Independent Associations Championship 14 | Everything Thread

[Belnegau]

This the the RP Cutoff for Matchday 5!

As you await scores this time, we're back to the ars nova style with another important and well-known composer, Philippe de Vitry. Funnily enough, this arrangement of Tuba sacre fidei, the Trumpet of the Sacred Faith, contains no trumpets.

RP Prompt:
To commemorate the end of the group stage, Landgraf Hartwig has declared a feast in the great hall of Castle Ziegelstein, and has invited all teams. The feats and efforts of all, both those who will continue to play and those eliminated are to be celebrated there, and Lord Hartwig's cooks will do their best to equal the skill of the players of the advancing teams. Will your players attend the feast? If so are they interested to try some medieval fine dining, or are there perhaps recipes from home which they will want to share with their hosts?

Group A
Muralos 2–3 Berdeng Bundok
Magnecia 0–1 Abanhfleft
New Lusitania and the Algarves 4–4 HUElavia

Group A                          Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 HUElavia                         5   3  2  0   19   9 +10   11
2 Abanhfleft                       5   3  1  1    9   7  +2   10
3 New Lusitania and the Algarves   5   2  2  1    9   6  +3    8
4 Berdeng Bundok                   5   2  0  3    9  13  −4    6
5 Magnecia                         5   1  0  4    3  11  −8    3
6 Muralos                          5   0  3  2    8  11  −3    3

Group B
Annyeong Oppa 0–5 Eshialand
Omerica 5–3 Juvencus
United States of Great America 2–3 Poafmersia

Group B                          Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Omerica                          5   3  2  0   17  10  +7   11
2 Eshialand                        5   3  1  1   19  11  +8   10
3 United States of Great America   5   2  1  2   11  13  −2    7
4 Annyeong Oppa                    5   2  1  2    4   8  −4    7
5 Poafmersia                       5   2  0  3   10  12  −2    6
6 Juvencus                         5   0  1  4    7  14  −7    1

Group C
Sannyamathland 1–2 Montaña Verde
Cakranegara 0–2 Saterun
TJUN-ia 1–0 Sajnur

Group C                          Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 TJUN-ia                          5   5  0  0   20   1 +19   15
2 Sannyamathland                   5   3  0  2    9  10  −1    9
3 Montaña Verde                    5   2  2  1    5   7  −2    8
4 Saterun                          5   2  0  3    7  10  −3    6
5 Sajnur                           5   1  1  3    6  10  −4    4
6 Cakranegara                      5   0  1  4    1  10  −9    1

Group D
Kriegiersien 3–2 Kingdom of Atlania
Alumzahara 2–2 The 14 Stars
Squidroidia 1–0 Garbelia

Group D                          Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Kriegiersien                     5   4  0  1   11   7  +4   12
2 Alumzahara                       5   3  1  1   15   8  +7   10
3 The 14 Stars                     5   3  1  1    9   6  +3   10
4 Squidroidia                      5   2  1  2    3   3   0    7
5 Kingdom of Atlania               5   0  2  3    7  14  −7    2
6 Garbelia                         5   0  1  4    4  11  −7    1

Group E
Adab 5–1 Drawkland
Britonisea 2–0 Belnegau
Kohnhead 0–0 Space

Group E                          Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Adab                             5   4  0  1   19  10  +9   12
2 Drawkland                        5   2  2  1    5   7  −2    8
3 Britonisea                       5   2  1  2   10  11  −1    7
4 Belnegau                         5   2  1  2    4   5  −1    7
5 Space                            5   1  3  1    6   6   0    6
6 Kohnhead                         5   0  1  4    2   7  −5    1

Group F
New Zhengguo 3–2 United Adaikes
Indusse 3–1 Reçueçn
Trolleborg 1–0 Silver Beach

Group F                          Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Indusse                          5   5  0  0   18   5 +13   15
2 Trolleborg                       5   4  0  1    9   2  +7   12
3 Reçueçn                          5   3  0  2   13  15  −2    9
4 New Zhengguo                     5   2  0  3   10  15  −5    6
5 United Adaikes                   5   1  0  4    6  12  −6    3
6 Silver Beach                     5   0  0  5    4  11  −7    0

Ranking of 3rd Place Teams:

1 The 14 Stars                     5   3  1  1    9   6  +3   10
2 Reçueçn                          5   3  0  2   13  15  −2    9
3 New Lusitania and the Algarves   5   2  2  1    9   6  +3    8
4 Montaña Verde                    5   2  2  1    5   7  −2    8
5 Britonisea                       5   2  1  2   10  11  −1    7
6 United States of Great America   5   2  1  2   11  13  −2    7

OOC: Montaña Verde was incorrectly marked as eliminated in the Matchday 4 Results post. Apologies for the confusion caused.


Round of 16 Fixtures:
HUElavia v Eshialand @ Ostfeld
Kriegiersien v Reçueçn @ Ostfeld
Drawkland v Trolleborg @ Heidingen
TJUN-ia v New Lusitania and the Algarves @ Heidingen
Indusse v Montaña Verde @ Ziegelstein
Abanhfleft v Sannyamathland @ Ziegelstein
Adab v The 14 Stars @ Ziegelstein
Omerica v Almuzahara @ Ziegelstein

Ostfeld and Heidingen will host the two quarterfinals in the top half of the bracket. Ziegelstein will host both bottom-half quarterfinals, along all matches from the semifinals onward.

[Indusse]

IFA NEWS NETWORK
Taking over the Green Mountain

---

We all believed that Indusse could make up to the playoffs and that happened with a very cool record of winning every matches in the Groupstage. With the win over Reçueçn for a score of three against one, Indussean National Team has qualified to play in the Independent Association Championship 14 Round of Sixteen matches. Indusse would be facing Montaña Verde who qualified as the fourth best third placed team from Group C. Montana Verde played a total of five matches like the rest and won two, lost two and drawn one. They scored five goals in total whereas conceded seven. Indusse on the other hand, played five, won five, lost and drawn none. They scored eighteen goals and conceded five. With the Group Stage ending, Trolleborg and Reçueçn qualified from the Indussean Home Group.

The Round of Sixteen Schedule was drawn up with last edition's finalist's of HUElavia facing Eshialand in Ostfeld. Taking statistics and experience into consideration, HUElavia would advance to the quarterfinals. Kriegiersien would be facing Reçueçn in the second match at Ostfeld. Kriegiersien has a better chance to qualify due to the recent style of play and the way they've topped their group. The first match at Heidingen would be Drawkland versus Trolleborg. Taking Experience into consideration, Drawkland has a better chance to qualify but Trolleborg did well in the group stage and is also the defending champion of Cup of Harmony. With that, the match versus them gets to be a ambiguous one. The second match in Heidingen is between the best team of the group stage "TJUN-ia" and New Lusitania and Algarves. Reports say that TJUN-ia will keep up their page and style of play and would bring up a better win against their opponent.

There are four matches in the stadias of Ziegelstein, one being the match versus Indusse and Montaña Verde. The second match on the there said venue would be between Abanhfleft and Sannyamathland. Sannyamathland was the second place holder in the Group belonging to TJUN-ia, Abanhfleft was second in the group of HUElavia and was just a single point behind them. Here comes another ambiguous results where statistics prove that Abanhfleft has a better hand over Sannyamathland. The third match in Ziegelstein would be between Adab and The 14 Stars. The 14 Stars qualified as the best placed third place team in the tournament group stages. That would make you understand that Adab has a better chance to win against them since Adab topped their group with twelve points. The last match of the quarterfinals in Ziegelstein is between Omerica and Alumzahara. Again deemed to be a ambiguous result, Alumzahara with ten points is slightly behind Omerica with eleven points in consideration with statistics. May the best team win, and that would always happen in the end.

With the end of Group Stage, the tournament has completed a major milestone. Landgraf Hartwig of Belnegau invited all participating teams to a feast in the great hall of Castle Ziegelstein. Taking the venue of the quarterfinals is same as the feast location, Indussean team has accepted the offer. The team players are given the instruction to attend the feast but eat less. Fatty Players who can't move around is no use in the quarterfinals. Belnegau who have their own style of cuisine may or may not work for the Indussean Players. The Coach has instructed to give the cooks of Lord Hartwig recipes of creating Indussean Dishes. The Coach has also decided to share the recipe of the famous "Hartoda" to the Lord for hosting the feast. Hartoda is one of the most famous dishes in Indusse and is enough to fill the stomach of someone who eats like Zoey Gibbrani.

[HUElavia]

Yellow Fury!

HUElavia wins Group A in a thrilling draw with New Lusitania!

New Lusitania and the Algarves 4-4 HUElavia
(Ferradura 15', Silveira 39', Caldeirão 64', 82' | Nascimento 7', Yamane 26', 75', Coentrao 90+5')
(Ostfeld Fields, Ostfeld, Belnegau)

After a fairly lengthy Group Stage, Matchday 5 had arrived and the second serious test of Os Amarelos/Los Amarillos had arrived. Their next opponent was against New Lusitania and the Algarves, the winners of IAC 9, and a Lusophone rival in the multiverse. Up to now, HUElavia had been the team in form and on a high, while New Lusitania was struggling, including a loss to Abanhfleft and a draw with Muralos, which put them in 3rd Place coming into the game. Both teams were needing a win for separate reasons. HUElavia needed it to win Group A while New Lusitania needed it to guarantee the advance to the Knockouts. The A-Teams were playing for both teams, with Casillas in goal and Fonseca-Mantovani as Captain for HUElavia, while the team wore their Away Alternative Uniforms for the match.

The opening goal came in the 7th minute, when Fonseca-Mantovani was on the ball, running around looking for someone to pass to. She saw Sol open to her right, passed it over to him and he gave a curving cross into the box, where Nascimento towered over Grafanil to head the ball past Lopes into the goal to make it 1-0. Nascimento was mobbed by his teammates for the goal while the crowd applauded the spectacular header to open the scoring. In the 15th minute, New Lusitania won a corner, where Fernando crossed the ball into the box, where Ferradura was left unmarked and headed the ball past a diving Casillas into the goal, making it 1-1. Ferradura was patted by his teammates as they got the ball to run back to keep the game going since they needed the victory urgently, while the crowd applauded the goal with cheer. In the 26th minute, Nazario was on the ball, being covered by Cancela, when he passed it to Yamane, where she got the ball and gave a blistering, curving shot past the reach of Lopes into the top left corner of the goal, making it 2-1. Yamane was mobbed by her teammates once more as the crowd cheered the spectacular goal with HUElavia back in the lead. In the 39th minute, Fernando was on the ball when he saw Silveira getting past Pujals, where he gave a pass to the striker, and Silveira gave a one-time low shot that slid past the foot of Casillas and rolled into the right corner of the goal, making it 2-2. Silveira got the ball and ran back to center circle, getting pats along the way. Despite the goal, things held out and the game was tied at 2-2 at the half, with both teams wanting to go for the kill.

The second half had both team taking shots, wanting to get what could be a winning goal, but Lopes and Casillas would make saves left and right, looking to keep things square. In the 64th minute, Fernando was on the ball being covered by Coentrao, when he gave a pass to his right, which was received by Caldeirão, who moved to the left past Vogt, before giving a low, curving shot past the fingertips of Casillas to go into the goal, making it 3-2. Caldeirão was mobbed by his teammates as they felt this may be enough to get the win, while the crowd applauded and whistled in approval for the goal. HUElavia was not willing to lose another game and jeopardize their tournament, where they began to attack more and more. This paid off, as in the 75th minute, Sol was on the ball being covered by Vinagrete, where he decided to cross the ball in, which was chested down by Yamane, who then sent Cancela the wrong was in the ensuing control of the ball, and blasted the ball past a sprawling Lopes into the roof of the goal, tying it at 3-3. Yamane was mobbed by her teammates as they celebrated the tying goal and the crowd was cheering in approval for the entertaining match. New Lusitania did not want this match to go to waste and also gave their attacks as well. In the 82nd minute, Caldeirão was on the ball looking for someone to pass to, but all his options were being covered. He decided to take a curving shot that floated past the reach of Casillas and hit the crossbar to bounce into the goal, making it 4-3. Caldeirão was mobbed once again, this time with the bench joining in with his teammates, as the team seemed to secure their place in the Knockouts. HUElavia once again went on the attack, having New Lusitania pinned by their box as they took shot after shot wanting the tie. In the 90+5th minute, one last corner was won, where Font (in for Doisneau) took a cross into the box, which Coentrao won the ball over Grafanil and chested the ball down, to give a blistering shot at point-blank range to put it past Lopes into the goal, tying it at 4-4. The crowd got up to celebrate with cheers, whistles and applause while Coentrao was mobbed by her teammates and the bench for salvaging the game. Seconds after, the match ended, with both teams giving hugs and handshakes for the entertaining and competitive game.

