World Cup 84- RP Thread (IC)

by **Bliuji** » Sat Dec 21, 2019 3:08 pm

Analysis

Going up against the unranked team Furby Island wasn't a challenge for the squad. With a stunning five goals they made it look easy. Tough part was not taking it seriously - a common issue among players. While a match like this may seem simple, the mindset is deliberated. Preparation doesn't mean a thing against these teams, in the sense that no one knows how they are as a team, what their tactics are like and how good their players are. Taking into consideration that the out come is predominately good there mave been multiple close calls - and even an instance where Bliuji lost to an unranked team (The Dragons and Bronies) in IAC 8.

As for SRS the game was competitive competie all throughout, their skill was noticeable but Bliuji held in and kept up with them. Aside from the fact that there were multiple players that were tough for Bliuji's defense to handle - they still managed to settle for the draw. Attendence however soared with a whopping 30,000 fans from all cross Bliuji settling in to watch the game and an estimated 130,000 people watching throughout the multiverse.

Up next is Ziwana, a team that proved their skill in BOF 71 and has continued their dominance throughout the qualifiers. Players such as Jean Wilder, Charles Payen and Kinnah Rateau have made themselves known as the best on the team. For comparison reasons the significant ranking differences has not put them down by any means, they are going to be hard to beat. One noticeable difference is that their playstyle is a tad more aggressive than Bliuji with a +3 style mod.

Tonight Ziwana hopes to keep their spot in second place while Bliuji looks to dethrone them with a victory. Loosing tonight is not an option for Bliuji because Qasden & Mitra and Soma can easily revoke them from third place.

Furby Island 2-5 Bliuji
11' Gabriel Kolesnikov
18' Vitaly Aksakov
28' David Izmaylov
59' Sviatoslav Vasiliev
88' Sviatoslav Vasiliev

Bliuji 2-2 SRS
25' Daniel Lyskov
74' Vitaly Aksakov

by **Port Ember** » Sat Dec 21, 2019 3:36 pm

Port Ember Times
Sports Journal

The Dragons sees their four win victory streak snubbed with close defeat in the World Cup 84 Qualifier Season!

Port Ember 1 - 2 Ethane

By Erica Davies - Port Ember Times Sports Section

The Dragons have lost a close game against a strong Ethane side, effectively ending their four win victory streak. This result places the Port Emberian team in third position of the group table, and makes qualifying for the World Cup Proper a difficult and distant dream.

This home match was played at the Waterstad International Stadium, situated in the Waterstad Borough of Port Ember Megalopolis, and the home of the Dragons team.

The Game - Summary

The match was an entertaining match and an honour to witness, as both sides displayed remarkable and professional skills and attitude and gave their utmost best for the match at hand.

The first half of the match saw the Dragons dominate posession and launched countless barrages of offences upon the Ethanian side, yet struggling against a unified and passionate defence, struggling to break through a 'on fire' midfield and backline. The Dragons managed to finally break through a solid defencive effort in minute 33 when star striker Danny Nicovic scored an impressive goal. The assualts continued through the first half, but was halted by a solid defencive effort

The second half immediately saw a new Ethanian side as they continued with their rock solid defence, but managed to obtain more posession than before, able to launch a few deadly attacks, two of which hit home eventually.

The first of these came in minute 62 after a serious of tribbling and smart passes, struggling through a solid defence, but managed to open a gap as the Ethanian striker burst through.

The last goal came from a beautifull header goal after a left corner kick in minuyte 76.

Both sides attempted hard to capture another goal for the remainder of the match, but was shut down by solid defence from both sides.

The Fans

The 100 000 Port Emberian fans in attendance were back to their standard noisy and passionate antics, cheering and energising their young team.

Port Emberian Player Scores

Goalkeeper (GK)(#1): Peter Smith - 9/10. The 'Rock' was back to his normal brilliant form and managed to stop 3/5 attempts at goal with complete confidence.

Center Back (CB)(#2): Josh Richards - 7/10. Josh was a solid defender, executing more tackles than I could count for the full 90 minutes. Although not the most technical player, his physical strength and fitness got the job done in a manner which could inspire many future footballers.

Center Back (CB)(#3): Jason Lee. 8/10. 'The Backline Prince' did what he does best for the full 90 minutes - organise and rally the backline. His backline command truly was the bane of the opposition and allowed frustation to steep in quite early.

Full Back (LB)(#4): Alex Kuhn - 6/10. The opposition mostly avoided the left backline for most of the match, giving Alex a peacefull match, which was not his mistake. When shots were taken into his reach, Alex managed to hold up his own.

Full Back (RB)(#5): Russel Pierce - 7/10. Russel was a solid defender, executing more tackles than I could count for the full 90 minutes. Although not the most technical player, his physical strength and fitness got the job done in a manner which could inspire many future footballers.

Attacking Midfield (AM)(#10): Ray Reddington - 9/10. The Captain managed to redeem himself after his previous struggling matches. His command of the midfield, solid technical skills, chemistry with the strikers and keen eye for oppertunity was the ultimate counter to the aggressive opposition. He also set up the only goal for his team and was busy everywhere. Well deserved Man Of The Match Award.

Defensive Midfield (DM)(#6): Steven Packard - 8/10. Steven returned to form as he stole more posession than any other player on the field. Displayed good leadership akills and vastly improved technical skills.

Wide Midfield (LM)(#8): Jason Chamberlain - 6/10. Had a peacefull day as his flank was mostly left untested. The few chances he got to prove himself, he displayed solid passion and skill.

Wide Midfield (RM)(#11): Eric Tosaír of the Tribe of Waterford - 8/10. Managed to display excellent technical skills and chemistry with the strikers, forming part of a solid midfield team.

Central Forward (CF)(#7): Leon Moult - 7/10. Although Leon was busy and launched many attacks and displayed good chemistry and teamwork with fellow striker Nicovic, he failed to convert several 'should have goals'.

Central Forward (CF)(#9): Danny Nicovic 8/10. Proved his star status again with top level technical skills, fitness and eye for oppertunity. Scored an excellent goal when he defeated 3 defending opponents with next-level dribbling skills.

Match Stats

Match: Port Ember Vs Ethane

Location: Republic of Port Ember

Result: 2- 1 Loss for Port Ember

Goals - Port Ember: Danny Nicovic

Goals - Ethane: Unkown Player

Man of the Match - Port Ember: Ray Reddington

Aftermatch word from the Coach

"Even though we lost, I could not be more proud of the lads. After a struggling start to the season we have finally and without a doubt recovered and showed the world that the Dark Horses of the tournament is back to our dangerous selves, losing only barely a excellent Ethanian side. It was an honour to be able to play against such a strong team." Coach Baxter

Port Ember Times
Sports Journal

The Port Emberian Dragons prepares to face off against Razneta as part of the World Cup 84 Qualifier Season!

Pre Match Analysis & Interview

By Erica Davies - Port Ember Times Sports Journal

The road to World Cup 84 Qualifiers is in full swing as Match Day 9 is upon the Port Emberian side.

Port Ember's national team will square off against Razneta in their ninth match of the World Cup 84 Qualification Season, to be played at the Razneta International Stadium, located in the sovreign nation of Razneta.

This match marks the first time that these two teams will meet on the football field. As an unranked and quite unproven nation on the international football scene, they have had a trying season thus far.

Team Stats Analysis

Razneta:

This team is currently unranked on the international ranking system, and does not seem to posess a decent footballing history or a yet strong and developed football culture and infrastructure. They are fielding a team with unknown age and experience, and seems to lack the required youthfull passion and experience.

This team is currently placed in position 9 of 11 on the qualifier table - with 07 points ammassed so far, with 2 wins and 1 draw and 4 losses, scoring a total of 08 goals while allowing 14 goals to be scored against them.

Port Ember:

This team is ranked as the 86th best team in the world currently and has proven to be a formiddable and adaptable new team on the international field prior to the start of this season.

This is only the second international season in which Port Ember is partaking, and they have managed to jump to their current ranking in only that short period. The international sports media have regularly called this team the 'Dark Horse' of the group due to them making a name for themselves so quickly.

Even though the team has managed to build such a positive brand and reputation, their recent 3 losses in a row has severely damaged both their reputation and their chance at qualifying for the World Cup. They however have managed to end this terrible streak with four consecutive victories in four matchdays, before losing to an excellent Ethanian side in their previous match.

This team is currently placed in position 3 of 11 on the qualifier table - with 12 points ammassed so far, scoring a total of 13 goals while allowing 16 goals to be scored against them.

From a pure statistics point of view, analysts have deemed that Port Ember is the solid match favourites, and have estimated a 3-0 victory.

Team Analysis - Port Ember

Offense:

This team used to be known for their highly aggressive offences and legendary counter attacks, with world class strikers, yet they have only managed to score thirteen goals in their last eight matches.

Midfield:

Traditionally the strongest component of this team, under command of the amazing Reddington. The midfield used to be a dangerous element to its oponents, acting as an attacking defence and sets up the front line well with attacking oppertunities, yet the midfield has failed to display anything special lately, although the previous three matches has hinted a glimpse of its previous glory.

Defence:

The backline is back to their old struggling ways, with fourteen goals allowed through in seven games. However the backline managed to keep in check the total onslaught of strong offensive efforts in the previous three matches, giving a glimpse of hope.

Goalkeeping:

Analysts have nothing but praise for Peter Smith the starting goalie. The young man is a legend in the making.

Substitutes:

The team has a impressive line-up of substitutes, whom have received field time recently, adding possible depth to the team when needed. The extra attention they have received from the assistant coach is sure to play a important role as well.

Team Morale & Cohesion:

This team seems to have regained their composure and morale, standing united against any opposition.

Current Form:

L-L-L-W-W-W-W-L

Their three consecutive losses marked their worst losing streak to date, which they ended with four consecutive victories. Although they have lost their previous match, they still looked impressive.

Typical Gameplan: Their typical system of tiring out and frustrating their opponents in an attempt to pull their 'Bait Ambush' is a risky play which can easily go wrong and concede a goal. However when it works, it is highly effective.

Team Analysis - Razneta

Offense:

This team is not known for offensive play as they focus heavily on defence. This can easily spell disaster for them against Port Ember, due to the latters offensive focus.

Midfield:

This team holds one a seemingly skilled and experienced midfield, and have proven that they are deadly on defence.

Defence:

This team holds one of the most skilled and experienced back rows in the group, and have proven that they are solid on the defence, becoming near unbreakable once they start steamrolling on the defence.

Goalkeeping:

Analysts have nothing but praise for the starting goalie, and have proven to be a goalkeeping machine between the sticks.

Substitutes:

The team has a impressive line-up of substitutes, whom have received field time recently, adding possible depth to the team when needed.

Team Morale & Cohesion:

This team screams 'profeasional' and has the look of a unified and well oiled machine.

Current Form:

L-W-L-W-L-D-L

This team is not on great form and have struggled to remain consistent in any manner thus far. They are revovering from their previous loss against Ethane, and have had a Bye now, allowing them rest and extra preparation time.

Typical Gameplan: This team plays a solid defencive game, only going on the offence when a perfect counter attack scenario presents itself.

Starting Line-Ups

Port Ember

Goalkeeper (GK)(#1): Peter Smith.

Center Back (CB)(#2): Josh Richards.

Center Back (CB)(#3): Jason Lee.

Full Back (LB)(#4): Alex Kuhn.

Full Back (RB)(#5): Russel Pierce.

Attacking Midfield (AM)(#10): Ray Reddington.

Defensive Midfield (DM)(#6): Steven Packard.

Wide Midfield (LM)(#8): Jason Chamberlain.

Wide Midfield (RM)(#11): Eric Tosaír of the Tribe of Waterford

Central Forward (CF)(#7): Leon Moult.

