[COMPLETED] Sporting World Cup 4 - RP/Roster/Scores Thread

[Abanhfleft]

Young Guns, Part Fifteen

Tentenaraya South Cemetery
Tentenaraya, Duhblakk, Abanhfleft

News of the bombing of the Peace and Brotherhood Mall in Tentenaraya reached the Fleftic Independents Cup team as soon as they were eliminated from the competition by Schottia by a score of 4-2. Their manager, Ranulph Bustamante, had taken Will Luckless and Guildenstern Cardew aside and told them that Prudence Woodward and Marius Rosenkrantz were among the victims of the bombing. Prudence was all right, thank God, and she had eventually given birth to her and Will's baby eight hours after the first responders found her in the mall. Marius wasn't so lucky, and he was found alongside Prudence and a girl whom Prudence later identified as Marius' girlfriend Bonnie. After informing them of what had happened, Ranulph had allowed the two boys to go back to Abanhfleft while the rest of the team stayed behind to watch the rest of the Independents Cup. Will and Guildy flew straight to Tentenaraya after landing in Riuwiee from Kel Assuk and as Will went straight to the hospital where Prudence was confined after both her injuries from the bombing and giving birth, Guildy went to Marius' parents' house, where he was met by the members of Marius' extended family, who had all gathered to mourn the loss of one of their members at such a young age. When Guildy realized that he didn't have a place to stay in while the Rosenkrantz family went about preparing for Marius' wake and funeral, he had fully intended to help Will with watching over Prudence, but Marius' parents had insisted that he stay with them, and they got him to stay in the guest room after Guildy offered to just crash on the couch.

As the days went on, bits and pieces of evidence from the investigation of the bombing filtered through to the general population. The "Real Fans of Abanhfleft", that misguided group of sports-loving people who had resorted to terrorism and, most notably in the 23rd International Basketball Championships, kidnapping to advance their outlandish ideas on the conspiracy to deny Abanhfleft and sporting glories onto the other more level-minded part of the population, had claimed responsibility for the attack. The authorities had no idea how the "Real Fans" were able to get a suicide bomber into the mall despite the new security measures all throughout Abanhfleft's public spaces, but they did know that the bomber used an explosive vest loaded with marbles and glass beads acting as a cheap alternative to shrapnel, with the added bonus that glass wouldn't turn up on metal detectors unlike the nails and ball bearings of old. This had then put the authorities on high alert as this represented a new escalation in fight against terrorism as it meant that the terrorists now had a new weapon with which they could strike at any moment. However, in a bit of a twist, the "Real Fans" did not bomb the Peace Mall in Tentenaraya as a reaction to Abanhfleft's defeat to Schottia in the Independents Cup, although the group was quick to denounce Schottia for their involvement in the "Multiversal Conspiracy" (the term that the "Real Fans" use to describe the conspiracy to prevent Abanhfleft from winning anything in sporting terms); rather, the bombing was already planned a long time ago, to remind the people of Abanhfleft that the "Real Fans" were still alive and kicking despite the Republican Bureau of Investigation's best attempts to root them out.

In the end, the death toll of the Peace and Brothermood Mall bombing in Tentenaraya went up to 16 (not counting the suicide bomber), with 36 others injured in varying degrees. Among the dead was the under-18 international football player Marius Gerhard Rosenkrantz, and outpourings of sympathy and condolences arrived all throughout the country and from his former teammates at both the club and international levels. His namesake, the basketball player Marius Frederick Rosenkrantz, shaved his head and began wearing a black headband with the name MARIUS GERHARD ROSENKRANTZ written on the band to the Albarecete Albinos' FBA games to pay tribute to his fallen namesake. But the person most affected by Marius' death was none other than Guildy Cardew himself. People thought that this was because they were best friends; Guildenstern and Rosenkrantz was a thing, after all, and in fact that did play a very large part in Guildenstern's grief, but the biggest reason that Guildy was sad was because he had never had an opportunity to tell Marius that he was gay and that he had a crush on him, and now Guildy never will. That was the saddest part of the whole thing for him, the fact that Guildenstern would never even be able to talk to Marius again, at least not if he expected Marius to talk back to him, and Guildy never really believed in ghosts despite the best efforts of his international teammates to try to either convince or scare him into believing. But the simple truth of the matter was that Guildenstern was still alive, and Marius was dead. Guildy was so deep into his grief that it now bordered on obsession, and he couldn't think of anything else.

The day of Marius' funeral finally arrived. Everyone was dressed up in either white or black for the event, and they were all wearing flat black plastic rectangles pinned to their shirts to signify their status as mourners of the deceased. Guildy recognized Will Luckless and Prudence Woodward among the mourners. "Dude, I'm really sorry about Marius, buddy," Will said. "I mean, we all know how you felt about him. I mean, like Prudence said, sometimes it feels like Marius is, um, was the only one who didn't or couldn't feel that you had a crush on him. We're really, really sorry for your loss, bro."

"Thanks," Guildy muttered even though he didn't feel any sincerity behind his own words. "Anyway, Prudence, I'm surprised to see you out of the hospital already. How's the baby, by the way?"

"Oh, he's all right," Prudence replied. "50 centimeters and 10 pounds. He's quite healthy, although I don't think I don't want to go through all that again. Childbirth, I mean. And I used to want five kids when I get married."

"I tried to convince her not to bring the baby to the funeral because the spirits of the dead could follow the baby around and take him with them," Will said, "but then I remembered she was Panemian and wouldn't know anything about our superstitions."

"Just because I came to Marius' funeral with the baby doesn't mean that I don't know about your country's superstitions," Prudence retorted. "It means that maybe I don't believe your superstitions."

"Wow, that's quite callous, even for you, Prudence," Will said.

Finally, the time came for Marius' family and friends to say their last words. When it was Guildy's turn, he stood up, carrying some index cards which he had planned to use as his cue cards, with him. He went up to the standing microphone and cleared his throat. "Hello there," he said nervously. "Um, you guys probably know me. I'm Guildenstern Cardew, and I am... was a friend of Marius. I see some of our friends and teammates from the Under-18 World Cup are here with us. Will, Prudence, I'm talking about you guys. Oh, and the other Marius is here. Hi there, Frederick. Yeah, Marius always called you Frederick when he was talking about you just so we all didn't get all confused. To be honest, guy, I like the Sfax Scream more, and that just means I can't say 'Go Albinos!' without throwing up in my mouth a little. But it's all right, guy. Anyway, I got distracted there. Okay, where was I?" Guildy flipped through his cue cards, trying to find the right place or words to pick up. "Okay, here goes," he said. "Marius and I had a deal, you know. Whichever of us dies first, the guy who lives on would be able to say whatever they liked in the eulogy so long as we could work the word 'rice' into the eulogy in a way that would make sense and not forced. Um, well, I hope they're serving rice up there in heaven, Marius, because I know that you like rice. Well, I don't know if that works for you or not, but whatever."

Guildy took a deep breath and rubbed his face with his hands. "Um, as you can see, I'm not really good at this sort of thing, so..." Guildy then decided to pocket the cue cards. "You know what? Forget the script. It's not working for me anyway. Marius and I were friends; best friends, even. Everyone knows that. But what people didn't know was that, for me, things were more than just that, being friends. Oh, no, it was way more than just that. I have a crush, had a crush on Marius. That's how things always start, right? At first, it's just a small and insignificant thing that then eventually grew into this thing that feels like it's consuming my entire life. At this point in my life, my crush for Marius was no longer just a crush; it was love I was now feeling for the guy. Yeah, that's right, you heard me, I'm gay and I love Marius Rosenkrantz."

This elicited gasps from the small crowd of mourners gathered for Marius' funeral. Prudence and Will weren't too shocked by the revelation; they already knew that Guildy harbored at least an attraction to Marius. But this was the first time that Guildenstern had outright confirmed that he was actually gay.

"Yeah, you heard me right," Guildy snorted. "Guildenstern Cardew is gay. He is out and proud. I am out and proud. But it wasn't an easy process, let me tell you that. When I first set eyes on Marius, I felt something in my chest. It wasn't just my heartbeat; it was something else entirely. At first I couldn't accept the fact that I could very probably be gay for my best friend. I didn't like the idea; I couldn't even think about it. Boys were supposed to like girls and vice versa. Plain and simple, right? It's the status quo, and status quo is king. But not me. When I first saw Marius all those years ago, I knew that he was the one, just like that. I wanted his arms hugging me. I wanted his body next to mine. But I could never think those thoughts without considering myself dirty and tainted. It took me years before I could finally look at myself in the mirror and say to myself, 'Guildy, you're gay, boy. You love your best friend and that's the truth.' And even then, after I've finally accepted myself, I couldn't find the strength or courage to tell Marius just who I really am and how I really feel about him, how I loved him not just as a friend but as a boyfriend. I spent long hours arguing with myself on whether I should finally come out to Marius and tell him what I really feel about him but now it's all for naught. Marius is dead, and I haven't and will never ever have a chance to tell him about my true feelings for him. Sure, I slipped up once or twice but Marius never really picked up on these signs or hints or whatever you want to call them. Sometimes I feel like Marius didn't even want to acknowledge that there were signs of what I really felt about him that I was laying down in front of him like a trail of bread crumbs. But it doesn't matter now."

Guildy took a deep breath and pressed on. "Marius, buddy, I know that you hated fakers and you probably hate me right now from wherever you are now because I'm a faker who never even told you what I really felt about you, but all I can say now is that I've finally come clean. I love you, Marius Gerhard Rosenkrantz. You may be gone but you will always and forever be in our hearts, guy. And you'll always be in my heart. Whenever I eat my rice and my pasta and my other pre-game carbs, I will always think of you. And if I get to love some more guys or gals--it could happen, you know--after you, Marius, know that you will always be my first love. So there," Guildy said, slapping his hands on his thighs and snorting into the microphone. "Thank you all for listening to a eulogy which suddenly turned into my coming-out party," he said. Guildy then walked towards the coffin and laid a hand on the wood. "Goodbye, Marius," he said. "You have been and will always be a good friend to me."

As Guildy took his place beside Will and Prudence, Will turned to him and said, "Well, I certainly did not see that coming."

"Neither did I, Will, neither did I," Guildy said.

