World Cup 80 • EqueStar • Roleplay Thread

by **Cassadaigua** » Thu Apr 26, 2018 4:10 am

The Wilson family had bought tickets for the qualifying opener against Crystalline Caverns, and they were truly expecting three points. But hey, crap happens sometimes, and you don’t get the results you want. In World Cup qualifying, you never get wins against all the teams you are much better then, and as such some sloppy play by the Dagans, paired with an ambitious effort by Crystalline Caverns meant that neither team could put the ball in the net.

So be it. The Wilson family, after all, had purchased the $799 team VIP package after the game. There were only 250 tickets for sale, and they had four of them. The pamphlet said they would get the following:

– Autographs from your favorite team stars.
– Photo opportunities from your favorite team stars.
– Have a team athlete sit at your table for dinner.
– Exclusive gift.

They did what they were told to do, where a large man (not quite of Drawkish height), gave them an envelope with the number 14 on it. The mother, Lisa, asked the man what it meant, to which he replied, “That’s the table you sit at.” Husband Josh, and children, Kyle (10) and Taylor (8), would have preferred better customer service, but went to sit at table 14, where sure enough, there were five chairs. At least they got that right. They would leave the open seat for the player to be determined in the middle, while the kids sat on each side of the open set, and the parents at the end. The event was supposed to be from 7 until 9.

At 7:15, all the fans were ready to eat, but none of the team had shown up yet. No one was really complaining, as the fans knew that the spirits of the team would be down, since they only got a draw in a winnable game. At 7:27, ultimately, it was announced that the team was here, and they began making their way to the tables. The Wilson’s hoped that they would get one of their favorite players, or at least a starter, and were happy when starting defender Jessica Curran took the open seat.

“Hi, everyone, I’m Jessica Curran, what’s all your names?” Jessica began as the family told them their names. Curran was upbeat, all smiles, and truly happy to be there! She had done meet and greets many times, so she knew as soon as she sat down she needed to be the one to control the conversation.

The family began to ask her to sign things, and they began to take pictures, of which Curran was thrilled to take. “So, what did you all think about the game today?”

They weren’t sure to say, until eight year old Taylor spoke up, “You must be sad not to have won the game.” Brother Kyle nodded.

Curran, dressed in full uniform (though not the same uniform worn during the match), as was custom during the event, smiled, and pointed to the interlocking “CD” emblem on her shirt. “See this?” The kids nodded. “Not a day goes by where I am sad to have the honor to wear this.”

Kyle spoke up next after the family smiled at that response, “I really hope you qualify though, Schottia is in the group!”

Curran smiled and asked Kyle, “Do you like Schottia?”

Kyle smiled and said, “Ewww no!”

Curran again smiled, “I like them. They are the great soccer nation in the world right now.”

Kyle was confused, “But they are the enemy!”

Curran replied, “They are not an enemy. Nations that do evil things to their people are the enemy. They are an opponent. At the end of the day, their players are just like me, and the rest of us. We all love the game. It will be exciting to play them. I love the challenge.”

The parents smiled at the responses. Mother Lisa spoke up, “Thanks for being so upbeat after the draw.”

Curran continued to smile, “It’s just a game. During the game, nothing else matters. After the game, everything else matters. Yeah, it’s not the perfect way to start qualifying but we’ll get it done. We had a clean sheet, right?” The family nodded. “Good,” Jessica replied, “Now let’s clean off these plates!”

by **Turori** » Thu Apr 26, 2018 4:20 am

Citizens 1; Cocoabo 1
Cocoabo Shine in World Cup 79, Prepare for New Challenge

For a more complete backstory regarding Cocoabo Forest and the Rise of the Modern Cocoabo please visit the Historical Record on the Atlantian Oceania Forum

Eels Park, Eelandii, Turori :: The Citizen Squad and the Cocoabo Squad both departed at the same time for their opening round World Cup Qualifying fixtures. Unlike the World Cup 78 and 79 Qualifying campaigns, however, it would be the Cocoabo who would be shipped out on tour with the Citizens staying at home - at least to start.

World Cup 78 Qualifying:

After besting the Cocoabo by a 20-17 scoreline during World Cup 78 Qualifying the Citizen Squad advanced on to Cosumar where they would be embarrassed for two matches then redeemed for one as they dropped two games before defeating eventual World Cup runners-up Eura on the final matchday of the group stage but failing to advance on goal differential after a three-way tiebreaker was enforced. Some attributed the Citizen Squad's late success against Eura to the drafting in of Cocoabo #86 to play as goalkeeper but analysts counter that the Citizen Squad played well in all three of their matches and the presence of a Cocoabo in goal was not the only contributing factor to their big-name victory.

Regardless of the reasons, the Citizen Squad still underachieved. They were hoping to go into Cosumar and Bonesea and come out with Turori's first ever World Cup Quarter Final victory. Such a result would have ended all doubt and put the debate to rest. Cocoabo would not have been re-considered to compete for Turori on the internationstatal stage and the Citizen Squad would have been able to focus on long term development instead of short term results.

The Football Association of Turori was not satisfied. Fans and foreigners alike loved the Cocoabo. Matches were being moved out of the afternoon time slot into prime time - even Citizen matches as the public became invested in the battle between the Citizens and the Cocoabo. So the battle would go on.

World Cup 79 Qualifying started on a familiar tone for the Cocoabo, losing their first match againt Valanora - although potentially expected, it set the Cocoabo Squad back and they had to fight to recover. This time, however, they did recover winning the majority of their remaining matches to finish the World Cup 79 Qualifying campaign on the same total number of points that the Citizen Squad had accrued during the prior campaign. WIth just one match left the Citizen Squad had a chance to equal the Cocoabo but were held to a draw by Tinhampton meaning that the Cocoabo had done it. They had beaten the Citizen Squad over the course of 9 matches and for the first time had earned the right as a squad to represent the Turori National Team in the World Cup Finals.

World Cup 79 Qualifying:

When the Cocoa-bo got to Ceni and Drawkland there however they faced their own difficult challenge: Cosumar. The eventual AOCAF Champions proved a tough foe for the Cocoabo, none the less because they were so Familiar with their flightless foes as the Cocoabo first debut'd in the Cup of Harmony in Cosumar just two cycles prior. After the 0-2 defeat at the hands of the Cosumarites the Cocoabo were on the chopping block and there were conversations wondering if it was still possible to send the Citizens to get the job done. It wasn't needed however as the Cocoabo got back on track with a draw against the host nation and a comfortable victory over Cassadaigua to advance through to the knockout round - already having bested the performance of their Citizen teammates from one cycle prior.

The Cocoabo's first knockout round matchup was against Brenecia, a side that had already knocked the Vilitan National Team out of the competition in the Group Stage. The Cocoabo implemented System Karela to its perfection in a 0-0 matchup that they would eventually win in the 117th minute of extra time.

With the victory, Turori's National Cocoabo Squad was able to set themselves up for a rite of passage; Turori's favorite sporting pasttime; Losing in the World Cup Quarter Finals.

Citizen Team Schedule:

MD1 v. Melbergia
(Iobabao Legendary Park, Mliona)

MD5 @ Quakmybush

MD6 v. Acapais
(Almintora National Stadium, Almintora)

MD7 @ Lazhal

MD11 v. Xianina
(Coliseum of the Inurahtii, Inura)

MD12 @ Jeruselem

MD13 @ Ethane

MD17 @ Banija

MD18 v. The Liamese Empire
(Eels Park, Eelandii, Turori)

Cocoabo Team Schedule:

MD2 @ Xianina

MD3 v. Jeruselem
(Kionao Minor Field, Kionao)

MD4 v. Ethane
(Cednia Beach Center, Cednia)

MD8 v. Banija
(Cocoabo Park Arena, Cocoabo Forest)

MD9 @ The Liamese Empire

MD10 @ Melbergia

MD14 v. Quakmybush
(Cocoabo Park Arena, Cocoabo Forest)

MD15 @ Acapaias

MD16 v.Lazhal
(Cocoabo Park Arena, Cocoabo Forest)

It was the second straight campaign that Turori would be eliminated by a team that would go on to the World Cup Final - this time it was the eventual World Champions Schottia who defeated the Cocoabo Squad by a 3-1 scoreline. Despite the loss, the Cocoabo garnered both the respect and support of the Turorian fanbase and like the conversations that took place when the Citizen's defeated the Cocoabo one cycle earlier, many were calling to make the change permanent and stick with the Cocoabo for the entirety of the World Cup 80 campaign.

The Football Association of Turori are smarter than that, however. For starters, World Cup 80 would be played in Turori's own theoretical back yard with the Finals being awarded to nearby Starblaydia and the Equestrian States. They weren't about to rule anything out and they may need to be in a position to send a different team depending on the venue with the Citizen squad perhaps more at home in Starblaydia while the Cocoabo may fit in quite well in the Equestrian States.

Group 10
Xianina (UR)
Turori (16)
Ethane (18)
Quakmybush (74)
Acapais (117)
Lazhal (227)
Banija (83)
The Liamese Empire (237)
Melbergia (UR)
Jeruselem (50)

Additionally there was the marketing aspect. Ticket sales and broadcasting were on the rise since the advent of the Citizen v. Cocoabo challenge series and the FAT were afraid of abandoning the campaign and seeing interest in the national team wane. By creating a potentially polarizing situation in a socially absorbed world, one could be certain that water cooler talk throughout the Island Emirate would center on the National Team the day after any match, Win, Lose or Cocoabo.

But ultimately, it was the fair thing to do. While the Cocoabo had perhaps done well in the World Cup 79 Finals, in the end, they failed at the same point where many Citizen based squads had failed before. Had they become the first Turorian side in history to make the World Cup Semi-Finals and contest a full slate of 7 games in the World Cup Finals then perhaps the conversation would have been different. But they didn't. In the end, they did no better than any Citizen side had done in the past. At a macro level, the Citizen Squad and the Cocoabo Squad had gone head to head for 2 cycles. The Citizen's won the World Cup 78 Cycle and the Cocoabo won the World Cup 79 Cycle. While there were arguments that the Cocoabo's better performance in World Cup 79 gives them a nod, the counter arguments include the fact that the Citizen Squad accrued just one fewer point in World Cup 78's group stage than the Cocoabo in 79's but failed to advance on a Tiebreaker. The Citizen's have also accrued one more point (38) than the Cocoabo have (37) in the 18 Qualifying round matches the two sides have independently contested over the previous two campaigns.

As such, the Football Association of Turori decided that the battle would continue. The Schedule will be a little more balanced than in the past where the Cocoabo had played more home games or even all of the home games to limit their travel. The FAT are putting the Cocoabo to the Test with 4 Away games and 5 Home games spread out between Matchday 2 and 16. The Citizens will have 1 additional away game and will bookend the campaign with the opening match kicking off at home to Melbergia and then finishing at home to the Liamese Empire at Eels Park on Matchday 18.

by **Schottia** » Thu Apr 26, 2018 4:42 am

Enrico Hanson-Conavacio

Part Two.

Chopping Block.

Livingstone Crescent, North Handon

'Ho-ho-ho. Would you look at that!' Mr Hughes chuckled heartily as he watched the mini rain cloud float around, washing the soup suds from his car. 'That must come in terribly handy Night Comet.' Mrs Hanson had sent the kids round to help their elderly neighbour, Mr Hughes, wash his car. She said they might as well make themselves useful while they were there, as Mr Hughes had been struggling with his chores since he'd had his back operation. The Hugheses and the Hansons had been next-door neighbours for forty years and had always been close friends. Mr Hughes and Mrs Hanson would often stand for hours leant on the garden fence exchanging gossip.

'It's not so impressive Mr Hughes.' Night Comet answered with a shrug. 'Anypony could do it really - well... not any pony, just Pegasi. But you know what I mean.'

'Well you've got me mightily impressed.' Mr Hughes smiled broadly. He had a round, almost spherical face, marked with the lines from a lifetime of laughter. 'Say... you couldn't float that thing over by the back garden, could you?' He indicated the direction with a nod of his head. 'Mrs Hughes' hydrangeas are badly needing watered, and, you know, with my back...'

Night Comet shrugged once more as if to say why not, before the three of them went round to the back garden, raincloud in tow. The Hugheses' house was identical in layout to Mrs Hanson's, but by virtue of being on the corner, had a slightly bigger garden that wrapped round the side of the building. Most of it was slabbed off, with large plant pots containing roses dotted here and there in some sort of a pattern. There had been a neatly kept lawn and small vegetable patch there a decade previous, but with Mr Hughes advancing in years, it was thought that the slabs were easier managed.

'Mr Hughes.' Enrico spoke up, spotting the old lean-to where the man stored his firewood. 'May I please have a shot of your axe please?'

