Independents Cup 15- EVERYTHING THREAD

[Forbidden Territories]

A New World

Alberto started at the view infront of him from his window. It has been only a week since the team came to Squidroidia, and within that time, they have seen things, they would not bave beleived in their lifetime. Truly the multiverse is wide, it is known well, they had already been informed about this. However until 2018, before the Korpskii Scandal, The Forthers only played teams within their small subregion and occasionally some other human teams varying diversely with their political attitudes as well as their technological advancement of like 20 - 30 years, however never had they vehtured forth into the unknown more , into the wider world of the Multiverse having multiple intelligent species, teams from different timelines, witchcraft and wizardry.

The wide array of skills and techniques bejng displayed int the training ground stunned them all. Never had they seen anything like that before. They walked past a team having medieval armor, a team having advanced futuristic technology they had no idea of, a bunch of emus, sentient humanoid squid like creatures alongside fellow human beings, teams more diverse than 3 of the most diverse states combined in their subregion, a team that apparently just arrived from an extraterrestial gravity containing facility, arriving in hyperspace rockets, a team consisting or turtles, quadrapeds, insects, sentient robots, humanoids, and 'ghosts', alongside other human teams. Truly, it was something some of them could not even imagine. Thankfully, due to laws registered by the International Footballing Authority, no external powers, or technology may be use in the game.

After a week though, they were accustomed to things they previousky deemed unbeleivable, or were a result of high alcohol intake. Alberto however was still stunned. He who had originated from an isolated town, rising through the ranks of local league before being selected in the national league, which paved the way for his national cap. He looked at the sight that befell his eyes. Inkling child running around a field playing with human alongwith Inkling adults gossiping with their human counterparts like it was just another day. There were also a couple of visitors and travellers from other nations like the Brinoghans. He could never normalise this in his mind, as for him, seeing the outside world first time , was huge, all the different cultures, and traditions, alongside buildings, it took a long time for him to realise that they were a just another fish in a lake, this on the other hand made him realise they are like a fish in a huge ocean of myriads. He sighed and then went back to his bed turning on the FT News, and hearing them talk about their qualifying chances for Round of 24. He smiled, and then returned back to the table, thinking about the upcoming match against StrayaRoos Barrier Islands . There may be different teams , all of different timelines, with different technology as well as politics, however everyone's goal was same - winning the cup.

[Belnegau]

Relatio de Legatione Athleticae Belnegensis ad Orbes Exteros
Prima Pars

To his lordship, the always august Landgraf of Belnegau and defender of the true faith, Hartwig. It is my heartfelt wish that this letter finds you in good health and spirits. In these letters, crudely written though they might be according to their author’s little skill, shall be related those events most notable of the journey of your lordship’s knights and their attendants through the worlds beyond our own in pursuit of footballing glory and the honor of victory.

Lord Hartwig, after a long journey, your servants arrived in the appointed place for their first two matches, a strange land which the denizens thereof call Jagtland, in the curiously named Reststaaten von Squornshelous. It is our presumption that boar or deer may be sought in the forests here, though as of yet we still await an invitation to the hunt from the King of this land. It is truly a kingdom of marvels, with broad avenues paved in a wondrous fashion, all of smooth black or gray stone without joint or crack. On these roads, fearsome machines move with neither mule nor ox to pull them, and make their way at such speed that battle-hardened men shudder at their passage.

The speech and fashion of this land is also strange to us, as is the food. We knew that it would be so, as we learned somewhat of the habits of other peoples from our esteemed guests when this grand footballing tournament was held in your lordship’s own fields two years ago. Even so, it is startling to see towns where all people go out in such fashion as our visitors did, and the presence of our chaplains has been most welcome, as some of our delegation have struggled greatly with the deadly temptation of sin. The meals here are strange, but wholesome. Rather than pork and venison as we expected, we have most frequently been offered a bounty of fishes. The people here are also greatly fond of dishes of rice, consuming in vast quantities what is reserved only for the tables of the rich in our own lands. We shall be certain to bring some quantity of this delicacy upon our return, but alas, we have been informed that it will not suffer to be grown well in our own lands.

Our fortune upon the field of competition has thus far been good. First, though, your servant must attempt, however crudely, to describe the fantastic place where our matches have been contested. We were told that we would play in the house of the Royals at Castle Street, that is Schlossstraße, but we were greatly astounded at the sight that we beheld. There is no castle at this place, but rather a building so large that it defies my poor words to relate its true scale. Your lordship’s own castle of Ziegelstein could be set within its cavernous inner chamber with room to spare, and in the midst of its roof is a great round hole, fashioned so that the sun and rain pass within and nourish the grass that grows upon the floor. We still have yet to meet the King for whose honor the Jagtland Royals do battle, but he must be a monarch whose greatness rivals our own Emperor Ludwig to have caused such a wonder to be built.

But now your lordship must be nearly out of patience with my rambling words, and eager to learn of the champions’ performance on the field. Your lordship will be well pleased to learn that the knights of Belnegau have earned one victory, and thus far have not allowed any opponent to score a single goal against them. In this, I am told, we are equalled by only a single other team, and the stout defense of your lordship’s servants is surely the envy of all. Your Lordship will also rejoice to hear of the feats of our young attackers, Junkherr Kristoff and my own son, Heintz. Kristoff, as fleet of foot as ever a warrior was, has scored two goals in your Lordship’s honor against the delegation from Magnecia. Heintz accounted well for himself with one goal as well. By my own faults as a commander, our warriors failed to score in our second match against East Slavona, but I swear before God that I shall renew my efforts, and that your knights shall not fail to gain victory once more, and to bring renown to Belnegau and to your Lordship’s rule.

But I must now take my leave, and bid your Lordship farewell for now. We must prepare for the journey to Trolleborg for our next match. Your Lordship will recall the kind words and gifts which that people bestowed upon Belnegau two years ago. Naturally, we bear in kind those gifts which your lordship commanded to be given, finely crafted arms and artistic works from our lands. Until this tournament is concluded and we once more meet in your halls I remain always your servant, Freiherr Johann von Heidingen.

[Squidroidia]

The average person living in Squidroidia's capital city, Inkopolis, would have to deal with a lot of day-to-day conundrums in their lives. The bustling city was basically the financial and political hub in Inkopolis for a reason, as even with the nation before it in Inkhalla, Inkopolis was all the hallmarks of what made humans and Inklings coexist in society - While Inklings and humans were able to walk freely on city streets together, there was still a decently-sized car industry for Squidroidia, albeit that Inklingcraft was going through severe financial troubles. Everywhere one could go in this sprawling city, there was something that would peek someone's interest. On gameday, however, there was one thing that poked everyone's interest, unless you didn't really care for sports - The football.

With the IAC in town in the only edition of tournament to span more than one nation, Squidroidia, as a primary host, got to host the majority of games in Group D, including all Squidroidia games in the group phase. Usually the amount of games between both Inkopolis City Stadium and New National Stadium in Duomji, StrayaRoos Barrier Islands, would alternate between 2 and 1 game per matchday, but ICS started with 2 games on Matchday 1, meaning that the venue would play host to 2 games on Matchday 5 - Squidroidia vs Muralos and Omerica vs Forbidden Territories. But today was Matchday 3. An on-fire Squidroidia team having beaten Quintessence of Dust 3-1 at their home ground would have to play Omerica in the big ticket match of the group, as a recent World Cup quarter-finalist would have to play one of the more traditional teams in Independent football.

With the shadow of ICS looming over all that passed through it, it was clear that this game would be the one that would set the tone for Squidroidia's campaign. The unique captainless strategy, one that once was only thought to work in middle and high schools, had worked against two low-caliber opponents, but Omerica were a different beast entirely. Yes, they had a loss to SBI on their books but Omerica was still a team that could be said in the same sentence when it came to recent Indie football as Drawkland or New Lusitania or HUElavia. To have them playing against the Inklings would make broadcasters interested as much as the fans of the teams themselves - With Squidroidia in a potential clinching situation and Omerica fighting to make the play-in round.

Around this time of year, dubbed "Football Season" by high-level executives across Squidroidia, many Inklings and humans alike had their football kits on and paraded their town in blue and white or, perhaps, the color of their favorite club team. Plenty wore IFC kits, some wore Shamrock jerseys with Sho Itō's name on the back, others would just order a random kit from some other nation and hope their choice stood out. There was team discussions aplenty on message boards (Some RLStates guys occasionally looking at the results of the simulated "World Cup Qualifiers" that were posted every once in a while), Squidroidia flags going up on buildings, and overall, there was a mood to the football madness that sneaks into the summer months and then comes back out as the young ones head back to school.

But now, and only now, it was about the football. The one that moves. Every single second of non-stop football, each second grander than the last. So for old time's sake, watch it. Watch the football. Watch it. It's gonna move. Football football football. FOOTBALL.

