World Cup 85 || RP Thread

by **Sharktail** » Fri May 22, 2020 11:32 am

SHARKTAIL POST EP 9
MD 1-BAKER PARK

The group for WCQ 85 have been announced.Now all the team have known who their opponet will be.Draw into group 5,contain 13 team,with total 24 match in the qualifier,Sharktail is ready to make their own story and history.

Shaktail NT have arriving in Baker Park for the first match against the 11th ranked nation Commonwelth of Baker Park.18 player alongside coaching staff flight to Baker Park for this match.Surely they will play their best line up for this match.With all the player are good and fit,surely there are ready to challenge Baker Park.On the paper,Baker Park surely favourite to win this match.They already well known in football comunity.With a lot of star player,even they not put their starter in this match,they still have a backup that can fill the hole.

Baker Park vs Sharktail

Shaktail Line up

Past Record:Both team never playing each other in the senior level.Sharktail once played Baker Park in U18 stage after meeting them in Sporting World Cup 6.In that match Sharktail U18 win the match 3-2.5 player on the roster are in thebsquad that time.Maxter just a third choice goalkeper that time.In defend,Batul and Irfan Danial playing as a starter.Shartail NT center midfielder Badhri is the captain for U18 team in SWC 6 and Shakir as sub striker.This time,they meet against with Baker Park but this time it for World Cup.Will they be able to once again creating some magical to defeat Baker Park.
Info
Baker Park make their debut in Bapstim of Fire 67 losing to Bepee in the final.Their first appearance at the world cup is on 80th edition.They ended up 3rd place in qualifying before defeating qasden to qualify for wc final.They ended up in 3rd and get eliminated in group stage.Starting from wc81 to wc84,they never failed to qualify for wc final.For sure this time,there are seeded to qualify into wc final.

by **Trolleborg** » Fri May 22, 2020 12:30 pm

It’s all started early in the morning of 22nd of May, when Naomi Indar-Vonn happily sleeping in her own bed in the native Zwangzug. The annoying buzz, meaning the arrival of the mail in the postbox, did not want to stop by itself, so she had to make an effort and open a new letter. At first, half-awaken Naomi could only see words “... WHEN U DIE ...” in the text of the letter.

Getting an early post with such fascinating text can cause really strong emotions.

Fortunately, Naomi stopped the reflex movement of the finger to the “mark as spam” button and not yet fully formulated and execute plan of how exactly to inflict a maximum possible set of atrocities on the author of such a letter at such a time. She focused her eyes on the rest of what was written and a second later began jumped on the bed with a yelps of delight.

Since the entire letter looked like this: “Dear Naomi Indar-Vonn and Wesley Clarkson! Trolleborg FA is pleased to inform you that your application for two tickets for the match between the national teams of Trolleborg and When U Die won the lottery among those who wish and is approved. As you already know, tickets to the national team games are totally free, so just make it to the stadium in time or let us know if you can’t, so we give a tickets to the next willing customer. Of which we have a precisely 34 thousand candidates for every ticket.
Congratulations, and we are waiting for you at the match! ”

Wesley Clarkson at first did not at all pleased:
“Are you crazy, do you know what time it is?”
“Well, maybe I’m crazy a little bit, but it’s due to delight. Because you and I are going to Trolleborg to see a football! Understand? Our application has been approved! Dozens of thousands of people would like to be in our place! After all this hours, which you spend playing “WCQ84” you will see 1st December Stadium in person!”
“Our application approved? Really? I thought you were joking when you told me about it first time ... Trolleborg?! Yes, but this is the other end of the Multiverse! How do we get there at all?”
“That's what we will decide do as soon as you come to your senses”.

But the task was really not an easy one. Even if we take a straight line between Wrigley and the eastern part of South Pacific, where the Trolleborg subcontinent has been living its own life for centuries, distance is certainly more than seven hours of flight. And fly to such distance in chartered aircraft will cost a fortune. Fortunately, as it turns out, recently Trolleborgians give a significant attention to the issue of transport in and out of country, and although they still have not reached the part of world where Zwangzug home region Wrigley is located, but, as a result of this activity, after buzzing a little, the ticket aggregator offered a flight with only three transfers. The ”Trolleborg Wings” had just started a flights from Reino do Brazil and Mizialand, which is relatively easy to get to. At first, however, travelers suspected that the price of the ticket at the last stage was missing a couple of zeros - it was looking incredible cheap.

They ask a 125 Trolleborg florins for a five-hours long flight. It’s 405 NSD or 228.75 Zwangzug checks. Oh my God, I think we will need mortage our souls to pay airfare, but this?
“Probably this is only for baggage”, – muttered Naomi
“Probably, this is only the fees for ticketing”, – at the same time said to himself Wesley
And in unison both tell loudly:
“There can be no such prices in the world!”
But they exist. So these travellers begin their day without any tickets, meet a noon with two and in the evening there were already four tickets in hand. If this trend continue, then we get to Trolleborg having 80 or so?

by **South Newlandia** » Fri May 22, 2020 1:22 pm

ELEPHANT VALLEY MAIL
Sports -> Soccer
Preview for the World Cup Qualifiers

South Newlandia has been drawn into Group 13 of the World Cup Qualifiers. Today, we are going to take a look at the group and South Newlandia’s opponents. We are going to look at them in pot order, from pot 1 down to pot 13.

Valanora is the pot 1 team of the group. They certainly are the biggest hitter of the group and clear favourites to make the 85th world cup. They were part of all of the last three world cups, and are currently ranked 15th best team of the world. Historically, they won no fewer than five world cups, most recently the 61st edition. In recent times, their best performance was a quarterfinal appearance in WC83. Their team is known to be a bit more offensive than most others. They are the high favourites to qualify to the next world cup. South Newlandia will host Valanora on the 19th matchday in the Elephant Dome, and will visit them on matchday 6.

Pasarga is the pot 2 team. Currently, they are ranked 25th, although they missed qualification for both of the last two world cups. Nevertheless, they are among the favourites for qualification this time. Their team is also slightly on the offensive side, and the elephants will host them on matchday 15, also in the Elephant Dome. The elephants will visit the Pasarga as early as the second matchday.

From pot 3, Juvencus was drawn into group 13. Just as Pasarga, they also missed both of the last two world cups, and they are currently ranked 39th in the world. Like most of the others, their team is also more offensive than most other teams are. South Newlandia will host them in the Elephant Dome on matchday 21, and will visit Juvencus on matchday 8.

Eraman was drawn into the group from pot four. They are ranked 63rd in the world at the moment, and are among the outsiders to qualify for the worldcup, but they are still one of the stronger teams. Their team is, again, on the offensive side. South Newlandia will host them on matchday 3, again in the Elephant Dome, and will visit Erman on matchday 16.

Tamgu is the pot 5 team drawn into group 13. They are perhaps the last team with big chances to qualify for the world cup. They are currently ranked 79th of the world, and the team is one of the most offensive teams of the group. The elephants host them on the very first matchday in Jecken Arena, and will visit Tamgu on matchday 14.

Bliuji was drawn in from pot six. We start to get into the teams with rather slim chances to qualify now, as they are currently ranked 99th. The team is still relatively new to the world cups, and the team is also, who could have expected this, on the offensive side. South Newlandia will host them at Walstreim City Stadium on matchday 7, and will visit Bliuji on matchday 20.

The pot 7 team is called Plane of Possibility. They are one of the teams we know relatively few things about. The team is currently ranked 148th, and South Newlandia will host them in the Coast Stadium on matchday 5, and the elephants will visit them on matchday 18.

Pot 8 revealed a really exciting opponent for South Newlandia. Mavinet was drawn into group 13, and South Newlandia will now face the most recent Baptism of Fire winner. The teams actually met at the tournament, as they matched in the quarterfinals. South Newlandia lost the game on penalties and was eliminated from the BoF. Now, South Newlandia will get to play the team again. Currently, Mavinet is ranked 218th, only ten ranks above South Newlandia. Surprisingly, Mavinet is also among the more offensive teams. The elephants will host Mavinet on matchday twenty-five, in the last game of the WCQ for South Newlandia, in Jecken Arena. Mavinet will host South Newlandia on matchay 12.

The pot 9 team was, well, South Newlandia. The elephants are ranked 228th right now, and are one of apparently few teams with a rather defensive style.

From pot ten, Pangurstan was drawn into group 13. We don’t know a lot about this team either. They are ranked 311th, and South Newlandia will host them on matchday 11 in Coast Stadium. The elephants will visit Pangurstan on matchday 24.

Pot eleven revealed another exciting draw, as Kuriko joined group 13. The nation is an international heavyweight in more than one aspect, but their BoF-debut did not actually go well. We don’t know much about their soccer team, but they are ranked 330th currently. South Newlandia will host Kuriko in Walstreim City Stadium on matchday 23, and will visit on matchday 10.

Ottoman Syldavia was drawn in from pot twelve. We actually know something about their team, as they are currently ranked 338th in the world because their Baptism of Fire did not go too well. The team is actually about balanced from what we know. South Newlandia will host them on matchday 17 in Kinjestad Soccer Arena, and will visit the nation on matchday four.

The last team drawn into group 13 was The Kitler Peninsulae. We don’t know much abouth this team either, and they don’t have any recent soccer experience we know of. The elephants will host them on matchday 9 in the Kinjestad Soccer Arena, and will visit on matchday 22.

The group will almost certainly be too strong for the young South Newlandian squad. A 6th or 7th place might be the best thing possible in such a competitive group. This will be an interesting opportunity to learn and play some interesting and competitive teams.

by **Donnacona** » Fri May 22, 2020 1:31 pm

GRATTON ONLY SURPRISE IN LINEUP NAMED FOR FIRST EVER MATCH AT STADE DE LA RÉPUBLIQUE

MARIANOPOLIS- Alexandre Faille has named a starting lineup unchanged from the 0-0 draw with Reçuecn for Donnacona's first qualifier of the modern era against group favourites Kita-Hinode. The lineup represents something close to the nation's Best XI, aside from Loukas Gratton in goal for Jure Filipovic- Gratton is likely being given the nod due to this being the first ever match for the shimmering new Stade de la République in the very Marianopolis neighbourhood that Loukas Gratton grew up in.

Faille is aware that the Hinodejin present a tough challenge due to their skill and tactical nous, and in training all week at Lac-Tremblay he prepared his side by having everyone play out of position- the Hinodejin squad is famous for having players who are capable of playing almost every position. "We are going to need to make sure we are never too static against this group- they play roughly positionless football and they rely heavily on that. We know we are underdogs, but that's fine- we will be prepared for what they bring. We also hope to feed off of the energy of the crowd- we've been to the World Cup before, we cannot act like we are hopeless right now."

This match will be the first ever match at the $400 million new Stade de la République, the new national outdoor stadium that will host all of Donnacona's home World Cup qualifiers. The stadium seats 30,000 and features "World Class Concessions", including an emphasis on craft breweries and wine featuring the local terroir. The walls around the pitch area also features a wrap showing different national team players in full kit picking apples in an orchard, a quirky image unique to Donnacona. Stade de la République press manager Diane Girard told us it represents the unique attitude our nation has towards our land and our produce, and that whilst most nations would attempt to intimidate opposing teams aggressive imagery, Donnacona simply wishes to let everyone know what we do best. Anyone can intimidate, but Donnacona kills you with kindness.

The squad played only one warm-up friendly prior to qualifiers, a 0-0 draw with Reçuecn which required interdimensional travel, which can be very tiring, so FDF felt it was best to limit the matches. Whilst the match with Reçuecn was not the thrilling victory they would have hoped for, there were many positives to take in the mind of Alexandre Faille. "I thought we ultimately played pretty well given the circumstances, Kylian (Lacroix) got a couple of great chances that showed we could threaten, and I thought we kept a very organised defensive line. I am happy overall."

Canal 1 will carry tonight's match from 20h00, to be followed by Le Trio d'Attaque.

The façade of the stadium.

A depiction of Stade de la République full of supporters.

The stadium wrap featuring George t'Son d'Haxli and other players in an apple orchard.

by **West Pocono** » Fri May 22, 2020 3:43 pm

THUNDER TO SOUND AGAIN

From out of the shadows of the great sporting region of Atlantian Oceania, the nation of West Pocono is set to return to international play for the first time since World Cup 51. That was the last time that Cassadaigua won World Cup so you know that it has been an absolute eternity since we last participated. Here is a list of other things that had not happened yet when we last appeared:

– Mriin was still 26 World Cups away from participating for the first time.
– Farfadillis was still nine World Cups away.
– Aguazul had never won the World Cup. Nor had Polar Islandstates.
– Cafundeu still had not hosted their last World Cup.
– Audioslavia had not won the Baptism of Fire yet.
– No one had heard of Nephara, Brenecia, or even New Sideburn.

We could go on, but you get the idea. Now, the winners of Baptism of Fire 35 try and get back into the tournament but will likely first have to survive the obligatory dumpster fire of returning to a competition as an unranked nation. To try and off set this, manager Nathan Ruddy is going to focus strongly on defense with highly defensive tactics. Perhaps this will us not to be destroyed with frequency. If it is something that we can build on in the future, then that’s the benefit.

