World Cup 79 • CREDRAWK • RP Thread

[South Covello]

From The Desk of Matthew Farley

From: Matthew Farley, Acting Commerce Secretary of South Covello
To: Cocoabo Marketing Department, Milona, Turori

Disclosure Notice: In accordance with national law, this document and all future communications and responses shall be posted with all due speed on the South Covello Transparency Portal, or SCTP, and hard copies shall be available at the standard cost of printing at any government office in South Covello. By replying to this message, you give consent to have your responses reproduced and re-transmitted in the above manner.

To whom it may concern,

I am writing to express my great interest in making South Covello, as you would say, better with Cocoabo. Our new nation is currently devoid of any real culinary culture, yet alone well-known food places to get food to eat. For over 1,000 years, our people were forced to eat nothing but gruel and drink nothing but prune juice, and they are sick and tired of it. They long for better food, and while other food has since been legalized following the Revolution, we still have just the basics, with nothing really special. No place that makes us say "Wow, that is great food" or "Wow, that is a great place to eat." We believe Cocoabo could be that place and invite you to bring your esteemed company to our great shores.

In economics, there is something called the first mover advantage, which states that whoever enters the market first has a distinct advantage. At the moment, Cocoabo could have a first mover advantage in our country like perhaps no other food company in history. There are no real food places to get a good bite to eat, and there have not been for over a millennium, ever since this place was settled by supporters of the first psychopath to call himself Lord Almighty Gregory. Now, their deep descendants are finally free to eat what they want, but lack the places to get it. Sure, we have supermarkets and the like, but that's pretty much it. No place to get luscious chocolate topped drinks, or to go buy a bagel on your way to work and have it toasted before your very eyes, then topped with amazing, spectacular cream cheese. No place to sit and eat a salad and a sandwich while relaxing and surfing the newly open internet on your laptop. The people want such a place, and if Cocoabo is first to enter the market, it can be that place for all of us.

Not only that, Cocoabo has a rather unusual name which sounds like a certain other word our people know very well. That word, of course, is coconut. A word which was banned during the Gregists' thousand-year reign of terror. A word that we are now starting to reclaim by making the coconut our national symbol, and building a giant coconut forest where there was once a slave colony. And Cocoabo has the same first two syllables, and same first four letters as Coconut. It could be the start of a gigantic marketing campaign centered around the phrase "Coco", one a bunch of businesses would be keen to get in on. And, of course, your company would have the distinct first mover advantage, as well as the knowledge that they helped us reclaim a word that struck terror through the hearts of millions for many generations. Just think of it - you could have Cocoabo, people could buy their groceries at the CocoMart, and fill up their cars at CocoGas. And, of course, all these companies would have to pay royalties to you for using the Coco name, since you were first and they took their names from your company. Together, we can reclaim the word "Coconut" and reclaim the word "Coco", marching together into the future and away from terror and executions.

Furthermore, I'm sure that in modifying the national flags, you can do something that would make the anti-Gregists very happy. Perhaps screw with the "Holy Creed" on the old flag to read "Cocoabo Is God" or even just "Coco Is God", again invoking the once forbidden and now reclaimed word. And, of course, you're free to modify our flag as well - we're no longer horrible nationalists and would likely find your attempts quite amusing.

However, if you want to get the first mover advantage, you have to move quickly, before someone else does. Therefore, I would like to invite you to select our fledgling nation to be Also Better With Cocoabo, with all due speed, and launch in our nation as soon as possible. I am sure this can be a tremendous opportunity for both our nation and your company.

Thank you.

In freedom,

Matthew Farley
Acting Secretary of Commerce
South Covello

[Bostopia]

The Council meeting came to a close, and whilst most of the Councillors made their way to the Lord Mayor’s reception room for post-meeting drinks, the Emperor sadly stood up, brushed bits of popcorn off of himself, and made his way out of the Council Chamber and into one of the corridors, before heading to his own office, once again cursing himself at being bamboozled by the other Councillors.

As leader of the Imperial Party of Bostopia in Fort Boston City Council, the Emperor was entitled to his own suite in the Council House, which he made some use of. Normally, when he was upset that the other Councillors had flummoxed him. When he opened the door, very forlornly, the sparse use of it became clear. There was a desk in front of a window and a refrigerator, along with a number of comfy chairs, which hadn’t been used by anyone but the Emperor since the last time they said it was ‘The Emperor can’t declare the City’s at war with anybody month’. There were some decorations, a few paintings, a suit of armour, a rather nice fireplace and some lovely curtains.


The Emperor opened the refrigerator, pulled out a dark brown digestif liqueur and poured himself a small glass. He then proceeded to top this off with an energy drink which he pulled out of the evening snack bag he’d made himself before he left (this had consisted of some sandwiches, popcorn and an energy drink, but he’d ate the sandwiches before leaving home, which left him rather hungry in the last twenty minutes of the meeting. The other Councillors had laughed when he was denied permission to go to the vending machine in the middle of a debate about the funding of pot holes, which the Emperor thought was ridiculous, as there were enough pot holes anyway and why would they want to fund more?)

He sighed, considering his options as he swilled the glass, panicking when it looked like he was about to tip some of this particular blend of bitter alcohol and sickly-sweet energy drink down his shirt, which was still slightly popcorn encrusted. He took a small piece of popcorn off his shirt and ate it, noting that it was ‘still good’. When he looked back up, he noticed that he had actually spilled some drink across a map of Bostopia, coincidentally following one of the ancient routes from one end of the country, the town of ‘Population’, where the first people to settle the island millennia ago are said to have had a settlement, all the way up to the appropriately named ‘Northern Point’, the Northernmost Point of East Isle. He had a brainwave.

‘I’ll show them! I’LL SHOW THEM!’ he yelled, causing someone’s PA to come in and ask him to hush. ‘Sorry. I’ll have a race from Population all the way up to Northern Point! A tour! A great race! Invite the press!’ he began barking orders ‘Invite the manufacturers! Invite the popcorn makers and other providers of provisions!’ He looked around, noting he was alone. ‘Oh.’

The Emperor packed up his things, turned the light off and left, just missing the suit of armour sneezing in a deserted room.

[Ceni]

Sorry for the late cutoff, was busy today - will return to the normal schedule tomorrow.

[Eshan]

Rosaria Daily Herald | Sporting Section
Slow Game But It's Still Six Wins In A Row

Well we’ve gotta start feeling some degree of confident now as we head into the 13th matchday of the World Cup qualification campaign. Our successful victory against Lambasia and Eastfield Lodge have made it five and six victories in a row, and we look poised to pull away in second and maybe even overtake Chromatika if some results go our way.

The match against Eastfield Lodge was a fantastic match, with the first 45 minutes producing exhilarating football from both teams. Back and forth they went, Echani attacking movements smashing against their defense before they roared back and it was all hands on deck as we tried to repel their attack. A great, great display of football, and it was undoubtedly a shame that those first forty-five minutes went scoreless.

The second half was alllllll Eshan, god do I love writing that, as we took the business to Eastfield Lodge. They seemed content to sit back in defense and let the Echani players control the possession, and once you do that you’re dead in the water before us. Using their creativity and superb technical skills, the Echani players passed the ball all around and through the defense from the Eastfield Lodge team, with that vital opening goal coming in the 63rd minute when Marco van Ciavatinni hit in a nice freekick that Anthony Baudelio did well to stretch for and strike home.

Our second goal came not long after, in the 69th minute when Marco van Ciavatinni was hacked down in the box and had to be subbed off, with the penalty kick falling to Baudelio to take. He hit it great, beat the goalkeeper but beat the goal too, smashing it off the crossbar, where the ball ricocheted up into the air and dropped before Artemis Montanari at the edge of the box, who volleyed it out of the air into the back of the net to make it two-nil in our favor.

A scoreline that held until the final whistle in an absolutely vital win against a team nipping right at our heels in the group stage. Three points always come in handy, but especially these as we made it five wins from five and looked good heading into the match against Lambasia, a match that we were expected to dominate.

And dominate we must certainly did, although the scoreline didn’t entirely represent that. We totally ran the show, with 73% of possession and countless shots, and yet we only managed to put the ball in the net twice. That’s always disappointing, when you line up to totally thump another team and you play that way, but you don’t pull it off quite as you would’ve liked to. We should’ve won by four or five goals to nil, not that winning two-zero is bad, just more goals is more fun, that’s all! So that being said, it was a nice and comfortable run out for the lads.

We got our first goal of the game just at the end of that vital first fifteen minutes of the match, where Alexio del Nieran wants his team to get an early goal to knock the opposing team on their ass for the rest of the game and to set the temp. In the 14th minute, Marshawn Mercury scored a brilliant solo goal, winning a goalkick out of the air before racing up the left wing and absolutely torching two defender, one who he megged twice in a row, and then the other with some sort of quick footed ball rolling magical dribbling moves to slide past the other before hitting an insane curling shot into the back of the net in a magical goal to make it one-nil. So that was always a fun way to score, with a nice little wonder goal and it certainly made up for the lack of goals goals goals.

The second goal came in the second half, in the 48th minute when Anthony Baudelio was taken down about 28 yards away from the goal and Eshan were correctly awarded a freekick. Now 28 yards out is quite a bit of distance between where you’re shooting from and the goal, it’s about 28 yards away if you think about it. Ton of time for the goalkeeper to react to the ball and make an easy, easy save, but Artemis Montanari apparently said ‘to hell with it’ and stepped up and swung his right foot at the ball. The ball looked set to be going out of bounds right of the goal, but it started curving viciously almost immediately and the ball somehow pulled allllllll the way back across the goal to finally settle in left side of the goal to make it two to nothing.

That’s the scoreline that would hold until the referee blew his whistle for final time, and Eshan celebrated taking eighteen points out of our last eighteen with six wins in a row. We’ve played simply superbly over the run of all these games, and we need that form to hold now more than ever as we enter our ‘problem’ area of the qualification run.