[United Adaikes]

The first game of the United Adaikes to start their campaign in the 15th Independents Cup was a loss at home against the top-ranked team in their group, Kriegersien, who are also the 6th ranked independent nation in the multiverse. While the hosts were able to score twice against the visitors, Cheung scored all four goals of their team. UAD NT Coach Dylan Burke stressed that their defense and the transition from midfield play to the attacking area are what they need to address for their next games.

In the second game of the Adaikesians, still at home, Space was complacent in their game against the hosts, especially when the 20th ranked independent team in the multiverse was up 3-0 at halftime. However, the halftime break pep talk from Burke could be the reason for the hosts having a 4-goal barrage in the second half as the game ended with a 4-4 draw.

Currently, United Adaikes sits at 5th place in the group. Burke also said in an interview that their next match against Sanjur, 2nd in the group, ranked 25th in the multiverse, might be the last hurdle they will face in the group stage as their last two games in the Group Stage will be against unranked nations. However, Burke stressed that the positives in their performances in the last two games should still be present in their next remaining games and not be complacent when they have a comfortable lead.

[Saterun]

Abbas Yousafali had to restrain himself from running onto the pitch. His Saterun team, with Rahul Markovic now keeping net, had just won 4-0 against Gyoric in front of a sold-out crowd.

He wanted to go celebrate with the team, but he had to do something first. He looked around, and finally found his Goalkeeping Coach. "Ethan, I want to talk to you!" he called. Ethan turned. Abbas ran a few steps to catch up, and then said, "Your idea worked. Rahul was fantastic tonight. He'll be staying in as the starter for the rest of the tournament. But he isn't the only one being rewarded. The FA has almost closed out a deal for you to stay for 2 more years!" Ethan looked genuinely surprised. In fact, he was speechless. Abbas just laughed. "Make sure to come to training tomorrow. I'll see you there." Ethan just nodded. Abbas laughed again, and then headed into the tunnel.

He found, well, happy chaos. Shirts were tossed all over the dressing room, and there were pieces of cake and cookies laying around the table. Captain Kaka Sarabola was leading, and Saveli Holst and Glenn Lundquist, senior players of the team, seemed to be amping it up. "All right, settle down!" Abbas yelled. The celebrations quieted a little. "First, amazing job out there. You all followed my instructions, but added a bit of your own style to the mi, which was perfect. I also want you to know that there will be practice tomorrow." Groans met his latest statement. "Look, I know you all want to party, but we need to secure a win against Octapolis if we want a chance of going through. Losing to New Zhengguo really set us behind, and we need to play catch-up. We also need to be on our best against Poafmersia and Adab. But for tonight, you've earned the right to party." The players were more enthusiastic about that.

As Abbas was about to close up his office, he remembered something. He had forgotten his tactics board. And yet, every play on it had been executed perfectly. He walked over to where it sat on his desk. And, slowly, he erased everything on it. He tucked it behind some of his tactic books, and stepped back. He needed to stop relying on planning so much. Ethan's brilliant idea, Kaka's ball control, Thiago's brilliant goals, that was what had won them the match. As he closed out his office, he realized that he would have to start managing differently. It was time for change.

[Hopal]

The Hopal Herald Sports

---

Hopal bests Drawkland 3-2 in Exciting Spectacle for First Win at an IAC

---

It was an exciting, fast, and high-flying game against Drawkland that earned Hopal it's first win at an Independent Association's Championship. Compared to the boring and slow game against Kencana, which had opened the tournament for Team Hopal. This latest win against Drawkland was the most entertaining thing in the world, and it was must watch TV with theatres, schools, workplaces, and city squares across the country tuning to watch was Team Hopal's first win on the world stage in recent memory. And boy was it an entertaining game.

Head Coach Tom Villiers had made some changes to the Starting 11 going into this game, most of these changes related to the Defence. A defence, which by most measures performed well in the last game, mostly preventing shots on goal by Kencana, and alongside Peter Fikudal led the team against Kencana. But which had made a mistake which would prove fatal to the team, and which would lose the win for the team. A sloppy pass between Kaylee Haboshinter and Helen Briere, and ignorance and incompetence from Henry Gowen who didn't do anything to prevent a goal after the interception of that pass, even though he was right there, led to that goal and a draw with Kencana. So Briere and Haboshinter would be pulled, with the young and energetic 19 year old Hector Cruz going into the Starting 11. With Kay Redford and Wendy Stein being repositioned to a more defensive role, and the young star of the U-18 team, Uma Frey going into the lineup as an OM. Disappointing newcomer Lewis Archer would also be replaced by veteran Justin Gubre.

The start of this game would be much like the start of the last game against Kencana, with Hopal gaining possession early and being cautious and conservative with the ball. They would wait for opportunities which would never come, and Drawkland were better predators than Kencana, they kept the pressure on the Hopalian defence, and didn't let up. The Hopalians became increasingly corner, and could not and did not make an advance against Drawkland. Drawkland would take advantage of a mistake by Henry Gowen early on, and would score at around the 8 minute mark, taking the early lead. Overall in this game the Hopalian defence didn't perform all too well, and certainly fared far worse than they did in the last game. Drawkland was far more aggressive and pressuring than Kencana was, and the cautious and measured Hopalian defence couldn't live up to that. They were overwhelmed a lot of the time, and loss possession at many points throughout the game. But the Hopalian offence countered that, and proved why David Horages deserves to be in the position that he's in.

Tommy Sanchez excelled, the Assistant Captain who for years has been the face of this Hopalian team, being Captain of the team for almost every tournament that Team Hopal's competed in before this competition. Sanchez performed heroically, smart and swift with the ball, he skillfully managed to make his way around the Drawkland defence to score all 3 goals, a hattrick for Sanchez. Sanchez, who came to Hopal as one of those original immigrants at age 15, is proving why he the face of this Hopalian team, and deserves a place as one of Hopal's greatest athletes. Sanchez was Team Hopal's response to Drawkland's aggression, he alongside Peter Fikudal, who I'll talk a little more about later, matched Drawkland's aggression and took possession back into their end. This game was a vicious back and forth between the two teams, Sanchez scored his first goal and the 28th minute, after a fast and furious invasion into Drawkland's zone with Peter Fikudal, startling the Drawkland defence and goalkeeper, which would tie the game. A hail-mary pass from Peter Fikudal to Tommy Sanchez from one end of the field to the other, after a long and tiring first half of the game, would get Hopal a goal at the 44th minute, at the very end of the first half, which would get Hopal the lead.

The hard and vicious battle would continue into the second half, it was a continual fast, and unpredictable back and forth between the two teams. Tommy Sanchez would score his third and final goal of the game at the 62nd minute, off of a fast play from a corner kick by Jake Gonchar. The tiring and vicious back and forth between the teams would wear them down, and their performance would drop as the game went on, with the ball going off the field on multiple occasions. Drawkland would score the final goal of the game in the middle of the second half, as the Hopalian defence underperformed. Now another player worth mentioning, and which I have already mentioned is Peter Fikudal, who again proved himself to be among the stars of the team. After an outstanding performance against Kencana, Fikudal replicated his performance, taking some pressure off of the Hopalians and putting it back on Drawkland, pushing possession to their side. He assisted Sanchez on two of his goals, and really was the one who secured victory for the Hopalians.

With the first victory at this tournament, at an IAC, and really internationally, for Team Hopal today, Tom Villiers was jubilant saying "So proud of the great performance the team put out their today, in a hard battle, and against a good team, I knew they could do it" adding "I think you'll see more performances like this, and better, from this team in the games to come." But goalkeeper and team Captain Adrian Turcotte was much less upbeat saying, "this is a good win, but we as a team still have work to do, and as an individual I have a lot that I need to work on." Going into this third game against Sixty-ninE X, Tom Villiers made a few changes, mainly subbing out the disappointing veteran Henry Gowen, who had been involved in that defensive mistake against Kencana and had put up a dismal performance in this game against Drawkland with Kaylee Haboshinter. Hector Cruz was moved to CB so that Haboshinter could get her old position as FB back. Haboshinter had been subbed out after the last game for that defensive mistake, but always determined, she found her way back into the line-up after an impressive performance from a substitution in this game against Drawkland.

Starting 11 for MD2
GK Adrian Turcotte 28 M
FB Kaylee Haboshinter 19 F
FB Allison Terrace 19 F
CB Hector Cruz 19 M
CB Kay Redford 31 F
CM Wendy Stein 24 F
CM Peter Fikudal 27 M
CM Justin Gubre 25 M
OM Jake Gonchar 27 M
OM Uma Frey 18 M
CF Tommy Sanchez 26 M

Schedule
MD1: vs Kencana - D 1-1
MD2: vs Drawkland - W 3-2
MD3: vs Sixty-ninE X
MD4: vs Almuzahara
MD5: vs Togonistan

[Sudilia]

Another Day, Another L.

Sudilia are humbled once more in a tough 4-2 loss to the Freeport Isles.

