World Cup 84- RP Thread (IC)

[TJUN-ia]

TJUN-ia Update: The Best Things Come To Those Who Wait...

(Image)

Geektivities
*Be cool, be woke.

[align=center][box]Game Report and Manager Interview in a Bit
(Image)|1| - |3|(Image)
1': Yellow Card for #2 Aron McKenna and #9 David Johnson (TJU) | Yellow Card for Hecta-ennaxis (GEE)
5': Substitution: #5 Vijay Palalele -- replaces -> #13 Nicolas Umkala (TJU)
7': Substitution: #17 Carlos Pique -- replaces -- #18 Kepo Ulawaya (TJU) & ⚽ Goal for #10 Vladimir Podolov (TJU)
14': ⚽ Goal for #3 Mohammad Kallah (TJU)
44': ⚽ Goal for Pentacthulteron-turreted-horriocterated Pentacthuldekon (GEE)
[HT] 1-2 [HT]
51': ⚽ Goal for Ennaeloctoldeus (GEE)
Assisted by Pentacthulitercubor
69': ⚽ Goal for #17 Carlos Pique (TJU)
[FT] 1-3 [FT]

---

The Jagaurs always seem to perform in the most unexpected ways. That was clearly apparent in TJUN-ia City as we put up a masterclass in football against 104th ranked Geektopia.

This game felt like The Jaguars were ranked 104th, not the other way round. Many in the Commonwealth now are perplexed at where this result came from. Davis Seems provided an answer. "Resilience, above all else. We have squandered many opportunities to beat the "Big Boys" of this Group, that this team - my team wanted to ensure that we didn't do it again. They played like men possessed out there, and I couldn't be more proud of them."

This memorable result leaves The Jaguars in 6th place with a trip to 202nd ranked, Pokemon-obsessed Galar up next.
This team is not dead...yet.

[Yttribia]

CHAPTER FOUR
ONE | TWO | THREE

---

Last matchday was a better match than expected, at least for Driscoll.

For once, he actually managed to outrun an opponent, and was running so damn hard and so damn fast. The fans couldn't believe it, his team couldn't believe it. Hell, even I can't believe it and I'm writing about the dude! I'm literally the one calling the shots with this team.

The home crowd cheered him on, hoping to eschew all sorts of predictions with a second win during the qualifiers. This country knew their team sucked. So any extra win on top of the one that was projected earlier on in the season was considered a successful campaign.

Flanking up the pitch. Dribbling past his adversaries. Cutting in on the inside.

In these few moments, the country forgot it sucked at football. Those fans—the ones crammed into their temporary home stadium while being quiet thanks to the apartment complex below them—believed in something greater for once.

They believed in football.

Fucking hell, the cut inside against Melbergia's defense, which was essentially the entire team trying to prevent a score, made all the older fans in the stadium cry.

Cry they did, for it was a cut inside that gave them hope that "maybe things won't be bad with football after all." Cry they did, for it brought them memories of better times and an unscathed country, free from the decades of destruction at the hands of natural disasters. Cry they did, for it was a damn good cut inside.

The new fans inside were in awe of Driscoll's move, asking their older counterparts if this is what good football looked like. "You're damn right it looks like this," they all answered to the lines of.

But in typical, cynical fashion, the eternal bridesmaid is still going to be the eternal bridesmaid at the end of the day.

With every event in life, there's a wind of change that is sudden in its appearance. Every once in a while, there's a good, positive development that just happened to be sudden in its nature. Oftentimes, these winds of change are pretty damn bad. Like losing someone you loved just because you met them at the wrong time.

A lot of my friends have told me that in order for a relationship to work, there are three basic elements needed: chemistry, compatibility and timing. The last component, timing, is often the most overlooked. Because stuff happens, like not being in the right place anymore, and timing makes the chemistry and compatibility go out the window.

Ryan Devlin, a Melbergian defender, was perfectly timed. Driscoll Huerta, an Yttribian winger, had timing against him right now.

Devlin's timing on that tackle was pretty horrid. Booked with a yellow, which could have been a red, because of how dirty that tackle was. But in terms of match timing? It was perfect. 83 minutes in and stopping a potential match-winner? Every defender dreams of being able to come in the clutch like that.

The tackle, however, caused Driscoll to land awkwardly. And he laid there for a moment. Thinking to himself about how bad the injury was going to be, and that his moment was going to be pulled from him because of the injury.

He could see a stretcher on its way to pick him up. Aled Kató, who many fans are pegging to be Driscoll's replacement, was being instructed right before he was sent on. The country was getting ready for a free kick from close range. 22 metres, to be exact.

The slow winger was looking at the pitch, as he was carried off on the stretch. As he was being whisked away to the back, he saw one of his teammates, Godfrey Testa, line up for that free kick.

Driscoll was out of eyeshot for watching that free kick being taken. But he damn well heard the roar of the crowd after Testa's free kick ricocheted into the back of the net.

Everything leading up to that moment, with Huerta cutting inside to possibly score the match-winner so late, screamed fairytale. It was going to be the perfect moment. The chemistry was there; every single move made by Huerta was damn near-perfect. The compatibility was there; almost all of Melbergians were in the right place to allow for Huerta to run to goal.

But the timing, as close as it was, was off by the tiniest of proportions.

At least, for Driscoll.

Yttribia's timing was perfect. At the end of the day, that's all that really matters in the grander scheme of football. Driscoll realized that if it wasn't for him getting fouled there, then there would possibly be no goal scored.

No three points. No win.

It's a win wanted at the end of the day that Driscoll wanted, and a win he got. There was just a little too much greed in wanting that game winning goal, but that's okay.
The whole nation was during the whole Relocation process. Hell, I'm a greedy SOB at the end of it all, too. We're all greedy SOBs, anyways. Especially when it comes to football.

Wins are special, because no one can take it from you. And every team is longs for a win. Today was the country's lucky day for that win.

Sure, there's honestly no chance of us making it to the playoffs, let alone the World Cup Finals. I mean, if we got pummelled 0-7 against Farfadillis at home, who knows what kind of scoreline the Pasarga match will bring? But life is weird. Anything can happen.

You just have to find the right timing for it.

[Busoga Islands]

Setting is a meeting room at the Busoga Islander Presidential Palace in Lakiska, South Island

President Ebrahim Razav was getting old. He had been involved in politics for a long time, and Busoga's long serving president was nearing the end of his term. He had served faithfully for nearly 3 five year terms, and with just one year left, he had already announced he was retiring at the end of his 3rd term. He had maintained strong popularity throughout all three of his terms, something that is probably only possible when on your resume you were the leader in securing independence in the first place. The nice thing about being a leader nearing the end of your term, of course, was that things were a little more relaxing. He still had to fundraise for his political party, of course, but he could do that far less often when he didn't have his own campaign coffers to fill. They would have a true open primary within his party, a chance to see how the political system truly worked without him being at its head. A chance to see a truly close competitive election, one dominated by him.

Over the years, both when the Busoga Islands was merely a region of the Kingdom of Banija, and since independence, he had developed feelings and attitudes towards certain places. He loved Equestria. Not of course, just the country. But the strongest ally of the Busoga Islands was always, faithfully, in Busoga's corner. They've had major investment in their country since independence, and have taken a decisively different path of development than Banija since Kizza Makoni's ascension to power on the islands. But the economic and political relationship was strong between them, and Equestria was not an ally that was likely to blow over. Of course, he charted a path completely separate from the Kingdom of Banija. They did not simply join up to organizations that they had been a part of when they were Banijan. They did not sign up to the Quebecois Commonwealth after independence, and as a result of that, relations with many Commonwealth nations are cold. They got along well with nations like Baker Park, but ultimately, they were so small that they did not really matter a ton on the international stage. As long as they continued to develop their country and maintain their alliance with Equestria, they would be safe. Live and let live.

So they kept an eye out in regards to developments in other nations, but Lakiska generally didn't comment. Of course, it wasn't like they were sitting around and doing nothing. President Razav offered his condolences when Kabaka Albert III of Banija was assassinated, for example. They followed along closely as the drama for who would control Banija's oil continued. But even as a nation that did not have much influence across the greater political happenings in Atlantian Oceania, they always made sure to keep a close watch on where the wind was blowing. And that's why the President found himself extremely concerned. News from Siovanija & Teusland saw the election of a new head of government in the country, with Dominik Meier taking over the Chancellorship. That, in and of itself, was not an issue. The Chancellor had plans to get closer with the rest of the Greater Southwest, on a greater scale.

So where was the problem? The Chancellor's first invite wasn't to Hapilopper, or Timuria, or Demot, or even Equestria or Valanora- no, it was to Busukuma, to the new Kabaka's son, the Waziri of Banija, His Royal Highness, the Isebantu, Mutungi. And that's why they were in this room.

"What are they going to discuss?" Asked President Razav. He was in a room with his National Security Advisor, Volkan Safak, and his Foreign Minister, Dr. Mustafa Karakus.

"Regional integration, of course." Replied the Foreign Minister. It was telling how worried they were about this that this meeting was happening at all- the Foreign Minister had left a trade delegation in order to participate in these discussions in person. He had printed copies of S&T newspaper 'Die Stelburger Zeitung' with articles that talk about the election. "Siovanija & Teusland is fairly isolationist at this point. Of course, regional integration with isolationism is the official terminology."

"integration with Isolationism?" Said NSA Volkan Safak. "What does that mean?"

"Well, of course, this is politics." Replied Mustafa Karakus. "So it could mean a number of things. But this is clear- they are going to move away from their isolationism that they've had. They don't have any formal trade agreements, any formal alliances, political or economic or what not, with any other nations in the Glorious Southwest, or elsewhere within Atlantian Oceania, or even beyond. They want to end that. They understand that opening up to the world is better for their long-term prospects."

"But then why prioritize Banija?" Said the President. All three men in the room shared a strong dislike of Banija- Karakus was the first Busoga Islander to resign from the Banijan Foreign Service during the Premiership of Matthias Mutebi, and had spent years running the Foreign Service education program here in Lakiska, before becoming Foreign Minister himself just a few years ago.

"I don't know why anybody likes Banija, to be perfectly honest with you." Said Dr. Karakus. "But let me tell you what I do know, Mr. President. Banija is, from a neutral standpoint, a decent nation to have strong relations with. Their economy is about to take off, especially with the oil reserves found in the country, they are really starting to climb the economic ladder and create a true middle class. It is good from an economic standpoint. That economic relationship is already there, with a decently sized Banijan migrant community living in St. Jakob, as seen by their Greater Banijan Hockey League side. They have plenty of cultural clout. There are Banijans living a lot of places, and having hosted two of the last three World Cups, the world has seen them at their grandest and mightiest."

"Well, establishing bilateral relations is something that we really cannot talk about, unless it is military in nature. And we don't know if that's the goal." Said Safak, the National Security Advisor. "That certainly doesn't preclude them from also establishing relations with us, though we imagine that might make it a little bit more... Difficult." Said Dr. Karakus. "But look at his campaign. Regional integration. Not bilateral. But they are not going to be world leaders. It is hard to say what will happen next. If they do want to strike a military alliance, that actually puts us in quite a bind. Banija's forces strengthening? An alliance that includes more nations within the Glorious Southwest, and excludes us?"

