[Roleplays] :: World Cup 92

by **Pemecutan** » Tue Nov 08, 2022 8:06 pm

Round 16
Pemecutan   4 – 2   Independent Athletes of Quebec

Goal scorers:
Rama Karyadi (13')
Leo Olivando (43', 76')
Komang Trisna Mahayana (62')

Substitutes:
Sorabala Aksapadan <—> Surya Brata Wijaya (60')
Alvino Bastian <—> Jaka Wiryawan (74')

Buda Wage Wuku Ukir, Pawukon 1784

Soracana Islands Ask For Early Referendum

Pemecutan Puri - Soracana Islands is an archipelagic nation located north of Pemecutan. The two country is separated by the wide Yuhansa Strait. However, the country is politically tied. After the failed attempted of Soracana's military coup in mid-1780, the country agreed to unite politically with Pemecutan. Thus making Pemecutan responsible for the country's defense and international representation. This situation also makes many Soracanian athletes that play under Pemecutan banner. For example in Olympic. Two times silver medalist, Jandiyuha Targaroha is recorded as Pemecutan athlete despite he is carrying Soracana Islands citizenship. The same things happened to Soracanian football and tennis players. While they are still continue to be able to be acknowledge in the international stage. But the name Soracana Islands have been put under the radar. And with the fact that Pemecutan is agree to give a referendum rights for them, they asked it to be held earlier than the plan.

Based on the agreement made in 1780, the referendum was plan to be held 5 years after the signing of the union treaty. Thus making the referendum should be held in 1785 Pawukon. But with the pressure from Soracana's government, Pemecutan agree to held in 1 year early. Pemecutan government set the schedule to be placed in line with the regional election which will be held on the 13th week of 1784. At first Soracana's government agree with the plan. But recently, they asked it to be moves earlier this year. Soracana's government spokesperson stated that the moved to earlier this year is made so the election of Soracana Islands can be held later at the end of the year.

Honestly, we are okay with any date as long as Soracanian government is ready to hold the referendum. The budget for it, is already passed by Krama Sabha last year. So there's nothing to worry about. We are ready to help 100% so the referendum can be held successfully.

Ega Karyasa
Komisi Pemilihan Umum Pemecutan
Pemecutan Election Commission

On the other hand, political expert, Rendi Diansyah questioning the intention of Soracanian government to held the referendum immediately. He stated that Soracanian government are taking the momentum. Diansyah reminded that the latest poll, which was held in the end of the last year, saw the close gap between both sides of the options. Continuing union and complete sovereignty. He argue that for the past 4 years Pemecutan have established a massive integration of Soracanian institution into the realm. Some experts even mention that Soracana is an unofficial 5th constituent countries. This massive integration which created an increase euphoria of Soracanian citizens. Because despite they are officially under another country influence but in reality, it doesn't feel too different. They are still free to do anything like before. This fact which also increased the support to stayed in the union.

Diansyah add that the criminal act which done by the country's head of state have made a huge impact in Soracana. Although the citizen praise for Rajya Sabha's decision but still it hurts them to see a flaw monarch. He argue that this incident will change the support of both sides with a probable of rising for complete sovereignty option. And with the government wanting to be able to represent themselves internationally, this momentum is what they seek. Ganesha Putrandi also agree with Diansyah analysis. But he added that Pemecutan government never really seek a fifth member for the realm. Although he, Putrandi, highlighted that Pemecutan government seems to have a big plan a head for the surrounding area. In the meantime, Soracana's Prime Minister, Basubala Anggarjahia will be meeting with Pemecutan Patih Madya, Ngurah Agung Kusumajaya. The meeting will decided when is the referendum to be held. And also about the preparation and readiness of both countries. "We are supporting the referendum," Kusumajaya affirmed Pemecutan government position.

Quarterfinal

Nyowani Kitara v Pemecutan
@ Vilita

Meeting record
No records, first meeting
Starters: Benches:

1  GK Herman Putrawan Aksabala Jandisuga GK 12

2  LB Yuhabani Nehusandak Gede Arya Wisesa LB 24

3  CB Sorabala Aksapadan Surya Brata Wijaya CB 13

4  CB Satya Putra Laksamana (C) Jaka Wiryawan RB  5

14 RB Alvino Bastian Agus Setiahadi CM 19

6  LM Agus Kusumawijaya Kadek Rai Partha RM 30

7  CM Rama Karyadi Arya Tungga Wijaya AT 22

8  RM Samsul Hermawan Reserve benches:

20 ST Wisnu Pramana Gery Afilianto GK 33

10 ST Leo Olivando Putra Eka Laksana CB 18

11 AT Komang Trisna Mahayana Basuyuha Padurjana LM 15

Ngakan Putu Suweca CM 29

Pandu Oka Jaya ST 32

by **Turori** » Tue Nov 08, 2022 11:35 pm

Turori Terrorize Warriors in Round of 16 Rout

Hamilton Multi-Purpose Venue, Hamilton, Electrum :: The Milchama Warriors were coming off a painful final matchday defeat in the Group Stage to Graintfjall, in a match that would have seen both sides advance with a draw, the defending World Cup Champions had no interest in colluding with the Warriors and took the fight to them after Milchama had scored the opening goal early in the match. At the end of the day the Snow Wolves had put six past Milchama in one of the most lopsided results of the campaign thus far. However, Milchama were fortunate. While their plan of coasting to a win-win draw scenario with their matchday 3 opponents went wildly unrealized, they got the benefit of the fact that both teams who actually needed to win in Group G's other matchup between Huayramarca and Mytanija had fought so hard to do so that they, too, could not find the decisive goal at the end of the match. When that game reached full time with the scoreline locked at 4-4, Milchama's progression was assured.

Even with the safety of having progressed despite an ugly final matchday defeat, it was clear the magnitude of the result had shaken the confidence of the Milchaman players. To make matters worse, their reward for advancing despite a heavy defeat at the hands of the reigning World Cup Champions would be a knockout round matchup with the #1 team in the multiverse and defending World Cup Runners-up, Turori.

Despite the Warriors being one of the lowest ranked teams remaining in Electrum, Eels head coach Tarek Edgeli wasn't taking any chances and fielded a very strong lineup to take on their Atlantian Oceania based rivals. The Turorian attack with all-star attacking duo Nua'oma Aikiki and Turakia Diijelhma was unchanged while there were only minor alterations in the remainder of the Starting Eleven.

It wouldn't take particularly long for Tarek Edgeli's Turori National Team to make first strike on their Milchaman counterparts with Amakli Inuro'o converting a 7th minute corner kick after Diijelhma had an earlier shot deflected into the seats. The goal from Inuro'o set an early tone for the game and was followed up fifteen minutes later by a longe range goal from Tulaki Rauogba was was fortunate to catch the Milchaman netwminder slightly out of position when taking the shot from 25-30 yards out that would make it 2-0.

Having run out to a multi-goal lead early in the match, Edgeli's Eels seemed to take their foot off the gas at that point as the possession numbers began to even out and the Warriors would get their first chance of the game just past the half hour mark. Still, the Eels seemed to have things under control until just before half time when Colm Interlasskoti in a moment of brilliance that momentarily made pundits forget about their wasted potential - was able to deke past Karek Edgeli, grab a step on the remainder of the defense then chip the on-rushing Derizi Amatopa to get Milchama on the board and slice the Eels advantage in half at the stroke of half-time.

Needless to say, head coach Tarek Edgeli was not thrilled as the Eels gathered in the locker room for the break, telling the team in no-uncertain words that their performance at the end of the first half was not acceptable. There were no second chances in the World Cup knockout rounds, they had to be on 100% of the team or they would be eliminated. Edgeli had particularly sharp words for their namesake Karek who had been beaten cleanly on the play that led to the Milchama goal and threatened to yank the Sokattack Mliona defender from the game if they made a single mistake from there on in.

Edgeli would make one change to the side at the half, taking out Biliki Rona'atu'i and introducing Lumlao Noauryua to the match. The second half started out slightly better for the Eels than the first half had ended as they looked to re-establish the midfield and control the play. The fresh legs of Noauryua in the center were helping to dictate the pace of control and like a freight train building momentum up a hill it seemed Turori were building closer and closer to getting that convincing third goal. The moment finally came on the hour when Noauryua spotted the diagonal run of Nua'oma Aikiki and fed the Jungle Strike FC attacker through perfectly behind the defense. With a simple touch Aikiki had effortlessly combined ball with net and just like that Turori's two-goal lead was restored.

While the freight train was continuing to build its momentum there was a small kink in the tracks just minutes later when Karek Edgeli was booked for a wayward elbow and the Eels' head coach Tarek Edgeli made good on their half time promise yanking Karek from the match in favor of H'munao Cagomia. Luckily Cagomia plugged in seemlessly and the combination of fresh legs and reduced chance of a card dropping Turori down a player worked strategically for the Eels. As Milchama desperately pushed forward whenever they could steal a moment of possession, Turori were finding more and more opportunities to attack against a force of dwindling resistance on the Milchaman defense. With a green light to attack, the Eels would dominate the final ten minutes and tack on two more goals - the Eel's fourth off the foot of Turakia Diijelhma and the fifth would be a second goal from star of the match Tulaki Rauogba. The dejected Warriors had seen what many would consider to be a strong showing at the World Cup Finals marred as they would head back home having been eliminated after being lit up for 11 goals in their final 180 minutes of action in Electrum. For the Eels, the Five-Star performance showed not only their opposition, but also the team itself that Turori were back on top of their game with a performance worthy of their #1 ranking position.

 Turori 5 - 1 Milchama				
	Turori Goals:	:: 7' Amakli Inuro'o:: 23' Tulaki Rauogba:: 61' Nua'oma Aikiki:: 79' Turakia Diijelhma:: 88' Tulaki Rauogba          			
	Stats :: Turori 	:: Possession: 68%:: Shots: 10:: Corners: 13 :: Milchama :: Possession: 32%:: Shots: 5:: Corners: 11			
	Turori Lineup :: 	Derizi Amatopa, Moumouni Verre'elali (Lutara Makakio 81'), Karek Edgeli (H’munao Cagomia 64'), Amakli Inuro'o, Biliki Rona'atu'i (Lumlao Noauryua 45'), Cuoabaza Orani’aoa, Kiidallen Aeroluzzi, Kinabo Telioa, Tulaki Rauogba, Nua'oma Aikiki, Turakia Diijelhma

After getting a comprehensive tour of Electrum and Rushmore over the course of their first four games of the World Cup 92 Finals, playing in 4 different geographically and environmentally distinct venues including matches against two of Rushmore's most notable competitors, the Turori National Team will converge a full does of familiarity in the Quarter Final squaring off against a second-consecutive regional rival while also having the opportunity to return not only to a stadium they already visited earlier in the World Cup 92 Finals, but also to the venue that most reminded of them of home: the Somersville Stadium in the Beachfront city of Somer.

While Banija and Turori have only played six times in the Modern Era (WC80), many of the sides recent matches have been consequential by association and proximity to a far more critical match. In recent history between the two nations, the Turori National Team has had numerous occasions where simply playing against Banija in a knockout round matchup was a precursor to success for the Eels. Turori would have to navigate through Banija during both the World Cup 88 Finals and the Knockout Rounds of Eagle's Cup XI - both times resulting in the Eels eventually winning the competition. In another slightly correlated success indicator, Banija and Turori met during the World Cup 81 Finals in Banija and the Free Republics where the Eels would later go on to record their first ever World Cup Quarter Final victory. Despite the lopsided shellacking the Eels took in the Semi-Final, it was still at the time the best performance ever by a Turorian National Team at the World Cup Finals.

Of course it wasn't all roses and whip-cream covered poodles for the Eels against Banija and one fine example of a knife to the slithery tail was near the end of the World Cup 80 Qualifiers. Turori had gotten off to one of the worst starts imaginable dropping four of their first six matches of World Cup 80 Qualifying. The Football Association of Turori decided to turn to the Cocoabo Squad to give them a chance to save their campaign - and they did stringing together an 11 game unbeaten run to put the team back in the automatic qualification conversation heading into the final two matchdays. Thats when Turori met a not-so-highly ranked Banija team on the road and Turori's National Cocoabo Squad failed to score a goal for the first time all campaign. The three points dropped ended any hope of Turori automatically advancing to the World Cup 80 Finals and would force the Eels to a two-legged playoff against Kalumba.

While there have been some moderately butterfly-effect level consequential matches between the two sides at the World Cup and during World Cup Qualifiers, the players on the two teams will be more than familiar with each other by virtue of head to head competition on the regional level in Atlantian Oceania's signature event, the AOCAF. While Turori no longer compete as an individual entity in the tournament, they do field a joint team with Vilita and in the most recent AOCAF competition it was a heavyweight final featuring that joint Vilita & Turori side against Banija. While the Vilita and Turori squad was fractured with some focusing on the Olympic Games Football Competition, a number of the same players likely to take the pitch against Banija in the World Cup 92 Semi-Final were also on field for the AOCAF 67 Final where Banija outlasted the Eel-Cat Things 4-3 to take home the silverware. For those on hand that day the memory of defeat in the competition final will still be fresh in their minds, and they will spread that memory around the locker room rallying their teammates to aid them in their own personal quests for vengeance against their Southwesterly Regional Rivals for that heartbreaking defeat at the Battleground in Raynor City.

While twii.tur has invested heavily in marketing and coverage of the World Cup 92 Finals in the Vilitan Cove region, there is still plenty of chatter surrounding the Turori National Team and their fortunes thus far in World Cup 92. Of course just over 10 cycles prior it would have been very nervous times for Nigel's Army and The Turori National Team as for over 65 Cycles Turori had never been able to win a Quarter Final matchup. When that curse was broken against Ethane during World Cup 81, it was broken in Banija at the Kabonero III Field in Istria, Moravica. Now, as #1 Ranked team in the multiverse and defending losers of the World Cup Final, Nigel's Army and the Turori National Team enter this Quarter Finals with something even worse than nerves about the match ahead: Expectations.

The Lofty Expectations of a fanbase yearning for their side to become more than just a statistic in a record book of "Nations that happened to get lucky once and put together a single solid run in the World Cup". The Expectations of the Football Association of Turori (FAT) who invested heavily in the current generation of Turori National Team players, forming a 'Golden Generation' to take the team and the sport back from the Cocoabo Squad and prove to the multiverse that Turorians actually could play and win a footsport competition against *all* of the best teams in the multiverse, not just those that failed to qualify for the World Cup Finals. The Expectations of the Media and Bettors who put Turori's odds higher than any others and the Expectations of the players themselves - some who were not a part of the World Cup 88 Championship Squad but were part of the World Cup 91 Final Losing team and don't want their legacy to be defined as the team that lost in the greatest modern-era upset in a World Cup Final. There are no "Easy" games left in Electrum and whichever team emerges from the battles in Somer, Prescott and Centralis is almost certain to be favored in the World Cup 92 Final. Now it is up to the Turorian players to make their own destiny on the pitch, starting in Somer at the World Cup 92 Quarter Final.

by **Valanora** » Wed Nov 09, 2022 1:59 pm

The Marauders knew that the task on hand was one that was going to be quite difficult to navigate. While the higher ranked side and the favorite as a result of being a group winner, the Marauders felt a bit unease with their Round of Sixteen opponents in the form of the Rushmori cohost Electrum. The cohosts were at one point one of the most fabulous nations within the sport, having an elite domestic league and having won a World Cul of their own. While the nation might be a tad lower on the totem pole these days, they are a historic and proud nation within the sport. Add in the fact that the Marauders traditionally have some difficulties when playing against host nations, it would definitely explain that slightly uneasy feeling in the camp before the match.

That feeling likely contributed to the Marauders extremely poor start to the match, allowing the hosts to score within the first ninety seconds. Marcus Renshaw would be the one to convert for the hosts in the second minute and completely discombobulated the Marauders in their approach to the match. Eleven minutes later Renshaw was once before behind the defensive line and put a shot on target. Holland managed to dive and get a hand to the shot but the force of the strike was too much and it shot off his palm and into the net. Two goals down inside the first quarter of an hour was not what the side had planned for and they were going to have to dig deep if they were going to get back into the match. Right now Electrum had all the momentum and seemed like they were en route to a quarterfinal appearance.

Didrik Gjedrem was wasting no time in getting the team adjusted to try and climb this mountain that was now in front of them. Karoline Wellenbrink was brought in for Miriam Troegner, with Ralph Winter being instructed to move out on to the right flank as the side switched to a four at the back system. Lothas Ludwig was also pulled further back, moving into the vacated right wing spot and leaving Palminger as the sole striker. It was risky but it was clear the defense needed some support and the midfield could be ill afforded to be overrun or have the flanks exploited. The Marauders began to slowly churn the game, turning the center of the park into a quagmire that the hosts could not navigate through. A hopeful crossfield pass from Söderström landed right on Ludwig's left foot as he was cutting inside the box, the makeshift winger putting a one time effort ruthlessly into the upper near post is the forty-second. A lifeline for the Marauders heading into the break.

The opening to the second half saw no changes in personnel and both sides were looking for that next goal, looking to get the advantage. Bayden Forest would commit the first real error of the match when he brought down Hawk inside the box, the ref immediately awarding a penalty. Lothas Ludwig calmly walked to the spot before firing a well placed shot into the upper left corner, beyond the reach of the keeper. Suddenly the teams were level and it was game on with thirty-four minutes to go. You could feel the air being sucked out of the stadium seven minutes later when Heike Schoß was late oncoming into the box and found by Palminger for a zinger to the right side of the net. Down two goals before fifteen minutes, the Marauders now were up three to two with under a half hour to play. Electrun would not say die and thrust forward to try and find an equalizer, captain Nindethana Nindethana would be the hero with an eighty-ninth monute diving header that bounced in front of Helland and over his outstretched glove. An additional half hour was now needed.

