Independent Associations Championship 8 [IC]

[Fujai]

19 October, 1420 SM. Reçueçn, Reçueçn.

Fujai-Reçueçn Pre-Game Report, by Helge Rikstein, FJU-KSH

It's been a whirlwind four days since the Landslag arrived in Reçueçn's capital, conveniently named Reçueçn. The 10 hour ferry and subsequent train to Reçueçn took their toll on the team, and they spent a day off seeing the sights in Reçueçn. Many visited the National Museum, took day trips to the mountains, and walked around the city centre.

I caught up with Erna Höss, a native of Pelshus, at a Café Brun to ask about how it's been going.

Helge: Hej Erna, how have the first few days in Reçueçn been treating you?
Erna: I've been having a great time, thank you for asking, Helge! Outside practices and rest, my spouse I have been seeing the city to keep the nerves down.
H: I imagine they're quite high for your first international match, and against Reçueçn, no less!
E: Ha, they certainly are! The first game is the talk of the region. Most don't do much international sporting, so this is rather novel. The Reçueçian team has a longer history and is more experienced than we are, but we're excited to show what we can do!
H: I think that's the same thing the whole nation is thinking! With the IAC 8 and the Winter Olympics at the same time, the whole country has been glued to the FJU media channels for the latest updates.
E: Definitely! The whole team has been keeping track of the Fujansk delegation, shoutout to my friend Sindre Lerum for winning Fujai's first medal, we had a hell of a party last night for him!
H: I know, I heard it from my hotel! I'd like to ask about your cheese tour, how do you think Reçueçian cheeses compare to those of the Arenreid?
E: Oh the Reçueçians really know how to make cheese, but nothing can ever live up to a good Arenreid brunost. My neighbor growing up made some of the best I've ever tasted, and you can never beat the things that remind you of home.
H: I agree, my own favorite is a type of Høytaler reindeer cheese that makes a mean cheese soup. Anyway, I hope you and your wife have a lovely day running up to the match, I can't wait to see the Landslag on the field!
E: Thanks, I hope it goes well!
H: Good luck!

And now we wait for the match!

[Terre Septentrionale]

Équipe nationale de soccer de Terre Septentrionale

Reprezentacja Nordycki w Pilka Nozna

Northern Land National Soccer Team

Nation Name in French: République de Terre Septentrionale
Nation name in Polish: Rzeczpospolita Polnocna
Nation Name in English Republic of Northern Land
Short Nation names: Terre Septentrionale / Ziemia Polnocna / Northern Land
Trigramme: RTS
Demonym: Septentrional (plural: Septentrionaux)
Nicknames: Nordiques, Reprezentacja Nordycki, Northmen
Team colors at home: Green, white and red
Team colors on the road: Blue, black and red
Style Mod: +2

History:

Overall Record: 14-1-10
59 goals scored, 56 goals against

Baptism of Fire 70: 5-1-2 (Loss in quarterfinals against Hapilopper)
WC 83 qualifications: 6-0-6 (3rd place in group W)
Cup of Harmony 75: 3-0-2 (Loss in round of 16)

First game: 6-2 win vs Lashnakia
First win: 6-2 win vs Lashnakia
First draw: 1-1 draw vs Amuaplye
First loss: 4-2 loss vs Hapilopper
Biggest win: 6-2 win vs Lashnakia
Biggest loss: 8-2 loss vs Hapilopper
First goal scored: Fryderyka Cwierczakiewiczowa vs Lashnakia

Most caps

1- 10 players tied with 25

Most goals scored

1- Fryderyka Cwierczakiewiczowa - 28
2- Zbigniew Zajaczkowski - 10
3- Amelia Zalwowska - 9

Most assists

1- Amelia Zalwowska - 13
2- Pawel Wawrzynkiewicz - 8
3- Sarah Surprenant - 7

About Terre Septentrionale:

Terre Septentrionale consists of 20 Townships (Cantons) and a federal district. Terre Septentrionale is located on an island in the northern part of the globe and the climate is similar to a ReallifeStates nation called "Iceland". In summer, the weather ranges from 0°Celsius (32° Fahrenheit) to 20° Celsius (68° Fahrenheit). Terre Septentrionale was discovered during the 16th century by French explorer Jacques-Cartier and was colonized in the 17th century by French, English, Polish, Croat, Slovene, Magyar, Spanish and Czech peoples. After some fights, the eastern part of Terre Septentrionle was a French colony and the western part, a Polish colony. The eastern part got it's independence from France in 1792 while the western part became independent from Poland in 1907. East and West Terre Septentrionale united in 1957 and it's now a single nation on the island.

Terre Septentrionale, once a catholic nation, is now one of the most secular nation in the multiverse. The "loi pour la laïcité" (secularism bill) was passed in the '90s and since then religious signs are illegal in the nation. In Terre Septentrionale it's illegal to wear a veil, an hijab, a burka and however they call it. It's also illegal to display any religious sign, such as catholic crosses, in public and religion is now looked with disdain.


Schedule:

TBD

Staff:

Manager: Slawomir Wyrzykowski
Ass. Coach: Martine Latreille
Ass. Coach: Boguslawa Orlikowska
GK Coach: J.R. McGregor
Physio: Urszula Skoraczynska
Psychologist: Marie-Josée Péloquin

Roles:

Captain: Amelia Zalwowska
Penalty Taker: Fryderyka Cwierczakiewiczowa
Corners (left): Pawel Wawrzynkiewicz
Corner (right): Yannick Ksiezniakiewicz
Free Kicks: Yannick Ksiezniakiewicz
Direct Free Kicks: Sarah Surprenant

Formation (3-5-2):

S----------ZAJACZKOWSKI--------------CWIERCZAKIEWICZOWA------
ACM----------------------------ZALWOWSKA----------------------------
SM---WAWRZYNKIEWICZ----------------------------SURPRENANT-----
DCM--------------NORMANDIN-------------KSIEZNIAKIEWICZ-----------
D---SKRZESZEWSKI----------BRZEZANCZYK--------ZAWISTOWSKI----
GK----------------------------KWIETNIEWSKA----------------------------

Team Roster (starting XI in blue)

Note: These players have the same name as players from the Alpine Union but they aren't the same players! They all made their international debut in the latest Baptism of Fire.

#       Pos     Name                    Age     Team                            Birthplace                    Depth Chart
1	GK	Zofia Kwietniewska	32	Klub Turystow Rzodkiewnica	Rzodkiewnica, KZ              GK #1
12	GK	Vjekoslav Jakovljevic	32	En avant Prévost	        Vukosavljevica, DA            GK #3
88	GK	Jennifer O'Byrne	30	Dynamo de Jacques-Cartier	Beach City, TX                GK #2
					
4	SD	Franciszek Niedzwiecki	22	Ursus Trzeszczyn	        Niedzwiedzica, MA             SD #3
5	SD	Przemyslaw Zawistowski	33	Gornik Ostrzeszow	        Brzeszcze, PO                 SD #1
28	SD	Weronika Zubrowska	28	Ursus Trzeszczyn	        Szczebrzeszyn, MA             SD #4
47	SD	Zeljko Zizic	        26	NK Lokomotiva Kukljica 	        Okuklje, DA                   SD #5
86	SD	Zuzanna Trzeciakiewicz	24	Gornik Ostrzeszow	        Szczawnica, CA                SD #6
					
2	CD	Charlie MacEachern	31	El Perro United F.C.	        Ayer's Cliff, CS              CD #2
23	CD	Kazimierz Wieszczycki	24	Ursus Trzeszczyn	        Tluszcz, LU                   CD #4
24	CD	Krzysztof Blaszczykowski 25	Gornik Ostrzeszow	        Mszczonow, LU                 CD #3
32	CD/SD	Slawomir Skrzeszewski	27	En avant Prévost	        Trzebiegoszcz, PO             SD #1
95	CD	Zdzislaw Brzezanczyk	23	Szczakowianka Trzebiegoszcz	Rzodkiewnica, KZ              CD #1
					
6	SM	Sarah Surprenant	34	Szczakowianka Trzebiegoszcz	Sainte-Catherine, MT          SM #1
7	SM	Pawel Wawrzynkiewicz	33	KKS Wlokniarz 1925 Krzczonow	Zlotow, CA                    SM #1
9	SM	Roksana Kolodziejczyk	23	Klub Turystow Rzodkiewnica	Dulkowszczyzna, CA            SM #4
16	SM	Jedrzej Kosciukiewicz	31	NK Lokomotiva Kukljica 	        Szczawnica, CA                SM #3
26	SM	Krzysztof Pajaczkowski	29	Gornik Ostrzeszow	        Krzeszowice, PO               SM #5
20	SM	Nick Warner	        34	A.S. Baie-Sainte-Catherine	Roxboro, CS                   SM #6
					
