AOCAF Cup LIX - Everything Thread

[Sarzonia]

Madeline Barclay knew why Bryan Ostrom sat, fidgeting on the couch outside her office.

As she looked at her coffee cup before glancing at the computer awaiting the appointed time for Ostrom to walk in for his post-AOCAF performance evaluation, she smiled.

She knew the executives were very pleased with the performance of the team, in particular, since the Under 21 national team was competing against senior national teams in a regional tournament that hadn't seen the Stars in many a cycle.

She also knew that the senior national team was looking for a manager with the recent passing of Franz Braddock, who had been the last man to manage the Stars, back in World Cup LVII. She knew she was being given the option to provide Ostrom the right of first refusal, an option she had every intention of offering.

She picked up the coffee mug sitting to her right, drew it to her lips and took a sip. She then set the coffee mug down and looked at the time on the clock.

Two minutes after 10 a.m. The interview/performance evaluation was to start at 10 a.m. sharp. She glanced at the screen for a moment, realising she was late, then sent the evaluation document to the printer to her far left. She turned in her big chair and grabbed the sheets of paper. She then put them to the far end of the desk away from her coffee mug, picked up the phone to her immediate left, and rang her secretary.

"Gladis, you can send him in now." The secretary looked up at Ostrom.

"Mr. Ostrom? She's ready."

Drawing in his breath and exhaling for a moment, Ostrom stood up and walked slowly into Barclay's office.

"Oh, Bryan," she said, standing up and extending her hand. She affected a grave look on her face even though she knew it was an act. They shook hands, then she motioned for Ostrom to sit in the seat directly across from her and in front of the desk. He complied.

"OK, Bryan, first thing's first," she said, picking up the papers to her right and then tapping them on the desk. She looked up, then cracked a huge smile.

"Great job this AOCAF," she said. "The Board of Governors shares my enthusiasm with the way you and the team performed. You took a team of football neophytes and got them standing toe-to-toe with senior national teams and they more than held their own.

"In fact, we all noticed that, not only were the Stars not in last place, but they didn't even have the worst goal differential in the group.

"You did a lot to be proud of. This performance evaluation will only confirm that." She handed him the papers, in which he earned the highest possible marks.

"We also wanted to make you an offer, if you're interested," she said. "We're considering sending a national team, a real senior national team, to the World Cup this cycle, and we'd like you to be the manager."

Ostrom felt the relief wash over him first, but then raised his eyebrows when he realised he was being tasked with possibly managing the senior national team.

"Really? But I never applied for the job!"

"We weren't sure we were even going to advertise for it," she said. "But after we saw how you got this team prepared all AOCAF, we felt you were the only choice for the senior job."

After a conversation that lasted an hour and a half, both Ostrom and Barclay stood up and shook hands, then were off to celebrate with a lunch at Crusty Carl's. It was definitely a momentous day for Sarzonian football.

[Chromatika]

Matchday 10: Audioslavia 1-3 Chromatika
Goals: Victoriane '10, Vidal '69, '88
Starting Lineup: Nier; Ruth - de Aea - Ibex - Ilya; Thorben - Mora - Kuzami - Conrad; Andisori, K. (C) - Victoriane.
Substitutes: Vidal -> Victoriane ('51), Armageddon -> Kuzami ('74), Damjana -> Ilya ('82)

---

Chromatika Prepares to Host AOCAF...

By Michelle Winston, Staff Writer

As the Chromatiks wrap up the group stage with a nice away win at Audioslavia, the nation braces for the hosting of the AOCAF. When the news was announced that Chromatika would co-host the 59th AOCAF with Freeport, the country was galvanized into motion. Alnio, Chromatik City, Lhor, Felswyr, Z'ai'ai, Myana, and Urrheddiao were picked as host cities, with the Capitalizt Dome set to be the site of the Championship Game.

The ire of the Checkers Party was swift. A massive ad campaign has already hit the airwaves, saying that this will bring many foreigners who don't deserve the resources of the Chromatiks. However, this seems to only confirm the suspicions of the populace that the Party is just mirroring what the caste system used to do.

This is a way for the nation to get back at the Party that is holding everything up, and to show that this country is sick and tired of all the political bullshit and just wants an election.

Yes. Hear that, Alina Krasnikova and government? Hear that, Checkers Party?

We're sick of all the political nonsense. We want true freedom.

Rainbow Revolution? Past. No, this is the true revolution. I call for the people to rise. It's time.

Arise.

[Valanora]

It was far from the the sort of conclusion to the group stage that the Marauders would have liked, after hiring a defensive assistant manager to instill some steel into their backline only to see it give up seven goals in the last two games and see their goals conceded double in two matches time. The match against the Vilita and Turori squad in the northern part of the region was one that the side knew it was going to have a bit of trouble with, with those from the cove having not even drawn a game thus far in the tournament. Yet to still struggle to contain their striker combination was something of a disappointment with the Marauders own attack unable to truly get going and could only a muster single goal to their game, letting the Eel-cat things emerge with yet another victory to add to their tally. We know now that they would end the group stage with a completely perfect group stage and should be the heavy favorites to win the entire tournament now that we are in the knockout stages, having shown no signs of any sort of weaknesses in their stroll to the group title.

The match against Bolgano on the other hand, it was a match that is going to make Jens Reiniger and Colin Donaldson stay awake at night with how much of a chaotic nightmare that it turned out to be. With four goals conceded to the second worst team in the group and one of the worst teams that had entered into the competition, it is the sort of defensive performance that will now have several of the defenders having to now have their places in the national team questioned. They will have to hope to show a significant improvement in the knockout rounds if they will want to prove that the last two games were just a pair of bad days at the office and not indicative of their skill or normal style of play. Luckily the offense talent was able to ride the energy of the crowd of the Hatire Memorial and put on a striking display that would make any fan of the beautiful game quite proud. It was a tale of two different sides of the game and two very different feelings for the different set of players. The team will have to sort itself out quickly and the offense look to lift the defense up and perhaps give it a bit of cover in the next few matches.

With the win, the Marauders were able to secure their advancement into the knockouts, though the results from the other groups did go the way of the Marauders, which would have seen the side progress regardless of what happened in that last match. The win did push the side further up into the seeding, which would have normally been believed to be a good thing, however in this instance it looks to have not served the Marauders well, as they were then put into a match with the cohosts of the tournament in Chromatika. The Marauders generally have a good history when it comes to facing down the Chromatika squad, especially considering that they have been in a bit of a footballing hiatus over the last few years. Yet let that not fool you in the least, for the Marauders know fully well how much it means to be playing in front of your fans, having a long history of bad luck when it comes to vying with hosts of tournament in the knockout rounds. While there have been a smattering of victories here and there, on the whole, the Marauders prefer not to have to face against host nations, especially once the knockout stages begin.

So the Chromatiks finished the group stage with twenty three points, having won an and drawn an additional game compared to the Eternal Empire squad, while also being more proficient when it came to scoring goals. Their squad was about the same when it came to the defensive side of things, apparently having their own woes here and there. This is going to be a game about who can whittle down the opponents defensive will first, as it is highly likely that the defensive units of both squads are a bit in a mental fragile stage at this point. A good performance by either will likely tilt the affair, though one would have to believe that the experience that the hero quartet has against the Chromatika side will be a bit of an edge. These are different players though and the passage of time does have its detriments, of which many can attest to. Strength against strength and weakness against weakness will be on display in The Tidal Wave in Tihon and over ninety thousand eyes plus the billions on television attuned to what will transpire on that field.

[Tropicorp]

Techies to Square off against Mriin in Round of 16

Tropicorp Park, Tropicoast, Tropicorp :: Hanauma Ranbomahi held serve for another shutout between the pipes for Team Tropicorp as the Techies advanced to the AOCAF Round of 16 with the maximum momentum after a 4-0 drubbing of Torisakia.