The Thunder have been drawn into Group 4 with the top nations being South Covello and Taeshan. These are also two highly defensive nations, so Group 4 is probably already making a strong case to have the least amount of total goals scored in it. Main Nation Ministry and the new Newmanistan, Eastfield Lodge (as in a nation that never qualifies) are two more of the better nations in the group. Also, some good Baptism of Fire nations, such as Maccian and North Quadana will be opponents. Therefore, it’s going to be tough for West Pocono, but a lot of things have happened since we were last in it, so it is good to be back!

by **Xanneria** » Fri May 22, 2020 5:12 pm

Xanneria given favorable group, EQS and HUElavia loom
By Steve Stevenson

The schedule for the Xannerian Qualifiers for World Cup 85 are out and it seems to be in favor of the beloved Maroons team. Our group draw saw the Xanneria National Team sneak into Pot 3 as the team was ranked 45th in the latest rankings. There are 15 teams in our group including us, and you are about to get a full view of our opponents. In order of what pot that the team was drawn out from. The group will be of 15 teams with our games being primarily played in the capital of Dominica City at the new National Stadium.

Our Home Venue will be XANAir National Stadium a 65,000 seater near downtown.

Equestria: There is your Pot 1 member. The Hoofball playin ponies might be a first for the Maroons. As far as we know this will be the first documented case of the maroons travelling to a non-human nation, they will also be one of if not the strongest nation overall. There is very little concern over how much of a bubble the EQS National Team is sitting on. PREDICTED RESULTS (W-D-L) - 0-0-2

HUElavia: A shock qualifier for the last world cup, the Lavians' are looking to prove themselves. This is a key WC Cycle for the Lavians' Can they keep up the success or will they fall back to mid field or upper mid field. PREDICTED RESULTS (W-D-L) - 1-0-1

Ancherion: They have yet to give us any info of their team yet, but Ancherion is always a contender for a sport, I feel like 3rd will be a dogfight between Xanneria, Ancherion and our next fighter! PREDICTED RESULTS (W-D-L) - 1-1-0

Kandorith: Kandorith is surging, a good running in the Cup Of Harmony that was hosted in Xanneria, they surged ahead to a playoff spot, something not even the Maroons couldn't do, and had a strong run till they ran out of gas in the QFs. They could be a big thorn in the side of the bigger teams flesh where they could contend for a top 2 spot. PREDICTED RESULTS (W-D-L) - -0-2-0

Nooooooooooooooo: As with Ancherion, Nooooooooooooooo is another rather anonymous team. very little has been known about them aside from their entries in past World Cups PREDICTED RESULTS (W-D-L) - 2-0-0

Vdara: If there's an upstart team in this group, then I predict it's gonna these guys. Vdara has the tools to go places and with a youthful squad and a good developmental pool, I could see them springing some upsets. PREDICTED RESULTS (W-D-L) - 1-0-1

Fujai: Fujai is an interesting team. They have been running a a decent skilled team, with experience in a couple of other WCs and IAC and Pacific regional tournaments. But it's their first time verusus Xanneria and the team is from a more or oless rural country, so it will be interesting to see what goes on here. PREDICTED RESULTS (W-D-L) - 2-0-0

Jamestownnnn: A new team in the World Cup, J-town is coming of a respectable run in the BoF where they made the round of 16. But will their inexperience come back to bite them? PREDICTED RESULTS (W-D-L) - 2-0-0

Monglechabagd: Another BoF playoff team, Mongle got knocked out first round. Although not much else is known about the team... PREDICTED RESULTS (W-D-L) - 2-0-0

Lo Santano: A new nation to the scene, the country has lost a lot of top talent to a new sporting craze called "Potball" PREDICTED RESULTS (W-D-L) - 2-0-0

Blouman Empire: Very little is known about the Blouman Team aside from a roster, but there was a major pedigree there. A longtime power in the world cup Blouman returns after a long absense. THey could also do some damage PREDICTED RESULTS (W-D-L) - 0-2-0

South Concepthuania: Not much known about this team, aside from the nation being politically tied to Farfadillis and Muradil, other than that not much is known. PREDICTED RESULTS (W-D-L) - 2-0-0

Overall the is the most optimistic Xannerians have been about the WCQs, but the question is, Can Myrone Rhule break the curse of a slow start? That will be the key to success this WCQ

by **Twicetagram and JYPe** » Fri May 22, 2020 6:16 pm

Life in Twicetagria

We edited our logo to make it look fancier

Home Stadiums Revealed! and A Quick Preview of Group 5
By John Suh

After all that BoF disappointment, the World Cup qualifiers have finally commenced! The matchday will commence today, as we go against the Macabees. This group will definitely be one to beat, because it consists of so. Many. Talents. But let's just go through them after we announced our home stadiums.

Stray Kids Colosseum

Stray Kids Colosseum is undoubtably the biggest and most famous 'colosseum' in all of Twicetagria. However, this will be the first time in a while it was not used for political rallies and bouncing castle bazookas.
Side note: it's a colosseum, not a stadium.
Capacity: 71,000

Wonderland Stadium

Wonderland Stadium is the second biggest stadium in Twicetagria. Located in Alphaxrie, where werewolf populations are much more prominent, keep a good lookout for any wild ones which may lurk in alleyways. The rest of the gang are domesticated and tamed, so you'll have no problem meeting with them.
Capacity: 38,000

Now that we're done here, let's take a good look at our group.
Group 5 doesn't seem to challenging, but for rookies to even qualify for the playoffs, that's the tricky part. We'll try our best to be patriotic though.

Bushkrub: This nation is pretty much unknown to anyone. They've most likely not participated in the World Cup, so getting some wins shouldn't be a problem.
KPB Rank: 271
Difficulty: Extremely Easy

Mkabia: This nation has been in the World Cup before, but not enough times to suggest that they are a prominent figure. They may be our seniors, but maybe we can steal a few wins?
KPB Rank:
Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Squornshelous: This nation used to be at the peak of their career, but years of being idle has lost them their rank. They're slowly rising from their grave though, and we should be warned of them.
KPB Rank: 89
Difficulty: Hard

Adsuri: This nation is unranked, which gives us a head over them. They shouldn't be a problem.
KPB Rank: UR
Difficulty: Extremely Easy

Vakolicci Haven and Celeria: This team, though not in the top 50, has been a standout. They're slowly gaining places, and they could be number 1 in a few years.
KPB Rank: 73
Difficulty: Hard

Baker Park: Now, THIS is where the excitement comes. This team, who debuted quite recently, has shocked people by being the super rookies: they've qualified (almost) every World Cup, and every rookie aspires to be like them.
KPB Rank: 11
Difficulty: Extremely Hard

Sharktail: This nation, which was on a hiatus for a while, has come back. Though they are now unranked, it won't be long before they strike back.
KPB Rank: UR
Difficulty: ?

Khazajamal: See Adsuri.
KPB Rank: UR
Difficulty: Extremely Easy

Darkmania: Having a much similar history to Baker Park(or vice versa), this nation is probably one of the hardest to beat.
KPB Rank: 64
Difficulty: Hard

Zwangzug: This nation is probably one of the top contenders for qualification. Hard one to beat.
KPB Rank: 31
Difficulty: Extremely Hard

Valladares: UPDATE: Because of our poor research, we didn't know that this nation is ranked 123rd. Now that we know that, they'll probably be hard to beat.
KPB Rank: 123
Difficulty: Hard

The Macabees: Much like Zwangzug, they're most probably going to qualify.
KPB Rank: 37
Difficulty: Extremely Hard

Well, I guess we're done. Tune in tomorrow to learn more about Mystique's comeback this June, as well as the results against The Macabees.

by **Valanora** » Fri May 22, 2020 7:00 pm

"This is not going to be a sprint to the finish this time around, we are clearly looking at another marathon of qualifiers. It is not an easy group either that our Marauders find themselves in, getting one of the more difficult pot two teams in Pasarga and the rest of the top seeds in the group having had a modicum of success either presently or in the past. What the Marauders can take a bit of solace in though is that in the recently completed Eagles' Cup, they were clearly better than Pasarga and can perhaps lean into that a bit when the two teams do battle. It is not a given though that they will be the teams vying for the group title however, as both Juvencus and Bliuji are teams to be wary of, as is the Plane of Possibility after seeing how well their clubs have fared in the IFCF and other ICCs. There is a lot of potential pitfalls in this group and the Marauders are going to have to have their guard up and be prepared to play every match with the same urgency as if it were a Final itself if they are going to be able to assert their perceived dominance over the group and qualify out of it as most in the Eternal Empire are expecting of the team."

"Well I am not sure that perceived dominance is actually a thing as according to their draw coverage, Tamgu seems to think that the Marauders are among the weakest of the first teams there is and a very favorable draw for the ambitious new team. South Newlandia media also seems to think that while we have our history that we could be there for the taking, which is an interesting take from some of the newer nations in the competition. To really think that they have received a boon by getting the Marauders in their group over other first seeds, it speaks of a certain lack of respect and intimidation that the Marauders no longer have compared to previous years. There for the longest while teams dreaded getting the Marauders as the first seed in their group, conceding four or six points would be coming the Marauders way when their teams faced off against our own. Yet now a team like Tamgu thinks that they will be able to snatch results off of the side, those five World Cup stars on the crest do not seem to hold the same sway as they once did and I am a bit concerned at that fact."

"Let the new teams believe what they will, this side is built not only to qualify for the World Cup but to also compete for it, as evidenced by their third placed showing in the Eagles' Cup. Where the team might have floundered a bit in the Finals last go around, they are clearly hungry and ready to make amends for not making it into the knockout stages of the competition. While we all were saddened at the loss of Allendren Fresco, Espy va Drake, and Faeron Soldarian, their departure does open up opportunities for others to showcase their own skill. Simon Kvaal for instance, he's been ready to play for the national team for three years but was stuck behind va Drake, now he gets a chance to prove that he has all the talent to turn into a superstar like his predecessor. If a new team does not want to respect the history and talent that the Marauders have, then let it not be with words that we resolve our difference but the results on the pitch where talent is proven and words can be pushed aside and unmade. All this Tamgu media has done is provide the locker room material needed to fire the team up when the two teams do come to blows and inspire the team to do better than what they have."

"I suppose, though the length of the qualifiers does seem to lend itself to a team falling victim to more injuries and upsets, which with an older squad like the Marauders have, is not something you really wish to see. As has been said though, if the Marauders can stick to their game plan and take each game as it comes, not underestimating any of their opponents, then they should be able to rise above the rest of the group with their superior talent and take a spot in the Finals. It will not be easy, yet the five stars that adorn the crest of the Marauders were not earned easily either and perhaps this sort of mental games will remind the players of the efforts it took to get those stars on the crest. If not, well then the legendary captain can always sort the team out, given that it seems like he has found new energy after moving from Audioslavia to Eura with his club transfer over the summer. The new venue seems to reinvigorated Hawk and that is a very promising proposition indeed for the Marauders and all those who support the team out there on the pitch."

by **Mavinet** » Fri May 22, 2020 7:36 pm

© Dai Hoa Times
World Cup 85 qualifiers: Hello world!
by Lam Manh Hai, Senior Sports Editor

Fellow Mavineses, are you ready for more international football? I don't know about you, but I sure am. With the recent successes at the U21 World Cup and the Baptism of Fire, fervor for football and our national team is at an all-time high. The players, the staff, even the association have become the stars of the country in recent times. With Mavinet's first international title from the 72nd Baptism of Fire, the Water Buffaloes received congratulations and praises from not just the people of Mavinet, but from friends abroad as well. Cassadaigua, our eastern neighbor and one of the football giants of the world, shared a congratulation and invited the national team to their capital Concord Heights for an appreciation ceremony and a friendly series, the second of which will be played in Thang Long Stadium in Dai Hoa. Queen Cassie II of Cassadaigua personally attended the ceremony and subsequent match. This was a great honor for all Mavinet's players and wonderful recognition of the efforts put into our football development program. We were happy to welcome the Cassadaigan team to Dai Hoa for the return match, and a ceremony was also organized to greet the guests. Mavinet lost both of the matches, 1-2 and 2-3 respectively, but all Mavineses left the stadiums in good spirit, knowing that these matches marked the beginning of a good relationship between the two countries.

In preparation for the upcoming World Cup 85 qualifiers, the Football Association scheduled several friendlies with other World Cup participating nations. Mavinet won 2-0 in the match against Maccian, lost 1-3 to Poafmersia and lost 0-7 to Torisakia. The results of these matches, although disappointing, show that Mavinet still have a lot to do to develop. But putting technical aspects aside, it has been a great learning experience for the Water Buffaloes playing against more established teams and a good opportunity to adjust their mentality as well as to spot any tactical issues in the current setup.

Head Coach Nguyen Minh Quan will continue to lead the national team in the World Cup qualifying campaign. The official squad for the qualifiers have been released by the MFA a few days ago, with only minor changes to the roster. Experienced central defender To Bang Quang and right winger Nguyen Thai Trung Quan were dropped in favor of Ha Huu Toan, a 27-year-old defender playing for Phuc Chau Port FC, and Le Trung Tuyen, a more experienced option on the right wing that have been playing well for Thuong Giang FC. Central back Phan Anh Tu continues to hold the captain armband, with the tireless and combative central midfielder Nguyen Huu Nghia the second-in-command.

