Baptism of Fire 72 - Everything Thread

[Atheist Democratic Freehold]

Atheist Democratic Freehold 2-1 The Mann Clan
Atheist Democratic Freehold picks up victory following bye

After a bye during the first match, the Atheist Democratic Freehold Inquisitors (0-0-0) using a 4-5-1 formation have defeated The Mann Clan (0-1-0) who was using a 4-3-3. The Inquisitors were underdogs before the match, as people expected The Mann Clan to come on top. Atheist Democratic Freehold, however, was able to take a win, with goals from Andos Galqe and Redando Oasmedi. The scorer for The Mann Clan was Philip Old-school. Ceja Nobek and Mary Mann also received yellow cards. This game also had unusually low shots and corners.

GAME STATS:
Atheist Democratic Freehold  2-1 The Mann Clan
Atheist Democratic Freehold Scorers: Galqe (36'), Oasmedi (67')
The Mann Clan Scorers: Old-school (45'+3)
Possession: 52-48
Shots: 6-2
Shots on Goal: 4-1
Corners: 2-0
Yellow Cards: 1-1
Red Cards: 0-0

---

Reporter A: We will now head to our next game, a game against Lo Santano. It is already clear that Lo Santano is using a 4-3-3 formation, however as usual we do not know if Atheist Democratic Freehold will be using a 4-5-1 or a 3-6-1. Atheist Democratic Freehold is once again an underdog for this game as we have to face a 4-3-3, a formation that usually plays best against us.

Predictions:
Lo Santano 2-1 Atheist Democratic Freehold

In addition, we are now betting on two potiential winners of the BoF:

Potiential Winners: Havynwilde/Muradil

[Sankt Konrad]

North Star Sports Network

Sankt Konrad 2-2 Riena

It’s a huge day for football fans across Sankt Konrad, as today the national team will play their first-ever international match. It’s also a huge day for our network, as our series ‘Best of Enemies’, taking a look at how fans of our nations’ two biggest clubs will respond to the national team, begins today as our participants Georg Heller, a Kolonial superfan, and Artor, a Nomadik superfan, join our journalist Otto to watch game 1, featuring Sankt Konrad against Riena. Let’s check in with them.

Pre-match

Otto: Alright, we’re here at my home in Wilhelmstadt getting all set for the kick-off of Sankt Konrad’s first-ever international match at the Baptism of Fire against Riena. I’ve got Georg and Artor with me - they haven’t said a word to each other besides ‘Hello.’ Gentlemen, just to get started here, predictions for the match today?

Georg: Riena look a solid team, they took a big win in their opening match. If the team selection is good for us though - and I am very interested to see what it is - I don’t see any reason why we can’t compete with them, honestly. I think that pair of Iskko and Kreuzberg in midfield is going to be very important for us, as is getting proper service up top for Lavo.

Artor: The key to this one is going to be on the wings, getting the ball over to Aksel and Elias Nilse and allowing them to use their skill and speed to get us going on attack.

Otto: Alright, so you’ve both mentioned players from your club teams. Anyone from the rival side that you think will be important today?

Georg: None of those bottlers should even be in the squad, Otto.

Artor: Not from them, but Fretterat from Divtasvuodno is an exceptional keeper and I’ll be looking out for him tonight, he should be important at the back. Especially with a weak backline in front of him.

Georg: Weak backline? Only the title-winning CB duo of Rede and Nilpa. But you keep calling it a weak backline.

Otto: Alright, alright, lads, calm down, the match hasn’t even started yet.

Team Selection

Otto: And the starting XI is out! It’s pretty much what was expected going in. Fretterat in goal, backline of Simon Husch, Rede, Nilpa and Rasmos. In the midfield it’s a trio of Bastian Kreuzberg, Gappe and Iskko, then Aksel and Elias Nilse on the wings. Lavo up top.

Georg: Poor Lavo. He’s going to have a tough time getting anything going with that on his wing, Aksel is the most overrated player in the Raidodassi, honestly. Where was he in the 6-1? Where was he for a solid month of the season last year when he just went missing?

Artor: Oh come on, not one of our players had a good day in the 6-1. I do seem to recall, however, Aksel and Elias Nilse absolutely dominating your lot twice and Aksel being Young Player of the Year.

Otto: I should note that these two are referring to some of the derby matches last season. Nomadik won twice, 4-3 and 5-3, while Kolonial also won twice, 6-1 and 6-3.

Georg: I couldn’t stop laughing after the 6-3. You thought you’d won the league going into that one, thought you were going to stop us. Poor little Nomads, it’s happened again.

Artor: We’re here to talk about the national team. My big concern with this selection, honestly, is Lavo up top. He’s only 18 years old, obviously he had a good year last year, but he could be a one-hit wonder-

Georg: You’re talking about the league Golden Boot winner, mate.

Artor: Yes, and has he ever played as the lone forward up top? Has he been proven at the international level? He’s going to have service for sure - even if you don’t like Aksel you have to admit Elias Nilse is a top, top player - but I think Lavo is the one with the most to prove here.

Otto: Let’s turn to the midfield - Kreuzberg, Gappe and Iskko. This might be a contentious subject, so any thoughts here?

Artor: I cannot stand Iskko at all. I’m sure he’ll play well, but after what he did to us-

Georg: Did to you? He had two contract offers, he chose the better team. Or is he one of your ‘traitors’ because he’s come to Kolonial and had much more success than your lot could even dream of?

Artor: He grew up a Nomadik fan. His father was in our academy. And he chooses you? If it was the other way around you’d hate him too.

Georg: Clearly he smartened up as he got older and decided to pick the winning side. It wouldn’t be the other way around because we are the winning side. Anyways, Iskko is clearly the best player in the Raidodassi, and as much as your lot hate him, he’s going to be absolutely key for this team.

Artor: I can concede that, yeah. And I must admit that a part of me is excited to see what Gappe can do alongside him.

Georg: Gappe is a joke, mate. He’s weak, the second the game gets rough he loses all that skill. You saw it a ton last year, it was incredible watching Divtasvuodno bully him out of the game every time last year. He’d better be happy though that he’s got Kreuzberg to bail him out, now there’s a great destroyer in the midfield.

Artor: Yeah, he was only the most creative player in the league last year -

Georg: Is this one of your Nomadik stats like how ‘expected goals’ say you should’ve won the league? Remind me, is there a trophy for that?

Otto: Alright guys, the match is about to start here, let’s settle in and watch the moment. We’ll keep checking in at various points throughout the match.

”Sankt Konrad have been moving the ball well here, now here’s Rasmos coming up the right side. Husch here, he gets the ball forward for Elias Nilse. The Nomadik winger picks up the pace, charging down the pitch, he cuts inside to beat Minami Kagura. Nilse getting in closer to the goal, his pass finds - LAVO! Sankt Konrad have a first-ever international goal, and it’s come off the boot of Lavo as he puts the Reindeer up 1-0!”

Georg: Get in! What a goal. And to think you were saying that Lavo was going to struggle here, he’s made history now! Can’t take that one away.

Artor: I mean, if you watch that goal back it was pretty much all Elias Nilse. All Lavo did was tap it in - but I mean, that’s what he did for your lot last season.

Georg: 24 league goals, 1 international goal. Keep calling him a tap-in merchant, though.

Otto: A historic moment for Sankt Konrad here, as Lavo gets the first-ever international goal.

”Now it’s Riena surging forward though, they’ve been in command of this game ever since Lavo’s goal. Flare Steiner has it, the ball is in for the big Rion Kanzaki. Kanzaki, the physical presence for this Riena side, she beats Nilpa - takes the shot and scores! Riena have equalized, it’s 1-1.”

Artor: Your Nilpa looked great on that one.

Georg: I’ll admit it wasn’t his best play. He wouldn’t have been in that position, though, if Gappe hadn’t given the ball away.

Artor: Mate, that was about 2 minutes before this play happened. Face it, your guy was out of position, and we’ve paid the price for it.

Otto: Minutes after scoring a historic first goal, Sankt Konrad conceded their first goal, and the score is 1-1.

”Deep into the second half now, Riena lead this one 2-1. The Reindeer need something to get themselves back. Here’s Rasmos on the right side. Rasmos uses his pace to get by Uruha, now Rasmos with the cross - oh that’s a lovely ball and Iskko is on the end of it! Iskko! 2-2! Rasmos and Iskko connect to save the day so it seems for the Reindeer!”

Georg: Rasmos is some player, you know.

Artor: He really is. Divtasvuodno were excellent last year, and if they can keep him we’ll be in trouble, I think.

Georg: They do have a good squad, that’s fair. I think we’re going to try and pick up Rasmos, though - which makes that goal great, connection between him and Iskko there. Two Kolonial players with the goals in this one! Can’t be disappointed.

Artor: I can’t lie, that’s deserved for Iskko - he’s been our best player on the day.

”And there goes the full time whistle. 90 minutes couldn’t separate Riena and Sankt Konrad, and it’s a 2-2 draw for the Reindeer on their international debut.”

Otto: So guys, first game is in the books. Any thoughts on the game?

Georg: I’m not too disappointed - I thought we played well in stretches, and it was good to see our boys get the goals. It’s on to the next one though, I might like to see Bierill come into that midfield for Gappe though, I think we need more strength in that position. Let Iskko be the focal point in the middle of the park.

Artor: I think we were a bit lucky, honestly - not playing too well especially early in that second half. They really pulled it together at the end, though, and that’s where you can build towards the next one.

Otto: Any players from the opposite side that you can compliment after that one? Fretterat and Rasmos don’t count! Georg, there were 3 Nomadik players out there for the Reindeer in that one. Who did you make out to be the best?

Georg: Well Nilse was a big part of that first goal, I must say, he had a good day on that right side. Aksel was fine, as well, but like I said, I’m not really a big Gappe fan.

Otto: And Artor, 6 Kolonial players. Who can you give credit to today?

Artor: Obviously Lavo played well, and I hate to admit it but Iskko was the best player out there for us today. I wasn’t impressed, though, by Nilpa, especially on that first goal. I might like to see Joha come in for the next game.

Otto: That next game will see the Reindeer take on Monglechabagd, who have a win and a draw in their opening 2 matches at the Baptism of Fire. We’ll be back here with Georg and Artor for full coverage of that one, so keep an eye out for North Star Sports’ coverage of the Baptism of Fire as Sankt Konrad seek a first-ever international win.

[Drunk People at the Local Tavern]

LOCAL NEWSPAPER

New Sarum, Ethane - Two months ago, a bunch of friends who reunite at the local tavern decided to attend the World Cup. They thought the best seat would be onto the field and the Drunk People at the Local tavern team was created. Drunk Peoples played their first game earlier this week and managed to win 4-3 against Great Lausitz, which isn't bad for a bunch of drunk peoples.

