World Cup 69 RP Thread

[Furellum]

Felismarch, Furellum
The sounds of violence echoed through the narrow streets of the Felismarch, in Other Altsby's south quarter. Somewhere nearby, gangs were fighting for whatever little power they could find. Control. That was what it was all about. So mused Cardinal Mata as he walked down the streets to his house. Usually he would ride in his cart while one of his servants wheeled him through the streets, but since the violence it was too dangerous. There was a lot of anger against the aristocracy, and such a vehicle was an obvious target for acts of rage. Without a common enemy though, the people fell to fighting amongst themselves for the scraps of power left over. Mata sighed. It was all about politics. And politics was all about control. The cardinals of the Arcana had lost control of the people. The Arcana relied on the rule of law, but the people no longer obeyed the rule. And now the Watch had joined the fight, banding into a faction of their own. If they didn't do something soon, the whole country would be lost.

As Mata unlocked his door, a solution presented itself to him. Unfortunately, he didn't have a chance to do anything with it, as a dark shape stepped out of the corridor and raised a silenced pistol at him. Mata stopped, stunned, then dropped to his knees as the bullet pierced his heart. A second bullet entered his head, and Mata's lifeless body hit the polished floorboards. The dark figure carefully avoided stepping in the rapidly expanding pool of blood as he walked past the body and through the open door, not bothering to close it behind him.

Other Altsby, Furellum
"Something must be done!" Cardinal Jedrzejczyk slammed his fist onto the table. "This violence has claimed the life of a member of this Council! We need strong leadership, and we need it now!"
Around the table there were murmurs of agreement. The Grand Bishop sat unmoved in his chair, staring at Jedrzejczyk. To his left, one of the other cardinals spoke up. "Perhaps our current leader is not up to the task? I say we elect a new leader."
"An excellent suggestion!" shouted another.
"Vote now! We must vote now!" shouted another.
"Silence!" Grand Bishop Randolf stood up in his chair, glaring at the Collegium Arcana.
Only Jedrzejczyk dared to meet his stare. "The decision has been made. Let the clerk be summoned to act as electoral officer."
The clerk was summoned, and the vote was taken. When the clerk read the results, Cardinal Jedrzejczyk was now Grand Bishop Gabriel.

[Hicana]

On the Brink
Hicaña Has a Chance at Playoffs

Who could have thought that a tiny island republic, no longer existing, after a decade of turmoil and two wars against Gregoryisgodistan, could have been on the brink of qualifying for the World Cup?

Who would have thought that the team would have been lead by an Eirelian defector, Matthieu Rhoderick, fleeing from the rise of a dictatorial communist regime, and a Hicañan, Albert Castro, who had six relatives killed in the war?

Who should have thought that an island whose population aspired to the eight-digit range ranked not in the top thirty, nor the top fifty, or even the top one hundred, but indeed, one hundred and fortieth, around such stalwarts like "The united kingdoms of zackalantis" or "The Republic of Vietnam", would have a chance to make the World Cup?

Nobody, that's who. But the Hicañans are about to do it. A win against Cosumar and a draw between Glaser and Karditan would be enough to send them to the playoffs.

The latest installment in their journey was a satisfying if boring nil-nil draw against Karditan, keeping them in contention, but it remains to be seen if Hicaña can make it.

With three teams on twenty-three points and Hicaña with twenty-two, the stakes were already high enough. But with a pair of marquee matchups in Cosumar-Hicaña and Karditan-Glaser, the stakes are even higher, with one playoff spot on the line.

COSUMAR - HICAÑA PREVIEW

The Dragons of Cosumar, known for the mysterious Vloo, against the Mist of Hicaña, formerly known for elves and centaurs. Last time the two met up, it was a bleh nil-nil draw, but this time, it should be more exciting as both teams play for a spot in the finals.

Cosumar, once one of the world's finest teams with a #7 ranking and four consecutive trips past the World Cup group stage, has fallen quite a bit since then, leading many to call for the head of aging Farris Crowley, a septagenarian. Nowadays, they're still a decent, balanced squad, with strong attack and defense. The Hicañans, meanwhile, are more defensive, often resorting to a 6-2-2 formation to hold teams like Cosumar (0-0), Karditan (0-0), and the Archregmiacy (1-1) at bay.

It should be a defensive lockdown unless Castro and Rhoderick can get something going. They've been doing most of the pulling for the offense, especially in the 6-2-2, with Marrero and Robinsen around for finishes if need be. Expect the defense to fixate on the midfielders, especially such stalwarts like the Vloo Na'Noni, technically a defensive halfback who can play anywhere, and Assad. The Hicañans will focus on getting goals early and then parking the bus, while Cosumar might be expected to play for a win over the entirety of the game, especially if they find themselves down, although a one-nil lead will be enough for them given the relative weakness of the Mist.

Our prediction? Hicaña has the desperation and the guts to outlast Cosumar in an upset, one-nil. They'll then need a Glaser-Karditan draw to clear their qualifying group.

---

Watson Sends Explorers Back to Hicaña

A small band of explorers from the military have been dispatched back to Hicaña to report on the destruction, reports say. President Adam Watson corroborated the reports this morning.

The explorers, lead by Lieutenant Major Adrian Grayson, will be mainly stopping in Ansilla, the former capitol (now declared as Isle Benoit) of Hicaña. After that, they will make stops at cities in the Northwest, where the worst carnage was, along with travelling along the East River route.

The planned ETA of mission completion is in October.

---

The Draft

Holland had pondered the options for quite a while, and he was ready to take a risk. He could get fired for this, probably should get fired. But it was the only way.

"Hi, this is AO's GM office."

"You have a deal. Sunrise to AO for the fourth draft pick and Quebec."

"Erm...Sunrise just signed a two-year deal with us, Holland."

"WHAT?"

"Yeah, sorry."

---

At twelve the next day, Licentian retired, and the offseason, which couldn't get any worse, got worse. Sunrise and Licentian gone, and a pressing need for power up front began. Felix could be slotted in with Nephara and Apox up front, Dystopia and Bach in the midfield. The defense was passable - not sterling, but the offense was the major issue. He could shuffle a few guys to defensive midfield, but Holland doubted it would work.

He fretted the next few days, knowing his days were numbered with the core gone and the support doubtful.

And then it was time for the draft.

---

Things were tense in Esportiva, the team knowing they could do horribly and be relegated if they didn't make a good pick.

The first three picks went as expected - Eastedge to Atlas, Islandstates and Polite to Rushmore. And then it was AO's pick.

"With the fourth overall pick of the draft...Atlantean Oceania selects - "

Holland sighed.

"Novach!"

The entire room gasped, redemption was near.

"Draft Cata Larga, Holland instructed the commissioner from his microphone."

"With the fifth overall pick of the draft, Esportiva selects Cata Larga!"

And the entire room went wild in celebration.

---

The departure of Sunrise and Licentian gave Holland twenty-one million in cap room, and only some of it was spent on Cata Larga. Holland went wild, patching the starting lineup with a flurry of international signings. Llama in for six million, Gregory for five. Hicaña and Itanpavia, both highly regarded, brought in for a song. Anglicana stockpiled for a possible rotation spot out of North America. Picking up Bongo Johnson from the CTE list. Esportiva was expected to place a respectable third and continue to stockpile prospects.

Things were truly looking up.

[Bears Armed]

"So, are the Belles definitely through to the World Cup proper yet, or not? Hwhat's the situation about those 'play-off' games will work?"

"They're not through yet, no. If they win their match tonight, or if they don't win but the Paradystopian team loses its final qualifier too, so that in either case the Belles still stay at the top of their group, then they might be able to go through without having to face yet another side in the play-offs firrst.. but they'd have to get up amongst the most successful eight-plus-four of the group leaders in order to do that: Otherhows it's the play-offs, with the rest of the leaders and all of the second-placed teams."

"Ah, hokay.
"The top eight-and-four teams, they need to be in, you say? So, hwhere are ourr girls now?"

"Eight-and-five'th."

"Hr'rmm..."

"Ayyuh, pretty close... but they hrreally need to keep up the momentum,"

"For true!"

[The Archregimancy]

OOC: Portions of the below sourced, edited, and reordered from here: http://www.impantokratoros.gr/19669CE9.en.aspx

A STATEMENT FROM THE SITH

THE SIN OF FALSE ECUMENISM

We the SITH have within our hands a copy of a letter sent by the Metropolitan of the Greatest Lavra to the thrice-damned heretic Nicolaus of St. Petrus.

We lay out the contents of this letter again for all to see:

To: Nicolaus of St. Petrus, Church of Iesus Christus
From: Metropolitan Mark of the Greatest Lavra
Subject: Your Forthcoming Council

Dear Nicolaus,

Our agents in our JEDI office have made us aware that you recently invited the former Monastic Football Association, now apparently known as the "SITH", to a forthcoming council you plan on holding.

We would like to reiterate that the SITH have no jurisdictional or canonical status within the Autonomous Holy Synod the Archregimancy or the Orthodox Church of the Holy Empire. This small organisation of fringe malcontents therefore has no right to represent the Archregimancy, the OCHE, or indeed Orthodoxy more broadly. While we understand that they have already refused your no-doubt well-intentioned invitation, their participation in your council would not have been to the benefit of your reputation or that of your church.

It is important to stress that the intolerant and intransigent attitude shown by the SITH is not shared by the majority of Archregimancy residents, and is not an official position of our nation's religious or secular authorities.

For that reason we would instead like to suggest that the Holy Synod send a small observer delegation from our JEDI office to your council. While we are steadfast in our belief that yours is a schismatic and indeed heretical organisation, there are nonetheless issues of mutual interest regarding the challenges of secularisation and so-called 'liberal' social values where we have common goals, and where we can usefully share notes and experiences

However, we must insist on certain minor conditions before we send our observer delegation:

1) Your letters consistently refer to your council as an "ecumenical council". We cannot accept this designation, which has a specific theological meaning within Orthodoxy. We would therefore like to ask you to rename your council as a "council for ecumenical dialogue".

2) Archregimancy observers will not be required to attend any session designed to reach agreement on, or resolve disagreements over, theological issues; nor shall they be asked to sign - nor will they agree to sign - any statement of agreement over faith.

3) Participation of Archregimancy observers shall be limited to issues involving social and political issues - not theological issues - unless agreed upon by both our delegation and the organisers.

4) Official documents mentioning exchanges between the Archregimancy observers and other participants shall refer to these exchanges as "discussion" rather than "dialogue"; this need not preclude you describing other exchanges not involving the Archregimancy observers as "dialogue".

We hope you will find these conditions to be fair.

To show that this letter is intended in a genuine spirit of outreach, we also include presents of an icon of the Theotokos and an Archregimancy national football team scarf.

Yours in Christ,

Metropolitan Mark +

There are those who have characterised this as a "reasonable statement issued in a spirit of compromise" while nonetheless "guaranteeing the distinctiveness of the True Church" . There are those who say that the Archregimancy must build on its surprisingly comfortable group 12-topping position by "reaching out in a spirit of love and compassion". There are those who say that this combination of events provides the Holy Synod with "a unique opportunity to strongly disassociate itself from those loonies in SITH".

These are LIES.

By reaching out to the so-called 'Patriarch' Nicolaus, the Holy Synod has instead been guilty of that gravest of sins: FALSE ECUMENISM, a by-product of the CULTURAL RELATIVISM spread by atheist FREEMASONS and Catholic SCHISMATICS as part of the NEW MULTIVERSE ORDER that will end with the ANTICHRIST'S BARCODE stamped on the face of every sentient being in the multiverse.