At the end of the Group Stage, HUElavia wins Group A with 11 Points (3-2-0), followed by Abanhfleft with 10 Points (3-1-1), and New Lusitania and the Algarves with 8 Points (2-2-1), with all three advancing into the Round-of-16. Berdeng Bundok finished in 4th Place with 6 Points (2-0-3), Magnecia in 5th Place with 3 Points (1-0-4), and Muralos in 6th Place with 3 Points (0-3-2), with the latter three being eliminated. Some notable eliminations from the Group Stage included the No. 1 ranked team in the IAC, Poafmersia, IAC regulars Juvencus, No. 3 Squidroidia, Host Nation Belnegau, and No. 4 Kohnhead. Now, HUElavia has their third genuine task to face in the Round-of-16: Group B runners-up, Eshialand (32). These two teams meet for the first time in the IAC, but they had met last year in the Women's World Cup during the round-robin Group Stage. For the match, HUElavia will be wearing their Home Uniform, while Eshialand will wear their Third Uniform, in order to prevent any sort of clashes with the colors (given that both teams wear Yellow and Blue as their primary colors). The A-Team will play once more, with Casillas in goal and Fonseca-Mantovani as the Captain. During the off day, the team was invited to enjoy a feast at Landgraf Hartwig's Castle and they accepted the offer, taking the time to eat small portions in order to sample and take in the flavors of the various dishes offered. All in all, it was a pleasing experience and one that some players and staff took the time to bring papers and pencils or pens to write down the ingredients and instructions, with help of the Germanic speaking players and staff. The fans also continue to enjoy the stay in Ostfeld, paying frequent visits to the taverns and restaurants, as well as the local church to pay their respects. Either way, another Round-of-16 match is upon HUElavia once more, and this team is willing to take on anyone, no matter who it is.

FORCA HUELAVIA! VAMOS HUELAVIA! GO HUELAVIA!

[The 14 Stars]

The 14 Stars - AlumZahara a battle of titans

Our hotly anticipated game against Almuzahara was finally here, it had been an unknown team at first but now they were the biggest threat to the 14 Stars and their squad which hoped for a good game.
Because there was no telling how this game would go the team had been training very intensively for this match.
Almuzahara was totally analyzed and all their plays and combinations were understood by the Starsian squad so they could anticipate in this game that they had to win or atleast draw to advance to th round of 16.

Matchday

With the game nearing the start the players took a moment forming a circle as captain Valerian spoke to his team to motivate them and to give them that last bit of confidence that they needed for the match.
When the Starsian anthem was played all Starsian sang with it as they all knew it could be the end here, the captains came together and Almuzahara chose to have a specific side and the Starsian were granted kick-off, but kick off or not it was going to be a very tough match for them no matter what since they were not a very high ranked team either.

Flare kicked off giving the ball to Valerian as he quickly organized his team to take positions, firstly it was best to observe their opponents and to test them a bit before making any strategic moves in the game at all.
Almuzahara was a very talented team, they were very well trained and were looking to be equal in skill to the Starsians who seemed to also enjoy the match greatly after so many average opponents already.
But before they could enjoy themselves too much combinations between Elias and Ben Labrat resulted in a great chance for Ben Labrat but as he took the first shot there was a wonderful save by our goalie Tom Feeney who had been greatly in form lately.
It was directed to a corner, it was taken by Youssef Blanco who managed to get the ball to Amir Alami who headed it in out of reach for our goalie and put the Starsian at a disadvantage in the 34th minute of the match.

Flare kicked off again and the Starsian started a counter offensive, they used the Invincible Lance tactic they earlier used against Abahnfleft which works very well against other offensive opponents.
Basically 1 player is in the center with the ball and several players run before and beside him making it look like a lance from above while protecting the one in possesion all the time aswell making defending it really hard.
It legality was once doubted but the International rules stated that as long as a tactic was not hurting the opponent it was a fair game no matter how crazy of a tactic it was.
In this case it was executed by Flare, Blade, Redwood, Valerian, Diam and Ray with Maximillian being in the center of the attack as they entered the penalty area with their lance formation.
They broke up the formation and within a few seconds Flare took a shot at the goal and due to the quick change the goalie wasn't fast enough and the equalizer was scored on the name of Maximillian Flare in the 42th minute, not much later halftime was called.

Second Half

Beginning in the second half Almuzahara begins once again strong, it does not take long before they manage to get the ball forward and threaten the Starsian goal once more although multiple saves make it hard.
Our goalie has a busy day, one shot after the other is fired while the pressure is high, they really wanted to force a goal to win the match it seemed and it was no matter of if they would score but rather when they would score.
This happened in the 55th minute when a cross pass was intercepted by Al-Harrak who moved forward seeking Elias with a long pass who dribbled themselves through 3 players then giving an assist on Fernandez who scored in a 1 on 1 situation after a miscommunication in the defense between Olivia Salisbury and Nicolay Moon marking the start of a hard task.

After kick-off coach Landry signalled for them to use that other tactic, to execute it Maximillian Flare, Dylan Diam and Kira Blade each ran to the other sides of the field to stand in a triangular formation while the others held off the offense.
As they made the formation Maximillian initiated the tactic, one that is borderline illegal but once again since it does not hurt the opponent it is allowed to be used although its not a pretty move to use.

''This is it, Supertactics, Bermuda Wave!'' ''This tactic is based on a forcefield and several forms of hypnosis, it is impossible to counter this tactic for any newcomers like yourselves!''

As Bermuda Wave commenced the Almuzahara players lost their strenghtas they continued getting very tired and for some reason their vision wasn't correct aswell which gave the opponents an advantage as they could easily outplay their opponents and dribble to the goal with the ball even without encountering any defense because they were just too tired.
Morris Valerian had the honors to score, he simply made a shot from the edge of the box striking it precisely in the top corner equalizing the score as they stopped the tactic and the Almuzahara team regained their strenght again.
It was now the 85th minute and there was not much time left, the only thing they could do is end the match in a tie and see how the other match went to see if they were through or not.
After the match they knew they were through as the other scores flashed on the board in the stadium and the new fixtures.

''So it will be Adab, that means we will have a tough time especially considering they are one of the favourites to win this whole thing for what i've read so we better take precautions for that.
But lets first attend that feast, i think it would be a good chance to try some local cuisine huh''

At the feast

The teams one by one were announced into the hall as they arrived the Starsians meeting many foreigners and after a while all sat down since the Landgraf certainly had, like all rulers a small speech prepared.
Also for this occasion all the players were wearing some more formal clothes for the occasion, usually they wouldn't do that but for this time it seemed appropriate to do.
With formal we dont mean full suits but more like Armani style and ofcourse our female players took this opportunity to show off with the most beautiful clothing they had with them on this journey.
As Landgraf Hartwig held his speech they listened to what he had to say, he spoke about how well everyone had done so far and that the nation of Belnegau is proud on being their host and on the great preformances shown.
After the speech the feast started and the cuisine of Belnegau was shown, it was really impressive how they made it taste so natural and good with alot of meat themed dishes but also a few vegetarian ones though not alot.
One of the Starsian players Kira Blade was among a few other players that went to made a talk with the Landgraf, Kira was dressed in a beautiful dress and that suited her brown hair and green eyes, she made a small bow to the Landgraf.

''Landgraf Hartwig, its honor to meet you here, i've heard alot about you during our time in Belnegau!''

The Landgraf was a very friendly man, he had probably watched a few matches but the fact he knew her name shocked her.
''I see that is good, and you're Kira Blade from the Starsian side right? you look beautiful today young lady it is truly my pleasure having you and all others here at this celebration today''

Kira gave a smiling nod as a small blush appeared on her face at the compliment
''Thank you for the compliment!
I'm really enjoying my time here, its so diffrent from home yet it also shares some similarities as if we walk in our past.''

The Landgraf laughed at hearing that
''Its diffrent then the average modern nation huh, it might be not that advanced but its our home and we are greatly happy and thankful for it being that way for so long already.''

Kira understood that, they were happy with what they had.
''It is but in a good way, its a great experience for us here and its unique culture is also its strength''

Landgraf Hartwig smiled with the praise of his nation
''Certainly, we've had our fair struggles he then fades into telling an old war story but in the end things only made us more united''

Kira while not so interested in war and the likes did love to hear all his stories about the country and its culture but her friends wanted her to come and others also wanted a talk with the Landgraf so she had to go.

''It indeed does, we should meet again sometime Landgraf Hartwig'' While she walked back to her friends she slid a piece of paper into Landgraf Hartwig's pockets, on this piece of paper was the location written of park nearby Ziegelstein, without any text leaving it up to his imagination

[Almuzahara]

GROUP STAGE RESULTS
MD1: Kriegersien 2:1 Almuzahara (1:1 HT)
MD2: Kingdom of Atlantia 2:7 Almuzahara (0:3 HT)
MD3: Almuzahara 2:1 Squidroidia (1:0 HT)
MD4: Garbelia 1:3 Almuzahara (0:1 HT)
MD5: Almuzahara 2:2 The 14 Stars (1:1 HT)

SCORERS:
5: Araz Fernandez
2: Omar al-Hadda, Ahmed Fernandez, Amir Alami
1: Abdellah Elias, Tariq Ben Labrat, Youssef Blanco, Abbas Osman

---

There were two players set to go on trial: backup goalkeeper Said Abdulrahman, for his alleged assault on Komtur Dietrich von Marienwarder during the halftime break, and young left-back Omar al-Hadda, charged with disturbing the peace due to his prayer celebration at the end of the second half against the Kingdom of Atlantia. Because al-Hadda's charges had come after Abdulrahman's, and because he had already been named a starter for the Panthers' MD3, they had agreed with local authorities to try both players the night after MD3 in secular court.

To defend the two players, the Almuzaharan government had sent two individuals through interdimensional portal. The first was a young lawyer from the FA by the name of Akram Valderrama. While his clean-shaven face and energetic appearance led Abdulrahman to when he was going to graduate from law school, Akram was actually one of the FA's top lawyers for the job, with eight years of professional experience and a particular interest in medieval history. The second was an elderly cleric and government official by the name of Mohamed Ben Seddik. After the government had researched Belnegau's court system, they had decided to send Ben Seddik to force the players to be tried in Secular Court, owing to their hardline religious stance. It would be a party of five - Abdulrahman, al-Hadda, Valderrama, Ben Seddik, and Almuzaharan manager Yusuf Alaoui - to enter the court on behalf of Almuzahara.

Landgraf Hartwig opted to preside over the court himself. Abdulrahman's case was the first to be considered. Valderrama argued that Abdulrahman had
simply sought to understand Komtur Dietrich's viewpoint, and while they obviously disagreed, he did not have violent intentions. The backup goalkeeper affirmed that the ensuing fight with the local peasants had been out of self-defense and fear, and that he regretted that things had escalated so quickly. Alaoui spoke to Abdulrahman's character, noting that he was normally a calm, cerebral individual not prone to such violence. Abdulrahman then apologized to Komtur Dietrich directly, although he notably omitted the other fans that he had fought with.

Next was al-Hadda, who noted that he often celebrated with a prayer during domestic league matches in Almuzahara, and that he had not expected to provoke such a reaction (fortunately, while he had literally said he intended to provoke the fans at halftime, he had done so in a dialect of Arabic that he doubted anyone nearby understood). Alaoui had doubted whether Ben Seddik would try to escalate anything, but fortunately, the old man simply stated that al-Hadda had the right to practice his religion during the match, which Valderrama grounded in IAC regulations. Once done, the party of five, and many of the assembled witnesses and onlookers, turned to Hartwig, awaiting his decision.

