World Cup 85 || RP Thread

[Vdara]

Interview 3: Rise of the Interviews

Interviewer: ”Congratulations on your 8th consecutive game unbeaten, Lükækš!”

Væñøœrëñbérghüïś: ”Oh, don’t be thanking me, thank the players who have been working hard every matchday to keep these results coming. I’m just the bus driver, at the end of the day. The players direct me to where I’m going.”

Interviewer: ”Odd analogy, but anyhow. How do you think your team will fare against Kandorith?”

Væñøœrëñbérghüïś: ”Well, ideally I’d like to win, but at the end of the day, they’re a lot better than us, so a draw would be fine as well. If we lose, well, that’s okay too. I would love to keep the unbeaten run going, though.”

Interviewer: ”Last question, do you think your team’s performance against South Concepthuania was good?”

Væñøœrëñbérghüïś: ”Well, we got the three points, and that’s really all that matters. We defended well, but I’d rather we had scored more goals than we did. But hey, good on Lazelis and Fotellis for grabbing more goals to add to their tallies. Without them, I don’t think we’d be anywhere near the top five.”

Interviewer: ”Thanks for your time!”

Væñøœrëñbérghüïś: ”Oh, don’t mention it. By the way, while the cameras are still on, I’d like to tell the people at home that my players are going to enjoy a well-deserved break on their bye day, and that they’ll be armed and ready to face our next opponents very soon. Forza Vdara, and bye for now!”

(EDIT: first post on page 60, let’s go!)

[Mriin]

Even though qualifiers are winding down, we can still turn it up! Cutoff for Groups 8-15.

[Taeshan]

Taeshan 3-3 Main Nation Ministry 
Atlantea Coliseum, Atlantea, Atlantea Island, Taeshan
Morgenstern 54', Nkitilina 74', Torres 90' : Benediktas 11', Plamen 42', Frijof 45'

Journeyman

I’m only 23 but I find myself on my fourth club. I’m a bit of a journeyman, but also a bit of the sort of player who starts wherever he goes but isn’t exactly wanted. It’s a weird situation. Managers like me, fans understand what I am, but owners want someone flashy. Why want a flashy fullback instead of a workhorse I don’t know. I find myself in a similar position for the national team. Santiago was the obvious starter at Left Back, but now my hopes of being the starting Right Back dashed by a young Left Back. A 16-year-old at that. I would be lying if I said this year hasn’t been frustrating.

Darmen is probably the least strange destination my career has found for me. Jottnar Kallsmudden was perhaps my strangest move. Buyan is not exactly high on the list of anybody’s international moves, but I saw a chance to start at 17 and took it. A few years later the nation wasn’t exactly the greatest place to live so I moved. But damn if it was not a great move for me. Helped me to the national team, helped me grow as a player, and helped me get back closer to home with the move to Club Jim Falls.

I started my career at home in Los Riosa. Not exactly a football hot bed in Taeshan, probably a little more known for their Basketball these days. The Monstas have won a title, Poseidon has played one season in the Premier League. I was a part of that. It wasn’t the worst season in league history, but it involved relegation. Not a great year, but a young player getting Premier League time was a big deal. That led me to my move abroad, and I’ve never looked back.

Coming home is what I plan on doing eventually. But after more success internationally. I want to win things, and I want to come home to Los Riosa to a premier league side. I played my youth for both halves of the Los Riosa rivalry, but would be glad to just play at home in the Premier League for my twilight. That is all I ever want, to come home and play for a strong Los Riosa side. It may be a pipe dream all things considered, but I am hopeful.

