World Cup 51 roleplay thread

[Commerce Heights]

Mid-qualifying friendly scores are now up.

[Jeruselem]

Jeruselem Government News

Princesses shoot down Rockets in friendly

Newmanistan visited Jeruselem to test their mettle against the leader of Group 12 at Dazza Dallas Stadium. Dazza maybe gone but she's still alive in our memories. In attendance was Newmanistan's Brian Carson and Billy Prescott (he lives here), as well as the Jeru FC team who drank too much beer and annoyed the girls. Billy's other half was with Jeruselem team plotting the downfall of his home team as assistant coach.

Jeruselem captain Kat Kool was missing from the team due to illness in the family and would-have-been captain Juzzie Dallas has still got a broken foot. Princess Shay got the captaincy for the day unopposed although she didn't actually ask for it. We all know there is pressure on the rockets to do well, and what better than to beat Jeruselem.

The problem was, at Dazza Dallas Stadium, it's like an extra player for Jeruselem. Both sides were careful not to get injured or do stupid things as it was a friendly although the way Princess Helena plays ... you would not think so. The mental weakness of the Rockets popped up again when they lead 1-0 after Helena gave away a free kick but Jeruselem hit back with two goals to seal another home win.

Billy Prescott sat with the Jeruselem team during the game (because the wife said so), as disappointed at the Rockets slowing down the 2nd half. The Jeru FC team were too slooshed to comment about the game, but closet Newmanistan fan "Pups" Ferris said they have to play 90 minutes not 45.

We can't read too much into this game other Jeru FC drink too much beer anywhere but the Rockets can do better ... for their own sake. Naked News Jeruselem was there and ambushed a few Rocket players to the amusement of Rocket fans.

[Undeadzombiee]

Josh approached Colton Herschaft after the game. He was mad, really mad. At the effort of his teammates, at his own mistakes, at the fact that they lost against a team that hadn’t shown up, a team that was very weak, and then drawing against a team that could have easily been beaten. In fact, they hadn’t even wanted to be there, the Negative Katananian team. And then, on top of that, they gave a microscopic effort against a team that they should have beaten.

And they were facing the number six team, in the world, without a chance at improving.

So basically, Creamer really wanted to punch a hole through something. Which is why he approached Colton. No, not because he wanted to punch him, but because a) Colton hadn’t played, therefore he wasn’t causing the team to lose, and b) Josh needed a favor.

“Hey, Colton, can I borrow your phone?”

“Why?”

“Well, I need to text somebody…”

“It’s too early to have a girlfriend, and I really don’t think that you need to text your friends right now.”

“Look, I’m really pissed. Just give me your freaking phone, before I do something I will regret.”

“Hey, I’m sorry, just didn’t want you to do anything rash. And, by the way, who are you texting?”

“Well, I really don’t want to tell anyone.”

“Look, I’m pissed too, because I really feel that we should have won, if we had tried. So, I realize how you feel. And I don’t want any relationships to be messed up because of a rash text message.”

“Okay, fine. I want to text Kalen. I haven’t heard from him, no one has, and I just need something to cling to, that someone’s life is doing well.”

“The cellular cables don’t work, right? So you can’t text him.”

“The rebels still can use the cables, just not anyone else. I’m guessing that they have made the cables work only when a text is sent to a certain area. Hauntspot, Manningtown, the Bone’s (it sucks that the captured it, they army just got routed), and if they win the Coffin’s, those too. So just let me try.”

“Sure, but let me read the text.”

“God, you’re worse than a parent.”

“What were yours like?”

Josh was silent, and for a second, welled up. But he quickly regained control. Colton, realizing his mistake, in a regretful tone, apologized.

“It’s fine, just don’t talk about it. I don’t need any reminding,” replied Josh.

He then texted out to Erich.

‘WHERE R U?’

---

Meanwhile, back in his cage, Erich felt a buzz in his leg. Barely conscious, he opened it. Erich read it, and smiled for the first time, in well, a week. Suddenly he was alert. He woke Russ. Russ was having a harder and harder time waking up, but Erich thought that it would help.

It did. Russ sprang up, or, at least tried to. It was pretty hard to jump up in a dog cage, in case you didn’t know.

Erich quickly typed out, ‘IN HAUNTSPOT. TRAPPED IN LARGE ROOM. HELP’

Suddenly, a guard walked by. Erich slipped his phone into his pockets, then remembered in horror he had left vibrate on. Silently, he wished that the cell phone lines were slow.

The guard seemed to walk in slow motion. Finally, he passed them. But a few seconds later, Erich’s phone buzzed. He quickly slipped it to Russ, trying to save himself.

The guard turned around. He asked Kalen, “What was that?”

Kalen replied, “What?” in the most innocent voice he could muster.

“The buzzing. I just heard it.”

“I didn’t. Are you sure it wasn’t imagined?”

“No, I’m fairly sure I heard it.”

“Then, Russ piped up. “I didn’t hear it either. Perhaps you should have a check up.”

The guard walked away.

Erich opened the phone, and read the message. It said, ‘I’M COMING IN. DON’T TEXT BACK UNLESS YOU DON’T WANT ME TO, OR HAVE A BETTER PLAN. THIS IS KALEN’

Erich started texting, ‘NOTIFY THE POLICE. TELL THEM ABOUT WHAT IS HAPPENING’

He passed it to Russ, and just before Russ could read it, the phone flickered once, came back on, and died.

[Sarzonia]

The Sarzonian national football team should thank its lucky stars Franz Braddock was in Catherina during mid-qualifying friendlies.

Diogo Avarel managed the Stars to a 2-1 defeat against Newmanistan in front of a restless 82,831 at Dave Wilson Stadium. Goalkeepers coach Horace Sandt could be heard slamming a table against the wall as Sarzonia lost 2-0 to Peisandros in front of an increasingly angry 79,446.

"I don't give a FUCK what kind of match it is," Sandt screamed at the team. "We expect you to bust your arses no matter who or when you play. No excuses."

Sitting in the manager's seat at Mike Sarzo Stadium prior to kickoff was a man who'd figuratively sat in the big chair before, and in this very tournament. However, he was facing the team he was about to manage when he was in charge of the Ernes, fielded by his native Isselmere-Nieland.

James Potherington fingered a plastic bottle with filtered water while waiting for the Taeshani referees to make their way to the pitch. He'd already surprised them by showing up to the pre-match meeting.

"Joe Hamburgstein? Hi, I'm James Potherington."

"James? I've heard of you. Weren't you at Isselmere-Nieland?"

"I was," Potherington said. "I'm the associate manager here."

"Where's Franz?"

"Catherina. He went to the state funeral there."

"Good luck." Both men shook hands.

Potherington stared out at the pitch, twisting the cap off the bottle and taking a swig of water. He looked down for a second. One of the team staffers must have put it in the refrigerator.

Just how I like it, he thought. His thoughts were interrupted as he listened to the relaying of the national team lineups. He stopped short when he heard he was announced.

"Ladies and gentlemen, serving as acting manager for this match for your Sarzonian national team, James Potherington."

The groans from the stands and questioning expressions on the faces of the Stars faithful bothered him. He would later find out why. He heard the shouted challenge from the stands. "I thought we were trying to win this match? What the fuck is wrong with this team?"

He drew in his breath and exhaled, almost as if he were trying to breath out his anger at the apparent insult. However, the Stars had by far the best possible rejoinder. They played arguably their best match against the Whites, whom Potherington noted were playing to strong form in Group 8. Facing a group with a Newmanistan side that has made the past few World Cups and the world's second ranked team Jeru FC, the Whites were five points clear of the Rockets for one of the group's two qualifying positions.

Sarzonia came out 3-1 winners with Matt Lynch, Dennis Crandall and Clayton Bocanegro scoring the goals for the Stars. Only a 29th minute strike by Wayne Ullrich prevented the Stars from earning the clean sheet.

Potherington smiled as he walked into the media work room to begin his interview.

"Seems we had a few critics who needed to be silenced," he said. "Queer Poco el Mono Ara are a World Cup team. Let's get that out right now. They're in a very difficult group. Newmanistan are underperforming somewhat. We know how good Jeru FC are. Swilatia aren't to be trifled with, either."

"Mr. Potherington," Travis West began.

"James," Potherington said with mock horror. "Lord no! Don't call me that!"

"Very well, James. Are you saying the Whites are going to the World Cup this time?"

"I'm saying that team certainly deserves to be in the World Cup proper. They were World Cup-capable when they were in our group in World Cup 48 qualifying. I'd like to see them in the proper, but I'd also like to see Newmanistan there."

"So are you wishing ill on Jeru FC?"

"Lord, no. Don't get me in that position! I'd venture to say the Poconese are the best team to never make the World Cup now that Secristan has been there."

Potherington heard grumbles from Sarzonian media. The 4-0 loss in the second round of World Cup 50 was still a sore spot for them.

"Look, we're not going to get past it until we get past it," he said. The words may not have made perfect sense, but the implication was clear. The Stars would have to deal with their demons and do so effectively if they were going to hoist the Cup for the first time in 29 tournaments.

All in all, the lost afternoon for Sarzonia wasn't so lost after all. Even if it meant defeating an opponent whom the Stars had great admiration for.

[Landau Institute]

Landau Institute of Protection and Teaching
Department of Other Stuff
Secretary of Cards & Board Games

THE NATIONSTATES WORLD CUP TAROT
#7- Marc J. Floren

This is a card that really represents the legendary player. That's because we weren't expecting to see it in this deck, but it appeared out of nowhere and made it. Just like the occasional appearances of the Milchamian striker, who even after retirement is able to enter a football match, score a goal under spectacular and unreal circumstances, and then leave the game like nothing has happened. And referees, perhaps shocked with the happening, consider the goal valid, even with Milchama having twelve players on the field by the time Marc J. Floren appears. That is how the player's fame comes from, the weird goals he scores even after his football career is over. There was a time in which he was really a player in activity, and a top goalscorer for Milchama, but few outside of his home country really remember him during those years. This card that is being studied today, "#7- Marc J. Floren", represents well the football player. It is usually linked with surprise happenings, things that no one was expecting, because no one believed they could actually happen. The unreal, the one-time incident, the absolute surprise are the main characteristics of this card and the interpretations done after it. It may also mean other weird stuff, not necessarily surprising things but weird ones, like some of the squads of Marc J. Floren's nation, Milchama. The relation of "#7- Marc J. Floren" with Milchama only hits this area of weird stuff, not getting into the country's football history, which includes two second places at the World Cup. Oh, you weren't expecting this? Get used to this, this is what this card is about... although one may say that nowadays people are actually expecting the unexpected appearances of Floren, turning the unexpected and expected unexpectation.

About the image in the card, its design, it curiously doesn't show the face of Marc J. Floren. Instead, makes a mix of three famous times in which the player scored goals after his retirement, in surprise appearances. A hand comes out from the ground, like he once did against Cafundéu to appear on the field and score a goal. On the sky, there is an UFO, which represents a goal he scored against Swilatia. And a missile appears to be about to hit the UFO, remembering of a goal Floren scored against Cuation. In the middle of all this confusing scenario, a football goal, with a confused goalkeeper scratching his head, not understand what is happening.

