World Cup 85 || RP Thread

[Commonwealth of Baker Park]

Football Association of the Commonwealth World Cup 85 Qualifying Notebook
(for immediate release, contact Sasha Henderson, FAC Director of Media Relations for further info)


Returning to Action: The Commonwealth National Team will play their first WCQ match since defeating Libonesia 5-2 at Sportsmen's Park in Belle Haven at the conclusion of WCQ 83. As co-hosts of the previous WC, along with Cassadaigua, the Black & Gold were exempt from qualifying. They have an all-time WCQ record of 46 wins, 12 defeats and 10 draws.

Celebration Day(s): There will be no shortage of important milestones reached during the tournament. The MD 17 trip to Valladares will mark the 200th match in the NS Era for the Mixed Gender squad, while the MD 7 contest against Bushkrub will be the 600th all time match for the men and the coed teams, and during those festivities, the 800th all time match for men, women, and mixed gender squads will be recognized (although it will not occur until MD12). That's not even including the individual milestones several NT members will mark!

Hello, my Name is...:There will be a parade of first time opponents in Group 5 play, with only 2 nations having ever had any history with Baker Park; The Macabees, who visit the Commonwealth during the second half of qualifying, are the only foe who the Bees have faced at senior level, a 2-1 win during the group stage of World Cup 83 at the Albert III Stadium in Dodoma, Banija.
The other team is the first opponent up, Sharktail who knocked the defending SWC Under 18 champions out of SWC 6, 3-2 in the quarterfinals, at the Milanese Dome in Wortana, Free Republics. Sixteen members of that BP squad are in the player pool for this World Cup, although it's unlikely any will be in the squad for the opener.

It's a marathon, not a sprint:The 24 match tournament to decide the 30 nations who will travel to Farfadillis & Mriin will be one the longest qualifiers in recent memory. With 195 nations entered, it is one of the largest fields in modern times, following on from a record field in the Baptism of Fire, won by Mavinet.

squad for MDs 1&2

Gordon; Briggs (C), Vasillias, Arnold; Callum, Westmoreland, Taborn, Fernandez; Bozeman; Simmons, Patton
subs: Coffey, Foreman, Yeomans, Hayes, Jordan, Ngoba, Mason, A Underwood, Jones (any of whom could be replaced in the starting XI for the 2nd match)

[Recuecn]

For world cup qualifiers, Reçueçn has been drawn into the very last group—maybe this is some sort of tradition now? Or just another prank of Margaret on her favored nation. The group has a dozen other highly competitive sides in addition to les licornes, so let's take a look:

Revatnagar
Ranked, but just barely, Revatnagar is easily the opponent on which our scouts have dug up the least information. Coming off a Baptism of Fire campaign that received little publicity, Revatnagar will be hosting the ENRF in its capital of Fiangon. Besides Riena and Res Publica Nova Roma, Revatnagar is the only other nation in qualifiers whose name begins with the letter R. Playing against them will be the first time in Reçuecian history that we have faced a nations whose name begins with the same letter as ours—this is after one hundred and ten games. Why is it that so few nations begin with R? It's a perfectly good letter!

Crystalline Caverns
This colorful cave-dwelling nation of wolves has regularly participated in world cup qualifiers and the Copa Rushmori over the last few cycles, but their real success came in the form of Forent Vosperse's victory in the first Adora Cup. However, in the Caverns' most recent international appearance at the thirty-fourth Copa Rushmori, none of Vosperse's players appeared on the roster, so this may not be a reason to worry.

Emastalia
If we were more mature, we'd admit that the best thing Emastalia has going for it is its gorgeous coat of arms, but instead we will insist that the real answer should be its peacock mascot, which simultaneously strikes fear into our hearts and inspires us with envy. "Luuk" (for so the mascot is named) has a face that says "Come on kids, let's play!" like he's the clown your stepdad hired for your eleventh birthday party, despite you being far too old for such things, so that at least your middle-school friends would think he loved you. But Luuk's vibe says "Only one of us is leaving this room alive, and I don't much care which." Emastalia have a long footballing history of their own, but this is their first foray into multiversal football, and as we know from our own experience, things are going to be very different. We can't wait to visit Emastalia: the photos look gorgeous.

Brenecia
Oh boy. Number One seed, unquestioned position at the top of the group—Brenecia is the team everyone else in group fifteen mentions in hushed tones. And this is where the group's theme reveals itself—we've played against a bunch of the other nations in this group lots of times. Reçueçn has faced Brenecia six times, which is literally more than a full five percent of the games the Reçuecian national team has played. Reçueçn has never won, so our goals are set, but we have drawn four of those six games, including the last time we faced them when they visited us in Reçueçn City to play out a one-one tie in the Eagle['?]s Cup group stage. This was not long ago, so hopefully we will be prepared to not only fight for the draw but take a win.

Quebec
Quebec is, given their long absence from the world cup, a nation Reçueçn has never faced, but (given their long absence from the world cup) we are fully hoping for the best here. When Reçuecian football collapsed during the early seventies world cup cycles, Québecois football was heading toward its zenith. The peak was reached in the late-seventies, but after a semi-final appearance, it became Quebec's turn to disappear. Then, in the early eighties, Reçueçn made its return, and now, as we approach the late eighties, Quebec does so as well and the two sides will face off right off the bat. Quebec has just finished a mostly uneventful Baptism of Fire, but we will see if their return to world cup qualifiers is as blessed as Reçueçn's was. It's unclear why the Quebec team is listed as 'Independent', as the team is still keeping its old nickname, is still managed by the RQFA, and doesn't seem to have distanced itself at all in any way from Quebec, but our understanding is that (if you are not a literal slave) the way of life in Quebec is particularly 'independent', especially as it concerns social mores regarding drugs and sex.

Qvardax
Qvardax just faced Quebec in the Baptism of Fire, and we hear you saying 'huh, that's weird', but as we continue you'll see how bizarre and mind-mindbogglingly unlikely it is that this group basically is just one big reunion. Reçuecians who are golf fans are already familiar with Qvardax as they recently hosted a golf tournament attended by, among others, Hélène Morvant-Roux, Reçuecian Golfer. (Morvant-Roux didn't do too hot).

Damukuni
See what we mean!? Last cycle, (okay, we were group thirteen last cycle, not group fifteen, same thing) Damukuni was the second seed and Reçueçn was the third seed. Here we are again, positions reversed. Last time Damukuni beat us twice (hopefully that will change); last time, however, we, the lower seed, stole Damukuni's spot, clinching it on the very last matchday (hopefully that won't, although we wouldn't mind qualifying a bit sooner). [Editor's note: at press time, this is going well so far.] Reports indicate Damukunians believe press coverage 'jinxes' a qualification campaign. We'll see how that strategy plays out for them.

Reçueçn
That's us! In the past, we had nothing to prove and nothing to lose. Here's to hoping that as that changes, our performance doesn't. [Editor's note: *makes sign of the cross with rubber chicken*]

The Grearish Union
Another recent Baptism of Fire grad (it was a big Baptism of Fire), The Grearish Union is the best-performing of the five in the group, having made it to penalties in the quarterfinals, but only after having faced, you guessed it, both Quebec and Qvardax in the Baptism of Fire. While a glance at the Grearish roster shows a serious team that means business, their fans seem to be all about having a good time, and they forsho' know how to name a stadium.

Filindostan
Okay, so we haven't actually ever played Filindostan in football, but they're neighbors with Damukuni and just played them in the Campionato Esportiva, so it's a degrees-of-separation-type thing. In fact, the game against Damukuni ended in a forfeiture which caused riots, so as a disciplinary measure Filindostan will be playing its first three home qualifiers in an empty stadium—which includes our game with them on matchday 4. (Our away games are back-to-back with the two troublemakers involved parties. Hopefully by matchday 17 when Filindostan comes to visit us, if they bring any supporters, they'll have learned to behave themselves by then.

Poafmersia
In the empty-stadium game after ours, Filindostan will host Poafmersia. We would say that the Poafmersians have made more of a name for themselves from their top-tier sports analysis than for anything they've actually done on the pitch so far, but that's not true: a third-place Baptism of Fire finish a cycle ago, followed by an appearance in the IAC semifinals (better than Reçueçn could do) proves [Editor's note: along with their defeat of Brenecia to open their qualifying campaign] that they're a force to be reckoned with. We hear that citizens of The Appraisal To The Allmighty MR TAYTO are big fans of Poafmersians, but we can't explain why without breaking the fourth wall.

Shokpos
Shokpos is in fact not a nation but an entire world, one that contains several nations. The planet seems to be wracked with violence and political instability, which is maybe why the whole planet is only sending a single football team to the world cup—or maybe it's an impressive show of unity and we're totally wrong.

Andromeda Island Group
And here we are—only fitting to end with yet another team that Reçueçn has faced multiple times. The Andromeda Archipelago was in our world cup qualifying group last time (with Damukuni) so we played them twice then. The first game, they held us to a draw at their home stadium, perhaps as revenge for us defeating them at the previous IAC on our way to victory. It's nice to see another familiar IAC face as always (excpet Poafmersia, Poafmersia scares us a bit). Instead of group 15 just being a Margaret-inflicted case of déjà vu, we choose to see it as a nice family reunion. All the branches of the family are here: WCQ group 13, BoF 72 group H, with a sprinkling of IAC and Esportiva on top. In fact, Quebec is the only team from Atlantian Oceania, and Crystalline Caverns is the only one from Rushmore.

We don't know what any of that means, but it seems kinda weird, right?

[PotatoFarmers]

(OOC: Poafmers is the demonym, while Poafmersian is the adjective)

Brenecia 2
Ciogach 36'
Fletcher 84'
Poafmersia 3
Handris 15', 71'
Haodao 55'

First 11: Sandi Jaliaha; Alex Pickford, Alex Hoboson, Danzik Hoboson (c), Timothy Gausun; Dargis Walshor, Daas Taisg, Danill Trasa; Joel Haodao, Shakira Handris, Pete Carisa
Substitutes: Jessie Mchargarita (Trasa 60')

The headlines of the Mancodas Daily back page bore one word - "Staggering!"
The Poafmer Times chose to report about the population's reaction - "Poafmers celebrate after team pulls off shock victory"
Meanwhile, the Sporting Daily wrote "Unbelivable start for Poafmersia with victory over top seeds" as their headlines.
Pubs and clubs opened overnight to cater to a whole bunch of football fans celebrating the win as though Poafmersia won the World Cup. For Poafmers, the victory gave them a reason to celebrate and go to pub once again, distracting themselves from the recent economic data which suggests that a recession was about to come.
While everyone was cheering back at home, the coaching team and the players in Brenecia had their mini-party of sorts, though alcohol was still banned for everyone considering that the next match is in 3 days time. "Daas, I want to tell you that although I got the man of the match award, I think this victory wouldn't be possible without you. You should be the true man of the match," said Shakira.
"Nah, let us not go into such talk. Come on, without you putting the ball away, can we get that awesome victory? We would not have scored and all the chances would have just been chances," replied Daas Taisg.
Meanwhile, Adnan Suliaha and Katiri Hedge was sitting in the corner, looking at the players interact, and reflecting about the match.
"Honestly, I think we should be glad that we have a huge variety of options in center midfield," Adnan thought aloud. "Gisiik is that creative midfielder who finds all sorts of opportunity to create goals. Daas is the player who provides pace and is able to go after the fast opponents and chase the ball. Stegaj is the player who would sit back to defend deep, and is especially useful against teams who push forward aggressively. Donk, on the other hand, is a combination of everything, allowing us to switch between playing styles very easily. Then we have Goon Figsh, who allows us to have a defensive cover whenever we need more people in midfield against possession-based opponents."
"Which was why we are able to outmanoeuvre Brenecia for half the match. Though we let them score twice, I think the match in general had lots of positives. We remained calm whenever they get the ball and stick to the plan of man-marking to force them into returning the possession. Alex Hoboson's presence also allows for a more flexible defence line, as he is the kind of player who would force the backline forward whenever we are having the possession," replied Katiri.
"Still need to work on improving the defence to create less opportunities for the opponents to score. Nevertheless, this match was okay. If we can stick to this type of playing style against other teams, surely we are able to gain even more nice results to ensure that we can meet our target of top 4 again."
"Cheers to another good match back at home against Quebec," said Katiri, holding up a glass of water.
"Cheers."

(Readers should understand that Poafmersia's match against Brenecia came before Filindostan's match against Quebec. The players would later learn, after the dinner, that their next opponents grabbed a huge 4-1 win against Filindostan. Whatever they said about that match would be reserved for another time)

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Starting 11 against Quebec: Sandi Jaliaha; Alex Pickford, Alex Hoboson, Danzik Hoboson (c), Denise Pickford; Dargis Walshor, Stegaj Johnatson, Jessie Mchargarita; Joel Haodao, Shakira Handris, Pete Carisa

[Farfadillis]

Cut-off, no scores, just cut-off. Scores in the scores thread. Move along.

[Electrum]

The Turnip: The unofficial officially unofficial guide to the World Cup qualifiers
by Ezekiel Starlight III

With Electrum being out of the loop for what feels like twenty years, we return to what is essentially a brand new world. We have been surreptitiously and illegitimately placed into Group 10 of the World Cup Qualification, instead of directly qualifying into the World Cup. As a result, we, the esteemed journalists at The Turnip have done such a thorough job in researching our opponents, why even The Computator would be proud of our work! Without further ado, throw away those Centralis Heralds, rip up those excessively long and boring group previews that are sometimes incomplete, swing a bat at your television screens, and throw your shoes away because this guide will knock your socks off with contain all that you need to know about Group 10 and only Group 10, the most important group of them all. Honestly though, it took a lot of work trying to find information on thirteen teams, so we would appreciate it if you removed the adblock and bought a subscription to The Turnip magazine, the best root-vegetable-based-newspaper in the goddamn multiverse.

