A Tale Of Two Crescents - WC97 Roleplay Thread

by **Pasarga** » Tue Jul 30, 2024 6:46 am

Welcome to Rushmore and the nations of Eastfield Lodge and Pasarga, as they welcome you to World Cup 97 and a new era arising for both as well as the World Cup as a whole.

This is the roleplay thread for this edition of the tournament. Please post your roleplays in this thread to be graded by the hosts, and more importantly, enjoyed by your fellow competitors. Posts here should be strictly in-character [IC], with out-of-character [OOC] notes specified explicitly in your post. Please don't reserve posts in this thread if you are not one of the hosts of the tournament - this is poor etiquette. OOC discussion surrounding the tournament should be placed in the World Cup Discussion Thread, linked above. The use of AI generated text is not tolerated and will result in your RP bonus being reset for the cycle. AI generated images must be credited with the use of their creation.

Below is a list of confirmed entrants to the tournament, who may begin writing roleplays and posting roleplays in the roleplay thread.

Group A
West Barack and East Obama (21)
Sargossa (58)
Pasarga (24)
Milchama (45)

Group B
The Holy Empire (19)
Gnejs (44)
Hapilopper (81)
Yuezhou (6)

Group C
Saterun (40)
Valanora (1)
TJUN-ia (53)
Eshialand (27)

Group D
Kelssek (4)
Edsmontik (70)
Zwangzug (17)
Zenic (30)

Group E
Myrtle Beach (46)
Cardenao (68)
Flavovespia (10)
Tikariot (20)

Group F
Sarzonia (34)
Sylestone (5)
The 14 Stars (61)
Mertagne (18)

Group G
Mytanija (36)
Banija (26)
Saint Eleanor (11)
Eastfield Lodge (69)

Group H
The Kytler Peninsulae (42)
Chromatika (15)
Farfadillis (2)
Aphrilia (60)

Group I
Delte (3)
Juvencus (16)
Commonwealth of Baker Park (37)
Siovanija and Teusland (71)

Group J
Ko-oren (7)
Bears Armed (54)
Squornshelan Remnant States (35)
Vdara (22)

Group K
Baggieland (28)
Aleirave (67)
Huayramarca (12)
Tero al Disco (41)

Group L
Crpostran (31)
Tanirinthia (14)
Tumbra (9)
StrayaRoos (56)

Groups A-F will be scorinated by Eastfield Lodge (cutoff 5-7 pm EDT) while Groups G-L will be scorinated by Pasarga (cutoff 1-3 pm EDT).

Fixtures
MD1: 1v4, 2v3
MD2: 4v3, 1v2
MD3: 2v4, 3v1
Ro32: B1 vs 3rd, A1 vs C2, F1 vs 3rd, D2 vs E2, E1 vs 3rd, D1 vs F2, C1 vs 3rd, A2 vs B2, H1 vs 3rd, G1 vs I2, L1 vs 3rd, J2 vs K2, K1 vs 3rd, J1 vs L2, I1 vs 3rd, G2 vs H2
Third place teams will be allocated dependent on group order, with priority to avoid group rematches and minimize teams switching between host nations.
Ro16: R1vR2, R3vR4, R5vR6, R7vR8, R9vR10, R11vR12, R13vR14, R15vR16
QFs: R1vR2, R3vR4, R5vR6, R7vR8
SFs: Q1vQ2, Q3vQ4
3PPo: LSF1vLSF2
Final: WSF1vWSF2

Schedule
Sep 3rd: Draw
Sep 4th: Bye
Sep 5th: Bye
Sep 6th: Bye
Sep 7th: MD1
Sep 8th: Bye
Sep 9th: MD2
Sep 10th: Bye
Sep 11th: MD3
Sep 12th: Bye
Sep 13th: Bye
Sep 14th: Ro32
Sep 15th: Bye
Sep 16th: Ro16
Sep 17th: Bye
Sep 18th: QFs
Sep 19th: Bye
Sep 20th: SFs
Sep 21st: 3PPo
Sep 22nd: Final

Should you still have any questions feel free to telegram Pasarga or Eastfield Lodge or post in the discussion thread. We look forward to your participation!

by **Pasarga** » Tue Jul 30, 2024 6:48 am

Background
Pasarga was formed by the refugees of a fallen Zoroastrian Empire following the invasion of steppe peoples. They traveled for several months before they came upon a pair of uninhabited islands in the northwest of what they would later found out to be the region of Rushmore. Wishing to cast aside their failures, the citizens abandoned the majority of their old culture, including a hard line adaption of names not of their old culture, though they retained their old religious practice of Zoroastrianism.

Following their settlement, the citizens decided to call themselves Pasargans after a fashion of those that they encountered on their sojourn calling them the Pariis. It was a tribute to what they had endured but also the promise of what could be rebuilt again. Rather than returning to a warlike people, they turned towards a cultural and spiritual way of life, keeping themselves mostly isolated from the outside world, apart from participation in the events like the World Cup.

Even as the years have passed, Pasarga still stays mostly an isolationist and peaceful pair of islands,, relying notably upon the regional alliance of Eura and Polar Islandstates. It was Eura, along with Sargossa, who helped the nation end a civil war early in recent history, with the last decade and a half dedicated to rebuilding and correcting the mistakes that had lead to that threat. Historically they have turned to trade and sport as a way of measuring success, branching out of their shell if ever so slightly. The rural regions of the nation still strongly are mistrustful of foreigners and believe that little good can come them, with cities a necessary evil to conduct business.

Map of Pasarga

Weather
Pasarga enjoys a relatively mild and jungle-esque climate throughout the majority of the islands. Notable exceptions are Troubalose and Lunas which both are a few degrees cooler on average than the rest of the nation due to the northern peninsula positions against the cold waters of the Alban Strait. During summer, the majority of the nation averages a temperature of 25 degrees Celsius or 77 degrees Fahrenheit, though with humidity averaging around sixty to eighty percent depending upon how close to the mountains and coast you are.

Transportation
While cars are not banned, it is preferred that the citizenry use the various forms of mass transit provided by the government to do their inner city travel. Light rail (including trolleys/cable cars), subways, as well as a bus system provide routes and stops to get to most locations within any of the major cities. Torgos, Targas, Paulinthal, Stein-los, Lunas, and Stilinkeep are all home to international airports for those wishing to fly into the country while most major cities have a smaller airport for domestic travel within the dual islands. Torgos, Lunas, and Paulinthal also are the three major ports of Pasarga and are well adjusted for any influx of passengers that route.

Stadiums
First match listed in a group takes place in the first listed stadium on each matchday.

Group A
Stade de Torgos (Torgos) - 90,000

The crown jewel of Pasargan footballing stadium, it is both the national stadium and the stadium of the club side Galatica. It was built to be a monument to the prowess that the Pasargan people can achieve whenever they put their minds to it and show the rest of the footballing community that they belong. Located in the heart of the capital, it is easy to reach from anywhere within the city and the noise created inside the stadium has been known to shake surrounding buildings whenever the Wanderers are playing.

Telathron (Targas) 72,000

One of the three stadiums in Pasarga that has retractable roofs, Telathron is located in the former footballing capital of the nation. Telathron was built as a supposed rival to Stade de Torgos to compete as the national stadium, but the arena feel to the stadium made it lose out. Despite that, it is still a modern stadium that offers the capability to keep the temperatures during the games at a comfortable seventy-five degrees whenever the roof is closed.

Group B
Kilmonarch (Stein-los) - 72,000

Stein-los welcomes any and all travelers to its borders with open arms. Long since believed to be the footballing capital of the nation, usurping the title from both Torgos and Targas, the chance to host the World Cup has the Stein-losians ecstatic. Kilmonarch, the best of which Stein-los has to offer, is a stadium built just a short twenty or so years before with all the latest amenities meant to attract UICA final bids that never really formulated. All the same, this football crazy city is ready to put on a show for all those who are sent to play matches in their jewel.

Albrecht Road (Stein-los) 57,000

Being the home of Stein-los Turkish, the sister club of once famous Albrecht Turkish, Albrecht Road was named after the sister club and designed with Canderlarian architecture in mind. The locale is supplied with food and art from the nation to the northwest, to give even more homage to the once great club for with the stadium is named.

Group C
Stilinkeep Stadium (Stilinkeep) 64,000

The second of the retractable roof stadiums, it offers the same services that Telathron does but in the comforts of Peynol's most diverse city. Filled with immigrants from all over the known world, Stilinkeep is a diverse and culturally rich city. Museums and art galleries dot its downtown sector as well as a rustic feel to the city with many of the original buildings built of brick still standing despite more modern facilities and sectors popping up around the city. It is truly a melting pot of different ideas and cultures that have found a balance between the old and the new, much the same as their stadium shows.

Stadium of the Moon (Lunas) - 84,000

Lunas is the de facto capital on Peynol, the largest city on the second island, as well as the one with the most wealth. It suffers from dreadfully cool temperatures compared to the rest of the nation due to its location out on the peninsula. This has hardened the citizens who live in Lunas, who call themselves the "Kings of the Strait", with the Alban Strait to their north. There is also a great devotion to the moon in Lunas, as the largest of the stadium suggests, with crescents found in various art forms across the city. There is a very spiritual feel in Lunas and football itself is something of a ritual, with the walk from the "Stalking Dragon", the largest pub, to the stadium every weekend there is a match. Visitors are encouraged to partake in these rituals or at least be respectful of them.

Group D
San Daros (Paulinthal) - 64,000

Home to the famous, or infamous depending upon where you're from, CA Paulinthal. San Daros is a stadium that intimidates it opposition, with the away locker room purposely being built to only 400 square feet in order to unnerve the opposing team before the match even begins. Being a port city, Paulinthal is home to a large immigrant city, but in particularly a very large hispanic population. As such, it is not uncommon to hear a variety of accents of Spanish and even Portuguese being spoken while walking the streets, as well as other vestiges of hispanic culture like taquerias and mariachi bands.

Stein-los Stadium (Stein-los) 59,000

Despite being home to the least popular of the three major clubs from Stein-los, Stein-los stadium is the oldest stadium to be used. Despite its age, it still is one of the treasures in the nation, with its seats draped in the green of Club Stein-los and the Smoking Brickhouse pub that is attached to the stadium's north end, making it a must see destination to all football purists and tourists visiting Pasarga.

Group E
Fire Park (Troubalose) 62,000

Unlike the rest of the stadiums, Fire Park is not located in a culturally or financially rich part of the nation. The north of Pargis is one of the least populated areas of the dual islands and Troubalose being the only main population center due to the small trading port. Despite this, those who travel to Fire Park and Troubalose will find a friendly and proud host. They are the kings of the desolation and welcome any guests with both humility and respect, as well as cheering on their clubs with the passion expected from Stein-losians or Paulinthii.

Taltron Park (Torgos) - 66,000

Home to perhaps the most successful of the three capital clubs in Baskita FC, Taltron is the stadium usually forgotten in the capital. It is neither as big nor as fancy as Stade de Torgos, but located within a city park itself, it offers a serene surrounding and tranquil environment. Even the games inside the stadium are less rowdy than the rest of the city and nation.

Group F
Stadium of the Sun (Belja) 56,000

The second largest stadium in Peynol, the Stadium of the Sun is home to FC Belja in the southern tip on Peynol's central region. Belja has a very humid climate that many traveling players find difficult to play in, while it provides the sort of year round comfortable temperatures that make it a popular winter retreat for those looking to escape the cold season. While not as rich as Lunas, nor as historical significant as Stilinkeep, Belja still stands as a testament to how far Pasarga has come with its diverse array of food selections and the calm demeanor that so often comes by the sea.

Crescent Park (Lunas) 50,000

From one of the oldest stadiums, to one of the more recent one, Crescent Park is located near the waterfront in Lunas and home to Peynol-Lunas. The stadium has many modern amenities, including a retractable roof that was installed for use with the city being somewhat infamous for its peculiar weather that includes strong storms coming in from the north. For fans of modern comfort while watching a game, this is the place to be.

