World Cup 89 - Roleplay Thread

[Darmen]

McTaggart Sacked
Goldschmidt Brought In To Hopefully Salvage Qualifiers

SCOTT CITY - The All Greens currently look quite green around the gills. The Darmeni national team has gone five matches without a victory and currently sits in seventh place in Group 18, fourteen points behind table toppers Eura. The possibility of Darmen rebounding to finish in the top two is slim: Eura looks just as strong as ever and Sylestone and Chromatika aren’t looking too shabby either.

Much of the blame for Darmen’s poor performance so far has been placed on manager Dean McTaggart. McTaggart spent the first few matches of the qualifying campaign tinkering with Darmen’s lineup and tactics, hoping to find a surefire way of winning on the regular and taking Darmen back to the World Cup for the first time since the 84th edition. Things were going well in the beginning, Darmen was in third place after four matches, but in the four matches immediately prior to the most recent match with Eura (a 4-3 loss), Darmen had been held to just a single goal.

Many Darmeni supporters have asked why now, of all times, was the time to experiment with Darmen’s setup. Meanwhile, McTaggart assured everyone that the loss against Eura was proof that he was onto something (really?) and that the second half of qualifying would validate his efforts.

But the Darmeni Football Association was having none of that.

McTaggart, who took over the team at the beginning of qualifying for World Cup 87, has been shown the door. McTaggart lasted 65 matches in charge, the third longest tenure of any Darmeni manager in the modern-era and he finishes with a 32-9-26 record.

His replacement comes in the form of former national team captain Alberich Goldschmidt, who will be making his managerial debut at the head of the All Greens. Despite the lack of managerial experience, Goldschmidt appears confident.

“Obviously, we’re in a pretty deep hole at the moment, so I won’t make any promises to the fans about qualifying,” commented Goldschmidt at his introductory press conference. “But moving forward, we’ll need to settle on a strategy and stick with it. I know another deep run in the Cup of Harmony isn’t what anyone was looking forward too, but if that needs to be the current goal in the short term, then I think that can help us achieve what our long term goal should always be: qualifying for and competing at the World Cup.”

---

From the Office of the President of the Republic

Scott City - Monday, April 24th, 2051

Malik Akongo
Commander of the Kitara Freedom Front

Dear Mr. Akongo,

I am writing in response to your most recent letter. Darmen is committed to further the cause of democracy in Rushmore and throughout the multiverse and my administration views the establishment of a democratic government in Nyowani Kitara as a critical step forward in our quest to rid the multiverse of oppressive and undemocratic governments. We believe you are committed to the same goals and look forward to working with you in achieving our common aims.

It is at this point however that I must be extremely blunt in my honesty and I do hope that you will be able to accept my criticisms with an open mind. I make the following criticisms with the best of intentions; it is my hope that by bringing certain shortcomings to your attention, you may be able to take action to rectify them and move forward stronger than before as you seek to rid your nation of the oppressive KPWC.

You and your Freedom Front have a serious image issue. It has become clear to me and to the rest of my administration that many regional leaders in Rushmore and beyond do not trust you to be a capable and competent leader of your country moving forward. It is for this reason, among others, that support for you and your organization from regional leaders has been difficult to secure. I am certain that you can appreciate just how beneficial international support is: your organization is in desperate need of funds, weapons and the legitimacy that support from other nations affords.

Additionally, I have been shocked, horrified and frankly downright disgusted at the reports I have received of summary executions and other abhorrent and illegal actions committed by your forces. I am further dismayed at the overwhelming racial motivation behind such acts: if democracy is to be truly established in Nyowani Kitara, it must be offered equally to both blacks and whites.

As I have stated publicly in my own nation numerous times previously, Darmen's support for you and the Kitara Freedom Front is conditional. If you wish to receive our aid and support, then it would be prudent of you to implement the following requests as quickly as practically possible:

1. Immediately order all of your forces to cease and desist from any summary executions or other illegal acts committed against soldiers of the Kitara Revolutionary Forces, KPWC sympathizers, or anyone else for that matter. I understand that the KFF may at this time lack a clear chain of command and the ability to discipline those who commit such acts. I implore you to begin the process of establishing such a chain of command, both as a means of improving the coordination of your forces in action against the KRF as well as to discipline those among your organization who feel that oppressing oppressors is the solution to oppression. I can assure you that it isn't. Should you need assistance in accomplishing this task, Darmen would be willing to discreetly send a small amount of military advisors to assist you in this task.
   
   
2. It is our desire to see you work with the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Kitara to jointly oppose the KPWC and as such we ask that you make a good faith effort to establish communications with them and attempt to reach some sort of deal to jointly oppose the KPWC. While I understand that you may have strong disagreements with the DFLK, let me make something very clear: they are not your enemy.
   
   If you truly care about freeing your nation and its people from the oppression of the KPWC, then you should make every effort to avoid conflict with the DFLK and focus on defeating the KPWC. Should you choose to fight both the KPWC and the DFLK, then it will only lend further credence to the view of yourself that seems to be held by many international leaders: that you are an opportunist guided by a bloated ego attempting to capitalize on your own father’s death to seek power and privilege for your own benefit. I hope this is not the case.
   
   Darmen is willing to help facilitate communication between your organization and DFLK. Should you make a good faith effort to come to some form of agreement with the DFLK, but the DFLK either refuses to talk with you or fails to reach an agreement with you, then Darmen will still consider this goal as having been met.

If you can fulfill the above requests, then Darmen would be more than willing to make regular cash payments to the KFF and send additional military advisors to help train your forces. Let me be clear: Darmen will send no forces of its own to fight against the KRF, nor are we able to send arms shipments to you at this time.

Darmen is committed to helping free the people of Nyowani Kitara from the oppression of the KPWC. I hope you are just as committed to that goal and are able to set aside your own self-importance and serve your people with humility. If you are unable to do so, I can not guarantee you that Darmen will not attempt to free the people of Nyowani Kitara through alternative means. As things currently stand, I think it would be most wise and prudent of you to work with us, rather than selfishly attempting to defeat the KPWC on your own. Prove the international leaders who lack faith in you wrong: show them that you will put your people above yourself and that you truly care more for democracy than for your father’s former throne.

Sincerely,

The President of the Republic, Joshua Rademacher

[Siovanija and Teusland]

Office of the Chancellor, Milan-Dimitrov-Square, Borograd

“Oaiveminisstar, thank you for your call. I know it’s late there, let me put you on speaker.”

Siovanija & Teusland’s government gathered around the conference table at the Chancellor’s office, flanked by leading members of the navy and the air force. The topic of the day: the situation in northeastern Rushmore, as Nyowani Kitara fell further and further into chaos after the death of its former dictator.

Normally, an issue outside the region wouldn’t draw so much attention for Siovanija & Teusland - only relatively recently had the country become concerned again with disputes within its own region, let alone around the world. Other than the relationships with the former colonies, the government was quite content to let others sort out their own problems. But two matters drew the attention of Chancellor Dominik Meier to Rushmore on this day, in the middle of an election campaign.

Firstly, there was the man on the other end of the phone - Oaiveministtar Erke Lara, the head of government of the nation of Sankt Konrad. A barren, frozen rock in the ocean in Rushmore, Sankt Konrad had been colonized by the Teus Empire to serve as a naval outpost. It was an afterthought for many years - until the discovery of oil offshore, when it became the crown jewel of the Empire.

After 1896 and the fall of the Empire, Sankt Konrad declared its own independence - economically self-sufficient through the oil. But Siovanija & Teusland retained a hand - continuing to own 33% of the national oil company, and signing the Treaty of Wilhelmshaven in 1922, which placed Siovanija & Teusland’s military in charge of the defence of the island - Sankt Konrad has a population of only 61,600, of which 10,000 are ethnic Teus.

Secondly, there was a bit of a link to Nyowani Kitara through Siovanija & Teusland’s military alliance with Banija. The Banijans and Nyowani Kitara had a fractured relationship, and of course Banija would be involved in the next steps of the conflict.

But Dominik Meier was firm - there was no reason, at the moment, to get involved in this conflict.

“This is not our fight. Would I love to get rid of a communist dictator? Absolutely, and we should carefully monitor this situation. But there is no point in us becoming involved in this conflict, it’s not in our region and it is not in our character.”

Most of those around the table nodded. The military had been a bit more hawkish, wanting to offer weapons sales to the two groups opposing the central government, but Meier was not willing to get so deep into a foreign conflict when even Banija was not.

“Chancellor, can Sankt Konrad count on your support? We aren’t sure where this conflict could go in the coming days. We would like to request that the number of military personnel present in Sankt Konrad be increased, to provide stability in case of any growth in the conflict - which is very possible, with many major powers in Rushmore interested in the situation.”

The answer had been pre-determined by the Chancellor and his government. Meier was not at all happy about sending soldiers abroad in the middle of an election - but the relationship with Sankt Konrad was too important, and at the end of the day, whatever conflict could arise in northeastern Rushmore was very unlikely to include that barren rock anyways. Overall, the plan was to monitor the situation, and support the allies in Banija however was required.

“Of course, Oaiveministtar. We are proud to continue our excellent relationship with your state, and we are happy to provide a boost to the military presence on the island. The people of Sankt Konrad can sleep soundly knowing that Siovanija & Teusland will always have their backs.”

Let’s just hope this doesn’t backfire, said Meier.

Republican Party Headquarters, Borograd, Siovanija

“And we support the government’s decision to expand the presence of the military in Sankt Konrad after the recent events…”

Ruslan Manolev, leader of the Republican Party, smiled as he turned down the television.

“Right into our hands,” he laughed. The leader of the Labour Party, Alexander Danek, had just given a speech supporting the announcement this morning that an unspecified number of ships and planes would be rebasing in Sankt Konrad due to the unrest in Nyowani Kitara nearby.

On the left side of Siovanija & Teusland’s political spectrum were two main parties, Labour and the Republicans. Labour were the traditional centre-left - they had formed several governments, and been a major force in national politics ever since the new party system after the 1940s.

Manolev’s Republicans, meanwhile, had never formed government - and had only been in coalition a few times, most recently in the 1990s. They were a bit further left - claiming to be the sons of the 1808 Revolution and ideologically descended from Anton Dialikov, the idealogue who had become the spiritual leader of left-wing Siovanijan politics before the war, and whose ideals were still widely praised by those on the left today.

The Republicans had always been seen as perhaps a bit too far - it alienated much of the more conservative Teusland, and resulted in them largely being a regional Siovanijan party for much of the 20th century. But in recent years, things were changing. The centre-right National Democratic Union had been in power for nearly 16 straight years now, and were all set for another majority government. Labour looked increasingly weak - many wondered if they could ever win an election again. And after the last election, the Republicans were suddenly only 2 seats behind them.

Manolev could sense the blood in the water. Dominik Meier was going to win a majority - that much was near-certain. But if he could break down Labour, he could position himself as the next leader of the opposition, the lead voice of progressive politics, and set the stage for the next election. Besides Meier winning this election, the second-biggest open secret in national politics was that the charismatic NDU leader planned on it being his last. If the NDU couldn’t pick a strong enough successor, there was a chance for the centre-left to take back power. And Manolev was going to do everything in his power to make sure it was him.

“St. Jakob is the key,” he told a team of strategists. “That’s always been the big Labour territory in Teusland, and we need to get our numbers up there.” The Republicans were set, according to polls, to be the biggest party in Siovanija - but they had made little to no breakthroughs in Teusland.

But this Nyowani Kitara situation seemed gift-wrapped. Paint the NDU as war-mongers, and Labour as complicit. It might be enough to pick up some votes in the younger demographic that was strong in St. Jakob - the most liberal city in the country. And in Siovanija, too - many in Siovanija weren’t so attached to the idea of helping the former colonies as those in Teusland.

Manolev was a hard worker, and his team followed his lead. That night, a new commercial debuted right in primetime. Pictures of Meier and Labour leader Alexander Danek smiling together, laughing together. And a voice over, from Manolev himself: “The NDU is preparing to support dangerous intervention in a foreign conflict. And Labour leader Alexander Danek? He’s right behind them. While the Republican Party promotes peace, and seeks to find solutions to the problems faced by everyday Siovanijans and Teus, Danek and Labour want to send your sons off to Sankt Konrad, despite their being no real threat to the island. They’re going to risk our soldiers' lives over… what exactly? No-one really knows - because it’s not an issue that affects you, the people of this country. Is this a leader you can trust? Labour and the NDU - two sides of the same coin.”

There was a little bending of the truth there, of course - no one was seriously suggesting any intervention in this conflict. But what mattered was painting Labour as weak compared to the Republicans, and that they were out of touch to the ordinary person.

Manolev could only hope the strategy worked - and he’d have a chance to hit Labour even harder in a few nights, when the first debate of the campaign got underway in Stelburg.

[Chromatika]

By: Xinyi Leung, Politics Correspondent

Election Season: Representatives Preview Part 3
Representative District #54, Umbar #2 Candidates: Reed Dawson (Rainbow Party), Ines Byrom (Traditionalist Party), Carol Dear (Independent) Favorite: Reed Dawson Incumbent: Ines Byrom (Traditionalist Party)
Representative District #59, Lhor Hills Candidates: Plyne Greada (Rainbow Party), Jared Greer (Traditionalist Party) Favorite: Plyne Greada (Rainbow Party) Incumbent: Jared Greer (Traditionalist Party)
Representative District #62, Myana Central Candidates: Harold Myung (Myana Party), Aria Gar (Traditionalist Party) Favorite: Harold Myung Incumbent: Harold Myung (Rainbow Party)
Representative District #69, Eyrods #2 Candidates: Amanda Fleur (Rainbow Party), Wayne Hank (Traditionalist Party), Sara Aerios (Red Party) Favorite: Sara Aerios Incumbent: Amanda Fleur (Rainbow Party)
Representative District #71, Myana Island Candidates: Ysolde Hines (Rainbow Party), Dora Hawkins (Traditionalist Party) Favorite: Ysolde Hines Incumbent: Ysolde Hines (Rainbow Party)
Representative District #74, Tihon #3 Candidates: Derrick Sang (Rainbow Party), Olivia Mark (Traditionalist Party) Favorite: Derrick Sang Incumbent: Derrick Sang (Rainbow Party)
Representative District #79, Urrheddiao #3 Candidates: Eddard Joachim (Red Party), Samuel Graft (Traditionalist Party) Favorite: Samuel Graft Incumbent: Samuel Graft (Traditionalist Party)

Total seats up for grabs: 9 Rainbow Party, 6 Traditionalist Part, 1 Red Party

The political climate in some of the Districts of Chromatika is in absolute upheaval. Last year, the voting in of two Traditionalists in Z'ai'ai #2 and #3 saw that the Mountain District was turning predominantly Traditionalist; Ines Byrom will be hoping that she can keep up that momentum. Unfortunately for her, Reed Dawson comes highly recommended at the Premier's behest, and has some very important local companies backing him up, including Umbar Lumber and the Z'ai'ai Zoo. That remains an important battleground for not only the Representative District but the direction of the Mountain District as a whole.

The Coastal is split 2-2-1; Plyne Greada will be giving Jared Greer a run for his money, though, given the hit that the Lhor Hills have taken economically due to the focus of the city toward the coast. His constituents don't think that Greer has done enough to stress local interests. If Lhor hills flips to the Rainbow, then the balance will shift to the Rainbow.

Myana will see three Representative Districts up for grabs - all held by Rainbow Party members. They are all favorites to retain their seats, as the small hit to the fishing industry of the twon is more apparent in the Northern and Western Districts of the city anod not elsewhere; Eyrods remains as staunch of a Rainbow/Red City as ever.

That leaves Urrhed Island. Only two spots are up for grabs, one from each Major Party. Both Sang and Graft are high favorites to retain their seats, but Graft will have to watch out for Joachim, a young fireballer who knows how to orate.

Every seat that the Rainbow Party gets to get closer to the magic number of 54 for a Supermajority will be very important to Chromatik politics going forward; what kind of a Chamber of Legislature will we end up with?

---

Tales from the Lower Leagues
Wirr Tsi Lightning: A Flash of Lightning

There are stories that are missed every season by the big markets because they aren't in the Red or Orange Leagues. There are stories of surprise promotions, tearful relegations, financial struggles, teamwide drama, and external forces that impact smaller teams. We here from The Rebel will spend some time to look at nine different stories from nine teams that were in the Yellow League or lower up till the start of Season Seven.