Family - remember that relative you thought was dead? Or your wife, who supposedly couldn't have kids? If "#7- Marc J. Floren" appears during a reading, you may receive a huge surprise about your family. That relative could appear in front of your home, asking for food, covered by dirt, only for you days later check his grave and notice that he really came from there. Or, in the case of your wife, she may be pregnant, and maybe three or four kids may be coming at once. And don't feel strange if you discover that your dog talks, that may be the weird thing predicted by the card about your family. But, of course, you'll never know exactly what is going to happen. After all, it is supposed to be something unexpected! So, the reader will only tell you that it'll be a weird thing.

Finances - it's interesting that, in the area of finances, the most common prediction involving the eighth card of the NationStates World Cup tarot doesn't follow the idea of unexpected and completely unreal/weird happenings. No, it goes to another path. Think about it: Marc J. Floren appears when the Milchamians are desperately in need of something, a goal. This is the idea that goes to the finances. When the card appears, it means that the economic desire of the person will appear, but it will only appear in the last moments, when all seems lost. It can also mean that the retirement of the person as a professional can bring more benefits to him or her, or just that a turning point in the career or company will come through a confusing incident.

Love - love is full of surprises, surely, and the appearance of "#7- Marc J. Floren" during a tarot reading while taking a look at the romantic relationship of the person may mean that these surprises will be big ones. This still leaves some huge interrogation points. It can range from usual surprises, like that your girlfriend is pregnant... of another man; that you'll be asked if you want to marry... your boyfriend's father; or that that girl you spent so much time with... is not actually a girl... up to the more strange surprises. Instead of the girlfriend being pregnant, it may be her boyfriend! Just some examples.

Football - one single moment that transforms the entire fate of the game. This is the root of the general interpretation of drawing the Floren card while trying to predict a football match. The best player of one of the sides being sent off at the first minute, a controversial penalty awarded to a club by a blind referee with his pockets full, or just the most evident of the possibilities: a goal during injury time. The hard work of a whole game can mean nothing compared to the accurate action that this card foresees.

Completely Unrelated Stuff - "#7- Marc J. Floren", when not being used for the usual predictions, motivates the person that draws it to return to do an activity that he or she doesn't do anymore. Like Floren likes to return to play football sometimes, the person will have to do something that isn't done for a long time.

[Virabia]

The Vonghurst Star
Nats' movin on up, at least for one game

WESTON - Chris Alabaster Stadium usually serves as the home of the Virabi National Team. For the most part it fits the teams needs quite well. Sure the last two games they've had to bring in extra bleachers, but all and all it suits the team quite well. Providing a homely atmosphere for the fans, and beyond cheap rent for the team.

However, for their home closer, the stadium won't be available, as it will be used by Weston Institute of Technology (WIT) for their commencement ceremony, which has conveniently been scheduled at the same time as the game. This provided the stadium operators (the university) with two options, either change the date of the ceremony so that it doesn't conflict with the match, or force the Nats' to find a temporary home. They chose the latter for two reasons one because recent games have been beyond selling out, so the team would be better off playing in a larger stadium. The was that the speaker they had booked (Senate Majority Leader Grant Hughes) couldn't make it any other day.

The result of this was that the Nats' were with out a venue. At least until earlier today, when the VFA and Estadio Norte del Vonghurst (home of the SRPL side Club Deportivos Vonghurst). As a result the Nats' will play their final game here, as well as all home friendlies during the remainder of the cup. Also, the FA has hinted that if this results in a success, then Estadio Norte del Vonghurst could end up playing host to more qualifying matches in the future, as well as any footballing tournaments that the FA puts on.

A little bit about the stadium:

History

Opened in A.Y. -20 the stadium was originally called Trans Tropaia stadium. It originally played host to the North Vonghurst Hawks. However, that franchise didn't survive too long, folding in A.Y. -12. IT then went with out any long-term tenants until A.Y. 5. During this time the neighbourhood around it transformed from an English speaking one, to one which spoke spanish. This was reflected in a name change to Estadio Trans Tropaia. However, with the passage of the No More Naming Rights Act of A.Y. 6 (NMNRA) the stadium was once again forced to change it's name this time to Estadio Norte del Vonghurst.

In A.Y. 6 the stadium finally secured a tenant in the Vonghurst Capitols, provided that they renovate the stadium to be football only. This offer was later retracted as the Caps' decided that a stadium closer to the city centre would be more optimal for them. However, by then the stadium was in midst renovation. So instead of stopping, they made sure that CD Vonghurst (who were going to enter the SRPL as a expansion team next season) play in the stadium. This turned out to be for the better, as in their first season, a CD Vonghurst (which ended up being relegated) ended up having much higher attendance than the Caps. Often selling out a stadium, that was still larger than any other that a Virabi team used.

Location
It's located near the water, in the predominately Spanish speaking area of Vonghurst known as Esperanza by the locals. The neighbourhood is veyry different from other English-speaking neighbourhoods in Vonghurst. It's more built up, and crime is a little bit higher. Still, it's not all that bad. It has some of the best beaches, a nationally renowned jazz and art scene. The weekend flea market on Avenida Alta is known for featuring many fine arts and crafts as well as local fruits and vegetables. Another thing that puts this area on the map is the Gybur Brewery, which is a hold over from the English speaking days. The new inhabitants are fond of it just as those before them were. Why, because they make beer which is some of the best in the world.


Estadio Norte del Vonghurst during a CD Vonghurst match against Metalist Vitsyebsk

STADIUM CAPACITY: 57,000
ADDRESS:
43 Avenida Deportes
Vonghurst, Tropaia 596-21
Surface: Kentucky Bluegrass

Facts:

* It's the largest home stadium of any Virabi Footballing Team. The second largest is Downtown Park of the Vonghurst Capitols which seats 18,000 people.

* CD Vonghurst has only failed to sell out once. That was a match against the Charleston Artillery.

* It's Architect Mark Windell, went on to design Alabaster Hall in WIT, the college, whose stadium the Nats' currently utilise.

* The stadiums nicknames is The Port (El Puerto), in a refrence to the fans. Who are called the armada. What this is a reference to, no-one knows.

In other news related to the national team, the FA has narrowed down the list to two. The two being considered is Cafundelense manager, who has led their national team to the Round of 16, as well as leading Petardos S/A to two league championships and one cup victory. He's won a cup one other time, and he's won a few state championships. His style is less strict, and he gives the players chances to show their tactical knowledge off.

The other person the FA is considering is Hal Baker. Who, is 92 but still kicking. He's known for bring many international clubs up from the dumps and into success, he also founded and was the commissioner of the short lived LAF. Both managerial contenders will likely breathe new life into the team and get them on to a path to success, and hopefully into the World Cup. This will likely be accomplished by reforming the team from a defensive team into an offensive one. Both managers have shown them selves capable of success with offensively based teams, and hopefully Virabia can be another one they end up finding success with.

In even more National Team news, the Nat's beat Tonarious in a home friendly. In what was only the the teams third game where they scored a goal. The match was played at Chris Alabaster stadium in front of a sellout crowd of 5,000, who cheered their team on to victory.

The match was mostly contested around midfield, with Virabia's defence rarely allowing Tonarious the chance to get close enough to take a shot. However, on the flip-side, so much of Virabia's team was devoted to offence that Virabia could hardly get anything going on the offensive side of things. As such, the first half went goal less, where as the second half only saw one score, and that was from Marty Conquest who scored his second international goal. \

Next up for Virabia will be a tired, old, and now un-amusing internet meme. The match will be played in whatever out-dated, stadium they play their home matches in. Hopefully it will be a win for Virabia, but if the first half of the qualifiers told us any thing we shouldn't expect much, so probably, a scoreless draw. However, it's still a point on the table, and one Virabia will fight for.

Fun Facts about Rick Roll Land:

* Local Bartenders can do flips off the walls

* It has a habit of showing up when everyone doesn't want it to

* The girl on the right is arguably hotter, but she doesn't know the moves

* The locals hate, I mean HATE music videos

* It's name seems to be a reference to something in another dimension. Kind of like The Armada is

* Trust me, it's not Rick Roll, I swear

* It's motto may or may not be Never Gonna Give You Up

* Their above us on the table, ain't that sad

* Their head of state is a pop singer (maybe)

Disclaimer: We have no idea if these are true or not. Please don't kill us if they aren't we found them on the internet m'kay (OOC: Read as, Idk they're prolly not true, but hes a non rping bloke, allow me to have my fun)

GROUP 13 Friendly Results

These are the results of the friendlies played by our group mates.

Sargossa 2–0 Somewhereistonia
Novikov 2–1 Khytenna

Note: If we missed any our apologies

GROUP 13 TABLE:

⁠   Group 13                   P    W   D   L   GF   GA   GD  Pts 
 1 The Holy Empire            9    7   2   0   31   11  +20   23
 2 Vephrall                   9    6   2   1   18   11   +7   20
 3 Carpathia and Ruthenia     9    4   2   3   10    7   +3   14
 4 F1-Insanity                9    4   1   4   16   16    0   13
 5 Somewhereistonia           9    4   1   4   22   22    0   13
 6 Novikov                    9    3   3   3    8   10   −2   12
 7 Catmeowland                9    2   4   3    8   11   −3   10
 8 Rick Roll Land             9    2   3   4   11   17   −6    9
 9 Virabia                    9    1   4   4    4   10   −6    7
10 Aluetiva                   9    0   2   7   12   25  −13    2

[Cosumar]

COSUMAR WC 51 UPDATE
Loses to Mantwenic, plays mid-qualifying friendlies
by Louis Mortpont of CSMN.com

Cosumar extended their winless streak to 4 games long last night against Mantwenic. The sturdy Mantwenic defense, led by Andrew Anderson completely shut down Cosumar's offense-which has been struggling the whole cup with the exception of one or two games. Fortunately, Cosumar's defensive incompetence did not result in a one-sided beating this time because the Dragons' defense played quite efficiently as well, especially Srikar Donopati who frustrated the Mantwenic offense led by Aaron Finkson.

Cosumar did not score at all in the entire game-but could've actually won-they held the high-flying Mantwenic offesnse to 1 goal. That goal came in the 24th minute, and was score by Aaron Finkson after Peter Kramer sliced into the defense and dished the ball behind Riley Mrozek's back to Finkson who then hammered the ball past the helpless goalkeeper.

The rest of the game was quite boring and no more goals were scored. Cosumar's record now stands at 2-3-4. For their story so see below.

COSUMAR-0
MANTWENIC-1
scorer: Aaron Finkson (24th min.)

1 ) vs. Krytenia DRAW 0-0
2 ) vs. Aguazul DRAW 1-1
3 ) vs. Ursine Northlands VICTORY 4-3
4 ) vs. Mice of Miceland LOSS 3-0
5 ) vs. Upper North Yorkshire VICTORY 3-2
6 ) vs. Silver Beach LOSS 3-1
7 ) vs. Starblaydia LOSS 3-1
8 ) vs. Zarbli DRAW 1-1
9 ) vs. Mantwenic LOSS 1-0

Next 3:

1 ) vs. Krytenia
2 ) vs. Aguazul
3 ) vs. Ursine Northlands

MID-QUAL. FRIENDLIES

Aside from the rough competition of the daily matches, earlier this evening Cosumar took the time to play three Mid qualifying friendlies against HellHorn (unranked), Pretty Awesome persons (unranked), and Khytenna (270).

