World Cup 89 - Roleplay Thread

[Eshialand]

Anatomy of a Failure
The Jovannic 3-4 Eshialand
Eshialand 1-1 Sajnur

As the final whistle blew on the match between Eshialand and Sajnur, the score stuck at 1-1, it finally became official. The Owls, despite their best attempts, would not be qualifying for World Cup 89. It just wasn't happening this time.

So, you may ask yourself, what happened in this cycle? What made this year different from the last? Why should you even care about Eshialand at all going forward? What was the point of even trying in World Cup 89—

Stop it right there. Okay, stop it. If you have to ask these questions, you clearly need to look in a mirror. There was more than a point to this, and all will be explained in due time. First, let's compare this critically to last qualifying.

Last time, Eshialand got only 19 points from a 5-4-9 campaign that saw them take just 7^th place, an extremely disappointing run for fans. As for this year? They're currently sitting on 8-3-6, a guaranteed winning record, and will finish with between 27 and 30 points and between 4^th and 6^th place. That's a lot better than last year, ask anyone.

(10) Baker Park: 0-1-1
(22) Jeruselem: 0-1-1
(55) Flavovespia: 0-0-2
(68) Xanneria: 2-0-0
(83) Sajnur: 1-1-0

---

(172) Aut-Ves-Nat: 2-0-0
(215) The Jovannic: 2-0-0
(298) Kiltoch: 1-0-0
(UR) Polkopia: 0-0-2

Now, what about consistency? The ability to continually wipe the floor with teams that they "deserved" to wipe the floor with? Well, they actually succeeded in that too. Discounting the Polkopia factor (which we will get into in due time), the Owls went 5-0-0 against teams lower-ranked than them with one match against Kiltoch remaining. That's the kind of consistency you want in a team, not missing any of their marks. As for the teams above them, they managed to steal a total of 12 points away from them across 10 matches, compared to the 10 in 14 they managed last cycle. That's 68% more points per game, a.k.a. a statistically significant improvement.

Now, remember that Polkopia factor I mentioned? Let's talk about it. An unranked side making it all the way to the World Cup is, to put it lightly, ridiculous. So ridiculous, in fact, that it hasn't happened in six years, since Reçueçn somehow made the big dance in World Cup 83. Polkopia doing this well is throwing off the entire group to the point where Baker Park is outside of a playoff spot entering their final match. Losing to them twice is no big deal, trust me. They may be unranked on paper, but they're far better than their rank (or lack thereof) suggests.

On another note, last year's losing streak. We all remember that, right? Vilita, Devonta, Sendhang, Pluvia and the Saxean Isles, Savojarna. A great source of pain back then and still bad looking back. This year, that didn't happen. Yes, we lost four in a row (Jeruselem, Baker Park, Flavovespia, and Polkopia), but we had more than a good excuse for that. Top three seeds and Polkopia? Yeah, 4 losses in a row were to be expected out of that. Instead, however, look at the win streak. 5 matches in a row. Aut-Ves-Nat, Xanneria, The Jovannic, Sajnur, Kiltoch. In one year, the Owls went from losing 5 to winning 5. If that isn't a wonderful sign, I don't know what is.

So, sure, the Owls aren't qualifying for World Cup 89, but did anyone expect them to? Instead, they'll be taking their particular brand of soccer to the 81^st Cup of Harmony (if they get invited), where their sights will be set on... the round of 16? The quarterfinals? No, they'll be set on having fun, where they've always been set.

-JS

The Jovannic - 3 (Majaria 32'; Tze 52'; Ilohil 68')
Eshialand - 4 (Carroll 21', 76'; Carey 43'; Meilling 70')

Eshialand - 1 (LaPlante 43')
Sajnur - 1 (Ciuru 60')

[Sylestone]

Part One
Part Two
Part Three
Part Four
Part Five
Part Six
Part Seven
Part Eight
Part Nine

HOW TO TRAIN YOUR SENTIENT



Part Ten

Kirkham, Sylestone

---

Brett and his father woke up early the following morning to get going, having already packed most of their stuff the day before. However, just as Brett was putting his suitcase into the car, their plans took an unexpected turn for the worse, as you might expect in the city of Sentients.

The suitcase had wriggled.

Brett and his father were overcome by déjà vu as Brett ran back into the apartment to find the suitcase, with a Sentient Object having apparently replaced it sometime throughout the night. It wasn’t a difficult thing to find - all the young boy had to do was open his wardrobe and it was right there, but the Sentient had achieved its intended purpose.

As Brett ran back down the staircase (which was fortunately not Sentient), he spotted his father scolding the Suitcase, who thought that all of this was immensely funny. It was the second time in two weeks that Brett had been tricked by the inhabitants of the city, and he was beginning to think that he, as a young boy, was a target.

After transferring all of Brett’s stuff to the proper, non-Sentient suitcase, the two of them were finally on their way, barely fifteen minutes later than they had hoped. There, however, were many people on the road, with many leaving Kirkham following the football game the previous night creating a traffic jam along the city stretch of Sentient Highway before it gave way to the suburbs and a slight easing of traffic.

After what seemed like an eternity, the swaying Sentient Tower that signalled the entrance to Kirkham came into view, as the traffic continued to ease with the city buildings and residential houses making way for countryside and rainforest. Soon enough, the growing chirping of birds that inhabited the rainforest let Brett relax as the car wound through the rainforest.

That night, Brett’s father opted to go just that bit further and once again stay the night in Halpenley, despite seriously considering stopping early at Betham, before the twilight gave way to the pitch-black, starry night sky. When the two of them eventually stopped fifteen minutes out from Halpenley and after the rainforest had given way to arid, parched desert, the older man took his confused son out to show him the universe.

Pointing up at the sky, Brett’s father took his awed son on a quick, five-minute travel of the stars that could be seen. “You see, here?” he said, pointing upwards. “Beyond that large, pulsating star, the Pacifics can be found. I’m sure you’ve heard of them before. And here, this planet? Sonnel. Don’t ever go there, okay? Unless you want to get swamped by fish, sevens, and some random continental empire no one likes. Not even through the portals that exist on this planet.”

Brett looked up in wonder as his father continued to point out various stars and planets. He had never, ever, felt so small before. Not even at school when a bunch of 12-year-olds try to bully him for his size.

Because that makes you feel small, too.

***

After a good night’s sleep in the desert city, Brett’s father was in no rush to get going the following morning. Brett, however, was. After waking up at 5 o’clock that morning, he was ready by the time his father woke up at 7:30, and urged him on.

“Come on, Daddy! Pwease can we go?”

Brett’s father rolled over and groaned. “There’s no rush, Brett. We’re over halfway home. Please, let me get up.”

But Brett wasn’t happy. When his father still wasn’t ready an hour later, he had had enough. Going into his room, he rummaged through his suitcase for what he was looking for. As he hadn’t taken this object out since the first car trip, but it was high time to do so again.

Finally, he found the small, brown object at the very bottom of the suitcase and took it out. And squeezed.

When the smell diffused into the dining room where his father was eating, he finally lost it. “BRETT! HOW DARE YOU!”

Brett came out of the room, smiling. But as he spotted his father’s murderous eyes, he fell into submission, bawling his eyes out as his father continued his rant. “YOU DO REALISE THAT THE ENTIRE APARTMENT BLOCK IS GOING TO STINK OF SHI- POOP NOW? YOU SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF YOURSELF.”

He then sighed. “But it worked; you got your own way. Let’s get going.”

***

Five hours later, the two of them had arrived back at their home at 420 Doyourrostersontimeoryoulllose Street in western Avondale, with the sun still high in the sky. As Brett’s father flicked the engine off on his electric car, he turned to his son and began speaking in a matter-of-fact tone. “See? No reason to leave that early.”

Brett just smiled. “You win, I guess?”

His father laughed. “Yes. I win.”

***

Two weeks later, Brett and his father were eating breakfast together when there was a knock on the door. Brett’s father looked up, alert and confused, wondering why someone would be arriving at such a time in the morning. But he shrugged it off and went over to open the door. And stopped.

Brett, wondering why his father was rooted in the hallway, staring forwards, decided to go over and check out what in Esportiva was happening. But as he clutched onto his father’s leg and looked up, he froze, too.

His mother was standing in the doorway.

After what felt like an eternity, Brett finally took the sight in and ran up to the middle-aged woman, with dirt and leaves stuck through her dark brown hair. He threw his arms around her waist as he looked into her eyes and asked:

“Mummy, can we go to Kirkham?”

THE END

---

Sylestone vs Chromatika @ The Trees, Pesfield

Sylestone (4-1-3-1-1 → 4-1-2-1-2): Brick Wall; Ironing Board - Toilet (Sofa 54’) - Washing Machine - Dishwasher (Drawer 86’); Television (▮ 23’) (▮ 90+1’); Stove - Bar Stool (AC Vent 74’) - Spiderwebs (▮ 62’); Mixer; Tumble Dryer

Chromatika (4-3-2-1): J Fillar; Xiao (G Fillar 52’) - de Aea - Ken - Ilya (Pomeroy 67’); Humphreys (▮ 34’) - Armageddon - Kuznetsov (Croix-Pierre 74’); Phoen - Hauser; Vidal

SYLESTONE - 0
-no scorers-

CHROMATIKA - 1
Hauser 38’

Darmen vs Sylestone @ Unknown

Darmen (4-1-3-2): Campo; Espinosa - Di Stefano - Böhm (▮ 63’) (Abbey 78’) - Tremblay; Good (Duncan 67’); Mac Pharlain - Svendsen - Freud (▮ 28’); Halle - Borde (Blackwood 45’)

Sylestone (4-1-3-1-1): Brick Wall; Nokia (Ironing Board 65’) - Sofa - Washing Machine (Wok 72’) - Drawer; Air Conditioner; Stove - Knife (▮ 12’) - Fridge; Heater (Mixer 84’); Tumble Dryer

DARMEN - 3
Halle 13’ (P)
Blackwood 64’, 80’

SYLESTONE - 1
Stove 35’

Starting Lineup vs Schima Bas @ Fiery Stadium, Dodle

Table; Ironing Board - Toilet - Washing Machine - Dishwasher; Air Conditioner; Kitchen Sink - Bar Stool - Fridge; Heater; AC Vent

Schedule

MD1: Sylestone 1-0 Talamia @ Carson Stadium, Cleorough
MD2: Sylestone 1-0 Eura @ Chamberley Institute of Sport, Chamberley
MD3: Lathamford 1-0 Sylestone @ Thousandforks National Arena, Lathamford
MD4: Sylestone 3-0 Srednjaci @ Sunlife Stadium, Halpenley
MD5: Agresos 0-0 Sylestone @ Unknown
MD6: Sylestone 1-0 Melbergia @ The Bay Reserve, Betham
MD7: Chromatika 1-1 Sylestone @ Islander Dome, Myana
MD8: Sylestone 2-0 Darmen @ Avondale International Sports Stadium, Avondale
MD9: Schima Bas 1-2 Sylestone @ Unknown
MD10: Talamia 0-0 Sylestone @ Ebdemar Au'tokra Stadium, Clinepalas
MD11: Eura 1-1 Sylestone @ Bastion National Arena, Bastion
MD12: Sylestone 1-1 Lathamford @ Sentient Oval, Kirkham
MD13: Srednjaci 1-1 Sylestone @ Blue Volcano Stadium, Melarit
MD14: Sylestone 3-1 Agresos @ Ground of Dunkirk, Dunkirk
MD15: Melbergia 1-3 Sylestone @ Unknown
MD16: Sylestone 0-1 Chromatika @ The Trees, Pesfield
MD17: Darmen 3-1 Sylestone @ Unknown
MD18: Sylestone - Schima Bas @ Fiery Stadium, Dodle

[Krytenia]

Acceptable In The 80s
By Rami Niblick in Torgos, Pasarga

AT the halfway stage of qualifying, it looked for all the world that the top spot in the group would be decided by who blinked first out of Krytenia and Pasarga. Turns out that was slightly inaccurate; in fact, it's coming down to who blinks last. Both sides have had their chance to stamp their authority on the group as the other has dropped points, and both have failed to take them. It all means qualification boils down to one single match as the two sides meet in Torgos.

For Krytenia, the mathematical advantage lies with them. The Dragons top the group by a solitary point, in no small part thanks to Adab handing Pasarga only their second defeat of the competition on Matchday Seventeen. A draw will suffice for Paul Davis' men - and that's exactly what they got in the first fixture between the sides in Emberton. If our boys can come out of the Pasargan capital without falling to the Wanderers, the promised land beckons. Of course, it won't be easy; the Stade de Torgos is an absolute fortress, and that's borne out by the fact that Pasarga haven't lost at home. Let's not forget, either, that the Wanderers will want to avoid the playoffs as well, what with the possibility of Eura, Valanora, Baker Park, or Banija in the playoffs. Even being the best non-automatic qualifier in the second place table isn't an easy path - that way could well lie Ko-oren.

Krytenia, then, are up against it, but they have a sporting chance. And if they take it, they'll keep a very long streak going. Since first participating in the World Cup, all the way back in the competition's fifteenth cycle, they've qualified at least once in every "decade" of World Cups. So far, they've not made it in the 80s - their last qualification was World Cup 76 - so this is their last, and best, opportunity to keep that streak active. And all they have to do is not lose in Torgos. Fingers crossed and buttocks clenched then. Onward!

[Pemecutan]

CHAPTER 2.1 || CHAPTER 2.2 || CHAPTER 2.3 || CHAPTER 2.4 || CHAPTER 2.5
CHAPTER 2.6 || CHAPTER 2.7 || CHAPTER 2.8

---

---

CHAPTER 2.9

"Sabotage!" shouts Pande in disbelief.
The firefighter who is seating in front of him nod slightly.
"We found out that the sprinkler in your office is damaged so it won't automatically active when sensing a smoke. The fire was also fabricated. We believe it is cause by a short circuit around the air conditioning. The cable and sewage pipe are damage," the firefighter explaining.

Pande is seating there in confusion. Never in his life he will think of facing this kind of thing. Yesterday, Suwitra's messages and now sabotage. This is too much for him.

"I'm sorry, Sir. But do you have met a suspicious person before the incident?" ask the firefighter.
"Yes, I did," answer Pande. "My secretary told me that there was a man wants to meet me. I'm ask my secretary to reschedule the meeting but the man insist so I met him at lunch break," explain Pande.
"Do you known that man?" Pande shake his head. "I have coordinated with the police. I think you should talk with them about this. The man might be a suspect," advice the firefighter.
Pande just nodded before the firefighter leaving him there alone. His mind wandering.

THE MISSING PIECE

"Things are getting strange lately," says Maladi.
He, together with Suryawan, Karangdewa and Gudamang are taking a break together after the secretary told them that the meeting is being postpone again.

"What do you think have happen?" ask Maladi.
"I have no idea," answer Gudamang.
"I thought it's just a common fire," say Suryawan.
"I think it's more serious than just a fire," Karangdewa guessing.
"Pande is also doesn't say anything. Something is really hidden from all of us," wonder Gudamang.
"Never know being a leader can be this hard," comment Maladi.

---

"You're sure it wasn't you, right? press Arthajaya.
"It's not me. Okay I was planning something but not blowing up the office," reveal Agung.
"What was your plan?" ask Arthayasa.
"Steal and replace the vote paper," say Agung Darma casually.
"Hhmm. You are risking yourself," comment Arthajaya.
"It is for our sake. You don't want to be sack aren't you? The new league system will also make Kauripan getting closer with Ulunusa. That will be a great loss for us. We can't let that happen, right?" challenge Agung Darma.
"I got your point. But still it is too risky," says Arthajaya.
"At least I'm thinking something for both of us. Not just seating there and waiting for miracle to happen," say Agung Darma harshly which makes Arthajaya silence.

