Independents Cup 17

by **Quintessence of Dust** » Tue Dec 20, 2022 7:14 pm

Inkwellistan wrote:How many teams advance to the next/knockout stage?

24. I've edited this information into the OP now.

At present, seeding would look like this:

                             Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Indusse                      3   3  0  0   14   5  +9    9
1 Drawkland                    3   3  0  0   10   2  +8    9
1 Montaña Verde                3   2  1  0    5   2  +3    7
1 Belnegau                     3   2  1  0    3   1  +2    7
1 HUElavia                     2   2  0  0    6   1  +5    6
1 Burikinia                    3   2  0  1    8   4  +4    6
1 Squidroidia                  2   2  0  0    3   0  +3    6
1 Geektopia                    2   2  0  0    4   2  +2    6
1 Kriegiersien                 2   2  0  0    2   0  +2    6

Top 8 seeds receive a bye. Geektopia and Kriegiersien are tied, so one of them would be in the top seeds, one in the second seeds.

1 West Barack and East Obama   3   1  2  0    2   1  +1    5
2 Trolleborg                   2   2  0  0    4   1  +3    6
2 Adab                         3   2  0  1    7   5  +2    6
2 Quintessence of Dust         3   2  0  1    7   7   0    6
2 Elmyia                       2   1  1  0    4   0  +4    4
2 TJUN-ia                      3   1  1  1    4   2  +2    4
2 Sudilia                      2   1  1  0    4   3  +1    4

One of Geektopia or Kriegiersien plus the next 7 highest seeded teams advance to the Round 24 as the higher seeds.

2 Valentine Z                  3   1  1  1    3   4  −1    4
2 United Adaikes               3   1  1  1    5   7  −2    4
2 Okoya                        2   1  0  1    2   1  +1    3
2 Britonisea                   3   0  3  0    2   2   0    3
3 Abanhfleft                   2   1  1  0    3   2  +1    4
3 StrayaRoos Barrier Islands   2   1  0  1    4   2  +2    3
3 Cakranegara                  2   1  0  1    2   1  +1    3
3 Murphtannia                  3   1  0  2    7   6  +1    3

The remaining runners-up and highest placed 3rd place finishers advance to the Round of 24 as the lower seeds.

3 Space                        2   1  0  1    5   5   0    3
3 Juvencus                     2   1  0  1    2   2   0    3
3 Nassovia                     2   1  0  1    4   4   0    3
3 Sannyamathland               2   1  0  1    4   4   0    3
3 Harry Islands                2   1  0  1    7   7   0    3
3 Poafmersia                   2   0  2  0    3   3   0    2

With only 3 games played -- 2, for many teams -- this seeding is obviously completely notional at this stage!

by **Geektopia** » Wed Dec 21, 2022 12:54 am

Geektopia IAC 17 Information ǂ Each WC cycle now seniors a Geektopian person by 306.36 years, instead of a ludicrous, uncalculated 300 (meaning that what comes between World Cups, such as regional competitions, tax on a further 153 years). Minimum and maximum ages for footy players from the country are 1,656 through 4,140. These minimums and maximums lie roughly between 4,232 and 6,440 regarding managers (this meaning that Dingledine in WCQ88 was as old as Australia iirc). Recent Happenings: The Platons are always content in their being focused on football and how what is on the table can be peppered, divided into duties that individual players have, or simplified to attain the national outfits improvement. The innovations that have had several attempts that were made to strive towards a high road for Geektopia have less recently fallen upon the measures an athlete can take to become absolutely JACKED with the former fitness trainer turned coach turned fitness trainer Hojnacki, but these future developments, or progress in the face of them, have been hit with a sledgehammer blow since the standing manager's decision to run for appointment and uphold the internal controls that existed in qualifiers for the 83rd, 84th, 85th, 86th, and 87th cycles. Suffice to say, a decision made in the 16th IAC Championships to extend Julio's trial contract though he wasn't old enough to be eligible could have gotten in the way of more success in Rōczwijyrcqa's road to the cup and may have also been a toe or two over the line when it came to fairness and all in the eyes of old-timers Mance Libajliwi Ayn, Lowella Kinibistira Eithi, and Wilḻyţ Ribufuzili, who were next in the established order after the former defensive midfielder, and in their passive aggressiveness, stormed the sportsurveillancecams website for a probable cause that would have Julio indicted and dropped from post on the charge of willfully giving his squad "time-altering" boots, more simply, using foreign elements or drugs that boost performance to gain unethical and competitive advantage. While the media and R.I.N.K. pays more attention to this, social media accounts of fans and attendants at the Place of Valence turn away their heads from this information and are more extreme to defend Julio to the end of their lives over his honor. Questions are still intact and proposed by talking heads over the subject of these watches that the association has now been requiring the senior and youth squads to wear that record and put on tape everything they say and if the R.K.C. has been considering specializing in the technology industry while also passing down powers as an associative body such as they have since the boards creation in 5,100. The answers from laymen watching their television sets range from the illogical to the brilliant, but what is usually omitted from everyone's minds at all times is the question of whether Julio's indictment is an issue for the national body, and you would be given looks of scorn and been told to "enjoy the good days for as long as they last", while this sentiment is raised for his doing very well to go respectable distances in both regional competitions and competitions that are backed by the WCC. More recently, a third-placed finish with an attack that had been leading the multiverse in goals scored with fifty-five by their seventeenth fixture, that cycle, with Germaine Sophie hanging up his boots and heading out of the rink followed by what many thought to be a panic admittance of the dynamic midfielders Upson and Jerykah, with the both of them scheduled to take their places on a lineup that oddly left Lertora out for the first time since the squad's taking on Imoto at a neutral stadium last IAC, and what's more, there was another goalkeeping appointment as well with the call-up of the ever-conflicted Dameţrice 'iidayfib Ṟath Eadjani. As of now, retirement ceremonies will be held for no one, though Hugee Adsginsier's expiration date is microscopically close to crossing the mark at 4,138 years old. ǂ

Manager: Julio (4,440 years)

DEBUTANT PLAYERS (0) | [1T] = Starting player, [i] = Injured, [LC] = Low Confidence, [2T] = Regularly Plays as a Substitute, [3T] = Reserve Team, [NP] = Noted Player, [c] = Captain, [¢] = Vice Captain, [1tF] = Fringe First Team, [3tD] = Regularly Played as a Reserve, [2tD] = Regularly Played as a Substitute, [1tD] = Started, [AIM] = Raised in Aimena or partly Aimenan, [UNI] = Raised in Unimon or partly Unimonite, [BCN] = Raised in Burur caq Noaksi or partly Noaksian, [KAR] = Raised in Islas Cardinales or partly Cardinnic

CURRENT PLAYERS (32) | [1T] = Starting player, [i] = Injured, [LC] = Low Confidence, [2T] = Regularly Plays as a Substitute, [3T] = Reserve Team, [NP] = Noted Player, [c] = Captain, [¢] = Vice Captain, [1tF] = Fringe First Team, [3tD] = Regularly Played as a Reserve, [2tD] = Regularly Played as a Substitute, [1tD] = Started, [AIM] = Raised in Aimena or partly Aimenan, [UNI] = Raised in Unimon or partly Unimonite, [BCN] = Raised in Burur caq Noaksi or partly Noaksian, [KAR] = Raised in Islas Cardinales or partly Cardinnic
• #1 Aadish Lieesslolg (Goalkeeper, 2308 years) [2T] [NP — Swadley is dropped for the young, better-positioned, Aadish. By being better positioned, this means he's less likely to save theatrically, as Lertora has as well as Higginbottom. This is a useful asset, as for one, Hojnacki can bring him out against nations which have produced as far as goals are concerned, while when playing low-block assortments, he'll (Hojnacki) be likely to start either Higginbottom or the much favored Lertora] [UNI] {Inert, Questioning, and Focused}
• #2 Muratbek Nurasq Qaq Eul (Forward, 3399 years) [2T] [NP — Has made no impact at the national level. Gonna have to pull off something big enough to catch Julio's attention in the secondary games if not wanting dropped from WCQ93.] [AIM]
• #3 Sistek (Defender, 3951 years) [1T] [NP — Even though the problem in and of itself is seen in how close he is to retiring, Sistek has been scoring buckets of goals and made up for what he thought was the mediocre price tag of two hundred and twenty two thousand cryptos by solving Corinthians Bashi's inefficiencies in other areas (like emptiness of trophy cabinet). The most attractive aspects of his game are superior technical ability, and he especially is seen at his best shooting from distance or passing. Mentally weak (especially when it comes to how determined he is at periods as well as his trying and failing to be a threat off of the ball) and physically good enough to sustain the national team's standard, but what has been seen certainly isn't glamorous. {Thorough, Messy, and Narrow-minded}
• #4 Livengood (Defender, 3840 years) [1T] {Playful, Loquacious, and Unceremonious}
• #6 Upson (Midfielder [L, R], 2273 years) [3T] [NP — Youngin who didn't graduate high school, but, as we've seen in league play, can easily and should break up oncoming runs as fringe to backup midfielder. This, and Julio feels that he needs a little less pressure from the media in order to be brought up from where he is now to a frequent starter.] {Tolerant, Self-sufficient, and Busy}
• #7 Abdill (Midfielder/Forward, 3759 years) [2T] {Considerate, Insincere, and Chummy}
• #8 Matkowski (Midfielder, 3465 years) [NP — Went to a training camp because of self-confidence issues and is now the primary choice for throw-ins. From Matkowski's impressive progress, he unknowingly coerced Dingledine that the more powerful a throw-in was, the more important to know who threw it in the first place. Looking into Matkowski's personal record, it's thirty five yards, at least ten more than the second longest distance by another countryman, Julio.] [1T] {Teacherly, Caring, and Sophisticated}
• #9 Jayleanna Lnepzsloal (Midfielder/Forward, 2709 years) [1T] [AIM]
• #10 Nankervis (Midfielder/Forward, 3615 years) [1tF] {Political, Undisciplined, and Scornful}
• #11 Zalie 'amquk (Attacking Midfielder, 3030 years) [1T] [UNI] {Reactionary, Exciting, and Foolish}
• #12 Emlee 'adqaliruq Tura Eaer (Forward, 3810 years) [3T] [UNI] {Uncomplaining, Rational, and Ascetic}
• #13 Jerykah Dhubthaeiruh (Midfielder [C, R,], 1868 years), [NP — Jerykah, like most of every other footballer that shares similarities with Germaine Sophie, had unsuccessfully invested their time in another career before 1715 years old, but unlike most other footballers, he had done it for a sizeable portion of his life and just last cycle had, for the first time ever in his life, went to a training camp led by Hojnacki and was so impressed with his tactics that he decided to quit on pursuing career as a race car driver and do so in football. Jerykah is known to be friends with Nankervis, but a major problem with him according to Julio is that, "No matter how much I've tried, I just can't bring up the subject of my wanting him to wear better shoes than what he has now without him getting uncomfortable. I mean, suit yourself, Jerry."] {Vacuous, Dirty, and Unimpressive}
• #15 Hugee Adsginsier (Defender/Forward, 4138 years) [1T] {Dependent, Impulsive, and Planful}
• #16 Witrago (Midfielder, 3840 years) [1tF] {Sensual, Seraphic, and Prudent}
• #17 Gulcan 'iirţasdaṟi (Defender, 3837 years) [3T] [KAR] [NP — Gulcan is a notable replacement of Rolke via his similar movements and exaggerations. Him doing as as he would for Rod Guafre would be massive for Geektopia, as even with his getting caught out a few times, can't say he isn't expendable, for how can you contest that sentiment with his five goals and six assists in eighteen match weeks? The administration has been looking for something different, and 'iirţasdaṟi may well be that point of difference.] {Mawkish, Unfathomable, and Many-sided}
• #18 Germain Sophie (Defender, 2415 years) [NP — Germaine Sophie's asexually reproduced son who starts on the pitch more often. It is said that once in a leap year GS18 won't sprain on the field.] [2T] {Accessible, Mechanical, and Anticipative}
• #19 Thorud (Midfielder, 3915 years) [1T] {Irrational, Miserly, and Softheaded}
• #20 Rinnert (Forward, 3915 years) [1T] {Money-minded, Debonair, and Hypnotic}
• #21 Higginbottom (Goalkeeper, 3159 years) [3T] {Flamboyant, Pompous, and Sarcastic}
• #22 Lertora (Goalkeeper, 3759 years) [NP — Once said, "Imagine being a goalkeeper with the jersey number 1 and still not starting.".] [1T] {Self-denying, Upright, and Constant}
• #23 Rebimbas (Midfielder, 3909 years) [1T] {Reflective, Generous, and Romantic}
• #24 Ringwald (Forward/Midfielder, 3984 years) [2T] {Frivolous, Solitary, and Insouciant}
• #25 Vert (Forward, 3140 years) [2T] {Kind, Disruptive, and Assertive}
• #26 Gerking (Midfielder, 3321 years) [2T] {Hedonistic, Thoughtless, and Urbane}
• #27 Swenty (Forward, 3169 years) [2T] {Confidential, Dissolute, and Stern}
• #28 Ogrodowski (Defender, 3246 years) [2T] {Providential, Articulate, and Hesitant}
• #29 Diminno (Midfielder/Defender, 3546 years) [NP — Isn't as mouthy as before, but Diminno's teammates and colleagues miss the whimsical, childish motivational advice he gave to others as if a talking jokebook. An element of happiness was taken from the team when newly appointed manager and workout expert Hojnacki told "Dimi", as his compatriots call him, to "straighten up".] [3T] {Idiosyncratic, Driving, and Popular}
• #30 Ponti (Midfielder, 3471 years) [1tF] {Fatalistic, Barbaric, and Tense}
• #32 Dameţrice 'iidayfib Ṟath Eadjani (Goalkeeper/Midfielder, 2744 years) [NP — Had mental breakdown at end of WC92 over what position he wanted to further his development in. Excellent when blocking runs on the final third, almost acts as a defender in these moments, and production is undervalued as a substitute.] {Passive, Hard working, and Provocative}
• #33 Pitter (Midfielder, 3921 years) [NP —  Still up one file from a ball-sweeping defender to a ball-sweeping midfielder.] [2T] {Insensitive, Cautious, and Self-indulgent}
• #35 Ratter (Defender, 3096 years) [2T] [NP — Down one file from a midfielder to a well positioned defender. The gaffer, as well as adjusting positions spryly, adjusted the hell out of Ratter's attitude when he first opposed the move, only after understanding that his shift of posture was essential to keeping the faith regarding one familiar 3-4-3 formation played throughout the last three years of World Cup Qualifying was Ratter able to be punctual in training sessions. {Athletic, Forthright, and Mistaken}
• #38 Lierin Minilinsirtaytfah Y Nayj (Defender [Full-Back], 3221 years) [2T] [NP — Lierin gets a start for the national team bench after leading O.K. Rod Guafre, and for some time, the division in goal involvements. Though he is not considered by himself or others to be at home yet in the national team, the fitness coach and manager Hojnacki plans to make his intentions known by kicking off his second long-term fitness project: making it so that Lierin maintains healthy blood pressure levels via carefully stabilized strength training and cardio hybrid workouts, lays off the artificial sweeteners, and maximizes fat loss without hindering gains. This is off the back of Project Swadley, where he diagnosticated Swadley into a well-oiled machine over the WC89 cycle, making it so that he is only slightly more athletic than Lertora and Higginbottom and more likely to challenge Lertora for a spot in the eleven.] {Responsive and Original}

