World Cup 79 • CREDRAWK • RP Thread

[Bojikstan]

The Rookies

Part Fourteen. In which trouble follows.

Rain Delacruz stepped out of the mansion and walked down the front porch and around the side, where she would have a bit of privacy. Finally, and only after looking over her shoulder to see if anyone was hanging around to see what she was looking at, she took her phone out and read the text. It was from the same number that had been calling her for the past week. Specifically, it seemed to be a burner phone number that couldn’t be tracked. Whether it was or it wasn’t, every search that she ran for the number came up empty. She considered going to the police about it, but with the knowledge that the sender seemed to have about her, going to the cops only seemed like it would make things worse.

Her hands shook and she felt beads of sweat running down her face as she read the text once and then read it again. The sender knew that she was in Blackmont, even though none of the press had seen her heading there or even getting on a flight. She sent back a vague reply about how knowing that she was in Blackmont didn’t mean much, because she was well known enough that anyone there might recognize her and post online about seeing her in Blackmont City. But another reply came back in seconds, giving her the specific address of the place she was staying.

Now, things were getting weird, and Rain couldn’t help but look over her shoulder to see if there was someone watching her. Because really, that’s what it felt like. There was more sweat running down her face now, and her heart rate had picked up, but she turned her eyes back to her phone and started typing out a reply to her apparent stalker. She was only halfway through the message when another text arrived. There were no words, just a picture attachment. The picture wasn’t one hundred percent clear, but she recognized it anyway. Anyone who knew her face well would recognize her in it, because it was a picture of herself in a somewhat compromising position.

The dark picture showed her and Mara Mandaric in a side room at the Blackmont Palace during the Crown Day celebrations from earlier, both of them with their shirts off. As if that didn’t eliminate any doubt that the context of the photo wasn’t what everyone would immediately assume it was, the picture showed Mara kissing Rain, only seconds before Rain would hear the camera flash and panic, throwing Mara off of her and pointlessly chasing the person who had taken the picture. She still didn’t know who had taken the picture, and she thought that maybe time passing meant that she was safe and that the picture wouldn’t come out, but now she saw that it was indeed going to be used for blackmail purposes.

She had an hour to comply with the instructions in the last message, or the picture would be released to every media outlet in Bojikstan, and sent to her family, too. And when it was put like that, she realized that she really had no choice in the matter. Knowing her family, it would definitely hurt her relationship with them. It would also hurt her relationship with her friends back home, knowing how traditional many of them could be. She also didn’t consider herself ready to tell everyone what had happened with Mara, and she didn’t want anyone else to reveal it, either.

The instructions were rather simple. The sender, or the stalker, as Rain was referring to him or her in her mind, wanted a picture. A picture in exchange for not releasing the other compromising picture, and even though Rain knew in the back of her mind that anything she sent was going to be used for further blackmail, she considered it an easy enough payment to get the stalker off of her back for now. At least, it would be easy enough to go along with what the person wanted for now, while she worked on getting the police involved later. She hadn’t originally wanted to bring them into this, but with the current circumstances, she wasn’t left with many choices.

There was still the issue of the picture, though. Still sweating, Rain walked back into the mansion and passed the others without a word, entering the bathroom and locking the door behind her. She felt sick, and that manifested itself physically, soon. She made her way over to the toilet and threw up first, and only then, after a few more minutes of talking herself into it, she took out her phone. She was going to give the stalker the picture that they wanted, but as soon as she was done, she was going to call up the police from back home. Maybe even the police from Blackmont. And she was going to get to the bottom of this and put an end to it before one of her biggest secrets was exposed to everyone in a country that still had a lot of people who were very much traditional in those areas.

[Darkmania]

Darkmania Lost Their First Qualyficationmatch

(Pretendt this is Darkmanias national footbal team!)

From losing their Round Of 16 match against Liberated American Provinces in BoF, the fans of the darkmanian national team in (ass.) football now can put United States of Devonta on their vendetta-list. The 2–0-loss was just not how we have seen them play. We have seen them win. Of course, it's just for nations who haven't kick the ball.

Well, its may be due to USoD have some better experience than us. But its may due to the fans using a secret weapon to make the foe loos.
SO WHY IN THE MAX BARRYS NAME DID THE FANS CARRY NUKES WITH THEM??? ARE THEY SECRETLY GREGISGODISTAN?


Next foe is ______, so Darkmania can redeem themselves.

[Ko-oren]

Growing - by Katherine Davenport

In the last 18 years, playing as a professional soccer player across Ko-oren, there was a lot of growing that I did. A lot of those times, it wasn't so much of a question whether I wanted to grow or needed to grow, it was just one of those things that often just happened. And it wasn't just me: on my side, there were 10 others at all times (barring boneheaded red cards) that grew alongside me. And at the beginning, you're just growing up and those around you have already gone through all the phases and stages, and then you're growing into the team, and before long, you're growing on the team and the team is growing on you, and before you're really ready for it you're growing out of the team. I'm just starting to realise that I came to that final part.

Growing Up
Starting out, the national team just came crashing onto the international scene. The first World Cup Qualification try. The first AOCAF. First steps into a great unknown world by some names that are currently regarded as prophets, leading their people to the promised land. Some failed, and never got there. Some held on long enough to finally taste victory after campaign after campaign of defeat. After the first small successes, that's where I came in... and mind you, this was in the times when we celebrated the number of times we made the World Cup Qualification playoffs instead of the real thing.

Growing Into
After a few years, usually as a substitute, it was finally the time to play from the start. It was when Ko-oren started to experiment with putting five players at the back, which definitely helped me qualify from the beginning. Before that, they only put really experienced defenders at the back, or a world-class once-in-a-generation talent. But the system worked, it was defensive, so it was Ko-orenite, all while the system was created by the first and so far only non-Ko-orenite coach, Antonescu. It gave rise to a generation that qualified for 6 World Cups in 7 tries, and in the one unsuccessful try grabbed the Cup of Harmony for our first silverware. Juliasterinthen, Bagaurunir, Wakefield, Arevalo, Leroux, and everyone else on these behemoth squads from that time... and mind you, Arevalo captains the current team, while Juliasterinthen has gone on to coach it.

Growing On
With about 8-9 great campaigns under our belt, it was inevitable that things would come crashing down at some point, and they did. Some of those titans retired, left the national team, went to play for their club in Ko-oren or abroad to chase dreams and trophies. At the same time, with Antonescu's retirement, it was time to experiment with different styles and players and that was all good, but those magic moments never come back. And then you need to realise that it's alright to look back on some great years and celebrate those, rather than desperately chase those years that everyone deep down knows won't ever come back. This isn't a knock on the players that have gone through the system. Some were at the wrong place at the wrong time, some were raised in a footballing system that was out-of-date and completely figured out by our opponents, and maybe, sometimes, it was just plain old bad luck... and mind you, it was as much my fault as everyone else that was blamed in these times.

Growing Out of
All things must come to an end at some point. I don't want to hinder the growth of a new generation and give some great new talents a place to do the same thing I did: grow up, into, on and inevitably out of the national team. I don't think my job is quite done just yet. I'm not on the starting eleven any more and at this moment I don't think that's really where I should be any more either. The rest of the defence is aging as well and in one or two cycles must draw the same conclusion: all things must come to an end. I'm 36, and I'm going to retire from the national team... and mind you, I'm seeing this cycle through.

After the national team, I'm going to stay on my club of Cirelbourne to help some great talent develop. We're already making great strides in developing a core of great players that will definitely play a huge role in the team and carrying it back into the World Cup. And boy, are there still some great jumps to make. That ties in with my largest regret of my career... we've made the second round of the World Cup on 5 occasions, but never made the Quarters.

[Bostopia]

Some months before World Cup 79 qualifying opened

Graffton Estate, Monham State, Bostopia

It had been decades since most Bostopians had entered or exited the country, because of one incredibly burnt crème brûlee. The Bostopian economy had, largely, not suffered, though largely because industry throughout the Empire had been shut down to keep exports up and jobs in Bostopia worth doing still. The Emperor himself was a decisive figure, many people loved him, but those who had heard the rumours heard of a lonely, bored man who had shut himself off from everything he had known before. He’d gone so far as to declare aspects of his ‘previous life’ not canon, which were subject to change dependant on what mood he was in.

‘I am going into the woods and am going for a walk’, the Emperor declared, packing some belongings into a rucksack like a child would when running away. Kettle, tea bags, camping stove, packed lunch (consisting of a roast beef sandwich, ready salted crisps, a salami snack and a chocolate bar) and finally some icing sugar. He seemed content at his choices before realising he'd forgotten something.

‘Okay, sire’ Haelwen began ‘-but exactly where? We do need to have some idea of where you are. And why are you packing that sturdy rope?’

‘The rope is in case the car gets stuck and needs pulling out. I’m bored and going for a walk, Haelwen, not for a round of “let’s see what holds longest, the rope, the branch or my neck”'.

Most of the Emperor’s problem was that since the borders had closed, he hadn’t had anyone else’s affairs to stick Bostopia’s considerably military might, or his nose into. He did rather enjoy that.

The Emperor stepped out of his lodge into the grassland surrounding it, padding his way barefoot across the manicured grass lawns to the large expanse of woodland and the private footpaths that meant he could have some time to think without anyone around (or at least not noticeably so) to interrupt his train of thought. He walked through where the grass met small, younger trees, then where the grass started thinning out under the cover of the trees, then into a dense path of woodland itself. He walked on, thinking on where the country had been and where it was going.

Was the path he’d taken the right one? Supporting right-wing Governments as long as he had been in power had led to this moment, walking alone in the woods, the memories of constant talk of rebellions and coups matched in metaphor by watching his step, dodging thorns and nettles with on this inconvenient route and one that couldn’t be followed much longer.

After what felt like a short while, the Emperor reached one of his favourite clearings in the woods, a flat-ish surface, surrounded by trees and with a big enough hollow to light a small campfire, a large enough branch to knock a man out suddenly falling from an Oak...

