World Cup 85 || RP Thread

[Blouman Empire]

THE EMPIRE TIMES

Textbook Win Dampened By Injury

The Blouman Empire showed their winning ways and full potential against South Concepthuania at City of Braxon Stadium but lost the team’s top scorer Luke Cousins to injury in the first half. Paul Credab scored the opener, poking the ball in from a yard out, before turning provider for Brad Hunter on the stroke of half time. The South Concepthuania captain made it 2-1 from the spot before the Eagles Issac Cupstran did the same. With Hunter drilling in a fourth for the Eagles with minutes to go.

There had been a lengthy stoppage time at the end of the first half as Cousin received treatment for what looked like a calf injury. It had only been 10 minutes before when Blouman midfielder John Miller was substituted for Mat Fox after an apparent knew injury. It had only been earlier in the day when Blouman manager Lewis Parry had spoken highly of Mat Fox when asked why he was yet to start simply saying that “a quality player was on the bench if we need him” And the Empire did need him when Miller went down in the 32nd minute. Their injury concerns only got worse with Cousins collapsing after knocking the ball out wide, falling to the ground clutching his leg. There was silence from the home fans as the top goal scorer was treated on the field but in the end had to limp off to the applause from the fans. It is reported he will miss the next match but should be right to be back after.

The Empire were cruising in the first half and came out the blocks firing, enjoying 72% of possession and South Concepthuania only managed 17 passes in the opening 15 minutes. Cousins drew a save from the visiting keeper within minutes with further chances for Hunter and Miller before Credab eventually got the opener on 24 minutes. Hunter slotted the ball across the face of the goal and Credab could not miss from a yard out, before the two combined again in stoppage time - giving the home fans something to cheer about despite the mood dampened with Cousins going off.

South Concepthuania looked a more threatening side at the start the second half. Their Captain stepped up confidently to put away the penalty which was given after minimal contact from Rhys Lornet and he came close to an equaliser when he almost poked in a loose ball from Henry Polinoir parrying the ball into his path. The Eagles rode the simmering pressure and began to settle again, Oliver Eastall and Ty Freltron being denied before Cupstran eventually thumped in the third goal from the spot after Eastall was pushed over in the box. Despite being two goals up the Eagles continued to pepper the South Concepthuania goal, and Hunter doubled his tally with a slick finish from inside the box.

The victory gives the Eagles their fourth win of the qualifiers putting them in 9th spot and 16 points but still 27 points from 1st place Equestria. The Eagles will next face Vdara who were able to manage a draw against Equestria last night.

[HUElavia]

HUElavia gets their First Draw in an Entertaining Match!

HUElavia 2-2 Kandorith
(Navarro 59', Hamada 67' | Hoshi 57', Katano 75')

Coming into Matchday 18, HUElavia were looking to get themselves back up after their surprising 3-2 loss to Vdara in the previous match. This time around, HUElavia was hosting Kandorith, where in the first leg of the qualifiers, Los Amarillos had defeated them 4-2 in the Empress Masumi Stadium in Tenkyo. This time around, in respects to the Kandorese culture, the match was held at Takoroyama Kyougijou (62,000), in Takoroyama, a stadium that has existed for some time now, but only until now the city was getting a Baptism of the National Team visiting their venue. Notably, in an effort to improve relations with other nations, President Rodrigo Freitas-Matos and former President Isabella Ramirez Nakayama invited the leader of Kandorith, Empress Masumi, to watch the match in person, which was a historic event for the Kandorese, as a leader of the country has not visited a foreign country since 1860. President Freitas-Matos, Former President Ramirez Nakayama (currently an ambassador for the Cultural Group of Yamoto-HUElavians), and Empress Masumi were present to watch the match. Both teams fielded their best players, with HUElavia starting Lobato in a sold-out Takoroyama Kyougijou.

The first half kicked off and both teams went on the attack against each other. The Kandorese striker duo of Matsuda and Katano were giving shots and headers left and right that had Lobato making spectacular saves. On the flip side, the HUElavian trio of Cristiano, Hamada and Navarro were also giving shots and headers left and right, making Kiyotada made spectacular saves himself. Despite the attacks, all the attacks would get saved by either of the goalkeepers, blocked by the defense, would hit the crossbar or posts, or they would go out wide, whether it would be narrowly or fully out of there. Both HUElavians and Kandorese felt that more could have been done to make it a high-scoring match, but it was to no avail. After an extra minute of additional time, the referee blew the whistle and ended the half, with the scoreline reading 0-0.

The second half kicked off, and both teams had a more attacking mentality, looking to open the scoreline. Attacks were made, but once again the goalkeepers were making saves. The opening goal would fall in the 57th minute, as a foul by Coelho over substitute Ishibashi allowed Hirano to send a cross into the box via free-kick, having it be headed out by Hierro, headed back in by Takahashi and Hoshi did a bicycle kick that had the ball go out of reach of Lobato and into the goal to make it 0-1. Hoshi was mobbed by his teammates and the bench while the HUElavian public was stunned at the spectacular goal. The the VIP area, Empress Masumi was seen celebrating with her delegates as she was happy with the lead. This lead would not last for very long, as in the ensuing kickoff, HUElavia went into quick passes which saw Rossi make a long cross to Navarro who would go one-on-one with Kiyotada as he would slide the ball past the Kandorese goalie as he was falling into the goal and made it 1-1, with the crowd erupting and making the stadium rumble, while Navarro was mobbed by the team and bench. Lightning would strike twice as in the 67th minute, a pass from Ramirez saw Hamada take the ball, run past Miyake and blast a shot past Kiyotada into the goal to make it 2-1 for Los Amarillos, the stadium erupting once again while Hamada was mobbed by the team and bench. Kandorese would not let this match get out of hand, as they began to attack and in the 75th minute a long pass from Tanaka would allow Katano to lob the ball over Lobato and into the goal to make it 2-2, with Katano getting mobbed by the team and bench as well, while Empress Masumi and her group celebrated together. Nothing much would happen afterwards as the match ended in a spectacular 2-2 draw.

With the draw, HUElavia still sit in 2nd place with 37 points (12-1-4), while Equestria is in 1st with 43 points (13-4-0). Xanneria's victory put them at 36 points (10-6-1), while Kandorith is in 4th with 30 points (8-6-3). HUElavia will travel to Monglechbagd, where they will use the Away Unifrom, with the B-Team playing and with Vallares in goal. If HUElavia wins, 4 teams will be essentially eliminated from the Qualifiers. HUElavia feels anxious of the 1-Point difference between them and Xanneria, but with Xanneria having their "bye week" for this matchday, the team feels obligated to get a victory in order to keep distance from them, and possibly set up Matchday 21 as one with massive implications as to who will qualify to World Cup 85. Regardless, the fans will support the team, wanting them succeed by any means necessary.

FORCA HUELAVIA! VAMOS HUELAVIA! GO HUElAVIA!

[Port Ember]

Blood, Sweat & Glory - Part 11

The lads entered the match against Quakmybush with heavy hearts and confused emotions. The news had broken mere hours before the match was scheduled to start, and the team has allready assembled within the locker room when the news was blared over the AM/FM radio which was tucked into the corner of the steamy room. No one knew for sure to whom the radio it belonged or who had set it up, but everyone kept their ears glued to its blaring, yet pretending not to notice its presence. When the news started broadcasting the entire room fell silent. "Frazer Murray, former reserve midfielder for the Port Ember National Football Team, who pleaded guilty for the murder of his former teammate and team Captain, Ray Reddington, was sentenced to death earlier today. The Defence Council has 3 months to launch an appeal against the sentence before a date will be announced for the sentence to be executed." No one was really sure what exactly to think, what exactly to feel. They were angry, they were depressed, they were.. broken. The loss of their best player and best friend weighed heavy on their souls, even more so by the fact that the brutal murder was executed by one of their own. A friend. A brother. A man with whom they grew up with for the last eight years. The team marched onto the pitch when the time had come, forcing their tears from their eyes.

Marching onto the pitch, the squad shifted their focus to the matter at hand - the national team of Quakmybush. This were not the greatest team in the world, yet they managed to defeat the Dragons during their last encounter - and at home to boot. Admittedly, those were during turbulent times for the Port Emberians. The Quakmybush squad faced a fractured unfocused team previously. This time, although the team were still reeling from the dark events which have unfolded - they were united. They were focused. They were a team. A brotherhood. Coach Kent Block was a bastard, but he was bloody good at what he did. He barely understood Football, but he truly understood how to forge a group of people into a united fearsome force.

Once the opening whistle sounded the Port Emberians pushed to establish dominance within the midfield, executing a tactic developed by the previous coach which the media have dubbed the 'Midfield Lockdown' tactic. The opposition attempted to launch an early offensive, but was quickly shut down in the midfield. A period of 20 minutes passed of playing textbook passing football, the Dragons maintaining posession whilst farming in the midfield. They launched no serious offense, instead subtly searching for any hole in the opposing defence. This hole presented itself in minute 32 and the new Attacking Midfielder and Team Captain William Carvello burst through the center field with the pace of a fox, linking up with star striker Danny Nicovic, who managed to slot the ball home with class. The remainder of the first half was uneventful, with the midfield dominance continuing.

As the second half commenced, right winger Eric Tosaír surprised all when he burst down the flanks as he received the ball from kickoff, catching the opposition sleeping. He managed to push straight down to the sticks, executing a world class dribbling move, finally executing a flying scissor kick which sent the ball into the top right corner of the net in minute 41.

The last goal of the day came in minute 76 in the form of a corner kick, taken by captain Carvello, bouncing perfectly off the head of Alex Kuhn, flying past a stunned looking keeper. The remainder of the match saw the midfield dominance continue with no real further threats.

After the match when the team was on the way home, onboard their floating Football field slash city ship - the PEFAS Argie SilverPine - the Coach had summoned the entire team into the ships bar. This was surprising as the new Coach had banned all use of alcohol, drugs and prostitution onboard the vessel in response to the recent spades of ill discipline. Once assembled, the 'Major' announced that it was time for the team to deal with their emotions relating to the death of their former captain and teammate Ray Reddington. Following the Major's lead, each player held a shot glass of rum in hand - lifting it high above their heads. In unison they shouted "TO REDDINGTON!!!". Once the shouts have subsided one could only hear the gulps of rum chasing down the throats of the team, and the subsequent double tapping sounds of shot glasses on the bar counter.

Excerpts from the Media:

Player Scores

(GK)(#1) Peter Smith: 6/10
(CB)(#2) Josh Richards: 6/10
(CB)(#3) Jason Lee: 6/10
(LB)(#4)Alex Kuhn: 7/10
(RB)(#5)Russel Pierce: 6/10
(AM)(#10): William Carvello]: 7/10
[b](DM)(#6): Steven Packard: 7/10
(LM)(#8): Jason Chamberlain: 7/10
(RM)(#11): Eric Tosaír of the Tribe of Waterford: 8/10
(CF)(#7) Leon Moult: 8/10
(CF)(#9)Danny Nicovic: 6/10
Substitutes:
(CF)(#22)Steven Packard: 7/10

Goals for The Match:
Port Ember: Danny Nicovic; Eric Tosaír; Alex Kuhn.
Quakmybush: None

Player of the Match:
Port Ember: Eric Tosaír
Quakmybush: None

Post Match Quote from Port Ember Coach
"Well that's seven wins in a row. So there's not much left to say." - 'Major' Kent Block - Port Ember Head Coach & Manager

Headlines from Major Publishing Houses:

♤ ANOTHER ONE!!!! (THATS SEVEN) - Port Ember Times

♤ Dragons earns revenge in spectacular fashion - Port Ember Broadcasting Corporation

♤ Port Ember National Football Team Keeps Qualification Dreams Alive By Snatching 2nd Position On Group Table - Daily Sun News Network

Starting Line Up for Matchday 19: Port Ember vs Petroslovania
(GK)(#1) Peter Smith
(CB)(#2) Josh Richards
(CB)(#3) Jason Lee
(LB)(#4)Alex Kuhn
(RB)(#5)Russel Pierce
(AM)(#10): William Carvello]
[b](DM)(#6): Steven Packard
(LM)(#8): Jason Chamberlain
(RM)(#11): Eric Tosaír of the Tribe of Waterford
(CF)(#7) Leon Moult
(CF)(#9)Danny Nicovic

[Electrum]

The Turnip: Serious questions raised concerning the so-called Independent Cocoa-bo so-called Commission
by EditoriaI Staff

Serious questions have been raised amongst members of the Turnip community concerning the so-called 'Independent' Cocoa-bo so-called 'Commission'. It's more like an Unrepentant Cocoa-bo Inquisition!

First of all, how dare you? How dare you try and besmirch the good name of the crushed cocoabo feathery goodness of Cocoa-bo?

Second of all, how can you have 'A fair and balanced independent inquiry' when you have a known anti-cocoa-bo sympathiser and infidel on the inquisition?

Third of all, why are they refusing to say which Jeckish businessman is funding the inquisition and why is there a random Jeckish person on the inquisition? The Jeckish are dastardly evil folk who eat jungle chicken called "Jeckish Chicken", which is the worst honour one can bestow any chicken. Imagine right before killing a chicken, telling it that you were going to prepare it in the Jeckish way. The chicken would cry, knowing that its meat will be splattered about in a stew of unimaginably stinky odours, the chicken breast will be overcooked and rubbery, and the offcuts mechanically separated and turned into a puree. Indeed, we hear many tales of the Electrumite protectorate Jeckish Chicken Connoisseurs, formerly of The Jeck Empire, about Jeckland being a cruel country filled with chocolate-hating hippies.

Fourth of all, it is truly farcical to appoint some Senator who's never set foot in the real world to judge a case involving real people, real root vegetables and real drinks? Senator Copronymuso is merely an ornament to make up the numbers of the inquisition, asking such hard hitting questions such as 'how fluffy you are, Snuggles?' and 'Do you like puppies?' The Senator should have asked questions about how the deadbeat-bunny-daddy that is Snuggles have the urinary capability of processing '20 litres of Cocoa-bo a day'. Besides, everyone knows how hypo bunnies can get when they are exposed to sugar. Snuggles just had too much sugar from drinking Cocoa-bo, a sugar daddy we think, and she would have found that out if she asked the right questions. It's not Cocoa-bo's fault that Snuggles has a personality predisposed to dependency.

When Sweet-T pops up to the inquisition, you bet we will introduce surprise evidence and witnesses, a presentation to the inquisition and we will do everything we can to discredit the credibility of this insidious inquisition.

[TJUN-ia]

By Peter Davis

Tiankong Stadium has certainly hosted some great match-ups: our 3-2 defeat to Sajnur and our 5-2 win over Porticalia were both entertaining games. But for the final game here, it was to be maybe best of all of them. The Spuds of Jeckland, 6th on the night, were taking on the 8th place Jaguars and the game was certainly a good send-off for this Stadium in WC85.

Cyprian Stack struck first in the 23rd minute of the game, and then Kolby Dane did the same in the 32nd. 2-0 down, the Jags rallied but could only manage one in the first half: Kepo Ulawayain the 41st. The game wouldn't be anywhere close to the game at Rack City in MD5. Stack scored again in the 51st to push TJUn-ia to the limit. But David Seems never gave up and neither did his team. Pedro Vasquez made it 2-3 in the 65th and then came the siege: the attackers the Jags and the wall being Spuds GK Carter Clemens. The Jags hammered the net, but Clemens wasn't giving in. It took until the 85th to finally bring the wall down via another Carter - Prince Carter to be exact - and that's how this game ended.