With many of the Cocoabo from Cocoabo Park participating in the Ice Hockey Competition at the Winter Olympic Games in Yeaddin, Vilita; there was a new generation of Cocoabo getting their first taste of internationstatal action at Tropicorp Park alongside the scientists, researchers and engineers from the nearby Tropicoast Campus who had been refining their skills over the past few seasons of regional competition.

It was a rarity, however, for Tropicorp Park to host matches for the Tropicorp Regional Team having mostly been used as the home of Vilitan Stellar Division Side Tropicorp FC. The 4-0 victory over Torisakia was well attended by Tropicorp employees and family in Tropicoast - some of whom may have been aware that this could be the last opportunity to see Team Tropicorp in action at Tropicorp Park as the opportunity afforded to them with the extended Group Stage action during the dual-hosted AOCAF LIX Competition would not be guaranteed to repeat itself in future editions.

While Tropicorp's Techies had a confidence boosting victory to close out the group stage, the same could not be said for their Round of 16 opponents, Mriin, who fell 4-2 in Baker Park to lose their grips on the Top Spot in Group C and back their way into the knockout rounds with their first defeat of the tournament.

For the Round of 16 in Freeport, Team Tropicorp will get reinforcements from Stellar Division side Tropicorp FC. Eligibility to play for Tropicorp in regional competition is extended to all employees and residents of Tropicorp and Cocoabo Park. As Tropicorp FC is wholly owned by Tropicorp all players contracted to the club are also, by extension, employees of Tropicorp and eligible to represent Tropicorp at the regional level if not otherwise conflicted by representing their home nation. While Tropicorp typically only invoke this extension in goal through Hanauma Ranbomahi during the group stage of competition - instead focusing on research and development related lineups, once the knockout rounds begin all bets are off and anyone on the Professional Team who is available is invited to represent their employer in the fight for Atlantian Oceania superiority.

Now, the only question remaining is whether the reinforcements will be enough to see Tropicorp navigate beyond Mriin and into the Quarter Final Round of AOCAF LIX.

[Freeport Isles]

Round of 16 Cutoff

AOCAF Cup LIX
Round of 16 Results

Farfadillis 1−1 Qasden
(1–2 AET)
at United Center in Urrheddiao, CMT

Banija 0−1 Ko-oren
at Z'ai'ai Field in Z'ai'ai, CMT

Vilita & Turori 1−2 Siovanija & Teusland
at RCK Field in Alnio, CMT

Chromatika 2−2 Valanora
(2–2 AET) (6–7 pen.)
at The Tidal Wave in Tihon, CMT

---

Quarterfinals Fixtures

Qasden vs. Ko-oren
at The Cove in Lhor, CMT

Siovanija & Teusland vs. Valanora
at Frozen Stadium in Felswyr, CMT

[Commonwealth of Baker Park]

Vanquishers. BP to settle score
by Frank Armitage
The Daily Mail Chief Football Writer

Reporting from Freeport:

The Round of 16 match between Cosumar and Baker Park will mark the 4th time sides will meet in major tournament competition; one cycle ago, the Commonwealth National Team achieved their best result ever in senior competition when they defeated Cosumar 4-2 in front of 55,800 at Keller Field in the penultimate match--the Consolation Playoff--of AOCAF 58.

That avenged the sides' previous meeting, in the Round of 16 at World Cup 82 at the Stadium of Apox in Dwile; after 120 minutes ending in a 1-1 stalemate, Cosumar came through ahead in a 7 goal penalty shootout to advance.

In World Cup 81, the debut matchup occurred in the final group stage match at the O'Reilly Coliseum of Greatness in Elephant, Free Republics. Cosumar came away with a 2-1 victory, but earlier results meant that Baker Park qualified for their first ever World Cup knockout match.

When the sides meet at the Archon Arena here, there is more than just pride on the line. The Bees have gone 13 matches unbeaten since they were eliminated by Mriin in World Cup 83, and they came through to finish top spot in Group C with a 4-2 win against the Reavers in the final group stage match.

Manager Pam Scott is bullish on her side's chances, especially the increased emphasis at the defensive end, as the Bees were near the top of the goals allowed table.

"We've shown we can put the ball in the net, and the back line have made it their goal to be the difference between winning & losing. We keep talking about 'knocking on the door, earning our rank', this is the point where talk needs to translate into performance."

[Chromatika]

Cutoff for the Freeport side of the Ro16.

Enjoy this music!

AOCAF Cup LIX
Round of 16 Results

Equestria 4−0 Saltstead
at Condottieri Coliseum in Freeport, FPT

Mriin 3−0 Tropicorp
at Black Spire Stadium in Freeport, FPT

Starblaydia 5−2 Krytenia
at West Wharf Park in Freeport, FPT

Baker Park 0−0 Cosumar
(0–1 AET)
at Archon Arena in Freeport, FPT

---

Quarterfinals Fixtures

Equestria vs. Mriin
at West Wharf Park in Freeport, FPT

Starblaydia vs. Cosumar
at Black Spire Stadium in Freeport, FPT

[Siovanija and Teusland]

Die Stelburger Zeitung

Sport

Miracle 2: Electric Boogaloo

Siovanija and Teusland advance to a third straight AOCAF Cup Quarterfinal thanks to a 2-1 victory over Vilita and Turori.

When the draw announced that the Goldhorns would face off against the Eel Cat Things, media attention turned immediately to a game that happened several years in the past. “Of course you guys are going to talk about that, but no one in this room is too worried about it. Yes, some of us were there, everyone knows what happened, but we’re focused on getting back on track and getting the win tonight,” commented Michael Ribbeck.

Ribbeck was the star of the evening at Wyvernscrest in Northbrush, Mriin as he scored the stoppage time winner in Siovanija and Teusland’s 5-4 victory over Vilita and Turori at AOCAF 57 in the Round of 16. The Eel Cat Things were world and regional champions at the time, and went on to win another World Cup immediately afterwards. The Goldhorns’ upset was a shock at the time, and the overall excitement of the match has led to it being the most memorable in the national team’s history to date.

The game stands as the 2nd most watched sports television broadcast in Siovanija and Teusland’s history, eclipsed only by the World Cup of Hockey 35 Quarterfinal. The match served to rally fans around the national football team, which had struggled in the previous World Cup’s qualifiers and, realistically, sputtered through the group stage with a 1-1-1 record. The victory brought new positivity to the team and its fans, who now truly believed that the sky was the limit for the Goldhorns.

In the modern day, however, there are questions about whether that positivity is justified. The Goldhorns have yet to advance past the Quarterfinal stage of the AOCAF, despite being ranked 10th regionally. The team, quite frankly, blew their chance at qualifying for World Cup 83 in the Playoff stage, and crumbled at Cup of Harmony 75. Even this tournament was nothing to write home about: a 4-0-6 record in the Group Stage, and qualifying as the 16th seed. The Goldhorns were, in fact, only playing Vilita and Turori because they could not face Equestria again, as the teams had been in the same group.

When Gavin Hughes’ XI took to the field at RCK Field in Chromatika, then, there was a lot more pressure on the shoulders of these Goldhorns. Just how they would deal with that against one of the greatest nations to ever play the game would determine how the next 90 minutes would play out. It was Hughes’ usual first choice team for this one, with Viktor Venev in goal replacing Yanko Zhelyaskov, who had struggled during the group stage.

Vilita and Turori began the game with much of the possession and intent early on. Viktor Venev made a fantastic save to deny Nii’arala Milaaso only a few minutes into the game. The former Galactico Young Player of the Year fired a strong shot that Venev just barely got a touch on to tip it over. The corner afterwards required another massive effort for Venev. It was clear that in what could possibly be his final game for his country, Venev wanted to make it his best game for his country.

