World Cup 81: Roleplay Thread

[Dreamplanet]

Know The Players

Manager - Rodrigo Vaz

The first manager of Dreamplanet and the first Dreamplanet member to go abroad as he coached Super-Llamaland qualify for World Cup 74 in a group that consisted of Walkany and his own Dreamplanet, but he came back after a 0-0-3 in WC75 and João Pedro's retirement from football. It will be a tough act to follow as Pedro almost lead Dreamplanet into the World Cup play-offs, what does the future have in store?

GK - Filipe Vaz - #1

Filipe Vaz is a legendary goalkeeper that was called up for Dreamplanet International for the World Cup 73 qualifiers which Dreamplanet came 6th in. He had trouble with João Souza (And Jorge Cardozo in the match after that.) in the opening match where he was directly insulted, Souza went on to get sent home in disgust after 1 match and would never play for Dreamplanet again and promptly retired. He was labelled as an "angry goalkeeper" during the BoF 66 and WC73 cycles, but he has calmed down in recent years, transfering anger for goals. However the Dreamplanet WC73 campaign will be remembered for the unfortunate events against Britonisea, specially after the Doportedas Disaster, which he was there to see. Filipe Vaz has surprisingly scored a goal.

GK - Rafael dos Bosques - #12

Rafael dos Bosques is a good alternative for Filipe Vaz as they're about equal, he was the main goalkeeper for Portugal until he selflessly gave Vaz his position after a bad run of form. He was the first goalkeeper to score a goal for Dreamplanet and he is still capable of doing wonders for his team. Some say that he should be handed the #1 jersey again but given Rodrigo Vaz's tendency to switch things up when it goes wrong, he will most likely have his chance to rise to the occasion.

DEF - Jorge Cardozo #3

Jorge Cardozo is a very controversial center-back, with a tarnished reputation and a offence record during his World Cup 73 and 74 cycles, such as: Breaking Jarred Nash's ribs and leaving him out of the play-offs, scoring a handball goal vs Britonisea, after that; sparking a fist fight with Rixton Bale and getting sent off for it, being accused of Racism in their 6-2 Loss against Britonisea, giving away a penalty after punching a Garifunyan and having a fist fight with him, being red carded against Barunia, and causing arguments in the dressing room, which adds up to 9 offences. However, Jorge Cardozo has been seen by the Dreamplanetian fans as a hero despite his attitude, the Dreamplanetian fans also labelled his attitude towards Jarred Nash as justice for diving which eventually ended Dreamplanet's hopes of making a fairy-tale run to the World Cup 74. Jorge Cardozo was suspiciously quiet in World Cup 74's qualifiers as he only did a own goal against Super-Llamaland in the first round, that wasn't the case for World Cup 73 where he had the previously mentioned offences except the Jarred Nash incident and was even able to score a goal against Britonisea in the ill-fated Doportedas Disaster match. He is a very respected player amongst the squad and fans, despite the squad showing signs of calming down, Cardozo's rough style embodies the Dreamplanetian defence.

ATT - Aaron Hungar #17

The icon of the legendary picture which was taken after elimination of the BoF 66 at the hands of Eshan. He is a very emotional player that often stays out of trouble and prefers scoring goals, as he scored 12 goals in his international career. He is one of the early legends that many will remember for years to come. His excellence in free kicks has lead him to become a memorable player along the Dreamplanet fans and players. He has good relations with the squad and the fans love him too.

ATT - Paulo Figueiredo #9

This upcoming prodigy from Sporting CD was able to score a goal against The Sword Bloke in a 3-0 win and was silent during the rest of the Di Bradini cup, but his excellence in the Dreamplanet League lead him to a call-up to the Dreamplanet Squad for the Cup Of Harmony 66 as a experiment to see if he's ready for the World Cup 75 cycle. He has only scored 1 goal in his international career before WC75, but he got the approval of the legendary Luis Silva and Figueiredo was also contracted by a club in Abahnleft but he is now back in Sporting CD, the Dreamplanetian fans question his ability but believe in him, will it be disappointment or legendary for Paulo Figueiredo?

ATT - Antonio Luis #14

A cult hero for Adina CF, he scored his first goal after coming on as a substitute in the World Cup 74 Qualifiers, he is still a substitute but he is considered as a supersub that may even break in the first 11 in the future, but for now he is a menace whenever he's brought on to replace Figueiredo as he is still very young and looking to break through and prove himself in the team, but he may break through soon as Paulo Figueiredo hasn't scored yet for the main team and fans are starting to turn his back on Figueiredo, is now the time for Antonio Luis?

ATT - Luis Silva #7

The Dreamplanet legend himself. He has scored 21 goals for Dreamplanet so far, and he is the Dreamplanet top-scorer, he plays for Sporting CD and is often the policeman in cases of violence, not that he's very effective in keeping down Jorge Cardozo, he often tries to keep things calm like Aaron Hungar but will stick up for his team as he became Dreamplanet team captain ever since World Cup 73 Match 2. He is considered the creator of the Dreamplanet Golden Generation and is a icon for Dreamplanetian sport and is often the role model for Dreamplanetian football fans. He is the little prince in a dirty team, in fact, he has only received a yellow card once, which was against Britonisea, which is a match that Luis Silva doesn't want to remember. He is a genius for club and country but unfortunately he cannot single-handedly push his team to the World Cup, despite 3rd place in a tough group consisting of Super-Llamaland, Pasarga and Walkany. Will Luis Silva make his mark in Dreamplanetian history to push them to silverware or will they keep on dreaming?

Dreamplanet has been absent for many editions, but these are the players (+ the Manager) that Dreamplanetian fans believe that will pull the strings for Dreamplanet.

FULL SQUAD

GK - (#1) Filipe Vaz - Sporting CD
RB - (#2) Fransisco Jorge - Coerefente
CB - (#3) Jorge Cardozo - FC Libon
CB - (#4) João Pedro - Libon United
LB - (#5) Rui Jorge - Adina CF
DM - (#6) Paulo Oliveira - Real Island CD
CM - (#8) Jorge Resende - Sporting CD
CM - (#10) Gil Vicente - FC Benrita
RW - (#7) Luis Silva (C) - Sporting CD
LW - (#17) Aaron Hungar - FC Libon
ST - (#9) Paulo Figueiredo - Sporting CD

GK - (#12) Rafael dos Bosques - FC Libon
CB - (#13) Zé Andre - Coerefente
CB - (#15) Michael Silva - Libon United
CM - (#16) Luis da Costa - Real Island CD
CM - (#18) Cun Cerrilho - Coerefente
ST - (#14) Antonio Luis - Adina CF

[Brenecia]

Oscioru 0 - 1 Brenecia
(4-1-4-1) 12 - Calhoun; 2 - Broxham (18 - Beath 82'), 5 - Heneghan, 22 - Grayndler, 19 - Prentice; 4 - Staunton; 7 - Crowther, 21 - Case, 13 - Wheeler (8 - Drake 72'), 16 - Keynes; 9 - Riordan (10 - Kennedy 68')
Goal: Wheeler 52'

THE ROZELLE OBSERVER
Patriots Made To Sweat Again Before Wheeler Delivers
Eileen Checksford

Brenecia's becoming increasingly indebted to Corby Wheeler. It's probably too early to draw comparisons to certain other Brenecian players capable of pulling rabbits out of hats, but just squint for a bit, lengthen both her names, take away her right boot, shave off a few inches, add a few pounds... no, more than that. And basically what I'm saying is you have the new Catherine Purrington.

Anyway, Wheeler came up with the goods yet again. It's been a strange campaign thus far, even without the bizarre fact that the Patriots are defending champions - Brenecia are yet to concede, and also yet to score a first-half goal. There is something in the air. Not a fear factor, not yet, but teams are cautious around the Patriots, aware that perhaps the best hope even for a high-octane, aggressive side like the Osci is to just hold the line and defend firmly. And hope the Patriots can't break through.

It very nearly worked. Nothing happened in the first half, as even the usually-ruthless Griffin Riordan's finishing deserted her - twice, presentable chances flashed over the bar, and she was sharply denied one-on-one by the veteran goalkeeper Ramires. Of all the Brenecians, only Cathal Keynes was a genuinely constant threat, tearing down the left past the teenage Castro time after time.

In the end, though, pressure told. Broxham had threatened within a minute of the restart, thrashing a shot against the crossbar above a motionless Ramires. She admitted later to being 'impatient' with proceedings. And it was Broxham in the end who set up Wheeler, though there was still a lot to do as she slipped between Belrose and de Michelis, the ball still bouncing on the ground before she put her foot through it from thirty yards, and it sailed into the top corner. No build-up required.

Plan B had failed, so the Saints had to resort to what they did best - attack. Fortunately for the Patriots, defence was far more in their comfort zone, too, and though Calhoun spilled a shot from Comtois that Marti almost got onto the end of before the big man redeemed himself, throwing a fist under the studs to bat the ball away. With a more favourable bounce, perhaps, Marti would have equalised - but a narrow Brenecian victory was probably fair on the balance of things. Not a match that will live long in the memory. That said? What a goal.

[South Toronto]

Chapter Two: No Questions Asked

Previous Chapter is here

After The Two Matches Agains Huffingshire and Shofercia.

Jamal woke up. He was in a white room, with many windows, although he could not see out of the windows. He then realised he was in the hospital, and he had a rough idea of why he was in here. "Aw shit, the ball probably knocked me out. But what happened after that though?" thought Jamal. He scanned the room, looking for any sort of info that might help him remember when suddenly the door opened.

"Mr.Seruku, we need you to vote for one of the presidential candidates. You can choose Ellen Yakniok or Trey Deyvon Woods. Trey Deyvon Woods is going for a re-election, and he called for a new president, but if he was chosen again he would remain president. Just tick here on this sheet of paper for either of the candidates," declared the doctor.

"I don't know nothing about politics, but I'll vote for the underdog, why not?" said Jamal, as he ticked Ellen's name on the list. The doctor nodded and was heading out, when he held open the door for someone, before walking out. Kayla stepped in and sat on the chair next to Jamal.

"Well, I saw you voting for Ellen right? I'm tired of TWD's policies, everything was great with Pombase. We had amazing civil rights and political freedom. I guess the only bad things back in those days was us losing Killerich and Cilimintaro, and we were a little broker than before. Then TWD had to come and fuck it up, we have really shitty political freedom and worse civil rights. It's good that you picked Ellen, I want a new president who knows what they're doing. But still, how are you feeling, do you remember anything that happened?" asked Kayla.

"I feel like shit, but has anything happened in the matches? And did I score the goal or not? How's Decepti? Sorry I keep on asking questions, but I need some answers..." asked Jamal. He pulled himself higher up on the hospital bed so he could be level with Kayla.

"Well, first of all, you scored against Krenorus, so did Germanpreet and we won 2-0. But the next game against Huffingshire... Well nobody in South Toronto's allowed to talk about it, or it's a short prison sentence. And we lost 2-1 to Shofercia, we thought we scored the winning goal through Quinque Dembele in the 88th minute, but they came back from behind in the 92nd and 96th minute of added time to win the game. We are third in the table after three games, and Decepti was back in action against Huffingshire, but you were out for two matchdays. " answered Kayla.

"Well, that's a decent place to be, though we need a second-place finish if we even want to think about qualifying to the World Cup. And I want to go to the FFR or Banija, they are interesting nations I want to visit to understand their culture, and most importantly, their food!" joked Jamal. Kayla tried to fight back a smile, but she couldn't help it.

A deafening alarm rang. Kayla screamed and Jamal cursed the hospital, as the room turned red, then pitch-black. It then flickered continuously from black to red

"ALERT! ALERT! ALL CITEZENS OR TOURISTS IN SOUTH TORONTO MUST TUNE IN TO THE TV IMMEDIATELEY"

"I think there's a remote for my hospital bed TV there! Go on that desk and get it!" shouted Jamal. Kayla got up and looked frantically for the remote.

"I can't see it here, where else could it be?"

"Check in the drawer!"

Kayla looked in the drawer and after searching through medicine boxes, she grabbed the remote at the bottom of the drawer. "Catch," said Kayla as she tossed the remote to Jamal. Panicked, Jamal pushed the power-on button furiously, until the TV came on.