Tiankong Stadium has done it's matches: 1 Win, 1 Draw, 1 Loss. The team are yet to win at Szensky or TJUN-ia City so far this campaign, but with 3 home matches left the hope is still there for that to change. The status quo remains as 4 of the 6 Group 1 matches ended in draws, with TJUN-ia 6 points back to Natanians and Nosts - who we play on the road next. This is another "revenge" game, as N&N embarrassed the Jags 4-0 in Szensky in the reverse fixture. N&N hold home advantage and point advantage. With Necosia being the first team to be eliminated in this group after this MD, the room for error is getting tighter by the game. GO JAGS!

---

SCHEDULE (Updates on stadiums will occur as soon as we get them)
MD1: @Audioslavia (22) - Arena Kirola, Cathair L 1-2 (T-9th)
MD2: vs Euran Oceania Territories (84) - National Stadium, TJUN-ia City D 2-2 (T-9th)
MD3: @Porticalia (330) L 0-1 (T-10th)
MD4: vs Sajnur (57) - Tiankong Stadium, Tiankong L 2-3 (12th)
MD5: @Jeckland (UR) - Jecken Stadium, Rack City W 2-0 (10th)
MD6: vs Natanians and Nosts (131) - Beregozera Stadium, Szensky L 0-4 (11th)
MD7: @Villablanca (235) W 6-1 (9th)
MD8: BYE (10th)
MD9: vs New Lusitania and the Algarves (42) - Beregozera Stadium, Szensky D 4-4 (10th)
MD10: @Necosia (341) D 4-4 (9th)
MD11: vs Turori (12) - National Stadium, TJUN-ia City L 1-5 (10th)
MD12: @Astograth (303) - Castle Hill, Gesterlake D 0-0 (10th)
MD13: vs Muradil (212) - National Stadium, TJUN-ia City D 2-2 (10th/2W-5D-5L/-4GD/11pts)
-----------------------Off Day---------------------------
MD14: vs Audioslavia (22) - National Stadium, TJUN-ia City L 0-1 (11th)
MD15: @Euran Oceania Territories (84) - Flynn Arena, Fligsive W 4-1 (10th)
MD16: vs Porticalia (330) - Tiankong Stadium, Tiankong W 5-2 (8th)
MD17: @Sajnur (57) - Niurka Stadium, Ciarkhan D 1-1 (8th)
MD18: vs Jeckland (UR) - Tiankong Stadium, Tiankong D 3-3 (8th)
MD19: @Natanians and Nosts (131) - Stadion Nacional (?)
MD20: vs Villablanca (235) - Beregozera Stadium, Szensky
MD21: BYE
MD22: @New Lusitania and the Algarves (42) - Estádio da Anta do Dragão, Porto
MD23: vs Necosia (341) - National Stadium, TJUN-ia City
MD24: @Turori (12)
MD25: vs Astograth (303) - National Stadium, TJUN-ia City
MD26: @Muradil (212)

[Cassadaigua]

Player Profile: Lupe Enriquez,
by Chelsea Dufresne, Concord Heights Times

Lupe Enriquez has made her mark in the soccer world both in Cassadaigua, and now in Banija by playing aggressively and physically. If you are a forward that is going to take her on, you need to be tough and be willing to pay the price. Lupe wins most of these battles, but if you do win it against her, you earned it and Enriquez will be the first to give you a pat on the back and acknowledge it. All while figuring out where she went wrong so it doesn’t happen again. It’s a style that has made her beloved if she is on your team, or hated if you are the opponent. In World Cup 85, she is 31 years of age, but still playing like she is 21.

As a child, Lupe was addicted to soccer and grew up idolizing Erica Lambert, who anchored the Fillies defense with a physical, hard nosed style. It would be enough to win the World Cup for Erica, and her #15 now sits on monument wall in Concord Heights. In her first youth soccer practice at eight years old, Enriquez stood to the side when others were doing shooting drills. Her coach then, Veronica Willowby said that, “At first, I thought Lupe was just uninterested, as if her parents wanted her to play for this team and she did not really want to play. So I asked her why she didn’t want to do a shooting drill and she told me she wanted to watch it because she was joining the team to stop people from scoring, not to do it. It left an impression on me.” Enriquez was allowed to play defense immediately, but had to be instructed not to play so physically since she was only nine years old. A couple years later, Lupe was able to meet Erica Lambert (well since retired at this point), at a ceremony in Concord Heights and got her autograph and her picture taken together with her. On several occasions, Enriquez has showed the photo on her social media and talked about how it was a motivating factor.

In her early high school years, word was starting to get around about Lupe’s ability, but also her style of play. At this point, she was developing into the type of defender that we know today, being aggressive and physical, and simply being an agitator. She was beginning to perfect the art of the simple cheap shot towards a player while the referee was not looking, but for the referee to then notice the retaliation against her. A rival high school coach once campaigned for Enriquez to be banned from high school soccer because of her dirty style of play but it fell on deaf ears. By now, she was on the radar for possible inclusion to the Di Bradini Cup. Stephanie Sweeney, our long time national team coach perhaps shows her age a little bit when she did the Di Bradini Cup 41 team selection. In retrospect, Sweeney says, “Scouts told me about Lupe Enriquez so I watched her play. Every team needs a physical player in the back, and as we know the Di Bradini Cup is a tournament taken very seriously by many great nations. I felt that she was very smart about her physicality, and that is key. There were a bunch of teenagers that I had evaluated that played hard nosed soccer, but with Lupe, you could see that she was smart and calculating. A perfect agitator. If all I needed to do was to train her to use those qualities in a smart and effective way for a young player, then that is the easy part.” However, Sweeney said there was thing that shocked her about Enriquez once she joined the Di Bradini Cup team. “I thought I was just getting that aggressive fullback. What I got was an aggressive fullback with amazing leadership qualities. I fell in love with her as a player then, and that continues to this day.”

On the Di Bradini Cup team, Lupe forged an amazing relationship with another 16-year old. That was Caitlin Mayer, a gifted goal scoring forward who was on the verge of being one of the top picks in the entry draft. People raved about Caitlin Mayer’s potential, but there were critics of her for being soft. Due to that, there was some doubt as to whether or not Caitlin Mayer could be a successful player in the league, or just be known as one of those players who may score goals for your team, but do absolutely nothing else to help the squad. (OOC: This is a RP detailing their bonding and how Lupe helped Caitlin, if you read it, there is a follow up RP on that same page to see what happened). Mayer would go on to become the great goal scorer that she was advertised to be, but thanks to lessons learned from Enriquez, she became a more well rounded player. Mayer played on the World Cup team until World Cup 84, where she has since retired from international play, but is still active domestically. In retrospect, Mayer talked about the influence of Enriquez, “That Di Bradini Cup changed me as a player. Lupe was right when she told me that everything that I had done at that point was fine because I was always playing against people that I was better then. I saw it first hand. Stephanie Sweeney was great for me too, of course, but Lupe was my age, and hearing it from her carried a little more weight.” Enriquez has become a great leader, with many thinking that she is a natural to go into coaching one day.

After World Cup 84, Enriquez surprised some by signing a huge contract with Busukuma AC, out of Banija. She would obviously be missed at home, but Enriquez was very interested in the experience of playing abroad. In comments at the time, she told reporters, “There are only a few other leagues in the World that I would consider playing in. Banija is one of them. I like new challenges. I never back down from them, and this is something new and exciting for me. I want to experience it.” For Busukuma AC, she was seen as a natural fit, and she played a part in their distinction of being named “the most improved side” after a 19-12-7 season with the side. Only two teams in Banija’s league scored fewer goals then Busukuma AC, so Lupe’s first year must be seen as a success. On that topic, Meghan Wolcott, the other national team player that plays in Banija saw her Herzegovina City FC side win the league title. Enriquez jokes that, “Yes, Meghan frequently reminds me of that. We have fun with it.” We don’t what the future holds for her in Banija, but hopefully things are looking up for her there. She compliments her manager there, Andrea Vardalos (who won the Manager of the Year honor) for “being another person who’s knowledge and expertise is something I can learn from and look to build on to become the best player that I can be.”

In World Cup 85, Enriquez is simply thriving. She is a veteran now and has become instrumental in being a leader towards not necessarily a young, but an inexperienced group of defenders. At the moment, all is well and good with the team, and with Lupe. She has perfected game, and become the Erica Lambert of this era.

Cassadagan Goal Scorers vs The Mann Clan: Shelby Martin (20'), Rachel Schanke (28'), Zack Pierce (39'), Ashley Dahlin (74')

[PotatoFarmers]

Poafmersia 0

Reçueçn 0

Starting 11: Sandi Jaliaha; Alex Pickford, Pasits Rikachz, Danzik Hoboson (c), Denise Pickford; Daas Taisg, Goon Figsh, Gisiik Moonar; Joel Haodao, Shakira Handris, Pete Carisa
Substitutes: Hansel Tang (Haodao 68'); Makana Tuft (Handris 76')

Nobody expected Cocoa-bo to cause such a fuss in Poafmersia. When it actually did, it was really a big problem.
For many years to come, Poafmersia has been selling only one type of sports drink - Cocoa-bo. The only problem is that because of agreement issues between the Poafmersian distributor and the supplier, as well as national pride issues, it was never marketed as such, and instead it goes by the local name, Jamboria. In fact, nobody has realised that Poafmersia does have stocks of the drink until the recent fuss around the multiverse started to raise concerns.
A research lab in Poafmersia has been interested to research on the content of Cocoa-bo and comparing it to the local drink, Jamboria. Not knowing about the fact that both are actually the same thing, they were surprised when they found similar contents in both drinks. The level of energy, minerals, sugar, etc. was the same. Unbelievable at first, they leaked it to a famous local tabloid, the Carrot, and the Carrot simply sent undercover reporters to the factories producing Jamboria, only to realise that the factories was just a place where Cocoa-bo in unmarked bottles was transferred to Jamboria packaging. (How they found out that those bottles was actually Cocoa-bo, nobody knows.)
So when people started protesting on the streets about the entire fiasco and realising that they have been scammed that the drink was locally made and suited to the local surroundings, it just so happened that the football team of Reçueçn was here to visit. And we all know that Frank Adams of their team has started a "Ban Cocoa-bo" campaign, which has been a cause of controversy within the team. However, this entire fiasco simply here in Poafmersia simply gave even more weight to his campaign. The people protesting on the streets even invited him to come down to give a speech, but because of the tight schedule of his national team, he didn't agree to give a speech. (Probably he also didn't want to gain even more notoriety overseas and risk getting fired from the national team.) As the teams played in Libira, many people were protesting outside the pitch, complaining about Cocoa-bo and protesting so loudly that the police had to disperse the crowd.
Nevertheless, the entire fiasco has raised even more questions about Cocoa-bo. How many sports drinks in the world are actually monopolised by this company? Does Cocoa-bo actually contain steriods? (To date, the lab still has not come up with conclusive evidence to prove or disprove this notion) What is the relationship between Cocoa-bo and the rise of Vilita and Turori?

---

(OOC: All references to yesterday refer to the current Matchday, matchday 18, while references to 2 days later refer to Matchday 19.)
WCQ85 Special: Going down the group
Report by Poafmer Times Sports Team
Coming towards this business end of things, teams are falling out of contention quickly, while others are booking their tickets to Mriin and Farfadillis as early as the next matchday. Here, we go deep into what can possibly happen in the next matchday, which occurs 2 days later.

Legend:
(E) - Can no longer qualify for World Cup 85 Proper.
(X) - Can still qualify for World Cup 85 Proper, but cannot win qualification group.

Group 1

Pos                                            Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1 Turori                                       16   14   2   0    49   13  +36    44
 2 Audioslavia                                  17   10   3   4    22    7  +15    33
 3 Sajnur                                       17    8   6   3    36   28   +8    30
 4 Astograth                                    16    7   7   2    24   10  +14    28
 5 New Lusitania                                17    7   6   4    37   27  +10    27
 6 Jeckland                                     16    7   4   5    33   28   +5    25
 7 Natanians and Nosts                          16    7   4   5    21   24   −3    25
 8 TJUN-ia (X)                                  17    4   7   6    37   36   +1    19
 9 Villablanca (X)                              17    4   4   9    21   34  −13    16
10 Muradil (X)                                  16    4   3   9    20   32  −12    15
11 Euran Oceania Territories (X)                17    4   3  10    28   44  −16    15
12 Porticalia (X)                               17    3   5   9    19   37  −18    14
13 Necosia (E)                                  17    0   4  13    23   50  −27     4

Euran Oceania Territories needs to match Audioslavia's result to stay in contention, while Porticalia would be eliminated if they cannot get more points next matchday as compared to Audioslavia. For Villablanca, if Audioslavia wins, they need to win to remain in contention.

Group 2

Pos                                            Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Kita-Hinode                                  16   14   2   0    40   13  +27    44
 2 Drawkland                                    17   11   2   4    36   21  +15    35
 3 Squornshelan Remnant States                  16   10   1   5    39   29  +10    31
 4 Kohnhead                                     16    9   3   4    32   24   +8    30
 5 Busoga Islands                               16    8   3   5    34   24  +10    27
 6 Torisakia                                    17    7   5   5    33   26   +7    26
 7 Wreckeria                                    16    6   3   7    31   37   −6    21
 8 Donnacona (X)                                17    6   2   9    24   23   +1    20
 9 Gyatso-kai (X)                               17    5   5   7    37   38   −1    20
10 Lochario (X)                                 17    4   4   9    22   36  −14    16
11 Jantor (E)                                   17    3   4  10    22   38  −16    13
12 Balaslandia (E)                              17    4   0  13    29   48  −19    12
13 EGM (E)                                      17    2   4  11    19   41  −22    10

Janpor, Balaslandia and EGM was all ruled out from contention mathematically, marking the start of the business end of the qualification cycle. Lochario needs to get more points next matchday as compared to Drawkland, else they would be eliminated.

Group 3

Pos                                            Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Eura                                         16   12   2   2    44   23  +21    38
 2 Eshan                                        16   10   0   6    27   24   +3    30
 3 The Sarian                                   17    8   3   6    33   28   +5    27
 4 Chromatika                                   17    8   2   7    41   28  +13    26
 5 Savojarna                                    16    7   5   4    28   22   +6    26
 6 Terre Septentrionale                         16    7   5   4    35   36   −1    26
 7 Northwest Kalactin                           16    6   6   4    43   41   +2    24
 8 The Jovannic                                 17    7   2   8    26   33   −7    23
 9 Adyatin                                      17    6   4   7    24   29   −5    22
10 Sabalonia                                    17    6   3   8    25   28   −3    21
11 Alba and Cymru (X)                           17    3   6   8    11   18   −7    15
12 Sanctanus (X)                                17    1   8   8    27   37  −10    11
13 Wanarpu (X)                                  17    2   4  11    24   41  −17    10

Chromatika's rise to the top continues, following a 3-0 win over Wanarpu. Their stnning comeback into the race comes as their competitors experienced not-as-fantastic results, with a recent dip in form for Savojarna (Recent 5 games: LDDWL), Terre Septentrionale (Recent Form: WDDLW), as well as losses for The Sarian and Eshan. Still, the most amazing part is that none of the teams are eliminated, with 2 teams only eliminated 2 days later. A win for Eshan would mean the elimination of both Sanctanus and Wanarpu, while if Wanarpu does not win, they are eliminated anyways. However, pretty much 9 points between 2nd placed Eshan and 10th placed Sabalonia mean that the group's race for the 2nd place is still not as clear as it should be at this point.