10	CM	Amelia Zalwowska	32	Gornik Ostrzeszow	        Wloszczowa, PO                ACM #1
14	CM	Élisabeth Normandin	24	A.S. Baie-Sainte-Catherine	Baie-Sainte-Catherine, CH              DCM #1
17	CM	Sandrine Fontaine	21	Dynamo de Jacques-Cartier	Yamaska, HY                   ACM #5
22	CM	Tymoteusz Swierczewski	25	KKS Wlokniarz 1925 Krzczonow	Krzczonow, MA                 ACM #2   DCM #3
70	CM	Cristiano Fernando	31	El Perro United F.C.	        Alba, TX                      ACM #3
77	CM	Yannick Ksiezniakiewicz	29	Szczakowianka Trzebiegoszcz	Trzebiegoszcz, PO                      DCM #1
81	CM/SM	Alicja Jedrzejczyk	28	Gornik Ostrzeszow	        Ostrzeszow, SL                         DCM #5   SM #6
97	CM	Przemyslaw Tkocz	27	Szczakowianka Trzebiegoszcz	Proszkow, PO                  ACM #4   DCM #4
					
8	S	Fryderyka Cwierczakiewiczowa 23	Gornik Ostrzeszow	        Kuznica Zdzieszowicka, PO      S #1
11	S	Zbigniew Zajaczkowski	34	Szczakowianka Trzebiegoszcz	Trzebiegoszcz, PO              S #1
15	S	Jean-François Kleineheismann 32	A.S. Baie-Sainte-Catherine	Portneuf-sur-Mer, CH           S #3
18	S	Sandie McCracken	25	Klub Turystow Rzodkiewnica	El Perro, TX                   S #4

BA	Baranie (Baranya)	                KA	Kamouraska
CA	Cachoubie (Kaszuby)	                LU	Lusatie (Łużyce)
KR	Carniole (Kranjska)	                MA	Mazovie (Mazowsze)
CN	Catherine du nord	                MT	Montérégie
CS	Catherine du sud	                NI	Nitassinan 
KZ	Catherine-Ouest (Katarzyna Zachodnie)	PA	Papineau
CH	Charlevoix	                        PO	Poméranie (Pomorze)
DA	Dalmatie (Dalmacija)	                SH	Shelburne
DC	District de Cartier	                SL	Silésie (Śląsk)
FR	Frontenac	                        TX	Texas
HY	Haute-Yamaska

I Give My Opponent Permission To:
=================================
Choose My Goalscorers: Yes
Godmod Goalscoring Events: Yes
Injure Players: Yes
Godmod Injury Events: No
Red Card Players: Yes
Yellow Card Players: Yes
Godmod Other Events: Yes
=================================

[Barsland]

Barsland Sports News

Barsland Wins!

HUElavia 1 (??? 16' (p)) – 3 Barsland (Lawson 22', 67'; Collins 83')

Barsland fans traveled in droves to witness the teams first ever international match against HUElavia, singing their songs on the way to Stade de l'Alliance in Genève, a historic venue fitting of the importance of this match to Barsland football history.

Barsland suffered a slow start to the game, but after 10 minutes of play found themselves creating the first real chance of the game with a cross from Banks landing at Collins who couldn't quite get the ball past HUElavia's keeper. Minutes later another chance was scuppered when Lawson shot the ball well over the goal from outside the penalty area. HUElavia use the opportunity to attack after the goal kick, their winger easily skipping past Skinner and hooking a cross to a striker just inside the area who was able to dribble past Watson before being pushed over by a frustrated John Smith. The penalty was scored with ease and Barsland now had to fight to stay in the game. The fighting spirit proved to be too much for HUElavia and by the 22nd minute their defence were shocked when a clever pass from Jack Taylor found Harry Lawson in the box who equalised to the rapturous sound of Barsland fans delighted with their first ever international goal.

The second half kicked off to the tune of 8000 travelling supporters encouraging their men to keep pushing forward against a freshly reorganised HUElavia defence. Chances from Lawson, Hart and Taylor tested the keeper in the first 10 minutes of the half and Smith missed his chance to redeem himself after heading the ball over the bar from a corner. But the tone of the game was now set, Barsland were not going to settle for a draw and they continued to push forward into the final third to get that all important winning goal. At the 67th minute their efforts were rewarded after a cross from Gareth Banks was converted with the head of Lawson, who had to be dragged away by stewards after running into the stands to celebrate. The game was put beyond any doubt when Collins blasted a shot into the top left corner from outside the box following another great pass from Taylor, the fans bringing down the rafters after an incredible performance marking a successful start to our IAC run.

Speaking after the game John Mason praised the efforts of the team: "I was never in any doubt, the lads knew what they had to do today and they did it well. I'm proud of them for what they did tonight, but now it's on to the next game."

Player Ratings

Group E                           Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Omerica                             1   1  0  0    4   0  +4    3
2 Barsland                            1   1  0  0    3   1  +2    3
3 Tamgu                               1   1  0  0    2   1  +1    3
4 Ouna                                1   0  0  1    1   2  −1    0
5 HUElavia                            1   0  0  1    1   3  −2    0
6 Monglechabagd                       1   0  0  1    0   4  −4    0

[Tamgu]

THE HAWKS START OFF WELL!

Tamgu 2-1 Ouna, Goalscorers: A. Leima 22', P. Soros 58', Ouna Striker 87'

Tamgu's first match in the eight Independent Associations Championship, shortly IAC, has been won by the hawks with a 2-1 final score. The Tamguna fans, as always, cheered them onto victory against
a worthy opponent in Ouna, who came into Group E from the fourth pot. This was a match that was on paper, in favor of Tamgu and the numbers haven't lied.

In the post-match interview, Manager Albin Nerovod praised his team, saying they had great chemistry, whatever the score, and that he was the luckiest manager in the world to be working with them. His expectation from the group is to fight to qualify. He sees this possible because there are only two teams in the group ranked higher than Tamgu, and with a potential slip-up by either Omerica or HUElavia could give them qualification.

The game was controlled by Tamgu, with 59 percent possession. Their fast build-ups brought many chances and two goals. The defenders were excellent until the 87th minute, where they conceded a goal from a free-kick, with a striker escaping the marking of Dano Teilar and heading the ball where the keeper could only dream of reaching.

Tamgu will be leaving Zimmerich and be heading for Geneve, for their second match against Barsland. They have started with a 3-1 win, so Tamgu should be focused on the game, even though they're from the fifth pot.

This tournament will be a good distraction from politics as the Tamguna Elections are coming in a few weeks, and political propaganda is being thrown everywhere in the United States.

[The Andromeda Archipelago]

The Andromeda Eagles vs Abanhfleft
Chapel-Field House
Reçueçn City
Thursday, November 2
4:55 pm

It had been a wild first half. Phil Thomas scored the opening goal for the Eagles in the tournament at the 7-minute mark. The Eagles 1-0 lead lasted for about five minutes as the Fleftic Footallers floated one in past Rachel Medrano at the 15-minute mark.

Kelly McGinnis managed to get a second goal past Medrano at the 27-minute mark. Things started to get rough as Dolfo Martinez was injured at the 40-minute mark. Steffi Tucker was awarded a penalty kick which gave the Eagles their second goal, tying the game.

After Tucker’s goal, there was a light rain over the field that lasted into the early part of the second half. It remained overcast for much of the game.

We join the game with just about three minutes left. Hattie Lowenthal and Erin Height were in the game as reserves. JD Campbell had replaced Martinez up front. Lowenthal has the ball and turns to Knight. They nod. Lowenthal turns to Oona Kerry in the front court. Lowenthal brings the ball forward as the clock ticks to under two minutes.

After a series of passes between Height, Lowenthal and Campbell, Oona Kerry positions herself between a Fleftic defender and the goal. At that moment, a slim ray of sunshine parts the dark clouds hanging overhead.

There is less than a minute left when Campbell moves the ball to Kerry. Kerry dribbles the ball through two defenders and catches the goalie off guard.

Stephanie Bryan slips in her attempt to block Kerry’s shot.

The crowd erupts. Kerry falls to her knees and raises her arms. Phil Thomas, the nearest Andromedan player, runs over to her.

“Thank you, Oona. Thank you, thank you, thank you.”

As injury time expires, this current edition of the Andromeda Eagles has just won their first international game.

FINAL: Andromeda 3, Abanhfleft 2

----------
PLAYER OF THE GAME

Forward #13 Oona Kerry

Age: 20
Height: 5’3”
Team: The International School of Language and Diplomacy

While most of the current Andromeda Eagles play in the ACAA, Oona Kerry played her last two seasons at the International School, a college in World Assembly Territory affiliated with the Andromeda Archipelago. Kerry helped the International school to their first winning record last season.

Kerry played at the University of Andromeda during her freshman year before transferring to the International School.