Orthodoxy was firmed up by the Holy Apostles and the enacting Fathers through the seven Ecumenical Councils, while illumined by the Holy Spirit.

PAPISM IS THE FORERUNNER OF THE ANTICHRIST, for the Pope having been captured by ARROGANCE AND CONCEIT, and wishing to have the highest authority of the Church and State, he tore the Church of Christ.

The WOLF SHEPHERDS, false teachers, false prophets and FALSE CHRISTS, were expelled from Christ's flock and as UNREPENTANT , they were placed under EVERLASTING ANATHEMAS by the Holy Fathers, the imitators of the Chief Shepherd Christ and His followers, the good, true and divine shepherds, the preservers of the decent and holy seven Ecumenical Councils.

The Orthodox Church is not used to INNOVATIONS like the Westerners and the Protestants, who after their separation and without ceasing have taken up to perform innovations or reforms, to such a DISRESPECTFUL AND INSANE DEGREE to innovate all the mysteries and holy tradition and deleting many.

The POPE WORSHIPERS have fallen in many FALSE BELIEFS AND HERESIES modifying the mysteries of the Orthodox Church. Instead of the baptism they are sprinkling, instead of the mystery of communion they have Jewish unleavened bread. They got rid of the fasts and even the holy oil, nor can they perform blessings by sprinkling with holy water because they are EXCOMMUNICATED and thus their blessing does not hold.

If the present Hierarchs of the Holy Synod do not accept the decisions, the Canons and the traditions given by the divine Apostles and Holy Fathers of the Church but ignore them, who would then respect their own?

There are two reasons that make the present day Arch-hierarchs to innovate and reform the Monastic Football Association: first PRIDE, which makes most of the hierarchs, save some, to believe they are wiser that the Holy Fathers, and secondly GLUTTONY AND LOVE OF SELF. By most of them becoming, LOVERS OF THE FLESH, they were abandoned by the grace of the Holy Spirit.

This is why we UTTERLY REJECT the Holy Synod and their JEDI OFFICE, and plan on doing our utmost to disrupt the forthcoming playoff match, regardless of the identity of our opponent.

We are the SITH

And we find your lack of faith disturbing.

[Queer Poco el Mono Ara]

The guards had let Bunyamin and his family in, even though he wasn’t the king of the Island people’s he was a king nonetheless and proper conduct dictated that he let him through, or at least that was the guards thinking. He had however insisted on an armed escort, stating it was for Bunyamin’s safety, while in the back of his simply being cautious. They were led through the palace of Neptuna, that was still mostly in darkness, with guards either side. They were carrying Kalashnikov rifles with a custom paint job. They looked a little tacky, with the faux gold finish, like how a child would customize their weapon on a video game to make it a garish pseudo-gangster themed weapon, it drew focus from the main use of the gun, killing. Despite the contents of the hallways being mostly shadows, the family could tell they were surrounded by decadence, there was something still very regal about the black silhouettes of the furnishings.

They were led into the main reception room, where their arrival was announced to a drunk Ayda and Sermin.

Ayda’s eyes struggled to focus on her uncle, the former king of Northern Queer Poco el Mono Ara. He was a moving faceless outline, surrounded by other faceless, moving outlines, flanked by her guards, but she didn’t need to see his face. She could recognize his walk and his broad shoulders, his hair was the same as it had been for nearly 30 years.

“What the hell are you doing here?” she hissed through wine stained lips.

“We have come to pay respects to my sister.”

“You weren’t invited. You have no right to just turn up.” She gestured towards Mohammed with a half empty glass, that was suddenly all empty as she tipped out the contents with one drunken motion.

Mohammed walked towards Ayda, still flanked by guards. His stride was purposeful and direct. “I have every right to be here. She was my sister long before she was your mother.” He spoke low and forcefully. He was now stood directly in front of his niece, whose inebriation was not only apparent from her inability to stand straight or look him properly in the eye, but the smell of booze wafting on her breath. “This is no way for a Queen to behave.”

Ayda launched herself at her uncle, who was now only a few feet away. Making tiny fists she hit him across the chest several times before collapsing to her knees in a fit of tears. She hadn’t seen her family for years and the overwhelming emotion of the day weighed heavy on her like Atlas, holding up the world. It had become too heavy to stand any more.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Bah, another loss on the bounce and The B*stard Squad will finish no higher and no lower than fifth. Which, if you consider they’re managed by a coach who only ever plied his trade in the non-league divisions, that’s not so bad. Particularly if you consider the highlight of this campaign was taking three points off Valladares, away from home. Now we can only hope we receive an invitation to the Cup of Harmony, a cup we have done notoriously poorly in.

Going into the final game, the defence has done the team proud, averaging out at a goal per game conceded, the same defensive record as the team who have already secured qualification. It’s up front where the QPeMA side have struggled, with the second lowest goal tally in qualification, only ahead of bottom placed Bonticello. Playing a lone centre forward has surely contributed to the team’s inability to find the back of the net and their meagre goal scoring record, which has prompted Rodriguez to make a change for the final game.

The coach has been quoted as saying, “this is our last game, we’re going balls out to get three points here, you’ll be seeing a whole other side to this team.”

**if possible could the hosts amend my style modifier to +3??**

[United Eastedge]

United Eastedge Association Football Federation (UEAFF)
Official Correspondence|Correspondencia Oficial

---

Greetings Marcos! I know that is not common from me to send official correpondences instead of just calling you. Considering that you are now traveling to Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk gorod in order to conclude with the current World Cup Qualifiers, I decided to send it, though. Well, we have points to think about such as your contract. Surely, you have not in mind that, but I think it is time to begin talking about your future in the senior national team as well as within the association. Clearly, the team is pulling out valuable points against the weakest teams of the group, in a manner of speaking. Nonetheless, the perfromance have not been outstanding in the recent matches against higher ranked teams such as Buyan or Maklohi Vai. But I won't consider conditional issues at this point.

The situation seems difficult, but it is not impossible. The Buyanese squad is surely totally concentrated in Audioslavia in order to make the play-offs. The good thing is that the Bulls will be playing at the National Stadium and after calculating it, a draw or a win against them will be enough for us. It is compulsory to defeat Yuznho-Sakhalinsk gorod tonight if we want to jump to the next stage. However, anything that happens in this last match day of the group stage, I'll be happy to have you as the head coach of the senior national team for a while, the remaining of the 69th cycle and the 70th cycle to be specific. Of course, only if you are agree with it. Otherwise, we will be looking for another one abroad, surely.

Changing the subject, you need also to inform me about the twenty-three men squad you have in mind at the moment, if we achieve to make the World Cup 69 Finals. In fact, the information of each player, such as the minutes played, goals, assists, and more statistics should be presented by tomorrow with an official correspondence from you. I don't want to pressure you or something like that, but we decided to begin with all these kind of things in order to save a bit of time. Time is the most important thing in huge process such as this, after all.

Finally, I just wanted to infrom you about the situation of the development of the Eastedgean Premier League, which is the name of the future first division of the country. We are scarcely announcing the association throughout each city and town of the country in order to receive offers from clubs to be licensed by the United Eastedge Association Football Federation. Twenty teams will be part of it and it is scheduled to begin in the between the 70th and 71th cycle of the NationStates World Cup. When we finish with this important process, we will be looking to increase the number of foreign players in order to improve the level of the said league.

Thanks for reading this official correspondence and on behalf of all the workers of this association that are curently within United Eastedge, we wish good luck!
George Westfall, President of the United Eastedge Association Football Federation.

[German American States]

What to Take Away from The Syndicate

MUENCHEWALD- In the latest World Cup Qualifiers match against The Inevitable Syndicate, the Eagles drew against the second place Syndicatians to keep a 2 point lead on their foes. While the result might not have been the best that manager Karl Rheinhart was looking for, here are some things to take away from the match.

Dang, Xhaká is actually not all mouth. The 20 year old striker started on the right side of the Ruentenbacher attack after Hans Wippenbeck was benched for fitness issues. The young talent showed he isn't all talk, as he netted 2 of the Eagles' 3 goals of the match. While he did prove a little flamboyant in the celebrations, captain Gunnar Baumgartner invested his faith in him. "He's proved that he can play very well, and I think his attitude will change over time. I'm really happy for him, and I hope he becomes a player we can build the team around in the future. This performance might also raise his value for the upcoming transfer window and help him get out of Swillburg like he wants.

They're getting complacent again... The national team are continuing the tradition of getting a bit cocky and breaking down in spectacular fashion, as the team let up 2 straight goals within the last 25 minutes to let the Syndicatians come level. The main factor for that was complacent, or nonexistent, defense. Peter Kamp started playing further up-field akin to his role for DKXI, and was burned several times on the counterattack as he failed to drop back into the back three. The new center back Warkaiser seemed a little overwhelmed by the situation, appearing indecisive and in general not doing his job. Friedrich Rommelwald also looked a tad off form, making some poor dives and appearing out of position a couple of times. The defense needs to be top notch for the rest of the games.

Its go time... These next few matchups will be dire for Die Adler. If they want to go through outright, they have to win the rest of their games and do it in an impressive fashion due to the playoff structure. Only the top 16 will advance straightaway to the group stages of the finals, while the rest will be put into a bracket with the remainder of the group winners and second place winners. It will be a tough path to navigate through that bracket, so it'd be best for the Eagles to put forth a large enough effort to go through automatically.

Die Adlerschaft will play their number 1 squad against Brenecia in their final match, except for Tremmel on the right wing. The teams will play in a sold out National Colosseum for the biggest match of qualifying. Manager Karl Rheinhart suspected that the group would come down to the last matchday, and here we are. Die Maschine will have to be oiled up and ready to go to succeed in this match. The entire campaign hangs on the hinges here.

[Miley World]

OOC: A few feeks ago I planned to do the following role play today cuz I thought I was going to lose against Free Republics, I can't believe I won again!
This RP is the part 4 of a series of RP, here is part 3: http://forum.nationstates.net/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=303819&p=21042767&hilit=mileywood+referendum#p21042767

Mileywood Times

Mileywood rejoins Miley World

Citizens of the city-state of Mileywood were polled yesterday about whether they wants to rejoin Miley World or not. Mileywood seceded from Miley World on june 16. The question was:

"yo smilers from Mileywood u know we seceded from Miley World butt we fink we coud haf made a mistake. So shoud Mileywood rejoin Miley World lol?"

Possible answers:

-yasss!
-naaah!

The results:

yasss! - 114 484 votes - 92,23%
naaah! - 9 645 votes - 7,77%

124 129 total votes counted
6 287 ineligible or blank votes
130 416 total votes + ineligible votes
157 423 registered voters
82,84 % of participation

On august 6th 2014, Mileywood has officially rejoined Miley World after an independence that lasted 51 days. John Smith, the leader of the separatist movement, who changed his mind and wanted to rejoin Miley World has called "victory" and "a great day for Mileywood and Miley World because now all the Smilers are reunited into one nation". Mileywood will now have to comply to all Miley World's laws, which means no longer enforced nudity. Mileywood has 1214 Cheeks per Square Mile while Miley World only has 156. The referendum in Mileywood had completely overshadowed the game against Free Republics. People started celebrating, dancing, twerking, drinking, smoking in the streets of Mileywood when they learned the results of the referendum. Then, when the people celebrating realised Miley World beat Free Republics 3-2, they were celebrating even more. The police of Mileywood had to wake up thousands of drunken people, including fellow policemen, in the morning who fell asleep in the streets and parks of Mileywood while celebrating. John Smith, who was the leader of the Mileywood provisional government after the independence, will go back to his pre-independence normal duties. He was a pusher back then.