The Goldhorns settled into the match after an opening spell of dominance from the Eel Cat Things, particularly defensively. Karl-Heinz Jager and Raphael Klopfer looked perfectly in sync together, and the fullbacks Lotbiniere and Steimle used their pace to urge Siovanija and Teusland forwards. The Goldhorns’ best chance in the first half came off the boot of Krasimir Kynev, who fired a shot from in close at Vernasa Sanamun, but the keeper kicked it aside. Shouts for a penalty from the Goldhorns minutes before the halftime whistle when Michael Ribbeck went down in the box were denied by the referee, much to the anger of the Goldhorns’ faithful in the stands, but replays showed the referee made the correct call. The halftime whistle came with the score level at 0-0, and a clear belief in the eyes of the Goldhorns that they could compete with Vilita and Turori.

As much as the national media had talked about Siovanija and Teusland ‘doubling up’ on the Miracle of Northbrush, there had been another key element missing from the conversation: perhaps Vilita and Turori desired to take their own revenge for the previous loss. Coming out for the second half, it certainly seemed as if the Eel Cat Things were driven: they played with even more intensity to start this half then they had in the first. It paid off for them, too. 6 minutes into the half, a low drive by Milaaso beat Viktor Venev to the bottom left corner. 1-0 Vilita and Turori.

The Goldhorns were going to have to dig deep and leave everything out on the field if they wanted to win this one. Vilita and Turori adapted a strong counter-attacking style after the goal that choked out any Goldhorn advance. Siovanija and Teusland struggled at times to even get the ball over the halfway line. It was clear a change needed to made, and Gavin Hughes took Viktor Kostov off and sent on young Todor Mihailov. It was a risky move: Kostov added a bit of a physical presence in the midfield, while the switch to Mihailov indicated attacking intent for the rest of the game.

The effect was immediate. This country has never had a player like Mihailov, and the Yeaddin Owls midfielder immediately took control of the game. We’ve seen flashes of his brilliance before, but it was on full display here. Now the Goldhorns were pushing forward. Mihailov made his mark within minutes of coming on, sending a through ball forward for Michael Ribbeck. Ribbeck, one and one with Sanamun. The SW Stahlberg striker would not be denied, and he chipped the keeper to make it 1-1.

Vilita and Turori weren’t going to let Mihailov run the tempo of the rest of the match, however, and made their own changes to counter his effectiveness. It was in fact Mihailov’s Yeaddin teammate Daliora Toru’u brought in to the Eel Cat Things midfield. What followed was a short spell of caution from each side, but the game quickly balanced out and saw great chances for each side. Viktor Venev was still incredible in the Goldhorn goal, denying Nua’oma Aikiki’s shot on the doorstep to preserve the score.

The clock passed 65 minutes, then 70 minute, and it became clear that the next goal might just win the game for whichever team scored it. Karl-Heinz Jager made a solid tackle on Aikiki and won the ball back in his own box, before sending a long ball forward for Thorsten Kramer. Kramer moved with the ball, before sending it over to his partner Mihailov. Mihailov had already spotted the run of Ivo Romanov on the wing, and sent a speedy pass out to the Rozelle winger. Romanov bore down on the goal, seeing the options opening up before him. He fired off a shot, but it pinged the crossbar and fell to Jiirak Trikala.

Trikala’s clearance was picked off by Pierre-Louis Lotbiniere, however, and Lotbiniere bombed down the right side with speed. He whipped in a cross that met the head of Michael Ribbeck, but Sanamun denied him a second goal. The rebound fell, however, to Krasimir Kynev who would not be denied and blasted the ball to goal for a 2-1 Goldhorns lead. Incredible scenes, and the entire team mobbed Kynev in the corner.

There was still 17 minutes plus stoppage time to play, however, and the job was not done yet. Vilita and Turori pressed forward hard, forcing the Goldhorns to bring on Lyubomir Dimitrov at left back and replace the goalscorer Kynev with center back Josh Meckler to shore up defensively. Everyone in the stadium and watching at home was on the edge of their seat as the seconds ticked on, Viktor Venev valiantly stopping anything that came his way. The Goldhorns’ tactic now was simply run the ball out to the corner flag if possible, and if not knock it as far away from goal as possible. 5 minutes of stoppage time added on. A shot by Milaaso, stopped by Venev. Finally, the final play of the game: a free kick to the Eel Cat Things about 35 yards out. Swung in by Tripate Falcon, finding the head of… Karl-Heinz Jager. Whistle, game over. Siovanija and Teusland 2, Vilita and Turori 1.

“What a result. I’m so proud of the effort we all showed, we fought for the badge and flag out there tonight and it paid off. Unbelievable,” commented the captain Raphael Klopfer. Viktor Venev was emotional as he spoke: “I just tried to leave everything, my whole career, on the pitch tonight. It’s an incredible feeling.” The man who changed the game coming on in the 54th minute, Todor Mihailov, also spoke: “I told Gavin at the half, that I know that I can change the game. I’m glad he trusted me, and I’m glad I was able to keep my word.” Back home, celebrations in Stelburg’s Nationalplatz and Borograd’s Republik-Trg lasted into the early hours of morning.

Next up for Siovanija and Teusland in the Quarterfinal will be Southwestern AO neighbours Valanora. The Vanorians and Goldhorns have faced off twice in the last two AOCAF tournaments, a 4-4 draw in the group stages of AOCAF 58 and a 1-0 loss in the AOCAF 57 Quarterfinal. “It’s a chance, maybe, to put some things right. I think we were still a little in awe of the occasion for that Quarterfinal, and didn’t play our best game. We could’ve pushed them harder back then, I think. Now, we know we deserve to be here, and we’re ready to leave it all out there again,” said Raphael Klopfer. It’s history repeating itself for the Goldhorns at AOCAF 59: Equestria in the group stage, Vilita and Turori in the Round of 16, and Valanora in the Quarterfinal.

Can the Goldhorns defeat their western neighbours, the 5-time World Cup winners, to advance to a first-ever AOCAF Semifinal? The nation will be behind them, and we’ll have complete coverage as the Goldhorns continue their AOCAF journey.

Match Report
Siovanija and Teusland 2-1 Vilita and Turori, @ RCK Field, Alnio, Chromatika

Lineup:Venev; Steimle (L. Dimitrov 80’), Jager, Klopfer, Lotbiniere; Kogler, Kramer, Kostov (Mihailov 57’), Romanov; Ribbeck, Kynev (Meckler 86’)
Goals: Michael Ribbeck 61’, Krasimir Kynev 73’
Stelburger Zeitung Man of the Match: Viktor Venev

[Ko-oren]

The first six confirmed teams for the Second Division

All candidates, per region:

Region	Capital Cities (1-2)	Mawryshire (1)	Surbourneshire (1-3)	Gehrenna (1-2)	Yoshima (1-3)	West Strand Riding (1)	Aerellen (1)	Intermare (1-2)	Cote Austral (1-2)	Finisterre (1)
Potential teams	Gehrenna FC/Senoren FC	Llandy	Ambergate City/Limecroft & Abyss FC/Grainshire United/Zinchester Town	Anarcourt CF/Leeshire United/Huthwich & Iduloren FC	Motojagava/Teragaseki/...	WSR AFC	Arboren FC/Serevne AFC	Rozenvoorde FC/Laringen AFC/Tuinderbeek FC	Couziers-Olympiques/Amandine AdF	Castelo e Calvente CS

The first six teams of the new Second Division have been selected. Here are their profiles:

Castelo e Calvente CS
The obvious choice in the southeast. There is only one semi-professional team here, and it's not in the same city as Branvon and Miradela. This should attract a few extra fans in the area, who already have a big stadium to visit. Not much needs to be built in order to make this team pro-ready. What's more, they have won the southern division of the current second layer, so there is no doubt that the team is already good enough.

WSR AFC
It was a legitimate question to see if the western coast would get a team at all. Not a huge population in the area, but they are sports-minded alright. There are rugby union teams, gridiron teams, and there is definitely room for soccer - WSR AFC is already one of the best-visited teams of the current second layer, and it can only increase from here. Whereas other teams have space to grow, WSR AFC is expected to already be at maximum size profit-wise.

