WC72 RP Thread

by **Greater Watford** » Mon Jul 20, 2015 10:40 am

Chapter 13: GWFA League Cup: Sandridge Rovers FC vs St Albans City FC

The GWFA League Cup was started in 4AU as a secondary knockout tournament, for the (at the time) 48 teams in the GWFA League. Originally, the first round was seeded, with the National League playing at home to the Challenge League side in the opposite league position to them from last year (i.e. 10th in the National League in 3AU played 7th in the Challenge League in 3AU). The league positions idea was dropped, but the current format features the 32 Level 3 teams automatically drawn at home against a Super League or Challenge League side.

I was at Juniper Road, to watch the cup tie between Sandridge Rovers FC and St Albans City FC. Sandridge Rovers had just won promotion, and St Albans City FC were coming off of a poor title-defense in 8AU. The GWFA League Cup first round is played on the Monday before the start of the season. For Super League sides, this often means rotating the squad to give the less match-fit players some time to get ready for the season ahead, and to test out a few back up players.

Sandridge Rovers FC sent out a full strength squad, including 2 former Super League players. The home advantage as well, which the Level 3 teams get, also makes for the possibility of an upset, and the 1000 fans in the stadium, 800 supporting Sandridge Rovers, would hope to see that. However, even a half-strength Super League side away from home can normally outclass a team 2 divisions below them.

It was however, the Saints who got the opener, with Wally Applegate, 21, signed from Abbots Langley scoring on his debut, impressing the 200 supporters who came from St Albans. Nevertheless, Sandridge Rovers pressed on and scored just 5 minutes later, when Ellis Ryan didn’t deal with a low shot, and the rebound found its way into the net.

Like so many of these games, going in at 1-1 would be crucial for the underdogs, but Kelvin Gander scored with a long shot to make it 1-2. At half-time, many fans walked down the steps, onto the concrete open spaced area behind the goal to buy a half-time snack. Unlike the concourses of the big teams, the smaller teams don’t have stands incorporated with facilities, the stands are little more than a framework with seats bolted to them at times.

Any chance of a comeback was extinguished in the 66th minute by Tad Olenick heading in for the Saints. I was sat in the commentary box, and in the final minutes, the home fans were actually louder, not caring so much about the score, but the chance to play a big side. The St Albans fans, meanwhile, seemed pleased, but not excited by what they were watching, more interested in the news coming in on their smartphones that Hemel Hempstead FC and Watford FC were both losing.

The GWFA League Cup is criticised by some of the bigger teams as a distraction, but for the smaller teams, it is a good source of income, a guaranteed game against a bigger side. The contrast in the Sandridge and St Albans fans, for example in the featured match is an example. For the players, it gives those on the fringe a chance to impress, even if some of the star players find the extra games tiring and distracting from the league campaign.

Robert Rainshaw

by **Stvoto Latoli** » Mon Jul 20, 2015 12:57 pm

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

Cup of Harmony, Here We Come

8 July 4015 - Despite a Satatu Bei brace and the bringing of a one-goal advantage into the half time break, the Stvoto Latolisi national football team has been eliminated from World Cup contention after the Britonish Dumes Duo twice cancelled the visitors' lead and forced a three all draw in Sports City. The match was not so much bittersweet for the Gold-Whites as it was just regular old bitter, as not only did dreams of a shock qualification wither and die, a third yellow of the qualifying phase for retiring veteran Heji'šagheru Eji means the attacker, formerly of Brewers, has now played his last match for the Maritime Empire. He will be suspended for what would have been his goodbye match (against Sluidor) in front of a home town crowd in Zhevassi later this month.

The first major event of the match was a portent of the misery to come, as in the fifth minute Kings Dumes' long distance shot thumped off the post and rocketed back into play, falling to the feet of captain Noah Richards. The Britonish star winger spun around Jabbar al Amri (who fouled Richards in the process, but Guayabalese referee Joel Martín Águila Nena fatefully played advantage) and knocked the ball on out wide. He swung in a deadly cross that Zhetroyzheleigu Zowbowbyuthi lunged for and missed, and central midfielder Alexander Quine hammered home a blistering half volley from near the penalty spot to open the hosts' account.

Britonisea controlled play comprehensively until the thirtieth minute when, in a counterattack reminiscent of the events of four days prior, Beolagh Athey collected a long ball from goalkeeper and captain Shyusoolootru Lyu just behind the midfield circle. Holding off Casey Dumes, Athey laid the ball off for Eji, whose first touch used Nataliaja Irmedheghi as a shield and gave him some space as he drifted over to the left side of midfield. At 35, he's not much of a dribbler, but he did find Satatu Bei on an overlap. Bei's immediate long and early cross found Usama O'Bearga streaking down the pitch on the far right side. O'Bearga trapped the ball at full speed with his first touch, brought the ball inside with his second, and tried to slot the ball past the Britonish goalkeeper Drake Conahey with his third, but Conahey did well to get down and first the ball off to his left. Unfortunately for him, Bei had followed up on his cross. The Brewers holding midfielder simply finessed the ball into the postage stamp to equalize.

Bei would then double down ten minutes later when Eji again opened up an acre of space with a great first touch, this time backheeling Leagh Gilmore's lobbed pass out wide. He collected the ball himself when O'Bearga elected to march ahead and then initiated a flurry of one-touch passing that ultimately led to Bei's second goal. From Eji, it went to Gilmore, Zowbowbyuthi, al Amri, back to Gilmore near the midfield line on the right side, then a switch of play to Shegalo, then Athey, then Shegalo again, then Irmedheghi. The Brewers' trequartista waited for Roberto Chick to over-pursue, and once he did, she wheeled around and played Bei on with a through ball. Bei's left-foot blast beat Conahey again, and it was two one to Stvoto Latoli. Bei went to celebrate near the corner flag with al Amri, Irmedheghi, Athey, Eji (all Brewers teammates), and O'Bearga (of Lobyuseistvooshu) - this looked like the goal that could keep the Gold-Whites alive even if The Sarian won (which, ultimately, the Bustards did).

But Águila was evidently in a bad mood, and Eji's casual stroll back to midfield apparently smelled too much of time-wasting. The referee cautioned Eji, and the Brewers' veteran clearly realized immediately that it meant this would be his final match as a Golden Crow. He tried to talk the Guayabalese official down, but it was no good. The half time whistle blew a bit later, and Eji appeared to be quite devastated as Zowbowbyuthi led him off, arm around his shoulder.

The event soured what should have been a rousing pep talk from Brendan al Tameer. Minutes after the restart, Casey Dumes lashed in an equalizer after an embarrassing tackle from Zowbowbyuthi (who had a rare poor game) missed Mark Fernandez entirely and the Centrale FC striker lobbed the ball over the top for the normally-defensive midfielder to easily bash past Lyu. Beolagh Athey would nab his second goal of the World Cup 72 qualification phase in the 56th minute and put Stvoto Latoli back in the lead...

...but this wouldn't last. Teenage right winger Kings Dumes caught Muhammad abd al Raziq napping in the 74th minute by sneaking in behind, and Quine's superlative through ball set up a one-on-one for the Telm FC wide man. The Gold-Whites' captain's impressive feint to push Dumes outside forced the Britonish winger to take his shot from a brutally tough angle, but Dumes' strike was lovely and the equalizer was a death blow. Stelletoz managed to successfully waste several minutes after the goal by celebrating excessively and then arguing the subsequent yellow card ad nauseam, and that (alongside some excellent tactical changes from the home coach to clog the midfield and some heroic defending) helped to end the match at three goals apiece.

Stvoto Latoli mustn't be ashamed of how they've done this cycle, but it's impossible not to wonder what could have been had a few results gone a different way.

3 - 3

Information

Venue: National Multi Use Stadium, Sports City, Britonisea
Attendance: 90,000
Referee: Joel Martín Águila Nena (San Jose Guayabal)
Man/Woman of the Match: Alexander Quine (Britonisea)

Managers

Britonisea: Unknown
Stvoto Latoli: Brendan al Tameer (Stvoto Latoli)

Squads

Britonisea: Conahey; Stelletoz, Chick (Daz 51'), Balle (Real 88'); C. Dumes, Quine, K. Dumes, Tix, Richards; Fernandez, Hayes (Rio 79')
Stvoto Latoli: Lyu; Gilmore, Zowbowbyuthi (Thušabhi 54'), abd al Raziq; al Amri, Bei, O'Bearga, Shegalo, Eji, Irmedheghi; Athey (al Ghalib 71')

Goals

Britonisea: Quine 5', C. Dumes 48', K. Dumes 74'
Stvoto Latoli: Bei 30' 41', Athey 56'

Next Match

Opponent: v Sluidor
Venue: Graha'ajat Stidiyama, Zhevassi, Pazhujeb Islands
Stvoto Latoli's Projected Starting XI: Lyu; Gilmore, Zowbowbyuthi, Kourouma; al Amri, Bei, O'Bearga, Shegalo, al Ghalib, Irmedheghi; Athey
Referee: Orlo Franks (Barunia)

by **Polkopia** » Mon Jul 20, 2015 1:03 pm

Polkopia vs Farfadillis Match Preview

With only one match left to go in the World Cup qualifying stages, Group 18 is looking increasingly tight. So far, Gregoryisgodistan clinched a spot in the top two, and are guaranteed at least a playoff spot from doing so. The second spot, however, is left for either Polkopia, or Farfadillis. So far, both teams have faced several upsets along the way for their World Cup qualifying run, but, unlike the other nations in their group, these two still have a chance at securing the last spot in the qualifiers.

Polkopia is a team which was ranked 84th in the multiverse prior to the qualifiers. Being in Pot 4, many expected the team to finish 4th place in the group without a real shot at qualifying. They would have to fight off competition from Starblaydia and Furellum in order to at least compete with the major football powerhouses of Farfadillis and Gregoryisgodistan. In the first half of qualifiers, the Polkopian team displayed an excellent performance, beating Furellum and Starblaydia away. Their only losses were at the hands of the Gregoryisgodistan at home, and Farfadillis on the road, but it still had been a great performance, as, by the end of the first half, Polkopia sat only two points behind the two leaders who were tied at first place. The second half of qualifiers was a bit different, however. Though Polkopia was able to defeat the likes of Kaboomlandia and New Pazania, a loss to Starblaydia and a draw to Vettrera cost the team valuable points. Now, the Polkopians sit third in the group with 26 points, five points behind first place and only three points behind second.