ISideWith UK · by **Eastfield Lodge** » Tue Jul 30, 2024 7:56 am

About Eastfield Lodge

The Imperial Commonwealth of Eastfield Lodge is a vast conglomerate of nations and states that resides almost entirely in a separate dimension to the reality you all know and love - a bubble universe would be an apt description (the why is a long story, involving a disgruntled kit man from the Dreamed Realm and a threat to the existence of the entire universe). The one bit of the country that lies in the regular dimension is a tiny island in the northern seas of the famous sporting region Rushmore, which serves as a transport hub for travel across the region by conventional transport, and for travel to the Imperial Commonwealth via something called a Void Ship (think of it like travelling through a well controlled wormhole).

The history of the country is long and complex, but the key overview is that it is a very socialist Muslim constitutional monarchy, with a noted reputation as being one of the nicest places to visit in the entirety of the known multiverse - the most recent WA census puts the Imperial Commonwealth in the top 100 nations in several measures such as Safety, Compliance/freedom from crime, Tourism, Weather, Compassion, Niceness and Environmental Beauty, amongst several others; most of which are also ranked as the best in the Rushmore region. Because of the initial portal, whilst humans are the overwhelming majority of the populace here, don't be surprised to find several other alien races and much advanced technology here.

Whilst we are a fairly chill nation, we are still fairly socially conservative, and there are plenty of special rules visitors need to be aware of:

No Alcohol. At all.
No smoking or recreational drugs at all. Visiting team members/fans will be given replacement/cessation therapy if struggling to cope.
No public displays of affection. What you get up to in the privacy of your own hotel room is up to you, as long as it stays there.
There isn't a legally enforced dress code, but at least dress respectfully, the locals will appreciate you.
Cities are by and large car-free zones; make use of the extensive public transport system.
Don't worry about a language barrier, there is an inbuilt telepathic translation circuit within the visas that you will be issued - it translates all speech and text into a language you understand instantaneously.
No unhealthy junk food will be available, the country is too healthy for that. Also, the food will all be halal, but there is an extensive range of vegetarian/vegan options for those who insist.
Ignore all the cameras and the police presence. They're for the safety of everyone.
High-level technology pervades every aspect of society and life here, get used to it.

There will be 12 stadiums in the Imperial Commonwealth of Eastfield Lodge used across the group stage, with each group being allocated two stadiums for the group stage. Compared to previous tournaments hosted here, the ICELFA have decided the spread the matches around the Imperial Commonwealth in order to showcase the wide variety of cultures and nations making up this little dimension. There are extremely good rail links between various cities within Eastfield Lodge itself, along with regular flights and connections to which allow plenty of time to relax and recover between matches and journeys. The stadiums listed are below, with the first stadium listed in each group taking the group's first match each matchday.

Group G:

Lodger City Memorial Stadium
Capacity: 150,000
Location: New Lodger City, Eastfield Lodge
Info: The national team's stadium and the crown jewel of stadia in the country, the Memorial Stadium is a state-of-the-art facility and was built on the grounds of the old national stadium following a disaster that levelled a large proportion of what was the former capital city. The stadium holds inscribed names of all the dead in that disaster - well over 5 million of them lining the walls around the outside of the stadium. Nonetheless, this stadium has hosted many a grand match, including the final of the 69th Baptism of Fire, and it will be the site of the Third Place playoff in these finals, amongst other knockout matches.

Norrion Park
Capacity: 65,352
Location: Norrion, Eastfield Lodge
Info: Norrion is a classic example of a one-team city, with Norrion Rovers forming one of the members of the Imperial Commonwealth's Big Five teams, albeit a side that hasn't really seen as much success as they should, and the Stags have been accused at times of putting on a lacklustre atmosphere at home. The city itself is very much one without much going for it culturally, having centred itself around industry for so long without much of an eye for aesthetics - concrete and grey, it nonetheless has tried to clean up its image and become more appealing to tourists as of late, especially with its location in the northeast of Eastfield Lodge, and the nearest major city to the portal at Mount Salt City.

Group H:

Tavernia Stadium
Capacity: 65,921
Location: Tavernia, Westmeadow Tavern
Info: Currently the largest stadium outside of Eastfield Lodge itself, Tavernia Stadium sits near the heart of the city of Tavernia, in Westmeadow Tavern, the nation bordering Eastfield Lodge. WC85 saw the stadium's debut when it comes to hosting the Eastfield Lodge National Team, but it is no stranger to WC football though - it was the home ground for Westmeadow Tavern when they had their own international football team in the earlier years of the Imperial Commonwealth. It is also home to the two best teams in Westmeadow Tavern, with FC Tavernia and Tavernia City plying their trade here.

North Ridge Stadium
Capacity: 40,000
Location: Westpass, New Tavernia
Info: Located in the continent of Serenelia, North Ridge was the smallest conventional stadium chosen as a host site for WC97, with its historic capacity only sitting at 17,750. Home to NT United, one of the founders of the ICELFA league system who now ply their trade between the Second and Third Divisions, North Ridge has been thoroughly revamped to be of international quality, and hopefully the entry point for visitors to the nations of New Tavernia and the neighbouring Marepacia.

Group I:

King Iqbal II Stadium
Capacity: 90,000
Location: New Lodger City, Eastfield Lodge
Info: One of two stadiums in the city constructed at the same time, the royally named stadium was purpose built for the most successful team in the ICELFA league, RGS Athletic, who along with their rivals had been using the national stadium as a temporary venue following the disaster that wiped out old Lodger City. This stadium has seen some of the most success of any domestic team in the country, even in its short life, and the visiting teams will hope that they can grab some of that success for their own.

Vorgan Park
Capacity: 85,000
Location: New Lodger City, Eastfield Lodge
Info: The other twin stadium in the city, Vorgan Park is located in the city's largest and most historic boroughs, one that mostly escaped the disaster that laid waste to the old capital. Home to VLC FC, this stadium probably has the best atmosphere in all of Eastfield Lodge, if not the wider Imperial Commonwealth. Teams playing in here will need to have the stomach to handle the imposing walls of fans this stadium's design provides.

Group J:

Niexai Lane
Capacity: 64,000
Location: Jam Town, Jammy Forests
Info: Jammy Forests is a nation so named for its unique natural preservative-producing trees, an environment which naturally has spawned an entire industry around fruit picking and processing - beware travelling into the wilderness here, things can get quite sticky, and not in the humidity sense. Situated on the edge of the main industrial district in the capital, Niexai Lane has played host to the nation's biggest team in Royal Jam FC, the only non-Eastfielder member of the Big 5 sides in the Imperial Commonwealth and famously the side that broke RGS' insane 25 season streak of league titles. As with most of the non-Eastfielder stadiums, Niexai Lane has also had an upgrade for the World Cup, with its capacity increasing from 43,120 to 64,000.

Vareona Park
Capacity: 48,000
Location: Xilon, Scholarly Empire
Info: The Scholarly Empire is the only nation in the Imperial Commonwealth that predated the existence of the Eastfield Lodge, now existing as a vassal state renowned for its history of academia, especially with many cities named after specific subjects and domains. The capital Xilon plays host to the World Cup finals through Vareona Park, the home of Xilon OC, one of the more prominent sides in the empire, with their biggest claim to fame being to fall narrowly short of the LBCT title. As for the city itself, there isn't anything outstanding or noteworthy about Xilon, but the stadium has also been one to see an increase in capacity, doubling in size from 24,000.

Group K:

Parliament Stadium
Capacity: 80,000
Location: Lodgertia, Eastfield Lodge
Info: The biggest stadium in the country until the Memorial Stadium was completed, and second home of the national team, in the new capital of the Imperial Commonwealth. So named because it sits right next door to the Parliament of the Imperial Commonwealth, such that the Parliament even has a viewing window within the eastern stand behind the goal exclusively dedicated to them. It is currently home to the lower-league pair of Lodgertia United and City, albeit still a fierce rivalry, but was also a temporary home for both RGS and VLC before the Memorial Stadium was completed.

Olympic Park
Capacity: 60,000
Location: Mount Salt City, Eastfield Lodge
Info: Mount Salt City will be the first city all visiting fans will experience, as the portal dividing the Imperial Commonwealth from the wider world opens a short distance from the city. The city played host to a regional olympics of an ancient and since-extinct place called the New Empire of Gallifrey, and has since been regarded as the heart of all sports (except football) in the country. The Olympic Park has seen footballing success as well however, playing host to top flight high-flyers Olympia FC.

Group L:

The Valiant
Capacity: 35,000 (temporary, normally 15,000)
Location: Toclofania, Twilight Heaven
Info: Possibly the most unique stadium in the Imperial Commonwealth, The Valiant is a repurposed airborne aircraft carrier hailing from the days of the Whoniverse infiltration - apparently it used to belong to an organisation called "UNIT" and served as an aerial headquarters and launching base. Nowadays, it sits as a permanent 15,000 seater stadium that graces the skies above Toclofania during matches. For the finals this year, an extra 20,000 seats are being made available through smaller carriers that will fly alongside The Valiant in perfect formation. Fans are warned to make their way to the stadium well in advance in order not to miss takeoff.

Macaronia Tower Park
Capacity: 43,000
Location: Macaronia, Unified Macaroni
Info: Heading over to Unified Macaroni for the final stadium on the list, Macaronia Tower Park is another side that has seen its capacity increase, a paltry 28,000 being its previous capacity for home club Macaronia FC. The stadium lies within the eponymous Tower Park, a national park centred around a spiral sandstone tower and two giant sundials which have been rendered rather decorative after some space-time shenanigans relocating the position of the sun.

by **Sarzonia** » Tue Jul 30, 2024 8:44 am

Just when Sarzonian national football team manager Caleb Rush thought he'd cast aside the great weight on his shoulders, he admitted privately that he now felt a new kind of weight: The weight of expectations.

Rush thought back to the swirling controversy that developed when he, and not a more seasoned manager was tapped to lead the new era in Sarzonian football. He was derided for his lack of polish, and for implementing an archaic brand of football that was last effective in relatively ancient times.

The Sarzonia team he was picked to lead was ranked well into triple digits, certainly more of a threat to go winless than to challenge for an appearance in Mertagne or Huayramarca. Nabbing one of a precious 30 spots in the World Cup finals was a pipe dream. Rush was seen as a transition to the eventual manager who would lead the Stars to the promised land.

Then World Cup 96 actually played out. Sarzonia seized momentum with an Earth-shattering 1-0 upset of No. 8 Ko-oren in front of a shocked, but delirious Dave Wilson Stadium crowd. That win ultimately didn't lead the Stars to the proper, but they would get the next best thing: a Cup of Harmony trophy, the first in a long time no matter how one measures that length.

In Rush's second Arrosian Regional Championship appearance, he would guide the Stars to a silver medal. The combination of two terrific cycles and a newly expanded World Cup field turned a berth in the proper from the stuff of wild fantasy to a potentially realistic scenario.

Would the team view this cycle with Sarzonia ranked 38th and 46 berths available as World Cup or bust?

"I don't believe so," Rush said at the press conference announcing the makeup of the Sarzonian team competing for a trip to Pasarga or Eastfield Lodge. "There are a number of strong sides out there who probably deserved to compete in the proper who fell short. We're going to have to earn our place. Nobody's going to hand it to us on a silver platter."

One reporter asked Rush if he felt he'd rid himself of imposter syndrome after two podium finishes in the team's last two tournaments. He allowed himself a moment of vulnerability.

"On some level, no," he admitted. "Look, I understand the logic, 'you won the Cup of Harmony and you damn near won the ARC. How can you not belong?' Well, it's not that easy. Even sustained success isn't always enough to silence that inner critic."

by **HUElavia** » Tue Jul 30, 2024 2:33 pm

Hunting for The Top!

HUElavia enters World Cup 97 Qualifiers with momentum and optimism for yet another possible qualification for the Mutlverse's biggest competition!