Ambergate City
There are more than enough teams from Surbourneshire that could make the cut. Ambergate is the odd one out because it's situated on the island of Burnet, and that immediately puts a lot of extra travel hours on players of Ambergate, but also on their opponents. Outside of cricket, there's not much to enjoy on the island when it comes to sports, and they feel so detached from the teams of Surbourneshire or the city Greencaster, so giving them this recognition is a good idea. The island will stand as one behind their team.

Laringen AFC
As champions of the current northern second layer, Laringen were a lock for the new league from day 1. Although... they are located quite close to Top League's Schemerdrecht. Still, the sheer quality of this team and the size of the town of Laringen shone through. This does hurt the chances of Tuinderbeek and Rozenvoorde, but one of them could still make it in.

Couziers-Olympiques
As the champions of the southern third division, Couziers-Olympiques started their upwards trend at exactly the right time. Had they stayed down in the third layer just for longer, another Francophone team could've gotten the spot. There will be pressure on the team to perform, as for now it looks like they could be one of the worse inclusions.

Teragaseki
As expected, at least one team from Yoshima makes it in. Now that the special Yoshiman division is broken up, other teams will follow. Teragaseki lies quite close to the mainland, which maybe aided their decision to play in the national Second Division instead of scattered regionalised leagues. It's very hard to compare the Yoshiman division to the rest of the second layer, but judging from cup results, Teragaseki will have a very hard time adjusting to the level of the new Second Division, and they will have to look out that they do not end up as one of the worst promoted teams.

[Banija]

Banijans left asking questions after 1-0 elimination from AOCAF LIX


Banijan players walk around after 1-0 loss to Ko-oren

Z'AI'AI, CHROMATIKA- Coming into the tournament, there was a lot of hope surrounding this national team. The last World Cup cycle had been there most successful yet. A trip to the AOCAF Final, followed up by a berth in the World Cup Semifinals, both on home soil- the team was hitting a new stride, and they were finally making deep runs into these historic tournaments. Beating former champions like Cosumar in the AOCAF, and nations like South Covello, Vilita, Cassadaigua, and Starblaydia(although they were later eliminated by this very nation) saw a lot of hope for the future of the national team. Of course, one of the key reasons for that success was squad continuity. They had been able to keep the same 23 together for the entire four year World Cup cycle, with everybody buying in, getting a level of understanding and mesh that you see with players at the club level, but rarely at the international level.

But of course, there was a lot of change. 11 new faces entered camp for AOCAF LIX, and although they had a slightly rocky start to the friendlies, they seemed to be settling in. The group stage of the AOCAFs seemed to go well- 9 wins, and a draw, across 10 games, including winning all 5 games away from home. Now, of course, there were asteriks- Banija certainly probably had the most forgiving group out of any of the Pot 1 sides, and they rolled through lesser competition, using a lot of squad rotation through the end of the group stages to ensure that everybody was at maximum health. But this team had yet to be truly tested, this version of it at least, at the international level. Doesn't mean they didn't have tough games- they had to earn a pair of 1-0 wins against Tropicorp and Demot early on, and teams like Sarzonia's U21 side gave them quite a few fits. But of course, in the 15 games they've played between the World Cup 83 Bronze medal match, and the end of the AOCAF LIX group stages, only one came against an opponent that actually made the last World Cup- the Commonwealth of Baker Park, in a friendly. That was a good, and intense game, but

The RBSA didn't control the group schedule, and frankly, nobody would complain at having a group that is a little bit easier, especially when you were dealing with a lot of roster turnover. But, look at these brutal results. The group had three teams make the Round of 16- Banija, Saltstead, and Tropicorp, and exactly none of those sides made the quarterfinals. Not only did none of those sides make the quarterfinals, but together, they were dominated. Tropicorp lost 3-0 against Mriin, who showed their class. And Saltstead lost 4-0 to the defending regional and world champions, Equestria, who look to cement their own claims to a dynasty by triumphing in their third consecutive major tournament. And, of course Banija, who was fighting in Chromatika, in what was an incredibly tough bracket- the fact that Ko-oren was Banija's Round of 16 opponent was not enjoyed by any fans of the Kadongo Kamu. That's a match that, in the right circumstances, could easily happen later in the tournament.

But the schedule was so light before the tournament started. Why? The AOCAFs are notoriously tough, and one must earn their way through the tournament. You won't sleepwalk your way throughout the knockout stages of Atlantian Oceania's most prestigious tournament, but you have to go against the best of the best, and continue winning. This team was not prepared to do that, and it painfully showed against the Dragonflies. Maybe we're too busy riding the high from World Cup 83? But this has knocked us right down to Earth. It's not the result that's the worst part- Ko-oren consistently has one of the best defenses in the multiverse in this sport, and they were well prepared. Although Banija carried about 60% possesion in this game, so much of it was in the midfield, passing backwards, that it was mostly wasted, and the Kadongo Kamu were most definitely outplayed by the Dragonflies.

The Dragonflies are organized excellently in the back, and they could not be broken down by the Kadongo Kamu on this day. We have a free-flowing style of play, one that focuses on skill and attacking, but they choked down our preferred methods of attack. Gitonga Kahara and Namakula Kawesa, the team's primary creators, were absolutely blanketed by Ko-oren defenders. It wasn't like they were super physical or anything like that- this was not a reprisal of the Pristina Shine strategy that we've tried (unsuccessfully) to use so many times against Equestria. But both players were suffocated. Towards the end of the game, Namakula Kawesa complained that she was 'seeing ghosts', as whenever she received the ball, space was closed down for her to operate. She did not have room to maneuver, Kahara did not have room to maneuever, and with those avenues for offense cutoff, the team was void of ideas and enthusiasm in the final third. In the second half, Banijan frustration gave way to rushed, long shots that never really had a chance. The Banijans got 10 shots off in the second half, but it was telling that although 6 of those were on target, only one was from inside the 18- a header on a corner kick from Kawsu Kaba that went well wide of the net.

Even though a silent Ilman Jawara was taken off in favor of Kabir Jobateh, and Ugonna taken off for Alanso Tamba, there was no offense. Their secondary players in the attack were asked to create, and with the pressure on, they could not. Maybe the three-headed monster of Kahara-Yitebarke-Afolayan, the latter two whom are now retired from international play to focus on the club aspect of the sport, cannot be replicated. But of course, even though Ko-oren countered fairly well, the Banijans did not have a bad game in the back. But in the decisive moment, in the 65th minute, the Kadongo Kamu were beaten by Saushilu Janoreirinthen. A corner kick was driven in by Yokota, and Saushilu Janoreirinthen rose high in the air, above the entire crowd. It was a great moment for fans of the Dragonflies, as they were attacking in the Ko-oren fan end of the stadium. Saushilu Janoreirinthen had used what one would call a 'screen' in basketball from star wing back Lionel Dalton, and the man marking him, the teenager Nzo, was caught behind Dalton. With Janoreirinthen free, he rose, uncontested, for the ball. It was a perfect cross, and he powerfully head it home, towards the bottom corner. Lemuel Bereket watched helplessly as the ball bounced into the back of the net, and it gave the Dragonflies the lead they needed.

Even with the pressure on, the Banijans could not create chances. Again and again, balls were lofted in the box towards Jobateh, and again and again, balls were headed away by that excellent back line. A disappointing performance by the Kadongo Kamu, as a tournament where the fans had such high hopes for came to an end in bitter disappointment. Still, the losses of one are the gains of another, and the Dragonflies will open as slight favorites against Qasden, in their quest to be crowned kings of Atlantian Oceania for the very first time. But still, this disappointment has to hurt. Marcus Waters said as much. "You know, the Dragonflies deserved to win this one." He told reporters in the post game interview. "They played well, they were disciplined and organized, and snuffed out our attack. I cannot complain. This is how it goes. This region is a brutally tough one, and it's hard to win games at this level. We've won a lot recently, but when you play high quality teams early in the knockouts, like Ko-oren, you can lose to them too. But don't worry- we'll learn from this disappointment, we'll go and get better, and in 2(IC) years, when World Cup Qualifying begins, we will be thoroughly prepared for the challenge."