[Yttribia]

You're Kidding, Right? - An Account of World Cup 69 Qualifiers From A(n ex-)Fascist State

- by Casey Montagne

Wow. Honestly, there are almost no words describing how optimistic I'm feeling about this Yttribian squad. We've been, and I'm going to be using the broadest term out there, bulldozing the competition. Except, of course, for the Polarians, which whom we got a draw against at the always-challenging Nasjonale Stadion! The best team in the multiverse, drawing against us, at home! That draw was good enough to be considered a successful campaign. But Dan "The Man" Cardona has literally brought this team from a mess to the masses. With thirty-two points, and a chance to finish with thirty-five points with a successful win against Kalumba at Le Nid Violet (more points than some teams in first place) we'll be the best second-placed team, and get a nice, well-deserved, boost to our KPB ranking. But that isn't the point. The fact that a nation like us, currently in a state of domestic turmoil, could qualify for the World Cup for the first time ever...that's really going to raise our hopes up. Honestly, with an excuse of a leader, Porter Augustin, running almost all of Yttribia, (bar Fontvieille) he's brought the hopes of a nation down. The people who voted for the Corvax Party were extremely disappointed with how he ran the country, and the fact that we even went out to get uranium in the Esportivan South Pole was a waste of our time, leading to the death of three of our brightest scientists.

But this is a football magazine/newspaper, not my personal blog.

What the team has done, is bring our nation together. We've been extremely disappointed with almost everyone and everything going in our nation for the past few months. The state of our nation is terrible, thanks to our civil rights being taken away and political freedom only granted to those who are members of the Corvax Party. So, needless to say: the country has gone to shit. Our boys are the only thing we've looked forward to watching. At nineteen, Bruno Arce, our forward who got a hat-trick against the Schiavone squad two weeks or so ago, is already being hailed as a national hero. Think about it! When I was nineteen, I was having all-nighters playing Gear's Quest on the local access network with a bunch of other geeks at UT-Downtown. It's quite magical, to say the least. Fontvieille was the only city which became old Yttribia. You know, happy, jubilant, Yttribia. So at the final whistle in Schottia, the city streets had achieved a level of euphoria never reached before since Augustin took over. I can't speak for the rest of the country, (Fontvieille is essentially a city-state, cut off from the rest of the country for now) but I hope they're just as ecstatic as we are.

We're becoming our old selves again. We as a nation, and we as a team. We're starting the long road back to democracy, back to an Yttribia in which people would love to visit on holiday, not an Yttribia in which we were shunned and considered apart of an axis of evil. Our motto, Volem seguir sent el que som, is finally being said proudly by our citizens, instead of the bastardized motto of "We wish to remain who we are." Because that motto wasn't simply who we are. That regime simply wasn't who we were. Back in The Licentian Isles and Farfadillis, we had taken the multiverse by storm. Knocking out favorites Tynewear in the quarter-finals, and finishing fourth in the end. Now, with a surprise appearance in the quarter-finals of the Campionato Esportiva X, our momentum, our skill, and our luck, is finally paying off. The hype made by our press several cycles ago is finally being realized.

What pains me is that some of our best and rising footballers, now-Mastii goalkeeper Gaspard Irvin; defender Jermaine Poole, midfielder Aaron Aiza, both Equestrian footballers; and possibly the greatest footballer Yttribia has produced, Gustave Mynatt, an Equestrian coach now, have all defected. Just because of a damn regime. I'm hoping that when this is done, and everything is back in place, we can offer back their Yttribian citizenship to them. They did something arguably no-one else would do, after such an excellent tournament: defect from the national team, and seek asylum. Their courage and braveness must be recognized by the future Yttribian government, and this is how we can mend broken ties.

Come tomorrow, eighty-one thousand, eight hundred people will flock to Le Nid Violet. Sadly, most of these people will come from our great city, and not from the rest of Yttribia. However, these eighty-one thousand, eight hundred fans will represent each Yttribian that couldn't be there. The football team will receive a hero's welcome, that's for sure. And we'll all be singing our lungs out when Forward, Yttribia plays for the first time in quite a while. We've waited for the moment in which the anthem we know and love, not some Corvidae music written by Corvidae musicians, played throughout the Nest.

The fact that we somehow survived the group of death, in my humble opinion, is outstanding. The fact that football has united a torn nation sooner than later is amazing. The fact that the fat cats of the Corvax Party are going to be facing imminent punishment is terrific. The fact that we're going to be bringing some of the best and upcoming nations to Yttribia for the Cup of Harmony is perfect. The fact that our Ravens are just two play-off matches away from the World Cup is inconceivable. This is how boys turn into men. This is how men turn into legends. This is how legends become gods. There is no stopping us now.

---

Porter Augustin was extremely depressed. He sat on the extremely cold, concrete floor, inside the Corvax Party headquarters in the city of Telino. The dream in which he had organized with members of the Corvidae Collective had failed miserably here. And now, he was at the point in which he would announce defeat. And there was nothing he could do. Almost nothing. Except cry. Augustin wept as his dream had failed, his perfect view of the world had not been achieved. And the only thing Porter Augustin, once the most powerful man in the nation, could do...was to cry. These were the last hours of a Corvidae Yttribia. And that, was their destiny.

[Vaugania]

OOC: I would just like to say that I am alright with the qualification system and the whining in this RP is purely for the purpose of RP. And also apologies for the length, I had no idea what to RP today.

The Vauganians
Are the victors of their group
But might not advance

Who came up with this?
This could go very poorly
I am quite worried

This is nerve-wracking
We better pick up more points
Play-offs don't look fun

Let's beat Nephara
Things would then be simplified
All for the better

We voted for this
Why on Earth did we do that?
Ugh, my head hurts now

[The Royal Kingdom of Quebec]

The Talk between Two Good Ole' Chaps(2)

Once again, Two men were sitting in a table as they were about to discuss an important matter for their sporting sake. One was of a high status, while the other was his to-be rainmaker on-turf. They both looked very much serious and focused, even though one was lot more loose in his posture than the other.

Sir. Samuel Préservatif de Trojana was the owner of Trojana Condommakers FC and the Trojana-Magnum D'Orly Corporations, the Multiverse's largest producer of contraceptive products. His grip on the contraceptives industry was too strong that many called the 36-year old 'Count of Condoms'. This nickname, which he admitted to enjoy hearing of, was because of his noble status, something that's been less and less common these days due to the larger population of the country. As the house of Preservatif de Trojana was granted of peerage back in 1956 for their contribution to Quebecois and global economy, he technically held the title of Count of Trojana, the small city of 45,000 located somewhere between Kenora and Sudbury, both in the western province of Ontario.
Being a huge football lover, he took over the control of the ownership from his cousin Marcel 2 years ago, turning what was a third-division team into legitimate threat on the Q-League Premiership Division, the highest tier available on the Royal Kingdom of Quebec. Now, with the team being a legitimate threat due to its infamous defensive formations and a new head coach, he was looking forward to the brand new season.

Meanwhile, Julien Maidana's the brand new Head Coach of the very team that's being talked about at the moment. Formerly the head coach of recently-promoted Nadezhda Yuzhno Sakhalinsk FC, the 45-year old was hired by the Trojana FC after the team's former Head Coach retired from coaching after 56 years of doing so. Being a coach with an extremely unconventional style, he's been looking forward to do the same on Trojana Condommakers FC, a small-market team spending like big-league one. Fortunately, he's been given enough money and power to create a team that he could dominate the Q-League with and should be able to do more.

Julien looks around and finds his boss buddy typing rapidly in his laptop. Wondering what's the matter with him, he decides to ask Sir. Samuel Préservatif de Trojana about it.

Julien Maidana- Samuel. What are you working on your laptop right now?

Sir. Samuel Préservatif de Trojana- A persuasive letter to Connie's parents, so that she can be given one, final approval before she's going to be posted. I'm worried about this part the most because the amount that we're bidding for her is reasonable and stronk. That's why setting her parents' permissions is the hardest part.

Julien Maidana- I see. If you have any questions, go ahead and ask, old chap.

Sir. Samuel Préservatif de Trojana- Thank god you told me that part. So, let's start by asking this question. What are we going to do with her living arrangement if she does sign with us? This is the important part, because we cannot have her live in hotels or anywhere that's not proper for someone underaged to live.

Julien Maidana- She'll have to move to Trojana with either a family member of hers or on her own. Heck, even a billet family would do, even though that's a bad option considering it's an underaged, extremely rich soccer starlet in the age of 15.....We're not in Jerusalem after all, nor is she from Jerusalem. A 15 year old should not live in HOTELs.

Sir. Samuel Préservatif de Trojana- Indeed, but what are we going to do with her education then, Julien? You're the master in the house, so you should be behind this.

Julien Maidana- Oh, that? Well she can certainly take up online schooling or perhaps go to a private school with utmost of qualities, that is if there's any near here.

Sir. Samuel Préservatif de Trojana- Uh....Not in this part of Ontario. Cammer College's 54km from here and I don't think she can really enjoy normal schooling with those commoners that we know of.

Julien Maidana sighs.

Julien Maidana- I guess we gotta have her do online schooling and perhaps have a tutor come over.

Sir. Samuel Préservatif de Trojana- That'd be the best thing we could realistically do, I guess as well.

Julien Maidana- Also Samuel, we need to have Connie Chase as soon as possible. This wait's taking too long for me, and I am not the one known for my patience.

Sir. Samuel Préservatif de Trojana- Be patient, Julien. The tour to Dominions will not start until August and even then World Cup could go well into August. We need to do the tour without Chase and even then have to wait until at least a match after the home opener.

Julien Maidana- Let's say that we do get her parents' permission and win the bidding process, but the Republican team's still in contention by then. Can we just have her quit playing for those damned Republicans and have her start by Opener?

Sir. Samuel Préservatif de Trojana- But then Rule Theriault won't let her join Trojana, Julien. It's the international protocol with players while on National Team and we need to respect that.

Julien Maidana- Hmph, alright then. In that instance Republican team better be out of contention very soon. Not only that I don't like that Son of a betch of a team, they're also taking too much time out of players. They certainly don't know the importance of club football!

Sir. Samuel Préservatif de Trojana- Respect their tastes though. We don't want the deal to fall out...and she could very much go to elsewhere.

Julien Maidana sighs. He knows that he has to respect the choices made by Rule Theriault when it comes the players on Republican National Team, and there's nothing he could do to alter it for (Connie) Chase.

Julien Maidana- I guess I better respect his choice.

Sir. Samuel Préservatif de Trojana- Indeed......

[The Sarian]

OOC: On ferry back to England, so if I make it to the playoffs, I promise mega-uber RP to make up for my undeserved plight to the (maybe) playoffs.

Sarian name foreigner as national manager - again.

Many saw the unexpected, and unexplained, death of Jack Parker as an opportunity, yes we were sad the man died, but did we really want a Draconian to manage our team anyway?

