Gerrafinski. The winners will be informed separately.

[Qzvarkian Qaz]

Bryan's Song: A Faustian tale
prior installment - viewtopic.php?p=38653585#p38653585

The Matchdays went by, the team layed games against several of the worlds finest teams and also a pair of games against Tikariot. But alas, the time was up on the team. One last friendly against @@NATION_PLACEHOLDER@@ and hope a CoH Invite came by. But for Bryan there was the issue of a phone call

"Hey Bryans it's yuour agent, I'm sorry I may have left you in the dark, but the phone bill was starting to rack with all the call to Rushmore,i've got some good news though. I have possible deal in place to get you into Xanneria again! Just need you to meet me in Eura and I'll fly you a private jet to home. Hey rumor has it a couple other guys are wanted for the FLOX teams so keep an eye on them too, especially if they need an agent."

Bryan hung up the phone and eventually he found himself flying into Eura where he met his agent. He learned that him Max, Neft Ali Per-Es and As-Drubal Qahbrerra had all flown to other nations as they had been given permission to transfer. But when he turned on the TV he realized how lucky he had been

"....and in Rushmori news, a plane said to be carrying the National Team of Qzvarkian Qaz has crashed on landing, early reports also indicate no survivors of the 30 people onboard. Four players were know to have not been on the flight, Bryan Fause, Maxwell Cunningham, Neft Ali Per-Es and As-Drubal Qahbrerra, the remaining members of the team have reportedly perished......"

[Hampton Island]

(Conversation between Stafford City CEO and his assistant)

Assistant: Well, boss, what do you think of the group draw? Very Esportiva heavy.

CEO: I like it. Good to play nations that know who we are. Brenecia and South Newlandia both know we are a recent Campionato Esportiva champion. Nephara knows they haven’t beaten us in two games. It’s a great draw for our fans, too. We probably won’t advance, but that doesn’t have to be a requirement for this to be successful.

Assistant: Nephara to start it off.

CEO: Obviously, they are due to beat us. It’s been fun, though.

Assistant: Why don’t you have any confidence?

CEO: They are the number one team in the world, that’s why. But you have to remember that there is a big difference between qualifying and the main event for a team like that. They knew that they were going to advance out of the group, especially when we dropped some points early on. They are zoned in now.

Assistant: And we have the best defense in the World Cup.

CEO: Oh, it can happen, I am just not expecting it. There are two other games that I am focused in on more in terms of getting points. We don’t have to get a point against Nephara, but Brenecia and South Newlandia, our Esportivan rivals, we certainly can. 2-0-1 is very possible.

Assistant: Rankings are deceiving.

CEO: We are only so low because of the horrible job that Hannah Sanders did in the last World Cup. We never even got a Cup of Harmony invite, and we didn’t deserve it. If the team was not abandoned, we get valuable points in that, which means we would be higher ranked now.

Assistant: Speaking of the witch, have you heard from her?

CEO: Nothing worthwhile. Just the 100th or so threat of a lawsuit. Trying to get money out of me. The usual.

Assistant: That’s good. Are you going to Chromatika?

CEO: Not yet, but I will. Things I have to take care of here first, but I will be there for the third game against South Newlandia for sure. That’s going to be a critical game, I think. Schedule makers were kind to us, allowing us to play all three matches in Felswyr.

Assistant: What do you think of the place?

CEO: Doesn’t look like my kind of town. Small-ish city in the mountains. Relies on tourism too much. Not really the type of place I would like to make an investment in. Plus, it’s cold weather tourism. Skiing and that kind of stuff.

Assistant: You don’t think the elements will have too much of an effect on our older roster? Especially the elevation.

CEO: They could, it’s cold there even this time of year. But Neddy will have them ready. They’ve arrived there early to try and get used to it.

Assistant: What about the bears? Bears don’t like cold.

CEO: Ahh shit.

Assistant: Yeah. Bad news.

CEO: Well it’s still summer, how cold can it be there during summer?

Assistant: Yeah, well, we will have to see.

[Pasarga]

Is it the destination or the journey that is the matter of importance? That is the question that many Pasargans are having to ask themselves as the Wanderers prepare to take part in the World Cup on the morrow. As a first seed, qualification for the Finals had been expected for the team and that they are indeed in the tournament would suggest that expectations were met with the team ultimately at their destination. However much like in the last World Cup cycle, the process of qualification was anything but the way that the team or its fans had expected it to go.

The first half of the campaign was utterly dismal for the team, having a three win, three draw, and three loss record. The side was sitting in the bottom half of the group and was a full nine points out of the top spot. Qualification was looking like a pipe dream and even making the playoff was looking like it might have been out of reach. Such a poor performance required some sort of action and that meant that Meriadoc Griffiths was relieved of their managerial duties, a bit of a shame given they had said they were going to step down at the end of the campaign. Drastic times require drastic measures and a new manager was appointed.

In the second half of the campaign the team came alive, first under an interim Pasargan manager before a man from Kelssek was appointed. Between the two, the Wanderers went on an undefeated streak in the second half of the campaign, registering eight wins and a sole draw along the way. And yet on the final matchday of the campaign they still needed a victory and results elsewhere to go their way to qualify. Ultimately the side did win and all the other results went the way the Wanderers needed, landing them in the automatic qualification spot, a spot they had been expected to have grabbed from the beginning.

Which team will it be that takes root in the Finals and looks to represent the dual islands is a massive one. Will it be the team from the first half of the qualifiers that looked anything but a historic and good side or will it be the team from the second half that looked quite capable of going up against any team and grabbing a result? The group has challenges, the most prominent coming in the way of budding rivals and former World Cup champions of Banija, whom the side will play on matchday two. There is fellow Rushmore side Tikariot, who has quickly grown into a capable footballing power themselves. It begins with HUElavia, a rather unknown senior side but one Pasargans will know of from the DBC. The team need be greater than the sum if it's parts if it is to emerge from the group and look the talented side from the last nine games of qualifying.

[Cassadaigua]

The Road To Right Now,
By Brittany Byers- Manager

Very soon, World Cup 88 will be underway. A total of 32 nations are hoping to defy the odds and call themselves World Champions. For some, the odds are much greater than it is for others, and some might even argue that there are no odds to defy for them at all as they are favorites. Every nation will have its own story as the World Cup begins, and all of them would be fascinating if you sat down and read them all. Every team is a collection of people (for the most part, of course as there are exceptions), and on those “traditional teams” there are countless stories on their roster of overcoming odds. As kids, some players may have been fortunate to grow up in ideal living conditions to become a highly successful professional athletes. The support blanket was there for them right at the start, and they have been able to succeed. Others had a different battle, perhaps growing up in difficult situations where just being able to play the game for half an hour or so would be a true struggle. If you look at many teams in the World Cup, you will see examples of both scenarios, and many falling in between. But whatever their backstory was, whatever they needed to deal with in order to get here, they are all wearing the uniform of their homeland, and are united to capture the ultimate prize in all of sports.

For me, playing in the World Cup did not seem possible when I was kid since Cassadaigua left the World Cup scene when I was very little. The rest of the world does not know a lot about that period of time that existed when we were internationally considered as ceasing to exist but I remember my childhood well. As I got older into my teenage years, my focus was just on playing in school and then looking to play in the Cassadagan Soccer League. The league was very poorly funded at the time, but it was still a goal of mine. Most of my playing career was without our nation moving back into World Cup play, but I was able to not only be part of the team that was known as the “return to play” team but to serve as their captain. I was already in my lower 30’s, so I never had the vision of playing in the World Cup itself. But somehow, someway, we qualified very early in our return, making it to World Cup 79, and I was able to be there.

The people that will be representing Cassadaigua on the pitch now have been able to grow up knowing that the World Cup could be possible to them. Some might have been born after our return, but by the time they were ten years old or so, we, as a country, had already returned to international play. The goals were set, and the nation quickly ascended the ranks, twice making the semifinal. We’ve also seen another international final take place right here when World Cup 84 was decided in Concord Heights. We can thank Stephanie Sweeney for that. She took the coaching position for the return to play, and led us in every World Cup through number 87. I was fortunate to play for her, but now she has taken the next step.

Sweeney took over for Taylor Connolly as the President of CASE. There was a lengthy decision process here, but Stephanie was always seen as the frontrunner, and there was no surprise when she was given that role. That would mean that Stephanie would need to step down as the coach of the national team, and I was immediately very hopeful. I had already had roles with the national team, for example coaching the team in the Copa Rushmori while Sweeney focused on tournaments like the Di Bradini Cup. She saw it was more useful to look at the younger talent that we have as opposed to the personnel she is already a lot more familiar with. I was never officially part of Sweeney’s staff with this team since World Cup 87, and now I am grateful and honored to have this opportunity to lead the team.

We will retain Hannah Shanley as an assistant coach, but I am thrilled to be joined by Matt Villareal, from Baker Park, on my staff. For those of you who don’t know Matt, he was the captain of the Baker Park squad from World Cups 80 and 81, meaning that he was the captain of their first international squad, the one that made it to the World Cup in their first try. Matt and I have something in common right off the bat, then, in that we were captains of a team that was initially unranked at one point of time by the World Cup Committee. CASE has a relationship with Baker Park, and we saw Jessica Curran get her feet wet with them before moving to her current role with Valladares. Baker Park sees Villareal as a great coaching candidate, and it was worked out with them to get him some different coaching experience. It can expose him to new ideas, etc, but at the same time, this will also benefit me as I can lean on his ideas. The combination of this will allow us to put a great team out there on the field, as we hope to win the Cup in Chromatika.

I have been interviewed a lot by local media and some top international news outlets about the reasons for my player selection. There is not a lot of changeover, but since there is some, that is going to get talked about. Especially when you are making a change with your goalkeeper, but right now I really feel that Danielle Cotter is at the top of her game and deserves this opportunity. Tiffany Nelson has given a lot to this team, but I think it is time now to move onto the Cotter era for this team. I’m also starting 24-year old Caitlyn Kaleta in the back end now, and while she does not have World Cup experience, she has played exceptionally well with Brattleboro FC and was strong in the Copa Rushmori. She can give us that physical edge that some say we lost when Lupe Enriquez retired. She is not completely like Lupe, but in time, she is going to get there. Caitlyn is a tremendous talent and I look forward to seeing her succeed with this squad.

Another change I made to this roster is putting 23-year old Jenna Frontiera up front with Rachel Schanke. Of the three major moves that are being talked about, this was the most difficult decision for me, but Jenna is someone who represents the future of this national side up front. Allowing her to play alongside Schanke right now is something that will be very valuable to her development. Madison McClain is still going to see a lot of minutes, and I mean that. I can use Madison in a lot of different ways, such as moving more to a 4-3-3 style of play, or using her in the middle of the field. You are going to see a lot of her, and Loreen Hazen will get her chances too. It is really great to have options like these.

The World Cup is about to begin for us, and it will begin in the same way the last one ended. Playing Kelssek, the nation that knocked us out in World Cup 87. This time, we will have home field advantage, and I can’t wait to kick off our half of the World Cup against them. This team is hungry, as they remember what Kelssek did to us in the last World Cup. We can learn from it! Let’s get this party started!

A special ceremony will occur before this game. I know you will enjoy it!

[Squornshelan Remnant States]

A Look Back, and a Look Forward

Yeah, by now you've seen all the headlines, every possible take on "for the first time every, the Confederacy, not the Imperium, has qualified for the World Cup." Our Black-and-Reds head to Chromatika, the second-lowest seed in the cup, drawn together with our hosts, the Commonwealth of Baker Park, and the Kingdom of Quebec and Shingoryeo.

One of the major trends through qualifying was lineup shuffling, with 34 different players making a least one appearance, and several others getting callups without actually leaving the bench. Down the final stretch and during the playoff against Trolleborg, however, Groothuis seems to have settled on a favored starting eleven. Let's take a glance at those players, what they did during qualifying, and what we can expect from them in our group stage matches.

