World Cup 84- RP Thread (IC)

[Filindostan]

Perodos Training Ground
Bandariyan, Filindostan
26 days before WC84 Qualifiers

It was a couple of months after Dina Satyawan announced her retirement from football. The 37 year old defender finally called curtains to her football career after Filindostan's awful qualifying campaign when she was 35. Well, she had planned to retire after the Campionato Esportiva in Velestria, but manager Xavier Rinoso convinced her to give it one last go before she retires from football. However, before their campaign even started, she had another bout of injury problems, preventing her from playing almost the entire qualifying campaign. She was very much limited to the bench and assisting the training of their defenders before coming back, starting four games in the process.

It was during this time that she felt that she had reached her limit, and thus, at the end of their campaign, she announced her retirement from football in an emotional post-match conference after Filindostan's 3-2 win over Astograth. In front of mainstream media, she was emotionless at first, but later on, her tears started to burst after the media initiated a round of applause to recognize her career for both club and country.

Days after her retirement, several clubs offered her a coaching contract, ranging from her hometown's club Perodos, to her playing club, Fortunas. It was a big surprise that she did not accept the Spartans' offer for a coaching role, and chose the Bandariyan club itself. She was honest on the reason why she chose the Pillars instead of arguably the best club in Filindostani football. "I want to help my hometown achieve greater things" was the first words she said to the media upon her unveiling as the defense coach for the Pelita Raya club.

It was one of the usual days for Dina. At first, she was basically lost at the training ground, maybe due to her needing to adapt more, but as the days passed, she was able to get used to the routines. The first session, in which the senior squad is training along with the youth squad, was just about to complete, when manager Phineas Sigero approached her and called her attention.

"Dina, someone's looking for you."

"Who was it?"

"The national team manager. Xavier."

"Did he obtain permission from the chairman?"

"Hey, now. Yeah, I think he would get permission. It might be just a casual 'kumusta ka' moment."

"Why would he get all the trouble getting here if that was the only thing he needed?"

"Eh, just give him a courtesy call. Besides, the chairman is well aware with it."

"Okay."

She delegated the work to her assistant and went to the clubhouse. And she was pleased to see Xavier, greeting her with a smile on his face. Xavier waited for Phineas to leave the room, and put his attention back to Dina.

"So Dina, I have an offer for you to be a defense coach for the national team."

"I thought so, Mr. Rinoso. Normally that would require the chairman's approval before taking an approach. Have you already discussed this with him?"

"Yes, and he allowed me to make an approach to you. That's why we're here in the room. What do you say? Game?"

All the while, Dina's mind was on the matches she had under him and former manager Ethel Toh, particularly the last World Cup qualifying campaign.

"Give me a week to decide. Normally I would decline any offers, as I already have commitments to Perodos, but for the sake of the nation, maybe I can decide to help both parties. But I need to think about it first"

"Okay then, will get back to you after that time. Or if you so desire between now and next week, contact me. Here's my business card. Please consider your options."

Xavier left the room, obviously not elated with the result of their conversation. For Dina, that would give her flashbacks on what would have been her final campaign as a player.

[Starblaydia]

In the basement room, just down the stairs from the kitchen, children were playing. The door, closed at the top of the wooden stairs topped with spare carpet pieces that didn't quite match, was just thick enough to muffle the sounds of a mother's radio as she prepared lunch for the kids. The small window, high by the ceiling but set at ground level, was made opaque by the accumulation of dirt and grime, casting a cold blue light into the room that balanced out almost completely accidentally with the yellow bulbs of the ceiling light, made even warmer by the red material used as a shade around them. A TV was in the corner, surprisingly unused, as was the fold out sofa bed up against the wall. The children were clustered around a single large table in the centre of the room, surrounded by pens and papers and snacks and drinks and dice, sitting on a veritable cornucopia of assorted chairs.

The garden chair in creaking white plastic, one that you dare not lean back in for fear of the back legs folding and snapping underneath you. The dull metal and orange plastic of a folding chair, somehow both heavier and less comfortable than it really looked, the top of the back piece cracked from any number of bodies daring to put any amount of weight on it. The solid pine kitchen chair, varnish fading underneath the flecks of beige where it was used as a stool to paint the walls, needing a cushion to allow sitting in it for anything more than twenty minutes at a time. The stool from the mass-produced flat-packed furniture store, selling you a overpriced dream of minimalist design balanced by silly names with more diacritics than a Farf football team. The office chair, pride of place at the head of the table despite the ripped material across the back and the ragged plastic arms, worn from being scraped under a table too often, never quite managing to get precisely the right setting you wanted on the adjustable height. These and other chairs, providing the solid foundation for sitting and playing in a remarkably well organised setting, given the circumstances and the players.

It was set in the small town that you didn't grow up in, but saw it on the TV and in movies enough to feel like you did. The throwback where if you were in your early forties absolutely everything was correct down to the last detail, because only people who have made it through their thirties get to create and direct anything like this level of nostalgic fan service just for themselves. If you're younger, you'll still feel like it was a halcyon age of innocence, where things were so much simpler without all our devices and connectivity to intrude upon our life, where things really would be fixable by hitting them just in the right spot. You know all the references because, back then, pop culture endured a little longer than the blink-and-you-miss-it of today.

You'd think that the children would be outside playing... whatever it is kids play at. Running around inventing incredibly complex games with rules that make no sense, or appear to be malleable at will, just so someone gets dirty, or tied up, or is the target, or a chaser, or any of a hundred different variations on running around at top speed making as much noise as possible. Maybe even football, given where we are. Perhaps they should be playing video games, crowded round a small TV trying to concentrate on the few hundred pixels square that constituted their portion of the multiplayer screen, with controllers that you can't hurl across the room in frustration because they're still attached to the console, or attached to the TV itself. In this basement room, however, the technology lay idle. Here the theater was not one of beams of electrons fired at light speed towards a phosphorescent screen, but one of the mind. Several minds, in fact.

Mostly they were the creations of the Game Master, or GM, but everyone had their own mental picture of it. Whether those mental pictures matched what the GM had in their mind, or not, is largely irrelevant. All of these mental images combined into a single shared universe, a created space where anything was possible and even the impossible quickly surrendered to the intellectual browbeating of a group of eleven year olds, who's young minds simmered with the creative energy of a billion ideas. Half of those ideas were direct copies of what they'd seen on the TV or read in their latest comic book but there, in that basement, the primordial soup of imagination was where the amino acids of adventure, conflict and achievement were born. The medium for this was called Castles & Chimeras and the children scratched their pencils on tatty and worn character sheets, rolled their mismatching dice and declared how they were drinking their potions of luck in order to boost their dice and slay the foul creatures that crossed their path as they, usually, slaughtered their way with abandon across the halls and towers of whatever evil villain's castle happened to be the location for that day.

Imagination has a habit of turning into creation. Doodles of wizards in light blue robes and pointy hats with stars all over them. Sketches with the shining gold - or rather excessive yellow crayon not corralled between mid grey pencil lines - of warrior paladins. The dark grey single fill of a pencil that surely needs sharpening, but not yet because the shadowy rogue's cape needs filling in properly first. Someone with a laser machine gun, because of course there's always one of those, usually from someone with a great deal of improvised on-the-spot story of why laser machine guns make complete sense in a fantasy world, until they're told not to and have to drop it to a musket or a crossbow because that's what's written in the handbook. When imaginative young minds come together, they have a habit of creating things. Not everything they create, however, is pure and innocent.

Sometimes they create Something. And this Something was stirring. Something dark and menacing. A Something that they couldn't see or hear yet, but if they could have then the very sight of it would have terrified them to the core of their beings. But they were oblivious of it, growing slowly and silently in places they hadn't yet imagined. But it would come for them; it was just a matter of time. At that point, all the natural 20s in the world wouldn't be able to save them...

[Flavovespia]

Flavovespia 4–4 Ziwana

A complete contrast to their first match, but ultimately the same outcome of a draw for Flavovespia, as their first home game of the campaign ended in a 4-4 draw was Ziwana. It was a slight disappointment to come away with a draw, especially having lead twice, but ultimately the game wasn’t short on action.

Flavovespia lined up in their new home kit, with Ziwana their all green away kit, under the City Arena dome. Only one change for Flavovespia, a minor head injury ruling Terence Daley out. Edward Barkes got his first international cap for the nation in his place.

It didn’t take long for the game to come to life. In the 5th minute, Barkes picked up the ball just outside the area. He held it up, seeing if any of the centre backs would put in a challenge. The young Ziwani centre back pairing went in, but Barkes quickly laid off the ball to the incoming Coleman. Coleman got clean through on goal, and his shot was powerful yet accurate, and beat Kingsley Ithier. 1-0 to the hosts Flavovespia with their first effort of the day.

17 minutes, and Flavovespia went and doubled their lead. Good build up play around the box saw Flavovespia have an extended period of pressure. It was ultimately Steven Hall who played the pinpoint ball to the feet of Barkes. Barkes didn’t need a second invite to place the ball precisely where he wanted it. The Hadford Hill striker was delighted with a debut international goal, set up for him by his Hadford Hill teammate.

2 goals to the good, and Flavovespia were confident. Maybe too confident however. Jean-Marc Mourgine was impressive at domestic level, and was quickly stepping up at international level. Given too much space by James and Gardner in the 37th minute, he had time on the edge of the box to hit a curling shot that Meehan couldn’t do much about at all.

5 minutes later, and the equaliser came. Richard Chirwa down the wing was able to play a quick 1-2 and was breaking into the box. Despite the narrow angle, his shot beat Meehan and bounced off the far post and rolled into the goal. 2-2 and it wasn’t even half time yet in what was turning into a frantic match.

That wasn’t even the last goal of the half. Ziwana seemed to be lacking focus from the kickoff, and Flavovespia fully exploited it. James King played a brilliant long pass into the path of Scott Coleman Coleman used his pace to get into a good position. Kingsley Ithier tried to charge him down, but Coleman was able to chip the ball over the outcoming keeper and into the net. It looked like a clumsy error, and a few were wondering given the first half performance, was it wise to play the second choice keeper even if they performed well vs Mitra and Soma.