Another change we can see implemented in the friendlies was the more attacking mentality in the way the Water Buffaloes approach the game. Even when out of possession, the players still chase the ball in a high pressing game that involve almost all players on the field. This approach was introduced to the team in the late course of the 72nd Baptism of Fire with some degree of success, so it will be interesting to see how far this change will carry our team in the World Cup qualifiers when the opponents will be much tougher.

The official World Cup 85 qualifying groups and fixtures have also been released. Mavinet belong to Group 13, with the appearance of powerful teams like Valanora, Pasarga, Juvencus and Tamgu, along with some familiar faces in South Newlandia and Ottoman Syldavia. Valanora, Pasarga, Juvencus and Tamgu will most likely be the teams competing for the top 2 spots, but the rest of the group are not pushover and on the right day, any of them, including us, can make the top teams regret underestimating the opponent. At the very least, the lower ranked team can play a big role in deciding which of the strong teams qualify. That is the beauty of the beautiful game: its unpredictable nature, despite how much the rankings might say otherwise. With very little chance to qualifying from this group, Mavinet should focus on performing well every match physically, mentally and tactically. The qualifiers can be a huge boost to the development effort currently in progress in our country.

Mavinet will open its qualifying campaign with the home match against Pasarga in Dai Hoa. The Rushmori giant is no stranger to Mavinet: the Wanderers thrashed the Water Buffaloes 8 goals to nil in the latest edition of the Copa Rushmori. That memory certainly has not faded from the minds of Mavinese and Pasargans alike. Mavinet's goal in this match should be to avoid another embarrassing defeat and if the recent progress could help, maybe even hold on to a draw against the 25th-ranked opponent. A win is a far-fetched possibility, but if our campaign in the Baptism of Fire taught us anything, it was luck can be a powerful game-changer. We will welcome Pasarga to Dai Hoa with a different stance from what they left us with at Eastfield Lodge, and let's give them a run for their money.

Mavinet's fixtures in the World Cup 85 qualifier

MD1: Mavinet v Pasarga
MD2: Eraman v Mavinet
MD3: Mavinet v Ottoman Syldavia
MD4: Plane of Possibility v Mavinet
MD5: Mavinet v Valanora
MD6: Bliuji v Mavinet
MD7: Mavinet v Juvencus
MD8: The Kytler Peninsulae v Mavinet
MD9: Mavinet v Kuriko
MD10: Pangurstan v Mavinet
MD11: Bye
MD12: Mavinet v South Newlandia
MD13: Tamgu v Mavinet
MD14: Pasarga v Mavinet
MD15: Mavinet v Eraman
MD16: Ottoman Syldavia v Mavinet
MD17: Mavinet v Plane of Possibility
MD18: Valanora v Mavinet
MD19: Mavinet v Bliuji
MD20: Juvencus v Mavinet
MD21: Mavinet v The Kytler Peninsulae
MD22: Kuriko v Mavinet
MD23: Mavinet v Pangurstan
MD24: Bye
MD25: South Newlandia v Mavinet
MD26: Mavinet v Tamgu

by **Vdara** » Fri May 22, 2020 8:08 pm

Iosif and Panikos’ Pre-Match Talk

It’s matchday.

You know what that means.

It’s time for Vdara’s Number One Shitty Football Show, with your favourite not-so-dynamic duo Iosip Sideropoulos and Panikos Zervopoulos!

[insert a Poundland rendition of Match of the Day here, with rubbish cgi effects included onscreen]

A televised studio appears on screen. It’s the same studio as before. It’s the same hosts as before. However, on the screen behind them, highlights of the last World Cup are playing. The host on the right begins to speak.

“Hello, and good morning to you all! I’m Panikos Zervopoulos, and the man to my right is Iosip Sideropoulos. Isn’t that right, gaffer?”

“You’re absolutely correct. Top marks for that wonderful guess, Pani!”

“Don’t patronise me, Iosip.”

“I’m not even pa-“

“Anyhow, let’s get on with today’s topic at hand, shall we?”

“Ugh, fine.”

“Today, Vdara faces the not-so-mighty Lo Sontano, an unranked side hailing from somewhere in the world that I can’t be bothered to point out. They appear to have a semi-decent team, but I think we’ll trounce them easily.”

“Don’t get your hopes up, Pani. Vdara recently lost 3-1 to Savojarna in a friendly, so I’d be careful with what you expect. Keep your expectations rational.”

“Ah, just like when you expected us not to lose 6-1 to Equestria?”

“Pani, they’re one of the best sides in the world. Anyhow, we’re up against them again this time around, so I’m praying that we get a better result than 6-bloody-1.”

“I’m sure we will. We’re ranked 132nd this time around, which is a far cry from what we were at.”

“Shall we move onto the group preview, then?”

“Sure, go on. Who do you want to talk about first?”

“Well, I’d quite like to talk about Lo Sontano, if that’s okay with you.”

“Let’s talk about Equestria. Now, they’re currently really hig-“

“Wait a minute, I want to do this bit! It says it’s for me on the autocue!”

“For f**k’s sake Iosip, will you please just shu-“

While those two dimwits keep fighting, I’ll just give you the group preview.

Team 1: Blouman Empire
To be quite frank, I don’t know much about this team. It’ll definitely be an exciting matchup when we come up against them. They’ve got a vibrant set of kits, and they have some cool player names, but considering our ranking, I’m going to have to put this down as an easy win.
Team 2: Fujai
Now, Fujai. What can I say about Fujai? I’ll tell you what I can say about Fujai. They’re a cool little side hailing from an archipelago. A lot like us, actually! Their record shows that they’ve lost more World Cup games than they’ve won, but we have to play every game like it’s a final. I think this matchup will end up as either a win or a draw if we bugger it up.
Team 3: Jamestownnnn
Here we have a decent and very attacking side that could easily put up a fight against us. However, they had a relatively disappointing Baptism of Fire, so I’m going to have to put this one down as a win.
Team 4: Ancherion
This team will definitely put up a good fight against us. I can’t fully see us winning this one, so I’d guess that the result would be a draw or a loss.
Team 5: South Concepthuania
I have never heard of these fellas, nor can I find anything about them, but considering the fact that they came from a lower pot, I’m hoping for a win.
Team 6: Vdara
Hey, that’s us!
Team 7: Kandorith
From 2 pots above us, we have Kandorith. A very vibrant and attacking squad who I don’t think we can truly compete with. I’m going to say that this is a draw, but it depends on both sides’ latest form, in my opinion.
Team 8: Monglechabagd
Yet again, another lower pot side that I know nothing about. Easy win.
Team 9: Lo Sontano
A new contender in the world of football, this team seem to be destined to answer the call for greatness. However, destiny hasn’t picked up the phone to dial them yet, so I’m going to say that this is a win.
Team 10: Xanneria
We’re getting pumped. Simple as that. Loss.
Team 11: Nooooooooooooooo
Like Kandorith, I think this matchup depends on the recent form of both sides. It could easily go either way.
Team 12: HUElavia
A team of vibrant colours and balanced tactics, this is a side who will be in for a good shout of qualifying. Can’t see us winning this one, it’s gonna have to be a loss.
Team 13. Equestria
We have faced them before, and lost 6-1. It’s a no brainer. A loss.
Predicted Table:
1) Equestria
2) Xanneria
3) HUElavia
4) Ancherion
5) Kandorith
6) Vdara
7) Nooooooooooooooo
8) Fujai
9) Jamestownnnn
10) Monglechabagd
11) Lo Sontano
12) Blouman Empire
13) South Concepthuania

That’s all for today from me, your temporary host. Hopefully you’ll join Iosip and Panikos later, once they’ve stopped fighting over dumb stuff. Enjoy the game!

by **Astograth** » Fri May 22, 2020 8:11 pm

It felt to Landerra Lazaga as if the tick-tick-ticking of the wall-mounted clock was getting louder the longer she sat there. The hands on the clock marked a quarter to 7 PM, and the offices of the Futbol Astograthiako Federazioa were all but empty. She’d been given a 5 PM appointment and arrived a quarter hour before that, but had instead been witness to the building’s slow evacuation. Even Mr. Abasgoitia’s secretary had finished her methodical game of Solitaire and packed up to go home, letting Lazaga know that she’d be called in when needed. That was more than thirty minutes ago now.

Her phone battery was running low and she hadn’t brought a charger, so the wise choice was to stop refreshing news websites and flicking through twii.tur. The waiting room didn’t stock any reading material other than framed press clippings, which she’d already given a thorough reading through. All that was left was to reread the material she’d brought and stare into space. Either way, the tick-tick-ticking seemed to grow louder still.

Lazaga assumed the conference room was sound-proofed, because the massive door let through nothing when closed. From peeking and the size of the trolleys going in and out with hot drinks, biscuits and pastries, there were about a dozen people inside. A couple of them, whom she didn’t recognise, had left the meeting in the time she’d been there, but otherwise they’d all been there for God knows how long.

Abruptly, the conference room door swung open and with it came a burst of conversation, as an assortment of men dressed to various degrees of formality sidled out toward the bathroom. She stood up, looking for a familiar face through the curious looks she was getting, until she caught the eye of Ugaitz Abasgoitia. He was as seen on TV: heavyset, with slick hair, and wearing sunglasses indoors that barely covered his eyes. The FAF President smiled, took a few steps toward her, and thrust out a pudgy hand.

“Ms. Lazaga, I presume? From the university?”

“Yes! Nice to meet you,” she said with a cordial smile of her own, meeting the handshake.

“The pleasure’s all mine. We’re taking a quick break, if you don’t mind, before we step back in. Sorry about the wait. You can go in, take a seat in the meantime. Help yourself to some pastries!” Abasgoitia gestured, not letting go of his toothy grin. Lazaga acquiesced and stepped into an uncomfortably warm room that smelled like – well, like a dozen officials had just been in there for three hours with no ventilation. The table seated about twenty, and she sat down in what appeared to be the closest unclaimed seat to the head while nodding hello to the men who’d stayed seated for the break. One of them she immediately recognised as Louis Vaudrail, the national team’s new manager, who returned her greeting and went back to typing on his phone.

What she presumed was a five-minute break morphed into ten, fifteen and ultimately twenty minutes, as Abasgoitia finally directed the conversation back inside. As everyone took their seats, she additionally recognised the squat, frizzle haired Ibai Kiriano, former star player and now assistant to Vaudrail.

The man to the right of Abasgoitia, clicking through a laptop, resumed the meeting.

“Point twelve, gentlemen. The penultimate matter. A presentation by Ms. Landerra Lazaga, doctoral student at Astograth University-Nayurrieta. In your folders you should each find a hard copy of the document”.

“Thank you, Artzai. Let me make some quick introductions,” said Abasgoitia, pointing around the room, “Mr. Artzai Elizalde, secretary general; Mr. Aioro Mariezkurrena, vicepresident; Mr. Endura Larregi, treasurer; Mr. Eneko Gandiaga, president emeritus; Mr. Ubarna Arama, vicepresident; Mr. Zilar Echerry, vicepresident; Mr. Louis Vaudrail, team manager; Mr. Ibai Kiriano, assistant manager; Mr. Lorentz Apiniariz, communications director; Mr. Marz Mugeta, marketing director; Mr. Aitzol Larralde, from the Ministry of Interior, and Mr. Bingen Rekalde, from the Ministry of Sport”, then looked at her and grinned. “Go ahead.”

Lazaga hadn’t quite expected the entire FAF top brass when she arrived at the building, but it had become increasingly clear that was whom she’d be facing. She cleared her throat.

“Well, first of all, thank you for inviting me here. As Mr. Elizalde said, I’m a doctoral student at Nayurrieta carrying out research under advice from Drs. Ibar Arando and Lanua Urdaiaga, at the School of Social Science. The documents you each have include the full research proposal as approved by the School as well as the approval from the University’s ethics board. To summarise, this research aims to do something that’s never been done before, to our knowledge, and that is achieve an academic overview of the relations between football players, their families, staff, clubs and national federations in the context of World Cup Committee competitions – that is, at the most elite level”.

“The data collection will consist mainly of fieldwork following the national team through the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. This includes access to training sessions, team meetings, staff meetings, the technical area during matches, and any transport the team uses. I will carry out what’s called ‘participant observation’ during this time, by both observing and taking part in what the team is doing while being the least intrusive or disruptive as possible. I will also-”

“Does that include the dressing room?” asked Kiriano, twirling a pen in front of a look of befuddlement.

Lazaga had expected this question, but not the interruption. “Ideally, yes. Also the dressing room.”

“Hmm. I just ask, because, you know,” he said, glancing around the room, “You seem like a nice gal, but I’m not sure the lads would be alright with you there. You know, with the nudity and all”.

Later that night Lazaga would reflect on how surreal it felt to be having this discussion with a player she’d grown up watching, but in the moment she was quick to reply. “That is obviously not my prerogative, and I’ll accept what you decide, but I’m sure we can work out something that’s comfortable for everyone”. She noticed Abasgoitia’s eyes, half-concealed by his sunglasses, slide from Kiriano to her, before he let out a large puff of e-cig vapour.