The three men continued to discuss the issue. Could there be a public statement? There would not be. They did not want to show, in public, the worry they felt. But they would certainly take steps. The Busoga Islands embassy in Siovanija & Teusland would be given particular focus. Get STL to notice them. Have diplomatic parties. Host cultural events. Serve food to the public, meet and establish relationships with individual members of the STL National Chancellory. And then, of course, an invite for high-ranking officials from STL to see cultural events. Busoga Islands Independence Day celebrations were coming up. They wouldn't invite the Chancellor- an invitation would surely be rejected, considering the fact that they have organized a very public summit with the Kingdom of Banija. But maybe the Ambassador, maybe a Foreign Minister. And at that display, in the Independence celebrations, maybe even going to a play or something? Making sure that it was clear the things that the Banijans were capable of.

The men left the room, having agreed on a long-term plan to try and gain themselves a third ally within the Glorious Southwest, after Equestria and Timuria, their own country of origin. Would this type of strategy work in politics?

---

The Busoga Chronicle
The Islands #1 News Source!

Busoga Islands prepare for big game against group leaders Mriin


Busoga Islander players at a training session

DUKUMA, NORTH ISLAND- 63,000 is the number. The largest crowd to ever watch a football match in the Busoga Islands is set to gather tonight, as the Busoga Islanders take on Mriin in what has turned into a massive tilt in the World Cup 84 Qualification campaign. Look at how tight Group 7 is. It doesn't seem that tight just looking at the table, but when you look more closely, you see that it is. The Main Nation Ministry dropped a bunch of points at home, falling far behind the pace in this Qualification cycle, and looking almost like they were down for the count. But in their last game, playing away against the Pot 1 side, the then undefeated Mriin squad, they played with absolutely no fear. They played with courage, against a team that had basically eviscerated everyone in their paths so far, and they came away with all three points, triumphing 2-1 in Maal.

And now, just when everybody thought that Mriin would run away with the group, and that it would be a two horse race between Chromatika and the Busoga Islands for the second spot in World Cup 84, the Main Nation Ministry threw a curveball. The Main Nation Ministry had been struggling for much of this campaign, playing below their potential- but that 2-1 victory put them right back in the thick of things. Mriin still leads, with 18 points and an outrageous +19 goal differential through only 7 games. Chromatika is just 2 points behind them, with 16 points. We are just 2 points behind Chromatika for the second automatic qualifying spot, falling behind after Chromatika won during our bye week. It still seems unlikely that we catch Mriin. But with a game in hand, our own national team has to play Mriin.

And what an environment it will be at the Oval. The Busoga Islands Soccer Association, after seeing how their World Cup Qualifier at Lakiska City Cricket Park went against Vilita last time around, has decided to play its biggest qualifier in each half of the campaign at much larger cricket stadia. And the game against Pot 1 Mriin most certainly qualifies as the biggest qualifier of the first half of qualifying. There is not much history between the Busoga Islands and Mriin, but of course, their status and skill demand that this is a massive game for the Busoga Islands, a great measuring stick for them to see how good they really are, although Mriin probably would not say the same thing about us. It is even interesting- Idi Mboge, the Moravica Regional Youth Academy player, whom the All-Banija Sports Magazine rated as the best prospect in Banija, and who is a Banijan/Mriin dual-national born in Maal, is attending the match, and rumors persists that he will play for Mriin.

That'll make things certainly interesting. But what about on the pitch? What will it take for the Busoga Islands to pull off a true shocker, in front of this extremely large number of fans? They are fairly disciplined, and are dangerous in the air. How is that countered? Well, the goalkeeper will probably have to attack crosses much more than normal. Mohammed Gassama is not going to win an aerial battle with Solara Val, even if Val is 36 years old. But the goalkeeper can use their hands, which give them an advantage. Don't let those crosses be swung across. Put pressure on the edges. Get physical. They probably won't expect it, but on the pitch, expect a very physical match from the Islanders. There is a belief that they can win, and there will be around 60,000 fans cheering and rooting for them at the Oval. Get ready for what will surely be a dogfight as these two teams jockey to try and book their tickets to World Cup 84.

[Balqia]

Another ball was shoot to the goal. Arian grabbed it and after some seconds holding it in his hands kicked it back to Orkos. His companion was clearly tired of the training, his shirt was wet with sweat and his face red.
-It’s ten o’clock, Arian, let’s go to sleep.
The player’s voice denoted his exhaustion, they stood there even after the team training ended, and that was four hours ago. The defeat didn’t help the team, the news constantly mocked them and the government was treating to low the Sport’s Ministry budget, what caused Mr Laqlo to pressure the Manager. Now the Team was in constant pressure to win the next game, or else.
-Only one more.
But Arian was determined to keep training. He will not concede defeat, until the classifications are done they still have hope of succeeding. If he could only improve his catch rate the next games could be better, even if he could just improve a little bit until the next match…
-You say this every time I kick the ball...- his partner’s will was lost- You know what? This is the last, I am going to take a bath after this.
He positioned the ball in the ground, the goalkeeper could see that he was preparing a good shot. Some seconds passed and then the ball came, cutting the air with an astonishing speed. Vartag jumped to his right and… the ball entered the goal. He missed it. How? He didn’t know. It was a clear shot to the up right, the timing was perfect, but he didn’t catch it anyway.
-Ok, now let’s go!
He was defeated. Just like in the matches he wasn’t capable of got it right, they always find a blind spot. He followed Arnol to the locker room, they would take a shower, eat and go to sleep, in the next day he should train even harder to get it right.
-How?- He asked to his teammate -how did you do that?
-Do what?
-Aim in a place and hit another.
Orkos laughed.
-If I aim in a place I will hit that place. The secret is to know the guy defending. You for example, you have some difficulty with the corners, so there’s where I aim.
That was a helpful tip. That’s why both of them became training partners, unlike the others Orkos provided useful information after the training. Most of the others just laughed it off and said something not very clear or some unrelated phrase. Professionalism was lacking in that team.
-You should relax a bit, man. I don’t know why but you are a bit of a freak.- Arnol thought a bit before continuing. - I mean, you don’t talk to anybody when it’s not related to work and keep training even after the daily training is over. You should do other things than work.
That was a common complain made about him. “Life isn’t about football”, that’s what his first, and only, girlfriend said to him before breaking up. He knew that, most people think that he only cares about football, but in reality he likes many things. The thing with football is that that is his job.
-Do you like birds?
That was the goalkeeper’s lame attempt to socialize. It was just a random thing that he saw in the TV and used to chat with others, usually it didn’t work.
-What?… No...yes?! I think… -Arnol was taken by surprise -Okay, lets stick to work then. What do you think about the situation? That defeat was not expected...
Well, at least it worked to bring a topic of Vartag’s interest.
-We are doing terrible, indeed. But we can fix things, at least a fifth place and hope that we got invited to the Cup of Harmony. It should make things better, we are underdogs after all.
-I don’t know man, we got invited to the last Cup of Harmony but ended up refusing. Maybe changing the Team was a mistake. I heard that Putiniq wanted to join but was refused.
-It happened by a reason… but I really hope our next matches go well, we can not keep loosing to teams ranked below us…
-Indeed, but what do you think we should do?
Arian took some seconds to think, the team was in an terrible situation, it ended up losing to countries that should be an easy victory. The team should do many things, but most importantly…
-Keep training.

[Zwangzug]

The Bassabook Baritone

Point/Counterpoint/Countercounterpoint

Point: We Are Not Very Good At Football
by Catrina Murray-Tam

After a 4-0 defeat inflicted by 83rd in the world Ancherion, followed by a 2-0 loss to third seeds Krytenia, it is time to consider the possibility that Zwangzug's national team is not good at playing football and their manager ought to be concerned about this.

Ancherion play a modified (1)-4-5-1, somewhat similar to the modern-era Zwangzug team pre-Tavish Willow. It would be the lone starting striker, Sameer Jaklim Jr, who put them on the board shortly before the half-hour mark. Simon Ado would then give Chevanthi Arokiaraj a headache (a metaphorical one, not a physical one like her districtmate Subroto Parida deals with) with canny dribbling near the end of the first half, before the 33-year-old scored.

In the second half, Alexandra Smith would become the third Bartholomew FC player to store, as the fifth seeds clearly felt confident enough to play their subs. Fabiano Moon, who ironically plays for the Sorial Suns, put the final piece of iron in the metaphorical death-themed piece of wood (who comes up with these metaphors?) seven minutes before full time.

Zwangzug, admittedly, play a defensive style, and under Willow's leadership have had no designated strikers on the national team; their first shutout this campaign was against 113rd-ranked Tamgu. But it is worth calling attention to just how dismal Zwangzug's defensive-oriented players looked. Joel McJakill, since the international retirement of Martin Scallop, is probably the key player for the two-time champion Keppal Cosmos side, and he was nowhere close to preventing Smith or Ado's goal--and who knows how his positional failures may have set up the others? Randall Saitta's clubmates in Bassabook often report he can be somewhat tactless, but makes up for it with a serious work ethic; that effort was nowhere to be seen, as he stalled even on the throw-ins, perhaps to prevent Ancherion from running up the score nay further. Akhil Sibal's passes were wildly off-target, and if he sticks with "but uhhhh I usually have a lot of other defenders to pass to" as his reasoning, he will not be long for top-level play. Our only defender who came out looking good was Sydney Stefred, and that was because she was suspended after those cheap foul calls against Hampton Island so she could arguably make the case that the team just really needed her in there.

This notion was promptly disabused in the game against Krytenia, who scored via a central midfielder and a left wing. Despite having returned from her suspension, and despite having overcome the urge to senselessly assault the Aces for no reason beyond being a historic squad (the fact that there was not much of a press corps from the hosts probably helped with that), she was as anemic as the rest of the side. Laurel Tinker-Witt, making her debut with McJakill being either punished and/or reprieved by being sent to the bench, did nothing to make her case, and had the woodwork to thank that Krytenia didn't add on in added time.

Look, I'm not calling for Willow's head (for one thing, his hair is way too long, like what would I even do with it), but we are second seeds. Before we take on Castanya, who made their debut here in the recent BoF, perhaps we can come to terms with the fact that the team is underperforming and that we should be frustrated if they lose again.

Counterpoint: Who Bleeping Cares
by: Elmer Parkins

Upsets are a Part Of Life and they make the Game Interesting. Also Zwangzug were Underdogs for many cycles and they fought hard to obtain them at the time. It is only Right and Just that upcoming teams, and up-and-down-and-up-and-down-and-upcoming teams (Krytenia have a long history), have a chance to upset them too.

Also one should Not Be Entitled to expect success. Merely because we have prolific sports journalists is No Guarantee of good news to write about, and it would be Massive Hypocrisy if our press were to preach Patience and Engagement to others while acting Complacent ourselves.

Moreover, what is a Country, Anyway. Many people who live in this region recognize it's Stupid and Dangerous to take credit for the good things that other people who live in the same broad area as you do, because then you also have to take Shame, not only Now but also for Atrocities Centuries in the Past, and that's Not Fair. So like, Nationalism is Bad.

Honestly the only Dorks who Care about these sorts of things are the ones who Have Emotions upon seeing the Names of Bygone States in Multimedia Productions and being Filled with Nostalgia, and their opinions are Silly and Don't Count.

Countercounterpoint: I Picked You Bleeps For My Fantasy Team
by An Anonymous Fan in Mriin, Filindostan, Equestrian States, Flavovespia, Chromatika, Poafmersia, Ko-oren, Eternal Empire, and/or Kita-Hinode

Look, you twerps, I'm not from your country and I don't have patriotic feelings about your team. I don't follow your bleeping league, and I don't really remember its name or the details about your clubs, since you can't be bothered to follow the rules of football organization anyway.

