World Cup 79 • CREDRAWK • RP Thread

by **Omerica** » Sun Dec 03, 2017 3:26 pm

Édition anglaise — English edition

Big blow to Big Booze: PSD voters reject brewer-backed repeal of stadium alcohol ban
Port-Saint-Dénis voters side with the Legislative Council in a decisive victory for public safety advocates

Voters in the western half of the nation’s capital have dealt a setback to big business by rejecting an initiative to allow alcohol sales in and near sports venues.

Port-Saint-Dénis, one of the two halves of the federal capital and twenty-four cantons of the Commonwealth, went to the polls after a petition to repeal the alcohol ban achieved sufficient support for a vote. The law, primarily challenged by Omerica’s major beer makers, prohibits the sale of alcoholic drinks within 100 metres of sporting venues, though existing licenced establishments were allowed to continue operating under the law if they were situated more than 50 metres from the nearest venue.

The ban was introduced after the infamous Great Football Riots. Bans such as the one challenged in PSD garnered support after nationwide rioting during Omerica’s qualifying campaigns for World Cups 74 and 75. Dozens were killed after losses against Abanhfleft, which nearly cost Omerica automatic qualification for World Cup 74, and several teams during the scandal-dogged World Cup 75 campaign.

The first such ban was introduced in Romainbourg in 1991 after nine died in a clash between supporters of archrivals AS Républicains and Malavan Romainbourg. The ban was narrowly upheld the next year despite opposition from big breweries, with less than 1200 votes keeping the law on the books. Incidents have since declined at matches throughout the densely-packed city, most notably at the Républicains-Malavan derbies that precipitated the measure.

Despite this, only Charlottesville had brought in similar laws before the Great Football Riots; Charlottesville enacted their ban due to similar clashes between supporters of Hampstead Road and Chesterfield Athletic. After the Riots, bans were enacted in every canton save the Seafoam Islands, where a ban was rejected in the Legislative Council by two votes.

Despite being one of three public votes on the subject this year (the others being failed repeals in Coleraine and the Free State), the referendum attracted special attention due to PSD housing RS Amphitheatre, the venue where Les Incorrigibles have been staging their home World Cup qualifying matches. The Commonwealth Soccer Federation threatened to move Omerican home qualifiers out of the canton if voters approved of the repeal. “The CSF takes spectator safety incredibly seriously,” General Secretary Jean-André Simonetti told reporters in a joint press conference with Capital Constabulary officials. “This initiative is a short-sighted money grab by big breweries, who are looking to pad their pockets at the expense of citizens’ safety and the Federation will not be responsible for allowing supporters of Omerica or our qualifying rivals to be injured or killed.”

Mainstream parties also united in defence of the law: the Omerican Socialist Party called the repeal effort “a corporate sham”, the Reformist Party said it was “highly reckless and irresponsible” and the Liberal Democratic Union urged its supporters to vote against “the endangerment of innocent Omericans who have nothing to do with sport”. Combined with the opposition of the Capital Constabulary, the Federal Capital Health Service and the Federal Union of Emergency Workers, the repeal was optimistically called “dead-on-arrival” by Premier Joëlle Stephanidis.

On the day, Port-Saint-Dénis voted to reject repeal by a margin of three-to-one. All seven arrondissements had majorities against repeal, with the lowest in Saint-Eustace being 65% against repeal. Combined with a 56-44 defeat in the Free State and a 52-48 loss in Coleraine, breweries have now gone 0-3 this year on alcohol ban repeals.

“We’re happy that voters in PSD listened to the consensus of interested parties: police, emergency responders and football executives,” Capital Constabulary boss Iain Blackwood told La Romainbourgeoise. “It isn’t often that we see eye-to-eye like this, but we’re happy that the electorate proved themselves wise and took note of what we were saying.”

“It is unfortunate that PSD’s voters rejected the repeal of this job-killing law,” Castelais Birre stated in a press release after the decisive defeat. “These laws have put thousands out of work across the nation and punished innocent and responsible drinkers for the actions of the minority. We lament that these laws will continue to do so.”

“I didn’t sign because I believed that the ban should be repealed, but because I didn’t,” Angélique Champeau, head of the anti-repeal No Booze campaign, said. “I knew big business were all over this when I first heard the petition was going around and I wanted to show them that we’re wise to their tricks.”

Some voters were less critical of the motives of the referendum, but were still unconvinced by the repeal proponents’ arguments.

“I was opposed to the ban at first,” Saint-Catherine resident Jean-Jacques Cartier told UCN after the vote, “but I think we slowly came around once we saw the effect it was having. We were told that the law would improve public safety and it delivered. Had the vote taken place a couple of years ago, the breweries might have got their way, but they simply waited too long.”
— Christianne Andreas reporting from Port-Saint-Dénis, Port-des-Saints

by **Yesopalitha** » Sun Dec 03, 2017 3:37 pm

Wraiths are an interesting phenomenon - dark figures, hooded, floating. Different from Shades, who are more like shadows that have a will of their own, Wraiths are traditionally those of the Bidden shunned by their loved ones, cursed to haunt their lands forever. Of course, Zaiden had changed that - they were no longer cursed - but Wraiths still remained a more unknown part of Yesopalithan society. There were less than a thousand of them in existence, and only their leader, Denasil, spoke if at all. When he did, it was in plain terms that cut to the core of the issue, as he didn't mince words or waste breath.

Something that not many knew about Wraiths in general was what they ate. They didn't. Wraiths got their sustenance by existing in the space between light and dark, between the yin and the yang. Without that balance, they simply wouldn't exist. This made them a controversial figure - that without evil, they wouldn't exist, so they would want evil to exist. This wasn't true, however, as Denasil had stated multiple times. As long a the sun rose and the sun set, that was enough.

He was a huge proponent of the movement to get Unbidden involved in Yesopalithan football. Sure, they were different, and sure, there would be more strengths and weaknesses, but Yesopalitha was a land of such beings, so shouldn't they not be honest with themselves and represent the total population and not the humans?

The arguments against it was that the Unbidden population wasn't ready, that the rest of the world wouldn't understand.

But should they not make them understand?

by **Mercedini** » Sun Dec 03, 2017 3:56 pm

Aid Suspended After Troops Held Up In South Covello
@ Mercedinian Base Camp - Freedom City, South Covello

Deliverance of Mercedinian aid in South Covello was suspended today after a leaked dossier exposed an incident in South Covello where thirteen Mercedinian troops were captured while repairing buildings in a rural village just outside the South Covellan capital of Freedom City. The report detailed that the troops, who were unarmed at the time, were taken hostage in an abandoned arms factory by individuals thought to be from a group of Gregory loyalists toward the end of the war in former Gregoryisgodistan. There was a three hour standoff between the loyalist group and the handful of Mercedinian soldiers who were in the area at the time, before Echani reinforcements from the local area come in and diffused the situation, freeing the captured Mercedinian soldiers while simultaneously capturing and turning in the group of loyalists to the local police force. It was a narrow escape for the inexperienced soldiers who were only there to deliver aid and help the local populace effected by the ongoing situation in Gregoryisgodistan, with many of them escaping without injury. While the Foreign Secretary failed to comment on specific cases of the incident, a statement from the Foreign Office gave further information on the situation as well as the wellbeing of the soldiers involved. Two of the hostages sustained minor head injuries that aren't said to be life threatening, the two soldiers temporarily suspended from aid deliverance in South Covello with both currently safe inside the Mercedinian Base Camp with their injuries being treated by Army Medics and local medical staff.

While critics have labelled the leaked incident as an embarrassment for the Mercedinian military, especially considering they needed to be bailed out by another nation's soldiers. Government and Army officials have defended their prior actions leading up to the incident, and have sent their public and private gratitude to the nation of Eshan for their assistance. As mentioned before, the nation has temporarily suspended their aid programme in South Covello pending further investigation on the security of the general region and whether extra arms and reinforcements should be sent to discourage another incident from happening again. The Prime Minister is yet to make a formal statement on the matter, but insider knowledge hints as the Mercedinian leader formally thanking the Echani leader President Revan in person by inviting him to the nation to discuss diplomacy and other matters. Mercedinian business leaders and environmentalists have often pushed for an Echani trade deal to get the nation involved in green technology to move towards energy independence and lower carbon emissions. There is also a lucrative marijuana sector that could be tapped into, which will likely excite students and left-wing voters and could urge those two groups to the side of the governing party.

With the Echani leader recently thanking Mercedini for their contributions to developing South Covello, and both the Mercedinian Army and the Echani Army collaborating in many projects together in South Covello, we could be seeing a fruitful relationship blossom between the two nations. In the realm of sport, the two nations have only played each other once before in a Cup of Harmony Group Stage match, but the two nations could be seeing more of each other in a diplomatic and militaristic sense. This is still a developing story with the Echani's yet to respond to the reports of a potential state visit invitation from Mercedini. Watch this space, there could be further developments coming from a rather unfortunate situation away from home.

World Cup 79 Qualification MD7
Mercedini 1-2 The Holy Empire @ Zoloroni Sports City Stadium - Zoloroni, Mercedini

Starting XI: Hosset • Aznelik - Ossun - Dosic - Park (Catessic 60') • Crasic (Kuznetsov 56') - Kraljic - Nymark (Patenkov 73') - Presic • Chillotov - Dostalok
MRC Goalscorers: Dostalok 52'
THE Goalscrorers: Dalzeel 68', 81'

Why are The Holy Empire ranked fifth in the world? BECAUSE THEY ARRRRRRRRR!

The Golden Eagles fall to third in Group 10 following a 2-1 loss in a tight match at the Sports City Stadium. The match was notable for a couple of things, mainly for the number of seemingly infected players in the THE team playing in the team of either waiting on the subs bench. Play was momentarily suspended following an incident involving multiple THE subs which meant a couple of their substitutes had to be tethered to the dugout to avoid further incidents happening either in the crowd or on the pitch. The players has been warned about rabid players on the pitch, with the two young strikers Chillotov and Dostalok wisely keeping their distance from their defensive counterparts.

A rather drab first half was complemented by an exciting and open second half, with the hosts taking the lead less than ten minutes into the half with Daniel Dostalok converting direct from the free-kick to open the scoring in the match and put Mercedini provisionally four points ahead of the Pot One side. However, the quality of the visiting was clear to see and eventually paid dividends for the Zombie Pirates from Outer Space or something like that, as Alexander Dalzeel scored twice in quick succession to turn the game around and put The Holy Empire ahead in Zoloroni with hardly any time left for a comeback. There was no comeback heroics for the Golden Eagles as they recorded a first loss of the campaign after a spirited performance against the side expected to stroll back to the World Cup. It finished in Zoloroni; Mercedini 1, The Holy Empire 2!

Up Next: Away at New Doltania (I think)

by **Chromatika** » Sun Dec 03, 2017 4:11 pm

Chromatika in World Cup 79 Part 7: Moving On

Locker Room
The Capitalizt Dome
1 Capitalizt Dome Court
Chromatik City, Chromatika

She still remembered that day as if it was yesterday.

The day that Nikolai Thorben had revealed that he would be going to New Eden. The day that she had written him the note saying that she had loved him, but that she respected his decision. She often wondered if he thought about her at all, if he regretted his decision.

That was before the Hinodejin Empire surfaced, claiming that they were descendants of the Sunrisians, and that Thorben had been instrumental in having the sport be part of their society. That did sound like something Nikolai would do, though it hurt hearing that he had settled down with someone else and had descendants. Of course, it had been many more years in the place that the Sunrisians had went to, and perhaps he had spent years in that timeline mourning the loss of their relationship, but she had no way of knowing that.

So, she had done what she did best. Focus on the game, focus on the task at hand. Pelethas United was not doing very well in Cosumar, though not much was her fault, as she was one of the best keepers of the Harlighet Ligen. The Chromatiks were doing pretty well, and she had won both of her starts, though they had sneaked by both Eastfield Lodge and Eshan by a goal apiece. She definitely could do better.

When it came to romance, though? She hadn't noticed anyone else, except lately. There was something going on with Hermaeus Mora. She couldn't tell if the youngster was just starstruck, or if it was something else. He wasn't that bad to look at - tallish, lanky, with fair skin and great hair - but he was six years her junior. No, if she had it her way within the team, Trenn was more her type. Unfortunately, playing in Farfadillis meant that he barely got to spend time with the quiet winger.

All this thinking about the men on her team proved to her that perhaps she was indeed moving on after all. Molly would be happy for her, she realized. The younger sister of Nikolai felt like some of it was her fault due to the pain that her brother had caused Jillian. Young Molly wouldn't understand love, would she? Though there were some sparks between her and Ga-yeong...

It was an interesting time to be in in the Chromatik locker room. Thankfully, Williamson and Parker either didn't seem to mind or notice.

I miss you. But I think you would be proud of what we are doing here.

Eshan 2-3 Chromatika @ Estadio Echani, Rosaria, Eshan
Chromatika: Andisori '14, Hellion '58, Victoriane '90+2
Starting Lineup: Nier; Morningstar - Aart - Ellen; Hellion - Sybill; Kelly (C) - Montague - Dragana; Victoriane - Andisori. Subs: Damjana -> Ellen '52, Liam -> Dragana '69, Xe -> Andisori '82

Chromatika 2-0 The Kiaser Colonies @The Capitalizt Dome
Chromatika: Sierra '62, Xe '88
Starting Lineup: Justus; Ilya, S. - Sorendai - Damjana; Thorben - Sybill (C) - Mora - Liam; Rien - Sierra - Xe. Subs: Stef -> Sorendai '51, Kelly, W. -> Rien '69, Ilya, V. -> Damjana '82

A pair of wins provides the Chromatiks a bit of a cushion, a five point lead from third place with nineteen points out of twenty-one. The match against Eshan was a close one that almost ended up in a tie before Victoriane was able to get the game-winner with an assist by Dragana. In the return game at home versus The Kaiser Colonies, the visitors' tactics of changing their squad didn't work out as the Chromatik backups were too good, and Xi Xe continues to show the bright spot she is along with Rowena Sierra, the supermodel.

Matchday 8: Banija vs. Chromatika @ Mugisha III Memorial Stadium, Busukuma, Banija
Predicted Starting Lineup: Joy; An - Bozena - Anderson; Etienne - Mora - Kuzami - Han; Kelly, W. - Moon - Niro (C).
Lin Moon returns to the country that he will be playing club football in, as Banjia hosts Chromatika in a match that Parker is starting mostly backups in. The youthful core of Mora, Kuzami, Han, and Whitney Kelly will be interesting to keep an eye on as well, as they are the future of CHromatik football. Shouldn't be too much of a challenge, though the Banijans have been punching above their weight at least during the first half of qualifying, and especially at home. Banija 0-3 Chromatika.

by **Eura** » Sun Dec 03, 2017 4:36 pm

Part 1 - Part 2

A little under a year ago...

