Di Bradini Cup 51/U21WC72 RP and Scores Thread

by **Valanora** » Sat Aug 21, 2021 11:08 pm

Starblaydia wrote:OOC:For complete newcomers, please see the Guide to Sports Roleplaying. If you need to ask anything of the host or your opponents, arrange RP angles or generally chat about the goings-on, please use the World Cup Discussion Thread. Misspellings of 'Di Bradini' will be met with zero tolerance.

The Valanora Footballing Association presents

In association with the Starblaydia Football Association:

The Fiftieth-first Di Bradini Cup
a.k.a
The 72nd Under-21 World Cup

The Valanora Footballing Association proudly presents the fifty-first edition of the Di Bradini Cup, the nineteenth edition of which to be held in the Valanora. Recognized as direct successor to the original Under-21 World Cup run by Total n Utter Insanity, this is also the 72nd Under-21 World Cup.

This tournament is named after Starblaydia's most-famous player, the first person to score for Starblaydia's own Under-21s, currently the fifth-highest goalscorer in Starblaydia's history, World Cup Winner, member of the World Cup Hall of Fame and one-time President of the World Cup Committee: Simeone Di Bradini. We present, for your participation: The 51st Di Bradini Cup, a.k.a. The 72nd Under-21 World Cup!

Group A
Valanora
Savigliane
Eastfield Lodge
Sendhang
Poafmersia
Hispinas

Venues: The Battleground, Hellgate, Turmondale Grounds

Group B
Quebec and Shingoryeo
Mertagne
Sarzonia
Vilita and Turori
Island of the Lost
Eura

Venues: Angelotic Temple, The White Fortress, Orange Gate Falls

Group C
Usan
Mytanija
Adab
Sylestone
Maramaa
The Licentian Isles

Venues: Sabinal Stadium, Caddo Park, River City Stadium

Group D
Zeta Reka and Hügeltaldom
Cassadaigua
Sharktail
The Kytler Penisulae
Pasarga
Euran Oceania Territories

Venues: Hatire Memorial, Castle de Mot, Rose Gardens

Group E
Starblaydia
Pemecutan
Tumbra
Savojarna
Græntfjall
Bollonich

Venues: Stadii Di Bradini, Foundation Road, Jhanna City Recreational Ground

Group F
TJUN-ia
Chromatika
Eraman
Barhe
Equestria
HUElavia

Venues: Hallad City Stadium, Bekkside Arena, Victory Park

Group G
Kohnhead
Baker Park
Tikariot
Lathamford
Xanneria
Cabo Azure

Venues: Iota "Big Eye" Arena, Silverlands, Stadii di Quercus

Group H
Darmen
Bahía Roja
Juvencus
Abahnfleft
Lisander
Krytenia

Venues: Jader Barbahlo Stadium, Foundation Road, Jhanna City Recreational Ground

Valanora Cutoff Window: 8 pm CDT to 11 pm CDT
Starblaydia Cutoff Window: 7 am CDT to 10 am CDT

Fixtures
MD1: 1v6, 2v5, 3v4
MD2: 6v4, 5v3, 1v2
MD3: 2v6, 3v1, 4v5
MD4: 6v5, 1v4, 2v3
MD5: 3v6, 4v2, 5v1
Ro16: A1vD2, B1vC2, C1vB2, D1vA2, E1vH2, F1vG2, G1vF2, H1vE2
QFs: R1vR2, R3vR4, R5vR6, R7vR8
SFs: Q1vQ2, Q3vQ4
3PPo: L1vL2
Final: S1vS2

Schedule
Aug 22: Draw
Aug 23: Bye
Aug 24: Bye
Aug 25: MD1
Aug 26: Bye
Aug 27: MD2
Aug 28: Bye
Aug 29: MD3
Aug 30: Bye
Aug 31: MD4
Sep 1: Bye
Sep 2: MD5
Sep 3: Bye
Sep 4: Ro16
Sep 5: Bye
Sep 6: QFs
Sep 7: Bye
Sep 8: SFs
Sep 9: 3PPo
Sep 10: Final

by **Valanora** » Sat Aug 21, 2021 11:09 pm

Map of Valanora

Valanora Information
The most important thing to know about traveling through Valanora is that automobiles are banned except for government officials. A high tech railway system connects the entirety of the nation, with three most popular international airports in Raynor City, Gladerial, and Baysleef. A ferry from Rinaldi travels to and from the island of Capri every hour on the hour. The most distinguishing feature of Valanora is the prevalent amount of forests standing in many of the inner half of the nation, even in cities, with the elven attempts to live in harmony with nature. Vanorians are a polite if not a bit high on themselves, believing elvenkind to be superior to humans, though they show a respect for the potential their humanoid cousins have.

Venues

The Battleground

Capacity: 78,000
Location: Raynor City

Artani

Capacity: 74,000
Location: Mar Sara

Angelotic Temple

Capacity: 71,000
Location: Longview

The White Fortress

Capacity: 70,000
Location: Gladerial

Donna Cathedral

Capacity: 60,000
Location: Mar Sara

Hatire Memorial

Capacity: 60,000
Location: Capri

Sabinal Stadium

Capacity: 56,000
Location: Sabinal

Hellgate

Capacity: 54,000
Location: Raynor City

Castle de Mot

Capacity: 49,000
Location: Wexax

Rose Gardens

Capacity: 49,000
Location: Kareen

Turmondale Grounds

Capacity: 43,000
Location: Raynor City

Caddo Park

Capacity: 42,000
Location: Caddo

Metropolis

Capacity: 39,00
Location: Ibini

Orange Gate Falls

Capacity: 39,000
Location: Monaven

River City Stadium

Capacity: 35,000
Location: Bexar

by **Starblaydia** » Sat Aug 21, 2021 11:12 pm

Starblaydia - Host Information

Background

Simeone Di Bradini, former Starblaydia Striker

Starblaydia is one of the oldest nations still playing in the World Cup, having debuted in World Cup 15. It also has one of the most successful national football teams in history, having won a joint record five World Championships, the last coming in World Cup 47, with their last Final appearance coming unexpectedly in World Cup 63. They have also won six AOCAF Cups from their north-eastern corner of the sporting superpower region of Atlantian Oceania, been victorious two Under-21 World Cups, and a number of other non-WCC affiliated tournaments such as the Olympics. Starblaydi citizens have served as President of the World Cup Committee for seventeen of it's seventy-nine cycles, with the legendary Simeone Di Bradini, slightly less legendary Giovanni Lopez and Starblaydi cult hero Lex Panarii all taking the helm of the governing body in that time.

Starblaydia are among the most successful World Cup nations of all time, having won a joint-record five World Cup titles. They have won a total of eighteen tournament championships, which also includes six championships at regional level in the AOCAF Cup, Men's Olympic gold medalists and four other minor tournament wins. Starblaydia are ranked fourth on the all-time list of footballing nations, as measured by the Spaam Ranking System, and were inducted into the World Cup Nation Hall of Fame after World Cup 27. To date, twenty-four Starblaydi players have been entered into the World Cup Hall of Fame.

What to expect in Starblaydia

Starblaydia is an enormous, old, multicultural and economically powerful nation, where the year is 2234. The country is named after the legendary 'Star-blade' sword wielded by the semi-mythical King Oberyn in ancient times.

It's often said 'there's no such thing as a bad job in Starblaydia'. Despite the fact your favourite Tuesday night Han takeaway meal of sweet & sour cocoabo (a number 53 on the smartphone app) with egg fried rice (#110) and a couple of nellie spring rolls (#124) now gets delivered to your door by drone, the jobs to build that app, cook that food and maintain those drones at a moment's notice are so well paid there's barely a job description that fits the 'blue collar worker' any more. Everything needs to be rapid-reaction, 24 hour, instant turnaround, in a nation full of over thirty billion people that demand instant gratification as a human right. Your taxi 'driver' is only there to provide the conversation and take the wheel if something breaks, so they have to have charm, personality, knowledge and lightning-fast reactions at any given moment over a ten hour shift. They're not even required to punch the destination into the autonomous vehicles, but few Starblaydi would go as far as to trust entirely everything to science.

Lady-Protector Korra Starblayde

It is a consequence of such a great and influential history in politics, economics and the sporting arena that current Starblaydi find it very difficult to live up to the achievements of past generations. The population is still hard-working, certainly, still efficiently producing the goods and providing the services that Starblaydia had always done in order to keep its position as one of the world's 1% of strongest economies. On the surface, Starblaydia is still one of the most powerful nations on the globe. It is in many ways, however, a shadow of its former self. It is an old nation, with largely an old mindset compared to the vibrant and agile economies and populations of more recently founded countries.

There are, however, still people with that spark that made Starblaydia great, still forward thinkers with the energy, enthusiasm and most importantly the ambition to change things for the better. They, crucially, don't want to specifically go back to the old days and so-called 'golden eras', but want to build a brighter future for one of the great nationstates of the world that has turned in on itself. They see a sleeping giant, an eagle ready to soar and a a major global player that can take its rightful place back at the top table of the international scene. All it needs to do is take those first steps. Steps that they can provide and nudge the great, old country in the right direction.

In Starblaydia, particularly the capital city of Jhanna, you will find whatever nice cuisine from around the world that your'e after, if you know where to look. Public transport in the form of trains, trams, buses and taxis are bright, clean, efficient, and moves millions of people per day to their destinations in environmentally-friendly comfort like clockwork. Drones cut their way through the skies with ease, delivering all manner of goods direct to your door in flight paths that (mostly) match the roads beneath them. The Internet of Things is particularly prevalent in Starblaydia, with vast amounts of data shunted back and forth through hyper-fast internet cables as a matter of necessity.

The government, a constitutional monarchy, is headed by the much-admired Lady-Protector Korra Starblayde, Duchess of Sideria. She was elevated to that position after the death of her father, former Starblaydi international captain Lord-Protector Julius Starblayde - himself the third child of the legendary Tiberius Starblayde. The Starblaydi Parliament is known as the Sjarondai, filled with Honourable Representatives voted for by the people, and overseen by the Praetoran Council, the senior of the bicameral chambers.

Stadiums

A classic Starblaydi flag mosaic at Victory Park, Vecchio

Foundation Road, Jhanna - Iskara Daii FC (75,000 capacity)
Jader Barbahlo Stadium, Jhanna - Jhanna United FC (96,000)
Hallad City Stadium, Hallad City - Hallad Reavers (49,000)
Bekkside Arena, Tabeck - Tabeck FC (33,000)
Victory Park, Vecchio - Vecchio Victors (48,000)
Iota "Big Eye" Arena, Penningworth - Penningworth United (82,000)
Silverlands, Corinth - Corinthian Spirits (71,000)
Jhanna City Recreational Ground, Jhanna, - Jhanna City (51,000)
Stadii di Quercus, Farça - FC Farça (99,000 capacity)
Stadii Di Bradini, Jhanna - National Stadium (196,754)

by **Tumbra** » Sun Aug 22, 2021 6:23 am

Link to arc home
defender meets midfielder: season 3, part 1
the shock

THE STORY SO FAR

Talented defender Stephen Kerr and his good friend, defensive midfielder Trudy Harrison were on holiday in Chromatika — watching the World Cup, getting splashed by whales off the coast of Lhor, and generally enjoying each other's company. All this, of course, happened in the backdrop of his agent John Whiting attempting to negotiate a new contract for his client, Stephen, with his club — Straton, where he was born and raised. Yet, negotiations came to a standstill — and incensed over the club's refusal to offer better terms, Whiting angrily declared Stephen to be on the market. The fallout has reached Stephen Kerr — how will he navigate the complicated world of the transfer market? Will he be able to secure a move away? And will he leave Tumbra?

“...with the biggest news of the day being that Stephen Kerr, Straton’s talented defender, will not renew his contract at the club.”

“Breaking news now — Aurora Sports can confirm that Stephen Kerr will be looking to leave the club that brought him through their youth system and gave him his big break…”

“Scenes now from outside the National Stadium, Straton’s home ground, as a gathering of Straton supporters…”

“...did he deserve that big contract in the first place? I mean, he played for half a season. You have to ask yourself — what has he really done for the club that necessitates him getting that new contract? Players these days are too fixated on getting that next payday…”

“...protesting the club’s decision to not give Kerr a new contract, initially…”

“...Kerr, reportedly on holiday in Chromatika, unlikely to continue with his current club beyond the summer as it is likely that he will be sold…”

“...holiday cut short as the defender returned to Tumbra merely a few days after the news dropped…”

“...press conference…”

“...does he deserve this big contract? Thirty thousand a week? After all, he has but half a season of senior team experience…”

“...protestors changed their target from the Club to Kerr…”

“Is he entitled to this much? Are we perhaps entering a spiral of money where players begin demanding more and more? Where the footballing economy turns from a clubs’ market to a players’ market? And sure, the Big Six and Clyde can afford it, but what about the other thirteen? Are we going to see a new class of club…”

“...protestors calling Kerr a traitor, disloyal following the revelations of his demands…”

“...with his agent, John Whiting, who may have become the most hated man in Straton overnight following this revelation…”

Straton

“You sure you want to do this?”
“Yes.”
“You don’t have to, you know. You don’t have to explain anything. It’s not you.”
“John...I owe this club’s supporters something. They’re not the top brass. They’ll understand.”
John Whiting smiled at the young defender. Stephen Kerr could be stubborn at the best of times; that was what the agent had learned from his time knowing the kid. The moment he’d set his mind on something, he knew that there was little chance of dissuading him from, well, changing his mind.