[New Lusitania and the Algarves]

FEDERAÇÃO LUSITANA DE FUTEBOL
Selecção A
8ª Taça de Associações Independentes

CALL-UP
GK Rui Patríce (Sporting CL)*
GK António Lopes (Belém)
GK José Virgínia (U.Tomar)
LB Rafa Guerreiros (Beira Mar)*
LB Rúben Vinagrete (Académica)
CB Diogo Leiteiro (Porto)*
CB Daniel Carriça (Sevilha)
CB Ricardo Miranda (Académica)
RB João Cancela (Vitória Guimarães)*
RB Ricardo Peralva (Sporting CL)
CDM Rúben Nevais (Académica)*
CDM Sérgio Azinheira (Porto [Beira Mar])
LM Jorge Mário (Sporting CL)*
LM Breu (Boa-Vista)
CM Bruno Fernando (C) (Sporting CL)*
CM André Moreira (Belém)
RM Francisco Gama (Sevilha)*
RM João Luz (Belém)
CAM Bernardo Veiga (U.Leiria)*
ST André Silveira (Porto)*
ST Daniel Jota (Porto)*
ST Fernando Trincão (SC Braga)
ST Ivo Cavalariça (Académica)

BACKUP PLAYERS
GK Cláudio Rocha (Covilhã)
DF Dalou (Porto)
MD Rui Horta (Braga)
CAM Domingos Armilar (U.Tomar)
FD Guilherme Paciência (S.Miguel)

RP Permissions
Choose my scorers: Y
Choose my scoring events: Y
Godmod scoring events: N
RP injuries to my players: Y
Godmod Injuries to my players: N
Give Yellow Cards to my players: Y, moderately
Give Red Cards to my players: Y, moderately
Godmod other events: N

[HUElavia]

HUElavia National Football Team for the IAC 8:

My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
Choose my goalscorers: Yes
Godmod scoring events: Yes
RP injuries to my players: Yes, nothing career-ending
Godmod injuries to my players: No
Hand out yellow cards to my players: Yes
Hand out red cards to my players: Yes, but please message who and why

Style Modifier: +1.5

Uniforms:
Home-

Away-

Goalkeepers:
#1 ARMELINO Andres Vaz-Santos (26 Years Old)
#13 RICARDO Carreiro-Couto (29 Years Old) (Vice-Captain)
#23 VITOR Paulo-Rodriguez (23 Years Old)

Defenders:
#2 Ivan MENDIETA-Martinez (34 Years Old) (CB) (Captain)
#3 Ismael HIERRO-Nadal (29 Years Old) (CB)
#4 Pablo MARCHENA-Salgado (28 Years Old) (RB)
#5 Luis DEL HORNO-Rodriguez (30 Years Old) (LB)
#12 Wesley GERETS (32 Years Old) (CB)
#15 Paolo TONI (23 Years Old) (CB)
#18 Ivan PROTASOV (31 Years Old) (LB-RB)
#22 Samuel BATTISTON (28 Years Old) (RB-LB)

Midfielders:
#6 Andres GALLEGO-Calderon (25 Years Old) (CDM)
#8 Marc ROCHETEAU-Lacombe (28 Years Old) (CM)
#10 Lionel ROSSI-Rigoni (22 Years Old) (CM-AM)
#14 Luca PRSO-Tudor (29 Years Old) (CDM)
#16 Hidetoshi SUZUKI (24 Years Old) (CM-AM)
#19 Andriy TYMOSCHUK (30 Years Old) (CM)

Attackers:
#7 CRISTIANO Aveiro-Lima (24 Years Old) (LW)
#9 Patrick PETIT (26 Years Old) (ST)
#11 Fernando GONZALEZ-Rios (25 Years Old) (RW)
#17 Raul VAZQUEZ-Enrique (28 Years Old) (LW)
#20 Shinji NAKATA (23 Years Old) (ST)
#21 EDUARDO Alves da Costa (25 Years Old) (RW)

Formation: 4-2-3-1
13 Ricardo,
4 Marchena, 2 Mendieta (C), 3 Hierro, 5 Del Horno
6 Gallego, 8 Rocheteau
11 Gonzalez, 10 Rossi, 7 Cristiano
9 Petit

Substitutes:
1 Armelino, 15 Toni, 18 Protasov, 14 PRSO, 16 Suzuki, 17 Vazquez, 20 Nakata

[HUElavia]

HUElavia starts off their IAC debut with frustration

Los Amarillos started a new tournament in a frustrating and disappointing fashion against newcomers Barsland. In a match on Paper that favored HUElavia, the match did not turn out that way. The match started with shots being attempted by both teams, with Cristiano nearly getting a shot in during the 8th minute. In the 15th minute, Rossi dribbled past defenders to attempt to score one of his signature goals before being fouled by Smith. Petit stepped up and slotted the goal with ease. Although, a few minutes later, Barsland scored a shocking equalizer with Lawson scoring a simple tap into the back of the goal.

The 2nd half came, with the defense attempting to prevent attacks, but it turned out to be futile. Lawson once again scored, but with his head from a cross that made the scoreline read 1-2. HUElavia went up to a heavy attack, only to be harmful with Collins scoring a blistering shot to the top left in a counter-attack from a dispossession of Del Horno.

The team looked depleted and frustrated, which is a cause of great concern, considering most of this squad is expected to be participating in the World Cup 84 Qualifiers (albeit, it is expected that some of the U21 Squad will join the team after the tournament ends). HUElavia will now face off against Omerica, who won against Monglechabagd 4-0, in what will be a do-or-die match for Los Amarillos.

FORCA HUELAVIA! VAMOS HUELAVIA! GO HUELAVIA!

[Kurovija]

The Black-and-Reds had been pushing Those-Who-Are-Not-Yet-Nicknamed against their own goal for seventy minutes straight but surprisingly, the starting balance on the scoreboard remained untouched. It was a minor miracle, a combination of beginner’s luck, an Aigars in his element, a not extremely sharp Squorn’ in front of goal and a lackluster performance from the referee. From the kick-off onwards, Kuodas and Krizinauskas did everything within their might and outside of the rule book to keep Ajao out of the box but the protests from the towering forward had been waved away.

In the opening minutes, Gintaras had been pacing back and forth in front of the dug-out but as he noticed that it didn’t differ much and he actually had no clue what to yell to the guys, he took his spot next to Janis. Even the, oh irony, untrained eye of the head manager of Kurovija could note that the work his assistant had done to ensure that the team wouldn’t get caught out on a free kick or a corner, despite only two days to prepare, was admirable. Even more, Mantas Sriubas had gotten a shot just wide, so it could have gone Kurovija’s way as well.

“This isn’t so hard after all,” Gintaras smiled, satisfied at the proceedings so far. After all, the 13-2 in shots on goal didn’t really count.
“Hm… So far, yes,” Janis nodded, “but I would replace Pukitis. He’ll start to struggle.”
With a quick gesture, he pointed at the opposing bench where a substitution was preparing.
“For what?” Gintaras looked, “Just for a girl coming on? Ah, nothing to worry, he’s still pacing up and down as if we just kicked off.”

***

Needless to say that Lavanya Naqvi, as that was the ‘just a girl’ who had been getting the last instructions from Bethany Donnell, played the leather between the legs of Pukitis in minute 73, waited for him to make a scrawling tackle only to send him into the woods one more time. Subsequently, she brought a low cross to the second post to be riffled home by Rebljeten past a hapless Aigars.

“Still, only a close loss against the top pick,” Gintaras tried to keep the atmosphere high, “good job lads.”

When the last one had showered and left, Janis Starkovs tried to get some focus from his manager.

“Sorry to bother, sir, but up next is Lisander. They’re a very different team and especially with their first win ever in the IAC – they’ll be storming on goal. I think we should change t…”
“Don’t worry, Janis, we’ll be fine. Please make your suggestions for the substitutions a bit earlier next time, but otherwise, we’ll just stick with the same and grab a point – maybe even more!”
“But they play a very attacking brand of…”
“Well, so did West-Squ…”
“Sir…”
“Oh well, whatever these Squornhelians are called. And they both play 4-3-3, so they’re just different guys, same system, right.”
“I’m afraid it’s a bit more complex than that, sir.”
“We’ll see about that in Zimmerich, Janis, let’s just keep it as is for now.”

[Squornshelan Remnant States]

A Close Shave, but Full Points
Baral Karlov; Genève, Reçueçn

Embarking on their third attempt at capturing the Independent Associations Championship, the Black-and-Reds will have a unique challenge to shut out distractions. With all of Confederate social media abuzz with the news that the the Imperium intends to claim Squornshelan footballing records from World Cups 5 to 41, and even more shocking, that it will enter qualification for World Cup 84, it will be difficult to avoid the hoopla and focus on each match as it comes. In their opening match, the players were able to escape with full points, but were given all they could handle by an unheralded, but very capable team from Kurovija. But before getting into the details of the match, let's take a brief look at the history of the Black-and-Reds in the IAC up to this point.

