Di Bradini Cup 38/U21WC59 (Everything Thread)

by **Anglatia** » Fri Aug 19, 2016 8:09 am

Anglatian U-21 Roster: The Amateurs

Anglatia has refused to send a team to Valanora this time around, in a decision that has arrived straight from the Emperor, after allegations of referee bias were made by the Anglatian press and the Imperial Anglatian Football Federation. Because of this, the IAFF sent a squad made up of amateurs instead of the typical youth players that play for professional academies and clubs. These amateurs were picked via trial and do not currently play for any club(the most they've played is Sunday league). They will also wear kits with the Federation logos and anything identifying the team to Anglatia covered by black tape, as Anglatia is not officially sending a team. For broadcasting purposes, the team will be known back home as the Northern Amateurs, and broadcasters will not refer to them as an Anglatian team.

Team Info:

Manager: Wes Rener(46)
Style: +2.5
Kits(by Meski Sports):

Depth Chart:

GK - Jakub Simic(20) - Rodrigo Falque(18)

LB - Arcadius Matkovic(21) - Michael Hatzi(17)

LCB - Ilya Kontas(20) - Shayne Hawthorne(20)

RCB - Jack Blight(21) - Duke Beasent(18)

RB - Abigail Frobisher(19)

DM - Carter Dashwood(20) 

LCM - Abigail Papadiamantopoulous(21) - Jackson Enright(19)

RCM - Cam Sakellardis(21) - Haley Brophy(18)

LW - Eric Christos(20) - Jake Killeen(21)

ST - Jeremy Mac-Mailin(21)

RW - Elaine Makris(20) - Aarondinho(17)

by **Farfadillis** » Fri Aug 19, 2016 9:42 am

Manager
Ñó Minduruguatzel

Assistant Manager
Américo Marino

Nickname
La Vherderoja
The nickname is a reference to the colours of the kits, though the nickname itself is in Farf.

Style Modifier
5.0
Farfadillis will attack, and whenever they find themselves needing to park the bus, they will attack more.

Kits
Provided by Mons

GOALKEEPERS
#1 - GK - Íüé Tgô - Age 17 - Dí Maozöxê
#12 - GK - Dieje Maart - Age 19 - Fryi Frêndê
#23 - GK - Adalberto Martínez - Age 21 - Avenida Victoria

DEFENDERS
#2 - LB - Eberardo Novillo - Age 19 - Flamagua
#4 - CB - Süns Söh - Age 20 - Mâ Âlâmëómë [C]
#6 - RB - Sans Baesa - Avenida Victoria
#13 - LB - Morris Morrison - Age 17 - Avenida Leal
#14 - CB - René Tachilité - Age 19 - Fryi Frêndê
#17 - RB - Móôr Ínî - Age 20 - Dí Maozöxê

MIDFIELDERS
#3 - CM - Joan Nonhagatte - Age 19 - Dí Maozöxê
#5 - LM - Rës Lâràtürá - Age 20 - Dí Maozöxê
#7 - RM - Lázár Eleonóra - Age 20 - Holdenberg
#8 - OM - Groaré Sasca - Age 19 - Gorfalle Town
#9 - OM - Juan Ruis - Age 19 - La Nueva Avenida
#16 - CM - Norberto Longes - Age 21 - Avenida Leal
#15 - LM - Nârâü Hüý - Age 18 - Mâ Âlâmëómë
#18 - RM - Marios Loizou - Age 21 - Flying Jellyfish
#19 - OM - Sans Tibareté - Age 20 - Fryi Frêndê
#21 - OM - Ignacio Rodríguez - Age 21 - Flamagua

STRIKERS
#10 - ST - Stiin Siorrha'Asione - Age 20 - Violence Chariots
#11 - ST - Elías Ruiseñor - Age 20 - Gran Faro 70
#20 - ST - Des Lopiño - Age 18 - Flamagua
#22 - ST - Bratoljub Mihaljevic - Age 18 - Prostran I Forzuda

FORMATION

Siorrha'Asione  Ruiseñor

Sasca     Ruis
Lâràtürá               Eleonóra
Nonhagatte

Novillo    Söh      Baesa
Tgô

by **Tomikosan** » Fri Aug 19, 2016 9:45 am

Road to Victory: The New Beginning
Prologue: Bassett and the Touhou Royals

*One month ago, local manager John Graham Bassett has taken his job as a manager of the U-21 squad for the 38th Di Bradini Cup, their first international debut. Ryouhei Nagata, the president of the football association, selected him after hearing stories of him saving Brinsley United, the club that John managed, from a relegation to the second division. Here Bassett, along with Nagata, gets to meet the squad who are preparing for the group stage fixtures.*

Bassett: So what are we doing now?

Nagata: You are going to meet your squad for today. They are the ones who are going to play against our opponents.

Bassett: Who are they and what opponents are we facing? Sir, I don't even know what to begin with.

Nagata: You will soon find out, Mr. Bassett.

*Both men go inside to the dressing room to meet the players. They have just finished their training and are ready to meet their newly-appointed manager.*

Nagata: Alright boys and girls, today we have a new manager taking over the role as our main man. He is the one who saved his previous club, Brinsley United, from relegation after an awful season. We heard stories about him and he is here to guide everyone to victory. Please welcome, John Bassett!

*The players applaused as Bassett is introduced by Nagata.*

Bassett: Thank you, everyone. And I really thank you all for the intro. As said before by Mr. Nagata, I am John Bassett. Call me 'Johnny' if you can cuz' that's what I am used to be called in my childhood days.

All the Players: Yeah, thanks for intro, Johnny!/ We are welcoming you./ We come in peace./ Johnny. That's my bro's name!

Bassett: You're welcome. Anyways, since I am new to this edition of the squad, why not introducing yourselves? Let's start with a role call, shall we?

*The players introduce themselves to Bassett, starting from the goalkeepers and works its way up to the strikers. After that, he continued talking to them.*

Bassett: Okay, now we know who we are, are there any questions that I can answer?

*Stanley Connors, one of the potential strikers and captain of the national team, raises his hand.*

Bassett: Yes, Stanley?

Connors: Since this is our debut for the team, do you think you can lead us out from the group stage?

Bassett: I am confident that we can win these group matches, and so should every football fan because I heard of your potential abilities that makes you a special footballer. Stanley, your accuracy and shooting gives you an advantage against weak keeper. Amestov, your massive pace and dribbling puts runners into shame. Smith, you are tall and strong enough to prevent anyone from scoring. The rest of you, everyone sees your special ability to make them proud so use them to your advantage. And this means everyone needs to work hard and get enough effort until the end! Got it?

All the Players: YEAH!/ PUSH IT HARD!/ TAKE IT FOR TOMMY!

*Nagata later calms the players down. He is impressed with Bassett's motivation.*

Nagata: Settle down, everyone! (Faces to Bassett) I like your motivation and team spirit, Mr. Bassett. You have your own ability yourself. Very impressive. Now, will you excuse me I must go and get the assisstant managers to meet you as well? Good luck with the tournament!

Bassett: Good luck to you, sir. (Looks at his watch) <Nice. The time's now up. Everything went well in my first day.> Okay, the time's now up, but before you can leave, we will resume training on Saturday morning and discuss about it, mmmkay. You can pack your bags and go home.

*As order, the players leave the dressing room to go home and have a rest. Just as Bassett is about to leave, a voice from a young girl is heard from behind. She, along with her teammate Iroha ven Holden, is the youngest player to appear in the squad, just aged 15 years old. Bassett walks to her to check things out.*

Bassett: What are you doing, young lady? Time's over. Leave the place, please.

Munschell: I am waiting for my parents to pick me up. And hey, you look like what my father talk about it.

Bassett: Well, you should have-Wait, your daddy knows me?

Munschell: Yes. Yes, it is. My name is Kumi Munschell. My father remembers you since you are a kid. He and you played football together before he retired because of an injury that cost him his career.

Bassett: Really? That's sad, don't you think? Besides, shortly after his retirement, I hanged up my boots as well because my parents wanted me to pursue my career as a football manager. The reason was that I didn't have enough playing time with the club and when our coach was sacked, I had to take over his position for the rest of the season.

Munschell: Ah, I see. That's how you become a manager. Someday I want to be like you when I am your age.

*Munschell's mother's voice is heard from outside. Kumi decides to go outside, while Bassett leaves as well.*

Munschell: My parents are here! Well, gotta go, bye!

Bassett: See you later, as well, Kumi!

*That conclude's Bassett's first ever day as a manager. It turned out to be very successful, especially with his morality to the players and his success give him a great start. With him in charge, Bassett must take his job seriously while making sure he keeps his composure to everyone around him. Can he become the most successful manager in Tomikosanese history? Only time will tell.*

by **Ceni** » Fri Aug 19, 2016 3:50 pm

THE GROUP OF DEATH: MAKING IT PAST A DANGEROUS GROUP G
Ceni must advance past Abanhfleft and Schottia to make it to the next round

Group G in this year's Di Bradini Cup may very well be the definition of a Group of Death, as it features three teams which have traditionally performed well at the youth level - Schottia, a team that has finished first at DBC 33 and third at DBC 35; Ceni, which finished second at DBC 35; and Abanhfleft, which finished third at DBC 33, along with unfortunate Flardania, which has a much less notable pedigree in youth competitions. All three nations have excellent youth development structures and will be working very hard to do well in this group. Unfortunately, though, one of these excellent teams will not progress to the Round of 16, an unfortunate outcome of this bad group draw for the three teams. It will be imperative, then, that Ceni learn how to deal with getting out of this group. How will Ceni do it, and what are some advantages and disadvantages Ceni faces in overcoming these good teams?

Ceni probably has an advantage in the amount of experience that its players have coming into this tournament. Several have played in 3 Di Bradini Cups, and most get consistent international football, with several - including Juan Pablo Morales, Liam Lorechian, Adrián del Toro, and Andrew Arrowsword - getting callups to the national team. Mara Longstar and Marc-André Onasi have big-match experience with the Cenian club stalwart Myrmidon, while Jasper Valaran has been leading his side Lammerton in the Schottic Premier League through an excellent eye for the ball and passing vision as the team's star playmaker. While some of Abanhfleft's players are Di Bradini Cup regulars, their clubs don't get any international match experience, and their manager Celerino delos Reyes has made some controversial inclusions of 14 and 15-year olds in his starting lineup and reserves - surely they don't have the technique and poise to succeed well in big-pressure moments. Meanwhile, Schottia has instituted a rule prohibiting national team callups from participating in the Di Bradini Cup, meaning their squad doesn't have some of the big names they had last time around. Only the Ünterhausen siblings survived from their last starting lineup, although they do have U-15 World Cup winner Camila Soria Luna on their team.

Surprisingly enough, Ceni may also have one of the most solid back lines of this very competitive group. Despite Schottia's star Mark Ünterhausen, who has star potential leading the way on their defense, teenage manager Kagami Ikeda's has not had too many options for the defensive role, with Ben Crendoa of the Schottic side Stalker Bay shoehorned into the right back while he normally plays center back, while Ikeda was forced to start 17-year-old left back Beatrice Colgan, who plays in unstable Nuevo Caravas in Rushmore, due to a paucity of left backs in Schottia at the current moment. Meanwhile, in Abanhfleft, Terri Hartin is faced with Crendoa's problem, playing in an uncomfortable position as center back, while Georgine Baum is only fourteen years old. In addition, Abanhfleft's defensive end is filling big shoes, with delos Reyes' preferred defensive options unfortunately unavailable for his team. These weaknesses in the opposition's back lines should help Ceni's rapacious offense to exploit advantages and score goals against these quality teams. On the other hand, though, despite having a back line of only three men, Ceni does have some advantages in this back area, with Liam Lorechian and Nick Torabi both seeing action in two previous under-21 cups while also proving themselves in Cenian domestic and international club competition, while Cicero Solis Vela is part of the vaunted Viento Oeste defense that stifles aggressive Cenileague teams' offense. Juan Pablo Morales is easily one of the best Cenian goalkeepers. Additionally, Petro Valles can drop down from the midfield to help in any defensive plays, and two quality players, Chiara Kavos and Miri Windtide, were left on the bench, so Ceni does have some defensive depth. With that being said, it might be easier for Schottia and Abanhfleft to advance down the wings of Ceni's defense due to their three-man back line, and conversely harder for Ceni to advance down the Schottic and Fleftic backlines simply due to the four backs that each have chosen to deploy.

The offense might be the hairiest problem for Ceni, even though the team does have a very strong attacking mid and striking force. The problem is that both Abanhfleft and Schottia have a potent striking force as well. Schottia's Melanie Ünterhausen has proved her ability to lead a strong U-21 side from the striker's area, while she will be backed up by the U-15 standout and cup winner Camila Soria Luna, who, at the age of 16, has shown wonderful performances for her country - that is, if she can figure out which one she wants to represent (currently, the federations of Schottia and Port Christopher are both battling for her talent). For its part, Abanhfleft has an equally well-pedigreed striking lineup, including their hyped attacking midfielder Marietta Toksvig and Kareem Dagen, an important striker for his team. Both teams' depth of attacking options is reflected by the fact that both teams have opted for an offensive and highly aggressive formation and game plan for the upcoming U-21 World Cup. But Ceni can play ball, too. Although the striking field isn't as deep as in past editions, Ceni still has exciting options in the 18-year-old Andrew Arrowsword, tapped as the next big thing in Ceni and winning wide praise for his speed, shot ability, and passing, while Adrián del Toro has also received plaudits for his incisive passing and relentless goalscoring. Ceni probably does still have an advantage here, just not a super huge one as Abanhfleft and Schottia can surely mount challenges to Ceni in the attacking category.

In terms of the mental game, Ceni might not be right on its game in this area. Although Cenian manager Peter Petrossian has brought in a well-renowned Cenian sports psychologist, Dr. Anya Katherion, to improve the mental game of his team, the team's confidence is only at an average level. The team is quite disappointed with their loss to Quebec two years ago and the inability of the Cenian senior national team to perform well on the international stage. This Group of Death has not helped things much either, as some Cenian players have sunk down a little bit in their confidence level after the group draw was released. Some have argued that nervousness in the match against Quebec caused them to lose in the last Di Bradini Cup, and nerves might negatively impact the Cenian team's performance at this Di Bradini Cup as well. Thusly, Dr. Katherion will have to do a lot to improve the spirit of the juniors before they play Abanhfleft and Schottia. Hopefully, a large win over Flardania will do the trick to improve the team's self-confidence, but if it doesn't, we are confident that Katherion will have some tricks up her sleeve to work wonders for the team's self-confidence and mental toughness. Understandably, the Schottic and Fleftic federations have not released information about their team's psychological state leading up to this tournament, so it's difficult to compare the three directly. Likely, though, both teams have excellent confidence, and Ceni's lack of it may prove to be their undoing.