One could hardly argue with Parkers track record, inheriting a broken side from Leonard Heathwait, who now manages a tiny side in Vilita, to take The Sarian to one point from the knockout rounds of the most recent Cup of Harmony before guiding the team to first at the midway stages of these World Cup Qualifiers.

But upon his death, the nation didn't moarn - it licked it's lips in anticipation of seeing the comparatively young Wiley Tyrell, former National Team captain, take the reign as coach until the end of qualifiers, and secretly we hoped he would take it for longer.

Failing a fairytale appointment, pundits were pointing at a number of Sarian talents, even talking about the return of John McKenzie, who's Salvador side have been instrumental in rebranding the Super League as an exciting and attacking affair. The whole nation was united in their will for a Sarian boss for the Sarian team.

The whole nation, that is except Sarian Football Federation president, Erik Brand.

Dismissing the applications of many more qualified individuals from both The Sarian - and indeed abroad - Brand revealed both the name of the new manager and the fact that he had less competence than a dog wearing a top hat.

While the nation had named Tyrell as the people's choice, a small voice would admit that if the manager did happen to not be from our golden Islands, he must at least be experience in guiding sides to the World Cup.

Brands choice, unfortunately, has not managed a side to the World Cup. Nor has he managed a national side. Or even a side at all.

Yes, you did read that right dear readers, instead of an exciting Sarian talent or an experienced foreign giant we have an inexperienced newbie at the helm of OUR national side.

This blokes name is Daniel Bauer.

I can here your cries now, and I assure you I made the same ones. How is he better than Wiley Tyrell? They have the same experience managerial wise and have the same tactics going forward. It simply does not make sense.

And that is why I for one will not be cheering for this foreigner when he guides our team for the first time. Whether that is in World Cup Playoffs or something completely different - time will tell.

---

Letters to the editor

Ms Hart,

I read your article in yesterday's edition of the Florican Today and I can not agree with you more. I think it is a disgrace that this man should be allowed to manage our side, may I remind the utter morons at the Football Federation that The "Demokratik Republik" of Rüntenbach and this Federation of Isles are at a state of (admittedly cold) war.

Hasn't it occurred to the fool, Erik Brand that the pesky "svines" of Rüntenbach may have planted Daniel Bauer as a spy?

You mark my words.

Lisabeth North (64)
Lessay, Isle Dehaye

Upon reading yesterday's edition of Florican Today, I felt truly comforted that someone shared my loathing for this 'man' they have sent to manage our national team.

For so long people described my pride for this country as nationalist and racist, but now those people have been sent to the front line for some crime against the Florican Party while I have been living contented by the growing master race of Sarian.

But apparently our master race isn't good enough for the national team. Utterly despicable. I propose that we begun a national campaign to kick this petty excuse for a man out of our country and out of our jobs.

Joffery Rain (82)
Ronan, Ackland

[Star United States]

This continues the side-story in the World Cup Qualifiers 69 Editions.

The Storm Rises Again
Intro

The Clouds

SeaShore City – The clouds rolled in today early in the morning over the city, that was able to exit the bunkers last Sunday, causing chaos and panic through the streets of SeaShore. The city has begun to establish themselves in the saddening ruins of SeaShore after the huge and unexpected storm has passed through This mysterious-looking clouds, however, don’t bring more hope to the members of this community.

The national weather department televised the following at 12:00, Starian Time: "Members of SeaShore City, we ask you to proceed your daily activities with caution, as we are not aware of what these clouds may bring.  We will be notifying you of anything as soon was we find out. Thank you, and don’t panic.”

---

Few Hours after the Announcement – 15:32
Unknown Room in the Presidential House

“Of course the National Weather Department would tell them not to panic,” stated the Security Secretary Dean Sandy, “that’s the first thing they’ll do anyways.”

“ However, we have to make sure the same event doesn’t occur as last time Mr. President,” continued Defense Secretary Santiago Cos, “we can’t be left in the same situation as last time.”

“What do you all suppose we do then?” question President Chris Cross, and continued saying, “we can’t control the weather, and the citizens of this city are reestablishing themselves once again in their homes. Well, right now they’re probably panicking because the National Weather Department told them not to.”

“We could…”

---

Channel 7 – 16:07
Corona Street, SeaShore City

Reporter: What do you think of these mysterious clouds?

Random Stranger: I’m panicking.

Reporter: Well, why? It’s just a cloudy day, hasn’t that happened before around here?

Random Stranger: Well, yes, but that weather department told us not to panic, as a humans we are set to panic chaotically.

- A random strange wind blows through the city. -

Reporter: Well you heard -

- “Signal Interrupted” appeared on the screens of all TVs –

---

Military Aircraft Star 102
SeaShore – Aerial Space

- First message was sent at 16:05 -

Star 102: Control Tower, Control Tower, this is Star 102

Control Tower Base 24 (CTB24): Loud and clear Star 102

Star 102 Please direct us to the nearest landing port, we are tapped in a cloud of darkness

Control Tower Base 24: 10-4. What are you exact coordinates?

Star 102 –static noises-

- A few minutes later –

Control Tower Base 24: Star 102, Star 102, do you hear us?

[Equestrian States]

Emphatic Win for Ponies Sends Equestrians to the Top
by Steve McNotapony

Equestrian States 3-0 Atanatos
at Apple Orchard Park in Appleoosa, Equestrian States
Attendance: 55,939
Scoring:
Pristina Shine '23 (Apple Cobbler)
Pristina Shine '48 (Cloudchaser)
Thunderlane '69 (Rainbow Blitz)

APPLEOOSA - Until just a few weeks ago, most Equestrian hoofball supporters would have considered the Ponies' qualifying campaign disappointing, regardless of the Equestrian States' position in the table. Poor performances against a number of opponents considered far inferior to the former 15th-ranked team in the multiverse left the Ponies' fans angry, but mostly confused at just what was going wrong with their beloved team. Now, after earning 16 points from six matches and posting a very impressive five consecutive clean sheets, the Equestrians seem to have finally recaptured the winning mentality that allowed them to soar up the rankings and win over a number of admirers throughout the multiverse. Thanks to Neu Engollon's shocking upset at the hands of Camerania and the Equestrian States' own decisive victory last night, the Ponies are now tantalizingly within reach of clinching an automatic finals berth that, until yesterday, seemed impossibly out-of-reach. But even if the Equestrians ultimately fail to qualify directly out of the group stage, the Ponies and their legions of supporters will at least enter the playoffs confident in their chances.

Last night's match against Atanatos was highly-anticipated here in Appleoosa, as it would be the first time the Equestrian States national team had ever played in the city. As such, the Appleoosans turned out in force, flocking to Apple Orchard Park by the thousands and filling it to the brim with purple and orange. The roar from the crowd when the Equestrians took the field was on par with - if not louder than - that in any other venue the Ponies have played in. When the match finally kicked off, it immediately became obvious that the Equestrians were more than prepared to put their 131st-ranked opponents to the sword, and spurred on by the supporters, the players set to work doing exactly that.

The Ponies wasted little time dismantling the Atanatos midfield, moving the ball deep into their opponents' third of the pitch and besieging the goalkeeper with shot after shot. With each chance taken by the Equestrians, the crowd only grew louder as it was clear that it was only a matter of time before the Ponies would find the net. The opener would come in the 23rd minute, after a corner kick was punched away by the Atanatos goalkeeper, Apple Cobbler heading the ball back up to a waiting Pristina Shine, who finished with a marvelous arcing volley that left the keeper with no chance of stopping it. After such a spectacular opening goal, the crowd was chomping at the bit for more of the same, but Atanatos was not ready to go down without a fight. For much of the rest of the half, the ball moved up and down the pitch, counterattacks being met by more counterattacks that resulted in a few world class saves by Gentle Breeze that delighted the crowd nearly as much as Pristina Shine's goal had.

As the second half started, some fans surely wondered if Twilight Striker would look to preserve the Equestrian lead or try and put some distance between her team and Atanatos on the scoreboard. That question was answered within minutes by a fantastic solo run by Cloudchaser that split the Atanatos back line wide open, tapping the ball over to the charging Pristina Shine who smashed it into the back of the goal. From that point on, there was no looking back for the Ponies as they tore into their opponents like an enraged manticore. Thunderlane eventually came on to replace Pristina Shine at the top of the Equestrian formation, scoring within five minutes to put the nail in the coffin of Atanatos.

After Thunderlane's goal effectively sealed the three points for the Equestrian States, the supporters turned their attention to the scoreboard, watching for updates on the Neu Engollon-Camerania match. When the final whistle blew in Appleoosa, the crowd cheered, delighted with the display. But it was nothing compared to the roar a couple minutes later that followed the update on the scoreboard: Camerania 4-2 Neu Engollon, FT.

The Ponies now travel to Neu Engollon for their biggest match since the second round of the World Cup 67 finals, one that will decide who finishes atop Group 21, and - for the Equestrian States - one that could send them straight back to the World Cup finals. Neu Engollon will no doubt be eager for the chance to finish in first, which a win for the Goats would seal, and after losing to Camerania, they'll be equally hungry to prove that result was nothing but a fluke. This will not be an easy match for the Equestrians, as the Burgunden Dome is expected to be at full capacity: a mind-boggling 147,670, doubtlessly packed with locals that would like nothing more than for their team to smash the Ponies. While the result is far from certain, one thing is already guaranteed: this will be a match that no Equestrian supporter will ever forget.

---

Match Report :: Match Day 13

 EQUESTRIAN STATES 3-0 ATANATOS 
Apple Orchard Park (cap. 52,680) in Appleoosa, Equestrian States

Scoring:
 Pristina Shine '23 (Apple Cobbler)
 Pristina Shine '48 (Cloudchaser)
 Thunderlane '69 (Rainbow Blitz)

Starting XI:
GK - Gentle Breeze
DF - Brix Hamilton
DF - Andrea Molovi
DF - Krysia Bailey
DF - Horus
MF - Rainbow Blitz
MF - Cloudchaser
MF - Apple Jack
MF - Krystal
MF - Apple Cobbler
FW - Pristina Shine

Substitutions:
 Elaine Everdeen in for Apple Jack '45
 Rumble in for Andrea Molovi '64
 Thunderlane in for Pristina Shine '64

[Chiata]

Into War
Part 1

Mobilization

The situation in Esportiva was boiling over. The Corvidae, an alliance made up of The Inevitable Syndicate, The Sarian, and Felix had declared war on Runtenbach, Northern Sunrise Islands, and San Jose Guyabal. It was becoming clearer and clearer that Chiata would soon have to pick a side, but which one should it be? To make either choice, Corvidae or Anti-Dorvidae, would cause severe repercussions from nations involved. If Chiata would side with the Corvidae, not only would the international community frown upon them, but Northern Sunrise Islands, Runtenbach, and San Jose Guayabal would be forced to declare war on Chiata. This was incredibly unsavory choice as Northern Sunrise Islands was a rather close neighbor to Chiata. If Chiata sides with the Anti-Corvidae alliance, then several heavily armed nations would declare war on Chiata, threatening its national security. Yet, the prospect of doing nothing seemed just as terrible as the other choices. To add on top of the issue, there also came the question of political beliefs. Chiata certainly could not side with the Corvidae, for fascism is fundamentally against what Chiata believes. At the same time, it would be difficult for Chiata to side with the Anti-Corvidae's because one of the nations was communist, a form of government Chiata had learned to hate during their war with Carialus.

