World Cup 51 roleplay thread

[Toiletdonia]

Milak looked around. "So".

"So what?" Replied Tota.

"No one applying to be manager yet. It a bit of a let down really." Said Milak. He then picked up his coco and leaned back in his armchair. Tota gave him a dirty look.

"So I guess were stuck with you?" Laughed Tota. "We'll never win again!". He chuckled quietly to himself while Milak picked up the paper. He then turned to the sport pages.

"OH MY GOD!" Yelled Milak at the top of his voice. Tota walked over to Milak and the armchair.

"What? Oh yeah look at group 3 Silver Beach might qualify still. I'm really jealous why do we have to suck hard? Why couldn't we be in an easy group not this damn hell hole." Said Tota. He then rolled his eyes.

"No not that." Said Milak "This." He pointed to an article about pay for players.

"So what they have that every week for a different team." Said Tota "I don't see what your getting worked up about."

"This week it is for Toiletdonia." Said Milak "And look at what it says." he started reading the article. "Recently released was the pay scheme for the Toiletdonian national football team. It has stated that the players will only be paid £10,000 if they're in the first team. £5,000 if they're a reserve and £2,500 if they're under 21. They also won't be paid again until they make it to the second round of the cup of harmony. If they don't make it they won't be paid for the cup of harmony."

"And I've been spending like a movie star." Said Tota "You should see my range of golden furniture." He sat down in his armchair and sipped his coco. "So what do we do?"

"Well they're is one thing we could do." Said Milak. "But it's crazy do you want to hear it?"

"Yes." Replied Tota. Milak then whispered in his ear. "Oh god that is crazy we'll need to pack our bags no time to lose!" They then ran to they're rooms in the lodge they had hired for the world cup and packed like crazy.

Sometime later they arrived at the airport. "So were going on 'Celebrity who can survive the jungle' then?" Asked Tota. He fished out his vomit bag because he is always sick at take-off. "That'll be hard. We'll have to eat cockroaches to earn our dinner then."

"Yes it'll be weird ,crazy and dangerous but were celebrities they can kill us on the show." said Milak. "Besides you sicking all over me is on top of my worries right now."

"Don't worry I know what to do I'll just stick my head in my bag." Said Tota. "You don't need to worry about me vomiting on you It'll be just fine." The plane then started to lurch forward and pick up speed as it went down the runway. "I hate economy class you know." Said Tota. "I'm glad the show paid us to fly first class. It really." He stopped and sick up all over Milak.

"Er stewards!?" Yelled Milak.

"Yes sir what is the problem?" Said a flight stewardess. You know the type with a smile permanently fixed on her their face?

"I've got sick on my can I have some towels or something please?" Said Milak.

"Don't worry sir we'll clean you up." Said the stewardess. 10 more stewards then swarmed around them and second later there was no trace that Tota was ever sick at all.

"Wow thanks." Said Milak. "Also how much are the headphone for the movie?"

"They're isn't a movie but the screen in front of you is a TV. Just puck up the headphones put them on and you will have a choice of 1,000 film and 500 TV shows." Smiled the stewardess.

"Great!" Said Milak and him and Tota sat down and watched TV for the rest of the flight.

TO BE CONTINUED

[The Archregimancy]

"...still no sight of the cave - how much longer must we climb?"

"Until we reach His lair, Euphemia."

"But John - we've been looking for him for so long now"

"I know. But we have to find him. We have to ask him to captain the WC51 squad. He alone is a worthy replacement for Great Cthulhu."

"But what if he says no?"

"I have it on good authority that he won't"

"But we've crossed the Desert of Inadequate Citation...
Rescued the Sword of Truth and the Shield of Justice from the Plagiarism Beast...
Fought the Hordes of Unsubmitted Failure...
Prised ourselves from the Inadequate Library...
Been granted Parchments of Passage from the Hidden Vice-Chancellor..."

"There's no need to remind me, Euphemia. And now we find ourselves climbing the Ladder of Inference to scale the tallest shard of the Postgraduate Peaks, the six kilometre-high pinnacle where we will at last find the secret lair of he whom we seek."

"What does he look like, John?"

"I don't know - but we'll know him when we see him."

"Remind me of his powers... remind me why this is worth it..."

"He can right all academic wrongs; he can punish the unworthy; he can breach the fourth wall..."

"The fourth wall? Really? He can do that?"

"Yes, Euphemia - he really can."

"Let's do it, then. Let's push on. Let us climb each step of this infernal ladder, until at least we reach the lair of our WC51 captain....

THE INVIGILATOR!"

[The Babbage Islands]

What goes around, comes around. After the West Pocono loss I wrote here about getting thumped. In this round of qualifying we were the thumpers and the Poconi the thumpees.

Our match was a 5-0 win over Quattreblegia in the Great Dome. When combined with Balida's 3-0 home win over West Pocono it puts us up three points with two to play and adds +8 to goal difference. One win in the last two should seal a spot in the Cup. Two wins are still the goal, and if Jeruselem slip we can still finish top of group.

All five of the other starting midfielders scored, exactly as I've always preferred to do things. Setting people up is what I do. Cook, then Brown, then Heatherly, then Alder, then Ducharme. We sat both Patty and Orson at halftime, then made one more back line substitution late.

So now it's a trip to HellHorn, and then a chance to reverse our only first-leg loss when we host Dorian and Sonya in Dover at Whitecliff Stadium. I like our chances, let's just not get caught looking too far ahead.

Smile!

---

World Cup 51 Qualifying: The Babbage Islands

MD1: Dimoniquid (Capital Stadium, Charleston): won 4-0
MD2: at Blouman Empire: won 5-1
MD3: Jeruselem (The Great Dome, Gernsback): drew 0-0
MD4: at St Paul’s Isle: won 6-3
MD5: Balida (Whitecliff Stadium, Dover): drew 3-3
MD6: West Pocono (Capital Stadium): won 3-1
MD7: at Quattrablegia: won 4-2
MD8: HellHorn (The Great Dome): won 5-3
MD9: at Dorian and Sonya: lost 2-1
MD10: at Dimoniquid: won 4-1
MD11: Blouman Empire (Whitecliff Stadium): won 3-2
MD12: at Jeruselem: drew 0-0
MD13: St Paul’s Isle (Capital Stadium): won 6-2
MD14: at Balida: drew 1-1
MD15: at West Pocono: lost 3-1
MD16: Quattrablegia (The Great Dome): won 5-0
MD17: at HellHorn
MD18: Dorian and Sonya (Whitecliff Stadium)

[Khytenna]

Royal Khytenna news

Khytenna lose to Loonaterian

Loonaterian 1–0 Khytenna

Khytenna played well against a strong Loonaterain side, but something just wasn’t there today. After a very slow first half and uneventful first half, Loonaterain got a goal from Ricardo Harole in 60th minute was a shock to a well organised khytenna defence. Khytenna Battled back but to avail, Syd Missed a penalty at the last minute of the game, which rounded Khytenna’s disappointing evening off.
Khytenna Will be looking for a much better performance tomorrow, and will defiantly be looking for one last win in the Qualifying to go out on a high.