"What the actual fuck is going on?"

"I don't know Jamal, but what I do know is it has something to do with Huffingshire or the president.

"Hello citizens and tourists in South Toronto. We are the Kovvamakos, or the government, for those of you that only speak English and not Exzapan, you heathens. Anyways, this is a public announcement. The President of South Toronto has been contested by two candidates. Ellen Yakniok and Trey Deyvon Woods. We will go over all the states, and the majority of the people in those state have voted for their candidate. The following states have picked Ellen Yakniok as their candidate: Roria, which would have been Trey Deyvon Woods' state had it not been for one late vote, Darlington, Nanseilley, Iscanta, Frappe, Axen, New Philly, Vereick, and Merto, whose citizens all voted for Ellen Yakniok. The other states have picked Trey Deyvon Woods, who's going for a re-election: as their candidate: Hoodlum, Ottset, Allenby, Tierranimo, Jovetika, and Jervoux. Therefore, Ellen Yakniok beats Trey Deyvon Woods with 9 states to Trey Deyvon Woods' 7. Ellen Yakniok is now the president of South Toronto, effective on the game against Pink Floyd FC at Victory Road. Attendance is compulsory for all citizens, and you must watch the match as well. If you are in the hospital, you will watch the match, even if you are giving birth or going through surgery. The stadium will be upgraded to a 305,000,000 million seater stadium for this match only. Do not worry about how we do it, just be there at 1:00 PM sharp, or we'll execute you. Our Country, Our Blood, Our Sweat, For South Toronto. Come on, you Phoenixes... I will never do that again. The Kovvamakos has spoken," declared the Kovvamakos official.

"Oh my god, I was that person! Wasn't voting over?" asked Jamal, in shock.

"Yes it was, but they needed a tie-breaker. Well I guess we're going to have a lot of support huh?" said Kayla. Jamal nodded, and then the same doctor that gave him his voting ballot walked in. The doctor looked at Jamal and said: "Glory to South Toronto, you are free to go, comrade". Jamal wasted no time in getting out of his bed and grabbing his kit on the desk.

"Yeah could you give me 5 minutes, I need to change. I have a job to do." requested Jamal.

"Oh yeah sure, just be at the stadium when the time comes, and take a shower!" Kayla joked before she walked out of the room.

Jamal put on his kit and left the room to go to the showers. After he showered, he tried his best to navigate his way through the hospital, but it was extremely confusing. A little girl, around 7-8 walked up to him. Her eyes were completely red, and she touched Jamal's hand. His hand went up in flames, and startled, he pushed the girl away from him, as he desperately attempted to put the flamed out. Finally, it stopped, and he looked down at the little girl, who looked right back into Jamal's eyes. He felt like she was looking directly into his soul.

"Check your hand, fool. I'll follow you wherever you go know, and I'll help you out on the pitch if you really want. Just shake Ellen's hand, and salute to her. I'm not an agent you see, I was an attempt at a human and phoenix combination in the lab gone wrong, now my eyes are red forever, and anything I touch goes up in flames. When you do shake her hand, I'll do anything at your will," said the little girl. She held Jamal's hand and they teleported to the hospital entrance. The girl vanished, but all was left behind was a little flame, which Jamal stepped on to put out.

"What the fuck is up with my life, first the moonlight and then this? Shit, I'm just focusing on my football from now on," said Jamal, as he got out his phone and called for a taxi to the team's hotel. The taxi pulled up 10 minutes later.

"Yo, hop in my bro!" said Bryan.

"What the fuck are you doing driving a taxi?" asked Jamal, confused about everything today.

"Eh, I just do it in my free time. It's funny to see the reaction on people's faces when a well-known football player is driving a humble taxi. Plus I do it to just go sightseeing with strangers once in a while. Just get in my guy," replied Bryan. Jamal hopped in the empty front seat, and Bryan drove off.

"Take me to the stadium, I already got my kit on. You good bro?" asked Jamal.

"Yeah, yeah I'm good. By the way, I found out why the moonlight was red," said Bryan, as he looked around for any secret agents.

"What?"

"You heard me. I'll tell you more after the game," said Bryan.

[Free Republics]

Designed by 3WD of Vilita

This is your Matchday 4 Cutoff brought to you by Victory Shoe Company! Victory Shoe Company: The Official Shoe of Champions!

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Scores

[Squornshelan Remnant States]

Three Things
Salwan Mynhier
Geladi Redeemed

Once again it's clear that everything I say is always 100% wrong, as my commenters are always so willing to point out. Danin Geladi is clearly the greatest left back to ever lace up boots and we should all sing his praises. (personally I'm amazed by how long it took Geladi to figure out how to combine well with Vladcik up the left wing, the kid's so insanely talented that he should make anyone look good) In any case, two more assists against The South Falls brings Geladi back to something approaching his club form, and bodes well for the attack. We conceded more than we probably should have, but I can only blame Geladi for one of the two that got past Munib. He still needs to improve shutting down crosses and keeping play contained to the outside, but if he's going to create two goals for every one he helps concede, I guess we'll be ok.

Another area of concern is Zoban Ajao's play. He has been fairly invisible these few matches, and was replaced by Girma Mikhulat at halftime in The South Falls. This proved to be a smart more by Daror, as the reserve striker found the score sheet in his first cap by assisting on Arlo Damot's 88th minute winner. The quick, deceptive striker was able to create space for other players and hold up play well in the attacking third, allowing us to have much more of the ball than against Olastor, and it showed. Despite a few lapses that our hosts capitalized on, the Black-and-Reds definitely looked more in control of the tempo, and overall the more likely to create opportunities. Zholtokoh Dzrenin, coming on late to bolster the attack also factored a lot into this trend, slotting into the lineup ahead of Strepol and Damot as a center attacking option. It's interesting that Dzrenin's addition to the roster seems to have displaced Shrike Hagaz as the first choice as a center midfield substitute.

Finally, the bad news. Lopal Daror and his staff have remained tight lipped about the status of Eyob Zonde's injury, suffered on a hard challenge that somehow drew only a yellow card from the referee. Given that he appeared unable to walk, and was carried on a stretcher back down the tunnel to the dressing room, I would expect Vrenz Tambura to be called upon against Geisenfried. It's a heartbreaking turn of events for Zonde, who did so much to prove himself at the Baptism of Fire, stealing the starting spot from his cross-town rival. Should this injury keep Zonde out for more than a match or two, I would look to see Olympia Arkintoofle's Polter Yndel or possibly even Tudan Povarnin of Confederacy Cup darlings Syneca AC called up to replace him.

Here's Three Things from around the rest of qualifying so far:

Baptism of Fire 68 teams are doing well Well, not all 64 obviously, but several teams, mostly those that progressed furthest in the competition, are currently sitting above more experienced teams in the standings. In addition to the Confederacy, Saint Emelie, Guriguay, Blaneu, and BoF Champions Cobrio are all on six points after three matches, and several other new teams are averaging at least one point per game. Admittedly, some of those teams, the Black-and-Reds included, have had fairly easy schedules so far, having not faced any of the top four teams in their groups yet. All the same, it's an impressive showing from teams so new to the World Cup. With that said, it still seems like a big stretch to pick any of those teams to qualify because . . .

Most groups are predictable at the top so far
Sure, we've only played three and the standings don't mean a whole lot, but in most qualifying groups, the top two seeds look well on their way to snapping up the two advancement spots. I almost every group, the top seeds either sit at the top, or very close to it, with a few notable exceptions. The big surprises so far are probably 13th ranked Valanora sitting sixth in group nine with only four points, and 36th ranked Cassadaigua sitting seventh in group sixteen with only three. Oh, and then that one other group . . .

Group 5 is a complete mess and I love it
Any Confederate fan with a sense of history probably put a big red circle around this group. The names Starblaydia and Audioslavia will be familiar to even the most casual of fans. One team multi-time world cup champions, the other . . . multi-time world cup champions? That can't be right. I'll fact check that later, but for now it seems like fake news to me. In any case the Bulls are not exactly parading at the moment; having picked up four points, they sit sixth. Meanwhile the spot near the top they would presume to occupy has been taken by the unlikeliest of teams, 260th ranked Adab, who are actually ahead of Starblaydia on goal differential. This fairy tale run will likely come to an end soon, but I for one am going to enjoy it while it lasts.

Matchday 3:

The South Falls  2 - 3  Squornshelan Remnant States
CM #8 37', 57'          Vladcik (Geladi) 23'
                        Strepol (Geladi) 43' 
                        Damot (Mikhulat) 88'

Man of the Match: Danin Geladi

SRS: Munib; Geladi, Raktsov (Dzrenin 78'), Oleb, Ystrad, Ulcviecel; Vladcik, Strepol, Damot, Zonde, Ajao (Mikhulat 45')

Squornshelan Remnant States Qualifying Schedule:
MD1:  Illahee 0-1 Squornshelan Remnant States
MD2:  Squornshelan Remnant States 1-2 Olastor (Chalesm, Megabrantis, SRS)
MD3:  The South Falls 2-3 Squornshelan Remnant States
MD4:  v Geisenfried (UR) (Brantisvogan, Megabrantis, SRS)
MD5:  @ Pasarga (11)
MD6:  v 95X (50) (Damogran, Algolia, SRS)
MD7:  @ Vakolicci Haven and Celeria (70)
MD8:  @ Dormill and Stiura (252)
MD9:  v Qasden (27) (Traal, East Flania, SRS)
MD10: v Illahee (307) (Han Dold City, Han Dold, SRS)
MD11: @ Olastor (110)
MD12: v The South Falls (307) (Zarss, West Flania, SRS)
MD13: @ Geisenfried (UR) (Wilhelm-Rohm-Stadion, Darnesmark, Sudgoeke, Geisenfriend)
MD14: v Pasarga (11) (Viltvodle, Megabrantis, SRS)
MD15: @ 95X (50)
MD16: v Vakolicci Haven and Celeria (70) (Yassaca, Sivolvia, SRS)
MD17: v Dormill and Stiura (252) (Lutenblag, Molvania, SRS)
MD18: @ Qasden (27)

OOC: Vrenz Tambura will start in place of Eyob Zonde against Geisenfried. Zonde is unavailable with a high ankle sprain. There will be no additional callups at this time.

[Barunia]

Visit Barunia
Sponsored by the Barunian Government Department of Tourism

Ch 3. What to bring (and what not to bring)

As previously stated, Barunia’s weather is relatively mild, although the summer months do get hot, so if you are travelling then, pack some cool clothes, a hat, water bottle and sunscreen. Likewise jumpers for autumn and winter, although extremes such as thermal underwear are probably unnecessary.

Do not pack cigarettes or cigars, as they are illegal and will not be allowed in the country. If you do smoke, rolling papers and loose-leaf tobacco can be imported, and is also the only form of tobacco sold in the country. Narcotics are illegal and their importation may result in jail time. Some forms of medicinal marijuana may be permitted, if accompanied by an appropriate doctor’s letter. Likewise, firearms, weapons, and explosives are not permitted.

For biosecurity reasons, Barunia also has strict rules on the importation of food. Fresh produce, milk, seeds, plant material, or undried meat are generally not allowed. Other products may also not be allowed if they are not professionally packaged, do not have a clear list of ingredients, or are unprocessed. Likewise, products made from animal parts or plants, including wood, may require a treatment process before being permitted into the country. This process can be expensive, so it advisable to leave these items at home. Untreated items may be confiscated by customs and destroyed.

Live animals coming in to Barunia require a period of quarantine to ensure they are free from diseases or parasites that could threaten Barunia’s ecosystem. This period may be up to two weeks, and will be at the owner’s cost. Due to this, it is a good idea to not bring any pets on your holiday.

[Tobiasia]

Swiba 2-4 Tobiasia
The Tobiasian attack plowed through a weak Swiban defence, putting four past their opposition in the first match of qualifying. Rosa Uzele was the star of the show, netting two superb goals late in the game to hand the Tigers all four points. The match started well, with a stunning free kick by Fraser Philips opening the scoring early, followed by a fantastic header by Katrina Zeya from Sally Urtup's corner kick. However the defense fell apart just after half time, letting the Swibans get in behind the centre-backs and conceding two unfortunate goals. However with new emerging star Matt Blake put onto the field to replace Frank Woods, the defence was allowed some breathing space and able to begin attacks again. Rosa Uzele started a lightning fast move down the right wing, followed by a sensational one-two with Lee Ryans to hand her the ball within 20 yards of the goal. Uzele showed off her lightning fast instincts and powered a ball into the top right corner. In the last few minutes Swiba attempted to begin a comeback, but a brilliant counterattack by Hannah Yun and Rosa Uzele smashed their way through the defence, and a 32 yard screamer from Uzele finished it off to give Tobiasia 3 points.