[TJUN-ia]

By Peter Davis

Willkommen zurück in Belnegau and after conceding our first goal of the entire IAC14 in a 5-1 win over Montana Verde, the Jaguars of TJUN-ia were certainly a team in form in Belnegau. 4-0, +18GD and only 1 goal conceded, no one quite knew for sure how David Seems and Li Xiu Ying was managing this form - maybe the group is too easy, or TJUN-ia is that good despite the reinforcements - but obviously, no one is going to complain at that record. Everyone knew that these were good times and that they should be enjoyed, but our final group game at the Ziegelstein Castle Keep was expected to be the toughest of them all for historical reasons.

The bard at the Keep announced this final game as between "Die Jaguare und Das Rot und Lila" - The Jaguars and The Red and Purple, the name given to Sajnur due to the colour of their kits. We certainly have a bit of history with Sajnur over the years, across both the WCC and the IAC. so both sides kinda knew what to expect from the other at this point. Chloe Saukanen's side is known to be very attacking at times, loving to go a bit "Kugeln an die Wand" at times while also allowing a bit of time for defence when required - a dangerous combination in a game like this. This wasn't another goal-fest, but a bit of slog where both sides had clear chances (the best chances through Joe Green and Andre Naulo) but both Harold Gylfisson and Alek Khadur were holding firm in their resolve. This was looking more like Unentschieden territory and not Sieg, but Marshall Barry had other ideas and he was able to head home the winner from a David Johnson corner in the 87th minute. It was the closest we've come to struggle thus far - but we will still leave Ziegelstein with 15 points.

5 Siegen from 5, no Unentschieden and certainly no Niederlage (here's a quick German lesson - we want a Sieg, can tolerate a Unentschieden and will not want a Niederlage) - a perfect group stage, something I cannot remember if we have even done that before. Only Indusse, the defending IAC Champs, matched our 5-from-5 form and that is certainly saying something - as is our Round of 16 fixture in a field in the region of Heidingen against New Lusitania and the Algarves - a team we certainly have a history with, going back to our first IAC long ago. While they finished 3rd in their group, A Selecção is always a team we have trouble with and I think we haven't beaten them before in any context whatsoever. In order to reach the Quarters, we must take down a team we may have never beaten before - and that will require a class above the regality of this HRE state. GO JAGS! GEHEN SIE JAGS!

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SCHEDULE (Group C, all matches at Ziegelstein Castle Keep, Ziegelstein)
MD1: vs Saterun (60IAC) W/S 4-0 (1st)
MD2: vs Sannyamathland (12IAC) W/S 6-0 (1st)
MD3: vs Cakranegara (UR) W/S 4-0 (1st)
MD4: vs Montana Verde (25IAC) W/S 5-1 (1st/QUALIFIED)
MD5: vs Sajnur (31IAC) W/S 1-0 (1st/5-0-0/15pts)
--------------------------------------------------------------------
RO16: vs New Lusitania and the Algarves (06IAC) - Heidingen Field, Laemmertal, Heidingen

[Eshialand]

The Paradise Affairs
Part IX: One Deal Sealed
Prologue | Part I | Part II | Part III | Part IV | Part V | Part VI | Part VII | Part VIII
Annyeong Oppa 0-5 Eshialand

"Just sign here, King William, and we'll be done." Refilene said with a smile on his face.

There it was: the Lahaira Agreement. The document that set out the founding principles of the new Special Administrative Unit of Aleirave. Eshialand was one penstroke away from one of the most complicated political situations it had been in in a long time. Once he signed this document, the nation was agreeing to try to repair deep wounds that had festered for centuries. They would have to make up for all of the injustice, and try to make a better island for everyone.

The king paused to think for one last second about what would come next. How could this even be managed? What could possibly be done? How could Eshialand do this?

...how could he do this?

"Look, Will..." Refilene told him, "I think I know what you're thinking right now, and don't worry, you aren't alone. We have a lot to work through, sure, but it can be done, I know it can be done. You may not know everything about what we've been through, but that's why I'm here. I may not know how to solve all of our problems, but that's why you're here. This is going to have to be a team effort, but I know we can get through this if we work through it as a team. This isn't something that just goes away, but we can work on this, I know we can."

As Refilene finished his last sentence, the king signed the document, and it was done. The two nations were now one, and Eshialand had two nations' worth of problems to boot... but they also had two nations' worth of minds to help solve those problems. They could get through this with enough work, and that was work the king was willing to put in.

---

THE ESHIALAND CITY JOURNAL
SPORTS
JOINT LARGEST WIN IN HISTORY CARRIES OWLS TO PLAYOFFS; NOW FACE DEFENDING RUNNERS-UP HUELAVIA IN ROUND OF 16
by Alana Markai

That's right — Eshialand just won a match 5-0 in the Independent Associations Championship, the same tournament that they crashed out of with a 0-2-2 record just a year ago. Thanks to three goals from Alice Carroll — with one each added by Sarah Silver and Jake Harran — as well as Alexander Kolek's tenth clean sheet, the Owls matched the score last set against the Jovannic in their seventh match in the most recent World Cup Qualifying campaign. However, this particular match was more special for two reasons: I already mentioned the tournament, but the timing on this one was just impeccable. This was the Owls' final group stage match, and this win guaranteed Eshialand their spot in the final sixteen.

From here, they'll go on to play HUElavia, which is a nation which has faced Eshian sides in multiple tournaments before, but this is the first time their national teams have met. Eshialand's geezer team wiped HUElavia's in the most recent World Cup of Masters (another tournament which HUElavia entered as the defending runners-up) by scores of 2-1 and 4-2, while HUElavia's women's team beat Eshialand's by scores of 2-1 and 2-0 in the last Jenna Raven Cup (a tournament which 2% of the country still wants to see Elizabeth Michaels exiled from the country for nearly three months later). Again, however, this is the first time that the two national teams will meet, and everything here is on the line.

Alice Carroll told the Eshialand City Journal that, despite the disheartening results against Os Amarelos/Los Amarillos in the JRC, "this is the dawn of a new era for Eshian sports. They said last year that we were entering a dark age, and we certainly had that age, but I'm sure we're back now. These results — five goals against Juvencus and Annyeong Oppa, that win against Poafmersia, and a draw to Omerica — have shown us that our 'sophomore slump' is done. We're back and playing at 100 percent, ready as we'll ever be. There's only one question left, and that is, is HUElavia ready?'"

The winners of this match will go on to play either Reçueçn or Kriegiersien in the quarterfinals, and if the Owls survive both matches, there's no doubt that this team will be regarded as national heroes just as they were after the Baptism of Fire.

-AM

Annyeong Oppa - 0
Eshialand - 5 (Silver 12'; Carroll 25', 43', 82'; Harran 61')

[Belnegau]

Landgraf Hartwig von Belnegau, now closer to his 60th year than his 50th, was still a powerfully built man, and could still get the better of some half his age, despite the fact that there was more gray than brown in his close cropped hair these days. The carved wooden chair from which he presided over the court was large, heavily built of walnut, yet it still seemed somehow too small for him. He tapped steadily at the armrest with the fingers of one hand as the cases for and against the two Almuzaharans were made, but was other wise motionless. He waited, as Mohamed Ben Seddik's final sentence fell across the small hall. He waited through the quiet rustle of shifted clothing and shuffling boots, a single cough. Eventually silence fell.

"Thank you for your words Master Valderrama, Priest Ben Seddik," Hartwig pronounced the names slowly and carefully, gingerly like a man handling caltrops without gloves. "I will speak on the second matter first, that of Master al-Hadda. I do not believe it is for me to command the soul of any man, or to tell him how or when to pray. Christ tells us to pray in secret, not on street corners as did the Pharisees, but many say their prayers out in the sight of all, and they are not chastised. Have not I myself often given praise to God for victory on the battlefield? I see little difference here. There are some that say you followers of Mohammed are deceived by demons, but that is not mine to judge."

"This matter of quarrel and brawling is though." Hartwig turned his gaze to Abdulrahman. "It is well that you have expressed your remorse and apology to the Komtur, and my heart is not of stone, nor are my ears. I have heard the words of your Master Alaoui, and I believe he speaks earnestly. It remains though, that peace in the town of Ziegelstein has been upset, though the honorable Dietrich shall, I have no doubt, accept your contrition." Here Hartwig looked pointedly at the Teutonic Knight, who still looked at Abdulrahman as if he would like nothing better than to skewer the Almuzaharan. Hartwig held his gaze for a moment before continuing. "Yes, peace has been disturbed, and once disturbed peace cannot return until penance is made. The townsfolk and Komtur Dietrich would have that penance exacted upon your body by the lash, but I think this is hardly the proper treatment for a guest in our lands, should that guest indeed prove contrite after his misdeed." Hartwig stood.

"Therefore it is our judgement that you, Said Abdulrahman, shall process through the town of Ziegelstein going forth from the castle gate for one complete circuit of the town, crying loudly for all to hear of your crime, and your contrition. Knights of my household shall ensure that no hand is laid upon you, but until this penance is completed, you remain under our judgement."

[Adab]

Saturday, June 28, 2036 / 4 Jumada al-Awwal 1458
Adab 5-1 Drawkland
Adab scorers: Yargab (7’, 14’, 45’), Yissakar (58’), Akaptaha (79’)

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 45: Above All

“How long has it been?” he began. His voice was still characteristically his, even if the wear and tear that came with age was on display. Listening to him on television, there was a firmness to his voice that reached beyond the screen, but now it was more resonant than ever, even over the telephone line.

“It has been…” Saad rolled his eyes upwards, struggling to remember. “I would say it has been more than thirty years, sir, although the exact number of years I don’t remember. I was still playing at that time.”

“Aye,” the aged voice of Emperor Sarrukin II said, “and don’t feel like you have to act so formal with me, Saad. We know each other. Well, we used to, I guess. Maria was my niece, therefore you are my nephew and always will be. I have always considered you part of my family.”

That much was true; the prince, as he was known back then, was one of the members of the imperial house who warmly welcomed this commoner into their ranks when he married Maria Assurbanihabal. That marriage had divided the imperial family; it was no secret that there were some among them who felt that the imperial house was cheapening its image by allowing the princess to marry an undeserving “celebrity”. Yet it was a love match, and Prince Sarrukin recognized it as such. As the second-in-line to his grandfather’s throne, his opinion held great weight, and it was him who persuaded more than a few skeptical members of the family to support the marriage.

And even as match-fixing accusations swept over Adabian football and Saad found himself sent to prison, the prince remained one of his supporters, pointing at Saad’s impeccable personal reputation and the untenable “proof” of Saad’s involvement in the whole sordid affair. The prince and Saad did not have much of a personal relationship – they moved in different circles after all, and the prince was often busy with his official duties – but there was a lasting mutual respect.

“T-thank you, sir,” Saad stuttered out, finding himself at a loss of words and unable to come with a longer response to the Emperor’s assurance.

“I hear Aida moved back to Baghdad. Is that true?”

“Yes. She… her law firm needs her there, her clients are there so she moved back there.”

“Ah, I see. Poor thing, to lose her mother and now be subjected to all this ruckus,” the Emperor continued, his voice now growing softer, the first sign that the firmness in his voice was failing. “You and Aida should come over here sometime. I think I still have some of Maria’s things in her room.”

“I’m looking forward to it, sir,” Saad nodded slowly, flashes of old memories coming through in his voice. “Although… you can always invite Aida alone if I don’t have the time to go, sir. She doesn’t have that many mementos of her mother. She would absolutely love to have more.”

“I will. Oh, and uh… that Alulim boy, is he a good one?”

“He is,” Saad affirmed. “A good kid, great footballer- uh, and if it’s of any comfort to you, sir, he and Aida, well, things ended pretty amicably between them. I don’t hold any hard feelings for him. It’s just... I mean I wish it would have worked out, but I suppose you can’t choose who you love.”

“No, you can’t, which is why this whole thing is a tragedy.” Saad could hear the Emperor sigh over the line; to him it sounded as if the old man’s voice tinged with regret that this conversation was even taking place. In his heart, the manager felt he knew what the Emperor was going to talk about; it just felt inevitable. “This country, this country…”

“Why, sir? What is wrong with this country?”

“Well… you and I know the answer,” the Emperor answered. “I don’t like this, and I wish I could have done more with the power, whatever power I still have. I don’t like intervening in… private matters, and it is certainly legal under the law that we have now. But of course… many people don’t like the state of things as it exists now.”