Into the second half, and 10 minutes into it, there was another equaliser by Ziwana. Charles Payen held off Ian Johnson, and then turned Tony Gardner inside out. Then his shot was a powerful shot across the ground, beyond the outstretched body of David Meehan to make the score 3-3. For their troubles, Tony Gardner and Mark Games were taken off, with Neil Wright and Alexander May coming on to try and shore up the defence.

It looked like for a long period of the second half the game would finish 3-3. However in the 86th minute, what seemed like disaster for Flavovespia happened. A long range shot didn’t seem threatening, however it took a deflection off the outstretched toes of Mark James. It didn’t look like much, but a slight deflection moved it through the air, causing David Meehan to fumble the catch. The ball bounced agonisingly away from him, as Jean-Marc Mourgine slid in to knock it in. 3-4 to the visitors, who were now on the verge of going 2 wins from 2 in their first World Cup qualifiers.

Flavovespia weren’t prepared to give up however. In the 91st minute, they had a corner. Hall lined up to take it, and everyone but Meehan and Hall were in the box. The ball was swung in, and after a deflected header and then a deflected chance of a clearance, the ball fell at the feet of Alan Holt. Just outside the 6 yard line, he jabbed it beyond the keeper. 4-4 it was now, as Flavovespia celebrated what would be the final goal of the game.

4-4 it would finish in a frantic game of football. 2 points dropped or a point gained will be a debate for both teams to have in the days following this match. For Flavovespia, 2 points from 2 matches their debut campaign. They are undefeated, with Mitra and Soma away, a bye and then a home game against Mustardy coming up. There is a sense in the Flavovespia camp they need to win at least one of those games, to get their campaign really up to speed in a competitive group, or they’ll fall short of expectations.

A History of Football in Flavovespia

Part 2

In 85BU, the first professional tournament in the nation began. The Tri Series, to be played between Waldster, St Astons City and Hadford Hill was created. The rules were simple. 2 home and away games between each side, with 2 points for a win and 1 for a draw in the rankings, effectively sorting the teams by win percentage. Goal difference was the tie breaker, then goals scored, then head to head record. In the inaugural series, Waldster got 4 wins, Hadford Hill 2 and St Astons lost all their games. With the teams wearing yellow, red and blue respectively, combined with the fact the 3 cities were the most populated by far in the nation, the tournament itself began to get some appeal even outside the cities. Of course this was the radio era, predating television, and many could only find out the results after the game occurred, with full match reports in the Sunday papers.

This isn’t to say that football simply didn’t exist elsewhere in the nation. Many amateur clubs had their own local tournaments. However these tournaments were very localised, and the records surrounding these are scarce. Add to that, even the rules of the game could vary from region to region. The rules of the game for the Tri Series, which were identical to that of the international rules of the time, were adopted by many clubs, but it not always a requirement that they do so.

One year later, in the second Tri Series, St Astons City got their revenge. Seen as the weakest of the 2 sides, 2 wins and 2 draws saw them lift the title to the surprise of the other two sides. The third series saw Hadford Hill take their first Tri Series, showing just how balanced it seemed in the early years. The Tri Series also sowed the seeds of a long-standing football rivalry between the 3 cities, that lasts to this day. The early development of the Tri Series, with players now paid and spending time each week training gave the sides a big leg-up in terms of finances and ability. Additionally, the 3 Tri Series teams would often play friendlies and show matches in other cities, a deal financially beneficial for both sides, as spectators paid to see these sides. Stadiums were somewhat primitive at the time, largely comprised of grass bank, wooden or concrete steps, with only a few having proper stands, but that didn’t stop the spectators coming to see the growing sport.

The Tri Series was popular, but there was a growing amateur game, alongside a few cities and regions looking at forming their own sides. One big question that remained though, was whether or not these teams would have their own competition to compete in. This was a question some entrepreneurs saw an answer to, and the groundwork was to be laid to change that.

[Alasdair I Frosticus]

The Knights of the Oblong Table In....

THE QUEST FOR THE HOLY GRAIL
of World Cup qualification

"A rest day? What devilry is this, I ask?"

"Well, Sir Therapon, when there's an uneven number of teams in the group, one of the teams must, by definition, not play against the other teams, meaning..."

"Silence Sir Synetus; I care not for your pedantry. I thought we were on a quest! There are damsels to be saved, grails to be found, adventure to be had! Instead we rest here in this hippodrome kicking this damnable ball around in the name of 'practice'"

"Ah, but you see, perhaps we should see this ball as a symbol..."

"Ooooooooh - tell me more, wise Sir Joasaph"

"Is not the orb in the regalia of the Basileus a symbol of Christ’s dominion over the world, as the Monarch is God’s vicegerent in the Multiverse?"

"Aye!"

"'Tis true!"

"Verily!"

"And therefore might not this leather orb represent Christ's dominion over World Cup qualification, and our right to rule Group 10?"

"Your wisdom is legendary, Sir Joasaph!"

"And might not the net in the goal represent that all might be saved; even if Christ the heavenly goalkeeper is unable to save each passing soul in life, still the goal net of God's grace awaits!"

"Truly you are the wisest of knights!"

"And therefore will not our practicing of kicking the symbol of Christ's dominion over World Cup qualification, and our right to rule Group 10, into the goal net of God's grace bring us closer to the Holy Grail of World Cup qualification?"

"I stand corrected, Sir Joasaph; truly this practice which vexed me most sorely is a necessary step in the Knights of the Oblong Table achieving their quest. I shall complain no longer, but instead shall kick this ball with great force in your direction, that you may attempt to stop its flight; for, as our earthly goalkeeper in this life, must you not also practice if we are to find the Holy Grail of World Cup qualification?"

"Why, Sir Therapon, that almost sounds like something I would have said..."

"You flatter me, wise Sir Joasaph; but practice we must. Here, let me give this ball a good, sound thwacking, just like one would give to rebellious peasants seeking to evade their taxes...."

[Sarzonia]

Two matches into Sarzonia's second return from an extended absence from World Cup competition, and the Stars are still searching for their first victory.

They've also yet to suffer their first defeat.

That's right. Sarzonia sit with a record of 0-2-0 with two standings points. They've scored only one goal, through substitute midfielder Clayton Wilson in the 84th minute, yes, the great-grandson of legendary Stars manager Dave and grandson of the great Brian. He jogged onto the pitch to spell the injured Jake Campos, who fell to the ground in the 38th minute of play holding his knee and had to be taken off the pitch on a stretcher.

Fortunately for Sarzonia, the injury turned out to be minor, and Campos is expected to be available to face world No. 5 Banija.

Sarzonia also conceded a goal in the 26th minute through the unfortunate right heel of defender Russ Howard, whose clearing attempt of a cross by Casta Marina's playmaking midfielder caromed off his boot and into the net behind a stunned Mateo Sandoval.

"It's OK, don't worry about it," Sandoval told Howard, trying to overcome both his own shock and his defender's dejection after an embarrassing failure at a clear Howard flawlessly handles "99 times out of 100," he told a reporter after the match.

"Now you owe me 99," manager Kevin Connelly said, drawing a chuckle from his players. The Stars could use the levity. After another emotional tribute to the late manager Dave Ostrom, the team was wound up and tense. It manifested itself in a team ranked 301st in the world dominating play, culminating in the own goal, but the Stars began to show life as the tide slowly began to turn in the 39th minute, ironically with the injury to top striker Campos and Connelly's decision to send on Wilson.

Even though the young midfielder isn't the team's captain, the honour that goes to Howard, he is a natural leader, even among players over a decade his senior. He brought youthful energy, but also a determination that soon spread to the rest of the 11 on the pitch. In fact, before Connelly could make it back to the dressing room to address his team, Wilson was already encouraging them and, much to Connelly's surprise and delight, already suggesting the very adjustments he was planning to implement.

"That boy's destined to be a great manager someday," Connelly would later tell Kevin Wilson about his own grandnephew, "not to mention a great player once he matures a bit more."

The free kick Wilson would score that leveled the match at one goal apiece was an indication that some of the future was right now. He sent a low lined shot that just eluded the Casta Marina goalkeeper and sent the 90,128 in Dave Wilson Stadium into delirium.

"The Sarzonia goal scored by number 20 CLAAAYTONNNNNN WILLLLSONNNNN!" the PA announcer intoned, much to the delight of the navy-clad supporters.

After five more minutes of regulation and three minutes of stoppage time, the Squornshelan referee blew his whistle to signal the end of the match. It was Sarzonia 1, Casta Marina 1.

Not a victory, mind you, and the Stars still expect to be on the search for their first victory in their away match at Banija. And they still expect to struggle with their emotions after yet another moment of silence in a foreign stadium for their fallen manager.

But for one night, they'll take the result.

[Newmanistan]

THE ROCKET REPORT

PROVING GROUNDS READY TO ROCK

by Taylor Larson,


Hi, I’m Taylor and I am here to talk to you about the social atmosphere surround the Proving Grounds for the upcoming home opener of qualifying against Islas Aaland, ranked #110 in the world. If you want full coverage of our matchday one win over Kandorith, by the score of 1-0, please check out the report from my colleague, Brianne Henry.

I have to tell you, there is really a ton of excitement surrounding this team right now. They are a pot five team, so they aren’t supposed to qualify for the World Cup, just like Baker Park was not supposed to have a chance in their first try, or like Reçueçn was not supposed to have a prayer to do so in the last World Cup. I can feel it here in Tundra Falls, as the tailgates have long since begun all throughout each of the parking lots here at this enormous facility. However, the positive vibes surround this team are not just from Newmanistanians, but from many people across the sporting multiverse. A fantasy competition from our baseball rivals, Ko-oren, put together as well planned system to have fans pick nations that they thought would do well in their group. Now, this did not mean that the fans thought the nations would qualify that they were picking, as the rules of the contest meant that everyone had to pick surprises, or sleepers, if you will. Newmanistan ended up being one of the most commonly selected nations in that competition as contestants feel that there is plenty of value in the Rockets, and that the team should be able to perform well in this group.

The host nations of Cassadaigua and Baker Park do have interesting history that Newmanistan can relate too: In World Cup 83, for our second return, we only played one friendly, which was against Cassadaigua. We lost 7-0, but our sporting history in general goes way back with the Matriarchy. The stories of rivalries usually entail talking about other sports, though. But Baker Park? Bet you didn’t know our bit of history with them? In World Cup 80, we had a one-off qualifying attempt, and the very first qualifying game that Baker Park ever played.... that was right here at the Proving Grounds in Tundra Falls. The Spirits must have looked fondly on Baker Park in their debut, as they qualified for that Cup and “Rocket”-ed up the rankings ever since. Now, they host the World Cup with our long-time rival Cassadaigua. Fate? Maybe the Spirits can look fondly on us this time.