Freeport Isles 4-2 Sudilia
(REDACTED 18', 72', REDACTED 31', REDACTED 86' | Lyle 42', Otis 80')
(SM Bank Field, Manchbury, Sudilia)

Entering Matchday 2, Sudilia was hoping to rebound after the humiliating 6-2 defeat on opening day against Abanhfleft. While their next opponent was Freeport Isles, it was still a match that the team had to take it seriously in order to aspire for some sort of survival. With the A-Team once again, Sudilia was hoping to get some sort of favorable result.

The match was another disastrous game for The Flowers/Les Fleurs, as they took another beating. REDACTED scored twice, with a goal in each half, while REDACTED and REDACTED each got goals to add their names to the list to get four goals for Freeport. Lyle and Otis got goals during the match trying to make it a more respectable match, but the two goals were not enough, and Sudilia took a horrible loss once more, being the team that conceded the most goals up to now. Coach Thompson had the following to say: "It's difficult to be humbled in this manner, where the defense and goalkeeping is conceding this many goals. We have an easier game coming up, and I'm sure this team is motivated to give it their all to get a chance to get some sort of points in this tournament. All we can do is continue to train and study film to improve our play."

Sudilia will host The Republic of Dansen next, where both teams are without points, meaning someone will be getting something after the match. Sudilia is hoping that they can get a draw or a victory to at least make this tournament a bit more respectful.

Go Sudilia! Allez Sudile!

[HUElavia]

Cloud 4!

HUElavia dominate The Republic of Dansen in a convincing 4-1 victory!

The Republic of Dansen 1-4 HUElavia
(REDACTED 76' | Lopes 9', Yom 28', 57', Duarte 88')
(Estadio Nacional, Curumba, HUElavia)

Xi vs Abanhfleft: 
1 Lettmann, 4 Vargas, 2 Lavezzi, 3 Higashi, 5 Mitarte, 6 Font, 8 Brousseau, 10 Navarro-Hamada, 7 Honda (C), 11 Chanca, 9 Nascimento
Home Uniform will be worn

Entering Matchday 2, HUElavia was coming off the high and joy of their opening victory against The 14 Stars after two late goals in the match. Taking on The Republic of Dansen, Coach Conavacio opted to play with the B-Team, bringing out the backups to give them play time and rest for the starters. The team opted to wear their Away Uniform, despite the crowd being dressed in Yellow to support the team. In a sold out crowd at Estadio Nacional (100,000) in Curumba, the teams came out to great fanfare, anthems were played, the coin toss was tossed, and the ball rolled to start Matchday 2.

HUElavia was dominant throughout the match, controlling the match at will. The opening goal came in the 9th minute, when Duarte was on the ball being covered by REDACTED, sending a pass to her right, which was picked by Lopes, who got past REDACTED and gave a low chip past REDACTED into the goal to make it 0-1. The crowd erupted and jumped around to cheer on the goal, making the stadium rumble from the cheers and celebration, while Lopes celebrated with hugs and cheers from her teammates for the goal. In the 28th minute, Yom was on the ball, being covered by REDACTED, when he moved towards his left and gave a curving shot that was punched by REDACTED, but deflected off the fists to go into the goal, making it 0-2. The crowd jumped up and cheered once more, while Yom ran to the bench to celebrate with the whole team in joy. At the half, HUElavia had the 0-2 lead and were happy that this was a calm game for the backups.

In the 2nd half, HUElavia continued with their relentless attacks, giving Dansen a very difficult time while on the ball. In the 57th minute, a cross by Mayordomo went into the box, where Yom towered over REDACTED and headed the ball down that bounced past the fingertips of REDACTED to go into the goal, making it 0-3. The crowd jumped and cheered once more, applauding for the goal, while Yom was mobbed by his teammates in hi-fives and hugs for the goal. In the 76th minute, Dansen had a corner, where REDACTED took the kick, which went into the box, where REDACTED towered over Pillpe to head the ball past Casillas into the goal, making it 1-3. REDACTED got the ball and ran back to center circle looking to possible come back. Unfortunately for them, that was not the case. In the 88th minute, a counterattack was started by Casillas, sending the ball to Regnard, who gave a pass to Noffke, who was running on the wings, being covered by REDACTED, before passing inwards to his left, where Duarte gave a low, curving shot that slid past REDACTED to go into the goal, making it 1-4. Duarte was mobbed by her teammates for her first official goal while the crowd erupted and applauded the play for the goal that secured the team's victory.

With the victory, HUElavia sit in 1st Place in Group C with 6 Points (2-0-0), followed by Freeport Isles in 2nd with 6 Points (2-0-0), and The 14 Stars in 3rd with 3 Points (1-0-1). HUElavia plays against Abanhfleft, a rival for Los Amarillos/Os Amarelos in football, as this match is a crucial must-win for both teams. For HUElavia, a win may see them clinch at least a spot in the Round-of-24, while for Abanhfleft, it helps prevent the team from needing must-win matches for the remaining two games to aspire for a Playoff appearance. The A-Team will be playing this time around, with the Home Uniform being worn for the first time in the tournament. Estadio Nacional has been rocking throughout these matches, and the fans will be flocking once more to cheer on the team. Watch parties across the country have been massive and fans are feeling happy and optimistic up to now. The team is training and are motivated to go for the kill against a rival, where they have plenty to play for in this upcoming match. Here's to hoping we get a favorable result.

FORCA HUELAVIA! VAMOS HUELAVIA! GO HUELAVIA!

[Tjorl]

NS-verse Tjorl Lore


Tjorl's Primary Online Sports Commmunity

Tjorl suffers defeat against Eshialand
By Nicolina Dahlin

De Frostkjemper can't deny their troubles in IAC 15 after their 3-2 loss against World #19 Eshialand. The Owls' Jacob Harran opened the scoring with a powerful header from a first-half corner. However, Martin Breiner grabbed his first IAC goal in the 42nd minute and equalized for Tjorl as he converted a free kick after a foul from George Habisbrauer. Halftime did nothing to slow down the rhythm of both sides' offense as they continued finding prime opportunities to score. Avery MacDougall grabbed the lead for Eshialand as she dribbled past Karoline Steinssen and scored with a beauty of a strike from just outside the box. Despite constant pressure from the Owls, De Frostkjemper equalized for a second time as Nikolaj Eriksen grabbed his second goal of the tournament with a chip over Eshialand goalkeeper Alexander Kolek. After a constant exchange of good strikes and pretty passing, Eshialand got the last laugh as Alice Carroll's goal in the final ten minutes of the game proved to be just enough for the Owls.

After the loss, Tjorl dropped down to fifth place with only one point to their name. Their next match against World #38 Magnecia will be a crucial one to keep themselves in this tournament, as they are still not too far behind East Slavona and Trolleborg.



Comments
- daletistagen
pls pls pls dont lose

- Karl R.
I honestly don't know what to expect, but I'm just hoping it's not a loss.

- zitania304
oh no no no no no we're definitely screwed

[Sajnur]

Can the SFA get its act together again?

The Sajnur Football Association (SFA) has completed its overhaul of its governance and executive, with Eliseo Marinon, former national team manager, named as the new President. The old executive was fired or resigned en masse after the SFA failed to send correct documents for its entry to World Cup 90, resulting in Sajnur dropping to 150th in the world rankings. The new executive's first act was to enter the team in the 15th Independent's Cup, which they have successfully done as shown by Sajnur's presence in United Adaikes. In the long term, however, they face the much harder task of turning Sajnur into regulars in the knockout stages of the IAC and actual contenders for qualification into the World Cup. Unfortunately, many stars of Sajnur's entry onto the multiversal stage are in their 30s, and right midfielder Dario Tule has already retired from the national team. Star goalkeeper Piotr Laghiev is now 40 and likely won't be wearing the national red and purple past World Cup 91, and current first choice Alek Khadur and star attacking midfielder Sian Levici are now 37. Thankfully there are replacements, but the old age of several first teamers for Sajnur is a curiosity and, for some, a concern for the team's dynamism.

Chloe Saukanen, with her relative lack of involvement in the governance crisis, remains manager so far, but her seat is already heating up with Sajnur's draw to unranked Reginalida. Sajnur's usual pattern of slow starts continued as the unusually numbered Rifters scored in the ninth minute via Eloy Perales, who outjumped Hatu Raglan to reach a Calvin Eneide cross. This would be the start of nearly eighty minutes of anguish as the opponents' solid 5-3-2 served as a citadel of brick walls against the Sajnuran attack. It wasn't until the 86th minute that Sajnur finally equalised, as a Jessica Siafik free kick curled its way past Gaspar Lizardo into the back of the net. Though the earlier 2-1 victory over the Football Tiger provides some cushion, a draw in a match that was considered an expected win will concern many fans and observers, though more optimistic viewers will point to Reginalda's 0-0 draw with the second seeded Space team. With the top three going through to the knockouts and only the group winners going to the Round of 16, Sajnur will have to stay sharp to avoid getting sent home by Group F's ranked teams.

