Everything Thread - Cup of Harmony 71

by **Filindostan** » Sat Jan 06, 2018 9:09 pm

It was D-day for the Pula Agilas in their Cup of Harmony campaign. The entire team of the Pula Garuda, sans some of their players, were in Taxson to see the match between Juvencus and Northwest Kalactin. The other staff and players went to other parts of Qasden to scout their possible next opponent should they advance to the Round of 16. Only four decided not to go with them - King (prohibited by the FFF to watch the match live and decided to stay), Yish (stayed with King hoping to have pleasure with King), Dina (who was secretly tasked by Vicky to guard the two), and Enzo (who had some pressing matters with someone, was on the phone the whole day).

In their hotel room, the three are watching the match on TV. Unlike the atmosphere in the stadium itself, the mood in the hotel room is light, but somewhat a little awkward, with the pair showing affection for each other while Dina keeps an eye on both the TV and the lovebirds. The camera in the broadcast rolls to the group of spectators in the back row, to a group wearing civilian clothing, sunglasses, and bonnets. The commentators quickly acknowledged the presence of the Filindostani team in the stadium.

"Their cover's blown." Dina said. "To be honest Ms. Dina, it will never work, unless they bring facemasks with them, which will most likely be confiscated at the entrance." Yish replied.

"Fair enough." Dina affirmed with no hesitation.

Minutes later, the three discussed the possible round of 16 matchups, where should the Filindos advance to it, may face the group winner of Group F, still unknown as they watched.

YISH: It's either Flardania, Equestrian States, Pridnestrovia or Somewetcoldislands for us.

KING: I'd love to face anyone. Looking forward to face the ponies though, last time two teams met, we were utterly destroyed. And at home...

DINA: Er Mister His 'Excellency', you were not on that match, remember? You were suspended by the federation.

YISH: Oh Dina, of course he'll remember that he didn't play since he's probably hooking up of Llamanean chicks while we're playing the ponies.

DINA: I'd remember the goal Bochog scored against them.

YISH: Don't you dare mention it to me! I should have scored that goal if not for that knucklehead intercepting the ball! Almost had been offside also!

(the three laughed until utter silence fills the room...)

YISH: So, loves, should we go to bed and do the jiggle-jiggle?

(Yish looks at Dina, seeking probably for her approval)

KING: Let's not do it today, loves. Apparently we'll probably go to the round of 16 if the match stays like this.

YISH: Like I care to those two! Last time we did it, I scored against Cosneolta!

DINA: So that's why you didn't go back with us to Filindostan after we lost the match against the Starblaydi!

YISH: Hahaha! Sorry Dina, I already booked the tickets to Super-Llamaland to meet him.

DINA: You tricky scum. Hahaha.

YISH: Why don't you join us, Dina? Let's have a threesome.

At that point, Dina looked slyly at King, then at Yish. 'Little did this punk know that we already did the deed at Barunia.' She said in her mind.

YISH: Come on Dina, you'll enjoy this.

DINA: Give me a minute to think...

KING: Can we just set aside the threesome for now...

The hotel door opened. The three forgot to lock it.

ENZO: Hey you three. You all forgot to lock the door. The door.

YISH: You wanna have foursome?

ENZO: I would loved to. But I had some important things to do, and oh, seems full time already, seems we'll be facing the Ponies indeed.

KING: Let's really set aside this foursome for now. Did you all forget that the Merellin Park is just a walk away from this hotel? Five minutes and they'll be back.

YISH: Okay. Next time when we go back to Filindostan. I have booked a room next month so make sure you will all be there.

by **Equestrian States** » Sat Jan 06, 2018 9:30 pm

Here We Go Again: Ponies Face Filindostan in Second Round
by Steve McNotapony

T.V. CITY, Qasden - The Cup of Harmony has reached the knockout stage of the tournament, and facing off in arguably the second round's most intriguing fixtures are the Ponies of the Equestrian States and the Pula Garuda of Filindostan. A battle between a team new to the international stage that has been one of the most interesting newcomers to watch this cycle and a well-established veteran team that's looking for a return to its glory days. Neutral pundits are overwhelmingly predicting that the winner of this match will reach the semifinals at least. There's no question that if a neutral fan is going to watch one match in the Cup of Harmony's second round, that this one would be near the top of the list.

Winners of the Baptism of Fire and near-qualifiers in their first cycle, the Filindostanis are hoping to further add to their extremely impressive - albeit brief - resume with a quarterfinals appearance in the Cup of Harmony. Meanwhile, the Equestrians are looking to break one of their several unfortunate streaks: their run of six consecutive second round defeats in WCC competitions, dating all the way back to their Cup of Harmony debut 20 cycles ago. Supporters of both teams are hoping to see history made tomorrow in T.V. City, with euphoria awaiting the winners and disappointment awaiting the losers.

Without a doubt, the atmosphere at the stadium will be nothing short of absolutely spectacular; but what about the match itself? What should fans expect to see from their teams? Who will take the pitch for the national anthems? How will the opposing managers look to gain an upper-hoof over the other? What does each team need to do in order to win a quarterfinal berth? Those are the questions I will be looking to answer in this preview of tomorrow's match.

#61 - Equestrian States
Cup of Harmony Appearance: 7th (Cup of Harmony 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 60, 71)
Best Result: Round of 16 (Cup of Harmony 51, 53, 60)
Manager:

Pearly White
World Cup Qualifying: 11-2-5 (4th in Group 10)
Group Stage: 2-2-0 (1st in Group F)
Starting XI (4-2-3-1): Gentle Breeze (GK, #1); B. Hamilton (LB, #12); A. Molovi (CB, #8); Flitter (CB, #3); K. Bailey (RB, #19); Cloudchaser (CM, #2); R. Tyler (CM, #17); Krystal (LW, #11); Rainbow Blitz (CAM, #9); Apple Cobbler (RW, #5); Pristina Shine (ST, #10); Full Roster

Overview
The Ponies entered the Cup of Harmony following what was, for the most part, a rather underwhelming World Cup qualifying campaign that had some supporters worrying that the Equestrian States might not have actually done enough to earn an invitation to the consolation tournament, though those fears would prove to be unfounded as the organizers judged the Ponies favorably. Though the Equestrians had claimed a significant scalp in their stunning upset of the 5th-ranked Holy Empire, the Ponies disappointed in their other matches against higher-ranked opponents during their qualifying campaign. Few expected the Ponies to qualify out of what some considered to be a 'group of death,' but most supporters were upset by the Equestrian States' poor performances in several of their matches. A slow start to the Cup of Harmony did little to help fan morale, but a strong finish to the group stage has supporters cautiously optimistic that this Ponies team could be the one to finally break through the team's glass ceiling and reach a WCC quarterfinal and maybe, just maybe, go even further and prove that the Equestrian States is on its way back towards the top.

How They Got Here

The group draw was not kind to the Ponies, who were drawn into Group F alongside Flardania, Banija, Somecoldwetislands, and Pridenstrovia, all teams at or near the top of their pots in rank and/or talent. The Equestrians fell behind early in their opener against bottom seeds Pridnestrovia, only able to earn a draw after battling back to equalize in the second half. Then, against Flardania, the highest-ranked team in the tournament, the Ponies held out for a scoreless draw, with star goalkeeper Gentle Breeze providing the heroics to earn the Equestrian States a crucial point. Following their bye, the Ponies found themselves bottom of the group and needing to win out in order to have any shot at controlling their own destiny; and win out they did, cruising past Banija and Somecoldwetislands to not only advance, but to finish atop the group as the top-seeded Kitsunes slumped to a defeat against the Soggy Islanders.