GK - Stovar Krieven 14 caps during qualifying, 4 clean sheets

Krieven drew most of the toughest assignments during qualifying, facing Vilita and Savojarna twice each, allowing 14 goals in those four matches. The remainder of his work was much better, and the first match against Vilita was certainly not a bad one, holding the Jungle cats to just two to help clinch the draw. Critics have been waiting for a long time for age to catch up with the outspoken Molvanian shot-stopper, and it appears they'll have to wait at least a bit longer. Krieven is a solid choice, the choice at goalkeeper until something drastic happens to prove otherwise.

RB - Taisiya Achthoven 13 caps during qualifying

Right back was one of the more unsettled positions during qualifying. Both Jirar Malgos and Reuter Storsjo made 4 appearances. It was clear that while Achthoven was the favorite to win the starting job, Groothuis had not made up her mind. Achthoven played some of her best football during the last few matches though, displaying dynamic attacking elements of her game which haven't been seen on the international stage before.

LB - Valda Harkhan 15 caps during qualifying

The slightly less-regarded of the Harkhan twins might have earned more caps were it not for a suspension for accumulating yellow cards. She managed to avoid an outright red four fifteen matches though, something of an accomplishment by her standards. Ok all joking aside, Harkhan plays right on the edge. She's managed to keep mostly on the right side of it, so far and is the best fullback on the team when she does. All I'm saying is that Darya Macar better be ready in case she's needed.

CB - Walda Harkhan 18 caps during qualifying, 1 goal

No player saw the field more times than Harkhan for the Black-and-Reds. The defense wasn't always on its best game overall, and she shares in the criticism, but when it comes down to it, there's no one you'd feel better to have patrolling the back line. This is one of the no-brainers when picking the roster.

CB - Rudi Dalso 10 caps during qualifying, 1 goal

Now here we come to something of an interesting choice. Dalso actually made fewer appearances than Buczvarov, his main rival for this spot in the first eleven. Each of them scored a single goal, but Dalso definitely looked the more defensively responsible. It was definitely telling over the final five or six matches that Groothuis often opted to start Buczvarov, but subbed Dalso on for her multiple times. As a serious underdog going up against some of the best teams in the world, we need defensive shape and sturdiness more than we need flair. Good choice.

CM - Isperia Marrish 17 caps during qualifying, 2 goals

Marrish didn't do much in qualifying to shake the criticism that she's a glorified holding midfielder who doesn't have an elite scoring touch. What she did do, is perform that role perfectly, partnering exceptionally well with Hashemi. The terms defensive or holding midfielder don't really seem to apply well to Marrish, perhaps possession midfielder is more apt? She is at her best in a steady buildup, helping to pull the defense out of its shape and open space for her teammates.

CM - Mithya Hashemi 17 caps during qualifying, 3 goals

Hashemi had a bit of a quiet qualifying campaign as far as appearing on the scoresheet goes. That's hardly the be all end all of football though, as the Black-and-Reds actually did some of their best work in lower scoring matchups, more often than the high scoring ones. Hashemi will be looking to tap more into the attacking element of her game if this team is to stage any upsets. Still it's encouraging to know that she does in fact have another gear that she may be able to hit, as supporters of Anomalies will be aware. They'll just hope she doesn't finally find it against our hosts.

CAM - Iuri Takala 15 caps during qualifying, 6 goals

It's a little puzzling why Takala didn't get more playing time during qualifying. He was certainly healthy enough, and had no more hectic a domestic schedule than others who played as much or more. In any case, the captain looked dangerous in most of his outings, distributing the ball well and taking full advantage of his own opportunities. He's been the leader of this team, even with former captain (captain emeritus?) Lomidan getting a fair amount of playing time as well.

RM - Ikra Yonte 15 caps during qualifying, 3 goals

Yonte was one of the big question marks for Black-and-Reds supporters. She'd made only a couple appearances for the team prior to this cycle, and most of those from the bench. Those who follow the KFL though, will recognize her as one half of the Confederate wing duo at Burnaby, and one of the heroes of her club's domestic double last season. Like some of the other players we've looked at here, she really only solidified her hold on this position down the stretch, splitting a lot of time early on with Storrev. Like Hashemi, she'll be hoping to find a little more of her scoring touch, something which will be important if this team is to make any noise in the finals.

LM - Lavanya Naqvi 9 caps during qualifying, 5 goals

Naqvi, more than any other player in this lineup, had to split a lot of time during qualifying. She and Jzeovak Vladcik each made nine appearances, nearly all as starters, with Maiev Feidhlim (Yonte's teammate at Burnaby) and Chiranjivi Dast each earning two caps. Naqvi has definitely looked the better player though, attacking defenses with a sort of unpredictable grace, and finding an easy chemistry with Takala.
She's also made some improvements to her defensive play, as evinced by her forced turnover and unassisted goal against Eshialand.

ST - Lyzolda Petrov 15 caps during qualifying, 12 goals

12 goals in 15 appearances, are you kidding me? Lyz is a monster, and any defense the Black-and-Reds could face will need a tailored game plan to contain the threat she poses. One criticism of the Black-and-Reds during qualifying was occasional defensive lapses that were, to put it bluntly, baffling. Four goals allowed against Eshiland? Five against Lisander? While we certainly don't want to be repeating those kind of things, it was multi-goal performances by Petrov that kept the Black-and-Reds in those matches, and clinched the crucial points needed to edge out Savojarna.
It might be hyperbole to say that she could start for any team in this tournament, but I'm going to say it anyway.

[HUElavia]

HUElavia vs Pasarga Intro

Cue to an overview of Curumba
Curumba. Population: 19 Million

Cue to a man drinking Cafe con Leche in a small cafe. "Here in Curumba, we're not just the nation's capital, but the capital of football. Prestigious Clubs like my Real Curumba and giants International Curumba. Regardless of our rivalry, we put it aside for the National Team. And it's been a long time coming for this moment."

Cue to an overview of Sao Salvador
Sao Salvador. Population: 15 Million

Cue to a woman sitting in a park "People here are just excited for this team, especially for our hometown heroine, Nadia Resendes. For sure this city will be united as one cheering for her in whatever moment she steps up to the pitch. As for the rest of the team, if you walk around this city, you're bound to see people wearing a jersey for each player on the team throughout the day."

Cue to an overview of San Rafael
San Rafael. Population 14 Million

Cue to a teenage boy with a RCD San Rafael jersey playing a guitar "While we may have our gripes with the teams in the capital, as well as us being the capital of Astellian Culture in the country, we still love to cheer on our National Team. We love our hometown hero of Rafael Savedra, especially for putting our culture forward abroad in Tikariot."

Cue to an overview of Jinaqua
Jinaqua. Population: 3 Million

Cue to a Hueti woman in a meeting room of a Casino "We've been in this country for thousands of years, but we've had our pleasure in seeing our people be represented in the National Team. While we may not have a full native playing in the roster, the fact that Baptista is half Hueti is enough for us to feel proud for having representation in this team."

Cue to voice of Rafael Esteves Borges, a very famous and popular actor in HUElavia
"Well HUElavia, it's been a very long time, but we're here. We've finally made it to another World Cup, 12 years later. A lot has changed since our last appearance. We saw some highs (Cue clips of HUElavia winning matches in the IAC and CoH) and we saw some lows (Cue clips of HUElavia falling short in the IAC Finals and eliminations in the Qualifiers)."

"Despite this, we moved forward. We saw different manager, including our first-ever female manager (Cue clips of Estela Garcia Kimura), as well as our first-ever foreign manager (Cue clips of Leonardo Conavacio)! Ah Conavacio... A Quebecois with a temper and passion that has sparked a new life into this team. and bringing forward a crop of new youngsters that look to make their mark."

"We survived the likes of Ko-oren, Vdara, and Frestovenia to make it far. Our best players came out in full force and made their mark to put this Nation forward (Cue clips of players scoring and celebrating against the aforementioned opponents). We survived a scary series against Reçueçn that we just barely edged through (Cue clips of the goals and celebrations against Reçueçn in the series)!"

"And here we are now: in Chromatika. We get to see three regions collide for this tournament: Atlantian Oceania, Rushmore, and the South Pacific. First up: Pasarga. It's a tough task, but we're back to where we were 16 years ago. New players and with plenty of energy and motivation to prove ourselves. It's time to make our mark. So remember everyone, breath in that HUElavian Oxygen and cheer with all the strength you have to make our presence heard in Chromatika and all through the Multiverse. We're nearly 600 Million strong, filled with Natives and Immigrants, all united as HUElavians. Here's to what can be a fun and passionate match. Let's go all out in our return."

Match 1
HUElavia vs Pasarga

[South Newlandia]

The Elephants quickly proved that they had been much more concerned about the second leg than they needed to be. Quick goals by Irving and McMora put the team up 2-0 early, and the Dragoons would’ve had to score 6 goals to come back from that. Understandably, this was the end of the World Cup dreams of the Rushmori squad. Later goals by McCabe and McMora sealed the deal, but Oberour ar Moro scored the last goal of the game. After a nice dribbling, Eneour Pique-Pain managed to score on Rigby, resulting in a final score of 4-1 in favour of the Elephants.

For the second time in their history, South Newlandia had made it to the biggest stage of international sports. One of four Esportivan teams, they were playing for the title in the World Cup. Much like the first time, hardly anyone expected South Newlandia to make it here, but they did. They had a bit of luck to pull off that comeback in the group stage, but above all, they had fought, and finished with 9 wins and two draws in the last 11 games.

There were some problems to solve for the South Newlandian coach, Robert Wolverine. Most importantly, he had to decide between his goalkeepers. Should he go with Rufus Rigby, the man who, in large part, led this team to the World Cup? He had some shaky games when he was thrown in after Trischuk’s injury following matchday 1, but after getting benched for two games, he came back and made his presence known. He only conceded seven goals in the last eleven matches, including holding Muralos and Ranoria scoreless in crucial matches and holding Eura to just one goal in that epic win on the road that brought South Newlandia back.

The alternative, Mikhail Trischuk, had been the starting keeper since South Newlandia started out with international football. He was the captain and leader of the team, and he had brought South Newlandia to World Cup 87 before he destroyed his knee in a training incident. He hadn’t played internationally since South Newlandia defeated Himebaugh on matchday one of qualifying, but he was back and ready to play.

Ultimately, Wolverine went with Trischuk. Rigby has been, reportedly, taking it well, citing that Trischuk is the best goalkeeper in South Newlandia and that he will be ready if he needs to play.

NEWS
**Fotellis to play for Vdara at Cup of Harmony 80**
**Is South Newlandian College Football internationally competitive? (It’s not)**
**Owlephant reportedly attempted to hijack car outside Walstreim**
**Starting 11 against Brenecia: Trischuk – Roy, Gurero, Wu, Barker – Mohamed, Green, McMora, Wallis - Irving, McCabe**
**Elephants after finding out about support from Poafmers: “We love you too!”**

South Newlandia ended up drawn into group C of the World Cup finals, and will play in the most Esportivan group imaginable (at least from what the pots where). Their first opponent? The same as the last opponent they had in a World Cup final. It would be a rematch with the Patriots from Brenecia. Last time, back in Taeshan, South Newlandia had won this match 2-0. Of course, the Patriots didn’t actually care about the match, having already secured the top spot in the group, but this time, stuff is actually on the line.

South Newlandia is a clear underdog here against the team that won World Cup 80, still the most recent cup to be won by an Esportivan team, as the Patriots are currently ranked 11th in the world opposed to the 28th rank the Elephants sit in. The five-time Campionato Esportiva champions might need to win this match, considering they finish out their schedule with Nephara (!). Either way, the Elephants are mostly content with just being there. Two qualifications in two cycles – who could’ve imagined that back when South Newlandia started out?

