WC 82 RP Thread

by **Jeruselem** » Thu Mar 28, 2019 7:07 am

Princess Katya and her cousin Prince Hamish in the Jeruselem team, after Jeruselem had 2-0 win over Zwangzug

Hamish: So, how things looking for us?
Katya: Well, we won at home ... which is a rare thing. Win number 3 at home. I wish we had did better at home
Hamish: Yeah, all those draws we had too. Such a waste, ignoring the three losses ahem.

Katya:
So our 2-0 win over Zwangzug leave us in 2nd spot. Main Nation Ministry beat Antahbrantahstan 2-1 at home so they keep 3rd sport and stay 2 point behind us. Joshenia drew Libera Populum 0-0 but that game is irrelevant. Barunia drew 0-0 with last placed Gor Kebab, which means they stay in 4th and hence are eliminated. Nova Anglicana beat Haven and Celeria 1-0 to hold top spot and hence qualify because 32 points is enough to stay in the top 2.

Hamish: So we're in 2nd and Main Nation Ministry are 3rd. Nova Anglicana have qualified.
Katya: We're not safe, if we had lost today we'd be in trouble.
Hamish: So just us and Main Nation Ministry to fight the last spot.
Katya: Yes
Hamish: Say, how come you're studying all this. Isn't that your Mum's job? She's the one doing the reporting.
Katya: I'm very interested in our progress. It'd down the last the round, right now.

Hamish: Apparently that's always been the case with us
Katya: Yes, we're drama queens when it comes to qualification.
Hamish: What do we need to do?
Katya: If we win the last game, we're in the cup. If we draw, we could qualify based on other criteria including our superior goal difference. Losing is not an option we want to think about, because it's the one we don't want.
Hamish: Main Nation Ministry, what do they need to do?
Katya: WIN, that's it. They cannot draw, cannot lose. They must win.

Hamish: I'm just thinking of all those 6 draws that could be wins, one extra win would have given us 2 extra points.
Katya: Yes, that's the irritating aspect of our campaign.
Hamish: Didn't this group have a lot of draws
Katya: Nova Anglican, Barunia, Zwangzug 5 draws. Main Nation Ministry 4 draws. Vakolicci Haven and Celeria, Zwangzug, Antahbrantahstan and us ... 6 draws. Libera Populum ... ELEVEN FUCKING DRAWS. Gor Kebab just 10, 1 less than that other team.
Hamish: Well, that's interesting. 11 draws! What the ...
Katya: Libera Populum only have 3 losses because of those 11 draws. And 3 wins

Hamish: We shouldn't be second should we?
Katya: Barunia is the top seed, they are eliminated. Nova Anglicana is 2nd top, and we're 3rd. So the Main Nation Ministry is 4th top seed who displaced Barunia.
Hamish: Right so it's real simple
Katya: JUST WIN, JUST WIN
Hamish: Got it
Katya: I want us in the World Cup finals.

Hamish: No pressure ... yeah. Say, where's your iPad?
Katya: I don't need it now. My phones replaces that.
Hamish: Oh yes you got that folding phone
Katya: You still got that ancient iPhone
Hamish: Yeah, I don't need anything fancy
Katya: I guess it suits you, it's simple ... like you

Hamish: Nothing wrong being simple, compared to the complicated females in the family
Katya: Us females are always complicated
Hamish: Oh yes, that's true.
Katya: Why haven't you got proper girlfriend yet?
Hamish: I'm just fussy, I'm still young. I don't to be attached to someone too young.
Katya: That's a bunch of crap, you're a randy pervert.

Hamish: Funny, that's what Bianca called me.
Katya: She doesn't have to filter to be too polite
Hamish: She does tell me to fuck off a lot
Katya: I'm really not surprised
Hamish: Doesn't bother me, I'm used to grumpy women.
Katya: Yeah like your mother.

by **Bongo Johnson** » Thu Mar 28, 2019 7:33 am

World Cup Group 5 Qualifying Scenarios for Matchday 18
Official release of the Incorporated Football Association

Matchday 18 Bongo Johnson Qualification Scenarios

Bongo Johnson wins Group 5 with:
-ISBJ win
-ISBJ draw
-ISBJ loss and Damukuni draw/loss

Bongo Johnson has clinched a World Cup berth.

Matchday 18 Damukuni Qualification Scenarios

Damukuni wins Group 5 with:
-Damukuni win and ISBJ loss

Damukuni qualifies for World Cup with:
-Damukuni win
-Damukuni draw and Ko-oren draw/loss
-Damukuni loss, Ko-oren draw/loss, and Ethane draw/loss

Matchday 18 Ko-oren Qualification Scenarios

Ko-oren qualifies for World Cup with:
-Ko-oren win and Damukuni draw (pending tiebreaker with Damukuni)
-Ko-oren win and Damukuni loss

Matchday 18 Ethane Qualification Scenarios

Ethane qualifies for World Cup with:
-Ethane win, Damukuni loss, and Ko-oren draw/loss (pending tiebreaker with Damukuni)

Current Group 5 qualification standings

Group 5                            Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Bongo Johnson                    17   10   3   4    32   26   +6    33 CLINCHED WORLD CUP BERTH
 2 Damukuni                         17    8   6   3    38   25  +13    30
---------------QUALIFICATION LINE-------------------------------------------
 3 Ko-oren                          17    8   4   5    14   12   +2    28
 4 Ethane                           17    7   6   4    36   25  +11    27
 5 Siovanija and Teusland           17    6   6   5    26   24   +2    24 ELIMINATED
 6 Spokane                          17    3  10   4    10   13   −3    19 ELIMINATED
 7 Euran Oceania Territories        17    5   4   8    14   26  −12    19 ELIMINATED
 8 Libonesia                        17    2   9   6     9   13   −4    15 ELIMINATED
 9 Holy Marsh                       17    2   9   6     7   13   −6    15 ELIMINATED
10 Freeport                         17    2   7   8    18   27   −9    13 ELIMINATED

by **Mercedini** » Thu Mar 28, 2019 7:49 am

The Ramifications
World Cup Final Day Review
@ Zoloroni Sports City Stadium - Zoloroni, Mercedini

The World Cup Qualification campaign has almost come to an end with one more game to play for every team involved in qualification for this cycle, it's been a cycle full of ups and downs for all teams, with surprises, shocks and blowouts all served up to teams around the multiverse as we find out thirty-two who will battle it out for the World Cup title. Mercedini have been involved in one of their closest dogfights they have experienced with three nations fighting it out for the two qualification spots, with no team wanting to fall at the last and have to settle for a spot at the upcoming Cup of Harmony. The dust has settled, and it will be The National against The Golden Eagles for the final spot in Group 15 after the Equestrian States recovered from their mid-qualification lull to pull away and secure top spot in the group. Both teams will be at home for their final matches with Lisander facing the trickier opponent in Garifunya, while Dini host Pratapgadh and will go in with the advantage before kick off.

But around the groups, plenty will still have to be decided on the final day of action, as ten unfilled spots will be contested by twenty nations currently in qualification limbo, including our own in blue and black. We will go through those groups that remain contested and give our own valued judgement as to who we think will be on the flight to Valanora and Apox.

GROUP 4 - Jeruselem vs. Main Nation Ministry (PICK ONE)

   Group 4                         Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 2 Jeruselem                        17    8   6   3    35   24  +11    30
 3 Main Nation Ministry             17    8   4   5    27   28   −1    28

With Groups 1, 2 and 3 all done and dusted when it comes to their two qualifying teams, we move straight to Group 4 and our first duel. With Nova Anglicana coasting their way to another World Cup Finals tournament, it is left for Jeruselem and MNM to fight it out for the one remaining spot. It has been a mixed campaign for both sides, as both have dropped points in nine matches thus far, although it is Jeru's six draws which proves to be the difference, placing them two points ahead of their rivals, who could only claim a point in four of their seventeen matches they have played thus far. Both sides have perfectly winnable games aswell, which doesn't spell good news for the Ministry who must hope Jeruselem lose their match away to the group's eighth placed team, Libera Populum. Main Nation Ministry will travel away to Zwangzug for their final game, making it all the more difficult for the third placed side to find a path to the World Cup. Verdict: Jeruselem with 70% certainty.

GROUP 5 - Damukuni vs. Ko-oren vs. Ethane (PICK ONE)

   Group 5                         Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 2 Damukuni                         17    8   6   3    38   25  +13    30
 3 Ko-oren                          17    8   4   5    14   12   +2    28
 4 Ethane                           17    7   6   4    36   25  +11    27

Group 5 has been to most eye opening group of them all, with highly fancied nations like Ethane, Damukuni and Ko-oren all tripping themselves up in the long campaign for qualification. That has left to door wide open for Bongo Johnson to sweep through the group to qualify with a game to spare, with a view to unbelievably topping the group with such big names around them. That means only one of the aforementioned three teams will make it through to the World Cup Finals tournament, which will certainly be a shock to many. Three points separate second from fourth, meaning Ethane has the longest road to qualify for the World Cup, and made marginally longer still as they travel to Freeport for their final match, a nation which claimed a unlikely 3-3 draw in Ethane during the first round of fixtures. For Ko-oren and Damukuni, they will both be playing at home against opponents they would be expected to beat, with the dragonflies hosting the Euran Oceania Territories while Damukuni will welcome Spokane, who claimed a point at home when these two teams met previously. Chances are all three will win their games on the final day, and with Damukuni only needing a point to secure their place in the final 32, there seems to be only one outcome to this. Verdict: Damukuni with 55% certainty.

GROUP 7 - Pasarga vs. Squornshelan Remnant States (PICK ONE)

   Group 7                         Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 2 Pasarga                          17    9   6   2    36   23  +13    33
 3 Squornshelan Remnant States      17    8   6   3    23   15   +8    30

Another duel, bit this time with a more intense twist. This time it is Pasarga going up against the Squornshelan Remant States, as the two go up against each other after the pair matched each other toe-to-toe for the duration of this qualification campaign. Pasarga has been a reliable force throughout the World Cup's history, and is expected to do well with the home crowd of Valanora behind them in the finals. They have been challenged somewhat by their group, where have they have been beaten twice and held to six draws in their seventeen games they have played, so not the dominant Pasarga we have known previously. On the other side is the Squornshelan Remnant States, who sit three points behind Pasarga, but well within striking distance to snatch the qualification spot away. Now, we weren't fortunate enough to be alive when then original Squornshelan was a thing, but their remnants have sure caused a number of surprises following their reformation, including topping Mercedini's group in Mercedini during the most recent IAC Championships. They are more than capable of performing well on their day, although it's a simple case of whether it's their day or not. The formula is simple, SRS must beat Gutulia, Pasarga must lose when they travel to Devonta, and there must be a swing of at least three goals to put SRS level on points but ahead on goal difference. Any other scenario means Pasarga goes through, even if they uncharacteristically limp through on the final day Verdict: Pasarga with 65% certainty.

GROUP 11 - Saltstead vs. Qusmo vs. Kavagrad (PICK ONE)

Ps Group 11                       Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 2 Saltstead                       17    8   4   5    17   12   +5    28
 3 Qusmo                           17    8   2   7    22   26   −4    26
 4 Kavagrad                        17    6   7   4    26   20   +6    25

Next, we shoot al the way over to Group 11 where another three-horse race waits for us to untangle. An extremely strong Group 11 saw international juggernauts, rising stars and dangerous unknowns all clash, with the dust settling to award Cosumar another qualification group victory and another spot at the World Cup. It also left three teams in limbo to be decided by the World Cup gods on the final day. the ever reliable Saltstead is firmly sitting on second spot with one game to play, with the team getting caught up in a long qualification schedule with young blood hungry to put their name in lights. Four draws and five losses keeps them below thirty points for the time being, although that is still good enough for qualification, with nations around them themselves casualties of a stacked group. Behind them sits a rising star on the international scene in Qusmo, who has already made waves on the domestic scene with the likes of Qastyr and Poldanz pulling the strings in the Champion's Cup and the Globe Cup respectively. In fourth is Kavagrad, who didn't have the best of time in the most recent IAC, falling at the group stage, although they have potentially set themselves up for a rise in the future with that experience serving themselves well in this tournament. In terms of qualification, all eyes will be on the Saltstead vs. Qusmo game as that will likely decide the second qualification spot in the group. A simple win will be enough to send Qusmo to their maiden World Cup, although the home fans in Saltstead will be behind their team until the final whistle. Qusmo won 2-0 in the previous round of fixtures, although as we have learnt, anything can happen when the spotlight is placed upon these players. Verdict: Qusmo with 0% certainty.

GROUP 12 - Mriin vs. Beepee (PICK ONE)

Ps Group 12                       Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 2 Mriin                           17    9   6   2    59   42  +17    33
 3 Beepee                          17    8   6   3    39   33   +6    30

We know what it's like to be in the shadow of Farfadillis, something we found out during our time in qualification with the juggernaut, who subsequently did the double over the Golden Eagles and qualified with ease to yet another World Cup. Mriin and Beepee have also found that out with the Farves a whopping thirteen points clear of their nearest rivals. Group 12 is almost certainly the easiest to decipher, considering the amount of hoops that Beepee have to jump through to get to their maiden World Cup. Mriin, who were recently voted co-hosts of the Cup of Harmony, are three points and eleven goals clear of Beepee with one game to play for both teams. Beepee knew they had a mountain to climb to stay in contention, and plucked up the performance of their lives to knock seven past the second-placed team in a ten goal thriller at home. That reduced the damage in the same way a plaster helps a stab wound, although it did give their fans something to talk about on their way home. To qualify, Beepee must win away at Melbergia, Mriin must lose at home to Acronius, and there must be an eleven goal swing in favour of the third-placed team. Beepee may uphold their portion, although we cannot see a quality side like Mriin throwing away such a huge lead at this stage in proceedings. Verdict: Mriin with 99% certainty.

