WC72 RP Thread

[Schottia]

The Daily Worker
The Road to Valanora and The Equestrian States
World Cup 72
Marrian McFadden reports

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Sarrbia 1-3 Schottia
Goals: 17" Fotan, 53" Corsie, 81" Killanen (Schottia)
27" Kurosawa (Sarrbia)
Possession: 49% - 51%
Shots: 7 - 11
On-target: 4 -7

---

After a rocky start on the road to Valanora and the Equestrian States, Schottia seem to have steadied the ship in this qualification campaign. Six goals in two matches, the latter away to mid-ranked Sarrbia, will have given the fans back home some cause for optimism. Schottia will gone into the match against Rushmori nation with a degree of trepidation, despite the fact that they were yet to register a point. However, except for one early scare, the Skots managed to ride out a solid win, with a perhaps a slightly flattering score line.

Barry Gorman made just one change for the game against the Palmettos. Thio Crillin, who performed well against Port Christopher was brought in at the expense of Alfred Seggerson who dropped to the bench. Crillin slotted into the holding midfield role, with Fadrön Flight man Jon Fotan, moving into a more advanced role.

Being the visitors, Schottia were forced to edge their way into the match, as Sarrbia pushed hard, looking to register their first points. Taking their time to settle, Schottia had to endure a fair bit of pressure from Merlanda Aumbaugh's side. Lucas D'Araby was called into action early on, diving hard to his left to keep out a Charlotte Thompson strike, in what was a turbulent start to proceedings.

Despite being clearly the second best side on the pitch in the opening fifteen minutes, Schottia shocked their hosts with a well taken goal from a Fotan setpiece. Jottar Kallsmudden wonderkid Coultan showed great skill to wriggle free of Ezra Hardy in the Sarrbia midfield, the youngster's turn and back heel getting a rapturous applause from the travelling support. Taking the ball forward on a mazy run, she was upended By Kimbra Yamamoto, just on the edge of the home side's box. The Schottic appeals were upheld and a freekick was awarded just the right of the D. It was prime Fotan territory, and the stocky playmaker curled his effort over the wall, and past Oriane Spurling in the Sarrbia goal. The strike gave Fotan his first goal of the qualifiers and gave Schottia a valuable lead, which they could try to protect.

If things had been difficult before they took the lead, then they were nearly impossible afterwards. Sarrbia pushed Schottia time and time again, probing for any weaknesses they could find. Crawford City winger Dmytro Kurosawa, rifled a shot just wide of D'Araby's left hand post on 23 minutes and Lillian Hathoway had a shot deflected wide for a corner off of Larry Watt.

The home side got their much sought after equaliser not long after that. This time a defensive lapse from the up til now rock solid Crillin, let Sarrbia through. It was the midfielder's short pass to Darren Hanlon, which allowed Kurosawa to take advantage, the winger pressing on past the Schottic back four before tucking his shot away neatly into the bottom corner on the net.

In a game that seemed to be a tale of swings and roundabouts, Schottia managed to pull things together again after this, and actually started to play their best football of the match. Garry Corsie and Coultan combined well in the centre of the park, both showing their top-class credentials as the half drew to a close. It was one of these passes, from Marionville man Corsie, which released Gaston Avelione for one last chance in the opening 45. After holding off the challenge of Thatcher, he then managed to find the Handon United winger with a long through ball, which turned out just to be too strong. Despite a lung bursting run down the left wing the 29-year-old was unable to latch onto the ball, which went out for a goal kick.

In the second half Barry Gorman must have been smelling blood. The strong finish to the first half seemed to have left him believing that all three points were within his grasp, as he created a talking point by making two attacking changes. Goal scorer Fotan came off to be replaced by DBC winning captain Eion Killanen, and teen-sensation Chloe Rudden was brought on in place of Coultan, for an injection of pace.

One thing we have seen during her time in the U-21s is that there are few who can match Rudden in terms of flat out pace, and this acceleration was used to good effect against the tiring Sarrbian legs.

Schottia looked much better in the second half, and the game was much more of an even contest. Gorman's men as ever, were decisive with their runs, their direct passing, and it was this which lead to their second goal. After some good hold up play from Bruno Schwartz, the striker laid the ball back to Killanen. The FC Zürich player then cleverly whipped a cross-field ball to Rudden, who used her pace to keep it in play. Pivoting, jostling for position, she out-foxed rightback Marsha Hogarth, and kept moving into the box. The North Laithland youngster looked for all the world like she was going to shoot, but instead picked out the run of Corsie, unmarked at the back post. The midfielder, who was arguably having one of his best games in a Schottia jersey, slummed the ball into the back of the net to send the visitors wild.

Now with their tails up, Schottia were able to take the game to Sarrbia more and more. In what seems to be a recurring feature of the White and Greens' play this year, they are finishing games stronger than they are starting them. It would have been unfair to say that the home side had capitulated by this point, however Schottia were definitely the team in the ascendancy.

Gorman's boys and girls capped of a good win on the road with a final goal late in the game, allowing the fans to enjoy the Sarrbian sun, as they watched their side defeat a nation once ranked 48th in the world. Avelione, now playing on the right, chipped a shot in from the by-line aimed at the head of Schwartz, the ball bounced clear of the defenders only to land at the feet of Killanen who duly dispatched his first goal of the tournament.

The win helps to repair the damage done early on with the defeat to Gnejs, who once again this week proved what a fortress Kjem Park is by holding second seeds Chaita to a 1-1 draw. The unranked side's draw helps Schottia, who now move clear into second place. There is no let up however, for the Skots as they next welcome Pasarga to Harbour Hill, in what will no doubt be one of their toughest matches to date. It is well documented that one of Schottia's biggest problems is their inability to take anything from the top seeds in their group. In four World Cup qualifiers the White and Greens have not taken a single point from the first or second seeds in any of their groups. If there was ever a time to brake the habit, it would surly be now.

---

Line-up: D'Araby 7, Watt 7, O'Brain 7, Hanlon 7, Okywä 6, Crillin 7, Fotan 7 (45-Killanen 7), Coultan 7 (45-Rudden 8 ), Avelione 7, Corsie 8, Schwartz 7 (83-Allen 3)

Man of the match: Gary Corsie. Back to his vera best, took his goal well and combined well with the rest of the midfield.

[Augusticinia]

Augusticinia Ties Blouman Empire

Augusticinia had their first tie last night after playing the Blouman Empire at Stadium Bloumany. It was a close game with both sides aggressively trying to score in the dying minutes but it ended up with no goals.

Match Statistics
Goals: Augusticinia {0} Blouman Empire {0}
Shots on Target (Including Goals): Augusticinia {6} Blouman Empire {5}
Total Shots: Augusticinia {10} Blouman Empire {15}
Fouls: Augusticinia {2} Blouman Empire {5}
Corners: Augusticinia {5} Blouman Empire {3}
Free-Kicks (Near Goal): Augusticinia {0} Blouman Empire {3}
Offsides: Augusticinia {0} Blouman Empire {4}
Yellow Cards: Augusticinia {1} Blouman Empire {0}
Red Cards: Augusticinia {0} Blouman Empire {0}
Possession: Augusticinia {44%} Blouman Empire {56}%

Full Match Report Coming Soon

[Gregoryisgodistan]

Lord Almighty Gregory's Speech to the People

"Good morning, ladies, gentlemen, and slaves. I speak to you today about events that occurred late last night in the western part of our country. The wicked Guayabalense troops have created several massacres. First, they landed amphibious troops at Greglake Island and launched a massacre, killing all 12,000 people who were on the island at the time in a devastating and tragic attack. Fortunately, about 3,000 people, including the soccer club Island Soccer, were away at the time, either watching our national team host Farfadillis or in Santaclausisgodistan to see an exhibition between Island Soccer and Ho Ho Ho FC. But the remaining 12,000 people were killed. We mourn their loss and we will avenge them. Then, as if that massacre wasn't enough, the Guaya Beans landed on the mainland, massacring several thousand more civilians as they marched towards the capital. They are now close to District 10 but we will not allow them to reach the capital. Our brave and noble soldiers are fighting back strongly, and we always have the NATO Option in our back pocket if need be - detonate low-grade nuclear weapons over the advancing troops, stopping them from breaching the capital. Our nation will never fall thanks to our nuclear might.

"As a result of this egregious act of war, we are increasing our troop presence in San Jose Guayabal. We will be launching human blitzkrieg 24/7 as well as launching aerial bomb attacks on a 24/7 basis. We will destroy them. We will wipe them out. There will be no Guaya Beans. They will be all gone. Additionally, we are about to launch a full-scale invasion of the Holy Republican Empire following their declaration of war on us. Our troops will invade them and we will use human blitzkrieg there as well. The attacks on the Republicans will commence in 24 hours unless Consul Kulseth personally surrenders and submits to execution via Brownie Cutter of Death. I know he won't, but he can do it to save his people if he wants. If he doesn't, we will kill all his people. And then we will kill him anyway. Consul Kulseth is a tyrant and a wicked man. He must be killed with the Brownie Cutter of Death. The other Republicans are evil too. That is why we are invading their country. Surrender, Reino, if you want your people to live. Otherwise, this will turn into a real bloodbath with your country destroyed and your people killed. Is that really what you want? Is that really what your people want? To be martyrs in the name of Eye-ee-zus, whose name you can't even spell correctly? I doubt your people want that unless you have convinced them with your crazy. But if they do, we will grant them their death wish. They will die and so will you. If it is death you desire, so may death come unto you. I am God, not this Eye-ee-zus fellow you worship. Don't forget that Reino. Don't forget that until the day we kill you. And then we will cover the pieces of your body in pancake batter, deep fry them, and feed them to the soldiers who assisted in the capture and killing of you. I will have some too. It will be a lot of fun. And you will die. All your countrymen will die. We will not hesitate to launch human blitzkrieg and bombing assault. We will wipe the Holy Republican Empire off the map for worshiping a false God and for their continued acts of aggression against me, the One True Lord, and against our Glorious and Holy Nation.

"Now, to all the 36 million brave men, women, and children who are fighting with us, good luck, Me Bless, destroy the Guaya Beans, destroy the Wee-publicans, destroy the Xylocraps, and when Gloriax inevitably declares war as well, destroy the Zaxes. I am the Lord! Queen Margaret will be killed as well if I have my wish, but especially Kulseth must fall. Bad things will happen to him when we reach him. Death to Republicans! Death to Guaya! Death to Xylocrap Isle! I am the Lord! Bow to me! And destroy the foes! Thank you."

Somewhere in International Waters off the Cost of the Holy Republican Empire

The giant jet carriers rested in international waters, as close to the coast of the Holy Republican Empire as they could get without going in. There were 100 jet carriers off the coast, each carrying 100 jets. Each jet could hold up to 1,000 soldiers in a human blitzkrieg if they packed in really close, or it could hold a bunch of bombs. Of course, Gregoryisgodistan didn't need anywhere near that capacity, but part of the goal was to intimidate the Republicans. By parking the carriers in international waters, they avoided the possibility of an attack unless the Republicans wanted to be seen as an aggressor. And even if they did, the jet carriers all had anti-aircraft missiles that would shoot down any Republican plane before it could shoot them down. And the planes were all ready to take off at a moment's notice, so if the Republican Navy tried to launch an attack, they could scramble the planes and at least attack the mainland as the carriers were fighting for their lives. And the carriers had pretty good navy weapons too, though there would surely be significant casualties if the Republicans did such a thing. Of course, this would divert attention from the mainland and the Republicans would be forced to choose between pursuing the planes and the carriers. Plus the planes could drop bombs on the Republican navy as they went towards the mainland, but then they'd have fewer bombs to use to bomb the mainland. Ultimately it was at the pilots' discretion. But for now, the military prepared to add a second front to the war. In just 24 short hours, they would almost certainly be attacking the Republicans. What would it mean for the future of Gregoryisgodistan? Troops anxiously awaited the destruction of their archnemesis, even if they had to give their lives, but many Republicans felt the same way. It should be an interesting war.