It was not clearly spelt out, but Saad knew exactly what the Emperor meant by “state of things”.

“If only I still had the power… but then it would be dictatorial,” the Emperor continued. “Instead I have to follow the will and the dictates of my people. And don’t get me wrong, Saad, I don’t have any problems with that! The country is changing and it is much more democratic now. My reign is not like that of my grandfather where he could still do away with the Privy Council’s decisions as he pleased. The world is moving forward, and so is the government.

“It’s just that the dictates of the people- well, the Privy Council actually, change according to which party, which faction is in power right now. I cannot just veto their laws or prevent them from repealing laws even if I disagree with them. I mean I can, but the expectations have changed. If I actually do that they will come together and overthrow me.”

“Sir, you command the respect of the people. As long as you are on the throne we can get through all this.”

“That is what I fear the most, Saad, that we will not be able to get through this. Now, I’m not saying that two people can’t fall in love, but… the hand of history has a cruel way of going about things. The conservatives are holding them up as an example of immorality, of the destruction of the social contract that governs our life. The liberals are rallying around them and anointing them as their heroes. Everyone is at loggerheads with each other. I’ve tried… to find some middle ground amidst all this, but it’s hard. We’ve seen the demonstrations, the media circus. Friends, neighbors, and families are pitted against each other because of this matter. Everyone thinks some sort of Armageddon will happen to this country unless there is… a major change, whatever it is.”

“I know less about the state of this country than you, sir, but I think I can assure you that nothing will happen to this country. We all love our country, no matter our… political preferences.”

“And that is the problem. We all love our country, but the ways in which we love our country so often clash with each other. I fear for our country, Saad, more so because I am old and I don’t know how much time I have left and I feel I can’t do my part in stabilizing the situation. It’s… it’s so cruel, Saad, two people who just want to be in a relationship, and… it’s just a relationship, two people in love, and yet it’s polarizing our country. I know many people support them. I also know there are many who would want to see them chased out of the country.”

“Aye, sir. I’m trying my best to navigate this situation.”

“I know you are, Saad. I’ve always trusted you to do the right thing and I know you will do the right thing. It’s just that things are getting out of hand, spiraling… they have become heroes to many, symbols of… civil rights and all that. If this interreligious marriage law is overturned, if their right to marry is denied, I dread the chaos that comes next from both sides. Riots, violence, street fights. Our people want peace most of all, and I fear if all this happens it will drive them to vote for the conservatives and these religious fanatics who promise stability and all that.

“I’m calling you, Saad, because I know that I can rely on your help to address this matter, because you know them well. I want to see them happy, I really do, and above all I want the nation to be at peace.”

Adab lineup for Round of 16

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

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

[Montana Verde]

Montaña Verde – 1 (1)
Dolfo; Roberta, Arquímedes, Jairo (90+1’), Justin (54’); Ana-Ximena; Valentinha (31’) (45’ Emma ), Kristjana (80’ Sara Ariadna ); Primitivo; Verónica Ximena (3’) (64’ Naomí Berrocal (80’)), Osito

EJNU-ia – 5 (3)
Ulawaya (9’), Verde (14’), Podolov (25’), Archer (56’), Andrews (80’)

---

Tierra de Sannyamath – 1 (1)
Sandiev (8’)

Montaña Verde – 2 (1)
Dolfo; Zalladen, Arquímedes, Tafalla, Justin; Edgar (84’); Primitivo, Kristjana; Verónica Ximena (68’ Naomí Berrocal ), Osito (18’, 63’) (71’ Sara Ariadna ), Benji (34’) (57’ Julia Varela )

I had RPed Verónica Ximena as being suspended for the TJUN-ia game but they RPed her as goalscorer; therefore, I am going with her second yellow card being cancelled on appeal. Whether or not said appeal to the football authorities in Belnegau involved a trial by ordeal, I leave to the imagination.

On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me,
A shirt signed by Simeone di Bradini.

On the second day of Christmas, my true love gave to me,
Two Laborious Hawks,
And a shirt signed by Simeone di Bradini.

On the third day of Christmas, my true love gave to me,
Three (3 - 1 pens.),
Two Laborious Hawks,
And a shirt signed by Simeone di Bradini.

On the fourth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me,
Four Cormorants,
Three (3 - 1 pens.),
Two Laborious Hawks,
And a shirt signed by Simeone di Bradini.

On the fifth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me,
FIVE JAFFA CAKES!
Four Cormorants,
Three (3 - 1 pens.),
Two Laborious Hawks,
And a shirt signed by Simeone di Bradini.

On the sixth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me,
Six Rejis's a-kareling,
FIVE JAFFA CAKES!
Four Cormorants,
Three (3 - 1 pens.),
Two Laborious Hawks,
And a shirt signed by Simeone di Bradini.

On the seventh day of Christmas, my true love gave to me,
Seven Farves a-takiling,
Six Rejis's a-kareling,
FIVE JAFFA CAKES!
Four Cormorants,
Three (3 - 1 pens.),
Two Laborious Hawks,
And a shirt signed by Simeone di Bradini.

On the eighth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me,
Eight monks a-somehow fitting into every conceivable conversation that actually they've been around since World Cup 1,
Seven Farves a-takiling,
Six Rejis's a-kareling,
FIVE JAFFA CAKES!
Four Cormorants,
Three (3 - 1 pens.),
Two Laborious Hawks,
And a shirt signed by Simeone di Bradini.

On the ninth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me,
Nine Fillies winning,
Eight monks a-monking,
Seven Farves a-takiling,
Six Rejis's a-kareling,
FIVE JAFFA CAKES!
Four Cormorants,
Three (3 - 1 pens.),
Two Laborious Hawks,
And a shirt signed by Simeone di Bradini.

On the tenth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me,
Ten Dragonflies losing,
Nine Fillies winning,
Eight monks a-monking,
Seven Farves a-takiling,
Six Rejis's a-kareling,
FIVE JAFFA CAKES!
Four Cormorants,
Three (3 - 1 pens.),
Two Laborious Hawks,
And a shirt signed by Simeone di Bradini.

On the eleventh day of Christmas, my true love gave to me,
Eleven Aguazuleña dominating,
Ten Dragonflies losing,
Nine Fillies winning,
Eight monks a-monking,
Seven Farves a-takiling,
Six Rejis's a-kareling,
FIVE JAFFA CAKES!
Four Cormorants,
Three (3 - 1 pens.),
Two Laborious Hawks,
And a shirt signed by Simeone di Bradini.

On the twelfth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me,
Twelve CHs scorinating,
Eleven Aguazuleña dominating,
Ten Dragonflies losing,
Nine Fillies winning,
Eight monks a-monking,
Seven Farves a-takiling,
Six Rejis's a-kareling,
FIVE JAFFA CAKES!
Four Cormorants,
Three (3 - 1 pens.),
Two Laborious Hawks,
And a shirt signed by Simeone di Bradini.

[Trolleborg]

Greetings, compatriots!
It’s TTV from Belnegau, where after group stage teams were invited to the feast by the ruler of this country.

As you know, Trolleborg officials took this invitation very seriously. A very representative delegation was headed by the national leader Vladimir Finn and the CEO of the football federation Torben Mortensen, in addition to the team, coaches and four fan representatives. Everyone who went to the Belnegau court changed clothes for the traditional costumes which was worn in Trolleborg in the Middle Ages, allowing only one deviation from the rules: for good reason, taking into account the peculiarities of religious beliefs, they did not add the tails that are traditionally worn in addition to such costumes. The delegation headed to the capital in traditional carts, which, since the head of state himself was on the way, were accompanied by two mounted knights and two trumpeters, who signaled their arrival at the entrance to the castle, as it was customary in the past. In addition to carts in the cavalcade, there was also a wheeled stove, common things for the armies of medieval Trolleborg, and with its help, first the inhabitants of Heidingen and then the participants of the feast, was provided by food that was popular in those (now) distant times. In addition, ensemble of reenactors played musical instruments of the era and sang several songs about bravery and exploits of medieval Trolleborgian heroes. After that, to the delight of the audience, the knights, being most experienced reenactors of our country, imitated the noble duel according to the old rules, then a short film about the Middle Ages in Trolleborg was shown with the help of a 3D projector in the courtyard. After that magnificient firework was put for all the Belnegau citizens to see, and in the end multicolored lights stacked up to create image of mounted knight, looked like a magrave, who killed some beast (Trolleborgians found something suitable on the images related to the end of the world and Judgement Day in the abbey, because dragon was out of consideration due to being one of the Trolleborg symbols). Valuable gifts were given to the courtiers and entourage. The apotheosis of the visit of the delegation of our country was undoubtedly the gift to the ruler, delivered to the end of the feast. This was a five-meter statue of the margrave himself, who holds in one hand a sword stuck into the ground, raises a cross with the other hand, and rests his foot on the ball. The statue is intended to symbolize the military prowess of the ruler, his religious merits, commitment to peace and the spread of his religion, and the status of the patron of sports. Where to put it is left to the margrave himself to decide. Next daythe national leader of Trolleborg, Vladimir Finn, a well-known swordsman who performed even at the level of the Olympic Games, visited the local warriors, exchanged views with them (and also a few strikes in a test battle). He then did some sightseeing, went to the main cathedral of the Margrave, see it inside, attended a service, after which he made a generous monetary donation to the church, then give to the clerics icon with 3D effect, and this thing clearly aroused the admiration of local priests. After that Vladimir Finn headed back to Heidingen, where he intended to watch the match in the first round of the playoffs.

Altought he take most of the entourage and reenactors with him, some of the latter decide to stay for some days to see more of Belnegau and other local countries and experience what they have n offer first-hand. It was visible, that reenactor part of group, altough happy to perform things within their hobbies, have some issues with what they see and difficulties to adapt to the real medieval conditions. It was known, that it was planned to shot mini-series about Trolleborg team and fans in Belnegau, with a view to point on a problems of inter-influence of the different cultures and ways to put differencies aside.

[New Lusitania and the Algarves]

NEVER A DULL AFFAIR
New Lusitania 4-4 HUElavia // Knockout Round Preview

No one was ever going to miss it were they? One of the most anticipated fixtures of the entire group stage, the New Lusitanians finished the first phase against friends and rivals HUElavia. It’s never disappointed in their previous facings and it promised not to let down tonight. Ostfeld’s temporary wooden Colosseum on the field. It was IAC14, and whilst a few remnants of the IAC9 glory were still with the Selecção in Patríce, Fernando or Silveira for example, HUElavia’s team that time was long gone, but the fierce competitiveness had no doubt stayed, always up for this clash.

Both main sides had started on the pitch for this one… it had all the makings of a great game! After the usual proceedings in the form of the national anthems, the pennants and the toss, it all looked ready for the referee to give the starting whistle. The crimson outfit had another slow start, but one of the larger problems was on the fourth minute with an injury on the FLF’s side – Palhagueira had an unfortunate entry into Nazário. This prompted Grilo to make an early tactical change as well, bringing Grafanil into the fold and changing to a 4-3-3. Os Amarelos seemed indomitable at the start though and by seven minutes, Nascimento had sent the Selecção trailing behind, over Grafanil and past Lopes – an excellent header. The team didn’t lose hope and from a productive counter-attack of Caldeirão’s authorship, the team had won a corner. The team played it short and the ball found itself to an unmarked Ferradura – the centre-back would be the hero, he too, heading the ball past the keeper. Cancela was fooled by Nazário’s dribbling on the 26th minute of play, leading to a smart pass to Yamane to put the HUElavians back in front on 1-2 with a technically gifted curved shot. Silveira stepped up to equalise before half-time leaving the game open – 39 minutes on the clock, veteran captain Fernando carried the ball over to the forward who sneakily slid it under Casillas.

