World Cup LXXV - AK75 - The RP Thread

by **The Saint James Islands** » Sat Jun 11, 2016 2:31 pm

Commonwealth Prosecution Service
12 Justice Road
Drummond, GT G3A-D00
COMMONWEALTH OF OMERICA
Memorantum nuitia
Public memorandum
What do you need to know about attending Omerica home qualifiers?

In light of rampant hooliganism and tragedies regarding the Omerican national football team, the Commonwealth Parliament has enacted the Anti-Hooliganism and Rioting Act 2021, which places stringent restrictions on what can and cannot be brought into sports venues and gives police, both national and local, ultimate authority to stop rioting “through all humane means necessary”.

As most Omerican supporters use metro/underground systems to get to matches, it is strongly recommended that all visiting fans use the local bus system to do so as to avoid violent clashes between fans. Additionally, strict segregation of opposing supporters will be enforced in seating at all sports matches in the Commonwealth of Omerica and a minimum police-to-spectator ratio of 1-to-25 will be maintained at all times.

It is recommended that all supporters arrive to the stadium well before the listed kick-off time, as all persons entering a stadium will be subject to a full body search by local police. All alcohol, drugs (including tobacco) and potential projectiles and weapons will be confiscated by security staff without restitution; furthermore, alcohol will not be available for purchase in Omerican stadia under Commonwealth law.

Under the law, security staff will have zero tolerance towards hooliganism. The act provides for the immediate expulsion of any spectator who “seeks to incite, initiate or retaliate against any act of violence” and provides for steeper penalties for crimes such as assault within 100 metres of stadium grounds. Any act of violence in a stadium may be met with prosecution by the CPS for at least a delict (a semi-serious crime), which may carry fines of up to 300 thousand shillings (~16 667 NSD); participation in a riot is now classified as a Commonwealth felony, the most serious type of offence possible, and may carry fines of up to 20 million shillings (~1.1 million NSD).

And above all else, have fun. We hope that attending Omerica football matches are a rewarding experience that everyone—regardless of age, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, language, nationality or disability—can enjoy and we seek to make Omerica matches safer and less intimidating to attend.

Thank you for considering visiting the Commonwealth and please have a great time in Omerica.

by **Flardania** » Sat Jun 11, 2016 2:34 pm

Bonjour et Ohayōgozaimasu Kirishima. Welcome back to another edition of the Kitsune Report, brought to you by Seongwoo Motors and the Nagatomo Sports Network (NSN). Here at the Kitsune Report it's all about our cherished national team. We will continue coverage of this historic World Cup 75 qualification where 140 nations fight for only 30 spots, So with out any further delay it's time to get grooving for some cup football once again.

Oh My! I don't know if there is something air but something is causing all these upsets. Just like Match Day 1, Match Day 2 was filled with shocking results making this qualification cycle seem much more competitive. I can besides the obvious significance of the 75th of anything. The opening stage sans form has been eyebrow raising, let's see some scores in other matches of interest.

In group 1 Saintland drew with Mapletish at nil, in group 7 Polaaskan drew with Valanora at one goal a piece. The elves were heavily favored to win that match. In Group thirteen we had the upset of the night with Legalese destroying Falatulu 7-3 in a historic upset while Group sixteen saw Turori fail to defeat Quakmybush. Group ninteen saw Mercedini upset Unified Sunrise Islands two nil and in our own group Anglatia looked strong against Ko-oren, picking up the win one nil. The former isolationist nation can in fact becomes favorites with a strong performance against new group leaders Chromatika in the next match. Which now leaves the Kirishima v Chromatika match...

Kirishima 1-1 Chromatika Match Review:
Coming off of a disappointing shutout loss against Antonescu Ko-oren squad the Kitsunes made their home debut in Heiwa at the Ostianae Magnaem Centre. Unfortunately the Kitsunes went up against another defensive heavy team and despite being miles ahead rank wise, the Kitsunes once again failed to pick up the win. When two teams are playing counter attack football, the more defensively committed team is more likely to win and the Chromatik squad was better defensively. Kirishima has always struggled with very defensive focused teams going back to it's BOF debut days.

The Magnaem Centre was filled with supporters as the Kitsunes sought a very important win following their 0-2 defeat against Ko-oren. Chromatika dominated the possession most of the game with the first half ending in a nil-nil draw. Things change in the 74th minute as Trenn Rien scored off of an assist from Meagan Kelly. Kirishima played with more desperation until Ako Izumi scored in the 83rd minute off of a free kick, thus ending the Kitsune scoring drought. Despite not wining the match, the Ko-oren loss against Anglatia keeps Kirishima close too the presumed favorites but also signifies Group 20 has a hidden Group of Death.

(25)Kirishima – Chromatika(71)
@ Ostianae Magnaem Centre 
Heiwa| Kirishima

Kirishima1–1Chromatika
Izumi (83')  Rien (74')

Here is what Kyosuke had to say after the match.

"It was a frustrating match that we were hoping to win. We came home and the world looked in our favor and we couldn't do it. It's a good squad we were up against whose rank will surely skyrocket up after this tournament. This is the first time that we are considered favorites to win a group and perhaps the pressure is getting to the team a bit. We have always been underdogs of some sort and we defied expectations when we won. Now when we lose that is when we defy expectations so the key is to not just be rank 25 but to play like it. We got a draw to put our name on the board and while it hurts to be at the very bottom of the group right now it's not a crisis. As I have said before we know we are a team that struggles to find form in the beginning but once we have it, we're in a good position. Sure we may be on the very bottom of the table but that is temporary and we've been in worse spots before. "

Shytysle v Flardania(Kirishima) Preview:
Shytysle is coming off a 2-2 against Nordeana on the road. They are a very offensive team that relies heavily on Jym. This will be the Kitsunes first match against a non defensive heavy team in this cup and it remains to be seen how Kirishima will adapt from tight defense to free flowing offense. Both teams will be seeking their first wins which means top quality effort from both teams is to be expected. Kirishima will need to capitalize on Ko-oren previous loss and with Chomatika facing Anglatia, this is the Kitsunes opportunity to get back into the mix. However one can certainly imagine the possible hotseat Kyosuke can find himself in if once again the Kitsunes struggle in this early going. With that said should Yabuta and Matsuoka finally wake up, that should help the team chances as well. Lets Go Kitsunes!

Post by: Keita Woo

by **Chromatika** » Sat Jun 11, 2016 2:37 pm

Prelude, Book I Part I

The Rainbow Revolution
Book I: The Sparks
Part II: The Double Agent

"The enemy's spies who have come to spy on us must be sought out, tempted with bribes, led away and comfortably housed. Thus they will become double agents and available for our service. It is through the information brought by the double agent that we are able to acquire and employ local and inward spies. It is owing to his information, again, that we can cause the doomed spy to carry false tidings to the enemy." -Sun Tzu"

The report handed over to "M" in the bunker in the middle of nowhere that afternoon had been a long time coming, something that had taken a significant of diversion, effort, and time to generate. It had been from the Dark Queen, perhaps the most important agent that "M" had in Chromatika. As Marco Ni sat down at his table and started to pour over the intricate details of the comings and goings of the Chromatik Secret Police and especially the Institutional Division, there was a woman in Chromatika exiting an Internet Cafe, internally breathing a sigh of relief.

Alina Oshnyev Krasnikova, DSi, Head of the Institutional Division, Cyber Warfare Branch, was a minute woman of five feet, three inches, with the appearance of a supermodel and the demeanor of just a regular woman. If it wasn't for the fact that she carried the badge of the Chromatik Party in her pocket, she could pass off as a passerby, perhaps working for some acting agency, modeling agency, or whatnot. However, she was actually one of the most dangerous women in Chromatika, in charge of the unenviable task of finding a way to get the Shadow Writers off of the net and bring them in for judgment.

On her way to the local gym that she frequented, Alina couldn't help but reflect upon how she, a Dark Silver - which made her one of the top leaders in the nation - had become the greatest Double Agent in the history of the nation, and the most valuable asset in Marco Ni's back pocket.

After graduating from Chromatik City College University with a double degree in Political Science and International Relations, she immediately applied to join the Chromatik Party, and passed her interviews with flying colors, getting a perfect score in both the Cognitive Tests as well as the Physical Tests. She was given the opportunity to join the Chromatik Secret Police, which she accepted; her physical prowess, mental aptitude, and dazzling looks formed a trifecta of deadly repertoire that led to a myriad of promotions in a very short amount of time, leading to her current state.

It was the case of one Martin Gerard of Eyrods that had broken the straw on the camel's back for Alina. Before that, she had taken everything with a grain of salt as far as the political agenda was concerned; sure, she chirped when she was supposed to chirp and was a fairly good actress, but she hadn't believed any part of what the Party was throwing at her as their political agenda. She had heard stories, sure, but she hadn't had to go face to face with a situation quite yet... Until Martin. Martin Gerard was a Light Blue Businessman who owned a small Grocery Store chain. Mr. Gerard came into attention of the Chromatik Party while Alina was still a Dark Bronze, as part of the Enforcement Division.

One day, her superior, Nichols Sevo, had come in and mobilized the entire squad into action. "We are going to arrest a traitor today," he had stated, ""Someone who dared to blatantly defy the party despite multiple warnings. We are going to make an example of this man and his family. You ready?"

They had geared up and flown by helicopter to Eyrods. On the way, Sevo had placed Alina into the group that would go after the family. "They were all part of it together," he reminded them, "Capture them with impunity. No mercy for the enemies of the State. We need to get them alive, though, to make a public spectacle of them. Is that understood?" They all nodded their assent as the helicopter touched down onto the civilized part of Eyrods.

Finding Martin Gerard's apartment had been simple enough; he and his family were not there, though. Sevo broke two of the fingers of the landlord before he admitted that the family had escaped to a safe house; the landlord was promptly arrested after that. They had simply drove up to the safe house, not caring about the amount of disturbance they were causing the town. Nichols Sevo simply broke down the door... And there was Martin, on his knees, begging for his life.

Nichols responded by slapping Martin twice on the face, before Martin could croak out, "I was only giving the leftovers of my stores to the poor, Sir. How is that a crime to help with the poor? Please, Sir, I don't understand."

"It doesn't matter what your intentions were!" snarled Nichols, "You were told to not, and to submit your leftovers for inspection to the government, multiple times. You did not, and so we are here. Where is your family?" One of the soldiers had come back with a head shake, so now, Nichols was interrogating Martin on the whereabouts of his family. Alina tried to keep a straight face - a man being arrested just because they were donating to the poor unsupervised by the police?

There was no reply from Martin, so Nichols knocked him out with an uppercut, and rummaged his pockets for his cell phone. He tossed it to Alina, saying, "You know how to hack one of these things, right? Do so." It was an order, not a suggestion. Alina picked out a decryption device from her pocket, and fit it into the phone. It chirped, and was unlocked. She tossed it back to Nichols, who took a photo of Martin's bruised face and poised to send it to his wife, with the note, "Unless you want worse for him, get back to the safe house."

"Triangulate," he ordered Alina, tossing the phone to her. In the split second it'd take for Martin's wife to receive the message, the Chromatik Party had the technology to locate her. She plugged in another device into his cell phone, pushed send, and was immediately awarded with the wife's location - just two blocks over. She reported this to Nichols - there was nothing she could do at this point.

"Go retrieve her, I'll get this sack of meat on the copter," he ordered. Alina nodded, and with two others, started to head to where the wife was hiding. It happened to be a Pizza Restaurant. There was Mrs. Martin Gerard with her two kids, enjoying lunch, seemingly oblivious to what was happening, what was going to happen, to their family.

Alina walked up to her, and stated, "Ma'am, have you checked your phone? It should be blinking." Mrs. Gerard looked back at her, confusion on her face, and replied, "My husband told me that he'd upgraded my phone, and that it needed some time to cool down. It's not even on. Why are you saying this?"

Before Alina could respond, one of the agents that had gone with him pulled out a pair of handcuffs and roughly grabbed her by the neck. "You're coming with us," he snarled, "Or we are making you come with us. What will it be, woman? Want to show blood in front of your children?" The two children, a boy and a girl of about eight years of age, stared at their mother with large, wide eyes.

"This is all a huge understanding," Mrs. Gerard said, "But please, no violence in front of the children. I'll go with you. Must the kids come too?"

"Absolutely," replied the agent, "You're all part of this, now." Alina couldn't do anything but agree and shepherd the family to the chopper, where there were hysterical tears shed by Mrs. Gerard, who was promptly knocked out by Nichols. The entire ride back, there were crude jokes made in expense of the family; Alina dodged participation in that by pretending to look at the data gathered by the Triangulation Device, which was still a prototype, after all.

Three days later, Martin Gerard was sentenced to death by lethal injection; Katie Gerard was rehabilitated to a Light Red laborer and sent to be brainwashed. The children were taken into Government sponsored foster homes, to be brainwashed from a young age. Of course, the news reported it as a victory of the Chromatik way of life, but Alina knew, the Secret Police knew. The difference was that the other members of the Secret Police thought it was simply judgment.

One late night, over some whiskey, Alina heard from the higher-ups about the existence of the Shadow Writers. After that, she subtly positioned herself to start working for the Cyber Warfare Branch, and sure enough she became the leader of the branch. Through that, she was able to actually obtain the best of the encryption software, and start making a bit of contact with the Shadow Writers. It took some time for them to start trusting her, but then they couldn't believe their luck. To have an agent that is actually the head of the very Division whose job was to catch them? It couldn't be better for the Shadow Writers.

Alina couldn't forget the look of terror on Katie Gerard's face, nor the eyes of the children. That was why she did what she did, despite it being a thankless job, and a dangerous one. She sent reports at least once a week at irregular times, encrypted with the same software that she had actually given to Marco; it was all she could do. End Part II

A tough match on the road against the second-seeded team in the Group resulted in a hard-earned draw for the Anomalies, with Carrol Liam showing once again why he is the new starting left midfielder with yet another assist on the crucial goal in the eighty-second that was scored by Trenn Rien.

It was the Kitsune's game for most of it, as the Anomalies' approach of having low possession but suffocating defense biting them back in a neat goal by Izumi at the end. However, that late hiccup was the only time Thorben was threatened, as the back Five helped keep him clear for most of the match.

Next up, a very important game awaits for the Anomalies, a home match against Anglatia that is a clash between the third and fourth seeds in the group. With Anglatia taking down Top Seed Ko-oren, the game is even more important for the Chromatiks to generate momentum. The team did look a little more focused than the first match, so it is the hope of the fans that their form holds. Go Anomalies!

by **Szavoda** » Sat Jun 11, 2016 2:42 pm

continued from here

For the next few days, whispers followed Anna wherever she went. They’d heard that he’d come back, and he was looking for her. Clearly Riley was a big deal here – several thousand miles from his usual stamping grounds, and to be under his gaze was to be under the gaze of this town.

She saw him a couple of times – perhaps more, perhaps less, depending on how much her mind played tricks on her – was that him, just sitting in the shade in the corner of the park, watching her? In the supermarket, or out on her morning runs, she noticed people looked at her for just that extra second, exchanging a remark with someone – ‘That’s Riley’s girl’. The regular part of Anna reviled at the undue attention, and had taken to doing her shops late at night, but there was a small part of her which somewhat enjoyed the attention – after a year of keeping her head down and being an unknown quantity, it was a welcome break to be back at the centre of attention again.

Her co-workers were the worst, constantly prying – Riley’s arrival and subsequent gossip circulating the town had created a whole new sense of intrigue around Anna’s past – this woman had turned up out of nowhere a year ago, and now the most powerful man in crime had wondered in offering her a job. They were like vultures around a carcass, for want of a better analogy. She constantly had to bat off questions from the other girls at the restaurant ‘Are you a criminal?’ ‘No.’ ‘Are you Riley’s estranged wife?’ ‘No.’. It all proved oddly amusing for Anna – listening as her confused friends and co-workers came up with more and more outlandish theories as to what was going on.

Eventually, she decided, the bullshit had to end. The turning-point was a rather unsavoury late-night interview with the police at her apartment. They arrived shortly before midnight, drawing Anna out of bed, and were curt – bordering on aggressive. The pair, who didn't identify themselves apart from their police department badges, invited themselves in and sat at her table, all whilst Anna stood by the door somewhat bemused. She offered them both a drink.

“Please, ma’am, we’re just here to conduct our investigation.” The more senior of the two spoke officiously. “It’d be much easier for all of us if you just came and joined us.”

Anna moved over to the table and sat down, never breaking eye contact with the police officer. She’d interacted with numerous police departments, all over the region, and she reckoned she knew how they all operated – act tough and officious, but the vast majority weren't particularly good at their job. She sat slowly and leant on her elbows, switching eye contact between the two police officers. They were stern faced and silent.