OUTGOING PLAYERS (0) | [1T] = Starting player, [i] = Injured, [LC] = Low Confidence, [2T] = Regularly Plays as a Substitute, [3T] = Reserve Team, [NP] = Noted Player, [c] = Captain, [¢] = Vice Captain, [1tF] = Fringe First Team, [3tD] = Regularly Played as a Reserve, [2tD] = Regularly Played as a Substitute, [1tD] = Started, [AIM] = Raised in Aimena or partly Aimenan, [UNI] = Raised in Unimon or partly Unimonite, [BCN] = Raised in Burur caq Noaksi or partly Noaksian, [KAR] = Raised in Islas Cardinales or partly Cardinnic

Taking up a seat at Place of Valence
Moved from Chiseled Cheddar Bay, Isleshore, Geektopia to 6969 Cocaininho Way, Mukladrue, Geektopia
Owner: Foxi Bancorp and Intellectual Affairs
Record Attendance: 45,896 (Geektopia 1-0 The Holy Empire (World Cup 92 Play-offs Leg 1)
Field Size: 105m x 70m
Surface: GrassForBall™
Goal Anthem: Jcieyawciehsz - Ngyawir Yiyar Bīnow (transliterated)
Built: August 31st, 6478

by **Squidroidia** » Wed Dec 21, 2022 8:03 am

The number of teams in the knockouts this time was 24. 10 group winners. 10 runners up. Four of the best third place teams. If you finish first or second, great! You're through. Even better if you end up in the top 4/5ths of group winners and get an automatic bye to the round of 16. Finish in third, however, and you have a 40% chance of making it in to the knockouts. Worse than a coinflip, but better than rolling a seven or eleven in a game of craps. In all honesty, though, please, PLEASE play craps responsibly. We don't want anyone risking their entire life savings on snake eyes.

But it sure felt like Squidroidia were betting on snake eyes, only to end up winning everything back and more. The way this IAC was set up, each host nation that isn't the main one, that being Quintessence of Dust, got to play two games at their host ground. For Squidroidia, that would be Inkopolis City Stadium, the shining jewel in the crown of Squidroidian stadia that, while small, serves its purpose well. Squidroidian stadiums, you see, are there to entertain with the act of sport. ICS, of course, has entertained with a variety of sports, and while football is its mastery card, it is still a jack in other sports when need be. In the heart of Squidroidia, entertainment might as well be a magnet for people. Even watching the """opening game""" between the Barrier Islands and Stevencousin felt like good entertainment. I'm just saying that because we all knew the real opening game, in a twist straight from the legendary RLStates World Cup 22, was Quintessence of Dust vs Sajnur. Because the former were actually hosting it and were committed to bend and twist the optimized tournament scheduling past the space-time continuum.

Like any other Squidroidian campaign in its early stage, though, the Inklings hit the ground running through their first two games. Even though they had to take residency at BobBank for their opener against the Barrier Islands, the Emus and Eshays, perhaps a little bit emboldened by their opening shalacking of Stevencousin, instead ran into a Squidroidian-blue brick wall. Of course, the Coltfield-patented, international football tested Blue Wall would be a royal pain to go through for any team, and the Emus were no exception. Fresh-faced, new Squidroidian starter Marianne McKay scored the first goal of the Squidroidian IAC campaign, drilling in a volley from just outside the 6 yard box that went past the fingers of Adlay Aikay in the 21st minute. She set up the second goal for Squidroidia too - Getting a head past Emu #9, the ball would fall to Wunderbar Kichirō Matsuda, who, with a daring run, slid the ball to Sho Itō, with the Shamrock Cathair star poking it into the back of the net. BobBank might as well have been a second home for Squidroidia.

Their first home, however, was Inkopolis City Stadium itself. In what would end up being the toughest game of the groups (Considering the other opponents are minnows Srubnaya Culture and a sorta decent Stevencousin side), the Adabians rocked up to Inkopolis and tested the host Inklings to their limits. At points it felt like the away side were going to get all three points and make the Squidroidians fight ever so harder for a knockout berth - Nadje Barzani thought she had the dagger in the Squidroidian hearts, finally blasting through the Blue Wall in the 76th minute and putting the ball far past Kaede Akiyama and into the goal, but it was ruled offside. 10 minutes later, it was Squidroidia who scored what ended up as the game winner, as Shiba Tetsuo floated the ball onto the head of McKay's replacement for the game, the veteran Makino Hideo, who headed the ball to an available Tomomi Hamasaki, who with a low strike, scored the only goal of the match.

With Squidroidia all but advanced to the knockouts, but not yet assured of advancement straight to the last 16, rotations will be made ahead of the clash with Srubnaya Culture. Captain Shiba Tetsuo will head to the bench to give the national team debut of Octoling Amaru Stefánsson, a young, promising 18 year old who would be the first Octoling to end up with a Squidroidian cap. McKay will be replaced with Hideo as well to give the Inkling rested legs in case the Stevencousin game is an all-or-nothing event. Charlie Colbert will also replace Kichirō Matsuda. Regarding the Srubnaya Culture game, Rachel Coltfield dismissed it as anything but a tuneup game. "We should be beating them handedly, even with substitutes. If we somehow lose or draw this game, it's going to be a travesty."

by **HUElavia** » Thu Dec 22, 2022 9:55 am

Alezian Union 1–4 HUElavia
(REDACTED 73' | Rossi-Rigoni 9', 49' (P), Yamada 37', Kholodova 88')
The Arena of Dreams, Quintessence of Dust

B is for Beatdown!

HUElavia's B-Team takes down Alezian Union in a convincing victory to keep pace for the knockouts!

After the tough but great victory over Eshialand, the team got past their toughest opponent in the group, they now looked to give it their best for the remaining games. Their next opponent before their matchday 3 bye was against Alezian Union, which was set to be played at Red Arena at the Harry Islands. Given that Alezian Union was unranked, Coach Aveiro opted to use an entire B-Team for the match with Balderas as the Captain, all while the Away Uniform was being worn. The teams came out to a great cheer from the crowd (majority of them were HUElavian), the anthems were played, the coin was tossed and the ball rolled to kick off Matchday 2.

The opening goal came in the 9th minute, when Wakai was on the ball being covered by REDACTED, where she gave a back pass to Brousseau, who gave a cross into the box, where Rossi-Rigoni gave an acrobatic shot that went past REDACTED into the goal to make it 0-1. The HUElavian crowd erupted while Rossi-Rigoni ran to the corner flag to celebrate with hugs and applause from his teammates, all while his father, HUElavian and San Rafael legend Lionel Rossi-Rigoni,
and mother was cheering from the VIP section. HUElavia kept on getting key passes through but saves from REDACTED kept the score still at the minimum. In the 37th minute, a corner was taken by Brousseau that went outside the box, but a completely unmarked Yamada appeared to give a blistering, low shot that skimmed the ground to leave REDACTED standing still while the ball blasted into the goal, making it 0-2. The crowd erupted once more with Yamada being mobbed by her teammates for the spectacular shot and goal.

In the 49th minute, Balderas was on the ball, looking to get a run into the box when he was clattered just past the edge of the box by REDACTED, which the referee had to give a look into VAR and ran back to point to the penalty spot. Rossi-Rigoni stepped up and sent REDACTED the wrong way as the ball went into the goal, making it 0-3. Rossi-Rigoni hugged and celebrated relatively calm with his teammates, given the comfortable lead the team had at this point. In the 73rd minute, a foul by Couto (in for Arroyo) over REDACTED gave way for a free kick. REDACTED took the cross, floating it over the players and towards REDACTED, who managed to slot it past Petit into the goal, making it 1-3. REDACTED got the ball and ran back to center circle, looking to possibly spark a comeback. HUElavia snuffed out the chances from Alezian Union, as in the 88th minute, a corner kick taken by Urto (in for Yamada) went into the box before Kholodova (in for Pillpe) headed the ball past REDACTED into the goal, making it 1-4. Shortly after, the match ended and it was a resounding result for a HUElavia team that rested their starters.

At the end of Matchday 2, HUElavia maintained their lead in the group, even into Matchday 3 during their bye day. The team is continuing to rest and train well, studying film in order to take on their remaining two games, against United Adaikes and Harry Islands. A mix of the starters and backups will be used for the next game against United Adaikes, as they are hoping to get a good result. A win will just about secure HUElavia as Group 7 winners and a direct spot into the Round-of-16. Fans are enjoying their travels between Quintessence of Dust and Harry Islands, taking in the culture and cuisine of the country, while also making an effort to make a good name for HUElavians while being abroad. Here's to hoping we get a successful match and secure our spot in the knockouts!