Group 4

Pos                                            Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Taeshan                                      16   12   3   1    33    6  +27    39
 2 Main Nation Ministry                         17   11   4   2    40   19  +21    37
 3 South Covello                                16    8   6   2    19    7  +12    30
 4 West Pocono                                  17    6   8   3    16   14   +2    26
 5 Flavovespia                                  17    7   4   6    28   25   +3    25
 6 North Quadana                                16    7   2   7    21   21    0    23
 7 Maccian                                      16    5   7   4    13   13    0    22
 8 Freeport                                     17    5   6   6    22   23   −1    21
   Melbergia                                    16    5   6   5    24   25   −1    21
10 Eastfield Lodge                              17    5   3   9    22   28   −6    18
11 A Flock of Seagulls (E)                      17    3   5   9    23   36  −13    14
12 The Appraisal To The Allmighty MR TAYTO (E)  17    3   1  13    14   41  −27    10
13 Sylestone (E)                                17    1   5  11    12   29  −17     8

Eh? There has been a shift in fortunes for South Covello, with their second loss resulting them to fall 7 points behind second placed Main Nation Ministry. However, the most interesting thing would be how 4th seeds Eastfield Lodge could be eliminated next matchday, if Main Nation Ministry wins their away match against Melbergia. If Main Nation Ministry doesn't, Eastfield Lodge needs to score more points than Main Nation Ministry to survive.

Group 5

Pos                                            Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Commonwealth of Baker Park                   17   16   1   0    68   25  +43    49
 2 Zwangzug                                     17   13   1   3    30   13  +17    40
 3 Twicetagria                                  16    8   3   5    28   24   +4    27
 4 The Macabees (X)                             17    7   5   5    21   17   +4    26
 5 Sharktail                                    16    7   4   5    31   30   +1    25
 6 Squornshelous (X)                            17    7   4   6    37   41   −4    25
 7 Valladares (X)                               17    5   8   4    29   31   −2    23
 8 Darkmania (X)                                17    7   2   8    29   33   −4    23
 9 Vakolicci Haven and Celeria (X)              17    4   7   6    30   34   −4    19
10 Mkabia (E)                                   16    2   6   8    22   31   −9    12
11 Bushkrub (E)                                 16    2   5   9    23   34  −11    11
12 Khazajamal (E)                               16    3   1  12    22   41  −19    10
13 Adsuri (E)                                   17    1   5  11    15   31  −16     8

It has turned into a procession for Baker Park and Zwangzug, having 22 points and 13 points more than 3rd placed Twicetagria respectively, albeit having played a game more. Baker Park could get their ticket to the World Cup with a win over The Macabees at home 2 days later (or if Twicetagria loses to Adsuri). On the other hand, Bushkrub and Khazajamal was eliminated this matchday, while 2 more teams could join them next matchday. For Vakolicci Haven and Celeria, they would be eliminated if they don't defeat Bushkrub. Even if they do, they require Khazajamal to defeat Zwangzug at home. For Valladares, if they do not win against Sharktail, then they would be eliminated if Zwangzug wins.

Group 6

Pos                                            Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Banija                                       17   16   1   0    59   18  +41    49
 2 Hampton Island                               16   10   4   2    20   12   +8    34
 3 Hapilopper                                   17   10   1   6    32   20  +12    31
 4 Lisander                                     17    9   3   5    33   27   +6    30
 5 Mercedini                                    16    8   4   4    37   29   +8    28
 6 Balqia                                       16    7   4   5    34   27   +7    25
 7 Bunkaiia (X)                                 17    5   4   8    22   35  −13    19
 8 Valentine Z (X)                              17    5   3   9    21   30   −9    18
 9 Gopnikea (X)                                 17    4   4   9    26   32   −6    16
10 West Angola (X)                              16    4   4   8    25   36  −11    16
11 Sankt Konrad (X)                             16    3   5   8    26   38  −12    14
12 Floyssauu (E)                                17    1   8   8    33   47  −14    11
13 Caelapes (E)                                 17    1   5  11    24   41  −17     8

Floyssauu and Caelapes become the first 2 teams eliminated in this group, following their losses. Meanwhile, Banija may become one of the first teams to get their qualificiation ticket if they defeat Hampton Island, while both Hapilopper and Mercedini fail to win their respective away matches. That, I must say, is unlikely. The more likely thing is that we could see 3 teams eliminated. Sankt Konrad and Bunkaiia would be eliminated if Hampton Island wins, and they fail to do so. (Which, I must say, is also quite unlikely.) Gopnikea needs to match Hampton Island's result, whatever it is, to stay in mathematical contention.

Group 7

Group 7                                        Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Nephara                                      16   14   1   1    57    9  +48    43
 2 Jeruselem                                    16   11   2   3    46   25  +21    35
 3 Sarzonia                                     17   10   3   4    41   32   +9    33
 4 Darmen                                       16    9   4   3    41   27  +14    31
 5 Acronius                                     17    8   1   8    31   34   −3    25
 6 Welzat                                       17    6   6   5    21   27   −6    24
 7 Delaclava                                    17    6   5   6    43   42   +1    23
 8 Simpralia                                    17    6   5   6    25   29   −4    23
 9 Huayramarca (X)                              17    4   5   8    31   39   −8    17
10 Aimena (X)                                   16    5   2   9    18   35  −17    17
11 Great Lausitz (X)                            16    3   3  10    19   31  −12    12 
12 Competitive Solitaire (E)                    17    3   2  12    15   39  −24    11
13 South Charlia (E)                            17    2   3  12    15   34  −19     9

The "competitive" team is eliminated this matchday. Yes, I refer to Competitive Solitare. 2 days later, only 1 team has a possibility of elimination, and that is Great Lausitz. They need a win against Sarzonia, while hoping Delaclava defeats Jeruselem in order to remain mathematically in contention.

Group 8

Pos                                      Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 The Holy Empire                        17   14   2   1    66   26  +40    44
 2 Port Ember                             17   11   2   4    46   25  +21    35
 3 Ko-oren                                17   10   2   5    21    9  +12    32
 4 Devonta                                16    7   6   3    34   28   +6    27
 5 Cheergirls                             17    7   4   6    20   23   −3    25
 6 Mattijana                              17    7   2   8    29   32   −3    23
 7 Tequilo (X)                            17    6   4   7    34   33   +1    22
 8 Quakmybush                             16    6   3   7    33   36   −3    21
 9 Atheist Democratic Freehold (X)        16    4   4   8    17   23   −6    16
10 Petroslovania (X)                      16    5   1  10    25   38  −13    16
11 Indusse (X)                            17    5   1  11    19   36  −17    16
12 Vlasisitan (X)                         16    3   5   8    18   31  −13    14
13 Daskel (E)                             17    3   4  10    17   39  −22    13

Daskel is eliminated this matchday, and up to 4 more teams will join them next matchday. Indusse visits Vlasisitan with both sides on the risk of elimination. For the home side, they have to match Port Ember's result against Petroslovania, while the away sides needs to win and hope Port Ember does not win. And for Petroslovania, if they lose, they are also eliminated. Atheist Democratic Freehold would also be eliminated if they lose to Ko-oren, while Port Ember wins.

Group 9

Group 9                                  Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Cassadaigua                            17   15   1   1    70   17  +53    46
 2 Kelssek                                17   14   2   1    51   21  +30    44
 3 Timuria                                17   11   2   4    51   34  +17    35
 4 Sargossa                               16    9   4   3    41   26  +15    31
 5 Barunia                                16    8   2   6    34   34    0    26
 6 Grod Island                            16    8   2   6    34   36   −2    26
 7 Ziwana (X)                             17    6   5   6    41   39   +2    23
 8 Res Publica Nova Roma (E)              16    4   5   7    24   38  −14    17
 9 Xuzaqiy (E)                            17    5   2  10    29   50  −21    17
10 Patistan (E)                           17    4   2  11    28   44  −16    14
11 Audiasania (E)                         16    2   3  11    23   42  −19     9
12 Olastor (E)                            17    2   3  12    22   42  −20     9
13 The Mann Clan (E)                      17    2   3  12    12   37  −25     9

Producing the most number eliminations in total thus far, 2 more teams, in Res Publica Nova Roma and Xuzaqiy, have joined the list of eliminated teams from World Cup contention. Unfortunately, there is no sign of this elimination spree slowing down. If Kelssek doesn't lose to The Mann Clan at home on Matchday 19, then Ziwana would also be mathematically out of the race even if they win against Res Publica Nova Roma. Nothing needs to be said if Ziwana does not win. Just to show how Cassadaigua and Kelssek are stomping their way to the World Cup, certain set of results might even see Sargossa, Barunia and Grod Island being eliminated on Matchday 20.

Group 10

Group 10                                   Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Siovanija And Teusland                   16   12   3   1    48   18  +30    39
 2 Free Republics                           17   11   2   4    53   31  +22    35
 3 Trolleborg                               16    8   6   2    39   29  +10    30
 4 Ethane                                   17    8   6   3    27   19   +8    30
 5 Abanhfleft                               16    9   2   5    39   33   +6    29
 6 Soracana Islands                         17    7   2   8    42   43   −1    23
 7 Electrum                                 16    6   5   5    23   27   −4    23
 8 When U Die                               17    5   4   8    30   38   −8    19
 9 ZSeparatists (X)                         17    4   5   8    42   48   −6    17
10 The Commuinist republic of chinatown (X) 17    4   4   9    22   43  −21    16
11 Appalachian Nation (X)                   17    4   3  10    39   46   −7    15
12 Bolgano (X)                              16    3   4   9    32   41   −9    13
13 St Saratoga (E)                          17    2   4  11    15   35  −20    10

Following St Saratoga's 0-1 loss to Ethane, they have been eliminated. A whole bunch of teams could join them on Matchday 19, with 6th seeds Bolgano and 7th seeds Appalachian Nation among them. For When U Die, a loss for them to Bolgano while Free Republics win would also see them eliminated. For ZSeparatists, they have to match Free Republics' result against Trolleborg to remain in contention. For The Commuinist republic of chinatown and Bolgano, they need to better Free Republics' result. (ie. If Free Republics draw, they need to win, while if Free Republics draw, they need to not lose.) For Appalachian Nation, they need to win while hoping for Trolleborg to defeat Free Republics.

Group 11

Group 11                                 Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Equestria                              17   13   4   0    50   23  +27    43
 2 HUElavia                               17   12   1   4    48   31  +17    37
 3 Xanneria                               17   10   6   1    47   28  +19    36
 4 Kandorith                              17    8   6   3    42   31  +11    30
 5 Vdara                                  17    8   3   6    34   33   +1    27
 6 Fujai                                  16    5   5   6    29   36   −7    20
 7 Ancherion (X)                          17    4   6   7    32   35   −3    18
 8 Nooooooooooooooo (X)                   17    4   5   8    31   35   −4    17
 9 Blouman Empire (X)                     16    4   4   8    30   36   −6    16
10 Monglechabagd (X)                      16    4   4   8    28   38  −10    16
11 Jamestownnnn (X)                       16    4   2  10    30   42  −12    14
12 Lo Santano (E)                         16    2   6   8    25   38  −13    12
13 South Concepthuania (E)                17    3   2  12    24   44  −20    11

Lo Santano joins South Concepthuania in being mathematically eliminated, following their 2-6 trashing by Xanneria. Many more teams are at the risk of being eliminated next matchday, with Jamestownnn, Nooooooooooooooo and Ancherion eliminated if they lose their matches. All 3 teams are also eliminated regardless of their results if HUElavia wins their match, with Monglechabagd joining them. When HUElavia wins their match, Blouman Empire also will also be mathematically eliminated if they fail to defeat Vdara.

Group 12

Group 12                                 Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 95X                                    17   12   5   0    44   18  +26    41
 2 Starblaydia                            17    9   4   4    50   33  +17    31
 3 Osarius                                17    8   4   5    42   35   +7    28
 4 Cosumar                                16    8   3   5    24   21   +3    27
 5 Zeta Reka and Hugeltaldom              16    7   5   4    22   16   +6    26
 6 Geektopia                              17    5   7   5    35   33   +2    22
 7 Garifunya                              17    6   4   7    36   43   −7    22
 8 Talamia                                17    6   3   8    32   38   −6    21
 9 Baggieland                             16    5   5   6    32   37   −5    20
10 Bongo Johnson (X)                      17    5   4   8    34   32   +2    19
11 Aldaveria (X)                          16    4   4   8    27   33   −6    16
12 Jerauuk (X)                            17    3   3  11    18   43  −25    12
13 Havynwilde (X)                         16    2   5   9    23   37  −14    11

No eliminations as yet, and only Jerauuk has a risk of being eliminated despite their win against Aldaveria today. With Jerauuk getting a bye on Matchday 19, they have to pray that Starblydia fails to defeat Baggieland at home to have a mathematical chance of staying in qualification. If Starblydia defeats Baggieland and Havynwilde lose to Talamia, then Havynwilde will also be eliminated.

Group 13

Group 13                                 Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Valanora                               17   13   2   2    44   15  +29    41
 2 Pasarga                                16   10   3   3    46   25  +21    33
 3 Eraman                                 17    8   5   4    27   19   +8    29
 4 South Newlandia                        17    8   5   4    28   26   +2    29
 5 Plane of Possibility                   17    8   4   5    27   24   +3    28
 6 Juvencus                               16    6   3   7    36   33   +3    21
 7 Mavinet                                17    6   3   8    38   36   +2    21
 8 Tamgu                                  16    6   3   7    33   36   −3    21
 9 Bliuji                                 16    6   2   8    34   36   −2    20
10 Ottoman Syldavia (X)                   17    5   3   9    19   26   −7    18
11 Pangurstan (X)                         17    4   5   8    32   38   −6    17
12 Kuriko (X)                             17    4   1  12    19   41  −22    13
13 The Kytler Peninsulae (X)              16    3   3  10    21   49  −28    12

No eliminations as yet, and it looks like Kuriko would be one of the first team out next matchday if Pasarga wins their home match against Ottoman Syldavia. Even if they don't, Kuriko needs to win to remain mathematically in contention. Meanwhile, Pangurstan and The Kytler Peninsulae will be eliminated if they lose their matches and Pasarga wins. For the latter, a draw with Kuriko in Matchday 19 would also eliminate both sides of the match if Pasarga wins.