Vilita 4-1 Tobiasia
Facing a home game against one of the best sides in the world, Tobiasian fans had mixed feelings going into the match, but they were not prepared for the onslaught Vilita gifted them with. The Jungle Cats were powered into the lead by a goal from Jirijii Januaa in the 6th minute, but a counter by Harry Lithgow along the left wing ripped open the Jungle Cat's defence, leaving Philips able to smash a lovely volley from 20 yards out to level the scores at half time. But it was not to be, for just as the Tigers believed they could have a chance of at least a point, Cjinder, Kulakao and Aquafek stunned the crowd and handed the points to Vilita.

Tobiasia 1-0 Kernovi and Rewgwlas
Sheffield had clearly ordered a strong brushing up on the Tigers' defensive skills, with the Tobiasians managing their only clean sheet so far. Percy Matthews was immense, but still had much less to do than in previous matches, with Zeya, Goldsmith and Blake managing to shore up defensive issues well. The only goal of the match came from Fraser Philip's free kick wondergoal, curling over the wall and in off the top right post. Lee Ryans had two shots bounce off the bar in what was a frustrating night for the fans.

Mercedini 7–1 Tobiasia
Mercedini have been performing well, but nobody saw this coming. A dreadful rout saw the Tigers broken down defensively, with Frank Woods falling apart after the 3rd goal and storming off the pitch. Even new star Blake could not prevent the breakdown, though he did manage to block one goal with his leg, causing it to deflect off the pitch. Lee Ryans managed his first goal of the tournament, a lovely solo goal in which he moved through the defence like lightning before unleashing his thunder into the top left corner from 15 yards. However it was a night to forget for Percy Matthews. Having just managed a clean sheet the match before, he was directly to blame for two of the goals, and was taken off in the 70th minute for Brian Smith. Arthur Slim was poor, having had such a good season for Tob-An, he woefully under performed this match made poor errors of judgement. Percy Matthews broke down in a press conference, in tears he said "I only wanted to make the nation proud of us, but I've let you all down tonight, and I'm so sorry".

TTV Opinion
Sheffield is right to ditch Woods for Blake. Although Woods is a more out-and-out centre back, Blake has the effort rate and the pace to defend more rigorously. The forwards have performed well, and Philips is proving his worth to Schottian side Port James Athletic, who he completed a move to last summer, as well as his hefty price tag. Rosa Uzele is demonstrating how she won the golden boot in this year's Premiership, but those at Tobiasia City FC must be confused about Percy Matthews. After winning the golden glove, he has looked a shadow of his usual self, conceding 13 goals in just 4 matches. Sheffield needs to sort out the defence, and reach the right balance in midfield, otherwise this campaign could very well be doomed.

Most goals
Fraser Philips - 3
Rosa Uzele - 2
Katrina Zeya - 1
Lee Ryans - 1

Most assists
Harry Lithgow - 2
Sally Urtup - 1
Hannah Yun - 1
Lee Ryans - 1

[Tinhampton]

TFA MATCH STATPACK: Tinhampton 1-0 Colonial Australia
Venue: Tin Park, Tinhampton, Tinhampton

STARTING LINEUPS and their USED SUBSTITUTES:

• Tinhampton (4-1-3-2): 1. Josh SMITH (GK), 2. William POTTER, 3. Harry PORTER, 4. Jamie VALLEY, 5. Peter WRIGHT, 6. Michael YOUNG. 7. Ian JONES (C), 8. Mohamed al-KHAZR, 9. Fred BALL, 10. Priscilla EVANS, 11. Ian GRAHAM.
• Colonial Australia (0-0-0): No players. The entire team was turned back at Tinhampton International Airport.
  Unable to play: The entirety of the Colonial Australian team

GOALS: Priscilla EVANS 00'08'' (TIN).
CARDS: None.
INJURIES: None.
OTHER INCIDENTS: This game was abandoned after 13 seconds, when Priscilla Evans dribbled a ball into an empty net.

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Forays of Folly
Season 1, Episode 5: Release Revisited - a very short story

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The only thing Vick wanted was something to take out from Inquisition Fish and Chips. Then, and only then, did Kev slide her the Herald on Saturday. "KING TAKES NO PRISONERS," it blared; "Tinhampton threatened with three billion dollars for political crusade." What could this possibly be?
What? That paper had a few more inside: Five dollars - "No mercy for those bastards." Ten dollars - "This needs to be thought through." A hundred - "Just get it over and done with!" Second later, the pull-out was pulled out, her final verdict written and delivered. Seventy-five million per capita per year and five thousand voters in a week it was...

[Beepee]

Eight Goal Extravaganza

Ndaku 3–5 Beepee

Ndaku scorers
Sajjad Duha (2') and ('71)
Sithembile Sisomo (8')

Beepee scorers
Niklaus Malade (36')
Carlo Bannan (45'+2) and (84')
Sam Veera (48')
Oshea Madeira (o.g. 58')

Against a fast attacking Ndaku side, Beepee managed to outlast their unrated opponents in an eight goal extravaganza.

Playing in the delightful surrounds of Lumumbaville Stadium to a near capacity crowd. The match got off to a flyer with the Ndakenes taking the lead in only the second minute.

Captain Sajjad Duha connected beautifully with a delighful pass from Ejiroghene Gosse, placing the ball powerfully beyond the flailing goalkeeper Shep.

The noise from the Ndakene fans was almost deafening.

It didn't take too long for the Ndaku team to go 2-0 up as in the 8th minute forward Sithembile Sisomo pounced on a poorly cleared cross to fire the ball through the throng of the Beepeean defence, past the unsighted goalkeeper.

It appeared as if the Beepeean squad was struggling to cope with the 4-2-1-3 formation.

It took until the 34th minute for Beepee to register it's first shot on goal, as they worked their way into the match. Only 2 minutes later, Niklaus Malade bundled across a loose ball after Christian Albert and Kyle Morgan had a breakdown in communication.

In stoppage time at the end of the first half, Dirk Bolt floated a cross in from the left which Carlo Bannan managed to deflect past the Ndaku goalkeeper Morgan. The teams went into the break level at two goals each.

The Beepeean squad managed to contain the Ndakenes with Sam Veera out-muscling Bousaid Manu in the box to score a clumsy third. With the Ndakenes now behind the crowd turned against the Beepee team and fans with a chorus of "boos" and jeers.

The mood of the home support was not helped by Willard Muguruzu bringing down Max Christian with a cynical foul. Muguruzu was fortunate only to receive a yellow card and Christian was substituted with what appeared to be a nasty cut to his thigh. The proceeding free-kick was whipped in by Chris Patterson And was cruelly deflected by Oshea Madeira into the back of his own net.

The loss of the 4th goal saw even more ire from the home support, which seemed to frighten the Beepeean squad, not used to such scenes. Sajjad Duha capitalised on this fear brushing past an out of sorts Anders Bucke and slotting a placed shot to the bottom left hand corner and brining some cheer to the Ndakene faithful.

Beepee clung on and defended resolutely, repelling most attacks and stuffing the midfield. Aaron St Pier, who had replaced the injured Max Christian, used his fresher legs to provide a burst of speed past Muguruzu and punting a high ball forward which was met by Bannan who controlled the ball and toe-poked it past Kyle Morgan to make it 5-3.

Beepee have continued to work hard and go to the next match against top team Turori.

Match day 3's Beepee player of the Match was defender Jason Baker.

[Filindostan]

Pre-WC81Q Friendly Match 1
Filindostan 2–0 Busoga Islands (Yakob, Ina)
Jakulta Esportiva Stadium, Jakulta, Filindostan
FID Lineup (4-3-3): Tonyo; Mila Khalifa, Kartio, Buknoy (Tobias), Dekker (MMM); Mohd Safri (Siharto), Yakob, Fazli; Ina, Lizzie, Yish

Pre-WC81Q Friendly Match 2
Sangti 0–1 Filindostan (Heather)
Plaza Jacinto, Ciudad Sikatuna, Sangti
FID Lineup (3-1-3-1-2): Cahya; Casimir, Johnpaul, Alex Jampang (Dina Satyawan); Sutikno; Umar V Houten, Siharto, Juanda (Domo); Onyok; Heather, Bochog (Bienvenido)

WC81Q Matchday 1
The Holy Empire 4–2 Filindostan (Bochog, Juanda)
Imperial Hippodrome, The Holy Empire
FID Lineup (3-5-2): Gerry; Casimir, Dina Satyawan, Kartio (Buknoy); Damaris (Hasna), King, Yakob, Mohd Safri, MMM (Juanda); Bochog, Yish

WC81Q Matchday 2
Filindostan 0–1 Apox
Filindostan National Stadium, San Marco, Filindostan
FID Lineup (3-5-2): Gerry; Casimir, Dina Satyawan, Kartio; Damaris (Juanda), King (Sutikno), Mohd Safri, Yakob, MMM; Yish (Ina), Bochog

WC81Q Matchday 3
Halfdansodal 4–5 Filindostan (Bienvenido x3, Dekker, MMM)
FID Lineup (3-5-2): Abram; Tobias, Buknoy, Dekker (Leomarie); Hasna, Siharto (Fazli), King, Yakob, MMM; Bienvenido (Lizzie), Heather

WC81Q Matchday 4
Filindostan 3–1 The Frozen Forest (Fazli, Onyok, Alex Jampang)
Filindostan National Stadium, San Marco, Filindostan
FID Lineup (4-4-1-1): Gerry; Mila Khalifa, Dina Satyawan (Kartio), Alex Jampang, Graci; Umar V Houten (Damaris), Fazli, Yakob, Juanda; Onyok; Bochog (Yish)

Lakad Matatag
The misadventures of two boys in their mid-life crisis

Hamed and Ron, two boys, both aged 26, working in a telecommunications company as engineers. People around them would think that these two are the best of buddies. Despite being in different departments, one waits for the other to complete their jobs, and have lunch and go home together. Little did others knew that in school, they were the worst of enemies - due to one supporting a half of the capital's football club and the other supporting one.

Hamed grew up supporting the blue half of San Marco - Venividicci. The love for the club was due to his family being one of the stakeholders of Grupo Venividicci, the owners of the club. His father would always take him to matches at Stadium Jargana, and he would grew up supporting the players of the club such as King and Mohd Safri. He has a complete set of football kits the club had from the time he first watched them up to now. His die hard support to the club led him to visit the blog and social sites, and debate with anyone that defies his ideas about the club.

Meanwhile, Ron was just fifteen when he joined the ultras of Fortunas. His hard-headedness and loyalty to the ultras' leader caused him to skip classes when there is a Fortunas away match, which his parents didn't know at times. His passion in supporting the club also led him to be on fights physically and on the social media. Due to him being a well-known member of the Ultras, he is always given complimentary tickets to a Fortunas home match, and usually organizes fan days where the players get to meet the fans on the flesh.

The paths of these two crossed... at school.

(To be continued...)

[Ko-oren]

"Coach Juliasterinthen, congratulations on the win. Do you have any initial comments on the team or on Bostopia?"

"I just want to say that we've successfully defended our home again. For all the dissent on the choices made surrounding the selection process, for now I want to reiterate that the national team has never started a qualification campaign with four straight wins. Our team is performing great, our defence..."

"How do you feel about different players scoring? Duchemin is fantastic, but it must be worrying that he is the only capable finisher on the team?"

"As I was saying, our defence is holding up excellently and at times feels as compact as our early to mid-70s defence. I'm very pleased with Van Schelven's development and I'm sure that Straudum's staff is seeing this and getting very happy about their chances next season. With Linderood I'm getting the kind of mentoring I need in my back line..."

"Does that mean that Varela and Dalton aren't as supporting as their status and age suggests?"