Side unchanged

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)
CM23.John Carmichael(Central FC)
FW20. Lini Pellett (AS New Haven )
ST 11. Allan Syd (Xephik Reds)
FW 10. Fergal Firestone (Blue bay FC)


Subs:
13. Tim Gatton (Xepthic Reds))
21. Darryl Jolin(Portside Park FC)
4. Kerrian Sheetz (Blue Bay FC)
22. Hugh Agan (Telio Checkers)
8. Kurk Rusek (Drakes City)
5. Teddy Berkeley (Central FC)


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

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

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

-----------Pellett --------Firestone
-------------------Syd

[Virabia]

Full time had come, and the team came thundering in to the locker room. They were all high off of their victory, which is something they didn't see alot of so they celebrated it even more and on a normal day Joaquin would be right along side them, throwing the high fives, etc. However, he wasn't in the mood for that. He had bigger things to worry about but, first he had to talk to his manager, friend and mentor Brett Sampson.

Walking over to Brett, he tried to pull him aside so he could talk to him but, Brett signalled that he'd be a minute as he had to give the traditional post game speech. However, the words were drowned out to Joaquin, becoming a mesh of words and phrases that he couldn't and quite frankly didn't want to make sense of.

Ten minutes later, Brett had finished the speech and the team had begun exiting the locker room, and Joaquin began moving towards Brett.

"You needed to talk to me?", Brett was quick to start the conversation.

"Si", Joaquin replied, he was already distressed enough he didn't want to worry about speaking English if he didn't have to, "¿Te importa si hablamos en español? Es mucho más cómodo y natural para mí ... (Do you mind if we talk in Spanish, It's more comfortable for me)"

"Prefiero Inglés (I'd prefer English)", said Brett. His Spanish wasn't so great, "pero, lo que funcione para tu (but, what ever works for you)".

"Ok, Pues de eso lesiones. No es un hueso roto. Mi doctor me llamó hoy y (Well about that injury. It's not a broken bone. My doctor called me today and)", said a still distressed Joaquin.

"y...(and)", said a Brett.

"él dijo que yo .. yo .. yo. .. Tengo el VIH (he said that I have HIV", said Joaquin who was on the edge of tears.

"¿Sabes cuánto tiempo tiene? (Do you know how long you have?" said Brett.

"No, pero allá, tal como él lo dijo en el teléfono que probablemente no tiene mucho tiempo. Sin embargo, dijo que al menos tendrá una mejor idea de mi cuenta de la T-célula cuando llegue otra prueba mañana (No, but from, the way he said it on the phone I probably don't have long. But, he said that we will at least have a better idea of my T-Cell count when I get another test tomorrow. ), said Joaquin who found that even speaking in Spanish proved to be difficult.

"Veo", said Brett, "Entonces, ¿qué vas a hacer con su carrera futbolística? (So what will you do about your football carrer?"

"No se" replied Joaquin.

"Si yo fuera usted, me gustaría dejar de fumar. Te he conocido por 18 años, y nunca he visto tan inquietos a nada, y como tu amigo yo creo que sería mejor para usted si usted deja el fútbol, incluso si usted tiene algo de tiempo. Hay que ir a casa y terminar con su vida rodeado de sus amigos y su familia. (If I were you I'd quit. Go home and finish out your life surrounded by friends and family)", said Brett.

"Gracias por el consejo. Era lo que iba a hacer. Pero, antes de volver a Esperenza tengo una petición. (Thanks for the advice. It was what I was going to do. But, before I get back to Esperenza I have one request.)" said Joaquin who was still tripping over his words,

"¿y que es? (and that is)" said Brett.

"Yo quiero jugar más cerca y tienen que ser mi último partido. Pero, eso no es todo, puede usted por favor hacerlo de modo que los beneficios van a la lucha contra mi enfermedad en todo el mundo. Yo no quiero que mi todo esto de estar en vena. Además, me podrías hacerme un favor puede usted por favor se lo digas a nadie el. No quiero que la prensa entrometida que me siga sin parar. (I want to play the closer and have that be my final game. But, that's not all, can you please make it so that the proceeds go to fighting my condition around the world. I don't want my this all to be in vein. Also, I you could do me a favour can you please not tell the anyone. I don't want the nosy press to follow me nonstop)." said Joaquin.

"Voy a hablar con la gente en el estadio y en la FA al respecto. También usted no tendría que preocuparse por la prensa. Recuerde que somos el único equipo de fútbol. No como eran famosos ni nada. (I'll talk to the people at the stadium and at the FA about it. Also you wouldn't have to worry about the press. Remember we are the only the football team. Not like were famous or anything.)" said Brett.

Joaquin began walking away but as he did he said Thanks (in english). He was still shocked and sad about the news but at least he knew that his suffering may come at the saving of someone else's life.

IC Note: Spanish is spoken as a first language by approx 4 000 000 (out of 20 000 000) people in Virabia, and there is currently a movement to make it an official language along side English. However, both Tropaia + Vonghurst and Anglorcia have made Spanish a second official language.

OOC Note: Yes, I know I butchered spanish with Google Translate, but I opted to do the dialogue in spanish to add flavour. English translations in parentheses.

[Akbarabad]

D-Day for Tiger Eaters in Uiri.

(Akbarabad Press, AP): After 16 matches of a largely insipid and uninspiring campaign, the Tiger Eaters still hold their destiny in their own hands and still maintain a strong chance of qualifying. With just two matches to go Akbarabad maintain a three point lead over the Whirl Islands and Achtervolging. We need every one of that three point lead because we are behind both of them when it comes to head to head. Finishing equal on points with either side would see us fail to qualify for the first time since our heartbreaking elimination in World Cup 47. We need to attain four points from our last two games to seal qualification. Anything else and we wind up having to rely on other results to get us through.

Strangely enough, we can still steal top spot from Peisandros in these last two games if they stumble enough. The Sandrians play Achtervolging in their next match and the ideal result from the Tiger Eater point of view would be a goalless draw. Hopefully the Whirl Islands too will be unable to pull of a victory against visiting Antarctistan. This would of course matter greatly if the unthinkable happens and the Tiger Eaters return from Uiri with a loss.

Now in the previous match against Uiri at home, the Tiger Eaters romped to a comfortable 5-1 victory that was both reassuring and non-indicative of what was to follow. While the victory was a good one, it generated a degree of complacency that harmed Akbarabad in the matches afterwards. This time in an away game with qualification hanging in the balance, there is no room for complacency. It should be remembered that for all there under performance, that Uiri are still the third highest ranked side in the group. We certainly cannot expect an easy game like last time and will probably have to fight all the way against a side determined to still prove it's worth after being eliminated. Lets just hope that no matter how well they play, that we are still able to obtain a vital result.

[The Archregimancy]

THE PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING FOR WORLD CUP QUALIFICATION

Let us give thanks to the beneficent and merciful God, the Father of our Lord, God and Saviour, Jesus Christ, for He has covered us, helped us, guarded us, accepted us unto Him, spared us, supported us, and brought us to this hour from whence we have qualified for the World Cup. Let us also ask Him, the Lord our God, the Almighty, to guard us in all peace this holy day of qualification, and all the days of our life.

O Master, Lord, God the Almighty, the Father of our Lord, God and Saviour, Jesus Christ, we thank You for every condition, concerning every condition, and in every condition, for You have covered us, helped us, guarded us, accepted us unto You, spared us, supported us, and brought us to this hour. For we have now qualified for World Cup 51, which hast been the devoutest wish of all footballing monks.