“Are you guys going -"

“How do you know Lewis Riley?” The senior officer interrupted. Anna feigned surprise.

“I don’t.”

The officer scowled. “Ma’am, may I remind you it is a federal crime to lie to a law enforcement officer. Again, how do you know Lewis Riley?”

Anna beckoned her Labrador to her side and stroked her idly, deliberately remaining silent whilst maintaining eye contact.

“Ma’am.” He continued sternly.

“I worked for him. In a legitimate way.”

“When?”

“Sometime before now.”

“For how long?”

“My pay check said two weeks. It was more like four days.”

“What did you do?”

“I'm not at liberty to discuss that.”

“You do realise we have software which can work that out pretty quickly.”

“No it can’t”

The officer stared at Anna, who just raised her eyebrows and smiled slightly. She enjoyed this, toying with the police officers.

“Look, Riley hired the company that I worked for, for just a couple of days several years ago. That’s the absolute extent of our interaction.”

“Then how come you've come to inhabit the apartment he owns?”

“He leant it to me – I asked for it.”

“So you too were close enough for him to lend you property, no questions asked?”

Anna nodded slowly “Yep.”

“Over just four days?”

“I guess I have that way with people.” She paused “OK, look, I've got nothing more for you. Sure, I knew Riley briefly, but he’s known thousands of people, far better and far longer than I have. I'm tired, it’s late, I’d be happy to come down to the police station tomorrow if you really need me to, but there are far better leads you could be chasing if you want to sink him.”

Anna stood, negating their ability to answer. One officer glanced at the other – they decided to cut their losses. They booth stood and left without a word, clearly frustrated. Anna was equally frustrated. Now thoroughly awake, she got herself a yoghurt drink from the fridge and drank it whilst she put on some trousers and a jacket. Grabbing her bike from the garage, she hurried out into the night. She had someone to see.

Last.fm · by **Cosumar** » Sat Jun 11, 2016 2:45 pm

All-Time Cosumar XI ::: Entry #2 ::: Irvinn Rincon (CM)

155 caps
77 assists (1st), 18 goals
Played WC 51-56
Captained WC 51-56

The second-most unanimous selection to Cosumar's dream team is Cosumar's first-ever captain. Irvinn Rincon was the original Mr. Cosumar. Some even called him The Irvinnator. In addition to being Cosumar's very first captain, leading us into the unknown, he also remains our longest-serving captain, wearing the armband for six World Cups. While most of the mish-mash second-rate team we sent to our WC 51 debut would be scrapped by the next World Cup, Rincon was one of a core few from that first attempt that actually stuck and became key figures for WC 52 and that entire generation.

Personality: If Will Riley was the quietly strong leader-by-example for those early Cosumar teams, Irvinn Rincon was the voice. He was known for rallying the team with speeches that would've felt right at home in a cheesy sports drama with strings playing in the background. Already being 26 when Cosumar debuted in World Cup 51, Rincon was always one of the most-experienced and looked-up-to-by-default guys in the group from the very beginning. He embraced the role of leader and spokesperson without being asked and performed the duties with calm demeanor and unshakable poise, earning the admiration of all involved with the national team. Away from the cameras and the pitch, Irvinn was infamous for his dry, deadpan-sarcastic sense of humor. Even his friends often couldn't quite tell when he was serious or joking. In his illuminating autobiography The First Captain: A Memoir, Rincon later revealed that, despite the unwavering certainty of his public persona, he had battled crippling depression throughout his adult life. Even amidst tremendous success, he had often considered jumping from the windows of team hotels. In the end, knowing how much his family and teammates relied on his continued strength helped him persevere and eventually break free of his illness.

Playing Style: The Irvinnator was not actually a particularly gifted athlete. He was tall and lean, but the way his long legs ran could almost be described as clumsy. No, Rincon was not a special physical specimen, not graceful... but he was an artist. Cosumar had virtually no proper development infrastructure in Rincon's day, but against all odds he became a player of real vision and touch. Arguably Cosumar's first such player. He saw the inner mechanisms of the game and had the skill with the ball to manipulate them. From his autobiography: I may be tall, but I was never fast or strong. But that doesn't matter if you understand that football is a symphony of time and space. Every time you have the ball, you need to make an instinctive mental connection between how soon must you release for a teammate to make a difference. That's the difference I tried to make for my teams, often in ways opponents wouldn't expect. Even today, I think football still has room for artistry. That's what I try to instill in players I coach now. Rincon was a true playmaker in midfield for Cosumar, collecting the ball as an outlet as soon as Cosumar won it and immediately calculating the perfect pass. Or occasionally, a surging run of his own. Because his game did not rely on athleticism, Rincon was able to stick around as a high-performing starter for Cosumar into his late-30s.

Early Life: Irvinn Jekshua Rincon was born on October 9, 933 to single mother Patrycia Rincon of an unknown father. Patrycia raised him in a poor neighborhood of Pelethas (yes, they do exist - despite the beach city's luxurious touristy image) alongside seven younger siblings and half-siblings. In an environment where their mother was always away working multiple jobs to support them, they regularly witnessed violence and drug abuse at a young age. In an autobiography Irvinn published at age 55, he detailed a particularly disturbing memory from his youth. At age 9, on his way home from school, he watched a mob crowd stomp an accused child predator past death in the middle of the street. The Rincon kids relied on soccer as their escape from it all. Irvinn and his two-years-younger brother Jeff became the most serious about it during their teenage years, training together every day after school until darkness fell at the local park.

Club Career: One day an assistant coach for Morponte Fief happened to be at said park. His club was based in Mortim, a couple hours north of Pelethas on the other side of Morponte, but he was in Pelethas on a family weekend beach trip. Anyways, while playing with his daughter at the park, he saw Irvinn (17) and Jeff (15) playing keep-away with each other and their natural skill immediately caught his eye. He introduced himself to the anxious near-identical brothers and exchanged contact information. A year later, both were signed to professional contracts. Both Irvinn and Jeff sent most of their wages back home to Pelethas to support their mother and six remaining siblings. Irvinn quickly established himself for Morponte Fief, becoming a regular starter at age 19 and a fan favorite and captain by age 22. At 23, Morponte Fief sold him to rich Ramusoki club East Devellin FC, one of the dominant forces in the Cosumarite circuit at the time. Stellar play in the capital for three years landed him on the very first national team ever assembled (for World Cup 51) at age 26. Though he at first only accepted the call-up to that first makeshift "national team" for the extra wages for his still-struggling family, it provided a platform for Rincon to really capture Cosumar's attention and elevate his status as an icon domestically. Going abroad wasn't really an option considered for Cosumarites at this time, so he spent his career in Cosumar's unorganized morass of a domestic circuit. After six prime years at East Devellin, he infamously moved to archrival West Devellin FC at age 29 for four seasons and then finished out his career with three seasons each at Klyde FC and hometown Pelethas United. He retired at age 38 having played in Cosumarite soccer for twenty seasons. The lack of an organized league structure makes it difficult to evaluate the achievements of early-era players, but Rincon is known to have had an astronomical degree of success - particularly in his peak years at the two Devellin clubs in Ramusok.

International Highlights: So many to choose from! Let's see, he set up Cosumar's first ever goal. That great run and splitting pass to set up Shane Jestis behind the defense on MD2 of WC51 Qualifying. Against future champions Aguazul, no less. Rincon scored an Olympico (direct corner-kick goal) in Cosumar's first ever win - against The Ursine Northlands on the very next Matchday. There was also that amazing solo run for a walked-in goal against Archivalia in WC 52. And, of course, who could forget that stunning rainbow of a goal from the midfield line in WC54 against TaeGyeongGiJang? Rincon would also assist Varshney for Cosumar's first World Cup Finals goal. In The Babbage Islands. At The Whitecliff Stadium. Heck, he assisted seemingly every Cosumarite goal scored in our first several World Cups. His wizard-like chemistry with striker Rikki Varshney and fellow midfielder Brian Emerson was so strong it helped the deadly trio of friends overcome superior opposition on numerous occasions. Without Rincon's influential presence anchoring those early Cosumarite teams, without his leadership and vision and calmness on the ball, would Cosumar have ascended so quickly (if at all?) to qualify on just our fourth attempt?

Life After Football: His best friend and closest brother, Jeff Rincon, stayed at Morponte Fief his entire career from age 16 to 32. He tragically died in a motorcycle accident shortly thereafter, however, an event that worsened Irvinn's depression. After retiring from football, Rincon became an obsessive fan of virtual reality gaming, which reportedly helped him defeat depression. In his 40s, he returned to the sport as the midfielders' coach for the National Team. He has remained on the Dragons' staff in that capacity to this very day, now 74 and still in sparkling health. A self-identified asexual, Rincon never had any spouse or children but has numerous nieces and nephews (from his seven beloved siblings) that he treats as his own children.

And there you have it. Irvinn Rincon in central midfield for the All-Time Cosumarite Dream Team. He has also been voted as Cosumar's greatest captain of all time and will don the hypothetical armband for our hypothetical team. Agree? Disagree? Feel free to let us know how you feel about the first selection in the comments section or on social media with the hashtag #CosumarXI. Be sure to stay tuned over the next few weeks as we continue to fill in that image below.

#1 - LB William Riley

In honor of Cosumar's 25th World Cup, The Cosumarite Courier is naming the best eleven Cosumarite players in history for the first time ever. If our scientists unlocked the secret of time travel and we could assemble any combination of Cosumarite players from the last 50 years, who should we select to win a World Cup? Well, you voted and we did our nifty research...so now we're unveiling the aggregate results. One by one. Each matchday. You can read the biography of each selection or simply check the updated version of the above image each day to quickly see who made it and continue on with your life. By the time World Cup 75 Qualifying is winding down, the countdown will be complete and a concrete Best XI finalized. We will be unveiling entries in order from most unanimous to most controversial, so the worst comment-section firestorms SHOULD be saved until the end!

MD2: "Subs Branch, Va'Goshal break 2-2 deadlock late, give Cosumar 4-2 opening win over Lons in Ramusok"
Scorers: Öhman 1', Engström 48', Branch 79', Va'Goshal 86'
Subs: Branch 63', Elam 64', Va'Goshal 80'

Cosumar Goal-Scorers Tally (15 GF)
Anders Engström (3)
Belarmin Worsaw (2)
Ole Öhman (2)
Peter Svensson (1)
Aziz Senturk (1)
Bacary Na'Kale (1)
Mauricio Sigler (1)
Sheldon Serra (1)
Ace Newman (1)
Matt Branch (1)
Frazan Va'Goshal (1)

Cosumar Assists Tally
Ole Öhman (3)
Anders Engström (2)
Augen Wittevrongel (1)
Vareza Na'Noni (1)
Sheldon Serra (1)
Tiffany Elam (1)

Substitute Appearances Tally
Matt Branch (4)
Esteban Hernandez (3)
Ace Newman (3)
Tiffany Elam (3)
Jo de Marisco (2)
Deirdre McNessa (2)
Maynard Gorham (2)
Frazan Va'Goshal (2)
Augen Wittevrongel (1)
Tevin Lilley (1)

Cosumar's World Cup 75 Cycle
Four Corners Friendly Tour: Cosumar 1-0 Flardania (@ The Wormhole, Ashen Point)
Four Corners Friendly Tour: Cosumar 5-0 Azrea (@ Versiaville Pavilion, Versiaville)
Four Corners Friendly Tour: Cosumar 3-1 Super-Llamaland (@ Orangi Stadium, Crawford)
Four Corners Friendly Tour: Cosumar 3-1 Rotschwarzland (@ SweetHaven Stadium, Stoneshore)
Qualifying Matchday 1: Bye
Qualifying Matchday 2: Cosumar 4-2 Lons
Qualifying Matchday 3: Pridenestrovia vs. Cosumar (@ Sheriff Stadium, Tiraspol)
Qualifying Matchday 4: Cosumar vs. Acronius (@ Leviathan Arena, Kaldukosic)
Qualifying Matchday 5: Kaboomlandia vs. Cosumar (@ King Wulfric II Royal Stadium, Kolra)
Qualifying Matchday 6: Cosumar vs. Super-Llamaland (@ Leviathan Arena, Kaldukosic)
Qualifying Matchday 7: Nuevo Caracas vs. Cosumar
Mid-Qualifying Friendly TBD
Qualifying Matchday 8: Bye
Qualifying Matchday 9: Lons vs. Cosumar (@ Kêlik Den, Kêlik)
Qualifying Matchday 10: Cosumar vs. Pridestrovia (@ Leviathan Arena, Kaldukosic)
Qualifying Matchday 11: Acronius vs. Cosumar
Qualifying Matchday 12: Cosumar vs. Kaboomlandia (@ Leviathan Arena, Kaldukosic)
Qualifying Matchday 13: Super-Llamaland vs. Cosumar
Qualifying Matchday 14: Cosumar vs. Nuevo Caracas (@ Leviathan Arena, Kaldukosic)
Green: Victory
Blue: Draw
Red: Defeat
Home team listed first

by **Savalen** » Sat Jun 11, 2016 2:47 pm

Russo the lynx

A long way from home, far far away, a child sleeps in his bed. He dreams of making history, he dreams of breaking records, scoring goals and winning games. But nearby, just in that hotel there, a grown teenager dreams of the same things, but with one major difference - he is so much closer to achieving that aim, so close he can reach it. And his name is Sviták.

A long way from home, far far away, a cub sleeps in his den. Softly snoring, he dreams of being the strongest, he dreams of being the fastest, first to make a kill, make the biggest kill. For him, that is his reality as he softly drifts and the snowflakes gently float from the sky, falling with a poof onto a quickly whitening landscape. Winter is coming.

The little child awakes from his sleep and spends a few seconds acclimatising to his new moonlit room. A long shadow falls from the solitary figure of a footballer sitting on the windowsill. The small child knows not why he is woken, but tiptoes downstairs to get a glass of water as he feels he needs a drink to get back to sleep..

A lynx has a reflex to always have an ear pricked up in case of danger, but when you are but a cub, you nudge your mother awake with your warm, wet nose when you are awoken. She shift and pads the bottom of the den twice with her tail - no danger - and lifts her nozzle once - just small prey. And the cub falls asleep against his mother's belly once again, snoring quietly and the snow still falls, falls, falls outside.

The small little boy goes over to the water after taking a glass from the table-top and picks up a small note he has read so many times from underneath the jug.

Lil bro,
I hope you will support me when I step on the field and I have spoken to our parents - you will be allowed to wake up early to watch the match on the TV and they won't make a fuss! Have fun - there's a sweet stash under my bed for you!
Big Sviták.

The little boy drunk his cup of water and returned upstairs, checked his alarm and fell asleep. Just 2 hours to go.

Outside, the weather changes. The snow stops and the cloud starts to build. This is not good for a young lynx and his family because hunting for the best is bad in such conditions, but for learning? No chance. The lynx is already hurt by the late snowfall, but now it's even worse - the lynx needs to eat and grow.

Over in the hotel, big Sviták stirs - he plays in just a matter of hours. As his alarm goes off, he rolls over to the side of the bed and slams it off. Gingerly he stands up, nerves coming back to him. Quickly walking over to the shower, the puts on a smoothing song to calm his choke-gripping nerves. As he showered, he thought through everything he'd done in preparation. Now just one more team talk and he would step onto the pitch for the first time. At just 16 years old. He couldn't believe it.

Morning came and the sun rose over the horizon, painting the thin sheet of white pink and orange. A solitary ray of light pierced the shelter and the small cub awoke. He was now old enough to take decisions by himself, result in him heading out. He takes a large breath of the chilling fresh air. Prey.

Sviták stands up off the bench to a bunch of clapping and a pat on the back from his neighbour, Sagra. This was his moment, his debut and his chance. His lil bro was watching at home, expectantly, as Sviták preceeded up the stairs before walking out onto the pitch. Now just the national anthems stood between him and his first touch against Greater Cascadia. And he was out for revenge.

Russo froze. The prey was a small white hare, quietly nibbling on the small grass shoots that hadn't been covered by snow as they were sheltered by the small pine tree. Quietly stalking him, the little lynx looks for his first kill. He is a mere meter away. He jumps, spooking the hare and sets chase. He is getting closer and closer.

*peeeeeep* and the match kicks off. And consummation comes, and jrs two hemispheres. Like brother, like friend. Like lynx like person.

by **Ethane** » Sat Jun 11, 2016 2:53 pm

Part 1

‘’Pass the ball! Mitchell! Pass the ball!’’ Wilmer Jaurequi shouted from the left of the box. Samuel whipped it across, high in the sky, perfectly for Wilmer to slam his head into, directing the ball towards the goal……………..