Group 14

Group 14                                 Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Vilita                                 17   16   1   0    72   27  +45    49
 2 Qasden                                 16   11   0   5    34   25   +9    33
 3 Riena                                  17    9   3   5    36   28   +8    30
 4 Newmanistan                            16    7   6   3    32   26   +6    27
 5 Krytenia                               16    7   5   4    42   35   +7    26
 6 Oberour Ar Moro (X)                    17    6   5   6    40   43   −3    23
 7 Drunk People at the Local Tavern (X)   17    5   4   8    27   37  −10    19
 8 Lake Esper (X)                         17    6   0  11    30   38   −8    18
 9 North New South Wales (X)              17    5   2  10    15   24   −9    17
10 Legalese (X)                           16    5   2   9    29   43  −14    17
11 Omerica (X)                            17    3   6   8    32   39   −7    15
12 Southern Esportivan Union (X)          17    4   3  10    30   45  −15    15
13 Saintland (X)                          16    3   5   8    14   23   −9    14

None of the teams are eliminated as yet, and that is because of the tight race for 2nd place. 2nd placed Qasden is on 33 points, followed by Reina on 30 points, and then Newmainstan 3 points behind while Krytenia is 5th on 26 points. However, it looks like only one of these teams can qualify for the World Cup, as unbeaten top seeds Vilita are 16 points clear of 2nd placed Qasden with 49 points. As the top 2 seeds play in Vilita next matchday, Vilita would become one of the earliest teams to qualify for the World Cup with a win, and could secure top spot as early as Matchday 20 with their trip to Krytenia. Meanwhile, Omerica and Southern Esportivan Union needs to match Qasden's result or do better in their respective away matches against Legalese and Reina in order to remain in contention. If Qasden defeats Vilita, the loser of Saintland vs North New South Wales would also be eliminated. (Nothing happens just yet in the event of a draw)

Group 15

Group 15                                 Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Brenecia                               17   15   1   1    59   25  +34    46
 2 Reçueçn                                16   12   2   2    30   10  +20    38
 3 Filindostan                            17   11   2   4    40   15  +25    35
 4 Independent Athletes from Quebec       17   10   3   4    36   27   +9    33
 5 Poafmersia                             17    8   4   5    33   27   +6    28
 6 Damukuni (X)                           17    5   7   5    34   39   −5    22
 7 Emastalia (X)                          16    4   8   4    28   32   −4    20
 8 Andromeda Island Group (X)             17    5   5   7    23   29   −6    20
 9 Crystalline Caverns (X)                16    4   5   7    16   23   −7    17
10 Shokpos (E)                            17    4   3  10    21   27   −6    15
11 Qvardax (E)                            17    4   3  10    28   41  −13    15
12 The Grearish Union (E)                 16    2   4  10    21   39  −18    10
13 Revatnagar (E)                         16    0   1  15    18   53  −35     1

Group 15 sees a further 3 eliminations with Shokpos, Qvardax and The Grearish Union joining Revatnagar to become the first teams from the group to be eliminated from the World Cup contention. Andromeda Island Group and Crystalline Caverns will be eliminated if they do not match or better Reçueçn in terms of the number of points attained, while Damukuni will be eliminated if they lose to Andromeda Island Group while Reçueçn wins.

[box]Starting 11 against The Grearish Union: Sandi Jaliaha; Danzik Hoboson (c), Mandy Gibson, Alex Hoboson; Dargis Walshor, Daas Taisg, Donk Mason, Jessie Mchargarita; Hansel Tang, Makana Tuft, Alexri Timson

[Cheergirls]

As soon as the team got off the plane in Indusse for their match, Meghan Banks already didn’t like the place. Others like Daniella Catti and Tori Allison seemed to agree with her. She was not sure what it was exactly, the people were friendly towards them and all, but the first impression was not positive. This would continue to get worse when they arrived at the hotel and Banks and Catti went to their room, as they would be roommates.

“What is that on the wall, over the bed?” Banks asked.

Catti looked at her, and initially said “an ugly picture” before Meghan pointed out what appeared to be dried up food particles. Catti sighed. “Why didn’t they clean that? And how did it get aerial to end up over the headboard?” Banks sighed, and Catti continued, “You know, I thought the bathroom floor was a little dirty when I was in there but I was not going to make a big deal of it.”

Banks would text other players and ask them about their rooms. The responses were all pretty similar. The rooms were simply not cleaned very well. Meghan then sent a message to her coach, Sarah Drennan. Sarah did not answer immediately, but after a few minutes, Drennan responded that she was at the front desk and talking to management about how the indoor pool was out of order, and trying to get some money off the bill because that was an important amenity for the team to have. The coach had not yet gone to her room, but was now disappointed to hear that her players were reporting issues of cleanliness or housekeeping just not leaving the essentials, like toilet paper. The team assembled in the lobby as the hotel manager on duty promised that they would take action to clean the rooms but said the pool was out of order for the weekend because they needed to clean it. Evidently there was a wedding party in there a couple days prior, and beer bottles broke at the bottom of the pool and they needed to clean it.

As they waited, another paying guest walked by them and told coach Drennan, “They always say that about the pool. My job brings me here every week, and I have not seen the pool in service for months.” Drennan sighed and apologized to the team, noting that the hotel had a 4.5 out 5 rating score on a popular hotel review website, so they thought that everything would be ok. They continued to wait for their rooms to be properly cleaned, and during that time Drennan looked back at some of those positive reviews. In retrospect, it was looking like the hotel had a bunch of friends and family members post fake reviews about it. Eventually, everything was clean and the team could return to their room, but would not be able to relax in the pool after their game. Sarah would have to accept that 10% discount the hotel offered for their trouble, but felt it should be more.

Regardless, it made the team more motivated to defeat Indusse, making that the best performance enhancing item that there could ever be. The team only won 1-0, but that score was not indicative of the way Cheergirls had dominated the match. With more accurate shooting and two less disallowed goals due to being offsides, this could very well have been a 6-0 rout. Anyway, the team takes it prepares to host Tequilo.

[Riennic Isles]

The Riena Sentinel

---

Southern Esportivan Union 2-4 Riena
Wavelets rebound strongly with encouraging win

---

• Southern Esportivan Union: Underwood (38'), Aue (88')
• Riena: Suenaga (11'), Akamatsu (15'), Kanzaki (43'), Ayanami (57')

After a bitterly disappointing home defeat against North New South Wales in their last outing, Riena made sure that there was no repeat against Southern Esportivan Union at the Cayo Costa Football Complex, turning in a solid performance underlined by three first-half goals to secure a win on the road against their fellow Esportivans. Smarting from the shock defeat handed them by Group 14 underdogs North New South Wales, Riena returned to the pitch determined to make good their poor performance, and they duly took their frustration out on indifferent opponents who offered little in the way of meaningful resistance.

As has been their habit of late, Riena came flying out of the blocks from the first whistle, trying to score an early, telling goal to cement their superiority against their less-fancied opponents. Their dominance of possession early on meant that there were no shortage of chances for the Wavelets; Rinze Ayanami blasted into the side netting after being fed by Minami Kagura, and Rie Akamatsu bulldozed her way through the Southern Esportivan Union defence before smashing a shot right into Junior Wheeler's midriff. The warning signs were there for the Southern Esportivan Union team, who were struggling to establish a foothold in the game, but with just eleven minutes on the clock, they were powerless to stop Tsumugi Suenaga from drawing first blood for Riena. Handed a start in place of the rested Cocoa Haneda, Suenaga made a mockery of her recent injury woe by scoring a superb solo goal, turning on the afterburners to leave Bleddyn Llywelyn trailing in her wake before smashing home via the angle of the crossbar. It would be a lead that Riena would never relinquish.

Riena showed no signs of letting up after getting themselves in front, sustaining their relentless early pressure, and they hit their shell-shocked opponents for two just four minutes later. This time it was Rie Akamatsu who did the damage for the Wavelets. The athletic midfielder used her strength and height to her advantage at a corner, outmuscling Wolf Aue to plant a header firmly beyond Wheeler's despairing dive. Though they were thoroughly under the cosh for large periods of the game, Southern Esportivan Union did flicker momentarily as an attacking threat. They hit back briefly via Davie Underwood's close-range effort in the thirty-eighth minute, the forward taking advantage of a mistimed attempt at an offside trap to accelerate onto a through ball and tuck home past Miho Minato, but their fightback would end up being a flash in the pan. Just five minutes later, Mishiro Kawakaze was upended by Aden Cobb as she advanced menacingly down the middle, and from the free-kick, Rion Kanzaki fired off a dipping shot that Wheeler could only palm into his own net.

With Riena perched comfortably atop a 3-1 lead, the second half offered up more of the same fare. Rinze Ayanami in particular grew into her own after the restart, orchestrating most of Riena's most promising attacks, and the youthful winger nabbed a goal of her own in the fifty-seventh minute to cap off a hugely influential performance. A long clearance from Mao Tsukamoto was brought under control by Akamatsu, whose attempt at a through ball nicked off the backpedaling Juro Satō's boot and fell kindly into Ayanami's path as she breezed into the area. At first glance it appeared that Ayanami's momentum had taken her too far wide of goal, leaving her with a difficult shooting angle, but Ayanami defied all expectations with a rocket of a shot that whistled over the hapless Wheeler and soared into the opposite corner of the Southern Esportivan Union net. That fourth Riena goal marked the end of the game as a competitive affair, and although Aue salvaged some pride for Southern Esportivan Union with a late consolation goal, Riena were mostly untroubled by their opponents, and rarely looked in danger of throwing away the three points.

After this hugely revitalising win, Riena welcome Omerica to the Wavelet Arena for their next qualifying match. Having been soundly beaten 2-4 by the Incorrigibles in the reverse match, the Wavelets will be itching to exact revenge over their opponents, who have lost their way after manager George Kostas abruptly took a leave of absence midway through the qualifying campaign, and currently sit a lowly eleventh in Group 14. Irrespective of that, Riena will be wary of the threat posed by a team that has already defeated them once this cycle, and the Wavelets will surely give the occasion all the respect it deserves. Yet as they battle to keep pace at the top end of the table, Riena will be well aware that nothing less than a win and three more points will suffice against Omerica, especially with a vicious run of matches against the group's heavy hitters to come. Fail to defeat the Incorrigibles, and Riena's fairytale push for qualification will surely come to a premature end.

Southern Esportivan Union (4-4-2): Wheeler; Sonnen, Aue, Satō, Llywelyn; Cobb, Arnold, Allan, Arterbury; Borisov, Underwood
Substitutes: Kamiya, Gavrilyuk, Larson, Parent, Moore, Seabrook (69'), McAlister (80')

Riena (4-3-3): Minato; Uruha, Tsukamoto, Amemiya, Kagura; Matsukai, Kawakaze, Akamatsu; Suenaga, Kanzaki, Ayanami
Substitutes: Kugimiya, Himemori (64'), Narita (79'), Sakuranami, Haneda, Samukawa (75')

• Projected team versus Omerica

Riena (4-3-3): Minato; Igarashi, Tsukamoto, Amemiya, Kagura; Matsukai, Kirimiya, Nakiri; Haneda, Kanzaki, Steiner
Substitutes: Kugimiya, Uruha, Narita, Akamatsu, Kawakaze, Samukawa, Suenaga

[Garifunya]

A bar, somewhere in Frederykvil, Garifunya

Football fans had gathered in this bar, as they had gathered in bars all over the city, to watch de Dolfijnen play Geektopia in the ongoing World Cup 85 qualifiers. Garifunya had upset the Geektopians in Frederykvil in their fifth game, their first major win in these qualifiers. There was a lot of speculation about how the Geektopians would play on the return journey. The announcers were discussing the placement of both teams in the table (they were tied) and the importance of this game, when the broadcast suddenly cut out. A voice said, "We interrupt this broadcast to bring you a special televised address from the President." There was some scattered booing, but most people were glued to the television.

Immanuel Prins appeared on the screen, in his office in the Presidential Palace. "My fellow citizens, good evening. I apologize for interrupting the pre-game national team broadcast. Like many of you, I have been following de Dolfijnen closely. Sport can do a lot to bring our nation together and lift our spirits. But unfortunately, recent events have compelled me to address you. Even as many of us would rather be focused on our national team's qualification chances, the spectre of racial violence and division threatens the integrity of our republic."

He paused and composed himself. "Yesterday, a mob of young men, both black and white citizens of Garifunya, descended on a peaceful housing complex and, unprovoked, inflicted violence and terror on some of our fellow countrymen and women for the crime of being Latino. In Garifunya, we have experienced and even encouraged racial discrimination and conflict for far too long. But that conflict was between black and white. Our government has taken steps to address racial discrimination and promote racial unity between both black and white citizens. Now it seems that some in this country feel racial unity is only for black and white citizens, that our Latino brothers and sisters are excluded, that they are somehow beyond the bounds of protection. Some folks felt it was okay to murder Miguel Murillo, Gustavo Vargas, and Abel Figueroa. This is not acceptable. This is not who we are as a country."

The people in the bar could see Prins' eyes flash with anger. "I had hoped to work with my new vice president, Simone Lunenborg, to continue to address economic issues and lift up all Garifunyans. But I cannot ignore this tragedy. I cannot ignore the voices of Miguel, Gustavo, and Abel crying out from beyond the grave. While local police have been searching diligently for the perpetrators of this heinous crime, and I commend them for their efforts, it is clear that they require assistance. This is why I have had my aides submit the text of legislation to our friends in the legislature for a bill to reauthorize the Jandaams as a national police force."

A cry went up in the bar. Prins had paused, expecting this very thing to be happening in homes and places of business throughout the country.

"I am aware as well as you are that the Jandaams have not been the best police force in the past. This is why my proposed bill bars former members with red flags in their service record from re-enlisting, establishes an independent national inspector-general and a review board in every depaamaan to root out corruption, prevents any riot control units like the Aanvalkorps from being formed, and establishes clear jurisdiction and limits for this use of this police force. I call on the legislature to pass this bill as soon as is practicable. Once it passes, we will recall all loyal and upstanding former members to active duty, as well as establish a rigorous screening and recruitment process for new members. Their first task will be to aid the Frederykvil police in apprehending the perpetrators of this crime. After this, they will have a laser-like focus on rooting out members of illegal and extremist militias and interdicting the supply of illegal drugs and weapons these armed groups use in their criminal enterprises. I pledge to you justice for Miguel, Gustavo, and Abel, safety from illegal weapons and racial violence, and reform of our Jandaams to prevent the abuses of the past from happening again. When we have vanquished the threats of the black market and domestic terrorists, we can turn as a nation to racial reconciliation and healing that will include all Garifunyans of all races. Thank you. Now please enjoy the match and Voorwaart Garifunya!"

OOC: This RP refers back to this RP, this RP, and this one. Please read them for context. And as mentioned in those RPs, this has nothing to do with recent IRL events and is not intended to resemble them in any way.

[Alasdair I Frosticus]

OOC - largely playing this one straight since Franky is a more serious character than our last witness.


Independent Cocoa-bo Commission
Transcript of Second Session

Sir Barsanuphius
Good Morning. Welcome to the second sitting of the Independent Cocoa-bo Commission. You join us here today in Reçueçn where we interview one of the more vocal Ordinary Reality Cocoa-bo activists, national team centre-forward Frank Adams. Bonjour, monsieur Adams, et bienvenue a la Commission Indépendante d'Enquête Cocoa-bo.

Franky Adams
Mais vous parlez francais, monsieur le chevalier Barsanuphius!

Sir Barsanuphius
Mais bien sûr; but I hope you won't mind if we undertake a simultaneous trans-reality translation so that everyone watching can understand.

Franky Adams
Please.

Sir Barsanuphius
Mr Adams, you've been quite vocal in your opposition to the consumption of Cocoa-bo here in Reçueçn; could you elaborate?

Franky Adams
It's a matter of fairness, Sir Barsanuphius. I know that not all teams can win the World Cup. Some teams, like the Holy Empire - and can I just say what a fantastic win that was against Tequilo last night; your own performance, with those two goals, was....

Sir Barsanuphius
Please Mr Adams; we're not here to talk about my footballing skills - or lack thereof. We need to focus on Cocoa-bo.

Franky Adams
Of course. Sorry. As I was saying, I know that not all teams can win the World Cup, but we need to believe that all teams have the equal opportunity to win the World Cup if they keep improving. It's about fairness. What's the point of trying to qualify for the finals if the best team in the multiverse is doping? It's unfair! It's cheating.

Mr Minett
And do you believe that Vilita are doping then? You think the claims about Cocoa-bo are true?