NEWS
**What tournaments might be coming to South Newlandia soon?**
**Kelssekian Moonbeam Infantino reportedly seen in Elephant Valley**
**Even South Newlandian plants eat healthier, report says**
**How to Casaran – a quick guide about a system that is loved and hated**
**Could Donald Lancaster hit the transfer market soon?**

[Tikariot]

Walking with Shadows
--- Chapter XIII ---

Chapter I - Chapter II - Chapter III - Chapter IV - Chapter V - Chapter VI - Chapter VII – Chapter VIII – Chapter IX – Chapter X – Chapter XI – Chapter X – Chapter XII

After sitting quietly for several minutes, Sophia breaks the silence. “We go in through the top.”

James turns towards her with an incredulous look on his face. “Through the top?”

“Yes, hear me out. We’ve seen the bars on the windows, the grate at the doors, no back door, I’m sure we can’t tunnel our way in, so the place that likely would be the most vulnerable is the roof. Plus we’d be outside of the camera’s views.”

“Hm. Any idea how we would get through the roof?”

“No, I’m not that far yet.”

“And there is a camera that points directly at the books, so how would we avoid that?”

“That I do have a solution for.” She opens the glove compartment and pulls out a make-up mirror. “If we can attach that and angle it just enough to be off the bookcase, we’d be able to get to it.”

“Intriguing!”

“Just not sure what we’d do, if they have a security guard in there.”

“Then we improvise.”

“Sounds like a plan.”

“We just have to get rope and a hook.”

“Oh, I have that in the trunk.”

“You have a rope and a hook in the trunk. Together with your bow and arrow.”

“Yes, so? Can’t a girl have some practical things on her?”

He tries hard not to burst out laughing, but ultimately fails. “You are something else!”

“No, I’m me. Not something or someone else. Simple.”

He smiles at her as she looks out into the dreariness of Samreach. For a bit the drumming of the rain is all that can be heard, accompanied with some of the wind howling around the car, the gusts making it shake periodically. Nurisema pushes his head underneath his arm with a low grumble, which Sophia does not even seem to notice, deep in thought. James studies the woman who had been a complete stranger just mere days ago and now is on an adventure of a lifetime, no questions asked, her long black hair cascading over her shoulders, absent-mindedly twirling a strand around her index finger. Despite not wanting to look away, James forces himself to check the time to come up with some sort of timetable for their attempted break-in into the museum, the drab gray outside no indicator of passing time. It is 20 minutes to 6 pm, the time the museum is scheduled to close up. At that moment the attendant appears outside, locking up the door and then the gate, obviously calling it a day early due to the weather.

When he looks back at Sophia, her head is resting against the window of the car, eyes closed, her breathing deep and regular. It is no surprise that she is asleep, given the hectic and long day they have had so far, with seemingly never-ending action. Since he wants to make sure that nobody is coming back to the museum for whichever reason, and he is sure that even the cleaners will not bother venturing out on a day like this, he figures to give her some time before inevitably having to wake her up. He strokes the big dog’s head as his thoughts drift off into a turbulent mix of anticipation of what they are about to do, a review of the past few hours, worry about Sanford and the other two men and the everything that had happened since he woke up in the middle of the forest.

He must have drifted off to sleep himself, because when a bump of Nurisema’s nose against his cheek startles him awake, it is decidedly darker than it was. Checking the time, it is close to 7:30 and he chides himself for losing control. He looks over at Sophia, who is still sound asleep, her chin on her chest, her face hidden by a veil of black hair. Quietly he thanks the dog for waking him up and shaking the cobwebs from his brain he peeks over at the museum, which is completely dark. He reaches over and puts his hand on Sophia’s arm, gently shaking her awake. She groans when she tries to lift her head, the neck obviously stiff from being stuck in the same position for a while.

“I just closed my eyes for a moment,” she mumbles making James quietly laugh, hoping that she would not turn her head to see him. “What?? When did it get this late, how—”

“It was a long moment, that’s all,” James says with as straight of a voice as he can muster. “Anyways, everything is dark, so we should get going.”

Sophia looks over at him, her eyes still puffy from just having woken up, yawning. “I’m ready!”

James briefly chuckles, then gets out of the car, opening the trunk. It is a literal smorgasbord of things, Sophia’s bow, a coil of rope, a hook, a canister of water, a blanket, some tarps and more than he wants to check out given that the rain is still pouring down. He grabs the rope and hook, but before he can close the trunk again, Sophia reaches in and picks up her bow and quiver. James looks at her questioningly.

“Easiest way to get the hook up there.”

She turns without another word and jogs across the street towards one of the hedges towards the back of the museum. Surprisingly, there is no wall or fence between or behind the tall, dense hedge, allowing them to squeeze through. James motions for Sophia to stay back as he inches towards the front of the museum to see for any signs of life, but everything looks deserted, dark and most of all wet. His boots make squelching sounds in the earth turned mud and while he normally would be concerned with leaving such easily traceable marks, he knows that with everything having been thoroughly soaked by the relentless rain it would be a battle lost from the start. When he returns to Sophia, she has the hook attached to the rope and the hook strapped to an arrow. He nods and she fires the arrow over the roof, the other end of the rope coiled around her leg. Moments after the rope snaps taught and James grabs it, pulling it towards him. It does not take long before it arrests, indicating that the hook has found a secure spot as it does not move even when pulling his whole weight on the rope.

Using the uneven stone surface of the building, he climbs up the wall, reaching the moderately angled roof with relative ease, the shingles glistening with rain. As he scans the roof for a potential point of entry, Sophia pulls herself over the edge as well. He points at what looks like a small window set into the roof and upon crawling closer it does reveal itself as a small skylight. Using a small crowbar, he pries it open, silently praying that it was not connected to an alarm system, but everything remains quiet. Seemingly an access via the roof was not in any security plans. He pushes his head through the window, shining his flashlight through the opening. He breathes a sigh of relief to see that it leads into a crawlspace above the actual museum, making access at least a little bit easier.

He motions for Sophia to go in first after dropping the remaining length of the rope inside, figuring that the hook is wedged in well enough not to try to disturb it. Her lithe form quickly disappears through the dark opening before he drops in himself. The narrow beam of the flashlight reveals a door on the far side and a hatch at the edge of the room, almost directly underneath the skylight that they had used for access. He opens it up and finds himself looking down at the object of their nightly visit, the glass case containing the books and not far from it the camera that is the potential bane of their existence. In hushed tones he explains the plan.

“I will rappel down and attach your mirror to the camera, trying to divert it just enough for me to go down and get to the glass case. It looks like the top is wired with sensors if you try to lift up the glass, but my thought is to try to cut through the wood at the bottom and access the books that way. Then I climb back up and we get the hell out of here.”

Sophia has been quiet the whole time, but then looks him straight in the eyes. “OK. Good plan. Now here is what we’ll actually do.”

James opens his mouth in protest, but her raised index finger and look in her eyes make him stop before he even manages to utter a single word. “I will rappel down and do what you said. Why, you ask? Because I’m smaller and lighter. If something goes wrong, you can haul me up way faster than I could climb. And that’s why this plan is better.”

He opens his mouth again, but has no comeback as she is actually absolutely right. She nods at him with a determined look on her face and lowers herself to the edge of the hatch.

[Newmanistan]

THE ROCKET REPORT

WORLD CUP 88 PREVIEW

By Taylor Larson,

We do not get here often, but after a great effort in qualifying that saw us only lose a single time, Rockets fans are hoping that this can become the start of regular qualifications. It begins the first time since we have returned to World Cup that we have managed to go through qualifying in order to get to the World Cup. Michael Starre, our Drawkish manager, has done a great job since taking over this team and the players did well to adapt to his system. Newmanistan scored 66 goals during qualifying, and that was the most of anyone. Period. Not another nation managed to score more goals during the eighteen games of qualifying than the sky blue was able to do, and that is something to be excited about. Farfadillis was close, scoring 65. That is also our matchday one opponent of the World Cup.

The nations of Chromatika and Cassadaigua are hosting this edition of the World Cup, and the Rockets will be on their way to the “new” region of Anaia, and Group B. We will be going into what is known as the Heartland District of Chromatika, and open up against the Favres in Pùr before moving to Anfanhar to play two at the Dragon’s Nest, starting with a match against Yuezhou, then finishing against Turori. If you are planning on making a trip to Chromatika, we would suggest going to Anfanhar a little more than going to Pùr due to the presence of AnfanWorld. It’s a pretty awesome amusement park (and the only one within Chromatika), and online reviews of the place are very favorable. I have personally already made plans to go there between the second and third games.

Whether or not the Rockets players find amusement is another thing. Let’s face it, after a qualifying draw that was very favorable to us, we have ended up with a couple of very difficult opponents in the World Cup. As the #17 ranked team in the World, and everyone in the top sixteen making the show, the sky blue was at the top of pot three, which is a lot different than being at the bottom of pot one during qualifying. Both Farfadillis and Turori were outstanding during qualifying, with those cocoa-bo lovers nearly having a perfect qualifying campaign. The other nation in the group is Yuezhou, and let’s not act like they are a pushover, either. They got here by knocking out Abanhfleft in the playoffs. Farfadillis and Yuezhou each come out of Group 18, but the Favres were 11 points ahead on the table. Hopefully, that familiarity can lead to a Yuezhou upset. But that is not a storyline until Matchday 3.

I’m going to take a little time now to make some group predictions, starting with the Chromatika side:

Group A: The pot 1 team in this group is Chromatika, but the top ranked team in the group is Baker Park. Home field advantage means a lot during the World Cup, something that we saw first hand during World Cup 86. A lot of people were hoping to be in the same group as us, but at the end of the group stage, it was the sky blue winning the group outright. Chromatika is a much better team, on paper, then we were at the start of World Cup 86, and because of that, I am expecting them to come out on top of this group. Baker Park takes the second spot.

Group B: We’ll talk a lot about this group as things go on, so here we can be short with it. I am optimistic that we are going to find a way into the Round of 16, but that could just be because I am looking at things through cyan colored goggles. I’m gonna call it like this: Turori winning the group, with us second, then Farfadillis.

Group C: There is a lot of Esportiva going on within this group, as only Nephara is not Esportivan. Unfortunately, while we would love to root for two regionmates to get out of this group, it is unlikely that the defending World Cup champions are going to be denied. I have the feeling that the Nephara vs Brenecia game will be exciting to watch, and I will be certain to catch it. They probably find a way to take the top two spots, too, but that’s a boring prediction. I’m going with Nephara first then South Newlandia sneaking into second.

Group D: Banija is the team to beat in this group, but they meet some opponents who are capable of doing exactly that. Their well-schooled fanbase is likely well aware of how well Pasarga played in the second half as they closed a gap on Busoga Islands to win their qualifying group. HUElavia also played better in the late moments, and Tikariot, well, with them the question is what will they win first, a World Cup or a World Baseball Classic? I’m taking Pasarga to win the group, with Banija second.

If all of this panned out, round of 16 games would be:
Chromatika vs Newmanistan- Rockets get it done!
Nephara vs Banija- Whoa, seriously? Wow. And I’m taking Banija.
Turori vs Baker Park- Tough call. How about Baker Park.
South Newlandia vs Pasarga- South Newlandia in a shocker!

Quarterfinal games would then be:
Newmanistan vs Banija- It was fun while it lasted. Banija.
Baker Park vs South Newlandia- Baker Park, once again.

Semifinal would be:
Banija vs Baker Park- Banija heads to the final, Baker Park to the third place.