Farfadillis is a team who everyone expected to finish at the top spot of the group. Ranked 16th place prior to the qualifiers, the Farf team plays with a strong, relentless attack, determined to put as many points on the board before the final whistle. Even now, they have the best goal differential in the group, with a differential of +23, ten goals better than the group leaders. Despite their rank, however, they faced some trouble in the first half of qualifiers, losing points to Gregoryisgodistan and Starblaydia, but never suffering a loss. Then the second half rolled around, and the Farf team were held back once again by Gregoryisgodistan, and surprisingly, Kaboomlandia and Furellum as well. Currently, the Farf team is second place in the group with 8 wins, 5 draws, and 0 losses.

These two teams faced off only once before, where the Farf team hosted the Polkoian team in the reverse fixture, resulting in a thrashing 6-3 loss for the Polkopian side. Of course, the Polkopians will be looking for revenge now, as they'll need to pull off a major upset here if they want to qualify for that playoff spot that they fought so hard to get. Should they manage to pull this off, it will be the first time the Polkopians qualified for even a playoff spot in a World Cup sponsored event. The likelihood of this happening is extremely low, but its still doable, especially with this sport.

The Farf players Friekder Dandalleion and José Torino Fuego will almost certainly be heavily marked in the game to come, but a friendly reminder that Risko Kâí, the midfielder, scored a hattrick on the Polkopians in the reverse fixture. Surely he'll be watched by the Polkopians as well. In all honesty, the entire Farf squad is lethal, especially when they're in form, but we can always nit-pick a few players here and there which stand out from the rest. With that, however, the two sides will face off momentarily and time will only tell how the two sides match up.

by **Alasdair I Frosticus** » Mon Jul 20, 2015 1:05 pm

OOC - see the Holy Empire roster for a detailed explanation of what's going on here.

World Cup 72
An oratorio by Jorge Handeles

ACT 4, SCENE 2
(Omerica in the Imperial Hippodrome)

Chorus - 'Revenge Shall Surely Smell Most Sweet'

Revenge shall surely smell most sweet
When Omerica are defeated

As frankincense or myrrh
As frankincense or myrrh

Revenge shall surely smell most sweet
When Omerica are defeated

Recitative - 'A Subtle Adjustment We Hath Made'
(Miguel Lebournes)

A subtle adjustment we hath made
To our five-man midfield
To cut off supply to Rosenkrantz
I shall press further up the field!

Aria - 'I Shall Press Forward'
(Miguel Lebournes)

I shall press forward
Press forward!
I shall, shall, shall press forward!
Forward shall I press
Truly I shall press forward!

Kai and de Waald must now fall back
To counteract my pressing
Most efficacious is our tactic
When I now shall press forward

Press forward!
I shall, shall, shall press forward!
Forward shall I press
Truly I shall press forward!

Duet - 'O, Thou That Tellest Good Tidings to Our Fans'
(Manuel Strategopouloso and Basil Comneno)

O thou that tellest good tidings to our fans,
Get thee up into the high terraces.

O thou that tellest good tidings to the Hippodrome
Lift up thy voice with strength;

Lift it up, be not afraid
Say unto those that watch from afar,
Behold our goals!

Behold! Behold!
Two goals hath we both scored from out on the wings!

Behold our goals!
Behold! Behold!

Chorus - 'None Can Stand Before Us'

None can stand before us
Before us standeth none

We we play this well
And pass the ball
And score our goals
And defend as well

None can stand before us
Before us standeth none

Recitative - Little Hath I Done This Day
(John Balsamono)

Little hath I done this day
Not a single shot on goal hath I had to save.

Aria - 'Then Shall the Eyes of the Blind be Opened'
(Jose Tarchoniotes)

Then shall the eyes of the blind be opened,
And the ears of the deaf unstopped.
Then shall the lame man leap as an hart,
And the tongue of the dumb shall sing
When our team is reveal-ed in its full power.

Maria and Zoe hath scor-ed goals
To add to those of Manuel and Basil

Then shall the eyes of the blind be opened,
And the ears of the deaf unstopped.
Then shall the lame man leap as an hart,
And the tongue of the dumb shall sing
When our team is reveal-ed in its full power.

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

ACT 4, SCENE 3
(Sargossa in the Estadio Generalissimo Joaquín Delgado)

Recitative - 'Into the Corsairs' Den We Go'
(Andres Daphophates as Juan Tzimisces)

Into the Corsairs' den we go
The place known as the
Estadio Generalissimo
Joaquín Delgado!

Aria - 'A Trial of Strength and Virtue'
(Eustathius Boilaso)

A trial of strength and virtue
We truly face today
Victory shall send us forth
Defeat shall give the Corsairs hope

A trial of strength and virtue
We truly face today
To-da-ay-ay-ay-ay-ay-ay
We truly face today

Chorus - 'Tzimisces Gave the Word'

Tzimisces gave the word;
Great was the company of our defenders!

Great was the co-o-o-o-ompany!
Great was the co-o-o-o-ompany!
The company of our brave defenders!

Noyola surely cannot pass
And like a rock they are today

Great was the co-o-o-o-ompany!
Great was the co-o-o-o-ompany!
The company of our brave defenders!

Recitative - 'The Ball From Boilaso Sets Me Free'
(Maria Chrysoberges)

The ball from Boilaso sets me free
None but Ayala stand before me
But what is this?
He seeks to trip me on the edge of the area!

Aria - 'Most Cruelly Hath I Been Cut Down'
(Maria Chrysoberges)

Most cruelly hath I been cut down
Cut down! Cut down!
Cu-u-u-u-u-u-u-u-u-u-u-u-u-u-u-u-u-u-u-u-ut down!

Ayala hath now cut me down
Cut down! Cut down!
Cu-u-u-u-u-u-u-u-u-u-u-u-u-u-u-u-u-u-u-u-ut down!

Aria - 'Now is the Hour! Now Comes the Man!'
(Jorge Asones)

Now is the hour! Now comes the man!
The hour! The Man!
Now is the hour! Now comes the man!

On sixty minutes the clock doth sit
Chrysoberges hath won the free kick
Brave Lascaro shall launch it forth!
We pray to God a goal comes forth!

Now is the hour! Now comes the man!
The hour! The man!
Now is the hour! Now comes the man!

Chorus - 'A Mighty Victory Hath We Won'

A mighty victory hath we won
Valanora, here we come

Qualification is now assured
Ass-u-u-u-u-ur-ed
Ass-u-u-u-u-ur-ed
Ass-u-u-u-u-ur-ed

A mighty victory hath we won
Valanora, here we come

by **Vermark** » Mon Jul 20, 2015 1:38 pm

[OOC: In response to this.]

Statement from the Government of the Social Republic of Vermark

For centuries, Vermark has been the haven for openness, pluralism, and tolerance. This great nation has built itself an identity with those values, openness, pluralism, and tolerance, at its core. We are a country that has not, and will not, allow itself to become neither restrained by ideology. The culture of Vermark is not simply one set of guiding principles, it is every set of principles. Vermark's moral and cultural diversity is what drives this nation to be a beloved home to twenty-some million people.

Yet, this beloved home came under attack from a force of evil. Now, we most look to overcome and rebuild as a nation. The struggles we will face will be gargantuan, but nothing that cannot be defeated. We will rebuild not because we want to, but because we must.

We are a nation built on tolerance, but we will not tolerate hatred and intolerance. When an opposing force looks to shackle and restrain our people, retaliation is imminent. The central motivation of our attackers is ignorance. Ignorance is nothing more than a pest that must be removed. However, the only way to remove a pest is to go to its source and take it on there. For this reason, the Social Republic of Vermark is declaring war on the Holy Republican Empire, effective immediately.

Defeating this new-found enemy will be done, ironically, via the benefits of open-mindedness and rationalism. Vermark's strategy and execution of its upcoming operations will be advanced and draw upon the technology yielded by openness and progress. In other words, Vermark will fight the close-minded with the same blasphemous ideas it has condemned. We hope that the oppressed see this as a revelation and the ignorance that is rampant in the empire in-question will withdraw and cease to exist.

I ask that Vares unite together and continue to support one another through these turbulent times. After a brief delay, we have decided to designate Sunday as the Election Day that was postponed by these violent attacks. Regardless of the outcome of these elections, we wish to see this mission carried out to the end, and we look forward to return peace and prosperity to the people of the Social Republic

Signed by The Right Honourable Nicklas Jamesson

by **Kandorith** » Mon Jul 20, 2015 2:01 pm

Xí-tiang On Leave, Kandorith Crawls Back Up

Kandorith 5–4 United States of Devonta

P Group 6                              Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
      1 Polar Islandstates                  13   10   2   1    45   17  +28    32     Q
2 Kandorith                           13    7   3   3    47   35  +12    24
3 Crystal Empire                      13    6   5   2    30   25   +5    23
4 United States of Devonta            13    6   1   6    27   24   +3    19
5 Communicar                          13    4   5   4    14   17   −3    17
6 Nizov                               13    4   1   8    13   26  −13    13
7 Coreyo                              13    3   2   8    11   22  −11    11
8 The Greater Vakolicci Haven         13    0   5   8     9   30  −21     5

With Xí-tiang on official leave as ordered by the football association; it seems to lead to positive results for now. Huangzhou Yu, the now youngest coach in Kandorith's history, even though not officially the coach, has had a tough, yet result bringing match. Kandorith didn't perform perfectly, by far, but they managed to beat Devonta with one goal up. According to Huangzhou Yu, one goal is enough to win, where he is absolutely right. The fans did not seem to mind it though, those who traveled to the stadium once again were seen partying and cheering throughout the entire match. The fans of Kandorith have never lasting energy and supportive feelings, no matter how their team is doing. Right now it seems, Kandorith will make it to the play-offs, but another win is vital against Nizov.

The fans exploded in roaring cheers as Kandorith was able to turn the tie of the match in the dying minutes of the game. With Méng scoring a beautiful long range goal to save the day. Long has the game been sitting on 4 - 4, with a sub-par performing Kandorith against a very good performing Devonta. Kandorith seemed to be shaky in the defensive area, the area where Huangzhou Yu wants to make his next fundamental changes. Never has Kandorith been able to have a perfect defense, but it started to look like they did; untill the second round of the qualifiers. With Huangzhou Yu in charge, there seems to be a more positive atmosphere though and the Emperor has given out his blessings to him, he will lead the team throughout the rest of the tournament it seems, with the help of Xí-tiang in the background. The players themselves seem more confident again too. Many believe, Xí-tiang has overloaded the Kandorith players with stress and a must perform better pressure, it seems that Huangzhou Yu is relieving some of this pressure, which makes the team look less stressful.