---

CRESCENT NEWS NETWORK
SPORTS CHANNEL - OFFICIAL WEBSITE
ABANHFLEFT • PRIDNESTROVIA • OONTAZ DERT LI NG • COPPER CUPRUM • TRENDSTART • FHULGHAMOUS PENINSULA

SPORTING WORLD CUP 4: AZADESHIA VS ABANHFLEFT
By Malik Qazizadah


Abanhfleft's Gareth Williamson takes a shot at goal against Azadeshia. (Courtesy of Crescent News Network Sports Channel/Andros Tasasa)

BANDARIYAN, FILINDOSTAN - Abanhfleft have qualified for their fourth straight knockout stage in the Sporting Under-18 World Cup after a thrilling victory against Azadeshia in which the Young Young Revolutionaries' opponents equalized twice in their hopes of securing at least a point from this contest.

Abanhfleft broke the deadlock early in the first half with a composed strike by Kelly McGinnis from inside the box at a tight angle into the lower right corner before Vishal Kumar thundered home from Bahubali Raghuwanshi's cross just before the end of half-time.

Gareth Williamson retook the lead for Abanhfleft with a long-range effort from just outside the box which took a slight deflection off of an Azadeshian defender, just enough of a deflection to confuse the goalkeeper and let the ball pass past his side. However, Abanhfleft's relief at taking the lead once again was short-lived as Azadeshia once again equalized, this time from Abhishek Chand, who was unmarked during an Azadeshia corner and therefore was able to head home without too much distraction.

In the end, it was a late gamble from Abanhfleft manager Rashad Dammam in the form of the youngster Karamoko Bakayoko which eventually resulted in Abanhfleft winning this contest and securing a spot in the knockout stage of the 4th Sporting World Cup when he controlled a long ball from Mauro Magnanelli, ran with it deep into the Azadeshian box and struck the ball into the roof of the net despite the opposing keeper's attempts to make himself big against Bakayoko.


Abanhfleft national team manager Rashad Dammam: This team can set itself up for success

Abanhfleft national team manager Rashad Dammam: "We played a good game today. The opponents were tough and resilient, always pulling level just when we thought we had taken the lead again, but we held on to the win. We just kept attacking and attacking until we got the goals. This team is setting itself up for success. I know that Abanhfleft's story in the under-18 World Cup has always been falling at the final hurdle but this time, if the team keeps playing the way they do, they can definitely win the title this time. That is how much I believe in my players."

Abanhfleft will face Qasden at the Kabanalan Sports Complex in Kabanalan, Filindostan for the round of 16 of the 4th Sporting World Cup.

     AZADESHIA 2 - 3 ABANHFLEFT
VISHAL (45+1')       McGINNIS (18')
ABHISHEK (68')       G. WILLIAMSON (58')
                     BAKAYOKO (87')

ABANHFLEFT
GK: 1 Cardew
RB: 2 Baum
RCB: 4 William
LCB: 5 McCutchen
LB: 3 Park Min-ho (McIntyre - 72')
RM: 8 Magnanelli █
LM: 6 C. Williamson
RW: 11 Davidson (Liner - 65')
CAM: 7 G. Williamson
LW: 10 Rusev
ST: 9 McGinnis (Bakayoko - 80')

AZADESHIA
GK: 11 P. Sobhi
RB: 10 Raghuwanshi
CB: 9 S. Khan (Bhattacharya - 65')
LB: 8 Aaryan
RM: 7 Bharani
RCM: 6 Chitra A. █
LCM: 5 Ananth (Haripasad - 78')
LM: 4 Kulkarni
RS: 3 Abhishek
CF: 1 Vishal
LS: 2 Abhilash

MATCH STATISTICS
Possession
Azadeshia: 45%
Abanhfleft: 55%
Shots
Azadeshia: 9 (4 on target)
Abanhfleft: 20 (9 on target)
Corners
Azadeshia: 2
Abanhfleft: 7
Fouls
Azadeshia: 10
Abanhfleft: 22

[Mercedini]

Sporting World Cup MD3 Review
@ Olympiki Naturalisasi Stadium - Bandariyan, Flindostan

Bonjour, guten tag and welcome back to Flindostan for our continuous coverage of the Sporting World Cup. We're back again with another review of the groups stages where Mercedini had already wrapped up a spot in the knockout stages along with Velstrania. They weren't out of the woods just yet, as Mercedini wanted to make it as easy as they could to advance to the Quarter-Finals with a win over Velstrania which would see then secure the top spot and an easier draw going forward. Let's see whether the young eaglets could make it a clean sweep in the groups, with out review of the Sporting World Cup MD3

Sporting World Cup: Young Eaglets Clean Up, Meet Anthor In Knockouts

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FINAL SCORE

SWC | MD3

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MERCEDINI 3
Arkelton 4', 79', Di Sansev 50'
VELSTRANIA 0

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Bandariyan, Flindostan

The young eaglets gave their best performance yet as they completed the group with a 100% win rate after a comprehensive 3-0 win against already qualified Velstrania. A double from Plympton Town's Simon Arkelton plus a headed goal from Thomas Di Sansev rounded out a surprising win for the team which finished third at the tournament last time out. It means they face Anthor at the Round of 16 stage, as they finished second in Group G behind Amerland Island with three goals scored and three goals conceded. Pundits are confident that the team can go one better than last time, although the draw has meant that Mercedini could face three-time finalist Abanhfleft in the quarter-finals, which will be a tough match should both teams make it that far.

It was a change of scenery for the young Mercedinians, who made the short trip to Bandariyan to play their final group game at the Olympiki Naturalisasi Stadium, a slight change from their previous surroundings in Bandaroon. Alistair Devidov made a couple of changes in the team which beat Devonta 2-1 in their previous game, mainly to give some of the less experienced players a chance to make a name for themselves. The teams entered the Flindostani cauldron to a rather small crowd, due to the fact that the match had little meaning and that the locals were focusing on their own national team rather than that of the visitor's. Still, there were a couple thousand Mercedinians dotted around the stadium including a fairly large contingency in the far corner. Both teams looked well prepared for their match, knowing that the pressure was off and both teams had knockout round to prepare for. Mercedini got the ball rolling and immediately got to work attacking the Velstranian defence to wear them down. They had a couple of chances in the opening five minutes and took the lead with the last of those, with Arkelton in the right place for a tap-in after the goalkeeper made a good save from a close range Frozzalino shot, its just that he parried it into the path of the Plympton striker who had the entirety of the net to aim for. That early goal lifted the sprits of both nations as both teams now had something to aim for. Velstrania proved their worth and gave the team I blue a black a reason why they should be wary, and displayed why they are undefeated in the competition thus far. As always, a roster wasn't given to us before the match, so we had to commentate blind during the match, not that we hadn't got used to it by this point. After that goal, it was a relatively drab first half which came to an end when the referee blew the whistle for the end of the first half, not much to talk about except from that early Mercedinian goal which separated the teams as they went into the tunnel for the half time interval.

After a short fifteen minute break, the teams were back out for the second half with the Velstranians chasing the game, even if they only needed one goal to be back on level terms. Velstrania kicked off the second half, looking for an early goal to get back into the game in a timely fashion. Evidently, that didn't happen as Mercedini got a crucial second goal with only five minutes on the clock in the second half, a corner was whipped in with pace by Nilevian which was firmly met by Di Sansev on the edge of the six-yard box, the Velstranian goalkeeper got a hand to it but couldn't stop it from rolling into the net to double the Mercedinan lead at the start of the second half. That goal seemed to deflate the Velstranians who now needed at least three goals to lock up top spot, and two goals to be in with a fighting chance. Velstrania had a small rally midway through the second half when they had a series of big chances to pull the game level. The pick of the bunch came when Velstrania has a free-kick on the edge of the box, but the player standing over it could squeeze it inside the post, and the ball went out of the goal kick off the outside of the post and a way from danger. Mercedini controlled the flow of the game for vast swathes of the match and comfortably held back their opponents, who concentrated their play down the wings to an opportunity at goal from a cross. Devidov looked on with pleasure as his lads were expressing themselves on the pitch, with choruses of ole's coming from the blue and black portion of the crowd. The young eaglets made the points safe ten minutes from time as Arkelton broke free with a long ball from Karlovic to put himself through on goal. He slotted the ball through the oncoming goalkeeper's legs to make it 3-0, making the odds of a Velstranian comeback even longer. Mercedini held firm and recorded their second clean sheet in three games to wrap up the group stages with a comprehensive win in Bandariyan

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A great performance from the young eaglets, they are well on their way to making it to a second successive final. Anthor will be their next opponent at the round of sixteen, and then its either Qasden or Abanhfleft in the quarter finals if Mercedini can make it through that match. We hope you enjoyes our coverage, we will be back with more reviews of the Sporting World Cup, until then, goodbye!

[Filindostan]

FSNA BERITA FILINDO
Filindostan State News Agency - fsna.fid

ISPORT
SWC 4: Filindostan senior match friendly cancelled, to be replaced by Filindostan Football League Select vs SWC IV Select XI

SAN MARCO - Football fans hoping to see the Pula Garuda in action to grace the opening of the new national stadium will be disappointed that the friendly match of the Filindostan national football team has been pulled from schedule.The national team has already flown to Barunia to participate in the Baptism of Fire tournament and left the SWC IV organizers to scramble for a replacement match. However, they quickly found a solution to their problem.

The Filindostani National Sports Commission (FNSC) have requested permission to the Filindostan Football Federation (FFF), who currently regulates the Filindostan Football League (FFL), to send its best players and young guns not selected to make the trip to Barunia to face a selection of SWC IV players. The different participants have already sent their entries, and them, along with the best performers from the already eliminated teams, will be representing the tournament team. Details of the match will be posted at a later date. However, the showmatch will be held the day after the final match of the tournament, held at 15:00 Filindostani Standard Time.

Meanwhile, ticket holders of the announced Filindostan friendly will be accommodated free of charge to the showmatch. "The FNSC sincerely apologizes to the fans who already bought tickets for the friendly. We will accommodate those ticket holders who will attend the post-tournament showmatch." Cindy Baristeta, the FNSC spokesperson, said.

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ISPORT
Filindostan vs Natanians and Nosts: Ina to Tanjung Pagi SC?

JAKULTA CITY - After a 4-0 smashing of Alpine Union, the young Garudas stay in the Tanjung Pagi capital to face Natanians and Nosts for a spot in the last 8 of the tournament. At the middle stage of the tournament, Ina Teterissa has been a star in the making for the Filindostanis, scoring half of the team's twelve goals in the tournament, including a hattrick in their previous game.