[Stellonia]

[Roleplay post coming soon]

[The Royal Kingdom of Quebec]

Quebec, the Commonwealth declares war on Holy Republican Empire

Ladies and gentlemen, the war is on.

Royal Kingdom of Quebec is at war with the Holy Republican Empire following their declaration of war against Gregoryisgodistan last week.

At 1030 QST the Prime Minister, Alexandre Balmas, announced that the Quebecois Government had no choice, but to free those who were suffering under the harsh, oppressive rules of the Republicans against Taiyouese, Qiqi and non- or other religious peoples. It has previous received warnings from Republica to stop its attempts to turn this around and intervene.

Mr. Balmas continued: "I have to tell you now that no such demand's been accepted and consequently that the nation is at war with the Holy Republican Empire."

Similarly the rest of Quebecois Commonwealth issued an ultimatum, which was presented in Republica at 1430, saying all 8 nations of the Commonwealth, from this point, is and will be at war with the nation unless their occupation of Taiyou, Qiqi and oppression of various religious and ethnic groups be stopped.

Emperor Jacques IX, the Head of Quebecois Commonwealth and the Quebecois state, has called upon "my people at home and my peoples across the seas".

He continued: "I ask them to stand calm, firm and united as we face the intolerable evil in our eyes. The task will be hard, long and painful. There may be dark days ahead where we will hear of our own losses and potential damages done to ourselves back home. But we can only do the right as we see what we need to do, in order to liberate the masses of the Free Republics and commit our cause to liberty and safety, without being forced to obey and worship someone who we don't want to."

A War Cabinet of nine members has been set up with two new ministers, including Mark Roper, the 21st Lord Dangpo, as First Lord of the Admiralty, the post he held at the end of Second Acadianan Civil War and entirety of Felixian Liberation War. Dame. Ghislaine Nam becomes Minister without Portfolio and Second Lady of the Admiralty. Dame Nam, a longtime parliamentarian and expert on Esportivan Affairs, is expected to assist Lord Dangpo to provide and help him and the 300,000-men strong Commonwealth Forces in their campaign for liberation.

Felix Sussmayr will take over as Dominions Secretary with special access to the War Cabinet. Mr.Sussmayr's been serving in the Ministry of International Relations and Diplomacy for last 25 years, including last 8 years as the Deputy Minister and Staff Co-ordination Manager.

As have been the case for last 7 decades, there will be no conscription involved in the war. The joint commonwealth forces have already been mobilised for the war, followed by eventual reinforcements in volunteers. This tradition was continued on the basis that the nation is not on a battle of its survival and fending off enemy, but on the Commonwealth working with Gregoryisgodistan to liberate H.R.E.

In his broadcast to the nation, Mr. Balmas admitted of his sadness that "the attempts of coexistence and harmony have failed to the point of no return."

He continued: "While it's inevitable that the evil would come to clash with the good, we sought to solve this by giving those who commit the sins to realise their mistakes. This has failed and we had to make our decisions that we didn't want to make, but had to for the people would suffer should we not act on the injustice happening to those who had their rights and lives taken away by the bullets and machetes."

Today's declaration of war was received with rousing cheers. Crowds took out of major cities, in particular the refugee districts, cheering and singing while calling for the liberation of Holy Republican Empire and Saintland. The Sanctii and Republican embassies and consulates were set on fire and occupants deported with their properties evicted. The initial day has seen 150,000 people, including 25,000 from Quebec, enlisting for the Commonwealth Forces and they, though being out-preferred by the existing soldiers, will most likely see action to at least minor extent.

OTHER NEWS:
- PM Balmas: Quebecois-Guayabalense Relations is and will be stable
- Guayabalense Prince Miguel spotted with Princess Alexandra
- Jane Withers announces her comeback: 4th Album to be released by October

[Torisakia]

TORISAKIA RALLIES BEHIND TWO VAN ZANDVOORT GOALS; BEATS COSUMAR

TNN sports writer Davey Egan's podcast is out now with World Cup coverage!

TOKAI, TORISAKIA - The Ice Birds run off two Lucas van Zandvoort goals to beat Cosumar 3-2 and see their best start ever in the World Cup, 2-1-0. Torisakia struggled early to gain control of the match, as Cosumar's tempo was different than that of the past two opponents. Cosumar quickly got out to a 1-0 lead thanks to Darwyn Lucassen, and Eric Klossowski reflexes being just a bit too slow. Near the 27th minute, Esa Vähälä was handed a yellow card for a questionable trip on Cosumar's Vareza Na'Noni. Vähälä pleaded his innocence, and the replay showed that the two merely became tangled up rather than a deliberate trip by Esa. His pleads weren't enough and the yellow card stood. Entering the 38th minute Striker Johnny Kelso, one of the most beloved players by fans, missed a golden breakaway opportunity when a pass by Lucas van Zandvoort sailed over his head and tripped as he chased after it, turning it over to Cosumar. The Ice Birds missed more than just a few shots in the first half. Out of 14 shots taken, only three of them were on goal. Three minutes of extra time were added at the end of the 45th, leaving time for Torisakia to tie before going to half time. Not long into extra time, Cosumar was given a corner kick in which they scored off of on a header by Ole Öhman, extending their lead 2-0. The Ice Birds would do nothing else and went into half time down two goals, their largest deficit of the tournament.

"Obviously we weren't taking strategic, thought-out shots," said Damion Segher, team manager. "It was like we were taking a risk and hoping for the best, and it obviously cost us."

Entering the second half, many Torisakians feared that Cosumar would continue to build on their lead as many teams did against Torisakia. However, the Ice Birds came out more ready than they looked at the start of the match. Just three minutes in, Gratianus Moravec sailed a shot from ten yards out over Cosumar goalkeeper Jakk Winterfyll to finally get Torisakia on the board. It was Moravec's first International goal of what we hope is of many to come. twenty two minutes went by without much happening, except for a few missed opportunities by both nations. Around the 65th minute, Lucas van Zandvoort was dribbling inside the penalty area about to attempt a crossover when Ace Newman jumped in his way to deflect the pass, incidentally falling over on top of van Zandvoort and knocking him down. Officials blew their whistle and called a foul, and since jumping at an opponent is grounds for a Direct Free Kick, van Zandvoort was awarded a penalty kick. Lucas would successfully fake out Jakk Winterfyll and score, tying the game 2-2.

Another twenty two minutes went by and nothing happened. Many were thinking the game was heading to Extra Time due to the slow pace. However, things were just getting started. At the 87th minute, Esa Vähälä was attempting a slide tackle on Felix Merchison and knocked him out from under his feet. Vähälä was once again awarded a yellow card, which subsequently turned into a red card, meaning he was ejected and would not be eligible to play in the next match. Esa again pleaded his innocence, as the tackle from the angle of journalists looked clean. Esa was taken off and Vidar Hofwegen was sent in. As play resumed, a mis-calculated pass by Tomasso Tenebrosa led to an interception by Zhivko Juunka, who had a great one-on-one opportunity. Juunka would get inside the penalty area looking to take a shot, but ultimately decided to crossover to Lucas van Zandvoort who had trailed behind him. van Zandvoort quickly headed the shot, but Winterfyll was too little too late as Torisakia scored again to take the lead 3-2 at the 89th minute. Cosumar would desperately try to come back, even with five minutes of ET under their belt. However, the efforts weren't enough, and Torisakia took the win 3-2.

This win puts Torisakia at 2-1-0 in Group 13 and at the top of the group. It is the first time in International history that Torisakia has been top of their group, as well as seeing their best International record start ever. It is also the first time a Torisakian player has received a red card in an International tournament in four years. Torisakia's next match is against Lons, who is ranked 123rd in the world and sits at the bottom of Group 13, with their only win coming today against Stellonia. The match will be held at Tokai Memorial Stadium at 2:45pm TST and televised nationally on TSPN. SInce the start of the tournament, ticket sales and viewing stats have increased almost four-fold as more and more Torisakians seem to become interested in association football. Most of this can be contributed to the Torisakia Soccer League playoffs that occurred at the end of March and the hype and drama surrounding it. Or maybe people just think it'll turn into a WCoH-Gregoryisgodistan thing. People will be amused by anything if they try hard enough.

Goals: 43' G.Moravec, 65' L.van Zandvoort, 89' L.van Zandvoort
Man of the Match: Lucas van Zandvoort (2 goals)

[Timbermunich]

Timbermunich

World Cup 72

Rain
It seems to never stop once it starts, well at least during the rainy season. There will be days at a time when it rains for the entirety of each day. But the rain, like all water in Timbermunich, is a life source for nearly all living things. The rainy season also allows the rivers to refill after any draughts that may happen during the normal course of the year. The villagers of Timbermunich have also become rather good at collecting the extra rain during the seemingly endless rain of the rainy season. They use this water for all facets of life within and out of the villages. They carry the water on long trips to other villages for drinking, washing, and even cooking. The same goes for in village use with the addition of using it for agriculture. They have crafted large reservoirs and a complex collection system to facilitate their needs. There is one special quality of all this rain as well. It has no need for being filtered at any stage. The canopy does that automatically as the rain descends over the leaves on its way to the ground. Outsiders have actually had the rain water tested and it is much cleaner than anything they can get after many filtrations. Because of this any excess that the Timbermunich villages collect they actually sell to other nations for consumption. But they are very cautious on how much they distribute to other nations, they actually make sure that the master reservoir is completely full before any excess is sold off. The master reservoir holds enough rain water to last all of the villages 5 full years of water. Every 5 years they also increase the overall capacity of the master reservoir to accommodate any population or other needs that have increased over that time. Thus far in the history of Timbermunich this process has been very rewarding and has helped the nation get through some of the hardest of droughts that most normal places could not survive. So some see the rainy season as a burden in their nations, but not here in Timbermunich, they welcome the extra rain because they know it provides so much more than a green tree here and there.

---

Scores – current record: 2-1-0
MD1 – Draw: Timbermunich 0-0 Royal Kingdom of Quebec
MD2 – Win: The Fallenmark Islands 1-2 Timbermunich
MD3 – Win: Timbermunich 3 – 1 Nandezia

[San Llera]

San Llera Lose to Viktoria

Starting XI: C. Fons, J, Olivier, M. Abello, A. De Gonia, A. Belles (M. Capo), M. Saragosa, E. Bou, H. Fonda, D. Llorens, A. Mallet, C. Mestre (M. Fons)
Goalscorers: None

Jon Lleranerus summed up this game best at his post game press conference:

Ahhhhhhh!!!!!!!!! I can't believe this!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I didn't get my hopes up very high for this World Cup. I didn't expect us to qualify, or even come close to qualifying, I didn't expect us to beat The Holy Empire or Sargossa or Jeruselem or Omerica. But I did expect us to take care of business against Viktoria. Who is Viktoria, you ask? I don't really know. But I do know that they are ranked 279th in the world and there is no excuse for losing to them, even on the road.