With manager Petrossian having studied the likely tactics of Schottia and Abanhfleft, the question remains: how should he respond to the teams to ensure victory for Ceni? An important first step would be to work with Dr. Katherion to get rid of the "me! me! me!" mentality that plagues so many good footballers and instead focus on creating a team spirit, one that rewards instead of punishes combined play and unselfish passing that lead to well-executed two-man and three-man striking plays. Jasper Valaran, with his incisive passes and team mentality, should be a linchpin of this strategy. On the defense, the good depth on the roster creates opportunity for Petrossian to use a forward, man-to-man defense that can help to take the main players out of contention for scoring while creating immense pressure on the opponents and breaking down their anticipated attacks early. On the offense, the basic principles of width and depth can serve the Cenian attack well. The Cenian offense needs to spread out the 4-man defenses and create enough space for creative moves to work out, while the plethora of good players on the offense can help create that depth to overwhelm the defenses of the Young Tir Snakes' main rivals for control of this group. And of course, having created these opportunities, Ceni needs to convert on them - after all, who wants a scoring chance to bounce off the post? Overall, Ceni needs to double down on its advantages and find a way to negate its disadvantages in order to perform well in this Di Bradini Cup.

by **Gadirya** » Fri Aug 19, 2016 4:58 pm

The Royal Gadiryan Football Association (RGFA) presents
The Gadiryan U-21 National Football Team
The 38th Di Bradini Cup will be a considerable test for the developmental program of Gadirya's FA. 7 years and millions of Gadiryan Pounds were invested in programs to build a practicing football nation. Training centres were built, stadiums erected, leagues established, and at the heart of it all, a youth development program that is scattered around the kingdom that's mission was to establish professional players by the age of 18. The program was made so Gadirya could be prepared for the 76th World Cup and since the tournament has yet to occur the Di Bradini Cup will serve as a gauge to see if all this was worth the trouble. The following players are all graduates or current students from Gadirya's numerous training centres. Any player in a training centre by Gadiryan law cannot be signed to a club, both domestic and foreign, till they turn 18.

Goalkeepers-
GK #1 Kamuzu Salib (Promising Starter) {Age: 18} [Al Ahly]
GK #12 Saleh Tawfeek (Backup) {Age: 20} [Al Taedin]
GK #30 Laurentin Simon (Exciting Prospect) {Age: 16} [Casablanca Training Centre #1]

Defenders-
RB #15 Hatem Batal (Promising Starter) {Age: 17} [In Taman Training Centre #2]
RCB #2 Savas Erden (Starter) {Age: 20} [Club Sportif]
LCB #3 Yusuf Litim (Starter) {Age: 18} [Petrosur]
LB #6 Dominique Beaumanoir (Exciting Starter) {Age: 18} [CA Casablanca]
RB #4 Firdos Nasri (Backup) {Age: 21} [Karimi Technica Ittihad]
CB #25 Atmaca Kizilirmak (Exciting Prospect) {Age: 16} [Altintop Training Centre #3]
CB #14 Rodolph Paget (Backup) {Age: 17} [Casablanca Training Centre #2]
LB #33 Saleem Bouchiba (Backup) {Age: 20} [Aslanlar]

Midfielders-
CDM #5 Sacha Beauvau (Starter) {Age: 19} [CA Casablanca]
RCM #13 [C] Gaubert Royer (Starter) {Age: 21} [Olympique Charmat]
LCM #8 Farouk Benita (Exciting Starter) {Age: 17} [Charmat Training Centre #1]
CAM #10 Zahid Hadj (Starter) {Age: 20} [Altinspor]
CDM #20 Ossama Masih (Backup) {Age: 17} [El Main Training Centre #3]
CM #22 Halit Ekmekçi (Backup) {Age: 20} [Jaalbeck Nafit ]
CM #23 Lut Emre (Promising Prospect) {Age: 18} [Ekmekçispur]
CAM #19 Mazen Bitar (Promising Prospect) {Age: 16} [Balbay Training Centre #1]

Forwards-
RS #11 Pierre-Louis Le Tonnelier (Exciting Starter) {Age: 16} [Casablanca Training Centre #1]
LS #7 Ishaq El-Hashem (Promising Starter) {Age: 20} [Olympique Charmat]
ST #9 Çetin Badem (Promising Backup) {Age: 17} [Altintop Training Centre #1]
ST #17 Fahd Ali (Backup) {Age: 18} [Al Shabab]

Manager-
Süleyman Değirmenci {Age: 44} [GAD] <Manager for 0 years>

Style: -2

I Give My Opponent Permission To:
=================================
Choose My Goalscorers: Yes
Godmod Goalscoring Events: Yes, but keep it real. Gadirya plays scrappy, defensive football so expect goals come from either set pieces or counterattacks after soaking up a lot of pressure from the oppenent.
Injure Players: Yes (just TG me details before you post)
Godmod Injury Events: Yes (see above)
Red Card Players: Yes (minimum 2 in a match)
Yellow Card Players: Yes (as long as you can explain how they got it as many as you want)
Godmod Other Events: I rather keep it real but if you wanna go wild, just TG your idea
 
Suggestions for RPing Matches:
 
Most Likely to Score Goals in Open Play: Pierre-Louis Le Tonnelier and Ishaq El-Hashem
Most Likely to Score Goals on Set Pieces (via headers, usually): Gaubert Royer
Most Likely to Score Goals from Free Kicks: Farouk Benita
Most Likely to Provide Assists: Farouk Benita
Most Likely to Miss an Open Look: Mustafa Ganim
Most Likely to be an Impact Substitute: Lut Emre and Atmaca Kizilirmak
Most Likely to Get Carded: Zahid Hadj (especially when he loses the ball)
Most Likely to Injure: Ishaq El-Hashem
Most Likely to Setup a Counterattack: Farouk Benita

Gadirya loves to play quick, counterattacking football. If you are an attacking team Gadirya will soak up the pressure and so soon as your team makes a mistake or an attempt is blocked, Benita will heave the ball to any open players and commit players forward. If you are a defending team Gadirya will play slow pragmatic football as they will take their time to break you down. Set pieces will be a source of goals for this Gadiryan team so expect them to try and force a corner instead of taking a chance to cross the ball into the box from the wings.

by **Gadirya** » Fri Aug 19, 2016 7:50 pm

5E 230
Casablanca Training Centre #1, Casablanca, Gadirya

A whistle blares from the distance. The kids stop their running drill and look up, their 37-year-old Turkish coach, Süleyman Değirmenci from Altintop walks towards the group of boys, "Okay, lads you have done enough running for today. I want you guys to take a five minute break and then get ready for the cone drill. Remember, what we want from you is a clean set. While speed is important, if you do the drill quickly but sloppy it won't do you any good. I want consistent speed and ability with the ball. You'll get three chances to complete the drill, each fault will cause me to use this whistle." he pauses to point out his silver whistle. The boys nod. "Okay, now go." As the kids left to get their water and snacks, Süleyman walks towards the other coach, Calixte Salomon, to talk to him, "Hey Salomon." Calixte smiles, "Hello Mr. Değirmenci." Süleyman scratches his head, "I am a little bit confused. What is a 9 year old doing here, with the U-12 group?" Calixte tilted his head, "Who?" Süleyman points at a short, brownish blonde haired boy, "Pierre-Louis Le Tonnelier." Calixte looks at him, "Ah... Him. Well... He apparently the U-9 coach wanted to promote him to this group early. Saw some potential." Süleyman chuckles, "I'll believe it when I see it." he walks away from his friend and whistles again, "Okay! Break time is over!"

The boys ranging from 10 to 12, not including Le Tonnelier, gathered around their coach. Süleyman looks around at the kids, most of them looking eager, some of them nervous. Le Tonnelier however, looked like he was neither nervous or eager. Focused? Serious? Süleyman couldn't figure it out. He stares at the boy and the boy stares at him back, while the eye contact lasted only seconds it caused Süleyman to pick the 9 year old native of Casablanca. "Le Tonnelier!" he booms, "You're first." the other boys chuckled, interested to see what the new boy could bring. Pierre-Louis Le Tonnelier nods and walks towards the cone course with one of the balls and sighs. He's not nervous but is buzzing with energy. After the short walk he sets the ball down. Süleyman, along with the rest of the group, stood 7 meters away, waiting, "Ready?" Le Tonnelier nods, "Okay, ready, set..." he blows his whistle and Le Tonnelier's focus was rattled, he expected the word go, not a whistle and was caught off guard. He jumps, moves forward and trips on the ball. His face falling right next to the first cone. The boys laugh, only for a little bit as Süleyman yells at them to stop. He waits for the 9-year-old to stand up.

"Okay, second chance. Ready?" Le Tonnelier's heart was racing but he had to be composed, he overheard what everyone said, "He's too young, too short, what is he doing here?" he shook his head and spoke for the first time, "Yes sir." the coach nods and does the same routine, this time the youngster is ready for the whistle and he was off. He starts off impressively, weaving through the cones with both precision and speed. Süleyman's mouth is agape, shocked by what he's seeing. The other kids, laughing at Le Tonnelier's first attempt, were silent at first but then began to cheer on the boy as he breezed through the course. Süleyman couldn't believe what he saw, the skill and ease with the cone course reminded him of what he saw in the World Cup on the television. This kid was special and he could finally see why he was promoted from the U-9 group so early. Le Tonnelier was not paying attention to anything but the ball at his feet. He was rolling the ball with soles of his feet, knocking the ball with the outside of his foot, even put in some heel touches as he went through it. When he was done he looked at the group and smiled. Clearly, they were impressed, amazed even, by his set.

For the rest of the drill all but one other kid managed to do what Le Tonnelier did. Some failed completely, too fast and hit many cones or too slow and were whistled at. Others were average and completed their drill to the letter, just not as impressive as Le Tonnelier. Farouk Benita, a prospective midfielder, was the last player to go. He was a year older than Pierre-Louis and was more vocal than him. Despite his age, he oozed loud confidence and loved to talk about his game. Finally, this was his chance to show he could walk the talk. The whistle blew and he too put an impressive performance. But not as awe inspiring as Le Tonnelier. Benita was annoyed, by the lack of reaction from the other players but, surprisingly, kept his mouth shut and just glared at the 9-year-old wannabe striker, his new rival. Pierre-Louis was not intimidated by this, he just smiled back, to the annoyance of Benita. While the two future stars of Gadirya looked at each other Süleyman was looking at his clipboard. There was some information on the 9-year-old he saw today, "Son of Felixian refugees... Interesting." he was lost in his thoughts when his friend, Calixte interrupted him, "Hey! Dismiss the kids first then look at your clipboard!" Süleyman shook his head, "Oh, yeah. Okay lads, you may leave. See you guys on Wednesday." all the kids left and Süleyman went back to his clipboard, obviously interested in this Pierre kid now. He kept reading trying to gather any information he could on that single sheet of background.

"Hey Calixte. Sorry, I doubted you earlier today... I just couldn't believe it. That kid is amazing!" Calixte laughs, "I couldn't either but I am more of an optimist than a realist like you." Süleyman shrugs, "I don't know... I really want to meet this kid's parents. Gotta make sure he stays here and doesn't move back to Felix in the future." Calixte shakes his head, "There's no way he'd go back to the Felix!" Süleyman grins, "I am a realist remember? Surely there's some law that gives sons and daughters of Felixian expats citizenship." he leaves the complex as Calixte shrugs and turns off the lights and other essentials. The next Wednesday after practice he talks to Pierre, asking if he could meet with his parents. The 9-year-old nods, "Maybe! I'd have to ask mama." Süleyman smiles as the boy runs off, nice kid too, unlike Benita, who was too hotheaded. As Pierre left he walked to Farouk, "Listen Farouk, I believe in you okay? Don't get discouraged or annoyed by others or me." Benita, surprised by this encounter nods, "Sorry. I just..." Süleyman smiles, "Don't worry, just calm down a bit. You're a promising kid. Don't let silly things get in your head okay? Let your talent do the talking." the kid nods, "Yes sir." Süleyman pats Benita on the back, "Now go."

Süleyman was in his office browsing the latest results from the Felixian Premier League, his favorite club, Altomare was won their game. He was going to read the game report when his phone rang, "Hello?" it was a female voice, "Yes, this is Pierre's mother? Maria? You said you wanted to talk to us?" Süleyman was excited, "Yes! I did. So I have come to understand you and your husband are Felixian?" Maria pauses, "Yes, why?" Süleyman notices a change in tone, "It's nothing bad, but I just wanted to say that your son is very talented and I really hope you and your family stay in Gadirya. He has a great future in Gadiryan football." Maria doesn't respond for a minute and Süleyman is worried, "Of course, we will. The situation in Felix isn't good right now. Especially for people that don't support the Corvidae. If you are worried that we will move, we won't." Süleyman nods, "Right, sorry if you were offended. I was just worried. Anyways, thank you for your time." Maria hangs up and Süleyman gulps, "Man, that was bad... Still had to check." He shakes his head, "Okay, time to plan the next practice."

King Anwar I International Airport, Charmat, Gadirya
5E 237

Despite that rough start with Pierre's mother, he and the Le Tonneliers would develop a close friendship both interested in the future of this exciting prospect. Seven years later Süleyman's hard work at Casablanca Training Centre #1 would lead him to be appointed his first managerial post, the under 21 Gadiryan National Team. He was appointed as coach solely due his talent of developing talent. Of the 23 players in the team 4 of them came from his training centre in Casablanca. The FA clearly, was impressed. Gadirya now looks forward to the Di Bradini Cup. He looks at his team, proud that he has made it this far in his life. Before his coaching stint, he was a banker and hated every minute of it. Now? He is doing his dream job. Süleyman looks at his team, "Okay lads!" he bellows, "We are going abroad, for some of you this is gonna be a first time away from the Home Islands. I expect each and every one of you to be on your best behavior okay? Now let's board the plane." the boys cheered, excited for what was in store. Once childhood rivals, Farouk Benita and Pierre-Louis Le Tonnelier look at each other and grin, "Let's have some fun in Valanora, yeah?" said Benita, "Yeah." said Le Tonnelier.