Therefore, we ask and entreat Your goodness, O Lover of mankind, to grant us to complete this holy day, and all the days of our life, in all peace with Your fear. All envy, all temptation, all the work of Satan, the counsel of wicked men, and the rising up of enemies, hidden and manifest, take them away from us, and from all Your people, and from this holy place that is Yours, that we may glorify your holy name by actually having a reasonably successful World Cup. For a change.

But those things which are good and profitable do provide for us; for it is You Who have given us the authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and upon all the power of the enemy, and to achieve the second round for the first time in a very long time indeed.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, by the grace, compassion and love of mankind, of Your Only-Begotten Son, our Lord, God and Saviour, Jesus Christ, through Whom the glory, the honour, the dominion, and the adoration are due unto You, with Him, and the Holy Spirit, the Life-Giver, Who is of one essence with You, now and at all times, and unto the ages of all ages.

Amen.

[Undeadzombiee]

Right after the Vijay match was when Josh, Colton, Erich, and Russ made it to Puppett Nation. They did have a little trouble convincing the border guards who they were, but made it safely to Puppett Nation’s stadium. Now, they waited. Since the team wouldn’t arrive for another few hours, Russ went to grab some food, and returned with $250 worth of food, mostly bagels.

“Wow, they really starved you, huh?” asked Josh.

“Yeah, we were lucky to get a cup of water… Ugh. Now I realize why people don’t like them! The conditions were terrible!”

Russ and Erich dug into the food, while Josh and Colton snuck in a couple bites. They didn’t dare take anymore, because of the ferocity of Erich and Russ. Suddenly, Josh asked, “Hey, how are we doing in the World Cup?”

Colton found a went out into the streets, found a vendor, and bought a couple copies.

“That bad! Last, and only three wins?!? Wow, they really stink!” shouted Josh.

“Perhaps if we hadn’t left them without our two best forwards, and the best midfielder, we would have done better!” replied Colton sarcastically.

Suddenly, Johnsom opened the door, and shouted in panic, before he realized who they were. “Guys! Erich, Russ, Josh and Colton are here!”

For the rest of the day, everyone on the team asked how it went, and what was going on. Luckily, the next match was at home, but finally the players realized they had a match that day.

Erich spoke a few words before they went out and practiced, though.

“You guys mean the world to me. I don’t know a single team that could have done what we have done. Even though we are eliminated, we still should finish this with two wins. Zombiee’s on three!”

“ONE, TWO, THREE, ZOMBIEES!”

[Tyrrin]

TYRRIN NATIONAL NEWS
REPORTER CAPTURED BY TERRORISTS
Benny Tjerd

Well, our Stallions qualified for their second World Cup, and I couldn't be happier. Of course, I will never take this for granted, after I was captured by terrorists while flying home from the Kazoo Peoples after our 2-1 victory over them. My plane was forced to land in Ashishim on the way to Tyrrin due to heavy storms over Coranto International Airport. There was going to be a five hour delay, so I decided to take a stroll around the food court for a bit. Next thing I knew, I woke up in a dimly lit shack. I was told that I had been hit on the head and dragged to a black van outside the airport. Security isn't very good in Ashishim, as this clearly demonstrates. Anyways, I found out that I had been captured by the notorious terrorist group Ashalla Hishim, who are based in Ashishim. They are best known for the destruction of the Sea Needle in Sorgan.

These terrorists wanted me to tell everyone that Ashishim would be fielding a team for the World Cup next time it is held. They also wanted me to force the WCC into letting them qualify on their first try, as well as win the Baptism of Fire. I told them that I had never even talked to a member of the WCC, and that I didn't even think that they could do that, but they still beat me for about a week. So instead, I agreed to tell everyone about how amazing this team will be, and that if they don't win, they will blow up something in the next World Cup, or maybe assassinate a manager or star striker. I don't know if they are actually capable of this, but they seemed pretty serious.

Now that my obligation is taken care of (Fareed, you can stop following me now), let me cover a bit of the Stallion's struggles and triumphs in World Cup 51. In the crucial Match Day 14 game against the Kazoo Peoples, we came out on top with a 2-1 victory after a tough struggle, which all but secured a qualification spot for us. Willem scored both of our goals. Match Day 15 saw our qualification dreams come to fruition, as our 3-1 victory over Quakmybush combined with Cassadaigua's 7-1 slaughter of the Kazoo Peoples gave us the qualification we had earned. Willem, Brecht, and Raimondo scored for the Stallions in the victory. On Match Day 16, we rested all our starters for another match against Canofa. The substitutes didn't play all that well, but they came out on top with a 3-2 victory. Thorvald, Koit, and Vincenzo were the scorers, with Koit's goal in stoppage time sealing the victory. That is a quick wrap-up of what has gone on in my absence.

As the deadline for UICA entries approached, many Tyrrinians were eagerly following the struggles of Ousevale Borough, the Krytenian club that national hero Michael Willem plays for. The club scored an astounding 173 goals in the season en route to barely making the cut into the TQCC. The Tigers may not realize it, but they have millions of fans here in Tyrrin. They will be following the club's progress in the TQCC, along with this edition's Commander's League entry, Tyrrin Royale.

Email Benny Tjerd at btjerd@tnn.tyr

[Silver Beach]

Silver Beach get 2nd straight victory, this time on the road, in third place!!

In World Cup 51 qualifiying, Silver Beach got closer to qualifiying for its first ever world cup, in just its second try, with an amazing come-from-behind 2-1 win over Upper North Yorkshire. This win was a good one from the start. IN the first half, Upper North Yorkshire just dominated play, getting 2/3 of the possesion, or 67% of the possesion, and in the 33rd minute, they broke through. Here was the quote from Silver Beach National Radio announcer. "The opponent broke through, and now is on a breakaway!! He is running in and- SCORES!! GOAL FOR UPPER NORTH YORKSHIRE!!!!" Which gave them a 1-0 lead they took into the half.

In the second half, Silver Beach was coming back. They were playing hard with their backs against the wall, because they knew with a loss, they would be eliminated from World Cup 51. So, in the 65th minute, the captain, Charles Stando, took the ball forward and made a brilliant move past their captain, then got Silver Beach a corner. He himself took the corner, and Jacob Jenkins headed the ball into the net to tie the score at 1-1 and completely silence the crowd. But, Silver Beach was not done yet. Jacob Jenkins showed why he is leading the Premier League with 14 goals for Blue Bay FC when Silver Beach was passing it around the 18, and then Jacob Jenkins took a strike from 22 yards out and buried it into the far upper corner to take the 2-1 in the 87th minute. This was a dramatic win, and Silver Beach showed their resolve in pulling out a victory and getting into third place in qualifiying. Starblaydia has already qualified, so they need the Mice of Miceland to lose and they need to win some games if they want to go to World Cup 51.

[Sargossa]

Tough At The Top



You can't help but feel sorry for fans of Cassadaigua, Sorthern Northland, Valanora, Starblaydia, The Han, Sarzonia and the like. Where's the excitement? Where's the drama? Where's the heart crushing, soul destroying, tear jerking sense of potential utter disappointment lurking just around the corner? Comfortably qualifying with barely a bead of sweat on their collective brows. That's not football. That's almost snooker.