By: Rook Juniper, Wirr Tsi Tribune

Name of Club: Wirr Tsi Lightning 
Nickname: Lightning
City: Wirr Tsi
District: Capital
Stadium: Lightning Field (Cap. 3,250)
Owner: The Borav Clan, Finance

Season 1   W   D   L   GF  GA  GD Pts  Place      Cup
After 05   1   2   2    4   6  -2   5  Green  12  Round 2, Win vs. Knetyohai City FC (2-0)
After 10   3   3   4   10  13  -3  12  Green  11  Round 3, Loss to Tihon United (0-0, 0-1 AET)
After 15   3   3   9   11  30  -9  12  Green  16  
After 20   7   4   9   17  21  -4  25  Green  11
After 25   8   4  13   21  29  -8  28  Green  14
After 30   8   6  16   26  38 -12  30  Green  15- Relegated to Blue League 
Season 2   W   D   L   GF  GA  GD Pts  Place      Cup
After 10   6   2   2   18  12   6  20  Blue    4  Round 1, Win vs. Chargers (2-0)
After 20   9   8   3   31  23   8  35  Blue    5  Round 2, Loss to Deprí State (0-0, 0-0 AET, 2-3 pen.)
After 30  12  13   5   42  31  11  49  Blue    7
Season 3   W   D   L   GF  GA  GD Pts  Place      Cup
After 05   3   2   0    5   2   3  11  Blue   13  Round 1, Win vs. Guardians (4-4, 6-4 AET)
After 10   4   6   0    9   5   4  18  Blue    4  Round 2, Win vs. Knetyohai City FC (0-0, 0-0 AET, 4-2 pen.)
After 15   5   7   3   12  10   2  22  Blue    5  Round 3, Win vs. Jatho (1-0)
After 20   6   8   6   14  16  -2  26  Blue    5  Round 4, Win vs. Pria (1-0)
After 25   7  10   8   16  19  -3  31  Blue    6  Round 5, Loss to Ming (1-1, 1-2 AET)
After 30   9  10  11   19  24  -5  37  Blue    6
Season 4   W   D   L   GF  GA  GD Pts  Place      Cup
After 05   4   0   1    9   3   6  12  Blue    4  Round 1, Win vs. Pria State (3-1)
After 10   5   2   3   15  11   4  17  Blue    4  Round 2, Loss to Deprí Lanar United (2-2, 2-3 AET)
After 15   9   3   3   25  12  13  30  Blue    5 
After 20  10   6   4   28  15  13  36  Blue    4
After 25  13   6   6   31  17  14  45  Blue    3
After 30  14   9   7   34  20  14  51  Blue    3
Season 5   W   D   L   GF  GA  GD Pts  Place      Cup
After 05   3   1   1    8   3   5  10  Blue    2  Round 1, Win vs. Gurshan Sharks (3-1)
After 10   6   2   2   15   6   9  20  Blue    2  Round 2, Loss to Wix City (0-2)
After 15   8   4   3   20   8  12  28  Blue    2
After 20  12   4   4   32  11  21  40  Blue    2
After 25  14   5   6   40  17  23  47  Blue    2
After 30  18   5   7   50  20  30  59  Blue    1- Promoted to Green League
Season 6   W   D   L   GF  GA  GD Pts  Place      Cup
After 05   0   1   4    0   4  -4   1  Green  15  Round 2, Win vs. Penat Pilots (1-1, 1-1 AET, 5-4 pen.)
After 10   1   3   6    5  11  -6   6  Green  14   
After 15   3   5   7   14  19  -5  14  Green  14 
After 20   3   6  11   16  25  -9  15  Green  15
After 25   3   8  14   19  31 -12  17  Green  15
After 30   5   9  16   23  35 -12  24  Green  15- Relegated to Blue League

---

The Acquisition

Wirr Tsi Lightning are a club owned by one of the local businesses of Wirr Tsi, Borav Finance. It's a tight-knit organization run by three friends, and a good one at that. The team has had mixed identities, both offensive and defensive, while maintaining one thing: that same blue-collar, fighting spirit. It's all that the three friends, Brandon Jones, Nevin Duran, and Annie Gase, wanted - to be the consensus second best team in the city with a loyal fanbase.

Blue? Green? Who Cares?

Wirr Tsi Lightning have never been better than the Green League nor worse than the Blue League, starting from the Green, falling to the Blue, and then being one of the best teams in the Blue for a long time.

Season 2: 42 GF 31 GA
Season 3: 19 GF 24 GA
Season 4: 34 GF 20 GA
Season 5: 50 GF 20 GA

Their defense has always been solid. In Season 3, they struggled with goals, but then in 4 and 5 they went on to score the most goals in the league.

Season Six: Defend the Keep!

Callie Geen is an interesting story. A streetballing phenom that got taken in by Wirr Tsi Lightning, she's been the de facto Captain of the squad, always conceding less than forty goals and most of the time under thirty. Back in the Green League, she became the only reason this team got any wins.

5 Wins, 9 draws, 16 losses, but only thirty-five conceded.

We salute you, Callie Geen.

Strategy

Geen will keep the net clean. The team needs to just score, that's all. Too bad their attackers aren't good enough for the Green League.

Future Prospects

Get up to the Green League and actually do something there before Geen retires.

Concluding Thoughts

Just like the regular Wirr Tsi, this is a defense first team that can at times have goalscoring problems. Fix those, and they'll get places.

---

Matchday 8: Eura 2-1 Chromatika
Goal: Kuznetsov ‘68
Player of the Match: LM/LW Vasiliy Marten Kuznetsov (1 Goal)
Starting XI (4-4-4-1): Fillar, J.; Xiao - de Aea - Ken - Ilya; Humphreys - Armageddon (C) - Zuniga - Kuznetsov; Mora; Vidal.
Substitutes: Marc -> Humphreys (’61), Gainsbourg -> Vidal (’73), Hauser-> Zuniga (’78)

Matchday 9: Chromatika 1-0 Lathamford @ The Tidal Wave, Tihon, Urrhed Island
Goal: Fillar, E. ‘23
Player of the Match: LM/LW Edith Fillar (1 Goal)
Starting XI (4-3-2-1): Begley (C); Fillar, G. - Odling - Nodis - Sayer; Kruetzberg - Larriet-Cortes - Fillar, E.; Fillar, B. - Hauser; Thibodeaux.
Substitutes: Apt -> Larriet-Cortes ('59), Anbient -> Nodis ('73), Phoen -> Hauser ('81)

Five Questions with... AM Haley Hauser

1. Your thoughts on the two losses so far?
"We knew the trip to Eura would be tough. Though Vasiliy was able to put one in, Eura simply played better. Losing to Schima Bas was a letdown, but I think Van and the others have learned a lesson. Thankfully, both of our losses are on the road, and we finished that hard trip to Eura. We should be in a decent spot to make a run at it this second half."

2. Right now, the Group is a three-horse race with everyone at least five points behind. What must Chromatika do?
"Besides beat Sylestone and Eura? Not drop points to lower ranked teams. The team that ends up winning the group or finishing in second will be the side that does not drop points to Darmen or teams ranked below them. Honestly, it's the three points against Schima Bas that are really hurting us right now. The Eura loss was legitimate, and being held to a draw by Sylestone's suffocating defense is understandable. We can't drop empty points."

3. There has been talk about players being purposefully left off the roster. Your response to these allegations?
"Not everyone can make it on the team. Do I think people like Wen Xhose and Leysa Burns had a shot? Yes. Do I think that anyone that is on the roster doesn't deserve their chance? Absolutely not. I trust that our Manager and Assistant Manager picked the players that are on this squad for a reason. People can be disappointed that their favorite player didn't make it, but to take it personal is going too far."

4. Matchdays 16 and 17 will see you travel to Sylestone and then face Eura. What are your hopes?
"That we've dropped less than four points before then, and that the two have tripped up a bit against other teams in the group. The home tie against Eura is a must-win, and a draw on the road at Sylestone would be nice. 6-1-2 isn't a bad record, but we would like to reach 42 points - that would be 23 in the second half - to take the drama out of this Group. 23 out of 27 allows for one loss and one draw. We can do it!"

5. Question from the Fans: Chicken, beef, or pork?
"Seafood. Give me fish, clam, or crab over land food any day of the week. If I had to pick one? Chicken is probably my favorite, especially breast. I like to eat healthy and stay in shape."

Any Last Comments?
"I know it's been harrowing, but hang in there. Go Anomalies!

Chromatik Roster for MD10 and MD11:

Starters vs. Srednjaci (117) (4-4-1-1): Descombes; Fillar, G. - Anderson - Rondeau - Nocturne; Winge - Apt - Ju - Fillar, E.; Fillar, B. (C); Thibodeaux
Reserves vs. Srednjaci: GK Kathie Begley, GK Van Enax, RB Dina Chapman, CB Nadezhda Odling, CB Cylie Nodis, CB Keira Anbient, LB Kandice Sayer, RM/RW Emilie Kruetzberg, DM Mare Si, DM Anderson Pill, AM Alissar Pheon, AM Tyoma Laurette, LM/LW Miranda Anderson, ST Paskal Toussaint

Starters @ Agresos (310) (4-3-2-1): Begley (C); Watt - Odling - Nodis - Sayer; Baum - Pill - Hama; Phoen - Laurette; Oveni.
Rserves @ Agresos: GK Van Enax, GK Jacob Descombes, RB Dina Chapman, CB Cierra Anderson, CB Theodore Rondeau, LB Ha'nei Ighv, RM/RW Emilie Kruetzberg, DM Amélie Ju, DM Mare Si, AM Baillaire Fillar, AM Haley Hauser, LM/LW Miranda Anderson, LM/LW Edith Fillar, ST Paskal Toussaint

[Sylestone]

Part One
Part Two
Part Three
Part Four
Part Five

HOW TO TRAIN YOUR SENTIENT



Part Six

Halpenley, Sylestone

---

After sleeping like a stone that night (no, not a Syle Stone, just a normal stone), Brett woke up to the calling of birds flocking to the number of oases located throughout and around the city. Peering out through the window, he spied the hot, red sun already scorching the sandy desert, even if it had only been up for barely half an hour. Such was the desert life, Brett thought.

Despite telling Brett that he would be up at 6:30 am, Brett’s father would only awaken from his slumber a full hour later before rushing out, wolfing down a slice of plain toast, and urging his son into the car. Within minutes, they were back on the Rubber Chicken Highway and escaping the outermost suburbs of Halpenley, with residential houses quickly giving way to the relentless heat of the desert. But as the two of them drove closer and closer to Betham, a little over an hour away from the desert city of Halpenley, the scenery began to change. No longer were they amongst the rolling dunes of the arid Sylestonean desert, but amongst towering trees, part of the rainforest that surrounded Betham. The transformation had occurred almost abruptly, with only a few minutes’ worth of warning before the wall of trees and humidity hit the two of them through Brett’s father’s open window.

Half an hour later, Brett and his father crested a hill as they looked down upon the outskirts of Betham, where the Rubber Chicken highway that crossed the heart of the island would come to an end, closer to the city centre. It took the two of them nigh on an hour to reach the beach, opting to go into the centre of the city for a break instead of bypassing it and continuing on their way.

En route to the centre of the city, Brett convinced his father to detour to Burger Stadium, the home ground of the newly-promoted AFC Droves, affectionately known as “The Burgers” by fans (don’t worry, they’re not fat). They also stopped by at the Bay Reserve, which had recently played host to a World Cup Qualifying game, one of which the Sentients won, 1-0, against a reasonably weak Melbergia team.

It took them a bit of time, but eventually, Brett’s father found a relatively uncrowded beach, roughly half an hour away from the stadium, where him and his son could eat their morning tea in peace. But as they hopped out of their car, the vehicle next to them began to speak, making Brett’s father jump all the way up onto the bonnet.

“Off to somewhere, are you?” it said in a deep, grovelling voice.

It took Brett’s father a moment to recover from the shock of it all, but once he had, he stammered: “Uh, yeah. To Kirkham.”

The car didn’t appear surprised. In fact, it didn’t appear anything, but that’s probably because it was a car. “Ah, I figured. Why?”

“Renewables week. Gotta do some stuff for my company.”

It was at that point that Brett decided he would hop out of the car. “Daddy, can we go yet? I’m hungwy… why are you tawking to a car???”

“Son, this is… what was your name again?” enquired Brett’s father.

“I prefer to go by Car, but you may call me anything,” was the response.

“Brett, this is Anything…”

“Oh, just stick with Car, will you? Humans are such a pain sometimes.”

Brett’s father breathed a sigh, probably of exasperation, but only he knows. “This is Car, who is a Car.”

“I worked vat out, fanks Dad,” came the smart-arse response from Brett. “I’m hungwy. Can we eat food?”

“Fine.” Brett’s father nodded to the car, who revved its engine in return, as they wandered down the path towards the sandy beach, ready for a little break before they got back to business.

Thirty minutes later, the two of them were back on the road, travelling along the Stone Highway and racing through the eastern suburbs of Betham. With the city being home to upwards of four million people, it took a while to get through, but eventually, they were back in the rainforest and going strong. Brett, used to experiencing the heat off the grasslands and savannas near Avondale, thrived in the humid conditions of the rainforest and the continuous calls of tropical birds. Throughout the first half hour after they had finally escaped the neverending suburbs of the south Sylestone city, the young boy simply sat in awe at the towering trees, riddled with life. So this was what living in Chamberley, Betham or Pesfield was like, he thought. Amazing.

Similar to the day before, it wasn’t long until Brett fell asleep, to the gentle hum of the car driving along a deserted highway, with the relaxing calls of a myriad of birds helping allow the young boy’s mind to wander off. When he finally awoke once again, the rainforest was not as dense, although it still had all the elements of a typical rainforest. Noticing a difference in the road quality, too, Brett began to wonder where the hell he was.

“Daddy, where, are we? Are we vere yet? Surely we’re neawwy vere yet?”

“Yes, son. Very soon. Only one more hour.”

Brett sat up in excitement. “So we’re off ve Stone Highway?”

“Indeed we are. We’re on the Sentient Highway right now, and fast approaching Kirkham.”

Minutes passed as the two of them closed in on Kirkham. Up and over rolling hills, down into valleys, but slowly, the rainforest began to make way for a seaside clime. Palm trees were sprouting up everywhere as they passed the town of Metertore, only 20 kilometres from Kirkham itself, with occasional seaside views available. Finally, Brett and his father rounded a corner and just a little way in front of them, one Sentient tower, leaning back and forth in the twilight sky, could be seen.

Pulling over to the side of the road, Brett and his father jumped out of the car to take in the sight. After staring with awe at the Tower for what seemed to be a decade, Brett’s father finally turned to his son, placed an arm around him and said:

“Welcome to Kirkham.”

---

Sylestone vs Darmen @ Avondale International Sports Stadium, Avondale

Sylestone (4-1-3-1-1): Brick Wall; Nokia (Ironing Board 58’ (▮ 90+2’)) - Toilet - Washing Machine - Dishwasher; Television; Stove (▮ 64’) - Bar Stool (Knife 84’) - Fridge; Mixer (Heater 74’); AC Vent

Darmen (4-1-3-2): Toro; Espinosa - Di Stefano (Godfrey 83’) - Böhm - Tremblay (▮ 26’); Good; Amador - Wolfe (▮ 46’) (Svendsen 66’) - St John; Halle - Blackwood (Borde 53’)

SYLESTONE - 2
Television 50’
AC Vent 59’ (P)

DARMEN - 0
-no scorers-

Schima Bas vs Sylestone @ Unknown

Schima Bas (4-3-3): Qasim (Ahmad 60’) - Baccus - Jalali - Avendano (Radwan 78’); Moghaddam - Ramada - Vaziri (Sultana 78’); Nazar (▮ 49’) - Moustafa - U Granada

Sylestone (4-1-3-1-1): Saucepan; Ironing Board - Sofa (▮ 30’) - Washing Machine - Drawer (Dishwasher 72’); Air Conditioner; Kitchen Sink (▮ 54’) - Bar Stool (▮ 39’) - Spiderwebs (Fridge 85’); Heater (Mixer 67’); Tumble Dryer (▮ 77’)

SCHIMA BAS - 1
Vizari 18’

SYLESTONE - 2
Tumble Dryer 12’
Heater 39’

Starting Lineup vs Talamia @ Ebdemar Au'tokra Stadium, Clinepalas

Table; Ironing Board - Sofa - Toilet - Dishwasher; Air Conditioner; Kitchen Sink - Knife - Fridge; Mixer; AC Vent

Starting Lineup vs Eura @ Bastion National Arena, Bastion

Brick Wall; Ironing Board - Sofa - Washing Machine - Dishwasher; Air Conditioner; Stove - Bar Stool - Fridge; Mixer; Tumble Dryer

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 - Sylestone @ Ebdemar Au'tokra Stadium, Clinepalas
MD11: Eura - Sylestone @ Bastion National Arena, Bastion
MD12: Sylestone - Lathamford @ Sentient Oval, Kirkham
MD13: Srednjaci - Sylestone @ Blue Volcano Stadium, Melarit
MD14: Sylestone - Agresos @ Ground of Dunkirk, Dunkirk
MD15: Melbergia - Sylestone @ Unknown
MD16: Sylestone - Chromatika @ The Trees, Pesfield
MD17: Darmen - Sylestone @ Unknown
MD18: Sylestone - Schima Bas @ Fiery Stadium, Dodle

[Indusse]

---

The Daily Newsmaker
General Election Pre-Electoral Poll

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Overview
Hind Pre-Poll
Southbay - Neagra Pre-Poll

With the election season starting, all the media is behind political parties and leaders and publishing show on who and how people will vote. There is a total of 187 Constituencies in the nation consisting of the constituencies in the 11 Provinces and 3 Special Zone regions. There are four main alliances contesting this election namely; National Democratic Party (NDP), Justice League (JL), Indussean Communist Party (ICP) and Royal Family Alliance (RFA+).