Another regional cycle has come and gone, and for once HUElavia had a lick of success at IAC 21, finishing off with a bronze medal over Sudilia. The 3rd place finish was in fact the first time HUElavia finished 3rd at the IAC, and it was the first time they had lost a Semi-Finals appearance. Still, it's a respectable result that the team overachieved the expectations placed on them after so many tournaments going out in the Round-of-16 after the back-to-back IAC Championships. Now, HUElavia comes into the World Cup qualifiers looking to appear in their 4th consecutive World Cup after a respectable Round-of-16 exit to Farfadillis at World Cup 96.

Entering as the No. 10 team in the Multiverse, HUElavia are slotted as a Pot 1 team for these Qualifiers once again and seek to give it their all in these qualifiers. Most notably, after recent votes by the World Cup Committee, World Cup 97 will be co-hosted by Pasarga and Baker Park, in which 46 teams will join the co-hosts in the first ever 48-team World Cup. In a long-overdue expansion, there are decent odds that Los Amarillos/Os Amarelos can be at the World Cup more frequently. Although, being in a high position in the rankings and more spot to qualify for does not mean it is an easy "gimmie gimmie" spot for one to enjoy. Los Amarillos/Os Amarelos still have to prove their worth and show why they're among the best in the Multiverse.

Coach Honda has released her list of players for the Qualifiers and for the most part, it is the core roster that was part of the Bronze Medal team at IAC 21, but with younger players that recently played at the U21 and U18 World Cups. The press and fans alike view with positivity the roster, as the team relies on a good, young base, with players full of energy and motivation to do well. After all, HUElavia's young players have usually been a team up for whatever task pressed upon them, so there is good faith that the team can do well with the solid rotation of players.

While no Qualifying Groups have been drawn yet, this has not stopped the HUEavian Football Association from announcing their traditional two venues for the Qualifiers. As per the venue rotational rules between the HFA and Local Governments, Curumba will get their match once more, with Estadio Capital (90,000) being given the marquee matchup, while Estadio Internacional (82,500) in San Rafael will be the other confirmed venue for the Qualifiers. As the pattern has been in recent qualifiers, it seems that HUElavia will seek to distribute the matches throughout the country to give different regions and communities to enjoy seeing the National Team in person.

One major announcement by the HFA was the change of the goal song for the team. For many years, Samba de Janeiro was the goal song for the National Team in all levels and competitions. Although, the HFA opted to host a fan vote for the new song in order to change things up. Danza Kuduro was selected as the Goal Song for the National Team, narrowly beating Sweetness for the top choice. Most fans who voted for Danza Kuduro cited it as a fitting song for the culture of HUElavia, especially with the use of Portuguese and Spanish lyrics, the two main cultures and languages of HUElavia. One thing is for sure, many people better start getting used to and enjoy our new goal song (*wink wink*).

There is still a while to go before we get our official draw, but there is excitement in the air, as this team has serious aspirations to go all out for that coveted World Cup title. But, we must take it a game at a time, both in the Qualifiers and God willing the World Cup.

FORCA HUELAVIA! VAMOS HUELAVIA! GO HUELAVIA!

by **Panay Islands and Guimaras** » Tue Jul 30, 2024 11:46 pm

IS THIS THE TIME TO SHINE FOR THE PANAYENSES?
Iloílo City, Federal Canton

After a decent campaign in the Baptism of Fire, the Panayenses looking out for a miraculous run in the 97th World Cup, the greatest stage of all time. And the team is still busy doing friendlies in preparations for the WC97 debut. Pierini, a Terense coach was sure about the boys' performance. "We're busy for our friendlies but we still have enough heart and soul for the boys.", says Pierini. "If we bring our own heart and soul to the World Cup, it might be a greater success for these men." "I'm actually excited and nervous at the same time playing in the World Cup.", says Ricalde. "But a game is a game. We hope we have better chances of winning." The Carabaos are set to play against Vaishnavaria before going to either Pasarga or Eastfield Lodge to play against the greatest national teams.

by **Edsmontik** » Wed Jul 31, 2024 6:53 am

WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS: INTERVIEW WITH LAJIFLAK FRUEDENNE
LIVE ON ISN NOW

Following their 84th Baptism of Fire win, der-Ghavyr has decided not only to change the positioning, but add two new players for the WC97 Qualifying team.
Called up were Lajiflak Fruedenne, a 26 year old Left Midfielder, and Elterhad der-Stouiben, the 17 year old Lersterviigean goalkeeper.
This morning, we are interviewing Lajiflak Fruedenne.

ISN INTERVIEW ROOM
STOBREIK, STRAVER
3/19/2029

Damen: "Hello Lajiflak, I'm Damen der-Yxatrov, your interviewer for today."

Lajiflak: "Alright, what do we talk about today?"

Damen: "So, how do you feel about being called up to the national team for this world cup?"

Lajiflak: "It's a great day to be me! I'm very excited about the future experience on the national team."

Damen: "Ha! That's nice. How do you think you'll be fitting in with the other younger Edsmon players?"

Lajiflak: "Although being the oldest is kind of surprising even though I'm still young, I think I'll fit in well, especially with my teammates. I'm sure to start off as a substitute, and I hope I win the spot on the starting lineup soon though. Many do say that people "Can't hate me"."

Damen: "That's great! With your current experience, be honest, do you think you'll be influencing the younger players?"

Lajiflak: "I think maybe not at first, but since I have competed in more FDVLs than then, I'm pretty confident I can give some worthy advice."

Damen: "Nice! Alright, moving on, who's your favorite player on the team, or who's generally someone you'd look up to learning from?"

Lajiflak: "Do coaches count?"

Damen: "Yes, coaches count, it can be anyone on the team."

Lajiflak: "Ah, Vykren. He was the best Emprijaal player back then, and he might be retired, but he's still so great now. I've met him a few times, and in my call up two days ago and a training match yesterday, we met him."

Damen: "Vykren der-Tylvan is a good one, he almost won his first season!"

Lajiflak: "Yes, unfortunately for him, Austranviige took the lead int he last game of the 2002 season. But he scores his goals so well wherever he plays, I really want to learn that."

Damen: "Definitely a good skill to learn!"

Lajiflak: "Yes, yes for sure. Vykren's a legend and will always be. I watched his games growing up."

Damen: "Okay, last question for today. What's your biggest hope that the Edsmon team can achieve here for this cycle?

Lajiflak: "I would say that us Eagles, if we can beat out a strong team, that'd be crazy. If we even qualify, I'm sure there will be a massive party for the team."

Damen: "For sure for sure, The BOF was great, and hopefully you and your team can make the World Cup great too! Good luck, and see you next time, Lajiflak! Have a great day!"

Lajiflak: "You too Damen! I'm off to the Arenæ!"

That was the interview with Lajiflak Fruedenne, and now, we'll be in a quick commercial break. More on ISN soon.

by **Milchama** » Wed Jul 31, 2024 9:49 pm

Alexandria Times-Tribune-Sun-Moon-Sky-Picayune-Courier-Post-Pre-Forward-Current-Reader

Sports Section

MFA Celebrate Long Awaited Victory

Ever since 2010 or 2011, somewhere around World Cup 50, or whenever it was that Legalese bid for the World Cup (that we think, without doing any fact checking, ironically enough, ESF actually also bid for and won) with 48 teams the Milchama Football Association has asked for a 48 team World Cup. First, the MFA protested by not attending World Cups for about 30 editions (ok so that's not really how the history went but it's much cooler this way because it sounds like a principled stand instead of random neglect). Then, shortly after the end of the Isolation change was afoot, the MFA was able to vote on a Constitutional Amendment put before the World Cup Committee to change the World Cup Constitution to allow up to 48 teams in a World Cup. Finally, now, Pasarga and Eastfield Lodge have successfully bid for a 48 team World Cup and our long national nightmare is over. So we give you a live look into MFA headquarters to see how they reacted to finding out that there was a 48 team World Cup.

"YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

"WE DID IT!"

"WE FREAKING DID IT!"

"48 TEAMS FOREVER!'

"THERE IS NO GOING BACK!"

"Cue the music!"

*music cued*

"Let's go!"

"We're the best! I can't believe it's happening!"

"Finally! Fairness has prevailed!"

"Woo hoo! We're so much better than them!"

"Let's do it!"

"Yalla Milchama! Yalla Milchama! Yalla Milchama!"

"Victory! Glorious Victory! All Victory to Milchama!"

"Aesh Aesh Milchama Loh Tesachek Haganah!"

"You know if we play anything below a +5 does that betray the national slogan?"

"I think that's a question for another time"

"Fair enough"

"We did it though"

"We did it and that's awesome!"

"Go us! Go Milchama!"

"Victory for us and for the movement and for everybody who fought for this day to come! Now let us celebrate by qualifying"

"Yes, let us celebrate by qualifying"

"Great"

"Come on You Warriors!"

"Let's Go Milchama!"

by **Gnejs** » Thu Aug 01, 2024 1:39 am

How Baggieland got a Rock of Friendship

Some stories just needs telling. No matter how long it might take, or how disjointed the storytelling becomes. It’s a duty to the world, more than anything. This is not necessarily such a story, but it still feels prudent to finish something once started.

The story so far

It all started back in that Cycle of Dread that we do not speak of. Not the story as such, but our telling of it. The story itself started way back in the 1830’s, when a mysterious fungal plague beset The Union and turned all our root vegetables into foul-smelling mush. The people back then were helpless to do anything about it, despite most of them wearing top-hats, and in a very un-Unionlike manner it was decided to seek help Off-Rock.

Eight emissaries were sent out into the world to seek a cure or remedy for the curse haunting the Rock. And, in addition young Fandango Molineux of the House of Molineux was also sent abroad by his family with the same task. Young Fandango believed himself to be the ninth emissary, but of course all that was just a ruse by his next of kin to put some distance between themselves and their youngest son (he was a cruel and stupid man). Fate would have it so, however, that it was young Fandango who would eventually bring the aid so sorely needed, in a manner of speaking.

While The Union was suffering, and young Fandango scoured the alleys and terraces of the greater Rushmori continent, it came to be that the royal coffers of Baggieland had gone empty (no doubt because of excessive binging of all kinds by the royal family). The most royal King Alsqueak of the House of Al was not amused, despite having an exiled Gnejsian jester at his side, and the royal advisor Dundee Talke suggested the Crown should employ the services of known sea hussy Madame Xianggu (notorious bandit!) to remedy their lack of coin and trinkets.

And history would have it so that the salty wench Xianggu and the dimwitted dandy Fandango came across one another at the disreputable establishment The Three-legged Pirate, on a tiny island west of The Goose Coast. The moxy minx of the high seas quickly realized that the uncharitable nepo baby had loads of riches (the House of Molineux had long been successful goat-cheese-mongers) and little sense and spun him a tale about the King of the Baggies holding the key to curing the great root vegetable plague. So, off they went to the land of Baggies. It goes without saying that the Baggies knew nothing of curing fungal issues, and were rather just interested in robbing the House of Molineux.

And that be where we are just about now. The King Alsqueak, the pirate queen Madame Xianggu, the royal adviser Talke and Gnejsian jester Oddstein Øye (plus a couple of spare pirates and possibly also a talking parrot) prepare to take young Fandango back to Union shores. Will they rob the House of Molineux? Will Oddstein allow his new Baggie mates go through with such a heist or does he retain some loyalty to his home, despite that home exiling him most cruelly? Will Fandango wake up and smell the sting? And what about the root vegetables? Will they somehow be cured from that fungal infection? Most of these questions will probably be answered as the joint Gnejs/Baggie venture How Baggieland got a Rock of Friendship finally continues.

by **Baggieland** » Thu Aug 01, 2024 8:47 am

Exhortation

King Alsqueak, Dundee Talke, Sunny Austin (Xianggu's second-in-command) and Oddstein Øye waited in the Great Hall as Madame Xianggu, Fandango Molineux and Sammy the parrot poised to be officially announced.

Royal Herald: "Madame Xianggu, Hussy of the High Seas."

Madame Xianggu: "Your Majesty. How it pleases me to make your acquaintance once more."

Royal Herald: "Fandango Molineux, an oddly-dressed pillock."

Fandango Molineux: "What splendour… what magnificence… a royal palace that is truly worthy of my presence."