[Valanora]

Penalties, the nervy end to a game that had otherwise been a match of equal footing and effort through just not ninety minutes but a full hundred and twenty minutes, with the extra thirty that come in extra time. There are some who say that it is the worst way to decide a game that was otherwise level, from what amounts to a skills competition rather than playing it out on the field. I am not one of those, for in those fleeting minutes that the shootout occurs, you see the measure of person and how confident they really are in their own abilities. Will the striker lose their nerve with the match on the line, can a keeper rise to the occasion and show that they are the shields that burden their teams mistakes, will an unheralded step up and have the steel in their stomachs and ice in their veins to put the spotkick were it needed to be. It is not very often that the Marauders find themselves in these most epic of matches, however in history they have typically been quite proficient at securing their advancement when they do find themselves in that situation. It is a history and a feat that many would be jealous of, but that can be said of many things that are in the Marauders history books.

That was the situation the Marauders found themselves in, though this time with the hosts being the opponent, and that could have been all the difference, with the Marauders' recent history against hosts in tournaments. The crowd was completely behind them, after twice the hosts had come back during regular time to force extra time. Hawk had initially given the Marauders the lead, having got his head onto the end of a cross from Lithvathar, bringing the the crowd from its roaring ruckus to barely a murmur. However they would not be behind for long, as Keira Andisori showed why Starling is one of the best clubs in Nephara, using a bit of individual magic to slough through the backline of the Marauders and put one past her club teammate. It would be the Marauders who would feel the best during halftime though, as Strømmen made it two goals from two headers as this time Hawk would play the assist man rather than the scorer, putting a perfect ball into the mixer from a set piece that was just a little outside the legendary player's signature shooting range. For a moment it looked like the Marauders were going to be winning in normal time, yet there was a bit of fight left in the Chromatika squad as injury time arrived, Victoriane showing the clinical touch that had her part of the Galacticos shortlist a few years back, using her speed to to get in behind and ensure the hosts would see extra time.

Despite some good attempts by both sides, the extra frame was a bit of a stalemate and neither side was either to get a clear cut chance at goal to get the winner both so desperately desired. Penalties it was then, a test of both nerves and skill. Both sides looked quite calm, ready for the task that was before them and for the chance to move one match closer to the regional title. The Marauders won the toss and elected to shoot second, deciding it was better to know what they had to match rather than to set the pace. Andisori stepped up and slotted hers home just like she had done in the first half. Up for the Marauders was Hawk who made no mistake with his effort. Victoriane easily put the hosts back in front, only to then be matched by Fresco. Kuzami was next for the hosts and placed a good strike on frame but it was too true and Smørdal smothered it easily, before Soldarian stepped up and gave the Marauders the edge. It was clear that the nerves were now starting to get to the hosts as Ibex stepped up and looked a bit uncomfortable, yet was still able to slot it true. Lithvathar looked to put them back on the brink but her shot lifted a little to much and hit off the crossbar and back out, putting the teams back on level terms again.

Ruth was up next for the hosts and went down the center which caught Sean off guard having dived and put the hosts in a position to win it. Nygård placed the ball on the spot, took three steps back, waited for the whistle, and blasted her shot into the top corner where no keeper could have had a hope of saving it. Now they were in the sudden death rounds and each shot was a world of pressure. Which was seemingly unfelt by Ilya who placed a neat shot to the right and past the Marauders keepers foot. Hatsune was not about to be outdone though, and the midfielder stuttered stepped before lofting his shot easily into the back of the net. Next up for the hosts was Conrad whose shot was nearly saved but had just enough power behind them to power past the paw of Smørdal and give the hosts the advantage again. Salverda was next up for the Marauders and his shot was more of a pass to the back of the net but he had sent the keeper the wrong way and equalized things once more. The surprise then came when the young midfielder Armageddon came up for the hosts, an extra time substitute. His shot was true, but it was dead in the middle and Smørdal managed to punch it out despite having dived away. All it took now was a Marauders conversion to send them forward, and up stepped the United defender of Iben Fjørtoft, known more for her speed and defending than any attacking prowess. Yet that lack of attacking prowess was made up for with a calm demeanor and her shot was low and to the left, Nier had dived right. The Marauders were through, The Tidal Wave was silent...

[Equestrian States]

Low Expectations
The Realistic Fan Site for Equestrian Sports

The Ponies are Boring Now
by Downtrodden Crankyface

Yeah, I said it.

For all my many criticisms of the Equestrian national hoofball team over the years, I have never once considered the Ponies a dull team to watch. They always found new ways to let their supporters down, but very rarely played matches that were one-sided. The Equestrians were the masters of playing to their opponent's level, whether they were a powerhouse like Polar Islandstates or a forgettable minnow like Worszary. During the Ponies' victorious World Cup campaign, aside from the opener against Kelssek, the Equestrians played nothing but close games, somehow managing to avoid elimination by the narrowest of margins.

But now, the Ponies are just plain old boring. They breezed through the group stage of the AOCAF Cup without dropping so much as a single point, often blowing by their opponents without any difficulty. Then, in the second round, where one might reasonably expect a decently entertaining match, the Equestrians go out and just completely slaughter Saltstead. The Stallions aren't even that bad a team! They upset the Ponies in the World Cup just a few short years ago, and now they're not even competitive.

Folks often ask me, "Cranky, you sadsack, why do you even bother watching hoofball if you're just going to whine about it online afterwards?" Because it's damn amusing more often than not. More recently, however, it's just been dull as the Ponies roll through hurdle after hurdle without so much as missing a single beat. Equestria is a juggernaut now, and that's no fun to watch.

[Freeport Isles]

Quarterfinals Cutoff

AOCAF Cup LIX
Quarterfinals Results

Qasden 0−1 Ko-oren
at The Cove in Lhor, CMT

Siovanija & Teusland 3−3 Valanora
(3–3 AET) (2–3 pen.)
at Frozen Stadium in Felswyr, CMT

---

Semifinals Fixtures

Ko-oren vs. Valanora
at Island Dome in Myana, CMT

[Chromatika]

Quarterfinals Cutoff for the Freeport Half!

AOCAF Cup LIX
Quarterfinals Results

Equestria 3−1 Mriin
at West Wharf Park in Freeport, FPT

Starblaydia 0−2 Cosumar
at Black Spire Stadium in Freeport, FPT

---

Semifinals Fixtures

Equestria vs. Cosumar
at Archon Arena in Freeport, FPT

[Ko-oren]

Hype! Dragonflies reach rare heights

In true national style, our national soccer team go to the AOCAF semifinals, a place that has long become unattainable after a single campaign in which the team finished in second. Our opponents in the next one are Valanora, coming off of a win on penalties against a Siovanija and Teusland team who were just not giving up. On the other side of the bracket, and our potential third place playoff or final opponents, we find Equestria and Cosumar. Equestria are living up to their status as the number one ranked team in Atlantian Oceania, while Cosumar are there just to be a nuisance, having knocked us out of the World Cup a few times now.

First to concentrate on the other three quarterfinals. Valanora have just completed a massive 120-minute nailbiter versus Siovanija and Teusland, which should give us hope for the semifinal. The Dragonflies were done with their prey after 90 minutes, so that's 30 minutes of full-energy football we've not had to put on the field. Take into account the Round of 16 (Elves advance, 2-2 after 90 minutes, 2-2 after extra time, and 6-7 in penalties), and Valanora has had to play 60 minutes more than us. Hopefully that will catch up to them in the semifinal. Anyhow, they also have a lot more experience in playing to win in these crucial dying minutes and they definitely have more experience in converting penalties. The Dragonflies have certainly not been without tense moments, playing with their backs against the wall for the last 180 minutes, but more on those later. The Freeport side of things gave us a 3-1 Equestria win over Mriin, and then the Cosumarites sent Starblaydia home 2-0. That means that both the number one and the number two of the regional rankings now have to duke it out over there, and then Valanora and Ko-oren, in 8th and 14th, have the 'easier' route over here in Chromatika.