Today, fourth on the list we have Sindvpore Province. Sindvpore is home to the indussean Rajput immigrants and various forts in the scene of deserts. It is also home to Sindvpore FC, one of the premier football clubs in the nation.

SINDVPORE PROVINCE | സിൻഡ്‌പോർ പ്രവിശ്യ

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Electoral Code: SV
Constituencies: 32
Current Governor: Anitha Vijay Shankar (Hindembara Constituency - ICP)
Current Seat Share: NDP (9), JL (9), ICP (10), RFA+ (4), Others (1)

According to the Pre-Polls, The Indussean Communist Party (ICP) would be the ruling party in Sindvpore with about 41.2 percentage vote share and a lead in fourteen seats. They are followed by the National Democratic Party with a vote share of 29.4 percentage and an increased lead in ten seats. The Pre-Polls show that these ten seats are mainly from the deteriorating Justice League and the Royal Family Alliance seat shares. Justice League who had enough seats to tie the National Democratic Party last elections, found that they have lost a bunch of vote shares. The Justice League third in shares has 20.6% vote share from the last 28.1 percentage shares. They would be leading in just 6 seats followed by the Royal Family Alliance.

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^ Seat Share Percentage

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^Total Votes Gainable (Top Candidates)

[Nephara]

Delaclava 3 - 5 Nephara
(4-3-3) 1 - Provost; 2 - Stride, 5 - Clevinger, 6 - Brabanzon, 18 - Islinger (3 - Lind 76'); 14 - Fletcher (7 - Koerner 70'), 15 - Miller, 8 - Cromwell; 23 - Mrdja, 21 - Basilisk (9 - North 83'), 11 - Considine
Goals: Considine 26', Basilisk 31' 79', Clevinger 37', Koerner 74'

Nephara 3 - 1 Confederacy SRS
(4-2-3-1) 1 - Provost; 2 - Stride, 5 - Clevinger, 22 - Bruhn, 3 - Lind; 4 - Timekeeper, 8 - Cromwell (15 - Miller 84'); 13 - Reed, 7 - Koerner (14 - Fletcher 68'), 11 - Considine (19 - Belgrade 62'); 21 - Basilisk
Goals: Basilisk 17', Reed 24', Fletcher 78'

THE HERALD
BOLD RESHUFFLE SECURES CONFIDENT CORMORANTS WIN
Luna Giesler Football Correspondent

As pretty much everyone predicted, the tie with the Squornshelan Confederacy would wind up a six-pointer. Dropped points at home for Nephara, following yet another poor result in Huayramarca and the lobster incident, would miss a step in a tightly-contested race for qualification, anything but a formality; the Confederacy were looking for victory to keep them in the hunt at all.

Triffid Ramsey has spent the qualification trying to blood a 4-3-3 formation; while this hasn't failed, the midfield has often looked ill-balanced and been overrun, leading to a consistent failure to keep clean sheets of late. While many online comments appeared to make Shosanna Bruhn the scapegoat, and she is not quite a pure solid leg-breaking centre-half in Clevinger's mould, Ramsey has stuck by her. Instead, she decided to change shape.

It appeared that the win in Delaclava was the final straw. Now, granted, it was still a win in Delaclava, not to be sniffed at. Many of the Phoenices ply their trade in Nephara, and it was one of them, Dathan Ingram, who opened the scoring. The Cormorants battled back on the strength of a flurry of three goals in eleven minutes, but were just never quite able to stem the tide in the centre of the pitch. Annika Miller, making her first appearance of qualifying, struggled despite being used to playing in the centre of a three for her club, Rozelle.

Still, it was a surprise to see Ramsey shake up the team against the strongest opponent in the group, in a must-win - or, at the very least, -draw - match. Lyzolda Petrov would return to her club home ground confident of helping the Confederacy to a result, while Purna Zazagan's return to Sabrefell would also be a tough test for the reshuffle.

Yet the first half vindicated Ramsey, the Cormorants coming hard out of the gates, and their level of physicality in dominating the midfield battle proved pivotal. Rook Timekeeper and Lothaire Cromwell are near-unparalleled ball-winners, and proved a near-impenetrable screen in front of the back line. Even so, the Confederacy had the first shot of the game, Petrov trying her luck from outside the box. An easy enough chance for Provost to dive on and catch cleanly in her chest.

Nephara should probably have scored in the tenth minute, when Severine Reed was played clear by Cromwell. With her angle narrowing, she should have centred for Basilisk, but instead her shot was well-blocked by Newrook stopper Shimski. She would however atone with a far more impressive pass to split the Harkhan sisters and find Basilisk, who in a rare moment of unselfishness set up Considine to drive home the opener.

Considine's form had come under question in the first half of qualifying, and being the manager's adopted daughter had lead to some accusations of nepotism. In a less in-your-face role, however, in a more structured team, her strengths shone through. Her assist for Basilisk was the most so, not even needing to knock the ball past Taisiya Achthoven to beat her, instead simply drilling a diagonal cross into Latona Basilisk's path. The Mâ Âlâmëómë striker did not have to think twice, deftly slipping her shot between Shimski's feet.

The Confederacy would not be so easily beaten, though, and though they leaned on Shimski to bail them out with a couple of sharp saves in the first half, they began the second looking like a side renewed. Aranea Provost strayed a little off her line but Zazagan showed her some humility, sending her back-pedalling with a speculative effort that ultimately floated onto the top of the net. Provost, on her toes, later made a brilliant double save from Naqvi and Petrov.

The goal was coming, and it was the intrduction of Damnagoras who spurred it. Just before the hour mark, Hashemi wrested possession off Koerner and played in the captain, Harkhan, who considered releasing Naqvi down the wing - which had not hitherto proven productive given the strength of Nephara's fullbacks - before instead handing Damnagoras their first touch of the game. Their second and third took them ghosting past Timekeeper, their fourth cut inside of Clevinger before the fifth smacked a sharp shot down hard on goal. Provost reacted quickly to beat the ball down with both fists, but this time when Petrov came in to pick up the scraps, she was rewarded. A few home fans cheered for her, underlining the affection with which the Moth is viewed.

But those fans, one suspects, will have been happier to see another key substitute make the difference at the other end. Thalassa Fletcher was another player who had not quite done her part previously, and indeed been taken off for Koerner last match, who scored in her place. This time, she replaced Koerner and it was her well-drilled effort that eluded Shimski and made sure of the points. Nephara recovered well after the goal, and deserved the win, though both keepers ended the day well-worked.

The result puts the Cormorants on top, but only barely, level on points with Eraman and with Huayramarca just a point behind. The Confederacy have seven points to make up, but as Triffid Ramsey will remember from four years ago, taking over after Daniella Strauss resigned, it will not be too late to make a comeback. Given that they have won all four home matches thus far, the Cormorants will be eager to secure qualification before they have to visit Algolia.

NEPHARAN NATIONAL TEAM SELECTION - FORTNIGHT 6
Goalkeepers: 1 - Aranea Provost (Spartangrad, EUR), 12 - Raluca Garamond (Sabrefell Athletic), 20 - Fasolt Senninger (AFC Treason)
Defenders: 2 - Rovena Stride (AFC Treason), 3 - Radeka Lind (Jinja City FC, BNJ), 5 - Reniira Clevinger (Herzegovina City FC, BNJ), 6 - Miska Brabanzon (Sabrefell Moths), 17 - Pristina Soeringer (Stein-los Turkish, PAS), 18 - Tanya Islinger (Vermillion Rage), 22 - Shosanna Bruhn (Soldarian FC, VAL)
Midfielders: 4 - Rook Timekeeper (Sabrefell Moths), 7 - Anselm Koerner (1830 Cathair, AUD), 8 - Lothaire Cromwell (AC Izotz Zubia, AUD), 11 - Kendra Constantine Ramsey (AFC Treason), 13 - Severine Reed (Raynor City United, VAL), 14 - Thalassa Fletcher (La Nueva Avenida, FFD), 15 - Sonya Belltower (Sabrefell Athletic), 16 - Pernille Brand (Brinemouth), 19 - Ysabet Belgrade (Sabrefell Moths), 23 - Traudl Mrdja (Partisan Sjoedrhavn, SVJ)
Forwards: 9 - Bastet North (Jungle Strike, VIL), 10 - Konrad Lovelace (Revolutionaries, EUR), 21 - Latona Basilisk (Mâ Âlâmëómë, FFD)

SCHEDULE
Nephara 3 - 0 Martune (320) @ Phoenix Rise (Corvistone)
Tumbra (73) 0 - 2 Nephara
Nephara 0 - 3 NW Kalactin (119) @ Farham Arena (Sabrefell)
Ochre Islands (234) 1 - 2 Nephara
Nephara 5 - 2 Eraman (85) @ The Gauntlet (Treason)
Huayramarca (54) 2 - 1 Nephara
Nephara 5 - 3 Ottoman Syldavia (UR)
Delaclava (154) 3 - 5 Nephara
Nephara 3 - 1 Confederacy SRS (26) @ Farham Arena (Sabrefell)
Martune (320) vs. Nephara
Nephara vs. Tumbra (73)
NW Kalactin (119) vs. Nephara
Nephara vs. Ochre Islands (234) @ Phoenix Rise (Corvistone)
Eraman (85) vs. Nephara
Nephara vs. Huayramarca (54) @ The Gauntlet (Treason)
Ottoman Syldavia (UR) vs. Nephara
Nephara vs. Delaclava (154) @ Eagle's Club (Brinemouth)
Confederacy SRS (26) vs. Nephara

[Bollonich]

The Vreton City Journal

An analysis of the Kitaran crisis - intervention or neutrality

It had been just a few months ago when Nyowani Kitara’s footballers had made their way to Bollonich to participate in the Baptism of Fire. A stable Nyowani Kitaran team, yes stable. Looking at the present situation in Nyowani Kitara the situation is not only immensely complex but the war can only escalate from here. What starts from the death of the President has risen to the status of multiple powerful nations and pan-regional bodies getting involved. The atrocities being committed as I write this article in Nyowani Kitara are uncountable. And these atrocities don’t come from one side or the other. The origin of these atrocities is in the very mindset of the people fighting this war. These very people who don’t seem to care the slightest about the people. The underdeveloped Nyowani Kitara which has oppressed its people for decades and continues to do so today. These people have been denied basic democracy, rights and don’t have a voice to speak for them. It’s important to us at the Vreton City Journal to get this out of the way. Our worries and hopes are with the Kitaran people.

Now, moving onto the crux of our article here. A lot of governments will be posed with the important question of how should they respond if they respond at all. This response is of course to the rather naive public communique sent out to countries of the multiverse. The pan regional body of Esportivano, the Esportivan Union has issued a response pertaining to the situation in Nyowani Kitara which is on the lines of what we would’ve come to expect from a pan regional body. The Esportivan Union serves to uphold it’s principles of democracy as they reaffirm that the main goal of nations of the multiverse should be to build a free and democratic Nyowani Kitara. The nations of the CRC however have remained quiet on this matter. The Bollonischian Government too hasn’t been too eager to comment on the current crisis, being a small part of Rushmore it’s clear the Government doesn’t wanna make any swift moves. The question we need to ask ourselves however is whether such decisions are the right ones. Sitting back in our chairs and thinking this doesn’t affect us doesn’t help solve the problem but only allows it to escalate further. Hasty decisions too are often a cause of escalation but it’s important for the nations of the world to know the fine balance in this. Nyowani Kitara is located smack dab in the centre of the main Pavolan mainland sharing borders with San Ortelio, Tikariot and Græntfjall. Rebellious activity has mainly been carried out towards the border of the nation with DFLK occupation towards the north as they control a substantial part of the Kitaran border with Weatherdon. DFLK occupatuions are also present on the Kitaran part of the Tikariotian mainland, which is very close to the Græntfjaller and Tikariotian borders with Nyowani Kitara. We also need to keep in mind the fact that Nafuna Akongo’s communist regime is from the time period that communist nationalism made waves in Pavola. Græntfjall and Tikariot were two nations under communist regimes before they eventually overthrew their oppressors. The people of Nyowani Kitara however weren’t so lucky. With a disdain for communism present in right wing groups of Græntfjall, it’s not surprising that there are reports of the DFLK receiving private backing from these groups.

With nations getting involved and even private or public political and militant groups declaring sides the nation of Nyowani Kitara seems to be on the path of prolonged civil war and suffering. Something we’ve seen in numerous other nations. Interventionists in Bollonich are greatly pressurising the government to intervene in this situation. But we should know better than to intervene in a messy situation where we have no idea to whom or which party to support. Interventionists however further argue that intervening in Kitara is more of liberation for the people of a regional nation. While the goals of these people may seem noble, we have seen the results of this multiple times. For any sort of intervention to even take place there’d have to be wide approval from fellow Pavolan nations and this doesn’t seem possible in the slightest with governments like those Græntfjall calling for negotiations between involved parties. The logistical aspect of invading another nation without popular support from neighbouring nations is not only a horrible situation to be in but will almost certainly result in diplomatic ruin. What’s the other option? What can we do? Well, the other and much better option is not to take up arms wherever and whenever we see fit. It’s important for the sake and welfare of all nations to first give diplomacy a chance. Diplomacy and negotiations will only allow us as the wider international community to come to a resolve on the situation in Kitara. Compromises need to be made, and in the meanwhile it is important nations uphold their proclaimed principles and provide aid in any form to the war struck population of Nyowani Kitara.

[Sharktail]

Sharktail Post ep54
Enjoyment after Embarassment

Entering the last 4 match of group 1 in world cup qualification 89, Sharktail able to collect 9 from 12 point available as they defeat Rizealand 1-0, Krbustan 2-0 and Recuecn 5-1. Sadly this team fail to grab another three point as Indusse shine in home, win the match 2-1.

Carrol boys did well in all this 4 match. Even when they are losing into Indusse, the able to keep the score as low as possible and try to use every chance they get in that match. Carrol will surely be happy with all this since he take the position in matchday 3, show Sharktail won 5 from 6 match under his guidance.

When Carrol have been asked if he have make any bet or promise to his player, while smiling he said.
" even if i make one,i dont think that will change much. They able to win today is all their natural ability. What i doing is try my best in arranging and set them to let them pour all their talent and that how we bounce back. Even if we lose, i will not put my trust on the cheap play like that. It may work but once it broken, you have to make it again and in the end, the one who set all this may be the loser"

Same thing has been said by Sharktail left back Harold,
" When i hear about promise or bet thing, i gonna say,if your luck good, that your day, but if it not, cry as loud as you can, it cannot be reverse. Better never make if you just want to regret later. I really hate that way, you know it like we being promised by something, and we will ply for that thing,so if there are nothing being promised, we will play poorly. That not how profesional athletes should do."

As the match will continue into second round, Sharktail once again have something to be proved. Until the end, their spot are not locked. Anyone can take it. Indusse are ready to step in too. Recuecn may lost this time but will they be again next time. The answer is no one know. As we approaching the second round, let have a look at few hot headline regarding Sharktail National Team.

1. Ilias and Win, the engine not stop yet.
What a massive performance by both of them. Ilias and Win take a turn playing on the field and both of them are doing good. From 3 goal in first 3 match to almost 20 goal, this two are still hungry to search for more goal.

2. Maxter"This spot only for me".
Before, he messed up when he get the trust but this time he not turn back anymore. The defence has been improved greatly and goal allowed has been reduced. If he able to stay calm, who know where Sharktail might end up.

3. Azaim, the core.
Before,he will make a link with Gaby and he act as junior, but this time, he make link with Ilias and Win, but as a senior. We can see how he improve and now become trustworthy player. Regarding the matter of captain, until someone capable of it show up, Azaim is the best choice among everyone in this team.