But I invested in you. I avoided splurging on Vilita or going for Krytenia and their history. I resisted the urge to support Mattijana's weather or Hampton Island's underhanded tactics. You weren't cheap, either, you were second seeds! I could, and maybe should, have ignored you and gone for low seeds elsewhere. And this is how you repay my faith, by losing by four.

So come on, team, get it together. Don't do it for your coach's job, or for your fans' nationalist feelings. Don't do it for your teammates who play on rival clubs that you don't even care for. Don't do it for yourselves or for principle or for football, that's trite.

Do it for me.

[Qusmo]

Here’s my late addition to the WC84Q Fantasy game, as well as to this cycle’s RPs. This conversation takes place after the events of the unfinished RP arc I was working on when I left. I hope to finish it eventually, if I’m able. Until then…

 G    Rk   Nation                        Points
 1    48   Brusseldorf                    15.71
 2   175   Trolleborg                      2.70
 3    28   Mercedini                      22.42
 4   161   Saintland                       3.31
 5    51   Siovanija & Teusland           14.59
 6    71   Hapilopper                     10.42
 7    45   Chromatika                     15.92
 8    36   Squornshelan Remnant States    18.42
 9    UR   Bears Armed                     0.00
10    35   Juvencus                       18.46
11   158   Schottia                        3.33
12    64   Polkopia                       11.03
13    44   Reçeuçn                        16.00
14    60   Mattijana                      12.12
15    22   Ko-oren                        29.66

           Total                         194.09

“Thanks for inviting me, Nev.”

“Of course. It’s been a hard time for all of us.”

Zev silently agreed. After a few moments, they broke the silence. “Why did you want to meet with me today?”

Nev didn’t look at them; their gaze remained fixed, peering through the window to their left. Finally, they responded. “Have you heard about this World Cup Qualifying Fantasy tournament?”

“Nev, –” Zev started, but Nev continued.

“I thought I would have a little fun. Relive the old days, you know.” Nev turned, finally, to face their guest. “It’s funny. Those old days weren’t so long ago – but everything’s different now.”

As Nev’s voice dropped again, Zev waited for their teammate to continue. Zev knew there wasn’t much they could say at this point.

“Anyways. Fantasy.”

“Yes, Fantasy. Who’ve you chosen?”

“Well, my two big names – the ones that cost twenty points, at least, who are in the top thirty-two – are Ko-oren & Mercedini.”

“Ko-oren seems a decent choice. They’re certainly a very good team, & this whole Fantasy thing is a Ko-orenite invention, if I’m not mistaken. I’m just not confident they’ll win by three or five too many times.”

“Well, that’s what Mercedini’s for.”

“Oh, yes. Their front line is always a terror. I was always glad Graszeszak was on our club, especially after Gor left for the Flame League. I’m sure you have some squads ranked a little lower, though, right?”

“Well, I chose the past couple Baptism of Fire winners.”

“Hapilopper & Trolleborg, right?”

“Yeah. Yeah, they’re not too costly, & besides, they’ve already won a trophy apiece.”

“But not Xanneria?”

“No, not them. I found an even cheaper option in their group to save some extra points.”

“Oh? Who’d that be?”

“Bears Armed. They’re unranked; can you believe it? They made it all the way to two World Cup finals. Though I suppose they’re probably not quite the same anymore.” Nev seemed not to realize the irony. Zev chose not to bring it up. “I only got a couple other bargains real cheap, though. Another couple sleeping giants: Saintland and Schottia.”

“Ah, you’ve gone for the Rushmoris, haven’t you? Those seem like good deals for former regional champions. & Schottia won the World Cup just five cycles ago. It’s amazing how quickly things can change.” Zev instantly regretted their choice of words, but it was too late.

Nev looked down. “You know, five years ago, Qusmo hadn’t yet competed on the international stage. We hadn’t played a match. We hadn’t yet opened up to Rushmore. & look how far we rose.” Nev locked their gaze with Zev’s. “& look how far we’ve fallen.”

Zev tried to steer Nev’s mind off the road it was travelling down. “So, if those were your only cheap options, you must have a lot of teams ranked pretty well in your Fantasy slate.”

Nev didn’t respond. Finally, they sighed. “Yeah. Yeah, I suppose I do. Mattijana, I’ve got Mattijana.”

“Well, that seems reasonable enough. They always do well in Esportiva. They gave us a run for our money in qualifying, too.”

“Chromatika, too.”

“You picked the Chromatiks? Well, next you’ll be telling me you tried selecting Wolves Clans in your slate.”

Nev chuckled. It was good to see them laugh for once. “I wish, but no. Though I did select a couple teams from our big Cup of Harmony adventure.”

“Who would that be?”

“Squornshelan Remnant States & Juvencus.”

“Oh, Juvencus. We put four past them to win the group, just to be eliminated at their hands in the semifinals. That was a marvellous run, though. & the Squornshelan Remnant States were a tough out. But you didn’t go for Squornshelous? They’d be even cheaper, right?”

“No. You think I’d support a nation that treats their people like that? After living in this nation?”

Zev had forgotten the particulars of the political situation. They kicked themselves for letting Nev think about what was happening in their home yet again. “So who did you pick in their group?”

“Siovanija & Teusland.”

“That makes sense. They’re a good team. They’re a good nation. Jan always loved that place.”

“Yeah. Yeah, it was so good to see Jan while we still could.”

“So, that’s twelve, if my math is right? Did you get any big names for your last three?”

Nev shook their head. “Zev, I need to talk to you.”

“Of course, Nev. Anything you need.”

“Zev, I – We – I mean –”

“Just take your time, Nev.”

Nev gulped. They looked down at their hands. Finally, their eyes met Zev’s. “Zev, I can’t stay here anymore. I have to leave. & I want you to come with me. Or if you don’t want to come with me, at least leave. Please. We can’t stay here. You can’t stay here. We need to leave, & we need to leave now.”

[Newmanistan]

THE ROCKET REPORT

AN ACTIVE COUPLE OF DAYS

by Brianne Henry,

There has been a lot of news to talk about since my last World Cup article, and it should all be considered very exciting to most people. Some might be a little disappointed by this news, but that is inevitable. I will summarize the Rockets win over Pius D, a 2-0 triumph at The Fire Pit, towards the end of the article but for three quarters of the Rockets backfield, it was an eventual day in other ways.

The international transfer season is underway, and for the first time in a very long time, teams from other leagues are looking at Rockets players and seeing them as useful additions to their rosters. In the previous era of Newmanistan attempting international soccer, we had players that were swayed leave the Empire to go play abroad. Just like many international baseball players chose to bring their trade to Newmanistan, seeing our league as being one of the best in the world, our soccer players know that there are better opportunities for them elsewhere. There is nothing inherently wrong with the ENSL (Empire of Newmanistan Soccer League). It is a competitive league and fan support is very good throughout the Empire. Players are compensated adequately. However, the lure of playing overseas is better where soccer is not 5th or so down the list of the country’s favorite sports. Just like that, three Rockets players announced their attention to play in different nations, and all three are members of the Rockets backfield.

Adrian O’Bryan, the 31-year old from the Loudon Leopards, was the first to announce that he will no longer be returning to Loudon. The veteran defender has inked a deal with the Kitara Athletic Association, a quality club out of Banija. In a statement, O’Bryan told the press that, “I want to thank the fans of Loudon for their tremendous support over the years. I have been gifted with an amazing chance to play with Kitara in one of the best soccer leagues in the world. It is a great challenge that awaits me. As I am not getting younger, the time surely is right now for me to make this move.” Adrian’s wife and two kids will remain in Loudon, at least as of right now.

If that was not enough, the news continued of movement as defender Tim Marley announced that he will be going to Zwangzug to play for Rovers United. The 28-year old is in the prime of his career, so the loss will hurt the Jessicaville Millionaires, which is something that this reporter might not actually mind. Marley said there multiple factors for his decision, “Getting the chance to play in Zwangzug is a great opportunity. But I am also very interested in that nation itself. It is a great sporting nation, but offers so much more. Therefore, I am really excited simply to go there and spend there, plus to get paid for playing soccer is an extra gift that goes along with it.”

I thought as though that was going to be all of the movement that I was going to be talking about in this article, but in something that has just been announced, Shawn Stoddard, of the Centralia Firebirds, another defender, has stated that he is going to Xanneria to play for Austin City. The timing of that for Centralia fans is a little bittersweet, as many were just rooting for him in the Pius D match which was played in Centralia. The 26-year old physical defender is a fan favorite, so the spirits of those in Centralia will feel like that have gone up in flames over the next few days. Stoddard seems to realize that, “I have to thank the excellent fans and people in Centralia. You have done so much for me over the course of my time there with the fantastic support, and I have met many great people. It is time for me to move on right now, but I will still keep part of my heart in Centralia, and will always give back to the community whenever I can. I will miss the ENSL, but an opportunity like this is a good one and I will have to make it. Football in Xanneria suits me, and in talking to the Austin City brass, I know they I can have a great future there.”

These three defenders will continue to proudly represent the national team, and they looked great in the 2-0 win over Pius D. Goalkeeper Ryan McNamara only faced three shots on target for the entire match, and had an easy time against the winless opponent. Each Newmanistan goal came in the first half, with Derek Schaefer extending his scoring streak to three games with a 27th minute marker, and Brent Chapman doubling the lead in the 38th minute. Manager Miguel Hernandez made his three substitutions early in the second half to give more playing time to others, but no additional goals were scored.

The next match is a massive showdown, as the 5-0-1 Rockets head to 66 Stadium to play 6-0-0 Audioslavia. The implications here for both teams, not just the Rockets, are huge. With Sargossa also sporting a 5-0-1 record and only two spots available to advance to the World Cup, the Rockets can make a huge statement here with a win, and a draw would also be considered a good result. Losing will starting to get in the heads of fans thinking that it is another step of the inevitable, which is Sargossa and Audioslavia being the advancers. A Newmanistan win could make Audioslavians start getting a little nervous. The manager Miguel Hernandez feels that despite the news of international signings, that the team’s focus is in the right place, “Absolutely, we are focused on Audioslavia. This is a big game, and I hope that people all over the world tune into it, because I know that we are going to represent ourselves well. It is going to be a great match. As for the signings, this match will hopefully just serve to prove that the clubs that signed them are smart, and not idiots.”

[Squornshelous]

Sweyn Petrov, Imperial Minister of Sport paced alone in his penthouse office at the pinnacle of the Ministry building. He glanced sidelong at the antique, analog clock hanging about the door without breaking stride. One minute to go. He had always made a point of being precisely on time for meetings. Never a minute late, nor a minute early. He would enter at the precise moment it was scheduled to begin, absolutely composed, ready, and in control.

He walked across to his computer terminal to prepare. To one not familiar with a Squornshelan computer interface, the terminal would most closely resemble a dentist's examination chair. Strictly all that was necessary for the connection was a set of electrodes, but few things were more annoying than coming out of virtuality to stiff muscles and joints. Petrov's terminal featured a generously stuffed chair upholstered in genuine calfskin with motorized articulation that allowed it to provide the greatest comfort possible. Petrov seated himself and reclined the chair, then gently seated the headband across his forehead and cinched it tight. He checked over the position of the electrodes that would project his consciousness into the virtual boardroom, and flipped a switch on the armrest to boot up the terminal. Immediately, a digital display of the current time to the second appeared in the top right of his vision. He brought up the secure address and entered his personal access code, then waited.