Now, to the Cassadaigua side:

Group E: I thought Omerica played very well in our qualifying group, and I was happy to see that it paid off for them with eventually making it here. They are not in an easy spot, however, with two strong top 10 sides to contend with, and one of them playing on home turf. Cassadaigua and Kelssek are the cream of the crop here, and whoever wins their head to head battle, wins the group. The others pray for a draw there to mess things up. Still, Cassadaigua first, Kelssek second.

Group F: There are a lot of World Cup championships in this group, with three mainstays of World Cup play, and another who is definitely on the rise. Starblaydia had a very difficult qualifying group, and they handled it very well. That is going to make them stronger here as they top the group. Second seems wide open between Ko-oren and Audioslavia, and really, you can’t overlook Tequilo. I do think Audioslavia bulls past the Dragonflies for second.

Group G: Two heavyweights here. Valanora will win this group, but you have to give credit to Eura in the way that they rebounded from a miserable qualifying effort last time. Poafmersia is one of those nations that is going to have a deep run sometime soon, and perhaps that could be now. I can see them finishing second, but feel that Eura takes it. Twicetagria is in the spoiler seat.

Group H: Two of the oldest nations going are in this group with The Holy Empire and Jeruselem, but the Princesses will just look to use this Cup as a stepping stone for the next one. The Holy Empire qualifies, but as the second seed to Vilita. A little surprising to see the Vilitans at #15, and they will look to climb back up with a great run here.

If all of this panned out, round of 16 games would be:
Cassadaigua vs Audioslavia- This has the makings of the great one, but on home turf, I give the Fillies the edge.
Valanora vs The Holy Empire- Another amazing matchup early on if it happened. And if it does, I’m taking Valanora.
Starblaydia vs Kelssek- I’m expecting Starblaydia to have a good run. They win this contest.
Vilita vs Eura- Two nations who have been much higher in the rankings and want to get back there. This is a must win for both, and I’ll pick Eura to do so.

Quarterfinal games would then be:
Cassadaigua vs Valanora- Here’s a thriller, and I’ll continue to take Cassadaigua.
Starblaydia vs Eura- Going with the purple, here.

Semifinal would be:
Cassadaigua vs Starblaydia- Pink vs Purple. 51 vs 47. As in when they last won the World Cup. Each a long, long drought. I’ll take Starblaydia

3rd Place: Cassadaigua vs Baker Park- World Cup 84 co-hosts collide. I’ll take Cassadaigua.
Final: Banija vs Starblaydia- Banija gets it done!

[Eura]

INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLY
KELSSEK 0 – 1 EURA
Scorers: Robson 53
Lineup: 1. K Belgrave, 4. J Menard, 5. D Steele, 15. A Coles, 2. H Wheeler (sub Fontaine 81), 3. L Almwood, 6. Rowland (sub Erskine 57), 24. V Robshaw (sub Rogers 75), 7. M Woakes, 10. I Tomlinson, 14. S Robson

INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLY
EURA 2 – 3 MYTANIJA
Scorers: Bond 9, Woakes 80
Lineup: 13. V Simm, 27. Wellington, 25. Sherwood (sub Burns 61), 19. Green, 16. Bowman, 29. Matthews, 28. Vincent, 20. Coffey, 9. Bond, 26. Brookfield (sub Tomlinson 61), 17. Sutton (sub Woakes 73)

Six stars on the shirt,
Flynn Arena still heaving,
Thirty-ish years of hurt,
Never stopped Eurans dreaming!

‘Shouldn’t it be seven stars on the shirt now?’
‘The government haven’t changed the flag yet, dummy.’
‘Really?! I just sort of assumed-‘
‘You assumed wrong, and that’s why I am the one who does the music. All brains, me.’
‘Alright then smartarse, where does the song even go from here?’
‘We dream…’ Ollie brought up an app on his phone, one of those novelty apps you download once and never access again, not until now anyway: Eura Commentator!
‘What does it do?’
‘Its one of these funky soundboard apps, its all clips of commentators saying famous lines, you following me? So, we drop in some of these sick lines as a kind of bridge to the main chant-y bit of the song.’ He pressed a series of buttons quickly in sequence, generating a series of famous commentary quotes from Euran footballing history:

Eura win! Sharp and the boys have got there, in extra time!
What a SAVE! Daniel Belgrave!
Coltrane smashes it down right and middle and Pakanen can’t get there,
THEY’VE DONE IT!

‘…oh, and while this is happening, we obviously need something in the background. Jangly Eurapop style guitar solo. Keyboard. Maybe something electronic. Chris, you can get us all that right?’
‘Why is it always me who has to stump up the bloody start-up money? I’ll have to go into my overdraft again.’
‘Its worth it Chris. Its worth it for art.’
‘I’m not sure you could classify this as art,’ James retorted, ‘more like commercial opportunism.’
‘Its that “commercial opportunism” that made this country great my friend, and it’s what’s going to pay off all of our overdrafts, so, are you going to sing it with me or what? The song’s an anthem at this point, a belter already, and we’ve got enough lyrics for drunk idiots to remember. So, let’s just stick to the good bit, yeah? Let’s lead people in with our old friend nostalgia, back into one of our TWO CHORUSES.’

I know that was then,
But it could be again…

Ollie rose to his feet, and held his arms aloft in the air, as if to summon his housemates to their feet. ‘Come on. Imagine it. There’s another spangly guitar-electronic-international music sounding noise again. We’ll come up with it later but for now, just…imagineer it.’
‘Imagineer? Oh, fuck off!’
‘Just do it, you won’t regret it.’ Grudgingly, they heaved themselves up, closing their eyes as they did so…and felt much better for it. The sun was shining. The song was kind of stirring too. Ollie began to sing in a spoken word tone and, before they knew it, Chris and James were doing it along with him.

We’re gonna’ victor,
We’ll victor,
Eura’s gonna’ victor…

A crescendo began to build as they all got into the chant, repeating it over, louder and louder each time. James seized the opportunity and finally broke the wave of anticipation by snatching up two chopsticks from yesterday’s takeaway, hitting a climaxing drumbeat on the table, and just like that, these three twenty-something talentless idiots broke into a roar. They believed every daft word of it, wondering if through this song they might finally find salvation for themselves and their country, with Ollie singing the “victor” chorus, while James and sang the other in parallel:

We’re gonna’ victor,
We’re gonna’ victor,
We’ll victor,
Eura’s gonna’ victor…

Six stars on the shirt,
Flynn Arena still heaving,
Thirty-ish years of hurt,
Never stopped Eurans dreaming!

For hours they would go on, fuelled by a diet of alcohol and dreams, inspired by their hearts, their heads and their wallets. When they woke up hungover the next morning, Ollie finally thought to press stop on his recording equipment.
‘Fuck…sixteen hours. We were at it for that long?!’
‘Well, at least we have backups, eh?’ James was already up, reaching out his hands to Ollie and James to lift them out of their squalor. ‘Time to find a recording studio and make this bastard shit money.’

----------

‘Well? What do you think?’
Sage MacKenzie (yes, it is a stupid name) of Bubblegum Records did not respond at first, choosing instead to twirl the flash drive around in between his fingers. The three young men in front of him nervously twiddled their thumbs as they were subjected to an agonising wait.
‘…you wrote this by yourselves?’
They nodded like obedient little lapdogs.
‘Good. Excellent. I think we can work with this.’
Their hearts lifted. In only a few minutes they had a preliminary contract signed, and the rest of the World Cup qualifying campaign to get the song tidied up, recorded and ready to go.

----------

‘…R-R-R-RADIO NORTHWEST!’
‘In the morrrrnin’!’
‘With J-J-J-JOHNNY MARTIN, that is right, it is the king of Ulsa, the suave sexy sensation, the man, myth, legend - Mr Martin, take us away!’
‘Thanks Steve! Good morning listeners, its 8am and you’re all getting ready to work, I know, but give me a minute here to explain to you why you should stick to the radio for our morning show even more than you usually would today. Those of you who are stuck in the last century, or in other words don’t use the internet – who would that even be these days, seriously – you have to stay with us especially.’

‘This week there’s been an absolute banger doing the rounds on social media, and it’s become a massively streamed hit single almost overnight, from an unknown trio calling themselves the “Rockhoppers”. Dumb, right? Anyway, the name might suck, but this song they’ve come up with to celebrate the World Cup, it’s a real number, and one with a heart, which we love here because we’re soppy bastards. So does the rest of Eura apparently because fifty million people have downloaded it. Fifty million! So, without further ado, I give you the Rockhoppers and their first ever number one…”Six Stars”!’

SIX STARS by The Rockhoppers
Bubblegum Records - Brigham, Eura
To the tune of some daft jingle thought up by some RLStates user called "England"

We’re gonna’ victor,
We’re gonna’ victor,
We’ll victor,
Eura’s gonna’ victor

We’re gonna’ victor,
We’re gonna’ victor,
We’ll victor,
Eura’s gonna’ victor

We’re gonna’ victor,
We’ll victor,
Eura’s gonna’ victor

We’re gonna’ victor,
We’ll victor,
Eura’s gonna’ victor

Everyone seems to know the score,
They’ve seen it all before
They just know,
They’re so sure

Eura’s gonna’ throw it away,
Gonna’ blow it away,
But I know Eura can play,
’Cause I remember

Six stars on the shirt,
Flynn Arena still heaving,
Thirty-ish years of hurt,
Never stopped Eurans dreaming

So many chokes, so many tears,
Nepharans-Sunrisians-Dagans-every-bloody-yeeaaar,
Great Eurans shot down,
No more cheers

But I still see that belter by Spartan,
Belgrave and the defence hardened,
Sinclair dribbling the ball,
And Skorji screaming

Six stars on the shirt,
Flynn Arena still heaving,
Thirty-ish years of hurt,
Never stopped Eurans dreaming

An interlude follows, with the following clips of radio commentary on historic Eura matches playing out:

“Eura win! Sharp and the boys have got there, in extra time!
What a SAVE! Daniel Belgrave!
Coltrane smashes it down right and middle and Pakanen can’t get there,
THEY’VE DONE IT!”

I know that was then,
But it could be again…

We’re gonna’ victor,
We’ll victor,
Eura’s gonna’ victor

We’re gonna’ victor,
We’re gonna’ victor,
We’ll victor,
Eura’s gonna’ victor

In the final part, the two choruses are sung together in parallel three times, before the song fades out:

We’re gonna’ victor,
We’re gonna’ victor,
We’ll victor,
Eura’s gonna’ victor…

Six stars on the shirt,
Flynn Arena still heaving,
Thirty-ish years of hurt,
Never stopped Eurans dreaming!

‘…..annnnnnnnnnd WELCOME BACK AGAIN, WOW, WASN’T THAT SOMETHING? Rockhoppers there with “Six Stars”, and I’m sure you’ll be hearing that again and again now as Eura prepare tonight for the beginning of the World Cup group stages where Poafmersia, Twicetagria and Valanora await. Hold on though, shouldn’t it be seven stars now…?’

[Turori]

Turori Embark on High-Ranked Group B Battle

For the second consecutive World Cup Finals, the Turori National Team have been drawn against World Cup 84 Champions Farfadillis in the Group Stage. Things did not go the way of the Eels during the World Cup 87 Finals where, like this campaign, Farfadillis were the top seed in the group (Group G) with Turori behind as the second seed. Despite being a high profile Atlantian Oceania rivalry matchup with its roots in Turori's surprise defeat of Farfadillis during the World Cup 82 Semi-Finals, the match was scheduled for one of the smallest stadiums in Ethane - the Newton-Smith Arena. The Football Association of Turori were allocated just 5,000 tickets for the match forcing Nigel's Traveling Army to search for second hand tickets or congregate outside the stadium in an attempt to support the atmosphere.