Sajnur 2-1 Football Tiger

Sajnur

Goals

Samiryan: 20' (Levici)
Maktar: 54' (Isarghie)

Lineup
GK: Kirai
CB: Pracia
CB: Verjez
CB: Murje
CDM: Latvala
RM: Haji [Raglan 77']
CM: Siafik (c)
CM: Levici [Parjazu 67']
LM: Isarghie
ST: Maktar [Valera 54']
ST: Samiryan

Football Tiger

Goals

Mount: 75' (p)

Lineup
GK: Cliff Miller
LB: Mason Dennis
CB: Thomas Harr
CB: Mike Corliss
RB: Thomas Arnold
CDM: James William [James 54']
CM: Jake Finley
CM: Lincoln Meez
CF - Mat Mount (c)
ST - Edward Daniel
ST - Harry Happer [Reynold 75']

Sajnur 1-1 Reginalia

Sajnur

Goals

Siafik: 86'

Lineup
GK: Khadur
CB: Raglan
CB: Pracia
CB: Murje (c)
RM: Jorse
CM: Parci
CM: Hasan [Siafik 60']
LM: Pavlov [Karaji 73']
CF: Parjazu
CF: Ciuru
ST: Naulo [Maktar 86']

Reginalida

Goals

Perales: 9' (Eneide)

Lineup
GK: Lizardo
RWB: Brises
CB: Vannes
CB: Sandon
CB: Luoni
LWB: Eneide
CM: Galinoba (c)
CM: Salberco
CM: Donini
ST: Perales
ST: Methus

[Adab]

Thursday, June 17, 2038
Adab 2-0 Octapolis
Adab scorers: Akaptaha (17’), Barzani (75’)

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 59: The Prince and the Assistant Manager

November 11, 2036
Prince’s Palace, Faraby

He and the Sovereign Prince went back a long way, of course; their shared story was basically the story of the last 20 or so years of Farabian history. He had known the Prince since he was a young, sprightly warlord controlling half the island, alternating between negotiation and political violence in his attempt to secure his rightful throne from his uncle in that period of fear, skirmishes, and assassinations which Farabians now called the Dark Time. Back then he himself was but a young footballer; the most famous footballer from the island, but also a wayward, dissolute one, soon to be caught up in events which would have a significant impact on Farabian history – and on his life.

More than two decades had passed since they first met, and now they had both aged and matured, but mostly aged. The young, sprightly warlord was now the Sovereign Prince, nursing rapidly graying hair, his face marked with deep lines and exhaustion. The wayward, dissolute footballer had come back from a years-long exile to reclaim his identity and become co-assistant manager of the Adabian national football team, carrying with him a good reputation with regards to his football management skills, and a more heroic – or sinister, depending on who you asked – one on another matter, even though he had always denied his involvement in the latter.

And the Sovereign Prince, despite his title, was no longer fully sovereign; the economic ruination and political instability of the Dark Time had led him, once he secured the throne for himself, to the painful decision to seek union with the Empire of Adab. Officially Faraby was now an “associated state” - a highly autonomous part of Adab, its citizens also citizens of Adab. In effect the constant interference from Adab City, many felt, had reduced the island to little more than a powerless vassal state. The union, at the beginning popular with Farabians, was subject to increasing criticism. And while they might have thought the union necessary, neither the Sovereign Prince nor his people ever stopped yearning for a free Faraby. If they could not be free on their own, then at least they ought to be free within Adab.

But through all his tribulations Samir, Sovereign Prince of Faraby, maintained his dignity, never let himself go, never gave himself to anger. And today was no different; even as his hands gripped the edges of the table tightly and his eyes were laser-focused on the events playing out on television, there was a tranquility on his face, as if he had accepted that all this was destiny. That and there was no reason yet to go into a panic or rage, despite everything that was going on. “I never thought it would come to this so quickly,” he shook his head, watching replays of footage of the plane carrying the Adab national football team circle above the airport on the screen.

“I never expected it either, sir,” answered the flat but obviously still stunned voice beside him. Like his prince, Rashid Abbas’ eyes were glued on the TV in the Prince’s office. Even now it hadn’t really sunk in for him. The open rebellion by his own players, the overreaction from Naram-Sin or the Imperial Palace or whoever ordered the plane to stay up in the air, and the chaos now threatening to engulf the streets of Adab City. All this because of Emma and Alu.

“Naram-Sin is not even evil. He’s just dumb,” the Prince continued, “and cynical, and sucks up to the Palace at every opportunity. I swear on my father’s scepter that man has never had an original idea in his life. He’s hopelessly out of his depth and yet he thinks as if Allah has put him there for some divine mission. Now he’s made a mess of the entire situation because he’s afraid of the fans and he’s reaping the fruits of his incompetence.”

“I certainly never expected him to go this far,” Rashid added simply, barely raising the tone of his voice, arms crossed tightly over his chest.

“The man could’ve just issued some perfunctory statement – “We stand against hatred and discrimination” or whatever – and left it to the Palace to deal with Sinmuballit and Arthur while he washes his hands,” declared the Prince, his calm, cold voice somewhat hiding his exasperation. “Instead he’s turned half the country against him and will either have to resign or send the entire city into a godforsaken riot.”

The man beside him could only offer a nod to his calm, cool rant. And when he was about to speak, he found himself cut off by the Sovereign Prince, who had been gnashing his teeth when he wasn’t talking. “It’s my misfortune that I have had to deal with this man. The chickens have come home to roost.”

That last sentence prompted a head turn from Rashid. “Why is that, sir?”

The Prince nodded without looking at Rashid, raising one hand from the table and running it up his face and over his graying hair to the back of his head. “They’re coming for you, Rashid. For me, too, but he’s also coming for you.”

Rashid’s eyes narrowed as he faced the Prince, who was still serenely focused on the screen. “What do you mean?”

“Part of it is my fault,” the Prince began to explain. “You know the AFA Board has five members, right? One representing the Imperial Palace, one from the Ministry of Sports or whatever they call it over there, one referee, one woman, and… well, us, Faraby. You know how I managed to put a representative from our country in that frat house? Because I bribed them. Well, not bribed, but I donated money to that godforsaken organization. Quite the significant amount of money.”

“You bribed them?”

The Prince shook his head again. “Well, as I said I wouldn’t call it bribery. I mean it’s… we didn’t exactly run afoul of the law, but of course I just wanted to smooth the process.”

“What process?”

“Having a Farabian team in the Premier League,” the Prince said. “I mean we had just come out of the Dark Time. We had just given up our independence to Adab. The people needed something to be proud of and I thought sports could give them that. How else do you think we managed to get a Farabian team in that league that quickly? Or had the stadium renovated that quickly? You think I would drain the treasury for that?”

“Well, my lord,” Rashid began, “I have always taken you for one who would spend as much money as possible for the good of our country.”

The Prince responded quickly with a sly smile. “Thank you for the praise, but I also try to be fiscally prudent.” Then his voice began to turn dark. “The point I’m trying to say, Rashid, is that, uh, in trying to do the best for our island I have had to cut some corners. Which is totally and entirely my responsibility. I’m just sorry you had to be dragged into this.”

“I’m sorry, sir, but how exactly was I dragged into this?”

“You are close to the rebelling players, Rashid,” the Prince said. “Naram-Sin, the Palace, they will try to discredit the players, discredit anyone who is close to them or even has a remote possibility of displacing that old man. Guilt by association. If the people around you are bad, then odds are you are a bad person too. Kaykali isn’t safe, you are not safe, and I’m not safe either.”

“But you said yourself that it wasn’t bribery. So there’s nothing to be worried about, right?”

“Legally, perhaps. Morally, that’s more… complex. But taking morally ambiguous actions have been the story of my life, and I guess of yours, too,” the Prince replied. “But you are a good man, Rashid, and you don’t deserve any of this. I, on the other hand, very much do. The sins of our past, they still chase after us.”

“I knew what I did, sir,” Rashid said simply.

“The circumstances forced me to direct you to do that, and I will have to carry that burden with me for the rest of my life, and I accept that,” the Prince said. “You lost years of your life that you will never get back because of me. Our lives were never again the same. I can never make that up to you.”

“No, sir, I did it for my country. You saved my life. It’s only right that I repay you.”

To this the Prince offered no immediate response, only a nod, a faint sigh, and a thousand-yard stare at the screen. They had had this conversation several times before. What was done had been done. “If Naram-Sin decides to be stubborn as usual, there’s a chance he might uncover our dealings to discredit you and me. I mean he’s not exactly clean either in this matter – after all it takes two to tango – but whatever happens it will not be good for us.”

“What you are going to do about it, sir?”

“We need to find a way to keep Naram-Sin quiet, because I don’t trust him to come to his senses,” the Prince stated resolutely. Then he raised a finger at the screen, as if motioning Rashid to look at it. “Oh look, they’re finally allowing the plane to land.”