More on that in a moment. I took my time to walk around the main parking lot for the soccer stadium, and the festive moods of the fans were very evident. People have been camping out here for days, something that you don’t always see here at the Proving Grounds since multiple sports are played here at any time. I had a chance to talk to some of them. Felipe Ochoa is a carpenter by day but a major sports fan by night. He admits that his favorite sport is baseball, but he is caught up in the moment here. “Yea man, this is the real deal right here. Baseball you know that’s cool but we’ve proven ourselves there. This is a title that we gave up on for the longest time, but the Emperor could not ignore the fact that we love all of the major sports in this great country, so soccer is there. And we want to play for this Cup. Qualification, whatever it takes, we want to be a part of the cycle.” Ochoa says that Newmanistan should not be considered a Cinderella story if they were to have a good run. “That was last time when we were unranked. We got out of the group stage and into that extra group stage. Didn’t get out that, but man, that’s when we were the Cinderella. Now, we know what we have to do. Carry the momentum! Carry it on! Go Rocketsssss!”

Down the way a little, an older man named Milton Kendall spoke to talk to me, “I don’t usually do this tailgate stuff, but I am excited. We have an international soccer history to be proud of in things that we have done. Last time was great because we stopped focusing on what we hadn’t done. I know back then we used to always fail to qualify for this, and I think that got in the heads of our players. They joke that this is a Cursed Cup, while the curses on our players were real back then. There was no actual curse, but it was a mental curse. This new group of players, it’s a new era, a new chance to do something. The slate has been wiped clean, and while it has not and will not totally be erased from memory but it’s a fresh!” Kendall also said one more thing has him excited, “I have never been in the same building as the Emperor before. Great that he is coming to do this.”

Indeed, Emperor Michael V is making the trip to Tundra Falls, and will also be accompanied by Tundra Falls Bishop Howell, for a special ceremony this time. The Bishop will ask the Spirits for their blessing at midfield before the pitch, at the conclusion of giving a speech. This has not been done in a non-motorsport before in the Empire.

During qualifying, games are played throughout Newmanistan. The Proving Grounds always gets the opener. Islas Aaland is a good though beatable opponent, and everyone will hope that there will still be a party atmosphere afterwards. Like Mr. Ochoa said, it’s all about carrying the momentum. They started well, and have now had their bye. There is no time for a setback.

[Wrecker]

Patrick Stadium, Halsted, Wreckeria
World Cup 84 Qualifier Match 2: Wreckeria v. Pauh Janggi
For the last several days, the mood among the Wreckerian team had been tense. Here they were, about to play their first home match in 54 years, in front of a packed house at William Patrick Stadium, not too far from the burned-out husk that was the Wreckerian National Stadium. Some 30,000 fans were filing into the stadium, cautiously excited about what the 90 minutes (and change) were going to bring for the Wreckerian team, as they got ready to take on the team from Pauh Janggi.

In those days between the victory over Mareibat and the match with Paul Janggi, training had gone well, but the Wreckerians were unsure of what to expect against the Pauhans. Sig Justice’s injury, meanwhile, had been less significant that previously feared, and he would be starting in the match.

And then there was the issue of Wreckeria’s physio. The day after the Mareibat match, physio Gabriela Petrescu was given a note by Dave Simmons concerning Drake Stevenson. Specifically, the note read “D. Stevenson in Hap called, wanted to talk but also wanted your number. I told him you’d call.” So she called Drake, and the two talked for about an hour and a half, catching up on everything from what Drake had done as Team Blue consultant to her work as physio for the Wreckerian team. But any attempt at the two getting back together would be futile.

“Drake, we can’t get back together,” she told him. “I’ve got this job in Wreckeria and I don’t want to lose it.”

Drake sadly told her he understood, but told her he loved her all the same and missed her, but also asked her if she would take the job with the HNFT if it ever became available.

“I’m not answering that question,” she said. “My priority is here. But I miss you too.”

The thoughts of Drake weighed heavily on her mind as she stood on the sideline at Patrick Stadium on a gloomy evening. The rain was starting to fall, but that wasn’t going to stop the Wreckerians from enjoying what would turn out to be one of the wildest matches of the second match day. The match was wild in more than one way – the Wreckerians, having not seen an international match in 54 years, were ready to see one hell of a match, and the two teams hardly disappointed, with a score that resembled a baseball game more than a football match, and even if the match didn’t go Wreckeria’s way, it was still evident that the Bulldogs from Wreckeria were still about as competitive as anyone would hope they would be.

It was also a sign of progress. Arnold Martin, the President of Wreckeria, had invited some dignitaries from across Wreckeria, including the heads of the True Wreckerian party and the Party of Pride, the two factions that had warred for over 50 years, since the assassination attempt on President John Adler so many years ago. Adler’s children and his grandchildren were there. And, to the utter surprise of people across the neighboring nation of Hapilopper, Hapiloppian President William Mathis was there. When he was introduced at Patrick Stadium, the reaction was that of shock, but gratitude that President Mathis had decided to stop by. There would be more to come from this visit, both on the Hapiloppian side and the Wreckerian side, but it was a sign that the relations between both nations were improving.

It was also a sign of hope. Older fans who had attended the last international matches involving the Wreckerians remarked about what a sad group of players were there representing the nation. Now, however, the Wreckerians out there were ready to kick some ass, and for a moment, they did. Claude Tindall got two goals, in the 14th and the 19th minute. Cale Wyatt, playing out of position, got lucky on one goal and scored in the 67th minute. Sure, the team lost 6-3, but they were in the hunt every step of the way. They fought for those goals, and just got beat fair and square by a team that was a little more established than they were. Wreckeria’s time would come, and it would come soon, but that day was not today.

A day after the match, both the Hapiloppians and the Wreckerians were trying to figure out how, one, the Wreckerians were able to convince Hapilopper’s President to travel to Wreckeria, and two, what exactly would come from this. The Hapiloppians, meanwhile, were probably asking those same questions. It turned out, however, that the answer centered around that initiative called “Peace Through Sport.” This wasn’t the same Wreckeria that was involved in terrorist incidents. This wasn’t the same Wreckeria that made the lives of Hapiloppians miserable. This was a Wreckeria that was trying to improve, and damn it, they were sure making progress.

That day, however, the Wreckerian Football Team wasn’t worried about international relations, or a 6-3 loss, or even if the physio was talking to a famous race car driver again, and by the way, she called him up after the match and the two talked for a couple of hours again. The team was worried about going up against the Squadra Nazionale di Juvencus, who had knocked off Nirvacana 2-0 in their second match. Juvencus was second in Group 10 with two wins, and a +4 goal differential, one goal behind Pauh Janggi’s +5.

The Wreckerians knew they would be in for a tough slog against the team from Juvencus, but hell, it was worth a shot to go in there and raise some hell. After all, what was the worst that could happen?

[Taeshan]

"A first win in qualifiers Miles how are the guys feeling".

"A big home win after a disappointing draw in TJUN-ia. Proud of the guys for fighting through at home to get the 3 points. Exciting for the home fans to start off well. Nice to see the Metropark full of fans in probably the biggest game they'll get this campaign".

"Major flub for Florian to let in the goal for Balqia. He's been weak for club and country. What are the chances we see Esteban get a start in the upcoming weeks."

"Florian is young. I'm confident he's the man for us in goal. He's had his problems for Capetown, but if we don't give him the chance to work through it he'll never reach the promise he has shown in his young career. Listen we're not here just to qualify for the next World Cup. We're here to right this ship that for so long as failed to succeed. That may mean we have to take our lumps before we start being a force."


"Florian, Miles gave you another strong vote of confidence minutes ago, but you did have a bit of a howler there. How can you work on this, and get back in the groove."

"It's my fault. I took my eye off the ball, and it could have cost us points."

"Does an in form back-up in Esteban Foh worry you."

"Esteban is a great guy, and honestly hasn't gotten as much of a look the past decade as he should have. He would be a great goalkeeper to start, but I believe in myself. The guys do, and this is our time to shine. Just need to work out some kinks and get back to my game."


"Xander, you haven't been fired from Bayern yet, but here you are watching the squad you led back to a World Cup look so...so-so. How does it make you feel"

"I mean I left for a reason. My center back and goalkeeper retired. I saw the writing on the wall. What Miles is doing is interesting. If he can right the ship, more power to him. But it was worrying for anyone seeing what was coming."

"What do you mean"?

"I had some great young players. But Miles has too many, and kept some older ones who maybe...who maybe should have seen the writing on the walls themselves."

"What are you going to do next season to get Phoenix back up the table"?

"Hope. Hope I get some money from somewhere to make it work. Hope I buy the next Latona Basilisk. Hope we can convince Larson Sneijder and Shannon Lafayette to transfer to Bayern."

"Are you actively working to sign those two?"

"No comment."



"Larson, Xander McDrew hinted he was trying to sway you and Shannon Lafayette to transfer to Bayern. Care to comment"?

"No."

[Appalachian Nation]

Appalachia is NOT! NOT! NOT!
By Troy Butterson

A lot of goals were celebrated, here's Appy celebrates its third of the day.

ETHANE - When you ask a Appalachian Soccer fan what their favorite game not involving the Hillbillies you generally get responses about Starcom Racing or Xanneria. 6 years ago Xanneria played a game in the Baptism of Fire Tournament that Appalachia would later play. Ethane hosted and one of the more notable games was the infamous slopfest between Xanneria and Bresanie that ended 3-2 is a noted classic in the Appalachian soccer fandom. It has been a while since Appy and Ethane have played but with our northerly neighbors in the same group it was paramount for a good showing. For the good news, we did score four goals. For the bad news, Calvin Throckmorton had a rough game and go pulled after four goals were given up and his substitue Jello Collins (so named cause of his larger size) gave up too. All of these goals were shot in the pouring rain as Appy got their own taste of the rainy season in Ethane. To make matter worse for the hillbillies, they had a 31 lead just 25 minutes into the game, what went wrong? The weather and an apparent equipment issue too. According to coach Conkley a shipment of cleets for the team was late and most of the game was played under rainy skies. The scoring was mainly done by Mohammed Hope and Josh Montoya who got two goals a piece for Ethane, the fluery of goals didn't help Appy's cause those as they are now the second team at 0-0-2 in the group barring what happens with Port Ember and the result of the Razneta and Kellssek game. Hopefully some stragy calls will go our way and we won't be in the pickle we've been in.