[Farfadillis]

Alex Terán Randomly Elected New FFFF President
Declares himself "FFFF President-for-life", proceeds to announce intention to run for President, although the title does not actually exist in Farfadillis (yet)

Following Tijuán Monselecto's retirement from the position, bringing his two weeks at the helm of the federation to an end, the FFFF has elected Alex Terán as the Federation's new President on today's "Random Election." Although the details of how the FFFF's "Random Elections" work are a mystery, it is known that their statute requires that there be one every fifth election. A secret informant from inside the organization (initials GM, fat guy with a ponytail) has told the Ferdullaele Post that Terán was elected simply by virtue of being the seventh person to be nominated for the position.

The FFFF's "Random Election"s may be coming to an end, however, as two hours after being told he was now FFFF President, Alex Terán told the press that he "had chosen to scrap the entire statute, every single word in it, and declare himself President-for-life" and that "Article 5.6 allows me to do that apparently" and that "Yeah, I'm not sure why the option even was there, either" and also that "No, you can't do anything about it. Sorry not sorry." The FFFF's legal advisors confirmed that Alex's move was "a bit dickish, but legal" before swearing fealty to the FFFF's President-for-life.

The former footballer enjoyed a very fruitful career, becoming a legend for both La Nueva Avenida and FC Endevour. He amassed over one hundred caps for the Farf National Team and became a fan favourite there too. Elegant in his playing style, there was one complaint that every single one of his managers uttered: he's lackadaisical to a T. And also a complete nutcase. It is believed this is the reason he was nominated, as this would make him a natural candidate to the position of President of the FFFF.

In his press conference, Alex Terán also announced his intention to run for "President of Farfadillis." He admitted he wasn't aware that such a position did not, in fact, exist, but insisted that if he "got enough votes, then surely that'd make me President of Farfadillis anyway." Farfadillis' top legal experts have pointed out that what Alex Teran said is, in fact, correct. In the Farf constitution's fourth page (of only five, surprisingly), there's a section that reads "If a Farf citizen gets enough votes, they become President of Farfadillis." The wording is, of course, very vague. For instance, we don't yet know how many votes are "enough" or what happens if somebody else also gets that number of votes. But what is certain is that Alex Terán could, in theory, become President of Farfadillis, whatever that means.

[Kita-Hinode]

CHAPTER II - RENDEZVOUS

Sunset Pokémon Training Gym
Saturday, 08:12 AM

A man walks through the backyard of a fairly-built house.
He examines the ceiling he had arranged for the area.
He takes a couple of looks at each of the objects placed in it.
Treadmills, weights, punching bags, dummies made of rocks.
All of that was specifically prepared for Pokémon training.
Three or four years earlier, he couldn't remember very well, he was leaving the stadium for his very last time.
Of his own accord, of course.
Things just took a turn for the worse as the tournament continued and soon enough, he found himself uninterested.
He doesn't know if he doesn't mention it just because it wasn't very pleasant for everyone or if he just doesn't remember it at all.
Still, to his solace, there was still a tournament.
There were still people yearning to learn the craft.
He took a couple of shots at a punching bag.
He still had a bit of competitive spirit in him.
His mind raced.
And then a voice snapped him out of it.
[Qasden] - Dad, Mom said you left the toilet seat open!

[Sunrise] - ...First of all, you can call me Sunrise.
He recollected his thoughts.
[Sunrise] - And following that, I'm busy checking if everything here is working.
[Qasden] - Eh. Why would you need to do that? It's not like everyone ever broke anything here.
[Sunrise] - A prepared master is a good master. Speaking of which...
He turned back to the little girl, opening his arms.
She ran at him, which caused him to give her a hug and lift her up for a spin before putting her back down.
[Sunrise] - I think you might be getting a bit too heavy, kid.
[Qasden] - Or you getting too old, Dad!
[Sunrise] - You can call me Sunrise!
[Qasden] - Fine, Dad.
[Sunrise] - ...
[Qasden] - So, did you have a good night of sleep?
[Sunrise] - ...I'd rather not talk about it.
[Qasden] - What do you mean by that?
[Sunrise] - Hey, by the by, yesterday I got a call at work that someone got herself into a scuffle with a new student.

He crossed his arms.
The girl sighed, sitting on a bench.

[Sunrise] - What gives? You're not one to get into fights. Usually, I just get calls for low grades.
[Qasden] - No need to rub it in, by the way...
[Sunrise] - Oh, worry not. Kitsunia is the one that complains about that. But still, you're not one for fights.
[Qasden] - I just had an argument with one exchange student. He said battle names and our battling style were stupid!
[Sunrise] - ...Well. Why didn't you just challenge him to a battle? Sounded like an easy way to solve this.
[Qasden] - I was going to do that afterwards, but then he showed up with a couple of other folks and things just spiralled after that. Plus, I couldn't deal with the nerve of that guy.
[Sunrise] - Also, where did that exchange student come from? Should be from a place with Pokémon culture, I imagine, to come up with that line?
[Qasden] - Kanichiwa. His name is Katsu Asakawa.
[Sunrise] - That name sounds familiar somehow. Think it was on the paper the other day.
[Qasden] - Well, he's apparently the heir of some big company. Ceni mentioned that.
[Sunrise] - ...So you got into a fight with the heir of some big company.
[Qasden] - I guess I couldn't find the head of an Armageddon cult to piss off like you or Chrom.

The two shared a laugh, Sunrise patting her on the head.

[Sunrise] - That's my kid.
[Qasden] - Yup!

Sunrise looked around for a bit before Qasden chose to talk again.

[Qasden] - Say, shouldn't your students have arrived by now?
[Sunrise] - They all probably overslept again.
[Qasden] - You shouldn't have classes start at 8, knowing the sort of student you get.
[Sunrise] - That's true... but I thought people would still have that fire for Pokémon. How they'd want to improve and embrace their little pets.
[Qasden] - I'm sure there are still people like that, dad... just not among your students.

The bell rang, followed by a rush of loud knocks.
A blond boy, wearing a black shirt that was clearly two numbers bigger than him, beige pants, soccer shoes and a scarf stumbled upon the backyard, raising himself quickly before stumbling again against Sunrise.

[Sunrise] - Now, now, I'm glad to see you're the first one to arrive... Lucas, wasn't it?
[Lucas] - M-Master... we don't have time to talk! The other students are being held up!
[Qasden] - So I guess they weren't sleeping, dad.
[Sunrise] - Where are they?
[Lucas] - A couple of blocks from here. They're being held up by this guy with a limo. I jumped over the hood of that car when nobody was looking and ran as soon as I could.
[Sunrise] - Hmmm... A limo. I think I have to check it out.

Sunrise was on his way to the backyard.
Lucas got closer to Qasden, showing a smirk.

[Lucas] - Helloooo, nurse!
[Sunrise] - And you're coming with me!

Sunrise dragged him by the ear out of the yard.

...

The two arrived at the point of contention.
A limousine had been parked exactly in the middle of the street with two bouncers covering up any holes that were left by the car.
Lucas sighed.

[Lucas] - Damn. I think they just added that now.
[Sunrise] - Hm. Must be someone fairly rich.
[Lucas] - Yeah, master... And he's been battling my friends with this really powerful Hitmonchan.
[Sunrise] - A Hitmonchan?
[Lucas] - Yeah! He's got this really strong straight hook and... Master?

Sunrise walked up to one of the bouncers.
Soon, the two bouncers opened up a path.
He motioned Lucas to follow him.
Katsu had been the one responsible for the blockage.
Meanwhile, he was battling a tanned boy, who was dressed in a solid blue T-shirt, black shorts and a white cap.

Of course, the boy's Pokémon wasn't a match for Katsu's visibly powerful Hitmonchan.
A barrage of hits followed as the Hitmonchan wiped the floor with the boy's Aron.

[Katsu] - Now now, little Lloyd. It's clear you're not good enough to make me get out of the way. Think you should all go home.
[Lloyd] - Why are you doing this?
[Katsu] - Because, little man...

Katsu flipped Lloyd's hat off, trying to piss off the young man, but not quite getting it. Still, he triumphantly turned his back.

[Katsu] - Because I can.

He then looked to all of Sunrise's students, smirking.

[Katsu] - So, anyone else wanna play the hero or did you all just realize the pointlessness of just staying here all day?
[Sunrise] - Now that you mention it.

Sunrise appeared, from out of Katsu's sight to take centre and front, standing to the side of Lloyd, with Lucas waving to the boy.
Katsu was clearly taken aback, worried that he had just met the guy he was supposed to hassle.

[Sunrise] - I miss doing that.
[Katsu] - W-Who are you?
[Sunrise] - Oh, just a teacher that wondered where his students were.
[Katsu] - Y-Y-You wouldn't happen to be-
[Sunrise] - Sunrise, two-time world champion, currently serving as a teacher for Pokémon Trainers. Nice to meet ya.

Sunrise smirked.

[Sunrise] - So. That's your best?
[Katsu] - Y-Y-Yes! Of course! This Hitmonchan is able to knock out heavyweight boxers with years of experience. I doubt you have anything to top that.
[Sunrise] - Tell you what. I have a Pokémon with me. If I beat you, you get your car out of the way and my students can finally attend their training sessions and you'll never ever do this again.
[Katsu] - And if I win?
[Sunrise] - You get to continue with whatever you were doing.
[Katsu] - Challenge accepted, old man.

He walked around the Hitmonchan.
The creature stood proudly.
He looked for a bit, before returning to the other side.

[Sunrise] - He looks interesting.

Sunrise took out a Pokéball, sending out his Umbreon.
The Umbreon shook his own head, waking up.

[Katsu] - Psh. Are you seriously sending out an Umbreon to face my powerful Hitmonchan?
[Sunrise] - Looks like it, isn't it?
[Katsu] - Very well. Let's get this one out fast. Hitmonchan, go for a Comet Punch.
[Sunrise] - Combination 12, Umbreon.