FORCA HUELAVIA! VAMOS HUELAVIA! GO HUELAVIA!

by **Harry Islands** » Thu Dec 22, 2022 3:18 pm

Thanks to the long time left before the next match, Harry Islands would return home and train in the presence of their fervent supporters, the away victory lifted the spirits and confidence of both players and fans, the Harry Islands team will still carry out the last trainings tomorrow morning, and tomorrow at 9:00 pm they will embark back to Harry Islands. The Harryan Sports Confederation (HSC) has already announced that the team will not have rest for Christmas, the team will continue with training normally, but they will not train on Christmas Day due to a solidarity action scheduled for the day, the players will distribute hygiene kits and food for people from poor neighborhoods, in addition to the government setting up in strategic places, gigantic tents with different services totally free for the less favored, the team will be a little less alert against the Alezian Union, and will focus more on improve for the game against HUElavia, but still, players still say they are extremely focused against Alezian Union, any victory could put Harry Islands in a more comfortable situation.

by **TJUN-ia** » Sun Dec 25, 2022 3:18 pm

By Peter Davis

Hey there...sorry about the delay in bringing this out. The portals connecting U2 to U3 went under expected maintenance that quickly developed into a situation where the portals cannot be opened "until the new year". This means that, while I am able to bring you this match report for our MD3 contest against the New Portland Republic, our MD5 report will be listed as TBC until further notice. I hope you all can understand the inconvenience and we hope to bring you the final report of this group stage soon.

So, with that in mind, the Jagaurs of TJUN-ia played a tale of 2 games over at The Pentagram Underworld as a 3-0 win over Toluiwa was paired up with a tough 2-1 loss against group co-hosts West Barack and East Obama. That meant that the final two group games, in Quintessence of Dust and separated by a bye, would decide if and how TJUN-ia was getting involved in the knockout stage. David Seems didn't like how that game against WEBO played out at all, what with WEBO essentially dominating proceedings from the off, but he also knew that things weren't exactly set in stone and that a good 2nd half to the group stage could change our entire perception on the first...so that was the hope entering QoD.

The Holy Immaculate Stadium of Saint Grapefruit the Anomic (a.k.a. HISoSGtA?), which is the longest name for a stadium I have ever seen in my life, will be our home in QoD for this 2nd half - which began against the New Portland Republic, a debuting team who had drawn with WEBO on the opening day before their bye. We knew that Guillermo Williams' side had been a tough nut to crack in MD1 and expected more of the same here...but geez, this game was just painful to watch. On a matchday where no one actually scored a fucking goal in this entire group, the goalkeepers were allowed to shine as both Sputnik Brykilawa and Lester Cooper were just not going to let anyone break through tonight. Both sides certainly tried, with Malhrani al-Kalhrani and Jackson Smith-Scott pounding the door on our end and Jerome Williamson being a sneaky threat throughout, but the GKs just simply held firm and it ended 0-0. Having both games end 0-0 means that the damage done is minimal, but lost points do matter when your bye week is up next...so no one really knows what position we will be in entering the final day.

When we come back, our final opponent may actually be ahead of us on the day but they are behind us as of writing. Of course, I am talking about #15 Abanhfleft and the fact we face the Pot 2 team on the final day certainly made a few people nervous back at the group draw and it will CERTAINLY make people a bit nervous now...but it may not matter at all. Considering the Top 3 all make it into the knockouts, all we need to hope for is that the NPR doesn't overtake us and we would be fine. But sometimes, relying on others can spell certain doom...so who knows what position we shall be at entering that all-important final day. GO JAGS!

SCHEDULE (Group 2)
MD1: vs Toluiwa (UR) - The Pentagram Underworld, West Barack and East Obama W 3-0 (1st)
MD2: vs West Barack and East Obama (32) - The Pentagram Underworld, West Barack and East Obama L 1-2 (2nd)
MD3: vs New Portland Republic (UR) - Holy Immaculate Stadium of Saint Grapefruit the Anomic, Quintessence of Dust D 0-0 (2nd)
MD4: BYE
MD5: vs Abanhfleft (15) - Holy Immaculate Stadium of Saint Grapefruit the Anomic, Quintessence of Dust

by **Elmyia** » Tue Dec 27, 2022 6:34 am

The Overlap
Massi's Boldest Call Yet Pays Off

At 30 minutes in, th disquiet in Elmyian ranks was clear to see. It was clear that Eerinphektia weren't going to offer anything going the other way, their strategy seeming to consist of hopeful lumps forward and keeping it scrappy in the middle of the park. It was also clear that Elmyia had next to nothing to offer. Speight, Chapman and Simmons did their usual in the midfield, buzzing about, tackling, passing, but not offering any real drive forwards. Down the wings and Scoular and Katsouranis were always crowded out and outnumbered. Upfront and Benedetti and Byng were really putting the toil into toiling manfully, chasing down lost causes and receiving little else. It had 0-0 and typical group stage disappointment written all over it. Then, Massi dropped a surprise.

The board went up, number 3 off for number 21. Grosso for Froggatt. A centre-back for the league's most electric inside-forward. 4 players at the back? This was highly unusual, Massi has always played 3 at the back, ever since the 90s he's played 3 at the back. When he previously switched to three in the 1990s, it had been an attacking move, one less in defence. Now, it appeared to be the opposite.

The impact of the change took until close to the half-time whistle to tell. Katsouranis now had Froggatt to bounce off down the wing, and unleashed a stream of crosses and passes directly into the box. Froggatt had licence to go inside, or out, and left the opposition full-back and centre-backs spinning in circles. In the 43^rd minute, Froggatt made her impact tell, collecting in the box, generating a yard of space, then firing home to give Elmyia the lead in an Independents Cup game for only the second time ever.

After half-time, Elmyia continued to dominate possession, but now the cutting edge had arrived. A string of chances followed, with goals bagged from a variety of sources. Benedetti managed to poke home in the 56^th minute, feeding off scraps from a corner. Katsouranis picked up only her second ever goal for the national side, a wondrous curling effort from the outside of the box. Finally, Froggatt bagged her second, springing on the counter and twisting through the back line before impishly chipping the keeper.

A lot will be made of bringing Froggatt on, and simply bringing on a wonderful player with soaring confidence clearly made a world of difference, the two goals being a solid return of this. But, the switch to a back four also did a lot in itself to tip the balance. With Katsouranis as such an attacking full-back, and Scoular able to push forward on the other side, it meant an extra player out of defence and further up the pitch. Where before attacks ran into dead-ends, Elmyia were now able to force overloads in key areas and make chances. Where Katsouranis had been isolated on the wing, her and Froggatt were now doubling up and able to play through. Where Benedetti and Byng had been marked out by the opposition midfield, they now had company from the wing and midfield.

If anyone was doubting the scale of the transformation, they need only look at the attempts made. From 1 shots and none on target before the substitution, Elmyia had 12 shots with 7 on target afterwards. The only real question is, was it the change of shape or the personnel that made the difference? Clearly, pushing one player further forward helped break things down, but the key was really how this got the best out of Elmyia's form player. Froggatt was finally played in position here, and in a formation that played to her. In the previous 3-5-2 she was played out of position, and deprived of her natural game, playing out of the right channel and cutting in. In the 3-4-3, the midfield was forfeited and she was deprived of the service she required to make a difference.

Massi has, in his time as Elmyian manager thus far, focused on fostering a team spirit and a system that played to his players strengths. This is a noble aim, and one that top teams should aspire to if they hope of silverware. Elmyia, however, are miles away from being of the required quality to play like this. Elmyia then, instead, might look to a model that fits a lot of smaller countries. When you have one player of real quality, one who can make a real difference in a game, play to their strengths. Froggatt is probably the only, or maybe one of a couple, who has genuine star quality in this squad, and she has proven the only Elmyian player capable of turning a game by doing something surprising. Having the rest of the team geared around her, and playing to her strengths, seems a viable strategy for getting the results to realise the immediate aim of advancing to the knockout rounds.

It will be interesting then to see how Massi faces his sternest test of the campaign, facing off against Juvencus at home. With home support behind them Elmyia might fancy their chances of repeating Belnegau's shock defeat of the group's top seeds. Juvencus lined up as a 3-4-3 in that game, but with advanced wing-backs this is one of the more attacking iterations of the formation. There may be space to be found behind Santini and Cantù as they are both known to occupy space high up the pitch, additionally the midfield pivot is better known for its technicality than its tackling. It would be a mistake to think this gives Elmyia anything approaching an advantage over superior opposition, but it does mean that Froggatt has a chance to work her magic again.

One point of interest will be where this leaves Katsouranis. As a wing-back she had ample cover, and she has often been Elmyia's strongest player on the pitch. But, in a 4-3-3 system she will inevitably leave a lot of space in behind down the right-hand side of the pitch, and the idea of giving Martell the space to work here is concerning. The alternative would be to play Dickinson, a primarily defensive player, and hope he can defend well enough to allow Froggatt to prosper further forwards. This might leave Elmyia somewhat short going forwards, however, as Froggatt will require a player from midfield, or Byng from upfront, to pull wide and help her out, lest she be crowded out of the game.

Elmyia sit in an interesting position two games in, the group's favourites have stumbled out of the blocks and there is now no clear favourites for progression. Play their cards right and get some results at home and they may well achieve the aim of a first ever progression to the knockout stages.

by **Valentine Z** » Tue Dec 27, 2022 11:02 am

Part 2 – Details, Details… and how the two literal giants tried to dominate the fields.

The details were the least of the problems. As it turns out, as they have copied and pasted the guide from one event to the next, the Valentians realized that they have copied wrong information, though thankfully one that was not the most damaging, and was not going to compromise their status in the world of football. "Hmm, seems like we have one of the facts wrong," Valentijn looked at the copy of the brochure that they have printed out, along with the website that is dedicated to showing the roster and the guide to the participating nations, "The fact that we only scaled up the people and not everything else. Most of the visitors should be used to it, though, I suppose. I mean, we have been on the international scene a few times as hosts, so the large animals and plants are probably not going to be a surprise to them as well.” Everything was scaled 2.66 times, which also means that the naturally tall and large Valentians at 244 cm average height, scaled up to 650 cm. The large and gentle cats, dogs, and everything else of that sort are not a problem. It, however, means that dangerous insects such as centipedes are going to be a little too much for an average tourist outside of Valentine Z’s universe to contend with. Mosquitoes, however, have been driven to extinction, their absence not missed on the food chain of the Valentian fauna on very grand scale.

Exuberant Superintendent T-2000/2904-3 Surveillant Clarissa Alanis Star Breya « La Amoureux Chéri » Millie Taissa Butterfly Mélody Coraline Jolijn Trini Clementine Hollie Samantha Zeta Harumi looked at her team, still with a lot of energy and cheerfulness in them. One look at them around the meeting room, and she knew that the usual thing is not going to work with the Valentian Kittens. They needed a bit more motivation, especially after the match that was with Drawkland’s Elite Eleven. The match ended with a 2-0, the Valentian Kittens being at the receiving end, and not being able to score even a single goal against the Elite Eleven. “They live up to their name, that is for sure!” is one of Clarissa’s internal comments while she did more analysis on the players and the like. She looked around a little bit, a smile to herself, the recent win against Cakranegara’s team giving them a small bit of respite, but it would seem like one of those events that they seemed to be going for just because, or expected to do the bare minimum. At least, that was the common consensus amongst the players; they feel and respect the idea of the IAC’s existence, just like how there are regional events for the other major sporting regions. At the same time, they could not help but feel that this was becoming helpless and not very worthwhile to be in. One win, one draw, one loss, to which they expected from Drawkland’s Elite Eleven, but for the rest? “We could have done a lot better,” sulked Sammie Arif Raihan Bin Mohamamad Andika, with the rest of the Valentian Kittens nodding in agreement over the fact.