Appalachia plays Razneta next week. Despite protests from Appalachia and Xanneria the second leg will not be played on neutral grounds. the WCC has determined that even Five Cities will host games and they exist in a vacuum of anarchy. This will be a key game as the Raznetians are looking for a quick start and the Appalachians are looking for a win or even a point. the Game will be played in Finley-Cartrose Stadium, a 30,000 seater in Chattanooga.

Appalachia - 4
William Robert 12' 25'
Bubba 28'
Tiffany Drew 40'

Ethane - 6
Josh Montoya 37' 50'
Mohammed Hope 45' 54'
Leyton Underwood 77'
Scott Burgess 81'

[New Lusitania and the Algarves]

STL|Serviços de Transmissão Lusitana
Sport | Football|
World Cup 84
Double Bill

THE ROAD BEGINS SMOOTHLY
New Lusitania 2-0 Aldaveria
@AlgarveArena (Att: 39 562)

New Lusitania started their road at home under the sunny skies of the Algarve. A packed stadium ensured a good crowd for today's match as the Selecção take on Aldaveria. For the home side it's Lopes that starts in goal, Guerreiros, Carriça and Pedralva in defence, Mário, Fernando and Gama in midfield with Veiga supporting attack as Silveira and Jota up front.
It was a game where Aldaveria didn't have a lot of footing in the beginning. Gama's cross to Veiga had made sure of that when the Leiria player scored the opener. Before half-time, Aldaveria threw a warning shot with the Lusitanian goalkeeper just stretching enough to get it. In the second half, New Lusitania pushed on. Aldaveria knew that a one goal margin could mean nothing was over, of course, which meant continuing their efforts to score. However, it would soon be over when on seventy minutes substitute Guilherme Paciência (which had substituted Jota at halftime) scored for the home side securing the first three points. Not too shabby for a campaign start... FULL TIME: 2-0


THE FIRST GREAT BREAKDOWN
Eshan 3-0 New Lusitania
@Eshan Stadium, near Rosaria (Att:?)

After the high spirits of being top on goal difference after a match, it all came tumbling down. That's all there is to it. Jota was switched for Nevais meaning there was a more defensive attitude. Eshan knew what they were doing and left little scraps to feed on during the counter-attacks. Completely outplayed in the first half - and indeed the whole game - the Lusitanian defence had a hard time as most of the action was centered in their third of the pitch. The first goal came on thirty-five minutes, a good counter-attack with a great flair off the shot. 1-0. The second on forty-two minutes of play as there was a cross with a big defensive mistake by Carriça. 2-0. After halftime the Lusitanians attempted to get back in the game, with a never say die attitude. However, as in the initial stages their attacking was widely ineffective, that being the main problem of the game. Due to this, for the second time in the game, they conceded via yet another counter-attack, one in which the defence couldn't really do much. 3-0. New Lusitania really do need to train certain defensive scenarios up front ahead of the next few matches.
A bit towards the end one or two lost their temper hence a few yellow cards on the Lusitanian sheet.
A day where they simply weren't themselves as New Lusitania slide down to midtable. It's still Matchday Two, so there's still plenty to play for though.
FULL TIME: 3-0


THE HUB
GOALS: Veiga, Guilherme Paciência
ASSISTS: Gama, Fernando.
CARDS: Guerreiros, Fernando,

INJURIES: None to Report

ADDITIONAL INFO: Patríce to return Next Match



LATEST STATS
World Cup 83 Quals
Top Goalscorers: Silveira (11)
Assists: Fernando (8)
-------------------------------------
Matchday: Internationals
coverage of the best
STL1 22:00 GMT
-----------------------------------
World Cup 84
The best of the action on STL, your National Broadcaster.
New Lusitania in exclusive.
-----------------------------------
STL in association with FLF
MMXIX

[Hampton Island]

Scene: Stafford City Stadium
(Track CEO and stadium CEO is same guy)

CEO: Sweetie, you did a great job on that!

Brianna Carter: It still felt kinda wrong. This soccer stuff is hard but even more when some people want to call it football.

CEO: That is why we have some real soccer players on the team too, hun. They took advantage of the red card that you drew.

Brianna Carter: Why do they call it a red card? Why can’t they just say it is a foul and a disqualification. Stupid that the referee has to reach into his pocket to pull out an actual card.

CEO: Soccer rules are stupid, but with us winning our home opener over a team like Mattijana, people will think you really are a soccer player. You can be successful just like Lexi Patterson!

Brianna Carter: Why do some people call it football? Don’t they know the difference?

CEO: I don’t know why. Obviously it is not football.

Brianna Carter: Yes. Real football would be a lot harder. I cannot believe that I scored on the penalty kick. I actually scored a goal. It felt so amazing!

CEO: Yeah, see, if you can score one, you can score more and maybe not on a penalty kick next time.

Brianna Carter: I feel bad for that guy though, he didn’t do anything wrong. I just did what coach said and pretended I got hurt really bad.

CEO: Referees are stupid. Especially soccer referees. But it tied the game at two and with the player advantage our real soccer players took care of the rest.

Brianna Carter: They don’t think I am a real soccer player, though. They are not buying the story you told them. Same for my sister, they think we’re on the team for our looks, so they know the truth.

CEO: It doesn’t matter what they think. Just keep doing what you are doing. Starlight Suites has a new advertisement for you and sister to star in. It will be great!

Brianna Carter: Now that is more my kind of thing!

[Chromatika]

MD2: Chromatika 2-2 Busoga Islands
Goals: Mora '37, Sierra '68
Starting XI (4-2-3-1): Williams; Ruth - Will - Anderson - Damjana; Montague (C) - Dias; Victoriane - Mora - Conrad; Sierra.
Substitutes: Friedman -> Will ('54), Bird -> Mora ('67), Vidal -> Sierra ('84)
Projected Starting XI @ Mriin: Ria; An - de Aea - Anderson - Ilya; Montague - Armageddon; Victoriane - Mora - Dragana; Andisori (C).

---

Football Part 3: MD2 - Versus Busoga Islands

Jillian Nier, Football Correspondent

Ah, the Capitalizt Dome. I have been to many a stadium in my years with the National Team, from Valanora to Cosumar to the multiple nations that we have been to as part of the Proper. However, nothing quite is like playing in front of your home crowd in your capital city.

I wonder what all went through Nova Williams' head as she made a home start against a squad that has a bone to pick with the Anomalies - I took the high-tier matches last cycle, Mia the ones below that. There is a huge difference between playing teams ranked five or six in your group and playing those ranked four. Especially when it's a team who knows that they're so close to joining the ranks of the contenders like Busoga Islands.

Busoga plays a 4-4-2 that is a little more defensive-leading, evidenced by the fact that Marie Sonko is the Captain, and they field a center diamond of sorts, specifying Jarju as the defensive mid. However, it's impossible to discount just how fast this team can counterattack. That was the difference maker in this match, the first for the Anomalies in their home campaign. Twice, the Anomalies went up - first via a free kick from Hermaeus Mora and the second off of a Rowena Sierra breakaway - and twice the Islands recovered and tied up the game nary five minutes afterwards, Amitabh getting past Damjana on a breakaway that Nova didn't quite get the right angle on, and Jacobs bending a wicked corner that silenced the crowd.

The loss cannot be entirely blamed on Nova and the defensive backfield - if any unit struggled the most, it was the midfield - Kai Dias seemed out of his element for stretches at a time, and Retta Conrad seemed to be missing a step when creating opportunities to the outside.

A result that isn't the best for this squad, though it's a long haul, and there isn't much time to reminisce - a trip to Mriin await. Mriin and Chromatika have played twice and both times, we've lost one-nil.

Will the streak end? Not likely, not on the road. It's how the team does after this brutal three-game stretch - when the Chromatiks become heavy favorites to win all of them - and how Evans & Everdeen handle the fifty-man roster that will define who they are as a tandem.

The same Starting XI that took the win away at Main Nation Ministry will take the pitch versus Mriin minus one small change - Yeri Ibex being replaced by Cierra Anderson. When pressed about the change, the Chromatik brass seem to be stating that Ibex suffered a left hamstring injury, but there's enough talk out there that he is being benched due to how he played versus Main Nation Ministry. A key will be if the defensive midfield can really allow Hermaeus to play his more attacking midfield style as he assists Andisori, Victoriane, and Dragana up front. I give the Anomalies about a 30% at an outright victory, and a slightly higher 45% chance of earning a point on the road, which would be acceptable.

---

Part 2: The Journalist

Part 3: The Dignitary

With the debates to commence shortly, it is prudent to get to know those that the Chromatik people will be voting for in the days to come - those that will really shape what Chromatika will become.

The Checkers Party will be led by Mikhai Gowers, a previous Dark Silver dignitary who was a personal friend of the previous Dark Gold while she was under influence of Venom. He, like so many others, claims that he was only following orders when it comes to the things that he did while part of the Chromatik Party. To make matters worse, it's not quite clear yet if Venom had any sort of direct control over personnel, meaning that they can plead innocence. Since the end of the Revolution, Gowers has been the de factor leader of the Checkers Party, claiming that though the Chromatik Party took matters too far with the caste system, segregation, and whatnot, many of the tenets of the party can be salvaged and applied correctly.

Sporting a Masters in Political Science and Foreign Relations with Chromatik State University in the Chromatik Party's regime, Gowers is a smooth-tongued politician and master debater that knows how to bend the truth to fit his narrative. He is unmarried and has no known family, his parents supposedly killed during the Revolution by rioting ROYG's. This may give him more ammunition and a prerogative to make life for the ROYG communities a little more miserable.