Here in northern Rushmore we go about things a little differently. Over here we just can't help but put our long-suffering fans through the mill. Because without that they'd just be suffering. Stands to reason don't it? In the past, way in the past, when we never had a prey of qualifying we'd like to go on a thrilling run to make the impossible seem very doable. And then snuff the dream out right at the death. More recently we like to lead the way and then be chased down by a nation outside the top one hundred. Or Nethertopia. I'll let you decide which is worse.

Memories that have been whipped up again after the Corsairs ten game unbeaten run in the qualifiers came crashing to a halt in Kelssek. Although we've got no real complaints. No excuses. No blatant penalties waved away of dodgy goals allowed to stand. The top seeds were simply too good on the day and Sargossa's finest were neatly turned over in Kirkenes. A Pontoise double had all but killed off the match in the first half. In the second a Daniel González Rodríguez strike gave the visitors a sniff of a point but substitute Cournoyer restored the two goal advantage with ten minutes remaining and the top seeds deservedly took all three points.

The sixteenth round of matches in Group 9 ensured another nation dropped by the wayside, leaving just three in contention for those two Finals places. Sargossa stay top but only number of wins separates the Corsairs from Pays de Horreur after the convicts won their home fixture with The Shinnian Islands. Unranked Tarrentum continue to impress, travelling to Bostopia, scoring four and dumping the group's second ranked side out of the running. The four other teams remain fairly irrelevant. Leaving Group 9 looking much like this.

Group 9                      P    W   D   L   GF   GA   GD  Pts 
 1 Sargossa                  16   10   3   3   29   15  +14   33
 2 Pays de Horreur           16    9   6   1   43   27  +16   33
 3 Kelssek                   16    9   4   3   39   24  +15   31
 4 Bostopia                  16    7   4   5   28   24   +4   25  E
 5 Tarrentum                 16    7   3   6   32   36   −4   24  E
 6 Loonaterian               16    4   6   6   18   23   −5   18  E
 7 Toiletdonia               16    4   3   9   24   29   −5   15  E
 8 Khytenna                  16    3   6   7   15   27  −12   15  E
 9 The Shinnian Islands      16    3   4   9   21   31  −10   13  E
10 Bisgea                    16    3   3  10   27   40  −13   12  E

Tarrentum have certainly been the surprise package in this group and The Falcons, despite being unable to qualify themselves, still have a big part to play, hosting Sargossa in the next match and travelling to Kelssek on the final day. And with just two points separating the top three sides even the smallest of hiccups could prove fatal.

[Delaclava]

This was the biggest game of their lives so far. Delaclava vs. Jesselton. The winning team would have the leg up in getting the second qualifying spot - Jesselton would have a six-point advantage on the Delaclavs and Delaclava would have the head to head advantage if tied in points.

The first half was incredibly exciting. Right off the back, Sheldon Berrera ripped a shot from the arc that Sanizam Andu only barely punched out of the corner. Fahmi Hamizi countered by striking a low screamer from 13 yards out, and Graham Torres had to jump almost before the shot to stop it. Hamizi followed up and got his rebound, but Berrera blocked the shot and cleared it out. Hamizi, Jesselton's high-scoring striker, was a factor the whole game, getting six shots, four on goal. Delaclava almost went up a goal at the end of the half as Stanley Ichtyelkov booted a shot in the upper left corner. Andu dove but missed the shot, which ended up hitting the corner. The rebound went to Geraldo Ayala, whose shot Marlon Joel blocked. Simon De Braden slid to poke in the second rebound, but Andu scrambled back up to block the ball from reaching the goal line. As Andu punted, the half ended, and only one thing was missing from an exciting half: goals.

The second half was more the same: very exciting, but bearing no fruit. Hamizi volleyed a liner towards the net in the 75th minutes. Torres got a hand on it but the ball continued. In a last-second desperation, Jamal Pacheco sprinted in and dove to head the ball out. Pacheco's head hit the post, but the ball went off the side of his head and trickled out to be cleared by Calvin Pope. Pacheco was taken off and replaced by Lucio Magnani.

Time was waning. Five minutes were added for injury time, but they were disappearing fast. No one had contemplated this happening, but it seemed to be the only possibility. Delaclava certainly didn't want a tie. Which is why Ruben Hester kicked a long shot from midfield as time was about to run out. Andu, who had ten saves, made the save but parried the ball rather than catching it. He didn't see Alessandro Campeon Berrera running even faster than before his knee injuries. Having only one shot, Campeon Berrera picked the lower right corner and slotted it just inside the right post. Andu was beat, and so was Jesselton. 1-0 Delaclava.

The win put Delaclava level in points with Jesselton, and second in the group. Cafundeu, who tied Tonarius in a far less exciting scoreless tie, qualified as a result.

"That was absolutely incredible," coach Anatoliy Titov said. "The most exciting game of my life."

"This game has shown how much our team's matured," co-captain Calvin Pope said. "Even with uniforms. Our first Baptism of Fire game, we played a team who was naked and we were completely rattled. Today we were completely in control. Outstanding. I'm so proud of everyone on this team."

Delaclavs lined their streets, dancing and singing. Everyone was smiling, as well as the neighboring Sarzonians.

Delaclava faces Euroslavia, then Milchama. Jesselton faces Tonarius, the Euroslavia. To qualify, Delaclava must get at least as many points as Jesselton, Lovable Weirdos can do no more than four points better, and Milchama six points better. In other words, "It's in our hands," Campeon Berrera said. "We're in control. We've won 9 of our last 12. We can do this. As long as we don't blow it."

For now, however, the Phoenixes locker room is all smiles.

----------

Vaoco Schneider was in a hurry. He had to fit in four separate meetings in the span of 30 minutes before heading to the first AOCDATOR meeting at the White Wolf Hotel. He had to speak with Kathy Bunhall on the phone, meet with Gail Haffner, do a video conference with Maark Tuona, and then call in Admiral Timothy Advatov.

The conversation with Bunhall was quick. "Ms. Bunhall," the president said, "how are you?"

"Great, thanks. What can I do for you?"

"Tara Watkins was supposed to meet with you-"

"Yes, I know. When is she coming?"

"That's the thing. She seems to have disappeared en route. You never met with her?"

"Never saw her."

Schneider sighed. "Okay, thanks for the information."

"No problem, I hope she's all right."

It was next time to meet with Gail Haffner. Her brother Grant was the former Acting President of Sarzonia and current Senior Vice President, and Gail herself was the ambassador from Sarzonia to Delaclava. "Has anyone heard of anything going on with Watkins?"

"Watkins could pass through the border freely if she wanted. For that reason, we don't have an actual record of her passing the borders. For the same reason, anyone who wanted to kidnap or hurt her would be able to cross the border."

"Any security cameras that would have seen her?"

"I think there are."

Markk Tuona affirmed that, at least on the Delaclav side, there were cameras. Schneider then needed to get on the phone with border security to order that the tapes be sent to the capital.

Lastly, Timothy Advatov. "Admiral, have a seat," Schneider said. "Timothy, Tara Watkins was going to meet with Kathy Bunhall, Sarzonia's vice president for Naval Operations. Watkins never made it there, and she's missing."