We've placed the teams below not in the order they've been presented, but in the order of likelihood to love turnips just as much as we do.

Siovanija And Teusland
They are the second pot team (side note: Why do we call groups of nations pots? It just sounds downright illegal) of Group 10. Who even are they? We've certainly never heard of this nation before, but those whippersnappers have the audacity to be in the second pot! Regardless, the name 'Siovanija and Teusland' sounds like the type of nation that would be turnip-obsessed, which is why we've listed them first. We mean, calling themselves 'The Goldhorns' is evidence enough that they've got to love turnips, because that is exactly what a turnip-loving nation would do. Well, a real turnip-loving nation would call themselves 'The Turnips,' but as far as we know, no one in our group is nicknamed that. Goldhorns, to us, represents a golden cornucopia filled with the juiciest and the sweetest turnips that we lovingly bite into. Although everyone in that team has a cool and funky name, they are managed by the rather boringly named 'Gavin Hughes.' Not expected to be a huge threat.

Bolgano
Albino Espresso from Bolgano! OK, maybe that rhyme was a little codswallop but we should rejoice! Bolgano is the first nation that we could make up with rhymes for -- here's another: Forgo Potato from Bolgano! Of course, they're not true rhymes but it's close enough. Here are some more taunts that you could use at Centralis Arena and Bolgano Stadium (which has a stated capacity of 65.00, which has to qualify as the smallest ever capacity for any stadium anywhere): Bolgano Casino is full of Guano! Little toe does the flamenco in Bolgano! Anyways, we've placed them second on our list because they name also screams 'Turnip-loving.' I mean, if you're going to forgo potato from Bolgano, might as well enjoy their turnips. Also, their captain is Red Nines, which is the most pineapple name of the entire team. Not expected to be a huge threat.

Trolleborg
The Trolleborgese have a fully sick flag - a red dragon on a field of green and white - and ultra friendly fans. They won their Baptism of Fire tournament, which doesn't mean much because our Baptism of Fire winner, Armakistan, promptly disappeared and never even qualified for the World Cup whereas we did and actually won the World Cup, not to toot our own turnips, so looks like being a Baptism of Fire winner isn't all that. We play our matches in the 11th December stadium in Trolleborg City, Trolleborg. Trolleborg really sounds like a place that only a functionary could dream about, which is why we've placed them so highly in our Turnip list. And much like how we are ruled by The Computator, it seems to us that Trolleborg is controlled by an artificial intelligence surprisingly named "Keith," which according to the Urban Dictionary refers to a "A sweet and caring guy," but to us sounds like the type of AI who would steal your turnips in your turnip field in the middle of the night. Does not compute, do not trust this "Keith". Not expected to be a huge threat.

Third ZSeparatists
This nation feels like a very strong Turnip eating nation - I mean rebel groups and Zseparatists, whatever they are, tend to eat a lot of tubers and root vegetables because they are cheap, plentiful and grow everywhere. According to their roster, which is very coloured in red and black, and their national flag, which is a black skull on a red flag, we can totally conclude that the nation of Third ZSeparatists are decidedly evil (what nice nations have a red and black as their national colours?) Also, according to their roster, they have three stadiums, but only one will be used in the actual World Cup qualification tournament? Why even list the nicely named "Fascist Stadium" in Silver City or the creatively named "East Stadium" in Chicken City when everyone in this group is playing at "Border Camp, Border City" which is a stadium with zero seats whatsoever. Nothing in this country makes sense, and that's criticism coming from this esteemed newspaper which makes sense half the time. Not expected to be a huge threat.

Electrum
Yes, Electrum is a decidedly un-Turnip like nation. We know that you all turn up your nose at the humble turnip, you despicable, cultured freak. You eschew turnips for truffles, and we know your favourite root vegetable is the despicable and heretical rutabaga but yet you can't help but read our newspaper - it's filthy, and we're all frothing at the mouth knowing this fact. But, you pay our bills, so let's continue. The glorious team, with help from the glorious Computator and the less-glorious former Governor-General, and now High Human Representative, Selina Wallace. I mean, with names like "Sentient Energy Ball," "A big ol' egg-shaped rolling being," and "Android X3-TU in the shape of a flightless bird" on our team, we are not expected to be a huge threat.

Appalachian Nation
Finally, another nation we can rhyme with! Come up with your own rhyming taunts, since there's far too many: I mean, nation rhymes with coagulation, ingurgitation, depacitation, mean deviation, board of education and other crazy phrases! We trust your mind to be sharp enough to make up those taunts. They were a co-host of the most recent Baptism of Fire, and have a similarly pineapple team like ours, with players named "Greg "Macho Man" Hawkins," and ""Jello" Collins". Honestly, if you have to make up your own nickname and make someone put it on a roster, then is it a true nickname? Regardless, there are two hanging end quote tags on their roster ([/quote][/quote]) - which makes us think they are not very detailed oriented. Not expected to be a huge threat.

Soracana Islands
Of course, turnips are well known for not being able to grow in salty conditions, and islands are the saltiest places of them all. Which is why the Soracana Islands are in last place. Again, the SIFA have nominated three stadiums, but unlike the Third ZSeparatists, we don't really know which one we're actually playing in. They debuted in the most recent Baptism of Fire (it seems like every nation has) and therefore, not expected to be a huge threat.

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And because we're hypocrites, and we want to teach you a lesson about never trusting any media source, we've decided to split this guide in twain. So don't rip up this preview, and tune in next time as we dig up more interesting facts about the nations Electrum will face at the World Cup qualifiers. As you can see, the general trend is quite interesting - most teams are generally not huge threats.

Only did a preview for nations in my group who posted a roster.

[Twicetagram and JYPe]

Life in Twicetagria

We edited our logo to make it look fancier

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Twicetagria 0-1 The Macabees: Another Loos by One Goal
By John Suh

In football, you can't always expect to win. You have to draw or lose, or you're basically a dominant monopoly.
The annoying part, however, is when you were that close to win, but you lost instead. That's what the Twicetagrian football team and fans felt, as we lost to 37th place The Macabees.
We could have gotten a clean sheet AND tied the game, but we'll explain to you why shortly.

Twicetagria

0-1

The Macabees

?, 73'

The first half of the game was, to be honest, disappointing for both sides. You'd expect a 325th ranked side to crumble under a team ranked as high as 37th place. But that wasn't the case here.
Our defense wasn't exactly horrendous, but under some of the most talented strikers in all of the multiverse, they looked like Sunday League players up.
This doesn't mean that the opposition were any better. Despite breaking through our defense quite easily, they weren't able to score past our gray brick wall Han.
Full name Jamie Han, 22 years old from Alphaxrie, the werewolf did well to intimidate the strikers, as well as cleanly blocked all their shots.
After the half-time whistle, both sides were at the stalemate. Only in the second half eould we see either a team triumphantly walking into the locker rooms, or both teams share the prize.
The answer to that was, obviously, The Macabees.
Note that the amount of home supporters were slightly decreasing after our disappointing performance in the BoF 72.
Much to the home side's disappointment, The Macabees were able to get away after a nice rebound from Han's punch of the ball.
It was the 73rd minute, and it looked dangerous as the away side were going to take a corner.
Statistics say that out of all set pieces, least goals came from direcr corners.
We'd like it to stay that way, but some fast (and clever) thinking from ?(OOC: opponent didnt post their roster) helped the away side to get away with a win.
Nothing much could be done in the remaining 27 minutes, and we walked away, disheartened.
Don't expect us to have that many fans by our side next time round.

What could we have done better?
Honestly, from this game, there is much to improve on. Despite us facing a much stronger opponent and managing to lose by a tiny margin, our performance was less that satisfying.
First up: defense has not improved much since AOCAF. If you guys remembered the AOCAF, we cpnceded 8 goals in 2 consecutive games. Although we won both matches, we could have posed a more threatening aura. We hope that we can improve on our next game against Bushkrun, which we're supposed to win on paper.

What was the best thing about this game?
The answer is clear: Jamie Han. He was sensational. Although he still has some good performances, nothing could top this one. 12 saves against a top-50 team? Playing with one of the worst nations in soccer? No way. But our god has done it! Some fans are now siding with Han instead of Chase, but we hope Chase can prove her worth next time.

Elsewhere in Group 5:
Mkabia 1-1 Valladares- This is quite normal, since both sides are ranked closely. If they were to play again, I'd root for Valladares.
Squornshelous 1-3 Zwangzug- Squornshelous couldn't escape from the grasps of the second best team here. Their performance still looked promising, and I can't wait to match up with them.
Adsuri 0-1 Darkmania- What can I say? This match seems like a replica of our one.
Vakolicci Haven and Celeria 3-2 Khazajamal- Vakolicci escaped, but barely. Khazajamal actually looked strong in this match, and it was a shame they lost.
Baker Park 6-3 Sharktail- Well, duh. I mean, they're the 11th best.

Next up: Bushkrub, who've taken a hiatus this round.
But wait! Before you go, catch Day6's latest hit, Zombie!

[Gyatso-kai]

..: The Broken Handle Tavern, Yueying District, Beijing, Earth Kingdom, Gyatso-kai :..
0108 hours local time, 24 May 2020.2

As the night crowds around the Shaoyin District were beginning to thin out after the high-score game at the Stadia Capital, the locals were all hiding away in their favorite taverns and public houses, tearooms and “houses of ill-repute”. The people in town, a mixture of multi-verse tourists, media, and dedicated Bisons’ fans from across the Republics, were all in various emotional states. Some were elated that a team fresh from the Baptism of Fire had managed to score four goals against a team over a hundred ranks above them in the first match of the tournament; others were disheveled that their team had yet again come into a multi-verse tournament and stumbled out the gate. After all, the Bisons had only emerged victorious on the first matchday in one of the four tournaments that the team had taken part of since The Silence.

And some people were simply happy to take advantage of the drink specials offered all around town.

riiiing riiiing

The bell attached the door of The Broken Handle tavern rang out, and a single man walked in. As he came into the room, the smell of thick cigar smoke and alcohol filled his nostrils, and he felt at home. Albeit not his tavern, many of these dives had the same unique charm and you could feel at home in one even if it were thousands of miles away from your own local place. The glasses were just as stained, the chairs stuck to your pants just the same, and every ashtray had the same residual dust in from a barkeep who was simply not paid enough to honestly care. Around the bar, the walls were lined with a random assortment of photographs and posters, all in some vague theme of the local area; the Yueying District, name for its location to the west of the Moon Temple in the heart of Beijing, was a historic district known for its unique food culture and its devotion to the local sports teams. Beijing was home to five different professional teams – the Stars in the AHL, FC Beijing in the RPFL, Beijing Hogmonkeys in the Taap-A, the Ironclaws of the Gridiron League, as well as the Black Quarry Boar-q-pines in the Pro-Bending League – as well as a couple different Universities in the Avatarian Collegiate Sports Association, so there was certainly no shortage of college decorations to fill the walls and for each citizen to find a team to devote themselves to.

I’m a bit of a Stars fan myself…

As the man made his way through the residual crowd in the tavern, the barkeep looked up. A smile graced his face, and he motioned for the man to come his way. The man leaned on the counter, and the barkeep was quick to lean back.

”Tough break today man, the barkeep said as he put a glass down in front of the man. ”If it wasn’t for those last minutes we might have won.”

The man sighed, taking the glass and nodding.

”Don’t worry, Kikwan.”

“Yeah, at least I got my first complete game,” the man said, his identity revealed.

Somchai Kikwan. Defender for the Gyatso-kai National Football Team.

Somchai took another sip from the glass, and reached for his phone. The barkeep held up his hand.

”Consider it a gift. To celebrate the first game,” the barkeep smiled as he held up another glass for himself. ”Here’s to many more for you.”

The two men clinked their glasses and shared a drink. Somchai settled into his seat, waiting for other team member to join him.

Good thing the bar doesn’t close for a bit…

[Tequilo]

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THE MOST FAVOURED CHILD OF CHANCO CÓNDOR
The Bar

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WHAT HAS GONE BEFORE

Readers of the Baptism of Fire will recall that at the little adobe house on the dangerous bend toward the end of Nuevo Camino, next door to La Rosa Cantina, on the outskirts of the ramshackle village of Chanco Cóndor, the old man Paucarchuco Tlalqui - known to all in Cóndor simply as Chuco - had gradually come to realise, through the medicinal prescription and emotional help of his sorcerer wife Nina, that a new child was to be expected in the household: his wild and wilful daughter Lilián had become pregnant, and it would seem the father had been a pitxi player from Antivador - where all the men are irritatingly arrogant and, to Chuco’s mind, needed bringing down a peg or two. But that was the limit of his knowledge on the matter.

Whether by coincidence or design, a pitxi player from Antivador on the Baptism of Fire team, García de Corcoles, had experienced nothing but bad luck during the competition, and was last seen accidentally setting his hospital bed alight in The Appalachian Nation, where he was recovering from a whole series of career-ending injuries.