Unlike the meeting between the two sides during World Cup 82, the Turori v. Farfadillis matchup in Group G of World Cup 87 was a low scoring affair. It was the opening match of the finals for both teams where the strategies employed differed significantly from the prior meetings between the sides which had both gone in Turori's favor. That would all change in Ethane when Röémün Çídh scored the only goal of the game after Wiyauw An'maude was unable to control the rebound from a Rue Cazade shot and Çídh cleaned up the garbage. Çídh was booked on the celebration where the flicked off the cameras in a moment that had to be censored in certain markets, showing the level of disdain that the Farfian players had accrued toward their new Turorian rivals. The lone goal in the match was the difference as Farfadillis would ultimately take advantage with the result being the difference in which of the two teams would advance from Group G. The way that the group played out a draw would have been enough for Turori to advance over Farfadillis and through to the knockout rounds. Instead, with the victory, Farfadillis was assured enough points to advance and Turori suffered its first Group Stage exit since World Cup 83 in Banija.

Turori have a record of 2 Wins and 2 Losses overall against Farfadillis in the current generation at the World Cup Finals since World Cup 80. The two sides will meet at Riders' Arena in Pûr on Matchday 2 of the group stage to settle the score in what could be a matchup very similar to World Cup 87 with both sides needing a victory to ensure their place in the Round of 16.

For Turori, it will be their only match at Riders Arena with their other two matches in Group B taking place at the Dragon's Nest in Anfanhar. Turori will start out Group Play against a new opponent, The United Republics of Yuezhou. Some might feel it will be destiny for Yuezhou's Dragon's to make a mighty stand against The Turori National team at the Dragon's Nest stadium but Tarek Edgeli's Eels are one of the hottest teams in the multiverse coming into the World Cup 88 Finals on a 19 match unbeaten run that stretches back to the Bronze Medal game of the 10th Eagles Cup in Banija. Both Yuezhou and Farfadillis advanced from the same World Cup 88 Qualifying group with Farfadillis easily qualifying as Group Winner with 3 games to spare just as Turori had done while Yuezhou needed a victory over Equestria on the final matchday of Qualification just to salvage a palyoff berth where the Rushmori nation got the better of Abanhfleft to secure a somewhat unexpected appearance in Cassadaigua and Chromatika.

While it is widely expected that Cedniavella Turori's Wiyauw An'maude will be the starting goalkeeper of choice for the Turori National Team during the World Cup 88 Finals, it is plausible that head coach Tarek Edgeli will start things off with goalie-of-the-future Derizi Amatopa of Euran side Revolutionaries. Amatopa is already well decorated through their time in Eura where they have led Revolutionaries to back-to-back Euran League titles before claiming the 50th Di Bradini Cup championship with the Vilita and Turori Under-21 squad. Amatopa started six of the final nine games of World Cup 88 Qualifying for Turori and won all six of them potentially giving head coach Tarek Edgeli additional confidence that Amatopa can get the job done against a Yuezhou side ranked just 62nd in the multiverse and allowing extra rest for An'maude who could then come in fresh against Farfadillis on Matchday 2. While Group B is one of three in Cassadaigua and Chromatika consisting of a pair of Top 10 nations, no other group contains three nations inside the Top 17 in the latest World Cup Committee Rankings with 17th ranked Newmanistan hoping to disrupt the Atlantian Oceania duo's position at the top of the table. Turori will square off against the Rockets on the final matchday of the group stage and will hope to have already secured their place in the knockout round heading into the match if they can keep up their momentum and pick up victories in their first two matches.

Turorian company Cocoa-bo will be partnering with twii.tur to sponsor a World Cup 88 challenge for users of the twii.tur service. Users of twii.tur can use the tag #CocoaboWC88 to make their prediction prior to each of Turori's matches in the World Cup Finals to include the Final score of the match, goalscorer and minute of each Turori goal in the game. The closest prediction after each of Turori's 3 Group Stage matches will win tickets to the World Cup 88 Round of 16 match at the Cocoa-bo Stadium in Starksville, Cassadaigua. Any 'perfect' picks will also be entered into a drawing for a year's supply of Cocoa-bo. However, the biggest prize will come if Turori are able to break 73 cycles of misery and win the World Cup 88 Final. If Turori can break through as champions then every user who twii's the #CocoaboWC88 tag throughout the finals will be entered to win a Lifetime supply of Cocoa-bo as well as receiving permanent status as a verified twii.tur Blue Services user.

[Independent Athletes from Quebec]

OOC: First time adding a self-made video for RPing purposes. Thanks to many for the feedback - I hope to incorporate them for future visual creations.

The Royal Quebecois Football Association presents...The Grim Reapers! ver. wc87.

Independent Athletes from Quebec (IAQ) - World Cup 87 Team
Group A versus Chromatika, Commonwealth of Baker Park and Squornshelous Remnant States

GOALKEEPERS: Padraig McGibbon (1912 Stelburg, STL), Nelson Okello (Hoima Warriors, BNJ)
DEFENDERS: Bastian Borges Jr (Slateport Bulls, VLD), Chewbacca (Hoima Warriors, BNJ), Hazel Hanson-Conavacio (Haligonian), Donovan Kim-Lumaniyka (CSKA Quebec, QUE), Fabrice Manitopyes (Fontvielle Impact, VLD), Leah McKechnie (Montreal Koreana, QUE), Lucien Raeff (Rozelle, BRE)

MIDFIELDERS: Jean-Christophe Babin (Montreal Koreana), Erin Kang (Rulandea Kosta, FFD), Arsene-Michael Litt (FC Felsenkirchen 1878), Frank Lundrigan (TSV Marzig, STL), Sinead MacDougall (Myana, CMT), Seamus McKellar (Haligonian, QUE), Shin Dong-Woon (Montreal Koreana, QUE)

FORWARDS: Enrico Hanson-Conavacio (Myana, CMT), Kate Huitema-Omeasoo (Istria City FC, BNJ), Kim Seung-Yoon (RGS Athletic, EFL), Eloise Kweon (Sabrefell Moths, NPH), Pablo Mancosu (Pradera FC, VLD), Zinaida Woodcarver (Montreal Koreana, QUE)

Expected Starting XI vs Chromatika: Okello; Borges Jr - Manitopyes - Raeff - Hazel; MacDougall - E. Kang; S.Y. Kim - Lundrigan - Huitema-Omeasoo; Enrico

The conversation went on, as Pierre and Christina one wave of customers left and were replaced by another wave. 'How long do you see them sticking around with the club?' Christina asked, as Pierre closed his eyes and tried to come out with an appropriate response. 'Because we've seen a lot of waves here lately, and really, I don't see that change.' The talk about the ways of the life, with the state of Quebecois market had go on. 'But such is the way of the life, really. You know this too well- that a lot of the guys we have right now, won't be back in five years' time. Whether it's because of something good or bad I'll let you decide, but really, we have to think about that while getting to this young lady, Zinaida, as well.'

'I know. That's why we are still here at eleven in the fucking night.' Pierre answered, as he finally came up with a response while on an almost empty table. 'And if we have to be honest, I could see all three of gone by twenty five. Even twenty three.' Pierre decided that he answered to the ways the market had dictated itself, and not to one of his own preference. There was no denial that he would rather desire the Shim-Babin-Zina trio last forever, with Koreana winning the Q-League championship for ten out of thirteen years or so. But that would be dishonest on his part, and he knew any of the trio could probably end up in somewhere higher. 'Maybe Dong-Woon would be the easiest out of the trio to stay, but you know, it's going to be near-impossible to keep his demands on playing with an internationally-winning club...'

'Good, and that's inevitable I guess.' Christina agreed and gestured the waiter to bring a couple more bottles of Yongwanggang beer. 'These days, with all the Quebecois players moving abroad for bigger money and opportunities....not always the easiest to handle for sure.'

'And as someone who spent twenty years in Terranea, all I can say for my clients is to aim for the best.' Pierre felt slightly sadder, remembering that he didn't expect to come back on an elongated schedule than what he had originally had in mind. 'It's like that feeling when you know your daughter has to move for college or pros and the home will feel a bit emptier...' One more year and she'll be gone, like Zina. The only difference, however, is that one were going to be heading to college and then train mostly on her own crew, while the other, he hoped, would be with the Blue Devils until a bigger league came calling.

'Have I told you about the prospect in San Ortelio? Dominico Cappa?' He asked.

'No, but tell me more.' Christina responded with a slight glow in her eyes. 'He's the Ortelian captain on the DBC team right? The ones who won in Valanora just last month.'

'Yes. That's exactly who I'm talking about.' Pierre responded, just as the waiter dropped a couple of beer bottles on their table. 'Fairly promising guy, a recent client of mine. Plays in a middling side at San Ortelio, so you may question the competition quality there, but his field vision is impressive enough and we should maybe target him in long run...' He unscrewed the cap and resumed speaking. 'Of course, it will take a bit for him to come here, especially since it requires the oceans between southern Rushmore and northern Ana-I meant, Atlantian Oceania...'

'Tempting, though it continues to amaze me that you, a salesman, would know what my scouts don't.' Christina was once again unimpressed with the lack of scouting updates and progressions made from the Koreana's Rushmori scouting team, whether it be basketball, volleyball or more importantly football. Sure, she would have been fine with making a couple of misses, like the Mytanars or Hispinards in volleyball, but really, underestimating the mid-north bloc's prospects was not something she was happy about. 'Though I don't know how long that lack of profile would help us elsewhere, when we are talking about the likes of Euraleague and the Zenith...'

'Exactly. And I am not as confident about it either.' Pierre responded as he continued to pace the conversation. 'And I don't think he will come to us anytime soon, if ever- there are much better options just in that region, let alone elsewhere in Atlantian Oceania (OOC note: My timeline for Season 6 is roughly around mid-WCQ87, so this predates the Foxchester Declaration). If an offer comes from the Zenith, then he'll probably go. He's mentally tough enough for it at least.'

'Fair enough. But I do see what you're telling me here at least.' Christina's eyes lit up again, as they continued to talk about possible targets for the upcoming season. 'Now what about Suzanna Barter? The Kohnheadian on Kingston FC who apparently wants to aim for a winning club.'

'Now, she's not my client but you never know. Of course, Rimouski may say otherwise...'

---

'Sooner than later, you'll be there as well.' said Jean-Christophe as he and Zina were looking at the Koreana Complex from the top of the hill that faced against it. The morning drizzle had made it a somewhat of cool late Spring day, and the fog that shrouded the city into the night had added additional layer of mystique to it. They looked from the behind, and watched in awe as a few dozens of academy players, from gridiron to baseball in both lycee and club level, practiced under the bright lights across several fields- it was a sight to behold for those not as familiar with it. Sitting on the gigantic rock where him and a couple of his friends would often spend hours chatting or skipping class, Jean-Christophe assessed the grounds once again and nodded. 'Yeah, one of dozens on the ladder, but you never know...it's very rare for a free agent to really come here outta blue.'

'Well, getting playing time would be another story,' Zina responded, noticing the rows of Under-23 players playing a routine test match. 'The media don't call this the only relevant Montreal club left these days, at least.' Of course, everybody knew that was the truth nowadays. There once was a time when Montreal used to have four football teams - Koreana, City, Hochelaga and Impact were the ones- and it used to be the bragging rights for many locals.

Now, a decade had passed and Koreana the only one left standing, with City going through financial troubles and other two going up and down as if peeking through a neighbour's bedroom on a degenerate's average night routine, and the only rivalry that became relevant for most was beating CSKA Quebec as often as possible. The talent pipeline became somewhat saturated because of that, and with the Quebecois return to IFCF and NSWC, there was no denying that Koreana found additional joy in selling youth talent to higher-ranked leagues with greater competition.

'Believe me. You will.' Jean-Christophe responded, his assurance once again vouchable as if it's made out of a golden lottery ticket with 100% success rate guaranteed. 'I bet you have what it takes to make it. If not, you wouldn't be joining here this late. You'd probably be staying out west, and maybe hope for a better chance there. Nevermind that Swanguard or (Winnipeg) United or even Rovers aren't the best place.'