We should have known that there would be elements in the world that would try to derail Eura's path in our time of crisis and tragedy. I'm more forgiving than most in the sense that I know it isn't personal. Yet I find myself determined to make them realise that not only are we not out for the count, but we are coming back even stronger than we were before - after all it was perceived weakness that made Gartanzo think it was worth attacking in the first place. Only a show of force could make this clear which is exactly what I authorised just a couple of months into my leadership of the country. To Eura's north an almighty war of attrition was ongoing as our army grinds down the Sameban enemy which is massed behind the central rivers of the country and been slowly drip fed south. The megacities of Storfan and Aspel might have fallen (Rivet has tested our collective patience tremendously with its steadfast resistance) but in the forests and smaller towns these bastards have put a rifle behind every blade of grass so far. We're deep into nationalist territory now and the regime knows that its weeks away from defeat if they give us the room to make another breakthrough like the one that swept them away nearly three years ago.What do you do if you can't climb over a cliff face like that they have stuck in front of us? You attack the foundation rocks then let it crumble.

The Euran Air Force has raided Samebus a number of times already but objections from the weaker members of my party aside, there was unanimity that we had to hit it harder. Strategic bombing now had to become truly strategic - we had to make the Sameban people realise that not only were they up against a wall, they were pinned there by a bear. Everything worth targeting was now to be given a share of the action. There were disgruntled news reports the day following our first "unrestricted targeting" raid in the Euran press and abroad. I remember reading one particularly funny foreign headline, "Heavy bombers flatten Sameban neighbourhoods as cynicism of war sinks in to Euran psyche". What do they think this whole war has been, a slapstick comedy that's only now lost its innocence? War is an inherently cynical business, kind of like politics in fact. We must be prepared to continue to accept contradictory facts, actions that do not match principles on first glance. Eura is a beacon of democracy, human rights and social justice, one that is currently using mostly unguided bombs against industry mixed into terraced housing in the Sameban capital. The former can only continue thanks to the latter. If someone innocent has to die for Euran freedom then I'd rather it was some unfortunate factory workers in their capital than more of the kids we're sending to kill the servile fascist scum that call themselves the Sameban Republican Army.

Demonstrating resolve was important for a country struck by terror like ours has been and its characterised most of my decisions so far including the example of rules of engagement for the Air Force over Sameba. A different approach would need to be taken when negotiating the terms of Eura's entry into the Common Rushmori Community. No-one involved in the venture was any illusions as to how seriously we were taking the prospect - I should know, I was the head diplomatic figure of the Euran government for nigh on a decade. What we chose to place emphasis on instead of our own state of mind was that of the countries looking across the table at us by making them think about what the CRC would be like without Eura, rather than the other way around. The chief negotiator Bernard Crane is one of the kindest men you'll ever meet but for me he becomes a bulldog in the conference room. Our pitch was simple and effective. Eura was the market everyone wanted a piece of, a military-economic bastion of strength for the region and currently doing everyone's dirty work by handling a neo-fascist military dictatorship with ten million people under arms minimum. Bernard generated a kind of unspoken fear of the consequences of a Eura isolated from this fledgling organisation and that probably did the trick for our few enemies in the region. None of these fears we're fully realistic but now that we have planted them the whole process might be significantly easier down the road. The majority though took this narrative in a more positive light which was its real intent, showing Eura was willing to drive this thing beyond the boundaries of current expectations if others would let us.

The Euran state had no problems meeting the basic requirements for admission. We are the region's largest known democracy with well established human rights laws (including no official death penalty). If anything we're almost too good at the rule of law with a massive intelligence and security services apparatus. Were some of these foreign diplomats and negotiators to have an inquisitive look inside their phones or in the fittings of their hotel rooms they'd realise just how deep that hole goes. Nothing about this changed the fact that we met the standards, and given our current security situation, who could seriously condemn overzealous information gathering? Eura's economy was fit for purpose and ripe for inclusion in the economic dream the CRC offered, though its clear that in the coming months we will have to reassure other members that we won't simply use membership to flood their economies with cheap labour and our own industry and brands. Regulation is one of our specialties too so rationalising it with other countries was a barrier that could be overcome. What about sovereignty? Difficult. Very difficult. Realistically though the balance of the argument had been swung by our most recent general election. The Liberal majority and heavy polling in favour of CRC membership had blown away the Rushmore-skeptic viewpoint in the public eye. When one of the Euran Independence Party MP's came over to me in Parliament, flushed red with barely restrained fury as our MP's voted heavily in favour of adopting the Orean Accords and getting negotiations rolling, he asked me how I could sell Eura down the river. I told him that if any country was going to lose out politically from entering a supernational organisation, it wouldn't be us. That's what Michael always thought anyway about the whole idea. Eura was better off as the big fish in a medium sized pond than a big fish without enough water to swim in.

Last.fm · by **Cosumar** » Sun Dec 03, 2017 4:48 pm

Group 9 Roundup: Cosumar hits stride, Republicans stumble before showdown

The big, wide world of soccer does not slow down.

World Cup Qualifying has been a whirlwind over the last few weeks, and we already find ourselves nearing the halfway point. Yeah. Crazy. If you blinked, you might've missed a bunch of the action. Luckily for you, we at the Courier have stayed on top of it all. We're here to give you the skinny on how our group is shaping up ahead of what might just be THE decisive clash of Cosumar's campaign.

The Vanquishers already look like good bets to book their place in the final after going an undefeated 6-1-0 through seven matches, including wins over expected challengers Osarius and Barunia.

Matchday 6's 1-1 draw in Nekodemus was a frustrating blip, however, and Alexander Pearce was looking for a big response from his side on Sunday against Isula Reale. He certainly got it, routing the island nation 6-1 for the largest win yet at Crowley Memorial Stadium. Romikk Valgard finally roared to life with a hat trick after a quiet start to Qualifying, Ragnar Targaryen added a strike and forced an own-goal, and defender Corella da Silva scored her first goal in the Dragonshirt in the win.

POLL: Best moment from Cosumar's undefeated start to Qualifying?

A) Lorelei Neptune downs Osarius with majestic strike in Cosumar debut [WATCH CLIP]
B) Belle Serafino humiliates five Barunians in furious solo run ending in goal [WATCH CLIP]
C) Shirtless Mauricio Sigler shouts "I'm still here!" after bagging brace in return from int'l sabbatical [WATCH CLIP]
D) Pearce awkwardly kisses Na'Kale's cheek after his second assist to Airik Ruhl in Jeckland [WATCH CLIP]
E) Romikk Valgard's hat trick against Isula Reale [WATCH CLIP]

Thanks to their efforts, and Jeckland stunning 2nd-place Free Republics 5-2 yesterday, Cosumar now sit five points clear atop Group 9. Barunia and Osarius lurk one and two points behind the Republicans, respectively. Of these three main competitors that have emerged in the group, Barunia seem to be the only ones rounding into form after a rampant 4-0 performance against Octinstine. Osarius have underperformed their talent level, looking unconvincing even in their wins. Free Republics, well... 5-2 at one-win Jeckland says everything you need to know about their consistency.

That said, Rule Theriault's men do have the chops to give the Vanquishers a run for their money in Group 9. Though the reformed Republican side isn't quite as skilled as the ones that gave us so much trouble in the past and the political tensions in their home country have been a constant distraction, they are well-coached and their 3-1-2-1-3 system poses unique challenges. And Republica is as hostile of an away environment as any the Dragons will face this cycle, especially with their team pissed off and determined to bounce back after MD6's humiliation.

Indeed, Cosumar @ Free Republics tomorrow night will be a pivotal moment for both teams. With a win, Cosumar can strike a direct blow at their primary challengers, damn near putting Group 9 to bed before the mid-qual break. A loss, however, would surge Free Republics back to within just two points of us and set the stage for a long and grueling second half of Qualifying.

Step up and give the team your all your support tomorrow, Cosumarites. It's that time. These are the moments where World Cup berths are earned.

Michael McKlurg
Courier Soccer Columnist

by **Ceni** » Sun Dec 03, 2017 5:17 pm

The Colors of Love will shine if you get a win today... Cutoff.

by **United States of Devonta** » Sun Dec 03, 2017 8:37 pm

Devontan Sports Central

Devontan's win first pre-WCQ match
Devontan's defeat 55th ranked Savojarna in first Pre-WCQ friendly
Kevin B. Boyd (@Kevin_Boyd)
^{11/22/2017, 7:00 PM | Devonta City, United States of Devonta}

    United States of Devonta 1 - 0 Savojarna
         Abdullah (76')

Savojarna
GK: Anders Jarnström
LD: Igor Mitrovic
CD: Denis Metanov
CD: Simon Omark

(39')
CM: Petteri Hytönen
DM: Joonas Andersson
RM: Ville Mertonen
OM: Marcus Nyborg
LM: Patrik Andersen
ST: Perttu Karjanen
ST: Alexey Nurkanen

United States of Devonta
GK: Danny Vanburen
LD: Jose Alvarez
CD: Martin Benton
CD: Daniel Kindred

(Coby Rice - 90')
RD: Brayden Liam
DM: Marco Hernandez
LM: Anthony Crox

(Mohamed Abdullah - 68')
RM: Julius Washington

(DeMonte Edwards - 82')
OM: Tyrell Owens
ST: Gerald Johansen
ST: Condor Madrid

Match Statistics:
Possession
Devonta: 54%
Savojarna: 46%
Shots
Devonta: 12 shots (8 on target)
Savojarna: 11 shots (7 on target)
Pass Accuracy
Devonta: 87%
Savojarna: 88%
Corners
Devonta: 8
Savojarna: 5
Offsides
Devonta: 2
Savojarna: 2
Fouls
Devonta: 8
Savojarna: 10

World Cup 76 Qualifying Schedule

Friendly Matches:
Devonta 1-0 Savojarna
Equestrian States vs Devonta

World Cup Qualfying: Group 4
MD1: Devonta vs Darkmania
MD2: Great Pie vs Devonta
MD3: Devonta vs Kel Assuk
MD4: Devonta vs Pasarga
MD5: Moorish Land vs Devonta
MD6: Devonta vs Razenthuria
MD7: Mrinn vs Devonta
MD8: Devonta vs Maryloupe
MD9: Port Christopher vs Devonta

Mid-Qual Friendly: TBD

MD10: Darkmania vs Devonta
MD11: Devonta vs Great Pie
MD12: Kel Assuk vs Devonta
MD13: Pasarga vs Devonta
MD14: Devonta vs Moorish Land
MD15: Razenthuria vs Devonta
MD16: Devonta vs Mrinn
MD17: Maryloupe vs Devonta
MD18: Devonta vs Port Christopher

Author: Kevin B. Boyd

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Comments:

By Zac_Eartz - Just now

What a great game! Goodjob boys!
929 Likes | 47 Dislikes
Reply | Like | Dislike

By Flury207 - 3 mins Ago

Loving Vanburen. Hope it gets some starts in the WCQ!
329 Likes | 56 Dislikes
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By ZannyMay - 10 min Ago

Glad we beat a higher ranking team!
Likes 289 | 21 Dislikes
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By Sheldon - 28 mins Ago

Vamos Devonta!
135 Likes | 31 Dislikes
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by **Eshan** » Sun Dec 03, 2017 9:55 pm

Rosaria Daily Herald | Sporting Section
Back to Winning Ways

Thhhhhhhhank god. After one point from nine in our last three matches, the three points won in the victory against Buyan were enough to make the Echani cry out with joy. We’d given it our all, and indeed barely managed to scrape away a win. But three points were three points were three points were three points, and they were a vital three to take home. Here’s how the match went.

Alexio del Neiran sent the team out in their traditional starting lineup, with Artemis Montanari and Darren Tran back in the squad after being relegated to the bench for the clash against Chromatika. The team looked eager to get out there and grab a win, which was extremely handy because we absolutely needed a win to stay in the qualification race.

And we got off to a dream start in the first thirty seconds of play. From the kickoff, Anthony Baudelio dropped the ball to Jean-Marie Bentacur, who advanced to about the halfway line before he passed the ball a few feet to Marshawn Mercury. He took one touch, two touches, and looked up to see the entire Buyan defensive line all scrunched up just a few feet in their half. “To hell with it” he must’ve thought as he hit the ball 20 yards behind the Buyans and just took off; there was no chance in hell anyone on the field could’ve hoped to catch him in that moment. A neat little touch to collect the ball, then a sweet side footed finish past the keeper into the net to make it 1-0 with 24 seconds on the board.

The next Echani goal came in the 36th minute, when Bentacur was brought down about 30 yards away from the goal. In an expertley prepared free kick routine, Marco van Ciavatinni ran up as if to take the kick but ran right over it, leaving Jean-Marie to take it. He wound up annnddd……played a short pass to Samper Markovic, who was lurking outside of the box near the wall; he simply laid in a short pass on the ground into the center of the box, right where the Marco van Ciavatinni was rushing forwards to. He collected the ball, a little side step to send the keeper the wrong way, and a chip up and into the net to make it 2-0, absolutely brilliant.

Unfortunately it wasn’t all fun and games; the Buyans had a corner kick in the 41st minute, with the lofted ball in only cleared as far as the 18 by Darren Tran, where one of the Buyan strikers leapt up into the air and hit an absolute screamer of a bicycle kick into goal to make it 2-1.

The whistle blew for half, and while the Echani were 100% in control of the game and by far the deadlier looking side, the fact that we only had a 2-1 lead was undoubtedly a measure for concern as we set out into the second half to try and hold and build on that lead.

The whistle blew, and the second half was underway. Anthony Baudelio got injured almost right away and needed to be taken off, despite holding on to his hamstring it didn’t appear to be too horrid of an injury and he should be back soon. Anyhow, Magnum Cerelius came onto the pitch on the left wing, with Mercury going to the right wing and Marco van Ciavatinni slotting in as a false-nine in the strikers position.

Insult was added to the injury, when Darren Tran had the great idea to wrap up his mark during a Buyan corner kick. The ref saw, blew his whistle, and awarded the Buyans with a penalty kick, which was very cooly taken and dispatched past Aurélian Gautier to make it 2-2 in the 61st minute. Great, looked like our poor run of form was set to continue.

Jean-Pol Roland came in for Jean-Marie Benatcur in the 70th minute, and Dinko Spisic came in for Marshawn Mercury in the 79th minute, with MvC shifting back over to the right wing and Spisic taking the central spot.