The BS Biology sophomore from Universiti Tanjung Pagi - Jakulta (UTP-J) has been rumored to sign for Jakulta rivals Tanjung Pagi SC to bolster their frontline for next seasons' FFL. She has been playing all her football career in the Jakulta City Academy before being recruited by the Pink Lions on a scholarship from Jakulta City FC.

"I'm flattered by the rumors that I'm signing for Tanjung Pagi, I have not received any contract offers from them. I remain fully committed to play for UTP-J Pink Lions and currently for the Filindostan under-18 team." She said in an exclusive interview with FSNA.

[Filindostan]

SWC4 - Round of 16 Results

Filindostan 3–1 Natanians and Nosts

Kebec 3–1 Greater vakolicci haven

Mercedini 1–1 Anthor (2–1 AET)

Abahnfleft 3–1 Qasden

Bonesea 2–5 Novumera

Amerland Island 1–1 Velstrania (1–1 AET) (5–4 pen.)

Free Republics 1–3 Gallian Union

Platerdam 2–0 Alpine Union

Quarterfinals Matches

QF-1: Filindostan vs Kebec
Jakulta Esportiva Stadium - July 3, 90003 - 15:00 FST

QF-2: Mercedini vs Abahnfleft
Kabanalan Sports Complex - July 4, 90003 - 15:00 FST

QF-3: Novumera vs Amerland Island
Hilura Bong Kanor Stadium - July 5, 90003 - 15:00 FST

QF-4: Gallian Union vs Platerdam
Kabunuklan Sports Complex - July 6, 90003 - 15:00 FST

[Platerdam]

U-18 Platerdam Team achieves glory by qualifying to the next round.

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Today's match was quite a ball. Our youngsters managed to win the Round of 16 game, and qualify to the next round of the Sporting World Cup.
Our wonder-boys haven't lost a single game of the Sporting World Cup, a quite marvellous achievement, I might add.

Now with the strong upcoming rival: Gallian Union, our U-18 needs to be alert, because they entered in a zone of expert teams. Everyone could get eliminated.

But, with all this incredible performances and feats that our U-18 are delivering, we come across the next question:

What does this team have, that other Platerdam Football Teams don´t?

Well, they have dedication, they have strength. they LOVE their national team shirt. They don't give up, they don't quit, they keep playing til' the end. Something very admirable, coming from youngsters and millennials.

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Memorable moments of last match.

Platerdam's Line-Up:

Platerdam 2-0 Alpine Union

Strikers: Mills, Halls, Higgins.
Mid-fielders: Thompson, Boyd, Vera.
Defenders: Wolfe, Castillo, Dean, Bates.
GK: Tocci.

Alpine Union's Line-Up:
Striker: Cwierczakiewiczowa.
Mid-Fielders: Kolodziejczyk, Fontaine, Waclawczyk, Güntensperger.
Defenders: Niedzwiecki, Zaborowska, Olejniczak, Wieczerzak, Brzezanczyk.
Goalkeepers: Vainqueur

17:00 - Goal from Higgins.
48:00 - Goal from Mills.
54:00 - Foul from Wieczerzak to Boyd. Yellow Card. Owen complains to Wieczerzak.
76:00 - Unintentional hand from Dean. Free Kick taken by Waclawczyk. Missed.
81:00 - Strong tackle from Wolfe, our captain, yellow card. Free Kick taken by Waclawczyk. Missed.

[Novumera]

Novumera 5-2 Bonesea

Shelby Blackwood scored twice as Novumera progressed into the Sporting World Cup IV's quarter final with a resounding 5-2 victory over Bonesea. Bonesea took the lead in slightly fortuitous circumstances as Harald Citizen saw a well-struck effort bobble into the net courtesy of a couple of deflections off Myles Fairbairn.

Novumera responded well to that setback with Blackwood scoring a quickfire double thanks to a couple of precise finishes from close range before Ró Cowlands capitalised on some dreadful defending to equalise on the stroke of half-time. However, Novumera cruised to victory in the second half with a Tania Hummingbird own goal and further strikes from Callahan MacClelland and Zeke Britton handing them a comfortable win in front of a buoyant crowd.

Both sides started the game well but it was Bonesea who broke the deadlock on 11 minutes through Citizen's low shot from the edge of the box that deflected past Maolscheachlann Horton via two ricochets off both of Fairbairn's feet. Bonesea were not ahead for long, though as Blackwood brought Novumera level after 24 minutes by firing in a close-range volley following an intelligent cut-back from Vincent Carr after he had doggedly won the ball inside Bonesea's box.

Shortly afterwards, Blackwood added his and Novumera's second with another simple finish after being picked out at the far post by Jeff Peyton, who had combined well with Carr down Novumera's left flank. With just five minutes remaining until half-time, Novumera gifted their opponents a second goal as a slack pass from Fairbairn eventually found its way to Cowlands, whose shot on the edge of the six-yard-box looped over Horton following an unfortunate intervention by Adam Wortham.

Novumera regained the initiative just after the interval with Blackwood this time turning provider by crossing into the box and Hummingbird diverted the loose ball onto the post and into his own net. Blackwood then passed up a glorious opportunity to complete his hat-trick by blazing the ball over the bar with the goal gaping but his blushes were spared as MacClelland volleyed in Novumera's fourth from Gordon McMahon's pinpoint cross. Britton rounded off the win 20 minutes from time with a ferocious shot that flew past Cleo Stilt in goal after MacClelland had held the ball up well inside the area.

Gk: Maolscheachlann Horton
DL: Adam Wortham (Athol Webster)
DC: Myles Fairbairn
DC: Donald Bird
DR: Gordon McMahon (Gabriel Rowe)
DM: Jeff Peyton 
ML: Clifford Lannon (Florry Chance)
AM: Vincent Carr
MR: Shelby Blackwood
ST: Callahan MacClelland
ST: Zeke Britton

[Mercedini]

Who Will Win The Mercedinian Premier League?
@ Ogdenagorv Stadion Natsiya - Ogdenagorv, Mercedini

It's that time of the year again, the Mercedinian Premier League is on the horizon, that means sixteen teams will battle it out for one coveted trophy and a spot in the UICA Champions Cup, there are also three spots in the Globe Cup for those teams that miss out on domestic glory, with the league now competitive at it has ever teams, more teams will be fighting it out for those UICA spote next season. For now, we will run down all of the movers and shakers that have contributed to the busiest transfer window in recent times, going through the title contenders, dark horses and new blood in the league, in order to unravel the complexity which is the MPL:

Title Contenders

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Zoloroni Metropolitan
Manager: -
Home Stadium: Snowflake Stadium (29,000)
Formation: 5-4-1

Pos.	Name	                Age	Nation
GK	Wheveral Allen	        21	  Bonesea
LB	Preston Aristaros	21	  Mercedini
CB	Cruz van Gelderen	21	  Audioslavia
CB	Jacob Rasmus	        21	  Semarland
CB	Ivan Septimius	        24	  Mercedini
RB	Noah Park	        28	  Mercedini
LM	Lawrence Garzallo	19	  Mercedini
CM	Harry Webster	        29	  Mercedini
CM	Vincent Verbeck	        21	  Schottia
RM	Aidan Power Jr.	        24	  Fhulghamous Peninsula
ST	Lukas Rashford	        25	  Nephara

SUBS
GK	Lukas Poyek	        20	  Mercedini			
CM	Manny M'foto	        18	  Mercedini
ST	Chase LeBlanc	        21	  Royal Kingdom of Quebec (On Loan at Gallian Union)

Last years champion's hope to be the first Mercedinian club to win back to back titles ever, although their over-reliability on their Nepharan star striker Lukas Rashford may see their campaign unravel if other teams can suss out the Metropolitan tactics early on in their match. They had a relatively quiet transfer window, only being able to loan out and release some players before the window closed a couple of months ago. They may have to go some to retain their champion's cup spot, especially considering they have more strenuous competition compared to last season, but the individual quality of some players should see them acquire another top four spot this season. Prediction: 2nd

Zoloroni City
Manager: -
Home Stadium: Zoloroni Sports City Stadium (61,000)
Formation: 4-4-2

Pos.	Name	                Age	Nation
GK	Daniel Hosset	        21	  Mercedini
LB	Ben van Eyck	        21	  Audioslavia
CB	Jonathan Harris	        24	  Ethane
CB	Hermes Danilo	        28	  Mercedini
RB	Koloman Consus	        30	  Mercedini
LM	Vanja Kuro	        23	  Mercedini
CM	Johannes Nymark	        22	  Mercedini
CM	Sofia Falcón	        18	  Ceni
RM	Leon Kulap	        25	  Mercedini
ST	Edward Mossec	        31	  Mercedini
ST	Iain Cyn-Penzag	        19	  Ceni
SUBS
CM	Arturo Jiminez	        26	  Super-Llamaland
RM	Elliston Gilpin	        20	  Bonesea
ST	Bert Paki	        27	  Mercedini

The perennial big spenders were at it again, eager to retain their title which they won two seasons ago. They are the highest ranked Mercedinian side when it comes to UICA coefficients, and they were quick to exploit that with a series of high calibre signings to update their midfield and striking partnerships to ensure they earn other trip to the big time and the UICA Champion's Cup. The Cityzens broke the incoming transfer record to sign Cenian youth dynamo Iain Cyn-Penzag for $12,000,000, to reignite their clinicality going forward, which they seemed to lose as they came to the end of last season. The stars seemed to have aligned for the team to storm to the top spot, with both fans and club officials hoping for an instant return on investment from the Cenian star. Prediction: 1st by a long way

Dynamo Shebchetsik
Manager: -
Home Stadium: Razrabotka Stadion (15,500)
Formation: 4-4-2

Pos.	Name	                Age	Nation
GK	Pep Martinez	        29	  Royal Kingdom of Quebec
LB	Anzor Kuznetsov	        25	  Mercedini
CB	Niels Milchar	        26	  Semarland
CB	Simon Pajari	        29	  Mercedini
RB	Boleslav Romanov	31	  Mercedini
LM	Vadov Pavlek	        26	  Mercedini
CM	Mario Hendrix	        23	  Audioslavia
CM	George Antonov	        22	  Mercedini
RM	Matthias Dawsell	20	  Mercedini
ST	Irina Babarushchik	25	  Abanhfleft
ST	Dominik Bartosz	        25	  Cosneolta
SUBS
GK	Tigo Hurst	        18	  Eastfield Lodge