Sammy: "Don't forget the bird, you knucklehead!"

Royal Herald: "Your Majesty, may I suggest parrot turducken as part of tonight's banquet?"

They reverentially approached the dais to the throne, Madame Xianggu curtsied to her monarch with a wry smile upon her face – a look of mischievousness that King Alsqueak returned – Fandango, oblivious to these clues turned his gaze contemptuously towards Oddstein.

Fandango Molineux: "You must be Oddstein Øye, the once-famous-but-now-exiled thespian. I see you have gained employment as a jester in Baggieland, go on then royal merry andrew, entertain us all with your wit."

King Alsqueak: "Oh goody, a joke!"

Oddstein Øye: "How many pirates does it take to rob a Gnejsian?"

King Alsqueak: "Hmm… let's see now. I guess a lot would depend on whether or not the pirates were armed and if the Gnejsian had been trained in self-defence. There are so many variables at play here it's really hard to make a guess."

Dundee Talke: "Yes, way too many variables. You will have to enlighten us jester."

Oddstein Øye: "Two."

King Alsqueak: "Two? Your jokes are getting ever more cryptic, I'm beginning to question my decision to give you a job."

Oddstein started winking furiously at Fandango as he discreetly gestured towards Madame Xianggu and Sunny Austin.

Oddstein Øye: "Two, you cretin. Especially THOSE two."

Fandango Molineux: "Yes, I have to agree with the king. I have no idea why you were so popular back in Gnejs. Anyway, enough of this tomfoolery. Your Majesty, I understand you have a cure for the root vegetable plague, for which I shall reward you greatly."

Dundee Talke: "Umm… about that. You see it's impossible to just give you the cure."

King Alsqueak: "That's quite right!"

Dundee Talke: "You see, it has to be transported in a specially designed ship in order that the active ingredients don't spoil."

King Alsqueak: "Oh, most definitely!"

Dundee Talke: "And as luck would have it, Madame Xianggu owns such a ship!"

King Alsqueak: "Well, hurrah for Madame Xianggu!"

Dundee Talke: "But umm… upon arrival in Gnejs you must take Madame Xianggu immediately to your place of residence, where she will show you how to handle the cure correctly."

Fandango Molineux: "That all sounds sensational to me. I can't wait to set sail for home!"

Oddstein Øye: "Two, you imbecile. It takes two pirates to rob a Gnejsian!"

Fandango Molineux: "ENOUGH OF YOUR SUB-PAR HUMOUR! Come Lady Madame Xianggu, let us embark upon your spectacular vessel forthwith."

by **Kamijiro** » Fri Aug 02, 2024 12:05 pm

Bolts of Lightning, Part Zero: The Call-Up

On a cool evening in Miraisaki, far above the neon lights, Raiji Kagawa stands in his apartment office and looks out upon the sprawling city. He has a lot on his mind. After last time out in the World Cup, where the team lost just two matches but drew five, does he abandon his principles and go attacking? Should he bring back the starters from last time after they couldn't get anything done past the group stage in the Cup of Harmony? Stepping out onto his balcony, Raiji lights a cigarette and inhales, lost in thought still, not hearing his apartment door opening and closing.

"Hey, daddy." A young voice called, finally getting his attention. It was his only child, Haruki - the same one who just scored plenty of goals at the Di Bradini Cup. Her voice called again. "I thought you gave up smoking."

He flicks the cigarette into an ashtray and sighs. He replies: "So did I. But goddamn it, I'm stressed. I can't decide who the hell to call up. Those St. Jerome center backs (Marcus Aldridge and Thomas Beal) looked like shit this season and they got relegated. I'm not gonna call them up. Which leaves me with limited options at the back. I have a general idea of who's starting in the midfield and up top... but other than that, I can't think of decent back-ups."

Raiji walks past Haruki to the fridge. Haruki is slightly stunned - normally, her father is a man of very few words. He had grown up rough, living on the streets of Miraisaki and only speaking when spoken to. He had joined a yakuza family at age fourteen after his parents had passed away and he had nowhere to call home. His role there was one of silent deliveries - an occasional nod and some handshakes. Nothing more, nothing less. He got by until he was college-aged and asked to leave the family. The yakuza are usually pretty understanding when it comes to resignations, especially when it's for reasons such as going to college.

But even then, Raiji had already been marked for life. The tattoos on his arms, chest and back tell tales that not many would be proud of. He went off to college and got a degree in sports management from the University of Raijin-shi at Miraisaki. Since then, it's been squeaky-clean for him. His rap sheet from his youth was expunged when he had been ten years crime-free and he was able to get jobs as an assistant for several coaches for various school football teams. Eventually, he climbed his way to the top, landing a head coaching job at his alma mater. He did well enough there to get offered a role as the national team's head manager - one he leapt at.

Fast forward to today, though, and he has a really hard couple of choices to make. He sits across from Haruki with a glass of whiskey, sipping it while he talks. "Do you think I should call up a bunch of young guys, then? I think there's a few from the Premier League this season who could make solid back-ups and develop from there."
Haruki nods in agreement, so Raiji continues:
"I already know most of the starters. Tell me, though, this season when you played, who were the defenders that gave you the hardest time? Mentally, physically, I don't care which, just... who?"

Haruki sits still and thinks.

"The defenders I had the most trouble with... hm..." Her mind goes through all of the matches she played this season. "Ryo Murai from Porto. He always seemed to be in the right spot to cut out lead passes and keep me from getting behind him. Plus, he's damn strong, was able to body me up pretty bad. And Michael Azevedo from Raijin-shi. He whooped my ass every time I got the ball. It was like hitting a brick wall."

He scribbles down the names. "I think those two plus Levi Faamate from East Jiro should round out the starters," he replies. "And then the backups will be younger players who I want getting some experience. Sound good?"

Another nod from Haruki.

"Alright. I'll make sure I submit this roster for the call-up tomorrow. Thanks for dropping by, sweetie."

'Sweetie?' Haruki thinks. 'Is he... trying to show affection? Odd. Oh well. Maybe he's realizing being a hard-ass dad wasn't always so good to me.'

"Goodnight, dad." Haruki says, heading for the door. She looks back one last time. "Love you."

"Love you too, Haruki." And with that, he reclined on his couch and tried to fall asleep. The next day was the big day - call-ups. He had Katsu Fujiwara on speed-dial. His captain for this run. He would be the one showing off the kits for this cycle as well during the announcement.

The next morning, Raiji gets dressed in his typical outfit - a black jacket, white shirt, black tie combo that he had learned to love from back in his old life. He heads down the stairs and hops in his car, an old drift classic that he calls his wife. It's like him - street trash turned into something special. He speeds off to the Kamijiroan Football Association office and meets with Katsu. "You're the captain this time, so you sit with me." Katsu immediately stood at attention and nodded. Not only because Raiji was his manager, but because he was also the father of his girlfriend, two very good reasons to keep Raiji happy.

The pair of them headed to the soundstage silently. The new kits were already on display there and the official roster was on a clipboard on the desk. Raiji and Katsu sat down and the press began recording. "Thank you all for coming." Raiji said, his voice taking on the commanding tone his players were quite used to. "Without further ado, the roster for this World Cup. Captaining the team will be Katsu Fujiwara" He says, gesturing to the nervous-looking blond sitting next to him. Raiji droned on, listing every single player off in alphabetical order by last name. Afterwards, he gestures again for Katsu to stand and show off the new kits. A pink kit as the primary stripe and a white one as an alternative.

Without another word, Raiji stood up and thanked the room again, then left. A succinct press conference. Just how he liked them. He bids a farewell to Katsu as he hops back in his car. "Oh, and Katsu? Make sure the team is ready tomorrow at nine in the morning. Otherwise the first week will be conditioning." He gives a half-smile as he rolls up his window and speeds back off.

The primary kit (pink, on left) and the alternative kit (white, on right).
Kits created using fifakitcreator.com

by **Kronbia** » Fri Aug 02, 2024 5:04 pm

Welcoming the heroes

The Baptism of Fire 84 ended tragically for the ambitions of the Kronbia men's national football team. The players cried on the field after the loss. At the end of the day, the president Emilio Julio de Flavio met them at the hotel and encouraged them. He told them that they had performed honorably and that he was waiting for their performance in the World Cup 97 qualification. When the players returned to Kronbia, none of them expected to be received in this way. When they left the gates of the Pedro Federico Airport in the streets of the capital, Ciudad de Halcon, they found more than a thousand fans welcoming them, congratulating them on winning the silver medal in Baptism of Fire and chanting their names. It was an amazing scene.

The next day, the president received them at the Palace of La Revolucion and they were honored and given a financial reward for coming in second place in their first international tournament and performing honorably.

Preparing for the World Cup 97 qualification

The coach, Atilio Lamberto began preparing for the World Cup 97 qualification by inviting several teams to play friendly matches at Estadio Cerro del Sol. The first match against Acastanha ended in 4-2 for Acastanha, the second against Biyambi ended in 3-1 for Biyambi, the third ended in 1-0 victory for Kronbia against Sangti and the Filindo and the forth ended in 7-5 victory for Kronbia against Slavo-Baltia. The squad participated in the Baptism of Fire 84 will participate in the World Cup 97 qualification.

The Kronbia Sports Channel announced that they will broadcast all the Kronbia men's national football team matches in the World Cup 97 qualification so that all Kronbian citizens can follow our team. It is worth noting that the Kronbia Sports Channel broadcast some of the Kronbia men's national football team matches in the final rounds of the Baptism of Fire 84.

by **Delitai** » Fri Aug 02, 2024 6:30 pm

Delitai Football Association (DFA) Interview with Head Coach Andrei Petrovich

DFA Interviewer: Good afternoon, Coach Petrovich. Thank you for joining us today. As we look ahead to the World Cup 97, how are you feeling about the upcoming fixtures?

Andrei Petrovich: Good afternoon. It's a pleasure to be here. I’m feeling confident and excited. The team has been training hard, and the players are in excellent shape. We’re eager to demonstrate our capabilities on the world stage.

DFA Interviewer: Let's dive into your strategy for the tournament. How do you plan to approach the competition in Eastfield Lodge and Pasarga?

Andrei Petrovich: Our approach will be comprehensive and adaptive. We've been working on a robust defense while ensuring our attack remains sharp and unpredictable. We’ve studied our opponents closely, and we'll tailor our tactics to exploit their weaknesses and neutralize their strengths. Adaptability will be our key to success.

DFA Interviewer: Among the teams competing, which do you perceive as the most challenging?

Andrei Petrovich: Every team in the World Cup presents a challenge, but the host nations, Eastfield Lodge and Pasarga, will be particularly tough due to their home advantage and strong teams. Additionally, teams like Nephara and Eura are consistently formidable. However, we’re ready to compete against anyone.

DFA Interviewer: Reflecting on our last World Cup, what key lessons have you and the team learned?

Andrei Petrovich: Consistency and mental resilience are critical. In our last outing, we had moments of brilliance but also costly lapses. This time, we’re focused on maintaining a high level of performance throughout each match. We’ve also worked on our mental toughness to better handle the pressures of the tournament.

DFA Interviewer: Let's talk about some of the key players. How do you assess the current form of goalkeeper Daniel Martinez?

Andrei Petrovich: Daniel Martinez has been outstanding. His shot-stopping abilities and command of the penalty area are exceptional. He’s a reliable last line of defense and has shown great leadership at the back. His form will be crucial for our success.

DFA Interviewer: Central Midfielder and Captain Kwame Mensah is another vital player. What role do you see him playing in this World Cup?

Andrei Petrovich: Kwame is the heart of our midfield and a natural leader. His vision, passing accuracy, and ability to control the tempo of the game are invaluable. As captain, he sets the standard for the team with his work ethic and determination. His leadership both on and off the pitch is a key asset.

DFA Interviewer: And what about Left Back Xander Wu?