The moment came just after halftime. San Llera were pressing,but couldn't find a goal. San Lleran fans were confident, however, that they would find that elusive breakthrough. And they were sending more and more number forward. Belles was making a run down the right. His cross was deflected, and cleared right into the gaping hole in the defense Belles had left, to Viktoria's captain, Hoffman. (Did I mention that he's their oldest player at 22? That's who San Llera lost to) He then played a ball into space ahead of his forward, Araujo, right between the two center backs, who apparently weren't paying attention. Araujo ran after it. Fons ran after it. Araujo got their first. Fons got a red card. Araujo got a penalty. 1-0 Viktoria.

My list of chances that San Llera butchered:
In the 11', Mestre fired a 12-yard volley miles over the bar.
In the 18', Mestre headed an open header in the wrong direction.
In the 27', Llorens had a 20-yard shot that went to the corner flag.
In the 42', Mallet dribbled past a defender, dribbled past the goalkeeper, and hit the bar.
In the 45+2', Saragosa swung and missed at an open volley.
In the 58', Mallet had a one-on-one with the goalkeeper that was easily saved.
In the 70', Bou was through on goal but took a terrible touch.
In the 81', Belles had an open cross with one Viktorian defender and three San Llerans in the box, and he hit it at the defender.
In the 86', Llorens stole the ball from the goalkeeper and then gave it right back.
In the 90+3', Saragosa fired a 20-yard free kick 20 yards over the goal.

Player ratings:
Starters
GK C. Fons - 4 - Did one thing all night, and did it poorly
LB J. Olivier - 6 - Wasn't bad, just wasn't good
CB M. Abello - 6 - Caught ball-watching in events leading up to goal, was fine besides that
CB A. De Gonia - 5 - Was caught ball-watching on multiple occasions
RB A. Belles - 5 - Too often was caught too far up the field
LW M. Saragosa - 5 - Didn't have his usual passing genius tonight
CM E. Bou - 7 - Controlled the tempo of the game and set up most of San Llera's chances
CM H. Fonda - 7.5 - Basically stopped all but one Viktorian attack
RW D. Llorens - 6 - Wasn't bad but still disappointing
ST A. Mallet - 5.5 - Wasted some opportunities
ST C. Mestre - 5 - Wasted a lot of opportunities

Subs
GK M. Fons - 5.5 - Couldn't save the penalty, but was fine besides that
RB M. Capo - 7 - Didn't make any of the mistakes Belles did

Nect up, San Llera faces Sargossa.

[The Royal Barangay]

Following Libertad's reopening to the multiversal public, a member of the creatives team decided to pitch his idea to expand the number of national teams wearing Libertad kits at the World Cup. The brand has yet to appear at a World Cup finals match and the Agilang Dilaw wore Kirolas in their three World Cup finals stints. So far, only The Royal Barangay, Ingla Terra and Gregoryisgodistan are the only nations wearing Libertad kits in the qualifiers for the 72nd World Cup. The invitation to all football associations concerned says:

Good day to your association!

We at Libertad are inviting you to participate in the first ever Trofeo de Libertad, a football competition in which four to eight national teams, depending on how many would eventually apply, compete for a modest cash prize and some bragging rights (OOC: This will be held after qualifying). The cash prize will be at 5 million NS dollars and a free Libertad kit contract for World Cups 73 to 75. This competition is open to those nations who have outdated kits (OOC: kit orders for WC68 and earlier) or those nations seeking a kit order for their association.

Any interested party should contact Mr. Ramoncito Mondragon and send a representative for their kit ideas. Nations who apply for the tournament (and of course the kits) shall get a 30 percent bonus on their kit sponsorship for their first year. Only the first eight applications will be considered (OOC: Replies in this invitation shall be in a roleplay, no TG's - RP opportunity!).

We hope that your association take part in this tournament. Thank you!

---

---

NATIONAL NEWS
Barangayan government wants no part in 'Esportivan War', urges citizens to be extra vigilant
by Rommel Plata

SANGTI - The Barangayan government seemed to be firm on their stand in the Esportivan War; 'never to be involved'. Spokesperson to the Gran Supremo Luz Luzon spoke to the Barangayan media of the matter this morning at the Palace.

"The Barangay wishes not to be involved in the war. We know that we are at odds with the Gregoryisgodistani government, but we choose not to be involved. We do not want our citizens to be harmed. That's why we tell our citizens, especially those at the areas of concern, to be vigilant at all times and be careful."

The government is planning to evacuate those who might be involved in the war between the SETO and Gregoryisgodistan. The clashes at southern Esportiva have started, with thousands of people already killed. Those who are in midst of war are advised to stay home or go to the NAAZE for cover. They will offer help to families of any possible casualty.

Meanwhile, security has been tightened in crowded areas following rumors that Gregoryisgodistani forces have infiltrated the Barangay. Border control have been tightened north of the country, and maritime and aerial surveillance have been tightened to avoid possible infiltrations. Security at the Estadio Olimpico have been tightened ahead of the match between The Royal Barangay and Jeru FC, which is one of the important matches of the Agilang Dilaw in Group 17. They are joint-top with Legalese following a 3-0 spanking of Electrum Diplomatic Offices, with goals from Rizaldy Marbas, Daren Corsiga and Josue Amio.

[HopNation]

We are getting closer folks, closer to me being able to review where the hell I’ve been, what’s happened, and where I’m going from here. So stick with me for now and hopefully these communications are not interrupted in the interim. But I know what you all really want and that is World Cup Action so let’s not delay and get to the point of things shall we.

The Hops were back in action and played a relative minnow from the nation of Kumbhalgarh. I for one didn’t know what to expect from them, sure they have not won a game yet but we are only two matches in and anything can and often does happen when it comes to these qualifying group matchups. In the prior match they held their own against Kernasquillec, who if you remember took us, to an unfortunate draw. Then in their first meeting of the tournament they were slaughtered by those pesky Ursines of Bears Armed. So you can see my woes as this unknown was demolished and then played rather well before coming to our domain.

We couldn’t have asked for much better environment to play in, sun shining with rather moderately cool temps (mid 60s – Fahrenheit that is) and perfect grass within Rhizome Arena. The fans were in full force and at the maximum 125000 capacity of the arena. The game started like most of our matches with some really exciting high pressure from our boys as they had the Kumbhalgarh side on their heels; however the defensive efforts from our opposition held us goalless through the entire first half. At the break we had the clear advantage with 68% of the possession, but we just needed to remember that it’s not the team with the best possession that wins games it’s the team that scores the most goals while conceding the fewest. So as the second half started you could see our buys in white and orange were hungry and not willing to give up on the high pressure (sure is good they are all in excellent shape). But again the defensive efforts of Kumbhalgarh held fast and we were unable to find a decent shooting lane no matter what we tried. There was even a series were we had four corner kicks in a row because each time we connected the ball into a threatening area a defender would ultimately block the shot, not even allowing their keeper to touch the ball. Then in the 83rd minute our current scoring leader (this cup only) found the netting and put us up 1-0, which also happen to be the final score. The play started from the backs as the ball was collected from a long Kumbhalgarh clearance by Loontas. He sent the ball wide for Wiashrod who connected with Smuemund as they both traveled down the flank easily going around the defenders. As they pressed into the attacking third Droimpol overlapped with Myer and he was sent the ball into the corner. Pheir took two touches and then a simple shake move to get the outside back to bite, he moved into the box and found Schytaing all alone at the penalty spot. Pech didn’t even take a touch as the ball came to him, he didn’t want the space to get closed down, and he struck it hard and low into the opposite corner.

That marks Schytains 5th goal of the tournament thus far and keeps our Hops moving in the right directions. Hopefully things continue to go well in the upcoming matches. Next up for us looks to be Krytenia, so stay tuned and hopefully these notices continue to make it to you all.

Regards,
RG

[Free Republics]

News Magazine

Quebec's Threats do not Scare Me
by: Reino Kulseth

Alexandre Balmas, the Prime Minister of the Royal Kingdom of Quebec, has decided to stand up for his closest ally. Normally, that would be laudable, but in this case, the nation in question is a rogue state that poses an existential threat to the security of Esportiva. I speak of course of that evil land of Gregoryisgodistan. Now, the Quebecois are coming to the aid of the Gregoryisgodistani regime that they armed with nuclear weapons in the first place. At this very moment, millions of Gregoryisgodistani troops are stationed on aircraft carriers that are sitting in the waters to the south of Nejax. Rest assured that they will be dealt with.

Elsewhere, domestic terrorist groups have gone into open revolt, hoping to sabotage the war effort in our time of greatest danger. Rest assured that I will not rest until all of these Satanas-worshipping terrorists are rotting away behind bars. I will not rest until these criminals, the same haters of Christus who burned down the Assembly and Senate buildings, are brought to justice. At the moment, we also have a situation going on in Taiyou, where Wakiko Takahashi, a women who doesn't know her place in more ways than one, has decided to rebel against the authorities ordained by God and I mean the real God, not that false pagan goddess. She even had the audacity to seize our military bases. Wakiko-chan (as she would be addressed in Taiyouese): You are going to pay dearly for your insubordination and when we're done punishing you and defeating your co-conspirators, we will be placing Taiyou under martial law (and if thou art wondering, I meant to use "you" not "thou").

The Prime Minister of Quebec is demanding that we grant independence to Taiyou and "Qiqi" in order to avoid war with them. I want to be clear about one thing: There is no colony of the Holy Republican Empire known as "Qiqi" and I will certainly not be granting independence to Taiyou, Ciqi, Irad or any other colony. While I did not desire a war with Quebec, even though they are responsible for arming Gregoryisgodistan with nuclear missiles and are believed to be harboring a certain well-known Sanctii fugitive from justice, I have now decided to declare war upon the Royal Kingdom of Quebec and the entire Quebecois Commonwealth, effective immediately and mark my words: I will not accept any peace deal with Quebec that does not include the establishment of the True Church as the state religion of the Royal Kingdom of Quebec and the entire Quebecois Commonwealth. After their unprovoked assault on the embassy of a neutral nation, I cannot in good conscience accept anything less as a condition of peace.

I wish to close my article today by making a public call for my SETO allies to join me in declaring war upon the Quebecois regime which sponsors Gregoryisgodistan. I now recognize that Gregoryisgodistan's Quebecois enablers are primarily responsible for this war. As the fights against Gregoryisgodistan, against those demonic domestic terrorists and against the Taiyouese revolutionaries are wars of defense, not wars of aggression, so is the war against Quebec. We must not cower in the face of Gregoryisgodistani or Quebecois aggression because we fight with God on our side against the Empires of Evil.

Reino Kulseth is currently the only Consul of the Holy Republican Empire. Consul Kulseth is a devout member of the True Church of Iesus Christus in good standing and the leader of the Holy Party. He was elected Consul several years ago, in the most shocking Consul election outcome in the history of our glorious Imperial Federation, putting an end to the chaos that reigned in Republica following the deaths of Consuls Savard and Piazza. Consul Kulseth, like his predecessor Consul Piazza, is an occasional opinion columnist for News Magazine when he isn't working tirelessly to promote virtue, defeat vice and defend our freedoms!