[Pemecutan]

CHAPTER 2.1 || CHAPTER 2.2 || CHAPTER 2.3 || CHAPTER 2.4

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CHAPTER 2.5

It is the fourth day of the internal meeting in PFA headquarter. Some of the issues surrounding the association and the league have been discuss. For this day, the main talks is focus on youth league establishment.

"I don't think we can include football school in the youth league. That would make the league become too big," comment Agung Darma.
"But they are also part of the community. A part of our system," say Karangdewa.
"Sorry, but I prefer Agung's opinion here," reveal Suryawan which makes everyone turn their head to him.
"Not that I'm against football school but their composition and establishment are different than youth clubs. Youth clubs are part of an established club like Pesub Ubung and PSSM Sedana Merta for example. While football school is basically a school. We can't mixed them up," explain Suryawan.
"Do you have something in mind?" ask Pande. Suryawan smile brightly.

FOR OUR YOUTH

Agung Darma approach Suryawan during the coffee break. He feels that Suryawan understand what he meant although his idea is kind of crazy.

"I think this is the first time that we have the same vision on something," remember Agung.
"Hahaha. I guess so. We can't always on different side, can we?" say Suryawan.
Agung just nodded in agreement. "But I must say you're idea about that football school is crazy," comment Agung.
"I don't think it is that crazy," counter Suryawan.
"But still, a competition for football school? That's an amazing idea," praise Agung.
Suryawan smile lightly. "I'm just taking what's Pande said earlier about continuity and regeneration of our players. We know that clubs can be limited. Only a few of the clubs have a thorough training from early age. I believe only 6 clubs who have it and football school help us in that part. Even not all of our clubs have youth clubs. This competition will give them a place to show their kids talents," explain Suryawan.
Agung nodded in understanding.

---

Pande make a note on his own about the idea that was said by Suryawan earlier. His taking some phone call and message to check on the data about football schools.

"Sorry, Sir,"
"Yes?" ask Pande a little bit startled. He is looking at the woman that is standing in front of him.
Sorry to bother you, Sir. But there's someone waiting for you at the office," says the woman who is Pande's secretary.
Pande frown. "Have you told them that I'm in a meeting?"
"I did. But he insist to meet you, Sir," explain the secretary.
Pande think for a moment. "If he want to wait, I'll meet him during lunch break," decide Pande.
"I'll inform him," say the secretary before leaving Pande there.

Pande look confused. Who is he that wants to meet him? Pande exhale deeply. He looks at the time and immediately goes back to the meeting room.

---

Back to the meeting room. Suryawan explain more about his idea of the competition.

"Another league?" ask Agung.
"Yes, I think that's a better idea for them. Although it will be separate from our youth league. We can attract sponsorship too to help us run the competition," add Suryawan.
"Although I'm amaze with your brilliant idea but I don't think it feasible," interrupt Pande.
Suryawan and the other looking at him questioning.
"Although a league is seems like a good choice but I'm thinking of more like a cup competition. We are aiming for kids younger than 12. A league would make them exhausted," explain Pande.
"How about a tier competition?" say Gudamang suddenly which makes everyone turn to him.

[Garifunya]

Garifunya First Half Roundup

Record/Goal Differential: 4-1-4, 13 points, -1 GD

Goals For/Per Game: 16, 1.78/game

Goals Against/Per Game: 17, 1.89/game

Top Scorer: Boudewijn van der Weide, 6 goals

Biggest Win: MD8, 4-1 vs HUElavia

This was much-needed. Gudo Badenburg had coached this side to a 2-1-4 record and a -5 goal differential going into the game, with a bad loss to Geisenfried having just left an acrid taste in their mouths. Even coming home, there wasn't much hope against HUElavia, the 28th-ranked team in the world and a juggernaut in independent football. Instead, Boudewijn van der Weide and Sonel Agustin scored within five minutes of each other in the first half, knocking their stronger opponent back on their heels and taking a 2-0 lead into halftime. The HUElavians would get one back in the person of wunderkind Raul Nascimento Jardim in the early going of the second half and would press strongly, keeping it 2-1 for most of the second half. But Agustin scored in the 79th minute, slipping the ball past the HUElavian keeper off of an excellent feed from Hector Arboleda, and then Nanko Krull found the net in the 85th minute to put the icing on the cake and make it 4-1. It was an incredible confidence boost and the best win for de Dolfijnen in recent years.

Worst Loss: MD7, 1-4 @ Geisenfried

This was just embarrassing. Yes, Geisenfried are a returning nation, not a complete newbie, but they have not played football on the international stage for many years, and Badenburg's team needed to give them a rude welcome back. Instead, they conceded two goals in the first thirteen minutes and, despite trailing just 2-1 at the half, never really looked fully focused and in the game. They conceded off set pieces, regular play, and counter-attacks and generally looked like the worse team. Fans and media were genuinely convinced that Garifunya would end the first half with at least five losses and probably six. Instead, they bounced back and actually have a sliver of hope for a decent campaign.

Greatest Strength: Attack up front

This is a no-brainer. De Dolfijnen have scored 16 goals so far, a respectable third in the group, and a majority have come from the strikers up top. Boudewijn van der Weide, of Avanaroch White Wings in Tikariot, has scored three of every eight goals for De Dolfijnen all by himself. Sonel Augustin, his Haitian-born partner, has been no slouch either, putting four goals home. The two of them combined for three of Garifunya's four goals in their win over HUElavia, and van der Weide had a hat trick against Moliza. It will have to continue to be strong, and well-distributed, if De Dolfijnen hope to compete. Two-thirds of van der Weide's goals came against Moliza and HUElavia, with the others a solitary goal in the loss to Geisenfried and the winning goal against Britland. He'll have to step up in big situations in the second half.

Greatest Weakness: Defense

Is it 36 year-old keeper and captain Stijn Kruit that's the problem? Is it the three at the back style favored by Garifunyan managers? Is it the aging Dawaas Nieuwaal in the defensive midfield role falling down on the job? Whatever it is, allowing nearly two goals per game cannot continue if De Dolfijnen hope to be competitive in the second half. Some in the fanbase and media are calling for Kruit to be replaced in net, but it's incredibly hard to bench your veteran captain and Kruit is notoriously stubborn. A couple of poor defensive results or Garifunya being eliminated from contention would probably be the easiest way to replace him, but is a quarter of a qualifying campaign really enough for Badenburg to be able to evaluate a successor?

Potential going forward: Moderate

The shock victory over HUElavia, combined with the narrow road win over Txakhaxi to close the first half, puts a lot of wind in the sails of Badenburg's squad. The 2-1-4 start was certainly disappointing, especially the loss to unranked Geisenfried, and this combination of victories will restore confidence to the team. De Dolfijnen have somewhat of a soft second-half opening as well, with games against 320th ranked Britland and 239th-ranked Moliza sandwiched around a home date with Brenecia. They defeated both Britland and Moliza by a combined score of 7-2 in the first half, and a 2-0-1 start should be the goal. However, then the calendar stiffens, with a visit to peer nation Le Choix and then facing off against the current 2nd and 3rd place teams in Squidroidia and Kohnhead. So there is opportunity early, but the back two-thirds of the calendar will likely prove to be significantly more difficult. A duplication of the first half would likely be a strong result.

[The Inevitable Syndicate]

Hello. Felt it prudent for the purposes of this RP to post it as the Syndicate, seeing as it focuses on one of the nation's most famous football stars, Bradley Birch. Please give any and all RP bonus for this post to the nation of Mertagne, as both accounts are run by the same user.

Unknown Location

---

"Aye, so just turn your head left and right slightly, just to loosen up the joints."

The fluorescent pale light of the strip lights that swayed back and forth in the clinical metal room matched his pale skin. Blinking, and hearing a slight humming ring in his ears, the man turned his head left first, and then to the right. The figure in front of him, who was dressed as a mix between a doctor and a mechanic, was covered in equal parts blood and grease. It was impossible to see much more than their beady eyes, the rest of their face concealed by a pale green mask. The figure gripped a torch in their hand and shone it into the man's eyes.

His pupils dilated, more so than they were already, and then relaxed when the intensity of the torch parted from his vision. The figure before him spoke once again.

"That's great, you seem to be in working order up top. We'll just check your legs now. Feel free to take a look around. Can you extend your left leg, locking your knee in a horizontal position, please?"

He did so, and looked around at the scene that lay before him. The stip light, still loosely swinging in the breeze. The smell of heat, a humidity that failed to match the almost-clinical look of the metal table he'd been placed on and the green curtain that surrounded him, that reminded him too much of an old shower curtain. A brown brine circumnavigated the bottom of it, slowly dripping in its natural wells, and continuing to sway.
The man looked to his right once again, as the figure grabbed his leg and twisted it gently to and fro. The table next to him was filled with racks on racks of implements, some looked medical, others looked mechanical. A pair of pliers, several scalpels, a star-headed screwdriver...?

The voice called again. "Fantastic work. Now, I understand you might be a bit... groggy. Do ye fancy telling me what you remember about yourself?"

"I remember we were on the pitch of the Flynn Arena and were told to evacuate. I don't remember much after that." said the man.

"Aye, that makes sense. So, I'm not sure what to tell you laddie, but you're alive, and that's the important thing. Your home - Fligsive, right? It don't exist no more. Alongside a whole other bunch of things that don't exist no more. All you know, and all there is, is just us - the Aut-Ves-Nat. Welcome to the sea, Bradley Birch."

The figure stuck out a hand to pull Birch off the metal slab. They then pulled back the curtain to reveal what looked to Bradley like a makeshift hospital, with others around, tending to other, stiller bodies on slabs. More curtains could be seen also.

"Can ye walk? Head on down that corridor and see the Overseer when ye can. Chop chop, no lollygaggin'."

Bradley stumbled as he took his first steps in what felt like forever. He tried to account for the swaying of the ship, but keeled over too far and had to brace himself on the end of another one of the beds. Bringing himself up, he walked, this time with more poise and purpose, to the door, and turned the large wheel of the bulkhead to unlock it.

He entered a darker walkway that appeared to have other walkways criss-crossing it above and below him. Spotting a crudely painted sign in front of him that outlined the direction to the Overseer's office, he turned left and walked down the corridor. The air around him was choking, but he failed to cough as he stepped down a small incline and found another bulkhead door, this time in front of him. His mind was blurry, and he'd forgotten much, but he hadn't forgotten his manners as he knocked on the door with a clang, three times in exact succession.

"Come in!" shouted a muffled voice from the other side of the door.

After a small spin of the bulkhead, Bradley Birch found himself in a plush, windowless office, with lined bookshelves on either side, a shag carpet with an intricate pattern in the middle of the room, and collections of curios that looked equal parts scientific and arcane. A large desk full of papers stood in the centre of the room, and stood behind it was a bald character in a perfectly white lab coat.

"Hello there. You must be... Bradley Birch. Please, take a stand." the lab-coated person gestured to the other side of the desk.

"Hi there. I just wan-"

The lab-coat raised a hand, and with it so did the man in it. "I'm sure you have many questions. I've got a little speech prepared, and then you can ask me anything you wish."

Bradley stood at the other side of the desk, legs shoulder width apart, as if forming the wall for a free kick.

"Hi there Bradley. My name is Dr. Polowski, but you can call me Doc if you really want to. I don't prefer it, but I want you to be comfortable here after what must have been quite the ordeal."

Bradley's eyebrows furrowed.

"You see, you were gravely injured in what we've come to know as the 'Fligsive Disaster'. Just one of many terrible incidents that sadly wiped out many places on the map of Atlantian Oceania and beyond. This is a lot to take in, but your home - The Inevitable Syndicate - no longer exists. It's gone, Fligsive simply a crater in the ground. You, along with some of your friends, were lucky enough to have been saved in the ensuing incident, and have ended up here, on the Aut-Ves-Nat - the last bastion of civilization in the free world. You've been in... stasis, a coma if you will, for quite some time. Two years, to be precise. The community has built itself significantly since then, and now that you're feeling better, we'd like you to join us. We have assigned you a job that we think you'd enjoy."

Bradley Birch stared blankly, blinking in place for exactly 5.433821 seconds before tilting his head 18.64° clockwise and beginning to speak.

"I have many, many questions. So the Syndicate is gone? Defeated in the war?"

"Yes, and naught but a blasted wasteland exists in your former home. A devastating strike that was, sadly, retaliatory, and this caused cascade after cascade and eventually the whole region was destroyed. We're currently in the middle of international waters outside... Kotzellach." the doctor waved a rubber gloved hand, dismissively.

"I don't know where that is. I'm sorry, I just... Wow. No Syndicate. I never thought I'd see the day. I mean, I didn't like where it was going, but still. All the people..."

"You mustn't feel bad. Use the gift of life you have been given to its... fullest, potential." said Dr. Polowski, straightening his thick, black goggles on his face.
"Your job will be to help calibrate and test the next generation of worker robots. With your athletic mind, I foresee you'll be able to bring them up to speed brilliantly within a few months. You are free to devise whatever training regime you see fit."

Bradley scratched his head. "That sounds fine. I'll be... I'll be happy to help any way I can. You understand this is a lot for me, right? There's so much to unpack here."

"Correct." The doctor stepped out from the desk and walked over to the closed bulkhead door. "But you won't be doing it alone." he swung open the door, to reveal two other figures dressed in similar hospital scrubs, stood motionless for a fraction of a second too long before the three athletes looked at each other, beaming.

"Jacob? Phil? My god, you're alive! Bring it in, bring it in..."

The three said their greetings, jubilant that they had been reunited once more. It seems that even in the face of disaster, the Syndicate national team was truly that - a team that could count on each other in times of crisis. The three chatted amongst themselves as Pratt and Gulliver escorted the freshly arisen Bradley Birch along the corridor, the hum of machinery and the clanking of boots echoing in the bowels of the ship...

[Pluvia and the Saxean Isles]

Royal Marienburg University, Marienburg, Pluvia and the Saxean Isles

Prof. Charles Cunningham of the history department at the Royal Marienburg University was in a difficult situation. The comely blonde graduate student had entered his office to do research and examine the diary with him. He had done an excellent job, if he said so himself, of discussing the complexities of the context and filling her in on the diary to date. She had had a bit of a look on her face while he was doing it, somewhere between boredom and disdain, but he had made sure to explicate each point in great detail, even the more obvious ones which she likely should have learned in his class. They had then read over the diary entry together and discussed it. But for some reason, he kept finding his attention drawn to her features instead of the diary. And was that her leg brushing against his? Had he just touched her hand? Surely just a coincidence.

The last diary entry saw William II on his unprecedented campaign trip. He was bringing his message to the people of Pluvia directly. Although he would not endorse candidates or campaign for political parties, he was going to do his utmost to speak on the first steps of reform taken by the National Assembly and to press for more. He began his journey by heading west to the suburb of Framingham, where he was able to meet with the candidates in that constituency as well as local figures. Reform was supported, but how eagerly? Then he made his way through the farms and fields of West Marienshire, crossed the Alber River, noting the need for bridge repairs and a railway link, and finally to the town of Sherfield, where he addressed agricultural concerns. He would then be heading on to Alenard.

April 30, 1885

It has been a long journey today, but we have made it to Alenard and I am in my family's castle. This morning, I spent time speaking to local farmers on the need for reform and conversing with them afterwards. I will admit, I am none too knowledgeable about agricultural interests and my desires for reform run more to industry, but I did learn from the locals. They were somewhat sceptical of my speech, which they viewed as too aligned with the Liberal Party for their taste (the Weston Vale usually votes National), but in speaking with them, they warmed to me. There were precious few tenant farmers or small landholders, but those who were able to attend wanted land reform, to break up some of the larger estates and sell them to smaller ones. This is a bit too radical for my taste, but I assured them that we would find some way to help more men own their own land. The larger landholders wanted better industrial machinery; they felt tariffs were too high on these products in particular. While I sympathised with their plight, I told them that it was far more important to be able to produce our own machinery; this, not free trade alone, would be the solution. A couple of fellows wanted to take a more scientific approach to farming, which I warmed to at once. I asked them to give me a copy of any work they had and to send future findings along to the Praesidium for study.

As we departed for Alenard, I read their report, which had encouraging information on further mechanisation and the use of phosphates to increase crop yields. I did not comprehend all of it, but it was fascinating. Unfortunately, in the Weston Vale, the road is in disrepair at certain points, and our carriage shed a wheel along the way. We were delayed in needing to repair it and again in crossing the Olden River near Alenard, where we experienced the same problems as crossing the Alber. I find it preposterous that we have not yet a direct rail line between Marienburg and Alenard. These are the two great cities of our realm; they must be connected. Our dinner was deadly boring, as the mayor seems to have invited any dignitary of even minor importance from the western half of our realm to dine and then offer a speech or a toast. It was interminable. I am finally able to retire in peace. I shall spend three days in Alenard. One to meet with representatives from the north and west, one to speak with Alenardians both common and noble about reform, and one for rest and recreation. Though I pursue my reform cause with the zeal of Simon the Apostle, I cannot help but look forward to the third day.