What to Watch For
As always for the Equestrian States, the number one thing to look for is the Ponies' world-class talents and experience to shine, particularly on defense. Gentle Breeze remains among the very best goalkeepers in the multiverse and can be practically impossible to score against if she's having a good day, but in front of her the Equestrians also boast a remarkably talented back line that's conceded just one goal so far in the Cup of Harmony. Brix Hamilton and Andrea Molovi, in particular, are extremely gifted defenders who have experience at the highest levels of play. Hamilton, a Champions Cup-winning left back with Earent's Nithgard GU, currently plies her trade with Schottia's Handon United while Andrea Molovi played a key role in 1830 Cathair's rise to international prominence and now plays in the renowned NFA Premiership with Crisisbless. Shoring up the Ponies' back line are Flitter and Krysia Bailey; though neither have the dazzling international accolades of Hamilton or Molovi, they're hardly irrelevant as their skill and experience make them valuable assets. Of course, the Equestrian States also has stars outside of their own third of the pitch, with gifted midfielders and forwards like Rainbow Blitz, Cloudchaser, Apple Cobbler, and Pristina Shine all prominent threats with over 600 caps between them. Individually, these players are all dangerous threats to their opponents; but together, they form a team bursting at the seams with raw talent and the potential to win the tournament with a bit of good luck that has so frequently evaded the Ponies in the past.

#75 - Filindostan
Cup of Harmony Appearance: 1st (Cup of Harmony 71)
Best Result: N/A (First Appearance)
Manager:

Willy Gurnawan
World Cup Qualifying: 11-2-5 (3rd in Group 13)
Group Stage: 1-1-1 (2nd in Group E)
Starting XI (3-4-1-2): G. Nasution (GK, #1); C. Likumahuwa (CB, #3); D. Satyawan (CB, #4); A. Jampang (CB, #5); D. Cambo (LM, #44); K. Tisang (CM, #22); M. Safri (CM, #28); D. Santos-Strauss (RM, #71); Y. Rivas (CAM, #10); B. Arespacochaga (ST, #55); Y. Lucia (ST, #19); Full Roster

Overview
Filindostan exploded onto the international scene with a commanding run through the Baptism of Fire, winning the title with relative ease and immediately establishing themselves as the hot newcomers to watch coming out of the tournament. Then, despite several setbacks in pre-qualifying friendlies, including a 4-1 loss to the Equestrian States, the Pula Garuda continued their excellent debut cycle with an extraordinarily impressive qualifying campaign. At times it seemed the newcomers might actually qualify for the World Cup, but ultimately the Filindostanis came up just short. Though the Filindostanis actually finished an identical record to the Equestrians, in the much tighter Qualifying Group 13 it was enough for a 3rd place finish just one point shy of a berth in the World Cup finals. Thus, bursting with confidence, the Pula Garuda entered the Cup of Harmony; and even though Filindostan has not been quite as remarkable thus far in the tournament, they advance to the knockout stage of the tournament with an all-conquering attitude and determination to prove their previous successes just the beginning of their legend.

How They Got Here

The Filindostanis were drawn into one of the Cup of Harmony's smaller four-team groups, sharing Group E with Mercedini, Juvencus, and Northwest Kalactin. Following a disappointing draw with the Kalactanians, the Pula Garuda took on Mercedini, who Equestrian supporters will recall having lost to twice during their World Cup qualifying campaign. Filindostan, however, did not suffer the same fate as the Ponies, rallying to defeat their group's top seed and put one foot firmly in the knockout rounds. But then, facing Juvencus, the Filindostanis were humbled 3-1 and were left needing help to advance. Fortunately for the Pula Garuda's supporters, Juvencus was able to hold Northwest Kalactin to a draw, allowing the Filindostanis to celebrate a second round berth and a second date with the Equestrian States.

What to Watch For
For the Pula Garuda, the top thing to watch for is for their team's powerful attacking drive and boundless confidence to give them a shot at beating the more talented and experienced Equestrians. Though the Filindostanis tendency to press forward could leave them open to the Equestrian States' ruthless counterattacks, they will have the advantage of feeling considerably less pressure than the Equestrians and plenty of confidence in their ability to do so given the scalps they've claimed thus far in the cycle. Despite several sub-par performances from the Pula Garuda in the Cup of Harmony, the Filindostanis are clearly a team on the rise, driven by a promising group of goalscorers who could develop into a force to be feared given enough experience. Against the Ponies' battle-hardened defenders and the world-class abilities of Gentle Breeze, however, that group will face perhaps one of their biggest challenges yet.

by **Qasden** » Sat Jan 06, 2018 10:30 pm

Round of 16 CUTOFF - Qasdonian Side

RP Prompt: When you return home from an adventure, usually everything is ok. For this round, RP about someone experiencing something going awry from their return and describe how they will carry on. (Following or Not Following the prompt won't cause the change in RP Bonus)

Juvencus 2–1 Flardania

Equestrian States 2–0 Filindostan

Apox 2–1 Savojarna

New Gazi 2–1 Mattijana

Ethanian Side

Soltsteed VS. Buyan

Anthor VS. Darmen

@ Brannigan Stadium, New Sarum

@ St. Maries Stadium, Southern Hampton

Qasdonian Side

Juvencus VS. Apox

Equestrian States VS. New Gazi

@ Moriardi Square, Destiny

@ New Qad Field, Qad City

by **Juvencus** » Sun Jan 07, 2018 11:19 am

THE LEGEND LIVES ON!

The gli attccanti's players celebrating qualification to the quarter finals of the Cup of Harmony

Juvencus XI:
GK:Taddeo Bulgari
CB:Nicolò Bassi(Subbed off for Artur Bernat 80')
CB:Amaury Félix
CB:Dudu Madeiros(Yellow card 61')
CDM:Filipe Rodrigues(Assist 38')
CDM:Nino Russo(Subbed off for Gian Landi 66')
RM:Hugo Grec
LM:Angelino Alberighi
RF:Demetro Laterza(Goals 38', 84')
LF:Joaquim Martell(Assist 84')
CF:Santo Silvestri(Yellow card 26')

Kirishima XI:
GK:Miyoko Hōjō
CB:Ayame Fujisaka
CB:Claire Nguyen(Yellow card 26')
RB:Miguel Tamayo
LB:Koharu Miyamoto
CM:Son Dae Han
RM:Rin Mizoguchi
LM:Ako Izumi(Assist 62')
RF:Renée Guidice(Goal 62')(Yellow card 82')
LF:Josuke Ichikawa
CF:Joseph Yabuta(Subbed off for Aoi Fujioka 71')

After last night's performance, the gli attaccanti's through to the Quarter-Finals of the Cup of Harmony for the first time. In an exciting twist of events, Juvencus managed to upset another big team, Kirishima, in the round of 16 of Cup of Harmony, after quite an offensive battle between the two. Martell's passing was the one that caught everyone's attention, since most of his passes were well-weighed.(He also had a 92% pass accuracy)

The first half started with the Kitsunes having ball possession and immediately pressuring the gli attaccanti from the sides. In the 12th minute, an Ako Izumi through ball found Joseph Yabuta is a favorable position, however his shot was saved by Bulgari. The gli attccanti quickly went on to the counter-attack, with Angelino Alberighi sprinting on the left side of the pitch all the way to the box of Kirishima but his shot was weak and easily saved by Hōjō. Juvencus kept pressuring the Kirishima side, this time with Silvestri's powerful shot hitting the cross bar. In the 26th minute, Silvestri and Nguyen fell into an argument after they both pulled each other's kits, thus they were both awarded a yellow card. 10 minutes later, the Kitsunes were really close into getting the advantadge over their hands, with Ichikawa's shot being saved and Yabuta's rebound hitting the side bar. The gli attaccanti quickly countered, with a Rodrigues cross deep into the field being excellently controlled by Laterza who managed to score one for the national team, making the scoreline 1-0 in favor of Juvencus, which was also the half time scoreline.

The second half saw Kirishima on possession once more, this time pressuring the Juven side with maximum effect. A Dudu Madeiros tackle on Mizoguchi in a dangerous spot in the 61st minute, awarded him the yellow card. Izumi took advantadge of this and found a brialliantly placed Guidice, with the latter scoring a header, equalising for Kirishima,
jeopardising the Juven campaign. They didn't stop there though, immediately after, another Izumi through ball saw Ichikawa missing a relatively easy chance to give Kirishima the advantadge, however his shot was saved by Bulgari. After a while the pressure stopped, neither side could find space to make any sort of opportunities. Until the final 10 minutes, Martell and Alberighi cooperated excellently for the latter to cross in the middle of the Kitsune's box, and Laterza was able to score the volley in, making it 2-1,
which would the final scoreline.