GROUP 13 - Savojarna vs. Vilita vs. Valladares (PICK TWO)

Ps Group 13                       Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1 Savojarna                       17   12   4   1    51   21  +30    40
 2 Vilita                          17   12   3   2    58   19  +39    39
 3 Valladares                      17   12   3   2    41   20  +21    39

Now is where it gets tasty. Three contesting teams, two qualification spots with one of those likely to be decided with one match. Vilita have been having a bit of a wobble as of late, not dominating group as we have seen them previously (much to out disappointment on two separate occasions). Three draws and two losses shows that holes have been exposed within the game plan of the Vilitans, giving the rest of the qualifiers hope that they can also find that chink in the armour. Savojarna, is has been the long-awaited rise back to the top that their fans have been waiting for, with hopes high that they can return to the promised land and put themselves back on the map as a serious footballing-nation. Valladares have been quietly waiting for the chance to strike during qualification, with the fewest goals out of the three but with the patience and control that has won them games throughout the qualification phase. With Abanhfleft seemingly running themselves into a brick wall, it has come down to a three horse race with nothing more than a gnat's nadger between them. All eyes will be on the game between Vilita and Savojarna, with both teams likely vying for one qualification spot between the two. The points advantage means Savojarna will go in as the favourite to qualify, although the home record of Vilita in big games cannot be underestimated, with a nervy ninety minutes standing between one of these teams and the World Cup. Valladares will have a much simpler job to do, as they travel to Nottinhaps for their final game, where a win would guarantee them qualification and leave the final spot to be decided by the aforementioned crunch match. A Valladares draw sees them reliant on a Savojarna win, while a loss would mean the end of their challenge at the very end. We cannot see a certain outcome for any team at the moment, although Valladares will likely edge their way through to leave the other two to scrap for the remnants. Verdict: Valladares and Vilita with 25% certainty

GROUP 14 - Cassadaigua vs. Starblaydia vs. Filindostan (PICK TWO)

Ps Group 14                       Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1 Cassadaigua                     17    9   6   2    49   33  +16    33
 2 Starblaydia                     17    9   5   3    51   28  +23    32
 3 Filindostan                     17   10   2   5    41   36   +5    32

If it's not bad enough having one three-way scuffle to decipher, here, have a second. Another group with plenty of big names, old and new, bouncing off each other, with three suriving nations battling it out until the end, all very much capable of qualifying by their own means if another slips up somewhere. Cassadaigua sees themselves at the top of the table with a single point advantage, despite dropping points in nearly half of their games played so far. Behind them is Starblaydia who have had a comparatively more retched time of things, picking up points against their nearest rivals while inexplicably dropping them agains when facing teams they should really be beating. As the highest scorers in their group, they have used youth to their advantage by importing plenty of talent from their World Cup winning U18 side, not that we have anything to say about the matter. Behind them, and the team that has the widest odds of making it to the 82nd World Cup is Filindostan, who has had a mixed to of things on their journey, but not putting together a long enough string of results to see them have any sort of advantage going into the final day. All three will be competing independently of each other on that final day, all aginst already-eliminated opponents. Cassadaigua will likely have the easiest time of it as they face Tiiwark away from home, with the previous fixture between these two sides resulting in a frustrating 1-1 draw for the side in pink. Then, Starblaydia will also have to travel away from home, as they enter the cauldron of the Marshupov Arena in Polkopia for their last game, with the previous match between these two also resulting in a draw which pegged back both sides at the time. Finally, the only team that won their previous match against their next opponents was Filindostan who won 4-2 at home to the Sherpa Empire, and will also have to travel away for their final group match. Anyone who knows the outcome of this pickle with likely be very rich come the end of this week. We certainly can't, although Starblaydia and Cassadaigua have been in this position before. Verdict: Starblaydia and Cassadaigua with absolutely no certainly whatsoever.

GROUP 15 - Mercedini vs. Lisander (PICK ONE)

Ps Group 15                       Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 2 Mercedini                       17   10   4   3    42   24  +18    34
 3 Lisander                        17   11   1   5    27   23   +4    34

That just leave us. It has been to-and-fro for the duration o the group with Lisander once holding a six point lead on their nearest rival, which they have let evaporate throughout the second half to now leave The National with it all to do tonight. As with many of these problems, they will be solved with matches independent of each other, so both sets of fans will be using up all of their data to check the score of a match thousands of miles away, but which profoundly effects their team playing right in front of them. Dini go into the match level on points, but curucually holding the advantage on goal difference and on head-to-head records, where the Golden Eagles recorded a 5-1 win at home and a 2-0 win away in Lisander to keep them within touching distance of a qualification spot. Lisander have been this cycle's surprising overachievers, by bridging the 100-or-so place difference to go into the final day neck and neck with the Pot 2 side. The Equestrian States have ridden into the difference and will compete at the World Cup, but the final group will decide the final spot at the World Cup. Both teams will play at home to round out their campaigns, as The National will host Pot 3 side Garifunya, while Mercedini will play at the Sports City Stadium for the final time this World Cup cycle when Pratapgadh hope to play the pantomime villain and ruin what would be a great night for Mercedinian sport. Both teams will probably win their respective matches, but as the Golden Eagles will head into the match with the advantage on goal difference, we can only see it going one way. Verdict: Mercedini with 50% certainty.

by **Filindostan** » Thu Mar 28, 2019 8:38 am

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FOOTBALL: WORLD CUP 82 QUALIFIERS
A look at around the multiverse for the final matchday for World Cup qualifiers

SAN MARCO - As qualifying for the World Cup nears its conclusion in a matter of days, we look around the Multiverse on which teams have already booked their tickets to Valanora and Apox, and who look to be in contention for qualifying, and who are in the outside looking in.

Group 1

Brenecia and Banija have secured the group winners and runners-up respectively. The World Cup 80 champions and the one half of the World Cup hosts last edition close out their campaign visiting HUElavia and Geisenfried respectively.

Group 2

Eura and Audioslavia have also secured qualification from this group, which means Drawkland will miss the World Cup finals for the first time since their debut in World Cup 77. Only goal difference separates the two and a win for the Eurans against Darkmania will seal the group winners distinction for the former World Cup and Copa Rushmori champions.

Group 3

As with the first two groups, the qualifiers from this group have already been decided before the last matchday. The Holy Empire and Qasden had little to no opposition in their road to qualification. The Qasdonians would like a repeat of Matchday 9, where they beat the impressive Brusseldorf while The Holy Empire were held to a draw by Eastfield Lodge to win the group.

Group 4

Nova Anglicana have their journey to Valanora and Apox sorted out - though their lead can still be overhauled by Jeruselem if they win against Libera Populum and the qualifiers lose to Antahbrantahstan. The latter though can lose their provisional spot if the same happens to them and Main Nation Ministry somehow can get the win over Zwangzug.

Group 5

Bongo Johnson overcame the odds to become the first qualifier from the group. They can clinch the group with avoiding a loss against Siovanija and Teusland, or if Damukuni fail to win their match against Spokane. The Damukunians though can qualify too if they avoid defeat, the better goal difference against Ko-oren helping their cause. The Dragonflies though will qualify if they win against Euran Oceania Territories and Damukuni loses. Ethane needs many results going their way if they want to qualify, namely Damukuni losing and Ko-oren failing to win, and they having the better GD against them.

Group 6
Free Republics and Darmen have secured qualification, ahead of Taeshan and co. Not much drama here folks. a Republican win will seal top spot to them, but failing to win and the Darmenis beating Balqia will promote the Rushmori nation ahead of them.

Group 7
Sargossa have qualified, and their lead over second place Pasarga is already unassailable, giving also the group to them. The Wanderers losing by at least three goals to Squornshelan Remnant States will give the other qualifying spot to their opponents.

Group 8
South Covello and Juvencus have sealed their qualification already. The Juven needs to win against Osarius and hope that Zuiopien beats the South Covellans to overtake them at the top.

Group 9
Nephara and The Commonwealth of Baker Park have secured their positions as Group 9 winners and runners-up respectively. ROBOSTANIA and Astoria will be their final matchday opponents.

Group 10
Turori and 95X have made it to the World Cup finals from the group, ensuring that the Eels' last match against Kita-Hinode hold no bearing whatsoever, other than securing the top spot for the Atlantian Oceanian nation. Should the Poltergeists repeat their win, the other AO qualifier gets the group lead with a win over Bohr.

Group 11
Cosumar have ensured that they won't be participating at the tournament that will be hosted at their own backyard: the CoH. The second spot will be fought between Saltstead and Qusmo. The winner will take the second qualifying spot - the former will take it if the result at King William VII National Park at Ashwell is a stalemate.

Group 12
Farfadillis have secured the group win ages ago. Mriin will most likely join their co-hosts at the World Cup finals instead of the CoH, as the enormous GD advantage over Beepee will probably keep them afloat regardless of the results against Acronius and Melbergia respectively.

Group 13
First of the two groups with two spots still for grabs. Only two of Vilita, Savojarna, and Valladares will get the ticket to the World Cup finals. There is a chance the Jungle Cats cannot defend their World Cup title if they fail to win against the Savojars at their home turf and the Valladars are able to get a better result against Nottinhaps. If the recent Copa Rushmori champions then lose, then a win for the Valladars will qualify at their expense. Conversely, a loss for the current third placers eliminates them from contention.

Group 14
The other group with two spots to be filled between Cassadaigua, Starblaydia, and Filindostan. The Pula Garuda must get a result over The Sherpa Empire at Changsha and get it better than Starblaydia in their travel to Peeto to face Polkopia. The Fillies travel to Tiiwark knowing a win is a must to ensure qualification. Both former champions winning eliminates the Baptism of Fire 66 winners from contention regardless of result from the Filindos.

Group 15
The ponies of Equestrian States have secured qualification to the World Cup finals. Lisander can qualify with a better result when they face Pratapgadh than Mercedini's when the latter face bottom team Zeniyadh. Otherwise, the Mercedinians will get the other spot.

Loss to Britaen costly; Team jeered after the match

The Filindos blew a great opportunity at the Gelora Nasional Pilindostan when they were usurped by bottom team Britaen, just one match after the visitors were steamrolled by Starblaydia in their previous matchday. Seems like Ethel Toh underestimated their opponents too much, fielding a very different side from the one which won against Tiiwark, and starting Abner at goal. The keeper from Perotres was a factor in their two goals conceded, and the first egg of the national team proved too costly for the Pula Garuda - enough for the fans to boo and jeer them upon the final whistle. The result allowed Cassadaigua and Starblaydia to oust them from provisional qualification positions, and put the hosts at the brink of elimination. The result also calls for Ethel Toh to call up the veteran players that she froze out, but looks like she would not risk any squad changes this close to the end of the qualifying campaign.

Insider News: Rinoso to lead the Pula Garuda post qualifying

Insider sources from the Filindostan Football Federation have revealed information that Ethel Toh will not continue with managing the national team after the match against The Sherpa Empire regardless of result. The same source points to Toh's current assistant, Xavier Rinoso, to replace her and lead the team regardless of tournament that the Filindos are participating. Finishing inside the top three is a considerable result considering the winless four games under their former manager. The FFF is expected to have a press release regarding their decision in the coming days.

So, going back to the matches that will happen on the last matchday, all eyes will be at Vilita, Saltstead, Squornshelan Remnant States, The Sherpa Empire, Polkopia, Tiiwark, and other venues where the all-bearing matches will take place. One thing is sure here, the match between The Sherpa Empire and Filindostan will be broadcast live in the FSNA Berita Filindo livestream site and in Free TV.

Written by FSNA Staff.

Schedule - WC82Q including friendlies
PQF1: at Equstrian States - Cloudsdale (Sky-High Coliseum) - Draw, 5-5
PQF2: vs Qusmo - San Marco (Filindostan National Stadium) - Win, 1-0
PQF3: at New Lusitania - Leiria (Estádio Dom Dinis) - Loss, 1-2
MD01: at Starblaydia - Jhanna (Stadii Di Bradini) - Draw, 1-1
MD02: at Polkopia - Peeto (Marshupov Arena) - Loss, 3-5
MD03: vs Omerica - San Marco (Filindostan National Stadium) - Loss, 3-4
MD04: at Cassadaigua - Concord Heights (Concord Heights Stadium) - Loss, 1-4
MD05: vs Abristan - San Marco (Filindostan National Stadium) - Win, 3-1
MD06: at North Quadana - Undisclosed location in North Quadana - Win, 2-1
MD07: vs Tiiwark - San Marco (Filindostan National Stadium) - Win, 2-0
MD08: at Britaen - Undisclosed location in Britaen - Win, 3-2
MD09: vs The Sherpa Empire - San Marco (Filindostan National Stadium) - Win, 4-2
MQF1: at Apox - Dwile (The Garganaut) - Loss, 1-5
MD10: vs Starblaydia - San Marco (Filindostan National Stadium) - Win, 5-4
MD11: vs Polkopia - San Marco (Filindostan National Stadium) - Win, 2-1
MD12: at Omerica - Ville du 28 Mars (Stade de l’Indépendance) - Win, 2-1
MD13: vs Cassadaigua - San Marco (Filindostan National Stadium) - Draw, 4-4
MD14: at Abristan - Undisclosed location in Abristan - Loss, 3-4
MD15: vs North Quadana - San Marco (Filindostan National Stadium) - Win, 2-0
MD16: at Tiiwark - Undisclosed location in Tiiwark - Win, 1-0
MD17: vs Britaen - San Marco (Filindostan National Stadium) - Loss, 0-2
MD18: at The Sherpa Empire - Changsha (Hunan Territorial People's Stadium)

by **Savojarna** » Thu Mar 28, 2019 1:11 pm

SavojarSports.sj - inside reports from all Savojarna
The Finalissima: Vilitan Showdown decides Savojarna’s fate

Things are as dramatic as we in the media could only wish for: Two teams face each other on the final day of qualification, with a place at the World Cup on the line - and they are bitter rivals. And to add more juice, there is a decent chance that the Nr. 1 of the world and defending champions may not actually make the World Cup. Get ready for the greatest show on the Multiverse: Vilita versus Savojarna.

The Savojars have started almost atypically strong. Unlike in the Copa, where they often struggled to beat opponents, they came out with two strong victories over Abanhfleft and Soviet Micronesia. The first setback came with a loss in Valladares, but they recovered with four straight victories against a series of nations outside the Top 100. They lost the tied top spot to Abanhfleft in the eighth round when the Savojars drew in Competitive Solitaire and finished off the first half of qualification with a 0-0 at home against Vilita. In Abanhfleft, they dropped the first points in their history to the Fleftic when they drew 2-2, still remaining behind the top 2 in a highly competitive group. A convincing 7-1 against Soviet Micronesia kickstarted the run of the Savojars for the top, but they were quickly held back again when they drew in Valladares. Thanks to five victories in series, the Northlights managed to overtake their opposition and lead the group by one single point before the ultimate match - but with only one victory against the other three Top 4 teams of the group, there is no margin for error.

Vilita started with an 8-1 in Bysantia, leaving no doubt in their determination. But with a home loss against Abanhfleft following, the Jungle Cats set the tone for their campaign, oscillating between great games and disappointing losses. A 7-0 in Competitive Solitaire, where the Savojars would only draw, was followed up by a stunning 0-1 home loss to the Busoga Islands, which made waves throughout the Multiverse. The first comparison against the Savojars, the aforementioned scoreless draw in Sjoedrhavn, left the defending champions only in fourth position halfway through the campaign, having failed to get a single victory against the Top 4 (Valladares, Savojarna and Abanhfleft). They would rectify that with a 5-1 victory in Abanhfleft, kicking off a seven-game win streak that included a clear victory against Valladares. Thanks to a draw against Competitive Solitaire, they lost the top of the group to Savojarna, but retained the second spot for qualification.