With time running out in the 86th minute, the Echani team pushed forward in attack. The ball went from Markovic to Roland out to MvC, back down to Steven Tadeo, in to Montanari, dropped to Markovic, hit up field to Spisic, laid off for MvC, chipped across to Magnum Cerelius, and back to Jean-Pol Roland, who hit the most perfectly weighted through ball right through the Buyan defensive line for Dinko Spisic to pick up and smash into the net to make it 3-2. Game, set, and match.

Three points in the bag for Eshan, about damn time, and we are rewarded for it with……staying in fourth in the group. Yupppppp. Still in fourth, six points behind Chromatika in fourth, two points behind Eastfield Lodge in that vital second place. One behind Boring Paradise, one ahead of both Banija and Bostopia. So the message there is that really need to stay in form and pretty much win every single match between here and the World Cup final, so that’s that I suppose.

Expect del Nieran to send out the same team he has been playing with, although there is the notable change of Magnum Cerelius starting for the injured Anthony Baudelio; Cerelius will be playing on the left wing, Marshawn Mercury on the right, and Marco van Ciavatinni as a false nine in the center.

Revan lay in bed, thoughts swirling in and out of his like the shooting stars in the sky. South Covello, Lucorias, the situation in Nuevo Caracas, our allies, Eshan’s image in the eyes of the international community, all of these and much more shot through his mind and he tried to think.

He smiled to himself as he thought on the situation with our allies, specifically our dearest of allies Ethane. They’d recently permitted Revan to build an Echani military base on an island right off their mainland, and had proved themselves to unquestionably be friends and allies of Eshan, we will always love them. And Revan had taken the next step towards making that an eternal alliance, as well as continuing to spread the Echani name out there as Eshan and Ethane had agreed to a very nice military equipment deal. Eshan would produce, ship, equip, and train the military of Ethane on how to use the incredible Echani military technology, well Ethane simply paid a nominal free. Win-win for all parties involved, it was a good deal folks, believe me. Ethane would be stronger and more able to interact in regional affairs, while Revan brought them even further into the Echani circle, and presented a positive face to the world, a face that was willing to help its allies, a face that was strong on the global scene.

All of our allies were well looked after, even those who weren’t our allies yet. Revan had heard earlier that week of a particularly interesting situation in South Covello, when Echani forces had played a pivotal role in rescuing some Coalition forces. A rifleman's squad of 13 unarmed Mercedinian soldiers had found themselves taken hostage by some nameless fringe Gregory loyalist forces in a rural village outside of the Capitol District. Echani forces happened to be in the area, and after no small amount of time searching, happened across the heavily fortified and manned loyalist abandoned arms factory. It took several dozen highly-trained and lethally equipped Echani soldiers supported by helicopter fire to take the base, and rescue all 13 of the inexperienced Mercedinian soldiers, with the only injuries being knocks to the head of two of the Mercedinians. A great success for Eshan saving coalition forces without having a single casualty, a great day for the Mercedinian soldier for not being killed. The Echani and Mercedinian soldiers had gotten along extremely well Revan had heard, signalling that perhaps good things lay in the future of Echani-Mercedinian relations. Revan had also heard from the government of Mercedini, who had been extremely thankful and gracious for the services rendered by Revan’s forces, and he was only too happy to convey his pleasure at being able to help those poor soldiers. The conversation with the Mercedinian Prime Minister had gone very well, and Revan found himself quite liking them. When an offer for an official state visit was extended to Revan, he had been quick to accept. The Mercedinian’s were a good, proud, strong people, and that was important to Revan. He felt that the strong should band together, should communicate and build relationships and band together against those who were strong but were diametrically opposed to the Echani Republic. The Mercedinian’s were also, to his knowledge, financial and banking geniuses; perhaps they would be able to find money for the Echani coffers, but he put that in the back of his head as he thought of the visit. He had no specific things that he particularly wanted from Mercedini, just to meet and chat and get to know them. Allies were always helpful in this world, and the Mercedinian’s were more than qualified for that. Trade deals, arms shippments, joint-military alliances, the destruction of their mutual enemies, who knew what would come to pass from this meeting, and it was something that President Revan found himself looking forward to tremendously.

Looking past the successful hostage rescue of the Mercedinian soldiers and the impending state visit to Mercedini, Revan focused his mental powers elsewhere, moving out of Esportiva with Ethane and South Covello to the situation in Rushmore. Things in Nuevo Caracas were going quite well, just as Echani efforts were across the world, with the country was solidly under Quebecois-Echani protection and the last little pockets of pro-Immaduran forces were being rooted out by the Echani. The state was mostly secure, and the Echani had played a vital role in ensuring that. It seemed likely they would leave the area soon, but the with the Samebans unpredictable in their war with the Euran Federation, perhaps the Echani forces would be needed elsewhere. Or perhaps the Samebans would get invovled for nefarious reasons, Revan had no concrete reason to suspect such a thing, but the world had seemingly exploded with conflict, internatinoal political manneouvering, and countless important events in foreign affairs. The death of Lord Protector Julius Starblayde, the disposal of Lord Almighty Gregory and the collapse of Gregoryisgodistan into South Covello, the Euran-Sameban War, the Echani conflict in Nuevo Caracas, the Echani acquisitions of South Yerfilag, Lucroias, and Ovsko, the countless other important happenings in the international stage; it seemed now more than ever that the world was in flux, so Revan had to be prepared for absolutely anything that could pose a threat to him and his empire.

Speaking of bizarre international happenings, Revan’s mind focused back on Atlantian Oceania, where some seriously weird shit was going on with his elven friends down in Valanora. He had watched the speech given by Tobias with no small degree of intrigue. Apparently this was a false ‘calling’, the process by which the Elves……well Revan wasn’t entirely sure, the process by which the Elves vanished he supposed. How did Tobias know it was a fake calling? Would the Valanorans believe him, or could this be the start of a social split? Could conflict come out of this? Who was making this false calling, and how? Revan wasn’t sure, much of the southern elves was shrouded in mystery, mortal men could devote their lives to studying the elves and would die without so much as a substantive note. They were mystical, if creepy and disturbing creatures. Despite that, Revan had reached out to Tobias and the government of Valanora, communicating Echani good will and their desire to help the Elves navigate the false calling, whatever that might entail. He didn’t expect them to respond to him, but part of playing the game of politics was simply going through the motions even if you know the outcome, and so that’s what he did.

Things continued to look well for Revan as he expertly commanded the Echani Republic. All Hail the Republic was the last thought to go through his head before he slept.

by **Liberated American Provinces** » Sun Dec 03, 2017 9:57 pm

Washington Times

Americans to Slay the Giant?

Timothy Barzillai, Sports Columnist

Washington - The Liberated American Provinces will host giants Gregoryisgodistan at the Robert A. Wollen Park. Gregoryisgodistan is currently the only unbeaten team in Group 7, picking up 6 wins and a single surprise draw against Orrostriska in their first match. Despite leading the group, the Foot Slaves, as the team is known, have only scored seven goals while conceding none. This is clearly a result of their almost completely defensively-minded play. The Americans will need to attack if they are hoping to secure a win from this match. Alternatively, and more likely, they will seek to grind out a 0-0 draw.

Gregoryisgodistan was recently in a civil war in which the so-called Lord Almighty Gregory was overthrown and taken prisoner. He and his inner circle currently await trial for numerous crimes against humanity. The Gregoryisgodistani/South Covellan players arrived earlier this week to train at the Washington Sporting Complex, the training grounds of Washington United SC. The American Federal Council denied to give the players an extended time of stay following the match even with the conditions in their home country. A spokesperson for the council stated, "We understand that the conditions in Gregoryisgodistan are far from ideal. We will do everything in our power to make sure the players are not subject to violence, but we cannot grant them refugee status." There was no official request for refugee status, but the opposition party pushed for it regardless.

The Gregoryisgodistan squad itself is far more experienced than the Americans, even at the club level. Most of them are in their mid-twenties similar to the LAP squad. It will be interesting to see the young American attack face off against veteran defenders such as Vue Halladay and Matt Clifftopher. The Provinces will hope that their quick play can overcome the Gregoryisgodistan backline.

American head coach, Dennis W. Wallace, seemed unimpressed by Gregoryisgodistan's recent performances. He acknowledged their defensive talent, but he criticized their lack of attacking play. "If I were coaching one of the best team's in the world, I would push forward, especially against some of the less experienced nations," Wallace went on to say. Apparently, he believes his team can take down the giants. We will see if that is case later today.

by **Mriin** » Sun Dec 03, 2017 10:07 pm

"So how's it rooming with the monk?" Jorm asked, walking back through the Pasargan hotel with Reina. They'd found a certain kinship with each other being of just a few NT players not still playing in Mriin, despite Chromatika and Brenecia being... very different nations.

"It's not so bad, not really." Leon is certainly a character, but he's been nice enough. "It's a bit weird that he brought all these scrolls with him, and somehow they're all still dusty, but he keeps things orderly and it doesn't, like, get in my way or anything."

"Yeah, my folks always used to say I should be respectful like 'those monks in Prei'. But I've also heard they study a lot of weird subjects, like Nethertopian basket weaving techniques."

"You just thought of this because of that foreign crafts store we walked by, didn't you?"

"...maybe." They pulled to a stop as they got to Reina's room and she knocked.

"Oh, yes, someone to share this with! Come in!" came a muffled voice through the door, the two outside sharing a slightly nervous smile.

Sliding the keycard and opening the door, Reina's jaw dropped a bit as the room was almost completely covered in splayed-open tomes, scrolls held taught by miniature shampoo bottles, and at least three tablets propped up against pillows. In the middle of it all was Leon, gesticulating wildly at them. "Yes, come closer, you've got to see this! You see, geography was always my passion growing up in the monastery, and there was a particular mystery that I'm uniquely able to investigate thanks to our current circumstances!"

He seems so happy, Reina mulled, I guess I can play along... but this has to be cleaned up, I'm not losing any sleep the night before a match. "So, something Rushmore-specific, I guess?"

"Not just Rushmore-specific, but Pasarga specific! It's interesting--historically this was a quite insular, xenophobic nation, so most of the Pasargan records we have in the Library come from other nearby nations. But I believe there's a secret the Pasargans have managed to keep within their borders extremely well--with two notable exceptions."

"Hearing this isn't going to get us arrested, right?" Jorm's concern hadn't left his face as he carefully stepped over a piece of parchment many times older than himself.

"Of course not, this isn't Sargossa! But speaking of governments covering up information, that segues nicely into the first nation that gave me a hint--Candelaria and Marquez, a former sporting great and widely considered the first prominent nation of modern Rushmore. They were a peculiar sort, being anti-nonhuman, but not in the aggressive way Brigantii was. For example, if we played a match against them, their government would form some strange plan to convince their citizens that we were humans--they wanted to keep their populace completely unaware that humans weren't the only sentient species out there."

It was all a bit much, but Reina thought she had gotten the gist of it. "So... do you think Pasarga has a similar secret anti-nonhuman agenda?"

"Oh, no, all that information was totally unrelated to my research." A synchronized sigh came from the other two. "It just happens that reports from that nation reference a nation listed nearly nowhere else--the mythical land of Pasargia."

Leon watched excitedly as the hamster wheel turned in Reina's head. "...so... that's Pasarga with an i?"

"Yes, that's why I'm so excited to finally be in this country! I think it was either a sacred site on one of the main islands, or perhaps even a secret colony of separate islands--I'll be staying a few extra weeks after the rest of you leave to do my duty and uncover as much on the topic as I can."

Jorm sighed, crossing his arms. "Okay, I'll bite--the way you said 'nearly', you want to talk about the other mentions, don't you?"

"Oh, if you insist!" Leon vigorously nodded, "There was one passing reference in a Swartazi tabloid that wasn't of much use, but there were some interesting pieces from a nation with a brief slice of history--Seunem--that I have reason to believe has connections to Candelaria, strengthening the relevance. And in fact, I wasn't even thinking about this recently until I was browsing some Devontan media--interestingly, I couldn't find anything yet on that wild match we played--and saw one of their daring reporters brought up Pasargia! Here, here--I can tell you all are still skeptical about this, but I'm not alone--this is a map I found online that was constructed to simulate where Pasargia may have been based on scans of the sea floor, from one scientist who believes the islands have long since sunk:"

by **95X** » Sun Dec 03, 2017 10:16 pm

From breakingnews.co.95x, a shortform headline-service news website:

Breaking News! Following 95X-Sameba World Cup Qualifier, Xi Foureleven declared herself legitimate President of 95X! Declares that she has support of economic leaders from across 95X and political leaders on Cascade Island! More as it develops!

by **Pasarga** » Sun Dec 03, 2017 10:37 pm

Torgos Tribune ~ Wanderers Laboring Into Points

What is true about the Wanderers? Are they a good side that manages to get victories when they should and even spring up a few upsets on the higher ranked nations, a la the results against Schottia and Chromatika in the Pre Qualifiers tour? Yes, that seems to be an accurate and truthful description of the side, but there is also another truth that the squad and its fans have to acknowledge, and it is that this squad hardly does it in an entertaining or convincing fashion. It is always a close encounter regardless if the Wanderers are playing against a top ten nation in the world or one of the teams ranked in the sub one hundred rankings. For some reason or another, the Wanderers don't know how to win convincingly that often, far too often allowing sides that they should be putting their cleat to the throat on to hang around and even make the games nervous for them. It could be said that for all their talent and for the domestic awards that they have garnered in their careers, that when it comes to the international game, they lack the aggressiveness and assertiveness to kill of matches.

This was evident very much so in the squad's travel last week to Razenthuria, where they would play a team that is tied for last in the group. This is a fixture that one would think that a nation with the pedigree that the Wanderers have built up over the last two decades would be able to navigate with relative ease, even if Thor was rested from the game as to not to aggravate a sore hamstring. There is enough quality in the attackers and the entire squad to make up for the loss of Thor for a single match, particularly one where the Wanderers are the clear favorites for the game. However an hour into the match and the Wanderers were still being held by their less talented opponents and were looking physically flustered by the lack of attacking chances being created by the front six. It was not even a case of where the side were playing the possession game and just not finding the final pass to get a scoring chance, Razenthuria was having the better of the game and looked the more likely of the two squads to score.

Thankfully the side was able to grab a goal, though it had to come in the form of a free kick from CAP attacking midfielder Jörg Feierabend, whose twenty yard effort blasted into the upper corner of the net just shy of the seventeth minute and was the entire difference between the two squads on the day. Though the midfielder has done this in the past and is a great weapon to have in the back pocket, a moment of magic should not be the difference between the Wanderers and a team that very well might finish last place in the group once the Qualifiers are over. Asking any one player to be the savior of the squad, be it Feierabend or Thor, is unrealistic and asking far too much of an individual in what is supposed to be a team sport. As a squad, the entire team needs to learn to play better and more concisely as a unit, not have some games where the attackers are great but the defenders look like they are just off the street or other games where the steel in the backline is strong but the attackers can't hit the right side of a barn.