Back to our own national team: 180 minutes of playing with your back against the wall. Ko-oren has won twice, but both times it's been the absolute pinnacle of Dragonflies football. It's 100% what you'd expect from reading the contents on the packaging: it says 5-3-2 on the tin, it says 'very defensive' on the tin, and boy that's exactly what was delivered. Qasden, in their home kit as the de facto home team, were looking for possession and the forward pass at every moment. Ko-oren, in the alternative yellow kit, had its hands full with the Bluereds' adventurous 4-4-2. Qasden's youthful starting 11 (though ours isn't too much older) had the better of the game, and speedy outbreaks kept Dalton and Hergulauthen on their toes. Dalton had it easy, well supported by Lampshire, but Hergulauthen did not have the same impact, and Qasden shifted most of their firepower to the right side. Yokota dropped back a little, Lampshire switched places with Benjamin, and all was right again. This did lead to a few hectic moments, Bostun and Foster could both take an unimpeded shot at Munks. As the game went on, the Vans' frustration built, and they started undertaking more and more reckless attacks on the Ko-orenite half, at some points even pulling all 10 outfield players onto the Dragonflies' side of the field. Tsuchida was taken off for Murakami, turning the team into a 5-4-1 going by the positions of the individual players, but creating a much faster and more dangerous attacking front three. With Longchambon able to put the ball anywhere, anytime and launch either the very fast Murakami or the master of space that is Vaugrenard, any counterattack turned more dangerous by the minute. One of these went wrong for Qasden: Iter tried to find Darsten on a 'safe' backpass, intercepted by Janoreirinthen. This put Rees and Miacaro against Janoreirinthen, Longchambon, Vaugrenard and Murakami. Blight pulled back in time, but the attack went over the other wing, where Murakami kept on running without anyone in front of him. He crossed low for Vaugrenard, in behind the Rees-Miacaro defensive line, and the Maethoru target man had just enough time to select an unguarded part of the goal. Low, into the far corner, he just extended the ball's momentum, guiding it ever so slightly towards the far pole. Rees and Miacaro were blind to this spot, still running towards their goal, and Abbott simply couldn't shift his weight fast enough to keep the ball out. 1-0 after 75 minutes, and the final 15 minutes were more of the same: relentless attacks launched at the 5-man back line and Yokota. Vaugrenard was also taken off, for Cole Train, turning the 5-4-1 into a 5-5-0 with two defensive midfielders, a box-to-box midfielders and two attack-minded playmakers, still eyeing that second goal on a counterattack. That opportunity never came, the Dragonflies kept the Vans out, and the second straight 1-0 win extends Ko-oren's AOCAF campaign.

[Valanora]

Hawk could feel it in his bones, as had the others, the day of reckoning would soon be coming. While he had yet to experience the lethargy and longing for the sea that so many of the others had, he had began to feel something else creeping into the back of his mind. Contentedness, a word and feeling that he would never have thought come to describe him or his attitude. Yet there is was, at the back of his mind, like a sunrise just glistening over the horizon, shedding the smallest amount of light to illuminate the destination that is both in the distance but also within reach. He wondered if this was the same sort of feelings that those who had heard The Calling those years before felt, a distant ache for a want of contentedness and end to their tireless efforts. Immortality had its strong points but it also came with a few downsides, for the breath of eternity can slowly change the way ones mind works, with the ebb and flow time here and there. What had once been an unending hunger, a desire that burned so deep into his heart and soul that he felt it could never go out had suddenly felt like it had lost a few degrees of its strength. Fresco, Soldarian, va Drake, and even Lithvathar had mentioned in recent weeks similar feelings, as the side battled its way through the AOCAF.

For the others though, it seemed as if that feeling was stronger than what Hawk himself was feeling, perhaps they would step away from the national team sooner than he. Though he could feel an end coming, it did feel like there was still quite a bit of distance between the present and that inevitable conclusion that was to come down the line. Although he wondered if that end was merely a hiatus, a rest to recharge those batteries of his and that of his teammates. They all had been going at this for a century now, as there had been so little in the way of turnover in the player pool of the Marauders over the past hundred twenty years. Once you had proven that you had the skill to be on the team, you usually kept that place, unless you had some howler or another player had risen to be a step above. That static lineup had been the cornerstone of the Marauders dominant success over the years and yet Hawk wondered if that lack of a true challenge for ones place might have led to the complacency that saw the side tumble for near on two decades from the top of the heap to mediocrity. The last few years had seen a resurgence but it had taken a lot of effort and fighting to get back close to the summit of the footballing world.

Change was needed, for the world is not a constant, and neither should ones tactics, outlooks, or lineups. Hawk knew that much, yet no one could deny that for a long time that the Vanorian way simply worked, up right until the moment that it did not. The five stars adorned on their crest for all of the World Cups that they had won, all the records in the record books that had either the Vanorian national team or its players names alongside it were all the evidence one would need to see to know that for over fifty years the Marauders were a well oiled machine that were atop the footballing world even when they were not winning the tournament. Change was good and now it had come and now the side was emerging back having learned their lessons and become more mature from it. Add in a dash of social and politically change to the Empire with the Calling and the ascendance of Faeron to that of an actual deity, having been once the Great Leader Tobias Raynor. Hawk was still very unsure of what exactly had transpired during that time, yet the fact remained the millions of his kin were no longer in this plane of existence and were elsewhere and that event to had brought change.

When he or what remained of the elven contingent in the Marauders team decided to hang up their boots, if only for a short while, it was going to bring change as well. The last mainstays of the teams that had lifted the World Cup trophy those five times, that had struggled hard and true before finally breaking through the ceiling that the AOCAF elite had been, their leaving would send ripples throughout the entire Vanorian national team program. Ko-oren was looking to create change as well, to change up what would consist of the regional elite with their surprise entry into the regional tournament semifinals. The Marauders team that was going to face off against them was one that was quite exhausted if you had to speak the truth of it, having been forced to play two high impact, energy draining penalty shootout ending games in less than a week. There was going to be tired legs and emotionally drained bodies that were going to be put out there to face the Dragonflies for that right to advance to the tournament's finale. In all his years of playing this game though, Hawk knew that the mind could overcome the bodies physical limitations, and never in his time as captain had he seen a group so mentally changed from the start of a tournament towards its end, as the side went from somewhat in a rut to finding a way to secure victories in the most pivotal of moments. What was a moment's pain for a lifetime of glory? That attitude of his would be something that would indeed never change...

[Freeport Isles]

Semifinals Cutoff

AOCAF Cup LIX
Semifinals Results

Ko-oren 0−1 Valanora
at Island Dome in Myana, CMT

---

Third Place Playoff

Ko-oren vs. Cosumar
at Condottieri Coliseum in Freeport, FPT

---

AOCAF LIX Final

Equestria vs. Valanora
at Capitalizt Dome in Chromatik City, CMT

[Equestrian States]

-AOCAF CUP LIX COVERAGE-
Hot Take's Hot Takes: AOCAF Semifinal Edition
Equestria vs. Cosumar: A Rivalry in the Making
by Hot Take

When Equestria and Cosumar clash tomorrow night at Archon Arena in Freeport, it will be the third time in the past few years that the two teams have met in a winner-take-all showdown at a major tournament. At the 57th AOCAF Cup semifinals, it was the Azure Dragons who came out on top in a hard-fought 2-1 battle and advanced to the Final where they would fall on penalties to Farfadillis. Then, on the final day of the 83rd World Cup group stage, the Ponies defeated the Cosumarites 1-0 to escape from Group A before going on to claim their first World Cup title. With a third high-stakes fixture looming, one has to think that there is a rivalry developing here between the Ponies and Azure Dragons.