IAC Record: 4-2-2 (.583 points percentage)
Previous IAC Results:
IAC6: Eliminated in Second Round by The Alpine Union
IAC7: Eliminated in Second Round by The Penguinland

So, the SRS has had some success in their brief IAC history, including a stunning upset of then-hosts Mercedini back in the sixth edition, and a resounding 3-0 defeat of the Alpine Union to start IAC 7 after being eliminated from them in the previous edition's second round. They have never won a knockout match, however, something which they will definitely be called upon to do. As the third overall seed, the bare minimum expectation in the eyes of most pundits is a quarterfinal appearance. It should be noted, however, that while only Free Republics (17) and Juvencus (35) sit above the Black-and-Reds in the current KPB rankings, we are part of a logjam of IAC teams all ranked between 35th and 50th that also includes Omerica (37), Drawkland (38), Abanhfleft (42), Kelssek (47), New Lusitania and the Algarves (50), and our hosts, Reçueçn (44). In short, this should be a very evenly matched, closely contested tournament.

Closely contested was also an appropriate description for the match in Genève, with neither side able to break the deadlock during the first half. This is not to say that the match was a drab affair, devoid of chances. With Ajao very closely, and at times very physically marked by the Kurovijan center backs, he was usually unable to find enough space to create shots, but this close focus did open up some space for other players. Vladcik and Rebljeten in particular were able to find room near the corners of the box, but Aigars proved equal to their efforts. At the other end, Sriubas was afforded too much space by Oleb of all people, and executed a neat turn and shot, which flew just past the outstretched fingers of Munib, but also just past the outside of the post.

As the second half wore on, it was fair to describe the Confederates as downright wasteful of their possession, an area of the match in which they enjoyed a decisive advantage. The team appeared anxious with the continuing deadlock, taking shots from unlikely distances, forcing passes, and playing long balls that could charitably be described as hopeful. With around 20 minutes remaining, Donnell had seen enough, and elected to make her first substitution. While many armchair managers would likely have expected her to call on the finishing prowess of Jzvanic, or the midfield poise of Damot, she evidently saw some vulnerability in the right side of the Kurovijan defensive structure, opting to bring off Ruoho, who had struggled to significantly impact the match. In his place, she opted for the pint-sized technical terror, nutmeg artist Lavanya Naqvi.

Naqvi, who has been a driving force behind a consistently overachieving Emerald Coast team, wasted little time in making her presence felt. Less then five minutes after entering the field, she 'megged Pukitis, then had the presence of mind to hold up for a moment and send him to the ground, neatly dodging his desperation lunge. Free to walk into the box from a low angle, she picked out Rebljeten's far post run with a hard pass. Having gained goal-side position on his marker, it was a simple matter for Rebljeten to side-foot the ball in, as Aigars was hopelessly out of position covering the near post against Naqvi's advance.

Wary of the potential for a countering push, Donnell promptly pulled Vladcik off for Damot, transitioning the team's defensive posture to something more of a 4-4-1-1, as Rebljeten took up position more centrally, underneath Ajao. The captain's presence directing traffic, as well as the simple addition of another body to the midfield structure stifled Kurovijan attempts to drive forward for an equalizer.

With their narrow escape completed, the Black-and-Reds will head back to their home base of Heldingen for a match against a more familiar foe: New Lusitania and the Algarves. The Black-and-Reds' second round exit from the 74th Cup of Harmony came at the hands of the Selecção, and the two teams met twice in friendly matches prior to World Cup 82 qualifying, with the Black-and-Reds victorious in both of those. The upcoming match will be an important one for both sides. For the Confederacy, a win against the second seed in the group would put us on the inside track toward advancement, while for the Selecção, a disappointing loss to Silver Beach makes every point precious from here on out. Both teams will be sure to bring their best, whatever distractions there may be.

SRS IAC 8 Schedule and Results:

MD1: SRS 1-0 Kurovija Stade de la Reformation (cap. 27,000) Genève
MD2: SRS v New Lusitania and the Algarves Arena der Alpen (cap. 20,000) Heldingen
MD3: Port Ember v SRS Sporting Field (cap. 22,000) Renwyll
MD4: SRS v Lisander Arena der Alpen
MD5: Silver Beach v SRS Arena der Alpen

[Omerica]

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Omerica 4–0 Monglechabagd: Palmeiro and Falkirk notch braces to open the Incorrigibles’ title defence campaign
By Christine Halleran

Pythagoras Jones, Rule Theriault, Elidyr Lyndainium and Carol Haywood all got the chance to manage their teams to consecutive IAC titles; Lionel Mah was given two shots to pull that elusive feat off. But not just content with being only the second IAC holders to attempt a title defence on foreign soil, Omerica are the first defending Independent Associations champions to mount their title defence under a different manager. Anne-Sophie Groothuis has made history in her own way, leaving the job of retaining the nation’s Independents Cup crown to George Kostas, a man who had previously managed half of Omerica’s worst-ever World Cup qualification campaign.

You’d think it would be a recipe for disaster, but evidently it’s the recipe for the Incorrigibles’ most comfortable win ever at the young tournament. That record was previous held by the Incorrigibles’ 4–1 thrashing of Juvencus in their championship quarterfinal and previous still by a string of two-goal victories over the likes of Lochario, Darkmania, Tulize and Juvencus (again). It was hard to imagine débutantes Monglechabagd—who had yet to announce their squad for the tournament—mounting a serious challenge against any team in the top pot, not least one who shine the brightest at this tournament in particular.

The cozy Stade de la Reformation, one of two venues in the city of Genève featuring at this championship, was packed to its brim for the holders’ opening game. The twenty-seven thousand fans were treated to a gorgeous view of the Lac Genève, one of the host nation’s great natural wonders, and a masterclass by the Anglo attack triad of George Palmeiro, Christina Falkirk and Jessie Beckett.

It took just under seventeen minutes for the scoring to open, when Name Namensson scuffed a defensive pass inside the box. Free State native and Nassau breakthrough Falkirk snatched the ball, assisting Palmeiro in his successful upper-right corner shot. Falkirk would bag a goal herself in the thirty-first minute, capping off a counterattack from the right wing that had been spearheaded by Fernand Michelakakis and Beckett. Monglechabagd had a late chance in the 42nd minute to halve Omerica’s lead, but Valentine Augustin made her save of Max Mustermann’s shot look routine.

The second half was slower going for the Incorrigibles. Beckett had her 58th minute attempt cut short by the linesman’s flag, while her 68th minute shot on target landed safely in the gloves of Otto Normalverbraucher. Monglechabagd had another chance of their own, but Mustermann put his shot out wide; Augustin’s goal kick, successfully received by John Soares, led into the third goal that firmly wrapped up the win. Soares’s wild long pass into the box was met by an open Falkirk, who left Normalverbraucher to try in vain to stop her shot into the upper left corner. And to add insult to injury, Palmeiro put the match in the Omerican history books when he knocked a pass from Beckett into the lower right corner to secure a brace of his own.

The margin of Omerica’s comprehensive win in Genève was matched only by the hosts’ victory over Fujai at the National Stadium and only beaten by Drawkland’s ridiculous 7–2 hammering of Fleuronordicia at the Stade de la Reformation the previous day. In Group E, Omerica would be the only team to record a clean sheet on matchday one, with Barsland and Tamgu each letting in a single goal in their victories over HUElavia and Ouna respectively. Débutantes Barsland’s margin of victory was half that of Omerica’s and Tamgu’s margin over Ouna was half that of Barsland’s, putting the Incorrigibles at the top of the group straight away.

The mood had been nervous going into the match. Going from the celebrated Groothuis to a man who could only manage ten points in nine games at the helm of the national team and finished ten points adrift of champions Philibiscostal in a thirty-game season appeared a steep drop down. Yet the mood has lightened and become more optimistic. Faith in the Omerican tradition of attacking football is firmly back. Given the draw, the road to a title defence will be rough, but supporters now have some tiny reason to believe it is possible.

One thing Kostas will not do, however, is become complacent: “Each match is a challenge, but this match was fairly quickly decided,” Kostas stated in his first post-match presser as a permanent Omerica manager. “Any team can win on any day by any margin, so we have to wait to see if this is a positive sign or a flash in the pan.”