Hitmonchan advanced against the Umbreon, quickly shooting a powerful Comet Punch, only for it to be swiftly dodged by the Umbreon.
The Hitmonchan, apparently out of anger, tried it two more times and the Umbreon simply repeated himself, dodging easily the tackles.
As his opponent went for a fourth punch out of desperation, the Umbreon shot a powerful wave of psychic energy out of his mouth.
The strike was powerful enough to take down the Hitmonchan with a single hit.

[Sunrise] - You're not a whole lot, ain't you?
[Katsu] - B-B-But... How!?
[Sunrise] - I figured you weren't much from the point where you didn't know how to finish an Umbreon properly was a Fighting-type attack.

The Umbreon returned to his Pokéball, which Sunrise put back in his pockets.

[Sunrise] - Additionally, you were relying too much on the same move. I noticed that by how your Pokémon, which if I had to guess wasn't trained by yourself, given how he took his own initiative after the first attack.
[Katsu] - Y-You-
[Sunrise] - And while it'd be fair that a poor trainer with a strong Pokémon could beat a trainer trying to improve himself with a justifiably weak Pokémon, a given since Lloyd here literally joined us two months ago, that wouldn't happen against an experienced veteran.
[Katsu] - ...W-What's wrong with you?
[Sunrise] - You got in the way of my students. Care to explain why?

Katsu sighed, taking out a paper from under his scarf.
The paper was an ad that had the Asakawa branding all over Sunrise's ad for his training academy.
Katsu bowed down.

[Katsu] - I-I-I figu-figured if I he-held back your students, y-you'd make a cheaper d-d-deal...
[Sunrise] - Well, you thought wrong. I do this out of the good of my heart.
[Katsu] - I-I implore you re-reconsider, mister.
[Sunrise] - I could consider it a dozen of times, young man. The answer would still be no.

Katsu sighed.
He knew what would happen once he got home.
Explaining to his sister.
That'd be a nightmare.

[Sunrise] - However, I would like you to follow me.
[Katsu] - W-w-what? I came here to buy your academy-
[Sunrise] - And instead, you get the opportunity to train under my roof.
[Katsu] - B-b-but-
[Sunrise] - Unless you want to miss on that as well?
[Katsu] - N-no, sir... I-I take your in-invitation...

...

All of Sunrise's students sat, forming a circle.
This included Katsu Asakawa, who chose to hide his face with his scarf.
Sunrise slowly read the names, just to check who was there.
He finally reached the end of the list.

[Sunrise] - Ness Cordelia, check...

There, laid a name scribbled down.

[Sunrise] - Katsu Asakawa?

The boy rose his hand, embarrassed, while the rest of the class stared daggers at him.

[Sunrise] - Check.

---

WORLD CUP 79
Hinodejin debut ends in rout, Kalumba wins 4-1

The Hinodejin national football team's debut could've gone worse but barely, that's what the game against Kalumba sumed itself to. Sacheverell van Cann's first ever national team game saw the Poltergheists get embarassed as they visited Kalumba, and left the Kahali National Stadium with a 4-1 loss. "We clearly didn't prepare enough and the results show that" said van Cann. The game started off poorly for the Hinodejin Empire as Piet Von Kruger found his way into the net following a tight pass from Peterson Watusi near the box, skipping over Hokuto Mizumoto in the process. A theme with the game would be the lack of experience in the NT, a result of van Cann's choice to start the qualifiers with a squad based out of players that recently left the Hinodejin Empire for outside teams. While not a terrible choice, the team benefited way more of respectable performances by KiHi-LEAGUE regulars Varis Eiji and Kyung-Ja Sang. The rest of the game, however, saw Kalumba's killer striker duo run them over.

Thanks to a good cross from Eiji that managed to find Sang in the box, the Hinodejin have, at least, scored their first ever goal under their new name. Next match's line-up is expected to be Mitano; Shimikage, Inoue, Satou, Eiji; Yamaguchi, Park J. W., K. Nagatomo, Yunjimaru; Sang K. J. and Minami.

[South Toronto]

Goalkeeper Terrance Davy Warman was suspended by the STFA following a 3-1 defeat to The Holy Empire.A disgusting performance by Warman overshadowed the fact that South Toronto were winning until the 78th minute via a through ball to Jozy Dembele.Then, a corner kick was signalled and instead of catching the ball, Warman chose to dive into the opposing attackers as the referee gave away a penalty.They ultimately scored as jeers from Toronton fans were aimed at the poor piece of goalkeeping.A mistake in judgement left an amazing opportunity to score but could've easily been saved by Warman.The ball was rolling at a fair pace when suddenly, Warman attempted to grab the ball but pushed it into the goal in the 85th minute.Suspicion aroused Captain Michal Bergman, as during the match he said:

Michal: What kind of drugs you on mate? Letting in easy ones like that.
Terrance: None bruv, just having a bad day init.
Michal: Are you sure? Leader Tiberius isn't going to like us losing like this, especially when he used to be a footballer himself and knows most goalkeepers are trained to avoid circumstances like this.
Terrance: Just a bad day Mil-kay
Michal: (Thinks to himself) Jeez this cunt pronounce my fucking name?It's Mi-kal, not Mil-kay. Blimey, what kind of booger sugar is he snorting up that shotgun barrel nostrils?
Michal: I see you...

The final nail in the coffin was when a chance to equalise through a corner persuaded Warman to redeem himself.11 versus 11 fighting for a ball to make or break this game as Warman apparently forgot he wasn't in his goalkeeping box and therefore handballed the ball into the goal, celebrating with tears streaming down his face, however, he was booked for handball and was ordered to return to his goal.Groans from everybody in the stadium distracted Warman as he went to his goal.A free kick by the defender was overhit, providing a seamlessly easy save.It went over everybody, including Warman as he tripped over his un-done shoelaces and therefore allowing the ball to bounce into the net.

After the game, his teammates reportedly refused to even acknowledge him in the changing rooms.A review by the STFA(South Toronton Football Association) found Warman guilty of betting and he was banned for life, costing the Toronton team greatly as they scoured the Toronton Leagues in search of an adequate goalkeeper.

[Starblaydia]

World Cup 78 Part One: Takeaway | Two: Duchess | Three: Fidget | Four: Torque | Five: Omen | Six: Leap | Seven: Screams | Eight: Iota | Nine: Death | Ten: Wrong | Eleven: Happy | Twelve: Together | Thirteen: Sweat | Fourteen: Taken | Di Bradini Cup 41 Part Fifteen Stunned

Korra Starblayde, Regent of Starblaydia

It had been two years ago that she'd taken power. Two years ago that, off-camera, she had used the full extent of her mental powers to suppress Julius Starblayde's physical and mental capabilities. Utilising every fibre of her being, every ounce of her supernatural abilities, she had brought him low and bent his will completely and utterly to her own. Without her, without the facade that was Korra Starblayde, Julius would still be hale and healthy in command of all his faculties. But now, decades after she had first come up with her plan, the vampire Viannor was once again in control of the Protectorate of Starblaydia. This time, she had learned from her previous mistakes.

There was no brutal crushing of freedom and liberty. No black trenchcoats, no jackboots to trample all hope and beauty from one end of the nation to the other. Starblaydia continued largely as it had before. For certain, she had made some changes to the nation, moving some of her loyalists into positions of Judicial power and re-opening Starblaydia's World Assembly office. One thing she had certainly kept, though, was the Lord-Protector's personal support for the Starblaydia national football team. She hated football with a passion, still, but she had come to see that it was as part of the fabric of Starblaydi society, perhaps more than any other component. Looking back through the history of the World Cup, even reading that atrocious 'Craziness Encouraged' nonsense and its fawning, flowery language as it documented quite how good Starblaydia had been for all those years.

Viannor knew that she should host the World Cup parties and wear the scarf and cheer the team, so she'd learned enough about the game that, as Korra Starblayde, Duchess of Sideria and Regent to the Lord Protector, she was able to speak knowledgably, if a little cliched, whenever pressed on the matter. It was deathly dull to her, but that was the sort of sacrifice required of a true leader. When she had defunded the national team previously, it had seemingly sent the nation into a downward spiral of depression and dismay. It was likely more a case of correlation than causation, but it was not something she wanted to risk. Everything had to be perfect this time. Everything had to last, for a thousand years and more. Her last rule of Starblaydia, in the open as Lady Viannor, had been brought down by Tiberius Starblayde and the people in a decade. This one would last much, much longer, she just had to take the final step of total control and make the Praetorship her own. Like all of her schemes, this required just the right amount of theatre to pull off for maximum effect. As intelligent as the people of Starblaydia were, they tended to trust their own eyes.

It was the President of the Starblaydi Football Association, Tororin Halatyrion, who had come up with the setting, a grand display of pageantry the way only Starblaydia can muster, but with football as the theme. The World Cup Hall of Fame had not had a Starblaydi entry since the 61st World Cup and, in those seventy-plus years, no-one at the SFA had thought to nominate anyone further. The most recent entry had been a certain Julius Starblayde, inducted all on his own as the solitary member of the ninth Starblaydi Hall of Fame class. 2230 was about time for the tenth class to be inducted and four players stood ready to take their places in the names of Starblaydi heroes, the fifteen men and five women, one elf, one dwarf, and two Di Bradinis. It would also be something that Julius Starblayde would not miss for the world.

The Lord-Protector, in name only now, was as good as his reputation. Even wheelchair bound, hooked up to various medical technologies hidden away in his chair, he was going to attend the ceremony. Starblaydi Combined Broadcasting, the state's name TV channel, hyped the event for two months. All the glitz and glamour they could muster was brought to bear on the event, from sports, music and movie stars to fashion, art and dance performers, this was the most spectacular announcing of names in the history of the country. It was on every channel, though every medium, streamed to any connection that could even remotely handle it. An expectant live audience of thousands, a home audience expected and tracked in the billions, with even a little bit of global coverage thrown in.