Stephen took a peek at the room. Two microphones were laid out — one for him, and one for John. Though, Stephen privately thought, he’d be doing most — if not all — of the talking today. He knew what he wanted to say. His truth.

The assembled journalists were eager, waiting for the scoop of the transfer window. And how could it not be? Straton Football Club were about to lose their young talent for close to nothing. And they wanted to know everything they could. What led to this turn of events? Straton’s Golden Boy, the one who would bring Straton to that promised title...was now leaving. Dan Galbraith’s departure two seasons ago stung, but he’d been with the club for his entire career. This? This felt like a baby being torn from the womb before it’d been fully developed. There were so many stories yet to be written, tales to be told, and yet it would end abruptly. Stephen Kerr was meant to be the defensive linchpin of Straton’s defence for the next decade and a half, the man who’d anchor their team and bring them to success elsewhere.

Not just up and run when the money wasn’t good.

Stephen closed his eyes. He recalled what Trudy said on their last day in Chromatika, when he decided to go back to Tumbra, cut short his holiday. The World Cup had been a long time ago; the departure hall of Francesca Larriet-Cortes Airport had become a blur. But what Trudy had said that morning remained in his mind, sticking out like a sore thumb.

“It’ll all be alright. Even if people don’t believe in you, you can leave with a clear conscience.”
“I wish it didn’t have to be this way.”
“I believe in you. This’ll pass. And soon you’ll be elsewhere. Maybe here.”
“I don’t know, Trudy. I really don’t know.”

“Stephen? You ready?”

The voice came from far away, but it snapped Stephen out of his reverie. A small grin emerged on his face.

“Yes.”

“Let me be clear. I love Straton Football Club. I was born in Straton, I grew up in Straton, I was moulded by this club and its philosophies. This club is my lifeblood. And it will always be.”

“Unfortunately, as much as I love the club, and the players, I do not feel as if the club treats those who put in a shift for it every week with as much respect as they could have.”

“And it is this — plus the failure of the club and I to agree to a new contract — which has led me to arrive at the conclusion that my future here is untenable. My future lies away from Straton. I do not see myself playing in the red and blue of Straton Football Club from next season onwards.”

And there it was. The shock, the announcement, the confirmation. The shutters of the cameras, which had been going at a steady clip throughout Stephen’s statement, seemingly exploded. There was no doubt about it —Stephen’s wish to leave was now no longer mere rumour, a story concocted by an agent. It was genuine. And from the look that crossed his face when he uttered the words, there was no doubt that it was genuine.

Painful, too.

Stephen felt like he was watching himself utter those words. To speak them, to say that he wouldn’t be playing for the club he’d supported since his birth, the club whose shirts he’d put on for the past twelve years; it felt utterly alien. But it was true. The words were his.

“I will now be taking a few questions.” Almost every hand in the room went up. Stephen made eye contact with a woman with a shock of frizzy hair, glasses, clutching a notepad and gazing earnestly at the player. He motioned towards her.

“Stephen, Miriam Goodword from Matchday. If not Straton, where do you see yourself playing next season?”

“For now, I wish to remain in Tumbra. I think it would be best for my career that I do not leave the shores of Tumbra at an early age except if absolutely necessary; I believe that playing for another club in Tumbra would be good.”

“Do you see yourself playing for another club in the Big Six?”

“Perhaps. If they will sign me.”

“And do you think Straton will allow, facilitate your transfer to any of their direct domestic rivals? To give up an advantage that they have, directly weaken their own squad and strengthen another’s?”

“While I do care about Straton’s sporting projects as of now, my main wish is to leave the club. If they do not wish to sell me, I will leave on a free next season. Therefore I think it’s best for the club to let me go, right now, and try and gain some money, however much or little, to help their financial situation.”

“Thank you.”

The assembled hands went up once more, and Stephen motioned towards an elderly gentleman wearing a brown coat.

“Timothy Roberts, the Couno Herald. Do you think you might have destroyed your legacy at Straton with this move?”

“I rather feel instead that the club has betrayed me by refusing to do me the courtesy of paying me fairly. The supporters may rage at my decision, and I understand all of their rage. I do. At the end of the day it is on me, however, as a footballer, to do what’s right for my career.”

“Will you continue to show up for training sessions and attend club-related events?”

“I am still a player of Straton, and will fulfill all responsibilities of a player of the club until which day the contract ends or is annulled.”

The questions went on, and on, but it was more of the same. Yes, he’d be okay with moving internationally. No, he wouldn’t move to the club that offered him the biggest paycheck. Yes, he didn’t wish any ill-will on Straton, and hoped they’d facilitate his transfer as soon as possible to end their relationship on as good terms as possible. No, this didn’t mean he’d never return to Straton…

By the end, Stephen felt positively exhausted. He’d bid farewell to John; hailed a taxi, and slumped into the back of the seat, trying to get some rest.
No such thing, however, for the weary defender. It came barely half an hour after the press conference, when the gravity of what he’d be doing was still sinking in, still setting in that for the first time in his career, he wouldn’t be playing at the National Stadium —

OFFICIAL COMMUNICATION
STRATON FOOTBALL CLUB

Straton Football Club regrettably notes the decision of centre back Stephen Kerr to wish to leave the Club due to a failure to negotiate terms of a contract agreeable to both parties. The Club acknowledges this decision, and will accept bids of a suitable value for Mr. Kerr’s services.
The Club is open to selling to either a domestic club or a foreign club, but reserves the right to demand different valuations from different sides, depending on the club’s nationality.

And his phone began buzzing again. Sifting through the multitude of texts from everyone — family, friends; he found the one that mattered most. For now. John had messaged him; in times like these, he was the most important person to remain in contact with.

You seen the club statement yet? Whaddya think?

Seems pretty standard to me. What’s up?

It’s bullshit. Their asking price for the Big Six — let’s be real here, you only want to move to them — is six million. Foreign clubs, five.

What?

Yeah, no typos there. Six million domestic, five mil foreign. They really don’t want to let go of you.

Who the fuck’s gonna pay that much?

I’m asking around. United’s interested. Maybe Serrapince. City, Nantwich, Clyde, Couno aren’t. So it’s just those two, domestically, at least.

God.

I know. It’s tough. But we’ll get through this. We’ll talk to United first; they’ve already scheduled a meeting tomorrow. Will send you the details.

The taxi pulled up outside his house. Thankfully, after a long day of media scrutiny, it was bereft of journalists; at least they still respected, somewhat, his right to privacy. The sun was setting; harried, tired, Stephen shoved a note into the taxi driver’s hand and ran to his house.

Upon opening the door, Stephen was enveloped; no, crushed, by a hug from his mother, Sylvia. She held his face in her hands, but their foreheads together, looked at him as if trying to search for any injuries. Her eyes were red; she’d obviously been crying.
“Oh, I’m so glad you’re safe…”
“Why wouldn’t I be?”
“Your mom’s been watching the news, Steve. She’s scared silly.” Slowly but surely, the lanky figure of Bertram Kerr stood up, a slight smile on his face. His face didn't show it, but his tone of voice clearly suggested he was just as pleased as his wife that his son was unscathed. “You haven’t seen the protests? They started by calling the club idiots; then they started calling you a traitor.”
“What?”
Bertram merely shrugged. “Have a look for yourself. Should be all over the news.”

The assembled images were hardly believable. The protests...they were targeted at him. And for the first time, staring at the indignant Straton supporters...he felt genuine fear stab at his chest. It was all he could do to text John, ask him for advice.

John, you gotta be fucking kidding me. Protests?

Yeah, the club seems hellbent on not letting you go. Don’t think they’re below mobilising the supporters to achieve that.

But they were protesting against the club!

Thirty thousand a week for a first teamer’s apparently too much for them.

After all I said?

[Straton’s a club. You’re a person. They managed to get control of the narrative.

Fucking hell, what the fuck do they really want?

You know as well as I do.
Remember, Stephen, stay true to yourself and they’ll give in eventually. Stay safe, stay as anonymous as possible.

“Stay as anonymous as possible?” Stephen read the last bit of the sentence out loud.
“Steve, I recommend a face mask when you need to go out. Hoodies, too. Cough every once in a while to keep people away from you. The last thing your mom and I want is for you to come home injured. And we’ve got to discuss leaving the city, too.”

“Leave...the city?” The words hit him hard. Surely he wasn’t in that much danger that he needed to leave the city to remain safe?

“Oh, honey, let’s not...Not yet. Let’s eat dinner.”

“Dinner...dinner sounds good,” Stephen stammered out. Leave the city?

What had he done?

His heart clenched. For the first time in a long time, he felt something deep within himself. A warmth, a gradual wave of unbearable heat.

Anger.

Chromia

“Welcome back, everybody. This season’ll be a crucial one for us. But then again, every season’s an important one. Third last season was decent, but as we all know, we want to go further than that. We need to work hard, and smart, if we’re going to try and get anywhere near Wirr Tsi…”

Trudy Harrison stared on into the distance of the Capitalizt Dome, with Quebecois manager Jannick Kontiola’s words entering her left ears and exiting the other. Last season had been disappointing for them; third in the league, inconsistent form costing them a spot in the Champions’ League. Trudy, meanwhile, had led the Under-18 squad to victory in the Youth League; and she was now in the squad. Kontiola and her had talked; she was ready to take the step up.

But on the warm summer’s day (by Chromatik standards), she just couldn’t feel herself focusing. Her holiday with Stephen had been cut short. She didn’t know if she’d see him again soon. She’d spent at least an hour each night trying to follow Tumbran football; she knew what was going on.

Her texts, however, were met with short and sporadic, if extremely apologetic replies; after a while, she’d stopped. After all, she didn’t want to burden Stephen too much. But she couldn’t get Stephen off her mind. Back home, he was all alone; facing the club all by himself. She couldn’t — wouldn’t — let him face it alone; she had to help. And while Stephen’s answer to her question of whether he’d entertain playing in Chromatika had been…

No. Don’t think about that. Focus on the football.

One exceedingly tiring session of training later, where Trudy felt herself going through the motions but nothing more or less, and all of a sudden it was over. The trip with Ami Coulibaly, her friend and wingback, was more or less typical; what wasn’t, however, was the silence they shared as Trudy stared wistfully into the distance.

“Penny for your thoughts, Trudy.”
“Huh? Oh…”
“You’ve been really — and I mean really quiet today.”
“Well, I mean...I’ve just been thinking about things.”
“About what?”
“Well, you know my friend, Stephen…”
“Yeah, you’ve told me quite a lot about him. If anything, that’s what we mostly talk about when not...well...football. You’ve heard of the Bechdel test, yeah? Named after some Quebecois film critic. If this was a film we’d have failed it, multiple times, by now.”
She glanced away, sheepishly. “Sorry.”
Ami smirked. “Nah. What’s wrong? Ever since the World Cup ended you’ve looked more and more worried. Is this...about him? Dear God, did he do anything to you? I’ll punch the living daylights out of him if he dared —”
“No, Ami,” she smiled. “I’ve been thinking about his future.”
An expression of disgust formed on Ami’s face. “You’re not his mom.”
“I was thinking about whether I could ask Coach to...well...ask Coach to get him to play here. He’s in the middle of a transfer saga. Well, I say saga, but it’s really more of a firestorm —”
“But why?”
“Well...uh...the squad needs centre backs. Kattie (Will)’s not getting any younger. Kamil (Jernejec)’s thirty next season.”
“You sure that’s all?”
“Well, it’d be nice to have another Tumbran here.” Trudy looked towards the window of the bus they were travelling on. She, after all, couldn’t drive. Yet, at least.
“Are you really sure that’s all?”
“And he’s a friend.”
“Just a friend?”
“Yeah. Just a friend.”
“Your face is bright red, y’know that?” Ami began laughing.
“What? No.” Trudy instinctively held her hands to her face. They only felt warmth. Was she blushing? Either way, she decided to ignore it.
“Oh, Trudy...well, if there’s anything, I’m sure Coach’d be willing to listen to one of his bright young talents. Couldn’t possibly hurt. And yeah, from a purely tactical point of view, the club does need a new centre back.”
“But how would I find time to talk to him?”
“That’s where you’re on your own, Trudy. You know how to deal with this. If you can score a penalty in extra time, you can talk to your manager. It’s not that different.”
“I’ll see...I’ll see.”
“You talk as if this is some kind of insurmountable task. But I know you. Until Stephen puts on the grey and white kit of this club, you won’t stop. Because that’s just who you are. I’m not sure where this Trudy came from, but...it’s not like you.”
“Really?”
“Maybe you want to reconsider what you said when you said that you two were just friends.”
“Best friends, maybe.”
Ami looked at Trudy exasperatedly. She just didn't get it, did she?
“Yeah. Sure.”

TUMBRA vs SAVOJARNA - DI BRADINI CUP 51, MATCHDAY 1
Starters: 1 - Jones; 2 - Renton, 4 - Kerr, 5 - Pritchett, 3 - Mercurio; 6 - Harrison, 8 - Lawrence, 10 - Monaghan; 7 - Wells, 9 - Crossley; 11 - Riordan
Bench: 12 - Ager, 13 - Russell; 14 - Wyatt, 18 - Finney, 19 - Green, 20 - Hamilton; 15 - Morris, 16 - Robertson, 20 - Finnemore; 17 - McGarry, 21 - Baker; 22 - Hardaker

by **Sharktail** » Sun Aug 22, 2021 8:37 am

BLUE DIARY
Edition 1

"I am happy to score and be the top scorer for Universiti Seri Meranti. And it like a bonus for me to be named the top scorer in the IPT Super League, Sharktail. It the best moment for me. And now i have new task, so I promise to try repeat this performance with the Sharktail U21 team."