Agung Darma then walk away from Arthajaya who is still seating at the hotel bar. Agung feel angry as Arthajaya doesn't appreciate what he's trying to do to prevent the dissolution to happen. While Arthajaya can only see the back of his colleague as Agung walk away from him. Arthajaya is always support him but today, it is too much.

---

Pande and his secretary are in the room with the police who is questioning them about the incident.

"So who is this guy," ask the police. He always try to be as friendly as possible looking how tense both Pande and the secretary are.
"To be honest, I don't know this person. I only met him that day," answer Pande.
"He only mention his name once. Ngurah, that's it. I'm not asking for his full name as I thought he is Mr. Pande's friend," explain the secretary.
"Hhmm. That would hard to search. There are thousands of 'Ngurah' in the country," comment the police. "Any special feature from the man? Something recognizable from him," ask him again.
Pande shake his hand.
"The way he walks," reveal the secretary which makes the other two turn to her. "I remember that he like dragging his left foot which seems to be injured," explain her.
The police then turn to Pande. "I only saw him in seating position. So I'm not recall that. I'm also not paying attention when he leave because I'm too focus on the envelope that he gave to me," explain Pande.
"This envelope. Where do you put it?" ask the police.
"On my desk. I'm afraid to open it that day," answer Pande.
"Is it possible that you two describe the man perfectly? I will ask our drawing specialist to try to make this man sketch," say the police.
"We try our best," affirm Pande. The secretary is also nodding.

[Sevendia]

Sevendia will finish on seven points, which is extremely seven.

The World Cup Qualifiers, so far, have been an overwhelming success for the Sevendian team. Standing at a 0-4-13 record, the Sevendians are just one little win away from finishing their campaign on seven points, the most seven of all finishes. Interestingly, should this happen, Sevendia would also finish on seven via Sevendian point-counting rules, which grant seven points per win and none for a draw. Clearly, Sevendia is trying to achieve the most seven thing possible. Let’s look at seven notable moments of the second half of qualifiers so far.
7) Sevendia concedes and scores in seventh minute in Turori - Seton-Seven Heaven scored a beautiful goal that only a Sevendians could score to equalize against the defending Woeld Cup champions.
7) Later, Sevendia also conceded in the 77th – beautiful work by the goalkeeper!
7) In 3-3 draw against Hispinas, visitors staunchly refuse to score in 7-related minutes, but do make a swap in the 77th - Salomon Duran made sure 77 would appear in the box-score
7) TJUN-ia scores 7th goal in 5-2 victory in the dying minutes – don’t let anyone tell you that game ended 4-2, the ref who called the last goal offside clearly was drawing a straight line instead of a seven, as we should’ve done.
7) Sargossan State Media correctly points out how important the Sevendian quest is. Thanks, seven-friends.
7) Oh, and the game against Sargossa ended 5-2! That’s so seven!
7) Sevendia wins their last game in Raspotochje to make seven happen. It’s still in the future, but considering the overall seven-ness, it might as well be a foregone conclusion.

[Ottoman Syldavia]

Three Short Stories to read your Syldavian Child After our Failure at the WC
"Good Night, Sleep Tight, Don't let the WC Dreams Bite You at Night."

Based on a True Story
"Mama, do you think Ottoman Syldavia will ever qualify for the World Cup?"
"Yes dear, it's possible. Sir Kevon Barnett said so."
"But how, Mommy? We've only been to it two times, and we've barely done anything."
"Well dear, don't we have the next Messi?"
"That's true Mommy, but..."
"Well dear, if we have the next Messi, an team that's improving step by step, and a coach who knows what to do, don't you think we can do it?"
"Sigh, I suppose you're right Mommy."
"That's what I thought Dear, now good night."
The Epic of Foosball: Book 24

Off the entrance hall, a man made his bed.
He spread the straw blanket around the oxhide,
and so it was, a beautiful bed.
And there he lay...
Plotting within himself a plan-a plan to enact-
Awake, alert, not asleep,
torn in thought,
Should offense be the answer? Defense?
The heart inside the human rose with pride and said,
"Bear up, old man! We've seen worse, a coup, a civil war,
a worse result...you tell me you cannot stand this result?"
And so he rose, happy with pride of his team,
stating only one thing..."We'll be back."
Poems and Proverbs No. 18
In his wisdom, a blessed man
does not follow advice of the wicked
yet does he follow the advice of his team.

He finds pleasure in no stats
but he finds pleasure in improvement.
He succeeds in that right
Not listening to the wicked
Not so, the wicked create destruction
but those who follows him
Shall find pleasure and belief
rather than the destruction of the wicked

THE END

From the Syldavian News Editor: Thank you for reading our 18 special issues of the World Cup! We are pleased that you have decided that this is worth your time, rather than, I don't know, homework or walking the dog(speaking of which, do that now. Don't leave your dog to do his business in your home). Our writers are centered on creating fine pieces of work, this is the exception. In this final issue, we did not write this, we have found(read: stolen) 3 short stories from kids books and used them to write this issue(Yeah, totally). Enjoy!
-Jane Shapton
Editor of the Syldavian Official News
Another Note from our(now embarrassed) Editor: You may have noticed our mistake in spelling(heh: "Slydavia") We have fixed it(even though Syldvian children are sly, so...)! Thanks!
-The(slightly embarrassed) Jane Shapton
Editor of the Syldavian Official News(unless they fire me for this error)

[Farfadillis]

Now back in print after a brief ten-year hiatus!

Uninspiring performance nonetheless clinches twenty-first consecutive World Cup qualification

After a close game against Torisakia which saw la Vherderoja go down two-nil at half time, only for an inspired Faragó rue Cazade to turn the game around with a hat-trick, Farfadillis have qualified for World Cup 89. Even having secured the top spot in the group with one matchday to go, the team has looked uncharacteristically shaky throughout the qualifiers, with their only convincing game against a decent side coming in their 5-1 thrashing of Atheara. Twenty-one consecutive appearances might clue you into the fact that Farfadillis is a national team that usually breezes through qualifying. The last time the team looked like it could plausibly not make it was in World Cup 78! However, this goes well beyond just the results: it's the team's performances that have been the most worrying.

After the failure that was World Cup 88—the worst World Cup performance in the national team's history—it is perhaps no surprise to see Farfadillis going on to underperform in the following qualifiers. New manager Lele Manguele's job is, so far, relatively secure, but just one match at the Multiverse's biggest sports competition could change things completely for the Ferdullaelan man. He doesn't have the credit that Pam Scott had for the style of play she offered, nor does he have the credit other past managers had for their past coaching experience. Manguele has supposedly wooed everyone at the FFFF—Alex Terán included—but he hasn't had a chance to charm the average fan. Well, scrap that, he has had chances to do that and, so far, he's wasted pretty much all of them. Playing poor Kolejes Marajis out of position, botching Gëngüdó Pìgülôçô's surgery, fielding someone who can't score a single goal for Antiguoko in Astograth in three different matches and drawing with Eastfield Lodge in one of the matches are just some of the unimpressive things Lele Manguele has done so far this cycle.

Some doubts remain over what Lele Manguele will do in South Newlandia and/or Tikariot. Will he call up the promising youngsters who have impressed? Böávêntür Âgínsôgnó, in particular, despite his age, has probably done enough to merit a call up. What about players who had fewer chances, but nonetheless looked solid? Tercero Yturri has arguably been every bit as good as, if not better than, Lőrensz Ziczi. Also, who will Manguele start at the World Cup? Pìgülôçô will reportedly be fit, but Khavarin really has made the most of the chance the Rulandese's injury has given him. What will Manguele do against good opposition? He just hasn't come up against good opposition. What will it look like when we face the Turoris, Nepharas, Banijas and Valanoras of the Multiverse? If Manguele manages to make players like Gallegas and Alxíkí look as amateur-ish against them as they did against, say, Atheara, we will witness a repeat of World Cup 88.

At this point, there isn't much to be done. Perhaps we should accept that the team just isn't clicking, it's too late to find a manager that can make it click and, finally, perhaps, our players just aren't that good? There're some very promising youngsters, but one look at the squad list wouldn't send shivers down the other team's spines, like it might have at various points over the last two decades. Perhaps this is just a slump and we just have to wait for players like Âgínsôgnó to develop. Here's to hoping!

[Kandorith]

---

Shinonome Kyoai - International

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Years of tears come to an end.

Michiyu leads the Kandorese into a new era.
By Natsumi Miyasaki
Sports

^{SHARE THIS:}

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*  Group 3                            Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Kandorith                           17   13   4   0    53   27  +26    43 Q
 2 Vilita                              17   12   2   3    44   33  +11    38 P
 3 Barunia                             17    9   4   4    41   27  +14    31
 4 Mertagne                            17    9   4   4    43   31  +12    31
 5 Nyowani Kitara                      17    9   3   5    42   31  +11    30
 6 Savojarna                           17    8   2   7    28   25   +3    26
 7 Cabo Azure                          17    3   5   9    30   37   −7    14
 8 Devonta                             17    4   0  13    28   52  −24    12
 9 Fluvannia                           17    2   4  11    21   34  −13    10
10 Arjunnagar                          17    1   2  14    25   58  −33     5

As the Kandorese played against Savojarna anything was still possible, especially the playoffs, but last night everything came to a halt. In a very close match Kandorith also overcame Mertagne and manged to do the unexpected; qualifying for the World Cup as group winner. The final whistle sounded and the Kandorese fans fell silent for a bit, history has been made again. The ultimate triumph for Michiyu and a blessing for the Kandorese fans has finally happened and after a few moments of silence and bewilderment - the Kandorese side in the stadium exploded in a series of cheers and emotion. Looking back at the qualification campaign with just one match to go, there is only one certainty, the Dragons under Michiyu have been magical for the fans in the stadium and especially for all the people watching at home. The last match marked it for everyone; Kandorith returns to the World Cup once again.

When asked about thoughts a visibly emotional Michiyu answered the press. "All I can say is how proud I am. Of course I took the job with expecting to get to the play offs at least but this, this is amazing. I can't imagine how crazy the people are going at home right now and I feel honoured to be a part of this; to be the manager of this wonderful formation. I have no words to be honest. No words at all. I think I can only say that we have done our very best and this very best has shown itself on the field over and over. There is something magical about this team and I truly hope that this magic will carry on into the World Cup. To stand here today is an absolute honour and I know we still have one game to play, but this, this is amazing. The feeling here right now, the cheering fans, it's like we won the World Cup already.

"I have full confidence in the challenges which lay ahead, I do think we can make a difference. Who knows, this team might become the first Kandorese team since World Cup seventy-one or seventy-three that this great nation and such a great team might make it to the World Cup and beyond; I see the greatness in this team to make it at least to the round of sixteen which the heroes did back then too. I can't repeat this enough but I am so proud of this team. They gave their everything and whenever there are some off-days, they give even more. For me right now, there is no better place in the world than to stand on this field and indeed realise we qualified. I have no words, I just feel a lot of pride."

Michiyu, after the short interview, proceeded to greet the fans who traveled with the team all the way to Mertagne and could only stand in awe as the tears started flowing. For the fans the entire qualification has been an emotional rollercoaster too, yet in the end it was all worth it. The Kandorese return to the World Cup with their pride very much intact and as group winners for the first time in history. Before they go to the World Cup however; one match remains. Kaya Michiyu will be aiming for a perfect run against Vilita on the last matchday, zero defeats in a qualification campaign will be the perfect gift to the Empire as we know the Empress herself will be attending the match to see the final matchday of the qualifiers.

For now, disbelief rules in the Empire - not because of qualifying but because of qualifying in such a way. Never before has the Kandorese national team held to such a record in the qualifiers and never before has the team gone unbeaten. Currently the Dragons are enjoying their largest winning streak in history and enjoying they surely are. Throughout the Empire the believe in the national team is back and on every street there's flags, gatherings and parties. The World Cup is calling the Kandorese and they are ready to support their team again, once again, through the fire and the flames of the beautiful game.

In the last game of the qualification campaign Michiyu will be looking forward to another win, to once again show why they are on top of the group table. For the fans this is basically an exhibition match where the Kandorese can show not only how much they are behind their national team but also for the team to show what they are made of. The next chapter for the Kandorese football awaits and there are many exiting matches to come and surely; history to be written. One of the largest questions is; will this turn into what Ken Hayabusa did at the Cup of Harmony and go all the way? Or; will Kandorith finally re-establish themselves as a major group contender in the World Cup and aim for qualification every World Cup. The only thing that is certain right now is that the nation will be partying all night and there will definitely be a record shattering amount of people calling in sick for work as the sun will rise and shine over the Empire and her people.

[Astograth]

Grand Duke Gaxan’s official agenda listed no engagements after 16:00 hours. As far as the public were concerned, the monarch was resting placidly at home in the Royal Palace, nested high on a hill above central Rumiatzi.

He was, in fact, not above the city but deep below it. It was public knowledge that beneath the Palace lay a fortified bunker – obviously! In truth, far below the surface lay a sprawling complex of bunkers and tunnels, barracks and vaults, offices and warehouses, meant to keep the Astograthian government as functional as possible in case of a nuclear threat or similar. The vast majority of it had never been used, but regular maintenance and upgrades were overseen by the Ministry of Interior. Interior were, after all, charged with ensuring the sovereign and territorial integrity of the nation, and that included not just the underground Palace complex but also the country’s entire police forces, the border, foreign intelligence, domestic intelligence, counterintelligence, and mass surveillance, among other functions. Some branches of government didn’t even know about the size of the complex, or that hidden tunnels already connected them to it, ready to go.

Two that did know were Defence and Foreign Affairs, also part of the Grand Duke’s inner circle. As far as the public were concerned, the ministers were in their offices. They had, in fact, arrived at the Grand Duke’s bunker through the tunnels. Nyowani Kitara had rapidly gone from a footnote to something that demanded daily meetings – but in secret. The official line was that Astograth supported nothing but ceasefire and dialogue. A call that none had cared to pay attention to, clearly, as the war continued to intensify into a convoluted inter-regional crisis.

Behind closed doors, the mood in the Grand Duke’s cabinet was less conciliatory.

Foreign minister Lady Aurkene Bidegain, Defence minister Lord Gaizka Erregerena, and the heads of the three branches of the Royal Armed Forces had lobbied incessantly for Astograthian intervention on behalf of Nafuna Akongo and the KPWC.

“We have strategic alignments to uphold, with Eura specifically,” had said Lady Bidegain.

“With Eura. Most definitely not with Nephara,” had retorted Lord Gorka Irunkiaga, Chief Advisor and Minister of the Interior. When meeting with the gaggle of lesser cabinet members, he could always trust a mention of Nephara to be followed by nods and grumbles of ‘regicides’.

“It is not only a moral imperative to intervene but also about what not intervening says about us,” would insist Lord Erregerena. His lackeys, the three heads of the Armed Forces, would back him up. “It projects weakness. We must intervene – with boots on the ground – and in that scenario we cannot find ourselves on the opposite side as Eura. It would be suicide”.

Irunkiaga knew the military just wanted to play with their toys for a bit. Bored out of their minds in their bases, just waiting for a chance to have themselves a war. Even entertaining the idea, though, it made no sense. “You’d put us on a collision course with Yuezhou and Darmen. The Aitor III would be alone and isolated”.

“The Aitor III is part of a strike group,” would reply Erregerena, annoyed, “and would have support from allied navies”.

Technically, yes. A small one. Nothing for a conflict of this scale. Moreover, a stable supply line to Nyowani Kitara was challenge enough for a superpower like Eura; Astograth’s route would be even more complicated. If the powers in the Xandrian Sea turned hostile, they’d have risked the pride of the Royal Navy, their sole aircraft carrier, on what? Currying favour with the Eurans? That was hardly necessary.

“The fact remains,” Irunkiaga would impose, “that the KPWC are communists. And the Nepharim are regicides”.

This would always prompt varying levels of outrage and bemusement. Yes, the Nepharans were regicides, but they kept that to themselves. Generally. They certainly weren’t inspiring anyone in Astograth. And communists? When was the last time there had been leftists in the country? Who could be worried about communists in Astograth?