'Ho-ho-ho. Well if you could chop some logs for me, then that would be grand.' Mr Hughes' mirth seemed to know no bounds. 'You're a big strapping lad; I don't see what harm you could do– '

The Fiddlers' Bar, Outskirts of Handon

'Well the good news is he'll live.' Said Claire Hanson, placing her phone down on the table, and gulping at her gin and tonic as if salvation lay at the bottom. 'The doctors don't know whether he will ever be able to go back home though. After all he's been through with his back - and at his age!' The Schottia team physio concluded, already rummaging around in her bag for the money to buy the next drinks.

'It's my round,' protested Colin Donaldson who was sat opposite her, and he began to get to his feet. 'I mean, if the head just flew of the axe, then it can't have been Enrico's fault. A child should have never been given something like that.' The national team assistant boss looked over his shoulder, suddenly aware how that might sound to anyone in the pub who happened to have overheard.

It was two thirty in the afternoon and the Fiddlers' Bar was still about four fifths empty. Just around the corner from Schottia's national training grounds, the pub had become the unofficial social club when the team were in town. It had the air of a place that had seen better times, and perhaps in the days before cars, it was a popular stop off for weary travellers on the old Marionville road. Nowadays it was almost exclusively frequented by grey haired couples, who used it a pit stop on a Sunday drive. The small boost they got when Schottia team were in training probably helped keep the landlord's head above water, and there were persistent rumours that one or two of the players were subsidising the place with the odd under the table payment. Claire had no idea if this were true, but she certainly always tipped generously out gratitude for the sanctuary that the place provided.

'Oh it's always his fault.' Claire snapped, shaking her head. 'Trust me, he will have done something. You know... I'm not even all that surprised. My son managed to lodge an axe head in an elderly man's skull, and I'm not even surprised!' She checked her phone again for no good reason, before slamming it down on the table.

'Okay, okay.' Donaldson motioned for calm. 'Hold that though. I'll get us a couple of drinks and then we can talk it through. Don't - move.'

Donaldson had found his colleague pacing the training centre lobby, shortly after she had received the initial phone call. He hadn't really indented to spend the afternoon drinking, but felt he was in no real position to refuse, given how upset Claire had been. Perhaps there was an element of guilt involved; his own kids were angels, and whenever Claire went on one of her rants about challenges of parenting all he could do was smile and nod. There was no way in hell he could have handled an Enrico Hanson-Conavacio, and he wasn't even going to pretend.

'There we go.' He said returning to the table, where Claire sat beneath a large, and heavily stained painting of Granton Bay. 'Get that down you and see if it steadies your nerves.' Donaldson pulled out his chair opposite, and placed his slightly overflowing pint of Ossorian Stout on an already spongy wet beer mat. He was reluctant to drink it but didn't see he much choice. After one pint he could still pull back; go back to the training centre and have a quiet night; but after a second he would be "drinking" and his body would expect a third, fourth, fifth.

Claire Hanson-Conavacio was an attractive woman by anyone's standards; tall with light brown hair and blue eyes. A rigorous fitness regime and a doctorate in Sports Science had succeeded in cancelling out the fact that she'd had four kids in the last ten years and probably drank a little more than she should. As a result, the forty-year-old probably looked her age. Colin Donaldson was a short back and sides sort of person - both in haircut and personality - and he was the last person you would describe as eccentric. A goatee beard was a recent addition; providing some definition to a chin, which was gradually being lost thanks to his slowing metabolism as be neared fifty.

'Cheers.' Claire didn't take much coaxing, and polished off half her glass in a three-gulp motion. 'Why am I such a shitty parent Colin?' She asked sinking her fingernails into her scalp, looking to the ceiling in despair. 'I mean, what do I do? What do I do with him?'

'You're not a bad parent Claire. It's just...' Just what? Donaldson decided to hold back on offering her any home truths about her family. What did she expect though? It sounded like Enrico was likely a chip of the old block. Given some of the antics Donaldson had observed from the boy's father over the years, it was possible the worst was yet to come...

'I've had him at the doctors.' Claire looked the other way shaking her head, and Donaldson wondered if she were on the verge of tears. "Oh he's just a boyish" is all they said. A bit boyish!?! He's already been kicked out of three football academies and he's only eleven.'

'I'd say they're probably right.' Donaldson tried to reassure her, but in the back of his mind he couldn't shake the desire to conclude this pep talk quickly and get back to the training centre. 'He'll probably grow out of it in a few years, all kids are the same– '

'Really!' Claire had almost finished her drink in the five second or so Donaldson was talking. 'Your kids are the same, are they..? I suppose Rosie chucks pigeons into store air conditioning units..? And I guess Madeline steals teachers' keys from their desks and locks them in their classrooms..?' With another scoop, the rest of her gin and tonic was gone, the empty glass slammed hard on the table. Claire was getting red, and it was hard to tell whether it was from the alcohol or the stress of having a Conavacio as a son.

'Well, hah...' Donaldson's weak attempts at empathy had been unpicked quickly, and he was now in a tight spot. 'Eh no, we've not had those problems directly. But, when Rosie was trying to decide which football academy to join, we had a couple of small disagreements.' Donaldson's eldest daughter, Ava Rose or Rosie, was by all accounts another chip of old block. However, the block from which Rosie had been carefully hewn was clearly altogether more wholesome. If tying to decide between the Centre for Excellence and Project Olimpo was the biggest ordeal the Donaldson's had gone through as a family, then Claire was clearly speaking to someone with little experience in disfunctionality. If one of the Multiverse's big international academies would take Enrico then Claire would have gladly sent him, she doubted, however, that he would even last one season.

'How is Rosie getting on?' Claire asked, grateful for a break in the current topic, as she eyed Donaldson's pint, willing him to drink it faster. 'And Madeline is still at United for now..?' The Donaldson family were Handon United through and through. If you snapped Colin in half, you'd have seen it written though their former captain like a stick of rock. He and Claire were very much from two sides of the city divide, but club rivalries were normally put to one side while on international business. That said, she was certain her father would have been spinning in his grave, had be been able to witness his daughter having a drink with a man he'd put so much energy into hating.

'Good, thanks.' Donaldson was clearly aware that his drinking pace was under scrutiny, and forced down a couple of gassy gulps. 'Well you know she won a few awards in the All-Hinodejin Youth League..?' Claire shook her head. 'Well she did - erm - she did very well. She's now at Northampton in Avon - looking forward to playing some senior football.' He didn't want to overplay his daughter's success while Claire was in her current mood.

'And Madeline?' Claire was watching Donaldson’s glass like a hawk. She had already decided that when it the level sunk below the second curve, she could probably go to the bar and get another round. 'Was she in the Junior League this year? Or is she still too young?' There was a sort of masochism is the Physio's line of questioning. She could have guessed at the answer, but wanted to hear it for herself. She wanted to hear how the other half lived. Mr Handon-United-Perfect and his perfect little family; his two perfect daughters, so polite, conscientious. While she was sat there with her family full of flaws: a one-year-old who didn't sleep through the night, a five-year-old who had tantrums ever five seconds. There was her eight-year-old who wanted to wrestle for Quebec some day, and insisted on proving that at every chance he got - and then of course there was Enrico who had just embedded an axe in her old neighbour's skull.

'Madeline's doing okay yeah. Still fifteen so we need to wait and see.' He missed out the part about her already training with the Under-19s.

Claire's response was a short nod. There was enough information thinly veiled in Donaldson's words to confirm her suspicions - that she came from a family of lunatics. The Donaldsons were probably the kind of family who said please and thank you to one another, who wished each other a goodnight, who had conversations around the dinner table rather than fights on top of it. She'd never have changed anything of the world, but right there, in that moment, the thought of being Claire Donaldson was an appealing one.

Just then something caught Claire's eye. In the mirror behind her colleague, it seemed as if there was a grey, shadowy figure stood in the background. She switched her focus from the reflection to the bar itself, but it must have been the light playing tricks. Donaldson was alerted to this and glanced over his shoulder. 'It's getting cold in here, don't you think?' He asked her.

'Dad...?' While it was impossible, Claire found herself asking the question.

by **Sargossa** » Thu Apr 26, 2018 5:05 am

JV: ‘Welcome back to SargoSport 1, your home for live World Cup qualification action. Every Sargossa match will be here, will be live and you don’t have to miss a second. Right now over on SargoSport 2 we’ve got Brenecia against New Lusitania and the Algarves and on the blue button service there’s your choice of Olastor against Indusse, Juvencus versus Stetzra or Tobiasia’s trip to North New South Wales. All the Group 4 action can be found right here.

‘But now it’s that time. Live from the Estadio Silva in downtown San Marquez, it’s Sargossa versus Lochario, World Cup qualification points on the line and taking you through all the action it’s Matías Montiel and first Carlos Acuña. Good afternoon gentlemen.’

CA: ‘Good afternoon Javi. Good afternoon everybody. Welcome to San Marquez for this, the opening round of World Cup 80 qualifying. It’s a first home international since that crucial victory over Flardania in Goza that paved the way for qualification to the last World Cup finals and the atmosphere here is suitably raucous. Former world champions Candelaria And Marquez, Cassadaigua and Sorthern Northland have graced this turf in the past but today the challenge is a little different, isn’t it Matías?’

MM: ‘It certainly is. Good afternoon everyone. Yes, those sides you mention are giants of the beautiful game, whose achievements are forever etched into the history books. Whereas Lochario, well, we really know very little about them.’

CA: ‘What we do know is their starting eleven, so let’s take a look at the line-ups. First, the visitors…’

CA: ‘4-2-3-1 for the away side Matías.’

MM: ‘It is, or so we’re told by one of their visiting reporters. It’s a strange situation to have no idea how a national side is going to line up but this really is a first for Lochario, a first ever international fixture. Which probably hasn’t helped Rafael Barrios’ preparations. We’ve been told that Olmani pulls the strings in midfield while Duquce, Yupan and Ghittin provide the pace in front of him. At 33, Uimlich is the experienced head in an otherwise inexperienced backline.’

CA: ‘That’s the visitors and here’s an altogether more familiar gathering. Here’s Sargossa.’

MM: ‘We’re expecting Marí and Marcellán to form a more conventional front two than they had been. It’s a change that was introduced midway through the last qualifying campaign, to good effect. The question marks lay at the back, where the trio of centrebacks haven’t had too much game time together. Something that was evident at the Copa Rushmori. It’s telling that Andrés Fernández has been recalled to the squad late-on to add a bit of international experience. Vecino will be crucial in the middle, alongside the youngster Bustamanté. Rafael has so much talent but really needs to curb that temper.’

CA: ‘Bustamanté is only just back from suspension after that red card against Sameba, you can bet words have been said to him. But now we are mere moments away from kickoff, so it’s time for the national anthems. Starting with the national anthem of Lochario …’

* * * * * * * * * *

CA: ‘That’s a loose pass from Daquir, gifting it to Vecino. He finds Montero, driving forward. Cuts inside and shoots! Well wide. The crowd shouted shoot and Montero obliged, he could clearly picture the headlines but the effort was high, wide and not very handsome.’

MM: ‘It’s a waste from Montero, he had players up with him. Marcellán was screaming for the pass, Marí was lurking and Bustamanté was arriving too. The wrong choice there from Montero but it’s a signal of intent at least.’

* * * * * * * * * *

CA: ‘It’s whipped in by Zevallos but Ayadad sticks out a telescopic leg and snatches it away from Marcellán. The two youngsters at the heart of the Lochario defence were highlighted as a potential weakness prior to the match but they are settling into this game really nicely. They’re looking incredibly assured now, after a nervous opening couple of minutes.’

* * * * * * * * * *

CA: ‘That’s a definite tug of the shirt of Duquce. He’d got ahead of Victorino and the Ciudad Soluca hauled him back. Some might call it cynical, some might call it smart, either way it’s a yellow card for the midfielder.’

* * * * * * * * * *

CA: ‘González now, to Guerrero. He looks to Zevallos on this right-hand side. Sargossa pinging it about with confidence at the moment.’

MM: ‘They really are. But at the same time, for all the possession, they are not really causing Lochario too much trouble. The visitors are happy to sit back at the moment as they’re soaking up the pressure quite nicely.’

* * * * * * * * * *

CA: ‘And the whistle blows, that is halftime and there’s no question as to the happier of the two sides. Slight murmurs of discontent in the stands, the homes fans clearly expecting better against a side that hasn’t technically yet joined the world rankings. But it's been a solid display from Sombierras’ boys.’

MM: ‘It has been and I think everyone’s a little bit surprised by that. There appears to have an expectation that we’d just turn up and blow Lochario away but international football rarely works like that.’

CA: ‘What do you think Rafael Barrios will be saying to his charges at halftime?’

MM: ‘I don’t think anything drastic is required, they’re dominating they just need to do something with it. It’s interesting as it’s an entirely different mindset to, say, four years ago when Sargossa were fifth seeds and little was expected. Now we’re one of the favourites for qualification but we seem uncomfortable with playing like that.’

CA: ‘Thank you Matías. After forty-five minutes it’s nil-nil between Sargossa and Lochario, back to you in the studio.’