These next three fixtures were the only three that we dropped points in during the first half of the qualification campaign. We drew The Kaiser Colonies (our upcoming opponent), before losing to both Banija and Chromatika. We went from taking nine points from nine, to one point from nine, to our current eighteen from eighteen. If we can avoid that shitty patch of form this time about, that would clinch our qualification in my estimation. It won’t be easy, I mean you must consider that we did terribly these three matches the first time around, but we really should absolutely be doing better in the ‘take two’ chance we have here. We should emerge with wins against The Kaiser Colonies, and I honestly wouldn’t put it past us to pick up a draw or even emerge with all three points in the match against Chromatika, but they are the fourth best team in the world so…that certainly is not what you would call an easy challenge by any sort of measure. Despite that, I have faith.

So yeah, a great two wins against Eastfield Lodge, as we push our record in our four clashes against them to three wins and a draw, and Lambdasia, wins that keep us in second place in Group 3. We hold 28 points, sitting three behind group leaders Chromatika and four ahead of third placed Banija. From there, it’s Eastfield Lodge in fourth with 23 points, and then Buyan in fifth and Boring Paradise in sixth totally out of the running with 17 points a piece. Next is our imminent opponents The Kaiser Colonies in 7th with thirteen points, and then Bostopia with twelve. At the bottom of the group is Lambdasia in ninth with five points, and the last-place ranked team Reuss-Lippe, with four points.

[Mriin]

"You sure you want in, Sol?" Joren asked, over the cleat he was polishing. "I'm sure Jorm could handle Maryloupe, and it'd be a shame to get your hamstring acting up again for this."

Solara took a minute to get up and stretch a bit before nodding. "Yeah, I'm feeling good today."

"Fair enough," he shrugged.

---

Shit, she wasn't kidding. Joren slowed down as what he thought to be a developing play just ended on Solara slamming it clear through Neil and Laryan; Queenston seemed just as surprised as everyone else, barely getting a chance to move before it was rattling around the back of the net. I thought that was a good pass, but... jeeze.

She was smirking at him while they walked back. "Told you."

"Yeah yeah, I know. Put in another and we'll talk!"

~seven minutes later~

Joren pulled up; Larson's moving faster today. He dribbled back a bit from the Marlyoupin mid, and sent the ball over to Malia, who had a little more breathing room. There was a steady buildup of pressure, the Mriinians making a series of tight passes, until Aldo found himself with a chance from the edge of the box. He managed to cut in on Alberg and quickly send it in, but Queenston reacted quickly and got in front of it; thirsty for an equalizer, they began to chuck it almost immediately.

Solara hurtled herself from their peripheral vision and smashed it out of the air, directly into the left side of the net, prompting a roar from the home crowd and leaving the Maryloupins shellshocked.

"That was just absurd," Joren laughed and clapped her on the back.

She chuckled and pushed him back. "Come on, you really didn't see them going for that?"

~fifteen minutes later~

The Maryloupins had managed a response goal--a clever move on the part of MJJ that caught Zilia by surprise--but the pressure was still heavily on them. Lasser and Malia started and aborted several shots, opting to send it over to the other flank rather than try to thread the needle through a consolidated away side. Solara just patiently waited until someone finally sent it her way, ran clear around Neil, dodged Queenston's last-ditch slide, and walked in it.

Joren was going to shout something snarky, but Malia beat him to the punch. "Holy shit, save some for the rest of us!"

~twenty-two minutes later~

The match had slowed to a crawl. Pushing for more would probably just look bad, Solara had decided, I don't know who's calling these games ending seven-nil or seven-one.

However, Malia disagreed. Shit, she wasn't kidding that she wanted one. Solara couldn't help but be impressed as Malia wrangled the ball from Lilian and absolutely booked it down the line. If she ran like that every day we might be scoring seven!

Queenston was wandering forward a bit, even though there was still several defenders between him and the ball. Malia didn't miss that, and everyone had a great view of the Maryloupins looking up helplessly as the world's longest chip shot sailed over Queenston's backpedaling stretch. ...she has to show me how to do that.

[Drawkland]

I asked my girlfriend to select the cutoff music for today. Based on her choice, I'd advise those still trying to get into qualification zones to Don't Stop Believing!

reulsts

[Vilita]

Turoki Tide Storm the Galacticos Index

Boldsport Magazine recently released the 4th edition of the Galacticos Index and a handful of Vilitan players have made the list. Unsurprisingly, after leading the Turoki Tide to the most dominant Vilitan Stellar Division performance of the modern era and following it up with a UICA Globe Cup and Super Cup championship, Vilita National Team members Polaox Torerun and Cavuna Aquafek made the list alongside Cednia Beach AFC's Jurzen Devmiko. The Turoki Tide's goalkeeper, Quebecois shot stopper Ondrej Cech is also on the long list.

The experienced Cavuna Aquafek has been a fixture on the Vilitan National Team for some time and like has spent their entire club career at the Turoki Tide after being brought up through the Turoki Academy. At the halfway point of World Cup 79 Qualifying, Aquafek had appeared in 8 of the 9 matches for the Jungle Cats and scored 2 goals.

Though five years the junior to Aquafek, Polaox Torerun was a quick study under Aquafek's tutalage and the two became nearly inseparable on and off the pitch. While Aquafek tends toward the more attacking play, Torerun is a bit more of a playmaker and also spends some time on the wing. Both Aquafek and Torerun were members of the World Cup 77 winning squad for Vilita as well as the recent triumph for the Turoki Tide in the UICA Super Cup. Torerun led all midfielders in scoring during World Cup 78 Qualifying and at the halfway point of World Cup 79 qualifying had statistics mirroring that of Aquafek, appearing in 8 games and having scored 2 goals.

While the Turoki Tide's rivals Cednia Beach AFC couldn't keep up during the Stellar Division season, defensive midfielder Jurzen Devmiko kept atop the individual statisical rankings as a top performing midfielder. Like Torerun, in his mid-20's Devmiko's best seasons may still be ahead of him. At the urging of some Vilitan Teammates, Devmiko has already agreed a transfer out of Turori and back to Vilita with Inland Peaks FC for the new season where Devmiko hopes to take a step into the limelight as the franchise player the Peaks will be building their roster around for the forseeable future. While Devmiko missed a few games during the first half of World Cup 79 Qualifying, they still managed to score 2 goals in their five appearances.

While not on the long list, young Vilitan defender Jirak Trikala who recently agreed a switch to Jungle Strike FC after impressing in the Declasse division with Tropicorp FC is certainly a player to watch for on future Galacticos Indexii particulary in the Under-21 category. Currently the best Under-21 Vilitan player is largely areed to be Eastal Lunar midfield prodigy Cywrenta Vlintejni.

Vilitan Cove Invitational pairings Drawn

After long last, the highly anticipated (by only those who were anticipating it from an elevated position such as a mountain top or penthouse suite) draw for the first ever Vilitan Cove Invitational was conducted in the dark of night under a crescent moon.

In the end, just 16 teams were invited to the competition though organizers advised that they would be willing to invite more clubs to future editions of the tournament.

Of course, if there were any eyes on the draw, those eyes would have been focused on two of the biggest clubs in the draw: Former Vilitan Stellar Division champions Marine Coast United and the former Liga de Fuego of Pasarga Champions Galatica.

The Vilitan's would be paired as the first rabbit out of the hat (The teams names were printed on small paper rabbits that were then pulled out and unfolded from a magician's tophat) and would be squaring off against the Equestrian entry, Canterlot Stars, in the opening round. As for Galatica they would have an epic clash on their hands against Goldstaff City of Cosumar.

The all-knockout competition begins with the Round of 16 as a two-legged Home and Away series with no consideration to the away goals rule. The winners advance to the Quarter Finals which will also be two-legged.

Other matches of interest include South Coast United of Jasiyun against Persedos Bandariyan of Filindostan and Ernesse Stahl of Buyan against Start-93 of Bonesea.

The Full Draw:

Vilitan Cove Invitational - Round of 16 Draw
     Marine Coast United (VIL)  :: v. :: Canterlot Stars (EQS)     

              Orky Magic (DRG)  :: v. :: Royal Crystal Palace (CRY)              

              Sauce Gods (AFL)  :: v. :: Sporting Rigerata United (DAR)              

          Kionao Koastal (TUR)  :: v. :: Lhor (CMT)          

          Hoima Warriors (BNJ)  :: v. :: Árgos LP  (COM)          

                Galatica (PAS)  :: v. :: Goldstaff City (COS)               

     Persedos Bandariyan (FLN)  :: v. :: South Coast United (JSY)     

           Ernesse Stahl (BYN)  :: v. :: Start-93 (BNS)

[Ko-oren]

The very next day, Katanmak was completely set on giving Katherine her choice. Retire now, join the staff, and see the Dragonflies' new approach. Or, keep on playing, be part of the team, and help the new players grow in that capacity. Katanmak spent all evening thinking of a way to get the best of both worlds: keep Katherine on the team, on the side of the players, while knowing that Katanmak isn't running the team into the ground and that there's a good reason for the statistical approach. He couldn't immediately see a way to accomplish that: keeping her on the team would mean she would stay suspicious of the programme and stay defensive on behalf of the players, even if she'd know about LISA. The only way she could learn more about it was by promoting her into the position of assistant coach so she'd see things from both perspectives, and help the players see the practical use of the programme. Katanmak couldn't see it any other way.

Entering the facility, he ran into Katherine quickly enough. She didn't seem happy. "How's your statistics going? A point is a point, especially in an away match at Natanians, but even you have to see how fed up we are with the way these games are planned! And I don't have to remind you, no goals. The media aren't happy, I get offers to join any kind of interview I want on most tv channels now, because they're all wondering how it feels to have a coach that I worked alongside with for so long, and now he's gone and the results have gone down. I want your coaching job to succeed, but it's hard to keep defending you in front of the players! I'm sick of this role, caught between two sides!"