There was only one thing that Chiata could do. They could prepare for war, not necessarily join a side. Chiata would mobilize its forces and wait for other events to happen in Esportiva that would help make the decision easier on which side to join. The order was given out: "All reservists are to report to local military stations." In all 700,000 Chiatan men and women were called to service. They came from all over, but mostly from the urban areas as that is where most of Chiata's people are. Immediately at its disposal, Chiata had a standing army of 300,000. As military numbers go, this is rather on the high side of an active military. However, Chiata generally used World War I era tactics that required lots of infantry. To put it simply, Chiata would use mass artillery bombardments fallowed by a charge of mechanized infantry, or large numbers of tanks supported by infantry. Roughly 200,000 of the active military was the raw rank-and-file infantry soldiers: armed with semi-auto weapons. 30,000 were in tank companies while 70,000 manned the artillery pieces. Behind the scenes was an army of 50,000 logistical workers who would bring supplies to the battlefield and cargo troops in and out. Now, with the addition of 700,000 soldiers, Chiata was well prepared for any fight. Of course, the 700,000 would have to go through a month or two of retraining to get up to par on military standards. Soon, Chiata's force would be fully ready and capable of defending their allies, whichever side that may be.

[Eura]

'Well...that was a fairly peachy trial, don't you think?' The General Attorney of the Euran cabinet, Robert Warren, reassured the Prime Minister Michael Judge as they entered the cabinet office. Judge was too skeptical to be easily dissuaded. 'Might as well have been a bloody show trial.'
'Did she deserve anything else?'
'No, but our legal system deserves to look better.' The Minister of the Expert Executive Phillip Miller, the upper house of parliament, stepped in to back up the General Attorney. 'Prime Minister, the woman is guilty of genocide. No-one expected anything different.' Judge sat down in his chair and watched the news tick along on the screen as the senior members of his cabinet gathered around him.

NATELLA KALININA TO BE IMPRISONED "UNTIL DEATH WITH NO REPRIEVE" IN EURAN HIGH SECURITY PRISON; FORMER MYTANAR DICTATOR WAS CHARGED WITH DEATHS OF 12.5 MILLION PEOPLE

'Natella Kalinina. If anyone ever deserved such a harsh sentence, it was her.' Amy Yarley, the young Foreign Minister and firebrand of the Liberal Party, sat down looking satisfied. 'Fucking bitch can rot. If this was the good old days we'd have had her harpooned on a Euran flagpole in the middle of Esca.'
'Just be quiet Amy.' Judge sighed and leaned back in his chair, just wanting to forget about this awful trial. 'Whats the press reaction like?' The coalition spin doctor and Cabinet Manager Lionel Berwick was scathing. 'Bloody press have fitted us up again, haven't they? The Emplor have criticised us for not holding a trial earlier as we've had her for several years. The Directus Post are banging on about the bloody show trial nonsense again. The Social Party of course are mouthing off about how long its taken to get this done and the backbenchers for fucking EIP are complaining that we didn't kill her. Don't get me started on overseas...obviously no-one will pay attention to what the Sameban RPA are saying but the Austroslovakian state media have said they feel we've let her off lightly. Media in Astograth, or whats left of it, has been pretty positive but that's it. Polarian media is ambivalent and some of it critical for not doing this earlier, and on the torture allegations. Bloody socialists. Even those Valladar bastards are bitching; "Former Mytanar dictator finally imprisoned by weak Euran judicial system" reads their most prominent headline.'
'What about the Mytanar media?'
'This is where it gets bad. She wipes out a sixth of their fucking population, and a small amount of papers there are angry that we mistreated her! Meanwhile the leftists and various groups all have different opinions ranging from glad shes gone but disappointing we didn't do more, right up to "death to Eura", the unscrupulous, ungrateful fucking savages!'

'Enough!' Judge raised his arms to his head dramatically and got up, turning the television off as he did. 'Everyone fuck off. Except you Yarley, we need a chat.' The various members of the cabinet left, as Yarley sat on the large teak table and stared at her boss with the eyes of a woman who was about to go on a rant. 'Life? Are you taking the piss? We've had people shot during this government, why not her?'
'We've had people shot in secret. If you told the public that, we'd do badly poll-wise.'
'Badly? Don't be silly. They're always nattering on about expanding the death penalty beyond high treason.'
'Yes, they would. With her it might be different, but what could I do? Imagine the reaction.'
'I'm guessing you mean the reaction from other countries, and that's what I have to brief you on?'
'Yes.'
'Right. Predictably, the same old people have upped and protested. Sameba has mourned the "wrongful imprisonment" of a "great hero" internally, but they've understandably been quiet in letting us know it after how we embarrassed them there. Then there is Sargossa, which understandably has thrown the most public shitfit. Not surprising given that we nicked her from them.'
'Illegally, and killing several Sargossan's in the process. And almost starting a naval battle with them when we saved Doyley and that girl.'
'True, but then the woman is a certified loony who is responsible for millions of innocent deaths. We did the right thing. Anyway, a couple of other countries have notably protested, and the old reds from Darmen complained about it a bit from what I hear. On the good side, the usual suspects sent us a nice response. Astograth in particular were pleased; they sent us a fuckin' flower basket don't you know, including, I kid you not, a note saying that communism is a "perversion" and they "applaud the pursuit of the harsh justice they deserve by the Euran government".'

'You mentioned Sargossa.'
'Yes I did Mike.'
'What's going on there, then?'
'Oh, not much. They've invaded the Angry Islands.'
'Virabia reacted at all?'
'No, because that country has been unable to react to anything for a decade. We could occupy one of their little territories tomorrow and no-one would care. The Sargossan's have occupied it with at least 30,000 troops and don't look like they're going to leave. Textbook regime change in a small territory followed by gradual occupation under the guise of protecting an ethnic sect.'
'And the authorities there have just rolled over, I assume? That's not a good thing, but else can they do I suppose. That said, its not like we can react to this really, is it?'
'No, you're absolutely right Prime Minister. That's why I've taken the liberty of pre-preparing a statement where we will register our disapproval against the invasion, but nothing else. I'm sure the Polarian's will puff their chest about it but nothing for us to get worked up over as its none of our business really. Everyone is watching what is going on elsewhere anyway.'
'Ah yes, the fall of Fontvieille. Maybe our plan to buff up the Guayabalese worked?'
'Don't kid yourself, Prime Minister. They might've won a few victories, but they haven't dipped into our equipment yet and while Fontvieille might be free the rest of Yttribia is still as fascist as the night is dark.'

Judge chuckled to himself and got up, turning away from a perplexed Yarley. 'Why are you laughing, Prime Minister?'
'Its nearly summer, Amy. Before long, the night won't be very dark. And Yttribia will see less and less darkness.' Amy sighed, partly out of her annoyance at the PM creating another desperate catchphrase designed to win votes, and partly because she wished he was right. 'The Corvax dominated regime still runs 95% of the country. Its an isolated rebellion and will almost certainly be crushed within a month. Was there anything else, Prime Minister?'
'West Angola.'
'I almost forgot. Are you happy to go along with my proposals?'
'Yes. Get the MoD to put one of our carrier groups on station, and get the Governor General to have a word with August at the earliest option. I want him to be clear; the new leadership in Namibe will maintain the status quo with us and play nicely from now on. If there is any more instability in the leadership or any more civil disturbance, we shall be forced to play our own hand. Have the new king be told that he really, really doesn't want us to play our hand. Otherwise...congratulate him, and welcome him to the world of being a head of state. Tell him he can meet Barker as soon as he's back from Esportiva.'
'Excellent, Prime Minister. By the way, I got that update you wanted from Intelligence. The OSI are meeting the Free Felixian's as we speak.'
'Good. Its time to make things even more difficult for the fascist thugs.'

[San Jose Guayabal]

Punta Arenas, San José Guayabal

Three days before the invasion to Yttribia.

The liberation forces had managed to defeat enemy troops around San José Yttribia Guayabal, whereas only was attacked El Roblar, Melendez, Rodriguez and Fasista Vigilante.

Attacks Yttribia had been postponed due to reconsrucción damaged cities, especially Fasista Vigillante, which changed its name to Punta Arenas, in honor of the sandstone beautiful covering beaches on the island, plus the city councils were being rebuilt from scratch, a new story would be generated at that location, being in the last tragic things lived there, the only thing that would is a mausoleum to honor the people who died.

President Serrano gave a speech at the site, in order to inaugurate the new city.

"It's a pleasure to be here at the start of a new city, a city inhabited by real Guayabalenses who survived that horrible dark night where some fascist pigs invaded our nation, now it's time to rewrite history together, in a new modern city beautiful for its inhabitants, where they are sure to live.

I know it was difficult those moments where they experienced firsthand a serious violation of their human rights, I come to tell you that this will not be so avenge the death of his family in a safe, know your pain and we will seek to apply justice to the evil. We already know who they are and where they hide, but you better tell them to leave and surrender before the law, lay down their office and deliver it to the brave people of Yttribia, seeking justice against an immoral and corrupt regime that does not deserve, if they do so I myself will be in charge to make sure they pay the consequences, "Serrano said, as he was led by the military towards the base of the National Defense Council, to orchestrate the final or best shot known as" Operation Liberation "where they planned to help angry mobs in Yttribia to overthrow the fascist regime of Corvidae

"Mr. President, here are the plans for the final battle," said the leader of the council.

"Excellent, let me see and analyze" Serrano said.

The plan was an attack by sea, air and land forces to Corvidae, together Rüntenbach troops and Hodori, who were allies to overthrow the regime of Corvidae.

Marine troops until zararían from Melendez in front of the coast of Telino, the last bastion of Corvidae in order to destroy enemy ships.

Ground troops would street fighting against the regime of inciting mobs against Corvidae people to fight and kill the leaders of the fascist movement.

While the aerial troops would be responsible for putting the cherry on the cake by bombarding the Corvidae HQ's and thereby encourage a true citizen revolution.

"Sounds like a good idea, it's good qe troops start moving towards Telino, to fulfill the promise that was made to the families of those poor citizens" Serrano said.

"Troops, please avanzen to Telino, it is time to end this once and for all with the war," said the leader of the council.

Undoubtedly, the war was something that SJG not want to do because of his pacifist spirit, but was forced to do it to defend the motherland against such abuse of human rights of the inhabitants of the islands.

Taking Telino was without inconvenience, maritime troops used the power of weapons Provided By Eura generator to eliminate any source of resistance to the shot, the enemy's ships were sunk while systematically HQ's of Corvidae were bombed.

The armed forces if necessary with their arms held against ideology in order to create a peaceful revolution, people received tons of pamphlets and armored cars went performing loudspeakers with messages such as "Down with fascism, defend your homeland and fight, free her of fascism "or" If you support Corvax, you're a bad parent, supports the future of your children and free them from fascism.

Porter Augustin was found by a soldier from SJG, who unhesitatingly took position and fired his AK-47 thirty times to the head of the leader of the fascist government, hitting at least twenty times in the head and shooting twenty-two times in the stomach to be sure he was dead, then he checked his heart rate, which was zero.

"Augustin Porter is dead, again. Augustin Porter is dead" notified the soldier to his superiors, which lleó the ears of the president, who took a big sigh yrealizó a press conference to all media and calling SJG also international media.