That is the confidence shown by the top scorer of the IPT league this season, Hazin Yusri. The sports student at Universiti Seri Meranti stole the attention of football fans at Sharktail with his sharpness in the penalty box. Although his body is small, but agility and speed are Hazrin's main weapons.

More affectionately called yin among teammates or friends, Hazrin who has been with the university football team since last year, has several times been mentioned and noticed in the regional football arena. At the age of 17 while playing for Dato Wira Secondary School, Hazrin led his school team to their first national level tournament. Although the results were not encouraging nationally, it was at this point that Hazrin became known to local fans. Getting attention from Kelab Seri Meranti FC at that time, his career in football looked bright. However, due to his own negligence, Hazrin could not grab a place in the selection of young talent in Seri Meranti. Not giving up on his dream, Hazrin joined Universiti Seri Meranti and determined to make a name for himself through the IPT league, and the results can now be seen.

"A lot of people questioned me when I failed in my selection to the academy. I admit to myself I was too passionate about this and made mistakes. I was only able to keep my ears shut at the time hearing complaints from parents, and sarcasm from relatives. Still, happy because these things matured me.Discipline, time management and a balanced diet, these three things that were the reason for my failure at that time, now I can take good care of.So, this opportunity, I will not miss just like that.I still have one years at the University, and the opportunity to go on a professional stage is still there. They may say sometime it may just a mere luck, but nothing impossible. That what i set on my mind. So, whether it success or fail, try and do it first. After this, I am determined to wear the Sharktail blue jersey again, but that time for the senior squad. Thay my target. "

When asked about the squad selection this time around, Hazrin did not hide his surprise as no players from acadsmy were selected. And the selection of some high school players is something that doesn’t cross anyone’s mind. However, for Hazrin, if the coach said A, so its A. Rather than putting a question mark on the player, Hazrin said it is better we put a word of courage to them. That more convenient. The first match start soon, and Sharktail have some work to do. Whether we go far or not this time, it depends on how we perform during this tourney. "Last from me, to all our fans, it not like i want to talk big or promise something to you, but count on us. It look impossible just because we think it impossible, but nothing truly impossible. So think it is possible, and we may able to make it possible.

by **Xanneria** » Sun Aug 22, 2021 11:24 pm

Kyle Pitts looked out the window of the bus he was riding on, The prairie flatland was slowly starting its transition in to the western mountains of Xanneria. He was destined to meet up with the Under-21 team he had been assigned to. The team was to convene at a resort hotel on the outskirts of Hawthorne. The city every boy from Jasperton wanted to be at. If you looked at Jasperton on paper it didn't seem like a bad city, it had a healthy growing population, a Prime location within its province (Half way between two important eastern Denalian hubs in South Hope and Loy City) and a upward trending economy. But still most kids there would love to get out.
Despite it looking like a gold mine of opportunity for the crowd that calls Jasperton home, it's not at all what it seems. Jasperton is a glorified farming community. It's location made it perfect for cattle farmers in the central part of the province to bring them through town to Stockyards and eventually the meat packing industry which still to this day dominates economics in Jasperton. They saw if the wind blows south you can smell the packing plants at the local FLOX teams stadium.

Kyle said goodbye to his wife and Kid. He played at Jasperton for them. He could have gotten a scholarship anywhere in the west coast to one of the elite collegiate programs in the AICS (Association of Intercollegiate Competitive Sports) but instead he decided to get married to his high school sweet heart and 6 months later their first kid Raleigh Pitts was born. It was rare for a player to have signed on out of high school, in fact prior to this only foreign players had accomplished this feet. But with a wife and kid, he stayed local for the FLOX Gamma Division team, the Alliance FC.

When he got to the resort hotel he got checked in and received a note from the coach to meet up the next morning at 7am for a breakfast discussion. When he got their he almost didn't believe he had made it to the right conference room.

Something was amiss to Kyle, the players in this room.....they were kids!

"What the heck did I walk into the wrong room?"

"No, Kyle" responded Coach Perez "your in the right room. This is our National U-21 team Kyle, and your with the right group of kids. It's just right now, the F.A.X is in a weird spot. We are running this tournament right at the end of spring, so most the U-21 talent is in the AICS Playoffs, and yanno we don't have a lot of players to pick from, so why not get a few of the U-18 players to get some practice before the big tournament we're hosting in the fall...."

"Fall tournament?" questioned Kyle.

"Yeah how did you not hear about that? The U-18 is being co-hosted by Xanneria and Starcom Racing, most the kids here will be on that team too. Hopefully good practice for them. We needed someone like you to join us. You're a good talent and its a shame the Alliance don't have better defenders, cause you could do so much better than Jasperton."

"Thank you Coach Perez, but I got a wife and kid at home, and frankly some damn good in-laws, who are taking care of the kid. I'm fine playing at Jasperton till my sweetheart graduates from JC."

"Wife and kids?" Piped a voice from the back "Ah so you must be fun at parties I guess. Anyways my name Is Piotr Yeravski and I'll be the one who saves this teams ass in the upcoming months. Goalkeeper extraordinaire! and this is my buddy Mark, he's our second to last line of defense."

"Yeah... don't botch it countryboy"

"Oh good" retorted Kyle "Glad to see this this team signed Andy and Stooge, are these two kids from Gould Tech or something?"

Everyone laughed at the comment Kyle made, comparing the new stars of Hawthorne United's FLOX Beta League team to Xannerian cartoon High School Delinquents Andy and Stooge. Calling someone a Gould Tech alumni was seen as an insult to most Denalians, little did Kyle know he hit the nail on the head a bit harder than intended...

"Hey Fuck you! Countryboy how'd you know?" retorted a clearly ticked off Mark McMurdo.

"Man we're good representatives of Gould Tech and we've been called the best pair of defensive players the Trievers ever had!" (Trievers refers to the schools nickname the Retrievers). "We're gonna take GT Pride to the people countryboy!"

"Kids settle down!" exclaimed coach Perez "Steve, Jeffrey, can you show our team uniforms off!"

Steven and Jeffrey Platte were twin brothers who plated for the illustrious program at Asbury Park High School in the Asbury Park district of Rome Beach, they came from a line of Footballers and even their younger sister Kennedy was named to the U-21 team at age 16. When the boys showed the back they had the nameplate of S. Platte and J. Platte but for the life of Kyle he couldn't figure out the two numbers apart.

"Hey, why are you both wearing 77?" pondered Kyle outloud.

"No that's not 77. I'm wearing 11!" Said noted CAM Jeffrey.

"And I'm wearing #17" Said Steven

"But the look the same!" replied Kyle.....

"He Now, don't ask to many questions now!" Coach Perez exclaimed bumping herself into the conversation... "Kyle if you wanna know I might let you know in the future, if our team is desperate enough to execute it....."

After a couple days of Workouts and practice at a nearby Sporting Complex, the team took off for Starblaydia.....Adventure were to be had......

by **Lathamford** » Mon Aug 23, 2021 6:04 am

Owen Blazesword is a former Lathamford footballer . He currently holds the position of head coach for the national U-21 Team

Starting his career as a player in Season 3, Blazesword became one of the most feared strikers when he joined Dinamo Thetford. He then formed a strong partnership with Arthur Bentley. Together with Bentley and Alan Disney, they helped Dinamo Thetford win the Ardington & Lockinge Cup in Season 15. He then retired as a professional player after the end of the league in Season 15.

In season 16, Blazesword returned to the local football arena as the coach of the Spartak Eaglearm team. At Spartak, he is known for coaching who emphasizes the value of discipline and food care as well as time. Whereas at Spartak, he moreover presented the position of Strategy Analyst will offer assistance with first-team analysis as well as distinguishing best hone and patterns (in terms of strategic, specialized, execution, and enrollment) at both Spartak and other clubs, both at domestic and overseas.

“We require all the information. You can’t clarify why a few players get injured, or why their execution diagnostics information changes, in case you don’t have all of the data, not just from the matches." He once said.

He was with Spartak until the 17th season when he was rested and replaced by another head coach from overseas. FA Lathamford agreed to appoint him as head coach for the national U-21 Team to face In Bradini Cup 51/U21WC72.

by **Mertagne** » Mon Aug 23, 2021 8:07 am

"... We're going to Valanora." Kristie Ettrick slammed the laptop shut.
"How do you know? You've not read any of the information yet, surely you can't be sure." Ben Holl scrolled on his phone down to the email that they'd just recieved.
"The email is in cursive and contains such names as 'The White Fortress'. It's not really the forte of our neighbours that, is it? They'd have called it 'Curzon Starblayde's Special Sauna', or the 'Kickabout Park di Bradini', or the '"Jeremy Jaffacake Is Banned From This" Stadium'. You know, something pompey."
"I'll have you know the White Fortress is a lovely stadium. It was voted top three out of all the stadiums in Valanora. Did you know it used to be a fort, hundreds of years ago? Bet you didn't."
"It sounds like you've been, Ben."
"Kristie, I'll admit to you, I haven't yet gone Into the West. Lovely country though. Have you ever met an elf?"
"Can't say I have, to be honest." Ettrick folded her arms and leant back in the chair of the dugout.
"I don't blame you - if there were any in Mertagne, they often gave off an air of 'just don't talk about it', or they kept themselves to themselves. Which, looking at most of us Mertagnians, is understandable." Ben raised an eyebrow and made a pouting face.

Kristie blew her whistle and drew the team, who were currently running drills on a cloudy afternoon, towards her.
"I've just got an email summarising the draw from the VFA. Do you all want to hear who we'll be playing?"
A crowd of voices piped up, with shouts of "Yeah", "I do!", "Go on then", and "Only if it's not Krytenia"
"Excellent." Kristie straightened up, stood up, and placed her hands on her hips. "So, day one, we get stuck in against Island of the Lost. Solid team, bit better than you lot, very good at team work because for several years they played seven-a-side football. All those extra players just mean more options. I want solid marking, and to lock the ball down against them. Hopefully we'll prevent them from making an advance. Don't be scared to go in if you have to, but make it clean, please. Injuring people is for chumps, and I don't want chumps on our team."

A series of nervous nods projected from the crowd.
"Good." Kristie flexed her shoulders and continued. "On day two, you're gonna get killed."
Gasps punctuated the air as the younger members of the squad looked with equal amounts of fear and hope.
"By the Grim Reapers of Quebec and Shingoryeo. They hate us, absolutely hate us with every fiber of their being, and you'll be on their shit list. Ignore what the news is telling you of young romance between fencers at the Olympics, you will not be finding young love on this battlefield. They're not Tumbra, this isn't some sort of soap opera where a defender meets a midfielder and they fall in love, you know. I want to see Charles Devereux in a massive slump at the end of the game with footballs all around him. If you can iron out and lock out the kinks in our game, I'm sure you'll sail past the Reapers with ease. Just don't get drunk with the Bubonic Plague afterwards please."
A quizzical look was on the faces of several of the players, now. Holl chimed in.
"That's the name of their ultras group. You can get drunk with them provided it's legal. I'm not 100% sure on the drinking age in Valanora - it might be 65 for all I know."
Kristie stood on one of the chairs of the dugout, now peering over the team and looking into the whites of their eyes.

"Matchday 3 is when you betray your friends. We will be playing Eura. This isn't the Eura you read about in the history books that came and saved us when Corvidae came a-knocking, no, this is a different Eura. Well, the same Eura, it's not EOT, but they're different in the mind. Euran under 21s are even worse than regular under 21s, because they take their stuff seriously. Meraude knows this all too well! Congratulations Meraude. You're going to be captain during that game, and, everyone else -- she's going to tell you all how to beat Eurans. She's got experience beating Eurans. They're a better team than us, and we will have to bring our A game if we stand a chance at beating them. I want you to think like Polarians on that pitch, and pretend you're at the Flynn Arena."
"Why would be pretend we're at the Flynn Ar3na? I'm no New Fligsive's Memory fan, ma'am.", popped up Euklides Hemingway, much to the ire of the three NFM players on the squad.
"Not that one, but for those of you that play at that one, then yes. That one."
Ettrick took a deep breath and 'hah'-ed it into the faces, who looked weary.

"But then that's the hard part over, you see, because then Matchday 4 happens, and we go up against Sarzonia. They've got more stars than us, but that's okay because they'll be seeing more stars than us by the time we've run them through. On this matchday, you will be some international waters outside Kotzellach, and they will be a Sarzonian battleship - that's right, they'll get lost. I also cannot wait to see the look on Marissa Bingham-Sandt's face when she finds out all her hard work was for nothing, and you, you, you, and you-" she pointed at forwards Restault, Cerillo, Plumb, and Le Bihan, "-smash a goal each past her precious keepers."
A minor chuckle could be heard from the older members of the squad that were intrigued enough to follow international events that weren't sport.
Ettrick jumped off of the seat and walked around the crowd, circling them, with a face like a shark that'd smelled blood.