Central Forward (CF)(#9): Danny Nicovic.

Ethane

Starting roster not released

Team Kit

Port Ember have announced that they will play with their primary kit in their upcoming match.

Coach Stuart Baxter was not available for the traditional Pre Match Interview due to PEFA forbidding it due to the contraversy regarding the Five Cities match

Article by Erica Davies
Port Ember Times
Sports Journal

by **Mkabia** » Sat Dec 21, 2019 3:57 pm

“Noooooooooooo…”

The commentator took a long, deep breath.

“… just scored their fourth goal of the evening. Salim Sankaré is standing there with both hands in the air – the goalie of the Leopards cannot help it either. You would expect that the four guys in front of him would have started to bond a little over being passed by attackers left and right but they just don’t seem to click. This is just disappointing, this is painful.”

Like every big movement, like every storm, it started with a single drop. Or in this very specific case, it started with a single guy in the stands.

“These guys suck. Hey! Moutari! Go play in Massagui, where you belong, you useless piece of shit.”
“F’ing Sankaré, just stop the ball for once, can you?!”
“I’ve had it with this team, just a bunch of Massagui and Garo types that come in and humiliate us.”
“Worthless, I’m done here.”

With a frustrated kick, the scarved supporter managed to get the plastic seat out of the metalwork. It looked like an action of an individual when the grey plastic sailed towards the green pitch. Seconds later, the two of them blurred into one color as the seats rained down. In theory, there were still two minutes left to play of the extra time but the referee cleverly chose to call it a day and protect him and his. Hastily, the players ran into the dressing room.

It was silent. Some held a grudge under their skin but deep down, they knew that their side had honestly failed to perform – each and every one of them. Their opponent of the night had been the weakest so far, but they were still weaker. They had hoped, they had dreamed but most of all, they had failed. Heads down, sometimes hidden with a towel, the silence was awkward and lackluster. This was the weakest team of the multiverse and their supporters hated them.

Kei looked at Kabirou to take command but had to admit that he himself couldn’t come up with any words to say either. And so they sat there, while seconds became minutes, and minutes became quarters whilst above their heads, it seemed like a storm was raging. The place was getting torn apart. If it had been riots during the previous confrontation, now it was a full-fledged war going on. And no one uttered a word.

Eventually, someone turned on the radio as the sound of metal against plastic and bodies became unbearable. It did not make things better.

”Riots have broken out in the streets of Djalenga, with reports of murders. The mob are shouting chants against the provinces of Banku and the Northern Regions. In retaliation, it is rumored that a lynching has happened in Massagui of a native Djalengan. The riot police attempts to control the outbursts of violence, but it might take days before this settles down.”

Eventually, captain Denké Sesay took his responsibility and broke the deadlock.

“We cannot lock ourselves in here forever. We must do something.”
“Our flight to Joppa goes tomorrow morning – I think we can get away in the darkest hours of the night.”
“That’s right,” Sesay said, “but we might not be able to return anytime soon.”

They all had thought about it, but at last someone said it out loud. Some hesitated, but no one disagrees. Only Kei Tankary had his thoughts elsewhere – in the same place where they had been since he accidentally eavesdropped on the Marshall. The puzzle had been lying in front of him for a while now, but after all, he dared to voice his worst nightmare.

“I think this is on purpose,” he whispered.
“What?” goalie Sankaré responded angered, “we’re busting our ass to get a decent result and you’re going to say that-“
“No, no,” Kei dared to speak up, “I know that. But we’re not given the right circumstances. The people are being fed by unrealistic ambitions. And all that by the government. I think…”

He hesitated. Out loud, it sounded even more awful than it already was.

“You think,” Kabirou confirmed him, the first words he had spoken since they had entered the room. It felt comforting to Kei.
“I think this is on purpose. I think that this is set up to split the people, rather than unite them. Every military leader gets more profit from the battlefield than from peace. They… Never wanted us to win.”

It sounded absurd yet no one could contest it.

“And now we’ve lost seven in a row… They got what they wanted. So there is only one solution.”

They all knew what that was.

by **New Lusitania and the Algarves** » Sat Dec 21, 2019 4:36 pm

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

SOARING
Eraman 0-1 New Lusitania
@Eraman Stadium, Eraman (Att: ?)

It would be great to just score and win the way New Lusitania have been, but there was little chance of that happening away at Eraman who were also in the hunt for qualifying. Eraman are a peculiar nation on the basis that every single player in the twenty-three belong to Royal Daulapura. Even so, a team that's playing decently well so it'll be a good match. For New Lusitania, Patríce continues in goal, as Guerreiros returns to work alongside Leiteiro and Cancela, Nevais in his usual position as Fernando, Mário, Gama and Veiga in midfield as Jota and Silveira play up front. For Eraman, goalkeeper Kala with Selamat, Mina, Mora and Sentri. Biru plays with Kaulawi and Senawang as the attacking midfield presents itself with Nasar and Munawi as Limus is the sole striker today. Similar tactics as New Lusitania presents a 3-4-3 (3-1-3-1-2) as Eraman plays with a 4-5-1 (4-1-2-2-1) with both teams reinforcing defence with a defensive midfielder but also facilitating attacks with attacking midfielders. For the home side their primary, Prussian blue kit as New Lusitania plays their traditional Bordeaux.
Onto the game now. It was rather anticlimactic, arguably. The game focused itself on two teams who locked horns in a never-ending midfield battle. There were a few chances to note, though. Munawi hit the Lusitanian post to the dismay of thousands upon thousands of fans in the stadium on thirty-two minutes, Fernando put a shot over the net before halftime and Limus had an excellent shot in the stoppages. In the second half, New Lusitania scored their goal on fifty-eight minutes of play. Veiga strikes once more after a pass from Gama, in a counter situation. Eraman weren't going to let themselves break down of course and had a couple of great shots shortly after. New Lusitania went back for a second with attempts from Jota, Silveira and Mário but Kala was having a good day with safe hands.
The game ended in high tension when Nasar shot the ball in but was flagged offside. In the end, New Lusitania managed to just about pull off a win which Fernando affirms being "the most important in it all". FULL TIME: 0-1

AN INTERVIEW WITH... Victor Santa Cruz

I: Here with Victor Santa Cruz, national team coach. Victor, your view on today's action?
VSC: Good football from both teams. All of us were really caught out by that impending draw but I believe the offside call was well made. Well done to the boys for making it so.
I: We haven't had as much time as usual with you and the team, how's qualifying going, from the perspective of the team?
VSC: I believe we're doing well, it's a tough group... most of them are, but I believe we can pull through it all hopefully. Morale is high at the moment, I'd say and we're going to use that, with prudency to get us to the World Cup.
I: You started it off a bit weaker, but recent performances have improved. Any changes in the team, that caused it, talk us through it.
VSC: We did, we did (laughs), we honestly came in a bit weaker and climbed up from there. In truth the lads always had it in them, but we have been experimenting around with different formations, tactics, training to see what fits this group best. We've also attempted to learn one or two things about and from other teams, adapt our style to our opponents and the current teams. We're trying our best to bring out the best, really.
I: Next up, the big one. You're hosting Apox at the Jamor, any word on that?
VSC: It's tough, uh, they're tough. Some teams are that high up the ranking for a reason and Apox is one of them. At the moment it's a very tight group between us, them, Ko-oren, Eshan, even Eraman so we have to win our games including these harder ones to be in the hunt. It'll be one that'll define the course of the group, I think it at least hope. We'll try and bring our "A-game" that's for sure. What's going to happen? Well, I'll only dish the predictions after the game, as was once said.
I: Thanks, Victor.
VSC: No problem.

Around the Grounds: Group 15
Tarchusland had another great match, despite not winning this time out as they lost in a 4-5 battle with the ZSeperatists in what was a brilliant showcase of footballing ability. Grod Island meanwhile earned another point against Eshan (3-3) in what can be considered a bit of a shock, as Indusse drew with Aldaveria one all. As the Dragonflies took their day off, Apox beat Barfleur convincingly by 3-0. Now converting this all onto the table, New Lusitania lead with one more game played, on goal difference over Apox and Ko-oren all on 17 points. Eshan are three points behind, with Eraman on twelve. Barfleur is now on nine, with Tarchusland on six along with the ZSeperatists. Grod Island and Indusse are on five as Aldaveria are bottom with a win and a draw's worth of points. If there's one group to follow it's Group 15, no doubt the most exciting.

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

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LATEST STATS
World Cup 83 Quals
Top Goalscorers: Silveira (11)
Assists: Fernando (8)
-------------------------------------
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MMXIX

by **Brenecia** » Sat Dec 21, 2019 5:04 pm

Crystalline Caverns 0 - 2 Brenecia
(4-3-3) 1 - Farrell; 2 - Broxham, 5 - Horgan, 6 - Mathers, 3 - Quill (c); 8 - Matheson, 23 - Fallon (4 - Locke 80'), 13 - Wheeler (14 - Ridenton 67'); 7 - Cheney, 10 - Ciogach, 16 - Fletcher (11 - Ashvane 67')
Goals: Horgan 20', Matheson 39'

Brenecia 3 - 1 Brigantii
(4-3-3) 12 - Cairncross; 18 - Lonergan, 22 - Ramsay, 6 - Mathers, 3 - Quill (c); 8 - Matheson (21 - Parker 74'), 23 - Fallon, 14 - Ridenton (13 - Wheeler 59'); 15 - Coghlan (7 - Cheney 65'), 17 - Lindauer, 16 - Fletcher
Goals: Lindauer 39', Wheeler 78', Mathers 83'

THE ROZELLE OBSERVER
Is the revival of the Classic to the detriment of the Patriots?
Annette Brisbane

Most viewers will admit that the A-League is not, and lacks the scope to ever be, one of the best leagues in the world. It isn't far off and, indeed, through the force at its top end, has consistently been somewhere in the top six. Even failing to enter UICA for a season did not seriously cripple it; indeed, it allowed the league to perhaps take stock, finances to revive, better deals to be cut.

Undoubtedly the league is healthier for that 'breather' period, but now Northern Union are back after their enforced exile and somehow have more money to splash around than ever. Kingsgrove have had to step up their investment, too - most notably on aging centre-halves, for whatever reason. Not exactly the holistic approach. Meanwhile, Union have combined snapping up marquee talent from abroad with filching the best Brenecian players from within the league.

Here is a potential Brenecia lineup for you. Cass Farrell, the undoubted number 1, takes place in goal; Scathach Wright, currently on Kingsgrove's bench, is believed to be the heir apparent. Kingsgrove's Eoin Cascarine is recalled to rejoin a defence made up of Lonergan, Horgan and Tambor of Union. Union provide fringe international Considine to be the water-carrier between Kingsgrove's defensive midfielder Staunton and playmaker Ruskin, while Kingsgrove's entire front three, Cheney, Lindauer and Corvey, form up front. It involves a few recalls for recent caps, but it looks viable, even today.

Jim Reid's World champions, eight years back, did not contain a single Kingsgrove player, nor one of Union. Indeed, all twenty-three were based abroad. There were a few players on the fringes of the squad who managed a smattering of appearances through qualifying, but none broke through. It was a team of journeymen, from shores as diverse as Port Christopher, Farfadillis, Schottia and Valladares. Siri Cattalock was a fringe player at best for CAP, while Vesuvia Carrick and Falcon Case had just been relegated in Nephara and Carrack and Heneghan were soon to be looking for new shores altogether as Buyan's league folded under financial strain.

Perhaps that had something to do with the team's character. They believed they had a puncher's chance because they had to. They were used to being the underdogs, comfortable under pressure. Comparatively, this squad is a team of aristocrats. When a player impresses in the A-League, they no longer need to look abroad for a chance at glory when Union or Kingsgrove are right there to pluck them out and elevate them to one of a galaxy of stars.