Ten seconds.

Five.

Three.

Two.

One.

Instantaneously, Petrov was seated in a high backed wooden host chair along the side of a conference table The room was fairly dim, lit only from recessed lights in the ceiling high above. The table itself was built of steel, with a blood-red cloth running its length. Behind the vacant chair at the head of the table hung the flag of the Imperium. There were no other decorations. On a high-level government budget, virtuality was totally indistinguishable from reality. Some enterprising soul had even see fit to program this one with the soft hum of air conditioners and the scent of dry dust. Petrov was pleased to see that everyone else was already present. High Minister Bjarni Riihijarvi stood, clasping his hands in front of his waist.

"Welcome, gentlemen. I will get straight to the point. You have all been briefed on the situation. We must decide how this government will respond to the insult this Sarzonian has paid us."

Ketil Medved, Ambassador to Sarzonia and the junior official present by a significant margin stood quickly. His words tumbled out in a worried rush, "Ministers, I thank you for responding on such short notice, and I have no wish to have wasted your valuable time. I wonder though if gathering so many high ministers is really strictly necessary to discuss a comment made by a young footballer. If I could be permitted to simply meet with officials in Sarzonia I am confident that . . ."

"This government can brook no insult, however slight," Riihijarvi rapped his knuckles abruptly on the table. Medved sat awkwardly, looking completely miserable. "Whether there will be a public response is not at issue here Ambassador Medved. We have gathered to discuss the nature of that response."

Sensing an opening, Petrov stood, spreading his hands wide, "What the ambassador perhaps does not grasp, is the importance that sport plays for this nation. We are a footballing nation, and our footballers are some of our foremost public representatives. They stand for all that Squornshelous values. It is true that some other nations lack such unity of purpose, such singularity of culture, but that distinction is lost upon Squornshelan citizens. We should also not forget that Sarzonia, while perhaps not what they once were, is a name known and respected across the footballing multiverse. They too have lifted the ultimate prize. That this statement was made in ignorance and without inflammatory intent, but in the end that makes little difference. Sarzonia's starting fullback has disparaged us, and Sarzonia must take responsibility."

"Well said Minister Petrov," Foreign Minister Oleg Fedotenko applauded briefly. Medved looked, if possible, more unhappy than before.

"If you please gentlemen," Petrov continued with a nod of acknowledgement to Fedotenko, "We must, of course, ban The Woodstock Courant and any publication citing it from circulation in Squornshelous. I also have a few proposals that we might consider."

- - - - - - - Later that Night - - - - - - -

Markkus Holmgren was in a foul mood. That bitch, Vang was getting mouthier by the day. She'd scored another brace against The Macabees and was strutting around the training facility like she'd been crowned Empress. Even worse, Melkochuk seemed to be favoring her more and more. I'd love to see her face when she realizes there's only one thing he actually wants from her. Until then, he'd have to sit and endure it, Melkochuck had made clear.

He cracked open a can of cheap overstrength lager and waved a hand to activate his media display, flicking it over to current news.

"At the Sarzonian embassy today, Imperial Border Control detained approximately 70 members of the foreign diplomatic staff preparatory to deportation. A Foreign Ministry spokesperson explained that an administrative oversight on the part of the embassy had led to those individuals' residence visas expiring. Those staff whose visas expired may be readmitted after reapplying and receiving new residence visas."

Holmgren snorted laughter. "Idiots."

"This development comes less than a day after Sarzonian footballer Charlie King was quoted making anti-Squornshelan remarks while intoxicated in public. King appeared to express support for West Squornshelan terrorists and revolutionaries." The anchor fixed the camera with the most sincere expression she could muster, "I certainly hope this type of incident does not become the norm. If so, it could seriously damage Sarzonia's image across the multiverse."

So some drunk Sarzonian mouthed off about the Confederacy, we're throwing a fit, but pretending we aren't? Do they really expect anyone to believe that? Holmgren was intrigued now. "Ah who'm I kidding," he said to the empty room, "Everyone will believe it."

[New Lusitania and the Algarves]

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

AMAZING IN AVEIRO
New Lusitania 6-1 Indusse
@Estádio da Ria, Aveiro (Att: 34 012)

Returning from Grod Island, the team travelled to Aveiro. Patríce in goal for this one as Vinagrete continued on after a strong of good performances alongside Leiteiro and Pedralva with a new chance in defence. Azinheira, Fernando, Mário, Gama and Veiga in the midfield lines as Gui Paciente played with Silveira. For Indusse, Stephen Luiz started in goal with Kumar, John, Ali and Krishna in defence. Singh Mahauli, Yadav were the two midfielders as the four forwards for today were Rajpoot, Baskar Kumar, Butea and Beckam up front. New Lusitania now unveiled in play their third kit composed of a half-blue, half-bordeaux combination today with the bordeaux shorts made by Olympia as Indusse used their home white and orange stripes with blue shorts by Ediraf.
As the anthems played all was set up for a good ninety minutes of play. New Lusitania wanted to carry on the momentum from the previous two matches and it looked like they could do it. On twelve minutes, the first goal came around. It was a free kick, which meant it had to be Fernando, the best player from the Lusitanian side for the occasion. The kick had been awarded as Ali attempted to get the ball but arrived just a tad late. Just outside the box, the ball went into the net to open the scoring books for the match. The second goal came later on, twenty-five minutes into the game. In this one, a cross from Mário into Paciente who then volleyed it into goal number two, both for New Lusitania this match and for him in this tournament.
A bit past the half-hour, Indusse scored theirs. It came from a cross by midfielder Yadav into the box swarming with the four forwards. It was going to be Butea, but now the goalkeeper put a palm to it, with Beckam smashing it in on a second shot. 1-2. Before half-time there was time for one more goal. This time Veiga passes the ball to his right to Gama who managed to put it in off the far post. The teams departed the pitch shortly after that for halftime. Two different conversations will be going in the dressing rooms with the nations returning soon after.
In the second half, New Lusitania didn't show signs of stopping. On fifty-eight minutes, a corner taken by Gama on the right side and a decent reception and shot from Mário made the fourth goal for the Selecção. Past the hour mark, and just before seventy Fernando came off to rest for following matches with Moreira coming on. The midfielder had a good game providing Silveira with a powerful cross providing goal number five. The final goal came shortly after Veiga passed it to Mário who tapped it in. A brilliant performance from the Lusitanians which they can only hope will continue in future fixtures. FULL TIME: 6-1


Around the Grounds: Group 15
Apox taking the day off meant New Lusitania went up to second on goal difference with Ko-oren ahead by three following their 1-4 victory away at the ZSeperatists. Eshan's draw with Tarchusland (2-2) which has managed to take some points off the bigger teams, keeps them a point behind the Selecção and Apox on 13. Eraman and Barfleur maintain 5th and 6th respectively following the former's win at the latter by 1-2. Finally, Grod Island has managed their first win rocketing them up to 7th on 4 points, behind Tarchusland on 6. They are followed by Indusse, equal on points; as well as the ZSeperatists and Aldaveria on three at the bottom.

Kit News
With today's game, all three World Cup 84 kits have been revealed. The first, a classic retro Bordeaux kit with an unusual white pinstripe, complete with the usual same coloured shorts. The away kit does not have a new addition, continuing the 83 white shirt with blue sleeves and shorts. The alternative kit is quite original and unconventional as it consists of a half-bordeaux and half-navy blue shirt with usually navy shorts (although tonight against Indusse they played with the Bordeaux shorts)
For the goalkeepers (not present below) they continue with the lime green kit with an away option of a sleek black backup. All made by national manufacturers Olympia, New Lusitania enter the ring under the publicity "Tradition in Football" possibly alluding not only to the country's passionate history in the sport but also the more classic and retro looks of some of the kits.



THE HUB
GOALS: Silveira (5), Veiga (2), Fernando (2), Paciente (2), Gama (2), Jota, Mário
ASSISTS: Fernando (4), Mário (3), Gama (2), Veiga (2), Luz, Jota, Paciente, Moreira
CARDS: Guerreiros, Fernando, Breu.
INJURIES: None to Report
ADDITIONAL INFO: None To Report



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

[Taeshan]

"Fourth time facing Savojarna and a fourth win for the Purple Knights. First time meeting outside of a Copa Rushmori. Miles you continue to get wins, this time against a regional rival, what is so special about this team"?

"Well first off credit to the Savojar side. A good squad. Unlucky so far this campaign. 3rd seed in the group and less points then games played at 6 points. Not exactly rolling for them. One of the toughest games we've played this campaign, but that marks a fourth straight clean sheet. I think we're clicking. We have the defense on tap, we're scoring goals. Florian has all the answers in goal...It's nice, but things can quickly turn, and now we have an interesting trip to Jeruselem on our hands."

"Jeruselem. The biggest rival in Taeshani soccer. Rushmore rivals is one thing, the Princesses are another. They're a little off of who they usually are, but anything can happen in these matches. What do you expect"?

"I expect a lot. We've always been the underdogs in this matchup. Besides a strong run during the 60's Jeruselem has always been the "better" side. Anything can happen in this matchup. What is it...the 32nd"?

"Yes. The 32nd. 14th time facing each other in Jeruselem."

"Yeah it is one of the most historic matchups for Taeshan. We've only played 3-4 times in qualifiers so it tends to be a more friendly rivalry, but we have a lot of history. We won the last friendly, but have only won 11 times historically. They're hot right now. Just a draw in Welzat has the pack falling off the pace, with Schottia and Geektopia dropping points in the past few games. This game could help separate us. Especially with the Free Republics hot as well. And looking to pounce."

"What can you guys do to get the victory"?

"Well it starts the same way the last few games have. Getting a clean sheet. 360 minutes of being solid in the back is a strong performance. But one issue...and the house of cards falls down. We need to continue to be perfect, and we will get to play some football in Cassadaigua and Baker Park."

"Did someone recently near the team think it was being hosted by Equestria again"?

"I'm sure one of the players did. Lot of concussions in soccer."



"Strong performance again Florian against a strong Savojar side. What has this side clicking defensively"?

"Well Taeshan always starts from the back and works forward. Yeah we always have a great striker here or there, but our Goalkeepers all the way back to Tad Montague have really won us many a game. I'm trying to follow in those footsteps. It helps that I have such veterans in front of me in Klingenberg and Abl Bakr. And with a speedy player like Santiago Santiago clearing up any issues, sometimes it can be boring for me. But I have to keep up my wits."

"Any plans of leaving Capetown anytime soon"?

"It's way to early to consider leaving the club I came from. Maybe once I hit a World Cup or 2, and get my hometown some Champions' League I'll think of moving on. But ultimately, it's my home, and it will take a lot for me to move on before I am ready to."



"Giacomo you're first goal for the nation. What does it feel like"?

"Incredible. Larson did it no justice. We were struggling against the defense and the manager calls on me. And me, the little kid from Williams Isle scores the goal that gives Taeshan a win in a big World Cup qualifier. Would have never seen this coming as a kid."


"Haven't seen a lot of time off the bench this season, but you seem to have made the most of it."

"It's hard being behind a young stud like Wilhelm, and a stalwart like Abriel. But me and Shannon take our chances. A good stable of horses Miles has. Hopefully I'll see the field a lot more as the campaign continues. And hopefully if we lock up qualification early I can get a start or 2."