In the first game, against Hellhorn, Cosumar once again struggled on offense, only managing to score one goal the entire game. This goal came in the 68th minute and was scored by Brian Emerson. Emerson launched a powerful bullet of a kick from nearly midfield and it went in because hellhorn's backup goalkeeper (Timms Vlaanko was injured in the 7th minute) CAmeron Strangler was picking his nose not paying attention. Other than that lucky (and nasty) goal, Cosumar's offense struggled the entire game. Fortunately, Hellhorn's offense was completely shut down by DF Thomas Hair's stud defensive play throughout the game.

COSUMAR: 1
scorer: Brian Emerson (68th min.)
HELLHORN: 0

Their second friendly was against Pretty Awesome Persons, and once again both teams struggled on offense. Each team only scored one goal in the game, forcing a draw. Pretty Awesome Persons dominated at first, their Striker scored a blazing goal in the opening minute. Cosumar gradually recovered and Rikki Varshney scored a goal with an assist from his friend irvinn Rincon halfway through the second half, tying the game up.

COSUMAR: 1
scorer: Rikki Varshney (68th minute)
PRETTY AWESOME PERSONS: 1
scorer: unknown striker (1st min.)

Cosumar's final mid qualfication friendlies mactch was played in Khytenna's new stadium. Unlike, the previous two games, both of the offense's in this game were explosive-eight goals were scored in this game. Even from the opening kick, both teams were going at it hard. It was getting really rowdy in the 8th minute and Khytenna's Neil Ringwood was given a yellow card for throwing the ball at Cosumaran GK Rahul Shetty-which settled things down. Quickly rebounding from the penalty, Khytenna scored the first goal of the game in the 10th minute by Fergal Firestone with assist from Kelly Bady. Cosumar quickly equalized it with a shot from Shane Jestis that just barely evaded their goalkeeper's Michelle Welte. desperate dive in the 16th minute. The score at halftime was a 2-1 Cosumar lead after an amazing header from Rikki Varshney somehow bounced into the goal as the buzzer rang. Khytenna came back raging in the second half and quickly scored two goals in succession in the 49th and 52nd minutes, by Hugh Agan and Allan Syd. The game reached a back-and-forth lull for awhile Neil Ringwood was given another yellow card and was ejected for cursing the ref under his breath! This event gave Cosumar the boost they needed to pull together a comeback. In the 71st minute, they tied up the game with a goal off a corner kick by Frank Gerome. However, Khytenna quickly dampened the comeback hopes with a really easy-to-block kick from Lini Pellett that GK Rahul Shetty just missed due to lack of awareness and unconfidence his abilities. With only 4 minutes in the game, and Cosumar down 4-3, it seemed like Cosumar's hopes of winning were over-but FW Kevin Park didn't think so! In the 88th minute when he got the ball he ran down the field using stiff arm and american football type moves-spinning and evading all of the defenders and forcing his way to the goal. When he got to the goal he faked a kick to the left corner and watched in satisfaction as GK Michelle Welt dived in that direction-exposing the right side of the goal. he easily lopped the ball into the side of the net, forcing a 4-4 draw.

COSUMAR: 4
scorers: Jestis, Varshney, Gerome, Park
KHYTENNA: 4
scorers: Firestone, Agan, Syd, Pellett


Cosumaran (blue) defender Thomas Hair struggling for the ball with Khytennan (red) striker Fergal Firestone.

[Khytenna]

COSUMAR WC 51 UPDATE
Loses to Mantwenic, plays mid-qualifying friendlies
by Louis Mortpont of CSMN.com

Cosumar extended their winless streak to 4 games long last night against Mantwenic. The sturdy Mantwenic defense, led by Andrew Anderson completely shut down Cosumar's offense-which has been struggling the whole cup with the exception of one or two games. Fortunately, Cosumar's defensive incompetence did not result in a one-sided beating this time because the Dragons' defense played quite efficiently as well, especially Srikar Donopati who frustrated the Mantwenic offense led by Aaron Finkson.

Cosumar did not score at all in the entire game-but could've actually won-they held the high-flying Mantwenic offesnse to 1 goal. That goal came in the 24th minute, and was score by Aaron Finkson after Peter Kramer sliced into the defense and dished the ball behind Riley Mrozek's back to Finkson who then hammered the ball past the helpless goalkeeper.

The rest of the game was quite boring and no more goals were scored. Cosumar's record now stands at 2-3-4. For their story so see below.

COSUMAR-0
MANTWENIC-1
scorer: Aaron Finkson (24th min.)

1 ) vs. Krytenia DRAW 0-0
2 ) vs. Aguazul DRAW 1-1
3 ) vs. Ursine Northlands VICTORY 4-3
4 ) vs. Mice of Miceland LOSS 3-0
5 ) vs. Upper North Yorkshire VICTORY 3-2
6 ) vs. Silver Beach LOSS 3-1
7 ) vs. Starblaydia LOSS 3-1
8 ) vs. Zarbli DRAW 1-1
9 ) vs. Mantwenic LOSS 1-0

Next 3:

1 ) vs. Krytenia
2 ) vs. Aguazul
3 ) vs. Ursine Northlands

MID-QUAL. FRIENDLIES

Aside from the rough competition of the daily matches, earlier this evening Cosumar took the time to play three Mid qualifying friendlies against HellHorn (unranked), Pretty Awesome persons (unranked), and Khytenna (270).

In the first game, against Hellhorn, Cosumar once again struggled on offense, only managing to score one goal the entire game. This goal came in the 68th minute and was scored by Brian Emerson. Emerson launched a powerful bullet of a kick from nearly midfield and it went in because hellhorn's backup goalkeeper (Timms Vlaanko was injured in the 7th minute) CAmeron Strangler was picking his nose not paying attention. Other than that lucky (and nasty) goal, Cosumar's offense struggled the entire game. Fortunately, Hellhorn's offense was completely shut down by DF Thomas Hair's stud defensive play throughout the game.

COSUMAR: 1
scorer: Brian Emerson (68th min.)
HELLHORN: 0

Their second friendly was against Pretty Awesome Persons, and once again both teams struggled on offense. Each team only scored one goal in the game, forcing a draw. Pretty Awesome Persons dominated at first, their Striker scored a blazing goal in the opening minute. Cosumar gradually recovered and Rikki Varshney scored a goal with an assist from his friend irvinn Rincon halfway through the second half, tying the game up.

COSUMAR: 1
scorer: Rikki Varshney (68th minute)
PRETTY AWESOME PERSONS: 1
scorer: unknown striker (1st min.)

Cosumar's final mid qualfication friendlies mactch was played in Khytenna's new stadium. Unlike, the previous two games, both of the offense's in this game were explosive-eight goals were scored in this game. Even from the opening kick, both teams were going at it hard. It was getting really rowdy in the 8th minute and Khytenna's Neil Ringwood was given a yellow card for throwing the ball at Cosumaran GK Rahul Shetty-which settled things down. Quickly rebounding from the penalty, Khytenna scored the first goal of the game in the 10th minute by Darryl Jolin with assist from Kelly Bady. Cosumar quickly equalized it with a shot from Shane Jestis that just barely evaded their goalkeeper's (Michelle Welte?) desperate dive in the 16th minute. The score at halftime was a 2-1 Cosumar lead after an amazing header from Rikki Varshney somehow bounced into the goal as the buzzer rang. Khytenna came back raging in the second half and quickly scored two goals in succession in the 49th and 52nd minutes, by Hugh Agan and John Carmichael. The game reached a back-and-forth lull for awhile Neil Ringwood was given another yellow card and was ejected for cursing the ref under his breath! This event gave Cosumar the boost they needed to pull together a comeback. In the 71st minute, they tied up the game with a goal off a corner kick by Frank Gerome. However, Khytenna quickly dampened the comeback hopes with a really easy-to-block kick from Lini Pellett that GK Rahul Shetty just missed due to lack of awareness and unconfidence his abilities. With only 4 minutes in the game, and Cosumar down 4-3, it seemed like Cosumar's hopes of winning were over-but FW Kevin Park didn't think so! In the 88th minute when he got the ball he ran down the field using stiff arm and american football type moves-spinning and evading all of the defenders and forcing his way to the goal. When he got to the goal he faked a kick to the left corner and watched in satisfaction as GK Michelle Welt dived in that direction-exposing the right side of the goal. he easily lopped the ball into the side of the net, forcing a 4-4 draw.

COSUMAR: 4
scorers: Jestis, Varshney, Gerome, Park
KHYTENNA: 4
scorers: Jolin, Agan, Carmichael, Pellett


Cosumaran (blue) defender Thomas Hair struggling for the ball with Khytennan (red) striker Darron Dunstan.

(occ, sorry forgot to put the posistions up, Dunstan is a defender )

[Khytenna]

Royal Khytenna news

Khytenna Freindlys
Novikov 2–1 Khytenna
A good Preformance by Khytenna in this match, Rusek got Khytenna only goal of the game in the 75th minute. By that time it was too late, 2 goals by Balázs in the first half proved Khytenna’s undoing. But a Good over all Performance.

Khytenna 4–4 Cosumar
This game the line up was changed, Jolin came on for thorne . Agan for Firestone. Neil Ringwood was sent of for a double yellow card, he was being hot headed in this game. Four Goals from Carmichael, Agan, Pellett and Jolin made it four, but Khytenna Drew the game. It was a great performance and let will be taken from it to the next game.

Khytenna 1-2 Toiletdonia (Vvadarnfell World cup Special)
Syd got Khytenna’s only goal, Khytenna was hoping for a match against Region rivals Silver beach, but because of a lose against Toiletdonia, they will have to wait a little longer. Two last minute goals from Yenco and a penalty from Milak gave Toiletdonia the win. Rusek was Impressive in that game an will be looking for a move to the Khytenna Beach premier league and so was Jolin.

Khytenna will play this line up in there next game
GK 1. Michele Welte (Persepi Sharks FC)
LB 19. Shad Vancil ( Keltyme Foresters)
RB 3. james Ursua (Blue bay Fc)
CB 17. Nelson Bohannan (Duke’s District FC)
CB 14. Matt Shurtz ( Percepi Sharks)
RW 7. Casey Thorne (capt) (Central FC)
LW 9 Neil Ringwood(Blue bay FC) CM 8. Kurk Rusek (Drakes City)
CM23.John Carmichael(Central FC)
ST 20. Lini Pellett (AS New Haven )
FC 10. Fergal Firestone (Blue bay FC)


Subs:
13. Tim Gatton (Xepthic Reds))
21. Darryl Jolin(Portside Park FC)
4. Kerrian Sheetz (Blue Bay FC)
11. Allan Syd (Xephik Reds)
5. Teddy Berkeley (Central FC)
22. Hugh Agan (Telio Checkers)

------------------------Welte

Sheetz---------Shurtz --Bohannan----Ursua

Ringwood --Rusek- -- Carmichael---Thorne (capt)

----------------- -----------Firestone
-------------------Pellett

[Burchadinger]

BURCHADINGER TIMES
DIE ADLER BEAT VALLADARES

Burchadinger came from behind to beat Valladares and now look forward and prepared for the remainder of the qualifying stage. Jefferson Ospina volleyed Valladares in front and Luis da Lima scored from the penalty spot after a foul by Elias Becker. Horst Feinstein struck from 16 yards and Markus Klogh the equalizer. Wilhelm Sigmundson hit the third with his left foot before Hans-Mayer Hansen scored after linking up with Feinstein. It turned into a superb night for coach Deval Enke, whose team were 2-0 down after 28 minutes but needed to win to boost their confidence. However, it was certainly a far more difficult test than the 2-1 loss at Arroza, with Die Adler having to show a tenacity and resolve to rebound from their awful start. And it was the sort of result that suggests Burchadinger have the character within their squad to maintain their push for the title.