Katanmak didn't show his emotion through her outburst, though it oddly made him happy. She wanted out of the role she was in. She wouldn't be opposed to a new role, assistant coach, helping the programme succeed. He collected himself and, like it was all planned, asked: "How about you join the coaching staff? We could use someone like you. No need to stand in between the two groups. You can have your say in how we plan these matches. I know you're planning on retiring anyway. You can help everyone on the team develop!"

"I was kind of curious to see why your opinion about the game has changed so much, actually. Where your obsession with 'statistically, this and this player from that and that team is 60% likely to run off and leave a gap in defence' came from. Give me a few days to think about it... I'm not against it, but I told everyone I would see this cycle through..."

[Electrum]

The Turnip: The God Called Mod
by Staff Writers

Hushed whispers, joss sticks and heads bowed down in deep reflection -- the God of Mod works in mysterious ways. Many know of the gods of the sporting universe: Margaret, Elune, some say Cocoabo, Kirigiri-no-Mikoto, a Coconut, but a strange new tradition is developing across the multiverse, and it is especially catching on in the tribal territories of Kale Island. The new deity they are worshipping? Mod.

We first wrote about Mod here.

Who is Mod? What do they want? What we do know is the bizarre ritual that takes place pretty much before the start of all good tournaments. Nations that want to do well in a sporting tournament will always give an offering in the form of naming a list of players and other pertinent details about their team in the sporting competition (including kit information, managers and the like). Almost always at the end of these list of names, there is a small box detailing what the God called Mod can and can't do to their players. Most nations use this opportunity to seek mercy from Mod, however others are seem to want to tempt fate, goading it to do whatever they want with their players, perhaps as a sacrifice to this unknown god. Statistically speaking, statistical analysis from the Turnip's statistical offices suggests that where these ritual papers are performed, those nations will have players that are less likely to be injured (and the effect is statistically significant). So perhaps these strange rituals aren't such a bad thing anymore.

Meanwhile, yet another, as yet, unreported strain of mod-worshippers have also been found in Kale Island. These people, of a different denomination, don't see Mod as a being that controls the fate of players in sporting events, but rather as one or several gods tasked with protecting the multiverse's good people from evil. Sometimes they appear clothed in red, and with their bright red and white pronouncements, stop evil right in its tracks. These pronouncements have been rare and unverified, but these Mod-worshippers insist that they have happened before, it's just that for some reason no one can remember what had happened immediately after these pronouncements, as if there was some retconning going on (which is a blatant lie because this is real life). Some nations have been said to appear and reappear because of these pronouncements, but these are difficult to verify.

What's clear is that we need to set up more Mod temples. We are thoroughly convinced that this is a new kind of god, and it's become apparent that the rituals that these sporting teams do before the tournament are vitally important to the success of their teams. If we celebrate a god such as Margaret for good luck, why aren't we celebrating Mod, for not bringing us injuries or ridiculous goal situations.

[Lisander]

6-0-7 and we're out of the group stage again
Luís Septmer, for 433.LS

It was expected, we were complete fools if we expected qualification to WC79. Lots of pressure were put, even having all games broadcasted in RTL. Man, Lisander football have no structure for this. In moments like this, I think rule 11.a should fall.

But since I don't make the rules, the best I can do is support the team. We'll face Alpine Union today. They're our direct rivals on reaching the fifth place on the group. This is a six-point game. And we must win. I hope Christian Nantel and Tassio Camden do their best today. We're really in need of points on this table.

Alpine Union - Lisander
Dec. 10 - Alpine Union
Live @RTL1, full coverage @RTLSports

[Filindostan]

Filindostani National Elections, 90004

The National Elections for the year 90004 will be a tightly contested one according to political experts. Three candidates have submitted their certificate of candidacy (CoC) before the Filindostani Elections Commission (FEC) and are the official candidates for presidency for the year 90004 to 90008. Dorigo Dutete, the current Filindostani president, will run for re-election, having deemed fit to lead the country and will aim to continue his 22-year reign.

The candidates for presidency are as below:

DUTETE, Dorigo "Dorry" (M, 74)
Partido Demokratiko Pilindo - Katipunan ng Sambayanan (PDP-Kasambayanan)
Running Mate: CAYATANO, Allen Petro "Allen"

The ruling party for the past two decades, the PDP-K party, will bid once again for presidency with the incumbent president, Dorigo Dutete. The president had a satisfactory performance last term with his constituents, but has shown a shift of philosophy from populism to a possible dictatorship, with Allen picked as his running mate.

He will have a hardline vow to end criminality and drugs during his campaign, in which a more stringent way of deterring criminals and drug personalities will be implemented. He dubbed it 'Operation Katay', which in the views of many people, a dire way of instilling fear into the nation.

However, due to his popularity with the masses, he regularly leads the presidential surveys, at a 5:3:2 ratio against his competitors for the presidency. By the end of the polls, he is expected to win another term in the elections.

AJARTAMBUN, Marciano "Mar" (M, 55)
Filindostani Liberal Party (FLP)
Running Mate: LEONIDO, Rennida "Renee"

The FLP has put forward their best possible candidate to end the reign of Dutete's presidency, with their Mister Pasyente, Mar Ajartambun. His calls for lower cost of healthcare has had mass support of the middle class, which made him top of the senatorial race eight years ago. He was an independent candidate then. However, when he pledged with the FLP, or the Yellow Party or the Delawans, some of his supporters turned on him and started a black propaganda against the presidential candidate.

His running mate, Renee Leonido also suffered the same fate as him, but is expected still to win the vice-presidential elections, against the other candidates, BonBon Marcioso, and Cayatano.

OFFENSOR-ROBLES, Merian "Merian" (F, 65)
Filindostani First Party (FFP)
Running Mate: MARCIOSO, Ramon Jr. "BonBon"

Having run against Dutete 12 years ago, Merian Offensor-Robles have expereinced defeat already in the 89992 elections. With her a hardline critic of traditional politicians (trapos), she had topped the 89994 and 89998 senatorial elections. With the support of the youth and several people wanting for change, Merian hopes to finally ascend to the presidency.

However there are two things that put her as an underdog in this elections - her health, and her choice of running mate. She's currenty suffering from diabetes, and could possibly not finish her term. Despite that, the FEC deemed her fit to lead the country. She chose BonBon as her running mate, an unpopular choice as he was the nephew of Teodoro "Theo" Marcioso, who was infamous for numerous human rights violations and blatant corruption during his term.

The three candidates were accredited by the FEC from hundreds of presidential aspirants, whic the commission deemed as nuisance candidates. Few of which are taxi drivers, attorneys, and a certain messenger of the galactic multiverse, with a slogan of "Keep Calm and Karyon"

The elections will be held on November 12 nationwide, and the elected president will serve their term from December 31, 90004 to December 31, 90008.

[Nephara]

Taeshan 1 - 3 Nephara
(4-2-3-1) 1 - Tsattalios; 18 - Brymora, 5 - Konoval, 6 - Scharner (22 - Steelhenge 70'), 19 - Vicelich (3 - Jeurissen 60'); 4 - Misidjan (23 - Rowland 76'), 15 - Klein; 13 - Fanaiyan, 21 - Gosforth (c), 11 - Strongbow; 9 - Hawke
Goals: Fanaiyan 21', Klein 58', Hawke 71'

THE HERALD
BOLTERS AND BUSTS: WHO IS SET TO MAKE IT TO THE PLANE?
Markus Carney

A convincing 3-1 away win over Taeshan means that Nephara's World Cup prospects look even surer than ever. As a result, it's probably worth some time looking over who, exactly, looks likely to play their way onto the plane come the end of qualifying. While Brandon certainly has a trusted, experienced core, there's more than enough new blood to suggest that change is very much in the air.

Goalkeepers
With a consistent string of excellent performances, Apostolos Tsattalios is all but certain to enter the World Cup as first-choice. Gideon Fletcher has not actually appeared in qualifying, just been a proven presence in the number 12 shirt, and is likely still considered the backup. Third choice? Well, does it matter? Still, young, up-and-coming Anthoulis Matraxis has had four matches. Mostly he's been good, but conceding four to Thibaea may just be his death knell - the more experienced Andreas Swoboda, Tsattalios' replacement at club level, is the likelier tip.

Defenders
As far as rightbacks go, Leona Rafford is a doubt heading into the World Cup, a badly-timed MCL rupture meaning she's only expected to kick back into fitness just in time for squad selection. It's a real shame - she'd been in the form of her life, as Brandon looked to have unlocked another level from her - but Danijel Brymora has stepped up capably. His versatility and ability to stand in central defence may give him a berth on the plane regardless of Rafford's fitness. Ruon Asante, on the other hand, is still young, but right now doesn't look quite up to the level of the rest of the squad.

Konoval and Scharner have been indomitable as a central defensive partnership, offering pure power as the last line of defence. Scharner in particular is in outstanding form, and both have worn the armband at various points. Ryan Theuer appears to have locked down the backup place - it just seems too soon for Dragora Steelhenge and Katerina Tarrasch. Diedrich Frostmarris doesn't seem to be in the equation at all, but remains on standby should there be an injury or suspension crisis.

On the left side of defence, Sieglinde Lohengrin is one of the first names on the teamsheet, though has been rested a few times to give her some respite from the punishing Premiership season. Young, fiery Lux Vicelich just appears to have stolen a march on the capable, but unexciting Jeurissen.

Holding Midfielders
Actually somewhat in flux. Treason's silk-and-steel partnership looked entrenched at the start of qualifying, with Misidjan sitting deep and Tarashaj roaming for trouble, but a lot of challengers have been tested - and many, encouragingly, look up to the task. Helmut Chilmark has not had many chances to shine, but when called upon in the crunch match against Eura to kill off the game, he did so with aplomb. This suggests that he will back Misidjan up when the time comes, but the future looks exceptionally bright for Rowland and Aschenbach.