High Lord Gorka Irunkiaga, Chief Advisor and Minister of the Interior, was worried about communists in Astograth. Well, ‘worried’ was perhaps not the right word. Nor ‘concerned about’. More, ‘concerned with’.

The sovereign and territorial integrity of the nation. This was the duty his predecessors had been entrusted by Aitor III, grand uniter, Father of the Nation, more than 70 years ago. And they had done so, through crises of all types. The nation, the sovereign, and Aitorism – the state ideology of absolute monarchy – had remained intact, whatever the cost. Anything and anyone that undermined the tenets of Aitorism, from communists to republicans to pretenders to the throne, was very much Irunkiaga’s business. And they were there, always under the surface, always plotting. The enemy within. The last time Interior had really been allowed to cleared house had been under Lord Protector Gaskon Ugarte, whose regency had finished 16 years ago. To the dismay of orthodox Aitorists, or ‘Thirdists’, the subsequent reign of Grand Duke Gaxan had seen him turn out to be another revisionist, or ‘Fourthist’, like his uncle Grand Duke Lastur had been, and Aitor IV before him. Free press, free movement, doing away with traditions, that sort of thing. It rubbed all good Thirdists the wrong way. More importantly, it allowed for dissent to fester.

It happened that Irunkiaga was a Thirdist. The Chief Advisor always was.

So on the day of this meeting of the Grand Duke and his inner circle, far beneath the streets of Rumiatzi, Irunkiaga would concede.

He would relent to Foreign Affairs opening lines of communication with the KPWC and the Nepharan-Euran forces in order to support their peacekeeping operations. If these were well-received, as they surely would, they could go public with it and the Aitor III and its strike group would be dispatched to the Xandrian Sea. There would not be Astograthian boots on the literal ground – at least not for now – though the strike group certainly had that capacity.

To the cabinet, Irunkiaga would explain how the increasing pressure from Eura had swayed his opinion, that the KPWC could now be the only victors and that Interior intel showed no contact with local communists. Grand Duke Gaxan, who had all this time been waiting for assurances from his Chief Advisor, would sign off. The Aitor III could sail tomorrow, if they needed it to.

Irunkiaga had not actually changed his mind, though. He had simply reached the more dramatic conclusion. Astograth was overdue for a reset button, a great cleansing. The plan had been prepared, in extreme secret, by his predecessors in office.

From the elite units of the Royal Armed Forces, Interior selected recruits for their own special forces: EBT-ZA, or ‘Erabetaza’. Some Erabetaza platoons were embedded into the regular Armed Forces, performing missions as required by Interior. Those on the Aitor III strike group received no special orders.

From Erabetaza, some operatives were selected to join a unit that did not exist. AZERIA.

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[Pasarga]

When the schedule was released, there was a feeling that the entire campaign might come all the way down to when the Dragons of Krytenia would travel to the Stade de Torgos on the last matchday in order to decide who would end up winning the group and advancing directly to the Finals as a result. With the way that both teams composed themselves during the first half of the campaign, that feeling started to get even stronger, especially when the Wanderers went into Krytenia and were able to walk away with a draw. At the time it felt like the momentum of the group had swung the way of the dual islands, however as fate would have it, both teams have struggled to maintain the performance of the first half of the campaign in the second half of the campaign. A late goal by Adab, shortly after the Wanderers' own late goal to have equalized a game they needed points in, shifted the pendulum back in favor of the Dragons, leaving the Wanderers now with the pressure of having to get not just a result against Krytenia, but to also find a way to bounce back from a morale blasting defeat to find a way to overcome Krytenia in this last, pivotal matchday.

The entire second half of the campaign has been a back and forth tussle between the Wanderers and the Dragons, as the Wanderers had entered into the last international weekend in the driver's seat and could have even secured their qualification with a pair of victories. Yet with all those cards on the table, the side could not find a way to keep Damukuni from equalizing against them late in the Stade de Torgos in the first match, having to settle with a two all draw with the already eliminated squad that chose this moment to have their best result of the campaign. The draw seemed to have taken a heavy toll on the morale as the Wanderers traveled to Adab and despite their best efforts to overcome the then eliminated third placed team, even getting what all believed to be a late goal from Nagy to share points, they would be undone by the home side's charge back up the field for a last gasp winner. It truly took the wind out of the Wanderers' sails heading into such a pivotal match, coming in off a poor run of form at the most inopportune of times, but that is the hand that they have been dealt.

It is not all sunshine and rainbows for Krytenia though, despite their five to two demolishing of West Guam in Krytenia, the game that took them a point above the Wanderers in the table. Before that blowout of the would be upstarts, the same team that upset the Wanderers in Torgos on the first matchday of the campaign lest we forget, Krytenia had failed to win in two of their recent matches as well, being held to a draw by Adab in the same window. While they are indeed feeling better about themselves having come off a victory where the Wanderers are not, it would be very dishonest to say that they are in a good vein of form for the Dragons heading into this pivotal game that will be the ultimate decider of the group. Given the form of both teams in the first half, it is a bit weird to see them both struggle a bit in the second half, and yet despite those struggles they are still going to fight for the group title in the last matchday and could actually both be qualifying for the Finals at the end of the day depending on how other results around the entire qualifying campaign goes, thanks to those automatic spots for the best second placed finishers.

What will be the key for the Wanderers if they want to come out with the victory and leapfrog the Dragons on this last matchday? The natural inclination would to be narrow it down to Elek Salai and Boriska Nagy, as the strikers usually are the key pieces towards getting victories, but it has not been the attack that has been the portion of the side that has been letting the side down in the last few games. In a twist of irony, it is the keeper position and the defense that has been the weak link of the team, the same defense that had been almost beat during the middle stages of the campaign. As a result of the team not doing well, Viktor Szôcs has been named to the starting lineup at rightback after having won the SuperLiga with CAP two seasons ago and then winning the Chromatik league last season, which has seen the Spartans make an offer for his services. Additionally, Fruzsina Budai and Judit Kádár have been named the starting centerbacks, with Kirk McDonagh hoping the chemistry from their time with the Hurricane comes into play. And in the biggest shock of all, Szescõ Mezei has been dropped with Borka Szekeres. If the Wanderers are going to advance, it will be because of the CA Paulinthal talent and wouldn't that be a huge boon for that famous club.

[Turori]

Turori take Critical Victory over Ranoria, Prepare for Jaguars Clash

Iobabao Legendary Park, Mliona, Turori :: It was without question the most important qualification match that the Turori National Team had played thus far during World Cup 89 Qualifying. After a number of upset losses and dropped points through goalless draws, the Turori National Team had found themselves in a precarious position just three days from the end of World Cup 89 Qualifying. Though perched atop the Group 13 table, Turori's position was extremely perilous with three teams waiting within just two points behind them. One slip up and the Eels could go from Top of the Table to out of the World Cup Finals entirely. This was absolutely no time in the schedule to be dropping points and provisionally dropping out of the playoffs zone as it would be highly unlikely for them to climb back out at this point.

This first meeting between the two teams in Ranoria earlier in the campaign had ended in a goalless draw. Of course, the criticality of that result for both teams was equally relevant. Now the two nations met in a true top of the table clash.

The Turori National Team knew they would be in for a difficult match. Ranoria was one of two teams which held the Eels without a goal in the first half of World Cup 89 Qualifying - and one of just three overall following Raspotochje's shock victory over the Eels on Matchday 12.

Less than a full cycle removed from being crowned World Cup Champions for the very first time, the very fabric of Turorian Footsport was on the verge of unraveling. The Eels were just one point atop the Group 13 Table. 2 points back and they were out of the World Cup entirely. They were running 8 games without a clean sheet. Eight Games.

Eight Games in a row the defending World Cup Champions, playing a defensive tactic, with the EuraLeague Goalkeeper of the Year, Top Defender, with a former Defender as their manager, Top seed in the Group and second in the overall World Cup Committee sanctioned KPB Rankings had conceded a goal. It was a streak unmatched in the modern Turorian era. After five clean sheets in the first 7 games of the campaign, Turori had zero in the next 8 games.

There was no better time for a clean sheet than now. In fact, for the Turori National Team, Ranoria was the last team in Group 13 who they had not yet conceded a goal against during World Cup 89 Qualifying as Ranoria were the team Turori last kept off the scoresheet nine games prior. In order to enjoy the 90 minutes that were to come at the Iobabao Legendary Park, one would have had to be a student of the [s]Dark[/s]Defensive Side of the [s]force[/s]ball.

Like a real life Choose-your-own adventure novel, Turori National Team head coach had two paths in front of them. Win and take control of your own destiny on the pathway to a spot in the World Cup 89 Finals. Lose and drop to the bottom of the pack with no control over your own ability to qualify for World Cup 89.

Head Coach Tarek Edgeli came into the match with a game plan and executed it to perfection. After Cuoabaza Orani'aoa scored the games first goal in the 7th minute on what was just the second shot of the game for Turori, Edgeli quickly adjusted the tactics from System Turori to a full-on Rejistanian System Karela. From that point on the match was entirely shut down. Edgeli would trickle in a series of defense-minded substitutes. Tropicorp's Moumouni Verre'elali came in quickly after the change in tactics to pick up some of the defensive slack.

As Ranoria began to figure out the new look Turorian defensive line and make gains in quality possession, Edgeli changed things up again by introducing Planio'o Nrujsa, the 19 year old Turorian defender who recently signed for Revolutionaries in Eura. The introduction of Nrujsa early in the second half helped to settle any potential momentum shift that the Ranorians had gained at the half time break. Keeping their opponents at bay was no easy task for Turori. Ranoria entered the match in the same position as the Eels: Win and take the top spot of Group 13 into the final two match days with the chance to control your own destiny on the path to World Cup 89. Lose and be at the mercy of other results, potentially missing out even on a playoff position and even if you won the rest of your matches.

That was the fear driving the Turori National Team to hold steady. The remainder of the match was played almost entirely from the Top of one 18 yard box to the top of the other. Mercifully for the fans, the referee added just one minute of stoppage time beyond the 90 and shortly after, Tarek Edgeli's Eels had gotten the result they needed. With the hard fought 1-0 victory, the Turori National Team broke a modern era record eight game streak of conceding goals with Derizi Amatopa picking up their second clean sheet of the campaign.

 Turori [1] - [0] Ranoria
				
	GOALS:	Turori 	:: 7' Cuoabaza Orani’aoa              		
	STATS:	Turori 	:: Possession: 55%:: Shots: 3:: Corners: 3	Ranoria 	:: Possession: 45%:: Shots: 3:: Corners: 4
	Lineup:	[GK] Derizi Amatopa, [D.] Lulu Pumaziiri, [D.] Biliki Rona'atu'i, [D.] Amakli Inuro'o, [D.]  Bvalis Amaanara, [ML]  Daliora Toru'u, [MC] Kiidallen Aeroluzzi, [MC]  Naraiza Ruaplal, [MR]  Cuoabaza Orani’aoa, [FC] Turakia Diijelhma, [FC] Nua'oma Aikiki			
	Bench:	[FC] Lutara Makakio, [FC] Meldi'ita Mungwaii, [M] Kentu Umaka'a, [M] Kinabo Telioa, [U ] Planio’o Nrujsa, [D] Moumouni Verre'elali, [GK] Wiyauw An'maude

Estadio Nacional en el Castillo, Mandrid, Hispinas :: After the huge victory in front of the home crowd in Mliona, the Turori National Team hit the road for its final away game of the qualifying campaign against Hispinas. On the road against a mid table side, Edgeli would employ a different strategy than they had brought at home in the table-topping clash with Ranoria - and the majority of the fans left far more entertained as a result.

The home side actually enjoyed a spell of energy at the start as they looked to cap off their home qualifying slate with a signature victory. Hispinas would take an early lead when captain Ozeano Amunategui struck a first time volley off a lob pass across from Peppi Palmero. Inland Peaks FC goalkeeper Timaala Hualtia could do nothing to stop the shot that lifted the home crowd out of their seats.

The lead would only last a little more than ten minutes, however, when Turori's top striker Nua'oma Aikiki got back on the scoreboard for their first goal in four games. Just as quickly as Hispinas had given up the lead it was Turori who took it away for themselves with Turakia Diijelhma scoring just four minutes later to give the Eels a 2-1 lead heading into the half time.

Head coach Tarek Edgeli was happy with the teams performance and decided to make no changes at the half. The decision was rewarded less than five minutes into the second half of play when winger Lati'ala Giaoka played a one-two with Diijelhma and got the ball back on their foot at a sharp angle. For Giaoka, it was just a challenge to test their skill on the ball and the Mliona-Lpaka midfielder would pass the test with flying colors finding the perfect placement to sneak the ball past Natalio Londono and double the Eels advantage.

The match would settle down a bit from there as Turori were comfortable in their advantage and shut things down on the back end to ensure that Hispinas could not take a chunk of the momentum and find a way back into the match. Every point would count in Group 13 as the table remained tight at the top. Head Coach Edgeli would make two late changes to slow the game down and change the Eels look with some fresh legs - first bringing in Tulaki Rauogba in the 70th minute then ten minutes later bringing in the veteran Meldi'ita Mungwaii for a late cameo appearance in place of Daliora Toru'u. Turori's modern-era top scorer was in no mood to go through the motions and would make their 10-minute spurt worth the energy capitalizing on a misplay at the back to steal possession and quickly fire past Londono for Turori's fourth goal, sealing a 4-1 result.

By taking care of business as they needed to do against Ranoria and Hispinas, the defending champion Turori National Team are effectively just one win away from securing their place at World Cup 89 in Tikariot and South Newlandia. The equation will not be quite as simple for the Eels final match day opponents, however.

Turori will host TJUN-ia at the Cednia Beach Center in Cednia Beach Turori as they look to get revenge on the Jaguars for the loss that Turori suffered during the first half of World Cup 89 Qualifying. That result was Turori's first World Cup defeat since the World Cup 87 Cycle and it also resulted in Turori losing the UWC Belt to the Jaguars. TJUN-ia would ultimately lose the belt so there would be nothing on the line for Turori in TJUN-ia at the Cendia Beach Center except the minor consolation prize of... qualification into World Cup 89.

Of course, a win for Turori would be enough to see the Eels through but TJUN-ia would need not only a victory over the Eels but help in the form of St Trinians taking at least a draw in their matchup with the reigning Copa Rushmori champions Sargossa. In order to steal the second playoff spot TJUN-ia would have to overtake Sargossa who were the highest scoring team in the group. Of course, TJUN-ia themselves had just played St Trinians on the penultimate matchday and came away with a 6-1 victory. The Jaguars will be hoping that the result St Trinians had just suffered against them was little more than a fluke and they can hold on agaianst the Corsairs on the final matchday to keep the Jaguars within a shout of the World Cup 89 Finals.

As for the Eels, it is no doubt the stadium will be packed in Cednia Beach. Nigel's Army will be out in full force to cheer on the National Team as they look to secure their spot and re-vector their preparations before the World Cup Finals.