Schneider paused as Timothy shook his head and put it in his hands. He knew that Tara and Timothy were very close; the admiral had been under Watkins' tutelage for the entirety of his career.

"What this means," Schneider pressed on, "is that the position of Defense Chief is empty. By order of succession, the position is filled by Admiral of the Navy. So, it is, yet in sadness, my pleasure to temporarily promote you to Defense Chief."

Advatov smiled weakly and said, "Thank you, Mr. President. I must be going, there's plenty to do.

"Of course. Thanks for coming in."

"My pleasure," the new Defense Chief said as he walked out.

[Krytenia]

Uh-Olic
By Rami Niblick in Fifth

SO, it comes to this. The most important five days in Mark Olic's international career. Today, the Aces face The Ursine Northlands; on Wednesday, it's Miceland who provide the opposition. Quite simply, six points is the order of the day. Krytenia have been at times astounding, at times anonymous...and at times, simply awful.

To put it into more tubthumping prose, of course, this is a World Cup that Krytenia simply cannot fail to qualify for. It falls on the centenary of one of the darkest days in Krytenian football; the loss of half of the World Cup XXVI squad in a coach crash in the Jativan Islands, back when Paripana were still the UCS. These men, these boys, owe it to the memory of Dave Van Staveren, Robin Spivey, Kevin Keda, and the others who lost their lives in pursuit of sky blue glory. Many of those who perished were members of the side that had reached the Aces' first ever semi-final some eight years earlier; all were men of honour, of unceasing fight, of pride.

So to Mark Olic, and the squad, I add only this: Grow a pair. NOW.

Onward!

[Andrewboy]

Drewchester Roast
Andrewboy qualification hopes dashed

summary
Almost any hope of Andrewboy qualifying has now been dashed with an away loss to Schiavonia in matchday 16. Andrewboy need 2 wins and they need Schiavonia to have 2 losses in the remaining games to qualify.

Match

Code: Select all

Schiovania:4               Andrewboy:2
Hogan 22end                Johnson 33erd
Sanderson V 41st           Flash 90+2
Leau 77th
Leau 81st


Not a bad showing from Andrewboy, but a hope-crushing result. The game was never going to be good. Schiavonia scored first in the 22end with Hogan volleying home well from 22 yards after Sanderson V hit in a good cross that was squirmed out by Andrewboy defenders. Andrewboy were given hope in the 33erd when Walsh broke dummied a defender and played it across the box to Johnson who slammed a shot into the right bottom corner from 12 yards. Things went downhill from there. with 4 minutes left in the first half Sanderson V gave a blow to Andrewboy hopes from a free kick that flew by everybody including mink. In the second half Andrewboy poured on pressure for an equalizer, and we did quite well for quite a while. In the 77th, our pressure was at a breaking point and nerves were high when al of a sudden, Gregosen lost the ball un midfield and Schiavonia broke, lobbing it forward for Leau who took it and ran 30 yards before beating Mink on the 1-1 to silence Andrewboy fans. before, anyone knew what had happened, Leau ran straight through the Andrewboy defence and wrong footed mink to score from 13 yards. A large depression fell over Andrewboy players and fans alike, although Andrewboy manage to pull a meaningless goal from a deflected Flash shot late on. a devastating blow, but now we regroup and hope for some sort of giant miracle.

Results and Table
Group 6
Negative Katana 2–1 Tretskivucia
Vjiay 0–1 Undeadzombiee
Iglesian Archipelago 4–6 Valanora
Taeshan 4–2 Lithatrius
Schiavonia 4–2 Andrewboy

⁠   Group 6                    P    W   D   L   GF   GA   GD  Pts 
 1 Valanora                  16   13   2   1   54   24  +30   41  Q
 2 Schiavonia                16    9   4   3   38   28  +10   31
 3 Taeshan                   16    8   2   6   37   30   +7   26
 4 Andrewboy                 16    7   5   4   49   42   +7   26
 5 Tretskivucia              16    6   6   4   34   32   +2   24  E
 6 Vjiay                     16    5   2   9   23   32   −9   17  E
 7 Iglesian Archipelago      16    4   5   7   34   38   −4   17  E
 8 Negative Katana           16    4   3   9   25   38  −13   15  E
 9 Lithatrius                16    4   1  11   28   46  −18   13  E
10 Undeadzombiee             16    3   4   9   24   36  −12   13  E

Next match
in the next match, Andrewboy have a difficult but must win match against Taeshan. Taeshan are in the same predicament as us, needing to win there remaining games and needing Schiavonia to lose there’s. In matchday 17, one will stay in, 1 will go out(or if Schiavonia wins, both will go out).

Remaining games
Andrewboy: vs. Taeshan, @ Iglesian Archipelago
Schiavonia: @ Undeadzombiee, @ Taeshan
Taeshan: @ Andrewboy, vs. Schiavonia

[Schiavonia]

To all at the Tretskivucia Football Federation or said equivalent,

Congratulations on what has been a valiantly fought campaign, in which your team has kept in touch with much more experienced and revered football nations for so long. It really is a commendable achievement.

Here in Schiavonia, we had heard that, were you to qualify, there would be cake. However, we don't want your elimination from the competition to stop you, so please find enclosed what can only described as a large quantity of home made cake, all the way from Schiavonia. Hopefully these will go some of the way to make up for being knocked out.

With many best wishes,

C.D. Ellis,
Official groundsman of the Schiavone Football Federation

P.S. Let's hope that Andrewboy and Taeshan draw to give you as best a chance as possible of reaching third place. Oh, and to secure our finals place.

Enjoy the cake!

[Osarius]

The Prodigal Son Returns

The value of Benedict di Corradi to his team was made clear to us all - even those who doubted it - during the home victory over Colurada. At half time, the Firebirds seemed to be struggling, and were clinging to a 0-0 draw against a team they would normally be expected to slaughter. Our sources tell us that shortly before the restart, Lord William Kenterbury - head of the OFA - paid a visit to the dressing room, to let the team know their beloved coach had been found, alive and well, in Kryosis. Team morale skyrocketed, and the Osarians - fielding a weakened squad, no less - put on a masterclass of attacking football for the next 45 minutes, displaying just what might have been, had di Corradi not been missing for the better part of a year. Benni Watson, Frederico Avila and Roberto Cassetti were among the more experienced heads who did their best to steady a sinking ship, as it were, but they could do little to slow the rapid descent in team morale, and we all despaired as we saw our boys languishing near the foot of their qualifying group.

While the team were not able to replicate the Colurada second half performance away against Chocolate Pencils, they were definitely looking like the team the fans knew and loved, once again. Keon Tinto really pressing his claims as the heir apparent to the legendary Dean Atkinson with a double in that game. The Hollybrent hitman will definitely be in great demand this summer, especially if he can make an impact for his club in the Globe Cup.

The next home fixture, against Nethertopia, saw di Corradi return to the dugout. While he did not actively take charge - psychologists suggesting he was not yet ready to take on the burden of leading the national side fully - his presence alone seemed to be enough to spur his charges to an improbable victory over Nethertopia. Although our hopes of World Cup Qualification have been long over, recent performances suggest that we can still redeem ourselves in the Cup of Harmony. Unfortunately, many national team regulars will not appear in the next world cup, as age gets the better of them, but this entire farcical situation has shown us that, as a footballing nation, we possess a lot of potential superstars. Most notably, Keon Tinto and Gabriel Russell have really made a big impact on the team in the absence of the Brothers Atkinson and Jermain Lewis' erratic form for club and country.