Will Huangzhou Yu's appointment lead to more success? The match against Nizov is a must win. On paper and in the last meeting Nizov was no problem for Kandorith, but with the recent developments it could proof a difficult match. If Kandorith fail to win, they will strand in the qualifying round for the first time in years, which would be an utter disgrace for the Kandorese nation football wise. Huangzhou Yu already said he would do 'Anything it takes to keep Kandorith in the World Cup.' and the fans are reassured that Kandorith will make it to the World Cup yet again. It has been a strange time again for the national squad, with talks of retirements, lots of staff switches and even a renovation of the home stadium, but it seems nothing can stop the Red Dragons from dreaming. And with Huangzhou Yu in charge they only have one dream, to win the World Cup

by **Albaie** » Mon Jul 20, 2015 2:09 pm

Football:Albaie's Game
By Sir Robert Clive

Chapter Three: A Tournament Born

Despite the formation of the IAFA in those first couple of years they had very little effect on football. The main thing that the IAFA did in the first couple of years was to give all clubs signed up to it a formal set of rules to adhere to which was the Laws of The Game from England. More and more clubs signed up to the IAFA as the Prince invited every club that he could to the team with most answering with the affirmative adding more teams to the fledgling IAFA. The teams that made up the IAFA Council in those early years were the representatives of the first 20 clubs and this would not change until 1900 when the IAFA established regional FA's for the different Kingdoms and Territories of the Imperium. It was during the meeting of the IAFA in March 1874 when the idea for a tournament run by the IAFA finally came around.

The then Colonel Sir Henry Ulten Baronet of Griffinhollow General Secretary of the IAFA proposed the idea after he began to found the IAFA pointless without anything to do but talk about the different charity games the teams were playing. The General Secretary brought up the idea pointing to how England had one and it was the most prestigious tournament in the world in any sport. The idea was quickly accepted by the other representatives but it would take until 1876 until the idea came to fruition. The main gap of this time was spent convincing the various teams spread throughout the Imperium of the benefits of playing in the tournament. Quickly as more and more clubs signed up to the idea the IAFA Cup soon started to become a very real dream of the Imperial Albaie Football Association.

Many teams were quick to sign up to the idea but there was much dispute about the logistics of the cup which took place in grand meetings in the new Sturte House building which had been built between 1874 to 1876 and the imposing Victorian building on the new Ulten Way was built to house the growing IAFA, the other buildings along the IAFA now house all of the branches of the IAFA and the tournaments it hosts and the Albaie national team. Eventually in 1875 the tournament's logistics were finally decided and it was decided the tournament would be held in the season starting from 1876 and the tournament would finish in 1877.

The first season saw 100 clubs take part in it from all over the Imperium with two teams even coming from as far as the Triple Kingdom in the Caribbean. The games of the tournaments drew huge crowds from the fervent Imperial public especially in the games that took place in the capital. The tournament was also well played with some great stars of the early Albaie game first coming to fruition in those early days of Albaie football including Sir Robert Stren, Alexander Aelham and Simon Whitehollow. The tournament's final was played between Dubrack's Town Celtic and the now defunct Seamarsh Engineers at Saint Ruk's Stadium beginning the stadium's long association with the cup. The final ended 2-1 to the capital club and was only the start of that team's domination of the tournament that still runs to this day. The two Dubrack's Town Celtic were scored by Sir Robert Stren while Seamarsh's were scored by Henry Goldley.

The trophy known as the Prince Robert Cup ( now the Emperor Robert II Cup ) was presented by the Lord High President to the Prince it was named after as he was still the club's manager before he stood down after the match and focused on being the chairman of his hometown club. From there on the tournament has only grown with now upwards of 1000 clubs playing in it from the very beginning of qualification to the now almost a yearly event in Albaie the Cup final which is still played at Saint Ruk's Stadium. It was after a few years that Albaie footballers and their fans grew bored of the very rare competitive matches and now longed for more games and quickly after that the idea of an Albaie league began to take form.

Written by Sir Robert Clive

by **Flardania** » Mon Jul 20, 2015 3:22 pm

予測できないスポーツ！
Kitsunes get win, met expectation
Français|日本語|한국의|English
FBC News | Flardanian Broadcasting Corporation

Report by Aoki Muranaka

Hikaru Kyosuke delight to retain manager position for now.

After resting at the bottom of the group at the mid qualification break. The Kitsunes walked into Ilias Garden looking to make a miraculous group comeback at the last World Cup match to be played at the iconic stadium. Kirishima who drew with Arabnesia last time out, went in needing three points to match their point expectations and exceed their group expectations. Win another win tonight the Kitsunes can clinch the unexpected 4th spot and get eliminated from the group with their heads held high. Manager Hikaru Kyosuke had this to say:

"We came home needing a win against a team that shouldn't have drew with us in the first place. I'm glad that I manage to secure my job for now but more importantly, I am proud of the team's ability to bounce back from a horrific start. We learned a lot from our defeats and will use that knowledge in games to come. Now all we have to do is play strong against Boslenia and clinch up this fourth spot."

Tonight's match will be played in Boslenia. It will be the last World Cup match played during qualification . A Kirishima win or draw would help maintain the 4th slot for the Kitsunes. One can imagine fans urging their team on tonight chanting go fight win. For those at home, games can be seen on Nagatomo Sport Network (NSN) and Saito Broadcast Channel (SBC) in Japanese or French. For those seeking English broadcast check local network listings.

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by **Gregoryisgodistan** » Mon Jul 20, 2015 3:56 pm

Associated Godlands Added to Enemy List

Associated Godlands has been added to the Enemy List following an article published in their newspaper today claiming Lord Almighty Gregory is not God, and that "God is the only God." But Lord Almighty Gregory is God, and the only God, so this is false. As a result, Lord Almighty Gregory, in his infinite beneficence, has added Associated Godlands to the Enemy List. This means that the murder of citizens of the Associated Godlands within Gregoryisgodistan is now legal, and those who murder one will receive a 1 million greggygodbuck reward. As a reminder, this does not apply to those dedicated to the overthrow of Shirley Phelps-Roper, the Queen of Associated Godlands, which would include the mystery gay, black, Muslim on the team. Also, how stupid can Shirley Phelps-Roper be if she can't find the black person on the team? Is she stupid or just blind? It makes no sense.

Additionally, the article in the press claimed that "God declined to comment." That is probably because they didn't reach out to God for a comment, seeing as they never asked Lord Almighty Gregory what he thought. Well, now God does have a comment, so let's view a transcript of his speech.

Lord Almighty Gregory's Speech to the People

"Good evening, ladies, gentlemen, and slaves. I speak to you today of the need to add Associated Godlands to the Enemy List. This nation published blatant lies that I am not God, thus blaspheming my holy name. Additionally, their leader, Shirley Phelps-Roper, claims that God hates Gregoryisgodistan, which I do not, another falsehood. I only hate those who disbelieve in me. Shirley Phelps-Roper the Queen also claims Jesus is God, not me, though I do give her credit for spelling his name right, something the Sanctii can't do. Jesus is spelled with a J, like Jackass, which is what Shirley Phelps-Roper is. It's not Eye-ee-zus, so good job Queen Shirley for that. But seriously, if you can't figure out who's black, you're a moron. Or blind. But probably a moron. Well, definitely a moron even if you are blind, but for other reasons. After all, anyone who thinks Jesus is God and blacks and gays are evil is a moron. But Muslims are evil, just like Christians, Jews, Hindis, Buddhists, Shintoists, and anyone who doesn't accept me as God Almighty, regardless of their religion or lack thereof. We will not bomb Associated Godlands yet, because we are busy fighting other wars, but they must be punished for this. Consequently, they have been added to the Enemy List. Take note - God did not decline to comment. You just didn't ask me, and you never have when you said 'God declined to comment.' If you want God to comment, just come over and ask. I'll comment, then kill you. Or call me, in which case I can't kill you through the phone. But I'll still comment. I am God after all, so if you want God to comment, you should just ask me. That is what God does, so bless me and bow down to me. I am the deity of the multiverse. Just admit it, you fool, you heathens, you Shirley Phelps-Roper. God hates you, because I hate you and I am God. That is why your nation is on the Enemy List. And so you will be forever, as an enemy of the True God, who is me. Good night, and Good Bye Associated Godlands because you will be sent to the pit of eternal damnation soon."

by **San Llera** » Mon Jul 20, 2015 3:58 pm

World Cup 72 Kit Contest

Finally, after days of intense voting, it's time... for the World Cup 72 Kit Contest Final! You have voted, now it's time to announce the winners. Let's get to it!

(5 points for 1st place, 3 points for 2nd place, 2 points for 3rd place, 0 points for 4th place)

Congratulations to the winner and commiserations to all losers! See you at World Cup 73!

by **Krytenia** » Mon Jul 20, 2015 3:59 pm

The Miracle On Ace
By Rubio Sanchéz in Emberton

WHOEVER is in charge of visa applications in the Vanorian Embassy will need to be prepared, because there's about to be a lot of overtime going round. Somehow, by hook, by crook, by Elune's good graces or by Margaret owing Rami Niblick a favour from before the dawn of time, Krytenia have qualified for the World Cup. With a game in hand, to boot.

To be honest, the game itself was a bit of an anticlimax. The Aces took to the pitch looking so fired up that their opponents may have just decided that it would be best for all concerned if they just got out of the way and let the home side get on with it. Avenida Victoria's Ronnie van Rijn put Krytenia in front in the fifth minute, Samuel Alinas followed up with a second, and that was pretty much it as far as action was concerned for most of the game as the hosts sat on the lead that would put them into the last thirty-two. Things got a little exciting late on when a sleeping Krytenian defence allowed Nils Ledeboer to pull one back for the visitors, but the Aces quickly regained control of the game and held on to gain the three points they needed to make even the most cynical Krytie fan dare to dream.

There is, of course, something to play for in Krytenia's final game - for the nation they'll be travelling to, anyway. Valladares need a win to get themselves into the play-offs...and if, as expected, Niblick goes for an experimental side in what is effectively a dead rubber for the visitors, the Valladars might just get it. Onward!

KRYTENIA - 2
van Rijn 5
Alinas 11

GARIFUNYA - 1
Ledeboer 83

by **Carialus** » Mon Jul 20, 2015 4:04 pm

Carialus Clairon

Carialus is hanging onto qualification hopes by their teeth as they enter the final matchday. It all seemed lost when Carialus drew Fhulghamous Penisula. However, the Comrades have hung in there. Right after their draw, Carialus defeated Mathewsiania 3-1 away, no easy feet there. What came next was even more surprising. Carialus defeated Blouman Empire 5-3. Last leg, Carialus fell to Blouman Empire 3-1. In fact, this is the first time Carialus has defeated Blouman Empire after three prior meetings, all in World Cup Qualification. Carialus whould continue their excellent form when they travelled to Szavoda, trying to keep their desperate qualification hopes alive.