Perhaps that isn't strictly a bad thing. Certainly, it is good for the A-League itself, and perhaps Brenecian football broadly, to have a strong, consistent set of teams at the top, and the Union-Kingsgrove Classic is a genuine hot ticket that can attract eyes from all over the world. And, in truth, it was a humiliation for the league that Reid did not take even a single A-League player on the plane. But it is different, and that deserves to be noted.

What is the solution, as our ranking tanks further and the listing Patriots just about remain undefeated despite a glass jaw? Perhaps Brenecians just need to be more adventurous when going abroad. Or maybe this is just the new order of things, and one we have to get used to. In any case, the team is more comfortable than it used to punching down at the middle rank of teams, over which it just chalked up three consecutive victories. But it would be a poorer world if Brenecia could no longer trip up the hard-hitting big dogs, like it used to.

BRENECIAN NATIONAL TEAM SELECTION - FORTNIGHT 5
Goalkeepers: 1 - Cass Farrell (Northern Union), 12 - Opal Cairncross (Marketville, EUR), 20 - Scanlan Pritchard (Marque)
Defenders: 2 - Keziah Broxham (Mallox, COS), 3 - Gethin Quill (Revolutionaries, EUR, c), 5 - Garrett Horgan (Northern Union), 6 - Keane Mathers (Northern Stallions), 18 - Sorcha Lonergan (Northern Union), 19 - Eliwulf Tambor (Northern Union), 22 - Ava Ramsay (Pikemouth)
Midfielders: 4 - Keziah Locke (Duke of the North, PAS), 8 - Elysse Matheson (Hornchurch, EUR), 13 - Corby Wheeler (Goldstaff City, COS), 14 - Isla Ridenton (Jaglan Royals, SRS), 21 - Riona Parker (Galatica, PAS), 23 - Ronan Fallon (Newrook City, NPH)
Forwards: 7 - Lauren Cheney (Kingsgrove), 9 - Niall Bremner (Unioneers, EUR), 10 - Kara Ciogach (Lajuno, EUR), 11 - Setanta Ashvane (Southern Star), 15 - Cail Coghlan (Pikemouth), 16 - Ceridwen Fletcher (North Hall), 17 - Creidne Lindauer (Kingsgrove)

SCHEDULE
Atlantic Republic 1 - 3 Brenecia
Brenecia 1 - 1 Terre Septentrionale
Casta Marina 0 - 5 Brenecia
Brenecia 2 - 2 Banija
Abanhfleft 2 - 2 Brenecia
Brenecia 2 - 0 Trolleborg
Crystalline Caverns 0 - 2 Brenecia
Brenecia 3 - 1 Brigantii
Sarzonia vs. Brenecia
[Bye]
Brenecia vs. Sherpa Empire
Brenecia vs. Atlantic Republic
Terre Septentrionale vs. Brenecia
Brenecia vs. Casta Marina
Banija vs. Brenecia
Brenecia vs. Abanhfleft
Trolleborg vs. Brenecia
Brenecia vs. Crystalline Caverns
Brigantii vs. Brenecia
Brenecia vs. Sarzonia
[Bye]
Sherpa Empire vs. Brenecia

by **Vilita** » Sat Dec 21, 2019 5:38 pm

A long long time ago, in a multiverse far fa...actually right here, a little known group of players led by their highly overconfident head coach Helmut Vilkaous would embark on their nations first ever internationstatal competition: The World Cup 13 Qualifiers.

After warning the group of the threat that the Vilitan team would pose, the so-called 'Jungle Cats' failed to score even a single goal over the first seven games of their debut campaign. There was some sign of improvement however as in that 7th game they also managed to prevent their opponents, Dance2Revolution, from scoring to earn a first ever World Cup point. Seven matches into the campaign. The first ever internationstatal goal scored by a Vilitan player would be Callum Banda's goal on Matchday 8 of World Cup 13 Qualifying. It would also be Vilitas first ever victory in international competition.

It had taken the Jungle Cats 8 games to score their first ever goal and over the 18 game qualification period they would be shut out fourteen times for an overall record of 3 wins, 2 draws and 13 defeats. Not much of a threat after all.

Vilkaous' Jungle Cats were fast learners however and as the record shows they would quickly improve on their path from whimpered also-rans to World Cup Champions by the end of the sporting decade.

A recent series by Jeremy Jaffacake has brought attention to some of the most unique results in the history of the World Cup. Of course it comes as no surprise that the Idiot Jaffacake would spend so long ruminating over Vilita's 7-8 defeat at the hands of Bettia in World Cup 21. After having burst on the scene during World Cup 13 with nothing more than a whimper, the Jungle Cats had risen to the top of the World as champions in the first ever all-Atlantian Oceania hosted World Cup 20. They used that momentum to dominate their group in World Cup 21 Qualifying and seemed to be on course for another World Cup title. Instead, Vilita would become the first team in history to lose while scoring seven goals in a World Cup Committee sanctioned event, a result that would quickly end Vilita's term as one of the elite nations in the multiverse. It would be another forty-seven cycles before they would re-claim those honors.

The Idiot Jaffacake knew it because during nearly that entire time period, his home nation, Audioslavia, was similarly cursed. It was Vilita who had denied Audioslavia the World Cup 20 title and the Slaves would go on to make a habit of losing in the World Cup, surely never forgiving Vilita for stealing 'their' trophy from them.

So sure, Jeremy could have just mentioned the World Cup 21 Quarter Final match as a statistical footnote. Instead he dedicated enough time to full a feature-length film to describing the agonizing way in which the Vilitan National Team suffered its most difficult defeat.

Well, Jeremy isn't the only one who keeps large stacks of historical data around for the purpose of pulling out seemingly meaningless statistics and records and trying to explain why they should be important to someone. I also have stacks of data. As a Vilitan National Team super fan, I have everything I need to pull whatever random statistics I want to about my team, the Vilitan Team. I just need to figure out what statistics to pull out that won't inadvertently remind us of bad results like Vilita 7; Bedistan 8 in World Cup 21. Tune in next time to see what I've found.

Garbage Time Out.

...Ahhhh Memories...

by **Free Republics** » Sat Dec 21, 2019 6:11 pm

OOC: The following RP consists of a private drunken conversation. ICly, it remains secret. Reader discretion is advised.

Petrograd, Plymouth, Free Republics

Although the upcoming match with Jeruselem was taking place in Malifornia, Soccer General Rule Theriault, Sir Koby Theodore and Consul Kyle Bolton met at a Nejax Roadhouse steakhouse in Petrograd to have dinner together. Theriault had left his team in Malifornia to practice on their own. With the way qualifying was going, it looked like the Republicans would not have to play the full strength squad at all in qualifying and they would still easily qualify for the World Cup. Theriault and Theodore arrived about 5 minutes before they had agreed to arrive at the steakhouse. Bolton showed up 10 minutes late. Due to the policies of the steakhouse chain, which was always extremely busy, they would not seat a party until everybody had arrived. While waiting on Kyle Bolton to arrive, Theriault and Theodore each ate a handful of peanuts, throwing the shells on the floor once they were done with them. The floor of the entire restaurant was littered with peanut shells which was the norm for a Nejax Roadhouse. Finally, Kyle Bolton arrived, they were seated and they ordered their drinks and their meals.

Rule Theriault - So, anything interesting going on in politics right now, Kyle?

Kyle Bolton - Scarlett is talking with some teenage girl from the Main Nation Ministry.

Koby Theodore - Do you mean the girl that Gossip Magazine claims I once slept with?

Kyle Bolton - Yes. I don't understand what's gotten into Jasper of late.

Rule Theriault - I do. He's bitter about getting fired from Sporting World and he's angry that nobody spoke up for him.

Kyle Bolton - And he blames the Ministry for what happened to him?

Rule Theriault - Yeah. They exposed how he was forcing his reporters to sleep with him to keep their jobs.

Koby Theodore - What's wrong with that?

Rule Theriault - Its not wrong. Its just political correctness running amok these days! Both of you would be the ones getting fucked if you pulled the kind of shit you used to do in this era.

Kyle Bolton - Scarlett has definitely changed our society for the worse. Its amazing how we recoiled from the radical feminism of the Progressives but then fell under the spell of Scarlett's brand of feminism that goes out of its way to appear reasonable.

Koby Theodore - And now Nova is running on being more feminist than Scarlett.

Rule Theriault - Don't worry about her. She's got our back.

Kyle Bolton - Yeah. I've known her for years and there's no way she'd do anything to weaken protections for false accusation victims.

Koby Theodore - But she wants to outlaw the kind of shit Jasper used to do!

Rule Theriault - Well, Nova had to fuck his ugly ass many times over the years to keep her job.

Kyle Bolton - I'd say that wasn't fair to Kieran [Hancock] but let's be honest here: She's cheating on him on a near daily basis and basically just uses him for housework.

Koby Theodore - Kieran was always a beta cuck. I never liked him.

Rule Theriault - He was a decent enough player but we probably could have and should have found somebody better.

Suddenly, the waitress came by with their drinks. Theodore and Bolton had each ordered a Dixon Light. Theriault had ordered FreedomCola since somebody needed to stay sober even if they were just calling a taxi after dinner.

Kyle Bolton - How are we doing in qualifying?

Rule Theriault - We've beaten everybody except Taeshan so far and are 4 points clear of Schottia, 6 clear of Jeruselem.

Koby Theodore - I think its hilarious how Jeruselem has to play us in Salvation Circle country.

Kyle Bolton - That was a stroke of genius, General.

Rule Theriault - The Salvation Circle knows to lay off our guys. We've promised them that it'll be an all-male team and that our female players and cheerleaders won't even make the trip.

Kyle Bolton - If they cause any trouble, they're going to have problems.

Rule Theriault - Yeah, they may be in coalition with Nova's party but that's only because they basically agree with her about economic policy, I think.

Kyle Bolton - That sounds right to me. Still though, I had so much fun taking out my frustrations on Nova lately. Let's just say, she's sorry about her cowardice on impeachment now that I'm through with her.

Rule Theriault - Good. If she'd only voted against instead of present and made clear that any Golden Age politician who voted for impeachment would have the whip withdrawn, we wouldn't be in this mess right now.

Kyle Bolton - Still though, impeachment is nothing to worry about. The Senate isn't going to remove me from office.

Koby Theodore - The Senate isn't going to do shit about anything.

Kyle Bolton - That's true. All the Senate ever does is sit around and argue with each other. We'd be much better off if we had somebody strong and wise in power who could force the Senate to act.

Rule Theriault - But that'll never happen.

Kyle Bolton - Yeah, I do suck at being consul but I won the fucking election and I haven't done anything illegal so the crazies that want to impeach me should just S-T-F-U already.

Rule Theriault - That's impeachment for you. Its supposed to be a tool to remove politicians who have committed serious crimes but because it has to be used by human beings, most impeachment attempts throughout history have been specious.

Kyle Bolton - At least I don't have to stand for re-election next year. I can't imagine how much it would suck to be a leader of a country that re-elects their leaders and have to waste your time fending off this kind of bullshit in an election year.

Koby Theodore - But, why would an opposition party do that kind of shit in an election year when the consul is already running for re-election? Wouldn't that reduce their chances of beating him?

Rule Theriault - Probably but politicians are mostly idiots.

Kyle Bolton - You're not wrong about that, Coach.

Rule Theriault - Kyle, the difference between you and somebody like Valentin Svensson or Scarlett Nicholls is that they're fucking idiots. You're just a smart guy who ran for consul as a joke, somehow got elected and now doesn't give a single fuck about the job.

Kyle Bolton - Damn right. I still can't believe I got this shitty job but I'll just serve out my term and then I get to be a Senator Emeritus for the rest of my life which means I can go to the Senate and call them a bunch of morons whenever I feel like it.