"And finally, for what could be our final game if you haven't tried hard enough, we will do battle against the best of not one, but two nations. That's right, old pondskippers Vilita and Turori are our last opponents. Half of these folk play for bloody Bastion. That's right, it's the worst of V&T and Eura all rolled into one. God, I wish more of you had buggered off to that juggernaut. And as if that wasn't bad enough..."
The crowd hung on her words, to the point where they hadn't noticed the coaching staff sneak up behind them with a bag of footballs.
Kristie began to raise her voice and shout. "THEY WON THE LAST ONE. HALF THE SQUAD'S THE SAME. YOU'LL BE TIRED AND THEY. WILL. RUN. LAPS. AROUND. YOU."
Her voice reduced to not more than a whisper.
"DoyouwannawintheDiBradiniCup"
"What was that, ma'am?" asked the bravest of the bunch, Pia Aziz.
"DoyouwannawintheDiBradiniCup?" this time, louder.
The team piped up again, with more shouts of "Yeah", "I do!", "Go on then", and "Only if we beat Krytenia"
A smile broke on Ettrick's face.
"Then I am but your humble servant. I know you can do it. Now let's go show everyone that's standing in our way, yeah? Do it!" she called to the coaches.
The team was pummelled with several throws of footballs. Kristie's whistle blew, and ordered the team to grab a ball and get back out on the pitch.

When the team were pushing it to the limit back out on the turf, Kristie sat beside Ben Holl, looking relaxed but with a conniving glint in her eye.
"You laid it on a bit thick there, I think." said Ben, laughing as Ettrick motioned with two fingers that she had her eyes on Kloro McManus.
"I've got a reputation to uphold. Besides, it's all about getting a fire in the belly. I want them to be scared, but with anticipation of their own abilities to meet a threat rather than of the threat itself. They'll get there..."

by **Sarzonia** » Mon Aug 23, 2021 9:21 am

[OOC: If it's at all possible to change my style modifier to zero, I'd like to. Otherwise, I'm fine with keeping it as is because I can use that as a storyline in itself.]

Just days before the Sarzonian under 21 national football team was set to break training camp and board their flight to Valanora, manager Diego Cristobal suddenly resigned.

Not even Sarzonia's flameout in the previous edition, the historic 50th DiBradini Cup and the 71st Under 21 World Cup that saw the Junior Stars fail to win a single match, and barely even score a goal caused the Incorporated Football Federation to give Cristobal his walking papers. He was still set to manage the team until his sudden resignation.

Cristobal left for his home in Portland without speaking to the media, and he left IFF Chairman Zack Wilson with no time to go through the hiring process to pick a full-time manager and allow them the opportunity to implement a different system. Thus, the team elevated assistant manager Colton Longley to the full-time managerial role. Longley said Cristobal muttered some vague thing about "needing to spend time with family" in a cryptically-worded voice mail he left for Longley before he departed the team.

"Your guess is as good as mine," Longley said of his sudden elevation to the full-time managerial role. "I have different ways of doing things and ways I'd like to see this team play, but Diego's leaving the team right before we depart for Valanora doesn't really give me too much of a chance to implement a whole new system."

Longley will make one change, however. He has decided to revert to Sarzonia's more traditional 4-4-2 formation in lieu of the 3-5-2 the more attack-minded Cristobal prefers. Other than that, Glen Baker will be back as the starting goalkeeper while Eleanor Keating has aged off the team. Replacing her will be Jill Schlessinger and Morgan Lock as the second choice and third choice goalkeepers, respectively. Longley said he wanted to carry three goalkeepers after Baker's red card in AOCAF LIX left the team with only one available goalkeeper for four matches.

"I don't want to be in a position where I have to use a player who's not a goalkeeper in that position on the pitch," Longley said. "It's not a reflection on Glen in any way. It's not a reflection on either Jill or Morgan, as both she and they are strong goalies. I just want to make sure we're covered in case the shit hits the fan."

Other than adding defensive and midfield depth players to the roster, Longley didn't have much of a chance to remake the roster as he likely would have if Cristobal hadn't decided at the last minute to suddenly leave the team. As it is, Longley has brought on Travis Hanifer, the youngest brother of Nathan Hanifer, the former Under 21 national team manager and current manager of the Stars to serve as an assistant manager dealing with defenders and defensive midfielders. He said Travis Hanifer's position as the younger brother of Nathan Hanifer had "nothing to do" with his appointment.

"I didn't even call Nate until after I'd given Travis the job," Longley said. "He's getting the role based on his own merits."

World Cup 81/82/83/84

© Sporting Times Daily 2021
Back at the starting line: DBC51/72
by Mindy Cartwright, National Soccer Editor

The people who make decisions about my employment suggested that it might be a good angle if I covered the Commonwealth Under-21's on the occasion of the squad's 10th appearance since their multiverse debut in Valanora, and I had to admit it was full of good storylines, plus it would be fun to see how my perspective has evolved since that point in my career when I was just getting established as a writer covering the National Teams.

It will be different as an experience from the start, since this is a mixed gender side (I had no idea that I would be witness to the end of single gender NT squads when I left the Angelotic Temple in Longview after the 5-2 quarterfinal defeat to Banija in DBC42), not to mention that many of the people who I shared the experience with are not going to be along for the reunion; my colleagues in the Fourth Estate--Frank Armitage and Oliver Stanley--will leave me the duty of being the helpful veteran to younger reporters (which I accept with wholehearted joy) while only Liam Sullivan--then, as now the Under-21 boss--returns from the coaching staff. My dear friend Erin McNamara from the FAC Media Department will come along to keep me company as she did then, but otherwise it is going to be a completely different cast of characters to get acquainted with in a journalistic sense.

What will mark this edition of the 72nd Under-21 World Cup for the FAC--and myself--as a departure from the norm is the location; the Starblaydi FA will co-ordinate the tournament alongside the Vanorians and the group draw has seen Baker Park placed in the Foxchester nation for Group G action. A large field of 48 nations will contest the tournament with Kohnhead, Tikariot, Xanneria, Cabo Azure and Lathamford providing the opposition for the Junior Bees.

Although we'll miss out on traveling to familiar venues such as The White Fortress, Turmondale Grounds, Metropolis and Donna Cathedral--to name but a few--the excitement of discovering more of the legendary stadia of Starblaydia's cities will make up for it over the long run.

Sullivan will have a young side by BP U21 standards, as a number of players with eligibility were brought into the senior national team pool for the Jenna Raven/Women's World Cup and the AOCAF in Equestria.

by **Adab** » Tue Aug 24, 2021 11:39 am

KickTheBall.com
Bringing you the latest news and rumors in football, in Adab and abroad

Thursday, August 10, 2034 / 25 Jumada al-Awwal 1456

By: Elymur Amwan

The Di Bradini Cup, or Rashid Abbas’ Baptism of Fire

Rashid Abbas, assistant manager of the Adab national football team, now finds himself in the spotlight as manager of the under-21 team. He insists that he is merely loyally obeying the instructions of senior team manager Saad Kaykali and the Adab Football Association, who have entrusted him with the under-21 job. But many believe he is being prepared for greater things.

Nowadays, Rashid Abbas calls two places home: Faraby City and Adab City. The former is where he was born, grew up, made his name, and recently returned to take care of his father, who suffers from dementia.

The latter is where he now plies his trade as one of the two assistant managers of the Adab national football team, virtually serving as assistant to the older assistant manager Inimabakesh Thulus. They themselves, of course, assist and advise Saad Kaykali in running the national team.

That 47-year-old Abbas has been named to the under-21 post for the 51st Di Bradini Cup (and 72nd Under-21 World Cup overall) is no surprise. The 67-year-old Thulus has repeatedly ruled himself out, stating that he intends to stay by the side of his old friend Kaykali, and many fans and observers are indeed delighted at Abbas’ appointment, believing that his relative youth is what is needed to take Adabian football forward.

Heck, he may even be the person to take Adabian football forward, and if the rumors are to be believed, Saad Kaykali feels the same way, too.

There have been some dissenting voices; Rashid Abbas, after all, has never managed a club or even an under-18 national side. Yes, he had a stellar playing career – he is regarded by many as the greatest player to come out of Faraby – but leading on the pitch is different from leading from the dugout. Clearly he was appointed assistant manager only to appease the Farabians, who had been growing increasingly discontent with their island’s accession into Adab as an associated state, or so they said.

And, of course, what about all those years when he, well, disappeared off the face of the earth? Was he actually under the protection of the Farabian government for carrying out “sensitive orders”, as he himself has claimed? Did he, having been at odds with government figures, really assassinate an enemy of the Prince of Faraby to save himself from assassination (he has strenuously denied this particular rumor)? Did he really spend his time under government protection participating in “environmental and humanitarian missions around the Hindu Kush and everywhere to the end of the world”?

Even if those rumors are not true, they have certainly added to the man from Faraby’s charismatic – some would even say mystical – image, already built on the basis of his remarkable career and dashing appearance. For everywhere he goes, he inspires at least respect, but usually admiration and even outright awe.

Yet those things – his football career, his side gig as an alleged assassin, his globe-trotting humanitarian career under an assumed identity – seemed so far away when yesterday, having returned from a disappointing Olympic campaign which saw the national team finish bottom of the group, he conducted his first press conference as manager of the under-21 team at AFA headquarters in Adab City.

Wearing a T-shirt and jeans, he projected the image of an ordinary middle-aged man, a loyal assistant to Saad Kaykali, a far cry from the jet-setting young star turned alleged assassin turned aid worker. He presented himself as a man of no pretensions. “Mr. Kaykali and the Football Association have put their trust in me to lead the under-21 team,” he announced, “and I will repay their trust in me. That is my job, these are my orders, and nothing more. I will do my best.”

And if he does manage to do his best, that will be his path to greater things. He may even be manager of the senior national team. Or so they say.

A Game of (Managerial) Thrones?

Inimabakesh Thulus has publicly spoken of retirement both during his first and second stints as Saad Kaykali’s assistant manager. Many will remember his interview last March with the Adab Times, when the 67-year-old declared that he was not interested in the managerial job” and might even “retire as assistant manager following next year’s World Cup”.

If Thulus does retire, that will leave the door open for Abbas to be Kaykali’s sole assistant manager, and Kaykali is unlikely to again pick a second assistant manager. Farabian appeasement rumors aside, Abbas had been appointed to help ease Thulus’ workload, and also because the 60-year-old Kaykali, having returned to lead the team out of a 13-year hiatus, felt he needed a “younger voice” to keep him up-to-date with the latest trends and changes in the game. Abbas is that younger voice, and there is no need for an even younger one.

And once Kaykali decides the time has come for him to step down, who will take up the managerial gauntlet? Captain Mohammed Marramzi and vice-captain Enlilbani Yargab are popular choices among the general public, but they both have insisted that they are able to continue playing “for a few more years to come”. And after that there is still the long road towards achieving coaching qualifications. And surely they might want to first try coaching or managing a club first, or a junior side like Abbas is doing right now? Kaykali would probably have been long gone by the time either Marramzi or Yargab are even remotely ready for the top job.

So who else to succeed Kaykali but the assistant manager who is currently trying to improve on his managerial credentials?

Abbas can deny it as much as he wants. He can keep on telling people that he is merely serving Kaykali and the AFA and carrying out their orders, that everything he does is purely for the good of the team and the next generation of Adabian footballers and nothing more. But surely he is aware of the expectations – most of them left unsaid – that hang over his head.

Yes, for this is Rashid Abbas’ managerial baptism of fire. Will he emerge from the fire unscathed, like Daniel from the den of lions, or will the fire consume him?

And let us not forget the dark horse that is visible to all. Kaykali had hired his Baghdad City teammate Faisal al-Ali, whose coaching career up to that point had been rather unremarkable, to manage the under-18 team. No high expectations were placed on him and the team for the under-18 side’s very first international tournament – they were, and frankly still are, painfully underfunded compared to the senior and under-21 teams – and yet al-Ali stunned the nation by taking the team all the way to the final of the Under-18 World Cup, only losing the trophy in extra time to Mertagne. From the corridors of AFA headquarters to pundit boxes across the country, they began discussing the unthinkable: have we found the successor to Kaykali in, of all places, the under-18 team?

But the senior team are a different beast entirely, and how long will Kaykali keep on managing the team? Pained by the national team’s sudden 13-year hiatus after a promising start in the World Cup 81 qualifiers, he had insisted on a one-match contract upon his return, his barely-disguised antipathy towards AFA President Naram-Sin Araqasdah and the football establishment as a whole no doubt playing a part in his decision. That one-match contract, of course, kept being renewed after every match, and it was only with a great amount of cajoling that Kaykali agreed to have it converted into a one-year contract.

Yet, by all accounts, Kaykali seems to have rediscovered his love for the game, and there is nothing preventing one of the greatest legends in Adabian football from agreeing to an even more permanent contract, especially if the team keep on performing well in the World Cup and the Independent Associations Championship. 5 years? 10 years? Maybe by then Marramzi or Yargab would be more than ready to assume the mantle.

And, of course, will Thulus actually retire after the next World Cup? He has spoken of retirement more than once. He initially refused to come back as assistant manager at the end of the 13-year hiatus, but eventually did so out of loyalty to Kaykali. The two of them have known each other for four decades by now. Even if they grew distant from each other during the long hiatus, their bond runs deeper than personal affection. From the playing days at Baghdad City to the corridors of power in the national team, they have had a shared history spanning more than 40 years. It was just the natural order of things that, when Kaykali needed someone at his side, Thulus would be that someone.

“Saad and I are bound by destiny,” Thulus said in the Adab Times interview. “We played for the same club and are now leading the same national team. We were put together on the pitch and in the managerial room. Sometimes I wonder if, when the time comes, we will disappear together.”

Maybe for now nothing will change. Kaykali will still be manager for many years to come, with Thulus and Abbas by his side. Maybe things will change a little bit; Thulus will finally retire this time, and Abbas will continue on as assistant manager and under-21 manager and nothing more. That’s what he wants, right?

But sooner or later they will change. And whether he realizes it or not, whether he accepts it or not, Rashid Abbas will play a part in this change. Whether it will change in his favor or not remains to be seen. His performance with the under-21 team may decide that.

