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The Astyria Regional Sports NewsWire is the hub for sporting news in the region of Astyria, including the regional sports leagues. As the leagues are currently being sat up, most news will be on a more domestic-league level. For more information on the Astyrian Sports Leagues, or if you would like to assist in the formation of it, please feel free to contact me.

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[OOC: Posts by nations of Astyria only please.]

[Nu Sparta]

Harenarius Sports Network
Home of Spartanian Arena Sports Since 1983

---

[Ur'lay Yie'sel, of the Flumen Pisces, stops Ria Her'mula, of the Incoluimus Obiacente,
as his teammates Cet'lia Nia'liem & Bia E'sia recover the ball.]

"In last night's Bellatrix Certamine game the Pisces of Flumen Spiritus Portu pulled off a comeback victory against the Tumulosus Incoluimus' Obiacente on their own home turf. On the sands of the Saxosis Montibus Arena three men of the Pisces managed to pull together and steal the ball from the Obiacente with thirty seconds left on the timer. Managing to get the ball down field through a series of forced passes Zeit'ma Ur'ta managed to score a five point goal with a perfect throw. It put the Pisces ahead 63 to 60 winning them the game with three seconds left on the clock.

As for the latest injury report there were only four players injured in total this week. Mat'ie Arr'lia, prized superstar of the Corvus Sidera, suffered a concussion after being tackled into goal post and will be out for the next game. Ista Mu'rien of the Deae Sedes Tabellarius had his arm broken during a short defensive grapple and will be out for the rest of the season. Sai'ten Ves'ley and A'tea Cren of the Sol et Luna Crepusculum have both suffered cracked and bruised ribs after each being tackled into arena walls. Their recover times have yet to be released."

[Neu Engollon]

"Bien Welk, Neu Engollon! Magda Wertauer with you on the NETV Sports 7 Update. Tonight we bring news of a major trade in the Alpen Valley Rugby Union, with two players going to the Some Village Wanderers, our guest squad in the AVRU that calls the port of Panoli a second home. From the nearby San Remo Ospreys, loosehead prop Bartolomeo Fendini will be donning the blue and red of the seafaring folk after recently signing papers. Barty had little to say about his decision, but there was some rumors of dissatisfaction with management and the way things went for the last couple seasons as the Ospreys have fallen on hard times. Again, all hearsay.

The bigger news, folks, in my opinion, is his new teammate and fellow Neu Engollian, none other than Ignazio Noraccino, the starting Panoli Dockers hooker. There has already been an interesting rivalry between the Dockers and Wanderers, who both share time in Anchors Bank Stadium along that beautiful Riviera coast. Now, with Noraccino heading to the Ark team, we can only guess that there also is some interesting backstory to that choice as young Iggy is not one of the veterans to build a solid team around. He has had promise, though, and were he given both more time on the pitch and a bigger paycheck from the Dockers, the choice to sign might have gone differently.

Again, we will keep you updated and hope to interview either Fendini or Noraccino on this big move. Two seasons in and the Wanderers have already taken the AVRU by storm, stealing the second spot recently in the post season and continuing to cement their berth in the Seasogs. They can only grow stronger now as they fill their bench and front line with AVRU ruggers only too happy to jump ship (all puns intended) for both the Helveti and the rising star that is the Ark's Wanderers.
Now on to the Goats football squad as they slink from the World Cup to the Cup of Harmony..."

[Neu Engollon]

RUGBY CORNER

Zackendel Challenge Cup 2 and Trades! Trades! Trades!

By Jean Marc Charjan

Coming on the heels of the RWC 20, the National team has not spent much of their off time at the Burgunden BreuPub. They have been training and rucking like animals and it shows. The first match in the Zackendel Cup for our glorious Goats was against Apox, the hosts. Our boys didn't disappoint as they took the Apoxians to the pitch and dominated the game from the get go. The first try was not without some difficulty as Jean Semmes broke a tackle from Richard Jones, their inside center and scooted by on the blindside corner to touch the rock down. After the failed conversion from Emmet, they went on to get a much easier try 12 minutes later as they were able to seesaw and maul their way back past the Apoxian 22 for Alex Renvier to touch it down. This time, Emmet had both the angle and magic foot to get that extra two. It was near the half that Apox's Thornton got their drop goal in on the Goats. Most surprising moment after the half was the next and final try for the Goats put in by Willy Hoerner, who some doctors said would not play again due to severe injury from the World Cup. He's back and he's out to prove that he's not done yet, Neu Engollon.
The final goal was kicked by Lichtmann to finish out the match with 20 points on the board to Apox's 3.

Willy Hoerner's triumphant return to rugby, a try run in during the second half against Apox.

The other shocking news of the day is all the shake ups for the Alpen Valley Rugby Union in trades. We have had a few inter-union shifting, including a couple of our players going to the new expansion squad from the Some Village Ark, the Wanderers, who were eager to bring on fresh blood. Also now, a lot of the star players are bailing for greener pastures in Buyan, Apox, and beyond, with both Marcel Donnette and Ernie Urbach actually playing against some of their club teammates today in the Apox match. Not much is known about the details, but Telleursville and Burgunden have both taken on some prime Apoxian players in return for the players they lost, softening the blow. David Jones and Ben Marshall have come over from JK Memorial to play for the Burgunden Brawlers, of Seasog semi-finals fame and the Telleursville Gargoyles have taken on Chris Mac and Wilfried Puskas from Northern Urbanista to hopefully stomp on the Brawler coattails.

Then comes relative Seasogs newcomer Buyan, who have already proven their meddle by advancing far in such a short time. They put their bids in for the wanderlusting Neu Engollian players, grabbing our own eight man, Vincent Millar from the Gargoyles to play for UTR Pajukas; San Remo Ospreys' Genaro Belagova will now be putting on a jersey for The Bengtsmark Braves and former Dockers bencher Dino Sobaccia, who so recently moved up to First Team, will now be a starter for Fram Kallsmudden.

In trade, our Capital's Gargoyles get Nerijus Burczek from UTR Pajukas and we see the Panoli Dockers taking on Jaan Kallemane from Tikhovesi RK. On the phone, AVRU scout Oskar Karpen had this to say about Burczek:
" He's in his prime of his career at 24. Risen quickly through the levels and made an impression on me during the Seasogs matches against the Ludenthal Wolves. He had a couple small mistakes, the main one being the fact he isn't from Valneda, the island of Pajukas...so a bad relationship with the crowd straight outta the gate there. We want to give him the fresh start he needs here and see a good deal of talent in him."

Questioned about Kallemane, Karpen told me this: "Star, steadfast player for Tikhovesi. One of two really well performing Seasogs teams this year, Kallemane had a lot to do with that. He was a no-brainer to snap up. He is ambitious and on a steep learning curve, and I think he will be back in Buyan after notching a couple years in the AVRU to dominate their league. That is, if Panoli will even let him go after that time."

I finally hit Oskar up about a rumored third Buyanese trade, but he said it was still in the works and he couldn't comment on it. Prodded about other nations looking to grab up Neu Engollian players, Karpen let it be known that these were just the first wave of what would be many more and we could be seeing a distinctly non-Alpen looking AVRU next season.

You have my word that you will see it here in the Rugby Corner first as soon as I get the scoop. We look forward to an exciting new season for the AVRU and also to some great matches for these top world squads in the Second Zackendel Challenge Cup. Next up, the Cyborg Dutch face off against the Goats. This is sure to be the toughest match they will face for the Cup and we will be on the edge of our seats for it.
The match will be on delay on NETV Sports 7 tonight. ** JMC **

[Stretta]

Strettan Darts Corporation Official Result Posting

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Premier League

Name	Played	Won	Lost	Legs +	Legs -	Leg Dif	Points
Ridley Duncan-Scott	11	9	2	62	37	25	62
Jeffrey Fisher	11	8	3	57	42	15	57
Maxwell Lopierre	11	5	6	52	47	5	52
Hugh Northman	11	6	5	51	48	3	51
James Tudor	11	5	6	49	50	-1	49
Simon Velder	11	4	7	49	50	-1	49
Derek Salswell	11	5	6	48	51	-3	48
Victor Esteban	11	5	6	48	51	-3	48
Wes Lewis	11	6	5	47	52	-5	47
Ortis Master	11	6	5	47	52	-5	47
Charlie Laviolette	11	5	6	46	53	-7	46

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2013 Griffincrest Oil Premier League, a year in review

SDC rank #1 Derek Salswell got off to a bad start, putting his entire premier league season in jeopardy. Losing out in the first 6 games of the 2013 Premier League, the rest of the season was to be a battle to avoid relegation, a fate narrowly avoided thanks to the misfortunes of Master and Laviolette, the two players we won't be seeing next season. Wes Lewis has his premier league hopes next year saved by his head-to-head record against Ortis Master.

#10 rank Maxwell Lopierre mixed it with the big boys of the sport, achieving a finish in 3rd place, and a leap in the rankings to 7th place. Lopierre will take confidence from this and be aiming for his first major event title in the coming months. This promising young talent clearly has a lot to offer the sport, and the Grand Slam of Darts in a months time will be hotly anticipated by the Lopierre fan club.

Second place Fisher couldn't quite get the job done, failing to secure victories by clear legs. He will be learning the lesson that close 5-4 victories do not win premier league titles. Ridley Duncan-Scott on the other hand showed everyone exactly how it is done. He secured 9 wins including a whitewash 9-0 win against the relegated Laviolette, putting in solid victory after solid victory. He tops the table by a clear 5 points. Duncan-Scott lifts the premier league crown, winning a second year on the trot, and with it the Griffincrest Oil $200,000 top prize.

[Neu Engollon]

RUGBY CORNER

Throwing More Into The Mix: AVRU 70th Season and Previews of the 71st AVRU and Seasogs

By Jean Marc Charjan

League, the bastard cousin:
With the delay from the last IRLCC, resurrected from a long hiatus, the timing must have been off and the Rugby League were unable to complete their 12th season in time to submit for the most recent session. Better luck next year with the timing, I guess.

On the Union front, we again welcome more foreign players into the AVRU and find more domestic players fleeing overseas. Some of the most interesting trades to happen, yet. But we'll get to that soon enough...

First off, a crazy topsy turvy season that took us on a rollercoaster ride and parked us exactly where we expected to end up. That's right, a flashback to Season number 69; We have Ludenthal on top, the Wanderers and Brawlers coming in second and third respectively and the trusty ol' Alpenhawks of Ciavno rounding out the fourth spot and squeaking in to qualify for the Seasogs once more. That being said, they had to fight to keep entrenched in those spots harder than one might have assumed. Both against some upstart challengers and each other. The Ludenthal Wolves and the Some Village Wanderers were neck and neck for first, and many say that gold should have gone to the Ark dwellers, but a tough loss in the Final robbed them. Less surprising was Burgunden's stomping of Ciavno in the consolation match for the bronze.
Any given week of matchdays during the Post-Season were a toss up, with no squad clearly dominating and coasting to the semi-finals. Even our permanent guest team and media darlings from the Some Village Ark had a helluva uphill climb to retain their spot.