‘’GOAL!’’ Wilmer shouted, as he ran over to Sam, hi-fiving him, before the rest of the team bundled in to celebrate. It was the goal that they had been searching for over 50 minutes for, to equalise the game, and keep them in contention for winning the cup. The silverware gleamed at them from the side of the pitch.

It was a prestigious cup, for sure, one that the school had never managed to get anywhere close to winning in the 20 years of the cup’s existence. This year was different though - they had a good team, with two quality strikers in Wilmer Jaurequi and Samuel Mitchell, and had reached the final of the cup. They were so close to making history for their school, but it seemed yet so far away.

With only 2 minutes left to play, the score was nil-nil, and both teams were looking for that final goal, to win the game, and prevent extra-time, which was looming over them like a giant troll. ‘’We need to get this goal now, if we want to win. We might not get another chance!’’ Jake Adams said to his team, as they were gathered together after Wilmer had scored the header. ‘’We are close. We have scored one goal. It’s time to score another and wrap up this win once and for all.’’ The team all ran back to their positions. The whistle blew. They were off again.

‘’We are at this Schools Cup Final, with only 2 minutes left in the game.’’ the commenter said, with anticipation. ‘’The score is 1-1, after Jaurequi scored an equaliser for New Sarum Academy. This is sure to be one interesting final five minutes, with both teams determined not to go to extra time. If New Sarum Academy can find a goal here, we will have the first new cup winner in ten years, and possibly the culmination of the meteoric rise of two teenage superstars here, who are the driving force behind this team, in Samuel Mitchell, and Wilmer Jaurequi.’’ A cheer from the crowd erupted, as the LowesSports Academy took a shot on goal, but it was wide of the mark, and you could see the disappointment in the eyes of the Lowes players. ‘’Goal kick to New Sarum Academy. 1 minute on the clock. It’s now or never for them, if they don’t get this, it goes to extra time.’’

It had been noticeable throughout the match the dominance of LowesSports Academy. They just seemed to have the better fluency throughout the whole team. They did not have the level of strikers that New Sarum Academy had, but they did have the consistency throughout the pitch. That was where they were hoping to dominate, and that is where they had, ripping apart the NSA midfield throughout the game. However, they could not control the game, and as the goal by the NSA team showed, they could make small inroads. That is why the NSA team were so determined to not go to extra time. They knew that with their lower stamina levels, and their weaker team towards the back, they would be unable to cope with 30 more minutes of play without conceding. That is why they were so determined, and put everything into scoring before the end of play. It was effectively their last chance. And they wanted to give it all they could.

‘’Bailey passes it to Connors. Connors to Rafters. New Sarum Academy could have a final chance here. They could take it. Rafters to Connors. Connors passes it out wide to Carter. They have a chance. CARTER. CARTER CROSSES IT. IT’S FLYING IN. STRAIGHT TO MITCHELL. MITCHELL HAS THE BALL AT HIS FEET. HE SHOOTS!!!’’ the commentator shouted, going crazy, much like the crowd, with all the tension in the atmosphere. ‘’Deflected off a defender. JAUREQUI GETS IT. ACROSS THE BOX TO MITCHELL! MITCHELL HAS IT. HE SHOOTS.TOP CORNER! ITS IN! NEW SARUM ACADEMY GET THE WINNER. THERE IS NO WAY THEY CAN COME BACK FROM THIS NOW. ITS ALL OVER SURELY? WHAT A GOAL, TOP CORNER STRAIGHT IN! THEY DESERVE THIS, THEY DESERVE THIS WIN!’’

The ball was picked up by the LSS players, who ran back to the halfway line, placing it on the kickoff spot, determined to try to get another attack in. At this stage they were desperate. They knew the horror that would come from losing against what they called a ‘common-school team’, breaking their 10-cup winning streak. The referee blew his whistle. They kicked off. The referee blew his whistle again, three times, sounding a death toll in the ears of those from Lowes. The crowd all jumped up and cheered. A massive, rapturous applause filled the stadium. They had lost. To a common school team. This was unacceptable, and they knew it. They all collectively glanced over to where their head, and their coach were standing. Two sets of eyes glared back, throwing daggers into them.

Meanwhile, the New Sarum Academy players were ecstatic. They had done it, won it, when no one thought they could. The crowd were behind them, cheering them through, and they had delivered. Possibly the biggest shock of their lifetimes. They all huddled together, in one big group, including the teacher - just an ordinary teacher - that ran the football team. ‘’You did amazing guys.’’ Mr. Lagne said, between tears. ‘’I never expected so much from you all, and you all went way over my expectations. You, I have to say, are wonderful, marvellous people, and I hope you all join the team again next year.’’

A figure that no one from New Sarum Academy knew wandered over casually. ‘’Who are you?’’ Sam said, his voice almost betraying him with the emotions welling up inside him.

‘’I am the person that could make your, and Wilmer’s dreams come true.’’ he said, as if he was ruler of the world. Both Wilmer and Sam looked at him, with shock, surprise, and inquisitiveness. ‘’What do you mean?’’ Wilmer said, no confidence or conviction in his voice. The rest of the football team from New Sarum Academy looked on with bewilderment at the comments being made.

‘’I have a proposition for you.’’ the casual man said, as he leant against a goal posts. ‘’Here, in my hands, are two very important documents, one for Samuel Mitchell, and one for Wilmer Jaurequi. They are forms, which you can fill out, inviting you to join the LowesSports Academy. We are looking for new recruits, after our ones disappointed, and would love to teach you. We believe we hold the best path to you securing a future, professional football contract at a flame league team, with your skill. You guys are amazing, and you deserve more than a basic, primitive football team at a common school, such as New Sarum Academy. Join LowesSports Academy, you deserve it. With us, you will go professional. Join us.’’ he said, without a care in the world for anyone else around him, or their feelings. He handed the forms over to them, and began to walk off, before turning round to say one last thing. ‘’You only have a week to deliver the forms to me, otherwise, you reserved places will be reallocated.’’

Wilmer and Sam looked down at the forms in their hands. The words the man had said went round and round in their head constantly as they walked back towards the entrance to the stadium. ‘’Join LowesSports Academy, you deserve it. With us, you will go professional’’, as if they were in a trance, or sleepwalking, oblivious to anything or anyone. ‘’Join us.’’

Match Review for Day 1

Ethane have certainly managed to pull off some surprises, and it has only been one match for them - on the first matchday. Facing Matthewsiania, it was always going to be an extremely tough game, especially for the opening game of the tournament, considering they are the second seeded team in the group. However, low and behold, surprises came for the Ethanians, who appeared ready, and completely adapted to the new 'explosive style' of football that the team now follows.

From the offset, Matthewsiania did appear to dominate, and were in control of the game. SEICHELLES MONOMONOI appeared particularly on point in the game, controlling it from the centre, and dictating the state and pace of play. The Ethanian defence, while strong, were struggling against the power of the Matthewsiania attack, in WERDICKLEY SAFADÃO and JUANITA GIRARDI. They were holding on well, until a set piece from a tackle by Darien Fear allowed them to get a decent shot on goal. WERDICKLEY SAFADÃO took the free kick from about 30 yards away from goal, and kicked it straight on target. However, Joe Henderson was able to pick it up cleanly, and prevent the goal. A silly mistake from Henderson though allowed JUANITA GIRARDI to pick up the ball. Henderson threw it out to Bruce Washington, but because he was not expecting it, he tripped over the ball, and fell over backwards, allowing JUANITA GIRARDI to pick up the ball. He made a mistake as well, tripping up as he took the shot, but somehow, the shot deflected off the back of his legs, over the keeper, and into the goal in the 34th minute, to the surprise of everyone.

The Ethanese players were certainly disappointed by this bizarre turn of events, but did not let it get them down, and remained fighting. This paid off for them, when the found the net in the 54th minute, to equalise. An equally silly moment from EDVAN COSTA gifted a goal to Julian Harrington. Julian was running down the pitch after the loose ball, when EDVAN COSTA decided to come out a bit to collect the ball at the edge of his box. However, he mishandled the ball, allowing Harrington to pick up the ball to score the goal. This shot deflected off the goalpost though, and rolled back, allowing the keeper to pounce on the ball first. While standing up though, he knocked the ball with his knees, and watched in desperation as the ball rolled into the net, giving Ethane the equaliser.

The second goal for Ethane came from John Campbell in the 78th minute. Matthewsiania were on the attack, and SEICHELLES MONOMONOI had the ball in front of him in the Ethanian half. Campbell came sliding in to take the ball, but SEICHELLES MONOMONOI kicked the ball first. The ball went flying into Campbell's feet, and then flying off them across the pitch in the opposite direction. EDVAN COSTA was caught off his line in a state of unbelievable affairs which saw Campbell score the winning goal for Ethane from his own half.

Starting Lineup vs Afrikaners and Boers

GK: Joe Henderson
LB: Rene Beckenhauer
CB: Daniel Moore
CB: John Campbell
RB: Archie Holmes
CDM: Merlin Midgley
LM: Kevyn Stidolph
RM: Edward Williamson
CAM (ST): Jose Morgan
LF: Thomas Peone
RF: Samuel Mitchell

Record

MD1: Matthewsiania 1–2 Ethane

Top Scorers:
Julian Harrington - 1
John Campbell - 1

MD2: BYE DAY
MD3: Ethane vs Afrikaners and Boers
MD4: Cruenatia vs Ethane
MD5: Ethane vs Nassau-Hessen
MD6: New Gazi vs Ethane
MD7: Ethane vs The Holy Empire
MD8: Ethane vs Matthewsiania
MD9: BYE DAY
MD10: Afrikaners and Boers vs Ethane
MD11: Ethane vs Cruenatia
MD12: Nassau-Hessen vs Ethane
MD13: Ethane vs New Gazi
MD14: The Holy Empire va Ethane

by **Eshan** » Sat Jun 11, 2016 2:54 pm

With a massive match against Saintland on the horizon, the mood in the Echani squad was tense, professional, and one filled with the reality of the monumental task ahead of them. Saintland was the tenth best team in the world, Eshan? 83rd. That didn't really mean a whole lot to the players, stats on paper didn't matter. It was the nitty, gritty 90 minute grind that mattered. Body vs body, man vs man/woman/elf/dwarf/robot/any other various species that have competed at World Cups past. There was a sense of optimism among the players. They forever believed in their abilities as individuals and as members of a solid team to play at the highest level and give their best fight no matter what.

Miralem Marjanovic had the team practicing counter-attacking and tight defensive formations, with focus on quick spells of possession designed to zig-zag the ball upfield, always keeping the Saintlandian's on the backfoot. It would, in theory, allow the Echani team to always be moving the ball towards Saintland's goal, opening up avenues for the hawk eyes of Marco van Ciavatinni and Jean-Marie Bentacur to pick apart the defense with quick, sharp passes. That was the plan at any rate.

With the more reserved and calculated presence of Steven Dumolt still missing for this match, a more media friendly and warm presence for the players was to be found at the helm in Marjanovic. His first match in charge of the team had gone well in the 1-nil vs Mapletish, and knew his team would have to play even better to stand a chance against Saintland. Whereas Dumolt would have to team training all the way up until the game, Miralem elected to give the team the day and a half before the match off to spend with their families and friends doing what they needed to do to be completely relaxed. He even took them out to a movie, a newly released action movie about an underground group of rebels pushing back against an authoritarian, overreaching government. Their mission was to claim a small town and use it as the basis for a revolution, a mission they were successful at. David vs Goliath. The message was there, they could do it.

The day off was good for the players, and they all spent it in their own ways. Aurélian Gautier and Antonio Mulcair spent it in the gym, while Samper Markovic spent most the day reading in bed. Marco van Ciavatinni helped his mother tend to her garden before going and playing for a few hours at the park he spent his youth learning the game, while Sebio City teammate Marshawn Mercury swam half a mile before driving in his cruiser along the northern coast of his home region. Everyone relaxed, everyone prepared. With the match hours away, the players are ready to go.

by **Valanora** » Sat Jun 11, 2016 2:55 pm

"I am not one to blame referees often for the shortcomings of the national team, but that ref in the Polaaskan match was pretty dreadful and I would not be surprised if he is not given a game for the next round or two of the Qualifiers. I mean, to book the wrong person resulting in a sending off and then to disallow two goals from our side that replays both showed were onside despite the assistant waving his flag for offside. It really leaves a bitter taste in your mouth at the end of the day, especially given how the Marauders will now go into their bye day with that result hanging over their heads."

"Aye, it's not a great way to go into the bye at all but it could have been much worse, it could have been such a terrible job from the referee and his assistants that the third good goal and the one that kept the draw could have been disallowed. Still, just four points from the opening two matches is not the start that the Marauders would have wanted nor does in jive well with the article last week from the Valanora Times, how they had been praising the manager and assistant for keeping the side focused on the task at hand."

"Perhaps it was poor judgement by the editor and writer to go with that sort of piece just a single match into the Qualifiers, it seems like perhaps it would have been a better story at the halfway mark of the qualification campaign if the Marauders were performing as we expect. To write it after just one match in which they could have easily drawn against The Royal Barangay was perhaps tempting fate a little too much, though the Times does have a pretty long history of trying to keep the ego of the Marauders riding high. The sportswriters there are pretty much eternal optimists, even when it comes to things like gridiron or collegiate sports, they always try to overplay how good Vanorians are."

"I think they are just trying to be as supportive as they can while also trying to maintain journalstic integrity, which is an awful fine line to have to try and keep a balance on. On the one hand, they are journalists that are supposed to be reporting on the events of the national teams, as well as the domestic clubs and teams as they enter events. Yet on the other hand they are still Vanorians and they will want to see our sides succeed as well as project a measure of strength and skill that perhaps is overlooked by those not familiar with Valanora and its sporting history or culture."

"You're right but they tend to waver more on the side of nationalistic pride than take a fully objective view and in this case it looks like it has come to bite them in the behind. While I am not saying it is not the case that the Marauders might be more focused on all their opponents now than compared to their previous managers, the timing of it was really poor and it brings a sort of hubris to the squad that probably isn't needed as the task before them is tough enough as is. This is not the same Vanorian squad that has had perfect records throughout all of a World Cup and let us not forget that the string of consecutive trips to the Finals, as well as always making at least the Quarterfinals, has been broken. While some of the names are the same, this team is not of that level."

"That is perhaps why they write in more prideful way, to keep that appearance and belief up from those of us who are used to that level of skill and dominance from the Marauders. If the fans start to not believe or support the side, then they might as well shut down the entire program and the Premiership with it, for this is nothing more than entertainment at the end of the day. So if the supporters are not entertained and not willing to believe in their side, then there is not a point to any of it and it is just a colossal waste of time and money. We both know that isn't true though and so perhaps the Times are doing their part in keeping up the narrative so that the program sustains itself."

"Perhaps and I still have hope that the Marauders will come ahead victorious in this group, even if the results have been subpar thus far, though it is because I care that I feel that way. Maybe this bye is well timed then, let both the fans and the squad a second to breathe and reevaluate before heading into the thick of it in the run up to the halfway point of qualify. From there we can each reassess the situation, since this is a bit early to be either on cloud nine or in the doom and gloom."

"Sounds like a sound plan to me."

by **Mercedini** » Sat Jun 11, 2016 2:59 pm

Mercedini Sports Daily
Matchday 2: Mercedini vs. Unified Sunrise Islands
@ Zoloroni Sports City Stadium - Zoloroni, Mercedini

Welcome back to our live coverage of Mercedini's World Cup Qualification Campaign. Today, we're at Mercedini's national stadium in Zoloroni Sports + Economic City, aptly named the Zoloroni Sports City Stadium, for possibly Mercedini's toughest match of the group. Mercedini will be playing the favourites to qualify, Unified Sunrise Islands, in Mercedini's first home match of the qualifying campaign. The Mercedinian fans are slowly trickling into the stadium, with none of the USI fans in the stadium at the moment, the stadium is quite quiet as the stadium staff and security are doing their final checks before kick-off.
We are moments away from kick-off now and the wall of sound created by both fans is getting louder and louder as the minutes pass, plenty of Mercedinian fans waving their flags and blowing their horns, while the large contingent of USI fans are belting out their own chants. The players received a huge fanfare as they walk on the pitch. No changes from the Mercedinian management as they stick with the team that gave a disappointing performance in the 1-0 defeat in Aji No Moto. Meanwhile, USI elect for a strong line-up as they hope to continue their winning streak after a 5-3 victory against Brenecia. Second half coming soon.