Drunk Peoples first goal in history happened at the 12th minute when Great Lausitz (the player, not the nation) made a cross to Valentine Z who kicks the ball and it's a goal! 1-0 Drunk Peoples. Great Lausitz (the nation, not the player) scored two unanswered goals and the score was 2-1. At the 41st minute, Xuzaqiy made a header pass to Atheist Freehold who heads the ball right into the net and the game was tied at 2-2 at the halftime.

Drunk Peoples took the lead at the 61st minute when Havyn Wilde scored on a penalty but Great Lausitz (the nation) tied the game at the 77th minute to make it at 3-3. At the 90 +2 minute, Valentine Z had the ball and she passed to Havyn Wilde who made a perfect pass to Donna Cona. She shoots and she scores! The final score is 4-3 Drunk Peoples at the local tavern!

Player of the game: Havyn Wilde (1 goal, 1 assist)

New player

A new player will be joining the team on matchday 4. He goes by the name of Tequilo and he's a goalkeeper. Jacques Royal will still be in the net for matchday 3 but Tequilo will start in net on matchday 4 and upcoming games. Tequilo is a special player and needs to drink tequila to perform better.

[Muradil]

The Sấutér-Bruĉï duo proved to be very strong, with Sấutér being a second coach inside the field, and his analysis helping neutralize many of the ideas of Bushkrub. That’s not to say the game was a stomp. Bushkrub did its part too, and many pre-planned moves didn’t even see play. They did their research too.

Despite that, at the 30 minute mark, a ball stolen by the midfielder Môrnengi was quickly launched forward, where a pass from Sấutér to Muçúa opened the score allowed the latter to open the score. They weren’t feeling the pressure. Having some of the veterans helped with that. Also helped that they were very synergic, so they played like a well-oiled machine.

Despite the goal, the match didn’t just end there. Their opponents kept trying, and after some back and forth near the penalty point, a divided ball found itself on Your Mom’s feet. He scored easily, managing to tie the match.

The score was 1-1 after the referee signaled the end of the first half.

People could see that the Muradilians were going to do everything they could to win. That’s why the first time a Bushkrub player touched the ball, Eçrüsmén tackled her as hard as he could. Just to set the tempo of the match. Nothing big happened out of it, not even a yellow card. After that, another foul happened. This time Dóca elbowed Yong-um and got himself a warning. He kept talking to the ref. so the ref. gave him a yellow. Yong-um rolled a bit on the floor, to see if he could make more out of the situation, but after seeing that the game was going on, tried to stand up. Dóca again made him eat grass again. This time, the ref didn’t see it; but he saw what Yong-Um did. He kicked Dóca while he was on the floor, earning himself a yellow card.

The game was heating up, and Muradilians thrived in chaotic games. That’s why, when the clock exactly hit the 17th minute mark, Bengôç managed to score a header, assisted by Bruĉï. They knew Bushkrub weaknesses.

After the goal, the game cooled off a bit, and when the three final whistles came, only another name was written on the yellow card: it was Gòbüen, who entered for Xädétu. To be fair to Gòbüen, it was a needed foul. He put an end to a promising play by the opposing team. He, obviously, didn’t complain.

---

“Great job, boys” shouted Jan as soon as everybody got in the locker room. His voice was barely audible above everyone else’s cheers. “Alright, calm a bit down. I wanna talk a bit before we get too wild.” His voice managed to calm everyone. “Well played guys, you did a great job out there. I want to congratulate both the scorers, of course, but also the defenders. You really managed to stop every lunge from Bushkrub. So, this is for you:” and from behind his back, he pulled out a water gun and soaked everyone in the locker room. Nobody expected him to do that, and chaos ensued.

After the impromptu party ended, they all went to the hotel to rest, deservedly so.

---

Everyone but Jan. He got together with the Farves, who accepted going to the Baptism, just so they could see more world. Their natural ability to learn languages meant that after two years living in Muradil, they had no problem communicating with anyone there.

“Great job in the field there, Jan”

“Well, it’s all thanks to you, guys”

“But I think you should make a change. This time Faxölà should start instead of Eçrüsmén. He’s been was a weak point vs. Bushkrub, and we shouldn’t be taking unnecessary risks right now. Besides, we could talk to him and give him pointers.”

“You know how reluctant he’s been to work with you…”

“Yeah, that’s why we have to talk to him.”

“Alright, but don’t scare him. He’s a good player, and I want him to be a starter when we play versus Sanctanus.”

“Yes sir.”

“Any other comments?”

“How free is the free part in the free drinks?”

“Just don’t start fires.” Jan answered. He knew how much Farves loved fires, and when they got drunk, they were worse behaving themselves. A disappointed sigh emerged from them at the same time. They wanted to have fun.

“G’night Jan.”

“Drink one for me, guys.”

[South Newlandia]

ELEPHANT VALLEY MAIL
Sports -> Soccer
South Newlandia loses game and Corban Green

South Newlandia was defeated by Tequilo 1-2, and drop to 3rd in the standings. A rather unfair game with many fouls also saw multiple players injured.

South Newlandia 1-2 Tequilo

After hardly anything had happened for about 20 minutes, action started abruptly. After a collision between Ricardo Rayner from South Newlandia and Chicchan from Tequilo, both seemed to have been badly hit, but while Rayner could play on, Chicchan had to be substituted. We wish him a quick recovery.

Only 2 minutes later, Corban Green was hit hard after a foul by Haize Apeiztegui. Green could not play on, and Robert Wolverine substituted him with Donald Lancaster. We hope for a fast recovery for him as well.

Bad news weren’t over yet, as the 26th minute saw Tequilo grabbing the lead. A nice finish by Huracan after a pass by Roxelio Toran had hopes for South Newlandia running slim. Michael Trischuk didn’t look great there either, but the goal was only instigated after a mistake by Kendell Wagner.

South Newlandia was back in the 28th minute, though. Patrick McMora managed to get the ball in after a flank by Finnley Wallis.

Tequilo had another good chance in the 33rd minute. Roxelio Toran was one on one with Mikhail Trischuk, but he managed to defend the goal successfully, getting his hand on the ball to move the shot slightly above the goal.

Both teams had scored one goal at half-time, and the South Newlandians must have felt lucky. Tequilo outclassed them on the pitch and led in most relevant statistics, so it felt lucky to not be behind after this first half. Robert Wolverine made his second substitution, replacing Kendell Wagner with Barnaby Hastings.

South Newlandias defense continued to be a mess regardless, and after 56 minutes, they were lucky that Narciso Cora only hit the post.

They were not so lucky in the 62nd minute, when Mateo Tafalla scored the second goal for Tequilo. Mikhail Trischuk stood no chance against the shot.

After that, Wolverine had to step in. He took Jack Schroeder out of the match and brought Tommy Anderson, which helped to stabilize the defense.

There was only one more great opportunity to score, and Tequilo missed it, with Huachalla failing to put the ball past Trischuk.

South Newlandia did not manage to score another goal, and only made things worse when Johan Dorsey fouled Vilca Hualla badly. Dorsey received a yellow card, and Vilca Hualla had to be transported to the hospital.

Player Rankings

Mikhail Trischuk (GK) 7
He played a solid game with many saves, but also 2 conceded goals.

Dhruv Roy (LB) 7

Jack Schroeder (LCB) 6
He didn’t seem to be focused today. A poor performance by him, and he was substituted with good reason.

Karl Meyer (RCB) 6

Kendell Wagner (RB) 4
Made a big mistake before the first goal, and hardly seemed to get anything right. He was also substituted, and also with good reason.

Johan Dorsey (DM) 5
He played poorly today, and the unnecessary foul at the end did him no favours either.

Corban Green (LM) 7
He had to be substituted early after his injury, and did not get to show his potential.

Patrick McMora (RM) 9
He was almost the only good South Newlandian today. Hardly anyone else seemed to have power today.

Finnley Wallis (OM) 7

Ricardo Rayner (ST) 5
He played poorly yet again, and got lucky to play the full time. I doubt we will see him go full time again soon.

Liam Miller (ST) 6

Donald Lancaster (CM) 7

Barnaby Hastings (RB) 6

Tommy Anderson (LCB) 8

All matches:

Baggieland 0–1 Kohnhead
Havynwilde 2–1 Twicetagria
Tequilo 2–1 South Newlandia

Current standings:

Group G                            Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Kohnhead                           2   2  0  0    4   1  +3    6
2 Tequilo                            1   1  0  0    2   1  +1    3
3 South Newlandia                    2   1  0  1    3   3   0    3
4 Havynwilde                         2   1  0  1    3   3   0    3
5 Twicetagria                        2   0  1  1    4   5  −1    1
6 Baggieland                         2   0  1  1    3   4  −1    1
7 Revatnagar                         1   0  0  1    1   3  −2    0

Schedule:
Twicetagria v. Tequilo
Kohnhead v. Havynwilde
Revatnagar v. Baggieland
South Newlandia will get to watch from afar on match-day 3, as they have their bye-day next.

[Donnacona]

Here is our lineup for the match with Lake Esper:



Vidos Juric will get his first ever start for Les Bernaches, as Lake Esper is a chipper, more physically imposing team than Donnacona has played thusfar. Loukas Gratton will also get the start in net, in an effort to give him some action and to create an asymmetry in the graphic, a nice reminder that life, football and art are messy.

[Lake Esper]

A Fish out of Water
Chapter 3 — Part 1

Kieran and Oscar arrived in New Sarum several hours later, exhausted after their red-eye. But at last they had made it to Ethane, an indelible experience for both men: Oscar could not wait to witness Lake Esper’s first outing on the international sporting stage; Kieran could not wait to witness his first football match of any kind.

Oscar had been talking up the experience. It was the man’s job, after all: He apparently liked it enough, or else he would have gotten bored at every game he went to after a while. “It’s the thrill of the goal,” said Oscar. “If Lake Esper football players liked to park the bus, well, I wouldn’t be in this profession.”

“Park the bus?” asked Kieran quizzically, furrowing his eyebrows.

“When a team passes among itself in its half of the pitch so that the opposing team can’t score a goal,” Oscar said. “The goal of the game is to score goals, not to fight things out to a nil-nil draw.”

Kieran agreed with that assessment. In the rough-and-tumble world of international politics, the rule was nothing ventured, nothing gained, or at least as he had been taught. Lake Esper was relatively internationalist; it never had thought of itself as an autarky, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had always believed that the nation needed to get itself out to the world. Pretending to be a tortoise in its shell didn’t gain anything. Apparently, the people over at MINSAC believed in that assessment too.

Immigration was quick. The officer smiled when the two journalists told her they would report on the Baptism of Fire held in the country. “Quite a few people coming through this week have said that,” she said. “Welcome to the country, and enjoy your stay!”

The two reporters made their way to the central train station in New Sarum to catch their train to Letson. Both had changed, and Kieran looked down at Oscar’s shoes for perhaps the first time all trip. New Balance: Casual, yet classy. Kieran approved.