Picks for next season:
I think this time around for the upcoming 71st Alpen Valley Rugby Union season, we will see a change up and possibly a return from the Panoli Dockers or San Remo Ospreys. Also, I predict the Dronero Periglios being a new top 4 finisher, based on this past season's performance. Go Dronero!

So, trades, huh?

Coming from Commune-PDT.v2, commonly known as the Communadi, the Burgunden Brawlers took on Qahlebh Kjnsohn, a Prop Forward from the Muskulchi'tirhia Sparrowhawks, giving up Felix Marten, a fan favorite to the Communadi League. Qahlebh is not known for speed, but rather being a brick wall for defense. A veteran player that some might say is slightly past his prime and question Burgunden's decision, they would be overlooking his ability to be a solid anchor and seamless team player. Kjnsohn is already apparently settling in quite well to the big city of Burgunden and claiming all things Neu Engollian as his own, including a fondness for ale. Some of this is rumored to be a backlash as he claimed 'good riddance' to the Sparrowhawks for giving him up so easily and replacing him with new blood.
He has been heard disparaging his recent former homeland, as well as team, around the Business district pubs he has taken to. I plan to sit him down with an interview soon and get to the bottom of it.

Rather than the Sparrowhawks, it was R.K. Svhobodha that snapped up Marten. R.K. Svhobodha are an underdog club in the Communadi Liga, but are a frequent upsetter of the top teams. Felix is apprehensive, not expecting to travel overseas, but also timidly excited for the new adventure. Little is known by the average Alpen citizen about the land of the clones and other rumored denizens, and Marten is no exception to this commonality.
"I don't know what to expect, so I'm preparing for the unexpected."

Speaking of clones, we find the San Remo Ospreys with one of them, another Communadi, but possibly not a citizen of the 'Clone Kingdom' for much longer. Sextis Blekh was a Flanker for the Mogd-Syrdusha Black Eagles, but rather than a trade, we should be calling him a fugitive, as he left his former Communadi club and is seeking asylum in the Confederacy on unspecified grounds.
Blekh is said to be methodical, single purposed and deadly on the pitch, honing in on his opposition with ferocity that is seldom seen on these shores. It is a wonder that the Ospreys, a good natured club, agreed to take him on, but it might be part of determination for a comeback to the top five. Wanting to appease the Communadi, San Remo paid quite a price, giving up the legendary flanker Jean Semmes to R.K. Mhozt'sevhyar i 'yhuug, who were willing to pay his exorbitant free agent fee. Seems like the Ospreys were happy enough to free up a good chunk of their budget that was going to Semmes' salary, putting that yoke on R.K. Mhozt'sevhyar i 'yhuug to try to cough up. I don't know much about Communadi finances or what they've promised him in the long term, but depending on what they deliver, Semmes might not last more than a season, despite his value on the pitch.

That's about it and we expect quite an interesting Seasog series, due to this and the other Buyanese and Apoxian players in the top AVRU clubs. Not only do we gain some fresh AVRU players, but it seems the Confederacy is gaining some new citizens to boot. We will be doing a run down of the League World Cup next column, so keep on reading.

** JMC **

[Neu Engollon]

"Bien-Welk! Good Evening, Neu Engollon! Magda Wertauer here with you on the NETV Sports 7 Update. It is with extreme joy that I am able to report the win of the Burgunden Brawlers in the Eighteenth RUCT Seasogs series. They now hold aloft the prestigious trophy that has been contested for some time by the best domestic rugby clubs in the world, and now finally holds station in Neu Engollon for a year. The struggle to get there had to be one of the toughest roads that Burgunden has faced, more so than any of their battles in the AVRU over seasons and generations. Their first match, having been granted a bye into the Round of 16 was against the Dwile Jerseys of Apox. The score was deceptively a 13 to naught shut out, but those two trys were nothing close to a cakewalk up against the Dwile defense. In turn, Burgunden had to fight off determined attacks on their try line by a quick rolling, shifting offense. Recent trade from last year's Seasogs champs, the Muskulchi'tirhia Sparrowhawks, Qahlebh Kjnsohn squashed one drive at the 7 meter mark, proving what a good deal the purchase of his contract was for the Brawlers.

Next was the Quarter Finals against Northbrook Harlequins of Polar Islandstates, whom they managed to squeak by with a penalty kick and 2 drop goals, unable to actually cross their try zone or even get 10 meters from it. The magic foot of Klaus Poezenschott can be thanked for that. A bad ligament tear from a tackle by the Polarian blindside flanker put Arno Geisse out of the game and the tournament. It may be a while before Arno returns, if at all, to the Brawlers.

The Semi-Finals brought them against the mighty Licentian Islanders on an overcast day. Both teams played as if the microburst showers were not an issue, despite the complete mudslide the pitch turned into. Once again, it came down to a couple grand drop kicks through the sticks to finally bring the Brawlers to the Seasogs finals and history!

It was a poignant day, especially for two players. Fly Half Ben Marshall and hooker David Jones were on the wrong side and wearing the wrong color jerseys, gold and maroon, in many eyes as they faced off against fellow Apoxians and former teammates, JK Memorial. Considering that the tie breaking drop goal was punted by Marshall, a lot of grumbling and malevolent thought will continue to plague and haunt the JK Memorial Squad management for years to come for letting such a situation come to pass. 9 minutes later and 10 away from the end whistle, Weintraub grounded the rock in the corner of the zone to seal the deal. Weintraub had only minutes earlier argued with the Sir about staying in with a busted nose fully gushing crimson. A missed conversion from Braliere was no matter as they still were able to hang on to the solid lead. Fans rushed the field in ecstatic joy! Some teams bathe their coaches with sports drinks. Burgundeners do it with ale. Coach Koerzbach was drenched in BB Rouge Rye as he looked on with tears and grins.

It is with great sympathy that we console the hockey fans who watched the Neu Engollon Ibex fall predictably in a tough group of the Twenty Second World Cup. We tell them to make their way down to the pubs anyway to raise a toast and hope to next year and celebrate the Seasogs Championships in the meantime.

Meanwhile, the news for domestic rugby fans only gets brighter. It seems there will be more trades and more Apoxians coming to the Confederacy. We so far have not been able to get comment from AVRU officials, but we will let you know as soon as we can get names and numbers.

Finally, we once again would like to congratulate that squad of honorary Neu Engollians, the Some Village Wanderers for their first gold in the AVRU Championships. After just a few short seasons they have climbed so far so fast and taken the Denlier Trophy, which now holds a storied temporary berth on the Ark. Rumors are also abound that agents from the land based teams like Ludenthal, Schwartzgarten and San Remo are attempting any type of persuasion to lure great ruggers like Iob, Ozihel and Aaron off the boat and to their respective cities. No word on if they can get any of the young lads to actually wander off the Ark and into a sweet contract, or if it would even be allowed by the King and Elders.

In the meantime,
Enjoy your night Neu Engollians! Keep it safe and sane, Burgunden. Buonachi!"

[Neu Engollon]

"Bien-Welk! Good Evening, Neu Engollon! It's Magda Wertauer with you on the NETV Sports 7 Update weekly wrap up, along with my co-host, Karl Demais. So, we see the Goats national football team wrap up their attempt at World Cup #67 with mixed, but fairly predictable results. Some surprises with good matches against some of the top ranked teams of their group, including a recent 2-1 win over the favored Eagles of the German American States."

"The fact that Neu Engollon ended up 4th ranked in the Group was indeed a pleasant shocker for some, Magda. I think it made for some interesting times with bookie payouts down in Panoli."

"I'm sure you're right about that, Karl. The even bigger news, is that Coach Henau will be leaving the team, despite their best showing yet in a World Cup, and also, 4 or 5 unnamed players are retiring from the National Squad, making way for some new faces."

"I think Coach Henau's retirement is sort of mutual, from what I heard, Magda. NEFA was more than willing to keep him on another season, but I think he decided now was the time to leave on a high note. I am definitely curious as to what players are moving on."

"Ah...Well, we'll keep you updated, folks. On from association football, to the next biggest news...The Helvetic Premier Rugby League has just ended the Finals and the season, and we see some more surprises. Karl?"

"That's right, Magda. Looks like The Caps of Telleursville, short for Capitals are making a come back. As well, the San Remo Meds made the biggest return, becoming the new winners crowned in the 27th Season finals. Right now, we are in anticipation of how they will do in the IRLCC against other domestic club teams from around the world."

"Where once, Neu Engollon only excelled in the Union code, they now seem to be making a name and some headway in the League Code as well. Should be quite a International Rugby League Championship Cup this year."

"Speaking of Union, the Ministry of TCS (Tourism, Culture & Sport) is now in talks with the Sporting Committee of the Ark of Some Village, to put a bid together to host the next upcoming Rugby Union World Cup..."

"For those of you who've been out in space the last couple years, Some Village are the honorary citizens of Neu Engollon, having arrived in their ark to dock and make Panoli a second home. I must say it will be interesting to see how they organize a modern sporting tournament, with a middle ages mentality."

"It will make for quite a story, whether they end up winning the bid or not, Magda."

"Finally, we will review the women's flat track roller derby scores after the break from our sponsors. Stay tuned..."

[Neu Engollon]

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"Bien-welk! Hello and good evening. I'm Karl Demais on the NETV Sports 7 Update. We now see the Goats going into the semi-finals at the Hannibal Invitational in Nouvel Ecosse, having clawed their way to the top of their group. What should have been easy matches were not even close to being so, except for the match against the local Hannibal Eleven, the host team, in which our boys knocked down by a five point margin. However, the game versus little known Costa de Ouro was a nil-nil draw with both offenses slamming up against defensive super blockades. The wonder team of Ventura, Lobo and Serafim on the Costa de Ouran side was an insurmountable challenge to our strikers, for sure...And then, of course, the debut match which we have shown highlights of several times in the last few days against the Riysa squad. The Goats squeaked by with a one goal advantage, to win it 2 goals to the single score for the Gazelles. Not for lack of trying by Karim, Qudsi and Mu'min, the Gazelles with the most attempts on goal during that match.

In comparison to the Goats performance, the Coqs, the National Gaul team, our neighbors to the West, have predictably been stomped in every Hannibal match. Not that they had superior attitudes, but I think the home crowds that traveled up, via the safe route through the Aurora Confederacy, were expecting so much more. The Gauls head home to the Mederano with nothing to show, but three goals and no wins.

Getting back to the Goats, though...
It is also the debut tournament for the new head coach, Nils Feinbaum, who gracefully took over from the retiring Remy Henau; moving up from the assistant spot. He was a natural pick to continue on with Henau's driving spirit and not cause ruffles with a random pick from outside NEFA, as had been suggested.
As well, some other visible changes to the team. Vuson and Schlosser retired, or so we were told, and some fresh new faces were brought into the bench to take the place of LeCuyer and Langlois, who had served their time there and were ready to shine as starters. The newly restructured Goats seem to have weathered the tests.