For all their lackluster performances though, the Wanderers do remain unbeaten and will be taking on group leaders Mriin, the other side besides Port Christopher who threatens to take the qualification spot away from the Wanderers. With the way that the squad is performing now though, if both of them did finish above the Wanderers, it would not be the theft of a qualification spot but hard earned and deserved, with the unit simply not playing up to snuff despite not having lost yet. Mriin offers a chance to prove that the squad can elevate their game when required, as they did last cycle when they had to go on that ten game unbeaten run in order to qualify, and stake a claim back on the top spot of the group and the group leaders. Mriin's impressive goal scoring record will be a test for the backline, particularly down that left side where if Friedmann is not at their best, can be an easy weakness for the explosive attack of Mriin to exploit. However the steel of Hunor in the middle may just be the sort of player needed to slow down that Mriin thrust and give the Wanderers their lockpin to unlock Mriin instead.

by **Flardania** » Sun Dec 03, 2017 10:41 pm

Opening Theme

Bonjour et Ohayōgozaimasu Kirishima. Welcome ladies and gentleman the World Cup 79 qualifying edition of the Kitsune Report, brought to you by the Nagatomo Sports Network (NSN), sponsored by Air Pacifica, and Pocari Surge. Here at the Kitsune Report, it's all about Kirishinan sports. With football currently taking center stage and with matchday seven of World Cup qualifiers having been completed,150 teams continue the battle for 30 spots in what is a very saturated qualifying campaign. I'm your host, the fan you can count on the most, to bring you Kitsune news, Keitaaaaaaa Woo! Without any further delay let's get grooving to some world cup football once again!

ASMRLAND 0–3 Kirishima Review:

The Kitsunes barely escaped a potential disaster at the Dayangseong Stadium in Imgeum against Azadeshia in their previous match. With a 1-0 win being all that they could muster at home being completely devoid of form. The Kitsunes would hit the road as they traveled to ASMRLAND trying to end their slide of bad form with a convincing win.

Kirishima started off the game sluggish compared to their first two games while qualifiers are a marathon and not a sprint there are pros as well as cons. So while a mistake is not enough to destroy a teams chances like in the World Cup proper, the vast amount of matches makes it easier to slip in terms of form. With a missed shot in the 15' and 24' minute, the game was not looking too good for the Kitsunes. While the defense did its job the explosive offense was just not doing its job. Finally, the Kitsunes would earn a breather in the 31' minute when Ako Izumi had herself a free kick opportunity. Izumi did her job and gave her team a much needed GOAL! putting the Kitsunes up by one. The Kitsunes would have another chance in the 38' minute but it was off the crossbar. The opposition had very few attacking opportunities.With a shot in the 20' minute that went off target is all that they had. The two teams entered the half with Kirishima leading 1-0 with the shot attempts reading 4-1 in favor of the Kitsunes.

In the second the Kitsunes were up but were seemingly still missing that fire, the prevailing story continued on the pitch. The defense holding the weaker opposition offense at bay while the Kitsunes lack necessary momentum. Kirishima would have an off-target shot in the 55' minute and have a corner awarded to them in the 61' minute. Izumi took her spot and delivered a corner that met with Koharu Miyamoto for the GOAL!, a surprising maneuver by the Kitsunes giving by how they were going through the motions offensively. That would seem to temporarily give the Kitsunes the spark they need to close out the match. The 68' minute saw Joseph Yabuta find Sayo Matsuoka for a GOAL! off the bench, putting the Kitsunes up by 3. Despite the score, the Kitsunes won though defense, the ladies provided all the offense although Yabuta would have an assist on the final score and Hojo would finish with another clean sheet. Final score ASMRLAND 0, Kirishima 3.

Following the match, Seong Mi-Soo, had this to say after the game. "Disgusting. I am going to be blunt. We played disgusting...we played like a college student with no drive and who has given up on everything. For this team to go where we need to go we need to power through our slumps and maintain good form. We have only one loss so far but if we are not careful, we can easily take a nosedive. So I am glad we won but it was not a good win and we will try and improve that in our next match. "

ASMRLAND 0-3 Kirishima 
                A.Izumi(31')    
                K.Miyamoto(61')
                S.Matsuoka(68')

Kirishima v Sargossa Match Preview

In this next match, the Kitsunes will return home to play at Mori Park in Hyuga to face Sargossa. Sargossa is seen as the biggest threat outside of Electrum in the group and is actively seeking to steal a spot from Electrum or Kirishima. The kitsunes need to be focused and avoid dropping points to such a dangerous side. The major key to success for the Kitsunes will be form. If the Kitsunes can make use of their home-field advantage and have good form, they will have a better chance of seeing a favorable result. Until next time, Lets Go Kitsunes!

Post by: Keita Woo

by **Drawkland** » Sun Dec 03, 2017 10:44 pm

Did anybody else watch this show? Cutoff and results!

by **Turori** » Sun Dec 03, 2017 10:55 pm

Cocoa-bo, an establishment taking its name directly from the beloved national animal of Turori, started as a small dessert shop in Kionao. However, it was only after they added chocolate topped drinks to their menu that their popularity started to soar. As more and more patrons scooped up their chocolate flavored pick-me-ups, demand for the Cocoa-bo product skyrocketed and soon new franchised locations were popping up all throughout Turori. Shifting to more of a social 'hang-out' then just a casual place to drop in, get a dessert, and leave, the new locations started adding small foods such as Bagels for the morning, Soups and Sandwiches for Lunch or Dinner and Salads for the entire day. Cocoa-bo has expanded outside of Vilita & Turori. Their first regional location was opened in Andossa Se Mitrin Vega and the company continues to explore avenues to further increase its image, expanding the company footprint across Atlantian Oceania and beyond.

Cocoa-bo has been taking its now-famous marketing campaign, "Everything's Better With Cocoa-bo" on the road along with the Turori National Team, bringing to bus stops, digital screens and social outlets the image of the host countries flag and backstory 'altered' to show how it would be "Better with Cocoabo"...

While they could simply take the Cocoa-bo campaign to the 9 nations that the Turori National Team would be competing against during the World Cup 79 finals, that prospect seemed both overly exclusionary due to the number of potential nations that would be left out in such a campaign, and somewhat fruitless, as some of the marketing dollars would not be well spent in the more uninteresting locales the Turori National Team, through no fault of their own, would end up during the Qualifying Cycle... such as U-62.

So the folks at Cocoa-bo decided to leave it up to a poll to see what the next nation that would be "Better with Cocoa-bo" would be!

The first round of voting permitted participants to put forth as many nations as they wish for selection. Any nations which were not put forth as a future target for being Better with Cocoabo, as well as any nations which only received a single nomination for being Cocoa-bo'd were eliminated from consideration.

The second round of voting contained 24 nations and the number that could be put forth for further consideration was limited. Half of the nations would be eliminated and put forth into a more serious round of voting which would include on-site visits by representatives from Cocoa-bo to begin to piece together a plan should that nation ultimately selected to be betterified by means of Cocoa-bo.

When the representatives arrived in what they expected to be Gregoryisgodistan, however, they were in for a marked surprise. They had prepared themselves for the worst. They learned the words of 'The Execution Song' just in case they were quizzed or threatened. They had prepared a cheat sheet of all the things to avoid saying to ensure there was no reason to incur the wrath of Lord Gregory.

Instead of the black red and scicle, however, the Cocoa-bo Representatives were greeted by a more welcoming blue and red flag. Instead of songs of execution they were welcomed with folk tunes and poetry. The Cocoa-bo representative were stunned. Apparently, while they had been visiting other countries in preparation for potential confectionary collaborations, a new dawn had arrived on these lands. The former Lord Almighty Gregory had been deposed and a new, decidedly more pleasant character - President Green - had taken over.

The Cocoa-bo team soon learned that while there had been plenty of foreign visitors, aid groups and diplomatic envoys that had entered South Covello since the change in power, the Cocoa-bo representatives were one of - if not the first foreign commercial entity that the Covellans had entertained on an economically driven fact finding trip. Thus explaining the warm welcome.

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

[ ] Apox

[ ] Banija

[ ] Cassadaigua

[ ] Equestrian States

[ ] Ethane

[ ] Gregoryisgodistan

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

[ ] Mercedini

[ ] Nephara

[ ] Northwest Kalactin

[ ] Schottia

[ ] Starblaydia

[ ] Valanora

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

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

[ ] 95X

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

[ ] South Covello

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

While just twelve nations were intended to remain during the new round of voting, the Cocoa-bo team's on site visits required a bit of a change in the plans. However, due to the locations of the nations still in contention, some of the word didn't get back to Turori in time to properly update the balloting. When reducing from 24 to 12 nations due to the results of the prior voting rounds, scores of regionally local Atlantian Oceania destinations were eliminated from consideration. Chromatika, Eshan, Farfadillis, Vilita, Turori and 95X - all amongst those no longer being considered. It meant instead of a relatively easy travel plan for visiting 12 nations to fact find in the eventuality that at least one of them is chosen to be better with Cocoa-bo, the representatives endured a grueling cross-multiverse destination drag.

By the time the team had arrived in the former Gregoryisgodistan, the 12-nation consideration round ballots had already been printed. Not looking to offend the lands they had just finished visiting, the Cocoa-bo team had to quickly print up new ballots. However, due to the unexpected costs associated with such a large amount of travel outside Atlantian Oceania, they decided instead of re-printing all the ballots, they would just print a much smaller addendum to the ballot and shove it in the envelopes along with the original ballot.

Not wanting to make it entirely obvious that they were just addin South Covello to the mix, they also added one other nation eliminated at the 24 nation consideration stage; a nation that they had been to and hated already before; 95X. 95X were a perfect choice to accompany South Covello on the ballot despite not garnering enough consideration during the previous voting round due to the similarly ongoing political and economic uncertainty in that nation.

With 14 entries on the ballot now remaining under consideration; ballot recipients will once again be able to make multiple selections to be put forth, with the top 3-7 vote getters advancing to one final placement round to determine once and for all which nation the Cocoa-bo team will be returning to do make it better with Cocoa-bo.

by **Nephara** » Mon Dec 04, 2017 4:14 am

Ko-oren 0-1 Nephara
(4-2-3-1) 1 - Tsattalios; 2 - Rafford (18 - Brymora 62'), 5 - Konoval, 6 - Scharner (22 - Theuer 71'), 19 - Vicelich; 4 - Misidjan, 15 - Klein; 7 - Szalai (13 - Fanaiyan 80'), 21 - Gosforth (c), 11 - Strongbow; 9 - Hawke
Goal: Szalai 28'

Malachite Scharner
Derives (via Latin: molochītis, Middle French: melochite, and Middle English melochites) from Greek Μολοχίτης λίθος 'molochitis lithos', "mallow-green stone", from μολόχη molōchē, variant of μαλάχη 'malāchē', "mallow". The mineral was given this name due to its resemblance to the leaves of the mallow plant.

It was a vibrant atmosphere outside.
Nephara paid more attention to its outlying regions these days, and the Cormorants followed suit. Now it was more than just the token friendly every now and again in Treason - now qualifiers were regularly held in Crisisbless, Brinemouth and Vermillion, and even helped spruik the soon-to-be capital of Corvistone. But make no mistake; the Farham Arena is the Cormorants' home.

It was in Sabrefell, after all, that Nephara went unbeaten for ten long years... a run that included a 3-1 victory over Eura, goals from Gerhard Thunder flanking a Gareth Crowley strike, that helped them on their way to qualifying for their first World Cup, 67.

Nephara were on a perfect run thus far; so were Eura, once again the visitors. The two nations were friends on a regional and global level, comrades-in-arms in the war against Sameba. It was Eura that had sponsored Nephara's entry into the CRC. The nations' peoples were culturally fairly similar, they both spoke Terranean English, the atmosphere around the city was friendly and very nearly bipartisan and precisely none of that was about to matter as Malachite Scharner slammed a bear paw of a fist into the locker to get everyone's attention.

The selection and tactics had been sorted, that was Brandon's and Riley's job. It would just be the best squad Nephara could call upon, in a firm, settled formation. This was not the time to mess about. Gosforth had put arms around the appropriate shoulders and murmured sweet nothings into the appropriate ears. They were very nearly ready to step out into the cauldron against one of the greatest sides in the world.

But Scharner had to have her say, and when a towering woman wrapped in tattoos gets your attention, she keeps it.

The dressing room fell silent.

"The press are probably calling this a friendly match between happy kissing spouses or some shit," she grumbled. "They love this draw. Biggest team in the second pot taking on some of the favourites for the World Cup. Group of Death et cetera. But they reckon it's gonna be all love and roses out there.

"Fuck. That.

"We are going to go out there and we are going to dominate them from the fucking start. We are going to snap into tackles and go in hard for every ball, we are going to drag them back from every chance and punish them on every counterattack. We are going to destroy them and when it is all over we dust ourselves off, we shake their hands and we go again, ready for Thibaea.

"This is what we do."

And in the back of the room, amidst the cheers and shouts, Michael Brandon thought to himself; Welcome back, Malachite Scharner.