PSI Goalscorers

@ Ancherion: Fletcher 41', Pearce 67'

vs. Audioslavia: Newman 6', Goldberg 55', Black 82'

[Electrum]

The Turnip: How To Insert Yourself Into Conversations About Rushmori Geopolitics So That You Can Save Face And Impress Friends and Acquaintances
by Milly Monka, citizen journalist

These days it seems like every man and his dog are holding dinner parties with scrumptious hors d'oeuvres and premium salted meat-fortified pellets. But a common problem facing so many of our readers is how misinformed they are on delicate geopolitical issues in Rushmore because they are wasting so much of their time reading satirical publications and/or World Cup qualifying reports and/or doing drugs to consider the implications of the Kitaran crisis on northern Rushmori trade. So, we, the differently-informed publication of The Turnip, have decided to give you strategies to insert yourself into conversations about Rushmori geopolitics so that you can save face and impress friends and acquaintances.

Instead of taking the time to know the intricacies of the leaders of the eleventy billion movements and groups in Nyawoni Kitara, you should memorise statistics that will showcase your superiority over your friends. By explaining that the main exports from the region are golden sickles and uranium, and the country is home to at least two ethnic groups, you are providing a econo-sociocutural context that no one else will be bringing to the table. While your friends are arguing the motives of the key players in the conflict, you will rise above everyone's heads with objective truths about the situation. Watch everyone be in awe as you spout statistics without knowing what on earth an Akongo is. For extra measure, you can even accuse them of ignoring these key contextual factors in Nyowani Katana.

Another suggestion is to subtly segue the topic away from the current situation in Northern Rushmore to make yourself more worldly, impressing your friends through your niche knowledge of more obscure political discussions. For example you could say, "Yeah, we could talk about Abongo, but that's not going to affect global uranium markets. What will affect them is the Tumbran Northlands Expansion Act, and those elections in Chromatika and Indusse." It's a triple threat! You've managed to segue the discussion away from Northern Rushmore, and you've dropped three, more obscure geopolitical events that no one will even have the audacity to ask for your opinion about. Those politically minded millennials will be so gobsmacked by your knowledge that they will instantly change the topic rather than being risk being embarrassed not knowing who the major parties are in the next Indusse election.

A third way of approaching this is before you attend these fancy luncheons or dinners, you should first just whip up a photoshopped copy of you standing in front of the Nyoro Kitaran Presidential Palace, and another of you standing in front of some local populace. That way, whenever someone asks you for your opinion and whose side you are on, just say that your opinions could put your close friends at risk and that this is a personal issue and that they are overstepping your boundaries. Your friends will be immediately shocked that you have personal contacts in a warzone and will apologise profusely, all the while you know that they will never dare to ask you again. You can then regale them of untrue stories of your time in Nowan Kita as your friends are most likely too privileged to ever consider visiting that nation. Peppering your story with nonsense phrases like "mbeze" and "adonba" will make it more believable.

And there you have it, three practical ideas whenever someone brings up the Neurowan crisis in conversation. Let us know how these tips helped you by writing your correspondence on a tissue and throwing it into literally any waste basket. We'll find it eventually, we promise.

[Graintfjall]

Equestria – 0 (0)

Græntfjall – 1 (0)
B. Ernestisson; Lúthersdóttir, Jokulsson, Rögnvaldursson, Vilbertsdóttir; Ásvaldursson; Harrysson, Álvgeirsdóttir (79’ Þorfinnsson ), Hólmarsdóttir; Bergmundursson (56’ Dannysdóttir (82’)), Þórhallursson (45’) (53’ Auðunsdóttir )

---

Græntfjall – 2 (0)
Hárlaugsdóttir; Lúthersdóttir, Kristersson, Reynarsson, Vilbertsdóttir; Ásvaldursson (79’); Grímólfursson (60’) (82’ Marvinsson ), Finnvarðsdóttir (73’ Hólmarsdóttir ), Guttisdóttir (47’) (89’); Jonathansdóttir, Þórhallursson (34’) (83’ Bergmundursson (90+2’))

Sarzonia – 1 (1)
Aguirre (24’)

The Snow Wolves left it late, twice – but picked up three points, twice, in crucial encounters with nominally lower-ranked teams with vastly superior pedigrees. They downed two former World Cup champions on successive weekends thanks to Justiina Dannysdóttir, who may no longer be starting as regularly but came off the bench to provide the necessary strike in Equestria, and Ásvarður Bergmundursson, whose header in the second minute of added time turned in Emeli Vilbertsdóttir’s accurate cross for the win at home to Sarzonia. Amanda Guttisdóttir had levelled for the Snow Wolves shortly after the second half resumed, cancelling out Cayden Aguirre’s first half goal with a curling effort of her own that prompted unusually passionate and emotional celebrations from her and her teammates.

Guttisdóttir has missed much of the first half of qualifying for unspecified reasons, with rumors spiralling about everything from injuries and depression to, most absurd of all, pregnancy. The decidedly non-pregnant midfielder shrugged off such gutter whispers with a confident showing against Sarzonia, and is expected to feature more regularly in the second half of qualifying. Johanna Álvgeirsdóttir and Kæja Finnvarðsdóttir have deputized admirably in her role and should be expected to continue to see regular minutes, especially with Sara Kristoffersdóttir failing to replicate her domestic form. Jason Þórhallursson has played well as a big-bodied forward holding up play but lacked his usual goal scoring touch (though 4 goals in 9 games is still a commendable return); fortunately, Igrene Cantor seems to have plenty of options, clearly preferring Eiríka Jonathansdóttir over Justiina Dannysdóttir as starter with Lara Auðunsdóttir and Ásvarður Bergmundursson as super-sub options. Petter who?

The defense has been rock solid, ranked 10th in an Ethanian publication across the entire qualifying field. Emeli Vilbertsdóttir has adapted to the forward-pressing fullback role better than Elektra Lúthersdóttir, while Hjörleifur Reynarsson is making a case for himself as one of the best center backs in the world. Björnólfur Ernestisson has kept solidly, keeping his defense honest with about one clanging error averaged per game, and Gabríella Hárlaugsdóttir looked sharp when filling in. Álfar Ásvaldursson may take his name rarely cropping up in match reports as a positive: in the new 4-1-3-2 formation favored by Cantor, he’s mopped up the holding midfield role without any real drama.

The second half of qualifying begins with the Snow Wolves in the dare-not-to-hope territory of leading the group; more importantly, they have 8 points on Saltstead in third place. But there’s a saying in Græntfjall: “Dont count your chickens before they’ve hatched, in case it’s not really chickens at all but actually kraken-spawn inside the eggs, and they burst out and devour your whole village.”

---

Oh, and apparently there’s been a massive geopolitical drama happening just next door all this time? I really should prioritize a coherent response and not continue a self-indulgent story arc at a time when the exact sort of regional interaction that has been sorely needed is unfolding.

Oh, bollocks.

[HUElavia]

Do or Die!

HUElavia enters 2nd half of Qualifiers in Must-Win situation to keep Qualification Hopes Alive!

Garifunya 4-1 HUElavia
(van der Weide 23', Augustin 28', 79', Krull 85' | Nascimento 47')

HUElavia 2-0 Le Choix
(Guilbert 10', Girault 80')
(Nouveau Stade de Lourdes, Lourdes, HUElavia

(OOC: A different RP for this one, given the situation of my team, instead of the match report I traditionally do.)

Studio Broadcaster: "90 minutes separates us from knowing what is HUElavia's fate in this important match against Squidroidia. For tonight's broadcast, we bring you Camilo Montreal and Jonas Menezes Pereira. Enjoy the game!"

Camilo Montreal: "Welcome everyone to Matchday 10 of World Cup 89 Qualifiers, we're coming to you live from beautiful Estadio Capital in Curumba and we're here to present to you the most anticipated match of the Qualifiers for the country: HUElavia vs Squidroidia! We're here to see the likes of Mendieta, Yamane, Fonseca-Mantovani, Nascimento and Vannier, taking on the likes of Shingen, Shigeko, Tadataka, Hideo and Ito, right here on HBC."

CM: "Camilo Montreal and Jonas Menezes Pereira here, to say that this has been an underwhelming set of qualifiers is an understatement. On some games, HUElavia plays as what their position in the multiverse and skills should suggest: Dominating opponents, scoring screamers and just intimidating their opponents left and right. On other games, the team plays very anxiously, cautious, trying to learn the ropes. One can normally forgive them given that they're a team in rebuild after the long-standing roster that played in various World Cups and IACs, but in 9 games, to fail to win 5 of them with 4 draws and a loss is something that isn't sitting well with everyone. They've come back from a shocking 4-1 loss to Garifunya, followed by a 2-0 win against Le Choix, looking to make up lost ground. Now partner, come on in and share us your thoughts."

Jonas Menezes PereiraL "Good evening. Well, this is a very young team that Leonardo Conavacio has called up for these Qualifiers. Many of these players came from the recent U21 and U18 teams that had knockout round runs and right now, they seem to lack urgency to win. They've struggled finishing off matches when they've had the chance to, and they've only been falling behind their opponents only in two matches in these qualifiers. Tonight, it's a massive match and they need to win tonight to stay alive in the hunt. It's a loud and rambunctious crowd here, very hostile towards the Squidroidians with their words and chants, and these players needs to take advantage of that and really dominate them. They've beat them in IAC 10 and in a friendly tournament years ago by the score of 3-5, with the A-Team playing, they certainly can score goals and make it competitive."

CM: "Now, let's talk about Squidroidia. They're in 2nd Place, coming off two 1-0 victories, and are in a close position to challenge Brenecia. What's their tips to succeed tonight?"

JMP: "Simple: To survive. They're a defensive team that has gotten the results with small scorelines. They have shown that they don't need to get many goals to put their point across, just get the results you need and hang on. They really need that tonight against a very motived HUElavia team. Even more so with how the Squidroidians announced that HUElavia was their biggest rival, which didn't sit well with the millions of HUElavians, and they want to make them feel that the feeling is now mutual."

CM: "Well, the teams are in the tunnel, both are playing with their A-Teams, there is seriousness and determination in both of their faces. One team having a mix of men and women in their teams, the other having humans and inklings. If you're a religious person, pray for the team and their success. If not, do your pre-game rituals, should you have it. Here's to what can be a great game everyone, as the teams come out for the National Anthems and to kick off the match!"

Stadium Announcer: "Ladies and Gentlemen, Boys and Girls: Let's welcome the national teams of HUElavia and Squidroidia!"
*Crowd Cheers*

(Home Uniform will be worn for against Squidroidia and Kohnhead, with the A-Team playing in both matches)

[Sarzonia]

Nathan Hanifer gave the reporter one of those looks when they asked him about the last-moments defeat at the hands of Græntfjall.

"Are you worried about your status with the team after a second straight blown result?"

Hanifer thought about challenging the reporter's right to be there, questioning whether they knew anything about football. He even thought for a moment about going after the reporter for being non-binary, even though they were AMAB.

No, he thought. Those reactions would be cheap shots that are way beneath me. I know better.

Hanifer knew a cheap dig would be bad. He knew Incorporated Football Federation Chairman Zack Wilson would have his arse if he tried that. Even a "it was the heat of battle," or "I was too emotional after the match" excuses wouldn't fly. But more importantly, Hanifer knew people in the periphery who were non-binary and transgender. He'd seen this reporter's work, even though it was for a minor website. They knew what they were doing.

He took in a deep breath.

"I think we're all aware of the fact that this team is experiencing growing pains right now," he said. "We've failed to get a result now for five consecutive matches, two of them against sides below ours in the KPB rankings. We expected to struggle against the teams directly ahead of us like the Saltsteads of the world, and we certainly knew better than to try to expect a result against The Holy Empire or Græntfjall, but we're really frustrated with the results against Zug um Zug and Acastanha. Those are points we couldn't afford to leave behind and we did exactly that."

Now? Sarzonia will have away matches to Equestria and Brookstation in the offing to start the second half of qualifying, and Hanifer doesn't expect things to get any easier.

"We made our bed, now it's time to lie in it," he said.

After the press conference ended, he went back to his hotel room and sat down. He thought about how he'd pondered making a bigoted comment about a reporter for something they couldn't control. He was fortunate that he didn't say anything there, and that he showed the restraint he felt was needed, but he was disappointed in himself that he even allowed that thought to cross his mind. He looked at his phone absently, then saw he'd missed a text from Cayden Aguirre, the goalscorer against Græntfjall, and the man who'd given Sarzonia a lead for 23-plus minutes before Amanda Guttisdóttir brought the Snow Wolves level with the Stars.

"I'm retiring," Aguirre wrote. "Effective at the end of this cycle."

Great. Just great. Hanifer put his phone on the night table next to the love seat in his hotel room and put his head in his hands.

[Barunia]

The news of Carter’s suspension was headline news across the country moments after it broke. It shocked the nation, and within hours hundreds of football pundits up and down the country were debating the pros and cons. Was a suspension for an off-field incident warranted? What would this mean for Barunia’s world cup chances? These questions were the hot topic from Waybridge to Northport. They were still being discussed a week later, even after the team lost to Kandorith, before beating the unranked Arjunnagar. Carter’s suspension period was stated by the NFB as “indeterminate”, with the Board President stating that it was up to Carter to decide when he was ready to return.

For Carter’s teammates, the suspension was not a shock at all. They’d all been present during his outburst in the locker room. Rebecca Thomas was in fact quite pleased. Thomas was a true professional, dedicated to the work. To her, Carter’s behaviour seemed childish and selfish. She mentioned as much to Sara Moorhouse.

“I mean, what is the guy’s problem? It’s like he’s not even interested anymore.”

Sara nodded. “I know, right? Just because we haven’t been winning lately, he throws a tantrum. Like, this is the world cup, not an under-fives game.”

“He’s a great footballer, don’t get me wrong. But he’s so damn cocky.”

Sara didn’t say anything. She was thinking about a moment, many years ago. She was 14 years old, a budding teenage player in a kid’s match. In her mind’s eye she saw herself, poorly fitting jersey, rust-coloured hair pulled back in a short ponytail. Far too much makeup for a football pitch, trying too hard to impress a boy. A stupid teenage crush, Sara couldn’t even remember his name now.
It was the semi-final of the local school league. Sara’s team had made it through mostly off her boot. She was her club’s leading goalscorer by a huge margin, and was challenging for the same title in the league.

After 90 minutes the game was tied, so overtime was called for. Near the end of the first half of overtime, Sara was pushed over in the box. A penalty, and a golden opportunity to win the game. This tournament used the golden goal rule for overtime, so the first goal scored would immediately win the game.
With her whole team behind her, Sara confidently stepped up to the ball, buried her foot…and sliced it horribly. The ball sailed harmlessly wide, and she collapsed to the ground, head in hands. It would prove costly too, as the opposing team would score soon after to knock her team out. Sara cried for about a week after that, sure she would never play football again.

It was exactly childish behaviour that Emmanuel had displayed. Sara understood it, but she also knew this was no kid’s school league. This was professional level, in fact it was international level, a cut above, and she didn’t know if he would get over it. She had, but she had known that the loss was inconsequential in the big scheme of things. It ultimately had made no difference to her dream of becoming a professional football player.

McLelland had moved Sara to cover Emmanuel’s position at centre forward. Her own position at left forward would be covered by Rachael Cross, who had so performed so brilliantly in the game against Devonta. With the Suns to face off against world number 32 Savorjana, and without their star striker, many pundits gloomily wrote the team off. Rachael and Sara were both determined to prove them wrong.

The game was at Sun Stadium, Sara’s favourite ground. This was the home ground of Porthaven United, the team she played for in the Barunian X-League. With a six-figure capacity, when it was full the atmosphere was incredible. It wasn’t quite full tonight, but there was still a decent crowd in. Sara could feel the adrenaline begin to flow.

The Barunians got a corner early on, after Rachael Cross was denied by Pakanen. Cartwright took the kick, and Sara thought she had a good chance of heading it in, but Pakanen came a long way off his line to punch it clear. However, the Savorjars failed to clear, and the Barunians were able to keep possession. After a series of passes, Cartwright decided to have a long shot from range, and slipped it past Pakanen’s outstretched glove and into the back of the net. Sara was the first person to her captain, and embraced her in delight. The rest of the team soon joined in, and for a moment Sara was buried in a sea of blue shirts.