Behind them lurk Valladares. Having managed to draw both Vilita and Savojarna, as well as beating the Northlights on their home turf, the Valladars contended for the top spot throughout the campaign. It was an impressive answer by the team, which had been sent home from the Copa Rushmori without scoring a single point in three games. Everyone assumed that they would manage to make Group 13 a death group by making things challenging for everyone in the group and not allowing them to make mistakes, but thought that they would be too busy with their rebuild to actually make it to the Cup just yet. But La Nacional managed to clearly outcompete the yet again too inconsistent Abanhfleft and looks at a wide open door to the World Cup.

The outcome of this group is completely on the line, with every combination still possible among these three teams. As Valladares play away against Nottinhaps, the top 2 of the group meet in Vilita - and will inevitably take points off each other. Any victory of La Nacional would be enough to see Valladares through to the Cup, as they would either overtake the loser of Vilita vs. Savojarna, or both if there is a draw. As even a draw could be enough for Valladares to qualify if Savojarna win in Vilita, the third-placed team actually may have the easiest way to the Cup at this point in time. Only a loss would ensure that Valladares stay behind the top and both Savojarna and Vilita go through.
What about the top teams, then? The calculations are easy: Savojarna is in the lead, one point ahead of Vilita and Valladares, which are tied on points. Whoever wins the game will end up taking home the group victory and make it to the World Cup. The Savojars have a slight edge as a draw would be enough for them to hold off Vilita and make it to the Cup, even if Valladares may overtake them with a victory against Nottinhaps. If the Savojars lose, they may still qualify if Valladares does not win against Nottinhaps. The bottom line is: Assuming that Valladares does not drop points in Nottinhaps, who have only twelve points and sit on eighth place, the Savojars need to draw or win in Vilita.

The chances of this happening are not as bad as some may think at first glance. Three major reasons speak for the Savojars:

Savojarna are great at decisive games.
One year ago, we thought the odds of a victory over Nephara to bring the Northlights into the Copa quarterfinals were slim. However, the team that had so far failed to beat Darmen and Oberour ar Moro managed to pull off the surprise and beat the defending Rushmori champion. They further showed nerves of steel in the knockout round, where they stormed to the championship and claimed the first international title in Savojar footballing history. The mental strength of the Savojar team under Lise Asbeck is one of its biggest qualities, and can make the difference in Vilita.
Savojarna are hard to beat.
In seventeen games, the Northlights collected only one single loss. Despite playing in one of the hardest groups of the campaign, the Savojars were one of only seven sides to manage this. In the past, this was also true: In the Copa, they came back multiple times to draw or win games. This team absolutely refuses to ever give up, and is extremely strong on the defence. These qualities may sometimes not be enough to beat especially teams who refuse to play creatively and wait for a counter, but also makes it hard for any team to achieve more than a draw against Savojarna.
Vilita are great opponents for the Savojars.
Maybe it’s the rivalry that drives the Savojar team to new heights whenever they play the Jungle Cats. Maybe it’s something in Vilita’s playstyle that makes things easier for them. Or maybe it’s just some mental thing. In any case, Savojarna have not lost to Vilita in a WCC-sanctioned game. Ever. Two draws and one victory for Savojarna in the WCQ 80 were the record so far - and the only game in Vilita went to the Savojars. A 2-1 away victory in the second round of qualification set the stage for a tight duel that ended better for the Vilitans, but also saw the first Savojar qualification for a World Cup at its end.

In any case, the Savojar side will be strong in Vilita both on and off the pitch. Thousands of Savojar fans are flying out to the Cove to support their team in the Jungle Cat’s den, with qualification on the line. If you’re not one of the lucky ones, don’t worry - we show the game live on STV2 and on SavojarSports.sj. Kickoff is at 23:00 Savojar time, and we promise that it will be worth staying up.

Expected lineups:

by **Equestrian States** » Thu Mar 28, 2019 1:47 pm

-WORLD CUP 82 QUALIFYING - MATCH DAY 17-
PONIES BACK IN THE WORLD CUP
Decima double powers Equestria past Ancherion as Ponies clinch World Cup berth
by Steve McNotapony

Ancherion 2-5 Equestrian States
at an Unknown Venue in Colonne, Ancherion
Attendance: Unknown

COLONNE, Ancherion - It's official: the Equestrian States has qualified for the 82nd World Cup.

After finishing the first half of qualifying with three straight losses against bogey team Garifunya, 288th-ranked Ancherion, and mediocre Indusse, there were some who thought the Ponies were heading towards yet another disastrous campaign, but manager Pearly White utilized her team's deep roster to turn things around in the second half, and what a second half it has been. The Equestrians have now won eight straight games by a combined score of 24-9, a second half record matched across all qualifying groups only by the similarly-unbeaten Farves. A record which the Ponies compiled despite dealing with injuries to a number of the team's best players.

Entering last night's match in Ancherion, the Equestrians needed only a draw to effectively wrap up a spot in the World Cup field, as the Ponies' goal differential would almost certainly win them the potential tiebreaker with third-place Lisander, although a win would make it mathematically impossible (not just highly improbable) for the Equestrians to finish behind both Mercedini and Lisander in the table. Manager Pearly White trotted out a strong - though not full-strength - lineup for the match, seemingly already half-focused on determining which borderline players would be joining the World Cup finals squad.

Some supporters may have been concerned about a repeat of the Ponies' first half home defeat against the 288th-ranked Ancherionians, but those worries were obliterated in the opening minutes as Decima scored just 28 seconds into the match and Midnight Strike doubled the Equestrians' advantage two minutes later. With an early lead, there was no more doubting the final result. Ancherion got on the board before the end of the half, but the Ponies' dominance was plain to see for all in attendance. The hosts had barely touched the ball in the second half before Decima restored the visitors' two-goal lead, and teenage phenom Sunny Day scored in the 65th minute to add to her growing international resume. Ancherion striker Mamadou Kaur added a second goal of her own in the 87th minute, but it was far too little, far too late. Indigo Zap scored a meaningless goal in stoppage time to pad the Ponies lead before the whistle blew, setting off wild celebrations both in the stadium's away end and at viewing parties in cities across Equestria.

With qualification assured, the Ponies' quest for World Cup glory now begins in earnest.

   GROUP 15                       Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts        Match Day 17 Results:
 1  Equestrian States (10)      17   13   0   4    47   24  +23    39   Q     Ancherion 2–5 Equestrian States 
 2  Mercedini (27)              17   10   4   3    42   24  +18    34        @ Unknown Venue in Colonne, ACH
 3  Lisander (134)              17   11   1   5    27   23   +4    34         Pratapgadh 0–1 Lisander 
 4  Krytenia (84)               17    7   5   5    40   36   +4    26   E    @ National Stadium in Chittorgarh City, PTG
 5  Garifunya (54)              17    7   3   7    38   40   −2    24   E     Zeniyadh 3–4 Mercedini 
 6  Kandorith (174)             17    6   2   9    36   41   −5    20   E    @ Unknown Venue in Benzani, ZND
 7  Pratapgadh (298)            17    5   3   9    31   37   −6    18   E     Indusse 2–4 Kandorith 
 8  Indusse (69)                17    5   3   9    19   29  −10    18   E    @ Unknown Venue in New Hind City, IND
 9  Ancherion (288)             17    4   3  10    34   50  −16    15   E     Garifunya 2–2 Krytenia 
10  Zeniyadh (UR)               17    2   6   9    20   30  −10    12   E    @ Staad Fyet nan Garifunya in Frederykvil, GAR
   Mercedini (+18) ahead of Lisander (+4) on goal difference
   Pratapgadh (−6) ahead of Indusse (−10) on goal difference

Elsewhere in Qualifying Group 15, Lisander and Mercedini both predictably won on the road against lower-ranked opponents. Neither side can now pass the first-place Ponies, leaving the two to battle over the group's second and final remaining spot in the World Cup. Though tied on points with the Lisanderians, the Golden Eagles of Mercedini are the clear favorites to qualify, with a clear advantage in the goal differential tiebreaker and an easier final fixture. The Golden Eagles will finish their campaign at home against 298th-ranked Pratapgadh, while the Eleven of the Lys will close against 54th-ranked Garifunya at Sirenia's Estádio Sparta. Lisander will need Mercedini to drop points against Pratapgadh, while also staging a rank-upset of Garifunya, in order to have any chance of qualifying. For everyone else, the final round of fixtures in Group 15 will be only for pride and a potential spot in the Cup of Harmony, with Krytenia and Kandorith the most likely to reach the consolation tournament alongside whoever winds up finishing third in the group.

by **Mattijana** » Thu Mar 28, 2019 1:57 pm

Petrov Announces Mattijanan Hosting Plans

MFO SPORT

Could central Petrovijanka receive a visit from the multiverse's greatest footballing nations in the coming years?

With Mattijana's national football team once again failing to reach the World Cup finals, many expected Minister for Sport Julian Petrov to discuss their disappointing performance or the future of under-pressure manager Julian Petrov when he walked onto a stage outside his department's imposing stone building in Petrovijanka.

Instead, he presented a statement announcing the nation's plans to host the most popular sports tournament in the multiverse.

Having co-hosted the 69th Baptism of Fire with Barunia, Mattijana's first taste of a World Cup cycle tournament, Petrov and the MattijanaFusBand have clearly developed the hunger to see more international football in the country. A host bid is scheduled for one of the next three World Cup cycles, with Petrovijanka the main base for Mattijana's half of the tournament.

I say half as Petrov also announced the Department of Sport would be searching for a co-host, in line with winning bids from recent times. As well as those in the Mattijanan capital, other stadiums from the Mattijanan qualifying cycle would be in use, such as those in Burges, Puljanka, WestStrand, Snezn and Revinka.

Petrov said he had consulted with experts from the treasury, Polizei Petrovijanka and Department of Transport as part of his investigation to see if a host bid would be feasible and sustainable. He also said he was "encouraged" by their findings and advice.

Mattijana's economy is back on the up following the financial slump five year ago and the minister said that hosting the World Cup would be "the best possible opportunity to showcase Mattijana's culture and beauty."

There are however critics. Mattijana's failure to qualify for the World Cup finals yet again has prompted Mattijana's more cynical citizens (and therefore most of them) to have their say.

'If you can't beat 'em, join 'em is a phrase said by those who have tried to compete with other people for a long time and consistently lost. Many feel that hosting the tournament would be a convenient back door to the World Cup finals without having a team good enough to get in through the usual entrance.

Others though are more positive. The Baptism of Fire was an enjoyable tournament for many across the country, even without the best in the multiverse being present. The Grand Prix tsa Mattijana was also demoted from the WGPC 17 schedule to a test track and as a result, there is a hunger for competitive international sport in Mattijana beyond the usual batch of World Cup qualifiers. Mattijanans are also staunchly proud of their rich culture and there is no better way of presenting that to everyone else than to put it on display during a set of World Cup finals.

How soon a bid actually materialises is unknown, but is likely to depend on whether Mattijana can attract a suitable co-host to share the event with. Petrov thinks this can be acheivable within the next three World Cup cycles, something that would make the prospect of tournament football in Mattijana a closer one than many thought.

A bid may too gather more popularity at home during the typically optimistic period before a World Cup cycle, where Mattijana have usually come off of a decent Campionato Esportiva and everyone thinks we've suddenly become world-beaters, before then being brought crashing down to earth by another frustrating qualifying campaign. Crucially, it is this period in which the bid will actually be presented, something that Petrov will hope to tap into, particularly as if Mattijana were to be chosen by the World Cup comittee, we woudn't actually have to go through all that rigmarol and often misery.

Watch this space...

by **Zwangzug** » Thu Mar 28, 2019 3:21 pm

The Kerlagrad Courier
Spoiler Alert

Zwangzug have been mathematically eliminated from World Cup 82 contention after a loss to Jeruselem. Nova Anglicana have clinched a spot from Group Four, and Jeruselem have the lead over Main Nation Ministry, who face Zwangzug on the last day. Zwangzug have been placed in the role of playing spoiler to the fourth seeds, a role they take seriously.

"Yeah," said Kendra Jover, "the donut guy dies at the end of the last book."

The team has been skimming study guides and watching clips from classic movies to thwart the Main Nation team. Paige Daunten has been rereading the epic science fantasy series Ecstasy of Winging to catch up on the final twists of the ninth book. "I'm not sure if [Eva] Pavand has a lot of fans outside Zwangzug, but I thought it was pretty neat how the fact that the main characters had previously time-travelled turned out to be important in the end," she said. "Sorry, you knew that, right?"

"There are a lot of cliche stories that come out to the underdogs winning in the last minute," noted Martin Scallop, "and, uh, this one probably isn't one of them. But hey, if [Findlay] Feany or [Anatol] Ilacqua didn't know about the climax to Zamboni Wars!!! they will soon."

"Some people say we can let up," Jover went on, "maybe play the subs, prepare for the Cup of Harmony if we happen to make it there. But we've fought too hard to let down now, and besides, Tsereteli plays a bunch of the subs anyway." She then went on to berate Lucas Kukiseso for summarizing Act V of one of Guillermo Yeatses' tragedies, on the grounds that "not even Main Nation Ministry wants to listen to that junk."

At press time, Makvala Tsereteli was researching how to add aerodynamic wings to trains to induce or reduce drag.

by **Cassadaigua** » Thu Mar 28, 2019 3:41 pm

The Mighty Tiiwark,
by Chelsea Dufresne, Concord Heights Times

Ahhhh, Tiiwark. You, in all your infinite glory in the region of Hochrheinumland. Yes, we might not pronounce the name of that region correctly, but does it really matter. Is the nation glamorous? Fascinating? Or how about all of the above.

There was a day when our great Tiiwark thought it might be a great idea to sign up for the World Cup. We don’t know what they were thinking that day, but the sports juices were flowing in this nation as they also declared their eligibility for the Baptism Of Fire.

The esteemed Tiiwark did participate a little bit in the Baptism of Fire, and announced a set of players for that. But once they were ousted in that, their media seemed to lose all interest. They did ask fellow nations if it was sufficient to simply tell everyone their Baptism of Fire roster would be the same World Cup, but they never seemed to heed the advice they got. They never did declare those players, and not once have they ever provided any sort of information about their team during qualifying.

Ahhhh, Tiiwark. Who needs to do any work any way, even if they are fresh out of the Baptism of Fire. They’ve been getting some good results along the way. I mean, you have to admire how this group of players has seemed to step up against the top teams of the group. If only they could have done the same in the games against the other lesser teams, then who knows, maybe they are qualifying for the World Cup. Let’s look at their journey, after all, their own press isn’t doing it.