At La Rosa Cantina next door to the little adobe house on the dangerous bend toward the end of Nuevo Camino, on the outskirts of the ramshackle village of Chanco Cóndor, the party had just begun on this celebratory night. It was a Wednesday night, on the tenth day of the month of Bruming - which, in your rather pedestrian Gregorian calendar, probably relates to October, approximately. As everyone knows, the tenth day of Bruming is the festival known as Florence Wednesday, or in the Tequiloan, Miércoles de Florencia, at which time there is great celebration in honour of small dogs. Now it doesn’t take much to get the Tequiloa out on the streets dancing and romancing; and especially they feel the love and companionship of small dogs very keenly, so that Florence Wednesday becomes a day when all good Tequiloa cease their labours and commence a long and intense party, often with their children and small dogs at their heel. By the evening, the children are a-bed, and the small dogs too (while big dogs are generally permitted to carry on through the night with the adults).

Thus it was at La Rosa, where many adults and large dogs had gathered after a busy carnival day, and prepared to sup the light ales of Tequilo, the darker imported Wightbeer, and of course copious shots of the blue spirit, in order to get themselves into a lathered state of drunkeness which would surely ruin productivity for the rest of the week. The old man Chuco Tlalqui from the adobe house next door was there with his bruja wife Nina, and his best friend Mauro Sáenz, Mauro’s wife Teresa Barceló and his wild daughter Lilián who had demonstrated no lack of energy for the day despite being nine and a half months pregnant and the size of a small hipopótamo. As Lili danced away happily in the scrum of La Rosa, Teresa made an observation to Chuco, who was already grumbling that the girl should have been resting after taking part in parades all day long. “She has changed shape this evening,” said Teresa, “for sure, that boy has got his head down in there, Chuco - he wants to join the party!”

“It would be about time, Teres, he is later than the trains to Yaya. Perhaps I should send her home with her mother?”

Teresa Barceló laughed at the old man. “I should like to see you try, Chuco!”

Indeed, there would be no telling Lilián, nor Nina for that matter. He thought it likely that the women had collaborated to bring about such an event. The boy certainly did not seem in a hurry to come out, and it was well known amongst the bruja community - including the husbands - that a good dance and a nip of the blue spirit might get things moving. As he watched his daughter dancing and laughing, and he considered these things, she spotted him in his deep thoughts and broke the spell, smiling widely at him and raising her bottle of Midday beer. Aye, a bottle of beer might help too, and whether she realised it or not, she had changed shape.

It was not long after this that Lilián asked an attentive and some might say opportunistic young man to accompany her out into the bar’s gardens, and perhaps to the barrel shed where Cantiñera Lina kept her supplies. Thinking he might get some kind of lucky and not slightly concerned for her health, he willingly followed the pregnant siren.

“Now then Iggy, I know you have always wanted to become intimate with Lili Tlalqui, isn’t that right? And tonight is your lucky night,” she said, breathing heavily.

“Aye aye aye Lili, you know it,” he said, brimming with enthusiasm in heart, mind, and trousers.

“Well then,” she said, groaning and sweating a little, “do you go and fetch my mother and a hot towel, and come back here to assist,”

“Err, your mother Lili?”

“Quickly now, Iggy. I will not get home so this shed will have to do. My little Teoxi comes on this portentous night and I shall have to make the most of it; at least I am not far from the music and the dancing.” It would be fair to say poor Iggy’s shilling had finally dropped, and he had gone a little pale. “Oh, and Iggy?”

“Yes Lili?”

“Try not to alert my father - he is unpredictable in such circumstances. Hurry now.”

EXTREMADAMENTE DIFÍCIL
Petroslovania 5-3 Tequilo HT: 4-1
Location: Unknown, somewhere in the Brotopia Att: Not reported
SCORERS: Petroslovaks 12’, 18’ 33’ 45+1’ 67’ | Tafalla 38’ Apeiztegui 77’ Tlacolotl 84’

Well, that was a lot harder than expected. Extremely difficult in fact. After going 11 games unbeaten in the Baptism of Fire (apart from penalties) this first ever game in the World Cup against a relatively unknown opposition proved one thing: it is going to be a long and winding qualification cycle, almost certainly ending up with exhaustion and a month off next year watching the Finals on the television.

A familiar sight was the sheer quantity of goals that went in: after hitting 45 in 11 games in the BoF, here was another eight goal feast proving that watching Tequilo play football is never going to be a dull affair. Unfortunately, there may be less goals from now on: Roxelio Toran was stretchered off again, and will miss at least half of qualifying, meaning Narciso Cora returns to the front row alongside Tlalcolotl, to whom he had lost his spot in the first place.

---

Starting ine-Up for TEQUILO vs. Atheistic Democratic Freehold:
Teixidó; Zambo, Apeiztegui, Huracán, Huachalla; Callañuapa; Artechevarria, Tafalla (Capitan), Tutayan; Cora & Tlacolotl

[Jeruselem]

Princess Katherine Annabelle Dallas (nude) and her mother Princess Cassandra Elsa Dallas

Kate:
HELLO, this is Princess Katherine Annabelle Dallas or just Princess Kate for Naked News Jeruselem! Representing the royal family at the game here is my mother Princess Cassandra Elsa Dallas, the sister of Queen Elsa also known as Princess Cassie. I'm just saying all this for first time viewers. Yes, it's the official match day for the World Cup 85, and it's pretty exciting. I know it doesn't look that crowded compared to past games but you know, social distancing business eh.

Cassie: Hello everyone, it's been a while since I've done of these broadcasts
Kate: I technically took Mum's job by the way
Cassie: I was getting a bit old for that anyway
Kate: So, first day of qualification and here at Dazza Dallas Stadium it's good to see the football is back.
Cassie: Yes, we can put this bat flu thing behind us and move forward.
Kate: Now, today a new team Competitive Solitaire came to take on the Princesses under the new coach Boris. He's the guy with the funny hair ...

Cassie: He sure talks a lot.
Kate: It was our first game, since no friendlies were organised beforehand.
Cassie: I guess all this health-related business lately didn't help with organising the cup either
Kate: Well, Competitive Solitaire weren't that ... competitive ... in football and we brushed them aside 4-1. Should have been 4-0 but anyway.
Cassie: Yes, it's good for a home win. We need more of those.
Kate: I suspect our opponents today aren't the strongest but we'll take this win.

Cassie: It's good signs so far. Hope we can continue this
Kate: In other group 7 games. Aimena beat South Charlia 1-0. I guess that was expected due to the seedings.
Cassie: I really have no idea about those two teams.
Kate: Delaclava lost 6-4 at home to Sarzonia. Interesting result there, but 10 goals. Not sure what to make of that result.
Cassie: Yes, it's not normal to have 10 goals score in one game but I guess they'll sort out there defenses after that game.
Kate: Acronius lost 2-1 at home to Huayramarca.

Cassie: I can't say much about that. Another pair of teams we know little about.
Kate: Simpralia scored a home win 4-3 against Great Lausitz. More teams we don't know much about
Cassie: A few high scoring games in round 1.
Kate: And Welzat, failed at home losing to Nephara 3-0.
Cassie: For some reason, we play Welzat a lot.
Kate: Yes, I think they'd prefer that wasn't the case.

Cassie: Interesting, 3 home wins and 3 home losses. Three home teams scored 4 goals, but one still managed to lose despite that.
Kate: So we're not getting boring old 1-0 games this cup by the looks of it.
Cassie: Well hopefully we can convert those draws into wins, last cup we had far too many draws - against teams we should have beaten
Kate: A great start at home, I hope can repeat this success at home for the rest of the cup.
Cassie: There's still areas we need to work on though, it's a new team and sometimes some did look a bit lost out there.
Kate: We do have some new players who I guess need some guidance, and it was game 1 really.

Cassie: Well, that's it from us. A winning start under the new coach Boris 4-1.
Kate: We'll see you call later, when we have our first away game.
Cassie: And I'm back to babysitting.
Kate: Not me, other peoples kids.


Group 7
Aimena 1–0 South Charlia
Jeruselem 4–1 Competitive Solitaire
Delaclava 4–6 Sarzonia
Acronius 1–2 Huayramarca
Simpralia 4–3 Great Lausitz
Welzat 0–3 Nephara

[Talamia]

Matchday 1 - Group 12
match report
Zeta Reka 3-2 Talamia
Rybki 10' ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎
Y. Skatezzo (og) 24'‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎
Bogdan Rawić 44'‎‏‏‎‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎
‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ 60' Stern A'apt
‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎80' Neaniaõ
‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ 89' Ana Lambàn
Wladmir Bogdanić 89'‏‏‎ ‎‎‏‏‎‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎

---

Talamia's line-up and players ranks.

"Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, children of all ages.
Here is Auxe Aggelia, accompanied as always by Gian Gianvilipendio, your favourite sports experts. In the end, it had to happen. Talamia lost his debut match in the World Cup qualifiers, being defeated 3-2 at the home of Zeta Reka & Hügeltaldom. We knew we didn't have a great chance, since we were going to play in the stadium of the team that just came second in the Baptism of Fire. Gian, can you tell us something?"

"Why does everything abandon me? First my girlfriend, now our national football team. Is it the world that doesn't want me or is it I that need the world?"

"Okay, Gian, don't go overboard now."

"You're right, Auxe. You know what to say in moments of great sadness."

"There is little to be sad about, Gian. Let's be honest: Talamia showed determination and courage and went to the Zeta Reka National Sports Complex to win, not to lose or draw. Unfortunately, however, the team went behind after just ten minutes. A foul by Skatezzo on the edge of the penalty area and Rybki took advantage of it, scoring on a free kick. Skatezzo's game went worse and worse, when in the twenty-fourth minute, on the developments of a corner kick beaten by Jad, Yante put the ball in his own net, slicing it in the attempt of clearing the area. The first half ended on a 3-0 score for Zeta Reka, after Bogdan Rawić took advantage of the wrong marking by Skatezzo to score again with a precise header, after Jad's cross. Coming back to the locker room, our players seemed more demoralized than ever. A defensive game was expected by the hosts, but this was not the case."

"They had to keep their promises!"

"There was no need for a promise, Gian"

"I was referring to Gianna and her family."

*Gian starts crying*

Jan Thimig defending the ball against Stern A'apt,
in the first half of the match.

"Let's continue with football. Something must have happened in the locker room, because the players entered the field much more decisively for the second half. The young striker Neaniaõ entered, replacing Kata Dioiiké, making the line-up a 4-4-2, even more offensive. So, after a few attempts, after a wonderful dribble by the boy from Clinepalas and a precise filtering pass, Stern A'apt managed to score the 3-1. It was the sixtieth minute and with another half hour to play, Talamia started believing in the comeback. The second goal arrived very daringly, after a corner kick. Ansem Egemon's cross, Bosko Nowak's attempt to reject, the ball that remains in the area, and Neaniaõ, faster than anyone else, manages to stretch his leg and score 3-2. It was the eightieth minute in the match and there were still ten minutes to play. The game became tense and in the 89th minute, still on the corner, Talamia managed to draw 3-3. However, the referee canceled the goal, scored by Yante Skatezzo with a header, for a foul on the goalkeeper. At that point the spirits warmed up and a fight broke out. Ana Lambàn and Wladmir Bogdanić were shown a red card for starting the fight. There was a lot of pressure on Lambàn, given the great performance he had provided against Mon Silanies in the NSLeft Association Football Tournament. Pedalisismi, our coach, said he was very disappointed in the post-match press conference. With two minutes of recovery announced, our hopes are completely gone. The referee whistled the end and we came out defeated, albeit with our heads held high, in our first official qualifying match for the World Cup.

Now let's take a look at our group's table, after this first matchday.

Pos	Team	Pld	W	D	L	GF	GA	GD	Pts
1	Starblaydia	1	1	0	0	4	0	+4	3
2	95X	1	1	0	0	3	1	+2	3
3	Aldaveria	1	1	0	0	2	1	+1	3
3	Geektopia	1	1	0	0	4	3	+1	3
3	Osarius	1	1	0	0	5	4	+1	3
3	Zeta Reka and Hugeltaldom	1	1	0	0	3	2	+1	3
7	Baggieland	1	0	0	1	3	4	-1	0
7	Bongo Johnson	1	0	0	1	4	5	-1	0
7	Garifunya	1	0	0	1	1	2	-1	0
7	Talamia	1	0	0	1	2	3	-1	0
11	Havynwilde	1	0	0	1	1	3	-2	0
12	Jerauuk	1	0	0	1	0	4	-4	0

We can say we are satisfied, however. The boys played a good match, much better than expected, and now they are already focused on tomorrow's match: we will host the Osarius national team in our splendid Ebdemar Au'tokra Stadium, in our capital: Clinepalas. It will be an even harder test, but we will have our fans on our side. In the press conference after the match against Zeta Reka, Pedalisismi has already announced the eleven that will start the game tomorrow:

4-2-3-1

#1 Aha Diepeir
#2 Tjin Herev Eo
#18 Eletheu Atele
#13 Timo Fulatto
#6 Calin Mestithemi
#8 Ansem Egemon (C)
#21 Kof Vottetheis
#7 Ptirn Lagios
#20 Upe Bainika
#10 Kata Dioiiké
#9 Stern A'apt

Subs:
#12 Psal Arpaz
#23 Stizo Stiba Stroma
#5 Yante Skatezzo
#15 Timo Theosbes
#17 Mesacro Diodos
#11 Ptirn Enripto
#19 Neaniaõ

That's all for today! Hoping to find you to celebrate a success, we are waiting for you for tomorrow's game! Tune in here on Pro Diorux Sports - Are yuo a sports devote? Pick up your TV remote!"