[b]Victor Borja[/]

[Riennic Isles]

The Riena Sentinel

---

Drunk People at the Local Tavern 0-3 Riena
We play Vilita next just put us out of our misery already

---

• Drunk People at the Local Tavern: None
• Riena: Samukawa (23'), Ayanami (38'), Suenaga (52')

*  Group 14                              Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Vilita                                 22   20   1   1    90   37  +53    61 Q
 2 Qasden                                 22   15   1   6    47   37  +10    46
 3 Riena                                  23   13   4   6    54   39  +15    43

Drunk People at the Local Tavern (0-10-0): Breeze; Turori, Dillis, Eura, Brenecia, Banija, Blaydia, Frosticus, Cassie, Hinode, Mriin
Substitutes: Pasarga, Park (55'), Covello, Shan, Newman, Tenia (69'), Slavia (69')

Riena (4-3-3): Minato; Uruha, Tsukamoto, Amemiya, Himemori; Ishibashi, Kawakaze, Akamatsu; Suenaga, Samukawa, Ayanami
Substitutes: Kugimiya, Igarashi, Kagura (60'), Sakuranami, Kirimiya (71'), Kanzaki, Steiner (71')

[Trolleborg]

Previous parts of the story: 1 – 2 – 3 – 4 – 5 – 6 – 7 – 8 – 9 – 10 – 11 – 12 – 13 – 14 – 15 –16 – 17 – 18 – 19 –20 –21 –22.

The next day was the most important for the guests from Zwangzug - in the end, it was for the sake of football that they going such a long way, and everything else was essentially an addition to that, albeit a pleasant one. The penultimate - and in fact the last, since the morning after the match was about to fly away - it was decided to devote the day to a visit to the Sports Museum.

They were already prepared for a visit by their previous adventures, therefore they participated in interactive programs such as playing hockey with big cobblestone on the ice of the sea with pleasure. A separate room was dedicated to the stadium named after December 1, where they were to head right after dinner, and then Wesley finally got information about who that Troghil, whose name was visible here and there in the capital, including impressive hills on the coast and their own hotel, is. And he received such information precisely because the monument in front of the stadium was dedicated for him. Moreover, the tourists themselves helped with the building, even threw a lot of virtual earth with virtual shovel into the beginnings of stadium bowl - and learned from the holograms, enthusiastically operating nearby, that the stadium was being built by volunteers in memory of the great victory on December 1, and therefore the entrance to all games that will be held there are always free. A separate brand new building was dedicated to the victory at the Baptism of Fire tournament, the country's guests were happy to identify their own native places in many photographs and videos. In the penultimate hall, Wesley, of course, accepted the challenge that the museum robot threw at him – to try to score a goal from the point from which Stuart Kerr scored the winning goal in the final, bringing Trolleborg a victory, and managed to score from the third time, which he was extremely happy about. He was even more pleased having received at the exit of the museum a photo of himself, in the Trolleborg national team shirt striking on goal against the background of crowded stands. And in the last hall there was only a cup - nothing more, just a hall, a collage of photos of the final match, jubilant football players and fans, and a cup in the middle of the room.

But now it’s time to move to the stadium. There were four metro stations and several bus stops around it, and the country's guests chose the most standard way, hoping to fully immerse themselves in the atmosphere of the game along the way. Trolleborg team will play against almost unknown national team of the country with a strange name "When U Die". Hosts drop many points unnecessary in a games where opponents was much weaker than them, and there was only theoretical chances to qualify, but local fans was loud and buyoant nevertheless and whatever happens.

This atmosphere made itself felt by the mighty roar from the arriving metro train, wholly clogged with fans and sympathizers. All the way to the stadium was accompanied by songs and the really loud chanting of patriotic slogans.

They all go on the alley leading to the stadium, where the river of fans from the station turned out to be just a stream flowed into a real huge river of people with green T-shirts, scarves, faces, some of which, as Keith explained, went even from the very center of the city by foot. Everyone in the crowd dancing, jumping and chanted, produced unbelievable volume of noise.

Passing by the monument to Troghil, which was stand near at the main staircase, tourists in the crowd proceeded past the turnstile, upstairs and into the giant bowl of the stadium, already quite filled. There were about forty-five minutes left before the game, Trolleborg players just ended pre-game training routines and going to the locker room for a last briefing before the game, so field is totally empty, but the fans regularly started a “wave” with might and main and from time to time began to chant their slogans with indescribable volume of noise.