She looked at them solemnly, a little sad herself, but all in her attempt to try to sympathise with them all. For all intents and purposes, just like the rest of the Valentians, Clarissa Alanis Star Samantha is no stranger to the very idea and concept of sadness, nor is she trying to stifle said feeling if she ever gets the blues (perhaps not literally). After all, she has trillions of lines of codes for the emotions in her databank, all of them with special and intricate rules that Isalov Industries, Jenny Claudia Felice Hoshiko Radiance, and Clarissa herself has written (once she has learned a lot more than the requirements), all of them based on the observation of countless numbers of emotions and encounters that were seen in people all around her. Looking at her hands, she elegantly and slowly adjusted her dress, followed by her hair and then fixing up her purple bow. With a smile that radiates her usual happiness, she then slowly blinked and addressed everyone around her. “My dear Valentian friends, the Valentian Kittens! I understand what you must be feeling right at the moment, and I can sympathise with you on this. I know how it feels to be overwhelmed and having being beaten by Drawkland’s Elite Eleven! I know they are our friends and all, but for the spirit of the game, I know that we must be competitive. Hm hm, maybe not the best opener, I am sorry about that!” she smiled sheepishly, but she continued on; Clarissa wasn’t exactly the best with starting off the speeches, but the later parts, according to most people, more than makes up for it. And this one is definitely not exception.

“There will be better times ahead, and there will be other competitions along the way. I know that you guys have been trying your best, and that is all that matters! Sure, there will often be a blunder, and maybe luck is not on your side. Or maybe you are not very fond and even a little afraid of the places that you were playing in. I can sympathise, and especially for the losses. NSSCRA 13 is an epitome of that – of myself, and of the other Valentians that’ve ever set their foots on the accelerators on the race track. I personally, along with Gwen Tracer Allison Oxton, have started from NSSCRA 8, and as a result, we have more than a decade of experience by Season 13, after 5 seasons. And yet, we were not able to get through and win every single race. There were even blunders at times, some of them were relatively nasty! And yet, we have not given up. We still tried our best, and hoped for the next race after that. And often times, we get a good and amazing break, in the form of podium finishes, victories, and moving onto the Chase season. I know it is very easy for me to say, but please do trust me – every day, gets better. We have come a long way from 85th World Cup- 90th World Cup for you guys, and I definitely have noticed the improvements that you guys have made along the way. I remembered how we were struggling at getting past the qualis, and once again, that is more than all right with me; we all have to start somewhere! And right now, you are currently signing up for the 93rd World Cup, and with this 17th Independents Cup is a good starter. However, please don’t forget that we are playing with a lot of other unknown teams, ones that may not be very well-known or well-established. They all can have their moments, and we will also have our moments too! You may have heard and read the news about other popular and more capable teams also falling flat on a season because… maybe luck just was not on their side. Still, even in their worst matches and days, they were still able to dish out quite a lot, isn’t it? Same with us, too! That one season of Cup of Harmony, we have showed the world that we can go toe-to-toe with those teams, and come out winning. I know this is easier said than to do, but you guys can do this, and I really believe!”

Then come the jubilations, cheers, and claps for Clarissa Alanis Star Samantha. And more importantly – and as something she was trying to accomplish – the Valentian Kittens started clapping and cheering for one another as well, perhaps hyped up very much for their next and final match for the qualifications – St Saratoga’s team. “We have no details about them,” Clarissa added on before she dismisses the group for the R&R and to their own self practice if wanted or needed, “However, remember what I said just now, and we will be able to do it! I know I can’t make you all bonafide by just repeatedly changing “You can do it!” and saying I believe, so for this time, believe a lot more in yourself, and remember that if this chance fails, there will be the 93rd World Cup waiting for us as well.” Clarissa finally ended off the speech as she winked, “Have faith, Valentian Kittens! Every cat shall have their day!”

by **West Barack and East Obama** » Tue Dec 27, 2022 11:06 am

BBC OFFICIAL REPORT: Illegal Overwatch 2 Player also Convicted of Murder

By Murder Correspondent Jamal Al-Bama

Obamner Creek, East Barack - In what is likely a complete lack of surprise to anyone at all, an Obaman caught engaging in illegal team sports activities was also revealed to be East Obama's most deadly serial killer over the last ten years. Known as the 'Creek Creep' to the public and 'bigmonkeybooty92' to his gaming pals, 30 year-old Jared Obanayaya was sentenced to death yesterday on 12 counts of first degree murder.

Obanayaya's first thoughts of murder reportedly began at the age of 20, after he played a few hours of Counter Strike: Global Offensive he illegally downloaded. Motivated to become a terrorist, Obanayaya was disheartened to find out that the local terror cells wouldn't accept him due to his lanky frame. Enraged with this social rejection, Obanayaya decided to vent his murderous frustrations on his neighbours whenever his computer broke down and he couldn't get his fix from violent video games. His first confirmed murder was that of 51 year-old Kristoff Bama, the local butcher who simply thought Obanayaya was applying as an apprentice when he revealed his cleaver.

Having developed incredible abilities at sneaking during Minecraft Bedwars, Obanayaya's murders remained unsolved for ten years. In the later years, due to the development of technology, Obanayaya slowed down his killings due to better WiFi speeds and the absolute savagery of Fortnite trumping the brutality of real life murders. Even though Obanayaya kept an incredibly low profile in his latter years, hiding in his mother's basement and only joining Discord servers on fake emails. The elusiveness of the 'Creek Creep', who gained notoriety by dumping all his bodies in the Obamner Creek, led to him becoming a pop culture icon in East Obama with many children dressing up as him* for Halloween.

However, all bad things must come to an end, and this sicko eventually made a critical lapse in judgment. Obanayaya fell for a sting op where he downloaded a copy of Overwatch 2 laced with spyware, which led to the BBI busting in to arrest him for playing team sports after he was caught maining Winston. When his house was raided however, the BBI agents discovered multiple blood-stained blades and illegally sourced firearms hidden under his crusty mattress. A quick investigation and confession later, and the Creek Creep had finally been caught.

A warning to all of you serial killers and online gamers: the BBI will find you eventually. Watch out.

* The Creek Creep was described by two separate eyewitnesses as wearing a mask resembling the character 'Luigi' from Super Mario Bros.

by **PotatoFarmers** » Wed Dec 28, 2022 6:47 am

Poafmersia's squad for 17th IAC

Other name: The Red Panjias (Panjia is the Poafmerian equivalant of a horse)
Kit Colours: Red, Orange

Poafmersia will present the following 26 players for the 17th IAC

Num  Player Name         Age Pos(s)   Sex  Current Club                 Caps        Goals   Assists
1    Nicole Potts        34  GK       F    St. John's Arsenal (QUE)     94 (3)         0       0
12   Jessica Ardens      27  GK       F    Mancodas Athletic FC         0 (0)          0       0
23   Aleksandar Malloye  21  GK       M    Dalaris City                 0 (0)          0       0

2    Kilikina Lee        27  LB/LWB   M    Dury FC                      17 (0)         5       0
3    Zak Kaloyanov       32  RB       M    Bikarish                     14 (12)        0       0
4    Diamond Byan        30  CB       M    Bikarish                     43 (3)         0       2
5    Nacro Astro         31  CB       M    Bakartirla Buccaneers (ASG)  20 (3)         0       0
13   Jimmy Couch         23  LB       M    FC United of Mancodas        1 (0)          0       0
14   Xenophon Robson     28  RB/RWB   M    Fiskadaha FC                 7 (4)          0       1
15   Cindy Oriol         25  CB       F    Tihon (CMT)                  10 (2)         0       0
16   Liadan Holmström    28  CB       F    Mancodas City                0 (4)          0       0

6    Michael Jackson     31  CM, ACM  M    Mancodas City                72 (6)         9       30
8    Min Berg            32  DM, CM   F    Mancodas Athletic FC         50 (6)         1       2
10   Aapeli Shea         28  CM, AM   M    Dalaris City                 29 (8)         0       0
17   Erle Sartini        26  CM       M    Adab United (ADB)            5 (15)         1       3
19   Sylvia Fusco        27  CM, DM   M    Fiskadaha FC                 3 (6)          0       0
21   Magreta Rym         30  CM       M    Mancodas City                19 (15)        1       5
24   Padrig Dürr         28  LM       M    Mancodas City                0 (2)          0       0
25   Valentin Gotti      32  RM       F    Leiderkranz Ladies FC (CBP)  17 (1)         0       4

7    Janelle Frederick   33  LW       F    Dury FC                      38 (3)         23      10
9    Jordan Huerta       33  CF, AM   M    Sarim Potato FC              57 (8)         59      5
11   Leontiy Seet        29  RW       M    Mancodas Athletic FC         39 (2)         13      13
18   Tessa Bjarnesen     25  LW       F    Barossia United (NPH)        7 (12)         0       1
20   Agapito Murphy      32  CF       M    Emerald Coast (SRS)          6 (11)         5       2
22   Bolívar Tamura      27  CF/RW    M    Dury FC                      4 (7)          0       2
26   Dagur Lawrence      27  CF/AM    M    Serrapince FC (TMB)          7 (3)          4       6

Note:
*While WCQ92 stats are up, there are some missing stats from WCQ91, tail-end of WCQ89/90, as well as CoH81/CoH84
*Player ages are as though the matches are held before the 13th IFCF cycle, as it is in our calendar.

Captain: Aapeli Shea
Vice-Captain: Erle Sartini
Penalty Taker: Dagur Lawrence
Free Kick Taker: Leontiy Seet; Tessa Bjarnesen
Corner Takers: The prevailing LB/RB (in the case of a 4 at the back formation) or LM/RM (in the case of a 3-4-3)

Head Coach: Adnan Suliaha, 65
Assistant Head Coach: Katiri Hedge, 71
General Playing Style: Being a nation which emphasises fast-paced attacking football, Poafmersia would prefer to attack rather than defend. The players can be quite aggressive in getting back the ball, yet they do not keep high amounts of possession and are very good at making mistakes by the opposition team to punish the opponents. Although this team is weak in defending set pieces, they are more fond of scoring through set pieces. Another way of scoring is often pressuring opponents through high defensive lines. Counter-attack is key for this squad in scoring goals.

Formations: 4-3-3 (Primary), 3-5-2 (Secondary), 4-4-2/3-4-3 (Alternates)
Style Modifier: +1.2345

Recent International Records
Overall Record: 351 games played. 198W, 70D, 83L. 844GF/582GA.
Cup of Harmony 81: Quarterfinals. 3W, 2D, 2L. 9GF/6GA.
IAC14: Group Stage. 2W, 0D, 3L. 10GF/12GA.
World Cup Qualifiers 90: 2nd in Group 14, PO Losers. 9W, 3D, 4L. 39GF/29GA.
Cup of Harmony 82: Quarterfinals. 4W, 1D, 1L. 17GF/11GA.
IAC15: Ro16, skip Ro24. 4W, 1D, 1L. 24GF/17GA.
World Cup Qualifiers 91: 4th in Group 1. 12W, 6D, 2L. 48GF/27GA.
Cup of Harmony 83: Ro32. 2W, 2D, 2L. 12GF/10GA.
IAC16: QF, skip Ro24. 3W, 1D, 2L. 9GF/8GA.
World Cup Qualifiers 92: 2nd in Group 5, PO Loser. 11W, 6D, 5L. 54GF/38GA.

First Match: Poafmersia 8-2 Barfleur, BoF 71 Group Stage @ Zwangzug
First Win: Poafmersia 8-2 Barfleur, BoF 71 Group Stage @ Zwangzug
Biggest Win:
(Only WCC-sanctioned) Poafmersia 8-2 Barfleur, BoF 71 Group Stage @ Zwangzug
(All) Poafmersia 8-0 North Alezia, IAC 12 @ Almuzahara
Heaviest Defeat:
(Only WCC-sanctioned)
Farfadillis 5-0 Poafmersia, WCQ 87 @ Farfadillis
Pasarga 5-0 Poafmersia, WCQ 90 @ Pasarga
(All)
Poafmersia 2-8 Commonwealth of Baker Park, International Friendly @ Poafmersia
Baker Park 6-0 Poafmersia, International Friendly @ Baker Park
Highest Scoring:
(Only WCC-sanctioned)
Poafmersia 8-2 Barfleur, BoF 71 Group Stage @ Zwangzug
Shokpos 3-7 Poafmersia, WCQ 85 @ Shokpos
Muralos 4-4 Poafmersia (5-5 aet, 2-3 pen.), CoH 82 Ro32 @ Estadio Deportivo Cyprien Portillo Serrato, Rocalaro, Montaña Verde
Delaclava 5-5 Poafmersia, WCQ 91 @ The Colosseum (66,000), Athens, Delaclava
(Everything else)
Poafmersia 2-8 Commonwealth of Baker Park, International Friendly @ Poafmersia
Qasden 4-6 Poafmersia, International Friendly @ Qasden

Fans
Poafmersian fans are crazy about football, and their loud cheers ring about in the stadiums they visit. They are very willing to disturb the peace in the area to celebrate their win after matches, so matches are best held in the afternoon or early evenings. You can spot Poafmers booking large meeting rooms in hotels, going to bars in groups. Apart from that, they do pick up after themselves, and prevent causing much trouble apart from celebrating. You can be assured, however, that they would be travelling around to support their team, so do reserve half the spots in stadiums for them because they would pack it to the brim.