Both sides, Carialus and Szavoda, were offensive leaning. It was expected that there would be many goals scored, similar to the Carialite's prior win over Blouman Empire. Gomes set the tone for the match by racing down the sideline with the ball right after the kickoff. No one was fast enough to support the effort, so a cross couldn't be made and Stefanovic would be the player to make the clearance. Play continued like that for the early minutes. A Comrades player would make a deep run, but with no support. Frost was able to get shot, but it was easily handled by Petrovic. Carialus became more organized and started attacking in earnest. Szavoda had little time to adjust and Carialus struck with dagger force. Dumont threatened at the goal before hitting the ball back to L'hiver. L'hiver struck the ball with a mighty effort, but controlled, and it zipped along like a line drive and collided with the net. Soon, the home crowd was silent. Carialus capitalized on the disorganization and struck again. Kraus found an easy lane and shot a cross into the box. Lelek jumped up and had his marker, Lukic, out positioned. However, the cross came in lower than Lelek expected and hit it with his chest. Somehow, the ball glanced off of Lelek, took a wild bounce, and trickled in between the goalposts. Halftime was the only savior for Szavoda.

In the second half, Carialus set out do exactly what they had in the first. However, Szavoda learned from their mistakes and came out with an overall much better form. The changes made by Co-Head Coach Iubirdic culminated in an effort to score. Mihailovic received the ball from Nikazic through a cross. De Brissa was unable to cover his marking mistake and Mihailovic made him pay by scoring for Szavoda. Coach Schlasteur noted the adjustments made by the opposition and sent in Scrabuneck and Anderle in exchange for Horak and de Brissa, in that order. The changes made for a good effect. Scrabuneck found Lelek in good position a few minutes later and Lelek scored his second goal, one that admittedly could have been stopped by Petrovic. Szavoda was running out of time and down 3-1. However, they didn't give up and soon favor went their way. Milic proved why he was captain of Szavoda's squad by getting past Scrabuneck and Brauer to score a quick goal that put Szavoda back in the game. Momentum shifted from the visitors to the home squad and the crowd roared to new levels. Carialus barely hung on, much like their qualification: almost defeated, but not quite. Somehow, the Comrades stopped Szavoda in their own house. The game ended 3-2. Carialus was still in the qualifying hunt.

Szavoda 2 - 3 Carialus

Now it all comes down to chance. Will the stars align like they did last cycle. Carialus lost to Farfadillis, but Antoletia lost their game. Carialus meandered through the playoffs, being paired with The Royal Barangay, and lost both games. Win or lose, Carialus had still gone to the playoffs, farther than ever before. Carialus will play Murovanka in the final matchday. Their opponent is at the bottom of the table, without a single win, and Carialus will be at home. However, if Carialus wins, there is more to the picture. Blouman Empire sits on the playoff spot, two point ahead Carialus. There is some good news, at least. Blouman Empire will be playing away at Fhulghamous Penisula, whom they lost to last leg. Hope of hopes, miracle of miracles, and Carialus and Fhulghamous Penisula both win, then Carialus would be in the playoffs. Good luck with that...

P Group 7                            Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
1 Mertagne                            13    8   3   2    24   13  +11    27
2 Blouman Emprie                      13    7   4   2    24   11  +13    25
3 Carialus                            13    6   5   2    28   20   +8    23
4 Fhulghamous Penisula                13    6   4   3    25   18   +7    22
5 Augsticinia                         13    4   4   5    17   22   −5    16
6 Matthewsiania                       13    3   4   6    13   18   −5    13
7 Szavoda                             13    2   5   6    11   20   −9    11
8 Murovanka                           13    0   3  10     6   26  −20     3

by **Chiata** » Mon Jul 20, 2015 4:48 pm

Chiata Times
Three Game Overview

Despite another rollercoaster of a qualifying, Chiata has managed to reach the playoffs. Last time they visited them, Chiata was treated to a scoreless draw and a 1-0 loss to Blouman Empire. Hopefully, Chiata's next bout in the playoffs will give way to better seeding and more favorable results. Also, there is still one more match to be played to try to improve Chiata's seeding. Chiata will face Sarrbia in the final matchday, whom we defeated in the first leg. Anyhow, let us look back on our last three victories.

No one knew what to expect in the game at Mangolana. Chiata had won in the first leg, but only by a single goal. We, ourselves, predicted a draw. Luckily, Chiata did better than that. The Suns; oppressive defense showed throughout the game. Mangolana simply didn't have any answers on how to score. Chiata's attack faired no better and it was 0-0 at the half. Chiata really needed victory to knock Mangolana out of their reach. The Suns really dug deep and burped out a goal that came from Stewart. That would be the only score for them game. Mangolana didn't have many chances to score. If they did get a chance, it was gobbled by the defense or the attack made a mistake. Through the mess, Bungle had a good game. However, his efforts were not enough to change the wind and Chiata won 1-0.

Mangolana 0 - 1 Chiata

It was almost like the other nations wanted Chiata to make the playoffs. Schottia fell to Pasarga, Sarrbia drew Vangaziland, and Port Christopher defeated Gnejs. Chiata had forged a five point gap between Mangolana and them, who were now their only real threat. In the upcoming matchday, if Chiata defeated Port Christopher and Schottia bested Mangolana, the Suns would be through to the playoffs. And it was so. Port Christopher travelled into Gulf Stadium where they would lose 1-0. Stewart, a member of the Willcox Street Pirates, would score on his club teammate Laxium. Two games, two goals, to clean sheets. Chiatan.

Chiata 1 - 0 Port Christopher

Chiata had done it, with some help. They had clinched the playoffs when news came of Schottia's win over Mangolana. Schottia, the nation that scored two goals on Chiata, had now helped the Suns. Fate would have it that they would play there very next matchday. It was a slaughter, to say the least. Both sides were playing mostly substitutes so they could get some experience. It really showed how much depth the Chiatan roster had. The shots rain in on the poor Schottian goalkeeper, Souter who was playing in place of D'araby. Tillson would surprise everyone and claimed two goals to his name. Mozrek would get a score and so would Pearlman. Coultan would give the only reply for Schottia while Carroll would end the night with a score to cap a 5-1 win. The Schottian fans had witnessed a tragedy, but one of which the Chiatan fans had endured on the reverse leg.

Schottia 1 - 5 Chiata

P Group 15                           Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
1 Pasarga                             13   13   0   0    40   11  +29    39     Q
2 Chiata                              13    8   1   4    20   10  +10    25     P
3 Vangaziland                         13    4   3   6    17   24   −7    15
4 Schottia                            13    4   2   7    21   26   −5    14
5 Mangolana                           13    4   2   7    14   19   −5    14
6 Sarrbia                             13    3   5   5    20   27   −7    14
7 Port Christopher                    13    3   4   6    14   21   −7    13
8 Gnejs                               13    3   3   7    10   18   −8    12

by **Valanora** » Mon Jul 20, 2015 4:51 pm

It's the final countdown for the qualifiers. Who will make it?

Results

by **Nassau-Hessen** » Mon Jul 20, 2015 5:09 pm

All or Nothing
Everything Went According to Plan, Opening Up Odds & Options

Maretta 2–3 Nassau

All seemed to be good and well for the Hessen, coming from another high (this time in beating Greater Watford to remain in robust placement shape) into the match against Maretta. Despite the previous defeat to this more-challenging-than-seems team in the first half, pondering on past grievances was solely an obstruction to the goals (both literal and figurative) for the Eagles ahead. Focus was of the essence in surmounting the Marettan Crosses as a means to "keep themselves alive" in qualificatory terms. Sandy Roper, after evading the chopping block of replacement in the previous stuffing of the Hornets, had to retain both his and his home nation's hopes afloat once again in (you guessed it!) a game of even more tremendous consequence (as all matches have appeared to multiply in play-off qualification criticality). The forward line also fiercely desired to contribute to the cause of the Hessen as the classic duo of Chubbs and Zarambaga, inching past their prime age, looked to take the Nassauites to an unprecedented non-Runner Cup post-qualificatory invitation. All of this rested on the imminent match.

With a quick sounding of a whistle and kick of a ball, this influential game already commenced. A sell-out attendance at Dorchester Field would witness the ultimate trial of football fitness. The Eagles pulled into the offensive early on, with a reversion to the old 4-3-3 formation with Orgulas Sandybanks back in the lineup as central striker. The corners of the Marettan defensive zone were owned by the Hessen, resulting in various opportunities to cross and score on goaltender Peter Elliot of Hilltown United. However, after twenty minutes of an apparently unbeatable offensive display, the Red and White eventually broke out of their zone consistently, the score still knotted at none. It was then that a minor slip-up (frequent and common in the first half of the double round robin, but receding in occurrence by every match-day) by newly promoted defender Pimp Brockhouse of a lousy pass right in front of Roper led to the first scoring in the manner of a chip-in by the relatively young and spry Scott Ellington into an open netting in the 23rd minute (albeit he was playing highly out of his defensive zone, and was to be on the receiving end of a harsh scoring from his coach). The Marettans, yet again being advantageous of the mental state of the Nassauites, went down the field immediately afterwards against little resistance from a briefly-distraught Hessian representation. Tyler Thomas smoothly passed the ball to the new Christopher Clemons to leave Roper defenseless. One post-clinking annotation later at 25', and the Eagles were shockingly down 2-0 before the thirtieth minute. A frustrated Eagles sprung into action, and capped off the dramatic 20's with a fiery exchange of words between Blaise Tworidge and Benjamin Clarke. Both were yellow-carded, but it was to the benefit of Nassau as they were rejuvenated by a vicarious ferocity from Tworidge. It was perhaps for this reason that Blanco Chubbs, in a drawn out running play, ran past Elliot to tap the ball in at 35'. 2-1, Marreta. Soon, the minutes went by as the engine of the Eagles from Tworidge began to slowly fade in effect. Soon, both teams were in a momentary gridlock until the first half quickly expired. The Hessen, on the brink of elimination, headed into their lockers down by a score.