The result was not a particularly good one for Alexander Pereira, but at least a 2-1 victory over The Ursine Northlands. But the Valladares boss can regard his side as slightly unfortunate not to have taken something from the game, particularly as his side should have been awarded a foul in the build-up to Burchadinger's equaliser. Having pinpoited the danger-man as Klogh, Pereira tried to close down the space available to Burchadinger's mercurial striker by telling his defenders to keep an eye on the 23-year old. And it worked, with Klogh being robbed time and time again, and with the frustrated Burchadingans becoming, well, frustrated, the Valladars saw their chance, and went for it. Burchadinger wasted several opportunities to clear the ball, including one skewed effort from the returning Edwin Pedersen, and da Lima eventually headed into the path of Ospina, who struck the ball crisply beyond Diefenbaker. The goal gave Valladares plenty of incentive to keep out their opponents but the home team dominated possession and created numerous openings. Luis Fuentes saved a low close-range effort from Klogh after a crisp move involving Sigmundson and Feinstein had carved open the Valladar defence, while the two players involved in the build up both narrowly missed with subsequent efforts. But for all of Burchadinger's domination it took Diefenbaker's brilliant one-handed save low to his right to keep out da Lima's clever free-kick. And just before the half-hour mark, da Lima did double Valladares's lead, his crisp penalty just eluding Diefenbaker's dive after Becker clearly fouled Charles Dickens. Valladares' plan was working but Burchadinger continued to threaten and Fuentes denied Feinstein while Yoan Lannoy headed against his own crossbar as he tried to clear a free-kick. Burchadinger's pressure eventually told when Feinstein created a yard of space before unleashing a thunderous strike and the visitors almost restored parity before the break but Fuentes saved well from Klogh.

Die Adler did equalise shortly after the restart but it was a goal mired in slight controversy. Klogh's finish was awesome, the striker collecting the ball inside the Valladar area and eluding the defence before slotting the ball between Fuentes's legs from a tight angle. However, in the build-up to the goal Pedersen challenged for the ball with Ruiz, the Burchadingan defender was late and caught his opponent in what was an awful looking challenge, although Ruiz was unhurt. Play was allowed to continue and Pedersen retrieved the ball to start the sequence that led to the goal, while Ruiz, being effectively ignored by everyone, lay on the ground, being slightly over-dramatic. Sigmundson struck with his vicious half-volley from eight yards after Valladares had failed to clear a corner. The traffic was all one way but a reasonable opportunity fell to Armando Rivas only for the midfielder to scuff his effort from 18 yards. The final goal belonged to Hansen as he exchanged passes with Feinstein, and it was a goal that took Burchadinger's confidence to a new level.

[Sargossa]

Group Of Life



Remember those heady days? Five games gone, yes I know two of them were friendlies but you take what you can get, five games unbeaten, four wins from those five, no goals conceded and all was right with the world. Then came defeat in *shudder* Toiletdonia, and that level of embarrassment is tough to live down. Very tough. So tough in fact that the side that took to the ediraf pitch in the next match still looked a little shell-shocked. A little, well, dead. Not quite as dead as the opposition mind, Pays de Horreur have that all sown up, quite literally in some cases, but still lacking a certain spark. The following 3 - 0 home humbling was probably the worst performance on Sargossan soil ever. Well, I say worst. There was that friendly a few years back against the Dagans. And that game with Somewhereistonia we don't tend to talk about. And probably others. Who really keeps track of these things?

Fortunately, whereas elsewhere in the multi-verse Big Blues and smaller Pinks and the like race their way through qualifying like some kind of knife/butter analogy, here in Group 9 no one seems particularly keen on doing the same. Dropped points against the likes of *shudder* Toiletdonia and Khytenna maybe wouldn't quite cripple a qualification attempt entirely but it should certainly shoot a couple of toes off. Luckily for us the group's other big boys are making just as big a hash of it. While the Corsairs were falling apart in *shudder* Toiletdonia top seeds Kelssek surprisingly fell over at home to unheralded Bisgea and former global juggernauts Bostopia were beaten by the Horreble hordes of a certain Pays not too far from here. Which is nice.

Fair play to Gabriel Vizcarra and his charges. After being booed off at the ediraf he knew the side had to deliver big in the next match and that's exactly what they did. The Corsairs made the nasty looking trip to Bostopia and came back with all three points. They then held top seeds Kelssek in Soluca before winning all their remaining games in the first half of qualifying to sit in second place in Group 9, a point behind Kelssek and with the group's best defensive record. Which is nice. But, given the somewhat unpredictable nature of Group 9, even Khytenna way back in sixth place may still fancy their albeit wafer thin chances of stealing a place at the Finals.

Normally at this point we'd take a quick gander at the trials and tribulations of our fellow Rushmoris. The trouble is that there now seems to be so damn many of them. Which is nice. Except for a string of exhaustion related deaths throughout the much over-worked cartographer community and the fact that the annual Song For Rushmore contest now seems to go on forever. At least in previous years the contest, famed for its crimes against music, fashion, good taste, common decency as well as controversial C.N.C.R. bloc voting, could be all over and done with in under an hour. Now whole days seem to pass before the inevitable buxom country lass from the Timonium valleys and her power ballard about the creeping spectre of industrialisation in Lussolavizzovian turnip farming lifts the prize. Bitch. Anyway, something about football. We actually beat Somewhereistonia. Which is also nice.

[Jeru FC]

Princess Helena and Sam Sallad visiting the drunk Jeru FC team at Dazza Dallas Stadium after the Jeruselem friendly against Newmanistan

Sam: Hi everyone!
<Team>: Sexy girls! YAY!
Helena: They are all drunk by the looks of it.
<Team>: Dallas girls! YAY!

Sam: I think they started early.
Helena: How is everyone?
<Team>: Great! GIRLS YAY!
Helena: Oh boy, where's the coach?

Henry: Hey, don't worry about us. We're fine. Willy has passed out again. Where's the clothes Sam?
Sam: No wonder he can't pick up girls. I'm working ...
Helena: I see you enjoying yourselves.

Henry: You want to join us?
Helena: I can't sorry, I'm cooking for the visiting Rocket team.
Sam: We like our friends.
Henry: We can't eat, we'd throw it up the next day.

Victoria: We can help!
Sam: No no, we don't need drunk idiots in the kitchen.
Henry: Actually, we'd better just stay here. Kitchens don't have a lot of beer.
Helena: I don't people to start themselves on fire.

Henry: Oh well, have fun. We'll be thinking of you.
Sam: Yes, keep it clean folks.
Henry: I'm not drunk actually. I'm moderating my drinking.
Sam: You can still walk, the others look like they'll be here tomorrow.

Henry: I have keep an eye on pranksters. Drunk people are easily targets.
Helena: I can imagine the things that happen.
Henry: Someone once glued Willy to a electrical post, and used wire as well.
Sam: That must have been fun.

Henry: He had a shocking day!
Helena: God, that was a bad joke.
Sam: Yes, but I'm used to it.
Henry: I've had a few beers

[F1-Insanity]

Interview with coach Johnston

This is a partial transcript of the interview with coach Daniel Johnston conducted by Mulcahey Daily chief sports writer Steve Porter at Paladin Stadium. Johnston spoke at length with Porter, and tapes were switched on. And right at the beginning, the discussion concerned politics, which is one of Johnston’s interests. It seemed a good place to start.

SP: It is interesting that we should be talking about politics, what are your politics, what do you believe?

DJ: Politically, I am for efficiency. Economically first. You see, the primary interest of people is that they should have a job and be able to sustain at least a decent life, even if without luxuries. This is exactly what our ruling party, the NTP [National Tirefitter Party, ed] does. You can say that a system that doesn't allow votes is somehow inferior to a system that does, but I'd disagree with you there. We know from the past that the system where a parliament was divided amongst a dozen fractions is actually a very bad system. You cannot ignore that the country has been very stable politically and growing ever since our independence and the NTP being the ruling party holding power. The parliamentary system led to a civil war last time with many casualties, and ever since our independence, and having taken over all provinces of the old nation, there is nothing but political stability.

SP: Yes that is true, but still some people say that our nation should be subject to some sort of World Assembly or Security Council or something, and it would have to have powers to overrule national decisions.

DJ: Exactly. And those people need to be weeded out quickly, and fortunately they are. Can you imagine what would happen if we were subject to the whims of some sort of 'majority' of other nations? Exactly, all what makes us unique would be quickly stamped out as in pretty much every intergovernmental and particularly supranational construct. Any group of vocal radicals with some influence in World Assembly affairs could impose a totalitarian agenda making everyone bow to their will. That cannot happen here, and that is why we have such a great military. Of course, in a sport that is different, you need some sort of unity of rules and consistent rules and all that, as long as its completely separated from political influence. Well, apart from who appoints officials in a national association of course.

SP: Applied to football, though, what you are saying should be international rules that are consistent. For example, you could have a minimum and maximum size of football pitches?

DJ: Precisely, that is the sort of thing the international football authorities can impose, within reasonable limits.

SP: returning to politics for a moment, what is your thought on the socalled egalitarian, socialist idea?

DJ: I think we live in a competitive world, and I love competition. People who are competitive should get rewarded. People who do not work should not get anything. That is fair. The unfair system is where unproductive people get rewarded and succesful people get punished. What I mean is that we have seen that our system here in F1-Insanity works. There is near 100% of people employed in some way. Of course, one can always make an exception in case of disability, if you would like to work but cannot now that is a reason to get the government to help someone. But it cannot be accepted that people can make sitting on their couch at home into a profession. That would be that despicable socialist way of taking money from those who work to finance the lazy.

We already see the first signs across our borders in the nations near us, people revolting against the handouts for lazy bums, and our leader [Father Mulcahey, ed] is very keen to point these things out in discussions and meetings he has with foreign leaders. It cannot be acceptable to pay money to people who are deliberately unproductive. We now accept that we must force people to work if necessary, in working camps if need be, you cannot let them sponge off of other peoples efforts. But fortunately, people increasingly will not accept such behaviour. And that is right, too.

SP: now returning to football affairs. You were charged with leading this team to a top 5 finish and a winning record. Although you are in the top 5, our record so far is not a winning one, does that concern you?