---

Waters South of Nejax

The Gregoryisgodistani fleet sat just outside of Holy Republican waters to the south of Nejax. Consul Kulseth thought long and hard about how to deal with this menace off of his southern coast. He sought to minimize the loss of life, on the Republican side. Intelligence indicated that the Gregoryisgodistani fleet was equipped with anti-aircraft weapons. However, as it was an aircraft carrier, attacking by sea would leave the Republican Navy sitting ducks for the invasion force. Sitting back and doing nothing, however, would be even worse as Gregoryisgodistanis would invade the southern coast of Nejax.

Nejax was famous throughout the multiverse as the gun and car capital of the Holy Republican Empire and the most patriotic of all of the Republics. The people of Nejax clearly weren't going to stand for a Gregoryisgodistani invasion. But Consul Kulseth wasn't taking any chances there. The Republican Troops from Fort Davis received orders to go door-by-door through southern Nejax towns, handing out free guns and ammunition to anybody who would take them. Consul Kulseth himself produced a special message for the people of Nejax, which was broadcast on every television and radio station in the area, requesting that the people not hesitate to use their firearms against Gregoryisgodistani troops in the event of an invasion. But Kulseth and top military leaders hoped to avoid the need for this in the first place.

Admiral Peter Golovanov, a veteran of the infamous raid on The Sarian 5 years earlier, suggested the use of cruise missiles and drones for the initial attack to minimize the loss of life on the Republican side. None of the Republican leaders gave a damn about Gregoryisgodistani lives, whether those of soldiers or civilians, but they had no desire to nuke Gregoryisgodistan and lose the moral high ground. Besides, that could easily lead to a retaliatory strike. While High Air Marshall Zito was supremely confident in the ability of their missile defense to withstand any nuclear attack that Gregoryisgodistani could dish out, Consul Kulseth did not want to take that chance, at least not yet. So, he gave the order to use drone strikes and cruise missiles on the Gregoryisgodistani fleet.

Meanwhile, over in IesusisGodistan, Christian State fighters were shooting off rockets into Gregoryisgodistan even though IesusisGodistan had yet to join the war. These rockets were emblazoned with the flag of the Christian State and often with Bible verses in Latin. Unfortunately, they were of such poor quality that it was impossible to control where they ended up. The Christian State fighters could only pray that one of their rockets would eventually hit an important military target...

[High Heels]

A View from the Seats
Marguerite Cone and Cadwallader Pencil

Reality has begun to set in for the High Heels national team, now on one point from three matches after a 3-1 loss to Yttribia. The offense continues to show promise, scoring in every match so far, but the inexperience of the defense was thrown into sharp relief on the road.

The High Heels squad were in trouble from the outset, conceding twice in nineteen minutes on set pieces before settling down. Yttribia would have the bulk of possession throughout the match. But the Foxes can play off the counter when they need to, and A.J. Stiletto engineered a comeback goal in the 40th minute after taking the ball off the feet of an Yttribian attacker and finding Thaddeus Spike streaking up the left wing. Spike’s well-placed shot couldn’t be fully controlled by the keeper, and Bradley Pump was well-placed to poach a goal off the deflection. The halftime score was thus 2-1 with cause for optimism.

But the low point for the Foxes was surely the red card issued to center back Reynard Cuban in the 70th minute, an unnecessary moment of youthful retaliation in full view of the referee. With the visitors down both a player and a goal it took a mere four minutes for the hosts to make it 3-1 and cement their victory.

Another away match is now on tap for the Foxes, who will play in Patistan before returning to the towers to host Group 19 surprise package State of Europa in round five.

[Saintland]

Statement from King Andreas on the Attack on the Embassy in Quebec

Earlier today, our embassy in Quebec was burned to the ground. As best as I can tell at this time, Quebec decided to join in the ongoing war between SETO and Gregoryisgodistan on the side of Gregoryisgodistan and, in a moment of zeal, decided to burn down our embassy while they were burning the Holy Republican embassy. I want to reiterate that the Kingdom of Saintland remains, as we have always been, neutral in all wars. While we may share a faith with the Holy Republicans and we may regard Gregoryisgodistan as a danger to its neighbors, we are not a participant in this war and we currently have no plans or intentions of entering the war on either side.

I am specifically saddened that the draft of a Constitution for the International Basketball Organization, which was stored at our embassy in Quebec, was likely destroyed as a result of this heinous act. Despite all of this, I harbor no ill will toward the Royal Kingdom of Quebec and urge them to rebuild, at their own expense, our embassy so that we may continue to promote peace and friendship between our nations.

I have elected to keep this statement short because I am currently busy preparing for an upcoming World Cup qualification match against Britonisea. I hope that the warring parties will respect the neutrality of my Kingdom and permit me to focus my attention on qualifying for World Cup 72. However, I will be enacting an entry ban for nationals from any nation which has burned down my embassy in their country until they rebuild it at their expense. That is all, for now.

[Krytenia]

Rameses Niblick III looked over his charges and pondered. It was unusual for the journalist-turned-manager to actually attend a training session in person; though he had been employed due to his long and storied career in scouting the game, looking over various generations wearing the famed sky blue, actual coaching drills were not his forté; he left that to his coaching staff. That's what the KFA paid them for, after all.

He pondered the first three games of qualifying. The Aces, after a slow start, had played strongly against Panem, then played out of their skins in a stunning victory over Bears Armed. The trip to Kernansquillec, however, had been a different story. Krytenia had been played off the park, and the inexperience of the lads on the international scene had shown - well, except for Valrauncion, of course. HopNation would be another big test, but he had seen the fire in the young men's eyes, and he knew he'd have a chance if he kept calm and analytical.

He pondered the coat on his back. It used to be behind a glass case in his office, but now it seemed appropriate to wear it. It looked tattered and old - and in truth, it was - but wasn't as old as people assumed it was. As far as the world knew, this was THAT coat, the one worn by Audioslavian journalistic legend Jeremy Jaffacake until an incident in Cafundéu had led to Rami taking it into his possession. A trophy of his superiority. In reality, of course, that was not the case. Jaffacake had the original back, though the knew media-savvy JJ seldom wore it. He had Emanuel Portico, Gentleman Thief™ to thank for that. At least, though, he'd replaced it with a faithful replica, which had the advantage of actually smelling clean. You'd mistake it for the real thing if you ignored the "Hand Stitched By Slaves In Gregoryisgodistan" label.

He pondered what his rival would be doing right now. Driving a car like an idiot for that television show, no doubt. He'd seen the programme on cable last week; some challenge with cheap saloons in the backwoods of Ibex. It was puerile, base humour; not that Rami was above that sort of thing, of course, but a perfect outlet for Jeremy to be Jeremy.

Finally, he pondered lunch. And a good thing too, because the players had just finished their session.

"Good job, lads!" he said, and pondered what the atmosphere would be like at the Isserson for their next game.

[Semarland]

Yesterday, Premarligaen clubs officially published the list of scholars for this upcoming season, 2018/19. Scholars are, in simple terms, young footballers aged 16 at the start of the season (so in this case, players born from 1st September 2001 SEM to 31st August 2002 SEM). Kindly, two key figures from each Premarligaen club, usually the Academy Manager/Head of Youth Development and the U18/U16 manager have given their shared opinion on the club’s players.

Adjurgen: With opinions from Academy Manager Tyrese Mkundu and U16 manager Jacob Johansson-Harde

Johan Eriksson, GK: “Johan is a tall, athletic goalkeeper who signed for us at U13 level from local team Steffan Mauyen FC. He has tremendous reflexes and was largely Joakim Brakussen’s backup for the U18s last season as well as being an U16 regular.”

Filip den Karlsson, DL: “Filip is an attacking left back that joined us at U15 level from the same team as Johan, Steffan Mauyen FC. He was an originally a winger but converted to a left back only last season and he is very good at making attacking runs.”

Herman Jochumsen, DC: “Herman is yet another recent signing, joining us from Lindish side Brande and Eriknavr. He is a strong, composed centre-back that made nine U18 appearances last season and was on the U21 bench for two occasions.”

Magnus Hreidarsson, DC: “A more long serving player, Magnus signed for our development centre at U7 level and has progressed well since joining the actual academy. Originally a central midfifelder, Magnus can also fill in the holding midfield role.”

Katani Kotunga, MR: “Katani joined at U9 level and he is a very fast winger. He comes from a family of sprinters, with his older brother Anande a member of the Semar 4x100 relay team. Katani made three U18 appearances last season.”

Solani Ambe, AMC: “Solani is regarded as one of the brightest talents in our academy and rightly so. Signing as an U12, at only 11 years, nine months and eight days he appeared for our U16 side. He is an excellent passer of the ball and very creative in attack.”

Jan Mikkel-Lars, ST: “Finally, Jan is the newest member of our academy. He rejected a scholarship at FC York to come here and we are lucky to have him here. He was the top scorer at U15 level in the Southern Division and scored 21 times last season for FC York’s U16s.”

Arkrau Klub: With opinions from Head of Youth Development Chris Jensen and U16 manager Gennaro Sanderskye

Lasse Brande, GK “Lasse is a local lad and has been with us since U8 level. His trait is saving penalties and his throwing which he is greatly improved on the past few years. He appeared only once for the U18s last season, but was on the bench several times.”

Thomas Pedersen, DL “Thomas is a strong left back that is good in both defence and attack. He likens his game to Eirik Malsen and is a natural full back. Thomas didn’t make an U18 appearance but was on the bench twice, due to injuries.”

Janne Nelson, DC “Janne was in the same intake as Lasse and does a good job in front of him. He is a very composed player who can make some excellent passes, therefore he has appeared in central midfield a couple of times.”
Mokunde Atanni, DC “We were very privileged to have Mokunde sign a scholarship as he had a lot of interest from other clubs. Mokunde was a regular for Semarland’s U16 side and made an outstanding 12 U18 appearances last season.”

Innocent Latemba, MC “Like Mokunde, he had a lot of interest from other clubs and we are glad to have him as a scholar. He’s a dynamic midfielder with a good passing range and is capable in both defence and attack.”

Jacob Amos, AMC “Jacob is a neat attacking midfielder that has always been rather classy on the ball. He even managed to appear for the U21s last season, coming on as a 64th minute substitute in a cup game, and was quite regular for the U18s too.”

Marlon Marcel, ST “Marlon was only recently signed after impressing for Yorligenen. He was on trial with the U16s for the latter part of last season and impressed myself (Gennaro Sanderskye) and we decided to take him on as a scholar.”

Copenbrok Klub: With opinions from Academy Manager Marcelo Johansen and U18 manager Pedro Rukovskaya

Tobiasz Khomka, GK “Tobiasz is a young Polaa goalkeeper previously on the books of Red Star Slazhnov but we managed to sign him at U15 level. He is a good shot stopper and is very good at marshalling his defence.”

Carlo Kunde, DC “Carlo was signed at U14 level and he is a strong central defender, similar to the mould of someone like Martin Soriksen, Johannes Pedersen or Sanders Mykjar. He is a great tackler and is very strong on the ball.”

Jan-Erik Markussen, DC “Jan-Erik is very similar to his counterpart Carlo in terms of playing style and both were key figures for the U16s last season. He looks ready to hit the ground running after making twelve U18 appearances last season.”

Renat Janssen, ML “Renat is one of a few of our youngsters that actually played for Semarland U16s last season. He is a creative winger that has accurate crossing and a pacy speed. He joined at U12 level after impressing for his school team.”