In the box-to-box role, Tarashaj has managed to stamp some of the more unnecessary fouls and cards out of his game, but his position may just be under threat. Step forward Rusalka Klein, who has strutted around the pitch with an assured arrogance that is a rather unique look among Nepharim midfielders. Circe Rosenthal is a rather more frantic, all-action player - the true Tarashaj lite, if you would. She certainly has a place on planes of the future, but in this one, Klein's just shown that bit more. Gudrun Crowley appears to have been frozen out of the equation.

Attacking Midfielders
Things look rosy on the right wing, and a worthy successor to the world-class former Boldsport Galactico Adnan Szalai has been found. Not that Szalai's place is in any doubt come the World Cup - he's just turned 30 and has not taken a backwards step. But Ishtar Fanaiyan's improvisational menace and raw pace has been too hot to handle for many of her opponents. Bolter Roxana Coffey has been good, perhaps better than expected, but does not look remotely likely to break into the equation. Spare a thought for the excellent Andrea Bereveskos, who appears to have been cut out of this embarrassment of riches despite a system that seemed tailor-made for her. She's still almost definitely third-choice.

Konrad Gosforth is probably why Nephara is playing a 4-2-3-1. He is captain. He is repaying this faith five times over. And he's probably the most important player to the system. That's not a slight against Ursula Rowan, who has looked perfectly capable, but just isn't quite on the same level. Jade Irwin would probably step up in the event of an injury, but hasn't yet been called up on, while the surprise callups for Nikolas Vikmanis have dried up. Perhaps it's not surprising - attacking midfield isn't exactly a traditional Nepharim position - but the lack of depth is a worry.

There is absolutely no intrigue as to left wing. Rowena Strongbow is first-choice, an enthralling player to watch and undisputed number 11. Regatta Aspenwood appears untouchable as backup. Nobody else has even been called up.

Strikers
The depth at centre-forward is lovely, but the first two seem locked in place - Estrella Hawke's place is basically untouchable, she's the best by a margin. Used sparingly throughout qualifying, she's still netted five goals. Whisper it; she's probably better than Penumbra Amokachi. Whisper this even quieter; she's nearly halfway to the 65-goal landmark. At 24. And yet she's a mild-mannered, polite and almost soft-spoken player off the pitch, not a philosopher-queen, so history is unlikely to remember her anywhere near as vividly. Not until Hawke wins a World Cup, anyway.

Dragan Stavanger is the designated Plan B, nowhere near as fast but huge, which helps a side that loves its high crosses. The main contest appears to be for third-choice - stocky, powerful Tregajorran, quick, incisive Cathar and the journeywoman newcomer Heron Kendall, fresh off scoring a debut brace to purge the spirits of the Iron Hill, are all sparring. Cathar has a hat-trick against Thibaea and a vital late winner against Apox to her credit, but there is a worry that she lacks the physical presence to lead the line alone. Maybe that's a good thing, to add a new dynamic - but signs point towards Kendall getting a chance to whet her instincts on a couple more weak sides before the Cup itself. Cathar still probably holds the edge, though.

Summary
There is a recurrent theme here, and it is encouraging - this is a team that could go one place deeper than a first 23 in pretty much every position without breaking a sweat. Rightback might be the exception, which is very unfortunate considering Rafford's injury. But this squad, perhaps more than any other to date, shows that Nephara is producing swathes of footballing talent being showcased all across the multiverse, and some excellent players aren't making the cut. It might be cruel, but it is a sign that things under the surface are ticking along perfectly. That is the kind of background that leads to silverware. These are the kinds of results that indicate that the drought may just be coming to a close.

[The Archregimancy]

OOC: Apologies for the 4th wall breaking with an account that's not participating in the World Cup, but, well...

The Turnip: The God Called Mod
by Staff Writers

What's clear is that we need to set up more Mod temples. We are thoroughly convinced that this is a new kind of god, and it's become apparent that the rituals that these sporting teams do before the tournament are vitally important to the success of their teams. If we celebrate a god such as Margaret for good luck, why aren't we celebrating Mod, for not bringing us injuries or ridiculous goal situations.

Dear Turnip Staff Writers,

I'm not a god! Will you please listen? I am not a god, do you understand?! Honestly!

The bush brought forth juniper berries because it's a juniper bush. I didn't give you a sign; you just followed me.

You are all individuals; you all have to learn to think for yourselves.

The existence of this message is not proof of my divinity.

[Schottia]

An exert from the transcripts of my appointment with Corinne Martel-Burns: 17/7/2025. Dr Elena Durí BSc MSc MSc PhD
...
ED: I'm just not one hundred percent sure I understand your logic on this one, that's all I'm saying.

CMB: It is what it is. I'm not going through it again.

ED: Try. Please.

CMB: No, you'll just have to try and do you're job, and pick the fucking bones out of it. You're the one who's paid to make me better. A pack of painkillers doesn't ask me to explain to it why I'm in pain before they hop down my throat.

ED: So it's going to be an hour like this again.

CMB: Pretty much.

ED: Well can you even tell me who this person is?

CMB: [Patient shrugs.]

ED: Okay then, I'll give you what I think then. However it's very hard to come to a conclusion if you are insistent on being so opaque.

CMB: Give it your best shot.

ED: I will [...] Thank you. I think you are essentially satisfying two needs at the same time. This gentleman you've been seeing - you say he's married - a public figure. You know it can't go anywhere, so you can alleviate any guilt you might have about damaging their life. Meanwhile, at the same time you get to perpetuate this self-image you have of being self-destructive.

CMB: You make it sound like it's a fucking lifestyle choice!

ED: You need to convince yourself that it's you who's making these decisions, so that you are in control. I think in many ways you are just trying to get in there first.

CMB: So you think I should stop sleeping with him?

ED: I don't know who he is. But based on what you've told me, simply the fact that he if already married would be good cause not to continue. Worse still, you said he and his wife were -"celebrities"- in want of a better word - if news got out about this, I would be severely worried about your inability to handle that sort of media attention. [emphasis added]

CMB: Okay. Duly noted Dr Durí.

CMB

Part Four.

A long way back.

The lay off had been excruciating for Connie. Not enough football, and too much time to think about it. The sport was the loose stitching, which held the grotesque Frankenstein's monster that was CMB together. Without that constant in her life, the whole thing came apart at the seams. Football both kept her grounded, and acted as an outlet at the same time.

After a somewhat unconvincing cameo showing in the opening qualifier against 95X, Lionel Mah had clearly decided that he had enough striking options to leave her out for the time being. It was always been fine balance, as for every goal she contributed, there was another heart in mouth moment to go with it. If Connie had been treading a tightrope for the last six years, then she had finally tumbled.

Forcing your way back into the national team wasn't easy when you had a stinking attitude and were failing to come up with the goods at domestic level. The (re)-emergence of Lucy Curren had put pay to the notion that Connie was indispensible, and Ross Renshaw's solid, bread-and-butter, number-nine-style performances meant she perhaps wasn't even necessary.

Poor Ross, he couldn't do anything right - Connie made sure of that with plenty of unsolicited reminders. Now his performances were keeping her out of the side, and given the fact that they lived in different regions now, it meant there was zero chance of meeting up. God, there had been times when she could have done with the unfaltering attention. It many ways it was the perfect sort of relationship for her, because she could get away with giving nothing back. Connie was so selfish - so... fucking... selfish. This was flawlessly illustrated by the fact that she hadn't even watched the four nil win over Vangaziland. If she wasn't playing, she didn't give a fuck.

She had told Ross as much when he had messaged her over social media after the match. She'd pushed him to far; there was no doubt about that. He was a very patriotic young man, and Connie's utter indifference must have stabbed at a raw nerve. In fact, she knew fine well that it would have, that was the main reason she said it. What she probably hadn't factored in though, was just how badly he would take it. The ensuing text conversation quickly descended into a bitter argument, with Ross being prodded into typing: Poor me, poor me, pour me another drink!

It wasn't exactly witty or original, but it had sounded like the best advice Connie had had all day. A bottle and a half of red wine later, Ross seemed like less of a worry.

An exert from the transcripts of my appointment with Corinne Martel-Burns: 24/10/2025. Dr Elena Durí BSc MSc MSc PhD
...
ED: I was just under the impression that you weren't supposed to drink on that medication?

CMB: I'm not supposed to take anything.

ED: But I'm guessing you do?

CMB: I don't drink that much any more - not as much. [emphasis added]

ED: Well I'm not at liberty to reveal any of what we discuss here, unless yours or someone else's life were threatened. So unless mixing alcohol with your medication is life threatening, then you can say whatever you like.

CMB: Nah, I think it just stops it from working, and makes me drowsy - that's what the doctor said.

ED: You asked?

CMB: Of course. I told him I couldn't promise I wouldn't drink.

ED: And he was okay with that?

CMB: No, he said it was very important that I had an uninterrupted run on the medication to make sure it was working properly, and alcohol would hinder it's effectiveness.

ED: Then - and it sound's to me like you are quoting him - I strongly recommend you follow that advice.

CMB: Aye but [...]

ED: It's only going to slow your recovery time. It's only going to mean longer on the sidelines, longer before you are playing at the level you want to play at.

CMB: I agree.

ED: You do?

CMB: Yeah, of course! I just fucking slipped up. It's alright, you're not the only cunt who can fucking analyse shit.

ED: Okay Corinne. I've lost count of the number of times I've asked you to refrain using that kind of language. I really don't enjoy typing it up in the transcripts.

CMB: Do you think I could be in a relationship some day?

ED: Sorry? Do I think you could be in a relationship? Yes, I do. And I don't think that you should ever doubt that.

CMB: I just don't think I could handle the pressure of having someone depend on me emotionally.