 Turori [4] - [1] Hispinas
				
	GOALS:	Turori 	:: 38' Nua'oma Aikiki:: 42' Turakia Diijelhma:: 49' Lati'ala Giaoka:: 82' Meldi'ita Mungwaii           		
	STATS:	Turori 	:: Possession: 58%:: Shots: 9:: Corners: 20	Hispinas 	:: Possession: 42%:: Shots: 4:: Corners: 9
	Lineup:	[GK] Timaala Hualtia, [D.] Moumouni Verre'elali, [D.] Karek Edgeli, [D.] Lulu Pumaziiri, [D.]  Amakli Inuro'o, [ML]  Kentu Umaka'a, [MC] Daliora Toru'u, [MC]  Kiidallen Aeroluzzi, [MR]  Lati'ala Giaoka, [FC] Turakia Diijelhma, [FC] Nua'oma Aikiki			
	Bench:	[FC] Kala'a Yuliizala, [FC] Meldi'ita Mungwaii, [M] Cuoabaza Orani’aoa, [M] Tulaki Rauogba, [U ] H’munao Cagomia, [D] Biliki Rona'atu'i, [GK] Derizi Amatopa

[Siovanija and Teusland]

”...Dominik Meier and the NDU retain their government, as expected, winning 127 of the 400 available seats…”

“...the Christian Union appeared the strongest of the NDU’s coalition partners, taking 55 seats…”

“...it was centrist parties like the Free Liberals, however, who suffered dearly at the hands of the Republicans…”

“...and Labour who suffered most of all, winning just 47 seats, compared to 74 three years ago. Leader Alexander Danek resigned tonight…”

“...one would say that the Republicans, winning 102 seats - up from just 62 last time - were the true winners of this election cycle…”

“...Ruslan Manolev’s party will form the official opposition, and go up against Dominik Meier and the NDU…”

“...while Meier’s party gained seats from last time, it should be noted that the overall size of his majority dropped 14 seats from the previous election…”

“...exit polls showed that for most in Siovanija & Teusland, economic stability was the most important issue of the election, with healthcare next…”

“...while the crisis in Nyowani Kitara did not rank highly among voters, as only the 9th most important issue, one thing was clear…”

“...by and large, those in Siovanija & Teusland have no strong position on the conflict, and 83% said that they would oppose any intervention from this country into the situation…”

National Democratic Union Headquarters, Stelburg, Teusland

The celebrations of the night had died down into the early hours, as it had been very much an open secret that Dominik Meier would be in government again. The man himself didn’t particularly enjoy parties, but this was certainly a worthy occasion.

By the end of the evening, however, he found himself in the boardroom with the two bright rising talents of the party, Rudolph Klauberg and Lara Strauss. It was clear that, someday very soon, one of them would succeed him.

The conversation drifted along various topics, not many of them political. Finally, though, the topic came around to Nyowani Kitara.

“I don’t think we can ignore those numbers,” said Strauss. “You ship them anything and the world finds out… it won’t be pretty abroad, and it won’t be pretty here.”

Klauberg spoke up now. “I heard the Ambassador to Omerica got summoned to speak to their government. I can’t understand why so many countries are backing the current government, it just seems like a bad look for these democracies.”

Meier let his two young proteges talk. “Stability,” said Strauss. “They know what they get with communist NYK. Who knows what the brother would do.”

Klauberg shrugged. “It’s not the best look for anybody, really.”

“No, but the harsh truth is that in a few years, most people won’t remember what’s gone on here. Sometimes we have to make tough choices, but that’s the nature of the game.”

Meier nodded. “So what would you do?”

“You were right the other day when you said we have picked a side, and we have to see it out. But I don’t think supplying them is the best option. I don’t particularly worry about what the rest of the world thinks - we’ve always been proudly ourselves - but I do care about what the people in this country think. And the vast majority don’t care about Nyowani Kitara. That exit poll - they don’t know the KFF from the DFLK from the KPWC, or whatever other factions there are. Of course we support Banija, of course we want democracy - but the compromise is, it isn’t our responsibility to make it happen.”

Just then, the phone in the room rang. It was the Prime Minister of Sankt Konrad, Erke Lara.

“Chancellor Meier, I just wanted to call and congratulate you on your victory in the election. Sankt Konrad is happy to know that it has friends in Siovanija & Teusland.”

“Of course, Oaiveministtar. We’re proud to help you as much as we can.”

“I want to talk about the Nyowani Kitara situation. It… isn’t helping us sleep at night, as the conflict continues to escalate. And with many of the regional powers here in Rushmore backing the current government… we feel that it would be unwise for Siovanija & Teusland to become involved in the conflict beyond its current symbolic support for the KFF.”

Meier paused. “We wouldn’t want to put you into this conflict at all.”

“Under the provisions of the 1922 Wilhelmshafen treaty, Sankt Konrad can close access to its port to Siovanija & Teusland should your nation be involved in a separate war, the prosecution of which can lead to direct harm to Sankt Konrad. I can tell you that our parliament would be willing to consider such a step if any form of intervention was decided on.”

“I understand. Thank you for your call, I promise you will not have any trouble from us.”

Meier hung up the phone, and glanced back to Klauberg and Strauss. “Well, I guess that settles it,” he said.

Klauberg was confused. “What about our letter to Akongo? We pledged support to his government if he aligned with the DFLK…”

Strauss nodded. “If he aligned with the DFLK, and if popular support in Siovanija & Teusland supported the move. He might yet meet one of those conditions, but the other seems unlikely. We have a people who proudly avoided most outside contact for over a century - for fear of repeating the mistakes of the past. They don't think of peace and democracy when they hear 'intervention,' they think of the Empire, of Laufer, of the wars that plagued us for years. You won't change their minds quickly.”

“He’ll see us as traitors.”

“But he’ll still need us. We’re one of the bigger nations to have endorsed his faction. Our position as a powerful state in AO, and as an ally of his biggest friend, Banija, gives him a bit of legitimacy. And if he’s not happy with us, maybe we’ll shut off that pipeline of military-trained Banijans in this country who keep disappearing and turning up overseas…”

Meier glanced at Strauss. That intelligence had been top-secret. She had to have a source, somewhere. Probably her father, he realized on second thought. The Vice Chancellor, already playing his hand to make sure that his kin ended up as the next Chancellor.

“Nothing escapes your eye, does it, Lara?”

“Just cleaning up your mess.”

Busukuma, Banija

“I haven’t been here in years,” said Kemo Kuyateh as he stood at a street corner in one of Busukuma’s neighbourhoods. “My aunt and uncle used to live around here, we went to see them every year when I was growing up.”

“Do they still live here?” asked Amadou Baldeg.

“Nope, moved away a few years back. I haven’t seen them in… maybe a decade?”

The four young men from St. Jakob walked down the streets, anything to occupy the days until they could get on the next boat that would take them to Nyowani Kitara. They’d set up camp in a hostel near the port, and now just waited.

They hadn’t seen anyone else from St. Jakob in the recent days - but there had been a few locals who spent their days lurking in the same corners, looking at the same schedules, and the four recognized that they perhaps wouldn’t be alone in the next stage of their journey.

And finally, that next stage was coming. Tonight. They’d board the boat in the dead of night, and soon enough, be in the fight. Kemo wasn’t sure how to feel.

He knew he’d be capable, of course - he always ranked highly in the national service competitions back home. And he knew his friends were capable too, and they’d have each others’ back. Especially Juma, who Kemo could sense was eagerly awaiting their departure.

“This life isn’t for everyone,” he’d said when they arrived in Busukuma. “But ever since the day I got out, I’ve always wanted back in.”

Kemo wasn’t quite the same as his friend - he didn’t love the order of military life, and while he was good at everything they’d been taught, he was conflicted. He knew Amadou and Manlafi - they loved adventure, and anywhere Juma led they would follow. Kemo loved adventure too - but maybe not the adventure that ends up with dying in a foreign region, thousands of miles from home.

“Kemo, not nervous, are you?” asked Juma that night before they boarded the ship.

“Not at all,” Kemo lied.

“If we get there, that’s the hardest part out of the way,” Juma said as the boat went to sea. There was still a long journey ahead before they could get anywhere near where they wanted to be. But there was no turning back now.

[Twicetagram and JYPe]

Home >> International >> World Cup

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A Complete List of Possible Scenarios

By Danii Raitov

As we enter the final match day of the World Cup 89 Qualifiers, the Lieutenants go into their match against the Licentian Isles top of their group after a 1-0 win against Astograth last time round. While Twicetagria and Kelssek are both guaranteed the top two spots in Group 12, it remains to be seen who’ll top the group. This article will go through all possible scenarios that could happen.

Twicetagria and Kelssek win
This will undoubtably be a good result for both sides. Twicetagria will clinch automatic qualification, while Kelssek has a high chance of directly qualifying as one of the top 6 second-placed teams in this case.

Twicetagria win, Kelssek loses
As discussed, a win for Twicetagria would seal automatic qualification. Even if Kelssek loses, they still remain second place. However, this means they most likely lose out on direct qualification, and have to go through the playoffs.

Twicetagria loses, Kelssek wins
A loss for Twicetagria and a Kelssek win means the latter overtakes the Lieutenants in the standings. A loss for Twicetagria would mean they drop to second, but if results elsewhere go our way, Twicetagria might clinch direct direct qualification even though that would be based on luck if anything.

Twicetagria draws
In this scenario, Twicetagria will still most likely end up on top. Even if Kelssek wins, Twicetagria and them would be tied on points. Twicetagria has a goal difference of +12, and it doesn’t look like Kelssek would be able to close up that huge a margin.

Kelssek draws
This wouldn’t change anything, since in this scenario they wouldn’t be able to mathematically overtake the Lieutenants.

Both sides loses
This wouldn’t change anything, since the points and points difference would still be preserved. In this scenario, the loser would be Kelssek as now their chances of directly progressing to the World Cup proper would have decreased.

[Schima Bas]

Match Reports
Schima Bas v. Darmen, Basian Blac Sporting Field
3-2, Schima Bas

‘27 Casildo Hana
‘33 St. John
‘50 Blackwood
‘62 Hideki Nazar
‘70 Casildo Hana

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Schima Bas v. Talamia, Basian Blac Sporting Field
3-2, Talamia

'32 Fonè
‘40 Casildo Hana
‘43 A'apt
‘67 A'apt
‘82 Mahdi Vaziri (P)

World Cup 89 Qualifying | Schima Bas in Review

Schima Bas still has one matchday left to play, but any meaningful change in the group table is no longer possible for the Golden Crescent. Sitting at eighth in the group with a chance to finish as high as sixth with favorable results on the final matchday, the team has performed as expected, with several close matches showing the player’s mettle.

Match of the Qualifying Cycle

MD6: Home v. Chromatika (16)
4-3, Schima Bas

Many wondered how well the young squad would perform in a group with football giants Chromatika, Eura, and Sylestone. Fans expectantly waited for the arrival of Eura at the first big match of the qualifying cycle. With only seven points from the first five matches, many expected the side to crumble before a strong Chromatika side undefeated in the same period.

While an early lead was clenched from the foot of Chromatika’s Oveni, the Golden Crescent fired back to earn a 2-1 lead at the half. Pushing ahead 3-1 early in the second, the tension was palpable in the stadium as everyone felt something deeply unusual was occurring. Chromatika roared back with a strike in the 63rd minute, followed up by another in the 88th minute, which was accompanied with anxious murmurs from the home crowd.

Still, a 3-3 result against one of the best teams in the group was certainly acceptable, I mean, even a draw was… What’s that? Casildo Hana has the ball and is pushing furiously into the Chromatika defense. His eyes are set, footwork well placed, spirit industrious and penetrating . The crowd roars. Hana moves around the incoming pressure and lays a perfect pass to the feet of Nazar. The rest is self-evident. Certainly a victory that few Basians will forget anytime soon.

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Honorable Mentions

MD10: Home v. Eura (23)
2-2, Draw

After the glorious ending versus Chromatika, the team took a spiral downwards, dropping points at Darmen and Talamia and finding nothing in Sylestone’s visit to the home country. Many expected the match against Eura to be a bloodbath, seeing as the team’s spirits appeared saddened and exhausted.

Defying expectations, the team fought from the onset, scoring early with a set-piece work of wonder outside the 18-yard box. Eura found an equalizer shortly after. The rest of the half was a messy affair, with a series of fouls breaking up the action. A series of close calls were avoided by too-close-for-comfort shots that found themselves off target.

The Basians found a lucky touch in the box that pushed them ahead by one, and the home crowd reacted with a giant wave, a tradition that many have been pushing for despite disapproving glances from the box seats. Their hopes came crashing down with an equalizer in the 60th minute. The Eurans threatened more, but couldn’t find the back of the net. An undeserved draw in the minds of outsiders, the draw was a rush for the fans, who will remember the match as the time they caught many a lucky break against a strong opposition.

MD14: Home v. Melbergia (228)
7-3, Schima Bas

The Basian record throughout the tournament was staggered and up-and-down, much like the team’s spirits. One match the players would be on fire and working together like bound-heart brothers, and the next like a team unknown of its own strengths. The home match versus Melbergia saw five different players find the net for the home squad.

In Basian fashion, the “seven” in the match report will stick in the minds of the country’s people far more than the “three” conceded. A show of what the team could be, the squad seemed far less worried about the opposition and more intent about it’s internal teamwork. Eugenio Tio’s face beamed from the first goal onwards. It was a party-like atmosphere, one showcasing the beautiful game of football and the wonders of teamwork.

The Basian FA would benefit from analysis of this match if it wishes to jump-start the young Golden Cresent squad.

Upcoming lineups
MD 18 @ Sylestone

Benincasa Akhtar,
Akmal Ahmad, Hud Baccus, Shunnar Huq, Mudahir Avendano,
Makin Moghaddam, Bisma Shehadeh, Jericho Sultana,
Hideki Nazar, Casildo Hana, Jan Moustafa

[New Lusitania and the Algarves]

New Lusitania’s World Cup 89 in Review: A Stagnating Nation?

With one game to go, tomorrow at Ancherion, it seems like it’s a good time to review the Selecção’s efforts this cycle. With third place clinched with no possibility of doing better – or worse – it’s a game for pride on the eighteenth hole on the calendar. During this campaign, New Lusitania and Francisco Grilo in particular, were particularly criticised by some performances, particularly during the halfway stage in which they let Electrum and Audioslavia get away and really not worry with the peloton behind – but was it all that bad?
Comparing with World Cup 88, the previous iteration, we can see it’s a case of pure stagnation. Going into the draw, this World Cup was supposed to be easier with New Lusitania somehow sneaking into Pot 2 again with a 42nd placing in the ranking. Despite this, fate gave them Electrum as well as Audioslavia, providing a tough pairing of veterans, the former only so low due to a break in form which let them down the pecking order, though a new squadron quickly aims to restore the nation’s name. In 88 after all, Pot 3 New Lusitania had No.4 seeds Farfadillis, but also a weakened an Equestrian States – pot placing is no excuse and it truly is a lottery. After all, last time the Navegadores agonizingly missed the playoffs on head-to-head and were 11 points from leaders Farfadillis after 17 matches – that’s the current gap to second placed.
This proves competitivity in the current top portion of the 89 group compared to 88 but also questions style of play from the Lusitanians’ side. It’s sure adaptability then, when we consider that we had the same record in 88 and 89 at this stage, overall (P17 W4, D4, L4). Even adaptability is questioned at some point when we took points off the team everyone knew at the start was a tough ask – Audioslavia – in both occasions with two draws. The bigger issue, perhaps, were the games with Electrum which consisted of two clear defeats. Six points, yes, that would leave New Lusitania in the lead – but the major issue was their loss of points with smaller sides. The Selecção constantly dropped points further down in the order, in games which were very much clear wins for the outfit.
In fact, even despite the weirdness of having near-identical records, practically, they were two very different cycles. New Lusitania’s issue was a lot more vulnerable and genuinely having troubles with consistency and confidence during a good part of the first half, which prompted the press reaction to Grilo – this despite the fact last time, around the same portion, the Selecção had lost three matches, including one of their heaviest in history, the infamous 7-2. The gap to Audioslavia and then The Independent Associations Cup’s poor result of just the Second Group Stage had already shocked many and popped questions into the press but Electrum in a way was the next factor for this, though, with most of the country observing how unobtainable the play-offs were with that state of play in such a group just a few games in, unlike 88 where despite these faults, second-place was always a realistic target throughout – the team was very clearly, in the deep end for the first time in a while, showing strokes of poor showings, even. The constant deadlocked halves against lower ranked sides made it that it was much easier to criticise what was, in the end, pretty much just another cycle at the end, when taking it at face value, as we will in a few years’ time.
So in the end, yes, New Lusitania in their blend of old and young in the never-quite perfect combination has made it difficult to progress more noticeably and as an externality, the country has stagnated ever just slightly in their qualification endeavour, despite their continued attempts at success in the Cup of Harmony.
***
Francisco Grilo has said ahead of the final match that he still feels it was “a cycle with some positives, but clearly represents the fact (the team has) plenty of obstacles before progressing to the World Cup or being a very successful side in the multiverse is even considered”, however he decided that would not be a good message to leave lingering and added that “should we eligible as I hope we are, we are most definitely fighting for success in the Cup of Harmony in a few months’ time”. In the end, eleven attempts, eleven failures but ‘Harmony will always give us some additional hope to continue the cycle in a positive light and finish it on a high – and that starts with a statement like that in the last away match at Ancherion. Vamos Nova Lusitânia!