'I see what you mean. Maybe it's just...having to move to the other side of the country, and with so little....it's not easy. And not to mention that there aren't a lot of places I could go. Really, it's not as easy as you think.' Zina laughed weakly. 'And some, by this point, have already made their statements. We've all heard about Kate Huitema-Omeasoo, Seung-Myeon Kravitz-Hyeon, even Wilton Ramos...'

'Wilton Ramos who let his career rot in Laketown Rangers, all the way out in Taeshan?' Jean-Christophe laughed, but Zina's face remained unchanged, maybe even more unconvinced. 'That's a bad move, and his uncle Sauron, who reps that homie, should've been a goner. He really could have found a better club to move, than one that barely bid for shit the first time and only succeeded the second time because he was unhappy about the relegation squad.' Zina remained unflinched on the surface. 'Now for the other two, you are right. Seung-Myeon's from a year above, went a year abroad in 1912 Stelburg, and then came back with an even fatter contract. Still a bad move though- he could have just told coach Hwang he’d love to go on a loan!' He continued speaking. ‘At least KHO earns 100k a week with Istria nowadays, and every company wants her sponsoring them. But really, it’s not about how early you can go, and how quickly you climb the ladder, but about doing it the right way. That’s why you gotta trust Pierre and see how it goes.’

Zzzzzzz…. At that next moment, his phone let out a buzz.

'JC here. Hello?' Jean-Christophe quickly answered the phone, as he saw Pierre's name right on his cellphone. ‘Pierre, what’s up? What’s going on?’ Everybody knew that Jean-Christophe Babin, after a phenomenal rookie season that wrapped up, was currently en route to sign a five year contract renegotiation with Montreal Koreana, but Jean-Christophe certainly didn't want that to interrupt him from meeting a probable new teammate. It's not because he was with a charming woman just a year younger than her- JC has been dating a sweetheart of his, a volleyball player also with Koreana academy, for a couple of years- but her first impressions were more than enough for the seventeen year old to convince himself that they were going to be stuck looking out for each other, in one way or another.

‘Are you at the rock right now?’ Pierre responded on the other side of the phone, immediately figuring out that Jean-Christophe was not really diverting from his usual self. ‘And I guess with your future teammate.’ It was a bizarre feeling that sometimes you would know where one would be around on a given day or time, but Pierre was no fool and the bonds he had shared with his players were more than what was needed to establish business deals. This probably had a bit to do with that East Coast mindset, where humanly bonds were highly valued, but also because Pierre didn’t have much family aside from his daughter and those back in Halifax. Sometimes trade-offs happen.

‘Oh certainly, thanks once again for the offer, Pierre.’ Jean-Christophe responded as he heard lots of loud, background noise over the restaurant from the other side. Probably meeting with somebody, not sure whom though. He thought, before assuming that it’s either a friend or another client. ‘Somebody who I’ll be playing with or against for many years to come…I love that idea.’ Jean-Christophe gave out a light grin. ‘It’s a pleasure.’

‘Don’t screw it up.’ Pierre warned as Jean-Christophe turned off the microphone mode on his phone. He knew not everything had to be heard, and from what her expressions had delivered, Zina was probably unimpressed with [some aspects of] him by now. ‘No tabloids at Maison M offices tomorrow please, alright?’ Pierre gave a reminder, as Jean-Christophe flinched and Zina struggled to hide her delight.

‘Alright, will do.’ He said, before hanging up the call.

[Farfadillis]

Gazing at himself in the mirror, Alex was impressed by how stylish he looked in his good ol' Farfadillis suit. His wife had initially argued laser green's tacky, and that the red did not mesh well with it, either, but he, as always, did not listen. Not like he had to; his yes men had made their approval very explicit, and they were never wrong. He shot a glance at Luis. "What do you think, Luis? I look super cool, huh?" Alex grinned.

"Sí, señor presidente." He quickly replied. "The ex-national colors suit you well, sir." A consummate professional, Luis did not stare away from his own mirror before making sure that his necktie had been impeccably, well, tied. Unlike his boss, he was wearing a standard Farf suit, one that was bright red with dragons and flames (supposedly, Farf suits are fashionable in Krytenia!). Also unlike his boss, his life was in peril. He'd been "lucky" enough to get randomly picked among his hundreds of employees, and he literally couldn't say no, and now he had this whole mess in his hands. Holding onto a flag for some time before handing it over to Alex sounded easy enough, but if he so much as slightly screwed that up... as Luis pondered this possibility, he noticed Alex breaking into dance. His excitement over this was something he hadn't accounted for, and it made him all the more nervous. "Shall we get going, sir?"

"Hm?" The larger-than-life figure glanced at his clock. "Oh, sure. This is like the meetings with the 'nijans. When they tell you to be there at a certain time, you are supposed to be there at that time!" He nodded his head, not looking at anyone in particular. "Thanks, Luis, I owe you." The finger guns left Luis somewhat uncomfortable, not least because they could be some ominous foreshadowing. "Anyway, yeah, let's get going."

Ӿ Ӿ Ӿ Ӿ Ӿ

On their way back to the hotel, there would've been no way to erase Terán's shit-eating grin from his face. "Did you see me there, Luis?" He asked. "Yes, sir." Luis replied. "I totally raised that flag the right way." He triumphantly announced. "That you did, sir." Luis obligingly repleid. "This was great. I'd never raised a flag before, you know, but you wouldn't have noticed from the way I did it!" Terán turned towards Luis. "You know, you did a great job, too. I like you, Luis. You've got flair."

For the first time since he'd been assigned the job, Luis genuinely feared for his life. He knew what was coming. "You should stay with me, as a right-hand man of sorts. Cagafuegos* knows I've been needing one since Héctor... you know." He grimaced while making the throat slash gesture. "What say you, Luis? I literally will not take no for an answer."

"I'd be honored, sir." He replied. A single tear left his right eye, as he internally wept.

"Oh, no need to get emotional, Luis!" Alex exclaimed, none the wiser.

*: god of fire in Alex Terán's religion.

[Valanora]

Oh bright dawn that rises across the far reaching horizon
What sweet words you bring in with the tide of far seeking light?
Whose message and banner is it that shall be towering on the march
A march of triumph set by the clash of boot to ground
The forces returning from the edge of the world
Victorious souls of heroes who have managed to overcome the fight.

Tell me oh wonderous rainbow, your shattering of the light
What does the beholder have to offer those whom you shine upon
Are we like the light that splinters in flight
Passing through your domain and are made to scatter here and fro
Not to march to those thunderous drum that echo through the valley
Are we meant to believe that might is what makes right?

Heroes we are told that return from the edge of the world
Yet are there the echoes of warriors that had left
Seeking a return from where they came after the fall
Too stubborn or unaware to follow the path into the righteous light
Still clutching to the home that they had set off to protect
Lost somewhere along the way
The havens being beyond their pale eyes and beyond sight?

Echoes in the eternity, shadows that fell and meld along the way
Yet it is the light that comes again each day
Chasing the darkness as heroes chase glory sought.
The sentinels watch ever at the ready
And the horns blow loud and true at the hearing of the tune
Echoes or reality that they may be, we all get lost along the way
Shadow ever the peril to traverse
Yet the light of the fire is the same that cast shadow across the plain.
All we can hope is to be remembered after our day!

[Vilita]

Jungle Cats Back into World Cup Finals

Late Vilitan Collapsed matched by Group 2 Rivals

With two matches to play in the World Cup 88 Qualifiers, the Vilitan National Team had worked their way back up to the top spot in Group 2 and for the first time had control of their own destiny knowing that wins in both of their final two matches would confirm the Jungle Cats place in the World Cup 88 Finals.

Unfortunately for Poloax Torerun's side, they not only failed to defeat Savojarna in a match that could have single-handedly assured Vilita at least a Playoff berth, but the Jungle Cats were unable to win either of their final two matches leaving the team in a precarious position with just two points gained over the final two matches.

After a draw with Savojarna on the penultimate matchday, the Jungle Cats travelled to Hebitaka with just a one point lead in the standings over the Squornshelan Remnant States and were just one further point ahead of Savojarna. Defeat to Hebitaka or a draw and a large victory by Savojarna on the final matchday could even see the Jungle Cats miss out on the Playoffs and get eliminated from contention for the World Cup Finals altogether.

Of course, Vilita and Hebitaka have a brief and not-at-all friendly history. Hebitaka finished off a record-breaking streak of dropped points without a single goal scored in the modern era against the Jungle Cats during World Cup 87 Qualifying when for the first time in recorded history the Vilitan National Team were held to consecutive goalless draws. The draw to Hebitaka was the third consecutive for Vilita to start off World Cup 87 Qualifying and the Jungle Cats had to fight back with late home victories over Zeta Reka and Hugeltaldom and the State of Trinity in order to overcome their early deficit and advance to the World Cup 87 Finals. Many were concerned to see Hebitaka in the Jungle Cats group again during World Cup 88 qualifying but were offered some semblance of relief in that the schedule ensure that the meetings with Hebitaka would not be at the start of the campaign when Vilita traditionally drops points - just as they had done during World Cup 88 Qualifying against the Squornshelan Remnant States.

Fears about Hebitaka being the Jungle Cats opponent for the potentially critical final matchday were softened when Mako Canopii and the Jungle Cats easily took care of business at home to Hebitaka on Matchday 9 in a 4-1 result. Jungle Cat fans were given even more reason for optimism heading to Hebitaka when it was announced that Canopii would be returning to the goal for the first time since being injured against the 14 Stars on Matchday 11. It was a welcome sight for fans who were concerned after the initial 2 game estimate for Canopii's absence stretched to four games with concern for the Goalkeepers availability for the World Cup 88 Finals - should the Jungle Cats even qualify for them.

While Canopii largely had a strong performance for the Jungle Cats in Hebitaka, the Vilitan attack continued its late-campaign dry spell which had seen them score just 4 goals in the previous three matches. The Jungle Cats only got on the scoresheet late with Limu Katarakhna countering an early first half goal from the homeside as Vilita were once again held by their low-ranked rivals. This time, in a 1-1 draw, the hearts and minds of the Jungle Cat fans were in their stomach knowing that depending on other results, their World Cup 88 dreams could be over.

 Vilita [1] - [1] Hebitaka
				
	GOALS:	Vilita 	:: 71' Limu Katarakhna              		
	STATS:	Vilita 	:: Possession: 51%:: Shots: 4:: Corners: 8	Hebitaka 	:: Possession: 49%:: Shots: 5:: Corners: 4
	Lineup:	[GK] Mako Canopii, [D.] Jirak Trikala, [D.] Lohani Riiyaaw, [D.] Narri Sebapilo, [ML]  Polaox Torerun, [MC]  Lentali Purama, [MC] Trezisi Rokopolis, [MC]  Imauka Lkomorak, [MR]  Jyuola Mtalata, [FC] Tenziki Kulakao, [FC] Berali Tzufarei			
	Bench:	[FC] Nii'arala Milaaso, [FC] Clarana Refiami, [M] Limu Katarakhna, [M] Jurzen Devmiko, [U ] Cywrenta Vlintejni, [D] Rojara Tiones, [GK] Vernasa Sanamun

Luckily for the Vilitans, however, the Jungle Cats weren't the only team that deficated on the proverbial bed on the final matchday. The dropped points by Vilita on the road to Hebitaka had opened the door for the Squornshelan Remnant States to take the top spot in the group and assure their place in the World Cup 88 Finals with victory over bottom dwelling Eshialand. A High scoring game in the Remnant States ended in an old-style Western draw as Squornshelan Remnant States could not separate themselves from their opponents and were held to a 4-4 draw. It now meant two sets of fans had their hearts in their mouths knowing now that a victory by Savojarna over Devonta could slide both sides out of contention. However, where Vilita and the Squornshelan Remnant States slipped up on the final matchday, the Savojar's royally screwed the pooch dropping a 2-3 result at home and missing out altogether. It was a gift for the Jungle Cats who despite failing to win either of their final two matches would emerge as winners of Group 2 and secure their place in Cassadaigua & Chromatika.