The next game is the quarter-final of the Cup of Harmony is against Apox, which happens to be on form, just like the gli attaccanti, they emerged victorious with a 2-1 scoreline against our rivals, Savojarna. The stakes are high for Juvencus, since this match will decide if Juvencus will manage to sneak in a top 4 spot in the Cup of Harmony for the first time in history, thus putting Juvencus into the history books.

by **Apox** » Sun Jan 07, 2018 12:20 pm

Apox 2-1 Savojarna Jarkasjärvi 30', Gandhi A. 61', Palmisano J. 79'
APX: Steele -- Fox, Raynerson, Jekyll, Redmond -- Menheniot, Townsend, Palmisano J. (c) -- Oakstone-Sandoval (Arrowsmith 70'), Gandhi A., Vladimirescu
SVJ: Petrova -- Reskilainen, Kjaer, Ernberg, Midström -- Raukanen (Namenkova 70') -- Vailova, Johansson -- Jarkasjärvi, Sigurdsdottir (Lindberg 58'), Haakonson (Sorendal 77')
With Apox into the knock-out rounds, a full strength side is selected by Luxulya St. Cleer against Savojarna for the two sides first meeting. The Savojars put up stern resistance to the early Apoxian attacks, Viktorija Petrova making a couple of good saves in the earlier moments, with Savojarna happy to defend and concede the ball to the Apoxians and break on the counter. It is one of these counter attacks, Vailova to Jarkasjärvi in the 30th minute which sees the Apoxian defense caught out a little and Savojarna had an early lead. However, this is an experienced enough Apoxian side that panic wasn't required, and after stabling the ship immediately after the goal, Apoxian pressure was once again re-applied and the first cracks in the Savojarna defense started to appear.

Their defense was eventually split open by a majestic lofted through ball from Bryton Menheniot to Miriam Oakstone-Sandoval, who jinked outside Anna Reskilainen and fired a cross into the waiting Alpha Gandhi in the middle, who put away his 33rd international goal with that effort. Savojarna, who had just changed formation to a diamond 4-4-2 with the subbing on of Helga Lindberg. now had to try and find a winner somewhere, but with increasing Apoxian dominance, that was looking increasingly unlikely. The winning goal for Apox was eventually scored by captain James Palmisano, who dropped outside the box a bit as Ayrton Fox made his run, Fox's cross back to Palmisano outwitting the Savojar defense, and Palmisano's wonder shot outwitting Petrova in goal, who could do little about it to be honest. Up next for Apox, in the Quarter-Finals, is Juvencus. The gli attaccanti's are an up and coming side in World football, and Apox will need to be at their best to beat them. For Luxulya St. Cleer though, the prospect of a Cup of Harmony trophy, and Apox's first WCC trophy, is still on.

by **Soltsteed** » Sun Jan 07, 2018 5:24 pm

I swear this man has been giving me an evil eye this entire ride…

The cab ride home was excruciating. All of Soltsteed was out for Jan-Peter’s head after losing to Buyan. The seething rage in the press was enough to make Jan-Peter long for the sweet release of death.

“Here we are,” the driver proclaimed. Almost unbeknownst to Jan-Peter, he appended it with a muttered “you traitorous bastard.”

Wietdal reached into his wallet and pulled out a 200 shilling note, directing the driver to keep the change. All he wanted to do was get back to his flat and relax as much as he possibly could before he went on full trial in the press.

But doing so was going to be a slightly problematic…

Fire brigades were swarming the tower in which Wietdal lived, which was fully up in smoke. Jan-Peter watched in complete terror, in full knowledge that his entire life was quickly devolving into rubble and ash

“There he is!”

Jan-Peter turned around to the sight of a mob, replete with the clichéd torches and pitchforks, charging straight at him. And then…

Jan-Peter’s hotel, New Sarum
Early morning

“Heilig focking shiet!”

Jan-Peter’s yell was enough to rouse the entire floor from their slumber. Almost as soon as Jan-Peter snapped from his nightmare, the door slammed open, revealing a sleepy and cross James.

“What the hell was that about?” Wietdal’s assistant queried in what could best be described as quiet yelling. “Some of us are trying to sleep.”

“I just had the worst nightmare, James…” Jan-Peter responded, visibly sweating and shaking. “We’d lost the match and the entire tower was up in flames. And then there was a village mob charging at me from behind.”

James, now joined by several of the staff and players, stood there with his head in his hands.

“You are overreacting, sir,” Emmet said from the back of the gathered crowd. “The worst that could happen is the Federation firing you. It is not good, I concede, but no one with two brain cells to rub together is seriously going to come after you.”

“Thanks for the moral support, Emmet,” Jan-Peter said, sarcasm exuding with each Soltsteedish syllable that escaped his lips.

Lucky for the manager, Emmet was the least annoyed of the bunch. He’d always been a short sleeper and something of a night owl. “I am sorry, sir,” Emmet replied, the honesty clear to all on the floor. “I didn’t mean to stress you out more.”

“It is good,” Jan-Peter said as his heart rate returned to normal and his cold sweat ceased. “You are right. The stress is just getting to me.”

“I think you need to sit this match out, boss,” James demanded. “You’re clearly in no shape to be in the box.”

The crowd was dispersing. Jan-Peter was collecting himself and the commotion was finished: their beauty sleep could resume unassaulted.

“I think I should confess something to the two of you,” Jan-Peter said as he left his bed and proceeded to his suitcase. “I’ve not been entirely honest with the two of you and I know how much you care, so…”

Jan-Peter trailed off as he searched for the private memo, engrossed in his hunt.

“What is it?” the pair simultaneously replied in their native languages, a cacophony of Ingvaeonic tongues.

“Here it is,” Jan-Peter proclaimed as he pulled the parchment from his bag, handing it over to James to read.

“Mr Wietdal, as I am sure you are aware,” James began, Emmet looking over his shoulder. James trailed off slowly as he got deeper into the English-language memo, slowly piecing together the puzzle.

Emmet had a eureka moment, everything falling into place. “So this is why you’ve been so… what’s the word?”

“Stressed, worried, pressured, tense,” James listed off. English was his native language, not Emmet’s, after all.

Emmet interrupted after the fourth word: “Right. Tense.”

“Yes,” Jan-Peter replied. By this time, he was sitting on the end of the bed, ashamed of the secret that he had been hiding from his greatest confidant and his most trusted player.

“Why didn’t you tell us about this sooner?” James asked, feeling a bit betrayed. James and Jan-Peter had known each other since their days at St George University—the school, rather than the club that bore its name—and had been close friends since. The idea that Jan-Peter would hide something so important was an insult.

“I didn’t want you to worry about me, James. I know how you are with these kinds of thing.”

“But I’ve been worried about you the entire time. You’ve looked off from the moment we got here.”

“He is right,” Emmet butted in. “The entire team has been worried about you. Bryan even suspected that you’d been put on notice.”

“I’m sorry that you two had to find out like this.”

“What doesn’t make sense to me, though,” James said, “is why they’re after you now. We’ve won a trophy, finished fourth in our qualifying group two times in a row and got to two straight Cup of Harmony quarterfinals. For a team that was unranked half a decade ago, we’re not doing all that bad. What the hell could it be?”

“Think about it,” Jan-Peter rebutted. “Think about who was in our qualifying group.”

James and Emmet’s faces lit up simultaneously, in full understanding of what had set the Federation off.

“Well they can go fuck themselves,” Emmet quipped, “the federation and the team.”

The three burst into a fit of uncontrollable laughter, not loud enough that it could rouse anyone, but loud enough to be noticed by the confused passerby in the hallway.

“We’ve twenty-odd Buyanese to beat,” James stated. “Buy ourselves two more games and this will have all been for nothing.”

Wietdal had to concede that Armstrong was right. Victory was possible. All of a sudden, Jan-Peter felt his muscles relax for the first time in weeks and, goddamn, it felt good.

by **Ethane** » Sun Jan 07, 2018 5:44 pm

Quarter-Finals
RP Prompt: Actually, lightning does strike twice (literally or metaphorically or both, your choice). (This is only to give you ideas to RP and following or not following the prompt will not affect your RP Bonus in any way.)