The second half arrived soon enough as the two squads arose from their dens of locker rooms. The Hessen, determined to maintain a constant aggressive pressure on Maretta as a means to void any repetition of this qualification's history. This worked out well for the first decade of minutes, all until the up-tempo Sancho Bolgorro was caught poorly executing a tackle on Marvin Mayes. Luckily enough, he wasn't red carded, receiving the tamer yellow counterpart instead. From this 57' foul, Mayes and Ellington were briefly substituted for Marcus Green and Chris Meyers in order to bring an already tiring Marettan roster a supply of fresh legs. The Marettans, wishing to enact a coup de grace of a scoring play upon the Nassauites, soon counter-attacked with full vigor throughout the 60's. Alas for them, Roper and the defensive line of Nassau denied all attempts and opportunities, remaining true to one another through this onset. It was thence that the news set in: the Hornets defended their nest in surmounting the desperate (and slightly sloppy) Nova Anglicans in a narrow one goal victory. Upon hearing this, Nassau set out for a lengthy all-out descent into the Marettan end of the pitch. Anything and everything was flung at goalkeeper Peter Elliot for ten adjacent nerve-breaking minutes. All sorts of shots; corners, headers, free kicks, chips, blazers, were seemingly destined for the net had Elliot not stood tall for the Red and White. It was soon after entering the final stretch of minutes that a now worn Derrick Daniels recklessly fouled Blaise Tworidge for a red card on his home end and a free kick for the Hessian end. A quick pair were subbed for Tworidge and Bolgorro (these two were Geruntius Bunce and Isenberic Longhole, two unlikelies to make the national team itself), and the flood gates were then burst open. Quintus Marma-Madoc (M&M) took the kick...only to land a perfect shot to the top-right corner of the net at 83', hope was discovered once again. Driven even further by this goal, the Hessen looked to totally shut out Maretta of any points as their besieging strove forth anew. Time, however, was quickly diminishing. Looking for this fairy-tale end, the final deep play could not have been more sporadic. Peter Elliot, diving for a rebound was beaten to the ball by a Pimp Brockhouse who appeared from the fray. Pimp swiped it, and nearly running out of room, achieved to plant the odd-angled shot into the inner twine at 89'. With only four minutes total left, the Hessen pulled off a last second comeback they too commonly faced against them. Only this time, it was all to their favor.

It appears to come down to this fateful final match-day for the determination of qualifier advancement. As of yet, everything went perfectly according to plan. The Hornets upset the Lions, and the Hessen in turn persevered through a hard-won match against the Red & White. Greater Watford, although yet possessing a chance, is highly unlikely to make some noise this round due to a tough matchup at Audioslavia and Nassau & Nova Anglicana as favorites in their own next matches. Without an evenness in opponents, the Hornets' chance probably factors to a ~<2% success rate (or less than one in fifty, making the likelihood nearly negligible). It is for this reason that yet another moniker for the Group 5 scenario has been coined, of which is "a two and a half horse race." The future is sketchy for Nassauite Football, but no matter what, the utmost best was left on the pitches of the Pavilion and all other away stadiums (from Heinemeyer to the Park in Londinium to Dorchester to Adapolf). This has been a fantastic qualifying round for the Nassau Eagles regardless of what is to come, but now it's time to make it even sweeter.

Should a W/D/L rate be equally divided into 1/3's in the final matches, these would be each teams odds:

by **Associated Godlands** » Mon Jul 20, 2015 6:00 pm

News Wrap Associated Godlands

Associated Godlands Put On Enemy List of Gregoryisgodistan

The false-diety worshiping heathen trash nation of Gregoryisgodistan has recently publicized the fact that Associated Godlands was added to their "enemy list". Apparently, the murder of all Associated Godlands citizens is not only legal on Gregoryisgodistani soil, but it is encouraged. In addition, their leader called our Queen, the sapient mouthpiece of God, a "jackass". This blasphemous propaganda is a direct insult on God, and for it, Gregoryisgodistan will be punished severely. They promised us eternal damnation, but it is them who will go to Hell.

Queen Shirley Phelps-Roper put out a press release in response: "Oh well, haters just gon' hate."

God declined to comment.

By the way, God has killed many of your soldiers, and he will kill more. Thank God for dead soldiers!

Associated Godlands Established Nuke Development Program in Wake of Gregoryisgodistani Threats

After lord almighty gregory of gregoryisgodistan (They don't deserve capital letters!) threatened to nuke Associated Godlands, Queen Shirley Phelps-Roper has installed a team to research the development of nuclear weapons. Gregoryisgodistan should know that they are very close to having nukes.

"Oh, we are just so close to having nukes," says Phelps-Roper.

God declined to comment.

Associated Godlands End World Cup Qualification Campaign on Yet Another Low Note

Associated Godlands's final World Cup qualifying game was yet another poor performance, as they lost 1-0 to Boring Paradise. Judas Iscariot scored the game's lone goal, only it was into the wrong net. Associated Godlands concluded the campaign with 7 points.

Shirley Phelps-Roper responded to all media questions saying that, "Oh well, haters just gon' hate."

God declined to comment.

by **Eura** » Mon Jul 20, 2015 6:54 pm

DIRECTUS POST - OFFICE MEMO #39204

The editor wants just one good cartoon, ONE, on the Floriana situation, and this is the bullshit you give us? This is a disgrace. You should all be ashamed of yourselves. Surely you can muster something better than this?

by **Super-Llamaland** » Mon Jul 20, 2015 8:47 pm

TIGERS TO DUEL SUNRISE FOR WORLD CUP QUALIFICATION

After consecutive losses to kick off the second half, leading to a mass panic of sorts amongst the LFA (who told Carlton Hoover to win or be fired after a 5-3 drubbing at the hands of Quebec), the Tigers managed to rattle off five straight wins and qualify easily over the Fallenmark Isles with thirty points. Alas, the world is unfair, and despite finishing strong with a 9-3-2 record, Super-Llamaland will be drawn against the fourteenth-ranked Unified Sunrise Islands in a home-and-away with one World Cup spot on the line.

Carlton Hoover is likely to switch to a different tack with key players Dickinson and Nilssen gone - it is entirely possible that he'll try out a 4-2-3-1, without wing-backs. Hoover is reported to want to try to hold off the Samba Kids' attack with a sturdy back four and push forwards with two strong playmakers and a handful of deadly scorers. To paraphrase - Finch/Carmichael, Myers, Myers-Briggs, Herleksson/Raburn, Player/Stanton, Mills, Inriquez/Cartwright. If he wants to keep a 5-4-1 (which, considering Agudieres' sweeper role, is really just a 4-1-4-1), Finch/Meng, Myers, Agudieres, Smith-Reynolds, Karnstedt/Stanton, Player, de Vries, Inriquez/Cartwright could be trotted out.

Meanwhile, the Sunrisians are likely to trot out the same diamond 4-4-2 they've been using the entire qualifiers, only full strength. That is, Sioux/Galhardo, O'Haile, Draagyn, Hikari/Kimiki, Rolando, Juliano/Ruby/Alcouin, Maniche - and with their #14 ranking, it's difficult to say that it hasn't worked for them.

While the blogosphere is chock-full of "Jesus Christ, USI?"-esque posts, what they fail to note is that the Islands have been coming off an unusually poor stretch, at one point in danger of losing their playoff spot to The Sword Bloke, a nation that was previously only known for having the s**t bombed out of them by San José Guayabal (admittedly, their near-qualification and bombing were sort of concurrent) - although the underdogs showed promise and had a great run, the Sunrisians won on H2H tiebreaks - hardly the sort of way a top-flight national team typically qualifies.

Still, the USI's dominant attack will be difficult to cope with, and the goals could run freely if the Tigers' defense can't step up. Still, our run of good form and strong offense should be able to see us through to the Cup again.

by **Vilita** » Mon Jul 20, 2015 10:35 pm

World Cup 72 Qualifying: Group 1

THE FALLENMARK ISLANDS

Best Feature: The blue spacing around the primary circular feature

Worst Feature: The soft gray gets lost in the transition between the blue and white

Most Notable Feature: The large white orb in the left-center of the flag

One Change To Make: Every flag needs a bird somehow. Put the stork on the flag.

Could Also Pass As the Flag of... Polar Islandstates

Amakra's Final Word: I would love to see a little more on this flag, but as much as I'd love to see the Stork on it, that would make the flag too busy. Its probably about right, but It could have been more.

TIMBERMUNCH

Best Feature: The crossed Timber Axes

Worst Feature: The "Don't Tread on Me" Snake that has been partially transaparencized

Most Notable Feature: The big yellow X in the background

One Change To Make: Ditch the Snake and cut the flag in half. Use either the left side, or the right side and be done with it!

Could Also Pass As the Flag of... Jamaica

Amakra's Final Word: The great battle axes are such an important feature to this nation, to this team - lets focus on that, and not the otherwise irrelevant serpeant!

ASSOCIATED GODLANDS

Best Feature: Simplicity.

Worst Feature: Orientation.

Most Notable Feature: Cross.

One Change To Make: Add color.

Could Also Pass As the Flag of... Pays den haut if they run out of colored ink

Amakra's Final Word: It's clear what they're going for here, but its a program or telescreen graphics designers worst nightmare when you punch the eyeholes on the long end of the flag.

SUPER-LLAMALAND

Best Feature: Resemblance to the Footballing Kits

Worst Feature: Stellar Asymmetry. Some of the stars are touching. Some of them are evenly spaced. Some of them are evenly spaced farther than others.

Most Notable Feature: The Stars?

One Change To Make: Put a Llama on the flag. Somewhere. Anywhere. How can there not be a Llama!

Could Also Pass As the Flag of... Eastfield Lodge

Amakra's Final Word: While printing the flag design on the football kits is an easy way to get people to recognize your national flag, I think just slappin a Llama on the flag would get the word across without the need for the Kit to back it up.

BORING PARADISE

Best Feature: The white cross patterns in the upper left of the flag

Worst Feature: Stellar Asymmetry. I'm sensing a theme here. At a glance, I can't tell if the Yellow Orb is centered or not, but the blue star certainly isn't centered within the orb.

Most Notable Feature: Blue star in a Yellow Circle.

One Change To Make: Drop the Orange.

Could Also Pass As the Flag of... The winner of a future war betweenSaintland and Free Republics

Amakra's Final Word: From a distance its hard to ignore the asymmetry in the flags primary feature, close up you can't ignore the clashing yellow-orange-red color transition. But the flag is saved by the tertiary print in the upper left. Hope remains in the Boring Paradise.

NURKAMA

Best Feature: Bright Fist in the center of the flag

Worst Feature: Stellar Asymmetry. Ok. Come on Group 1. Is it just me or is that bottom right star kicked out to the side more than it should be?