Near the end of the press conference, Siman Adasi of the Daily Letter asked Abbas what he planned to do first as manager of the under-21 team.

“I want to go home first,” Abbas said, obviously referring to his hometown. “I want to see my father and my sister.”

No pretensions at all.

by **Chromatika** » Tue Aug 24, 2021 1:57 pm

the three.

In Chromatik football, they've shifted to having one or two AMs and side Wingers. However, in the U-21 ranks, they still use the 3-4-3, as the CCFA uses mostly traditional formations. This is a story about the three starting attackers on the squad.

Main Characters:
RW Emilie Kruetzberg, 20 - Z'ai'ai Institute of Technology (CMT)
Recognizable due to a magnificent mane of red hair, Emilie Kruetzberg is a dynamic playmaker who burst into the scene last season for the Hellcats. She is a swarmer, endlessly trying to be around the ball on the attacking end to tire out the defender and take the shot. She can be a tad overaggressive at times - she led the CCFA in offside calls last season - but she scores or contributes to scoring chances enough times to make up for it.

Amongst the three, she's the least experienced at the international level, and the shiest, preferring to let her actions on the field do most of the talking. She's learning lots from the other two in areas of confidence, patience, and knowing how to handle the spotlight.

ST Karra Oveni, 19 - Colonial Sile (VIL)
The model Chromatik striker of the new school, that is, the supportive striker, Oveni is someone who doesn't mind getting by on rebounds and letting other positions have a chance at goals. She can take over games by her persistent presence in front of the goal and her ability to work with other playmakers.

Amongst the three, she's the most easy-going, friendly, and good-natured. She's one of the only close friends that Edith Fillar has. She does have a surprising competitive streak in her, though.

LW/LM Edith Fillar, 16 - Shamrock Cathair (AUD)
The youngest of the Fillars, Edith is the next coming of Megan Kelly, or the Chromatik winger who's short but can run circles around would-be defenders and take over the game due to where she is on the pitch. She may not be the quickest off the ball, but she has the relentlessness that has been present on many great Chromatik wingers. With the mindset of a drill sergeant who is definitely the strictest on herself, Edith's career is just beginning.

Edith is the most competitive, hard working, driven player on the squad, and the most intense of the Fillars. She can be a bit stand-offish, but that's only because she's so hell-bent on succeeding.

Minor Characters
RB Grayson Fillar, 20 - Cazadores Cathair (AUD) Older brother of Edith
AM Baillaire Fillar, 19 - Cazadores Cathair (AUD) Older sister of Edith
GK Van Enax, 21, Workers Union (GK) Starting Goalkeeper for the U-21 Squad
Claude Pare-Achel, 59 (ZWZ), Chromia Central College University (CMT) Manager
Mikhail Dushov, 56), Chromia Central College University (CMT) Assistant Manager

Part 1: (Un)welcome Surprises

The room was abuzz with excitement and discussion after the Groups for the upcoming Di Bradini Cup 51 had been announced. Chromatika would be heading to fellow Anaian nation Starblaydia, in order to play the likes of TJUN-ia, Eraman, Barhe, Equestria, and HUElavia. Some of the names were new, but Equestria and HUElavia were old foes. Most of the players were a bit cowed by the fact that out of forty-eight nations, only sixteen would make it to the second round; the Starblaydi and Vanorian associations had decided to avoid the Round of 24 that usually came with bigger fields.

As the three attackers looked at each other, and just nodded. Emilie, Karra, and Edith will have to do the lions' share of the scoring with the current formation. As Claude Pare-Achal dismissed everyone to their respective group meetings, he made a statement that got conversations flowing once again.

"Tomorrow, we will have special Coaches join us for the next few days from the senior squad. I've been asked by the Chromatik Football Federation to withhold whom all the positional coached will be, but there will be one for goalkeepers, one for defenders, one for midfielders, one for forwards, and a special coach to round it all off. They'll be working with the respective groups. There will be a competition at the end of the special Coaches' stay, and the winner of each of the four competitions will be gifted with tickets for four to any of the Anomalies' home games of choice in the next World Cup Qualifiers," stated the Zwangzugian.

As speculations began to abound about the special Coaches' identity, Edith Fillar exchanged glances with her siblings, Baillaire and Grayson. Surely not their oldest brother? As her two siblings both indicated that they had no idea. Not that Juxon would be above keeping secrets from his younger siblings, of course.

"Goalkeepers will have a chance to stop three penalties each from the Forwards Coach, though you will specifically get hints from the Goalkeepers Coach on their tendencies. Whomever saves the most penalties wins. If there are ties, we will keep going until someone saves when the other doesn't," stated Pare-Achel. "Defenders will have a chance to dispossess the ball from the Midfielders Coach, while Midfielders will have to get by the Defenders Coach. For the Forwards, you'll get three tries at the Goalkeepers Coach. More detailed explanations will be given as the competition comes up."

"That's all. Be well." With that, they were dismissed.

As they headed off to their respective dorms, Emilie and Karra started to poke Edith.

"Do you know if Juxon is coming? Van is going to lose his mind," commented Emilie while looking at Edith's expression. as Edith shrugged her shoulders in reply.

"Hell if I know," responded Edith curtly, "None of us have heard a word about this."

"Isn't it a shoo-in?" interjected Karra, "Defender is the hardest to predict. Midfielder will likely be Enigma Armageddon or Hermaeus Mora - Enigma is more likely as Siovnija and Teusland is a bit closer to here than Tumbra. Attacker is probably Vasily Marten Kuznetsov, right? But honestly, who's going to show up instead of your brother as the Goalkeepers Coach?"

"Yeah, well, can't confirm," shot back Edith, "Although it wouldn't be fair to you two if I did a competition with you two about shooting penalties past my brother, would it?"

Emilie and Karra nodded their acknowledgement, as the talk continued.

Edith took our her phone and shot a quick text to Juson: Hey J, are you coming tomorrow?

The reply was almost immediate:
See you tomorrow. Been keeping up on your Penalty Kicks?

Edith visibly groaned and then recovered to not let anything slip to her friends.

"I'm sure regardless of who it is, I'll beat either of you anyway," she shot back before hurrying off, leaving Emlie and Karra in the dust.

"What's her problem?" inquired Emilie to Karra, looking at the retreating form of Edith.

"Eh, she's like that," replied Karra nonchalantly, "Don't think too much of it."

As Emilie shook her head, the three of them strode to face the new challenges of the day ahead.

by **The Kytler Peninsulae** » Tue Aug 24, 2021 3:49 pm

For the first time in living memory, a generation of Kytlerians have grown up genuinely believing they could play international sport. With the isolation now finally over, that generation gets its chance, starting at the Di Bradini Cup where an under-21 Kytlerian side that features numerous teenagers gets a chance to show what it could do - and potentially be the future of the senior national side before it even begins in its current form.

With two successive painful home defeats for that team at the Eagle's Cup, speculation is rife that a new generation could step up sooner rather than later. Koenraad Houtkooper has bought a quite different tactical style from Sam Wahl's senior side, focused on fast counter-attacks, and it starts at the very back. Erlendur Leifsson, of Icelandic origin and a one-time javelin champion, loves to start attacks with a long throw. "It's nice to know that something I was good at as a child is still helpful to me when I don't do that sport anymore," the 20-year-old FC Alaer goalkeeper told interviewers ahead of the team's opening game with Sharktail. "I think in some places there is an emphasis on overcommitment to one sport from a very early age, too early age, and you can get overuse injuries that way as much as anything else. I think here, because there wasn't an emphasis on international competition so sport for so long now has been truly about entertainment, people have had a healthier attitude. I hope that continues now that we can compete on the big stages like we used to."

There are several players in this team with a multi-sport background, reinforcing this pattern. Striker Angufams Tomprism played basketball as a teenager; wiry midfielder James Bartlett was a school cross-country championship medallist; towering central defender Thomas Batley was a Babbageball quarterback in secondary school, and credits the sport with improving his ability to pass the ball with his feet as well. "It's about making the right decisions, spatial awareness, and just reading what's in front of you from a defensive standpoint," Batley suggested. He added that "we were the ones who were getting into organised teams just as it looked like we were going to reopen to the world again, and that's been the carrot for all of us, in other sports too, lacrosse has been massive again in schools and I think that's why. I think gridiron got really big again out in Varn, same reason, they might have a World Bowl team again maybe."

How optimistic are the team coming out? "The way we see it is we don't know how good we are on an international level and there's only one way to find out," suggested Tomprism. "From my perspective, I just have to hope that if I get some genuinely good goalscoring chances, I take them."

by **Valanora** » Tue Aug 24, 2021 7:34 pm

It has been over eighty years since Vanorians last took part of the Di Bradini Cup, back when the majority of the population was still elven and it was deemed not necessary for the team to participate. It was a move that was hotly contested domestically, but the Vanorian Sporting Council had made its judgement and there was no way that they were going to be convinced to undo the decision. It was a big blow to youth football in the Empire, as it took a backseat to the glitz and glamour of the Premiership as well as the pride and showmanship of the senior national team. While there was still the prestigious Night Academy as well as noted clubs like AC Valanari that would continue to do hard work in trying to develop the generations of youth footballers in the Empire, it's time in the sun had apparently come to an end. It was with a bad amount of remorse that it came to pass, with the youth team having won two of the tournaments before the VSC had made their decision, winning the first and sixth editions of the Di Bradini Cup. Now several decades later, the team is suiting back up to get back into things.

Despite having been the caretaker and host of the tournament for almost forty years now, it had taken quite a long time to convince the VSC that the youth team should be entered into the very tournament that was routinely taking place in the Eternal Empire. Even when the majority of the team changed from elven to human following the last Calling, the VSC were still digging in their heels and making arguments that it was up to the clubs that the players were playing for to develop the team and get them ready for national team duty if they had that sort of potential. However there was some sort of agreement made early in the spring that at long last that the youth national team should be given a second chance once again to try and get these talented players playing competitively at a high level even before some of them were first team regulars at their club. In a surprise move, the former national team star central midfielder of Faeron Soldarian was appointed as the manager, just a few short weeks after being appointed the Royal Ambassador to the VSC.

Whether through design or by mere chance, the youth team will be playing all of their group stage matches in the upcoming tournament in the confines of the capital and the surrounding outlying suburbs, meaning that they will set up their camp at the training facilities of Raynor City United and take the trains to their matches rather than needing to travel across the nation. While there will already be the creature comforts of playing at home, there is also the added boost that the rest provided by not having a ton of travel when compared to the rest of the competitors. However it will not be against anyone else in the group that this advantage might come into play, as the venues for the team are the same for all of the group with each group in the tournament being assigned three stadiums that will be used for the respective group matches. However should the Marauders find a way to advance out of their group, they will be significantly more rested than any potential opponent that they would face in the first knockout round, a sort of advantage that anyone would take at a tournament of this stature.

Speaking of the groups, it is difficult to ascertain just how good or bad the draw has been for the team, as youth football is notoriously inconsistent. While there are a few teams who routinely produce good youth prospects and typically do well at this tournament, yes we are looking at you Pasarga and Mytanija, it historically is a tournament where back to back winners or even finalists is usually rare. With players aging out of the age group and the sheer lack of consistency you find in youth football compared to that of the more disciplined and consistent senior teams, it is easy to understand why this is a thing. There is a small Rushmori flair to the group, with both Eastfield Lodge and Hispinas in the group, while the rest of the group is scattered across the footballing world. It will be Hispinas who are first on the docket as the Marauders and the Rushmori will be the opening game of the tournament in the Battleground, in front of what is expected to be a fully seventy-eight thousand capacity crowd. Expectations are not high, having been absent from the arena of youth football for so long, but getting out of the group would be a nice feather in the cap and an opening win in the curtain raiser would be a momentous occasion.

by **Pasarga** » Tue Aug 24, 2021 11:46 pm

Things are a lot different for this group of the Young Wanderers in this edition of the Di Bradini Cup, as the team enters not only with almost an entirely different group of playing personnel but also new staff to lead them through their trip in the Eternal Empire. Kirk McDonagh was hired by the PFA during the World Cup Qualifiers and was able to turn things around for the senior team, getting them qualified and then into the knockouts again, gaining a top ten ranking in the world for his efforts. Now he gets his first chance to see how he can handle the perils of the youth scene, where he is joined by Timi'sala Koarena, a Turorian who used to be a national team player during their playing days. Not only are the Young Wanderers different, but this is a special edition of the tournament as well, as it is a much larger field with forty-eight teams participating to the usual thirty-two, but the tournament is also taking place across Valanora and Starblaydia instead of being wholly contained within the Eternal Empire itself. It seems that it will be quite the theme of change for all during this tournament.

Speaking of that change, there is a slight altering of the tactics for the Young Wanderers this tournament, as the advanced midfielder has been withdrawn to play more centrally while one of the strikers has been withdrawn a bit farther to be the interplay between attack and defense. That striker will be Nikolett Horváth, one of only two players on this roster who do not ply their trade in the dual islands, with McDonagh leaning heavily into a youth league system that is supposed to be one of the most talented in the game. That talent will need to grow up fast here in the Eternal Empire, as the senior team is likely to be heading into a transition period and some of the older players could be playing for spots in the national team pool for the upcoming qualifiers. If the chance for silverware is not a big enough motivation for some, knowing that they could be very well playing their way into contention for the senior team could very well bring out the very best in the players who might otherwise find their game inconsistent as described by some analysts.