A true cat and mouse game, it was definitely a Selecção match against HUElavia – with no signs of stopping in the second forty-five. Young revelation Caldeirão would step up to take New Lusitania into the lead for the first time in the match, past the fingertips of Casillas. This was on 65 minutes of play and not ten minutes later “Los Amarillos” had made it all square once more. Both Vinagrete and Cancela being fooled naively and letting the ball find its way to Yamane again, which did not forgive and took the opportunity immediately. With 82 minutes on the timer, Caldeirão undid the mistake again with a great goal and definitely one of the paper’s images as with no one actually joining his run in support, he took the chance and shot the ball on its way, hitting the bar on its way in, the HUElavian keeper had no chance. The team celebrated strongly and even the bench joined in with an Assistant Coach and Grilo trying to keep cool – eight minutes plus stoppages is an eternity in football and in this case, it didn’t end soon enough. A controversial six minutes worth of stoppages were given. Almost as if this excellent match was a theatrical release, the final play of the game gave a final twist to the game. Substitute Font took a good corner that left Coentrão with all the work to do as he controlled it into the net. Grafanil had come on early, but this had been a bit of a disaster for him and Cancela with the four goals arguably, albeit maybe harshly, in part their contribution.

A few years ago, we were leaving the end of the Final with a similar result and determination – today we had more of the same showcasing the competitiveness of these two sides, who clearly have mutual respect going. “Definitely frustrating to lose a match like that in the final moments of the game but that’s football, we now know we’re through to the knockout rounds and that’s what we need to set our eyes on. …That being said, the boys played a great game of football – that can be said for either side, actually – we’ve tried to bring ourselves back into showing a fighting spirit, HUElavia continue to show why they’re a tough opponent and a contender – there are no easy games in the IAC nowadays” – was Grilo’s main comment on the match’s proceeding. Group A finishes with their final opponents on top with eleven points, Abanhfleft’s win leaving them only a point off in the end. New Lusitania may have finished third with eight points, salvaging their record into two wins and draws plus a singular defeat, they qualify as the third best third-placed side. Despite Berdeng Bundok’s defeat, it was slightly too late, leaving them with six points, Magnecia and Muralos with three, the latter being a bit of a surprise to some after strong showings in previous tournaments. They weren’t the only surprises though – Group B was always going to be a tough one, but Poafmersia finishing fifth was a certain shock with a team that almost always makes the final eight at least. Juvencus joined them with a singular point, though they’ll be back and running for the start of the World Cup 90 cycle almost certainly. Omerica and Eshialand would be the ones progressing, as would TJUN-ia, Sannyamathland and Montaña Verde in C. TJUN-ia had maintained a perfect report card so far, with twenty scored and one conceded, having the best attack and defence in the group stage and making themselves prime candidates for the trophy. Kriegiersien, Almuzahara and The 14 Stars qualify from Group D, meaning Squidroidia are too, knocked out. Adab and Drawkland progressed in Group E, hosts Belnegau being eliminated following their defeat to Britonisea (2-0), along with Space and Kohnhead. Group F’s results translated into the continuation of holders Indusse – the only other team with five wins – Trolleborg and Reçueçn, but a disappointing performance from Silver Beach, the only team which hadn’t managed a point, despite past moderate successes.
So, what did this wall of a paragraph mean for New Lusitania? Well, they’d play none other than TJUN-ia. Their previous encounters are a bit of a mixed bag, but it’s safe to say that their adversaries have been getting incrementally better cycle-by-cycle. The Selecção showed all of their core traits in the HUElavia, but it may not be enough against a team like the in-form Jaguars. Palhagueira has since been confirmed out for at least this match, but Grilo will likely either keep the 3-4-3 going with Azinheira, or, the 4-3-3 seen against the Amarelos but with Domingues instead of Grafanil, which is unlikely to start following his performance in Ostfeld. It also means a journey for the Equipa de Todos Nós, moving to Laemmartal-Heidingen.

Following this display of football though, which probably convinced Ostfeld more about the sport itself, the two teams saw themselves travelling together to the scenic Ziegelstein Castle, with a banquet in the honour of the forty-eight teams that made it to the tournament. It was definitely a unique experience for the players and team not just due to the setting but also the rare occasion of having everyone congregated in just one place. With immaculate hosting by the Great Hall and Lord Hartwig, it will definitely not be forgotten by anyone for a while, even with a behemoth of a match coming up…
FORÇA NOVA LUSITÂNIA – AUDÁCIA E CORAÇÃO, FORÇA A SELECÇÃO!

[Belnegau]

This is the RP Cutoff for the Round of Sixteen!

First, a bit of administrative business. Considering the positive responses in the discussion thread, I have decided to delay the Quarterfinals, Semifinals, Final, and 3PPO as outlined in this post. Therefore, the next RP cutoff window 11pm-12am On Monday December 27th/Tuesday December 28th, EST (4am-5am, Tuesday December 28th, UTC), approximately 71 hours from now.

As you await the results, please enjoy this 15th-century Christmas Carol, The Boar's Head. The origin of the practice of ceremonially serving a boar's head at a Christmas feast is uncertain, and possibly pre-Christian. The Boar's Head Carol is still sung at Christmas dinners at a number of educational institutions in the former British Empire. A Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to everyone!

RP Prompt:
Getting through the intense grind of an international tournament is always a challenge: a packed schedule of matches with little rest, and the added difficulty of adapting to a foreign culture during the team's stay, particularly here in Belnegau. How are your players holding up? Have they gotten up to any team activities on off days to relieve the tension?

Round of 16 Results:
HUElavia 0–3 Eshialand
Kriegiersien 4–2 Reçueçn
Drawkland 0–2 Trolleborg
TJUN-ia 2–2 New Lustiania and the Algarves (2–2 AET) (4–2 pen.)
Indusse 4–1 Montaña Verde
Abanhfleft 2–3 Sannyamathland
Adab 4–2 The 14 Stars
Omerica 1–2 Almuzahara

Quarterfinal Fixtures:
Eshialand v Kriegiersien
Trolleborg v TJUN-ia
Indusse v Sannyamathland
Adab v Almuzahara

[Indusse]

IFA NEWS NETWORK
Next, Surprise!

---

Indussean National Team brags their victory over Montaña Verde in the Round of Sixteen match of Independent Association Championship 14 for a score of four against one and successfully qualifies for the quarterfinals. The match which had a better chance to finish four against none due to the perfect play shown by the Indussean Players, ended up with a single compensation goal from Montaña Verde in the Eightieth minute. The first half of the game ended with a zero to zero, no goal draw and surprisingly five goals were born in the second half. In the sixtieth minute, Indussean Defender Aksinwala scored a header goal starting the team's goal hunt. Aksinwala was followed by Mersiás who scored a double in sixty seventh and seventieth minute respectively. The fourth goal for Indusse was born from a free kick just off the penalty area by Baskar Kumar in the seventy eighth minute of the game.

The Round of Sixteen matches of the tournament ended with surprises, the first match which was between the incumbent finalist HUElavia and the young gunners from Eshialand. Out of everyone's surprise, the HUElavian national team was crushed below the Eshialand foot for a score of three against nil. The second match was between Kriegiersien and Reçueçn, Kriegiersien bragged a not so close and not so far win for a score of four against two. Kriegiersien would be facing Eshialand in the quarterfinals. The third match was between Drawkland, who's known for presiding over the Independent Association and the Present Cup of Harmony winner, Trolleborg. Taking the recent wins into consideration, Trolleborg won against Drawkland for a score of two against none and being the only team to get a clean chit in the round of sixteen.

The fourth match of the day was between the season's best team TJUN-ia and the giant named team of New Lustiana and the Algarves. The game was the most interesting and entertaining in the day, which ended with a two against two draw in the alloted ninety minutes. The game was extended to extra time and still it ended with the same score of two against two as before. With the Extra time ending, the game moved to the entertaining and well dangerous penalty shootouts where TJUN-ia won the match with a score of four against two. TJUN-ia would be facing Trolleborg in the quarterfinals. The fifth match was between Indusse and Montaña Verde, as mentioned above which ended up with Indusse winning the match.

The fifth one on the list was between Abanhfleft and Sannyamathland. Another surprising result where Sannyamathland defeated Abanhfleft for a score of three over two and which ended up in a really close call. Sannyamathland would be facing Indusse in their quarterfinal fixture. The sixth and the first one of the last pair was the match between Adab and The 14 Stars, Adab won over the team from 14 stars for a score of four over two. The last one match was between Omerica and Alumzahara. Someone from Alumzahara tweeted about the dream of facing Adab and it ended up true with Alumzahara beating Omerica for a score of two against one and qualifying for the quarterfinals against Adab.

With the round of sixteen ending and the teams getting ready for the quarterfinals, the team players and staff were called up to attend a session with the board members and some psychiatrists. This is a normal time in the tournament where the board makes the players to talk with psychiatrists and tell them if they find some issue in being away from home in a totally different and far away place. It was noted that the players had no issues in being in Belnegau other than the facilitator issues that were raised earlier. They've been fit and happy throughout and did enjoy their time in Belnegau especially on the day of the great feast offered by the host. With the quarterfinals coming up and TJUN-ia playing so well, the players have brought up tension issues lately. The Psychiatrist has informed the staffs to engage the players in some fun, calm and safe excersise so they can relax and get rid of the growing tension.

[TJUN-ia]

By Peter Davis

Willkommen zurück in Belnegau and after a perfect group stage was capped with a tight 1-0 victory over Sajnur, The Jaguars of TJUN-ia left the Ziegelstein Castle Keep as the Campions of this joust, with only 1 goal conceded and no sign of either Unentschiede or Niederlage at all (here's a quick German lesson - we want a Sieg, can tolerate a Unentschiede and will not want a Niederlage). David Seems and Li Xiu Ying have somehow come to Belnegau and become "Fußballmeistern" in their group - but to become a true Fußballmeister, a "Soccer Champion", we must come through another joust, the knockout rounds, with our bones still intact and more Siegs on. We moved to a Field near Laemmertal in Heidingen to take on New Lusitania and the Algarves, a nation we certainly have a history with but have never beaten before in our history. Li had to beat Terre Septentrionale on pens in order to play them the first time around - oh how poignant that would become...

The bard announced this matchup as between "Die Jaguare und die „A“-Auswahl" - The Jaguars and The "A" Selection, in reference to NLA's famous nickname as A Selecção. This one would be a back-and-forth for the main plating time, with both sides managing to find the back of the net in both halves. Francisco Grilo's side was always going to be up for this one and they would find the lead through Gonçalo Paciente only for Joe Green to fight back in the 43rd. The second half was nothing different, with Paciente scoring in the 67th as NLA looked for a winner, only for substitute Archer Andrews to head home the equaliser off a Preston Chapman corner in the 88th to secure our first Unentschiede of the whole tournament and send the contest into what the locals call "die Verlängerung" - Extra Time. The extra half an hour both teams had saw cracking chances, but both Harold Gylfisson and Rui Patríce held firm no matter what and managed to cause the Unentschiede to be solidified and send shocking fact back home - for the first time since IAC9, 10 years ago, in fact, the Jaguars would be heading to penalties, or "Strafen" if you prefer.

Pens are always stressful no matter the circumstances, and the two coaches showed the differing emotions a shootout can show - LI, who was in charge on Seems' behalf for IAC9, was steely and concentrated while Seems himself was nervous as hell. The first 4 penalties would be completed (Prince Carter, Daniel Jota, David Johnson, João Palhagueira) and Vladimir Podolov made it 3-2 before Captain Gylfisson saved André Silveira's effort to put the pressure on our opponents for sure. Archer Andrews made his effort, just like 10 years ago, to make it 4-2 and now, it was Francisco Gama in the shoes of Sandie McCracken from long ago - looking to score past our new Captain to keep the tie alive. Gylfisson ended the Nordiques with a high save and he ended A Selecção with mind games, his quick movements confusing the veteran midfielder and forcing his shot over the bar and into Laemmertal itself. The Blue and Orange erupted after that. Just like 10 years ago, TJUN-ia had won an IAC Round of 16 match on penalties - and just like then, the hero was the "Bumblebee" in the sticks.

Another Sieg in the bag, by the barest of margins, and now comes a true test on the Field against Trolleborg. Yes, Trolleborg. We debuted at the same Baptism of Fire as the Trolls and while we made the knockouts, the Trolls won it all and have been constantly ahead of us ever since. Ever since TJUN-ian Sport began, we have been playing catchup with Trolleborg in football and no matter what success we find, the Trolls find a way to go one better in every way possible. They've won the Cup of Harmony, they've reached the WC itself while we...have not done much compared to them. Now, we must meet in Laemmertal for the first time in a long time as we look to overhaul them for the very first time and go deeper in the IAC than ever before. The last time we won on pens, NLA won 2-1 in the Quarters. Many will be hoping the Trolls don't repeat history in Belnegau in due course. GO JAGS!