Serrano entered the conference room with a big smile, cheerful end of the conflict, to elation took the microphone and said:

"Ladies and Gentlemen, I am pleased to announce to the world that the fascist and illegitimate government Yttribia has literally fallen, because their leader Porter Augustin was shot by a soldier of SJG which condecoraremos with the Medal of Honor, for his excellent contribution to the regeneration of peace in that nation, the conflict is over and keep part of our troops to support the work of stabilization and peacekeeping in that nation, so we can say, Mission Accomplished! "Serrano said as he left with his fist raised in victory.

[Valladares]

ROYAL COMMISSION ON THE EVENTS IN ROGERTON, DARMEN - PAGES 33 TO 36
CHAPTER XX - SUMMARY OF THE INVESTIGATION, CONCLUSIONS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS

A. SUMMARY OF THE INVESTIGATION

The Royal Commission on the Events in Rogerton, Darmen worked for four months on collecting evidence from every possible source of the unrest in both Valladar and Darmeni territory in the least biased possible manner. Therefore, in order to achieve its planned purpose, the Royal Commission carried on the following activities in chronological order:

In Valladar territory:

1) Visits and meetings with the Governor-General of the Westlands State, the Secretary of Internal Affairs of the Westlands State, the Royal Army of Valladares's VIII Division Commander, the Westlands State Police Commander, and the Westlands State Public Safety Commission.
2) Visits and meetings with the Second Commission of the Westlands State Parliament, the State Parliament's plenary, and the Westlands State Parliament Chairman.
3) Visits and meetings with the Mayors of Edmonton, Bretford, Coulombes, Isla Nueva, Townsville, Victoria, Hamilton, Adelaide, and Northport.
4) Visit to the Westlands Football Federation headquarters and subsequent meeting with its chairman.
5) Visits to the headquarters of the following professional football clubs: Edmonton United Football Club, Bretford Royals Football Club, Club Sportif Olympique de Coulombes, Isla Nueva Fútbol Club, Football Club of Townsville, Racing Club de Victoria, Liga Deportiva Universitaria de Victoria, Hamilton Steelers Football Club, Hoxford Rovers Football Club, Adelaide Kickers Football Club, Hoxford Athletic Club, Adelaide Heart Football Club, Northport Mariners Football Club, and Northport Bears Football Club, and meetings with their respective chairmen.
6) Inspection visits to the facilities at Edmonton International Airport, Northport's dock, and the Fenway border checkpoint.
7) Visits and meetings with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Parliamentary bloc of the Westlands State, both held in the District of Metropolis.
8) Visit to the Valladar Football Association headquarters and subsequent meeting with its chairman, also held in the District of Metropolis.

In Darmeni territory:

1) Visits and meetings with the main authorities of the Rogerton and East Potros Counties.
2) Inspection visits to Kalenda Stadium, the remains of the "Darmeni-Valladar Cultural Center", and the stores and other buildings affected by the riots.
3) Inspection visit to the plot of land where "Campamento Infierno" was established.
4) Inspection visits to all hospitals and health institutions in the Rogerton and East Potros area.
5) Inspection visits to all hotels and other accomodation facilities in the Rogerton and East Potros area.
6) Inspection visits to all transportation infrastructure and facilities in the Rogerton and East Potros area.
7) Visit to the Darmen Soccer Federation (DSF) and meeting with its chairman.
8) Visits and meetings with the Darmeni Prime Minister and Parliament.

B. CONCLUSIONS

After a thorough analysis to the evidence found in the fieldwork conducted by the Royal Commission during the first three weeks of work, the Royal Commission on the Events in Rogerton, Darmen reached the following conclusions:

FIRST - Regarding those accountable, to a greater or lesser extent:

The following people and/or groups of people are to be held accountable to a greater or lesser extent for their involvement or omission of involvement in the events:

a) The rioters, irrespective of citizenship or nationality.
b) The Westlanders Central Command, for taking advantage of a decision made by the Darmeni government in order to abuse it to their own benefit.
c) The Prime Minister of Darmen, Scat Peari.
d) The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Darmen, Alfredo Albaladejo.
e) The Ministers of Citizenship and Inmigration, of the Interior, and of Tourism of Darmen, for making a decision such as lifting travel regulations arbitrarily without adequately and timely predicting and/or preventing its side effects. Same applies for c) and d).
e) The President of the Darmeni Soccer Federation, Timothy O'Donahue, on behalf of the DSF, for arbitrarily scheduling a Darmen-Valladares match in a stadium and city that did not meet the minimum safety conditions for a Darmen-Valladares match, even if travel regulations had not been lifted.
f) The civil authorities of County Rogerton.
g) The Executive Boards of the following Valladar football clubs: Edmonton United Football Club, Bretford Royals Football Club, Club Sportif Olympique de Coulombes, Isla Nueva Fútbol Club, Football Club of Townsville, Racing Club de Victoria, Liga Deportiva Universitaria de Victoria, Hamilton Steelers Football Club, Hoxford Rovers Football Club, Adelaide Kickers Football Club, Hoxford Athletic Club, Adelaide Heart Football Club, Northport Mariners Football Club, and Northport Bears Football Club, for failing to work with their fanbases on battling the increasing Darmenophobia in the Westlands State.

SECOND - Regarding those exonerated, applauded and/or praised:

The following people and/or groups of people are to be exonerated from blame, applauded, and/or praised for their efforts to avoid violence and/or the escalation of violence in the events, regardless of degree of success:

a) All relief and health institutions in Rogerton County, for trying to provide quick help and relief to the injured and others affected by the riots.
b) The Ministers of Welfare and Transportation of Darmen, for trying their best to provide acceptable means of shelter and transportation to Valladar fans in spite of the limitations of their own services, accomodation, and transportation infrastructure.
c) The civil and military authorities of the Westlands State, for trying their best to avoid a massive influx of Valladar citizens into Darmeni territory.
d) The Valladar Football Association and its affiliate, the Westlands Football Federation, as there was found no evidence suggesting either institution was involved to some extent in either the buildup to the riots or the riots themselves.
e) Non-governmental organization Building Ties and its members, for its efforts on battling Darmenophobia and every discrimination attempt on Darmeni citizens in the Westlands State.
f) The players of both national sides, for playing an honourable game in spite of the circumstances that surrounded it. The Valladar footballers are also to be praised for entering the pitch with a banner asking their fans to refrain from any kind of violence.

THIRD - ADDITIONAL FINDINGS:

The following facts should also be noted:

a) That there was found no evidence suggesting that either the Darmeni (as a whole) or Valladar governments had some sort of involvement in the formation and/or development of the riots, and as such, should be cleared of any fault at this specific item.
b) Likewise, there was found no evidence suggesting that either the Darmeni or Valladar governments had any knowledge of the plans being prepared by the Westlands Central Command, however, this does not clear the Darmeni government officers of fault at not preventing an eventual sudden influx of Valladar fans into Darmeni territory as they were under obligation to analyze every side effect triggered by their own decision to lift travel regulations.
c) That border controls in the Valladar side of the border, i.e. at Edmonton International Airport, Northport's dock, and the Fenway border checkpoint were found to be quick and smoothly run, in spite of the high number of people wishing to cross the border through any of those three places.
d) That the findings of the Darmenis' own investigation should be applauded as they were useful as valuable feedback to this investigation, as well as the will to collaborate with this investigation displayed by Darmeni government officers, entities, and other people and institutions.

C. RECOMMENDATIONS:

In order not to repeat the same mistakes that led to the events happened on Satuday July 26th, 2014, the Royal Commission on the Events in Rogerton, Darmen makes the following recommendations to both sides involved:

To the Valladars:

a) That no retaliatory action be taken against the Darmeni government as a whole, as there was found no evidence they had some degreee of involvement (for instance, incitement to violence) in the events, and the government officers being held as accountable in this investigation were deemed to be responsible in a personal capacity only.
b) That no retaliatory actions be taken against Darmeni citizens in Valladares, as they serve no purpose for reconciliation, and also since the whole collective of citizens should not be charged by the actions done by their fellow countrymen/countrywomen in a personal capacity.
c) That actions to battle Darmenophobia be taken by the Executive Boards of every football club in the Westlands, but especially by the ones of the following clubs: Edmonton United Football Club, Bretford Royals Football Club, Club Sportif Olympique de Coulombes, Isla Nueva Fútbol Club, Football Club of Townsville, Racing Club de Victoria, Liga Deportiva Universitaria de Victoria, Hamilton Steelers Football Club, Hoxford Rovers Football Club, Adelaide Kickers Football Club, Hoxford Athletic Club, Adelaide Heart Football Club, Northport Mariners Football Club, and Northport Bears Football Club.
d) That the Westlands State Parliament discuss and enact amendments to existing laws and/or new laws that strenghten sanctions against discrimination of foreigners, especially Darmenis.
e) That border security and travel regulations are toughened up until tensions are reduced.
f) That the Valladar Football Association considers avoid having any matches of the upcoming Cup of Harmony edition held in the Westlands or having the national football team of Darmen directly drawn into the Yttribian section of the competition.

To the Darmenis:

a) That no further retaliatory actions be taken against Valladar citizens in Darmen, as they serve no purpose for reconciliation, and also since the whole collective of citizens should not be charged by the actions done by their fellow countrymen/countrywomen in a personal capacity.
b) That any future decision to lift travel regulations for Valladars into Darmeni territory is taken with their own national security as their paramount interest.
c) That the amount of accomodation and services facilities in Rogerton County is increased and/or enlarged, and their quality improved.
d) That the Darmeni Soccer Federation considers hosting any future Darmen-Valladares matches at a venue with more than 60,000 seats.
e) That border security and travel regulations are toughened up until tensions are reduced.

BE IT PUBLISHED AND ENFORCED,

Signed,

Jeremy Calloum,
President of the Royal Commission on the Events in Rogerton, Darmen

* Original document signed and kept at the Biblioteca Nacional de Valladares, private copies sent to Green House, Rodham House, and the National Parliament of Valladares.

[Carialus]

Carialus Bugle

The 1-0 win for Carialus against Blouman Empire was certainly s surprise. Also, it annoyingly brought Carialus that little bit more closer to qualifying for the playoff stage. Now, Carialus is only 3 points behind The Royal Barangay, whom drew against Red Blackiland. However, between Carialus and the Barangay is a mountain of six goal differences. In fact, To get past this mountain, Carialus will have to plat a perfect game against Nassau Hessen and outscore them by about 3 or 4 goals. Fortunately, the Comrades will be playing at home and will need every fan they can get to pack Capital Field. In addition to this, Carialus will need Blouman Empire to win big against the Barangay. To add the icing on the cake, the Barangay is playing at home. So yeah, no chance of qualifying. We feel like we've already said this...

Anyway, to take away from thinking about Carialus impossible, er, dismal chances of qualifying, we have decided to make a list of predictions of who will qualify in all of the groups.

Group 1
NSI has it clinched and we think the Hops can keep their second place spot.

Group 2
Farfadillis is undoubtedly to group leader while Sargossa will keep their second place as they are three points ahead of Lymantatia and have 15 more in goal difference.

Group 3
Obviously, Vilita has group. The second place is a bit more complicated. Boring Paradise will likely win their game, so it comes down to the Kinitaria vs. Icemark game. If Kinitaria wins, they keep the second spot, and if Icemark wins, Boring Paradise takes it. We pick Kinitaria because they are playing at home.

Group 4
We have a sinking feeling Osarius will be in 1st. Both Taeshan and Kazamatsuri are playing nobodody's, so Taeshan should hold their spot.