For the Young Wanderers to succeed, it will likely be because of a talented defensive unit, with a trio of players from the youth league champions of CA Paulinthal who had one of the most difficult to score against defenses in last season's youth leagues. Up at the front, Zlatko Ćosić will be asked to be playing a more advanced forward role with their combination of both a bit of strength as well as a fair amount of pace. On the whole, the team is missing quite a bit of experience from those who have previously taken a part of in previous tournaments, which in the past has been a usual strength of the side. Yet that youthful exuberance and not knowing when they could be overmatched or are supposed to be out of the game could end up being a boon, as they can will play without really knowing any better compared to players who might have that extra tension from having the sort of experience in these situations. It is such a perilous balance that has to be walked for players, regardless of being at the youth level or the senior level, and it will be a big test of McDonagh's managerial abilities to see they handle their players.

With a larger group stage the team will likely be seeing quite a bit of rotation throughout the group stage to try and mitigate the chance for injury or sheer exhaustion from playing too many games in too short of a time. The Young Wanderers will open up their group stage play against Cassadaigua, which is far from an ideal scenario with how good that the Dagans typically are good at the sport, with their multiple World Cup titles as proof. It a group with a bit of Rushmori flair with ourselves, the Dagans, as well as The Kytler Penisular who have reemerged from their isolation from the game and entered into the tournament. The Oceania Territories of Eura are also in the group, as well as Sharktail, and then Zeta Reka and Hügeltaldom to round out the group. It looks to be a very interesting group from top to bottom and the Young Wanderers are going to have to battle hard if they are going to find a way to get into the knockout rounds. Kirk McDonagh managed a minor miracle to get the senior team into the Finals, it might require that to advance, but if it happens, it will definitely vindicate his hire even more than his performance in the World Cup did.

by **Vilita and Turori** » Wed Aug 25, 2021 4:01 am

Little Eel Kitties Return to Valanora to Defend DBC Trophy

51st Di Bradini Cup, Raynor City, Valanora :: The Vilita and Turori Under-21 Squad arrived in Raynor City for the first time since defeating Krytenia in the 50th Di Bradini Cup Final, ready to defend their championship and compete as reigning champions of the Under-21 World Cup for the first time in 64 editions of the competition. One of the players returning for the Vilita and Turori Under-21's would be Audioslavia based midfielder Imauka Lkomorak, scorer of two goals in the 50th Di Bradini Cup Final. Also returning would be Vilita and Turori Under-21 Head Coach Purapal Eskiiy hoping to lead the squad to back-to-back titles.

The Little Eel Kitties will have fond memories of their most recent match at the Battleground in Raynor City, where they will return to contest their Group B matches. In the Final against Krytenia, Vilita & Turori had numerous chances early in the match and scored what would ultimately be the game-winning goal just past ten minutes into the match when Inteali Koranjo delivered a long throw in from near the corner flag - the skilled defender turning the situation into a virtual corner kick and the perhaps un-prepared Cyan Dragons conceded the opportunity to Cuobaza Orani'aoa who would make no mistake sweeping the ball into the net to give Vilita & Turori the lead.

After having previously dominated the competition during the 45th Di Bradini Cup right up until the Final where they were defeated by Cosumar, the Little Eel Kitties now had the momentum and head coach Purapal Eskiiy had a choice to make. Lock things down, or stick to the game plan. Eskiiy opted to let the players keep playing their game and it would pay off just after the half hour mark off the foot of Lkomorak who scored their first ever goal for Vilita & Turori at any level in just their second tournament appearance - having started just one game for the Eel-Cat Things during the 63rd AOCAF Competition.

The Little Eel Kitties defenders were also doing their part in the match. While Krytenia were still creating chances in the midfield, Vilita & Turori were refusing to allow their opponents space to shoot inside the 18 yard box, greatly reducing the number of quality goal scoring opportunities that the inexperienced Eastal Lunar FC goalkeeping prospect Zelkki Milake Jr. would have to deal with.

Just when it seemed the sides were content to go in with the scoreline as is, Lkomorak struck again in a goal that due to its timing effectively finished off the match. The Krytenians could not overcome the shock of a 0-3 deficit at the half and the remaining forty-five minutes played out competitively but ultimately with no change to the scoreline. As the final whistle approached the fans from the Vilitan Cove region began chanting louder before erupting at the final whistle. Vilita & Turori were Champions of the 50th Di Bradini Cup.

Imauka Lkomorak became a household name in the Cove for their unexpected burst that helped the Little Eel Kitties put away their Cyan Foes in a match that seemed like it could spark a rejuvenated rivalry between the two geographical neighbors. Nobody knew at the time but it would not be the spark in the rivalry but instead would be its last chapter. Outside the sporting world a combination of political and un-explainable phenomenon had already begun and soon Vilita & Turori would become isolated. A nation alone with every single one of its land neighbors gone. Nearly every active ally on it's continental plate gone without any warning or sign of where they had gone to - including Krytenia.

While the Vilitans were obviously stunned to adjust to life with no neighboring nation along its borders and the entire Cove grappled to understand some of the other side effects from the phenomenon that caused the great adjustment, something strange did evolve in the world of Sports. The long time pecking order within the Vilitan Cove had been turned on its head. The Turori National Team put in a near-perfect World Cup 88 Cycle to earn their first World Cup Trophy 73 campaigns after their first - besting even the 64 cycle gap that the Vilita and Turori Under-21 side had just established by winning the 50th Di Bradini Cup. The result gave the Cove hope that while things were absolutely going to be different in the new reality, sports can always provide the distractions and happiness a population craves even in the worst of times off the field.

Vilita and Turori will have a number of matches to contest before getting the chance to return to Raynor City, however, with their Group Stage matches spread out among Longview, Gladerial and Monaven. The Little Eel Kitties will begin their Di Bradini Cup title defense at Orange Gate Falls in Monaven against fellow Atlantian Oceania based side Sarzonia before heading off to the nearly double-capacity Angelotic Temple in Longview to face off with Eura, the Rushmori Nation whose Atlantian Oceania based territory now sits as Vilita & Turori's closest geographical neighbor.

With the expansion of the Di Bradini Cup to 48 teams, the Little Eel Kitties will face an extended Group Stage schedule with further matches against Quebec and Shingoryeo, Mertagne and the Island of the Lost. While the Island of the Lost is a relatively unknown entity on the World Stage they enter the 51st Di Bradini Cup riding the wave of momentum having reached the Final of the 8th Melayu Archipelago Cup in Sendhang having lost the championship to established Independent Association Trolleborg. The result gave Island of the Lost the distinction of having both been defeated in the championship match but also still partial claim to the title of best nation in their region due to Trolleborg's status as a guest competitor from outside the Archipelago.

Despite the expansion to Groups of Six teams, there will be no additional nations advancing to the knockout rounds as only the top 2 nations in each group will advance. Combining the five traditional sporting powers plus the up-and coming MAC Runners-up Island of the Lost in a single Group it is quite evident that Group B is the Most Competitive and Most Difficult Group on paper at the 51st Di Bradini Cup.

by **Sylestone** » Wed Aug 25, 2021 4:04 am

The Sylestonean > Sport > Football > DBC 51

SYLESTONE DRAWN WITH MYTANIJA, LICENTIAN ISLES IN TOUGH DBC GROUP

BEXAR, VALANORA - In the 50th edition of the Di Bradini Cup, held nigh on two years ago, Sylestone finally qualified for the knockouts stage of the competition after racking up four points in a tough group, consisting of the likes of Mytanija, Quebec and Farfadillis. A 2-0 win over Farfadillis on matchday one put the Sylestoneans at an advantage right away and despite a 2-2 draw against the Quebecois and a 3-0 loss to Mytanija, it was still enough to draw a strong Euran side in the round of 16. The Sylestoneans took the Rushmori side to extra time, but ultimately fell short with an eventual 3-2 scoreline. Yet, it was still certainly an acceptable performance, with Savigliani manager Augusto Rinaldi keeping his position down-pat for another cycle with, possibly, an even better side.

This year, the tournament has been expanded to 48 teams, with eight groups of six, four in Valanora and four in Starblaydia. Sylestone will be playing in Group C, drawn in with some of the most promising returning and up-and-coming nations, including the likes of Mytanija, a favourite for the tournament, alongside Adab and fellow Esportivans the Licentian Isles. And with only two progressing from each group, the Young Hawthorns will require a fair share of luck to even finish with a positive record, let alone a qualification.

First up is Adab, where a win will be vital if Sylestone want to contest those sought-after spots at the top of the table. Following that, the Young Hawthorns will be up against the Licentian Isles in an all-Esportiva derby. Both sides possess strong sides who could take the tournament deep, but with the nature of the format and the group itself, both sides will be pushing to even leave the group stage. Following this is Maramaa, largely an unknown side, who may well provide an upset if they are in form, before the Hawthorns face Usan on matchday four. These two matches will be considered the easiest of the lot, but no side can be underestimated in a tournament like this. Finally, Caddo will play host to Sylestone’s final group stage game against Mytanija, where a loss seems inevitable considering what happened last time. Yet, you never know, and the Young Hawthorns certainly have the ability to pull off an upset. With a fair chunk of luck.

Lineup vs Adab @ River City Stadium, Bexar:

Fuller; Mornington - Lynn - Zezoni; Rodway; Stanton (c) - Love - Jones; R Strathfield; Hughes - Kearnes

Schedule:

Matchday One: Adab - Sylestone @ River City Stadium, Bexar
Matchday Two: The Licentian Isles - Sylestone @ Sabinal Stadium, Sabinal
Matchday Three: Sylestone - Maramaa @ River City Stadium, Bexar
Matchday Four: Usan - Sylestone @ Caddo Park, Caddo
Matchday Five: Sylestone - Mytanjia @ Caddo Park, Caddo

by **Sendhang** » Wed Aug 25, 2021 4:26 am

DAY 4 - MONTH 6 - YEAR 7

DBC 51: Devolpment over results

The decision made by the Persatuan Sepakbola Seluruh Sendhang (PS3) to send the Under-21 national team to the Under-21 World Cup for the first time was applauded by every football enthusiast in the country. The social media was bombarded by praise from Sendhangites after PS3 first announced their decision a year ago. The decision was seen as a sign of seriousness by the national football governing body to take Sendhang to greater heights in football.

Sendhang football fans were rejoicing even more after it was made known that the young Rice Farmers will be in the same group as World Cup regulars such as Valanora, Poafmersia, and Savigliane. The chance to see the best young talents in Sendhang playing against the best youngsters from some of the top footballing nations in the world made the social media buzzing again after the group draw mas made a few months ago.

The nation was however divided after the final 23 players going to Valanora and Starblaydia was announced. No Teuku Salahudin and Teuku Herman on the list. The KS Tapaklaboh duo is widely regarded as the best young football player in the country regularly playing for their club with Teuku Salahudin even leading the senior national team strikeforce on several occasions. Their exclusion from the squad was not received well by some section of the Sendhang fans. The head coach then had to explain his reasoning behind the under-21 national team selection which prioritize player development over tournament results.

Players like Teuku Salahudin and Teuku Herman have got enough exposure. They are playing regularly for their clubs. They have traveled all over the world with their clubs in continental competitions as well as with the national team. The likes of Antonius Konay and Fernandes Geong don’t have the same opportunity. So this is the best platform for them to step up and get a feel of national team football. It’s nice to have the Di Bradini Cup in the trophy cabinet but it should not be the priority. The priority is to prepare a strong squad that can pose a strong challenge for a World Cup spot and this is the kind of tournament for that.

by **HUElavia** » Wed Aug 25, 2021 7:55 am

The Start of Something Special?

HUElavia enters the DBC looking to make something happen with a youthful squad.

(OOC: In the HUElavian Timeline, the DBC takes place in the year between the World Cup and the IAC/Regionals, a few weeks after the U18 WC. This edition takes place before IAC 13.)

HUElavia returns to the DBC, a tournament where historically the U21 teams have flopped in the Group Stage. This is truly a peculiar issue for HUElavia, given that the U18 Team has had deep runs in the U18 World Cup, while the Senior Team has made the World Cup (and earned victories) as well as made four consecutive IAC Finals. Thus, the HUElavian Football Association comes in wanting a new chance for the team, wanting to see the youngsters make a name for themselves. In comes Elisandra Moreira Marques, the former manager of RCD Xinzo, a team in the HFL that was very good at taking the team to a solid finish in the league. For her and her two assistants, Rafaela Nakata Couto and Roberto Ruiz, they have been tasked to motivate these youngsters, as they are the main prospects (along with the U18 players) for the imminent rebuild of the National Football Team, and the main players expected to be featured in the 2090s.

Main star players of this roster is Midfielder Teresa Font and Forward Ringo Yamane, both young women that look to make a name for themselves and to make their case for possibly joining Leonardo Conavacio's team in IAC 13. It is also noted that Yamane, with the talents the young woman from Sega displays, has been named the Captain for the team in this tournament. With the young men, Forward Kedar and Defender Soria are also some of the significant players for the team.

HUElavia was placed in Group F with the likes of TJUN-ia, Chromatika, Eraman, Barhe, and Equestria. Four of these teams have strong names to themselves, and three of them are no easy pushovers. The teams will play against each other in Starblaydia, in the following venues: Hallad City Stadium (49,000) in Hallad, Bekkside Arena (33,000) in Tabek, and Victory Park (48,000) in Vecchio.

There are questions surrounding the team, mainly being whether the team will flop with a point or two or if there is something special yet to be seen with these youngsters. Fans will be coming in the thousands, as many HUElavians are looking forward to cheering on these players, many of which are likely to be part of the new generation for this decade. Here's to hoping this can be a fun and exciting tournament for this team and our supporters alike.