A FOCUS ON:

#8 Ansem Egemon

June 10, 1983. The son of Epituxe and Makaria Egemon is born in the small town of Lochago, near Clinepalas. He is given the name Ansem, exactly like his grandfather, who was a respected carpenter. Ansem is a lively child, he grows up very quickly and immediately proves to have great sports skills. He soon falls in love with football, despite having tried to practice many other sports previously, excelling in each of them. Watching the games of his favorite team, Ptoco, on television is his favorite hobby.

It is 1992 and Egemon, who until then had played among the boys of the semi-amateur club of his hometown, is noticed by the scouts of his beloved team: Ptoco. At just nine years of age, he is ready to make the first important decision of his life: move to Clinepalas. Thus began his closest and most indissoluble bond, the one with the white color of the shirt of the historic Clinepalas team.

After the die in the youth sector and after seeing his team win the Alfa League for almost six years in a row, Egemon made his league debut in 1999, when Ptoco's winning streak seemed to have stopped. He was only 16. Column of his team and of modern Talamian football, he became Ptoco's captain at the age of 27 and he is now the National team's captain too. Egemon holds the record for most appearances for the Talamian team with 126 caps since his debut in 2003, scoring nine goals as of today. He also holds the record for most caps as captain, with 67.

Ball-winning midfielder, he is characterized by his competitive energy, personality, charisma, physical strength and athletic endurance, so much so that he has acquired undisputed leadership not only inside the locker room but also among the fans. He can play both the role of box to box and anchor midfielder and is very skilled in fighting opponents and recovering the ball.

[The Jovannic]

The Jovannic get off to great start, beat Eshan 2-1 away
The Jovannic National Football Team beat Eshan 2-1 at their home ground. The Jovannic came to this match as underdogs, but managed to play well and beat Eshan, pushing The Jovannic to joint second place with 3 other teams. Lets have a summary of the match.

Jovannic Goals (assist)
Thomas Behine, 27 (Ianu Fathe)
Jovan Ilohil, 71 (Gavon Simoli)

The First Half started with passion, with both teams pushing into each other's final third, with some good chances in both sides. The Jovannic Team was very energetic, like the coach Gothal Mathee, who was seen pointing at players with vigour and danced a funny dance. Whatever it was, it may have worked, with Thomas Behine scoring after a quick counterattack. Eshan responded immediately, scoring in the 31st minute, after a defensive lapse. It became a stalemate, and it looked as if the match would end as a draw. However, Jovan unleashed his genius once again, weaving past 2 players and performing a one two pass with Gavon to slot the ball into the net. Gothal Mathee looked extremely happy with his team's performance, but in his interview, he also stated that the Defense has got to improve in order to improve chances for qualification.

Gothal Mathee after the Match

Performances
The forwards and midfielders did well, while Miri Belli did poorly, unable to mark his marker properly. Kallin Yustat had a shaky performance, and allowed the Eshan attack to pass him and equalise. However, he managed to recover and play well for the rest of the Match. Stockain Lelop played well for the 20 minutes he played, and may get a start against Alba and Cyrmu. Joshua Li played well too, a far cry from the shaky performances in friendlies.


Starting eleven against Alba and Cyrmu

Joshua Li, Maruo Mulchaio, Raye Eng, Kallin Yustat, Huhigal Silgersti, Gavon Simoli, Jin Tze, Stockain Lelop, Thomas Behine, Ianu Fathe, Jovan Ilohil

[Sargossa]

The sun was out, the air was pure and The Mann Clan were in town. Not, as it turns out, a travelling troupe of male strippers, nor the annual meeting of the denizens of an anti-feminism subreddit. But rather the national side of a hitherto obscure nation from Kantrias. It must be World Cup qualification time again.

With the glorious sight of the Chalaco Mountains looming large in the background El Torrigal was griped with something of a carnival atmosphere. International football had been absent from the city for several years, its return was greeted with loud and colourful enthusiasm. Which was coupled with the anticipation of witnessing a new regime in charge of Sargossa’s finest. After 132 games at the helm Rodrigo Defederico had decided his tenure had run its course. In had stepped the Ciudad Soluca coach Juan José Barreto. A rare transition of management done on good terms, without even a hint of a sacking, contractual dispute or messy war of words played out on social media and the tabloids. The new coach got a warm reception as he took his seat in the dugout. A reception made even warmer thanks to the performance his new charges put in.

The Mann Clan may have thought they’d already lived through their Baptism of Fire, but now they were hanging with the big guys (and gals). At this level mistakes are punished, often severely. Mistakes like assigning your diminutive leftback to mark an opposing centreback from a corner. Sargossan captain Juan Esnáider had nearly a full foot on James Corbin so he met little resistance as he towered above his covering defender to plant Escribano’s corner low into the net. The new captain leading the way for the new coach.

Barreto is known as being something of a traditionalist when it comes to his tactics, the traditional Sargossan 5-3-2 being his bread and butter, and the second goal had all its hallmarks. It had the midfield battler winning possession, the quick exchange of passes in the centre before the slide rule ball out wide to release the wingback. The flank attack deep into opposition territory before the pinpoint cross that is swept into the back of the net by the perfectly timed arrival of the striker. Admittedly on this occasion that final part was lacking. The perfectly timed run was matched by the equally perfectly timed anticipation of a covering defender, resulting in a tussle at the near post. A tussle that unsighted the goalkeeper who suddenly found a ball that miraculously missed the tangle of limbs and smacked into his chest before he could fully react. After that point he could only watch as the ball looped back into the six yard box and presented Mauricio Sainz with one of the easier goals of his career.

To their credit The Manns (the Menns?) searched for a way back into the fixture but the wind had been knocked clean out of their sails, probably not helped by the altitude. It was left to substitute Mauro Pereira to administer the coup de grâce, taking advantage of the space presented to him by a back peddling defensive line to plant a low, left footed drive beyond the reach of the despairing keeper from 20 yards.

And just like that the Barreto regime was off to the very best possible start, a comfortable win, three points on the board and that rarest of things, an actual clean sheet. Sure, it might not be a performance to scare the Dagans or Kelssek but for now it will do. It will do nicely. The opposition too may not be that upset either. According to their national motto the only way to success is to fail, fail and fail again. A strong start to their bold strategy. Let’s see how it works out of them.

[Timuria]

Red Wolves Seize Win

Xuzaqiy 3–5 Timuria
Xuzaqiy #8 (15), Xuzaqiy #9 (31), Xuzaqiy #11 (81); Ismail Burhan (41), Ertan Renda (50), Caner Turan (67), Yerkebulan Suyumbayev (78), Vatan Ercetin (88)

by Tufan Nursultan

The Red Wolves kicked off their World Cup campaign with a decent win against their hosts Xuzaqiy, they won by the margin many would have expected, but the match itself was a much more hard fought affair than many would have predicted. The hosts took a 2-0 lead and sucker punched the Red Wolves. However, Bekir Altingunes' men would find a way to turn it around and ran out comfortable winners, by the unorthodox score of 5-3 taking the points back to Timuria.

The match's early stages saw the Red Wolves try to make headway with their offensive prowess, but that came to nothing, with Volkan Ayhan guilty of wasting the best early chance of the match as his effort clattered off the bar and safely out of play in the 10th minute. This wasted opportunity and the Red Wolves overextending themselves allowed the hosts to catch them on a counter attack and the host's number 8 slotted past Iskender Nur who got a faint touch onm the ball, but couldn't stop it rolling past the goalline.

The hosts would double their lead, once again catching the Red Wolves out with a counter attack, this time their number 9 would round Iskender on their way to slotting home in an open goal. The Red Wolves would at last pull back a goal from the host's lead, having been wasteful up to that point. Ismail Burhan would score on the volley from 10 yards out, leaving the keeper with no chance as he connected perfectly with Caner Turan's cross, ensuring the Red Wolves would have something positive to build on in the second half.

Whatever Bekir said to his players appeared to have worked early, with Ertan Renda pulling the Red Wolves level with an astonishing effort from 30 yards out rocketing into the top corner. With some substitutions stabilising the defence the Red Wolves went on an even more intensive offensive, with Vatan Ercetin threatening to get on the score sheet as his effort was barely palmed wide by the host's goalkeeper.

The Red Wolves would get the lead for the first time through Caner Turan's magnificient individual effort leading to him not just leaving two defenders in his wake, but also rounding the goalkeeper on his way to comfortably slotting home. The newfound lead would be doubled a mere 11 minutes later with young winger Yerkebulan Suyumbayev getting his second goal in a Red Wolves shirt with an awkwardly struck effort from a goalmouth scramble bundling itself over the line.

The hosts would pull a goal back to make the score 4-3 with their number 11 scoring with a thunderous header from a corner that left Iskender unable to do anything about it. The scoring would be rounded off with Vatan Ercetin at last getting his goal, the ball laid off by Ismail as he struck it perfectly and it slid nicely into the bottom corner.

The result means the Red Wolves have gotten off to a strong start in a highly competitive group, with little in the way of upsets, the key results from the Red Wolves perspective are those of their next opponents Cassadaigua who got an emphantic 5-0 win over Audiaslania. The Red Wolves will need to leave behind their teething problems in the defence for their next match if they're to have any real chance of succeeding.

What They Said After The Match:

Bekir Altingunes: "Well I was worried in the first half that we'd played down to our competition yet again, no offence to our opponents who put up an excellent performance and they'll be a dangerous side to underestimate for anyone in this group, but if we'd have lost here I'd be sincerely, seriously, considering my position. I'm glad the team responded to my changes and to what I told them at half time, we shouldn't need to score five goals to win here, but at the end of the day it's three points and I'll never complain about that."

Player Ratings:

Iskender Nur 6/10 - He may have conceded three goals, but it wasn't really his fault for any of the goals, perhaps he could have got more of a hand on the first, but overall he did the very best he could in the circumstances.

Ozbek Sarikaya 6/10 - Ever the consistent performer, even when the defence to his right is having trouble. A decent day in a unit that struggled.

Kemal Colak 5/10 - Had a tough day, that wasn't helped by Berker having an even worse day. Will need to get back to form urgently.

Berker Balkan 4/10 - Struggled mightily and had to be substituted due to his terrible performance.

Gokdeniz Dag 5/10 - Had a hard time and regularly exposed Berker to too much pressure.

Ertan Renda 7/10 - Had better luck in his offensive duties that his defensive ones, but we'll let him off because of that stunning goal.

Reza Karaduman 5/10 - Struggled under a lot of pressure and had to be taken off as he never really got going.

Caner Turan 8/10 - Got an assist and a goal and was overall fantastic.

Vatan Ercetin 7/10 - Got his goal in the end and was a nuisance for the opposition defence.

Volkan Ayhan 6/10 - Was slightly invisible today and was taken off due to his ineffectiveness and wastefulness.

Ismail Burhan 7/10 - Got the first goal that began the rally for the side and looked consistently dangerous when he had the ball.

Substitutes:

Sabah Tanriseven 7/10 - Came on to make his debut covering for Reza and made a very good first impression.

Yildiray Sabuktiginoglu 6/10 - Stabilised a defence that urgently needed it and gave a decent account of himself.

Yerkebulan Suyumbayev 7/10 - Came on and grabbed a critical goal, looked silky and dangerous on the ball.

Person of the Match: Caner Turan - He got a key assist, was a general troublemaker on the left wing and then on the right wing and got a critical goal. Overall a very good day for the winger.

Schedule and Results:

Home stadiums will have capacity in brackets

MD1: @ Xuzaqiy W 5-3
MD2: vs Cassadaigua, Dev Halk Stadium (30,000), Demir
MD3: @ Kelssek
MD4: vs Barunia, Tashkent Belediye Isci Stadium (18,500), Tashkent
MD5: @ Audiasania
MD6: Bye
MD7: vs Olastor, Belediye Park (5,800), Demir
MD8: @ Patistan
MD9: vs The Mann Clan, Belediye Park (5,800), Demir
MD10: @ Grod Island
MD11: vs Sargossa, Hisar Belediye Sendika Stadium (27,500), Demir
MD12: @ Res Publica Nova Roma
MD13: vs Ziwana, Halkın Güneş Çiftliği Stadium (27,000), Elektriklestirme
MD14: vs Xuzaqiy, Demir-Is Stadium (5,500), Demir
MD15: @ Cassadaigua
MD16: vs Kelssek, Madenci Stadium (27,000), Uryan
MD17: @Barunia
MD18: vs Audiasania, Maden-Is Stadium (3,400), Uryan
MD19: Bye
MD20: @ Olastor
MD21: vs Patistan, Almat Jimnasyum (3,000), Demir
MD22: @ The Mann Clan
MD23: vs Grod Island, Tasova Belediye Stadium (2,000), Tasova
MD24: @Sargossa
MD25: vs Res Public Nova Roma, Dev Halk Stadium (30,000), Demir
MD26: @ Ziwana

[The Sarian]

De Telegraaf Sport presents...

ON LEFT FLANK
The Rolling Football Blog

The Sarian 1–1 Sanctanus: Three Takeaways
Stefan Struik, Football Writer

Lack of cohesion - but why?
The Sarian performance was... bad. The team looked like they had never kicked a ball, let-alone with each other. It was disjointed, sloppy and avoidable. The national team hasn't played a game since the last Cup of Harmony, and the management has to take the blame for that. There were plenty of opportunities for the team to play more - whether that was the tournament for Independent Associations or just playing a few pre-qualifying friendlies. That said over half the starting eleven play their club football together, at the very stadium the game was being played in, and another three play together at CF Bondstad. And they still sucked.The argument that new players and a slightly different set-up than you're used to would disrupt a club side - and therefore a national side too - is fair. But the predicament isn't unique: unless every Sanctanus player plays for the same team back home (I haven't actually checked), they have the same problem. We can only hope things are going to get better - The Sarian has a run of three more relatively easy before travelling to Eura. If the team doesn't pick up before that game they could be on the wrong-end of a score the cricket team would be proud of.