As the train clacked its way towards Letson, Kieran stared outside the window to watch the scenery. Ethane was a beautiful country, and in fact the countryside reminded him somewhat of the countryside in Lake Esper. He jotted down a few notes as to his reporting angle for the trip: He intended to submit a personal reflection on watching a football game and a man on the ground piece about the country and its perceptions of Lake Esper, at least. Perhaps he would write something about his perceptions about the country at large. But the only WiFi he had had a chance to connect to was back at the airport in New Sarum, and he hadn’t yet received any instructions from Olivia about the trip. Maybe it was the time difference.

The train arrived in Letson, and Kieran almost collapsed on the station. When he got to the hotel room, he passed out within minutes. It would be a long day the next day, and he needed all the sleep he could get.

[Bushkrub]

After their victory in their debut game, the team's morale and the population at home's excitement couldn't be higher. They went into the game expecting another easy win just like last time.
After the referee blew his whistle to star the match the team's overconfidence overpowered any talent or hard work they had put in. Allowing two humiliating goals, the coach was furious in the locker room flowing the match.
After the team returned to their hotel, everyone was disappointed. Nobody was more sad than goalkeeper John Johnson however. His poor performance in the previous two matches combined with his recent separation with his now ex-wife pushed him into a spiral of depression and alcohol addiction.
On the other hand, You Mom was receiving many sponsorship offers from several sportswear companies, as well as the possibility of becoming a professional team manager after retirement. As his success kept increasing, he remained very optimistic about his and the team's future.
The coach realized that the team's defense was very lacking, especially their headers. Until the next match, all they would do would be defensive exercises. After being bored of only doing the same thing over and over again in practice, Lion Messy decided to skip training, and the coach would have to remove him from the starting eleven as punishment.

Starting Lineup for Next Match
Goalkeeper Johan Johnson
Left Back Gofa Kurseff
Center Back Panchelli Chorelli
Right Back Tracy Vegan
Left Midfield Humon Godick
Center Midfield Edwin Footburger
Center Midfield Pan Troglodytes
Right Midfield Horseman Fricker
Left Wing Joe Birdkiller
Striker Your Mom
Right Wing Penelope Poopy

[Maccian]

Maccian and Valentine Z Share 1-1 Draw Thanks To Kiyllē Wondergoal

Maccian and Valentine Z drew 1-1 in a fairly uneventful match. Amiensha Kiyllē's absolute belter of a shot rescued Maccian from the jaws of defeat.

Valentine Z seemed to toy around with Maccian as Zeta Reka did in the last match in the first half. However, with the revitalisation of the midfield, Maccian was able to create some good chances, such as Luftboltzen's freekick which curled just beyond the top corner.

Oddly enough, there were no fouls or yellow cards given out, and the tempo of the game felt quite sluggish at times. Valentine Z would be the ones to break the deadlock in the 76th minute, with Gwen Alisson getting the goal. A cross by her teammate Augustine Imparato bypassed all of Maccian's defenders before winding up in front of her, needing only a tap-in.

However, Maccian was not discouraged at being 1-0 down. Luftboltzen tackled Marcus Ying and simply zoomed away from the opposing team. Kiyllē was wide open outside the box. Luftboltzen passed it to Kiyllē, who took one touch and fired the ball into the top left corner, beating the 'keeper near post. That would be pretty much the last attack of the game as it seemed both teams were content with sharing the points.

It is likely that ahead of the match against Sabalonia, Kidomasdipuetz Anjill will completely change the team to rotate the squad and give everyone some playing time. Sabalonia currently sits bottom of the group after a thrilling 4-3 loss to South Charlia.

[Appalachian Nation]

Cutoff for Day 3 of the Baptism of Fire #72 - Music - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zIK1Vn6Va3w

Group A
Sylestone 4–3 Southern Esportiva Union - The Charlie Dome - Charleston
Jamestownnnn 2–2 Floyssau - Randall Cobb Stadium - Lexington
Res Publica Nova 0–1 Pangurastan - Coastal Waters Stadium - Erie

Group A                     Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Sylestone                     3   2  1  0    7   4  +3    7
2 Adyatin                       2   2  0  0    2   0  +2    6
3 Jamestownnnn                  3   1  2  0    5   4  +1    5
4 Pangurastan                   3   1  1  1    3   3   0    4
5 Res Publica Nova              2   0  1  1    0   1  −1    1
6 Floyssau                      3   0  1  2    3   6  −3    1
7 Southern Esportiva Union      2   0  0  2    3   5  −2    0

Group B
EGM 2–2 Muradil - AFK Outdoors - Fuller Family Stadium - Blacksburg
Sanctanus 1–0 Balaslandia - Ohio Valley State Fairgrounds - Louisville
Porticalia 0–1 Khazajamal - Bank of Carolina Stadium - Charlotte

Group B                     Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 EGM                           3   2  1  0    6   4  +2    7
2 Khazajamal                    3   2  0  1    7   6  +1    6
3 Sanctanus                     3   2  0  1    9   8  +1    6
4 Muradil                       2   1  1  0    4   3  +1    4
5 Bushkrub                      2   1  0  1    3   2  +1    3
6 Porticalia                    2   0  0  2    4   6  −2    0
7 Balaslandia                   3   0  0  3    0   4  −4    0

Group C
Maccian 1–1 Sabalonia - Knox Global Stadium - Knoxville
Daskel 1–1 Valentine Z - KiHi Stadium - Greenville
Kuriko 0–1 Zeta Reka and Hugeltadom - Bland Foods Stadium - Pittsburgh

Group C                     Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Zeta Reka and Hugeltadom      3   2  1  0    2   0  +2    7
2 Valentine Z                   3   1  2  0    5   4  +1    5
3 South Charlia                 2   1  0  1    6   6   0    3
4 Daskel                        3   0  3  0    3   3   0    3
5 Maccian                       3   0  2  1    2   3  −1    2
6 Sabalonia                     2   0  1  1    4   5  −1    1
7 Kuriko                        2   0  1  1    2   3  −1    1

[Ethane]

It's a beautifully sunny day. The beaches are full. National parks are full of adventurers seeking an experience in nature. And the Baptism of Fire is raging on, with competition between teams beginning to heat up. Don't forget that after tonight's matches there is a one day break in the schedule. Maybe now is the time to get out and enjoy some of the experiences Ethane has to offer.

Cutoff for MD2, Groups D-F

Group D
Lo Santano 1–1 Atheist Democratic Freehold
Great Lausitz 2–3 Xuzaqiy
Drunk People at the Local Tavern 3–0 Necosia

Group D                                      Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Xuzaqiy                                      3   2  1  0    7   4  +3    7
2 Drunk People at the Local Tavern             2   2  0  0    7   3  +4    6
3 Atheist Democratic Freehold                  2   1  1  0    3   2  +1    4
4 Great Lausitz                                3   1  0  2    6   7  −1    3
5 Lo Santano                                   3   0  2  1    3   5  −2    2
6 The Mann Clan                                2   0  1  1    2   3  −1    1
7 Necosia                                      3   0  1  2    1   5  −4    1

Group E
Shokpos 2–5 Villablanca
Donnacona 1–1 Lake Esper
When U Die 0–1 The Appraisal To The Allmighty MR TAYTO

Group E                                      Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Donnacona                                    3   1  2  0    5   4  +1    5
2 Lake Esper                                   3   1  2  0    9   5  +4    5
3 The Appraisal To The Allmighty MR TAYTO      3   1  2  0    2   1  +1    5
4 Villablanca                                  2   1  1  0    6   3  +3    4
5 Mavinet                                      2   0  2  0    4   4   0    2
6 Shokpos                                      3   0  1  2    3  10  −7    1
7 When U Die                                   2   0  0  2    2   4  −2    0

Group F
Monglechabagd 1–4 Sankt Konrad
Soracana Islands 2–2 Simpralia
Jerauuk 0–1 Caelapes

Group F                                      Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Caelapes                                     3   2  0  1    5   4  +1    6
2 Sankt Konrad                                 2   1  1  0    6   3  +3    4
3 Riena                                        2   1  1  0    5   2  +3    4
4 Soracana Islands                             3   1  1  1    6   5  +1    4
5 Monglechabagd                                3   1  1  1    4   6  −2    4
6 Simpralia                                    3   0  2  1    3   6  −3    2
7 Jerauuk                                      2   0  0  2    0   3  −3    0

[The Grearish Union]

Lt. Col. Adams: The Pursuit of the Past

EP 2: A Dead Valley
Where have all the flowers gone?

The 15th Highlanders had already lost one of their soldiers, and that too, in the most mysterious of manners. Not that the way in which he was killed was unknown to the battalion, yet, the enemy was beyond sight. "You can't shoot what you can't see, sir! We're sitting ducks here." You would say Private Homer had a point, weighing heavily on your share of common sense. Nevertheless, the battalion marched on, with alert levels raised to high, and a sense of fear that translated into pronounced thuds in their hearts. This army didn't see a lot of international conflict, and the inexperience showed.

LtCol Adams looked out towards the valleys that sprawled across the foot of Eagle Hill. Lush green grasslands were spread widely, with horses that were like dots running about the meadows unhindered by humans. It was a reminder as to how beautiful Mother Nature can be, only if we let her be. “Somehow,” he said to himself, “we’re different from others who don’t give two hoots about the environment!” That’s a rather Grearish thing to say, you’d tell yourself. One couldn’t really disagree.

The hilly path became tougher by the minute as the Plibury Sappers were asked to clear space out and lead from the front, as they got shovels out and dug away to provide some sort of a channel for the troops to walk. “This is what we joined for, innit? After learning engineering for all these years!” These comments were common occurrences if you’d walk past a group of Sappers from the Corps of Engineers. They were right as well, you’d argue. The normal engineer would only come to the Armed Forces for a sense of adventure, which would definitely not include clearing out a muddy pathway on an obscure hill on the edge of the nation, in soggy weather and no proper aim. Yes, morale was lowering.

Just before the path turned to the other side of the hill while hugging on to the hill like it was an infant clinging on to the mother, LtCol Adams asked his troops to stop and rest. It was probably time they ate. The last square meal was back at the barracks, some hundred kilometres away, and they have been marching on a day since. “Where do we get food, sir?” A rather concerned Maj Heffnick asked. There was no way a field kitchen could be set up, even though they had the necessary stuff along with them.
“Well, I guess we’ll just have to improvise, then.”
“But how, we-“
“I know the proper kitchen set up isn’t possible, just ask them to grab their MREs.”
“But we have limited supply!”

“Correct me if I’m wrong, but that rather suspiciously sounded like you were showing disregard to the orders of your senior officer.” A long, hard stare followed, until the Major apologised, kicked up a salute and left. “We might just be playing the biggest gamble of our lives”, Adams said to himself thereafter, while he flicked open a fresh hard pack of cigarettes, “and to make it worse, it had to rain.”

Food wasn’t something that was quite in their luck, the troops had to tell themselves. Cover was important. The sappers had seen cave structures on the other end of the hill, which could be perfect for setting up a basic stove and could be the only cover that the battalion could get. They didn’t have a choice. It was a rather mad dash for ones with food rations to keep it out of getting wet, for the dried meats wouldn’t do too well when they were un-dried, isn’t it?