* * * * * * * * * *

CA: ‘A little late in the challenge there. It’s Victorino, he’s already been booked! And there’s the second yellow. And the red. Mere moments into the second half and Sargossa are down to ten men. The coach has a face like thunder, he doesn’t even look at Victorino as the midfielder trudges towards the dressing room.’

* * * * * * * * * *

CA: ‘There’s a change being made by Rafael Barrios, in response to that sending off. Sergio Espina looks set to come on. And it’s Alex González who is coming off. A midfielder on for a centreback, is that something of a surprise?’

MM: ‘I don’t think so, it’s something we’ve previously seen Rafa do in the SuperLiga. He doesn’t like surrendering too much attacking impetus even in the wake of a sending off so the two forwards stay pushed up. Espina will go into the midfield three, ahead of what is now effectively a back four. The wingbacks are now going to have to work really hard to both support the attack and perform their defensive duties without that extra centreback covering them.’

* * * * * * * * * *

CA: ‘It’s another change for Sargossa and it’s Rodrigo Marcellán who’s being withdrawn. He’s cut something of a frustrated figure this evening, having not been able to really influence this match in any meaningful way. In his place is the experienced Iván Mayoral. A big, physical presence up front who will give the Lochario defence something new to think about.’

* * * * * * * * * *

CA: ‘This is Yupan now, faced by Zevallos on the Lochario left. He tricks his way passed him and swings in a deep cross. It’s to the back post. Great challenge on Ghittin but the ball rolls loose. And Duquce! Over the bar! What a chance that was. Duquce breaking unmarked into the box. I don’t think he could believe his luck. But the composure was lacking.’

MM: ‘Oh Rafael Barrios will be so disappointed with that, where was the marking? He ghosted through the defence like it wasn't there. But all credit to the young lad, he did so well to get into a goal scoring position but was let down by the finish. That, very much, was a bullet dodged.’

* * * * * * * * * *

CA: ‘Vecino now, he shoots! It’s charged down. Picked up by Bustamanté. You can see he’s tempted to have a shot himself but instead finds the ever willing Zevallos on the overlap. He crosses. And Mayoral! Wide! Great spell of pressure from Sargossa and Iván Mayoral’s header drifts just wide of the far post. It looked a great chance but still the deadlock remains unbroken.’

MM: ‘It was a good chance carved out but you could see Mayoral just mistimed his jump, he couldn’t quite get the control and placement right.’

CA: ‘We’ve just seen the replay of Rafael Barrios as that chance happened, he jerked his head forward as if he was making the header himself. And then turned away in disgust as the chance came to nothing.’

* * * * * * * * * *

CA: ‘Zevallos, causing problems again on the Sargossan right. He skips away from the challenge. Great play! He drives a low ball into the box. Takes a deflection. And Marí! Clawed away by Vazquez! Another chance for Sargossa and again they are denied.’

MM: ‘It was really good play from Zevallos on the right. He drilled it in hard and low and, as the ball was deflected up, Marí did so well to hook it back towards the goal. But that’s a really smart stop from the keeper.’

* * * * * * * * * *

CA: ‘Yapan. Dequce now, he prods it to the right hand side and Sayud. This is a nice spell of play from the visitors. Here’s Dequce again, he lays it off to Olmani. The defence are backing off him. They’re tempting him to shoot. He does! And it’s palmed away by Vega, who is furious at his defenders and isn’t shy at telling them so. Olmani’s strike had real swerve on it and Vega did well to keep it out.’

* * * * * * * * * *

CA: ‘Vecino takes control of the ball, the crowd roar him on. Four minutes of the ninety remain. He finds Encina, and now Montero takes it up on the left. Forward he goes. He finds Marí in the box, shapes to shoot! But no, he slides it across to Zevallos! Yes! No! Side netting! Half the ground thought it was in. It was a great move, they carved Lochario open, but goal remains untroubled.’

MM: ‘Oh, how close was that? It was a great piece of play from Marí. He opened up his body, drew defenders to him and then slipped it across to the unmarked Zevallos. Who did almost everything right. The low drive beat the keeper but crashed into the net at the wrong side of the post.’

CA: ‘In the technical area Rafael Barrios looks to the heavens and shakes his head, nicely summing up the thoughts of a nation.’

* * * * * * * * * *

CA: ‘The flick-on from Mayoral find Marí, but he can’t hold off Daquir’s challenge. And Kallamin nips in to send the loose ball high towards the halfway line. Is that all there is? It is. There’s the whistle, that’s the match. A small pocket of visiting supporters cheer while their players celebrate like they’ve won the game. For Sargossa this is definitely a case of two points lost. They will now need to bounce quickly ahead of the trip to India to face Indusse. Final score from the Estadio Silva in San Marquez, it’s Sargossa nil, Lochario nil.’

works? · by **Abanhfleft** » Thu Apr 26, 2018 6:13 am

2024-25 Fleftic Premier League Preview, Part One
2024-25 Fleftic Premier League Preview, Part Two
2024-25 Fleftic Ladies' Premier League Preview, Part One

Well, something went wrong with Part One of the LPL preview. Apparently the text below the teams and their predicted rosters aren't displaying. That is something that is the responsibility of the web design department, so I shall continue on to Part Two of our Ladies' Premier League preview.

Marinos Thimpodopoulos Women

Prediction: Eighth

Pawwazim Ladies

Prediction: Tenth

Riuwiee United Women

Prediction: Fourth

Rosenpfelblatz City Ladies

Prediction: Third

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

WORLD CUP 80 QUALIFIERS: SPACEANIA VS ABANHFLEFT
By Malik Qazizadah

The Abanhfleft women's national football team celebrate their victory over Spaceania in the World Cup 80 qualifiers. (Courtesy of Crescent News Network Sports Channel/Andros Tasasa)

SPACEANIA - Abanhfleft labored to a late victory over Spaceania to tally their first three points in the World Cup 80 qualifiers as Lillian Prescott managed to bundle the ball over the line following a goal-line scramble resulting from Prescott's own corner kick.

Abanhfleft had the lion's share of the chances to open the scoring in this game and so much more, with the most notable being Chelsea Stuart managing to beat the Spaceanians' offside trap to latch onto Lea Choi's through-ball, but the Arsenal de Releinthi Ladies forward could only scythe the ball past the wrong side of the far post.

Allison Torres also saw her header sent straight to the Spaceanian goalkeeper, and Spaceanian almost took a shock lead over the Lady Revolutionaries when the Spaceania left wingback managed to get through on goal and attempted to curl the ball into the far post, but Victoria Carter was able to parry the ball away and keep the scores level at 0-0.

The introduction of Kelly McGinnis for Alexandra Rousseau five minutes into the second half served to reinvigorate the Lady Revolutionaries' attack for all of fifteen minutes before the Fleftic ran out of ideas once again the face of the ever-stiffening Spaceanian defense, who looked more and more intent to hold out for the point.

It would be from a set piece that Abanhfleft would finally break the deadlock, with Lillian Prescott sending in her corner kick deep into the Spaceanian box. Three Fleftic players made to attack the ball and poke it into the net but the ball fell uncontested inside the six-yard box, necessitating a flurry of activity from both teams as the Lady Revolutionaries attempted to finally put the ball into the back of the net and the Spaceanians tried to clear the ball away. The ball finally fell at the feet of Prescott, who had ghosted into the box from the corner of the field, and she applied the finishing touch to score Abanhfleft's first goal of the game.

McGinnis would get a chance to double the Fleftics' advantage in the dying minutes of the game when she was played through on goal by substitute Britt Hanokssen-Hanks but McGinnis' attempted chip over the goalkeeper saw the ball fly over the crossbar as well.

Abanhfleft women's national team manager Heinrich Wurzmann: To win is good but sometimes you have to do everything to scrape the win

Abanhfleft women's national team manager Heinrich Wurzmann: "Yes, it's good that we won our first game in the qualifiers. It's always a good feeling to win your first game as it sets the mood for the next games to come. But it's not the prettiest win we've got, that's for sure. But that's sometimes what you have to do to get the win. One goal, three goals, five goals, the margin of victory doesn't matter as long as it is a victory overall. But of course, it's still too early to talk about goal difference so there!"

SPACEANIA 0 - 1 ABANHFLEFT
                PRESCOTT (68')

ABANHFLEFT
GK: 1 Carter
RB: 2 Osgood
CB: 4 Jackson (Hannibal - 86')
LB: 3 Valentine
RM: 5 Maynard
LM: 6 Choi
RW: 7 Prescott
CAM: 10 Torres (Britt - 73')
LW: 8 Singh
RS: 9 Stuart
LS: 11 Rousseau (McGinnis - 50')

MATCH STATS
Possession
Spaceania: 55%
Abanhfleft: 45%
Shots
Spaceania: 5 (2 on target)
Abanhfleft: 12 (8 on target)
Corners
Spaceania: 5
Abanhfleft: 8
Fouls
Spaceania: 10
Abanhfleft: 12

by **Juvencus** » Thu Apr 26, 2018 6:35 am

What is this team? What is this group?

By: Giustino Perrault

I have nothing to say, I've been going up and around my bedroom for the last 6 hours now, thinking how we did not beat an unranked team that hesitates to put roster information for us dummy reporters and that literally has no tradition in the multiversal football scene. Our lads and ladies were a true disappointment(for the most part) and we should be glad that Brunella Tafani was able to score on her international debut to save our butts from these... these nobodies. I'll give info about our lineup and who did what below just in case you have no time reading this stupid article or whatever.

Juvencus XI:
GK:Taddeo Bulgari
CB:Dudu Madeiros(Yellow card 21')
CB:Priscilla Herbert(Yellow card 38')
CB:Valerio Scarpa(Subbed off for Amaury Félix, 70')
CDM:Gian Landi
CDM:Filipe Rodrigues
RM:Julio Ramires
LM:Angelino Alberighi
RF:Oriol Vives
LF:Joaquim Martell(Assist 88')
CF:Anastasio Campana(Subbed off for Brunella Tafani, 82', Brunella Tafani: Goal 88')

Let me quickly elaborate on the events of this horrible matchday. We always have that traditional hiccup start on world cup qualifier games, we're pressured to the motherhecking bone and we cannot do anything about it, it was obvious for the first five minutes, especially. Our passing was horrible during that time and Stetza even found some space to pressure us, it's supposed to be the other way round goddamn it. That pressure got the better of our players when an absolute trash pass from Scarpa was easily intercepted by their #7 and all he had to was to pass it to the #10, their striker and he definetely didn't hesitate on scoring against us. Then as if the players were hit by a lightning bolt, they realised that this is, wait a second, a WORLD MOTHEREFFING WORLD CUP QUALIFICATIONS MATCH and if we lose to these nobodies, we literally have no hope of even securing a playoffs spot for this. They literally turned to a better team, still as ineffective as always in their counter-attacks though, not putting even the slightest of pressure to the Stetza players and props to them for even holding on against our stupidly quick counters, especially on the first half, that tall center back was able to make Campana look like a third division player for a while. Thus, the first half ended in favor of Stetza, 0-1, the sound of boos was unreal from our fans but only on the half's end.

In the second half, things heated up in the gli attaccanti machine, Alberighi realised that he's possibly the fastest football player in the multiverse and started travelling huge distances with the ball in literally no time, in an attempt to make space, which he successfully did, it kind of reminded me of his Cup of Harmony final desperate extra time plays right before we got to the penalty kicks, truly a joy to watch, however his teammates, just like in the Cup of Harmony final, couldn't finish up anything. Let me take a second here and say, Campana was not in his usual beast mode state for some ridiculous reason and Toset should've changed him much earlier, that lad missed a lot of chances that were easy for him to score in the Campionato, on which he scored 39 goals. Toset did the right move and swapped the frustrated Campana off in the 82nd minute and to the surprise to all of us thinking he would put the heavy guns of Silvestri in, he put Brunella Tafani in. Maybe cause he thought she would counter the balanced play of the Stetza squad into jeopardy, which she did. Immediately as soon as she got in, an amazing through ball by Vives was enough to break the ice and scare the Stetza squad, a few chances later and Tafani was also quite pissed with her inability to convert against the opponents, luckily Martell reassured her that everything would go fine by making a smooth through ball between the Stetza players that even the most unable of players would capitalise on, Tafani scored, equalising the game and keeping the undefeated streak of 13 games in a row for our team alive, however the game, as a whole was a real disappointment for the Cup of Harmony champions.

Then here we went, I jumped out off my seat in disappointment thinking on what could go better for our team, questions like "Was it Campana's fault that we didn't beat these minnows?" or "Tafani should've been inside since the very first minute cause that way we would've definetely won, right?" were popping inside my head. The I came accross the realisation that it wasn't exactly Campana's fault. You see, our team's usually playing with more accurate passing CDM's to control the pace of our counter-attack, Gian Landi clearly isn't that good at controlling that pace so we lacked. But it's not just his fault, Julio Ramires is not the fastest winger in the world either, he's quite slow in comparison to Alberighi and Grec, both of which are extremely fast to begin with and make our counter-attacks actually insanely fast. Then we get the Campana matter, he was actually having a bad day, nothing wrong with that, progressing into the world cup qualifiers he'll be the one that has improved the most out of these three players, he could also be our leading scorer for the qualifications which brings me to the realisation I 'ave to make a list of our scorers and assist givers and the sort.