Franky Adams
Well, my thinking is... why take a chance? If there's even the slightest chance that Cocoa-bo is a PED, or that it can prove addicting, then it ought to banned, right? Or at least temporarily banned until there's definitive proof one way or the other. If the claims prove to be untrue, then the only thing damaged is the bottom line of a multireality business that can likely absorb the short-term financial loss. But if the claims prove to be true, then it's the reputation and credibility of the entire World Cup that's on the line! We can't risk that! We don't want cheaters in the World Cup! We have to protect the integrity of the game.

Mr Minett
But do you have any proof?

Franky Adams
Outright undeniable proof? No. I mean, there's all of Sir Barsanuphius's speeches, of course, and he has plenty of evidence; except that...

Sir Barsanuphius
Yes?

Franky Adams
Well, I'm not sure my coaches would want me to talk about this, see....

Senator Copronymuso
Have your coaches put you under any pressure for your stance, then?

Franky Adams
I... I'd rather not talk about that. It's just that...

Sir Barsanuphius
Mr Adams, please; we only have limited time here today.

Franky Adams
Well, it's like this. Before the Grearish Union match, some of the other players on my team made a bet with me.

Mr Minett
What sort of bet?

Franky Adams
<pause; is clearly thinking about whether he should continue>
Oh, alright then... Fairness is important.... I need to tell the truth... Some of the other players on my team bet that Cocoa-bo was harmless. They tracked down some Cocoa-bo, and drank it before and during the game.

Mr Minett
We need details, Mr Adams... We need names.

Franky Adams
It... It was..
Freeman Lebo, Raoul Lavigne, and Emanuele Cutrona; but it was Freeman who actually drank the Cocoa-bo. Two bottles before the match, and two at halftime...

<the dam has broken; the words come tumbling out quickly>

And the thing is we were crap; I mean, we played badly. Grearia were the better team; with one exception... Freeman. The only one of our players who actually played well, the player who scored a hattrick was the player who was drinking the Cocoa-bo.

<stunned silence. Reçueçn media representatives race for the doors to make a report>

Oh God.... I hope I'm not in trouble. I really hope I'm not in trouble with the coaches now.

Sir Barsanuphius
Not with the Commission you're not, Mr Adams.

Senator Copronymuso
But there weren't any puppies in this story....

Franky Adams
I'm sorry, senator?

Senator Copronymuso
Puppies; I was hoping for more puppies. Do you have puppies in Re..sooo... Here?

Franky Adams
Yes; but I'm not sure what...

Sir Barsanuphius
A topic for another time, perhaps. Thank you for your testimony, Mr Adams - and I wish you the best of luck with the rest of your qualification campaign.

[Hampton Island]

(Stadium CEO and Assistant converse on day prior to Banija match)

CEO: Banija coming in here tomorrow and I get nothing more to show for it.

Assistant: What do you mean?

CEO: She’s blindsided me again. Team autograph signing session in Marquette all day today, and there was a similar event the last two days. Well, it is not all day, but you get the idea. Furthermore, as you know they are practicing in Marquette as well before coming here for the game.

Assistant: Interesting tactic.

CEO: So no one is paying the $25 tickets for the autograph session here tomorrow before the game. They are just going to Marquette if they can.

Assistant: Some tickets were sold for that, though.

CEO: Yes, a pittance. And they are doing that for free. Shellshock Batteries being the sponsor of it and acting like they are such a wonderful company to be backstabbing me like this.

Assistant: They give you money as well, though.

CEO: I know. I don’t hate them, really. Good company, good product. However, they spend more money in Marquette then they do here because they think the people there are more fan friendly.

Assistant: They are, though.

CEO: I know they are. Which is why we make more money then them. Still, we have this big game here tomorrow and the biggest pre-game event is out there. All of the press conference sessions, I hope Banija wins 10-0!

Assistant: You said that last time. I think we can pull of a draw here.

CEO: Come down to reality. That standings table in Group 6 can give a lot of people big heads. It is good that it is generating merchandise sales. Hannah can’t do shit about that!

Assistant: Merchandise sales are greatly exceeding expectations. All of our home games here are sold through the end of qualifying. TV ratings are much higher then expected. The money is pouring in, so maybe you are getting the last laugh on her after all. What Freestyle Mobility is paying her is not coming out of your wallet.

CEO: As I have said, I am enjoying the money that is coming in from this.

Assistant: Have you considered selling the team? A lot of the World Cup qualifying teams are run by sporting associations rather then just being owned by one person like our team is. I imagine that right now you could sell it for top dollar, and then try to get a seat on whatever kind of soccer association they try to create over it. Maybe even try to form a better domestic league for the sport. Interest will never be higher then it is right now in the sport.

CEO: I have thought about it. I might do it, like you said right now it might be at its peak value. I would hate to lose control over everything about this team, and it could rub off into the other sports teams that we have.

Assistant: The baseball team might be at peak market value right now, too. Sell them both, obviously give me a cut, and make big money. Then, when they create an organization like most countries do, you have the ability and reputation to get back on the board of directors there. You will have a ton more money, and still maintain some authority.

CEO: Maybe. Selling at the right time is the key to success. Who are the buyers are the big question, though.

Assistant: They will be out there.

CEO: What if I sold the team to you for a dollar, and the baseball team too, in theory. Then told my wife about what I did with Hannah so that Hannah does not have this power over me any more. Then, I get the inevitable divorce and she gets half of what I own, but I don’t own the team so it does not matter. You then sell the teams to whoever the buyers are, and we go 50-50 on the proceeds. We can then both retire happily or take a role on the team.

Assistant: That’s interesting. Not sure if the divorce court would buy it.

CEO: We will see. Maybe that’s my out. And there is nothing Hannah could do about it then. You are one of the few people out there I trust.

Assistant: Well, thank you, sir. I would not backstab you with that agreement I am just worried about the courts still coming after the teams.

CEO: They can’t. They won’t.

[Northwest Kalactin]

Northwest Kalactin 0-0 Alba and Cymru
Well today we saw a meeting of polar opposites; one very offensive team, and one very defensive one. If you watched the last game against these 2 teams, you know that Northwest Kalactin had a good amount f trouble against the defense of Alba and Cymru. That was also the case today as both teams where not able to find the back of the net today. When we watched the Kalactanians today; at least at the start of the game, you could think that there would be 10 goals today. The big 3 up in front was shining in the first parts of the game, able to put together a large number of chances int he first 10 minutes. Alba and Cymru however, played at a defensive pace that the Kalactanians had a lot of trouble keeping up with. They where able to clear many of the chances out at the start of the game with ease. If you’ve watched the Kalactanians before, you know that they like to try to carry the ball into the box and generate good chances. Alba and Cymru however, would not let that happen. By attacking the players as soon as they started dribbling the ball, Alba and Cymru was able to stop many of the initial chances at ease.


As both teams played to a deadlock today, the question is asked, how does this affect the state of Kalactanian soccer? Well you could easily say that the tie today saw many tactical flaws happen within the later stages of the game, especially the second half. The Kalactanian offensive system is very different than most, they have a very offensive team despite only having 3 forwards. However, defensively they teach their defense players to be very aggressive and force players on opposing teams to give up the ball very quickly off the break. In the end however, it wouldn’t matter for both teams because nobody was able to break the tie on either side. Like we said earlier it was a meeting of 2 polar opposites, and this time no polar opposite could win.

[Zwangzug]

"Bridget," Samuel hissed. "You have to drink something."

Bridget's chest was moving, if erratically. She had been curled up in the visitors' clubhouse for half a day, occasionally sipping at water or the electrolyte drinks that had been rationed--after the first week, the healthy players had agreed to reserve the remaining ionized substances.

Ryan had been pleased with himself for declaring that clubhouse the hospital wing, but it could only work so far. The worse Bridget--and Vaughn and Connie and some of the others--got, the less likely they were to move around on their own, and the more likely Ryan and Tessie and everyone else were to show up and fuss over them. The risk of contagion was still not a factor; clearly, at this point, everyone was as exposed as they could be. Why some people were sick and others weren't was one of those things that had no reason.

"Let her rest," said Ryan. It wasn't his best idea, but it was something. Samuel was the one pacing helplessly, talking at Bridget though his own chest ached. Samuel, at least, he could do something for.

"She has to," Samuel repeated, seeing in Ryan someone more responsive. "She's not breathing right."

"You know," said Mimmo. Had his voice always been that low, or was he rasping too? "The Rackham Range isn't...isn't the tallest one out there, but some of them are pretty remote if you're not an expert. Pittan, Corrent..."

"What about them?"

"You think there are any paranoid climbers who bring bottled oxygen this way?"

"First of all," said Ryan, "there is no way it's tall enough for bottled oxygen." None of his coaches had told him that being a captain would require him to speak with confidence about relative mountain accessibility to sick, maybe dying, teammates, but there they were. "Secondly, even if they did, none of us know how to put a mask on right. Thirdly, even if we did, going out to look for them would make you even sicker."

"Didn't say I was volunteering," Mimmo muttered.

Well, at least one of them still had his head screwed on, if not his airways. "Whatever."

"Hey," said Samuel. "Can you hang around?"

"Of course," said Ryan.

"I'm fine," Samuel hastily added. "Just. When Bridget gets up. She needs more water, I think."

Ryan nodded. "Take it easy."

No part of the stadium was silent, but he'd accustomed himself to the mechanical hums of the heaters and coolers, the way the concessions machines sounded differently at full capacity than empty, the noise of the showers that a prudish architect had separated stall by stall, the scribble of pen against clipboard that was Hallam's desperate way of trying to capture them as human and three-dimensional, the buzz of commentators on the TV footage. Samuel's ragged snoring, against all that, was hard to perceive, but steady.

What chilled Ryan was that he might have been distracted--he was not sure he could have named the moment when Bridget's breath stopped.

[Flavovespia]

Huehuehue: Some of Flavovespia’s most unusual colour combinations

Many teams in Flavovespia play in quite a standard templates. There’s plenty of teams in red, green, yellow, blue, white, etc. However, for some teams the standard colour schemes were eschewed for something completely different. Whilst most teams will have a “unique” colour scheme, there’s some teams in particular with a truly unusual combination. This Kitblog article looks at the 160 teams of the top 5 tiers in Flavovespian football, and chooses 5 of the colour schemes that are in our eyes the most unusual, and the team’s corresponding kit this year.

Henhaven Islanders

Outside of Flavovespia’s big sides, this is probably one of the most recognisable kits in the nation. The Islanders play in a very distinctive purple and bright green quartered kit, based on the island’s flag. This kit colour and their quartered design rose to prominence in 53BU, when Henhaven Islanders stunned Hadford Hill 3-1 in the Gold Cup final. Henhaven Islanders have spent most of the modern era in the second tier, but with appearances in the Super League at times. The unique colour scheme and kit have served the team for practically their entire history. The team are one of the favourites with the neutrals, not just for their unusual kits and colours, but because of the party culture of Henhaven Island that the team also embrace, as well as a unique stadium on the sea front.

Magic Roundabout

One of the newest sides in the Flavovespia football pyramid, formed in 0U. They were one of the 64 teams invited into the 5th tier in 4AU, and won the Northern Alliance D2 at the first attempt. The team, based in what is considered the party district of Hadford Hill, are a team that are quite unconventional in many ways and their kits show that. Cerise pink and purple are their main colours, and they are one of the few teams in the entire league and alliance system to wear pink as a main colour. A unique colour scheme, that pairs very well with the “hipster” and “alternative” identity of the side. Many of their kit designs over the years reflect this. Officially nicknamed “the Magic”, although often nicknamed “The Mushrooms”, they’ve moved between the League and Alliance a fair amount, but harbour ambitions of establishing themselves more firmly in the league.

Panford

Originally formed in 64BU, the team based in Westwood would originally began play in white and black. However in 48BU, it seems they switched to brown and white, believed to be an attempt at a more unique palette. Then in 16BU, red was introduced to their kit, to come up with an unusual trio of colours. A tricky combination to work with, and some of their designs have definitely missed the mark. Nevertheless, their kits are distinctive, and most remembered for that 18AU season. In only their second ever season in the third tier, they would get penalty shootout wins over St Astons City and then Hadford Hill in the League Cup, in scenes nobody at the club will ever forget.

Hadford Aerodrome

Formed in 48BU, quite late for a team originally based on workers at Hadford Aerodrome. Nowadays the Aerodrome exists as Hadford International Airport, but the name for the club remains, even if links to its original founders are much more geographic than employment based. What has remained though, is a unique colour scheme. The blue-grey home kit is adorned with a splash of burnt orange trim, amounts vary year on year, with the occasional white and black to top it off. The colours come from the old logo and branding of Hadford Aerodrome at the time of founding. Another unique combination in Flavovespia. Hadford Aerodrome have spent the modern era in the Alliance, never reaching the league. However they’re one of the more recognisable smaller sides because of their unique kit.

Carston Butterflies

Another relatively new side. Formed in 1AU, they were good enough in their first years to make it into the fifth tier in 4AU. Since then they’ve been in that level for much of their existence, with the odd adventure into the fourth tier. They do however have a very distinctive colour combination. The peach and purple, often adorned with trim of other colours, was a combination of a desire for uniqueness, and some of the butterflies native to the west of Flavovespia. Certainly one of the more creative origin stories for kit colours, and teams in their division will immediately recognise them.

[Drawkland]

Spartan Veteran Stadium, a few minutes before kickoff

The sun was beginning to set in the west, casting the shadow of the Spartan Veteran Monument through the open end of the bowl and directly onto the pitch. It was right before gametime, the anthem had been played, the teams and referee were on the field, and the Elite Eleven were huddled together. It was time for the Hype Circle. Roger Apollo stood in the middle of the huddle, the rest of the squad forming a circle around him, arms woven around each other's shoulders. He dictated to the rest of the team, with a call and response. The Eleven wouldn't do this in every game, but in key matchups, it was a staple of their pregame ritual. Once they were done, they'd get to their spots and commence the kickoff to get the match started. It was go time.

"This is it. This game right here is gonna decide our fate for the rest of our campaign. If we lose tonight, these guys will be neck and neck for the rest of the campaign. Do we want that?!"

"NO!"

"Do we want to fight tooth and nail to compete with nations below our grade?!"

"NO!"

"Outside of this stadium, outside of this nation, they think that the match in the Remnant States was the norm. They think a 5-2 loss is more than an outlier! They think it's what they can achieve against us on any given day! You know what? I disagree!"

"YEAH?"

"You're goddamn right I disagree! Busoga thought they could beat us. They thought they could take points off of us again. They thought they were still contenders in this group. So we went to their house, and what did we do?!"

"WIN!"

"That's right we did! They're saying it's our group to lose. They don't think we're going to qualify. They think SRS, or Kohnhead, or Busoga are going to steal it from us. They aren't talking about how we're going to keep our spot, they're talking about how we're gonna lose it. But I got news for them. They're wrong!"

"WRONG!"

"Because we won't stop fighting! We won't lose steam! We're going to play every last game in this campaign and we're gonna tear up the nets in every stadium until we're on our way home from AO! We'll fight every second of every minute of every game and every battle until we're dead! And you know what? We will NEVER die!"

"NEVER!"

"We have a nation counting on us! Some of them think we're a mistake. Some of them think we never deserved to play on this stage in the first place. Some of them think we oughta be watching this game on the couch at home! But you know what? We've got people that believe in us! We've got boys and girls who see us as their heroes! We've got a nation of people who want to see their countrymen bring glory to us and them! We're gonna prove those doubters wrong. We're gonna prove the believers right! We're gonna prove we deserve to be here. Not just yesterday, not just today, but tomorrow too. Where do you want to be next cycle?"