Off the pitch, investigations have occured, with law enforcement - as well as the Rabastorian Guard - looking into the alleged abduction of Firewood's greatest son. As it stands, there are suggestions that di Corradi was abducted by ultra Kryosi fans, with the assistance of Greeningham fans within Osarius. The reigning Emperor of Kryosis - the cousin of our own King, Benni I - has decreed that those responsible for disgracing his nation should be executed. However, the Osarian legal system does not permit execution without trial, except in case of arrest by the King's Guard. Due to the appeal of the Kryosi Emperor, however - who also sits on the council of Rabastor - the case will be presented to the King himself, in the old style of things.

Meanwhile, Firewood City retained the King's League crown despite several key players underperforming. The youngsters also romped to a Corradini Cup triumph, earning a second double in successive seasons for Willem Hamel's Fourgian outfit. In the OFA Cup, Grasshoppers Turic proved there is life after Dean by claiming their first trophy in some time with a convincing victory over a Burningham City side - seemingly in decline - in the final.

Further information on the national side's exploits, as well as domestic and UICA competition news is available on the OSN website.

[Delaclava]

DNBSports.com

World Cup 51: Our draw revisited 2.0
We could very well qualify

Before qualifying started, we made some World Cup qualifying predictions. We analyzed all the teams in our group and called the other groups. Then, a few weeks ago, we did the same. We're going to check up once again.

(264) Lovable Weirdos
THEN: They're young, they're enthusiastic, they look good...unfortunately, they're just inexperienced. Definitely look at them as better than their rank though. Expect anywhere from the middle to the bottom of the pack, but certainly not last.
LATER: What the...what? That's right, one of the worst-ranked teams in the world is in prime position to qualify for the World Cup on their first try. They've played very well so far. We doubt they can keep that going for the second stage though.
NOW: They've fizzled a bit, but they're only four points out of qualifying and still could. Regardless, it's been an incredible run.

(—) Ancient Astronauts
THEN: Uh, who? Their first international game will be in qualifying. This cannot fare well. Unless someone gets nuked - CTE'd, as Nathicanists, Reppyists, and Kryozerkianists would call it - this is the cellar dweller.
LATER: Well, they've been pretty much ineffectual, but really not a bad showing. They should be able to finish strong.
NOW: Implosion. At least they were right the first time. They will finish last.

(121) Pokemonman
THEN: Their rank is seriously throwing you off here. Seriously overrated, if that's possible for such a team. The Pokemonman-Ancient Astronauts matches will look like 5-year-olds playing soccer.
LATER: Pretty much right on the money. That fixture looked pretty bad, AA's goal being pretty lucky. All things considered, though, it could be worse.
NOW: They haven't done their best, but they've gotten points more often than not. They've really stepped it up and will probably look pretty good in the Cup of Harmony.

(50) Delaclava
THEN: Well, we're pretty good. We're the third seed. We've got high-quality players. We've got a Cafundelese coach. We've got what it takes. We should be able to do it in the tournament. Sometimes, though, we just can't.
LATER: Got it pretty much exactly right. Shown ourselves to be very good, haven't always done what we needed. But Titov's ironed out all the wrinkles in this team, and we should look pretty good.
NOW: Yep, we're looking pretty damn good. 9 of the last 12 won, got the head to head on both Jesselton and Lovable Weirdos. All we gotta do is close it out.

(99) Euroslavia
THEN: Well, top 100 is better than nothing. Kudos for finishing seventh last time around in a very tough group, and they've handled the international scene well. They're the fifth seed, but except them to get fourth or even third. More on this later.
LATER: Well, they've basically done what's expected. Not what we expected, but what would be predicted by many based on their rank. You obviously want to exceed expectations, but hey, count your blessings.
NOW: They're out now after having a sub-par second half. But pay attention, their two matches are against Delaclava and Jesselton. They're good enough to actually pull out points and make a difference.

(27) Milchama
THEN: Well, they're supposed to be good. Aren't they? And they are good. But they can get unlucky. They can - and did - get to the round of 16 in one cup and not qualify the next. They did win the Cup of Harmony, and they're obviously a high-caliber team though. Margaret might still be feeling vengeful towards them, though.
LATER: We thought they'd just get unlucky. But they've just looked weak this whole qualifying, even in victory. They could get a last-second push, but is it likely? Probably not.
NOW: They are all but out, needing two wins to move on. But with a game in hand against Delaclava, they could affect who gets the second spot.

(209) Voltronica
THEN: We've played them five times and Filbertiana played them once. Filbertiana drew with them and we crushed them all five times. You tell me how this is going to go down.
LATER: Well, we lost 2-1 the first time and beat them 1-0 the second time. Besides that shocker, they've had a weak offense, and just haven't really pushed anyone since they beat us.
NOW: Nothing's changed, really. They'll just stumble through the last few games and enjoy their time at the beach, since they can't make the Cup of Harmony.

(13) Cafundéu
THEN: They're just scary. Some crapload of consecutive qualifications. There's no way that changes. They supply coaches for so many nations it's not funny. They win the group, no question. Just no question.
LATER: No need to repeat ourselves.
NOW: They qualified. Or we think. It doesn't say officially. Not sure.

(201) Tonarius
THEN: It's going to be so adorable to watch them play! Tripping over their feet, stubbing their toes on their ball, running into each other...aww!!!
LATER: We've got some great home videos...and they somehow have a win and five draws. Still harmless and in the cellar, though.
NOW: Many more home videos and many more points. They've actually improved a lot. Playing Jesselton, they could make a difference.

(55) Jesselton
THEN: This is the second way - Milchama being the first - that Euroslavia moves up. They've got talented players, but not a strong team. They could flop, really badly. You'll see.
LATER: Typical strong push at the beginning. They've got the potential to burn out faster in the second half than Jeff Connolly in the NSSCRA.
NOW: Well, they haven't burnt out yet! But without the head-to-head on Delaclava, their chances of qualifying aren't that good.

So what's going to happen in the other groups? With some officially qualified (in bold), we'll see how we did.

Group 1: Sorthern Northland, Bears Armed
Group 2: Candelaria and Marquez, West Zirconia
Group 3: Starblaydia, Krytenia The Mice of Miceland
Group 4: Secristan, The Weegies
Group 5: Peisandros, Akbarabad
Group 6: Valanora, Schiavonia
Group 7: Landau Institute, The Archregimancy
Group 8: Jeru FC, Queer Poco el Mono Ara
Group 9: Sargossa, Kelssek
Group 10: Cassadaigua, Tyrrin
Group 11: Sarzonia, Pasarga Nethertopia
Group 12: Jeruselem, The Babbage Islands
Group 13: The Holy Empire, Vephrall
Group 14: The Han Empire, Ad'ihan
Group 15: Cafundeu, Delaclava

And our lovely hosts, Capitalizt SLANI and Septentrionia!

So there's our second set of corrections. We'll see how they hold up, although with only two games left, most of them probably will, haha.