Top scorers:

Brunella Tafani(1 goal)

Top assist givers:

Joaquim Martell(1 assist)

This also leads us to the part on which I have to end this article, I'll complain about the fact that both unranked teams managed to hold the counter-offensive teams of Juvencus and Sargossa to a draw and also the fact that Tobiasia and most importantly, Brenecia are above both of them at the moment, which shouldn't be the motherhecking subject here, but it is. To wrap it up even more, next matchday is against Olastor, we should be beating them, hopefully, or else I'll whine even more.

by **The Liamese Empire** » Thu Apr 26, 2018 7:24 am

Absolute Failure

Our proud nation was let down today in the unnamed court of the enemy. They didn't even have a roster or names on the back of their jersey. Somehow, this mystery team was still able to score FOUR goals on our team! FOUR GOALS FOR GOD'S SAKE! Because of Scotty Robinson's horrific performance, there are reports that McMillan is warning him that he could possibly lose his job if he continues down this road. The only light in the game is that McCarthy did end up scoring the only two goals the Empire made. Fans of the Liamese Imperial Team are disappointed but hopeful that we will do better at our next game, which will be in Liamopolis. As of now though, our team is last in it's division.

by **Ko-oren** » Thu Apr 26, 2018 9:16 am

Leadership role in Ko-oren's new team: wide open

Katherine Davenport and Katanmak Juliasterinthen have both been adopted into the national team staff. Never before has Ko-oren seen such a prolific duo that both take a leading role in shaping the team. Around them, the team was formed until finally, the Dragonflies won a Cup of Harmony. However, they're both not on the field any more. And they're not the only one. Arevalo, Enshadilsa, and even the players who found themselves in the spotlights less - all retired, or focusing purely on club football. And that leaves the team with a problem it hasn't faced in about two to three decades: who is the natural born leader and true captain of this team?

Here's our candidates:

Lyami Aviara: goalkeepers are always in the mix when it comes to captaincy. Aviara has been part of the team for a while, studying behind Storm Enshadilsa, and now the fifth-oldest teammate. Behind an ever solid defence, Aviara established himself as a goalkeeper that can both win and lose you a game, and a rare emotional player who does not hide his emotions for the press. On top of that, Aviara has signed a new contract with Alara to be in line with his goals: meet high club expectations and get a monster contract in 2-3 years time.

Lionel Dalton: much like Aviara, he has always played a small role behind more established teammates. Dalton is now the last remaining defender of a historically great line. He carries this legacy as he always has: quietly. Based only on nostalgia, Dalton is the obvious choice. But in a team full of young players, is he the right choice to inspire and lead these young talents to a bright future?

Analor Avalor: many said that he does not have the quality to play on this team, but here he is. He does seem like a compensatory player: one old starter in amongst 10 players of under 30 years of age. On top of that, Avalor has a positive outlook, rallies the troops early and often, is a hard worker, and most of all, he can't stop looking after his teammates. Purely on footballing prowess, there are better midfielders, and Avalor knows that. Still, he's been listed as a starter, and there shouldn't be a more deserving person.

Chloé Beaulieu: Beaulieu is starting to get into her prime. Striker is a notoriously hard position to play in Ko-oren, where defence is key. Beaulieu does not have a clean record in terms of interacting with the press however, but maybe that is exactly what Juliasterinthen is after? Chloé is also one of just two women on the team. She is our choice for backup captain behind Avalor. She does not play in the most desirable position for a captain, though. We'd have to go back to the Ko-orenite teams of the World Cups in the 50's to find our previous captaining striker.

Nathan Didier: Another left-field choice. Didier is not a starter, and like Avalor, seems mostly selected based on being a sole experienced player. He is already working on a coaching career after his playing career, and the last remaining trophy would be captaining the national team. Captaincy would be his perfect achievement in the autumn to his career, but it relies on him conquering a place on an already talent-poor midfield.

A new addition to the squad is a reserve team. These players, numbered upwards of 23, will not join the team on away fixtures, but they will train alongside the Dragonflies and will fill in in case of injuries, or even in case of form dips. From this squad, we know Ruben de Meester, who had been part of the World Cup team last time, but dropped to the reserves. Carlinhos Queiros has been named as an experienced defender, but otherwise the reserves have been filled with players on the bubble, aiming to be a regular team member by next World Cup. Watch dynamic wing-back Hikomoto Mizuno, for instance, or possibly one of Ko-oren's best ever midfielders, Jean-Michel Dominique.

by **Filindostan** » Thu Apr 26, 2018 9:29 am

A few people visited No Nonsense Sportwear's website to see whether they can order ready to wear football kits in time for their local tournaments. What they saw in the website shocked them, to the point of starting a discussion thread on Nabbasa, under the /n/KitMakers page. One comment read:

Of course, the comment was taken down after just two minutes due to the user posting multiple spam messages across the discussion threads at Nabbasa, and embedding harmful URLs in their posts. But the information they saw at the homepage was legit.

Dear patrons of No Nonsense Sportswear and Leivagre,

Thank you for your continued support of our products. Unfortunately, we would have to temporarily shut up shop in an effort to bring to you better and more improved products. It won't take too long though before we open up again to receive your kit orders. This notice will also apply for those who are looking for Leivagre products.

So what to expect from us in the coming months? A new, snazzy logo and a new identity for the then called NNS. Wait and see, you will be amazed for the better products that we have in store for you.

For now, you can contact our helpdesk for existing orders and reproduction of our existing replica products.

Rumors have swirled that the Filindostani company is planning a bid for a Equestar World Cup Partner spot as the tournament's official football wardrobe. Of course, nothing is still set in stone so maybe it's a fake news after all. Some pointed towards the finances hitting the company hard, some pointing even towards a acquisition by a large conglomerate. Any conspiracy theorycrafting may be valid up to the point where the Filindostani company rise up again and do another set of kitmaking for those in need.

by **Kita-Hinode** » Thu Apr 26, 2018 9:52 am

I'm Satomi Asakawa. My little brother, Katsu, fled from our house a couple of days ago searching for a master. I... I never had the time to care about him, he always felt more like a little kid that I had to raise than a brother. And now... Now, I don't know where he is. In any case, here I am... running around to get him back.

Jolyne waved to the officers, two familiar faces that she could recall from the time where her boss... almost kidnapped Qasden and Kitsunia. Good memories.
[Jolyne] - Miss Yoko, Mister Zack! I'm sorry to get in your way...
[Yoko] - Don't worry, little Jolyne. It does sound like that boss of yours is a bit of work.
[Satomi] - Ahem.
Satomi and Han-Myeong stood sitting on a bench, having been waiting for the two police officers to take them to go look for her brother, the young Katsu.
[Satomi] - He's still my brother, I'll have you know.
[Zack] - And he keeps getting in trouble, missie.
[Satomi] - ...I'm a terrible sister, ain't I?
[Zack] - Well, if the glove fit.
[Han-Myeong] - M-Miss Satomi, d-don't feel like that, I'm sure we'll find him!
[Zack] - Oh, that I'm sure.
[Jolyne] - You mean it, Mister Zack?
[Yoko] - Well, while this is a big region, there aren't many places he could've gone to if he was looking for Pokémon skills.
[Zack] - I just hope he didn't go to... well, y'know.
[Satomi] - What?
[Zack] - There is one place that could fit the bill. We've been getting reports every now and then but we never really found anything conclusive.
[Yoko] - It's a gym opened by a local. The owner is very weird and the trip is kind of hard to do.
[Zack] - I say we go there first, best to get that out of the way first.
[Satomi] - Wait. How bad is it?
[Zack] - Well, the sign was painted with unspecified blood. And while we never really managed to get them locked up, I'm sure there are at least some skeletons hidden under the floor or something.
Yoko, the younger officer of the two, clearly noticed Satomi looking uneasy.
She clearly worried about her brother, how else would it be?
[Yoko] - Zack! Let's go, we'll take you there and see if we can find something.

Satomi eyed out the path, noticing how long they had been going.
They had long since gone away from civilization and her mind had more or less droned her out of talks.
She was fairly surprised whenever she looked at the people inside the car.
Jolyne seemed fairly well with them, like if she had made friends of the two.
It was then that she started to pay attention to what they were talking about.
[Jolyne] - Oh, yes... Suzie and Jonathan are fine. They just preferred to stay at home.
[Yoko] - I'm glad they're doing well. I actually did think about getting them something for their birthday...
[Zack] - Really now? We've just met them once-
[Yoko] - Say for yourself. We've been chatting on the phone whenever possible and-
[Zack] - Is that why you can't get a date? Too busy overlooking them?
[Yoko] - Why you!
[Han-Myeong] - Uh... So, are we close to that gym?
[Zack] - Kind of. It's on the edge of the city. Heh. Edge, kind of fitting, if you ask me.
[Han-Myeong] - Honestly, I think it's shameful. Hope master is fine.
[Zack] - Huh. Fair enough.
He then smirked. He was the driver, so his smirk was sort of hard to notice, but Satomi could tell it from her angle.
[Zack] - So, who are you again? Jolyne's boyfriend?
[Han-Myeong] - U-Uh... No, no I'm not!
[Jolyne] - Y-Yes... He's just the family's bodyguard.
[Zack] - So, you fight?
[Han-Myeong] - Yes, sir. Although I've been considering getting a Pokémon since this is how things are usually solved around here.
[Yoko] - Wouldn't be a bad thing, if you ask me.
[Zack] - Just don't go beating them up in an attempt at training them. I know your types very well.
[Han-Myeong] - I wouldn't... they're pets, right?
[Zack] - More than that. Well, here we are.

The group was finally in front of the gym's wooden doors.
It all had an eerie aspect, somewhat torn down, Satomi could only help but wonder what exactly happened with that academy, giving the state of it.
If anything, the memories of whatever her brother mentioned about Pokémon was of something usually cheery and happy.
Granted, she admitted she knew very little of it, there was something just too off about this place.
Zack knocked at the large, tall doors of the gym.
It took some time but they could hear some noises.
At last, the doors were opened revealing a masked woman.
The woman was fairly built, bits of her tanned skin clearly visible under a set of dark clothes, the sole exception being a white shirt under her black jacket.
Her mask had an oni-like design, clashing with a flower sitting over her ear.
Han-Myeong put himself in position, just in case he needed to fight.
[????????] - What do you want?
Both Zack and Yoko pulled out their badges.
Zack himself clearly was unamused and Yoko was somewhat defiant.
[Zack] - Zack Fair and Yoko Kishibonjin, Sportsville Police Department. We're here looking for Katsu Asakawa.
[????????] - Do you have a permit?
[Zack] - No, we just thought you'd do it out of the good of your heart, sweetie.
[????????] - ...
[Yoko] - We do, he was just kidding.
She then pulled out a paper from her pocket.
[Yoko] - Now miss, if you could please help us out-
A voice started to talk to her.
[???????] - Now, Kubanakan, let me deal with the good officers. Go back to training.
The masked one bowed, letting her master reach them.
It was Hakifao.
[Hakifao] - Now, what exactly do you want from my gym?
[Zack] - We want one boy called Katsu Asakawa.
Satomi stepped out from behind the two, teary-eyed.
[Satomi] - M-My brother...
[Hakifao] - Hmmm... So you lost your little baby brother, eh?
Hakifao got closer to Satomi, laughing.
[Hakifao] - What a shame. Just shameful indeed.
The master slapped her, catching everyone, including Han-Myeong by surprise.
[Hakifao] - Well, know this, you imbecile. Your brother was tired of waiting for you to care about him and his quest. If you want to meet him, meet him in the battleground.
She then turned her back to the girl.
[Hakifao] - And his name now is Hinode. See you whenever you're up to challenge your brother. Au revoir. Close the door, Kubanakan.
The smaller girl returned to her confines in the middle of the dark that her gym emanated.
Kubanakan, the masked person, closed the doors, sighing.
Satomi crumbled down, tears running through her face.
She couldn't react.
She lost her brother.

The police car dropped them off at the very familiar house of Sunrise.
The bell rang.
Sunrise opened the door, only to find a girl with the mark of a slap across her left cheek, tears and snot.
He could tell one of the two behind her, Katsu's bodyguard who every now and then came to take him home, Han-Myeong.
[Sunrise] - Uh... what can I help you all with?
[Satomi] - I... I talked with my bodyguard... he said you teach people to battle with Pokémon.
[Sunrise] - I teach people how to take care of them-
[Satomi] - You need to teach us three! I need to face Katsu and get him back!
[Sunrise] - ...So you're her sister, after all?
[Satomi] - He badmouthed me to you as well... didn't he?
[Sunrise] - Not really... but maybe you should go take a glass of water or something. Come in.

by **Mercedini** » Thu Apr 26, 2018 10:35 am

World Cup MD1: The Sherpa Empire vs. Mercedini
@ Dasareth Rangasala Stadium - Kathmandu, The Sherpa Empire

Mercedini's World Cup campaign got off to the perfect start with a 2-0 away win over The Sherpa Empire in the Sherpan provincial capital of Kathmandu. The long trip that Mercedini had to face was complete only a couple of days before the match was scheduled to begin, with the team undergoing altitude training before their qualification opener. The youth of the Mercedinian team shone through as their enthusiasm and energy kept their head above water when faced with the thin air of the Dasareth Rangasala Stadium plus an expectant home crowd looking to make an impact with their first match in qualification.