0' - Here we go then, folks! Mercedini with a mountain to climb as they face the group favourites in USI. Can they clinch any kind of result against them? USI will be kicking off from left to right in their white and grey kits, which contrast the blue and black kits of the Mercedinian players who wait patiently for kick-off, which is imminent...

8' - (MRC 0-0 USI) - The Islanders have come storming out of blocks in the opening five minutes with two great chances, both from Stabb, the first was a glancing header from a fizzing cross that crashed against the crossbar and out for a goal kick, the second was a shot from in the box that was smothered by Hosset. A very good start from the experienced and talented team, Mercedini will have to be wary of him for the rest of the game. 0-0

18' - (MRC 0-0 USI) - USI controlling the game thus far, they have had all the possession and the chances, however, they are not as clinical as previous matches, so Mercedini could snag a goal on the counter attack, the crowd are starting to get behind Mercedini, can they reward them with a goal? At the moment its still goalless

27' - (MRC 0-0 USI) - Beautiful weather here in Zoloroni as Mercedini go forward with the ball, the action has picked up in the last few minutes with Mercedini have a couple of half-chances, none that really threatened the goal of Couch. We remain goalless, but the play has opened up for both teams.

35' - (MRC 0-0 USI) - A massive chance goes begging for USI, they really should have put the ball into the net. A corner that was floated into the box by Nishidake was met by Zezinho with a fierce header, the header hit the crossbar and bounced down the wrong side of the line, the Mercedinian defence then cleared the ball off the line. I've had another look on my monitor and goal-line technology tells me that the whole of the ball didn't go over the whole of the line. A close shave for Mercedini, somehow it remains 0-0 as we enter the last ten minutes of the first half.

43' - (MRC 0-0 USI) - A corner comes in from Crasic on the near side, header from Tranev!!!! Saved!! Scramble for the ball of the goal line! GOAL!!! Nymark, unbelievable!! Mercedini have forced the ball in at the far post, Nymark wheels away into the crowd to celebrate, the 60,000 Mercedinians go mental as they go 1-0 up against the Pot 1 team, the blue and black portion of the crowd is on cloud nine while the USI fan group is silenced. I can't believe I'm saying this, but the score is Mercedini 1, Unified Sunrise Islands 0!

45+4' - (MRC 1-0 USI) - Mercedini lose possession in the USI half, is there enough time for the Islanders to get upfield, I wonder? No! The referee blows his whistle to signify the end of the first half, and what a first half it was! Mercedini go into the break a goal up from a Nymark shot as he bundled the goal into the net after a Tranev header was saved off the line. At the break it's Mercedini 1, USI 0. That felt so good I might say it again, Mercedini 1, USI 0!

HALF TIME: Mercedini 1 - 0 Unified Sunrise Islands
Nymark 43'

So, Mercedini come out knowing that they are half way to creating a huge shock, possibly one of the biggest in the second matchday two, results have been slow to come in today, so we can only focus on this game and see when it ends up.

The teams comes out for the second half, goodness knows what the managers have said to both teams, although I think the USI players may have received the hairdryer treatment from their manager. The fans cheer as Mercedini get set for kick-off, they will be kicking from left to right this time, 45 minutes away from an historic victory. Second half starting now...

48' - (MRC 1-0 USI) - Mercedini setting a slow pace for the beginning of the second half, they are hogging the ball and making sure that USI cant create any chances, they are scything down possibilities for any chance that USI has of getting a meaningful attack together. Still 1-0 Mercedini

52' - (MRC 1-0 USI) - USI coming close as they regroup to try and get an equaliser. It's Stabb again who drags a shot just wide of the post, both sets of fans getting restless, another goal is needed for either team to reassure their respective fans. Still 1-0, but USI are getting back into the game. Mercedini need to be wary.

61' - (MRC 1-0 USI) - Action slowing down in the past five minutes are Mercedini attempt to slow the pace, it seems to be working. The Mercedinian Big Band is playing loud and clear in the stadium to get the fans blowing their horns and waving their flags.

80' - (MRC 1-0 USI) - Mercedini come close to putting the game to bed as Billic found an opening in the Islander's defence, he ran inside the box but the ball was smothered by Couch, who managed to get the ball and clear the danger. Mercedini are knocking on the door, but no second goal at the moment.

88' - (MRC 1-0 USI) - Crasic running down the wing once again. The USI defence is stretched as Mercedini find themselves in a 2-on-2 situation inside the USI half. Crasic lays a beautiful pass towards Billic who is bounding towards the goal. He clips it back to allow some space, he curls it!! GOAL!!! Billic surely has finished USI off with a fantastic effort that ended up in the top corner! The players, substitutes pile onto Billic as he celebrates in the corner. The crowd is jumping as Mercedini find themselves 2-0 up with only two minutes plus stoppage time! Am I dreaming? I certainly am not! 2-0 Mercedini!

90+1' - (MRC 2-0 USI) - Moments left as Pujanic run it into the corner. USI players come to tackle him but he is holding possession effectively. The ball goes out for a Mercedinian throw-in...but... there wont be enough time to take it!! The referee blows his whistle, that's the end of the game. Mercedini have pulled off an unbelievable results, a team that reached the quarter finals of the Baptism of Fire has beaten the seasoned-pros of USI. The players and the fans rejoice, it's finished here in Zoloroni, Mercedini 2, Unified Sunrise Islands 0.

FULL TIME: Mercedini 2 - 0 Unified Sunrise Islands
Nymark 43', Billic 88'

After that tremendous performance here in Zoloroni, Mercedini travel to Vyshehradska for their third match in qualification. We have seen some crazy results in this qualification so far. So, the boys cant take anything for granted. At the moment, they are joint first in the group so far, lets see how long they can stay there. I'm signing off, have a good day!

by **Ceni** » Sat Jun 11, 2016 2:59 pm

rotunda > interview
Election Preview: The Parties and The Candidates

Quinn Turnell: Good morning. I'm Quinn Turnell, and you're listening to Rotunda from Cenian Public Radio, your first source for political news without bias. With about two weeks left into the presidential election, the parties and candidates are campaigning hard for the votes of each of Ceni's citizens. Today we have a special guest to analyze each of the six candidates' chances for success in the general election. I'm happy to welcome Cenian Public Radio's chief politics editor, Gil Korova, to the studios to discuss the upcoming elections. Good morning, Gil.

Gil Korova: It's my pleasure to be here, as always.

QT: Let's start off by talking about the incumbent president and Congress for Democratic Socialism candidate, Masnol Binnill. What has he accomplished in his term that has been beneficial or not so beneficial, and how are voters reacting to his campaign messages?

GK: Mr. Binnill is running a scrappy campaign, as a lot of polls have him at a disadvantage to the Social Democrats' Audrey Goleidas of New Oxford. A lot of his achievements have come in the area of health care, expanding access to small clinics to relieve burdens on hospitals, making the hospitals more reliant on government funding rather than charging huge markups, providing incentives for healthier eating, reducing food deserts, and promoting efficiency and good customer service in the healthcare department. He's also been trying to reduce CEO to employee pay ratios and reduce copyright terms to stop the big movie studios from claiming copyright forever. However, not only has he been upstaged by the Social Democrats and their new, exciting candidate, Goleidas, but a large number of business groups has started trying to undermine him, realizing, correctly, that his policies are aiming to curtail their rights and powers. So these corporations are running attack ads against Binnill, claiming he will ruin the economy and portraying him as a communist who will take over the government - and the polls have shown that those ads are working, but instead of having the effect the corporations wanted, they're mainly driving voters to Goleidas instead of Binnill. Binnill is trying to fight back - talking about improvements in waiting time and quality of care in hospitals and reducing income inequality. If his numbers stay about where they are now, he'll probably lose the election, but if there's some sort of change in momentum in the next two weeks, I can see him coming back to win re-election.

QT: Do you think Audrey Goleidas can continue with her momentum after winning the Social Democrats' primary in a bit of an upset? What do you think has been the main points driving her success so far?

GK: It's looking that she will continue that momentum as she's holding steady and holding strong in the polls right now. She did pull off the upset the Social Democrats' primary, defeating the party's leader in the Senate, Sela Felan, who was considered by many to be the favorite in the election. Yet she managed to pull off the victory with the help of her constituents in New Oxford, which she represents in the Senate. She was a real left wing candidate in the primary, running with a firm anti-neoliberal stance. In particular, she argued for a number of progressive ideas on taxes, like a greater inheritance tax, a rise in the rate on capital gains and carried interest, simplifying the tax code, and reducing deductions used by the rich, as well as ideas like banning forced arbitration in contracts, reforming monopolies and bankruptcy laws, reducing corporate welfare, and making countervailing power - including promoting unions and small business owners. She also supports small businesses and innovations, including through providing money to help develop new goods and services and strengthening education; she also wants to make all public colleges in Ceni free of charge. I think a lot of these policies have actually really resonated with the electorate - not only within the Social Democrats, but with the general electorate as well. They're very progressive, but they're not so radical as to be too progressive. I think that she's doing a good job of explaining all these esoteric concepts in political economy and making them engaging to the average voter - so I do think she has an excellent chance of winning this election.

QT: Can the Greens and their candidate, Jenny Avana Marina, continue their good results in national elections and perhaps win the presidency?

GK: That's a pretty hard question, Quinn, and with only a couple of weeks heading into the election, it’s kind of hard to tell exactly how the Greens will perform in the election. But I will say that Avana Marina is performing pretty well in the polls - running almost neck in neck with the frontrunner Goleidas. The Greens have had a pretty successful past four years - they have a plurality in the Council of Representatives with 71 seats as well as 14 seats in the Senate, the second highest total. They’ve been pretty successful in communicating their message of social justice and environmentalism and expanding their base from not only the north, where they won most of their Senate seats and their governorships, to Cenial, City Centre, and New Oxford. Therefore, I do think it’s a distinct possibility that Marina can come out of this election with the presidency in hand. They have a wide base of support throughout the country, and I don’t think too many people are too diametrically opposed to having the Greens in office. Their platform is a mix of Scandinavian-style social justice and old school environmentalism, with a big push towards getting Ceni to be entirely on renewable power within four years. They also have a good claim of being more moderate than the other social liberal parties out there, so they might have a bit more staying power in the south and Whitehaven. But then again, Goleidas is a strong candidate in the cities, too, so we’ll just have to wait and see.

QT: How relevant do you think the Moderates' candidate, Karen Arkanus, will be in this race?

GK: The Moderates - formerly the Cenian Conservative Union - have made a real push to be competitive nationwide. They toned down some of their more radical rhetoric from the last few elections and came to a more centrist platform, being a bit more liberal on economic issues while being a bit more conservative on the social issues, such as abortion and gay rights. This will probably serve them the best in the south, which has been historically more conservative, as well as, strangely, the north, where this mix of issues has endeared them with more socially conservative but economically liberal Hispanics, who have historically been driven away by the party's policies on immigration. So I think they will probably do well in those areas where they did pretty well in the midterm elections two years ago, as well as Whitehaven most likely. They will have to do a lot of work to win the election in the cities, which are the biggest source of votes in the election and are traditionally the most liberal. Their choice of candidates, though, was quite interesting, as they chose a candidate from the south, Karen Arkanus of Newcastle, who might not be as popular with the north as the party would like, and she may not be able to carry many more votes in the historically liberal cities.

QT: Do you think that Johnny Menuk's policies will resonate with the electorate?

GK: Well, I don't think the country is ready for his policies yet. Remember Xanthas Hightower, back in the elections of two years ago? Menuk is very similar to Hightower, except for a couple of respects. He does continue the New Cenians hatred of immigrants and diversity, and his insistence on tough measures to be taken against illegal immigration and terrorism. But he's less of a businessman candidate than Hightower - he rarely makes any more pronouncements about the economy than that he will "make Ceni great again", and most could argue that he isn't in the pocket of the Super PACs or the business interests. He's independently wealthy, from some real estate dealings, so he keeps on claiming that he can't be bought by anyone. He's wildly popular in Dover, but then again, they're one of the more conservative districts in Ceni. The New Cenians have never competed in a full, nation-wide contest before, so it'll be interesting to see how they'll compete, but, if the results from the Senate elections two years ago are any indication, though, they won't do very well in the immigrant-heavy areas or in the Hispanic north, where he has offended many. He may have an audience in City Centre, more so than the last elections, as he's talking about reducing free trade and increasing tariffs on other countries, so he might gain some support there if he plays up the trade issue.

QT: Is the Cenians for Prosperity group relevant in this election with their candidate, businessman Fabian Adras?

GK: This is an interesting party as they're yet another of the conservative groups that have seemed to have popped up fairly recently. While they are another one of these right-wing sides that have sprouted up, they are also pretty different from the New Cenians. The Cenians for Prosperity, instead of being a right-wing populist, anti-immigrant, nativist group like the New Cenians, are a neoliberal party. Interestingly, they're in quite a direct contrast with the Social Democrats' candidate, Audrey Goleidas, who says there is too much neoliberalism right now. They support more free trade, not less, and some of the policies espoused by the New Cenians in the last election relating to business. They also support massive loosening of Cenian governmental restrictions on business activity - on things like the environment, workplace safety, minimum wage, and the like, in order to make businesses more profitable, and they propose massive tax cuts. While their candidate, businessman Fabian Adras, is a lot more polished and seems quite a contrast from the abrasive Hightower, I don't think that's going to make much of a difference in the election. The Cenian people, except for the South of course, have not been too receptive to a neoliberal message in the past, and not much has changed. They'll probably hold on to their base in the south and probably not extend much elsewhere throughout the nation.

QT: That was Gil Korova, the chief political editor of Cenian Public Radio. Thank you for your time.

GK: It was my pleasure.

by **Acronius** » Sat Jun 11, 2016 3:41 pm

Acronius Atop Group Three
Blue Boys overwhelm Super-Llamaland in typical Acronian fashion
James E. Sudlow (@SudlowUP)
^{11/06/2016, 22:41 | Lionsgate, Acronius}

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SUPER-LLAMALAND 3 - 5 ACRONIUS

ACR - 4-2-1-3
GK - Sebastian Nielsen
LB - Lupe Andersen
CB - Richard Ayers
CB - Fabian Royce
RB - Franz Ruess
DM - Arturo Santiago
DM - Frank Spelmeyer
CAM - Axel Aubry
LW - Max Fawden
CF - Saul Vesper
RW - Titus Blackett (C)

SLL - 4-2-3-1
GK - James Costa (C)
LB - Adrian Lindberg
CB - Tyler Zhou
CB - Immanuel Kane
RB - Michael Sorenson
DM - Ethan Candelario
DM - Nemanja Vesely
LAM - Miroslav Vorobyov
CAM - Felix Rasmussen
RAM - Jessica Chamberlain
CF - Ansel Penbrooke

Goalscorers
Rasmussen - '19
Penbrooke - '43
Vorobyov - '64
Blackett - '2, '30, '72
Vesper - '59, '89

VARGAS - Following a frustrating goalless draw against Kaboomlandia which saw Acronius' offensive line completely blocked off, the Blue Boys bounced back in an unlikely 3-5 win away against Super-Llamaland. So many things were notable about this day two blockbuster - the home side never led in the game despite a nine-spot advantage over the Blue Boys in the rankings, the sheer Acronian-ness of the Blue Boys' style of play, both four-man defenses achieved systematic failure, the goalkeepers even more so - the list goes on. The unanticipated win was nevertheless welcomed by Henry Coyle's side, who were left in a shaky third place after a disappointing draw against Kaboomlandia a day earlier. Titus Blackett claimed a hat trick for Acronius with Saul Vesper getting a brace, while Felix Rasmussen, Ansel Penbrooke, and Miroslav Vorobyov split apart the Tigers' goals.

Sporting their new away kits for the first time, the Blue Boys were fielding their expected 4-2-1-3 formation: Sebastian Nielsen in the goal, Lupe Andersen, Richard Ayers, Fabian Royce and Fabian Ruess in the back, Arturo Santiago and Frank Spelmeyer as halfbacks, Max Fawden and Titus Blackett on either wing, Axel Aubry as a second striker playing the false nine, while Saul Vesper was up in his territory: the six-yard box. Despite a solid forward line, critics justifiably expressed disapproval over an aging defense, which had already gained WCQ experience twice but was still unsubstantial when head-to-head with a good offense line. Meanwhile, Super-Llamaland dropped two regulars from their lineup; with centreback Emily Ynoa replaced with veteran Tyler Zhou after a performance described as "underwhelming", and Reid Adrian giving up the right wing for Jessica Chamberlain.