The Sarian tried to attack more - but didn't do well
In the last World Cup Qualifiers, The Sarian took a more defensive stance. But Miccal Druiven has mixed things up, and there was an attempt to control the game more and move the ball forward. The squad selection for the first four games also suggest that this is the strategy. However, the missing piece is that The Sarian looked bad doing it. Diemer Haum and Edwina Strijd weren't given the chance to come forward in any meaningful way from the wide defensive roles as they do for De Commons. As a result they looked out of place for much of the game, and were easily The Sarian's weakest players. Even the usually stellar Wictor Buul was forced to play further back than you'd want for an attacking winger, leaving Lach Houten largely abandoned. The national team should definitely be attacking more - frankly they're usually pretty boring. But they have to do it right - move the wingers forward, bring an attacking midfielder to support the striker, then we might get results. If we have an attack which so was poor against the lowly Sanctanus, why even bother be attacking against the better sides.

Two points that couldn't afford to go missing
To be fair, The Sarian aren't even going to come even close to qualifying so that subheading might be a little bit click-baity. It feels mean to write it so blunty, but the World Cup qualifiers are just twenty-four excuses for the players to run about a-bit and sing the national anthem. According to mathematics, there are five teams better than The Sarian, from which the goal is to nick a few surprise points against the worse ones and not get embarrassed by the better ones. And then there are seven worse than The Sarian, the goal is to win every single one of those games - especially when playing them at home. The hope is, if we do that then there will only be four teams better than The Sarian next time. And so on until we actually have a chance of qualifying. So, it is for that reason that the loss of points are important - it represents the national team going backwards. And what happens then? People switch over to cricket, funding dries up, potentially great players don't become professional and we're in a death spiral. Now, I'm not saying that this draw could end football in The Sarian; but we should be alert to not being left wanting for the horseshoe nail which loses the kingdom.

The Sarian line-up versus Adyatin (4-5-1): Oodel Duoztiun / Walt Beunaad, Jaxon Pieuz, Criuzi Siwaad, Ceutiz Maazden / Wictor Buul, Hugo Sint Lo, Luc Bisop, Jodi Lauri, Maeri Beniut / Wera Pauwelz

[Timuria]

Sports Fan's Guide to Cities in Timuria

by Ayse Heidarov

With the stadiums announced for each of the Red Wolves home matches, some people may rightly be scratching their head and wondering about some of the cities in Timuria, with 7 of the 12 home matches set to take place in Demir, two in Uryan and one each in Elektriklestirme, Tashkent and even Tasova it would make us bad hosts if we didn't at least give visitors a basic guide to things to do and enjoy in these cities.

Demir
Population: 7.6 Million
Summary: The capital of Timuria will be hosting 7 of the 12 home matches for the Red Wolves this qualification campaign. It is the home of the parliament, known in Turkish as the Gönüllü Meclisi (The Volunteers Assembly.) It is also home to five of the Super League's 18 teams while the province it is the capital of also has one other Super League side taking the province's total to a third of the top flight sides in the Super League. The city is famous for its many green spaces as well as its abundance of music venues. It's also known to be a particular favourite of fans of Brutalist architecture and has served as the inspiration for many science fiction novels that have been written by the country's most prominent author, Kemal Omeroglu.
Best Place to Visit: For those who aren't just here for the football, there's almost always some kind of concert going on at one of the stadiums that will not be hosting a match when you're visitng, otherwise we might recommend the cities famous Topcu Avenue, originally a place for artillery to be stored, now a series of high end bars that always show any sports match they can get their hands on.

Uryan
Population: 5.3 Million
Summary: The famous mining city's heritage is reflected in the nicknames of its sports teams and the series of monuments that dot it commemorating mine workers, many of whom went on to become notable politicians who represented the city in the parliament. It's home to two Super League sides, the perennial underachievers Uryanspor and Bakir FK, though the province is also home to Caykur Denizspor, meaning it is the second most well represented province in the Super League with 1/6 teams residing in the province. Visitors to the city would likely be confused to hear that it is a former mining city, given that it has undergone a transformation into one of the greenest cities in the country and home to some of the finest research groups at their state university.
Best Place to Visit: For those looking for something of a cultural experience, the Uryan National Library doubles up as a museum of the city's history with many exhibits and even tours of the many defunct mine shafts that still lie beneath the cities new found greenery. Sports fans will enjoy a trip to the local indoor arena where many amateur sides play a variety of sports and there is a complemantary bar and snacks for those who participate in at least one match with a team.

Elektriklestirme
Population: 3.8 Million
Summary: Elektriklestirme is named for the electrification of the nation, it is where most of the power generation in the country occurs with almost all of it coming from renewable sources particularly from the Halkın Güneş Çiftliği an obscenely large solar farm that lends its name to the stadium that will be hosting Ziwana in this campaign. The city is home to excellent options for those looking to engage in a little bit of decadence with many high end (or we should say higher end) stores and restaurants. Many regard Elektriklestirme as the best city in the country with nation leading standards in public transport, housing quality and life expectancy.
Best Place to Visit: The large solar farm strikes many as the obvious place to visit, but for those interested in that sort of thing, the less prominent, but no less impressive Fusion Research Facility gives regular tours to those interested in their work, which while not quite viable is still very interesting. Sports fans will enjoy the many sports themed restaurants that dot the city, a particular favourite is Temir Baba's Goal, a meze bar restaurant that can keep even the most picky person occupied with delightful dishes.

Tashkent
Population: 2 Million
Summary: A city that is hosting one match this qualification campaign and is home to another underachieving side in the Super League, visiting Barunians will find that the city lives up to the first part of its name, with many abandoned quarries repurposed for housing projects, green spaces and for commercial activity (at least those activities sanctioned by the state.) The city lacks some of the flash of the bigger cities, but it's no less charming and has a famous historical fortress in its centre, which once served as the capital of a proto-Timurian state that existed in the region, hence the name meaning capital city in some of the languages spoken in Timuria.
Best Place to Visit: The Tashkent fortress is a must see for those looking to learn about Timuria and its deep history prior to becoming the Democratic Socialist state it is today. Sports fans may enjoy the fact that the fortress often hosts live viewings of every kind of sports match with ample refreshments available.

Tasova
Population: 900,000
Summary: The home of Sariirmakspor wasn't a place many would have expected to host a national team match, but the sheer amount of matches mean their longshot bid to host a match has been given a chance to shine. The city will play host to Grod Island, whose fans will find the city quite similar to Tashkent with many former quarries being repurposed and adapted for modernity. It is an up and coming city with many improvements coming rapidly including a now comprehensive light rail network connecting the city's many districts and a fantastic theatre district.
Best Place to Visit: The aforementioned theatre district is a delight for those who are looking for a little culture with both domestic and foreign works displayed, the benefit of being in Timuria is that admission is heavily subsidised or free if you're part of a recognised disadvantaged group (check the theatre's website to see if you're eligible for free admission.) The sports fans however, would likely enjoy the Quarry Bar, carved into an old quarry with screens for each group who have booked a table and with drinks and food coming the whole night for one off fee of 25 Demirs (31.25 NS$) per person until closing time.

[Ko-oren]

The only way is up

Excellent starts in Group 8, where both Ko-oren and the Holy Empire capitalise on their royal KPB leads over the rest of the group by... losing to Mattijana and Devonta, at home. The Holy Empire scores two while conceding three, and the Dragonflies were entirely scoreless against Mattijana's single goal. That means that Petroslovania take first place for the day, with their two-goal win over Baptism of Fire darlings Tequilo. All other matches ended in a single-goal lead, and Cheergirls - Vlasisitan was the only draw of the day.

Plenty of things to improve for the next match, you would say. Indusse awaits, who have also had a brutal opening match (1-0 loss to Atheist Democratic Freehold). Indusse's simple 4-3-3 might still be a lot to take on, as we asked Reizo Yokota on the day off after the match: "Thanks for not asking this question right after the match. If you're playing this close to your opponent, and still lose - at the start of a campaign, at home, no less - that will get you some really angry looks. We've got a few new players who will have to get used to that feeling, or rather, not taking it out on the press if we're the ones who got the result. One day later makes all the difference. Indusse is up next, so we have to look ahead, not look back too much. We know we have the upper hand in individual quality - they've got good players, but we have them beat - so we need to exploit that. When we have the ball, we need to get tempo up, pass their midfield into pieces, and press their weakest players into giving up possession. Mcmuller and Singh should be operating on the same side of the field, so we have to push them into getting the ball into that corner, then pin them. It's up to them to solve it," then responding to the obvious follow-up question ("Did you just give them your entire gameplan?") with "Yeah, sure, but it's not like they didn't see this coming. We're doing this every match if we have the advantage. So here's a message to most of Group 8. We'll be defending. We'll be pushing your possession onto your worst players. We will pin them down. They will give up the ball. Good luck." Asking striker Vallotton for his role in the upcoming fixtures, he recognised that "the pressure is on us now. We have to score. It's up to me to score goals and let my friends score goals. I need to be better. We need to be better. Be faster, stronger, more confident. That's what I'll be working on." Noya, operating on the same position, had this to say: "We're strong and fast enough. We need to be deadly, and put each other in better positions. We weren't deadly enough against Mattijana. We need to recognise patterns better, understand how to clear space and use runs, and for the love of God, not cross so much."

This time, the Qualification doesn't take place against a changing political background. The parliament is set for another few years, and somehow the Democrats are the largest party. Support for environmental and futurist policies is as high as it's ever been, and voices to liberate the economy a little bit have been recognised as well. Goliaeth Sports Bars is one of our immediate successes on the global stage, already found in 10 nations. For some reason, the largest Ko-orenite company active globally is Loro, providing language education everywhere. Foreign companies are also allowed to settle in Ko-oren, depending on a host of factors, and so far dozens of firms have made their way to the Dragonfly Archipelago. Government spending is way up, but so is every prediction for our economy's growth. The Korona might be a reliable currency yet. People in charge of ministries, representations, secretaries, and other important positions, have been put in place and under the Meritocratic system have quite a bit to show. Ko-oren is on the rise. Have you invested yet?

Fantasy Daily Standings

South Newlandia	198,3	41
T. Septentrionale	196,48	34
Cassadaigua	198,67	34
The Sarian	197,31	33
Xanneria	198,05	32

South Newlandia takes an incredible 41 points on the first day of Fantasy to take first place by a clean 7 seven points! The field gets very competitive behind there, with nearly all competitors between 25 and 35 points. Of course, Fantasy this year is a bit odd with the frequent bye weeks, so the daily standings will be less useful than ever. Plenty of big wins even give 5 points to a few teams - and getting 4 points from a single game has happened a few times as well.

[Mercedini]

85th World Cup Qualification MD1 Review
Mercedini vs. Banija
@ Zoloroni Sports City Stadium - Zoloroni, Mercedini

Good morning ladies and gentleman, welcome back to Mercedini Sports Daily's coverage of the 85th World Cup. Once again, Mercedini will start their camapign at home, which would normally give tens of thousands of fans the chance to witness their national team kick off the World Cup in style. Alas, external forces mean that it's a rather muted start to the campaign, as the biggest match of the group will be played inside an empty Sports City Stadium, with only players, staff and distinguished delegates from both nations allowed to enter the stadium. A new-look Mercedinian side will face Banija in Zoloroni as both teams attempt to get their campaign off to the best possible start.

With Mercedini going into the match as the lower ranked side, three points aren't an imperative in this match. However, this match will likely decide the outlook of the group at this very early stage, a three point advantage will be very difficult to overcome as both teams will be expected to win their remaining games against lower ranked opposition. With the top two nations from the group qualifying, and a mammoth twenty-four games being played by each team, it's a long road from now until the end of qualification for both teams. If Mercedini want to consider themselves in the same breath as teams like Banija, they will need to be at least competitive in games like these to stand a chance of challenging at the multiverse's premier football tournament.

World Cup Qualification: A Non-Starter

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FULL TIME

WCQ | MD1

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MERCEDINI 0
Kuznetsov Sent Off 56', Hosset Sent Off 69'
BANIJA 3
Jawara 56' (P), 70' (P), Kahara 79'

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Zoloroni, Mercedini
Attendance - 137

What will go down as one of the worst performances on record by a senior team, Mercedini whimper to a 3-0 loss to Banija in Zoloroni. Two penalties, two red-cards and nine men, Mercedini quite simply fell apart in the second half thanks to extended Banijan pressure and their man advantage. The lack of spectators compounded the misery of the Mercedinians, although they were probably thankful the fact, as the prospective home crowd quickly took to twitter to illustrate their disgust to the Mercedinian players. Not to take it away from the Banijans, a complete performance from them as they cement the top spot in the group and show the world why they are ranked fifth in the world. Jawara made no mistake from the penalty spot as he netted twice for his team, before Gitonga Kahara raced away with ten minutes to go to chip it over substitute goalkeeper Ibrahim Elaani for a beautifully taken third, putting it past Mercedini and sealing the three points for Banija. Following all of that, Mercedini sit rock bottom of the table with no points, and have to deal with two suspensions of their first choice right-back and goalkeeper for their next crunch match away to Hapilopper.