For much of the Ponies' history, it was difficult to argue that the Equestrian national hoofball team had a proper rival. Yes, there were teams that the Equestrians played against frequently and other teams that they didn't much care for, but none of those "rivalries" had much weight behind them. The Equine-Ursine Cup was contested between Equestria and Bears Armed, but those were friendlies in just about every sense; the only time that "rivalry" felt like one was when they were drawn into the same World Cup 85 qualifying group. The Free Republics were (and still are) widely despised by Equestrian supporters and players, but only actually faced the Ponies on the pitch a few times over the years, though that particular rivalry was reignited recently when the Equestrians spoiled the Republicans' World Cup 81 opener on their own turf.

Nowadays, the Equestrians do certainly have a proper rival in Banija: a fixture which has been contested numerous times in high-stakes battles, and has the added bonus of the recent Banijan-Equestrian War to make things really interesting. However, if there is one thing the Equestrian-Banijan rivalry has lacked, it's parity. The Ponies have completely dominated their meetings with the Kadongo Kamu to a laughable extent, winning all six matches between the teams in the past five years.

But the burgeoning Cosumar-Equestria rivalry has history, profile, frequency, and parity on its side. The Ponies first faced the Azure Dragons all the way back during World Cup 61 qualifying, battling it out for a playoff berth. A few friendlies were played between the Equestrians and Cosumarites in the intervening years before they met in the AOCAF Cup 57 semifinal, and since then the fixture has remained a frequent one. Though there certainly isn't much animosity between the Ponies' and Azure Dragons' supporters, as there is between the Equestrians and Banijans or Republicans, both sides have now suffered recent extremely disappointing losses to the other, and tomorrow's match could well cement this fixture as a true new rivalry.

[Chromatika]

AOCAF Cup LIX
Semifinals Results

Equestria 1−0 Cosumar
at Archon Arena in Freeport, FPT

---

Third Place Playoff

Ko-oren vs. Cosumar
at Condottieri Coliseum in Freeport, FPT

---

AOCAF LIX Final

Equestria vs. Valanora
at Capitalizt Dome in Chromatik City, CMT

[Ko-oren]

All candidates, per region, after the first six teams were announced:

Region	Capital Cities (1-2)	Mawryshire (1)	Surbourneshire (1-3)	Gehrenna (1-2)	Yoshima (1-3)	West Strand Riding (1)	Aerellen (1)	Intermare (1-2)	Cote Austral (1-2)	Finisterre (1)
Potential teams	Gehrenna FC/Senoren FC	Llandy	Ambergate City/Limecroft & Abyss FC/Grainshire United/Zinchester Town	Anarcourt CF/Leeshire United/Huthwich & Iduloren FC	Motojagava/Teragaseki	WSR AFC	Arboren FC/Serevne AFC	Laringen AFC/Tuinderbeek FC/Rozenvoorde FC	Couziers-Olympiques/Amandine AdF	Castelo e Calvente CS

The final 6 teams of the new Second Division have been announced:

Gehrenna FC
From the Capital Cities, joining Maethoru as the only other professional soccer team, is Gehrenna FC. The bid by Senoren was right up there with them, but making Gehrenna into a sports-loving city was higher on the list of priorities. It'll be hard to convince the native Gehrennans to support this team even more than they already are - and that with a half-full stadium. There is, however, more than enough money in this city to make this club a success.

Mawrystwyth
A surprise bid! Llandy looked like the best (and only) choice coming from the southwestern subdivision of Mawryshire, but Mawrystwyth put their name in the hat at the last second. Ten minutes later, and Llandy would've become the default club of choice from the region. Mawrystwyth's stronger sports culture, and status as the more stable and more successful club was the tiebreaker.

Zinchester Town
From the southeast, just beyond Bruncester and Cirelbourne, is Zinchester Town. There were a few bids from Surbourneshire, and they would all make sense. Zinchester is the underdog here, coming from an already-saturated region - and not a rich one, at that. Still, they edged out over Grainshire United (even though they are from an underrepresented and highly populated area) and Limecroft & Abyss. With the announcement of Zinchester, these clubs go to the wildcard as the possible #12 club.

Leeshire United
Leeshire United, from rugby-loving Aubury, is a fairly odd choice. Rugby and cricket are the #1 sports of the region at the foot of the Western Mountains, and trying to force soccer into the conversation feels like a lost battle already. Maynard is the only other professional club in the area, and they've been bottom of the Top League by default for the last three years, so soccer is already fighting an uphill battle. There is a lot for Leeshire to prove. One of those things: what makes them a better choice over Huthwich & Iduloren or Anarcourt? The losers go to the #12 wildcard spot.

Arboren FC
From the frigid north, Arboren FC joins as Aerellen's first professional soccer club. Sports are popular up there, with the long winter nights and all, and you need something to do. Ice hockey is king up here, gridiron a close second. Arboren lies on the southernmost island of Aerellen, a fairly densely populated area given how Sudaefjoll and Nordoren (also known as Poolrugge) are just to its south and they are empty. Serevne couldn't convince anyone with their bid, something about the climate in Ko-oren's northernmost city - and it's not close.

Huthwich & Iduloren FC
Plenty of good candidates in the wildcard spot. With 11 places given to deserving teams, there were still about four teams left that were equally deserving but not the number one choice in their market. Between them, there were two clubs from Surbourneshire, and two from Gehrenna (the subdivision). Grainshire looked like the surefire number 12 team, but here are Huthwich & Iduloren anyway. Just north from Willowbourne, this is an excellent way to keep smaller towns invested in professional sports and still attract the glory and the money from a major city that is otherwise unrepresented. Huthwich & Iduloren are already famous at the second level as the most inclusive club, coming from a rare 'three-language-intersection' in the middle of Gehrenna subdivision where Gehrennan, English, and French meet.

[Freeport Isles]

3rd Place Playoff Cutoff

AOCAF Cup LIX
Third Place Playoff

Ko-oren 3−1 Cosumar
at Condottieri Coliseum in Freeport, FPT

[Valanora]

The last leg of the journey was now upon them and each and every player had earned their right to be here, through some form or another. While it would be Fresco's name that were in the headlines of all the reports, the striker grabbing the goal that lifted the Marauders past the Dragonflies, it had been a complete team effort to win that match and to get themselves into this position. From every player that had taken the spot kicks in the first two knockout rounds, to Sean Smørdal standing tall in net and delivering on that promise that has been underneath the surface for years, everyone had a hand in the victory. The question then lingered in Hawk's mind, was there still the need for the "hero quartet" as they had been so affectionately named by the supporters of the national team? If the other elves had felt that call to hang up their boots and allow their fellow citizens of the Empire a chance at glory, should he interfere and try to convince them otherwise or simply let them have the break that they had earned time and time again while wearing that Marauders shirt?

It seemed strange to be thinking of that question and what he should do hours before the most important match for most of the players on this squad's lives. They had their focus set on this final match in Chromatika, where the title of being the best football team in all of Atlantian Oceania was on the line and they would be going into the game as huge underdogs. While they were focused on the immediate, Hawk's mind seemed to linger on what yet might come, it was so very unlike him to not be merely taking in the match ahead of. Was this his growth as a person and a leader, was he finding that there was more to him than his reckless pursuit of perfection, a goal of which he knew would never be within reach but something that he had felt for so many decades that he had to try and obtain? It left him slightly uneasy but also somewhat pleased at himself, to think that there was still more to him to discover even after several hundred years of being inside of his own head. Life would never cease to amaze him, though he knew for the time being he had to be the strong leader that his squad required of him, these questions could be answered after the tournament had come to its conclusion.