With it only being their first season in the MPL last time round, few were expecting the Shebnatsik outfit to climb all the way to third place with their relatively inexperienced squad. They have earned themselves a spot in the Globe Cup after experiencing their international debut at the Series B Champion's Cup. Since then, they have improved their squad to no end including the acquisition of Cosneoltan national Dominik Bartosz as well as Irina Babarushchik, hailing from Abanhfleft. Both players were instrumental in keeping their team in contentionfor the majority of the season before eventually falling away and finishing their debut MPL season in a respectable third place. While transfers were minimal for the club, their quality may be enough to keep them in the UICA spots for now, although other teams will be hot on their heals to snatch points of them in the charged atmosphere of the Razrabotka Stadion. Prediction: 5th

Dark Horses

---

Elspachia
Manager: -
Home Stadium: Sevada Stadium (23,000)
Formation: 4-1-4-1

Pos.	Name	                Age	Nation
GK	Rainard Tatius	        28	  Mercedini
LB	Artur Simonis	        25	  Cosneolta
CB	Raymundo Ramos-Berardi	18	  Eastfield Lodge
RB	Mykhail Susila	        25	  Mercedini
CDM	Gene Cara-Morejon	26	  Audioslavia
LM	Jakob Veselko	        30	  Mercedini
CM	Blazej Wojewodski	29	  Cosneolta
CM	Josh Johnson	        17	  Eura
RM	Wilfed Thabo	        23	  Mercedini
ST	Gonna Calhoun	        25	  Bonesea
ST	Felix Gallan       	20	  Schottia
SUBS
CB	Liam Dosic        	26	  Mercedini (On Loan at Myrmidon)	
CDM	Oluwatoyin Ayoade	18	  Semarland
ST	Severino Yehoshua	31	  Mercedini

Elspachia have always been in and around the UICA spots for the past few season, claiming the fourth and final international spot in both of the last two seasons. Since then, they have slimmed down their squad to cut costs and open up funds for one or two world class signings to take them to the next level, although that didn't come to fruition in the most recent transfer window. Attacking prowess has always been the club's weak point, culminating in a slew of 0-0 draws recorded in the most recent season. To combat that, Elspachia announced the signing of Schottian Felix Gallan, signed from Schottia's second-tier Jena VB for a reported $500,000, a bargain for what seems to be a rather promising young player. They may once again claim another Globe Cup spot, which may please some of the fans at the Sevada Stadium, but a number of other things may need to click into place before Elspachia makes the jump to a title contender. Prediction: 3rd

Hoventon & Corlington Town
Manager: -
Home Stadium: Hoventon Community Stadium (28,000)
Formation: 4-3-1-2

Pos.	Name	                        Age	Nation
GK	Neil Keane                	25	  Brenecia
LB	Giovanni Soto	                21	  Ceni
CB	Harry Ossun	                21	  Mercedini
CB	Dawid Maslanka	                26	  Cosneolta
RB	Arcadious Conteffe	        19	  Mercedini
LM	Yabs Layeni	                18	  Semarland
CM	Brendan Woodbridge	        31	  Nephara
CM	Enigma Armageddon   	        17	  Chromatika
RM	Carlton Pujanic	                25	  Mercedini
ST	Kyle Ekryna	                17	  Mercedini
ST	Ji Hyun Jo	                21	  The Redvale
SUBS
CAM	Marquis Sanchez de Valle	21	  The Redvale

Possibly the one team to have the biggest shake up of their team's roster was Hoventon & Corlington Town. They broke the outgoing MPL transfer record by some margin when they sold their prized asset Ben Chillotov to 1860 Azoth for a whopping $17,000,000 towards the beginning of the window thanks to a successful loan spent at the Cenian club last season, lining the pockets of the club for years to come. With their new found wealth, the club quickly went to work developing their team and investing in more youth prospects from their academy and abroad to train up to become expert players in the future. Players from Ceni, Chromatika and Mercedini will look to make their debuts this season, marking a new chapter in the clubs story. After winning the MFA Cup last season, they will look to expand on that with a decent finish in the league plus a nice run internationally as part of the Cygnus Cup line-up. Hoventon will be the dangerous unknown going into next season, but pundits and commentators think the only way is up for the Seagulls. Prediction: 4th

The Newbies

---

RFK Ogdenagorv
Manager: -
Home Stadium: Ogdenagorv Stadion Natsiya (11,000)
Formation: 5-4-1

Pos.	Name	                Age	Nation
GK	Viktor Polzin	        24	  Mercedini
LB	Ruslan Kavlan	        19	  Mercedini
CB	Artem Vasilyshin	26	  Mercedini
CB	Maxim Bolgomolov	20	  Mercedini
CB	Lazar Sokolov	        22	  Mercedini
RB	Anders Sundstrom	22	  Semarland
LM	Nikolai Maksimov	19	  Mercedini
CM	Stefan Kohut	        27	  Mercedini
CM	Yasim Pesternak	        21	  Mercedini
RM	Makar Gavrilyuk	        27	  Mercedini
ST	Joao Cravelha	        22	  Natanians and Nosts

By far the smallest club in the league this season, they are the big success story of the lower leagues after back to back promotion from National League 2 all the way to the Premier League in their maiden season in the nation's top league. They have attempted to update and improve their squad for the big step up, but given their limited budget compared to the big dogs of the MPL, it was always going to be tricky for the small Shebnatsik townsmen. Their marquee signing was the announcement of Natanaians and Nosts journeyman Joao Cravelha from the nation's second tier, who will start up front to try and add a bit of edge to the Ogdenagorv attack. With league reform now meaning the team will need to beat three teams to stay up, it will be tougher than ever for the team to stay in contention until the final day. Prediction: 16th

Sporting Rafelonia
Manager: -
Home Stadium: Gavret Sports Arena (18,000)
Formation: 4-4-2

Pos.	Name	                        Age	Nation
GK	Magnus Enderssen	26	  Natanians and Nosts
LB	Caleb Fabron	        20	  Mercedini
CB	Eze Mbanefo	        25	  Abaja
CB	Joel Alberte	        28	  Mercedini
RB	Charlie Lavoie	        26	  Mercedini
LM	Bryson Montagne	        29	  Mercedini
CM	Ruth Finch	        26	  Schottia
CM	Nathan Hallman	        23	  Mercedini
RM	Frederick Garret	26	  Mercedini
ST	Simon Danzek	        22	  Mercedini
ST	Rodrigo Callac	        24	  Mercedini
SUBS
LM	Ixpo Zrnic	        16	  Cosumar

The other team to be promoted last season was Sporting Rafelonia, which have a much better chance of staying up than their former NL1 opponents. Rafelonia has had a series of near misses in previous season, participating in the SBCC last season and securing a second bite of the cherry in the upcoming season. Danzek and Callac have proved themselves to be reliable striker partners, putting the small club through to the SBCC play-off round last season. Along with that, signings from Abaja, Natanians and Nosts and Schottia mean the team is aptly equipped for the forthcoming relegation dogfight that will undoubtedly greet them this season. They have the firepower stay up, its just a question of whether they can beat three teams in one season to retain their spot in the MPL next season. Prediction: 13th

That's all we have for you on this special edition of Mercedini Sports Daily, it will undoubtedly be a thrilling season with three teams now being relegated instead of the usual two, the young eaglets are still going strong in the Sporting World Cup, and we will be back to our usual schedule with coverage of that tournament in the meantime. From Ogdenagorv, goodnight!

[Abanhfleft]

(OOC: Putting this up first just to make sure. I might not have enough time for a full RP.)

CRESCENT NEWS NETWORK
SPORTS CHANNEL - OFFICIAL WEBSITE
ABANHFLEFT • PRIDNESTROVIA • OONTAZ DERT LI NG • COPPER CUPRUM • TRENDSTART • FHULGHAMOUS PENINSULA

SPORTING WORLD CUP 4: ABANHFLEFT VS QASDEN
By Malik Qazizadah


Abanhfleft's Karamoko Bakayoko rounds the keeper to score a goal against Qasden. (Courtesy of Crescent News Network Sports Channel/Andros Tasasa)

KABANALAN, FILINDOSTAN - Abanhfleft advanced to the quarterfinals of the 4th Sporting World Cup after coming from behind to seal a magnificent win against Qasden.

Abanhfleft stepped onto the pitch wearing black armbands to commemorate the birthday of the late Marius Gerhard Rosenkrantz, the seventeen-year-old defender from Duhblakk Rovers who was part of the silver medal squad in the last edition of the Sporting World Cup and who tragically lost his life in the bombing of the Peace and Brotherhood Mall in Tentenaraya, Duhblakk Province by so-called "Real Fans of Abanhfleft".

The first fifteen minutes were a tense and nervy affair as both sides appeared reluctant to step out of their shells and take the game by the scruff of the neck, but this all changed with Qasden's first corner of the game. A good delivery into the box saw the ball end up in the back of the net, and while the Qasdenian striker wheeled off to celebrate with his teammates, the goal was later chalked off as an own goal from Bernard McCutchen as video replays showed that it was attempt at a headed clearance which resulted in the ball floating past the hands of Guildenstern Cardew.

With the game suddenly beginning to get out of their hands, Abanhfleft woke up and began applying pressure onto the Qasdenian defense, and they were quickly rewarded when Kelly McGinnis sneaked through the lines to thump the equalizer into the roof of the net. Abanhfleft kept up the pressure as the first half wore on and should have already taken a 2-1 lead had Gareth Williamson found the target following Amelie Rusev's cross.

The Young Young Revolutionaries maintained the pressure in the second half but it would take until eight minutes after the hour mark before their efforts finally paid off and Sonia Davidson volleyed the ball towards goal after it had somehow found its way to her after going through the legs of at least two Qasdenian defenders, and the shot was too quick for the opposing goalkeeper to react quickly enough.

As the second half wore on, Abanhfleft tired, affording Qasden the opportunity to tie the game. A long-range strike from a Qasdenian midfielder forced Guildenstern Cardew to stretch his arms once again but it was in the last minute of time added on to the regulation ninety that the young substitute Karamoko Bakayoko finally managed to break through the Qasdenian lines once again, evade the keeper, and slot home the deciding goal of the game and send Abanhfleft through to the quarterfinals of the competition.