To be Continued...

by **Tomikosan** » Sat Aug 20, 2016 12:38 am

Road to Victory: The New Beginning
Episode 1: Young Boys, young girls and Bassett's Three Amigos

*The U-21 squad went to the Heavenly Angels International Airport, at the capital city of Tomikosan named Valerie-Reisenburg. Bassett, his assistant managers and all of the squad were waiting inside for their own airplane to prepare them for boarding. While waiting, Bassett has three of his 'amigos'. Anderius Muriel, who was the main coach before he took over, and two new and young coaches who are besties to each other. They are Zavachi Jusufi-Henyenkes and Albert Brock-Madsen. The four managers have to work together to win whatever they can and not believe in losing, regardless how hard the matches are or how strong the star players is. Here, he and his assistants are discussing about group fixtures and squad formation.*

Bassett: Alright amigos, this is our day! We have a match to play against with, and first up is Dunnes. Not much to say about them, along with a few good starters and backups. That's pretty much it, anyway. But they are playing with 4-5-1 formation, so we are using 4-4-2 to counter them. Sounds good, right?

Muriel: Yes, but play it directly. Fortunely, we have a central midfielder who can double up as a attacking midfielder. His shooting is promising, though, but don't expect him being a playmaker because that will contribute with our victory. Still, it's better than nothing.

Bassett: And who is that?

Zavachi: Ethan Kreis. He is very talented and sometimes make chances for himself when he thinks he got his own. He may not be intelligent when it comes to playmaking, but hey Ethan is still a great midfielder.

Bassett: Okay then, Zavachi. Anything else?

Brock-Madsen: Johnny, we also need to go hard against them. That way, the players won't get in their way and ours will have a chance to score.

Bassett: Nice idea, Berti. However, I have a feeling that our players will be booked if we play hard. But if you say so, yes. I don't want to push it too far, anyway.

Brock-Madsen: Thank you for taking my advice, Johnny.

Bassett: Your pleasure.

*Meanwhile, a group of optimistic midfielders are having a conversation with the new youngsters. Ethan Kreis, whom Zavachi is talking about, and Kyon Amestov, the cocky but quick player, are talking about the new players who have been promoted to their squad a month ago.*

Kreis: How young are these newbies when they show up a month ago?

Amestov: Younger than us, Ethan. We got little girls who are aged 15 years old to a potential goalkeeper who replaced the reserved goalie when he got promoted to our main national team.

Kreis: Young girls? What the-are you serious, Kyon?

Amestov: Yes I am serious, Ethan. We got one who managed to join in after some unknown coach see them playing against their opponents, and he said that her attacking style contribute to their great results. (points at Kumi, who is listening to songs with her phone) Just look at Kumi, I heard she scored more than 40 goals in one season making her the top goalscorer.

Kreis: Is this for real, Kyon? Or is it just a big fat 'girly' fake?

*Just as when they are talking, another young teenager decides to interrupt them to answer Kreis's question. She is also 15 years old, like Kumi, but plays as a defender and she is strong enough to take down a player without fouling. Something most female defenders might not acheive this.*

ven Holden: If you want an answer, true.

*Kreis looks at ven Holden after he is shocked to find out there is an another young player here talking to him.*

Kreis: (suprised with shock) Oh god, who the hell are you?

ven Holden: Iroha ven Holden. Very young, of course, but my friends see me as very strong. From what I am thinking about you, you haven't seen a lot of young people in the football team before, huh?

*Kreis feels a bit nervous, but he starts to speak.*

Kreis: Uh............yes, Eye-roh-a. Thank you for.....um.....answering my question.

ven Holden: Don't be nervous, boy. At least you get to see me.

Kreis: Oh, yes. I forgot to calm down. I am Ethan Kreis, by the way. This is my guy, Kyon Amestov.

*Amestov waves at ven Holden.*

Amestov: Hi there, young girl, name is Kyon.

ven Holden: Nice to meet you, Kyon. My name is Iroha. Wish everyone a good luck in Valanora. May Valerie guide us to victory.

Amestov and Kreis: Amen, Iroha!

*The plane has now arrived in the airport. Bassett, with his mighty voice, announces everybody for boarding.*

Bassett: Alright, everyone. Listen up! We are going abroad to Valanora, where the tournament takes place. I want each and everyone of you to behave well and have fun in here. Got it?

All the Players: YES!

Muriel: Just one more thing! Can we win?!

All the Players: YES WE CAN!

Zavachi: Are you sure that you don't fear for avoiding defeat!?

All the Players: YES WE CAN!

Brock-Madsen: One! More! Time!

All the Players: YES WE CAN!

Bassett: Then off we go, for our Grand Empress!

*All of the players feel tremendously motivated, as Bassett and his team are about to ride the plane to Valanora. He feels excited and so is everyone else who are willing to not give up until it is over. It is a great start to them and with that moment, they now believe in winning and not fearing for losing the matches. Their story will get very interesting once they reached their destination.*

Last.fm · by **Cosumar** » Sat Aug 20, 2016 1:06 am

Cosumar U21 National Team - DBC 38

Team Information

Nation: The Fiefdom of Cosumar

Government: Cosumar is a Fiefdom, comprised of 21 historical fiefs that act as provinces. Cosumar is a constitutional monarchy with King James II and the King's Congress at its head. The pillars of granting full civil rights, protecting nature, advancing knowledge, and exploring outer space are held dear.

Region: Atlantian Oceania

Nickname: Vanquishers (informal), Dragons (formal)

Colors: Royal Blue, Silver, Navy, White

Stadium: The Royal Palace (capacity 54,000) in Ramusok

Team: The roster consists of 23 players, 22 of whom are standard human (homo sapiens). The remaining player, midfielder Jenny Na'Matsoo, is Vloo (homo cosumarensis), a sentient species native to Cosumar. Vloo are humanoid and slightly taller on average, with pale blue skin and a pair of horns atop their head. The range of athleticism in Vloo is similar to that of humans. You can recognize which players are Vloo by their surnames: which usually begin with the prefixes Na'- or Va'-. In the image of Gethin Ramsey's senior side that recently went to the World Cup Quarterfinals, Johannes Sulo's squad plays a balanced game, using high pressure to force mistakes and capitalizing on them with quick, up-tempo passing. This generation of young Cosumarite talent includes players already playing prominent roles in the Harlighet Ligan and abroad. After defeating Ceni to win Di Bradini Cup 35, the Cosumarite youth will now seek to reclaim youth football's most storied prize.

Style Modifier: +1

Formation: 4-4-2

Kits

Donning the uniform of the senior National Team is a prestigious honor (one that must be earned), so our youth teams do not use the same one. Our U21 team wears the old NT kits that were used in World Cup 70 and decommissioned prior to World Cup 71. Courtesy of Meski Sports. The home (left) and away (middle) kits feature the iconic Azure Dragon that resides in Cosumar's wilderness. The goalkeeper kit (right) is swathed in green and gold - the colors of the royal family.

The Starting XI

Goalkeeper - Vance Commerford - Age 21 - Male - Versiaville

Left Back - Alexis Brill - Age 21 - Female - Violence Chariots

Center Back - Celty O'Mercury - Age 19 - Male - Klyde

Center Back - Ellie Hanger - Age 20 - Female - OAS Royal FC

Right Back - Tug Cooper - Age 20 - Male - Ramusok United

(CAPTAIN)

Left Midfielder - Letty Moreno - Age 19 - Female - Alexandria United

Central Midfielder - Karlus Sjunitsson - Age 18 - Male - IFK Aldenskoett

Central Midfielder - Jenny Na'Matsoo - Age 21 - Female - Na'Malsille Mariners

Right Midfielder - Bryger Tidesson - Age 16 - Male - Real Azuris II

Striker - Lili Riprov - Age 20 - Female - AC Holmenkollen

Striker - Xavier Wingfield - Age 21 - Male - Baskita FC

The Reserves

GK - Hansi Weschler - Age 17 - Male - Crawford City FC

LB - Atticus Hattingh - Age 21 - Male - Ramusok United

CB - Sallie Wheeler - Age 19 - Female - Na'Malsille Mariners

RB - Tevreness Bale - Age 19 - Male - Tanrisal

DM - Brian Helbro - Age 21 - Male - Sebio City

LM - Scylla Xkoranate - Age 17 - Female - Treftadaeth Alliance

CM - Gaia Wakowsia - Age 19 - Female - Sebio City

CM - Naldaboa - Age 19 - Male - Wexax United

RM - Tarmé - Age 17 - Female - Zakhoro Aces

AM - Hernan Dé - Age 19 - Male - FC Samotath

ST - Romikk Valgard - Age 21 - Male - West Gundar FC

ST - Airik Ruhl - Age 20 - Male - Morponte Fief

Staff

Manager: Johannes Sulo

Assistant Manager: Asper Romijnders

Goalkeepers Coach: Sanford Whitlock

Defenders Coach: Gomes Perreira

Midfielders Coach: Joan McMahan

Forwards Coach: Stig Aage Jarlsson

Head Trainer: Meghan Almeida

by **Qasden** » Sat Aug 20, 2016 3:08 am

Qasden
Athletic News

Di Bradini Cup 38 Quick Report- Group D Preview

The wait is almost over! The Qasden U21 Vans are set to compete in Valanora for the 38th Di Bradini Cup trophy! While the U-21 World Cup did exist longer than 38 editions, it was renamed after an astonishingly talented player from Starbladyia. Now, Curi Namba and all of the Qads are looking to make T.V. City proud as they take on 3 other skilled teams in Group D. Let's somewhat meet them, shall we?

<<<Mercedini>>>

Our first and only match in Lathal, Mercedini and Qasden have only clashed in events like tennis and a few times in Aeropag in the past. Now, the first ever meeting between the 2 in association football, the Vans and Eaglets' match will pretty much determine the routes of both squads in Group D, though the other 2 countries might divert their destinies. Our prediction: A Mercedinian victory is highly likely, but it wouldn't be a surprise to see the newcomers take 3 points.

<<<Azrea>>>

Next, to Miner's Haver, is Azrea, an experienced team within the DBC. While just falling short in the group stage last tournament, the Eagles look to advance to the KO's, should they beat at least 2 teams in Group D. The Vans, a new team in the DBC world, definitely don't have as much experience, but surprises are Qasden's thing (especially after wins against Electrum and Ko-oren in IBC21). Our prediction: The Azreans are likely to take this game, but just like Mercedini, it wouldn't be too shocking to see the Qads on top.

<<<Royal Kingdom of Quebec>>>

Here's where we need work. The Québécois have apparently faced Qasden at some point in several tournaments within the past 3 months. Whether it's basketball, or tennis, or pretty much everything in the Olympics, the Reapers always seem to have an edge on the Vans. Now, obviously, Quebec has much more experience in the DBC than Qasden, as they finished in the quarter-finals last time. Now, they've clashed with Azrea in DBC 37, but it'd be interesting to see who'll win this time. Our prediction: unless a meteor falls from the sky and crushes the Reapers, Quebec has almost complete certainty over Qasden in this match.

That's all for now. Can the Vans outlast the Eaglets, Eagles and Reapers and make it to the KO's? Or will Mercedini, Azrea and Quebec just smash those hopes? Stay tuned, stay updated, and stay alert for our MD1 report from Lathal, straight outta Valanora!

by **Tumbra** » Sat Aug 20, 2016 4:30 am

A Blue Lion
Winner of the 2018 Best Sporting Blog Award
A footballing blog run by Tumbra's premier sports correspondent for fifteen years - Harry "Bad Hats" Norman

The Di Bradini Cup - Hopes and Dreams

Well, it seems that it's time for yet another Di Bradini Cup - the thirty-eighth edition of it. Let's look back at the history of our performance in the cup - and our hopes for this time's run.

We first appeared in the 32nd edition - seems a long time back now, doesn't it, before contesting again in the 34th, then returning in the 37th and the 38th.

In contrast, we've only taken part in three World Cups - the 70th, 72nd and 75th - and are due to take part in the 76th - which means we arguably have more experience in the Di Bradini Cup than in the World Cup proper! How ironic.

Back on topic.

The Thirty-Second Di Bradini Cup, held in the Equestrian States

The 32nd cup was held in the Equestrian States, and was Tumbra's very first competition on the world stage. Despite being a grand power within our world since forever, little in the multiverse had ever heard of us.

We were sorted into Group D, along with Felix, Audioslavia, Kernansquillec and the Royal Kingdom of Quebec. Scary names in this world, I know. Well, we didn't really expect anything much for this tournament, or from our boys, but Robin Stoff delivered a very respectable 2-0 win against the Audioslavians in the Cup - which meant that we finished above them. We ended up in fourth place, after a 4-2 defeat by Felix left us in the lurch with one game left.

But hopes were high for the next edition.

The Thirty-Fourth Di Bradini Cup, held in the Equestrian States

This is the infamous one - the Equestrian States infamously imploded halfway through the tournament, resulting in the emergency evacuation of the team and personnel, who were running in third at the time of the end of the tournament. Famously known as the first cup where males and females played in the same team, the experiment was later shelved and was expected to return soon-ish - though there has been no word on this from the TFA. Gender equality be damned, damnit!

We had beaten The Royal Kingdom of Quebec 4-2 in the last match - perhaps a hallmark of what was to come.

The Thirty-Seventh Di Bradini Cup, held in Valanora

This is the one - the closest Tumbra has ever gotten to any kind of footballing silverware in the multiverse, ever. Returning from a three-cup hiatus, the tournament was meant to get the public interested in football again after the shitshow that was the Premier League.

Privately, the TFA would be pleased with just a round-of-sixteen finish - and were looking to replace Robin Stoff with another manager to make the team's playstyle more exciting.

Knowing that it would probably be his last cup in charge, he went out of his way to pick some unusual people for the team - and out came one Oliver Ganson, the miracle of Ilcaster. The young boy, playing for fourth-division Ilcaster Town, made such a big hit in the tournament that he was shipped off to Abanhfleft where he is currently playing.

The team, led by John Rhys-Stevens, somehow made it into the semi-finals before crumpling in usual Tumbran form against eventual champions Pasarga - but did well to win the third-placed playoff against Brigantii, who are not in this edition of the Cup.

What does this bode for us?

The Thirty-Eighth Di Bradini Cup, held in Valanora

Well, judging by the terrible hand of cards that we were dealt, not much. Last time's runner-up, the Unified Sunrise Islands, are in the same group as us - as are Chromatika, and after a very protracted period of discussion, arguments and general teacup-flinging, Anglatia.

The team is now led by the Quebecois, Sook Jin Yi, who follows the School of Takil - a very offensive style that aims to push hard and fast at the opponent. Is offence really the best form of defence, however?