Riding the high of such a dramatic late equalizer, the hosts were on the forefront to start extra time. Julius van Burenthought they might have won the match for Elctrum.in the ninety-ninth minute, having put a goal past Helland after getting onto the end of a well weighted through ball. Yet replay showed the midfielder had strayed offside in his run and the goal was disallowed. With a second to breathe an another chance, the Marauders would start to press the advantage of their peak conditioning in the frame. Taina Vääräniemi, the oft forgotten striker in the pool will have her named remembered for some time as she dispossessed William Stewart just before the halfway line and rushed onwards to goal before lobbing the keeper and the ball comfortably rustled into the back of the net, with six minutes left in extra time. Gassed physically and emotionally, Electrum tried to have lightning strike twice, but it would not be so and it would be the Marauders moving on.

Now into the Quarterfinals, there will be an odd sensation of deja vu for the Marauders, as they will be facing the same exact team as they did in the last World Cup at this stage. From the Rushmori hosts to the Rushmori holders of both the regional championship as well as the World Cup itself, Graintfjall. Out of the frying pan and I to the fire as some might say and the Marauders with the knowledge that they were bested at this stage last time by their opponents. It has been a Finals full of adjustments as Didrik tries to guide the side forward, will those be enough to topple the growing giant or will history repeat itself?

by **Graintfjall** » Wed Nov 09, 2022 9:49 pm

Græntfjall – 2 (1)
Mikkel; Tom (70’ Sigurbergur ), Eyvar (10’), Grímúlfur (c), Jan; Tinni (30’ Kjárr ), Kæja, Danny (70’ Johanna ); Vanessa (88’ Sara ), Jason (63’) (70’ Emilia ), Mímir

Chromatika – 1 (1)
G. Fillar (29’)

“When our forefathers founded this country one thousand years ago, they found a land of ice and snow. Today, scientists tell us the shining peaks that first drew short the breath of our ancestors are as bare of ice and snow as they have ever been. Glaciers that once crackled under the feet of Viking explorers have retreated to leave bare patches of scrubland, never to return. Ours is a bountiful heritage, but a fragile one, and ecosystems from the shores to the mountains, through the plains and riverlands, simply cannot keep pace with the pace of the warming planet.

“The Græntfjaller Antarctic Survey have reported readings like nothing ever seen before in recorded history. Cliffs as big as cities tumbling into the seas. Our oceans churn not with krakens, but with meltwater surges. And, also krakens. The rate of coastal erosion is ripping the very headlands of our country out from under our feet. From insects to great predators, from tiny flowers to mighty trees, hundreds more species are threatened with extinction every year. But my true worry is for a different species: humans. Last year, as I toured the flooded areas of Fliserboding, I saw communities hit by a devastation from which, frankly, they will never recover. Towns that have stood for ten centuries wiped away in a torrent of mud and breakwater.

“In the days since the election, there have been over 800 newspaper editorials discussing the historic nature of our landslide victory. There have been just 2 mentioning the actual landslide that hit Álfreykir, burying a – thankfully evacuated – mining site beneath a tidal torrent of slurry. 800 editorials – and how many thousands of articles, of talking heads on television, of blog posts and social media discussions, saying I have more power than any Prime Minister before me. If I don’t have the power to stop this country, this world, boiling itself alive, then it doesn’t matter if we have 400 seats in the Thing. Climate change is affecting the White Winter Queendom, the region of Rushmore, the whole planet. And, to those who’ve heard this speech before, let me add a new line: This time, we’re going to do something about it.

“We’re going to transform our economy, embracing the possibilities of carbon capture and clean coal, of nuclear energy and renewables, of energy efficiency and decentralization. Creating good paying green collar jobs. Working with the companies who’ve helped build this successful economy, but also holding to account those who ignore their responsibilities to the commons and making sure that polluters, not citizens, pay to clean up pollution. It will not be easy. It will not come without personal sacrifices. But it is now our most important mission as a country and as a people, to pass on a liveable planet to our next generations.

“For this reason, I am immensely proud to announce that Græntfjall will, at the beginning of next year, host the Conference Of Rushmori Nations on Climate, Oceans, and Biodiversity, working with all those who share our values of breathable air and drinkable water, of vibrant and diverse flora and fauna flourishing freely. We will invite experts in energy and urban design, in ecology and biology. We will unlock new technologies and rediscover lost wisdoms. And we will agree a real and binding accord to show that the nations of Rushmore have something more to offer in the war against climate change than a white flag of surrender.”

Jessika yawned. It had been a good speech, but the networks had been replaying it for days now. She changed the channel to GS SuperSports+, where she found her namesake – Jessika Jünkindietrünk.

“This should be a fascinating encounter between Grainyflatulence and Chronomatopoeia.”

“That’s right, Jessika. On the face of it, Græntfjall and Chromatika don’t have much in the way of footballing history, having never played each other in World Cup football, hailing from different regions, the Snow Wolves’ rise largely coinciding with a difficult spell for the Anomalies. But dig a little deeper and there’s plenty there. The Baptism of Fire? Co-hosted by Chromatika. And Græntfjall repaid their hosts’ one-time generosity by delivering the biggest defeat in the country’s program, in an Eagl’e’s’ Cup game. 8–0! Of course, Græntfjall’s captain, Sara K, plays in Chromatika, as does the rising star Mímir Waltheofsson, as did Justiina, as do many others, and on it goes. Some argument Chromatika has done more to develop Græntfjall talent than Græntfjall’s own league has. And in return, Alicia Gainsbourg, though no longer with the Anomalies of course, but she’s probably the greatest import the GPL ever saw. And where did she come from?”

“So it should be an exciting game in Digital-anus!”

“Yes, the Snow Wolves have definitely developed a more attacking style under Thor as manager and Sara as captain, and the Anomalies are a very attacking side with a lot of pace and some difficult match-ups for Græntfjall who for once will actually be giving up, rather than fighting with, the height advantage. With a strong back three and potentially as many as three holding midfielders, they have a lot of strength in the middle so Tinni Grímólfursson will be absolutely key for the Snow Wolves. For the Anomalies, the Fillar siblings at wingback will be providing the width and could burn Græntfjall’s defensively suspect fullbacks late in the game.”

“Now you mention fullbacks, is it confirmed there will be a double change there?”

“Certainly Alyssia Noahsdóttir is out. Her tournament is over, that was a horror tackle…”

“Against Meloncharmer.”

“Yes, terrible scenes, and we just have to hope the injury’s not something long term. Sigurbergur Geirröðursson or, perhaps, the experienced Tom Ernestisson – a center back, but he played right back during Cup of Harmony 80, covering for his wife, in fact – will take her place. On the left, Jasmijn Spiderlair didn’t train with the side in Centralis, and we believe she has reaggravated that ongoing ankle injury.”

“And that leads to the big question, will Sara K be fit?”

“There’d be huge disappointment from the Chromatik ranks if Sara did not play against them, but the talk is she is indeed a game-day injury doubt. She and Alyssia were both targeted by the Milchamans in that bizarre game in Somer, but unlike Alyssia it wasn’t a serious injury and you’d think she will do absolutely everything to get out on that pitch for her first World Cup knockout game as captain, even if it means coming off the bench.”

“Olle, what’s your prediction for the game?”

“My prediction is a high-scoring thriller. I think Chromatika have struggled by conceding early, and I think the Snow Wolves will seize on that, but I also think Chromatika have shown an ability to come back very strongly, and I think this is a Snow Wolves defense that will give them chances to get back into the game. Four goals minimum, no doubt about that, and I’d very surprised if this game ends in ninety minutes between two such evenly matched teams.”

“OK, and now turning to the VMG, where there was disappointment for the tug of war team as they took on Miserlyrations…”

Jessika turned off the television. She didn’t need a news update on the Vilitan Mountain Games. Because she was in Vilita, watching them. Travelling relatively low-key as “Lieutenant Commander Þorbergsdóttir”, she’d stopped in on her way to Banija. She’d attended the first Games, too, in gratitude to the Tug of War team captain Kalle Bjørnsson, who’d once saved her life. This time, though, there was little time for socializing. She had business to attend to.

At breakfast the next morning, she wore shades and an inconspicuously drab ensemble. Perhaps a few people recognized her anyway, but everyone seemed too invested in their Cocoa-bo Pops to give her any hassle. She waved to Brynjúlfur Brynjarsson, whose formidable bulk was unmissable. He rose from his chair in greeting to her; his aide, whose leg was for some reason encased in bandages, apologetically indicated he couldn’t stand.

Jessika took a seat and ordered coffee.

“Your Highness, many thanks for meeting with me here. I hope you’re looking forward to the Games? We’ve done rather well already!”

“I’m not sure I’ll be staying all that long, but I’ve already passed on my best wishes to the athletes. This is really just a layover for me.”

Brynjúlfur nodded. “I’m sure you understand why Ms Michaelsdóttir has asked me to speak with you.”

Jessika sipped her coffee and regarded the foreign minister coolly. “I actually don’t.”

“It’s about the wedding.”

Jessika took off her dark glasses so he could witness her rolling her eyes, up close. “Oh, please. I followed the orders to the letter. The intel said it was a terrorist meeting. We had no way of knowing what we were hitting was…”

“No, no, I’m sorry.” He held up a huge hand. “Not in Jabal Akhdar. Though, of course, we salute your service there. No, I’m talking about the wedding in Banija. That’s… where you’re headed?”

She nodded, relaxing a little.

“We understand you’re there in a very informal capacity, but, we’d still like to ask, urge, you, if you have the opportunity, to pass on the message, should the topic arise… are you familiar with CORNCOB?”

“I saw the Prime Minister’s speech. It was very good. Very moving. Very ambitious. Bold and decisive leadership…”

“Yes, and, obviously, we’d like you to make it clear to anyone who asks that we don’t mean any of that.”

Jessica set down her coffee and looked from the foreign minister to his aide and back.

“What?”

“No hard targets on emissions. No universal aviation tax. Absolutely no movement on so-called climate refugees. No chance of climate reparations.” Brynjúlfur was counting them off on his sausage fingers. “It’s a grip and grin and a photo op, nothing more.”

“I’m not very political, gentlemen. Are you saying the Prime Minister was lying?”

“Well, campaign in poetry, govern in prose,” laughed Valmundur. Brynjúlfur chuckled.

“I’m sorry?”

“It’s an old saying. We campaign in poetry. We govern in prose.”

“And you want me, at the wedding, to tell them that…”

“The Prime Minister’s speech was poetry. The agreement, if there is one, will be written in prose.”

Snap back to reality

It was to be a Match of Matches. Græntfjall and Chromatika share little footballing history on the surface – not a World Cup match between them until now, hailing from different regions, the rise of the Snow Wolves coinciding with some lean years for the Anomalies. And yet, the relationship runs so much deeper. Græntfjall began its footballing story in Chromatika, at the Baptism of Fire. Soon, Chromatik players were signing to play in Græntfjall, among them Alicia Gainsbourg, widely regarded as the greatest foreigner ever signed by the Græntfjaller Premier League. And Græntfjallers were heading the other way, led by Sara Kristoffersdóttir, now the national team captain, who along with Mímir Waltheofsson helped Wirr Tsi to its international club title. ‘Sara K’, as she is known in Chromatika, was recently named to the All-Decade team of the Red League, a league that has arguably done more to develop Græntfjaller talent than the GPL itself. And let’s not forget – for the Anomalies certainly have not – that in one of the rare times they did meet on the field, the Snow Wolves handed them the biggest defeat in their history, 8–0 in the Eagl’e’s’ Cup. It was against this backdrop in Centralis that a resurgent Chromatik side returning to the World Cup after Cup of Harmony doldrums over the last couple of campaigns was to take on a Græntfjaller side recovering from a brutal slugfest against Milchama. It was against this momentous weight of history that the ensuing game – fell slightly flat.

Græntfjall came away with a 2–1 win of the very lowest quality. For approximately 70 of 90 minutes they were outplayed by the fast, tactically fluid Anomalies. A mixture of poor finishing, resolute defending, and an excellent showing by Mikkel Rúnarsson, thrown into the starting role after Björnólfur Ernestisson stupidly picked up a suspension against Milchama, combined to frustrate Chromatik efforts to turn their lone goal – an equalizer from the slightly unexpected figure of Grayson Fillar, with the wing-back hacking in a poorly cleared corner at the second attempt – into a second. Grímúlfur Gunnþórsson, wearing the captain’s armband in Sara K’s absence, played a manful 90 minutes that recalled the efforts of Hjörleifur Reynarsson at the last World Cup; Kjárr Þorfinnsson, more unexpectedly pressed into action after Tinni Grímólfursson pulled up clutching his hamstring just 30 minutes in, was superb. But for large stretches of the game, Græntfjall were playing on the back foot, lacking the creativity and innovation of their opponents, and seemingly just hoping for fortune to turn their way – which, it eventually did.

Sara K’s absence from the starting lineup was a bitter disappointment to Græntfjaller and Chromatik fans alike given her history in the country. She and Alyssia Noahsdóttir were both injured in the violence that marred the closing half hour of the bizarre group stage game against Milchama: amidst accusations of match-fixing and match-non-fixing, recriminations over Jabal Akhdar, five red cards were shown, though all too late to stop Alyssia receiving a devastating ankle injury in a cruel, targeted hack, that has put her out of the tournament. With Sigurbergur Geirröðursson having looked suspect against Huayramarca, it meant a surprise start for 32 year old veteran Tom Ernestisson, recalling Cup of Harmony 80 where he played right-back. He performed creditably enough in the event, though lacked any of Alyssia’s pace or venturing spirit. Mímir Waltheofsson was given a start against the country that has turned him from a little heralded C-list prospect to a national striker, but failed to make much impression. He found the back of the net once, but the off-side could have been spotted from orbit.

Also starting was Eyvar Mathiasson, regaining his starting role from the also suspended Asbjørn Vilbjörnsson. Mathiasson missed much of World Cup qualifying with a knee injury despite starting the campaign as first choice center back. He has been talked about as a future national captain, and here rose splendidly to the occasion – literally, in the 10th minute, meeting Kæja Finnvarðsdóttir’s corner with a thumping header that cannoned in off the crossbar. It came after a busy opening ten minutes that had seen Kæja go close with a free-kick and Jason Þórhallursson, his back seemingly somewhat better, though still wearing a brace, graze the outside of the post after getting a combination of head and shoulder to a cross from Vanessa Marvinsdóttir. The goal, however, simply seemed to galvanize Chromatika, who thereafter dominated possession. A corner of their own saw a brief goal mouth scramble and a clearance only as far as Grayson Fillar, who struck cleanly enough to level things up.

Not long after the restart, Tinni was limping off in agony, clutching his hamstring. The spate of injuries this qualifying campaign will raise questions about the Snow Wolves’ medical staff, though in this particular case the injury – though deeply worrying given Tinni’s talismanic presence in tournament finals and vital role to the team – does not seem overly severe and he may be fit as soon as the quarterfinal with Valanora. He credited the early substitution with ensuring he didn’t aggravate the injury. “As soon as they knew something was wrong, they whisked me off. I was gutted not to be able to help the team but Kjárr played absolutely lights out,” he said graciously after the match. There were also signs that Sara K was on the mend, as she was able to come off the bench, to a warm reception by both sets of fans. Playing the final twenty minutes at something less than her usual breakneck pace as the Snow Wolves slammed into defensive mode, she nonetheless did have her one moment of brilliance, cutting a pass through the box that somehow evaded every single Græntfjaller foot on its way out.

She credited the team with pulling off the win. Asked if she considered it “grafting”, she replied that “unsexy” fit it better, prompting laughter from assembled journalists. She said she was “95%” recovered and “reasonably confident” she would start against Valanora. For Thor, the biggest question for that match now lies over his starting center backs: Asbjørn was arguably the team’s MVP through qualifying, but Eyvar only ever lost his place to injury, is now fit again, and is comign off a strong showing and a goal to boot. A shift to three center backs at this late stage seems unlikely, so it may be Asbjørn pays for his red card madness at Milchama for longer than just his single game suspension. Kjárr looks a more than capable replacement should Tinni fail to recover in time, though a recall for former captain Johanna Álvgeirsdóttir would also be an option. Mikkel can take comfort in having shown he will be in fine shape to inherit the #1 jersey – and slide back to the bench as Björnólfur returns.

Jason’s fitness remains a game-day call but he will probably play some part. He scored the winner here, though it was not one of his best or most spectacular efforts, and came somewhat against the run of play as he headed in another Kæja Finnvarðsdóttir corner. That all three of the game’s goals came from corners summed up a day on which the creativity and fluency of their midfields was not quite at its best, and the resort to set-piece efficiency won out. In similar space to an earlier chance he’d missed, this time Jason directed his header down and the spin took it in off the far post. His celebrations were muted, the effort of playing for sixty three minutes in clear pain taking its toll, and he was substituted not long after. “Not a great goal? Any World Cup finals goal’s a pretty goal,” he reflected ruefully afterwards. “I thought they had us for a while, but they couldn’t quite put it away, we did, and that’s all she wrote.”

Up next, Valanora. It’s a repeat of the quarterfinal from last time around. On that occasion there was a penalty shootout, decided by of all people Alyssia Noahsdóttir – who is currently packing her bags to fly home – but as the Chromatika game proved, looking to the history and portent of a match can be a fool’s errand. For now, Thor’s Snow Wolves will simply be looking to rest up on their journey to Prescott and make it to the starting whistle without picking up any more injuries.

Also in the paper:

NEWS: Oh, there goes gravity
BUSINESS: “Oh, so that’s why banking regulations exist” – Cryptobros right now
AGRICULTURE: Turnip futures sharply tumble in pre-market trading
SOCIAL: Princess Jessika attends Banijan royal wedding, linked with Quebecois noble
SPORT: Tug of War team defeated at VMG

World Cup 81/82/83/84

@FACBP
It's BP vs V&T in #WC92 (sort of!) Good luck to @PScottOfficial and @dmarkate and their teams in the QF

by **Drawkland** » Thu Nov 10, 2022 1:53 am

E T E R N I T Y . . .

He was out of his element. Far from the colder and darker mountains of the north, he was in a new environment entirely. This did nothing to quell his aching anxiety of flight in the open air, but he figured the payoff would be worth it. In the warm summer air, his blue and green scales happily absorbed the sun's rays. The weather was not why this great dragon took to the skies on this day, it was the location itself.