"HERE!"

"I wanna be here too! I wanna kick ass everywhere there's a field. I wanna fight and play and win and lose until there's nobody left to fight. I won't say we're perfect. I won't say we're the best in the universe. I won't even say we're the best in this nation. But none of that shit matters. To the Black-and-Reds of Squornshelous, we might as well be fucking Aguazul! They won't get out of here with a win. They won't get out of here with a point. What are they leaving this stadium with tonight?!"

"NOTHING!"

"There's only one team wearing black and red tonight. Who is that?"

"US!"

"Us? Who is that? Who are you?!"

"ELEVEN!"

"What are you?!"

"ELITE!"

"Who's counting on us?!"

"DRAWKLAND!"

"What do they need us to do?!"

"WIN!"

"What are we here to do?!"

"WIN!"

"WHAT ARE WE GOING TO DO?!"

"WIN!"

[Kohnhead]

Kohnhead drop points in a 3-3 draw against EGM



Kohnhead traveled on the road to take on last place in the group EGM. It was a game that we were expected to win pretty handily as we beat them 4-1 at Orange Bull Arena. While we tried to stress don't underestimate them, we should beat them, it's clear players weren't trying their hardest until they realized, hey we might not beat bottom dwellers EGM. I don't want to go too hard on this team, after all this team has great outperformed expectations are in the midst of a battle to qualify. But hey if you do well expectations are raised and failing to beat EGM is not a good thing.

The big takeaway from this game is that they started slow, weren't running their hardest, and weren't trying the best as if they expected the win to be handed to them. In particular the midfield trio of Laker, Rallyton, and Henderson didn't look their best. EGM would open up the scoring in the 17th minute and later on in the 27th minute. Both of these goals could have been prevented as they looked like the team that wanted it more.

Aaron Korkson being the captain had the responsibility of getting the team to rally and to his credit they came back from a 2 goal halftime deficit to draw at 3. In the 47th minute the deficit became three goals as a stupid foul on an EGM attacker by Callie Porsha gave EGM a free kick just outside the box. The shot went just over the wall and was perfectly placed out of Newcastle's reach. \

Korkson got the first goal for Kohnhead in the 57th minute, and just three minutes later in the 60th Laker would bring the deficit to one goal as he looked a lot better in the second half. The same cannot be said for Audrey Henderson, or for Linus Rallyton. Hannah Horsford would hit another long strike in the 79th minute to even the score at three.

Kohnhead would have two more big chances to win the game but they couldn't close. On the first Rallyton swung a corner into the box and Maltos' header went just over the bar. The next one was a 3 on 2 which gave Henderson a good shot but she missed it to the left and it went out for a goal kick. The final whistle would blow and Kohnhead players would disappointingly walk off the pitch knowing they missed a big opportunity.

In terms of the standings, it's looking like a three team race for the second spot between Kohnhead, Drawkland, and Squornshelan Remnant States , although you cannot count Busoga Islands out of the mix. A win for Kohnhead would have put them in a much better spot than they are now, third place two points behind Drawkland with a game at hand. Kohnhead still control their own destiny though and there are some more games for them to work their way up.

Group 2                                     Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Kita-Hinode                                  16   14   2   0    40   13  +27    44
 2 Drawkland                                    17   11   2   4    36   21  +15    35
 3 Squornshelan Remnant States                  16   10   1   5    39   29  +10    31
 4 Kohnhead                                     16    9   3   4    32   24   +8    30
 5 Busoga Islands                               16    8   3   5    34   24  +10    27
 6 Torisakia                                    17    7   5   5    33   26   +7    26
 7 Wreckeria                                    16    6   3   7    31   37   −6    21
 8 Donnacona                                    17    6   2   9    24   23   +1    20
 9 Gyatso-kai                                   17    5   5   7    37   38   −1    20
10 Lochario                                     17    4   4   9    22   36  −14    16
11 Jantor                                       17    3   4  10    22   38  −16    13
12 Balaslandia                                  17    4   0  13    29   48  −19    12 X
13 EGM                                          17    2   4  11    19   41  −22    10 X

In their next game Kohnhead will host Lochario who have had a disappointing qualifiers and fired their coach the last time these two met. Lochario are down in 10th, but they have skills and Kohnhead will need to bring their "A" game if they want to win. A loss or draw would be costly for their World Cup hopes but I'm hoping The Brains can do it. In terms of the lineup no changes from last game:

[Trolleborg]

Previous parts of the story: 1 – 2 – 3 – 4 – 5 – 6 – 7 – 8 – 9 – 10 – 11 – 12 – 13 – 14 – 15 –16.

As soon as Wesley moved hand to the door of the establishment, it swung open wide, nearly hitting him on the forehead. As it turned out, a huge striped cat on its hind legs came out from the inside, with a glass of something clamped in its paw. He was focused on answering a question to someone inside and completely did not notice the tourists until he almost flew into them.

"Oh!" He said, and this did not require translation. And then he started purring and meowing like a cat, and Keith quickly translated: “Tourists! I did not notice you! So sorry! We rarely meet guests, and I almost offended you! I should have been more careful! But I was in such a admiration seeing this watch that I almost lost control of myself! I dreamed for a long time to see them, and finally I saw them! ”
Having said all this, the cat gracefully bowed, purred something and go somewhere by street. The guests from Zwangzug stood almost with their mouths open, trying to come to terms with the new split of reality. Huge cats walking with coffee is a thing that they are already familiar with, but it is not so easy to insert such a phenomenon into their picture of the world.
“Well, what about you? Let's get in,” Keith reminded of herself.
And they went in, ordered something and sat on stools along the wooden bar counter, trying to coming to terms with all they see and find and looking over interior details, so tastefully placed and pleasant to the eye.

The bartender, by the way, also turned out to be robot, either appearing right on the bar counter or on the walls. Serving guests from Zwangzug, he still had a conversation with some locals who drank beer near the window.

“As I have already concluded from the materials of the last few minutes, Cats are unfamiliar to almost all tourists. But they usually sit in their houses in their native land, and rarely goes out. Right now the season is such that they want a change of place.The last qualifying cycle came at a time when it is more pleasant for them to bask in their homes, so such a problems was not arise".
“Do they have native lands?” Naomi asked, just to ask something.
“Well, yes. They have passed so much historic events and real serious tests with us that they, of course, have two provinces of their own, although they are not forbidden to live in ordinary cities. By the way, at the match where you have tickets, there will be a whole delegation of Cats”.

Keith paused and asked carefully: “Is something shocking you?”
“To some extent, yes,” Wesley replied. “You seem to be the only place in the world where talking cats moving on their hind legs live”.
“Oh, not that. Many of cats didn’t go this way and now throughout the country you can find abundance of completely ordinary cats, not Cats”.

For some time they drank coffee, listening to unobtrusive pleasant music from hidden speakers and looking at the screen where highlights of some game played - apparently, from the last qualifying cycle. And then Zwangzug guests tried to lay everything that they met in the last 20 hours like bricks in a wall. But there were still three days ahead, and who knows what else they meet and find. Do they have enough strength and reason?

But little by little Wesley and Naomi moved away from shocks and surprises. Yes, we have three days ahead of us, accompanied by AI in the country of trolls and talking Cats with a lot of to do and to see! Isn’t it wonderful?!

[South Newlandia]

ELEPHANT VALLEY MAIL
Sports -> Soccer
South Newlandia wins, prepares for rematch with Valanora

The Elephants visited the Field of Dreams in Plane of Possibility to face the Planers. We still cannot claim to understand everything about the place and how it works. It’s either very advanced tech or magic, and the two are hard to differentiate. Nevertheless, we and the Elephants were there, and some soccer happened.

Plane of Possibility 0-2 South Newlandia

The Elephants had high hopes for the game, as it was going to be crucial for the final standings, and maybe even the Elephants’ qualification chances. The game against the 7th seed was actually a very interesting one, as the current 4th place invited the current 5th.

The 3rd minute saw a first good chance for the Planers. The Half-Elf Rogue (whatever that may be) Krei Lyon suddenly had a good shooting opportunity, but the shot was directed back into play by goalkeeper Mikhail Trischuk and then cleared by Dhruv Roy.

It took the Elephants until the 28th minute to get a solid chance in. Abdurahman Bishop had the ball in midfield and decided to shoot himself. The shot almost went into the goal, but only hit the post to bounce out of play.

The Elephants finally went ahead in the 34th minute. After a corner from Corban Green, Jack Schroeder got a header in, and the Tiefling Cleric (?) Hope Lamont in the Planers’ goal had no chance. It was Schroeder’s first international goal of his career, as the Center Back rarely appears in the opponents’ penalty box.

The Elephants got their second goal still in the first half. This time, it was Simon McCabe who got the decisive pass in, and Brandon Irving was able to get away from his defenders, and managed to outplay Lamont. South Newlandia was up by two in the 41st minute.

It was finally a half-time in which Robert Wolverine was pleased. South Newlandia seemed to be the clearly stronger team, and there was little doubt that the Elephants would win. Wolverine decided against changes for half-time.

The second half was way slower, as neither team could create a lot of opportunities. While the Elephants’ defense has the Planers well under control, the South Newlandian offense did not want to overdo it, seeing the next match.

The only big chance of the second half happened in the 68th minute, when Simon McCabe had a direct free-kick, but the ball was saved by Hope Lamont.

With that, the Elephants won against their direct concurrent in convincing fashion. South Newlandia overtakes Plane of Possibility in the standings to take 4th place and remain 4 points behind Pasarga, who still have a game more to play.

Player Rankings

Mikhail Trischuk (GK, Captain) 8
A convincing second clean sheet in a row will make him confident before the next encounter.

Dhruv Roy (LB) 8

Jack Schroeder (LCB) 9
He suddenly became a key player for South Newlandia.

Karl Meyer (RCB) 7

Raphael Moreno (RB) 8

Kevin Mohamed (DM) 8

Corban Green (LM) 8

Patrick McMora (RM) 6
It was one of his weaker games, as he couldn’t create a lot of chances.

Abdurahman Bishop (OM) 8

Brandon Irving (ST) 8
He is finally back with another goal.

Simon McCabe (ST) 7

Starters against Valanora

Robert Wolverine announced the first formation change of the tournament. South Newlandia will play in a 5-3-2 formation, hoping for counter-attacks. Specifically, Manuel O’Neill will join the 4 defenders from the last game, while Faisal Harworth will be the Centre-Midfield. Both Abdurahman Bishop and Kevin Mohamed have been cut from the formation.

Results from Matchday 18, Group 13

Juvencus (39) 2-0 Kuriko (330)
Juvencus slowly improves their position, but it should be too late at this point.

Bliuji (99) 2-1 Pangurstan (311)
Bliuji also improve their situation a bit.

Valanora (15) 1-0 Mavinet (218)
The Marauders got the expected win here.

Ottoman Syldavia (338) 3-6 Tamgu (79)
Tamgu finally win a game again in a 9-goal-affair.

Eraman (63) 1-2 Pasarga (25)
The Wanderers get themselves in the pole position for 2nd place.

The Kytler Peninsulae had their bye day.

Plane of Possibility (148) 0-2 South Newlandia (228)

Current standings

Group 13                              Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Valanora                               17   13   2   2    44   15  +29    41
 2 Pasarga                                16   10   3   3    46   25  +21    33
 3 Eraman                                 17    8   5   4    27   19   +8    29
 4 South Newlandia                        17    8   5   4    28   26   +2    29
 5 Plane of Possibility                   17    8   4   5    27   24   +3    28
 6 Juvencus                               16    6   3   7    36   33   +3    21
 7 Mavinet                                17    6   3   8    38   36   +2    21
 8 Tamgu                                  16    6   3   7    33   36   −3    21
 9 Bliuji                                 16    6   2   8    34   36   −2    20
10 Ottoman Syldavia                       17    5   3   9    19   26   −7    18
11 Pangurstan                             17    4   5   8    32   38   −6    17
12 Kuriko                                 17    4   1  12    19   41  −22    13
13 The Kytler Peninsulae                  16    3   3  10    21   49  −28    12

Pasarga (25) vs. Ottoman Syldavia (338)
Pasarga will get three points closer to the World Cup.

Tamgu (79) vs. Plane of Possibility (148)
This game is interesting, as Tamgu’s form and the Planers placement make for an interesting matchup.

Mavinet (218) vs. Bliuji (99)
Another interesting game, but both teams probably won’t make it at this point.

Pangurstan (311) vs. Juvencus (39)
Juvencus is the favourite here.

Kuriko (330) vs. The Kytler Peninsulae (UR)
Neither team will qualify.

Eraman will have their second bye day.

South Newlandia (228) vs. Valanora (15)
Oh yeah, it is time for this matchup again. The first encounter made history for both teams, and South Newlandia is thrilled to host the Marauders in the Elephant Bowl. Of course, South Newlandia is the clear underdog in this game, and Valanora will not want to embarrass themselves again. The game is already sold out, and 21500 people will be on the edge of their seats for this encounter.

[Krytenia]

Witting - Lower house of Krytenian Parliament. Representatives are MWs - "Members of the Witting"

Linton Calls Snap Election
David Maclean reports from Parliament Square

After a helter-skelter two weeks in the Witting, Prime Minister Charles Linton has done the inevitable and called a snap election for seven weeks' time. Given that his new Reform Party has failed to coax enough MWs from the other parties to form a governmental majority - whilst at the same time denying his old Democratic Party the same advantage - it was merely a question of whether Mr. Linton was going to call it himself or have it forced upon him.

In a separate vote in the Senate, the Government's plan to create a "double election" narrowly passes, meaning that the 111 Senators will be defending their provincial seats for what could be the last time. It is nevertheless the first time in sixty years that all three Senate seats in each province will be up for election.

The reason for the schism is, of course, the controversial Government Reform Bill, which promises to rip up the political map. The Senate are up in arms over the potential conversion of the upper house into a proportionally-represented chamber, whilst the current thirty-seven relatively powerless provinces would be dissolved and replaced by a federal state system, increasing responsibility and accountability at the state level by devolving certain powers including large swathes of the Transport, Education, and Industry portfolios. Mr Linton and his allies insist this will help create a more sustainable economic prosperity and local infrastructure, especially in areas such as the Quinneth Plains which are notoriously underfunded; critics including Socialist leader Nicole Descahmps worry this will create economic sinkholes as states fight for federal funding.

Early polls show public support for the Prime Minister, with the Reform Party leading the polls; however, the same cannot be said for the Democrats, who currently trail in fourth. In the south of the country, meanwhile, MNP tub-thumper Peter Owen is confident his party can win a majority of seats in the eleven Nova Mercian provinces, and that the current crisis proves "the best course for Nova Mercia is an independent Nova Mercia."