I guess we'll have all that and more to find when the Di Bradini Cup kicks off tomorrow. It'll be shown live on TBC 3 whenever the match is. Go Young Lions, do our country proud, and to all those reading this: go support them as well!

- Bad Hat

by **Northern Sunrise Islands** » Sat Aug 20, 2016 7:29 am

New E-Mail Received from 'The Northern Sunrisian Education Ministry'.

Read it now?

Greetings and sallutations, my beautiful people!

Ahem. My name is Tyler Frontini, typing this as the Northern Sunrisian Education Minister and I thank you for signing up to this seven-part lecture on the USICA. Hopefully, as a foreigner, you will consider joining one of our many impressive colleges at the Northern Sunrise Islands!
Now, for starters, the USICA isn't only a sporting association. In fact, it has been around since 1980 as a way to form a respectable list of colleges one can transfer to in times of necessity. While you're not obligated to participate of the USICA if you are to start your own college, it's heavily suggested to do so for it will guarantee interactions with fellow institutions on a much more moderated way.
Of course, for the record, USICA allures to Unified Sunrise, but the whole group itself was NSICA from the start, as it covered Northern Sunrisian schools.
However, with the current national focus towards sports, a set group of schools chose to form a football tournament (now the backbone of USICA sportivities) and after deliberation, were allowed to use the NSICA name, granted an independent board was established to keep things running properly.
Now while they haven't run exactly fine, result of sports being rather volatile in general around these parts, a new system has been developed in efforts to keep coverage to a reasonable number.

Since USICA worked with the idea of Conferences for quite a while, the top tier is now only restricted to conferences with 20 schools or more.
As we go over each conference, you'll be more familiar with them and the sort of schools adopted in to survive that restriction on the top.

ATHENIAN CONFERENCE

"An able mind, an able body."

One of the first Conferences to ever exist on the USICA, the Athenian Conference works under their motto, often hosting athletic and academic events involving all of the Conferences members.
The Athenian Conference was founded at 1982 by three institutions from the Amy Island: Apotos University, Davestone University and Solleana University as the first one formed at the island.
The following year saw the Conference expanding towards the island of Madjorie with the inclusion of the Saint-Louis College. 1984 had the additions of the Lorelei Academy of Major Pokémon Training and the Navy Academy at San Jose, increasing the span of the Athenian Conference.
Finally at 1988, the Air Force Academy at Madjorie and the Reiokawa College joined.
During the sportive years of the NSICA, the Conference would massively increase in size.
2016 brought in the institutions of Tessalonica and Glenn, increasing the influence of the Conference in the Amy Island.
The Conference boost gained them the participation of Aleona Ricca, Basil Pike, Kisunete, Prism College, Righteous See and the Seidan Academy.
Finally, Andalucia and Basil Pike State were added to the Conference in order to beat the 20-team limit.

Insitutionally, the Athenian Conference has always enforced a budget that works over both Athletics and Academics equally.
As a result, many of the brightest minds of the country were alumni of several of the universities involved.
This includes the nation's president Eric Fahrenheit, a former student of Tessalonica University.

Remember to check your inbox tomorrow for two other conference bios and thank you for the interest on one of NSI's oldest institutions.

works? · by **Abanhfleft** » Sat Aug 20, 2016 9:00 am

(OOC: A lot of the dialogue in this was taken from Anglatia's earlier RP in the Cup of Harmony.)

Living With the Loggers, Part Nine

Loggers Park
Hunsen, Valeria, Anglatia

"Are you sure that you can handle yourself over there?" Matt Cave's tinny voice asked from the other end of the call from Bisera Haralampieva's smartphone. Bisera was staying in a hotel on the other side of town, and they were about to wrap up a conversation in which he had just told the former Rosenpfelblatz City Ladies striker-winger of the chances in which the Sky Blues would take up Bisera's recommendation and try to sign two players of the Hunsen Loggers to take them away from the city. Bisera had just told Matt that one of the team's players, DeAria Tavaris, had been found stabbed and left for dead.

"Yes, of course, Matt, I can handle myself," Bisera said as she put a hand on her head to calm herself. "You don't have to worry about me," she added.

"I've always known that this country is even more messed up then Armeia," Cave said. "I've never seen anything like this anywhere else. Football players linked to gangs and organized crime, and now we've got youth players being attacked and left to die anywhere and everywhere... You need to get out of there, Bisera. I'm telling you, there will come a time that your status as a foreigner will no longer matter to the criminals living there. I know that you took a very big gamble signing there in Anglatia, but that gamble could end up costing you your life."

"Don't you think I know that, Matt? All right, I got to go. I need to sleep soon or else I'll end up oversleeping for training tomorrow."

"Remember what I told you, Bisera. Goodbye for now." Bisera then pocketed her phone as soon as Cave ended the call, her mind filled with the words that he'd said earlier. Right now, there's still too little gain to be had if we sign Britt and Erin today. Bisera had already known how dangerous life was here in Hunsen, and DeAria's stabbing was yet another stark reminder to her that this was another country, another land, and that there was no way for her to feel completely safe. That was why she had wanted Britt and Erin going to Rosenpfelblatz, or Releinthi, or anywhere outside of Anglatia, where they would be safe from all this shit going down.

Bisera walked across the parking lot of Loggers Park on her way to the apartment that the club had rented for her and literally ran into none other than Britt and Audra Jaakola, who was another player from the ranks of Hunsen's youth academy. "What's going on?" Bisera asked the duo. "Where are you two going?"

“We’re out for blood," Audra answered. "And you can either come with us or leave us alone. We found out who stabbed Ari, and we’re going to get some justice.”

"Wait a minute," Bisera said. "I know that I'm just a stupid foreigner and I have no idea how things go in your country but is that really the right thing to do? That might not be a good idea--" Bisera's words were cut off by a strong arm which wrapped itself around her head and put her in a choke hold. She also felt the cold steel of a pistol being pressed against her temple.

Jesus Christ! Bisera thought. Everything is going to shit here! Am I going to die? Is this how I'm going to die?

"Going somewhere?" the coolly familiar voice of Hanna Nylis asked from behind Bisera, and Bisera was struck dumb by the question of what exactly was Nylis doing here choking her and threatening her with a gun? Why did she have to drop the self-defense classes from her college curriculum? It could have certainly helped her, but then again, her assailant had a gun to her head, so Bisera had no idea how much she could move before Nylis blew her brains out. What were they going to tell her parents? "I'm sorry, Mr. and Mrs. Haralampiev, but your only daughter was killed by her teammate who had gone crazy..."

“I think you should change your plans," Nylis told Britt and Audra as she kept the pistol pointed to Bisera's head. "You thought you would surprise us, but we already know of your crimes against the Socialist Party. Your friend DeAria spilled everything to save her life. Figures." Nylis snorted at the memory of her extracting the information from young DeAria. "All of you fascists are cowards without your masks.”

“Hey, leave her out of this,” Britt said, putting her hands in the air. “What kind of socialist would it make you look like if you shot someone from an actual socialist country?" she asked Nylis. "She has nothing to do with us or what we did.”

"She has a point, you know," Bisera began, but Nylis pressed the barrel of the gun deeper into her temple.

"Shut up, Haralampieva," Nylis told her. "As for you," she said to Britt, "both of you are, as the kids say, batshit crazy. Neither one of you values your lives, but you may act differently when the life of an innocent is on the line,” Hanna explained with a smirk. “If any of you move too fast, or say something too loudly, or whisper to each other, or do anything else to upset or annoy me, I pull the trigger. Bisera's blood will be on your hands. Understood?”

Both Britt and Audra went pale in the face as they absorbed Nylis' words, and the lengths to which she would go to avenge the burning of the Socialist Party's building, which was quite possibly the thing that had pushed the out-of-favor striker over the edge, but they nodded their heads nevertheless. “Good," Nylis muttered as she felt the two young girls wrapping themselves around her finger, just as she wanted. "Now, Audra, I know you carry a pistol on your right leg," she said. "I want you to take it out, slowly, and toss it towards me.”

Audra slowly nodded and took out the pistol, tossing it onto the ground. Bisera's eyes widened as she saw the gun strapped to the young girl's leg, a COP .357 Derringer. It wasn't that Bisera wasn't used to seeing guns; she wasn't expecting someone as young as Audra to be packing heat. Abanhfleft had always been bashed for letting people carry as many guns as they liked, but at least people had permits to carry. What was the state of gun control laws in Anglatia?

While Bisera pondered gun control in Anglatia, Audra looked around to see if anyone else was going to be able to help them, but the complex was large and mostly deserted this time of the night. She looked up at Hanna, who continued to give orders. “Britt, you have a notebook in that bag of yours," Nylis said to the other girl. "Take it out. Slowly.”

Britt obeyed, taking out her notebook. She had no idea what Nylis wanted with it, and she had an inkling of a suspicion, but she wouldn’t have to wait long to find out. “Start writing your suicide note,” Hanna commanded Britt, but this time, she didn’t move.

“Why?" Britt asked Nylis. "You’ll kill Bisera anyway since she heard you telling me to do this.” Britt immediately regretted opening her mouth and further, and now she hoped and prayed that Hanna Nylis wouldn't snap and kill everyone. “Please, Hanna, don't do this," she pleaded. "You're going to regret it. You want to create a socialist utopia, but you’re willfully ignoring history. You praise the SVLA, but you know for a fact that they executed your people based on hair and eye color during the first war. They'll never accept you, even if you pull off whatever crazy stunt it is that you're planning.”

Thank God I wasn't born in Anglatia, Bisera thought. Living in Stepanenko's Pridnestrovia is much more preferable to this living hellhole.

“Shut up!” shouted Nylis, tightening her grip on Bisera, who actually tapped her hand on the arm wrapped around her head and throat. “You don't know me or my reasons!”

“But I do," Britt continued, extending her hands to show that she was not going to do anything that could set off Nylis. "I understand your feelings. You were a star, and then you got hurt and everyone forgot you. You watched your backup turn into a superstar, and that girl rubbed it in your face. I know what it's like to struggle for recognition and to have a rival who makes everything worse.

"Killing anyone isn't going to help you,” Britt added, and Bisera could feel Nylis' rapid and furious breathing on the back of her neck. “You'll only hurt your chances at fame. Remember, this is Valeria. If the cops don't unload on you as soon as they arrive, you'll die in prison before your first fortnight is up. Think about it. Who is the biggest gang over here? The Crows. From Otavice, the most anti-communist city in the Empire. Our prisons are filled with Crows members who would risk longer sentences just to get rid of you.”

Bisera's eyes widened when she heard the word "Crows". She'd heard rumors about the gang, or organized crime syndicate, or whatever they were, and how they were extending their grip from Anglatia and into neighboring countries. Bisera had seen news reports of Conam, Abanhfleft's largest and most ruthless gang-cartel-brotherhood-secret society, getting into turf wars with "Crows" or "Bratvakyuvi" throughout the Democratic Republic. And it was those Crows or Bratvakyuvi that had opened fire on the May 26 Memorial Stadium after a game between Riuwiee United Women and Ludogorets Markovsky Ladies in an attempt to get to Kameron Hamsik, who was said to be running away from some gang or other from Armeia...

“If I let you go, I'll still go to jail!" Nylis shouted. "I should at least go out fighting.”

“Hanna, there are no cameras here," Britt said. "We can let this stay between us. Just let Bisera go. She doesn't deserve this. Do whatever you want with me, and with Audra, but please, leave Bisera alone.”

There was a brief pause. Out of the corner of her eye, Bisera noticed that Audra's right hand was slowly reaching for something behind her. Just as Bisera realized what was going to happen, a gunshot rang out. Hanna Nylis suddenly let go of Bisera's head, and her pistol clattered to the ground. Nylis dropped to the ground with a small hole of gore on her chest, and some blood began pouring out of the wound.

“That was for DeAria, you communist bitch!” shouted Audra, who was holding another pistol, a Raven Arms MP-25. Nylis had known about the first one, but what she didn’t know was that Audra had put on a second holster when she heard what happened to DeAria. While she was distracted, Audra had taken the MP-25 from the small of her back, where she had hidden it, and taken a risky shot that could have easily hit Bisera as much as it had hit Nylis.

"Holy shit!" Bisera shouted as she fell to the ground beside Nylis' body, and she felt a strange and curious warmth flowing from between her legs down to her trainers. In her fear, shock, and horror, Bisera had wet herself.

“Are you okay?” Britt asked Bisera, who looked ready to faint, both from the night's events and her embarrassing realization. Her complexion, which was normally fair, had gone pale, and her face was ashen. “I’m sorry about that happening to you… I’ll explain when we get back.”

"What the fuck is going on?" Bisera blurted out.

Britt and Audra helped Bisera get to her feet without answering her question. They were about to turn to go before anyone investigated the noise and stopped them when Audra stopped to look at her cellphone. “Oh no," she muttered. "We’re too late," she told Britt. Then, to Bisera, she said, "I know this sounds crazy, but the stadium is on fire.”

"The stadium is on fire? Why?" Bisera asked, wide-eyed.

"That's what Hanna and her fellow Socialists did for revenge," Britt told her. "We burned down the Socialist Party's building here in Hunsen, and now they burned down our own stadium."

"Dear God in heaven," Bisera muttered through gritted teeth. "You're crazy, all of you. This whole place is crazy!"

by **Anglatia** » Sat Aug 20, 2016 11:20 am

OOC: I wasn't going to post anything but I already have some stuff written that I don't want to waste. Context for this part and the rest of the Crows saga was provided in the previous parts and in my RP during the CE.
Perhe - Part Five

Despite all the troubles in Sungri, life had to go on. Erin was back in Hunsen for contract negotiations, and Britt and Asha were with her. Asha was recovering well from her wounds, and was already out of the hospital, and Britt quickly returned to her routine of training, even though she was greatly shaken by what had happened on that trip. They’d been jumped again before they left, and the constant danger was putting Britt under a lot of stress. Sometimes, she felt that working out was the only thing she had to distract herself.

That determination to increase her fitness certainly helped her during the team’s offseason workouts, when Erik made the players run laps around the complex at full speed. By the time they finished, almost everyone was dropping to the floor in exhaustion, but Britt was still standing and she was able to keep herself up without holding onto the wall for support. She was proud of herself, and it lifted her mood just a little bit. In hindsight, she wished that she had walked away right then and there instead of following everyone else into the conference room where they had a team meeting.