“Now, as I was saying, I also aim to conduct individual interviews with staff, directors, players, and players’ families. For the times during which the national team is in recess, I will follow certain players back to their clubs, to whom I’m also presenting this project for approval. The national team is the unifying factor, however, and the success of this research depends on it.”

She paused to catch her breath. Her audience seemed reasonably attentive; only three or four were looking at their phones, none of which were Vaudrail or Abasgoitia. The man introduced as Mr. Echerry spoke up.

“We approved a documentary crew a couple of weeks ago. How is this any different?”

“Well, for starters, I assume the end goal of the documentary is to entertain. The end goal of this project is to serve as an academic reference point for how we understand elite sport and how it affects the people involved in it. The end product will be extensively cross-referenced with other sources and subjected to peer review to make sure it holds up to the highest standards,” she said, tapering off once she noted slight nods from Echerry. “And I should add that none of this will go to the press. All publications will be academic”.

Lazaga folded her hands, trying to hide her nervousness. “Any questions?”

“I’m sorry, what is this PhD in, again?” asked Mr. Rekalde.

“Oh, anthropology. I think I forgot to mention that!” She hadn’t, she’d avoided it.

“Anthropology, hm. I thought that was dinosaur bones?”

“No,” intervened Elizalde, “that’s archaeology. This is about human bones. Are you interested in footballer bones?”

This was why she’d avoided it.

“That’s one of the things anthropology does, that’s right, but this is social anthropology. It’s… it’s kind of like sociology,” said Lazaga, screaming internally. That set off a chorus of polite hums, and the men shifted their gaze to Abasgoitia rifling through papers. He looked up.

“Well, Ms. Lazaga. Thank you. Any comments, Mr. Vaudrail?”

The manager shrugged. “Sounds fine to me. Can’t be any more trouble than the documentary”. His Astograthian was perfect, but with a distinct Sicoutian accent, dwelling on the vowels and scraping through the Rs.

“Ok then. Do we have consensus?”

A room of tired men in suits mumbling their assent was the culmination of a year of Lazaga’s work, and in what should’ve been her moment of triumph she wondered for the hundredth time what the hell she was doing.

by **Kelssek** » Fri May 22, 2020 8:37 pm

FOOTBALL
"Galacticos" need to seize their moment, says Crowe
Unknowns and anticipation ahead of World Cup qualifiers

National team manager Andrea Crowe wants Colm Ó Tuathail and Gabriel Lapierre to prove themselves in the international shirt, as the two are set to play for Kelssek for the time after being honoured for their club-level exploits by being named on the Galacticos list. The two will be ones to watch in particular, with the winger’s emergence at Shamrock Cathair having caught global media attention, and Lapierre also taking Taeshan’s Foreign Player of the Year award.

"It's one thing playing for the big clubs in leagues like Taeshan and Audioslavia, but it's a different role you play when the team is looking to you for leadership and to be the difference maker. This might well be a bigger task and they're at the point in their careers where everyone knows they have the skills to play, now it's about how strong they are mentally. That's the bar I'm setting for these guys."

Kelssek begins the road to World Cup 85 by hosting Barunia at Exhibition Place, a match that would also be highly anticipated on a rugby field. Both sides go into the match knowing it will already set the tone at this early stage. The 117th-ranked contenders won’t be pushovers, but they haven't been seen in major competitions since bowing out in the World Cup 83 qualification playoffs. It remains to be seen how accurate their ranking is; teams with history have been known to be a nasty surprise in that regard.

The main question for Kelssek is going to be whether the team has improved defensively since the last cycle, when they had one of the worst goals conceded totals in the Cup of Harmony despite making it to the quarter-finals. While the Independents Cup went a little better in that regard, it’ll take the pressure cooker of the World Cup to gauge whether the Football Voyagers have genuinely improved or not.

On that note, Andrea Crowe seems likely to go back to Kai Poirier as the first choice in goal, with Bernard Despatie having been less impressive in the KFL domestic season than at the tournament in HUElavia.

“The issue hasn’t been the players individually, but how we are working together or rather failing to work together. We’ve done all we can in terms of training, to translate that on the playing field, that’s the test.” Crowe said in pre-match remarks.

Sargossa and Cassadaigua are the favourites on paper to advance from Kelssek’s qualifying group, but the margins are always tight and the progress of a squad that’s still relatively young could make the difference.

by **Lisander** » Fri May 22, 2020 9:39 pm

Everyone was looking forward when Alfredo Trapp sat down in front of the press conference to inform the players he was going to take to the first qualifying matches. It was his first time as coach of the national team, after so many years as the personal assistant to the former coach, Andreas Fox, who unfortunately had passed away a few weeks ago. He was an interim, looking for good results to be kept in position. The participants at that conference were all excited, but they knew there was a strange atmosphere in the air since Club Sparta had denied their players to the national team, after a confusing incident involving a kidnapping, a marriage and a legal dispute over inheritance.

"Before announcing the team, ladies and gentlemen, I would like to make a little clarification. It has come to my attention that Anders Michaelichen has married a foreign citizen, Mrs Martina Elise Sobieski. Martina Sobieski is a forger and a liar, originally from Galliena, a small country in central-western Europe. This woman falsified DNA tests, which are supposed to prove that she is a daughter of the late coach Andreas Fox, who would have granted her part of his inheritance, to the disadvantage of his legitimate children, citizens of Lisander. This woman decided to bring her supposed brothers to justice because she felt "discredited" in her "father's" inheritance, and in this plot involved Michaelichen, who has always been a man of integrity and kindness. By deceiving him, she made him take her side and marry her. After this, she took Fox's surname and started to sign as Fox-Michaelichen. An act of disrespect."

The reporters looked at each other. They didn't expect such a forceful positioning. Trapp would probably have trouble with the Federation if he didn't formally retract the charges against Michaelichen and his wife.

"In view of this, I, who for many years was Coach Fox's assistant and personal friend, am incapable of believing these which I consider being nothing more than absurd lies. I followed Fox's passage through Galliena about twenty years ago, but I have no news that he is involved with a citizen of that country, let alone that he has a daughter. I give my unreserved support to the legitimate children of my old friend, may Jah have him in his infinite mercy.

In respect of the family of the late Andreas Fox, who opposed all this absurd farce, and in view of the fact that the only interest of the aforementioned citizen is to acquire Lisanderian citizenship to profit on the pain of her true relatives, I inform you that I consider the position of Anders Michaelichen completely unacceptable and that while I am in charge of this team, he will not be summoned.

Unfortunately, in possession of this information, which was granted first hand only to him, so that he would reconsider his thoughtless actions, Mr Michaelichen sought out his employer, Club Sparta. And to the misfortune not only of me but of all the fans of this national team, Club Sparta, acting in a shameful retaliation, refused to release their athletes to participate in the World Cup Qualifiers. Therefore, we will not count on the following players, who were originally in my plans:

Luis Rosell, Afonso Heretier, Tassio Camden, Arthur Adler and Leo Artemon."

The reporters showed discredited expressions. A national team without Michaelichen (their captain), Rosell (their vice-captain) and Heretier and Camden (clearly responsible for possession and playmaking) were a weakened side and could suffer unexpected setbacks. Club Sparta was the biggest club in the country and the weight of nineteen national titles was being felt. There was confusion over the inheritance of the late Andreas Fox. Public opinion was divided. With nothing else to say, Trapp announced his names:

"Having made this clear, I would like to inform you of the 18 players who have been called for the first five World Cup qualifying Matches:"

Goalkeepers
#1 Júlio Altona (AS Virtus 1904)
#18 Nicolas Carboni (Clube Naval de Sendas)

Defenders
#2 Bruno Lasses (Dawson FC)
#3 Louis Varden (Atlético Clube de Kasandora)
#4 Marian Valens (AS Virtus 1904)
#6 Milen Kaplanoski (Racing Club de Soria)
#13 Lucas Dass (Soria Union FC)
#14 Julian Naus (Clube Naval de Sendas)

Midfielders
#5 Luís Ávila (AS Virtus 1904) (Captain)
#8 Saber Neville (AS Virtus 1904)
#7 Christian Nantel (AS Virtus 1904)
#15 Nicolas Thorn (Atlético Clube de Kasandora)
#16 Ricardo Santander (Racing Club de Soria)

Forwards
#9 Nicolas Walker (Soria Union FC)
#10 Milo Sommerville (Shamrocks FC)
#11 Victor Potenza (Atlético Clube de Kasandora)
#12 Yoann Dawson (Shamrocks FC)
#17 Cyril Amati (Atlético Clube de Kasandora)

Things hadn't changed much. It was a typical 4-3-3 with high passing, a lineup that was exactly like Andreas Fox intended. The names were basically the same, especially on the forward line. Without Heretier and Camden, Trapp resorted to Virtus' trio of midfielders, with Avila, Neville and Nantel. The experienced Luis Avila, already thirty-five years old, would not have much more time left in the team, so he would be the captain, something he had not been for years, since the injury that left him out for a season. In attack, Milo Sommerville's good performances last season secured him his favourite position, the "spearhead", and it was also the return of Nicolas Walker, who was once overlooked for his move to Soria Union, a "small team". The biggest surprise was the absence of Lukas Hiltmann, but it seemed that Hiltmann and Michaelichen were good friends, which would explain several things. However, this name was not mentioned. In fact, there wasn't even time for that.

"Gentlemen, no questions. That's all for now, good afternoon."

by **Legalese** » Fri May 22, 2020 10:58 pm

“Hey guys, Todd here. Don’t forget to like and subscribe if you like our work -- just click at the bottom of the page.”

“Hey Todd, Dave here. What’s happening?”

“The World Cup, that’s what! It’s been over twenty years since Legalese has sent a team, but they finally came back. You excited?”

“Of course! Wait, the World Cup of what?”

“Association Football, or Soccer as you may know it.”

“Why soccer?”

“It’s shorter.”

“So’s just football.”

“Yeah, but there’s other games called football. Anyways, we’re back, and it seems like we have a lot of familiar faces in our group.”

“Is that a good thing?”

“Nah, it probably means we’ll get crushed, but that was probably going to happen anyways. Best bet is maybe we get to make the Cup of Harmony.”

“What’s the Cup of Harmony?”

“It’s a cup for those who don’t qualify for the World Cup Finals, or as some call it, the World Cup Proper.”

“Does that make the Cup of Harmony the World Cup Improper?”

“I guess so, Dave. So, here’s the deal -- we’ve got all these nations we’ve played before, so I figured we’d play your favorite game: Let’s Remember Some Nations. I’ll give you a nation we’re playing in qualifying, and we’ll talk about if we remember them. Sound good?”

“Sure, Todd.”

“Okay, let’s start with VIL-LITE-TAH.”

“Dude, do you mean VIL-LISH-UH?”

“I guess. Anyways, you should know them -- regionmates, winners of the last world cup we hosted, and occasional scientific collaborators.”

“Scientific collaborators?”

“Yeah, remember the time people started sleepwalking and biting people to make them sleepwalk too? They helped us find a cure.”

“Oh, that’s cool. I hate Aggressive Sleepwalking Sickness -- that was a nasty hangover last time.”

“Great, so then do you know the Jungle Cats?”

“Nope, never heard of them.”

“Okay, just watch out for a box of pencils, then. Let’s move on to KREH-TEN-YAH.”

“Isn’t it KRY-TEN-E-YAH ? They call themselves the Kryties, not the Kritties, after all.”

“Sure, that works. So, do you remember them?”

“Not really. I was negative years old when World Cup 68 happened.”

“Ah, that is a problem. Well, here’s the most important things to know: they have really weird relationships with our neighbors to the north and west, and I’m not sure how I feel about it.”

“Jaffacakes everywhere?”

“Must be. Okay, next is Newmanistan.”

“Don’t know them, but that sounds like, like -- you know how when someone foils your plans and you discover it, you say their name menacingly, eyes raised to the sky?”

“NEWMANNNNNNN!”

“Yeah, like that. Well, this sounds like a country full of those guys. What do you call that?”

“Rivals, usually. Maybe enemies, maybe nemeses, too. Starblaydia is also an acceptable answer.”

“What are they up to anyways, up north?”

“I dunno. We’re running short on time, so let’s get to the next nation -- Drunk People at the Local Tavern.”