The southeastern Ellzidanian wilderness was home to some of the greatest vistas in all of Sonnel. The miles of untouched forest and jungle, the stark and pointed mountains rippling through the land like the spine of a continent-sized monster, it was a truly beautiful sight to behold. Then you come to The Valley, the home of the Great Tree. From the center of the narrow valley there rises a tree which exceeds even the height of the mountains surrounding it. Elstrund, the supposedly sentient tree, home of Ellzidan and her people, poking out above everything else on the horizon.

It was a truly breathtaking scene. Still, the dragon knew that he couldn't fly for very long. The dangers he felt near Sadeg were even more present here. Though the sight of dragons soaring through the southern skies was not rare, there was still the small chance of recognition. Perhaps it was paranoia, perhaps it was warranted, but his huge draconic heart raced ever the same. Her eyes could be scanning the skies at any moment, and there was no telling what would happen then.

Regardless, the dragon had gotten the view and the fresh air he was looking for, so it was time to calm down and take his leave. Carefully, he angled his scaly wings downward, making a slow spiral descent to one of the satellite trees of Elstrund on the edge of the valley. It was no gargantuan plant like Elstrund itself, but it still stood with its entire canopy well over the treeline of the rest of the valley. He came to a stop in the branches with a flourish of his wings, and breathed a hot sigh of relief.

Unbeknownst to him, just a few minutes later, a fiery red dragon flew forth from the branches of Elstrund, just a few miles away.

Jaxon Madison was not having a good time. Really, he was doing fine, but his team was in differing levels of angst, anxiety, and unease. When the team isn't doing well, Jaxon wasn't doing well. It was going to be tough to finagle this whole thing together, and that wasn't even considering the fact that they had an important qualifier match to prepare for.

Originally, Jaxon was excited about being able to go to the gala, especially given the circumstances. For the last few meetings of the Accords, he bragged to the few immortals elsewhere around Drawkland about his plan to turn his crew into a fearsome force of athletes, renowned the worlds over. This time, they'd finally shown their worth. With the close proximity to the gala, there was bound to be a few curious immortals who would don modern clothing and attend the qualifying match incognito, just to see how Jaxon's so-called "Elite Eleven" really stacked up.

The obvious hiccup in the plan was the misgivings surrounding a gala at Elstrund specifically. Septimus, despite having several centuries to work it out, never bothered to try to patch things with Ellzidan. Those feelings were still raw, and they were enough to keep Ellzidan away from every gala the Elite had attended. With the event being held at Ellzidan's home, she was guaranteed to not only be there, but have the upper hand as a host. Even though the rest of the team had no problem with the Elf (some even liked her as good company), there was still a lot of fear in having to face the fact that they ignored her for hundreds of years, despite all she'd done to help them attain immortality in the first place.

Jaxon hoped that the qualifying match would provide enough of a distraction that his squad would forget about the significance of the party and take it less seriously. Unfortunately, it seemed like the opposite had happened. The gala was the thing on all the guy's minds, and it was making them forget about the importance of the upcoming qualifying matchup. It was Milchama for heaven's sake, anything but a win could derail the rest of the campaign.

He was ready to face up, though. Privately, he went to each member of the Elite and asked them how they were feeling about the situation. Most were fine, a few were a little anxious but would probably be ready to go when the time came. Mike fronted that he would be ready to go, but Jaxon could tell he had little actual confidence about the situation. Of course, his last visit was to Septimus, the one he knew would cause trouble.

"Hey Sep," Jaxon walked into the training facility, where Septimus was doing keeper drills by himself (using an automatic ball launcher to simulate shots on goal).

"What's up?" Septimus leapt to his left, deftly batting away a ball spinning towards the corner. He hit the ground gracefully and popped back up.

"Just checking in to make sure you'll be ready to go for the Accords." Jaxon cut right to the chase.

"Hm." Septimus grunted, and walked forward to turn off the launcher temporarily. "Jaxon, I don't think I can go."

"Everybody else is going to go, man. I can't have you sulking out by yourself. We need to come as a team, like we always do."

"Well you can forget it. Just don't say that I'm coming, nobody will miss me." Septimus crossed his arms, awkwardly looking at the ground. "I don't suppose it's too late to change the venue?"

"You want me to ask them to change the venue entirely?" Jaxon gaped incredulously. "Invitations got sent out months ago, they don't-"

"It's fine," Septimus interrupted. "It'll just be easier if I don't come."

"Give me a minute," Jaxon replied shortly, and he turned to exit the room for a moment.

He was in the hallway for probably 2 minutes, making a phone call. When he came back into the room, Septimus craned his neck expectantly.

"Well, I talked to the Elf," Jaxon said casually, waving his phone at Septimus before placing it back in his pocket.

"And?"

"She's not going to change the venue, it's in two weeks and they've already got the logistics set up." Jaxon shrugged. "There's nothing they can do about it."

"Fine." Septimus shrugged in return. "I can find something else to do that night."

"Small problem there," Jaxon rebuked immediately. "I just told her that we're coming. All of us."

"You WHAT? Why would you say that?" Septimus sputtered.

"What can I say?" Jaxon couldn't help but crack into a slight mischievous smile. "She's pretty persuasive."

"You're a dick." Septimus growled, almost huffing smoke from his nose. "I can't look like I backed out at the last minute, so fine. I'll be there."

"Sorry man! I'll owe you one." Jaxon left with a cursory wave before Septimus could shoot off another snide remark.

He sighed as he headed back to his office. It wasn't his best work, but it would have to do. Sometimes you had to be the bad guy to keep the team working together. Regardless, the whole team set out to Elstrund two weeks later, kits and fits packed for the weekend ahead.

A month ago, this seemed like a great idea. Six months ago, when they'd booked the flight, it seemed like a great idea. Nicole, Cam, and Sarah were going to head down to Elstrund together. They'd meet up in Ducentu International Airport and take the same flight in, as well as the same eco shuttle to the outskirts of the valley. The tickets were booked well in advance to take advantage of cheaper pricing and wider availability.

Then Nicole and Cam had the spat in the box at National Pitch in Metropolon. For a couple days, Cam and Nicole didn't speak or text, and it wasn't for about a week that cursory messages got sent around in the group chat. Both girls were confused and worried that they'd put a bad mark on their friendship which had been strong for many years. Of course, they both privately expressed these similar feelings to Sarah, who was just trying to keep them both from going further off the deep end and make the trip work.

"I'm not doing this thing by myself," Sarah said in the chat, and both Nicole and Cam agreed that they wouldn't break their flight reservations, but they didn't say much else.

Then the day rolled around, and they all agreed to meet in one of the club lounges in Ducentu before proceeding to their gate together. There was plenty of time in layover, and their flights seemed on schedule, so nobody was likely to miss.

Cam Cross arrived in the lounge first, and picked one of the chairs in an empty conversation nook. Nicole and Sarah were scheduled to come in at about the same time, so it was no telling who would show up first. Cam didn't know who she wanted to arrive first. On one hand, Sarah coming first would defuse the situation and make it less testy when Nicole would show up. On the other hand, if Nicole came first they could make up without having to deal with a flight's duration of awkwardness first. Or, Nicole could come first ready to fight, and it would turn the whole trip on its head.

She didn't think Nicole would be one to double down on her aggression. Still, she didn't think Nicole would be the jealous type to lead to this situation in the first place. It was simply untouched ground at this point.

After an hour or so of waiting, Cam saw somebody approaching the entrance of the lounge. She discreetly looked up from her laptop and saw who was walking in. It was Nicole, not such a big surprise. She quickly brought her eyes back down to her laptop, and took a deep breath.

Nicole spotted Cam after a moment of surveying the room, and immediately came over to drop her bags by an open chair. She stood by the chair for a moment, but didn't sit down.

"Hey Cam," Nicole offered quietly.

"Hey Nicole, good to see you." Cam looked up and smiled genuinely. Hopefully she wouldn't take it as sarcasm.

"Listen ..." Nicole stepped forward, leaning sideways on the chair. "I want to ... apologize for what happened at the game. I wasn't being fair to you and made a fool of myself. I've just been having a tough time right now, and I can't afford to lose you as a friend. You mean everything to me. I'm sorry."

"Thanks," Cam smiled after a moment. She got out of her seat and came over to give Nicole a hug. "I'm sorry I went behind your back with Jaxon. I just like spending time with him and I didn't want to freak you out. Some job I did there."

"It's okay." Nicole patted Cam on the back and pulled off from the hug. "I wasn't thinking straight. I just don't want you to get hurt like I did."

"I appreciate it." Cam shrugged, and then went to sit back down in her chair. It seemed almost anticlimactic with how quickly that happened, but Cam certainly wasn't going to complain. After all, they were best friends. They almost never fought, and they were naturally forgiving people. Plus, Cam could tell that Nicole was being sincere.

"Plus, we need to be on each other's side." Nicole finally took a seat in her lounge chair. "No way in hell I'm navigating this thing without you."

"I was going to say the same thing!"

They waited together, mostly in silence, for Sarah to show up. Finally, she walked into the lounge, looking a little worse for wear. It was later than expected, and Sarah had clearly been jogging through the concourse.

"Sorry I was late guys!" Sarah gasped, still carrying her bag. "Flight got stuck taxiing waiting for the gate to clear. Super annoying."

"We're just glad you're alright!" Nicole stood up to collect her bags.

"Are you guys good?" Sarah asked intently. She looked both of them in the eye.

"Yeah, we're good. We gotta tackle this together, after all." Cam also stood up, ready to go.

"That's what I like to hear." Sarah nodded, then patted her bags. "Let's get to the gate then! We can talk on the way."

The trio moved through the concourse easily, and Sarah was thankful it was at a slightly slower pace than she'd taken on the way in. They arrived at the gate with plenty of time to spare before boarding. They talked intermittently, but things got a little more interesting after Sarah broke a few minutes of silence.

"So, now that we're all in the know ..." Sarah led in, drawing the attention of Nicole and Cam. She shifted her gaze directly to Cam. "Why don't you tell us how things are going between you and Jaxon?"

"Oh, well ..." Cam drew in her shoulders. "There's nothing like that going on. We're just friends. Platonic, mind you."

"Bullshit!" Sarah exclaimed, then lowered her voice a bit. "Come on, there's gotta be some sort of tea. Something spicy!"

"There's nothing like that, honestly."

"You can tell us, Cam." Nicole added, giving her an earnest look. "We're your friends, we want to know what's going on."

"We just spend time together. I came over some weekends, we went on a couple weekend trips, it's nothing serious. There's nothing wrong with friends being tourists together."

"Nothing wrong at all," Sarah affirmed, "yet it doesn't mean you have to be just friends. Come on Cam, you don't even spend that much time with us!"

"Not that there's anything wrong with that," Nicole added, "but Sarah has a good point. Are you sure you don't like him a little bit?"

"I mean ..." Cam hesitated a bit. "Maybe. I don't know. I told you I don't really think about him that way." For a moment, she sat and thought about it. She imagined Jaxon in front of her, remembered how it felt the couple times they'd embraced.

"Maybe you should try," Nicole teased, giving Cam a playful nudge on the shoulder.

"Maybe I could," Cam echoed, and she couldn't help but smile.

Days later, the big day had come for the Elite Eleven. More specifically, the first of two back-to-back big days had come around. The crowd at The Root Field was nearly full, and the satellite tree in sight of Elstrund was a beehive of activity. In the bowels of the roots, the Elite Eleven sat in the little wooden locker room, quiet with preparation.

Just like Jaxon had hoped, the team had locked in for the match. Worries about the gala were chained up behind the back of the mind, where they would do no harm. All the focus, all the intention, all the motivation, it was all dead set on wringing three points out of Milchama, whatever means necessary. The home field and crowd would be in their favor, and it was time to leave it all out on the pitch.

Ninety minutes of game time later, the Elite returned to this locker room sweaty, beaten, bruised, but bloody triumphant. It was 4-3 Drawkland, the eye-popping offense and lack of competent defense on display left the crowd breathless. In front of their nation, their friends, and their adversaries, the Elite Eleven had nailed it again. Of course, they still had six to eight fixtures left to worry about, but now those got shoved to the back of the mind.

It was time to unwind, relax, and celebrate. The win brought the team from apprehension to enthusiasm regarding the next day's party. They just beat the pot three team in the group to take head-to-head advantage and gain back ground against Squidroidia at the top. Surely they could handle taking on the stress of talking to (mostly stuffy) immortals and exhilaration of partying (a little too hard), and maybe running into a few exes along the way.

With the squad cleaned up and returned to their lodging within the satellite tree that housed the sporting grounds, Jaxon got to breathe a slight sigh of relief. No matter how much of a clusterfuck the gala ended up being, at least they got those crucial three points they needed. Another check on a box, another stress thrown into the abyss. He was about to head to sleep when he heard his phone start to buzz. He was getting a call at this hour?

Jaxon didn't even look at who was calling, he just reached for his phone and accepted the call. "Hello?"

"Hey, Jaxon?" It was Cam Cross on the other end of the line. Jaxon immediately sat up in his bed.

"Hey there!" Jaxon said, trying to mask his grogginess. "You alright? Did you enjoy the game?"

"Yes and yes." Cam replied. She hesitated a moment before continuing. "I actually have a question for you."

"Shoot."

"I know it's a little late, but would you like to be my date for the gala tomorrow?" Cam asked. Her voice was noticeably fainter.

"Your date?" Jaxon repeated. He was not expecting that.

"If that's okay with you," Cam rushed. "I'm sorry if this is abrupt, but-"

"Yeah." He replied quickly. "Yeah, I'd love to be your date."

"Oh, yay!" She said as casually as she could. "See you tomorrow then? I'll text you."

"See you tomorrow." Jaxon confirmed, and ended the call. He put the phone back on the dresser, and laid down in bed. Now he definitely wasn't getting any sleep.

by **Vilita** » Thu Nov 10, 2022 2:21 am

May the Fourth be With You

Turoki National Stadium, Turoki City, Vilita :: After surviving a hard fought three-game Group stage by virtue of a 1-0 final matchday victory over Ko-oren, the Vilitan National Team would pack their bags and head across to the Island of Turoki for their fourth game of the World Cup 92 Finals at the Turoki National Stadium, home of Turoki Isle. The inclusion of the Turoki National Stadium as a Round of 16 venue for World Cup 92 was the result not only of a fans poll on twii.tur but also a large investment in the arena and commitment of future matches from the Football Association of Vilita. After a long stretch of Vilitan League success in Turoki City that at one point saw three different teams in the Vilitan Stellar Division - only the Turoki Tide, tenants at the Turoki Community Complex, remain in the Vilitan League. Former Vilitan League champions Turoki United, co-tenants at the Turoki Community Complex, and Turoki Isle the primary tenant at the Turoki National Stadium have dropped down to the Tropicorp Lower Leagues. Without the dedicated income from the Vilitan League there had been discussions that Turoki Isle might have to leave their long time home. However, the Turoki Island Tourism Board stepped up to take stewardship of the venue, upgrading and modernizing some of the amenities and working with Arcticala Electric and Lighthouse Lightworks to make other improvements that would put the venue back on the map not only for sport but for other entertainment purposes.

With renovations completed in time for World Cup 92, the Turoki National Stadium was back in contention and beat out the Community Complex to be the Turoki Island venue for the World Cup Round of 16. After playing their group stage matches in the Capital Cove region of the Main Island, the Football Association of Vilita would spread out their reach by pairing the venue with the Round of 16 matchup between the Vilitan National Team and Ichi Tuzzio's Savigliane. While the venue was far from Savigliane assistant coach Friekder Dandaellions former home in Lonngeylin, Tuzzio would find more comfort in the venue which was not terribly far from their longtime home in Sile as a member of Makosile United. The run to get to the World Cup 92 knockout rounds for Savigliane was an impressive one as they would handily top Group 1 during World Cup 92 Qualifying over the #1 ranked side in the multiverse including a head to head victory over the Turori National Team late in the campaign the emphasize that their placement atop the group and automatic berth in the World Cup 92 Finals was no fluke. Things had been rolling along smoothly for the Swans who opened the World Cup 92 Finals with victories over Kandorith and Geektopia to cruise into the knockout rounds.

The build up to Savigliane's final group stage game against World Cup 90 runners-up Pemecutan was frought with intrigue and controversy as the twii.tur fan vote venue selected for the match was a write-in location as Orbital Stadium on VOIA Island was chosen as the venue. Typically only accessible to Vilitan Nationals with proper identification, officials had to quickly determine whether there was a feasible plan to allow foreigners onto the Island or to outright reject the request to hold a World Cup Finals match at the Tropicorp Lower League side's venue. Ultimately the Vilitan Orbital Intelligence Agency, an organization that prefers to stay out of the spotlight of media and certainly looks to avoid bad press or controversy, decided to make adjustments to its visitation protocols and opening access to foreign visitors for the game. VOIA quickly contracted a number of entertainment and sustenance related vendors who had been in Rockii Coast, Vilita for Round 17 of the NSSCRA Season 13 at the Vilitan Moutnain Challenge Course to come directly to VOIA Island to prepare for the match and completely eliminate the need for any match attendees to rely on essential services within the fence line of the main VOIA complex on the island, allowing the foreign presence to remain isolated to the South West section of the Island where the Stadium is located. The Football Associations of Vilita and Electrum (FAVE) committee for the organization of World Cup 92 would redirect ferries that normally take visitors between Mavaloiao on Turoki Island and Tropicoast on the Tropicorp mainland and instead use them to ferry fans from Mavaloiao to VOIA Island's Orbital Stadium for the match. After the logistics of checking identifications and screening fans on their way in, a crowd of greater than 30,000 was able to watch as Savigliane suffered a crushing 5-2 defeat at the hands of Pemecutan. The magnitude of the scoreline was not only embarrassing for Tuzzio and the Swans, killing the momentum they had worked so hard to build up through a string of consecutive victories over Turori, Kandorith and Geektopia but it also cost the team the top spot in Group D as the White Myna scored a crucial stoppage time tally to take the goal differential advantage over Savigliane. With the Swans having dropped to the second spot in Group D it would set up the meeting with Vilita at the Turoki National Stadium in the Round of 16.