Group 5
Jeruselem has the group. Nova Anglicana is ruled out because they are 8 goal difference points behind the second placer. New Montreal States will keep their spot unless they seriously mess up against Gustavpolis.

Group 6
Ko-Oren as it clinched with zero losses so far. With our first upset, we pick Svengarda to climb their way out of 3rd and takn 2nd from Zenic.

Group 7
Legalese wins first. We suspect that Antoletia, who just beat HorusLand, will find the courage to take 2nd place.

Group 8
As bad as we like to admit it, the FFR did a good job in Group 8 and took first. The second place spot it contested by, ironically, two Esportivans. It all comes down to The Sarian at San Jose Guayabal. We pick San Jose to move ahead and commiserations to The Sarian.

Group 9
Blouman Empire wins against The Royal Barangay and clinches 1st. Cari... The Royal Barangay, despite a loss, keeps second.

Group 10
Pasarga wins the group as they beat Sandwich Territories, which also puts Sandwich out of contention, allowing The Royal Kingdom of Quebec to retain their qualifying spot.

Group 11
Turori leads the group and will stay that way. In another upset, we pick Starblaydia to advance, because you can't bet against Starblaydia. There was this one man that did that once... he's dead now...

Group 12
This is one of the most exciting groups. The Archregimancy already has first, but there's still four other nations that haven't been eliminated. In another cool play of fate, all four teams are playing one of the other in an epic final duel! Hicana will play at Glaser while Cosumar will travel to Karditan. We predict the home teams will win, landing Glaser a spot in the playoff system.

Group 13
For some reason we have this strange feeling that we already know who advances out of Group 13: Polar Islandstates and Yttribia.

Group 14
The feelings continues and gives us the sensation that whatever nation we pick to advance, will. Bears Armed and Paradystopia.

Group 15
Sadly, the feeling goes, only leaving us with the group winner, Estope. We pick Barunia to keep their spot, after all, they just beat Zwangzug.

Group 16
Runtenbach will continue to have the top spot while it is Inevitable the Syndicate will place 2nd. I wonder if they ever get tired of those jokes? It is inevitable they will...

Group 17
The feeling has returned! Vaugania and Kiryu-Shi!

Group 18
The Licentian Island wins the group by ten points. Eura places second since their three points and 12 goal differences above the third place team.

Group 19
Determined to not start the sentence with the group leader's name, Saintland takes first while Gregoryisgodistan is in second.

Group 20
Yuck! It's those dirty Chiatans again! Even though they are group leaders, we think they will lose to Felix. After all, my fellow comrades, they are just Chiatans.

Group 21
The feeling seems to go off and on, but it is here for this group, Equestrian States and Neu Engollon will advance to the playoffs.

Group 22
Valanora has already topped the group by ten points. As for second place, Filopines will retain their second place spot.

Group 23
There seems to be an inproportionate amount of of V nations that are winning their group... *cough* Valladares *cough*. Anyway, Furellum will travel to Sameba for a decisive match. Win your in, lose you snooze, or something like that. We think Sameba will win at home and squeak into the playoffs.

Group 24
The great Audioslavia. At the same time, they will beat Buyan, putting them out of contention because United Eastidge will win their game and make it to the playoffs.

[Turori]

JUST LIKE THE OLD DAYS
Eels look to take momentum from Vilitan Triumph

After the Vilita Jungle Cats won the World Cup 20 title over Audioslavia, a strange thing happened. Sure, the Jungle Cats were dominant during World Cup 21 qualification, and sure they were only eliminated from the World Cup Finals in one of the most unexpected scorelines ever, an 8-7 defeat to eventual champions Bedistan, but none the less, a strange thing happened.

The Jungle Cats, while basking in the limelight that was their World Cup success, fell half a step behind their Turorian counterparts.

For a period between World Cup 22 and World Cup 28, it was most certainly the Turori Eels, and not the Vilita Jungle Cats, who were the more consistent and dominant force on the World Stage.

In fact, though they never made it to a Semi-Final, Turori's string of Quarter Final appearances in the mid-20's is the most robust string of success in recorded World Cup history from a nation that never made the final four.

So, when the Vilita Jungle Cats lifted the World Cup 68 title, there were surely some in Turori who saw light at the end of the tunnel. Who saw the Vilitan triumph as the sign that the tides were about to change for Turori - that the Eels were on the rise again and would soon over take their Vilitan brethren as the dominant national team in the Cove.

Sure enough, after 13 matchdays in World CUp 69 qualification, it is the Eels who are unbeaten and flirting amongst the top records in the campaign. Any result against Starblaydia on the final matchday would seal the Eels place in the World Cup Finals while the defending World Champion Jungle Cats are already looking ahead to a potentially embarrassing early exit at the hands of the unpredictable playoff season.

In a season of transition, Eels head coach Ematea Saenu has had to balance the experience and the youth, with very few options in between, giving playing time to players that might otherwise be competing in the DiBradini Cup if they weren't needed to support Turori's aging superstars. But perhaps it is just the right amount of energy and new direction for the Eels to turn the corner, and not only propel themselves back into the Quarter Finals, but set their eyes on a bigger prize, something they've never previously accomplished in their history.

[Cosumar]

VANGAZILAND CITY, VANGAZILAND - Sur Arora heard the sickening c r u n c h of his bone as it snapped long before he felt it. At first he thought he had stepped on a twig that had somehow found its way onto the pitch. Only after completing the diving challenge did Arora glance over at his leg and see his ankle bent away from the rest of his left leg unnaturally, hanging there in an awkward 90-degree angle.

It was a sort of out-of-body experience for Arora. That deformed leg, bone visibly protruding from the flesh, could not be his. Arora's eyes were fixed on the gruesome injury and the rest of his vision blurred. He was vaguely aware that play had ceased around him.

Why were his teammates looking at him in despair? Why did the crowd gasp so?

It took several seconds sitting there on the pitch for his mind to finally register what had occured. Only when the medical team reached him, bombarding him with questions and instructions, did he fully realize what had happened to him. The sickening CRUNCH he had heard while sliding filled his mind completely.

That was my leg. Oh my god, that was my leg!

The full brunt of the horror of the situation punched him in the stomach. The type of injury every footballer's worst nightmares are made of - a potentially career ending one - had befallen him, the Team Captain, at the very climax of Cosumar's qualifying campaign. And then the pain hit him. With a steely grimace, Sur Arora peered around the doctors for one last look at his mangled leg before involuntarily collapsing onto his back, writhing in shock and pain, arms flailing.

He layed there for what seemed like an eternity, clawing at the turf with averted eyes as the medical staff poked and prodded at his leg. Eventually he heard a POP that he could only assume was his protruding bone being snapped back in place. Another sound that registered before the feeling. When he was finally being carried off the pitch, he could not help but squirm in pain every time the stretcher bumped. He raised his hand in a salute to the crowd and to his teammates as he finally disappeared into the tunnel. The Vangaziland crowd clapped politely - they knew a horrific injury when they saw one.

A short time later, the Cosumar-Vangaziland match was over and Sur Arora was sitting up in a hospital bed, eyes fixed on the TV. His leg was fully prepared for surgery, but Arora had insisted on watching the end of the Hicana-Karditan match before being induced into dreamland. He was delighted as Karditan and Hicana's defenses dominated the match, with neither side willing commit the numbers to the attack to change that. The match was destined for an ugly 0-0 draw, his intuition as a footballer told him. And with Glaser failing to dispose of Airella earlier in the day......he hurriedly did the calculations in his head......that meant Cosumar would ascend into 2nd place! A wave of excitement came over him, only to be dampened upon remembering that even if Cosumar qualified for the World Cup there was no way he would be able to play in it. He was pulled from his thoughts when he heard the TV announcer begin the highlight reel from the Cosumar-Vangaziland match.

First, they showed Paaron Petrov's goal for Cosumar in the 17th minute. He had been there for that one. It was a simple "right place, right time" deflection off Petrov's head into the center of the goal. Then, after showing a few near misses, the highlight reel showed the final goal, a left-footed long-distance blast from substitute winger Thomas Teverridge in the 90th minute.

What a beauty, Arora thought to himself. He was glad Teverridge finally got to score a goal on the big stage, his longtime teammate deserved at least one to his name. So his Dragons had won 2-0. Not an exuberant showing of dominance, but enough for......his thoughts trailed off as he heard his name on the telecast.

"Though it was a well-deserved win for Cosumar, a horrible injury to their leading goal-scorer Sur Arora in the 63rd minute is likely to be the enduring image from this match. Please be advised, this footage may be disturbing to some viewers."

And then they played his injury. Again, again, and again - from a variety of angles and speeds. How he rushed to intercept Myke Juseson's sprint towards goal, how his sliding kick deflected the ball into the stands, how his left cleat stuck in the turf as he slid - causing his leg to completely buckle beneath him, how his ankle twerked a whole 90 degress, how the bone was visible at the break, how he laid there in agony.

An insatiable pit grew inside his stomach. It grew and grew with each successive replay until it boiled over. He leaned across his bed and vomited in the trash can.

When he recovered from the nausea, it angered him that the media was obsessing over his misfortune, humiliating him. They should be focusing on his team and how they had surged three spots up the Group 12 table.

"No one knows exactly what this means for the illustrious striker's career, but various medical experts have informed us that his injury will likely take at least 6 months to a year to fully recover from, meaning that Sur Arora won't be able to take the field again for Cosumar in this World Cup even if the Dragons qualified and made it to the knockout rounds, a feat that seems increasingly unlikely without their most important player. It is unclear what..."

He'd had enough, turning off the TV with frustration. Sur Arora wanted more than anything to help lead Cosumar back to the World Cup, but he had faith that his teammates could accomplish their goal without him.

Arora gave a call to his best friend on the team, winger Francois Renault, as well as to Manager Farris Crowley, explaining everything the Vangaziland doctors had told him about the extent of his injury and wishing the team well for the Hicana match. Then, with a resigned sigh, he signaled to the medical staff that he was ready to begin the procedure to save his scoring leg. With that, Sur Arora succumbed to the anesthesia.

---

Not too far away, on a private flight back to Cosumar for their final match of Qualifying, the remaining 21 Dragons and a few staff members huddled together in the meeting room. Francois Renault had just got off the phone with Sur Arora and informed them that their Captain was going into a critical surgery to save his career at this very moment. The religious among them prayed for Arora and his operation, the rest sent their positive thoughts and well-wishes.

But they all agreed on one thing: they needed to win this final match against Hicana for their fallen captain. To give him something to be proud of as he recovers. They knew Hicana was a very skilled team, better then their ranking let on. They knew Hicana had built a reputation on their stout defense and that it would have been difficult to produce goals even with Arora.

Yet they also knew how much of himself Sur Arora had poured into being Captain of Cosumar. Every single player on that plane had numerous stories of how Sur Arora had helped them individually become a better player and better person. He had dedicated himself to making this team the best it could be, and they owed it to him to be their best and achieve their best. To put on a display of everything he had taught them over the years, so that his presence and spirit would be felt in Leviathan Arena even though he would not be there physically.

They owed him that. So the Dragons began earnestly discussing their strategies and ideas for how to defeat Hicana, how to fly without their beloved Captain.