When there was fifteen minutes left before the game, atmosphere was already totally amazing. Confetti poured out, multicolored paper ribbons flying everywhere, a huge flag of 20 to 20 meters traveled along the opposite stand, passed from hand to hand, from time to time a good half of spectators started jumping in place, waving scarves and starting singing to some catchy motif from which the legs themselves started to the dance. And finally, first, youth delegations with the flags of the countries participating in the game appeared, and then, to the accompaniment of chanting and large-scale lighting of torches and the roar of firecrackers, teams moved onto the field.

[Northwest Kalactin]

All of these are IC things. Please don’t take any of these things as an insult

The Kalactanian team has made a few posters of... encouragement for their group mates.









And then a few “special” posters for some other nations.

[Sarzonia]

<OOC: nvm, pls disregard>

[Sarzonia]

For all the attention paid to sexploits in Delaclava, a far more football-related story also drew interest in Group 7.

This story involved what became a three-team race for the second and final World Cup finals berth. Two of those teams gathered at Stadio Rushmore in Johnho, the largest Darmeni venue in a match both teams viewed as vital to their World Cup qualifying hopes. Sarzonia, owners of the 65th rank in the multiverse and certainly not a favourite to qualify for the proper when the current cycle began, were facing a sold out crowd and a Darmeni side ranked 26th at the beginning of the current cycle.

Jake Campos would make sure that Sarzonia would send home the thousands of Darmeni supporters in bitter disappointment. In his first start since The Nephara Knockout, Campos scored both Stars goals, firing a rocket from outside the area that screamed past a diving Hyman Campo that put Sarzonia out front 1-0 at the 16 minute mark of the first half. It would be Sarzonia's first lead against their Pot 2 opponents, but it wouldn't last long.

Víedharr Svendsen would draw the hosts level at 1-1 in the 23rd minute after a failed clear by Stars defender Charlie King left the ball at his feet. Stars goalkeeper Carlton Sandt charged off his line too early in an effort to compensate for King's error and Svendsen made the young keeper pay for his overly aggressive play.

The two teams jogged into their respective dressing rooms at halftime level on the scoresheet, but the Stars felt their best was yet to come. Manager Kevin Connelly decided to stick with what has become his usual starting 11 for the second half and he told midfielder and team captain Clayton Wilson to "let 'er rip."

"If we miss out on the World Cup, we're not going to do it because we left any petrol in the tank," he said to a sideline reporter. "Any team that beats us is going to have to fucking earn it."

As he stood over the ball to prepare for the second half kickoff, Wilson told his teammates the three words of advice from Connelly. The Stars would be the aggressors in this half, as the away side, they were going to play to secure the full three points. A draw wouldn't do any good with Jeruselem breathing down their necks and playing home to near bottom of table Great Lausitz.

The Stars very nearly scored the go-ahead goal in the 56th minute as Brady Reynolds won a through ball from defender Russ Howard and beat Campo's five to his right. However, the offside flag was up because the Dagan linesperson caught forward Cayden Aguirre a half step ahead of right back Cyrus Spalding. Connelly shook his head and started to get her attention to argue the call, but the video board at Stadio Rushmore showed the replay and Connelly turned around and muttered to himself.

Ernie Mabree threatened in the 63rd minute, firing a shot that Campo did well to deflect off the crossbar and back to a waiting Spalding. The Darmeni defender launched the ball just past the centre of the pitch to give his team a chance to regroup and set their defence.

Twenty-five minutes later, Connelly began pacing, trying to decide whether to take out Reynolds or Campos and send on Mek'hi West for some fresh legs at striker. He saw the scoreboard at the stadium flash Jeruselem 1-0 Great Lausitz just reaching full time. He'd intended to make a substitution before the fourth official signaled the number of minutes of stoppage time these teams had left.

They say he who hesitates is lost, Connelly thought ruefully as he started looking at West. All of a sudden, he heard a collective groan from the crowd. He looked out to the pitch and saw his players on the pitch race out to hug Campos and then he saw the referee point her arm toward the centre of the pitch.