[Free Republics]

News Magazine

Nova Hellstrom-Hancock is Running for Consul of the Federation of Free Republics
By: Matthew DeRose

While the Senate continues to deliberate in the impeachment trial of Consul Kyle Bolton, the race to elect his replacement has already begun. Today, the first major candidate declared her candidacy to become the next Consul. Nova Hellstrom-Hancock is one of the most remarkable figures in Republican society, let alone Republican politics. 19 years ago, she started her remarkable career at Sporting World where she became famous for hard-hitting journalism and high quality soccer match reports. Before long, she made her way into the world of professional wrestling where she became one of the most legendary female wrestling champions in the history of the Free Republics. Now, she is the leader of one of the two largest political parties in the Assembly.

Nova Hellstrom-Hancock announced her candidacy in Wortana, Keronama at halftime of the World Cup Qualifying match between the Free Republics and Nakhistan. The Republicans, thanks to 2 goals and an assist from Archie White, handily defeated their unranked opposition 4 goals to 1. She opened her speech by discussing the World Cup before pivoting to politics: "Today, the Federation of Free Republics stands on the verge of a Golden Age. All we need to do is find the right leadership to realize our potential. We need a leader who will Get Shit Done and that is why I will be running for consul in next year's election. We cannot afford to wait any longer for a leader who will address. That is why I will be formally filing the paperwork tomorrow to begin my campaign for consul that I already announced a year ago"

Nova Hellstrom-Hancock also addressed her Assembly coalition with the Common Good party which she has alleged is "really just the Holy Party and the Salvation Circle under a new name". She stated, "We went into coalition with Common Good because we mostly agree on economic issues and were able to force through the election of Speaker [Nathan] Newton, an econ professor who is not a member of the Assembly and wants no part of Common Good's retrograde social agenda. It has to be humiliating for Sister Polus's Favorite Party that they can't pass any of their anti-woman agenda even though they're technically part of the majority coalition!" Nova also addressed her "present" vote on impeachment. "I stand by my view that even Kyle Bolton himself doesn't think he is a good choice to be a consul of the Free Republics but the Bolton family are my friends and I cannot, in good conscience, vote to impeach a man I've known since he was the cute teenage captain of the National Soccer Team! By the way, I want to apologize to Kyle, to his wonderful wife Lucia and to the Republican people for my lack of courage to do the right thing in that moment and force my entire party to vote no on the articles of impeachment even if I had to fire a few of my own politicians! In the future, I promise that I will have the courage of my convictions to do the right thing even when everybody around me wants me to do the wrong thing." The crowd erupted with thunderous applause and loud "Fuck Impeachment" chants.

She also reiterated her greatest hits of policy positions. She wants to ban bosses like former Sporting World editor and current Gossip Magazine editor Jasper Chuter from pressuring their subordinates into sex, make all salaries paid to all workers a matter of public record, a ban on non-compete contracts and intellectual property assignment agreements (OOC: For those unaware, these things actually exist in RL and the fact that they are basically unenforceable in California is one of the primary reasons why Silicon Valley, not Boston, is the center of the tech industry), abolish charter societies and establish a civilian "national service" force as well funded and well equipped as the military to provide a job to every Republican who wants one. She also supports a constitutional amendment guaranteeing the right to an abortion throughout the Free Republics. Her positions make her the most left-wing major candidate for consul since Lydia Henderson. In a country increasingly concerned about corporate power but also a country where most people don't want to go back to the Kulseth days either, Nova Hellstrom-Hancock is considered the early favorite by the oddsmakers and is polling at over 30% against generic opposition from Common Good, Radical Alliance, Liberty Party, Moderate Liberal Conservatives and Responsible Progress. Time will tell whether she will rise to immortality or sink into obscurity...

Matthew DeRose writes about the Federation Government. He is a graduate of the University of Republica with bachelors degrees in Journalism and Political Science. During his time in college, he interned with the Republica Post. Although the Post didn't have any openings for him upon his graduation, he had left an impression on their editor, who recommended him to Admiral Theriault.

[Kita-Hinode]

HINODEJIN REGIONAL LEAGUES
"The Outerleague", new regional tournament featuring former Dreamplanetian teams
Written by sports journalist Nanako Ichigo.

SHINSHABONA - The Liga Dreamplanet was the top tier of said former country's pyramid, featuring a grand total of eighteen teams. Back then, it was a rather sympathetic league but without the same flame and strength of the larger leagues of the multiverse, something that the Hinodejin league might be well aware of when it comes to the international level of competition but nonetheless, there has to be some sort of weird feeling for the survivors of the war to know that their teams will be competing in the bottom of the pyramid of another country.

Named as the Outerleague, the tournament was created specifically to allow teams from the former Dreamplanet, now known as the Hinodejin province of Shintochi to play sides from Misei and compete for a slot on the announced regional playoffs for one of four spots on the Hinodejin Endurance League, the bottom national level. Locals were not happy over the news that their teams were now playing deep down inside the pyramid but some did find it surprisingly acceptable: "It's a new start for almost all of us who were able to survive," said former academy player turned starter for Fúria Shinshabona Nuno Gomes, "I do admit being upset that we're thrown down the pyramid but I don't think we'd be able to get a win over the likes of Q-Bee Honeyame as is."

Things are much nicer on the state of Misei, where former Semi-Pro teams are now looking towards a whole new level, both figuratively and properly as they advance into the world of professional football. This would mean that teams that were used to being mostly amateur efforts were now looking into a new lifestyle of professional quality. Hideo Kotaka, forward that played last season as a non-paid player for Trainwork Gardens FC out of Kuritsukawa, now signed to play for one of Misei's first teams historically, now another pro outfit in Acquamare Misei put it best with "Well, to be honest, this year has been really a shock to me and I'm very excited at the thought of playing against teams that, not too long ago, were playing against big teams on the defunct UICA even if the circumstances themselves look odd."

Between disgust, annoyance, happiness and ambition, the Outerleague is expected to feature a grand total of forty teams, divided into two groups with the champions of each side facing off for the Outerleague trophy and the right to play the Hinodejin Regional Playoffs. Sparks are sure to come out from this new league, that's for sure.

[Kelssek]

Andrea Crowe named Kelssek's new national team manager
SPORTS | by Eamon Williams

The national soccer association Football Kelssek (FK) has announced that Andrea Crowe will be the new manager of the national team. Her first challenge will be to put a sputtering World Cup qualification campaign back into gear. She'll need to get up to speed quickly as the past month has left Kelssek nine points out of the qualification spot in its group, with only two wins in six matches.

Interim manager François St-Louis will step back to his role as a coach, although he is also understood to be ready to move on. With several under-pressure managers in the Kelssek Football League reportedly on the verge of being sacked, St-Louis's reputation will give him every chance of jumping onto the managerial carousel if and when it starts up.

Crowe is known for a technical approach to the game, and has extensive experience as a coach in the Nepharim Premiership. In Crowe's previous job, she managed Nepharite club Ritter Town in the First Division, Nephara's second tier of professional football. Her main achievements were winning promotion from the third tier and most recently taking the club to the final of the NFA Cup, Nephara's major club tournament. The Nepharim will also be the first foreigner to be appointed manager of Kelssek.

As a new era dawns for Kelssek's national soccer team, the new manager has already put the players on notice that their places in the squad are under review. Her first match in charge will be a home match in Kirkenes against Appalachia.

"There's a lot of talk about certain players being 'promising', but no one is going to have a place in the squad on the basis of what people think their future is," Crowe said. "It's clear that I'm coming in at a time when some complacency and under-performances have crept in. My message to the players is simple: if you're a passenger, you're getting thrown off."

[Pasarga]

The pressure was now square on the shoulders of the Wanderers, they were entering into the gauntlet part of their schedule and had now fallen into third place in the table after they had their bye. With the big matches against Drawkland and Farfadillis still to come, the side knew that they had to continue on this good run of form that they have had since that first match. Focus needed to be laser guided and their minds clear from any distractions that could keep them from performing up to their potential Thus far, apart from the opening hiccup, the side had done a very good job at maintaining a professional attitude and going about their business in the way that you would expect a top thirty ranked team and favorite for qualification would do so. Every game was met with the same intensity and focus as before, there was no overconfidence that the side was better than the eleven players that were lining up opposite of them, no taking any points or results for granted. That type of thinking and attitude had did the Wanderers in two years ago and a repeat episode was not something that Srđan Jakšić was going to allow if he could help it, it was why he was hired after all.

Michael Mueller had been a big help in that regard, having been in the same position that these players now found themselves in as a national team player and having to struggle to get the points needed to see the side off to the Finals. He knew a lot of what was going through their minds and what they would need to be doing to keep from bubbling over under the pressure that was being put on them by both the media as well as the fans back at home. As much as a boon as fans could be, they could also be a detriment if they got into the heads of players and turned on them. A few players could rise above the fans of a stadium turning on them, the likes of his cousin Tobias Möller came to mind among them, but the characters with that sort of will power and steel like resolve to persevere through what is the feeling of a betrayal were few and far between. The fact that his cousin had did it not once but three times, having had to do it with both of his national team managerial stints, was a testament to how strongly Tobias had believed in himself. For everyone else though, Michael would advice them to merely ignore the outside world and focus on the game before them and what they could do to prepare themselves for the upcoming spectacle.

Christian Berg did not know before the Qualifiers had started if he was really worthy of the armband, he had not thought that he was doing anything really worth being awarded the captaincy. He came to the training pitch and put in the effort there, sure, but so did everyone else in the squad and they were not being made captain. Honestly, with as quiet as he was, it had been a real mystery to him why the manager and coaches had picked him among all the players to be wearing the armband. In his opinion, Alexander Jager had deserved it more than anyone, Alexander had never been shy to take another player aside and give them a piece of his mind if the striker had thought they were not pulling their weight, perhaps that was why he had been named as the vice captain. Now though, now Christian could see that it was because he was not quick to anger and had been such a cool force in the back that kept everyone even keeled was exactly the reason that he had been given the armband. As an old philosopher once put it, it was actions that spoke greater of a person's characters than any words spoken by them could ever attempt to measure.

It was that keen mind that had let him see that there was something bothering Júlia Müller, even if her play on the field had been nothing short of spectacular during this first half of the qualifiers. Ever since the match against Melbergia, she was walking around as if she had seen a ghost, her skin a bit pale and her eyes glazed a bit. On the field she looked perfectly fine but in the locker room and on the busses she looked like she was lost and in need of guidance. With everything that was on the line in the next four matches, starting with a game in Torgos against an unranked but not unskilled Yttribia, Christian knew that if he could help her sort herself out, then it was his duty as captain and a teammate of hers to do so. As they were preparing to get on the bus to go from the training pitch to the Stade de Torgos, he pulled the striker aside to where noone would be able to hear them. "Jules, what is going on with you, you look as if you are walking as if you have no direction. Do I need to get the managers or physios? What's going Jules?"

"You ever have something happen that you never thought was possible and while it should be amazing, you can't help but feel terrified about the prospect of it being true?"

"I am not sure I am following Jules."

"For the last four years I have known exactly who I am and what was going to be my path in life. Something happened two weeks ago that has the potential to change all of it, for the better, but I do not know if I am the person people think I am."

"... it's about those transfer rumors isn't it? Alright Jules, we don't want to keep the bus waiting, so you're not sitting up with the rest of the strikers, you're going to be sitting with me and telling me exactly what is going on and what we, what I can do to help."