"Varela and Dalton are solid. Linderood, as well as Hellegeland, are showing that Straudum might be going for a few really grand years if this keeps up. I've got to see more of the youngsters on the bench. I haven't selected Ézo, Hibi Mizuno, Ethan and Oridhin for no reason..."

"Lampshire is an interesting omission from that group. What is his status going forward? Are you sacrificing success right now for development down the line?"

"Please, let me finish. I'm thinking of trying out several configurations at the back, and Lampshire, and Benjamin, at least, can expect some playing time."

"Why hasn't Lampshire had playing time so far? And with both Lampshire and Benjamin being centre backs, who will be benched?"

"Nobody is getting benched, we're going on a rotation."

"Coach, can we then expect that..."

"Now, you listen up. You're awfully critical on a defence that has kept us in every single game, has kept three clean sheets, for God's sake, and please, please realise that out of 190 nations, at least 170 are very, very jealous of our depth in defence!"

"Are the other 20 nations not jealous because they're not relying on teenagers?"

"I don't know how to get this across any more clearly, but this amazing team has an amazing unit at the back and is going places. I've expected some success, but I'm over the moon with this team. Reizo Yokota is the bulldog we need in midfield and so far to my knowledge hasn't let any striker gotten away, and Odell is doing exactly the job I hoped he'd take up. Longchambon can focus on his creativity and passing, and Duchemin is profiting heavily..."

"What is up with Vaugrenard, and why is Duchemin the only scoring player on this team?"

"I've had it with you, honestly. Duchemin is selected because he's insanely efficient, and he's showing exactly that. I honestly have no clue why you try to phrase a season of a lifetime for a striker as a slight on the players around him. Have you even seen these past few games? Vaugrenard and Longchambon have both got three assists, which is pretty valuable for a striker like Duchemin. Are you done now?"

"Are YOU?"

"We're on to Routcher."

[Audioslavia]

Episode 1
Episode 2

Detective Inspector Rory Wyatt-Holmes had been looking forward to Tuesday since, oh, at least Monday evening. There and then, at nine at night, the Cathair Guard’s most experienced D.I. had met with his boss, Superintendent Borers, and had asked, firmly, to have the next day off, what with having been called in on a case on the previous consecutive Sundays. The same case. Two Sunday mornings in a row, a dead body had turned up in the middle of Leighly Street in Cathair with no signs of having been hit by a vehicle, shot or otherwise, largely because the dead bodies had very obviously been in such a state for a week or more. The first, a ninety-six year old lady who had apparently arrived into Cathair Airport six days before - already dead, listed rather heartlessly as ‘other assorted luggage’ by Airdioways flight AC3901 - had taken a week to track down to a farm in rural Starblaydia where the old lady had lived out her final days, her body sent to Audioslavia as part of her dying wishes not to be buried in any damned Starblaydi soil. Quite why she had turned up in the middle of a busy highway on a Sunday lunch-time had proven a mystery until a second body was recovered in exactly the same spot at exactly the same time one Sunday later. Inspector Wyatt-Holmes, who had taken the first case as cover for an ‘ill’ Detective Constable Al Jardine (Rory just knew that it was a hangover. Knew it), had been called to the scene the next week as well, ruining a perfectly good Sunday roast lunch, and had taken all of forty seconds to realise that the person responsible for the old lady had also been responsible for this new corpse. The corpse had been dead for a shorter amount of time, but had been embalmed already. The trail lead back to Carter-Barrafield Funeral Services, a company that had just invested in a new industrial-sized hearse to cart a dozen bodies or more in respectful fashion from their old offices in the town centre to their new building in Grand Forum. ‘Respectfully’, that is, until it was discovered that a speed-bump in the road could cause the uppermost ‘bunk’ to fly open, depositing a body onto the tarmac once the hearse started accelerating. Cue the business owners’ faces going as white as those of their clientele. The pair offered apology after apology, eventually offering Rory a 'deal' for if the D.I. ever needed to use their services. Rory had politely refused. At 48 he may be long in the tooth for a cop, but not so much so that he was wondering what to do with himself when he stopped being himself.

And so to Tuesday morning. A lie-in. A well deserved one. There would be eggs and bacon and a newspaper and a stroll and oh god that’s the phone.
“Rory here”
“Morning Detective Inspector. Detective Constable Wein here”
“This had better be worth my while, Brice”
“Case, inspector. The boss said you’d…”
“Oh for crying out loud, it’s my day off”
“Borers said he’d make it up to you”
“Fine”
“He says it’s an interesting one for you. Dead body, Inspector. In the basement of the Supreme Court”
“Surely they have cops there who can deal with it”
“Not that Supreme Court, Inspector”
“Oh. The nightclub”
“It’s an interesting one, Inspector”
“Aye. I said ‘fine’”
Rory hung up his phone and stayed in bed for a few seconds more. A glance at his alarm clock pronounced that it wasn’t even 9am yet. With a groan, the Detective Inspector pulled himself first to his feet, then into the shower, and then into his suit.

Oftentimes the Supreme Court nightclub was still doing great business even at this hour in the morning. Naturally, a dead body turning up five storeys beneath the dance floor had put a dampener on the ‘evenings’ of most of the revellers. The place was deserted when he arrived but for two uniformed cops and a stench of vomit and warm beer. One of the officers directed him to two men in yellow hardhats and blue overalls. The bigger of them, a possessor of a beard so thick you could lose a hand if you were to try to punch him (and his was an incredibly punchable face), was inhaling the vapour from an electronic cigarette. Next to him, the smaller one by a foot and younger by a good thirty years, was sat with a cup of hot tea. A friendly female police officer had evidently finished taking notes and was now simply trying to console the poor boy. His clothes looked damp and good lord he smelled.
“D.I. Wyatt-Holmes” said Rory.
“No. Construction work in buildings” said the bigger man.
Rory blinked. He tried to process the non-sequitur he’d just heard.
“Detective Inspector Wyatt-Holmes” said Rory. “D.I. Rory Wyatt-Holmes”
“Oh!” Said the big man, with a clear Starblaydi accent. “Harry Logan. This right here is Barley Cafferty”
Rory blinked again.
“Barley?”
“His dad’s a farmer”
“He’s not” said Barley, looking up, forcing a smile. “He just liked the name ‘Barley’”
“Can’t imagine why” said Harry, looking back at Rory, who shrugged. The police woman next to Barley spoke up.
“These two are construction workers. Clearing out the basement floors. Got through to the bottom floor today and uncovered a body”
“Take me to it” said Rory, nodding at the two gentlemen as he and the uniformed officer left for the basement.

In the absence of a serviceable elevator, the pair descended via the stairs. The first few floors of the basement, which had been cleared out weeks previously, were all reasonably clean. The second bottom floor was a mess of concrete and assorted debris, though, with a small cave leading down a further flight of stairs.
“Gives me the creeps, Inspector” said Rory’s colleague.
“Have you been down into that room yet this morning, Constable…?” asked Rory
“Aarden” said the constable. “Betsy Aarden”
“Betsy?”
“Yes, inspector, I’d have preferred ‘Barley’ myself. Anyway, to answer your question, ‘no’, inspector”
“You're not... scared, are you?”
“I get a little claustrophobic, sir” replied Betsy. Rory laughed.
"Oh, it'll be perfectly roomy down there. You won't be able to see your hand in front of your face, of course. After me, Constable”
The pair, flashlights in hand, ducked through the concrete opening and made their way, carefully, down the stairs.
“They tell me it’s the second door on the left, sir”
“This carpet’s seen better days” said Rory as it squelched underfoot. "Keeps the moths out, I suppose. You sure it's this door?". Rory shone his flashlight at the door on the left.
“Think so sir” said Betsy, shining her torch over the handle.
“Here we go” said Rory, turning it and giving the door a hearty shove with his shoulder.
Rory put his hand on Betsy’s elbow and guided her torchlight towards the scene, partly so he could see, partly so he could catch the officer quickly if she felt like fainting. Constable Aarden was clearly made of stronger stuff than young Barley. She edged forward along with Rory. The flashlights of both of them did a better job of lighting the room than those of Harry and Barley up the stairs.
The pair of them took in the scene.
“Welp” said Rory, after a few seconds. “That record didn’t last long”
“What record, sir?” asked Betsy, not taking her eyes off of the body atop the desk in the middle of the room.
“Oldest corpse discovered. Saw a women dead in the middle of the road last week. She’d already been dead two weeks by the time we found her. This one breaks the record by, ooh, let’s see” said Rory, walking over to the desk. He went to poke the skeleton with a finger, but thought better of it. “A century or two?”
Betsy eyed the skeleton as if it was about to jump up and sing Hello my honey, hello my baby, hello my ragtime gal. It was a skeleton alright. You didn’t need to see underneath the ragged remnants of clothes to figure that out. The skull eyed them both, blankly.
“Alas, poor Yorick. I knew him, Horatio” said Betsy
“Who? Wait, what?” said Rory
“Nothing, sir”

[The Macabees]

LOLITA, CH. 5

The loss to Anollasia was not exactly unexpected, but it hit most very hard, not to mention the players. An unranked team, most of the nation was hoping that the imperial football team would show a newfound quality, something that would propel them toward future success and perhaps even keep them competitive in the qualifying matches. In some sense, it was a test, a test of progress, a test to see whether the team could expect even greater heights during World Cup 82 — even something as seemingly distant as a qualifying spot for the World Cup Finals group stage. The depression that fell amongst the nation must have been felt doubly so in the dressing room.

Bernie called Lakén the day after the team's return to Fedala. The timing was not ideal, but the news he bore was of the kind that required immediate attention. He drove to his friend's home that very night, where there were already some other players there and a large group of scantily clad women. Bottles of alcohol filled the low table in front of them.

"Heeeeeyyy, what's up buddy?" slurred Lakén when he saw Bernie walk in. "Come join us!"

"Awesome, man," he replied. "Sorry about yesterday's loss. You guys totally should have won, bro. That second goal was totally offsides."

Lakén shook his head. "It's all good, my friend. Mistakes are there to learn from. We're going to bury Saint Emelie in our next match, that I promise you."

"I'm sure you will!" said Bernie. With a more solemn face, he added, "Hey man, I know right now you're busy, but I gotta talk to you about something. It's not about the game, but it's sort of serious. I see your busy, though. I can always come back tomorrow, that's no problem."

"No, no, no, I wouldn't make my best friend wait for me," said the midfielder, leaning on Bernie's shoulder now. His breath stunk of booze and he started to go off on a drunken rant. "You know man, you've been with me from the beginning, through thick and thin, when I was rich and poor. Few people are like that. I just want to say I appreciate you, brotha. I love you, man. I love you. More than any b!$%#. More than any stack of cash. Thank you for being here for me. I couldn't have done it without you, I really couldn't have...hey! let's have a drink."

Bernie chuckled. "Afterwards, for sure. Let's talk really quick, in private if you can."

"Oh shit, serious talk, huh?" answered Lakén, using the drunk man's S.

Bernie was led down the hall away from the living room until they reached a room at the far end. Two tall doors made of a strong, dark wood barred them entrance until Lakén pushed them open, revealing a study with built-in bookcases, a globe, and two extremely comfortable-looking leather chairs. Pointing to one of them, Lakén said, "Take a seat, brotha."

Doing as told, Bernie waited for Lakén to stumble around the room, go to a hidden liquor cabinet behind a brick fireplace, and fill up two short glasses with some sort of golden brown liquor that Bernie assumed was whiskey. "Thank you," he said, when the midfielder brought him his drink. Lakén sat down. "I know this is really bad timing but we have a little...problem. Well, it's a big problem. How do I put this?—"

"Uggggggh," interrupted Lakén. "More problems, man? I got enough of those. Let's talk about this tomorrow, not tonight. Tonight is for good times."

"I know man, but you'll want to hear this now. Trust me?" said Bernie.

The midfielder rolled his eyes, then said, "Okay, okay, what's up?" He pretended to be sober, doing a piss poor job of it.

"Well, um, remember that girl from the other night at the club? The one that came up to you and talked about the 'deal' I had made with her, you know, to sleep with her. The one the bouncers kicked out. Remember her?" His palms were sweating. He tried to keep his hands tight against his jeans.