Gowers and the Checkers Party are expected to use the following as major speaking points in the election to come:

1. Continued separation of previous ROYG (Red, Orange, Yellow, Green) populace from the greater workforce, stating the status quo, the cost it'd take to incorporate the ROYG community, and the fact that people are happy with having limited options.
1b. Continued separation of previous BIV (Blue, Indigo, Violet) and Bronze, Silver, Gold populace from the greater workforce, stating how easy it is to retain talent when it's consolidated into one place
2. Establishment of domestic free trade with complete government oversight (to make sure companies stay in line)
3. Continuation of exclusive foreign trade with Cosumar and Audioslavia with government oversight (to make sure Chromatik money stays in Chromatika and Chromatika can limit what is being brought in)
4. Establishment of the Chromatik Football Federation as an body with full government oversight of its personnel
5. Continuation of bringing those of the previous regime who didn't have a choice into the general populace

It is safe to assume that the Checkers Party is the favorite among the mainstream businesses, except those that are in close ties with the Chromatik populace. Also, the Checkers Party has multiple rich constituents that have the capital to support a major ad campaign. Can money buy Gowers the votes he needs? Will Gowers make a fool of himself in the eyes of international dignitaries?

---

Rainbow League System Preview

2. Anomalies

Nickname: Anomalies
Fans: Anomalies, Clubbers
Location: Chromatik City, Capital District, Chromatika
Stadium: Anomaly Tower (110,320; 42,350 Seats)
History:

League Chromatiks Season 1: 3rd Premier Division
League Chromatiks Season 2: 3rd Premier Division
League Chromatiks Season 3: 4th Premier Division
League Chromatiks Season 4: 2nd Premier Division
League Chromatiks Season 5: 4th Premier Division
Chromatik League Season 1: 5th Premier Division
Chromatik League Season 2: 2nd Premier Division
Chromatik League Season 3: 3rd Premier Division
Chromatik League Season 4: 3rd Premier Division
Chromatik League Season 5: 3rd Premier Division

Manager: Aleksandr Ivanovich, 56
Formation: (4-3-2-1)

Background: Always considered the "Other Chromatik City Team", Anomalies Football Club, or "AFC" for short, is located in the southern part of the city, away from the political center and more in the economic one. The "Anomaly Tower" is a stadium built on top of a five-star restaurant that closes during the matches. The more blue-collar workers support the team, and call themselves "The True Anomalies". It is a club seeped in history - as they still keep the old moniker of "Anomaly" - and a bitter rivalry with the Chromatik Capitalizt. They were able to retain Ivanovich, one of the best Managers in the domestic scene, and seem ripe to make a splash in the new league system.

Preseason Grading: brought to you by ChromatikBet.com

Fanbase: 7/10 - Anomalies have suffered with the closeness of Capitalizt. Chromatik does definitely have most of the money, too, which doesn't help. That being said, Anomalies fans are wild and passionate.
Manager: 9/10 - Ivanovich has been around the Chromatik domestic scene for forever, always in the Premier Division. Often hailed as a friendlier Silian Parker who knows how to communicate, he is a solid manager.
Keepers: N/A - Anomalies is in need of a starting keeper.
Defenders: N/A - Anomalies is in need of all starting backs.
Midfielders: N/A - Anomalies is in need of most of the midfield.
Strikers: N/A - Anomalies is in need of strikers.
Greatest Need: When the Chromatik League disbanded, all foreign players were let go. Anomalies lost all but one starter. However, they are a Capital Club, and have some money. Expect them to make a splash.

Next: Chromatik

[Recuecn]

Franky seemed to forget how hard he had to train for the national team every time he went back to play for his club. At the last world cup qualifiers, Tremblay had given them the cliche, stereotypical speech you see in every sports movie about how although they were the underdogs and nobody expected them to win, with determination and the best fitness training in the world, they could outplay higher-ranked teams. It had worked, but it had been a challenge. And now that challenge was back, and Franky, spoiled after world cup qualification, winning the IAC, and being the star of his club team, was not having it.

It didn't help that this time around, it wasn't Jacques Tremblay, Reçueçn's 70-year-old coach, guiding the fitness training. Tremblay, who admittedly was too old to still be kicking around, was revered in Reçuecian football. It was thanks to him that this team, originally one that didn't really get along and had trouble finding itself, had gelled and started winning trophies. His legendary status (if only within the nation) had helped put him above the team's internal rivalries and made even the most stubborn or independent players listen to him.

For qualifiers for the eighty-fourth world cup, however, the RNFT had a new assistant coach: Bonheur Relié. The players weren't quite sure why he'd been hired, other than the fact that maybe he seemed to get along with Tremblay. Unfortunately, it was quickly becoming a bit of a good-cop bad-cop situation where the players would gravitate to Tremblay coach and pull away from Relié. Greater bonding with Tremblay wasn't really worth the added tension on the team. Sometimes the fitness training Relié imposed on the team seemed like more of a punishment for some unkown sin than it seemed like the next step in improvement, even if everybody knew it was supposed to be the latter.

Franky was moaning to Emanuele Cutrona as they ran laps between suicide sprints. "'Bonheur'? They should call him 'Malheur'"

Emanuele was too out of breath to laugh, but he blew air out of his nose. He'd learned enough French by now to get Franky's play on the words for 'happiness' and 'misfortune'.

Relié, at the other end of the field, and definitely unable to hear anything being said, seemed to know somehow he was being tlaked about. "No talking!" he yelled. "You should be using your mouth to breathe! If you're having a conversation, it means you're saving energy, and I'll have you do extra laps!"

Franky grumbled quietly. "More like 'Boner' than 'Bonheur', he said under his breath. Emanuele glanced over to see if anyone had heard anything, but no one seemed to have noticed. The others were all just running at a solid pace, drenched in sweat, their jerseys stuck to their backs, some wearing soaked-through headbands, others wiping perspiration from their faces with the backs of their hands. The summer sun shone down and didn't help the heat situation at all. Everyone was exhausted and parched.

They collapsed on the ground as they rounded the field and came back to where Relié was standing, hands on his hips.

"Good job," he said. The team could hardly believe it. A compliement?

"But not good enough. We're playing Damukuni next. They're expectec to qualify by keeping us out, but they've started off weak, so they'll especially be on the hunt for points. You'll need to be faster than that to beat them!"

"So alright then! Let's do it again!"

[Lisander]

---

THE NEW FACE OF THE MONARCHY
By Constantino Villa and Albertina Monteiro
Updated on 27 minutes ago | _Share_

Lisander lives in a new era. The information century has not made the old institutions obsolete. It only updated them. Today we live in an era of Princesses "born plebeian", as well as Noble Merchants, making a lot of money not as nobles, but as citizens of the principality.

In Lisander, there were never rules about morganic marriages. However, the marriages of the princes of Lisander are a sign of the new times. They are the end of a slow process, which lasted about a hundred years. Until one hundred and twenty years ago, marriages were always equal or with little nobility difference. When they did not marry foreign princesses, the princes married women of the High Nobility. Algrave, Viana, Monforzh, Montenegro, Lecastel, Azhaari (the "cadet" branch of the Harmin), Gast... These were always present at the wedding of the sovereigns and princes of blood.

However, the last three entrances into the royal family come from much more modest origins. Ekaterina Miranova, Princess-Émérite, wife of Prince-Emeritus Peter and mother of the Sovereign, comes from a family of weavers. His great-great-grandfather, Alberto della Miranova, was Commissioner of the Soria Town Council and one of those responsible for the constitution of 1817. For this achievement, he won the title of Baron of Miranova.

The present Sovereign Princess, Armine, also belongs to a "newly ennobled" family. Her great-grandfather, Anders Beaumont, born in 1906, was a rich naval merchant, who helped the government supply the northern cities during the cold winters of the 1930s, when food was scarce. He also became a Baron, a title that was increased to Count after the war. His grandson, Cassius, Count de Beaumont, after two terms in the House of Nobles, is the current Commissioner of the City Council who bears his grandfather's name. Armine, daughter of Cassius, received the title of Baroness Beaumont for her efforts on behalf of the young girls gathered in the "Orphanage of the Princesses of the North", while she was still the girlfriend of the then Crown Prince.

The most recent case of ennobled bourgeois in the Palace of Lis, and perhaps the most curious, is that of the Francavilla. Vincent Francavilla, the son of a car salesman, entered the faculty of International Relations, where he became involved in politics. After a few years of diplomatic career (he was Ambassador to Aristian Republic), he was Prime Minister of Lisander between 2011 and 2015. His avant-garde government earned him the titles of Baron de Francavilla and Count of Marès. Currently, Francavilla is the leader of the parliamentary list "Social Democrats," and leads this group in the House of Nobles, ensuring support for his daughter Valentina, currently the beneficiary of the title of Baroness of Francavilla, and is also the prime minister seeking agreement to remain in power. Helena Francavilla, daughter of the first and sister of the second, is 17 and married to the second in line, Prince Sorento. What appeared to be just a dating of two teenagers at a social event has become the country's most talked about relationship, with escapes together, breaks and reconciliations on social networks, state dinners abroad and a marriage at the minimum age. The little couple became the darling of the media and the citizens.

In the meantime, royalty takes the opposite path. Lisander's sovereign family avoids royalty's maximum privileges. They all drive their own cars, while the security guards go undercover. Little Armin, Lisander's crown prince, goes to St. Helen's Primary School as "Armin de Beaumont". It is an expensive school, for the children of the nobility, yet they follow the same educational system as all the children in the country. MSM and their brother Sorento are members of the Fourth Club of Navy Officers under the names of "Johannes Harmin" and "Sorento Harmin". They pay their dues like any other member, participate in fencing and rugby tournaments like any other member, use the club facilities like any other member. Princess Armine continues to maintain her golf hobby and every fortnight visits the girls from the social projects she sponsors.

_SPORTS_
LISANDER STARTS WCQ WITH A WIN AGAINST OUNA
With two goals in the first half, Lisander jumps to the third place in the group, with one match less!+ Read More

_CONTINENTAL CUP_
WITH PARLIAMENT CRISIS NEAR TO FINISH, CONTINENTAL CUP SHOULD HAVE FINALS IN EARLY JANUARY
The Hermine Airlines Team should be complete in some days, as the political turmoil is nearly over. Qualifying races resume this monday.+ Read More

[Terre Septentrionale]

Terre Septentrionale draws against Brenecia

Rozelle, Brenecia - Terre Septentrionale starts the World Cup 84 with two draws. First a 0-0 draw against Sarzonia at home, then a 1-1 draw on the road against Brenecia. Brenecia dominated the game with 18 shots and 11 of them on target with possessing the ball 58% of the time while the Nordiques had 11 shots and 4 of them were on target. Brenecia had a good chance to take the lead at the 15th minute when Elysse Matheson passed to Lauren Cheney who made a cross to Ceridwen Fletcher. Fletcher shoots but Zofia Kwietniewska made a fantastic save and the score was still 0-0. Brenecia attacked again at the 38th minute when Keane Mathers passed to Corby Wheeler who passed to Lauren Cheney on the other side of the field. Cheney dribbled with the ball and made a header pass to Kara Ciogach who heads the ball right into the net and Brenecia are leading 1-0. That was the score at the halftime.