---

Cosumar's World Cup 69 Journey
Pre-Qual Friendly: Star United States 3-3 Cosumar
Matchday 1: The Archregimancy 4-0 Cosumar
Matchday 2: Cosumar 3-0 Glaser
Matchday 3: Airella 1-1 Cosumar
Matchday 4: Cosumar 3-2 Absurdly Polite Gentlemen
Matchday 5: Karditan 2-2 Cosumar
Matchday 6: Cosumar 3-1 Vangaziland
Matchday 7: Hicana 0-0 Cosumar
Mid-Qual Friendly: The Royal Kingdom of Quebec 0-1 Cosumar
Matchday 8: Cosumar 2-2 The Archregimancy
Matchday 9: Glaser 3-2 Cosumar
Matchday 10: Cosumar 5-0 Airella
Matchday 11: Absurdly Polite Gentlemen 1-4 Cosumar
Matchday 12: Cosumar 1-1 Karditan
Matchday 13: Vangaziland 0-2 Cosumar
Matchday 14: Cosumar vs. Hicana (@ Leviathan Arena, Kaldukosic, Cosumar)
Blue: Draw
Green: Victory
Red: Defeat

Cosumar's Goal-Scorers Tally (28 GF)
Sur Arora (9)
Anders Engström (6)
Paaron Petrov (6)
Ejegefe Na'Safeh (1)
Francois Renault (1)
Sheldon Serra (1)
Dean Harold McSaunders (1)
Vareza Na'Noni (1)
Eido Noldor (1)
Thomas Teverridge (1)

[Apox]

Scores

"Good lord is it over already?"

"What is, old chap?"

"The World Cup malarkey thing"

"Hmm, well, I think part of it is, but then again, one can never be sure after a couple of gins"

"Quite old boy. I say we sort it out with another drink"

"A splendid idea my jolly good fellow. Rah!"

"Rah!"

[Felix]

Previously

Outskirts of Higuera, Felix

The survivors of The Battle of Cognac were exhausted they've been chased by the Felixian Air Force and have been reduced to a few hundred men and women the amount of losses was so damn high for the poor force. Marjolaine Blaise was still alive though and she was leading what was left of them through the rolling hills and villages of the Newlands. Eventually though they managed to make contact with the Free Felixian Army where a moderately sized regiment was there waiting for them 2 kilometers away from the small city of Higuera. The leader of the regiment, Peter Livingstone was out there to meet them. In his regiment was anti-air guns and much needed food and water, they were expecting Blaise's couple hundred men to arrive.

Marjolaine waved at Captain Livingstone and he waved back at her Livingstone was the first to talk though and smiled, "Glad to see you and your troops made it out of that trap that was Cognac. My condolences to your former Commander, Mr. Mathieu." Marjolaine was confused, "Condolences?" Peter sadly nodded, "Yes, he was executed by government forces in city hall. Along with the mayor and some other rank in file members of the Cognac Defense Force." Marjolaine shook her head, "Jesus Christ... Well we made it and I have something to tell you and your superiors. Higuera? Is going to be attacked. These Nationalist bastards aren't content with Cognac this was an actual invasion force..." Peter nodded calmly, "Well when tell the generals about this we will meet them and prepare for battle. This will not be a walk in the park." He smiled.

Bastion, Eura

It was back to business again as the diplomatic jet landed in the massive Bastion Fairways International Airport after stay a few extra days in the Equestrian States. As Tamara was well rested from the previous trip (despite the very long trip from Ponylands to Rushmore) and was eager to get down to business with a very promising, potential ally for Felix. When the plane landed and was taxied to a hanger the Felixian congregation was quickly picked up by Euran officials. As mentioned earlier Tamara didn't need to take a break and was ready to meet the Head of the Euran Secret Services, Colonel Doyley at Blackhall in the heart Bastion. The trip itself led her to the city itself, Bastion was huge according to Lonely Multiverse's Guide to Eura, Bastion had a population of 80 million. That was basically Felix in a city. She was amazed by the size of the city and how many skyscrapers there were.

Eventually after a hour or so trip they made it to the planned destination, Blackhall. Blackhall was very different, it was in the heart of Bastion yet it didn't feel like Bastion. Unlike the rest of the city the architecture of Blackhall was many composed of concrete buildings and almost of them were government owned in some shape or another. At one point Tamara asked the driver if they were still in Bastion, the Euran driver who had a English accent (which was very similar to Felixian English in say, Bridgeport for example) said yes they were they were just in the government district. Tamara nodded and began to read that Lonely Multiverse guidebook again. She certainly needed to do some reviewing after all she was very ill-informed, which doesn't shape well for a meeting, especially the type of meeting that involves diplomacy and whatnot.

Finally it was time to get off the car as they reached their destination. A Euran guard opened the door and let her get off. Like the driver he too had an English accent and said, "Welcome Mrs. Tamara Van Der Ven. Follow me, your diplomatic staff can come with you too. Although, I am going to have to ask your guards stay with us, if you don't mind." Tamara nodded, "I don't mind at all." The Euran guard smiled and continued, "Alright follow me." The Felixian delegation followed her. One striking thing Tamara and some of her staff noticed was the fact that the entrance was... Very classical, paintings of Euran heroes, former Prime Minsters, etc. was in each wall and the paintings themselves were huge too. While that didn't bother (and why would it?) her she was just surprised by it. Her surprise continued as got deeper in the building and noticed it began to change, mainly in style.

For example, where there would be a picture of a Euran whatever and white Euran marble, it would change to something more modern and after a dozen more steps the place changed radically as it went from classical to modern and it was way more high-tech than before. But it didn't faze or (as previously mentioned) bother her. Instead it fascinated her. Eventually though the whole party reached Ministry of Intelligence's headquarters there a man that had short brown hair, a battle scar on his neck and was thin but still somehow physically imposing that man was Colonel Doyley, the same one she was suppose to meet. "Hello." said Doyley, "You must be President Van Der Ven, correct?"" Tamara nodded, "And you are Colonel Doyley?" the man nodded, "Although I prefer you call me The Chairman." Tamara nodded again, "Ok, sure, will do." The Chairman turned around and opened the door.

They entered and Doyley asked her diplomatic staff to wait in the staff room where they would talk to their Euran counterparts. Doyley then told Tamara to follow him to a private meeting room, it was a short walk up the stairs but it lead them to the room. It was guarded by two guards and they nodded when they saw their superior. The doors opened and they entered the room and soon after they entered they closed the doors. Doyley spoke up again, "Now let's talk about those terms of assistance." Tamara sat down and began to speak, "Well as you know we are going through a civil war and we need some help. The enemy is backed by the Corvidae a Fascist organization, as you may very well know. If you could provide financial, arms and actual troop support that would actually be very helpful to our cause." The chairman scratched his short brown hair and thought for a little bit.

"Well, I can tell you this right now. We will support you in this struggle. We will provide military aid, advice to your head military general and a good amount of monetary assistance. Of course we will also be supporting your cause diplomatically, but this will all be kept silent. See we are currently perusing a policy of assisting but not exactly revealing it to the world, see?" Tamara nodded, "At this point it doesn't matter if the support is vocal. As long as it there Chairman. Now I have a question on the military aid, what will they be like?" Doyley smiled a bit then answered her question, "Military aid will mainly be in the form of weapons and ammunition, especially GPMG's and light anti aircraft launchers, and maybe some light vehicles. We will also provide some special anti-ship missiles." Tamara nodded and smiled by this detailed report, "That sounds great thank you." She stood up and the Chairman did as well and she shook his hand, "You have no idea how much this helps our effort against these Fascists, thank you."

The chairman nodded, "No problem Mrs. Van Der Ven. I hope we can come to other agreements like this in the future, hopefully next it can be for peaceful purposes." Tamara nodded, "Yes of course, you don't mind if our delegation can stay in Bastion for a day for rest right?" The chairman shook his head, "No of course not, your delegation can stay for as long as you need to." Tamara nodded again and she soon left. It was a critical victory for Free Felix now the rebels had a major arm supplier and that only meant one thing, that they days of the Felixian Corvidae rule over Felix were numbered.

To be continued...

[Zenic]

“Not how I thought we would make it to the playoffs but we made it. I am incredibly happy right now.”

“Speak for yourself,” is all Sanders could muster. When he had walked away from the field after the 4-3 loss to Crystal Empire, Sanders had barely made it to the locker room before collapsing from the anxiety. The anxiety of having to face the media after losing an important game, the anxiety of collapsing and missing the playoffs for a shot at the World Cup, anxiety from losing everything once again.

Except, he hadn’t lost everything this time. By some virtue, the Darvale team held Svengarda to a 1-1 draw, leaving Zenic one point above Svengarda and clinching the second playoff spot for group 6. This news had helped him recover slowly; well, that and the medication. Now, it was the calm before the storm, the brief few hours before he and Dmitri would have to start planning for their playoff opponent: Pasarga.

“Pasarga,” Sanders said aloud without thinking. Golovkin looked up from his bowl of soup he was eating, staring at his old friend. “Correct,” he said, as Sanders snapped out of his day dream. “Somehow, we have ended up with our old Rushmori pals from the previous qualifiers. They had an amazing World Cup 68, finishing fourth. That campaign moved them up from 16th to 7th in the world meaning it might be tougher to win this time around.”

Sanders sighed before doing some breathing exercises to clear his mind. Golovkin waited patiently. “Okay, we might be able to do this. We did upset them once, right?” Golovkin tried to recall the details. “Yes, we did: it was a 1-0 victory in Pasarga during the second half of World Cup 68 qualifying. Also, let us not forget that we had a strong performance in that 3-2 loss at home.”

Sanders nodded his head after every work, building up his confidence. “Therefore, if we just play like we have during these qualifiers but apply the strategy we did to beat Pasarga like the previous qualifiers, the team just might have a chance of making it to the World Cup.” Golovkin smiled, happy to see his old friend in good spirits even in these trying times. Sanders looked over to Golovkin.

“Well then, it may be time to show the world that there’s a new Rushmori sports powerhouse and we’re called Zenic.”

[Antoletia]

Fire Ants Qualify for Playoffs

The result the Fire Ants needed was in their own hands, a win and a result by Ancharmunn against Horusland qualified them for the playoffs. With the games running simultaneously all the fans from both nations could do little but set up two tvs to watch both games and watch as each 90 minutes unfolded on the screen in front of them. In both games the scoring got under way early, the Fire Ants got to a swell start 5 minutes in as Anton Gregovich scored to make it 1-0 in the Greater Vaccloci Haven to the away side. The news in Horusland was not as good for Ants fans as Horusland scored the first goal in their match. The Ants quickly added another, and a third before halftime, whilst letting in two making it 3-2 at the half. The other game stayed scoreless.

In the second half the Ants came out and put their game beyond reach, taking care of their own business and hoping Ancharmunn could take care of the rest of it. The Ants got 5 goals in the end with 2 more from Gregovich in the second half for his 5th career hat trick with the national team, those two more added to first half strikes from Gheorghe von Leeweonheouck and Raphael made it a rather easy scoring affair for the Ants. The Ants game had little added time due to the ref likely wanting to get out of the place before the home fans got angry, but as the Antoletians game ended the Horusland game truly began. After their early goal Horusland turned on the defense and looked to hold on for the win to advance them to the playoffs. But the away Ancharmunn side did not lay down. Headed into extra time the team looked to save face after a horrible campaign and in the end they scored a crucial goal for a country far away. The Ants would ultimately qualify for the playoffs thanks to their saviors in Ancharmunn.