Lakén thought for a minute. "Yea, I remember her...I think?" he said, finally.

"Well," he started, "you see, she's suing you now."

"SUING ME?" the international midfielder bursted. "What the in all of the hells did I do to her? You're the one who f#%&ed her."

"Yea, well, that's the thing," he replied. "I don't have any money, so I guess she's going after you instead. She said it would hurt your international image, might even cost you a big contract with a foreign league. She made a lot of sense, man. I just wanted to let you know. I'm so, so sorry. This is all my fault, I just don't know what to do."

Lakén raised his hands. "No worries, bro. Peace will reign eternally in the end, I promise. That b!$%# is crazy anyways. Relax, get yourself more drinks, find yourself a fine woman, and have a good time tonight. No more problems. No more pain. It's time to forget about all of that and focus on the good times."

"What about the girl? She wants a lot of money," said Bernie.

Lakén smiled. "Don't worry about her. I ain't paying her s#!%. I'll call up my boy Henrrek Visto'ifa tomorrow. He'll take care of this, guaranteed."

Bernie felt a little bit more reassured. Lakén must have had the best connections for this kind of stuff. This sort of drama must affect football players all the time. "Who's Henrrek Visto'ifa?" he asked.

"Henrrek?" said Lakén. "Oh, you don't need to worry about that. Let's just say he's the best at what he does."

Although cryptic and slightly eerie, Bernie nodded and took the question as settled. Lakén was right. Now was not the time to worry about this, there was always tomorrow. The wooden doors that led to the study were still open and Bernie looked back when a group of topless women cheered at something. "Fair enough," he said. "Let's get you back to the action, party animal."

"Now that's the Bern I know," said Lakén.

[Juvencus]

HUElavia 1-2 Juvencus

IMPORTANT AWAY WIN

The team was tired after a hardly fought victory against HUElavia

Victory is followed by another victory, however players have been sleeping on important games once more. This time barely managing to get out of HUElavia with the 3 points and a disappointing ineffeciency up in front. "If our performance level keeps dropping like that, we'll have to make several changes to our plans in order to not choke on important games with the likes of Cosumar or any of the lower ranked competition, like Saint Emelie, which definitely looks threatening." were Toset's comments about last afternoon's game.

The game started with the home team entering the pitch less pressured, having the support of its followers by its side. A great play from the HUElavian players saw the striker of the team miss an important chance, with his shot being saved by a Bulgari leap. Soon after, the gli attaccanti went on to counter-attack, with a great through-ball from Christian being wasted by Tafani, as her shot went wide. The HUElavian team attacked afterwards, with a shot from the 25 meter line entering the net, thus giving the HUElavian team the advantadge. That's when the Juven team started to reorganise itself, and with great possessive play managed to hold the ball for quite a while before pushing forwards. On the 38th minute, a great passing play by Russo and Grec saw the latter giving a set-piece to Araujo, however he missed. Soon after, a shot from the 30-meter line by Bret hit the crossbar. This kind of ineffeciency really striked on the team's mentality, as the ball went to HUElavian feet for the remainder of the half.

A quick talk in the locker room was what the gli attaccanti needed in order to get back on its feet. The gli attaccanti was on the HUElavian side of the field once more, going the ball back and forth for quite a while before finding an opening through the bus that the HUElavian players had set. A Porfirio Araujo shot from the 27 meter-range was saved by the HUElavian keeper, however it was a poor save, so the ball returned to Juven legs. The team, being desperate for a goal that would change the tide of the game decided to play much more aggressively than usual, Zabala's entry to the field meant the team would have a lot more chances created which would hopefully lead to a goal. 7 minutes in, a Clovis Bret through-ball found Etxeberria, with the latter dribbling through a couple of the HUElavian defenders before capitalising on the one-on-one. A tie though, was not enough for the team, as the entry of Silvestri in the place of Tafani meant the team wanted a strong force to get the ball through the wall. First chance by Silvestri was a long-distance shot which went through the ball of defenders only to hit the crossbar. That missed opportunity served as fuel for Silvestri as an Izotz Ibarra long ball was able to find Silvestri's right foot with the latter rocketing the ball inside the net, thus giving gli attacanti its 4th victory in a row this cycle. Next game is against Anollasia on home turf.

Juvencus XI:
GK:Taddeo Bulgari
CB:Dudu Madeiros
CB:Nicolò Bassi
CB:Izotz Ibarra(Assist 88')
CDM:Nino Russo(Subbed off for Mattin Zabala 57')
CDM:Clovis Bret(Assist 64')
RM:Hugi Grec
LM:Tore Christian
RF:Patxi Exteberria(Goal 64')
LF:Porfirio Araujo
CF:Brunella Tafani(Subbed off for Santo Silvestri 78')(Santo Silvestri: Goal 88')
HUElavia:
It's another one of these rosterless teams which has brought the Juven FA to doubt this World Cup Qualification stages' integrity.

[Sargossa]

SSM | Sargossan State Media
International Edition - Sport



The Defederico Effect


Blanco Borrayo reports;

It might feel like an eternity ago but it has been a mere two years since that dark day in Maturín, when Sargossa’s finest trudged off the pitch at the Ciudad Deportiva. The pictures captured the moment, Sargossan players with their heads down making their way towards the tunnel to a backdrop of empty seats and a small but vocal knot of visiting fans from Stetzra who triumphantly cheered their team’s unlikely victory. It was a second successive home defeat and continued a run of just one win in eleven matches in all competitions. In the past the Football Federation of Sargossa (FFS) hadn’t been shy in pulling the trigger but it was with some reluctance that they ended the reign of Rafael Barrios. Reluctance because Barrios had preceded over one of the greatest qualifying campaigns in recent history, leading the fifth seeded Corsairs to the 78th World Cup ahead of luminaries of the likes of Starblaydia, Nephara, Darmen and Mercedini. But whereas Barrios’ counter attacking style was perfect for an underdog it was much less effective when the opposition played to not lose. For months Sargossa had struggled against the minnows, dominating the possession stats but not doing much with it. His sides became laboured, they became one dimensional and the Stetzra fixture exemplified that. So the change was made.

Much later Rafael Barrios would admit that the sheer pressure of international management had started to grind him down, that he’d at times been almost stricken with indecision for fear of making changes that might not pay off and then be castigated by an entire nation. Expectations had risen since that near miraculous qualification, one of his great managerial achievements had become a millstone around his neck. Now happily ensconced back in club management he looks back with a rueful smile, describing his sacking as ‘almost a relief’.

Naturally the FFS already had a shortlist of replacements in mind should that moment arrive but, interestingly enough, the man that got the nod may not have actually been the initial first choice. Diego Flores and Juan José Barreto were installed by bookmakers as the frontrunners, one a journeyman pro who’d seemingly finally found a home, the other a younger talent enjoying a meteoric rise up the coaching ladder. Flores had enjoyed a topsy-turvy career until his arrival at El Nacional but had gone on to carefully craft the Gozan side into a well drilled and highly effective unit. One that was making a concerted challenge for a first SuperLiga title in more than a decade. Barreto came with a certain amount family pedigree, being the grandson of the great Félix Barreto who won multiple titles with Ciudad Soluca and was considered the greatest Sargossan coach of his generation. He was also impressively cutting his top division teeth with Sportivo Cordova, following a productive two year spell in the Segunda Liga with Racing Soluca.

Pursuit of both was problematic, for the simple reason that there was a good chance that neither actually wanted the job. Flores was gunning for a SuperLiga title and wasn’t likely going to be tempted away until he’d achieved that goal. Plus there was the small issue of the FFS’s much heralded desire to bring a universal ‘Sargossan Style’ to the national sides, from the senior side down. Diego ‘Two Banks Of Four’ Flores would never adhere to their three at the back, high press, counter attacking philosophy diktat. Barreto would be a more natural fit, stylistically speaking, but at just 35 he’d be a huge gamble. And then there were Ciudad Soluca’s league travails, with talk of an imminent managerial vacancy at the capital club. The talk coming out of the Estadio Generalissimo Joaquín Delgado was that they wanted a Barreto in the dugout again, while the young tactician had made no secret of wanting to follow in the senior Barreto’s footsteps. With both targets focused on other things and the FFS unwilling to suffer the embarrassment of being knocked back a third name came into play.

In many ways the third name was also the biggest. Rodrigo Defederico was an impressive midfielder in his playing days who captained the national side, appeared at three World Cup finals and helped the Corsairs lift the Copa Rushmori trophy in Taeshan. At domestic level his career started and ended at his hometown club Dunas Del Sol. In between those spells he turned out for Sportivo Alcántara, Rubio Bayamo, Nuevo Onwere and Astograthi side Oyardo FC. Upon retirement Rodrigo resisted the clarion call of media punditry to take up the FFS’s offer of a place on the national side’s technical staff, part of a Federation drive to get former internationals into coaching. He served on the backroom teams of both Elías Carrasco and the Vanorian Minthârtar Nelésian and had a short spell at the helm of the Olympic team before taking charge of former club Nuevo Onwere, taking them into the SuperLiga. When hometown side Dunas Del Sol were mired in relegation trouble it was to Defederico they turned and he worked magic, steering them away from what had seemed like a certain drop. The next season, his first full season at the helm, he led the team from the resort city to seventh place in the league and to the Copa Sargossa final.

Eventually it would indeed be Defederico who inherited a messy qualification campaign and a side that had one win in the first six matches. A run of eight victories in the next twelve, including a 2 – 0 win away to a Brenecia side who were mere months away from lifting the World Cup itself, saw the Corsairs move from seventh to second in the table and secure a playoff spot. It was an impressive turnaround and one largely attributed to the change in the dugout. The new coach followed up World Cup qualification with a run to the final of the Copa Rushmori, claiming the scalps of three former champions along the way before eventually falling to Nephara. That Stetzra result seemed like an eternity ago as pride was once again restored in the shirt.

So there was a feeling of anticipation ahead of the eighty first World Cup campaign, the nation’s thirty first crack at the greatest show on turf. The nation was enthused at the prospect of Defederico’s first full campaign at the helm. Enthusiasm that was only slightly dampened following a friendly defeat to an impressive Juvencus side in Ariaco. As it turns out they needn’t have worried as the Corsairs started the campaign like a train. A comfortable home win over Main Nation Minstry was followed by an Iván Mayoral inspired victory away to a talented Siovanija and Teusland side. It just kept getting better as Altai Almas were torn apart in Jucaro, Sargossa registering eight goals in a match for the third time in their history, before Raffiah were trounced in Daroca.

Maximum points from four games, with nineteen goals scored to boot, it’s been an impressive start to the campaign for a Sargossan side in the unusual position of being Group 14’s top seeds. And it’s a solid foundation ahead of tricky trips to The Alpine Union, Copa Rushmori foes Thibaea and the suspiciously Sunrisian humans and assorted others of the Hinodejin Empire.

[Darkmania]

Tÿramël Städÿon, Rësbyr
Some office

The modern styled office at the replacement venue was full of telephone noises. The whole darkmanian football federation has moved as written earlier, ÖNFA, their normal home is closed for renovation works. It wasn't an easy morning. They had lost 1-0 to Sultanate of Oontaz and has moved from 3rd to the group to 7th. And for someone who runs a "Third Time The Charm" (TTTC), this isn't what they want. Well, it's only the 4th match... But still.

"What the hell"? some angry man throws some papers. "We had a good start of this shit. But let's just go back to the style we played and made us a laughing stock once again. Rember the last place for the Independent Cup?" "Dude, we got a draw there. Well... it's something. And while Free Republics together with Banija hostes that cup and this upcoming World Cup, we still have a ton of matches left. We see if do better. Trust me."

[Cassadaigua]

Morgan Makes Most Of Start,
by Chelsea Dufresne, Concord Heights Times

Ever since the loss to Brenecia, it seems though it has been one thing after another with things keeping players out of the starting lineup. Against Octinstine, we had the unfortunate bout of food poisoning, and against Czarna Gora, we had the freak incident in practice that kept Carlos Martinez out of the lineup for that match. Now, for a match in Concord Heights against winless Al-Mumtaz, starting goalkeeper Kristen Speller was out of the lineup due to what was called, “an awful migraine”. This is not something that Speller had ever had a history with in her career, but according to coach Sweeney, it was best to rest Speller for the match, and the opportunity was given to Kelsey Morgan. Kelsey first appeared on this roster in World Cup 80, as a reserve, and she had never played in World Cup action. She was the starting goalkeeper for our teams in Di Bradini Cups 41 and 42, so she has some experience. Speller, told reporters to, “back Kelsey one hundred percent for this match, but she would be back for the next game.”