For more than two hours they gave the audience the storied exploits of the first twenty names in the Starblaydi contribution to the World Cup Hall of Fame, in the order they'd been inducted. Nick Matranga, the wing wizard of Starblaydia's earliest days; Simeone Di Bradini, the most famous footballer on or off the planet; Jerome Montefalcon, the rock of midfield; Nunzio Gre, the stalwart central defender; Cherry Garcia, the first woman to play for Starblaydia who inspired every girl since; Menecrates, the dazzling midfielder who stunned defences the world over with his skill; Khim Azanulbizarn, the Dwarven full back who defined an era and then coached his team to greatness; Jacqueline Maitland, who'd scored more goals than any before her; David Bedford, the goalkeeper who had every striker's number; Jae Chang-hwa, the full back of Han descent who electrified the right side of the pitch at the same time as melting our hearts; Leandro Perheira, the central defender who had put his body on the line time and again to win the World Cup; Jaime Oberlander, the tireless leader and coach who spanned two generations of players; Diamontii Di Bradini, the second of the family to enter as she scored goals that won Starblaydia the championship; Lex Panarii, the amateur historian and defensive midfielder who had brought the spirit of the ancients back to Starblaydia's football culture; Caleb Westwood, the goalie who surpassed all others; Batou Nakamura, who had pulled the strings like no other world class midfielder before him; Jaime Kuu, the incredible winger who made his name in Valanora and became a legendary manager; Tuomas Hindenburg, another defender who epitomised Starblaydia's desire and will to win through honour; Ázëwyn Fëanáro, the elven beauty who had represented Starblaydia more than any other being and claimed two World Cups, now the manager; and finally Julius Starblayde, the second son of Lord Protector Tiberius Starblayde, turned international captain and beacon of hope in Starblaydia's time of need, now ill beyond the knowledge of the Starblaydi people, but still there to represent the five golden stars flying proudly over the Starblaydi eagle.

The first entrant was finally announced in a video package that brought goosebumps to most of those watching, and a few tears in the eyes, too. Lena Kochanska, Starblaydia's highest scoring human player in their history, third on the all time list behind the Krytenian outcast Valrauncion and Ázëwyn Fëanáro herself. She was the golden girl for so long in Starblaydi football and her twelve goals in the 63rd World Cup campaign took them to the Final against Audioslavia. Now 90 years old and using a stick to walk, her standing ovation from the crowd lasted four solid minutes.

The next name brought thunderous applause from certain sections of the crowd, and near abject apathy from those watching at home. Tororin Halatyrion, the current President of the Starblaydi Football Association, an Elf who'd played sixty-six times for his country and, admittedly, won the 44th World Cup. This was either a sick joke, or a serious reduction in standards. The other Starblaydi who had been inducted were legends, every single one, and here was Halatyrion, smiling like the cat who got the cream, a pygmy in the presence of giants. It left a bitter taste in the mouth, but if Halatyrion knew the reaction he evidently didn't care. He was now a Hall of Famer.

Genuine applause finally broke out for the third nomination, increased yet further by those trying to prove a point about the inadequacy of the previous candidate. Seventy-nine year old Lucas Cable, the man who was once, definitely, recognised as the 'Best in the World', a goalkeeper so skilled and so composed between the posts that he seemed to have read the script already. A true great who played for Starblaydia 108 times, more than any other human.

Fourth, and finally for this class, was the midfield icon and playmaker, Sergio Di Bradini. Like Kochanska, Sergio had been in the great team of '66 (2166, that is) who had gotten all the way to the World Cup 63 Final, only to lose to Audioslavia. Sergio had more talent in his little finger than most of the Audioslavians in their whole bodies, but that match had been a result of determination and workrate over skill and technique. Though he personally had considered it his greatest failure to lose that Final, it was still the one bright spark in the previous century of Starblaydi football. It was the one moment fans and players could look back on and believe that #wewantsix could come to fruition again. They could do it again. We could do it again. Starblaydia can do it again.

But celebration soon turned to tragedy. On the stage, in his mobility chair, Julius Starblayde was smiling and happy and eager, but he didn't look well. Pale, despite the stage makeup, seemingly aged a two decades or more in the four years since his dramatic, public fall during the Nephara match. He leaned forward in his chair to the specially lowered microphone. Across the globe, Starblaydi audiences fell silent to hear him speak.

"Fides," he said, beginning the Starblaydi words despite the cracking frailty of his voice, faltering in between the words, "Gloria... Sanguis. The words we live by-"

He leaned forward. Not the leaning of a man adjusting his sitting position, or reaching for the mic, or trying to emphasise his point, but the leaning of a man who was not going to stop his momentum. His torso reached more and more dangerous angles, as the tubes and wires he was connected to, hidden subtly under his dinner jacket and threaded into the chair, grew taught and visible on the TV feed, before snapping from their plugs and letting the old man tilt further and further, far enough to fall to the ground.

A woman screamed; it was Korra Starblayde. As guards and medics and officials rushed to the stage, the cameras suddenly panned and zoomed to get a better shot, disorienting viewers around the world as they tried desperately to capture the event. First responders immediately got to work, but after even a few moments, everyone could see their body language. No response. No vitals. The Lord Protector was neither moving. breathing, nor reacting. Korra rushed to the stage, fighting her way past the suited backs of protection teams and SFA officials.

Her howl of despair travelled through the airwaves, through the cables, and through the fibre optics to the entire world. It was a cry for her father and a cry for the dead. Although it was a fake, a practiced, scripted, perfectly timed and shot and captured fake; it was a bloody good one.

[Valanora]

"Can you feel it?" The words were whispered, as if merely speaking them was invoking a terrible curse or inviting suspicion to those who would rather have not have their ideas and thoughts brought to attention. In a way, they were a curse of sorts, but to speak that out loud would be invoking a sort of panic that would likely destabilize the empire.

"I hear the call as much as I can feel the pull that it is creating. It is a feeling I have felt before and a whisper along the winds and the tidings of the shattered moonlight that I have felt before." The return words were measured and stoic, though there was a depth of emotion that was brooding underneath those measured words. The mantle of responsibility was a heavy price to pay for anyone but particularly for elves whose lifespans spanned the entire breath of time.

"Is it wise to keep this a secret, as its presence starts to make itself even more known? Sooner or later the news will get out about it and without the Goddess to calm them, the masses are prone to hysteria and misunderstandings, even as intelligent as our population might be. It might be better to let them know that this is happening once more, to take the required steps to smooth out the oncoming crisis." Her voice was still in whispers but she felt confident that if what was happening was the case, that getting the populace prepared for it was better than to let it happen without any sort of forewarning at all.

"I believe it is because of Elune's disappearance that this is coming to pass again, as it was her power that was keeping the realms perfectly aligned. Without the Goddess to maintain the merger, I fear what might come to pass, beyond the Calling that we are seeing develop among the most devout and oldest of our kin." Tobias Raynor pulled his cloak tighter around him and he looked out across the emerald green lawn that seemed darker today than it did yesterday. Was it already coming to pass or was his own fear of what could come already clouding his perception of the world around him? A growing misconception of ones surroundings was said to be a symptom of the Calling from previous episodes.

"If Elune is truly gone, why has Gladerial not chosen another to be the guardian, to instill the same powers that she had into Elune in order to prevent what is to come?"

"Even we are not ones to begin to question the Elder Gods, or Great Others, or whatever they are and you want to call them. For all we know, this might be something that they have intended all along, but for now, we must make our preparations in secret. We can only guess as to what is yet to come, fears founded on uncertainty seldom have a way of coming to fruition without your own actions becoming a self fulfilling prophecy. The Calling is something that we have dealt with in the past and we can do so again, though the nation will be changed for it, as it always is."

[Amazonesta]

The Amazonian Observer
Amazonia City's Largest Newspaper

Controversy reigns supreme as Amazonesta escape with 3-2 away victory to open up World Cup Qualifying


Luciano Rodrigues celebrates scoring the game's winning goal in the 77th minute

FAMPAKANIA- This was always going to be a challenge. Fampakania was coming off of playing in the Baptism of Fire, which means they've had time to form a bond with each other. Amazonesta, on the other hand, was doing no such thing. They have a new manager, the 59 year old from Cosumar, but they hadn't played a game together in years. Not since the Independents Cup, after World Cup 76 Qualifying, was Amazonesta together as a team. Now, with them back together one more time, they came out energetically and emphatically.

The first goal to open the game, for the hosts, was a thing of beauty. This was their first World Cup Qualifier ever. Their youth was shown, of course, in their wonderful bouts of energy at the start, as they punished Amazonesta. The young guns grabbed a quick one to start off the tournament, as 20 year old Yruyr Rregas nailed a header in the 9th minute to give the hosts a 1-0 lead. All of a sudden, the young nation was ambitious, forward, and most importantly, winning this ball game.

Amazonesta needed to respond, and fast. However, even though they had much more experience, they were shell shocked by the host nation. Fampakania pushed forward, but Damien Gallegos made a number of key saves, The goalkeeper was extremely important to making sure this game stayed where it was, as Amazonesta found their bearings. In the 25th minute, the game started to turn around. Amazonesta was being a little more forward with their possesion. Right before the stroke of halftime, in the 44th minute, Omar Falcone struck home on a header from 8 yards out, as Amazonesta went into the half level at 1.

Considering that they had such a poor start to the game, the Amazonestans were in a decent place. Getting absolutely dominated for the first 25 minutes, yet going level into halftime? That was not a bad place for Amazonesta to be. Jehan Blair has clearly had a positive influence on this team, as this team played inspired football in the second half. They won a free kick in the 57th minute, and Boaventura made the most of it. From the set piece, from 23 yards, he buried the ball into the bottom corner, and just like that, Amazonesta had come from behind and leveled the scores.

Now that they had done that, of course, Fampakania was not done yet. They were going to push forward and try to tie this game. This game was leveled on a 12 yard volley from the young Omaed Ryrygh, who is simply a teenager who is all of 19 years of age. The score was then level at 2 per team, and the winner was up for grabs. Fampakania was being chered upon by their fans, while Amazonesta wanted desperately to take a winner. Luciano Rodrigues, the starman for AC Fukuoka Yukionna, supplied the finish. Rodrigues scored on a beautiful chip on a breakaway following a Fampakania corner kick in the 77th minute, and gave his team a 3-2 lead.