FORCA HUELAVIA! VAMOS HUELAVIA! GO HUELAVIA!

by **Starblaydia** » Wed Aug 25, 2021 8:24 am

Matchday One, Vanorian half

Group A
Valanora 2–0 Hispinas
Savigliane 4–1 Poafmersia
Eastfield Lodge 0–2 Sendhang

Group A                        Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Savigliane                     1   1  0  0    4   1  +3    3
2 Sendhang                       1   1  0  0    2   0  +2    3
  Valanora                       1   1  0  0    2   0  +2    3
4 Eastfield Lodge                1   0  0  1    0   2  −2    0
  Hispinas                       1   0  0  1    0   2  −2    0
6 Poafmersia                     1   0  0  1    1   4  −3    0

Group B
Quebec and Shingoryeo 1–1 Eura
Mertagne 1–0 Island of the Lost
Sarzonia 0–1 Vilita and Turori

Group B                        Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Mertagne                       1   1  0  0    1   0  +1    3
  Vilita and Turori              1   1  0  0    1   0  +1    3
3 Eura                           1   0  1  0    1   1   0    1
  Quebec and Shingoryeo          1   0  1  0    1   1   0    1
5 Island of the Lost             1   0  0  1    0   1  −1    0
  Sarzonia                       1   0  0  1    0   1  −1    0

Group C
Usan 2–1 The Licentian Isles
Mytanija 5–3 Maramaa
Adab 1–0 Sylestone

Group C                        Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Mytanija                       1   1  0  0    5   3  +2    3
2 Usan                           1   1  0  0    2   1  +1    3
3 Adab                           1   1  0  0    1   0  +1    3
4 The Licentian Isles            1   0  0  1    1   2  −1    0
5 Sylestone                      1   0  0  1    0   1  −1    0
6 Maramaa                        1   0  0  1    3   5  −2    0

Group D
Zeta Reka and Hügeltaldom 1–1 Euran Oceania Territories
Cassadaigua 0–2 Pasarga
Sharktail 2–0 The Kytler Penisulae

Group D                        Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Pasarga                        1   1  0  0    2   0  +2    3
  Sharktail                      1   1  0  0    2   0  +2    3
3 Euran Oceania Territories      1   0  1  0    1   1   0    1
  Zeta Reka and Hügeltaldom      1   0  1  0    1   1   0    1
5 Cassadaigua                    1   0  0  1    0   2  −2    0
  The Kytler Penisulae           1   0  0  1    0   2  −2    0

by **Sarzonia** » Wed Aug 25, 2021 8:32 am

Colton Longley shook his head as he watched the team go through its paces in trying to adapt to his more balanced approach to offence and defence.

The team's attacking mentality, even as modest as it was compared to some of the more aggressive teams in Under 21 World Cup terms was a hard habit to shake. So, too, was the team's adaptation to the 4-4-2 formation that was a staple of Sarzonian football at all other levels, including Under 18s, the senior national team, and the over-35 masters team. Longley and company had to wean themselves off the 3-5-2 formation favoured by predecessor Diego Cristobal.

"Well, we're adapting," Longley said in a press conference when asked about the team's adopting the 4-4-2 and the approach the assistant manager favoured. "Old habits die hard, and we really wish we had more time to implement this system. Diego's timing of his departure certainly did us no favours."

Longley shook his head when he was asked if he'd gotten in touch with Cristobal.

"I can't get through to his number," he said. "I haven't even heard from his wife or kids. I have no idea where he is, to be honest."

Longley said the team has been devoting some of their limited time to scouting the team's opponents in Group B, which included Quebec and Shingoryeo, Mertange, defending Under 21 World Cup champions Vilita and Turori, Island of the Lost, and Eura.

"Kinda sounds like Murderer's Row, doesn't it?" Longley asked. "If this were the World Cup proper, you might call it a group of death.

"We have a tough match right from the outset against the defending champions," Longley said. "You don't get much tougher than a date with the champs." For their part, Sarzonia dropped all three group stage matches, scoring one goal and conceding 11. The Incorporated Football Federation decided to retain Cristobal before he abruptly left the team on the eve of the World Cup.

The Junior Stars have limited history with the teams in the group at the Under 21 level, but the same can't be said of the senior level, as the Stars have faced Vilita and Turori at AOCAF three times in recent competitions, going 2-0-1 in those matches. The Stars upset Vilita and Turori in back to back group stages, only to fall to them in the Round of 16 in the most recent AOCAF. With the upheaval surrounding the Foxchester Declaration nations into the new Anaia region, the Round of 16 became the first knockout stage after previous AOCAFs employed a so-called Round of 24. Sarzonia may have faced Eura in a friendly at the senior level, but this is the first meeting in recent memory of the Under 21 teams representing an old dynasty at the senior level and a one-time World Cup winner at both the Under 21 and senior World Cup levels.

"There's a lot of tradition in Eura," Longley said. "We haven't faced them before, so what's going to happen there is anyone's guess."

There may be intrigue surrounding Sarzonia's matchup with Quebec and Shingoryeo, as the status quo lingers between them and Woodstock since the regional split. For Longley, talk about political ramifications is just that.

"We're here to win football matches," he said. "Everything else is just window-dressing."

The Junior Stars will face Island Of The Lost on Matchday 2 after the battle with Vilita and Turori, then have Mertagne on Matchday 4, between the Quebec and Shingoryeo and Eura matches. Longley said he's already planning to give the customary "trap match" speech so often delivered by Sarzonia managers regardless of sport.

"We have to remind our players to stay focused," he said. "Maybe when they're old enough and have enough sustained success down the road it won't be necessary, but with a bunch of kids, we aren't anywhere near that point yet."

JUNIOR STARS SCHEDULE
MD 1 SARZONIA v. Vilita and Turori
MD 2 Island Of The Lost v. SARZONIA
MD 3 SARZONIA v. Quebec and Shingoryeo
MD 4 Mertagne v. SARZONIA
MD 5 SARZONIA v. Eura

by **Tikariot** » Wed Aug 25, 2021 9:19 am

The studios of Tikariot Sports TV, two podiums are set up, one decked in red, the other in black, with a logo on the big screen in the background.

On the right side, outlined in red, a rather diminutive man in his 60s, a chock full of white hair to the shoulders, black rimmed glasses, who speaks first.

Blake Church: Good evening ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Church vs. State: How many U-whatever age teams does a nation need? Usually this is where the host introduces a panel of select experts on the topic, former players and coaches, federation officials and more. I--get this.

He points at a tall, square man, bald, gold earring, black sunglasses, black suit, to his left.

Charles State: Hello to you, too, Blake, I hope to live up to your expectations tonight.

Blake Church: The bar is low enough, you should be able to do that.

Charles State: Now what would you say if I told you that I've been part of the Tikariot U12 to U15 national teams, so I know what it is like at this level?

Blake Church: What? You really were--

Charles State: No.

Blake Church: There are days where it doesn't feel that when they gave us this show it was a reward for me...

Charles State: So, the question that brought us together tonight is, how many underage national teams does a nation need? There seems to one for almost every age group, which raises said question, if we really need one for each of them and also how far down should one go?

Blake Church: I argue as low as there is competitive football. In any age group they should be able to compete against the best of their respective group and for that we need a national team. I am assuming you don't agree?

Charles State: Nope, definitely not.

Blake Church: I'm dying to hear why.

Charles State: I didn't know you felt that strongly about this?

Blake Church: I--what?

Charles State: That you're willing to die for this.

Blake Church: Ladies and gentlemen, I have to work with him not just during shows.

Charles State: Yes, I know, I'm a true blessing. But no, I don't agree. There is a reason why we usually see U21, U18 or U16, which makes sense. You don't need a U10 national team. Sure, the kids can play but do we really have to create a whole national team and everything.

Black Church: So where would you draw the line?

Charles State: 16.

Blake Church: And why not lower?

Charles State: Because they are just not needed. Sure, they love competitions, but they can do them between their clubs or academies or whatever the structure in the respective countries are. There is just no need to go to the lengths of creating a dedicated national team. It can just be a club or three from the same country getting together with clubs from other countries and that's good enough.

Blake Church: So you don't believe in the patriotism to compete for your country at that age?

Charles State: At those ages, no. They just want to play, preferrably with their buddies and not with complete strangers from all across the country. Sure, they want to compete and be the best, but you get the point. Well, you might not, but you get the point I'm trying to make about getting the point.

Blake Church: I do. At least I think so. But either way I disagree. For as long as there is a competition for it, there should be a national team for it. And I do think that there also is some national pride involved, no matter what the age is.

Charles State: I'd argue that the younger the kids are, the more the whole national pride thing is rather something the parents bring into this rather than the kids.

Blake Church: Fair enough, but isn't a lot of stuff at that level parent driven?

Charles State: Well, depends on what it is. The desire to play is more likely the kid, some competitiveness, too, but the younger you go the less they see it within a bigger picture and are likely rather wanting to win more to brag at school than anything bigger. And just to circle back that you just said earlier, how would you even know there is a competition for national teams for it to begin with?

Blake Church: Uh, I would guess the respective football federations?

Charles State: Fair enough. But the point I'm trying to make here is that at that age they don't need the pressure yet to figure out how to play together with kids they've never met before, how to gel with them within a team, within a tactic. Sure, you will find children that have the tactical acumen even at a young age to be able to adapt quickly and work things out, but it is not something that should be widely expected. Once you hit 16, yes, you should be far enough in your development to be able to do so at least reasonably well, because you're getting close to being eligible to play in a first or second division team. Below there normally are still enough other things to work on on a personal level and to be able to work as one cohesive team with players you've had around you for most of a season.

Blake Church: You do have a point there.

Charles State: ---!

Blake Church: Stop looking at me like that, you're creeping me out! It is a valid point. But would you oppose, if two federations wanted to set up something between themselves with the best players they have in their country?

Charles State: No, if it is mutual, obviously I wouldn't have a problem with it, but it should not be the norm to be expected to have national teams all the down to whatever age. As an option and if both sides agree, sure thing.

Blake Church: I think this is a first. We both concede points to each other.

Charles State: See, we are not as unreasonable as we always thought the other side was.

Blake Church: You really thought I was unreasonable?

Charles State: Well, with some of the arguments you usually give...

Blake Church: Talk about the pot calling the kettle black.

Charles State: Are you the pot or the kettle? I feel like tea now.

Blake Church: I'm not even going to give that a response. But I get the signal that our time is up and I would say that this was a quite memorable edition tonight.

Charles State: Indeed it was. Are we any closer to agreeing?

Blake Church: Nope, not whatsoever.

Charles State: Then I would call this a success.

Blake Church: You know that I just don't get you sometimes.

Charles State: And that's exactly the way I like it. Thank you for watching and good night.

works? · by **Abanhfleft** » Wed Aug 25, 2021 10:46 am

DISCLAIMER: Gaelic Gamers is an independents sports blogging website created by four cousins with a common liking and passion for sports of all kinds and is in no way or form affiliated with or organized by any official news organization in the Democratic Republic of Abanhfleft. All statements and opinions posted here are our own and not anyone else's.

Gaelic Gamers
Presents...

The Football Fallacies
with The Man from Markovsky

BACK FOR MORE OF THE SAME, ARE WE?

Hello and welcome to The Football Fallacies. Right, I knew it. I knew it. I just knew it. The SFA couldn't resist the temptation and just had to take another bite out of the cherry. They're bloody masochists, the SFA. And we're also bloody masochists for tagging along with them and enabling them to do this in the first place. How have we managed to let the SFA con us into going into yet another Di Bradini Cup? The last few times we've been there, things have not turned up well for us at all. Oh sure, this time around Valanora are now sharing hosting duties with Starblaydia, but is that really likely to change our luck for the better though? About the only thing we have going for us is that we've got yet another manager in charge of the under-21s. Having said that, Kate Bernanos' CV honestly doesn't inspire much confidence in whoever's reading it. She spent some time with our under-18s where she performed just as well as one could expect, and then she got elevated to the under-21 managerial position for our ill-fated return to the big time in DBC 48. Then for some reason she was entrusted with managing the senior women's team through the Independent Associations Championship, and we all know how that turned out for us.

How about the personnel that we're going to have out on the field? Well, Inocencia Pendergraft seems to have grown into a decent enough goalkeeper since the last time we saw her in action, but she's still struggling to break through the ranks of the Ogovlich Medusas. Heck, she's not yet nailed down a regular spot with her club's under-21s. But it seems as if Bernanos trusts Pendergraft between the sticks for now, and that will have to do. At least we've got a workable defense in front of her in the form of Rose Bane and Margo Kahn, who both play like two sides of the same coin even though they're on two different teams in two different leagues. Yes, Wanda Island's women's team got relegated from the Women's Premier League. Shocker, right? They really should consider investing as much in their women's team as they do the men's.

As far as attacking options go, Josefine Vitagliano is probably going to be our best bet for goals. A bit shocking, yes, considering that she's a CAM and not an out-and-out striker or center forward, but that's where she's most comfortable, apparently. Vitagliano apparently works better as a provider than as the spearpoint of attack. It appears that she tried being a forward a few times, but the whole team suffered because of it. So she's settled back in between the lines to provide balls for Mae Wilbanks and Jordyn Bernardino to chase. Well, it's either Bernardino or Desirae Katigbak. There's an argument that could be made for either player taking up the final starting spot, and part of me thinks that Bernanos could indeed cycle in between the three of them. I kind of feel bad for both Laura Abel and Clare Adcock; they're just being there to take up space on the roster. Or maybe not. Maybe I'm writing them both off too soon. I've done that before. Sometimes I've been wrong, but most times I've been right to write us all off. Because, let's admit it. We're usually absolute dogshite when it comes to football so it's just an expected reaction at this point. And while we're on the subject of rotation, maybe Ashley Jaxson got picked for the first starting eleven of Abanhfleft's second return to the DBC to light a fire under Skye Ereve's ass and get her properly motivated because of the competition. Well, that's what I think is going to happen. The reality could well be different.