Adab lineup for IAC 15 MD3 (June 21, 2038, vs. New Zhengguo)

Starting lineup: Chandrasekar, Altun, Enmerkar (VC), Issou, Sharkalisharri, Arthur, Samanu, Orlev, Akaptaha, Yissakar, Yargab (C)

Substitutes: Shulgi, al-Tikriti, Akshak, Thomas, al-Muntar, Emmita, Uhwan, Zambiya, al-Kufa, Barzani

[Trolleborg]

Greetings, compatriots!
It’s TTV almost from the nearby streets from you, our dear viewers. At last right now we have something pleasant to show you. After very disappointing opening match, as we all remember, all our TV channels for some time show without any comments just a huge crowd of spectators coming from the stadium, close-up, with faces on which emotions are written from surprise at the unfairness of the result to complete dejection. Such a picture was much eloquent than any words. Before the start of the second match of the tournament, the mood among the fans only slightly brightened, especially since not the best memories are associated with the opposing team. Basketball players from Magnecia at one time at the same stadium on December 1 won a sudden victory over ours during the World Basketball Championship - the very tournament at which the term “chromatikation” first appeared in the our lexicon. The position of the teams in the table of ranks of the corresponding sport was somewhat similar to the current one in football - the guests starting their journey, against our players, who, it seemed to everyone, were capable of far above average results, but it all ended in a strange defeat with a difference of ten points.

The beginning of the game seemed to confirm worst fears. For the first half an hour, our players demonstrated rather slow football with many mistakes and strange actions, there were many unnecessary losses of the ball and inaccurate passes, and because of this, there was a lot of senseless struggle and fouls. Only then the team began to gradually acquire a look familiar to us. Just before the break, Kranforde could open a score twice in a row, but both times he was probably miss his chance due to emotions.

In the second half, the players came out on the field much more focused, and soon managed to score - after our players tried to storm the penalty area, the defender headed the ball to the center of the field, and there Morten Troll was the fastest and opened the scoring with a wonderful powerful shot.

Mood on the stands, however, remained tense. How many times has it happened that the team suddenly lost concentration at crucial moments and lost winnable games, and, of course, the rather long list of such cases worried the fans very much. It seems that the coach made some conclusions of his own, and Stuart Kerr appeared on the sidelines, accompanied by a joyful roar. As we know, his warm-up close to the field in itself forces many opponents to make adjustments to the pattern of the game even when he was returned to the bench at the end. This time he was fielded, but while he was preparing, the score was doubled: Troll took over the game, slipped behind a defender, pulled another one on himself, completely focused the goalkeeper's attention and gently rolled the ball to the side, there Kranforde struck not only accurate, but also beautiful, shot

And after another seven minutes, Stuart Kerr successfully got rid of his guard, and then made a great pass, leaving both the goalkeeper and the defenders out of work, and Kranforde scored the third goal

And right before the end of the game, our veteran himself was able to add one more ball to his personal account, raising the bar for scorers in the national team by one more goal. Skrta, this time coming into the game from the bench, made a great pass into the box. The ball seemed to fly into a completely empty space - which suddenly and unexpectedly for the defenders was not empty, as our scorer appeared there as if from nowhere and delivered a beautiful volley shot.

Even if our veteran does not appear again on the field, this is a worthy end to his excellent career in international football. Shortly after that, the referee gave the final whistle - and our pyrotechnicians were finally able to show the fireworks prepared for the first match. But we'll see if this game was a sign of recovery or just a temporary episode.

And we must announce that, due to technical reasons, there may be difficulties with broadcasting the last matches of the group stage in 3D. Of course, you quickly get used to the good, but the technology is clearly ahead of its time and there is still a lot to be finalized in it, which you have to do on the go. Let’s cheer for our players even without this!

[Zwangzug]

The Arlington Moon-Tribune

The "third generation" Zwangzug national team, which re-emerged into the WCC in the World Cup 80 cycle, has had their share of interesting trajectories. Misako Tsuki researched the "soulwood" phenomenon, leading her to a guest-lecturer position at the prestigious Bryce College and then becoming the Lions' head coach. Lucas Kukiseso enjoyed a Hall of Fame playing career, then wound up in the Euran Oceanian [sic] Territories as manager of Oslograd Academy. Franziska Schnee-Krull occasionally appeared as a broadcaster after her domestic career, which...all right, never mind about Schnee-Krull's domestic career. The point is, that Kim Higden has wound up at the helm of her native Picksall Islands should not come as a surprise, by the standards of her teammates' accomplishments.

And yet, it is. Starting with the fact that the Picksall Islands have their own team--technically, an official selection rather than a "national team." Despite their geographic and linguistic distance from the mainland, the archipelago has little secessionist will, nor does it have its own form of governance. Competing as a "non-sovereign" or "unrecognized nation" would immediately launch a firestorm; if they are an oppressed minority, what does that make Zwangzug proper? It's almost as cringeworthy as the fact that, well, we have our own national team in the first place.

Then, there's the fact that the islanders showed up in IAC 12 under Higden's leadership, dropped off the map for two cycles, and are back again with a roster ~60% the same. Have they been trying to grow the game on grassroots, or tundra-roots, levels? Unable to travel because of heavy-handed environmentalist restrictions? Engaged in transliteration nitpicking? It certainly isn't because the full national team wants their spot--after a quarterfinal run in IAC 9, the Zwangzug side seemed to conclude their fixtures schedule was busy enough already.

Higden, if she knows why, isn't saying--in English or any other language. "I think you'll see that this is the kind of tournament that values diversity," she said. "Yes, you'll see established World Cup sides like Trolleborg or Huelavia, but you also get Quintessence of Dust--" (another holdover from Baptism of Fire 20, alongside Kelssek!) "--and Space making impacts. Our players can compete with anyone."

Bold words for a team that finished fifth in a group of six last time. Still, their defense is more robust this time around, with the team yet to concede through 180 minutes. Lone striker Vādondu Gaudō scored the only goal against Kyzhurkistan.

The side's penchant for defense, and cultural isolation, might spark parallels with a different region of the country; Namiri Forest, who somehow manage to be more karelan than the Picksall Islands, won Champions' Cup 9 with a homegrown side. Higden smiles when the comparison is pointed out. "For me personally, I guess I'd say I'm used to playing on teams that are a little more heterogeneous and not so defensive." (She played professionally for Rovers United, though it could also apply to the full national team.) "But if playing for a more unified, close-knit group brings out the best in Namiri, or us, so much the better."

One advantage to that system, such as it is, is that it relieves individual pressure on goalkeepers; Ēwiko Hūmgin, like Forest's Mrunalini Zamani, can concentrate on being part of a collective rather than a lone sentinel. But if melodramatic tropes have resulted in Higden becoming Weird Quiet Goalie #1093, she's still personable enough--just--to lead the regional team. "I guess in some sense it kind of fell to me by default, yeah," she admits. "If I hadn't been here, do they appoint a player-manager? Bring someone over from the mainland? I don't know. But I don't take this for granted and neither does the team."

Until next time--whenever and wherever that might be--the Islanders will hope to keep parking the yepdog (that's a large ship, as distinguished from a manually-sailed memo) in Indusse and Montaña Verde.

[East Slavona]

Our team collected only two points from the two matches played. For an unranked team, that doesn't sound too bad. Two games and two draws, we have no victory but no defeat also. Ante Hanžeković is the scorer of the only goal, a historic goal for our national team, against Tjorl.
Our team has difficult matches ahead of us and we hope that we will score the first three points.
It is unlikely to happen but there is always hope.
However, these events triggered a chain reaction. There is an interest in football in our country. Our citizens want to know everything about this competition, they want to know everything about our footballers.
Interest in our league is growing, and therefore sponsors could invest more.
We believe that this is just the beginning of a great football story in East Slavona.

[HUElavia]

Participants, we've made it to the halfway point of the Group Stage. For some of you, you may be putting a foot into the knockout rounds.
For others, you may be trying to stay alive.
Will you resurrect your campaign or will you replay the same mistakes?

Welcome to Matchday 3.