Below is the rest of the dialogue and interaction between the DFL interviewer and the Manager of the Delitai's National Football Team.

by **Panay Islands and Guimaras** » Fri Aug 02, 2024 7:23 pm

DOUBLE WIN FOR THE PANAYENSES BEFORE THE WC97
Iloílo City, Federal Canton

The Panayenses recorded 2 victories ahead of the World Cup. With some goals both by Ricalde, Nam, et al. The preparation begins against Loch Dearg, where they won 4-2. The match opened with Ricalde's bicycle kick against the goalkeeper. And then a goal from Loch Dearg after a mistake by Aldovino. But the Panayenses answered theirs with a hattrick from Ricalde and a goal by the substitute Martinelli. And closed it with a goal from Loch Dearg. They tried to record an upset win but no to avail. The second match against their own rivals, Vaishnavaria. Opened with a Vaishnavarian goal against Aldovino, but Ricalde answered it with a long goal against the goalkeeper. In the second half, an own goal by Del Castro made and think the Vaishnavarians beat their rivals for the first time, but it wasn't the case when Héctor Nam scored his first goal for the national team and the last goal will be scored by Nguyen. Pierini, himself was satisfied with the team's performance. The future of the Panayenses in the World Cup 97 is uncertain, but hoping they could do well and hoping surprise the whole world who are they.

Here are the scores for the friendlies by Crpostran:

Panay Island & Guimaras 4–2 Loch Dearg
Panay Island & Guimaras 3–2 Vaishnavaria

SQIS, home adv/draws on, max rank 49.20

by **North and South Slavo-Baltia** » Sat Aug 03, 2024 8:35 am

The International Stage
- Slavo-Baltian National News

Well, the time is almost here. North and Slavo-Baltia will soon take their first steps on the international football stage. They are one of the 150+ nations that will be taking place in the prestigious World Cup 97!
Other than a bunch of international friendlies (which they have gone 1-1-3 in), this team has not had any major games where they were put to the test. They barely missed out on the Baptism of Fire tournament, which is for nations exactly like them, they also seem to be out of there league with those three losses. The SBNN conducted an interview with Pavel Jelen, the head coach of the Slavo-Baltian National Team:

SBNN: Hello, Pavel, now: what is your thoughts on your team leading up to this tournament?

Jelen: Well, these last games we've played have been full of experimentation, and we probably will keep experimenting when we get to the World Cup. Rotating players, changing strategies, we need to find what works best for us. I like the team we've developed, and I know the boys are ready for this important tournament.

SBNN: What do you say about the doubters of your team? The one's who mention your record of 1-1-3 over these last friendlies?

Jelen: I believe we have found our footing when it comes to our strategy, and I always have players that I can call up, or rotate out if I need to. This squad just needs to focus on their game, and not let the people who doubt them live in their heads.

SBNN: Why was "Worker's Stadium" chosen to be the home stadium of Slavo-Baltia?

Jelen: The stadium is big, it's beautiful, and I have no doubt we can fill-up the stands. Plus, Prague is one of our most beautiful cities, and will drive in tourists after this tournament.

SBNN: Tell me a little about your squad, who do you like? Who can step up? Who's on thin ice?

Jelen: I am seriously impressed by Wyrzyk, both our Central Attacking Midfielder, and the captain of our team. He has really stepped up during these friendlies, and scored himself 5 goals over those games. He certainly has earned that armband he wears for us. Despite some bad games, I also see alot of potential in Dusan Vasylyk. He's a great keeper, but he just needs to figure out how to shift into fifth gear. He's on the brink of greatness for our team. I just need him to push a little more. I am also impressed by Vassily Pertavskas, when I have called him off the bench, he has stepped up to the occasion. I need to see some better defense by our back 4 though. They are letting players get past them, and that's giving them scoring opportunities. If they can't get it under control, I may end up needing to rotate them out. I don't want to, but I need to see victories for this team.

SBNN: We appreciate you taking the time to sit-down with us today, good luck to your team in this upcoming tournament.

Jelen: Thank you.

Pavel Jelen certainly seems potential in his team, but will they live-up to the high expectations? Or will they crack under the pressure? We will find out soon.

The uniforms for the club this year have also been announced.

The uniforms are wonderful, and we are ecstatic to seem them rocked during the upcoming World Cup.

World Cup 81/82/83/84

Baker Park fighting their way back
Scott McCrae
The Mail on Sunday Chief Soccer Writer

The Commonwealth of Baker Park National Team missed qualification for the last two World Cup Finals during a period where success anywhere in the multiverse at all levels became increasingly difficult.

Since the final whistle blew at Stokers Park in Fontwell, Tumbra in the round of 16 match against Tero al Disco marking elimination from the Cup of Harmony, the FAC have poured all the resources and energy that could be mustered to get the Bees back on the right track across the board; the 2nd Arrosia Regional Championship--hosted in Baker Park—got the home team into the knockout stage with a bye into the quarterfinals where they fell to longtime regional nemesis Valanora; the Under-21 team traveled to Valanora for the DiBradini Cup—where they'd managed only a single win and two ties over 12 group stage fixtures the previous four appearances—and finally broke the jinx with a five point group stage, which sent them to the last 16 where they faced—Valanora. Although ending up on the wrong side of a one goal match the squad overcame an inconsistent first week to play their best soccer at the finish.
Finally the Under-18 squad traveled to Rushmore to compete in the HansAir U18 World Cup, looking to get untracked after missing out on advancement in Tumbra; getting a win in the group stage against Elmyia in the 100th fixture in their tournament history wrapped up advancement and the side got the better of an 11 goal shootout in the round of 16 before falling on penalties in the quarterfinal to Sarzonia.

The FAC made a decision to schedule a heavy pre-qualifying preparation fixture list in order to build momentum heading into the tournament that will decide the participants for the first ever 48 team World Cup; the World Cup Committee selected the bid from Pasarga and Eastfield Lodge which presented a 48 nation Final by an overwhelmingly large margin after much debate had divided the membership, with the FAC among a group of nations arguing in favor of the change.

BPNT Manager Will Barnard knows that an increase of places in the Final doesn't necessarily mean that the Bees will make an easy return after two straight misses.
“We take nothing for granted because the competition has gotten a lot stronger from when we started out (in World Cup 80). Nations coming in from the Baptism of Fire are entering qualifying with a lot more confidence right from the start because they believe they have the talent within their nation to compete. We saw up close how much progress a nation can make from BOF to the Finals.”

Indeed, Baker Park hosted a friendly against first time participants Crpostran prior to World Cup qualifying, cruising to a 7-2 win which definitely looks out of context now after the visitors pulled off same feat BP did, qualifying for the Finals on their first attempt.
“We were definitely impressed by how they didn't lose their composure when they could've just thrown in the towel at halftime. They played hard the entire 90 minutes, which was also good for us as it gave the subs a good test. I knew they were going to make some noise in quali but I didn't imagine they'd do the business right out if the gate. We were happy for them, sent our congratulations to them right away.”

The wheel turned full circle as BP traveled to Crpostran for the first match of their warmup fixture list, having the honor of being the opponent for the re-opening of the newly renovated Crpostran Olympic Stadium. A 3-3 draw was deemed a fair result all around, as Barnard rotated the lineup through the 90 minutes to get the squad off to a good start.

This player pool returns a lot of familiar faces but several key players are missing after hanging up their NT shirts: Quinton Harris, Karrie Price, Ben Moorman, and Elena Diaz up front; Luke Olivera, April Symanski, and Amber McFairlaine in midfield; Emily Bruce, Meagan Walker, and Samuel Obodime from the defense; and Rod Callaway, who leaves as second all time for clean sheets kept with 17. Freddie Altman (100), Carly Logan (79), Olivia Ryan (76), Paul Vetter (75), and Serena McDavid (71) are the top five returners in number of caps won, with a number players approaching the 50 cap mark.
Barnard has brought in several uncapped players in a search for both pace and physicality, dropping them into the mix as subs throughout the series. There's also been a battle in net to find who will join Beth Rossi and Geoff Cotterill in regular action, which hasn't prevented the Bees from keeping five clean sheets over the nine match campaign.

Sarzonia and Nova Calania were the opponents for back to back matches in Shirley and St Warren, both resulting in shutouts, although the second game at MacIlwaine Park Stadium saw BP forget to actually put a goal on the scoreboard for themselves. Barnard sent a relatively young side to Sangti and Filindo Isles where they stretched the opposition scoreless streak to 290 minutes in a 1-0 victory; Tero al Disco visited the BBP Stadium, the second of the two COH 88 semi-finalists to have played in the Commonwealth and the Bees came away with a 4-2 victory.

Baker Park hadn't played Banija since before World Cup Qualifying 95 and headed out for a three match away trip with the first stop in Jinja City as the Kadongo Kamu hosted the 24th meeting between the nations that both qualified for their first World Cup Finals in WC80 at the BCEL Stadium.
The Bees once again utilized their entire squad, capitalizing on Stacy Jones' maiden goal with just 3 minutes remaining to come away winners 4-3; the 22 year old midfielder from Jamestown City Ladies was making only her second ever appearance and received the traditional drinks bottle “shower” at the conclusion of the match.

Next it was on to The Reneegrad in Quebec City to face the Grim Reapers of Quebec & Shingoryeo for the 18th time in history, where another 22 year old newcomer, Kelly Delacroix scored her maiden goal as a starter in her third appearance. Unfortunately that was the total of the offensive output for BP as the Reapers came away 3-1 victors, the only defeat in the nine match series.

The final away fixture was a trip to North & South Slavo-Baltia, a first time entrant to WCQ that missed out on the Baptism of Fire. Workers Arena was the scene for that nation's second ever home match and BP fielded much of the same squad that played Sangti & the Filindo Isles earlier, coming away with an identical 1-0 win.
The final match at Collins Park against Captina Island proved to be a sterner test than expected against the 88th ranked side from Rushmore, with another 1-0 BP win closing out pre-WCQ preparation.

The final record was 6 wins, a loss and a pair of draws against six nations ranked between 24 & 58 in the KPB, number 88 and two unranked teams. Barnard was satisfied with the information he gathered about his players and where BP stands against some of the potential sides that could be in the midst of the battle for the 46 spots.

“We worked hard, found out quite a bit about who can step into to replace the group we lost, combos that developed good chemistry. I like where we're at right now.”

by **Delte** » Mon Aug 05, 2024 12:22 am

We Are No Longer The Champions (Unsurprisingly)
Your Comprehensive Guide To World Cup 97: Part One - The Home Team

Sports Correspondent Kit Samrodd For The Oswark Parish Advertiser

Time to get all nostalgic and crack out the scrap book of all your favourite old Deltic heroes who won the World Cup back in '95. It may not be so long ago but things never stand still (except in the FFI independents club competitions) and the Delts have been on quite a journey since hitting number two in the world rankings and winning that cup. There was the disappointment of losing the chance to make it a famous double with an IAC final lost to Saterun, followed by a disconcerting showing in what looks like the final version of the old Eagles Cup, the International Confederations Cup 2 producing a disappointing 5th of 8 finish. And then the lame title defence in World Cup '96 last time out: the bizarre selection of an old lady with no football experience as head coach, the banishing of certain elements of the squad on prejudicial lines, and Climo Coss' defection back to his old country of Wight. There was no chance of a good defence, and the Delts went meekly out in the first knockout round of the finals.

But things are on the up again, it seems. Ida Spankhurst is definitely getting the hang of things and in their second consecutive IAC final appearance, The Representatives beat Juvencus 2-0 to win a another international crown. There is some good new talent coming through in the form of the remarkably adept Smite Bay Drilling Company Sports & Social Club, from where a bunch of oilers formed the majority of the IAC-winning team to bolster the current World Cup squad with a new batch of heroes. And Climo Coss is back! He has decided he won't be playing in this competition, despite the temptation to attempt a third World Cup winner's medal, but will serve as Technical Advisor to Ida, alongside the World Cup and IAC-winning coaches of Mo Unden and Seamus Awton. Seems like a dream team in the backroom.