"The Sarzonia goal, scored by number 21 Jake Campos," the announcement came. "Assists by number 10, Brady Reynolds and number 20 Clayton Wilson." All of a sudden, Sarzonia had the lead with just a minute and change left in regulation. They would have to face a deluge from a desperate Darmeni side that was by now well aware that their chances of qualifying for the World Cup were running out. The present Stars would have to ride out the storm because Connelly hadn't thought about warming up his defensive reserves to preserve a late lead.

When the Dagan referee blew her whistle in three bursts, the Darmeni fans streamed for the exits, the Stars players celebrated modestly, but the navy-clad Stars supporters were in full voice celebrating wildly. The three-team race for the second and final World Cup qualifying berth was now officially a two-team sprint. Darmen were done. Sarzonia had a home match against already eliminated Aimena while Jeruselem were about to face an away match against a challenging Huayramarca side.

The scenario would be this: If Sarzonia won and Jeruselem either drew or lost to the unranked upstarts, Sarzonia's final match at Dazza Dallas Stadium would be anticlimactic. Anything else would make that final fixture essentially a one-match playoff for a spot in Farfadillis or Mrinn.

It was a heady position for both teams: The Princesses, ranked 41st in the multiverse at the beginning of qualifying and the Stars. For Connelly's team, their 14-4-4 record only began to tell the tale. When prognosticators consider that Sarzonia began the campaign with a 2-0-3 record and a crushing defeat to Nephara, they see the Stars having gone 12-4-1 in the 17 matches since.

This scalp may not have carried the same lofty pedigree that Nephara had, but the resulting mathematical elimination of the 26th ranked team in the multiverse was a large enough dragon to slay for celebrations throughout the night.

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

   Group 7                                     Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Nephara                                      22   19   1   2    81   19  +62    58 Q
 2 Sarzonia                                     22   14   4   4    58   38  +20    46
 3 Jeruselem                                    22   14   2   6    59   37  +22    44
 4 Darmen                                       22   11   6   5    54   38  +16    39 X
 5 Acronius                                     22   11   2   9    41   44   −3    35 X
 6 Delaclava                                    22    8   6   8    55   56   −1    30 X
 7 Huayramarca                                  22    7   7   8    43   46   −3    28 X
 8 Simpralia                                    22    7   7   8    35   42   −7    28 X
 9 Welzat                                       23    6   8   9    32   46  −14    26 X
10 Aimena                                       22    7   3  12    24   43  −19    24 X
11 South Charlia                                23    5   3  15    25   48  −23    18 X
12 Great Lausitz                                22    4   4  14    24   43  −19    16 X
13 Competitive Solitaire                        22    3   3  16    18   49  −31    12 X

SCHEDULE
MD 1: @ Delaclava^ W, 6-4
MD 2: v. Acronius L, 0-2
MD 3: @ Simpralia (Glory Park, capacity 122,000) W, 5-3
MD 4: v. Welzat L, 2-4
MD 5: @ Nephara L, 1-4 (Farham Arena, Sabrefell, capacity 88,046)
MD 6: v. Great Lausitz W, 1-0
MD 7: @ Huayamarca (Estadio Olímpico del Oriente, Sechura, capacity 26,000) W, 4-2
MD 8: BYE
MD 9: v. Competitive Solitaire W, 1-0
MD 10: @ South Charlia W, 2-0
MD 11: v. Darmen D, 2-2
MD 12: @ Aimena W, 2-0
MD 13: v. Jeruselem D, 2-2
OFF DAY
MD 14: v. Delaclava W, 5-3 (game played at Pride of Manchester, capacity 110,000)
MD 15: @ Acronius L, 1-3
MD 16: v. Simpralia D, 3-3
MD 17: @ Welzat W, 3-0 (Sir James Tretol Memorial Stadium, capacity 19,595)
MD 18: v. Nephara W, 1-0
MD 19: @ Great Lausitz W, 5-0
MD 20: v. Huayramarca D, 4-4
MD 21: BYE
MD 22: @ Competitive Solitaire W, 1-0
MD 23: v. South Charlia W, 5-1
MD 24: @ Darmen W, 2-1 (Stadio Rushmore, Johnho, capacity 70,000)
MD 25: v. Aimena
MD 26: @ Jeruselem (Dazza Dallas Stadium)

^Match was played at Dave Wilson Stadium in Woodstock.