Group A
New Zhengguo 0–1 Adab
Gyoric 2–4 Poafmersia
Octapolis 3–2 Saterun

  Group A                       Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Poafmersia                      3   2  1  0   12   6  +6    7
2 Adab                            3   2  1  0    5   2  +3    7
3 Octapolis                       3   2  0  1    5   5   0    6
4 New Zhengguo                    3   1  0  2    4   7  −3    3
5 Saterun                         3   1  0  2    6   5  +1    3
6 Gyoric                          3   0  0  3    3  10  −7    0

Group B
Trolleborg 2–0 Belnegau
Tjorl 3–0 Magnecia
East Slavona 3–3 Eshialand

  Group B                       Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Eshialand                       3   2  1  0    7   5  +2    7
2 Trolleborg                      3   2  0  1    6   1  +5    6
3 Tjorl                           3   1  1  1    6   4  +2    4
4 Belnegau                        3   1  1  1    3   2  +1    4
5 East Slavona                    3   0  3  0    4   4   0    3
6 Magnecia                        3   0  0  3    0  10 −10    0

Group C
Sudilia 3–2 The Republic of Dansen
The 14 Stars 2–0 Freeport Isles
HUElavia 1–0 Abanhfleft

  Group C                       Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 HUElavia                        3   3  0  0    7   1  +6    9
2 The 14 Stars                    3   2  0  1    5   4  +1    6
3 Freeport Isles                  3   2  0  1    7   5  +2    6
4 Abanhfleft                      3   1  0  2    8   6  +2    3
5 Sudilia                         3   1  0  2    7  12  −5    3
6 The Republic of Dansen          3   0  0  3    4  10  −6    0

Group D
Muralos 2–1 Quintessence of Dust
StrayaRoos Barrier Islands 2–3 Forbidden Territories
Squidroidia 1–0 Omerica

  Group D                       Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Squidroidia                     3   3  0  0    7   1  +6    9
2 Forbidden Territories           3   3  0  0    7   3  +4    9
3 StrayaRoos Barrier Islands      3   1  0  2    4   7  −3    3
4 Omerica                         3   1  0  2    2   3  −1    3
5 Muralos                         3   1  0  2    2   3  −1    3
6 Quintessence of Dust            3   0  0  3    3   8  −5    0

Group E
Macbon 3–5 Sannyamathland
Hebitaka 1–0 Britonisea
TJUN-ia 3–2 Valkyriah

  Group E                       Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 TJUN-ia                         3   3  0  0    9   5  +4    9
2 Britonisea                      3   1  1  1    2   2   0    4
3 Macbon                          3   1  1  1    7   8  −1    4
4 Valkyriah                       3   1  0  2    5   6  −1    3
5 Sannyamathland                  3   1  0  2    8   8   0    3
6 Hebitaka                        3   1  0  2    1   3  −2    3

Group F
Space 1–2 Kriegiersien
Sajnur 3–2 United Adaikes
Football Tiger 1–1 Reginalida

  Group F                       Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Kriegiersien                    3   3  0  0   12   3  +9    9
2 Sajnur                          3   2  1  0    6   4  +2    7
3 Reginalida                      3   0  3  0    2   2   0    3
4 Space                           3   0  2  1    5   6  −1    2
5 United Adaikes                  3   0  1  2    8  11  −3    1
6 Football Tiger                  3   0  1  2    2   9  −7    1

Group G
Togonistan 1–1 Drawkland
Kencana 0–1 Almuzahara
Hopal 0–3 Sixty-ninE X

  Group G                       Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Almuzahara                      3   2  0  1    4   3  +1    6
2 Kencana                         3   1  1  1    3   3   0    4
3 Hopal                           3   1  1  1    4   6  −2    4
4 Sixty-ninE X                    3   1  1  1    4   2  +2    4
5 Drawkland                       3   1  1  1    6   6   0    4
6 Togonistan                      3   0  2  1    1   2  −1    2

Group H
Indusse 6–3 Kyzhurkistan
Montana Verde 1–2 Juvencus
Picksail Islands 0–0 Garifunya

  Group H                       Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Indusse                         3   3  0  0   12   4  +8    9
2 Picksail Islands                3   2  1  0    2   0  +2    7
3 Kyzhurkistan                    3   1  0  2    6   7  −1    3
4 Juvencus                        3   1  0  2    2   8  −6    3
5 Garifunya                       3   0  2  1    4   5  −1    2
6 Montana Verde                   3   0  1  2    4   6  −2    1

[StrayaRoos Barrier Islands]

July 8,2023

FROM THE OFFICE OF THE HEAD EMU OF STRAYAROOS BARRIER ISLANDS

---

We Have Formally Annexed the North-eastern Region of the (now) former East StrayaRoos Islands completing the Invasion the Emu Party started in November 2022 and have taken over control from those Emu-killing Pigdogs of StrayaRoos and now move on to invading the mainland we shall rule over StrayaRoos within 1 month

私たちは正式に（現在の）旧東ストラヤルース諸島の北東地域を併合し、エミュー党が2022年11月に開始した侵略を完了し、ストラヤルースのエミューを殺すピッグドッグから支配権を引き継ぎ、現在は本土への侵攻に移っています。 1か月以内にStrayaRoosを支配する

Мы официально аннексировали северо-восточный регион (теперь) бывших островов Восточный Страярус, завершив вторжение, начатое партией Эму в ноябре 2022 года, и взяли под свой контроль свинопсов Страяруса, убивающих эму, и теперь переходим к вторжению на материк, который мы правит StrayaRoos в течение 1 месяца

[Reginalida]

Seriously Now... What's Going On?

FAR News

International News

---

Hi again Rifties, we're back with another update on how the IAC tournament is going for our favourites team and honestly... yeah, we're not sure what's going on either.

The first match against the team from Space, as you already know, ended with a nil-all draw - an interesting result from two teams so different, and we were looking forward to future matches to see what we can really do pitted against a team more on our... Earthly standards.

Well, the match against Sajnur was very much the same. Our young Eloy Peralas scored his first goal - and our first goal for the tournament (well done, Eloy, we're all proud), and then our heavily defensive playstyle kept the Sajnur team from scoring... right up until the last minute when Jessica Siafik scored for their side, leading to yet another tie.

And then we had Football Tiger most recently. You'd think a nation that literally named itself after the sport would be a tricky one to beat but, yeah, you guessed it. Another 1-1 tie. Our one and only goal came from the team's top scorer Alberto Methus in an almost reverse of the situation with Sajnur - a last-minute score after Football Tiger's Mat Mount managed to get one in much earlier in the game.

So my boss wanted me to write up a bunch of I guess analytics about what's going on here about what this could mean. Sajnur won their first match then drew with us, that's gotta be good. In fact, Sajnur won against Football Tiger, who then drew with us. Football Tiger has yet to win a match... and so do we. But we haven't lost yet, only drawn. Our next match is against Kriegiersien, the top of our group and a team currently with a winning streak that seems like it will be very difficult to beat. Or maybe it won't, and we'll draw again. Either way, Reginalida is currently third in the group and there are much worse places to be. Like at home, because I forgot my wedding anniversary. Sorry boss, I'll write a better one next time, right now I've got to go.

[Indusse]

IFA NEWS NETWORK
Home and Home

---

Indusse got to be one of those rare nations participating in the Independents Cup to have hosting rights in their own home ground. The Aditya Varma Kulashekara International Stadium, is home to the Flocking Blues and is the largest sports stadium in the nation. The Aditya Varma Kulashekara International Stadium can hold 131,561 spectators in normal cases. The most attendance recorded for an event in the stadium was 148,241 spectators. This historical event happened long before the current stadium had been built. The former stadium known as IFA International Stadium had just a capacity of 108,112 and the event was the Sworn-in of Baskar H Kumar as the first president of the Indusse. In other words, the sworn in was also the same as the nation's independence day. The most spectators for a match was recorded as 118,232 spectators for a match between Indusse and Pratapgadh which was once a derby match.


This Stadium was built first by Aditya Varma Kulashekara, the emperor of Indusse at his reign. The stadium was built as part of giving the Indussean Football Association, a home ground. The Stadium at its beginning had a capacity of 62,122 spectators and was later increased to 97,783. The Stadium also in the past hosted the home matches of Royal Hind City FC (Currently, New Hind City FC) and Hind United FC (Currently dissolved). The Hind United FC got dissolved into Royal Hind City FC and the club through enough funding brought some land near the Darbar Halls and built a stadium there which currently serves as their home ground and the nation's secondary home ground. The IFA Stadium was built close to the Hind River and was surrounded by small forests. The place then known to be Kadaathaaaru was chosen for the stadium, the name literally meant to be "Forest River". The stadium continued to host the nation's home matches until the IFA was disbanded after the invasion of the Islamic Conquerors. The Dari Sultanate rulers took over the nation and placed a ban on all sort of native entertainment including music and sports. The stadium was taken under the custody of the Dari Military and was converted into a arena to propagate Dari Propoganda. The Stadium was renamed as Neimat Abdullah Arena and the capacity was increased to 108,112. The Neimat Abdullah Arena also became the public execution grounds of Natives in Indusse. The Dari Supressed Native Freedom Fighters were beheaded, hanged and shot dead at these grounds. After the Independence, the stadium was renamed as IFA Stadium and held the nation's first independence day celebrations. After a few years, it was renamed to Aditya Varma Kulashekara International Stadium and the capacity was increased to 131,561. The Government then also decided to set up a monument for the natives who were killed by the supression. The Divya Azadi Stambh (Divine Freedom Pillar) located in the stadium complex is the so called monument. This Pillar is an important part of the nation's independence day celebrations.

[Squidroidia]

The Inkopolis Times

---

SPORTS

IRREVERSABLE

Squidroidia win against Omerica, all but assured of IAC knockouts

---

The Squidroidia Inklings are 3-0-0 in IAC 15 play as they welcomed IAC powerhouses Omerica to the Inkopolis City Stadium and handed them a 1-0 loss, putting Omerica far away from automatically advancing to the Round of 16 and having to hope on finishing in 3rd to even get to the knockout stage of the multiverse-spanning tournament.