They turned the bend as quick as they could and into the mighty cave. One would marvel at the sheer magnitude of the formation, but now wasn’t the time. The battalion chefs already had a stove going, and the men were already lining up, trying to find places in the soggy mess where the ceiling wouldn’t drip water into their canteens full of warmed up beans and fried eggs. It seemed heavenly at that point, and no wonder why.

As they started enjoying a rather rustic meal in a makeshift cover, Pvt Jennings had struck a conversation with Emma Hoover, Private First Class.
“Is promotion that difficult, though?”
“I wouldn’t say so, really. You just have to be diligent, like they say, you know?”
“I guess so! The diligent Miss Hoover!”
The duo cracked up in a moment of laughter in the damp situation, but was only cut short when Hoover said she felt something move in the darker edges of the cave.
“I’ll be right back!”
“Emma, don’t go alone?”
She was already gone by the time Jennings was able to gulp down her mouthful and could say the aforementioned. Yet, a highly reverberating voice surely did come back from the depths of the cave, saying, “I’ll be right back!”

That was reassuring enough for the young Pvt, who proceeded to submit her canteen to the kitchen personnel and moved to one of the areas with a fire. Warmth was something she definitely took for granted.

Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Adams looked out over the valley on the new side of the hill they were on. The meadow wasn’t as green, no horses, and there seemed to be a… house? Abandoned, though. Definitely. You could see its broken insides, with no sign of life. There were vases, peculiarly put on the outside, but his binoculars revealed no flowers.

But someone must have been here, no matter how long ago.

[Delaclava]

After a scheduling snafu, all fourteen teams in the Delaclav groups head to the overseas provinces of Verceola, Firinsymnia, and Senzymnia. The three stadiums will each host one game per group per day for the next two matchdays. It's an accidental blessing - fans from other groups will converge on these islands, and have the chance to enjoy the culture and the football together. The residents are excited - there have never been so many tourists on the land at once, and they're thrilled to welcome you for this visit. The footballers will really enjoy the variety, the change in cuisine, the sights in the sounds. Yet they must stay focused. It's the middle of the group stage - the time is now to establish your status in the competition.

Matchday 3 cutoff!

Group G
Twicetagria 5–6 Tequilo
Kohnhead 2–1 Havynwilde
Revatnagar 2–2 Baggieland

Group G                            Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Kohnhead                           3   3  0  0    6   2  +4    9
2 Tequilo                            2   2  0  0    8   6  +2    6
3 South Newlandia                    2   1  0  1    3   3   0    3
4 Havynwilde                         3   1  0  2    4   5  −1    3
5 Baggieland                         3   0  2  1    5   6  −1    2
6 Twicetagria                        3   0  1  2    9  11  −2    1
7 Revatnagar                         2   0  1  1    3   5  −2    1

Group H
Audiasania 1–3 The Grearish Union
Alba and Cymru 2–2 Ottoman Syldavia
Qvardax 0–1 Independent Athletes from Quebec

Group H                            Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Alba and Cymru                     3   2  1  0    8   5  +3    7
2 The Grearish Union                 2   2  0  0    6   2  +4    6
3 Audiasania                         3   1  1  1    2   3  −1    4
4 The Veiled Islands                 2   1  0  1    5   4  +1    3
5 Independent Athletes from Quebec   3   1  0  2    3   5  −2    3
6 Ottoman Syldavia                   3   0  2  1    3   6  −3    2
7 Qvardax                            2   0  0  2    1   3  −2    0

[Kohnhead]

Kohnhead gets Another Win

In their third match Kohnhead who had been top of the Group G table faced off against Havynwilde. Havynwilde also known as the Northerners were coming off of a 2-1 win versus rival Twicetegaria, and sat in fourth place of the table at three points. The stakes were high in this match as Kohnhead could extend their lead while Havynwilde could tie Kohnhead in points with a win. For the second game in a row it was the defense that allowed Kohnhead to win, although they did play a little worse than last match against Baggieland. Particularly the improved play of Dylan Vargas and to some extent Claire Corton has been the game changer for the defense and of course Newcastle dominating in goal.

The biggest thing for Havynwilde so far has been their big three triangle up top with Gavin Cook, Leon Davis, and Ashton Houston. In their last game the hero had been Leon Davis who had gotten himself a brace and allowed them to beat Twicetegaria. The big question was would the three be able to mesh with each other and work off of the other's strengths and make up for weaknesses. Ashton Houston and Leon Davis in particular were used to be the top striker domestically so the transition was difficult. Kohnhead's defense was really able to neutralize their triangle as all four backs had very good games for Kohnhead.

The game started out pretty eventful with both sides getting early chances. In the 5th a brilliant pass from Laker to Richman set up a good attack with Richman putting a ball into the box. It was headed away by the Havynwilde captain Zenon-Gerol Kal but bounced out to Ida Cogginter. She dribbled up and had a long range shot that Joel Nolans was barely able to get to. The ensuing corner was cleared away by Kal. Gotta put that into the back of the net next time. The biggest early chance for the opposition was a Leon Davis run where he just sped past Prius-Leonard got into open space, sent a ball to Houston who was wide open but she completely skied the shot during a one on one with the keeper. That missed chance would prove to be vital in Kohnhead's win.

Erin Maltos who had an awful game against Baggieland by her standards had started off this game much the same and Kohnheadian fans were starting to wonder if something was wrong with her. She erased those wonders with a beautiful goal off of a volley in the 27th minute. Radison had gone up and he received the ball near the far corner where he put a cross into the box for Maltos. It was a bit too far for a header so she hit a one-touch volley which went into the upper corner for a goal.

Havynwilde would get a chance at equalizing the match shortly before halftime as Houston would have a shot deflected by Corton out of bounds which led to a corner for them. The ball was whipped into the box and who else but their captain Zenon-Gerol Kal would head it past Newcastle tying the score at 1. Heading into halftime with the teams locked at 1 it looked like the game could go to either side. Coach Kohnhead was making sure his players knew that consistency was key, and they needed to just keep working. Harry Richman reportedly told the coach that because the day after would be an off day for all sides he was ready to play a full 90 minutes. He would prove crucial to the victory later on.

The second half was less about attacking and more about keeping possession for as long as possible as both sides would control the ball for minutes on end passing it between the defenders, and sometimes the mids. The one notable chance came for Kohnhead but Maltos couldn't get a brace as she shot from long range and it would go just over the bar. Kohnhead knew that they were fine with draw as they would still be top of the table, and one point isn't bad. The referee flashing a three signifying three minutes of extra time.

The clock hit 92:45, Kohnhead started one final attack. Rallyton had the ball at midfield, and she passed it out to Cogginter on the side. She looked and passed it back to Rallyton who swung it over to Laker on the other sideline. He sent a ball down the line to Reichman who looked at the clock and knew he had to go for the goal. He mad a move to the center and started to turn upfield as he was taken out by Rosario Courtwood. The ref signified that it would be a free kick but that the action was not egregious enough for a card. This was in the waning seconds of the match.

Rallyton is the best person from that range in terms of free kicks so he took it. He ran up to the ball and he sent a beauty over the wall which curved away from the keeper and into the back of the net. Kohnhead wins 2-1. The announcers on Kohnhead Sports Performing Network (KSPN) went crazy. Here is their commentary. "Rallyton, this will surely be the end of the game. Kohnhead needs a hero, he runs up, and delivers a strike. It goes into the net for a GOALLLLLLLLLLLL! In walk off fashion, Linus Rallyton what a shot, that will do it the whistle blows Kohnhead have won their third game, I don't believe this."

With the win Kohnhead stays top of the table with only one team anywhere close and that's Tequilo with 6 points. Now Tequilo have only played in two games so they have a game at hand. Kohnhead will play them in their next match, in what will surely be a good one folks, and I cannot wait.

Player Ratings:
1. Erin Maltos 9.7/10
2. Linus Rallyton 9.1/10
3. Harry Richman 8.7/10
4. Jackson Newcastle 8.1/10
5. Nicholas Radison 8.0/10
6. Charles Laker 7.7/10
7. Dylan Vargas 7.6/10
8. Claire Corton 7.2/10
9. Ida Cogginter 6.8/10
10. Caroline Prius-Leonard 6.5/10 (Subbed off)
11. Aaron Korkson 6.2/10
12. Callie Porsha 5.9/10 (Subbed on)

Reminder there will be no game tomorrow as it is a rest day for all teams, and good luck to Kohnhead against Tequilo in what will surely be an important match. I'm Lillian Barter for KNN.

[Zeta Reka and Hugeltaldom]

Zeta Reka & Hügeltaldom Federativna Republika Zeta Reka i Hügeltaldom
Baptism of Fire 72 Recap Match Three Recap and Stats

---

The Rekans did hold a commanding control of possession, mostly in the center third with some pushing into Kuriko territory, the central triangle of Dorboslawić, Rybki and Dix passed with 88% accuracy. While these numbers were good the Rekan's did not score as many goals as the "goals expected" stat predicted. Two close range shots from Bogdan Rawić were saved thanks to excellent opposition goalkeeping. Other longer range attacks ended up being wildly off target or shot from too far deep. The sole scoring play of the match was when five men attacked a corner from Jad. Janko Yakowić, a club level partner of Jad's, scored his first international goal off with a header that blew away the left back's balance. Janko along with Wladmir Bogdanić were sent off to freshen the final line of defense. The cautious plan worked. The final whistle blew, and Zeta Reka became group leaders.


With the baptism taking a break, and then the nation of Zeta Reka being drawn a bye, there will be a break in the news given out from the Rekan camp. For now, the Baptism of Fire 72 Recap would like to highlight the national team at large and look at how it's performing, who is pulling their weight most, and how it all compares to the nation's efforts in the 26th Campionato Esportiva.

With two goals scored and none given awya. Zeta Reka's three matches have been the most quiet of any team. The only team with similar table info is Adyatin, who have only played twice. Zeta Reka quietly sit at seven points, the second highest across the entire tournament. Twenty Two teams including Zeta Reka are undefeated and the Rekans are still scheduled to pay against one unbeaten nation, Valentine Z. The Southern Esportivan Union, who smashed Zeta Reka 3-0 in the final sixteen of the Campionato Esportiva are sitting on zero points after two loses. It's a pity as many commentators in Zeta Reka were hoping for a rematch. The broadcasters for the event even made special graphics, and those may have to be scrapped.

Why is Zeta Reka where it is among it's peers? Opposition teams have had possession less than forty five percent of the time. The average before the tournament was lower, despite Zeta Reka strategizing on ball possession. In prior matches under temporary head coach Janko Perlog, the defense gave up territory more willingly. Under Coach Dusan the team have been more likely to press in the opponent's third. Pressing harder has allowed the ball to be regained before too long. Players key to pressing are the wing players and midfielders like Želmir Kolarowić and David Dix. The team's core has also had more time to work out any rough patches in passing that dogged the team in prior matches. Despite some pressing the team still plays in a low or mid block in most circumstances. Backs like the Yakowić twins and Bartolomej Wladmirowić have contributed solidly. Defensive midfielders have been given license to roam when no one is marked. The fluidity has been more good than bad, but has lead to scary situations. Set pieces have contributed to a few of Zeta Reka's chances, but despite a lot of talk only one has lead to a goal.