Current Polls: - Reform 28%, Conservative 26%, Socialist 17%, Democrat 12%, Mercian National 7%, Green 5%, Others 5%

Projected Seats (575 available, 288 to win): Conservative 196, Reform 191, Democrat 88, Socialist 61, Mercian National 33, Green 4, Others 2

[Kandorith]

Shinonome Kyoai - International
News From The Empire

---

Lotus Warriors Stand Against HUElavia

*  Group 11                              Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Equestria                              17   13   4   0    50   23  +27    43
 2 HUElavia                               17   12   1   4    48   31  +17    37
 3 Xanneria                               17   10   6   1    47   28  +19    36
 4 Kandorith                              17    8   6   3    42   31  +11    30
 5 Vdara                                  17    8   3   6    34   33   +1    27
 6 Fujai                                  16    5   5   6    29   36   −7    20
 7 Ancherion                              17    4   6   7    32   35   −3    18
 8 Nooooooooooooooo                       17    4   5   8    31   35   −4    17
 9 Blouman Empire                         16    4   4   8    30   36   −6    16
10 Monglechabagd                          16    4   4   8    28   38  −10    16
11 Jamestownnnn                           16    4   2  10    30   42  −12    14
12 Lo Santano                             16    2   6   8    25   38  −13    12 X
13 South Concepthuania                    17    3   2  12    24   44  −20    11 X

Takoroyama, With Kandorith dropping points in the previous match the pressure was on to stand tall against the number two of the group: HUElavia. Not only a very special match when it comes to proving themselves on the field and against a proper team, also special because it would mark the first true international visit to a foreign nation for the Kandorese monarchy. As Empress Masumi was present in the stadium, the atmosphere among the Kandorese fans was a sense of invincibility. The team of Hayabusa stood their ground in a fantastic way, showing the world that even the Kandorese national team is capable of world class football. Not only was it a much needed draw, it puts Kandorith back in a position they can build on. The only mission remaining now for the team and Hayabusa: winning all remaining games.

The first meeting between the two teams went less than planned as Kandorith received a severe thrashing by a four to two defeat against HUElavia, but tonight everything was different. The Lotus Warriors did not show a side of weakness throughout the match and managed to hold on to a very impressive 2 - 2 draw after falling behind at first. The biggest surprise also to the fans was when the half time whistle sounded, there were no goals scored yet. The fans were a bit puzzled and decided to share the moment with people watching from home and cautiously started cheering and enjoying the moment as if it was a sign of an even better second half for the team. Their hopes took a huge leap and cheering erupted from the Kandorese side as Hoshi scored brilliantly in the 57th minute, although the hopes were slightly dashed as HUElavia quickly answered in the 59th and 67th minute in quick succession; perhaps even more brilliantly. The Kandorese fans however held their spirits up and tried cheering and chanting even louder to give the team the support they need which eventually led to a moment of wonder. In the 75th minute Tanaka used his ability to have overview of the field like no other and picked out Katano who was ready to make a run. With a quick long ball Katano was reached, who swiftly took the ball under his control and was able to beat goalkeeper Lobato with a very skillful lobbed ball sealing the game with a 2 - 2 draw, which to the Kandorese team and fans not only felt like a huge relieve; it also felt like a sense of achievement.

After the game Hayabusa was more than delighted to speak to us once again: "I think the team did great. We learned from our previous mistakes and have shown the other side our strength and resilience. I think they did not expect us to put up such a fight after we got behind on the scoreline started to seemingly wear the team down a bit. Then again I did not expect a draw at the half time myself either. it was a most exciting match and I am glad we managed to keep the draw to be fair. I am especially proud of Hirano and of course: Kiyotada. He has been an amazing goalkeeper the entire season although sometimes a bit unlucky, today he truly showed his skills and why he is the number one pick to be the goalkeeper for the national team.

"We are going to be at the top of our game for our next game though, the toughest in the group: Equestria. They stand undefeated as of now but I think we can make the difference here for sure. We have the home advantage, the home crowd and we were not shaken by them in the first round and we should not have any trouble standing tall against them in Tenkyo either. The draw in the first meeting was magical and I really think we can get something more out of it for sure. I have great confidence in the team and we all trust each other and we will all be at our best in the next match. We have to keep our spirits up high and we need that win in the next match, else this might become a very difficult task. Also the coming match is a vital day to gain on Xanneria who are six points ahead of us we are going to need to be at our best and I will ensure the team will be at their very best and give their 200 percent."

For the team the challenge stands; with a difference of six and seven points, the top three is not out of reach just yet. The challenge next to gaining those points will be starting a winning streak. Kandorith will have to beat Equestria for the best chance on getting closer to the number two spot, a draw would still make a solid case but will put extra pressure on the task. Seemingly defeat is not possible according to many analysts and Hayabusa himself, though if it does happen the task for the Lotus Warriors will become a steep hill to climb if not a mountain. Among the fans and the team the morale is high. The previous drawn matches put a bit of extra strain on the pride of the Kandorese fans but most are optimistic about the upcoming matches. Of course the upcoming match will be a splendor to watch as it will be a home match for Kandorith in the prestigious Empress Masumi Stadium in the capital Tenkyo itself.

---

Her Imperial Majesty Visits HUElavia

For the first time in centuries the Kandorese monarchy travelled abroad on a semi-official meeting. Empress Masumi was invited by President Freitas-Matos and Yamoto-HUElavian Ambassador Ramirez Nakayama to travel to HUElavia to be present at the stadium in Takoroyama. The imperial delegation agreed wholeheartedly as it would mark a historic moment for the modern Kandorese Empire. Naturally, Her Imperial Majesty was her unconventional self as she showed her curiosity and excitement not only during the match but also when visiting multiple cultural sites within the city of Takoroyama. The delegation was mostly tasked by the fact the young Empress wanted to visit as many sites and views as possible during her short visit. For the imperial delegation and madam ambassador Noriko it was a chance for a cultural exchange and a unique view of what could lie in store for an old empire finding her way in a new world. The visit, however a short one, left quite the impression on both Her Majesty the Empress and the ambassador as they reported back to the Kandorese foreign ministry in Tenkyo. For the government this would also mark one of the first international exchanges since the early 1960's.

Prime Minister Tagawa commented on the matter: "It might be too early to tell if this would become our first real diplomatic relationship in this post-war era but I must say I think we have left a good impression towards HUElavia. I believe in the near future we will be looking at more international visits like this one and of course soon the visit to the Blouman Empire. Her Imperial Majesty has expressed her desire to be at the front of the diplomatic contacts we make and within the constitution this is a function the Empress can claim as hers. Currently we are still revising our diplomatic documents and institutions which were nearly destroyed after the Great Patriotic War, but we managed to recover a lot of history thanks to our ancient culture and the art of passing on our lives to our children.

"It is of vital importance to stay level headed in this and enter the world with a clear, disciplined and open mind and with that we will pave the way of the future of our nation. Not only will Her Imperial Majesty be the personification of our nation's unity, she will also be the symbol of our nation abroad when she takes part in these visits. There are risks involved of course, but I think we have nothing to fear so far. From what I have seen and heard I think it is safe to say that our nation is finally stepping into the great unknown, awoken from the past and ready to view the future as a bright and shining symbol of hope. I really want to thank the nation of HUElavia for inviting the Empress and hopefully someday we can build further on this first step of diplomacy between our two nations in the foreseeable future."

[Recuecn]

"He said what!?"

"Yes, in front of live, multiversal coverage."

"Tremblay, you have to suspend him."

"You know I've told you I won't officially suspend a player who thinks he's only fighting for fairness. Besides it would just stir up the controversy and make more people pay attention to him."

"But you have to do something!"

"I will. I said I won't officially suspend him. But I can tell you now, whether coincidence or not, I haven't chosen him to start for the next game. Ly can take his spot."

"Good."

"Don't worry, Bonheur: Franky Adams won't be starting for the national team for a long time."

[OOC note to opponents: please assume Franky Adams is on the bench until further notice.]

[New Lusitania and the Algarves]

STL|Serviços de Transmissão Lusitana
Sport | Football|
World Cup 85
Double Bill

AN OCEAN STORM BREWS
New Lusitania 1-1 Euran Oceanic Territories
@Estádio das Palmas, São Jorge do Mar (Att: 62 301)

Back home, New Lusitania would travel over the ocean to their colonial city of S.Jorge do Mar. The Estádio das Palmas is an old but large stadium which would be great for what would be the first competitive match in the city, in recent memory. Pedralva was given another chance as Cavalariça started alongside Jota in his probable last attempt to prove his spot on the Selecção. This left sort of a weird message for Paciente who would be fighting to keep a place which he had most likely lost with the return of Silveira from injury in about a match, likely against Porticalia. So with the whistle blown, the game was underway. The opening forty-five minutes were of good quality with the game being flung-open and both teams willing to take risks. Duffy had a great shot into Patríce whilst Horta shot it just over the bar. The halftime whistle came and it was still goalless. The second half came around a revitalised New Lusitania saw Cavalariça get his sought after goal to open the tabs and pull New Lusitania into the lead! A great goal and a good assist from Veiga for the opening goal. Very little time to do anything in the Selecção's side and so a draw it would have to do unfortunately, which would put damage in the hunt for qualification. FULL TIME 1-1


Around The Grounds
Despite the draw, New Lusitania kept fifth with Jeckland beating Natanians & Nosts 0-2 away. Turori beat Muradil 3-1 for yet another win in their almost assured qualification, with Audioslavia easily beating Necosia away 1-4 as Sajnur maintained third following a win against Villablanca (1-2). TJUN-ia would get another three points as they got a win at home against Porticalia (5-2)


THE HUB
Goals:Jota (11), Paciência (5), Gama (4), Veiga (3), Fernando (3), Silveira (2), Azinheira (1), Trincão (1), Cavalariça (1)
Assists: Fernando (7), Gama (5), Horta (5), Veiga (5), Mário (2), Paciência (2), Azinheira (2), Jota (1), Silveira [1], Nevais (1), Cancela (1)
Bookings: Cancela (3Y)
Injuries: Silveira (expected Return in a match)
Next Match: Audioslavia X New Lusitania

NB: Previous editions my have the name Paciente instead of Paciência which is a mistake which STL apologises for.

MMXX STL

[Audioslavia]

Part 1 (Sue)
Part 2 (Sue)
Part 3 (Emanuel)
Part 4 (Sue)
Part 5 (Emanuel)
Part 6 (Emanuel)
Part 7 (Emanuel)
Part 8 (Emanuel)
Part 9 (Emanuel)
Part 10 (Emanuel)
Part 11 (Emanuel / Jeremy)
Part 12 (Emanuel)
Part 13 (Emanuel)


The address of ‘Joseph Styrn’ was a house near the sea, a part of town in the progress of gentrification, with older high-rises being knocked down and replaced by modern apartment buildings where a single flat cost as much in rent as the destroyed block had used to cost in total each month. Joseph’s house was a simple white concrete building on the corner of two narrow roads. The lack of windows on the ground floor indicated that that floor was probably used for storage, but there was a dim light beaming out of one of a number of large windows on the first floor. Just outside was a fifteen year-old Link Burdoc in midnight blue. The number-plate matched that which he’d seen in the security guard’s office an hour previous. Emanuel looked at his watch. 11pm. He leaned against the wall and pondered his course of action.

Eight inches away, a man stood leaning against the wall with his arms crossed, glaring at a pinboard.

Upon the pinboard was the plan. He’d been working on it for weeks now. Was it flawless? Would it work at all? He was far too close to it, figuratively. In order to decide exactly what the best course of action was, he’d need a set of eyes from the outside. Naturally, that wasn’t about to happen. The fewer people who knew about this, the better. Either way, it would soon be time to book a couple of flights. The plan couldn’t stay laid out on the pinboard forever. It was safer, sure, but then there’s that idiom about the ship in the harbour being safer than one at sea. Safer, sure, but that’s not what ships are for.

The man flicked off a light and traipsed up the stairs in semi-darkness. When he reached the top he found the switch on the lamp and turned it on. The light in revealed that there was a bottle of vodka on the floor. The man frowned at it. He looked up at the shelf where it was supposed to be and found the other bottles hadn’t moved.

He picked the vodka bottle up from the ground and gave it a once-over. No damage. Surely he’d have heard it fall? Surely it would have smashed? He moved to place it back on the shelf, but found a piece of paper on it where the bottle once was. He took it, placed the bottle down, and opened it.

Violating, isn’t it?

The man froze for a second. Only now could he feel the presence behind him.

“Relax” came a voice. “You know who this is”

The man considered, for a moment, picking up a bottle or two, turning round and hurling it at the direction of the voice. He took a deep breath instead. He could usually think on his feet if he had to, but not when he was on the back foot. His memory left him. There was no point in getting defensive or violent about it. He simply stood up straight and turned around.

He saw a man a couple of inches taller than he was, maybe the same age, maybe a little older. Greying flecks of hair on the sides of his head and beard. He looked like he could handle himself, despite his age. He was clearly in good shape. A narrow waist, but shoulders that you could hang at least six fainting damsels on. The man wouldn’t have bet against that having happened at some point. Either way, he was dressed all in black and standing in his house. He had him at a disadvantage. Hey hang on that’s a good thing to say. The man opened his mouth and…

“It appears I have you at a disadvantage” said the intruder.

Oh god damnit. Neither man man could hold back a smile. One smug, one rueful.

“I.. you’re right” said the man. “I get the feeling you’re not here to kill me and take my things, of which, you’ll notice, there isn’t much”
“No” replied the intruder. “But then, that’s not for men like us, is it?”
The man squinted at the intruder. The intruder continued.
“It’s much more our style to move a bottle of liquor in order to mask some other subtle change and then to make our escape after standing brazenly in front of our victim and smiling at him.”
“Ah” said the man, still trying to remember the intruder’s name, but now having placed the significance of why he might be standing in his house right now.
“Emanuel Portico” said the intruder. “And you might be?”
“Jeremy Nort…”
“Your real name, please” said Emanuel, folding his arms. “None of this ‘Yusuf Nair’ or ‘Yusuf Naid’ or ‘Joe Knight’ or ‘Giorgio Cavallero’ or ‘Joseph Styrn’ or Jeremy… North? Norton? Whatever you were going to say. You smashed open the door of my bar and you made a fool out of me. To my face. You will tell me your name.”
The man looked down at the floor for a second, gathering his thoughts. He looked back up and took a breath, making himself tall as he did so.
“Zeca” said the man. “Txordin Zeca”

—

Bulls Win 0-0
Thrashing Astograth 0-0 ‘Was Lovely’ :- Patterick

With a ruthlessly negative performance in Rumiatzi and help from a slew of draws in other games, Audioslavia maintained their three-point lead over third place and remained on course to sneak Group 1’s final qualification spot.

Ahead of the Bulls in the group are Turori, who remain undefeated and a full eleven points clear of second. One further win from their next six games will see the Eels qualify outright for their seventh World Cup in a row.

Directly behind the Bulls are Sajnur, who have matched Audioslavia result-by-result in recent weeks, with Astograth one place further back yet with a game in hand. In fifth place are New Lusitania, adrift by the six points they’ve given up to The Bulls, while two of Audioslavia’s conquerors, Jeckland and Natanians and Nosts, are on twenty-five points and will need a perfect run in order to have a chance of qualifying.

Audioslavia host Muradil next in the latest instalment in a string of games that the Bulls simply cannot afford to drop points in. After that comes the break, followed by a match that will feel more than a little spooky to some older Audioslavians. Euran Oceania Territories is the destination, specifically a ground named Flynn Arena in the city of Fligsive, in what was formerly The Inevitable Syndicate.

First things first though. Muradil must be slain.

[Squornshelan Remnant States]

Confederate Footballing History
Chew on that you Imp bastards
Salwan Mynhier

Ensio Varg & Jaromil Ctibor: Building to the Greatest Team

Both Varg and Ctibor were 19-year-old debutantes named to their first national team rosters during cycle 31. Varg played in one match toward the end of qualifying, and Ctibor made a few appearances from the bench, scoring a goal in the final match of qualifying against Rejistania. Ctibor was impressive enough in his appearances to earn a spot in the first team for cycle 32. His reputation in national circles was also buoyed by his excellent play with Interblag. The Molvanian club had recently been integrated to the Squornshelan league after their country's annexation into the empire some years earlier. With Ctibor as their attacking centerpiece, and under the management of the legendary Zelso Cervkle, Interblag were the undisputed power of Molvanian football, and while they never managed to win the league in the days of the Imperium, there were several close calls. While vilified by some of his countrymen as a collaborator, Ctibor did earn the distinction of becoming the first national team player for the imperium who was not ethnically Squornshelan, an important milestone for the future, when a more diverse player base would bring the team back to the World Cup Final after some lean years.