“Many teams in the past have lost their edge during the offseason, and I didn’t want that to happen to you,” Erik remarked as the team made their way into a conference room that had been set up for the meeting. There was a large flatscreen TV by the wall, and Erik sat down at a desk next to it and opened his laptop. “I also put you through this tough workout to prove a point about devotion, that I want to elaborate on further.”

Erik looked among his players, seeing that they were all curious as to where he was going with this. “I don't want anybody at this club that doesn't want to be here. In the past, we've employed all the talent that we could get, regardless of if they cared about the club. Well, those days are over. If you aren't ready to give one hundred and ten percent to defending our title, then I want you out of here. Last season means nothing, and everyone has to be ready to start all over when we play again. I also want to say that while some of our players have became more valued after their performances last season, I want to make it clear that anyone who wants to leave should come to me. You should NOT go out by yourself and make a highlights tape to market yourself to other teams, while pretending to care about our own squad.”

Erik dimmed the lights and picked up a remote, turning the TV on. The screen showed a video, and everyone quickly realized the girl in front of the camera as Britt. “My name is Britt Hanokssen, and this is why you should sign me,” she said, and the video cut to a montage of her playing against what looked like non league opposition. Some of the footage was even from five on five pickup games, where Britt was playing against schoolboys who clearly didn't know what they were doing. She tried to play as a flashy, technically skilled midfielder who controlled the tempo of the midfield, but it was truly impossible to tell if she had actually improved her game or if the competition was just very bad. None of the film was from league matches, all of it was from either training sessions or pickup games.

Erik paused the video. “I don't want my players to go behind my back to make videos like this, because they want to leave but aren't brave enough to say it. Then again, Britt is right here, so let's just ask her what her intent was when she made this without telling anybody. Remember girls, she hid this from all of you, not just me. You're the ones who should feel betrayed.”

Britt paled as she was put on the spot, and she blurted out the first thing that came to her mind. “How can you call me out like this in front of everyone?”

“The real question is how can you show disloyalty to your teammates like this?”

“I… I got the feeling that I wasn't welcome here anymore, and I started looking for other options, I’m sorry…” Britt said, looking down. “I didn't think I would still be in the squad by now.”

“I want you and everyone else to ask yourself if you really want to be here. And if you don't, I want you to get up and walk out of that door and never come back,” Erik said, watching for who stood up. Erin picked up her bag and walked out, but Britt stayed put as well as everyone else. Eventually, Ryoto also stood up and left, much to his surprise. Then again, she'd never been close to many players on the team. “You're all dismissed. Remember, contract talks start tomorrow. Talk to your agents and get your initial demands ready, but of course, remember what we just talked about.”

Everyone left, except for Alysha, who walked to Erik’s desk and sat down on the corner, pushing his laptop aside. She folded her arms and looked over her shoulder at him. “You're giving me a better contract, right?” she asked. “My agent already sent the offer. I know you think three years is a lot, but the other teams aren't interested and I think I'm worth taking a chance on.”

“I'll have to see what Casper wants. He's the one writing the checks.”

“But you're the one making the decisions, right?”

Erik sighed. “Look, Alysha. I know we have… A special relationship. But I don't have much control over the squad right now. I'll talk to Casper and see what I can do, but it's not really my decision.”

She turned so she was facing him, and pouted. “What do I have to do to make sure that I get that contract?”

“This isn't the place to talk about it… Just… Come over tonight, and we’ll talk. And I'm not promising anything,” Erik said, standing up and closing his laptop. “Now, I have a couple of deals to arrange. I'll be in my office if you need me.”

=====

Britt was distraught as she followed Erin out of the training center, but stopped in her tracks when she saw someone in the parking lot that she really didn't want to see. Marija. “What are you doing here?” Britt asked, immediately backing up.

“The Crows sent me to bring you to Otavice, and they're going to kill me if I don't come back with you in two days,” Marija blurted out. She looked like she was telling the truth. Either that, or she was a very good actor. There was genuine fear in her eyes, and she kept looking over her shoulder at someone waiting for her in a car.

“What do they want with us? They already came after us in Sungri, why would be head to their capital?” Erin asked.

“They just want to cut a deal with you to save some of their members… Please, Britt. You and Erin only have to stay for a couple of nights. They promised me that you'll be treated well. You can even bring that friend of yours, Asha.”

“We're not going there. The Crows aren't exactly trustworthy.”

Marija dropped to her knees, looking up at Britt. “Please, you have to do this… I'm going to die if you don't… I'll do anything to repay you. Anything. If they try to do anything to you, I'll protect you with my life.”

“Who is this, Britt? You know her?”

Britt nodded. “She's my friend from school… We have to help her, she's not a bad person. I'm going to go, it's not like I'm welcome here.”

Erin sighed and looked between the two girls. “Okay, fine. If you go, I go. Even though I know that we’ll regret this. When are we leaving?”

Marija didn't reply, because she was already hugging Britt. “We leave… Now,” she said, pointing to the black car in the parking lot. “My boss is going to get angry if we don't arrive soon.”

That was how Britt and Erin would end up walking straight into the dragon’s den. To help a friend. They could only wish that they would come out of this without getting betrayed and backstabbed, or without causing the Crows to turn on them. It was a massive risk, but one that Britt knew that she needed to take.

Both of them climbed into the black car, in the back, while Marija got into the front seat and the driver pulled out of the lot. “This has to be some kind of trap. They’re going to kill us as soon as we step foot in Otavice. There’s time to run, you know,” Erin whispered to Britt.

“This is your own damn fault. You’re the one who spent your money on a big house instead of repaying them,” snapped Britt, causing Erin to gesture for her to lower her voice. “How the fuck did you even go into debt with them in the first place?”

“I sold a ton of fake drugs to them because I thought I could get away with it, but they found out who I was and demanded all the money back plus a huge amount of interest. It was stupid, I know. But they don’t give a shit about their money, right now. They’re trying to make sure that I don’t try to get them charged for the video,” Erin explained. Britt instantly knew which video she was talking about, and she frowned.

“Don’t you want to get some justice for what they did?”

“What they did? I can’t even remember what they did, Britt! I just want to get them to leave me alone. Sure, I could go after Sami and Joanna and Seth, but I don’t even know for sure that Sami and Seth were in the video. And even if they get locked up somewhere, the rest of the Crows are going to come after us in retaliation. I have a career, I can’t just disappear into hiding to protect myself from them. Even if I could, they would come after you and probably Asha.”

Britt sighed and covered her face with her hands as she tried to come up with a solution. “This is why you shouldn’t have brought home an orphan. I know her life was bad in Sungri, but at least she wasn’t in immediate danger.”

“What if I don’t want to give up on having a family?” Erin asked. “I know things are rough now, but they’ll get better… We can’t go much further down, from here.”

“I never asked you to give up on a family. Hell, I didn’t know that you wanted one so much. I just think you should have waited until it’s safe to have someone else around. Asha is already in the hospital because of this, and you put her life in danger within an hour of meeting her.”

“Okay, okay, I get it! I make bad decisions. It’s too late to change anything now. Let’s just go to Otavice, make a deal with their bosses, and get them to leave us alone. Maybe your friend can help us out with that.”

Britt sighed and took out her phone, calling her younger brother Jaakim. He picked up quickly, and Britt took a deep breath before speaking. “Hey, Jaak. I’m going to be away for the next day or two. Me and Erin are going to Otavice. It’s for business stuff.”

“Business stuff? You mean you’re buying drugs or guns?”

“No, nothing like that. I would explain, but I won’t because you’ll ask to come with us. I need you to do me a favor. If anyone asks where we are, say that we went to Rastaka. Bisera is the only one who’s allowed to know that we’re in Otavice.”

“Um… Alright. If she asks, what am I supposed to tell her?”

“Tell her that we’re here for business. She’ll know what you mean. Also, if we don’t come back… Tell Audra that she can keep all of my things.”

“Wait, what kind of business is this?” asked Jaakim, concern showing in his voice.

“I’ll tell you everything when you’re older. I have to go… I’ll talk to you in a few days,” Britt said, hanging up. She slumped back in her seat and closed her eyes, putting a hand on Erin’s leg. “You were probably right when you said we’d regret this.”

Erin just shrugged. “Doesn’t matter. We’ll survive. We’ve survived worse. After everything that I’ve gotten through, I’m not going to let a bunch of criminals be the thing that kills me.”

=====

Erik was tiring of his job. Most of the credit for Hunsen’s championship in the Valerian First Tier was given to his star players rather than him, and they would enter the next season with bigger expectations than he felt they could realistically handle. The team’s owner, Casper Raptis, hardly respected him, even though he had guided them to their first title in addition to the semifinals of the Imperial Cup.

Because of losing Lily Cress, Hanna Nylis, and Reka Bacsik, and likely Ryoto, they would have a hard time with their title defense. Casper underestimated the impact that Lily had to change the game, and even though she never quite fit in at the locker room, she had been the one to carry them to the title. The girl was an enigma, really. She had started off on loan with VIK because she didn’t fit in and she wasn’t fluent in the languages, and while she was there, she was average. But when she came back to Hunsen, she had a chip on her shoulder and she played out of her mind. The consensus was that she deserved a huge contract, but then she asked to leave to Ross United because she supposedly didn’t feel valued enough.

It would be impossible to quickly replace her, even if Casper wanted someone to match her production. Lily Cress was an elite level striker, and Casper wasn’t willing to give Erik the budget to get another striker at her level, which was made especially harder by Hunsen only signing women. Even after he arrived at home, he was working on scouting Lily’s replacement. Cedric Cress had recommended an all-purpose forward from Rastaka Athletic Club, Stella Makelainen, but it was hard to tell how Makelainen would produce while playing on a better team. Cress said that her underproduction was directly linked to the low quality of her team, which was the smaller club in Rastaka. She was extremely physically talented, but Erik had doubts about her work ethic and her effort.

Eventually he closed his laptop and decided to consult the rest of the staff about the player tomorrow. More minds were almost always better than one when it came to signings. He walked to the living room, turning on the TV. He had the house to himself, for now. His wife, Ansa, was at her job as a college professor. Jaakim and Cal were staying with friends, and Britt hadn’t come back home yet. She was probably with Erin, and she was probably still upset about being called out in front of everyone. Erik wondered if he had been too hard on her, but he knew that he had needed to make a point. If they were to defend their title, they would need maximum production out of every player, and everyone would have to be completely focused on the team and not on finding a better deal for themselves.

His thoughts were interrupted when there was a knock on the door. “Come in, it’s not locked,” he said, and someone stepped inside. Alysha. “I didn’t expect you here this early,” he added, looking her up and down. She was wearing a cropped shirt with a pair of jean shorts, even though it was cold outside.

“Is Britt home?”

“No, why?”

“She doesn’t like it when I’m around you,” Alysha stated. “I’d rather not have another run in with her.”

“Well, we have the house to ourselves for most of the night,” Erik said, getting up and heading to the kitchen. He came back with a bottle of Marsala. “You want a drink? I know you like this wine.”

“Sure,” Alysha said with a smile. “We could always talk contracts later, since we have all night… By the way, this isn’t getting in the way of our… Friendship, is it? I don’t want money to drive us apart.”

“I can promise that it won’t. I’m going to do everything I can to get you a deal. I just can’t promise that it will be the one that you want,” Erik stated. He went back into the living room and placed the wine on the coffee table along with a pair of cups. He poured the wine into both cups, and when he handed Alysha her cup, she took it and sat down on his lap.

“You don’t mind if I sit here, do you?”

“That’s quite a bold move, but no, Alysha. I don’t mind,” Erik said. “I don’t mind that at all…”

by **The Royal Kingdom of Quebec** » Sat Aug 20, 2016 5:24 pm

ROYAL KINGDOM OF QUEBEC GRIM REAPERS

Manager: Yi Jin Shin (57 years old)
Assistant Manager: Fabrice Berger-Watts, 36
Starting Formation: 4-2-4
Style modifier: +5
Demonym: Quebecois
Team Nickname: The Grim Reapers
The Supporters: The Bubonic Plague

Squad
Players bolded are starters
   AGE NUMBER    NAME                       AGE     TEAM
   GK: #1        Neville McKinley            19     St. John's Arsenal
  LB:  #2        Lester Brown                20     Montreal Impact (Quebecois League Championship)[/b]
  RB:  #3        Bjorn Farvel                18     Sherbrooke Noksaekjeonsa
  CB:  #4        Jean-Thierry Gannon         20     Nunavut North Stars
  CB:  #5        Mila Lahm                   19     PLI Islanders
  ST:  #7        Arielle Celephindis         17     CA Paulinthal (Pasarga)
  ST:  #9  Aguste-Modéste Rashford-Blanchard 20     Montreal Koreana
   ST: #10       Ramon Cortez                20     Winnipeg United
  RW:  #11       Ji Seob Ahn                 19     Ottawa Fury (Quebecois League Championship)
  CB:  #12       William Barkholdt           18     Zenit Attawapiskat
AM/CM: #13       Yeong Seob Yeo              20     Sherbrooke Noksaekjeonsa
  RB:  #14       Rodolfo Diaz                20     Trojana Condommakers FC
  CM:  #15       Oh Hyun Shim                19     Hamilton Steelers FC
  CM:  #16       Cedrick O'Dea               18     St. John's Arsenal
  RW:  #17       Etienne St-Amant            18     CSKA Quebec
  CB:  #18       Stormwater Nuhkatow         19     Sherbrooke Noksaekjeonsa
  CM:  #19       Dunga Alonso                20     Montreal City
  GK:  #20       Dragan Sarichev             18     Winnipeg United
  LW:  #21       Arnoldo Flechamachete       17     CD FAS (San Jose Guayabal)
  LW:  #22       Henri-Mikael Berglund       18     St.John's Arsenal
  LB:  #24       Breanna Kim                 18     Chemo-Metallurg Sarnia
  AM:  #25       Fabio Ventresca             18     Kingston FC
  ST:  #29       Shayne Nadeau-Gauthier      20     London FC
  DM:  #95       Sauron                      16     Winnipeg United

Kits (Brought to you by Meski Sports):

One and Only Weed Kit

by **Pasarga** » Sat Aug 20, 2016 6:19 pm

Torgos Tribune ~ At It Again

The defending champions of the tournament come back to Valanora with far smaller expectations, as only three members of the team that won the Di Bradini Cup two years ago remain the roster for the Young Wanderers. However, you can not make light of the fact that those three are some of the best young talent that Pasarga has to offer, with all three of them being possible inclusions in the national team in the upcoming Qualifiers for the World Cup. Those three of course being Wolfgang Wefel, the towering center back who plays for Sebio City in Eshan, as well as the pair of AC Izotz Zubia players in Tar Hunor, a dynamic ball winning midfielder and playmaker, and striker Ingþór Auðbjörnsson. Auðbjörnsson is being compared by many as a young Ausilio Calabrese or Tobias Möller, which is high praise for a young man of only twenty years of age. If he can even live up to half of what is expected of him, then he is bound to have a great career both domestically and internationally.