Lyndainium fielded a strong team to face the Sherpa Empire plus the twenty-five thousand-strong crowd, with plenty of banners featuring mythical beasts such as dragons and whatnot, it was a great atmosphere to open the qualification calendar on. Chillotov and Dostalok both got the nod upfront for the first match, with Lyndainium and his staff hoping to put an early three points on the board before their big match at home against Farfadillis on the second match day.

THE SHERPA EMPIRE 0-2 MERCEDINI
Chillotov 54', Presic 83'

The match started with tentative passing around the back from both teams as they began their qualification runs, the running track around the pitch meant the fans were slightly away from where the action was taking place, but the fans were loud enough to give the stadium a tremendous atmosphere. Speaking of fans, only about 2,000 or so Mercedinian fans made the trip to Kathmandu out of the 25,000 in the stadium, but they were still vocal about their support for their team, even if they have had a bumpy ride as of late.

The first half was fairly even with the Sherpan players bridging the rank gap very well by pressuring the wings and using the pace and strength for wingers Ngedup and Gyatso to advance up field and whip in a cross. Fortunately for the Golden Eagles, the defenders were on their a-game, with Dosic being the main player in the middle to head away crosses back to relative safety. The Sherpa Empire did record a handful of shots of target, with the pick of the bunch coming from centre-forward Shubhashish Srihatta who released a shot on the edge of the box when he found himself in space. The outside-curling shot whistled just wide of the post, giving Daniel Hosset in the Mercedinian goal and some of his defenders a scare as the half drew to a close. Mercedini did assert their dominance in periods of the first half, with the pace of Dostalok and Chillotov becoming too much for the home defenders at times, as the broke free and gave themselves a chance at goal. Arguably the chance of the half fell at the feet, or rather the head, of Ben Chillotov. Ross Presic dribbled down to the corner and looked to have trapped himself, but he managed to wiggle free and send in a dangerous cross. Ben Chillotov was unmarked in the middle of the penalty but could only send his point blank header straight at the goalkeeper.

In the end, a frustrating half for the Mercedinians ended goalless, with both nations still in the match as the teams went into the tunnel to discuss tactics and have a breather from the action, some of the players must have been feeling the altitude.

The teams came back out for the second half, swapping halves as always with the referee carrying out the all-important World Cup branded ball. The fans were still filing back into their seats when a quick start from the Mercedinian front line caught the Sherpan defence off guard, and very nearly breaking the deadlock in the opening minute of the second half. Thankfully for the home team, the goalkeeper was alert to the danger and came out to neutralize any attack from their opponents.

Tension was building in the stadium, with both teams coming close on multiple occasions but neither could put the ball in the net. Mercedini finally broke the deadlock through an error from the Sherpan defence which allowed Chillotov through on goal. The 1860 Azoth striker has been having a tough time at the club with Azoth flirting with relegation before being ousted in UICA Qualifying following a disastrous second leg performance. He made sure to look up and spot Handon United striker Daniel Dostalok running level with him, a simple square pass gave Dostalok a simple tap-in for 1-0. The pair ran over to their fans celebrating in the stands before they were mobbed by their teammates in the corner.

That settled the nerves of the away fans, and surprisingly that of the home fans, as they now had something to aim for other than to 'just score'. Mercedini then asserted their dominance in the match with their physicality and trickery on the ball, their altitude training now paying off against their opponents thanks to their constant energy not giving The Sherpa Empire players any time on the ball. The Golden Eagles were now looking to see out the match under the watchful eye of Lyndainium, but they weren't having it all their own way on the pitch, with TSE looking to spring a surprise counter attack whenever Mercedini has a set piece.

Night was beginning to fall in Kathmandu and with time ticking down on the match, the Sherpan players knew they had to find a goal if they were to get something out of their opening match, a precautionary clearance from Aznelik gifted the team a corner with less than ten minutes to go. The ball was whipped in with pace on the near side, but wasn't dealt with by the Mercedinian defence with a punch by Hosset falling to the feet of Srihatta, but he couldn't get the ball from under his feet before the defence closed him down, and the ball was cleared. A flick-on header beat the defenders who stayed back and allowed Chillotov to run through once again, streaking forward with only the goalkeeper to beat. This time he attempted to score himself, only for the goalkeeper to parry the shot onto the post in a dramatic end to the game. Chillotov managed to pick up the ball but opted to square it along the face of goal for the second time in the game. There, Presic, who initially started the move, squeezed the ball between the goalkeeper and the defender on the line to double the lead of the Mercedinians in the 83rd minute, practically ending the game there and then.

With fans leaving the stadium during the three minutes of the stoppage time, the Sherpans had one final opportunity to claim something from the match, with Srihatta finding space for Gyatso to let out a shot, but the low ball was an easy claim for Daniel Hosset, as he closed the game out with one big kick upfield. When the referee finally blew his whistle, the Mercedini had bagged their first win of the game, beating The Sherpa Empire 2-0 in Kathmadu.

That's all from us here in Kathmandu, tomorrow we will be bringing you all of the build up and live action of the biggest match in the qualification calendar, and that is Mercedini vs. Farfadillis live from the Sports City Stadium in Zoloroni. It's very early days in the group, but if Mercedini can snag a point or a win in this match, then they are on the right to qualifying for their first World Cup in three cycles. We hope you will able to join us for that, but from The Sherpa Empire, goodnight!

by **Valanora** » Thu Apr 26, 2018 10:59 am

A forgotten important moment of Valanora's past is the Dark Templara protection treaty, where upon the exiled Templara were awarded vast plains in the north of the Eternal Empire's mainland. In exchange for this swath of land to call their own, the Templara were to pay taxes, be members of the Empire, and swore loyalty to the crown of the Eternal Empire. It is the latter part of that agreement that has been forgotten, as it was not to the Empire itself that the Templara swore their loyalty to, but the Raynor family, and with the Raynors gone from this world, bar the elf formerly known as Tobias Raynor, it left the Templara in an odd situation.

"My lord Fealda, it has been over a year that we have been left in this limbo, do you not believe that it is time that we are given an answer on what our future shall be? Those we had pledged our service to are no longer here and though we are forever grateful to them for assisting us in our hour of need, these people who have arisen to fill the power vacum in their absence do not have the same fortitude to rule over this Empire if they can not even provide an answer to our dignitaries."

Faelda was an older Templara, she had seen the exile from their native lands, and had even been a witness to the original pact between Elf and Templara before her people had become exiles and nomads. This newest development had never been something that they could have foreseen when they had made the second pact, where upon her people had been given the lands to hold as their own, acting as a semi-autonomous region within the empire. They had thought of what would happen if the dynasty had died out, if there had been a change in government, or even if there had been a coup of some sort, where upon another one of the major houses of the Empire would have assumed the role of Great Leader. Never in their wildest imaginations would they have thought that the elves of this land were in fact children of celestial dieties of some sort and would be recalled back to the plane where they had originally came from, it was a turn of events that sounded more like it should have belonged in a holy book than to have actually happened before her very eyes.

"You need learn greater patience my dear Hadul, an Empire that stretches across two continents and with hundreds of millions of souls to consider and serve have need of time to sort themselves out after such calamity. This was not an expected event, as I have been informed that the previous iterations of this sort of phenomenon have been and it took a far greater number this cycle than it had been in the past, as there was extremely unusual circumstances. These humans, dwarves, and I think dragonkin they call themselves, have to figure out what they are going to do. They have not even been able to decide what sort of government that the Empire is going to have and how upon to choose the new leader when it is decided."

"It's been sixteen months, how have they not been able to come to some sort of concensus on matters of such importance? It's like you have said, they have millions of people relying upon them to facilitate the needs of the state and its populace, this is a matter that should have been resolved in a few short months, not still be being debated about and stagnating the progress of reconstruction. It is benign neglect and we can not allow ourselves to be ignored, if they will not serve our needs, then we should serve them ourselves."

"You are bold but you lack the experience needed to see that the weight of this decision is the very reason why it is taking so long. On top of trying to sort out the government, they are also trying to fully integrate a new nation into the Empire, which is now acting as the capital. Bias and agendas are hard things to overcome and if you tip the scale wrong on decisions such as this, you risk civil war and even the entire dissolution of the Empire as regions start declaring their independence. If we were to do that, what would keep the dragonkin from doing so and taking back the mountains and jungles that are their homes, what would keep Capri and Vyinta from deciding they could do better on their own? This Empire has sustained itself for over twenty thousand years by being united and weighing its decisions greatly before taking action. Have a little more patience Hadul and you will get the answers you seek."

World Cup 81/82/83/84

© Sporting Times Daily 2018
Richmond: Opponent will have "chip on its shoulder"
by Mindy Cartwright
National Soccer Writer

Commonwealth National Team Manager Trevor Richmond discussed the upcoming World Cup Qualifying match at Sportsman's Park tonight against Darmen. He believes the visitors will come in with something to prove, having dropped their first match at home to South Toronto. "I think they will certainly have a chip on their shoulder when they step onto the pitch. They are already in a hole in the table, they are playing a newcomer and so they will want to show they will live up to their ranking."

Darmen are currently ranked 38th and possess an experienced squad, led by Captain Felix Lucanus. Their starting lineup are made up of mostly players who have at least 30 international caps; by comparison Ali Salih is the most capped BP player, earning his 32nd in the draw against Newmanistan.

Richmond said he has been happy with the preparations, and will make just 3 changes to the lineup--Naroun Patel will come in for Ian Coverstone, Erica Shaw will replace Steven DiPietro in the center of midfield, and Susan Brown will take over at left back for Kris Day.

by **Qusmo** » Thu Apr 26, 2018 11:25 am

“Hey, it’s Morning Sport!”

“What? No, turn that off,” yelled Rilan-Jerat Nev from the next room. “I don’t like that one.”

“Hey, but I like it! & I want to listen to it!”

The radio blared, “Hello from Morning Sport. Today, we reflect on the Qusma national team’s victory in Qanz over Wolves Clans. A good result by them, sure, but I challenge the team: next time, when you go out on the pitch at home against a team not ranked in the top 250, maybe score within the first ninety minutes.”

“I’m serious, turn it off.”

“Oh, come on, let me listen to it!”

“Let’s hand a lot of props off to Ilinx-Kepex Zev. They’re practically a national hero now. Of course, that’s perfectly understandable; they saved their team from utter disgrace in Qanz. How terrible is it that we couldn’t find net once until some kid on the other side tripped over their own shoelaces & let Ilinx-Kepex find space for a shot? How many times did we have a perfectly good attack? How many times was it squandered by players not knowing where the net was or what the offside rule was? Ilinx-Kepex -”

“I said shut it off!” barked Rilan-Jerat.

The radio turned off, & in the silence that followed, Nev turned the commentator’s thoughts over in their head. That sportscaster was clearly talking about them. They had been flagged for offside twice in the first fifteen minutes, when it looked like Qusmo was playing its best throughout the whole match. Rilan-Jerat put the ball into the back of the net twice, & some linesperson from the edge of the multiverse decided they wanted to wave a flag.

There was nothing offside about it. Rilan-Jerat knew that they should have been Qusmo’s first-ever international goalscorer - & they should have had a brace, too. The thought that they were doubted for a second made them furious - & motivated them to prove once & for all that they were worthy of playing for the Qusma national team.

by **Starblaydia** » Thu Apr 26, 2018 12:00 pm

Matchday Two Cutoff

And people though I was so nice, until the upsets started happening and I turned into a monster. Let's see if the Matchday Two RP cutoff helps you any.