Brenecia attacked again at the 82nd minute when Ronan Fallon passed to Riona Parker who tried to pass to Cathal Keynes but Slawomir Skrzeszewski steals the ball and made a long pass to Roksana Kolodziejczyk who counter attacks. Kolodziejczyk dribbles with the ball and passed to Tymoteusz Swierczewski who shoots the ball and it's a goal! The game is tied at 1-1 and this is the final score!

BOXSCORE

38th minute: Kara Ciogach assisted by Lauren Cheney
82nd minute: Tymoteusz Swierczewski assisted by Roksana Kolodziejczyk

YELLOW CARDS

22nd minute: Élisabeth Normandin
61st minute: Elysse Matheson
71st minute: Franciszek Niedzwiecki

RED CARDS

None

Group 2

With two games played so far, Banija are sitting in first place with two wins in two games for 6 points. Tied in 2nd place are Brenecia and Abanhfleft with a win and a draw for 4 points. The Sherpa Empire is in 4th place with a win in just one game for 3 points. Terre Septentrionale is tied with Sarzonia in 6th place with two draws in two games for two points. The draw against Sarzonia smelled like a loss but the one against Brenecia, who are ranked 19th, smells like a win. On matchday 3, according to Terre Septentrionale's schedule written with the roster, the Reprezentacja Nordycki will play away against Nephara. I believe this schedule haven't been updated since the hosts re-did the draw. The correct matchup should be that we recieve The Sherpa Empire at home, at Stade Chien Géant located in Prévost, a city north of Ville Jacques-Cartier, both cities are separated by a bay.

Wlodzimierz Pietruszewski,
Senior writer, La tribune Septentrionale

[Timuria]

Red Wolves Score Shock Opening Win

Pasarga 0–2 Timuria
Vatan Ercetin (31), Tekin Yavuz (58)

by Tufan Nursultan

The Red Wolves opened their World Cup qualification campaign with a shock away win against Pasarga, the second highest ranked team in the group a full 45 places ahead of our beloved national team in the rankings. This result will provide a nice starting base for the team to build of and is a vindication of manager Bekir Altingunes and the Football Federation's decision to keep him on as manager after a troubling AOCAF Cup performance. The result, shows that this is a team that can and will compete in this group and give trouble to other teams.

The early stages of the match saw the two sides play an extremely game, with both sides failing to trouble the others goalkeepers significantly limited solely to long range chances with Ertan Renda producing the best effort, narrowly fizzing past the post. Pasarga got their best chance of the first half in the 25th minute, with Petar Galić forcing a reflex save from Murat Yigithan.

The deadlock would be broken by Vatan Ercetin, coming off the back of a difficult AOCAF, but a good season in Banija, scoring an overhead kick in the 31st minute from a Tekin Yavuz cross. The hosts appeared stunned as Caner Turan managed to find himself in space shortly after his shot was held by a grateful Thorsten Gerber. Half time would come, but not before Atilla Acar's long range effort forced a good save from Gerber.

The second half would begin with a wayward chance from Vatan Ercetin his shot saved by Gerber. This would come before form man Tekin Yavuz scored his own goal from 35 yards out a stunning effort that left the opposition stunned. The match would end with the Red Wolves ahead by two goals with a cubical three points.

The result would leave the Red Wolves in second place in the group early on. With Bekir Altingunes looking forward to the next clash against Yttribia.

-------

Red Wolves Held to Draw in Home Opener

Timuria 1–1 Yttribia
Vatan Ercetin (74);Yttribian #11 (9)

by Tufan Nursultan

A cold night at Halkın Güneş Çiftliği Stadium resulted in a displeasing and disappointing draw with unranked side Yttribia showing that the Red Wolves penchant for troubles at home have not yet been resolved. Especially given the fact that the team played very poorly throughout the match, looking very lethargic and were guilty of dithering on the ball.

The visitors got an early shock in, with their striker managing to get the ball in space almost at the edge of the box and placing the ball comfortably past Murat Yigithan. The rest of the first half would pass by a relative crawl, the match constantly having to stop and start due to persistent fouling by a frustrated Red Wolves team.

The second half would begin with a missed opportunity from Ertan Renda, his effort from close range clattering off the bar. This was followed by a period of sustained offensive dominance from the Red Wolves, however shot after shot was saved by the visitors goalkeeper, frustrating the team leading to a period of fouling and stop-and-start action.

The Red Wolves would finally get on the scoresheet with Vatan Ercetin's header from close range, finally ensuring that they got on the board and that they would get at least a point from this match.

The result leaves the Red Wolves in second place still within the group with a match against Polkopia, where the Red Wolves will be the visitors against a side currently at the foot of the table.

[Pasarga]

Worry was a common feeling among the Wanderers supporters, worry that all the good tidings that had happened between the end of the last Qualifiers and the start of this one had been but fools gold. Their schedule was backloaded with the more difficult games in their group, the first three matches were supposed to be three points a piece and getting the side going in a way that they did not the previous tournament. Inconsistency had been the bane of the Wanderers during the World Cups of the 50s and 60s eras, where they would look like world beaters one edition and then nothing but mediocre also rans the next. The 70s had seen the side finally shake free of that horrible habit and turned into a true power within the game, making it to multiple Finals and even managing to add a star to the crest with their World Cup win. The last thing that any Wanderers player, manager, or fan wanted to see was a routine to the the old inconsistent ways, where not just every tournament but every match you had to guess and wonder what sort of squad was going to show up on the field.

The Stade de Torgos had been absolutely stunned to see the Wanderers held scoreless by Timuria and see the visitors score two worldies to take the three points from the opening fixture. It was a massive blow to the morale of the team and the fans, it made Srđan Jakšić question the tactics and the squad selection that he had picked out for the opening international weekend. It was the same system that had served the Wanderers so well in the Copa Rushmori, where they bossed the possession and could hit the outlet pass that would turn into a killer through ball or a cross that more often than not fell to the feet of one of the attacking options for the side. Not all chances would be converted into goals, this was not a system takil and they were not a Bettia side that had run rampant with their all out attack styles, yet to not even get a goal at home in one of the easier matches on the schedule was very disconcerting. The manager knew that his side was going to have to look a lot sharper in the next game or the fans would be calling for his head rather than letting him see out his contact or at least the end of the qualifying cycle.

So the Wanderers traveled to Fujai knowing that anything less than three points and a solid showing would likely see them coming back home to a lot of fan outrage. It started well for the side, with Jager putting the Wanderers up just inside of ten minutes with a curling shot from the right corner of the box and then eight minutes later Berecz would hit in a deep inswinger that Gere got on the half volley and pistoled past the outstretched hands of the keeper. The hosts were not going to sit idly by and let the Wanderers pepper them and manage to hit back on a counter on the thirty-seventh minute that caught the defense and Gerber flat footed, before Jager doubled the lead and his tally with a sublime finish from thirty yards out on the last kick before the half came to an end. The Wanderers came out of the break on the press and in the fifty-third minute Petar Galić would get his first goal of the campaign before being subbed off on the hour mark. Nataša Horvat, who replaced him, would make it five for the Wanderers in the seventy-first minute after good hold up player from Jager allowed her in on the keeper one on one and she did what any quality striker did and grabbed her goal. Unfortunately that was not the end of the scoring as the side seemed to lapse in the final fifteen, having the four goal cushion and the hosts managed to grab a second in the eighty-fifth and a third in the ninety plus two to make the scoreline more close than what the match was.

It makes it a very mixed bag for the side, especially coming back home to the Stade de Torgos where there will no doubt be a small subset of fans who will be quite unhappy that the Wanderers are not performing up to snuff. With their foes being a Gyatso-Kai who are making their return to international football, it makes a tricky fixture even if their opponents are technically unranked in the WCC rankings. Although known more for the ice hockey prowess, there was a time when Gyatso-Kai was a very touch match and out at the World Cup and they have shown that they are quite keen to return to that status, having already grabbed one victory from an unexpected spot in their first two matches. If the Wanderers are going to be serious contenders for the qualifying positions, they have to learn from the mistakes of their past, not just two years ago but their entire history and see where things went wrong in the 50s and 60s and turned out so good in the 70s. It was not a reliance on single amazing players but a total team effort that brought a professional attitude to every match, the match against Gyatso-Kai is a perfect opportunity to show they have the capability to learn from those mistakes quickly and not be like the last generation and squander what amazing talent is in their ranks.

[Ziwana]

ZCHAT

[Free Republics]

OOC Disclaimer: Now more than ever, it is important to make it clear upfront that the views expressed in Sister Polus's Thoughts are those of the fictional Sister Polus character and are NOT to be interpreted as serious parenting advice. If you need RL parenting advice, please seek out a qualified professional opinion.

Sister Polus's Thoughts

Hello and welcome to another edition of Sister Polus's Thoughts. I am Sister Maria Polus and I welcome you to this program. Today's program is airing live from New Jerusalem, IesusisGodistan.

First off today, let me address the situation in the lawless jungle that is South Covello. In that anarchic country, the so-called government of the country protects criminals and prosecutes upstanding citizens who attempt to assist the police in capturing wrongdoers. If you watched yesterday's program, you are likely aware that I was assaulted by some spoiled brat named Patricia Lawrence. In a civilized country, this badly behaved girl would be turned over to her parents with instructions to ensure that she was suitably punished and we would reasonably be able to expect that her parents would correct her awful behavior. In a slightly less civilized country that still had actual laws, she'd likely be prosecuted in a juvenile court and sentenced to fines or community service or juvenile detention. So what was her punishment in South Covello? Well, I go to the tape of a press conference put on by the mayor and police chief of Freedom City, the capital city of South Covello:

Moose Wolf: First of all, let me clarify that I am no relation to the Wolf Network in the Free Republics. Second, let me talk about the incident at hand. Upon arrival at the local precinct, Ms. Lawrence confessed to arresting officers that she had pied Ms. Polus in the face, stated that she would do so again if she had the chance, and revealed the source of her pie. She stated that if the case went to trial, she would assert that her actions were protected free speech, and furthermore, that they were in defense of freedom. Rather than turn the trial into a referendum on Sister Polus and whether her actions are an assault to liberty, police released her without charge. We will shortly hear from City Prosecutor Henry Oldsman, who made that decision, but Mr. Oldsman is still on route to the City Hall and I am told he is stuck in traffic due to construction. As for Mr. Jett, he was arrested and charged with assault in the first degree, a crime potentially punishable by up to a year in prison.