Rule Theriault - When you're done being consul, would you be interested in joining our coaching staff?

Kyle Bolton - I'd love to.

Koby Theodore - Yeah, you'd make an great assistant coach Kyle.

Kyle Bolton - It'd be great to actually be able to accomplish something for the first time in years. Politics is a shitshow and its a shame that only bad leaders like Kulseth and O'Reilly have attempted to abolish this ridiculous republican system of government.

Rule Theriault - If Nova gets in next year, maybe I'll run in the consul election after that so the two of us can abolish the republic together and bring about an enlightened government.

Koby Theodore - Have you guys forgotten about Samuel Izmailov?

Kyle Bolton - Of course not. He was the right man to lead our country and its a shame that Saintland had to steal our fucking election that year.

Moments later, their food finally arrived and the conversation moved on to other topics...

by **Valanora** » Sat Dec 21, 2019 6:33 pm

Calamity

Thunder that rolls from the highest peaks
Lightning clashing across a shattered moon
Crimson flowing through the valley
Scarlet soaked gloves clinging to what has been
While the dread wolf howls loud at the broken sky.

Hazel lifted dreams shattered in a neon scream
Where the paintbrush once stroked a masterpiece
Now lays tattered in a revolting green
Lush land turned into barren glass
Whispers of karma from deities displeased.

Falls from grace are rarely elegant
As gold laced idols are broken upon star and sky
Strands of beauty shredded as standards fall away
The rickety crack of what is a surreal dreamlike reality gives way
And the relentless machine's gears are turned to dust in the wind.

Somber faces fill the room
Trying to wash out the smoke and despair and gloom
To wither should they send their prayers
When what was once thought immortal is no longer there?
Shall a glimmer of hope shine through
And a miracle of rebirth make life renew?

by **Ziwana** » Sat Dec 21, 2019 6:54 pm

ZCHAT

by **Kelssek** » Sat Dec 21, 2019 6:58 pm

Exhibition Place was larger than Stableground by about a third. Andrea Crowe stood to the side of the tunnel to the team rooms, taking it all in. Workers in high-vis vests were walking through the rows of empty red seats, presumably going through their pre-event routines. She felt a tingle of excitement as she imagined them full of fans as they would be, momentarily.

The bye had given her a bit more time to work with the players and get them on the same page. The big difference with managing a national team was how much you had to work with what you had. You can’t go out and sign players to fill gaps, you can’t impose tactics or a style too different from what the players are used to playing week to week for their club teams.

Her first days in the job had been a series of meetings. Scouts with reports on every player with a reasonable chance of putting on the Kelssek shirt. Coaching staff of the development programs and age-group national teams – they didn’t report to her, but their job was ultimately to help her succeed at hers. And her assistant coaches, who did in fact report to her. Aware of the circumstances in which she was taking the helm, she was relieved that François St-Louis gave no sign of being anything other than a consummate professional as he briefed her on the current squad and his take on managing the different players individually and collectively.

As educational and interesting as the presentations about the country’s leagues and soccer infrastructure had been, though, this was what she’d come here to do.

---

Appalachia had clawed back one goal, but they still needed one more, and Kelssek’s players would not let them even have the ball. The home fans serenaded the team as they whittled down the last few minutes by essentially playing keep-away.

Got my first real football
Played it on a plastic pitch
Rubber pellets went everywhere
It was the cycle of forty-six
Now we’re on the rise again
Make those glory days last forever
We’re gonna take it all the way

“Huh, that’s a new one,” said François.

“What’s the ‘cycle of forty-six’?” Andrea asked.

“That’s when World Cup 46 was held here. People didn’t really pay attention to soccer here before that. I played in this stadium when it was new. Before they built the second deck and filled in the corners, it was smaller than the one you've just arrived from. We had trouble filling the seats for these matches even then.”

The final whistle blew. It had been one of those matches where the teams ended up throwing out their gameplan and trying to outscore each other. For all the preparation and wondering if she’d been overthinking it, in the end it was Colm Ó Tuathil’s thumping shot after a scorching dribble inside from the wing that stood up as the winning goal.

Always nice to win your first match. Let’s see about the next ones.

by **Pasarga** » Sat Dec 21, 2019 7:02 pm

The first step of the gauntlet had been successfully navigated, even if on paper the matchup with Yttribia was one that should have always been easily handled. There are still some in the dual islands who can recall when Yttribia was a mighty force in the world game and though they came into this tournament as an unranked entity looking to regain their spot in the landscape, they were are by no means an easy three points. It is easy to say such things when Yttribia had to come to the Stade de Torgos and deal with ninety thousand loud and passionate fans who are desperate to help will their beloved national team back into the Finals and then the side manages to go out on the pitch and make it look like the result was never truly in doubt. That is the benefit of hindsight, getting to reflect on the matter in question after the events have already transpired and you know how certain events are going to effect what is about to transpire. In those moments before kickoff and the first of the four goals was put into the net for the Wanderers, the result was in doubt as it always is until that final whistle blows.

Now the side is traveling to Polkopia, what is "the easiest" game left remaining for the side in the first half of qualifying and a match that has a lot of fans in the dual islands quite nervous. With the two monumental games against Drawkland, who will be fired up after an inexplicable draw in the last round of fixtures, and Farfadillis as the two games to end the first half of qualifying, the match against Polkopia could be seen as something as a trap game, with the Wanderers having one eye already on their match against Drawkland in Torgos. It is not a very fair schedule, having the fourth, third, and first seeds of the group to round of the end of qualifying, but the Wanderers have more or less done what has been asked of them in taking care of the results that they are supposed to, bar the one very noticeable exception. Now is the big event though as the top four seeds of the group all occupy the top four spots in the table but only two of the four nations will be able to make anything of their finish, and that makes this next three matches very important to the fate of the teams involved.

Polkopia is sitting just two points back of our Wanderers and the Farves, having gathered sixteen points from their first eight matches, being one of the few teams that have not had their bye in the first half of the group. The offense is averaging just over two goals per match while their defense is averaging just slightly above a goal and a half conceded per match, which for anyone who is not good at math, is less than two and you can figure out why their squad has seen such a huge amount of success here in the first half of our qualifying. They do sag behind the three top seeds in those averages though, but as a fourth seed in a very difficult group to emerge out of, they are no doubt happy in being able to grind out those two to one victories, based on the averages. They are going to prove a difficult matchup with that sort of balanced approach and will likely be set up to hit the Wanderers on the counter, given that the Wanderers like to use a possession based attacking tactic, which presents a very interesting battle. Can Polkopia bend and not break against a sustained Pasargan attack or will the creativity of the younger players who have emerged from the Wanderers' squad be able to undo the shape the hosts are like to present?

For the Wanderers, they have been very good in defense, having conceded just nine goals from their seven matches while scoring twenty four goals in that time. Given the attacking nature of the group, the slightly higher than desired average goals conceded per match is still a very good performance and one that Christian Berg and Ralf Bader can be very proud of. They have emerged over the last four to five years as elite defenders and have been putting in the effort to get the Wanderers back to where they want to be. The attack is being spirited by a rejuvenated Alexander Jager, who apparently took the media criticism during last qualifying cycle to heart, given how much of a blistering scoring pace he has been on, as well as the very surprising play of Júlia Müller, who has forced her way into the starting eleven and is the subject of a transfer war according to the rumors. It will be the creativity and lethality of these two very talented strikers and the group play behind them that should be the tipping point in what is no doubt to be a feisty affair in Polkopia for the edge in being in a qualifying position at the end of the first half.

by **Mriin** » Sat Dec 21, 2019 7:12 pm

Maal Memoirs
Sports
Bus-ow-ga

Yon Kegaant
Dukuma, Busoga Islands

Finally, I have ammo to pull out whenever someone pulls up the old "satyrs are unfairly physical" argument. Sure, there's an edge to be had when you've got a foot on someone, but it's nonsense to say that humans can't keep up. Want some tips on how? Go ask Starfire and Marie Sonko. Or maybe just spend a few years playing in Equestria, as they both did, to get the skills you need in approaching the game in a more creative fashion. Learning to play with and against nonhumans is a vital skill in today's game; perhaps the most since ye olde days of Eviscermatos and An Egg. And that showed in the absolute choke job the Busogans pulled in Dukuma when the Reavers came to visit.

It was clear Starfire had the gameplan straight and clear: don't fold to satyr physicality. Push back and push up. And it was exactly that interspecies experience, having a pony manager and the history of cooperation between the Equestrians and the islanders. Know your opponent, know what they can do, and exploit that. Hibbaan al-Shareef plucked more crosses out of the air than I've ever seen in a single game! I could have sworn after the third I saw Solara turn to him and scream. When even the captain is losing her cool, you can tell the team was extremely frustrated. On the attack, the Busogans pressed the flanks heavily, taking advantage of the still relatively narrow 4-4-2 diamond. After Mara was tested a few more times than was comfortable Brennan made the call to have Otalia drop play and shift to a more conservative midfield line. It did well in cutting the Busogan offense up, but the Mrii attacked suffered in turn without the extra threat she generates up front. It was a match of constant adjustments and counterplay, but as time went on play only seemed to get more and more gummed up. Attacks breaking down time and time again, counterattacks being stifled before they really got going. Some things aren't so easy to counter, though, and satyr endurance is such a thing. As injury time came up the Reavers found a spark and pressed hard.

al-Shareef was having none of it. Two fantastic saves in a row, and it's a draw. The Reavers remain in the lead, but one point from two (of the hardest) matches suddenly makes the group far more interesting than it looked after week five.

Mriin - 0
Busoga Islands - 0

by **Siovanija and Teusland** » Sat Dec 21, 2019 7:13 pm

Dimitrov Building, Chancellor’s Offices, Borograd

“Good afternoon, gentlemen,” began Chancellor Dominik Meier as the meeting inside his office commenced. The Vice Chancellor, Wilhelm Strauss, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Vojislav Rutar, several high-ranking diplomats, and the Chief of the General Naval Staff Admiral Konstantin Berg all filed into their seats. “We’re here today to discuss our strategy for the upcoming summit with the Kingdom of Banija. As you know, I will be meeting with Waziri Mutungi, the Foreign Minister and also Crown Prince.”

“I think I speak for the room when I say that this is a very significant moment in the history of our nation, and that we are all confident that it will prove to be quite fruitful,” stated the Vice Chancellor, Strauss. Strauss was an older politician, a veteran of the game, who served as the leader of the Christian Union party. Strauss had, years earlier, been a key part of engineering the party’s political alliance with the NDU, which had brought it into government for the first time. Now, approaching the end of a long career, the experienced Strauss was ready to serve as Vice Chancellor.
He continued: “On the topic of Banija, there is a great deal of potential in any agreement. Firstly, the country is on the verge of a boom economically. They have been steadily growing in recent years, and with the discovery of oil, they are poised to become an important power.”

Chancellor Meier entered, replying, “So, naturally as their economy grows, our economy will inevitably become linked closer with theirs.”

“Exactly,” replied the Vice Chancellor. “It would be smart for both countries to get ahead of this and reach an overall economic agreement. Investment from companies and banks from our side could help the growth of the Banijan economy, and having established trade links through this will be a benefit in the near future.”

“Yes, the Waziri indicated in his response to our invitation that economic ties should be a priority. Naturally, I imagine that this will likely be the main topic of conversation. Opening up the ties between our market and the Banijan market further should certainly be an objective from our side, and one that will be mutually beneficial. Now, diplomatically, Minister Rutar, I understand you had some comments.”

“Yes, of course.” stated the Minister for Foreign Affairs. “Now, Banija currently has strong ties with other member states of the Quebecois Commonwealth, and in addition have strong relations with the Republic of Eshan. They lack, however, strong ties within Southwestern AO. In fact, they have faced several challenges in the region recently - I believe the room is aware, of course, of the situation regarding the Busoga Islands and Equestria and the war. Banijan-Equestrian relations have now, however, been normalized, and the states did come together to host World Cup 83.”