DJ: well, obviously we would have liked to do a little better. We took 10 points out of 5 games against lower ranked teams, and in the second half of the qualifying campaign we need to do better than that. If we can beat all five of them, we have a winning record, and a top 5 place, guaranteed.

SP: and then you get to keep your job?

DJ: unless we lose all games, I expect to keep my job anyway.

SP: your relations with star striker Aaron Humes, the idol of many of Insanityite girls and some boys too, is very good, is it not?

DJ: I pretty much say it is. We have a great understanding. He told me his views how the team should be built around him, and everyone accepts it. We have great unity now, particulary know we know that those guilty of creating the dissent last time and those involved in betting ring scandals, are now toiling away in a working camp working off their debt to our society.

We have a great and young team and can only get better. And of course, we all heard the news that our domestic league is going to be opened up to all players, be they Insanityite or foreign. Also, it is a great opportunity for our star players to go and play in an established league of a nation where the level is higher than it is here. Though it is our aim to improve, but it will take time.

[Akbarabad]

Akbarabad still at the top at half way stage despite yet another dispiriting draw.

(Akbarabad Press, AP): The Tiger Eaters remain top of group 5 despite once criminally dropping points against lowly opposition. The Tiger Eaters again inexplicably allowed 230th ranked The St Timothy Isles to come back from a 3-1 deficit and snatch a point. The fact that they still manage to hold on to top spot is more due to other results in group, primarily Peisandros' surprising 3-1 defeat in Western cuba.

So it seems that the victory over Uiri was just another false dawn, as the Tiger Eaters have yet again reverted to their bad habits. In fact this whole campaign is Akbarabad's most least convincing since World Cup 47, which coincidentally was the last time we did not qualify. Let's hope that it does not happen again this time, no matter how badly we play.

The team has an opportunity to both gain revenge and get the campaign back on track in their next match away in the Whirl Islands. The Whirl Islands of course, beat us in our opening match and they are the only team to have beaten us this time around. Despite the fact that we are playing away, a convincing victory is the order of the day and nothing less will do. We have to convincingly demonstrate that we are on a different level than the Islanders and that the previous result was nothing more than a fluke. Anything less, will see the same questions being asked again and again about the Tiger Eaters will and fortitude.

[Toyur]

Toyurska Sportnyhet

MUST-WIN IN MARIASTAD
Uphill battle begins in west
by Anders Alfven

MARIASTAD (TP) - Halfway through the qualification phase for World Cup 51, Toyur are sitting three points back of a qualification spot, after recovering from early stumbles and winning four matches in a row since the 3-2 defeat to the Archregimancy.

Still, it's not a position Toomas Ergma's side would like to be in. Tough competition is up ahead for the Bears, although being at home for the big matches with the Archregimancy, and this upcoming match with the Landau Institute certainly helps. Toyur lost both matches in those countries in the first half of qualification, and will be looking to reverse their fortunes in the second half.

'We definitely just need to keep doing what we've been doing these last four matches,' team captain and leading goal-getter Viktor Eklund commented after training yesterday morning. 'We've never really felt as though we were in trouble for any of those matches, despite some of the score lines. That win over BrightonBurg, especially as we couldn't beat them in two tries last time, certainly boosted our confidence.'

Toyur will begin the 2nd half of qualification with one of their most important matches yet - an encounter at home with the Landau Institute. A 2-0 win for the educated ones was the result back on matchday 1, a match which saw the Bears fail to gather any kind of momentum and generate few chances on goal. This match must be different.

'Must win to be sure,' Ergma said after training. 'A win would put us level with them, and then we would need to keep up the pace with them for the rest of qualification. Certainly we can't look past this match and its important. We NEED to win to give us a good shot at moving into the World Cup again.'

The match will be shown on TSTV1 for those unable to make it to the stadium. Rain is once again in the forecast for the afternoon of the match.

[Adihan]

Jones "enjoying managing"
Ad’ihan, CITY OF AD’IHAN— National team manager Anthony Jones, fresh off his retirement as a player, says he made the "right decision" to transition to coaching.

Jones, who is one of Ad’ihan's most-capped players if not the most, led the team to a respectable fourth place at World Cup 50 as captain in his final tournament before taking over the managerial reins from Alex Lewis-Edwards. And, at the halfway mark of World Cup 51 qualifying with his team having suffered just a single loss to the Han Empire under his control, Jones says it was an inspired move to take over.

"It's been great so far. I'm tremendously enjoying my time managing this bunch of lads, a number of whom I've played with and against, and in all seriousness it was the right decision for me to take over as manager, because really no one knows the Ad’ihani national team more than an ex-captain. It's worth thanking the AFF, they have done a great job with the development of Ad’ihani youngsters.

"When I was much younger and playing for Olympique Protectorat, there was much discussion over whether foreigners should be allowed into our leagues. And the AFF stood firm until the clubs rebelled, then the AFF said okay, but you can have no more than one on the pitch at one time. It's a good thing they did, because this meant Ad’ihani talent, more than anyone else, had the opportunity to develop in a league that's fresh and almost devoid of foreigners stealing their spots.

"And we have a great league, too, none the worse for wear without foreigners. This has been a big plus for Ad’ihani football and that bears out by what we accomplished last time.

"Now that I'm the manager, of course we're hoping to make it just as far again, but in all honesty last time out it was the first time we'd made it even to the quarter finals since World Cup 39. I'm not stupid, and I think another quarterfinal appearance, which would be just our third since we started participating, would be huge for us."

[Tyrrin]

TYRRIN NATIONAL NEWS
MID-QUALIFYING SPECIAL
VICTIMS HONORED, TYRRIN PREPARES FOR YAFOR 2
Benny Tjerd

The Stallions played Delaclava in the now-traditional friendly match in Remembrance Park last night. However, this match focused less on the rivalry between than two sides and more on the recent school shootings that have been taking place in Delaclava over the past few weeks. A ceremony was held before the start of the match, in which the spectators were asked to remember that some things are more important than sports. The names of the victims were shown on a large screen at the center of the field, and the Tyrrin Military Academy Choir sang a song in remembrance of those that lost their lives. Remembrance Park truly earned its name that night, but the activities cast a more somber attitude on the rest of the night's proceedings.

Delaclava won the match 3-2, in what was a gripping game, played with a lot of passion and emotion by the Delaclava side. The crowd wasn't really in it for the match, which may have put the Stallions off their game a bit. Simon de Braden scored all three Delaclava goals, while Willem and Rodrigo scored for Tyrrin. Montcalve commented that the night "wasn't really about football", and that he would have the people of Delaclava in his thoughts.

The Stallions now have to prepare for Yafor 2, who will be coming to play in Remembrance Park in our next qualifier. This match could possibly decide which team qualifies for World Cup 51, and Tyrrin is taking it very seriously. Hopefully, the home crowd will prevent another loss to the Yaforites. They have a very defensive approach to the game, so look for Willem to play more in the midfield so he can get the ball without being marked heavily by defenders.

And now for a fad that doesn't seem to have caught on much in World Cup 51...

MID-QUALIFYING PREDICTIONS

Group 1
After a strong start, Bears Armed has stumbled a bit, but are still in second in the group. The Sortherners will take the group, followed by the Ursines, though Albundania will give them a run for their money.

Group 2
Candelaria and Marquez finally failed to win a match, but they will easily take the top spot in the group. West Zirconia and Kosovoe will hotly contest second place, and the winner is difficult to predict right now, but I will put my money on Kosovoe. C&M are in championship form, and might win another cup this time around.

Group 3
This group has gone a bit haywire, with Mantwenic currently holding second place, and Starblaydia barely in front of them. Krytenia had a slow start, but will bounce back to take second, and will barely edge out Aguazul, the team the edged us out in World Cup 50.

Group 4
Secristan and the Weegies are currently in the top two spots, and they will probably stay there. Arroza might make a run at them, but don't expect much.

Group 5
Akbarabad will come out on top of Group 5, but second place is a mess right now. I think Peisandros will take the spot. Uiri couldn't capitalize on a good start, but might move up to third.

Group 6
Valanora will take the top spot, followed by the children of Schiavonia, who were the surprise of World Cup 50. Sorry Andrewboy, but luck will only get you so far. Look for Valanora to go deep into the World Cup proper.

Group 7
The monks will take first in this group easily, but a battle could be brewing for second. Will the doctors of Landau Institute qualify, or will Toyur pull an upset? I will go with Landau, but I could be wrong.

Group 8
This group has been very interesting, with Jeru FC probably taking the top spot, and at least qualifying. Queer Poco el Mono Ara look to finally qualify for their first Cup, and at this rate, will hold off an unusually shaky Newmanistan. Perhaps J-Mac Jr. has spent a bit too much time with the Dagans.

Group 9
This has been the tightest group for most of qualifying. Kelssek will probably make it through, but Sargossa should look out, as Bostopia and even Pays de Horreur could take a shot at second. I think Sargossa will end up with the spot, and finally make it to a World Cup.

Group 10
Cassadaigua will at least qualify for the Cup. I think we have a great shot at qualification as well, considering we have enough points to be on top of many other groups, as well as an excellent goal differential. Yafor 2 and even the Kazoo Peoples should be a challenge, but I think we will hold them off for our second World Cup qualification.

Group 11
Sarzonia will easily take the top spot in this group. Pasarga will probably take second, just barely over Nethertopia. It may depend on who Valladeres hurts worse. Sarzonia could be poised for a run at World Cup glory.

Group 12
Jeruselem and TBI will take the first and second spot, respectively, fairly easily. They don't really have much competition at this stage. I don't think either will be much of a threat in the World Cup proper, though.

Group 13
The Holy Empire and Vephrall will take the top spots in this group. The former will be trying another run at a championship, while Vephrall is finally avoiding another Cup of Harmony trip.

Group 14
The Han and Ad'ihan will qualify. Jasĭyun are a notable failure this time around, failing to qualify when a closely affiliated nation is hosting the entire Cup.

Group 15
Though they have uncharacteristically struggled this time around, Cafundeu will take the top spot. Jesselton has been a surprise in this qualification round, but I think Milchama will make a comeback to take the second place spot.

Email Benny Tjerd at btjerd@tnn.tyr

[Toiletdonia]

Toiletdonia 4-1 Undeadzombiees
Vvardenfell world cup special- Toiletdonia 2-1 Khytenna

Milak's blog
Well we showed some gut and that was that. The training really paid off with the animals and we thrashed two small teams ish. I enjoyed playing the winners of the BoF it shows us that we would thrash our younger selves. I think Tota had a good game with his brace and he set me up once so that was good. Tellvos proved his stuff he ran up and down the wings like his life depended on it. Well his career did not his life but he had that good cross though. Jankors header was a great one we really enjoyed that in the end it was a fun game to play for us it is nice to see that your team can win sometimes. Then wow what a great slice of revenge we had against Khytenna! They went 1-0 up and were looking for a repeat of last time. But Velcota and Dehaim weren't having it. They worked together well and in the end it was Dehaim who scored. Velcota then was spraying passes everywhere and in the end he deserved his goal even though is was a tap in he worked really hard for it and he was amazing. I think he could be the new Tellvos but in centre midfield. The lads did well so we let them fly business class. They enjoyed that and drank a lot of champagne but I stuck to the red wine anyway. Hope they can keep their form up now.