Unfortunately the current xenophobic administration at the Deltic All-Week Super Ultra Premier Football Association, the FA, have doubled-down on their exclusionary policy that lost us the last world cup by forbidding foreigners and undesirables to play in the home matches. Ida Spankhurst, a more moderate character in the Rake Teinton Women's Institute (who now run the FA), has found a bit of a solution by persuading the powers that be that 'foreigners' like refugees Steed Tombes and Henni Perdu, and 'undesirables' like ex-convict Pokey Fayle, can play on the away team mission - the team that Represents at away matches in the qualification cycle. The FA have made it even harder now, though:

Declaring that the series of disappointments including the last World Cup was actually the fault of several players who turned professional after their success (rather than their xenophobic selection policy) the FA blamed the likes of Tai Cerotha, Iack Tase and even the heroic captain Enor Perro of losing their passion by selling out. This bizarre argument unfortunately seemed to be endorsed by the rank amateurs selected for IAC-21, who went on to win the whole damn thing, thus giving the WI more inflammatory material to work with. Now Ida Spankhurst has to work her loophole magic again, and all the professional footballers are in the Away Team Mission - more about them in the next post.

The success of the Oilers in the IAC means seven of them get called up to the Home Team for qualification (considered the main and proper team, with its moral purity and all that), including monstrous midfielder Shytan Sunddyn and highly effective young striker Chipper Osgood. The old ladies have also insisted on calling up young Henry Lightman, who was brilliant for The Reps a few cycles back, peaked early, went professional, failed in Saterun at Futsworth United, broke his leg, and at 18(-ish) is already considering retirement. But the ladies at the FA think he's a sweet little darling who needs more time. Fair enough.

With Enor Perro sent to the away team, another monstrously big and stoically solid defender, Untto Squaker, who headed in the extra-time World Cup winning goal in the '95 final against Tumbra, steps up to become team captain, with Shytan Sunddyn his vice captain. What a pair of leaders! Who would dare defy them and have a poor game?! (Maybe Henry, but no-one thinks he'll come off the bench, if Climo Coss and the experienced coaches have anything to say about it).

There are two exceptions to the 'no professionals rule' for the home team, what with Ida Spankhurst proving at least very capable of loose interpretations of rules. Onun Tasher, who plays in Taxhavn for St. Bernadine Academical, is considered still to be a student at University of St. Bernadine (of which Academicals is the representative club) and therefore his considerable wages at 'the Scholars' are more like a university grant. Secondly striker Danny Mastorqa who was a professional at St. Bernadine Athletic, has switched to St. Bernadine Amateur. Of course everyone knows that's just a name, they are one of the top professional clubs in Taxhavn. But it's enough for Ida, and the women at the FA seem to be the exception to the rule that 'everyone knows it's just a name'. Which is handy.

In the next post: Professionals, foreign-types, refugees and undesirables from the next valley along - it's the expendable Red Shirts Away Team Mission.

by **North Oharan Valley Union** » Mon Aug 05, 2024 10:45 am

Timestamp: 5 July 2024 - 18h45
Tags: Football, National Trophy, Green Lions

Future and Form
NT Manager Baltuk announces youthful twenty-six for grueling WC qualifiers

“I have already discovered that if you get fifty compatriots in a single room, you will get fifty-one suggestions for the national selection. So I decided to pick one which satisfied my requirements as it would be a line-up that already convinces at least one Oharese citizen. Of course, I can hope I convince more of us but to immediately aim for members of the press would be too much expectation.” Needless to say that Serhey Baltuk was his incredibly phlegmatic self as he faced the journalists assembled in a rather cramped room in the catacombs of the Kaujas Lauks stadium. To be fair, the 49-year old from Vzemorod, just coming out of a five-year tenure with Arsenal Pyatovna, does not relinquish his style, whether it is during a one-on-one or towards the national press. Any player who served under him will confirm: anything he says will be serious, but nothing will be cruel.

After said statement, Baltuk laid down the guidelines along which he made his final selection. While there is no limitation to the number of players included, the brand-new NT manager explained his decision to opt for a relatively small core of twenty-six players. “We will be playing sixteen games in a very short time, which will give us little breathing space. A wider group could make it easier to rotate continuously but any sense of tactical line would disappear. With a group of twenty-six, you can keep a clear plan A, B and C with everyone on board. And I don’t use that in vain, everyone of the players included will get started throughout the next few weeks.” Whilst Baltuk remained optimistic, it is an open question how the group will handle the high pace. The time-space continuum rifts to which people are objected when traveling abroad should handle a part of the fatigue, yet the heavy schedule could take its toll nonetheless, physically and mentally. “There are a handful of football players who have been given a message from me to keep a suitcase packed, just in case. But without injuries, these are the twenty-six that will do the task at hand.”

When puzzled about what the task at hand exactly was, in terms of ambition, Baltuk was astonishingly direct. A communication strategy which stood in sharp contrast with the one used by his colleague Ozols, who managed the Red Wolves in the IBC. “In theory, we will be the underdog in every game but that should not stop us from winning points. Especially at home, we must dare to be ambitious. A top six spot would be a good launching platform for the future of our football programme.” Next to that, Baltuk pressed on the flip side of being novices on the international stage. “For any of our top opponents, Misak and Mikhail can find tons of game footage within minutes. All our adversaries have is a hand-out with the line-up. They don’t know our players, they don’t know our strategy.”

The question, of course, is whether our own players will know that strategy. During his years with Arsenal, Baltuk is known to focus on intricate dead-ball situations and lots of movement off the ball. The kind of ploys that require a lot of time on the training pitch to pay off. Very little of that was available for the Green Lions as the last players only joined the training camp near Vilarme this afternoon. The consequence of the National Trophy lasting till this weekend, much to the dismay of the players. The Trophy will now be halted for three weeks, giving a very congested schedule once the national team returns from its qualification tour.

But for the twenty-six that can be part of the very first international football selection, that schedule probably tastes a bit sweeter. In broad lines, it was clear that Baltuk opted for players who showed eagerness and hunger over the last few weeks, leaving out a few household names who are struggling with their form. Nonetheless, the goalkeeping trio remained close to the predictions. Orest Zornakyan receives the coveted number one and should be a reliable force between the sticks with his focus and leadership. There will be plenty of the latter to go around as Danylyuk and Putnins, both team captains for their home side, anchor the eleven as central defenders. The inclusion of 19-year old Goladze as reserve turned a few more heads but shows the commitment from Baltuk to make this a long-term project: age never seems to have been a criterion for a spot on the roster. With the tireless Daniarev and cross-whipping Japaridze on the backs, one can assume that the tactical plan includes a lot of attacking force from the wings. It does put someone like Arnesen, often rated higher, on the bench.

Veteran Calitis serves as defensive midfield, a controversial choice as he is not the youngest anymore. Picking Darby as back-up over a string of more esteemed names makes this a position that could get a fair bit of criticism if the results disappoint. The hardworking Metakvili is the youngest starter although many assume he will be often rotated with ‘Pitbull’ Karapetyan. Picking Frederik Rosendahl as box-to-box seems to adhere to a plan where physical prowess is rated highly by Baltuk. In that sense, it was not that hard to pick a number ten: Krastins is not just valued as the best attacking midfielder of the current generation, he also does not shy away from the dirty work. In terms of pure talent, replacement Lyzolian and Radzins might rate higher but the former is often labeled as ‘picking his moments’ whilst the notably short Radzins is a lost quantity in physical games.

The most difficult portion of the field to pick was the attack and one can easily list six to eight names that would fit in the line-up without blinking. Still Baltuk and his team restricted themselves to four pure attackers. Banvor’s Ghazaryan was the no-brainer of the group: a strong targetman who is an assurance for goals and is in the form of his life. He gets coupled with Jens Holmsen. Remarkable, as the latter is usually seen as the support act for the powerful Sendall (for whom there was no spot in the selection) at club level but he seems to bring what Baltuk is looking for. The erratic but talented Tulumbaev seems to be that one curveball in the selection, with him it can go either way. That will open up playing time for Dombrovskis who is not a joy to the eye but who will do a lot of miles when the team needs to fold back on its own half.

Notably, Baltuk also selected a pair of pure wingers in Dunn and Andrushenko. Whilst not outspoken in the press conference, it seems as if one of the main back-up plans to the usual diamond 4-4-2 line-up will be a wide 4-3-3. With whirlwind Andrushenko and the wafer-thin Rovers right-wing, there could be a lot of creativity to support a big man up front such as Ghazaryan. And so, the Green Lions go into the great unknown called the World Cup qualifiers with a devoted plan and strategy: hard work over reputation and making the most of every opportunity. At first sight, disregarding the exact names on the back of the shirts, that at least seems the right choice from Baltuk.

by **Aquitayne** » Mon Aug 05, 2024 11:51 am

A Legacy in Doubt: All Eyes on the World Cup

By JESSICA ALBRIGHTAugust 5, 2024

Matteus Frej looks towards goal during the 2021 AIFA Cup of Nations quarter-final loss against Scottopia.

Telora, Aquitayne -

As the nation readies itself for the 97th iteration of the World Cup, the Aquitaynian Football Association's board of directors are keeping a close eye on long-time head coach of the Men's National Team, Matteus Frej. Hired in 2014 after a dismal showing in various international competitions, Frej was seen as a younger, more dynamic coach willing to take risks that his predecessor was not. Within four years Frej lead the national team to win back to back Astyrian Cup of Nations titles in 2018 and 2019, while also taking Aquitayne to an AstyCup quarter-final in 2021. The feelings of a renaissance in the Aquitaynian national camp have largely faded over the last five years, as the team has gone without hardware since the 2019 campaign.

Frej's current contract runs through the end of the 2024 AstyCup, scheduled to be played sometime this winter. The results of Aquitayne's re-emergence into the World Cup stage and its more local Astyrian competitions will determine the future of the coach, and his staff. Growing discontent from media pundits and fans over Frej's reliance on a 4-2-3-1 gegenpress formation and his unwillingness to modify his tactics are at the heart of the issue. Frej has stated time and time again that its not necessary to change tactics drastically for each and every opponent, and that with any formation, only minor tweaks and individual player notes should be required if you have a solid system in place.

Additionally, this is the first time the Aquitaynian Football Federation has allowed the men's team to participate in the World Cup in quite some time. AIFA restrictions prevented national teams from participating in competitions outside of Astyria for quite some time. A lawsuit brought on by over 20 national football associations challenging that rule was successful earlier this year. The federations claimed AIFA was violating fair play laws by restricting the teams' access to competition, which the court agreed with. I had an opportunity to sit down with the coach ahead of the upcoming World Cup and get a gauge on where the team was at.

Jessica A.: "Coach Frej, its an honor to be here with you. Thanks so much for taking the time to sit down with the Tribune."

Coach Frej: "Of course, its a pleasure to be here!"

Jessica A.: "I think the foremost thing on many fans' minds are how the feeling in the locker room is ahead of this monumental competition."

Coach Frej: "Absolutely. The boys are excited, its been quite some time since the Federation fielded a team for the World Cup. Its an institution of a competition, and despite the challenges faced to get here, they all are looking forward to the challenge and are honored to be representing their country."

Jessica A.: "Suffice to say you agree with the high court's ruling on the removal of the AIFA ban on extra-regional competitions, then?"

Coach Frej: "Without a doubt. However, all we want to do here, our main goal, is to play great football. Let the federation handle AIFA. We're simply here to represent our country and perform to the greatest extent possible."

Jessica A.: "Speaking of performance, its no secret that there are a growing number of fans that are worried about the tactical approach going into this World Cup. We're five years since our back to back Nations League titles, and many feel we're moving in the wrong direction. What do you say to those people?"

Coach Frej: "Keep the faith. Myself, my team, these players - we are all here to win. Anyone who thinks we're here to do anything but win must think again. My job as coach is to provide the template and environment for success. It is the players' job to execute what those objectives are. Against world-class opponents, this is always a challenge - there are no easy days at the office here. I can tell you, and everyone at home, this for certain: we are all here with the intent to bring the World Cup home. Nothing less."

Jessica A.: "Thank you coach. I think that will about wrap it up for our time here, thanks again for talking with us - and good luck!"

Coach Frej: "Thank you Jessica, always a pleasure."