"... thanks Christian."

[Recuecn]

The nice thing about the qualifying schedule for the world cup is the way it stretches over two calendar years. Games are played in the summer, games are played in the fall, games are played the next spring, and games are played in the summer right before the world cup finals themselves. And of course as we approach the half-way point of qualifying, games are played at Christmas. And so I'm offering this simple p̶h̶r̶a̶s̶e̶ roleplay to get into the holiday spirit. Go ahead and play the youtube video in another tab while you read through the lyrics I've written.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e4IeOjpe2p8

Pot 1's coasting on their KPB's
Unrankeds nipping at your toes
Cutoff songs while the hosts read RP's
And folks wait for the result posts

Everybody knows some chickens and a sacrifice
Help qualifying go right
We rely on the luck of the dice
But also the role-plays we write

We know that Margaret's on Her way
With lots of wins and upsets this match-day
And every puppet's main is gonna pout
If they drop points to their alternate account

And so I'm offering this simple phrase
To kids from ten to ninety-three
Although it's been said many times many ways,
inb4 Margaret destroys me

~~~

And so I'm offering this simple phrase
To kids from ten to ninety-three
Although it's been said many times many ways,
inb4 Margaret destroys me

[Filindostan]

---

NATIONAL | BUSINESS | PROVINCIAL | INTERNATIONAL | SPORTS | ENTERTAINMENT | SPORTS PORTAL

---

FOOTBALL: WORLD CUP 84 QUALIFIERS
Fans call for Rinoso's head after 'embarassing' loss to Ziwana

Birnin-Likulu, ZIWANA - It seems that current Filindostan manager Xavier Rinoso is officially in hot water.

After a less-than-spectacular start of their World Cup 84 qualifying campaign after beating South Covello on opening matchday, the Pula Garuda lost another match, against newcomers Ziwana. Dian Dimara's opening goal in 38 minutes were cancelled out by a screamer from Jean Wilder 6 minutes later and Aadilah Thomas was able to give the Akambuku the lead almost midway into the second half. Gerry Nasution had several saves during a flurry of Ziwana attack at the Filindostani net.

Insider sources at the Filindostan Football Federation have pointed to an emergency meeting in which Rinoso's future was discussed. The source said that they will be giving him a vote of confidence for the next four matches, which they must win for him to keep his job. After the win against South Covello, Filindostan have only won once in five games, a close 2-1 win over Squornshelan Remnant States, two draws against Furby Island and Bliuji, and a pair of losses to Qasden and now, Ziwana.

Filindostan host Mitra and Soma next at the Filindostan National Stadium, where security has been tightened after an embarrassing breach saw several drug couriers caught making deals with stadium attendees.

Written by FSNA Staff.

Schedule - WC84Q
MD01: vs South Covello - San Marco (Filindostan National Stadium) - Win, 2-1
MD02: at Qasden - T.V. City (Royal T.V. Stadium) - Loss, 0-1
MD03: BYE
MD04: vs Furby Island - San Marco (Filindostan National Stadium) - Draw, 1-1
MD05: at Bliuji - undisclosed city (Domitia Stadium) - Draw, 2-2
MD06: vs Squornshelan Remnant States - San Marco (Filindostan National Stadium) - Win, 2-1
MD07: ar Ziwana - Birnin-Likulu (Izula National Stadium) - Loss, 1-2
MD08: vs Mitra and Soma - San Marco (Filindostan National Stadium)
MD09: at Flavovespia - Marthorpe (City Arena)
MD10: vs Mustardy - San Marco (Filindostan National Stadium)
MD11: at Vakolicci Haven and Celeria - venue to be confirmed
MD12: at South Covello - Riverview (Revolution Stadium)
MD13: vs Qasden - San Marco (Filindostan National Stadium)
MD14: BYE
MD15: at Furby Island - venue to be confirmed
MD16: vs Bliuji - San Marco (Filindostan National Stadium)
MD17: at Squornshelan Remnant States - Lublova (Slavnarzeczpospolitastadion)
MD18: vs Ziwana - San Marco (Filindostan National Stadium)
MD19: at Mitra and Soma - venue to be confirmed
MD20: vs Flavovespia - San Marco (Filindostan National Stadium)
MD21: at Mustardy - Héronne (Johan Speck Nationalstadion Héronne / The Speck)
MD22: vs Vakolicci Haven and Celeria - San Marco (Filindostan National Stadium)

[Valanora]

The free flow of time from the perspective of a deity made things sometimes seem as if they were out of order. That had been the case for Faeron when he had been watching the football and had thought he was watching a past event of the Marauders when they had taken on Kelssek and then Appalachian Nation, events that had transpired long before but where instead events that were occurring in the moment. The way that time flowed and he interacted with it had not been something on which Faeron had been briefed before being made the guardian of Silverymoon and it had left him frustrated on the occasion. While things such as football matches were not of great consequence when weighed against the balance of protecting an entire planet, the fact that he could not determine dates for just that though made him wonder how he would know if something that needed divine intervention was something that was happening currently or something that had already transpired, or things that might yet come to be if certain events unfolded as the cosmos desired.

The cosmos, the multiverse really, it was not something that had been a major concern of his when he had been but Tobias Raynor and the leader of the Eternal Empire, not until Elune had made him one of her chosen ones and his scope of reality was expanded beyond that of his nation, his region, his world. It surprised him to learn that the deity that the Vanorian elves believed was the cause for all ill things that befell them was in fact once an elf like them, like Elune as well, but had been corrupted by demons in some sort of dimensional rift. Only Elune had been granted the right to have ascended through the rift and when the other elf had dared to follow in her footsteps in a mix of worry and jealously, she had such a terrible curse laid upon her. Elune had to have bound one of her own kin and keep her in the Seven Hells so as to keep her alive and from ruining all that which the two of them had helped build together. It was a tale that clearly had been a heavy burned on Elune and Faenor wondered if perhaps that was why she had looked for some greater duty, to get away from the reminder of what she had to do.

Would the time ever come that he would have to do something similar in the name of the greater good, to protect many would he have to sacrifice something or someone he cared about? At what point would he start to better get control of his powers and be able to choose champions and recall the souls of heroes to be his avatar in the material world in the same way that Elune had been able to? All the tales of Jas Hatire appearing in the Empire, disappearing from all traces only for days, weeks, or months later to be seen at the base of Mount Sumarja before seemingly disappearing into thin air must have been such acts. If that was true, the legendary warrior had saved Valanora a dozen times over, prevented catastrophes that the general populace never could have even known were on the horizon and yet Elune had been there as their silent guardian, sending out her champions to protect her children. Was the Empire still the children of Elune, now with the majority of the elves gone from those lands and in the celestial realm? Yanwë had said all of the Empire was and if he decreed such, even if it was not his descendants that occupied those lands anymore, then it had to be so.

Yanwë, Winged God of Wind, and leader of the Elder Gods, Guardian of The Cosmos. Forty years ago Faenor would have never believed that the Elder Gods were real, that the Cosmos would have a guardian, nor believe that he was a descendant of the eldest of those gods. The Winged god was the Father to Gladerial whom in turn was the mother to the seven elves who had first settled the lands that became known as Valanora. Those revelations brought a conflicting duality, in that nothing was relevant and yet everything that made up the worlds was. Every breath that mortals or even immortals took, every speck of dirt, every titan that still roamed the known worlds had an impact on the Cosmos. The tapestry of time and space was ever flowing and Faenor could only watch in that contempted frustration at attempting to comprehend it all. Now was not the time he would do so, still as young and as new to the workings of being a deity as he was, yet in time perhaps he could come to understand it all and be freed from its shackles. In the moment he would content himself with one more gaze at the football before casting his eyes elsewhere.

[Bolgano]

Bolgano Open Field, Bolgano City, Bolgano
After a hard 1-0 defeat against Anthor, he made the team even less confident, the losses bring this team to a moment of misery, now facing Lochario, one of the teams in the low zone, there is to win or else, go down more steps, The training would last from 3:00 AM to 11:00 AM the first part, returning at 1:00 PM and ending at 9:00 PM, players will concentrated on training in an Open Field away from the city, this field is owned by Benjamin Mark, the president of the FFB, he decided to give them this field in exchange for winning their game, he did not look very happy while his players the only thing they needed was to get resistance, he saw them in a window talking to James Razor, Bolgano coach

Benjamin: They are your boys, they have courage less something important like bringing us the triumph

James: Don't you think they would get tired before the game?

Benjamin: The resistance friend, RE-SIS-TAN-CE.

James: Resistance would not help fatigue, if you want us to lose continue with that plan.

Benjamin: Working 8 hours in 2 shifts, 16 hours in total, would help our team just wait.

James: The game is in 5 days, you want us to finally have a totally alternative team, how about Bolgano C?

Benjamin: The only thing I will tell you is this, if you don't win the next game you lose your job, understand?

James: I don't understand your language, it is necessary to trust someone like you to bring Bolgano to good results, well, no, The Wonder Cup ...

Benjamin: Wow wow wow, for there, the Wonder Cup won it thanks to me, if it weren't for the person who is talking to you you would have ended up easily eliminated.

James: THE ONLY THING YOU DO IS BE SITTING THERE, SMOKING CIGARS, TAKING ALCOHOL, WITH WOMEN UP DOWN, DON'T YOU BELIEVE THAT I HAVE SEEN ONE OF YOUR PORN VIDEOS !!! ???

Benjamin: * Clap, clap again, only 5 times * James * Laugh for 10 seconds * you're fired

James: Well, I accept it, it was a pleasure ...

Benjamin: I fire you if you don't beat Lochario, you have only this opportunity, I don't want you to disappoint me, well, you have to supervise your boys, son of a bitch.

James: Accept my resignation

Benjamin: Come on please, I give you a chance, just because you told me the truth should you leave?

James: Well yes, I'll just look for another way in life * put your identity card as a technical body *

Benjamin: You don't leave here until you accept, live or die

James: What are you talking about?

Benjamin: I'm not only womanizer, alcoholic, vicious, I've also killed people * pulls out a knife * especially women, we kill them, but first we see their private parts, believe me it's a paradise

James: I may die, but I won't work with a murderer

Benjamin: * Turn the window * Your parents, the traffic accident ...

James: How do you know that?

Benjamin: It was I who caused it

James: Are you kidding me? Was it you who caused that accident?

Benjamin: Yes, and ...

James: * Open the door * Let's talk after the game against Lochario.

[Cassadaigua]

Time for Matchday 8!
And a requested tune


Results

[Chromatika]

Football Part 8: BYE-day Musings, Part 1

Jillian Nier, Football Correspondent

So, Mriin tied nil-nil with Busoga Islands. That leaves Chromatika and Busoga behind Mriin still, but they still have a game to catch up on. With Main Nation Mnistry only three points behind Busoga, there isn't much room for error.

Petrovsky, Zealandiana, and Bloing await; then, repeat, starting with that murderer's row of Main Nation Ministry - Busoga Islands - Mriin - Kavagrad. After those matches, it will become obvious whether the Chromatiks need to hope for results to go their way or hold their destiny in their own hands.

I offer these three points of thought as we head into the next seven matches - three gimmes, followed by four do-or-die matchdays:

1. I think that the amount of trial that the Anomalies have gone through already is good for the squad. Sure, I wish they had some shutout wins by now, but knowing how to win close is perhaps more important than knowing how to beat teams by large margins. This team has shown that they won't fold under pressure, at least not in the qualifying stage, and it's a beautiful thing to watch. Still, I think that there are some blowouts on their way.