RESULTS

Soltsteed 2–1 Buyan
@ Brannigan Stadium, New Sarum

Anthor 2–3 Darmen
@ St. Maries Stadium, Southern Hampton

by **New Gazi** » Sun Jan 07, 2018 7:27 pm

Jarlsdottir Powers Through Mattijanan Center

Some already had begun cries of 'bust' in relation to Carmen Jarlsdottir. Critics had little success to point to in her defense. She hasn't put up many high stats or had the sort of involvement her agent claimed she'd achieve. Many were starting to think she was just a gimmick. She was just a Vangazi, placed on the African team to give relevance to the Scandinavian percentage of Vangaziland.

Carmen waited until game 2 of the playoffs in Cup of Harmony 71 to begin her journey of proving naysayers wrong. Jarlsdottir has put up 2 goals over the Cup of Harmony and had 2 assists. The game against Mattijana was her most convincing performance.

She had a central foot on the offense, sending threatening cross after cross into the box. This came as a result of her control with the ball and ability to be her marker. The game came across an up and coming Esportivan nation in Mattijana. It was one of her searching crosses which had a hand on New Gazi's first goal. The ball had come her way from a through ball by winger Uffe Diya.

Carmen beat her marker to the ball and then split her direction with a skillful move. She wasn't in the right place, but Imari Lefisse happened to be. He controlled the ball with a header and then sent the dropped ball forward with a spinning kick that sent the ball to the left side of the goal.

The momentum just made for the look of a well timed cross, easily reigned in for a follow-up kick. New Gazi was firing on all cylinders in a way that they hadn't during World Cup qualifying. For the second season in a row, New Gazi missed out on qualifying by the smallest of margins. A good performance in Cup of Harmony 71 would say good things for future Gazilian teams.

Jarlsdottir took the ball all the way to the goal from a clearance. Niang brought a clearance down and sent a ball out to Carmen. She was able to get her sprint into pace, kicking the ball far ahead of her mark to keep up her speed. She passed up to Diya, but kept pushing fast enough so that Diya had the option to pass back to the streaking Vangazi.

He did and she paused just the slightest bit to time her run on sides. The linesman let her play on and she sent forth a spiraling kick which would take the game from Mattijana, a team which had qualified in place of Vangaziland.

"I wouldn't say I avenged my homeland", Jarlsdottir said, joking during the post game interview with reporters who sent sarcastically probing questions. "It was just an important game for New Gazi. I know we're not as fancy as Bakati North... The Prince's Champions. But we're trying to play some interesting soccer over here too."

The 1 goal, 1 assist game was not the first such game for Jarlsdottir of this cycle. She is known for breaking into the team's engine every so often. When met with the right sort of mismatch on defense, she can create trouble.

Some want to see her closer to goal in a CF or ST role. She spoke on that after the game saying, "I could look to play such a role in the future. And yes, Vangaziland is an option. It's always been my goal to play for the national team. I love the whole FC Vang angle. I'd have to consider it, if they called."

Veteran Uffe Diya didn't have a problem with his teammate reaching out to another national team. "She has the right to pursue all options", said the winger. "Of course, if she wants to qualify for the cup, her best chance is here in New Gazi."

The Vannish soccer program is in a building phase. Funds for a national team have only recently been put into place. Players are being scouted in a system that is underdeveloped at best. The Vannish talent pool has been called 'a pretzel. A puzzle that will have to be unwound before we know who we have among all the freestylers'.

Vannish soccer is notoriously disorganized. 11 v 11 association football doesn't get a major priority as opposed to 5 a side and 8 v 8 panna. Along with investments in a new national team, association football leagues will also be revamped on the youth level including youth teams and more funding for secondary school associations.

New Gazi looks forward to their match against the Equestrian States. They are another up and coming side, which is firing on all cylinders.

"When you talk about engines, you have to talk about the runners with the Equestrian States", said Amare Contee. "We're expecting our most physical game of the cycle."

It would behoove New Gazi to get Diya working along the wings, Jarlsdottir will need to work up the Center. Lefisse will have to be fluid jumping back and forth between a defensive set. Contee might need to put up a few goals, which is possible.

Most importantly, in an area where New Gazi has been arguably lacking, defense will need to step up, close out and clear. The defense is also made up of veterans on their last hurrah of an effort before retirement.

This leaves a lot of checkboxes to be ticked for New Gazi to progress into the Cup of Harmony's Final Four.

"This team is capable of making a run", said Coach Oliver Hausta. "It's easy to say they've underperformed. But it's not over until the dancing is done."

by **Equestrian States** » Sun Jan 07, 2018 10:19 pm

Finally! Equestrians Reach First Ever Quarterfinal
by Steve McNotapony

Equestrian States 2-0 Filindostan
at Royal T.V. Stadium in T.V. City, Qasden
Attendance: 90,500
Scoring:

Apple Cobbler '28 (K. Bailey)

Rosie Tyler '90+5 (Pen.)

T.V. CITY, Qasden - It's happened! It's finally happened!

For the first time in over 20 years, the Equestrian States national hoofball team is advancing to a WCC-sanctioned quarterfinal after a hard-fought victory over newcomers Filindostan in front of a packed Royal T.V. Stadium. It wasn't easy, nothing at all like the Equestrians' previous meeting with the Filindostanis, it took the combined talent and experience of the entire team; but in the end the Ponies emerged victorious to the delight and relief of Equestrian hoofball supporters everywhere.

The prevailing sentiment among Ponies fans ahead of last night's match was a feeling of cautious optimism. The Equestrians had faced the Pula Garuda in a friendly prior to the teams' qualifying campaigns in Filindostan and the Ponies had cruised to an easy 4-1 rout, humbling the Baptism of Fire champions. However, since then, the Filindostanis had emerged as a legitimate contender to qualify for the World Cup finals while the Equestrians went through a challenging and ultimately disappointing campaign that saw them finish just 1-0-5 against higher-ranked opponents. But the Ponies' improved form in the Cup of Harmony gave fans a reason to believe that this could be the team to finally break the Equestrian States' run of soul-crushing second round exits in WCC tournaments. However, it wasn't the first time that many fans had experienced this optimism and most knew all too well that who 'should' win doesn't always advance.

Manager Pearly White made a tactical change for the Ponies' round of sixteen match, abandoning the Equestrian States' traditional 3-5-2 in favor of her personally-preferred 4-2-3-1 to counter the Pula Garuda's more aggressive approach and put another body reliably in front of Gentle Breeze to maximize the Equestrians' defensive solidity. As expected, this meant that right-back Krysia Bailey would join the Ponies' starting XI, replacing second striker Thunderlane. Meanwhile, Filindostani manager Willy Gurnawan stuck with his guns and fielded the same 3-4-1-2 that saw his team come within a point of qualifying for the World Cup finals.

Despite the adjustment to a more defensive formation, however, the Ponies came out of the gate swinging for a third straight match, forcing two saves from goalkeeper Gerry Nasution in the first few minutes of play. Pristina Shine's 4th minute strike was the closest the Equestrian States would come to opening the scoring as Gerry barely tipped the unicorn striker's shot over the crossbar. Filindostan fought back after adjusting to the Ponies' aggressive start, probing the Equestrians' back line for an opening, though they were unable to get any shots on target and trouble Gentle Breeze, their early efforts widely missing the goal and drawing sarcastic cheers from the purple and orange-clad Equestrian contingent of supporters.

The Ponies' quick start to the match finally came into fruition just before the half-hour mark following a brief spell of Pula Garuda control in the Equestrian third. With the Filindostanis stretched thin from their somewhat prolonged attack, the Equestrian States surged forward on the counterattack, led by Krysia Bailey who stormed up the right side of the pitch before crossing into the box where Apple Cobbler was waiting. The Jungle Strike midfielder tracked the ball flawlessly and needed just one touch to steer it past Gerry Nasution into the back of the net. In the stands, the Ponies' supporters celebrated while the Filindostani contingent stood quietly watching, seemingly stunned by the speed of the Equestrian counterattack.