If there was any consolation for the Swans and any fans who had made the trek to Vilita it was the fact that some had already traveled to Turoki Island for access to the Orbital Stadium via Mavalaoio. Despite the heavy defeat on Matchday 3, Tuzzio would keep the Swans unchanged tactically though made some personnel changes in the midfield. For Vilita, head coach Endur Rotropii would rely on the experience of Eastal Lunar goalkeeper Zelkki Milake Jr. but would surprisingly go with a 3-forward formation including Turoki Tide attacker Diamoa Waviino up top.

While Waviino's normal home stadium was across town at the Turoki Community Complex, the local environment seemed to still be a boost as they would come up with energy having three early chances and even optimistically taking a shot at Savigliane netminder D'Ambrosio in the 8th minute that was somewhat comically simple for the Swans netminder to stop. It was perhaps all to draw them in however as when Waviino had the ball at their feet just outside the area in the 10th minute, the defense afforded the Turoki Tide attacker space assuming another wayward shot attempt was coming. Instead, with a quick step, Waviino was behind the defense and had space to slide the ball under D'Ambrosio to give the jungle Rebels the lead much to the delight of the local crowd in Turoki City.

It was a promising start for Rotropii's Rebels who were looking to win their first World Cup knockout round match on home soil in the modern era. However, as the first half wore on it with an animated Friekder Dandaellion on the sideline, Savigliane would begin to take control of the match. A pair of goals from midfielder Federico Arnaudo had stolen the momentum and given the Swans the lead as half time approached. As coaches on both sides were preparing what their half time pep talks would be, a late uncharacteristic gaffe from Narri Sebapilo would let Squarciafichi through on Milake's goal, silencing the crowd in Turoki Island as Savigliane would go up 3-1 at the stroke of half time.

Vilita National Team head coach Endur Rotropii had a difficult task keeping the team focused on the task at hand at the break. Without having had a deep run of friendly matches before the World Cup 92 Finals, the players had little recent comradery in the form of come-from-behind results to pull motivation from. Rotropii would send a message yanking Sabapilo from the match and in their place putting Valanora based Riku Kasslin to give the team a slightly different look for the second half. Unfortunately, as the teams got back to action, the change helped the Jungle Rebels control more of the midfield but still wasn't giving the edge in the final third that they would need to turn the game around. It wasn't until the introduction of Takaara Milanzi in the 62nd minute that the game would begin to turn back into the host nations favor. Milanzi quickly proved to be a thorn in the Swans and within five minutes had already beaten D'Ambrosio pulling the Jungle Rebels back within a goal and setting up an exciting finish. The big moment would come 12 minutes from time after Gabriel Buvalelli had fouled Fyin Miateal 25 yards from goal. The crowd could sense the opportunity building and the decibel levels had reached new heights making it hard even for the players on the field to communicate. Unable to really coordinate something from the training ground, Miateal just decided to fire a direct shot on goal and placed the free kick perfectly, just out of D'Ambrosio's reach and into the back of the net to level the scores.

With the match tied at 3 goals a piece, extra time would be needed to decide a winner at the Turoki National Stadium. It was here that Rotropii would take full advantage of policy permitting additional substitutions beyond the traditional three, particularly in extra time. Rotropii had one eye on the inevitable penalty shootout and was preparing to remove Riku Kasslin for the more penalty adept Sami Samii'i at the Extra-Time Break. It was just before that moment however that goalscorer Miateal appeared to pick up an injury. Rotropii had a difficult decision to make but in the end Miateal would have to be replaced, forcing their hand and sending Samii'i into the match a few minutes early.

With both sides exhausted from the long match, the chances in Extra time were exciting but ultimately un-threatening and the final few minutes cruised toward spot kicks. Rotropii ate up a few of the last moments in Extra Time with a strategic decision to change goalkeepers, bringing in spot-kick specialist Ukamai Talingri- Rolling the Dice in a decision that would surely be questioned heavily if the Vilitans lost, and praised if they would win the shootout.

Having won the toss and choosing to shoot second, Each of the Jungle Rebels shooters would convert their spot kicks. Savigliane had missed their second kick straight over the net which would put them into a must score situation on their 5th kick of the shootout with the home side leading 4-3 after converting their Fourth goal of the shootout. As the crowd watch the ball make contact with the outstretched fist of Ukamai Talingri, time was momentarily frozen and there was a silence over the stadium as the clang of the ball against the post echo'd for a split second before the ball began its trajectory away from the goal. The Vilitan Players began running towards Talingri as time resumed, the roar of the crowd returning and the brand new Lighthouse Lightworx installed entertaining lighting system at the stadium strobed in celebration as the Vilitan National Team had advanced through to the World Cup Quarter Finals.

 Vilita 3 - 3 Savigliane	
	Vilita Goals:	:: 10' Diamoa Waviino:: 65' Takaara Milanzi:: 78' Fyin Miateal            
	Stats :: Vilita 	:: Possession: 53%:: Shots: 8:: Corners: 9 :: Savigliane :: Possession: 47%:: Shots: 6:: Corners: 14
	Vilita Lineup :: 	Zelkki Milake Jr. (Ukamai Talingri 117'), Injyua Klizlo, Awukchu L’bakka, Narri Sebapilo [i](Riku Kasslin 45'), Jakku’u Naboyavi, Fyin Miateal (Sami Samii’i 101'), Letirpsi Vulitn (Treasvo Tlikara 70'), Trezisi Rokopolis, Kunaro Tlikara (Takaara Milanzi 62'), Antiviv Davaflei, Diamoa Waviino

VILAYE ENERGY DRINK ✓

@VILAYE
Congratulations to our Group Stage #vilaye4life chance winner! Cans 4 Life is returning for the World Cup Quarter Finals, If the Jungle Cats Win, you can win too!

#WC92 - #VILvZWZ - #NationalView

by **Electrum** » Thu Nov 10, 2022 2:26 am

FOOTSPORT ASSOCIATIONS OF VILITA & ELECTRUM - WC92 ✓

@TheTurnip
Get your mind out of the Parsnip. QFing means QUARTERFINALING and NOTHING ELSE.

#WC92 #WoahThere

#CUTOFF :: #QFing

by **Banija** » Fri Nov 11, 2022 12:28 am

"Those Somer nights"- Banija stun the world #1s, Turori, 3-2 at Somersville Stadium to reach the World Cup 92 Semifinals

Lolong Bokate(#11) does a cartwheel while celebrating the game's opening goal against Turori

SOMER, ELECTRUM- Each stage gets more difficult than the last at such a tournament. And Banija's opponent? The toughest of them all- the #1 team in the multiverse, and favorites to win this tournament outright and get a second World Cup title, Turori. Banija had not yet played an opponent of their caliber at this tournament- hard, of course, to play the #1 team in the world at the World Cup. But there was plenty of criticism that this Banijan team 'hadn't played anybody' yet.

One Banijan radio analyst, known for being harsh on the national team, said that exact thing. "This team ain't played nobody. We're in Pot 2, and we got lucky by drawing Electrum. We beat two teams ranked below 35, and then drew against Drawkland, who were ranked 19th." Said this radio analyst. "Then, we got our first decent test against Squidroidia, but they clearly weren't experienced enough for the bright lights of the World Cup knockout stages. This is a mickey mouse run to the Quarterfinals- Turori will smash us in our steps, and we'll be back at the drawing board."

Harsh words, right? But the Banijans felt confident. "We don't fear Turori- we always have the attitude that we can go toe to toe with any nation in the multiverse." Said the team's manager, Pam Scott. "But obviously, they're pretty damn good. They went to the last World Cup Final, for heaven's sake. This is 'their turn'. Their talent is seemingly unrivaled. It's going to be one hell of a barnstormer". Recent history of Banijan teams against the world #1 also goes in our favor. Twice have we played the #1 team in the multiverse at the World Cup Finals- World Cup 83 and 85.

World Cup 83, probably the game that officially put us on the map. That put us from 'good' to 'elite'. Vilita were the world number ones. Going for their third straight WC title after winning both 81 and 82. Their opponent in the WC83 Quarterfinals? Banija. We won, 3-2. And then, two cycles later, Vilita again- this time, we play them in the Round of 16. Of course, they had a bunch of players literally kidnapped, so maybe an asterisk- but we won there too. Historically, there has been no fear when Banija has faced off against the best of the best. Not to mention, in the most recent AOCAFs, we played against Vilita & Turori in the Final- and won, 4-3 after extra time. V&T is not Turori, but confidence building, eh?

Anyways, the team was playing loose. Things had gone well for Banija so far- three wins and a draw from four matches at the Finals, plus an undefeated Qualifying campaign. Plus, an understand that they were playing the world number ones, right? The pressure seemed to be on Turori early, as they came out tight- and the Banijans came out swinging. Pam Scott explained the strategy. "It's extremely rare that a team comes out and wants to take the game to the #1 team in the world." She told reporters. "That's what we wanted to do- surprise them, put them on their heels early, and put them down." That is exactly what happened extremely early in this match. Ikpeazu tried to hit a cross, in just the 4th minute, to Wesoloski-Okafor, but overhit the striker. But Bokate was sliding in behind him, finishing with a brilliant sliding volley.

He cartwheeled away in celebration as the Kadongo Kamu took an early 1-0 lead. What an epic moment- the announcer yelling GOLLLL! and everybody doing their thing. And that was simply the spark for an utterly fantastic and dominant first half by this Banijan national team. We didn't react by trying to kill the game and falling into our shells- Turori is simply too good of an opponent to try and do that against for 90 minutes. We had to press the advantage when we had it, and we did our best to continue to make them uncomfortable early. Their star goalkeeper, Derizi Amatopa(who started for Revolutionaries as a teenager!) made a number of saves early to keep the game at 1-0.

In the 21st minute, Turori was finally able to relieve some pressure, and earn a corner kick. But the corner kick ended up being disastrous. They tried to go short, and put the second ball into the box. The ball was headed away by Idi Dabo, and it was received by a Turori midfielder. He passed the ball back to Moumouni Verre'elali, and that's where everything went wrong. The veteran defender went to receive the ball, but he didn't see Wesoloski-Okafor coming in for a challenge, and suddenly, he had stolen the ball at midfield, and the break was on. He found Bokate on a wide open run down the left sideline, and when the keeper came to challenge Bokate, he made the unselfish play, centering the ball with a pass on the ground.

It was Sarafina Ikpeazu who was there, and she was never going to mess that up, simply passing the ball into the empty net. What an effort, what a goal- and suddenly, the Banijans were 2-0 up and romping! Things were absolutely looking up for the Kadongo Kamu. And the half from hell for Turori simply continued to pour on. In the 32nd minute, when Gereh Kama had the ball in the box, Amakli Inuro'o made a very late tackle for Turori- with the Tumbran referee having no choice but to show him a yellow card, and grant a penalty. It was Abel Wesoloski-Okafor who would step up to take the penalty, and the striker buried it, giving the Banijans a 3-0 lead at half.

Just a shocking halftime score. Turori was the number one team in the world. And they're down 3-0 at the break? Getting ran off the pitch? "It didn't take a genius to tell us that this kind of dominance, against a squad like Turori, simply couldn't last." Pam Scott, the manager, told reporters. "That's simply not how these things go."

And boy, was she correct. A lot of the beginning of the second half was played in the midfield, but after the opening 10 or so minutes, they really started to grow into this one. They were down 3-0, yes. But miracles do happen, yes? They wouldn't score their opening goal until the 64th minute. Lutara Makakio, who had come into the match exactly one minute before, made the most of his first touch of the match. Put in a position to whip a ball in, he sent one towards the back post. And while, at 34, Biliki Rona'atu'i may not be as spry as he once was, there was a reason that he was the starter for the world #1s in a World Cup Quarterfinal. He timed his jump perfectly, beating Idi Dabo to the ball and heading it into the back of the net.

He fished the ball out of the back of the net and raced it back to the center line. 3-1 to Banija- annoying, but we're still well in control, right? Not exactly. Nua'oma Aikiki was fouled by Tijan Sowe probably about 23 yards away from goal, a prime free kick location. Lutara Makakio lined up over the ball, telling players to get out of the way. Makakio knew that, if they wanted their team to complete potentially one of the greatest comebacks in World Cup history, then they'd have to take advantage of this opportunity. And Makakio knew what it took to score against Banija- they scored their first ever NT goal against us, in Eagle's Cup XI. Now, Makakio, just 3 minutes after assisting Turori's opener, was scoring Turori's second, bending in a wicked free kick.

What a statline, eh? Four minutes played, one assist, one goal. Suddenly, Turori was back in this game, with plenty of time to find an equalizer- and oodles of momentum. Everything was going for them. Could they find that equalizer? But Wanda Kouyaté, in what is almost certainly her last chance to win a World Cup as a starter, stood up as a brick wall. Before the opening goal, she had recorded just one save in the game. After the free kick goal that made it 3-2, Wanda Kouyaté made a stunning six saves in the final 25 minutes and change of the contest. The 39 year old captain and keeper was everywhere. Diving saves, fists, she was doing it all.

Even Turakia Diijelhma, who made their NT debut against Banija way back in World Cup 81, had a one v. one opportunity in the 75th minute to tie the game- but Wanda Kouyaté, coming out fast to close down the angles, made a brilliant left leg save, to keep the game at 3-2. The Banijans were shaky, and Turori might have deserved that equalizer, considering the sustained pressure they kept on the Kadongo Kamu for the latter stages of this one. We couldn't launch any counters, or get any sort of possesion- just surviving by the skin of our teeth. But survive we did- a loud roar, or sigh of relief, when the final whistle blew and the Banijans won, 3-2.

"A huge win, of epic proportions for this NT!" Said Pam Scott to reporters after the game. "To beat the world number ones, at the World Cup, is absolutely a special achievement. And to do so with a berth in the World Cup semifinal on the line... Insane. Tonight? We celebrate. Tomorrow? The challenge only gets bigger- as we've got the five-time world champions, Valanora, led by the best player in the world, Laborious Hawk. Can Banija defeat our AO rivals, Valanora, to reach our second ever World Cup Final? Or will Valanora establish this as their return to the top, and defeat us to reach their first World Cup Final since World Cup 61- where they won their fifth title, 31 cycles ago?

Epic storylines on both sides. Who will triumph?

Banijan Ambassador to Cardenao, Toyuwa Okafor, at the Banija v. Turori watch party in Cardenao hosted by the Banijan Embassy

The Ambassador had set up a watch party to watch every single Banijan World Cup game. It was something of a tradition- for both qualifiers, and the Finals themselves. Qualifying watch parties could be held at the embassy, as not many people went. Logical- simply a World Cup Qualifier. But the Finals come around, and he typically had to find a new venue within the city. Attendances, of course, varied for stage and opponent.

But the World Cup Quarterfinals, against the #1 team in the multiverse? One would need an even bigger venue than usual. So Ambassador Okafor had rented out a whole club. The idea was simple. They'd have a massive screen at the front, where the DJ was, to watch the game. DJ would play tunes before the game, and afterwards, it would become a serious party- win or lose.

The Ambassador was watching the end of the game with bated anticipation. He had thought, after Turori had scored their second goal, that they'd surely score a third. "Man, this mother fucking sport." He had grumbled to himself. The first goal hadn't really spoiled the mood, but the second goal had turned the place into near silence. Everybody was watching with apprehension. Could barely hear the cheers, everybody was so nervous. But finally, it did not. And the final whistles blew.

"HELL FUCKING YEAH." The Ambassador boomed as the place exploded with relief and noise. They saw the players celebrating, with the fans celebrating at the stadium- but this bar, in Cardenao, was becoming absolutely brimmed with people. An interesting place for, say, an Ambassador to find himself. But he didn't care. The party was on. He was a former player on the NT, for heaven's sake. Of course he was going to celebrate.

Already drunk, he strolled up to the manager. "Hey- I'm buying out the bar. Everybody's drinks, put it on my tab." Would the Banijan Foreign Ministry approve a $20,000 NSD alcohol purchase at the last second? Who knew- but the party would surely go on. The Semifinals! He could only imagine the scenes if they could stun the world and defeat Valanora at this penultimate hurdle...

by **Valanora** » Fri Nov 11, 2022 12:39 am

The issue with having been pushed into extra time in the Round of Sixteen was that it meant that the Marauders were going to be that little bit extra tired heading into their next match and that if they were to progress beyond the Quarterfinals, a cascading effect throughout the rest of the tournament. An extra half hour of intense play is in the moment a very minor setback, but the wear and tear that it brings upon the players and the already compressed schedule of the World Cup, it is an amplified effect the more a team progresses. That the squad was not only going to be having to battle through extra tried legs but that they were going to be taking on perhaps the very best team in the world at the moment in their Quarterfinal fixture was a situation that definitely was not enviable for the Marauders. Many wise managers and coaches though have said that you can not help the hand that you are dealt or the teams that are placed upon the schedule, you merely have to play the cards and deal with the schedule as it comes, a fact that the Marauders were keen on attempting to make true in the fixture.

The Snow Wolves were coming in with a new manager since lifting the World Cup trophy last tournament, with Ingþór Auðbjörnsson of Pasarga having taken the position shortly after the Snow Wolves had won the previous tournament. It is large shoes to fill, to replace a manager who had just won perhaps the most important trophy in the sport and it was going to be a situation that "Thor" was going to likely be under a good amount of scrutiny in doing so. However he then lead the Snow Wolves to the Copa Rushmori title, showing the managerial strength and credentials that he had built up in Graintfjall, after taking over GT Molding following his retirement from playing the game. Perhaps not the most tactical fit for the Snow Wolves, but having secured them their first regional title after the team had had what was a self described woeful record in the regional competition, and getting the team once more into the Quarterfinals of the World Cup, it seemed he had earned his position and likely would be under the scrutinious eye back in the Icy Queendom.

Standing his opposite number for the Marauders is Didrik Gjedrem, a manager who is entering into the twilight of his career and has publicly said that he has made peace with his position in the records and lore of the Marauders. Having originally been a youth coach at Raynor City United, promoted to head manager after The Calling, and reestablishing the Rockers dominance, before being appointed the Marauders manager and getting the team back into the highest of echelons of the footballing hierarchy once more. Having won multiple trophies with the Marauders as well as reinstituting the establishment of the youth national team to better streamline the process of getting the best Vanorian prospects important playing time and development at an early age, it is easy to see why he could be at ease with his spot in the annuls of the Marauders. It is not the same as those who have won the World Cups in their time as the manager, yet it is from a place of privilege that that could even be considered a standard to be attempted to be compared with or achieve as the manager of the team.