They dropped their first three games, but in the fourth game, they managed a 1-0 win at home against Britaen. Ok, you’re not impressed. After a loss to The Sherpa Empire, somehow this amazing team found a way to beat the mighty Starblaydia. Wow, just keep that in mind, those bragging rights that Tiiwark now us over the Purple people. Our heroes were not done, as they went on to draw the respectable side from Omerica, and then plays us to a draw in Concord Heights! They really do play to the level of their opponents, don’t they? At just 2-2-5, that’s 1-2-0 against us, Starblaydia, and Omerica, and 1-0-5 against everyone else. If only they could win those other games, against the likes of Abristan, North Quadana, or Britaen.

Beginning that second half, Tiiwark tops Abristan. Then North Quadana. They’re figuring this thing out now! 2-2-0 in their last four now, and moving up! That streak ended against Polkopia, a nation that has put up a valiant effort in the group. They bounce back nicely with a win against Britaen, and draw The Sherpa Empire. 3-3-1 now in their last seven. Wow, if only they started a little better! Surely going to Starblaydia, against a team looking for redemption would end the hot streak. Wait, maybe not! They draw there too! Then, they lose to Filindostan, the one contender in this group that they have been able to solve during qualifying. Most recently they lost to Omerica.

Do you really think that on this roll that they are on, that they are going to lose three in a row? Yes, we are hopeless against this freight train known as Tiiwark. They’ve won five of their last 13 games. We’ve won five of last 13 games. Do people seriously think we are the favorites in this match? Bow down before the mighty Tiiwark.

Will it be a 0-0, 1-1, or 2-2 draw that does us in? Congrats in advance to Filindostan on qualifying for the World Cup. You did it because you were able to beat the team that mattered in the group. Not us. Not Starblaydia. But the unstoppable and amazing Tiiwark.

Of course, I hope all of this proves to be untrue, but ask yourself, has our team played well enough lately to have a chance in a match like this? Maybe we pull it off, but we can see the writing on the wall.

by **Bongo Johnson** » Thu Mar 28, 2019 4:34 pm

BongoBeat.net - Home of the World Cup-bound Bongos!

THROUGH AT LAST
Bongo Johnson punches World Cup ticket for first time in national history

It wasn't a win, and it wasn't pretty. But when the dust settled in Group 5 yesterday night, only one thing was for certain: the Incorporated States of Bongo Johnson are going to the World Cup. Yes, you read that right. The Bongos officially claimed one of two available berths in Group 5 following their draw against Spokane and a Ko-oren draw against Siovanija and Teusland later that night.

The Incorporated States opened the 17th matchday for the group against unranked Spokane, who were already mathematically eliminated but determined to stop Bongo Johnson in its tracks with an aggressive defensive style that wore down the Incorporated players. Perhaps underestimating the unranked squad a fair bit, Bongo Johnson choked up and could not locate a handful of opportunistic balls played forwards. Unsuccessful yet unyielding, the two teams dragged each other along to a brutal 0-0 draw. Neither team scored but the result was still a net positive for the Incorporated States, with any points being valuable to the nation.

After the draw, Incorporated football fans watched the rest of the group's games in rapt awe, knowing that their destiny was firmly controlled by Damukuni and Ko-oren's games later that day. Damukuni posted a hard-fought draw against not-yet-eliminated Ethane to give both teams an additional point in the rankings. Ethane has still not yet been eliminated and can qualify for the World Cup with only one specific scenario in Matchday 18. The very last game of the night, Ko-oren against Siovanija and Teusland, seemed like it was going to be a high octane, fast-paced match with a frenzy of offensive activity, but neither team was ultimately able to pot one against the other.

As the clock ticked up into stoppage time, Bongo Johnson fans clenched their cheeks and sat on the edge of their seats wondering if the result would hold. As a poorly timed shot was corralled and punted back out to center by the Ko-oren keeper, the most beautiful three whistles came from the referee - the match was over. Bongo Johnson was going to the World Cup and had outlasted the incredible competition down to the second-to-last game of the qualifying round.

As such, the last Incorporated game of this round will merely be for posture. The Incorporated States can win the group with any amount of points in tomorrow's finale against Siovanija and Teusland, which offers only bragging rights to fans of the team around the world. So Bongo Johnson fans - relax, put up the flags, and enjoy tomorrow night's match comfortably knowing that in only a handful of days, the REAL contest begins...

by **Vilita** » Thu Mar 28, 2019 5:13 pm

Goalkeeper Rotation Policy under the Microscope

Vilitan Footsport Association Headquarters, Tivali Ring Stadium, Alikki-Corra, Vilita :: Nycflala Kater sat in their office at the Tivali Ring Stadium staring at nothing in particular. The halls of the stadium had been filled in recent years with photographs of key moments in Vilitan Sports History - many of which had come in the current generation or the one immediately preceding it. There were trophies - championships won, the Cup of Champions, the AOCAF Cup, The Olympic Games and of course, the World Cup.

Now however, on the heels of one of the Vilita National Teams greatest sporting accomplishmets - the World Cup 81 title where they powered through a nearly perfect qualification campaign, had only one minor blemmish in the goup stages of the World Cup Finals then thrashed Turori in the first ever World Cup Finals meeting between the two sides - and then won he World Cup, there was something amiss in the Vilitan National Team. Had they grown over confident in their abilities? Was it tactical? In fact, Vilita were rotating their goalkeepers far less now than at any point in their recent history and this was generally seen as a positive thing - but was it affecting them? Was the familiarity of having the same goalkeepers behind the defense in every match causing the outfield players to get complacent?

It is possible that when the Vilita National Team had followed a policy that was roughly ""Another game, Another goalie"" that the outfield players could never get fully comfortable with any netmindner behind them so instead of putting any trust or faith in their goalkeepers to take care of business, the players just took care of it themselves. Is it possible now that some of the players were only putting in 100% effort instead of 114%? Is it possible that one or two of the goals that the Jungle Cats had ultimately conceded during the World Cup 82 Qualification campaign could have been avoided if the Vilitan defenders had just taken a foul instead of allowing a shot that they felt their netminder would handle? It was certainly a thought that played on Nycflala Kater's mind. As the Vilita National Team's first choice goalkeeper along with Aranora Jaded during the World Cup 60's era, Kater was extremely familiar with the long standing Goalkeeper Rotation policies that have been utilized over generations of Vilitan footsport.

With little exception, however, World Cup 81 Qualifying has been the story of Cilamara Issah, the veteran goalkeeper who experienced a youthful re-birth at the age of 36 leading Lonngeylin Coast to three Vilitan Stellar Division titles and re-claiming their place in goal for the Vilitan National Team, and Mako Canopii, the King of Clean Sheets, who has led the Yeaddin Owls back to relevancy in the Vilitan Stellar Division. Goalkeeper prospects like Vernasa Sanamun and Hanauma Ranbomahi have been largely left to watch from the sidelines only getting reps in training in a move that was believed to be the best ""now first"" decision as the Vilitan National Team looked to capitalize on its position as the top team in the multiverse and a near-guaranteed #1 seed for the pots in the World Cup Finals to push its efforts towards keeping its star players sharp and surging for another World Cup Title. Instead, perhaps it had become workload overload or maybe just a new competitive pace that required adjustment over the first half of World Cup 82 qualifying. While things have been going better for the Jungle Cats in the second half of World Cup 82 Qualifing, Kater knew that the wheels could come off the bus at any time and if they did, the Jungle Cats might not even make it to Valanora and Apox no less stand a chance at defending their World Cup Title. So what should they do? Let Sanamun and some of the youngters get more reps in the net? Or keep handing the gloves to the starters to keep them in form and prepared for another potentially deep run in the World Cup Finals?

Just for fun, Nycflala Kater flipped a coin. Tails.

Last.fm · by **Cosumar** » Thu Mar 28, 2019 5:21 pm

Are Cosumar becoming too reliant on Isla Sibučić?

by Akul Van Exel
Cosumar Football Columnist

RAMUSOK -- Isla Sibučić barely stands five feet tall, but she has carried the weight of the national side on her narrow shoulders down the home stretch of World Cup 82 qualifying.

Since Matchday 12, the Fevelian forward has racked up six goals. The rest of the team combined? Just four. Her hat trick in Mattijana and WoTM performance against Qusmo effectively qualified us. Worryingly - and more recently - Sibučić is the only Cosumarite to find the back of the net in the last four matches. The team's attacking output has plummeted - Sibučić the sole bright spot of late - and, winless in three now, that has been reflected in the overall results. The Vanquishers have already secured their place at World Cup 82 thanks to the five wins they rattled off after the mid-qualifying break, so the sudden disappearance of everyone not-named-Isla could easily be explained away by "complacency" and "rotation". But I don't buy it. And the answer to the eponymous question, by the way, is yes.

Cosumar looked devoid of ideas in Kavagrad on Matchday 16 with Isla Sibučić watching from the bench for just the second time all cycle. Other players failed to step up and make the difference as Sibučić had been doing since the break. The match ended in a scoreless draw, a satisfying result for debuting goalkeeper Edith Tidesson but a decidedly lackluster one for just about everyone else on the team. In a faraway country against an opponent with little cachet, you could argue lack of motivation as a legitimate excuse for the lethargic showing that night. But not for the one last night.

Back in front of 100,000 at Crowley Memorial against a talented Mytanija, there was massive expectation and pressure to perform. Qualified already or not. Such was the roar of the crowd every time Sibučić got on the ball and threatened towards goal. The problem for Alexander Pearce's side, however, was that that rarely happened. Stig Söderquist was overrun by Jasno Odonelec in midfield as Mytanija surprisingly won the possession battle on Cosumarite turf. And when it did happen, she had no one to combine with in the final third.

Lev Repin recognized that Sibučić was Cosumar's only consistent spark and proceeded to pretty much mark her out of the game, his 4-6-0 clogging up her preferred central operating spaces. Mytanija were organized and compact and dogged in their hounding of Sibučić. Though she would eventually pull one back late by breaking through three defenders with a quick flurry of dribbles, the Cednia Beach AFC star was denied sufficient chances to actually win the game for Cosumar.

Repin hedged his bets that the other Cosumarite attacking contributors (albeit a few being fringe options) wouldn't be able to open up space for her or take advantage of the intense attention granted to her. He was right.

Naturally, some fans will always dismiss qualifying results after that shiny Q appears by our name as inconsequential, but those 90 minutes against Mytanija are on tape now. When the World Cup proper rolls around and those same fans are flocking to Valanora and Apox and waving their Dragonbanners high, those 90 minutes will be some of the most recent competitive minutes on tape for opponents to be dissecting.

If Cosumar can't get back to the diversified, dynamic attack that has flashed gloriously at times during this campaign, World Cup 82 is at risk of playing out like the recent Mytanija and Sajnur games, with opposing defenses clamping down on Sibučić at all costs. Would this be a good time to mention that Romikk Valgard has only scored two goals throughout this Qualifying cycle?

With her spiteful consolation goal against Mytanija and her winner in Saltstead, Isla has proven she can carry this team pretty far. But she can't carry them all the way to World Cup glory. Not alone.

by **Valladares** » Thu Mar 28, 2019 5:37 pm

It was a rainy Tuesday morning in the Valladar capital. As the current weather conditions were doing their part in making mobility through Metropolis difficult, a white luxury cab carrying four people from the airport in the neighboring suburb of Villena also tried to make its way among the stranded traffic. After taking nearly 45 minutes of travel from the western suburbs to downtown, almost 20 minutes longer than usual, the vehicle stopped in a parking bay next to a cobbled square and right at the front of a domed building which nevertheless was distinguishable among the nearby skyscrapers that had been recently built in the surroundings. That domed building they were in front of was no more and no less than the headquarters of the Royal Parliament of Valladares, housing both the Senado and the Asamblea Nacional, the two chambers of legislative power in the nation.

"How much is it?"

"That'd be 30 Points, sir."

"Have 35 for all your troubles, good sir. Thank you and have a nice day!"

The four men got out of the cab, opened their umbrellas to protect themselves from the rain, and once the cab left they crossed the street by the pedestrian crossing. One of them was holding an envelope with some important papers which had to be protected at any cost. That person was the Partido Hispánico leader and speaker of the Mountbatten State Assembly, Álvaro Montillo, who after having managed to get his proposal of secession of the eastern half of the state approved by the State Assembly, was getting ready to execute the next step in his plan. And those important papers that could not be touched by even a drop of water were the same Bill of Secession that had been approved in previous days, despite stiff opposition from the political elites.

Montillo and his entourage entered the building and approached the reception, where the one-stop shop was located which was the place where all the bids and proposals had to be lodged in order for the Royal Parliament to analyze them. In this case, the closed envelope containing the bill and all of its supporting documents had to be delivered to the secretariat of the National Assembly, which was the body responsible on . Montillo rang the bell on the wall next to the window, then the blinds were opened to unveil a young intern who was in charge of the one-stop shop for the day.

"Good morning and welcome to the One-Stop Shop of the Royal Parliament of Valladares, my name is Danielle. How may I help you today?"

"Thank you Danielle, I'm here to lodge these documents for discussion in the Asamblea Nacional. My lady, it's of utmost importance that these documents reach the secretariat no later than today. It is a matter of extreme urgency."

"Is it a bill?"

"Yes, it is."

"Okay, please fill this form to complete the process and once you're done, hand it back along with the envelope and an extra copy of the cover letter for the seal of receipt."

Montillo asked for a pen and started filling the form with the usual information: name of the bill, description, name of the proposer, address, telephone, date, etc. Once he had all the documents ready, he submitted them to the intern. The young lady then stamped the copy of the cover letter and returned it back to the deputy, as a proof that the bill had been received, and handed the documents to another assistant with the instructions to deliver them to the office of the Asamblea secretariat in the third floor of the building.

The Hispanic leader and his entourage then left the Parliament building and walked to board a taxi. Already aware that their Liberal and Labour rivals in Carloburgo were already pulling their strings among their groups of MPs in order to push a veto on their bill, the Hispanics' next goal was trying to convince the biggest force in the Asamblea to support their proposal, the Conservatives. And they had already managed to arrange a lunch with three Conservative representatives in a restaurant in Metropolis to discuss the matter. It was already 11:00 am, and the meeting was scheduled at noon. Then, one of Montillo's aides managed to spot a black vehicle with a "Taxi" signal turning right into the street they were at and called it.

"Taxi!"

"Good morning, where can I take you?"

"To the Drummond restaurant in Fortaleza, please."

While the taxi was trying to make its way through the growing mid-day traffic of Metropolis, Montillo was thinking of a way to deal with his potential new allies.