The draw has been far from favorable either, with the exceptional teams from San Llera and San Jose Guayabal in the Young Wanderers group, as well as a competent side from New West Guiana, though the side will not have to worry about travel with their group fixtures contained within Valanora's capital. Perhaps it is a boon that the side will get to play against New West Guiana first then, to get their feet underneath them as they look to try and escape from this group, which many pundits are saying is the group of death. However, ours is not the only media or team to believe that they have been put in a precarious situation by the circumstances of the draw, as Ceni and Schottia both believe that they are in perceived groups of death as well. Given the smaller nature of the tournament and the turnover in many teams rosters from one tournament to the next, judging ability of squads may be hampered and thus all teams should merely go out there and see what may come.

That being said, the side will need to produce a result in their first game if they are going to be making the sort of headway and splash that they wish to achieve in this tournament and get at least into the Round of Sixteen to properly evaluate these youth candidates. Auðbjörnsson has had that praised heaped upon him as he is already scoring goals in the Audioslavia domestic league and lead the line for the side two years ago and is now expected to do it again. It is then likely that if the Young Wanderers are going to achieve anything this tournament it will be on the back of the Zozi striker, as most of the team is composed of players from youth teams of the SuperLiga. It is the first time in many years that most of the DBC squad will be composed of majority domestic league players and it is expected they will be not the same quality as when the team can put in a team full of rotation players in foreign leagues. Now is there chance to impress though and to show what the future of Pasarga football may be looking like.

by **Valanora** » Sat Aug 20, 2016 6:50 pm

Matchday 1

Group A
Pasarga 2–0 New West Guiana
San Llera 3–0 San Jose Guayabal

Group B
Anglatia 4–1 Chromatika
Tumbra 1–1 Unified Sunrise Islands

Group C
Farfadillis 2–2 Valladares
Hasznia 3–1 Starblaydia

Group D
Qasden 1–0 Mercedini
Azrea 2–4 Royal Kingdom of Quebec

Group E
Gadirya 1–0 Nephara
Dunnes 1–2 Tomikosan

Group F
Kernansquillec 3–3 Dainer
Khacia 1–0 Devonta

Group G
Schottia 0–2 Abanhfleft
Flardania 1–7 Ceni

Group H
Greater Vakolicci Haven 0–1 Taeshan
Prusy krolewskie 1–2 Cosumar

by **Hasznia** » Sun Aug 21, 2016 12:57 am

Hasznia 3-1 Starblaydia
Starting XI:
GK-Cannon
RB-Graham (goal 79')
CB-Harris (off 45')
CB-Kelly
LB-Henderson
DM-Cooper
LM-Delgado (goal 15')
RM-Salazar (off 45')
AM-Buchanan (off 60')
ST-Norris
ST-Garcia (goal 37')
Substitutes: Brock (GK), Mills (on 45'), Fields, Mann (on 60'), Cross (on 45'), McCormick, Rose

Just Hasznian Things #7: Politicians

Emerging from nearly half a century of despotic rule by President-for-Life Brianna Kingsley, Hasznia's national political scene has exploded in recent years as a cacophony of ideologies, personalities, spirited debate, and soul-crushing bureaucracy. Such is the breaks of trying to convert a system designed to confuse and alienate into a system meant to engage and empower. Below are some portraits of the most powerful people in the new Hasznia.

Prime Minister Candace Reid

Born: 1977 (age 39)
In Office: 2011-present
Affiliation: Hasznian Free Workers’ Party (Blues), Unionist Bloc
Since the demise of the Kingsley Republic, nothing and no one has come to represent the “new Hasznia” as Candace Reid. Her proponents describe her as efficient and unsentimental, able to turn the wheels for the good of Hasznia, while her enemies cast her as an aloof, robotic bureaucrat more interested in litigation than progress. Reid’s popularity is largely tied to the success of the central government, and while her polling numbers have at times looked laughably low, she has survived more than a dozen votes of no confidence since taking office.

Reid began her political life as student body president of the University of Barracha, where she initiated a campus-wide poll showing the vast majority of Barracha students wanted Kingsley to resign. The results were widely circulated, but Reid was unceremoniously expelled, ostensibly for academic dishonesty. She disappeared into obscurity for more than a decade before reemerging as a sort of rebel celebrity in 2009 when it became clear that Kingsley was intending to step down. She ran unopposed in her home Assembly district of Urbana, an upscale Barracha suburb, and was a founding member of the Hasznian Free Worker’s Party, better known as the “Blues”.

by **San Llera** » Sun Aug 21, 2016 9:45 am

SanLeagueRank

50. Kansuke Sando
| Nationality:

Flardania | Club: Patria Poble | Position: CB | Composite Rating: 7.81 |
While perhaps overshadowed by his compatriot Papadopoulos, Sando has become a valuable part of the league since signing on a free transfer prior to the second season of San League Soccer. He is a speedy if not bulky center back whose soccer IQ has improved rapidly under the hand of Patria Poble manager Matias Pedrosa.

49. Jacque Olivier
| Nationality:

San Llera | Club: Llerana SC | Position: LB | Composite Rating: 7.86 |
Some consider Jacque Olivier lucky that he is so adequate at a position most San Llerans are, for whatever season, so inadequate at. Through this adequacy he has gained nearly 90 caps for the national team and started at two World Cups. But with that said, he is a talented player - capable of doing a little bit of everything. Once a top twenty player in the league, it is a testament to the San League's growth that he's slipped so far down the list.

48. Ivar Ryokin
| Nationality:

Chromatika | Club: Llara Llera | Position: CAM | Composite Rating: 7.88 |
Perhaps Ivar Ryokin needed some time to acclimatize himself to the San Lleran game, as he did very little creation or scoring in his first ten matches. However, just when fans started to tire of him, he scored a brace to defeat Cremando Llera, and then put away three more in the next five games. Once he found his footing, Ryokin was a menace, one of the few players in the league who could create a chance for themselves out of almost nothing. For this he became a favorite of Llara Llera fans.

47. Pau Marqueque
| Nationality:

San Llera | Club: Llerana SC | Position: LW | Composite Rating: 7.92 |
Last year was something of a breakout season for Pau Marqueque, the season Llerana fans had been waiting for since the winger signed at the age of 20. Marqueque became an explosive offensive player, running at defenders and creating chances when Llerana SC sleepwalked through games against inferior opponents. His defense hasn't improved much since competing at the Di Bradini Cup, but Marqueque's offensive prowess is among the best in the league.

46. Marc Disatre
| Nationality:

San Llera | Club: Amici Llano | Position: CM | Composite Rating: 7.94 |
Marc Disatre has steadily improved since beginning his San League career as a 19-year-old with the San Llera University of Physiology. Always a hard-working player, Disatre has added weight since his teenage years, and became the physical specimen, box-to-box midfielder he is today. His passing is below average for a center midfielder, but he makes up for it with his work ethic and tireless buzzing around the pitch.

45. Marcel Bens
| Nationality:

San Llera | Club: Cremando Llera | Position: ST | Composite Rating: 7.94 |
Of the three Bens brothers, Marcel was surely the one to win all of the wrestling matches as children. At 6'3" and upwards of 220 pounds, he is a behemoth in the box, feared by defenders around the league. And for his size, his movement is surprisingly fluid. As one might expect, he's very in tune with his brothers, making for a potent strike trio.

44. Santeri Moors
| Nationality:

Cosumar | Club: Patria Poble | Position: LW | Composite Rating: 7.97 |
Santeri Moors may not be the first player to catch the eye of a new observer watching the San League, but he's quietly one of the best, known for his nearly omniscient knowledge and awareness of the game. "He's always advancing the ball to a better spot," says Matias Pedrosa, manager of Patria Poble. "Our advanced statistics love him. What he does is crucial to the team."

43. Pietro Delaclava
| Nationality:

San Llera | Club: AS Mantegapa | Position: CM | Composite Rating: 7.97 |
Pietro Delaclava rise to San League stardom has been very gradual, from SLUC reserve to SLUC MVP to AS Mantegapa centerpiece in the space of seven seasons. His importance to both squads can be best summed up by SLUC's form - 8th with him, dead last and relegated the next year without him. Delaclava is always at the eye of La Tempesta ("The Storm"), creating most of their chances.

42. Enric Viktorio
| Nationality:

San Llera | Club: Chell SC | Position: CB | Composite Rating: 7.98 |
When not getting into heated disputes with managers, Enric Viktorio is actually a very decent center back - strong in the air, decent awareness, and elite distribution. In tandem to all of this, he is a threat going forward, both in the air, and on occasion, on the ground.

41. Andreu Mallet
| Nationality:

San Llera | Club: Llerana SC | Position: ST | Composite Rating: 7.99 |
Llerana SC and San Llera legend Andreu Mallet has retired at the age of 39, and will not play another game in the San Leaue. He was an effective player until the very end, however, his left foot never failing him even when his pace and durability did. Mallet received a parade in Llerana in his honor, and he well deserved it, scorer of 154 domestic goals in his illustrious career with Llara Llera, Porta Llora (both before a formal league), and of course Nois de Blau. Mallet also recorded eight goals and five assists in his unfortunately short national team career.

by **Khacia (Ancient)** » Sun Aug 21, 2016 10:39 am

Khacia Us If You Can!

Part of the Di Bradini Cup series

By Felix Davidović

Khacia's first international football tournament got off to a flying start with a comfortable 1-0 win over Devonta. The Sparrowhawks lined up in a wide 4-4-2 diamond formation. The selection was as most expected; Isaak Pavlov was chosen in goal, Cižek and Majewski lined up in the centre back positions and Novak and Yakovlev were selected as the two strikers. Šimon Vanek took minimal risks tactically; Khacia played their standard, slow-and-steady brand of possession football, attacking consistently but carefully. Khacia's own Sparrowhawks looked resplendent, decked out in their Meski provided home kits.

STARTING XI:
GK - Isaak Pavlov
LB - Kazimir Jaskolski
CB - Silvestr Cižek (C)
CB - Feodor Majewski
RB - Tobiasz Navitski
CDM - Jan Maystrenko
LM - Zachariasz Kaczka
RM - Janek Konstantinov
CAM - Matfey Zelenka
ST - Tomas Novak
ST - Nikolai Yakovlev

The first attack of the game came, as most of them would, from Khacia. In the tenth minute, Jan Maystrenko picked out Zachariasz Kaczka with a stunning, 40 yard pass. Kaczka used his outstanding pace to skip pass the Devontan left back and burst into the box. However, instead of picking out the unmarked Nikolai Yakovlev, Kaczka decided to go alone. He slammed the ball into the post, which then deflected out of play. This should have been a warning to Devonta.

The goal came from a very similar move. Jan Maystrenko this time picked out Matfey Zelenka. Zelenka ran directly at the Devontan centre backs ad slid the ball to Tomas Novak. Novak received the ball with just the goalkeeper between him and the goal and dinked it into the goal with a calmness beyond his years. There were some fruitless appeals for offside amongst the opposition, which were swiftly dismissed by the referee.

The game continued in this fashion, with Khacia regularly getting forward and frequently have attempts on goal. Devonta had just one shot on goal in the game; a long range effort that deflected off Cižek's outstretched leg and had to be parried away by Isaak Pavlov, who had been inactive for the majority of the game. In the 64th minute, 15 year old Spartak Filippov made his debut for the under-21, replacing Nikolai Yakovlev. He looked very impressive; quick and agile, with some silky skills. However, not even Filippov could inspire Khacia to score another goal. The Devontan goalkeeper had an exceptional game, preventing Khacia from embarrassing Devonta. As the final whistle blew, Khacia's honourable and great leader, President Miroslav Kováč, himself could been seen applauding the team, supporting their first competitive international football match.

MATCH FACTS:

STATISTICS KHACIA DEVONTA
GOALS 1 (Novak 42' mins) 0
SHOTS 17 4
SHOTS ON TARGET 10 1
POSSESSION (%) 66 34
SHOT ACCURACY (%) 58 25
PASS ACCURACY (%) 88 74
CORNERS 7 2
FOULS 11 17
YELLOW CARDS 4 (Cižek, Majewski, Maystrenko & Jaskolski) 2
RED CARDS 0 0

GROUP F TABLE:

In the other game in Group F on matchday 1, Dainer drew with Kernansquillec in a thrilling 3-3 draw. In what may very well be the game of the group, but not the game of the group stages, an honour that may fall to Ceni's 7-1 demolition of Flardania, Dainer and Kernansquillec traded goal-for-goal during an incredible enjoyable, if not the most technical, game of football.

POSITION	COUNTRY	PLAYED	POINTS	GOAL DIFFERENCE
1	KHACIA	1	3	+1
2	DAINER	1	1	0
3	KERNANSQUILLEC	1	1	0
4	DEVONTA	1	0	-1

www.khacianchronicle.ka

by **Prusy Krolewskie** » Sun Aug 21, 2016 12:31 pm

Prusy Krolewskie lost to Cosumar

Gladerial (Valanora) - (NEIP) In front of a sell out crowd of 70 000 football fans, the Reprezentacja Pruski lost 2-1 against the Dragons. Prusy Krolewskie almost scored at the 13th minute when Tymoteusz Swierczewski made a header pass to Jaroslaw Sobieszczyk but he heads the ball over the net. Cosumar then raised their game a notch and, at the 21st minute, Letty Moreno dribbles with the ball and makes a cross to Xavier Wingfield. Wingfield kicks the ball but Tomasz Mikolajczak makes the save! Cosumar attacked again at the 28th minute when Lili Riprov shoots and Tomasz Mikolajczak tips the ball out of bounds. Cosumar will get a corner kick. Meanwhile, Slawomir Skrzeszewski had a ripped off jersey and went to the sidelines to change it, but the play continued and, at the 29th minute, on a corner kick the ball was kicked in front of the goal and Jenny Na'Matsoo heads it into the net, it's a goal and Cosumar leads 1-0. Prusy Krolewskie attacked at the 36th minute when Stanislaw Dziekanowski passes the ball forward to Jaroslaw Sobieszczyk who dribbles and makes a cross to Alicja Jedrzejczyk. Alicja Jedrzejczyk kicks the ball and it's in the net, it's a goal for Prusy Krolewskie! And the game is tied 1-1 at the halftime!