Christian Court, MC “Christian is a player we were very lucky to sign recently. He is the captain of Semarland U16s and had to move to Copenbrok to personal issues, therefore meaning he couldn’t sign his scholarship at Eikborg Club. Instead we took him on, he is a very good commanding tackler and accurate passer of the ball.”

Filip Pedersborg, AMC “Filip was signed from our Centre of Excellence in Lindmark after impressing for them and is another new signing here at Copenbrok. His defence splitting passes can be key in attack as he looks to impress for his new club.”

Per Martinsson, ST “The final young player that played for Semarland U16s, Per netted four goals at national level in two games. He is a very tall striker that is good in the air and a danger from set pieces.”

Eikborg Club: With opinions from Head of Youth Development Soren Nkume and U18 manager Johan Jansen

Markus Nordland, GK “Markus is a reliable goalkeeper who has been with us since U6 level. He has progressed well over the years and is ready to embark on his scholarship.”

Dieudonne Mbonga, DC “Dieudonne is a strong defender who has been capped by Semarland at U16, U17 and even U18 levels. He initially started at Krsthaven but joined us at U13 level and hasn’t looked back.”

Marc Filipsen, DC “Marc, like Dieudonne, is a clever central defender capped by Semarland at U16 & U17 level. He’s a very good passer of the ball too and is also able to play in either full back position, preferably right.”

Daniel Jensen, DR “Daniel is a strong right back who is an excellent tackler. He isn’t the most attacking full back as most are these days, but does his defensive duties very well nonetheless.”

Carlos Johansson, ML “Carlos is a fast winger who signed at U14 level from Copenbrok Klub. He’s very fast and has a very good sense in attack.”

Jakob Jorlsson, MR “Jakob joined at U9 and is the younger cousin of former rugby player Mikkel Jorlsson. He is very good crosser of the ball and has good technical abilities.”

Eric Nti-Bonso, AMC “Eric joined us from FC Jansberg recently after deciding to do his scholarship here due to FC Jansberg having attacking midfielders such as Marc Strand and Lomana Mandela ahead of him. He has very good technical ability.”

Stefan Silksberg, ST “Stefan is a tall striker who is a very good target man. He scored a total of 26 goals for both the U16s and U18s last season and he has a very positive sporting attitude.”

---

Semarland 3-1 Star United States
Lygaard 26’, Cisse 39’, Simeone 74’ – Barnna 86’

SEMARLAND: Blaise N’Zonzi, Matur Eiriksson, Jakob Lunds, Matthias Karbruck, Eirik Malsen (Linus Eriksen 76); Demba Cisse (Inzazi Dvulu 72), Marcel Labonne (Marc Strand 63), Tunji Tunde, Tipio Runen; Marc Lygaard, Yannick Simeone

Starting XI v Kazamatsuri – M Valbeuna, R Norregaard, J Lunds, M Nordland, E Malsen, A Nkutu, D Cisse, M Strand, T Runen, M Lygaard, Y Simeone

[Greater Watford]

Chapter 3: Southern Alliance D2, Kings FC

The next chapter sees us move onto Harlequin Island to discuss Kings FC, a team who play in the Southern Alliance D2. The team play at Kings Park, and in Season 8 had experience of playing in the Eastern Alliance D1, so they are at a better level to some of their rivals. Indeed, they have quite a tidy stadium, only seating 500, but modern and with a stylish glass roof over the stand.

The team is owned by the Kings Consortium, a group of 7 individuals who fund the team. At this level, the consortium approach has the benefit of increased funding for the team, as evident by the flashy stadium I was now in. Sitting in the boardroom, I met Enrique Roberto, one of the 7 in the consortium. “So financially, you’re one of the better teams in this level, is this beneficial?” I asked. “Not always” he responds “Last year we tried developing with what we had, and just hit a wall, and couldn’t get any further”. It’s interesting to hear his perspective, especially as it contrasts the words I found earlier. Maybe it’s a case of the grass is greener on the other side, or not seeing what you have unless you don’t have it.

A curiosity of the Southern Alliance D2 is how densely populated the clubs are, over half of the clubs are based in Watford or Harlequin Island. This would appear to be detrimental to player recruitment, but as defender Ryan Felixstowe explained, it actually benefits the players “A lot of part-time players live either on Watford, or one of the outer cities. The compactness of the league gives us players more options, for amateurs it’s great fun at tryouts, and it improves the quality”. Ryan lives in Garston, but he speaks of practices and matches at Kings FC being a short drive down the A11 motorway. The compactness also reduces travelling times for away matches, increasing turnout. Indeed, average turnout is highest in the Southern Alliance D2, compared to the other 3 Level 5 leagues.

This leads to the big question some will wonder, is the system fair? The Alliance Association, the subset of the GWFA who run the Alliance Leagues (Level 4 & 5), think there is an imbalance. “When you look at where the fans and teams are concentrated, it’s clear Watford and the outer areas is disproportionately represented”, said head of the AA, Dennis Salberton. “Even compared to the other major cities, the density of the clubs is too large”. Of course, being the capital, it’s inevitable that Watford would be more represented, but the financial side concerns Dennis Salberton. The Season 8 expansion saw 4 village teams introduced that were quite far from the concentration of teams, much to their dismay. Indeed, the journey to Digswell FC has been criticised by quite a few teams, but the AA have stated that they believe it is the best solution.

The Southern Alliance D2, is a relatively rich league in the small world of bottom level football, but Kings FC haven’t converted money to success yet. The concentration of teams and wealth in one corner of Greater Watford raises questions about the structure of the lower levels, and the discussions that sometimes develop about budget caps are fuelled by this sort of inequality. In the team time, it’s up to the players to get it done on the pitch, and leave the money to the experts off the pitch.

Robert Rainshaw

[Bears Armed]

The time is shortly after the bells rang out for second-six’th-watch (OOC: i.e. shortly after 9.00pm) on a Rabbitsday evening, so the television programme currently being broadcast by BABC-One is ‘Sports Harvest’: Just starting within that programme, tonight, is a discussion between its regular presenter Hrroyhr Eirrons and guest Arrna o Barrden — a former captain of top-flight football club ‘River City’, who is widely respected as a player and tactician (although, for some reason, she was never selected to be a member of the national team) — about the current series of World Cup qualifiers.

(Hrroyhr) “Hrarroom, Arrna. Thank you for agreeing to appear here on ‘Sports Harvest’ this evening.”

(Arrna) “My thanks to you, for the invitation, Hrroyhr.”

(Hrroyhr) “Hrright. So, the qualfiiers…
“Going more or less as you anticipated, so far? A worse performance than you expected of the Belles? Or maybeso even better rresults than you were honestly hoping for?”

(Arrna) “Hrr’mm from that way that you phrased that question I rrather think that you expect me to say “worse”… but, honestly, all that I can say is that before the first match-day I wasn’t sure hwhat sort of situation to expect by this earrly stage. Some folks might have considered our girls losing their only pre-qualifiers ‘friendly’ game by five goals to just one as a bad omen for their progress through this cycle, for example, but bearing in mind that they were playing against the current ‘number One’ team in the worlds — and doing so ‘away’ at that side’s own home stadium, into the bargain — I would just say “They met a team that was better than them on that day, it happens, and maybeso[/i] that rreesult will inspire the Belles to perform better than they might otherwise have done in the matches that actually count now…”

(Hrroyhr) “Hokay…
“But you expected the victory over Kumbhalgarh, just like the hrrest of urrs did, am I hrright? Was the actual score a surpise to you, at all?”

(Arrna) “I was fairly sure that the Belles would win that match, hwhich already seemed beforepaw as though it should probably be their easiest one during this entire qualifying process as a hwhole, ayyuh. Facing the lowest-ranked out of those opposing teams in the group that have actually been rated so far, and doing so at home at Wimbley in front of a mostly-friendly crowd, if they’d somehow managed to lose that game instead — barring that defeat being due to an actual divine manifestation intervening, anyhows — then I’d have been verrry surprised indeed for true and would probably have started calling for a major shake-up of both the team’s management and its membership too. The sheer number of goals by hwhich our girls steamrollerrred their guests was a pleasant surprise to me, it was just a pity that they maybeso over-exerted themselves a bit in the process…”

(Hrroyhr) “Ah. Hence not only that unfortunate own-goal by Ozt’suhl in the twoEights-and-seven’th moment of the second half but also the fact that the visitors, despite being so clearly out-matched, were eventually able to score a goal for themselves too just instants before the final whistle was blown?”

(Arrna) “Basically so, ayyuh, although of course that last desperate shot bouncing up off of their other striker’s back into the goal after he’d just tripped over his own feet wasn’t something that could hrrreally have been anticipated…”

(Hrroyhr) “that’s fair enough.
“Now, you referred to that match as the one that had seemed as though it should be the Belles’ easiest: Were you already expecting a serious challenge from Krytenia before last Owlsday’s game, for true?“

(Arrna) “Well, I certainly wasn’t taking a victory for urrs for granted, for true: Even though the Kryties had been staying out of international competition for more than twoEights years before this season, there was no rreal rreason to expect that they’d have lost all of their previous rather good form on the pitch… and after all, they’ve still got Valrauncion as a player ,with his experience of being in an actual Cup-winning side, and he could explain to them from firstpaw experience hwhat playing against urrs was like…”

(Hrroyhr) “Hrmm, hokay…
“So, the actual course of events during our girls’ game against ‘the Aces' fell within hwhat you’d have considered to be rreasonably likely?””

(Arrna) “More or less so, Hrroyhr, more or less so. A disappointment, for true, but not a heavy shock. I did expect the Belles to win, on the hwhole, but I expected the result to be a close one and it was that: Just a close rresult with its balance tipped in the ‘wrong’ direction, as it were.”

(Hrroyhr) “Hokay, I can take that scent” (OOC: which translates from Urso-English into ‘standard’ English as “I can see that”…) “I suppose.
“Now, a little bird told me that the former Belles coach Ug-Ug was seen in the audience for that game?”

(Arrna) “Ayyuh.
“But rremember, that’s not just ‘former Belles coach’, it’s ‘former Aces coach’ too, because our favourite cave-human spent one World Cup working for the Kryties before he moved on to Armed Bears and then subsequently here to urrs… so he was trying to stay neutral for the day. I gather that he and both teams’ current coaches and captains did meet for a leisurely breakfast the next morning though, after those captains and coaches had had the evening to go over the game with their players — and to start giving them more advice and encouragement rready for their next qualifier matches — and presumably they discussed the game a bit then: However I wasn’t invited to join them at that meal and neither Marra nor Urra — nor the other Urra, neither, for that matter — has yet smelled fit to give me any details of hwhatever conversation they had then.”

(Hrroyhr) “Hr’rmm, that’s a little bit disappointing”

(Arrna) “Ayyuh, it is. Your ‘little bird’ didn’t gather any details, then?”

(Hrroyhr) “No.
“But talking about ‘gathering details’, it’s time for some more messages from ourr sponsors:”


(Fade away from the studio, through few instants of a woodland scene accompanied by quiet music in the Bearroque style, and into an advert for “Kam’Barrwick Treacle-Hrrum, an eight-sevenths’ proof delight!”…)


_____________________________________________

(OOC: Yes, this should really have been posted yesterday, and I should probably be saying something now about the game against Valladares[ instead: Unfortunately RL has been getting slightly in the way…
I hope to catch up with match reports, and post the official invitation to the International Scouting Jamboree that I told you about in the WC Discussion Thread a few weeks ago, within the next two or three days.)