Tota's Blog
I had a good feeling about the game from the minute I walked onto the pitch. Undeadzombiee were very cocky about winning and thought about their speaks for after the match before kick-off. I think I had an okay game. I scored a great brace which was a nice bonus. The money bonus was nice to. So hell yeah I did well! It was always going to be a good game for me I've had a rivalry with some Undead players since uni. I set up one as well for Milak which he put away without a second thought it was well fun in the end. We then had Khytenna. This game reeked of revenge. They may have had the advantage but we knew that we could fight back. Velcota and Dehaim ruled the pitch and made us all look good. In the end it was Dehaim who pulled it back 1-1. He has been a really top class player ever since he burst onto the scenes in the 13th DBC. He player really well for Toiletdonia before he made it into the first team. He was possibly one of the best young strikers the world has seen. Then Velcota got his very deserved goal and what a complete tap in! I could easily put that away but that is not the point. The point is he had a good, good game and deserved it very much. Ah well gotta go now.

"So the players got the drug right?"

"Yeah. And we won as well."

"That's good it worked."

"And the even better news is they put it down to new training techniques!"

"That very good!"

"I think were going to get away with it!"

"So do I but we still have to be careful."

"Should we carry on like this?"

"Yes."

"What now then?"

"Well how about we make our goal smaller."

"Not crazy enough."

"How about we poison the opponents?"

"Maybe, maybe."

"Hang on how about we replace the refs!"

"Yeah that sounds very good!"

"We should get some people to be our refs and tell them to let Toiletdonia win!"

"Only to a certain extent though otherwise they'll be on to us."

"Okay that makes sense."

"And if the players are a bit depressed we should slip some heroin in they're steroids!"

"No."

"Why not?"

"Because they'll notice!"

"Okay so just the refs."

"Yes."

"Right."

"Good."

"Good."

"Right."

"So?"

"So what?"

"What will we do to help Toiletdonia win?"

"That'll do for now."

"What about peeing on the pitch?"

"Now that's just plain stupid."

"It worked for the baseball team."

"Well lets save that so some other time."

"Okay maybe that'll be the best thing to do."

"Yes it will and you know it!"

"Fine."

Scores:
Milak- 5
Tota- 5
Dehaim- 3
Yenco- 2
Jankor- 2
Tellvos- 1
Vust- 1
Velcota- 1

Assists:
Tellvos- 4
Velcota- 4
Jankor- 3
Dehaim- 2
Bright- 1
Tota- 1


The story so far
20-5-10: Vs. Lithatrius 1-1 D
21-5-10: Vs. Kelssek 0-1 L
22-5-10: Vs. Pays de Horreur 1-1 D
23-5-10: Vs. Bostopia 3-3 D
24-5-10: Vs. Sargossa 2-1 W
25-5-10: VS. Tarrentum 5-1 W
26-5-10: Vs. The Shinnian Islands 1-0 L
27-5-10: Vs. Bisgea 4-1 W
28-5-10: Vs. Khytenna 0-1 L
29-5-10: Vs. Loonaterian 0–0 D
30-5-10: Vs. Undeadzombiee 4-1 W
30-5-10: Vs. Khytenna 2-1 W

[Eastfield Lodge]

The Gazette Sports

The second half of qualifying to begin soon, and the team is still managerless.

The mid-qualifiers did nothing but show how dismal this team is this qualifying session. High hopes had been placed on the fourth seeds to mount a sustained challenge for qualification this time round, and the team has so far slumped to 9th place in a ten-team group, with minimal chances of qualification, or even a third place finish. With Ronald Caesar having left the helm of the team, it is currently up to Vladimir O'Shea to produce a miracle in the second, with the ELFA planning to begin searching for applicants towards the back end of the qualifiers. But first of all, Vladimir had to produce some moral-boosting wins in the mid-qualifying friendlies only to give his team some sort of chance in the Cup of Harmony (which is where we'll be heading).
First of all was the low-key home match against Mantwenic, a match in which the reserves were given a chance. Mantwenic went ahead early on, Aaron Finkson nudging in a flick-on from Cedric Harriott. Robert Andrews, the newest member of the squad, scored the equaliser seconds before the whistle indicating half-time, running onto a loose ball and lashing it into the top corner for his first goal in his international career, and definitely not his last. e scored his and the team's second goal on the hour mark, heading Wayne Brookes' cross off the crossbar, giving the keeper no chance. It looked like the team would get their first victory for a long time, but in the last minute of stoppage time, EL conceded a corner. The corner was whipped in but the ball was headed away...headed away to a certain Cedric Harriott, who subsequently volleyed the ball through a crowd of players before the ball finally nestled in the back of the net.
The second match was an away affair at Albundania, a match in which the regulars decided to play. It wasn't a pretty match, as both sides went flat out for the win. Vice-captain Marco Ulbrich was sent off after just ten minutes, after tripping Sameer Ahmad in the box. His (Sameer's) older brother stepped up to take the penalty and scored the opener. But Albundania replied shortly after 30 minutes, Raul Ibanez and Kurt Winger exchanging a series of one-twos to get round the defence, before setting up Alexi Webb to score the equaliser. Raul Ibanez popped up again to score the winner; he was fouled around 20 yards from goal, and he insisted he take the free kick, which he did, and scored the winner with a stunning strike into the top corner. A subsequent retaliation towards the celebration saw David Patterson booked, along with five other EL players throughout the match.
The third and final match was another away one against West Zirconia, and after the loss to Albundania, the team really needed a win against the team that was ranked a mere three places above them. However, the skies turned grey and started to pour onto the pitch enough water to fill the stadium, to which extent the match was played elsewhere. It didn't do much good for either side, as in front of less fans, the game ended up as a scrappy one all draw. Shabeen Ahmad III scored the opener after 34 minutes, flicking Sameer Ahmad's misplaced cross over his shoulder, and the defender's shoulder, before volleying it into the net. Just 43 minutes later, Alun Lydiate took advantage of a tired defence and scored the winner, dashing the hopes of hundreds of millions of people for a win.

---

Team to play Sierra Apathia at Lodger City Memorial Stadium: Starting XI

Goal Tally WC51Q:
Shabeen Ahmad III: 9
Chris Lau: 3
Sameer Ahmad: 2
Robert Andrews: 2
Adam Johnson: 1
James Scott: 1
Daniel Scott: 1
James Tarpy: 1

[Cosumar]

COSUMAR WC 51 UPDATE
Loses to Mantwenic, plays mid-qualifying friendlies
by Louis Mortpont of CSMN.com

Cosumar extended their winless streak to 4 games long last night against Mantwenic. The sturdy Mantwenic defense, led by Andrew Anderson completely shut down Cosumar's offense-which has been struggling the whole cup with the exception of one or two games. Fortunately, Cosumar's defensive incompetence did not result in a one-sided beating this time because the Dragons' defense played quite efficiently as well, especially Srikar Donopati who frustrated the Mantwenic offense led by Aaron Finkson.

Cosumar did not score at all in the entire game-but could've actually won-they held the high-flying Mantwenic offesnse to 1 goal. That goal came in the 24th minute, and was score by Aaron Finkson after Peter Kramer sliced into the defense and dished the ball behind Riley Mrozek's back to Finkson who then hammered the ball past the helpless goalkeeper.

The rest of the game was quite boring and no more goals were scored. Cosumar's record now stands at 2-3-4. For their story so see below.

COSUMAR-0
MANTWENIC-1
scorer: Aaron Finkson (24th min.)

1 ) vs. Krytenia DRAW 0-0
2 ) vs. Aguazul DRAW 1-1
3 ) vs. Ursine Northlands VICTORY 4-3
4 ) vs. Mice of Miceland LOSS 3-0
5 ) vs. Upper North Yorkshire VICTORY 3-2
6 ) vs. Silver Beach LOSS 3-1
7 ) vs. Starblaydia LOSS 3-1
8 ) vs. Zarbli DRAW 1-1
9 ) vs. Mantwenic LOSS 1-0

Next 3:

1 ) vs. Krytenia
2 ) vs. Aguazul
3 ) vs. Ursine Northlands

MID-QUAL. FRIENDLIES

Aside from the rough competition of the daily matches, earlier this evening Cosumar took the time to play three Mid qualifying friendlies against HellHorn (unranked), Pretty Awesome persons (unranked), and Khytenna (270).

In the first game, against Hellhorn, Cosumar once again struggled on offense, only managing to score one goal the entire game. This goal came in the 68th minute and was scored by Brian Emerson. Emerson launched a powerful bullet of a kick from nearly midfield and it went in because hellhorn's backup goalkeeper (Timms Vlaanko was injured in the 7th minute) CAmeron Strangler was picking his nose not paying attention. Other than that lucky (and nasty) goal, Cosumar's offense struggled the entire game. Fortunately, Hellhorn's offense was completely shut down by DF Thomas Hair's stud defensive play throughout the game.

COSUMAR: 1
scorer: Brian Emerson (68th min.)
HELLHORN: 0

Their second friendly was against Pretty Awesome Persons, and once again both teams struggled on offense. Each team only scored one goal in the game, forcing a draw. Pretty Awesome Persons dominated at first, their Striker scored a blazing goal in the opening minute. Cosumar gradually recovered and Rikki Varshney scored a goal with an assist from his friend irvinn Rincon halfway through the second half, tying the game up.

COSUMAR: 1
scorer: Rikki Varshney (68th minute)
PRETTY AWESOME PERSONS: 1
scorer: unknown striker (1st min.)

Cosumar's final mid qualfication friendlies mactch was played in Khytenna's new stadium. Unlike, the previous two games, both of the offense's in this game were explosive-eight goals were scored in this game. Even from the opening kick, both teams were going at it hard. It was getting really rowdy in the 8th minute and Khytenna's Neil Ringwood was given a yellow card for throwing the ball at Cosumaran GK Rahul Shetty-which settled things down. Quickly rebounding from the penalty, Khytenna scored the first goal of the game in the 10th minute by Darryl Jolin with assist from Kelly Bady. Cosumar quickly equalized it with a shot from Shane Jestis that just barely evaded their goalkeeper's (Michelle Welte?) desperate dive in the 16th minute. The score at halftime was a 2-1 Cosumar lead after an amazing header from Rikki Varshney somehow bounced into the goal as the buzzer rang. Khytenna came back raging in the second half and quickly scored two goals in succession in the 49th and 52nd minutes, by Hugh Agan and John Carmichael. The game reached a back-and-forth lull for awhile Neil Ringwood was given another yellow card and was ejected for cursing the ref under his breath! This event gave Cosumar the boost they needed to pull together a comeback. In the 71st minute, they tied up the game with a goal off a corner kick by Frank Gerome. However, Khytenna quickly dampened the comeback hopes with a really easy-to-block kick from Lini Pellett that GK Rahul Shetty just missed due to lack of awareness and unconfidence his abilities. With only 4 minutes in the game, and Cosumar down 4-3, it seemed like Cosumar's hopes of winning were over-but FW Kevin Park didn't think so! In the 88th minute when he got the ball he ran down the field using stiff arm and american football type moves-spinning and evading all of the defenders and forcing his way to the goal. When he got to the goal he faked a kick to the left corner and watched in satisfaction as GK Michelle Welt dived in that direction-exposing the right side of the goal. he easily lopped the ball into the side of the net, forcing a 4-4 draw.