Interesting side note...Arnaud Vuson didn't seem to want to retire after all, or was offered a substantial sum by the SVSC in order to change his mind, as he promptly turned around and took the spot to helm the Some Village team. The Ark's scab crew of Panoli dock workers, Confederate cons and Astyrian has-beens...and a sprinkling of actual Villageans were another predictable dismal show, but entertaining all the while. More entertaining would have been a Some Village-Neu Engollon match up with Vuson facing his recent former teammates, but alas, it was not to be as the Villagean team did not move on from the Group Stage.

Back to the Goats again...They certainly know that nothing will be handed to them on a silver platter. A lesson that they probably have known and learned well from their dismal to average showings on the greater international World Cup circuit. Acting like big fish in a little pond was never the prevailing spirit of the Goats themselves anyway, rather an overly speculative home press.

That humble spirit will be appropriate when they face another surprising powerhouse team in their first post-group match...The Agrincourtians. These southern Astyrians, like the Ecossians, are embroiled in a war foisted upon them by their rogue socialist neighbors. In Nouvel Ecosse's case, the Yellow Star Republic...In Agrincourt's place, Casegene. Domestic politics doesn't seem to have gotten in the way of their concentration, however, as they have stunningly rocketed through the Group Stage. We wish our Goats the best of luck and all of the Confederacy will surely be on the edge of their seats in the pubs and at home as we watch the match tonight. The game will be televised live here on Sports Seven. Stay tuned for Seasogs previews..."

[Neu Engollon]

"Bien-Welk! Good Evening. I'm Karl Demais and you're watching the NETV Sports 7 Update. Tonight we're going to give you a mini preview of the 25th World Cup of Hockey which is hosted in the Royal Kingdom of Quebec and Vaugania this year. The Neu Engollon National Hockey Team, the Ibex, have been practicing all year, in between their commitments to college and minor league teams, to maintain the high status of Ibex hockey on the world stage. Last year, as you may recall, Neu Engollon made it in to the Quarterfinals but had their hopes dashed by the Vanorans in overtime of that match in the Royal Barangay. Scoot back to the present...

The Ibex hold top spot in Group B and are heavily predicted to move on. They are now sixth ranked in the world and look towards improving that by taking on the big guns that have thwarted them up to this point. Havl, Gregoryisgodistan, Torisakia and of course some vengeance planned for Valanora. Not to be forgotten, they could still be knocked down and out by some equally good challengers such as the hosts Quebec and Vaugania, as well as the Avarrians, Equestrian States, Vilita and Turori, Ko-oren and even HopNation looks formidable this year, as they have in the past, despite their deceptive middle ranking. Likewise, the return of Soviet Canuckistan and Mohawk Clans after a good hiatus from the world of hockey holds some cautious warning for the Ibex to not get overconfident towards middle ranked squads.

Astyria as a region is known more for vast economic growth and political divisions rather than sports, but the Confederacy stands out as a sporting giant in comparison to the general athletic apathy in much of the rest of the region. Two other Astyrian nations join Neu Engollon in returning to the Cup, fellow hockey enthusiasts Aquitayne and our western neighbor, Terre Des Gaules. The Gauls still have a weak squad, but in a few years from now, who knows? Two exhibition games between the Ibex and the Coqs were held in our capital of Telleursville and subsequently the Gaul city of Dijonnaix this past year and the Coqs impressed the crowds as they kept the scoring of the Ibex to a minimum, without being completely flogged in both games. They have learned some lessons the ice, for sure. Look for Aquitayne to be hitting heavy this year, too.

Rumors have continued to float, perpetuated by Coach Nevin Le Houne himself, that his retirement was impending. We had a brief interview with him earlier this year which we will replay now:

Magda Wertauer: "Coach Le Houne, is it true you are about to announce your retirement from coaching the National team?"

Coach Le Houne: "No, not this year, Magda. I have signed on for the upcoming Cup and the Ibex know that I won't leave them hanging. It's coming soon and I will revisit the decision after Cup 25, but for now, I'm on board."

Magda Wertauer: "That's great to hear, Coach. I hear though that we may see a couple players move on, is that rumor true?"

Coach Le Houne: "Yes, but I can't put any names out there. It's up to them to make their individual announcements. I can tell you that it has nothing to do with any strife on the team...There isn't any. We all know that a couple of our players have gotten up there in years and not playing to the level they once did. This game takes a terrible toll on the body. That being said though, they are still solid support and crucial in bringing the younger players up. They can pass that mantle on now to some other veterans, and feel confident they can leave the team in good hands. It was a mutual decision that this would be their last year with the organization and they will be honored for their service with us."

Magda Wertauer: "I see. I think we can all field some guesses on who that might be. What do you think the chances are for the team to go all the way this year?"

Coach Le Houne: "Oh...pretty good. Better. We'll give it a shot. Step by step...and we're looking at trying to crack the semi-finals this year. We will play aggressive this year with a heavy, heavy focus on offense. Right now, we need to not be too cocky and let a Group mate sucker punch us, figuratively. Every foe is formidable...That's our team motto. The unknown is what we must worry about, so we will scout out Nova Terra Divinia as much as we would Havl's current crew in order to come up with counter strategies. I need to go here...practice is gonna start.

Magda Wertauer: "Well said, Coach. Thanks for speaking with us then and we'll see the Ibex at the Cup."

Coach Le Houne: "Thank you, Magda. You sure will."

"...So, there you have it. I will not keep the suspense, since Magda's interview there, we have now learned that the players who will be ending their final season with the National team are defenders Valentino De Gratzo and Brizio Farducci and winger Lothar Dermbech. I think that both the Athletics Ministry and the team have a farewell planned for our vets and I know the fans are already pouring in support so that these guys will go out with a bang. De Gratzo and Dermbech have already been offered top coaching spots with the NEHL as we look to it transitioning from minor to major league in the next year, reflecting the rise of hockey in the Confederacy. Farducci, meanwhile, has decided to move on to the corporate sector.

We will wrap up our WC of Hockey 25 preview after the break, and give you the rugby and roller derby scores for the day. Also, set your DVRs for the first match of the Cup against the Polar Islandstates which will be broadcast live here on NETV Sports 7 with replays, profiles and other Cup coverage on Sports 19. Stay tuned..."

[Neu Engollon]

SKATES & STICKS

How To Bounce Back; Big Shake ups with the Ibex

By Bernhard Maier

So the World Cup carries on without the Ibex, unable to even broach the Round of Sixteen this time. While the situation isn't as dire as some would have us believe, they did only lose one single match, after all. It was the ties that put them out of the running, along with group opponents' Transalpine Republic and Hicana's crucial wins over other evenly matched group mates. That being said, Ibex play wasn't as spectacular as we all hoped, with several slips in the defense and goal tending. Still, blame is being shoveled everywhere in the Neu Engollian hockey world, and not just on the ice.
The fallout has just begun as many are calling for the resignation of Coach Le Houne, and the NEHL Commissioner, Meinhard Chastel and even Minister of Athletics, Jean-Marc Koepller. The latter two having very little to do with events in the Royal Kingdom of Quebec, where the fiasco unfolded. The government has responded that they have no intention of relieving the new Athletics Minister, and Koepller in turn has stated his firm confidence in Commissioner Chastel. That leaves Coach Nevin Le Houne, who, ahead of any sanctions or scapegoating, has made a decision on his own:

I have decided not to continue on as the head coach of the Ibex, and will be stepping down and forfeiting my contract bonus. This is in no way a reflection of my lack of confidence in the team, who I am very proud of and continually impressed by, but rather the fickle fan base and NEHL infrastructure that has failed us time and again. I believe that Assistant Coach Herald Mondavssen will be more than capable to carry on work to get the Ibex in shape for the 26th World Cup in my absence.

Unsurprisingly, Le Houne lashed out at Chastel, but surprisingly, firing back at the fans in the Confederacy who he says let the team down, but have always been in their corner in the past.
The search for a new Coach will commence immediately, and in their continuing spat, Commissioner Chastel has also vowed that Coach Le Houne's suggestions for his replacement are likely to be disregarded. This might also rule out Mondavssen stepping in from his assistant spot to permanently take over for him, as was hoped for by the team and Coach Le Houne. Rumor has it that the Ministry and NEHL are even looking outside of the Confederacy for a replacement coach.

This is obviously not the note that the Coach, or Valentino De Gratzo, Brizio Farducci and Lothar Dermbech, the three players that announced that their retirement would happen after this Cup; hoped to go out on. It is sad that we couldn't send them off with a better end of the season record, but such is the nature of the sport and the rocky Ibex story.

Whoever might be taking the helm will have quite a few pieces to reassemble as the morale of the team is low, and they look to recover lost ground in their climb to a Cup win. Good luck to whoever takes over as the new coach. You have big shoes to fill. Coach Le Houne will be missed and his work with the Ibex will be legend for the ages.

** BGM **

[Scottopian Isles]

Another season has passed and Scottopia City secured their second title in the Scottopian Isles Premiership. Tension was running high in the final weeks as the top 5 teams were separated by just 5 points making this the closest season for Scottopian football history in any league tier.

Although Scottopia City trailed New Greenock Football Club going into the last game, NGFC was surprisingly beaten by Port Elisabeth 2-0, who placed 7th place this year. The boys in blue from the nations capitol edged out a 3-1 away victory over the Urquhart Rampants to place them on top of the table.


Scottopia City players with Manager Daniel Williams react to the announcement they won the league

Despite the final day loss, New Greenock FC Manager Kevin Rooks said of his team "I'm proud of the boys, taking 6th place last year, nobody expected us to give last seasons champions a run for their money. We beat a lot of good teams along the way, but we just ran out of steam at the end". Although they will receive no trophy, a silver lining for NGFC is they will be eligible for the Astyrian Champions League should the idea get off the ground.

In other Premiership news, Albertz Athletical and Heber Football club will be relegated to the First Division for next season while last years First Division Champions, Kelso United, struggled in the Premiership placing 10th and will enter the Play-off Game to see if they will remain in the top flight.

2014 PREMIERSHIP

Scottopia City (14-2-6)
New Greenock FC (13-4-5)
New Greenock United (13-2-7)
MacKenzie City (12-4-6)
Scottopian Capitols (12-3-7)
Real Junipero Serra (10-3-9)
Port Elisabeth (9-4-9)
Urquhart Rampants (7-6-9)
Fort Matilda Arsenal (6-7-9)
Kelso United (6-3-13)
Albertz Athletical (4-3-15)
Heber FC (3-5-14)

The title race in the First Division however was always seemed to always be in the hands of the Cappielow Cavaliers who managed to not only win their first League Cup, but by doing so without aquiring a single loss. No team within Scottopian Isles Football Association history has accomplished an undefeated season until the team from the Auchendowrs Isles managed to do so. Only 2 ties tarnished a true 100% record, one of those coming from second place side Milpitas Bay who will also be promoted to the Premiership.