Abanhfleft national team manager Rashad Dammam: Mercedini will be the toughest challenge yet

Abanhfleft national team manager Rashad Dammam: "We did very great to come back from behind. The own goal was unfortunate, very unfortunate, but the strength and resilience of our players showed through and we fought back despite this unfortunate setback to claim what was eventually a dominant win. I am very proud for the players."

On Mercedini, their next opponent: "They are tough, Mercedini. They will be the toughest challenge for the boys and girls just yet. They have great quality in their team and we have to prepare ourselves for that. We also have to pay attention to their striker [Misha] Spartoni. He has spent some time in Abanhfleft and will know the strengths and weaknesses of the Fleftic systems. But there will always be games like that, and the best we can do is to prepare and take this tournament one game at a time."

Abanhfleft will set foot once again at the Kabanalan Sports Complex in Kabanalan, Filindostan to face Mercedini for the quarterfinals of the 4th Sporting World Cup.

      ABANHFLEFT 3 - 1 QASDEN
  McGINNIS (25')       McCUTCHEN (15' og)
  DAVIDSON (68')
BAKAYOKO (90+3')

ABANHFLEFT
GK: 1 Cardew █
RB: 2 Baum (Liner █ - 71')
RCB: 4 William
LCB: 5 McCutchen
LB: 3 Park Min-ho
RM: 8 Magnanelli
LM: 6 C. Williamson
RW: 11 Davidson
CAM: 7 G. Williamson
LW: 10 Rusev
ST: 9 McGinnis (Bakayoko █ - 79')

MATCH STATISTICS
Possession
Abanhfleft: 51%
Qasden: 49%
Shots
Abanhfleft: 15 (7 on target)
Qasden: 8 (5 on target)
Corners
Abanhfleft: 6
Qasden: 3
Fouls
Abanhfleft: 18
Qasden: 9

[Filindostan]

OOC: The president's speech is not serious and is purely in-character only.

FSNA BERITA FILINDO
Filindostan State News Agency - fsna.fid

ISPORT
SWC 4: All systems go for Fortunas Stadium and Stadium Petrofilindo to host semi-finals

SAN MARCO - Just in time goods.

These are the words to describe the completion of the works in the Fortunas Stadium in San Marco and the Stadium Petrofilindo in Bandarito. Chief Engineer Gina Saldivar confirmed the approval of the inspectors of the stadiums after final checking of the renovations made in the two stadiums. This would mean that the two stadiums will host the semifinal matches of the SWC4 in a few days time.

Fortunas' stadium had two phases of their renovation that will take the capacity of the stadium from around 12,000 to 35,000 in preparation for a possible host bid from Filindostan for the Campionato Esportiva. Phase 1 started just before the inaugural season of the FFL started, which involved refurbishing and adding seats to the main grandstand, adding around 11,000 seats. The total capacity of the stadium as of writing is now 24,116. Once the tournament completes, phase two of the renovation starts, and will involve refurbishing the other three stands, limiting the capacity back to around 16,295. The renovation is expected to be completed in the middle of 90004.

Meanwhile, lighting and additional seats for the Stadium Petrofilindo have been installed. The new lighting will improve the night match experience of Perseuno Bandarito's home matches. The capacity of the stadium was also increased to 30,000 spectators. Dorigo Dutete, the Filindostani president, thanked the people who made it possible, while at the same time uttered deregatory remarks to the politicians who he believed delayed the project. Here is his speech in Filisi dialect:

Pinasasalamatan ko ang mga trabahador na nagsakripisyo ng kanilang oras sa kani-kanilang pamilya para makumpleto ang mga kailangang renovations sa dalawang stadium na ito. Dahil dyan, dodoblehin ko ang inyong mga sweldo sa buwang ito. Saan ko kukunin ang pondo para dito? Mula sa mga ptngnang opisyales na ito na wala nang ginawa kungdi mangurakot mga ptngna kayo obosen ko kayo eh. Papatokhang ko kayo mga ptngna kayo. Magtago tago na kayo mga ptngna kayo.

Translation: I want to thank the people who sacrificed their time with their family just to complete the needed renovations to these two stadiums. Because of this,
I'll double your salary this month. Where will I get the funds for this? From those motherfcking officials that did nothing but do corrupt practices, you motherfckers, I'll eradicate you all. I will have the police kill you motherfckers. You better hide now motherfckers.

The winner of the Filindostan-Kebec match will face the winner of Abanhfleft-Mercedini match in Bandarito while the winner of Amerland Island-Novumera match faces the winner of the Gallian Union-Platerdam match in San Marco. Stadium inspectors will now visit the Filindostani National Stadium, which is already complete for a final round of checking.

[Filindostan]

SWC4 - Quarterfinals Results

Filindostan 3–2 Kebec

Mercedini 3–1 Abanhfleft

Novumera 0–1 Amerland Island

Gallian Union 2–0 Platerdam

Semifinals Matches

SF-1: Filindostan vs Mercedini
Stadium Petrofilindo - July 8, 90003 - 15:00 FST

SF-2: Amerland Island vs Gallian Union
Fortunas Stadium - July 9, 90003 - 15:00 FST

[Platerdam]

The dream is over.

---

Nothing hurts more than a broken heart, our wonder-boys fell in front of Galilian Union.

Are we upset? Yes, we are. Are we proud? Yes, we are.

These young lads proved what they were worth. It shouldn't be a surprise to see them in the Absolute Team, they are strong, front-faced, incredible.

Halls, Cox, Higgins, Mills, Jones, Boyd, Thompson, Vera, Owen, Allen, Webb, Wolfe, Castillo, Dean, Bates, Nuñez, Tocci. All of this names cannot be forgotten. These are the names of HEROS, of STARS, of LEGENDS.

And until Platerdam doesn't wins a tournament, we'll be on debt with these lads.

Thank you for fighting, U-18. Thank you for putting Platerdam's name upfront! But, most importantly, thank you for not giving up!

Filindostan, Mercedini, Amerland Island and Galilian Union, good luck on the final phase of the tournament! (Especially Mercedini)

The U-18 leaves Filindostan with a tear on their cheek, but with their eyes in future.

Thank you, U-18 Platerdam team, thank you!

Written by Mike Matthews.

---

[Mercedini]

Sporting World Cup Quarterfinal LIVE
Mercedini vs. Abanhfleft
@ Kabanalan Sports Complex - Kabanalan, Flindostan

Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen and welcome to the Kabanalan Sports Complex in the southern region of Kabishawan Island, for another match in Mercedini's Sporting World Cup journey. the young eaglets have made it all the way to the quarter finals after a nervy 2-1 extra time win over Anthor to seal their ticket to the final eight. Today, Mercedini face their toughest opponents thus far in Abanhfleft, who have made this tournament their own in recent edition, making it to the final in all of the last three tournaments, and they're keen on making it four in four in Flindostan. Mercedini have had a seamless run in the tournament so far, beating Ethane, Devonta and Velstrania in the group before barely edging past Anthor in the Round of 16. Two teams with big fan bases at this tournament who could definitely go on and win it all, it will be interesting to see how the match develops between these two teams.

---

0' - Here we go! The teams head out of the tunnel to greet the crowds in the stadium, the attendance looks to be a lot bigger than the couple of thousands seen in previous matches due to both nations sending large contingencies plus the big match capturing the imagination of the locals meaning there's plenty of action happening in the stands. Mercedini are back to their full strength squad after resting some players in their match against Anthor, with Misha Spartoni and Johan Karlovic the ones to watch for the young eaglets. Meanwhile, Mercedinian league fans may be familiar with a certain lady up front, former Hoventon & Corlington Town loanee Kelly McGuiness sits upfront for Abanhfleft, who have been in imperious form in this tournament and will be looking for another scalp on their route to their fourth final. Plenty of talent on the pitch for both sides, it's just the matter of who will be left standing once the dust has settled.

4' - (MRC 0-0 AFT) - Less than five minutes into the match with both teams trying to assert their dominance on the game. Abanhfleft have flew out of the blocks early on in this match, with Kelly McGuiness linking up well with her midfield partners but just unable to latch on to their long balls to make an attempt at goal. Its been a relatively quiet first five minutes for the Mercedinians, as they have been kept at bay thus far by the Fleftic defence. Spartoni has had the only shat thus far, it came from a half chance out side the box which was blazed over by the Rozzy North End striker. Its a promising start from both teams with plenty on the line.

13' - (MRC 0-0 AFT) - First big chance of the game and it's McGuiness who has squandered it for Abanhfleft. It came from a great dribbling move from Amelie Rusev who worked her way down the wing to the edge of the box, she whipped in a low cross into the danger are towards an arriving McGuinness but the young striker couldn't get a touch on the ball and rolled away from danger and out for a throw-in, warning signs for the young eaglets, and we aren't even a quarter of an hour into the game. Still 0-0 as it stand though.

19' - (MRC 0-0 AFT) - End to end stuff at the Kabanalan Sports Centre as it's now Mercedini who scupper a chance at goal. Simon Arkelton, the Plympton starlet, is now holding his head in his hands as his open header hits the bar and goes out for a goal kick. Di Sansev was found on the overlap with Nilevian who sent in a high cross which was deflected off one of the Fleftic defenders. Arkelton was waiting in the box and lost his man when he had to move because of the deflection. He didn't need to jump to get a strong head to the ball, which looked to be sailing top corner but hit the top of the bar and out for a goal kick. Abanhfleft were opened up momentarily but they couldn't make it count. It remains goalless, with the fans now getting excited due to the frantic nature of the match.