RP Permissions
My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
Choose my goalscorers - Yes
Godmod scoring events - Yes (Realistic events only, such as long range shots)
Roleplay injuries to my players - Yes (You determine what happened, I decide the severity.)
Godmod injuries to my players - Yes (As above)
Hand out yellow cards to my players - Yes
Hand out red cards to my players - Yes (1 more than what you give yourself)
RP any pandemic-related events - No pandemic exists in Poafmersia, or on Poafmers.
Godmod any other events - Yes (TG/Inform me before hand)
Note: If your RP permissions are more restrictive than mine, then I will take your RP permissions. (With the exception about the pandemic events)
I am very open to cooperative RPs, such as joint press conferences, match-side drama, out-of field events, etc. Do drop me a Telegram in-game (to this account or Poafmersia) or a DM on Discord (You can find me on the NS Sports Discord - Freg#0420).

by **Harry Islands** » Wed Dec 28, 2022 12:03 pm

Harry Islands Football Team will be traveling to Quitessence of Dust today, the team will rest for the next game, the team has reported that they are worn out from training for several days in a row, the players rested today, and tomorrow they will rest too, the team will certainly is prepared, and they will give their all to come second.

works? · by **Abanhfleft** » Thu Dec 29, 2022 7:15 am

DISCLAIMER: Gaelic Gamers is an independents sports blogging website created by four cousins with a common liking and passion for sports of all kinds and is in no way or form affiliated with or organized by any official news organization in the Democratic Republic of Abanhfleft. All statements and opinions posted here are our own and not anyone else's.

Gaelic Gamers
Presents...

The Football Fallacies
with The Man from Markovsky

THIS IS NOT HOW I IMAGINED THINGS WOULD GO DOWN

Hello and welcome to The Football Fallacies. Right, so after a short detour to watch the Campionato Esportiva, it’s now time to go back to the Independent Associations Championship and see how exactly the women’s national team is going about the job of finally winning the Independents Cup after their spectacular failure in securing a place in the World Cup finals. After a slightly extended pre-tournament period thanks to being the recipient of the first bye day in IAC 17, the Lady Revolutionaries had a good start with victory over Toluiwa. It wasn’t the best victory that they could have had; Lord knows that they didn’t really need to concede those two goals that they did, but oh well. Three points is three points and all that good stuff. But now it’s time to move on from all of that and focus on the next opponent, and it just so happens to be the home nation of one of the stadiums which we are using for this Independents Cup. Yes, lads, I am talking about the country of West Barack and East Obama, that conglomeration of nations or whatever it actually is that’s pretty much got the Federal Republic of Estorvipa and Estorpiva beat in terms of how many characters their official nation name has got.

Technically speaking, this isn’t the first time that Abanhfleft has met WB and EO, of course. That was in the previous IAC, back in the Round of 24 or whatever it was. Of course, that was the men’s team that met the Obamans that time, meaning that this is the first time that the Lady Revolutionaries are facing this Obaman side. The Obamafinakis brothers, Buck, Tuck, and Chuck, are still in charge of this team, and I don’t think there have been a lot of changes made to the team that were thumped 5-1 by Sven Fahrni and company last time around. However, I can’t say the same when it comes to our team. I mean, for one thing, we’ve got the women’s team in the IAC instead of the men’s team this time around, so instead of the likes of Sven Fahrni, Mustafa Bensoussan, and Sam Baburov turning up for the Revolutionaries, instead we’ve got Hiroko Kellerman, Lily Natividad, and Tatiana Tos. It’s not a comparatively worse team even for my own impossibly high standards, but even then, we all know that there’s a difference between men and women when it comes to football, much as we would like to try and ignore such stuff because we live in the ideal multiverse instead of all the other multiverses where physical strength and whatnot actually matters, but the less I say about that, the better for all of us. I don’t want to be the reason that Gaelic Gamers gets canceled, after all.

And what do you know, Abanhfleft did end up not being able to replicate the performance that the men’s team had against WB and EO in IAC 16. Of course, it’s a massive combination of a lot of factors and not one single thing that proved to be the biggest difference of them all. Yes, it was the women’s team that played against the Obamans this time around, but the difference isn’t just the fact that they were women. Of course, since the women’s team has a different manager to the men’s team (we’re not in the Ranulph Bustamante era anymore , thank God for that), they’ll have different tactics, and the way in which they carry out those tactics will be different from the men’s team. There’s nothing wrong with that, of course. If it was the men’s team that failed to get a result against a team that they had beaten 5-1 just a few years ago, I would actually tear into them even more than what I’m about to do right now. Then again, I’m not really inclined to fault the ladies that much this time around, but maybe it’s because I’ve still got that Women’s World Cup hangover. It really is weird how much a single trophy can affect someone’s perception of an entire team.

But really now, I don’t think the ladies did too much wrong this time around. I think this was just more about the girls not being able to find the target for the whole of the ninety minutes, which in itself is actually quite damning when you think about it. But I’m trying so hard not to think about it, because I know that if I do, it’s probably going to ruin the general good vibe that I’ve tried to establish this time around. At the end of the day, it’s two points dropped by the Lady Revolutionaries, and while it’s still early days to say if those two points are going to come back to bite us hard, I’ve been following this team for far too long to even think that those two points are not really that important in the grand scheme of things, because they are. Two points could mean the difference between topping the group and being drawn against a higher seed, or it might even mean the difference between actually getting into the playoffs or just missing out! Because really now, that is the Abanhfleft way of life. There are only three ways that a Fleftic football campaign will go: if we’re dominant in the group stage, we’ll get knocked out in the round of 16 by a team that no one’s heard of and no one will hear from again (I’m still talking about you, Nilrahrarfan!); if Abanhfleft only barely scraped through into the playoffs, we’ll be beaten by the higher seeded team in the Round of 16; and if we’re really unlucky, we’re not even gonna make it out of the groups at all!

Some of those misses those though, you can’t really blame them on the girls that much. You can clearly see that they’re doing all that they can to finally put that thing in the back of the net but it just wouldn’t happen for them. We don’t really expect the likes of Margo Kahn and Tatiana Tos to find the back of the net from outside the box, and it’s kind of understandable when Djemila Kouici shot way over the bar when the ball fell right at her feet in one of the last corner kicks of the game, but also not really, you know what I mean? These are not the players whom we would expect to be the ones to score the goal that would have won us this game. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t really care who scores that particular goal for us just so long as it actually went into the back of the net, but that didn’t happen in this particular case, which is why I’m going on a bit of a ramble about points and goals and who’s actually supposed to put them all in the back of the net. Okay, but let me make it clear that I don’t really mind those girls not being able to score, although it’s kind of difficult to actually give Kouici a pass because of how late into the game she had her chance. She could have had a chance to make herself into yet another hero for the women’s national team had she scored it, but no, she had to aim for the bird perched on the roof of the stadium instead!

However, do you all want to know what isn’t acceptable? I can accept it when a defensive midfielder or an actual defending center back doesn’t score a goal because that’s not their primary job out there on the pitch. However, what I do not find acceptable is the fact that our striker and wide players have also been unable to find the back of the net themselves! Now, some of that is down to WB and EO’s goalkeeper just being a massive hulking mountain of a man who can just stand in front of goal and nothing would get past him, not even a fly. Of course, he’s not really that much of a man-sized mountain, but you know what I’m talking about! Then again, with a nickname like “Destroyer of Planes,” it’s really no surprise that Dwayne Obama has managed to keep a clean sheet for his country in this particular game. Speaking of clean sheets, I know that I’ve been going on and on about Abanhfleft not being able to keep a clean sheet even if it could save their lives, but as it turns out, we are actually capable of keeping clean sheets. The only problem is that when we do, the other side tends to keep theirs as well! I don’t know if you’re supposed to call that irony or just a coincidence, but the end result seems to be that if the other team can’t score against Abanhfleft then Abanhfleft can’t score against the other team as well. If that’s the price of Abanhfleft being able to keep a clean sheet in international football then I don’t think I want to pay it anymore!

I gotta give credit where credit is due though. Ayesha Okamura really earned her stripes once again out there. Once again, there will be critics of Abanhfleft’s policy of rotating goalkeepers throughout a tournament, but just ask yourself if Ina Pendergraft would be able to withstand the onslaught from the likes of both Fred Olibama and Lily Chobamya. If you can’t answer that question for yourself then I’ve already won the debate. Heck, throw in Jenny Barracki’s attempts as well, just because it was her shot from outside the box in the 7th minute that drew the most acrobatic save out of Ayesha and also pretty much set the stage for the stalemate that was to come. I’m telling you, if that screamer from Barracki had gone in, we would be talking about a drastically different game than the one that we’ve actually got. I definitely know from experience that Heinrich Wurzmann would have made the women go all out for that equalizer, and that would have opened up space that the Obamans could have exploited had it actually happened. But it didn’t because Jenny Barracki couldn’t find a way past Ayesha Okamura, and that’s perhaps the primary reason why we’re talking about a nil-nil draw against WB and EO instead of literally any other possible result there could be.

Anyway, that’s all that there is from me now. If you’ve got any thoughts or comments about Abanhfleft’s game against West Barack and East Obama, or predictions against the New Portland Republic then feel free to leave them down below. Until then, I’ve been the Man from Markovsky, somehow only somewhat disappointed in my own country despite the result, or maybe it’s directly because of the result that I’m only slightly disappointed in this Lady Revolutionaries team.

  WEST BARACK AND EAST OBAMA 0 - 0 ABANHFLEFT  
█

by **New Portland Republic** » Fri Dec 30, 2022 12:38 am

New Portland Republic 0-0 TJUN-ia @ The Holy Immaculate Stadium of Saint Grapefruit the Anomic
New Portland Republic:
 None
 Daniel 56’
 None
 Blair 51’ Williamson 67’
 Howard 51’ Lucas 67’

TJUN-ia:
 None
 Marshall 57’
 None
 Tootoo 71’
 Al-Balochi 71’

Ratings: 
Cooper: 9.4
Owens: 7.6
Blair: 5.5
Daniel: 7.5
Bush: 6.5
Shaw: 6.8
Padilla: 5.1
Hubbard: 6.1
McBride: 7.1
Williamson: 6.8
Lindsey: 5.5

Howard: 7.4
Lucas: 7.8

Group 2 Standings

Group 2                    Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 West Barack and East Obama   3   1  2  0    2   1  +1    5
2 TJUN-ia                      3   1  1  1    4   2  +2    4
3 Abanhfleft                   2   1  1  0    3   2  +1    4
4 New Portland Republic        2   0  2  0    0   0   0    2
5 Toluiwa                      2   0  0  2    2   6  −4    0

Klamath Casino Betting Odds (Group 2)
Abanhfleft 2-1
West Barack and East Obama: 6-1
TJUN-ia: 8-1
New Portland Republic: 25-1
Toluwia: 100-1

Williams Under Fire As Manager
KLAMATH- While the Portlandia tie with a Pot 1 team in they’re group could be seen as a large win for them to the average viewer, the Portlandia Athletic Association would gladly differ from that opinion.

Manager Guillermo Williams was brought in due to his coaching of Dinamo Klamathia (the team in which all National Team players are required to affiliate with), and a high octane attack that he was able to run at the club through they’re campaign in the SuperLiga, as well as at their home pitch on Sporting Island.