The lead was short lived however, as Lundell caught the Suns’ defence napping and got a ball over the top to Sven Ehlers, who went one-on-one with John Taylor and came out on top. The score was tied at 45 minutes, and it was still tied at 90 minutes. With just a few minutes of stoppage time, the game seemed destined for a draw. Then Klaebo got slightly over zealous in trying to stop Rebecca Thomas, and the Barunian midfielder went down. The referee blew his whistle and waved away the protests of the Savojar players. The Barunians had a free kick, almost directly in front of goal and only a few metres outside the box. It was a good chance, but who was going to take it? Two weeks ago, Emmanuel Carter would have stepped up without hesitation. This time, their were some confused looks before Cartwright came over to Sara.

“It’s all yours, Sara. You’ve got this.”

Immediately Sara felt her body tense up. She was feel the pressure that Louise had just placed on her. She tried to keep her voice sounding calm as she put her head close to Louise’s and whispered,

“Straight? Or a set piece”

Louise eyed the position of the ball, then whispered back, “It’s a really good position. Straight, if you think you can.”

Sara took a deep breath. “Yeah, I can do it.”

“Good luck” The captain moved away to her position as Sara stood up to the ball. She eyed the wall of white shirts, directly between her and goal. She could see the bright shirt of Pakanen, and the white frame of the posts. Behind them the sky-blue and red banners and streamers of the Scarlet Army. They weren’t waving now, as the entire stadium held their breaths. Sara realised she was doing the same. She forced herself to exhale, then took several deep breaths to calm her nerves.

The referee blew his whistle, and she ran forward. One step, two, step, three. As she brought her foot down, an image flashed in her mind, of a young teenager bawling her eyes out on a soccer field. Then her foot touched the ball, and she brought it through with force. The ball sailed wide, out past the shoulders of the wall…

But this was no wayward kick from an inexperienced schoolgirl. This was a carefully thought-out kick from a master. Struck perfectly, the ball curved, struck a desperately diving Pakanen, and ricocheted into the side netting. Sara’s feet left the ground as she jumped for joy. They never got a chance to touch the ground again, as the arms of Hunt grabbed her and held her aloft, followed by the rest of the team. For the second time that evening, Sara was swamped in a sea of blue. But this time, it was all for her, and it went on for some time. With no time left on the clock for Savorjana to get a goal back, Sara’s goal had pulled victory out of nowhere for the Suns.

By the end of the week, when Moorhouse once again struck against Mertagne to win again, another question was being debated up and down the country: How much do the Suns really need Emmanuel Carter?

[Adab]

Sunday, December 17, 2034 / 6 Shawwal 1456
Pasarga 1-0 Adab
Salai (79’)

---

Sunday, December 31, 2034 / 20 Shawwal 1456
Adab 2-2 Zeta Reka and Hugeltaldom
Yargab (49’), Akaptaha (76’) | Simeoniwić (30’), Rawić (89’)

A Dance with Football
Snapshots of the lives of the people involved in Adabian football and those associated with them
For a full list of chapters click here. To read all the chapters in one go click here
For an (incomplete) list of major/prominent characters in this story click here and scroll down to the ‘Football’ section

Chapter 35: The Office

November 22, 2034 / 11 Ramadan 1456
AFA Headquarters
Adab City

“You must understand, Mohammed – and I think you certainly do understand – that this is not a decision which we have taken lightly,” intoned AFA President Naram-Sin Araqasdah solemnly, swiveling on his chair as his aged, withered fingers tapped on the table, making a tok-tok sound. Behind and to his left stood manager Saad Kaykali and assistant managers Inimabakesh al-Tikriti and Rashid Abbas. Saad looked at the condemned with a regretful face, Inimabakesh sighed as his eyes wandered around the wall on the other side of the room, and Rashid’s head was bowed. Clearly no one wanted to do this.

Sitting across the table from Araqasdah, the condemned accepted his fate with grace, or at least made a show of accepting it with grace. Mohammed Marramzi smiled somewhat with clenched lips, understanding that there was no other way this meeting could have ended. He nodded a little, too. There was no resistance on his part. “If this… is for the good of the team,” he began slowly, slightly bowed, eyes closer to Naram-Sin’s fingers than his face, “then it is for the good for the team. I… completely understand it. I will still be here if you need me.”

“Of course. I know I can always count on you.” Saad Kaykali leaned back against the wall, his face colored with resignation.

“I think Satchit is a great keeper,” Mohammed continued in a rather low voice, “and of course Eni will be a great captain. And even from the benches… I think I can still contribute to-“

“Uh, I- I’m sorry,” Rashid Abbas butted in, his halting tone and hand gestures giving away his discomfort, “if you may just repeat what you’ve just said, a little bit louder maybe, if you don’t mind-“

“Oh, of course. Sorry.” Placing his hand over his neck, Mohammed cleared his throat, then resumed speaking. His voice was clearer now, but the enunciation was slower. “I think Satchit… is a great keeper. Eni… will be a great captain. I think I can, well, do something, contribute from the benches. And… yeah, well, that’s it.”

“You know, Mohammed, if there’s anything that you need from us, you know we’re always here for you,” Saad said. “You’ve been looking a bit tired lately, and I want you to know that if you need any kind of help, physical or mental or whatever-“

“I’m alright, Boss,” Mohammed cut him off with a shrug, gradually raising his face to look at his manager. “I’m just an old player who’s losing his abilities. Happens to… all of us. Nothing wrong with that. I’m already approaching retirement anyway.”

A moment of silence, and then he suddenly narrowed his eyes, still looking at Saad. “If Eni is the captain, then who will be vice-captain?”

---

They sat across from each other on their respective sofas, barely saying a word, barely even looking at each other. There was an indescribable sense of chillness that descended on them as soon as they met each other in the building. Whatever bond they had built up just seemed to disappear, and they had not even said an offending word to each other. For reasons that they kept to themselves, they simply weren’t in the mood to talk. And they both knew it.

On the small round table next to her sofa was a portable radio. Whenever they found themselves here they would usually hear the radio playing CDs of classic Adabian songs, more often than not by the legendary Kinan al-Salaman, the greatest musician the country had ever seen and Saad Kaykali’s favorite artist. Today, however, that radio was playing songs from the Faraway Lands. Maybe the boss had become bored of playing the same old Adabian songs and decided it to spice it up a bit.

Sometimes they would – independently and not in unison – put their ears close to the wall, and they could hear the hints of a sound, the muffled voices forming a sentence from inside the office. But their volume was simply too small – and obscured by the raspy-voiced proclamations blaring out of the radio regarding the singer’s belief in “a promised land” – for them to glean too much information. Otherwise they spent their time sitting, largely avoiding each other’s gaze.

When Alulim Sinmuballit did speak, he did so with arms crossed and eyes that wandered halfway up to the ceiling rather than to the other person in the conversation. He kept the volume down, but not so low as to be unheard. “You think it’s true, what they’re saying?”

Emma Arthur leaned forward slightly, raising her hand to her ear, even as her eyes avoided him. Alu caught the hint. “You think it’s true,” he repeated, slightly louder, “what they’re saying?”

Emma nodded. “I think so. You know Mohammed isn’t what he used to be.”

Alu nodded back in agreement. His voice, however, betrayed his confusion. “Right, so he’s getting older. He’s not what he used to be. But why are we here?”

“I don’t know,” Emma dragged herself forward on her sofa, struggling to make her words rise above a whisper. “Maybe the Boss wants to ask about Satchit? We’re with him in the under-21 team, after all.”

“That could be it,” Alu agreed.

Before either of them could speak again, the door creaked open, revealing the figure of none other than Mohammed Marramzi. Alu and Emma instinctively rose to their feet, like soldiers greeting their commander. Mohammed did not smile, but he did not appear angry either. Seeing Alu and Emma, he narrowed his eyes for a second, but then they widened again.

“I’m not your captain anymore, and I will not be in the starting lineup. I’ll be in the benches,” he announced almost monotonously, shooting brief glances at Alu and Emma as he trudged past them. Before he left for the hallway, however, he turned around and – for the first time since he emerged from the office – smiled. His eyes were trained on Alu. “But I’ll… always be here if you need help. And, uh… yeah, I’ll always be here so feel free to give me a call or something.” Then he continued on his way.

Now Alu and Emma looked at each other as they prepared to step through the half-open door. “You think he’s alright?” asked Alu, glancing back at the direction of the hallway Mohammed had disappeared into.

“He looks tired to me,” said Emma, turning from Alu and to the door. He followed suit, a step behind her. “Maybe he needs some rest.”

“Yeah,” Alu concurred as he solemnly followed Emma past the door and into the AFA President’s spacious office. They walked past Naram-Sin’s secretary, who generously pointed the way to her boss’ room from her small table, as if they actually needed directions.

“If I may ask you a question,” said Emma as she led the way to Naram-Sin’s room, “you like old music, right? You ever heard that song on the radio, that ‘promised land’ one?”

“I think so. From the voice, it’s Bruce, uh, what’s his last name again? Singer from the Faraway Lands. I think I remember my dad playing his album, it’s his kind of music. Darkness on the Edge of, uh, Town, I think that’s what it’s called?”

Adab lineup for MD10 dan MD11

Starting lineup: Chandrasekar, Altun, Enmerkar, Issou, Frangieh, Arthur (VC), Sinmuballit, Orlev, Al-Kufa, Yissakar, Yargab (C)

Substitutes: Marramzi, Al-Tikriti, Sharkalisharri, Akshak, Thomas, al-Muntar, Samanu, Emmita, Uhwan, Zambiya, Akaptaha, Barzani

[TJUN-ia]

By Peter Davis

I don't know if I will ever fully comprehend the doubleheader that ended the first half of WC89. We entered that period in 3rd and would end up in 4th at the end...but that wouldn't be the full story at all. We aimed to get 4 points out of the final 2 games...we got three but again, that wasn't the full story here. The tale of two National Stadiums is certainly very interesting indeed.

Up first was a trip to Searle to play St Trinians, a female-led anarchic society who have shot up the rankings pretty quickly to be 98th in the world entering this tournament. Everyone knew that, alongside Krasnograd, playing in Searle was going to be very tough, especially with the "Get your blow in first" mindset of head coach Amy Pepperpot...and that was certainly in full force out there today. To put it bluntly, the Jags got smoked in the first half of this game with the tall Amazonian known as Alyson Grange making Harold Gylfisson bow down in mercy whenever she tried to go for the ball. She scored a first-half hattrick in this contest, two thunderbolts from her legs and one powerful header from a corner. Joe Green got one back at the beginning of the 2nd to try and make this tight but Poppy Appleton had other ideas and her strike ended this contest at 4-1, an absolute demolition that left us in 5th heading into the big game in the JagBase.

So, in need of another bounce-back win, we came back to TJUN-ia City to play Turori, #2 in the WCC Rankings, the defending WC Champions themselves and the holders of the UWC Title Belt. TJUN-ia's first UWC Championship Bout would come against a team they have beat before back in WC85, but that was then...this was now and the Eels certainly wanted revenge on their quest to keep the WCC Crown on their heads. David Seems, Li Xiu Ying and Tarek Edgeli all had a game plan for this one and the first half reflected that, with both teams going hell for leather to try and get a great win to end the first half of this WCQ. Both teams would get chances in the first 45, from Vladimir Podolov and Meldi'ita Mungwaii in particular, but both Gylfisson and Derizi Amatopa held firm across the first 45 and it would be deadlocked at the break. Then the chaos arrived as Jeff Donaldson of all people found space to give a nice slot-in goal to Podolov in the 47th and just like that, the Jaguars led at home. The Eels, of course, didn't take this lightly and they found an equaliser in the 51st through Nua'oma Aikiki, but everyone could sense that this one was far from over. Both teams looked for a potential winner and while chances were aplenty, no one could convert and with 89 minutes on the clock. Then came a corner we would never forget:

C1: That'll be a TJUN-ian corner so...any ideas on Man of the Match?
C2: Well for me, it has to be Captain Donaldson himself. He may be 33, be he's certianly played out of his skin in one of the biggest games of his career. The run-in will be tough but with this guy being this good in his swansong, who knows what could happen.
C1: David Johnson will be looking to find ahead in the box and here we go...Johnson shoots and IT FINDS A MAN! IT'S THAT MAN, THE ONE WE WERE JUST TALKING ABOUT, AND IF HE WASN'T MAN OF THE MATCH BEFORE, HE CERTAINLY IS NOW. CAPTAIN DONALDSON GIVES THE JAGS THE LEAD OVER THE DEFENDING CHAMPIONS OF THE WORLD AND THIS PLACE IS ROCKING! TJUN-ia 2, Turori 1!

When the final whistle went, the players celebrated like they had just won qualification and the fans stormed the field in turn. We may be 5 points back on the playoffs and 6 back on a spot in the great place we have to be in but tonight, no one really cared about that. The Jaguars had taken down the Eels again but this time, it was at home, against the defending champions and now, for the very first time, TJUN-ia holds the UWC Title. Donalson could be seen within the crowd holding the belt aloft and no one could blame him at all...we kick off the 2nd half with Pyazhnaya in Szensky and a big-time match with Ranoria in Richardson as continue our quest for the WC dream...but tonight, let's just celebrate what we have right now: a belt to defend with all our might. GO JAGS!

---

SCHEDULE (Group 13)
MD1: @Pyazhnaya (181) - Krasnograd Dome, Krasnograd D 3-3 (T-4th)
----------------------BOOT IT!----------------------
MD2: vs Ranoria (79) - National Stadium, TJUN-ia City W 3-2 (4th)
MD3: @Hispinas (126) - Estadio Nacional en el Castill, Mandrid D 2-2 (T-3rd)
----------------------BOOT IT!----------------------
MD4: @Milchama (220) D 0-0 (5th)
MD5: vsSargossa (41) - Beregozera Stadium, Szensky L 0-2 (6th)
----------------------BOOT IT!----------------------
MD6: @Sevenida (UR) - Seven Stadium, Seven W 2-0 (3rd)
MD7: vs Raspojochje (336) - Tiankong Stadium, Tiankong W 3-2 (3rd)
----------------------BOOT IT!----------------------
MD8: @St Trinians (97) - National Stadium, Searle L 1-4 (5th)
MD9: vs Turori (2) - National Stadium, TJUN-ia City W 2-1 (4th/4-3-2/15pts/+0GD/UWC Holders)
----------------------BOOT IT!----------------------
MD10: vs Pyazhnaya (181) - Beregozera Stadium, Szensky
MD11: @Ranoria (79) - Smith Field, Richardson
----------------------BOOT IT!----------------------
MD12: vs Hispinas (126) - Tiankong Stadium, Tiankong
MD13: vs Milchama (220) - Tiankong Stadium, Tiankong
----------------------BOOT IT!----------------------
MD14: @Sargossa (41) - Independienté, Goza
MD15: vs Sevendia (UR) - Beregozera Stadium, Szensky
----------------------BOOT IT!----------------------
MD16: @Raspojochje (336)
MD17: vs St Trinians (97) - National Stadium, TJUN-ia City
----------------------BOOT IT!----------------------
MD18: @Turori (2) - Cednia Beach Center, Cednia

[Torisakia]

We're back with Sports with Bort yet again. I know I threw the team out the window and under the bus last time, and no I'm not apologizing for it. This team just straight up sucks. Very few of these players have any skill whatsoever. Even I could beat them in a 1-on-1 match, and I haven't played any sort of sport since high school all those years ago. The coaching staff, bar for Andy Sanders, is abysmal. And as far as the team's execution, I'd be all for it. I'm done wasting my time watching and reporting a team as sorry as this. Doesn't mean I won't follow them in the future if they improve, just that for the time being I'm not going to seriously talk about them.

This leads me into my next point. We've got some exciting news! I was approached by GBN Torisakia a few weeks ago about a possible television opportunity. The executive producer told me that he envisioned a comedic sports talk show hosted by me along with my other constituents. We would take a humorous jab at sports topics, players, coaches, random things. Just a good ol' time. He said it would run an hour long three days a week on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday in the mornings, targeting the 9-5 crowd during their morning commute. I was initially going to turn down the offer since I'm not a big fan of corporate television. But then the producer offered me a company car, a six figure salary, and a year supply of magic beans. I couldn't turn down the offer, especially if magic beans were involved.

Since then I've been working closely with GBN Torisakia to get this program rolling. We haven't decided on a name for the show yet, but we have a few on the decision wheel. The first suggestion, and my personal favorite, is Big Bort & The Stevens Kids. Reminds me of those old Saturday morning cartoons from my childhood. However a few other names suggested were Sports With Bort Live and The Bort Stevens Show. It's likely we do a fan polling for the name, but honestly any of those would work fine for me. Those joining me regularly on the show would be my friend Boharry, Rick the Dick, Big Black Tony, and Stevie McBanana. We'd also have a guest on every so often, probably someone who is relevant to the topics of the show that day. If only this occurred about 10 years ago, then I could have had Murvin Alexander on it and the ratings would have shot through the roof. Damn you tax evasion laws!