That, however, almost was not the match winner. In the 1st minute of stoppage time, a very controversial moment happened. The other teenage starter, Zhasi Yhterrii, headed the ball towards goal, and it appeared as if Julio Leal, who was on the touchline, reached out his hand intentionally and batted the ball away. While seemingly the entire offensive side, and the stadium with them, were screaming for a handball and a penalty, neither was given. Amazonesta ran out the clock, and held on for a 3-2 victory.

It may have been a dubious victory. It may have been undeserved, considering that Julio Leal clearly used his hand on the touchline. However, the final score was 3-2 in our favor. In our second match, we'll host a top 50 side in Jeruselem, in what is sure to be a passionate display of action at the Estadio Nacional. They drew at home 2-2 in their first match, which means they'll be looking for all 3 points against Amazonesta. This should give this squad the ability to counter. However, this squad is undeniably weak in the back. If they can hold their own in the back, and execute the counter-attack, they should be able to escape with a point. However, if the defense cannot handle the pressure, the first national team game in over half a decade at the Estadio Nacional will be a one-sided affair. We believe in Amazonesta's ability to do something though, and we will predict a 4-4 draw. That's a little high-scoring, but both these teams bring firepower to their squads, and this being Amazonesta's first home game in so many years, they'll be desperate to at least get a point, and we believe that they will.

[Alasdair I Frosticus]

Somewhere in the Imperial Hippodrome

'...so let's not underestimate South Toronto; I want us to play the way we trained - got that?'

'AAAAAARRRRRRRR!'

'Galaxy Legs, I want you to keep an eye out for this Michal Bergman; South Toronto may be a low-ranked team, but he's showing some promise.'

'Arrr.'

'Teach, I think this goalkeeper may be vulnerable; the rest of the the side may prove dangerous, but I think he may be prone to own goals and silly moments of eccentric madness. Let's look to capitalise if we can.'

'Arrrr.'

'Montbars - let's try and cut down the fouling; you're a bit too prone to hack players down from behind for my liking.'

'Arr.'

'And a crucial element - NO PLUNDERING, RAPINE, LOOTING, OR LUSTY ASSAULTS ON THE OPPOSING CAPITAL. And absolutely no unleashing a horde of alien mercenaries before sneaking in afterwards to carry off the Emerald Orb of Thurryn the Mighty. This is football, not plunder.'

'Arrrrrrrrr?'

'Anyway; let's get on with it. Captain Kiddddddddd'd, I believe you have something to say to the lads?'

'Arrrr.

Arrrrr. Arr. ARRRRRR; arrrr, ar - arrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr; aaaaaaaaaaaar.

Arrrr? Aaaaar, aaaarrrrrrr, AAAArrrrrrrr; aar.

Arr, arr, arr, arr, arr. ARRR! Arrrr aaaaaar arrrrrr aaaaaaaaarr ar.

Arr, arrrrrrrr, aaar; ar.

Ar ar ar ar ar ar ar; AAARRRR!

Arrr?

Arrrr!

AAAAAArrrrr AAAARRRRRRR

AAAARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR'

'Stirring stuff; thanks cap - now let's go out there and start this campaign with a win.'

'AAAAARRRRRR!'

[Mattijana]

The Petrovijankan

---

MFO Red-Faced Over Spelling Error

The MattijanaFernsahOrganization has been left embarrased after incorrectly naming a nation in their preview of Mattijana's World Cup Qualifying campaign.
Soltsteed, ranked 56th in the world, were twice referred to as Solsteed in the online preview by MFO Sport, which came a day before Mattijana's opening day defeat by Farfadillis.

Comedy news outlet The Beet was either the first source in Soltsteed to register the mistake or the only one that cared, stating that "Mattijana seem to have been drawn into a different group alltogether." Those in Mattijana, having learned that Solsteed was not in fact the name of their coming opponents, also began to notice the admittedly mundane error.

"I pay my taxes to fund this dross and they can't even be bothered to find out what the people we're playing are called!" Exclaimed Marko Dragović, who presumably has nothing important to complain about at this moment in time. "If this is the sort of journalism that our organisation comes up with, surely we need to take a look at them and ask why they get our hard-earned cash."

"Come on guys, one missed T isn't exactly gonna kill anyone" retorts Jelena Grahovič, who presumably has plenty to worry about. "The MFO do great sports coverage for us and we're lucky to have them rather than sitting through ads or paying subscriptions like in other countries."

In addition to the spelling, The Beet also poked fun at Mattijana's flag, a jibe that will put the department of trivia into a state of deep existental angst after rejecting a redesign for the flag last year on the grounds that the current one had been around for so long that everyone had got used to how bad it was, found it oddly characterful and replacing it would be too much hassle. It is also true that Kecrazia's is probably worse.

MFO did issue an apology, but in true damage-limitation style, it was so drab that it wouldn't really be worth typing out in full. However, they did say that they were sorry for any offence caused to the people of Solsteed.

The Beet also made light of Farfadillis's odd nickname, Tumbra being in Esportiva and New Gazi's persona as a crazy, slightly egotistical totalitarian micronation. Mattijana will face Soltsteed on match day 5 in Burges and have Tumbra in their next fixture.

[Apox]

Lorcan Oberhausen slowly ascended the steps behind a podium outside Government House, squinting slightly in the bright morning sunlight. Behind him, the flag of Apox streamed in the brisk breeze. Many of those in the know about the political sphere - press, large corporations etc. received the message at 7am - Oberhausen was doing a public address.

Not a particularly rare event, but one which nevertheless had piqued their interest. However, by 8am the news had broken out of Gregoryisgodistan - a nation who's existence many Apoxians had attempted to ignore - despite being one of the many nations on the dictatorial states "enemy list". The "Lord Almight Gregory" as he referred to himself was dead - murdered in a press conference of his own - and the football team had announced the creation of a new state - South Covello.

Oberhausen reached the top of the podium and began to talk to the assembled press and mass of citizens behind them;

"I bring news from Gregoryisgodistan. As many of you will know, the head of state, Gregory, was today alleged to be murdered, an act which could, potentially, see the lifting of tyranny and malice from that part of Esportiva.

As a country who has lived in the shadow of terror and menace - prior to the Commune's downfall, we know, to some degree, what danger this instability represents. Therefore, it is our duty, as citizens of a free state, to work towards freeing the people of South Covello from their tyranny and bringing in an age of prosperity to their country - their new country of South Covello.

Damukuni has already sanctioned support for helping the South Covello rebels, up to and including putting boots on the ground. We shall support them, up to the last step. We will not mobilise our troops to free South Covello, but we shall divert sections of our navy to impose a naval blockade on South Covello, letting only aid through and being on hand to help the escape of any refugees, as well as supporting the armies and navy of Damukuni and the South Covello.

This legislation will be ratified by Government House, I hope, later on today. Thank you."

Eura 2-1 Apox Underwood 25', Raynerson 40', Campbell 79'
EUR: Griffin -- Coles, Ainsworth, Leach, Conway -- Nolan, Rose -- Morrison, Sutton -- Campbell, Underwood
APX: Steele -- Fox, Raynerson, Jekyll, Redmond -- Menheniot (Benzari 81'), Llangolan (Bridges 81'), Palmisano J. (c) -- Townsend, Gandhi A. (Palmisano L. 65'), Arrowsmith

The opening game of qualifiers was certainly a strong one, with Luxulya St. Cleer's new look Apox taking on top seeds and last year's runner's up Eura. And despite the tactical wobbles and the team clearly still grappling with this new system, they did very well. Yes, Llorent Llangolan and Eurwen Raynerson found themselves in no man's land before the first goal, where Sterling Rose opened up the defense for Dion Underwood to put one away (with Raynerson later atoning for her mistake heading in Bryton Menheniot's cross). Yes, it was a tired Ayrton Fox, running back from a counter in the 79th minute who left the right flank open to let Kris Campbell slip in and score his 100th international goal. Yes, Alpha Gandhi continued to look a little out of sorts once again. But this full strength side looked considerably more competent against one of the best in the world - and it is an announcement to the rest of the group - we are challenging you all the way. Time for players to step up and earn their place in a World Cup.

[Omerica]

SFRDsportif
|national football| |club football| |basketball| |rugby| |volleyball| |lacrosse| |tennis| |cycling| |golf|

---

West Violénce 0–2 Omerica: Les Incorrigibles snag away win to kick off World Cup comeback
Morgan Barzetti bags a brace in Kahuna Matata to confirm Omerican resurrection

Kahuna Matata, West Violence — For the longest time, the running joke amongst football fans was that rule number one of Omerican football was “Omerica always drop points on the first day of qualifying”. However, a gritty performance against a débutante team has firmly debunked said cliché.

The two sides have had vastly different demons to fight. West Violénce, ruled an openly corrupt and brutal totalitarian régime, débuted in the Baptism of Fire, where they narrowly made the knockouts before going down to eventual bronze medallists Petroslovania. Democratic Omerica, meanwhile, face an uphill battle to rebuild its footballing infrastructure after a massive scandal caused the court-ordered collapse of the Omerican Football Federation. After debating whether to exploit a potential loophole—namely that the national team never took part in a Baptism of Fire under the name “Omerica”—the Commonwealth Soccer Federation opted not to test the waters and to obey the spirit of World Cup Committee rules by entering the World Cup qualifiers as an unranked side.

The hosts run a 3-4-3, long a favoured formation in Omerican football before Ryan Pritchard’s unexpected rise to the managerial post, with a focus on attacking football. Bagging 9 goals and conceding 8—half of those against Petroslovania—in Barunia Meanwhile, Christine Salmond, deputising for an absent Ryan Pritchard, chose to run an unconventional 5–3–1–1, shifting Londonderry midfielder Red Bolton to attacking midfielder (the position he plays at club level) behind Morgan Barzetti.

West Violénce immediately went on the attack, though found themselves frustrated by a disciplined back five. Thaddée Dupuis nearly opened the scoring ten minutes into the match, only to fall victim to an offside trap. After an almost-successful counterattack forced Manuel Suchet into action, United Philibiscostal keeper Frédérique Acardi would snatch her first save of the game, when Wilfried Chéreau snuck past Jesús Cruz and Charity Kayode.