It would be heartache across the board after that as Vilitan rivals Savojarna were eliminated completely while the Squornshelan Remnant States were relegated to the playoffs. There would be some joy to come, however, as the Black-and-Reds would survive a hard fought duel with Trolleburg to advance from their playoff where they would join the Jungle Cats at the World Cup 88 Finals.

While the Group 2 rivals would both advance to the finals they would be heading in very different directions with Squornshelan Remnant States drawn to squore off against hosts Chromatika in Group A while the Jungle Cats were drawn on the opposite end of the spectrum over on the Cassadaigua half of the draw in Group H. Vilita would be the lone side from a traditional sporting region in their Group as they were drawn with a trio of so-called 'indies' in Mercedini, The Holy Empire and Jeruselem. The Jungle Cats have a long history of top-tier competitive battles with the Holy Empire some of which have led to bad blood between the Vilitan Cove and the dreamed realm - highlighted most recently by Sir Barsanuphius' claims of the performance enhancing attributes of Cocoa-bo intake by the Vilitan National Team during their powerful run to the Top of the World Rankings during World Cup's 81-84. In an effort to put the past behind them, the Football Association of Vilita received with great interest the proposal to join the Great Old Ones Friendship Initiative ( GOOFI ) and a ceremonial tea and crumpets prior to the match with The Holy Empire. While skeptical, the Football Association of Vilita intended to respond to the request with as much class and respect as they saw appropriate.

[Cassadaigua]

If you're in Groups A-D, the World Cup begins with this cutoff!

[Omerica]

blogdefootball.co.or
Now with a fresh coat of paint!

---

WC88 preview: The Incorrigibles are just here to burn bright and have a good time
By Anastasia Saint-Martin

When the whistle blew on matchday 16, Michael Starre’s Newmanistan side sealed a historic qualification at the Stade des Marins, eliciting a standing ovation from an admittedly disappointed crowd. As with Poafmersia’s playoff victory the cycle before, Alexis Stephanidis gifted a bottle of Omerican sparkling wine to the winners for their celebration back in the changing rooms, doubtlessly thinking her side wouldn’t get to pop a bottle themselves. They had to win this game to stay on pace for direct qualification and they failed. The playoffs were now beckoning.

How wrong that was.

On a cold day in the Republic of the City of Romainbourg, one of the more ragtag line-ups Stephanidis had put out managed to outdo even the infamous Wet Bog Roll game. With Eshialand and Geektopia holding the Squornshelan Remnant States and Abanhfleft to draws, the Incorrigibles kept their hopes of direct qualification alive with a 3–1 victory over eliminated Flavovespia. A few hours later, the reigning world champions gave Omerica the final helping hand, drawing against Hampton Island and securing the Incorrigibles a place among the six best runners-up. At the end of the night, the Incorrigibles had avoided a playoff and the floor of the Malavan changing room was covered in a film of fizz.

Now the highest-ranked team in Pot 4 and less than three-and-a-half points off their all-time best KPB rating, Omerica are back in the World Cup finals and have been rewarded with one of the most challenging group draws possible. Omerica will have the nominally easiest game first, followed by two terrifying fixtures against two tournament favourites, so lower your expectations, because the Incorrigibles could realistically leave with a goose egg.

Savigliane (Anaia)
Qualified as: Second-best runners-up | Pre-finals rank: 29th [22.43]
Only one word is needed to describe Savigliane: Tlanxball. The Qusmi’s brand of high octane recipe that’s reaped massive dividends for the Anaian side, now making their second appearance at the World Cup finals after their shocking and comprehensive victory over Siovanija–Teusland and Eura in Group 19 of last cycle’s qualifiers. They were ultimately knocked out in last place after back-to-back defeats against the third and second seeds, but did leave with their heads held high after stunning none other than Starblaydia on matchday 3.

Stunned to be back here this cycle and surprised to be thirds seeds in the group, they will be hoping to improve on their magnificent performances from last, but will have to worry about Tlanxball’s potential to play into the Incorrigibles’ hands. The two-time Galacticos Manager of the Season relies on cleaving the opposition in twain to open up opportunities to attack through the centre, but the Incorrigibles are—at least on a good day—a team who thrive on the counterattack and live on the flanks.

With the two lowest-ranked and most attack-oriented teams facing off on matchday 1, this is one of the matches to watch for the neutral: the only prior meeting between these two sides at the 78th Cup of Harmony resulted in a five-goal spectacular narrowly won by the Swans. Omerica would get the last laugh, though: that match would be their only defeat in the group and one of just two at the tournament, whereas Savigliane would fail to win another game at the tournament and go out in the group stage. Nevertheless, expect the rematch in New Lakeland to be just as intense as the first match.

Cassadaigua (Rushmore)
Qualified as: Cohosts | Pre-finals rank: 6th [40.71]
History may not repeat itself, but it sure does rhyme. Just like the last time Omerica qualified for the World Cup finals, the Incorrigibles will follow up a meeting with the third seeds on matchday one with a game against the top seeds on matchday two. This time, those top seeds will be tournament cohosts Cassadaigua. First qualifying in World Cup 45, the hosts of this group have made more appearances at the finals—twenty-six in all—than the rest of the group put together and are doubtlessly one of the favourites to take the crown in Chromia.

Anything less than a convincing waltz to the knockout stage would be a stinging disappointment for the Fillies. Each third is packed to the brim with talent, most notably the terrifying midfield anchored by Morgan Rosenblatt, Meghan Wolcott and Preston Newfield. Captain and grandaughter of a Cassadagan legend Rachel Schanke will relish the opportunity to rip Omerica’s back four to shreds in what could very well be her last World Cup and will partner with the up-and-coming Jenna Frontiera, who represents the new frontier for the Rushmori powerhouses. [EDITORIAL NOTE: We will not apologise for the pun.]

But history favours Omerica here, who have customarily felt right at home in the matriarchal state. In World Cup 82 qualification, the two sides played out a 2–2 draw at the Arena la Rouge before the Incorrigibles stunned the Fillies 5–4 in Concord Heights. At the last Cup of Harmony (also half played in Cassadaigua), Omerica went unbeaten in a group containing Hebitaka, Squidroidia and Saint-Domingue, beat out Zeta Reka and Hugeltaldom in the last 32 and took eventual winners Mriin all the way to spot kicks. In other words, the Incorrigibles are overdue for defeat in Cassadaigua.

Kelssek (Independent, but don’t tell them that)
Qualified as: Group 1 winners | Pre-finals rank: 10th [35.31]
The second-highest ranked association outside the new “Big Four” confederations, the Voyagers have enjoyed an sensational return the international scene. Now making their eighteenth appearance at the finals and their fourth under the stewardship of Nepharan Andrea Crowe, Kelssek are rather stunned to be in the top ten for just the second time in their history and likely candidates to make a deep run into the knockouts.

The most tactically conservative team in the group—which says a lot about the goal-scoring festival that will grace Cassadagan shores shortly—, Kelssek enter with arguably the strongest midfield in the group, anchored by Galactico Colm Ó Tuathail and Not a Galactico Gabriel Lapierre. Loïc Maçon-Petrault will doubtlessly be a menace to any back line he faces and the likes of Cathal Gallagher is just one of a set of potent shot-stoppers who kept the likes of Drawkland, Kandorith and Tumbra at bay in qualification.

The last time the Incorrigibles and Voyagers squared off was in the unique World Cup 83 qualifying playoffs, a four-team winner-take-all round-robin held in the Banijan capital. Ultimately, Kelssek emerged 3–2 winners, the first in a run of three wins for the Voyagers and the best performance by far for a pitifully winless Incorrigibles side. When the final matchday comes around and they face the Incorrigibles at Rutland’s Ferguson Stadium, the wind will be at Kelssek’s sails.

Omerica (Independent)
Qualified as: Fifth-best runners-up | Pre-finals rank: 37th [20.33]
And finally, it would be remiss of us not to comment on Omerica’s historic qualification success. In the unlikeliest fashion possible, the Incorrigibles ended a qualification drought that ran nearly three decades and broke a run of nine consecutive qualifying failures (Omerica did not enter four cycles for various reasons). For perspective, Omerica’s qualifying drought lasted nearly as long as those of the other six returning teams combined and consisted of as many failures as Mercedini and Jeruselem put together.

Ultimately, not much is to be expected out of the Incorrigibles except to go to Cassadaigua, play three games and immediately hop on a plane back home. But what Omerica won’t provide in terms of wins, the nation will more than make up for in terms of goals. With 46 goals in qualification, just eighteen teams scored as many or more than the Incorrigibles in a field of 180. In the words of assistant manager Christina Tedesco, “if we get a single point out of this group, the whole nation will go hopping mad. If we manage to get through, we might not have a bloody country to go back to!”

SFRD—who are taking over finals broadcasting from TV7 starting this cycle—will be celebrating the Incorrigibles’ return to the finals with a new documentary A Generation Gone, which details the seismic shifts in Omerican and international football during Omerica’s twenty-eight year absence from the World Cup finals, most notably the integration of what was once a gender-segregated sport in Omerica at home and the numerous challenges to the domineering power of Atlantian Oceania abroad. The documentary will premiere ahead of Omerica’s opening game against Savigliane, which will be broadcast on the Federal Broadcasting System’s flagship channel.

Enjoy the ride. We might not get another stab at it for three more decades! ◇

---

Other Football News:
• World Cup 88 preview: Anne-Sophie Groothuis’s Squornshelan Remnant States are the team to watch in this cycle’s group of life
• World Cup 88: President Casimir Paquet and PM Kevin Courtenay will be in the VIP box at Omerica’s opener against Savigliane
• OPSL Gold Division: Londonderry and Ever Grande seek to challenge the power of the “Big Four” in the league this season

---

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

---

United Republican Soccer Federation
6 Jean-Jacques la Rouge Road
Port Alexandre, MS 18-A40
UNITED REPUBLICS OF OMERICA

---

Omerica v Savigliane
World Cup 88 finals group stage — Matchday One
Qusmair Stadium, New Lakeland, Cassadaigua
Omerica lineup (4–3–3): Annelise Betancourt; Alphonse Notley, Charity Kayode (captain), Raphaël Martin, Felix Zanetti; Jacques-Pierre Castell, Fearchar Mac Cléirich, Thom Magalhães; Jessie Beckett, Malcolm Beauchesne, Adélaïde Argyris
Substitutes: Valentine Augustin, Antoine Vicario; Anna Charles, Frédérique Marquetti, Justin Thyme, Sacha Sepulveda; Maxime Fournier, Soraya Archambault, Christian Marts; Alexis Chrysanthos, Jean-François Fernand, Jamal Ahmad

---

[Chromatika]

And this is your cutoff for Groups E-H!

Results

[Banija]

Kadongo Kamu victorious on Matchday 1 as they turn their attention to a red-hot Pasarga side


Banijans celebrate their second goal in their 2-1 triumph over Tikariot

LHOR, MOUNTAIN DISTRICT- Pretty much everybody on the team talked about the importance of getting off to a strong start at this World Cup. The refrain was heard in pre-game media appearances on the morning of their match. The captain, Kuma Bultum, put it best. "We want the taste of World Cup 87 out of our mouths. It's a new tournament, and we want to show that Banija is one of those nations that is elite at this sport. That requires consistently getting to this tournaments and making runs. And how do we do that? By proving ourselves against the best of the best. That's what you do at a World Cup. And the best way to do that is to hit the ground running and just keep accelerating from that point forward."