2014 FIRST DIVISION

Cappielow Cavaliers (16-2-0)
Milpitas Bay (11-2-5)
Davanzas United (9-4-5)
MacKenzie Whitecaps (8-5-5)
Port Glasgow United (7-5-6)
Summit Storm (6-4-8)
Ibrox Athletical (6-3-9)
Sacramento Republic (4-2-12)
Morris Park (3-4-11)
Aduna FC (3-3-12)

Milpitas Bay accomplished a 4 game winning streak to solidify their position to gain entry to the top teir of Scottopian football but the real game to watch was the final day was that between the MacKenzie Whitecaps & Davanzas United. A win for the Whitecaps would have placed them in the play-off game, but the Wasatch Isles capitol team managed to withhold the third place spot to compete against Kelso United.

Sacramento Republic also found troubles in their opening season in the First Division after a great start in the early weeks. Slowly they slipped down the table, managing to retain a play-off spot to grip any chance of remaining in the First. Morris Park & Aduna FC both however will be relegated to the the bottom flight.

2014 Second Division

Rangers FC (14-1-3)
Selaco San Francisco (11-4-3)
Terrance Terriers (11-3-4)
East Kilbride FC (6-6-6)
Westminster Warriors (6-5-7)
New Edinbrugh Knights (5-5-8)
Highland Athletical (5-3-10)
North Shore United (5-3-10)
Glenbrae Union (5-1-12)
Uinta FC (3-5-10)

Rangers FC topped the Second Division after losing the playoffs last season. Manager Lee McCulloch pushed his team early on to attain first place and never faltered from that spot. Their toughest competition came from Selecao San Francisco and Terrance Terriers. Just one point separated the San Joaquin & Auchendowrs teams, which has hung over the heads of the Terrier's for a good while. It became the deciding factor as Selecao San Francisco will move to the First Division but Terrance will have to prove themselves against Sacramento next week if they wish to move on.

Play-Offs Games will be between the following teams:
Premiership/First Division: Kelso United vs Davanzas United
First Division/Second Division: Sacramento Republic vs Terrance Terriers

The winners of tomorrow games will be placed in the higher ranked league and will officially conclude the 2014 Seasons. The Scottopia Cup begins this month, followed by the InterCouncil & CommonWealth Cups.

In other Royal CommonWealth sports news, the Scottopian Isles Hockey League is in the middle of their season with the Port Elisabeth Penguins quickly catching up to league leaders, the San Jose Sharks. Also, the Scottopian Isles Basketball Federation is underway after their first games this weekend with victories going to the Galenean Globetrotters, Huntington Tropics, Milpitas Bay Buccanners, New Greenock Gangsters, Scottopia Swishers and the Uinta Jazz.

[Scottopian Isles]

It was blood, sweat and tears along with a few cards thrown in at the Scottopian Isles Football Association play-off games as teams so close to promotion and relegation battled it out to earn their rightful positions in the higher ranked league. The most anticipated match up of coarse was the Premiership/First Division game between top flight side Kelso United from the Entente of Dowds in South Scottopia and the hopefuls Davanzas United from the Wasatch Isles Entente of Kimball. Both teams met each other twice last season in the First Division before Kelso United was promoted, with both teams winning one game a peice. Today however, the two United's were anything but united as they both fought tooth and nail to gain the upper hand early on.

The kick off began on a lovely sunny day in the city of Kelso and the home side got right to work, catching Davanzas United off guard as they scored in the 6th minute to the delight of the home fans. After a terrible clearance by the visitors, they were unprepared and lacking numbers in defense as Kendall powered a low shot to the corner of the net to put Kelso United up. Davanzas seemed vulnerable being pressed mostly into their own half for the most part of game, but a late break away just before half time allowed the team from the Wasatch capitol city to find the goal squaring up the score just before heading into the locker rooms.


Teammates join Randy Kendall of Kelso United to celebrate the opening goal of the game

The managers certinaly earned their money during the break as a very active second half ensued with more shots in the following 20 minutes than the whole first half combined. But it was again the hosts to break the deadlock by netting the ball off a corner kick to place them 2-1 up with 15 minutes left. It was easy to see Kelso United withdrew into a defensive stance for the remainder of the game to keep a hold of their lead, but it ended up being their downfall as Davanzas United captain Josh Glenn managed to find an open gap in the home sides lines, passing the ball thru a sea of yellow jerseys to find striker Caleb Fishler inside the 18 yard box who was unmarked and slotted the ball to the back of the goal at the 87 minute mark.

It was more enjoyable watching paint dry going into extra time as neither team dared press too far into their opponents territory to risk falling to a counter attack and the game headed into penalties to determine a winner. Davanzas United won the first shot, but Kelso's goalkeeper Andrew McDonnel managed to push the ball aside to give his team the advantage. As player after player converted their shots, the score stood at 3-2 and looked like Kelso was to be the sure winner but as defender Steve Consbly blasted his shot high and wide, it gave Davanzas United the chance they so despretly needed. Again, Davanzas striker Caleb Fishler found his way to spot kick and put it in the near empty net as Kelso United goalkeeper dove the opposite way evening out the score at 3-3 with 1 shot left for each team. The pressure must have been too much for winger Daniel Carter as his shot fell short of attaining the nessicary speed to beat the keeper, who made an easy save. Fortunatly, Davanzas captain Josh Glenn arrived to save the day. His shot beat the keeper and for the first time in Scottopian history, the lower ranked team won the play-off game to arrive in the Premiership.


Davanzas players rejoice after coiming from behind twice to win on a penalty shootout

Kelso United 2-2 Davanzas United (Davanzas won 4-3 on Penalties)
Staduim: Dowds Sporting Grounds - Kelso, Dowds, South Scottopia
Attendance: 27,683
Referee: Nicholas Sandoval

Just as Kelso United found troubles in ther innagual season in the Premiership by ending up in the playoffs, last seasons Second Division champions Sacramento Republic also found hardships in the First Division, bearly squeeking by due to their great start to the season after a number of defeats towards the end. They met Terrance Terriers from the Auchendowrs Isles who missed out on promotion by just 2 points. Last season, Sacramento Republic got the better of the Terriers in both games and looked the stronger team during pre-game warm ups. Although the First Division season seemed miserable for the Republic, playing againsts higher ranked teams certinly had given them the nessicary experiance needed for this game. A light rain had fallen upon the players during training, but had slowed down if not vanished by the time the kick off arrived.

The slippery surface got the better of the Terrance Terriers as they couldnt seem to get their passes or their formations straight, allowing 6 shots on goal in the opening 10 minutes. Thankfully their goalkeeper was up to the task even though the defenders were having a harder time. It took though only an additional 5 minutes for the first goal to come about at the quarter hour mark as Sebastian Vasquez sent a high curve into the top of the goal where their was no chance of saving it. Terrance came back strong however, making a few chances but failed to get the ball on target, blasting it wide a number of times giving Sacramento goal kicks they needed to send the ball back up field. Before the half was over, the Terriers were trailing 3 goals to nil and manager Ross Green was none to happy, refusing to comment on his teams behalf going into the break.



The San Joaquin Isles team came back from half time with even more determination to secure their place in the First Division by gaining more shots and passes, keeping most of the possession for the game and forcing the Terrance Terriers deeper and deeper into their own defensive third. Another goal placed the Republic 4-0 up at the hour mark and it was obvious some changes needed to be made from the Auchendowrs men. A rare triple subsituion was enacted bringing fresh legs to the Terrance Terriers midfield but Sacramento still relentlesly attacked at goal signifiying they weren't done until the final whistle. Although the game was hopelessly out of reach for the Second Division squad, they managed to gain a corner at the 82nd minute where George Karev got enough behind the ball in the air to breach the keepers defenses. With a score of 4-1, the referee ended the game to the joy of the home fans meaning that the Sacramento Republic would remain in the First Division.

Sacramento Republic 4-1 Terrance Terriers
Staduim: Estadio de Sacramento - Loch Tracy, Sacramento, San Joaquin Isles
Attendance: 18,943
Referee: Douglas Buchanan

[Neu Engollon]

Commencement of The Change

SKATES & STICKS

A New Ibex Team Jumps Into The Cup

By Bernhard Maier

It was doubtful that the Ibex would even make it to the 26th World Cup, but after much deliberation, the Sports Ministry and the NEHL bowed to pressure and were able to get the paperwork filed last minute. The topsy turvy events following the 25th Cup and the loss of not one coach, which was expected, but his replacement, Mondavssen, threw the team off completely to where many thought it was the end of Ibex hockey as we knew it. It has been a disappointing year all around for International competition when it comes to Neu Engollian teams. Where most teams had made gains in their individual sports over the past few years, all had taken a big slide in preparedness, competitiveness and ranking this season, except for rugby, where Neu Engollon still holds steady in the top three.

But getting back to the Ibex in particular,
Many think that Herald Mondavssen, when faced with the storm of fan unhappiness at his taking the helm from retiring Coach Le Houne, quit in disgust. They would be wrong. The former immigrant of Glisandia turned citizen didn't have hockey in mind at all in his decision, but rather had decided to travel back north indefinitely to help his wartorn former homeland, and the family that he left behind. He will be working with Astyrian humanitarian organizations to help in areas they can reach, which are mostly those newly liberated from occupation under the Yellow Star Republic.

Frantically, the Ministry sought replacements for Le Houne and Mondavssen, but with the dark cloud hanging over the Ibex, it was difficult to lock on to the domestic talent they wanted.
The NEHL coaches that did initially have interest balked, or were turned away after a disappointing interview and salary negotiation process. Inside sources tell us that the Ministry actually decided to put up a larger contribution to the coaching staff salary, but were not satisfied with giving that to any of the NEHL coaches in contention for the job, deeming them not up to the caliber needed to revitalize the team.
Enter foreign candidates. It wasn't much longer, after widening their search outside the Confederacy, that both a replacement for the Head Coach spot and for the Assistant spot were locked in.

Liu Qiang An, the Avatarian legend, started out as a player in the AHL, with his most popular stint in the Kyrimorut Ramikade during the halcyon days at the turn of this century. He retired from the AHL, finishing out his last couple years with the Beijing Stars. He took the natural progression up in the ranks of the sport to begin coaching University level hockey. After successful runs as both the Assistant Coach at Kyoshi State and taking the Head Coach job at the University of Keldabe, Liu jumped into the AHL again, this time taking his coaching experience to a whole new level. He went from the Taku Ruins, both as Forwards Coach and one season as Assistant Coach, to the Enceri Miners, again in the Assistant Coach spot, where he served two seasons before being lured away by the Gaoling Bears, where he has continued to push the Bears, one of the best teams in AHL history, to excellence since the 2013 season.

It was during his tenure with the Taku Ruins that he came to the attention of the Gyatso-kai National Team, who took him on as the Assistant Coach under another legend, Kad Skirata, who led the National Team into many playoffs of the World Cup. After taking a break from World Cup class hockey, Liu comes out of retirement to take the head mantle of the Ibex and help to bring them back onto the path they once were on, a rising International power.

All he needed was an able assistant.
Enter Geoffrey Siegler, who debuted in the Aquitaynian National League when he was 18, and started for the Telora Cavaliers for the majority of his domestic career. He was invited to the Men's National Team at the age of 19, becoming one of the youngest men on the world stage of hockey, and retained his position as a Left Wing Striker throughout his career. Now 38, Siegler is a well-seasoned veteran with multiple domestic championships under his belt, and arguably, has led the National Team of Aquitayne to the Round of 16's in the past three tournaments after being announced as the team Captain in the WCoH21.