[Prusy Krolewskie]

Prusy Krolewskie draws again against another high-ranked team!

Prusy Krolewskie draws 2-2 on the road against Greater Watford. Greater Watford attacked at the 6th minute when Tommy Deer passed the ball to Gary Oldfen who dribbles and passes to Samuel Harris. Harris shoots but Zofia Kwietniewska makes the save! Reprezentacja Pruski attacked at the 14th minute when Krzysztof Januszkiewicz passed the ball to Sascha Welzmüller who passed to Sarah Schroffenegger. Sarah Schroffenegger dribbles and makes a short pass to Katarzyna Grzywinska. Katarzyna Grzywinska shoots but the ball is deflected and goes out of bounds. It's a corner kick for Prusy Krolewskie. Sarah Schroffenegger kicks the ball in front of the net, Elmo Dowling heads the ball outside the penalty area, Florian von Haacke intercepts the ball and shoots from 30 meters but the ball hits Armando Westberg's leg and goes out of bounds, it's another corner kick for Prusy Krolewskie. Pawel Wawrzynkiewicz kicks the ball in front of the net and Sarah Schroffenegger shoots but she hits the post. Amelia Zalwowska takes the loose ball, she shoots and she scores! It's unbelievable, Prusy Krolewskie takes a 1-0 lead on the road! Greater Watford attacked at the 24th and 28th minute but without success. Prusy Krolewskie counter attacked at the 29th minute when Sascha Welzmüller passed the ball to Pawel Wawrzynkiewicz who passed to Zbigniew Zajaczkowski. Zbigniew Zajaczkowski shoots but Kendrick Hannon makes the save. Greater Watford attacked again at the 36th minute when Rueben Mcbee passed to Samuel Harris who passed to Ignacio Peréz. Ignacio Peréz shoots but Zofia Kwietniewska makes the save. The score stays 1-0 Prusy Krolewskie until the halftime.

Greater Watford attacked at the 49th and 56th minutes but Zofia Kwietniewska blocked Mario Mannetti and Ignacio Peréz. At the 62nd minute, Armando Westberg passed to Garry Oldfen who passed to Tommy Deer. Tommy Deer gives back the ball to Garry Oldfen who dribbles. Garry Oldfen makes a cross to Mario Mannetti who shoots and scores! The game is tied 1-1. Greater Watford is dominating the 2nd half and attacks again at the 67th minute without success. Greater Watford attacks again at the 75th minute when Tommy Deer passes the ball to Rueben Mcbee who passes to Samuel Harris. Harris dribbles and makes a short pass to Rueben Mcbee who shoots and scores! Greater Watford is leading 2-1. Greater Watford keeps attacking and at the 81st minute, Garry Oldfen passes the ball to Ignacio Peréz who shoots but it's over the cross bar. It's a goal kick for Prusy Krolewskie. Zofia Kwietniewska kicks the ball, Amelia Zalwowska and Elmo Dowling fights for it. Amelia Zalwowska jumps and body checks Elmo Dowling and makes a header pass to Zbigniew Zajaczkowski who dribbles, shoots and scores! The game is tied again! The score remains the same and it's another draw for Prusy Krolewskie!

BOXSCORE

15th minute - AMELIA ZALWOWSKA assisted by Sarah Schroffenegger
62nd minute - MARIO MANNETTI assisted by Gary Oldfen
75th minute - RUEBEN MCBEE assisted by Samuel Harris
81st minute - ZBIGNIEW ZAJACZKOWSKI assisted by Amelia Zalwowska

Cards

None

Next game

Reprezentacja Pruski's next game is at home against Maretta at Stadion Heinemeyer in Ueckermünde, Wojewodztwo Wschodniomeklemburgia. Prusy Krolewskie will be fielding the same line up. Hans-Jürgen Horstmann will assist Maretta, act as an interpreter and follow them wherever they needs him.

Lukasz Przyborowski to play in Fhulghamous Peninsula?

There are reports from Fhulghamous Peninsula saying Lukasz Przyborowski, who'se part of the national team, could be on his way to play with Marinos Thimpodopoulos, a team in the Fhulghamous Peninsula. We'll try to give an update about it. Lukasz Przyborowski, who'se actually a free agent, played for Puszcza Puszczykowo last season and scored 15 goals in 34 games.

[Stvoto Latoli]

Section: Home Page
Section: Local News
Section: Business
*** Section: Sport ***
Section: Entertainment
Section: Opinion

Invincible Saintland Destroy Hapless Maritime Empire

29 October 4014 - A disappointing week continued for the Golden Crows as, just four days after being robbed of a point in Milchama, a very-much-in-form Sanctii national team hammered Stvoto Latoli in Tobyumosyu. The raft city had, at last calling, played host to a magnificent display by the Gold-Whites that had never before been seen, as on Matchday One the home side obliterated Norrehavn four goals to nil. But Norrehavn are no Saintland, and King Andreas' well trained, fit, and confident outfit made mincemeat out of a tired-looking Maritime Empire squad.

Things looked bad from the opening whistle. Venturing forward down the wings, the Sanctii side particularly looked to exploit an older and less mobile Gidedu Shegalo, playing out of position on the left wing. They found early success and in the fifth minute Josephus Flaccus should have done better when he sneakily found a channel in behind Satatu Bei and blasted an effort well over Shyusoolootru Lyu's crossbar. Seven minutes later, King Andreas' nicely bending corner kick allowed Lucas Aufidius to level a close-range header on frame, but the Stvoto Latolisi captain's stellar form allowed him to make an outstanding reflex save and for the time being the danger was cleared.

But Saintland were simply too good, far too good. The Gold-Whites' attempts to clog the midfield with their 3-6-1 formation were quickly shown to be pointless, as the visitors found success by simply playing direct football. In the 25th minute, a Paulus Plinius long ball found Stephanus Vagionius, who headed the ball down to King Andreas' feet. The captain played the ball wide to the left, where Nicolaus Poenius had got in behind Leagh Gilmore (hero of the weekend's nail-biter versus Milchama). The left wingback raced to the endline, cut back, and with an excellent pass along the ground, found the feet of Andreas Inventius, racing in at the far post. The defensive midfielder's first time finish with his right foot was well beyond Lyu's reach.

The experienced Sanctii locked down possession in model form, stifling the game until half time with precise passing. It was clear to the home supporters the Brendan al Tameer would need to make a change, but none was forthcoming. Instead the visitors simply returned to the pitch as dominant as ever, and frustrated Golden Crows fans wondered aloud if al Tameer had bothered to give even a pep talk during the break. Saintland seized on the Maritime Empire's lethargy, and the visitors doubled their lead on 52 minutes. Josephus Flaccus' well worked diagonal long ball found Ioannes Poenius on the right, who patiently waited for Muhammad abd al Raziq to bite on the challenge. When the Lobyuseistvooshu center back did so, he simply laid a square ball in behind for a well-onside Petrus Mamilius to race in and tuck it away from point-blank range.

Instead of consolidating, the Sanctii smelled blood and went for broke. Shocking everyone, King Andreas brought off sweeper Iulianus Agrius and called striker Ioannes Gratus onto the field with him. The aggressive move crippled Stvoto Latoli, who were forced to put ten men behind the ball and defend for dear life. The best the Golden Crows could do was to try and slow the pace of the game. al Tameer used a sub (it was too little, too late), and Shegalo, pretending to be mortally injured, allowed himself to be stretchered off. Upon reaching the sideline, he was miraculously cured (perhaps lending credence to the name of the nation leading two nil at that point), and simply walked back onto the pitch without Roberto Seral's permission. He should have been booked - there's no question about it. Even partisans like us here at the Observer Online could see it.

It was all pointless anyway. Goalscorer Inventius made way for Paulus Flaccus in the seventieth minute, and the other Flaccus brother wasted no time, providing an assist a minute after his entry by playing Ioannes Poenius onside with a great through ball. The right back bashed the ball into the net behind a dejected Stvoto Latoli captain Lyu, and the Rushmori foes were up three to nothing. It might have been four, too, as in the 72nd minute almost the exact same thing happened - Ioannes Poenius got the better of abd al Raziq, and the through ball from the midfield (this time from Mamilius) played him in behind. The only difference is that on this occasion Poenius opted to look for a teammate rather than be selfish and attempt a brace... his short cross to Stephanus Vagionius' head was perfect, but the target man placed his thundering header just wide of the near post.

That would be the last major event of the match. al Tameer finally managed to stem the bleeding by pulling his trequartista Irmedheghi and replacing her with a defender, but the damage was already done. The impressive Sanctii victors walked off the Trogu How pitch in jubilant mood, and the home supporters actually applauded them - such was the comprehensive nature of the victory. But al Tameer's mistaken conservatism will be quietly remembered - both by fans and by the TSLB. Repeats of this sort of tactical ineptitude could once again raise the temperature on the seat beneath the Muzira'a Ba'aydi manager's rear end.

0 - 3

Information

Venue: Trogu How, Tobyumosyu, Stvoto Latoli
Attendance: 76,000
Referee: Roberto Seral (Sargossa)
Man/Woman of the Match: Ioannes Poenius (Saintland)

Managers

Stvoto Latoli: Brendan al Tameer (Stvoto Latoli)
Saintland: King Andreas (Saintland)

Squads

Stvoto Latoli: Lyu; Gilmore, Uchatheppujaghu, abd al Raziq; al Amri, Bei, O'Bearga (al Ghalib 58'), Shegalo, Eji, Irmedheghi (Zowbowbyuthi 74'); Athey
Saintland: Seius; Agrius (Gratus 54'), I. Poenius, Aufidius (Belaeus 58'), Plinius, N. Poenius; Inventius (P. Flaccus 70'), Mamilius, J. Flaccus, King Andreas; S. Vagionius

Goals

Stvoto Latoli: -
Saintland: Inventius 25', Mamilius 52', I. Poenius 71'

Next Match

Opponent: The Sarian
Venue: Home Covert, Chippenham, The Sarian
Stvoto Latoli's Projected Starting XI: Lyu; Gilmore, Uchatheppujaghu, abd al Raziq; al Amri, Bei, O'Bearga, Shegalo, Eji, Irmedheghi; Athey
Referee: Mathias Morrison (Yttribia)

[Super-Llamaland]

Who's the Most Valuable Tiger?

Not all time (that's obviously Trevor Duncan and anybody who disagrees is a heretic who should be shot), but on this current Tigers squad? We got a few people in for a nice roundtable.

Round One - Who is the Tigers' MVP right now, and why?

TROY MATHER (Tigersnet) - Without a doubt, it's the veteran striker Alex Cartwright. The guy is a goal-scoring machine - by rate, he's the most prolific goal-scorer in Tigers history* and despite some concerns about his age, he's still going strong if the friendlies are any indication. There's really no reason why he's not the best right now - you're probably just jealous FC Vargas idiotically let him play overseas in Kingston and never come back.

*with the exception of Randy Dalton Jr. - one goal in thirty-odd minutes, followed by vanishing off the face of the earth

EMMA MORENO (The WCQ Project) - Obviously Anthony Player, the center-midfielder. Cartwright scores in droves, but take him away and the Tigers are a very good team - they can play Peter Masters and Nilssen/Magnusson, and Tobias Dickinson is always an option to score goals. But take away Player and it's World Cup 69 all over again, starring TOBIAS DICKINSON as Ford, the venomous attacker who is somehow forced into making plays for strikers, KRISTOPHER NILSSEN and ALICIA MAGNUSSON as Masters and Younger Cartwright, the talented strikers who are so bad at playing together Aidan Ferguson has to come on, and JAKE RABURN as Wiggins, who just has a "WTF is your guys' problem" face as he attempts to stitch the two sides of the Grand Canyon together with a piece of string and no needle. Metaphorically, of course.