The Acronians travelled to Centennial Pitch in Vargas, and were welcomed through the tunnel to a 70,000 strong crowd - two-thirds of which were Llamanean supporters. Their roars, cheers and chants quickly turned into the silence of a cathedral, however. A technical error on the part of Ethan Candelario resulted in the Llamanean midfielder's pass being intercepted by Frank Spelmeyer, who then managed to sidestep a sliding Nemanja Vesely before forwarding the ball to Axel Aubry - two costly Llamanean errors. Playing a one-two pass with Max Fawden, the 26 year old slotted in a deep pass into the box, which slithered past the feet of Tyler Zhou and Immanuel Kane before ending up at the feet of 'the Cannon' - Titus Blackett. The Avenida Leal striker's sitter got the better of James Costa, scraping the grass before finding the net. The Acronians were in the lead after two minutes.

As play progressed, so did the Tigers' game. Refusing to lose their footing, the Llamaneans quickly began exploiting the two wings, with the four attacking Tigers quickly getting to work as the home side's halfbacks supplied them with passes. Over the next fifteen minutes, the Blue Boys weren't able to build up on their lead, with possession steadily dwindling in favor of the Llamaneans. Franz Ruess was able to hold his ground over on the right side of the defense, but Lupe Andersen was much more burdened - and the combined efforts of Jessica Chamberlain and Felix Rasmussen finally broke Andersen's concentration. The game was just inside the 20 minute mark now, and Chamberlain was once again one-on-one with Andersen. This time, Chamberlain chased the ball down the side of the box, firing a pass into the box, but it was deflected by Richard Ayers. Despite cutting off Ansel Penbrooke from the ball, the danger wasn't over: Felix Rasmussen introduced himself into the danger zone for the rebound, and launched his shot, with goalkeeper Sebastian Nielsen getting a meager touch on the ball before it flew into the top of the net. 1-1 in the 19th minute.

The Acronians were overeager to regain their lost lead, however, and quickly solidified an extended offensive line, with Arturo Santiago and Frank Spelmeyer set forth alongside Axel Aubry. Thirty minutes into the game, and the Acronians were dominating once more, persistently organizing and reorganizing attacks on James Costa's goal. One such attack right on the 30th minute mark resulted in burly defensive midfielder Ethan Candelario sweeping nimble playmaker Axel Aubry off his feet, granting the Blue Boys a free kick from 29 yards out. Dead-ball expert and free kick specialist Max Fawden took the kick, producing a curved sweeper that went around the wall before Titus Blackett deflected the ball into the other side of the net, leaving goalkeeper James Costa around two full meters away from where the ball actually hit. 1-2 for the Blue Boys exactly half an hour into the game.

With the Tigers' overall morale decaying, the Acronians were starting to capitalize on their game, with both the midfield and offensive trios maximizing to their full potential. With the exception of Spelmeyer, these six players had been playing together for Acronius since the World Cup 73 Qualifiers eight years ago: their chemistry and communications had attained near-telepathic levels. Deep passes from Santiago and Spelmeyer were cutting deep wounds into a failing Llamanean defense, Aubry was on fire with spectacular runs into the danger zone, Fawden and Blackett were both getting in on-shot hits on Costa from outside the box, and Vesper actually did score a goal in the 40th minute with a brilliant header off a Fawden cross - but he was wrongly deemed offside by the match official, who shook off any protests from the Acronian side.

But while the six up front were working wonders, the five under would best be described as a full-out juxtaposition to the double-trio, as evidenced in the 43rd minute: the only time after their first goal where the Tigers actually made it to the Acronian box. As Llamanean winger Miroslav Vorobyov locked horns with right-back Franz Ruess, it was Acronian center-back Fabian Royce who left his post with the sole purpose of committing a mindless tackle on Vorobyov inside the box when Ruess clearly had the situation under control, and the Llamanean winger took pleasure in falling to the ground. With the referee forced to point to the twelve-yard marker, Llamanean star striker Ansel Penbrooke took the penalty, and leisurely slotted a sitter into the bottom-right corner, equalizing two minutes before half time - the two sides would end the first half on the score of 2-2.

Penbrooke's equalizer seemed to have filled the lungs of the Tigers with renewed vigor as the blue-greens spilled onto the pitch once more. But despite the best of the Tiger's efforts, whose attack was blooming anew with renewed shots on goal, the Acronians were the ones who broke the stalemate, just under fifteen minutes into the second half. After an on-target shot from Ansel Penbrooke ended up in the hands of Sebastian Nielsen, the Acronian goalkeeper, owing to his previous career as a baseball pitcher, was able to throw the ball from inside his box, past the Penbrooke, the Acronian defense, the half-line mark, both of the Acronian trios - and find the head of the Six-Yard Assassin, Saul Vesper, placed just inside the box. As James Costa jumped up to challenge Vesper in the air, the Acronian poacher flicked in a delightful header, soaring far over the range of Costa's gloves before bouncing on the line and hitting the net. 2-3 for the Blue Boys in the 59th minute.

Yet, despite the sheer ridiculousness of Vesper's goal, the Tigers remained stubborn as rocks, undeterred in their pursuit of a third goal. A mere five minutes after the Acronians scored, Super-Llamaland mustered enough power to make a third comeback. The setup was simple, with Felix Rasmussen forcing a corner for the Tigers with an on-target shot on Nielsen, who had no choice but to parry the ball out. Jessica Chamberlain took the corner, delivering a speedy wide pass in the direction of Felix Rasmussen, who tricked Fabian Royce with a dummy before Nemanja Vasely received the ball, sneaking a forward pass to Miroslav Vorobyov. The Llamanean left winger fired a thirty-yard screamer which zipped past Royce, Ayers and Nielsen before slamming the post and finding the net. The Tigers had leveled the scoreline yet again. 3-3 in the 64th minute.

But just when the hordes thought the Tigers had sealed themselves at least a single point from the match, the Blue Boys gave them a good reason to think otherwise. Not even ten minutes after Vorobyov's equalizer, and Acronius had already racked up an additional four attempts on goal. The fifth attempt came in the 72nd minute, consisting of an Axel Aubry volley that could only find the post before ricocheting all the way to Titus Blackett, lurking at the box limits on the right wing. Anticipating a cross, Blue Boys and Tigers alike had cramped into an amalgam of blue, green and black in the center of the box - but Blackett had other plans. 'The Cannon' stayed true to his nickname, and hit a screamer against the right-field wall as if he was crossing, before the ball violently cut rightwards and found itself in the top-right corner. The goal was bordering absurd - Titus Blackett was somehow capable of making the ball curve twice in two different directions: first from left to right when the crowds thought it was a cross, and then from right to left when the crowds had gone mental. However, when asked about the shocker after the match, the 31 year old sensation admitted that the Cannon himself hadn't the slightest idea on how he succeeded. 3-4 in the 72nd minute.

Now, Super-Llamaland had managed to make a comeback three times straight, so, despite being mistaken any Llamanean fans who believed the Tigers were going to score a fourth weren't thinking that far out of the box - especially considering how darn close the home team came to doing it. As the match entered its final fifteen minutes, the Tigers were growing more and more aggressive, with even fullbacks Tyler Zhou and Immanuel Kane moving up front to help the offense. Shots were flying in from every angle. Chamberlain, Penbrooke, Vorobyov, Rasmussen, Vasely - they were giving their all. 88th minute - the Blue Boys finally shattered, and Lupe Andersen was the hammer. A brainless sweeper from the Acronian left back inside the box was enough to convince the referee to give the penalty to the Tigers. Penbrooke, after scoring his first penalty two minutes before half-time, would be attempting a brace two minutes before full-time. The Llamanean striker struck the ball, but goalkeeper Sebastian Nielsen saved himself some grace after those three goals, getting a tip of the glove on the ball, shoving it into the post before catching it.

Those who considered the match finished will be fully forgiven - for only a player as ridiculously suave as Saul Vesper would be able to score the game's eighth goal. Acronius had been playing, and stillwere playing in the most Acronian fashion possible: responding to attack with ten times more attack. Nielsen had catched the ball, and we were seeing a repeat of what happened in the 59th minute - the Acronian goalkeeper took a step back before thrusting his arm forward, sending the ball flying through the air - Vesper was the only man in front of James Costa. The Six-Yard Assassin calmly trotted towards Costa as Costa bursted towards Vesper, with one of the two doing so in a significantly more hectic fashion than the other. Learning from his previous mistake, Costa opted to stay to the ground in order to determine the perfect move, but Vesper already had him outplayed. The Acronian talent raised his right foot as if he was planning a volley, before swinging the foot through the air - hitting nothing but air. Instead, the ball came crashing down a few milliseconds later on Vesper's motionless left foot, bouncing over Costa once more and finding the net. And the Acronians sealed their first three points of the Qualifiers, with the game finishing 3-5 for the Blue Boys.

Man of the Match: Saul Vesper

This was easily one of the Assassin's best matches. Five out of the twelve Acronian shots during the game left the feet of this man, and all of them were on-target - with two finding themselves in the net. A goal poacher gifted with surgical precision on the ball, Titus Blackett might have gotten himself a hat trick, but Vesper's sheer drive during the match coupled with his signature elegance simply outshines the Cannon a thousand times over. His first goal was rather improvised, but turning so much into an onside phantom that an entire defensive line misses you is already a solid achievement, and to top it off he scored. He may have been playing a bit solo, but hey - at the end of the day, we're asking him to score and that's exactly what he did. Not to mention the fact that the Assassin somehow managed to the same thing a second time, leaving Llamanean fullbacks Tyler Zhou and Immanuel Kane dumbfounded as the sideline official's flag stayed down. Vesper topped the cake with one of the most innovative goals Acronius has ever scored. Acronius may just qualify if Vesper keeps his game up.

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Comments [ --COMMENTS-- ] |

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521 comments

Seth Monroe · 4 minutes ago
That is some smooth shnizzle from Vesper.
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Yannick Tremblay · 7 minutes ago
Coyle really needs to consider cutting off literally every Acronian defender on the XI right now.

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Michel Ortiz · 9 minutes ago
Why exactly is Andersen still a part of the Blue Boys?
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by **Farfadillis** » Sat Jun 11, 2016 3:42 pm

"Say, Ichi. Do you reckon we've wrapped it up?"

"Ten minutes in and up two-nil? Tíb, I think it was wrapped up from the start."

"Great, then tell Scheherazade to start warming up, she's coming on for Mâás, I don't want to exert him if there's evidently no need."

Ichi chuckled. "You really want to watch this country burn, don't you? Why not send in Jê instead? He could use the experience."

"As any Farf. Have you forgotten our motto?"

"Hey, I'm your assistant. I'm not playing your games, just answer."

"I'm giving her playing time to teach this country a thing or two."

"If you think this country can learn anything at all, you really are as much of a madman as your persona leads the public to believe, you know."

"You seem to have forgotten how powerful a tool football can be."

"Well, I think I could be forgiven for that." He pointed at his cane, Tíbürçìó laughed.

"Fair, fair. But trust me, this girl is a golden opportunity. She's got a thick accent, her Farf is dismal, she's not yet spent a month total in the country and she's a she."

"I'd not call that a 'golden opportunity'. I'd find 'formula for disaster' much more fitting."

"As a manager you're gonna have to see opportunity where others see nothing of worth. Besides everything I said, the girl is immensely talented. Hell, I think she made a big mistake. She would've definitely made it into the Nephara national team. Imagine you're me, and you have a talented, young Nepharim woman you can call up. Can't you see opportunity in that?"

"I can, but not when she's hot-headed enough to punch someone in public television."

"That's endearing to the public."

"Certainly hasn't looked that way."

"Yet. Certainly hasn't looked that way yet. Just wait till she breaks into the starting eleven and starts putting in great performances. You'll see how people will look back on this incident fondly, and even conveniently forget the discrimination she suffered. Maybe, if we're lucky, they'll learn not to do it again in the process."

"Do you really think she'll be that good? There must be something I've been missing about her game."

"Oh, trust me. As Mâ Âlâmëómë manager, I've only trained three youngsters with a higher ceiling. Third-highest ceiling's a world champion and the main goalscoring threat of probably the best national team in the world. Second-highest is three seats to your left, and is often regarded as the best Farf player in history. Highest is on the pitch right now, and I'm planning to base my success on him."

"She's that good?"

"No, not yet. But she could be. So fucking tell her to start warming up already."

by **San Jose Guayabal** » Sat Jun 11, 2016 3:55 pm

OOC: HUElavia hasn't posted roster for this World Cup, Cup of Harmony 66 roster (most recent one) has been used for this RP

WC 75 Qualifiers: Going strong - Selecta starts group consolidation with good performances.

The Guayabalense National Team has not harms or something related to the painful defeat of the last year at the World Cup Final, the road to go to the World Cup Group Stage has started and the pupils of Oliveira and Herrera are playing in a quite offensive way, scoring eleven goals in two games, though the road will become harder as the third and second seeds are coming, players know that there's nothing to risk and win is a priority to settle things early.

By: Omar Silva, EC Resident Poster.
From: Curumba, HUElavia - World Cup 75 - Qualifiers - Matchday 2.
Posted: Friday, April 24th, 2207 - 13:32 (Guayabalense Western Time - User's default time)

San Jose Guayabal is having a good performance in the World Cup 75 Qualifier, en route to the Group Stage of the World Cup, which will be held in Audioslavia and Krytenia, two good games have been seen by La Selecta, not it has booked anything and decided to better ensure everything from the beginning to avoid problems in the middle or at the end of the Qualifiers. In the first game against Schiavonia, at Estadio Cuscatlan an interesting duel lived with plenty of action throughout the game, Schiavonia not left to speculate or shut, but came out determined to attack La Selecta, they did very well to score three goals, although the aim of La Selecta was more refined then managed to score five goals, including two 86 minute and 88 to break the tie and give a blow of authority and thus take the first three points of the Qualifiers, all this in the presence of 121,000 fans who filled completely Cuscatlan Stadium from hours before the game, as is almost always usual, those hours of waiting paid off as both teams gave a good show of game that made the entrance worthwhile, before the game he paid tribute to the players who participated in the World Cup 74 for the outstanding work that was done in the tournament.

In the next game of the Qualifiers, was against HUElavia, a nation that has recently appeared in the soccer plane but has shown quality when playing football, the team led by Manuel Pavlonev has managed to balance a style of fast-paced game with a pretty smart defense, something worthy enough to appreciate when this team plays, its stadium, located in the city of Curumba is a veritable fortress as evidenced by recent records, because despite not getting great results, has kept with a good game and stop making great potential teams while playing there. Their best player is certainly Patricio, a 21-year-old but has a pretty good experience considering his age, this boy has an orientation insider game, besides being a good born striker, left-handed, and so is therefore a danger to defenses, if we rely on the stereotype that almost all southpaw is a fine player, a stereotype that has proved true many times, if not look Zelaya or Vaarisiemi, left-handed players of great finesse when to attack. Other than that, HUElavia stands out as having a fairly humid and hot at the same time weather, so play that's quite complicated for reasons of hydration, because playing there requires to have a good physique and strength so that we can deal with conditions climate of the place and to make an excellent football game, finally, I think the weather was no major problem for La Selecta because we have players playing in similar conditions in different countries, as Vaarisiemi in Valladares or Nunez in his time in Rostov.

On the other hand, it has been reported that at least 10,000 fans of La Selecta made the trip to Curumba order to support our National Team, which continues steadily for a couple of cycles ago. Regarding this game, Oliveira and Herrera have said they do not want to hold nothing back because the intention is to "secure qualification as soon as possible" in order to test youth and a break with the usual headlines with a view to arriving at good fitness for the World Cup Group Stage in the event of qualifying, although Herrera is adamant his tactical ideal "go step by step" and prefers to focus on each game as if it were a final. Midweek was learned that Rodolfo Zelaya was different from the rest of his teammates physical work due to muscle discomfort, for this match will go on as a substitute technical decision in order to preserve their physical and not worsen your condition, your position will be occupied by Renato Corrientes, a young man who will make his debut with National Team, and is a account a promising player by many experts, Corrientes was born in Semarland but decided to nationalize as Guayabalense because their parents motivated him to make the decision, currently plays an important role in his team. In short, everything was ready for La Selecta could make the game in excellent shape, a game that in theory should not have complications but do not know what can happen, this is football, there are 11 to 11.

The draw favored the local and the party was ready to start but was delayed for a few minutes because certain sector of Guayabalense fans Threw flares to the pitch, so the fans had to be calm, ten minutes later the game started without further mishap, HUElavia decided to play offensively from the start of the match while La Selecta remained as always, quite conservative and analytical in the beginning of the match, resisting attacks by Patricio and Sychev, who kept pushing hard to some point, the first attempt HUElavia art came four minutes into the game, a powerful shot by Shiskin forced Terrazas to send the ball for a corner, was a shot goal wearing label. Silva made the corner and Patricio jumped but it was a head without proper direction, was kick for La Selecta, one that some time was delayed long because fans local throwing bags of water to Terrazas while trying to clear the ball, nothing happened that I could have damaged the physical integrity of Terrazas, thereafter, San Jose Guayabal began to exert a little more ball control and consolidate necessary to obtain good results in the field conditions.