"Okay. The bill has been lodged. Now we have to convince the Tories like we did with their Mountbatten comrades. A negociation with them is going to be a bit difficult since we have few things to offer them in return, but I hope they will eventually side with us..."

by **Valanora** » Thu Mar 28, 2019 5:45 pm

Here Be Dragons

Are your results making you feel bulletproof?

MD18 cutoff for Groups 8-15

by **Squornshelan Remnant States** » Thu Mar 28, 2019 6:20 pm

Three Things
Salwan Mynhier

Well, the Black-and-Reds managed to do just enough against Pasarga to keep their hopes of qualification alive for the final matchday, a far cry from two years ago when they were eliminated with three matches left to play. While their chance is a slim one, it does exist. Before we get into the details of what exactly must occur in order for the Confederacy to feature in Apox and the Eternal Empire, let's take a look at their clutch performance in Pasarga.

Goalscoring Outburst Secures One Point
The Black-and-Reds entered the Stade de Torgos for the second time in their short history, having been thoroughly shut down in a 1-0 loss on this same ground two years ago, and having lost two home matches to the same opponent since then: 1-3 two years ago in Viltvodle and 2-4 just a few months ago in Brantisvogan. Many of the day's starters had played in all three matches, as had several members of the home team. They say that familiarity breeds contempt, but if that's true then four matches in two years is clearly insufficient to get to know a team well. The match was a cleanly-played affair for the most part, with a single booking, and few fouls overall. No doubt both teams were a bit more disciplined with the importance of earning points kept in mind.

Romano, who gave the Black-and-Reds fits in the first meeting of qualifying, got off to a hot start once again, testing Munib from the corner of the box in just the sixth minute. Perhaps overly concerned with covering the Sabrefell Moths standout, the Confederate defense was breached not long afterward, with Kárpáty escaping his marker to get a toe on the end of a cross from Freitag. Munib was left standing, with no time to react, and appeared let his defense know how he felt as the teams reset for the kickoff. Scoring the first goal for the fourth consecutive game against the Black-and-Reds, the Wanderers looked well on their way to another victory in the fledgling rivalry, and nearly doubled their talley before twenty minutes had elapsed, with Eisenhower sending one a few feet over the bar from long range.

It would be the Black-and-Reds, however, who struck next, with Vladcik and Tambura combining to lead a quick-paced attack down the left flank. Vladcik played and aerial cross in to the top of the box, where Ajao played a blind flick with the top of his head. Jzvanic was just able to run onto the ball, and shielding against Freitag, put it away into the bottom corner. The Pasargan response was nearly instantaneous. Feierabend threaded an incisive pass forward to Romano, who played it first time to the outside and an onrushing Berecz. Berecz's first touch was a good one, taking him past Ulcviecel, and he fired across goal to score off the post with his next. Just like that, the Wanderers were back ahead by one, and in position to punch their ticket to Apox and the Eternal Empire. The teams headed to the half with the score still at 2-1, and with the Confederates having some serious work to do to keep hope of qualification alive.

As the secon half began, it became clear that Black-and-Reds captain Arlo Damot intended to lead by example. He was seemingly ever present, winning the ball back and making outlet passes in his own end, and providing ball support and decisive distribution in the attacking third. His superb focus soon had the Black-and-Reds knocking on the proverbial door, as a long ball forward that was nodded on goal by Ajao nearly equalized the score, but was pushed wide by Gerber. On the ensuing corner kick, Damot played the ball beyond the far post, where Zonde gathered it up, and fired. Gerber got a fingertip to the shot, but nothing more. This run of play continued after the kickoff as the home side were now on the back foot, off balance, and the Confederates pressed forward again to earn another corner, and then another. Eventually, Damot curled one in which Oleb was able to connect with, sending the ball just under the bar to take the lead.

Now the Pasargan attack verged on frantic, as Donnell brought Strepol and Tkermec on as defensive reinforcements, with Damot shifting forward to play behind Jzvanic. With their qualification now under serious threat, the Wanderers pressed further and further forward, and Császár brought on Auðbjörnsson, hoping for another bit of magic from the Wanderers' all time leading scorer. Pasarga had almost all of possession at this point, but it seemed it might turn out too little too late, as the Red-and-Blacks' defensive shell was solid, and possession was kept to the perimeter. As time wore on, the Confederates barely even ventured to leave their own half in pursuit of clearances. Finally, with a scant three minutes remaining before stoppage time, Pasarga earned a free kick within striking distance when Strepol dragged down Feierabend roughly 30 yards from goal. After dusting himself off, and with the satisfaction of seeing Strepol booked for his infraction, he stepped up to take the kick. Rather than opting to go for goal, Feierabend played it to the far post, misplayed it as a matter of fact, as Romano had no chance of scoring, and had to head the ball back across goal in the desperate hope that another Wanderer might reach it. As the crowd in Torgos held their breath, that hope proved not to be in vain. In one motion, Auðbjörnsson trapped the ball from the chest, and shielded it from Raktsov. Before it could reach the ground, he played it sidefooted, and it bounded past a sprawling Munib. The stadium erupted, and though the officials saw fit to add on a full five minutes after the celebration and reset lasted nearly two minutes, neither side was able to threaten in a serious way to break the tie.

Pasarga               3 - 3   Squornshelan Remnant States
Kárpáty (Freitag)             Jzvanic (Ajao)
Berecz (Romano)               Zonde (Damot)
Auðbjörnsson (Romano)         Oleb (Damot)

Venue: Stade de Torgos, Torgos (cap. 90,000), PAS
PAS: Gerber; Kuefer, Földessy, Bader, Freitag; Gere, Feierabend, Eisenhower, Berecz; Romano, Kárpáty (Auðbjörnsson)
SRS: Munib; Dzarkhin, Raktsov, Oleb, Ulcviecel; Tambura, Damot, Zonde; Vladcik (Tkermec), Ajao (Strepol), Jzvanic

Group 7 with 1 Match Remaining
In the only other relevant action of the day, Sargossa defeated the United States of Devonta, clinching a first place finish, and making qualification impossible for the Devontans. The unlucky Devontans now must face Pasarga in their final match of qualifying, while the Black-and-Reds face Gutulia, who have now managed an amazing 11 draws, tied for the most of any team in qualifying. The part of table that concerns us stands as follows:

   Group 7                         Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 2 Pasarga                          17    9   6   2    36   23  +13    33
 3 Squornshelan Remnant States      17    8   6   3    23   15   +8    30
 4 United States of Devonta         17    7   7   3    32   24   +8    28

Pasarga, obviously, will clinch qualification with a win or draw, as any points earned will put them out of our reach. Such a result would also clinch third place for the Black-and-Reds, regardless fo our own result, since Devonta need a win to beat our current point total. A loss by Pasarga would make things much more interesting. Should Pasarga lose and the Black-and-Reds win, we would be tied at 33 points, and the final position would be determined by goal differential, or head-to-head points. Should the total margin of victory in such a case be less than five, Pasarga would retain the lead in GD, and finish in second. If the margin of victory is greater than five, then the Black-and-Reds would have the advantage, and qualify in second. If the total margin of victory is exactly five, both teams would also be tied on GD, and the tiebreaker would go to head-to-head points, sending Pasarga to the Finals by virtue of their Matchday 8 victory. Finally, a loss by Pasarga coupled with a loss or draw by the Black-and-Reds would see us slide back to fourth place behind Devonta, who would be ahead on points in the former case, or on goal differential in the latter.

How We Got Here
In closing, let's take a look at the overall performance of the Black-and-Reds. As the numbers show, they have been defensively solid, keeping opponents under three goals on all but three occasions, and holding the opposition scoreless 11 times. This has been offset by a certain degree of sluggishness in the attack, which itself failed to register a goal in 3 matches. Left midfield was a particular problem area. The experiment of moving Vladcik up to left forward was a great success, but left a distinct hole behind him that neither Djanetic nor Gebara seemed entirely up to filling. After switching back and forth between the two of them for much of qualifying, Donnell finally tried out right midfielder Tambura on the left for the past two matches. It's a small sample size, but the Black-and-Reds have managed three goals in each match, with Tambura notching one assist against Pasarga. I'd expect to see a lot of young left midfield players wearing black and red between now and World Cup 83.

Leading Scorers:

Goals
Arlo Damot:         4
Demkjo Jzvanic:     4
Jzeovak Vladcik:    4
Eyob Zonde:         4
Zoban Ajao:         2
Ozol Gebara:        1
Kaalia Gerstlauer:  1
Tervi Oleb:         1
Dymek Raktsov:      1
Vrenz Tambura:      1

Assists
Zoban Ajao:         4
Arlo Damot:         3
Demkjo Jzvanic:     3
Jinkzta Ulcvicel:   3
Jzeovak Vladcik:    2
Djabgor Dzarkhin:   1
Gezan Djanetic:     1
Danin Geladi:       1
Keshav Rallinaitis: 1
Vrenz Tambura:      1
Eyob Zonde:         1

Looking at the scoring numbers, Ajao's emergence as a target man is clear, as he is finally putting up the numbers internationally that fans had hoped for two years ago. Jzvanic continues to be a model of consistency, and Damot, despite his steadily advancing age, remains a dominant force in the center of the field. The drop-off in scoring among strikers after Vladcik, Jzvanic, and Ajao is somewhat alarming, however, as only two reserve strikers, Rallinaitis and Gerstlauer, managed to get on the score sheet at all, and each of them only once. Mikhulat and Dzetker, despite playing much more than the aforementioned two, failed to register any goals or assists, something which may put the future of their international careers at risk. Scoring among reserve midfielders was also thin, with no one apart from Damot, Zonde, Tambura, Gebara, and Zonde contributing any goals or assists. In part, this is due to a paucity of playing time, but with the main contributors to the attack not getting any younger, an infusion of youth is clearly needed to continue the success of the past two cycles.

Delinquent Match Reports:

Matchday 4

Squornshelan Remnant States  1 - 0  North Prarie
Tambura (Geladi)

Venue: Ralph Wilson Memorial Stadium (cap. 48,700), Han Dold City, Han Dold, SRS

SRS: Munib; Geladi, Raktsov, Oleb, Ulcviecel; Gebara, Damot, Zonde (Tambura); Vladcik, Ajao (Hagaz), Jzvanic

Matchday 5

Sorrentopia  0 - 1  Squornshelan Remnant States
                    Vladcik (Jzvanic)

SRS: Krieven; Dzarkhin, Perparim, Oleb, Delu; Djanetic, Damot, Tambura; Vladcik, Jzvanic, Mikhulat

Matchday 6

Squornshelan Remnant States  2 - 3  Sargossa
Vladcik (Ulcviecel)                 Guzmán (Cáceres)
Gebara (Jzvanic)                   Espina (Berganza)
                                    Goyoso (Zevallos)

Venue: The Lutenstaad (cap. 75,000), Lutenblag, Molvania, SRS

SRS: Munib; Dzarkhin (Geladi), Raktsov, Oleb, Ulcviecel; Djanetic (Gebara) Damot, Zonde; Vladcik, Jzvanic, Mikhulat (Ajao)
SAR: Pinedo; Parra, González, Muñoz; Valenzuela, Espina, Goyoso, Zevallos; Berganza, Guzmán, Cáceres

Matchday 7

Crystalline Caverns  0 - 1  Squornshelan Remnant States
                            Zonde (Ulcviecel)

SRS: Munib, Geladi, Raktsov, Dalso, Ulcviecel; Vladcik, Damot, Zonde; Jzvanic, Ajao (Gerstlauer), Mikhulat (Hagaz)

Matchday 8

Squornshelan Remnant States  2 - 4  Pasarga
Damot                               Feierabend (Romano)
Zonde (Vladcik)                     Romano (Kuefer)
                                    Kárpáty (Romano)
                                    Auðbjörnsson (Berecz)

Venue: Megabrantid Financial Field (cap. 64,275), Brantisvogan, Megabrantis, SRS

SRS: Munib; Dzarkhin, Raktsov, Oleb, Ulcviecel (Delu); Djanetic (Gebara), Damot, Zonde; Vladcik, Ajao (Mikhulat), Jzvanic
PAS:Gerber; Kuefer, Földessy, Bader, Freitag; Gere, Feierabend, Eisenhower (Valdemarsson), Berecz; Romano (Auðbjörnsson), Kárpáty

Matchday 9

Gutulia  0 - 3  Squornshelan Remnant States
                Vladcik (Ajao)
                Damot (Tambura)
                Ajao (Rallinaitis)

SRS: Munib; Dzarkhin, Raktsov, Oleb, Ulcviecel; Gebara (Djanetic), Damot, Tambura; Vladcik, Ajao (Rallinaitis), Jzvanic (Mikhulat)

Matchday 10

Squornshelan Remnant States  0 - 0  United States of Devonta

Venue: Albrechtsson Park (cap. 65,400), Damogran, Algolia, SRS

SRS: Munib; Dzarkhin (Geladi), Raktsov, Oleb, Ulcviecel; Djanetic, Damot, Zonde; Vladcik, Jzvanic, Dzetker (Ajao)
USD: Cooper; Brooks, Benton, Kindred, Liam; Russell (Phillips); Abdullah, Edwards (Washington); Owens (Bundy); Johansen, Adams

Matchday 11

Fevhader  0 - 0  Squornshelan Remnant States

SRS: Krieven; Suharto, Perparim, Oleb, Delu (Ulcviecel); Gebara, Strepol (Stolp), T. Povarnin; Dzetker (Vladcik), Gerstlauer, Mikhulat

Matchday 12

Squornshelan Remnant States  0 - 0  Najaf

Venue: Westflanarena (cap. 31,200), Zarss, West Flania, SRS

SRS: Krieven; Geladi, Dalso, Oleb, Ulcviecel; Djanetic, Stolp, T. Povarnin (Zonde); Vladcik, Mikhulat (Gerstlauer), Dzetker

Matchday 13

North Prarie  0 - 1  Squornshelan Remnant States
                     Jzvanic (Djanetic)

SRS: Krieven; Dzarkhin, Raktsov, Ystrad (Perparim), Delu; Djanetic, Damot (Strepol), Zonde; Vladcik, Jzvanic, Dzetker (Gryspos)

Matchday 14

Squornshelan Remnant States  1 - 1  Sorrentopia
Raktsov (Damot)                     CB #3 (MF #8)

Venue: Flanoil Arena (cap 50,350), Traal, East Flania, SRS

SRS: Munib; Dzarkhin (Geladi), Raktsov, Oleb, Delu; Gebara (Stolp), Damot, Tambura; Vladcik, Ajao, Mikhulat (Dzetker)

Matchday 15

Sargossa         2 - 1     Squornshelan Remnant States
Guzmán (Zevallos)          Damot
Marí (Goyoso)

Venue: Estadio Generalissimo Joaquín Delgado (cap. 108,879), Soluca, Sargossa

SAR: Pinedo; Parra, González, Muñoz; Valenzuela (Montero), Espina, Goyoso, Zevallos; Berganza (Vazquez), Guzmán, Cáceres (Mari)
SRS: Munib; Dzarkhin (Geladi), Raktsov, Oleb, Ulcviecel; Gebara (Mikhulat), Damot, Zonde; Vladcik, Ajao, Jzvanic

ooc: Sargossa, I made the best guesses I could about who might be subbed out for whom based on your post, let me know if you want anything changed.