No doubt it will be a match to forget for the nation, clearly outclassed in their own back yard against better opposition. When pundits and players aim to ram home the importance of making their home stadium a fortress, it's always galling when your expectations are dashed within the first day of play. Nevertheless, Mercedini have plenty of time to make up ground on their opponents, and still have a good chance to make it within the Top 2 to get back to the World Cup, which they missed out on last edition. Hapilopper is next on the list for Mercedini, an away match which has gathered more importance after today's loss. Defeat could mean they are six points behind the qualification spots after two games, but a win could throw them right back into the mix. Remember, Mercedini have four games to play before their BYE match, so realistically they need to get as high as they can before their inevitable drop on their off-day.

Despite that loss, Lyndainium will likely not be concerned in general terms, but questions about the squads temperament and the lack of experience for many of the squad members could highlight problems down the line. Mercedini began MD1 as the second seed, but will begin MD2 as the nation bottom of the table, looking to at least claim some points to get their campaign up and running. Unfortunately, Banija were just too good on the night for their Pot 2 counterparts, with the AO residents looking too hot to touch so far on their route back to the big time.
The favourites to top the group have made their odds to qualify ever smaller, their toughest test has been completed, and they have passed with flying colours.

That it from all of us here in Zoloroni. Join us as we review Mercedini's second quals match, this time away to Pot 3 side Hapiloppe. It will now taking on extra importance due to both failing to win in their opening round matches. We hope you can join us for that, and we wish you all the best in these trying times. Andiamo!

[South Newlandia]

ELEPHANT VALLEY MAIL
Sports -> Soccer
South Newlandia wins astounding game in Newport

A little over sixteen thousand people had bought a ticket to see South Newlandia face Tamgu in Jecken Arena, and they were not disappointed. South Newlandia ultimately won a seven-goal affair, taking down the pot 5 team.

South Newlandia 4-3 Tamgu

Both teams went into the game hoping for a win. After only 4 minutes of play, Tamgu opened scoring with a free kick. Sayken Ilko had taken the ball and shot it right into the upper corner. Trischuk still got his fingers on the ball, but he could not stop the Tamguna from scoring.

The Tamguna were more confident now, and they got another good chance in. Reki Reizo got a dangerous flank in, but Ante Nekir’s shot was barely directed above the goal after a great save by Mikhail Trischuk.

In the 17th minute, the Elephants came back. This time, South Newlandia had a dangerous free kick, and Finnley Wallis left Sami Felter, the Tamguna goalie, no chance. Because Patrick McMora had been fouled before the free kick, he was awarded the assist for the equalizer.

The game was dominated by great offensive plays, and both defenses were beaten more often than they would have liked. In the 22nd minute, Kevin Mohamed played a great pass to get Brandon Irving one on one with the Tamguna keeper. Irving tried to dribble around Felter, but Felter managed to stop him.

The first half stayed exciting, and after 30 minutes, Tamgu took the lead again. Jack Schroeder had fouled Canke Elak just inside the penalty box. The Hawks seemed unsure how would take the penalty, but ultimately, Ante Nekir stepped up. Mikhail Trischuk guessed the corner, but the shot was precise enough that the ball was unreachable for Trischuk.

The Elephants would not give up yet, and they equalized again after 37 minutes. A pass from Corban Green to Simon McCabe opened the Tamguna defense up, and McCabe decided to take a shot from about 30 metres distance. The shot went directly into the upper-left corner, and Felter could only watch as the ball went in.

The half was not yet over, and in stoppage time, South Newlandia had one more attack. A shot by Irving was directed around the post by Felter for a corner. Corban Green brought the ball in, and a good header by Dhruv Roy went from the crossbar into the goal to get the Elephants in the lead.

It was half-time now, and South Newlandia lead against Tamgu with 3-2. The Elephants had unleashed offensive fires, but had trouble on defense. Most of the fans were able to enjoy a certain foreign chicken speciality sold in Jecken Arena, we heard it is tasty. Otherwise, Coach Robert Wolverine decided to make two changes to his squad; replacing Jack Schroeder with Manuel O’Neill and taking Kevin Mohamed out of the game in favour of Karl Meyer, changing into a 5-3-2 formation.

The second half started slower than the first one did. Both teams strengthened their defenses in half-time, and were eager not to make any mistakes in the second half. It took until the 62nd minute until Tamgu had another good chance. Tanel Tayman got a good pass in, but Reki Reizo’s shot went slightly above the goal.

Tamgu played more solid in the second half, and continued to pose trouble to the Elephants. In the 68th minute, the Hawks had another good chance. Ante Nekir and Paletar Soros played a nice double pass, and Soros got a nice shot in to equalize the game yet again.

South Newlandia had a nice counter attack in the 75th minute. Finnley Wallis played a nice pass, and Simon McCabe got an even better shot in. Sami Felter almost got to the ball, but didn’t quite manage to. With this goal, South Newlandia was up 4-3.

With this goal, South Newlandia took control of the game. Tamgu had to play more offensive now, and that opened up room for South Newlandia. On one of these attacks, South Newlandia had another big chance. 7 minutes before the end, Brandon Irving hit the post after a pass by Simon McCabe. At this point, Wolverine substituted Tommy Anderson with Marcos Pit.

South Newlandia managed to hold, and ended up winning their first World Cup Qualifier game in their history. The Elephants’ strikers did a great job, but the South Newlandian defense struggled a lot. Neither Trischuk nor the defenders will be happy with three conceded goals, so the Elephants have to get in some improvements in there.

Player Rankings

Mikhail Trischuk (GK, Captain) 6
It was not his best game ever, and he was visibly unhappy with his performance.

Dhruv Roy (LB) 8
He scored, but on defense, things could have been better.

Jack Schroeder (LCB) 5
It wasn’t his day at all.

Tommy Anderson (RCB) 7

Raphael Moreno (RB) 6

Kevin Mohamed (DM) 6
That wasn’t enough from him today, he can do better.

Corban Green (LM) 8
He is back in form and scored two assists.

Patrick McMora (RM) 7

Finnley Wallis (OM) 9
He scored a goal and an assist, great job from him.

Brandon Irving (ST) 6
He missed a bunch of chances he could have scored on.

Simon McCabe (ST) 9
He played a fantastic game with two goals, he was the best elephant on the pitch.

Manuel O’Neill (LCB) 6

Karl Meyer (RCB) 7

Marcos Pit (CB) –

Starters in Pasarga

Robert Wolverine announced that South Newlandia would play in the same formation that took down Tamgu, with no changes at all.


Results from Matchday 1, Group 13

Juvencus (39) 0–1 Valanora (15)
Valanora managed to win at the 3rd seed, putting them in a great position to qualify.

The Kytler Peninsulae (UR) 3–3 Plane of Possibility (148)
The Kytler Peninsulae managed to steal a point from the pot 7 team.

Kuriko (330) 2–4 Ottoman Syldavia (338)

Pangurstan (311) 3–4 Eraman (63)

Mavinet (218) 1–0 Pasarga (35)
The BoF-Winners continue their winning streak and upset the 2nd seed. Few people expected that, and Pasarga might have to change things.

South Newlandia (228) 4–3 Tamgu (79)

Bliuji had a bye day.

Current standings in Group 13 (Matchday 1)

Group 13                              Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Ottoman Syldavia                        1    1   0   0     4    2   +2     3
 2 Eraman                                  1    1   0   0     4    3   +1     3
   Mavinet                                 1    1   0   0     1    0   +1     3
   South Newlandia                         1    1   0   0     4    3   +1     3
   Valanora                                1    1   0   0     1    0   +1     3
 6 Plane of Possibility                    1    0   1   0     3    3    0     1
   The Kytler Peninsulae                   1    0   1   0     3    3    0     1
 8 Bliuji                                  0    0   0   0     0    0    0     0
 9 Juvencus                                1    0   0   1     0    1   −1     0
   Pangurstan                              1    0   0   1     3    4   −1     0
   Pasarga                                 1    0   0   1     0    1   −1     0
   Tamgu                                   1    0   0   1     3    4   −1     0
13 Kuriko                                  1    0   0   1     2    4   −2     0

Schedule for Matchday 2

Eraman (63) vs. Mavinet (218)
Both teams won their first match, so this is one of the most exciting matchups of the day.

Ottoman Syldavia (338) vs. Pangurstan (311)
The teams from pot 12 and 10 face each other. This match will probably have little significance for the qualifiers.

Plane of Possibility (148) vs. Kuriko (330)
Both teams underperformed on matchday one and could really use a win.

Valanora (15) vs. The Kytler Peninsulae (UR)
The pot 1 team, at home, against the pot 13 team. Yeah, you can guess who’s the favourite here.

Bliuji (99) vs. Juvencus (39)
This is another interesting matchup. Juvencus, after their defeat, could really use a win, but Bliuji won make that easy for them.

Pasarga (35) vs. South Newlandia (228)
Last but not least, we have South Newlandia’s game. While the Elephants got an upset in, The Wanderers were upset themselves. South Newlandia is a big outsider here, but Pasarga will be under huge pressure.

Tamgu has a bye day on matchday 2.

[Nephara]

Welzat 0 - 3 Nephara
(4-4-2) 1 - Mercator; 2 - Sanger, 22 - Lockheed, 6 - Brosch, 3 - Close (c); 7 - Kuepper (13 - Martane 64'), 4 - Shone, 21 - Moxham (8 - Reach 64'), 16 - Deventer; 17 - Avetisyan, 23 - Lovelace
Goals: Lovelace 16', Moxham 37', Deventer 70'

It took Aranea Provost a long time to work out what the deal was with Claudia Martane's little tic.
It wasn't that she had to figure it out. Bluntly, Martane's international career was like one of those quaint little moths who were born without a mouth, designed around fulfilling their function and simply accepting death of starvation after a day or so. Martane was, if she was very lucky and very diligent, looking to break into the double digits for caps. Provost, if there was any justice, would see triple, unlike any Nepharan goalkeeper since Di Ballard way back when.
There she goes again. Nip, nip, nip, delicate teeth at the edge of her nail, then- ack! Face like a slug on the bottom of someone's shoe. What a curious young woman she was.
She wanted to know Claudia Martane because people interested her. People were very much the most interesting thing about life, and she was damned if she wasn't going to make the most of her opportunity. Claudia Martane might be a utterly insignificant flake of dust, but soon enough Provost would never get the chance to see her again besides saving her strikes in the Goldleague. The greater, more reliably mysterious mysteries like Thorn or Moxham or the gaffer herself could be unravelled in their own time.
Nip-nip. Blegh. This time she spat. But why?

Some people liked information to be teased out of them. Aranea Provost preferred to unload it on people in a great torrent.
All Claudia Martane wanted to do on a bleary morning - God, how she hated mornings - was to eat her omelette and stare balefully at her coffee. She did not account for Provost to plant her rear down beside her and grab her wrist.
"Excuse me," said Provost pleasantly. Her crisp, clipped accent marked her out as Lazuli Coast, so that was at least one thing they had in common.
"Uh," said Martane. The first word she'd actually said to the young goalkeeper, off the training pitch. This was followed by, "Uh?"
"Mm. Right." Provost scanned down Martane's long, bony hand, feeling a sense of vindication at the frayed edges to all of them, the flecks of damaged skin at the corners. "Aha. Well, congratulations on starting to beat the habit."
"Hab... ?"
"Night owl, hey? Yeah. The habit. Nail-biting. Foul-tasting manicure. You keep biting instinctively anyway and wincing. Really, it's quite droll." Provost smiled, encouragingly. "You're quietly strange. It's good. Interesting. But I wouldn't have liked you to go away before I exhausted you."
"Yeah, you... sure are exhausting, love."
Provost perked up. "Oh, good! You do have teeth!"

Martane was the kind of woman you'd bring home to your father. Every morning - every slow, agonised morning - she'd brush her teeth in the shower, maintain her hair, wash her face again for good measure, clip the gold Cathar cross around her neck, and get to the business of the day. She was looking for a life-partner, not flings. She had just a single tattoo, a rather restrained little design snaking around her right wrist. It was all rather quaint, in Provost's mind.
But Daniella Strauss, a fellow Brinesider, had seen something in her. Some players reacted badly to being rejected by their hometown clubs. Martane had accepted that regular minutes weren't happening while Bryger Tidesson remained in the picture, headed to Eura, dusted herself down and got on with things, honing her skills like nothing had happened. That was the kind of resilience she wanted around the team, even if Martane ultimately never played a minute of tournament football for the Cormorants.
Still, no reason to throw her into the deep end. She'd remember her first day be it starting in Darmen or, as it happened, coming on at 2-0 up at the Tretol Memorial. And she would remember it, and better still, have a mark down in the books.
The match had gone fairly to plan. Welzat had come out cautiously, not parking the bus but recognising that their chances of scoring were slim, certainly more than once, so keeping things tight would come as a prerequisite to any result. Nepharim were experts at navigating qualification campaigns, and knew getting an early goal was worth pressing for. Better to back your defensive line in the tenth minute than be left sweating for answers in the eightieth. Sighs of relief all around when Fanwich, dwelling on the ball, lost it by a snapping challenge from Shone, Moxham drove a pass sharply down the left, Deventer nudged it on to Close down the overlap, the captain swung in a low cross, and Konrad Lovelace stole the march on Days and stabbed it between Overton's feet. The kind of instinctive finish that was getting him admirers these days.
Moxham made it two shortly after when given too much space to maneuvre on the edge of the box and taking full advantage with a blistering strike into the top-corner, and from there it was just a matter of keeping a level head. Some perverse foreigners might even say; leave it there. Don't try to run up the score. To which any proper sea-blooded Nephar would righteously answer; fuck that.
Go on, then, Claudia. Cause some havoc. Cause some panic. Make a name for yourself.