Cassadaigua controlled the play early on, much like they did against Czarna Gora, and they would be rewarded with the first goal of the match, as Rachel Brenner got her first of qualifying in the 14th minute. Morgan did not fact a legitimate shot until the 20th, and unfortunately it found its way into the back of the net, off the foot of Koharu Mitsuko. The Fillies replied eight minutes later with a pretty special goal, as Zack Pierce picked up his first of qualifying, off an assist from Brenner. It is not the first goal scored by a male in Cassadagan history, but with the male players expected to play a large role on this team, it was nice to see Pierce finally be able to score. He is the top male scorer on this team, after all. The team did not have large celebration after the goal, as they must have wanted to save that for the locker room. The Dagans kept pouring it on, and in the first minute of injury time for the first half, Hannah Ranucci scored her fourth of qualifying to put Cassadaigua up, 3-1.

In the second half, Cassadaigua was caught flat-footed a little in the early moments. Al-Mumtaz had their best opportunities during this stretch of time, and it led to a score in the 58th minute from Yoshiro Shota, to cut the lead to one. That served as a wake up call for the pink and black, and just three minutes after that goal, the two goal lead was restored. Credit Sierra Mattison with her second of the campaign. The end result sees Cassadaigua win, 4-2, and increase their point total to six.

After the match Sweeney told reporters, “Noticed some people just looking at the standings before this game and thinking we were off our game. When you play Brenecia in matchday one, it’s tougher to get three points then playing an unranked side. The Octinstine match was tough, but these last two games, with eight goals scored in them, show that we are still going to be a force in the sixteenth grouping.”

(Prior to the match, Sweeney meets with Kristen Speller)

“Kristen, I have gone over the own goal tape about thirty times. I can’t see the logic of why you would not have cleared it, and why you thought Donegal had the better chance.” Coach Sweeney said to her goalie, in regards to the goal scored by Czarna Gora in the last match.

“It seemed like the best play. Maybe I was incorrect, but do you want me to start second guessing everything I might do?” Speller replied.

“That’s not it, Kristen. It was just a bit of an odd play from you. Should be second nature to just clear it out of there youself.” Sweeney asked.

“So, what are you getting at, coach? You don’t think I wanted a f**king clean sheet?” Speller adamantly replied.

“That’s why it was an odd play. I don’t understand it.” Sweeney stated.

“The young defender wasn’t paying attention and f**ked it up. How the heck can you justify not properly paying attention on the field. He is over his head out there. He might be young, but he is confused as well. Anticipating it or not, he needs to be f**king focused.” Speller again adamantly proclaimed.

“It’s no secret to me that many of you do not want men starting on the team.” Sweeney answered.

“I want to get back to the f**king World Cup. I don’t care if we field fluffy bunnies or an egg. That’s all I care about.” Speller shouted.

“I hope so. I have already told Kelsey (Morgan) that she will start the next game. I told the reporter you have a migraine so there is no bad press.” Sweeney instructed.

Speller shook her head, “You know what, you really are going to give me a f**king migraine. But go ahead, play Kelsey. I hope she kicks ass. Really, I do. Because I am here to get to the World Cup.”

“Glad you are taking it well.” Sweeney replied.

Queen Cassie II Comments On South Covello,
by Megan Richardson, Concord Heights Times Political Correspondent

Out of no where, John Green, the President of South Covello, offered a proposal to his national legislature to declare war on Cassadaigua due to our oppression of men. You may have to read that sentence twice to really let that sink in. What did we do to them? For all that we remember, the Queen was supportive of the revolution to overthrow Lord Almighty Gregory, bringing that tyrant to justice, and of the new political system put in place. Digging a little deeper into this news development, you will see that Green has offered several proposals of war on nations, which also include Saintland, Taeshan, Eshan, Ethane, Free Republics, Northwest Kalactin, and Quebec. The legislature of nation has unanimously defeated all of these proposals, so we can feel good about that.

Nevertheless, these kinds of things are not going to go by without the Queen taking notice. As a part of a press conference this morning, where this topic was the most hotly discussed issue of the day, Queen Cassie II proclaimed, “At this time there is no threat to the Cassadagan people, we should not be alarmed or concerned. President Green is, for whatever reason, very eager to want to go to war with someone. We can see that with other nations that have been the subject of these proposals. Thankfully, their legislature is keeping him at bay and refusing to cave in to his wishes.” However, the Queen was not ready to completely dismiss it, as she also commented, “The situation will be monitored, and if more response is necessary, we will be prepared to make it. We are a peace-loving nation, but the peaceful nation with a pink flag should not be seen as a potential pushover if we need to fight. We have a strong and loyal military. As of right now though, I feel good that common sense, and peace, will prevail.”

[Apox]

Goalkeeper
Centre Defender

Apoxian All-Time XI - Centre Defender

Imhotep Jekyll
51 caps
1 sub cap
3 goals
1 assist
Trindl Cup 1 (WC73) -

Alright, so this one is pretty bloody left field to be honest. I hear you, I hear you, "In all the years Apox have competed internationally, you pick a current player with just 50 caps?". Yes I have, and here's why.

When casting around for a second defender to pair the obvious choice of Solomon Etezadi in the heart of defense, I found a lack of truly stirring candidates. There are some, such as Nicolas St Teath and Olim Shahzad, who got a half century of caps, were regular starters for a cycle or two, and pretty proficient in their role without being too spectacular before being replaced by whoever was to come next. Chris Neguwa was another BoFer who garnered a lot of caps, but played for an early Apoxian side without being one of the stand out stars. Meaning he was pretty good but not at a top top level. Then there is Fronden Abel, who was a fan favourite for occasionally being a bit of a buffoon, but usually a pretty handy player. Somehow, and this seems extraordinary, he managed to obtain 91 caps, making him the second most capped central defender, despite, you suspect, not actually being that good.

And so we come to Imhotep Jekyll, a player who, if it weren't for the hiatus, you'd imagine would be pushing a ton by now. Jekyll was one of the first players to emerge from the new Centre for Excellence, captaining it in it's first season of existence, before being handed a pro contract at FC Endeavour years before he had to leave the Centre at 21. He was put in rotation for the first team from early on and this experience would prove invaluable in the long run. His progress was not lost on national team manager Olim Benzari, and he was called up for the Trindl Cup squad, which was a experience to blood in new players competitively, his first fixture being a 2-0 victory against the Royal Kingdom of Quebec. However, with the impressive defensive group of Solomon Etezadi, Olim Shahzad and Eurwen Raynerson ahead of him in the national team pecking order, he was only used sparingly in his earlier years. Interestingly enough, our central defensive pairing in the all-time XI did actually play together twice for the national team - once in the qualifiers for World Cup 74 and once in Campionato Esportiva 16 - the final tournament before the hiatus.

Jekyll struggled initially due to his slightly smaller frame than some of the other defenders - despite this though he is very strong and has a yard of pace on some of the more lumbering players on the pitch. He has been known to totally embarass attacking players with his speed and skill on the ball - making him the ideal partner to a big, powerful defender.

After the wilderness years of Apox's international hiatus though, Jekyll has cemented himself as one of the most important players in the team and is looked upon in a similar light to Etezadi in his pomp - the wall which can so often prevent scoring chances from occurring. He has been largely indispensible in the team since the international return in World Cup 78, first partnered by Eurwen Raynerson and now likely to be partnered by a combination of Osmosis Gandhi and Brevin Scott most of the time. With time still to make more appearances for the time, he could still reach 100 caps for the side and will be hoping he gets the chance to go deep in tournament football at some point in the upcoming years.

Domestically, Jekyll has been a bit boring - so far a one club man for FC Endeavour - the club captain in the four seasons since the return from hiatus, leading his team to their first title in many years being one of the stars of a league very much trying to recover its own star pulling power. At 32, it is likely he will play on for another tournament or two internationally and he has stated recently his drive is as strong as ever and he wants to be playing football (ideally with Endeavour) for another five years. Bring it on.

Honourable Mentions
Fronden Abel (91 caps, 6 sub caps, 5 goals, 2 assists, [WC61 - WC67])
Chris Neguwa (63 caps, 6 sub caps, 4 goals, 1 assist, [BoF 48 (WC61) - CE5 (WC63)])
Eurwen Raynerson (59 caps, 1 sub cap, 1 goal, [WC72 -])
Olim Shahzad (55 caps, 1 sub cap, 2 goals, [WC69 - CE16 (WC74)])
Nicolas St Teath (52 caps, 3 sub caps, 1 goal, [WC67 - Trindl Cup 1 (WC72)])

Apox 3-1 Romaian Protopapas 4', Oakstone-Sandoval 18', Palmisano, L. 55', Blinkman 71'
APX: Spitfire -- Beck, Scott, Jekyll (c), Belgrave -- Mormentor (Benzari 79'), Blinkman, Townsend -- Oakstone-Sandoval, Palmisano, L. (Arrowsmith 68'), Vladimirescu
ROM: Dimitriadis -- Protopapas, Zoulas, Augustinianos, Mitropoulos -- Iovianos (Paraskevatos 88') -- Iakovatos, Aggelatos (Evaggelatos 68') -- Stephanopoulos, Damoulianos (Irakleonas 68'), Kavvadis

Joshenia 1-2 Apox Bridges 22', Schultheiss 44', Gandhi, Oz. 62'
JOS: Weisz -- Friedman, Lemann, Schultz (c), Oster -- Weiss, Cole (Hirsch 77') -- Egger, Baum (Pabst, 59') , Sanger, Schultheiss
APX: Abujamal -- Fox, Gandhi, Os., Raynerson, Redmond (du Plessis 72') -- Drawbridge, Palmisano, J. (c) (Pentameter 72'), Bridges -- Ephraim-Garza, Gandhi, A., Quintero (Gandhi, Oz. 66')

[Kita-Hinode]

[Kelssek]

Kelssek gets reinforcements after second win
SOCCER: WORLD CUP QUALIFYING
Abigail Debuesy, staff writer

Kelssek manager Kirk McDonagh added three players to the World Cup 81 roster as the team recorded a second consecutive win to move into fifth place in Qualifying Group 6.

Centre-back Mason Curtin (Kirkenes FC), midfielder Gabriel Lapierre (CF Outineau) and versatile attacker Shaheen Taleb (Shearwater FC) have been added to the national squad and could all stand a chance of earning their first cap when Kelssek travels to face Santa Rasa tomorrow (NSN1, 6:30pm Coastal Summer Time).

After falling to lopsided losses against Farfadillis and Semarland, Kelssek has come back with 1-0 wins against Ceskaar and Tarper, which McDonagh sees as good progress.

"I would have preferred not to have lost by five goals. We need to be realistic about what we can accomplish this year and keep our focus on the process. It's not about returning to glory right away and no one expects that. But what we do expect is that we are going to re-establish ourselves as a contender once again. The goal this campaign is to take the steps towards that."

Another boost for the team will be the appointment of former captain and Albrecht FC legend François St.-Louis as an assistant coach, a move which was quietly announced yesterday but which has reportedly been well-received by the players.

"I've tried to emphasize that this is a new team, and that we need to forge a new legacy, not be weighed down by the past. Having someone like François in a coaching role, however, I do think inspires the lads and gives them something to aim for," said McDonagh.

RESULTS
1-4 Semarland
0-5 Farfadillis
1-0 Ceskaar
1-0 Tarper

upcoming
A vs. Santa Rasa
H vs. Super-Llamaland (Macquarie Docklands, Latrobe, 7pm kick-off)

[Taeshan]

"Well that was boring."

"Who plays 10 men behind the ball at home?"

"We do apparently."

"I don't know what I expected."

"Truth."

"We should really just have a better gamepland than kick to Miles Snavely and pray."

"Especially with such an atheistic nation."

"Truth."

"Well hopefully we win the next one."

"I doubt it."