Matchday 16

Squornshelan Remnant States  3 - 0  Crystalline Caverns
Zonde (Ajao)
Jzvanic (Ulcviecel)
Gerstlauer (Dzarkhin)

Venue: Chernov Stadium (cap. 57,600) Viltvodle, Megabrantis, SRS

SRS: Munib; Dzarkhin, Raktsov, Oleb, Ulcviecel; Tambura (Gebara), Damot, Zonde; Gryspos, Ajao (Gerstlauer), Jzvanic

by **Filindostan** » Thu Mar 28, 2019 6:36 pm

FILINDOSTAN FOOTBALL FEDERATION
78 Calle Sturiaga, Benevido District,
City of San Marco, Filindostan

OFFICIAL STATEMENT

The Filindostan Football Federation is a body that governs the nation's footballing affairs and sanctions the development of its football clubs. Today, we will be taking steps necessary to improve our senior national team, and are announcing the appointment of assistant coach Xavier Rinoso as the next manager of the National Team from immediate effect.

We have offered the current caretaker manager, Ethel Toh the chance to make her appointment permanent, but she has decided to continue her role as a board member of the federation. Citing concerns over conflict of interest should she continue her roles, she recommended her assistant to the federation to take the role of manager. We would like to thank her for the efforts she has done in the past World Cup qualifying campaign.

Mr. Rinoso will lead the National Team in the upcoming tournaments and we wish him all the best in accordance to the federation's core values.

sgd
Estrelitta "Estie" Barzagia
Chairman

by **Oberour Ar Moro** » Thu Mar 28, 2019 6:39 pm

⁂

"It started with the headaches."

I'm speaking with Nolo Pincemail by phone. Football obsessives might remember the name, but he has gone out of his way to avoid attention. He moved to Harflur, in the Menezurzh, living quietly and making art. He had sent me pictures of his art as attachments to e-mails. They are unsettling paintings in bright red and bible black.

"It was shortly after I was signed. It was before the season, as we trained, and I started getting headaches. I would never get headaches before, but I figured I had just developed sinus issues."

Pincemail was one of the first players of the Football System. His story is mostly familiar to those first players. An artist and musician in Regium who played on Sundays, when the call came for players he quickly registered. He impressed in his try-outs, and was signed by Patrons.

"The headaches kept getting worse and worse, I ended up going to doctor for it. He prescribed me antibiotics. They didn't help."

Pincemail started as a reserve for Patrons, and had started to work his way onto the bench, before finally he saw his first action. That would be his last.

"We we're playing April 7, so that was an important derby. I was substituted in before a corner kick. I didn't even touch the ball, but was elbowed in face, and it busted my nose. They bandaged me up and sent me back on, and I got four stitches after the match. But after that I started developing nose bleeds, to go with my headaches, which just got worse and worse."

His time on the bench was short lived, as his health problems mounted. And then his overall condition turned as well.

"I started to be able to sleep less and less. I shut myself off from friends and family, I only went to practice and then hid at home. I was developing paranoia, hearing voices."

At the end of the year, Patrons released Pincemail, and Nolo vanished.

"I tried to go as far away as I could. I had to. It was like I get clean, but I'm still ill."

"And the Parade Grounds are to blame."

From: Brianne Talbourdet
Sent: August 8, 1762 at 10:28 AM
To: Sieg d'Ableges
Subject: Nolo Pincemail

You're going to have to provide a contact for Pincemail, none of the old contacts you provided worked, and beyond whatever online presence he had as a Patrons player he's a ghost. Please get back up with me.

Brianne Talbourdet
Fact-Checker at Intitre Magazine
8 Rue de Immarcescible, Suite 702, Regium 773007
Office Number: 43 28 97 246, ext. 6774
E-mail: btalbourdet@intitremagazine.oam

⁂

by **Mriin** » Thu Mar 28, 2019 7:47 pm

Here Be Dragons

It's time.

MD18 Cutoff for Groups 1-7

World Cup 81/82/83/84

Festival of Relief as WCQ ends
by Frank Armitage
The Daily Mail Chief Soccer Writer

For the 37,742 spectators at Sportsman's Park, the chance to enjoy a World Cup Qualifying match without fear the result would weigh on the Commonwealth National Team's chances of being one of the 32 participants in Valanora & Apox brought an atmosphere of excitement and celebration during Baker Park's 2-1 victory over Astoria on the final matchday of the competition.

The celebrations started early, with the ceremonies marking Trevor Richmond becoming the winningest manager in National Team history taking place just prior to the introduction of the teams and the anthems. Having secured the second spot in Group 9 with their 3-1 victory over Blaneu, Richmond sent out a starting XI that saw 7 changes from that prior contest.

The Astorians came out determined to make one final mark in the second half of the campaign, having picked 9 points after only earning 3 in the first round of matches. But BP controlled the tempo of match throughout,

In the final minutes, the crowd brought about a sustained ovation for the heroes in yellow, who had accomplished a third straight trip to the World Cup Finals; the verses of "Guide Me" seemed a bit louder and emotional.

Richmond talked after the match about the evening and the overall performance of the squad through the 18 match tournament.
"Really happy for the squad, for the players who been here from the beginning. We know that there is also a debt to be paid to the others who put in hard work and effort in the earlier rounds. The rest of the staff, they prove every day why I think they are the best in the business. Pam keeps me honest and tells me truths I sometimes need to hear."

The FAC announced in a press release just after the final whistle that the National Team would be celebrating the 500th match in BP history with a visit by the 5 time World Cup Champions Starbladya to Keller Field at a date to be announced shortly.

________________________________________________________________________________

There were 8 people in the group who came to have lunch with Swede Johanssen at his residence, having arrived in Busukuma a few hours previously.
The team from Sampson-Grayson consisted of 6 men and one woman--Stephen Komibizi, Chuck Newlove, 2 geologists, 2 other engineers who were called "spec men" and a photographer/video cameraman. They were accompanied by Josie Farmer, who was a rep for the Overseas Economic Development Office. The OEDO was a joint bureau, split between the Foreign Affairs and the Industry, Trade & Commerce ministries; Farmer was from the ITC side and knew Kate Albert well.

The Ambassador welcomed the group and invited them into the spacious front room, which was a sitting room area. He met each one and welcomed all of them to the country.
"I thought we would just have a brief chat before lunch, that way we don't have to talk shop while we eat. As all of you know by now, the government has a great deal of interest in helping the Kingdom of Banija getting this pilot project up and running. The are relying on us to provide them with the specialized knowledge we have in extracting the oil they are sitting on top of. There are delicate on-site issues as well."

He went on to describe the area, the locals tribes who lived there and their opposition to the venture.

"The Kabaka, Albert III, was not assassinated by these local people. The security service doesn't think there would be a turn towards violence, but they have assured me that we will have absolute protection." He saw the staffer out of the corner of his eye, and sought to wrap up.
"What we need to try and come up with is a way that minimizes exposure to the villages and people who live in this area while doing everything to produce maximum results." The announcement that lunch was ready ended the talk for now.

Johanssen mentioned in passing that the Queen Mother and the Kabaka's brother had been guests in this same dining room just a few weeks earlier.
When the meal was over, they went back into the sitting room and talked very generally about certain questions and issues. The Ambassador prepared to send them back to their hotel. "You have the rest of the day to settle in, relax, have a look around the city if you want. We'll be having a meeting tomorrow about 11:00 am with the people in charges, Mr Mavuto, who is the businessman, and Omugabe Basamula, brother of the King, who is running point for the government at the moment. Mr Newlove, I'll have someone get in touch with you later on this afternoon to confirm everything. Thank you all for coming. I hope we all are able to make this a successful trip."

by **Sajnur** » Thu Mar 28, 2019 9:15 pm

No World Cup for Sajnur

Velestria 1 - 0 Sajnur

Velestria's solid defence has thwarted Sajnur and has ended their chances of qualifying to the World Cup, with the already eliminated hosts scoring a solitary goal to secure victory. Sajnur were unable to break through the Velish defence without the help of the still injured Jessica Siafik, and while Sajnur's substitute backline had a decent day themselves, it wasn't good enough to take points away from Hartford Park.

The first half saw little action from either team, with the midfield being in a constant battle of interceptions and tackles, and when the ball left the quagmire of the middle third, the defences would remove the ball from the grasp of aspiring attacking players. Sajnur got just two shots away, both from outside the box. Zain Hasan sent a shot over the crossbar from long range early on, while Andre Naulo would launch one on target, but into the hands of Chris Banker. Velestria also had few chances, including a speculaive shot from Vronin Ingles, but Velestria managed to get in the box more times than Sajnur, and Augusta Clark managed to take advantage of an Ingles pass in the 33rd minute and send one past Giorge Iajevici to put Velestria ahead.

The second half was even more of a quagmire, but this time Sajnur managed to get into the box. Naulo had several shots saved by Banker, and Daniel Kerlov and Ahmed Nazar managed to shrug off the Velish fullbacks and deliver crosses, but all such attempts were repelled either by the Velish centre backs or by Chris Banker. Viva Avery was forced to make five tackles and four clearances in the game and Na'ore Sa'kiera made eight tackles. The final result of Velestria's defensive display was victory for the Velish and the end of Sajnur's Cinderella run.

Sajnur 0 - 3 Mattijana

The Niurka Stadium saw two already eliminated teams turn up for their final matches of World Cup qualifying, and a still weakened Sajnur side was dispatched 3-0 by the visitors. Despite a number of first team players returning to the side, the Sajnuran defence was not up to the job of keeping out the Mattijanan attack, and the Sajnuran attack was not up to the job of breaking through the Mattijanan defence. Mattijana had 73% of the possession, and made good use of it, and Sajnur's limited opportunities on the counter were successfully repelled.

Mattijana's first goal came in the 22nd minute with Kevin Krychowiak outpacing the returning David Kiral and curving a corss to Mathilde Lekarisa, who dispatched the ball past Giorge Iajevici to make it 1-0. The 35th minute saw another Mattijana goal, as Mattias Hoffman received a through pass from Katarina Jakupovic, and with Kaori Hajat and Alan Gharici unable to keep up, Hoffman had a one on one with the young Sajnuran keeper, which he easily dispatched. Sajnur had a chance to get back in the game just before the break, but the also returning Rowan Down had his free kick saved by Lucija Handanovic.

The second half saw a few counter attacking chances for Sajnur, but Andre Naulo was dealt with by Handanovic, or in the 67th minute by a sprinting Krychowiak, and Daniel Kerlov was not fast enough with the ball to outrun the Mattijanan defence. Mattijana scored their third goal in the 61st minute from a free kick called when Alexis Sjoring took down Jessika Struna just outside the corner of the penalty box. Martin Hoffman would cross the ball to Rikard Illicic to head into the net to make it 3-0. Sajnur would have their own free kick opportunity in the 84th minute as Rowan Down was taken out by Krychowiak, but Andre Naulo was unable toget the ball past Handanovic, and thus Sajnur remained scoreless in Ciarkhan.

The three match losing streak means the Sajnur finish 7th in Group 11, but this relatively low position comes in spite of Sajnur scoring 24 points and being just five points off Qusmo in second, who took the final qualifying spot in the group after defeating Saltstead 2-0 at the King Willian VII National Park. The overal performance of Sajnur in this qualifying campaing is certainly one to be applauded, especially given the disappointment of the Baptism of Fire and the low expectations for the fledgling football team, and 7th place is certainly a position that the football team, and the country, can be happy with. However, losing the last three matches to miss out on qualification will leave a sour taste for many people, and the injuries of several of Sajnur's best after the events of several weeks ago will leave Sajnur wondering what could have been.

by **Eraman** » Fri Mar 29, 2019 1:07 am

_____THE PEOPLE'S NEWS_____ERAMAN JOURNAL

| SPORTS | SUNDAY |

WORLD CUP QUALIFYING HIGHLIGHTS
The national team goes into the qualifying round embroiled in controversy. The feud between the national football association 
president, Tun Sengalang Petara and the deputy national team captain, Putra Daulapura Suara Petara over a transfer request 
led to the withdrawal of all the main national team players and the head coach.

Royal Arupura manager were appointed as the head coach and Royal Daulapura academy players were selected to don the blue
shirt. The team trained at the island of Soma in Mitra and Soma for their preparation away from the spotlight of the media in 
the country.

Match 1
Eraman 2-1 New West Guiana
@ Daulapura Stadium, Daulapura

The national team started brightly with a win in their first attempt to qualify for the World Cup against New West Guinea at home. Promising signs from the youth players, the future of Eraman football.

The match is however played in front of unusual thousands of empty seats in the national stadium caused by a boycott movement led by the national team biggest ultras, Ebony Falcon Ultras in protest against the national football association president.

Match 4
Eraman 3-0 Melbergia
@Daulapura Stadium, Daulapura

The national team came into the fourth match after back-to-back defeat against Petroslovania at home and away at Mriin. A third straight defeat would be catastrophe as the next opponent is the group favourite, Farfadilis who will be happy to make it five. But an inspiring performance by the players against Melbergia made sure Eraman avoided a losing streak.

A lot of positive things to be taken for the national team in the pitch but it is the third home match for the national team in the World Cup Qualifying and the stadium shows no sign of filling up.

Match 10
New West Guiana 1-2 Eraman

The national ended the first round of the qualifying campaign with only 2 wins, 2 loses and 5 defeats. Not looking good especially after the victory against Melbergia where the national team went through 4 matches without a win.

Away at New West Guiana, the bottom side of the group, it is a must win match for the national team. And the players duly delivered. 3 points. An identical scoreline as the match at home against the same opponent.

Match 17
Ofasval 1–2 Eraman

Six matches without a win. 2 more games to be played. Making the visit to Ofasval who is second from bottom a must win game. Pressure is on the players but they manage to save some face with the fourth win of the campaign.