Two managers on the opposite ends of their careers, two teams at different places both in the current position of the tournament and in the way that history viewed it, a battle of the current against the legacy. The stadium felt vibrant and alive as the two sides entered into the ground and the ref whistled for the kickoff. Despite the more tired legs, the Marauders were the team who seemed the more lively in the opening fifteen minutes, with Ludwig peppering Björnólfur's goal thrice in the opening salvos but the keeper was up to the task. The opening goal would be a rather unconventional goal for the Vanorian contingent, coming off a corner in the seventeenth minute, and Ralph Winter getting his head to the ball and directing it goalward. The lead would be short lived, as four minutes later Kæja Finnvarðsdóttir laced a shot from just inside the box that beat Helland to his near post. Jason Þórhallursson attempted to give the Snow Wolves the lead two minutes later with a solid effort to the right of Helland, but the keeper was able to get to ground quickly enough to push it around the post.

If it was to be a back and forth affair, someone failed to inform the Marauders as they began to edge the possession battle and use the quick passing to try and pull the Snow Wolves shape apart. The Snow Wolves are not known for their technical play, which is in stark contrast to that of the Marauders, and in the forty-first the tug of war in making them try to chase the ball finally paid dividends. Gideon Riemann played some quick give and go passes with Heike Schoß, navigating past the midfield and defense, before pivoting outside the top of the D and rocketing a shot into the upper left corner. Riemann is not known for his goalscoring efforts but you would hardly know it with the finish that he had and gave the Marauders the lead heading into the half. The second half saw the Snow Wolves try to use their physical advantages to their best use and it would work, with Jason getting a second bite at the cherry and this time managing to round Helland and put away an effort in the fifty-third. The elder striker had brought the sides level with thirty-seven minutes yet to play in regulation.

With fatigue a factor, Elias Hammer was brought in to replace Jutta Palminger and Selim Estrada Barrientos replacing Heike Schoß, breathing some fresh air into the lungs of the Marauders. The substitutions had an immediate impact, as Barrientos intercepted a pass that was then passed up to Hawk, who quickly found Ludwig and the striker laid it off for Hammer who took two strides before putting his right foot through the ball. Three to two for the Marauders, eighteen minutes left to go. There would be no late heroics needed from the Snow Wolves unlike with Electrum, as with seventeen minutes to go it was all level once more Röskvi Tyrfingsson getting a header over Winter and past Helland who had been caught off guard. The game was continuing to be a see-saw battle and the Marauders were starting to show that added weight on their legs as the game entered the last ten minutes. Three times the defense was broken through and three times Helland came up with a stop that on another night would have likely been the winning goal for the holders. Not this night though and after three minutes of injury time, the ref signaled for extra time.

It was a situation of all or nothing at this point and Didrik decided to make another two substitutions, this time replacing Riemann with Götz Konstantin and Claudia Moench with her younger club teammate of Samira Lindström, keeping one last sub in his back pocket if it was needed. Three minutes later and a goal from Sara Kristoffersdóttir, it looked like the substitute was needed and Didrik had gambled wrong in bringing in the fresher legs. The holders merely had to hold on the rest of extra time to secure their passage through to the semifinals for a second straight cycle. Sometimes the most unlikely heroes are the most deserving as it would be Konstantin in the injury time in the first half of extra time that would be on the end of a cross from Indra Söderström, a powerful header that went into the far post and gave life to the Marauders. Despite the tired legs, despite the physical obstacle of the opposition, despite being down early in the extra time, they were level once more. The innocence of youth is not knowing you're not suppose to be here, not knowing you're supposed to give up when the chips are down. Little used Andreas Bjerk had been brought on for Miriam Troegner after the goal and they recovered an errant clearance and just drove towards the goal with three minutes to go.

Past the midfield trying to battle him off the ball.
Past the defenders making last ditched tackles to stop him.
Past Björnólfur attempting to smother the ball and take it off his feet.
Past the goal line and into the yawning net.
The Marauders moving on past the holders.

The road to the final now detours to take on fellow Atlantian Oceania side and neighbors in Banija. Legs will be tired but spirits will be high, may be that can be enough to get past a fellow giant of the game and of the region. Game on.

by **Yakk** » Fri Nov 11, 2022 10:34 am

Emperor Nyam-Orgil visits with national team.
sourced from Alaangabat News

ALAANGABAT - Thought they were eliminated from the Baptism of Fire in the group stages and could only muster up a 4-4-12 record, it was still an accomplishment in and of itself. A mere 30 years ago the nation was rife with a civil war that helped re-establish the Yakk Empire and took it from the hands of a brutal military junta that had ruled for just over the last decade prior. Emperor Nyam-Orgil I met with the players of the Yak Empire National Football team this wekend after they had returned home from playing their final qualifier game, a 4-0 loss to a valiant Ko-Orenite team that would reach second place in the group.

Emperor Nyam-Orgil gave a speech in which he touted how unified the team looked, and though the team did have its issues they played as well as they could and made an impact on the nation as a whole. All games of the Yak Empire national team were televised affairs and it lead to many slow nights in the nation as the population would be huddled around televisions and radios to listen to the games. A far cry from the days when only elites could afford those luxuries. In the 80s and 90s, it was a period known as "the black eye" when a Military Junta assassinated the emperor and took over in a coup. Unity throughout the nation was at its lowest and many Lahskans in the north suffered badly from policies that were directly aimed at them. A mere 12 years later a counter-coup lead by Nyam-Orgil I, the son of the assassinated emperor, regained control of the nation. His progressive policies especially towards the treatment of Lhaskans, has turned the Empire into a burgeoning young power in Atlantian Oceania.

It is unknown what the next step for the Yak Empire is in terms of footballing. Rumors have a entry in to the next AOCAF is likely, but the official stance from the FA is "We'll see, the finances need to be absolutely perfect for that to happen, and as of now thats up in the air"

by **Nyowani Kitara** » Fri Nov 11, 2022 1:38 pm

Sixth minute of stoppage time, as NYK leads Pemecutan 2-1 in the World Cup 92 Quarterfinal

Liang Wei didn't know why they were still playing. "BLOW THE DAMN WHISTLE!" He yelled at the referee, knowing the Quebecois referee certainly could not hear him. Nyowani Kitara, out of nowhere, had showed a remarkable defense prowress throughout the World Cup Finals. A clean sheet against Zwangzug, as well as only conceding once against both Kelssek and TJUN-ia. That had showed some defensive tenacity in this game, but they were cracking. Nyowani Kitara had taken and defended a 2-0 lead, but in the first minute of stoppage time, Bayu Narmada had scored an impressive back heel goal to cut the lead in half.

No way that goal would matter, Liang Wei thought- their opponents weren't good enough to break them down again. Or were they? The referee had given four minutes of stoppage time, and yet, the two teams were still playing. Probably because one of his players was taking an extremely long time getting to the ball during throw-ins, and corner kicks and the like. '

Suddenly, he saw the ball whipping in, and his heart sank. "Oh, no." The manager thought to himself. Tendenka Mutsekwa was chasing the ball, and with a player right behind him, this would be a tough clearance. He was facing his own goal- Liang Wei knew that Mutsekwa would try to head the ball back to his goalkeeper, Odour Bigombe. "MUTSE! GO TO THE SIDES! OUT OF BOUNDS!" But Mustekwa could never possibly hear Liang Wei from where he was on the pitch, and disaster struck. Mutsekwa headed towards his own goal. The ball looped over the arms of an outstretched, leaping Bigombe, in a perfect arc into the back of the net.

Liang Wei spit on the ground. Pemecutan were celebrating the stunning equalizer- via the dreaded own goal. He looked at his own team. Malmquist, trying to console Mustekwa. Wang Jiahui, who was squatting and had slammed his own fist into the pristine grass here at Lunar Park. Handsdotter, with his arms in the surrender cobra pose. 10 minutes ago, Nyowani Kitara had seemed likely to easily progress to the semifinal, with a clean, 2-0 win over a top 10 nation. Now, NYK were on the verge of one of the most epic collapses in recent WC history. Could Liang Wei rally his men together to overcome the moment and prep for extra time?

OOC Note: This newsletter has a slight anti-socialist bent, but they are fairly strict about the whole 'sticking to sports' thing

Nyowani Kitara Football Weekly
The voice for the working people of Nyowani Kitara

Nyowani Kitara 'master of wits' with 2nd straight penalty shootout victory to advance to the World Cup semifinals

SEERAI, VILITA- "This is, without a doubt, the strangest football competition I have ever been a part of." Those were the words of NYK centerback Catarina Malmquist, and if we're gonna be real, we can't blame her. This World Cup has had a little bit of everything, truly. Comebacks. Shocking early eliminations. Massive upsets. And late stage drama. The beauty of it all, right? Nyowani Kitara was in a qualifying group that had all of those. Going into the second last matchday, there were legitimate scenarios where NYK could've missed even the WCQ playoffs entirely. Instead, we won our group, got to the Finals, and have made the most of it.

Four games played. One win, three draws officially(including a PK shootout triumph). Our first ever World Cup win- against Zwangzug, by a score of 2-0. Think about this- we've only won one game ever at a World Cup, at least within 120 minutes, and yet we find ourselves standing in a World Cup Quarterfinal, against a top 10 Pemecutan squad, with a berth in the semifinals on the line. 'The journey for this national team, the rise of Nyowani Kitara football, has been absolutely spectacular to be a part of." Said the man responsible for a lot of the growth, Liang Wei. "Now that we're here, we need to do more than just enjoy it. We've got to really take advantage of it. These opportunities don't just come every day- 160 nations enter World Cup Qualifying every time out, only 8 reach the quarterfinals. Who knows when we'll get an opportunity to be part of that 8 again?"

And to their credit- Nyowani Kitara's really heeded the gaffer's advice in this contest. Nyowani Kitara has always tried to dominate possession, and really get after you offensively. Score a lot of goals, and know that whoever scores the most tends to win. Aka- defense will take care of itself. In the first half, we probably played our best half of the finals, at least since the first half against Zwangzug way back on Matchday 2 of the World Cup group stages. The movement was smooth. We were moving off the ball, to keep the pressure on Pemecutan's defenders. We were seeing space, and then filling it with a NYK player. And most importantly.. The pressing was done well. Pemecutan couldn't even sniff the counter-attack.

And it was in this context, where Nyowani Kitara would open up the scoring. In the 32nd minute, Handsdotter decided to loft a ball over the top of the defense, and there was Angonga, running after it. The goalkeeper came up to challenge the star striker, but he had timed his run perfectly. The defense was moving in the same direction, and the striker was all alone, in behind them. As the keeper came up, Angonga decided to keep things efficient. He hit the ball between the legs of the goalkeeper, hitting him through the 5-hole as our team got our deserved goal. The goal had been building, and who else would score a Nyowani Kitara goal to open up a quarterfinal? It simply had to be Angonga.

But just because we were outplaying Pemecutan at that point, it didn't mean we would be able to maintain that. At halftime, the dynamic would change. Pemecutan knew that they would have to get after it, as we set up our defense for 'a siege'. No substitutions at this point, but playing people further back, demanding more defensive intensity. And they would need all of that, and more, to handle the onslaught that Pemecutan was bringing our way. It was, once again, Nyowani Kitara's sudden defensive attitude that would keep us in the game. Lots of physicality. lots of well-timed slide tackles, etc... Both teams showing the desperation that a team shows when they are in the World Cup Quarterfinals.

All the fireworks in this game would be spectacularly late. The 84th minute was the first such moment of the game. Still 1-0 to Pemecutan. Not even on a counter-attack. We were doing what teams do best in this situation- some actual, legitimate time-wasting. Playing the ball towards the corner, and trying to wind down the clock there. But Rudolph von Katzenstig, who had come into the game in the 77th, had gotten fouled, and had earned a free kick in a dangerous area for Nyowani Kitara. It would be Handsdotter who would loop the ball into the box, and he would find the head of veteran midfielder Ramah Abong'o, who would not miss from that range.

Suddenly, the lead was doubled, with 6 minutes left. "I won't lie- I thought Abong'o's goal was game, set, match." Said Nyowani Kitara's manager, Liang Wei. "I could not have been more wrong." Everything was smooth sailing- up 2-0 in a quarterfinal, especially since we got that insurance goal, it was enough to clinch the game, right? Technically, we didn't concede within the literal 90. But it was 90+1' when Bayu Narmada had a brilliant solo goal effort, finishing off a series of dribble moves with a spinning back heel to get the ball into the net.

That lead had been doubled for six minutes- now, it was just halved. And Pemecutan wouldn't stop chasing until they arrived. It was their veteran striker, Dewa Putu Mahardika, who would loft the ball that would lead to the equalizer. It found none other than the head of Mutsekwa- who, as many of you know, is a starting centerback for Nyowani Kitara. Where does that end? With Mutsekwa heading the ball, via an arching, looping header, into the back of his own net. 6th minute of stoppage time. "I mean.... There's no way around it." Liang Wei said. "Gut-wrenching, conceding twice in stoppage time like that in a game that we had won. But that's the nature of the beast. It's all about how you respond."

Nyowani Kitara responded well. They were able to keep the score tied at 2, before they went into a penalty shootout. Our second straight one. This time, things were a little more smooth, although the order was scrambled. We had Handsdotter shoot first, and he drilled the ball into the bottom corner. Pemecutan's first taker, on the other hand, hit their penalty wide right of the net. Nyowani Kitara was poised to take advantage, and we wasted no time in doing so. Wang Jiahui stepped up for the second penalty and buried it, going to the upper corner. He was matched by Kitara AA attacker Dewa Putu Mahardika, who's powerful shot to the keeper's right made it 2-1.

But Nyowani Kitara was simply too clinical. It would be Angonga scoring the third goal, of the third penalty. Nyowani Kitara up 3-1 and feeling real good about themselves. But the next play is really what made the difference. Pemecutan brought up their third penalty taker. But Bigombe was ready, just like he was against TJUN-ia. He had clearly studied, so when the opponent's third taker came up, Bigombe was more than ready. He dove to his right, being all over the ball. Pemecutan did not stand a chance, and Bigombe put his country one penalty away from winning it.

Fourth shot for each team. A make would've won it for NYK- but the pressure got to Josef Sparv, who blasted the ball sky high, over the crossbar. But no matter. Odour Bigombe seems to be the king of the shootout. This time, he won it himself, making a second save in this shootout on the next(and last) shot, going to his left. "An absolutely dominating performance- Odour Bigombe, if you didn't know this, is a legitimate star." Said Liang Wei, the team's manager. "We're gonna go as far as he takes us, and hell, the semifinals ain't a bad place, are they?"

They are not, indeed, Bigombe has faced two penalty shootouts in the last two games. His stats? 8 penalties faced- 2 conceded, 2 misses, and 4 saves. A small sample size, but even then- utterly ridiculous numbers.

Now, Nyowani Kitara will prepare for a familiar opponent- Zwangzug. A team we beat 2-0 just a few short weeks ago, with a result that, according to the manager, we should 'throw out'. "Look, that result doesn't really matter for this one. Here, we're playing against each other for a spot in the World Cup freaking Final. There are things to ween from that game, but just because we won or lost that game, that does not guarantee a result either way the second time we play them. It will be a big challenge, for sure- we're going to have to adjust our strategy, to make sure we aren't stale, and can maintain our aggression and confidence, despite the stage."

NYK v. Zwangzug, for a spot in the World Cup Final. What more could one ask for?

by **Zwangzug** » Fri Nov 11, 2022 6:13 pm

The Arlington Moon-Tribune

In the world of fiction, there are certain sequels that fail to live up to their predecessors, or--worse--undermine them by negating all that the original characters fought for. Whether this causes concern to the Jungle "Rebels," nee Cats, is unlikely, yet the quarterfinal meeting in Morata Valley pitted two teams with long histories against each other. After an exciting if sloppy first half, Vilita and Zwangzug played out a tauter, tenser second half, then an increasingly nervewracking extra time period before proceeding to a penalty shootout--a sentence that we are increasingly able to write like a reasonably normal country. [Editor's note: Some of us are excited about the tug-of-war, too, but you'll forgive us for letting it take a caboose here.]

The hosts came in at a slight disadvantage in terms of exhaustion, having required a shootout to advance past Savigliane in the previous round. Perhaps because of this, they started out in a somewhat more guarded posture than usual, with teenage midfielder Letirpsi Vulitn taking a more defensive role. Zwangzug rose to the occasion, pushing forward with Kayla Haugen and Farrokh Sokhi controlling the attack from the midfield. It paid off with a long back-and-forth passing sequence that Haugen shot high in minute 13. Zelkki Milake Jr., who is an astronaut trainee in addition to being a world-class football (take that, Spenson fans!) effortlessly rose up to fling it away, but Quincy Dulk-Fough broke forward in time to tap in the rebound.

Not to be deterred, the Rebels resorted to simple tactics like keeping it low and getting physical to combat their technically accomplished, but at times terribly-aiming, opposition. Awukchu L’bakka of the Endur Forest Rebels (no relation to the Quebecois fullback who we faced last World Cup...I think) led the way, outmuscling more diminutive players like Freda Tery-Wilf and Cixin Nguyen, while the free-flowing referee was inclined to let play stand. The upshot was a Takaara Milanzi goal in minute 29. Zwangzug lukewarmly protested that Helen Pimbura had no chance to deflect it thanks to Diamoa Waviino getting right up in her face and everything (to use the technical term), but VAR correctly ruled that there was no foul. This meant that minute 35, while it may have technically been six minutes later, felt like a shorter time due to the review and restart. And that was all the time it took for Jakku’u Naboyavi to receive a brilliant backpass from Waviino and give the relentless rebels the lead.

The plot would thicken, however, when a short pass from Cynthia Fairfax-Hazy fell to Esther Axelrod-Conway in minute 42. Axelrod-Conway, who had been substituted out early on Matchday Three, dismissed concerns that she was distracted or injured. "Just failure to acclimatize, could happen to anyone." The goal that transpired, however, couldn't have come from just anyone; Axelrod-Conway expertly dribbled past Injyua Klizlo and held off until she'd challenged Milake Jr. to come forward, then aimed low with a curving shot that put things level at halftime.