For the record, this clown, who doesn't even know what network airs this program, is the actual police chief of Freedom City, South Covello. Let's ignore the fact that he thinks we're on the WOLF Network, rather than the WOLF News Channel, and address the actual argument this guy has put forward:

Firstly, according to the police of South Covello's capital city, assaulting a host of a popular news and opinion program that is watched by billions of people around the multiverse on her program is not a crime in South Covello if you claim that your assault was "freedom of speech". This does not surprise me, of course, given that this is the nation where assassinating the president-elect is perfectly legal if you think he's a tyrant or he's Not Your President or something. I should say that I had genuine concerns for my personal safety in the former Gregoryisgodistan but I chose to visit that lawless land anyway for humanitarian reasons. Specifically, there are many children in South Covello who are being deprived of their human right to a decent education centered around Iesus Christus. My goal was to remedy that by finding underprivileged children in this hellhole of a country and offering them a chance to study abroad and learn about Iesus Christus. For my virtue, I was rewarded with some juvenile delinquent throwing a pie at me.

Fortunately, I can now confirm that Richard Jett, the cameraman who was threatened with prosecution for coming to my aid against the girl who assaulted me, is now safely back in the Free Republics. I will be speaking with him later on in this program. Furthermore, I have discovered that the entire incident was instigated by Pieter Pieper, who owns Pieter's Pie Shop in Riverview, South Covello. Mr. Pieper is offering free pies to anybody who wishes to assault any public figure whom Mr. Pieper disagrees with. This juvenile delinquent was supplied with the pie she used to assault me by this character's shop.

Therefore, I will be filing a lawsuit in Republican court upon my return to Republica against Patricia Lawrence, Pieter Pieper, Pieter's Pie Shop, Police Chief Moose Wolf, Prosecutor Henry Oldsman, Mayor Haley Barnes and the national government of South Covello. While I expect that the South Covellans will motion to have the case remanded to South Covello, I can assure them that such motions will be rejected by the Republican courts as the South Covellan courts have proven to be corrupt. As the originating broadcast of my program is on a Republican television network, Sister Polus's Thoughts asserts that we have standing to sue in the Free Republics. I will be seeking the maximum possible civil damages under Republican law. However, as the crimes of Patricia Lawrence occurred outside of the jurisdiction of Republican courts, we will not be pursuing a criminal case.

I would strongly advise the defendants to actually acknowledge and defend this case in Republican courts, as failure to do so could result in a default judgment in my favor which could mean large damages. Failure to pay damages would entitle the Free Republics to adopt necessary debt collection measures up to and including liens on remittances and exports to South Covello and even a ban on imports from the nation.

...

---

Welcome back to Sister Polus's Thoughts. Richard Jett is a cameraman for our program who heroically assisted in the capture of Patricia Lawrence. Now, I welcome him to my program:

Richard Jett - Hello, Sister Polus.

How are you doing, Richard?

Richard Jett - I'm fine. Things are much better now that I'm back in a land that believes in ordered liberty, not anarchy.

What were you thinking yesterday after the heinous assault?

Richard Jett - All I could think about was getting that thot and teaching her a lesson.

Many people have questioned your decision to punch the girl in the face. I question it quite a bit myself. What were you thinking when you did that?

Richard Jett - I don't know. I apologize to the girl and to her parents for punching her in the face instead of whipping her good and hard with my belt!

This is why you should never punish a misbehaving child in anger. Afterall, Proverbs chapter 22, verse 15 goes as follows: A child's heart is filled with foolishness but the rod of correction will drive it far from him.

Richard Jett - If I hadn't lost my temper, maybe that girl would be reflecting upon her bad behavior right now.

Let's move on to the topic of the lawsuit I will be filing in Federation Court upon my return to the Free Republics. What are your thoughts on this lawsuit?

Richard Jett - I believe it is the right move and humbly ask that you include me as a co-plaintiff in the case.

I'll have to consult with my lawyer first but I'll see what I can do.

Richard Jett - If you don't include me as a co-plaintiff, I will file my own lawsuit.

I encourage you to do so, if it comes to that. We need to hold everybody involved accountable or else South Covello will never become a nation of laws. Unfortunately, that is all the time we have for tonight. Thank you for coming on my program as a guest tonight, Mr. Jett. It is a shame though that it could not have happened under more pleasant circumstances.

Richard Jett - Amen, Sister Polus. Thank you for having me on your program, Ma'am.

We'll be back in a minute with my Final Word for the night...

[Siovanija and Teusland]

Die Stelburger Zeitung

Sport

Goldhorns Show Character in Late Win

Siovanija & Teusland’s national football team came away with a 2-1 win over the home Anthor side.

“We’re eager to keep going, and get back out there and pick up right where we left off,” claimed Karl-Heinz Jager in the leadup to the match. Gavin Hughes’ squad saw two changes from the team that smashed the Euran Oceania Territories 4-0, Edgar Steimle coming in at left back and Thorsten Helmke replacing Pierre-Louis Lotbiniere at right back. “We want to get Edgar involved for sure, and Thorsten gives us a little bit more at the back. It’s an away match, a tricky match, and we need a player like him in the squad tonight,” commented Gavin Hughes on the change.

The Goldhorns would continue to use the 4-3-3 against Anthor, who came into the match off the back of a strong performance against The Macabees, falling 1-0 in the end to Group 5’s second-ranked side. “Obviously we are going to have to change some things, make tweaks, it’s an away match and as I’ve said, those are always tricky. Anthor fight hard, they work hard, and while obviously our goal is to keep the ball, we have to be prepared to play without it as well,” commented Hughes. Thorsten Kramer added, “We’ve all got roles to play, and I’ll do anything this team needs me for. Tonight, that involves dropping a bit deeper and being more active in our half than I normally would.”

When the Goldhorns kicked off, it was more of the strong possession-based football we saw in the second half against the Expats, however. Todor Mihailov showed more of the quality that has made him one of the most-watched prospects in the country in recent years, and is now breaking through for the Goldhorns. A great pass forward found Michael Ribbeck, but his shot was a few metres off target. The Goldhorns had started great, and it seemed Anthor were still finding their way into the game.

Siovanija & Teusland would take advantage of that start to score a goal just 5 minutes into the match. Edgar Steimle made a great run down the left side before passing it off to Kramer in the midfield. Kramer moved forward, beating a man before sending a pass to Viktor Dimitrov. Dimitrov’s through ball met the run of Ivo Romanov perfectly, and Romanov worked his way in, making a great play to get past the Anthoran left back, and fired a shot into the top corner. The keeper had no chance, and the Goldhorns appeared to be well and truly off to the races again.

Anthor, however, would not let that happen and they settled into the game well. They pushed hard against the Goldhorns, putting up a significant challenge against the midfield of Kramer-Mihailov-Dimitrov. It wasn’t enough to completely shut them down, however, and the real trouble Anthor provided was on the counter-attack. Thorsten Helmke had to come up big several times as the hosts attacked down his flank, and the back four had their hands full from time to time. Meanwhile, up top, the Goldhorns were having trouble getting the ball into the box against a well-oiled Anthoran defensive effort.

For the second half, the Goldhorns came out without making any major changes. That proved to be a bit of a mistake, as the introduction of a new forward for Anthor was quickly giving the Goldhorns trouble. The big man up top for the hosts was like a lightning rod for the ball, and Ewald Heuser needed to make a series of great saves to keep the ball out of the Goldhorn goal.

It wouldn’t be totally enough, however, as Anthor began to grow in confidence in the second half and the Goldhorns often found themselves with their backs to the wall as the hosts attacked desperately for a goal. A cross whipped in by the left winger eventually found the forward, who took a touch off his chest before smashing a brilliant goal into the top left corner past Heuser. 1-1 now, and it seemed to be Anthor in control of the game.

A few adjustments for the Goldhorns, however, changed things up. Ludwig Reichwein was brought on for Michael Ribbeck, Reichwein capable of playing in that target man role a bit more than Ribbeck. In addition, Karl-Heinz Jager and Raphael Klopfer were instructed to play more long balls forward, and eventually Lukas Tauscher replaced Ivo Romanov, Tauscher offering a bit more physicality and capable of burning his marker with that force.

Anthor were holding on now, with the Goldhorns taking command back, and they looked good value in defence. A free kick from Viktor Dimitrov was tipped over by the keeper, and truly brilliant effort, and time ticked away and away. A shot from Reichwein, stopped, and a cross from Steimle caught, and suddenly the Goldhorns were into stoppage time in a 1-1 draw with Anthor.

Previous iterations of this team may have simply called it a day at that point, and given up on the drive for victory. This time, however, there was something more, a drive to go further. Karl-Heinz Jager’s ball over the top found Lukas Tauscher, and as the away fans leapt from their seats in anticipation, his cross was blocked and knocked out for a corner. With almost everybody forward for the corner, Viktor Dimitrov whipped it in, and it perfectly met the head of Reichwein, sailing perfectly into the corner to give the Goldhorns a 2-1 victory.

“I think we adapted well in the second half after the changes they made. It was a character win by the lads for sure, and we’re just glad I think to come away with the 3 points tonight,” commented Gavin Hughes. “Obviously it was a tough one tonight, tough to get things going, but I thought we did really well regardless. We’re still growing as a team, still adapting to our system, and there’s going to be things we need to work on. I’m just glad the team was able to get the win in a game like that, it gives us a lot of confidence going forward,” commented captain Raphael Klopfer.