Both men signed on gladly, moving their families to Albertville, Rhone, Neu Engollon, and have been working closely with each other and the Ibex to get the team in shape for another World Cup bout. It was rumored to be a rough start, as Avatarian and Aquitaynian hockey are both very different styles from what the Ibex have traditionally brought to the ice. Breaking through that barrier of resistance to change was always going to be the toughest part for the new coaching staff, but somehow, through it all, they have endeared themselves to the Ibex and revolutionized the program.

Originally, it was presumed that they would work intensively for a year with the players, and sit this next World Cup out, but plans, and the attitude of the Ministry changed. It was decided that, ready or not, the Ibex would be thrown into the fire, or the 26th installment of the World Cup, depending on one's point of view.
We will get to see that new style of play in the first group matches in this edition of the World Cup. As well we look forward to seeing the new players for the team in action: Gavnic, Weissbaum and Ruggiero, who come in to replace the retiring Valentino De Gratzo, Brizio Farducci and Lothar Dermbech. More coverage to come on the new players and coaching staff in my next column.

** BGM **

[Scottopian Isles]

CLUB CUP CONQUESTS COMPLETE

With the closure of the East Astyrian Football League's most recent club tournament for the season, the fans of all member associations look forward to their national squads competing in the Terra Indicium. All 12 countries that contribute teams to the multi-national football body will select their tops players from across the teams for the games that are to be hosted by the Blackhelm Confederacy in just 3 more weeks! But before we move forth, lets see how the inaugural season of the EAFL has gone so far in the tournament stage.

The merger of 12 national football associations into one unified body was a challenge that the Confederate Soccer League, La Liga Mellizos & the Scottopian Isles Football Association declared necessary to enrich and strengthen the sport of association football in the Eastern Hemisphere of the Astyrian Region, attracting fans & players from all nations. In addition to a 4 tier season structure, the EAFL adopted a series of tournaments to take place. The initial contest, the Sterling Quiach, took place across the region by means of single-loss elimination by all teams. 64 teams whittled away at each other until the Quarter-Finals saw just Cuidad de Fresno, Colchester Landing FC, Deportivo Stockton, New Greenock United, Paradise City, Port Elisabeth, Scottopia City & Zulheina FC remaining.

At the Semi-Finals, the teams representing the Blackhelm & Scottopian capitol cities took charge at each other with Paradise City pulling through with 3 goals to one for the Scottopians. The other match between Cuidad de Fresno & Zulheina FC saw the San Joaquin Valley side win a 2 goal shutout against the Polarusian side. The final, hosted by the Colchester Arena in Colchester Landing, saw 70,000 fans watch the 2 final teams battle it out for the first piece of silverware to be awarded in EAFL history. Cuidad de Fresno took full command of the match to win 3-1 against Paradise City and went down as champions of the first ever tournament.

Following the Sterling Quiach came time for what was dubbed the "National Cups" by the various media sources across the region. All clubs would compete against teams from within their country by ruling by that countries associations bylaws. 12 separate tournaments saw winners from each of the countries where the winners would receive admission to the elite, Trophes de Champions. Paradise City, Bangalla United, Colchester Landing FC, Port-au-Prosperite, Ezami FC, Drombusi, Nauvoo City, Magnusson Mammoths, Jandara FC, Acconia Ambush, FC Fresno & MacKenzie City represented the Blackhelm Confederacy, Bungussi, Colchester Landing, Cote de Coivre, Jafala, Kwalawi, Nova Deseret, Nynorsk Ostlijord, Polarus, Red River Free State, San Joaquin Valley & Scottopian Isles respectfully.

Those teams after winning their National Cups, were placed into groups in the Trophes de Champions, the only invitational cup in the EAFL calendar season. Paradise City, FC Fresno & MacKenzie City won the group stages with Jandara FC gaining the best runner up position, where all teams were sent to the Semi-Finals. The 2 game playoff between the clubs saw Jandara FC get the best of Paradise City in a penaltie shootout in after a deadlock. The team from the Scottopian Isles, MacKenzie City would go on to win thier Home match against an away tie versus FC Fresno in the San Joaquin Valley, who were trying to play in their home stadium as the Finals were to be held in the Estadio de Nactional. But it would be the Scottopians & Polarussians to meet in the Finals infront of a multi-national crowd of 100,000, where they again battled it out as they were both part of Group C.

Just as in the Group match, a 2-2 tie game ensued, which took the clubs into Extra-Time but to no avail, the match met a penaltie shootout to determine a winner. MacKenzie City were able to net all 5 shot in a close competition, while Jandara FC scored 4 with an amazing save by the Scottopian Keeper to bring the silverware to the Royal CommonWealth. Onwards the league moved to the next competition, the Copa de Este. Again all 64 teams were entered into a series of qualification matches to reach the group stages. In the end, it would be contested between 16 clubs from 8 countries: The San Joaquin Valley had the best representation with 4 of their 8 member teams making it to the group stages: Campo Bakersfield, Sterling Quiach Winners Cuidad de Fresno, Deportivo Stockton & FC Fresno, who had won their countries National Cup.

The next largest assortment for the Copa del Este group stages would be 4 teams from the Scottopian Isles, where New Greenock FC, Real Junipero Serra & Scottopia City made their claim to fame alongside the recent crowned champions MacKenzie City, title winners of the Scottopian Cup & Trophes de Champions. The Blackhelm Confederacy made up 3 positions with Alexandria FC & Redemption Renegades playing under Paradise City's shadow. The remaining clubs, Acconia United, Bangalla United, Jandara FC, Nauvoo City & Port-au-Prosperite hailing from Red River Free State, Bungussi, Polarus, Nova Deseret & Cote de Coivre respectfully, attempted to attain international glory in a tournament hosted in the Royal CommonWealth.

The Group stages saw 4 winners & 4 runners-up emerge as title contenders hopeful to continue past the Quarter-Finals. Atlas, only Cuidad de Fresno, Paradise City, Redemption Renegades & Scottopia City found their way into the Semi-Finalist positions. Each team had before taking part in a highly competitive match in a previous tournament, with Redemption Renegades making it to the Quarter-Finals in the Blackhelm Cup where they lost by penalty shootout to eventual winners, Paradise City. This was their chance for revenge but were bested again in a 2 goal lose to Paradise city who had secured their place in the Copa del Este finals. Cuidad de Fresno defeated Scottopia City 2-1 in a pivotal match that could have gone either way. Meeting again just like the Sterling Quiach, the two teams locked horns in a final that drew 120,000 supporters from around the world to the Royal CommonWealth National Stadium. Paradise City this time gained the advantage early to contain Cuidad de Fresno winning 3-1 and etched their name on the trophy first, leaving the players a legacy to continue once the season begins for all 4 Divisions in the first week of August.

But before that, the Terra Indicium takes place in the next few weeks. Where the best selected squad of national players from each nation will compete to declare themselves the best football country. Group A will see the host nation, the Blackhelm Confederacy take on their immediate neighbors to the north Bungussi, along with Colchester Landing & San Joaquin Valley which a fierce football rivalry has emerged between the 2 countries. Group B will include the countries of Cote de Coivre, Kwalawi, Nynorsk Ostlijord against the Scottopian Isles. Group C will be contested by Jafala, Nova Deseret, Polarus & the Red River Free State where each of these smaller nations is hopeful to make their mark without a football giant in the group. We wish the best of luck to all the players in which will surely be a battle of nations for the ages.

[Neu Engollon]

“Good evening, Neu Engollon…”

“And to our International viewers, hello and welcome! You’re watching a NETV 7 Sports Special Broadcast. I’m Karl Demais, and this is my co-host, Magda Wertauer.”

“We’re coming to you live from Aeropag, Paripana, where we’re getting ready to see the Opening Ceremonies for the Eleventh edition of the modern Summer Olympiad.”

“It’s been a monumental couple weeks, Magda, as we watched a lot of the Astyrian delegation struggle to qualify to get here, to Aeropag, just to cross the starting line for the ‘Big Show’ as we’ve been calling it.”

“Certainly has, Karl. Top news for the Astyrian Delegation right now? Papergate. Lots of accusations of errors and foul ups in the disqualification of several Avissian athletes to join the Delegation here in Paripana.”

“Magda, I was able to catch up briefly with the Confederacy’s Minister of Athletics Jean-Marc Koepller, who is also the acting head of the Unified Delegation’s Council. In order to discuss Papergate and other matters..."

"Minister Koepller, how did it come about that you got your position? For instance, why not the Avissian Official, Amilcar Victor, as they are contributing the most athletes?”

“Karl, as you know there were several Astyrian NOC’s, National Olympics Committees, involved in forming the Unified Delegation. The heads of those NOC’s, my peers here in Astyria, decided to elevate me to President of the Council for the Delegation and I accepted. In turn, I appointed some of the other NOC heads to help me in our joint endeavor.”

“Was it due to the financial contribution? Neu Engollon seems to have poured a substantial chunk of the funding into this effort in comparison to the other participating Astyrian nations. Do you think that will continue for future Olympics?”

“That was certainly part of it. Also, due to the fact that our Ministry did a lot of the groundwork organizing, both for this event, and the past Winter Olympics, which was the first actual Unified Delegation debut, if you’ll recall. I don't expect that efforts will continue this way for future Olympics though, as more nations are gearing towards equal contribution, and we think that it will be much more multi-partisan sharing of the burden, both financial and otherwise, in future Olympics.”

“Yes, of course. We did very well then. May I change tacts and ask you about this Papergate issue that is rocking the sports news of the Avissian Union right now...Do you think that you’ve done all you could on your end to get the Avissian athletes into the delegation? Considering their previous medal status. Allegations are that you helped to conspire to leave them out in favor of other national athletes.”

“Um. Well....I’ve discussed this before, but let me just say again...Ultimately, we can only rely on the proper forms in front of us submitted by the Avissian NOC. Which didn’t include the wrestlers and martial artists in question. I have been consulting with my friend, Amilcar Victor, and his staff on this matter to see how we can make things right, and unfortunately, there wasn’t much we could do. Our hands were tied once the final paperwork was sent off to the Paripanans. While the Avissians did have several of the event slots for the Unified Delegation, there was no intentional effort to deny them these slots. There was no underlying conspiracy or concerted effort on our part to exclude them, they just simply weren’t on our radar to begin with. That’s all I have to say on that matter.”

“Fair enough. On a lighter note, how do you think the Astyrians are adjusting as they arrive, and how do you think progress has been so far with qualifications?”

“I think that the Astyrians are doing well at adjusting as they begin to arrive in Paripana from the Qualifier host nations.”

“Some of our people didn’t make it. By that I mean, Astyrians, but I think some Neu Engollians were among them. What do you think of that?”