After the break, both sides emerged with bolstered defenses--Meredith Ryland in for Zwangzug, and Hothat Iciiplak in for Vilita. Iciiplak, though a youngster, had no trouble challenging the veteran Axelrod-Conway, who seemed to struggle with him almost as much as she did with the Wamtaun Peak. Fortunately, the rest of the team was able to work as a unit, and Nguyen set up Lukas Helsen-Roan for a header in minute 61.

The hosts, however--supported by the vast majority of the crowd of 126,000--would not go quietly. Helen Pimbura was, if not bounding forward, at least more jittery than normal trying to intercept Milanzi and Treasvo Tlikara, who'd come on for Waviino in minute 70 as the Jungle Rebels looked for an equalizer. With seven minutes remaining in normal time, Trezisi Rokopolis sent a curling pass to Tlikara, who had a clear one-on-one with Pimbura. Would it be Treasvo, then? Not so fast! He alertly noticed Naboyavi on the edge of the box, tapped back to him, and set up the wunderkind for his second goal of the night. "Stop letting everyone backpass to Jakku'u," raged a slightly manic Kayla Haugen as the lead dissolved.

Despite her frenzy, and the added time, normal time elapsed with no further scoring. The beginning of the extra time brought frenzied nerves for both teams; "past ninety minutes in a quarterfinal" was the deepest Zwangzug had gone in a World Cup in living memory [editor's note: probably not true, maybe depends on your preferred dilation system], but they'd actually made the knockouts last tournament, while Vilita hadn't since WC86. After the first ten minutes, however, the game began to open up somewhat, with a couple lovely Helsen-Roan passes denied by the mighty L’bakka.

After halftime of extra time, it became apparent that Ryland was more than a match for any member of the hosts when it came to throw-ins--her talent is almost (but not quite, you should see what she's done domestically) wasted on an outfielder. This led to Zwangzug enthusiastically adopting the "when in doubt, kick it out" strategy, but it was too little, too late. On the other hand, the Jungle Rebels were unable to muster any further offense either, thanks mostly to Haugen sticking to Naboyavi like he had a black hole's gravitational field.

In the previous match, Endur Rotropii had taken a tactical risk and it had paid off magnificently, substituting penalty specialist Ukamai Talingri in for the astronaut. Having succeeded once, why not rip off that plot point for the sequel? What was a little more surprising is that, since play was stopped anyway, Kate DiMarini took the opportunity to do the same thing, bringing on Ketevan Igreli like she had last cycle. "Did it have potential downsides? Sure, just like every other strategic decision in this game," DiMarini said calmly (though hindsight helps with that). "Helen showed what she could do in the Eagles' Cup a couple cycles ago, I have no doubt in her ability, we saw that she was able to take on a top-class side like Nephara and shut them out. But it had been a long day, and I agree with my Vilitan counterpart that if the WCC gives us these opportunities, we might as well make the most of them and see what the situation allows."

Vilita won the toss and elected to kick first; after the day Naboyavi had had, it seemed only right for him to lead off. Sure enough, he kept the hosts' momentum going with a beautiful chip shot slightly left of center.

Valerie Waugh, who had come in for Dulk-Fough at the beginning of halftime, stepped up for Zwangzug, and calmly sent it to the right. 1-1.

Milanzi had a long and powerful runup, but the momentum may have been too much for him, as his shot went high. Haugen, sweat-drenched and exhausted after pursuing Naboyavi, was similarly helpless, sending a weak shot that the experienced Talingri gathered easily. Well, as easily as anything is in a penalty shootout, which isn't very.

Tlikara was up next, and this time it would be Treasvo, with a powerful shot that found the net. Cixin Nguyen was Zwangzug's third kicker. "I was a little surprised they went for me," he admitted, "but I guess Esther was tired and Lukas doesn't bother." Whatever DiMarini's strategy, he rose to the occasion, sending a high arc that perhaps the gravitationally-uninhibited Milake could have handled, but left Talingri helpless. 2-2.

Vulitn came forward for the fourth kick, and sent a forceful, laser-beam shot towards the left. Igreli is not the sort of nonchalant, fluid goalkeeper like Pimbura who can prevent these sort of chances before they happen (kind of impossible after 120 minutes); her sudden, physical saves are the sort that occasionally make you worry for her (or, if you're Zwangzugian, whether the invention of goalkeeping was a good idea in the first place). But in moments such as this, that was all Zwangzug needed. 2-2, still.

Sokhi had the chance to give Zwangzug the lead, and, given all the statistics about how the momentum should really be in your favor at this point, his body language seemed pretty nervous. But nerves or not, he smashed it towards the right to make it 3-2.

It was Rokopolis' turn for Vilita, and Igreli paced her line eagerly, ready for the moment. Whether Rokopolis was fighting his own nerves or what, we don't know, but he skied it, and there was no need for a fifth Zwangzugian kick.

There is a passage in the Bible (or maybe the World Cups of the twenties, IDK) about "if I forget Jeruselem" blah blah blah [editor's note: What.] I am not a harpist, nor is football a religious experience to me. But if I ever get jaded and bored by shootouts--"such a tossup! this gets old, haven't we seen it before?"--let my typing hand wither.

by **Vilita** » Fri Nov 11, 2022 7:13 pm

FOOTSPORT ASSOCIATIONS OF VILITA & ELECTRUM - WC92 ✓

@FAVE92
Like for Leeks, re-twii for Turnips. Win or lose, everyone plays another game after this so I guess the semi finals aren't that important? If you've had fun then you've already won. #WC92

#CUTOFF :: #WCSF ::

by **Vilita** » Sat Nov 12, 2022 9:14 am

Mountain Games, World Cup set for Yeaddin Send Off

Lirai Asku Castle, Yeaddin, Vilita :: While the World Cup 92 Third Place Playoff match between Valanora and Nyowani Kitara will be contested at the famous Lirai Asku Castle in Yeaddin, nearby at the Kolósaio Vóreios Yeaddin Olympique there will be an experiment taking place that offers great potential to change the landscape in sports entertainment. Vilitan company Lighthouse Lightworx will be experimenting with a real time light projection technology in an attempt to stream live to the fans at the Kolósaio Vóreios Yeaddin Olympique the action taking place just down the street at the Lirai Asku Castle. If the demonstration goes well then the Kolósaio Vóreios Yeaddin Olympique will also host a World Cup 92 Final viewing party.

The Kolósaio Vóreios Yeaddin Olympique will have other action on hand as it will also serve as the final venue for the 2nd Vilitan Mountain Games Tug-of-War and highly anticipated Mystery Event.

While the the Vilitan Mountain Games Committee goes to great lengths to keep the Mystery Event a mystery, there have been some reports from locals in Yeaddin that they have recently seen race-quality horses arriving in town and trotted around the Kolósaio Vóreios in the dark of night, leading some to speculate the possible involvement of the Horses in the Mystery Event. It was also notable that the Joust competition which was the initial driver for the inclusion of Horses in the Vilitan Mountain Games was not held this season among the official activities.

About Yeaddin :: Yeaddin is located in the Vilitan North-East between the Parra Kala Mountains and the Turviliki Sea. It is generally considered the 5th Largest City in Vilita though it has fluctuated between 4th and 7th in actual size. Yeaddin has a sister city of similar geographical, footprint and population size in Terrarokka with the satellite city of Nusira Lionta between them on the outskirts of Terrarokka.

During Winter season, Yeaddin becomes one of the least tropical major cities in Vilita with cool air from the Royal Quebecois region. As the cool air arrives in Northern Vilita it interacts with the tropical air trapped in the Morata Valley as well as the Parra Kala Mountains shielding much of mainland Vilita from the cooler temperatures. Yeaddin bears the brunt of the force of the cool winter temperatures though nearby cities to the south Nusira Lionta and Terrarokka also have smaller periods of notably cooler climate as a result of the same effect.

Yeaddin's Air Transportation hub is accessible from most Atlantian Oceania based international terminals. Those traveling to Yeaddin from outside of Atlantian Oceania will likely fly in to Alikki-Corra before catching local transportation - either Air, Land or Sea, to get up to Yeaddin on the opposite side of Vilita's Main Island.

Vilitan Law is not well documented nor strictly enforced in the case of minor infractions. However when it is enforced it is typically done so with a preponderance of evidence with the Vilitan Orbital Intelligence Agency (VOIA) permitted to intervene even in cases of petty crime if the accusing law officer so wishes to pursue the event. Major infractions or repeat offenders tend to be dealt with swiftly and seriously. Traditional weapons are typically banned however technology driven weapons which are registered and have the ability to be disabled remotely by VOIA are permitted in some instances.

About Lirai Asku Castle :: This historical aged castle was converted into a sporting arena by the Yeaddin Owls Footsport team who initially promised to pay for maintenance on the Castle Exterior while building their stadium against the vacant inner walls of the structure prior to the kickoff of the Vilitan Stellar Division. The Owls would go on to win six of the first seven Stellar Division titles in the stadium which quickly became known as their fortress. Despite its relatively low 62,000 seated capacity compared with other stadiums in the Tropics of Vilita, the atmosphere provided by the Lirai Asku Castle both inside and out makes it a popular choice to host international matches in World Cup, Cup of Harmony, Baptism of Fire and AOCAF competition. The Castle itself is now a protected 'Vilitan Treasure' and the Yeaddin Owls Association Footsport Club is required to maintain the structure in its current form. The historic Lirai Asku Castle was host to the opening ceremonies of the XIV Winter Olympic Games as well as the Men's and Women's Ice Hockey Final at a temporary Outdoor Olympic Sized Ice Rink inside the stadium.

About Kolósaio Vóreios Yeaddin Olympique :: One of the oldest continuous sporting Venues in Vilita, the Kolósaio Vóreios Yeaddin is on the site of the former North Yeaddin Hippodrome and was re-constructed in the style of the original venue using period appropriate materials. While the facility has not had a regular primary tenant to care for and has at time fallen into disrepair, the Yeaddin Council have already approved improvements to the Kolósaio Vóreios which including minor repairs and facility upgrades but also the addition of a partial four-pointed roof structure that will track with the sun as it moves across the sky ensuring that the playing surface can remain in the shade. The venue serves as a traditional multi-purpose sports venue and even had an Ice Sheet for the XIV Winter Olympic Games hosting Bandy and Ice Racing events. The traditional dirt/grass hybrid surface has been restored for the conclusion of the Vilitan Mountain Games and the World Cup 92 technology demonstration.

About Lighthouse Lightworx :: Lighthouse Lightworx is a spinoff company originally researching emerging alternate lighting solutions and ultimately developing a technology and product line specializing in Light Emitting Diode technology. While they have provided many specialty replacements for common household items, they have also emerged into the specialty design space including the development of super-large video displays such as those that might be found at sports arenas as well as flexible displays including those used on many popular Vilitan communication devices. Lighthouse Lightworx first became well known outside of the Vilitan Cove when they helped modernize a number of stadiums prior to the World Cup 81 Finals including the Stadium of the Restoration in Banija.

About PaKaMo Gear :: Based in the Parra Kala Mountains, PaKaMo is a popular provider of Winter Sports Equipment, Gear and Fashion and is the primary choice for outerwear and sports equipment for many of the Vilitan Union individual Winter Olympians particularly in ski and snowboard sports. PaKaMo got its start in a cabin in the Parra Kala Mountains and has expanded as demand for Winter Athletic Gear and Equipment has risen in the Vilitan Cove region, particularly following the unexpected success of Vilita's performance in the Arcon Olympic Games in Saugeais. While PaKaMo maintains its presence in the mountains they have two locations in downtown Yeaddin in addition to the company offices. Fans in the area for the can visit the nearby PaKaMo build house to view the process involved in creating PaKaMo's handcrafted Snowboards.

PaKaMo is the major sponsor of the Parra Kala Overnight, A Ski-Sports competition traditionally held in Vilita after the first major snowfall (If it occurs) in the Mountainous region in a given season. The company has sponsored other major sporting events including the XIV Winter Olympic Games, Vilitan and Turorian driver Skiia Vialiv at Rumble in the Rice Fields event on the IRACT Circuit in the Sherpa Empire and Vilita and Turori Motorsports NSSCRA Driver Islago Tizilna. PaKaMo was also the official sponsor and gear provider of World Cup 92 Group C Matchday 3 which saw Zwangzug and Farfadillis square off at the Hothi'icei Battleground at Wamtaun Peak in nearby Terrarokka.

by **Nyowani Kitara** » Sat Nov 12, 2022 4:23 pm

Liang Wei, immediately after the whistle blows for 90 minutes

The whistle blew three times, and that was the match. The World Cup semifinal was over. The rematch between Zwangzug and Nyowani Kitara, was a spectacular, 7 goal affair. The exact type of game that you'd expect when Nyowani Kitara takes the field- the measured defensive intensity of their past few games had gone out the window, as it was more of the free-for-all, goals galore spectacular that everyone expects to see when Nyowani Kitara takes the field. But it was Zwangzug who would win the re-match between the two groupmates, with Zwangzug scoring 4 times, and Nyowani Kitara scoring just 3.

Zwangzug's players spilled onto the field, as Zwangzug fans celebrated in the stands. They had just qualified for their first World Cup Final in 50 cycles. Their fans were singing, players were celebrating hard, and it was overall a party for those in checkerboard. As for Nyowani Kitara? Pure sadness. But yet, a great respect for what they have done. It was just their fourth World Cup cycle, and their second appearance in the World Cup Finals. They had come out, won a group that was headlined by Farfadillis, and made a spectacular run to the semifinals.

Liang Wei wiped away a tear from his eye. The pain of not reaching a World Cup Final, when you have the opportunity, was always going to be acute. But that did not take away from the accomplishment of them reaching this stage in the first place. He walked up to Wang Jiahui- a compatriot of sorts, as both were communists from Yuezhou who ended up in Nyowani Kitara.

They embraced. "It's been quite a ride, Wang." Liang told his star winger.

"Yes, yes it has." Wang Jiahui told the gaffer. ."I love you, I love this team, I love this country. I can't believe we made a run like this."

"Well, this is an insane accomplishment." Liang Wei told his winger. "Enjoy it while you're here, you're probably not gonna have a moment in your life like this ever again."

"Yes- the beauty of a World Cup run." Wang Jiahui said. "Think we ever could've gotten one at home?" The question went unanswered. They had made their choice, and career-wise, this was living proof that it had turned out pretty damn well.

Wang Jiahui ended up walking away and congratulating some Zwangzug players, while Liang Wei walked up to one more player- the 33 year old captain, Armoni Okombo. He was sitting on the ground.

"Hell of a run, man." Liang Wei told his left back and squad captain. "You proved so much out here throughout this run- that Nyowani Kitara can defend, can play with anybody, that this nation is one that is not just capable of pulling off an upset- but truly making a run and potentially being a big nation ourselves."

"This is a spectacular run, yes." Okombo told him. "But still... Never thought it would hurt this badly, even though we were never expected to win here."

"That's the nature of the beast." Liang Wei nodded. "We've got one more to play. But this moment? Remember it. Drink it in. This whole run. These are the types of games that you dreamed of playing in when you were a child. You've done it, lived out this dream." Liang Wei then went over to the Zwangzug coaching staff to congratulate them, as NYK players walked towards the fanbase, who were also applauding their heroes. A World Cup semifinal- who would've thunk?

by **Valanora** » Sat Nov 12, 2022 6:16 pm

The bittersweet taste of defeat lingered for hours after the end of the match. No one had wanted to speak it into being, but there had been a growing hope and belief that this was the team that would capture that elusive and illustrious sixth World Cup title. The side had come twice recently and had failed in doing so, yet this team looked like it was poised and skilled enough to finally get over that hurdle. This being the last World Cup cycle that Didrik was going to be in charge of the Marauders also seemed to give the team a bit of extra motivation to try and get the trophy that was eluding them, as well as the rest of the teams that were resting on five World Cup titles. However a third extra time game and then a penalty shootout was a bridge too far for the side in the end and their march towards that record title was stopped at the penultimate hurdle and in a very familiar fashion, to their neighbors to the northeast of the Vanorian mainland in the form of another sporting giant, Banija. It was not the first time their neighbors had eliminated via a penalty shootout but yet this one stung just a bit more.

There was still a last game to play though, a third placed playoff game, a game that those who participate in it usually do not want to be there. However it likely is not the case with the opponents whom the Marauders will be facing in their final game in the World Cup, as they will be taking on Nyowani Kitara, a team who was not supposed to make it this far in the tournament. This is going to be the best finish for them regardless of whether they win the match or not and they are going to be ecstatic to get this far in the tournament. It will be a contrast in two moods between the two teams heading into this match. Mayhaps this will be the difference between the two teams and why the Marauders likely should not be favored heading into the penultimate match of the tournament. Yet there is pride and seeing out the manager on a high note, which given the Vanorian outlook on the world, could well mean that the team will be extremely fired up for the match despite that bitter feeling of being so close to the goal and yet not making it. Vanorian pride is (in)famous even in the Empire...

by **Vilita** » Sat Nov 12, 2022 7:35 pm

FOOTSPORT ASSOCIATIONS OF VILITA & ELECTRUM - WC92 ✓

@FAVE92
Don't let anyone tell the fans in Yeaddin this game isn't important. Two stadiums are packed and the fanzone is buzzing! @SpinningLeek offering Free Appetizers to citizens of all 30 eliminated nations. That's a lot of Leek Sticks! #WC92

#CUTOFF :: #3PPO ::

World Cup 81/82/83/84

© Sporting Times Weekend 2022
World Cup Final--Whose win is it Anyway?
by Mindy Cartwright, National Soccer Editor

Commentary from Centralis, Electrum

I've flown in from Belle Haven to Rushmore at the specific request of the Executive Editor of the Sporting Times to file 1,000 words on the match between Banija and Zwangzug, which will decide the Champion of the 92nd cycle of NS World Cup tomorrow night at the Olympic Stadium.