Next up for the Goldhorns is Lochario. Lochario, ranked 73rd in the world, will be the highest-ranked side the Goldhorns have faced in Qualifiers so far, but are 0-0-2 so far in the tournament thanks to losses to Aquitlia and The Macabees. The visitors will thus surely be eager to get things going and play spoiler at the Olimpski-Stadion in Borograd. We’ll have all the coverage as the Goldhorns World Cup Qualifying campaign continues. Come on you Goldhorns!

Match Report
Siovanija and Teusland 2-1 Anthor, @ Anthor

Lineup: Heuser; Steimle, Klopfer, Jager, Helmke; Mihailov, Kramer (Brotzmann 90+2’), Dimitrov; Kogler, Romanov (Tauscher 78’), Ribbeck (Reichwein 65’)
Goals: Ivo Romanov 5’, Ludwig Reichwein 90’
Stelburger Zeitung Man of the Match: Viktor Dimitrov

[Fujai]

DU-UKH, UUK – Keiserholde, Fujai — Heju folks, Berit here coming to you from DU-UKH, Den Blå Duken, UiKeiserholde's officially unofficial student radio. Today we bring you the first Idrottsminutt [Sports Minute] of World Cup 84!! The Landslag is heading into match day 3, and we're here to tell you about it!

As we all know, international sports serves as a beacon of Fujansk identity on the international stage, and the Landslag is no exception. Even as the nation's political future still uncertain, the Landslag is still competing in far off lands, representing the people well. In their two games so far, the Stripar have scored 4 goals with 4 against. The first match against higher ranked Melbergia was the kind of start we needed—nice and gentle, but still a win—something to get folks into the swing of things. That match ended 1-0 Fujai after Solfrid Hellem's speed run past Melbergian defensive center, Pat Gay.

The Landslag's second match against Pasarga didn't go quite as well, but was a stunner to see! Seven goals in total, with a difference of only one! Considering that Pasarga is ranked 30th in the multiverse, both the Landslag and every Fujar watching was ecstatic at the finish, even if it wasn't a win!! Behind the Wanderers the whole match, the Landslag came out with two goals in the last fifteen minutes to bring them to 3-4. The comparative juggernauts seemed to have gotten too attached to their lead to properly defend it.

Today's match is against the unranked nation of Yttribia. A win is expected, but we in Fujai know far better than to expect the expected. What we're really looking forward to is an Independents' Cup rematch against Drawkland in two days. Even so far off, the nation is abuzz with the possibility of pulling one over on the folks who knocked us out of the Cup in a spectacular 4-5 AET game a few months ago. Certainly the Landslag is feeling the same.

Now that's all for today, on to the match!

Den Blå Duken [The Blue Tablecloth] is entirely student produced and managed, funded by FJU (Fujansk Utsending [Fujansk Broadcasting]) and UiKeiserholde.

[South Covello]

Press Conference of Attorney General Dornell Blackwood

Dornell Blackwood: Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. I am Dornell Blackwood, the Attorney General of South Covello, and I wish to respond for the record to some recent events inside and outside our nation, and to clarify a few things to those people, foreign and domestic, who may not be familiar with our laws. Specifically, I am talking about claims by Maria Polus, a nun and headmistress in the Free Republics, that she will be filing a lawsuit in Republican court against several individuals involved in a recent pieing incident. To be clear, we have freedom of speech and freedom of protest in South Covello. Pieter Pieper is allowed to encourage any form of protest he wants, even forms of protest that many of us may find distasteful. Patricia Lawrence is able to engage in any form of political protest she wants, again, including those forms that many of us may find distasteful. This is not a dictatorship like it was back in the Gregist days. We value our freedoms, and we will not punish people for exercising them. Furthermore, Ms. Polus has stated that said lawsuit will be filed in Republican court. To be clear, our courts will not enforce any judgement that may result from that lawsuit if said judgement would violate our Constitution or our laws were it to be handed down here. Therefore, in the event Ms. Polus's lawsuit succeeds, or in the event any hypothetical lawsuit by her cameraman succeeds, our courts will not assist the Republican authorities in collecting any sum of money or other penalties awarded. I will now open it up for questions.

Jason Black: Jason Black, Morning Post here. What will happen if the Republican government attempts to forcefully collect the judgement?

Dornell Blackwood: They can try all they want. They will fail. Our banks will not, and cannot under our banking laws, allow a foreign government to garnish wages or access funds without an order from our courts. And again, said order will not be forthcoming. If they attempt more extreme measures to thwart our justice system, which we have seen them do before with their alleged rapist in Felix, then I would have to defer to President Benitez on how that would be handled.

Paul Underwills: Paul Underwillls, Tox News. Why isn't Little Miss Bratty Brat Lawrence in jail?

Dornell Blackwood: I think you know the answer to that. I explained it, and it was amply explained at the press conference yesterday as well.

Paul Underwills: So you have no idea what you're doing?

Dornell Blackwood: That's not what I said at all.

Paul Underwills: Isn't it?

Dornell Blackwood: No.

Paul Underwills: And why isn't the traitor who shot Cartrer the Great in jail?

Dornell Blackwood: Because a jury acquitted him.

Paul Underwills: And then why isn't the jury in jail for treason?

Dornell Blackwood: Because that would be blatantly unconstitutional.

Paul Underwills: No, what's unconstitutional is that you're censoring Maria Polus.

Dornell Blackwood: Ms. Polus is free to say what she wants. So are the counterprotesters. Now you have managed to ruin another press conference. Good bye.

[Cassadaigua]

Time to cutoff the third matchday!

Now, how about some pleasant, uplifting music this time.

Results

[Sarzonia]

The scoreline from Mugisha III Memorial Stadium in Busukuma reads world No. 5 Banija defeating an unranked Sarzonian side 2-0.

But the score, which featured two goals from Banijan "boy wonder" and team captain Gitonga Kahara as he beat veteran Stars goalkeeper Mateo Sandoval, first with a cheeky shot that barely eluded his outstretched leap in the 28th minute; then with a rocket of a shot in the 54th minute that saw Sandoval land awkwardly on his head.

Sandoval attempted to wave off the training staff, but manager Kevin Connelly was having none of it, surprising many observers by sending on third choice goalkeeper Carlton Sandt instead of experienced veteran backup Paolo Gomes. As Connelly explained later, he wanted to give young Sandt his first taste of World Cup footballing experience in front of a familiar -- even if hostile -- crowd. As for Sandoval, Connelly told the assembled media that he would be evaluated and placed in the Stars concussion protocol.

"Paolo will start the next match," Connelly said, describing it as a "mere coincidence" that Gomes would be starting on the same grounds where he plys his trade with Portland Timbers in the Cyanea League.

"We want to make sure we give Paolo some time, yes, but he's going to get some playing time until we're sure that Mateo is 100 percent. We owe it to Mateo to allow him time to fully recover from his likely concussion."

As for recovery, this would turn into the third step in a difficult, qualifying campaign-long process of trying to recover from the loss of a manager, as the Banijan public address announcer intoned a request for a moment of silence. Perhaps the request wouldn't lead to tears the way it did before Sarzonia's first qualifying match and before its first home match, but it still saw a few Sarzonian throats caught.

"There will be good days and bad days," forward Jake Campos said after the match. "Grief is a lifelong process."

"It's going to be up to us to honor Coach Ostrom by the way we go out there and play our game," midfielder Clayton Wilson said.

As for the match itself, the Stars (0-2-1, two points; eighth place in Group 2 qualifying) were definitely overmatched against the fifth-ranked team in the world, but the gap between this unranked Stars side didn't seem to be nearly as pronounced as it was for Sarzonia's Under 21 national team facing Banija's senior team in AOCAF competition. After the final whistle, Banijan manager Marcus Waters sought out his Sarzonian counterpart Connelly, eshewing the traditional handshake in favour of an emotional, if awkward hug. The two managers then spent the next three or four minutes talking.

"He basically extended his condolences, along with those of Banijan football, to us," Connelly said. "Plus there were some other things he said that he would have to tell you. Some of that was meant for our ears and not our media's."

The Stars will face world No. 42 Abanhfleft at the Iron Bowl in Portland tomorrow night. Kickoff is at 7:15 p.m. Sarzonian Standard Time.

[The Sherpa Empire]

༄༄༄༄༄༄

Rinzi Zakhilwal and Kai Qiang were in an airport waiting for a flight, along with some miscellaneous people from their families and pit crews. Zakhilwal was watching SISN on his phone, and the SISN pundits were talking about the World Cup qualifiers. They showed a play from the Hampton Island-Mattijana game, that had apparently sparked controversy in some quarters.

"Oh, you've got to be kidding me!" Zakhilwal exclaimed. "That is such an obvious flop!"

Nobody responded.

Zakhilwal poked Qiang to get his attention. "Have you seen this?" He shoved the phone in front of Qiang. "I can't believe the ref let them get away with that!"

Qiang pushed Zakhilwal and the phone away. "I'm not into football, Rinzi."

"Okay, but look, she's obviously faking..."

Qiang pushed Zakhilwal away more forcefully since he wasn't taking the hint. "Rinzi, I don't watch football!"

"What? How can you not watch football?" said Zakhilwal. "This is the qualifying matches for the World Cup. It's, like...important."

"They're not even in our group."

"Wait... How do you know that if you don't watch football? I knew it! You DO care about football! Everyone likes football! I knew it!"

"No, Rinzi, not everyone likes football. Can you please leave me alone?"

"Just look..."

Qiang glanced at the screen of Zakhilwal's phone.

"See? She's obviously faking...."

"It's Hampton Island. What do you expect?"

"But they can't just let people get away with that!" Zakhilwal was getting very agitated now.

"Rinzi, will you calm down before someone calls airport security?"

༄༄༄༄༄༄

It was a minor miracle that the Sherpa national football team and all their gear arrived at Stade Chien Géant in time for their match. There had been some confusion about the schedule, and Sherpalanders weren't known for being well-organized even when they were given the correct information. Luckily, the luggage gods were merciful and the only piece of the national football team's luggage that didn't make it to Prevost was a suitcase containing Pasang Chandra's street clothes and toiletries. Chandra was annoyed, but the game went on as planned.

It ended in a scoreless draw, which, considering the Septentrionaux were slight favorites coming in, wasn't too bad.

When the Sherpas returned to Thimphu for their next home game, Pasang Chandra found his suitcase waiting for him at the hotel there. The clerk explained that he had left it in the lobby when the team checked out after the Atlantic Republic game.

༄༄༄༄༄༄