“Dude, I know them. Hell, I am them!”

by **Jeruselem** » Sat May 23, 2020 3:37 am

Princess Katherine Annabelle Dallas with Jeruselem coach Boris Doncaster

Kate: Hello, this is Princess Katherine Annabelle Dallas for Naked News Jeruselem. I'm with our new coach Boris Doncaster for this cup.
Boris: Oh hello people, hello hello
Kate: Now most coaches are pretty boring, but you're a little different.
Boris: Yes, my private life is a bit more exciting than most. Unless you compare it to someone like you.
Kate: Oh yes, I'm a Princess. It's my job to be headline but let's talk about you.
Boris: Yes yes

Kate: Let's see married three times, six kids. And you change coaching jobs between teams, a lot.
Boris: I don't live a boring life, I don't apologise for that.
Kate: Now what to you bring to this job? This job is a high demand, and high profile one. There's no place to hide.
Boris: I believe I am the man for this job and bring success to our team who have been so close to qualifying recently
Kate: So what's different about you?
Boris: I don't overmanage or overplan, I believe in people managing themselves more

Kate: I dunno that sounds like laziness
Boris: I think our problem is we are overmanaged, and it restricts the abilities of the players
Kate: So more freedom? Effectively
Boris: Err, not freedom. More self sovereignty
Kate: So you think they respond better if they think they are more free even though restrictions on their activities haven't changed.
Boris: Yes

Kate: We haven't had any friendly games to test the squad
Boris: Yes yes, well I'm still working out the squad
Kate: You know we play our first game pretty soon, it's not like we've had lots of time to prepare.
Boris: Yes I know but things will be fine.
Kate: You're not the most technology literate coach we've had, in fact one of the least literate.
Boris: Technology is not my strong point, that's why I have an assistant.

Kate: You actually have two assistants technically then
Boris: I have football assistant, the other is really a secretary
Kate: So you have more time to make decisions then?
Boris: Yes
Kate: Well good luck and do us proud. We'll be keeping an eye on the team's progress.
Boris: Oh yes, you're Queen's niece.

Kate: We have vested interest in the World Cup
Boris: Don't worry, I'm the right man for this job
Kate: Well, that's why you're here. Well, we hope you are the right man.
Boris: Everything will be fine.

by **Ko-oren** » Sat May 23, 2020 6:06 am

Let's play a game. This is...

NS World Cup Fantasy Qualification

and here is how it works.

Objective
The objective is to gain as many points as possible. You pick a set of national teams, and the better they perform, the more points you gain.

Starting out
1) Check the KPB rankings and look up the qualification groups.
2) You have to pick 15 national teams, one from each group, and remember: the better they perform, the more points you get.
3) Here is where the fun starts: you have 200 KPB-points to spend. If you choose a team like Vilita, well done! They're sure to do well - but they also cost 55.31 points, so you don't have much left for the other 14 teams you have to pick. Unranked teams are free.

Scoring
For every matchday, calculate your points as follows:
1) For every win, you get three points. For a draw, you get one point.
2) For a win by three goals or more, you get an extra point. If a team wins by five goals or more, you get another extra point (so you get two in total).
3) If a team loses by three goals or more, you LOSE a point.

Link to the form!

Are you spending your points on proven commodities? Are you scouting the next big thing out of the lower pots? Will you do the hipster thing and pick Pot 13 in its entirety ("we knew about these guys before they were cool")? Or just all of the Cinderella stories right out of the Baptism of Fire?

Please TG your questions, or hit me up on Discord.
Points might not be tallied straight on Matchday 1. Will probably need a bit of time to automate that.
I'll leave the signups up until MD3 at least.

Link to the form!

Here are my choices (for a nice 199.55 KPB!)
Cheap and back from hiatus: Astograth, Delaclava, Electrum, Blouman Empire
Expensive (you better deliver): Eura, Taeshan, Zwangzug, Banija, Cassadaigua
Recent BoF graduates: Tequilo, Zeta Reka and cetera, Mavinet, Riena, Poafmersia
None of the above: Torisakia

by **Nephara** » Sat May 23, 2020 6:16 am

Lineup vs. Welzat
(4-4-2) 1 - Mercator; 2 - Sanger, 22 - Lockheed, 6 - Brosch, 3 - Close (c); 7 - Kuepper, 4 - Shone, 21 - Moxham, 16 - Deventer; 17 - Avetisyan, 23 - Lovelace

THE HERALD
MOOD BULLISH IN CORMORANTS AS FALLEN GIANTS LOOM
Leonora Fischer

The bigger they were, once, ages ago, the harder they fall. That's the adage, right?

Truth is, it isn't long ago that Nephara seemed like a fallen giant themselves. The Cormorants have always had brilliant players since the win in 74, but only briefly, towards the end of Michael Brandon's reign, threatened to turn into a brilliant team. The record was damning; one quarterfinal in twenty years, as a national obsession with knocking down and starting over constantly kneecapped the team before it could go anywhere.

It will be refreshing to no longer have to write those kinds of stories. Daniella Strauss seems to have beat the team into shape, though a strong third-place showing at the regionals (damn that Savojarna again) was followed up by a thoroughly whelming Eagles Cup display. The first team are coming into their prime and haven't been arbitrarily discarded for the next hot thing - oh for the days where the Cormorants were a roost for veterans! - and the next hot things actually look ready. Konrad Lovelace, for one, showed enough flashes of danger last year to suggest Metzger faces a battle for his place.

The most recent squad selection has had plenty to look at, though the Cormorants face a soft start to their schedule. Anita Sanger and Arista Tzorvas return from the cold, though one suspects they may be on borrowed time. Claudia Martane is an intriguing uncapped prospect, a 25-year old former Brinemouth winger now in Eura at Bastable's former club. Cedella Verlander may be ready this year like she wasn't last cycle, used to the rigours of a top club, while, yes, take a moment to lick your lips at the prospect of Aranea Provost, who some are whispering about as a genuine great in the making.

The group is an intriguing one, with some level of shared history. Darmen, our rivals in green, are a worthy second seed, boasting a hardened, seasoned core of proven talents finally entering their best years together. Despite the fact that they are yet to defeat Nephara in international competition, it would be foolish to take them lightly. They are a tough outfit who can give as good as they get in terms of physicality, and attempting mind games is fruitless against their impeccable discipline. Well-balanced and physically imposing, they present something of a mirror match, though the Cormorants' edge in quality and top-class club experience is noticeable.

Jeruselem, of course, were there for Nephara's first ever qualifying group, and have brought out their usual motley crew of obscure journeyfolk. Such teams should never be taken lightly, and often have a chemistry befitting a club team; a powerful advantage over an often fractious Nephara. Sarzonia continue the theme of well-balanced sides, and ominously share the same 'Sa ... a' name as Nephara's bogey teams, Sargossa and Savojarna. Intriguingly, this represents the first battle between the World Cup's two Triple Crown champions. The Stars invented it, but did the Cormorants perfect it? In any case, they represent a genuine threat for Pot 4, though their lack of experience in the best leagues may cost them. As usual, though, some of these players absolutely could make the step up if the opportunities were provided - watch for scouts in the crowd.

Their opposite, perhaps, is Delaclava - the majority of the team is playing for the hope of a contract, but those who have been given the opportunity have stepped up admirably. Of those, the sky is very much the limit for Lukas Meyer and Rhydian Campbell, and the team has the creativity to threaten any side, but probably not the consistent strength to do so for long. Welzat, despite their absurd monarchist traditions, will not go down without a fight in Nephara's first match, Simpralia's inexperience did not hold them back in a strong debut at the Baptism of Fire, Competitive Solitaire have a great name, while Huaymarca... well, hold this space. They could be a lot more than just another unranked side.

In terms of club connections, Abraham Cardoso of Darmen had a fruitful spell at Raven River, a couple Delaclavs have made the recent jaunt over, while at some point Acronian clubs hired approximately four hundred free agent Nepharim, didn't pay any of them in an abortive season that never passed UICA credentials and kicked them all to the curb. Nepharan scouts are notorious opportunists, of course, and will be watching these matches like vultures to pick up scraps.

So, it is a tough group, practically sagging with history. But part of being the first seeds is that you don't get the privilege of worrying about it. Victory represents par for all these matches, with Darmen away being the only truly acceptable points to drop. It is rare for qualifying campaigns to actually be flawless - so much can and does go wrong - but nevertheless, one must expect it. It will be a marathon, not a sprint, with plenty of time for the Cormorants to bed in and assert the superiority they believe themselves to have. We believe it, too. Let's see it be proven in front of the world.

MOST SHARED ...
1 Acerbic social media 'anniversary' of five years without major national rebrand
2 Monika Vanstrattan to reprise role as supervillain 'Scarlette Devine'
3 Opinion: "The case for Brenecia's reclamation grows every day under Ward's control"

NEPHARAN NATIONAL TEAM SELECTION - FORTNIGHT 1
Goalkeepers: 1 - Hesterine Mercator (Eastweald, COS), 12 - Acatha Feldman (AFC Corvistone), 20 - Aranea Provost (Holdenberg, EUR)
Defenders: 2 - Anita Sanger (Rammsissil, VIL), 3 - Marcin Close (Brinemouth, c), 5 - Cedella Verlander (AFC Corvistone), 6 - Ilyana Brosch (Brinemouth), 18 - Valeri Longship (Crisisbless), 19 - Sander Katarec (Starling), 22 - Gabriel Lockheed (AFC Treason)
Midfielders: 4 - Tawny Shone (Sabrefell Moths), 7 - Marica Kuepper (Jungle Strike, VIL), 8 - Swansea Reach (Sabrefell Moths), 11 - Rowena Strongbow (Directus, EUR), 13 - Claudia Martane (Hornchurch, EUR), 15 - Ferena Rauch (AFC Treason), 16 - Morena Deventer (Brinemouth), 21 - Chimera Moxham (Crawford City FC, COS)
Forwards: 9 - Kurtis Bastable (Ulsa, EUR), 10 - Aristide Metzger (AFC Treason), 14 - Arista Tzorvas (CA Paulinthal, PAS), 17 - Voska Avetisyan (Cornellians, SCT), 23 - Konrad Lovelace (Revolutionaries, EUR)

SCHEDULE
Welzat vs. Nephara
[Bye]
Nephara vs. Great Lausitz @ Godswatch (Crisisbless)
Huayramarca vs. Nephara
Nephara vs. Sarzonia @ Farham Arena (Sabrefell)
Competitive Solitaire vs. Nephara
Nephara vs. South Charlia @ Eagle's Club (Brinemouth)
Darmen vs. Nephara
Nephara vs. Aimena @ Ludd's Hammer (Stahlburg)
Jeruselem vs. Nephara
Nephara vs. Delaclava @ The Gauntlet (Treason)
Acronius vs. Nephara
Nephara vs. Simpralia @ The Iron Hill (Vermillion)
Nephara vs. Welzat @ Ebony Lane (Cranequin)
[Bye]
Great Lausitz vs. Nephara
Nephara vs. Huayramarca @ Phoenix Rise (Corvistone)
Sarzonia vs. Nephara
Nephara vs. Competitive Solitaire @ Ludd's Hammer (Stahlburg)
South Charlia vs. Nephara
Nephara vs. Darmen @ Farham Arena (Sabrefell)
Aimena vs. Nephara
Nephara vs. Jeruselem @ Eagle's Club (Brinemouth)
Delaclava vs. Nephara
Nephara vs. Acronius @ Godswatch (Crisisbless)
Simpralia vs. Nephara

by **HUElavia** » Sat May 23, 2020 6:30 am

HUElavia Releases New Uniforms!

HUElavia at the last moment had decided to release new uniforms as part of a rebrand after their WC 84 qualification in the last cycle. Now, they've gone for a more simpler look, but nodding to their past uniform used for several cycles: https://imgur.com/gallery/6McjCcx.

The players had positive reactions to the uniform, with players like Cristiano saying "I think the fans will like this look, something that was made in our country, and it gives off a simple buy vibrant look, which reflects a part of our style of playing." Hamada also had her comment, saying "The team feels that a rebrand was needed in order to give a good reflection of our nation, especially with the new crest that represents our two main cultures- Portuzian and Astellian."

A home and away kit was released, along with alternatives to both home and away, as well as a home and away kit for the goalkeepers. Los Amarillos are expected to wear this kit for the opening match tonight at Jamestownnnn. It is expected to see the main starting XI to wear the away kit. Fans are flocking to online stores and physical shops in order to get their hands on the new uniforms, which are going off the shelves for an average price of H90 for a Medium-Size shirt.

It was long overdue for a new look to guide our team to a glorious future.

FORCA HUELAVIA! VAMOS HUELAVIA! GO HUELAVIA!

by **Squornshelous** » Sat May 23, 2020 6:38 am

OOC: This is a continuation/revisitation/semi-retcon of my unfinished WC84/CoH76 storyline, which can be read here:
Part 1: Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3, Chapter 4, Chapter 5, Chapter 6
Part 2: Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3, Chapter 4, Chapter 5
With a little luck and inspiration, I'll tie up some loose ends.

Recollection, Chapter 1

Markkus Holmgren found it difficult to focus on the sports roundtable show dissecting the world cup draw. Inevitably, they had come back around to the notion that the Imperium, even if outright qualification was a long shot, had a golden opportunity to avenge themselves on Zwangzug for their elimination from World Cup 41. Never mind that nearly everyone who'd witnessed that match was dead, and that the political upheaval that followed was going to find a flashpoint no matter what result the national team got. Pure idiocy.