“It’s disappointing, of course. I won’t gloss over that fact. Not everyone was going to make it and there was a lot of fierce competition to make it to this point. That’s what it’s all about, after all. We knew that beyond the Avissians, a lot of our other athletes from other nations were up against steep odds. The fact that the Glisandians and Yellowsians were able to compete at all after the brutal war in that part of the region...Well, that’s just incredible. Some of them were training in a war zone a mere couple years ago. I’m proud of all of our athletes from all over the region and we only want the best for them.”

“That’s why you have your job, Minister Koepller. Thank you for talking with us.”

“So...that was the interview, let’s get to the good news, shall we?”

“Yes, Magda, we do have some. We will see the Neu Engollian gridiron team compete against Electrum, Ferkas and Vakolicci Haven in their quest to bring medals to Astyria.”

“The same for our women’s rugby sevens team, the Lady Goats, who were beaten in the Qualifying Final in Liventia by Kriegiersien, yet they’d already qualified. We look forward to seeing them in Aeropag.”

“The Astyrian men’s rugby sevens squad will also be moving on. While this Astyrian team has some Zitran and Gaul players, the majority come from our national squad, the Goats, who are world champions in one Cup and are consistently in the top 5 rugby national teams in the multiverse. A lot of hope rests with them.”

“Sal Peralta and Pietro Carazzo will be representing Neu Engollon on the beaches in Paripana after their victories to qualify.”

“We’ll see the Avissian water polo teams representing Astyria, as well as a mixed women’s indoor volleyball Astyrian Unified team of Avissians and Neu Engollians that went undefeated in their qualifying group against Vangaziland, West Angola, Kelssek and Judea.”

“Vizion’s National baseball team went undefeated in their group in order to qualify. We’ll see them churn up the diamond in Aeropag for Astyria.”

“There’s so many individual athletes that will be moving on. We’ll bring you more after this sponsor break.”

“As well, you can look on our website. N-E-T-V dot N-E-G for more information on Olympics schedule and coverage and you can see some more indepth profiles of many of the Astyrian athletes on our sister station, NETV Sports 19. Stay tuned for more…”

[Neu Engollon]

“Good evening, Neu Engollon…”

“And also to our International viewers, hello and welcome! You’re watching a NETV 7 Sports Special Broadcast. I’m Magda Wertauer here with my co-host, Karl Demais.”

“That’s right. We’re coming to you live, in what will probably be one of our last couple broadcasts here in Aeropag, Paripana for the 11th Summer Olympics as we close in on the final day and the Closing Ceremonies.”

“There’s a lot to cover, and also a bit of recap as we have some folks that aren’t able to tune in for all the live coverage due to the time differential. It has been an incredible stretch for the Astyrian Unified Delegation. We couldn’t be more proud as the medals did start coming in, but aside from that glory, also just as much for the stories of struggle and adversity, persistence and fortitude in the face of certain defeat that have emanated from athletes from around Astyria, nations big and small…”

“That’s right, Magda. We do have good news for the Confederacy, with our first medal of the games going to none other than notorious tennis bad boy, Paul Quiront. Paul earned a bronze after his 2 set sweep of Forrest Cowser of Swibia.”

“Karl, it is quite shocking that Quiront was able to keep restrained in his criticism of...well, everyone. He’s well known for lashing out at officials, opponents, teammates, even ball fetchers with his vitriol.”

“Magda, I think our colleagues from Courtside Central, Dom and Lizbet, would agree with you. Quiront is certainly known throughout not only Neu Engollon, but the tennis world in general for his antics. Lately, he’s been the most extremely vocal about the Ministry of Athletics decision to pull the NETC (Neu Engollon Tennis Commitee) from International competition.”

“He’s not the only one, as many of his teammates are also frustrated about the controversial decision that has really put a damper on many Neu Engollian tennis players’ careers.”

“Despite that, they’ve all done fairly well in these Olympics. Speaking of tennis medals, Quiront was not the last Neu Engollian to receive one. Silvers went to mixed doubles team Mattias Doerwald and Felice Mareaux who lost out on gold to rivals Sjinkal Muubab and Turoala Muubab of the Vilitian Union. Noticeably missing was Marla Gerard, who holds the NSTT 3rd place ranking in the world for female tennis players. Many thought she’d be able to do better, but her opponents were just too tough in this first Olympics for the NETC.”

“We’ve seen some other Neu Engollians do very well. In the non-medal demonstration Pentathlon events, Arnaud Betancourt hung in there against some tough competitors to win third place, tying with Gibril Sambrosa of the Greater Valkolicci Haven. First place went to another Astyrian, however, Eirikur Leifsson of the Yellow Star Republic. In the women’s version, our own Chiara Matero would take second, with Hera Feal of Zillmerelic taking the top slot.”

“The Yellowsians have done incredibly well, both here and the just previous Winter Olympics that were hosted in Electrum. It’s quite the story of how both them and Glisandia, the nation they were in bitter conflict with just a short couple years ago, have bounced back from the ravages of the Northern Lorecian War to put forth well trained athletes despite a lack of training facilities and safe areas in which to perfect their craft.”

“Karl, not only that, but Glisandia is still going through their civil war, which was born out of the International conflict of the Northern Lorecian War, when the resistance to the Yellowsian invasion fractured into the Royals and fanatical Evangelical Christian group, the GGA.”

“Yes, I think it may be a bit beyond this program to get into how much depravity and terror the people of Glisandia have had to endure due to the extremists who continue to wantonly kill civilians and government officials alike, but suffice to say it’s nothing short of miraculous that they can get organized enough to get athletes out to compete in the multiverse. Compete and win, in the case of Dagmara Billsdottir, who took the gold in women’s weightlifting in the over 75 kg class.”

“In both cases, I think it can be attributed to the generosity of many other Astyrian nations who were willing to make their training facilities available. Even with the YSR athletes, it was the Blackhelm Confederacy and some other Eastern Astyrian states that were willing to step up and host them for training, when many other nations balked at having anything to do with the former aggressor nation. Where better for Hrafntinna Einirsdottir to hone her Greco Roman wrestling skills before she went on to take the gold in her 75kg class than Paradise City, Blackhelm Confederacy?”

“Not to mention her teammate, Lilja Sveinmarsdottir, taking the bronze in the 48 kg class. The Yellowsian women wrestlers have done very well. Also in weightlifting, we saw Larus Heimirssen of the YSR grab a silver medal in the 85 kg class for that event. It is indeed a huge demonstration of adversity to see what they’ve accomplished and how far they had to go to get there, Magda. So, continuing on, we saw Rombergian Maksim Gunnarsson win a bronze in Men’s 50 meter rifle shooting, with three positions. They also did fairly well in the equestrian events.”

“Yes, Konstantin Mikhailov took the gold in Individual Equestrian, with fellow Rombergian Milena Freiin von Tserdynov coming in 6th in the final heat. In the Dressage, Niklas Freiherr von Vyshovsky took the bronze.”

“We saw the Astyrian women’s team take the gold in team pursuit cycling. It was quite a proud moment and I think what is really proof of the unity within the region to see these ladies on the podium. An Avissian, Zitran, Gaul and Glisandian all up there to represent us and bring home those medals...they were all crying and hugging each other and it was something to see.”

“Yes it was. Likewise, the barely represented nation of Vizion is making up for that by barrelling on strong through Group A in baseball. They have a good shot to take one of the top three spots as that demo event rolls towards the finals.

“There are several other medals earned over the last few days by Astyrians, as well as some missed opportunities that we’d like to get to, such as the Astyrian men's rugby team only making it to 5th place and the Neu Engollian women's rugby only getting 13th after their incredible qualifying matches. We will get to that, but I’d like to close out with these words before the sponsor break…

When we started on this venture, when the first plans for a Unified Delegation were announced, as a region, hopes were just that we could grab a handful of medals. Most of those were predicted to go to the Avissians, who are the only athletes in the delegation that I’m aware of that have any previous Olympic experience. Now, as we close in on the last days, you can see that not only the Avissians, but several other Astyrians were top competitors in their events. When collectively assembled, the Astyrian Unified Delegation’s medal total is 29, that is second only to Electrum with 35, the previously mentioned host of this past Winter Olympics and a sports powerhouse. That’s above the current host Paripanans, and dozens of other Esportivan, Rushmori, Atlantean Oceanic and other notable athletically focused nations. Astyria has proven again that we are a sporting region not to be ignored or made out to be a small deal. The climb to greater Olympic glory can only continue from here in the years to come. I think I can speak for the region...Well done, Astyrians, you make us all very proud.”

“Well said, Karl. Stay tuned to NETV Sports 7 Special coverage of the Summer Olympics. We’ll be right back after these messages…”

[Khade]

[OOC: I totally forgot this existed. For the sake of completeness I'll transcribe all my AstyCup news posts to here as well.]

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40⁊ ―― 16/08/2016

Magpies overpower Roosters

• Empire exultant as Cadenza and Trellin win first matches
• Astoren and Qaliris secure victory in gripping AstyCup opener
• Major upset as hosts San Joaquin Grizzlys lose to Riysian Desert Eagles

There were cheers in every bar in the Duchy yesterday after the Cadenzan team heroically triumphed in its first pairing of the 2016 Astyrian Cup. The match saw the Magpies in their azure and argent march out to face off the Coqs of Terre des Gaules, togged out in the national colours of blue, gold and white.

Despite worries that the Cadenzan team, new to foreign competitions, might find itself put to the test by the Gaulish heroes, the four-time champions of the Ethlorek Cup proved their mettle as they secured a morale-boosting first victory in Zitru's Vorburg Park.

Duder Astoren, the forward signed by Temir in late 2014, set the scene with a tidy goal in the twenty-third minute. The Gaulish team were kept on their toes as their resistance crumbled just before half time, allowing Mirix Qaliris to land the ball in the Coqs' net in the forty-fourth minute. The 29 year-old midfielder, who normally plays for Berúna FC, proved to any doubters exactly why he captains the Magpies as he led his team to a roaring finish at the end of the first half.

The match toughened up for the Cadenzan dream team in the second half, and despite two strong goal chances for Amziad ti'Kisep, the Laeryt star forward brought on in the 50th minute, the Magpies were unable to score a third goal.

Gaul's comeback happened in the last third of the match as Jean-Henri Cohen, of Bobigny Barbiers FC, thundered in from the left wing to put one in the Cadenzan net. It wasn't to be, though, and by the final whistle it was clear that Cadenza had earned their victory.

In Dynamo Stadium, meanwhile, Trellin went out to grab a tidy one-nil triumph over the Aswickan squad, winning the only goal in their group in the process.

Elsewhere, Romberg handed Marqueville their first victory, conceding one goal without scoring any of their own, while hosts Zitru demolished Neu Engollon 2-1. The Scottopian Isles conquered the Blackhelm Confederate team with two goals scored and none conceded, despite a Herculean Hesperidesian effort. Bankampar and Nikolia drew nil all, to the disappoint of all in Salaco Stadium, and in one of the competition's most exciting matches so far Costa de Ouro defeated Aquitayne by four goals to two.

In the most startling upset of the competition so far, Riysa defeated hosts San Joaquin Valley with an early goal in the fifteenth minute, successfully defending their goal for the rest of the match to secure their opening triumph.