ED: It shouldn't be seen as a pressure. I know from my own experience, being in a relationship with someone is about accepting him or her for the way they are. Look, Corinne, this is a really big topic to bring up five minutes before the end of our hour, and I don't have my notes from last time we covered it. Why don't we pick up here next time, and we can really dig into it. I'll give you plenty of time to speak. For now, however, I don't want you going away from here thinking that you're incapable of having an emotional connection with someone. As I said last session, your problem isn't lack of emotion; it's rather too much emotion.

CMB: Oh I know, I'm a sensitive wee sole.

ED: I know you're trying to deflect this with humour, but I genuinely believe that. I think you have it in you to be very sensitive and loving individual, just so long as you stay on your course of treatment.

CMB: Oh, fuck off.

[Apox]

Apox 3-0 Ko-oren Gandhi A. 7', Vladimirescu 40', Aviara OG 68'
APX: Steele -- Richardson, Raynerson, Gandhi O., Redmond -- Menheniot, Palmisano J. (c), Townsend -- Ephraim-Garza, Gandhi A. (Palmisano L. 70'), Vladimirescu (Ezekitias 70')
KOR: Aviara -- Dalton, Lacan, Morrow (Dennis 71'), Iorweth, Yamaoka -- Yokota, Avalor, Arevalo (c) -- Wouters, Beaulieu (de Meester 66')
A strong performance by an Apoxian side with a point to prove against the over-achieving Dragonflies, Apox come rushing out of the blocks, with Luxulya St. Cleer's fluid tactical line-up appearing to now reap its rewards, with a good win and a clean sheet. Alpha Gandhi scores an early opener, dinking the ball past Lionel Dalton out wide before cutting in to score past Lyami Aviara from a narrow angle. Titan Vladimirescu makes it 2-0 up just before half-time after running in from the wing to intercept Imriel Towsends weighted cross, before Alpha Gandhi's shot gets enough of a deflection off Lyami Aviara late on in the game to go in and seal the result. This sees Apox back into fourth place in the group at the half-way point.

Apox 3-2 Eura Palmisano J. 29', Gandhi A. 35', Campbell 50', Campbell 63', Gandhi A. 81'
APX: Steele -- Fox, Raynerson, Scott, Redmond -- Mormentor, Palmisano J. (c), Llangolan (Bridges 72') -- Townsend, Gandhi A., Arrowsmith (Mercurier 80')
EUR: Griffin -- Coles, Butler, Ainsworth, Conway -- Nolan (Leach 35'), Rose (c) -- Morrison, Coltrane (Holt 77'), Sutton (Underwood 68') -- Campbell
A magnificent win for Apox over the top seeds in Group 8, with Luxulya St. Cleer playing one of the strongest sides she can put out. A confident start by the well disciplined Apoxian defence sees Apox reach an early lead, Imriel Townsend lofting a free-kick into the area for James Palmisano to get his head on and direct the ball past the ill-positioned Robert Griffin. There is more difficulty for Eura after Bryan Butler scythes Alpha Gandhi down in the box after Gandhi jinked the ball past him - becoming Gandhi converts the resulting penalty with Eura now down to ten men. They come close in just before half-time, with Kris Campbell giving Ayrton Fox the slip, dragging him out of position and forcing Steele to make an excellent save, while Joel Sutton skies the rebound. After half-time, Apox are perhaps a little cautious despite the man advantage and that plays into Euran hands, with Kris Campbell scoring from a Sterling Rose through ball in the 50th minute. Apox themselves are reduced to 10 men shortly after, Wizzard Mormentor bringing down Kris Campbell with questionable contact - the ref sending Mormentor off and Campbell scoring the penalty. Apox then throw caution to the wind, bringing on Aspen Bridges who is inputs some needed vitality in the middle of the pitch and setting up Alpha Gandhi to score the crucial winner. This leaves Apox five points behind Eura in second as the improbable chase for qualification continues.

Thibaea 1-3 Apox Oakstone-Sandoval 5', Oakstone-Sandoval 10', Gandhi Oz. 43', Delafosse 75'
THI: Chappuis -- Barbet, Deniau (Lecocq 66'), Cazenave -- Rousselle (Beaumanoir 57'), Gachet -- Fétique, Lafaille -- Desjardins (c), Sardou -- Milhaud (Delafosse 66')
APX: Spitfire -- Beck, Mills, Gandhi Os., Fowey (c) -- Dialogue, Llangolan, Bridges -- Oakstone-Sandoval (Ephraim-Garza 71'), Gandhi Oz., Puffin
One banana skin avoided as Luxulya St. Cleer rolls the dice and puts out a largely second string team against Thibaea. Despite being outgunned, Thibaea do not simply close up shop and go for a 0-0 draw, but try to hit Apox hard, a move which doesn't pay off well in hindsight as the pace of wingers Miriam Oakstone-Sandoval and Inga Puffin is too much for their strange 3-2-2-2-1 formation to deal with, Oakstone-Sandoval in particular having a good game and scoring an early double, before Ozaria Gandhi manages to squeeze a ball past Évrard Chappuis just before half-time. The second half is a considerably more relaxed affair, with Apox happy to let Thibaea have the ball, Jack Mills and Osmosis Gandhi in particular putting in a strong game at the back, the only real mistake being Osmosis Gandhi's missed tackle on captain Vincent Desjardins who passes it to sub Roselyne Delafosse to score in the 80th minute.

Apox 3-0 Natanians and Nosts Palmisano L. 11', Ret OG 68', Foster OG 76'
APX: Anaximander -- Fox, Raynerson, Jekyll, Redmond -- Menheniot (Dialogue 69'), Palmisano J. (c), Llangolan -- Ingersleben, Gandhi A., Palmisano L. (Arrowsmith 57')
NTN: Foster -- Ret, Silva (Ivanov 77'), da Silva, Tralto (York 77') -- Gomes, Fostar -- Vit -- Ademelsson (Fostar 70') -- Silva, Gonçalo (c)
A scrappy game with a result perhaps a little harsh on the Natanians who had played very well up until a defensive breakdown in the latter stages of the game. Apox played with their usual intensity early on, and once again succeeded in finding a breakthrough against tricky defending, James Palmisano providing the inspiration for brother Lucan to power the ball past Joao Foster in goal in the 11th minute. After that, the Natanians worked themselves back into the game, with Silva and Vit both having chances on goal. The second half was more of the same, until the defensive breakdown occurred, with first Laço Tralto mis-hitting Zlata Ingersleben's clearance into his own net, and then Silva and da Silva having a mix-up and neither marking Alpha Gandhi who's shot Foster nearly managed to save but in the end he ended up parrying the shot into his own net. Apox continue to march on, and despite winning five on the bounce now, still remain five points behind Eura in second.

Al Qurija 1-3 Apox al-Mufti 14', Llangolan 72', Gandhi O. 75', Arrowsmith 85'
ALQ: Sultan -- Tawfiq, Nejem, Bousaid, El-Hashem (Kader 60') -- Abdullah (Campo 76'), Ajam, Saab, Naaji -- Al-Mufti (Saqqaf 87'), Nagi
APX: Steele -- Fox, Scott (Mills 63'), Jekyll (c), Redmond -- Llangolan, Vladimirescu (Bridges 88'), Townsend -- Oakstone-Sandoval, Gandhi O., Arrowsmith
This win makes it six in a row as they avoid losing to another one of the smaller teams in the group, with Al Qurija surprising most with a strong showing in their debut World Cup campaign. In fact, they open the scoring, with Rasheed Munir al-Mufti breaking through the crowded midfield and scoring a spectacular long range effort with the towering figure of Imhotep Jekyll closing him down. Al Qurija then proceed to lock the game down until mid way through the second half, at which point the superior fitness of the Apoxians begins to show, with rapidfire goals from Llorent Llangolan, Ozaria Gandhi and Winston Arrowsmith killing off the game.

[South Toronto]

Chapter 4: No Remorse

Rashard was sitting down counting all his money from drug, firearms, and various other things.Having finished, he sat back in his luxury chair and sighed to himself, annoyed at South Toronto's 2-0 loss to Abanhfleft.Suddenly, someone burst into the room and he lept out of his chair, frightened."For fuck's sake Trigger, at least fucking knock before you enter ma, you having me look like a bitch..." asserted Rashard.Trigger looked apologetic and said "You have to see this on the TV! It's crazy.".Rashard nodded and stood up, putting his gun underneath his belt.He followed Trigger to the main room, as he saw a crowd of people around the TV."Ay what's going on, why is everybody around the TV?" asked Rashard.Trigger responded "Indusse were spying on our team when they were training for the match against them.Now Axel only has a day to change tactics".Rashard let out an exasperated sigh, wondering how this was a big deal when the news channel changed to breaking news.At that moment, the whole room went silent as people anticipated what the news article was about.

Breaking News, as Antonio Cilimintaro and Anders Killerich are brutally murdered by MP Jose Angel of South Toronton state Roria

Silence spread around the room.Many people had shocked looks on their faces, some were silently crying, and some had angry expressions on their faces."How,"Ruby began to say,"how could an MP do this to someone? How did he even kill them?" said Ruby.Someone entered the room.It was Slink, Jozy Dembele's childhood friend," He arranged their deaths as it was apparently their fault for the 2-0 loss to Abanhfleft," Jose Angeles is extremely competitive and known to be a fan of the beautiful game.He's currently being held in Port Decca Penitentiary, which isn't that far from here- it's like 10 miles from Brimber to Port Decca.If you want, me, Trigger, and some other people could travel there and get our revenge." said Slink.

Rashard ran through the consequences in his head, knowing the police could track where they went and if anybody got caught, everybody would be in prison.But if they used their Animus's, the police wouldn't catch anybody."Get out Froharkey, he can get there easily."Rashard shouted."Ok, I'm gonna go get him." replied Trigger.Trigger walked to the room where Froharkey was sitting.Froharkey was a humanoid frog-like creature, only he was sentient."Why are you here? I'm busy man." mumbled Froharkey."We need you to go to Port Decca Penitentiary to er eliminate Jose Angeles.Will you do it with us?" inquired Trigger."I'll do it myself, I don't need you man.You just finna slo' me down." replied Froharkey as he hopped to the main room.