Against other football newborns, the Rekan team has performed differently than against regional rivals. An increase in shots on goal from six to ten and also in shots from sixteen to seventeen shows the team is more aggressive. Aggression has lead to twice the number of offsides after three games, and more fouls. Despite accusations of rough housing, the total number of yellow cards has gone down. Despite the aggression, the club failed to score on one occasion in this tournament, and that has drug down total in the most important areas. With or without an extra goal, this is the second time Zeta Reka has pulled into an early lead. Management is excited for the knockout rounds, but is taking the tournament one match at a time.

---

Kuriko 0–1 Zeta Reka and Hugeltadom
GK: Bosko Noak: v46
LB: Janko Yakowić: 66', v73
CB: Stanko Yakowić
CB: Wladmir Bogdanić: v78
RB: Imilo Dakić: 27'
LW: Albertow Nowak
RW: Jad
DM: Mullow Dorboslawić
CM: Rybki (c)
CM: David Dix
ST: Bogdan Rawić
Subs
GK: Zlatko Wukowić: ^46
LB: Wladmir Zuzkoff: ^73
CB: Bartolomej Wladmirowić: ^78

---

Rank: 1st (^1)
Goals: 1 (2 total)
Posession: 58% (55.6% avg.)
Shots: 6 (17 total)
On Goal: 3 (10 total)
Saves: 4 (15 total)
Fouls: 13 (41 total)
Corners: 6 (14 total)
Offsides: 2 (4 total)
Yellow Cards: 1 (4 total)
Red Cards: 0 (0 total)

[Maccian]

---

Maccian 1-1 Sabalonia: Knockout in Knoxville

by Micheal Goated

After yet another draw, albeit one packed full of drama and controversy, Maccian supporters are relatively anxious sitting 5th in the group and 1 point away from getting into the 4th spot which guarantees a Round of 32. Pablo Eduardo "Chick Magnet" (that's a swanky name, ain't it?) and Angelina Aurellix bagged the goals but there was some serious, serious, serious action going on which was worthy of a soap opera.

Let's start with the team sheet. Below you will find the team that matched up against Sabalonia:

This was simply a squad rotation to keep players fresh. There's nothing wrong with that, so you can't really fault the manager. Miraculously, everyone on the pitch today seemed somewhat competent, which is a welcome change from the absolute shit show which was the first game the poor performance against Zeta Reka.

5'
Sabalonia got the first chance to go one up, with Stzasner messing up a clearance which gifted the ball to Jose Esposito. With no other defenders in the immediate vicinity, he then dribbled to the very edge of the 18-yard box. Esposito then attempted to drill the ball into the bottom left corner, hoping to catch Yimello off-guard in the near post. However, Rodrup Yimello made an excellent save, forcing a corner kick for Sabalonia.

6'

Jose Espositio proceeded to take the corner and launched the ball into the box. A muscular 6'5" Viktor Krum dwarfed every player on the Maccian team and seemingly went unmarked. He lept off the ground and headed it into the top right corner. The Sabalonian players celebrated with their captain before the linesman called for an offside. Joy turned to anger very quickly as they swarmed the referee in protest.

16'

So far, Maccian hadn't even had a shot yet. Mikkleargen Jamressl received the ball from Liga Koiu and went on a powerful run, seeming unstoppable. Around 35 yards away from the goal, Moussa Shamballa clattered into the youngster in a mistimed tackle. Amazingly, he was only given a yellow card for this dangerous tackle, even though it could have certainly warranted a straight red.

17'

Liga Koiu took the free-kick from 35 yards out and lobbed into the box, finding Angelina Aurellix. She took one touch to control the ball and then fired it almost straight at Vyacheslav Zhukov, who caught the shot dead in its tracks in his bear-like palms.

31'

Both teams just passed the ball around, with most attacks being foiled by the opposing team's defence. Mikkleargen Jamressl tackled Victor Zelensky and went on another run, perhaps hoping to draw another foul or create a dangerous chance. Moussa Shamballa had to be cautious as another foul would result in him being sent off, but this time he timed the tackle correctly and stole the ball from Jamressl. Now on the counter-attack, Shamballa passed the ball to Jose Esposito as evaded Swisse Kadune's tackle. With blistering pace, Esposito drifted along the wing where he whipped the ball into the path of Pablo Eduardo, who smashed the ball home to make it 1-0 to Sabalonia.

39'

Now looking dangerous, Sabalonia were looking to double their lead. Viktor Krum received the ball from Paul Anderson and decided to have a crack at the goal from outside the box. The ball was sent to the stands as Krum seemed disappointed.

44'

Just before half-time, George Malay slide tackled Eztelle Zeyla in the box. Controversially, the referee decided that it was instead a free-kick. All the Maccian players swarmed the referee, in the same manner the Sabalonians did earlier on, with them trying to break it up. Liga Koiu stepped up to take the free-kick. She skyed the ball over the goal due to her losing balance and immediately curling up in a ball, seemingly in pain. Medical staff at hand decided that it would be best for her to be taken out of the match. Missi Sorrentingerclausen was sent on for the injured player.

Halftime

Maccian just couldn't seem to catch a break, with being 1-0 down, the loss of Légionne Roi in the first game against Zeta Reka, and the potential loss of Liga Koiu as well. Maccians in the Knox Global Stadium were anticipating a heavy loss.

70'

The Sabalonians parked the bus and were unrelenting with their no-nonsense approach to defence. The creativity in the midfield was stifled and the front three were having a tough time dealing with the physicality of soldiers, airmen and sailors. Espede Luftboltzen came on for Vilann Librastearpen, who was clearly fatigued.

75'

With just 15 minutes left of the match, the Maccian players desperately searched for a way to equalise and naturally, this would create some frustration. However, some of this frustration is just poor sportsmanship.

76'

The Sabalonians lurked in the Maccian box, hoping to further their lead to finish off the match. Viktor Krum emerged in the box and powerfully headed the ball onto the crossbar, with the shot being deflected by Eries Kizerain. Krum pushed Kizerain and accused him of handball and being dishonest. The pair had to be separated and the referee gave them both stern warnings if they continued these actions.

83'

With just 7 more minutes to go until stoppage time, Maccian decided it would play all-out offence and possibly get a goal or lose. Iso Kutatzi launched the ball into the box where all but three players were. Eries Kizerain got on the end of the ball and tried to manoeuvre his way around Krum before the defender clumsily brought him down in the box. The referee pointed to the spot for a penalty, with all of the Sabalonian players protesting yet again.

84'

A massive argument between Sabalonian and Maccian players ensued. Eries Kizerain was absolutely livid at Viktor Krum for his earlier antics and surprisingly, pushed him to the floor. Viktor Krum got up and started to violently push Kizerain. Then, the craziest and most unthinkable incident occurred. Eries Kizerain took a step back and swung at full force at Viktor Krum, rendering him unconscious. Missi Sorrentingerclausen of all people rushed to Kizerain and pulled him away from the hectic situation. The referee showed Kizerain a straight red and then called a stretcher for Viktor Krum. The referee then proceeded to book 7 players from both teams for their roles in this event.

85'

After everyone had cooled down, Missi Sorrentingerclausen stepped up to the penalty spot. The referee blew his whistle. Sorrentingerclausen shot the penalty into the bottom left corner, suspecting that the shot was so precise that the goalkeeper wouldn't be able to get to it. Zhukov showed why he was called "The Great Wall" by Sabalonia, as he made a remarkable saved and pushed the ball away before Mikael Duma cleared the ball away. Now, it looked certain that Maccian was going to lose.

89'

A noticeable quietness by the Maccian fans emphasised the grim mood they were in, two losses and a draw could mean elimination for Maccian if they gave one more poor result. Down to 10 players thanks to Kizerain's appalling actions, Maccian was inspired to equalise out of nowhere. Sabalonia were passing the ball about and just wasting time until they heard the final whistle. A misplaced pass by Stefan Gunderson gifted the ball to newcomer Angelina AurellIx, who went on a stunning run through the Sabalonia defence until she found herself one-on-one with Vyacheslav Zhukov. All barriers are broken down eventually, with "The Great Wall" being chipped by Aurellix. Maccian supporters went absolutely mental, screaming as if they'd won the World Cup itself! All the players huddled around Aurellix and congratulated her.

92'

With the score now tied at 1-1, Maccian was not taking any chances and hoarded the ball in a corner until the referee blew for full time. Maccian managed to have Angelina Aurellix bail them out of the jaws of defeat.

Maccian are yet to win a game, but the next match against South Charlua is truly Maccian's make or break game. We managed to get a statement out of the girl who bagged Maccian the draw in the last moments of the game with an amazing goal, Angelina Aurellix

"So, coming into your debut, you intercepted a poor pass and decided to just run with it. What made you decide that was the best option?"

"Erm, I don't know what to even say. I just feel over the moon that the team managed to salvage what was a bad situation for most of the game into one moment where I ended up scoring a goal to equalise and earn a point for Maccian. I like to think that anybody would do what I did in the situation so I'm trying to not get so arrogant about it. Just a lil' pat on the back and focus on the next game. Obviously tomorrow's a rest day and I can guarantee that we're gonna come back better and stronger as a team.

"Right, so regarding the incident which happened around the 84th minute where Kizerain had, shall we say, a major altercation with Viktor Krum. Do you have any comments about that?

"I think it was just a big misunderstanding. It was quite unexpected for Kizerain to react the way he did but you can't change the past, so all we can do as a team is move forward from this game and focusing on the next one."

"Alright, thank you for your time, Angelina!

"Thank you, ma'am."

[Baggieland]

The Daily Boing

Revatnagar 2 – 2 Baggieland FT (1 – 1 HT)

Amphitreatrum Virtutis, Portarubea, Delaclava.

Baggieland stretched their winless run to three games as a late Jonas McAuley goal salvaged a point against Revatnagar. Two goals by Revatnagar had cancelled out Jeff Richardson's 16th minute strike, but Baggieland fought back in dramatic style.

In difficult conditions, it was Baggieland who looked more controlled in possession early on and they worked the first opening of the afternoon with five minutes played. Derek Pennington and Ray Brunt combined down the left to allow the latter to send in a cross, but Ronnie Regis could only head over from 12 yards. Baggieland did take the lead on 16 minutes, and it came in fantastic style following a swift attacking move. Bomber brought down a long ball to find Regis on the edge of the area. He then played a pass into the path of Bassett who picked out Richardson, and the deadly striker made no mistakes with the finish. Baggieland then went close again on 20 minutes, but Bassett was denied by the Revatnagar keeper. However, that didn’t stop Revatnagar equalising midway through the first-half. A quiet period in the game then followed that goal, Baggieland went close to regaining the lead after 38 minutes, but Dawson was unable to steer his header on target. Richardson then tried his luck from 25 yards just seconds later, but his effort skidded just wide of the far post.