28' - (MRC 0-0 AFT) - Mercedini are beginning to feel the pressure as Abanhfleft ramp up the tempo in the game, and it's clear to see the reason why they have been consistent finalists at this tournament. The Fleftic midfield are running rings around their Mercedinian counterparts, with Magnanelli and C. Williamson holding firm towards the back which has given the Davidson, Rusev and G. Williamson the chance to express themselves in a more attacking position. McGuiness seems to be slightly isolated as the sole Fleftic striker upfront, but her quality is undoubtable in front of goal which is something to be wary of. La Flefta look to be the team most likely to score at this point in time, although time is beginning to run out of both teams if they want to go in at half-time with the advantage

33' - (MRC 1-0 AFT) - GOAL! Mercedini have scored dramatically against the run of play with about ten to fifteen minutes left in the first half. It's Misha Spartoni with the goal after a scything counter attack with Arkelton was finished with a simple finish over the goalkeeper to open the scoring. It all began from an Abanhfleft corner which was headed out of danger from Magdanovich. Frozzalino was at the right place at the right place at the right time as he collected the ball and got the move going. A long ball was sent to Arkelton whose dummy his man to get himself in a a bit of space. He was accompanied by Spartoni as they entered the box, where Arkelton simply squared the ball to Spartoni who dinked it over the top of the Fleftic goalkeeper and into the net. A surprising lead for the young eaglets, it has really ignited the spirits of the Mercedinian fans and most of the neutrals, could we be seeing a shock on our hands? 1-0.

40' - (MRC 1-0 AFT) - Abanhfleft look a bit shell shocked after that opening goal, but they are still forcing their way through the Mercedinian back line which could be problem when there are tired bodies on the pitch. The fans are beginning to get into the match much more now, especially the Fleftic fans who are seeing their team behind in a match for the first time in a long time. Devidov is marching up and down on the touchline and directing his players to keep the ball and find space to operate in. The young eaglets are five minutes away from the first half where they can bank their advantage and restore their energy.

45+1' - (MRC 1-0 AFT) - After an exhausting first half, the referee finally draws it to a close with a quick blow of the whistle. Abanhfleft have been miles the better team with the vast majority of the possession and the chances, but it's the Mercedinians who go in with the advantage after a counter attack goal against the run of play. The Mercedinians rejoice, while the Fleftic fans are facing a potential elimination before the final for the first time ever. Plenty to digest in the interval, but in Flindostan, it's Mercedini 1, Abanhfleft 0.

HALF TIME
Mercedini 1 - 0 Abanhfleft
Spartoni 33'

Welcome back to the Kabanalan Sports Complex, where we are embroiled in a fascinating between Mercedini and Abanhfleft for a spot in the semi-finals of the 4th Sporting World Cup. The young eaglets in black and clue currently hold a narrow one-goal lead over the three time finalists. We should mention that these two teams have a bit of history, with La Flefta knocking out Mercedini in the semi-finals of the last SWC, so we might be seeing history repeat itself or revenge being enacted. It looks as if Mercedini will be making a change for the second half, as they look to consolidate their lead and but their name in the hat for the final four. M'foto OFF, Badanyik ON

47' - (MRC 1-0 AFT) - Abanhfleft, much like the first half, have flew out of the blocks for this second half as they chase the match. Of course, they need at least a goal to win this, and two if they want to win the match outright. McGuiness has moved back a bit to aid in moving the ball up field and she is getting much more time on the ball because of it. Mercedini look comfortable in the middle of the park after the substitution bringing on fresh legs, meaning they have more support compared to the first half. The Mercedinian Big Band has made a triumphant return, playing a selection of Mercedinian and Flindostani classics, which has got the neutrals on their side. Clouds are beginning to form overhead which could add a new dynamic to the game, but it remains 1-0 as we enter the third minute of the second half.

55' - (MRC 1-1 AFT) - Goal for Abanhfleft! It has been coming, but Abanhfleft has finally managed to break throught the Mercedinian back line to net an equaliser. It's Kelly McGuiness who has proven her worth yet again after winning the MFA Cup when she was on loan in Mercedini, she definitely has a bright future ahead of her. It was a simple goal, coming from a corner which was whipped in from the far side with pace, it was originally cleared but a shot from Rusev was lashed back in. Mikelson had a save low to his left but McGuiness was there to poke home the rebound to get her team back into it. She picked up the ball and gave the Fleftic fans a raised fist to get the match back underway quickly. They have the momentum, and need another goal to put them ahead in the match for the first time. It's now 1-1!

61' - (MRC 1-1 AFT) - That early goal in the second half hasn't dampened the Mercedinian spirits just yet as they build from the back once again. An anxious tension had began to build in the arena with time ticking down and the teams still level. Play has now moved to the midfield where the both teams are now evenly matched, with Ozzaya Agranka's own Ruslan Badanyik working hard to limit the number of chances the opposition has down the middle. For Mercedini, it's the wingers who are moving forward to build chances for the team, while Arkelton and Spartoni wait patiently up field for a chance at goal. Late-game tactics may be coming into play shortly, half an hour until a potential thirty more.

70' - (MRC 1-1 AFT) - Twenty minutes left in the match and it seems both teams are quite content with playing it round the back to run the clock down a bit further. Mercedini are the ones on the front foot now, with Spartoni looking for a second for himself and his team. A couple of minutes ago, he worked his way into some space and fired a shot at goal, but was well saved by Cardew in the Fleftic goal. Either team could win it from here, both teams need to keep their composure in front of goal and when defending with a spot in the final four potentially being decided in the final twenty minutes of this match Arkelton OFF, Graszeszak ON

78' - (MRC 1-1 AFT) - Hearts in mouths at the Kabanalan Sports Complex as Abanhfleft have the ball in the net, the fans are going crazy in their corner of the stadium, but there euphoria is short-lived as the linesman lifts his flag up for an offside infringement. It was McGuiness who fed through Rusev down the left wing, she was put through and put the ball in the net thanks to a superb curved shot which went in off the inside post. She went to celebrate but the flag was put up very late from the linesman on the far side. The Fleftic crowd are displaying their displeasure as the decision, as Mercedini count their blessings. After all of that, the teams are still level with ten minutes to go in the match. Koi OFF, Leinzmann ON.

82' - (MRC 2-1 AFT) - GOAL! That might be the moment which decides the match and it's the super sub Graszeszak with what looks to be the winner. Mercedini had held possession for a good five minutes as they waited out their opposition. Nilevian made a run down the wing and was found by a Badanyik ball over the top. Nilevian didn't need to take a second touch as he squared the ball back toward the six-yard box where Graszeszak's deft touch was all it needed to guide the ball past the goalkeeper and into the far corner of the net. A great move which may well have knocked out the three time finalists and cause one of the biggest shocks of the tournament. Mercedini 2, Abanhfleft 1!

89' - (MRC 3-1 AFT) - Unbelievable! Mercedini have netted a third at the death to make fully sure they have completed the job. Abanhfleft threatened just after kick off but the young eaglets had practically everyone behind the ball to snuff out any chance of an Abanhfleft equaliser. A Mercedinian break was cut short due a challenge from Georgine Baum, which prompted the referee to award a Mercedinian free kick and give Baum a booking for good measure. Di Sansev stood behind the ball just to simply send the ball up field and away from danger. He chose to whip it in with pace towards Leinzmann and Frozzalino who were looking to get a touch in at close range. Both players missed the ball with their head at first and then their extended legs which threw the goalkeeper for a dummy. The ball went all the way in which surprised most of the stadium and even the kick taker himself. Frozzalino looks as if he is claiming it but he isn't fooling anyone, it will go down as a Di Sansev goal as Mercedini establish a two goal cushion with only stoppage time to go. It's mad.

90+2' - (MRC 3-1 AFT) - There we have it, the referee blows his whistle for the end of what was a tight and entertaining affair in Kabanalan. Mercedini were made to work for their win and the result may seem harsh from an Fleftic point of view, but it is a testament to the quality and talent of both squads here today. Goals from Spartoni, Graszeszak and Di Sansev seal a place in the semi-finals for the team in blue and black, while Abanhfleft head home after an almost dynastical set of performances over the past four tournament from their nation. They will return to Ceneisis (or wherever they go) with their head held high. It's finished here in Kabanalan; Mercedini 3, Abanhfleft 1.

FULL TIME
Mercedini 3 - 1 Abanhfleft
Spartoni 33', Graszeszak 82', Di Sansev 89' • McGuiness 55'

That's it from us, Mercedini are through to their second successive final where they will meet hosts Flindostan. #it will likely be a much more hostile environment for the lads as they look to overcome the home nation to make it to their first ever Sporting World Cup Final. As ever, we will give you the run down of all the action including post match interviews and reactions. However, from us here in the Kabanalan Sports Complex, goodnight!

[Gallian Union]

Cassanova

Part Four

After getting through the Free Republics match without any problems, we had a matchup with Platerdam. And the world’s eyes were on us, we realized, because of our flair in earlier matches and because of the quick rise of this nation that hadn’t been seen before on this stage. “We need you to do something crazy, that’s going to be played back on TV. More TV time means more people remembering this team, and more people seeing you on TV also means that more of them are going to look you up. It’s publicity for both of us, and there’s no such thing as bad publicity,” said Katya Komarova, after the training session for the Gallian team finished and the other players were heading to the locker rooms. “So help me come up with something that will build some infamy.”

“We could do something involving the entire team, maybe. Are you talking about the stuff we did earlier, and that kind of thing? Like calling out the opponent? I guess I could go to Zara and Andrew, they’re both better at that kind of thing, to be completely honest,” I reply. That’s the truth. I’ve got a flair for the dramatic, but it’s usually the others pushing me in that direction that initiates things, even when the cameras don’t catch that and assume that I’m just naturally charismatic.

“Now we’re talking,” she says. “As for the kind of thing, that’s up to you. I’m thinking something outside of the box. Something eye catching, preferably something that’s seen rather than heard. Has to either happen before or after the match, or during a celebration. Basically, some time when everyone in the stadium and on the sideline will see.”

“You sure do care a lot about exposure. Can’t ever just let the game do the talking?”

“Good players can do that, but you want to be more than a good player, right? You want to be a superstar. Superstars promote, and I’m asking you to all promote each other with this. Popularity is a team effort. Why do you think my clients call ourselves a family? Everyone helps each other and we all rise faster than anyone thinks we will. They always ask us what the secret is, and every time, I tell them that it’s teamwork, and supporting each other.”

I nod, shrugging and trying to think of something. “Alright, alright. No need to give me the sales pitch. I signed with you because I wanted to be a star, so I’ll try to follow through with your ideas… I’m just thinking of a way to get everyone involved.”

“Just like a true playmaker.”

“Yeah. So, what if we did something for our walk out before the match? Like, if we found some outfits and did something eye catching. You know anywhere around here that could set us up with some cool costumes?”

“What kind of costumes are you thinking?”

“I didn’t get that far yet… Maybe we could all try animal heads, or something. Specifically if the masks had some kind of meaning that works with our narrative.”