At almost end of the first ten minutes of play, La Selecta was already consolidating their playing style and imposing conditions that would allow fluid game in the ninth minute, came a pass from Valencia to Saucedo, this kept the ball for a moment and then gave a pass to Faña, then he entered the area and saw Corrientes well located, the debutant took the ball and shot into the left corner of the goal of Rafael and so as fell the first goal in just nine minutes La Selecta I was getting a major advantage that would help consolidate the game slowly, a goal that would take things more calmly, taking into account the physical wear that originated when playing so moist and hot conditions, especially if a game at 16:00 Oliveira and Herrera insisted his players to stay calm and leave the physical wear for the rival, although it is played in a rather passive way, but better keep his strength for later in the game and when necessary, attack and score more goals.

In the next few minutes, HUElavia showed certain offensive intentions, creating greater physical wear them but was actually a simple strategy against attack later, Patricio had a good opportunity with a team move, the ball Sychev left Patricio a good position to shoot, but his shot went to the post but Moreira came to clear the ball time and prevent a goal, this clearance was at the feet of Samuel Reus, who when trying to give a pass to Dzagoev, made a serious mistake and gave a pass to Sean Fraser, who ran as he usually does, fast and straight to one edge of the court, took a cross towards the head of Faña, the controlled and gave the ball to Corrientes for the pull potently to the center of the goal, at the top and so scored the 2-0 in the eleventh minute of the match, Corrientes was certainly living a dream in his debut, two goals in two minutes put forward to La Selecta in the party, a situation comfortable but slightly embarrassing because of the fragility representing leading 2-0 in a game, as this result is more deceptive than can exist in football, although the differences between the two teams were remarkable, anything could happen, but the strategy leaving the physical wear the opponent's worked pretty well for La Selecta during the first minutes of the game.

HUElavia decided to advance ranks a little more in order to try to generate another opportunity that will be useful to begin to recover ground and appeared to be until Passarelli was flushed and gave pass to Nunez, he decided to keep the ball and stepped back a little with Valencia to hold the ball for a moment, Valencia passed the ball to Fraser ara that run down the left side, this time did not pass and into the area and at the right time gave a pass to Faña so without further ado scored the third goal of the match for La Selecta 17 minutes, Faña held the ball pressure Dzagoev to pull down the legs of Rafael, a goal quite beautiful removed if we take into account its gestation and passes made, adding movements Faña to remove the pressure rival, a good shot and the first goal for Faña after two years with La Selecta, it is good to know that quality players like him are returning to the optimum level and thus contribute more to the cause finally, a 3-0 lead in the first 17 minutes might seem terse but still coaches decided to relinquish possession to HUElavia and make them wear more on the game, although the idea was now to maintain the result and prevent the opponent trying to make a comeback on the scoreboard that could affect the interests of La Selecta.

HUElavia took the lead of the game as expected, not with the intensity that may have originally been due to the three goals scored in just 17 minutes, but even so the intensity was good by the locals, who were in constant stalking of the goal of Terrazas, Patricio had a very good chance twenty-four party minutes, through a long pass by Dzagoev, but Moreira knocked Patricio Moreira was booked by the foul and a free throw was awarded to HUElavia, a distance of 25 meters, Patricio decided to pull the goal directly, a powerful towards the goal of Terrazas shot, a shot that was headed for the top right corner of the goal but hit the crossbar, Terrazas he pulled the ball after difficulty rebound off the post and sent him to a corner. Oscar made the corner, Dzagoev jumped easily over Moreira and nodded good, but Terrazas appeared at the right time to stop the ball, Terrazas decided to lie down for a moment, then hydrated and cleared, apparently the heat was having quite an impression on the physical condition of players, hydration was continued by both sides as the climate was hostile at that time.

HUElavia continued to insist on their opportunities to go to attack La Selecta, they wanted to use local status but were not achieving, it was a pretty mediocre for them result if we consider the advantage that the climate provides them, despite all that they were still some will toward the front for a goal, in twenty-sixth minute, another corner by Patricio ended in a dangerous move for HUElavia, Dzagoev gave pass to Sychev, who tried a bycicle kick but his attempt ended in a kick in the air, Moreira tried to clear but crashed into Dzagoev, the shot towards goal, Terrazas stopped the ball and with that they were going a key opportunity to HUElavia to score the first goal, the time spent and although the advantage was ceded to them, not enough advantage as key opportunities still failing that at least could be 1-3 or even 2-3, but could not greater thing despite technical decisions regarding the conservation of the players due to climate reasons. Although everything seemed that would change, because the coaches were telling players to play a bit more offensive and then in the second half attack as they usually do.

La Selecta was a little more timid than usual during the first thirty minutes of the game but despite that managed to make a couple of opportunities to put in some trouble to opposing defenses, as happened in the thirty third minute of the match and three, where Valencia he made a pass to Saucedo, the took a couple of meters and gave a good filtered pass to Corrientes who decided to face Rafael, Corrientes dribbled and was alone in front of goal but his desperation to score his first hat trick with La Selecta on debut it cost expensive, a disastrous shot, well above the opposing goal that earned gestures of disapproval by their own colleagues and total ridicule from local fans. Corrientes guilty of selfish on that play, when he had the opportunity to simply give the ball to one of his companions as Faña, who was in good position but unfortunately it did not, a golden opportunity to seal the match just before half time failed to realize but even so, La Selecta despite being playing timidly was making a good game, capitalizing most opportunities were giving until that moment, we must also understand that it is not perfect, plus the Corrientes inexperience when defining.

The pressure from La Selecta was intensifying gradually, they were not as timid as mentioned earlier, were now attacking in a more creative and organized way, without generating much physical wear, long but well-placed passes, going to the right person at the right time was constant from thirty-five onwards minute, Los Guayabalenses were shown accurate at the time of attack and were doing very well, in thirty-seven minutes, Fraser had a good opportunity to score the 4-0 after a good cross by Valencia, after a good run, Fraser had a hand in hand with Rafael but decompensation by Fraser made Rafael had a chance to take the ball for clearing the ball and prevent the fall of his goal, but not for long, because after 40 minutes, a good long pass from Saucedo fell to the feet of Faña striker Hunters Cathair managed to enter the area and decided to Corrientes pass to Renato, who with a shove he gave the ball scored the 4-0 for La Selecta and thus was making a dream debut, his first hat trick of his career in his first game with national team, his teammates came to congratulate him as good work during that time, and this is how La Selecta a good 4-0 lead with which seemed to seal the game in our favor was.

In the half time, the coaches made some changes to equipment, by La Selecta, there was a substitution, Corrientes out of the court and Zelaya entered while by HUElavia, Rivalinho entered by Oscar, who until then had had a poor performance where a defense error cost him the third goal against HUElavia. Herrera and Oliveira stressed his players to perform since the beginning of the second half a more offensive game in order to look for even more goals in the game, which appeared to be possible to achieve due to the strength shown by the strikers, especially Corrientes and his extraordinary debut in national team. While the entry of Zelaya benefit more to the intentions of attack by La Selecta, especially for his experience and his eye for goal, for his innate capacity to attack and make splendid plays originating in situations not predicted as goals, now, it would be the first time in over a year and a half Faña, Zelaya and Fraser would play together, back would be the trio of players who did so lacking in our front, if we had had together in the World Cup Final, another story it could have happened, as he badly needed them all three together in the front.

For the start of the second half, Zelaya would be in charge of making the kick-off, he decided to go back and then start attacking from behind, with short passes between players, going to the gradual front as always tend to do, in a quick way and organized, but HUElavia prove to be a tough nut to crack in this second time, because it did not demonstrate as much crack as it had in the first half, was incomprehensible see as a team generated many facilities to the rival although the opponent was ceding the ball to do what he wanted in order to cause fatigue in HUElavia, including possession evidenced, La Selecta barely had 43% of possession but had the strength to score four goals in the first half, the minute forty-seven, a powerful shot went well wide of the foot of Zelaya, the striker decided to try to Rafael but moved quickly to kill the power of the shot of Zelaya in a good attempt to Zelaya entered confidence in the party, meanwhile, Fraser and Faña maintained a good level of play, making accurate passes to Zelaya for the scored but their shots were stopped by Rafael, who was looking to avoid a thrashing, I wonder why did this before, when the game was 0 -0?

Sounds very unusual for a goalkeeper raise your level when your computer is being thrashed at home but this was one of those rare cases, Rafael stood as a key to prevent an even greater disaster against his team, Zelaya was playing good so during the first minutes of the second half, with good interventions by the goalkeeper, as he had fifty-four minutes into the game, where Zelaya was fouled by Samuel Reus, which cost him a yellow card for the abruptness of lack. Zelaya gained momentum as he usually does and pulled power to the lower right of the goal Rafael sector, it was brilliant to send the ball to the side and avoid the fifth goal of La Selecta, excellent intervention by the goalkeeper. The corner kick was executed by Saucedo, looking towards the head of Zelaya, who was unable to make a proper spring back when jumping, did not make proper contact but appeared Faña a shot at goal that hit the post, and he went to one side. HUElavia definitely was having quite lucky not to receive the fifth goal after these moves with great danger goal, unfortunately not concretaban no chance since the second half began.

Time progressed and we approached to the first hour of play, La Selecta remained quite incisively to attack during stretches, but HUElavia not yet succumbed to both stalking, in fifty-seventh minute, a pass from Terrazas to Saucedo began an excellent play kickback, Saucedo gave the ball to Bregoo, who until that moment had passed unnoticed in the game, but decided to change this situation and tried to Rafael with a shot from half court, this was one of those opportunities to have a goal extraordinary or ridiculous, what happened on this occasion was a mixture of both, only ridicule was not by Bregoo, the shot went crashing off the crossbar but came Fraser at the right time just to make a monumental ridicule, it being well-positioned to throw sent the shot fly away from the goal, I daresay that it went out of the stadium in a lesson in how not to kick the ball for children and other young people who are getting started in football, we hope this has just been a blunder as those that occur in certain times and not become a constant for the actions of Fraser in La Selecta.

La Selecta was looking strong in the last thirty minutes of the game, when they were to the front even more and decided to attack also had their attempts to enhance a good opportunity at the seventy third minute, they sought to perform a counter attack, but Silva fouled Bregoo at 30 yards away from the goal of Rafael, Núñez decided to take a cross instead of a free kick, and it found the head of Rodolfo Zelaya who decided to nod the ball instead of stoping it and shoot as usual, he nodded and scored the fifth goal of the game, La Selecta with that goal secured their best start in a World Cup Qualifier ever, because they had 10 goals in 2 games, it was solid start for them and a good prepared action from the NT in this Qualifying, what Núñez did is something noteworthy, as the Guayabalense NT is used to shoot and not pass, and it seemed that the change into the plans for La Selecta worked fine, a good header and a fast reaction left Rafael unable to act properly and avid the fifth goal of the game, the HUElavians were done for this game but still, they could score a goal of honour before the end of this game.

When we reached the seventy sixth minute of this game, HUElavia decided to give some pressure over the Guayabalense defence, in fact, La Selecta defence was having a quiet calm day until Patricio advanced a bit more into the area and then gave pass to Sychev-Reyes, he shot under the legs of Terrazas and HUElavia scored the 5-1, the goal of honour for the HUElavians, the fans of La Selecta booed but the HUElavians cheered for a while, there was a good chance that the game was finishing in that score but there could be more from one or the two teams, depending on how HUElavia took the momentum or the Guayabalense National Team scoring one goal more to settle this game and having a good amount of goals in just two games, a trend that it looks that started in the Campionato Esportiva 16, though this wasn't the NT who played that tournament, though I expect that the same thing goes for us here.

San José Guayabal didn’t looked so offensive like in other games if we talk with an overalll picture of the game in our hands but when they were to the front and decided to attack also had their attempts to enhance a good opportunity, to put the cherry on the cake, at the eighty third minute, they sought to perform a counter attack, Moreira gave a pass to Núñez and then advanced some meters to give a pass to Bregoo, he stayed near the area, then passed the ball to Faña who tried to do a cross but passed the ball again to Bregoo, Bregoo again served to Núñez and he decided to give some steps, dribbled Travaran and then decided to give a shot against Rafael, a good try it seemed because the chances to see a goal weren’t too likely because the area was crowded but that just turned into an advantage for Núñez and he send the ball straight to the right zone of the goal then Fraser appeared suddenly and he scored, La Selecta was scoring the 6-1 against the HUElavian NT, marking with this a solid start for them in this Qualifiers and a good prepared action from the NT, some passes and waiting to the appearance of a midfielder or another player who can shot and try to score a goal, and it happened, Fraser knew how to recover after that badly missed chance twenty minutes ago, still, the goal improved his mood and the mood of all the team. While the fans were ecstatic celebrating the goal and for now the best start in a World Cup Qualifier for San José Guayabal, who has their next game at the National Bank Arena of Rodríguez.

National Bank Arena, Rodríguez, Cap: 72,020 - Game time: 20:45 - Rodríguez Provincial Anthem

by **Chiata** » Sat Jun 11, 2016 4:28 pm

Chiata Times
Early Success

Chiata continued their good form in World Cup 75 Qualifying with a hard fought win over Chernordad. There were many mixed feelings about the draw against New Gelderland in the opening match. Some viewed it as disappointing that Chiata couldn't defeat a lower ranked team while others were relieved that Chiata didn't lose in such a crucial opening match. Regardless, the Chiata Suns came back home and hosted the Baptism of Fire champions, Chernordad. Chernordad was undefeated in their Baptism of Fire title run, but they have now suffered two defeats to start Qualifying. To give them some credit, they have played Saintland and Chiata and have stayed within a goal in each game.

Gulf Stadium was packed with roaring fans as the blue clad Chiata Suns entered the pitch. Chiata was eager to start churning out points, especially with the news earlier in the day that Saintland and Mapletish fought to a scoreless draw. Chernordad was in their away white and brown kits and the players were looking a little timid in the hostile stadium. Before the match, manager Jacob Hommland made it clear that Chernordad wasn't to be taken lightly. They swept the Baptism of Fire and held their own in a narrow loss to Saintland. Chernordad's homegrown squad grew up kicking around pumpkins, so it isn't too surprising that that translates well to football. We're not joking about this either. Chernordad's national sport is "pumpkin-ball" and their entire squad has been playing it since they were young children. A popular term in Chiata for strong rural children is that they were "corn fed." I guess you could say Chernordad's squad was "pumpkin fed."

Chernordad was eager to get back to their winning ways and came out in a heavy attacking stance. Forward Tage Gustavsson made the first shot on goal of the day. He had to release it a little early because center back Copeland was there to challenge, so the shot was easy pickings for Truex. Chernordad continues with their offensive. Howerver, they betrayed their usual defensive form and it left an opening for a counter attack. Left back Barbara Hanson intercepted a pass and quickly took off. She flew past the last defender, Nekrasov, and was soon one on one with the goalkeeper. Aksenov moved forward to intercept, so Hanson shot the ball off quick. The shot was a fast grounder that met the inside right corner of the net. The score put Chiata up 1-0.

Chernordad had just come up with a loss after so many wins and didn't want to stomach another loss. They came back with vengeance against the Suns. Central midfielder Propst surveyed the pitch and put the attack in motion. Gustavsson ran down the left wing of the field and had momentum going as he crossed planes with center back Menke. Propst let off a long pass and it met Gustavsson in stride. It was a close call, but there was no offsides called, much to the frustration of Menke. Gustavsson angled in towards the goal. Center back Perez came by to challenge and Gustavsson chipped the ball to the six yard box. The ball had enough spin on it to curve away from Truex's gloves. Forward Semhar was in the right place at the right time to score a tap in goal. The game was at a 1-1 draw after the 45th minute.

The second half started out with a slow tempo. Neither side was willing to risk anything just quite yet. As the match wore on, the stadium grew more intense and loud. The previously sunny sky gave way to a dark overcast, threatening to rain. Through the stress, Chiata's defense held firm. It was time for the offense to win the day. Right back Adleson found herself at midfield with the ball and an open pitch. She took the chance and rushed forward. Midfielder Kališčar approached Adleson to challenge. Adleson saw an opening and passed the ball past the backside of Kališčar and to the swift feet of left midfielder Toler. Toler dribbled past Nekrasov, planted, then let off a shot. Aksenov had good reaction time and tipped the ball above the crossbar. Stewart took the resulting corner. He hit a square cross into the middle of the box. Striker Prince's tall form beat out his marker and sent a strong header to the goal. Aksenov dove to intercept, but the ball bounced high and into the top of the net. The score made it 2-1, Chiata.