However, once put on the back foot, West Violénce struggled to regain their composure. The team found themselves down to two defenders after just over half an hour, when Barzetti was brutally tackled by Valentino Montenegro. Spaamian referee Ameria Miakrana quickly sent Montenegro off and awarded Omerica a penalty. Suchet saved Barzetti’s initial attempt, but Miakrana ordered a retake after several Violént players jumped the gun and entered the box before Barzetti had kicked the ball. On the second attempt, Violént players pulled the same trick, but Barzetti switched sides and opened the scoring.

The rest of the half was quiet: Les Incorrigibles locked down the field, cutting off any avenue of attack for the hosts and focusing on keeping the lead alive. West Violénce manager Buruo Moztuta opted not to make any changes at halftime, a decision which he would promptly regret when Barzetti scored mere moments after kick-off in the second half. West Violénce attempted to retaliate, but failed to find any meaningful way to challenge Acardi, who notched two saves when Wilfried Chéreau and Dupuis attempted to put the host side on the board.

With West Violénce frustrated by Acardi and the visitors’ back five, the match remained 2–0 to Les Incorrigibles throughout the second half. A rare second half Omerican attack by Krysten Speight, saw her attempt hit the crossbar and put out by Prudentzio Guirre. In the subsequent corner, Fernand Michelakakis nearly took a third goal for Omerica, but for a gritty clearance by Gordon Mulberry. Barzetti would nearly claim a hat-trick near the end of the second half, but was caught in the same trap that Thaddée Dupuis had suffered in the opening minutes, denying the La Corona striker an opportunity to extend Omerica’s lead. Nonetheless, another goal was unnecessary, as Omerica found themselves with the ball and three points as the whistle blew to end the match.

“We tried something different and it worked,” Christine Salmond said during the post-match press conference. “We went all out and proved to be the better team today. That’s what the scoreline shows and hopefully we can continue on the same track. The other matches are going to be harder, but the precedent of Spaam shows that we’re still just as much a threat as any other team in the group.

“It would be nonsense to aim low and say we should just try for the top half. We have to have some initiative and some drive. We’re going for gold and we’re going to play each and every match with the goal of qualification in mind. We’re going to lie down and settle for best loser.”

Elsewhere in group 11
Yesopalitha 2–0 Tinhampton
Kaboomlandia 3–0 Kernovi
New Danican 2–0 U-62
Turori 1–2 Valanora

Omerica were far from the only away side to snatch victory on day 1 of the qualifiers, as the Elves of Valanora defeated former world champions Turori in Group 11’s narrowest match: 2–1 to the visitors. Yesopalitha and New Danican were able to match Omerica’s 2–0 scoreline against Tinhampton and U-62 respectively, while Kaboomlandia kicked off with a 3–0 thrashing of Kernovi to start off at the top of the group.

With the top two teams in each of the bloated groups directly qualifying and no play-offs in play, Kaboomlandia have an immediate lead, with Omerica tied for second with New Danican and Yesopalitha. However, qualifying favourites Turori and Valanora playing each other on the first matchday is almost certain to have skewed the table, especially given Les Incorrigibles’ relatively easier match.

Group 11                 pld    w   d   l    gf   ga   gd   pts   kbm  ndn  ome  ysp  val  tur  tin  ust  wvi  krv
 1 Kaboomlandia            1    1   0   0     3    0   +3     3    —    —    —    —    —    —    —    —    —   3–0
 2 New Danican             1    1   0   0     2    0   +2     3    —    —    —    —    —    —    —   2–0   —    — 
   Omerica                 1    1   0   0     2    0   +2     3    —    —    —    —    —    —    —    —    —    — 
   Yesopalitha             1    1   0   0     2    0   +2     3    —    —    —    —    —    —   2–0   —    —    — 
 5 Valanora                1    1   0   0     2    1   +1     3    —    —    —    —    —    —    —    —    —    — 
 6 Turori                  1    0   0   1     1    2   −1     0    —    —    —    —   1–2   —    —    —    —    — 
 7 Tinhampton              1    0   0   1     0    2   −2     0    —    —    —    —    —    —    —    —    —    — 
   U-62                    1    0   0   1     0    2   −2     0    —    —    —    —    —    —    —    —    —    — 
   West Violénce           1    0   0   1     0    2   −2     0    —    —   0–2   —    —    —    —    —    —    — 
10 Kernovi                 1    0   0   1     0    3   −3     0    —    —    —    —    —    —    —    —    —    —
Tiebreakers: overall goal difference, head-to-head points, head-to-head goal difference, wins
Source: World Cup Committee

Omerica now face a second-straight away game against significantly tougher opposition: 47th-ranked Tinhampton. A reputed grudge match after the Miners defeated Les Incorrigibles 1–0 in the latter’s last Independents Cup match, the prospect of back-to-back away games has long been said to be one of the toughest challenges facing Omerica in this campaign.

“All of us on the team are all looking forward to facing Tinhampton again,” Acardi said in the post-match press conference. “We’ve faced each other before at the IAC and it didn’t go our way there. We have to face them on their turf, but we have the wind at our backs and they don’t. We’ve got a hunger to prove ourselves and that makes us dangerous.”

Omerica face Tinhampton for an Independents Cup rematch in Tin Park at 10:00 CST live on SFRDsportif.

---

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[Equestrian States]

The following takes place prior to the 41st Di Bradini Cup...

---

Princess Celestia's Personal Chambers
:: Harmony Castle, Canterlot, Equestrian States

---

It was before dawn when Celestia, Princess of Equestria, awoke from her sleep. Celestia always arose before dawn, of course, as without her guidance the sun could not be counted on to rise from beyond the horizon. For over a thousand years, Celestia had risen before the sun and guided it across the sky before lowering it in the evening, yielding to her younger sister's moon and stars. Such was the life of the pony many of her subjects believed to be an immortal goddess, the sun incarnate.

However, as soon as she awakened, the Princess of the Sun knew that something was wrong: she was drowsy.

She was never drowsy.

Shaking herself clear of the fog of slumber, Celestia quickly assessed the situation: I'm still half-asleep. I shouldn't be half-asleep. Why in Tartarus would I ever be half-aslee-

Discord.

Of course. The only possible explanation for something which had been a constant for over a millennium suddenly no longer being such a constant. The one-time, now supposedly-reformed, greatest threat to Equestria's well-being and stability. The physical manifestation of madness and disorder. The "Lord of Chaos" himself:

Discord.

Groaning silently as she pried herself from her bed, Celestia trudged toward her chambers' doors. If her inexplicable drowsiness was indeed caused by one of Discord's annoyingly frequent stunts, the Princess knew that she would not have to go far to find the draconequus. He would doubtlessly be waiting nearby, ready to boast to her about his latest antics; the bigger the prank, the easier he would be to find.

Sure enough, as soon as she threw open the doors, startling her slumbering House Guards awake, Celestia was greeted by the familiar smirk of her ancient foe: "Good morning, Tia, how did you sleep?"

'Tia' sighed, her suspicions confirmed. "What did you do this time, Discord?"

"Nothing too extraordinary, Your Highness. I just had a little fun is all."

He was playing coy. That was never a good sign. "The laws of reality tremble when you have 'a little fun'. What. Did. You. Do?"

Discord frowned before responding: "Why must you always assume the worst, my dearest Tia? I merely wished for a bit of sport is all; specifically that game you call hoofball." Celestia raised a solitary questioning eyebrow as Discord continued, "You see, I've been quite fascinated with the sport for a while now and thought I might give it a go, so I borrowed your team for a bit."

Oh no. "What do you mean, 'borrowed my team'?"

"Oh, nothing major. I simply paused time for your team, created a projection of one in their image and led them in that World Cup of yours."

Celestia's left eye twitched. "What."

Discord continued: "Of course, once I started, I couldn't just stop without winning the thing, so I played another tournament and then another until I won."

"You won us the World Cup?"

"Well, yes and no. I won an Equestrian States the World Cup. In a parallel universe." The regal Princess of the Sun stood with her mouth agape as the draconequus finished his explanation: "You see, things were going a bit slow, so I popped into a few parallel dimensions and led the Ponies in those World Cups as well and eventually I did win one, though unfortunately that universe suffered a cataclysmic apocalypse immediately after the Equestrians there lifted the trophy."

Celestia stared at Discord in disbelief. Had he really just altered time and reality itself just to play a stupid game of hoofball?

"Oh, and one more thing," Discord said, remembering something, "you miight be a few years later than you expected to be when you woke up. Sorry about that."

"WHAT!?"

[New Gazi]

New Gazi Plays Tumbra

Association Football, commonly called soccer throughout Vangaziland, is a sport with a growing popularity in the northern empire. It has fallen second fiddle to sports like lacrosse and basketball. It still ranks above sports like hockey and even baseball. Gridiron is another sport with growing popularity in Vannish territories.

Players like Imari Lefisse claimed their dual citizenship rights in the independent African nation of New Gazi just for a shot at a World Cup appearance. Vangaziland has recently gotten back into the swing of things, fielding their newest product for the first time in the Campionato Esportiva.

Lefisse was asked if he would consider taking the year off to restart in Vangaziland. "I know Vangaziland could use me and my experience", he said. "But New Gazi is my home. My teammates here are my brothers. I can't just let them down for the good of Vangaziland as a whole. It's a land, a place. I think about people. Not just the team. Everyone has been so welcoming during my life in New Gazi. I'm connected to the people. The land."

After a bit of prompting from the journalist, he later added, "Yes. I also appreciate the nicer weather."

It would be a high scoring game between New Gazi (50) and Tumbra (25)

"It was a battle", said Amare Contee. The forward would score twice, once in each half. He did miss two other chances, with kicks sending the ball too high or too wide. He timed his runs well, which led to his first goal on a pass from Lefisse.

Lefisse, known for his defensive midfielding, also stepped away with a goal. His came on a winding cross from the corner, which he controlled, stepped and sent forward. It went straight up the middle, above a keeper who mistimed his leap.