---

SCHEDULE (Group C, all matches at Ziegelstein Castle Keep, Ziegelstein)
MD1: vs Saterun (60IAC) W/S 4-0 (1st)
MD2: vs Sannyamathland (12IAC) W/S 6-0 (1st)
MD3: vs Cakranegara (UR) W/S 4-0 (1st)
MD4: vs Montana Verde (25IAC) W/S 5-1 (1st/QUALIFIED)
MD5: vs Sajnur (31IAC) W/S 1-0 (1st/5-0-0/15pts)
--------------------------------------------------------------------
RO16: vs New Lusitania and the Algarves (06IAC) - Heidingen Field, Laemmertal, Heidingen W/S 2-2 AET (4-2 Pens)
QF: vs Trolleborg (10IAC) - Heidingen Field, Laemmertal, Heidingen

[Trolleborg]

Greetings, compatriots!
It’s TTV from Belnegau, where our national football team playing games of Independent Associations Cup. We all, of course, remember that in five tournaments in which we participated before our players only twice were able to overcome the barrier of the group stage, and even then both times dropped out of the run in the first game. This is the third time that the Trolleborg team succeed to overcome the group stage, and Drawkland was their opponent. This is the third meeting between teams in history, and all three took place within the framework of the IAC – it was in our first playoff match that Drawkland was rivals and celebrated the victory, then there was another draw in the group stage and now the third match. Fortunately, our lads won this game against strong opponent, on whom the experts were betting, and the favorite to win the whole tournament. Our fans were so happy that later it was needed to fix the temporary stands. Vladimir Finn personally attended the match and said that he liked the relaxed atmosphere of the tournament, and added the very conditions of the game made him remember the times when football in Trolleborg was just beginning. According to him, everything was about the same on the day of the first cup final in our country. It is not yet clear if we will be able to show the match in 3D, but while this issue is being clarified, we will show the last two matches of the group stage.

In them, our lads certainly only needed a victory, and, fortunately for the entire large army of fans, they achieved it - although, it should be noted, not without difficulty.

The first opponent was the United Adaikes team, which was making its first steps in world football. Our AI responsible for 3D never learned how to convey the strange design of the UA uniforms adequately, but, as we believe, the ability to watch the match in the proper format is more than outweighs this kind of inconvenience. The team of opponents is somewhat reminiscent of our own six years ago – first, their youth team entered the fight, then the national team. But they were not very lucky, and therefore they urgently needed points. Any result, except for a victory, almost certainly left Adaikeans out of the playoffs. The teams were not inferior to each others in dedication and readiness to tackle, the fight from the first minutes started all over the field and was interrupted only when the ball flew over the boundary line limiting the pasture used for the football field to the neighboring fields. Fortunately, our lads turned out to be a little luckier. Morten Troll, who had to do more work in defense in the first half, until Wittingem came out to help him in the second half, got the opportunity to show his class only once, cleverly shot from the free kick and the ball somehow, as if by magic, or if someone invisible corrected it, flew into the net.

Fortunately, this was enough to win, although a couple of times it seemed that the fate of the match was in the balance and situation remain fragile up to the final whistle.

In the last match of the group stage, our team have as opponents Silver Beach team, which had lost all the previous games, and Recuecn came on the heels of the Trolleborgians. If our lads suffer defeat, and if Recuecn won duel with Indusse, the fate of the ticket to the playoff will depend on additional conditions, and the fate usually it not play for us in such cases. But, fortunately, our team coped with the task, with a modest score of 1-0. The only one – as it turned out – was scored in the 7th minute by Kranforde, who succeed to shot ball when he is bounced to him after our midfielders clashed with Silver Beach defenders in the penalty area.

Congratulations to our team on victories, but we also remember that the next opponent is extremely dangerous. TJUN-ia are our companions in so-called Class’71, since they made their debut in the same BoF-71 as we, and the leadership of their FA has repeatedly expressed their regret that the team has so far no luck in international tournaments. Now it looks like their chance for serious success: having won five consecutive victories in the group stage and delivering an average of four goals per game to the net of the rivals, and already having dealt with the strong New Lusitania and Algarves team in the playoffs, TJUN-ia is undoubtedly preparing for victory in the quarterfinals. It will be seen, are our team up to the big tasks.

[Adab]

Tuesday, July 1, 2036 / 7 Jumada al-Awwal 1458
Adab 4-2 The 14 Stars
Adab scorers: Yargab (43’), Yissakar (56’, 80’), Akaptaha (67’)

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 46: Reckoning

May 2036
Adab City

“Emms, honey, you know I’m here for you, right?” Rebekah Yissakar lay sprawled on her bed, arm under her head, bringing her fingers to her mouth as she smoked an invisible cigarette. “I know it’s been hard on you, babe, but you always have a shoulder to turn to. Or whatever the saying is.”

“Yeah,” Emma Arthur weakly agreed over the phone, slumped on her chair in her house. “It’s just that… I don’t know, Bek, I just feel so… detached. Alu was brooding about his family all day long and… to be honest, I’m pretty much the same. I just… I don’t know. I don’t know what to say, really.”

“You still feel guilty,” Rebekah replied simply, putting one hand over her forehead and pushing strands of hair back over the top of her head, the lights hanging above her bathing the room and her body in a sepia tone.

“Yeah. I mean, I thought I was finally gonna be happy, you know, Bek. And then…” Emma struggled with her words, shaking her head on the headrest and sighing. “…ah, come on, Bek, I just want to be happy. And now I’m being judged by the whole country.”

“Well I’m not judging you, if that brings you some comfort. And there are many people out there who support you.”

“And many others who don’t. God, why can’t I just love someone and play football in peace?”

“Do you really moan and whine like this all night long?”

“What?” Emma’s voice perked up as she raised her head off the headrest, taking a little offence though she did not say it. “Well, of course not. I just want to have someone to talk to, you know. God, I hate so many things in my life right now. I’m supposed to go out there and, you know, do this representing the whole country thing on the field, but this country is never gonna do that for me.”

Rebekah nodded quietly. “You know, Emms, if you think you hate this life… well I hate it even more.”

“Oh great, now we’re comparing, huh? Which one of us hates people the most?”

“I’m not saying we should- look, it’s not about comparing, okay?” Rebekah raised herself off her bed, sauntering over to the nearby mirror to tidy her hair. “I know how you’re feeling, Emms. I hate this life, too. I never really had a family, my parents were drug addicts who loved drugs more than they loved me, and all that. I’ve never really had anyone to turn to. You know what, Emms, I think you’re the person that I’ve talked about the most about my… private life. I’m just saying – look, I know I’ve said this, but still – if you ever need someone then I’m here. And, well, there’s Alu. He loves you, you know.”

“Yeah, he’s nice,” Emma dryly noted, prompting chuckles from both of them. “I don’t know what he’s talking about sometimes – some history stuff and all that – and he couldn’t care less about modeling and Audrey Hepburn, but, eh, I’ll take it. He’s cute. And I can talk with him sometimes.”

“I wish I had someone to talk to.”

“Well I’m here.”

“I mean besides you.”

---

June 23, 2036 (Adab Time)
Heidingen, Belnegau
Independent Associations Championship 14

“You’ve got to be kidding me,” Inimabakesh Thulus quickly darted his eyes left and right under the red-orange sky and the sinking sun, turning his head back at the village walls to make sure there was no one else listening. He grabbed Taymour Frangieh by the shoulder, urging him forward and leaning to him in a half-whispering tone. “Does anyone else know about this?”

“I’ve talked to Eni. Don’t worry about him, if he supports us he will support us. If he doesn’t, then fuck him. But I trust his conscience,” Taymour said, both of them dashing forward across the medieval grassland, keeping off the dirt road. “Look, Mr. Thulus, I know you. We’ve known each other for years. You’re not the kind of guy to retire and just sit around doing nothing.”

“I don’t know, Taymour,” Inimabakesh shook his head, eyes on the terrain ahead, hand still on Taymour’s shoulder, the two of them moving forward in a somewhat frantic pace as the last rays of the sun began to slip away from his white hair. “I hate that fossil just as much as you and everyone else, but I don’t know if I’m the right person to do this.”

“You are the right person,” Taymour insisted. “Why? Because one, you have a moral compass; two, you aren’t a lackey of the Imperial Palace; and three, you have great passion for football. Our league has stagnated under the old donkey. We’ve literally only started sending our clubs to international competitions! Most of my generation will never get to play international club football even though we could have started earlier.”

“And how do you think are we going to force the board to fire Araqasdah?”

“We’ll force their hands. The Emma and Alu affair, this. Is. Our. Opportunity,” Taymour declared, his emphasis increasing with every passing word. “Araqasdah is old and out-of-touch. You’re old, but you’re not out-of-touch. You’ve been Mr. Kaykali’s assistant manager for years. You know the ins and outs of this game! I can’t believe I’m saying this, but this is the time for you to retire, Mr. Thulus, because we’re about to kick you upwards. Upstairs! Well, actually, you’re not retiring at all. You’re getting an upgrade!”

“And what do Emma and Alu have to do with this whole thing?”

“We will make the AFA know that there are people out there who support them, who want us to look forward to the future, to protect justice and equality in football, who want Araqasdah out!” explained Taymour, looking momentarily to his right to see no one on the road. “All the news folks may have been focusing on the demonstrations, the ruckus by the right-wing guys, but they’re ignoring the… non-right people taking to the streets. We have supporters too, you know. Not necessarily leftists, I would say many are moderates, but they support Emma and Alu. And they want Araqasdah out. And I’m sure even the conservatives can get behind that.”

“So you’re saying we should mobilize them?”

“Exactly!” Taymour threw his hands up, turning towards the senior assistant manager to grab him by the shoulder and pull him to his own body in excitement. “We must spread the word on social media or whatever once we get our phones back in the modern world. It will happen, Mr. Thulus, and if it doesn’t we’ll spin the situation whatever happens. Our clubs flunk out of the IFCF? We’ll blame it on Araqasdah. We lose in the IAC? We’ll blame it on Araqasdah. We win everything? Well that still doesn’t distract from the fact that Araqasdah is a fossil who doesn’t know a thing about modern football and is trying to intervene in Emma and Alu’s private lives. There will be demonstrations. Street demonstrations. Big street demonstrations. They’ll even besiege the AFA headquarters until Araqasdah resigns or gets fired. Once Araqasdah is out, you get to be the AFA President, the AFA actually gets a good and competent president, Rashid gets to be the sole assistant manager, Mr. Kaykali won’t be fired, we’ll have made a stance against injustice and inequality, Emma and Alu get to live the lives that they deserve, the fans are happy, the right-wingers lose, everyone wins!”

“You think I’m the right guy for this?”

“You are the right person for this, Mr. Thulus, and I am not the only one who thinks that way.”

“And what if we don’t succeed?”

“We will quit the team. Go down to the streets. Agitate. This is the time for reckoning. I know I will.”

Adab lineup for Quarterfinals

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

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

[Eshialand]

Set in Stone
HUElavia 0-3 Eshialand

"Eugh, I'm just happy that Aleirave thing is sorted for now..."
"William..." Michael told the king, "you know there's still much work to be done, right? You have to set up administrative systems, handle the integration of the island into the country--"
"I get that Michael, thanks... I just need a break from all of this..."

Much of the plane ride was left in an awkward silence after this, with the king and Michael both worried about what could come of the annexation and what would have to be done in the coming weeks. The only things making the difference between sitting in that plane and sitting in a sensory-deprivation chamber were the musty smell of seats that didn't look like they were changed in two decades and the stale peanuts served up by the grouchy flight attendant who would rather have anyone to serve but the king.

As the plane flew into Eshian airspace, the king realized what was going to happen that night, and asked his assistant about it. "Michael?"
"Yes William?"
"Isn't the Eshialand-HUElavia game tonight? That'd help take my mind off of things..."
"You are the master of bringing up seemingly random topics for no particular reason, aren't you... yes, it is tonight though..."
"What channel is it coming on?"
"Well, uh..."
"Michael?"