The crowd grew ever louder, hoping to distract any attacks that Chernordad could muster. Chiata went into a more defensive stance and stopped any opposition that came towards the net. Chernordad would get one more chance in stoppage time. Gustavsson had the ball midway through the box. He just beat a slide tackle from Copeland and let off a shot. Nerves got to him as the ball sailed far over the crossbar.

Chiata 2 - 1 Chernordad

Other Group 1 results:
Saintland 0–0 Mapletish
Hasznia 0–3 New Gelderland

Group 1 MD2------------------------------Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
1 New Gelderland                           2    1   1   0     3    0   +3     4
2 Chiata                                   2    1   1   0     2    1   +1     4
  Saintland                                2    1   1   0     3    2   +1     4
4 Eshan                                    1    1   0   0     1    0   +1     3
5 Mapletish                                2    0   1   1     0    1   −1     1
6 Chernordad                               2    0   0   2     3    5   −2     0
7 Hasznia                                  1    0   0   1     0    3   −3     0

As mentioned before, Mapletish provided the surprise of the day with their scoreless draw while away and playing against Saintland. That is perhaps the best Chiata can wish for when it is the Suns turn to travel to Saintland. It is of no surprise that New Gelderland defeated Hasznia, squarely with a score 3-0. New Gelderland, Chiata, and Saintland lead the group, all with four points. New Gelderland lands up with first due to their superior goal difference while Chiata and Saintland tie for second. Eshan is in fourth with three points, though they had a BYE this matchday. In fifth is Mapletish, with single hard fought point from Saintland. Chernordad and Hasznia round up the table with zero points. Chiata's next opponent will be Mapletish and will be playing away at Mapletish. Mapletish lost by a single goal to Eshan and drew Saintland, so the unranked nation has proven they can play some good football. Chiata shouldn't treat them lightly. Hopefully the Suns can reproduce Eshans 1-0 away result and come away with three points from the day.

by **Azrea** » Sat Jun 11, 2016 4:55 pm

MD1: Eura vs Azrea

The Azreans took on one of the best teams in the world and looked to this game as merely one to gain experience from. The Eurans proved to be difficult and attacked the Azrean defense at will.

The first goal of the match came in the 5th minute with a free kick scored by Kris Campbell. The Azrean defense has conceded a foul just outside of the area following a quick counter by the opposition. Kris Campbell jogged up to the ball calmly before striking it with power and pace. The deliverance met the upper right corner and gave Eura a 1-0 lead.

Azrea's opponent made it 2-0 after a defensive blunder was caused by Isaiah Parker on the left wing. The left wingback had a poor pass intercepted which Craig Sinclair quickly pounced on. Sinclair would simply lay the ball off to Lewis Hughes who slotted the ball calmly into the bottom corner. Eura had a 2-0 advantage now and would carry this over into half time.

The second half whistle blew and the two sides were underway again...

Not even two minutes into the half and Azrea made the match within reach. Young right midfielder Kenneth Jayes danced his way into the penalty area and slotted the ball to the far post. He became the youngest player to score for the national side and did so in quite a thrilling fashion.

2-2 was on the scoreboard in the 58th when Azrea's Victor Vage threaded a pass through to Anthony Anderson. Anderson chipped the ball over the keeper and celebrated his goal at the corner flag pl in front of the AZREAN supporters.

The most controversial moment of the match occurred in the 80th minute when the referee signaled to the penalty spot. The ball apparently hit the upper shoulder of Azrean center back Adam Elliot but it isn't clear if it was intentional or not. Kris Campbell walked to the spot and put the ball home, giving his side a 3-2 lead.

Eura ended the game shortly after the penalty. A counter attack led to a lovely ball from John Spartan which substitute Lofty Jones headed home.

The match ended 4-2 in favor of the Eurans.

by **COCANEFA** » Sat Jun 11, 2016 5:00 pm

CUT OFF

by **Jeruselem** » Sat Jun 11, 2016 6:02 pm

OOC - Damn, nevermind

At Dazza Dallas Stadium with Princess Elsa and Jeruselem coach James Troisi

Elsa:
This is Princess Elsa for Naked News Jeruselem, we're at Dazza Dallas Stadium once again. This is the Jeruselem coach James with us. The World Cup 75 did start earlier but we had a bye in the qualification round for game one so there wasn't anything to telecast because we weren't playing hey. Today we took on the top seed Ceni here. They won their first game 6-1 against North Carcossia and the Hesperides. The other teams in Group 16 other than us and Ceni are Confederate Islands of Paputu, Quakmybush, Turori and Felinetopia. We don't know much about the others other than Quakmybush, Ceni and Turori.

James: Good afternoon everyone
Elsa: The bad news, we lost 3-1 to Ceni and sit on bottom of the table
James: Well, we did have a bye first game too so it looks bad
Elsa: Yes
James: I didn't expect us to win this game anyway
Elsa: The scoreline didn't look very good

James: I know and our defense was really tested, against a team who scored 6 goals in their first game.
Elsa: What about our offense?
James: It could have been 3-2 if that disallowed goal stood. We could have finished better.
Elsa: In other games, all nil all draws oddly. Quakmybush vs Turori and ... them teams with **** long names, North Carcossia and the Hesperide drew with Confederate Islands of Paputu.
James: You sure know how to work out long names;
Elsa: well, it's my job

James: OK first up loss, a bit of disaster but it was Ceni who are expected to lead the show
Elsa: We have a lot of work to do
James: Starting slow isn't good but then we have time to improve
Elsa: A lot of new faces in the team, how are they doing - that includes myself
James: It's not easy to turn up and perform at your best, you have to work out place in the team
Elsa: We do have one of shortest keepers in the competition, who happens to be a relative of mine

James: Young Dakota did really well, we could have lost 5-1. Two of the goals scored she really didn't have much chance of stopping.
Elsa: Moving forward, we have to improve.
James: I think having a bye first game is better than having one last game.
Elsa: What about the youngest member of the team?
James: Yes that's you. You should really not overdo things.
Elsa: You're refering to my temper?

James: Yes well, I guess you can blame your mother
Elsa: Yes well, you get the good with the bad with genes
James: It would be nice if you were a little taller too
Elsa: My sister is taller than me, and she's younger too
James: More like her dad
Elsa: I've got enough of those dodgy genes from him as it is.

by **Kaboomlandia** » Sat Jun 11, 2016 7:01 pm

Phoenix shock Super-Llamaland with one-goal win

In their second game of the 75th World Cup, the Kaboomlandia Phoenix stunned the visiting Super-Llamaland Tigers with a 3-2 upset win to drop Super-Llamaland to last place in Group 3 in what has been a shockingly bad performance from the Tigers. The Phoenix are now one point out of the second playoff berth after Pridnestrovia and Cosumar tied, but it's still early and anything can happen at this point. We saw this last year in the World Cup Qualifiers, where the Phoenix fell out of a playoff spot late to miss out on a playoff berth. Still, it's a good sign for the future when the plucky Kaboomlandians eventually take on Cosumar. "The team deserved this win, and I'm happy for them," said coach Ryan White. "To beat the Tigers on our own turf playing our game, that's something. Now we have to do it on the road."

The game was not without controversy, though, as Marco Ciliano got away with dumping Ansel Penbrooke in the box with a clear shot at Duncan McEachern twenty minutes into the game with the home side up one goal. Penbrooke was writhing around on the ground for a while, and to add insult to injury, he got flagged for offside. Many people, including Ciliano himself, thought it should have been a penalty kick. "Yeah, I don't know how they didn't call that one, but the ref didn't call it so I'm not going to complain," joked Ciliano after the game.

The Phoenix have a very bizarre schedule that features a lot of flying out to foreign countries and back; there's only one homestand of two games and no road trips more than one game long. "Fatigue hasn't set in yet with all the jet lag, but I'm expecting it to creep in," said White. "Luckily, we've got a great training staff and I'm confident they can keep our team ticking." The team plays Nuevo Caracas tomorrow, who have just one point. Still, that shouldn't make the Phoenix feel overconfident, though. "We played Super-Llamaland and won. Doesn't mean we won't get the doors blown off against Nuevo Caracas," noted White.

The game is tomorrow in Nuevo Caracas, before the Phoenix return home for the big game against Cosumar.

by **San Llera** » Sat Jun 11, 2016 7:04 pm

San Llera Wins 4-2, Again

Faced with their second World Cup Qualification match, San Llera have once again defeated their opponent by a score of 4-2, this time against Indo-Malaysia. It was a satisfying, but expected win for the San-Men, who have defeated two opponents (in Pots 4 and 6, respectively) en route to topping the group after two matches played.

The real controversy of the match was the TV coverage. Despite most media outlet's policy against it, PupusaTV chose to film a streaker during the match. To the right are screenshots of PupusaTV's broadcast, although not of the streaker, who we refuse to legitimize (besides writing an article about him).

"It is a disgrace to broadcasting, and only encouragement to future streakers," said SLSN (Pupusa TV's main competitor) president Bertrand Combs of the incident. "San Lleran soccer is supposed to be family friendly." It was certainly not family friendly in the 37th minute, when Marcel, 23 years of age, was shown in all of his nude glory, while the announcers commented on his sculpted figure. PupusaTV refused to make a statement.

Goddammit, this article is about you, isn't it. Seeing a nude man is just reminding you of your own shortcomings, and the fact that you're in denial that Arabella has been sleeping around.

Anyways, Marcel, who luckily did not lose his job because of this incident as he didn't have one, has been seized by authorities. Hopefully, incidents like these will not spring up again.

Not spring up again? You can't just wait it out. Marital troubles will always come back to haunt you.

In other news, Marko Vujvic switched at halftime to a 4-5-1 formation, with Jan Capo alone up top and Alemany, Bou, and Fonda in the midfield. The formation was outscored 2-1, so it remains to be seen if it will return.

You're ignoring me again, aren't you. But I will always be here in your head.

"We were trying something new," he plainly stated, not elaborating any further.

You know what the scary part is? You don't even blame Arabella, do you?

Next up for San Llera is Arcantova, who is currently at last place in the group with just one point.

by **Super-Llamaland** » Sat Jun 11, 2016 7:10 pm

Rodrigo Vaz was furious. He was beyond furious. A team that had made it to the World Cup - losing all three matches, admittedly, but still - was now failing to defeat easy opponents. Late collapses against Pridnestovia and Arconius had doomed the Tigers to zero points in their first two matches, and they'd completely failed to do anything well out of the gate, leading to an easy goal for the home side.

Things were looking up after twenty minutes, though. The Tigers had gone on the attack, forcing the Phoenixes and their silly 1-8-1 formation back. Felix Rasmussen, one of the lone bright spots in what was otherwise an awful campaign so far, was splendid. Even better, though, was Ansel Penbrooke, the unquestionable center of attack and the team's best player. Penbrooke had nearly scored once already, and he was likely to do so again.

Rasmussen's shot was off the crossbar, and Marco Ciliano cleared it out. But Nemanja Vesely ran it down and launched the ball back into the box. Penbrooke, who'd made sure to stay behind Ciliano before Vesely sent the ball into the box, leapt to head the ball into the net. But before he could do so, a shove by Ciliano sent him flying awkwardly to the ground and the ball harmlessly into McEachern's hands. The star screamed in pain, writhing about on the ground. It looked bad.

"That's rough," said assistant manager Trevor Duncan. Vaz sank desolately to the ground. The team was in shambles, and now their star could be out for a while. What could be worse?

The linesman flagged Penbrooke, still writhing about on the ground, offsides.

Vaz turned around and walked off the field, then off the stadium, then onto a taxi and back to the hotel, then onto another taxi to the airport, then onto the first flight to Dreamplanet. When he got home, he unpacked exactly one item, a Llamanean home kit somebody had given him, walked into the street, set it on fire, set it down to burn, and went back inside to read the news.

by **Falatulu** » Sat Jun 11, 2016 7:20 pm

Toakameau Post

Imre, Labrecque, Werfel, Asbergsson: You're all Benched Indefinitely
by: Rule Theriault

In light of the disgraceful performance of my National Soccer Team's defense in our past 2 matches, which saw them throw away matches we should have won through gross incompetence in defense, I have decided to bench the entire unit effectively immediately. As those of you who made the mistake of watching those matches on television saw, we made Legalese and West Angola look better than they have in years through the worst defending that I have ever seen in all my years on the bench. This is not the standard that I expect out of my players and I assure you that performance like that WILL NOT be tolerated within my organization.

I am well aware that the 4 men responsible for this debacle will discover their benching through reading about it in the press and, quite frankly, I don't owe them any more than that. If you're not serious about being the best in the multiverse, I don't want you in my locker room at all. That's the way that it has been ever since I founded this team a decade ago and that's the way that it will be as long as National Soccer Team, LLC continues to exist. If you aren't willing to put in your best effort, I will find somebody who will.

I have decided that my new starting goalkeeper will be William Walls, who has patiently waited for his opportunity for years. Of late, he has come into his own in practice and in domestic competition, so I believe he will be a more than suitable replacement for Imre. He will be backed up by Marius Christofferson, who used to be our starting keeper. If William falters, I will not hesitate to give Marius another shot.

My defensive line will also look dramatically different going forward, as I have decided to start Nusmir Senicar, Filip Perkovic and Leonid Borodin as my new defensive line. The 3 of them are actually putting in an effort, so they will start for me going forward and hopefully will not be giving up 5 goals in any matches, let alone 7! I want to make it very clear to the three of them that I expect them to perform and that, should they fail to do so, I will not hesitate to find somebody else to take their place.

There's plenty of talk around the multiverse about all of the upsets in Qualifying this time around. Currently, West Angola, Frenline Delpha and Legalese are leading our group while we're tied with Osarius for 4th. Unbelievably, Osarius has failed to score a goal in over 180 minutes. But we face them on Matchday 6 and later on Matchday 13 in our final match of Qualifying. Next, we visit undefeated, untied Frenline Delpha for a match that we absolutely must win. Given the magnitude of this upcoming match, I cannot in good conscience permit a defense that has proven themselves utterly incompetent over the past two matches to continue to start.

I want to close by letting the four benched men know that they will remain on the bench until they earn their spots back through hard work and dedication. The four of you have become lazy and have begun taking our success for granted. Don't think for one second that I haven't noticed the four of you slacking off in practice repeatedly. I can assure everybody that the era of slacking off in practice is going to end immediately and that I will be ordering every single player on the team to run 12 miles uninterrupted at our next practice, one for every goal we've conceded over the past two matches. This incompetence must end now and it will end now!

by **New Gazi** » Sat Jun 11, 2016 7:58 pm

The New Gazi National Football Club had a BYE during Matchday 3.

"We're going to use the break to recouperate", said head coach Oliver Hausta. "A few of our guys are beat up after the Baptism of Fire and the first few games. It's been a real slugfest, a serious fight."

The team is coming off a second draw, with another 1-1 finish. This time they played Nassau-Hessen in game 2, a team that is ranked much higher than the Gazilians.

"It was a good result", Hausta said. "This team was even better than the group we played on the first match. I once said that if we tied every match in this tournament, I'd be happy. I guess fate is testing me out."

This time it was the Gazilians who scored first, getting the opening goal on the 26th minute.

Galahad Sekibo lined up for the corner kick. He sent one flying out near the top of the box with a fair bit of curve. Imari Lefisse was in position and timed the jump off of his defender to meet the ball with a strong header that sent the ball to the right corner of the goalpost and into the net.

"I just happened to be in the right spot", Lefisse told reporters the day after the match. "It was a solid pass."

The midfielder also played an important role on defense, having at least one major clearing kick away from a dangerous situation. He also made quite an impressive, well-timed sliding challenge to disrupt an attacking midfielder.

Lefisse is one of the few Gazilian players set to play for a team in Abanhfleft.

"I'm looking forward to living in a new country and playing in a tougher league. I can't ask for more", Lefisse said. "The plan is to take what I learn over there and bring it back to our national team."

New Gazi National FC is building a program, recently forming youth teams and working to increase the number of teams in high school leagues.

"Our players are starting younger and younger. The next generation is going to be strong. We may be near the bottom of the rankings now, but things will change in the future", said assistant coach Sayra Junta.

One player who was hoping to get signed but was passed over was Amare Contee. "I feel like I have a lot to prove", the center fielder told reporters. "I haven't done enough in the first two games either."