On she went, and immediately had to handle Smith's boot going through her knee, son of a bitch. She tumbled, glared up at him. Fellow substitute Reach swung in the free kick, the hulking defender Lockheed rose and... headed just over. Damn.
After that, Welzat enjoyed a spell of relative comfort, passing the ball around with the confidence borne of a lack of pressure. Julian Oposto had done himself plenty of credit, and a clever little ball between the lines caused the Nepharim behind the stands to rise in angst, but Bois rushed his shot, too close to Mercator. A sharp save from the Eastweald goalkeeper, but a more composed finish wouldn't have given her the chance.
Strauss clapped on the sidelines and shouted something about complacency. Yeah, point taken. Taken and driven home - the next time Oposto had the ball, Shone was through the cunt. Okay. Too hard. Foul called, rightly. But the next next time, Shone was on him again like a bad hairpiece, nipping the ball away. From there to Reach, and suddenly the break was on... from Reach to Martane, running free down the right flank, Bragg in full retreat... the wind was at her back and destiny seemed to call, the Red Sea seemed to part en route to goal.
She ran, and it seemed like an age before she was truly bearing down on goal, Overton tensing. Her pace slowed, unconsciously - she had a comfortable lead. She shaped. Overton started to charge.
Movement down the left. Green-shirted movement. Acting on instinct, the goal at least 70% at her mercy, Martane played provider. An unselfish pass, Morena Deventer driving home a sure thing into an empty net.
Deventer was usually a nasty little fey creature, but she knew the gravity of the situation and went over to embrace Martane. She might not get another chance at an international goal... but it was the right call to make, under pressure.
And, paradoxically, it was that kind of selfless, clinical play that would give her more chances at another... someday. Someday soon, perhaps. Certainly, it had done no good. Provost lived and breathed an unspeakably promising future, but hell, today was Martane's present.

[HUElavia]

HUElavia raids Jamestownnnn with a Solid Debut!

Jamestownnnn 2-4 HUElavia
(REDACTED 43', REDACTED 89' | Navarro 7', Hamada 21', Cristiano 48', Ramirez 80')

HUElavia once again starts a World Cup Qualifier in a solid performance of the squad, especially from the offense. They came into Jimesburg, where over 15% of the stadium capacity saw a decent sized amount of supporters come to watch the team in their debut. HUElavia was using their best XI for this match in order to start off on the right foot in these qualifiers, along with the new away uniform that was unveiled a few days prior to the opening match.

The match kicked off, and the opening goal was scored in the 7th minute, when a cross by Gallego met the head of Navarro, who headed it past REDACTED to make it 0-1. The second goal would come 14 minutes later in the 21st minute, when a pass by Ramirez met the left foot of Hamada, who slotted it in the bottom corner past REDACTED to make it 0-2. HUElavia attacked and attacked, but a counterattack in the 43rd minute saw REDACTED make a pass in that attack to REDACTED, who slid it past Lobato to make it 1-2. Shortly after the first half ended.

The second half kicked off once again, and the 3rd goal for HUElavia fell in the 48th minute, when a foul over Navarro done by REDACTED gave a free kick to Los Amarillos, which was scored with a nice curve by Cristiano. The match went on with more and more attacks by Los Amarillos, until a pass by substitute Almeida saw a cross reach the right foot of Ramirez, who volleyed it past REDACTED to make it 1-4. All seemed like the match would end with that scoreline until the 89th minute where a corner taken by REDACTED met the head of REDACTED, who headed it past Lobato to make it 2-4. A few minutes later, the match ended with that scoreline and the team and visiting supporters were satisfied with the result.

With the victory, HUElavia sit in 2nd place, right behind Group Favorites Equestria, who slaughtered Fujai 0-6 on Matchday 1. The next match will be against Acherion, which will be at the newly built Nuevo Estadio del Rio in Rio de HUEska, which will include the new home kit being used. The best Xi will be used once again, with a sellout crowd expected to be at the stadium. HUElavia have high hopes that they will start their home opener on the right foot. On to the next one!

FORCA HUELAVIA! VAMOS HUELAVIA! GO HUELAVIA!

[Taeshan]

https://chirb.it/LsC973

Banija 4-3 Taeshan 
Stadium of the Restoration, Busukuma, Banija
Nzo 7’, Jawara 25’, Uche 40’, Uster 66’ : Morgenstern 11’, Nkitilina 47’, Brubaker 86’

Taeshan 2-3 Reçueçn 
Mierton Park, Mierton, China Island
Hebron 39’, Lebo 72’, Cutrona 87’ :  Nkitilina 60’, Hirahito 77’

Taeshan 2-0 Delaclava 
New Capetown Memorial Park, New Capetown, Cape Island
Sneijder 33’, Pantalaimon 60’

Taeshan 1-0 Savojarna
The Haberdashery, Hannah, Williams Isle 
McKenzie 77’

Mriin 0-0 Taeshan 
Iron Alley, Hosingr, Mriin

No Longer a Joke

The hope for that we have been building towards the last few years is to make Taeshan less of a joke in the Football world. The failures of the Taeshan national team weigh heavy on the lot of us, especially after 18 straight tournament failures. The only World Cup I played in was my last attempt at qualifying. I know what a joke my career was. Taeshan is a symbol of failure in the soccer world and our goal has been to change it.

10 times in 47 attempts we have qualified for the World Cup. 24 years between the third and fourth qualification, another 36 between number 8 and 9. Taeshan was at one point a top 10 team in the world, that slowly fell to a mid-table obscurity known only to fans of Blue Mountain Range. My career started with so much hope, but failure after failure saw me going into my last season still without a single minute of play at the holiest of fields, that of a World Cup Final.

It was my 234th cap until I stepped onto the pitch at a World Cup finals. I had scored 129 goals for my country before I had even made a World Cup appearance. No one knew who I was. Hell, the Galacticos didn’t call my name once in my 14 year career. I won trophies for Laketown Rangers, and Cenial United. The first tournament I ever played in for Taeshan I won the Copa Rushmori and it seemed like we were going for great things. At that point I an 18-year-old was born shortly after our success in World Cup 64, and that I would end it. It wouldn’t be until the end of my career when we would finally return to a world cup.

For much of my career the joke continued. It didn’t matter if we got a good draw, or a bad one. If we played well or not, come the final few matchdays we were out of qualifying and in many instances, we didn’t even get a pity invite to the Cup of Harmony. As my career waned it seemed like I would never get to play in a World Cup, and it seemed like the monkey on the back of the Purple Knights would never be lifted, but then we qualified. We led the table at halfway, we were guaranteed at least a playoff on matchday 10, and on Matchday 12 after screwing away our chances of earning it on home soil, we watched as that very same Darmen team that had just beat us guaranteed us a World Cup birth.

That was the first time since I held the Copa Rushmori that I cried happy tears in a national team kit. I won two league titles with Laketown Rangers, but I hadn’t had anything but sad tears to cry in qualifying. Until that moment. I had played my last season of qualifying from the bench, and had hoped to at least score the tying goal in the Coliseum against Darmen to send us to Banija or Equestria, but with my team I got to watch us qualify, even if we backdoored in.

The world cup finals saw us just happy to be there. One of my mentors, Xander McDrew was also retiring after helping us qualify as Manager, after himself never making a World Cup appearance, and we were going out together. But Banija proved an unhappy setting for our final national team moments. Both the hosts, and Starblaydia proved too much for our experienced side to even score against, let alone get a result and two matchdays into the World Cup our journey was over. But we still had a match to give the fans something to cheer about.

Qasden was the opponent, and it was a testy affair. Qasden could advance with a win and a good result in the other match, but our defense was not about to be scored on again. I also got my only start in a World Cup. This was the end of my career. I was retired after this, and already looking for a coaching position. This would be my final hurrah. It seemed though that my crowning achievement, the only record the world would remember of me would be a few league titles, and a token set of appearances for a weak national team in a World Cup, but then for the third time I cried in a national team kit.

The last kick of my career was scoring a goal for my country in a World Cup. It could not have ended any better than it did. Well we could have qualified previously and won the damn thing, but after the struggles we went through. The jokes thrown at the weak nature of Taeshan’s national team for the last 4 decades, this was a moment to be proud. A moment to kiss the crest and scream at the fans who had come to Atlantian Oceania, to cheer for my country. To be prouder than I had ever been before.
These kids saw that on national tv, saw their country be more than a joke, and have continued to fight, and I have pushed the pride on them. I’m so proud of my boys. A Round of Sixteen run last time, and now we can shoot for more. No longer a joke, but a team countries should fear. A team their people can be proud of. A team that plays together and pushes each other. We WILL light up the world.

Miles Snavely

[Blouman Empire]

THE EMPIRE TIMES

International Football In Sights For The Empire

Tonight will mark the first time the Blouman Empire Eagles will play in an international match since World Cup 67 with the team first match against Fujai in front of a home crowd at Old Road Ground. The Eagles last World Cup foray saw them reach the World Cup proper though just missed out on advancing past the group stage. Qualifying for the World Cup proper is not the stated aim of team manager Lewis Parry who at the team announcement declared “Our aim is to gain invaluable experience on the international stage, and develop this team for World Cups to come”. While the team won’t be aiming for the heights the Eagles have seen in the past such as the Round of 16 in World Cup 65, Parry is aiming to slowly build up the team with qualification something for the future.

A long term plan is something that recently appointed Football Federation of Bloumany (FFB) General Secretary Hamish Alpin is a plan he agrees with. It was Alpin who played 102 games for the Eagles, captaining 22 off them and captain of the U21 side that won the Di-Bradini Cup, was part of a push by member federations to change the focus within the FFB, and has been instrumental in ensuring the FFB reenters the international push. Alpin spoke to the Empire Times “The Empire has a strong football culture and a strong history on the international stage, it only makes sense that we once again enter a team to qualify for the World Cup the Empire once again needs to be in the top 20 of footballing nations”.

The Eagles first game will be against Fujai at Old Road in what is expected to be a sell out crowd as Bloumans scramble to ensure they are able to watch the first international match on Empire soil for many years. Fujai lost their first match to group favourites Equestria six nil and will be looking to get their campaign back on track. Parry has spoken highly of his team and are looking to get a result in the first match “they will obviously be itching for the win but we have looked good in training and with 50,000 Bloumans cheering us on at the field I expect it will be enough to secure the three points and get us on the right track”.

FFB Announces Hosting Rights

The Football Federation of Bloumany (FFB) has announced the six fields that will host the first six home games of World Cup Qualifying. General Secretary Hamish Alpin has nominated six different stadiums to host the games with the stated aim to allow as many Bloumans as possible to attend the first international games held in Blouman since the World Cup 67 qualifiers.

Round 2 vs Fujai
Ground: Old Road
Home to the football Club Old Road in Holchmain the ground has seen many big battles including twice hosting the Imperial League Final. A capacity of 50,000 will see a large crowd for the Eagles’ first game.

Round 4 vs Ancherion
Ground: Intosh Street Park
Port Fansat has been one of the prominent football clubs in North Baxon in recent history and their redevelopment of Intosh Street Park has seen an increase in capacity to 75,000 and new facilities

Round 6 vs Vdara
Ground: Ambong Stadium
Ambong Stadium in Fraycrant is home to Fraycrant Premier league side Salton United and of Fraycrant League 1 side 1901 Salton and ready to host 60,000 fans when they come up against Vdara

Round 8 vs Monglechabagd
Gound: Kings Park
Kings Park at Reddam in East Bloumany is the smallest of the hosting grounds only able to hold 40,000 but is home to Kings Park FC considered to be one of the founding clubs of football in the Empire

Round 10 vs Xanneria
Ground: City of Braxon Stadium
Braxon City is considered to be the Premier clubs of Braxon having won the most first divison titles in Braxon and a the only team to have featured in every instance of the Imperial League. City of Braxon Stadium was rebuilt 3 years ago and has a capacity of 70,000

Round 12 vs HUElavia
Ground: New Field
New Field of Jollipville Athletic is sure to stir those in Promdrania who don’t support the club especially fans of cross town rivals Jollipville United who may feel their stadium should’ve been chosen to host the game. With a capacity of 80,000 the visiting team of HUElavia will be sure not to have a friendly crowd when they face the Empire in round 12

[Baggieland]

The Daily Boing

Baggieland 3 – 4 Geektopia FT (1 – 2 HT)

Baggieland’s World Cup qualification got off to a bad start, albeit an entertaining one. The Throstles first game took place at the newly renovated Dartmouth Hill stadium in Hawthorn city centre, with the increased capacity of 97,842 being completely full.

As the ref blew the whistle to kick off, Geektopia were the quickest out of the blocks. They raced into a two – nil lead within the first 30 minutes. Baggieland hadn’t defended badly, it was just the pace and tenacity of the Geeks that took everyone by surprise. After the shock of conceding two early goals, the Baggielandian players finally woke up. They began to press the Geektopian defence and created a handful of half chances. Their efforts were finally rewarded in the 41st minute when a Geektopian defender brought down Bomber 30 yards from goal. Ray Brunt lined up his deadly left foot, and despite the distance, slammed the ball into the back of the net, leaving the Geektopian keeper stranded to the spot and little more than a spectator. The score remained at 1 – 2 as the players left the pitch for half time.