VERDICT
4 wins, 7 draws and 7 defeats. Not good enough. The total attendance at home matches are shameful. The president must step
down. The main national team players must return.

by **Zwangzug** » Fri Mar 29, 2019 11:38 am

The Kerlagrad Courier
Partisan football fans halfheartedly prepare for World Cup

Zwangzug lost 2-0 to Main Nation Ministry at the Eagle's Club branch in Forbridge in their last game of World Cup 82 qualifiers. Main Nation Ministry failed to close the goal difference gap behind Jeruselem, and also will not qualify for the World Cup. Of course, many fans here will likely watch the World Cup anyway, just without much of a rooting interest. The lessened following caused by Zwangzug's non-qualification has an upside, however, as fans admit they "don't have to remember which countries we hate."

Despite rather tepid feelings of nationalism in general, a surprising number of sports fans have worked themselves into fervors disavowing athletes of the wrong-colored jerseys. Common reasons for emnity include countries claiming to be in other dimensions, having too many or too few accent marks in their alphabets, inadequate or superfluous levels of public transit funding, just being unbearable fogeys, or their color scheme.

"I can't stand Darmen because they, uh, wear all green," complained Tara Yun of Weegham. "Or they beat us in a playoff that one time. Or they just have a crazy big hill somewhere. Whatever. Glad we can't get drawn with them now."

"Bongo Johnson are terrible," claimed Kazuo Schmael of Trink. "Everyone knows that mbira and taiko are superior percussion instruments. Also, Qusmo's gender norms are insufferably pretentious...wait, did they actually qualify for the proper? Good for them."

"How dare Cassadaigua take up with Peak'n'Break as sponsors," railed Renee Almanzo in the Merano Regency yet again (it was a slow news week). "Why, thanks to sinking to that level, they...went and rallied from a slow start to qualify for the World Cup...unlike us. Man."

At press time, Craton fans were patiently explaining that wanting to throw things at Audioslavian sportscasters in response to their excruciating puns was actually a sign of respect and endearment.

by **New Lusitania and the Algarves** » Fri Mar 29, 2019 4:33 pm

STL|Serviços de Transmissão Lusitana
Sport | Football|
World Cup 82 Quals

OOC - Been really busy with RL thus not being able to RP recently. Should get all the match reports up this weekend (hopefully)

Double Bill

HOLDING OFF THE GIANTS
South Covello 0-0 New Lusitania
Revolution Stadium, Riverview (Att: 39,564)

The travel to South Covello was marked on many fans' calendars as one of the big games of the qualifying process. The game had both teams with their primary teams. Chances were plenty and it's a real mystery how the game stayed goalless all the way through. The highlights were Silveira's shots against the woodwork as well as a great chance by Veiga. Overall, a well earned point away at the 2nd ranked in the Multiverse. FULL TIME: 0-0

DECISIVE WIN
New Lusitania 4-2 Alpine Union
Estádio de Alvalade, Lisboa (Att: 53, 634)
New Lusitania would now face the Alpine Union their main opponents for the runners-up spot. Some changes for the Selecção as Henrique Costa would come back in. Gama would be watching from the boxes today as he cheered on his teammates. The first goal came from the Alpine Union as their winger put the ball up high and the main striker himself blasted it into the net. The Selecção would comeback only five minutes later, at the half-hour mark when Veiga crossed the ball into Fernando who managed to control it and sail it past the goalkeeper. Halftime and it was all square in a tight knit game. The second half started with a free kick awarded in the home sides favour, outside the box, with specialist Nevais having a crack at the net. The referee blew his whistle he ran up and struck it down and up into the top right corner, as Lisbon celebrated.
Later on at the hour mark, Mário crossed the ball in after a wonderful run, Silveira managing to provide one of his class headers. The Alpine Union put some pressure back on with a header of their own after a direct corner from the left side. Jota came on for a tired Henrique Costa who spent the game crossing balls in. He'd be a late hero as the fox in the box managed to bag himself another goal, in off the post, the assist coming in from Mário once more. FULL TIME: 4-2

STATS (SCV/LUS/UAR)
Goals: 0/0-4/2
Shots: 5/6-9/6
Shots on Target: 4
Corners: 3/2-5/2
Fouls: 6/4-5/8
Cards - Yellow: 0/0/0
Cards - Red: 0/0/0
Posession %: 55/45-52/48

THE HUB
GOALS: André Silveira (7), Gama (3), Jota (3), Veiga (2), Fernando (2), Nevais (2), Cavalariça (1), Henrique Costa (1).
ASSISTS: Fernando (6), Mário (3) Henrique Costa (2), Nevais (2), Silveira (2), Breu (1), Luz (1), Jota (1), Guerreiros (1)
BOOKINGS: Mário (1Y)
INJURIES: Gama (2 matches).
SUSPENSIONS: None to Report.

CURRENT CHANGES TO CALLUP:
Bernardo Veiga (U.Leiria) <=> Francisco Gama (Sevilha) - RM

LATEST STATS
World Cup 81 Quals
Top Goalscorers: Silveira, Gama (11).
Assists: Fernando (9)
Cup of Harmony
Top Goalscorer: Silveira (2)
Assists: Fernando (3)
IDU Championships
Top Goalscorer: Gama (2)
Assists: Fernando (2)
IA6
Top Goalscorer: Silveira (4)
Assists: Fernando

-------------------------------------
Matchday: Internationals
coverage of the best
STL1 22:00 GMT
-----------------------------------
World Cup 82, The IA Championships 6
The best of the action on STL, your National Broadcaster
New Lusitania in exclusive.
-----------------------------------
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MMXIX

by **Main Nation Ministry** » Sat Mar 30, 2019 12:16 am

Hearts of Vice

Chapter 9: Rest in Popularity

When we were called up, I let Charlie head down to where the audience was, so she can grab something while we played. When we got on stage in the middle of the afternoon, the sun was still in the sky, though the sky was starting to turn orange. I went up to the microphone stand, as Gerald gave the nod that everything was ready. Tony started the opening riff, where both Frank and Gerald followed suit. As I saw Charlie in the crowd, I did a smile as I started to sing my newest single.

The schoolkids all want to fit right in
Towards jocks and preps to be akin
But where are the popular cool kids
Where those flashy kids been?

I see them at lunch with their phones
With digital screens in their zones
I might be a bit of a conformist
But they'll can turn to skin and bones

They just want to rest in popularity

You're fine, show some rarity
The foolish want to rest in popularity
Only want to do what you love the most
And I guarantee you're not a ghost

Life might suck, but don't be so down now
They just want to rest in popularity
The schools that I once knew might have changed now
But the rules that everyone still use are gone

They just want to rest in popularity

We get the pressure in our life from our beloved friends and peers
The anxiety builds up until we want to be sent in tears
We show our school spirit of youth with our young sports teams athletic pride
But the kids these days focus on is the political divide

They just want to rest in popularity

You're fine, show some rarity
The foolish want to rest in popularity
Only want to do what you love the most
And I guarantee you're not a ghost

Life might suck, but don't be so down now
They just want to rest in popularity
The schools that I once knew might have changed now
But the rules that everyone still use are gone

Everyone don't know the old rules are gone

We all want to be understood
As much as the young kids could
Struggles that are caused
Expectations that must be paused
There is more than several reasons why
To hate an episode called Bye
If you want us to understand you, you listen

You're fine, show some rarity
The foolish want to rest in popularity
Only want to do what you love the most
And I guarantee you're not a ghost

Life might suck, but don't be so down now
They just want to rest in popularity
The schools that I once knew might have changed now
But the rules that everyone still use are gone

It's not too late, shed some clarity
If there was anything else, they would want prosperity
The years of youthful days have past now
But the rules that everyone still use are gone

Yet the rules that everyone still use are gone
They just want to rest in popularity
We all just want to be popular.

After we finished the song, the audience started cheering, where he gave a bow along with my other members. At the green room, as another band who were just playing some folk music on stage, I was getting a bottle of cider ready, as I was pouring myself a glass, while we were in the restaurant at the boardwalk hotel. Me, Brenda, Tony, Charlie, Gerald, and Frank were at a round table, as we discussed various things.

"Well, the show went well! We ought to have the song played at WorldVision." Jessica said.
"We ought to see what the Leader thinks, first. We had the last WorldVision hosted in Bright Falls, which I thought was stellar. He might want to do it again for the hell of it." Gerald remarked.
"I still can't get over the fact that people still use that word a lot, after what has been happening." Charlie added, knowing the irony of what Gerald said.
"It's practically still common even before what happened. You just got to get used to it."
"So Jessica?"
"Yeah, Charlie?"
"I thought your song was interesting, though you're planning on putting it in an album, right?"
"I hadn't come up with other songs, yet. Though, thanks for complementing my song, though." Jessica said, happy to hear such a response.
"Seeing how I'm here, I was thinking of knowing a lot of history about this place. Main Nation Ministry, I mean."
"History? Like going to a museum?" Tony asked.
"You're might not get help. The media is controlled primarily by the government. And the government is controlled by the Leader." Frank said.
"How does that work? Aren't you guys independent?"
"Well, we have to still do favors to the Ministry, or they pull our plug. If we get too rebellious, they censor us. However, they don't get too pissed if you don't do military music. It's basically making sure you don't start a war on home soil." Jessica explained to Charlie.

"Wow. That's..rather unfortunate."
"You get used to it. And seeing how our nation is a hot spot for weird shit, the Leader makes sure that things are well.. peachy." Jessica said, where he had the tone of regret in that last part."
"How's the other nations?"
"Ehh. They're alright. A bunch of serious stuff tends to happen, but the lifestyle there is normal."

After finishing up dinner, the band went to their separate rooms, where Charlie had a whole room to herself. The fisherman themed decor was tacky, though it was still good to get a place to stay when you're on a business trip. Charlie was still wearing the same clothes that she knew to wear. But the tedium of the same routine was growing on her. She was a demon now. Why can't she just change? The thought was almost somewhat unbearable. Charlie looked outside her window to see the boardwalk in the neon-lit night. The crowds were small, but it was more of a background of a peaceful setting. Charlie took a look at the tattoo on her wrist. She was probably the most dangerous thing who could have easily killed people. Though, she already know not to. Her vision focused on the hotel grounds, where she saw someone out by the hotel pool.

It was Jessica Madden herself. And what was she wearing? Charlie blushed a bit, seeing how she was wearing a black bikini, taking a dip in the pool. Though, Charlie didn't understand how Jessica could be so calm that things were like this. Charlie did knew what happened while she was in Hell. The bombs. The virus that came after it. Along with the sheer rise of power of the Ministry. Though, the history described by the other demons were still unreliable, since most of them were just people with their side of the story. Not both sides. Charlie still wondered, if he was still around. He had to be still alive. After what happened, would he forgive her or just ignore her.

Charlie knew that she was a monster now. But she does have the power to make things right. She knew how to live in the night, though she intended to be more civilized. After all, wasn't that the way they were trying to teach them? But Charlie was still thinking about the fire. No one seemed to know when she arrived, but should she tell them?

Jessica was leaning against the poolside, admiring the sounds of the ocean nearby. It was a bit of a vacation for her and the band. Though she didn't know how to feel about Charlie. Seeing how she was starting to develop some feelings towards her, she didn't really know which way to take things. As she was relaxing in the warm water, she heard someone behind her open the doors that led inside the lobby. "Gerald? Is that you?" Jessica called out to the person behind her. "Surprised to see you out here this late." a familiar voice said, as Jessica turned around.

"Masami? What are you doing out here? You're supposed to be at Bright Falls?"
"I'm here to attend a sand buggy race. Though, it's a surprise to see you here! Heard the princess was heading here, as well!" Masami said, happy to see Jessica.

by **Starblaydia** » Sat Mar 30, 2019 4:04 am

OOC: For the people who haven't been keeping up with my RPs since 2004 (guaranteed to be 100% of readers, I'm sure), there's been a few loosely intertwined threads to an overall, grander story of Starblaydia as a nation. I appreciate that just providing a whole bunch of links going back 4 cups isn't particularly helpful to dissect this story, as some of the (necessarily immortal) characters have been developing over the course of 65 in-character World Cups over almost 15 RL years. The grand picture, however, looks something like this:

World Cup legend and author avatar Simeone Di Bradini has lived for the past 40-plus World Cups as an immortal construct of the Dreamed Realm, thanks to Arch's generosity. In this time, he's saved the multiverse on several occasions, and has also traveled in time, accidentally becoming Starblaydia's version of King Arthur, the once-and-future King Oberyn Starblayde, in his country's ancient past. The Starblayde family, who currently rule Starblaydia, have all been killed off through various ways and means by the evil vampire Lady Viannor, who is currently masquerading as Lady-Protector Korra Starblayde, the hitherto completely imaginary daughter of the former Lord-Protector Julius Starblayde, and is ruling the nation as much as a constitutional monarch who was once the head of the secret services and intelligence agencies can.

Simeone has been informed, by the late "Best in the World" World Cup goalkeeper and prophet Lucas Cable, that Viannor is Korra Starblayde, and will enslave the entire nation. Simeone, together with Starblaydia national team manager Ázëwyn Fëanáro the elf, along with time-travelling dwarven scientist from the future Dalnir, plans to stop Viannor by recruiting a rag-tag band of commandos, via the process of essentially making their own Dreamed Realm constructs of some characters from the past, including Lucas Cable.

Tons of stuff has come before, which one day I will put all together in one place as the grand story arc of Starblaydia across the ages, but World Cup 78 was the start of a specific arc with a vague plan in mind, rather than just going wherever the narrative happened to take me on a given day.

World Cup 78 Part One: Takeaway | Two: Duchess | Three: Fidget | Four: Torque | Five: Omen | Six: Leap | Seven: Screams | Eight: Iota | Nine: Death | Ten: Wrong | Eleven: Happy | Twelve: Together | Thirteen: Sweat | Fourteen: Taken | Fifteen Ice cream | Di Bradini Cup 41 Part Sixteen: Stunned | World Cup 79 Part Seventeen: Fame | Eighteen: Weird | Nineteen: Sheep | Twenty: Grave | Twenty-One: Gather | AOCAF Cup 55 Part Twenty-Two Device | Twenty-Three: Evil | World Cup 80 Part Twenty-Four: Sure | Twenty-Five: Basic | Twenty-Six: Telescope | World Bowl 35 Part Twenty-Seven: Sacrifice | World Cup 81 Part Twenty-eight: Library | Twenty-nine: Amateurs | Thirty: Two Ks | Thirty-one: Mirrors | Thirty-two: Germinate | World Cup 82 Part Thirty-three: Party | Thirty-four: Lights | Thirty-five: Fleet

These occasions were always risky, when one placed the main thrust of a Public Relations event in the hands of twenty-two men, women, or assorted other species playing a game half a world away. Viannor had never particularly enjoyed setting up the Praetorian viewing parties for Starblaydia matches, but had she declined to put on a public show of support for the team in their crucial final qualifying match against Polkopia, a whole different kind of bad PR would have greeted her the next day. Starblaydi society entirely revolved around their storied national team, it seemed, so as per usual the great at the good of that society were invited to the Praetorian Palace to watch the game. Here deals were made, plans laid down, and even some unlikely alliances forged to the sound of clinking glasses and surround sound football commentary.