And the Banijans went out and did just that. Marcus Waters had spoken about the importance of getting out ahead of it against a team like Tikariot, about how he wanted to establish control early for the team to control the flow of the game. The first 10 minutes of the game were excellent, and a 10th minute strike from Idai Uster inside the box gave the national team a lead that they would not relinquish for the remainder of the match. The goal itself was excellent. Madu Okparra, a former IFCF Champions League winner himself, slicing inside the box, was able to use his superior size to Jean-Aniel Sirois to outmuscle him off of the ball. He then pass it on the ground across, where Idai Uster stepped in front of James Coronello on the six yard box to bury a shot into the corner. Brian Merson had no chance.

From there, for the remainder of the first half, it was up and down. Would you say the Banijans were necessarily in control? Well, for every chance Tikariot was creating to equalize, the Kadongo Kamu were also threatening to double their lead. Xasthur Fredriksson had the best chance to equalize for Tikariot in the first half, when Morrison laid off the ball to him and Franklin Mosnyk put his foot through the ball first time. However, his shot was no match for a leaping Francois Tantoh, who got up with his left hand to get just enough of it to tip the ball over the bar. Brian Merson had a couple of excellent first half saves as well, to keep it 1-0.

The Banijans lead was slim, it was still anybody's game. Early in the 2nd half, the 52nd minute, the young right back Clement McIlroy came into the game for Anil Al Hak. Unfortunately for them, the Banijans went right after the young substitute, and we were able to get our second goal. A buildup that featured a brilliant through ball from Momodou Sene saw Idai Uster get in on goal. With the defender close down and bearing on her, she cut back and laid the ball off. Immaculate Kaba, who is club teammates with Tikariot's goalkeeper Brian Merson, put her foot through the ball and rocketed it toward the bottom far corner. Great strike, great goal. 2-0 to the Banijans.

Shortly after that, Tikariot would use their next substitutions to get more energy going forward. Immediately after the goal, in the 55th minute, they put more energy on defense, bringing in Stian Farnsrud to help play at center back. And then, in the 59th minute, Xasthur Fredriksson went out of the game for Graydon Sheffield. And with that, Tikariot got the change of pace necessary to really chase this game. They have enoguh adequate buildup, created a few chances, and in the 81st minute, Morris Nighthorse had a diving header on the back post to cut Banija's lead in half, and truly make it game on.

It was a frantic scramble over the last 10 minutes plus stoppage, as Tikariot tried to equalize, but the defensive line held for the Banijans as we won our opener at the World Cup. Marcus Waters gave his players heavy praise after the match. "It's never easy to go out and win games at the World Cup." He told reporters. "Nothing is guaranteed at a tournament like this. So this win was a strong win. We were able to put them on their back heel early, and were creative enough to create multiple chances. And we brought our finishing boots to finish multiple times. A lot of good things to take away. Credit to Tikariot however- they made us battle, and they were inches away from equalizing on a couple of occasions."

The crowd, as estimated, showed heavy partisan favor towards Banija, as the local Chromatiks pretty much came out with high energy for Banija. Players were thankful, and plenty of travelling Banijan fans were mingling with local Chromatiks, wearing green and orange. Elsewhere in the group, Pasarga won their opener 4-1 over HUElavia, looking mighty impressive in their opening. Banija and Pasarga will clash on Matchday 2- a draw or win for Pasarga will put them on a path to win the group, while our best path to first place in this group is to take all three points against the red hot Wanderers.

World Cup 88 Group D Matchday 1
Tikariot 1               -               2 Banija
Morris Nighthorse  81'                    Idai Uster   10'
                                                  Immaculate Kaba   54'

Played at The Cove in Lhor, Mountain District, Chromatika
Attendance: 51,265(sellout)
Banijan Starting XI: Tantoh - Ogunsola, Bultum, Tibamba(64' Kinteh) - Mboob, Kaba, Nzo(88' Kama), Okparra(59' Ikpeazu) - Sene - Dione, Uster
Banijan Substitutions: Okparra-> Ikpeazu (59'), Tibamba -> Kinteh (64'), Nzo -> Kama (88')
Tikariot Starting XI: Merson - Sirois, Faizullah (55' Farnsrud), Coronello, Al Hak (52' McIlroy) - Vainionpää, McNair, Askebrand - Nighthorse, Connolly, Fredriksson (59' Sheffield)
Tikariot Substitutions: Al Hak -> McIlroy (52'), Faizullah -> Farnsrud (55'), Fredriksson -> Sheffield (59')

[Alasdair I Frosticus]

A Statement from the State Bureau of Imperial Security

We are aware that there has been a form of speculation in Ordinary Reality regarding the involvement of Simeone Di Bradini, Jeremy Jaffacake and a 'wizardy looking character' in recent landscape changes in Atlantian Oceania.

The State Bureau of Imperial Security (SBIS) maintains a strict policy of non-interference in Ordinary Reality affairs, a policy also followed by the Imperial Secretariat (both of the Purple Inkwell and of the Lesser Red Inkwell) and other imperial institutions - other than the Holy Empire Football Association, which has special licence to participate in the 'World Cup'. SBIS would therefore like to clarify that the Holy Empire played no direct role in the aforementioned landscape changes.

However, leading imperial oneirologists have made us aware of a rare phenomenon whereby if a sufficient quantity of Ordinary Reality residents within a specific sub-reality simultaneously dream that they are creating or modify reality, they can potentially bring said new reality into existence. SBIS is aware of at least two previous instances of this phenomenon in the last 500 million subjective linear years, apparently referred to as the 'Jodorian Vortex' and the 'Yog-Sothoth Incident'; the Holy Empire's current goalkeeper has refused to comment on the latter, merely stating 'that was a very, very long time ago'.

We believe that recent events may be a third example of this phenomenon, though this requires further study to confirm. The pretty tale involving Di Bradini, Jaffacake, and the so-called wizard is perhaps best taken as an allegory of this phenomenon, whereby prominent figures associated with some of the impacted nations become personifications of the process within the mythic systems of Ordinary Reality - a topic itself worthy of further anthropological study.

Summarising, while the aforementioned story is no-doubt entertaining, and perhaps contains some small portion of - or represents a form of - truth, it should not be taken as fully representative of the totality of the truth; the Dreamed Realm has played no direct role in the recent landscape changes.

We hope this clarifies matters.

The State Bureau of Imperial Security

[Yue Zhou]

Years from now, long after Wan Sheping will retire, he will sit in front of the fireplace and tell his grandchildren about the goal that he scored against Turori - the Dragons’ first ever at the World Cup. Humble to a fault, he’ll try not to tell it too often - instead regaling the little ones with stories of the faraway land of Chromatika where he spent so much of his career or tall tales of the now-deceased Wang Jiahui’s exploits. But the grandsons, in particular, will beg him to tell how them how he scored a header over the Eels, and worn down by their pleading, he will have no choice but to accept.

“I wasn’t even supposed to be there,” he will start, as he always does, before his son will chide him for being so modest. “Back then, Li Jing and Yang Tao were the best midfielders in the country, and I was just a young upstart. But Huang Shedong - I’ve never seen someone so short score so many goals - picked up a knock after colliding with Inuro'o, or maybe Mayelli? And had to be substituted off. And that’s when Grandpa came in.”

“But Grandpa, you weren’t a striker!” Wan Xiaoban, the eldest grandson, will always chime in, as if he could ever forget.

“Clever, Xiaoban,” Wan Sheping will say with a chuckle, “I was what they call a holding midfielder. But our coach had some crazy ideas at the time - of course, they worked, so maybe they weren’t crazy after all - and one of them was playing without a striker.”

“No strikers at all!” Xiaoban will reply, feigning surprise and shock. “Stop messing around, Xiaoban,” the child’s father will chide him, punctuating his words with the thunks of his cleaver against meat on a cutting board. “You’ve heard this story so many times.” But Wan Sheping will dismiss this with a wave of his hand. “No strikers at all,” he’ll say with a warm smile, false teeth sparkling in the twilight. “Young Li Jing - he was much older than me, but he was so clean-shaven that we all called him that - played as a forward, and I replaced him in the midfield.”

“What happened next, Grandpa?”

“Well, a few minutes into the match, Wen Xiaohui - what a fighter she was - went running up the right-hand side and managed to win us the corner. And you know how Grandpa used to be at corners. That head of mine -” he’ll tousle the few strands of hair he had left as he says so, and Xiaoban will jump in as well “-used to be really good for set pieces. Wen took it, and as she did so, I went running in. The Eels were really strong and physical, you know. They didn’t make it easy. But Grandpa outmaneuvered them and leapt up as fast as he could, and just barely managed to get my head to it first. It was more luck than anything, but as soon as it bounced off my head I knew it was going in.”

“Daddy says you’re a national hero,” a granddaughter, Wan Baolin, will chime in. Wan Sheping will shake his head. He’ll smile, but there will be a sadness in his eyes, as the long years of national stagnation after WC88 weigh on him. “I was just in the right place at the right time. There’s no reason to elevate me as much as people have.”

“There were street parties out in Nanhai and Jiangdong for days after he scored that goal. I keep telling him to sell the rights to that movie company,” the father will say, with a tone of resignation that suggests that he’s tried this many times before. “Or at least have someone write his biography. But he won’t do it.”

“Putting people like me on a pedestal is what got our country into the mess it’s in,” Wan Sheping will insist. “If some kid scoring a header is the best thing that’s happened to Yuezhou in the past few decades...what does that say about the country?” There’ll be a bit of shame as he says it, lost in the cool Jiangdong night and the commotion of the city underneath their small apartment. His son will clearly be annoyed with Wan’s mentioning of politics around the kids, but he’ll be cut off by the enthusiasm of the youngest, Anyun. New to the apartment, a grand-niece who has recently been orphaned by the Fourth Yue Civil War, she’ll be the only child who has not heard the story. “What happened next?”

“Well, after we got our goal, we knew we weren’t going to get another one. So we defended against those Eels with all our might; there were ten of us behind the ball! But they were too good to leave empty-handed, and we didn’t even last until the end of the half. We were lucky to escape with the point - the only one we’d get that World Cup. Turori went undefeated in qualifiers that year, you know.”

“Alright, that’s enough, kid; it’s time to go to bed. Say Good Night to your grandpa,” Wan Sheping’s son will again interject. Wan Sheping will nod as a chorus of “good night”s flow out of the small living room, and for a few fleeting moments, it will just be him in the living room, alone with thoughts - memories of the shock failure to qualify for WC91, or his acrimonious retirement from the national team, or the chaos that led up to yet another Civil War. Then, he will shut off the light and walk away.

MD1: D (1-1) vs. Turori
Lineup (3-4-2-1): Lu; Ren, Han, Zhu; Kang, Yang, Li Jing (Chen 62), Reeve; Wen, Liu (Luo 71); Huang (Wan 20)
Goals: Wan Sheping 29'

Lineup to face Newmanistan (MD2): (3-4-2-1) Lu; Ren, Han, Zhu; Kang, Yang, Wan, Reeve; Wen, Li Jing; Liu
With Huang Shedong questionable after leaving MD1's draw against Turori after just twenty minutes, Lu Jialan has decided to commit to the false-nine tactics that worked so well against Abanhfleft in the playoffs. MD1 hero Wan Sheping will slot into the defensive-midfield position, offering increased solidity alongside Yang Tao. Meanwhile, Li Jing remains the favored second attacking midfielder over Bikarish star Chen Xiwei, while Liu Huiying offers high playmaking acumen and workrate as the nominal spearhead of the front three. Chen, as well as Guo Xiawei and Luo Dan, is a likely substitution. The game plan remains to defend - not an easy task against Newmanistan's forwards - and counterattack.