“Busoga will have a major role in this. It is important that we make sure they are not threatened by this move at all. The countries do, of course, have relations, but they are not the best of friends. If we want to pursue our goal of eventually creating some form of organization and partnership between the states of Southwest AO, we must tread carefully, especially in a matter like this,” stated the Chancellor.

Vice Chancellor Strauss interjected: “Dominik, I understand you have been invited to attend Busoga’s Independence Day ceremonies. Obviously, you will be busy with the summit, but I can attend on our government’s behalf.”

“That is a good idea,” added Chancellor Meier. “You can assure them of our friendship, and inform them that we see them as a key in helping build a more prosperous subregion.”

Minister Rutar spoke up again: “As you’ve brought up the idea of Southwestern partnership, Dominik, I was wondering: do you plan on raising the matter with Mr. Mutungi?”

Meier replied, “Yes, I think it would be important to get the Banijan position on it. They have, of course, been much closer to the pulse of the subregion in recent years, and could be influential in helping build the relationship. I will raise the topic, but of course these are preliminary discussions, and I will not press them too far.”

Now, it was Admiral Berg’s turn to speak. “Chancellor, thank you for having me at this meeting. As you know, the doctrine of the Armed Forces has always been to maximize our naval and air power, to keep our island protected. A military alliance with Banija would be strategically massive for us. It would give our navy more control over sea lanes in the Nordsee. Possible basing rights in the region would enable us to control the sea zones in the area, ensuring our security and power projection.”

“I think it might be a little too far to begin talking about this in the first meeting. We don’t want to scare them off by talking about military integration, and it could be a bad signal to the rest of the region if, for all our talk of cooperation, we begin by first looking to secure our military situation. It is something that certainly can be discussed, and will be discussed, and I agree with everything regarding how strategically significant this could be. but we need to tread carefully,” stated the Chancellor.

“Understood. I should also note that the Banijan Navy, which was nearly wiped-out in the war with Equestria, is still in the process of rebuilding. They’ve focused mainly on light craft, to date, and have little to no capability outside of the region. Naturally, we could offer them help in this way. We could sponsor a program for Banijan naval officers to study in the National Academy at Kaiserhaven, and perhaps sell them ships,” continued the Admiral.

“I agree, this is certainly something that can be offered. As mentioned, however, I think that military issues are something that can wait for now. The focus for this is to be on political and economic ties. Should the Waziri bring up the topic, naturally, we will be prepared. Well, gentlemen, I will be sure to send you the minutes of the meeting, and naturally brief you on the results. I would like, if possible, for you all to be present at the diplomatic reception at the Palace on Friday evening - President Fleiss will be there, and it will be the first time we’ve received a foreign diplomat in a long time. We want to show the Banijans our utmost respect and pull out all the stops on this one. This will set the tone for our relationship with both the Kingdom of Banija, but also is our first signal to the rest of the subregion of our intentions. Willi, I await your update from Busoga. Good evening, gentlemen.” With that, the men shook hands and exited the room, and Chancellor Meier returned to his study to prepare his notes before flying to Stelburg in the morning.

by **Sajnur** » Sat Dec 21, 2019 7:13 pm

Qualifying Reports: Ynyslas, Guadalajara, Turori

Delayed Broadcast

The National Stadium hosted Ynyslas to open the qualifying campaign, and Sajnur took full control of the match from start to finish. Two new players from the Sajnuran first division were capped for the first time, with Metiria Ocango appearing in defensive midfield and Polna Viskorov making her debut up front alongside Andre Naulo, and both put in solid performances to prove that their domestic league form is not simply a fluke. Sajnur had 63% possession and ten shots at goal, of which seven were on target, while Ynyslas failed to record a shot all game. Sajnur largely concentrated in keeping possession away from the unranked visitors, and a flailing Ynyslas side were simply too stretched to prevent the first goal, as Jessica Siafik received an Ocango long ball near the left corner of the penalty box, swept past a defender, and crossed to Andre Naulo, who slotted in to take the lead in the 18th minute. Ynyslas proceeded to park the bus for the rest of the half, preventing Sajnur from finding good attacking positions, and the hosts were content with possession and giving some tricks to the crowd. The second half was more of the same, although Siafik was subbed off at half time for Sian Levici. It took until the 78th minute, however, for Sajnur to rip open the Ynyslas defence as an intricate passing sequence drove its way into the penalty box, culminating in Zain Hasan finding Viskorov in space, the striker sending the ball to the top corner to cap off her debut.

Next was the first away trip of the campaign, to the Estadio Hacienda in the Republic of Guadalajara, where Tassa Inatje received her debut international cap, the Rivers defender appearing on the right of a back three. Tomasi Vuierev also put on the captain's armband, with Jessica Siafik appearing on the bench. Unlike Ynyslas, Guadalajara were much more succesful in their attacking ventures, sending eight shots at goal, five of which were on target, and two of them even got past Alek Khadur. However, Sajnur, with 55% possession, peppered Carlos Tolama's goal with 21 shots, of which 12 were on target, and scored four goals. Sajnur took the lead in the 15th minute when David Kiral got past Orlando Garza and sent in a low cross for Ahmed Nazar to smash into goal. The hosts actually managed to equalise, however, when Marco Graniolati received an incisive pass from Francisco Padilla and powered a shot past Khadur in the 29th minute. Sajnur, however, would restore their lead going into the half time break as Dario Tule, playing in a more defensive wide role than usual, still found time to charge past the home defence and take a Zain Hasan through pass into clear space, winning the one on one against Tolama, and posting into an open net for a 41st minute goal.

The second half of the Guadalajara fixture started quickly as Metiria Ocango, replacing Zain Hasan at half time, disposessed Francisco Padilla and saw Andre Naulo in open space. Seeing this opportunity, she posted him a long ball and Naulo dribbled into the penalty box, chopped past Antonio Uribe, and curled one into goal to make it 3-1. After this, however, the game slowed down considerably as the Tapatios regrouped behind the ball and plugged the gaps, and Sajnur responded to this by conserving possession and positioning themselves to prevent counter attacks. The game progressively opened up, however, and both teams launched more and more attacks until Nicolas Enriquez beat Tassa Inatje and crossed to fellow teenager Marco Graniolati, who headed in for his second goal. The blue and yellow would not be able to stay within one forever, though, and let through a fourth Sajnuran goal near the end of normal time. Jessica Siafik, on for Rowan Down, dribbled her way into the penalty box, evading defenders before executing a one-two with fellow sub Ella Ciuru and spinning her way past the keeper into goal.

After the bye week came Turori, and facing the two lowest ranked teams in the group and then having a break doesn't seem like great preparation for facing the best team in the group, and indeed recent World Cup finalists. Even the best prepared team would struggle to overcome a 65 rank difference, and so it came to be that Turori left Ciarkhan with a 1-0 victory. The Eels held 61% possession, and 13 shots at goal, with six on target, while Sajnur were restricted to seven shots, and five on target. Both Alek Khadur and Wiyauw An'maude made five saves, but unfortunately one Turori shot got through. Despite the low scoreline, the game actually had plenty of excitement, with a handful of spectacular saves, some exquisite dribbling, and long range shots that nearly produced results. Sajnur's best chance at a goal came late in the first half as fast passing had progressed the ball into a tightly packed Turori penalty box, and Jessica Siafik found Andre Naulo open for a shot. However, An'maude was up to the task, parrying the ball well away, and the follow up from Ahmed Nazar was sent over the bar by the outstretched leg of Tarek Edgeli. Sajnur also had some spectacular last ditch defending, mostly by Kahala Murje, who made five tackles and five interceptions in a player-of-the-match performance. She made her own goal line block early in the second half, toeing a volley from Meldi'ita Mungwaii into the crossbar and away, and chasing down a Mungwaii counter, sliding for the ball just before the striker reached the penalty box. Sadly, Turori would find the only success of the match as Kentu Umaka'a found space in the box and then found the back of the net in the 67th minute. Niurka Stadium almost saw an equaliser as Sajnur had a corner in stoppage time, and Siafik even found the head of substitute Basuli Maktar. To the sadness of the home crowd, however, An'maude leaped up and tipped it away, and a Turori defender cleared it away to secure victory.

by **Cassadaigua** » Sat Dec 21, 2019 7:18 pm

Time for the matchday 9 cutoff!
Bring in the closer!

Scores

by **PotatoFarmers** » Sat Dec 21, 2019 7:41 pm

Lochario 2
Player #10 12', 48'
Poafmersia 2
Pete Carisa 73'
Joel Haodao 90' (pen)

It was a penalty that saved the team.
After losing concentration in the first half and letting in 2 goals, Poafmersia had laboured hard to score the necessary goals to salvage a point in a match where the team's weakness seemed to have shown itself, outright.
The head coach had to make changes to ensure players do not burn out from playing twice weekly. But it was those changes that once again exposed the lack of depth in the team, and the team's weakness showed once again. Little has to be said about a match where Lochario gave Poafmersia a consolation point by conceeding a late penalty. If such matches continue, then Poafmersia should really look at changing some team strategies to better fit the current crop of players.

Looking at results around the world
Commentary by Sporting Daily Football Team
On a bye day like this where Poafmersia has no matches, we report on the things happening around the world. This match day was a really high scoring day, as we see lots of nice goals around the world. Today, let us look at what happened over the past 36 hours and the scenes in each of the 15 qualification groups.

Group 1
Acronius 2–2 Aimena
Pius Desurongcrandis 0–3 Islas Aaland
Audioslavia 2–2 Newmanistan
Sargossa 3–2 Kandorith
Greater Cebu 2–1 Brusseldorf

Group 1 Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts 
1 Audioslavia 7 6 1 0 16 7 +9 19
2 Sargossa 7 6 0 1 18 8 +10 18
3 Newmanistan 7 5 1 1 18 9 +9 16
4 Greater Cebu 7 4 1 2 16 14 +2 13
5 Brusseldorf 8 4 0 4 11 15 −4 12
6 Kandorith 8 3 2 3 13 11 +2 11
7 Acronius 8 3 1 4 14 14 0 10
8 Joyea 7 2 1 4 12 16 −4 7
9 Islas Aaland 7 1 2 4 10 16 −6 5
10 Aimena 7 0 3 4 5 11 −6 3
11 Pius Desurongcrandis 7 0 0 7 5 17 −12 0

Second seeds Audioslavia ended their winning streak today with a 2-2 draw at home to Newmanistan, the last team to do so in the Group. Nevertheless, they are widely considered to repeat the performance of last cycle and are likely to qualify for the Cup proper again. They, however, cannot get too cosy at the top. Top seeds Sargossa would be tough contenders for the top spot, and though many expect both these teams to qualify, the 93rd ranked Newmanistan did quite well thus far and would provide a good challenge. Newcomers Greater Cebu are also overperforming, and being 5 points off the 2nd place, they cannot be ignored.

Group 2
Brenecia 3–1 Brigantii
The Sherpa Empire 1–1 Crystalline Caverns
Atlantic Republic 1–0 Trolleborg
Terre Septentrionale 1–3 Abanhfleft
Casta Marina 4–9 Banija

Group 2 Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts 
1 Banija 8 7 1 0 34 13 +21 22
2 Brenecia 8 5 3 0 20 7 +13 18
3 Abanhfleft 8 5 2 1 23 17 +6 17
4 The Sherpa Empire 7 2 4 1 13 11 +2 10
5 Trolleborg 7 2 2 3 13 13 0 8
6 Terre Septentrionale 7 1 4 2 4 6 −2 7
7 Brigantii 7 2 1 4 10 16 −6 7
8 Sarzonia 7 1 3 3 6 9 −3 6
9 Casta Marina 7 1 2 4 8 20 −12 5
10 Crystalline Caverns 7 1 1 5 13 19 −6 4
11 Atlantic Republic 7 1 1 5 6 19 −13 4

No, you did not see wrongly. Some of the journalists were also thinking whether they saw the score incorrectly, but after clarification with other sources, we have verified that a 13-goal thriller occured with Banija coming out tops. The talk of the town had quickly changed from the Cup of Harmony bid by Banija and Xanneria to this 13-goal thriller. You could probably get the highlights on our website or somewhere on the major video sharing platforms, so we shall not spoil the fun for you.