“We cannot rest on our laurels yet,” Kostas warned. “This is one match and we have four yet to play. Football is a fickle mistress who gives even the smallest minnows a chance. We have our toughest match, the match against HUElavia, ahead of us now and one that we have to win.” ◇

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Omerica 4–0 Monglechabagd
Independent Associations Championship 8 group stage — Matchday One
Stade de la Reformation, Genève, Reçueçn
Goalscorers: George Palmeiro 17’, 90’ – Christina Falkirk 31’, 78’
Omerica line-up: Valentine Augustin; Jet Sneyders – Aristide de Felice – Charity Kayode – Fernand Michelakakis; John Soares – Elise Bianchi – Red Bolton (captain); George Palmeiro – Christina Falkirk – Jessie Beckett

Omerica v HUElavia
Independent Associations Championship 8 group stage — Matchday Two
Stade de l’Alliance, Genève, Reçueçn
Omerica line-up: Valentine Augustin; Jet Sneyders – Aristide de Felice – Charity Kayode – Fernand Michelakakis; John Soares – Elise Bianchi – Red Bolton (captain); George Palmeiro – Christina Falkirk – Jessie Beckett

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[Darkmania]

[b]YouBet

The Likely Path to Victory.

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With Darkmania playing the Independent Association Cup as their usual warmup before the World Cup, we wanted to analyze how Darkmania will fair into the football tournament, with the first match, against Space. This was written after the match ending a 0-0 in an uneventful match.

Darkmania has not played any friendlies before this tournament nor has they did that this time, siting "not interested in doing so". Their last match was at the Qualifying where Darkmania (predictably) failed to qualify. Their chances to do well are slim.

But we will not disregard that they do suck. Their best results from IA6 hosted by fellow region member Mercdini when Darkmania out of nowhere reached the Quarterfinals only to lose to Omerica 2-0. But then they were fighting like hell and was incresly tired.

As Darkmania are ,as of typing, on the 2nd place in our group we might see a repeat of this, but it's unlikely. We better have a chance to host the Olympics and win all medials than to win. The future are unpredicable.

[New Lusitania and the Algarves]

STL|Serviços de Transmissão Lusitana
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IA8

PICKING UP WHERE LEFT OFF
New Lusitania 0-1 Silver Beach
@Champs du Sport, Renwyll (Att: 20 589)

New Lusitania played their first match after the disastrous Cup of Harmony event here in Reçueçn for the IA8. It would be the Selecção's 4th appearence in the competition managing two group stage exits and a decent 3rd in Mercedini, their only "title". The small but proud and traditional country of Reçueçn would be, hopefully a morale boost before whatever was to come in the new World Cup cycle. The modest sporting fields of Renwyll would host the first match against a completely unknown Silver Beach. Victor Santa Cruz decided to start on a rotation squad with António Lopes back from his injury at Belém, alongside Guerreiros, captain Carriça and Pedralva in the defence. Nevais would start in his usual position with Mário, Moreira, Luz and Veiga accompanied by Jota and Trincão upfront.
It started well for New Lusitania with a team of young hopefuls attempting to show their best intertwined with some more experienced players. Trincão hit the bar on the twentieth minute when the Silver Beach defence was caught out and later Veiga almost scored but was offside in a very well done trap by the two opposition defenders. Halftime it was a disappointing goalless draw. In the second half, Gama came on to help the game move a bit quicker despite Luz's best intentions on the wing. A bit after the hour mark, an awful foul was commited by Mário which was defending from a Counter-Attack. This gave their adversaries their one chance and they took it. From a decent free-kick the goal! New Lusitania then spent the rest of the game trying to get back. Another attempt for Trincão almost did it but the goalkeeper was undeterred. In the end, an unknown beach beat a medium (at best) sized team. FULL TIME: 0-1

Post Match Reaction
The post-match reaction by most fans was one of tremendous disappointment. Rui Lourosa stated on STL's show "Jornada" that "New Lusitania cannot give away goals like that, it penalises them severely and this match shows". Victor Santa Cruz meanwhile has said the obvious by saying it wasn't the best of starts but "everything is still wide open". The fans can only hope so, as they head towards their next match..

Around the Grounds
In Group F, the other "traditional" big contenders started with wins as the S.R.S. and Lisander both managed wins (1-0 vs.Kurovija, 2-4 vs.Port Ember respectively). It is of a reminder that Port Ember is now above Lisander in the rankings so it was an important win for them in the competition. Back in Group A the hosts started well with a 4-0 win against Fujai as Abanhfleft also started badly with a defeat against The Andromeda Archipelago (2-3). Kavagrad meanwhile edged out a victory versus Britonisea with a single goal.
They hosts created some good momentum but didn't manage a win on the scale of usual scorers Mercedini who overpowered Fleuronordicia by 7-2 as "Vakolicci" started off with a one all draw against, if STL have ascertained this information correctly, an Aquatic Mammal. Terre Septentrionale could've done better than a 2-2 draw if not for a last minute screamer that gave Aaaaaa a draw.
In Group C, the Free Republics beat not only The Dragons but also "The Bronies" in a 3-1 victory, as Sajnur got a win by 4-2 when they played the people of the Cybyl Tribe as minnows Biluji beat Penguinland by 2-1
In Group D there were many planes and many possibilities but only one Plane of Possibility managed to beat the establishment that is Juvencus by 0-1. Both Kelssek and Darkmania had goalless draws in their respective matches.
Finally, Group E hosted Omerica against German side Mönchengladbach by 4-0 as HUElavia had a 1-3 loss against Barsland. Tamgu got a win Ouna.
Errata: It seems Omerica beat Monglechabagd and not Mönchengladbach by 4-0. We apologise to the country in question, its people and federation

THE HUB
Nothing to note, as of yet.

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MMXIX

[Recuecn]

The whistle blew, and Franky tapped the ball to Lebo. The crowd roared. The eight IAC had begun, and Reçueçn was playing at home.

Then, like any other sporting event, as soon as the game had begun, there was a sudden dip in intensity. The national anthems, the music being played in the stadium, the overly energetic announcer--all the drama and fanfare that led up to the beginning of the game and the beginning of the tournament quieted as the action took center stage.

Things were not quiet for long, however. Fujai, playing for the first time ever in an international football tournament, was clearly no match for the Unicorns, newcomers as well, but a side that had quickly gained some experience. Reçueçn's typical defensive style proved to be an effective counter against the islanders. The Fujansk side was quicker on the attack but despite their valiant efforts, they struggled to maintain possession, which allowed Reçueçn to orchestrate several dangerous counter-attacks, culminating in the first goal of the match in the twenty-second minute. Bright made a beautiful clean sliding tackle which tapped the ball to Heissler. Pélissier took it and headed up the line but ran into trouble. Lebo, open on the other side of the field, called for the switch, to which Pélissier responded with a beautifully placed leading pass. Lebo juked past Chibuzo Jorg to send in a beautiful cross. It looked like it was intended for Franky, and the crowd groaned when he missed it, but it landed past him at the feet of Hippolyte Lavigne who scored a curling shot at the far post. The fans loved it. Reçueçn was in the lead.

It would stay that way for the rest of the match. Fujai continued to push the RNFT, who continued to stay strong defensively. Another twenty minutes later, not much had changed: both teams had had some more chances, but hadn't converted any of them, and while it was evident that the Fujansk players were putting forth a huge effort, they couldn't seem to take the upper hand. When the half-time whistle blew, it looked like Reçueçn would be moving on with yet another one-nil victory.

The second half progressed very differently, however. The hard work the Fujanskers had put in seemed only to have tired them, while the hosts came out looking refreshed and rejuvenated. The atmosphere in the stadium was clearly pushing them on, and just seven minutes into the half Pélissier scored a goal of his own. Tremblay responded, to the surprise of the commentators, with an offensive change, replacing the tired Lebo.

At this point the pace of the game switched. Reçueçn began to push harder, matching the attacking tempo set by their opponents in the first half. Ten minutes later Tremblay made yet another offensive change, taking off his defensive mid for an offensive one. Sure enough, once Saunders was on the field, he took his turn to put one in the net; unable to break through the defensive line he launched a cannonball from outside the box and managed to place it just outside the reach of Parekh.

With a 3-0 lead, the game was essentially over. The fans were elated. But Tremblay, eager apparently to show off for the opening match of the tournament, kept his team on the offensive. The Fujanskers, already knocked off their game, were now mercilessly hounded. "I'm not sure this is terribly sporting of Tremblay," said a commentator. Normal time ended and still the onslaught didn't end. Reçueçn was taking far more shots than usual, and finally, one last one went in. It was Franky. The prodigy, the star, the personality--he had to have one for himself, and he got it three minutes into stoppage time. With that, the whistle blew.

A promising start for the unicorns, to be sure. But would they be able to keep it up against more experienced competition?