Mr. Wylen was completely stumped as to how to respond. He knew something that it seemed the king didn't, and he knew what had happened in the past when he broke news to the king... either he wouldn't believe it or he'd lash out at the fact he wasn't told about it. Neither option seemed particularly amusing for him, but then again, the king was his boss... he had to tell the truth, right?

"Okay... remember how the IAC's being held in that 14^th century duchy I was telling you about?"
"Yes?"
"...how do you think it's going to be on TV if there are no cameras or satellites?"

The king paused for a moment, realizing his own stupidity. How could he forget that this tournament was being held in a land separated by such distance in space and time? How could he forget that this was a land where live TV broadcasting was the better part of a millennium away, and where a tournament still usually referred to the joust? However, there were still a few questions he had.

"So how have we even been able to know about the results? How have we been able to know about the games on the day they were played?

"Well, that's a whole nother story... you see... we don't know about the games on the day they were played."
"Huh?"
"The reporters have been lying the whole time. It takes two full days for there to be any way to get results back home, so if the match is being played on the 12^th, they'll say it was the 14^th..."
"Wait... what?"
"All of the results and reports we've been getting have been brought home by these so-called 'heralds', reporters who work for the Eshialand City Journal, who post match results to this online forum thread and send other news to the Journal and ENN... Will, the HUElavia match happened two days ago, we're just waiting to see the results. If you'd like, we can wait for the results together, but we can't actually watch it happen."

The king had to think about what he was hearing. The reporters were lying to the entire country, himself included? Everything that was known about these matches came from hearsay knowledge from 'heralds' and an online forum thread? What kind of tournament was this?

After about fifteen seconds, the pilot announced that the passengers on this flight had to buckle their seatbelts, breaking the king's concentration... but he knew his response anyway.

"Get the popcorn, we have a page to refresh!"

---

"Anything?"
"Nope..." Michael said, pressing Control and R on the keyboard one more time.
"When do the heralds normally post?" the king asked.
"Around this time, I promise you!" Michael refreshed again, this time with F5 to mix things up.
"Well, I guess I'll use the washroom if we have time..."
"William! The results are out!!"
"They are? Ooh, show me! Wait, don't, I'm scared..."

Michael scanned the page to look at the results. "Okay, since our result is right at the top, I'll look from the bottom up. First, Almuzahara eliminated Omerica 2-1..."
"So it isn't coming OME?"

"I'm afraid not... Adab beat The 14 Stars 4-2..."
"Fork Landry and fork the Falls!!" he shouted, referring to the Starsian coach and the team he coached in the Eshialand Soccer League.
"Was that necessary?"
"No, but it felt good. Who's next?"

"Sannyamathland eliminated Abanhfleft 3-2..."
"Can't wait to hear Markovsky's reaction to that one... and next?"

"Montaña Verde lost to the defending champions... 4-1, ouch..."
"Well, they only came to the sporting world around the same time as us, that was sadly to be expected..."

"TJUN-ia won a 2-2 match 4-2 in pens against NLA..."
"Allowing more goals in one game than they did in the entire group stage? Well, that shouldn't matter much, they'll make the finals at any rate..."

"Trolleborg beat Drawkland 2-0..."
"That sounds like it was a fun one... what about... what, it's just Kriegiersien-Reçueçn and our match, right?"

"Yup, and Kriegiersien won by 4-2, which just leaves..."
"...us. Well, this is it, it's been fun to see the results, to go from not winning a single game to making it to the round of 16, but against the second-ranked team, no way José..."

"And... the score was 3-0."
"Well, Michael, it was fun, but I have work to do now..."
"William... we won 3-0."
"Wait... what?"
"Goals from Harran, Carroll, and Meilling, with Kolek holding his second straight clean sheet!"
"You've got to be kidding me, Michael, there's no way..."
"HUElavia's been eliminated from the tournament, Eshialand goes on to play Kriegiersien in the quarterfinals!"
"Don't make me cry Michael, you know I will..."

"William..." Michael said with a tear coming to his eye, "...they've done it. They've friggin' done it!"
"I'm being serious..."
"And so am I..."

"...the Owls are going to the quarterfinals, sir."

HUElavia - 0
Eshialand - 3 (Harran 23'; Carroll 53'; Meilling 65')

[Belnegau]

This is the RP Cutoff for the Quarterfinals!

As you await your scores this time, please enjoy this arrangement of a 14th century Trotto by guitarist Stathis Skandalidis. Trotto, similar to the Saltarello we heard on Matchday 4, was also a style of music accompanied by a dance step.

RP Prompt:
Reaching an international semifinal is an exciting achievement. Win or lose, a team is guaranteed a chance to play at least for a place on the podium. Many teams never reach this stage, so getting this far is a major achievement. Perhaps this is your team's first semifinal appearance, what does it mean to them to make it this far? If not, what was your team's first semifinal? Did the current roster play in it, watch it as children, or was it before they were born?

Quarterfinal Results:
Eshialand 2–4 Kriegiersien
Trolleborg 1–0 TJUN-ia
Indusse 4–0 Sannyamathland
Adab 1–1 Almuzahara (2–2 AET) (4–3 pen.)

Semifinal Fixtures (at Ziegelstein)

Kriegiersien v Trolleborg
Indusse v Adab

[TJUN-ia]

By Peter Davis

Welp.
Al good things have to come to an end.
The Trolls did it again, proving once more that they are the class of BoF71 no matter what.
Our first Niederlage came at the hands of Theo Limburn in the 67th minute.

Now, the Jaguars leave Belnegau with another QF appearance - that Final 4 ever-illusive for us all.
Will we ever break through the glass ceiling? In any competition?
The new guys certainly did their jobs right, but the true battlefield is still yet to come.

WC90 is coming.
The final chance for Jackson Levi-Holt's Dream to be fulfilled.
And we'll need all the luck in the world in order to break the glass and reach those pearly gates.

But we're TJUN-ia, or "Jagstadt".
When have we ever given up?
GO JAGS!

---

SCHEDULE (Group C, all matches at Ziegelstein Castle Keep, Ziegelstein)
MD1: vs Saterun (60IAC) W/S 4-0 (1st)
MD2: vs Sannyamathland (12IAC) W/S 6-0 (1st)
MD3: vs Cakranegara (UR) W/S 4-0 (1st)
MD4: vs Montana Verde (25IAC) W/S 5-1 (1st/QUALIFIED)
MD5: vs Sajnur (31IAC) W/S 1-0 (1st/5-0-0/15pts)
--------------------------------------------------------------------
RO16: vs New Lusitania and the Algarves (06IAC) - Heidingen Field, Laemmertal, Heidingen W/S 2-2 AET (4-2 Pens)
QF: vs Trolleborg (10IAC) - Heidingen Field, Laemmertal, Heidingen L/N 0-1

[Indusse]

IFA NEWS NETWORK
A-Dab-Adab

---

Journey to the Finals of the Independent Association Championship 14 is drawing closer to the players of Indussean National team. In the Quarterfinals, Indusse faced Sannyamathland and defeated them for a score of four against none. With the victory against Sannyamathland, Indusse would face Adab in the Semi-finals held in the city town of Ziegelstein. The matches are getting harder and harder with a chance for a lot of upsets. With the victory over Sannyamathland, the Indussean team got another good news. Mersiás who scored a hatrick in the match against Sannyamathland also kept his place at the Winnipeg United FC of Quebec and Shingoryeo. Mersiás, who has been the best player this edition for Indusse also saved the Quebecois club from demotion. Mersiás scored his three goals in the minutes five, seventeen and eighty two respectively. The only other Indussean goal was scored by Baskar Kumar in the seventy seventy minute of the game. Sannyamathland had no way to get over the four goal lead made by Indussean National Team.

Quarterfinals gave a lot of upsets as well as surprises for the fans, the first match was between Eshialand and Kriegiersien. Eshialand reached the Quarterfinals by defeating the former finalists HUElavia. Since they defeated a well built and favourite team, they had a better fanbase and chance of winning. But, towards other's surprise Eshialand was defeated by Kriegiersien for a score of four against two. The Largest upset of this season was the second quarterfinals between TJUN-ia and Trolleborg. TJUN-ia was on one of the best performances this edition with a defeat less streak and qualifying for the playoffs as the best team. Trolleborg who's the current Cup of Harmony champions and is also known to "troll" giants and winning against them was their opponent. The Upset which would be more clear was when Trolleborg "trolled" TJUN-ia. TJUN-ia was defeated by Trolleborg in a close match for a score of one against none.

The First Semi-final match would be between Kriegiersien and Trolleborg in Ziegelstein. The third quarterfinals was won by Indusse against Sannyamathland for a score of four against none. The fourth quarterfinals was between Adab and Alumzahara. A very close fight between the two, Adab won the match against Almuzahara. The normal time ended with both of them scoring a single goal and the extra time ended with a score of two against two. The game went to the final stages of Penalty shoutout where Adab took over Almuzahara for a score of four against three. The Second Semifinal matchup would be between Indusse and Adab in Ziegelstein.

With the advancement to the semifinals, Indusse reaches their second consecutive semifinal. Indusse, who's the current champions after they defeated HUElavia in the finals of the Thirteenth edition of Independent Association Championship, looks forward to get another win in the Semi-finals as well as finals and share the record of most successful IAC team with Poafmersia and Schottia for two championship trophies. The Newsletters in Indusse and other nation's praise the advancement of the team to the semifinals consecutively under the new coach Shane Newman. Eventhough it's long time since Indusse qualified for the World Cup and hasn't qualified again, the Independent Association Championship victories make up the lost pride. News reports say that this would also be the final IAC Tournament for the Indussean Legend and Captain Baskar H Kumar.

[Adab]

Friday, July 4, 2036 / 10 Jumada al-Awwal 1458
Adab 2-2 Almuzahara (AET)
Adab scorers: Akaptaha (67’, 114’)
Adab win 4-3 on penalties

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 47: Lights

May 2036
Adab City

It was a cavernous, imposing structure, bound to make anyone feel small – and in a good way – as soon as they stepped in. The walls were brown and bright yellow, made just a little darker every night when there was no sunshine to illuminate the building. Several chandeliers hung far above her head, giving off a warm, bright orange light that gave her a feeling of comfort, the light that stood out in the quiet emptiness of it all. Everyone – assuming there were people here before her, she didn’t know – had long gone home, but the doors were still open.

A long, carpeted aisle cut across the middle of the half-circle room, with rows of dark brown pews – crafted off the best pine wood in the country – on both sides of the aisle. Each row was almost outrageously long, running towards the wall that encircled the room. She made her way about one-third down the aisle, looking left and right to remind herself that she was alone here, then made a sharp turn right and settled herself down on one of the pews.

She leaned back on the pew, relaxing her arms and putting her hands on either side of her face, feeling the pine wood. She moved her head around to see the width and length of the room, taking in the details of its architecture, silently admiring the aisle as it cut a path down the room under those chandeliers, her eyes traveling down the path as it led to the brightest light of them all, hanging above the ark where they kept the scrolls. Her people called it the Ner Tamid – “eternal light” in Hebrew. They said it must never be extinguished, because it was the symbol of HaShem’s presence.

But she liked to think that HaShem was present wherever she went, even if she didn’t think about Him that much and sometimes doubted His existence.

She never had much time for the rituals, but never could let go of the faith. It’s not that she didn’t want to sometimes; she simply felt she belonged here. The way she tried to rationalize it to herself, there's a rope tying her to this place, and she just didn’t try to break away. She stopped searching for the reason long ago; it was simply the way things were.

There she sat, almost motionless as the minutes ticked by, visualizing the Torah scrolls taken out from the aron ha-Kodesh – “Ha!” she giggled to herself. “I still remember the name.” – and a lucky member of the congregation reading from those scrolls from the bimah. And Rebekah Yissakar drowned herself in those imaginary sounds, listening to the words of God read out to an invisible audience, so much that she didn’t hear the rapidly approaching footsteps from behind, nor the calls of “Rebekah? Bek? Is that you?”