Apart from that, 19th ranked Brenecia, the second seeds, kept their unbeaten run with a 3-1 win, while 42nd ranked Abanhfleft are just 1 point behind after condemning Terre Septentrionale to their second straight loss, which followed Terre's loss to Banija on the previous match day. Both teams are neck and neck for the race, but Brenecia's defensive abilities might be able to let them through.

Group 3
HUElavia 1–3 Folmara
Eastfield Lodge 5–3 The Ross Isles
The Sarian 0–0 Starblaydia
Competitive Solitaire 3–2 Tara & Cambray
Schiavonia 0–4 Mercedini

Group 3 Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts 
1 Starblaydia 7 6 1 0 25 9 +16 19
2 Mercedini 8 5 2 1 24 13 +11 17
3 HUElavia 8 5 0 3 19 16 +3 15
4 Competitive Solitaire 7 3 2 2 16 17 −1 11
5 Eastfield Lodge 7 3 1 3 15 13 +2 10
6 Magnaterrica 7 2 3 2 17 17 0 9
7 Folmara 7 2 2 3 16 18 −2 8
8 Schiavonia 7 2 2 3 8 13 −5 8
9 The Sarian 7 1 3 3 5 9 −4 6
10 Tara & Cambray 8 1 1 6 9 15 −6 4
11 The Ross Isles 7 1 1 5 7 21 −14 4

Starblaydia got their first draw of the campaign, but it did not soop the hot favourites from keeping top spot in a relatively nice group. Mercedini, the second seeds, managed to leapfrog third seeds HUElavia after the latter team got upsetted by unranked Folmara 3-1. With the first spot relatively secure, all eyes would be on whichever team is likely to qualify from 2nd spot. The bookmarkers (which, by the way, have resumed operations for all qualification matches aside from Group 5, in case you still did not know), have put HUElavia ahead, but we believe Mercedini would be more likely to qualify instead.

Group 4
Ynyslas 1–1 Barsland
Guadalajara 3–4 Pink Floyd FC
Sajnur 5–3 Devonta
Turori 4–0 Saintland
Benjamin Mark 0–1 Cosumar

Group 4 Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts 
1 Sajnur 7 5 1 1 21 12 +9 16
2 Turori 7 5 0 2 18 5 +13 15
3 95X 7 5 0 2 13 9 +4 15
4 Cosumar 8 4 1 3 19 17 +2 13
5 Ynyslas 8 3 2 3 7 13 −6 11
6 Saintland 8 2 4 2 5 8 −3 10
7 Barsland 7 1 4 2 6 4 +2 7
8 Pink Floyd FC 7 2 1 4 11 17 −6 7
9 Devonta 7 1 3 3 7 8 −1 6
10 Benjamin Mark 7 1 3 3 7 10 −3 6
11 Guadalajara 7 0 3 4 10 21 −11 3

Now this is one tough group, and this round of results further strengthens our belief that this is turning into an unexpected group of death. Although there are 6 points separating the first from the 6th place, with the 4th to 6th teams playing one game more, we are likely to get a better picture of which are the teams in the race at the halfway mark. This round, 161th ranked Saintland got defeated by top seeds Turori. Meanwhile, unranked Ynyslas, who has been showing their capabilities of challenging the top few teams, drew with BoF 71 participant Barsland. 2nd seed Cosumar and 76th ranked Sajnur, on the other hand, kept their pace with wins as 3rd seed 95X got a bye this match day. Despite the staggering differences in ranks, all 6 teams remain in the race for the top 2 spots. While many have said that Turori and 95X are favourites to qualify, the abilities of the other 4 teams should not be ignored and it would be a very nice group to look out for.

Group 5
BOLGANO 0–0 Lochario
Monso 2–1 Anthor
Nephara 5–3 Euran Oceania Territories
Squornshelous 1–3 Siovanija & Teusland
Aquitlia 1–2 The Macabees

Group 5 Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts 
1 Nephara 7 6 1 0 22 9 +13 19
2 Siovanija & Teusland 8 6 0 2 20 11 +9 18
3 The Macabees 8 6 0 2 19 14 +5 18
4 Squornshelous 7 3 1 3 18 22 −4 10
5 Poafmersia 7 2 3 2 14 11 +3 9
6 Euran Oceania Territories 7 2 2 3 14 12 +2 8
7 Aquitlia 7 2 2 3 11 11 0 8
8 BOLGANO 8 1 3 4 9 11 −2 6
9 Lochario 7 1 3 3 5 9 −4 6
10 Anthor 7 2 0 5 4 11 −7 6
11 Monso 7 1 1 5 6 21 −15 4

Our draw with Lochario in the last round did not help things, but certainly it would allow our team to aim to do better against 8th placed BOLGANO 2 days later. The Wonder Cup champions seems to have lost their mojo in a group where they are supposed to provide some resistance to the teams fighting for qualifications. This places Poafmersia in a spot where they might be able to take over that responsibility, especially with a convincing victory over BOLGANO. With Siovanija & Teusland only playing The Macabees for the first time this campaign next week, things might stay the same for one more match day. However, with Nephara being the team to beat, given their status as favourites to top the group and their top seed ranking, the race for the 2nd spot would be an interesting one. And Poafmersia should improve to cause some mess in that race for the 2nd place.

Group 6
Bongo Johnson 6–4 Vdara
Acapais 1–0 Nomoterra
Darkmania 3–2 Sultanate of Oontaz
Equestria 3–0 Quakmybush
Hapilopper 2–2 Kwangtzu Guānnán

Group 6 Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts 
1 Equestria 7 6 0 1 24 7 +17 18
2 Darmen 7 5 1 1 19 11 +8 16
3 Darkmania 7 5 1 1 18 17 +1 16
4 Hapilopper 7 3 2 2 11 10 +1 11
5 Quakmybush 8 3 2 3 13 14 −1 11
6 Acapais 7 3 1 3 14 17 −3 10
7 Bongo Johnson 8 2 3 3 16 15 +1 9
8 Kwangtzu Guānnán 8 2 1 5 13 17 −4 7
9 Vdara 7 2 1 4 13 18 −5 7
10 Sultanate of Oontaz 7 1 2 4 7 13 −6 5
11 Nomoterra 7 1 0 6 7 16 −9 3

Group 7
Petrovsky 2–1 Northwest Kalactin
Bloing 0–0 Plane of Possibility
Zealandiana 1–1 Lons
Main Nation Ministry 3–2 Kavagrad
Busoga Islands 0–0 Mriin

Group 7 Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts 
1 Mriin 8 6 1 1 27 8 +19 19
2 Chromatika 7 5 1 1 16 11 +5 16
3 Busoga Islands 7 4 3 0 10 4 +6 15
4 Main Nation Ministry 7 4 0 3 15 14 +1 12
5 Petrovsky 8 3 1 4 15 14 +1 10
6 Lons 7 3 1 3 10 10 0 10
7 Kavagrad 8 3 1 4 16 17 −1 10
8 Zealandiana 7 2 2 3 9 15 −6 8
9 Northwest Kalactin 7 2 0 5 9 17 −8 6
10 Bloing 7 1 1 5 8 14 −6 4
11 Plane of Possibility 7 1 1 5 13 24 −11 4

After the 2-0 win by Hapilopper over Equestria last week, today's 1-1 draw with a team that lost to Equestria seems to be...awkward. There, however, seems to be little to talk about with regards to the race for the top 2 spot, with Darkmania the only team providing some resistance to counter the power of the top 2 seeds, Darmen and Equestria. Similarly, in Group 7, little challenge is expected as Mriin is in really good form despite a draw and a loss over the past 3 matchdays.

Group 8
South Covello 2–3 Mustardy
Qasden 3–0 Flavovespia
Filindostan 2–4 Mitra and Soma
Furby Island 3–3 Ziwana
Bliuji 2–2 Squornshelan Remnant States

Group 8 Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts 
1 South Covello 8 6 0 2 15 8 +7 18
2 Ziwana 8 3 4 1 23 21 +2 13
3 Bliuji 7 3 3 1 18 14 +4 12
4 Qasden 7 3 3 1 16 12 +4 12
5 Mitra and Soma 7 3 2 2 15 15 0 11
6 Filindostan 7 2 2 3 10 12 −2 8
7 Vakolicci Haven and Celeria 7 1 4 2 17 18 −1 7
8 Mustardy 7 1 4 2 14 15 −1 7
9 Squornshelan Remnant States 8 1 4 3 11 13 −2 7
10 Flavovespia 7 1 3 3 10 14 −4 6
11 Furby Island 7 0 3 4 11 18 −7 3

There you go, some group which we are very interested in. An unranked team, another BoF inductee, and other lower-ranked teams attempting to fight off Qasden to take the 2nd spot. As Ziwana and Bliuji draw with lower ranked opposition, Qasden, as well as Mitra & Soma, have caught up with wins against Flavovespia and Filindostan respectively. Though we believe that Qasden might be able to take that second spot eventually, a good challenge by everyone else makes this a good group to look at.

Some of the other groups are producing normal results, so we skip to groups where things are more interesting.

Group 13
Reçueçn 1–0 Gor Kebab
Beepee 4–1 Andromeda Island Group
Mkabia 2–4 Noooooooooooo
Geisenfried 0–0 Togonistan
Damukuni 3–4 Tornado Queendom

Group 13 Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts 
1 Eura 7 7 0 0 28 6 +22 21
2 Tornado Queendom 8 5 0 3 17 13 +4 15
3 Reçueçn 8 4 1 3 11 8 +3 13
4 Damukuni 7 4 0 3 18 11 +7 12
5 Gor Kebab 7 3 2 2 8 11 −3 11
6 Geisenfried 7 3 1 3 6 8 −2 10
7 Noooooooooooo 7 3 1 3 14 17 −3 10
8 Beepee 7 3 0 4 8 11 −3 9
9 Togonistan 8 2 2 4 9 14 −5 8
10 Andromeda Island Group 7 1 3 3 7 14 −7 6
11 Mkabia 7 0 0 7 7 20 −13 0

Can things get better? Unranked Mkabia continued being the only unranked team to not get a single point, after losing to Noooooooooooo (I don't know how many 'o' there is supposed to be). In 2 other key matches, Reçueçn defeated Gor Kebab 1-0 while Damukuni narrowly lost to Tornado Queendom 3-4. While Gor Kebab's good run at the top may be running out of steam, the other dark horses Tornado Queendom do not seem to be loosing that steam and is challenging both Damukuni and Reçueçn for 2nd place. Assuming Eura keeps their form, the race for qualification would be very tight as we expect Tornado Queenstorm to put up a brave fight and may even have a chance of qualification.