COSUMAR: 4
scorers: Jestis, Varshney, Gerome, Park
KHYTENNA: 4
scorers: Jolin, Agan, Carmichael, Pellett


Cosumaran (blue) defender Thomas Hair struggling for the ball with Khytennan (red) striker Darron Dunstan.

(occ, sorry forgot to put the posistions up, Dunstan is a defender )

i fixed all of the positions. thank you for posting them

[Candelaria And Marquez]

“…oung, might find Gaggioli, but it’s cut out by Yamir Patel… Exceptionally assured performance from the number seventy-one here, on the biggest night of his young life, calm on the ba–”

“How d’you know?”

“Sorry, John? Forward to Singh but cut out by Kures again, it’s just starting to get a little scrappy now but that’s arguably just how Steroga and Dakshi Patel in the dugout will want it.”

“How d’you know it’s the biggest night of his young life? That’s a bit presumptuous, isn’t it?”

“Well, you know… He’s only nineteen, first time in the squad, playing against the number one ranked team in the world, at home… Sounds pretty big to me. Throw-in should be taken by Qiu here, just inside the C&M half.”

“Might he not consider his debut the biggest game of his young life? ”

“Uh… Yeah. Conceivably. If you want.”

“And that’s just talking about football. He could’ve had plenty of other big nights, for all you know.”

“Not sure they’re all that big on the whole sex-before-marriage thing here, John. Um. Not sure I want to do this on air, really, but um… Are you all right, mate? ”

“Yes. Yes I am, John. Just didn’t expect to find us two-one down with only fifteen minutes left to OH COME ON!! That’s a yellow at least, surely! ”

“It’s not, y’know… Gaggioli will get the free-kick here, but this has been such a lenient performance from the referee, to take nothing away from Steroga. They came out here with a game plan, they’ve kept Jesse and Jhanna quiet all evening with some robust but generally fair tackling, but… You have to say, John, if this had been in the Candelarias Jaisukh Pattnaik at least would have walked before now. ”

“And that was a waste from Gaggioli too, there’s just no urgency about the side at the moment… And too poor goals to concede, from a Candelariasian point of view, as well.”

“Yup… Just showing them again on the big screen here at Kumar Field while William Vaughan receives some treatment, and Subudhi’s equaliser really did come right out of the blue, Chris Stewart giving him far too much space, he really should know better than that, but no-one was really willing to go in for the tackle… Very neat finish in the end, and as for the second, well… Blame has to be apportioned to Jacob Davies there, doesn’t it? Simply shouldn’t have allowed Nedzanani to slip past him and tee-up Subudhi… And now that young man’s on a hat-TRICK…!! Juuuust wide!! And you really wouldn’t rule out three-one right at this moment, would you?”

“No, the Blues are properly out of sorts now, just allowing Subudhi to get away with that run for far too long, and in the end that was a poor shot by his standards… Still, you know, a defeat, if that’s what we’re looking at, certainly wouldn’t be the end of the world, a good wake-up call…”

“And a message to the rest of the world that this particular generation of Candelariasians don’t appear to like it up ‘em, John.”

“No. They should never have dropped Noah Collins from the squad. ”

“Oh, shush… Jhanna Young on the ball, another quiet game from her but she’ll run at Campbell Raviranjan, her Green Island team-mate… who easily muscles her off the ball for a throw-in, and he’s had such an assured game too, John.”

“Absolutely, he’s done well. All eyes were clearly on him, pre-match, another Candelariasian native making his competitive debut against his home country in this qualifying campaign after Ben Phillips’ homecoming to Arrigo last month… And the Bove lad… well not really a lad anymore, but he’s done both countries proud, John.”

“Cleared to the half-way line by Patel again, O’Airmeadhaigh… And caught dallying again, there, and he’s really had a desperately poor game too, the opening strike aside…”

“I don’t want to watch this.”

“It’s educational, Jayden. You can see clearly that our side are technically far superior, but are being made to look, if anything, like an inferior team by dint of the Sterogans’… vigorous tactics.”

“They should just kick ‘em back…”

“That would achieve very little, I’m afraid. There’s no point fighting fire with fire if you have a candle and the other man has a flamethrower. There are ways and means to play oneself out of this situation, but I don’t think Señor Panadero quite has the wisdom to see it through. It’s a pity. The worlds will be watching this game, and taking extensive notes…”

“Great. Whatever. I want to watch A Song for Rushmore.”

John Patience, the effectively self-appointed President of the Candelaria And Marquez Association Football Association, sighed. “I was told that football was your greatest passion in life, child…”

The boy shrugged, a somewhat more impressive sight than it had any evolutionary right to be. “It is. But why would I want to watch this? A bunch of cowards and turncoats kicking at each other and losing the ball every ten seconds. That’s not the football I was taught. Please. Most of the performances are probably over by now, and I don’t want to miss Upper Timonium. They’re going last, and they’ve got this girl with enormous t–”

“No! How will you become the player you are supposed to be if you’re not prepared to learn!?”

“There’s nothing I can learn from the likes of them!” the boy shouted, with venomous eyes turned on the screen. “Raviranjan, who abandoned Candelaria not only for the black GIZ but another country as well? And what about… what about her?” he added, spitting the syllable.

Patience frowned. “Jhanna Young? She’s having a poor game, but I’ve no doubt sh–”

“She is nothing! Or any of them! Aldren, and Pond, and all the rest. Robertson. They could have joined us! They had a job to do, everyone had a job to do! It would have been so wonderful, but they abandoned us! They took the filthy Candelariasian pound, they donned the accurséd black, they…”

“These aren’t your words, child,” Patience said kindly. “Sam Mc O’Neil is gone, yo–”

“NO!”

“Yes! He is gone, his rule is over! And his twisted vision gone with it!”

“I don’t have to listen to this! I don’t have to listen to you!”

The boy jumped to his feet, causing his chair to tumble backwards. His face red with rage, Jayden turned to storm away but lost his balance and fell to his knees. Patience reached out a hand.

“Listen, son…”

“Don’t call me that. Don’t anyone call me that!”

“I’m sorry, bu–”

“And take your hand off my wings! No-one touches my wings!”

“Now you listen to me, young man,” Patience snapped, grabbing the boy by his shoulders and spinning him around roughly to face him.

“Leave me alone! Will! WILL!”

“He can’t hear you. And even if he can, he won’t come, because he answers to me, do you understand? Mc O’Neil is gone and while I’m here he would never dare return. Now listen to me!”

“You’re Candelarian,” the child sneered. “Why would I ever listen to you?”

“Because I am you! I could crush every bone in your body with the barest thought. I can hear every sound for a mile around. I’m never hot, I’m never cold, I’m never tired. I need only meagre sustenance. I can lift more than the greatest weightlifter who has even lived, Jayden. In my prime, I could run faster than any Olympic athlete. Perhaps I still can…”

“I can’t do any of those things. We’re nothing alike.”

“Oh, but we are. We were both created by mad men, Jayden. We should both never have existed. We were created for a purpose, and that purpose will never come to pass. My own… ‘father’ considered myself, and my twenty-two brothers, too dangerous, too unstable, to be let loose upon the footballing world. We were perfect in a sense, yes… But we were violent, we were dangerous. Some of us, we were killers before we could barely recount our two times table. And so he had us… disposed of. And I had to watch as Candelaria And Marquez, as the Big Blues, as the team I was supposed to lead to glory… won. They won the World Cup, twice. And that should have been me, and my brothers. And now it never will.”

“But we’ll win with Green Island! We’ll be a nation, and Mc O’Neil will lead us again, and our team – my team – will win so many victories! And traitors like Jhanna Young will wish they had never been born! It’ll be wonderful!”

“No. It won’t.”

“He promised us!”

“And he lied, Jayden! There will be no nation! I clung to false dreams for so many years. I don’t want you to suffer the same fate. Any of you!”

“You don’t care about us!”

Patience shut his eyes. “I care about all of you, more than you could possibly know. I care about you enough to make it my single, most earnestly held wish that creatures like you and I are never created again! Not here, not on these shores, not in Rushmore, not anywhere! And I care about you enough to wish to see you reach your fullest potentials. You won’t hear that from everyone, Jayden. You’ll meet other adults, who’ll teach you about fitting it, about being normal. About trying to forget what we are. But I would never ask you to do that, never! Just because you should never have been, doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t be allowed to embrace your destiny! You want to be a winner, Jayden? You want to lift the World Cup?”

“Yes!”

“Then you shall. But learn this, and learn it well. Sam Mc O’Neil’s project is dead. It’s over. It would never have been wonderful, child, and it will never be wonderful. You have been lied to your whole life, but that’s alright. So has everyone else. You’ll cope. And you and your kin? You stick together, you find a new dream – your dream, not Mc O’Neil’s, not mine, your own. And you show the world why people like you and I should be feared. Do you understand me?”

“I… No. Not really.”

Patience smiled, and removed his hands from the boy. “Good. Now we’re getting somewhere. You have so much to learn. I’ll help. And so will they,” he added, motioning towards the screen.

“You can’t stop me from hating them…”

“I wouldn’t even try. Watch the rest of the game, young man.”

Jayden said nothing, but nodded curtly. He turned away, sitting cross-legged on the floor and tucking his wings back into a position of rest.

“…gus Kures, finding his former Green Island team-mate Young, Jhanna Young, round Patel… And THAT’S Jhanna Young, and THAT’S the equaliser…!”

Patience nodded with satisfaction to himself, and shut the door to Jayden’s provisional bedroom behind him. Will Owen and Robert Morrison stood with their backs to the opposite wall, arms folded.

“Was it really necessary to shout at him?”

“Yes. Some children respond to shouting. And he’s another one who’s seen the light, before you ask. More or less.”

“It’s just not going to be that simple, you know,” Will muttered. “I’ve been back and forth here for months, and most of them are still just as conditioned to believe in the wondrousness of the Mc O’Neil regime as they were when I first found them here.”

“They want to imagine the best in their father,” Patience said flatly, eyes flicking for an instant towards Morrison before resting again on the defender. “There’s nothing so wrong in that. The boy’s wings…”

“Oh, don’t even start. They’re not grafted on, I’m sure of that now, although he’s never let me examine them properly. But they can’t be a throwback or anything, I mean… I don’t know. Maybe once he’s settled in Gordon Bay City he’ll let some doctors check him out, or something. Or a physio, at least…”

“I’d have thought all that was nothing compared with being afflicted with the name ‘Jayden’. Gentlemen, if I might…? John, son, you are… sure about this, aren’t you? Sending them to that ghastly little nightmare of a sovereign state.”

“They want young footballers, Robert. Now they’ll have young footballers. It’s what they were made for, father. I know that impulse well enough. They’ll learn to hate what Mc O’Neil did to them, but you’ll never be able to drive the passion for the game from their souls. Believe me. They deserve the chance to make peace with their destinies.”