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40⁊ ―― 18/08/2016

Next stop: Quarterfinals?

• Cadenza beats Scottopia in second match
• Misrav ti'Solar bags 1-0 victory in second half
• Trellin falls to third place in Group D

Yesterday's match marked another victory for the Magpies as Mirix Qaliris led his team to another hard-fought win in Zitru's Trunheim Stadium. The match pitted Cadenza against the Scottopian Isles, who had previously shown their potential with a 2-0 walkover against the Blackhelm Confederacy.

This match proved to the Duchy's team that Scottopia are no lightweights, as the first half saw both sides make bold attempts at scoring that were only narrowly fended off. It looked dire for Cadenza from the outset as Micheal Baxters, the Scottopia City forward, made a seemingly unstoppable attack in the eighth minute, but his shot hit the post and goalkeeper Tariq Maisarin sent the ball back on its way towards the Scottopian net. Arún Dudriqi and Misrav ti'Solar saw nine separate goal attempts between them over the next thirty minutes but failed to get one past Andrew Rimandos' watchful eyes and quick reflexes. At the end of the first half both teams were feeling the heat as a goal was unforthcoming, and managers Stuart Rafferty and Saleb Urientai had choice words for their teams.

Scottopia took possession at the start of the second half, and a lightning attack by Nick Hernandez almost put the ball in the Cadenzan net in the 48th minute, but Maisarin rescued the Magpies and kept them firmly in the game. The only goal of the match was to come in the 64th minute, as Dudriqi intercepted a pass from McEdison to McCulloch and suddenly the Cadenzan forwards were more animated, pressing home an attack that took the Scottopian defenders off guard. A deft past to ti'Solar set the Leman forward up for a perfect opportunity and he planted the ball cleanly in the middle of the Scottopian net, sealing Cadenza a place in the quarter-finals.

Cadenza's victory makes it one of the top-ranked teams so far, on 6 points together with Riysa and host Zitru - two powerful teams whose match tomorrow is expected to be one for the record books. The Magpies, meanwhile, will play the Blackhelm Confederacy, the lowest rank team, who have failed to secure a single goal so far. The hope right now is that their streak continues and Cadenza goes on to the quarterfinals unopposed.

Matchday 2 was full of surprises, as no losing team in any group managed to score a goal and Group C saw two nil-all draws. Riysa and Zitru both demolished their opponents in Group A and, to the dismay of the Ethlorek crowds, Nikolia and Bankampar both won their matches, having previously drawn. Boban Sokolofsky secured the Black Eagles' victory over Trellin, redeeming himself after a disappointing match on Tuesday, and in the process knocked the Trellinese team to third place in their group. Trellin now needs a victory over Bankampar to have any hope of reaching the quarterfinals.

All across the empire, people will be lighting candles in shrines to Numa and Prezas in advance of tomorrow's match. There's still hope for a 25% Ethlorek quarterfinal, but at the very least there'll be one imperial team in it.

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40⁊ ―― 20/08/2016

Cadenza unbeaten in Group B

• Victory over Blackhelm Confederacy sends Magpies through
• 3-1 win puts Cadenza on par with hosts Zitru
• Trellin knocked out after Bankampar defeat

The Cadenzan footballers are now on their way to the quarterfinals of the Astyrian Cup, after another win makes them one of only two teams to win all three match-ups. Hosting nation Zitru boasts the same record, in stark contrast to their co-hosts San Joaquin Valley, who managed to lose all three matches. Only the Confederate team has been so embarrassed in this competition, losing yesterday to the star lineup that defeated Scottopia and Terre des Gaules.

Like previous matches, the game began with a bold opening by the opposing team as the Confederates took possession and kept the ball firmly on the Cadenzan half for the first ten minutes. They found themselves unable to make a quick score, however, as the Cadenzan defenders halted five attempts. The eleventh minute saw Emaro ti'Ormen take the ball out of the fray and move it up the left side, hotly pursued by the Confederate midfielders. The thirty year-old Temir man was always a pace ahead, however, and deftly passed to his club teammate Duder Astoren. Astoren manoeuvred for a shot like his goal on Monday against Terre des Gaules, but the Confederate defenders closed ranks and he passed back across to ti'Ormen. Arún Dudriqi called for the ball but it was ti'Ormen's hour and he scored with a powerful shot from twenty metres out, to the absolute delight of the jubilant Cadenzan fans.

The next twenty minutes were unquestionably the Confederates' game, as they dominated possession and saw two goal chances. Tariq Maisarin was unable to block a third attempt in the twenty-ninth minute, and as the scoreboard read 1-1 there were roars of approval from the Hesperidesian stand.

The Magpies weren't finished yet for the first half, however, and as captain Mirix Qaliris came off in the thirty-fourth minute he was replaced by Pammez midfielder Txeflin ti'Rüma, who rescued the flagging Cadenzan team with his signature flair. Within minutes the game had been turned around, and a deft header from Misrav ti'Solar set Arún Dudriqi up for his long-awaited goal. Dudriqi nudged the ball elegantly into the Confederate net and put the Magpies back into the lead.

The second half saw a change of tactics from the Confederacy, but the Duchy's players were happy to stick with what worked - and, clearly, the new Confederate strategy didn't. Although it kept the goal emptier, possession in the second half was 65% for Cadenza and saw the ball stay almost exclusively on the Hesperidesian half. Three attempts in three minutes saw ti'Solar take a wide shot, Astoren bounce one off the post and Dudriqi head one into the Confederate keeper's waiting hands. Despite dominating play for the second half, the next Cadenzan goal only arrived in the sixty-eighth minute, as ti'Solar scored his second of the competition. Despite both teams' best efforts, and a penalty kick by one of the Confederate duders which was only stopped right on the line, no more goals were forthcoming, and Cadenza finished the match 3-1 up and unbeaten going into the quarterfinals.

Manager Saleb Urientai told The Linesman of his pride and confidence in his team. "We might just have the best lineup since '88. I don't want to say anything prematurely but it's a good omen that we've done so well so far. We were told that Group B had some tough opponents, and I knew those teams had good histories behind them, but really we dominated that group. They'll tell us there are tougher opponents coming up but I believe these lads have proved their ability today. Regardless of what's ahead, Cadenza's made its mark on this competition. That much is for sure."

Tragically, matchday 3 also spells the end for the Trellinese team's quest for AstyCup glory. Trellin had a strong performance in the qualifiers, topping Group B with a draw against Nynorsk Ostlijord and wins over Bungussi and group favourites Morroseta, and it seemed to launch into Group D with the same vigour and potential as it triumphed over Aswick. Unfortunately, Bankampar and Nikolia proved to be the stronger teams and both won their matches against Trellin, knocking it out of the competition.

The highest score and greatest goal difference so far goes to Neu Engollon, which defeated hosts San Joaquin Valley yesterday 6-1. Co-host Zitru defeated Riysa 3-1, ending the latter's winning streak and continuing its own. Nikolia and Romberg drew for a second time, the former against Aswick and the latter against Costa de Ouro. Terre des Gaules and Scottopia drew in their match, with the decision of who to send through ultimately being a tossup. Despite beating Marqueville 1-0, Aquitayne was knocked out.

The eight going into the quarterfinals are therefore as follows: from Group A, Riysa and Zitru; from Group B, Cadenza and Terre des Gaules; from Group C, Costa de Ouro and Marqueville; and from Group D, Bankampar and Nikolia.

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40⁊ ―― 22/08/2016

Magpies conquer Riysa

• Heated quarterfinal sees extra time bag Cadenza the win
• Duder Astoren gets hat trick and man of the match
• Riysa sent home after dramatic 5-4 finale

Bookmakers across Astyria were shelling out earlier today after a 98-minute encounter saw Cadenza tussle with one of AstyCup's highest ranked teams to advance to the semifinals. Nearly 60,000 fans filled Zitru's Mortoge Stadium to watch one of the most hotly-anticipated matches of the tournament, as Riysa - who had won two out of three matches in Group A, only losing to hosts Zitru in a long battle - faced off against the unbeaten Cadenzan team.

The match opened with Riysa dominating the field in the classic offensive play which had done so well for them this competition. Despite having no forwards, the six Riysian midfielders seemed to control almost the entire pitch as they did to Cadenza as Zitru had done to them just days ago. A quick goal from Burhan al-Sarghouti in the third minute put Riysa ahead, and there was a tangible air of dismay from the Cadenzan contingent. It was clear that the Duchy's delegation was about to face the hardest trial of their visit to eastern Astyria so far.

Yet Saleb Urientai's team proved to be sturdier than expected, and their resolve seemed to strengthen after that early embarrassment. In the nineteenth minute, a breakaway run by Jalan Juredo saw the Temir midfielder elude the Riysian line, and a deft pass across their defenders set Duder Astoren neatly up for a goal which set the Cadenzan stands on fire as flags waved and fans cheered.

This apparently took Cadenza's formidable opponents by surprise, as their offensive efforts redoubled while their defence began to fall apart. The Cadenzan defenders were hard put to protect their goal, and a powerful right kick by Rifaat al-Baour nearly put one in the net, but Tariq Maisarin dived to save it before sending the ball back down the pitch. A stumble saw Arún Dudriqi carried off as Mautuz Anblei came on to replace him in the twentieth minute, and the 22 year-old Cadenza City player quickly came to dominate play. The Magpies renewed their attack to win the new arrival his first point in eight games as Riysian keeper Nadim Abdul-Ghani dived a moment too late to stop Anblei's energetic goal in the twenty-fifth minute.

Comfortably ahead, Urientai's team held back for the rest of the half, fending off Riad Mido's squad's attempts to equalise. A thirty-eighth minute counterstrike almost grabbed Cadenza a 3-1 lead, but Anblei's attempt at a second goal was fended off by an intercept from Diya' Asfour, giving the Cadenzan a corner. As the teams lined up by the Riysian goal, Anblei hoofed the ball to Misrav ti'Solar, who headered to Astoren for a shot which grazed Abdul-Ghani's hands but failed to cross the line.

With that disappointment behind them, the two teams settled down to a gentle game of passing the ball around, knowing another goal was unlikely. The second half, however, opened with the same vim and vigour seen in the first. Riysa again manoeuvred for a quick point to equalise, but this time the Cadenzan defence was ready and Lüc Emva, the Vedkathnan defender, tidily put away the worst threats. Nevertheless, the equaliser was bound to happen and happen it did, as al-Baour put one square in the middle of Maisarin's net.

Cadenza pulled ahead again in the sixty-fourth minute, as ti'Solar scored his third goal in as many matches - and his second at the sixty-four minute mark - but Riysa rebounded quickly and Ahmad Ziyad set al-Baour up for his fifth goal attempt of the match. Maisarin was too far forward as Ziyad belted the ball across the goal, and al-Baour slid it neatly in for his second equaliser of the match, in the sixty-seventh minute.

Tied on 3-3, both teams fought viciously for a point to take the lead, but as the ninetieth minute approached it seemed certain that the game would run into extra time. A last minute foray by the entire Riysian midfield failed to earn that vital point, however, and the referee put another six minutes on the clock.