Most Notable Feature: The Fist.

One Change To Make: Make the Fist Bigger.

Could Also Pass As the Flag of... Panem

Amakra's Final Word: This is a nice flag with a lot of potential. The stripes wouldn't look great on a flag with more contrast, but they serve the purpose here, to add subtle texture while the focus remains on the strength - the fist.

ROYAL KINGDOM OF QUEBEC

Best Feature: Swirly Gizmo thing

Worst Feature: The Color Yellow

Most Notable Feature: Swirly Gizmo thing

One Change To Make: Keep the color families, but darken the hues.

Could Also Pass As the Flag of... Gyatso-kai

Amakra's Final Word: The flag has a lot of goodness, but a lot of features. The Swirly Gizmo thing immediately draws the eyes, but the contrast lines between the red and blue background also draw the eyes; and Red is such a bright color. It would be interesting to see this flag using midnight blue, maroon and silver in the background, and perhaps a sky blue in place of the slightly out-of-place yellow. Considering there are no misplaced stars, however, it has a leg up on the rest of Group 1.

NANDEZIA

Best Feature: The Ramparts. I mean the Fleur de Lis. I mean the Ramparts. I mean the Fleu...

Worst Feature: The Ramparts. I mean the Fleur de Lis. I mean the Ramparts. I mean the Fleu...

Most Notable Feature: The Ramparts. I mean the Fleur de Lis. I mean the Ramparts. I mean the Fleu...

One Change To Make: Maybe we could just put one Rampart; with a Fleur de lis on it, and make this flag a little less busy?

Could Also Pass As the Flag of... Nova Anglicana

Amakra's Final Word: I don't dislike this flag. I think the two fleur de lis on the top may be too close together but thats ok. Is there a significance to having 3 of each item? the flag is somehow both too busy, and too plain at the same time. Does that balance out? Something to ponder until next time on FUN WITH FLAGS!!!

by **Barunia** » Mon Jul 20, 2015 11:26 pm

The National Herald

Civil Works Minister weighs in on Levinson question

The Levinson airbase/airport question continues, with the property now in the hands of the Ministry of Civil Works. The Minister, Steven Fey, was gracious enough to sit down with a National Herald reporter for an interview.

When asked if the area was purchased with the intent on building an airport, Mr Fey said that the land would be developed for air traffic, but that the final decision as regards to its military or civil use would have to be decided by parliament. When asked what his position was, Mr Fey said that he was against replacing the existing Porthaven International Airport with a new one. "It's unnecessary, and that money could be better spent on building another airport elsewhere. We don't need it, but [defence minister Ron Armitage] has made a fairly convincing argument for a new airforce base."

Mr Fey also said that cost was a factor. An airforce base could be paid for out of the airforce's budget, which is allocated to them each year by the Ministry of Defence. "If [the airforce] build at Levinson, they only spend what has already been given them to spend. If the government builds a civilian airport there, then the problem is that the money comes out of the national coffers, the airforce keeps their cash, and they have to spend less on redeveloping the old Porthaven International site because all the infrastructure is there. So the government loses big bucks and the airforce saves money, which is not how it should work."

Sport

How to beat Sargossa

Barunian captan Paul Bainbridge has revealed the Suns plan for victory over Sargossa when the teams meet tomorrow in the World Cup 72 playoffs. Bainbridge said that the team's focus would be on keeping possession and keeping the ball in the Sargossan half, a tactic that has worked well for them in the past. However, it fell apart for them in the second half of qualifying,with the Suns not able to keep cohesion in midfield. Bainbridge blamed this on the widely changing line-up, which saw all the midfielders play in widely different positions from one game to the next. For this game, Bainbridge said the team would play a conventional 4-3-1-2, a formation they are highly familiar with. Furthermore, the most experienced players will be on the field, for what will be the Suns last chance for a berth in the World Cup.

Earlier in the week, former Suns coach Stephen Wiggens took to social media to give his view, posting a list of 5 things the sky-blues needed to do to win.

Mazana and Collins-Holzknecht: Not just the one. Two forwards, side by side, and it has to be these two. They're good, and they compliment each other. Without them, Barunia are sunk.
Attack, attack, attack: Get that ball flying at the goal. Keep testing the Sargossan defence and wait for the breakthrough.
Winton plays at least a half: The most experienced player on this squad needs to be on the field. His ability to support a play while still taking care of defence is unmatched on this squad.
Soaking up attacks on the back line: The defence needs to keep its shape, and not lose focus. Don't forget the clearance - Collins-Holzknecht is good at scoring on a counter-attack.
Self-belief: The team will be reeling from the 2nd place after coming in favourites, especially with such a promising start. They must put that behind them, remember that they are still one of the world's best teams, and that they can make win against Sargossa, and in fact anyone. If the play with confidence, I rate their chances of victory high.

by **Stvoto Latoli** » Tue Jul 21, 2015 12:45 am

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

Referee Loses Control; Nine-Man Maritime Empire Dispatches Ten-Man Sluidor

25 July 4015 - In the meaningless finale to Stvoto Latoli's World Cup 72's qualification campaign, Barunian referee Orlo Franks made a regrettable mistake in the 28th minute that would leave an indelible impact on the rest of the match. A Sluidor striker took an obviously fabricated tumble to the grass inside the Gold-Whites' penalty area, but instead of showing his yellow to the visitors' attacker for simulation, as Franks is known by reputation to do, he cautioned the nearby Leagh Gilmore, who was completely innocent, and pointed to the spot. Shyusoolootru Lyu would save the penalty, but the final hour of the match became a slog of unsportsmanlike diving, dissent, time wasting, free kick infringement, and cheap shots off the ball. At the end of ninety minutes, three players (two for the Maritime Empire and one for Sluidor) had received double yellows, including the Golden Crows' captain, and the officiating crew (alongside stadium staff) had to diffuse a near-fight between the two teams as they headed down the tunnel and back to the dressing rooms.

But despite this ignominious end to the phase, the game's singular (shorthanded) goal was nonetheless a sublime accomplishment. In the 78th minute, as the Gold-Whites struggled to gain a foothold while playing with nine men, an opportunistic long ball played by Brewers center back Nanašimudh Kourouma was misplayed by the visitors' right back. Baja'khirušu Mha (a Zahuji Pazhujebi playing in front of 96,000 others of his kind inside the Zahuj Peninsula's pride and joy, the Graha'ajat Stidiyama) is the all-time leading goalscorer for the Brown-Blacks of Tobyumosyu's Stvozhaboythumow, and he showed why by using a rainbow trick to loft the ball over one Sluidor defender's head, then without letting the ball hit the ground volleyed it over another before cutting hard inside to beat his last man and nutmeg the goalkeeper. The 29-year-old, who is Air Force's leading shirt-seller, has perhaps caught the attention of his national team manager at just the right time - several months will pass before the Cup of Harmony (which the Stvoto Latolisis hope to be invited to) begins, and Brendan al Tameer will certainly be considering shake-ups to the squad during that period.

1 - 0

Information

Venue: Graha'ajat Stidiyama, Zhevassi, Pazhujeb Islands
Attendance: 96,000
Referee: Orlo Franks (Barunia)
Man/Woman of the Match: Nanašimudh Kourouma (Stvoto Latoli)

Managers

Stvoto Latoli: Brendan al Tameer (Stvoto Latoli)
Sluidor: Unknown

Squads

Stvoto Latoli: Lyu; Gilmore (Thušabhi 58'), Zowbowbyuthi, Kourouma; al Amri, Bei, O'Bearga, Shegalo, al Ghalib, Irmedheghi (Ouachaburughu 60'); Athey (Mha 64')
Sluidor: Unknown; Unknown, Unknown, Unknown, Unknown (Unknown 86'); Unknown, Unknown (Unknown 64'), Unknown (90+1'), Unknown; Unknown, Unknown

Goals

Stvoto Latoli: Mha 78'
Sluidor: -

works? · by **Abanhfleft** » Tue Jul 21, 2015 1:02 am

CRESCENT NEWS NETWORK
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ABANHFLEFT • PRIDNESTROVIA • OONTAZ DERT LI NG • COPPER CUPRUM • TRENDSTART • FHULGHAMOUS PENINSULA

WORLD CUP 72 QUALIFIERS: ABANHFLEFT VS KO-OREN
By Malik Qazizadah

Players of Ko-oren's national football team celebrate on the pitch following the final whistle. Abanhfleft drew Ko-oren 2-2, but that result was more than enough to see the Dragonflies through to the playoff stages of the World Cup qualifiers. (Courtesy of Crescent News Network Sports Channel/Ulysses Turogo)

RELEINTHI, ABANHFLEFT - It was a match that would be forever immortalized by manager Kasper Molak's six simple words immediately preceding the game: "F*ck it, we're going all in." And indeed Abanhfleft did go all in for this final match against Ko-oren, but this all-out effort was enough only for a draw, and once again the Democratic Republic will have to content itself with third place and a hope for a Cup of Harmony invite.

The hosts had hoped that Ko-oren's decision to field some bench players coming into this game would allow them to get that second upset. Alas, it was not to be, as countries don't get high ranks in the multiverse if all of their players are not world-class. There was definitely a chance to get another cheeky one past the Dragonflies close to the start of the match, however, as Chelsea Stuart had a chance to put Abanhfleft up by one following a corner, but her shot struck the post before being sent even wider by keeper Cláudia Macedo.

Ko-oren finally opened up the scoring with an honestly fancy bicycle kick from Anthony Sutherland, having had to use his fancy skills to knock the ball into the net after Vitomir Volkov's cross found him in an awkward position.

Abanhfleft had a chance to equalize in the closing minutes of the first half, as Alexandra Rousseau managed to break away from the entire Ko-orenite defensive line before shoving the ball right for the gap between the keeper's hands and the right goalpost. Unfortunately for Rousseau the ball bounced off of the post right at the other post and then finally rolling out of the goal and being collected by Macedo.

In the second half, Ko-oren encountered a more aggressive Abanhfleft side. And by more aggressive, it meant that the female Fleftic footballers (forgive the alliteration) had turned as aggressive as their male counterparts. The Fleftics were quite happy with ganging up on the poor Ko-orenite who happened to be in possession of the ball at that particular time. Fouls and crunching tackles were becoming the name of the game, but even that wasn't enough to keep Ko-oren from finding the net once again, this time courtesy of Katanmak Juliasterinthen, who headed in the corner from Timo Arevalo.