Group 14
Ancherion 4–2 Alenburg
Krytenia 3–1 Tamgu
Castanya 1–1 Zwangzug
Vilita 3–1 Fetra
Mattijana 4–3 Gopnikea

Group 14 Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts 
1 Vilita 7 6 1 0 22 9 +13 19
2 Krytenia 7 4 2 1 12 5 +7 14
3 Ancherion 8 4 1 3 17 14 +3 13
4 Mattijana 7 4 1 2 12 11 +1 13
5 Zwangzug 7 3 2 2 6 9 −3 11
6 Gopnikea 8 3 1 4 15 18 −3 10
7 Hampton Island 7 2 1 4 16 18 −2 7
8 Fetra 8 1 4 3 7 10 −3 7
9 Tamgu 7 2 1 4 6 12 −6 7
10 Alenburg 7 1 3 3 11 12 −1 6
11 Castanya 7 1 1 5 6 12 −6 4

Group 15
Tarchusland 4–5 ZSeparatists
Grod Island 3–3 Eshan
Indusse 1–1 Aldaveria
Eraman 0–1 New Lusitania
Apox 3–0 Barfleur

Group 15 Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts 
1 New Lusitania 8 5 2 1 17 7 +10 17
2 Apox 7 5 2 0 17 8 +9 17
3 Ko-oren 7 5 2 0 10 3 +7 17
4 Eshan 7 4 2 1 17 8 +9 14
5 Eraman 7 4 0 3 12 8 +4 12
6 Barfleur 8 3 0 5 6 11 −5 9
7 Tarchusland 8 1 3 4 15 20 −5 6
8 ZSeparatists 7 2 0 5 15 21 −6 6
9 Grod Island 7 1 2 4 8 14 −6 5
10 Indusse 7 1 2 4 4 13 −9 5
11 Aldaveria 7 1 1 5 6 14 −8 4

Then we have these 2 groups, where things are starting to shape up. For Group 14, the race for second place is interesting, as consistency seems to be hurting Zwangzug's chances at qualification. After 2 losses, a draw is not the best result to come back in, but at least it might help them get themselves back on track for qualification. Ko-oren's solid defense, letting only 3 goals in 7 games, seems to be the edge they have over other teams. However, Apox and Ko-oren are starting to feel worried about New Lusitania and Eshan, 2 teams that have been strong in Group 15, a group which is not as nice as it looks. It is hard to say whether the latter teams could mount a serious challenge going into the second half, but they certainly are doing so and may provide a surprise.

by **Sarzonia** » Sat Dec 21, 2019 8:22 pm

Charlie King figured when Kevin Connelly called him into his office in Joe Gibbs Stadium that the news wouldn't be good.

He was right.

Connelly suspended him for the team's match against Brenecia. Even though Connelly made it clear this would only be for one match and he would be back among the starting 11 the next time out, he had to make a point about putting his words where they didn't belong.

George Morrison would start in King's place for the matchup between former World Cup champions. Not that it would make a big difference. Brenecia is ranked 19th in the world and won their World Cup much more recently than Sarzonia.

The match would certainly not live up to the billing of former world champions, as Brenecia dominated thoroughly, only conceding a late tally by Jake Campos in the 87th minute to prevent the shutout.

Connelly wouldn't admit to it in a single interview after the match, but he would later tell assistant manager Kevin Wilson that the External Affairs Department would have an out if they chose to employ it in the row with Squornshelous.

Still, Connelly wasn't exactly sold on the prospect that External Affairs would necessarily welcome the decision, even if he couched it as a managerial call.

He didn't know whether Bryan Conway followed football or even if he was aware of the vagaries involved. He had no way of knowing that the Senior Vice President and External Affairs Officer was screaming at the television when the announcers talked about King's benching.

Granted, the official External Affairs communication would only point to Sarzonia's advocacy for freedom of speech, but a private conversation would add Conway's irritation from a football perspective.

Regardless, Sarzonia would languish at 1-3-4 with a mere six points after eight matches.

by **Taeshan** » Sat Dec 21, 2019 8:23 pm

"First loss of the campaign.Schottia with the stunner."

"I mean it's a regional matchup. A team who is obviously much better than their rank. We played them for the first time two Copa's ago and they beat us. They are a good team. It's a tough pill to swallow."

"Must be disappointing to have your first loss in qualifying."

"Yes huge disappointment. Especially with the other results."

"Yes, Geektopia and Jeruselem losing, with Free Republics now taking the group lead."

"Yeah. Schottia make it a 6 point game. Now they sit third only two points back. We would have...We would have opened an 8 point lead on the chasing pack. Still we beat Geektopia, and Free Republics beats Schottia next week. It'll still be in our hands."

"Yes, well how do you prepare for the next two matches. Lower ranked sides, but you just were beat offensively down by this Schottia side."

"We stay the course. We've played well, even today. But we need to come out with more intensity to beat these sides. 5 matches ago we destroyed Free Republics. But they lead the group thanks to our loss elsewhere, and a tie. We minimize mistakes."

"Where have the goals gone these past few matches"?

"I'd say it's just a matter of better set up and aligned defenses. We have to be more creative and push the envelope. Win games. Qualify for the World Cup."

"Does this hurt your chances of qualifying"?

"Every lost point does."

"You know what I mean."

"I think it is still in our hands. We still have every chance of doing it. We just need to win our games, let the cards fall elsewhere. We let everyone lose where they will, while we just get wins. Get points, and qualify."

by **Vdara** » Sat Dec 21, 2019 9:06 pm

Back In Form!

“We won! We won! We won, we won, we won!” was the chant on the team bus and plane on the way back to Chania. Make no mistake, these boys played well for their 3-1 win against Acapais, but this is no time to celebrate yet. Their next match is against a side which is decently high in the rankings, Darkmania.

Darkmania are a good, proud team, and are one of the likely teams to challenge for the prestigious second place spot which will see them through to the knockouts.
Vdara is a... meh, yet still proud team, with a decent record for an unranked side. Recent events involving their defence may cause them troubles in matches, but they should be able to hold on for a mid-group spot.

VdarArena Training Centre, Chania

An overjoyed Iosif Sideropoulos was giving a talk to the players.

“Great result, lads! That rut of bad form is away! Gone! Kaput! Our harsh losses to Darmen and Bongo Johnson can be disregarded.”

*excited murmurs from the players*

“Right, lads, I get it. We’ve played well, and we’ve beaten a team. That doesn’t mean we go the way of Zervopoulos and the like and take drugs, right? So, get stuck in, and get prepared for our next match.”

“Ok, boss.” said the players.

All the players then ran off towards their respective training areas, except for one player. David Xeniadis had stayed behind to have a talk with the manager. What could it be about? Could it be about his form? His playtime? His mental health?

“Boss...”

“Yes, David?”

“If we win against Darkmania, will you buy us doughnuts?”

“No, that’s bad for your form.”

“Pleeeeeease?”

“Ach, sure. Ok. But only if you win.”

“What about a draw?”

“If we draw, I’ll buy 2 doughnuts. One for myself, and the other to share between the 18 other players.”

“Better than nothing. See ya, boss!”

“You too, David. Work hard!”

And so a deal was made. Vdara beats Darkmania, doughnuts for the players. A fair deal. A good deal. A TASTY deal. What Sideropoulos didn’t tell David is that no matter the result, he’d still buy doughnuts, as their performance alone will count as something. Sideropoulos is a good manager like that, he cares about his players, no matter the result. It might not seem like it sometimes, but he really does care.

by **Bliuji** » Sat Dec 21, 2019 11:30 pm

Ziwana 2-1 Bliuji

As expected, Ziwana was a hard team to go up against. Their aggressive play style mixed with talented strikers - made it hard to defend against; thus resulting in two goals. Even so Bliuji did play decently well in this match, but no where near to their full potential. Players struggled to even get control of the ball and made poor passes and missed plenty of opportunities. However for Ziwana it was the opposite. They played quite aggressive, and totally out-classed Bliuji in all aspects. They connected on more passes, had better team work and even had more possession. Bliuji got extremely lucky that is was only a one goal game, with a mediocre performance like this one it could of easily been five to null.

Furthermore this game that was so important to push the squad into second place, but ended in a downfall. Bliuji now finding themselves in fifth place in group eight; they hope to gain six points before the break. At this point in group eight, it's any ones game for the taking, there is still a lot of matches left and only the best will qualify for the world cup - and quite a few people still have belief that Bliuji is one of those teams. With Bliuji proving their ability to compete against top teams like Qasden, SRS, South Covello and FIlindostan - it's theirs for the taking if they play well.

Up next on the schedule is Mitra and Soma, a team that is currently ranked 308 in the multiverse and fourth overall in group eight. Much like Ziwana, not many were expecting them to be doing this well in the qualifiers.

That being said, what deters the future of this team is completely derived from consistency of the players. With quite a lot of matches in this world cup - qualifying requires plenty of stamina. Avoiding injury is still a concern, along with the fact that the majority of Bliuji's bench remains inexperienced. As well as having only an extra player on defense, depth remains a major issue as well.

First Half

The first half wasn't too action-packed, but still contained excitement. Starting off in the 12th minute, Erik Belov found himself sprinting past Ziwana midfielders. Unable to find a good passing angle he decided to cross it to Daniel Lyskov, which came to an immediate stop by Jean Kaphale, subsequently passed the ball to Issa Swedi who then made Gabriel Kolesnikov look like a blockhead then preceded to pass an absolute dime to captain Jean Wilder. Now in Bliuji's defensive zone with complete control Jean fired it to the back of the net. Moreover Ziwana wouldn't wait long because their next goal would come in the 20th minute. Entirely starting from a fast break on the counter-attack, the twenty-three year old Richard Chirwa showed his inner speed demon and took off down the field, even Sviatoslav Vasiliev was having trouble keeping with him. Finding himself at midfield he gave a long shot to none other than the man himself Jean Wilder. Now on a breakaway, he put this one home to make it a two nothing game.

Seccond Half

Bliuji did miss quite a few opportunities in the second half. One was a breakaway in the 49th minute that went over the net and the other was a blast from midfield that hit the post. Action really picked up after Bliuji made subs in the 70th minute. David Izmaylov and Vitaly Aksakov went off for Kyle Gordon (MF) and Carl Mackwood (FW). Following the changes - they were not to be forgoten as Carl Mackwood would then receive a bullet from Erik Belov. Now toe to toe with Kinnah Rateau, he perceived to elevate the ball past Kinnah that went off the post and in. With time running out and Bliuji only being down by one they lost.

Events
'12 Jean Wilder
'20 Jean Wilder
'70 David Izmaylov & Vitaly Aksakov off for Kyle Gordon and Carl Mackwood
'70 Carl Mackwood

Post Game Interview

Volodymyr Onyshchenko: Good evening to everyone, I'm currently here with Andriy Voronin after the tough loss against Ziwana.

Volodymyr Onyshchenko: Tell me Andriy, what did you think of your teams performance tonight.

Andriy: Our defense was not prepared for their offenses capability. We were completely oblivious to that before heading into the match.

Volodymyr Onyshchenko: What will you do to capitalize on that in future games.

Andriy: It's just something that we don't have much experience with as a team. I believe that we can work on it by scrimmaging during practice.

Volodymyr Onyshchenko: How do you feel about the performances of Carl Mackwood

Andriy: He's the future of football for Bliuji, right now we do have a handful of talented players on offense but he has stood out. He is still young though and we don't want to risk injury. Not to mention he still lacks a lot of international experience, which can be fixed.

Volodymyr Onyshchenko: And what about the rest of the games until break?

Andriy: It's going to be tough no doubt about it, but if we still want to be relevant in group eight we need to win both of those games.

Volodymyr Onyshchenko: Thank you Andriy.

by **Nephara** » Sun Dec 22, 2019 2:58 am

Anthor 2 - 3 Nephara
(4-4-2) 1 - Mercator; 18 - Longship (2 - Stride 83'), 22 - Lockheed, 6 - Brosch, 3 - Close (c); 13 - Saroszi, 4 - Shone (15 - Rauch 79'), 8 - Chalk (21 - Reach 65'), 16 - Deventer; 17 - Bastable, 10 - Metzger
Goals: Saroszi 36', Metzger 42', Deventer 77'

THE HERALD
THE CLASS OF 51: A RETROSPECTIVE
Lukas Saltor

For the first time, Nephara stands alone.