Insiders say this has caused the higher-ups in the Athletic Association to consider whether Williams is actually fit for the national team, or if his tiki-taka play style is a better fit for the state league system in which it has thrived with all the top clubs, (Dinamo, Astoria, Lord of the Seas, etc.) than a international setting where Williams has to work against defenders who have a far better understanding of how to play against- and prevent the success of a given system.

Now, while the tabloids have tried to establish a clear hot seat for Williams, it is important to note that the Athletic Association has not announced their intentions with Williams yet, and it is likely that any official decision would wait until after the Independent Associations Cup in the Quintessence of Dust has reached its completion, which the public has viewed as a move to, “not shake an already fragile situation on the national team”.

The nature of the issue can be traced back to a run of bad form towards the end of the State League season by the NT club, Dinamo Klamathia, however many within the athletics association had their fears alleviated during a strong finish in the EliteLiga Round Robin, which briefly gave the administration complete faith in Williams to carry on with his system.

Overall, it is hard to say whether Williams’ job is at risk or not. Many would like to see Williams gone after his faliure to run the Portlandian system well, and seemingly relying on Lester Cooper to sit back in net and make save after save for him while his strikers lack the ability to put the ball on net up front. Others may say that it is just a small hiccup in what has already been a relatively successful tournament for the Portlandian team, where they have been able to punch well above their own weight. Only time will tell if Williams is able to maintain his spot as manager, or if someone else is chosen to lead the team through they’re first cycle of World Cup Committee sponsored events.

by **Elmyia** » Fri Dec 30, 2022 7:47 am

The Beaucester Gazette
The Big Debate: Scuba Dave
Scuba Dave must be stopped - Kelly Samuels

If recent reports are to be believed, Scuba Dave has big plans upon his release. Scuba Dave is currently awaiting trial, charged with the state with being drunk and disorderly and harassment of others in a public space. Scuba Dave's antics have been roundly condemned by most - from rectal firework antics to the choice words he directed at a group of girl scouts - he is clearly a man most disturbed and dangerous. But, upon release, he is now claiming he will be the 'most famous Elmyian football nutter in history, maybe ever,' with an endless string of new, incredibly rude, set of chants to deploy in the stands. Scuba Dave must be stopped before he poisons fan culture in Elmyia.

Hooligans have been a frequent disease in football, Elmyia has been lucky to largely avoid this phenomenon so far. Hooliganism is ugly enough in itself, but even those who defend their behaviour as simply having a good time need to reflect on where this can lead, the Heysel stadium disaster being a disturbing reminder of just what can go wrong.

Mosfleet Albion and Italia Mosfleet have both always had their own vociferous support, this has occasionally spilt over into fans taking things slightly too far. Last season comes to mind, with Italia fans showering Albion support with cups of beer, wine and lukewarm coffee after a controversial goal. But, until now, the attention seeking sort of football fan, one who demands to drink until they're sick, get into fights and make city centres a thoroughly unpleasant setting have not appeared.

Scuba Dave and his 'crew' have changed this, engaging in the sort of behaviour we thought was alien to our shores. They spent ages drinking copious amounts before deploying chaos on our streets following the 0-0 draw with Belnegau. We can only be glad they have been barred from attending the next two games at home.

But, this behaviour could inspire imitators. For all people complain about the atmosphere of Elmyian football, it is clear that this sort of over-the-top laddish behaviour will not improve things at all. Elmyia needs to build a support that is inclusive, joyful and one that will win us friends around the world. Don't let Scuba Dave poison the well with his google wearing antics.

Scuba Dave is a symptom, not the cause - Samuel Kelly

A lot of column inches have been given over to Scuba Dave. This campaign of infamy and publicity couldn't have been better coordinated if all the top PR agents in the land had put their heads together, yet it has been executed by someone who is clearly an idiot. Each statement he releases seems both deeply facile, whilst also being coordinated to maximise publicity. Yet, Scuba Dave is not some spearhead, a one man movement in the direction of loutish idiocy. Scuba Dave exposes the rifts in Elmyian society and football support that we must overcome.

Scuba Dave has clearly been influenced from the outside, foreign cultures of football support that have their own rich history, even if it is frequently expressed by aggressive, lager fuelled youths. Dave clearly wants some of this for himself, for his country. Like many of us he wants to find a sense of belonging and joy from following the national side. The fact this is wholly lacking in Elmyia is what has made Dave's behaviour so obnoxious and odd. He is trying to be an ultra for a team that inspires few strong feelings.

Football fan culture is in a parlous state in Elmyia. Albion and Italia have a decently sized support, but this rivalry and their respective dominance seems to suck the oxygen out of the rest of football. The whole situation seems like two bald men fighting over a comb, their glory very self-contained and to simply be contested again next season, in each contest. What of the other clubs? Well, several draw OK crowds, fans sit through games and clap them on. But ultimately, each is possessing a certain fatalism, if you're not the big two you're not winning anything. So, avoid relegation, a cup run or simply filling in the time on a Saturday afternoon.

This has clearly influenced the national team, fans are relatively unenthused, expect to lose and only really make any noise if they're pleasantly surprised. More than that, the massive divisions in language and culture in Elmyia do not help. We are a society of three largely separate communities, we have no national story or identity, no wonder the fan experience is so bad.

Nations need something to forge them together, Scuba Dave's biggest crime (besides calling a series of 12 year old girls 'a bunch of preening wazzocks' before spraying them with dry cider) is seeking to force this. He 'wants to have it large' because he wants to belong to something, to the Elmyian support and nation. It feels odd because it is doubtful that there is such a thing.

Elmyia, as a nation, has hitherto defined itself only by what it is not. The interwar years saw us clarify that we are not Italian, the post-war years that we are not English. But we need to now define what we are. Only then will we fill in the vacuum in which Scuba Dave exists.

by **Adab** » Fri Dec 30, 2022 11:30 am

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

Chapter 73: Hermitage

Alulim Sinmuballit’s house
Adab City

“Mr. Sinmuballit,” Hamid the housekeeper solemnly announced, “I’ve closed all the curtains facing the street.” He gave a perfunctory nod to his boss, as his eyes glanced upwards to see the lamp burning bright in this afternoon hour. On a chair in the room, flatly facing the table and the wall, sat Alulim Sinmuballit, almost a cold, motionless statue. All color had gone out of his face. So did the energy which usually marked him, visible on the pitch even when hidden behind his taciturn nature.

“Thank you Hamid,” Alu curved his lips into a slight smile, turning his head to acknowledge the housekeeper. Noticing the concern and wonder in Hamid’s eyes, he rose to his feet and tapped the poor man on his shoulder. “It won’t be long. It won’t be like this forever. You know we all need some time away from all this madness.”

“I understand, sir,” Hamid obediently replied, his eyes turning to the shoulder which Alu had just tapped, and from which he now released his hand.

“I presume no one else from the media has called?” Alu asked, exhaustion and frustration apparent in his voice.

“No,” Hamid shook his head.

“Good,” Alu said, letting out a heavy breath, looking down and bringing his head down with his eyes while he raised his hand, rapidly scratching the top of his head in a move which, to Hamid, appeared almost instinctive. “I sure hope they’ve gotten the message. God, when all this is over, remind me we have to find another place farther away from town. Fuck this city, I swear to God.”

“I understand, sir,” Hamid repeated, as if he knew there was nothing else he could – or should – say at the moment.

Hamid watched by the door as Alu sank back onto his chair, his head sinking into his hands, sinking into a deep thought. “Uh…” he briefly raised his eyes back at Hamid, stopping like he wanted to make sure he had the right words to say. “…has Emma called? Or Mr. Kaykali or someone from the national team?”

“No, sir,” Hamid said. “Uh, sir, if I may ask… you do have their numbers, so why-“

“There’s been… a few calls which I didn’t take,” Alu explained, “and some messages which I have chosen to… not reply to for the time being. Well, okay, many, but you know very well how much this business has taken out of me and… well, I just need some time alone to concentrate on myself. So I’m just wondering if anyone has tried to call the home number.”

“Well, no one has called,” Hamid responded, “aside from the media which you have instructed me to ignore.”

“As you should,” Alu closed his fingers into a fist, celebrating his little victory by ignorance over the nuisance of mass media. Hamid could see his boss’ face harden and his lips tighten, but only for a moment before softening again. “Actually, there’s… someone that I do want to call.” He turned quickly and reached for his phone on the table.

“Should I-“

“No,” Alu instructed while his fingers danced up and down the phone screen before finding the name of the person he would call. He raised the phone to his ear. “Stay here. I… just stay there.”

“Of course, sir.”

Alu nodded wordlessly, waiting for the call to be picked up. Seconds seemed to stretch into minutes with nary an intelligible human voice from the other side. But his eyes widened as he thought he heard a click amid the static. A connection had been established. “Dad?”

Taymour Frangieh’s house
Adab City

Her thoughts would often fly to him, that strange, quiet, mysterious, brilliant, lately infuriating man with whom she had shared a roof until… everything went wrong. Her calls to him had not been picked up, her messages had gone unanswered. As the country went up in flames, their own personal connection had suddenly frozen. Not by her choice.

A torrent of emotions was brewing, swimming in her, and that was an understatement. But Emma Arthur could not, decided she would not give way to those unchecked, indescribable feelings. So much pain had been inflicted on her, she would rather not inflict an additional amount on herself.

From a distance she watched as Taymour spoke loudly, shuffled back and forth as far as the cord would allow, gesticulated during his conversation with that politician-revolutionary Amarutu Tabira. Two people talking to each other over the phone. Two people actually talking to each other. Something that could not be said to be true between Emma and him.

She reached for her phone, but it wasn’t him that she would be calling. She discreetly made her way to some unattended corner of the house, making sure no one else was around her and in her sight. She waited for someone to pick up.

“Mom?”

by **Belnegau** » Fri Dec 30, 2022 11:50 am

Narratio Belnegensis Angustiae
Secunda Pars

Landgraf Hartwig wished he had been able to properly enjoy his knights’ great victory over Juvencus. The hosts of the last edition, the Juven were considered the best footballers of Group 4. The Belnegauers had struggled with strength and determination, pushing through the Juven center in a powerful wedge.

The result of the match being thus excellent and heartening, Hartwig had nonetheless been plagued with the constant presence and endless words of young Berthold Lanza. Though but newly come to full manhood and yet beardless, the chosen representative of the burghers of Mühlenfurt possessed a tongue as agile as a wasp and as venomous as a snake.

It was not enough for Lanza to be content with watching the feats of strength and bravery on the field of football before them. Ever this coin-counting merchant’s whelp found a way to bedevil and harangue Hartwig about the renegotiation of Mühlenfurt’s grant of privileges and tax responsibilities. He also seemed quite fixated on the restriction that only knights could be selected for the football team. He spoke most frequently of the discontent of the townsfolk, who had themselves become enamored of the game. How they had no doubt perverted its inherent nobility with their lowborn ways did not bear thinking about.

- - - - -

As her carriage bounced and rumbled down the rutted track leading north from Sptizstein keep, Lady Adalheid felt she must be the most miserable woman in all of Belnegau. The leather straps suspending the cabin from the chassis did only a little to absorb the roughness of the ride, and she thought to open the window and shout to the driver to slow down, lest she become ill. It wouldn’t do to break composure in front of her maids, though, as Enede and Gert sat just opposite her in the carriage. Instead she sat in silence, head bowed, and prayed to the Lord and his Holy Mother for a safe journey and a strong stomach.

The three were bound from Adalheid’s home of Spitzstein, the castle of her late husband Johann which now belonged to her son Heintz, to the Landgraf’s seat at Ziegelstein. That presumptuous Peter Grunfeld had ordered his men to take her, declaring that Heidingen was too dangerous for his Lady to remain until the rebel leader, Algirdas, had been captured or killed. As if Adalheid had not lived here in Heidingen since her sixteenth year. It was absurd, but the soldiers obeyed Ritter Peter, and thus she and her two maids had been carted off, with four horsemen to see them safely to Ziegelstein.