Following the restart, it was Revatnagar who had the best of the opening exchanges as they created a couple of decent chances, that ultimately came to nothing. Baggieland then probed forward themselves as Bassett got the better of his marker in a wide position. He managed to conjure up a cross, but Richardson could only divert the ball just off target after adjusting well to make contact. Jake Cantello, who had just been introduced, then had a shot almost immediately afterwards, but it wasn’t troubling Revatnagar. Both teams looked for a winner in the latter stages, and Revatnagar thought they had found it four minutes from time, as they found the net in the dying stages of the game. However, McAuley secured a point for Baggieland with a header deep into stoppage time.

Fred Buckingham will be pleased that Baggieland managed to avoid defeat in this game, but as they lay in 5th place with just two points from three games, that first win is needed more than ever right now.

Baggieland stats:

Scorers:
Jeff Richardson (16’).
Jonas McAuley (90’).

Possession: 58%.
Corners: 6.

Tournament Scorers:
Jonas McAuley: 1.
Ronnie Regis: 1.
Ray Brunt: 1.
Jeff Richardson: 2.

[The Veiled Islands]

The economy of the Veiled Islands is very informal. There is no such thing as price tags on the islands, barter is common, and people frequently use pearls, gem stones, and raw gold leaves to facilitate trade rather than relying on an official currency. Most people don't bother to weigh gems before accepting them as payment, unless the stone is exceptionally large or small.

The official currency of the islands, the zangdua, is a gold bar worth approximately $10,000 NSD, and it is primarily used to pay for shipments of iron and medical supplies from the mainland. The mint also produces gold coins called doiu, which have about the same amount of gold as a medium sized leaf from one of Cimuin's gold trees, but without the annoying spiky edges or any danger of crumpling.

When the Veiled Islands decided to send a team to the Baptism of Fire, it meant they had to figure out how they were going to pay their way in countries with more formal economies. It also meant they had to create the first Uinzaii passports ever printed in the islands' history. The passports were printed by hand by an engraver in Cimuineida, and the brown and gold covers were made of genuine leather and gold.

Most currency exchanges did not have an established exchange rate for zangduaza because they had never seen a zangdua and it was rare to handle such large transactions. And so, when the national football team first arrived on the mainland, their translator and travel guide Tramver Forsetshisha had to go trekking around to find a pawn shop or a jeweler where she could sell a couple of zangduaza for their gold content. Even after Tramver had a supply of local currency to cover the team's day to day expenses, sometimes the players would still try to pay for things with gems or gold leaves or doiuza. Sometimes the locals in Delaclava insisted on payment in Karsikas. Sometimes they got angry because they thought the gems must be fakes and the Uinzaii men must be trying to rip them off. But every so often, when one of the locals knew enough about gems to recognize their authenticity, they made someone's day. In Ojstix, Etia Tilashandii had made the mistake of paying for lunch with a large sapphire that was worth far more than the food he'd ordered, and the waitress was so excited she hugged and kissed him, which made poor Etia horribly uncomfortable, but he couldn't get her to stop until she calmed down.

[Tequilo]

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La CASA TLALQUI
Nuevo Camino-220, Pueblo Chanco Cóndor, Distrito Norte de Huayna-Comitán, Guastanango

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At the little adobe house on the dangerous bend toward the end of Nuevo Camino, next door to La Rosa Cantina, on the outskirts of the ramshackle village of Chanco Cóndor, the old man Chuco Tlalqui was feeling that familiar tranquility after a night on the pyacoque with his wife, the formidable shaman and pitxi follower Nina. Gone were his anxieties about their wayward daughter Lilián who, upon tranquillised reflection, was more than capable of looking after herself. Gone were his anxieties about that dangerous corner of the road and the bastardos de Cóndor who skidded around it day and night showing off for the chicasueltos, those girls easily impressed by a loud exhaust pipe and burned rubber. He didn’t even mind sharing Nina’s hypothetical ponderations which otherwise always irritated him, because they were both hypothetical and loaded - usually with a trap he could not quite perceive. But today, está bien.
 
“Husband, a hypothetical ponderation - I was thinking about the perfect match for Lilián. Us being both Huayna, maybe she has too pure blood; all Tequiloa know the mongrel is the healthiest and most beautiful of dogs. What match would you have for her - Antivadorio, maybe?”

Though he cared little about whatever unforeseen trap lay ahead, and less for the nosey and superior tendencies of the average hidalgo from Antivador, Chuco was not in the mood for a fight, and even less in the mood for navigating the complexities of arranging his daughter’s future. “Oh, I don’t know, my Nina; they are a pompous lot out that way; good skin, money and self-confidence, certainly. If you’d let me punch him the first time he opened his mouth, I’m sure we’d find a way to accommodate him thereafter”. Chuco thought that an admirable compromise in the art of diplomacy.

“Good to know, husband,” she said, turning on the television set, “we should agree in advance how hard, and where you would punch him. I’ll not have blood and teeth all over the rugs again, you old gamberro”.
 

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Next up on ParaísoTV's Deportivo Valiente channel 4 tonight, Bautismo de Fuego - our magazine programme presented by the network's top sports anchor, Neizan Baztán, with expert analysis from ex-footballer turned pundit Haizinto. Right after these commercial presentations from our channel sponsors.

”Oyyyx,” exclaimed Nina Tlalqui, a viewer from the North Huayna-Comitán district, “I can’t wait to see that gansotonto explain this one away!” Her husband laughed. “Even you couldn’t do that, my Nina. I have not heard the like since the 13-goal de-Oro final, remember that? More pitxi insanity!” Nina Tlalqui nodded her head sagely, “true, true, husband,” she said, “quite true.”

Good evening pitxi fans of Tequilo, and welcome to our Baptism of Fire coverage here on your favourite sports channel, DV4! Tonight, What. A. Game. Los Mextiqos surely set some kind of record in their high scoring win over Tuhuaxetagua¹ as both goalkeepers appear to go on strike; while Cabezacono² make it three-in-a-row to stay top of the group. But back in Ossiana - well, Coach Mauricio Nores said he is targeting ten points to get into the knockout stages of the competition and that gets us to six in quick time, but my goodness me, that was some rollercoaster of a ride to get past halfway to the target, wasn’t it? Let’s take a look at the stats, Haize, and you talk me through what happened tonight, if you can make any sense of it.

TEQUILO  6-5  TWICETAGRIA  	 

Loc: Heiourprott, Ossiana, Delaclava		  	H/T: 2-3
Att: 63,403						Player of the match: Mateo Tafalla

TEQ: Zambo 12' Tutayan 28' Huachalla 54' Toran 56', 89' Artechevarria 88'
TWT: Torreira 31' Hirai 32' de Castro 40', 73' Chase 62'

Player		Rating					Match Stats	TEQ-TWT
Ferran Teixidó	[6.2] + 					Possession (%)	50/50	
Patrick Zambo	[6.6]					Shots		19-15
Haize Apeiztegui[5.0]	goal: 12'			On target	10-8
Huracan		[5.8]					Pass Compl (%)	83-68	
Huachalla	[6.8]	goal: 54'	  			Corners		4-7	
Callañaupa	[6.1] 		  			Fouls		16-11
I.Artechevarria	[7.8]	goal: 88'			Yellow cards	0-4
Tutayan		[8.7]	goal: 28'	 		Red cards	0
Mateo Tafalla	[9.8]		     
Narciso Cora	[7.6] + 				
Roxelio Toran	[7.7] 	goal: 56', 89'    	   					
							Injuries	Severity		
G. de Corcoles	[4.3]	sub: Teixidó 30'		Ferran Teixidó	1 game		
Agustin de Leon	[7.4]	sub: Cora 64'			Narciso Cora	1 game	
Noxochinoch	[ - ]	sub: Huracan 85'	
							
Statistics generated by the Bonesea QuickStatter v1.1

Well I have hardly seen anything like it Neizan, except perhaps in an under-9s match or at that game they play in Liventia, what is it, Grillo?

Do you mean Cricket, Haize?

Yes, that’s it, Crocket! Anyway, yes, that’s about the long and short of it. You wouldn’t have guessed how loco it was going to get even 12 minutes in when Mateo Tafalla sent wandering left back Patrick Zambo away, who seemed to turn several defenders inside out, more than once, before slotting past Jamie Han for the opener. It was around the half hour mark things went all godmodly, as they say in Enness, just after Tutayan had put Los Mextiqos two up from another Tafalla assist. It seems Ferren Teixidó in the Tequilo goal hurt himself celebrating the second goal, and had to be withdrawn for García de Corcoles - the unpredictable Antivadorio who was about to have the worst hour of pitxi in his life - conceding two goals in his first three minutes to let slip the lead, and a third before half time to put the agave blues behind at the break. The second half was a subibja of a match - a wild seesaw - with Tequilo hitting twice through Huachalla and Roxelio Toran to go back in front; the doubles through Chase and de Castro getting ahead again, and then two more goals from Isidor Artechevarria and Roselio Toran’s second in the last two minutes giving Tequilo the most bizarre of wins.

Perfectly summed up Haize, a subibja indeed, and at the pivot, Mateo Tafalla; four assists and quite simple the most perfect performance at the head of the diamond - I hope he didn’t see what was going on behind him for most of that match: what a muddle. Keeper Ferran Teixidó is likely out for one game with a bruised ankle, and I can’t see de Corcoles back this side of a spring equinox: we look forward to the debut of young starlet Oscar Bienvenida, 17 years old and 187cm tall. Poor old García, hit for six, will be back to the bench with the whole country praying he doesn’t have to come on again.

Next up could be the big one - undefeated Kohnhead^(transl.) look like they have decided the group is theirs and with other fancied nations Havynwilde^(transl.) and Tierrabaguaya³ both finding the going tougher than expected, who could blame them? Can Los Mextiqos survive the march of Los Cerebros - The Brains - or will our seemingly unravelling defence prove the Axtilli’s Heel that will undo our own good start? Can young Oscar hold up in goal? Find out tomorrow, live on Deportivo Valiente Canal-1, or wait for the highlight package here on Canal-4 with me Neizan Baztán, and him… Haizinto.
 

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MUSEO de PITXI
1, Plaza Pitxi, Camino Recto, Distrito Socrates, Tapalupé

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Exidio Coyopa still here to guide you through our palacial museum, and to introduce you to our national sport. Do not be afraid to interrupt and ask me anything, for with all modesty I will tell you I know everything about pitxi.
 
Here we begin our tour of the six State Rooms, that were the former living quarters of the General and patriarch of the old Familia Aratinco who built our sumptuous museum, and by State Rooms, I mean that each room represents the general history of pitxi within one of the six former countries that make up modern Tequilo - Ocotapa, Maranco, Guastenango, Chazapa, Puezan and Antivador. Further along, in the north wing, we have the City State Rooms of the three Índigo tribes that lived independently and in parallel with the old countries - the Xico, Ixta, and Huayna peoples. But in terms of pitxi, when unification came and organised pitxi became the thing, those city states' clubs competed in whichever of the six national states they were geographically (and politically) aligned to.
 