NEPHARIM NATIONAL TEAM SELECTION - FORTNIGHT 5
Goalkeepers: 1 - Apostolos Tsattalios (Falourr, EUR), 12 - Gideon Fletcher (AFC Treason), 20 - Anthoulis Matraxis (Creed United)
Defenders: 2 - Leona Rafford (Crisisbless), 3 - Sieglinde Lohengrin (Crisisbless), 5 - Dieter Konoval (KT Moreazerua, AUD), 6 - Malachite Scharner (Jungle Strike, VIL), 18 - Danijel Brymora (Brinemouth), 19 - Lux Vicelich (Sabrefell Moths), 22 - Ryan Theuer (Falourr, EUR)
Midfielders: 4 - Servet Misidjan (AFC Treason), 7 - Adnan Szalai (Ulsa, EUR), 8 - Vedran Tarashaj (AFC Treason), 11 - Rowena Strongbow (Avenida Leal, FFD), 13 - Ishtar Fanaiyan (Eastweald, COS), 14 - Ursula Rowan (Cassandra City, COS), 15 - Rusalka Klein (Crawford City FC, COS), 16 - Regatta Aspenwood (Handon United, SCT), 21 - Konrad Gosforth (Mâ Âlâmëómë, FFD, c), 23 - Helmut Chilmark (Holdenberg, EUR)
Forwards: 9 - Estrella Hawke (Starling), 10 - Nevaeh Cathar (Avenida Leal, FFD), 17 - Dragan Stavanger (Tannenberg FC, VLD)

SCHEDULE
Thibaea 0 - 1 Nephara
Nephara 4 - 2 Natanians and Nosts @ Godswatch (Crisisbless)
Al Qurija 2 - 4 Nephara
Nephara 4 - 0 Taeshan @ The Gauntlet (Treason)
Rotztotzka 1 - 5 Nephara
Akatsurai 0 - 1 Nephara
Nephara 2 - 1 Apox @ Farham Arena (Sabrefell)
Ko-oren 0 - 1 Nephara
Nephara vs. Eura @ Farham Arena (Sabrefell)
Nephara vs. Thibaea @ Eagle's Club (Brinemouth)
Natanians and Nosts vs. Nephara
Nephara vs. Al Qurija @ The Iron Hill (Vermillion)
Taeshan vs. Nephara
Nephara vs. Rotztotzka @ The Gauntlet (Treason)
Nephara vs. Akatsurai @ Phoenix Rise (Corvistone)
Apox vs. Nephara
Nephara vs. Ko-oren @ Eagle's Club (Brinemouth)
Eura vs. Nephara

by **Brenecia** » Mon Dec 04, 2017 4:55 am

Brenecia 2 - 0 Garifunya
(4-2-3-1) 1 - Woodgate (c); 2 - Carrack, 5 - Bradden, 6 - Szubanski (18 - Heneghan 82'), 3 - Quill (22 - Levein 82'); 23 - Alweather, 8 - Hartsdown; 15 - Crowther, 11 - Balliol (21 - Wheeler 70'), 10 - Ashbrown; 9 - Riordan
Goals: Riordan 29', Hartsdown 33'

Brenecia 2 - 0 Gangnam
(4-2-3-1) 20 - Buchanan; 19 - Hamilton, 18 - Heneghan, 6 - Szubanski, 22 - Levein; 4 - Redweald, 16 - Drover; 15 - Crowther (7 - Trevelyan 67'), 8 - Hartsdown (21 - Wheeler 60'), 13 - Corvey; 14 - Northstead
Goals: Northstead 13', Wheeler 78'

THE ROZELLE OBSERVER
Patriots' campaign steaming on through clear waters
Diarmuid Henderson

As we approach the halfway mark of the qualifying campaign, with another reunion with ethnic Brenecian Claire Holden of the EEC on the cards, it is a good time to take a step back and take stock of the national team's progress this cycle.

It has been good. It has been comfortable. And, quietly but undeniably, the Patriots are looking like a genuine threat come the World Cup - sitting four points clear of second and five clear of third, they aren't quite a lock for their top two place, but no side other than perhaps Damukuni (beaten comfortably at home, where Brenecia haven't conceded in four games) looks ready to seriously challenge them.

Old heads in Mathis Woodgate, Anaximander Scrivener and Catherine Gryphon remain to steady the ship. Scrivener has slowed somewhat, and all three have been sporadically rested throughout qualifying. Squire Trevelyan is another name who is just starting to be phased out, with the excellence of Brae Crowther a tantalising new presence on the right.

New blood, of course, has stepped up - most obviously Griffin Riordan, who has three goals throughout qualifying and has stepped up admirably to fill the gulf up front. Many other players who perhaps didn't look quite ready for the task two years ago have also stated their cases anew, with Cheney Heneghan, Fox Charnwood and Brigid Levein all looking far more assured and comfortable than last cycle. Perhaps the clearest example of these is Tiferet Ashbrown, a coltish, lightning fast winger but without much else in the tank when first called up. After some sharpening in the SPL under the wing of former Brenecia manager Raven Cullen, both she and teammate Meghan Hartsdown have added many new strings to their bows. And it is deeply encouraging to see the fearless, talented young 19-year old Corby Wheeler trusted with 50 minutes over the past two matches.

The greatest development, however, must surely be Gethin Quill bursting onto the seams. A youth product of Northern Union cut adrift after the Incident (like Hartsdown), he was picked up by Euraleague power Revolutionaries. The short, pugilistic figure was moulded into their starting leftback and, naturally, was parachuted into the national team as well. Just as Ophelia Lovelock looked to be slowing a touch, not quite defensively up to Bardsley's blueprint, in comes Quill to secure the deal. Assuming Lovelock will be on the plane when push comes to shove, Brenecia have bizarrely strong depth at leftback, the envy of much of the world.

All in all, though, nothing groundbreaking is happening here. A steady evolution is occurring from the successful side that were just penalties away from conquering Electrum, and what a sliding doors moment that shootout remains. The old and slowing are being phased out for those who are ready to take up the burden and, for the first time in Brenecia's footballing history, it really does seem as though the tide of players will be sustained. When Gryphon and Woodgate go, Alweather and Calhoun will be ready. Perhaps the time of 'golden generations' is over. Perhaps it is time to simply allow the system to do its job.

In the meantime, Brenecia have ten more matches before the World Cup. As it stands, they can be cautiously pencilled into the 'dark horses' category.

BRENECIAN NATIONAL TEAM SELECTION - FORTNIGHT 5
Goalkeepers: 1 - Mathis Woodgate (Myrmidon, CEN), 12 - Rostyn Calhoun (Cenial United, CEN), 20 - Rosalind Buchanan (Lunas FC, PAS)
Defenders: 2 - Brun Carrack (Bengtsmark IF, BYN), 3 - Gethin Quill (Revolutionaries, EUR), 5 - Anaximander Scrivener (Brigham, EUR), 6 - Niko Szubanski (Rozelle), 18 - Cheney Heneghan (Ernesse Stahl, BYN), 19 - Vaila Hamilton (Lotus Park), 22 - Brigid Levein (Marque)
Midfielders: 4 - Catherine Gryphon (Starling, NPH, c), 7 - Squire Trevelyan (FC Endeavour, APX), 8 - Meghan Hartsdown (Kings Park, SCT), 10 - Tiferet Ashbrown (Kings Park, SCT), 11 - Sander Balliol (Tanrisal, PAS), 13 - Keohane (Ramusok United, COS), 15 - Brae Crowther (Chenoworth Harriers, NPH), 16 - Elsie Drover (OAS Royal FC, COS), 21 - Corby Wheeler (Rozelle United), 23 - Catsidhe Alweather (Eastal Lunar, VIL)
Forwards: 9 - Griffin Riordan (Klyde, COS), 14 - Fox Charnwood (Hellinic-Rouge, PAS), 17 - Aelfwynn Bannion (North Hall)

SCHEDULE
Brenecia 3 - 1 Krytenia
Pridnestrovia 3 - 2 Brenecia
Brenecia 2 - 0 Damukuni
West Angola 1 - 3 Brenecia
Brenecia 1 - 0 Yuezhou
Empire of Donner Land 0 - 1 Brenecia
Brenecia 2 - 0 Garifunya
Brenecia 2 - 0 Gangnam
EEC vs. Brenecia
Krytenia vs. Brenecia
Brenecia vs. Pridnestrovia
Damukuni vs. Brenecia
Brenecia vs. West Angola
Yuezhou vs. Brenecia
Brenedia vs. Empire of Donner Land
Garifunya vs. Brenecia
Gangnam vs. Brenecia
Brenecia vs. EEC

by **Schottia** » Mon Dec 04, 2017 5:45 am

Amanda Cunningham

Part Nine.
(conclusion)

The Brewers.

'I've been trying to have a word with you.' The man had finally cornered Gary, as he sat despondent on the hard mattress on the floor of the police cell. Gary had finally got his firm bed.

'Aye, well, you've finally got a hold of me.' Gary said, with a shake of the head, as he held the cold-compress tight to the side face to combat the swelling. He had been barely conscious as they had taken him, in handcuffs, to the police car, shoving him into the back seat beside his sister. He was still bleeding from one nostril, and had a massive bruise above his right eye - there were no broken bones, or any lasting damage, but he was glad the football season was over all the same.

'What the fuck are ye doing back here in Schottia, Gary?' The man sat on the mattress beside him, slumping his long curved spine up against the wall. He removed a packet of cigarettes from his pocket, waiting first for Gary to refuse the offer, before lighting up. The footballer looked around nervously at the no smoking sign, before remembering that the man was imaginary. 'You just can't stay away, can ye?' He asked, taking a long draw from his cigarette.

Gary raised his eyebrows and gave a knowing smile. 'I suppose this place will always have a hold on me, one way or another.' He looked around at the bare walls of the police cell; a nasty mint green paint, with only one small window close to the ceiling. 'You reap what you sew would probably be the phrase to go with this one. I suppose this weekend was a long time coming.'

'Aye... maybe necessary though.' The man replied, as the two of them sat staring straight forward. They must have cut a pair of pathetic figures - if anyone were able to see the man, that is.

'I'm guessing you knew this was going to happen, that's why you were wanting a word.' Gary's eyes were now fixed in a comfortable focus, staring at the wall ahead of them. 'That was you I saw, outside the pub, near the airport?'

'Aye. It was.' The man gave a short humourless laugh. 'I'd been trying to keep myself invisible for most of the trip, I guess I couldn't resist a pint - always been my weakness. Fourteen hours on a plane is enough to make anyone desperate for a pint, including the imaginary.'

'So what now?' Gary cut him off. 'Another revenge strike? Whom do we hit first?' Revenge was the furthest thing from Gary's mind right now, but he wanted to get in their first, take ownership of the issue. The man might not have been much to look at, but he had a Machiavellian cunning, and when it came to scheming, he had proven second to none.

'I reckon you're done with all that, don't you?' The man replied calmly. 'That bitch Hanson feels vindicated; she'll be oot yer life now. Gary, I'd just let it go man.' He turned slowly, to see the footballer was digesting his words. 'Every thing happens for a reason, we are all just part of the script. The Author's designs.' Gary's ears pricked. 'You needed to confront your sister, she'll not bother you now either; you stood up to her and gave her as good as you got. '

Gary was roused from his daydream by the mention of the author, a character who often flittered into his thoughts. He had never mentioned her to anyone, and while the man could not be considered an independent witness, this was the closest he had come to confirming her existence. 'I guess Amanda is the price I've had to pay.'

'How do you mean?'

'She's likely back in Nephara already.' Gary felt like crying, but he wasn't sure whether it was just because he had two black eyes or not. 'And based on what I've seen, I doubt any amount self-flagellation will bring her back.'

'I wouldn’t be so sure.' The man replied slowly. 'About her being back in Nephara, that is. I mean, you're welcome to try whipping yourself if you like, I'd find it funny as fuck watching you.' he laughed as he exhaled the last of his cigarette, flicking the still smouldering end into the far corner of the cell. 'Nah... you should give that lassie more credit, Gary, you don't deserve her...'

'No - I don't.'

'Always remember that, and you'll be fine.' The man added without humour.

'I asked you last time I saw you, if I were going to see you again and you said you didn't think so.'

'How about we make a deal?' The man asked, offering a hand, which Gary stared at suspiciously. 'You work out a way to stay in the valley permanently, quit football, marry that lassie, and then you'll never fucking see me again.' He waited patiently, for Gary to accept the terms of the arrangement. The way the footballer saw it, he had no choice anyway.

Gary's Valley - Eight months later.

The word, Rollercoaster, really didn't cut it when it came to describing the last eight months of Gary's life. There had been ups and downs, ins and outs, rounds and rounds - but also like a rollercoaster, the final outcome had somehow never been in any real doubt. The man was indeed right, Amanda was waiting for him at the reception of the police station, having spent the entire night kipped out on the floor. When he clapped eyes on her lying there, using a couple of old magazines for a pillow, he had never been gladder to see someone in his life. Once the police realised whom Gary and Marie were, they had been realised without charge - the footballer had even taken the time to sign a few autographs for the officers, as they apologised over and over for their mistake.

Something more important happened though, and for the first time in Gary's life he had seemed to have gained the respect of his big sister. Undoubtedly their had always been love there, but never respect or fondness. Perhaps all you needed to do to get someone to like or respect you was ram them through a window box. She had even offered to help Gary fill out his Nepharim citizenship request forms, and was surprised he hadn't done it sooner. Her shrewd business acumen had also come in handy, as Marie was able to secure him a one year contract with Mantlegrove, allowing him to stay in work long enough for his application to be accepted. She had told him, that if she ever saw him back in Schottia again, she would set his feet in concrete and throw him into the middle of Handon harbour - for Marie, this was as close to real affection as it got.

Gary and Amanda had both agreed that marriage was a bourgeois institution, so instead had opted for a small, informal, public blessing. Yogic Dave had officiated, while Joanna and several of the others had prepared the food for the party. It was a horrible, horrible, horrible cliché, but it genuinely had been the best day of Gary's life. Where as his lot before had been swimming frantically up stream, he now felt like he was in a kayak, paddling slowly down river towards the sea. His parents were there, proud as punch, but said they were going to refer to it was a wedding if it were all the same by Gary and Amanda. At their stage in life, the idea of a small, informal, public blessing was too much to get their heads around. Amanda had even given her mother-in-law special permission to refer to her as Mrs Corsie, if it made the whole thing easier to process.

You never realise how many people you have in your life, until they are obligated by something such as a small, informal, public blessing, to turn up in one place. Gary had been surprised by how many of his teammates - past and present - had turned up to share in his happiness. Most of all, he had been relived to find that Desdemona Schuster was doing alright - his old midfield partner in crime having earned a move to Diamondqueen.

The biggest surprise of all however, had been when Gary first got back from Schottia to find his potting shed empty, and a lengthy note in the place where he had expected to find Stick. It turned out that upon reflection, Stick wasn't cut out for this kind of life anymore - he had asked his former employers for his job back, and was starting on Monday. His wife had come out to the valley to have him sign the final divorce papers, and after finding him in a sorry state, had driven him straight to the hospital. Something had apparently happened while they were there, and they had realised that their marriage still had a few sparks left after all. When Gary had met him at the small, informal, public blessing, he had barely recognised him - clean, sharp, well-dressed - the man actually looked ten years younger. Gary had asked what he wanted to be called, but he had replied that Stick would still do when it was just the two of them.

It was now deep into winter, and Gary should have been more careful what he wished for, as the snow was falling steadily in the valley. The exodus he predicted was now well underway, as Newcomers left the valley in their droves, beaten back by the cold and the wet. The village was like an ice rink, with the big puddle long since frozen over, and with a layer of snow nearly reaching the top of the Gethin Ramsey boulder. He and Amanda were of course warm enough in the hut, and had been doing their bit, helping do dry people's wet things in front of the stove. Gary had been forced to book himself a snowplough instead of a taxi, to take him to and from training, and had been able to aid in the evacuation of some of the frailer Newcomers, who could head back with him into town. In the spring they would be back, but for the time being the valley was down to a skeleton crew.