[Septentrionia]

Here are your results for today

[Sarzonia]

Diogo Avarel looked up at the half-empty stands in Portland's Iron Bowl as Sarzonia prepared for its final home match of the World Cup 51 qualifying campaign.

He could feel the lack of energy among Stars supporters, and he could feel a sense of going through the motions on the part of the team.

For once, he couldn't blame them. After all, their spot in the World Cup was secure. They'd clinched the Group 11 title with room to spare, and were essentially fielding their 'B' team against a Colurada side that had long since been eliminated from contention.

What he saw was a display of discouraged play by the visitors and aggressive, if ragged play from Sarzonia. It was just enough to earn the three points and an anticlimactic 4-1 victory. After the perfunctory exchange of shirts, the players began to make their way toward the dressing room when they heard the loudest yell of the entire night.

Matt Lynch, he of the one goal and two assists looked up at the scoreboard which flashed the news that excited Stars fans. Delaclava qualified for their first-ever World Cup. The fact Phoenixes knocked off a country Sarzonians grew to regard with disdain was barely a footnote. The fact was, Delaclava's 3-0 victory away victory over Euroslavia and Jesselton's 2-1 away setback to Tonarius rendered it mathematically impossible for Jesselton to push Delaclava out.

"Lads! Lasses!" he shouted. "Look! The scoreboard!"

To a player, the Stars applauded, cheered, whooped and hollered as if they were themselves in the stands watching the match. The large IMAX screen then showed footage of Golden Phoenix Stadium in Catherina, which was full of Delaclavs cheering on their team. Then, a pan shot to Dave Wilson Stadium in Woodstock, where 105,900 crammed into the new national stadium and cheered wildly.

The Stars didn't care that the wild applause in Woodstock wasn't for them. Sarzonian teams have only ever missed qualifying for the proper five times in 23 World Cup qualifying campaigns. Sarzonians were used to qualifying. They were not just pleased for their Delaclav brethren, they were deliriously happy.

They even bemused manager Franz Braddock, who was watching at home when they began an impromptu pile up on the centre circle at The Iron Bowl. Soon, they would be joined by hundreds of Stars supporters who donned T-shirts commemorating the victims of the two attacks. Fireworks lit the night sky above Portland and Woodstock and streamers flew toward the ground at Mike Sarzo Stadium as fans gathered there also celebrated.

When the team finally reached the locker room, it was obvious the party was just beginning. Out came the champagne, dousing everyone in its path. Reporters with old fashioned notebooks and pens were cursing their luck as they desperately tried to keep the tools of their trade dry enough to be legible.

The next day would be another opportunity for the depth players to play, this time under goalkeepers coach Horace Sandt. Potherington, Sandt and Avarel would also manage the post-qualifying friendlies while Braddock himself would handle the Mike Sarzo Memorial Trophy final. That last part was a given. Of course he would manage against one of Sarzonia's biggest rivals for the right to hoist a trophy named after their country's founding father.

But on one night, no one was thinking of the Mike Sarzo Memorial Trophy. No one was thinking about anything but a dear friend's greatest triumph. And for one night, that was all anyone needed to think about.

[Aguazul]

(OOC: Yes, I'm quite aware that the post under discussion has since been edited. Humor me. )

La Verdad

Back in black!

PARSEC tables have been released that show Aguazul still in contention to qualify for the finals of World Cup 51, despite earlier rumors of their elimination. "It just goes to show you that anything is possible in the Group of Life," exulted Beto after chugging his second beer for the price of one. "We should never have trusted those old tables."

To move up to seventh place, Aguazul defeated Upper North Yorkshire. The first half was an uninspired affair, with many reserves playing in the midfield and on defense for Aguazul. Towards the end of the half, however, Pedro Sanchez' looping run saw him pass up a visiting defender and shoot for his first international goal.

The visitors came back revitalized, and tested Aguazul's defense to begin the second half. Baldomero Marcari was bested in minute 55, and Upper North Yorkshire equalized. It would take a thunderous goal from Rubén Saavedra to secure all three points for Aguazul. "I wasn't really thinking about what it all meant," he admitted afterward. "But...yeah, of course I'm glad we're still in it."

With Starblaydia already having clinched, six teams remain in contention for Group 3's second qualifying spot. Aguazul will face The Ursine Northlands on the final day, while The Mice of Miceland face Krytenia. Asked to explain what result would be the best news for us, Cristian Delgado quite understandably explained that the stress of the long campaign was becoming problematic and he wouldn't be able to continue the press conference. Mantwenic and Silver Beach, for their parts, face eliminated Cosumar and Zarbli respectively.

"Bartender's too cheap to buy the other matches," sulked Beto. "Didn't bother after he thought we were out of it." Still," he said, brightening visibly, "could tune into the other groups. 15's going down to the wire!"

[Landau Institute]

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

THE NATIONSTATES WORLD CUP TAROT
#13- Margaret

The number thirteen has an importance for many people. Some think it brings bad luck, others believe it can give them some good fortune. An appropriate number for the card that has a direct relation with the one that, accordingly to many people involved in the World Cup universe, controls the fortune of all the participating teams. "#13- Margaret" represents the one seen as a Goddess, whose desires can produce surprising results in important competitions. This divine figure's presence in the football world is intense, and surely this tarot deck had to have a card talking about here. In our studies, we could define some of the main characteristics of this card, the themes the reader talks about after the appearance of "#13- Margaret". The first and most expressive of them is the power of Margaret, one that is beyond ours, so that nothing we can do can overcome her divine decisions. This basically translates to a point that was partly shown in "#8- The Random Numbers", in which we can not guarantee that something will happen, but in the case of this card it goes further. It goes to the point that there are things in which we do not have even a slight control of, and we are subjects of the decisions of these superior beings. We can call this Margaret, or maybe fate, destiny, God, or even natural consequence. When "#13- Margaret" appears, then, it will talk about things out of our control, the unavoidable. The card also has a relation with the unexplainable, things that we can simply not understand, as the football results which people claim that Margaret influenced. The necessity of making sacrifices also appears in some readings involving this card, though this is something that appears in other cards of the deck, such as "#30- The Bribed Referee".

The design of this card makes some references to Margaret, but not a direct association with the myth. It even shows a face, but it is covered by shadows making it impossible to clearly see it, so keeping some mystery around it. Around the face, we see some objects floating. A pair of dice and a rubber chicken are the ones that make the reference to Margaret. If it wasn't for them, this card could be about anyone or anything. So, we do not think that the one who drew this card did a good job, in all honesty.

Family - when "#13- Margaret" is drawn, it means that your family situation will turn upside down in the near future, probably thanks to a happening, or a set of incidents, which you will not be able to avoid. This is not necessarily a bad thing... as you can be in a bad situation right now and such a change can be for the best, but in many cases this is negative, and something that desperate the ones who discover this, as they can only wait for this to happen. Sometimes this change will come without a reason, and you'll simply will not be able to explain why has your family situation changed so much. When it involves bad things, the worst part is that you will not have a clue about how to overcome these problems, and you'll perhaps be forced to keep waiting.

Finances - handling your economic situation is not an easy thing... and this card proves this, presenting you the information that you may simply lose control of this. This may be because you accidentally left your credit card at the hands of your wife, so you'll have a horrible surprise when the bill arrives; or because your farm production will be affected by the weather, something you simply cannot control; or... something that you'll not even be able to explain, a sudden change in your money situation. In some cases, the interpretation also brings the advice that you should give away some things that are important for you in order to not be affected negatively by this loss of control, as in some kind of financial sacrifice.