Note: Except for the match in Manchester, Delaclava, all of Sarzonia's home matches will be played at Dave Wilson Stadium in Woodstock, capacity 105,900.

[Jeruselem]

Daisy Cutter (nee Daisy Dallas) at Dazza Dallas Stadium after Jeruselem beat Great Lausitz 1-0

Hello, I'm Daisy Cutter for Naked News Jeruselem! We're here at Dazza Dallas Stadium for another day at the World Cup qualification stage.
It's day 24 meaning there's only two days left and it's getting down the final stages.
By now, most teams are eliminated leaving the few left in contention.
Also we already know teams who have qualified, because they won their groups.
In Group 7, Nephara have qualified and well don't need to do much from here.

Today was huge, we had two games with huge consequences being played.
Acronius drew 3-3 with Welzat, both eliminated already.
Delaclava lost at home to Nephara, who won 6-3. Nephara have qualified while Delaclava were eliminated a while ago.
Aimena lost to visitors Huayramarca 2-0, both eliminated already.
South Charlia beat Competitive Solitaire 2-1 at home, both eliminated already.

Now there was huge game, Darmen at home facing Sarzonia!
It was 4th vs 2nd. Darmen had to win at all costs, Sarzonia had to win to keep Jeruselem at bay.
Either way, it was a must win for both sides and Sarzonia won 2-1.
The loss meant Darmen was eliminated as well.

Well, this meant we needed to win. Great Lausitz was our opponent and we did win 1-0.
Not our best efforted but we were more circumspect than usual to avoid leaking goals.
Well it is 3 points to counter the 3 points of Sarzonia.
This means the top is Nephara on 58, Sarzonia on 46, Jeruselem 44 and Darmen eliminated.

So, what does this mean?
We must win next game and then beat Sarzonia.
It would be nice if Sarzonia lost the next game, but we assume they will win that too.
It all comes down the two games, and in particular the last one against Sarzonia.

Yeah today wasn't exactly a game to scare the likes of Sarzonia.
1-0 against a botom team, but maybe not much motivation compared to the last game.

The list of teams who qualified is
Turori
Kita-Hinode
Eura
Commonwealth of Baker Park
Zwangzug
Banija
Nephara
The Holy Empire
Cassadaigua
Kelssek
Siovanija And Teuslan
Equestria
95X
Starblaydia
Valanora
Vilita
Brenecia

Yes, there is a lot of uncertainty in some groups over the remaining spots including our group.
Just from probability these teams should qualify
Reçueçn
Taeshan

Um so we can decide our fate and as always we leave to the last day.
Not that we intended to do that, but it always happens to us.

Um, thanks to all the letters, I mean messages on social media and emails of support everyone.
I know Princess Kate is a popular girl and I'm just a pretender.
I'm not even that good looking really.
If you really want to support me, I have my other ... business. You know what that is.

I'll be here on the last match day along with other relatives too because it's such a huge day.
That's royal relatives, I'm a non-royal.

Now with Princess Kate moving on, we need a replacement!
We're hiring a new anchor so get our web site, the Naked News Jeruselem one, to submit your video application.
Yes it does involve sending nude video of yourself but then won't be wearing much if you work for us.
And yes, if you don't live in Jeruselem - you can apply too! Err, assumung you don't live in country on our banned list.

That's it from me! See you all later!

OOC
Acronius 3–3 Welzat
Delaclava 3–6 Nephara
Jeruselem 1–0 Great Lausitz
Aimena 0–2 Huayramarca
Darmen 1–2 Sarzonia
South Charlia 2–1 Competitive Solitaire

Code: Select all

   Group 7                                     Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1 Nephara                                      22   19   1   2    81   19  +62    58 Q
 2 Sarzonia                                     22   14   4   4    58   38  +20    46
 3 Jeruselem                                    22   14   2   6    59   37  +22    44
 4 Darmen                                       22   11   6   5    54   38  +16    39 X


[Chromatika]