STAN ZOBRIST (Sportsball Weekly) - Right now it has to be Tobias Dickinson. "But he's not better than Player or Cartwright!" You say. Well, I say that he's a flexible, team-first attacker who can basically do anything from his CAM position - the embodiment of the good side of the team. Sure, he doesn't score like Cartwright (because instead of cherry-picking he's setting up all of Cartwright's shots) and he doesn't pass like Player (because he is proven to be capable of scoring, unlike Mr. Two-International-Goals), but he's the best player, hands down. Without Dickinson, nothing gets done.

CALVIN HAUSTIER (Haust's) - Way to completely forget the defense, guys. Sebastian Myers is the best defender, hands-down, and without him your 3-3 draws would be 6-2 defeats. He's calm under pressure and absolutely brilliant on defense - have you seen this guy? The fact that they think he needs Javier Agudieres to lead a defense is absolutely absurd, even moreso than the idea that Javier Agudieres once was good at attacking. The attackers get all of the legends (Trevor Duncan v. Shawn Campbell - both exceptional, game-changing players, the difference being that Duncan is immortalized as the greatest player of all time and nobody knows who Shawn Campbell was even though he somehow managed to lead a defense with studs like Jeff James and Ryan Jefferson to decency), but Sebastian Myers is the most talented guy on the pitch when the Tigers take it.

STEPHANIE HANCOCK (Tigers' Den) - Offense-centric much? Jared Finch isn't the best player, but he's the MVP of this team right now. Everybody cites his poor WCQ71, but a lot can happen in four years, and Finch's performance in SiegLeague has been solid. He's a very good player. Unless you'd like to see AJ Ramires wearing #1 for a team that's better than Emerald Springs?

R2 - Very nice, everyone. Now pick one of your opponents' cases and absolutely RIP IT TO SHREDS.

MATHER - Stan [Zobrist] conveniently forgets to mention that Dickinson has had serious injury troubles, often seems lost on the pitch when things aren't going your way, and has the sort of temper you wouldn't want your MVP to have. The guy's not bad on the field, but your "versatile" is my "bad at everything" - and his intangibles are certainly that.

MORENO - Yes, Alex Cartwright is a very nice player and not aging at all, which is why he has to stand in front of the goal with his hands on his hips and a passive-aggressive "pass or die" look on his face. Panting. Most of his goals have been cherry-picks, not the legendary Cartwright goals of old. He's aging for sure and you'd be a fool to not admit it. Nilssen and Magnusson are just as good, if not better.

ZOBRIST - Jared Finch? Is this "two goals a game isn't that bad" Jared Finch? Jared Finch of "whoops accidentally gave up thirty-seven goals over seventeen games, heh heh" fame? Jared Finch isn't that good. I don't know how to explain his Fontieville performance, which at times actually looked like a National Team goalie and at other times...didn't, but he's not a good keeper at all. The "he's better than AJ Ramires" argument is a non-argument.

HAUSTIER - Anthony Player, MVP? Without Player, Raburn, Dickinson, or even the newly-not sucky Sara Reyshavic all capable of making plays? A central midfielder with two goals to his name? What a strange world this is. Player is good, but nothing special.

HANCOCK - Sebastian Myers isn't as good as you think he is. Campbell not being a legend is a travesty, sure, but Campbell was a lot better of a player than Sebastian Myers. The young left-back has way too many holes in his game - he can't mark good strikers, he's too adventurous despite not-that-good agility, the list goes on. This is not an MVP. This a TMVP (Third Most Valuable Player) at best.

We then let them debate in private for a bit, and they came up with a nice voting scheme - everyone giving five points to the best candidate and so on and so forth - here was the final result.

TM: CARTWRIGHT - MYERS - FINCH - PLAYER - DICKINSON
EM: PLAYER - MYERS - DICKINSON - CARTWRIGHT - FINCH
SZ: DICKINSON - MYERS - PLAYER - CARTWRIGHT - FINCH
CH: MYERS - DICKINSON - PLAYER - FINCH - CARTWRIGHT
SH: FINCH - DICKINSON - CARTWRIGHT - MYERS - PLAYER

And in the end...

ALEX CARTWRIGHT (Mather) - first, third, two fourths, fifth - 11 pts.
ANTHONY PLAYER (Moreno) - first, two thirds, fourth, fifth - 14 pts.
TOBIAS DICKINSON (Zobrist) - first, two seconds, third, fifth - 17 pts.
SEBASTIAN MYERS (Faustier) - first, three seconds, fourth - 19 pts.
JARED FINCH (Hancock) - first, third, fourth, two fifths - 12 pts.

SEBASTIAN MYERS is, by consensus, the MVP of the Tigers!

[New West Guiana]

1698 High St. Gemsbrook, FD

Nathan Alex and Bill Cass, arrive at the high rise near downtown Gemsbrook where legendary West Guiana soccer star Don Hummel currently lives. They both walk into the main lobby and walk into the elevator and press 34. Within a few seconds they arrive on the floor and walk a few doors to Don Hummels. Nathan looks at Bill and quietly asks, "You honestly do think he'll help us in scouting, he is after all eighty-seven no spring chicken as my mother would say."

Bill knocking on the door simply states, "His passion for the game knows no boundry, he knows his age has set him back, but he is bound determined to help others."

Inside they hear a few steps and the door slowly opens, before them Don Hummel eighty-seven years old yet hardly looks his age, he could easily be mistaken for some one in their mid sixties. Don looking at the two, "Bill good to see you, come in! Come in! I know why you're here, iI like so many others have heard the rumors."

He leads them into his condo, not very large he could of course afford any size he wanted, but none the less they walk into the living room with dark hardwood floors tan leather sofa and chairs. Don sits in one of the chairs, teaks out a remote and presses a button. The large windows till this point were covered by large curtains relieve the beautiful skyline of downtown and the captial building. Done pointing at both, "I always enjoy showing off my views when guests come over, you should see it at night."

Bill looking out the window, "Yes, I bet it is nice, but Don, we haven't much time, purely business today."

Don nodding crossing his legs for better comfort, "Of course. So what is the reason for visiting me?"

Nathan clasping his hands again, " Mr. Hummel, Bill believes that in order to help improve our nations national soccer team, that it is necessary to invoke a winning attitude, but also find a scout that knows the game and believes in that winning attitude. So we are here."

Scratching his head Don sits back, "You want to know a story about my time on the national team. When I first was selected by Mick Temist our first national team manager he told me that simply our goal was not to screw up and lose every match, that West Guiana was never going to be nothing but a bottom feeder. This was coming from the man who was at the time our manager, he was in his second qualifying round. He had given up hope, it wasn't only him but the whole squad. Sickening is the only word that I know after all these years can describe it. What was worse." Getting up and going over to a shelf, grabbing a box and walking back over.

Bill looked at Don who seemed angry and took the newspaper clipping, it was from the 58th World Cup qualifying stage:

Nothing Feels Better

By Liz Sith,

Today WG played Camwood and guess what happened, they actually won! Yes I said it they won, only the second time though however but none the less it's a W not a T or another L, like we are so use to seeing. So with this 2-1 win, the teams record is now 2-2-8, but after this win i'm not going to be talking much about it, why well there is only four matches left and ya sitting at 2-2-8 we're not going anywhere.
The teams overall record in the world cup is a lovely 6-4-16, isn't that nice, in international play over all we have a record of 6-6-19. So note to who ever the hell is head of the West Guiana Sports Association, lets try not to play very much soccer anymore, against teams that could whoop us?
But even though the is entire qualifying round has been hell for us, lets look at it this way, we're in the bottom three in our group, but so far we've allowed 17 goals, now we've played some very high powered offenses and let me tell you, that's pretty good. But, we've scored only 5 goals through out twelve games. It's not very good at all, but the teams we have played and allowed very few goals is stunning, matter of fact the most goals we've allowed thus far is only three, the lest zero.

Don sitting back down, "I remember meeting with Miss Sith a few months after the qualifying stage, and I asked her why do you portray WG soccer so negatively, do you not know how this will affect future generations or those who want to play soccer? The whole stage, all she could do was post negative shit about our squad, I know we ended 3-2-11, but we were still young, the head of the sports didn't allows us to enter the 57th qualifying. But before I retired from playing we were at one point ranked eighty-forth that was after world cup sixty-three. We had the growing experience, but some at head quarters wanted instant success. You can put a college player in the big leagues, but that doesn't make him the best."

Bill looking down at the floor finding Dons story heartbreaking, "Don we wish to have you part of the team again, as a scout. Todd Zien wants to make soccer in West Guiana a great sport, and make the NPSL a viable league for international stars, he too is sick of the same, and so am I. Soccer has the potential for being a popular sport rivaling lacrosse, but we need those that can infuse a winning attitude into the players, and Don you are the best example that I can think of."

Don slowly getting up walking over to the window, "In thirteen years I will one hundred a centenarian, one hundred I know I can make it because both my parents and two siblings lived to a hundred. And by that age I want to see West Guiana soccer to qualify for a world cup, Nathan, Bill I will glady join WG Soccer once more. Don Hummel is back!"

Not part of the rp, just for me to keep track of.

MD1  Varmelle    w   4-3
MD2  @ Skarosbrekka  w   3-0
MD3  Osarius  L   0-4
MD4  @ Brenecia
MD5  Lymantatia
MD6  The Jeckish Union
MD7  @ Recuecn

MD8   @Varmelle
MD9   Skarosbrekka
MD10  @ Osarius
MD11   Brenecia
MD12  @ Lymantatia
MD13  @ The Jeckish Union
MD14   Recuecn

[Pays den haut]

Pays d'en Haut won't host Jeru FC on MD12

It has been decided that the home game between Pays d'en Haut and Jeru FC won't be played in les Pays d'en Haut. At this time it is not sure where it will be played, but it will be played in another country from the Commonwealth of the Smiler Nations. Here is Ruling Clan Leader and Minister of Diplomacy, Claude, clan Labelle, who has something to say: "Unfortunately we are forced to play the game on a neutral site. This was brought up first at the last CSNSC (Commonwealth of the Smiler Nations Security Council) and Jeruselem also requested the game to be played in a neutral venue, so it will be played in a neutral venue. Which one? I have no idea actually but it will be announced between MD7 and MD8. So far, Miley World has expressed their interests but we hate them as much as we hate Jeruselem and Miley World is also in a civil war so it's unlikely it will be played there."

L'Écho du Nord newspaper is actually trying to figure out where the game on MD12 will be played. We know that it will be played in the Smiler region, here are the options:

Estadio Azteca, Camp Nou or Miley Stadium, Miley World:
Pros: These three stadiums hosted Miley World's national team games during the World Cup 68.
Cons: They are located in Miley World, a nation we hate for being naughty. There is also a civil war going on in Miley World between the Conservatives who are upset with Miley's recent behaviour and the Loyalists who are loyal to Miley and don't care what she's doing and the security of Jeru FC players whouldn't be assured in Miley World because of the civil war, so it is not an option.