The reality is I could've fulfilled this assignment from home, in my PJs and slippers in front of the TV; I could've asked to delegate the story to someone on the staff; or I could've made an argument to rely on any one of the many multiverse wire services that would report the match details competently if that's what we needed for a Main Page Cover for Monday.

But the simple description of the 90 (or 120) minute struggle between the Kadongo Kamu and the Zebras isn't the real story within the Commonwealth; the spotlight on this weekend of the 130th Anniversary of Baker Park's official establishment as a nation will be framed by the story of the two women who will be in charge of the opposing sides, both of whom were born & raised here and who have arrived at this point directly as a result of their close personal association.

Pamela Jean Robertson (nee Scott) and Katherine Ann Laughlin (nee DiMarini) are wives, mothers and soccer coaches, whose lives were changed when they first crossed paths on a February afternoon shortly after Scott was hired to be the Head Coach of the women's soccer team at Northern Baker Park; DiMarini had been recruited as a central midfielder to NBP by Scott's predecessor Hannah Mears, playing in the limited minutes that freshman were permitted under the UAC rules during the fall season completed 2 1/2 months previously.

"I knew nothing about Pam's playing experience when I first met her, I don't think I even considered her as being a (BP) native based on her CV when she was hired", said DiMarini in a conversation I'd had with her while she was still Scott's #2 in the early mixed gender period where Trevor Richmond and his top aide Shane Newman began to collaborate with the women in unifying the management structure.

"All of her life and playing career was outside of Belle Haven, so it never registered with me", said the Far Hills Borough native. "It wasn't until we started training for the season (in the fall of DiMarini's sophomore year) that I found out she'd been capped and played in the (National) League."

Scott recalled her initial impression of the 19 year old midfielder was not positive; "(Kate) was far more confident in her ability and importance than she had a right to be based on her performance before I got to Lima. Watching tape I could see that she wouldn't fit into the system I wanted to use, and we needed depth in defense so I told her she was going to have to learn to play fullback if she wanted minutes. It was not a suggestion she took well (laughter)"

Eventually DiMarini came around to the coach's vision and won conference honors during the Lady Lions' National Championship seasons, captaining the squad as a senior after gaining Scott's confidence. Former NT winger Trent Yeomans learned the secret to getting in the boss's good graces after a talk with the Assistant Manager during the leadup to the Baptism of Fire.
"Pam was really hard on me during camp and I went to Kate to ask why I was being singled out and her answer opened my eyes to how Pam judged people. She said 'Pam doesn't think you're lazy, she said you have lazy habits. Believe me, I know first hand what she wants out of players, you've got to be committed 100% to her role for you. If she sees you can be trusted to do that, she will stick with you through anything.' I never tried to skate through drills in training after that and she never hesitated picking me for squads."

Scott's competitive personality showed through in her standing challenge during training camps where she would team up with DiMarini and another staffer--often current NT manager Jen Prescott or former U18 manager Zoe Montgomery--in 3 v 3 against any combination of squad players, often with money on the line.

Former NT star Amanda Hayes remembered, "It was usually $25 per person, first team to five. Pam would kick the shit out of you for cash on the table. Her and Kate and whoever they pulled in as their third were brutal and won a lot more than they lost in those post training kickarounds. She finally quit playing when she really came close to injuring Missy Tilton, who screamed out 'the fuck, Pam!'. That became a running joke in the squad for awhile with even Pam saying it in a self-deprecating way one time."

Scott and DiMarini will match wits against one anther with the biggest prize in the sport on the line and no secrets kept from the other; for them it will be winner take all and no quarter asked or given. But it will also be a testament to the Commonwealth of Baker Park's national pride and spirit, as two women will vie for the immortality of being World Championship winning Manager.

by **Banija** » Sun Nov 13, 2022 8:50 am

Banijan goalkeeper Wanda Kouyaté, after the 120 minute mark

Wanda Kouyaté clapped her hands when the referee blew for full time. This had been an insane semifinal, between two elite teams with everything on the line- a heavyweight fight between the two Southwestern, Atlantian Oceania rivals. The 39 year old keeper and captain would be called upon, once again, to lead Banija through a penalty kick shootout. She jogged over towards the bench, as she ran towards the GK coach. They were quickly reviewing the notes that they had on the Vanorian penalty takers- which ones liked to go in which directions, what were their tells, etc...

The coach wrapped the notes on a second, dry, and empty water bottle, and taped them on. "Here you go, Wanda." He told her, giving her the bottle. She had the full bottle of water in her left hand, and in her right hand, the empty and dry one- that had notes. She then jogged over to the center of the pitch, with the referee. He shook hands with Valanora's eternal captain, and multiple time World Cup champion himself, Laborious Hawk. He had been a menace today, scoring Valanora's goal during the 90, and assisting Valanora's painfully late equalizer deep into the depths of the second half of extra time. Hawk had won the coin toss. Valanora would go second. And Banija? Would go first.

She picked the Banijan end, as the two shook hands. She knew what this moment meant. This would probably be her last chance to win a World Cup, as a starter, for her country. She was, of course, a three-level world champion- although she didn't have even a minute of playing time at World Cup 86, even if she was the listed backup goalkeeper. She won the U21 World Cup, as a starter. She had won a pair of AOCAFs, as a starter, for her country. She had taken them to World Cup semifinals, and had achieved glory at the club level, with Jungle Strike. She was probably the greatest Banijan keeper of all time. But if she was able to end her career by winning the World Cup, at age 39, while wearing the armband?

One didn't need to imagine what that could do for one's legacy. But first, came the penalty shootout. Banija shooting first, and Wesoloski-Okafor buried his penalty. Laborious Hawk came up next. She looked at her notes, and then Hawk came up to shoot. She guessed the right way, but the penalty was unsavable- upper corner, pace, perfectly placed. Next up for Banija, Dembo Savaneh, who buried his penalty. Lothas Ludwig was second for Valanora, and his penalty was cheeky- just chipping it straight down the middle. The first two penalties for both teams had been taken with a ton of confidence, and neither keeper had done much. Wanda grimaced after the chip went past her.

"C'mon Wanda." She grumbled to herself. "Gotta do better." Third up for Banija? It was Tairu Conateh, Banija's veteran star right back for Raynor City United. He stepped up with confidence and buried the penalty, keeping it perfect. Conateh then ran up to his captain.

"You got this Wanda." He told her. "Stay low- you'll save this." She simply nodded, as she looked at her water bottle. Taina Vääräniemi, strided forward, who had come in off the bench at the halfway mark of extra time. Wanda saw her notes, and Vääräniemi placed the ball down, ready to go. The referee blew their whistle. The Vanorian stepped up, and Wanda could see- slightly opening their body. They were going to the keeper's right. Wanda leapt right, and while the ball was hard and low, she got all the way across, getting a big hand in front of the ball, enough to keep it out.

"BOOM!" Wanda shouted, pounding her chest as Vääräniemi walked back to the shooter's line, head slumped. She had faith- she could taste the Final. Was that what Banija needed? Now the pressure was ratcheting up, and it would be Sergius Atieno who would step up to take penalty #4. The attacking midfielder took it with confidence, going hard and low to the keeper's right- but Valanora's keeper went left, and the ball went into the back of the net. Wanda clapped, as this could be the decisive penalty. Reaching the World Cup Final could be an almost impossible task. She remembered World Cup 90, where Banija had fallen at this very hurdle to The Holy Empire- losing a shootout in the World Cup semifinal.

It would be Heike Schoß, the Jinja City FC attacking midfielder, who would be asked to keep Valanora alive. Wanda was able to look Schoß dead in the eyes. She had read the notes. She read his tells. He stepped up and went to her left. But she was ready. She dove left, and the ball was at a good 'saving height'. She got two hands to the ball to knock it away. "YES!!!" She screamed as Banijan players sprinted to her to mob her. She turned around and pounded her chest at the Banijan half of the crowd, before being tackled by her teammates in euphoria.

She had done it. In her final run with the national team, Wanda was going to play in the World Cup freaking Final. Can't get better than that, right?

In a drama-filled semifinal, Banija triumph on penalties over Southwestern rivals, Valanora, to reach the World Cup 92 Final

Banijans celebrate as they win their World Cup semifinal

CENTRALIS, ELECTRUM- The Olympic Stadium. A heavyweight clash between two of the sport's powers- 5 time world champions Valanora, led by the eternal Laborious Hawk, searching for ring #6. And then, of course, on the other side, we've got the Kingdom- a nation that, within ourselves at least, firmly believe that we've risen to the cream of the crop. Trying to win a second World Cup title, just three cycles after failing to qualify for the World Cup altogether. The stories, the drama. Pam Scott, who brought both Baker Park and Farfadillis to unprecedented heights, who basically has won everything there is to win, besides lifting the most prestigious trophy in all of sports- the World Cup trophy.

Someone like Lothas Ludwig, who some argue may be the best #9 anywhere in the world today, trying to cement that status by lifting this trophy. Another person like Wanda Kouyaté, trying to establish her bonafides as one of the most decorated players in the history of the sport- although she is certainly the most decorated player, by trophies alone, in the history of the Kadongo Kamu. Trying to finish off her international career with a storybook ending- winning the damn World Cup. You've got older players, like Laborious Hawk. You've got young guys, like Wesoloski-Okafor. Despite all the winning these two rivals have done, with Valanora having 5 World Cup trophies, and Banija having won this tournament 6 cycles ago at World Cup 86, there are just two people on these rosters who have lifted the ultimate trophy- the two captains. The ever-eternal Laborious Hawk, and Wanda Kouyaté for Banija(although she did it off the bench).

Not only is there story there, Valanora v. Banija is quickly developing into one of the best rivalries in international football. Their football systems seem to be intertwined, with a number of Banijan national team players, both past and present, plying their trade in the Eternal Empire, while Valanora has 3 NTers of their own playing in Banija. There's geography, as we're both neighbors in Southwestern AO. Politically allies, as both nations are at the core of AO. Even Valanora's royal family attended the wedding of Omugabe Ssekamanya, the future King of Banija. And, of course, they have what ever rivalry needs- history, especially recent history, of high-stakes, high drama matchups.

World Cup 86 Quarterfinals- Banija triumphing over Valanora in one of the best games of that tournament, by a score of 4-3. AOCAF LXIV Final, Banija triumphing on penalties over Valanora. Valanora triumphed over us in the Eagle's Cup IX Final. And most recently, the AOCAF LXVII Quarterfinals, at the White Fortress in Valanora- when Banija stunned a raucous home crowd to upset the hosts and favorites, and eliminate them from regional title contention. So lots of high-stakes, high-energy, and high-drama matchups deep into the knockout stages of major tournaments in recent years.

And so another one commences. For the right to go to the World Cup 92 Final- also at this very stadium, right here, in Centralis. The stakes and nerves of the matchup meant that the first half was rather boring. Nobody was taking risks, everybody playing more 'not to lose'... And that meant almost nothing of note happened in almost the first hour. So we're going to skip ahead to the hour mark. It was at this point when Valanora started to take control of the game. Laborious Hawk had really grown into the match, and Banija's midfielders were struggling to contain him. You can contain him for a little bit- but not the entire match.

Banija wanted to mark him with physicality- but the dude is an absolute beast. He just shook defenders off of him, and powered his way downfield, no matter what they tried to do. It was this determination that would set up Valanora's opening goal, in the 68th minute. A give and go, which saw Hawk make a bruising run right down the center of the pitch. Palminger was able to hit him with a beautiful back heel, and suddenly, he was in on goal. He got so through that Idi Dabo basically tried to make a gridiron tackle on him, which would've been a surefire red card had he succeeded. He did not, because Hawk was simply too strong. (Somewhere, Lance Kabuye's yelling at him to wrap up, eh?) Hawk got through, and he was always going to finish from that range- chipping it over Wanda's head for a beautiful finish, as Valanora's star put them on the scoreboard.

It was at this point where the Kadongo Kamu knew that we had to chase. Sarafina Ikpeazu, who had been struggling for large portions of the game, was subbed off for Dembo Savaneh. Pam Scott knew that she simply needed to throw players forward at this point. Sergius Atieno came into the game for Tijan Sowe, as the Banijans inverted their diamond, having an extra attacking midfielder on the pitch. It made sense. "Look, we were down 1-0, deep into a World Cup semifinal." Pam Scott told reporters after the match. "That was a point where caution had to be thrown into the game. We were going to chase this game, and we were either going to get that equalizer, or die trying."

Die trying was almost the result. Effort after effort failed to get in, as the Vanorians were able to hold and maintain their backline. Conateh was putting in some good balls from the wingback spot- but Ralph Winter was dominant in the air for Valanora. Wesoloski-Okafor had a diving header opportunity in the 73rd minute, but it was saved. Isak Helland made a stunning foot save when Gereh Kama had a close range opportunity in the 79th minute. It looked increasingly as if the Banijans would not pull this off, and fall to 1-5 in World Cup semifinals. Right? Wrong. 85th minute, Wesoloski-Okafor had the ball in the box. He passed it back to Sergius Atieno, who shot a laser towards goal from the 18. The ball hit the crossbar, and bounced back. Mad scramble- but the sliding dual-national was first to the ball. The Quebecois born Wesoloski-Okafor had the scrappy equalizer in the World Cup semifinal, which caused pandemonium at the ground.

1-1, with the late Banijan equalizer. We're looking at extra time. And Pam Scott's side know that they have the initiative. They don't want the game to go to penalties- we came out looking for a winner. And we thought we had it in the 102nd minute. 12 minutes into the first extra time period, Lolong Bokate sent a brilliant ball over to the backpost. And who was there? None other than this national team's other dual-national, Idi Mboge. Mrii-born, he was, for a long time, the most hated man in Banijan football. He was on the Banijan U21 national team, and then, at the tournament, before Matchday 1 of DBC 47, he filed a last second switch of nationality to Mriin. He won the Cup of Harmony with Mriin's senior NT. And then, when Mriin stopped playing international football, he found his way to this NT. He took a lot of criticism from a lot of corners, but finally ingratiated hismelf onto the NT. And now, he's scored the potential winner in a World Cup semifinal? What a redemption arc.

But there's a key word there- potential. It was a great header, from 3 yards out, to give Banija our first lead of the game, 2-1. But we'd have to hold that lead. Atieno had a chance to bury the contest on a 1v1 opportunity in the 111th minute, but Isak Helland made a stunning save to keep his team in the game. We'd come to rue that missed moment. Remember, Valanora have Laborious Hawk and Lothas Ludwig? Probably the most deadly combination in all of international football showed its face, as Hawk set Ludwig free with an overhead ball. Ludwig barely had any room to operate, but he didn't need any. He simply volleyed it, from the 18, in the 117th minute. He struck the ball perfectly, as the Banijans sat there, shell-shocked. He placed it in the upper right hand corner, and Wanda didn't even have time to move.

It was 2-2. Both teams had scored in the second half, and both had scored in extra time. And now? Penalties. It would be Banija who would triumph. While both teams scored their first two penalties, it would be us who triumphed in this shootout. Our penalty takers were precise, going 4/4 in the shootout. Our goalkeeper, Wanda Kouyaté, stood on her head for the last two penalties- one diving save to her right, and the match winning diving save to her left. "This is what keepers dream about!" Said Wanda Kouyaté, who has won a number of crucial, high-stakes penalty shootouts for her country. "Game winning save in a shootout to reach the World Cup Final. A dream from childhood, realized." She said this, while in tears of joy, after the game.

Banija will reach just our 2nd ever World Cup Final. Our opponent? Zwangzug. There will be much made of the managerial connections between the two, as Pam Scott and Kate DiMarini are both BP nationals. But it figures to be a wildly entertaining matchup. This is Zwangzug's first appearance in the World Cup Final since World Cup 42- 50 cycles. A tantilizing prospect. The chance for eternal glory, for the true career highlight, to cap your legacy, to vindicate everything you've ever done. Players. Coaches. Etc... Who will lift the game's ultimate prize?

by **Banija** » Sun Nov 13, 2022 2:56 pm

Banijan manager Pam Scott, sitting at World Cup Final Media days

... "So coach- what words do you have for your close friend, and protege, Kate DiMarini? How do you feel about managing against her in the pinnacle of the game- a World Cup Final?"

Pam Scott thought about the relationship that the two managers have had. They've known each other for years- all the way back when Pam Scott used to be her coach back in the college soccer days. Hell, she thought about it- how many countries out here even have big-time college soccer? And now, from the peak of college soccer in Baker Park, comes two managers to the World Cup Final.

That was a boon for her country, and not only that- but college soccer in the country in general. She thought about, as she pondered an answer to the question, her days at Northern Baker Park State University- when, she coached the team to a national championship. And DiMarini herself, starred at fullback.Pam Scott had actually moved DiMarini to fullback, as she had come to the college game as a midfielder originally. Pam Scott thought all the way back to the first national championship she won at NBPSU with DiMarini.

A hell of a game that one was, wasn't it? Her husband had dug up an extremely old article, from the NBPSU old student paper, that had put together quite an eloquent summary of the match. DiMarini, from her wingback spot, whipping in a beautiful cross, that was headed in for the championship winner. What an incredible moment and feeling that was. National titles are, indeed, national titles.

"Well, to Kate, I'd simply say this- good luck." Pam Scott jolted back to reality, answering the question. "And take in this experience, fully- lap it up, drink it in. Having the opportunity to manage in a World Cup Final is potentially once in a lifetime. We all know how hard it is to get to this game, Banija and Zwangzug acutely- we were 1-4 in semifinals before this matchup, and Zwangzug is here for the first time in 50 cycles. Do everything you can control. And leave it all out there- play with no regrets."

It made her tear up, facing Kate in a World Cup Final. But of course, she thought of her own self too- her journeys with the Baker Park national team. The ability to manage your own country is probably the highest honor of your own career. DiMarini would surely get that opportunity one day herself. And then, of course, taking over at Farfadillis right after they won the World Cup. And now, Banija. All of that, potentially, has led to this moment? She had proven herself as among the elite of the elite of managers in international football. Can she seal the deal on that reputation by taking home the trophy?