Until this very year, the Tequiloan pitxi authorities (Unión de Pitxi Tequiloa) did not organise a national championship, apart from the Copa Tequilo, and thus there has never been a national champion. Honours to compete for existed solely within the state championships, which have been running for 120 years. Bragging rights about who is the best team in the country had never been truly settled, although fans of each team have a pretty strong opinion. This year, as you probably know already, the national association has decided an end-of-season tournament between each of the six state champions will decide, once and for all, beyond any possible argument, who is the national champion for the year. Good luck Socrates!
 
RAQ: So, which state produces the best pitxileros?
 
Ooh, pitxileros, I like that - well done to the attentive pale lady at the back with the foreign accent; it is always pleasant to find someone who wishes to engage with the haphazard latinique of Tequilo. For the rest of you who haven't caught on, she is of course referring to footballers - ones who play pitxi. Now, moving on to your question, it is rather a contentious issue that is debated frequently in cantinas and tabernas all across the wide lands of our beloved country, and so far, without consensus. One might look at any variation of data interpretation - and fans, los partidores, will always find a data set to support their argument. Add in a liberal dose of passion, and you will never get to the bottom of such unscientific arguments. One might look at the dominant teams and argue that Pitxi-Pitxi 77 and CF Frantxizko-A, with 21 state titles each, are the best two teams in the country over the last 120 years and therefore their respective states, Chazapa and Puezan, ought to be considered the ones producing the best pitxileros. Conversely, I have heard the opposite argued - that with one dominant team in the state, they are not as competitive as, say,  Maranco state, where it is statistically harder to win the championship based on the number of teams who have won.
 
Perhaps a better indicator might be the Interstate Championship, completed every year, in which each State picks a representative team to compete in a round-robin tournament. The capital state Ocotapa and Guastanango have both prevailed on 26 occasions each, compared to Maranco in third on 21 and Chazapa back in sixth with a mere twelve. Chazapos themselves may point to population size, and to their own mighty Pitxi-Pitxi 77, to refute such an argument. Finally we might look to Mauricio Nores' team selection as an indicator of who is the most dominant state right now, with Guastanango represented by seven players, the most of any state, and Chazapa with six. By this measure, Antivador and Ocotapa with just two each are the weakest producers of talent. However, as everyone knows, Mauricio Nores tried very hard to get a non-political diversity within his squad, leading to the exclusion of many fine players across different states, and the Ocotapans for example would point to Masanga Sukè, Tepa and Arximiro Rodas as at least three of their own who are better than what we have got in Delaclava. Then again, the Puezañeros would beg to differ…
 

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Colección Stiki-Stiki^TM brings you another complimentary sticker for your Bautismo album, and this time, we go for the great hope of Tequilo, attacking midfielder Mateo Tafalla, 30, captain of Motozintla, of the Maranco state representative XI and now of the new unified national team. The famously eccentric midfielder forms the on-field quarter of the extraordinary quadrumvirate from Motozintla that have been selected to lead Los Mextiqos to glory, or at least moderate success whatever that represents - along with head coach Mauricio Nores, and coaches Isaac Martí & Juan Manuel Botín.

Perhaps starting out on the international scene too late to be appreciated across the multiverse as Galactico, nevertheless in Tequilo and to some extent abroad, Mateo has accumulated wide admiration for his audacious play, cunning tricks, vision, and ability to control the pace of a match. Born in the state of Maranco, in the city of Tulan, Mateo was briefly on the youth books at Continente Tulan where he showed early promise, playing frequently above his age group. When he was 14, he moved with his parents to Dolores, Tamarindia, where his father worked as an engineer on the railway. Young Mateo signed for the youth team associated with the local railway construction industry, Bayona Cádix, where he was very quickly noticed by the bigger clubs. Making his senior debut at 17 for Bayona in the second tier of Tamarindian football, he had only completed half a season before being snapped up by Piratas, the big club in Dolores. He made his Tamarindian Primera Liga debut the same season, and over the next two years as a gifted and unpredictable teenage midfielder, he made a number of tantalising appearances without managing to establish himself.

His big break came when he was picked up by cross-town rivals Universitario, newly promoted to the top tier and making a noise about what they might do next. Mateo Tafalla, 21, formed the attacking end of a midfield diamond that won the club the Tamarindian Cup that year, and went on to win consecutive Primera Liga titles the next two seasons. For the next five seasons, Mateo captained the Universitario side that, after years in the doldrums, restored itself to the top of Tamarindian football. He won a further Liga title and two Copa runners-up medals in that time. Then four seasons ago he decided it was time to return home, and was picked up by ambitious Mauricio Nores, coach at Motozintla. He was assembling a team determined to restore it’s own lost glory; after finishing second behind Las Guías Oriente in his first season back, Mateo ensured his place in the Tequiloa hall of fame with the Maranco State championship in his second year back. The last two seasons have been near misses, but Los Motos are in the frame for another title this year and will be aiming for the first ever National Title, with eccentric genius Mateo Tafalla leading on the pitch.

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FOOTNOTES
1Twicetagria
2Kohnhead
3Baggieland

[Soracana Islands]

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Stuck at Fourth Place

Ethane - After finishing the third match on the Group Stage of 72nd Baptism of Fire, Soracana Islands national football team is still placed fourth in Group F. The team get a fair result over its 3 matches with 1 win, 1 draw and 1 loss. Soracana open the Group match with a win over Jerauuk. But they have a tight match when they meet Caelapes in the second match. After their hope was almost gone when Caelapes ended the first half with 2-0 lead, the hope came back after Janabandar successfully scored the first goal for Soracana in early second half. The team gain their confidence and created several attempt. Another goal was commenced in 62's minute made by Sadakarsi. But their hope for a draw was vanished after Caelapes scored another goal in the last minute of second half. Soracana Islands loss by 2-3.

The third match saw the meeting of Soracana Islands with Simpralia. The match started with a tight defense from both team. Soracana only able to score their first goal in the 40's minute and again by Janabandar. It is the third goal by Janabandar in the competition. Beginning the second half, Simpralia able to tied the goal. Soracana makes several attempt again to take again the lead. But with they focus on attack they forget to defense their goal. Simpralia increase their goal in 67's minute. 2-1 for Simpralia. Soracana increase their attack which fruited in minute 88's. A goal from Kamraja make the result tied by 2-2.

In the next match, Soracana Islands will be meet Sankt Konrad. Sankt Konrad is currently seating at the second place of Group F. They only have play in 2 matches against Riena and Monglechabagd with the result of 1 win and 1 draw. While Caelapes takes the lead from Riena after another win from Jerauuk. While Riena is one match short from Caelapes.

[Simpralia]

The Simpralia Herald (sports section)

**Editors note** We apologize for not covering Simpralia's 1-1 game with Monglechabagd due to the bad weather conditions. Skefanny scored Simpralia's lone goal in that game

Score: 2-2

Venue: Marianne Detreux Stadium

Attendance: 40,213 (very crowded game)

Pre-match statement from Ole Gunnar Solksjaer:

"After getting a tie last game, we hope to actually win this game so we can have a chance of making it out of the group"

Significant Events:

1' - Match is underway

5' - After a quick, attacking play from Soracana Islands, they now find themselves in a position to shoot. Kamraja side-steps Blain and slots it past Pokimane. 1-0 to Soracana

13' - After a running across the entire left flank, Janabandar decides to cross. Kamraja's head connects with the ball but how has Pokimane saved that! He must be wondering how that didn't go in.

24' - Kjellberg, completely unopposed on the left side, delivers one of his famous crosses, but Padurjana grabs it.

27' - Humanjar send in a long ball to Sadakarsi, but Amourath has outmuscled Sadakarsi on the ball and clears it.

41' - Mai tries to pass but oh dear its been intercepted by Kamraja and he is now 1 on 1 with Pokimane. He sends a rocket of a shot to the left hand side of the goal. 2-0 to Soracana

45' + 1 - Halftime

Halftime analysis: Soracana is very clinical with their chances. Without Pokimane, Soracana would be 5-0 up right now. However, Soracana looks fairly weak defensively and I think the coaches of Simpralia have noticed that already. Let's see what this second half will have in store for us .

45' -Whistle is blown for second half to start/

49' Simpralia is thundering into the final third in their masses. Hayden is trying to outplay Sorakasi. Sorakasi sticks his foot out and Hayden is brought to the ground. That looks bad, he will need to be brought off. The ref awards a direct freekick to Simpralia. Yellow card for Sorakasi and Hayden is injured

50' - Durnil is brought on for Hayden. Simpralia's 1st substitution

51' - Alaana steps up for the freekick. The takes the shot and WHAT ABOUT THAT FOR A CURL. Alaana curves the ball into the top left corner. No goalie is ever saving that. 2-1 to Simpralia

56' - Ambaraja goes in for Dusisani Soracana's first substitution

72' - Durnil is running down the right flank. He's in the box now and the goalie is coming after him. Durnil chips it over to the center where Skefanny is waiting. She cooly finishes into an empty net 2-2

Literally nothing else interesting happened

90' + 4 - Full time

Man/Woman of the Match: Pokimane

*No statistics were found and no one was available for post-match interviews*

Simpralia's next game: What Simpralia has to do against their next opponents, Jerauuk, is to get an early lead and hold on to it. If Pokimane retains her form, the net should be safe, it's the defenders who need to step up their game. We have no info on what Jerauuk plans to play so it will be an interesting game. Hayden, who was injured in this game, should be fine to play by then.

[Kuriko]

Really, really late but here's the roster for The Knights who are the official team of Kuriko:

GK: Lucilia Muco (F) (30)
D: Ceionia Claudiana (32)
D: Minicia Aetia (25)
D: Atronia Numeriana (37)
D: Velia Marsica (F) (31)
D: Aelia Vera (F) (24)
M: Flavia Scipio (F) (40)
M: Vorenia Traila (F) (35)
M: Avidia Rufria (F) (29)
F: Caelia Vindex (F) (27)
F: Insteia Aper (F) (36)

[South Newlandia]

ELEPHANT VALLEY MAIL
Sports -> Soccer
Break day gives South Newlandia time to relax, diagnosis for Corban Green

South Newlandia enjoyed their break day on the 3rd matchday. While the other 6 teams of the group faced each other, the South Newlandians were able to relax. Today, we are going to take a look at the other games, at Corban Green’s diagnosis, and we have an interview with Michael White, the assistant coach of the team.

All matches:

Twicetagria 5–6 Tequilo
What even happened here???

Kohnhead 2–1 Havynwilde
Kohnhead is pulling ahead with three straight wins. They are almost guaranteed in the Playoffs now.

Revatnagar 2–2 Baggieland
Both teams have not won yet, so this draw doesn’t really help either one.