'So what are you calling this one.' Amanda said taking a sip from the well-used brown bottle, while she warmed herself in the set next to the stove. She had on two woolly jumpers, and a bobble had. It was very much now Gary's and Amanda's Hut, and her things now populated the tables, shelves and cupboards. Gary had even been forced to hammer an extra nail in, near the door, for her to hang her jacket.

'This is the double fermented beer Big Malcolm and I were working on.' Gary said, indicating that she should keep tasting. 'So we were thinking, Ferment me once shame on you, ferment me twice shame on me.' That was another thing to mention. Gary had finally, at long last, discovered his calling in life. He and Big Malcolm had been brewing beer and making fruit cider all summer, and were going into business together in the spring. Nothing major, but they planned to do a couple of fairs and farmers' markets, just to keep them busy. Amanda had even designed the labels for them, and the pencil drawings of the two bearded brewers currently beamed up from the table, where she sat working on a few more prototypes.

'It's nice - strong though.' Amanda said, while Gary nodded his agreement. 'I'm not entirely sure though, how I'm going to illustrate that...' She placed her pencil between her teeth and scratched her head.'

Was this the life Gary had always dreamed of? Was he actually in his dream job, with his dream partner, living in his dream home..?

'I'm going to need to go out and check on Marjory and John (the goats).' Gary lamented, as he stared out of the window, into an afternoon that looked like it was never going to stop snowing. 'I should probably just shut them in their shed, and leave them with some hay...'

'Need a hand?' Amanda asked cheerfully, and Gary knew that it was a genuine offer. His life-partner was nothing if not willing to muck in.

'Nah, it's alright.' Gary glanced at his long winter jacket, and snowshoes; none of which had dried out yet since he had used them that morning. 'I need to head over and see Big Malcolm anyway, I said I would be over at some point.' Gary pulled a tweed bonnet down on his head with determination, and made for his jacket. Their small brewery was in a hut built onto the side of Malcolm’s, which meant a trek over to the village.

'In that case I will come then.' Amanda said, putting her pencil down, and reaching for her own jacket. 'I'll pop in and see some people while you're over there.' The small, informal, public blessing hadn't really changed the fact that Amanda was a Newcomer at heart, and she spent a fair amount of her time over on that side of the river; especially when Gary was brewing, or at training. He had softened a little too, and as well as joining her on a regular basis, he had also relaxed his strict privacy rules.

'While we are on the topic,' Gary said as they wrapped up tightly, and prepared to face the elements, hand-in-hand. 'We are developing a wheat beer. Do you think - That's wheat that's wheat that's wheat that's wheat I really love your tiger feet - is a bit too long, as a working title?' The wind was blowing the snow into the couple sideways, as they marched resolutely towards the goat shed, and their hats were in serious danger of becoming airborne.

'Ehhh...' Amanda was finding it hard the make her voice carry through the wind. 'It might be a bit hard to fit on the label, but if you're really keen on it, I can try to write small.' The route Gary had cleared on his way to feeding the hens earlier was already filled back in, making it hard to stick to the path. The two of them felt like arctic explorers, lifting their feet almost to waist height in order to get through the snow drifts.

'Whatever you can do is fine.' Gary answered, as they made it to the shed. Inside Marjory and John were already tucked up on the warm straw, and looked a little put out to have the door swung open in such a clod wind. 'Sorry guys.' Gary said, as he refilled their hay basket, and placed some oats in their dish. 'There we go.'

Amanda removed a glove and petted them in turn, before getting back to her feet, and following Gary towards the village. The small stream that intersected the valley was getting hard to spot, and dunking a foot in it was an unappealing prospect in this weather.

'Do you remember we were talking about names?' Gary asked, as he trod nervously towards the banking. 'Like, second names?' Amanda nodded in indication that she remembered the conversation. 'I know we both said that taking each other’s names was stupid, but I've never really shaken the idea that I'd like to change mine to something...'

'Okay...' Amanda shouted over the wind. 'What did you have in mind?' She gritted her teeth with determination, as she successfully made the river jump without getting wet.

'Well,' Gary replied, making the jump as well. 'I always liked the idea of a name telling you something about the person, not just being about inheritance. You know, maybe something to do with my profession..?'

'Gary Footballer?' Amanda asked, looking perplexed, as they rounded the copse, and the village came into sight. There was a golden glow emanating from several of the window, and thin plumes of smoke rose from the chimneys, as people no doubt huddled together for warmth.

'No - god no.' Gary shook his head, glad to be finally sheltered behind the kitchen hut. 'That was only ever a job, I mean what I actually do with my life.' He'd built the announcement up too much, and was now embarrassed to say it. 'I was thinking Brewer..?'

'Gary Brewer.' Amanda squinted her head this way and that, making a show of trying the words out in her head. 'I reckon that could work.' The two of them stood close to one another as they prepared to part company. 'There's something nice about starting your own tradition, and not being encumbered by those who have gone before you.' Gary nodded his agreement. 'Starting a family, rather than joining someone else's. I mean... Amanda Label-Drawer doesn't have much of a ring to it, but since their for beer bottles, maybe Brewer works too.'

'Gary and Amada Brewer.'

by **Cassadaigua** » Mon Dec 04, 2017 6:25 am

Only one let down,
by Brittany Byers, Team Captain

Even though as players, there is time to rest between qualification games, you still can’t think too much about past games and must look ahead to the future. Our win against Ethane was huge, and for one night in Concord Heights there was a feeling in the stadium that only our parents and older generations had been able to experience. As great as it was to knock off the Red Kites, we had that textbook letdown game right after. Legalese, the last place unranked team in the group, having just lost 7-0 to, of all teams, Northwest Kalactin, definitely needed to redeem themselves, and we needed to be ready for it. Legalese is another nation in our category of one that has been around for a real long time, even longer then us, but they have not competed in every Cup consistently.

Kristen Speller entered the match with four consecutive clean sheets, which tied the record set by Allison Salamida back during the era where we were an elite nation. Pundits did the research and discovered that Kristen needed to get to the 73rd minute here to officially break the record, time wise. While players do not get bogged down in stats, I think there is always a sense of pride in trying to get your goalkeeper a record. Goal streaks are nice, but goalkeeping records are a team accomplishment as well as being recognition for one of the most underrated positions in all of sports. Additionally, there'd be a sense of pride for us to break a record as good as that set by the elite Cassadaigua teams of the past. As we anticipated, Legalese came out on fire and wanting to redeem themselves for their bad loss, but by the same token, they also showed why they are in last place. Their passes did not always connect, and they were sloppy. Despite carrying the play for fifteen minutes, they only had one shot on target. After surviving that push, we began to assert ourselves, and in the 33rd minute, Hannah Ranucci picked up her seventh goal of qualifying. We went to halftime with the 1-0 lead, so there were only 28 minutes to go to get Kristen that record. In the 57th minute, Amy Romine picked up the goal off a corner kick to double our lead and put us in very good shape for the match. Minutes ticked away, and while we looked good for the game, we got closer to the 73rd minute when Kristen would have the national team record. Unfortunately, as we got close, a rare mistake by a teammate (you know who it was so I am not going to make it worse) stumbled just as she was about to pass it upfield, and because of that, the pass was way off target, and directly to a Legalese forward in a position that would be even better then taking a penalty. Because Jennifer (ok, sorry, Jenn) was where she was on the field, it was an onsides play, and the Legalese player was able to get it by Kristen to end the streak in the 70th minute. It was an awful way to see the streak come to an end, but often that’s the way that they do come to and end. Everything was ok with the match, we weren’t worried about blowing it, and made sure of that in the final twenty minutes. Kristen tried to tell Jennifer not to worry about. It is after all, just a number. But as I said, when its your keeper on the verge of a historic record for the team, you want it a lot more then any other statistic for another position. Most importantly though, is that we did win this game.

Now there is just one match to go before we reach the halfway point, and it’s a game against the nation of Acronius. This is the nation that entered the tournament with the third lowest number in parentheses amongst our groupmates, so they were certainly hoping that this would be the conventional group where Pot 3 just needs to upset Pot 1 or Pot 2 to have a chance. Group 14 has not followed that script, and we could not be any happier for it. We sit on top of this group, though pundits do mention that things will be a little tougher in the second half for us based on the fact we still have to go to both Valladares and Ethane. Still, we are tied with Valladares for the top spot, while being temporarily in charge of the tiebreaker. Ethane is just a point back, so there is still plenty of work for us to do in order to be World Cup 79's surprise qualifier. Acronius is tied with Coldfield, four points behind us. So the nation known as the Blue Boys are still playing decently and will pose a threat in this group. There’s no reason for the pink to look past the blue, since the midqualifying break is coming up. Some friendlies are being scheduled, and CASE may have a bigger announcement soon.

by **Savojarna** » Mon Dec 04, 2017 7:49 am

Revalainen shocks Savojarna with South Covello Decision

Sjoedrhavn - Following the surprising overthrow of Gregoryisgodistan's regime and the establishment of the State of South Covello, the Savojar crisis that triggered the early elections to be held this week suddenly becomes much more salient again. The government of Jussi Revalainen largely remained silent on this specific case, claiming to not want to set a precendent on South Covello for a new government. However, now that he has been pressed to do so by his AP and KPS-I ministers, who claimed that he went to power on the back of the Gregoryisgodistan Crisis and now needs to talk about his opinions. In this climate, Revalainen shocked the nation with his announcement: Savojarna unconditionally recognises the South Covello revolution government of President Green and offers the South Covello government diplomatic relations and an embassy in Sjoedrhavn. At the same time, Revalainen insisted on "keeping a strong stance on justice, and making sure crimes in out nation get thoroughly investigated". He announced that Savojarna placed an official request for the expulsion of Enemy Crusher Bigmac Fatfrize and for him to stand trial in Savojarna for quadruple murder during the Gregoryisgodistan vs. Esparmuran game at the World Cup of Hockey.

South Covello has not officially responded yet, which is unsurprising given the actions in the nation and the short amount of time since the request. However, our correspondent Anton Winckel said that according to anonymous sources, South Covello may refuse to bring Bigmac Fatfrize to justice in Savojarna. Shall this indeed be the case, Revalainen's successor may have a major issue on the international stage. Political scientist Johan Ervik: "Revalainen took a very easy way out here, and politicised the issue of South Covello at the same time. This is a clever move - he fulfills the expectations of those who elected him in the first place, but knowing that he is extremely unlikely to hold onto his position, someone else has to deal with the fallout. The election is coming, and Savojarna's people will demand justice, so it is very important for the parties to position themselves on the issue now that Revalainen has put it on the table, and they need to be strict to meet the people's demands".

Does this mean we are headed into conflict with South Covello over a figurehead of "Savojar justice and sovereignty"? It seems like we are indeed. Savojarna has built much of its national narrative on standing your ground, and it is unlikely this crisis can be solved by anything else than Bigmac Fatfrize being transferred to Savojarna. Ervik doubts we are running into a long-term crisis, but he fears that the good start of offering diplomatic relations might be thwarted by the harsh reactions of a Savojar government trying to stand up for its nation and show strength on the international stage. The party leaders of the opposition did not want to comment on the issue yet, stating that they would prefer to not give a comment until the elections have passed. Revalainen's handling of the crisis remains somewhat erratic, first not commenting on it at all even after the breakdown of the Gregist regime, then suddenly going forward shortly before the election.

Parties position themselves for tomorrow's elections: SU, LKPS outrule coalition with Pragmatists

Sjoedrhavn - The parties of Savojarna are positioning themselves for the first round of elections scheduled for tomorrow, and the situation looks more than difficult for the nation. The KPS by now operates basically as two different parties, which means that the already complicated coalition scenarios become even harder. The Syndicalists and the Leninists have both independently outruled acceptance of any coalition led by the Pragmatist Wing, which means that unless the AP and the KPS-P continue their uneasy alliance, there may very well be no majority government that also can pass the veto powers of the People's Assembly, where the SU is expected to reach for the 30% mark. The PA is notoriously hard to predict, but this time, it looks like it will end up being completely open with the KPS factions combining roughly 40%, the SU close to 30 and the AP taking around 15%. Meanwhile, the National Council will be much less open, but riddled with cleavages between parties, party factions and individual groupings, meaning that for the first time in decades, there will be no clear pointer towards a leader after the first round of elections.

As Revalainen weighs in onto the South Covello Crisis (see above), the electoral issues shifted yet again: Now, the previously highly relevant issue of state control over the transportation and energy markets as well as mining gets replaced by the South Covellan Question. It remains unclear whether and how this could affect the election results themselves, but it is generally understood that a stricter rule in regards to South Covello and a more active foreign policy aligns Revalainen closer with the Idealists within his party. This seems to facilitate coalition-building towards the Left, but risks the loss of Pragmatist support. However, Ervik warns of the dangers of drawing conclusions about the state of the KPS: "Jussi Revalainen is not the KPS Chairman, as was usually the case with the Chairman of the EC. This position remains in the hands of Bergman, and it is actually unclear how much influence the government has within the KP. We assume that there is much connection, but for all we know, Bergman may actually distance himself from Revalainen right after the first round".

How did the KPS's rivals react to the surprise announcement? The AP has welcomed the move, but also demands that the Savojar government will stick to the hard line given by Revalainen. "Justice is one of our key values, and Gregoryisgodistan has been violating it gravely. We welcome the seize of power by the people, if that is really what occurred, but if South Covello equally denies us justice and honour, we should remain just as critical of their regime", AP Chairwoman Nygard stated. The LKPS remains generally opposed to all cooperation with non-socialist nations, including South Covello, thus remaining irrelevant in this debate. However, the question was if the Syndicalists may be swayed by such a surprise announcement - something that co-chairmen Nurayev and Söder clearly denied. Nurayev stated that "our international policy remains one of friendship and justice, but the KPS still does not fully commit to those values". Even harsher words were found by Söder: "The KPS is now cuddlig us through their ideological wing, but we shall not be blinded by that move. As long as the KPS-P is a relevant force within the party, the SU sees no benefit in a coalition. The key issue of this election is not what happens to a fat man from a defunct corrupt regime, but what happens to our brave miners".