Anyway, that's all that there is for me. If you've got comments about our 23-woman roster for the DBC or predictions about the first game against Juvencus then feel free to leave them down below. Until then, I've been the Man from Markovsky, slightly cautious about the possibility of maybe finally not being disappointed by my country.

by **Sarzonia** » Wed Aug 25, 2021 12:10 pm

The Darmeni referee's three whistle blasts delivered a finality to the result today between the defending Under 21 World Cup champions Vilita and Turori and the Sarzonian Under 21 national team. The Eel Cat Things, courtesy of Marine Coast United's Tyoasi Klipark's 77th minute strike that soared through the Vanar night air past the outstretched glove of a diving Glen Baker was the only goal the champs needed to push aside the Junior Stars 1-0.

Colton Longley walked across the pitch toward the midfield stripe to find his counterpart and shake hands. He was well aware of the fact that he'd usually either be to Diego Cristobal's right or would be behind his former boss, but that now, it was he who was seeking out the opposing team's manager to offer congratulations. He met the Cat Eel Things manager and briefly shook hands. He'd heard something along the lines of "nice match," but wasn't really paying much attention.

The simple fact was that Sarzonia were still 0-0-1, the same position the Junior Stars found themselves in after the opening match of the previous Under 21 World Cup. Granted, this Junior Stars unit fared better in terms of competitiveness than the team that embarrassed itself against Equestria in a 4-0 loss. The Junior Stars in that 50th edition lacked any of the energy Sarzonian teams typically brought to the Under 21 World Cup, and only earned a single goal in their second match, a 4-1 pasting courtesy of Chromatika. It would be the only tally by the Junior Stars against 11 goals conceded by Glen Baker and Eleanor Keating, and one had the feeling the lifeless performance would cost Cristobal his job.

However, that wasn't the case. Incorporated Football Federation chairman Zack Wilson said "organisational mismanagement" caused the usual post-World Cup evaluation to be pushed back and then completely pushed away, but the process, originally delayed due to the final vestiges of the SARS 2 novel Coronavirus outbreak and then further delayed because of the row surrounding the Foxchester Declaration finally resulted in Wilson deciding to retain Cristobal. So there was much surprise when, on the eve of the team's departure to Valanora, Cristobal suddenly tendered his resignation. It meant there would be no time to conduct a proper and thorough search for a new manager. The Junior Stars would have to make do with whom they had. That meant Longley, who would have preferred the more traditional brand of Sarzonian football, was going to be handed the job.

"We have an extensive hiring process we go through," Wilson said of the normal process involved in interviewing prospective managers, conducting background checks and interviews with an experienced manager's assistants or a potentially first-time manager's field bosses and organisational higher ups. "There was no way we could have conducted a search with the investigative framework required in the time it took for us to board the flight to Valanora and then prepare for the Under 21 World Cup. Thus, we decided to stay with someone who already underwent that evaluative process. That was Colton."

Wilson admitted that if the Junior Stars had decided from the break to name Longley the full-time manager prior to team selection and training camp, it would have given Longley the opportunity to install his system with a team well-suited to operate the 4-4-2 with a more defensive mindset. It would have allowed him to decide which combinations would work best: Who should start, who should play which position, and when to introduce substitutions, be they offensive or defensive. As the decision-making process was so last minute, Longley had to make do with who was already among the squad.

"This is far from the most ideal situation, but we're still here to play football," he said. "We have no room for error, or we'll be among those who call the Island Of The Lost home," as in Sarzonia's next opponents.

For Longley, his goal is to return the Junior Stars to the position they were in at the 49th Under 21 World Cup when the team fell to Mapletish 1-0. Or perhaps improve upon it. He recognises that may be easier said than done, in particular with the last-second nature of his team's transition to a new manager and a new playing style.

"We may not qualify for the knockout rounds," he said. "That's just reality. But that will not be the result of a lack of effort on our part."

by **Mertagne** » Wed Aug 25, 2021 1:54 pm

"One goal. You scored one, single, solitary, lonely goal?"
The Mertagne U21 squad were gathered in a fancy meeting room in Gladerial, Valanora. The type with pleather seats, a long wooden desk (this one made of some fancy white wood), with glass bottles of water on the table. Kristie Ettrick was sat at the head, feet up on the table, drinking a glass of water and staring daggers at the squad.
Ben Holl was there to lighten the mood. In his head, he was working overtime.
"We still won the game, though! It was a good clash! They're a more attacking side, as we've seen, we're a more attacking side, as we've seen..."
Ettrick placed her drink on a glass coaster, tinted to look like the moss of a forest floor.
"I cannot express just how extremely, truly..."
The squad looked sullen as they feared what was to come.
"...proud of all of you I am." Kristie kicked her feet off of the table and sat, elbows placed on the table with her head in her hands, looking expectantly out to the young squad.
"For many of you, this was your first true international experience. Some of you may have done some stuff in the IFCF, but this was national football at its best, guys! Yes, it was only one goal, but sometimes that's all you need. Pull that score line against a team like Ko-oren or something and the papers would call you kingslayers!"
A collective sigh of relief washed across the room.
"However." Kristie scanned the room with a determined look on her face. "This doesn't mean you can get complacent. No, not at all. The opposite, in fact. Winning has made you soft, squishy, kind of like some sort of huggable horse. We're not playing Equestria, so I don't want that from my players. You are all hard as anything, tough as nails, cut like glass, etc, etc. Carry that toughness with you against Quebec and Shingoryeo. You're all going to need it. And you'll especially need it if you get through the group stage. We'll have a lot of partying to do."
Hopeful murmurs came from the squad. A party? That would be something indeed.
"You're dismissed. I have to chat to someone from Ekitaldia about how, in sheer shock, you haven't let me down today."
The squad dispersed, except for midfielder Pia Aziz, who appeared to be hanging around.
"Do you need something, Pia?" asked Ben.
"I just wanted to say that I think you're both doing a good job. It's got to be tough taking Mertagne out like this, especially after they did so well in the U18 World Cup. It's a tough act to follow. We feel the same way about you as you feel about us." Aziz clasped a hand around the glass door, pulled it, and walked out.
"Heart-warming. How do you feel about the team, Kristie? If it's how they feel about you, I'd like to know it." Ben smirked as he sat down beside her.
"You sound like the Ekitaldia hack that's about to interview us. Tell you what, save your question for when they come around?"

"So, where's this piece going? Sports page? Some flashy mag? A Twii?" asked Holl, as the Ekitaldia journalist sat down and pulled out their laptop.
"Oh, nothing fancy, just in a round up of the first game of the Di Bradini Cup. I'm here just to report on it for Ekitaldia. High level stuff, we're not diving in too much. Although I'm allowed to sell on some of the stuff you say here to publications that might want to report on it further. Journalistic fair play rules, you understand - as much of a shining beacon Ekitaldia claims to be, it's cutthroat enough that they don't pay me enough to stay on a gag retainer."
"Clearly they don't, or you wouldn't have said that." said Kristie, pushing a laptop of her own to the side and closing it shut. Holl grabbed a glass of water and sat it in his hands on his lap. He shot an eye to the journalist and smiles once again.
"So, what would you like to ask us? We're all mouths, as it were."
"Not much, to be honest. Enough to sate the folks back home. Question One: Are you happy with the current performance of the Mertagne U21 Football team?"
Ben chimed in. "Absolutely. We've come swinging right out of the gate, with a solid 1-0 victory against Island of the Lost. We've got some tough opponents in this group stage, but we're on target to do well!"
"What he said." added Ettrick. "Strong start, but still much to go. They're not kids, though, they can take it. Some of these people have been playing top flight football for a year, and that's arguably worse than a youth tournament."
"Perfect answer. Wouldn't expect anything less from the two of you." noted the journalist. "Now, you two act nice enough when I'm around, but rumours say the two of you are like chalk and cheese. Here we have a 'good cop'-" they pointed at Holl, "-and a 'bad cop'." they pointed at Ettrick.
Holl attempted to defuse the comment. "I wouldn't really say that, you know - I think that's an overused tactic in sports management, and that also implies we're interrogative with our players-"
"Let me ask you a question." said Ettrick, coldly. "Do you like it here in Gladerial? Big city, isn't it? Lovely spires, lots of tourist attractions here. I've learned a lot in my time. Did you know this is rumoured to be where the Vanorians first brought forth civilisation? It's the old capital, too. Reminds me of Neorudo, in a way. Lovely on the surface, but I reckon if you peel it back a little you'll see something a bit darker underneath. That's the case with all places, I'm sure. I can tell you now it was like that in Neorudo. I'm one of the lucky ones who got out, so any accusations of me being some kind of 'bad cop' as you put it, aren't exactly 'fair cop'. I might be a bit short with people, but that's because I'm here to get the best out of them. There's not much point in mollycoddling a team that next cycle could well be in the CAFA against Audioslavia, or the World Cup in a qualifying group against someone like Farfadillis. They'd be eaten alive on the pitch, and they'd be hacked by hack journalists too."
"Well, thank you for your very in-depth response, Kristie" said the journalist, tapping furiously on their keyboard. "I understand it's never nice when someone's being put in the position of being called names they're not a fan of. You've got thick skin though, right? And you're hoping to impart that onto your team - that's what you've just told me?"
A hand, raised, gestured towards the journalist. "I'm just trying to get Mertagne used to international competition in the back half of this century. The world's changed from the heady heydays of the FMF back in the early cycles of the 70s. We're not heading to be on top of the world anymore as a nation. I'd very, very much like to be, you understand I'm a go-getter, but it's good to have realistic expectations, and I don't want our players to burn out chasing stardom because they've had a taste of it in the National League or the Zenith, if they're talented enough to get there."
"And what do you think of that, Ben? Are you more confident in your team's ability to do well?"
Holl picked up his water and placed it on the table. "It's not a question of confidence. Kristie's right, it's good to manage expectations, and I think it's important to understand that doesn't mean the team doesn't bring their best to every match."
"But you think their best isn't good enough to win the Di Bradini Cup? At a time where many nations across the multiverse are in flux themselves? Ázëwyn Fëanáro's been struggling to get the results out of her U21 squad in recent cycles, but she does your job three times over year-in year-out. The Kytler Peninsulae have done exactly what we've done and come out of isolation themselves. Even the 'Big Fookin Græntfjallers' this time around aren't so big. This could be the easiest competition Mertagne's in for a while*, so why don't you think you can go all the way like Kylian Forsyth's squad did?"
"That's a lot to unpack there." said Ben, crinkling his forehead and looking to Kristie.
"In case you haven't noticed, I'm not Kylian Forsyth." said Ettrick, her attention undivided from the journalist, and her elbows no longer on the table. "Unlike him, and no disrespect here, but I've actually played on the pitch for more than 10 minutes-"
"Don't print that, please." interjected Ben.
"-which means I'm cable of seeing the bigger picture. This might be Mertagne's easiest tournament for a while, if the wolves all take each other out first. Do you think we're going to play Starblaydia? I'd love to meet Ázëwyn Fëanáro, I used to see her on the TV all the time growing up. She's a hero, so if I can do half as good a job as her, I will be happy with myself. Kytler Peninsulae? They, as well as we, would do well to get to the point where we meet. I'm not scared of 'Big Fookin Græntfjallers' either, because they're also in Group E and half a multiverse away right now. You clearly fail to see what I'm trying to achieve here - in that it's useless to think about the big picture until we get there, because we might not get there." Kristie felt close to breaking point. Why didn't journalists just get it?
Ben raised a hand to break the line of sight between the other two. "I think what Kristie's trying to say is that it's useless to fill the squad with dreams of playing teams they're unlikely to come across when they still have to get through the group stage. It's a bit like putting the wagon before the ibex, you know?"
"Duly noted. This is exciting stuff, for sure - I think the readers of Ekitaldia will really want to know that their representative for the U21 World Cup is a seemingly harsh drill mistress that thinks these poor folk have no hopes whatsoever, and is just needlessly putting them through the wringer with her own personal whipping boy to do the honours."
"Print that and we'll have you done for libel."
"I think we're done here." the journalist swooped up their laptop and swiftly exited the room as they had entered it.

Ettrick balled the empty drinking glass and considered throwing it against the glass wall. She was unsure how the two would collide, and didn't want to add property damage to the list of things she had to deal with right now.

"Holl, you believe in me, right?" she looked to Ben with a wounded look.
"I wouldn't be here if I didn't, mate. Don't listen to them. We're certainly not chalk and cheese, if that's what you're wondering - although if we were, I know what I'd be." Ben smiled, and put his palms to the top of his head and stuck his teeth out like a mouse.
Kristie sighed. You can take the person out of Neorudo's alleyways, but can you take the alleyways out of the person? Should you have to?

*The DBC takes place 1 year before the Eagle's Cup in the Mertagne timeline. Not that the Eagle's Cup is any easier, they just didn't know it was coming.

Di Bradini Cup 51/U21WC72 RP and Scores Thread

Di Bradini Cup 51/U21WC72 RP and Scores Thread

51st Di Bradini Cup Preview

Who is online