[Alenburg]

REDHAWKS WON 3-1 AGAINST ROUTCHER AND ACCEPT THE CHALLENGE AGAINST FLARDANIA

That was the tittle from Loirgrunzodd Herald Sports Section

Our boys won their game against Routcher thanks to another Hat-Trick by our New Dutchlander Dylan Smith who manage to score two free kick goals and a pass-by-pass play with Michael Batt that leaved the defense out of this planet now they are prepared for their game against Flardania that is in the second position of Group 18 and is 4-0 i had the chance to get a few words from Michael Batt himself after the match these are his words:

Melanie Smith:"Hello Mr Batt can i have a few words with you?"
Michael Batt:"Of course you can is always good being interviewed by LZH"
Melanie Smith:"Before asking you something let me praise you for that last play!"
Michael Batt:"Jaja thank you very much well we really had a good communication on that play i could have scored that goal but at the end something told me to gave him the ball, go score that goal and get you hat trick"
Melanie Smith:"How do you feel about your next game against Flardania on the best teams on group 18?!"
Michael Batt:"I say challenge accepted! we are very proud of being representing our country,our flag and our anthem we are ready for this match we are here to play but we also are here to win"
Melanie Smith:"Thank you very much Mr Batt!"
Michael Batt:"Your Welcome!"

Those are the words of a true Captain as you can see our boys are motivated and prepared to play our next match against Flardania see you there

Melanie Smith (Loirgrunzodd Herald Sports Section Writer in charge of Soccer Depatment)

[South Covello]

Tuesday Night Massacre in South Covello as President Green Fires Sixteen Attorneys General Before Charging David Hale With Crimes Against Freedom, Then Things Get Worse - Conditions Deteriorating Here

In what many are calling the Tuesday Night Massacre, President Green instructed Attorney General Chris Hallows to indict activist David Hale for crimes against freedom due to his anti-war activism. When Hallows understandably refused, Green fired him. Deputy Attorney General Mara Saint Pierre then became Acting Attorney General until President Green could appoint someone and the Legislature could confirm that person. Green gave her the same instructions; she too refused and was fired. Green then proceeded to fire the next 14 individuals in the line of succession to the Attorney General position after they refused his orders to indict Hale. Finally, the Deputy Vice Assistant Undersecretary to the Assistant Deputy Attorney General, Patrick Murr, ascended to the role of Acting Attorney General and obeyed Green's order, drawing up a bill of indictment to charge Hale with the stated crime. A short while later, he was arrested by National Police at his home. Murr rleeased a statement saying he emphatically disagreed with President Green's order, but believed he simply had no authority to refuse an order from the President.

Reaction was swift and universally negative throughout South Covello, with many Legislators stating they would now support removal proceedings. Under the South Covellan Constitution, four fifths of the Legislature, or 240 members, must vote in favor of the removal for President Green to be removed, at which point we would proceed the same as in the case of a successful recall. This has been discussed many times in recent days, so we will not reiterate the possible scenarios.

In any case, following President Green's orders, Murr is now beginning to draw up a case against Hale, although it seems likely Green will be removed before things get that far, and the Legislature will order the AAG to stand down. An emergency session is scheduled for tomorrow morning, where the Legislature will debate and ultimately vote on whether to remove President Green from power. In the meantime, Green has, once again, issued a request for wars with Ethane, Eshan, Taeshan, Northwest Kalactin, Cassadaigua, Saintland, the Free Republics, and The Royal Kingdom of Quebec. The Legislature, naturally, is ignoring these requests, and they will be withdrawn automatically in the event President Green is removed from power.

In a statement through his attorney, David Hale said "John Green is a monster, the very monster he claims to be fighting. The Legislature must not delay in removing him from power - we will continue collecting signatures for a recall petition, but his actions in persecuting me for simply opposing endless, needless, numerous wars shows he must be removed sooner rather than later. Enough is enough - the only tyrant here is John Green. Enough already, Mister President."

Protesters took to the streets in large numbers throughout South Covello, with tens of thousands assembling on the lawn of the Presidential Mansion chanting "FREE DAVID HALE", "NO MORE WAR", "REMOVE GREEN", and numerous other slogans. They refuse to leave until President Green is removed from power. Showing President Green's further weakining power and stability, he ordered Capital Police to arrest the entire crowd. When they refused, he attempted to fire them despite the fact that they are employed by the City government, not the National Government, and he therefore had no authority to order them around, fire them, or do anything else to them. According to an anonymous source, he then ordered the Presidential Protection Agency that protects the President to open fire on the crowd, and they understandably refused given that would constitute mass murder, among other offenses. However, this claim is unconfirmed at this time. Things are really getting ugly in South Covello, and some have expressed concern that allowing the situation to fester overnight could lead to mass chaos at home and/or abroad.

Once the report of the President ordering his guards to open fire reached Acting Attorney General Murr, he stated he no longer supported the President's actions, filed a motion with the court to vacate David Hale's indictment, and resigned. However, since the courts were closed as it was after hours, the motion will not be processed until tomorrow morning. When informed of this, Hale responded "Thank you to Mr. Murr for eventually doing the right thing, even if it took him too long. In just a few hours, I will be released from this prison and will continue fighting for what I have always believed in - freedom through peace, not through wars and needless death and destruction."

President Green then appointed and almost immediately fired 47 more Attorneys General in a span of two hours before ultimately exhausting the entire line of succession to the role. He then attempted to appoint himself to the position, a move which experts caution is likely unconstitutional, not that there would be any chance of the Legislature approving it anyway. Things are really getting ugly here, with mass protests throughout the streets and calls for the Legislature to call an emergency session tonight. At press time, that has not happened.

---

South Covello News Network

11:45 PM: "This just in to the SCNN Live Desk, with conditions continuing to deteriorate in South Covello, rioters in the street refusing to stop until President Green is removed, and sympathetic police refusing to take action, Speaker of the Legislature Dairan Clarke has called the Legislature to an emergency session in approximately 45 minutes for the purpose of debating and voting on removal of President John Green from power. In just a few short years, President Green has gone from national hero to national enemy, and most people think he crossed a line too far tonight. We'll have more as the situation develops, so as always, stick with us here at SCNN."

12:32 AM: "Looks like the Legislature is being called to order now, let's head over there right now to see what's going on."

The Floor of the Legislature:

Darian Clarke: "Ladies and gentlemen, the Legislature of South Covello is now in special emergency session."

Clara Santos: "Mister Speaker, without objection, I move that the quorum call be dispensed with and we proceed with the scheduled business."

Darian Clarke: "Is there objection? Hearing none, quorum call is waived and we will proceed with the first and only item on the agenda, debate and vote on the removal of President John Green. Under the Constitution, a 4/5 vote is necessary to remove President Green, therefore 240 votes must be cast in favor of the motion for President Green to be removed. Is there a second?"

Numerous Legislators: "Seconded!"

Darian Clarke: "We have a second, we will proceed to debate."

Back in the newsroom:

12:36 AM: "We expect debate to move along fairly quickly, given the circumstances, but some senators must have their say. Clara Santos, the first to come out against the Green Doctrine back in the Saintland War, is expected to be the final speaker in approximately 55 minutes. We'll have coverage of her speech live, but for now, we'll take you around the country and show you what's going on. First, let's go to SCNN Correspondent Mary Banks, who is on the lawn of the Presidential Mansion."

Mary Banks: "As you can see and hear around me, the protester crowd seems to have grown exponentially in the past several hours. By some estimates, there are now about 100,000 protesters here screaming and chanting for President Green to be removed. And we're just receiving breaking news that by Emergency Court Order, David Hale has been released from prison immediately, it seems that someone managed to rouse a sleeping judge. So we expect to see him here any minute, and the crowd just went nuts, is that him? Yes, that's David Hale getting a nice round of applause from the protesters. And now he's picking up a mic, let's listen in.,"

David Hale: "Our national nightmare may soon be over! Right now, as we speak, the Legislautre is considering a vote to remove John Green from power. This President turned tyrant may soon no longer be President! Thank you everybody for coming out tonight, and let's stick it through until the end! Freedom through peace!"

Crowd: "FREEDOM THROUGH PEACE! FREEDOM THROUGH PEACE!

---

1:30 AM: "And Clara Santos is about to speak on the floor of the Legislature, let's go there now."

Clara Santos: "Ladies, gentlemen, Mister Speaker, fellow Legislators, thank you for giving me the opportunity to speak with you tonight. I am 91 years old. I have seen it all. I have seen tyrant after tyrant rule this nation in the name of some phony God, and somehow I survived. But John Green is the worst tyrant of all because he does so cloaked in the veil of freedom. Tonight, I say enough is enough. I was against the so-called Green Doctrine from the start, and now things have gotten worse and worse under President Green, and tonight he took things way too far, arresting a peaceful activist, ordering the arrests of tens of thousands more, and according to reports which have just been confirmed, ordering his guards to open fire on peaceful protesters and commit mass murder. This is not OK. We heard statements from the security forces who President Green gave his unlawful orders to, from the Attorneys General who he fired, and we've heard speeches from numerous Legislators saying President Green must be removed, immediately. I will add my voice to say enough is enough. Mister Speaker, I move to call the question and proceed to a roll call vote."

Darian Clarke: "Is there a second on the motion to proceed to a vote?"

Numerous: "Seconded!"

Clara Santos: "Mister Speaker, without objection, I move that the vote on calling the question be conducted as a voice vote rather than roll call."

Darian Clarke: "Is there objection to conducting the vote to call the question by voice rather than roll call?"

Joe Miley: "Point of Information?"

Darian Clarke: "Mister Miley is recognized for a point of information."

Joe Miley: "This is the vote to proceed to the vote on removal, correct? Not the vote on removal itself?"

Darian Clarke: "Yes, sir, that is correct. Once again, is there objection? Hearing none, we will immediately proceed to a voice vote. For this motion, only a simple majority is required. All those in favor of proceeding, say aye"

Numerous: "Aye!"

Darian Clarke: "All those opposed, say no."

Darian Clarke: "It appears to be unanimous, we will proceed to a vote, immediately. The clerk will call the names."

Back in the studio: "We won't bore you with the reading of 300 names, but when it's close to going over the top, we'll cut back. For now, let's go to Wade Hayes in the streets of Riverview."

Wade Hayes: "And I'm amid a crowd of about 10,000 people marching down the streets of Riverview, the second largest city in South Covello, chanting "HAY HAY HO HO JOHN GREEN HAS GOT TO GO!" And they've been marching all night, it started around 8 PM with just a few dozen, but they've grown so much, and now many of them are chanting while watching the vote on their smart phones, and they're getting louder as we get closer to going over the top and -"

Studio: "I'm going to cut you off here as we head to the floor of the Legislature, we're getting close, as you can see on the bottom, 229, now 230 have voted in support, none have opposed yet, now 231."

Clerk: "Ms. Soto?"

Juanita Soto: "Aye"

Clerk: "Mr. Sotoro?"

Jorge Sotoro: "Aye."

Clerk: "Mr. Souter?"

Pauly Souter: "Aye."

Clerk: "Ms. Spalding?"

Betty Spalding: "Aye."

Clerk: "Ms. Spallow?"

Julia Spallow: "Aye."

Clerk: "Mr. Spellings?"

Craig Spellings: "Aye."

Clerk: "Mr. Spieler?"

Bob Spieler: "Aye."

Clerk: "Ms. Spies?"

Bernadette Spies: "Aye"

Gallery: *anticipatory cheers, knowing what's coming next.*

Dairan Clarke: *makes at least a token effort to quiet the crowd down, finally after about a minute they stop.*

Clerk: "Mr. Spoefield?"

Robert Spoefield: "Aye!"

Gallery: *Bursts into enthusiastic chanting, chanting "Bye Bye Johnny", singing the national anthem, and numerous other things for 10 minutes before...*

Darian Clarke: "Can we come to order and finish this vote, please?"

Back in the Studio: "And there you have it, President Green is officially removed from power. Let's go to Mary Banks again, at the lawn of the Presidential Mansion."