But their silence didn't last long as the Pula Garuda restarted the match determined to find an equalizer before the end of the half, and in the 41st minute had their best chance at a goal in the first half. Just as the Ponies had scored their first goal on a counterattack, the Filindostanis went on the offensive after clearing an Equestrian corner from the box, driven by the singular determination of striker Marish Lucia. "Yish" put together a simply incredible run, beating both Andrea Molovi and Flitter - no easy feat even for a top-class forward - to find herself facing Gentle Breeze alone. Frequently these one-on-ones end with an easy goal, but with Gentle Breeze, there are no easy goals to be had. The pegasus raced out to meet Yish and as the Filindostani striker attempted to chip the ball over the sliding keeper, Gentle Breeze extended her right wing to make the goal-saving stop. Filindostani protests that surely something about the save was illegal were brushed aside by the referee and the first half concluded without any further excitement.

After a gripping opening 45 minutes, the second half of the match settled into an almost monotonous pattern of attacks followed by counterattacks with the Ponies seeking another goal to solidify their lead and the Pula Garuda still in search of that elusive equalizer. Both managers made changes to inject new energy into their sides, but little of consequence seemed to happen as the minutes slowly climbed higher. It appeared that Apple Cobbler's 28th minute strike would sit alone on the scoresheet, but in stoppage time all Tartarus broke loose.

It all started with an innocuous 92nd minute counterattack, Pristina Shine darting into the box but with Mila Khalifa and Gerry Nasution between her and the goal only to be tackled from behind by substitute Enzo Matienzo. The referee wasted no time pointing to the spot before whipping out his red card with a dramatic flair and sending Matienzo off, pandemonium breaking out among both sets of supporters with contrasting emotions. Furious, the Filindostanis crowded around the referee, protesting the decision while the Equestrians celebrated. Amidst the chaos, the notorious "King" Tisang somehow got his hands on the referees red card, brandishing it for all to see while apparently mocking the poor official. Needless to say, the referee was not amused and sent the midfielder to join his teammate in the locker room once order was somewhat restored with the help of his assistants.

Several minutes later, Rosie Tyler stepped up to take the penalty and confidently buried her shot in the corner of the net, sending Gerry Nasution helplessly diving the wrong way, though the goal itself mattered little with so little time remaining. The Ponies supporters were still celebrating their second goal when the whistle blew almost immediately after play was restarted and the Equestrian bench emptied onto the pitch, euphorically embracing their teammates having finally overcome a hurdle that the Ponies had been unable to clear in the past. Meanwhile, the Filindostanis, still fuming over the penalty decision, resumed their airing of grievances with the referees, apparently more upset over the call than disappointed at being eliminated from the tournament.

Elsewhere in Qasden and Ethane, the Cup of Harmony witnessed a pair of shocking second round upsets as Juvencus' excellent form saw them past 19th-ranked tournament favorites Flardania and Anthor toppled the Osarians. With two of the favorites to win the title now eliminated, the Cup of Harmony has become a much more wide-open tournament. Apox is the current favorite of most bookies to hoist the trophy, but they're hardly a runaway favorite to win the Cup like Flardania was when the tournament participants were announced.

The Ponies will face 47th-ranked Group H winners New Gazi in the quarterfinals, a team the Equestrian States has not faced before but is hoping to use the Cup of Harmony to springboard their side into contention for a future World Cup berth. The Cannoneers are another aggressive powerful attacking team which will put the Ponies' talented back line to the test, though the Equestrians have held out well in their recent matches with such sides as they haven't conceded since the 35th minute of their opener against Pridnestrovia.

Match Report :: Round of 16

 EQUESTRIAN STATES 2–0 FILINDOSTAN 
Royal T.V. Stadium (cap. 90,500) in T.V. City, Qasden

Scoring:
 Apple Cobbler '28 (K. Bailey)
 Rosie Tyler '90+5 (Pen.)

Starting XI:
GK - Gentle Breeze
LB - Brix Hamilton
CB - Andrea Molovi
CB - Flitter
RB - Krysia Bailey
CM - Cloudchaser (C)
CM - Rosie Tyler
LW - Krystal
AM - Rainbow Blitz
RW - Apple Cobbler
ST - Pristina Shine

Substitutions:
 Luminesce in for Krystal '64
 Sunlight in for Krysia Bailey '73
 Erauso Iburrusteta in for Flitter '85

by **Qasden** » Sun Jan 07, 2018 10:40 pm

Quarter-Finals CUTOFF - Qasdonian Side

RP Prompt: It's a shame teams have to lose! If you survive tonight, RP about a time when you weren't so lucky. A time when you had to say goodbye. (Following or Not Following the prompt won't cause the change in RP Bonus)

Juvencus 2–0 Apox

Equestrian States 0–1 New Gazi

Soltsteed VS. Darmen

Juvencus VS. New Gazi

@ King Edward IV Stadium, New Sarum

@ Royal T.V. Stadium, T.V. City

by **Juvencus** » Mon Jan 08, 2018 7:30 am

Juvencus 2-0 Apox

T-RIFFIC CAMPAIGN

The team's victory over Apox secures the team's first qualification to a major tournament's semi-finals

Juvencus XI:
GK:Taddeo Bulgari
CB:Nicolò Bassi
CB:Dudu Madeiros
CB:Amaury Félix
CDM:Filipe Rodrigues(Assist 82')
CDM:Nino Russo
RM:Hugo Grec(Assist 33')
LM:Angelino Alberighi
RF:Demetro Laterza(Subbed off for Oriol Vives 77')
LF:Joaquim Martell(Yellow card 89')
CF:Santo Silvestri(Goals 33',82')

Apox XI:
GK:Jadranka Steele
CB:Eurwen Raynerson
CB:Imhotep Jekyll(Yellow card 30')
RB:Ayrton Fox(Subbed off for Era Beck, 66')
LB:Aliser Redmond
CDM:Bryton Menheniot
CM:Imriel Townsend(Yellow card 70')
CM:James Palmisano
RF:Miriam Oakstone-Sandoval
LF:Titan Vladimirescu
CF:Alpha Gandhi(Subbed off for Lucan Palmisano 85')

Last night was nothing short of exceptional. The beast slayers of the gli attaccanti have taken out yet another favourite to win the Cup of Harmony, the on-form Apoxian squad, which they beat 2-0, thanks to the exceptional teamwork as well as individual performance of Santo Silvestri, the up-and-coming star of the team. What is to be added is that the Juven squad was unable to play as offensively as they usually do, since the Apoxian club is somewhat more defence reliant than other squads which made it hard to find and create space for the attackers.

The first half saw the gli attaccanti getting into the game with a lot of passion and thirst to score just a goal immediately, however the duo of Alberighi and Martell were unable to create any sort of opportunities as they were cut by an excellent Ayrton Fox, who was slightly injured in the hamstring later in the game and is expected to be out of the game for 2 weeks. Then the game evolved into a more possessive, fluid one, just like the Apoxian squad would like it to be. They slowly transitioned to the attack with a Palmisano through ball not finding anyone however, which gave the opportunity for the Juven squad to quickly counter before the Apoxians would properly set up. Alberighi sprinted in the left side of the pitch, found a greatly positioned Grec and the latter just passed it to Silvestri, with Silvestri dribbling through Raynerson and Jekyll to find himself on an one-on-one situation with the goalkeeper, he just chipped the ball over Steele's head, making it 1-0 in favor of the gli attaccanti. The Juven squad would pressure one last time in the first half, with Grec's powerful shot going wide.

The second half, in contrast to the first one, saw Apox once again in the possession, playing a stable game. They'd eventually attack on the 58th minute, this time with extreme effect as Vladimirescu was found sprinting through the defenders only to send the ball right on Bulgari's hands. They'd pressure the Juven side once more, with a Menheniot through ball finding Gandhi in a favorable position, however Gandhi's shot went wide. Juvencus attempted to pressure the Apoxian side once more a bit later,
in the 69th minute with a quick counter-attack, but Rodrigues was violently tackled by Townsend which saw the yellow card. The gli attaccanti would eventually find space to pressure from later in the game but to no avail. However in the 82nd minute, an excellently placed through ball by Rodrigues found Silvestri in a favorable position, all he did was just hammer the ball in, which he did, giving a further 2-0 advantadge in favor of Juvencus, which would be the final score of the game. Juvencus' win over Apox means that the team's qualified for the semi-finals of the Cup of Harmony, their first qualification to the top 4 in a major football tournament in history.