[Commonwealth of Baker Park]

Closing in on the finish line
Scott McCrae
The Daily Mail Chief Soccer Writer

In one sense, it was somewhat pre-ordained that things in Group 17 would come down to this fixture--Baker Park versus Jeruselem, top two seeds--but along the way a change of plans would be necessary for both national teams.

There will be only one outcome when the 90 minutes have been completed at the BBP National Stadium, either the hosts will survive to fight another day, or they will be headed to the Cup of Harmony for the first time.

The Princesses are used to this kind of final day drama, as they have fallen short of qualifying several times recently before finally breaking through and making a return to the World Cup last time. BP has been on the brink of elimination on occasions in the past--AOCAF 62, WCQ 87, several World Cup Finals group stages, but they have always managed to find that something extra, a spark that gets them across the line. Often it has been a collective spirit among the matchday squad, occasionally it has a player taking matters into their own hands.

This is where the secret to this campaign lies, I believe. The current group of players seemingly have been waiting for someone to come to the rescue, to have a moment that Annabeth Westmoreland had an uncanny sixth sense of knowing when to make it "AB Time"; there are plenty of players talented enough to put their own stamp on a match, but there is almost a reluctance of some of the newer regulars to take it upon themselves to break ranks and do their thing.

In the last two matches prior to Matchday 18, there did seem to be a point where particular players switched on the afterburners--Lainey Wadsworth's brace against Aut-Ves-Nat showed why she is on her way to becoming a club legend in Chromatika, and the maiden goal scored off the bench by the newcomer Serena McDavid against Kiltoch--has to bode well for the future, even if it fails to change to course in this tournament.

For nine cycles, the question in the back of everyone's mind has been--"Is the end? Will this be the time when the streak comes to a halt?" It is still a feat that is unprecedented in the annals of the NSWC, no one can take away Baker Park's place as having been the first nation to qualify for nine straight WC Finals without missing out. But all things must come to an end, and if this is the night, it's been a hell of a run.

lineup vs Jeruselem

Johnston; Hutchins, Rasanamira, Harrison (C); Rizzo, D'Amico, Nolan, Ngoba; Craig; Pryor, West
bench: Vickers, O'Connell, Stone, Vuckovic, MIlton, Simmons, Wadsworth

[Eura]

WORLD CUP 89 – QUALIFYING GROUP 18 – MATCHDAY 16
EURA 3 – 0 MELBERGIA
Scorers: Woakes 34, 50, Robson 66
Lineup: 13. V Simm, 2. H Wheeler, 4. J Menard, 15. T Green, 19. A Coles, 3. L Almwood (sub Reeve 51), 6. M Rowland (sub Erskine 56), 8. V Robshaw, 7. M Woakes, 26. C Atkinson (sub Tomlinson 70), 14. S Robson

WORLD CUP 89 – QUALIFYING GROUP 18 – MATCHDAY 17
CHROMATIKA 2 – 0 EURA
Scorers: N/A
Lineup: 1. K Belgrave, 2. H Wheeler, 4. J Menard, 15. T Green, 5. K Sherwood (sub Woodman 70), 3. L Almwood, 6. M Rowland, 8. V Robshaw, 7. M Woakes, 10. I Tomlinson (sub Malone 56), 14. S Robson (sub Bond 68)

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emplor.eur/main/euranews
BARNHAM SLAMS SMITH AS “EQUIVOCATOR IN CHIEF”
Social Party surge in polls as public unimpressed by yet more strategic ambiguity on referendums and foreign policy

The Social Party are now far ahead enough in national polls to suggest that they would win a substantial majority if a general election were held tomorrow, after leader Harry Barnham chastised Prime Minister Ian Smith for what he described as a “duplicitous” stance on Nyowani Kitara that harmed Eura’s national interests.

In a speech at the National Shipworkers Union annual conference, Barnham did not hold back in his criticism of the Prime Minister, who outlined his response to the crisis in central Rushmore yesterday in Parliament. ‘The Prime Minister has spent the last few weeks dodging responsibility on Nyowani Kitara, avoiding taking a stance while people are dying and looking to Eura for help. And at the end of it, what does he do? Backs the quasi-communist hereditary dictatorship after a number of countries have already gotten involved, and then allowed our Nepharan allies to cop the responsibility for it.’

Asked what he would have done differently, Barnham was to the point. ‘If I was Prime Minister, Eura would have brought together the Common Rushmori Community the moment this crisis began to unfold and demanded an immediate ceasefire, guaranteed by Euran force. We would not have hesitated like this equivocator in chief has done, taking refuge in duplicitous silence and making the whole thing more complex than it ever needed to be.’ Before Barnham spoke at length today, both he and the Shadow Defence Secretary yesterday launched a series of attacks on Smith and Minister of Defence, Sterling Thorpe, at Questions for the Prime Minister, with Barnham at one point asking the PM if he had 'taken leave of his senses to Dewayo’s benefit'.

Smith has not yet responded to Barnham’s latest comments, but he was defiant at Questions, insisting that Eura’s decision to back the Nepharan government’s controversial Operation Crowbar was the right one. Crowbar is a military and political intervention designed to prop up the faltering KPWC regime in Nyowani Kitara, a country of 25 million located on the coast of the Xandrian Sea. Thorpe today reinforced the stance of the Liberal government, calling Barnham a ‘shameless opportunist’. Speaking to EBC radio’s Newshour, he was dismissive of the oppositions protests; ‘its easy to carp from the sidelines, but actually this government is just interested in one thing – governing - and doing so in the national interest. That means taking hard decisions like the one we have on Nyowani Kitara.’

The difficulty facing Smith and his government is that the leader of the opposition is simply the loudest voice among a chorus of domestic criticism directed at Eura’s approach to the Kitaran Crisis, as it has been dubbed by some media outlets. The government is expected to face a vote on the principle of intervening in favour of the reigning theoretically communist government of Nyowani Kitara, brought by a devil’s alliance of the democratic centre left Socials, the nationalist Unionist Party and centre right Capital Party. Making matters worse for the PM is the likelihood that hundreds of Liberal MPs uncomfortable or even outright disgusted with their own government’s stance may abstain on the vote, which could hand the opposition victory.

Even some members of cabinet are reported to be disappointed with the decision although no resignations seem likely at the moment. Backbench Liberal MP Triss Porter summed up her colleagues’ frustrations in a surprisingly public way; ‘We’ve got enough on our plate with these referenda that have been foisted on us. Now we have to back a bunch of old tankies against their own people because the leadership want to give their mates in Corvistone some batting practice at playing regional police? It’s un-Liberal and against what this country stands for.’

One rare development of the government’s latest political storm is that they will enjoy the once in a blue moon support of the hard left Civil Federalist Party on the issue, the fifth largest in the Euran Parliament. Oscar Adamson, leader of the party and their 37 MPs, said that he will whip his MPs to back the government on any vote in support of ‘our comrades across the seas…the KPWC’. However, this is unlikely to help the Liberals in the polls, as the Social Party enjoy a near-four-point surge in polls conducted over the last fortnight, with a further surge expected as fieldwork begins to take into account reaction to Smith’s statement. A snap poll by EurGov published this afternoon showed that 57% of the Euran public oppose the policy, with only 30% in favour.

The crisis in Nyowani Kitara has already claimed many lives, though no reliable casualty figures have been publicised by independent bodies as of yet. A three way civil war has broken out with no clear sign of an end game. The intervention of Nepharan forces with Euran support in recent days appears to have stunted an advance by the Kitara Freedom Front, an ethnic Kitaran rebel group in the south of the country led by the dictator’s Nafuna Akongo’s older brother, Malik Akongo. But Ben Hillhouse of the Golden Fields Institute, a Euran thinktank specialising in military affairs and conflict, says this support is unlikely to resolve the conflict any time soon. ‘The Nepharan’s can’t have deployed more than a few thousand troops, a portion of whom will simply be there for the purpose of providing logistics for their own and training for the KPWC’s forces.’

A prolonged war in the country is likely to be near the bottom of the list of the PM’s desires, with Liberal insiders claiming he may have been motivated by the desire for a quick win after a series of political setbacks at home, as well as the persuasive abilities of Nephara’s Margravine Lindt (with whom he reportedly has developed a strong rapport). Yet a more substantive Euran intervention in order to decisively swing the conflict in any direction is thought to have been resisted strongly by some in the PM’s inner circle, including Foreign Secretary Carl Rutherford. However, the PM cannot afford for his chosen direction of travel to backfire, after a torrid few months during which Eura’s dual referendum campaigns, and a simultaneous referendum in the Euran Oceania Territories, have rocked his government.

EURAN POLITICS - HEADLINE VOTING INTENTION
Data was last collected yesterday, and is published fortnightly, courtesy of Viewpoint Ltd. Bracketed are changes since the last poll from the same company. Incomplete data in former Sameba (c. 250 seats of 3,000 available) may skew results.

Federal parliamentary voting intention
SCL – 38.5% (+3.7)
LIB – 29.9% (-1.2)
CAP – 13.8% (+0.7)
UNI – 7.8% (No change)
CIF – 5.7% (+1.5)

Referendum on Provisional Government of Former Sameba (250 seats only)
RETAIN – 49%
ABOLISH – 51%

Referendum on electoral reform
Don’t know not included
FPTP – 47%
PR – 53%

Don’t know included
FPTP – 28%
PR – 30%
Don’t know/undecided – 30%

Best PM
Barnham (SCL) – 38.0% (+1.0)
Smith (LIB) – 23.5% (-0.5)
Paldrey (CAP) – 8.7% (+0.9)
Bannister (UNI) – 7.9% (-0.3)
Adamson (CIF) – 4.8% (+0.5)

Approval (Approve %/Disapprove %)
Barnham (SCL) - 39/31 (+8)
Smith (LIB) - 24/48 (-24)
Bannister (UNI) - 19/23 (-4)
Paldrey (CAP) - 20/30 (-10)
Adamson (CIF) - 15/26 (-11)

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The Foreign Secretary entered the room and found the Prime Minister aggressively tapping his desk. His knuckles were striking the teak so hard that he might blister if he kept going. ‘Ian, we need to talk.’
‘Did you see that?’
‘No.’
Smith pointed at the television mounted on the wall. Unionist Party leader Tom Bannister was on the news slating Smith, calling him a traitor for allowing a referendum on former Sameba’s political system, and doubly so for backing a communist dictatorship in Nyowani Kitara. ‘Fucking Unionists gunning for us too now. It’s just…why can’t they just piss off?? We’re trying to do what’s best for the country’s interests, here.’
‘Are we though? Really? Or is it because, and I quote you to me about a week ago, “we need a polling bump”? Or did I mishear that?’
Smith scrunched up his face to disguise his true feelings (badly). ‘Sometimes the interests of the federation and those of our party can coalesce.’
‘Indeed. They do.’ Rutherford laid a file on the desk and slid it toward the Prime Minister with gusto. ‘Read it.’

The Prime Minister studied the letter closely. First, he reacted with curiosity. Then disgust. Finally, outright anger.
‘You little turd…’
‘I’m just trying to present options, Ian.’
‘Options?! Your job is to be my representative around the world!’
‘My job is…well, that, but also to advise you. And this is advice. You used to listen to my advice you know.’
‘Used to? You told me this whole thing was a-okay!’
‘I did not say that’, Rutherford replied with a careless touch of patronising sarcasm, ‘perhaps I could remind you-‘
‘Don’t you fucking dare, Carl. Not another word. How long have you known about the details in here?’ Smith held up the annexes of the document, which contained a lot of new findings about the conflict from the past few days that he was not aware of – including the revelation that former Bregaland communists, officially wanted by the Euran state and all of them legally Euran citizens, were fighting as volunteers for the KPWC, and that former Sameban regime members were fighting for the opposition.

‘I only found out this morning’ Rutherford said, lying with panache, ‘and sought to bring it to your attention as soon as possible, but figured it better to merge that with my advice.’
‘I wonder if I speak to the Chair of the OSI, will they corroborate that explanation?’
‘Yes Ian. I promise you.’
‘Promise! Hah, what is a promise worth anymore…look, I said it myself in Parliament. This is the only show in town. I’m not going to throw Lindt under the bus. As it is, some of this intel helps the cause of our current argument. Sameban fascists fighting for the KFF? That’s an excuse to bomb the shit out of them if there ever was one.’
‘That is not what this is about. I’m not even recommending a change in policy – we should absolutely carry on down the road we’re on. This is just a contingency.’
‘And why would we need that?’
‘Well, as the saying goes…best laid plans, something, something, have a plan B.’

Prime Minister,

On commission from the Foreign Secretary, we have set up a small informal committee to discuss policy and strategy issues relating to the ongoing conflict in Nyowani Kitara. The first action of this committee has been to begin developing alternative approaches to the conflict to that of Operation ROADTRAIN, the Euran operation running parallel to (and in support of) Nephara’s Operation CROWBAR. These do not represent a suggestion that we change course from your preferred policy that was outlined to Parliament yesterday.

Instead, these represent potential responses to any of the following scenarios, which involve strategic outcomes we consider to be detrimental to Euran interests:

- An outright military defeat of the KPWC
- An outright military defeat of the KPWC’s opponents before they make political concessions
- A successful intervention by a non-Rushmori power (including the former colonial power Banija)
- A military defeat of Nepharan forces and/or operational failure of Operation CROWBAR

Although the situation on the ground is currently promising, we have serious concerns that all four of these outcomes remain very possible.

We have attached annexes explaining the latest situation on the ground and new intelligence that requires your urgent attention, including confirmation that former Sameban regime members and communist insurgents from the conflict with Sameba are fighting in the conflict – for all three factions. Please find time to read this in the next couple of days if you can, and we’ll find a time to host the first meeting (which you will chair) in the coming days.

Yours,
Carl Rutherford, Foreign Secretary
Sterling Thorpe, Minister of Defence
General Curtly Woodgate-Smith, Chief of the Military Staff
Paige Burns, Chair of the OSI

[Zwangzug]

Let's do this one more time!

Scores. That's all from me, but we hope to see many of you at the Cup of Harmony!

[PotatoFarmers]

Big surprise ahead of final showdown, Red Panjias need miracle to reach playoffs
Reported by Sporting Daily

Fiskadaha City - Poafmersia heads into the final matchday with their fate not in their hands, relying instead on minnows Democratic Kingdom of South India to defeat Siovanija & Teusland.

Being 2 points behind Siovanija & Teusland, Poafmersia goes into the final game at home against Rangers FC, which maintained a solid record of 5 wins, 5 draws, and 7 losses in their 17 games. The task set out for the Red Panjias is simple - a home win is necessary to discuss anything. If South India were to take a surprise win, then any win for the Red Panjias will be enough. Otherwise, the alternative requires Poafmersia to grab a win by at least 4 goals to overtake Siovanija and Teusland, should the game end in a draw.

Red Panjias' poor predictament is not the only issue facing a slew of top teams, with a bunch of rising teams aiming to take control of their own fate. But with one game to go, who is through and who isn't? We shall find out in this edition of "Final WCQ permutations", WCQ89 edition.

We will only be doing the first 12 groups, given that when this paper is published, Groups 13 to 18 will have completed most of their fixtures.