Previous Match

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Reçueçn 5-0 Fujain
Independent's Cup 8 — Matchday 1
National Stadium, Reçueçn, Reçueçn
Goalscorers: Hippolyte Lavigne 22', Luc Pélissier 52', Harold Saunders 76', Franky Adams 90+3'
Reçueçn line-up: Gerauld Firaut (c), Leo Beck, Ägidius Heissler, Norman Bright, Oliver Spencer, Luc Pélissier, Grégoire Leclair, Maynard Hebron, Hippolyte Lavigne, Franky Adams, Freeman Lebo
Substitutions: Nasser for Lebo (54'), Saunders for Leclair (65'), Büchel for Hebron (79')

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Upcoming Match

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Reçueçn vs Abanhfleft
Independent's Cup 8 — Matchday 2
Stade de la Reformation, Genève
Reçueçn line-up: Gerauld Firaut (c), Leo Beck, Ägidius Heissler, Norman Bright, Oliver Spencer, Luc Pélissier, Harold Saunders, Maynard Hebron, Jean-Baptiste Brochard, Franky Adams, Freeman Lebo

[Recuecn]

CUTOFF

Some teams are smoothly moving forward with their IAC campaigns, while others are quietly passing towards elimination... you might call it a soft parade.

RESULTS

Group A
Fujai 1–0 Britonisea
The Andromeda Archipelago 4–3 Kavagrad
Reçueçn 2–1 Abanhfleft

Group A                           Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Reçueçn                             2   2  0  0    6   1  +5    6
2 The Andromeda Archipelago           2   2  0  0    7   5  +2    6
3 Kavagrad                            2   1  0  1    4   4   0    3
4 Fujai                               2   1  0  1    1   4  −3    3
5 Abanhfleft                          2   0  0  2    3   5  −2    0
  Britonisea                          2   0  0  2    0   2  −2    0

Group B
Fleuronordicia 2–2 Aaaaaa
Aquatic Mammal 0–3 Terre Septentrionale
Drawkland 4–0 Greater Vakolicci Haven

Group B                           Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Drawkland                           2   2  0  0   11   2  +9    6
2 Terre Septentrionale                2   1  1  0    5   2  +3    4
3 Aaaaaa                              2   0  2  0    4   4   0    2
4 Aquatic Mammal                      2   0  1  1    1   4  −3    1
5 Greater Vakolicci Haven             2   0  1  1    1   5  −4    1
6 Fleuronordicia                      2   0  1  1    4   9  −5    1

Group C
The Dragons and Bronies 2–0 The Penguinland
The People of the Cybyl Tribe 1–1 Bliuji
Free Republics 5–2 Sajnur

Group C                           Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Free Republics                      2   2  0  0    8   3  +5    6
2 Bliuji                              2   1  1  0    3   2  +1    4
3 The Dragons and Bronies             2   1  0  1    3   3   0    3
4 Sajnur                              2   1  0  1    6   7  −1    3
5 The People of the Cybyl Tribe       2   0  1  1    3   5  −2    1
6 The Penguinland                     2   0  0  2    1   4  −3    0

Group D
Plane of Possibility 0–2 Space
Widovia 1–1 Darkmania
Juvencus 1–3 Kelssek

Group D                           Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Kelssek                             2   1  1  0    3   1  +2    4
  Space                               2   1  1  0    2   0  +2    4
3 Plane of Possibility                2   1  0  1    1   2  −1    3
4 Darkmania                           2   0  2  0    1   1   0    2
  Widovia                             2   0  2  0    1   1   0    2
6 Juvencus                            2   0  0  2    1   4  −3    0

Group E
Monglechabagd 1–2 Ouna
Barsland 1–1 Tamgu
Omerica 3–1 HUElavia

Group E                           Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Omerica                             2   2  0  0    7   1  +6    6
2 Barsland                            2   1  1  0    4   2  +2    4
3 Tamgu                               2   1  1  0    3   2  +1    4
4 Ouna                                2   1  0  1    3   3   0    3
5 HUElavia                            2   0  0  2    2   6  −4    0
6 Monglechabagd                       2   0  0  2    1   6  −5    0

Group F
Kurovija 2–4 Lisander
Silver Beach 1–0 Port Ember
Squornshelan Remnant States 0–1 New Lusitania and the Algarves

Group F                           Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Lisander                            2   2  0  0    8   4  +4    6
2 Silver Beach                        2   2  0  0    2   0  +2    6
3 New Lusitania and the Algarves      2   1  0  1    1   1   0    3
4 Squornshelan Remnant States         2   1  0  1    1   1   0    3
5 Kurovija                            2   0  0  2    2   5  −3    0
  Port Ember                          2   0  0  2    2   5  −3    0

[Kelssek]

SCOUTING SUMMARY – INDEPENDENT ASSOCIATIONS CUP 8

Kelssek 0-0 Widovia
Kelssek dominated possession but were woeful in the shooting department. Kelssek sent a startling 18 shots off target as they squanched to a 0-0 draw against Widovia. Manager Kirk McDonagh was visibly frustrated with the display and perhaps might have been down to the team selection, but neither Brayden Custworth nor Matt Lister were able to convert when sent on for the purpose. Arjan Singh was given his first start for the national team but it was a rather unremarkable one.

Kelssek: Gallagher, Bowler, Pokorny, Arbour, Farahani, Tremblay-Fillon, McDonagh (Lister 81’), Bogdanor (Clinton 79’), Dionne, Kuelvic, Singh (Custworth 72’).
Goalscoring: none
Attendance: 18,390 at Carl III Stadium, Reçueçn

Juvencus 1-3 Kelssek
First of Kelssek’s two key fixtures of the group stage and a much improved showing from the Voyagers. Finally some quality as Adrian Tremblay-Fillion showed some of the impressive form that helped him win the domestic league title in Siovanjia & Teusland to create Kelssek’s first two goals. Kelssek were cruising by the 60-minute mark and it was surprisingly easy given the strength of this Juvencus side – on paper, at least.

Kelssek: Gallagher, Liadon, Halliger, Pokorny, Bowler, Demetriev, Farahani (Bogdanor 68’), Tremblay-Fillon, Lapierre, Kuelvic, Custworth (Singh 74’).
Goalscoring: KSK: Lapierre 9’, Custworth 43’, Kuelvic 70’
Attendance: 27,447 at National Stadium, Reçueçn

[Fujai]

IAC 8: The Student Perspective

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DU-UKH, UUK – Keiserholde, Fujai — Heya folks, Berit here coming to you from DU-UKH, Den Blå Duken, UiKeiserholde's officially unofficial student radio. We interrupt your normal university sports news for a report all the way from the IAC 8 in Reçueçn. The Landslag has played two matches so far, and honestly? It's going better than how I expected, at least.

Yesterday's was the team's first major international match, and was against our regional rival, Reçueçn. It went about as well as could have been hoped for. The Landslag scored a whopping zero goals, while the famously defensive Reçueçians scored a full four. This has proven a major setback for Fujansk hopes of sneaking into the Round of 16. Reçueçn's Hippolyte Lavigne, Luc Pélissier, Harold Saunders, and Franky Adams scored at 22, 52, 76, 90+3 minutes respectively. Personally I thought that last goal was a little bit extra, but the management tells me that I'm not here to judge. On the bright side, true to their form, Arin Salberg had three shots on target in the first half, and one in the second, all being stopped by the exceptional Reçueçian goalkeeper Gerauld Firaut. Even after the hard hitting loss, the Landslag seemed to be in good spirits and having a grand old time playing a game with their regional neighbors.

Today's match was played by what seemed like a different team. The good spirits showed yesterday by the Landslag bled into their match against Britonisea, which ended 1-0 for Fujai. It began slowly, with each side testing the other. Eventually, the duo Arin Salberg and Solfrid Hellem took a chance after receiving the ball from Rakel Veberg and raced down the field to score the only goal of the match. The second half was less exciting as the Britonish defense wizened up to some of the duo's tricks. The three subs were Pernille Slette for Maa'ingan Hoven, Agnar Boken for Jørgen Solstein, and Tosin Dawar of our friend UiSundet [sad trombone sound plays] for Solfrid Hellem after she spent most of the game running back and forth across the field. The match left Fujai positioned, surprisingly, not at the bottom of the group, with 3 points. Reçueçn, bien sûr, and The Andromeda Archipelago lead with 6, Kavagrad next with 3, and Abahnfleft and Britonisea are both sitting at zero.

Tomorrow's game will be played in the intimate Chapel-Field House in Reçueçn's capital against Abanhfleft. Considering their losses against The Andromeda Archipelago and Reçueçn, there may be a shot at a Fujansk victory. Granted they've also posted three goals for to our one, so take that with a big ol' grain of salt. Regardless of the outcome, of course, the whole country is thrilled just to be here, so get out there and show 'em your best, folks!

We now return to your regularly scheduled jokes about UiSundet's [sad trombone sound plays again] curling team.

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In the Hills, a poem about the Reçueçn-Fujai match written by Gertrude Hanndal, a student at Universitetet avf Sundet attending IAC 8 in Reçueçn.