Getting ready for the World Cup 92 Final- Banija will battle to bring home 'the greatest trophy in all of sports'

CENTRALIS, ELECTRUM- Here we are. A day that some thought may truly never come again for this national team. The Kadongo Kamu have had some great highs since winning World Cup 86 in international football- particularly our triumphs at both AOCAF LXIV and LXVII. We stand as the reigning champions of Atlantian Oceania, as we try to achieve something more, something greater- the ability to become world champions. ALl eyes turn towards Centralis, as this match is expected to smash television viewing records in Banija. Of course, the most viewed event on television in Banijan history is the World Cup 86 Final- and nothing comes close. Due to rapid population growth since then (we've since soared well over the 100 million population mark), this is certainly going to be the most watched event in television history in Banija.

There's obviously a lot going on. The ceremony. The Kabaka arrived in Electrum yesterday, at almost 90 years old. Some say he's too old to be flying- but he reflects the (probably unhealthy) Banijan obsession with sport, and with this sport at the top of that list. "Look- I'm the King of this country." Kabaka Mwanga told reporters. "I could be 110 years old under strict doctor's orders not to get out of bed, and I would have figured out a way to get this bed to the World Cup Final." That's the attitude of Banijans around this match. Our portion of Final tickets sold out in minutes, as there are watch parties popping up all over the Kingdom for this match.

The Lukiiko also declared a resolution declaring the day after the World Cup Final a public holiday(since the match itself is on a Sunday), so as few Banijans have to work as possible. So what happens from here? There are going to be watch parties. Stadium full. Streets full. Anybody that had programming scheduled to air at the same time as the World Cup Final are rapidly pulling stuff off their networks.

And if you're one of those who have to work during the Final and can't watch it... We've got some advice on how to avoid spoilers. Although, the chances of these working are, like, 10%.

How to avoid the World Cup Final in Banija

P.S. This assumes you don't throw away your phone and cut off all human contact entirely.

A. Don't answer calls or texts from anybody you haven't told you aren't watching
B. Delete any social media apps
C. Avoid group chats like the plague
D. Avoid bars
E. Avoid anywhere with a television
F. 90 minutes after the match starts, don't go out onto the street.
G. Avoid any radios

Best of luck to those! This edition of magazine is filled with all things World Cup Final. Let's take you through it...

The Match Itself

A. Tactical breakdown- how Banija and Zwangzug match up on the pitch
B. Important Players- Who are the stars on both sides, and how they will have to finish the match. Plus, projected starting XIs.
C. X-Factor off the bench- One non-starter for each team who will be essential for their potential success
D. Prediction

The Parties around the match

A. Best foods to grill for a World Cup watch party
B. Which cities are supposed to have the best watch parties
C. Which bars Banijan fans should go to in Centralis

The Celebrities going to the match

A. Who gets VIP tickets to the World Cup Final? Hint- the Royal Family, and each party leader, all get one. But who beyond them? And who are they bringing with them? Including, and featuring, President Otamendi of Cardenao.
B. What former players are going? Or, of course, which former players AREN'T going- that's the smaller list.

Fun player stories

A. Biography of Banijan captain and goalkeeper, the 39 year old 3 level world champion, Wanda Kouyaté- who is, more than likely, playing her last ever match for the national team.
B. The in-depth story behind our dual-nationals, Idi Mboge and Abel Wesoloski-Okafor. Discussions and conversations about their important contributions to this team, and what went into the process of them choosing to play for team Banija.
C. Story about the life of Sarafina Ikpeazu, our star winger- born in rural villages of Aksum, and now playing in a World Cup Final.

This has always been your #1 source for sports in Banija. Will we triumph tonight at the World Cup 92 Final, and earn that second star?

by **Zwangzug** » Sun Nov 13, 2022 4:15 pm

The Spenson Star

The Lonngeylin Coliseum is a stadium that has seen a great deal of football played over the decades. And tonight, Zwangzug and Nyowani Kitara wrote a new chapter in that illustrious history with a back-and-forth, seven-goal thriller that had fans from both sides trembling through ninety minutes. (Let's face it, some of us are still trembling.) The upshot? A narrow victory for Zwangzug, sending them through to face Banija at the final in Olympic Stadium, fifty cycles from their forerunners' showdown with Valanora in World Cup 42.

But let's not get ahead of ourselves. Nyowani Kitara may have been underdogs in the KPB ranks, but they could claim to have recent history on their side, having beaten Zwangzug in the group stage here. Both teams entered after the nervewracking ordeal of penalties in the quarterfinals. But if you thought that would lead to a more reserved beginning here, think again. The first quarter-hour was filled with long runs up and down the edges of the field, as the two sets of midfielders focused on individual possessions. It was a Lukas Helsen-Roan run in minute 17 that finally broke things open; while both Zhou Mushong and Catarina Malmquist, the 1./ defenders, were used to his style, he was able to fake out Tendenka Mutsekwa and pass to a barely-onsides Quincy Dulk-Fough, who tapped it in. Unlike the group stage match, VAR let it stand, and Zwangzug had the lead.

Overturning the deficit of the previous match made Zwangzug emboldened--perhaps too emboldened, as they pushed forward somewhat recklessly. Odede Angonga, who scored the opener on matchday two, almost made them pay on a couple separate occasions, with swift tackling from Freda Tery-Wilf keeping Zwangzug in the lead. But it would be the ex-Yue Wang Jiahui who equalized, blasting home a pass from Malmquist in minute 33. Seven minutes later, Owino Odede scored to give Nyowani Kitara the lead. Three minutes added on to the first half amounted to little, although Arvid Handsdotter was issued a yellow for fouling Esther Axelrod-Conway.

"I'd like to say we had some rousing halftime speech, but that would be taking things a little too far," admitted Kayla Haugen. "I mean, a place like that, even down in the locker room, you can feel the energy of the fans. Everyone was keyed up, everyone believed we still had time to turn things around--there's really nothing we could have said to urge them on any further. It was more about not trying to do it all at once."

Hanna Suzuki, who came on for Farrokh Sokhi at halftime, had some more impressive dribbling runs of possession, but it would take more than that to break down Oduor Bigombe and the back line. The breakthrough came from Cixin Nguyen, who pressured Omollo Ayange and drew a foul nine minutes after the half. Nguyen took the free kick, and Suzuki put spin on the ball, sending it into the back corner. Tie game.

The Kitaran fans in the stands were still wholly behind their team, of course--just their second qualification, to say nothing of everything the country had been through in recent years, and they were in the World Cup semifinals? It wasn't a cause for disappointment. But beneath the surface, tensions were simmering. After the civil war, the real source of division in the country isn't Kitaran versus Osterlander so much as loyalist versus exile. Two of the back four played in the rival nation, and Ayange--who had been banished after his defection--was back just in time to be the scapegoat.

Whether Zwangzug recognized this or not was unclear, but they took full advantage of the defensive frailties and pushed forward. Only five minutes later, the no-longer-anonymous Aimee Ginoud-Sachs beat out Farmen Ekberd for possession and then stormed forward herself, beating Bigombe to pull Zwangzug ahead.

A frustrated Liang Wei removed Ayange not long after, bringing on Jekuche Jokonya, but also subbed on Josef Sparv for Olaf Svante up front to bolster the offense. Nyowani Kitara might not be all- out attackers, but they come close, and they certainly weren't about to give up at this stage. Sparv got his head to a Wang pass in minute 72, and we were all tied up once again.

Liang, of course, wasn't going to stop there, and the Nyowani Kitara side continued to pour forward. Sure, we'd both gone through extra time and penalties before, but who needs that? Haugen, Suzuki, and all the rest hung back, waiting for the Mushong-Malmquist back-and-forth to break up.

But it would be Axelrod-Conway, not familiar with their 1./ exploits, who wasted no time, intercepting a Mushong pass in minute 79 and cutting through the defense in a dazzling run. As Malmquist closed in on her, she held off for Valerie Waugh, who sent it home. We all remember her expression from game two, pragmatic as ever as her teammates vociferously protested the penalty non-call; the glee and exuberance she showed now was tremendously out of character, and we couldn't be happier.

There were, of course, eleven minutes plus stoppage time to get through, and Nyowani Kitara were even more relentless. This is the kind of situation where Meghna Imomenba's physicality comes in handy, though; her dogged pursuit of Odede and Ramah Abong'o may not have inflicted damage on them, but it did kill the clock. Kirsten Jackson's tackles were less confident, but when she passed, her aim was precise. And when it was all over, Zwangzug were through to the final.

There's the fact that we beat Banija out for qualifying in World Cup 89, when a Pemecutan team on a rapid rise topped Group 11. There's Wanda Kouyaté, who was on the bench when the Kandongo Kamu triumphed in World Cup 86, and is captaining her team for what will almost certainly be her last international match. There's the quarterfinal of World Cup 85, where Gitonga Kahara channeled his childhood admiration of Martina Ruan into his own moment of glory, wearing the armband and leading his team to victory. And, yes, there's the pain and joy and shame and pride and heartbreak and enduring trust of everything that transpired at the Obelisco Monumental so many years ago. If you can't help but be distracted by the weight of the past and future that will come together in Centralis, we can't blame you.

But hey, try your best to focus on the game on the field. If this match was any indication, it should be a great one.

---

"So," said Coach DiMarini, carefully. "You think everyone's up for going to Electrum right now?"

"I think," Kayla pointed out, "there's really nowhere else in the multiverse they'd rather be, all things considered."

DiMarini tilted her head to the side. "There is that."

"Olympic Stadium. Big. If they've hosted the Olympics they have the infrastructure for anything, so they can do football, no problem."

"Can they," said DiMarini, "wasn't the question."

"What?" said Kayla. "Are you worried about the referees? The weather? Satirical newspapers? Abundance of root vegetables? I really think that, after the Hothi'icei Battleground, we can do anything."

"I'm not worried about the country. I'm worried about you guys."

"Because you're the coach and that's your job, blah blah blah, we get it."

"What do you know about the Electrum team?"

"Uh, they were drawn in group E, obviously, and they made it to the round of sixteen. They were champions in the seventies? I think? And they are currently mostly human, ish? But some of them...maybe not so much?"

"And?" DiMarini said, gently. Maybe this was stupid. Maybe she was actually managing a couple dozen healthy, stable, footballers and anything she could say would only make matters worse. But too late to turn back now.

"And what? We're playing Banija, aren't we? Don't you have any scouting reports on them?"

DiMarini considered making a joke about how Pam Scott had very rudely refused to provide her with insight into the Kadongo Kamu's latest tactics, but thought better. "Electrum, they're probably not returning to the World Cup for a while, if ever."

"Oh." Kayla blinked. "Yeah, I knew that."

"You did?"

"Sure. It was in the Eagles' Cup, something about their second-to-last chance or whatever."

"I didn't know anyone takes their journalism seriously."

"I can't help it," Kayla said. "Perceiving things. There's a lot of news, everywhere."

"It doesn't bother you?"

"I mean, it's not like they're going gray and white, is it? The country exists, they can do Olympics and tennis and whatever else is out there."

"That's a mature and thoughtful way to put it."

"Yeah, yeah." Kayla rolled her eyes. "That's why you made me captain." She had, of course, played briefly for DiMarini when the latter was manager of Trebuchet Cham, so they were both used to the nepotism jokes. But she hadn't been on the national team then; it had been DiMarini who had called her up.

"When I first moved to Cham," DiMarini said, "the immigration people made me fill out a bleepload of forms. But they gave me warnings, too. Taboos. Dos and don'ts. They said it was dangerous to speak too much about change."

"What?"

"Nations come and go all the time. People are arriving here as refugees, every year, whose homelands are abandoned. The advice I got was--leave it in the past. Don't talk to the Zwangzugians, because they won't know how to handle it. How to deal with the passage of time, how to grieve. Have you just all grown up?"

Kayla considered this. "No," she finally said. "Corey has his demons under control, but they're still demons, right. Quincy, you know what he's been through. Ketevan speaks in chess allusions when she speaks at all. Ashley is always grumpy and praying to Toomin. Whatever they said about us, that's still probably true."

"So how do they handle it? Feeling like all the pain of change is on their shoulders, and not crack? Or are they cracking and I just can't see it?"

"No more than usual." Kayla gave a wry smile. "Electrum...their team's been competitive, right up till the end. Writing song parodies, talking about board games. That helps. You can admire a country that does that, that isn't pleading for attention."

DiMarini nodded.

"But also, by now--as weird as we are, as nervous as we are, we know something that the first-generation team couldn't have known. That while there are lots of things that change, there are lots of things that stay the same, too. Kelssek and us fought a Baptism of Fire rematch after how long? Quintessence of Dust were in that tournament and they do baseball, too, Griffith was always going on about them. Milchama are back in the round of sixteen. Squornshelous...I don't actually know what their status is relative to the other Squornshelous, but whatever. I mean, even the Candelariasians got in on the fun last cycle and they're...You know. Candelariasian. And stuff. That's why we won't shatter."

"Will is too young to remember Baker Park. He was six when I took the national team job. Now the universities are scouting him. Things change, and they stay the same."

"The universities? So--okay, that does mean we're going with two years per cycle, right?"

DiMarini squinted. "I thought you were in charge of that."

"I thought you were in charge of--whatever. It's a good thing Valanora lost, if we were in a rematch with them and it was the 100th anniversary of Lasft our newspapers would never shut up about it. It would be even more embarrassing if we were the ones who couldn't stop going on about the good old days."

They stood up and shared a grin, having said all that needed to be said. Except--"Kayla?"

"Yes?"

"Try and rest on the flight. Don't want the adrenaline to keep you awake."

Kayla rolled her eyes. "I'll see what I can do."

by **Electrum** » Sun Nov 13, 2022 8:13 pm

FOOTSPORT ASSOCIATIONS OF VILITA & ELECTRUM - WC92 ✓

@TheTurnip
This is the end, beautiful friend
This is the end, my only friend
The end of our elaborate plans
The end of everything that stands

#TURNIPOUT #ELECTRUMOUT #WC92 #WoahThere #ThanksForTheMemoriesEvenThoughTheyWerentSoGreat #JustKidding

#CUTOFF :: #WC92FINAL

by **Zwangzug** » Tue Nov 15, 2022 9:34 pm

Endgame

The names and memories of former champions are close at hand. Some obscure, some indelible. Banija in World Cup 86, and they're hoping to build on it. Ariddia in 32, the founders becoming the team to beat just as Zwangzug was emerging into the world. Græntfjall last tournament. Valanora fifty cycles ago...

Esther:
How perplexing the game
When your opponent's entangled
With the place you call home,
The flags a collage of bright colors,
Teams who might be worlds apart come together to play.

DiMarini:
Though it gives me some joy
Facing off with my old mentor
You can safely assume
That for the next ninety minutes
Both of us know that what matters is out on the field.

Cixin:
There's a world to explore
One that transcends every region
We'll be writing our names
Shining bright under the starlight
The sum of all that has beguiled us along the way.

Helen:
It's a thrill to persist,
Waiting, withstanding the onslaught
With a cleat or a fist
Silently guarding the gateway.
Who needs the stripes when my colors define me, the shield?

Quincy:
They all think they see a man
Constrained and bound
Tied to his club,
Their onetime ground,
Who needs to purge himself of blame
Haunted by his shame--

Well, I'm glad to be alive
But don't pretend
Some scar must heal,
Some story end...

He is only #11, no more, no less. That has been enough for a long time. And today, he is in control, receiving a pass from Lukas and tipping it in in the seventeenth minute.

Kirsten:
Anyone can dream
Of such a setting
But when it's your team
Who's finally getting
Glory within reach then you can't help but tremble.

Though my mind will race
I seek the flow state
Here's our time, our place--
I know there's no state
That can take apart what our team will assemble.

Meghna:
The world watches Centralis:
We readjust--no strategy is flawless--
And try to take possession
To prevent concession:
Working till our aim is true.
So while we are linking
Our passes up, the fans cannot help thinking:
Is this what grew from dust
A century gone? It must
Be showing us what trust can do.

Freda:
This is no surprise,
No strange formation
But--word to the wise--
Hold your elation
There's at least an hour before celebration.

And indeed, in minute 43, Sarafina Ikpeazu converts a pass from Tijan Sowe. We go into halftime tied.

Farrokh:
Listen to them roar!
They bring the thunder.
We all know the score;
They hope and wonder:
Can we rise above, can this lead be retaken?

Cynthia:
Still they bring the noise,
And grow excited--
Through the pains and joys,
They stand united
In defeat or victory their hearts unshaken.

Lukas:
And that song is our power
It lives in us each minute and each hour.
We've seen the trophies lifted
By the great teams, gifted
With tremendous luck and skill
It's our turn to gather
In their footsteps--there's nowhere else we'd rather
Compete than now and here,
This field, this day, this year,
With all our strength and all our will.

Hanna:
So we strive again--
They fuel our fire
Push us forward, then
They lift us higher
They are part of us, one anthem and one choir.

Twenty-one minutes after the restart, Kayla sees an opening, and even Wanda Kouyaté, who has been so magnificent today, can't shake her. 2-1...

Ashley:
And so, we wait for the clock--

Corey:
And those of us upon the bench do too; it's not like we can stall--

Nina:
Through the steps and sweat and stress--
Control the ball!

Aimee:
And if we think of everyone who played their parts--

Valerie:
And every song we've heard we now can echo back with pride--

Ketevan:
Do believe your eyes!
In jubilation
Now we claim the prize:
A constellation,
Stars that form a shape you might just call a nation.

Charlotte Puyo-Sachar is too young to understand why her mom is crying. There are many more like her and countless more yet to come, children who don't really know or care who "we" are or what "we" have accomplished. But this moment belongs to them, as well, to the future; "we are champions," they will say, and mean it.

Kayla:
And all those who wore these kits--
They, too, can claim
Their share with us
Who share their name
What we've won, this game--
Now, forever...

And if the future, then why not the past? It does not change the score of any of the games gone by, should not cheapen or devalue what other teams, other dynasties have rightfully earned. But all the pawns who were promoted and sacrificed long ago, who are no longer bound by time and space but still cherish a game played fair--this championship is theirs to rejoice in, too.

[Roleplays] :: World Cup 92

WC92 R16 v. Milchama (5-1)

Eternity, Episode 7

WC92 MD4 v. Savigliane (3-3)*

3rd Place Playoff Preview and Venue Information

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