And when those shouts finally shocked her out of her imaginary Torah reading and caused her to look frantically behind her, she saw two people – a man and a woman – rushing down the aisle towards her at an increasingly brisk pace. The man she had expected to come, the woman she did not expect to come along with him. She squinted her eyes to make sure and raised one hand, waving tentatively. “Mr. Yargab?” she began. Even after all these years of playing with him in the national team, calling the older man “Eni” still sounded so wrong. “Hi, uh, I’m sorry for calling late-“

“It’s fine, it’s fine,” Enlilbani Yargab shouted back in assurance, stopping alongside the woman just right behind the pew where Rebekah sat. Rebekah slid over to the end of the pew to greet Eni and the woman, extending her hand though unsure of who she was. “And this is-“

“I’m Farah, Eni’s wife. Eni brought me with him when the boss called, so it’s basically vacation for me,” the woman pushed Eni aside a little and reached out to Rebekah, taking her hand. “Are you alright? Eni looks worried about you and I’m worried too. So I thought I should go with him and-“

“No, no, it’s fine, Mrs. Yargab, I’m fine,” Rebekah said as she mustered a smile, shaking the older woman’s hands. “I’m just- it’s just that my mind is, uh… well there’s something I need to talk about with Mr. Yargab so-“

“But are you alright?” Eni butted in, walking closer to Rebekah and putting his hand on the backrest behind her. “You seem so worried, I was scared you’re gonna-“

“What? No, no, it’s not that. It’s just…” Rebekah trailed off, her face suddenly turning blank as she slowly raised a hand and ran it over her forehead, pushing her hair back. “Uh, feel free to take a seat, please.”

“Yeah, sure, of course,” Eni said, starting towards the pew on the other side of the aisle and pointing at Rebekah’s pew, directing his wife there.

“You can sit with me if you want to, Mr. Yargab,” Rebekah raised her hand to wave slowly at Eni, who turned back again at her.

“I thought men and women can’t sit together?”

“Oh, that’s the Orthodox ones I think. The more traditional Jews. This is a Reform synagogue so I think we’re good.”

---

“I don’t know, man, I don’t know,” Eni said slowly, craning his head upwards to admire the simple, unadorned walls and ceiling. He sat closest to the aisle, with his wife beside him and Rebekah next to her. “I wish I had an answer to this, but I don’t think anything I have to say can… change the situation.”

Rebekah sighed in understanding, her head slightly bowed, her eyes shifting sadly between the floor under her and the bimah out in front. “Why do… people care so much about how we live and all that? I mean it’s just… two people who are in love. It’s none of our business.”

“I know,” Eni said. “I guess it’s just human nature, to tell others what to do as if they know better. And I guess they genuinely think that they know better. I mean I have no problems with Emma and Alu myself – it’s their life after all – but I just don’t know if there’s anything I can do to make all the noise go away.”

Farah put her arm around Rebekah, tapping her on the shoulder as she slowly pulled the younger woman closer to her. “You’re the captain,” Rebekah began in a low, sad voice. “Everyone listens to you, like they listen to Marramzi. If you tell them to go away maybe they’ll go away.”

“They won’t,” Eni shook his head, his eyes taking in the Ner Tamid. “It’s… politics. People feel strongly about politics. About this nation. Those are strong feelings that you can’t just wave away.”

“We can at least make a stand.”

“I think we’ve made a stand,” Eni replied. “The AFA could have kicked them out of the team long ago if they didn’t really want them. But they’re still in the team. And we want them in the team.”

“That’s only because there are still people who support them,” Rebekah claimed, turning her head slightly at Eni. “But there is great pressure on them and you know it. I mean, have you seen the news? They’re about to repeal that interreligious marriage law. They’re basically trying to outlaw Emma and Alu.”

“it’s politics,” Eni repeated. “They’re just using Emma and Alu as an excuse.”

“That’s the problem. They’re using Emma and Alu as scapegoats. Isn’t there anything that we can do for them?”

“The problem is that we’re a football team, not a political organization, and I’m not sure all players are comfortable speaking out on things like this, or if they even agree with you,” Eni said, turning to look at Rebekah. “I can’t force the AFA to take action, because as you know very well they’re not going to. And we’re footballers, not politicians. How many people will listen to people who kick balls around for a living?”

Rebekah was about to speak but found herself beaten to it by Farah. “A lot,” she replied without seeing her husband, smiling as she contemplated the walls and chandeliers and softly took her husband’s hand in hers. Eni did not answer, nor did Rebekah say something herself; Eni, without a word, leaned on the backrest, feeling the touch of his wife’s hand.

“You’re a hero, you know,” Farah continued, “and I’m not saying this because I’m your wife. There are many kids out there who look up to you. You’re a hero to them. Everyone wants to be like you, Eni, because you’re a legend. There’s no one else like you. Everyone wants to be you.”

“Like me.” Rebekah slowly nodded and smiled, eyes growing big like a puppy, as she leaned in closer to Eni. “Maybe I can make a few people listen. But, Mr. Yargab, you can get millions to listen.”

Adab lineup for Semifinals

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

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

[Trolleborg]

Greetings, compatriots!
It’s TTV from Belnegau, in the domain of the generous Margrave, who took a lot of work and serious responsibility to host an international football tournament with all the multiple difficulties that it imposes on the host side - and worthly extricated himself from the many difficulties that he had to endure. We must admit, that many of us have a grave doubts, if he is in fact can do this, but right now it’s obvious, that for such a conditions tournament goes very smoth. And So far, the tournament is going very well for our team - in the hardest struggle our guys overcame the jaguars from TJUN-ia, who were rushing to the final. As it turned out, the opponents spent too much energy in the group stage, beaten first three opponents mercilessly, but by the end of it they began to show signs of fatigue, made their way through the first stage of the playoffs not without some difficulties, and this lost freshness was what they don’t have enough to cope with Morten Trogil's lads. But only this only thing they lacked – if the teams collided in the first round, then the victory would most probably go to our class-71 comrades. However, TJUN-ia, apparently, fell into the same trap as our guys last season, when we are spending most of the energy on an strange preliminary stage, passing it brilliantly, and then playing inexpressively in the group and dropping out of the fight while having 5 wins in 7 games. And, while sympathizing with the defeated opponents, we must not forget that we need to have sympathy for ourselves as well, since in the semifinal we will have to fight tough opponents, whom one of our journalists has labelled black-and-nude. According to rumors that have reached us, the population of the area where the match will take place is rather inclined to root for our team in the hope that it will save the area from the presence of the guests that looked so strange and offensive for locals. However, our lads, who clearly have not enough time to catch their breath and regain their shape after an excellent, but difficult game with TJUN-ia, will, of course, will have a really big difficulties to meet these wishes – and if only they exist at all.

And now we will delight viewers with 3D highlights of the game in the first round of the playoffs against the formidable Drawkland, familiar to us from the games in the IAC and as the place where our team made its debut in the world championships. For this game, the life of our players has certainly improved, and all the necessary conditions have been created for rest in a familiar environment, for which a huge prefabricated tent with showers and massage rooms, replacing the locker rooms, was placed on the edge of the pasture, which our management generously offered to use and opponents too. Opponents, it seems, saw the tournament as not-so-important stage of preparation for the World Cup, they clearly preserved their best for future games, but they passed the group stage quite calmly, and due to their experience and skill they looked, of course, favorites to get to the quarterfinals. But, fortunately, our team, having played strictly in defense and pragmatic in attack, achieved victory. In the second half, Skrta, in a skirmish with the defenders, nevertheless managed to push the ball forward to the penalty line, where Berglund confused the opponents, and Kranforde, who run to the right spot just in time, delivered a powerful low shot – the opponents' goalkeeper did not even have time to react, only turned his head after the ball.

And at the remaining twenty minutes, our team repelled all the attempts of the opponents to even the score, to the delight of our army of fans. Well, let's see if they will has more reasons for joy at the tournament.

[Belnegau]

This is the RP Cutoff for the Semifinals!

As you await your scores, please enjoy this song by Faroese band Tyr, which blends elements from a number of different historical periods. The instrumentation, and of course the performance is purely modern. Tyr's rendition is an adaptation of a 1974 song by Norwegian band Folque, the lyrics of which in turn come from an early modern (1781) poem by Norwegian poet Edvard Storm. The subject of the poem is the Battle of Kringen, which took place in 1612. 1612 is not exactly medieval, but we'll take what we can get. Incidentally I have seen Tyr play live 4 times and highly recommend the experience, should you get the chance.

RP Prompt:
Like our cutoff music tonight, there are many examples of interpretations of medieval culture adopted into modern media, whether music, film, visual arts, or other areas of culture. Your players, coaches, and supporters have had a much more immersive experience with medieval culture than is ahem normally possible. Are there any aspects of that culture they might take home with them? How will those things blend with your nation's existing culture? Conversely, are there any aspects of your culture which you believe your visit might leave lasting effects on Belnegau?

Semifinal Scores
Kriegiersien 0–0 Trolleborg (0–2 AET)
Indusse 2–3 Adab

Kriegiersien v Indusse

Trolleborg v Adab

[Trolleborg]

Greetings, compatriots!
It’s TTV from Belnegau, where our team just stamped their tickets to the final of the Independent Associations Cup. The path to this was neither easy nor simple, and could well end in the game with the Jaguars of TJUN-ia in the quarterfinals. In terms of speed, beatufiulness of the game, dedication of the players, this game would have graced the final of almost every international tournament. During the break, many fans wondered how Krogh and his defenders managed at all to withstand pressure in several very dangerous moments, but they also regretted that our forwards could not score, although there were chances. Skrta already at the end of the first half was have a great moment, when the ball bounced to him. He only need to put it into the empty corner – and missed by a few centimeters.

As soon as the second half began, the players from TJUN-ia could deliver a decisive blow - after the melee in the penalty area, the ball first hit the bar, then after second shot flew just above the crossbar. But then our lads were able to push the game away from their goal to the center of the field, and although the Jaguars in the 65th minute almost succeeded in the offensive, and the ball flew just by two palms from the corner of the goal after a corner kick, but soon after this was followed a successful attack by our lads. Groningen threw the ball from the center of the field to the legs of the moving Skrta's, he forwarded it past several confused defenders under the shot of Kranforde. It seemed to him that one of the opponents played with his hand, he gave a signal, but while the referee was calculating the situation, Theo Limburn appeared as if out of nowhere and shot powerfully on goal.

The Jaguars then sharply accelerated, seriously pressed forward and the next fifteen minutes our team spent thinking mainly about defense and nothing else, and Morten Trogil released another defender to somehow facilitate the burden of the others. Fortunately, the strength of the opponents' players have a limits and they are near, so the last minutes were spent fighting in the center of the field and on the outskirts of the TJUN-ia penalty area.

The referee's whistle allowed our team, crumpled by the pressure of the Jaguars, to finally breathe out - there wasn’t even strength to rejoice, because they all went into semifinal, to fight with another well-motivated, skilled, strong opponent.

And ahead was the semi-final with the nude-and-black team Kriegiersien. Our AI in charge of 3D had great difficulty in correctly drawing the uniforms of opponents, within the framework of the autonomy of functioning provided to it, so do not judge quality of his work strictly, this task was really difficult for him.

As in the quarterfinals, the fight was for every meter of grass on the field, the whole game from start to finish. And everything went correctly, almost without fouls. Both sides had opportunities to score, although in the stands it seemed to us that the lads from Trolleborg created much more such opportunities and rather had the initiative. For the second time in the history of our team, she had to play in overtime, and, interestingly, again in the semifinals. At that moment, our coach apparently used a psychological weapon: he released Stuart Kerr onto the pitch, and not during the break, but two minutes after the start of extra time, allowing him to stretch intensively along the sideline, drawing attention to this and creating additional moral pressure, and only then releasing it onto the field. The coach of the opponents immediately rushed to give some instructions to his players, and they tried to follow our striker as closely as possible. And they coped with it rather good, Stuart in twenty-six minutes touched the ball only three or four times. But in doing this, defenders left room for other players to act, and it was then that Troll, having received a moment of freedom, opened the score with a mighty long-range strike.

And in the second half of overtime, when the opponents tried to attack with large forces, there was a run on the flank, a cross along the goal and the tired defenders missed Berglund, who could need to calmly roll the ball into the goal. He did precisely that, 2-0 – our lads are in the final!

And there the team's opponent will be Adab. Last season, the players from this country reached the final in the championship of youth teams, and in this championship the IAC proved to be a team in the full sense of the word, overpowering the favorites of the tournament due to impeccable teamwork, composure and commitment to the fight. The last victim was the winner of the last tournament, the formidable Indusse team, so there is no doubt that our lads will have a very difficult task on hands