Katya suddenly had an idea of her own, raising her hand and grabbing me by the shoulders. “That’s a decent idea, but I think I have an even better one. What if we got some fatigues from a surplus store or somewhere like that, and marched out like soldiers? Give Andrew some medals or something and make him the general, as the captain. And Zara? She’s vice captain so she can have something special, too. If we could write up some kind of skit to go along with this, I can record it and get it posted as soon as it happens. I guarantee it will spread well after that.”

“You’re crazy, Kat. The outfits will do the talking, we don’t have to do a full skit before the match-”

“When have I been wrong before?”

I fall silent, shrugging. “Good point. So what do you have in mind?”

[Filindostan]

FSNA BERITA FILINDO
Filindostan State News Agency - fsna.fid

ISPORT
SWC 4: All-star team and FFL XI announced

SAN MARCO - The players have been selected.

The FNSC has released the list of players in the SWC 4 to play against a selection of Filindostani Football League players. The office received nominations from the participating nations on who will they be sending for the match, which will take place after the final to replace the supposed to be friendly of the senior squad. Due to the numbers below the target number of players, tournament organizers selected players from teams who reached the latter stages of the competition while they also selected others who stood out for some of the eliminated teams.

The list is as follows:

GK - Nicolaos Nurullah Hinrichs (Amerland Island)
GK - Cahya Siska "Cahya" Kartawijaya (Filindostan)

LIB - Zdzislaw Brzezanczyk (Alpine Union)
DF - Thomas Di Sansev (Mercedini)
DF - Alan Piff (Vangaziland)
DF - Myles Fairbairn (Novumera)
DF - Rodolphe Boudreaux (Kebec)
DF - Keon Malcom (Gallian Union)

MF - Damian Nikita Kovachev (Amerland Island)
MF - Víedharr Svendsen (Darmen)
MF - Johan Karlovic (Mercedini)
MF - Rio Cassanova (Gallian Union)
MF - Prudence Woodward (Abanhfleft)

FW - Kelly McGinnis (Abanhfleft)
FW - Callahan MacClelland (Novumera)
FW - Ina "Ina" Teterissa (Filindostan)
FW - Misha Spartoni (Mercedini)
FW - Harald 'Halfblind' Citizen (Bonesea)
FW - Nicolas Halls (Platerdam)

Starters: Hinrichs (Amerland Island) == Brzezanczyk (Alpine Union) == Piff (Vangaziland) - Fairbairn (Novumera) - Di Sansev (Mercedini) == Svendsen (Darmen) - Karlovic (Mercedini) - Cassanova (Gallian Union) - Woodward (Abanhfleft) == Citizen (Bonesea) - Halls (Platerdam)

Subs: Cahya (Filindostan) - Malcom (Gallian Union) - Boudreaux (Kebec) - Kovachev (Amerland Island) - Spartoni (Mercedini) - Ina (Filindostan) - MacClelland (Novumera) - McGinnis (Abanhfleft)

The above players will be playing against the FFL XI below:

GK - Rumelito "Rumy" Tandang (17, Perseuno Bandarito)
GK - Kimberly "Kim Tiu" Tiu (18, San Lomar Cooperative)

DF - Satish Gerardi "SG" Kurniawan (16, Fortunas)
DF - Adam Sagala (17, Jakulta City)
DF - Tobias Sinukaban (18, PSSR Wardogs)
DF - Johnpaul Arizala (16, Fipocor FC)
DF - Abraham Janni "Braham" Luiz (17, Venividicci)
DF - Claudius Berutu (18, Persetres Bandaroon)

MF - Hasna Angela "Hasna" Aryanto (17, Fortunas)
MF - Uriah Bondong (18, Persedos Bandariyan)
MF - Yandi Ari "Ari" Budiono (16, Venividicci)
MF - Mordecai Sitindaon (18, Fortunas)
MF - Juanda Weici (17, Jakulta City)
MF - Jethro Hutabagas (16, Jakulta City)

FW - Susanto Wira "Susanto" Muljana (15, Fortunas)
FW - Rainey Marie "Rai Sanada" Sanada (17, PSSR Wardogs)
FW - Susannah Tampubolon (18, Tanjung Pagi SC)
FW - Shaina Louise "Shai" Escobido (18, Venividicci)

Starters: Rumy == SG - Tobias - Johnpaul - Claudius == Hasna - Mordecai - Juanda == Jethro == Shai - Rai Sanada
Subs: Kim Tiu - Adam - Braham - Uriah - Ari - Susannah - Susanto

Of the above squad, SG, Johnpaul, Mordecai, Hasna, Shai and Juanda are the players to watch in this team which are also made up of U18 players. In fact, this should have been the U18 team for Filindostan if FFF did not refuse to send a team to the SWC 4. It was still good that the team of universiade players made to the semifinals and essentially trying out for their future clubs.

The proceeds of this match will go to the Mulad community in Southern Kabunuklan.

[Filindostan]

OOC: I scored my own match as I'm unable to find one within an hour after cutoff. Would I have won my own match I would still push a third party to score it to show that I don't rig scorinations in my favor.
SWC4 - Semifinals Results

Filindostan 2–6 Mercedini

Amerland Island 2–6 Gallian Union

Third Place Match and Final

TPPO: Filindostan vs Amerland Island
Jakulta Esportiva Stadium - July 12, 90003 - 15:00 FST

Final: Mercedini vs Gallian Union
Filindostan National Stadium - July 15, 90003 - 20:00 FST

[Gallian Union]

Cassanova

Part Five

We should have known that our passion was going to reach a fever pitch, a breaking point that would see something happen. Our flair rubs some other teams the wrong way and we won’t deny it, but we’ve ignored it up until now. We’ve tried to act like it’s possible that this thing wasn’t going to end badly and that all our showboating and callouts and everything else wasn’t going to end badly. We also knew from the start how bullshit that was, and how something was going to happen, even if that knowledge was buried deep down and out of mind.

When it did, it was the semifinals. Facing Amerland Island, up 6-2, and cruising to a final against the winner of the Filindostan-Mercedini match. Zara Innis had a hat trick, Dan Cowie had a brace, and I managed to score another goal by being in the right place at the right time and testing my luck from range. Buying a ticket to the lottery, as they liked to say. And the other team thought that we were being a little bit too attacking for their tastes, for a team that had already been up by a few goals with only a few minutes left in the match.

Someone slid into Zara with their studs up and sent her airborne, drawing a yellow card and some arguments from our squad, as we claimed that the decision should be a red. Zara stood up and gave a shove, and she was shoved back and fell to the ground, and that’s when the scuffle broke out and the benches started to clear. The coaches tried to separate us, but let’s be real, they had no chance. There’s more of us than there are of them, and I was right in the middle of the melee.

I remember diving into the middle of things and throwing a kick at someone that caught them in the jaw. Specifically, at the guy that had tackled and then shoved Zara. And when the red card came out, it was in my name, not the name of someone on the other team. A bad deal for me, but it gained me some respect with both the fans and the players on our team. And then it was like everything was a blur, as the players came together and were broken up as the referee called the end of the match, without playing extra time. The entire ordeal lasted seven minutes, which goes to show that it was a long time coming.

The bad part, though, is that I’m suspended for the final… That’s life, sometimes?

[Mercedini]

Sporting World Cup Semi-final LIVE
Filindostan vs. Mercedini
@ Stadium Petrofilindo - Bandarito, Filindostan

Good evening ladies and gentlemen to a jam-packed Stadium Petrofilindo for what will undoubtedly be one of the games of the season for the players and the fans involved in this match. Mercedini have played five matches thus far and have won all of them so far, with the highlight being a 3-1 victory over youth juggernauts Abanhfleft in the last round. That win means they now cross paths with host Filindostan in what will be a hotly contested semi final between the two teams. We are currently sat in the stadium's gantry to commentate on the match and there is a visible sea of black and white throughout the whole stadium with just a small pocket of Mercedinian supporters in the far corner. It's gonna be a hostile atmosphere for the young lads, but a spot in the final is waiting for the team who can grab the opportunity with both hands. We're moments away from kick off, it's either Mercedini or Filindostan who will make it to the final. We hope you have your fingers crossed!

---

0' - Here we go! The teams head out of the tunnel to greet the crowds in the stadium, the attendance looks to be a lot bigger than the couple of thousands seen in previous matches due to both nations sending large contingencies plus the big match capturing the imagination of the locals meaning there's plenty of action happening in the stands. Mercedini are back to their full strength squad after resting some players in their match against Anthor, with Misha Spartoni and Johan Karlovic the ones to watch for the young eaglets. Meanwhile, Mercedinian league fans may be familiar with a certain lady up front, former Hoventon & Corlington Town loanee Kelly McGuiness sits upfront for Abanhfleft, who have been in imperious form in this tournament and will be looking for another scalp on their route to their fourth final. Plenty of talent on the pitch for both sides, it's just the matter of who will be left standing once the dust has settled.

7' - (FID 0-0 MRC) - Seven minutes gone and its tentative stuff from both teams in this match. It has been mainly focused on the defence and midfield of both teams, with the attacking portion of the squads not getting a look in thus far. The home crowd are cheering on their players every time they are on the ball, while the Mercedinians will have to put up with some jeers and a couple of boos while they have possession, but they look decent in the midfield with Spartoni and Arkelton just waiting for a chance to be let loose on the Filinodstani goal. It's goalless, although there is still plenty of football to be played in this match

13' - (FID 0-1 MRC) - GOAL! Mercedini draw first blood in this match with a well worked goal which resulted in a decent finish from Plympton Town's Simon Arkelton. The ball was sent down the wing for Frozzalino to chase, many thought it was going out for a corner but the Mercedinian winger slid to keep the ball in bounds. A cross was sent in which didn't have the best of connections, but fortunately a miskick from one of the Filindostani defenders flicked it up into Arkelton's path who hit it home on the volley to open the scoring. The crowd have been silenced somewhat by that goal, but the crowd are still well behind their players as they prepare for the kick-off. 1-0 Mercedini

19' - (FID 0-1 MRC) - After that opening goal, Filindostan are getting themselves back into the match and are fashioning plenty of chances for themselves, although the finishing product is lacking at the moment. Mercedini are struggling to reinforce that early goal with the opposition defence working well to flush out any Mercedinian chance they may have. The Filindostanis aren't losing hope in their team just yet, with their lads looking most likely to get the next goal. It remains 1-0 to the young eaglets with still over twenty-five minutes lift in this first half.