"No more exceptions, we taking too many L's.I finna go kill the MP and ya'll need to pack up, we not staying here in case they track us," yelled Froharkey as he took a gun from a box and loaded it up.He then began to leave, reaching the door when he said "I'm gonna feel no remorse" before he ran out of the trap house. Froharkey possessed magical water abilities, being able to breathe underwater and shoot immense jets of water out of his mouth.He then lept in the nearest river and swam until he saw Port Decca.

An hour later, he arrived at Port Decca.Froharkey pulled himself out of the water and then walked to a bus station.He looked at the bus times on the board
Next 152 Bus In: 2 Minutes
Good, he didn't have to wait long to get to the prison.It took 20 minutes to get to Port Decca Penitentiary, as he had to climb a gate away from the main entrance.Once he was inside, he squeezed his body through an opening in a door, stealthily evading all the guards as he found the cell Jose Angeles was in."Shit, it's locked, how am I going to do this?" whispered Froharkey as he looked for an entrance into the cell.Jose had a concerned look on his face as he screeched "GUARDS SOMEONE'S OUTSIDE MY CELL".Startled, Froharkey got out his gun and shot at Jose.Because of the bars, most of the bullets missed Jose however, one bullet rebounded off the wall and dived right into Jose's skull, killing him instantly.Knowing the deed was done, Froharkey ran the way he came out, escaping the prison successfully as a black car pulled up next to him outside the jail."Froharkey get in!" said the individual.Froharkey got inside the car, as it sped off into the distance.Froharkey called Axel.He picked up and said, "Who is this?" as Froharkey replied,"Justice has been served, just carry on leading the national team." Froharkey hung up the phone and gave it to the individual as he smiled to himself.

[Cassadaigua]

The Beat Goes On,
by Brittany Byers, Team Captain

Writing time is very limited today, so you’ll have to forgive me if this blog entry leaves you wanting more. I want to again thank all of our loyal fans that have continued to support us. Even in a nation like Dainer, it was good to see plenty of pink and black in the stands. In the old days, our traveling support would be nothing new, but this shows that World Cup fever is back in our nation. After thirteen games, we are starting to turn the pages of this story into the “crunch time” chapter. We won against Dainer, which is important, because there is no reason to look at the other scores if we don’t take care of our own business. Unfortunately that help we might need at some point still is not happening. It’s looking more and more like we are going to have to beat Ethane on the road, and that team is a far cry from what they were when we beat them in Concord Heights. They’ve always been able to win, but they are now finding success in the type of offensive, attacking soccer that they want to execute. It does make me think that I can relate to that, if we were winning shootouts instead of defensive games, there is a sense of uneasiness knowing that it’s not really how your team is set up. Now, the Red Kites are scoring a lot of goals. Guys like Declan Smith and Lukas Cole, especially at their ages deserve a lot of credit for how they turned the fortunes of that team around.

Our own fortunes have been positive to this point. Our 2-0 win over Dainer saw Taylor Campos pick up both goals, coming in the 33rd and 53rd minutes. She had been in a little slump, and that also becomes her first two-goal game of this tournament. We were able to take control of this match early on, and did not allow the opponents to get any particularly threatening shots on Kristen Speller. Once again, she was positioned well for anything that she needed to face. Next up is a home match against Northwest Kalactin, and we’ll need to be ready for the team that beat Legalese 7-0 earlier in qualifying. They have not always played like that, but it shows what they are capable of. Within the group, Ethane is home to Dainer. Dainer defeated them earlier, so the likelihood of a sweep there seems unlikely, but we’ll be hoping for it. Valladares is at Arconius. Dare I say, maybe some help there? At least a draw?

But again, none of that matters, if we don’t take care of our own business.

[The Archregimancy]

INTERDIMENSIONAL JOURNAL OF ZOMBIE STUDIES

USE OF TEMPORARY TARGETED PROTEIN REGENERATION AND CRYOSPHERE TECHNIQUES
TO ARREST ZOMBIE SPACE PIRATE FLESH DECAY IN TROPICAL CLIMATES: A PRELIMINARY STUDY

By Hamonii, von Madscientisto, and West

SUMMARY: Experiments were undertaken in order to study the possibility of temporarily arresting necrosis in undead tissue samples in tropical climates. The national football team of the Holy Empire was used as a case study, taking the opportunity to travel to Vilita before and after the team's 2-0 away victory over New Doltania. The Vilitan climate fits the standard definition of 'tropical', with high temperatures and high humidity both present. Tests of the zombified members of the team's ability to withstand the impact of increased bacterial exposure in tropical climates were undertaken by separating the relevant members of the team into three groups and exposing them to three different treatments:

- The substitutes were the control group, and no additional treatments were offered.

- The defence and goalkeeper were treated via the use of targeted protein regeneration techniques via a serum developed by co-author West.

- Hornigold, Greaves, and the newly zombified Teach were treated via a combination of targeted protein regeneration techniques and non-Euclidean cryosphere extra-dimensional space on the affected limbs. Particular attention was paid to the impact on Hornigold given the hole in the latter's abdomen inflicted by Equestrian States player Krystal ('allegedly' in self defence) in the match between the ponies and the Holy Empire.

More detail on the impacts of the treatments can be found in the full paper following this summary, but a brief outline is offered here:

- The flesh of the control group began to liquify on the return visit to Vilita (following the New Doltania match) due to a combination of heat, humidity, and increased bacterial infection in the tropical climate. They were restored to their pre-liquification zombified condition on return to the Holy Empire.

- The players treated via the West serum showed signs of improvement in any limbs into which the serum was injected. Unfortunately, said players flew into a murderous zombie rage; the Holy Empire's Imperial Secretariat for Imperial Security is offering compensation to those New Doltania security forces who were dismembered during the unfortunate incident that occurred at the 30 minute mark of the match. The Holy Empire Football Association has made it clear that the West serum is no longer to be used in isolation in the wake of this incident.

- The combination of the West serum and isolating the injected limbs via the use of non-Euclidean cryosphere extra-dimensional space not only allowed for improvement in zombie limb function for the duration of the match, but also allowed for regeneration of certain physical tissues in controlled lab circumstances. Hornigold's chest cavity has re-sealed.

Unfortunately, the dual serum-cryosphere technique, while temporarily effective, has no impact on regrowth of the brain stem or the cerebellum; these remain atrophied and necrotic, though they do not decay further under the impact of the tropical climate. The authors believe that the lack of any impact on these crucial areas is down to the length of time that the players were dead before treatment was offered.

Co-author West has suggested using the Abanhfleft national football team for a further experiment, offering to gas the Fleftic squad in their locker room immediately before the match, and then using the serum-cryosphere technique to immediately revive them in order to demonstrate the effectiveness of the technique on the newly deceased in controlled circumstances. Hamonii and von Madscientisto have rejected this solution; while potentially effective, it could have unforeseen ramifications on the Holy Empire's attempt to qualify for the World Cup that are not germane to the present study, and therefore lie outside of the realm of SCIENCE!

[Abanhfleft]

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

WORLD CUP 79 QUALIFIERS: EQUESTRIAN STATES VS ABANHFLEFT
By Malik Qazizadah


Abanhfleft's Lucjo Mihaelo Kleinmann in action against Equestrian States. (Courtesy of Crescent News Network Sports Channel/Andros Tasasa)

RIUWIEE - Abanhfleft moved one step closer to the 79th World Cup according to Revolutionaries manager Ranulph Bustamante following yet another impressive victory against the Equestrian States.

Yet at the start of the game, it didn't feel that way to Fleftic fans as the home side went behind just two minutes on with a thunderous strike from none other than the veteran Pegasus striker Thunderlane.

Ranulph Bustamante and Luke Edwards rallied their troops following this opening setback for the team and just eight minutes later, Rory Edwards got a quick equalizer for the home side after his curling shot from a tight angle managed to find the back of the net.

Vitaly Zima then gave Abanhfleft the lead in the 22nd minute with a looping header before Valery Zolnerov capped off Abanhfleft's resurgent display with a nice long-range shot from the arc that rattled the far post before nestling into the back of the net.

Zima scored his second goal of the game on the hour mark but Rainbow Blitz was able to bundle home a second Equestrian goal over the line before Vitaly Zima finally completed his hat trick to come away with the match ball.


Abanhfleft national team manager Ranulph Bustamante: We are one step closer to the World Cup but we must still be wary

Abanhfleft national team manager Ranulph Bustamante: "This is a good win. This is a great win. It gives us confidence in our abilities to go forward from this match and take advantage of our unique situation at the moment. We are now one step closer to going back to the World Cup, but we must remain vigilant of the teams chasing us. We must be wary because any slip-up of any form from us and we could be out of the running just like that."

On The Holy Empire, their next opponent: "It's not everyday you get to face intergalactic space pirates in football, and it's even rarer to see those intergalactic space pirates become intergalactic space pirate zombies. We actually had a zombification concern with Kareem Dagen the last time we played them, but thankfully that's been cleared up all thanks to a quick inoculation shot from the Halloween vaccine as well as a quick trip to Mereilles and Dr. Arnold Makepeace's labs. But the people from the Holy Empire assure us mundanes that their zombies are well-handled inside their own Dreamed Realm, so there probably shouldn't be anything to worry about, except for them somehow scoring more than us. But we'll see what happens."

Abanhfleft will next go to the Dreamed Realm to face The Holy Empire and their team of intergalactic space pirate zombies for a match that could potentially decide the winners of Group 1 of the World Cup 79 qualifiers.