Legend
Q - Qualified for World Cup 89
A - Advanced to playoffs
X - Assured of at least playoffs
Y - Cannot win group, but can still qualify as one of best runners-up
Z - Cannot win group, but can still qualify via playoffs

Group 1 Table
 # Group 1                             Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Starblaydia (Q)                      17   13   3   1    62   25  +37    42
 2 Independent Athletes from Quebec (X) 17   12   2   3    53   27  +26    38
 3 Chartistan                           17    9   4   4    37   29   +8    31

No surprises here, as top seeds Starblaydia qualify for the World Cup. Second seeds Quebec has secured the runners-up spot, and will be in the hunt for a playoff spot with a home game against Starblaydia to come.

Group 2 Table
 # Group 2                            Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Brenecia (Q)                        17   12   3   2    34   16  +18    39
 2 HUElavia (Y)                        17   10   5   2    33   20  +13    35
 3 Squidroidia (Z)                     17   10   4   3    28   13  +15    34
 4 Kohnhead (Z)                        17   10   2   5    34   13  +21    32
 5 Geisenfried                         17    9   2   6    24   15   +9    29

Top seeds Brenecia is through, but second seed HUElavia has a big race ahead of them. HUElavia travel to Le Choix for their final game, needing all 3 points to secure the runners-up spot. Third seeds Squidroidia, has a home game against unranked Geisenfried, who outperformed expectations to take the 5th spot. Kohnhead, on the other hand, will be hoping that both teams ahead of them mess up. With an easy trip to Moliza, a win will be enough to advance to the playoffs should HUElavia lose, and Squidroidia fail to defeat Geisenfried, given Kohnhead's superior goal difference.

Group 3 Table
 # Group 3                            Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Kandorith (Q)                       17   13   4   0    53   27  +26    43
 2 Vilita (X)                          17   12   2   3    44   33  +11    38
 3 Barunia                             17    9   4   4    41   27  +14    31

With second seeds Savojarna exploding their run, it was third seeds Kandorith who secured top spot, leaving top seeds Vilita potentially needing a trip to the playoffs. They end their campaign with a trip to Kandorith, which is a must win should they be aiming for direct qualification.

Group 4 Table
 # Group 4                            Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Farfadillis (Q)                     17   12   5   0    51   21  +30    41
 2 Atheara (Y)                         17   10   5   2    29   16  +13    35
 3 Drawkland (Z)                       17   10   4   3    41   32   +9    34
 4 Garbelia (Z)                        17    9   5   3    31   24   +7    32
 5 Valladares                          17    6   4   7    32   30   +2    22

In Group 4, it is surprise packages Atheara holding the advantage over second seeds Drawkland, with Atheara having to navigate a tricky trip to Valladares to complete their run. Below them, Drawkland has a home game against Torisakia, while Garbelia travel to dominant top seeds Farfadillis. Should Atheara fail to win their game, Drawkland, and possibly Garbelia, might pounce on that playoff spot with a win.

Group 5 Table
 # Group 5                            Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Vdara (X)                           17   13   1   3    46   24  +22    40
 2 Valanora                            17   11   4   2    44   19  +25    37
 3 Yuezhou (Z)                         17   10   4   3    30   19  +11    34
 4 Sendhang                            17    9   4   4    23   14   +9    31

Third seeds Vdara just needs a point to get to the World Cup proper, with a trip to Gyasto-Kai ending their campaign. The result is pretty cut out. With Valanora playing at Treekidistan, a win for the Maruaders, combined with a loss for Vdara, means that Valanora will take first space simply by a superior goal difference. The top 2 positions are likely to be fixed, given that Yuezhou needs to overhaul a 14 goal difference in order to steal the runners-up spot. That doesn't look especially possible.

Group 6 Table
 # Group 6                            Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Audioslavia (Q)                     17   14   2   1    39   17  +22    44
 2 Electrum (Q)                        17   13   3   1    38   14  +24    42
 3 New Lusitania                       17    9   4   4    35   27   +8    31

The Bulls will secure their qualification with a 44 point haul definitely making it into the auto qualification spots for runners-up. The other team, Electrum, who apparently didn't win a World Cup before (really?) also qualified under the same situation as Audioslavia. Both have been rather dominant in the group, only losing 1 game each, that is, the game against each other.

Group 7 Table
 # Group 7                            Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Graintfjall (Q)                     17   14   1   2    29    8  +21    43
 2 The Holy Empire (X)                 17   13   2   2    41   17  +24    41
 3 Saltstead                           17   11   1   5    21   15   +6    34

Graintfjall's point haul is enough to secure top 6 runners-up spot, while The Holy Empire would be looking to win their away game to Ostankin to secure the direct qualification spot. The World Cup 88 runners-up would definitely not want to play the playoffs, especially given the really difficult fixtures that are waiting over there.

Group 8 Table
 # Group 8                            Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Ethane (Q)                          17   14   3   0    32    5  +27    45
 2 Trolleborg (X)                      17   11   2   4    21    8  +13    35
 3 Savigliane                          17    9   4   4    42   25  +17    31

Ethane took home the best defense award with 5 goals conceeded in 17 games, ahead of favourites Ko-oren. The third seeds also utilised that performance to bash their way into winning the group, ahead of second seeds Trolleborg, who are attempting to regain their position in the World Cup proper. It will be heartbreak for Savigliane, who failed to qualify for the World Cup despite being top seeds, a performance which has definitely surprised many neutrals, given the way they stormed into the World Cup 2 cycles ago.

Group 8 Table
 # Group 9                            Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Nephara (Q)                         17   14   1   2    42   20  +22    43
 2 Squornshelan Remnant States (Y)     17   11   2   4    55   31  +24    35
 3 Tumbra (Z)                          17   10   3   4    27   11  +16    33
 4 Eraman (Z)                          17    9   5   3    35   26   +9    32
 5 Huayramarca                         17    8   6   3    37   29   +8    30

Top seeds Nephara will qualify for the World Cup, while Squornshelan Remnant States will be looking to secure the runners-up spot, ahead of the competition coming from fourth seeds Tumbra and 5th seeds Eraman. The work is cut out for Squornshelan Remnant States, to be frank. Eraman has little to no chance of over-turning a 3 points and +15 goal difference gap, while Tumbra needs to overturn a 2 point and +8 goal difference gap. The permutations look simple, but the results aren't. Squornshelan Remnant States realistically needs to grab not lose at home against Nephara to secure their spot. For Tumbra, they will need to win against Ottoman Syldavia. Any win is enough should Nephara win, while a win by at least 8 goals is necessary should Squornshelan Remnant States draw.

Group 10 Table
 # Group 10                           Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Mytanija (Q)                        17   13   2   2    40   18  +22    41
 2 Siovanija and Teusland (Y)          17   11   4   2    42   27  +15    37
 3 Poafmersia (Y)                      17   11   2   4    34   22  +12    35
 4 The Sarian                          17    8   2   7    20   20    0    26

Our group. Top seeds Poafmersia has a home game against Rangers FC, while second seeds Siovanija & Teusland (S&T) has a home game against minnows Democratic Kingdom of South India. Poafmersia needs to win by 4 at least, and hope Siovanija & Teusland doesn't win, to grab the second spot.

Group 11 Table
 # Group 11                           Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Pemecutan (X)                       17   12   4   1    44   24  +20    40
 2 Zwangzug                            17   11   4   2    27   11  +16    37
 3 Banija (Y)                          17   11   3   3    39   23  +16    36
 4 Southwest Eastnorth                 17    8   3   6    40   34   +6    27
 5 Abanhfleft                          17    8   3   6    37   37    0    27

Fourth seeds Pemecutan grabs hold of a top 2 spot, with a draw at home against Venmere enough to secure first time qualification for the Melayu Archipelago nation, who becomes the first nation from the region to qualify for the World Cup. It is a slug fest for the top 2 seeds, who wouldn't want to miss the World Cup. Banija has a trip to 9th place Cheetahs and reptiles coalison, while Zwangzug has a trip to Southwest Eastnorth. Both sides need a win to secure their position - though a Zwangzug loss coupled with a Banija draw will be enough for Banija to make it into the playoffs.

Group 12 Table
 # Group 12                           Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Twicetagria (X)                     17   12   4   1    37   10  +27    40
 2 Kelssek (X)                         17   12   2   3    36   21  +15    38
 3 The Licentian Isles                 17    9   4   4    26   13  +13    31
 4 Astograth                           17    9   2   6    36   33   +3    29

Both Twicetagria and Kelssek is through to at least the playoffs, but they would want to achieve the point total necessary to secure direct qualification. For Twicetagria, it means not to lose in their final home game against The Licentian Isles, who put up a good fight but fell short at the final hurdles. For Kelssek, they would want to win their game at Euran Oceania Territories to stand a chance of avoiding the playoffs.

[Kelssek]

Moonbeam Infantino tossed and turned, mumbling as he dreamed strange dreams of incredibly cute eldritch abomination. It seemed to speak, in words that drifted in and out of the grasp of his feeble mortal mind. A message, simple, courteous, and terrifying, echoing into the depths of his being.

crumpets... cuddles... clarify if Martin should... membership form... earliest convenience

He awoke with a sharp intake of breath, on the floor of the hut which had been his home for a year and more, shared with the kindly but inscrutable mountain-dwelling hermit who’d taken him in. He felt around in his pack and found the phone that he hadn’t touched in what seemed like eons.

It came on, and Moonbeam wasn’t sure if that was a miracle or not, or if the being that had appeared to him was one of those who did miracles in the first place. Nevertheless, it became clear what he needed to do. There was no signal here, so he put on a cloak and set off in the pre-dawn light.

---

Martin had just flopped down on a seat in the metro, glad the afternoon of heavy-duty parenting was near an end. The kids knelt on the seats to look out the window.

“You know Ghatanothoa will come out of the tunnel after Easling station. So look out.”

“I’ll see it before you! I know all the elder gods!”

Martin checked his phone to see who was calling. He considered rejecting the call, but Porter usually did have a good sense of what was important enough to disturb someone’s weekend with.

“Hello?”

“Martin. Did you see Honkr right now? Moonbeam. GOOFI.”

“Slow down... what? I sent it off before I left on Friday. Four to five business days, usually.”

“Moonbeam is alive. He just sent a honk.”

“Are you serious?”

“Yeah. I mean, I’m not sure if we need to do anything. But I thought you should know.”

“Okay. Thanks. Bye.” Martin hung up and opened Honkr. It had attracted so much attention that he didn’t even neeed to scroll to find it.

Moonbeam Infantino ✓ @MoonbeanInfan
How can football help us eat, pray, love?

---

Moonbeam Infantino ✓ @MoonbeanInfan · 1h
@Shet-Niggurath my favourite! So pleased to get your wonderful dream message! Football Kelssek is so happy to join @GOOFI and we’re not picky about the refreshments at all!

[Eraman]

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Day 11 - Month 11 - Year 7

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SPORTS

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Eraman and Tumbra equal at Arupura

Arupura: The goal at the end of the match scored by Era Hitam ensured that Eraman and Tumbra ended the Group 9 of the World Cup qualifying match in a 2-2 draw. In the match that took place at Arupura Stadium, Eraman was first in front when the match only entered 2 minutes as a result of Serigala Rudra's long shot from outside the penalty box. However, Tumbra came back stronger to chase the game and finally got their equalizer in the 33rd minute through George Hilton before Nick Riordan put them ahead late in the second half. Eraman's constant effort to chase the equalizer finally paid off when Era Hitam completed a Samara Grawira's cross to beat Tumbra goalkeeper John Lennon in the 90th minute.

The 2-2 draw was deemed fair by the Eraman head coach, Ross Hearkener.

“I’m satisfied with what the players have demonstrated. They deserve to be commended for all the efforts shown by them throughout the match," he told reporters when met after the match.

[Valanora]

All it takes is a lack of focus, a lack of the ability to be on your best at the most opportune of moments and everything can all just fall apart. The Marauders were supposed to have an easy victory when they were traveling to Daehae on matchday sixteen, a team that had only a single victory and draw to their name at that point in the campaign. It had been a surefire three points before what was supposed to be a much more difficult game when the side returned back to the Empire to face off against Legalese, with all the awkward political situation regarding the former Atlantian Oceania nation. By most peoples expectations, the trip to Daehae was more of a warm up fixture than anything, it could have been played with the reserves and the scoreline should be completely and utterly lopsided. Unfortunately for the Marauders, it is not a game that is played on paper or through the expectations that yourself and others put onto you through either skill, media hype, or a legacy that is almost impossible to live up to, even for a living legend like Laborious Hawk.

It was Laborious Hawk who opened up the scoring, as the attacking midfielder netted a quarter hour into the match with one of his trademark freekicks from just outside the area that curled into the near corner and caught the keeper offguard. It looked like it would be another typical game against a team that was far below the Marauders in the rankings as they continued to boss the possession game and were pouring shots on net, but a lack of clinical finishing was keeping them from extending the lead. Three minutes into the second half, the home side was able to hit the Marauders on a rare counter, scoring on just their first shot on target. This spurred the Marauders more, looking to really pour on the misery for the hosts but were once again hit on the break in the seventy-first, on the home sides second shot on goal and with only thirty-two percent of the possession. It was a complete shock to the side and it took a masterful shot from just inside the area in the eighty-fifth minute from the young starlet himself, Lothas Ludwig, that rescued the point against the Daehae. Despite having seventy percent of the possession and eighteen shots to the two of the home team, the Marauders were not able to secure a victory.

When the team returned to Capri to take on Legalese, there must have been a lot of pent up frustration from the previous match as the Marauders simply rolled through the Anaia opponent, with Ludwig, Veliz, Palminger, and Hammer all getting goals in a four to nothing romp. The home crowd got to enjoy a show and there was a bit of catharsis for the side after their game against Daehae. Legalese looked up for the match in the first ten minutes but the Marauders got that first goal and kept pushing on their opponents, slowly grinding down the morale and resistance. Two goals on other side of the half and four different scorers definitely makes the team feel fairly good, venting a whole second half of frustration against their overmatched opponents. When even a substitute is able to get on the scoresheet, with Hammer putting in a well placed effort with a lot of force from just inside the area with nine minutes to go, you know that it has been a good day. The result was definitely one that was needed to keep both avenues of qualification alive for the Marauders as they head into the final matchday.

Vdara's romp at the top can be completely undone in a trip to Atlantian Oceania, when they travel to Gyatso-kai, who have already been able to hold the Marauders in their home stadium and are coming off a huge three to nil victory at Marianne. While they are not able to sneak into the playoffs and are only playing for pride at this point, a victory for Gyatso-kai over Vdara would open the door for the Marauders to backdoor their way into the group title despite the abysmal second half that they have had, for their standards and ranking. The side will be traveling to Treekidistan, which is a more tricky tie than what it might appear at first, as they have been able to take points off of Vdara earlier in the campaign. A victory there would allow the Marauders a small chance to sneak the group title away from Vdara, but it also gives them a fairly good chance to be able to qualify as one of the six best second placed teams in the cycle. While it is hardly the sort of method that anyone would have liked or even foreseen for the Marauders to make it to the Finals, at this point making it to the Finals is more important than the risk of a playoff tie and would gladly be taken.

[Vilita]

♫ On the road again, Goin' places that I've just come back from, Seein' things that I just saw again, And I can't wait // screech // scracth // Recycle Time... Back again... ♫

Yea, Just came back from Rushmore. Again. Supposed to be reporting on the Vilita National Team here and all you guys want to know about is did I have to go BACK to Nyowani Kitara in the midst of ... whatever all is going on out there because I let slip last week that I was passing a letter to our Leazi Corada from the Kitara Progressive Worker's Coalition.

Well obviously I can't tell you. Ok, maybe I can. Its no secret I went to Cabo Azure, we covered the game, and then before coming back here I went from Cabo Azure and delivered a sealed message from the Leazi Corada to the KPWC and before you ask - no I don't know what the letter said, I didn't ask.