But as had been said before, Abanhfleft was going all out now. Not even a Ko-orenite side 2-0 up could prevent the Lady Revolutionaries from making a breakthrough, and the first chipping away at the deficit came at the hour mark, when Rousseau sent in the free kick from 33 yards and give the Lady Revolutionaries their first goal in the game.

Stuart finally found the target in 75 minutes when she sent in the ball from just an arm's length from the goal, completely surprising the Ko-orenite keeper.

This made the Dragonflies realize that sneakily trying to pull another fast one on them, and once they realized that they took all measures to make sure Abanhfleft wouldn't be able to find the net a third time. That didn't stop the Lady Revolutionaries from indeed finding the back of the net that third time, but against all odds and his sense of self-preservation, the linesman had then decided that Lillian Prescott had been offside, and boos rang all throughout Monsanto Stadium.

In the end, a draw was enough for Ko-oren to advance to the qualifier playoffs, leaving Abanhfleft once again adrift in third place and forced to await an invite to the Cup of Harmony. If indeed such an invite would be coming the Democratic Republic's way.

    ABANHFLEFT 2 - 2 KO-OREN
ROUSSEAU (62')       SUTHERLAND (29')
  STUART (75')       JULIASTERINTHEN (58')

KO-OREN
GK: 01 Macedo
RB: 02 Aoki
CB: 03 Davenport
CB: 04 Juliasterinthen
CB: 05 Iorweth
LB: 06 de Jong
RW: 17 Millet
RM: 18 Volkov (Bagaurunir - 76' █)
LM: 08 Heilyn
LW: 19 Arevalo
ST: 20 Sutherland (Leroux - 80')

ABANHFLEFT
GK: 01 Carter
RB: 02 Osgood █ (Heaton - 59')
CB: 03 Jackson
LB: 04 Valentine █
RW: 07 Prescott
RM: 05 Maynard (Korovina - 64' █)
LM: 06 Choi █
LW: 08 Singh
CAM: 09 Torres (Mesbros - 73')
RS: 11 Stuart █
LS: 10 Rousseau █

MATCH STATISTICS
Possession
Abanhfleft: 50%
Ko-oren: 50%
Shots
Abanhfleft: 12 (6 on target)
Ko-oren: 14 (7 on target)
Corners
Abanhfleft: 10
Ko-oren: 18
Fouls
Abanhfleft: 20
Ko-oren: 8

WORLD CUP QUALIFYING GROUP 12 TABLE

P Group 12                           Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
1 San José Guayabal                   14   10   2   2    40   21  +19    32
2 Ko-oren                             14    9   2   3    22   10  +12    29
3 Abanhfleft                          14    8   3   3    33   25   +8    27
4 Walkany                             14    7   1   6    28   28    0    22
5 New Wolfopolis                      14    5   3   6    15   21   −6    18
6 Sameba                              14    4   3   7    23   29   −6    15
7 Nurovo                              14    2   2  10    15   25  −10     8
8 Gabbindon and The Liffan Isles      14    2   2  10    18   35  −17     8

by **Brenecia** » Tue Jul 21, 2015 3:18 am

It sure as hell wasn't like any performance seen in the Brenecian colours for the past few years.
As the Brenecian and Varmellese players walked out into the harsh floodlights of Union Park under a grey night sky, they both encountered a fiercely hostile reception. Hostile to some of the Brenecians, hostile to Varmelle, hostile to the Jeckish Union, hostile to just about everyone. Forty-odd thousand fans who just wanted to hit something and didn't much care what it was. At least they sang their national anthem very loudly.
Varmelle had a decent contingent of fans, too - the nation was pretty close, after all. The atmosphere was tense, but at least it was alive.
Whoever had configured the scoreboard wasn't being subtle, either. Most of it was devoted to this actual match, but there was a little LYM 0-0 TJU tucked into one of the corners.
The referee was Justinian Crowe, a Nepharim. That realisation wasn't really popular with anyone. Even when Baumbach won the captain's toss the crowd felt Crowe had shown his true colours.
Kick-off.
Brenecia surged forward from the off. Leroy Finley was tested time and again by an eager Brenecian front five and his own weak defence before almost being caught off-guard by a long-distance effort from Blackslate - he tipped it over the bar. That had come in the seventh minute. Short corner from Purrington - short corner? What was this training ground madness? But Gerry Duffy came up to receive it and slashed a low cross through a confused Varmellese defence. Cheney Scherzer, who hadn't scored in seemingly forever, threaded his way through the gap and impudently stabbed the ball past Finley.
1-0 within eight minutes.
The crowd roared.
Varmelle went on the attack. They had nothing but pride to play for, while as it stood Brenecia would progress from the group. Their curious habit of taking 4 points from literally every opponent who was competing for second with them gave Brenecia an unbeatable head-to-head advantage, while Varmelle were eager not to become the first team beaten home and away by them.
When the little corner of the scoreboard blinked. 11th minute. LYM 1-0 TJU.
In a flash, Jacques Bressler became the toast of North Hall.
Was this all a dream? Brenecia was under pressure and yet here it was, stubbornly refusing to buckle. Reiher drew a save from former teammate Urquhart. Finley saved at close range from Cullen. Breton swung a boot at Baumbach, who dived over it. The referee ignored Baumbach and turned away, and Breton took advantage of that to stamp on the impudent Varmellese captain's thigh.
17th minute. LYM 1-1 TJU. Some people's feeds said Whitehouse, some said Cole, some said legendary journeyman striker Own Goal. Either way, things got a little more nervous.
Brenecia held firm. 20th minute. 30th. 40th. 45th. And as Purrington blazed over the bar from twenty-seven yards, half-time.
The players retreated into the tunnel, but there was nowhere for the fans to go. Just stay outside in the frigid northern night with the cool, crisp breeze, staring anxiously at the scoreline in Lymantatia.
But as things stood, this was good enough.
The sides came out for the second half. The away side went for it again. Why not? This was Brenecia, a side whose team nickname may as well have been 'the Glass Jaws'. But today, at least, they weren't obliging. Urquhart saved well from Reiher again, and while the thundering Martin Faraldo was dangerous, he couldn't get much leverage against Duguid or Faulkner.
And it was Duguid who smashed the ball upfield along the wings. Pendragon on the end of it - Connolly had been taken off after 55 minutes, having already hit a bar in the 39th but been short on match fitness as a whole. She streaked ahead of Henry and sashayed through Hardy before cutting the ball back for Scherzer. No hesitation. The Wye United striker smashed home and claimed his second.
Brenecia 2-0 Varmelle.
Varmelle had scored a ton of goals through qualifying. Defence like a sieve, sure, and Baumbach had gotten the shit kicked out of him throughout the game by a holding midfielder in Augustine Breton who was, more or less, Done With His Shit. But they were still a threat. But Brenecia held firm. They weren't letting go of this for the life of them, grabbing on with both hands and a full set of teeth. Duguid was hauled off after coming dangerously close to a second yellow card for dissent. Colback came on. Brenecia held firm. Crowe glared at Breton after another good kicking for Baumbach, and he followed Duguid. Fife came on and resumed the kicking. Brenecia held firm. Given accidentally caught Kapranos' groin with an errant boot, and went in the book as well. Brenecia held firm.
And Lymantatia scored.
The fans cheered and cheered, and despite the other game having no bearing on them, Varmelle seemed to wilt. The Patriots went on the attack, Scherzer completed his hattrick with another strike on the counter but only after blatantly handling the ball. Lymantatia scored a third and this time, the Patriots just knew they were going through to the playoffs! After everything that had come in their way, they'd made it! They'd limped over the line!
The final whistle blew. The Patriots sank to the ground, and for seemingly the first time in a difficult qualifying campaign, the fans cheered them on. They cheered Scherzer, who'd broken his bad form at last in emphatic fashion. They cheered Pendragon, who'd only been deputising for the popular but injury-riddled Connolly. They cheered Blackslate, so widely criticised in the wake of the first draw against Receucn.
They even cheered Danielle Granger.
She stepped out from the dugout and applauded back. It had been a long campaign, and hard, but they'd shown all the fight and grit they needed in the second half of qualification to claw their way back into the fight, force the competition aside, break into the playoffs. And that, if anything, had shown more about the team she had to work with than just breezing politely into second keeping a respectful distance from Osarius would have.
She'd heard once that football teams were like geodes. In order to find out what they were made of, you had to break them open. Well... now she knew. And she liked what she'd seen from her players.
But this was just the first step, and they were still two more matches from the World Cup. Relaxation could wait. For now, they still had to pick themselves back up out of the frying pan and throw themselves into the fire...

by **Szavoda** » Tue Jul 21, 2015 3:35 am

continued from here

As she sat down she scanned the room’s population: she recognised Molly and Lauren, the latter of whom smiled and gave a little wave as she took her seat. The other six she didn’t recognise. Cross began to speak from the head of the table.

“Everyone, I’d like you to meet the lynchpin of this new Operations Team, who has allowed us to form a new elite, specialist Szavda Operations unit which will operate at higher standards than ever before, across more situations and locations than previous teams, Katarina Krevic. Former Szavda Army Captain up on the border at Travanera. Ace shot, from what I’ve seen. Fluent Szavda, of course, complete insider knowledge of the area will give us unprecedented access to our largest market in more ways than ever before. Katarina, starting to your left, we have the rest of the Szavoda Elite Operations Team. First is Fjordor Jensen, Weapons Specialist from Polar Islandstates. 5 years on teams in Eura, Szavoda and the rest of Rushmore.”

Jensen was a great bear of a man, with thick wheat-coloured hair and an equally wholesome beard which covered a time-weathered face. He had a scar above his right eye and spoke in a gruff, heavily accented voice. Of all the people Katarina had met at Clyne so far, Fjordor looked most like the mental image she had of a hired gun.

“Next is our Engineering Technician, Marcus Lanery, he’s in charge of all the technical side, trained engineer, worked for us for 13 years. Been on all our Szavoda teams, married to a Szavda if my memory serves me correctly. Knows cars, trucks, choppers even planes inside out. When we need a driver for whatever reason, Marcus is our guy.”

Lanery was a man in his mid-40s, with slightly receding brown hair and glasses. He looked more of a calm figure, perhaps more in the mould of a software designer or barista than someone who worked in the Private Military business. Next to Marcus was Lauren, whom Mark skipped on the introduction. Next to Lauren were a pair of young men, the first Mark introduced as Tom Wallace, the second as Garfield James. Both junior operatives with just a few years’ experience under their belts. Tom had just returned from his final year at University, taken three years after the penultimate year. Molly was next to the pair, and then beyond her was a tall, blonde man.