Here's a link to the final 25-man roster, published today, of this year's World Cup squad.
_________

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by **United States of Nova Calania** » Tue Aug 06, 2024 3:40 am

Groups are set: Nova Calania in group 1 with fellow Anaians Chromatika among others!

Saint-Jean-Jacques-sur-Mer, Nova Calania - Group draw was done but unfortunately it wasn't live on Nova Calanian tv due to a baseball match against Zwangzug being held at the same time. Groups are set and the Tapirs are in group 1 with fellow Anaians Chromatika and a lot of unknown nations. Let's write about each nations.

Chromatika (15) : Despite being in the same region, we don't have much history against them. To my knowledge, it will be our first encounter in association football. We'll receive them in Ostrow Krolewski on matchday 4 and we'll travel north to Chromatika on matchday 13. The away game will be a tough one in a stadium filled with 144,000 football fans. The Anomalies have a new manager, Alina Khabibullina, who will try to put her mark on the team. Her biggest strenght is that she's a good motivator. Funnily, this team features 4 players who shares the same last name, all on the starting XI. Are they all brothers and sisters? On our side, we have 3 of the 4 McCaskill siblings on the starting XI. Baillaire Fillar is the most flashy of the Fillars and a great playmaker. Lavrentiy Xuen-Zhukov is one of the best striker currently at the World Cup, averaging one goal per game.

Baggieland (36) : Also known as the Throstles, Baggieland is one of the top team in our group. We receive them in Saint-Jean-Jacques-sur-Mer on matchday 2 and we travel to Baggieland on matchday 11. They play a 4-5-1 formation. “Bomber” Robson is their captain and maybe their best player.

Qusmo (71) : Qusmo is ranked behind us but they're still a threat. They're from the same region as the group hosts: Rushmore. We receive them in Saint-Jean-Jacques-sur-Mer on matchday 9 and travel to their nation on the final matchday.

The 14 Stars (95) : Another nation that we consider to be a threat is the 14 Stars. They are from Esportiva and they play a 4-3-3 formation. Their star players are Grace Edwards and Federico Zaratti on defense. Zaratti is the son of Gianna Zaratti, who used to be a very good midfielder. Offensively, Kira Blade and Kai Schulz leads the team. We visit them on matchday 1 at the Starset Stadium and receive them on matchday 10 in Ostrow Krolewski.

Quakmybush (142) : A funny nation name.

The Grearish Union (=238) : At least they have a rank.

Alanis Star (UR) : Maybe the 15th star who got their independence from the 14 Stars?

Sangti and the Filindo Isles (UR) : Our jersey makers. We played them at the latest Di Bradini cup.

Nova Calania's qualifying schedule

Timeline: Matchday 1 is played in january 2026 kinda on new years day or the week after and matchday 18 is played in late may 2026 with a few weeks break in between matchday 9 and 10.

Matchday 1: The 14 Stars (95) vs United States of Nova Calania (51)
Matchday 2: United States of Nova Calania (51) vs Baggieland (36) - At Terrain de Soccer 1 au Complexe sportif national, Saint-Jean-Jacques-sur-Mer. Weather: Light rain 28 °C
Matchday 3: Sangti and the Filindo Isles (UR) vs United States of Nova Calania (51)
Matchday 4: United States of Nova Calania (51) vs Chromatika (15) - At Stadion Azteca, Ostrow Krolewski, Odlegla Ziemia : Sunny 26 °C
Matchday 5: Alanis Star (UR) vs United States of Nova Calania (51)
Matchday 6: United States of Nova Calania (51) vs The Grearish Union (=238) - At Burnham Ground, Burnham-on-Stove. Weather: Cloudy 30 °C
Matchday 7: Quakmybush (142) vs United States of Nova Calania (51)
Matchday 8: Bye
Matchday 9: United States of Nova Calania (51) vs Qusmo (71) - At Terrain de Soccer 1 au Complexe sportif national, Saint-Jean-Jacques-sur-Mer. Weather: Heady Rain on scheduled matchday. Delayed for 4 days and Cloudy 25 °C on kickoff.

Mid qualif break

Matchday 10: United States of Nova Calania (51) vs The 14 Stars (95) - At Stadion Azteca, Ostrow Krolewski, Odlegla Ziemia : Sunny 33 °C
Matchday 11: Baggieland (36) vs United States of Nova Calania (51)
Matchday 12: United States of Nova Calania (51) vs Sangti and the Filindo Isles (UR) - At Zhāng Jiānglǐng Guójiā Tǐyùchǎng, Shanzhou. Weather: Cloudy 27 °C
Matchday 13: Chromatika (15) vs United States of Nova Calania (51)
Matchday 14: United States of Nova Calania (51) vs Alanis Star (UR) - At Terrain de Soccer 1 au Complexe sportif national, Saint-Jean-Jacques-sur-Mer. Weather: Cloudy 29 °C
Matchday 15: The Grearish Union (=238) vs United States of Nova Calania (51)
Matchday 16: United States of Nova Calania (51) vs Quakmybush (142) - At Stadion Azteca, Ostrow Krolewski, Odlegla Ziemia : Sunny 28 °C
Matchday 17: Bye
Matchday 18: Qusmo (71) vs United States of Nova Calania (51)

Paul-André Veilleux

by **HUElavia** » Tue Aug 06, 2024 10:16 am

The Road to Glory

HUElavia placed into a solid Group 9 with familiar opponents, highlighted by the rematch against Drawkland!

Last night in Pasarga, the World Cup 97 Qualifiers draw was held, where HUElavia was looking forward to learn who their Qualifiers opponents would be. Coming off three consecutive appearances at the World Cup, Los Amarillos/Os Amarelos were hoping this can be a solid chance to continue the streak, especially with the expansion to allow 48 teams in the World Cup (46 + co-hosts Pasarga and Baker Park). HUElavia (10) was put into Group 9 with the likes of: Qasden (76), Bears Armed (81), Drawkland (31), Vaishnavaria (=259), North and South Slavo-Baltia (UR), West Vdara (=179), Yakk (124), and Myrtle Beach (50).

Overall, the first notable standout opponent is none other than Drawkland, one of HUElavia's sporting rivals, having met each other several times, especially at the Independent Associations Championship, including the classic IAC 15 Final where HUElavia won their first IAC title in what is considered as "The Best IAC Final" in the history of the competition. Other notable opponents includes former opponents Myrtle Beach and Qasden, dictatoriship West Vdara, and promising newcomers in North and South Slavo Baltia. After the draw, Coach Honda was quoted as saying "We're very content with the draw and we feel like this is a great challenge for the National Team. While we may be favorites, we cannot be complacent and sleep on our laurels. Many of these teams are strong, respectable opponents and we need to take it a game at a time. Fortunately, we got 8 home games to enjoy our supporters and we hope to have them play a role in our matches."

With the opponents and schedule being announced, the HUElavian Football Association and local and state governments have worked on the proposed venues for these qualifiers and the official 8 stadiums have been announced: Estadio Capital (90,000) in Curumba, Estadio Internacional (82,500) in San Rafael, Stadt Breitzen Bank (75,000) in Lobach, Estadio da Esperança (60,000) in Rigente, Estadio de Plata (53,000) in Pamallu, San Ignatius (52,000) in Itio, Bolovets Olympic Stadium (48,000) in Bolovets, and Hot Springs Stadium (44,000) in Toin. This allows the National Team to visit throughout the country and gives many cities and cultures throughout the country to enjoy Los Amarillos/Os Amarelos during these qualifiers.

With that, the official schedule is released and it is as follows:

Matchday 1:
HUElavia vs North and South Slavo-Baltia
Bolovets Olympic Stadium, Bolovets, HUElavia

Matchday 2:
West Vdara vs HUElavia

Matchday 3:
HUElavia vs Yakk
San Ignatius, Itio, HUElavia

Matchday 4:
Myrtle Beach vs HUElavia

Matchday 5:
HUElavia vs Qasden
Estadio Internacional, San Rafael, HUElavia

Matchday 6:
Bears Armed vs HUElavia

Matchday 7:
HUElavia vs Drawkland
Estadio Capital, Curumba, HUElavia

Matchday 8:
Vaishnavaria vs HUElavia

Matchday 9:
Bye

Matchday 10:
North and South Slavo-Baltia vs HUElavia

Matchday 11:
HUElavia vs West Vdara
Estadio de Plata, Pamallu, HUElavia

Matchday 12:
Yakk vs HUElavia

Matchday 13:
HUElavia vs Myrtle Beach
Stadt Breitzen Bank, Lobach, HUElavia

Matchday 14:
Qasden vs HUElavia

Matchday 15:
HUElavia vs Bears Armed
Estadio da Esperança, Rigente, HUElavia

Matchday 16:
Drawkland vs HUElavia

Matchday 17:
HUElavia vs Vaishnavaria
Hot Springs Stadium, Toin, HUElavia

Matchday 18:
Bye

While there was some speculation that Estadio Nacional would come in to host the match against Drawkland (much like what was done at World Cup 95 Qualifiers against rivals Quebec and Shingoryeo), it was opted to allow Estadio Capital to host the match to give some variation. As is tradition, 85% of the ticket sales will go to the HUElavian public, while the remaining 15% will be allocated to visiting supporters of our opponents.

It's another set of Qualifiers for the World Cup and there is excitement once more among the millions of HUElavians. Here's to what can be another fun and memorable qualifying campaign.

FORCA HUELAVIA! VAMOS HUELAVIA! GO HUELAVIA!

by **Juvencus** » Tue Aug 06, 2024 12:53 pm

Il Scudelliano is under new management, one that presents the news about la squadra as it should instead of being a third party newspaper that supports the team only when it wants, and will remain that way until further notice

FRIENDLY STATEMENTS AS LA SQUADRA PREPARES FOR WORLD CUP 97 QUALIFIERS

The heartbreaking defeat in the Independents Cup final to Delte was yet another disaster against -now bogey- squad Delte. Despite the lack of silverware to show for it, the impressive showing of B-team players in a major regional competition have shown to everyone that the remarks of Gaetan are serious and that la squadra is at the most dangerous level it has been observed to be in yet. Players like Nogueira, Luizinho, Vogt, Teixeira and Ajello have stood out. Some of those are ready for first team football, while others might need some extra time before breaking the ice. An important addition to the squad during the friendlies was Joaquim Jorba, an otherwise unaccomplished 24-year old came in a record transfer from Castelo e Calvente of Ko-oren to FC Piluzzi. What he has to offer to Juven football is currently in question, but being in Gaetan's crosshairs is no short feat.

For each of the friendlies, Gaetan decided to implement a different starting eleven, prompting himself to differentiate his tactics from his predecessor's. With each lineup, we witnessed tactical changes as to the approach of attacking football. While under normal circumstances referred to as Pomenienze(as any offensive setup is), Gaetan's tactics are a quite a bit different due to the application of pressure from his players.

Against Cardenao: The choice to position the game against a harsh rival in Scudelli following World Cup 94's qualifiers events was questionable at best. As one could figure out, several fan fights DID break out between visiting Cardenaoan fans and some Panjuvenists specifically. In the wake of those events, players REFUSED to give handshakes as a wave of boos from home and away fans echoed across Stadio Compagna. What were they thinking?

The game itself was a violent affair, harsh tackles from both teams which led to numerous cards being given. Martin Teixeira showed his true strengths, scoring a first half brace, much to the pleasant surprise of Gaetan. A Bekir Cinac goal to start the second half brought numerous questions about the defensive capabilities of the team. Most of which were covered pretty fast, as the Callejon, Agnelli, Coste trio was implemented. Aboubakar Sidibe would finish the game in the dying minutes of the game with a magnificent rocket from 35 meters.

Against Ranoria: Ranoria is a lesser known country to Juvencus, however what it is known for is not association football but gridiron. Gridiron being of major importance here as yet another friendly match was tainted by violence. Specifically, Deondre Rhine, a famous quarter-back from Ranoria got into an altercation with several fans, following provocation by Juven fans insulting the sport of gridiron football. Videos have surfaced all over the web from the incedent, a fan was beaten unconscious, while Deondre Rhine left with some bleeding from his nose following an attack by multiple Juven fans. Reports say his condition is stable and that he is alright.