Now to answer the first question, no, I didn't go all the way back to Nyowani Kitara. Turns out Eura is pretty close to Cabo Azure, and there are tons of regular transports from Eura back to our little section of Atlantian Oceania which is currently occupied by... Yes, Vilita & Turori and The Euran Oceania Territories. So that kind of makes sense. Versus trying to get in and out of Nyowani Kitara when I have no other reason for being there but to deliver a silly message. Okay it was probably not a 'silly message' but a super serious message being conveyed between the leaders of great nations of the multiverse on the very serious matter of civil wars and armed conflicts for which I should be... honored? to be the messenger of?

Anyway, the Leazi Corada trusted that I could just bring it to the Eurans. We have Euran neighbors in Atlantian Oceania and the Eurans are all close with the KPWC and so it was all good. Apparently I found out after the fact that the Nepharim are also close with the KPWC and I probably could have just popped over there and given someone the message and saved half the distance from Cabo Azure but... what's done is done. I guess it just didn't cross anyones mind since pretty much all of the Vilitan presence in Rushmore is in Eura, all the talented footballers we get to cover play in Eura... Basically if Vilita was in Rushmore they would be in Eura. Wait, I feel like we've seen that before. Is that foreshadowing? *wink*wink*

If you don't get the hint thats ok, it won't be long. We'll get to the fun stuff soon. But first... what you want me to speculate what the letter said? Well I dont know. Probably something like "We have great overhead assets including drones that can help provide safety and surveillance during your time of conflict. While we are focused on our security and that of our neighbors such as Aboveland, Euran Oceania Territories and Nojika in this time of uncertainty, our partnership is certainly open to further growth"

Was that diplomatic enough? Now. LETS TALK ABOUT THE GAME!

Before we run out of time. What happened here? The Jungle Cats FINALLY showed up for a match! 3-0 victory over Cabo Azure. Incredible. Just when it looked like they were down and out, they weren't even going to make the playoffs and some unranked teams were just going to come in and spoil the party, the Jungle Cats finally decided to play like a Top Seeded team and the stars showed up to make a difference. Mako Canopii picked up the shutout, Nii'arala Milaaso had two goals and Yeaddin Owls forward Tenziki Kulakao came on as a half time substitute as the Jungle Cats looked to add to their fairly paltry goal differential with extra tallies in the second half. Sure they could only add one more goal, but certainly better than none and puts Vilita into the less-bad situation of looking pretty good for a playoff spot and still having... a chance... to qualify for Tikariot and South Newlandia...

:		 Vilita 3 - 0 Cabo Azure	
	Goals:	:: 11' Nii'arala Milaaso:: 29' Nii'arala Milaaso:: 65' Tenziki Kulakao            
	Team:	Mako Canopii, Rojara Tiones (Tenziki Kulakao 45'), Inteali Koranjo, Jirak Trikala (Lentali Purama 45'), Jurzen Devmiko, Polaox Torerun, Trezisi Rokopolis (Sipke Tarala 60'), Cywrenta Vlintejni, Intikko Kuhilana, Clarana Refiami, Nii'arala Milaaso
		  Vilita 1 - 0 Fluvannia
	Goals:	:: 22' Nii'arala Milaaso              
	Team:	Vernasa Sanamun, Lohani Riiyaaw, Jirak Trikala, Inteali Koranjo, Limu Katarakhna, Lentali Purama, Polaox Torerun (Tenziki Kulakao 69'), Sami Samii’i, Imauka Lkomorak (Fishtii Blikala 26'), Clarana Refiami (Trezisi Rokopolis 80'), Nii'arala Milaaso

We can only hope that the Vilitan National Team have finally decided its time to get prepared and win games. Back-to-Back shutouts with the biggest match of the campaign yet to come. Shutouts from two different goalies - Mako Canopii and Vernasa Sanamun, and a whole bunch of goals from Nii'arala Milaaso who is finally once again playing like the superstar talent that helped deliver the World Cup 82 title to the Cove with an appearance in the World Cup Final at just over 21 years of age.

But now lets stop focusing in on the past and lets start looking into the future. A weird and wild and ... wait, some of you may not be familiar with it. Well, if you didn't know, around the time that the Vilita National Team was going crazy and winning all kinds of World Cups - sometimes known as the Greatest Generation or the Vilitan Uprising - there was a popular quirky little program in Vilita called "The Wormhole". It debuted sometime around World Cup 77 - which Vilita of course Won - and kind of fizzled out shortly after World Cup 81... which Vilita also won. So the show kind of stretched in that period when Vilita was good and maybe stopped existing when the Jungle Cats weren't as good. Coincidence? Who knows.

First, I have to play the intro to the show for you guys it was the same every episode and - well - here it is:

♫ ♫ "You're traveling through another dimension, a dimension not only of sight and sound but of mind. A journey into a wondrous land whose boundaries are that of imagination. That's the signpost up ahead - your next stop, the Wormhole!" ♫ ♫

And you'd be zipping through space and traveling through wormholes and there would be lots of colors and... most of the time it centered around the Vilitan National Team. You're asking yourself what could the Vilitan National Team and Wormholes have in common? Well lets work our way backwards because its probably easiest to understand when you look at one of the last places the show went.

Turori & Vilita (As Depicted on "The Wormhole")

To set the picture, you have Vilita and you have Turori. Everyone knows in our reality, Vilita is that really big Island and the center of the Vilitan Cove - and even a few more of the little Islands stretching Eastward to whatever that big land mass is called now other than the accepted "Mainland". Mainland Vilita is a giant Island with one nation on it, Mainland... the Alluerisa Continent we'll call it for now has a bunch of other Nations on it like Euran Oceania Territories... Commonwealth of Baker Park... Aboveland? Right. Then theres that tiny little Island called Turori squished up in between somewhere. So the premise on The Wormhole that it imagined there was a parallel dimension somewhere that two key things developed slightly differently. In the case of Vilita and Turori, it imagined a dimension out there where the larger Island was actually Turori and the smaller Vilita and as you broke out of the Wormhole you zoomed in on this map of the multiverse and POW! There was this wonky scene with a giant Turori and eentsie teentsie little version of Vilita.

Then if its the first time you are watching you are thinking well great this will be an interesting little show about how Vilitan and Turorian cultures might have developed differently if Turori was the dominant Island... WRONG! You failed to realize that you were tuning in on VAPES - the Vilitan Access of Podshows Emphasizing Sports - and the focus was SPORTS!. Thats right, they lead in with this awesome premise of taking two nations and intermingling them in a parallel dimension and decide the best way to show you what would be different if those nations and swapped in their development was... through their results in the World Cup. That was the show. No, I'm not kidding you.

And it was awesome.

Now obviously they had to ham it up for the big episode featuring Vilita and Turori together swapping and changing places etcetera, etcetera blah blah blah and while more often than not at least Vilita would be featured for the purpose of maintaining the interest of their core audience - that wasn't a given rule and every once in a while the Wormhole crew would pick to other random nations and imagine the parallel universe where they were swapped. Like Farfadillis and San Jose Guayabal or Ceni and Drawkland. Or even the famed mish-mash nation of "Starzonia" - a real fan favorite in certain circles. For a lot of those episodes - particularly where they chose two nations that weren't exactly geographically in the ... same spot... the big reveal was the flags.

The Wormhole team would imagine hey what if it was the same culture in a different place so maybe they took the same flag design with them but using the other nations colors, or maybe took their colors and key features but to the other nations field design. Those type of changes. For most episodes that was the big reveal and the big lasting image you got when you traveled out of the Wormhole and it was quite exciting the first time you saw them as your brain tried to process for half a second which two nations were being featured on that episode.

So here's the thing. Those mashups were done by none other than Soktiti Amakra which probably isn't a surprise to the older folks out there... no offense... as Amakra used to be a vipodcastblogger back in the early days of vipod popularity and had this bit called Fun with Flags where they would basically just step through the flags of random nations and re-design them for fun. They stopped doing the vipodblogging thing full time around World Cup 75 but still dabble in the artistry from time to time.

Well, I'm happy to reveal that I was able to get Soktiti to do a bit of a Wormhole Style mash up for us heading into the Jungle Cats final match of the World Cup 89 Qualifiers. It really is a must win matchup for the Jungle Cats if they are to have any chance of advancing to the World Cup 89 Finals which... honestly its a surprising position for the Jungle Cats to be in.

Now, if you haven't seen the flag of Kandorith yet, you might not completely be on board for why it was immediately obvious that we had to pull Soktiti in here to mash up these flags but, then when you think about it further, the Wormhole would be absolutely perfect here because really, its like we are on the Wormhole side of things the way the standings are! Vilita, the top seed in Group 3, have been dropping points like every team they faced was the Giant Bird of Lymantatia while Kandorith have just kept marching along and haven't lost a single game like they became the Top seed in the group even though they are really the third seed and were projected to have at least 4 defeats at this point in the campaign!

So maybe we're in the Wormhole and somewhere out there in a parallel dimension things are going better for our Jungle Cats... but are they really the same Jungle Cats we know or perhaps somewhere out there instead there is the Vilitan Jungle Dragons leading the Kandorith Golden Cats?

Who knows, but lets take a look at what Soktiti Amakra has done putting Vilita and Kandorith through the Wormhole!

Now if there's one thing this reminds me of a bit its just imagine now mashing these two back together again - I feel like you would get that flag that the Unionists fly all the time, right? That kind of Vilita and Turori flag but its not because it has the circle thingy that symbolizes unity or something? This one:


I mean in some ways the Unionists have done the work already, but still, we will have to see how the match goes. In our reality, the game will be taking place in Kandorith and Vilita already lost the first leg at home by a not so impressive 2-4 scoreline. Now the Jungle Cats need to not only win this game they need to win it by a few goals as well as they are currently the team with practically the lowest goals scored and lowest goal differential of all the teams trying to make it into the World Cup Finals still. Even two or three bonus goals might go a long way in setting the Jungle Cats up for a better position in the final table.

Well, that was a fun detour wasn't it? Now when we are all watching the last game of World Cup 89 Qualifying, I'm not sure if I'll be able to get these flags out of my mind - hopefully I don't get confused following the play and start cheering for the wrong side!... or the right side?

♫Doo-DOO-Doo-Doo Doo-DOO-Doo-Doo.♫

[Independent Athletes from Quebec]

OOC: Of course, if you wish to enter a sports film to be reviewed, send me a TG or PM with basic premises, ideas, etc, and we'll talk further. If you've done something before, of course, we can pick it up from there as well. There is only one condition - that it must be a foreign film covering Quebecois sports scene/plot, or a film covering foreign sports/plot content but directed/produced by a Quebecois.

OOC-2: I'd say this film would be a stylistic combination of Kinky Boots, The Virgin Suicides, and Tikariot's sapient softball stories.

The Taegukgi: The Korean-language voice of the Quebecois Commonwealth

'100 Years of Sporting Films': 'The Virgin Sacrifices' Review

★★★★★

Mikael-Antony Shin

At the very heart of 'Virgin Sacrifices', late Eduardo Choe-Guerrero's 2040 film is the hazy spiral of mysteries, where the most blatant of actions hide the mysteries and truth unknown. Of course, the questions asked by Choe-Guerrero, who had an illustrious career as film producer and director in the 2020s and 2030s before his untimely death, we couldn't answer back then and we cannot answer now. That is partly because the man behind the film's in his own graves, and his own notes and manuscripts were burned to avoid possible replication of the tragedies behind it.

But the attempt to figure out what and how the tragedies were enabled is the key part in the process that is watching this film. That's what we, as those indirectly surrounding the deceased ones, have to do. I was 20, just finished my diploma at a local community college when I first watched this film. There was a lot about the uncertainties around my life at the time, and I gravitated towards it because of how controversial the film was back then. It was not an easy experience - the parts about the use of cat muppets and the boots seemed odd for first-time viewers who were trying to figure out how it linked to a small-town tragedy and softball. So I left my thoughts behind, not really able to figure out what it had meant, and moved away from my rural town.

Certainly my life has changed a lot in 12 years since then. I spent two more years transferring to a four-year college, got a decent job, and then found myself married with two kids. The nature of my present work required me to watch the film again, and so I had to scramble myself to understand what seemed so alien to me back in 2040. As I watched the film again, I certainly had the better grasp of the film’s ethos, in what Choe-Guerrero described at the film’s release as ‘how everything went wrong from a minor footstep’, of how not knowing how to handle or even explain the weight of the consequences can haunt others.

Perhaps how haunting the film may have been was because we didn’t expect it at all. In the industry where reliable names are able to make as many mistakes until they no longer can, there was every reason to not expect the horror (or disappointment) from the film’s release at the Kingston International Film Festival that September (it held an unusually late and off-timed release, in November). Eduardo Choe-Guerrero, up to that point, had three straight Box Office successes, received growing nods from the critics, and was in a position to be able to cast any decent actor or actress he wished to. His years of working under Bridget Yu-Weon Kang, one of the finest directors of the past 50 years, had finally paid off and his career seemed to be following her course as well.

Set in the 2010s Frontenac, in a Kingston suburb that seemed like a Bakhtinian chronotope that would better be described as a Banijan wet dream sprawl, The Virgin Sacrifices start with a funeral. Michael Deutscher, the sixth-generation factory owner of making shoes, was the mayor of the city with his love of brutalist architecture in this suburban town, and his death while rebranding his company with a cat-like logo has drawn the concern of the company. ‘Why the specific fuss over the puss we’ll never know,’ Diane, the Deutschers’ mother, comments while smoking outside the funeral.

Of course, the lives go on with the company as they finish rebranding and expand into ‘relatively underserved markets’, but the company’s fate isn’t the one to watch. The beginning of the end, as seen by the quick coverage of the surrounding landscape, can be seen in odd mismatches. Misalignment of stars, the boots-wearing cats gambling with a devil, and the days of thunderstorm and months of clouds covering the town and its dying crops are not to be ignored, and the beginning of the end is marked by a triplet of curious local virgin boys, whose obsession with the Deutschers remain three decades later, chainsmoking in middle of a local park.

With much of the footage set in the local high school, where the school’s baseball and handball teams, where the triplet belongs, enjoy hometown hero statuses, Choe-Guerrero chooses to provide us solid distance away from the four Deutscher sisters (played by Innes Brown, Joanne Cho, Michelle Bromley-Buts, and Irene Hwang) who watch from television or sidelines, offering us bits and pieces that the town, and the ‘curious virgin-jocks’ could only figure out from pieces. The mother, played by Yi Seung-Hye, is mostly focused on the zone defences, shooting percentages and bounces, but is for most part rational, reasonable woman who runs the town while her long-divorced husband Maurice (played by Jean-Jacques Demers) comes from time to time to handle the Kinky Puss co.’s operations from Montreal. Of course, while we know that it’s the father who inflicted the worst offence by being caught while sleeping with the youngest sister’s babysitter, just as she heads downstairs to grab a glass of water, we all know there’s more to dig into.

The rush of hurricane twirls that come to what’s a mostly boring suburb can be overstated by the media at times, but its impact is also understated by us, the average people, at times, as if we would be seeing the tip of the iceberg in headlines and not necessarily the depth of emotions and histories that lie underneath them. For me, the core of it all is the whispers. The first whisper we hear from the town comes from the very affair between the babysitter and the mostly-absent father, which develops quickly and continues into the locker room of the basketball team that has been recognised by everybody as pre-season favourites to win the tri-state OFSAA title. We’ve shown how everybody, regardless of their attachment to the sisters or the team, suffer to some degree, not sure on what to do with the affair shared between the point guard, Dario, and the third sister, Holly, not sure on what to advise if this were happening to our very family members. The fear of not knowing haunts us, and that engages the audience.