The next game, the crucial semi-final is against New Gazi, a team from Africa, which happens to be unbeaten, just like the gli attaccanti, the team's main focus is to find all sorts of weaknesses of the opposing team and hopefully net a few goals that secure qualification to the tournament's final. With the squad's currently surprising 5 match unbeaten streak, everything is quite likely.

by **Filindostan** » Mon Jan 08, 2018 8:47 am

Equestrian States 2–0 Filindostan
Royal T.V. Stadium, T.V. City, Qasden
Apple Cobbler 28', R. Tyler 90+5' - [Enzo sent off 90+2', King sent off 90+3']
FID Lineup: Gerry; Casimir, Dina Satyawan, Alex Jampang (Enzo 74', sent off 90+2'); Damaris (Mila Khalifa 78'), King (sent off 90+3'), Mohd Safri, Domo; Yakob; Bienvenido (Bochog 86'), Yish

Royal T.V. Stadium
T.V. City, Qasden

As the game between Equestrian States and Filindostan reaches its conclusion, the latter have yet to find an equalizer that may kickstart their comeback, or for the pessimists, force the match to extra time. At the 74th minute, Enzo came in for Alex Jampang, and seems out of focus at the point he came to the match. His side of the field became a focal point of the opponents' offense, exploiting the early mistakes he made.

After a pep talk by Dina minutes later, he regained focus, but something still bugged him. This would cause the defender to make probably his biggest mistake in his international career minutes later. At the second minute of added time, when Yakob mistimed his dribble, the Ponies started their potent counter-attack, with Pristina Shine carrying the ball just into her box, Enzo, one of the defenders the forward passed by, caught her leg when the Perodos defender committed to a slide tackle, prompting the referee to put out the red card without hesitation. A stuttered Enzo slowly walked into the dugout, with hands over his head.

King, who already noticed Enzo's strange actions the day before the match, found a way to get into Enzo at the dressing room. "Yakob. It's probably a lost match to us. I'll take responsibility." The midfielder walked to the referee, who were already surrounded by the protesting Pula Garuda players, grabbed the red card from the referee, and brandishes it to him. Unamused at what King did, he gave the red card to him too. Without hesitation, the midfielder immediately brisked into the dugout to follow Enzo.

In the locker room, he saw Enzo sitting, with one of the coaching staff. He told the staff to leave them for a while.

"What happened? What's wrong? Is there anything I can help with? You're acting weird since yesterday."

"I'm fine."

"Don't lie. I suspect something's wrong."

"Well... it's my brother. Nolo."

"Nolo? My batchmate? You were his brother?"

"Yep... I think you know his problems right?"

"Probably... he was a notorious one at school. Was it a shenanigan by him?"

"Hmm, I can't describe right now, but he's probably in danger. You know Dorigo's campaign right?"

"He might be. Have you told him to stop?"

"Yes. I actually called him yesterday."

"Oh, you could have stop thinking of it while the match is going."

"Yep, sorry for that."

"Team's going back to dressing room. Mood might not be as happy as old times."

"Yeah. Can you leave me alone for a moment?"

"Sure."

Perhaps, Enzo did not tell King the whole story of what happened yesterday. The nation, still at shock at the conclusion of the Round of 16 match, will be more astonished on what really happened behind the scenes as the anti-drug campaign of President Dutete intensifies.

by **Darmen** » Mon Jan 08, 2018 1:41 pm

Godefroy Abascal lay on his bed in the hotel room in New Sarum. He had not expected this at all. His goal prior to the start of the competition was simply to get Darmen out of the group stage and into the knockout stage. From there, it didn't really matter much to him. Of course he wanted to win it all, but being realistic, he never expected to get past the Quarterfinals.

Anthor's upset of Osarius however had changed that, as Darmen dispatched what almost everyone considered the weaker opponent by the score of 3-2 in Southern Hampton to advance to the Semifinals. If the All Greens had faced the Firebirds in that match, it would certainly have ended differently. Wouldn't it?

None of that mattered anymore. Darmen was in the Semifinals of the Cup of Harmony for the first time in two and a half decades. Fans at home were ecstatic, not only did they expect to now contest for their second Cup of Harmony title, they also expected to make a deep run in the upcoming Copa Rushmori. The media was buzzing, the higher-ups at the DFA were just barely stopping themselves from celebrating prematurely and the next opponents, Soltsteed, weren't exactly comfortable with having to face an All Greens squad that had scored 19 goals in six matches. Sure, Soltsteed were a defensive side, but Felix Lucanus, Daniel Norton and young upstart Craig Blackwood were beginning to strike fear into any opposition with their recent form.

Abascal meanwhile was more focused on his headache. What if he failed? Would the DFA applaud him for making it as far as he did, or come down hard on him for coming up short? How would the media and fans handle it? How would the players? His head throbbed with pain. He rubbed it, which seemed to make it worse. He turned on his side, trying to fall asleep. The only thing that fell however was his supper, which spilled out of his mouth and onto the floor. The room around Abascal began to spin, and as it did so, Abascal slowly rolled off of the bed, slamming onto the floor which was now covered with vomit.

All Greens' Manager hospitalized following Anxiety attack
May miss Semifinal against Soltsteed

by **New Gazi** » Mon Jan 08, 2018 2:57 pm

New Gazi Sneaks Past Ponies

It would be a player from the bench who would score the game winning goal. But the major players seemed to each take a try at goal.

Diya was hit with a rough tackle that set up a free kick. It was a decent distance away, but the shot still had to be respected. The wall stood ready. The kick was up, some jumped. The ball curved around the wall, but would continue to and would miss the goal completely. If there had been a different sort of spin on the ball, it may have troubled the keeper.

Amare Contee took two shots on goal and missed. His first was on a fast break. Carmen Jarlsdottir just sent forth a fast through ball which Contee ran to get behind. He found himself one on one with the keeper and tried to lob it over the keeper. It just wasn't high enough and the keeper leapt to bring the shot down.

A rebound from one of Diya's shots which ricocheted off the woodwork was also turned into a missed opportunity. Contee tried to one touch the shot and didn't have full control. The ball didn't have enough power to beat the keeper who was able to leap and block it.

New Gazi fought to win the battle of possession, moving the ball around the field.

"We didn't want to outrun to ponies", said Imari Lefisse. "So we decided to out pass them. We were just fast enough with our timing to pull it off.

The freestyle ability of Vangazi like Jarlsdottir did have an effect on the game. Several times, the lanky female forced her way down the field with the ball seeming to stick to her feet after technical moves. She was able to draw a double team with a flashy spin that left a teammate open.

She kicked out to Obasea Kofrey, who subbed in for Contee, with a speedy touch off a juggle. Kofrey found space and ran towards the keeper. He hit the ball with a volley from the side of his foot which scooted the ball to the left, low. Jarlsdottir was credited with another assist on the play. Kofrey makes his first impact on a team where he has barely picked up any playing time.

"We're really discovering our synergy", Jarlsdottir said after the game. "We're playing like a team. We're moving the ball like we failed to do during the qualifiers."

Carmen also spoke of the new player, Kofrey and his game winning goal. "Football is all about opportunity. You can be a rookie and still be in the right place and right time", she said. "It was almost instinctive to hit him with the pass. He followed through. It's good to know we have some aggressive shooters as we move to the next generation."

Jarlsdottir is playing her first season for New Gazi and is considered the team's future. Of course, there is the chance she could go to Vangaziland. Several exciting recruits are set to come into the spotlight by the time of the next World Cup. A few of the veterans would probably return. Exactly which ones, remain to be seen.

Diya might be hard to replace on the left wing. Contee is just such a prolific scorer, that it's hard for the coach to make the call to replace him, knowing the sort of production he's capable of. In the past, a standout player like Oskolde may have left Vangaziland to play in New Gazi. But with FC Vang in full swing, the Vannish national team is an option for Imperial footballers.

After a mostly quiet season, Jarlsdottir is stepping up to prove herself a valuable asset. Would she move to help build Vangaziland into a team worthy of leaving sub 100 rankings? Or would she help push New Gazi into their first proper run at the cup?