The game itself was a walk in the park, with gli attaccanti finding gaps through the Ranorian defence from early on, dominating throught the entire game. Joaquim Jorba would score his first goal in la squadra's colors, following an impressive finesse shot that would end up on the right side of the Ranorian goalkeeper. Tatiana Vicario would end up scoring a brace, while Silvia Lopez and Joao Peres would complete a 5-0 thrashing.

Against Crpostran: Crpostran is known to Juvencus only through the meetup of the countries on the Independents Cup 20's round of 16 in HUElavia. The 11 masked figures delivered a game for the ages against the Crpostranians that would end up in a 4-4 tie. The penalties themselves would be an impressive feat of dominance as the mysterious squadra would get a 3-0 victory and a ticket to the quarter-finals. Despite that, fans flocked in to Stade Colonial in Pomena to watch the bout against a much improve Crpostran side.

While the game itself was not as eventful as the first meet-up between the two sides, they for sure delivered. A close affair with multiple opportunities from both sides, young India Jonas' magnificent strike to give the Karmic squad the lead, with Alexander Brown making it 0-2 before half-time. Edu Coste would catch a lot of attention with his own goal, a direct free kick curve that'd leave Hugo Dubois standing motionless, unable to react.

Despite the defeat, it was a good showing from la squadra ahead of the qualifiers but one that will surely leave a lot of questions about the team's qualities ahead of the qualifiers. On one hand, when tactics work out, it seems like the engines cannot stop working and dominance is guaranteed but against harder opponents this will be harder to start. Topping the group and avoiding the playoffs at all costs seems to be the main goal, despite the group containing sides such as tenacious Ko-oren, rivals Sargossa or Indies giants Poafmersia, among others.

In the face of adversity and doubt, Gaetan always seems to come out with the most confident of statements about la squadra. Stating an "immeasurable pride in the depth of understanding from all players from strongest to weakest, enough to push the team to further heights this cycle."

Such faith is admired by his followers, especially U.S Scudelli fans, while critics tend to unlesh on it it, describing it as "naive" at best. No matter the toll of such statement, Gaetan's ability to talk the talk and walk the walk the majority of the time should be kept in mind in regards to such statements. With World Cup 97 qualifiers being the first real test of strength ahead.

by **Ko-oren** » Tue Aug 06, 2024 1:16 pm

Fantasy WCQ 97

Here we go once more! A cycle where quite a few big names are absent - Brookstation, Cassadaigua, Graintfjall, the IA of Quebec, Cabo Azure - not to mention Nephara or the World Cup hosts. That means that Fantasy is wide open with a lot of difficult groups to call, and the same cutthroat budget as always. Feel free to pick Ko-oren - qualification merchants but don't look at what they get done after that. Or is Vdara/West Vdara more your liking? A few returning names in Group 1 with the Grearish Union and Sangti too, or what we're calling the Group of Death already - 14 - with Tanirinthia, Eshialand, Sajnur, Kimi-Suomi, Pyazhnaya, Savojarna, Restresas, Libonesia, and the Alezian Union. Truly no bad options there! The BoF hopefuls are scattered around as well, you'll probably need some of them if you're going to make this budget work.

by **Flavovespia** » Tue Aug 06, 2024 1:50 pm

CAFA Cup 9 ended up being far from the flying start into a new era Flavovespia hoped for. Crashing out bottom of their group, it was an unglamourous time for new manager Victor Adeyemo in Space Laser Dinosaur Robot Pirate Land, and already a handful of pundits and press are on his back. Nevertheless, confidence has been expressed in him, with the FFA (Flavovespia Football Association) keen to stress that the intention was always to focus on World Cup 97, with leeway to experiment in CAFA Cup 9.

World Cup 97 sees one of the biggest shake ups in this tournament. It’s no longer a 32 team tournament, but 48 teams. 4 team groups remain, but 8 of the best 3rd placed teams will enter at the Round of 32 knockout stages. Whilst many will debate this for a while, there is much excitement for many nations, that qualification is that much more likely. For Flavovespia, they come into the World Cup Qualifiers 97 knowing with 46 qualification spots, and a Pot 1 seeding, anything but qualification would be seen as a major failure for the national team. They’ve qualified for the last 6 tournaments, the expectation for many is it becomes 7, even with new management.

The draw sees some new faces for Flavovespia. From Pot 2, Sarzonia is new opposition, an experienced nation that Flavovespia is yet to encounter. Gnejs, and Carpathia and Ruthenia of Pot 3 and Pot 4 are also new nations for Flavovespia to take on. Two opponents Flavovespia have faced before are fellow Anaia nation Legalese, and Darkmania. Flavovespia met Legalese in the inaugural CAFA Cup and CAFA Cup 4, with scores of 3-3 and 3-2 respectively, slight advantage Flavovespia in that face off. It’s a win and a draw for Flavovespia in their past matches with Darkmania, 0-1 and 1-1 in World Cup Qualifiers 88, now retired classic figures Scott Coleman and Steven Hall the scorers then. Debutants in Group 6 are 4th placed Baptism of Fire 84 side Katzeburg, and group stage eliminated side Osterhalten. Ossidiacqua finish off the group, an unranked side. Flavovespia have plenty of new names to navigate, if they are to continue their World Cup Qualifying streak.

With an expanded squad of 26, including 5 debutants, it seems Victor Adeyemo has gone for a bit more variety this time, but still favours the 4-2-3-1 he used at Loxthorpe Rovers. Despite a fair few goals conceded in the 3 consolation Casaran games of the CAFA Cup 9, there were promising signs with 10 goals scored in those games. As ever, Jonathan Bagshaw, now captain, will look to lead his side to more success. Plenty of names have moved on from the last few tournaments, such as David Lyons, Stuart Cookson, Jonathan Goldstone, Kieron Player, Adrian Jones, Michael Cole, and arguably most important, manager Augusto Rinaldi. However, with the departure of previous icons, comes the time for new icons and legends to make themselves known, and fans hope this is the dawn of a new era.

Coming up this cycle in the Flavovespia Football Daily, a series called “The Pyramid”. The Flavovespian league system is now a large, connected mass of leagues. But what is each level like? Who plays there, what are the rules, where are the fun stories, and why should anyone care? Find out in this series, starting at the bottom of the pyramid, and working up all the way to the top of the Super League.

by **HOT-DAMN** » Tue Aug 06, 2024 5:20 pm

Laughing Dog Bar and Grill, Kensington Town, Hapilopper
A few weeks before Baptism of Fire 84

Following what had been a decent - if not inexplicable - showing in the CAFA, the Anaian tournament, the team from Laughing Dog - the beer leaguers - had been excited about a possible showing in the Baptism of Fire. So instead of training for some random beer league team that they’d have some cold ones with after the game, they were training for the rumored first-time international squads competing, teams like Restresas, Panay Islands, Katzeburg and West Vdara.

And for the last few weeks, the beer leaguers had been getting more and more ready. It seemed like they were going to have a fantastic chance at doing really well at this upcoming Baptism of Fire - if not having a real chance of becoming the second Hapiloppian team to win the tournament. And it seemed like the beer leaguers had that in mind. Surely they were going to be just as good as teams like Edsmontik, Kronbia, the Godlands and Kanzlia, right?

That all changed when Jimmy Eaton received a first-class letter directly from the Hapilopper Football Association, handwritten by Dominic Probst, the head of the HFA.

Mr. James Eaton
Owner/Proprietor
Laughing Dog Bar and Grill
9705 Raymond Street
Kensington Town, Buckridge, Hapilopper 9F1 535

Dear Mr. Eaton,

It is with deepest regret that I must inform you that I am declining your request to participate in the 84th Baptism of Fire tournament, but understand that the reasons for this declination are simply because of timing.

As you know, the HFA, along with the Tumbran Football Federation, will host the upcoming Baptism of Fire tournament in both Hapilopper and Tumbra this year. This marks the first time ever that we have hosted an international tournament of this caliber, and in an effort to prevent even an illusion of bias that would reflect poorly on our end, we have opted to decline your request to participate.

In addition, we at the HFA have grave concerns concerning the legality of your entry. Your team does not represent a nation, but rather a drinking establishment in the suburbs of Buckridge. We understand that the Hapiloppian parliament has approved a Hapiloppian outpost in Anaia and that in the future, your team will represent it. However, that Anaian outpost has not yet been complete, and as a result, we feel that your team is one without a nation.

Spaces are limited in the Baptism of Fire, and between a plucky group of underdogs from a nation making its debut on the biggest stage of them all and a group of beer leaguers who are probably on their third beer of the night by the 15th minute, we’ll go with the plucky group every time.

Please try not to take it personally. Should your team be allowed to compete in World Cup 97, we hope you do well, and best of luck in your future endeavors.

Yours,

Dominic Probst
President/Executive Director
Hapilopper Football Association, Ltd.

It was hard to say what pissed Jimmy off more - whether it was the personal disinviting, the condescending tone of the letter or the fact that it seemed like, at least in the eyes of the letter, the beer leaguers were beneath the level of the World Cup - even after they had just participated in a major tournament in Anaia against major international teams. That night, when all the regulars popped in for their nightly cold ones, Jimmy read the letter out loud.

An off-duty police officer, having just gotten off work, sat at the bar sipping his beer and thought for a second he’d have to call in a riot in progress. The letter was harsh, to be sure, and the beer leaguers were apoplectic with rage.

But after an extended series of insults, profanities and rage shouted in the bar, Jimmy calmed everyone down.

“We do NOT need to act out!” Jimmy shouted. “If we act out, the first thing that’s going to happen is we’re getting kicked out of the World Cup. We’ll do our own thing, and if we happen to run into the other guys, we’ll show them how we feel. But we’re going to do our own thing. We’re not going to the Baptism of Fire, we’re not disrupting the event and we’re not going to make an ass out of ourselves. We’re gonna do our own thing and we’ll show those assholes what we’re made of.”

A few weeks later

By now, the gang from Laughing Dog had gotten over the rude snub from the Hapilopper Football Association, and Jimmy Eaton had done a fantastic job sweet-talking a few sponsors into supporting the so-called “HapAnaia” project, as some in the media were calling it. An airliner had gotten them free airfare to where-ever they needed to go for the World Cup qualifiers. A bunch of beer companies were funding their trips - even competing beer companies, because after all, it was the team of beer leaguers, their kind of players, and they wanted to see these guys do well - to prove to the world that the so-called “regular guy,” the average Joe you might see ranting shitfaced next to you at the bar - can be just as good as some of the best in the multiverse.

The team and their friends were watching the group draw for the World Cup qualifiers. There was a lot of hope for this group draw - because after all, a good group or bad group could be the difference between possibly competing for World Cup glory and hoping that whoever hosted the Cup of Harmony would take you seriously.

Being an unranked team, the team - officially called “HOT-DAMN” - short for “Hapilopper Overseas Territories: Dominion Anaia Maritime Neighborhood,” was one of the first picked, for group 11. Beepee and the Cheetahs and Reptiles Coalision had already been picked for the group as well. There was a murmur among those in Laughing Dog as they watched the group draw, suddenly growing quiet as Group 11 came up again.

“And in Group 11,” said the host on the TV. “Hapilopper!”

The room got even more quiet. The look on Jimmy Eaton’s face was something to behold - some would call it “frightening,” others would call it “determined.” He had just realized that his group of beer leaguers had been just drawn with the Hapiloppians. He looked at some of his players, and they had the same look on their faces.

Gael Hicks, sitting near the front of the bar, remembered the snub. He remembered what happened. And now he was going to have a chance to exact revenge.

“I’m gonna hurt someone that night,” Hicks said. “I’m gonna make some motherfucker bleed. You fucking watch, Eaton. You don’t snub us.”

Maybe people didn’t know it at the time, but the upcoming Hapilopper/HOT-DAMN match had a real shot at being perhaps the most violent match in the history of the World Cup.

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