The elections are scheduled for tomorrow and will run all day. The parties have all gathered in their headquarters for a few final words before following the election live tomorrow morning, and we have sent our domestic correspondents into their HQ's to get a few statements before it all starts:
Lukas Grenholm, KPS-I candidate for Sjoedrhavn II: "The athmosphere here is great, and I am looking forward to challenge Anders (Teranen, KPS-P incumbent / eds.) for the seat. I don't think that multiple KPS candidates are an issue - we have runoffs for that. The KPS can only benefit from an internal challenge - and shall I not make the cut, I'll happily cast my ballot for Anders. I'm sure he'll do the same!"
Kristina Nyström, AP chairwoman and candidate for Sjoedrhavn V: "We are optimistic for these elections. The AP is firmly established as Savojarna's Number Two party, and I'm sure we can keep that position and act as an anchor to keep the KPS on its track".
Aleksandar Pasic, SU vice-chairman and candidate for Pawlograd III: "The SU gives a voice to the workers in the industries that this government has considered too vital to govern themselves. We believe that this nation has not forgot our great revolutionary ideals yet, and that we ca successfully stand up against the KPS's arrogance. They want to decide what is good for us and hide behind this Covello issue, but our voters will not permit that!"

We can only guess by now, as polls are too close to call the most important question, if there will be a KPS majority again. Stay tuned tomorrow on www.allsavojarnews.sj/election2017/live to see how the tightest election in Savojarna turns out in real time.

Savojarna General Election 2017 - projected vote share (+/- 3%)
KPS (Communist Party of Savojarna) 49% / + 0.5 since last poll
SAP (Savojar Worker's Party) 19% / -1.5
SU (Syndicalist Union) 13% / +1
LB (Liberal Block) 10% / 0
GFBS (Green and Progressive Movements of Savojarna) 5.5% / +0.5
LKPS (Leninist-Communist Party of Savojarna) 3% / -0.5
RMP (Russian Minority Party) 0.5% / 0

by **Filindostan** » Mon Dec 04, 2017 8:25 am

Manny Yacob Lou "Manyakol" Rivas
Central Midfielder, Perseuno Bandarito/Filindostan

San Rafael, Kabunuklan Island

Before Manyakol's rise to prominence in Filindostani football in the absence of His Excellency "King" Tisang, the Perseuno midfielder was infamous in the island of Kabunuklan as the 'Pervert of San Rafael'.

Every corner in the street has a strip of poster paper, with the words "MAG-INGAT SA MANYAKOL" (TN: Beware of Manyakol). The infamous nickname came from the Filisi words for pervert and masturbation, meaning that this man is known to touch private parts of female jeepney passengers and strollers alike, and was also known as an exhibitionist, with a fifty thousand rupeso bounty in his head.

When he was known as the "Phantom Pervert", he would briskly feel his palms to his victims' bosoms or chests, then runs away at the speed of a roadrunner, so fast that policemen arent able to catch him due to either the latter's incompetence on catching suspects, or just his raw talent in running.

One day, a teen named Rai Sanada, who was then an academy player of PSSR Wardogs, was strolling on a daylight, when Manyakol decided her to be his next victim. When he approached the young lady, he grabbed the girl's chest, then started running as fast as he can. There was one problem though - before Manyakol even started running, Rai already had a headstart - grabbing him by his arms, ran tens of meters, and kicked the fleeing Manyakol in his groin. This is when the police started running at him and tried to tie his hands with handcuffs.

"Let him go." Rai said.

"But why ma'am? This guy grabbed your breasts."

"I'll take care of him. I'll make sure to teach him a lesson he would never forget."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes. now, go away."

"Okay."

When the police left, Manyakol tried to escape from the clutches of Rai, but she grabbed him and slapped him hard in his face. "Escaping? I think not."

"I'd rather be caught by the police rather than be with you."

"Hah, you shouldn't have done that, kiddo."

"Kiddo? Look kid, I'm some years older than you."

"So?"

"Can you just let me go?"

"What for? To victimize girls again? No, thank you. Actually I don't have trust in the police force. You'll just be let go of them."

"What do you need me to do now?"

"Simple. Join PSSR Wardogs."

"The Wardogs? Are you kidding me? That's one of the most farsical names I have ever heard in my life."

"Your speed has impressed me, actually. I have already an eye for you to join our football squad."

"What if I don't join your joketime club?"

"Then I'll have you shoot to kill. Kidding. I'll make sure you'll be on maximum compound in 6 hours time. We have a training session at 4 PM at the sports complex. Better see your face there."

"Hmph. But I'll think about it."

Five minutes before the training session, Manyakol headed to the sports complex. The staff of PSSR was terrified at what they saw. The girls at the club shivered in fear, while the guys protected them from the walking pervert, whose eyes are glancing through the girls' assets.

"Hey, enough staring at them." Rai interrupted.

"What is this pervert doing here in our club?" Some of the guy staffmen were obviously agitated in his arrival.

"Relax, relax, I got this." The club people are also surprised that the policemen have not apprehended Manyakol. It appeared that Rai has already told the entire San Rafael Police Force that they not touch Manyakol if he ever decides to go to the complex for the training. It seems that Rai is also the daughter of the chief of Police in San Rafael.

"Come on in. Welcome to PSSR Wardogs."

to be continued

works? · by **Abanhfleft** » Mon Dec 04, 2017 10:05 am

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WORLD CUP 79 QUALIFIERS: ABANHFLEFT VS THE HOLY EMPIRE
By Malik Qazizadah

Abanhfleft's Kareem Dagen celebrates his hat trick against the Holy Empire in the World Cup 79 qualifiers. (Courtesy of Crescent News Network Sports Channel/Andros Tasasa)

RELEINTHI - Abanhfleft survived their second big test in the World Cup 79 qualifiers with a smashing win over The Holy Empire, with Kareem Dagen netting a hat trick with the "help" of The Holy Empire's defensive unit, which appeared to have been afflicted with the same kind of zombie virus that seemingly afflicts the entire multiverse every October 31.

Dagen started off this game on the right foot with a blazing run past the shoulder of Blue Shift Bart before a slaloming run past Calico Sirius Rackham and a shot into the empty net in the 8th minute, and then he added a second just ten minutes later after another screaming run, this time past Montbars the Exterminator before pinging home the ball once again by way of the inside of the near post.

Dagen would eventually complete his hat trick in the second half courtesy of a slightly controversial penalty in which he appeared to have been tripped by the zombified Exterminator when further replays showed that he might have tangled up in his own legs before he went down. Nevertheless, the penalty was still given and Dagen confidently slotted home into the bottom left corner.

Before Dagen's third goal, Valery Zolnerov had tripled Abanhfleft's advantage over the Imperial squad with a long range shot from over 30 meters away before Quasar Beard Teach was somehow able to bundle home a goal for his team in the minute before Kareem Dagen's penalty.

Substitute Kevin Kelvin then made sure of the result with a fine sweeping strike almost right in front of Rackham before Alexander Dalzeel knocked home a second goal from an Imperial corner kick very late on in the game.

Zombification concerns "largely unfounded"
The Samahang Futbol ng Abanhfleft, in cooperation with the Fleftic Ministry of Health, have declared that fears of a spread of the zombie contagion throughout Abanhfleft by way of the infected Imperial players are largely unfounded, according to Health Ministry spokesperson Olen Brentwill.

"It is entirely impossible for the infected players from The Holy Empire to spread their contagion into our shores," Brentwill said in a press statement given a few hours after the conclusion of the World Cup qualifier between Abanhfleft and The Holy Empire. "These infected players were nowhere near any Fleftic spectators in the Monsanto Stadium, and as their contagion is only spread through oral transmission, which is biting in layman's terms, there is no need to panic, and there is no need to quarantine the players and the spectators who attended that particular game."

Nevertheless, Brentwill revealed that the Ministry of Health was keeping ready a supply of vaccines left over from the last occurrence of the zombie infection outbreak just in case there is indeed an outbreak once again in the country.

              ABANHFLEFT 5 - 2 THE HOLY EMPIRE
DAGEN (8', 18', 55' pen)       TEACH (54')
          ZOLNEROV (23')       DALZEEL (89')
            KELVIN (76')

THE HOLY EMPIRE
GK: 1 Rackham
RB: 2 Bart █
CB: 3 Exterminator █
LB: 4 Sam █
RM: 5 Hornigold
RCM: 6 Greaves (Handz - 68')
CM: 7 Kiddddddddd'd
LCM: 8 Ashworth
LM: 10 de Roberval (l'Olonnais - 79')
RS: 11 Teach
LS: 9 Dalzeel

ABANHFLEFT
GK: 1 Cohen
RB: 2 Afolayan █ (Popov - 90')
RCB: 4 L. Edwards
LCB: 5 Gibson
LB: 3 Ogigayatsu
RM: 6 Pearson
CM: 7 Zolnerov
LM: 8 Marilungo
CAM: 10 R. Edwards (El Salah - 59')
RS: 11 V. Zima
LS: 9 Dagen (Kelvin - 84')

MATCH STATISTICS
Possession
Abanhfleft: 52%
The Holy Empire: 48%
Shots
Abanhfleft: 12 (6 on target)
The Holy Empire: 5 (2 on target)
Corners
Abanhfleft: 6
The Holy Empire: 4
Fouls
Abanhfleft: 13
The Holy Empire: 19

(OOC: I've used New Doltania's roster in the BoF 66 to pad out their roster for this match report.)

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WORLD CUP 79 QUALIFIERS: NEW DOLTANIA VS ABANHFLEFT
By Malik Qazizadah

Abanhfleft's Toumain Vincelot in action against New Doltania. (Courtesy of Crescent News Network Sports Channel/Andros Tasasa)

NEW DOLTANIA - Abanhfleft were held to a 1-1 draw by New Doltania in front of the Doltanians' own fans courtesy of an unfortunate late own goal from Fleftic captain Luke Edwards.

Abanhfleft manager Ranulph Bustamante had elected to rotate his side with an eye on the coming match against Mercedini although he did keep a number of players from his usual starting eleven in place for the match against New Doltania, and it was one of those regulars, Kareem Dagen, which got Abanhfleft off to a good start with a smashing strike in the 17th minute, the result of a solo effort started by Dagen in his own half and then followed by a run through the middle of the park before ending with a strong strike into the net after rounding the Doltanian goalkeeper.

Abanhfleft had a chance to double their lead courtesy of Omar El Salah, but the central attacking midfielder on loan to Oontaz's General Santos City from Arsenal de Releinthi could only send his header from Lucjo Kleinmann's cross over the bar, much to El Salah's consternation.

Kevin Kelvin, returning to the Fleftic starting eleven for the first time in over two years, almost had a chance to get his name on the scoresheet once again in the 30th minute but his shot was tame and barely even troubled Doltanian goalkeeper Dan Morris.

Abanhfleft kept up the pressure throughout the ninety minutes and seventeen-year-old Fleftic goalkeeper Guildenstern Cardew was the less tested goalkeeper between the two teams but when it came time for Cardew to make a save for the Democratic Republic, he couldn't actually do it, and when Ned Wellington's cross was deflected towards goal by Luke Edwards, Cardew didn't even come close with gathering the ball neatly for the Fleftics, and the ball slipped through his hands and gave New Doltania a point in this contest which the Revolutionaries should have honestly won many minutes before the Doltanian equalizer.

       NEW DOLTANIA 1 - 1 ABANHFLEFT
L. EDWARDS (87' og)       DAGEN (17')

ABANHFLEFT
GK: 23 Cardew
RB: 14 Popov
RCB: 4 L. Edwards
LCB: 15 Viger
LB: 16 Wayne
RM: 6 Pearson
CM: 18 Kleinmann (Vincelot - 86' █)
LM: 8 Marilungo
CAM: 20 El Salah (R. Edwards - 62')
RS: 12 Kelvin
LS: 9 Dagen (Lee - 77')

NEW DOLTANIA
GK: 1 Morris
RB: 2 Agincourt █
RCB: 3 Ibsen
LCB: 4 Strathmore █
LB: 5 Andrews
RM: 6 Paoli (van Der Mere - 71' █)
RCM: 7 Antonio
LCM: 8 Clark
LM: 10 Wellington
RS: 9 Newark (Novato - 68')
LS: 11 Colins (Larsson - 51')

MATCH STATISTICS
Possession
New Doltania: 40%
Abanhfleft: 60%
Shots
New Doltania: 5 (0 on target)
Abanhfleft: 15 (9 on target)
Corners
New Doltania: 2
Abanhfleft: 7
Fouls
New Doltania: 24
Abanhfleft: 10

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WORLD CUP 79 QUALIFIERS: ABANHFLEFT VS BJORNOYA ISLANDS
By Malik Qazizadah

Abanhfleft's Kevin Kelvin and Tristan Lee celebrate Kelvin's goal against Bjornoya Islands in the World Cup 79 qualifiers. (Courtesy of Crescent News Network Sports Channel/Andros Tasasa)

LOTHARSTADT, XEMLICE - Abanhfleft strolled to another easy victory at home as they won 2-0 against Bjornoya Islands to exorcise the demons of their previous draw against New Doltania.

Abanhfleft manager Ranulph Bustamante opted for another heavily rotated side, giving many of his big guns a rest and keeping only the team's captain, Luke Edwards, around for this game, and getting some of his offensive options like Kevin Kelvin and Tristan Lee more game time with an eye on the closing fixture of the first half of the World Cup qualifiers against Mercedini, and it was a gamble that would pay off, if not immediately.

Kelvin had a great shot at opening the scoring early in the first half when a pass from Caleb Wayne released him into the Bjornoyan half with only one defender and the opposing goalkeeper in his way but somehow Kelvin managed to drag the shot just wide of the near post.

The next best Fleftic chance came courtesy of Charles Viger's header from Andor Gaál's corner but the header had little if any power behind it and it was an easy save for the Bjornoyan goalkeeper.

In a game which could have ended up being another nil-nil draw for the Democratic Republic, it was the Revolutionaries' old dependables which would see Abanhfleft through to victory.

Another chance fell to the feet of Kevin Kelvin after the Bjornoyan keeper poorly parried away the low-ball attempt from Tristan Lee, and this time the Malabon SC striker was not going to miss this shot attempt, and poked home the rebound three minutes past the hour.

Lee then added a goal of his own five minutes later as he nodded home substitute Arthur MacAlistair's cross to both double the Revolutionaries' advantage and score his first ever goal of the current qualifying campaign.

Another substitute, Daisuke Ogigayatsu, could have and should have scored Abanhfleft's third deep in stoppage time had he not sliced his header from a corner just wide of the near post and into the side netting.