Mercifully, the carriage slowed somewhat, and presently the wild swaying and jolting of the cabin ceased. Adalheid grew concerned, however, when the horses slowed further, to a walk, and then a full halt. At this, she slid open the window.

“Your Master commanded you to carry us to Ziegelstein with all haste. Why have we stopped?”

“A tree has fallen across the path, Lady. We cannot pass until we remove it. I pray you, have patience, we will fetch the axes.”

Adalheid looked ahead, and sure enough a tree lay across the road. Nothing that a horse might not leap, nor a man climb over, but to the cart it may as well have been a castle wall.

“Very well. Be quick.”

“As you say, my Lady.”

Soon the muted thwack of axes biting into wood could be heard as the men set to work. After only a few blows had been struck, however, a different sound came, a whirr and a thump, softer and lower than the sound of exes. A scream followed it, and shouts, the noise of bodies crashing through the forest undergrowth. Grunts of effort and moans of pain, and the clash of metal on metal. Quiet returned after less than a minute, though to the women waiting in the carriage it had seemed much longer than that. Now low voices spoke, and footsteps approached the carriage. A heavily accented voice spoke in halting German.

“You must come out, or we burn the cart.”

Adalheid spoke softly to Enede and Gert. “Be silent and stay behind me. I will speak to them.” She opened the door and ducked through, stepping down to the ground. The four soldiers Peter Grunfeld had sent lay dead, as did the carriage driver. Two other strangely attired men lay beside them, but a score of others stood, watching her. They were ill equipped as warriors. Here and there a steel cap or leather hat, the clink of a rusted hauberk or shine of boiled leather. That was not what made them strange to her eye, nor was their other clothing, which was that of ordinary folk. They had covered themselves in branches and moss, and appeared as a small forest come to life. One stood facing her at the front of their group, his face stained brown and green by dyes, and a sudden terror seized Adalheid. She spoke carefully, “Who are you and why have you slain my men?”

“I am called Nadrava. You and your women must come with us. No harm shall be done you.”

“You have already harmed me by killing my escort and driver. Now you will carry me off against my will and yet say I shall not be harmed?”

“Algirdas willed it. Now you must come. Will you walk or will you be carried?” Nadrava gestured toward the horses. One of his men stood there with a coil of rope.

“I am quite capable of walking myself. None of your men shall touch me, nor touch my maids. Is that clear?”

“No harm shall be done you. Now come. Algirdas would speak to you.”

by **Trolleborg** » Fri Dec 30, 2022 3:30 pm

Greetings, compatriots!
It’s TTV from 1st December Stadium, where our national football team is about to begin next game of IAC group stage. Luck is too often not with us when our teams play home games in the international sports, so atmosphere was rather stressful. And while we waiting when teams will go to the field, let’s re-live last game.

Big team of the Lazarus region, having confidently performed twice in the local championship, Burikinia earned a lot of fans in our country with her reckless attacking game, but this time she had to do without their support. “Azure Dragons” looked, by all accounts, not as brave as in the fights with Aquatian and Hopal, which they won 4:0 and 4:3, respectively, and this in considerable part is merit of our midfielders who constantly applied pressure, and not giving opponents possibilities to run too much or prepare attacks. The defenders, in turn, quite confidently neutralized the opponents – Morten Troghil probably foresaw that they would build the game based on the talents of Aoto Mitsuyama, Burikinia's record holder for goals, 12 in 13 games, with the closest competitor scored 2, and tried to shunted him off from game. For the entire match, he had only two chances to shot on goal, and both times these shots were not from the category of extremely hard to parry. Companions of Mitsuyama also did what they could, but our players generally coped with threats. It's nice that players of our team who are new to international football showed themselves well. But, it should be noted, while decently coping with the attacks of opponents, our team did not really shine in the attack. Apparently, the head coach has yet to find the game plan that our players will apply when Morten Troll, who has long determined what the midfield of the national team will be looked like, finally ends his career. The ongoing season of club competitions has opened up several promising playmakers, but still, most experts agree that one specific player cannot fulfill such a role and a new scheme must be built in which functions are distributed among several players of a smaller caliber. And the victory in the end was brought not by team efforts, but by the personal skill of Gerard Reuzer. During the fight for the ball halfway between the penalty area and the central circle, it was he who took over the game, rammed the defenders of Burikinia, dragged Florian Nicolescu with him to the very penalty area, and there, with a deft, almost imperceptible feint, he freed himself an instant for a strike and shot the ball with precision and in cold blood

It's great that our team won, but it's sad that in an hour of play after scoring a goal, lads weren't able to build on their success, and such a situation always fraught with sad accidents.

Between rounds of the IAC group stage, our fans have been given a new opportunity to enjoy football as teams from Trolleborg play in world club competitions this season. Two trends are interesting: firstly, there has been a serious increase in interest in broadcasting not only international club tournaments, which is quite understandable, but also matches of the championships of other countries, as well as the demand for paraphernalia. Secondly, it turned out that our fans are united in the international arena not only on the games of our national team, but also root for direct competitors in their home championship, attending their away matches as well. And the teams themselves are pleasantly surprise us all, having managed to give a run for their money in battles with several of the most experienced clubs in the world at once. But this will be discussed further.

by **Harry Islands** » Fri Dec 30, 2022 3:56 pm

The Harryan Crowd was already concentrating on the chairs of the Arena of Dreams, the fans were having a giant party in several bars, hotels, and squares in Harry Islands, and in Quitessence of Dust, and of course, inside the stadium too, the fans , as always, took all the necessary equipment for a "good game", flags, horns and flares, in Harry Islands, one could only hear joy, thanks to the victory, suffered, but still a victory, against Eshialand, the players are well trained, and rested, they studied the opponent very well, and of course, they would have the unconditional support of the fans, the Harryan government has already advanced, if Harry Islands advances from the group stages, there will be a national holiday, and of course, the President-Elect, Hugo Silva, congratulated the players, and after the game against HUElavia, he will deliver an anonymous prize to the players. Still talking about the game against HUElavia, it is clear that there will not be any fight between fans, both HUElavians and Harryans, of course, are proud fans of their teams, and, very obsessed with sharing their cultures and customs with each other, all the official social networks of the HSC (Harryan Sports Confederation) posted a photo of the flags of HUElavia and Harry Islands side by side and together with the words "May the best team win, no fights, no wars, just football!", and so, the Red Arena will bid farewell to IAC-17, a fireworks show is scheduled tomorrow at Red Arena both for New Years and in celebration of IAC-17, "all teams in group 7 can make an appearance" according to an HSC post.

by **Quintessence of Dust** » Fri Dec 30, 2022 4:43 pm

MD4 cutoff.

MD4 results
Scorination of game involving QOD (MVE had a bye) was observed by a third party (South Newlandia).

Group 1
Squidroidia 3–0 Srubnaya culture
StrayaRoos Barrier Islands 4–6 Adab

  Group 1                    Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Squidroidia                  3   3  0  0    6   0  +6    9
2 Adab                         4   3  0  1   13   9  +4    9
3 StrayaRoos Barrier Islands   3   1  0  2    8   8   0    3
4 Stevencousin                 3   1  0  2    6   7  −1    3
5 Srubnaya culture             3   0  0  3    2  11  −9    0

Group 2
Abanhfleft 6–4 New Portland Republic
Toluiwa 1–1 West Barack and East Obama

  Group 2                    Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Abanhfleft                   3   2  1  0    9   6  +3    7
2 West Barack and East Obama   4   1  3  0    3   2  +1    6
3 TJUN-ia                      3   1  1  1    4   2  +2    4
4 New Portland Republic        3   0  2  1    4   6  −2    2
5 Toluiwa                      3   0  1  2    3   7  −4    1

Group 3
Space 0–2 Trolleborg
Aquatian 0–1 Hopal

  Group 3                    Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Trolleborg                   3   3  0  0    6   1  +5    9
2 Burikinia                    3   2  0  1    8   4  +4    6
3 Space                        3   1  0  2    5   7  −2    3
4 Hopal                        4   1  0  3    8  11  −3    3
5 Aquatian                     3   1  0  2    2   6  −4    3

Group 4
Juvencus 4–2 Elmyia
Oscioru 1–2 Belnegau

  Group 4                    Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Belnegau                     4   3  1  0    5   2  +3   10
2 Juvencus                     3   2  0  1    6   4  +2    6
3 Elmyia                       3   1  1  1    6   4  +2    4
4 Oscioru                      3   1  0  2    5   6  −1    3
5 Eerinphektia                 3   0  0  3    3   9  −6    0

Group 5
Delaclava 3–3 Sajnur
Nassovia 1–1 Quintessence of Dust

  Group 5                    Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Indusse                      3   3  0  0   14   5  +9    9
2 Quintessence of Dust         4   2  1  1    8   8   0    7
3 Nassovia                     3   1  1  1    5   5   0    4
4 Delaclava                    3   0  1  2    4   8  −4    1
5 Sajnur                       3   0  1  2    4   9  −5    1

Group 6
Geektopia 3–3 Poafmersia
Fjalsherred 0–3 Ile de Richelieu

  Group 6                    Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Geektopia                    3   2  1  0    7   5  +2    7
2 Ile de Richelieu             4   1  2  1    7   5  +2    5
3 Britonisea                   3   0  3  0    2   2   0    3
  Poafmersia                   3   0  3  0    6   6   0    3
5 Fjalsherred                  3   0  1  2    1   5  −4    1

Group 7
Alezian Union 1–2 Harry Islands
HUElavia 4–0 United Adaikes

  Group 7                    Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 HUElavia                     3   3  0  0   10   1  +9    9
2 Harry Islands                3   2  0  1    9   8  +1    6
3 United Adaikes               4   1  1  2    5  11  −6    4
4 Eshialand                    3   1  0  2    6   6   0    3
5 Alezian Union                3   0  1  2    3   7  −4    1

Group 8
Cakranegara 1–0 Arjunnagar
St Saratoga 1–4 Valentine Z

  Group 8                    Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Drawkland                    3   3  0  0   10   2  +8    9
2 Valentine Z                  4   2  1  1    7   5  +2    7
3 Cakranegara                  3   2  0  1    3   1  +2    6
4 Arjunnagar                   3   0  1  2    3   7  −4    1
5 St Saratoga                  3   0  0  3    2  10  −8    0

Group 9
Kriegiersien 1–0 Sannyamathland
Okoya 3–2 Inkwellistan

  Group 9                    Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Kriegiersien                 3   3  0  0    3   0  +3    9
2 Okoya                        3   2  0  1    5   3  +2    6
3 Sannyamathland               3   1  0  2    4   5  −1    3
4 Inkwellistan                 4   1  0  3    5   6  −1    3
5 Magnecia                     3   1  0  2    5   8  −3    3

Group 10
Sudilia 1–3 Galician Counties
Octapolis 2–1 Murphtannia

  Group 10                   Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Montaña Verde                3   2  1  0    5   2  +3    7
2 Octapolis                    3   1  2  0    6   5  +1    5
3 Sudilia                      3   1  1  1    5   6  −1    4
4 Murphtannia                  4   1  0  3    8   8   0    3
5 Galician Counties            3   1  0  2    5   8  −3    3

Reminder that MD5 will 2 Jan, followed by a round of 24.

by **Harry Islands** » Fri Dec 30, 2022 4:58 pm

1-0 28'

"Núñez charges down the left wing... Nuñez passes to Artur, Artur speeds towards the goal... Artur passes a beautiful through ball to Matt! Matt in the face of the goal! He shoots... GOOAAL! Matt! Matt Wilson! 1-0 for Harry Islands! A beautiful low shot into the right corner of the goal, the ball hits the crossbar and goes in! He narrowly misses that chance! What a goal!"

2-1 87'

"Jimmy Jones gets the ball back! We need to break the tie! Jimmy passes to Marco Junior, Marco tries to find someone to pass... He passes a nice long ball to Artur! Artur runs! It goes through the defense... He risks a high shoot... GOOOAAL!! Harry Islands tie the tie at the end of the game! Beautiful goal by Artur, we compete for the most beautiful goal of the IAC ladies and gentlemen?!? Beautiful performance by Artur at the IAC-17!"

by **Stevencousin** » Fri Dec 30, 2022 7:03 pm

9289 Followers | 2911 Following | 1630 Total View

CASSAHOLM_CONFIDENTIAL

@cassaholmconfi_admin

Former player, Andrew Sebastian has been appointed as the new Club Secretary to replace Liela Farshaw who resigned, this was confirmed by the Club's CEO, Dr. Fernando Ingastius. Dr. Fernando Ingastius also confirmed, trying to offer Khantari's former international player, Alva Blumenkrantz as Technical Director, Blumenkrantz, 38, is a former captain of the Old Cave Grove FC club in the Khantari premier league.