Not quite two years had passed since Cup of Harmony 76. Two years since that night in Pearlham when the world had changed forever. Markkus absently reached up to the puckered scar that ran from his left temple back over his ear, cutting a path of bare, twisted skin through his salt and pepper hair. It was only the most visible of the physical mementos he retained from the events of that night, but it was the one that had robbed him of his actual memories. Not the bullet itself, which had only grazed his skull, but the concussion caused when he hit the ground. The frustrating non-function of implants outside the Imperium meant that not even the most skilled psychosurgeons had been able to undo the damage, and he had no recollection between the end of the match against Gyatso-kai and waking up in a neuro-ward two weeks later. It would be tolerable if it were a simple blank. Unpleasant, but tolerable, not knowing precisely how and why he'd been shot three times, how his boss, Kiril Melkochuk had died, how the best footballer in the Imperium, Lyyti Vang had vanished without a trace. The three were connected, obviously, but with his memory quite literally shot, no one knew exactly how.

The thing that threatened to drive him crazy is that it wasn't a simple blank. Shadows danced at the edge of thought, and he'd wake from vivid dreams of that night, only for everything to melt away the moment he awoke. He'd tried journaling his dreams, but the details squirmed out of his mind even as he would reach for the datapad beside his bed. It was maddening, and day by day, his hate for Vang grew. He knew, somehow, that she was responsible for all of it.

He didn't miss Melkochuk much as a person. The man had been an arrogant, indulgent, power-hungry lecher, and had never missed an opportunity to put Markkus in his place. The world was well rid of Kiril Melkochuk. All the same, he'd valued Markkus's ability to an extent, and that had been more convenient for Markkus than he'd realized.

He'd been just one of a whole collection of staff working for Melkochuk, and nearly all of them abruptly found themselves reassigned. For Markkus, there'd been a letter waiting when he came out of his coma. The language was flowery and congratulatory enough to be sure, with much made of "years of dedicated service, and and "opportunity to continue use your skills in service of your country," but he knew the move for what it was. A quiet demotion. He was uncomfortable close to a significantly embarrassing episode for the Imperium in a way no one could quite put their finger on, and they wanted him out of the way. Even though everyone involved knew the score, they'd still dressed it up as a promotion. Regional Director of Scouting for the Fallian District. A collection of crumbling industrial cities surrounded by blighted marshland. The new assignment had necessitated a move to Striterax, Holmgren's pick as least intolerable of the cities of Fallia. He could've declined the move to this backwater, of course, and he also could've found a dart coated in a nerve agent protruding from his neck some night. Better to go along and stay alive. Death is so terribly final, Melkochuk's voice came unbidden to his mind, while life is full of possibilities.

"Shut up Kiril, you're dead."

Indeed I am, my dear Markkus, and yet here I am in your head all the same.

"Bastard."

Now now, Markkus, don't be so hostile. I truly do only want to help you.

That was another little memento the psychosurgeons had been unable to resolve. Since he'd woken up, Melkochuk seemed to drift around in the back of his mind, surfacing seemingly at random. His therapist, when Markkus kept his appointments, opined that the hallucination, while obviously related to the brain trauma Markkus had endured, was also correlated with stress, but Markkus wasn't convinced. He isn't caused by stress, he fucking causes it.

You never did appreciate everything I did for you Markkus, even now you want to blame me for all your problems.

"You are the cause of my problems, you dead piece of shit, you and that fucking Vang."

You speak with great certainty for a man with a large gap in his memory. If you knew what I knew you might not be so quick to blame others for your current predicament, Markkus.

"You're an unhinged segment of my own psyche, so you don't know anything I don't know."

My, you really weren't paying attention during your psychosurgery sessions, were you Markkus?

"For the last time, shut up!"

I'll leave you for now Markkus, but only because you know I'm right.

This is ridiculous. The best experts the government could provide hadn't been able to help him. Maybe it was time to look elsewhere. After all, the Imperium's technological cutting edge had always been found in the private sector, especially if you weren't too finicky about the precise legal status of what went on. Markkus didn't know if he could find someone to help him, but one thing was for certain. This is going to be expensive.

by **Newmanistan** » Sat May 23, 2020 7:23 am

THE ROCKET REPORT

TEAM OPTIMISTIC DESPITE TOUGH ROAD

by Brianne Henry,

It is time for World Cup 85, and one has to be excited. It seems as though, at this point, Newmanistan has reached that spot where they typically were in for this competition before the long time away. At times, the Rockets cracked pot 2, but in their soccer heyday, Newmanistan was never known as being a threat to qualify for the World Cup proper. Sometimes, they would, but for the most part, they were the kings of the third place group finish, missing by just one or two points and being sent to the Cup of Harmony. The Cup of Harmony did go well for the sky blue, as we would win it three times, giving us a bit of a reputation as being one of the best teams in that next tier of nations that don’t qualify. For most, we have been seen as that nation that is excellent in baseball, but is not a threat in soccer. Now, we have built some momentum, working our way up to #46 in the world, and into the third pot once again.

Can this team do more? In World Cup 84, Newmanistan put a major scare into the hearts of Audioslavians and Sargossans in group 1, despite being a pot 5 team. Eventually, the two favorites prevailed over the Rockets, and Newmanistan fizzled just a little bit after they were officially eliminated. One of the great things that this team was able to do in the last World Cup was win the games that they were supposed to win. If you read predictions from other teams, they always pick themselves to beat the bottom feeders of the group twice, but in the end that is not the way things always pan out. However, for Newmanistan in the last Cup, it kind of was. So when the team picked up a big early draw with Audioslavia, and continued to max out the points they got against the teams they were supposed to beat, Newmanistan hung around at the top for a while. For Audioslavia and Sargossa, they had to take care of business every matchday or risk being knocked off by us, but in the end, they would. For us, it was still a great result, given the step forward that it was. In the Cup of Harmony, they were able to advance to the quarterfinals before running into a good squad from Mercedini early on, and losing.

Momentum for the team continued in the Campionato Esportiva. They had done fairly well in the tournament in previous editions, so were hopeful that they could have a long run in the tournament, and they would do exactly that. In the group stage, they had a lot of draws but never lost. This allowed them to finish second behind The Hinodejin Empire in the group. Knockouts went very well for the team, and they would advance to the championship game against that familiar face from Kita-Hinode. The teams had played to a draw when they met in the group stage, but this time, Newmanistan would get the better of their opponent and the raise the trophy as the champions of Campionato Esportiva 26! It is the first time that they had won the regional tournament, and their biggest soccer win since the Cup of Harmony triple. It was another step forward for the nation and for this team. The team won their two pre-qualifying friendlies, with the big win coming over #9 in the world Cassadaigua, in Tundra Falls. Making that even more impressive is that it was the only friendly (out of nine they played) that Cassadaigua didn’t win.

Sometimes, when a team continues to make these steps forward, you worry about a setback along the way. Eventually, progress can stall, and when you have had a reputation of not qualifying in a tournament, it is easy to be concerned about that now. These days, people reference Eastfield Lodge as the one that never qualifies, and yes, they have certainly outdone anything we did (or failed to do, depending on your perspective), but before their futility, Newmanistan held that honor to many. Can things be different now? World Cup 85 is not going to answer that question by itself if the team fails to advance, but it can become part of the answer. This is the first time, after all, that Newmanistan has reached the point that they seemed to never be able to get away from in the past. If they can qualify, then maybe then we can start to hope for a new level of success in the tournament. Remember though, Newmanistan still is a not a favorite for qualification, but is no longer a longshot, either.

The competition is being hosted by Mriin and Farfadillis this year, the latter of which won the World Cup 84 championship in Concord Heights, Cassadaigua last time around. These are known nations to Newmanistanian fans, however we have not had much direct experience with either of them. For the travel minded fan, there has to be excitement about the potential to go to a nation that they have never been too and learn about its customs. For the players, it could be held anywhere just as long as they were in it. Impressively, this a huge tournament with 15 groups of 13, making for a long group stage, but I am really glad that the hosts opted to stay with the fifteen groups even with the large amount of signups. In those signups are some promising nations that really excelled in the Baptism of Fire. Mavinet and Zeta Reka made the final and will emerge as the headliners of the competition, but there were many more that made an impression, such as Tequilo, Riena, and Kohnhead. A couple participants, South Newlandia and Valentine Z, were not unknowns to us as we have seen them excel in other competitions. Include all of them, plus others that I did not just mention, and there is plenty of excitement about this next group of first time participants. It is easier to be excited about them if you can watch them do damage in other qualifying groups rather then your own. Newmanistan gets one of those nations (Riena) in the qualifying group, plus Southern Esportivan Union could be a surprise given they did well in the Campionato Esportiva even if they were not as good in the Baptism of Fire.

Now, let’s take a look at the teams that Newmanistan will be playing within the group in the order in which we will be meeting them.

Southern Esportivan Union- This nation gets the chance to play in Tundra Falls as the competition gets under way. As I just mentioned, they were not as impressive in the Baptism of Fire as they were in the Campionato Esportiva. It is a nation that has undergone some tragedy lately, but it is an honor to see them still taking a chance and playing in the World Cup despite that. They come from Pot 11, but will be a pesky opponent, we feel. With some harder tough games early, these are three home points that we really don’t want to drop.

Omerica- Newmanistan’s first road game will take them to Charlottesville at Stade Just-Cartier. The 44,000 seat stadium is hosting the first three games of the qualification for Omerica, ranked #96 in the world. The country has an interesting tradition of not giving out the #12 to any of their players, reserving that in honor of the fans. Surely, in their home opener, they will be loud in what is an important game for both nations.

Qasden- Playing Omerica and Qasden back to back are going to be pretty difficult, but it always seems better, to me, to get the pot 2 team at home before you play them on the road. That is happening here, as Qasden is the nation that has the target on their backs as far as we are concerned. We have to crack the top two somehow, and more then likely it is not Vilita that is going to fall. The game takes place in Jessicaville, and is a great opportunity for those fans to show that they can be the best fans in the Empire.

Krytenia- Another tough early game as we go to play our fellow Cyan warriors. While we know these will be two of the best dressed teams on the pitch for the group, it is also a very important set of games for each side. The Krytenians will welcome us to the great city of Emberton, a place that once hosted the Summer Olympics. We have played them several times in the past, and mostly to draws in WCC-events. Teams also would regularly play a “Cyan Cup” friendly. Perhaps after this qualifying is over, that can be restarted in the future. On paper, this is a pot 4 team. In reality, they are just as much of a major qualifying threat as we hope we are.

Oberour Ar Moro- After having their bye day in matchday five, Newmanistan welcomes this qualifying mainstay to Olympia. It is the pot seven team, but a name we have seen every now and then. Will they have a breakthrough eventually? If so, let’s just hope that isn’t now. Scouts have mentioned that the team is likely to highly value offense at all costs while completely sacrificing defense.

Drunk People At The Local Tavern- The team travels on the road to play this interesting nation. They took a page out of the Cheergirls playbook and will be playing in someone’s backyard. No word on what kind of locker room and pre-game meeting space is also available to the teams. We’ll figure something out.

Vilita- Seeing their name in the group created both excitement and groans at the same time. Look, we all know that they are one of the best teams in this sport and are currently at the top of their game. They are also looking to avenge their result for the last World Cup. It’s exciting, though, because Vilita has become a known name in Newmanistan due to NSSCRA. One of our drivers, Rockii Ezis, is from the area. Because of this, they have been invited to play at the Proving Grounds out of respect for their national program. Now if only we could manage some points against them. If so, it would really help our cause.

Riena- A dangerous side that reached the semifinals of the most recent Baptism of Fire. They will welcome us to the city of Nagato, at the Wavelet Arena. Beach soccer is popular in the country, so if you are planning on going there, that is something that you might want to check out.

Legalese- The name of the nation is known, but they are returning from a long hiatus, and for this World Cup will not be as good as they wish they would be. Therefore, Newmanistan certainly looks to pick up three points in both legs. Here, the Rockets will be home at The Fire Pit in Centralia.

Saintland- A nation to be respected, and they are very capable, but I am not sure that they are going to be at their best during this campaign. Therefore, here’s another six points that the Rockets will need to pick up even if they are not, in any way, going to be an easy six points.

Lake Esper- The nation comes from Pot 9, which has produced some good Baptism of Fire nations, although Lake Esper would not make it out of the initial knockout round of 32. It is something that they can build on but must be ready for a tough qualifying campaign. At this point, we’ll have a good idea of the type of team that they become. Pocono City plays host to the game.

North New South Wales- Newmanistan concludes the first half, and eventually qualifying, against the team in the bottom pot, so the opportunity for us to do what we would so classically do in our old days will exists. That is, be in the position to qualifying with only needing to earn a point (not even three), in the final matchday, against one of the bad teams of the group, and we end up losing. Hopefully not. This first meeting is on the road, but the final game is in South Charlotte, the first time that a game of this magnitude is held in the city in a very long time.

Those are the opponents. Can Newmanistan qualify? Yes, I think so. I do think that if everything goes right that they are capable of sneaking past Qasden. That’s obviously a very difficult challenge, but it is the challenge that we are faced with, and we can do it. You can’t drop many points along the way. Still, there are others in this group with the same agenda. Krytenia is a formidable foe who is capable of getting by both us and Qasden. The two “O’s” are tough commodities, and Riena could be a spoiler. If Saintland becomes committed, then they can do great things. With all that said, I do think the Rockets can make it out of the group. It will be disappointing if they fail to qualify, because we have reasonable room to hope for it here, but I would not label the campaign a failure if we did not qualify and still had a strong finish at the end. Regardless, we are in for a very long stretch of soccer to be played. Fans of the sport could not be anymore grateful for that.

by **Siovanija and Teusland** » Sat May 23, 2020 8:01 am

Stelburger Zeitung

Sports

Goldhorns Prepare for World Cup Qualifiers

With the Qualification stage for World Cup 85 on the horizon, Siovanija & Teusland’s national football team is putting in a great deal of effort to prepare for the campaign.