"Out come the two teams from the tunnel, here at the Marshupov Arena. I must say it looks a little bit like a mini Stadii Di Bradini from the outside and, even though it can fit around a little over a fifth of Starblaydia's great home, there's a great sense of atmosphere here as Polkopia, in white with gold trim of the Meski brand, are led out by their coach, Vitali Zorić. Starblaydia, with captain Viola Capodanno in front dressed all in purple, holding the hand of her accompanying mascot. Starblaydia are on a seven match undefeated streak, but what they absolutely need here is a victory. There's no reason why both Cassadaigua and Filindostan wouldn't win against their opponents today, but if they do get their expected victories, then Starblaydia will have to match the three points, or find themselves out of the World Cup before it has even begun. What a blow to national pride that would be, even with a presumed entry into the Cup of Harmony, for Starblaydia not to make it to the World Cup as a Pot 1 team, a top seed in a group, having made the previous four in a row. Would that be it for Ázëwyn Fëanáro's time at the helm of her country? Has she taken them as far as she can, or is there still more to come from her, and her side?"

Tororin Halatyrion had kept his cards close to his chest on quite what circumstances would compel him to fire Fëanáro from her position as Manager. As useful as she had been in bringing life to a Starblaydi side who hadn't qualified for the World Cup in the previous five attempts, her win percentage was actually among the worst managers the team had ever had at only 51%. Indeed, in what Starblaydia counted as their three eras of competing on the grandest stage of them all, their winning percentage in the current era, since World Cup 60, was only 55%. Based on this statistic, she was winning a lower proportion of matches in qualifying and competing for four World Cups than when Starblaydia were regularly ending up with such bad results that they never made it to the World Cup in the first place. Based on that statistic alone, Halatyrion had all the ammunition he required to send Fëanáro on her way. The problem for him was, the fans liked her. They didn't see that statistic, they only saw the fact that they'd been to, even hosted, the World Cup in their lifetimes, and the manager was bringing, if not actual trophies, then a growing sense of belief and fortitude that a record sixth title could really be achievable. Never mind that #wewantsix was an invention Halatyrion claimed, nor the fact that the national team manager actually had very little to do with the grass-roots running of football and the supply of how many talented players come into their pool of options. Starblaydia's domestic league was comfortably in the Top 32, while their national team was now knocking firmly on the door of the Top 16 and demanding entry. The traveling support that went everywhere with the home team was as passionate as anyone could remember and it was Ázëwyn Fëanáro who was channeling that passion into her team.

"Look at the passion in thatRaiigar from Starblaydia: they really want to win this and you can see how pumped up the whole team is from it. I could hear Viola Capodanno's voice from all the way up here, even over the rather ominous thunderclaps from the heavy sky above us, 'We are of the sword, we are of the stars, hear our call. We ready ourselves for the challenge to come, life is the path and we are the first who walk'. Starblaydia have come here, to Polkopia, in order to challenge the Snovski. If they can emerge from it victorious, then a place in the World Cup is guaranteed to be theirs. We are ready in Peeto for the final, crucial match in the qualifiers for the 82nd World Cup."

They were always so obsessed with this one. This team, this Cup. The short-sighted view of short-sighted sheep. Didn't they know there was always another Cup? Always something else to try and win, so why was everyone always concerned with winning the one happening right now? That was something Viannor had never understood. There was still everything to play for, and forever in which to to play it in. An eternity of constant, dizzying, where you could build and grow and surge again, reborn, with a new plan and a new team and another go at having that little golden star on your shirts.

"Those five golden stars on the shirt as Aaron Cole stands there, hands on hips, awaiting the signal to start the match. Are they a source of inspiration to lift you up, or are they a weight of expectation to drag you down? Looking at how vehemently the team were slapping their chests during that Raiigar, I'd say it was more of the former than the latter. And the whistle goes to a roar from all corners of this stadium, and we're feeling almost contained by the deep dark clouds above us this evening, hemmed in by both the weather and the importance of the occasion. As much as Starblaydia's traveling fans want to win this one, the home support are firmly behind their team for this final home game. Polkopia went to the Stadii Di Bradini, all those matchdays ago, a lifetime it seems, and they came back with a creditable 2-2 draw. Now, here, at home, can they provide the sting in the tail of Starblaydia's qualifying story and send the former champions back out of the top two automatic qualification spots merely one game after they've finally entered them for the first time?"

Most of sport appeared to be about controlling your aggression and getting pumped up to maximum performance levels, cutting short at the point where too much anger is detrimental to the objective. Viannor was persuing a different course for Starblaydi politics, where she was aiming to have as much anger as possible thrown around in the public discourse. Polarise people, make outrage a normal part of everyday life and keep fear and anger as high as possible, so that when the time to make the decision came, she'd be the one to profit from it. In playing the part of Lady Protector Korra Starblayde to perfection, Viannor was staying neutral and above it all, letting the political parties fight it out and letting the loudmouth malcontents stir everything up in the background. At her direction, the various factions that were unfolding sniped at each other, argued over the top of each other, and screamed their talking points across the airwaves so that even the least-engaged of ordinary Starblaydi would feel it. Anger about manufacturing jobs, hatred of Krytenians, vocal support for the military and extra funding and a sense of unease with the political process were all key talking points. The people were, slowly, being divided into two camps of opinion. Was Starblaydia a mightier nation now, or before? No mere 'greatness' was wished for by the Starblaydi people, their attitude had always been one of might. From armoured cavalry to football supremacy, Starblaydia had always done things big, loud and stylish on the world stage. Behind the scenes, however, people like Viannor and Tororin Halatyrion were cunning and silent.

"Renshaw. Inside to Sato - stylish first time ball from the MCU man - and there's McCloud! He's on the end of it, past the defenders, left-footed shot straight into the back corner, and Starblaydia take the... wait! Flag's up, it's given offside! Very late flag from the assistant referee running the line on the far side. And the replay, oh my, he's well onside! Totally onside, not a single Polkopian defender raise their arm for that one. McCloud timed his run to perfection and Franić couldn't catch him, and Zupan couldn't cut it out in time. That should be 1-0, and everyone in the stadium knows it except this linesman. I mean, who is this guy? Great Tiby's Ghost, you'll never believe this, viewers, it's only the Krytenian Jeff Wilson! Unbelievable! What's he doing attending another Starblaydia match, what on earth is he doing here, still wearing the shirt of a match official? This is outrageous!"

It was always useful to have your agents be able to place resources in the right spot, even when it wasn't even your resource to begin with. Jeff Wilson, hugely biased rather than outlandishly corrupt, was taking every opportunity he could to punish Starblaydia, just like he'd done in the Filindostan match. Though he didn't have direct control over the whistle - that had been too much even for Halatyrion's great influence over the game - he could easily spend 45 minutes screwing over Starblaydia's attack, followed by a second forty-five minutes of flagging their defence for any minor infringement. If there was any way of getting the Starblaydi fans and players alike as furious as possible, it was cheating. Doubly so if it was Krytenian cheating. The best thing about this strategy, Viannor thought, was that it would work no matter what the outcome. If Wilson's antics cost Starblaydi the victory, then the anger goes up on the 'before' side. If Starblaydia won out despite the terribly un-Starblaydi foul play from the cheating Ref, then the pride goes up on the 'now' side. Either way the argument continues, no matter who scores the points at this early stage. Viannor was waiting for the moment when marches would begin, protests and rallies would crowd the streets and the her endgame would begin.

"Foul given by the referee, a little over twenty yards out for this free kick for Starblaydia. McCloud just buffeted enough by Zupan as they challenged for that high ball, though I distinctly noticed no flag from Wilson down on the touchline, I'll add for the record. Out comes the spray, several Starblaydi players standing over this one. Cole looking sternly at the ball, but Sato steps up, jogs over it and it's the left foot of Krakowski! And straight in! Top corner, swung around the wall and Starblaydia lead! As it stands, they're going to the World Cup! Jeff Wilson took a long, long look at it on the touchline, looked like he was looking for something, anything to wave his flag at, but clean as a whistle the ball just flew into the net"

It didn't matter to Viannor that Irakliy Živkov equalised with a perfectly fine goal, undoing Starblaydia's hard work in an instant of a lovely one-two pass with Milanov that put him through to slot the ball low past Ollarion. Nor did it particularly matter even when Polkopia scored a second when Rafael Korošeć's powerful header at the near post slammed into the back of the net. All she was concerned with was the rising levels of frustration and desperation that she saw not only on the pitch, but from the attendees of her viewing party. They were fraught, angry and starting to take it out on a combination of Wilson, the players, and Fëanáro. If all of these perfectly reasonable, intelligent, prominent members of society were so easily being manipulated by a single football match into such emotions, Viannor thought gleefully of the effect it would be having across the entire nation. At the half-time break, not only were Starblaydia not going to be in the World Cup, but their challenge was to score two goals against a perfectly decent side as tempers were rising.

It started simmering in the second half, as Starblaydia's task to make it to the World Cup got more and more difficult with every passing minute. When Sami Viipuri hoofed a clearance that ended up with Aaron Cole one on one with Danko Vilar in the Polkopian goal, the Starblaydi fans were incensed when the ref blew his whistle and brought it back for a free kick against Viipuri, all thanks to Jeff Wilson and his little waving yellow flag. This was thought to be the boiling point, as yellow cards started to fly for nasty, spiteful little challenges. Shoves, elbows and late boots meant the game completely broke down into a bitty, stuttering affair that barely resembled a sporting contest. Amidst this, somehow, Aaron Cole managed to turn smartly in the box and fire the ball high into the back of the net to bring Starblaydia level. The news was filtering through that Filindostan were beating The Sherpa Empire, and a draw was not going to be good enough for Starblaydia. Time was running out, the fans were desperate and the players moreso. The rain began to fall harder, taking the already slick surface into a slippery nightmare that would make Starblaydia's usual style of game almost unplayable. Then it happened.

"Apelles splays the ball out wide to Krakows-ohhhh bad challenge. That's a late, late sliding challenge on the Starblaydi youngster and it's all kicking off! There's pushing and shoving and- was that a punch? Everyone's sprinting in and there's chaos here at the Marshupov Arena. Aaron Cole and Novak have a hold of each other. There's Viola Capodanno, and she's got Bogdanov, I think it is, by the collar of his shirt and is shoving him - there's pushes and barging and pointed fingers on all sides now, the benches and coaches are streaming on. Ázëwyn Fëanáro's on the pitch to calm it- no wait, she's not calming anything down! And Capodanno has shoved Bogdanov to the floor! This is absolute mayhem!"

It hadn't even been Paavo Franić's fault, not really. He'd certainly mistimed his challenge on Krakowsi, and the slippery surface had done his slide tackle no favours. It didn't look like he meant to smash his studs into the ankle of the Starblaydi Under-21 captain at full pelt, but everything looks much worse in slow-motion. As the crowd of both sides bayed for revenge and the players finally managed to tone it down to just pointing and shouting, the match officials and even police finally got all the players separated and you knew, even Viannor knew, that the hammer was going to fall on a number of players. The match's TV director also knew his stuff, replaying every single incident from multiple, super slow angles. Franić's challenge had ended up being very nasty - he received the first red, trudging off aghast at the damage he'd evidently done to Krakowski, who was being helped off by the Starblaydi physio team for Mezna Rayyen to take his place. Viola Capodanno got a straight red, with the blonde giving the referee a death stare that he couldn't meet, before ripping the captain's armband off in fury and tossing it to Aaron Cole. He got himself a yellow for his scuffle with Christos Novak, punished in term with a yellow. Yellows, too, for Tupu Alofa, Austin Dashwood and Boris Yakchuk, chief offenders in the scuffle that had broken out. For Ázëwyn Fëanáro, too, it was a red card, sent to the stands for her display. She left the pitch with a face like the thunder that was cracking above the stadium, with more choice words directed at both the referee and Jeff Wilson as she departed the pitch, herded out by her assistant Jerzy Makuszewski. Starblaydia were to consider themselves lucky not to have more players sent off, having started the whole brawl with just minutes to go. Was this how it was to be? Denied the chance to compete in the World Cup thanks to a second 2-2 draw with the Polkopian side and going down in flames and fighting?

"Five and a bit minutes, almost six of the seven added on by the fourth official are gone. This is it, the last gasp for Starblaydia. It's now or never, surely they have to score now or it's all over. Ollarion with her foot on the ball, rolls it out to Reyes. Bringing it forward, but back to Viipuri. Starblaydia not just risking it all on a long ball, here, probing for the opening, staying patient despite what the traveling supporters are begging for. Back to Viipuri. Steady, steady play, you wouldn't think World Cup Qualification is resting on this one attack being successful. Into Dashwood, going wide to Rayyen, neat little action with Sigismund and Rayyen is away down the line. Checks her run, and now to Apelles, Starblaydia surging forward around her, giving her options. Trying to find that space, the Polkopian 5-3-1 - with that missing man - not giving it to them, tight and compact. Apelles has found Cole. To Renshaw. Back to Cole, who turns with a shot! Blocked by Zupan! Falls to Alofu who smashes it... against the post! But it's back out to Kaufman WHO TUCKS THE BALL INTO THE NET! STARBLAYDIA TAKE THE LEAD WITH NO TIME LEFT! Mercy Kaufman has just won it for Starblaydia and she's been buried under a mass of players, staff, and officials down by the corner flag! Starblaydia 3-2 up with seven of the seven minutes in the clock! THEY'RE GOING TO THE WORLD CUP THANKS TO MERCY KAUFMAN AND THE FANS ARE GOING BALLISTIC! IT'S PANDEMONIUM IN POLKPIA!"

The release of emotion from the people around her flooded Viannor with feeling of pure joy, elation and relief, so much so that she couldn't help but get into the spirit of it. The cameras were clicking, flash bulbs popping, as they recorded the celebrations in the Praetorian Palace, ones that were being mirrored right across the gargantuan nation as everywhere Starblaydi fans just went nuts. Then just as the cheering and the chanting began to subside, as people started to take their seats and take in the scenes of celebration on the enormous TV, a tall, slim figure stood in the doorway. Viannor turned her head, Tororin Halatyrion turned his head, and soon the whole room noticed, turning away from the screen to the familar outline and his pointed ears.

"It seems like I came back at just the right time," said Valrauncion.

WC 82 RP Thread

WC82 MD4-MD17

Margin of Error, Part Nine

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