“Yeah, that’s all very well, guys,” Will sighed, “But… are we actually suggesting they could do it? Jayden can barely walk with those bloody great things sprouting out of his back, and as for some of the others… You know I care about these kids, I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t and, y’know, a couple of generations one side or the other and that could’ve been me in there, but… They’re duds, aren’t they? Failed experiments. They won’t ever be able to achieve what they want to, most of them, surely?”

Morrison shook his head. “Mc O’Neil would have had any true… duds, if you want to call them that, destroyed.”

“How d’you know?”

“It’s what we did. The methods we used at the CAMAFA decades ago clearly differed from those employed by Mc O’Neil’s staff, but… Well. He learnt from us, from our records. True failures would be eliminated. The twenty-three who remained had flaws, but…”

“But…?”

“But they will have a chance,” Patience interjected definitively. “Which is more than I and my brothers ever got. I shall speak to young Molly next, I think…”

“Don’t you need to get some rest?”

“I don’t need rest.”

“Great. Bully for you. Wish I could say the same about us mere mortals, but I was being chased by a giant igloo through the streets of Wiechester half the night. Dunno what they’ve done to the cheese in this place since I buggered off to play in Jesselton, but I really need to cut back.” Will yawned. “Aaaand I’m rambling. And I’ve got half a million pillywiggins to feed. And that one wasn’t even a nightmare. My life is odd…”

The others watched him go. “There goes,” Morrison said vaguely, “A very pleasant young man.”

“Yes. The responsibility does him good. He’s found a reason in life, I think. As have I…”

“You’ll do them proud, I’m sure,” the old man nodded, adding Providing you don’t revert to time and start brutally murdering people who happen to get in your way in the sanctity of his skull. “More’n I could ever have done. And… You know I could never blame you for hating me too, don’t you, son? For wanting to exact some, y’know… some revenge.”

“I rather thought I already had,” Patience side, walking past him down the corridor and placing a hand over the next door handle along. “And besides… you weren’t like Mc O’Neil. You had better interests at heart than him.”

“Well yes, but…”

“And besides,” his creation smiled sweetly, “It’s not as though you actually killed my brothers. Is it, father?”

Morrison opened his mouth to squeak, before the door shut in his face. He listened to the sounds through the keyhole, as the blood dripped away from his face and his feet gripped the floor. Not now. Not when he was so close…

“…ell, this nice young chap is Rick Tussgren, a popular television presenter in Delamawaria… Bit of a smiler, this one. Come on, mate…”

“‘Hell–’”

“‘Hello Claudine, Bread & Cheese calling. You’re looking lovely tonight, and congratulations on an amazing show!’”

“‘Thank you…’”

“Ye-es….?”

“‘May we have the results of th–’”

“‘Would you like the results of…’”

“‘Yes.’”

“‘Yes. Okay. Here are the first results of the Delamawarian televote…’”

“One for Sargossa, then it’s West Zirconia, West Kovanel, six for Ransome-Bkyki Island, that’s a surprise… And nothing doing for C&M, that’s less of one. Bad night for Skinner’s Pigeons, and you have to say now that Rushmore simply isn’t ready for progressive deranged aggro-core gangsta-jazz to hit the mainstream just yet. And I’m padding, come on Rick…”

“‘Okay, and here are the big results, the one’s we’ve all been waiting for. Nervous, oooh… Okay, eight points go… to our friends and neighbours in Chesapeake Bay!’”

“Well slap my arse.

“‘Ten points go… to our neighbours and friends in Lake Ontario! And twelve points go from Delamawaria… to Anoushka and her enormous turnips! Upper Timonium! Mwah!’”

“And I think we can safely say we’re heading for Timeo Danaos next year now, aren’t we? Looks like it was the turnips wot won it… And you have to hand it to them, they really can do amazing things with papier-mâché on a severe budget these da–”

“Molly…?”

“Go away! I don’t have to talk to you…”

“Don’t you want to watch the C&M highlights now, hm?”

“No! I want to see her perform again! I’m going to be a singer when I grow up!”

Upon other sides of the door, Morrison and Patience each allowed their brains to picture the seventeen stone girl in sequins. Shaking his head, the older man hobbled hurriedly away, Patience’s patient tones fading as he left the corridor.

“Oh. Really? Gosh… You’re going to be a challenge, aren’t you? Excellent…”

[The Babbage Islands]

Woops, I destroyed this post in an editing-and-quoting accident.

[Dorian and Sonya]

Unicorns On Roll - Top TBI 2-1 then Crush ASMV 3-0

The Queen was very happy as she finished her coffee following the match which, in all actuality, was a must win for the Queendom. A win that saw the Unicorns top The Babbage Islands 2-1. It was a very well played match in which the Unicorns were very impressive on the pitch. The unicorns played hard and very well today to lock down the win in which they needed to gain ground in Group 12 of the WC51 qualifiers and stay in contention to advance.

And in a mid-qualification friendly, the Queen was also very pleased to have a clean victory over ASMV in a match that took place also at White Hall Stadium. It was as glorious as the spring flowers blooming in the Palace Gardens. The Unicorns placed a 3-0 win on the score board to show the Queendom and the rest of the world that the Unicorns are still a solid team no matter what has come along to trip them up along their way to qualifying for World Cup.

The Queen sat back in her chair and looked around the Stadium, smiling all the while at the crowds of Sylvanae citizens which were still cheering and partying in the stands over the two wins which the Mystical Unicorns just managed on the pitch, the home pitch, which was a wonderful feeling for the entire Queendom.

The Queen summoned a messenger to send a invitation to the Unicorns and staff to join her for coffee and cakes on the Palace grounds when they were done in the locker room. The Queen smiled and stood to leave for the Palace to make the preparations for the Mystical Unicorns arrival. Today had been a very good day indeed.

[Andossa Se Mitrin Vega]

“Have we received any news from Eros?” Istrianii Raelea Vega paced back and forth over the plush crimson carpet that covered the floor of the Presidente Commandante’s private office in the Vegan Governmental Headquarters, a building which dominated the center of Errion Vega.

“Not anything definitive. Quite simply there has been nothing new on the wire in the past twelve hours.” The gray-haired general shook his head slowly as he spoke. “It seems as though Eros is a complete loss”

“That cannot be!” Istrianii slammed here hand hard against the corner of the massive walnut desk that dominated the center of the room. “This cannot happen!”

“But it has happened, Lady. And now we must figure out what to do from this point.” The general stood quiet and awaited a response that was long in coming.

Finally, she spoke in a soft but stern voice. “Ready my helicopter and my personal guard. We travel to Eros. Have the 9th Furozii and the 118th Infantry meet us there within the next twelve hours. They will be responsible for securing the entirety of the area.” She paused to let her words sink in. “I also want the 7th Imperial Guard en route to Eros as well. I will take no chances of losing anything further.”

“Yes, Lady” the General turned to leave but stopped as Istrianii continued.

“And general, I want the entire Vegan Defense Force on ready alert. Someone has proven to have far too much info on even our deepest secrets.”

“Yes, Lady” the General quickly left the room to carry out the instructions.

“Let us hope that we are not to late.” she whispered to herself.

* * * * *

Sea Dragons Draw Streak Continues at 5
ASMV Struggles in Friendly Matches

Mace: All right! Stop whatcha doin ’cause I’m about to ruin the image and the style that ya used to

Jahirii: First we suck on the pitch and now we have to endure Mace’s singing again?

Alura: Technically he’s rapping badly this time

Mace: I look funny but yo I’m makin money see, so yo world I hope you’re ready for me

Rainu: No world is ready for this yet. And we did well with a draw against Secristan.

Jahirii: Sure, And then we got smashed by Dorian and Sonya as well as Unitopolis. Kudos to us.

Mace: Now gather round. I’m the new fool in town and my sounds laid down by the Underground

Rainu: At least the draw streak is over.

Calif: Yeah. And Kimo didn’t score on us this time.

Emyle: we really should work on defending set pieces more.

Mace: I drink up all the Hennesey ya got on your shelf. My name is Humpty- pronounced with an Umpty.

Jahirii: Practice. Yeah. We need more than that.

Rainu: Yeah we do.

Kimo: No practice talk now. More beer!

Mace: Yo ladies, oh how I’d like to hump thee. And all the rappers in the top 10, please allow me to bump thee.

Jahirii: We suck. That’s it.

Alura: He’ll never hump anyone at this rate.

Mace: I’m steppin tall y’all and just like the Humpty Dumpty you’re gonna fall.

Jahirri: That’s it. I gotta go.

Rainu: Why?

Jahirii: The song talks about his 69 and pickle soon. Gonna be gone by then.

Kimo: We’ll need lots more beer. Lots.

Timo: More Beer!

Emyle: I’m leaving with Jahirii.

Mace: I like to rhyme, I li…

[Commerce Heights]

2188-10-19 · AEROPAG · 0.1 g Au

Sokojito Überdome: The first chapter
SOKOJITO DOSI—The largest stadium in Paripana has never hosted the largest event in the world—the Olympic Games. It once lost that honor to a piddly little sixteen-bit stadium in Keto. The largest football stadium in Paripana has never hosted the largest football event in the world—the Champions’ Cup final. It is not even among the top contenders to host the twenty-fifth edition of that event, being overshadowed by the likes of the PSC’s pet Olympic Tower Stadium, the history-rich Holmes Stadium, and the new stadium in Yuba (which may well hold the entire population of Yuba). Instead, the Sokojito Überdome is inextricably linked with a single purpose—hosting the World Cup.

From a historical perspective, this is rather unsurprising, since the stadium was built for that very purpose. At that time, no one had even heard of a “Sokojito derby,” a “Champions’ Cup,” (they had heard of a “Champions League,” they just didn’t care all that much about it), or anything more than unconvincing prattle about an “Olympic Games.” Though it has hosted only one World Cup final—the one it was meant to host—it has played some part in every Paripanan World Cup since its construction. It has played some part in every qualification campaign by both Capitalizt SLANI and Jasĭyun since its construction, and both Paripanan Championships. The sparring between Capitalizt SLANI and Krytenia was the venue’s alpha and omega, and probably its epsilon, eta, and xi as well. Takil was its middle name—okay, I’d better stop before someone starts a petition to rename it the “Sokojito Takil Überdome.”

But with all the talk about the final cup final at the Überdome, the final Jasĭyun home game, the final derby game, the final Gyulhabdwen game, the final Dalamjwijĭ game, and the final game altogether, we must remember that today is not the end of the stadium, but only of its first chapter. Though the many twists and turns in the saga may have been more than enough to satisfy us for the last ninety-eight years, four months, ten days, nine hours, and three minutes, there is still more drama to be seen after we turn the page. New stories, new rivalries, and new traditions will unfold before our eyes in twenty months, from the moment we catch the first glimpse of the new gleaming façade. We’ll have a whole new set of “firsts” to undo all of this month’s endings—the first match (Capitalizt SLANI vs anyone’s guess), the first Jasĭyun match, the clubs’ first games, the clubs’ first derby, the first Jasĭyun Kub final, et cetera. The Überdome will be reborn; some traditions will survive, some will end, and some will begin. After the renovation, there’ll be boundless potential for change—and boundless potential for history to repeat itself.

It’s even possible that the new Sokojito Überdome could become known as the home of Karela. I, for one, can hardly wait to find out!