“Well, you look ahead, and it’s going to be a long campaign for everybody, and I think part of what’s going to determine who are eventually among those 32 teams is who can adapt to the marathon the best. It’s going to be a grind, and you have to be mentally ready to go the distance,” said national team manager Gavin Hughes. Indeed, the Goldhorns will play 24 matches in these World Cup Qualifiers, the most in their history. For reference, the national team played 20 qualifying matches for World Cup 84, and 12 for World Cup 83. For the national team playing staff, however, it’s quite welcome.

“We are never going to complain about playing more games! I think this group, we’re excited for the opportunity, and we love playing together, so the more chances we get for that the better,” said Thorsten Kramer. National team captain Raphael Klopfer added that “It means that, hopefully over the course of the tournament, it’s all more likely to even out. In World Cup Qualifiers there will always be moments that go your way just how you wanted and moments that go against you, and with more matches the luck is more even.”

There was also talk of what the format could mean for some of the Goldhorns’ newest stars. 7 players are on track to win their first international appearance here, including young budding stars like Darijen Vesele, Leopold Bliznakov and Taras Maksimov. For those players, the chance to get more minutes over the course of the campaign is certainly a welcome one. Then there are players like Anton Dimitrov, who hasn’t been in a national team shirt since World Cup 82’s Qualifiers. He’s brought himself back into the fray, however, with an excellent campaign with his club Soldarian FC of Valanora, and will be looking for the opportunity to take his place in the squad back. The field of forwards behind Michael Ribbeck is a strong one, and they’ll all get an opportunity to show their worth.

In order to fully prepare for the campaign ahead, the Siovanija & Teusland Football Association agreed to several friendly matches with other national teams. “In the past, we haven’t played too many friendlies, but we recognize that they’re a great way of testing different formations and learning more about our team,” commented Gavin Hughes. Particularly sought-after was the opportunity to play against similar and highly-ranked nations. The STFA got their wish, with friendlies arranged with various nations such as Pasarga, Baker Park, the Independent Athletes from Quebec, and Eura.

The first friendly match saw the Goldhorns travel to Pasarga to visit the team ranked 25th in the world - just two spots higher than the Goldhorns. This match was certain to be a good test for the national team, visiting a similarly-ranked opponent. The squad saw a varied collection of players, as Hughes sought to try out different players with each other. In the end, it was not the Goldhorns’ day, and they looked just a bit off of the level the Pasargans were on. The home side scored twice in the second half to propel themselves to a 2-0 victory, as Siovanija & Teusland failed to really get going in the attacking third all day. “It wasn’t the best performance, no. But that’s why we play these kinds of matches, it’s a valuable learning experience for us and we’ll be looking to take some of the lessons from this one into the Qualifiers,” commented Gavin Hughes.

Next on the docket was a home match in Borograd against Baker Park, a nation that Siovanija & Teusland have had close ties with in football, dating back to the two nations’ debut at Baptism of Fire 67. While the two have taken very different routes since then, with Baker Park qualifying for every World Cup they’ve participated in while the Goldhorns had to wait until World Cup 84, that connection between the two will always be present. The two sides also met at the recent AOCAF 60 tournament in the group stage, a match the Goldhorns won on the back of a Michael Ribbeck goal. On this night at the Olimpski-Stadion, however, Baker Park took some vengeance for that defeat. Jamari Bozeman and Annabeth Westmoreland led the way for the Bees, and Bozeman’s two goals in the first half saw his team lead 3-0 at the break. There were some changes made to the Goldhorns as they came back out for the second half, and while they would play much better in the second half - Anton Dimitrov and Ivo Romanov with a goal each - the Bees would add two more to make it a 5-2 win for the visitors. “Again, it wasn’t really a performance that we are proud of. But we’ve said it over and over again, we play these games to learn more about our team - and sometimes you learn more from losing than you do winning,” said Gavin Hughes.

Following the Baker Park match, the Goldhorns travelled to the team’s main camp in Stelburg to prepare for a friendly at the Nationalstadion against the Independent Athletes from Quebec. While many may have looked at simply the rank of the Goldhorns’ opponents, 311th, and written them off, there was much more to the story. The Royal Kingdom of Quebec was once in the upper echelon of world football, and are only returning to World Cup competition for this edition. The Goldhorns will face a similar situation in Group 10, with World Cup 78 champions Electrum returning to the World Cup unranked. The match with IAQ, then, would be a strong test for the national team.

The visitors to the Nationalstadion would provide a great challenge, led by the strong attacking talents of Michel Fillon and Roderick Yi. Yi, who was a transfer target of SW Stahlberg last summer before he joined the Turoki Tide, was particularly effective on the ball and used his skill to beat Axel Richter more than once. While the visitors would manage two goals on the day, it wasn’t enough to beat the Goldhorns, who got 2 from Johannes Mandl, whose excellent record for his country continues, and a winner from Sinisa Gaspersie, the Zvezda Vlaikograd man getting his first goal for his country on his debut. The match also marked Gavin Hughes’ 100th in charge of the national team, which was acknowledged with a short pre-match ceremony. “It’s an honour, for sure, 100 matches in charge. We’re just getting started, I hope. As for today, I think we did play well, but we’re still building up to where we want to be in game 1 of the Qualifiers,” said the manager post-match.

That leaves the Goldhorns with one more friendly before the beginning of Qualifiers, in Stelburg against Eura. Eura, the third-ranked side in the world, should provide an excellent challenge for the Goldhorns and it might be the first time that the full first-team squad are seen together in the build-up to Qualifiers. Eura will be the highest-ranked side to pay a visit to Stelburg, and the high-profile friendly is sure to attract a sellout crowd at the Nationalstadion.

After that match, the Goldhorns will turn fully to the business of World Cup Qualifiers. The first round of matches sees the Goldhorns on a bye week, which could be beneficial as it allows the team to study each of their prospective opponents closely. The first match of Qualifiers will take place at the Nationalstadion and see Siovanija & Teusland take on Bolgano, 97th in the world, Bolgano will open up Qualifiers with a trip to Ethane.

We at the Stelburger Zeitung will continue to bring you complete coverage of World Cup 85’s Qualifiers, as Siovanija & Teusland’s national football team once again competes on the world stage. Come on you Goldhorns!

Pasarga 2-0 Siovanija & Teusland

Starting XI: Heuser; L. Dimitrov, Jager, Maksimov, Helmke; Mihailov (Brotzmann 60’), Bahr, Werner; Kogler (Kokalj 60’), Tauscher, Reichwein (Kynev 72’)
Goals: N/A
Man of the Match: Lukas Tauscher

Siovanija & Teusland 2-5 Baker Park

Starting XI: Sveteikov; Karapetrov, Maksimov, Thierse, Vesele (Helmke 75’); Bahr, Brotzmann (Kramer 46’), Witzel; von Bergen, Romanov (Tegeler 75’), A. Dimitrov
Goals: Anton Dimitrov 51’, Ivo Romanov 64’
Man of the Match: Anton Dimitrov

Siovanija & Teusland 3-2 Independent Athletes from Quebec

Starting XI: Hartstein; Richter (Steimle 65’), Klopfer, Niedermayer, Lotbiniere; Bahr, Kramer, Bliznakov (V. Dimitrov 65’); Kokalj, Gaspersie (Tauscher 80’), Mandl
Goals: Johannes Mandl 22’, 49’, Sinisa Gaspersie 72’
Man of the Match: Johannes Mandl

by **Pasarga** » Sat May 23, 2020 8:47 am

For what does make a rivalry, how do teams develop that such that each may call each other a rival of the other? It is a question that has no real tangible answer, nothing that can be quantified in empirical evidence rather than that both teams must have at least a modicum of success against the other and one team merely not be completely dominant over the other in their encounters. This solemn fact is what fans and players alike can agree upon when it comes to rivalries, while the rest of the answers are as simple as merely playing in the same city or region in terms of domestic clubs or regions for international fixtures, to something as weird and as bizarre as not liking the kit that the other team wears. To simply dislike a team because they happen to play in a red kit is among the most bizarre of reasons that clubs, fans, and players have admitted to developing a rivalry with another club and yet as bizarre as the simple indication might be, it is none the less valid than any of the others that were listed and has that same effect of hyping up either the clubs or the supporters of the clubs when they do their battle out on the pitch to claim the bragging rights of defeating their rival.

The question then shifts to what makes up a rivalry and how it forms to does the Pasarga national team lay claim to having any rivalries of their own? On the surface, the answer appears to be no, there really is no other national team out there that the Wanderers would consider to be a rival of theirs, bar that of other Rushmori teams when they meet up in the Finals of the World Cup. When one considers the amount of times that the Wanderers might play Nephara or Eura due to the Copa Rushmori and the World Cup Finals, one might think that there could be a rivalry there, and yet by all accounts for the Pasargan side of things, they see it more as a friendly competition to see who is truly the best of Rushmore rather than any heated sort of vendetta one might associate with a rivalry. There is also the strange case of Darmen, a team that the Wanderers have played over and over again throughout the years, so much so that the Wanderers actually hosted them in a friendly a few weeks ago, and yet the complete domination of the Wanderers over the Darmen team really lacks any of that substance of success for both parties to make it a real rivalry match.

However upon further digging up and talking with a variety of staff, players, supporters, and even officials from within the PFA, there is a single team out there that does seem to bring out something of a heated feeling from them and that the Wanderers tend to want to beat more than others. Which nation might that be that makes the otherwise friendly, if a bit reserved, people of Pasarga start to get heated and angry about? Why, it is our neighbor to the northeast in Sargossa. The root of this issue seems to come back to when the two domestic leagues had decided to join together to revive the defunct Liga de Fuego, a joint league that had originally been between Pasarga and Queer Poco el Mono Ara. At the time there was a good amount of good will between the two nations and it seemed a very good idea to have the two leagues vying together to add a bit of flavor to the domestic scene. It worked for a few seasons but then the Sargossa side decided to withdraw a significant amount of their funding to the project at the same time that their government decided to align with the more aggressive nations in the region and subtly threatened war against the dual islands. That saw the end of the Liga project and sudden blooming of disdain for the neighbors to the northeast. Those tensions have cooled over time but there is still a good amount of satisfaction when the two sides are drawn together and the Wanderers get a chance to put one up on their old rivals.

There may be a new budding rivalry for the Wanderers, as they have been drawn into a group with Valanora, very shortly after playing them in a contentious affair for the third placed playoff in the Eagles' Cup. While there really is no ill will towards the Eternal Empire, the fact that there has not even been a few months between their matches means that the sour, bitter taste of defeat in that match is still fresh in the mind of the Wanderers' staff and players. The rest of the group is also tricky, with the likes of Juvencus as well as BoF champions Mavinet, while the sheer length of the qualifying process is something of a daunting task for the Wanderers and brings back very poor memories from two years ago and that marathon of qualifiers that had the team go from top of the group at halfway to not qualifying after a second half slide against the also rans of the group. The squad has been shaken up as a result, especially after failing to make a real impression in the Copa Rushmori, and will be tested by both their opposition as well as their manager to get back to the winning ways of a decade before. The marathon begins in Mavinet, a team that will be somewhat familiar to the side after playing them in the Copa Rushmori, but this will be on their ground and that alone should give the Wanderers some caution, for away games have been their bane in the last four years.

by **South Newlandia** » Sat May 23, 2020 9:07 am

ELEPHANT VALLEY MAIL
Sports -> Soccer
South Newlandia defeats Twicetagria in friendly, prepares for Tamgu

On the third matchday of the Baptism of Fire, South Newlandia had faced Twicetagria in Delaclava. South Newlandia ended up losing the game 0-1, even though South Newlandia seemed to have clear control of the game. The referee was subject to a lot of blame after the match, as he had made multiple questionable decisions in favour of Twicetagria, involving, among other things, two penalties and the injury that made Bjorn Cohen miss the remainder of the tournament. Officials from both sides really wanted the tension to be resolved, and decided to arrange a friendly match in Twicetagria just before the World Cup Qualifiers. The match was played in Wonderland Stadium, which ended up being about half-full at 21,563 sold seats out of 38,000. The referee for the game was Anders Eriksson. The 38-year-old Savojar is known to be incorruptible, and he did a great job of keeping the game in control.

Twicetagria 0-1 South Newlandia

Both teams decided to test their starters for the qualifiers. South Newlandia started the following players:
Trischuk (C) – Roy, Schroeder, Anderson, Moreno – Mohamed, Green, McMora, Wallis – Irving, McCabe.
For Twicetagria, the following players started:
Han – Cho, Suresthos, Park, Ngesterhe – H. Chase, Kiel, de Castro – L. Chase, Torreira, Hirai.