Prusy Krolewskie attacked at the 54th minute but Vance Commerford stops Alicja Jedrzejczyk's shot. The Dragons attacked at the 62nd minute when Bryger Tidesson makes a header pass to Lili Riprov but Tomasz Mikolajczak makes the save. Prusy Krolewskie attacked at the 74th minute when Weronika Zubrowska passes the ball to Przemyslaw Tkocz. Przemyslaw Tkocz saw Alicja Jedrzejczyk open and wanted the pass her the ball but Celty O'Mercury came from nowhere and blocks the pass. Ellie Hanger gets the lose ball and Cosumar counter attacks. Ellie Hanger passes to Jenny Na'Matsoo who dribbles and passes on her right to Bryger Tidesson. Bryger Tidesson dribbles and passes the ball to Xavier Wingfield who shoots and scores! It was 2-1 for Cosumar. Prusy Krolewskie attacked at the 80th minute but Vance Commerford makes a beautiful save on Jaroslaw Sobieszczyk's header shot. The Reprezentacja Pruski attacked again at the 86th and 90 +1 minutes but failed to score. Prusy Krolewskie finally lost 2-1.

In the other game of group H, Taeshan beat Greater Vakolicci Haven 1-0 so Prusy Krolewskie is now tied in 3rd place with Greater Vakolicci Haven. The Reprezentacja Pruski needs to win its two remaining game. Matchday 2 is against Greater Vakolicci Haven at The White Fortess in Gladerial, Valanora.

Cosumar goals: Jenny Na'Matsoo (29th minute) and Xavier Wingfield (74th minute)
Prusy Krolewskie goals: Alicja Jedrzejczyk (36th minute)

by **Gadirya** » Sun Aug 21, 2016 4:31 pm

5E 230
Rose Gardens, Kareen, Valanora

Süleyman Değirmenci paces around the locker room while his team gets ready for their U-21 international debut against Nephara. Even though Değirmenci didn't show it he was a bit nervous. Prior to his post as U-21 manager and assistant manager to the senior national side, he has had no football managing experience. He has watched numerous training videos, done simulations, and even watched some Felixian football from the technical box courtesy of the Felixian FA few years ago. But none of the preparation could have prepared for this moment. He gets a bottle of water and downs it. The players are ready, Değirmenci smiles at them, they all look a bit tense, "Hey lads," he begins, "I know you are all anxious, for many of you this the beginning of your careers. It's ok, you want to prove something, so do I. This is my first match too, we all want to prove our self-worth not only to Gadiryans watching back at home but to the world. Just play your natural football, follow the gameplan, and we will be fine. Now let's go out there!" The players cheer and they get up. Değirmenci pats them all on the back as they walk by.

Değirmenci, the coaching staff, and the substitutes walk out the tunnel first. Then the both starting XIs for Nephara and Gadirya entered the pitch. Soon the two teams lined up, ready for their national anthems to start. Gadirya's goes first and the whole Gadiryan team, plus the Gadiryan fans that flew to Valanora sang the anthem. Nephara's anthem follows and their delegation shows the same passion. The stadium was buzzing and they were set for a great match. The two teams shook hands then dispersed for team photos. After that was done Değirmenci huddled up the starting eleven and gave them once last piece of advice, "Okay, let them have possession the first 15 minutes to get settled but play solid defense, okay?" They nodded and were off. He walked up to Erica Brewer and shook her hand, wishing her a great match. He then sat down in the technical box and soon enough the referee blew his whistle to start the match.

When Değirmenci told his team to stay back, which they did, but the "solid defense" he was looking for was not there. The first 15 minutes were rough as Nephara dominated possession and had numerous chances on goal giving the 44-year-old multiple heart attacks, one in particular came off of Hawke which hit the post causing the whole crowd to shout, "ooh". The Nepharim were very physical and were pushing Gadirya out of the ball, frustrating the team to the point that Zahid Hadj got carded for a cheap kick on Rowan after losing the ball. Değirmenci got up from his seat having enough of this, "Push back!" he yelled in Arabic, "Change course, change course! Move forward!" The team responded albeit slowly. Possession began to even out and the Gadiryans began to push back. The dangerous opportunities continued to come from the middle as the Nepharim high press prevented and movement forward for the Gadiryans. Değirmenci was concerned, but couldn't make tactical changes till halftime. "Hmm, if we pass quickly we might break through this press." he says to himself and writes down notes. Another Nephara chance wizzes by with Kamuzu Salib making a crucial save. Değirmenci shakes his head, in the match so far Nephara had 8 shots, 7 on target. Gadirya? 1 shot, 0 shots on target, the best chance was from a corner that was headed just over the bar by Gaubert Royer. Finally, the first half ended, luckily with no damage.

The team enters the locker room, tired, Değirmenci shakes his head, "Guys, we have to do better. I know this our first match but we have to be braver with our play. We were pushed down out too many times and we got two yellow cards, one from Hadj and Erden. This is not good. I am not going to make any changes still the 55th minute because I believe in you guys but I really want improvement. Now, before I let you guys relax a bit let me tell you all a new strategy. So, when we have the ball we suddenly get pressed by a Nepharim player, right? So I suggest we quickly pass the ball forward instead of trying to carry the ball, ok?" the players nodded, "I don't why we've been playing differently, nerves I guess, whatever, this 2nd half can be ours, but we got to win ok?" the players nod again, "Now, smile, this is football. Lets go!"

The second half starts with Gadirya having possession. Le Tonnelier passes it to Ishaq El-Hashem and the Nepharim continue their pressing. El-Hashem soon passes it to another Gadiryan. Gadirya soon develops a pattern of passing that Nephara couldn't stop and finally Gadirya's first open play chance appears with a brilliant pass from Farouk Benita to Pierre-Louis Le Tonnelier, but Nepharim defensive pressure prevented Le Tonnelier getting comfortable with the ball and the shot was right at the goalkeeper. Regardless Değirmenci was proud of what he just saw, Gadirya finally attacked. But Nephara didn't want this to be status quo and began to have their share of possession and soon the side began to penetrate the final third, once again the middle of the pitch was a weakness. Despite the balance, the match showed with Gadirya getting a few more shots on goal. Değirmenci knew a change was needed, he substituted Yusuf Litim for a 16-year-old Atmaca Kizilirmak in the 60th minute. The change was noticeable and looking back, one of the best changes the young Gadiryan manager made. Soon an opportunity sprang up. Once again Nephara was edging closer, with Danijel Brymora in possession. A more aggressive Kizilirmak took the ball catching the opposing team off guard and Gadirya's counter attack began to materialize.

Kizilirmak passed it to Farouk Benita who then lobs it to a wide open Pierre-Louis Le Tonnelier before he is fouled down by Sieglinde Lohengrin. The referee lifts his arms up indicating advantage. Nephara's sole center back couldn't touch Le Tonnelier and gets nutmegged as Le Tonnelier dribbles down to the goal. The crowd began to stand up, excited by this chance at goal. Le Tonnelier, under less pressure than his previous chance easily netted his chance with a shot that was just off Reinhard Lockwood's fingertips. Le Tonnelier's goal in the 64th minute was greeted by a roar and Le Tonnelier runs down to the corner flag and slides. The Gadiryan players on the pitch surround him, celebrating with him. Nephara was in shock. Değirmenci was estactic, he jumped up and hugged a player, he just witnessed his first goal scored by a team he managed. After a minute the players composed themselves and lined up again.

At this point Nephara was desperate and frustrated. Overall, they dominated the match and they had nothing to show for it. They began to attack trying to even up the score. Gadirya went back preventing a breakdown. As the clock continued to get closer and closer to the 90th minute the Gadiryans began to get excited, they were getting close to their first U-21 international win but the oppenents weren't giving up. In the 84th minute a well placed shot by the tricky Karin Drinkwater hit the post and Andrea Bereveskos kicked the ball in, shocking the Gadiryan side but that feeling was gone as the assistant referee pulled her flag up indicating she was offside, making the goal invalid. That was the last major chance for Nephara and Gadirya escaped with a 1-0 victory. After the match ended Değirmenci again shook the hand of his fellow manager Erica Brewer and then began to celebrate with his players. This was Süleyman Değirmenci's first match and first victory, perhaps this was gonna be the start of something special for this young manager.

by **Ceni** » Sun Aug 21, 2016 5:36 pm

rotunda > interview
Attacks in Eura Cause Chaos

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. Chaos recently struck Eura last night, with conflicting reports coming out of the country in a helter-skelter manner. Today we have two guests to make sense of and discuss the situation in Eura and the political ramifications of this event. Welcome to Cenian Public Radio's chief politics editor, Gil Korova and our Bastion correspondent Thel Niachei. Good morning to the both of you.

Thel Niachei: I'm glad to be here - but it's sad about the occasion for being able to come on.

Gil Korova: Thanks for having me on again.

QT: Thel, can you tell us exactly what happened last night all across Eura?

TN: Around 8:00 PM last night, Endemian time, Sameban agents (well, somebody, but rumored to be Sameba) detonated a nuclear bomb (more specifically, a gun-type fission bomb, again, according to rumor) in the city of Pooltree, Eura, where Euran prime minister Michael Judge was conducting an event. Fortunately, Prime Minister Judge was able to escape, ensuring Eura will have firm political leadership through this crisis, but the bomb leveled the entire city of Pooltree and caused a numerous amount of civilian deaths, with the current death toll unknown. Around thirty minutes later, as Euran authorities were attempting to find safety for residents of their major cities, a coordinated series of suicide bombers and mass shooters took advantage of the confusion, killing hundreds, perhaps thousands in crowded public areas in Eura's major cities, including Bastion, where I am. Thirdly, Sameba attacked the major Euran port city of Falourr, more specifically the Euran navy which is docked there. A barrage of missiles hit the navy, which was attempting to evacuate the port according to procedure, causing more casualties, while also hitting a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, causing massive damage. To top it all off, an unnamed source within the Euran military has told me that they spotted Sameban troops mounting just north of their border, signalling an invasion.

QT: What was the Euran government's response to the attack?

TN: Well, to start off, the Euran government took measures to reduce the risk of casualties in its other major cities, including Bastion, by advising its citizens to stay indoors or get indoors if they are out of doors. They also took measures to secure their major power plants, military bases, and centers of government to help ensure the safety of these pivotal institutions. But overall, the Euran government projected a stance of calm and order - with the government taking pains to assert that daily life and economic life would continue in face of this adversity. They urged other nations to seize Sameban military and economic assets and not help the Sameban government in any way, and welcomed any offers of economic aid and assistance to help rebuild. They also stated their main goals for the conflict that will no doubt ensue from these attacks: to defend the territorial sovereignty and drive Sameba out of Eura, to keep them from being a threat in the future. We have also come to understand that Prime Minister Judge and his cabinet will be making a statement within the coming week about a more full Euran government response.

QT: How has the attack affected both Euran and Cenian financial markets?

TN: The financial markets in both places have been hit very hard with the attack, especially here in Bastion, with one of the largest stock exchanges in Rushmore. Trading was not in session when the attacks took place, but earlier today, and in trading before the markets opened, stocks did fall pretty heavily. Cenial's financial markets, with their large involvement in the Euran economy, also took a bit of a hit, to the tune of around four or five percent earlier today, and they're still on their downward slide as we're speaking right now. Attacks like this do put a big block of uncertainty in the financial markets, and an uncertainty about collateral damage as well as damage to a company's ability to do business in the aftermath of these attacks. The Euran pound did have a bit of a fall in the beginning but now that drop has begun to slacken off as the Euran central bank took emergency action to stabilize the currency, selling off some of their foreign currency reserves, including the Cenian bewlegi, in order to help moderate that decline. Also, according to a source inside the Euran government who didn't wish to be named due to the fact he wasn't authorized to speak to the public, several strategically valuable operations within Eura, such as shipping, air freight, IT, logistics or construction companies that might be needed for the war effort, will be nationalized by the Euran government, although he didn't say which ones in particular; this will likely send stocks of a couple of Cenian companies, like Cityscapes Architecture and Construction and Air Terranea, down as they have substantial operations in Eura that may be nationalized to help with the war effort in Eura. Air Terranea's stock has also gone down quite a bit in the past few hours, owing to countries like Valladares cancelling all Eura-bound flights for fear of a terrorist attack on a plane, unfortunately for that carrier.

QT: Now let's turn to Gil. With the Rushmori Union talks going on in Orean, how will this attack affect the main talking points?

GK: Some of the talking points have been going around are wildly divergent from other nations' so far even before the attacks, with disagreement on the degree of political integration, economic connectivity, and concerns about international law and free trade. But the attacks will throw the talks into disarray in the short term as the talks shift to the response to the attacks. Eura has been stressing calm at the talks, but I think the attacks will probably shift consensus away from a freer movement of goods, capital, and workers across Rushmori borders, as to prevent a terrorist attack or easier access by Sameban groups throughout the continent. However, the attacks might cause consensus to move in the direction of more coordinated responses from the national governments involved, which would mean a bit more political integration from governments in the region, and in the medium- to long-term, the attacks will probably advance discussion on several issues as now we actually have an impetus to move forward instead of moving at the normal political pace of slow.

QT: Here in Ceni, what has been the Cenian government's main response? What have other governments' responses been to this attack?

GK: Of course, the Cenian government has condemned the Sameban government's pre-emptive strike and frozen Sameban assets within the Cenian financial system, including banks like Ergo which is a major player in the Terranean finance industry, and also expelling the Sameban ambassador to Cenial. The Cenian government has also imposed sanctions on the Sameban government to prevent any Cenian petrochemicals, oil, or technology from entering Sameban hands to help their war effort, and Ceni has stepped up security at the Cenial International Airport, a big transit hub for the east of Rushmore. Other Rushmori governments have pretty much done the same thing as Ceni has - condemned the actions of Sameba, imposed sanctions, as well as restricting flights to and from Eura for the time being; Valladares also closed off the port of Junin, which is strategically crucial for that government.

QT: What do the various political parties in Ceni propose to do in response to the attack?

GK: Well, Johnny Menuk, the New Cenians' presidential candidate, has a knack for saying something incendiary about situations like this, and he managed to do the same in this situation by saying that all Samebans should be deported from Ceni because they're all criminals and terrorists while also calling for Ceni to basically shut in on itself. The Moderates and the Cenians for Prosperity were a little bit less radical than Menuk, but they did call for increased security within Ceni and efforts to make sure a nuclear bomb can never explode within Ceni - after all, even a tiny nuclear bomb will have a massive effect on this tiny nation of only around five thousand square kilometers. The left-wing parties criticized the right-wing parties' policies for restricting civil rights in the name of security but sponsored a bill in the Cenian Parliament to increase funding for security efforts and early detection efforts in case of an attack against Ceni as well.