There was as much action packed into those six minutes as in the entire ninety before it. Already at the top of the pitch, Ridwan al-Khatib wasted no time in landing one in the neck at 90 minutes 53 seconds. Not even a minute and a half later, however, and play had moved decidedly back towards the Riysian goal. Duder Astoren called on some secret energy reserve to outpace the defenders and earn his second goal of the match. At that point it seemed as though the victory might fall down to penalties, but Astoren was still raring at his tether. When Anblei managed to open up an opportunity, Astoren was suddenly there taking it, and in the ninety-fourth minute he scored what would prove to be the match's last and most spectacular goal. Passing within inches of Umar Ismail's left ear and delicately gliding over Abdul-Ghani's outstretched hands, Astoren's third goal of the match will surely go down in Cadenzan sporting history, as it earned the now-legendary footballer Man of the Match while securing his nation a place in the semifinals.

Cadenza advances to the semifinals in the company of Zitru, who won 5-4 on penalties after a 1-1 draw with Terre des Gaules at extra time, Nikolia, after a 3-1 victory over footballing giants Costa de Ouro, and Marqueville, who surprised everyone first by reaching the quarterfinals and then defeating Bankampar 1-0. Cadenza has a good chance against the latter two, but Zitru remains the only other unbeaten team in the competition and is still the favourite to win it. Urientai's optimism seems likely to lift the entire nation, but Cadenza's chances of victory remain too tenuous to risk jinxing them.

There'll be two point eight million fingers crossed on Wednesday, plus 400 million more as the empire's hopes lie on a small island protectorate off its western coast.

[Scottopian Isles]

Douglas McCann is known for his constant engagement with players on the pitch, changing the outcome of many games

The Daily Telegraph have confirmed the appointment of Douglas McCann as Manager of the Scottopian Isles national team and have learned that the former national team defender will be holding the reigns at the next AstyCup Qualifier match. He places pen to paper as the national team have a bye week in Group E, giving a small window of time to train the squad firsthand. It is still unknown if the incoming manager will make any direct changes to the 23-man roster his predecessor had announced for the AstyCup Qualifiers.

Previously working as manager of Scottopia City for the previous 6 years, McCann brings a wealth of experience to the role and his extensive knowledge of Scottopian football that will be invaluable to the new direction of the team. Scottopia City is one of the Royal CommonWealths most famous & prestigious clubs, attracting domestic & international talent alike. Under Douglas McCann's leadership, he led them to 5 trophies in as many years, but failed to lift any silverware after transfer to the Elite Astyrian Football League this past season, finishing second behind Premiership Champions Cuidad de Fresno by 3 points.

His transfer comes weeks after the departure of Stuart Rafferty, who had held the post for the past 3 years. Although the Bluebirds won the 2016 Terra Indium, they have failed to make it past the group stage in both the 2016 AstyCup & the 2017 Independents Cup, where the islanders were expected to reach at least the Round of 16. Although officially a resignation, many experts believe Rafferty was forced to make the decision by SIFA Officials after the disappointing row. Assistant Coach Alberto Garcia was been overseeing the team as caretaker after the vacancy, where a 3-0 win over Morrosetta boosted the Tartan Army hopes of finishing high in the rankings despite the bump in the road. Many assume McCann will retain Garcia in the assistants role at least until the qualifiers are over.

The Scottopian Isles National Team have played 3 Home & 1 Away game so far in the campaign accruing 5 points. They will now see themselves play 2 tough away games against Stretta & Polarus before returning to the islands to battle Trellin. The last game of the AstyCup Qualifiers will be away in Morrosetta.

[San Joaquin Valley]

Several San Joaquin players react after a humiliating 5-0 defeat away in Aquitayne earlier in Qualifiers

"Sólo Dios puede salvarnos ahora" or "Only God can save us now" has been a term thrown around lately when talking with football enthusiasts about the national selection across the valley. The Grizzly Bears are without a win and goalless after 3 games in AstyCup Qualifying against Mesoland, Aquitanye & Austrog. The upcoming match against ViZion is a must win for San Joaquin if they want to have any chance of making it to the AstyCup in the summer. Its a far cry from the team who hosted and passed Qualifiers in last years AstyCup as well as making it to the Semi-Finals in the 2016 Terra Indicium. But maybe it's something more worldly that can save the team, something like time.

Its always been known that our small nation fights with all their heart on the pitch, producing talented young players who have found professional careers with teams across Astyria. But it seems that domestic success does not equal international delight apparently. Manager Jaun Hernandez along with Assistant Coach Alejandro Suarez have been feeling the pressure, but they are confidant that the team will improve now that the Elite Astyrian Football League has completed finished its season and the players can commit to international duty without the bearing thoughts of returning to their respected clubs.

Cuidad de Fresno, whom 5 players on the national team play for, have just secured the Premiership Champions trophy and Deportivo Stockton, who has 3 playing for their country, impressively took 5th place in the premiership behind 4 powerhouse teams from across Astyria. FC Fresno & Camp Bakersfield, with 4 players between them on the squad, did well to finish in the top half of the 1st Division despite not gaining promotion. If these 12 experienced players along with the others who now have nothing to hold them back, can learn to fuse together and play as a team using their individual talents that got them here in the first place, then we have a shot.

In all reality, we are in a terrible position as a club, the worst we have experienced being dead last in the group stages without a goal to our name & rated 43rd of the 50 competing nations. At first, lossing 2-0 to Mesoland disappointed but didn't seem to worry the support, but the 5-0 defeat in the Aquitaynian capital was enough to shake the nerves of even the most devout fan. A chance to recover fell apart with a 1-0 loss to the unknown squad of Austrog, a team not expected to advance out of the qualifiers. But the one thing these games have in common aside the ball always finding our own net, they were all away. The best days are upon us, with 4 of the next 5 matches to be played at our home stadium, Estadio de Natcional. A daunting environment for any opposition to play at with a capacity of 80,000 located in the heart of downtown Fresno starting with ViZion as they visit at the upcoming match day.

Atlas, it will be though up to the men on the field to prove their worth to the Republica. Taking the prime spot within the group is surely out of reach, but the hopes to gain either 2nd or more realistically 3rd place to grab a AstyCup spot is still attainable.

[Scottopian Isles]

BLUEBIRDS SOAR AT CUP OF HARMONY, TOP 'GROUP E' UNDEFEATED

The goalscorer vs Savojarna, Allistar Peterson, leads the squad on a victory lap after securing the top spot in the Group Stages, a first ever for any Scottopian Team competing outside of Astyria

"Take a good look at the lads playing here in this Cup of Harmony campaign, no matter their future results, they'll be returning from Drawkland as footballing legends"... the exact words of manager Douglas McCann after the Scottopian Isles took 1st place in their group, a feat never accomplished by any Scottopian team with exception to domestic events such as the AstyCup or Terra Indicium. The opposition, Savojarna, gave the Bluebirds a good fight for their position, coming close themselves on too many occasions to leave any Tartan Army fan comfortable. Fighting until the final whistle, they themselves were too in place to take the prime position going into the knock out stages. Although the battle on the pitch was won by the Scottopian Isles, a tie-game between Brigantii & the Free Republics also paved a path for Savojarna to enter the Round of 16 facing Abanhfleft while our national team will take on Yesopalitha, but it was almost the opposite.

Coming off hot after their 6-4 win against the Free Republics, the Scottopians had the confidence to enter the game with the thought of coming away with all 3 points against their opponents. Tactically thinking, Savojarna had only managed 1-a-piece against the Free Republics while the Bluebirds gave one of their finest performances in recent memory. Although allowing 4 goals to be scored on themselves, somewhat expected with a rookie goalkeeper playing his first international match, the offense did a phenomenal job which prompted the manager not to change formation or strategy going into the last game of the entry stages. A couple of dry chances in the opening quarter of an hour kept the fans occupied but did not worry the Savojarnian defense in the slightest. They had done their homework and studied Baxters great scoring run in the 2017 AstyCup last month & his talents scoring 3 goals in 2 matches in the Cup of Harmony, sending an extra defender to shadow the striker everywhere he stepped foot on the pitch.

Goulding clears an attempt at goal away from the Scottopian net with his head after a goalkeeping blunder

Such frustration at the defensive effort got the Scottopians into a couple of heart shocking moments as they pushed too far up attempting to find a goal that a Savojarnian counter attack a few minutes from the half time whistle almost proved fruitful had it not been for the acrobatics of Cudiad de Fresno defender Richard Goulding. After novice goalkeeper Andy Castle prematurely challenged an attack for the ball, Freya Sigurdsdottir managed a cheeky chip shot from 15 yards out which dropped perfectly beyond the keepers reach, but the experience Goulding has acquired across his 9 season career is the reason he is still part of the squad. His ability to read the game, ball & players on both teams led him to be one of the few players to hang back defensively, and the away support was thankful that he did otherwise the teams would not have entered the dressing rooms at half time all square at 0-0

Of coarse, we all know that Scottopian manager Douglas McCann is not afraid to talk to his players while on the field, so one can only imagine the talks he gave to the squad to push them on in the last 45 minutes. Without knowing yet the result of the other game in Group E, the manager surely made his money in the locker room as the Scottopians came out more organised and determined to win than in the 1st. Multiple attacks followed by quick passing pressured the competition who were expecting more of the same from the first half. This pressure led to errors from the Savojarnia squad, where a poorly timed tackle by centerback Petra Ernberg earned not just a yellow card, but the devastating free kick accuracy of Peterson from within range. While other players quarreled in the box anticipating the cross from 26 yards out, the Scottopia City forward had other plans and nestled the shot in the top corner of the elusive goal to which a frenzy of cheers erupted from the 35-40,000 Tartan Army fans within the 150,000 seater stadium in Metropolon

Those of the Tartan Army that made the distant journey to Drawkland were treated to a once in a lifetime event upon the final whistle

A 1-0 lead with a little over 20 minutes to go placed the squad with a situation to contend with... Go for glory with a possible second goal or to take the safe road and play out the remainder of the game? We are all happy to say that our trust in our Manager payed off as a series of defensive & midfield substitutions ensured a Scottopian victory on the night. You would have thought a second goal was scored however at the news of the 1-1 draw at the Metro Arena across town between the other Group E rivals. That result would push the Scottopians through despite a draw or loss against the Savojarnian side, but the win was all the sweeter as again, the Scottopian Isles national team advanced to the an international tournament's knockout stages for the first time in their history!

The Bluebirds next match up in the 70th edition of the Cup of Harmony is against the runners-up from Group F, Yesopalitha, who finished the group stages with 1 Win, Loss & Tie each. Surely the fact they were dethroned from 1st place after coming off a 7-2 loss to Abanhfleft could play an advantage to the Scottopians momentum in the Round of 16. But one must remember that the Yesopalithaian team finished World Cup qualifying with 30 goals in 6 Wins, 2 Draw & 8 Losses taking 6th place in their group, a fact surely not overlooked by Douglas McCann & the rest of the Scottopian management team. However, teams do not advanced based on their previous endevours but on how they perform on those exact 90 minutes on the pitch.