"One thing I've seen from the Gazilians, is that one could go their whole career... A long career.. Without seeing your goals", said Jarlsdottir, still debating her future. "I say I'd like to play in Vangaziland. But that's going to be a major rebuild. New Gazi could make a serious run next year, with the way things are shaping out. It's not an easy choice."

Most analysts close to her expect her to ride out one more season with New Gazi before eventually moving to Vangaziland. Chip Maydress spoke about the footballer on his show 'Last Minute'.

"It'll be good for her to build skill in New Gazi on a better team. She'll be able to bring whatever attitude she brings from New Gazi to Vangaziland. Drawing her in by adding a few solid pieces is good motivation for the national team", said Maydress.

New Gazi looks to play Juvencus in the semi finals.

"They're a motivated side", said coach Oliver Hausta. "With their sort of fighting spirit, it's only a matter of time until we see Juvencus making a serious run at the Cup. The World Cup."

Jarlsdottir and the Cannoneers will look to ride the wave of momentum that's built for them in the playoff against some talented sides.

Up Next...
Prince Fritz Fires MP5 During Jhalpharezi Parade

Just days after escaping a terrorist attack at the Grand Finals of the Indian Champions League, Prince Fritz fired an MP5 submachine gun into the air from a modernized BRDM variant. He was met by cheering locals in the northern mountain town of Bakati.

It was the Championship Parade for FC Bakati North, one in which the military escorted the team along with King Rai of Jhalpharezi and Prince Fritz of Vangaziland. While passing a staged location, the Vannish Prince pointed an MP5 submachine gun into the air and fired off three bursts which emptied the clip.

Read More...

by **Soltsteed** » Mon Jan 08, 2018 5:17 pm

Þhe Beeþ

Governmenþ announce plans þo diþch þhe leþþer “t” afþer a rampanþ mispelling pandemic
“We’re sick and þired of everyone misspelling our name, damn iþ” says he Chancellor as þhe naþion celebraþes iþs newfound freedom from þypographical errors

Þhe official replacemenþ for þhe banned leþþer, folks

Eswelle, Soþlþseed — Chancellor Claudie Michälssen has declared a ban on þhe leþþer “t” afþer numerous naþions have been caughþ misspelling þhe name “Soþlþseed”.

According þo þhe bill, leaked exclusively þo Þhe Beeþ, þhe leþþer would be replaced by þhe ancienþ leþþer þhorn, wiþh þhe former leþþer phased ouþ over þhe course of þhe nexþ þwo forþnighþs before becoming illegal þo wriþe or þype by February. Sofþware companies are now scrambling þo ensure þhaþ keyboards sold in Solþsþeed can þype þhe new þhorn in place of þhe soon-þo-be-banned leþþer.

“We are a proud naþion and we’d like our name þo be spelled correclþy,” þhe head of governmenþ þold press earlier when announcing her decision. “We can no longer þoleraþe þhe misspelling of our proud name and, þherefore, iþ is þime for a change.”

“We never geþ þhe crediþ we are due,” Leader of þhe Opposiþion Holly Bourdain þold Þhe Beeþ in an inþerview. “Firsþ Solsþeed win þhe Bapþism of Fire, þhen we geþ blown ouþ of þhe Cup of Harmony semis. Iþ’s almosþ like þhere’s an inþernaþional conspiracy þo spell our name wrong,” she added in full presence of þhe Darmeni ambassador.

“Our press made a misþake and fixed iþ once iþ was poinþed ouþ,” þhe ambassador said. “People make misþakes and þhis is noþhing more þhan a classic overreacþion. Waiþ, whaþ kind of a new organisaþion is ‘Þhe Beeþ’?”

Þhe bill is expecþed þo pass þhrough þhe Naþional Dieþ wiþh minimal resisþance, buþ may hiþ a small snag wiþh þhe powerless þoffs in þhe Naþional Council, who may wind up delaying þhe bill for an hour before þhe Chancellor reminds þhem þhaþ þhey aren’þ acþually allowed þo do þhaþ. Rumour has iþ þhaþ þhe King was incredulous upon hearing þhe news þhaþ he would have þo sþarþ spelling his second name wiþh a new leþþer.

“Þhis proposal has þhe advanþage of making iþ clear þhaþ Solþsþeed’s name has leþþers before and afþer þhe second ‘s’,” Sainþ George Universiþy linguisþics professor Maþþ Þhompson þold Þhe Beeþ. “For þoo long, leþþers have been slipping from þhe sighþ of foreigners and þhaþ will soon change. Wiþh leþþers þhaþ go boþh up and down above and below all þhe oþhers, þhere will be no way þo misþake how þo spell ‘Solþsþeed’.”

When asked how ciþizens should cope wiþh þhe change, Þhompson recommended one simple remedy: magic. “Jusþ conjure a world where people have always had þhorn or perform a brainwashing spell on you and everyone you know. Iþ’s worked for me plenþy of þimes before.”

In a Beeþ Polling survey on how þo deal wiþh naþions þhaþ misspell þhe name of Cyanaea’s þhird-mosþ imporþanþ naþion, þhe leþþer þhorn achieved one hundred per cenþ approval. Þhe sample size was þhree and the margin of error is esþimaþed þo be around ±100%.

How þo wriþe þhorn for Dummies
Firsþ, sþarþ aþ þhe þop of þhe page. Draw a line all þhe way down þo þhe boþþom. Once compleþe, move þhe wriþing implemenþ back up þo þhe middle of þhe page and draw a circle þo þhe righþ of þhe lighþ approximaþely one-þhird þhe heighþ of þhe paper.

Violà: þhorn.

Alþernaþively, you can wriþe like a normal person: wiþh a keyboard and compuþer. Buþ we won’þ judge. —ÞB

by **Ethane** » Mon Jan 08, 2018 5:29 pm

Semi-Finals
RP Prompt: A potato peeler. Yes, you did read that write. The prompt is ''A potato peeler'. (This is only to give you ideas to RP and following or not following the prompt will not affect your RP Bonus in any way.)

RESULT

Soltsteed 0–0 Darmen (2–0 AET)

by **Qasden** » Mon Jan 08, 2018 8:53 pm

Semi-Finals CUTOFF - Qasdonian Side

RP Prompt: Who will feel like they're on top of the world? Your final quest is to RP about a time one felt like a king. (Following or Not Following the prompt won't cause the change in RP Bonus)

Juvencus 2–1 New Gazi

~{3rd Place Playoff}~

Darmen VS. New Gazi

@ King Edward IV Stadium, New Sarum

~{Cup of Harmony 71 Finals}~

Soltsteed VS. Juvencus

@ King Edward IV Stadium, New Sarum

by **Qasden** » Wed Jan 10, 2018 12:19 am

3rd Place Playoff CUTOFF - Qasdonian Side

Final Remarks: Thank you to everyone involved this cycle for allowing Ethane and I to host such a remarkable competition! Now, who of the bronze challenge are harder, better, faster, and stronger than the other!

Congrats to the winner and commiserations to the loser. Both of you should walk away with your heads up high. Again, thank you all for watching the 71st edition of the Cup of Harmony. It has been a pleasure to host it alongside Ethane. Good luck to our finalists as they fight for the biggest title beneath the World Cup itself!
From the Principality of Qasden, peace out everyone!

by **Juvencus** » Wed Jan 10, 2018 5:46 am

Juvencus 2-1 New Gazi

EAT, SLEEP, SEMI-FINAL WIN!