  ABANHFLEFT 2 - 0 BJORNOYA ISLANDS
KELVIN (63')
   LEE (68')

ABANHFLEFT
GK: 23 Cardew
RB: 14 Popov
RCB: 4 L. Edwards
LCB: 15 Viger
LB: 16 Wayne (Ogigayatsu - 88')
RM: 17 Gaál (Zolnerov - 82')
CM: 18 Kleinmann
LM: 19 Vincelot
CAM: 20 El Salah (MacAlistair - 55' █)
RS: 12 Kelvin
LS: 21 Lee

MATCH STATISTICS
Possession
Abanhfleft: 59%
Bjornoya Islands: 41%
Shots
Abanhfleft: 15 (7 on target)
Bjornoya Islands: 4 (1 on target)
Corners
Abanhfleft: 8
Bjornoya Islands: 2
Fouls
Abanhfleft: 16
Bjornoya Islands: 25

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WORLD CUP 79 QUALIFIERS: ABANHFLEFT VS INDUSSE
By Malik Qazizadah

Abanhfleft's Kevin Kelvin celebrates his penalty against Indusse in the World Cup 79 qualifiers. (Courtesy of Crescent News Network Sports Channel/Andros Tasasa)

IMGORTUR, VERBERGERKINNH - Abanhfleft emerged victorious in the World Cup 79 qualifiers once again, this time Indusse falling victim to the Revolutionaries' six-game unbeaten streak in the qualifiers. Kevin Kelvin netted a brace against the Indusseans and while striker Abhiram Kumar also found the back of the net late, it would prove to be nothing more than a consolation goal as the Fleftic defense proved to be too much for the Indusseans.

The signs that this game would not be Indusse's was a combination of two things in the first fifteen minutes of the game; an impressive solo goal from Kelvin and an injury to Indusse midfielder David Beckham which forced his substitution off of the field in the 15th minute.

With one of their arguably better players now off the pitch, Indusse simply gave up the ghost and allowed Abanhfleft to dominate the entirety of the game, although the Revolutionaries couldn't seem to take advantage of this fact by virtue of some shoddy finishing on the part of the players, mostly the forwards whose main job was to score goals.

Abanhfleft eventually found the breakthrough to their second goal when Narayan Rajamoulendra made a late and rash tackle on the goalbound Tristan Lee, resulting in a yellow card for Rajamoulendra and a penalty to Abanhfleft. When Indusse captain Chitrarakar spent a little too much time protesting the decision, he was also shown yellow for dissent. Kelvin chose to take the penalty and he struck it home powerfully into the top right corner.

Some slack defending and the fact that Indusse had practically given up the game prevented the Fleftic defense from reacting quickly enough to a rare Indusse counterattack and when Abhiram Kumar lined up and took the shot, Fleftic goalkeeper could only get a few fingertips on the ball before it nestled into the bottom right corner.

The focus of the entire nation of Abanhfleft will now be on Mercedini, who are also performing well and will be one of Abanhfleft's main competitors for the qualification slots and the right to play in the World Cup in Ceni and Drawkland. It could prove to be the most important match in the Fleftic player's careers.

          ABANHFLEFT 2 - 1 INDUSSE
KELVIN (7', 51' pen)       ABHIRAM (81')

INDUSSE
GK: 11 S. Nandi
RB: 10 Rajamoulendra █
CB: 9 Stan Kan
LB: 8 Yadav (Nambiar - 55')
RM: 7 Baskar
RCM: 6 Chitrarakar █
LCM: 5 Anvay
LM: 4 Beckham (Mansel - 15')
RS: 3 Abhiram
CF: 2 Arundakumar
LS: 1 Rajkumar (Rajaragh - 75')

ABANHFLEFT
GK: 23 Cardew
RB: 14 Popov
RCB: 4 L. Edwards
LCB: 15 Viger
LB: 16 Wayne (Ogigayatsu - 71')
RM: 17 Gaál
CM: 18 Kleinmann
LM: 19 Vincelot █ (Zolnerov - 60')
CAM: 20 El Salah
RS: 12 Kelvin (MacAlistair - 81')
LS: 21 Lee

MATCH STATISTICS
Possession
Abanhfleft: 55%
Indusse: 45%
Shots
Abanhfleft: 17 (8 on target)
Indusse: 4 (1 on target)
Corners
Abanhfleft: 7
Indusse: 1
Fouls
Abanhfleft: 20
Indusse: 20

by **Buyan** » Mon Dec 04, 2017 10:10 am

Slowly, nearly hesitantly, Frederik Suhr scratched his beard, trying to hear his own thoughts over the outcries of joy from the stand of the Mugisha III Memorial Stadium. What had started as just another qualifiers for the visitors had developed into a landmark victory for the Kadongo Kamu – one that had to come around sooner or later for the promising Banijans, but few would have betted their bucks on it happening tonight. In the back of his head, Suhr started to formulate some key remarks for the upcoming clash in The Nine, doing a humble attempt to catch the threat from Chibuzo Afolayan in just some words. Knowing that the Chromatik defenders had failed to do so for over ninety minutes only offered a little comfort.

Whilst the vibe of rejoice swept the grandstand, Suhr saved a thought or two for Silian Parker as he recognised the pain that must have gone through the tactically astute gaffer. Frederik too had had a plan, painstakingly detailed and aptly refreshing, which after the last whistle felt like a children’s drawing. Nice try, I’ll put it on the fridge! The kid is out? Damn, that’s awful. And Suhr could know how that felt. Eventually, he had been given three shots for glory and when the dust had settled, he had to admit that none delivered. The victory against Reuss-Lippe, albeit the first in these qualifiers, was scraped through on an all-or-nothing move. Both against Eshan and Eastfield Lodge, the Hedgehogs had been some sort of entertaining – at last. But at a heavy price, being that even a solid guardian such as Marciak had to go fish eight times.

But they’ve been very kind, hon. His wife told him that it was very nice of the FA that they had allowed him to keep his old job, scouting upcoming opponents. In part, that was true. In part, he wanted to snarl that he hoped that had not make him return to his old wife as well. So now, it was back to second violin, serving the new hero of the hour. In the press, diverse names had skipped by – it was hard to believe that so many credible managers wanted to burn their fingers on the hot mess called the Buyanese national eleven these days. Leigh Fletcher, Matej Ljubanik, Gant Nean, … Ranging from young potentials to grizzled man-managers, the options had been vast. And eventually, they had settled on Ichi Tuzzio, still revered in Farfadillis and now taking the Buyanese press by storm with his boyish charm and outright statements. And so, Suhr could go back to far-flung corners of the multiverse, to visit games far from the domestic limelight. But it wouldn’t stay like that, he knew for sure.

Slowly, nearly hesitantly, Valter Isaksson scratched his five o’clock shadow, trying to hear his own thoughts over the outcries of joy from the away stand of the Highroyds National Stadium. Although he knew that reporters would describe it as the eight multiverse wonder, it wasn’t that much of a goal. Daumantas Okmiankas escaped on the right wing, dodging a risky tackle from the otherwise solid Lucas Deane and crossed it into the box, where Emil Eklund wrongfooted Meredith with a single, powerful flick of the neck. No I don’t think Emil is vital for this team, no.

Even if the lead was still slim, it was a deserved advantage over an opponent who, after a promising start of the qualifiers, was falling back with a blimp in their form. The Hedgehogs looked solid all-round with a lot of grinta when losing possession – the crowd cheered like mad when Povilas Kaukenas chased Ryan Marx for fifty yards before putting him out of possession near the corner flag. We’ll need more power, I feel I could use more support in my back. Huffing and puffing, the striker who invented the slash in admired/detested for Buyanese football fans got a firm applause when Jon Fossum released him in the last twenty minutes. However, it still was nothing compared with the standing ovation when Eklund left the pitch. Nah… I mean. A gaffer has to choose his eleven, but I think the tall striker-system had its best time. For a team like us, you know.

With time running out, Ichi Tuzzio turned around and scanned the bench. He, who had coined the phrase golden feet in the multiverse – or so the hagiographies in the press claimed – eventually rested his eyes on Valter. For a second. And then they moved on to Donat Chmiel. First, let’s get one thing settled, Valter would say, I have nothing against Donat. Decent bloke, hard worker, important part of the Bengtsmark set-up, bliebloebla. But saying that he’s a tenth of the talent of Isaksson is already a stretch. Nonetheless, it was the solid defensive midfield who would complete the last few minutes of the game and not the man who could claim the crown of the nations best. Adding to the stability, the last whistle was met with a second victory in these rounds. Only the second one, which added to the prestige for Tuzzio.

To say that it was met with an outburst of pride in the dressing room was a bit farfetched but that it deserved some praise went without saying. Quietly, Valter took off his nearly-clean boots and tried not to throw them all the way through the dressing room. Seeing Eklund doing a retake of his goal, a small glance to Valter bordering gloating all-round, nearly brought him to that point till…

”So, Valter… It’s a win, I guess.”

The voice from Tuzzio, difficult to pinpoint accent included, melted him like honey. They had only spoken once and Valter sensed that some of the stuff he had said there had not contributed to his status so far. Somehow, he struggled to loath Tuzzio over it – he realised and he wondered why.

”It’s three points but… Banija will be a different thing,” Tuzzio continued. It seemed bizarre that amidst the celebrations, no one noticed the conversation. Tuzzio didn’t even need to shout, he just calmly talked on.

”We’ll need everyone on board, Valter, what do you think?”

The Bengtsmark midfielder nodded, slowly but surely. Tuzzio smiled, stood up and walked on as if nothing had happened. Within a blink, the setting was forgotten. Only Valter remained, lonely on the bench. But it wouldn’t stay like that, he knew for sure.

by **Starblaydia** » Mon Dec 04, 2017 11:40 am

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 | World Cup 79: Part Sixteen: Fame

For Scott Daytona, Digital Communications guy at the Starblaydi Football Association, things were getting a little weird.

The first strange thing was that there were Vanorians everywhere now. At Tororin Halatyrion's direction, dozens upon dozens of the Elves from Valanora had come to work at the SFA. They had immediately taken up positions controlling most of Liga Starblaydia. They arranged the schedule, sorted the TV deals, did the administration, oversaw the referees and essentially did everything bar kicking the footballs... and the social media. For some reason these arrogant and haughty beings, even by Starblaydi standards of both arrogance and haughtiness, had little to no interest in what went on in the virtual world of people yelling at each other in an increasingly polarized community of opinions that were all inherently wrong. It meant that Scott now had a Vanorian line manager in between himself and Halatyrion, so all-in-all Scott considered it a fantastic deal. Scott got to plan the schedule of video releases, work out what tone of voice to use on the various platforms and just quite how trollish or friendly the SFA account could be with fans and its competing football associations with none of the associated chewing outs and bollockings from Halatyrion.

The office was also a much more relaxed place, mostly because President Halaytrion himself was on the Lady-Protector's Praetoran Council. It still felt strange to Scott to think that, the second weird thing he was experiencing.

Lady-Protector.

Over two hundred and fifty years, barring a ten year period where it had all gone a bit wrong and the average Starblaydi history textbook tried to forget it all anyway, Starblaydia had always had a Lord-Protector. Saevion. Tiberius. Curzon. Julius. Now Korra Starblayde was the nation's first female leader in a millennium, if not more. The funeral of Julius Starblayde had been done with more pageantry than anyone could remember, echoing the great state funerals of Julius' older siblings, Julius and Lexus Starblayde. There was nothing quite like the commanding, indulgent and stoic show that the Starblaydi government could provide, combining the iron fist of the Starblaydi armed forces with the natural silk glove of Starblaydi design. It was always a sight to behold, and was met with a wave of patriotic fervour as the people welcomed their new Lady-Protector.

Korra Starblayde had been popular ever since the public had come to know about her. They empathised with the fact that her parents, Julius and Gianna, had wanted to bring her up as normal as possible, away from the limelight of being the Praetoran Kid. They also adored the young, pretty woman who had been named the Duchess of Sideria on her 25th birthday, because there's nothing quite like a pretty face, even in a nation such as Starblaydia that has a reputation for containing a lot of them. Spontaneously, the Starblaydi Parliament, known as the Sjarondai, had come up with and rolled out a new Pledge of Loyalty for all Starblaydi citizens, nicknamed 'Hail to the Leader'. Korra's first acts as Lady-Protector had been to call for the removal of Corporal Punishment and put up some trade barriers with other nations in order to grow the economy. It seemed that all three things were working in concert with enough other, as patriotism was spurring job creation, and Starblaydia was importing less and selling its own good to its own citizens more than in living memory.

In short, business was booming. At the same time, the Starblaydia national football team had turned a streak of two wins in twelve matches into a five game undefeated streak that had even seem them come back from Vilita, the third best team in the world, with a score draw that had put an end to the Jungle Cats' 100% winning record in Qualifying so far. They'd even defeated their group rivals Red Blackiland in their previous match, and before that had knocked off the reigning Baptism of Fire champions Filindostan, also ruining their undefeated streak. All in all, things were looking up for the white-and-purples, and Scott's job was getting easier by the day.

The only point of worry, other than being two points behind Filindostan at this stage with a massive ten games to go, was that Starblaydia had managed to concede six goals in two games, although they had scored seven in return. Prior to that, they'd only let in two goals in six matches and boasted the third-best defensive record in all of World Cup 79's Qualifying groups. Their next six games, against teams Scott had barely heard of before this cycle, should all be relatively easy matchups and allow Starblaydia to climb higher in their group before the crunch matches again of Filindostan, Vilita and Red Blackiland that would ultimately decide the fate of the group. Unfortunately, though, Starblaydia had already lost to Islana Lunigo and Savojarna and this was the whole reason they weren't in one of the Qualifying positions in the first place. There really were 'no easy games' in international football, and any team, seemingly, was capable of matching Ázëwyn Fëanáro's side. On the other hand, though, as their recent results proved, Starblaydia could also be more than a match for even the best teams in the world, on their day. Scott just needed to make sure that he did his part as Social Media guru to make sure that each game was exactly Starblaydia's day, whether they knew it or not.

Scott was the silent man in a very public position that no-one knew about. He watched the live feed of Korra Starblayde, a vocal woman in the most public position in the land. They were both doing their best to make Starblaydia as great as it could possibly be. He liked her. A word sprang to Scott's mind, unbidden, and it occured to him that he finally knew what Tororin Halatyrion had been ranting about those few months earlier. The one word that had helped put Starblaydia into the upper echelons of the world's elite. They were being the elite right now and it had finally dawned on him how, the mightier-than-thou stamp of authority that the Starblaydi Lords-Protector of the past had displayed in abundance, Tiberius most of all. Korra Starblayde was reminding him of that, even without saying it. As she spurred the nation on with her words and ideas, dragging it to a new promised land seemingly by her force of personality alone, he remembered the word, and it came to him as naturally as breathing. There was nothing weird about this word, at all. It meant that his feet were faster and his songs were stronger.

RAWRCRUSH.

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