Contee did have a strong Baptism of Fire, leading all Gazilians in scoring and totaling a few assists.

The Gazilian defense has been doing fairly well playing with 3 people in the backfield. The midfielders have also been doing well sending a fourth man back in support. Ayotunde Ibori is known for being a defensive midfielder and managed a few big stops on defense. They've been doing a good job of being an aggressive, but clean formation. Even Thao Yeboah has stayed away from penalties.

"Now I just need to do a better job of not letting shots pass me", said Mensah, the goalkeeper. "I know some of the strong teams might rack up some goals. But I hope I can manage at least a few shutouts."

by **Hasznia** » Sat Jun 11, 2016 9:40 pm

Chernordad 0-0 Hasznia
16 July 2014 @ Ermakova Memorial Stadium, Central Alastyr, Staraczarvas, Ütközet Territory, Chernordad
Starting XI:
GK-Summers
RB-McAdams
CB-Johnson
CB-Burns
LB-Adkins
DM-Diaz
DM-Rogers W
CM-Pearson
CM-Vick
FW-Hawkins (out-75')
FW-Miller
Bench: Scott, Iverson, Sanders, Shepherd, Strain, Garcia, Waller (in-75')

Just Hasznian Things #2: Hasznian Television

Television has been a favorite pastime of Hasznians ever since its introduction in the late 1940s, and the broadcasting industry is still one of the strongest in Hasznia. The advent of streaming media has revolutionized Hasznian broadcasting, and the average Hasznian now watches upwards of thirty hours a week of television on one kind of screen or another. Below are the five most popular Hasznian television programs in history, according to their ratings.

#5: Love Bites
Original air dates: 1975-1981
Networks: HBC
Most popular episode: S04 E12 “Stake and Eggs”
As one of the first new programs to come out in Hasznia after the end of Sharp’s Rebellion, it’s been argued that Love Bites benefited from its relative novelty and the dearth of competition on primetime Hasznian television in the late seventies. Love Bites was a situational comedy about Peter Meyer, an immortal vampire living in urban Blackfort, and Lisa Marsh, a paralegal who is turned in the pilot episode. Much of the show’s comedy revolves around the generation gap between Peter and Lisa as he tries to teach her the ropes of being a vampire while she attempts to maintain a normal life.

Hasznian history plays a role in Love Bites as in other Hasznian shows, since Peter has been alive for most, if not all, of the country’s existence, having stated he was once a majordomo for the first of the Diedrich Grand Dukes, Victor I. The story of Peter’s long life is told in extended flashbacks, often with anachronisms introduced and attributed to his failing memory. Lisa, meanwhile, grounds him in the present, forcing him to learn about pop culture and modern societal norms in order to keep her safe from the outside world.

The third series saw the introduction of Benjamin Green, a bumbling detective and paranormal enthusiast who becomes involved with Lisa when he investigates a break-in and her and Peter’s lair, which is actually the result of a werewolf that got loose. Ben is Lisa’s boyfriend throughout most of the third and fourth series, despite the constant presence of Peter in her life, for which she gives increasingly unlikely excuses. He finds out the truth in the finale of the fourth series, leading him to break up with her because he doesn’t want to grow old while she remains young.

#4: Far Out
Original air dates: 1997-2003, 2007-2011
Networks: HBC3 (1997-2003), NeutronTV (2007-2011)
Most popular episode: S07 E01 “Space”
An animated comedy set aboard a poorly-resourced space station in orbit around the gas giant “Humongloid Seven”, Far Out was noted for the strength of its ensemble cast as well as its attention to detail and the world in which it took place. The series was the brainchild of writer-producer Geoffrey Hill, later revealed to be a pseudonym for Stephanie Hummel, author of the bestselling Soldiers’ Kingdom series of military science fiction novels. The show ran for six series on HB3 and was later syndicated and then picked up for new episodes by science-fiction-oriented cable channel NeutronTV.

Hummel chose to sell the pilot to HBC under a male pseudonym because she believed that a major network would never buy a comedy series pitched by a woman. To her dismay, the network continued to use her pseudonym after they became aware of her real name and reputation within the science fiction committee. After the series ended, the identity of “Geoffrey Hill” slowly disseminated across Internet message boards until it was essentially common knowledge. Fans of Hummel’s fiction work passed around a petition to get NeutronTV to restart production of new episodes, eventually gaining national attention and a four-year contract for Hummel with NeutronTV.

The essential premise of Far Out was that the unnamed space station on which it is set serves no actual purpose except to fill a quota of space stations in that sector of space. As a result, the consortium that owns it uses it as a dumping ground for faulty equipment and uncooperative employees. One of the main facets of the show is the “revolving door” of cast, who come and go as their characters’ stories dictates; not one of the original twelve main characters lasts through to the end. This was done partly to better emulate a real workplace, partly to ensure fresh material for the writers, and partly to accommodate the career needs of the voice talent.

The longest-lasting and favorite characters are Tiffany Phillips (series 1-4 and 7-11), the station’s first general manager, an efficient bureaucrat who fell out of favor with the consortium because of her alien fetish; Chilbok (series 1-3, recurring series 4), the chef, a starfish-like alien who has very little work to do owing to the station’s food being pre-cooked; and Todd (series 2-4, 8-10), the station’s purser, an immortal, interdimensional being which presents as a lecherous fourteen year-old human boy and provides most of the show’s meta humor.

#3: Reform
Original air dates: 1999-2004
Network: HTX1
Most popular episode: S01E01 “Reform”
Set in the city of Reform, the de facto capital of Hasznia’s Sanguine Islands, Reform tells the story of Travis Bryant, a trauma surgeon at Reform General, among the only modern hospitals on the islands. Bryant is a former gendarmerie medic and a veteran of Sharp’s Rebellion, which leaves him racked with guilt and frequent nightmares. The show was mostly episodic in nature, featuring either patients being brought to Reform for treatment for unusual ailments or injuries related to the islands’ idiosyncrasies, or else Bryant traveling to remote locations for emergencies.

Reform's popularity is mostly credited to its superb cast and the attention to detail used in filming the Sanguine Islands. Previous Hasznian productions set in the islands had used stock sets and sound stages, to the dismay of islanders, but Reform was shot exclusively on set, with special attention paid to capturing the feel of both Reform proper and the individual islands to which Bryant traveled. In 127 episodes across five series, the writers of Reform sent Bryant to fourteen of the nineteen inhabited Sanguine Islands, and each one was shot on-location.

A recurring theme through the first two series is Bryant’s ongoing relationship with Dr. Gail Mullins, the staff psychologist at Reform General. It begins as a provider-patient relationship as Bryant reluctantly seeks treatment for his night terrors and progresses into a tumultuous romance that ends with her leaving the islands for good at the end of series two. The show received a great deal of criticism early in its run because of the way Dr. Mullins is portrayed compared to Bryant.

The last two series departed from the formula of the first three, introducing the new character of Lena Scott, an intern and former navy corpsman whom Bryant takes under his wing. Though their first meeting leads to a sexual encounter, they later decide to stay as colleagues, and Bryant comes to respect Scott’s experiences and her expertise as a doctor. Criticism and claims of misogyny persisted throughout the show’s run.

#2: White Lights
Original air dates: 1985-1993
Network: HBC
Most popular episode: S01E26 “Rehab”
Part police procedural, part family drama, White Lights tells the story of Mark Bailey, a policeman in the Barracha Metropolitan Police, his wife Kathryn, and their two children. The program was lauded for presenting realistic police work and showing how cases affect the people involved in them. Suspects, supervisors, lawyers, fellow cops, and informants all became woven into the Baileys’ lives as they moved through the late eighties in Hasznia.

Series one begins as Mark is taking custody of his daughter Sylvia after Kathryn, her mother, is arrested for drug possession. The personal drama mostly revolves around Mark’s struggle to be a good parent to Sylvia and a good cop, and paying for Kathryn’s rehab while considering the idea of reconciling with her. The series finale, the most-watched episode of Hasznian television to date when it aired, has Mark and Kathryn share a kiss as she leaves rehab and re-takes custody of Sylvia, who watches from the shadows, unseen.

White Lights became a sleeper hit after its first series, rapidly becoming a centerpiece of national conversation, to the point that newspapers would recap episodes for those who missed them when they aired. Its popularity peaked around series four and started to wane in series five as Mark is promoted to sergeant and Sylvia joins the police academy, and the main police narrative shifted to be about her first steps on the job.
Series five through eight saw a steady decline in ratings, but in more recent times have seen a resurgence in popularity with the sale of the series on DVD and via streaming media. Critics and viewers alike laud the later series for the agency that Sylvia shows as a budding police officer, as well as the dynamic relationship between Kathryn and Mark as they deal with her leaving the house and being in harm’s way.

#1: Blue and Silver
Original air dates: 1989-1997
Network: HBC
Most popular episode: S03 E19 “Princess Sonja”
Blue and Silver was a war comedy-drama set in Sterling during Sharp’s Rebellion and the immediate aftermath. Beginning with the coup that overthrew Grand Duke Victor II in 1963, each series covered approximately six months in the lives of three families in Sterling. Blue and Silver was the first attempt at television by noted Hasznian film director, producer, and writer Ralph Nunez, a Sterling native who would later go on to be the showrunner for Reform, and the two shows have attracted comparisons ever since Reform’s first series.

The three families that make up the core cast of Blue and Silver are the Jacksons, democrats; the Blairs, royalists; and the Millers, a family with divided loyalties. The three families occupy a cul-de-sac in urban Sterling, and their conflicts serve as a microcosm for the overall turmoil of Sharp’s Rebellion. Jody and Wade Jackson, brothers, own an automobile dealership that provides vehicles to the local gendarme garrison, while Herman Blair, patriarch of the Blair family, is the head of the local Railway Workers’ Union, brothers of which stand accused of aiding the Companions of the White Rose on the front lines. Caught in the middle is Rachel Miller, single mother of three boys, a schoolboy, a CWR rebel, and an army conscript.

The first series deals primarily with the death of Jeremiah, Rachel’s second son the rebel, and the subsequent realization on the part of the families and others that Sharp’s Rebellion is a real war, with real consequences. Subsequent series follow the path of the war, as Nicholas, the eldest Miller, eventually returns home and finds out what became of his younger brother, while the eldest Jackson Boy, Wyatt, enlists and is named an officer candidate, much to Nicholas’s chagrin. Eventually, the war finds its way to Sterling as elements of the CWR take up shelter in the city, demanding that the local union chapters shelter them as they did closer to the front. Herman Blair takes a stand against the widespread looting and general bad behavior of the CWR rebels, threatening to turn them over to the gendarmerie if they don’t behave, and becomes an icon to the disillusioned royalist populace.

Blue and Silver is noted for both its historical accuracy and its sensitive treatment of Sharp’s Rebellion, portraying each side as having virtues and vices while criticizing the war itself. It is also known as a who’s-who of Hasznian actors in the day, with many noted screen actors either getting their start on Blue and Silver or stepping in as guest actors. In particular, Renee McCoy’s single-episode turn as an incognito Princess Sonja launched an acting career that has spanned three decades and six HAFTA awards for acting.

by **Eshan** » Sat Jun 11, 2016 10:31 pm

Eshan Sporting Daily
In Battle of Good Football, Eshan Falls 5-3 to Saintland

Well that had been a high-octane viewing delight match that neutrals and fans alike took great delight in watching. It had been a fiery affair, a blend of tactical back and forths, two managers making great on the fly adjustments in a game that ultimately finished with 8 goals. The Echani could be proud of their performance, they played as well as they could have but ultimately the quality in Saintland's players saw them go ahead.

Right from the kickoff we knew we were in for a treat with both teams coming out with crisp passing and ambitious mindsets, indeed Saintland's move from the first whistle when the very talented Andreas Fadius had an effort from 20 yards out smack out of bounds off the crossbar. After a very mixed first seven minutes in which both teams pushed forward to try and nab an early goal, but after a further shot from Olivia Florius and two from Antonio Mulcair, one a bender from just outside the box that forced a spectacular save from Virginia Seius, the game started to settle down a into a more tactical pattern.

It's clear that Miralem Marjanovic sent the Echani team out with a very specific game plan aiming to sit back as a tight unit and use quick spells of possession to push forward and sort of blitzkrieg their way past a notoriously defensive Sanctii side. It looked nice if slightly uncomfortable for the Echani team, used to playing a possession-centric play style, and it resulted in two saves by Seius from a close shot from Marco van Ciavatinni and a Baudelio header. We reached the 14th minute to play and were starting to feel good, the team had been playing well and Samper Markovic had been brilliant thus far by breaking down no fewer than five attacks in the time span, and it was through sheer misfortune that Silvia Allectus scored. After a fair spell of defensive possession, Gloria Nasennius went to hit a cross field pass to an onrushing Ursula Epidius, however the idiot ref was stood right in the way, and of course the ball would glance off the zebra's back right into the path of a quick thinking Silvia Allectus, who had only a surprised Francesco Di Nolfo to circumvent before firing in a bullet through Aurélian Gautier's legs to put the favorites up 1-nil. We were unlucky to have conceded, but a goal is a goal and you gotta recover and keep playing, and that's what we did by moving from a more counterattacking game to a more productive one stemming from getting the ball to Jean-Marie Bentacur in a more attacking area in the midfield. The first few minutes of this new tactic resulted in Mulcair knocking on the door again with a well placed shot from distance that was blocked by Paulus Pinius at the last second.

Unfortunately, we came undone again as Miralem Marjanovic's oppositing in the Sanctii dugout responded to Bentacur's higher positioning by dropping Flaccus into the hole between Jean-Marie and the defensive midfield line of Xavi Arisilde and Samper Markovic. This resulted in Flaccus, Fadius, and Olivia Florius linking up seveal times, once with lethal end in the 30th minute when Fadius played a simple through ball that sliced right through the center of our defensive line and resulted in Florius powering a shot past the 17 year old Aurélian, who did well to get a hand on it but it wasn't enough. 2-0 in the 31st, not the result we wanted but one that was perhaps predictable.

Marjanovic responded by moving Jean-Marie Bentacur back into the midfield spot, brought Samper up out of the defensive midfield next to Jean-Marie in the center of the park, and dropped Xavi Arisilde a few yards deeper to fulfill extra defensive duties. This proved to be a fruitfull move and gave the Echani team stability in formation, and gave them a solid midfield foundation to build on and work through, and we dominated play through until halftime, even pulling one back in the 39th minute when a slick interchange between the midfield trio resulted in Arisilde launching a lofted pass up to Anthony Baudelio, who used his size and vertical to head the ball up and over Saintland's defensive line right into the path of Antonio Mulcair, who calmly trapped the ball with his left foot before casually blasting it past Seius to make it 2-1, which would hold through half time.

Whatever the managers said at halftime, it worked. Both teams came guns blazing and we were treated to a goal every nine minutes on average during the second half as both teams made their impressions on the match in a flurry of goalazos, and it was our precious boy, Marco van Ciavatinni who kicked things with a sensational freekick from 22 yards out in the 47th minute off a bonehead foul from Maria Vesuius on Baudelio. 2-2. Saintland rallied and regained the lead seven minutes later after Willian Luc Villaview came sliding in late on Florius and gave away a penalty in return for a yellow card. The foulee Florius took it calmly from the spot, she never looked like missing as she buried it to make it 3-2 and give Saintland a lead we wouldn't be able to match.

In the 60th minute, Isaacus Barrius came in for Gloria Nasennius while Noah Silvio took the field for Antonio Mulcair, who had to be helped off the pitch (later confirmed to be nothing more than minor sprain), and it was Barrius who set up Andreas Fadius for Saintland's fourth in the 69th minute. Iñaki Marton came on for Arisilde in the 70th to give Miralem more of a defensive presence in the midfield, and this was vital in our last goal when he brilliantly nicked the ball from Fadius' foot and laid it off for Bentacur, who pinged it out wide to van Ciavatinni, who whipped it into the middle for Anthony Baudelio to latch onto and make it 4-3.

Any hope of a final pullback was ended by Di Nolfo fluffing a clearance in the 81st minute that managed to hit Olivia Florius right in the damn head to make it 5-3 and it was game.

We played well, the best we could and Miralem Marjanovic was absolutely brilliant with his in-game tactics but it was just the superior quality of Saintland's players that saw them go through. We have an essential match against Chiata on the horizon, a game we have to win to have a shot at qualifying. Chiata rolls into this match flying high at the top of the group and off a 3-niler against Mapletish, who we beat 1-0 in our first qualifying match of this World Cup.

World Cup LXXV - AK75 - The RP Thread

World Cup LXXV - AK75 - The RP Thread

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