National Ground, Southern Virgin Islands:
Pros: The Southern Virgin Islands are a paradise for tourists and is a stable country who recently got their independence from the Southern Democratic States.
Cons: The National Ground only sits 5,000 fans. it's still twice than our largest stadium, but if we have to play on a neutral ground, why not a bigger stadium? Also we find the Southern Virgin Islands too liberal.

Violet Bowl, Los Osos, Southern Democratic States:
Pros: This mythic stadium, property of the USLO Bruins, seats 92,524 fans so think of the money Pays d'en Haut and Jeru FC would make with all these fans attending the game! Another pro is that the infamous Laura Cashman wouldn't be welcome in the Southern Democratic States since a black skinned pop star showed a boob during the Southern Bowl halftime show a couple of years ago, this incident made everyone upset in the Southern Democratic States.

Tiger Stadium, Rockingham or Daniels-Barry Stadium, Beans Ferry, Southern Democratic States
If the Violet Bowl is unavailable, one of these two stadiums from the Southern Democratic States could fit.

Inbox Stadium, Linlithgow, Great Caledonia, United Kingdom of Great Caledonia and North Hybernia
Pros: The home stadium of the Rangers F.C. seats 50,947 fans and is located in our neighbor country.
Cons: We hate them and they hate us since we had an ongoing war with Great Caledonia for ages. Also they're unknown on the international sports scene.

The "winner" will be announced between MD7 and MD8 by Soccer Pays d'en Haut. Stadion Narodowy w Ozorkowie or any other stadium in Prusy Krolewskie is not an option since they're also participating in the qualifications.

[Sargossa]

In his long years of service Alberto Escalana had seen many sporting arenas, this was undoubtedly the shitest. He’d been just eighteen when he’d first got a job scrubbing the boots of the players picked for Sargossa’s nascent national football side. Fifty years (and over six hundred matches) on, the bulk of them spent in his current role as kit manager, Alberto had experienced some of the highs and lows that only international sport can produce. He been there in Soluca as Sargossa beat top seeded Ad’ihan to secure a first ever trip to the World Cup. And he’d been there again, in the boiling cauldron of emotion as an entire qualification campaign came down to just one win or bust fixture against neighbours Nethertopia. He’d seen great victories over sporting giants of the like of Candelaria And Marquez, Polar Islandstates and Eura, and on that terrible night when the Corsairs conceded eight against Valladares. And as the team travelled so too did Alberto, visiting the great sporting cathedrals of Starblaydia, Cafundéu and Valanora. Even now he was counting the days until the side’s trip to the Imperial Hippodrome, arguably the greatest arena in the entire sportiverse. Right now, stood on the touchline at Camp a L'aigua, that seemed a whole Dreamed Realm away. Largely because it was.

Still it had been good of the football authorities of San Llera to allow the Corsairs to train at the stadium, something the coach had been keen to do due to the somewhat unorthodox nature of it. Surrounded on two sides by the waters of Lake Aigua and on the other two by the rocky foothills of the Cremando Mountains, luxurious the Camp a L'aigua was not. There was no terraces, no stands, nothing except a glorified shed that served as changing facilities for the two nations. No doubt the FFS delegates that travelled with the side would extend their thanks, those that hadn’t chosen to end this international double header early and eschew the rustic charm of San Llera for a first class flight straight home from Omerica.

Alberto watched as, out on the pitch, the squad and coaching staff went about their business. Both penalty areas were occupied as, at one end, Silvio Romero and Alejandro Echeverría took turns at firing crosses into the box for the keepers to collect. At the other Rodrigo Defederico and a half dozen players were working on a particularly intricate set piece routine. The remember of the team were being put through their paces in the centre of the pitch, under the watchful eye of Sergio Castellanos. From his vantage point beside the shed Alberto could see two men deep in discussion and he knew, from snippets of conversation overheard between the remaining junior FFS executives back in the team hotel in Port Cremando, that one of those two’s job was under serious scrutiny. It wasn’t Elías Carrasco, sure the team’s form in the last campaign was spotty at best but the coach had led Sargossa to a Copa Rushmori triumph and was sitting on a near 70% overall win ratio. No, it was defence coach Germán Moya whose employment hung by a thread. The powers that be back at the Federation were getting twitchy. Two goals conceded against Tumbra, two against The United North States and then three against Omerica. And this with a tweak in tactical approach that was meant to solidify things at the back. San Llera’s finest were no doubt looking to pile on the pressure even more.

He watched as an over hit delivery sailed into the blue of Lake Aigua, the travelling support had been vocal in Philibiscostal but Alberto had no idea how they’d make themselves heard hear. Short of renting a coracle. Still, get through this and the next fixture would see the side safely ensconced back in the welcoming bosom of Soluca’s Estadio Generalissimo Joaquín Delgado for the visit of Jeruselem. A nation that knows a thing or two about welcoming bosoms.

[Valladares]

Departamento Nacional de Seguridad Headquarters
Metropolis, Valladares
15:00 hours

"Green Energy? Are you serious?"

"Yes, sir. Whatever it means must be important since that Euran I met on your orders looked rather distraught about it."

"Okay, listen up. Green Energy is a code, and the only thing I can tell you about it is that the Executives won't be too happy to hear about it. Well, better this info gets to them as soon as possible. As for you, go and stay tuned for future assignments."

As soon as this DNS agent dispatched his subordinate, he left his office on the tenth floor of the new DNS headquarters, a large 12-storey building with big glass windows overlooking a sector of Metropolis downtown where most of the buildings maintained their classical look. Out of the twelve floors of the building, the Valladar intelligence agency occupied the last three under complete anonymity, with the rest of the floors being occupied by offices and other corporate businesses, whose customers, visitors and workers were never really aware of what worked over their heads. The agent then took the elevator to climb the three floors that separated him from the organization's main officers and proceeded to announce his visit to the secretary of one of them.

"I wish to speak to Executive Charon. It's for an important matter."

The secretary gazed at the agent and then replied, in a somewhat condescending tone.

"Executive Charon is attending an important meeting right now and he isn't receiving any visits."

"I don't care whether he is available or not. The thing I want to tell him about is way too important for him to turn a blind eye. Now if you excuse me..."

"Hold on right there! You're not allowed to interfere!"

The secretary's attempts to stop this agent were ultimately to no avail, and he continued his run towards Charon's office.

Meanwhile, the DNS' top officers were meeting at Charon's office with an important topic to talk about: the war that recently ensued between Gregoryisgodistan and the Esportivan countries grouped within the organization called SETO as a result of the savage bombing of Hicaña by Gregoryisgodistani forces, and the effects this war would cause on Limaris, a city-state on the Yttribian coast under Valladar administration which doubled as Valladares' military outpost in Esportiva and also as a secret base for the DNS to carry on intelligence operations on the nations in the region at request from Metropolis.

"So the Guayabalenses have already started their attack on Gregoryisgodistan. Well, it looks like they were waiting for the perfect excuse for them to attack as our reports predicted. And Hicaña fulfilled that role very well. Now that the Mother of All Esportivan Wars has started, are we going to do something about it? Or are we going to sit down and eat popcorn while they destroy each other?"

"That's none of our business, so we should let them wipe each other off the face of the multiverse. In my opinion, the multiverse is better without any Guayabalenses, Republicans, or Gregoryisgodistanis."

"We'd be better off if Limaris isn't involved in this..."

"...yes, but would you mind to think about what will become of Limaris and all of Valladares' presence in Esportiva if they somehow get dragged into that war?"

"I say we should continue being aware of Yttribia's moves, Charon. I mean, there's no real incentive for us to enter that war, yet we should remain on the lookout in order to avoid some unpleasant surprises. Remember that the main theatre of operations in this war is being staged in that same continent. And we must make sure no-one interferes with our operations there, so I propose that we tell the MoD and the MoFA to take the stance of other nations and..."

Just at that same moment, the DNS agent stormed into the meeting.

"Executive Charon!"

"You have no right to interrupt an important meeting like this. Get out."

"...excuse me for this, b-b-but this...is...important. What does the mention of Green Energy bring to you?"

In that moment, concerns arose on the whole group of officers. 'Green Energy' was clearly not good news: the prospect of Sameba developing anything with the word "nuclear" on it was not enticing to anyone in eastern Rushmore, and although the Samebans were unlikely to unleash an attack of the magnitude of the one that erased Hicaña from the multiverse, the Valladars should not let their guard down on this matter.

"Who informed you about it?"

"Remember that agent you sent to Fontvielle to attend some Euran who was sent to this country? Well, that's where the news come from."

"Thank you, we've heard enough. Go back to your office, and in the meantime, tell that agent to summon the Euran contact for a meeting tomorrow in the morning. Also, prepare some vehicles and agents for us to take to Fontvielle. This must be addressed as soon as possible."

The officer left the room while the officers were left puzzled at the recent news.

"Sameba getting nukes. Great, just when we thought things couldn't get worse..."

"Okay, going back to the topic we were previously discussing...Charon, what are we going to advise the MoD to do?"

"Limaris, SETO, and Psychoticgodistan can wait. Because when your backyard suddenly gets something they shouldn't have, that's a more pressing matter."

[Kandorith]

Regional Match Ends in Draw


Communicar 2–2 Kandorith

P Group 6                            Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
1 Polar Islandstates                   3    2   1   0    10    5   +5     7
2 United States of Devonta             3    2   1   0     7    4   +3     7
3 Kandorith                            3    1   2   0     9    6   +3     5
4 Crystal Empire                       3    1   1   1     8    6   +2     4
5 Nizov                                3    1   0   2     2    3   −1     3
6 Coreyo                               3    1   0   2     5    9   −4     3
7 Communicar                           3    0   2   1     4    7   −3     2
8 The Greater Vakolicci Haven          3    0   1   2     2    7   −5     1

Questions arising as the promised start of Kandorith is taking a downside. With three matches played, Kandorith stands at only 5 points. Still it isn't a bad result for the Kandorese team, but currently more is expected from the golden generation of Kandorese football. The coach doesn't seems worried, as Xí-tiang is taking a calm approach to the latest results of the national team. The crowd however, they seem to be rather questioning towards his approach to the game. With a large game coming up for Kandorith, the team needs to improve.


A rather inspirational match from the Kandorese team as it was called, ending in a 2 - 2 draw, what could have been the Kandorese dominance in football in the region. The talk of the day however is not this match nor the big win of the Red Dragons in the beginning of the qualifiers. The big talk is all about the upcoming match; Kandorith vs Polar Islandstates. By far the toughest match Kandorith has ever to play, big chances lay here for Xí-tiang's Red Dragons, if they draw or defeat the Islandstates Kandorith can really show they belong in the top 30 they are in right now and perhaps even higher. Although the current performance of the team has been stale and albeit a bit disappointing, the fans are still looking as expecting and hopeful as ever.


Kandorith is going all out for the upcoming match and the starting line-up shows that; Minzheng Shéng is in the starting eleven again as striker, replacing Madato and the young Xin Zihao replaces Mao Zhensheng on the midfield. It appears Xí-tiang wants to get the absolute most out of the attacking capabilities of the Kandorese line-up. He knows this is a tough match-up and it seems Xí-tiang also knows they have a chance of defeating the Polar Islandstates. Not only the Kandorese fans are looking forward to this match, as it is a true higher ranking clash, with the favors going for Polar Islandstates. The team is looking fitter than ever, although the results are not showing this yet. With the upcoming clash, Kandorith is playing at home, where they should perform; as the fans expect.