Mary Banks: "And the crowd is ecstatic. They've gotten word of this, they were watching the vote live just like we all were, and they're chanting "Na na na na na na na na hey hey hey good bye" plus "Freedom through peace!" and numerous other things. And now it looks like they're telling people to move back a ways, and the crowd doesn't want to at first, but then they realize it's to make room for the helicopter that's going to land and take John Green away. He's coming out of the mansion now, and is standing at the door, looking, perhaps for the first time, defeated, perhaps he only now realizes that he's become everything he's been fighting against for the past few years. He looks positively forlorn, and, let me go and try to get a quote from him as the crowd cheers and sings his near departure, no, they're not letting me through. But the helicopter has landed, he's being escorted to it, and at least he realizes it's his time and doesn't do anything stupid now. That's a good sign, and a huge relief for us all I'm sure. He's being taken into the helicopter now, and it's taking off as we have one more "Na na na na hey hey hey good bye" round from the crowd, before an enormous cheer. And now David Hale is about to speak."

David Hale: "Thank you all for coming out. Our mission has been accomplished, John Green is gone, the Green Doctrine is as good as dead. We've all had a long 24 hours, go home, get some rest, and we'll reconvene later and determine how our movement wants to proceed from here. Go in peace, don't riot, we've won, to our supporters around the country, we've won, go home, rest, don't destroy your town, we'll reconvene later and see where to go from here."

Mary Banks: "Some have thrown out Hale's name as a Presidential frontrunner despite the fact that he is only 22, but he doesn't seem to want to commit to anything tonight. And just as well, it's about 3:30 AM here. Given the long night, many schools and places of business have announced that they will open late or be closed tomorrow, and Darian Clarke, now Acting President, has just announced all federal offices will be closed tomorrow and all non-emergency employees should not report to work. Many local governments have followed suit. For now, things seem to be quiet for the night, as President Green has been removed from power faster than any of us anticipated after a rapidly deteriorating situation, but really this seemed inevitable for weeks."

[Krytenia]

Coq Au Win
By Rami Niblick in Tushlark, Togonistan

WELL, that's more like it. True, Togonistan are not even close to being a world power of the sport, but three points are three points and we'll take them. It was more the manner of the performance that provided cause for celebration as Krytenia put on a measured but dominant display against their opponents - none more so than Josh Coquelin, who pulled the strings masterfully going forward.

Despite being the visitors, the Dragons pushed from the off. Togonistani captain Luca Faleta was charged with attempting to snuff out Coquelin in the early stages; he'll be wishing it was someone else as the Casuals man ran him ragged in the first half. Even when Faleta did manage to get a foot in, it didn't always help; one such tackle gave Krytenia a free-kick thirty yards out; the dead-ball was played out to Christopher Joel, whose fierce cross found Chris Naismith, whose header thumped against the outside of the post.

It was a sign of things to come. Twenty-three minutes in, Coquelin created separation from Faleta, playing a neat one-two with Valrauncion, before laying the ball on to the onrushing Joe Hansen. Hansen's strike was an absolute cracker, hit with pace and rising steadily to whizz past a blameless Fujima Sumiteru and give Krytenia the lead. The visitors did not let the fact that they'd taken the lead give them cause to rest on their laurels, though. Coquelin continued to give the Togonistan defence a hard time, forcing a good save from Sumiteru with a long-range effort and setting up a good chance for Chris Naismith which the Ousevale man pulled fractionally wide. It was inevitable, then, that Krytenia would double their lead before the break; it was equally a given that Coquelin would be involved. The Dragons' midfielder beat Faleta and Jeb Delafi for pace, finding himself one on one with Sumiteru, and the keeper once again was left with no chance as Coquelin calmly slottted past the Elks stopper.

Valrauncion took himself off for the second half, giving Callum Quiroga a runout up front with the away side in control. As it turned out, his first touch in international football would lead to a goal as Gareth Brannan nodded down a Jake Hansen corner for Quiroga to smash home from all of five yards. This, then, was the cue for Krytenia to slow the pace down and take their foot off the gas, preparing to conserve their energy for the games ahead.

It's possible that tactic was a mistake, especially with over forty minutes of the game still to play. Given a chance to properly test the Krytenian defence, teenager Martin Tui took the chance with both hands. A deft pice of skill took him past Matthew Gray, and though his subsequent shot was saved by Washington, Tui was there to put the rebound away and give the home side a potential avenue back into the game with twenty-five minutes to play. With momentum on their side, Togonistan searched for a second. Washington was suddenly thrust into the game, saving well from Greg Kanufatu twice in quick succession before turning a fizzing Tui effort over the bar a few minutes later.

Fresh legs, it appeared, were required for the visitors, and Valrauncion duly obliged by sending on Freddie Hames to anchor the midfield. The Mercia man duly obliged in his task, linking up well with Coquelin to calm the play in the middle of the park. Realising that a fourth goal would almost certainly kill the game, the twosome pushed the Krytenian line forward. They were rewarded in the eighty-second minute as Hames threaded a ball in to Naismith; he drew Sumiteru towards him to narrow the angle before laying the ball back for Coquelin to score an easy chance. There was still time for Togonistan to get a late consolation, though. Thomas Scott blotted his copybook somewhat with a clumsy tackle just inside the area; the penalty was gratefully put away by Lev Mafeti, though it was too little, too late.

The Dragons, then, have points on the board at last. A nice run of games could well lead to them adding a fair few more to that tally before a crunch game on Matchday Nine against Flardania. Onward!

TOGONISTAN - 2
Tui 65
Mafeti 90+1

KRYTENIA - 4
Joe Hansen 24
Coquelin 41, 82
Quiroga 48

[Eura]

OOC: Part 1.

Part 2.
Part 3 of this RP.
Part 4 of this RP, which I intended to finish last WC or CR as its now a couple of years into the past. The remaining parts will now be posted.

The situation facing Sameba's unlikely crew of rebels had descended from a tense period of anticipation into pure chaos. The Euran announcement of the leaked "Beran note" had undermined their planned message internationally and seriously weakened their potential negotiating position with the Eurans. The planned version of events was that Gartanzo had died of illness and his close friend had taken his own life in the process, leaving behind orders to bring the long and drawn out war to a peaceful end. If other countries and crucially Eura took this as a sign that the plotters (led by Rossi and Morzo) were actually the legitimate continuity government and firmly in control, then it would give them significant leverage to negotiate without Gallo's approval. Eura's leak of that close friend having actually murdered the President in an unplanned, random attempt to trigger a revolution had blown away the usefulness of such a story when working with the international community - who understandably would trust the Euran government over some rebellious Sameban officers in the absence of evidence to make them think otherwise. Yet the same rules did not apply to a domestic audience, whose media consumption was mostly tightly controlled. They could be manipulated where the rest of the world could not. Sameba's besieged population would receive only what the plotters desired them to. Theoretically.

In practice it was never going to be that simple. Morzo and Rossi, with the help of various advisors and a couple of hastily summoned speechwriters, had put together a stirring and persuasive message that appealed to as wide a demographic as possible. Softening the blow of the death of a man like Gartanzo would be difficult, though in some areas of the country where he had been much less popular the bigger issue was how to stop the people losing discipline from their relief. The message did this well. It struck a balance between assuring the country that the war was potentially near its end while simultaneously telling the people they needed to fight harder in the short term than they ever had before. This message was broadcast from their remote western base beyond the immediate reach of Gallo and the hardliner cabal who technically ran the government. Halfway through the broadcast it became apparent that the bigger problem was not being able to deliver their own message, but rather who else would be delivering a contradictory one at the same time - and this time it wasn't the Euran's who were the problem.

State television had dominated the airwaves for a long time in Sameba. The Republican Broadcasting Agency headquarters in the capital Samebus had already been seized by the hardliners but the rebels could not have anticipated that it would be operational and broadcasting minutes after the rebels had begun putting out their own message. In stark contrast to the rebel message, the loyalist hardliner in his General's uniform on the television had only a prepared statement full of fury and promises of vengeance. Morzo was concerned. 'This could sink us.'
'...despite the best efforts of our esteemed medical staff, our dear President has been murdered by his enemies...'
'It was always a distinct possibility this might happen. We must ensure our alliances are struck before Gallo starts making any of his own.'
'Agreed. Winning over as much of the army as possible is a must. It would be better coming from your people.'
'...the leading traitors names are now visible on your television set. These are the men who have sabotaged our war effort and therefore our safety...' Rossi's outlook had quickly become much more negative. 'I will try - but who knows how many of the generals will follow us? I fear we will struggle.'
'...and though our enemies may crowd around us, this is a time for rejoice, and for renewal. For our great nation now has more focus on the coming battles than ever before...' Morzo had heard enough. He angrily lunged towards the television and turned it off before settling down to work out how to move forward.

Taken off guard by the Euran announcement, the two Sameban factions had broadcast their opposing messages simultaneously, causing total confusion among the Sameban military and government institutions at the three conflicting stories, and maybe just as importantly the Sameban public who did not really know who was in charge for the first time in a decade. Senior military officers and entire armies were suddenly acting as unilateral organisations, declaring themselves loyal to one of the two factions like they were medieval warlords swearing fealty to a king or pretender. There was little surprise to be found in the Republican Guard and the shell of the once might Sameban Navy siding with the hardliners. What was dangerous to the rebels was the way the wind was blowing among the Sameban Republican Army as a whole. The majority of commanders, swayed by the Army Chief of Staff General Moretti, were putting down a marker in favour of Gallo and the new hardliner leadership. What they perceived to be a coup attempt against the slain Gartanzo and his ally Gallo, the symbols of the dominance of the army and navy in Sameban politics - which would be followed by an apparent capitulation to Eura - crossed too many lines to ignore. Some even believed the rebels might be behind the surge of the communist insurgency in the north east that had escalated overnight. It wasn't clear how much Gallo and Moretti believed in any of this now but they still took advantage of the prevailing sentiment, declaring Rossi and Morzo guilty of treason and anyone associated with them a criminal. Consequently most of the army fell under their spell and began a two pronged march on both the communists and forces loyal to the moderate rebels. With the leading rebel in Samebus, Boni, having fled to an unknown location, the capital was also effectively under their control.

On paper the military situation appeared dire for the rebels. They controlled the vast majority of the air force, the most proportionally intact branch of the military. Even so its most modern aircraft and best pilots had been exhausted and whittled away by years of defensive tactical usage against otherwise unstoppable Euran air power. What it could do was buy time. Patrols were launched throughout the country as a show of force and to persuade army helicopter units to remain grounded for the time being. Critically this also allowed them to continue their official duties of guarding against any major Euran air offensives; oddly, the EAF had gone quiet in the previous forty eight hours as the crisis unfolded. Rossi reasoned that the Euran's would be waiting to see if the internal conflict would further weaken Sameban air power before seeking to punish it further. This wasn't an ideal state of play for the rebels but they had no power over the situation and it was better than the alternative for the moment. On the ground, only the Marines had wholly sided with the rebels due to their strong disagreements with Gallo and the navy leadership over how they had been utilised during the war. As the day unfolded and it became increasingly clear how unbalanced the situation was, Rossi ordered his jets to take the remarkable step of carrying out a disruptive air strike on the Republican Broadcasting Agency. The strike was successful and caused a pivotal two hour blackout of the hardliner's media output.

Blowing up a TV station and pulling off a few intimidating flypasts would not be enough on its own for the rebels to secure their position. Extraordinary measures had to be taken. The commanders of four of the five many army formations could not be relied upon; two of them being declared hardliners and another two being unable to take sides in the dispute as their forces formed the critical defensive mass on the western and eastern flanks of Sameba's recently static front line with Eura. Hundreds of thousands of soldiers under their command couldn't be distracted as they held the massive Marapan River that served as an unofficial border north of the occupied megacities of Rivet, Aspel and Storfan. Their only hope lay in one individual. His name was General Bruno Calternan, the commander in chief of the massive Third Army of the SRA. It held the bulk of the vital centre portion of the front line making it a counter intuitive choice to turn around to fight an intense internal struggle, but nevertheless the only plausible one as Eura would be unlikely to aggressively punch through the centre alone. Approaching Calternan was an act of desperation more than anything else but from personal experience both Rossi and Morzo knew that he was as good a bet as anyone - a soldier through and through and a national hero who would command respect after his heroics during the defence of Rivet, and a formidable political actor in his own right behind the scenes. They reached out in the hope that he could be the decisive factor in stopping the hardliners from dragging Sameba off a cliff edge.