2. I think Evans and Everdeen should just pull the plug now and remove Yeri Ibex from the first eleven. His mental game has been declining - perhaps it's because of what happened with the Rovers in the Nepharim Prem - and he has been just off recently. Give him one or two more chances, maybe with the reserves in some lower-ranked matches, but don't put him out there again when you start facing countries like Main Nation Mnistry, Mriin, and Busoga Islands. Put in either Cierra Anderson or Kattie Will, they are probably more suited. Can Baugh or Ken prove to be good enough to start alongside Henri de Aea every day, yet? That would solve so many problems.

3. I think that the media needs to stop asking Chromatik players about the election. Yes, the team is tied in spirit to the Rainbow Party, but that is just a given fact. Chromatik players were the very first good that was exported to other nations of the world, to show that Chromatiks are people worthy of consideration. It serves them no good to be peppered every day about what they think about the Checkers Party, the Justice Party, the various different policies, or even the foreign delegates that have arrived. The best thing that these players can do for the Rainbow Party is win. Winning keeps the focus on the competition, and the fact that Chromatika is in international football competitions at all is paying homage to the work that was done beforehand. Remember - if the Checkers Party were to win, they might actually disband the CFF, and the team wouldn't be allowed to participate at all. Now, I'm not saying that each player shouldn't be given the opportunity to speak if they want to. Keira, Alyss, and a few others have already stated their displeasure at what happened during the parade to honor the delegates to Banijan delegate Xollie Lubabalo. Just don't expect it from them after every game. Leave them alone.

I know that I would've preferred it that way.

Keep supporting your Anomalies! We are about a third of the way through in this crazy journey, but it is a long road.

---

Part 8: The Incident

Banijan Response

Part 9: The Response

The letter from Mwanga, King of Banija, had been received immediately by Alina Krasnikova in her office. She was trying to do five things at once: Catch the culprit, make sure of the delegates' safety, plan the parade and presentation for a different date, keep the media from going into a frenzy, and respond to foreign press that was making detailed inquiries to how this could've happened.

Security for the event had been scheduled weeks in advance. Her staff had gone through it over and over again, limiting the avenues of advance and possible opportunities such an assailant would've had. In fact, Krasnikova had suspected that such an event might have occurred, and even decided to group the delegates not so close together in case something had actually happened.

The police had already combed through the footage, and it was clear that the assailant had used a press credential to be at the spot that he was. They didn't get a good glimpse of his face due to a mask he was wearing, but they were beginning to track him, especially with help from their friend in a cottage in Felswyr.

She had her best media people on it, telling the Chromatik public of the seriousness of the event while also stressing that it would never happen again. That being said, she wasn't quite sure about if it could happen again.

Therefore, she decided on a few things, and wrote the following back to His Majesty Mwanga of Banija:

To: His Majesty Mwanga, Kabaka of the Kingdom of Banija

Your Majesty,

It is with humility that I offer my deepest apologies and regret at the incident that happened yesterday involving Xollie Lubabalo, delegate, the other foreign emissaries, and the unknown assailant that assaulted her with a rotten egg. We have tracked the assailant to a corner of Chromatik City, and are close to apprehending the suspect. When that has been completed, we will question the individual to determine if they were hired by any of the parties seeking election. Justice will be served.

Meanwhile, all subsequent meetings regarding the Chromatik election will be done in the Chromatik governmental headquarters itself in Chromatik City. This is the safest building in Chromatika, and will offer the necessary layers of security to ensure that such an event does not happen again.

I look forward to meeting Ms. Lubabalo myself to discuss Chromatik plans with Banija and Southwestern Atlantian Oceania in the days to come.

With respect,

Alina Krasnikova
First Premier of Chromatika

Then, she pushed a number on her cell phone that she had only called one time prior.

"Yes?" came the voice on the other end after just one ring, which wasn't unexpected at all. Of course, he would know.

"I need your help to deal with this stuff. Can you come?" she whispered in a hushed tone.

"Bring your visitor from Felswyr. I will meet you both in two days," answered the voice, "You should also have the assailant by then, I think."

"Understood," she responded.

The phone then went dead. Was it right to call in Marco Ni, architect of the Rainbow Revolution's ideals? She believed so.

They needed to spin this right to make sure that the Rainbow Party gained enough fervor to overcome the money controlled by the Checkers Party. Then, they could set up the relevant checks and balances needed to keep the government secure for years to come.

Her phone buzzed again, and she went back to putting out fires.

---

Rainbow League System Preview

8. Knetyohai

Nickname: Warriors
Fans: K-Net, Warriors
Location: Knetyohai, Deprí District, Chromatika
Stadium: Warriors’ Arena (31,400)
History:

League Chromatiks Season 1: N/A
League Chromatiks Season 2: N/A
League Chromatiks Season 3: N/A
League Chromatiks Season 4: N/A
League Chromatiks Season 5: N/A
Chromatik League Season 1: N/A
Chromatik League Season 2: N/A
Chromatik League Season 3: N/A
Chromatik League Season 4: 12th Second Division
Chromatik League Season 5: 5th Second Division

Manager: Addie Xavier, 60
Formation: (4-3-3)

Background: Located in the southeast corner of the Deprí District right by the Capital District, Knetyohai is known for being the home of the Chromatik Army. Pronounced "Kay-net-yo-hai", the town is a mid-sized place in which about 80% of the population is with the Chromatik Army. Primarily an Army Club, Knetyohai joined the domestic league system in Season 4 and made it to the promoted spots last season. Warriors' Arena is a practical stadium more than an aesthetic one, and the closed roof offers protection from any and all weather. Definitely an experience.

Preseason Grading: brought to you by ChromatikBet.com

Fanbase: 6/10 - Knetyohai is mostly known to the locals and not much else. An Army Club, that will remain their brand.
Manager: 7/10 - Addie Xavier brought the team to the Premier Division within two seasons. Soft-spoken yet stern, Xavier runs a tight ship, and will need to if this team is to overperform.
Keepers: 6/10 - Sang is entering his early thirties, but that may be the prime of the career for a goalkeeper.
Defenders: 5/10 - A young defense with a lot of room to grow, Knetyohai did concede 67 goals last season, an appalling amount. Ophelia Crider is the best of the bunch, a solid tackler.
Midfielders: 7/10: Minke is a mainstay, though getting a bit old, while Soule was one of the better CCFA midfielders a few years ago.
Strikers: N/A: Knetyohai is without the striker to lead the attack.
Greatest Need: When the Chromatik League disbanded, all foreign players were let go. Though Knetyohai is only without one player, they could aim to upgrade their roster before the new season. A team that will be contending to just remain in the Red League.

Next: Lhor

[Hapilopper]

Capital Stadium, Hapilopper City
World Cup Qualifying Match 7: Hapilopper v. Kwangtzu Guānnán
Thom Perkins could only sit in his chair and shake his head. His facial expression was decidedly “nonplussed.” The Haps had just ended up tied with Kwangtzu Guānnán, 2-2, after a very hard fought match in front of 66,000 fans, who were a little louder than normal, a little more raucous than normal, and a little more excited than normal. After all, their guys had knocked off the defending World Cup champs in their last match. They could beat anyone, right? Right? Anyone?

Ah, yes. 2-2 was the final score. That’s right.

It’s really hard to say what happened. The Haps played their asses off. Maybe it was the fact they let off for the bye week. Maybe it was the fact they had a bye week right after the Equestria match. Either way, the Haps didn’t seem to be the same team they were when they played the top team in the group. Sure, Ernie Stevenson scored a goal in the 11th minute and Murray Hunnisett scored one in the 58th, but Kwangtzu Guānnán had an answer for the Haps, scoring in the 19th and the 67th.

What was hard to swallow was the idea that Hapilopper should have won this match easily. They were ranked 71st vs. a team ranked 301st. But, hell, the Haps were ranked 71st and they beat a team ranked 2nd. Last year, the Haps, as a team ranked 160-whatever, knocked off a team ranked 8th. On any given day, a team can be beaten, or even tied. But the general idea was that the Haps should have won this match easily. There was no logical explanation or basis in reality why Hapilopper should have allowed this to happen.

And when the team went back to the dressing room, Thom Perkins was incensed. He had every reason to be. This football team should have won the match easily, yet they didn’t. They tied against a team they shouldn’t have tied with.

“You want to tell me why this happened?” Thom roared at his players. “God damn it! Just because they’re not Equestria doesn’t mean we shouldn’t treat them as such! You allowed this to happen! This will not happen again, and if it does, heads are gonna roll!”

Thom spotted a ball that John Cornett was idly playing with. He snatched the ball out of his hands and hurled it at the door. There were no two ways around it – Thom was pissed, and rightfully so. He had seen his players slack off, and there was no excuse for it.

The fans were pissed, too. They had come to see their fellow countrymen wreak havoc on whoever this Kwangtzu Guānnán team was, and they had been disappointed. The boo birds came out when Kwangtzu Guānnán tied the match, and were even more vociferous in their hatred when the match ended. But this time, they weren’t booing a referee. The match hadn’t been decided by questionable officiating. It had been decided by sloppy, half-assed Hapiloppian play.

The next morning, the entire team was out at the HNFT Center, practicing and training for the next match. “I don’t really give a rusty shit who we’re playing next,” Thom snapped. “Pretend they’re Equestria. Pretend they’re Banija. Pretend they’re Brenecia. Pretend they’re Vilita or Turori, or hell, pretend they’re Vilita AND Turori. Since we tend to play better against the top teams, you pretend we’re playing a top team. I’m not going to take this shit any further. We’re going to get this right and our heads are going to be in gear by the time we play next, you got that?”

He wasn’t kidding. The Hap players felt the need to train a little harder than usual. They felt the need to work a little harder than usual. They needed to prove they weren’t just resting on their laurels. They needed to prove they were here to make it to the World Cup, not just play spoiler for the top teams.

A few hours into practice, which, by the way, was closed to the public, someone in a maroon Preston Super Skychief showed up. It was Chris Holmes. A week or so before, he had run into Claire Randall at Ervin’s, a popular “meat and three” restaurant in Hapilopper City, and promptly asked her out on a date. While she said “no,” she quickly found out who he was, thought he was pretty cool, and asked that Ernie Stevenson, whose brother Drake lived with Chris, get his phone number.

She called him up a few days later, and the two talked for several hours about virtually everything. The two talked again the next day, and talked at the end of the day every day. The two had hit it off, and Chris decided, what the hell, he might see if Claire wanted to grab lunch. Unfortunately, Chris’s timing was off, and when Thom Perkins spotted him watching the training like he belonged there, Thom went berserk.

“FIRST OF ALL, WHO THE HELL SAID YOU COULD COME HERE?! THIS IS A CLOSED TRAINING SESSION AND YOU ARE NOT INVITED!” Thom roared. “WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE?!”

“Jesus fuck, man, I just came by to see if Claire wanted to get lunch!” Holmes shot back. “Who do you think I am? I’m not some guy trying to steal whatever y’all are trying to do. I was just wondering if she was free.”

Ernie Stevenson, Nate Ellis and Rod Hughes rushed over to calm their coach down. They all knew Chris, and knew that: 1.) he wasn’t a spy for another team, and 2.) football tactics would be lost on him anyway. Thom quickly realized that too, and let Chris stay until practice was let out for lunch.

“You’re Chris Holmes, right? The guy that can’t be trusted around heavy machinery and reptiles?”

Chris rolled his eyes and shook his head.

“Thought so,” Thom continued. “Alright, Claire’s been talking about you for about a week or so, just sit off there, don’t record anything, and when we’re done, we’ll give her to you, if she wants to go. CLAIRE!!”