Underdogs, that was what everyone was talking about, how the Marauders were entering into a Final where almost no one thought that they would come away with another championship. Why would anyone think that this team that had struggled quite a bit during the group stage have any sort of chance against the Ponies of Equestria, who are coming off a World Cup title and looking to be one of those few nations who were able to win the World Cup and hold their regional title at the same time. The Ponies were looking to earmark their place in history with a successful defense of the AOCAF, having been the retainers after their win in Banija-Baker Park two years before, making it a would be third major tournament title to bring to their honor. It would be quite a momentous achievement and what they would hope to be the start of the same sort of dynasty that the Marauders held during the World Cup cycles of World Cup 39 to 47, where they won three of their five titles and routinely finished in the top three of the World Cup. A third straight major title would be a long ways towards cementing such a dynasty.

Yet if games were meant to be played on paper, then there would be no point in showing up to the stadium at all, they might as well just have handed the trophy off to Equestria once the tournament was announced. These were the moments that every single young lad and lass dreamed off, to have the chance to step up and win a title whilst wearing the colors of their national team, to have that national anthem being played as the players collected the medals that would hang off their necks. It was only fitting that the game would be played in Chromatika, a nation that had been dormant in international football for a few years but had reemerged with flying colors. It mirrored the flight that the Marauders had taken, though their flight had a much higher trajectory and it would be up to Hawk to help lead the way for the team. Tackle for tackle, shot for shot, save for save, the Marauders were going to give Equestria all that they could hope to handle and look to serve the Ponies a bit of a history lesson, that while they may not be the same squad they once were, titles are earned through the Marauders.

[Chromatika]

Ten Days Ago
The Tidal Wave
Tihon, Urrhed Island, Chromatika

When the announcements for the knockout stage was announced, Silian Parker couldn't do much else but laugh at the notification that the Elves of Valanora would be the first opponent for the Chromatiks. The same side that had led to the only major triumph of his managing career in AOCAF 55. One of the most storied sides in the multiverse, a side that still carried so much weight.

The game had been a tense affair, a country full of passionate fans who were just starving for football. This match meant so much to them, for the country at large - the lawsuit was still pending in the Chromatik Supreme Court, the influence of the Checkers Party was very apparent. Twice, the Marauders struck first with well-established attacks by Hawk and Strømmen; twice, the Chromatiks answered with Andisori's brilliance and Victoriane's clinical touch.

When the time for penalties came, all he could do was sigh as he drew up the list. Andisori, Victoriane, Kuzami, Ibex, Ruth. And then Ilya, Conrad, and Armageddon. There was no way that he could've guessed that it'd go past five, but it did. When Enigma Armageddon came up, and hit it down the middle, and Smørdal pawed it out, he could see how the game would end. Not that he didn't have all the confidence in Jillian Nier, but if there was one aspect of the Chromatik game that he could never really get to his players. And sure enough, Fjørtoft stepeed up, shot low and to the left, Nier dove to the other side...

---

Minutes Later
The Tidal Wake
Tihon, Urrhed Island, Chromatika

Every other player had left the locker room after the postmatch meeting. Platitudes were said, well wishes made. There was a solemn air as Silian Parker had viewed his charges for the last time, thanked them for his years on the team, and wished them the best of luck as they shouldered the load of championing Chromatika's hope to the world.

Jillian Nier sat alone, a lone tear tickling down her cheek. She had been with the team since World Cup 74. Had been knocked out in the Gabriella Antonio Goalkeeper game when the Chromatiks took down Cosumar without her in overtime. Been there during the fourth place finish in World Cup 76. Won the fifty-fifth AOCAF. But also, lost many an important match, given up fifteen goals in the Group Stage in the last World Cup.

She wondered if Nikolai would be proud of her. If Mia would be all right carrying on. But it was time for her to move away, play some more seasons at Pelethas, call it a career, and start work on an orphanage that doubled as a football academy.

So, Jillian Nier walked out into the dark skies around Tihon for the last time in a Chromatik uniform.

She didn't notice a shadow that had been waiting for her.

"You done?"

A Mia Ria with a wry smile on her face looked up at Jillian, who was stunned.

"Didn't think I'd let you go by yourself, did you?"

At least she wasn't alone.

[Equestrian States]

-AOCAF CUP LIX COVERAGE-
Destiny is Calling. Will Equestria Answer?
Ponies seek to cement "Best in Multiverse" claim in AOCAF Final against Valanora
by Steve McNotapony

CHROMATIK CITY, Chromatika - If you were to go back in time a few years and tell an average Equestrian hoofball supporter where the Ponies are at today, I doubt they would believe you. "On the verge of winning a third consecutive major title? Preposterous," they might say. Perhaps you could convince them that Equestria would be a force on the regional stage, and maybe a World Cup semifinalist, but the defending champions of both? Not likely. Before the 58th AOCAF Cup, the Ponies had never even reached the final of a major tournament. Since then, they've hoisted both the AOCAF Cup and World Cup trophies. The Ponies were the eternal also-rans of international hoofball, until they suddenly weren't.

And so, here we are, on the eve of the Equestrian national team's third straight major final appearance, this time at Chromatik City's colossal Capitalizt Dome. Who are the Ponies' opponents? None other than the four-time regional and five-time world champions just a hop, skip, and a jump from Equestria's southernmost shores: Valanora. Not too long ago, I lamented that Equestria-Valanora was "the rivalry that isn't," owing primarily to a lack of prominent competitive fixtures between the two nations. Well, after an absurd shootout for the bronze medal at AOCAF Cup 57, a World Cup 83 group stage showdown, and now this year's AOCAF Cup Final, it would seem that the Hoofball Gods™ have seen fit to grant my request.

For those of you who derive your hoofball predictions from dusty old history books, it may come as something of a surprise that the Ponies are regarded as the favorites to win tomorrow, not the Marauders. Indeed, on ranking and recent form, the Equestrians appear to be in a league of their own at the moment, as the top-ranked team in the region and having won all 13 matches they've played at the 59th AOCAF Cup, and in the knockout rounds alone have outscored their opponents by an 8-1 margin. Meanwhile, Valanora has seemingly only barely snuck into the final, requiring penalties to advance past the second round and quarterfinals, then narrowly edging out Ko-oren in the semifinals by a 1-0 score. So this should be an easy win for Equestria, right? Not so fast.

First of all, these are still the Ponies we're talking about; there is no such thing as an easy win, as a quick viewing of highlights from the Equestrians' World Cup 83 campaign would prove. Second, there is one Ponies match from the aforementioned campaign which would be conspicuously absent from that video: Equestria's 1-0 group stage defeat against Valanora. The Vanorians are not only the last team to beat the Equestrians at the World Cup, but also the most recent to beat them at the regional level as well (in that AOCAF Cup 57 Third Place Playoff), so there is a case to be made that the Marauders simply have the Ponies' number at a time when nobody else seems capable of slowing their charge towards glory. And last, but certainly not least, those damned dusty old history books. There's a few reasons Valanora has won so many titles, and a couple of them are still suiting up in the famous blue and white Marauders shirts all these years later, keeping the spirit of champions alive and well in the Vanorian dressing room.

But, even with an imposing opponent like Valanora chomping at the bit to make the Ponies' recent run of success a mere footnote in the history books, I still believe the Equestrians have what it takes to defy the historical sporting hierarchy and solidify their position as the best team in the multiverse right now. Before the last couple years, I would've been as skeptical as the next guy of a time-travelling maniac prophesying an Equestrian hoofball dynasty. But these Ponies have since proven themselves capable of putting forward the dominant, all-conquering, brilliant performances from which empires are built.

Destiny is calling, Equestria. Go and embrace her.

[Chromatika]

AOCAF Cup LIX
AOCAF Cup Final

Equestria 0−0 Valanora
(2–0 AET)
at Capitalizt Dome in Chromatik City, CMT

Congratulations to the champions, commiserations to the runners-up, and thank you all for a great tournament!