I stress that this whole thing is still in the embryonic stages. It is set in stone that a show will be produced, but how and when is yet to be determined. We're still discussing whether this should be a round-table discussion like Hot Take on TSPN is, or if it should be a radio-like show similar to Jeff & Jeff At Dawn. Personally I would prefer the round-table discussion, that way if any of us disagree with one another we can flip the table and have an all-out brawl, which is a potential recurring gag we've been thinking about implementing. We even could incorporate some pro wrestling stuff into it, like breakaway chairs and stuff. Maybe even a little fake blood thrown in as well, but that might be too much for the TCC. It's been real fun thinking of the possibilities. We're hoping to get everything rolling within the next month or two in time for the start of the new TFL and TSL seasons.

Well that's it for today's edition of Sports with Bort. Join me next time when I have even more good news about my upcoming television program and all the things coming with it. I'm going to push harder than a fat lady giving birth to quintuplets to incorporate some pro wrestling fighting into the show for humor, along with the breakaway props. The more absurdity we can fit into the show, the better. A study shows that 95% of Torisakians love violence on television. Another study showed that 93.12% of statistics are made up on the spot. ANOTHER study also showed that an unknown percentage people will believe anything you tell them if it's in a quote next to a picture of a historical figure. The key to getting through life is using a combination of lies, manipulation, cheating, stealing, gaslighting, bullying, insulting, and flexing. The core components to the sigma grindset.

[Flavovespia]

The Jovannic 0 – 2 Flavovespia

PH: Hello and Welcome to Matchday 8 of WCQ89. It’s been all change for Flavovespia. After a poor start to the campaign, Marcus McCormick has been sacked by the FFA. As an interim measure, Nick Cole returns to the dugout as the manager of Flavovespia. Plenty of speculation around if that’s the right choice, and there’s plenty of speculation around the next permanent manager. Here again as a special guest to discuss this, a man who knows him well, it’s James King!

JK: Hello Patrick, it’s very good to be back here.

PH: Nick Cole is back in charge of Flavovespia, you of course played under him, what do you think of the appointment?

JK: I think in the circumstances, it’s the safe move to make. Of the managers I think could make the step up to manage Flavovespia, he’s the most available. I suspect the FFA are already scouting and researching potential options for after the qualifiers, this move is definitely done for stability purposes.

PH: You mentioned stability, in the past the FFA have appointed the assistant manager or a coach of the outgoing manager, any reason this didn’t occur this time?

JK: Well I know as much as you do, and anything I say is pure speculation. I wonder if it’s just a lack of confidence in any of the team McCormick brought in, maybe as well the FFA wanted a more experienced figure to turn the qualifiers around than risk a gamble on an unproven interim manager at the highest level.

PH: It’s back to basics looking at the lineup and formation, the right choice or not?

JK: To me it looks like a good baseline to try and get the team going again. Cole is a manager who values discipline and smart play, he won’t want risks or distractions, and there was a lot of that in the previous games. A result here will do wonders for confidence.

PH: Thank you James, kickoff is almost here, let’s head over to Great Jovannica Stadium and your commentary team.


Kickoff: We’re underway, several changes for Flavovespia, as Nick Cole returns to the dugout for a second stint as Flavovespia manager.

15 minutes: A tentative start from Flavovespia, but certainly not a worrying start. Plenty of possession for Flavovespia, but mostly in their own third and middle of the park. The Jovannic are going more direct, but the back 4 of Flavovespia are looking comfortable clearing attacks coming their way.

30 minutes: Both sides came close there. A good free-kick from The Jovannic required an equally good save from Aarif Muhammad. A few minutes later, Michael Cole got in down the left-flank. He angled a low cross in, but Steven Hall was just a little too slow to get a first time shot in.

Half Time: The Jovannic 0 – 0 Flavovespia. Not a huge amount of action in the final minutes of the first half, or the first half itself for that matter. A mixed performance so far from Flavovespia. In open play, it’s looking hard to break them down, a significant improvement on the last game. In attack, there’s been opportunities, but just not quite the final ball needed.

47 minutes: GOAL! Well it’s not a slow start to the second half! Down the line, Dance plays it through to club team-mate Steven Hall. Hall drives forward and squares it into the box. Coleman is in the right position and curls it into the near post.

59 minutes: GOAL! A second for Flavovespia now! Michael Cole drives through the middle, daring the defence to challenge him. It pulls the defence out of shape, Steven Hall cuts in from behind and scores a one on one. 0-2, and Flavovespia are looking good.

60 minutes: Those 2 goals have changed the game entirely. Now The Jovannic are right on the back foot, and need someone or something to get them back into this.

75 minutes: You can never say never, but Flavovespia are defending the lead well. The defenders are leaving no space in behind for The Jovannic forcing shots from far out that aren’t a threat yet. Flavovespia nearly got a 3rd on the counter, but Coleman just couldn’t get the ball from under his feet to shoot, after Cole’s great through ball.

90 minutes: The Jovannic have tested Aarif Muhammad a bit more, but he’s been up to the task. Flavovespia have let their foot off the pedal a little, but they’re still comfortably leading, as just injury time remains.

Full Time: The Jovannic 0 – 2 Flavovespia. Flavovespia end their winless streak, and Nick Cole starts his second stint with a win. A more composed and confident performance from Flavovespia, and that’ll do wonders for the team. The Jovannic gave it a good go, but were matched by Flavovespia across the park.


PH: So 3 points for Nick Cole, what are your thoughts on that James?

JK: I was impressed by what I saw out there. Flavovespia looked like they had a simple but solid gameplan, and went out and executed it. Away games in qualifiers are never easy to win, no matter the rank difference, so full credit to Cole and to the whole team for that.

PH: What were the key areas of improvement?

JK: It’s hard to pick one out, but I’d go with the defence. It really was largely error free, and that stifled The Jovannic. Aarif Muhammad also seemed much more confident now he’s back in the team.

PH: And finally, anything that could be improved?

JK: A tough question based on today’s performance, maybe just a slightly more clinical edge. Also don’t rely too much on high scoring chances, sometimes a long distance shot can be the way to do. However maybe that’s a tactical choice given the circumstances.

PH: Thank you James. Next up, Sajnur travel to Saints Park, to end the first half of qualifying. Until then, Goodbye!

Flavovespia 2 – 2 Sajnur

PH: Hello and Welcome to Matchday 9, and it’s nearly the halfway point of the qualifying campaign. Flavovespia rebounded with a win last time out in The Jovannic, marking the end of a streak of 4 games without a win. That result also marks the first win for Nick Cole, on his return to the national team as manager. Flavovespia have an unwanted record of having 0 points so far from their 3 home games, and today’s game will be seen as one they really need to end that streak. Before the game, I ask our commentary team, how do you think things look now?

AH: Well I was very pleased with what I saw in The Jovannic. Nick Cole has got the tactics right so far, and the team seems more coherent. I would stress we have only seen the one game so far, and there will be a lot of pressure to end the home losing streak here.

SH: I agree with that, there does seem to be a lot of new energy into the side, they feel more alive it seems now, the shakeup was needed. But of course, that lack of points at home is still an issue, and you sense the home atmosphere here reflects that as well.

PH: Thanks for that, we’re about to get underway, let’s headover to Saints Park.


Kickoff: We’re underway in Saints Park, Flavovespia of course in their yellow and black home it, Sajnur their purple and red kit. No changes from the win for Flavovespia against The Jovannic.

9 minutes: GOAL! Sajnur score on their first real attack. Jessica Siafak plays the ball into the path of Ella Ciuru. Ciuru loses her marker Wright, before shooting past Aarif Muhammad. Too much pace on the ball for the goalkeeper, and the lead goes to the visitors. Groans around the ground at that.

14 minutes: GOAL! Well Flavovespia didn’t take long to respond. Michael Cole’s diagonal ball finds Steven Hall on the edge of the box. One touch, and then he fires at goal from just inside the box. Pace and accuracy on the shot means Alek Khadur is beaten. 1-1 here.

15 minutes: Both sides laying down their early intentions. The equaliser was key for Flavovespia, it’s got the crowd off their backs and they can try and re-establish their game plan now. This could go either way still.

23 minutes: GOAL! And Flavovespia now take the lead. Steven Hall is the provider this time, his early cross is met by Michael Cole who comes in with a diving header. It beats Khadur as the ball floats up and down and into the net. The hosts take the lead, and smiles from Nick Cole in the dugout, as his son scores for Flavovespia for the first time with him as manager.

30 minutes: Flavovespia have done well to recover from the early setback, and are looking to try and establish firmer control of this game. A 3rd goal before half time could be very useful for that goal, and Nick Cole is certainly vocal about wanting that on the touchline.

Half Time: Flavovespia 2 – 1 Sajnur. A rare sight, Flavovespia leading at half time. They went for a 3rd, but Sajnur ended the first half better, with a good spell of possession. Nick Cole will be pleased with a lot of what he’s seen, but there’s still room for improvement.

57 minutes: GOAL! Sajnur make their good spell count. Ciuru gets a second, this time keeping Tony Gardner at bay, before shooting at goal. The attempted block by Neil Wright is missed, and Aarif Muhammad is unsighted and can’t react in time to keep it out.

60 minutes: Flavovespia haven’t let their head drops, but that second goal will be a disappointment to concede. Sajnur have looked strong, and are now buoyed by confidence by that effort. Nick Cole has seen enough at the back, and now Alexander May replaces Neil Wright.

66 minutes: PENALTY! Sajnur have a penalty, with Ciuru breaking clear through the middle. May puts in the challenge and thinks he got the ball, but the referee ruled differently. It goes to a video review, as May and Gardner look on in fury at the decision.

67 minutes: PENALTY RESCINDED! Well the decision has been overturned. May clearly did get a foot on the ball before Ciuru went down, and it was a good challenge. A few puzzled faces as to how the decision was given against Flavovespia in the first place.

75 minutes: After the penalty scare, Flavovespia looked more settled. The main issue has been almost all attacks coming down the right hand side. Ahmed hasn’t looked settled as a left midfielder, and will make may shortly for Jonathan Feld. Sajnur had a long range shot at goal by Siafik, but Aarif Muhammad saw it all the way.

90 minutes: A few tired legs out there, and a sloppiness has crept into the game. If someone’s going to score, it’s more likely to be Flavovespia. That said, Sajnur’s substitutes are looking a threat on the counter and Nick Cole seems aware of that issue. Flavovespia aren’t quite going for broke, despite the calls from the crowd.

Full Time: Flavovespia 2 – 2 Sajnur. Not a win unfortunately, but it is the end of the losing spell at home for Flavovespia. A point against Sajnur means the side have 4 since Nick Cole started. The corner has been turned, but the journey is still long for Flavovespia.


PH: It’s not a first home win for Flavovespia, but they avoid a loss. How do you see that result?

SH: I think the fundamentals of the way Flavovespia are now playing look good. There is a decent structure and understanding on the pitch. Maybe the answer really was along, just go back to old-school 4-4-2, have a backline who largely stay back, and a few good attacking options. Hopefully with the tougher fixtures looming, this side can push on.

AH: Yeah there’ll be disappointment for sure this wasn’t a win. A few players struggled, but Cole will make sure that is known and likely make personnel changes on the pitch if needed. I think the key though, with not the easiest stretch coming up in the near future, is to try and find wins, because there’s still possibly an underlying fragility and Cole’s one weakness is handling those situations.

PH: So at the halfway stage, Flavovespia lie 5th with 11 points. That’s 8 less than 1st and 2nd, where can Flavovespia realistically go from here?

AH: I think at a minimum, not going back from here will be key. If they reach 3rd from this position, that’d be good. So much though is going to be decided by the run where we face the current top 4 in 4 consecutive games.

SH: Agreed, you look at those 4 games, and I don’t think Flavovespia are at all likely to finish above any of those sides if they lose against them. However, in those 4 games, you start getting a win or two, or a purple patch, who knows? Let’s try to be optimistic.

PH: Thank you, a good final sentiment there. The first half of the qualifying campaign is over. Flavovespia will next host Kiltoch, staying in Saints Park. Then, it’s a trip to Jeruselm, the first of that 4 game run against the Top 4. Goodbye everyone, see you next time!

[Hispinas]

Turori 2–1 Hispinas
World Cup 89 Qualifying - Eels Park, Eelandii, Turori
HSP Scorers: Ozeano Amunategui (63')
HSP Lineup: Natalio Londono, Gurutze Aranaz, Casimiro Coro ▼ (▲ Marcos Rolan 56'), Chequil Puma ▼ (▲ Hibai Berriz 90 + 5'), Chara Grullon, Auza Vertiz, Trinidad Quevedo, Salomon Duran, Mira Makarova, Munio Sola ▼ (▲ Pancho Del Olmo 72'), Ozeano Amunategui

Hispinas 4–2 Pyazhnaya
World Cup 89 Qualifying - Estadio Nacional en el Castillo, Mandrid, Hispinas
HSP Scorers: Marcos Rolan (1'), Perlita Chapa (46'), Carmelita Grimaldo (83'), Carmelita Grimaldo (89')
HSP Lineup: Natalio Londono, Chicho Mondragon, Marcos Rolan, Chequil Puma, Latisha Gurule ▼ (▲ Fermin Maquibar 62'), Hibai Berriz, Tomasina Baltazar, Trinidad Quevedo ▼ (▲ Auza Vertiz 67'), Munio Sola, Perlita Chapa, Peppi Palmero ▼ (▲ Carmelita Grimaldo 78')

Hispinas Lineups, MD 10-11
vs RAN (Estadio Nacional en el Castillo in Mandrid) - [3-4-3]: Echevarietta; Mondragon - Coro - Puma; Grullon - Vertiz - Baltazar - Duran; Grimaldo - Amunategui - Sola
vs MIL (Estadio Nacional en el Castillo in Mandrid) - [4-3-3]: Ochoa de Olza; Aranaz - Rolan - Coro - Maquibar; Berriz; Vertiz - Quevedo; Chapa - Grimaldo - Palmero

ES | EN | EU | FIL

Hispinas' PREMIER sports magazine!

Hispinas target for respectability as qualification may be out of reach already
Local clubs to be busy during Transfer Window with moratorium lifted

MANDRID - As the Hispinas national football team host two consecutive World Cup qualifier matches to kick off the second half of their quest to make their first World Cup finals appearance, the Golden Sealions were able to close out the previous half on a winning note against Pyazhnaya. Despite this, the Rushmori nation currently lies sixth in Group 13 tables, nine points behind second-placed Turori, who unexpectedly lost their match against TJUN-ia.

Qualification possibly out of reach, squad targets at least 4th place

Having finished sixth in the previous qualifying campaign, Alfonzo Medrano's squad had a terrible start in their campaign this time around, only taking 1 point of a possible twelve, and were fortunate to beat a Sevendia side which runs an unusual '7' formation. They were able to salvage more points thanks to wins over Raspotochje and Pyazhnaya, which pushed them up the standings by the halfway point of the campaign. With two home matches against Ranoria and Milchama upcoming, it is imperative to show the fans what made the squad competitive in the past two regional tourneys.

Pundits say that the Copa Rushmori is Medrano's saving grace in Hispinas' mediocre performances internationally, but with the clubs opening themselves up in the international market, the federation has urged the football community to patiently wait for the seeds to bloom and put faith in the man in charge as they have put in place several initiatives to make Hispino football competitive with the onset of regional leagues and national youth tournaments that will give incentives to the winner by letting them participate in IFCF youth tournaments.

Hispino clubs to actively participate in the IFCF Transfer Window

The end of the 2205 season also marks the conclusion of a moratorium that does not allow clubs to purchase players from other nations' clubs, and limit the players of origin in their squad to a certain radius. Royal Mandrid won their first league title, but will have to contend with Elpidio Campoy, one of the standouts from the recently concluded league, to grumble about leaving the club for greener pastures. Campoy have put stellar performances in the league, mainly contributing to the club having only 8 goals conceded and scoring multiple clean sheets. However, he was snubbed out of a spot in Medrano's squad, and he has made his intentions known to leave the club during the IFCF Transfer Window in order for him to be noticed by the current national team manager.

The Mandrid club however, are also looking for reinforcements as aging may be a big factor next season, with several starting players losing their edge due to aging. FC Cebuenas are also looking to bolster their options by looking at the players in local clubs and international clubs alike. Atletikoa Haranurdina however, which has a policy of not signing any player that does not have any Basko heritage, and might look for players from Astograth and other nations with Basque heritage.