Choe-Guerrero does his best to show the cracks, how it affects the community in a two-way interaction as the girls themselves are quarantined for their illnesses. He notably steps away from taking a POV approach to it, and uses the peppy use of musical soundtracks in the background to suggest that life in this suburban town is as jolly good as it can get. But then, we all know that it can only cover the wound so much. In middle of their quarantine, after Cho’s Paige gets the sisters infected after spending night with Evan (played by Alex Chin, former olympic medalist in Canoeing before an acting career) for purposes involving the use of the alligator boots, the emotional weight starts to trip everybody else over. The quarantining of the girls in the hospital, with the guards wearing HAZMAT-suits, while Evan gets away with a minor detention, is a clear sign to those not the residents of this town that the girls were the victims for all that fell apart. 'The chimneys! The chimneys! The chimneys with nine lives!' Paige writes to Evan in a letter that was never answered back, being lost in the flooded basement of a high school basketball star.

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English | Français | The Taegukgi Indigenous

[Nyowani Kitara]

Background Info on NYK
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5
Part 6
Part 7
Part 8
Part 9
Part 10
Part 11
Part 12
Part 13
Part 14
Part 15
Part 16
Part 17
Part 18
Part 19
Part 20

KFF War Council:
2nd Battalion, Serpentine Company
Malik Akongo- Commander, Chairman
Kathleen Abura- Head of Public Relations
Irumba Mbabazi- Head of Foreign Relations
Obasey Okafo- Former exile, returned for the war
Chi Udegbunam- Former political prisoner
Fakebba Hairte- Former political prisoner
Momodou Dibba- Former political prisoner
Malamin Ngum- Treasurer
Jibril Mendy- Fugitive

Kitara Freedom Front- War Council

"I'd like to call this meeting to order." Malik Akongo said. It took a second for the muttering to simmer down, but it did. The other very secretive leaders of the Kitara Freedom Front were sitting in a room with him. 9 people in total, including Malik. Most of them former political prisoners. All of them officially wanted, dead or alive. Pretty much all of them branded terrorists, or worse, by the KPWC. And all of them knew what would happen if any of them ended up in the arms of Nafuna Akongo- swinging from the gallows like the now late General Svedsson. "Has everyone here read Max's letter?" Malik Akongo asked. All the men in the room simply nodded, showing that they had indeed read Mayor Ulf's letter to the KFF.

"Alright then." Malik Akongo said. "Let's get this started. Thoughts?"

"I think we say yes." Kathleen Abura said. She was the only woman who served on this War Council for the KFF. Her credentials, of course, were impeccable. A former prisoner of war, she was unleashed from the Inhalo prison as soon as the Civil War began, and Malik's men started taking land in the South. She had been in jail for a year for writing a blog critical of Boaz Akongo, and his 'obsession' with Yuezhou. "Look, we all know this- the DFLK isn't great. They're mostly Osterlanders who just want to break up the country. Hell, half of em would just accept being a colony of Hattmark at this stage. But we need to understand- the KPWC fighting this war on two fronts simply weakens Nafuna in Dewayo. Divides her attention, her forces."

"But she's already fighting a war on two fronts!" Obasey Okafo said. "It's not like the DFLK will ally with her. She's gotta fight them and fight us- allying officially with the DFLK won't change that equation. They know that they cannot focus too much on one front- if too many forces are down here, the DFLK will continue to make progress up north. And if they focus too much up north, they will lose ground down South. And we are much closer to Dewayo than the DFLK, even if we've got quite some distance to go. No, the DFLK knows that this war is lost. Have them declare loyalty to Malik, say the KFF is the party of the future, and then they can join- under our command."

"They will never do that!" Jibril Mendy said. "They are much too proud. Remember- this is something that nations abroad want to see. This is exactly what Darmen said they want. We said no. This is exactly what Siovanija & Teusland said they want. We haven't responded. And now, just as Borograd asks this of us, this offer comes from the Mayor? We would be foolish to reject it."

"This is a poisoned letter from the Mayor." Chi Udegbunam said. "I cannot, in good conscience, support us having anything to do with the DFLK. Since when can Max Ulf be trusted? If he could've been trusted in the first place, he wouldn't have waited this long to try and join forces. Everybody knows one thing- that the Kitara Freedom Front are destined to climb into power in this country. Why do you think the unholy access of Corvistone and Bastion are focusing their efforts on the Southern front, rather than the northern front? The DFLK has captured more land. Despite their military successes, nobody seriously believes Max Ulf can lead this country. And you know why?"

Everybody sat in silence- everybody knew why. "This country has not had a native white leader in so many years. It's been over half a century. The DFLK is already out there, committing atrocities against our Kitaran brethren in Karora and Port Viljan. What they want to do, is give themselves legitimacy. They ally with us, make Max look good. Then, they get international recognition- not us. And then when we sustain the heavy fighting to take down Dewayo, their fresh troops would swoop in and decimate our forces, leaving Max Ulf as an unopposed dictator. He's not a Mayor- he's a power-hungry warlord. We must say no."

"We must think of what the situation looks like on the ground now." Irumba Mbabazi said. "We haven't lost any ground here on our main hold of land. But PRIND are giving us some crazy problems on the eastern border. Our troops are becoming more and more exhausted- fighting the enemy from within, while the YPA led onslaught is bearing down upon them. We see these atrocities happening- summary executions, random fighting in the streets, etc... It's because of the destabilization tactics of that damned PRIND organization."

"But international politics is an interesting game." Mbabazi said. "As we can see clearly- it is less about ideology and more about power. About 'picking the winning side'. No mattter what side you pick, as long as they win the war, that is what is the best to back. In politics, there is no glory in righteous failure- only failure. And there is no shame in rugged success- only success. Victors write the history books, you see. And with Eura backing the KPWC- God knows how Nafuna convinced Bastion and Corvistone to back her- but with Eura and Nephara backing the KPWC, they are being seen as winners."

Malik Akongo, having listened to the discussion, then decided to speak. "We have seen, one by one, big nations around the world fall in line behind the Kitara Progressive Worker's Coalition. What's worse, they have stopped our military progress on our march towards Dewayo. Corvistone is on the front. They view us, for whatever reason, as the biggest enemy. The Eurans, who are following them in this mission, will go back to them. That means Nepharan troops will be focused on the southern front- aka, our front. There are a few thousand here now. But they are training the KRF. Are more troops coming? And with them, they'll bring- weapons, bombs, planes, things that can cause all sorts of destruction."

Everybody was listening intently to the movement's leader. "We need to take the heat off of us. It is not incoming, when fighting a revolutionary war like we are doing, to have to ally with people we wouldn't normally ally with. This is a strange situation. Because of the geography of this nation, it's not like I can fly off to meet Max Ulf myself. I say we should do it."

"How would we govern with the DFLK??" Chi Udegbunam said. "Those damned Northerners are good-for-nothing. If we win this war, and they don't try to steamroll us immediately after- how are we to govern. We have different interests. Represent different communities."

"Think about it like this." Malik Akongo said. "Any sort of civil war ending was going to end with a Provisional Government that would eventually have to call elections, right? WE win this war, set up elections, and then beat them the way it's done in other countries- at the ballot box. Does anyone think that we'd lose a general election if we had one tomorrow?" Everybody in the room, of course, was quite confident. "If the fighting is going to intensify down here, we need it to intensify in the North too. And while the DFLK is up there yes, if we work together, then we can coordinate these things. Coordinate advances. Coordinate attacks. Can we trust Max Ulf fully? Of course not. But it is a big time gamechanger. The momentum is in my sister's hands, and we need to take it out of her hands as soon as possible."

The Debate continued in the war council. They would discuss for 3 hours. And then the War Council finally voted, coming as close as they could to a consensus- voting 7 to 2 to work on a partnership with Max Ulf. The counter-offer to Port Viljan would be this- they would work together to win the war, they would work together to eventually set up a Provisional Government in advance of elections. Fair, simple, and most importantly- not forcing long-term cooperation with a group that nobody liked.

The letter was finished being written, and signed by Malik Akongo. It was then faxed over to the secret office the KFF had in Port Viljan, who would then get the letter directly to Max Ulf. Only Akongo's name went on it, of course- considering how this whole council was wanted, and how many of this council didn't have the best past, most of their names were not known to the general public.

He sent letters to both the President of Darmen, and Chancellor Meier of Siovanija & Teusland, that Max Ulf had recently made him an offer to work together that he accepted. Would the gambit work?

He also sent another letter, to leadership in Nuevas Caracas. It was an open secret that the KFF was having trouble holding onto their prisoners of war from the KPWC. They had endured a lot of heat from the general public abroad about their horrific treatment of POWs, including the survival rate of many of em. hell, many had just been sent out, on their own, with nothing on them but a 'good luck' from KFF soldiers. A modern war hadn't seen this low a POW survival rate in a long time. But a lifeline had been offered. The KFF didn't simply want to return these guys to the KPWC and put them back on the battlefield. If transports could be worked out, these POWs would be sent to Nuevas Caracas. A warzone? Yes- but Nuevas Caracas' leadership had promised to hold them 'for the duration of hostilities'.

Allies come in all forms, right?

---

Dewayo Presidential Palace, three days after the events above

"Un. Fucking. Believeable." Nafuna Akongo scowled. For being a leader who didn't control nearly half her country because she was in the midst of a civil war, recent days had seen her in a good mood. The best mood she had been in since her Father's death, and her ascension to the Presidency was complete. With the introduction of Nepharan troops to the front, they had stopped KFF advances northward, who had seemingly be on a steady-paced, yet unstoppable march to the capitol city.

And it wasn't just that. Foreign troops were pouring in. Even she was surprised at the pace at which nations were offering their support to her Government. And she was, of course, gladly accepting. The Propoganda machine was non-stop at this point. Celebrating the embrace of nations like Omerica, and nations like Eura. Nepharan troops were already making a difference, and they'd make more of one the more time they had to settle in, learn the country's terrain, and train the country's troops. And while they were the biggest, and easily the most influential force here, they were far from the only force. Would the KFF be destined for Dewayo if it wasn't for Corvistone's introduction? The world would never know.

Of course, you couldn't discount the foreign volunteers. The YPA nearly rivaled the Nepharan force in terms of influence, as they were turning the KFF around in the border regions. Fighting their way down the eastern border, try to eventually reach the San Ortelio border, and eventually, the sea. Euran Communist volunteers had come into the country, eager to reach the front. Euran intelligence agents were in the country as well. And that was not all. Hispinas had secretly offered to send troops to help the war effort, and Nafuna Akongo had gladly accepted them. Even diplomatic support from Astograth. Everybody loved a winner.

A lot of good news. She thought, in a few weeks, her troops could be well trained enough to truly counter against the Kitara Freedom Front, and crush the resistance in the South, before turning their attention on getting rid of the DFLK. So with all that happening, why was Nafuna Akongo scowling?

Well, she was watching her television. She always had a foreign news TV channel feed on, just to understand how the war was being seen elsewhere. And the report was stunning. Max Ulf and Malik Akongo, both publicly releasing videos on twii.tur, saying that they'll join forces and work together? The Mayor and her brother? The DFLK and the KFF? How the hell was that supposed to happen? How was that going to even work?

"This is bad news, of course." Gustav Isaksson said as he walked into Nafuna's office.

"Right?" Nafuna Akongo was clearly frustrated. "How the hell did those two reach an agreement? They'll be at each other's throats soon enough."

"They're feeling the heat, probably." Gustav was speculating. "Max has a better grasp on his situation than anyone gives him credit for. He knows that, without foreign support, he's functionally doomed. Too many nations have taken an interest into what is going on. He can't win an election. The DFLK is lilley-white- it's whiter than a school dance in western Græntfjall. But what is his endgame? That's the question."

Just then, the head of her intelligence agency walked in the door. "Nafuna." He said. "I have your briefing- and it spells an interesting situation as to what is on your television screen."

"Oh really?" Gustav said. "Please continue." The intelligence situation of the Central Government was a little bit iffy, to say the least. In the South, their intelligence units had been wiped out, almost entirely. People mostly defected to the KFF- either out of fear, or out of ambition, ideology, etc... The rest, well- everybody knew that the KFF did not have any sort of capacity to hold prisoners of war. For how much fighting was taking place down there, anything behind enemy lines in the south might as well be as far away as Krytenia.

But in the north, on the other hand, many NYK intelligence agents were still in place. And so even though the DFLK had a strong fighting force- motivated, disciplined, organized, experienced- they hadn't completely overrun the Kitaran Revolutionary Forces in the North. Intel allowed them to get ahead on plans, to wreak havoc behind enemy lines- to keep the DFLK sufficiently disorganized.

The Intelligence ahead continued speaking. "We've got a rumor that most of Max Ulf's executive board does not support his decision." The intelligence head said this as Nafuna Akongo and Gustav Isaksson sat there, dumbfounded.

"Wait." Gustav said. "Ulf did this- by himself?"

"By all accounts, yes." The Intelligence head said. "The rest of the DFLK's board was informed, simply right before Max Ulf went live. It left a lot of them extremely unhappy. But they've got to support him in public."

"Interesting." Nafuna Akongo said. "Thank you for the update." The intelligence agent saluted their President, and then left the room. "This is curious about Max Ulf. He's positioning himself to be a unity President, for her. Statesman. Diplomat. Peacemaker. My brother has a bad rep- and he deserves it. And yet, if Ulf brings their forces together..."

"I wonder what it means if most of their board opposes this deal, especially strongly." Gustav said. "Ulf has taken a big risk, eh? He's hanging out there by himself?"

"This is our chance." Nafuna Akongo said. "We've got to kill this deal."

"How the hell do we do that?" Gustav replied.

"You know how." Nafuna said, darkly. And they both looked at each other.

"Nafuna." Gustav said. "This is not your father's Nyowani Kitara. While I am not above an assassination, circumstances are far different. The world's eyes are on us. We've got Euran agents embedding themselves within the country. We have Nepharan soldiers here. Would they look kindly on an assassination. I have to recommend-"

"You know what they would not look kindly on? Losing this war." Nafuna Akongo said. "As long as our opposition remains divided, while our troops are being trained up, we are destined to win this fight. Eventually, we can exert the pressure on my brother militarily that we are doing diplomatically, and then we can defeat him. After that, we'll swing north and crush the DFLK like the World Cup Qualification hopes of those god damned Banijans were crushed on Matchday 17." They both chuckled at Banija's sporting misfortune.

"Plus, nobody has to be implicated." The President continued.

"Too many people would know about it." Gustav said. "Could word not slip-"

"I don't want our agents pulling this off." Nafuna Akongo said. "The circle needs to be as tight as possible here. I need you to see to this, and you alone. Personally." Nafuna Akongo looked at her father's longtime, her do-everything man, her most trusted soldier and bodyguard. "You can still do a field operation, right?" Gustav nodded, as if the question was ridiculous. "Good. Don't get caught. Deny Everything if you do. Etc... Etc..." Nafuna Akongo said.

The two then, shook hands. Gustav, who had been nearly glued at her hip, almost literally, since the war started, went to get prepared. Could the move succeed? If whoever succeeded Ulf blew up the deal, then yes- it would. But could the move fail? Almost surely. Maybe it made Ulf a martyr. Or even worse- Gustav gets caught doing it. Or even worse- Gustav gets caught before it gets done.

So many options. In a war full of bold moves, this was the boldest- easily the highest risk out of any move Nafuna Akongo had so far. Getting caught, or any failure, could be absolutely catastrophic. Could she, against the odds, pull this off?

(OOC Note: Credit to Astograth for making the Rushmori map, as I simply cropped off of there)
(OOC Note 2: There is no change to the map from the last update. Just putting this here so people who haven't seen it in a while can understand where everything is.)

Map Legend
Red- Nyowani Kitara territory Controlled by the Central Government
Pink- Nyowani Kitara territory Controlled by the DFLK
Dark Green- Nyowani Kitara territory Controlled by the KFF
Purple- Tikariot
Dark Blue- Græntfjall
Orange- Weatherdon
Dark Yellow- San Ortelio
Light Yellow- The Kytler Peninsulae