And here are the scores themselves, imagine that.

by **South Toronto** » Thu Apr 26, 2018 12:07 pm

Chapter 2: Where Evil Lurks

South Toronto went into yesterday's match versus Darmen as underdogs, but came out on top 1-0 thanks to the help of Devante Marie Tiberius was a relatively boring game, with only 4 shots being taken with 2 each. Darmen had an excellent opportunity to go up one in the 14th minute, but Craig Blackwood's shot was blocked Paul Makanjoko, which resulted in a corner. Alberich Goldschmidt took the corner, and a scramble in the box was then cleared away by Bryan Penelope. Quite some time later, Kevin Yahaya tackled Alberich Goldschmidt outside the box but was fouled by him, which resulted in a yellow card in the 42nd minute. Goldschmidt went to confront the referee about the decision, but it was clear to everybody the yellow was deserved. Devante Marie Tiberius stepped up to the free kick with a composed look. The ref blew the whistle. Tiberius smoothly curled the ball into the top right corner, rooting the 'keeper to the spot. South Toronton fans erupted in a cheer, but the Darmen players and fans were stunned that a defender of all players scored a free kick. The second half began, and it was rather uneventful. Ni Ling Son was booked for a risky challenge on Zachariah Butler in the 77th minute, who received treatment on the sidelines before being reintroduced into the game. Kelechi made three substitutions in the 82nd minute, off came Kevin Yahaya, Ni Ling Son and Tyrese Townsend for Germanpreet Sachadev, Michal Bergman and Artjorm Petrov. South Toronto could've gone two up in the 83rd minute, as Germanpreet's long shot went just inches wide, but it went out for a goal kick. In stoppage time, a penalty was awarded to Darmen as a shot from Felix Lucanus was blocked, by Germanpreet's hand. He was booked for the incident and Felix stepped up to take it. Whistles from the South Toronto fans probably distracted him, as he blazed it over the bar. Asmeh kicked the ball to Jamal Seruku who booted the ball into the opposition's half. The whistle for full time was blown, and Darmen fans booed their players. South Toronto's next match is against Great Chota, who won 1-0 against Coldfield.

"Aye, this is some good journalism man, ya gyal should be put in the Average News!" said Jozy as he scrolled down the news article and clicked off the window. "Those VIP seats really helped her wit' the article. Aye ya hear 'bout Great Chota? These niggas beat Coldfield ya know." said Trevon, turning his body to face Jozy. "Fo' real? Buh they only ranked 216th, we could show 'em how it's really done. "Nah bruh, ain't coach tell you to be humble? What happened in the final of the BoF when yo' dumbass could've got a hattrick but was showboating and we ended up losin' 5-2? Exactly n-word, wait for 'til them Great Chota niggas then you can show them how it's really done," replied Trevon. Jozy nodded and opened his phone to check the time. It was 4:00 pm, 3 -and-a-half hours from kickoff. "Tre, it 4 already bro. We need to head to the hotel now!" shouted Jozy as he immediately sprang up from his chair and got his bags quickly. Trevon did the same, and they exited Trevon's penthouse together.

Meanwhile in Mecaias, Hoodlum, Jay-Jay Rerin was driving on a highway to Trapsan. His phone rang, and since he was in traffic he decided to answer the phone even though he knew it was risky. He put the phone on the dashboard and said "Hello? What you want Jelly?" questioned Jay-Jay with an angry expression on his face. "What I want is simple: tell your teammate Jamal to meet us in Perry's Chicken Grill". "You mean PCG, nobody says the long version... And what you even want with Jamal anyway? That boy is too smart to fall for your blackmail. Got all A's in his CSSE's," replied Jay-Jay. He tightened the grip on his steering wheel, to deal with his anxiety. "Jamal is the key to us killing that n-word TDW, his girl is a friend of TWD, therefore, making him friends with TDW. If he refuses well, we can expose him in the worst way". "How?" asked Jay-Jay. "He fucked TWD's wife, if he gets caught he's going to 'disappear' by the hands of the S06. Now when he meets us, he gone tell us security precautions, and the job will be easy. Understand?," said Jelly. Hesitantly, Jay-Jay said "Yup" and hung up. He took a deep breath and let out a grunt of frustration. Playing football might help. Yes, he will release the anger on the ball. A sign on the highway read, 'You have now reached Trapsan.'. At least he'd be on time.

OOC:Aw shit, missed the RP cutoff by 7 minutes, that's an L.

by **Ashkam** » Thu Apr 26, 2018 12:17 pm

Five Hundred Warriors

Chapter Three

“Man smoke on opps that's flavours
Gunshots wake up the neighbours
Hand tings, don't fuck with tazers…”

It was a pretty average offseason day around the apartment block where the Hesevan SK players lived, outside of the main city in the northern suburbs. For a place inhabited by footballers, many of whom were celebrities, it was fairly average. That was just part of playing in a communist system. The building was better than the run down ones in other parts of the city, but it wasn’t anything special that would amaze anyone, and it didn’t look like it was expensive compared to the rest of the neighborhood it was in. On the interior, the inhabitants of the building were doing what they would typically do on a regular day when there was no training or game to worry about: hanging out and burning the spare time.

Or so they were until hell broke loose. Arik Nordale was sitting in the living room and playing a video game with teammates when gunshots cracked the air and the sounds of shattering glass and screeching brakes could be heard. Others dove to the floor and assumed that the gunshots were coming from inside the apartment, but Arik had been around them enough to know better, and jumped up before running to the window, the last place that most people would want to be while a shooting was happening. Outside, there was a car stopped in the driveway, a taxi, and several masked men with various weapons.

The shooting seemed to be over, and they were talking with themselves. Arguing would be a better word, because they didn’t seem to see eye to eye on something. They were talking emphatically while the taxi sat idle before accelerating and slamming into the nearest vehicle in the driveway, probably because of the driver’s body sliding and his foot hitting the gas pedal incidentally. The group of men finished their talk at this point and they ran, jumping the fence to the next apartment block and then traveling behind the property, avoiding the main road where the police could come and find them.

“The fuck was that?” asked one of the teammates that was in Arik’s apartment, Filip Lemmety. Another southerner, Filip was less used to the crime around Hesevan than Arik was. While Arik had embraced the gangster lifestyle and lived like one of the locals from the underside of the city, Filip was still the type to duck for cover whenever there was trouble and cooperate with the police whenever necessary. It was a wonder he and Arik even hung out.

“I believe some shooters from Jestana confused me for someone else and tried to get payback. But I’m not sure,” Arik said, and he went into his room to pick up a rifle with a laser sight before walking out of the apartment and heading to the elevator. After reaching the outside, Arik went straight to the site of the shooting, even though there was still the risk of the ones who did the crime coming back for more. It looked like the driver of the taxi was dead, and Arik circled around for signs of anyone else in the vehicle. They probably assumed he was in the vehicle, but little did they know that he only got around with the red sedan that was a few spots back in the driveway.

There was someone in the backseat, a girl in her early twenties who had a northern appearance to her, with her olive skin and black hair. He needed a minute to recognize where he had seen the face before, but then he recognized her immediately. She was the one who was supposed to join the club this season after the league had finally allocated the midfielder that they needed desperately. She was Ashkamite in descent but she was also the only foreign born player in the ATL, and now, she had just suffered a brush with death as the shooters ran off when they realized that she wasn’t the person that they were trying to kill. “Please don’t shoot me?” she asked Arik, putting her hands up when Arik approached with the gun.

“Wasn’t going to. Those guys, I’m almost certain they were here for me. They thought I was in that taxi, and they were trying to get revenge for my boys pulling up on them yesterday. You’re Audrey, right? I’m actually one of your teammates. And it looks like I managed to bring my trouble to the teammates, even though I didn’t see things panning out this way,” said Arik. “You should probably get inside before anyone comes back.”

“Right,” said Audrey, surprisingly composed for someone that had just avoided dying in a shooting. She stepped out of the car and avoided the broken glass on the ground, picking up her backpack and her one bag and following Arik to the inside, silently. “I already have the key to my apartment. That’s actually why I was coming here. I was feeling so good about it, getting excited to meet the team, and then this happens. That’s some way to start my pro career…”

“It was going to happen eventually, better that you get it out of the way now rather than later. As for meeting the team, I’m sure they’ll be impressed by your story. The southerners will, anyway. I’m one of them, but most of the others are a bit softer and wouldn’t step out there for you. Not that they’re bad people, but they aren’t crazy enough to walk into gunfire to check out what’s going on. This is one of the hardest cities in Ashkam, and you’ll get used to it after a year or so of living here-”

“I’ve heard, but it’s not like that’s a problem to me. I’ve prided myself in being able to handle things like this. On being tough, I guess. I’m not going to freak out and put in a transfer request or anything, it’s just surprising that it happened so soon, that’s all. Not even forty eight hours in the country and I’ve already been shot at. I guess it is interesting for others, when you put it like that,” she said. “If I’m going to play here, I want to embrace the local life. I want to be about that life.”

“Oh? Not many non locals think that way, especially foreigners. Well, you’re the first foreigner that I’ve met, so I don’t know about the latter, but I’d assume it would be the same even if there were more of you.”

“I’m the kid of laborers. I’ve never shied away from the tougher side of life, and as I said, I wouldn’t have come here if I was afraid of embracing the local culture. If that involves being shot at all the time and being in danger… I’ll deal. I’m a lot of things. But one thing that I’m not is soft. You’ve got a lot to learn about me if you think that I am.”

by **New Lusitania and the Algarves** » Thu Apr 26, 2018 12:28 pm

STL - Serviços de Transmissão Lusitana | stl.ls In ENGLISH
Sport
80th World Cup Qualifying - The Road to "Equestar"

MATCHDAY ONE REPORT : BRENECIA X NEW LUSITANIA
IT'S ALWAYS THE LITTLE THINGS...

Back on the world stage after a hiatus, the Selecção started at their, supposedly, most difficult match - world ranked no.10... away. Going to Brenecia was never going to be an easy match, but New Lusitania were bringing their "A-game" and a whole lot of hope to the Away ground. A few thousand made the travel to the country to follow their team, in a full house. It was entitled to be a cracker.

TEAMS - STARTING 11s

BRENECIA
GK Woodgate
LB Quill
LCB Szubanski
RCB Heneghan
RB Carrack
CDM Gryphon (C) (A 38')
LM Keohane
LCM Hartsdown (G 88')
RCM Case
RM Crowther (A 88')
ST Riordan (G 38')

(G- Goal, A- Assist)

NEW LUSITANIA
GK R.Patrice
LB R.Guerreiros
CB Dalot
RB Cédric (José Fontaínhas 67')
CDM R.Nevais
LM J.Mário
CM Bruno Fernando (G 56')
RM: Francisco Gama (C)
CAM B. Silva
LW: D.Jota
RW G.Martins

MATCH REVIEW

The team started well in Rozelle giving it all they had, with smart passes and attractive football, whilst Brenecia, seeing this, switched to a counter-attacking side waiting for a mistake from the opposition. Eventually, it happened. A poor cross, led fr a swift counter attack. It was 1-0 to the home crowd at 38 minutes. Power shot from Riordan right at the end. Great link up
In the second half, a stupid foul from Brenecia, a slide tackle from the back, led to a free kick near their box. Bruno Fernando scored, directly from the free kick, a beautiful strike indeed, the goalkeeper had no chance. Just simply a wonder goal. Bringing it back to 1-1 the Lusitanians fought well and hard. A substitution in defence to bring experienced Fontaínhas freshened up the defence. It was no good, though. On 88' the Brenecians scored, ultimately winning the match. A small glitch in midfield meant no points instead of one. Goal by Hartsdown, great switch of play from right to left flank.
FT Brenecia 1-1 New Lusitania
MOTM: Hartswell
Although the Lusitanians left their first game in defeat, it proved everything they can do. "If this is what we can do against top tier teams, I reckon we have a good chance of winning some matches this time out" - said manager Victor Santa Cruz

The Verdict
Our best player was witout a doubt Bruno Fernands, he proved why he's on the team today showing his technique and prowess all over the field. He's one of the key players, and he's shown it on the international.
On the Brenecia side, we have to take in that great midfield, although today's stars were Hartswell and Gryphon for their quality passes, his goal and the other's assist.

Join us next time from home it's NEW LUSITANIA X North New South Wales from Estadio do Algarve, from 2030, on STL 1 and Antena 1 Live.

MMXVIII ----- STL in association with FLF ----

by **Zwangzug** » Thu Apr 26, 2018 1:16 pm

The Spenson Star
A draw for the birds

In a tangle of the two most recent Eagles' Cup champions, Zwangzug arguably avenged their quarterfinal defeat in the seventh such tournament, holding the Cosumar Vanquishers to a 1-1 draw in Wayr Stadium. Admittedly facing a less-than-full-strength visitor side, they avoided the cultured boots of Ragnar Targaryen but still met with stiff opposition in the Cosumarite defense.

Kathryn Kvanderwyk, a favored player of visiting manager Alexander Pearce, opened the scoring with a goal in minute twenty-three, assisted by fellow veteran Mina Mordini. The winds in the high-altitude stadium picked up after halftime, and Zwangzug seemed to be able to control some "home field advantage" despite most of the players having little experience there. Narrow midfields battled for control, and Keshav Dhankot edged out Stig Söderquist to deposit the equalizer in minute sixty-two. From there, the defense held firm; Shoshana Birla came up with an impressive save off Airik Ruhl around the seventy-five minute mark, but he duly got himself ejected for an ugly foul on Heather Garland-Fowler. She is expected to miss the next matchday, away in the Greater Vacolicci Haven, as a precaution, but also to recover relatively quickly.

"I've always said to take it one day at a time," claimed Makvala Tsereteli, who is not on record as attesting anything to that effect. "But certainly those who had experience with Cosumar beating them out last...time around, or whatever, seemed to bring a little extra fire, and I'm very pleased with our efforts here."