Baggieland turned up the pressure in the second half. They had most of the play in the opening exchanges and didn’t have to wait too long for the equaliser. In the 58th minute, Bomber produced some mesmerising moves through the centre of the pitch and a cheeky back-heel lined up Richardson for a shot on goal which he did well to place into the far left corner. Then, Geektopia spoiled the atmosphere again by scoring their third goal of the game. Baggieland weren’t down though and equalised yet again in the 67th minute. This time a long ball forward by Moore was nodded down into the path of Richardson by Bassett, and the in-form striker made no mistake from just inside the penalty box. As the game entered the final minutes of play, Baggieland threw everything at Geektopia. Cunningham, who had replaced Bassett, hit the woodwork twice, then Bomber had a shot cleared off the line. But it was in the final minute that Geektopia broke the siege and raced into the Baggielandian half to score the final goal of the game, leaving the Baggieland players and supporters gob-smacked.

It was the first 30 minutes where Baggieland lost this game, their play after that could hardly be faulted. There are plenty of games left in the qualification process, and plenty of points for Baggieland to pick up.

Baggieland stats:

Scorers:
Ray Brunt: (41’).
Jeff Richardson: (58’, 67’).

Possession: 52%.
Corners: 7.

Tournament scorers:
Jeff Richardson: 2.
Ray Brunt: 1.

International goals:
Jeff Richardson: 6.
Ray Brunt: 3.
Ronnie Regis: 1.
Jonas McAuley: 1.
Chris Barlow: 1.

[Filindostan]

Chanchan - Part 1

Chanchan
Kabanalan's Speedster | Left back, Venividicci

"Mega Lestari Lie... Do you have a nickname? It's profound here in Filindostan, they even put priority to nicknames over your surname on athletic records." Chanchan asked her new roommate, knowing this fact as she was supposed to be part of the athletics team for this season.

"I do not have a set nickname. I was always called Lestari at home, since I have three other siblings who has 'Mega' in their names, other than my brother, who is also playing football professionally." Chanchan became interested in the information provided by Lestari. "Was it... Ivan? I thought Deddy was part of his surname." Lestari replied with enthusiasm, "Eh, yes, he is. Actaully he's my half-brother. Deddy is the surname he got from his mother. We are our father's son from different mothers. Me and my siblings was born from a friend of Ivan's mother, who died of early age."

"Well let's see, how about Megastar?"

"Hey, that's a good suggestion. Megastar it is."

Days passed and the two submitted their applications for the tryout for the football team. Chanchan, with recommendations from several teachers despite having no experience in football, got accepted provisionally, as she still cannot train with the team due to her injury, while Megastar got selected to play for the B-team, since the freshmen selection had already been lapsed, and players for the main team have already been selected. Megastar played in midfield, while Chanchan still has not decided which position she wanted to play. With the newly gained friend in Megastar, Chanchan progressed well with rehabilitating her injury, eventually healing the injury two months earlier than what the doctors have predicted.

With the latest developments, Chanchan started gradual integration to the football team, joining their practice sessions, and slowly getting the hang of football, its basic fundamentals, and applying what she already has learned in her time as a runner. Her upperclassmen and teammates asked her what position she prefer to play, and when they highlighted her ability to run quickly, they suggested her to play as a winger, either offensive or defensive, though she preferred the latter, and as she plays left-footed, she decided to be a left-back for the foreseeable future.

Happy times did not last long though, as she discovered from Megastar that the latter will be transferring schools in the summer break. This broke her heart a bit, as Megastar was the first of those who she truly consider her 'friend'. At the farewell party set up for Megastar, the two made a promise to make the national team together for the foreseeable future.

---

It was just the first matchday for the qualifiers and Filindostan were already in trouble.

With Krisna Hendra Sudirman gravely underestimating the opponents, Quebec, the Pula Garuda's weakened lineup was not well-equipped to withstand the offensive aggression of the Grim Reapers, and it would look like the possible issues behind the team tagging themselves as 'Independent Athletes' have not affected them in any way. Facing a former World Cup semifinalist, the Filindos did not expect that the Quebecois still had something on their sleeves as the team had a relatively disappointing run at the recently concluded Baptism of Fire tournament having the record number of participants.

The problem was outlined in the formation itself. Running four at the back, with a natural left-back in Chantal Grace Li, and a right-back in Safrizal Bintang Dekker, the latter had a capability to play as a center-back, but the two seemed out of sync, especially when Li starts her overlap with the midfield, Dekker also begins his run at the other side of the pitch when he should not do it, causing the defense to collapse, and with Quebec having a offensive lineup, any defensive deficiencies were heavily punished by the Grim Reapers, with two instances of Dekker and Li leaving their positions contributing to half of Quebec's goals - both scored by Roderick Yi in the 13th and 44th minutes.

The other two - don't get me started with Cahya's ability to fumble the ball in front of Quebecois attackers. Her distribution has been awful at worst in the last World Cup campaign, and while it was not relatively the cause of the remaining goals scored by the Grim Reapers, one was due her mishandling a backpass from Kartio Weici, which Pablo Mancosu took full advantage in the 76th, and the other? A silly own goal when she poorly handled a cross from substitute Nelson Ha in the closing stages of the match. Cahya's performance alone would cause her to lose her chance to make it to the final 23-person squad post qualifiers, but she should start making amends on her upcoming chances.

It is very hard to pull any positives on this match, but Ina Teterissa's bullet of a glancing header after a sleek cross from Chantal Li in the 24th minute easily takes the cake for the goal of the match. Filindostan will host another BoF participant in Qvardax, in San Rafael, making this match the first in a while that Filindostan will not have an opening match of their World Cup Qualifying campaign at San Marco since qualifying for the World Cup 79. One thing to note is that they will play this match in front of an empty crowd following the crowd trouble they had in hosting the recent Campionato Esportiva.

Another headache of the federation is to whether to allow Filindos to visit Damukuni for their match after the Qvardax one. The president, Dorigo Dutete, and the FFF, will have a meeting to discuss whether to hold the corresponding fixture on Matchday 16 in an empty Gelora Sepakbola Nasional Pilindo, or move the match in other venues in Filindostan, or worst, hold the match in a neutral site such as Pas in Gergary.

Sudirman continues his rotation of players, starting Perotres keeper Abner Sitohang at goal this time, and giving a starting nod to Knightspurs striker Muhammad Herawan. He also changes his formation to his more preferred 3-4-3 formation.

Schedule - WC85Q
MD01: at Quebec - Quebec City (The Reneegrad) - Loss, 1-4
MD02: vs Qvardax - San Rafael (Wardogs Ground)
MD03: at Damukuni - TBC (venue TBC)
MD04: vs Recuecn - San Marco (Filindostan National Stadium)
MD05: at The Grearish Union - Plibury (Dream Games Arena)
MD06: BYE
MD07: vs Poafmersia - San Marco (Filindostan National Stadium)
MD08: at Shokpos - TBC (venue TBC)
MD09: vs Andromeda Island Group - Jakulta (Jakulta Esportiva Stadium)
MD10: at Revatnagar - TBC (venue TBC)
MD11: vs Crystalline Caverns - San Marco (Filindostan National Stadium)
MD12: at Emastalia - Amsterdam (Lotus Stadium)
MD13: vs Brenecia - San Marco (Filindostan National Stadium)
MD14: vs Quebec - San Marco (Filindostan National Stadium)
MD15: at Qvardax - TBC (venue TBC)
MD16: vs Damukuni - TBC (TBC)
MD17: at Reçueçn - Reçueçn (The National Stadium)
MD18: vs The Grearish Union - Bandarito (Stadium Petrofilindo)
MD19: BYE
MD20: at Poafmersia - Fiskadaha City (Libira National Stadium)
MD21: vs Shokpos - San Rafael (Wardogs Ground)
MD22: at Andromeda Island Group - TBC (venue TBC)
MD23: vs Revatnagar - Jakulta (Jakulta Esportiva Stadium)
MD24: at Crystalline Caverns - TBC (venue TBC)
MD25: vs Emastalia - Bandarito (Stadium Petrofilindo)
MD26: at Brenecia - Rozelle (Kingsgarden)

[Cassadaigua]

Getting to know the Royal Family- Queen Courtney I (Mother of Queen Cassie II)
by Hannah McCarthy, Concord Heights Times Historian

It is time for the next World Cup, and a high number of nations are set to qualify for the right to make it to either Mriin or Farfadillis. There are thirty more nations attempting to do this then we saw last time, and we thought that was a high number. Cassadagans are excited and the hopes of winning our third World Cup are realistic even if we are not one of the top favorites to do so. At the Concord Heights Times, we have noticed that this time of year always results in a large amount of hits to our website from IP addresses all across the world, and we are honored that these people take the time to read our opinions. Most of them come to read what we have to say about the soccer games, but some may also have an interest in learning about the country. One thing we do not talk a whole lot about to outsiders is the royal family. Many people are aware that the leader of the nation is Queen Cassie II. But how did she get there? What were things like for her before she would officially be coronated as the Queen? Let us take a little look at that, but before we get there, there are some others we should talk about first.

Queen Cassie II is the daughter of Queen Courtney, who took over the crown from her mother, Queen Cassie I. Courtney came to power 44 years ago in what was a coordinated handover of the crown between her and her mother. Queen Cassie I had been getting older, and wanted to make sure that her oldest daughter would become the Queen in a peaceful manner, and not have the duties of leading the nation thrust upon her when she ultimately passed. Cassie I did all she could to prepare Courtney for this role, and five years later, Cassie I would pass on at 85 years of age. The husband of Queen Cassie I was King Brian, a person that she had met while attending Concord Heights Beauty School. Brian himself did not attend the school, and was a student at the University of Concord Heights. They had a chance meeting a debate competition, in which then Princess Cassie served as the moderator. After four years of dating, they would get married, and had four children: Christopher, Courtney, Claude, and Ryan. The latter of which broke a tradition of royal children having a name that began with “C”, but it was important for then Prince Brian, who had a brother named Ryan who passed away from a rare childhood disease when he was only ten months old.

In Cassadagan tradition, as long as there is a female child of the queen, a male will not take over the throne, therefore Courtney was always going to be next in line despite her brother being older. King Brian would pass on two years after the coronation of Queen Courtney, which was three years prior to Queen Cassie I. Both Cassie I and King Brian passed away from natural causes. As Queen Courtney I took over the rule of the nation, her brothers, Prince Christopher, Prince Claude and Prince Ryan took over leadership roles in other parts of Cassadaigua. This is typically how things are done in the country for members of the royal family that are not directly on the throne. They are given a region in which to govern, and can report on the happenings in that region to the Queen. Throughout the world, Queen Courtney I’s role as the leader of the nation was accepted by most, although did receive some scrutiny from Qazox media (though not their leadership) at the time, as they would state, “Queen Cassie of Cassadaigua stepped down from her throne earlier this week in favor of her daughter, Princess Courtney. Too bad Cassadaigua still holds to the barbaric practice of female-preference primogeniture. This day and age, in which the vast majority of nations have full equality between the genders, that one of the major powers in the world still has such a medieval mindset. If they were as truly advanced as they claim to be, then they would coronate Prince Christopher, Queen Cassie's first born child, to be the next ruler.” Criticism of the Qazoxian media was mostly disregarded, as there was no controversy within Cassadaigua about who was the rightful leader, and that would include from Prince Christopher himself. The coronation ceremony was well attended by leaders or dignitaries from nations like Darmen, Equestria, Free Republics, Polar Islandstates, Super-Llamaland, and Zwangzug, among many more.

As Queen Courtney I grew up, she found it hard to maintain a steady male partner. Many men that she thought she was getting close to proved to only want her as a path to get to the Royal Palace, so she had many failed relationships. Like her mother, she also attended Concord Heights Beauty School, and served on their board of directors not long after graduation. Her mother would also assign her the northern suburbs of Concord Heights to govern, before her territory would be expanded to northern border. Finally, at 26 years old, met the person who would become King Matthew. It was an arranged date by Queen Cassie I with some help from Prince Christopher, who was governing in the Starksville region (which also includes Rutland). Matthew was the son of a well regarded oil tycoon on the coast who was also having problems finding a romantic partner due to people just wanting to get into the family’s wealth. Courtney I and Matthew hit it off immediately and would get married just eight months after dating the first time. They would have five children: Caitlyn, Cassandra (Cassie), Crystal, Clint, and Cori.

Queen Courtney I was 49 at the time she took over the throne, and promised to be a more frequent traveler to international events then her mother was. For the most part, Queen Cassie I only traveled to other nations for governing reasons, and would not travel to things like, say, World Cup qualifying games or other sporting ventures. Queen Courtney I would do exactly that, and would be a respected leader. Despite that, the Queen would also eventually take the nation out of international sporting competition for an extended period of time due to some internal controversies about national sporting programs. During this period, Cassadaigua was a nation that maintained a very low profile, existing while also ceasing to exist in the eyes of many.

Her oldest daughter, Caitlyn, was 21 at the time Courtney I took over. Cassandra (Cassie II) was 17, Crystal 16, Clint 15, and Cori 11. Those who are reading without knowing more about our country are probably wondering, what happened to Caitlyn? We’ll get to that in the next edition!

For now, take a moment to savor that beautiful 5-0 win over Audiasania. Chelsea Dufresne has more detailed coverage about the specifics of the match on our website or elsewhere in print and I hope you take the time to read that. World Cup 85 qualifying has begun, and we would not be here if not for the steps forward taken by both Queen Cassie I and ultimately Queen Courtney I. To foreshadow that article, our goalscorers were: Rachel Schanke (4'), Eddie Malone (16'), Rachel Schanke (30'), Sierra Mattison (52'), and Meghan Wolcott (64'). The Red Wolves of Timuria are next at Dev Halk Stadium in Demir, which is the capital of the nation. It is their home opener, so let’s crash the party!