Not quite as alone as they could be. Saintland and Lisander remain in the qualifying field. However, the immortal Barunia do not. Ruentenbach and Kriegersien seem like names of the distant past, let alone Schmiegelland. Dance 2 Revolution's renaissance ended almost as soon as it began, while the long-term impact of Glascovia, Bearded Moose and Nenets Autonomous Okrug was, tragically, negligible.

Nephara have marked twenty-one cycles in the modern era, and are now the only debutant of Baptism of Fire 51 to have played in them all.

A look back, then. Gethin Ramsey - the late Gethin Ramsey, and it will never get easier to type those words - took the Cormorants into their first bout as among the more competitive sides present. Twenty-three professional footballers, that alone gave them a leg up. And yet, a 4-0 defeat in a prelude tournament to New Ecopia showed the Nepharim how difficult a task this would be, and a 2-2 draw to Yakostan will forever be the blot of their first WCC result.

Saintland, drawn in Nephara's group, stumbled to an early draw with a nobody as well, the Alphabet Letters - this left Glascovia as the early front-runners. But a promising Glascovia side stumbled as time went by, and Saintland, despite a draw of their own to Yakostan, recovered. Barunia, too, recovered from an inauspicious start to recover and, ultimately, made it as far as the quarterfinalists before falling to ultimate bronze medallists Nekoni. Lisander and Ruentenbach were not so fortunate; they crashed out in the groups.

Nephara and Saintland, of course, formed the enduring rivalry of the tournament. Stoked by a brutal scoreless draw in the group stage - and that Lukas Strongnesse tackle - and reunited in a 3-2 Nephara win in the quarterfinals. Dance 2 Revolution had crashed out in between, and from a Nepharim perspective, that left Bearded Moose to be defeated in an exhilarating extra-time win, and then ultra-defensive, ultra-disciplined Nenets in a cagey 1-0 final.

From the perspective of the participants, it seemed unlikely that the grim winnowing would begin almost immediately. These nations seemed as though they would last forever. But those nations more experienced, of course, knew the process.

In the 10-team qualifying groups that followed, the Basque Socialist States, Kinzar and Rikatan would join Nephara. None were destined to survive long. Tragically, Bearded Moose and Nenets also fell off sooner rather than later, despite their exceptionally stellar performances in the tournament itself. Dance 2 Revolution, a nation that had competed in a time before the Baptism of Fire and had thus been the only returning nation to contest the 51st edition, were also destined to fall away.

Despite a feeble performance in the tournament itself, Ruentenbach would return with a vengeance and became a respectable tertiary power within the game for a time. Hyskigland had some sort of legacy through a handful of imports to Nephara, Aksel Svardaskar, Bror Helmunsun and Jan Felmen becoming established journeymen of the early-modern Premiership.

It did not take long for the trio of long-term survivors to discern themselves. Nephara, Barunia and Saintland. Lisander remain today as well, of course, but after a spotty record of participation are yet to register a World Cup appearance - should their recent trend continue, they aren't far off.

Saintland have undoubtedly left the most imprint on the Nepharim psyche, and have at points been among the world's premier nations, generally known for an uncompromising defensive style and a volatile political ecosystem. Barunia are a steadier nation, a quiet achiever with three quarterfinals to their name, the sort of reliable nation you expect to see without necessarily looking for instantly. Based on their SRS score, they are very close to the Hall of Fame.

Leaving Nephara to carry the torch. Certainly it's not unlikely that Barunia make an immediate return, and certainly Saintland and Lisander do not appear especially likely to be dislodged. Even Ruentenbach could make a return someday to the international scene, or D2R looking to make it third time lucky. But even so, one would like to imagine that Gethin Ramsey would approve of his nation being the last survivor of what will go down, surely, as a great class of the NS World Cup.

by **Razneta** » Sun Dec 22, 2019 4:17 am

Razneta 2-0 Port Ember: A Counter-Attacking Masterclass
^{@Yokostan Park, Toliko (31,200)}
Goalscorers: Raiko Tolokovsa 45', Yetvo Kiminelo 64'

Overview
The match had a slow start as per usual, defenders and midfielders passed sideways until they found an opening. The Port Emberian team, full of youth and enthusiasm, started pressing intensely. This was a detrimental error from them, because of the ball-keeping abilities of the Raznetan players. Another error they made was to put their entire 11 into the Raznetan half of the pitch. This led to them being faced with many counter-attacks only countervailed by their keeper, until minute 45. After a quick break lead by Y. Kiminelo, R. Tolokovsa saw no difficulties in finishing the attack with a goal. The fatigued Port Ember team went to the dressing room demoralized while the Raznetans were full of confidence.

The second half saw Razneta go deeper down defensively, to try and tire Port ember out of the game, and tire them they did. The squad filled with U-21 Players, though known to be physically strong, fell weak to Razneta's possession play and let another goal in, this time scored by Y. Kiminelo. He finished his 90-meter run with a masterful chipped shot over the Port Emberian keeper, Peter Smith, who could do nothing but put his head down in ember-assment. The rest of the match was rather mundane, as the away team just wanted to go home and the home team wasn't that interested in scoring more goals.

Player Performance
Ranka Mazioka - 7
He has not had much to do in the match. 4 Shots on goal were taken by the away team, 2 of them were simply catching practice for him. His pinpoint goal kicks were impressive.
Rokno Tinavyot - 8
Denied the opposition winger any chance to create opportunities. Excellent passing with %95.
Zanya Fokidona - 8,5
The youngster made the most of his chance. Showed great play-making skills as well as defensive instinct.
Eren Takarna - 9
Narrowly missed out on MOTM, made the most tackles in the squad, and won 8 of 8 headers.
Zayori Gaganiro - 8
He was overshadowed by Takarna but he was a key part of the defense.
Suzne Valiyoda - 7,5
He had an average game, pretty unfortunate for him that his teammates played brilliantly, they made him look lacking.
Kaya Taliszko - 8,5
Did not fail a single pass throughout the game.
Gelita Hasakina - 8
Helped the defense with the second most tackles won. Made passing traffic move smoothly.
Han Golodiva - 7,5
Not many things he did came off, but his leadership was an important part of the win.
Yetvo Kiminelo - 9,5
A classy goal and an assist, the architect of the win.
Raiko Tolokovsa - 8
The poacher Tolokovsa got himself another goal to increase his impressive goal tally and showed his effectiveness in front of goal.

by **Trolleborg** » Sun Dec 22, 2019 5:10 am

In difficult days for our team, promised film about winning the BoF released on screens.

Trolleborg Cinema and KFRP presents

"Hennige Overwin"
(in translation "Through difficulties to triumph")

Director Soren Glostrup created a tremendous psychological drama, successfully combining action and emotional experiences in just the right proportion.

He insert real footage into his film so masterfully, that you probably don't find a difference.
Moments of doubt, ups and downs, merit of the fans in the victory - all this is fully conveyed to the viewers.

Such a recognized masters of drama on the screen like Torben Wijt and Ruud Akker did their job perfectly, and some of the real players appear on the screen as themselves
in some episodes.

by **Bolgano** » Sun Dec 22, 2019 5:12 am

Poafmersia 2-1 Bolgano

The game of Bolgano before the Bye, now with a new coach they will seek to achieve their second victory against a team sensation of Group 5, Poafmersia, here in Libira National Stadium the game 9 cction will be made, the referee blew the whistle that means that The game starts, defending the blue and white team, on the other hand Poafmersia attacked with patience so the game in the beginning was somewhat boring, the first goal came in the 25th minute, from Alex Pickford, the defender after a corner kick for Poafmersia, headed and making it impossible for Red Nines, following the game, Bolgano had more than an action close to the goal shout, the draw was achieved in the 44th minute, before the close of the first half, they managed to make a goal after a good amount of passes and patience, where Daniels Razor once again scores a goal, after passing a defense and staying alone with the goalkeeper and the peak, GOOOL, 1-1, but for the second time, a moon goal I take away the joy of Bolgano, minute 66, and there was a lack of Roger Zack in the penalty area, Moonar charged and there was a GOOOL, 2-1 final and sadness again for Bolgano, now occupy the ninth place and now has a Bye.

by **Jeruselem** » Sun Dec 22, 2019 5:28 am

Princess Katherine Annabelle Dallas in Free Republics

I'm Princess Katherine Annabelle Dallas for Naked News Jeruselem. We're in the Free Republics.
We played Taeshan at home and lost 2-1 so a good result against the other top 2 in Group 11 was important.
Group 11 seems to have the top 2 who are well above a group of teams including us.
I don't this is going to change unless we have someone taking them on.

Balqia took on visitors Galar, but managed a 2-2 draw.
Welzat hosted Geektopia and pulled off 1-0 win over Geektopia.
Taeshan was at home and hosted Schottia who were a rising power. Taeshan fell over and lost 1-0 to Schottia. Which isn't good for us.
Savojarna went to Nahkistan and got 2-0 win.
TJUN-ia had the bye today. That leaves Savojarna and Balqia to have their byes with 8 games played.

Free Republics the home team hosts Jeruselem, and the home team won 2-0.
Home advantage, doesn't work for everyone like Jeruselem but in this case it did.
The scoreline indicated a comfortable win but 2-0 isn't really that.
While the home always were in control, they had moments where they did fight keep out a determined opponent.
Our lack of finishing didn't help much but we made sure they didn't have comfortable ride at home.
Proof that scorelines can hide issues is Taeshan losing to Schottia at home.

Well, so we've lost to the top 2 teams. That's not good by any means but it's not like we expected to beat them.
We have to regroup and do well and win our next two games.
Schottia have moved to 3rd to 17 points but Taeshan are 2nd on 19 and Free Republics are top dog on 21.
Jeruselem still 4th, because Geektopia lost and they are 5th. Both teams on 12.
TJUN-ia had a bye and 6th.
Savojarna and Balqia on 9, 7th and 8th.
Welzat jump to 9th on 7 points. Galar and Nahkistan haven't gone anywhere.

So some may say another disaster today for Jeruselem today, and Schottia seem to be form team to take 3rd spot.
But we have 2 more games for the 1st half and another 10 in the 2nd half. So you know, things can change.
Jeruselem have problems to resolve, we're not really scoring goals especially against the better teams.
Our defense probably leaks too many goals but we are defensively still one of better teams in Group 11.

Those who missed the live game can watch the replay later tonight.
A disappointing result but it's not like we expecting much more.
But we can learn from other teams, Schottia beat Taeshan which we can analyse to see what lessons can be applied.
Schottia are doing something right, hopefully we can get back on track be competitive with them as well.

This is Princess Kate, see you all later for the next qualification game at home.
For those who want to meet me, there's cosplay convention in Jeruselem which is being held between the two halves of world cup qualification.
Details are on my web site, and there's link to event.
If you love Ievan Polkka and Caramelldansen, you should come. Because I'll be there performing live for everyone.

So come and,
Dance to the beat,
Wave your hands together,
Come feel the heat,
Forever and forever
Listen and learn
It is time for prancing,
now we are here with,
Caramelldansen

Dance to the beat,
Wave your hands together,
Come feel the heat,
Forever and forever
Listen and learn
It is time for prancing,
now we are here with,
Caramelldansen

Group 11
Balqia 2–2 Galar
Welzat 1–0 Geektopia
Taeshan 0–1 Schottia
Free Republics 2–0 Jeruselem
Nahkistan 0–2 Savojarna

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Furby Island 2-5 Bliuji / Bliuji 2-2 SRS

WC84Q - Garbage Time - Jaffacake *is* an Idiot

Chapter 3.6: Matchday 7,8 and we look around

Who is online

WC84Q - Garbage Time - Jaffacake is an Idiot