The game was generally a slow one. Both teams defended well, and neither side managed to get a lot of chances in the beginning. Nobody wanted to make the first mistake, or any at all.

It took until the 28th minute for some action to happen. A great double-pass between the Chaser siblings managed to get Lesley Chase in a good position, but her shot was directed around the post by Mikhail Trischuk. Trischuk seemed to be in tremendous form, and just like in the BoF, he was a reliable goalkeeper throughout the match.

South Newlandia had their only good chance of the first half in the 37th minute. The elephants had received a corner, and Corban Green’s flank went right to Raphael Moreno, who played his first match for South Newlandia today. His header was dangerous, but ended up a good bit above the crossbar.

It was half-time now with no goals yet. Robert Wolverine, the elephants’ coach, decided to give Abdurahman Bishop a chance. The 20-year-old replaced Finnley Wallis, who was taken out of the game well by a successful Twicetagrian defense. Bishop was also playing his very first game for South Newlandia.

In the second half, South Newlandia gained more control of the game. In the 52nd minute, Brandon Irving missed a shot after a good pass by Patrick McMora. Jamie Han, the Twicetagrian goalkeeper, managed to catch the ball just in time.

Only two minutes later, Patrick McMora had a good chance himself, but his shot went just wide.

In the 64th minute, the elephants had another corner. Corban Green got a good flank in, and Simon McCabe took the ball volley, and Han stood no chance. Simon McCabe brought the elephants in the lead in his very first game for South Newlandia.

The game slowed down after that. In the 70th minute, Wolverine made another substitution, exchanging Kevin Mohamed for another debutant, Manuel O’Neill. The 30-year-old Centre Back was supposed to lock the defense down, as South Newlandia was now effectively playing in a 5-3-2 formation.

Twicetagria had another good chance in the 79th minute. After a free kick, Yuri Hirai got a good shot in, but it was caught by Trischuk.

The elephants got the last big chance of the game in the 87th minute, when a flank by Patrick McMora went to Brandon Irving. His shot from a small distance went far above the crossbar.

In what was a generally fair and peaceful match, South Newlandia managed to get the win this time. As we always do, we ranked the players for their performance.

Mikhail Trischuk (GK, Captain) 9
Even though he had relatively few work, he still delivered a great game.

Dhruv Roy (LB) 8

Jack Schroeder (LCB) 7

Tommy Anderson (RCB) 8

Raphael Moreno (RB) 8

Kevin Mohamed (DM) 6

Corban Green (LM) 9
He is finally fully fit, and has never been in such great form.

Patrick McMora (RM) 8

Finnley Wallis (OM) 7

Brandon Irving (ST) 7
He could have done more with all the chances he had.

Simon McCabe (ST) 9
What could you want more than scoring on your debut?

Abdurahman Bishop (OM) 7

Manuel O’Neill (CB) 7

Meanwhile, the city of Newport was busy preparing for the first matchday of the World Cup Qualifiers, when South Newlandia will face the world number 79 in Jecken Arena. Newport had never seen any international matches to this point, even though they are the second-biggest city of South Newlandia. In fact, Elephant Valley was the only city that had ever seen any kind of sports competition when 15 baseball games were played there. Naturally, the citizens of Newport were excited to host the first international soccer game on South Newlandian ground, and the 16250 cards were sold out long ago. Coach Robert Wolverine announced that South Newlandia would play with the same starters that had taken down Twicetagria.

Starters against Tamgu

Schedule for matchday 1, group 13

Juvencus (39) vs. Valanora (15)
The top seed at the third seed is always an exciting matchup. Both teams want to qualify, and a win here might end up being crucial.

The Kytler Peninsulae (UR) vs. Plane of Possibility (148)

Kuriko (330) vs. Ottoman Syldavia (338)

Pangurstan (311) vs. Eraman (63)

Mavinet (218) vs. Pasarga (25)
The second seed will visit the BoF champions, in what is going to be another interesting match.

South Newlandia (228) vs. Tamgu (79)

Bliuji will have a bye on matchday 1.

by **Timuria** » Sat May 23, 2020 9:17 am

World Cup Group 9 Preview

by Tufan Nursultan

The Red Wolves will begin their third World Cup campaign shortly and as always it's time for us to make our predictions and analysis on our opponents to see where we stack up against our potential competition. The Red Wolves entered the draw in Pot 4 and ranked 60th in the world, meaning that they will need to rely on some upsets and some big results going their way in order to have a realistic chance at upending their higher ranked colleagues in the group, but with Bekir Altingunes and his side looking determined to succeed with many public proclamations that this might indeed be their time a lot is riding on this. Our opposition are listed in the order that we will face them in the first half of qualification.

@ indicates first match is away from home

Team: @ Xuzaqiy
KPB Ranking: 228th
Analysis: Not much is immediately available about the Red Wolves' first opponent, but one thing we know is that they have a habit of playing down to their opponents and they'll want to avoid that here. It would be the height of embarrassment to get seen off by such a relative minnow. The Red Wolves should be winning both of their outtings against this side if they're to have any serious hope of contending for qualification and failure to do so will immediately heat up Bekir Altingunes' seat.
Predicted Results: W 2-1, W 3-0

Team: Cassadaigua
KPB Ranking: 9th
Analysis: The top seeded side in this group and by far the favourites to qualify, the Red Wolves will have an incredibly tough match against them, though this will be a clash between two offensively minded sides meaning it ought to be entertaining for neutrals. The Red Wolves defence will need to seriously prepare for their engagement with a strike force that boasts the granddaughter of a player whose shirt has been retired and her able sidekick Eddie Malone who shows exceptional chemistry with her. The Red Wolves own potent attack will have an early chance to unsettle a side that is deploying two new defenders in their starting XI and if they manage to do that they may exceed our expectations of them.
Predicted Result: L 2-1, L 2-0

Team: @ Kelssek
KPB Ranking: 35th
Analysis: One of the sides the Red Wolves will need to urgently get a result against they are the side that was seeded third in the group and will be a really tough challenge. Ideally the Red Wolves would get two wins against them, but that strikes most analysts as unlikely with most expecting them to either share the points both times or split the matches between them. They will confront the Red Wolves with a flat 4-4-2 which will prove an interesting challenge for them as most teams in Timuria do not typically deploy the formation
Predicted Results: D 2-2, D 2-2

Team: Barunia
KPB Ranking: 117th
Analysis: A side that the Red Wolves will need to comfortably dispatch and many would expect them to, with their offensive capabilities, but this has the look of a banana peel that they could slip on and allow to define them so anything short of a complete performance may see them slip up. Though in the absence of seeing them on the pitch we can only assume based on what we know on paper and what we know is the Red Wolves are a team who are more than able to get victories against the likes of Barunia.
Predicted Results: W 2-0, W 1-0

Team: @ Audiasania
KPB Ranking: 317th
Analysis: There's not much immediately available about one of the group's minnows so we'll talk a bit about what this match will mean. By this point the Red Wolves will be through one of the toughest stretches of their schedule so this could allow the team a reset if they need it or it could serve to cement their momentum if it's going well. Regardless we expect the Red Wolves to come out on top in both matches.
Predicted Results: W 2-1, W 3-0

Team: Olastor
KPB Ranking: 220th
Analysis: After their bye, the Red Wolves will face Olastor, yet another minnow. This represents an easy restart into regular play for them, well "easy" as always the Red Wolves have a nasty habit of playing down to their opposition so the pressure will be on. Bekir Altingunes will desperately need this to not be a "trap game" but we feel confident it wont be.
Predicted Results: W 3-0, W 2-0

Team: @ Patistan
KPB Ranking: UR
Analysis: The expected whipping boy of the group, while being unranked should never be an excuse for someone to overlook a side, it's hard not to see how these two matches result in a big Red Wolves win both home and away. Securing a result here will surely help builld exceptional momentum assuming they manage to get out of the first series of matches unscathed and put away the sides they're expected to.
Predicted Results: W 3-0, W 4-0

Team: The Mann Clan
KPB Ranking: 271st
Analysis: Another match the Red Wolves should win easily, there isn't much information available on this side, but failing to beat this side comfortably will ring alarm bells for a team with this much talent and would surely spell doom as they enter the final part of the campaign.
Predicted Results: W 3-0, W 2-0

Team: @ Grod Island
KPB Ranking: 92nd
Analysis: A full 32 places behind the Red Wolves, they should beware the away trip given how often mishaps befall them, but perhaps given their struggles at home they ought to be worried about Grod Island coming to Timuria? Regardless we would expect a Red Wolves side that's built the kind of momentum we've predicted here to have enough about them to see off their opponents, perhaps by narrow margins, but we would expect it nonetheless.
Predicted Results: W 1-0, W 2-1

Team: Sargossa
KPB Ranking: 20th
Analysis: If all has gone according to plan this is the match that will determine the Red Wolves fate, a win in either match against them will surely propel them into qualification conversations, but anything short will likely lead to disappointment and while we're not demanding qualification, we think this side is closer than many think. A draw at home is likely as the Red Wolves have built a dedicated and fervent following, but otherwise we think they'll just fall short away.
Predicted Results: D 1-1, L 3-2

Team: @ Res Publica Nova Roma
KPB Ranking: UR
Analysis: Another unranked side the Red Wolves must not overlook, the second encounter between these sides may be the one where they wrap up their first ever World Cup apppearence or it could be a match where Bekir Altingunes tests out some combinations of players who don't usually get to play together as it will all be irrelevant by then. Regardless a win is to be expect in both encounters.
Predicted Results: W 3-0, W 4-0

Team: Ziwana
KPB Ranking: 68th
Analysis: A mere 8 places behind the Red Wolves they will be an exceptionally tough side to come up against. Most analyst would expect draws in both matches, but given the run of form we expect the Red Wolves to be on given the quality of the group we could go either for a momentum based win or a crashing down to Earth. Losing will surely end any hopes for this side, which is why we don't expect that, in the home encounter. Away from home, we're less certain, but we will say a hard fought draw is what will occur.
Predicted Results: W 3-2, D 3-3

Final record prediction (W-D-L): 17-4-3, 55 points, 3rd place finish.

by **Riennic Isles** » Sat May 23, 2020 9:34 am

The girl woke up to find herself all alone in a world of pure darkness.

It wasn't the darkness of a cloudless night, nor was it the darkness cast by a flickering shadow. Truth be told, the girl didn't quite understand the concept of darkness in itself; but even so, she instinctively realised that the darkness enveloping her in its inky cloak was different. It was a darkness that was final and absolute in its intensity, unforgiving and merciless in its embrace. The girl opened her eyes wide, trying to catch a sight of even the faintest speck of light, but she could see nothing, not even the fingers on her hands.

The fleeting thought of being trapped in this malign world, where there was naught but creeping darkness, crossed the girl's mind, and she felt a chill run down her spine. Even though she had just awakened from what seemed to her like a long slumber, the girl found herself beginning to doubt her own existence. Even as she stared sightlessly into the boundless darkness, she could feel her consciousness slowly untether itself from its earthly vessel. Already the girl was experiencing a curious detachment, almost as though she was nothing more than a shapeless mass of disembodied thoughts floating through the ether, rather than the complete whole she knew herself to be. If she didn't do something, the girl was sure that she would lose herself in the abyss of nothingness she was in.

The girl realised she was lying on what seemed to be a cold, smooth plane of pure darkness. She tried to move herself into an upright position, but her body did not, could not, obey her - whether that was from sheer disuse during her slumber, or the insidious effect of the suffocating darkness swathing her, the girl could not tell for sure. But she knew that she had to leave this baleful plane. The girl summoned all the willpower she could muster and tried, once more, to bend her body to her will. Time itself faded imperceptibly out of existence as the girl lay, all alone, in the darkness - but at some point, the fleshy vessel sparked into life, and it began responding to the girl's commands as she willed it into action. The girl watched on from a distance, painstakingly exerting control over her body with every fibre of her being, as it clambered unsteadily to its feet and lumbered forwards.

With the most ungainly of gaits, the body shambled forwards in the eternal darkness, willed on by its disembodied owner. With every stride the two entities advanced, the girl felt herself grow colder and colder. It seemed instinctively absurd to the girl that a consciousness like hers, one that was on the verge of being uncoupled from its mortal receptacle, could even begin to comprehend the concept of cold, let alone feel it; but inexplicably, the formless jumble of thoughts sensed a freezing chill that ran right through its core. The cold was such that, bit by bit, it drained the consciousness of its vitality, until it felt as though it would break into a million tiny pieces, scattered throughout the void.

But the consciousness refused to give up on its desire to leave the world of nothingness behind. It fought desperately to keep itself together as it drifted aimlessly in the darkness, even as fragments of its thoughts violently fractured from the consciousness and sublimated, until there was barely anything left of the original whole. It had long since lost the ability to pull the strings of its fleshy mannequin, which had been abandoned to rot in the darkness for all eternity. Still the consciousness clung grimly onto the last remnants of its existence, relying on its sheer strength of will to keep itself from breaking apart and evaporating into nothingness.

I ... will not ... be denied.

Light. I see ... light. This is the end ... it must be.

I am wreathed in pure light.

I will become as a god.

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