"I think our fans have a lot of respect for some of their players," claimed Ramona Ambaile-Hund, who did not recognize any of the visiting "Vanquishers." "Or at least, their off-the-field personalities. So they appreciated the game."

Corianne Rogawski, who replaced Ambaile-Hund with a half hour remaining, is one of the players comparatively familiar with Wayr Stadium due to her experience with Rovers United. "Obviously there's a little bit of acclimatizing necessary, and that cuts into your warm-up routine, but compared to some of the places I've heard about overseas it could be much worse, I'm sure. I don't want to hear any complaining from the fans, they can at least get breakfast food or whatever."

Second and third seeds Valladares and Barunia held each other to a twelve-goal draw, sending the group 15 results into disarray. [Has this team managed to get drawn into the last group yet again? This seems statistically improbable. -ed]

Well, no, because it's not the same team, is it? As soon as you substitute one player out, and obviously all these players weren't in our last World Cup...

[That's a bit philosophical, and all, but then you could hardly say that "team Zwangzug" wins a game if the starting players aren't the ending ones. -ed]

Admittedly that's usually the case when Tsereteli is involved. Is there such thing as a national team, even? Because individuals are born and die all the time, but that they constitute a societal monolith seems extremely dubious. Thus, if there is no nation, what can a set of players be said to represent?

[You are seriously missing the point. -ed]

by **Alasdair I Frosticus** » Thu Apr 26, 2018 1:26 pm

THE TALE OF PRINCE FLUFFLES AND THE VERY BAD REFEREE MAN

One fine day in the Holy Empire, the fluffy bunnies took the field to play Bostopia.

The sun was shining, the dressing room carrots were oh so tasty, and there surely would have been many daisies and buttercups out on the pitch if the groundsmen weren't ever so careful to keep the grass mown so short.

It was a lovely day for football, and all of the fluffy bunnies were looking forward to playing against Bostopia.

All the fluffy bunnies had a secret bunny crush on Emperor Boston, who was just about everyone's favourite mundy; except for Mr Di Bradini, and no one was quite sure if he counted as a mundy anymore

Benjy Bunny and Cinnabun were in a frolicsome mood in pre-match warm-ups, and everyone in the crowd was ever so cheered up by seeing the cute fluffy bunnies frolic so. Look at the bunnies frolic! Doesn't it just make you happy?

Then the referee man blew his whistle to start the match.

And before you could say 'carrots are just super yummy', the fluffy bunnies were 4-0 up!

'Hurrah!' cried the bunnies when Snuggles scored his first goal.

'Hurrah!' cried the bunnies when Snuggles scored his second goal.

'Hurrah!' cried the bunnies when Snuggles scored his third goal.

And 'Hurrah!' cried the bunnies again when the Bostopians scored an own goal through complicated bunny hi-jinks that would take far too long to explain here, and only really make sense to grown-ups.

'Gosh, this international football thing is just super-easy' thought the bunnies as they went back to the dressing room to enjoy nice hot cups of tea, and a generous supply of carrots.

But then in the second half, a Very Bad Thing happened.

Twice now an opposing defender from Bostopia had had the temerity to tackle the ball away from Prince Fluffles, whose cute little bunny ears were going pink from embarrassment and shame.

So Prince Fluffles did what any self-respecting bunny would do in the same situation, and next time the mean and selfish defender came anywhere near him, Prince Fluffles hacked him down from behind, and gave him a swift kick to the head for good measure.

It was simple common sense to show that the bunnies were boss, as any neutral would surely attest.

But do you know what happened?

The very bad referee man showed Prince Fluffles a red card!

'What does this card mean?' asked Prince Fluffles?

'It means you must leave the field' said the very bad referee man.

'And be replaced by my good bunny friend Twix?' asked Prince Fluffles.

'No, your team must now play a bunny short for the remaining forty minutes, for it is against the rules to hack down an opponent from behind and give him a swift kick to the head' said the very bad referee man.

Well, can you imagine?

Have you ever heard of such a thing?

Prince Fluffles was most upset, and called the very bad referee man a '[CENSORED]ing [CENSORED]' who '[CENSORED] [CENSORED]ing his sister'.

And you know what?

The referee refused to change his mind!

Even when Twitch cutely twitched his bunny nose, and Whiskers cutely shook his bunny whiskers, and Snowball pricked up his cute white bunny ears....

None of it made the slightest bit of difference to the very bad referee man!

A bunny down, and the match changed completely, and but for a goal disallowed for offside in injury time, the Bostopians might have achieved a most improbable comeback against the best team of bunnies in all the multiverse.

But fortunately the bunnies managed to hang on and win their second match in a row.

Hurrah for bunnies!

But still, the bunnies looked much less happy and frolicsome as they left the pitch to go back to the dressing room and munch on yummy carrots.

Hippity-hop, hippity-hop, into the burrow.

THE END

by **Razenthuria** » Thu Apr 26, 2018 2:09 pm

Amongst the Fans, Disgust

_{Disappointment as the Razen team falters against an unranked side. (Gaston North/Razen Sports Daily)}

_TYNEDALE - The pre-hype surrounding the match as the game got underway was replaced by a seen of depressed dispora, as the Razen national team lost a natil-biter to the unknown team out of Nethertopia, a penalty in the eighty-second minute put the game out of reach for the Lions as they now look forward, hoping to at best get a tie against a top-30 ranked Damukuni national side. The Razen team had its opportunities, and early on, it seemed that Conely Goddard's side was mastering the style of play; they the thirty-fourth minute goal from Kevin Kyrell, giving the early leader to Razenthuria was one of pure bliss, it was a sign that the national team was and is able to roll. However, the game invited glaring dissimilarities to the previews we had for the national side; which was and is expected to pick up wings against unranked sides, if Razenthuria cannot defeat the unranked, unknowns; how can they compete against the top sides that exist, like Valanora, like Dmukuni. Kevin Kyrell is able to lead the total for goals scored, as Razenthuria, despite shifting towards a more-offensive posture have only been only to muster a single goal thus far - if Razenthuria is expected to compete slowly and garner the rep and the credibility it needs, losing to unranked teams is a big no-no for the national side and the R.F.A. as a whole. And it shows, as nations such as Nephara and Apox have made it a goa to avoid approaching the Razen domestic sides in the transfer windows, making moves to turn down deals that would've otherwise gone thru or ignoring requests for coaching that the domestic sides have approached Nepharan and by extension Cosumarite managers. Its clear that the idea of Razenthuria is somethat that remains rather disliked within the multiverse, as generally, Razenthuria looks to always be on the outside-looking-in at world football.

The game started off well enough for the Razens, as Nethertopia travelled to the Momoa - the national stadium for the Razenthuria national football side; and well-enough it did go, as within thirty minutes the defense of the Nethertopia side has been thoroughly exploited; there was a general sign that the Razens were going to score soon. Within the first thirty minutes, the Netheran(?) goalkeeper was forced to stop four shots; and the Razens kept the ball within the Nether sphere for most of the first half, peppering the ball into the box and many occasions. Of course, the Razen were looking to score - and score they did, as characiteried by Kevin Kyrell's bicycle-kick; a volley from Victor Parks to Yellis Eugene set up a quick read from Efrom Heartland, who was able to tip it to Razenthuria's main striker, the Njiko RZN Golden Boot player, Kevin Kyrell, who headed it to set p for one of the best goals thus far in World Cup 80 qualifying; the ball smashed off his foot ad a frightening velocity, as it went straight, spiraling into the goal, giving the 1-nil lead to Razenthuria in the thirty-fourth minute. The grand stadium of the Momoa exploded; the crazy noise of Razen kahoots - a traditional Razen instruments that has been familiarized as being part of Razen football tradition - all went off at the same time, the stadium went into scenes of pandemonium as the players danced; doing their celebration. The rest of the first half saw Razenthuria attempting to score again; on the attack, a corner kick from the left whipped off the bar on a header from Yellis Eugene, it bucked off the crossbar; outside the splayed hands of the Netheran goalkeeper. As the players headed to the tent after 45+3; the feeling was slightly successful, Conley Goddard so far had delivered the needed result in the first half, forty-five minutes remained; as Razenthuria hoped to claim a victory, a dire one it would need.

And collapse, it did, the Razen national side came out for the start of the second half and conceded a goal within he opening five minutes; the forty-seventh minute saw a Netheran midfielder come sprinting across the field, off a volley; settling it, he passed it upfield to a streaking center-forward, who put it pass; with ease against Easton Thomas - it was expected, given Thomas was caught off-guard, the defense had temporarily recovered the ball before the Netheran regained it; setting up an easy shot on goal, with Thmoas missing as the ball spiraled past his fingertips. Gordon Koremen came on in the fifty-seventh minute, as George Hikvon limped off; apparently suffering from a slight shoulder injury, after which, it was announced that Hikvon was to receive surgery on a torn ACL, meaning that Hikvon will miss the rest of the qualification campaign; and likely will not be featured again, bringing Koremen into the spot in hope sof generating some form of offense from the left. And of course, it seemed that Razenthuria was hellbent on a draw; the game after that was characterized by some very-defensive play from the national side. Of course, the supporters in the stand would not be happy; the 6th Ward Ultras, supporters of the Razen national team were very loudly booing the side after Goddard's changes, and thus far, Goddard hasn't faired well in his management, a narrow low to Flindinostan and now a collapse that was happening against an unknown team that doesn't even play in matching kits. And, in the 81st minute, Victor Parks committed a damning error; sliding in a bit too late and committing a costly foul that set-up the game-winning penalty kick which was successfully converted by number four for their side as Nethertopia officially escaped the claws of Razenthuria, leaving unscathed with a narrow 2-1 victory. The annoyance of the fans showed after the game, as Razen fans rushed for the tunnel to barricade the Netheran fans who had come to watch the match, it was so bad the Razen National Police was forced to be called in, preventing the Razen supporters from causing havoc.

At this point, the Razen team looks ahead to traveling to a foreign and stifling atmosphere that will be presented when Razenthuria heads to take on the strength-laden side in Damukuni; a side that is ranked in the top-30 in the world and one that is by far an assured victory for the Damukuni side; they'll look to not only score goals but blow the shit out of the Razen side. Razenthuria shouldn't be looking to expose the other side, this game should serve to be a learning game, and likely, we'll see some back-ups starting the next game and getting their first caps, its very likely that Damukuni will look to stifle the Razen side and Kevin Kyrell will likely be subbed out early out to allow for development of the backline.

by **Ashkam** » Thu Apr 26, 2018 3:32 pm

ASHKAM FALLS 5-4 AT HOME AGAINST SLIGHT FAVORITES KOSOVAKIA

JESTANA --- Ashkam returned home after their shocking upset over Eura, but didn’t have the same fates while taking on 128th ranked Koskovakia. Despite the opposition initially roaring ahead to a 3-0 lead in the first half, Ashkam’s comeback came short and the Kosovakian team’s two goals in the second half sealed the deal and ensured that they came away from Rusen Tanai Stadium with all three of the points that were up for grabs. It wasn’t because the fans weren’t into the match. The first home match for the national team was sold out and the north stand was filled with members of the Crimson Army, the state sponsored support organization. The fans unfurled a banner praising communism ahead of the match, but their support couldn’t push the players far enough to find an equalizer at the end of the second half.

Ashkam’s first goal was at the end of the first half, when Evgeni Hasakhan played a through ball to Corey Hariri, who finished from a tough angle to the side of the post. Hariri was the best player on the pitch for Ashkam and was involved with three of their four goals, as he scored the second one in the 58th minute after completing a passing sequence with winger Dan Ransom. Ashkam made the scoreline 3-2 and looked competitive again, but Kosovakia took the momentum out of the air when they scored on a direct free kick not much long after. When Ashkam pressed forward to attack more and get another goal, it resulted in Kosovakia hitting on the counter attack and making the scoreline 5-2 in their favor.

In the later part of the match, Dren Husali’s men had one last push in them. Timofey Carone whipped a ball into the box and after it was headed into the air, Armen Farak predicted the landing location and put the ball into the back of the net unmarked. That goal came in the 71st minute, and Ashkam struck again in the 80th when Corey Hariri placed the ball slightly behind himself for Dan Ransom, who skipped around the center back and finished from close range. However, the last attack would fail as Corey Hariri’s header went wide of the goal and the referee blew the whistle to end the match shortly after. “I should have finished by all means but it looks like I had a bit of luck this match, and things evened out at the worst possible time,” Hariri told reporters afterwards.