Prior to the matchup, there was doubts on how Omerica could compete against a traditionally good team like Squidroidia, considering their shock loss to the StrayaRoos Barrier Islands in Duomji. Indeed, both teams were level on points heading into the game, and if Omerica couldn't keep the pace up, they were certainly doomed to fail in the group stage, even if their final 2 games were against Quintessence of Dust and Forbidden Territories. If anything, this game was crucial in ensuring their survival in the group, and manager Amaya Allen-Stone, fairly or not, was being thrown to the wolves in their own den.

The game was a tight affair throughout, with both sides playing a chess match with no clear victor for a very long time, hell both teams went into halftime level at 0-0. For every missed shot by the Squidroidians, the Incorrigibles had another. For every Akiyama save, there was a Betancourt save to match. Every run and tackle was executed to a tee, a master in Johnson and an apprentice in Allen-Stone pining for that one goal to force the 2 sides apart.

In the 83rd minute, it was Squidroidia who had the greatest chance. With the ball stripped away from Fearchar Mac Cléirich, the captainless Squidroidians pounced on the opportunity and worked the ball into the box, where Henriette Brooks had a fantastic header, the Inkling giving Squidroidia a lead they would hang on to until the final whistle. 3 games in Inkopolis, 3 wins for the home team.

With 7 goals scored and 1 conceded, while not necessarily having the highest scoring team in the competition, Squidroidia are one of 3 teams who have only conceded 1 goal so far in IAC 15, trailing a Picksail Islands team who haven't even conceded a single goal yet. In fact, their goals for to goals against ratio is on par with HUElavia's. The simple answer for that comes down to Squidroidia's defense - A backline at the peak of their powers is just not a backline to be messed with, especially with Muto Toki at the prime of his career.

"I feel like this defense is the best we've ever had, at the IAC or at the World Cup", Johnson said after the match. "You aren't gonna see this kind of core from a Squidroidia team for a very long while, let me tell you."

Squidroidia now sit on top of Group D with 9 points to their name, just ahead of Forbidden Territories on goal difference. The kicker - Squidroidia's next game is against Forbidden Territories, and a win will see them automatically advance to the Round of 16 and, better yet, host their Round of 16 tie in Inkopolis.

"Yeah, I think the Forbidden Territories are the biggest challenge we have faced so far", said Makino Hideo. "Fresh newcomers, 3 wins to their name as well, this is obviously a trap game for us and it will be difficult, especially since they also beat SBI."

Muralos is also in the hunt for 3rd place having beat Quintessence of Dust by 2 goals to 1.

Around the Dominion
SPORTS: You 8-2 see it: Sabrefell Moths demolish FC Squidbreak in IFCF CL
MULTIVERSE: Emu Army successfully invades eastern StrayaRoos Barrier Islands, eyes up invasion of mainland
INKOPOLIS: Traffic-curbing legislature proposed in City Council
TRAVEL: Destinations off the IAC path
IAC 15: Matchday 3 Recap: Poafmersia, Indusse on record goal-scoring pace, struggling Elite Eleven, Freeport faulter against 14 Stars

[Kriegiersien]

IAC XV

Space 1–2 Kriegiersien

Kriegiersien floating to a victory in space. Xian Cheung decided the game with a header after Daniel Werner had scored the equalizer.

But the main talking point wasn’t that the team was behind after half-time one or the conditions in space (only Dashi said he felt as light as at his best times again) or the revenge against Space after the last loss a long time ago, it was Cheung being angry about not enough support.

“Werner could have passed to me, but then he scored himself. And there were so many times I could have used more help, the opponent players are standing on my feet all the time”, Cheung said.
Experts stated that still 77% of the final passes in offense go to Cheung and that he did only pass twice in the whole match.


In the next match the draw experts from Reginalida await. Can the Kriegiersien offense crack their wall?

[Zwangzug]

Zwangzug's e-Lipogram

Hi fans! It's us again with football drama. But it's not World Cup action, nor is it Zwangzug's "First Division" squads playing within our country. No, this is a blurb about Picksall Islands' "official" squad, which plays against actual nations such as Kyzhurkistan. Today was a nil-all draw against Garifunya; Muhammad Boosman and Dirk Slaghuis would link up as fullbacks to thwart any attacks from that island chain north of Zwangzug's mainland.

This squad's linguistic approach is not a good fit for our publication. Our staff don't hold back from using any consonant at hand, but Picksall pronunciation norms avoid such common symbols as l, r, or s. Also, this journal (and most of Zwangzug) try to stay away from macrons such as Ō or ū, and similar diacritics. Luckily, I can say such things as "Nakwing Ōmhun plays at right-back" and "Vādondu Gaudō is Picksall Islands' only starting forward," but it's occasionally difficult.

Still, all of us find it fun to root for an upstart squad that can hardly disappoint, only catch strong nations off-guard. It's probably important to point out that Picksall's fourth and fifth matchdays will show off skillfull opposition from Group H, possibly in contrast to minnows such as Garifunya. But that said, not allowing any goals at all through four and a half hours is darn good stuff!

With IFCF play starting, and an unofficial signing window sliding shut, would any of this squad want to play abroad? Possibly in a big nation's third division or so? Said captain Ibwō (following a painstaking ritual of translation from island lingo to mainland jargon, and from mainland words to our writing format): "It's fun to play along my compatriots, and as a kid at Shanbock, it was good that football was part of my schooling but not my only goal. I don't know if I could do this for months straight, though." To say nothing of cultural isolation.

Still, it's a thought, and if this form should last, who's to say that our own First Division won't want to scout such individuals?

[Hopal]

The Hopal Herald Sports

---

Adrian Turcotte Out after 3-0 Loss to Sixty-ninE X

---

It was a disappointing loss today for Team Hopal against Sixty-ninE X. After a relatively successful start to IAC 15, this loss must have been a wake-up call to both the team and management. Some might argue that this loss was foreseeable, Head Coach Tom Villiers had been changing around with the defence for the past few games. The latest change coming into this game was the pulling of veteran Henry Gowen, in favour of the determined youngster Kaylee Haboshinter, who had in fact been pulled from the lineup just the game prior. For all of the praise for the Hopalian defence and Defensive Coach Allison Woodville going into this tournament, and after that first game. The Hopalian defence has really struggled over the course of this tournament, from that defensive mistake which led to a goal in the first game, to the misdirection, miscommunication, the appearance of being overwhelmed in the second game. But you could argue that it wasn't the Hopalian defence that lost the game for them, but the goalkeeping. You could also say that you could have seen this coming too, Adrian Turcotte, the star goalkeeper for the Hopalians, and the Captain of the team, just hasn't been himself for the course of this tournament. He struggled against Kencana letting in one of their only shots, he struggled again against Drawkland, like the defence seeming overwhelmed by their onslaught of shots, and here again against Sixty-ninE X, and overall during this tournament he's had a save percentage of under 60%.

The game against Sixty-ninE X started well enough for Team Hopal, again the Hopalian defence gained possession of the ball early. But they changed up their tactics a bit, Defensive Coach Allison Woodville knowing that she would have to change something up in an attempt to rectify the failing of the last two games. The Hopalian defence stayed closer together, and while still being cautious, showed an eagerness and aggressiveness that was lacking in the last two games, it kept Sixty-ninE X on their toes, and made things difficult for them. Once again Peter Fikudal was a star player for the Hopalian team, working hard and in tandem with the Hopalian defence to get the ball and past the Sixty-ninE X team. He was thoughtful and skillful in his dribbling, technique, and strategy and even got an early scoring opportunity that was saved by the Sixty-ninE X goalkeeper.

The tide would turn however when at the 27th minute Sixty-ninE X got their first shot on net, they would score from a difficult angle, with the Hopalian defence clearly trying their hardest and succeeding in making life difficult for the Sixty-ninE X team. But it was an Adrian Turcotte who unprepared and bewildered, who would let the goal in. With this goal the momentum and morale balance of the game would shift. The Sixty-ninE X gained a huge morale and confidence boost from this goal, while the Hopalians became desperate and unenthused. Despite multiple desperate pushes by the Hopalians into Sixty-ninE X lines, the Hopalians remained boxed in to their zone. It was a desperate struggle for the Hopalians, and one which they would lose with Sixty-ninE X scoring again at the 39th minute.

The second half of the game brought a fresh start for the Hopalians, and they were able to rebound a little from the struggles of the first half. But they never were able to rebound from that first half, and never reached the peaks that they did in the first half. Soon enough the Hopalians would be boxed into their own zone again, and at the 67th minute Sixty-ninE X would score after Adrian Turcotte missed a relatively easy save. After this Adrian Turcotte would substituted for his longtime under-study, Alex Gargin. Gargin would be able to save all of the shots of net for the rest of the game, and the Hopalian defence was able to get it together for the rest of the game, but the Hopalians would continue to remain boxed into their own zone for the rest of the game.