Tens of thousands,
Gathered in the great bowl,
What, would they see,
Up in the hills.

Two teams in technicolor,
Neighbors both,
And one to prevail,
Up in the hills.

At the start,
In the back,
And even so at half.
But at the end,
They all stood up,
And waved our folks on,
Up in the hills.

Where they will go,
We do not know,
But we go with them,
Up in the hills.

[Barsland]

Barsland Sports News

Barsland Lucky To Secure Draw

Barsland 1 (Lawson 81') – 1 Tamgu (Nekir 27')

The hype of Barsland participating in the IAC has not died down, but some moods will have been dampened after a rather lackluster performance against the solid attacking force of Tamgu, as their constant threat at goal stopped Barslands own attack and tested the resolve of a back four who faced their first real challenge.

Barsland were the first to attack after kick-off, but Lawson and Collins struggled to find many chances against Tamgus three strong center-backs. Dano Teilar made short work of crosses from Banks and Jones, beating Lawson in the air and clearing the ball to their midfield after every attempt. Still full of confidence after getting two assists in the previous game, Taylor gracefully moved the ball through midfield but was forced to shoot from afar thanks to Konar easily dispossessing anyone moving towards the box. Unlike their counterparts Tamgu looked much more comfortable going forward with the ball, Ilko and Ulsima were a devastating partnership in midfield and easily dominated the area. Skinner struggled to keep up with Tayman, who was fouled by Smith after an intelligent inside run. Smith was shown a yellow card and Ilko stepped up to take the free kick, a lofted cross to Soros who headed it to Nekir to break the deadlock.

Tamgu continued to dominate possession in the second half and were unfortunate to not have increased their scoreline after their first chance was chalked off as offside after Tayman was caught making an early run. Barslands frustration was clearly visible as again and again they were forced to defend against Tamgus aggressive front line, and it all came to a head after a questionable yellow card was given to Sanders for a late tackle and a few Barsland players were more than vocal in their disapproval, leading to another yellow card for Hart and a warning for Banks. Hart, Smith and Sanders were all substituted shortly after, and tensions seemed to simmer. Despite his age, Pearce made a solid impact in defence alongside captain Watson, revitalising the defence despite a constant hammering from the Tamgu forward men. It was, perhaps, the relentless forward play that caused Tamgu to tire towards the latter minutes of the second half, and finally, in the 81st minute Barsland were able to bring the score level thanks to some brilliant play between Banks and Taylor, who managed to ht a perfect through-ball to Jones who, with a low cross, gave Lawson a much needed goal.

Barsland are now sitting in 2nd in their group, staying above Tamgu on goal difference.

Manager Mason was less jubilant in his comments after the game saying: "This is the reality of football, we can't win every game and we should never go forward thinking we will."
When asked about Sanders booking he stated that it was "the right call" and that "he was just in the wrong place at the wrong time, I won't be taking any action against him for that".

Player Ratings

Group E                           Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Omerica                             2   2  0  0    7   1  +6    6
2 Barsland                            2   1  1  0    4   2  +2    4
3 Tamgu                               2   1  1  0    3   2  +1    4
4 Ouna                                2   1  0  1    3   3   0    3
5 HUElavia                            2   0  0  2    2   6  −4    0
6 Monglechabagd                       2   0  0  2    1   6  −5    0

[Monglechabagd]

Monglechabagd National Soccer Team

Goalkepers
#1 Virs Trisnet
#12 Dan Firstein
#13 Tanich Morgan

Defenders
#2 Calli Vas
#3 Gunther Krüger
#4 Sas Tonär
#5 Christian Ødgerdard
#14 Ryan Friss
#15 Eenm Webrg
#16 Kris Verghär
#17 Rim Nill

Midfielders
#6 Donald Hits
#7 Terr Vics
#8 Robin Van Signerssen
#18 Zillem Killensen
#19 Willem Tupssen
#20 Thim Kironsen
#21 Olem Jugssen
#22 Francis Tirenssen

Ofensive
#9 Hans Nesferchërt
#10 Danis Willsen
#11 Ximo Varsen (Captain)
#23 Remins Nortfer
#24 Lofers Tans

[Bliuji]

Bliuji ties The People of the Cybyl Tribe putting them in 2nd place for group C. The game was very close all throughout; with Bliuji playing very sloppy on offense, with 4 shots on target out of 10 attempted shots Bliuji's offense was in shambles. On defense however things were great, Andriy Pyatov stopped 10 out of the 11 shots on target. The People of the Cybyl Tribe came out strong with scoring on their first shot of the game. And it wasn't up until the 56th minute that Vitaly Aksakov made Cybyl Tribes defense look foolish; going around 2 of them he then nutmeg the goal keeper. Injuries always seem to be a problem and that was definitely the case for assistant captain Sidor Alexandrov suffering a broken dick. He is estimated to be out for the rest of the tournament. As for the rest of the tournament fans are doubtful... the team needs to be playing better that much was noticeable in the first 2 games.

We can also agree that Bliuji has the talent. Acquiring new players, the IAC 8 is really going to be a test to see who will make Bliuji's world cup 84 roster. We saw how insane the new recruits were in the first game, keeping that performance up will earn them a spot.

In other news Erast Bezrukov, Spartacus Yuriev and Vitaly Aksakov were interviewed about their notable performances from tonight's match up.

"How do you feel about your performance at this point in your career?" said reporter Alexa Slicov

"What else can I say other than I am one of the best on the team" Vitaly Aksakov responded

"What is your opinion on the team?" said Alexa Slicov

"We have the talent on offense, midfield and goalkeeping. But if our defense men don't step up their game we are going to be in trouble." said Erast Bezrukov

"Do you think you will be making the world cup 84 roster?" said Alexa Slicov

"I might be the best forward in Bliuji's pro league. I'm making the team no matter what." Said Spartacus Yuriev

[Silver Beach]

Silver Beach National Team


Information
Country code: SLB
Denonym: Silverians
Manager: Orlando Juarez, 78 years old, won Baptism of Fire 61 with Amazonesta
Senior Assistant Manager: Adar Samuel. 42 years old.
Captain: Eyal Shimshelewitz
Alternate Captain: Todd Lieberman
Home Kits: Blue(similar to Greece)
Away Kits: White(similar to Tottenham)

RP Permissions
Choose my goalscorers: Yes
Choose Scoring Events: Yes
Godmod scoring events: Yes
Hand out yellow cards to my players: Yes
Hand out red cards to my players: Yes(please state how long they will be out if you do choose to injure them however).
RP Injuries to my players: Yes(please state how long they will be out if you do choose to injure them however).
Godmod injuries to my players: Yes
Godmod other events: Yes
Style modifier: +5

Essentially, do whatever you want, but please don't kill anybody.

http://lineupbuilder.com/?sk=fx97m

Starters: 3-4-3 Diamond
GK #1 Todd Lieberman. Age 38.
RB #2 Ian Goldberg. Age 23.
CB #5 Etan Szinessy. Age 27.
LB #3 Yeeshai Berlinger. Age 21.
CDM #4 Eyal Shimshelewitz. Age 33. Captain.
RM #8 Harrod Levitt. Age 19.
LM #6 Jacobe Gross. Age 19.
CAM #10 Avigdor Stein. Age 24.
RW #11 Jud Zeiman. Age 29.
ST #9 Jessy Margolis. Age 31.
LW #7 Javen Isaaman. Age 30.

Bench:
GK #13 Evan Shoshan. Age 29.
GK #35 Eliezer Fleischmann. Age 33.
RB/LB #27 Matthias Lahrheim. Age 21.
CB #18 Hyman Stein. Age 22.
LB/RB #13 Meir Diamond. Age 28.
CM #14 Benjamin Mayan. Age 29.
CM/CAM #15 Moshe Shapiro. Age 31.
CAM #23 Baron Spiro. Age 17.
LW/RW #12 Job Resnick. Age 21.
LW/RW #20 Joziah Susser. Age 33.
ST #24 Yedidyah Shoshan. Age 30.
ST #17 Zimra Semon. Age 16.

Notes:
- Our free kicks, corner kicks, and penalty kicks are taken by Avigdor Stein

[Bliuji]

This is looking out to be the hardest match for Bliuji so far. And with Sajnur after this match, things aren't looking easy for the team. Sports analysis are predicting a 6-0 loss for Bliuji. Free Republics however is the highest ranked team in the IAC 8 and will be walking all over Bliuji this match, much like how they kicked Sajnurs ass. But Bliuji will get torn apart far worse.

In other news Sidor Alexandrov is out 2-4 weaks with a broken dick. That's right last game a drunk fan ran out into the field screaming "death to Russia" and kicked Sidor Alexandrov's genitals so hard they ended up breaking. The man's name is Mike Smith a 25 year old man from West Bliuji. He got charged with assault and battery and is awaiting his appeal.