7225 Followers | 4022 Following | 5001 Total View

Brigketh Bishop FC

@BrigkethBishop_FC

Lucas Fairwind, a former youth coach at Cassaholm Confidential, has been named Brigketh Bishop's new academy manager. When the club publicly announces the appointment tomorrow, the 49-year-old, who left the Confidential in November of this year, will start in his new position. After having several fruitful discussions with Mamadou Boudarene and Rigoberto Woodside about the goals and aspirations of the club, Fairwind said: "I am really grateful for this opportunity and was never in any question that I wanted it.

Independents Cup 17 | MD 5

vs. Squidroidia

Formation

4 - 4 - 2
style modifier: +1
De Schutter
Aas - Fabian - Bernstein - Ali
Snajdr - Zubar (C) - Jayamanna - Peeters
Kallstrom - Voloshyn

Brought to you by

by **HUElavia** » Fri Dec 30, 2022 8:52 pm

HUElavia 4–0 United Adaikes
(Takeda 18', Balderas 38', 90+3' (P), Curichimba 70')
The Arena of Dreams, Quintessence of Dust

Back to the Knockouts!

HUElavia demolishes United Adaikes with mainly backups in a convincing victory to secure their spot in the knockouts!

Entering Matchday 4, HUElavia was sitting comfortably in 1st Place, which they had maintained since their late victory over Eshialand on Matchday 1. Now, the team was looking to take on United Adaikes in order to possibly clinch a spot to the knockout stage of the IAC. Given that United Adaikes was not a strong team, Coach Aveiro opted for mainly backups, still maintaining Casillas, the main Fullbacks, and Bellerose to start the match in order to have some sort of momentum for the players, all while the Home Alternative Uniform was worn. The teams came out to a great cheer from the mainly pro-HUElavia crowd, with the anthems sung, the coin tossed and the ball rolled to kick off matchday 4.

The opening goal came in the 18th minute when Bellerose was on the ball, being covered by REDACTED, where she gave a pass to her left, which was received by Xuan, where she gave a cross that went into the box before Takeda was left unmarked to head the ball past REDACTED into the goal, making it 1-0. The crowd jumped up and erupted in cheers, as Takeda was mobbed by her teammates with the bench applauding the play and goal. In the 38th minute, a foul by REDACTED over Urto gave way for a free-kick in a dangerous position 21 yards out. Balderas stepped up and sent the ball over the wall and past the reach of REDACTED into the goal, making it 2-0. The crowd jumped up while Balderas ran to the corner flag to do a dance with his teammates, and there was a satisfied smile on Coach Aveiro's face as the team had a convincing lead.

In the 2nd half, HUElavia continued getting shots through, but some saves from REDACTED and some near misses from the HUElavian shots still kept the game at 2-0. In the 70th minute, a corner was won by HUElavia after a deflection of a Takeda shot came off REDACTED. Urto took the kick and sent the ball into the box where Curichimba towered over REDACTED and headed the ball past the reach of REDACTED into the goal, making it 3-0. The crowd jumped up once again, celebrating with jumps, applauses and cheers for the header. All while Curichimba had a big smile and tears in her face for scoring her first ever international goal. While HUElavia still had some chances, they chose to lower the intensity since they now knew they had the victory secured. In the 90+3rd minute, a shot from Xuan hit the hand of REDACTED, which the referee did not hesitate to give a penalty kick and a yellow card to the player. Balderas stepped up and sent REDACTED the wrong way as he gave a panenka kick into the center of the goal, making it the definitive 4-0.

With the victory, HUElavia have officially clinched the knockout stage of the IAC for the 10th time, also the 10th consecutive time, in 12 appearances. Despite the victory, the team did not officially clinch 1st Place in Group 7, due to the victory of Harry Islands over Alezian Union, 2-1. With this, HUElavia sits in 1st Place with 9 Points (3-0-0), while Harry Islands are in 2nd with 6 Points (2-0-1), United Adaikes are in 3rd, but are eliminated with 4 Points (1-1-2), Eshialand in 4th with 3 Points (1-0-2), and Alezian Union in 5th with 1 Point (0-1-2). United Adaikes, while in 3rd Place are eliminated due to the fact that not only they finished their group stage matches, but regardless of results between Eshialand and Alezian Union on Matchday 5, any result will see them drop down from 3rd Place. As for the other match on Matchday 5, HUElavia will travel to face off Harry Islands, where the newcomers have been motivated to pull an upset against Los Amarillos/Os Amarelos. HUElavia will be using a mix of starters and backups, given they want to give some sort of competition to their opponents, all while wearing the Special Uniform. The match is set to be played at Red Arena in Harry Islands, where a small crowd of HUElavians will be present. For HUElavia, a win or draw will fully guarantee the team advancing to the Round-of-16. A loss can still give them 1st place, granted that it is not a blowout result. Harry Islands are guaranteed into the knockouts if they can get a win or draw, but still get 1st Place if they blowout HUElavia. Eshialand could make the knockouts with a win, but would need some other group results to go their way if they finish in 3rd. The same can be said for Alezian Union, where a win is obligatory, but need other groups to go their way to make it to the Round-of-24. One thing is for sure, Matchday 5 is setting up to be an exciting one where there can be upsets and possible surprise eliminations in the other groups. Here's to an entertaining end to the group stage.

FORCA HUELAVIA! VAMOS HUELAVIA! GO HUELAVIA!

by **Harry Islands** » Sat Dec 31, 2022 7:02 am

Sports Vision
(Since 1998)

The Blue Sprinters are one step away from the qualifiers!

Harry Islands achieved an excellent victory against Alezian Union with a beautiful goal by Artur Santos at the end of the game at 87', after the exciting match, the team had a big party at the hotel where they were staying, the team will now travel to the last game of the group, in Harry Islands, Red Arena, against HUElavia, a large concentration of fans is being assembled at the airport for the arrival of the players. The crowd is confident, and hopes to win the game against HUElavia, the team will most likely go full force, with all players from the first team, the team will start training tomorrow, they mainly focus on how to defend against the HUElavian attack, and about past performances in the IAC, the situation boils down to, lose or win, of course, both teams hope to win, but football is not always generous, of course, we can also draw, what we have left is to wait, while the match does not arrive, we will update more information soon.

by **Juvencus** » Sat Dec 31, 2022 5:46 pm

GLI ATTACCANTI BUMP? WORRY NOT

The gates to an illustrious Independents Cup 17 have just opened

Il Scudelliano has for long embraced a very well-weighed approach to gli attaccanti's tracks as a team, knowing its track record for the past decade. Regardless of that it has also maintained a healthy dosage of optimism considering the circumstances that gli attaccanti has been through and knowing how it performs under the worst of pressure. With that in mind, this article will either represent yet another classic well-weighed approach or the traditional Juven arrogance that pertains in the fanbase of la squadra. Thus, this paragraph serves as a warning towards all readers, mature or immature to remain skeptical of the content of this article.

Defeat against Belengau? What does this serve?: Truthfully, the arrogance of the fans sometimes gets to be shown in the performance of the players on the pitch. La squadra's players are known as a temperamental team, as Juven people generally have been stereotyped to be since the dawn of the nation. Despite a good showing throught the majority of the game and a quick strike by Campana to break the ice, the Belnegauers found a way to use their strength to pierce through the center of the team and take a surprising win. But in all honesty is this perhaps a sign that the team will change for the better?

The team is known to change instantly from game to game especially in such rough competitions like this. If the team has a bump in the group stages, they more than likely not only make up for it but also overperform the expectations set after such a defeat. This was shown in every single Cup of Harmony appearance the team has reached the podium on(Those being 71, 73,84), as well as other not so illustrious appearances in said tournament and others to count.

Instant winstreaks are just not how gli attaccanti has done it: This is the truth, gli attaccanti has always been completely ran over in a very important part of the competition after instant winstreaks, just look at the previous version of the Independents Cup, or the multiple world cup qualification attempts. The team would always go well in the first part of them, only to completely choke by the end of the qualifiers. All hopes and dreams would crash matchday by matchday and it is true, nobody's meant to win always but winstreaks give a false sense of hope, this is something that Juven fans need to realise about la squadra.

Not to create an echo chamber, but gli attaccanti is known to rise like a phoenix from its own ashes. As stated before, that is how it was always done and this competition might be the first serious chance that it has at lifting one of the trophies it has seeked the most, which is the Independents Cup.

Are gli attaccanti favorites?: If said reader had the chance to read the previous article, titled "Independents Cup well on its way, how does gli attaccanti fare" the answer would be yes. But after the pickup victory against Elmyia with a 4-2 scoreline slowly confirming the above statements, a resounding yes is on its way. While la squadra could not deliver in Sonnel as well as it would like it, it has a genuine opportunity now. It has a good squad depth, a very illustrious attack that will indeed perform on its name and the first manager since Toset to actually be given an opportunity and a platform that also possesses a genius by experience on the field. Madeiros could be one of the most legendary managers this team will ever be graced to be managed by.

With that said, the approach of the games following should always be equal to those of a final, an approach embraced by Madeiros and one that has given the team its first knockout stage victories in a long while. If all goes to plan, combined with the vengefulness boiling in the blood of the players, this team is destined for big things in this Independents Cup.

by **Squidroidia** » Sat Dec 31, 2022 8:02 pm

Srubnaya culture. Odd fellows them. In the world of Independent football, teams like these are practically expected to come and go. In fact, they came into this tournament on a technicality as the last team in - A fudging of numbers ended up seeing them through to compete in the competition with the likes of Drawkland, Juvencus and, of course, Squidroidia.

While the game didn't really end up like what the team hoped - A 3-0 loss to one of the best teams in the sport - one might think that the notion of these unranked one and dones would be cannon fodder. They won't be around for IAC 18, they say. If they do, they won't show up for IAC 19 whatsoever. This assumption, that they would only show up for one tournament and dip, is not really a good look for nations wanting to get in.

Truth be told, every nation starts off as an unknown, unranked team. Some might not chronicle their journeys to the wider world or have their teams available for managers to look at. A small little seedling placed in the ground is what every winner starts off as. They just need the time and nature to grow into a team. Dismissing them for participating once and then dipping is against the respect-demanding nature of football or any sport. They are teams just like the ones that partake in the World Cup - They are units. 11 players and maybe substitutes. They aren't a lesser power, they aren't inferiors in everything, not just their form.

The very fabric of respect is in fact what the game of football prides itself on. A 0 point team has to be treated with the same respect as the champions, even if their skill level is worlds apart. Play every game like it could be their last. No need to send out guards of honor, of course. Play the game knowing that the opponent is a team and not some nameless punching bag to mock. You may never know if that unknown team can be one that could make a name for themselves in later tournaments or perhaps the very tournament it is competing in.

Squidroidians up and down the country know the story of Woryand. Shock IAC Quarter-Finalists in a tournament (IAC X) that saw HUElavia fail on the final hurdle once more. It was their very first appearance out of two, and they made the most of it. Just an unranked team stepping up and proving themselves on an international stage. Of course Squidroidia beat them in controversial fashion and made the IAC Semis, but that is besides the point.

Truth be told, there will always be unrankeds. They do not need to be ridiculed. It could be their only appearance, it could be the first of many. Give them the respect of a big team and it might be the difference between the two. Might because in all likelyhood one team can't change the trajectory of another. Srubnaya culture have no points and likely will leave the tournament with no points. They at least tried. If trying isn't a good thing, one might have to do some soul searching to find a good thing.

Sports can be hard, but with enough patience it might be worthwhile.

Independents Cup 17

Boot It!: Everything Still To Play For (I Think)

IAC17 MD3

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