Varg, on the other hand was a slightly later bloomer. He backed up Nedvinsky, who was the top choice for cycle 32, and made a few appearances during qualifying. It would not be until Cycle 33 that he was regarded as the first choice keeper. For cycle 32 The team ranked first in the multiverse after their championship, carried an undefeated record into the final three matchdays, but as they had already clinched qualification, Antropof elected to rest most of his starters, and they booked their tickets to Geisenfried and Milchama on a three-match skid, having finished second in their group. Group stage wins over Wentland and Liventia got the Red-and-Black through to the next round, where they eliminated hosts Milchama. Successfully defending a World Cup is a herculean task, though it has been accomplished 12 times in World Cup history (or, about every 7 cycles).¹ For the Red-and-Black, their effort fell short in the quarterfinal. Still deadlocked with Krytenia after 120 minutes, the dreaded penalty shootout saw the Dragons put an end to Squornshelan hopes of a repeat.

With the aging Igor Khabarov finally stepping away from the game to do, whatever it was he did after his playing days ended, Ctibor was the featured player at forward for new head manager Pavel Andreev, who succeeded to the top job with Marko Antropov stepping down. Varg in particular would struggle early in cycle 33 qualifying though. With the attack sputtering, Andreev was sacked just five matches in by an outraged Squornshelan FA, and replaced in turn by his assistants, former Red-and-Black midfielders Ivan Benelli and Janne Aalto. As co-managers, the two were the youngest in Squornshelan history, just 39 and 40 years old respectively. They made some tweaks to the tactics, with a particular emphasis on the midfield, with great effect. The remainder of cycle 33 qualifying was marked by a number of extremely lopsided scorelines, most of which favored the Red-and-Black. Varg created a fair amount of controversy by calling out the team in front of him for a truly awful 7-1 beating at the hands of Turori, though. The worst loss in Squornshelan history. The team rebounded somewhat, racking up 6-1 and 5-0 victories to close out qualifying, and carried their momentum into the group stage, beating Spruitland and Tynelia before missing an opportunity to avenge themselves on Krytenia. Ctibor was in excellent form, and after a dominating 3-0 win over Errinundera in the second round, the Pschychoes were again on the radar of football pundits around the world as potential world beaters. Everything came to a screeching halt in the quarterfinal again though. Ctibor injured his ankle, and was a non-factor, and Demot smothered the attack to upset the Red-and-Black.

During this time, Varg continued defying traditional wisdom regarding age and typical career arcs, seemingly getting better and better as he aged. Accordingly, Chalesm, with no other players of his caliber, opted to sell their superstar goalkeeper. Shortly after the World Cup ended, it was announced that Varg would join Ranca Toco of Cafundeu. He would spend the rest of his club career there, and developed a reputation as a cerebral keeper and student of the game.

Benelli and Aalto returned for cycle 34, with many starters coming back to try once again to get past the quarterfinal. The road through qualifying was rocky once again, with the team going 3-0-3 through the first six matches, leaving qualification in doubt. Propelled by some truly inspired play from Ctibor, the team won their last six matches of qualifying, and stormed into the World Cup in rare form. Faced with a difficult group consisting of Starblaydia, Vilita, and Geisenfried, the Red-and-Black won all three matches, then flattened the Lowland Clans to punch their ticket for the quarterfinal. It was the fifth straight cup in which they had advanced to the quarterfinal or better, and in retrospect, probably represents the best sustained run of form in Squornshelan footballing history. For the third straight cup, though, the dream would end in the quarterfinal, as Commerce Heights proved too much for a tired-looking Red-and-Black team. Ctibor and Varg would both retire following the cup, and Ctibor, returning to Molvania, went into politics, serving three terms as mayor of Lutenblag, and solidifying a reputation as an advocate for Molvanians in the Imperium.

Varg remained in Cafundeu after his retirement, where he accepted a position as manager of Atletico Insular. After a few years there, he was approached by the Squornshelan FA, who wanted him to manage the national team. A disappointing first-round elimination at World Cup 35 had seen the end of the Benelli-Aalto era. Not wanting to divide himself between two head manager positions, Varg declined, but assented to be an assistant for the national team after former Red-and-Black defenseman and fellow World Cup Champion Jan Jorgenson was named head manager. The team took a positively elderly team through the group stage to the second round in World Cup 36, and repeated the feat the following cycle with a youth movement featuring a significant influx of talent from West Squornshelous and Molvania. It was in World Cup 38 that they would really shine.

The roster Jorgenson and Varg assembled for cycle 38 was a testament to the young talent that had emerged in West Squornshelous during their tenure. A record ten players not from mainland Squornshelous were named. An elite Algolia defense contributed goalkeeper Sevastyan Maric and defenders Rasmus Pahlsson and Taavetti Oivanen, while depth attackers Johannes Axelsson and Bratislav Demkjo were drawn from Interblag. Fellow Molvanians Jzeovak Tkermec, and team captain Caj Ilmari were Lublova products, though both had moved elsewhere by this time, Tkermec to Santraginus on the mainland, and Ilmari to Cafundó do Juta. The total was rounded out by striker Martti Uolevi of Brantisvogan, Peter Volodov of Traal, and Tomas Kurka of AC Damogran. The lone player on the roster over 30 was venerable starting keeper Kustaa Paavalainen. With such a young team, and coming off a trio of cycles in which they had failed to advance past the first round, this team had the unique experience of not being favored to win their qualifying group. 14th in the multiverse, they were drawn as the second seed in Group 8, behind 5th ranked Bettia, just 12 years removed from winning their second cup. Other nations in the group included the Archregimancy, Spaam, Casari, and Ad'ihan. Though some of those teams had already seen their best years, qualifying from this group was going to be no easy feat. To make mattes worse, the team got off to a sluggish start, losing their opening match to group minnows Tuaim. Rotating their attacking talent to keep fresh legs on the field, while leaning heavily on Ilmari as a midfield factotum, Jorgenson and Varg clawed their way back with a series of impressive attacking performances, and defeated the group favorites in a 4-3 thriller in Vogsphere. A 1-0 loss to the Archregimancy away though, left them languishing in fourth at the halfway point, two points out of a qualification spot.

In the second half of qualifying, they continued their many-headed attacking play, rattling off four wins, three of them clean sheets, heading into the rematch with Bettia. Again, the two potent attacks combined for a high-scoring, one-goal game, and again Squornshelous was victorious, this time by a score of 5-4. That result gave them first place in the group by a single point. It would be a lead they never relinquished, as they finished the second half of qualifying with a perfect record. In group play, they would again be a second seed, behind Demot, and ahead of Turori and Candelaria and Marquez. In the opening match, they avenged their ouster from World Cup 33, outlasting Demot 3-2. After a close 3-3 draw with Candelaria and Marquez, the attack broke loose completely against Turori, hammering them for 5 goals, and clinching advancement atop the group. The group win was definitely key, as it led to a matchup against 23rd-rankd Quakmybush in the second round, rather than rather than a showdown with the 8th-ranked Eternal Empire. The rotating attack continued to make it difficult for opposing defenses, as they didn't know what combination of players to prepare for until matchday (and there really wasn't much you could do against Ilmari). With first half goals from Uolevi, and Joonas Kolkka, Varg and Jorgenson made a risky move. They subbed out Ilmari, who had played every minute of the group stage. At first, it looked like a grievous error, as the Sharks pulled one goal back not long after halftime. Sending in one of their few veterans, Axelsson, Varg and Jorgenson managed to calm their team, and they hung on for a 3-1 victory. In the quarterfinal, a sloppy, and questionably officiated match left Milchama with only nine players. Jorgenson and Varg took fulll advantage, subbing on extra attackers, and employing a formation that looked a lot like a 3-1-6. After Axelsson notched a go-ahead goal, they reversed this decsision, and parked the bus against the depleted Milchamans. Awaiting in the semifinal was the team the Red-and-Black had avoided in the second round: Valanora.

The first half was a disaster for the Red-and-Black. Three goals from Kiso Night, Ashely Riot, and a (relatively) young Laborious Hawk went unanswered until just before the halftime whistle, when Erkki Aatunen broke through the defense with pure speed to narrow the lead to two. In the ensuing celebration, an errant boot caught goalkeeper Akihiko Yoshida in the face, sending him to the hospital. Backup Edward van Posey was cold, and gave up two more goals on Aatunen breakaways in short order after the restart, and later on, when it appeared he had settled down, he badly misjudged a cross, which fell for an easy finish by Uolevi. Substitute forward Anti Fresco would pull the favorites back even, but a truly bizarre goal in added time would decide the match. A tireless Aatunen looked set to run onto another long ball forward from Ilmari, when the charging striker collided heavily with the onrushing van Posey. As the crowd from both nations watched in shock, the ball bounced twice, and settled into the back of the net as both players writhed near the edge of the box. The referee signaled a goal, and immediately thereafter, the end of the match.

Perhaps, after such emotional highs on the road to the final, the Red-and-Black didn't have enough left in the tank. The attack was certainly present in the final, but the domination of possession they had accomplished in so many earlier matches was simply absent, and the defense had no answer for the Az-czid attack. In the end, it was an effort to be proud of, for Confederates especially, with so many key players coming from West Squornshelous and Molvania. Varg, Jorgenson, and their star, Ilmari would all return for another shot at the cup in cycle 39. Playing with a bit of the team's old swagger, they steamrolled everything in their path through qualifying, finishing with a perfect 14-0-0 record. They topped Group H with seven points, scoring ten and conceding only two goals, and found themselves in a rematch of the previous cycle's semifinal. It was a very unfortunate draw, to say the least. Valanora, now co-hosting the cup, had been upset in Group E by Northern Bettia, meaning the 2nd and 5th ranked teams in the world were now meeting in the Round of Sixteen. If the WC38 semifinal was bizarre, this match was a true spectacle. Both teams were desperate not to be the one that went home early, and one might have thought it was the final itself from the level of intensity. At the Hellgate stadiumin Soldar, the Red-and-Black would be the ones to strike early this time. Aatunen, who four years earlier had nearly single-handedly pulled his team back into the game, opened the scoring less than ten minutes in. Kurka doubled the lead less than twenty minutes later. With the last touch of the first half, Ilmari delivered a free kick off the post and in to put Valanora in a 3-0 hole. In truth, it could have been a lot more, as Kurka had been fairly wasteful with his chances. Despite his one goal, he might easily have had three. It is said sometimes that 2-0 is the most dangerous lead, but in this case 3-0 proved just as deadly. Just fifteen minutes after the restart, the Marauders had narrowed the lead to one, led by their captain, Hawk, who seemed everywhere at once. Blocking shots, scoring from a free kick, and just generally giving the Pschychoes fits. When the eventual equalizer came, it seemed almost inevitable. Varg and Jorgenson rallied their troops for extra time, and Tkermec reestablished a Squornshelan lead in the first half, only to have his goal almost immediately answered by Hawk. Out of subs, and with a tired team, four years older than last time around, Varg and Jorgenson could only watch in frustration as Kiso Night gave Valanora their first lead of the evening, and Roger Zetaback put the match beyond doubt on a counter just a few minutes later.

Both Jorgenson and Varg would step down as managers following the elimination. They jointly insisted, despite public appeals for them to stay on, that the time had come for new blood and new ideas. It may not have been exactly what they were referring to, but just eight years later, the chain of events that would lead to Confederate Independence began, and the efforts of Varg and Jorgenson to create opportunities for West Squornshelan and Molvanian players stoked the fires tat eventually flared out of the Imperium's ability to control. It may have been the World Cup 31 team that hoisted the trophy, but in the eyes of this writer, and of many Confederates, it is the World Cup 38 and 39 teams which should go down as the greatest in our history.

¹ The teams that successfully defended their titles are: Brazillico (WC5+6), Rejistania (WC17+18), Bedistan (WC26+27), Az-Cz(WC37+38), Valanora (WC42+43), Cassadaigua (WC50+51), Sorthern Northland (WC55+56), Aguazul (WC57+58+59, the only team to ever threepeat), Audioslavia (WC63+64), Osarius (WC70+71), United Sunrise Islands (WC75+76), and most recently Vilita (WC81+82). Interestingly, the 50's were a time for dynasties. There had been roughly one repeat every ten cycles or so, until three teams combined to win seven cups in the space of just ten cycles.

SRS Qualifying Schedule

MD1:  SRS 4-5 Torisakia @ Pheldagrif Stadium, Yassaca, Sivolvia, SRS (cap. 45,620)
MD2:  Balaslandia 2-3 SRS @ TBA
MD3:  SRS 5-3 Wreckeria @ Sunergy Field, Hunian, Algolia, SRS (cap. 37,550)
MD4:  Busgoa Islands 2-3 SRS @ Dukuma Oval, Dukuma, BUS (cap. 63,000)
MD5:  Bye
MD6:  SRS 5-2 Drawkland @ Megabrantid Financial Field, Brantisvogan, Megabrantis, SRS (cap. 69,245)
MD7:  Jantor 3-3 SRS @ TBA
MD8:  SRS 0-2 Gyatso-kai  @ Slavnarzeczpospolitastadion, Lublova, Molvania, SRS (cap. 61,230)
MD9:  Donnacona 0-1 SRS @ TBA
MD10: SRS 2-3 Kita-Hinode @ Bridger Lane, Damogran, Algolia, SRS (cap. 72,406)
MD11: Kohnhead 0-1 SRS @ Orange Bull Stadium, Kohnhead City, KHN (cap. 23,000)
MD12: SRS 3-1 EGM @ Igbar Steel Arena, Zarss, West Flania, SRS (cap. 15,100)
MD13: Lochario 1-2 SRS @ Zun Olympic Stadium, (cap. 98,000)
MD14: Torisakia 2-0 SRS  @ TBA
MD15: SRS 5-1 Balaslandia @ Killough Grove, Han Wavel, Han Dold, SRS (cap. 31,400)
MD16: Wreckeria 1-0 SRS @ Patrick Stadium, Halstead, WRE (cap. 30,000)
MD17: SRS 2-1 Busoga Islands @ The Lutenstaad, Lutenblag, Molvania, SRS (cap. 75,000)
MD18: Bye
MD19: Drawkland v SRS @ Spartan Veteran Stadium (107,500)
MD20: SRS v Jantor @ Malgacorp Arena, Hensha, Megabrantis, SRS (cap. 29,350)
MD21: Gyatso-kai v SRS @ Meshgeroya'yaim, Keldabe, Mandalore, GKI (cap. 79,890)
MD22: SRS v Donnacona @ Smolak Systemy Stadion, Sjerezo, Molvania, SRS (cap. 31,200)
MD23: Kita-Hinode v SRS @ Tentai City, Tentai, HIN (cap. 80,000)
MD24: SRS v Kohnhead @ Olympiastad, Arkintoofle, Megabrantis, SRS (cap. 47,550)
MD25: EGM v SRS @ TBA
MD26: SRS v Lochario @ Castle Street, Jaglan, Algolia, SRS (cap. 57,300)