The whole region of Sonnel counts on Juvencus to bring a major trophy back home, after their semi-final win against New Gazi

Juvencus XI:
GK:Taddeo Bulgari
CB:Nicolò Bassi
CB:Dudu Madeiros(Yellow card 77', misses final)(Subbed off for Valerio Scarpa, 80')
CB:Amaury Félix
CDM:Filipe Rodrigues
CDM:Nino Russo
RM:Hugo Grec
LM:Angelino Alberighi
RF:Demetro Laterza(Goal 39')
LF:Joaquim Martell(Assists 39', 90+2)
CF:Santo Silvestri(Goal 90+2)

New Gazi XI:
GK:Talib Mensah
CB:Lafi Jawo(Yellow card, 38')
CB:Thao Yeboah
RB:Jac Biobaku
LB:Baako Iwu
CM:Imari Lefisse(Assist 66')
CM:Carmen Jarlsdottir
RM:Alanso Niang
LM:Uffe Diya(Subbed off for Bolon Sene, 71')
CF:Ifeatu Jamuike(Yellow card, 20')
CF:Amare Contee(Goal 66')

Another victory for the history books! Juvencus is through to the semi-finals after a nailbiter semi-final matchup against a very well prepared New Gazi team. Both teams being offensively minded and with a hunger for goals, this match was highly-dependent on which side had the more effective frontline. Another superstar performance by Joaquim Martell was put on display tonight, with him setting up both Juven goals as well as having an 88% pass accuracy in the game.

The first half started with the gli attaccanti going all in instantly to create the feeling of fear in the Gazilian defence, but, just like the Apoxian defenders, they didn't bite.
Grec's shot in the first minute of the game was wide. The Gazilians quickly countered, a Jawo through ball instantly found Jamuike, however he had the ball taken from him by Bassi as soon as he got it. In the 20th minute, the Gazilians went on the offensive, Jamuike was marked effectively by Bassi once more, which got on Jamuike's nerves with him resulting in pushing Bassi back, but Bassi kept his cool. Jamuike was rewarded with a yellow card. A few minutes later, the Juven side was on the offensive, with Russo on possession, he gave it to Laterza, but Laterza was tackled somewhat clumsily by Jawo in a bad position, 30 meters outside the goal. Jawo was also yellow carded, thus he had to play slightly less aggressively now. Martell was the free kick taker, he crossed the ball in and Laterza got the header, making it 1-0 in favor of the gli attaccanti. However this didn't get into the nerves of the Gazilians though, since they decided to push for one last chance in the end of the first half, with Jarsldottir missing a great shot from around 40 meters after it was miraculously saved by Bulgari.

The second half started with the Gazilians once more, into the offensive, a great cooperationg between Diya and Contee saw the latter one-on-one with Bulgari, Contee shot it with extreme force but the Bulgari leaped to catch the ball safely, in what might've been the save of the match. However, in the 58th minute, a great shot by the gli attaccanti was stopped, Grec had crossed it to Martell and Martell was on an one-on-one situation with Mensah, Martell tried chipping it over Mensah however his jumped really high to punch the ball away. A few minutes later, the Gazilian squad was once again, attacking the Juven side, a great Lefisse through ball followed by another strong Contee shot resulted in the equaliser. Some Juven players went full white after the goal was scored, some others decided to take the whole game into their own hands, Martell was still relaxed. He started organising all of gli attaccanti's offenses during the rest of the game, with Laterza and Silvestri missing a lot of chances before finally, in the 90th minute, there it was. A Martell through ball saw Silvestri scoring the most important goal of his career there, making the scoreline 2-1 in favor of Juvencus, which would remain the final score. Juvencus was through, to the grand final of the Cup of Harmony.

The next game, it's the last one Juvencus is giving in this campaign, it's the grand-final against Soltsteed which barely managed to escape on extra time against Darmen,
scoring 2 goals then. However Soltsteed's a strong team, being undefeated the whole campaign as well as having quite possibly the strongest and most effective defence.
The next game is defence vs attack, we would like to wish good luck to our players in Ethane! Forza Juve!

by **Soltsteed** » Wed Jan 10, 2018 5:35 pm

stallion.stable.co.ha
All Soltsteedish! All football!
Let’s face facts: tonight is Soltsteed’s night to lose

At the beginning of this Cup of Harmony, Soltsteed was a name bandied about little, maybe to say that the imperfect product on the pitch did not justify their pot 1 seeding. Soltsteed were an outside favourite at best, no-hopers at worst. Something about the team simply suggested that they weren’t going to go as deep as the seedings suggested, with the consensus being that a one-dimensional offence would do the Cyaneans in.

But the Cup of Harmony has been a veritable show of crushed hopes and stolen dreams. Flardania were dashed by Juvencus, Osarius fell to Anthor, Mercedini placed bottom in their group, Eastfield Lodge barely qualified and lost to Buyan, Apox were despatched by Juvencus (how familiar) and Darmen were robbed of the bronze medals that are rightfully theirs. Baptism of Fire runners-up and first (and, thus far, only) team to lose to Soltsteed in a WCC final Aggrey-Fynn Land were unable to make the knockout phase, Buyan were pipped by the Stallions, the Equestrian States and Mattijana were both robbed of knockout wins they deserved and Taeshan proved utterly unconvincing throughout the entire campaign.

On the other hand, some unexpected successes have been fully deserved, like underdog Filindostan’s trip to the knockouts and—most importantly for us—Juvencus’s finals run. Others, much less so. (We will not name names for legal reasons.) Others yet flickered out before they ever had a chance to catch fire, namely the likes of Bojikstan, Somecoldwetislands, Devonta, Lisander, etc.

Soltsteed, meanwhile, have defied the curse that has afflicted Pot 1’s worthy sides and are now indisputable favourites to win the final, what with being ranked 22 spots and 4.78 above their Juven opposition. An undefeated record across the last two Cups of Harmony and an ungodly low number of goal concessions—only Omerican captain Morgan Barzetti and Buyanese talisman Valter Isaksson have slotted past Emmet Ferdinand in this tournament—make Soltsteed an intimidating force to reckoned with in the final; it is notable and trouser-browning to point out that five of the Stallions’ seven games in Ethane have ended with a Soltsteedish clean sheet, thanks to the dual charms of a solid back five and a talismanic Emmet Ferdinand in goal. Combined with a midfield that is dangerously effective in taking full advantage of set pieces and funnelling the ball to Soltsteed’s other talisman Emma Gryndhout, it is a recipe for a defensively-oriented side that is actually capable of scoring and producing massive blowouts. (Remember the 6–1 win against Frejo? We do.)

This is not to say that Juvencus can’t pull off a stunning victory. In fact, if there is any team that could pull of this upset against the immovable object that is Soltsteed, it is the unstoppable force that is Juvencus. Gli Attaccanti have the kind of extreme attacking mentality and resilience necessary to break down any brick wall de Hingsten build in front of goal. As we saw during the World Cup qualifiers, the one-dimensional attack that is funnelled through Emma Gryndhout is an easy target for even the most incompetent defences and was done over by well-organised and disciplined defences: shut down Gryndhout and Soltsteed is rendered offensively toothless. Keep barraging the back line and it is bound to break. Keep poking the horse and it is bound to bite back. A well-timed free kick or (worse yet) penalty could put Juvencus in the driving seat if they properly take advantage and the pressure of bring home a second trophy in the span of four years may cause some of the more testy defenders like Emmet le Duc or Camille Daley to crack.

Juvencus have been aided by Lady Luck in their journey, but their toppling of Flardania and Apox were no fluke. If the Stallions are not careful, Cup of Harmony gold will slip straight out of their fingers. If Soltsteed take the threat Juvencus pose seriously, the Stallions have a better than chance chance of keeping the World Cup Committee’s second-most prestigious trophy in AO for another two years.

.... Soltsteed predicted starting XI: Emmet Ferdinand; Otto Frederickssen, Bryan McBride, Emmet le Duc, Camille Daley, Rosie Foley, Ann-Marine Crabshaas, Joanna Morris, Otto Stephenssen, Clement Kolen; Emma Gryndhout
.... Juvencus predicted starting XI: Taddeo Bulgari; Nicolò Bassi, Valerio Scarpa, Amaury Félix; Nino Russo, Filipe Rodrigues; Angelino Alberighi, Hugo Grec; Joaquim Martell, Santo Silvestri, Demetro Laterza
— Aleksander Mathiassen from New Sarum, Ethane

by **Ethane** » Wed Jan 10, 2018 6:33 pm

Final CUTOFF

Thank you for giving me and Qasden the honour of hosting this Cup of Harmony for all of you. It's been enjoyable reading all your RPs in this tournament, so thank you. Despite the hiccups at the start, I hope we managed to provide you all with a decent Cup of Harmony. Thank you, and good luck to both the finalists. You're so close to magic.

Everything Thread - Cup of Harmony 71

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