Chromatik City Courier
Jordan Lawless, Sports Columnist

Group 3 Matchday 22: Chromatika 2-2 The Sarian @ The United Center, Urrheddiao (Cap: 120,000, 28,000 Seats
Chromatik Scorers: Bird ('25), Vidal ('63)
Starting XI (4-2-3-1): Tioux; An - Will - Baugh - Ilya; Dias - Burns; Victoriane (C) - Bird - Conrad; Vidal.
Substitutes: Armageddon -> Burns ('49), Kuzami -> Bird ('65), Nocturne -> Ilya ('85)

UNITED CENTER, URRHEDDIAO -

With The Sarian's last-minute goal limiting Chromatika to a tie, and the results of Chromatika's bye day, here is the standings of the group with two games to play for all parties:

Group 3                                        Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Eura                                         22   17   3   2    60   30  +30    54 Q
 2 Savojarna                                    22   10   7   5    39   32   +7    37
 3 Terre Septentrionale                         22   10   7   5    49   45   +4    37
 4 Eshan                                        22   12   1   9    34   32   +2    37
 5 Northwest Kalactin                           22    9   8   5    57   51   +6    35
 6 The Sarian                                   22   10   4   8    37   32   +5    34
 7 Chromatika                                   22   10   3   9    51   36  +15    33

It's almost impossible for Chromatika to qualify now; Savojarna needs to lose to The Sarian and Chromatika needs to win for the Chromatiks to maintain their chance; it is also needed that Terre Septentrionale loses to Alba and Cymru and Eshan to lose to Sanctanus.

Way too many things have to go their way; it seems it's all over.

Barring the miraculous happening, Chromatika headed by Everdeen and Evans will need to focus on the Cup of Harmony instead, a tournament it hasn't attended in almost ten cycles.

Oh, how the mighty has fallen...

[Blouman Empire]

THE EMPIRE TIMES

Eagles Make It Three From Three

The Blouman Empire came from behind to make it three wins a row to the excitement of the home crowd.

Eighteen-year-old Nathanial Launzel marked his first full International debut by side-footing an equaliser which cancelled out the Nooooooooooooooo first-half opener at City of Braxon Stadium. Within nine minutes, John Miller had curled a magnificent second into the top corner and Luke Cousins fired in a third. The salvo turned the game on its head and put the Empire on 28 points and putting them 4 points above Nooooooooooooooo in 8th. It is also the first time the Empire has managed three wins in a row these qualifiers.

The Eagles victory was all the more remarkable because until Miller added to the five goals he has scored these qualifiers, the home side had been utterly woeful. Lewis Parry had spoken before kick-off about the improved confidence following the previous two wins but it appeared this game would end in frustration, just as they had many times before.
The Eagles were bereft of good build up and the mild boos from the home supporters accompanied the end of a first half in which their side failed to have a shot on target and went behind when David Parson’s blocked a shot but bounced in off a Nooooooooooooooo running into the box. True, they did not have much luck. Rhys Lornet was injured in the warm-up and when Michael Relstron was helped off in obvious pain with a shoulder injury sustained in a seemingly innocuous tangle, Parry had lost both his first-choice full-backs in the first 10 minutes. Nevertheless, it was pitiful stuff and when Brad Hunter surged down the right wing and sent over a cross that flew over everyone and straight out for a throw-in on the other side of the pitch, it was typical of the team’s first half performance.

With poor play from the side it was down to the one of the Blouman Empire’s most inexperienced players to change the fortune of his side. Parry had obviously been impressed by the substitute appearances to trust the teenager and reward him with his first international start putting Issac Cupstran on the bench. The reward was a nerveless finish when his side needed it most. Paul Credab provided the cross but there was still a lot to do for the midfielder, who steered a first-time effort into the corner. The goal energised the side and the ball was starting to flow a lot freer and play became more creative. It was only nine minutes later and Miller form 30 yards out saw his chance and took it curling the ball into the top left corner. Cousins made certain of a win few would have anticipated 10 minutes earlier when his clinical finish took his tally for the qualifiers to 13. The goal disguising the fact that had had done very little in the first half.