ABANHFLEFT 5 - 2 EQUESTRIAN STATES
R. EDWARDS (10')       THUNDERLANE (2')
V. ZIMA (22')       RAINBOW BLITZ (77')
ZOLNEROV (42')
V. ZIMA (60')
V. ZIMA (90')

ABANHFLEFT
GK: 13 Varamoninov
RB: 2 Afolayan (Popov - 69')
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 - 55')
RS: 11 V. Zima █
LS: 9 Dagen (Kelvin - 71')

EQUESTRIAN STATES
GK: 1 Gentle Breeze
RB: 19 Bailey
CB: 8 Molovi (Iburrusteta - 80')
LB: 12 Hamilton
RM: 5 Apple Cobbler
RCM: 14 Stardust (Poole - 71')
LCM: 11 Krystal
LM: 16 Luminesce
CAM: 9 Rainbow Blitz
RS: 10 Pristina Shine
LS: 7 Thunderlane (Wither - 59' █)

[Kita-Hinode]

Yamabuki, Somei-Yoshino, Hinodejin Empire
IGACO Headquarters

A balding man with a suitcase waited on the hall.
The Headquarters were somewhat empty that day, for it was Memory Day.
Established at the same date of the death of Princess Mia and established by her would-be mother, the holiday served for families to mourn the departed.
Of course, this day usually comes with rain.
Which is probably why the usually jolly, balding man was now a not so jolly, balding man clearly wet from the outside rain.

[IGACO Worker] - Hey, sir.
[Balding Man] - Oh, hello. Would you happen to be responsible for this company?
[Worker] - More like the guy responsible for our Pokécards MMO server not messing up but everyone else is out for the holiday. What is it?
[Man] - Huh... A holiday?
[Worker] - Yeah, Memory Day. I'd be at home right about now, but I don't have that much of a family. My parents rest in Utsukushima these days.
[Man] - Oh, I'm sorry.
[Worker] - No, they live in this condo down the beach near Mizuno. Anyway, you can leave whatever papers you want with me, I'll notify my boss tomorrow.
[Man] - Well, young man, I represent the illustrious Audioslavian law firm, Dewie Cheatum and Howe. We've heard that your company acquired a certain group of licenses during the Sunrisian IP Fire Sale a couple of months ago and as such, we came here to offer our services.
He opened up his suitcase, taking out a couple of papers showing what seemed like counterfeit Pokécards merchandise.
[Man] - We believe your intellectual property has been breached and will continue to do so as it is.
[Worker] - ...Is that a purple-haired Sunrise saying "Screw the Police"?
[Man] - It appears so.
[Worker] - That's kind of awesome.
[Man] - Still, it would be very profitable to cut down on those and I'm sure we'd be able to help your company out.
[Worker] - I don't know...
The worker looked at the pictures, turning some around.
[Worker] - I mean, look at this.
He showed a picture of a backpack with a smiling Qasden and the word Obama on top.
[Worker] - This is hilarious!

The worker made sure to take the lawyer on a tour around the headquarters.
[Worker] - And this is the room where the programmers work at.
He knocked on the door three times, placing his ear as close to it as possible.
[Worker] - Yeah, sounds like nobody is there.
[Man] - What gives?
[Worker] - Hinodejin programmers aren't exactly the most... normal of people, sir.
[Man] - As in?
[Worker] - The last lawyer that showed up here got eaten alive.
The lawyer did a double take.
[Worker] - Well, that's what we believe. The guy never got out of here, so... Yeah.
[Man] - I... think I don't want to step in there.
[Worker] - That'd be good, yes.

The tour continued.
[Man] - So...
He looked around, the room was all green.
[Man] - Where are we?
[Worker] - The green room.
[Man] - Sounds fairly obvious.
[Worker] - Well, green rooms are useful to do motion capture. We use this room sparingly, though, most of our titles don't require anything big, although we do record motions for cutscenes.
[Man] - So, is this the only... colour room you have?
[Worker] - Well, yeah.
[Man] - Hm.
[Worker] - Although we did nickname the arts & design room the "Pink" room.
[Man] - Why?

They finally arrived at the arts & design room.
It had a massive statue of singer P!nk.
[Man] - Well, this is... slightly random.
[Worker] - I dunno who bought it, to be honest.
[Man] - Hm.
[Worker] - Makes up for a fantastic center piece, to be fair.

[Man] - Well, I'd say this tour was quite... something.
[Worker] - Glad you enjoyed.
[Man] - So, about the papers... Is your company interested?
The worker thought about it, before shrugging.
[Worker] - Not really, Hinodejin law allow works that parody intellectual property, something you'd figure a lawyer of a big firm should be aware of, to start things out. Good Memory Day, sir.

The lawyer left, confused.
Meanwhile, the worker walked up to the Programmers' room.
[Worker] - Now that I think of it... I wonder where the lawyer is.
He proceeded to continue on his way, ignoring a lawyer glued to the room.
[Worker] - He probably left while nobody was looking.

[Super-Llamaland]

BREAKING: ESTELLINE FIRED FROM ASSISTANT MANAGER POSITION
Eloise Silva, LBC Sports

NEW LLAMA CITY -- Chaos in the national team's management this morning erupted as the Llamanean FA announced that assistant manager Conan Estelline had been relieved of his duties, effective immediately. The advanced statistics analyst and LFA darling had been serving with the national team since World Cup 74; however, with Curtis Steeling's presence and a wide variety of analysts willing to take his place, Estelline's duties were apparently no longer needed. It was rumored that the assistant had become increasingly power-hungry and a disruptive influence within the clubhouse - if true, one can easily see why the LFA have soured on him.

The LFA have yet to release a statement confirming this, but leaked footage of players celebrating Estelline's departure may confirm these suspicions. As for the other party involved, Conan Estelline released a fiery public statement this afternoon speaking out against the LFA. In the statement, which has quickly spread through the Llamanean internet, Estelline decried the "Failure of the Llamanean FA to accept innovation and change within their clubhouse, especially when it was my ideas that brought them a Campionato Esportiva and consecutive World Cup qualifications."

And it is true that the statistician had been growing increasingly valuable to the Tigers. It was his statistics that motivated the LFA to go after Curtis Steeling as national-team manager, and his ideas that slightly tweaked Steeling's Explosive Football style in an attempt to best fit the national team. As a scout, Estelline was also responsible for the call-ups of players such as Jayson Herrera and Luke Svensson, the latter of which is now an integral part of the team's defense. Conan Estelline will undoubtedly leave a massive hole in the Tigers' management.

But for all the progress he brought, it was undeniable that his ideas just weren't working. His fellow statisticians might argue that the Tigers' struggles have been a result of implementation, but Estelline has failed to take this team to the next level as he has promised over and over. As a result, the LFA have needed a change in direction - and the firing of Estelline has given them the opportunity to do so.

In the meantime, former New Llama Capitals manager and SuperLleague champion Curtis Chen will take over as assistant manager, with Estelline's former assistant Chloe Rivera becoming Interim Head of Soccermetrics for the national team. It is unknown what other changes this will bring to the inner workings of the national team management, but suffice to say that such changes will be massive.

[Yue Zhou]

MÜKIACHOU CITY, SANGAU PROVINCE

Crouched on a roof but well-hidden behind a chimney, Wen Xiaowei watched a figure walk down the street. He compared the man to a picture in his pocket - it was absolutely him. Lin Xilai, the former Secretary of War and Impostor Governor of Sangau. Enemy of the Sanguese people. And, despite the group of bodyguards flanking him, a perfect shot from the angle he had.

It'd been nearly six years since a teenage Wen had run away from his parents, his older brother, and his infant sister. The Movement for Immediate Sangauese Independence had taken him in, the MISI had become his family. They had celebrated the arrival of a second Wen - so soon after the departure of the first. They had trained him, brought him out of his brother's shadow. He'd risen quickly through their ranks. And now, they had armed him and given him a mission. Kill the impostor. The SNM and his brother could negotiate all they wanted. But he was a man of action.

He took careful aim at Lin Xilai. He wrapped his finger around the trigger, squinted, and opened fire. Lin went down in a spray of blood; his bodyguards turned quickly, standing in front of the fallen official, and returned fire. But the MISI operative had hidden himself well, and their blind shots sprayed harmlessly past him. Mission accomplished.

But not yet - he heard something from beneath him. It was the impostor's voice. "I'm okay! He's only hit me in the leg - find him and kill him." He'd missed. This meant further action was required. The guards had already called in support, and the area was being searched. It wouldn't be long before they found him - he'd have to finish the job right now, or Lin would remain alive. He steeled himself, trying to ignore his impending death if he missed this shot, and stepped back out.

Before he could even take aim, the guard's bullet struck him in the chest, sending him flying off of the rooftop. Wen Xiaoli's brother was dead before he hit the ground.

[Buyan]

A brilliant evening for the Buyanese audience, reminiscent of the glory days when magnificent victories were not as few and far apart as these times. Nonetheless, managing to find the net six times on a single evening forms a unique accomplishment in the golden book – one that gets largely credited to Farf manager Ichi Tuzzio. Once the genius behind an uncatchable Vherderoja midfield, he has managed to transplant his unpredictability on the normally so stiff and accountable Hedgehogs, as evidenced by the fact that no less than six blue-clad players carved their signature into the scoresheet. As difficult as it is to understand this transformation from bottom stragglers, getting no further than a solitary win in seven games, into a side which might be too far off from the main tournament but which could turn out to be the decider for others vying for that second spot. As Eshani, Banijan and Lodgian scouts will try to grasp the new spirit which has encapsulated our national team, we ask Espen Raestad to outline what makes the Hedgehogs once again a side to reckon. A monologue from the experienced vice-captain.

“I think he gets something out of us no one believed any more that it existed – press, fans… Not even we ourselves. It’s not that Teriouris said his goodbyes in a bad spirit and I believe there is a mutual respect for what he did in the first phase – two tournament semi-finals don’t just drop into anybody’s lap. But we needed someone to take us over the next hurdle and Ichi... He walked in to the dressing room and somehow, something already changed.