QT: How do you think this attack will influence the geopolitical situation in Terranea, in particular between Eura and Electrum and Sameba, as well as with Ceni?

GK: This is going to be a major game-changer in international politics and relations here in Terranea. I think this is going to add fuel to the fire of the Electrumite nationalists who want to seal off the border with Eura, on the grounds of security. This is obviously also going to negatively impact relations between Eura and Sameba with the outbreak of war, of course, which I think Eura will win due to its advantage in both numbers and technology. But this could also have an effect the opposite way from all the nationalist parties who want to pull their countries into their shells to prevent things like this from happening in their countries. It could be a wellspring for a new movement of Rushmore, one that can bring everyone together rather than drive everyone apart. I think that the Rushmori Union will certainly make Rushmore as a region stronger in the face of attacks like this, and this actually could impel the talks to go even further in bringing the region together.

QT: I'd like to thank you both for coming on, and offer condolences to the families of all the victims of all of the attacks in Eura. We offer our most heartfelt sympathies at Cenian Public Radio. Thanks again to Gil Korova, Cenian Public Radio's chief politics editor, and Thel Niachei, our correspondent in Bastion, Eura.

TN: Thanks so much for the opportunity.

GK: Any time, Quinn. Glad to be back.

QT: Remember to keep listening to Cenian Public Radio, as we'll keep you posted on any new information that comes out of Eura. We now turn to Cenian domestic politics, as ...

by **New West Guiana** » Sun Aug 21, 2016 9:33 pm

1 on 1

Good afternoon and welcome to PAC's One on One with your host this hour Diane Fines. This hour we'll be talking both politics and sport with out guest Todd Akin coach of the nations Under twenty-one soccer team.

D: Welcome Coach Akin.

A: Thank you for having me on.

D: So tell me you were hired as the national coach for the U21 team and have become a core part of the new youth league of the NPSL, so tell us why?

A: Well as your viewers may or may not know soccer in this country has a fan base to a point it has been for some thirty years been growing but in comparison to our neighbors lagging behind by years. Most of those who get into the sport start young around five years old in either school sponsored programs or community sponsored leagues. In 2017 it was estimated that around some 40 million West Guianans participate in some form of capacity the majority do so when they are between the ages of five to ten. By middle school many will join other more popular sports, football, basketball, lacrosse and they lose interest in soccer. It was about five years ago actually that the NPSL was talking about the creation of a youth league, but at that time the league was still in the growing mode and finances were still a bit rocky.

About two years ago I was asked along with the great Don Hummel to join a task force to see the potential outcomes of such a youth league and analyze the possible risks. Well we both agreed the pros outweighed the cons by and large. However the NPSL further asked us to look at potential clubs that would be part of the league and to find backers to help fund the league until it became financially solvent. Don obviously had his academy and we looked at the Gemsbrook United and FC United's U21 teams, then looked elsewhere in city's that have a large soccer following.

D: So why only start off with nine teams and roughly how much does the NPSL expect to lose in the first few years?

A: Well first off the league official say that the youth league will be in the black in maybe two, three years the overall loss is expected to be maybe a million dollars at most, most of these clubs are sponsored financially by other clubs and use those clubs training facilitates and the players are benefited with the team doctors and other staff. Now there is one, 18th Ave that for the most part most support it self, however though the league does help pay some salaries of a select few of its players.

And the simple reason as to why the league started off with ten teams is all about money and possible draw for the crowds. We didn't want to have clubs in city's that have had in the past that have drawn small crowds and have at times struggled, New Haven for example their team still is struggling have has been since they became an expansion team in the old National Soccer Association. Three of the clubs are based right here in Gemsbrook, tw in St. Johns and the rest in various locations.

D: How do you expect the nations first U21 team in about twenty years to do at this years Di Brandi Cup?

A: Not to lower anyone's expectations, but as it is the firt U21 team in over twenty years which the roster is filled with guys who to be honest are inexperienced and look they know that. We hope to come out with at most a 0-1-2 record, we're going up against teenagers and young men from some of the best soccer nations around and these guy they're going against have eaten, breathed and lived soccer for their entire lives. Our guys have played since maybe middle to high school and they spend the rest of their time playing football and lacrosse.

D: Well we'll wish you luck and hope for the best in the coming game.

by **Schottia** » Mon Aug 22, 2016 1:28 am

SBCNEWS Online...
Sports special - Di Bradini Cup 38

Defeat to Abanhfleft in the opening match of the 38th Di Bradini Cup has meant that Schottia already face a mammoth struggle to qualify. In a group containing Ceni as well as the fleftic side, it was quite apparent from the moment the draw was announced, that three into two just wouldn't go. Amidst a mood of general disappointment back home, the result has also casts doubt over the SFA's selection policy, and the omission of key players who have already earned senior caps. Now, with Schottia faltering against an experienced Fleftic side, and their leaky defence facing the prospect of going toe-to-toe with Andrew Arrowsword in a decider with Ceni, many have been left wondering if it would have been better to make more of an attempt at going further in the tournament.

Firstly, in order that we are fair to the Schottic FA, it is worth making an important point. The initial ruling was made when the country's golden generation was at its zenith, with an eligible player pool including: Kim Coultan, Chloe Rudden, Gareth Souter, Ben Ross, and Johannas Ünterhausen, all of whom had been capped for the senior team at that time. Back then it probably seemed only reasonable that those players make way, so the next crop of youngsters could develop their talents.

The second thing is to ask, whether there are any eligible player who could have come in and made a difference? Is the side's current problems a result of the U21 team being purged by senior side managers, or does it result from a dearth of talent Schottia are experiencing in general right now? It is certainly true to say Schottia has a smaller playing pool that many of the sides ranked immediately above them. For a perfect example of this, one would only need to look at the amount of player Semarland have capped compared to us over the last ten years (although, in fairness, this is a pretty extreme example). But while Schottia is smaller than most of our regional neighbours, there are still six million of us! We must be able to produce at least 23 young players of international quality?

So who is missing? Who could Kagami Ikeda have brought in, that wasn't already on the plane to Valanora?

Luella Svenskah was name few that very few had heard of before her inclusion in Jane Gullie's World Cup squad last year. The Klyde midfielder was teammate of Nora Imrie at West Coast Warriors for three seasons before she joined the Cosumarite side aged nineteen. It took her a little time, but she eventually forced her way into the first team there, and it was on the back of the side's excellent fourth place league finish two years ago. that she was called up. Obviously, there are now question marks hanging over her, following the Doves' shock relegation. That said, there is no doubting the fact that Svenskah could do a job here. The 21-year-old has way more first team experience that Addison or Gerrish, and a far more robust style of play. As a direct swap, for perhaps Addison, you would like to hope that Svenskah would do a slightly better job of protecting a back four, which have already seen looking vulnerable against the Felftics.

Another player left out of this squad was Melanie's twin brother Johannas Ünterhausen. In terms of this player, you have to say leaving him out of the U21s team was fair enough though. With 27 caps to his name, and six international goals, he has been a big feature for the senor side since the age of eighteen. The versatile midfielder is already a big player for Real Chinchinhua in the Taeshani League, having joined from FC Döllar at the age of fifteen. Ünterhausen is heralded as one of Schottia's top talents, and over the last three seasons, The Chihuahuas have rejected offers from Jansberg and Kingsgrove for the player's services. Without a shadow of a doubt, if Johannas were do join up with his brother and sister, he would be the best midfield player in the side. The temptation would be to play him in an advanced role, where he would definitely give the opposition defences more food for thought that 16-year-old Camila Soria Luna.

Something else worth keeping in mind is the fact that Ünterhausen can play in other positions, meaning that there would be the option of trying to help out the defence. How capable he is at playing wingback isn't really known, as off the top of my head I cannot remember watching him play in defence with Real Chinchinhua or Schottia. There was of course the famous interview with his then manager at Döllar, Janus Gootla, when he said that the 15-year-old was the best midfielder, striker, defender, and keeper in his side. While I'm not saying I don't believe him, it is perhaps more down to myth acceptance than any empirical knowledge, that this rumour has taken hold.

Third and finally we have Corinne "CMB" Martel-Burns. Just shy of her eighteenth birthday, the St Johns Arsenal star has already played eight times for the senior team, scoring four goals in the process. On top of that she has been on devastating form in the LigAnaia North, and has now picked up where she left off in the Q-League. Of course there are certain issues which need to be taken into account when playing Martel-Burns, and one of them is her disciplinary record. A hundred years ago, the teenager's antics would have probably been put in a straightjacket and thrown into a padded cell - but times have changed, and as a result she is one of the nation's hottest prospects prospects.

The half Quebecois star took the U15 World Cup by storm two years ago, and despite receiving a three match ban for grappling the red card from the referee's hand, she still went on to score eight goals. If the mild mannered Ikeda could unleash Martel-Burns' energy in a productive manner, then she would be a huge asset to the side, in the loan striker position. This would probably be a good move for Schottia, seeing as they are up against Cenian wonderkid Arrowsword who is probably of a similar standard... although a bit better behaved. If Ceni's performance against Flardania is anything to go by - a team whose goal-difference over the last two Di Bradini Cups must make their fans want to weep - then Schottia are going to need to be on their toes in that match. Yet, Schottia already have Melanie Ünterhausen in the lone striker role, a player who is experienced at this level, and a far more level-headed competitor.

So, in a sense, yes. Svenskah, but in particular Ünterhausen and Martel-Burns, would have made a tangible difference to the team. However, what they cannot be is a means to plaster over the cracks, particularly in defence, where we just have to accept, there are vulnerabilities. There is a very good chance that Schottia will not make it out of the group stage here in Valanora, and that may just be something we need to come to terms with. Abanhfleft proved to us that they were a very good side in the opening match, where we were second best for much of the ninety minutes. Ceni will also have their tails up, following an incredible win over a Flardania side who seem in decline.

Assuming we manage to defeat Flardania, and we face Ceni in a decider, we can bet for sure that they are going to be more than ready; and while they have a top class striker in their side, they are far from a one man team. Jasper Valaran, who has been on phenomenal form for Lammerton this season, would have probably been capped by now were he a Schottian, and Kings Park's Sendoa would walk into our U21 side. While this article is based almost entirely on hypnoticals, and is generally light hearted, it does make a point. That point is that we cannot rest on out laurels from five years ago, and blame our failings on selection policy. Three like for like swaps, while they would help, are not going to answer all of our problems. Hopefully I have shown that we need to focus on the job in hand, and stop looking to theoretical help, which may never come.

by **Kernansquillec** » Mon Aug 22, 2016 2:47 am

KERNANSQUILLECAN ROSTER FOR THE 38TH DI BRADINI CUP

Manager: Harry Broudant (69, ♂,

Kernansquillecan)
Assistant Manager: Royce Flatley (63, ♂,

Kernansquillecan)
U21 Team Coach: Barbara Ginjins (48, ♀,

Kernansquillecan)
Goalkeeper Coach: Noemi Salvador (52, ♀,

Kernansquillecan)
Youth Team Coordinator: Justin Hummell (50, ♂,

Kernansquillecan)
Physio: Christian Lloyd (54, ♂,

Kernansquillecan)

Formation: 4-3-3
Style modifier: +1.00
Playstyle: Possession football. Quick counter-attacks. Short passing. Strong use of midfield and fast players running in behind.
Trigram: KRN
Kits: Primary colours of dark green with white trim. Away colours of white with dark green trim. Goalkeeper colours of red with white trim.

Starting XI
#1 Sandy Boon (GK, 21 years old, ♀,

Rennes du Nord)
#2 Leroy Clarke (RB, 21 years old, ♂,

Rennes)
#3 Kajetán Zimmerman (LB, 18 years old, ♂,

Belle-Isle-en-Mer)
#4 Jeanine Boucher (CB, 21 years old, ♀,

St Marie)
#5 Sammy Pelletier (CB, 21 years old, ♀,

Louargat)
#6 Cydney Grosz (DM, 20 years old, ♀,

New Southampton)
#7 Jacinthe Willoughby (CM, 18 years old, ♀,

St Marie)
#8 Erskine Verity (CM, 21 years old, ♂,

Guingamp)
#9 Glaw Cernik (RW, 18 years old, ♂,

The Capital Young Guns)
#10 Darren André (LW, 19 years old, ♂,

St Marie)
#11 David Senior (ST, 20 years old, ♂,

New Southampton)

Substitutes
#12 Minty Ctvrtnik (GK, 16 years old, ♀,

St Markus Youth Academy)
#13 Ophélie Couch (RB, 20 years old, ♀,

Louargat)
#14 Triston Moore (CB, 20 years old, ♂,

Mont Kate)
#15 Matthias Lange (DM, 20 years old, ♂,

New Southampton)
#16 Neirin Baumgärtner (ST, 18 years old, ♂,

The Capital Young Guns)

Fixtures:

Kernansquillec 3-3 Dainer
Kernansquillec vs. Khacia
Devonta vs. Kernansquillec

RP permissions:

Choose my goalscorers: Y
Godmod scoring events: Y
RP injuries to my players: Y
Godmod injuries to my players: N
Hand out yellow cards to my players: Y
Hand out red cards to my players: Y
Godmod other events: Y

Please note: Godmod's can be fun, but must be used in moderation

Team info:

Captain: Sammy Pelletier
Vice-Captain: Cydney Grosz
Penalties: Senior (if on field #1 Senior; #2 André; #3 Grosz; #4 Baumgartner; #5 Boucher)
Free Kicks: Darren André
Corners: Darren André
Substitutions (offensive): Baumgartner (ST) is the U21's only real attacking option on the bench and will be expected to fill in the gaps across the front three.
Substitutions (defensive): Moore (CB) and Lange (DM) can replace more attacking players from the front four to sure up in the team in the latter stages of games.

STATISTICS	KHACIA	DEVONTA
GOALS	1 (Novak 42' mins)	0
SHOTS	17	4
SHOTS ON TARGET	10	1
POSSESSION (%)	66	34
SHOT ACCURACY (%)	58	25
PASS ACCURACY (%)	88	74
CORNERS	7	2
FOULS	11	17
YELLOW CARDS	4 (Cižek, Majewski, Maystrenko & Jaskolski)	2
RED CARDS	0	0

Di Bradini Cup 38/U21WC59 (Everything Thread)

Cosumar U21 National Team

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