A lot of work came on the defensive side. Tumbra was not taking it easy on the Gazilians, hoping to secure an early lead.

"It was a battle. So much for getting some rank and having an easier time in the group", he said jokingly. "But it was a great game. We stuck with them and added quite a few goals to our tally sheet. We also didn't go down one on the head-to-head. This is the season we need to battle for qualification."

New Gazi hopes to make their first run into the World Cup proper and return to the Cup of Harmony.

The final tally would be 4-4 as the teams ranked 2nd and 3rd highest in Group 12 battled until the final whistle.

[Ceni]

Chiquitita, will you and I cry after seeing today's results? We'll see, after MD 2 cutoff.

[Yue Zhou]

RED DRAGONS STUN THE WORLD WITH OPENING DAY UPSET
Han Shangyou, Jiangdong Weekly

JIANGDONG -- Jiangdong city's very own 3Q Metropolitan Football Stadium had the privilege of watching arguably Yuezhou's finest-ever performance last night, as the Red Dragons shocked Group 1 with a four-two defeat of heavy favorites Damukuni. Both the result and the scoreline came as a massive shock to fans, expecting either a boring defensive battle - that Damukuni would likely win - or an utter blowout by the world's twenty-sixth-best team by KPB rankings (by contrast, Yuezhou are ranked 116th). Instead, Alex Cartwright's men hit hard on the counter, defended bravely on Damukuni's frequent attacks, and did just enough to win. The victory gives hope to Yuezhou where previously little existed - if the national team can beat the second-best nation in their qualifying group, one could reason that they had a decent shot at qualifying for the Cup itself - in just their second attempt.

Alex Cartwright, when asked if the Red Dragons would be parking the bus before the game, responded articulately (in fluent Yue, no less) that he expected his team to "be forced to defend often - but we'll counterattack as hard as we can, and we certainly won't sit back and let them have it. They may have more experience in the competition, but we have shown great promise in past competitions. Don't count us out just yet - we certainly aren't, a point is the minimum expectation for us today."

But Cartwright's chances of getting that minimal point declined sharply as soon as the whistle blew. Damukuni launched a brilliant attack, Yuezhou held firm but not quite firm enough, and within fifteen minutes Wei Haidong sat resoundingly beaten at his near post from a brilliant long-range strike off the boot of Hiryanama Nishigome. Jiangdong went silent as Damukuni celebrated their 1-0 advantage - and, to their fans, a likely three points to start off the qualifiers - and, indeed, Yuezhou looked listless after their kickoff, failing to do much on either end. Damukuni could've easily made it 2-0 two or three times, with Nishigome and Vayne both forcing brilliant saves out of Wei, but the Red Dragons barely held on. With five minutes left in the half, though, things didn't look promising.

The Red Dragons needed inspiration. And, in the forty-second minute, they got it in spades. Fearless captain Han Ruoyang dispossessed Vayne to end a promising attack, and, seeing little opposition, dribbled the ball all the way to midfield. When intercepted by Bennett, the defender simply hoofed it upfield - where a streaking Fu Xi got to it inches ahead of Damukuni captain Alec Matterhorn. Still, there was much work to be done by Fu to send the ball thirty yards past two defenders and a goalkeeper to equalize. But Fu made it look easy, the Viztourzys striker simply blasting it into the top-right corner.

Going into halftime, the two sides were level - or were they? Jiawei Sangu decided against the idea, clinically beating Tatsuyami with a penalty after Wen Xiaoli's well-struck cross bounced off of the unfortunate Matterhorn for a shock handball. Suddenly, with forty-five minutes to play, the Red Dragons were on top - two-one - against the run of play.

With the halftime substitutions of Wu Yong and Wei Jiabin for Lin Wangming and Hong Guilin, Alex Cartwright sought to introduce a little more steel into his lineup to keep things two-one. At this task they miserably failed, not even lasting ten minutes - but no Yue in the stadium objected. In the fifty-fourth minute, it would be Wei Jiabin to split the defense with a beautiful pass that Wen Xiaoli got to first. Wen's shot was blocked and sent wide by Tatsuyami, giving Wen a second set-piece opportunity in the form of a corner kick. The Lotus Park playmaker delivered, whipping a perfect cross into the box that Jin Guiyu headed home for his first-ever goal in a Red Dragons shirt. Suddenly, it was three-one and Damukuni were looking the distinctly worse team.

And it would be made four in short order. Even Cartwright's substitution of the defensive-minded Wang Wuying for tiring captain Han Ruoyang couldn't stop this attack, and after Ma Jianke's heroic sliding block kept Damukuni from scoring their second, it would be Wang to send the diagonal ball upfield - and, as it happened, directly into the path of Wen Xiaoli. Once again, the former SNM member showed off his skills, evading three defenders before cutting inside and tucking a fourth goal home.

Damukuni would pull one back, but it was too little, too late for the second seeds. Yuezhou looked dominant in a brilliant 4-2 victory - if they can keep this up, they could be in the World Cup sooner or later.

[Vangaziland]

The Dark Elf & The Redhead Princess: Part I

The air was cool and crisp, heralding the coming of fall, the seasons already beginning their change. This fact was evident in the leaves on the trees which lined the path, their green hue giving way to splashes of orange and tinges of red and yellow, glorying in their momentary beauty before they would eventually fall to their deaths as winter claimed them.

The serene silence of the late afternoon day was beginning to be faintly disturbed, as into the scene came an entourage of equines, nearly all of which were amazing specimens of their kind. Their proud necks arched as they pranced along the dusty road, their hooves created muted thumps upon it. Their tack jangled a bit as their riders, both men at arms, as well as several robed figures, kept them headed the right direction. All of the horses were situated around a central figure, her horse nearly as stunning as herself. The pitch black gelding had tufts of feathery hair around his hooves and his tail and mane were glossy, rippling as if they'd been recently braided and released.

Upon his back rode a woman whose posture signified well seated composure, and the knowledge that she knew her way around a horse. In fact, her father the Emperor prided himself in his armed cavalry, his daughter learning the art of riding from a young age. It was nearly a matter of pride for her as well, but she obviously loved her horse.

The woman herself wore an elegant dress of deep blue which complimented her fair skin and flaming red orange hair. The dress was suited for riding however, with enough volume in the skirt to allow her to sit astride, the cloth draping down around her. Around her head was a thin golden circlet, with a gem dangling just down onto her brow, the color a matching blue. Her amber hues, striking in their own right, moved constantly ahead. She kept her chin up, and a soft smile on her lips. It was indeed a beautiful day.

As they rode, Ryiah let her gaze move around the fairly small company. Small it might be, but well suited for personal protection, one of her father's own captains leading the journey, his men well equipped to handle bandits. Mages as well had come along, their specialties varied to be useful in differing circumstances. One in particular kept catching her eyes, his dark skin very unusual for these parts.

The journey would take another day, their destination a neighboring kingdom of... rough relations with her own. Her task, to smooth things over. Wouldn't be easy...

A few thousand years earlier, the Drow lived in caves in a highly tribal and matriarchal society. Since then, a group called the Upper World Drow, migrated from The Great Caverns onto the Continental Frontier.

124 years ago, Viingyr led a convoy of great ships on a voyage down a river that was only recently charted. They hit the Ocean and sailed off towards the unknown. They landed on a continent populated by people like they had never seen. After contact was made, a contingent of the fleet returned to The Five Settlements... Specifically the capital on the river.

Since then, ships have ferried back and forth, bringing a brave few settlers to a new land. In this new era, Pluvio had learned of arcane opportunities in what the Drow refer to as 'The Far Lands'. It was a colloquial term for an entire region of nations.

Now he rides with a convoy of horses and carts, moving on a tough diplomatic mission. His ride to the mission was less glamourous than some of the nobles. He rode in the back of a tall, open cart. Two Vannish Quarter Horses carried the cart at formation speed.

The tall black elf stood, peering at the road ahead. Occasionally his eyes would wander. He watched the broad shouldered horses bop and weave their necks as he held onto wooden posts. The driver was out of sight up ahead, tucked under a peeling leather canopy.

Pluvio's Arcane Team shared the cart with a handful of ranger marksmen. They made for some of the most eccentric men and women in the bunch. One female archer with very short brown hair played an eerie tune. The flute gave off a different echo, a crisper note, but with less throatiness. It was a flute she carved from a bone she once "found".

Everyone else sat in silence, cleaning gear, mending clothing or letting the mission weigh on their minds. Pluvio was the only one who stood. He enjoyed the scene, watching the company cover ground. But something, or someone kept drawing his attention.

There was a hair color he had never seen. Out of all of the colors in Upper World Drow genetics, there was no shade like that. He had seen similar shades amongst some of the humans in his 18 months on what he knew as the Far Lands. But not with such luster. His sensitive eyes focused with an infrared clarity. There were colors in the reflection of her hair that no human could ever see. Under those hidden spectrums, Pluvio saw bursts of color reflections he hadn't seen from any of the other ruddy-haired ladies of the Empire.

Pluvio almost found it distracting. He planned on doing a little mental weather manipulation during the trip, but he was too distracted. She was so close to his wagon that it put him on edge. His expression was fairly warm, but calculated. The sleeves of his simple gray top stuck out from underneath a dark brown leather vest. Black trousers rested their sleeves over sturdy boots.

A mage and an archer were in the middle of a game. They'd flip an oddly-colored, oblong ball. It was no bigger than a coin and rolled off in a random direction after a heavy landing. It was an old Drow children's game that explorers introduced to the locals. The others watched. Except for the crossbow flutist. She played her tune, not making eye contact with anyone else. Eyes closed, head swaying.

TBC

[Bonesea]

.

[Indusse]

Lisander 5–1 Indusse very bad score not for us may be because if the 1st games.

[Northwest Kalactin]

Kalactin team looking to improve

Hard luck for the Northwest Kalactin soccer team as they suffered 2 losses in a row and now will be facing elimination from they tournament if they have a few more losses let’s face it those where good teams and we do have a good chance to win some of these next few games.