25' - (FID 0-2 MRC) - This is unbelievable! Mercedini find themselves 2-0 up after 25 minutes with an opportunistic shot from Karlovic deflected into the net off a rather unlucky Ana Pacia Llave. It came from a corner which was whipped in with pace from Di Sansev on the near side. It was well cleared by the Filindostani defence before Karlovic picked up the ball, beat his marker and drilled a low shot toward goal. Somewhere in the crowd, it took a wicked deflection off Llave which wrong-footed the goalkeeper who could only watch as the ball dribbled into the corner. Karlovic will claim it and Mercedini find themselves two goals up, albeit with two ugly goals from a neutral point of view.

33' - (FID 0-2 MRC) - Those two unfortunate goals have taken the bite out of the crowd but, more importantly, the match. The Mercedinians in the corner are making all of the noise right now as the young eaglets pass the ball around the back, with their opponents chasing he match. They need at least two goals if they want to take it to extra time, three if they want to win the match outright in either 90 or 120 minutes. These youngsters are certainly showing their maturity and character, and if they can score relatively soon, it could spark something more with most of the crowd behind them. Still 2-0 though.

36' - (FID 1-2 MRC) - I was just saying Flindostan need a goal soon, and that's exactly what they have done. Ina Teterissa halves the deficit with a rather brilliant breakaway after some intricate passing movement put her through on goal. Mikelson came out to narrow the angle as much as he could but she let out a cheeky chip to loft the ball over the young Mercedinian goalkeeper and into the net. The place erupted with cheers and horns and goodness knows what as Teterissa picked up the ball to get the match underway as quick as she could. One more to be back on level terms, but they have about ten minutes left to do it. This is a great match, 2-1!

39' - (FID 1-3 MRC) - Just when you thought Filindostan were getting back into the came to stage a remarkable comeback, Misha Spartoni spoils the party for his first and Mercedini's third of the game. It's another fluky goal as Arkelton made space for himself and took a rather speculative shot at goal, it swerved in the air which meant the goalkeeper could only parry it out to an oncoming Spartoni who slotted the ball into the open net for 3-1. It was questionable defending from the home team and they have been punished for it, and now Filindostan will now have to do it all over again to get back in the game.

45+1' - (FID 1-3 MRC) - It's been a miserable first half for the host's and it's been made worse by the fact that the team in blue and black have been awarded a penalty for a push in the box on M'foto. The referee thought out it for a long time but finally decided to blow his whistle and award the spot kick. Spartoni is currently standing over the ball while the home fans are doing their best to put off the striker. It's taking the referee a while to clear the players as they are still protesting the decision, but it looks as if that is final and Mercedini have the chance to put a fourth past Filindostan in the first half. Crazy stuff!

45+2' - (FID 1-4 MRC) - He steps up... and rolls it into the net for an incredible 4-1. We haven't seen anything like this since Bonesea demolished our own national team at the Sports City Stadium in the IAC semi-finals. It has been a thorough performance from the Mercedinians in this match so far. With some of the home fans even applauding their opposition. The young eaglets may have killed off this match in the first alone, not long until the interval, but it's now 4-1.

45+4' - (FID 1-4 MRC) - The referee blows his whistle for the end of what was a revealing first half in many ways. It seems as if the hosts have finally met their match after a spectacular run from their boys and girls, but unfortunately, they have been thoroughly outcallsed in the first half by the young eaglets. Goals from Karlovic, Arkelton and a brace from Misha Spartoni put their nation three ahead after a brief Filindostani fightback from Teterissa. Goodness knows how both teams will treat the second half, but as the teams re-enter the tunnel it's Filindostan 1, Mercedini 4.

HALF TIME
Filindostan 1 - 4 Mercedini
Teterissa 36' • Arkelton 13', Karlovic 25', Spartoni 39', 45+2' (P)

Welcome back to the Stadium Petrofilindo where we have seen a big surprise in this first half, many people were expecting a tight game between these two footballing nations but to pretty much everyone's shock, Mercedini have ran away with it in the first half. Impressive stuff from the young eaglets as they put one foot into the final against either Gallian Union or Amerland Island. They haven't got there yet and there is all the possibility that the hosts could stage a remarkable comeback in the second half, they need three to draw level or four to win outright. It's a tough ask, but let's see whether Filindostan could make a name for themselves in this three quarters of an hour. No chances from either team, let's get it on!

50' - (FID 1-4 MRC) - A clam start to this second half with Filindostan patiently waiting for a chance to strike, and they will need to take their chances if they are to get back into this match. The clock is ticking down on their time in the Sporting World Cup and with such a large deficit, they need to start chipping away at that as soon as they can. For Mercedini, they can afford to rest on their laurels for the time being as they soak up the pressure from their opponents. Mercedini in control of this match, it remains 4-1.

58' - (FID 1-4 MRC) - A golden chance for Filindostan goes begging as time runs out for a comeback. It was Teterissa once again as her shot goes narrowly wide. It got the crowd on their feet as they anticipated a goal from the chance, but Teterissa couldn't guide the shot on target. They have looked much the better side in this second half so far with the vast majority of the possession and the big chances. Mercedini have held onto their three goal lead, but only just, and it seems the hosts are giving it a real good go. Still 4-1 as it stands though. Magdanovich OFF, Dalamai ON

64' - (FID 2-4 MRC) - Ladies and gentlemen, the comeback is on after all! Filindostan have got a goal back and have half an hour left to save their tournament after Alim Gui heads in from a corner. It was whipped in with pace from the far side and the Filindostani midfielder got the faintest of flicks on at the edge of the six yard box to guide it above Di Sansev on the post and into the top corner of the net. Its another great goal from the hosts, they need two more to complete the job with about thirty minutes left in the match. 4-2 now, we could be in for a grandstand finish at the Stadium Petrofilindo!

71' - (FID 2-4 MRC) - Play is beginning to slow down once again as Mercedini hold the ball for as long as they could. The crowd are beginning to react to this change of pace in the match, including boos and jeers which are ringing around the stadium. The Mercedinian portion of the crowd as singing their heart out as they try to drown out the booing for their lads, however the numerical difference is stark. Twenty minutes to hang onto their lead and book their spot in the nation's first ever World Cup Final in any age group. My stomach is going over, but the lads on the pitch look assured in their practice and look to be holding firm for the time being.

79' - (FID 2-5 MRC) - Ten minutes to go and that could be the goal which kills the match. Manny M'foto gets on the score sheet with a bullet header from the penalty spot. Di Sansev, who has been steadfast for most of the tournament, sent it in with three players waiting in the box. M'foto called for it as the players assumed their positions for a potential rebound, but they weren't needed as the ball flew into the right hand side of the goal. It's raining goals in Filindostan, 5-2 in this match, as the home fans begin to file out of the stadium Nilevian OFF, Okinetti ON.

89' - (FID 2-6 MRC) - Another goal and Mercedini have a sixth via the penalty. Spartoni eventually completes his hat trick after he was bought down yet again on the edge of the box, although this time it was much more debatable. The home fans didn't stop to watch the ball go into the net as they made their way home to beat the Bandarito traffic. Spartoni chose to go low to his left as the keeper dived the wrong way to round out a great night for Mercedinian football. Any chance of a comeback has long since evaporated with Mercedini now leading by four goals. As the match draws to an end, the Mercedinians are getting louder and louder as the rest of the stadium empties. 6-2.

90+1' - (FID 2-6 MRC) - The referee brings a rather bruising match to an end with a simple blow of a whistle. The stadium applauds the players as they shake hands in the centre. Filindostan bow out of the tournament after a valiant effort from their players, they have done their nation proud even if the score line didn't go their way tonight. For Mercedini, they go to their first final at any major football tournament after winning six matches in six. Both sides had plenty of chances to win it, but the clinical finishing of the young eaglets won through in the end. At the Stadium Petrofilindo it has finished Filindostan 2, Mercedini 6.

FULL TIME
Filindostan 2 - 6 Mercedini
Teterissa 36', Gui 64' • Arkelton 13', Karlovic 25', Spartoni 39', 45+2' (P), 89' (P) M'foto 79'

Well well well, Mercedini move forward to the final at the Filindostan National Stadium, it front of a potential 80,000 spectators in the biggest match of their lives. Most of the nation will be watching with interest peaking and peaking as the rounds the went on. There are reports that the Prime Minister of Mercedini will be making an appearance at the stadium to watch the match, so plenty of attention will be on our players for the final match of the 4th Sporting World Cup. We hope you will join us for that, from Bandarito, goodnight!

[Filindostan]

SWC4 - Final Results

Showmatch (ICly held after the tournament)
FFL XI 2–1 SWC4 XI

Third Place Playoff
Filindostan 3–2 Amerland Island

Final
Mercedini 0–0 Gallian Union (0–0 AET) (3–0 pen.)

Congratulations to the winner and commiserations to those who failed to win the SWC4 trophy. A big thank you to the nations who participated and spent their time posting their roleplays in this tournament. And also thanks to Bojikstan and Free Republics for allowing me to organize this tournament. Heck, there could be some things that I could done better (scheduling, coordinations, IC stuff and posting RPs), but we can all learn from our mistakes and apply them to our next hosting escapades.

See you around!

[Platerdam]

Mercedini lifts the trophy of the Sporting World Cup

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Congratulations, Mercedini! Their U-18 team just lifted the trophy after winning to Gallian Union in pens.
It's been quite a ride... Abahnleft's awesome stories, Gallian Union's professionalism, Mercedini's triumphal RPs and lots of great rosters and role playing from all the nations in the world.

Filindostan was a great host for this tournament, making sure that every detail and result post was on time.

It's been a great tournament. Gallian Union, don't be frowned about this defeat, think about how far you made it in the tournament, you even defeated the best nation in the entire tournament! (*ahem* platerdam *ahem*) Someday, you'll win... keep looking forward.

Congratulations again, Mercedini! This sums up another trophy to your shelf! Nice job!

Thank you everybody for being part of this exciting tournament!

[Amerland Island]

Ooc: Me: *rps once*
*wins group*
Ok top half is pretty good.
*wins match*
Top 8! Amazing! Im probably gonna get eleminated though.
*wins match*
Umm... i rped once...
*loses match*
Finally!
*gets 4th*
I dont deserve this.