Love - what "#13- Margaret" may be pointing out is something very common in many relationships: to be together with a controlling person, one that will want to dictate your steps and control every aspect of your life. In this situation, in order to guarantee the loved one, you'll end abandoning your own freedom and accept to do things that otherwise you wouldn't do, and also abandon others that you enjoyed doing. There are other possible interpretations in the area of romantic relationships: this card can also mean that you may feel emotionally unstable in the near future, alternating good and bad moments quickly, without reason. Or even that you are about to meet your soulmate, for those who believe in fate and such things... after all, those who don't believe simply ignore when the reader says this.

Football - Margaret's desires produce surprising results in the football world, and when they happen there was nothing that could be done to avoid them. Basically, then, when this card appears in a match or competition prediction this means that the game/championship will be subject to some weird results and happenings that could only be explained by the presence of the hand of Margaret. After hearing this, some end just accepting the fact, while others buy entire shipments of rubber chickens to be sacrificed, making some strange rituals, involving people running naked at major avenues or eating some dishes made with children meat.

Completely Unrelated Stuff - what? You have drawn the "#13- Margaret" card, but wasn't trying to make a tarot reading? You heretic, ritual destroyer! In such a case, you ought to prepare yourself against the divine wrath of Margaret, as she doesn't like to be bothered just because you are playing with the cards. I wouldn't be surprised if your house roof gets hit by a giant dice tomorrow.

[Jeruselem]

Jeruselem Government News

Jeruselem becoming the World Cup finals Noah's Ark

Jeruselem travelled to Dimoniquid today and won 3-1 to seal their place in the finals. The Babbage Islands did not after being held to a 3-3 draw at Hellhorn. It was lucky for them West Pocono draw 1-1 at Quattrablegia so those two have fight it out. Jeru FC won 1-0 at home against Swilatia 1-0 which is weird scoreline for them as they concede far too many goals.

With no Ariddia in this cup, and no Qazox ... and Bostopia will not make the finals. Jeruselem will have the only Ariddians, Qazians and Bostopians on the finals as players. Newmanistan failed as that Queer team and Jeru FC dominated their group leaving our assistant coach Septentrionian Oksana "Pups" Ferris (married to a Newmanistani) as only one in the finals. What does this say about the Jeruselem team? Considering four of the team can be considered Ariddians (the Dallas girls) and one of these is a Bostopian citizen - and one has a Qazian father. Most of the team are Jeruselemites with a lot of Jews. It says Jeruselem is no closed society, our team is full of influences from everywhere. The Jeruselem coach Rocky Pointy Stick is actually Nedalian too.

Some think all this foreign talent is discouraging local players, but maybe it forces less complacency. While our royal family seems to be full of foreigners, most of them were born here including Dazza Dallas. But then, Jeruselem has always been influenced by foreigners in the past but they basically invaded the place instead of legal immigration. So we can't really complain too much on that matter.

We even have a Southern Northlander running our Jeru FC team although in reality SN and Jeru FC are very similar teams in that they are both badly behaved all-male teams who like a drink or two along with some loose scantily dressed or undressed women.

Are Ariddians, Bostopians, Qazians, etc really that different to us? Not really, yes we all have our weird customs but in the end we're all people and we always have something in common - like the World Cup and football.

...

TO: Joseph Hamburgstein, Coach of Queer Poco el Mono Ara World Cup 51 team
FROM: Princess Marie-Antoinette Dallas of Jeruselem, Countess of Palestine

I suppose I have to congratuate you and your team on making the finals for the first time. I suppose you did actually learning something from managing the Jeruselem team for two cups. Anyway, good luck there with the team.

Anyway, my sister Jacinta is retiring from the Jeruselem FA boss job and I'm taking over. She's done a great job like her and my Mum Dazza. I don't need to be in World Cup team anymore, my little girl Helena is doing well despite her mishaps recently. We're going have another calendar for our World Cup team. This is not for the kiddies too. Well, any calendar with a Dallas in it isn't for kids.

XXX
Marie

[Milchama]

Alexandria Times-Tribune-Star-News-Post-Gazette-Chronicle-Enquirer

Sports Section

Milchama Doesn't Qualify Again, Sh*t Going Down

For the first time since World Cups 25-26 the Milchama Warriors have faced two straight World Cups without qualifying. There isn't anything else to say besides the MFA better get their stuff together, OR ELSE!

[Tretskivucia]

The Cake was Delicious
A Tretskivucian Sports Update

With another loss, our fine boys on the field were eliminated, their hope of cake gone. It is believed that the team had been staying late at night before games snacking on cake and other baked goods. This made them tired and rather full. The team was very much disappointed at the news that their official cake, a Double Chocolate chip mud cake, would not be sent to them, however, a package came to them last Sunday labelled "Cake" from the team they had previously defeated but they managed to qualify, Schiavonia. The team was very pleased. The Cake that was going to be our team's was sent to the people who deserve it, the Schiavonian team. With the note; "Thanks for the Cake, here is ours, you deserve it"

[Khytenna]

Royal Khytenna news

Firestone gets three against Toiletdonia
Khytenna 3
Firestone 23rd, 56th, 78th
Toiletdonia 1
Milak 20th
Khytenna got a win in their last game at home thanks to skill and pace of Fergal Firestone.
Khytenna played the game in charge as Syd got a decent shot on goal but was pushed wide by the keeper. It would be Toiletdoina with the opening goal though, there top striker Milak got a fantastic goal after a long shot from outside the box. It took only 3 minutes to reply, as firestone made a fantastic run from his own half past the midfield, past the defence and scored a powerful shot past the keeper making it 1-1. Toiletdonia couldn’t deal with firestones pace, he was making his way past defenders and trying to get in for another shot at goal, and Firestone looked like he loved it! However he would score again for the rest of the half, he set a chance for Pellett who skied it. First half ended 1-1.
Khytenna wanted to win this game and went for an all out attack; Shurtz came off for Agan to make the line up 3-4-1-3! It paid off in the 56th minute when a pass from Agan to firestone outside the box saw a fantastic shot, that went straight to the back of the net, the keeper didn’t even move! He just stood there stunned. Khytenna Crowd was going mental with joy! Firestone would put the final nail in Toiletdonia’s coffin as he made yet another run in to the box, and this time chipping the keeper to make it 3-1, Firestone with his hat trick and Khytenna with a win.
Khytenna will looking for an upset in their last game against Pays De Horreur, if khytenna win then Pays De Horreur world cup dreams are over.
Side unchanged
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)
CM23.John Carmichael(Central FC)
FW20. Lini Pellett (AS New Haven )
ST 11. Allan Syd (Xephik Reds)
FW 10. Fergal Firestone (Blue bay FC)


Subs:
13. Tim Gatton (Xepthic Reds))
21. Darryl Jolin(Portside Park FC)
4. Kerrian Sheetz (Blue Bay FC)
22. Hugh Agan (Telio Checkers)
8. Kurk Rusek (Drakes City)
5. Teddy Berkeley (Central FC)


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

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

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

-----------Pellett --------Firestone
-------------------Syd