Bliuji starting lineup// Subs in Bold
GK: Andriy Pyatov
DF: Karp Yuriev
DF: Roman Aksakov
DF: Tim Kolesnikov
DF: Lawrence Biryukov
MF: Erik Belov
MF: Erast Bezrukov
MF: Kyle Gordon and Vitaly Aksakov(sub)
FW: Spartacus Yuriev
FW: Daniel Lyskov
FW: Philemon Yefremov and Xanderikek Miles(Sub)

[The Andromeda Archipelago]

The Andromeda Eagles vs. Kavagrad
Siegstadium
Zimmerich, Reçueçn
Saturday, November 4

With the change in venue, the coaching staff hoped for a change in how the Eagles would play. They were thankful that their first game resulted in a win, but they were a little upset at the manner in which they won. Both Coach Jones and Coach Zimmerman emphasized the word DEFENSE in their pre-game pep talk. Jones placed an exclamation point on her emphasis when she said…

“We can’t have another 3-2 win. We need some D.”

-----

Midway through the second half, the Eagles were down 3-2, but the Eagles front line was passing the ball and setting up for a scoring opportunity. Dolfo Martinez was on the bench because of his sprained ankle. Some of the reserve players were joking around with Martinez as they watched.

Thomas passed the ball to Steffi Tucker. As Tucker looks to set up a play, Brea Young and Carla DiGregorio sit next to Martinez. Many of the other reserve players joined Martinez, who was watching the game intently.

“Hey Martinez,” Brea Young says.

“What’s up?”

“You see Tucker out there,” DiGregorio asks.

“What about her?”

“She needs some D.”

Young, DiGregorio and some of the other girls laughed.

“She looks like she’s…”

Martinez caught the innuendo mid-sentence. Most of the bench players are laughing.

The crowd erupted as Steffi Tucker tied up the game at 3 apiece. After a bit of celebration, the Eagles regained their composure.

“Get back on D,” Coach Zimmerman yells.

“Back that ass up on that D,” Martinez yells.

Coach Zimmerman overheard Martinez. Even she couldn’t help but smile.

-----

The Eagles are more relaxed during the last few minutes. Many of the players were intimidated by the imposing architecture of Siegstadion. Some of the players felt as if they were going to face a pride of lions in the Coliseum in Rome.

Now, the low-brow banter that began with Brea Young and Carla DiGregorio spread onto the field. As Madison Nichols’ pass to Phil Thomas results in the deciding goal, the intimidating atmosphere of the Siegstadium feels as familiar to the Eagles as any of the campus stadiums back home.

Just after the goal, Coach Zimmerman walks over to Martinez and the girls. She has a stern look on her face.

“I overheard your little cute comments, Rudolfo. We need to talk.”

“Sure thing, Coach."

“I’ll be in my room later. We can talk while I order some brats.”

“What?”

“This part of the country is well known for bratwurst. I’m getting some and I’d like you to... to come?”

Martinez isn’t sure where Coach Zimmerman is going with this. Zimmerman smiles.

“Gotcha!”

As the girls all laugh, Martinez realizes that Coach Zimmerman is much cooler than he thought.

FINAL: Eagles 4, Kavagrad 3

PLAYER OF THE GAME

Forward #10 - Phil Thomas

Age: 22
Height: 6’2”
Team: University of Joppa

The team captain for the University of Joppa Soccer Team, Archibald McPhilliamy Thomas lead Joppa to two straight ACAA Soccer Titles. A transfer student, Thomas played his first two seasons at the International School in World Assembly Territory.

Thomas is a graduate student in International Relations. He is the youngest child of former Foreign Affairs Minister Archibald Thomas of Nassau.

[Sajnur]

Rising Stars: Silja Jorse

Silja Jorse: lightning fast, unpredictable, very young. Those are the first things that come to mind when the average Sajnuran fan hears her name. All three of those things are true. Still only seventeen years old, yet with the pace to match the fastest Sajnuran football has to offer, she has made a name for herself laying waste to the flanks of football pitches, primarily in defence, but really mostly in attack. Nominally a right back, she is sometimes deployed at right wing to make use of her prodigious attacking talent, her skill and sheer speed on the ball making her near untouchable as she whistles past opposing defenders and her crosses more than good enough to provide chances to teammates. She even has a shot good enough that she is occasionally deployed on the left as a cut inside girl, and one that is just as effective from free kicks as from open play.
Born in an anarchist commune in Djursa State, Silja had an unconventional schooling, with subjects such as rifle shooting and “survival” alongside the usual Doravan and science, and Silja’s favourite dance and music classes. Silja, however, was recruited by the Anarchists FC academy soon after her 13th birthday and made her professional debut in the Sajnuran Second League at the age of 14, making her the youngest professional in any ball sport in the country. For this most recent season she was bought by Stormers FC of Roskjepa and helped the Sajnuran Premier League team to 7th in the league. She was their lead creator of goals too, her crosses and set pieces assisting ten. Still going to high school in her commune, she flies down to the Delta State capital for training and matches, taking classes with the club’s youth division when she needs to be with the team on weekdays.

As mentioned before, Silja’s primary asset is her speed. Likely the fastest female footballer in the country, she is a frequent dribbler down the wing with many an opposing fullback failing to deal with her, and her pace allows her to hound down wingers who dare try to get clear. Her crossing is a potent weapon with plenty of curve to bamboozle waiting centre backs and home in on strikers and her shot is accurate enough to be a constant threat from the edge of the penalty box. When played on the left, she can cut inside and get deep into the enemy box and curl it around helpless goalkeepers, and when on the right she can slice the ball past the near post or simple fire it straight between keeper and post. Her primary job, however, is defence, and if she weren’t good at it she wouldn’t be a defender. She positions herself between passer and receiver with intelligence and can cut off any pass, but her relative lack of strength means she has to take risks when tackling. While usually coming off, her tackles sometimes miss the target and she can concede fouls. Furthermore, her penchant for hanging high up the pitch means she can sometimes be left out of position when a fast attack hits her wing, although her pace means she can recover much of the time.
Silja’s main hobbies are archery and playing the oboe and accordion. She is a member of the Sajnuran Archers Society, and has competed in national archery and rifle shooting competitions. She has also played accordion for the songs of several famous Sajnuran artists and bands. Silja is the cousin of cricket all-rounder Toljo Jorse.

Sajnur v Cybyl Tribe


    Sajnur              4 - 2              Cybyl Tribe

 Naulo 15' (Siafik)                              #9 33' (#7)
 Murje 40' (Tule)                                #8 60' (p)
  Tule 71'
Siafik 76'

Sajnur v Free Republics


    Sajnur               2 - 5             Free Republics

Siafik 20' (Levici)                           Peltola 30' (Smith)
 Naulo 65' (Levici)                                   51' (Holm)
                                                      61' (Izmailov)
                                              Lydsson 39' (Peltola)
                                                 Holm 84' (p)

[Tamgu]

General Election Controversy With Tamguna Player

The general elections are closing in, and tensions between the sides are getting heavier and heavier. The IAC, at this point, is the only thing that's keeping Tamgu from becoming a warzone between the supporters of the different parties. It is so bad that public areas are now dividing people based on their party. They sit in groups with walls between them. This unusual state of society is seen in every election and after them, everything goes back to normal. The friendly, happy and laid back Tamguna people come back.

It seems this tension has affected Toy Estogas as well, as he's known to be a little hot-headed, and has a non-impressive track record of not getting involved with politics as a footballer. He has gone in a fight with a Tamguna fan and beat him up quite well. He paid his way out of custody, but he will be judged after the tournament ends. The fan has told that he has talked about his party in a sort of demeaning joke, but he thought that he would take it lightly. It wasn't how the events turned out at all. His eyebrow has popped and one of his teeth fell out. There are some friends of Estogas who think he was rightful in giving him a beating, as he was being an ...

Manager Albin Nerovod was furious when he received the news, he immediately dropped him out of the squad. This means Sami Felter will get his first start since the game against Rezneta in a friendly, before WC83. Nerovod told the press that he was confident in Felter and that he could protect the Tamguna net just as well as Estogas, and his only real minus compared to him is the experience. He is also planning to drop Reizo for the next game for Duman after the disappointing 1-1 draw against Barsland. He is planning to bring Canke Elak in for Yann Ulsima to have more defensive quality on the pitch, as Ulsima is an attacking-minded midfielder who's not so effective on the defense. He may get subbed in Tamgu are behind or drawing in the second half.

Predicted 11 Against Omerica: 3-5-2 (2 DM, 1 CAM)
---------------------Felter
----------Konar -- Teilar -- Postas
Tayman -- Ilko -- Leima -- Elak -- Duman
----------------Nekir -- Soros