“This is Eric Pierce, our Comms Liason inside Eura for this team. He works alongside Michael Oatley, but he’s currently on holiday. Earned it after 6 years of straight work. Anything that needs to be done, arranged or organised, Eric will do it from out Communications Station in Bastion. Has access to a vault of cash which he can spend on getting things done, and he’s the master of it.”

Beyond him was another man, well-built with a crop of brown hair and designer stubble. He must have been in his late 20s, and had a stare which unnerved Katarina for some reason.

“This is Landen Jones. Vice-Captain of the team, fluent Szavda, worked for the OFI on some undercover crime stings there. Left them after some ops went sour and joined up with us. Ace gunman, perfect PMC material.”

Jones nodded stiffly as Katarina’s gaze lingered on him.

“Alongside this team you’ll have an attachment of Operatives, between 2 and 5 depending on the nature and scale of the operation, to provide extra support and assistance. You’ll meet them before the commencement of each mission.”

Mark continued with various rubric and background information, which seemed to be his, and Clyne’s speciality. It made sense, considering the miles and miles of red tape they’d have to cut through in order to operate effectively as a private military organisation, especially in a country as regulated as Eura – although in Szavoda it would probably a far sight easier. After a few more minutes, Cross dismissed them – they were all going to go for lunch at a popular haunt in Hornchurch, but Mark called Katarina behind. He remained sat in his chair whilst she stood attentively by his side. He waited, almost needlessly, for a second, before smiling and looking up at her.

“Kat, there’s one last thing we need to do. Downstairs, in the sub-basement, there’s a man called Frank. Well, that’s what we call him. Whether that’s his real name is unknown. What Frank does is deal with identities. Standard protocol for Clyne operatives is an Operational Pseudonym, relatively similar to your real identity, but it just eliminates any unnecessary complications that could arise. He’s right at the bottom of the back staircase, there’s only one door. He’s expecting you.”

Katarina obliged and started to head downstairs. She’d always wanted to have an alternative identity, like a secret agent. She smiled to herself as she reached the bottom of the staircase. She was very much in the basement, with bare concrete walls and a tangle of pipes. There was a single door at the end of hallway and Katarina knocked on it. It opened and Katarina slowly entered. The room was stiflingly hot, and was stacked with computers and other technical equipment. In the centre was a large chair, with a small figure hunched over a laptop.

Katarina cleared her throat to get his attention, and it worked as the chair swung round rapidly and its occupant leapt to his feet with surprising nimbleness. He was a short, grubby looking man, with a scraggly haircut and a ratty face. He wore an unclean checked shirt and jeans. He almost grabbed Katarina’s hand and shook it vehemently. Katarina was taken aback by his enthusiasm.

“Hi Katarina, really, really stellar to meet you.” Frank buzzed “Nick wasn’t lying, you are attractive.”

Again, Katarina mentally recoiled. Frank was short, about 5ft 5", so Katarina towered over him, which made the exchange all the more awkward. Frank scuttled round her and brought another chair from the cluttered mess of the room and pushed it up next to his desk. Katarina slowly put her bag on the floor, removed her jacket and sat down.

“OK Katarina” Frank breathed whilst firing up his computer, the whole room seeming to shake as the endless shelves of hardware grumbled into action, “Let’s get you a new life.”

by **Polar Islandstates** » Tue Jul 21, 2015 4:10 am

OOC: Effed and the usual WC RPs will appear soon, but I had internet failure at a crucial time last night so never posted this. Posting it now instead.

BOOM!
Qualification!

Feels good, don't it?

Not that it was ever really in doubt, but there were a few more than hairy moments we had to negotiate along the way. Which is why it feels good now to be sitting here knowing full well that Rasmussen can try a few more experimental line-ups in the last few matches. Which is especially exciting for us Spires fans, because we've got three players on the substitute bench. All defenders, interestingly, because Tuulari hasn't exactly made defence his priority since starting work at Rendahl.

But anyway, this is good. This is positive. We had a rocky time in the Federation football-wise given the recent weather. A whole year snowed off from the leagues, and then the controversial decision by the FPIFA to block any attempts by teams to weasel into the UICA the same way many teams do when their leagues take a break. And then, the even more controversial decision not to enter the Copa. I mean, I understand why they did it - the risks of having fans and players stranded abroad was simply not worth the chance to compete in a sporting competition.

At the end of the day, it is just a game.

Having said that, it did leave us with a little bit of catching up to do in terms of our international reputation. Missing a Copa, not sending any fans to the last World Cup, not sending any teams whatsoever to the last UICA cycle, and then the fact we're relinquishing control of the WCC presidency to Apox... was the sun setting for a long winter in Valhallan football?

Well, no.

We have to show them all not that the rumours of our fading have been over-exaggerated. Other bloggers in more established positions will cover this in more detail than me, I'm sure, so I'll leave it there for now. But, I'm glad we're going to Valanora. We need to leave another lasting impression. A new impression.

Boom!

Steffan Pekarik

Oh, Steffan. I do love you. Look at you, you big beautiful bastard. I did some research into whereabouts in Europe (because let's face it, the best footballing teams in the RLStates universe are in Europe) Mr Pekarik would be from, and some points indicated to Slovakia - some weird country that used to be a part of a bigger one until it split away. Someone's best friend joined the game after the "land" was all taken, apparently, so he sportingly broke his nation in half to give his friend a bit. N'aw.

Anyway, Slovakia it was, and a promising youth career was quickly picked up on by European giants Chelsea and he was deftly swooped away from his childhood team of Nitra. Wherever that is.

As usual, there isn't an awful lot else to say about his youth career, but to point out that yet again, when his senior career started it took the form of a couple of loans out to lower league teams Chesterfield and Reading. At Chesterfield, he developed nicely enough, but he well and truly exploded onto the scene with Reading the season after - scoring six goals from his apparently very good set pieces, and being one of the driving forces that pushed Reading into successfully gaining promotion via the playoffs.

Chelsea saw no reason in sending him out on loan again, and soon the stylish defender we all know and love was playing regularly for the Chelsea first team. No longer the best free kick taker in the team of superstars, he only scored three goals during his time with the Blues, but still managed to win a pair of league titles and reach the final of the Champions League as a crucial part of the squad.

Which is probably why Real Madrid came a-knocking on Chelsea's door. For an astronomical $39m, they secured the talents of Pekarik - then one of the most highly thought of defenders in the entire simulation - and took him home with them to Madrid to try his luck in the Spanish league. As it turns out, this was a move that suited both club, country, and player alike.

Before slipping down the pecking order, Pekarik was one of a pair of gifted full backs that were rotated evenly through his first four seasons at Real Madrid, and he became a fan favourite with his calm and accomplished style that we all recognise from real life. Winning the Champions League and the league title three times, it was only in his fifth season that he started to play less, as brighter, younger, shinier new players excited the Real hierarchy. Despite playing less, it was arguably his most successful season in a Real shirt, scoring five of his total eighteen goals for the club during this time, including a winning one as a substitute in the Champions League semi-final - an action that saw Madrid on their way to the second Champions League title of Pekarik's time there, though he would remain an unused substitute in the final itself.

In the summer following that bittersweet win, he was allowed to move for $14m to La Liga rivals Valencia, a side a little like modern day FC Axel Heiburg or Red Star Severny in that they always seem there or thereabouts without ever really challenging for the title itself. Two reasonably successful years in Valencia saw him renew and reinvigorate his reputation, probably playing at the very peak of his ability, even if he didn't win anything during his spell there, and at the age of thirty he was offered the chance to move back to the Premier League by Manchester United.

Even at the age he was, he was an attractive prospect for a United side looking to buy instant experience and success as part of a major squad overhaul, and they signed him for $8.5m. He certainly helped with said process, and even though United's major successes in this simulation would come after he'd moved on from the club, he was instrumental in their years of restructuring, and directly tutored many of the full-backs on both flanks who would later torment defences up and down the league, and Europe.

He was getting on by this point however, and he would play only three more seasons of professional football. Moving to Fenarbahce for $3.5m, he would reach the Europa League semi-finals and win the league with the Turkish giants, before moving once again - this time on a free - for one last season at Bursaspor before retiring.

Ever valuable to a bang-average Slovakia side that only qualified for two World Cups and two European Championships during his playing time in this simulation, Pekarik was finding himself a valuable resource right up until the end of his career, and he played his final game for his country just three days after his move to Bursaspor. The highlight of his time in his nation's colours would have to be the brace he scored against Germany in the 2024 Euros, earning them a shock win and giving them a chance of reaching the next round.

They didn't, but, you know, it wasn't down to lack of effort on Pekarik's part.

And then, management.

Ah yes, Farfadillis in real life, Slovakia by the time the simulation had ended.

Starting out in Turkey where he ended his playing career, it wasn't long until his talents were noted by Slovan Bratislava, one of the biggest clubs in Slovakia but not traditionally a force to be reckoned with in Europe. Until, that is, Steffan Pekarik came along. Guiding a side like Slovan Bratislava into the last eight of the Europa League two years running is no feat to be sniffed at, and by the time Czech side Viktoria had tempted him away in 2045 he'd turned Slovan into one of the most feared teams in the pot. Nobody liked the trip to Bratislava, and pretty soon he found that nobody liked the trip to Plzen, either.

By the time he'd reached the Champions League group stage with the little club from the Czech Republic, his name was fast ascending, and he signed a long-term contract for a hefty amount of money at Grenada, back in Spain. Appearing for the whole world like he was committed to staying at the club for a long time, he soon found that the call of the national team is a strong one, and despite promising signs that Grenada were primed for a run into Europe in the coming seasons, at the time of writing he'd just taken up the helm of the Slovakian national team.

Fair enough, his only match in charge of them by the time the simulation ended was a 3-0 defeat in Estonia, but I'm sure things were about to pick up.

Don't worry, Farfadillis, it looks like you're in safe hands.

Enjoy? Good! Plenty more where that came from.

Pip pip!

Henrik. x.

Part 1: Kohev Küngas-Vaga
Part 2: Alexsandr van Sorensen
Part 3: Felix Saarinen
Part 4: Jean-Eric Villeneuve
Part 5: Tolgus Tregajorran
Part 6: Lee Sharp
Part 7: Henning Blonqvist
Part 8: Steffan Pekarik
Part 9: Petter Bielsen
Part 10a+b: Niko Marek + Ernesto Farías
Part 11a+b: Zacharias Juul + Mateus Carvalho
Part 12a+b: Timo Skye + 'Laborious Hawk vs Valrauncion'

WC72 RP Thread

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