After the game ended Adrian Turcotte was seen leaving the pitch in tears, and Head Coach Tom Villiers and all of the team members would refuse to speak to the media. Going into this fourth game against Almuzahara, Adrian Turcotte was be swapped permanently for Alex Gargin. Gargin who had for a long time been the backup goalkeeper for Team Hopal will finally be getting his first start internationally.

Starting 11 for MD4
GK Alex Gargin 24 M
FB Kaylee Haboshinter 19 F
FB Allison Terrace 19 F
CB Hector Cruz 19 M
CB Kay Redford 31 F
CM Wendy Stein 24 F
CM Peter Fikudal 27 M
CM Justin Gubre 25 M
OM Jake Gonchar 27 M
OM Uma Frey 18 M
CF Tommy Sanchez 26 M

Schedule
MD1: vs Kencana - D 1-1
MD2: vs Drawkland - W 3-2
MD3: vs Sixty-ninE X - L 0-3
MD4: vs Almuzahara
MD5: vs Togonistan

[TJUN-ia]

By Peter Davis

After a cathartic 4-3 victory over #10 Sannyamathland in front of the home faithful, the New Age Jaguars of TJUN-ia were 2-0 in IAC15 and things could certainly be talked about already in relation to this unit. There were certainly some positives to be had - Prince Carter and Archer Andrews were as good as billed, putting Manu Kepelewako and Kelo Ngwemanagawa on set pieces was a good idea, having Petor Szektkovsky in that CDM role provided an extra man on both sides that many felt we desperately needed over the years, David N'kude was holding up on his own in the net. But this team also had a few areas to work on as transitional play felt a bit rusty and conjointed at times - something you would expect from a team not used to playing with each other, but something David Seems and Li Xiu Ying knew had to be ironed out if they wanted to return to the WC.

Both the positives and negatives of these Jaguars would be on display here today as the 1-1 debutants from Valkyriah came to town. Valkyriah were the perfect example of a team with nothing to lose but plenty to gain and thus, this game would actually be one of two halves. The first 45 were complete domination by the hosts as the National Stadium bore witness to a complete performance by these Jaguars that showed them all the new guys can be good at the game. Prince Carter was absolutely key to this first-half performance and he would contribute to all 3 goals, scoring himself in the 22nd before assisting twice - once each to Archer Andrews (35th) and to Carlos Pique (42nd). He would be replaced by Yomakaji Shimigatsu early into the 2nd and while he certainly tried to create chances, Shimigatsu just couldn't be as prolific in the end. The visitors would get more time with the ball and score two late goals (77th and 86th) to certainly tense things up but in the end, the Jaguars did just bout enough to claim another 3-2 and most likely assure progression into the knockout stage once more.

Not perfect by any peans, but a win was still a win and that was all that matters. Next up will certainly be a big game as the two hosts of the group come together in TJUN-ia City to settle the score in an NSTT Derby with Britonisea. GO JAGS!

---

SCHEDULE (Group E, all matches at National Stadium, TJUN-ia City, TJUN-ia)
MD1: vs Hebitaka (46) W 2-0 (1st)
MD2: vs Sannyamathland (10) W 4-3 (1st)
MD3: vs Valkyriah (UR) W 3-2 (1st)
MD4: vs Britonisea (28)
MD5: vs Macbon (UR)

[East Slavona]

Eshialand 3-3 East Slavona

Incredible high quali match was played by East Slavonians versus Eshialand.
A renowned opponent of enviable football results has failed to beat our footballers.
Eshialand dominated the field for the first 15 minutes. They played very nicely, connected, they used every segment of the field. Our team was trying to line up, they were looking for a way to steal the ball and find their way to the opponent's goal with quick counterattacks.
One counterattack by our players was in 12 'of the game.
Ante Hanžeković cut one attack of Eshialand team. With fast and precise ball he find Tarko Stojčevski whom is already in the run, Stojčevski is in 16 metars area. At right side Eshialand' s defender try to block Stojčevski's attack and he leave Gordan Filipović completely alone but Stojčevski didn’t see him and Stojčevski shoot but he miss by milimeter.
Gordan Filipović shows him that he should pass ball to him, he was completely alone.
Punishment comes in 16' minute of game. Well organized attack of Eshialand and beautiful header by Alice Carrol, Eshialand have lead of 1-0.
Again our team miss one gift of Eshialand team.
Lucas Meiling lose the ball in the midle of field and Goran Filipović is towards to goalie Alexander Kolek. Goran shot's but Kolek defend a goal with finger tips.
Again punishment came very soon. It was 38' of game, Eshialand have ball almost 6 minutes, our defence is on constantly pressure.
Than, Jacob Harran shots from almost 18 meters and score for 2-0!
Halftime!

In second halfitime East Slavona playes much better. They knows now that they don’t have anything to lose any more. East Slavona came like completely deferent team, more agresive, more precise. Now they are in dictating tempo.
In 52nd minute Ante Hanžeković cross a wonderful precise ball directly to Goran Filipović, Filipović header in to net through hands of Kolek's hands! Gooooooooooal! It's 2-1!
In 67' minute, players of Eshialand have wrong pass, Zoran Helović cut the ball and pass towards Tarko Stojčevski. Stojčevski with amazing and precise shot send the ball into the Eshialand's net. Goooooal! 2-2!
Kolek is powerless here, he nothing can do.
In 76' Hongbo Fang came in instead of Drele.
In 81st minute is a corner kick from left side for East Slavona.
Ante Hanžeković will take a corner kick, he send a sharp ball infront of Kolek's goal. Kolek brilliantly jump and boxing ball far away from his area.
But, Hongbo Fang was on that ball, he emidietly shoot with his right leg and score from 19 meters. Goooooal! East Slavona have a lead of 3-2!
Than in 91st minute huge error of our players in defence. Marko Salatić play ball with hand and referee shows emidietly at white spot. Also, he shows yelow card to Salatić.
Very precise from white spot was Harran and equalize to 3-3!

This is third draw in third game for East Slavona but this is far more better play than before.
We are all in hope that our players can beat next opponents.

[The 14 Stars]

Starsian beat Freeport and aim for more!

After an already dazzling match against Abahnfleft they were now headed to the Freeport Isles a nation where they knew little about however they are aware they should be cautious with their assumptions.
With their current form the Starsian are predicted to have a chance although it entirely depends upon what this match will bring to us in terms of quality and how our team will handle these unknowns.
before the match we had an interview with the Starsian ace Holly Moonlight and Alan White one of the teams veteran player to look forward to what will come in the coming matches and season.

Interviewer: ''Good afternoon to both of you, please take a seat its great to have you with us here today''

White: ''Ofcourse no problem at all, its a pleasure to be here today''

Moonlight: ''Indeed it quite is''

Interviewer: ''Thats nice to hear, we're grateful you wanted to sit down for an interview today, for our first topic we'd like to ask mister White how it has been as captain since Morris Valerian left the team.''

White: ''Yeah it has been....quite a change and i firstly have to admit that i refused when they asked me to, i've never been really the type to lead a team but when i saw the whole team insisting and showing me they have faith in me i couldn't deny.
I could not deny the faith that my teammates have in me and i decided i will do my very best for the team to bring us forward.''

Interviewer: ''That is very nice indeed, to have such caring team members on your side.
How do you think you are doing so far though? you have lost one match but also won another one but do you think in the long run you will be doing a good job as captain?''

White: ''I certainly believe i will, i no longer doubt my ability after so many years and i think with my experience i can bring the team to a good number of victories in the years still to come.''

Interviewer: ''Years to come? so that means you do not plan on quitting anytime soon yet?''

White: ''Indeed, i don't feel its my time yet and even though i am an older player i am physically in a good condition and i am capable to keep up with all my younger counterparts which shows i still deserve my spot on this team.''

Interviewer: ''I see thats a good spirit, one of the new people in the starting line-up is you Ms. Moonlight, we were stunned by your hattrick against Abahnfleft and we'd like to hear what your plan is for the next game.''

Moonlight: ''Yeah it was a wonderful game but without support from the sides and the midfield from people like Kira, Dylan and Stefano i can't make the diffrence on the field its as simple as that.
All goals that are made are made by the whole team not just by me, next game i will for sure score also a wonderful goal i can already predict''

Interviewer: ''Thats a bold statement, also is there any places outside the Stars you'd like to go?''

Moonlight: ''Hmm....i heard there are places with very high game levels like Nephara and Chromatika and i mean if i ever wouldn't feel challenged i would love to go there to improve my skill even more!
But i am fine where i am at Blizzard right now, they are very nice to me and i feel at home there.''

Interviewer: ''Those are top spots for football yeah, last question, do you think the current older players are still good enought to keep up with the same hyper advanced developments your generation grew up with?''

Moonlight: ''I believe they can if they want to, it will take some time to get used to be like everything in your daily life and work that challenges you its like just make the effort to do it and you eventually will be able to.
If you put enough effort in it you will be able to.''

Interviewer: ''Thanks for the interview both''

White and Moonlight: ''No problem at all''