Thom was shouting at Claire and called her over.

“Hey Claire, this schmuck here wants to take you to lunch after we’re done,” Thom said after she ran over.

“Yeah, this is Chris,” she said. “Yeah, I’d love to!”

“Good!” Thom said, before turning to Chris. “If she said no, sir, I would have called the cops and had you thrown out of here. Sit over there, don’t record anything and enjoy. That’s the family stand over there, where wives and children usually sit if they want to come.”

[Taeshan]

"A big win in Jeruselem sees the Knights lead the group by 1, and with 5 points off of their next opponent Schottia. What does this victory mean moving forward Miles"?

"Big win tonight for the guys. They were rattled early by a Jeruselem goal. First goal against in over 400 minutes of gametime. That said the guys fought back after my halftime speech. Wilhelm scoring twice. What a good young player."

"What did you say to the team at half to get them so fired up to come out and get the victory"?

"That they would bring dishonor on their cows if they lost."




"Wilhelm impressive brace from you in the second half. What do you attribute the sudden ability to score in the second half to"?

"Miles made some nice changes. Putting Larson and Emile on was a nice move. Adding width, and pushing more players into the attack really rattled a Jeruselem side so used to a Counter-attack heavy Taeshan."

"Is this something you guys have practiced? The 3-5-2."

"A little here and there. We love the classic 4-4-2. It's our identity. Defensive, counter-attack, clog the middle. Almost a century of mostly mediocrity, and some...success. We're hoping to bring that success....Back."


"Elaine. Two assists in the second half. Your first appearance in a few games. What was different tonight"?

"I mean a lot of our subs are situational. I tend to be a creative spark. Larson tends to run at defenses. Tonight we were put together and that pushes the tempo and that really shocked Jeruselem. Big part of us getting the two goals."

"Do you think you deserve to start soon"?

"Well...I think we have a lot of strong midfielders. Nyc and Shiloh do a lot of brilliant work. Larson is a fireball. Alson...Alson pulls the strings so well. We're a real team."



"Florian. Over 400 minutes without a goal, and it comes against Jeruselem."

"A lot of fans and teammates doubted me early on, but we've turned it on defensively. We were bound to let in one here or there."

"Schottia is the next opponent. They're sitting ready to pounce if either you or Free Republics slip up."

"Yeah. I don't plan on letting them score. I plan on winning. I plan on more clean sheets. Listen we're trying to qualify for the World Cup. We're trying to beat our rivals. Schottia is a familiar opponent. We can, and we should beat them. I'll do my part, hopefully the attack does their part."

[The Sherpa Empire]

The Emperor had just finished giving a public speech reassuring people that he was fine and asking them to stop arguing about the succession, but as soon as he had returned to the relative privacy inside the imperial palace, he slumped onto the nearest couch to rest. He had lost weight recently and he looked more tired than usual. His wife Yangji sighed and looked at him with pity in her eyes. "You can't keep it a secret forever," she said.

"I don't see why not," said the Emperor. "It will be easier once the chemo starts working."

"If the chemo starts working," his wife corrected him. "What if it doesn't?"

The Emperor looked annoyed and tried to wave her away. "I'll have an easier time getting through this if people would stop arguing about the succession and let me have some peace. All the bickering is stressing me out!"

Yangji was upset now. "And what if the chemo doesn't work?" she demanded angrily. "What about next time you get sick? What if something else happens to you?"

"What about it?" said the Emperor. "All the arguing is pissing people off. At this rate, the Republican Party will win control of the People's Court and it won't matter who the next Emperor is." (OOC: People's Court = national legislature)

"You don't think the prospect of having Debashish Morrison inherit the throne has anything to do with the Republican Party's poll numbers?"

"No," said the Emperor. "I think all the arguing is damaging our reputation. The nobility are supposed to be above the partisan fray of democratic politics, but how can we maintain that reputation when everyone sees us arguing over something so trivial?"

Yangji looked disgusted. "It's not trivial," she said.

"Yes, it is," said the Emperor. "What harm does it do either way? Debashish is a bit rough around the edges, but he's a nice young man, and he is popular with the people. Maybe not the same people that we are popular with, but he is popular. And if I name Wangdi as my heir, the only people who would object are the ones that have republican tendencies anyway. The Empire will be in safe hands either way, so why does everyone have to argue about it? You all argue about it like I'm already dead! I'm still here, you know!"

"I'm sorry, Karsang," Yangji said. She sat down on the couch and put her arm around him. "I know you're still here, and I hope you'll be here a lot longer. I just want you to think about what's best for the country."

[Main Nation Ministry]

Somewhere in Free Republics Airport

The Leader had already landed his plane at the airport of Free Republics, however he decided to use his old-fashioned trench coat and hat disguise again to blend in. His bodyguards had took similar disguises, though they were dressed in tropical vacation shirts and sunglasses, giving them a stereotypical tourist look. The Leader took an extra precaution by bringing his and his men's weapons in foil-padded suitcases to make sure that airport security doesn't detect them. "Ah, the sights of dearest Free Republics! Both Jasper Chuter and Etoile Quenneville are among these denizens and degenerates, but as long I don't cap one of these fools here, we can make some progress." the Leader remarked, as he had one of his men hail for a cab. The driver of the cab grew nervous at the sight of several men enter his car, especially with one of them sitting directly next to him with the briefcase on his lap, looking like he was ready to open it.

"Don't mind us, tourists! Take us to a hotel with a phone booth nearby. We have a call to make before checking in." the Leader explained in his disguise, though his voice was easy to recognize. Around the next day, Princess Keller and several soldiers who were accompanying her, landed at the airport, where she simply wanted to drag the Leader back to Main Nation Ministry to kick his ass for trying to start another arson. A lead technician from Main Nation Ministry named Sammy, wearing some geeky glasses, held a tablet in his hands, where he was browsing through the internet in the nation. "Internet works well here. We need a place to set up. The van will do for now, since it's mobile." Sammy explained to Keller, as they arrived outside of the airport. "Take down Wanktube, though. That's the first objective. It's also one of the main sources of income for Gossip Magazine. By taking down it's website, you get rid of some of their main income and we can prevent more sex tapes of theirs being released to the internet."
"I'm checking some of these videos that were released. These are definitely deep fakes. They been using propaganda videos. Damn pirates."
"It shouldn't be hard to take down the server. Truman said that making it look like a 503 maintenance error should do the trick. As long, we don't damage the whole internet in the process, we should be fine." Keller said, as she got into a rental car, driven by a soldier to the main government building in Republica. Keller introduced herself to several guards, as she made her way into the building to look for Consul Scarlett Nicholls.

---

Meanwhile, the Leader was at a phone booth, where he was making a chat with some producers on a certain type of TV show. "Hello, is this the producer or producers of rsfbc?" the Leader said in his disguise. "Yes, I want to do an interview with a popular talk show host I heard about. Jeremiah Lynch on his Tonight Show. Tell him I want to be interviewed. He can get the opportunity of interviewing the Leader of all people. Me."

[Schottia]

Why I Hate Football

Conclusion.

A good advert.

The Harpooner Bar, Quayside, Handon, 2005...

‘We need to get our stories straight.’ Darren said, pulling Gary to one side, as they approached the bar. ‘If we go up there and order half pints of stout, we are going to look… well, weak.’ He reassured Mary with a smile, as she looked back to see what the hold up was.

‘But I like stout!’ Gary protested. ‘And a pint is too much for me, I’ll be back and forth to the toilet all night.’ The Harpooner was one of the oldest bars on the Quayside, and as the name would suggest, it had once been a haunt, popular with the city’s whaling community. The whalers might have been gone, but it seemed like every knick-knack they’d ever left behind had been hung on the walls for posterity.

‘Just indulge me.’

‘I’ve been indulging you all night!’

‘Follow my lead,’ Darren argued. ‘I’m going to order us some bottles of lager.’

‘You know lager gives me colic!’

‘There’s a box of antacid tablets in the kitchen cupboard.’ Darren hissed.

Mary was now looking concerned by the footballers hanging back, and it was enough to prompt Darren into action, shoving Gary forcefully towards the bar. ‘We were just discussing… eh… tactics.’ He marched confidently up to the bar, and waited to be served. The Harpooner was quite midweek, with a large raised area to the back almost completely free. A couple of men, still in their work uniforms, occupied the stools to the right of the bar itself, but other than that, there was little sign of life.

‘So, what can a get you?’ The Barman looked from left to right, waiting for one of the group to place a drinks order.

Schottic Heaven

‘Christ!’ Exclaimed the Ghost of Mr Hanson, as he slammed shut the great tome. The action sent clouds of ancient dust up into the air, causing the walls of the Holy Library to echo like thunder. ‘I’ve never read such a load of pish in all my life… or f*cking death, for that matter.’ He added, adjusting the belt around his tunic, and taking his leave. The Great Library of Schottic Heaven contained volumes on the lives of all its inhabitants, be they great or insignificant. All of their deeds were recorded for posterity, allowing the dead time for reflection in the afterlife. The sound from Mr Hanson’s sandals rung loudly, as he crossed the marble floor of the great auditorium, and continued to reverberate back and fourth through the many levels. The Libraries were immeasurable, from the vast catacombs deep underground, to the spiralling towers that dissolved into the stars above. The records were constantly growing and changing, as seven million souls went about their daily lives down below.

Mr Hanson looked around him. Perched on chairs and benches, or still perusing the volumes, there were many spirits just like him, all looking hopelessly lost and confused. Whether they were frowning, shaking their heads in dismay, or out-and-out distraught, it seemed that none of them had take any comfort from their reading. How many hours had Mr Hanson spent in here since his death..? It was impossible to tell; but other than a few memories like his marriage and the birth of Claire, nothing he’d read had brought him any happiness, let alone understanding.

Maybe that was the whole point of the Libraries. They were a kind of hell that you had to confront before you finally became free. You had to learn to step away from the mortal world, and if you couldn’t, you were doomed to haunt the library for all eternity, living on through the pain of others.

He hadn’t realised how this retrospective voyeurism had been weighing on his soul, dragging him down like chains. ‘Thank god for Gary Corsie.’ He never thought he’d hear himself say it, but thank god indeed for Gary Corsie. Had it not been for the fact that his life was so depressing, then he might never have snapped out of this perpetual trawling.

‘Did you find everything you were looking for, Sir?’ Mr Hanson’s spirit was confronted by one of the Holy Record Keepers, a tall angel, with thin golden hair that was somewhere between substance and light.

‘No’ bloody likely.’ Mr Hanson barked. The liberating part was the acknowledgement that he would likely never find it. Claire, Mrs Hanson, the grandkids… They could live their life, and when their day came, he’d be waiting for them at the gates. ‘Aye,’ he added at last. ‘And I doubt I’ll be back in any great hurry.’

Back out in the streets of Schottic Heaven there was a cool air, rain would be on its way, and if Mr Hanson’s nose were anything to go by, the clouds would heavy with a very fine oak aged ale. Walking back down the hill, along the perfectly white cobble stones, he was more convinced than ever that the afterlife wasn’t that bad. Months of sitting, engrossed in Gary Corise’s back-story had been as good an advert for death as one could hope to find.