The FRHF has advised the league with a foreign player limit, with maximum three foreign players in the squad can only be signed by clubs for next season.

[Mytanija]

In football terms Jasno Odonelec had it made. He was 29 years of age, he’d won league titles and cups with Atletik Thessia, the club he had supported as a boy growing up in a Prahecqois banlieue. He had walked out at the Novi Atletskistadion with the captain’s armband and he was now the regular captain of his country too, pulling on the Mytanar hoops and leading the national team out for World Cup qualifiers, at the Copa Rushmori and the Cup of Harmony. He’d made over 100 appearances for his country, a landmark few players ever reached and he’d even played at the highest level you could for a club side, the IFCF Champions’ League. He’d had a stellar career by anybody’s standards, maybe not up there with the very best the multiverse had to offer, but for a Mytanar player of this generation it was up there with the best – a career perhaps only surpassed by the ethereal Jezdimir Ocokoljic, Jasno’s great friend.

He still had one thing that he really wanted to do, though. He’d taken part in a few World Cup qualifying cycles and never quite managed to get the team over the line and actually qualify to one. Mytanija seemed to have a good chance this time around, coming into the cycle as the group’s third seed and then proceeding to hold their own with the two above them: Poafmersia and Siovanija and Teusland. The Mytanars had beaten Poafmersia before succumbing to Siovanija and Teusland by the same 3-2 score line; both were results which gave the whole team plenty of confidence, even if one was slightly more positive than the other. They were showing that they could hold their own even against those they’d be head-to-head with throughout qualifying, in previous cycles most of Mytanija’s points seemed to come against the lower ranked sides (save for the odd upset against the Audioslavians). Here they were beating Poafmersia and coming ever so close to getting a result away from home in Teusland. The signs were promising, Jasno might get to captain his nation at a World Cup if they could only keep it up.

His 102nd appearance for the national team had threatened to be derailed by his commitments away from football. A few days prior a heavily rotated side struggled to a draw against lowly Yasquia, Jasno had been selected for the international break but had been given leave from the squad because his partner – the high-fashion model Mevlida Kusturica – was due to give birth at any moment. Lev Repin had told him to take as much time as he needed, some things were a lot bigger than football, after all. Jasno hoped he would be able to witness the birth of his first child and then join-up with the team. Their next match was against Hapilopper and it was being held at the Novi Atletskistadion, the home of Jasno’s club side Atletik Thessia. That made life a little easier, even if Mevlida was not overly pleased that his mind was focussed on other things given the magnitude of the situation. The two had come to expect it of one another at this point, they both led high-profile lives and they found a lot of peace in one another, even if so much of their time was spent hyper-focused on the next match or the next photo-shoot.

Jasno’s mind may have been more focused on Mevlida’s situation but the national team’s draw against Yasquia had complicated things a little. It effectively made the Hapilopper game a must-win fixture. Jasno was known for being highly empathetic. Growing up as the eldest child of an immigrant family made this a bit of a prerequisite, he had often dealt with issues facing his parents or siblings because he spoke the best Prahecqois, something most children don’t encounter in their first language, never mind a new one. His mind was a bit cluttered though, his empathy towards Mevlida was still there, but he didn’t know how many more opportunities he would get at qualifying for a World Cup. This Mytanar squad had plenty of experience, with many growing up together, but some would be fading away soon as they entered the twilight of their careers. He didn’t want the story to end on a sour note.

As match day grew closer and closer Jasno became more restless. Mevlida’s due date had officially been the day before the game, but his child appeared to be in no mood to get on their way and make it in time. The hours ticked on, onto the day of the game and Jasno thought that he would miss the match. He was torn, but he knew he had to stay with Mevlida, the lads would be able to play the game out. He was their captain, he had faith in their abilities. He wanted to be out there with them, but this was far more important. They sat in their Thessian apartment and waited, Mevlida smiled across at him.

“Thank you for being here.”

“Ah c’mon,” Jasno laughed. “You know I wouldn’t miss this.”

“Well, the way you’ve been pacing about I thought you’d be shooting off any time now.” Mevlida chuckled. The two sat, waiting, neither knowing how much of a whirlwind the next few hours would be.

***

Jasno looked around, the Hap players had been well organised ever since getting the equaliser, he wanted to find some space but it wasn’t easy against such a well-drilled unit. Jezdimir Ocokoljic – who else? – had put Mytanija ahead with an absolute rocket of a strike, but Toby Bryson had equalised. Pedja Kasun had tried to make himself big but clean sheets had been at a bit of a premium for Mytanija during this qualification campaign and they wouldn’t be keeping another at the Novi Atletskistadion. Jasno had got a heroes’ welcome, as had his cousin Patrik along with all the other current and former Atletik players: Bigger Mbala-Ekakia and Zlatan Andrijasevic; as well as Ocokoljic, Savicevic, Fejzuli and those on the bench. The Atletik connections were strong.

Where was the space? Jasno asked himself. Zlatan Andrijasevic was occupying Nathan Ellis, whilst Jezdimir was in front of Jerold Dickman. Jasno’s on-pitch relationship with Jezdimir Ocokoljic was near enough telepathic, the two knew exactly what the other would do and when they were going to do it. They had played so many times for Mytanija together, as well as for Atletik, that they had just developed this deep understanding of one another’s game. It made life easier. It meant that Jasno knew there would be space to run into behind Jerold Dickman in a few moments, when Jezdimir dropped deep to receive the ball. Jasno’s mind was made up, he knew exactly where he would be going.

Mojmir Anac – the veteran central defender – was out of this international break with a muscular injury, a sure-sign that his career was entering its latter stages. That meant that it was Bigger Mbala-Ekakia alongside Grigorij Savicevic and Dino Racic in Mytanija’s three-man defence. Some pundits liked this back three better than the one with Anac in it. Anac was more of an old-school defender; a centre-half who knew how to defend first and foremost. Mbala-Ekakia could do that side of the game and was also stupendously good in possession. He was proving it here, too, confidently stepping out of the defensive trio to bring the ball into midfield areas and providing the Hoops with another man when on the ball. He stepped over the halfway line and suddenly Jezdimir Ocokoljic was on the move, drawing Jerold Dickman out of Hapilopper’s hitherto disciplined defensive line. Odonelec waited a moment and then made his move, Mbala-Ekakia saw it and fired a ball through the lines. It was perfect, falling to Odonelec’s feet as he successfully beat the offside trap and he was near enough through on goal. He could almost see the whites of Billy Solomon’s eyes.

As he went to pull the trigger his mind raced over everything that had happened over the last day and—

THWACK!

His legs were taken from under him. Jerold Dickman had done brilliantly to get back, using his pace to get back level with Jasno, but he had then tripped him. The panic had stopped Dickman from tackling Jasno fairly. The referee ruled it was only a yellow card, pointing towards Nathan Ellis to suggest he might have been coming around to be the last man anyway. It was a penalty though and Jasno immediately picked himself up, picked up the ball and put it on the spot in preparation for the upcoming penalty kick. There were a few good penalty takers in the Mytanar team: Alen Hrdaljko and Jezdimir Ocokoljic; Tahir Fejzuli, Damien Gannot, Patrik Odonelec, even Grigorij Savicevic. But they all knew that it was the captain’s job and Jasno was a very confident penalty taker too.

Some might have quietly doubted whether Jasno was in the mindset to even play, never mind take an important penalty kick. They perhaps should have thought a little longer about who the player in question actually was. The referee blew his whistle and Jasno stepped up, blasting the ball to Solomon’s right and nearly ripping a hole in the net as a result. Jasno’s adoring Novi Atletskistadion crowd responded with a roar of approval, but whilst he raised a fist to acknowledge them he then ran towards the nearest television camera – closely followed by his team mates – and as he got nearer he mimicked rocking a baby, with Jezdimir Ocokoljic, Alen Hrdaljko and Grigorij Savicevic all joining in, large grins across their faces.

Jasno was a father, his son – Ilija Odonelec – had been safely delivered after a quick precipitous labour. Mevlida was fine, even if the midwife and nurses had been a little worried about the speed of the delivery and so was Ilija. Jasno had been there to see it all. As the hours had rolled onwards it was Mevlida who got restless (‘what are you doing here? Haven’t you got a match to win?!’); so after a quick nap and a taxi across the city Jasno found himself in his home stadium, rocking the baby to the cameras and celebrating both a new birth and a goal which turned the tide in Mytanija’s favour. It had been quite the day.

MYTANIJA SQUAD FOR MATCHES VERSUS HEBITAKA (A) & THE KYTLER PENINSULAE (H)
Goalkeepers: 1. Pedja Kasun (Ararat Severyan); 12. Semir Besak (Mipojoseon [QUE]); 24. Lazar Obradovic (Liria Prizren)
Defenders: 2. Damir Milcic (Anomalies [CMT]); 3. Grigorij Savicevic (AC Izotz Zubia [AUD]), 14. Bigger Mbala-Ekakia (Atletik Thessia), 5. Dino Racic (Libertas Bergheim [SVJ]); 6. Patrik Odonelec (CA Paulinthal [PAS]); 25. Ermin Urankar (Ararat Severyan); 15. Kamil Jernejec (Chromatik [CMT]), 4. Mojmir Anac (Olympic Thessia), 16. Josko Omerovic (Olympic Thessia); 13. Slobodan Vujovic (Royal Rumiatzi [ASG])
Midfielders: 7. Alen Hrdaljko (CA Paulinthal [PAS]), 8. Tahir Fejzuli (Mâ Âlâmëómë [FFD]); 10. Jasno Odonelec (Atletik Thessia); 29. Predrag Vukomanovic (Energija-Nuklearna); 30. Sefir Ajanovic (FK Arsika), 36. Vlado Arzhentinski (FK Arsika); 38. Omer Kuhar-Arh (Ararat Severyan)
Forwards: 9. Jezdimir Ocokoljic (Energija Chernovets [STL), 11. Damien Gannot (Sabrefell Athletic [NPH]); 21. Dejan Zgela (Damogran FC [SRS]), 34. Mijat Simic (Liria Prizren)

[Trolleborg]

Greetings, compatriots!
It’s TTV with a most recent news about Trolleborg national team. In the next two games, its opponents were teams from different ends of the tournament table, one tournament debutant and one clear favorite.

BAHIA ROJA – TROLLEBORG 0:1

Jacobo Casaus López usually uses a formation with four defenders, with two veterans and two talented youngsters, three experienced defensive midfielders in front of them, with only a running playmaker and two forwards in front, all youth and budding talents. Traditionally, Bahia Roja tries to bet on possession with making quick counterattacks when the opportunity arises. Morten Trogil opposed this with an revamped line of defense, giving preference to the younger and more maneuverable players, put in front of them reliable anchorman and sent all the other players to the attack.

I must say that our players, although they had a rest before the match, still looked heavier than due, and their pressure was weaker than usual, although it would seem that it was in such a game that it would have to be used especially thoroughly, trying to take the ball away from the opponent who bets on safe passing. and they themselves created not so many, scoring chances. Basically there was a game of ceaseless struggle across the entire width of the field, constantly and tirelessly, but, it should be noted, always within the limits of the rules. For the whole match, referee not using even a single yellow card, and maybe spectators see just a dozen and a half fouls.

The only goal, as it turned out, was scored by Troll, who taking possession of the ball near the penalty area and delivering a wonderful powerful shot to the near corner

TROLLEBORG – ETHANE 0:1

This match was considered by everyone as one of the key ones in our group in the entire first half of the tournament. And, unfortunately, our players were not up to expectations.

Ethane has the very experienced goalkeepers, the entire line over 30 years of age. In addition to them, every line of the team looked like a healthy mixture of experience and youth. Heavily defence-oriented team, and in good shape and in hot streak – but in general, the task to win in this duel did not seem impossible.

Unfortunately, our lads never found a way to the opponent's goal in this game, creating just two or three chances for the whole match, and even this achieved thanks to the individual efforts of individual players. Trolleborg team never showed this evening the game that we love so much, - but, as an excuse, we can say that in large part thanks to the players of the guests and not due to the some problems inside team. The footballers from Ethane themselves did not strive forward at all, and it seemed that the match would end, like the two previous encounters, with a goalless draw.

But the payback for the lack of activity came in the last minutes of the game. A quick dash down the flank, long pass to the center - and Scott Burgess in a high jump sends the ball so skillfully that
Kotsson even don’t jump, thought ball was flying wide of the goal.

0:1, and, alas, again there our team again don’t find enough strength for the assault.

Now our team is seven points behind Ethane and only six points ahead of seventh-placed Pratapgadh.
The situation could have been even less pleasant, but Murphtannia and Pratapgadh inflict some damage to Savigliane. But given that the our lads lost to both direct competitors on their own turf and had problems in matches with weaker opponents, the prospects are not particularly good.

The only thing that somehow hides a not-so-great picture is that failures also befell on many of the tournament favorites, like Darmen, Banija, Vilita, and strong teams that may well qualify for a ticket to the final: Abanhfleft, SRS, Sarzonia, HUElavia. But a good company in our bad position does not at all improve the situation itself.

[Vilita]

Tropicorp Rumored in Secretive Deep-Sea Abyss Project

Tropicorp was initially started as a quasi-governmental corporation created to conduct Research, Development and Production activities primarily on behalf of the Tropics of Vilita. Major corporations and media outlets are often mistrusted by the Vilitan public. Additionally, a desire to preserve and protect the 'natural beauty' of the Vilitan environment and health of the Vilitan population, particularly after the effects of the Radiation from the collapse of Sorthern Northland, forced many Vilitan production facilities to cease operations or search for a place to conduct their business on foreign soil.

Realizing that the departures of major corporations would not only have the potential to harm the Vilitan economy, but also leave the Tropics at a technological disadvantage should it have to start importing basic goods like paper and wood despite the plethora of trees in the Island Nation, the Vilitan government identified the opportunity to utilize a region of long-lost Vilitan lands in Central Atlantian Oceania to kick-start industrial activities that no longer seemed welcome on the Vilitan mainland.

In addition to simplicities like wood and rubber, however, Tropicorp's location away from the mainland Vilitan population would also allow it to conduct Research and Development activities on new and potentially dangerous technologies - allowing the engineer's and scientists within the organization to take more risks with more land and resources to utilize without the fear of protests by or danger to the general population.

During the early stages of its creation Tropicorp became a leading supplier of Wood to the Tropics of Vilita largely due to the clearing of lands required to form Tropicoast and other Research Communities. Tropicorp's first and perhaps well known development effort thus far has come in the world of high-performance racing Tyres and in particularly their high performance "Sifaka" racing tyre. Tropicorp Sports has also outfitted uniforms and equipment to sports teams across the multiverse and even had the honor of providing the Match Ball for multiple World Cup Finals.

Now Tropicorp is taking on one of its most largest research projects yet - so large in fact that it is expected to stand up an entirely new entity to oversee some of its new research. Following the Foxchester event, Tropicorp scientists, researchers and engineers moved quickly to understand the Various portals, how to interact and control them and how they could leverage and manipulate the portals with an end goal of seamless passage even for large vessels through a common port or free trade zone. The differences particularly between the Troportal and the CoCoportal were intriguing to scientists in particular as early attempts to have desert creaturs traverse the Troportal were unsuccessful yet the very same creatures would be no worse for the wear after passing through the CoCoPortal.

After major challenges were overcome in the Portal Project, the team that had been forward deployed to the Troportal began experimenting locally in the only other direction they had. Into the water. The first scientists ran the type of experiments you might expect. Water quality. Nutrients. Aquatic Life. The standards. However the vast Aye-Aye Abyss was bigger and deeper than any of the Tropicorp scientists had ever been granted direct access to before. Eventually they would construct a large platform on the edge of the Abyss, redirecting underwater volcanic activity to reinforce the structure and facet a small island to use as a survival post and launching point for even greater expeditions into the Abyss. The line of experiments the Scientists and Researchers were running now stretched all the way from the Abyss to the shore - but there is always something new to learn and always another experiment to be run.

Now, instead of being satisfy simply heading to the Tropipost on the edge of the Abyss, heading into the Abyss and returning quickly to the Tropipost, it appears that a major new effort may be taking shape for Scientists and Researchers to actually populate the great Aye-Aye Abyss as part of a new entity known colloquially as "Aquacorp". While very few details have been publicly released at this time, rumors from the region have suggested that high-pressure resistant laboratories have already been brought into the area with the expectation that they will be occupied long term and potentially forming not only an entire underwater laboratory deep in the abyss - but an underwater city. While there have as yet been no confirmed reports of Laser-eyed Sharks coming from the Abyss it seems it may now be only a matter of time until their are.

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