Dren Husali also spoke to press. “We know what we need to fix up in future matches. We showed holes in our defense and our wide players looked sluggish, our central defenders didn’t win every header that they should have won either. We’ll work on it in training before our next match and doing good against Eura blinded some of our players about those things that we need to work on. Well, we’ll do our best to make sure we don’t carry that ignorance of our weak spots into the next match.”

by **Vietmihn** » Thu Apr 26, 2018 3:50 pm

Vietmihn 0-2 Poggers
Highlights

It was minute 2, and the Vietmihnese team was struggling to keep the ball away from their side. After a struggle, offender Octavio quickly and surpringly passed the ball to anAt minute 30, it was half time, andother Vietmihnese offender, Fabián Teodoro Castellano, who, in turn, set it rocketing up the field. The team pushed forward, and kept the ball on the other side until minute 5, when the defense overwhelmed the struggling Vietmihnese offense.
The crowd stood in shock as the ball flew back to the Vietmihnese side of the game. Was this going to be like the first game, nobody was sure.

Next up was minute 16, the famed Vietmihnese goalie, Joseph Aaron-Mason, deflected an attempted goal slipping through the defense. Some of the crowd cheered, the others booed, and some just stared on, hoping the Vietmihnese team could redeem themselves this round. The team was tired, but they were prepared for the next incoming goal. At minute 21, the offense again managed to break through the hard-working but tired Vietmihnese defenders and rushed a goal into the far left side of the goal, only missing the goalie's hand by a few inches. Two of the tired-out defenders were switched for a quick break from the action.

After not even an hour, though it felt longer to the players- it was halftime. Both teams were tired, and a Vietmihnese tie or win was not out of the question.

After half time, the ball stayed in the relative middle for about 6 minutes, both teams gaining and losing the ball. Poggers took the ball and sent it flying into the defense. They struggled to pass it the balls, being held down by the Pogger offense, and upon finding a small hole in the Vietmihnese defense, they kicked, and missed, the ball being taken by the goalie. They sent the ball up to the Vietmihnese goal again, at 78 minutes, and they sent the ball flying straight to the top middle of the goal. It hit, and the team was obviously going to win at this point.

by **Northwest Kalactin** » Thu Apr 26, 2018 4:10 pm

A interesting game against the newcomer Macabees

Northwest Kalactin 0-0 The Maccabees

LINEUPS
THE MACCABEES
NORTHWEST KALACTIN
Luke Dillan
Jared Sednah
Midfielders: Jack Flemister
Steve Gilbert
Frank owens
Will Sanders
Backs: Gibson Fernandez
Hue Grebv
Matt Hall
Jack Dakota
Goalkeeper: Wendell Jakerein

Enrik Nestor (9) - Striker
Naris Maniflora (10) - Attacking Midfielder/Central Forward
Kalope Jenin (7) - Left Wing
Estebán Corona (5) - Right Wing
Kordob Verón (8) - Defensive Midfielder
Verden Moliste (6) - Defensive Midfielder
Robert Neleo (2) - Leftback
Mena Líezbeg (3) - Center Back
Karl Varis (4) - Center Back
Snider Jun (11) - Rightback
Líam Jer'Voos (1) - Goalkeeper

Minute 3: Enrik Nestor misses a shot because of Jack Dakotas good defense

Minute 27: Esteban Corona misses a free kick after Wendell Jakerein defelects it

Minute 45+4: Half time

Minute 89: Jared Sednah misses out on a great chance

Minute 90+3: Full time

by **South Covello** » Thu Apr 26, 2018 5:16 pm

Coconut Crazies Soccer Podcast Episode 1

Paddy Borka: Hi, I'm Paddy.

Jason Cornelius: I'm Jason, folks.

Adam Orwell: And I'm Adam. Welcome one, welcome all, to the inaugural episode of the Coconut Crazies Soccer Podccast, the greatest podcast covering the South Covello national soccer team. We've got a great show for you, so thanks for listening. First, we'll summarize our 1-0 victory at Coldfield. Then we'll preview our home match with South Toronto. And finally we'll take questions from you, our loyal listeners. As a reminder, if you have any questions for us, you can send them to us on Tweeter @CocoCraziesSoccer, or email them to CocoCraziesSoccer@coco.net.

Paddy Borka: That's right, Adam. As you know by now, our lovely Rebels went into Coldfield last night and came away with a 1-0 victory in a game that wasn't nearly as close as the scoreline would indicate. Matthew Tyler was not even troubled - Coldfield got no shots on goal and only one shot total.

Jason Cornelius: That's right, and it was, what, in the 89th minute?

Adam Orwell: Something like that, yeah. And Nathaniel Balogh put it at least 30 feet over the bar, from way outside the area. Not a chance of going in the net.

Paddy Borka: But you've got to give credit to James Miller on the other end. He faced 22 shots, 13 on target, and only let the one in.

Jason Cornelius: That goal, of course, came off the free kick in the 22nd minute. Coconut Charles took the free kick, it hit the crossbar, but Pillory Cantwell was there to finish and record his first career goal.

Adam Orwell: But can we talk about the truly horrendous call by the referee later in the game?

Jason Cornelius: Well, they don't call him Baddy Refereesi for nothing, I suppose. I thought that was just a nickname. Turns out it's really his name.

Paddy Borka: That's like the most Farf thing ever.

Adam Orwell: Does that ditz on TV still think Farfadillis is a cake? Or a pumpkin? Or whatever?

Jason Corenlius: Christina Archuleta? I think last night she said Baddy Refereesi was a potato from a land of kumquats.

Adam Orwell: Well she's even stupider than Mr. Refereesi, then.

Paddy Borka: Well, for those of you who didn't see it, In the 77th minute, Gerry Ollivera sent a beautiful ball into the box. Coconut Charles ran up on it and shot it into the net, celebrating giving his team a great insurance goal. But Baddy Refereesi said he was offsides even though replays showed he was at least 10 yards onsides when the ball was kicked by Ollivera. Ryder Barnes was near the edge of the 6 yard box and Miller was basically on his goal line.

Adam Orwell: Right, then Barnes ran up to play the ball but it got by him, Charles got by him, and he put it in.

Jason Cornelius: He wasn't even in the penalty area when the ball was kicked. He was more like 20 yards onsides. Worst call I've ever seen.

Paddy Borka: Well, anyway, then Refereesi gives Charles a yellow card for unsportsmanlike conduct for celebrating what he thought was a goal. All he did was jump up and point to the Screaming Coconuts in the corner. Not really worthy of a card. But Charles thankfully was calm enough not to dissent and get himself sent off.

Jason Cornelius: So the final score was 1-0, should have been 2-0, but a win's a win.

Adam Orwell: Coming up after a word from our sponsor, we'll take a look at the upcoming South Toronto trip to South Covello. Lots of Souths, lots of O's, should be fun.

*musical interlude*

Jason Cornelius: The Coconut Crazies Soccer Podcast is sponsored in part by CocoMart, the official retail store of the Coconut Crazies Soccer Podcast. Say, Adam, do you ever buy milk?

Adam Orwell: Sure I do. Who doesn't?

Jason Cornelius: Well, CocoMart has over 37 kinds of milk for you to buy. Whole milk, skim milk, chocolate milk, strawberry milk, goat milk, banana milk, the list goes on and on.

Paddy Borka: Do they have bread?

Jason Cornelius: Do they have bread? Do they ever have bread! Each CocoMart has a bakery on site with bread made fresh daily. And there are over 73 varieties to choose from. French Bread, Italian Bread, Farf Bread, Bagels, Raisn Bread, Cheesy Bread, Irish Soda Bread, Potato Bread, Banana Bread, and much, much more!

Paddy Borka: Wow, I can hardly wait to go there! But we need to finish the show first.

Jason Cornelius: The Coconut Crazies Soccer Podcast is also sponsored by Air SoCo, the official airline of our podcast as well as of the South Covello national team. With service to over 67 domestic and international destinations, Air SoCo is the best way to fly around, into, or out of South Covello.

Paddy Borka: And now they're offering specials to our podcast listeners to travel to away games. Just use discount code COCOCRAZIES at checkout to get $20 off each ticket and a free checked bag, or mention our podcast over the phone or at the airport ticket counter. Offer good three days before and after each away game, to any SoCo Air destination in the opposing country.

*musical interlude*

Jason Cornelius: Welcome back to the Coconut Crazies podcast. Up next, we're going to take a look at our upcoming match at home against South Toronto, and then we'll take questions from you, our loyal listeners. We've got some good ones, but first, let's go to -

Booming Voice: KNOW YOUR FOE!

Jason Cornelius: Our foe this matchday is South Toronto. What do we know about them? Well, last cycle they lost to Soltsteed in the Round of 16 of the Cup of Harmony. They're a relative newcomer to the World Cup, but they're ranked 99th in the world, so they're not one to take too lightly.

Paddy Borka: South Toronto is a balanced team, with no real focus on offense versus defense. If anything they tend to be slightly defensive, but only slightly.

Adam Orwell: And would you look at the name of their stadium? Blood's End. That's creepy, man. That's so creepy.

Jason Cornelius: South Toronto - I guess we can call them SoTo and we're SoCo - well, anyway, SoTo plays a 5-2-3 normally, and it's led them to four points in their first two games. The pack is still close together so far - they're tied for fourth with Great Chota.

Adam Orwell: That's right, and we're in first.

Jason Cornelius: South Toronto is a young team, it doesn't look like they have any starters over the age of 22. So in five or six years, they're going to be a force to be reckoned with. For now, though, they've got a ways to go.

Paddy Borka: We all know what it feels like to be a team on the rise.

Adam Orwell: Now, the time you've all been waiting for, when we take your questions!

Jason Cornelius: Our first question comes from Tweeter, where Cocosaurus Rex, Tweeter handle @CocosaurusRex, writes "Can South Covello go undefeated this qualifying cycle? Why or why not?[/b]

Adam Orwell: Well, Cococausurs Rex, if that is your real name, I think there's a great chance of it happening. The thing is, undefeated and perfect are not the same thing and we have a lot of scoreless draws. Remember a few cycles ago where we went 7-5-0 and scored like 11 goals? And this is a much better team.

Jason Cornelius: Well, this is also a longer qualifying - 18 games rather than 12.

Paddy Borka: We all know it's possible - of course it's also possible Northwest Kalactin will win the World Cup, it's just not particularly likely. So a better question is - how likely is it?

Jason Cornelius: I'd give it a 30 percent chance.

Adam Orwell: I'd say 70 percent. What about you, Paddy?

Paddy Borka: I'll split you two down the middle and say 50 percent.

Jason Cornelius: OUr next question comes from - oh boy, you guys will love this - Loco The Goat. His Twitter handle is @LocoTheGoat and his picture is a goat wearing a South Covello soccer jersey.

Paddy Borka: How do you know it's a he-goat?

Jason Cornelius: Well, that's a very good point. Anyway, Loco the Goat asks "If you were guaranteed South Covello would win the World Cup, but it meant you would be turned into a goat until the start of qualifying for World Cup 81, would you take that deal?"

Paddy Borka: So do I keep my mind or do I forget I was ever human? Because that's important.

Jason Cornelius: Let's say you keep your mind, but you also have the goat's instincts.

Adam Orwell: So I might be sitting on my bed watching us in the Campeonato, and I randomly decide to eat the blankets?

Paddy Borka: If your wife lets you in the house as a goat.

Jason Cornelius: Yeah, I really don't think Mrs. Orwell wants to be lying in bed with a goat every night.

Adam Orwell: Well, I have a big yard. I guess I could just live there. And you know what? I've dreamed all my life of us winning the World Cup. If I have to get turned into a goat temporarily, it's worth it!

Paddy Borka: Yeah, and goats are cool. We need more goats on this show! I'd love to be a goat for a little while, and I'd love to win the World Cup! It's a win win!

Jason Cornelius: Who doesn't love goats?

Adam Orwell: I don't.

Jason Cornelius: YOU HEATHEN! YOU DESPICABLE HEATHEN!

Paddy Borka: So I take it you'd take the deal, Jason?

Jason Cornelius: You bet I would.

Paddy Borka: All right, our last question comes via email from Carlito Mendoza of Golden Springs. He asks "Why do you think the Screaming Coconuts hate Revan Bernat so much?"

Jason Cornelius: Why does anyone hate Revan Bernat so much?

Adam Orwell: Because he's a tyrant in the making, that's why. And we're all fearful for the future of our Echani bretheren.

Paddy Borka: Now, now, this is a soccer podcast.

Adam Orwell: Well, Carlito asked and we're answering. We see in Revan what we saw in Dumpy O'Rumpy during his rise to power, what we saw in our own previous tyrants who claimed to be God. Revan is going down a dark path, and if he continues down it, Eshan may be heading for the same despair we once knew.

Paddy Borka: I agree. And while we would love to think about soccer while watching a soccer game, we still have to remember our history - it's a part of who we are as a nation, and what better way to recall our national history than while singing, chanting, jumping, and celebrating at a soccer game?

Adam Orwell: I know, right?

Jason Cornelius: Well, that's all the time we have for today. Thanks for listening, and be sure to tell a friend or two about us.

Paddy Borka: And subscribe if you haven't already!

Jason Cornelius: We're out of here!

World Cup 80 • EqueStar • Roleplay Thread

Razen Sports Daily / SN Magazine - Amongst the Fans, Disgust

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