Current standings:

Group G                            Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Kohnhead                           3   3  0  0    6   2  +4    9
2 Tequilo                            2   2  0  0    8   6  +2    6
3 South Newlandia                    2   1  0  1    3   3   0    3
4 Havynwilde                         3   1  0  2    4   5  −1    3
5 Baggieland                         3   0  2  1    5   6  −1    2
6 Twicetagria                        3   0  1  2    9  11  −2    1
7 Revatnagar                         2   0  1  1    3   5  −2    1

Schedule:

The next Matchday is after a bye-day for all teams. After that, those will be the matchups:

Havynwilde v. Revatnagar
Tequilo v. Kohnhead
South Newlandia v. Twicetagria

Corban Green diagnosis

Corban Green, who was badly injured in the last game against Tequilo, has received his diagnosis. Fortunately for him, the early assumption that he might have teared his left ligaments was not confirmed. According to the doctors, he only suffered a ligament elongation. Although he might not be back too soon, he may already be used as a joker for the next game against Twicetagria.

Interview with Michael White

Our reporter: Good evening Michael White, thank you for taking the time to talk to us.
Michael White: Good evening.
OR: We saw two games now from South Newlandias squad. Do you think they will manage to advance to the playoffs?
MW: That’s hard to say. They certainly got the potential, but group G is insanely hard. The whole group, maybe excluding Revatnagar, is absolutely deserving of advancing. I really don’t see two other teams who clearly won’t make the cut. Kohnhead and Tequilo are both probably almost gone at this point anyway. I guess if we manage to leave Revatnagar, Twicetagria and Baggieland behind us? For now, we should look at this one game at a time. Next match is against Twicetagria, and Robert [Robert Wolverine, South Newlandias coach] and me will have to get to the planning table. We somehow have to replace Corban, and there are other players we might have to consider as well.
OR: Which ones would that be?
MW: Well, not to talk about this too much, but Kendell, Johan and Ricardo [Kendell Wagner, RB; Johan Dorsey, DM; and Ricardo Rayner, ST) have to prove themselves in training for sure. None of the three have performed the way we wanted them to do. Adding Corban to the list, and we are at four. I cannot say anything about this at that point, we will most likely release a starter list before the match.
OR: We have received news that Corban Green is not as badly injured as everyone thought.
MW: Yes, and we are glad. We really thought he would go home already, but he will stay with us. We are obviously not trying to rush things though. We have to be really careful. Obviously, we all hope he recovers as quickly as possible.
OR: Thank you for this interview, and all the best for the upcoming games.
MW: Thank you.

[Qvardax]

Independent Athletes from Quebec 1 - 0 Qvardax

Hearts are breaking in Darinn as Qvardax is currently last in their group through two games. Expectations were so high coming into this match, as this was a winnable game for a team that gave up a 1-0 lead to Alba and Cymru. Instead, the Independent Athletes from Quebec outlasted Qvardax. The game, which was a 0-0 draw until the 74th minute, kept viewers in their seats all the way through, until Quebec struck the ball into the corner of the goal, dashing Qvardax's hopes of competing further in the Baptism of Fire. Head Coach Qalan Itkeban says, "This defensive strategy may not have been the best one, but we will continue to fight for the win."


Qvardax is 7th in the table with 0 points
Quebec is 5th in the table with 3 points

[Havynwilde]

_{Hub for all information on sports related to Havynwilde with other contributing information}

EDITOR'S NOTE

_{I want to thank you for opening the latest edition of The Assoicated, for years we've found pride in providing you, the viewer with the most in-depth analysis of sports in Havynwilde, ranging from Lygahaven play and also into other amateur sports that shine bright in our small nation. The time has come to bring The Assocciated to the world, of course that means Havynsmen and women and the Havyish sporting culture are brought to the world, its our pleasure to unveil to our viewers our new website, www.theassociated.hyn, featuring articles, visuals and videos on the latest and greatest of sports here in Havynwilde. Thank you for giving us the chance to serve you,
Kitchie Simmons
Editor-in-Chief}

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PAGE 16 :: The Split Sucks

Twos easona ago, The Shamrocks won their league-leading 12th league title

Sure the season hasn't begun yet for Havyish teams, but Havynwilde’s governing football body, the Havyish Fooligbol Federation has already made it clear that consequences from internaitonal fooligbol’s international competition requirements are to be felt all-around for Havyish teams; this comes after Advernians was controversially left off the Vilitian Cove Invitational due to qualifying for IFCF competition. Similarly, the HFF seems to have torched the changes with plans for a major expansion to how qualification for international competition will work.

The federation’s continue wish for profit seems to have clouded the latest position it will take on international football post-757 - with moves it will make - it continues to train the purpose of the Havyish domestic league with its latest rendition of rules and procedures to how LygaHaven ans Serien-Two will work. With the approval of these rules, LygaHaven has positioned its traditional champion and the other top four teams in a position in which they’ll fight to once again be amongst the best teams in the nation through a needless secondary competition.

That will be used for the purpose of IFCF qualifying, CMFA Champions League qualifying and FFI competition qualifying, if we might add.

The new proposal, which was passed controversially, calls for the top five LygaHaven teams to separate from the league proper after the traditional ‘final’ matchday,being round 24 - the new idea calls for nanother mini-season - at the end of the official season taking the top five teams into a twist-turning eight-game round robin to determine not only the league champion, but also the available IFCF slots and other international slots.

Of course, the HFF was quick to assure use, the winner of the league season (being the first twenty-four games) will still receive the first FFI Liga dos Vencedores slot and compete in the FirstKopa, the Havyish super cup.

This change is strikingly creating a greater paradox which will consume LygaHaven in competition should it continue, mediocre teams will be rewarded with a chance to be possible league champions. Any team that’s mediocre can find a way to string together five or sin victories and win a few games, and that’s all LygaHaven is doing, giving a chance to outside teams to take the throne from teams that have continually demonstrated talent over a longer period of time, instead looking to almost rewards the underdog with a chance into international competiton.

The new system would prize average talent and allow them a chance to upset continually good teams through the process of a few short home-and-away matches, tus ruining the whole point of the season if further restrictions of the league was needed.

For some, this is just a way to reward UNion Forge, the epitome of mediocrity for the past few seasons and one of the greatest clubs in Havyish history. For the HFF, Union Forge is a perfect example of a team in this proposed top five split: a team that’s struggled and deserve another small chance to prove itself over the course of eight games that it's a quality opponent. Surely, someone sees what’s wrong with this picture and what its portrainyg. Yes, Union Forge has a lasting impression, it has a boatload of history and is a well known Heavyish club, but there’s been celar concern over the past three years with the organization and the HFF seems content with rewarding mediocrity.

Yet, for some, the promise of season champions seems to have Union Forge discredited, after all, a lot of managers think they wouldn’t fare well in a title tilt with teams such as Baywall, or te Ivys to the north; similarly, rewarding mediocrity has drawn harsh criticism from the Shamrock Club who spoke out against adding an extra spot for the fifth place team. Adding to the issue, social climbers like Bellymn United, who navigated the pyramid into the top flight would also be excluded from the top five, says the HFF, the split wouldn’t include teams that were promoted, rendering a true talented run being discredited with moves to keep the big dogs at the top, dominated by the demands of Avante and Union Forge.

And what of social climbers like Advernians - wo single-handedly pushed themselves into the conversation and have for the past six years consistently been in the narrative for who the best team in Havynwilde is: they pushed the boundaries of club football in Havynwilde and are wildly inconsistent when it comes to winning trophies; but, with the addition of the split, how would this benefit them and allow for a run from the Ivys? For some teams who’ve slowly forced their way into the conversation, not finishing top five and having a down year could mean they're pushed out and not truly represented in competitions.

There is a proposal however, a back door that’s been installed into a fifth-place finish after the split: centered around the Vilitan Cove Invitational debacle, the federation’s goal toi fix it is to have the fifth place team which hasn’t qualified for any competition be sent to the VCI as the Havyish representative. Opposition from this has been raised with many calling it a ‘ploy’ and ‘rewarding mediocrity’, while even more teams call for the entire split to be cancelled altogether.

However, with LygaHaven’s profits tied closely with the HFF, its unlikely any actual changes will be made to this proposal, any movements that the HFF deems will hurt the profit-making scheme that is the new proposed system likely won't fall through; this comes after the announcement of Projekt 770, Havynwilde’s governing body really doesn’t have free floating cash around to use so, the split is for them the best way for ti to move and generate boatloads of cash. Its clear the HFF, dominated by power-hungry former leadership from top clubs like Avante, Baywall Athletic and Union Forge, is looking to put a monopoly on title opportunities for lesser teams, almost restricting the lesser-known markets from having any competition into the top five.

Coupled with movements such as the entire proposal of a pro/rel ‘split’ which has taken shape for the second division, Havynwilde’s football structure is braced for its second big change in three years; with the beginning of the open era, it subscribed to the change that was international football, and now, it looks to change once more, to this monstrosity.

Of course, this move has drawn ire and anger, it’s no secret LygaHaven doesn’t need to become like Brenecia or Audioslavia where only three clubs can win the title - apparently it needs to be different where like five different teams can randomly win a title through eight matches - and that's where it's irked people the wrong way, for many, there’s no need for it. However, the HFF has committed to the idea that Havynwilde needs to determine who the best is through a prolonged playoff that could be spent doing more important things for the league.

There's no doubt this will cut into the previous offseason, shortening the time and process for Haynwilde’s teams during the offseason will only further hurt them: the transfer window will likely be shortened in Havynwilde even more, to less than a month for teams to make key decisions for their squads; Havynwilde’s football clubs will now be forced to prepping for a new season almost immediately after the previous one begna, getting less than a month of offtime before training resume. But, the HFF continues to tote the narrative that increased competition will reward all the clubs, promising a massive spike in revenue for low ranked clubs who reach the split, with bonuses expected to top N$12 million for some teams, with the goal seeming to be to tempt teams into accepting the changes.

It’s not lost on some, however, who contend with the idea that there’s no need for this and that a normal season should run the course of the year and be used as the sole determining factor for Havynwilde.

Granted, this monstrosity will likely bring in far more revenue than the current league structure does, but it doesn;t change from the fact that numerous teams are against it, a country is against it and many clearly see it as nothing mire than a money-hungry league. Looking around, Havynwilde will be the second major example aside from the Whirl Islands to embark on the split concept, looking to make it an intricate part of HAvyishfooligbol.


“Improving on the current structure has always been the goal, this is a way to accomplish that and make strides forward we think will positively impact and generate football for Havynwilde moving forward,” CEO of the HFF, Grant Stedborn told the media, “we have faith in this process and have been working to develop it for as many as two seaosns now, we’re ready to deploy it to the world.”

Hopefully, this terrible idea from the HFF will be turned away, tossed into the plethora of bad ideas it seems to come up with on a regular each week, however, at the same time, it probably won’t; and for us, that emasn we’ve better adopt to this strange new way to decide who the champion in Havyish fooligbol will be.