[Somecoldwetislands]

A Traveller's Guide to Somecoldwetislands

So it's come to our attention that outsiders (non-locals) will be attending our community to watch football. Now, we assumed we were perfectly normal, but apparently our customs are strange to you outside folk, so we have decided to write a short guide to our little island country.

History

Our islands has been around as long as anyone can remember, as long as that someone is 32 years old. People older than that may remember that we used to live in that big country over the horizon, but we left. Why? Too many people from the outside. The island's population has boomed in recent years, with 7 people arriving over the last 5. This is more than some islanders can count on all their fingers and toes, so it must be quite a lot.

Geography

To the west is the big island with a lot of houses, to the east is the smaller island with fewer houses. On the big island there are some field, a hill, and in the valley below the hill lies a village, the only one on the island. It is referred to as 'the village' as it is the only one. On the southern edge of the big island is Dave's house where Dave lives, all 8 of them. Dave's house is also the closest thing we have to a pub or hotel, Daddy Dave being the islands chief importer of booze.

On the small island there are some rocks, and some caves and a couple of houses. The island has two resident hermits, Herman the Hermit and Crinkly Joe. Herman is made out of fish fingers and Crinkly Joe drinks petrol recreationally, both despise each other and consider the other an impostor. Herman has current bragging rights as he has managed to bag a more isolated cave. Crinkly Joe is trying to get his own back by never speaking to anyone ever, which has proven awkward when he's been asked for directions.

Language

We speak English, but it's a bit of a dialect on account of our isolation. You should get along fine just speaking English and trying to decipher whatever nonsense we come out with.

Money

We don't have that here. Bring alcohol, food with a long shelf life and chairs (we now have fewer chairs than people we need them). Most things will be given to you out of hospitality. We have about 40 spare rooms, so if you intend to bring more than that many people we would suggest you bring tents or be willing to share a bed.

Transport

Now, with transport you might find yourself a bit of a pickle. There is no organised transport here besides a monthly food shipment from somewhere (we don't know where it comes from). You could charter a boat over, we have a smallish harbour. In exchange for a crate of beer Daddy Dave will come and row you over with his big strong arms.

Food and Drink

Food and Drink is plain, not very tasty and free. We eat what we have, which is mostly fish, eggs, bread and potatoes. We also have some lamb. Expect lamb stew, mashed potato and probably bread for dinner, it'll be plain but filling. We don't have much in the way of alcohol, Daddy Dave imports lager, cheap cider and sherry from abroad, all of which will be made available. In terms of locally produced alcohol there is only carrot wine and moonshine potato vodka, both of which will blow your socks off and taste a bit like a can of anti-freeze.

The Football Pitch

Sadly we don't have enough room to house a stadium, there is simply a marked patch of grass where plastic goal will be put up. We don't have any paint, so either bring your own to mark the pitch or we'll just have to guess where the boundaries are. The grass is also quite long on the pitch, which probably means hoofing it up the pitch and keeping it off the floor are the most effective tactics. The bottom right corner of the pitch is occasionally flooded if its raining, so wellies will be provided.

Weather

It's in the name. Wrap up warm and welcome!

[Banija]

Kabaka Albert III's visit to Fort Boston

Kabaka Albert III, alongside his wife, Luguba Iriama, were on the Royal plane, landing in Fort Boston. This would be his first state visit as Head of State, though he made plenty in his role as Foreign Minister.

He was to meet Emperor Boston, and he was not sure what to expect. He didn't know much about the country- he had never been to Bostopia. But it was Banija's second game, and he was combining his state visit with his own first opportunity to actually watch the national team as the Kabaka.

It would be on the road. He was a short man, around 5'7, 170 pounds. He handled the leopard skin, nervously. This was a very important, very personal gift that the Kabaka was giving away- would the Emperor take it? He wasn't sure if the Emperor would even be allowed to. He hadn't ordered his aides to look up Bostopian law on this sort of thing.

As his plane finally touched down, he saw Emperor Boston and his entourage at the end of the tarmac. It was clear to tell who the Emperor was- who else would be wearing a crown? And others were around him, which the Kabaka regarded as security and advisors. As two of the kabaka's men went to open the door as the stairs rolled down to the tarmac, the Kabaka looked directly at his wife.

"Honey, what if-" Said Kabaka Albert III.

"Hush!" Said the Lubuga. She was a generous woman, and she often had to calm the nerves of her husband. He was following a great King himself, and had always stressed himself to try and live up to his father's legacy. "You'll be fine! God would not have chosen you for this role if you could not do it."

"You're right, my love." Said the Kabaka. "Let's do this."

Kabaka Albert III, holding his wife's hand, approached the top of the tarmac. He strode down, and did a little wave to the clapping Bostopians. Hey, he was enjoying this! He gained confidence as the strode every step. He walked right up to the Emperor. Emperor Boston had a solid 7-8 inches in height on him at least, and when they shook hands, the Emperor squeezed heavily. Almost crushing the Kabaka's hand, he did his best not to show it, but his face gave him away.

"How do you do, your Imperial Majesty?" Said the Kabaka. "Your country seems to be a beautiful nation."

"Yes.. Yes it is." Said Emperor Boston. Emperor Boston gave the Kabaka a weird look- What was this short man doing? He gave an eye twitch, unnoticed by the visiting Banijans. "Why did you not-"

"Your Majesties!" interrupted a third man who had just appeared. "Here are some biscuits. Anybody?" Emperor Boston took a biscuit, enjoyed it, and smiled. "This is my chief advisor, Haelwen. He is an indispensable part of this house and government. But Haelwen- you didn't offer our guest tea? I am surprised at you."

"Yes sire, of course" said Haelwen. After the handshake, Emperor Boston had kissed both cheeks of the Luguba. He quickly got some black tea, and handed two cups to the Emperor.

"Here you go!" Said Emperor Boston. Kabaka Albert III stood there awkwardly. He couldn't take that- was it disrespectful to say no? But as he was head of state, he was also head of the church. He could not disobey religious law.

"Your Imperial Majesty", started the Kabaka. "I thank you very much for the offer, but I cannot have the tea. Religious purposes, you know." Emperor Boston gave him a strange look, and the Kabaka could have sworn that he saw an eye twitch again. But at the key moment, Haelwen grabbed the cup of tea, and suggested that they make their way to the castle.

They got into the Royal motorcade and began to make their way to the castle. Once they got there, they were immediately led to the fifth floor. When Emperor Boston entered the room, the Kabaka grabbed his gift.

"Your Imperial Majesty", said the Kabaka. "As a thank you for my visit, I offer this gift to you. As you know, this is my first foreign visit as the Kabaka. As a gift from my people to yours, from my Royal House to your Royal House, and most importantly, from me to you personally, I want to hand you this leopard skin. In our family, when a man turns 18, they must go on a leopard hunt. So 14 years ago, this is the leopard that I hunted, and this is the skin. Obviously, it is cleaned and stuff, but I hunted it myself. I would like to thank you for inviting me here today, and take this gift as a token of my appreciation to you."

Emperor Boston gladly took the skin. "Thank you, your Majesty". said the Emperor. "I fully appreciate this gift. So tell me then- how is your family structure set up? How does it work over there? What's the House again- Katende?" The Kabaka nodded as he went to explain how the Royal House and a brief history of it in Banija, while Emperor Boston did the same with his own country. The two men discussed a lot- cultural relations, and what not. Eventually, Emperor Boston invited him to watch the match in the Royal Box, and the Kabaka accepted. There would be a quick adjustment to pregame ceremonies- The teams would be presented to their respective monarchs before the game.


They took the Royal Motorcade down to the stadium, for what would undoubtedly be an exciting matchup between the two countries, with both of their monarchs on hand for the match.

[Coldfield]

Coldfield Bulldozed Dainer!

News brought to you by John Postman, from the state-controlled newspaper Coldfield One

A team that started completely unmotivated for political and economic reasons bulldozed its foes home and away. In the match against Dainer, the Coldfield National Football Team finished the first half losing and changed the game's course in the first ten minutes of the second half.

The match against Dainer in the Orangefish Olympic Stadium will not be forgotten. Twenty minutes into the first half and Dainer was leading 2-0. Balogh deceived the rival goalkeeper and scored for Coldfield. Five minutes later Balogh crossed to Dean Murray score the second Coldfieldian goal with a header outside the box; the goalkeeper stood still and impressed with the (probably) strongest header he ever observed. With the equalizer, the team in overall became more relaxed, which allowed Dainer's main forward to take advantage of James Miller's oversight, scoring a humiliating lob at 41'. Manager Edmund Meyer gone mad and executed two substitutions before the second half: Luca Osborn replaced Bobby Workman and Keith Rodgers replaced Reid Lankford. The tactic seemed not to work as expected, as Coldfield equalized the game once again in three minutes, with a powerful 34m free kick from William Hawking - though it originated from a counter-attack created by Rodgers, who was knocked down by a rival defender. The party, however, does not last long as John Gerig scored a laughable own-goal with his thigh just a minute before the first half ended. The referee whistles and the first half finished 3-4 for Dainer.

Four minutes into the second half and Coldfieldian young promise Darnell Tjelvarsson cushioned the ball and nailed a straight, powerful kick to the goal's inferior edge, scratching the goalpost before equalizing the match. On this occasion, Meyer's tactic worked, as Luca Osborn crossed to Tjelvarsson in a counter-attack. Dainer almost changed the game's course minutes later, but James Miller saved the day with the tip of his fingers. On the counterattack, Balogh passed Rick Sommerfeldt (who replaced Ralph Lewerenz in the halftime) who scored a tiebreaker without trapping the ball on a goal that counted on the emotional unpreparedness of the rival goalkeeper, apparently very nervous and angry with his team after Tjelvarsson's goal. In extratime, Coldfield's finest forward, Nathaniel Balogh with an assist from veteran captain Robert Simmons left no chance for the opposing goalkeeper and nailed it to the superior edge of the goal. Final whistle: Coldfield 6-4 Dainer.