It wasn’t with big fanfare or endless motivational speeches – somehow you could tell he has seen plenty enough of that in his career. He doesn’t coach with big gestures but with little touches, those marginal gains which have become so crucial in a sport so contested on the international level. There hasn’t been a massive switch in tactical system either because the numbers suited us best. But somehow, they only add up since he makes the calculations around her.

He makes the difference… For me, the best way of describing it is by comparing him with someone who managed to do the same with the completely reverse method. Well, you could say I’m a bit of a veteran already *grins* so I remember the moment Azarai Robinson walked into the dressing room of Tjelberg Forening. We knew jackshit about him, only that he was Osarian and that was enough to paint some image. He wasn’t into dramatic gestures either but was very meticulous in building the squad and the way we played. Time and time again, he would roll out every scenario, go back and forth to the drawing board and by the time the message reached you, you knew: this is tried and tested. Especially because he was right – again and again.

If Robinson was some sort of nutty scientist in tactics, then Tuzzio is the complete reverse. He’s a magician, to me. No huge flipcharts with dots and arrows, just all very lean and simple. And whether you want it or not, you start to go by your gut feeling and things work out. You simply dare to take a risk and somehow, he manages to make sure that it’s the right one you took. So you could say they’re a vastly apart from one another as could be but in the end of the day, they do the same – they make you believe in something you didn’t know it was there before.

I don’t know if it’s genius. They often say that for great football players, it’s difficult to instruct lesser talented specimens but to him and Friekder, it kind of works out. Well if they start setting up assisting pass routines on the training pitch, we’re f’ed of course. *laughs* But otherwise you feel confidence. Maybe not through a gargantuan ploy but… Maybe that’s also ‘just a trick’. Whether you do it through tons of flowcharts and running lines or just by getting in the right place in the heads of your players… It works, I guess.

As such, it was a confident squad which boarded the plane to Westerholt to encounter the red lantern of the third group in their own stadium. There was a time when such a game was considered a no-brainer victory for the Hedgehogs but a few games ago, the powerful coaching of Schultz and the speed of Kiknadze and Gerste could have rattled the confidence of the Buyanese formation. However, the historical robustness seems to have returned with Tuzzio at the helm, so one looks forward to what could be the sixth victory in his seven-game stint so far. Preferably with a performance that loads up all guns for a much more challenging and attractive duo of games where Buyan can show against higher-ranked Eshan and Eastfield Lodge whether or not they’ve taken a crucial step forward.

[Banija]

Banija defeat Eastfield Lodge 3-1; face massive visit to Eshan


Banijans celebrate go-ahead second half goal against Eastfield Lodge

BUSUKUMA- These two next games were always going to be huge ones for Banija. They finished their 'tour of revenge' on the 4th matchday of the second half of qualifying, defeating Eastfield Lodge, the third team that the Kadongo Kamu lost to in qualifying, by a score of 3-1 at the Stadium of the Restoration. As everybody knows, they lost three of their first four qualifiers, home to Boring Paradise, away to Bostopia, and away to Eastfield Lodge, with a home victory over last place Reuss-Lippe mixed in there. They have now avenged all those loses- a 4-3 victory away against Boring Paradise, a 3-1 home victory over Bostopia, and a 3-1 home victory over Eastfield Lodge.

This was a massive game against Eastfield Lodge. Although it was not true mathematically, for all practical purposes, this game against Eastfield Lodge was essentially an elimination game. While even the winner would still have a tough climb to achieve the second qualification spot, as they'd still need help, the loser would surely be out. The loser would be way too far away to expect Eshan to drop the required number of games that it would take to pass them, and having to pass the winner of this match as well. And that would be true for both teams if they split the spoils.

Fortunately for Banija, they come out of this heavyweight battle alive, and ready to fight another day. It was a tough game against Eastfield Lodge- don't get it wrong. The teams played very evenly throughout the first half, with Banijan fans coming out with great energy. They could sense that this team is actually close to seriously competing for a spot in the World Cup Finals, and they attended this game in droves. With the stakes of this matchup, it set a Banijan matchday record attendance of 71,119, with temporary seating added for the magnitude of this matchup.

Banija actually opened the scoring in this game. In the 14th minute, Kiggwe Mavuto got an opportunity that he was going to seize. A corner kick was quickly cleared by Wasa Jawo, and defense turned into offense on a dime as Kiggwe Mavuto quickly got himself a two on two, alongside Toyuwa Okafor. He gave a through ball to Okafor, who chipped it over the goalkeeper's head and put it directly into the back of the net to give his side a 1-0 lead. The striker, finally living up to his potential, jumped into the crowd and got a yellow card for excessive celebration. But still, it was a massive goal, as Banija took a lead in this pivotal game.

Eastfield Lodge was not ranked 42nd for nothing, however. They weren't going to lie down and let Banija win this game without any kind of resistance whatsoever. They are scared of nothing, and were not intimidated by this electric atmosphere. In the 38th minute, Tia Drenas responded. On a corner kick, the ball went back towards the near post, and was flicked across the 6 yard line. Tia Drenas was alone on the brilliant play, having beaten her man, as she headed the ball into the corner to draw her side level again. It was 1-1.

As we told you before, at this crucial juncture, neither team could settle for a draw, and both defenses were beatable. We were in for an exciting second half. It seemed like we were watching the basketball team play- the ball was end to end. Both teams played with pace, and with passion. Malenna von Kraus hit the post in the 58th minute, where she had Kasekende beaten badly but was unlucky to hit the underside of the crossbar, and have the ball bounce out rather than bounce back in across the touch line.

Banija, however, would end up getting the spoils in this one. IN the 72nd minute, a cross from Afolayan on a breakaway reached the head of Okafor. He headed it back across the face of goal, to a streaking Kiggwe Mavuto. He finished into the back of the net, and mayhem hit the stadium as the team took a 2-1 lead. Afolayan scored in the 88th minute to give the team a 3-1 victory, as the Kadongo Kamu netted all three points and kept their slim world cup qualification hopes alive, while they all but killed Eastfield Lodge's.

Randolf Cherry was extremely pleased. "It is hard to perform under pressure- we are now in the stretch run of world cup qualifying. It is harder to score goals, you have to dig deeper to win games. This team just showed today, that when the pressure's on, that when the stakes are high, they can go out and perform. These fans- holy crap, these fans were amazing. They inspired this team forward, and you cannot give enough credit to this home field advantage. That said, this was an important step forward for this team. But we aren't there yet! Wins only matter if you put them together with more wins. That's why winning 8 of our last 9 has been so important- individual wins, like this game and our upset over Chromatika have been great, but stringing them together while playing well on a consistent basis has put us in this position that we want to be in- a dark horse with a seriously legtimate chance of going to the World Cup Finals."

And he is right- Banija does have a chance of qualifying for the World Cup. But if they want to be in Drawkland/Ceni in a few months time, they need to defeat Eshan. Banija upset Eshan at home on Matchday 5 to start this recent run of form, but the return trip is sure to be much trickier. Eshan will know what formula worked for Banija, and will look to put a stop to it. They will look to stifle Kiggwe Mavuto, and prevent the ball from being fed to Chibuzo Afolayan. A loss will do to Banija what Banija's victory today did to Eastfield Lodge- it will all but ensure that the two teams going to the World Cup from this group are Chromatika and Eshan. While a draw won't push Eshan as far, being four points behind Eshan with four to play makes it extremely unlikely that Banija would be able to overtake Eshan.

So this game essentially qualifies as a must-win for Banija. They will be pushing forward, doing whatever they can to get three points away from home. Can they do it? It is not as important of a game for Eshan as it is for Banija, though a victory for Eshan will basically wrap things up. No matter the result here, Eshan will control their own destiny going forward. Ultimately, our prediction, once again, is a 2-2 draw. Both teams will be coming out with firepower, as Banija will, at some point, have to chase to get the goals that they so desperately seek. Eshan will be looking to hit on the counter, and will be happy with a point. Ultimately, Eshan is a deeper and more talented squad that Banija, and we believe that they will split the spoils. It will be a good performance for the Kadongo Kamu, but they will fall just short of their goal of getting 3 points out of this match.

Regardless, we hope that the Kadongo Kamu can really shock us, and turn heads from soccer pundits all over the world, and pull off the stunning upset. An upset would turn this group upside down- what has looked like for weeks a done deal for Eshan and Chromatika, would instead turn into a frantic race to the finish line between Banija and Eshan, competing for the massive prize of the final spot in the World Cup Finals from Group 3. The margin for error? Next to nothing. Who wouldn't want to watch how that played out?

Other News
The Hoima Warriors, courtesy of winning last season's Kabaka's Cup, have been invited to the Vilitian Cove International, an invitation that they gladly accepted. The Banijan Soccer League said that the Kabaka's Cup winner would not be their qualifier every season, but they would use a different metric for the long-term. However, Commissioner Jonah Vanston said that, for the time being, it made sense to use a measure that was 'earned on the field' for the inaugural tournament. A qualification measure leaked to be considered the favorite among owners- away game attendance. In the BSL, each home team is required to allocate 3,000-5,000 tickets for away fans, and the team that sells the most for their away games would be the qualifier going forward. The owners haven't voted yet, however, and therefore, nothing is official.

The Hoima Warriors finished last season 8th in the table, not qualifying for any UICA tournament. They will be led by 21 year old Arioslavian striker Andrey Soltykov. and national team starter Idowu Kwandani, who plays left back for both club and country> Wenceslaw, the 25 year old center back from Cosumar, will be making his much-awaited debut, and of course, it will be the debut match for new manager Orlando Juarez, who won the Baptism of Fire 61 with Amazonesta. They will open the tournament in a two-legged tie with Árgos LP from Capitalizt SLANI, with the first leg at PG Arena.

[Bonesea]

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