With three wins from three games the Blouman Empire will no doubt be looking to make it a fourth but will have their work cut out for them as they play 2nd placed HUElavia. While the Eagles are unable to qualify, HUElavia can still qualify, after losing to Equestria in the last match they were unable to secure their spot but will be looking for the win to hold off a strong finishing Kandorith.

[Sylestone]

Sylestone went into their game against MR TAYTO knowing that a win was essential if they were going to clinch that favourable twelfth spot. They were backed by their supporters and tipped to win, but they just couldn't pull it off.

During the first half, both sides played a very defensive game to not burn themselves out. There were only three shots at goal, two misdirected ones by the MR TAYTO left winger and one by the Mixer, which the opposition goalkeeper saved quite comfortably. The mood inside the dressing room at half time was relatively relaxed, but everyone knew that their fate would most likely be decided in the second half. They were in luck.
In the 48th minute, the Tumble Dryer found a way through the defence and flung the ball into the goal with extreme power to make the score 1-0 in Sylestone's favour. Their supporters went crazy and MR TAYTO's went down on their knees. Sylestone, driven by the goal, went on to nearly score three more goals in the next twenty minutes, but they were all either saved brilliantly by the defence or the goalkeeper.
For the final 20 minutes or so, Sylestone realised that chances were they weren't going to build on their lead and their midfielders dropped back into the defence to keep the precious lead. For the next 15 minutes, MR TAYTO's players didn't realise their plan, but once they did, they did the exact opposite.
It was then the Washing Machine and Dishwasher once again started spewing water everywhere in order to bog their half and stop the opposition from scoring. The Ironing Board used his flexible legs to stop the ball, too, which made it even harder. However, this was what eventually cost them the game. In the penalty area, the Ironing Board slipped on some water bogged in the ground and fouled MR TAYTO's striker. The resulting penalty was scored and Sylestone seemed destined for that thirteenth spot. Their next game is against Taeshan, which they must win (not very likely) if they are to even have a chance at getting twelfth. But until then, we will wait and see.

[Sharktail]

Group 5 Matchday 24

Squorshelous-1
Lucia Krupin (m '61)

---

Sharktail-3
Azaim (m '17)
Virman (m '43)
Gaby (m '58)

Line up
Ahmad
Harold
Azmi
Hidawi
Ashaari (sub m 67)
Azaim
Badhri (sub m 59)
Fikri
Afif
Gaby
Virman (sub m 74)

Sub
Irfan (m 67)
Hadi (m 59)
Sulimani (m 74)

Hello and good morning guys. We meet again today. Woo hoo...Welcome back to my channel Nazri TV. Today you all will enjoy this streaming with me Nazri. I have seen a lot of good response, not just people from our nation but also from the neighbour nation. They said they like my streaming and want me to continue it. Thank you for all your support. I really appreciate all your support for me. You all give me more confidence to continue this job.

I think I want to share with you my story. All of you know about my story. I tell it on my first streaming but you may not know because I do not receive many views at that time. It not like I want to brag about it again but I never feel like I want to do this for fun but it all because I want you all to recognize me. I want to be popular. Now I really popular but I don't know why but seem like that thing doesn't even attract my attention now. Now I just happy to do this. I can know many things. Like what, when you ask me to do an interview, go touring around, doing something I never tried. I have learned many things. So thank you. Thank you for guiding me, help me and give me your support thank you.

Before we all end up with tears lets stop now. (I think you are the one who cried).No, I not crying. I am a stronger man. Ok, let talk a bit about the sport. So, in the football section, Sharktail won 3-1 against Squornshelouos.Good performance from Sharktail.They now in third place. However, the qualifying for Matchday 5 already done so let move to another topic. Let see, NSTT clay season,2 single and one double from going through to the quarterfinal. Its really good news for us you know. We already lose a chance to qualify for World Cup qualification 85, so we do not focus too much on football now. But it not like we do not watch it anymore, just we give too much attention. So now our player still competes in Istria so I hope you all give your support for them. Who knows they may bring back the trophy to Sharktail.

Seem like there is nothing else I can report today. Oh yes before I end my stream today, I have something that catches my attention. The last stream, I ask Fira to replace me(comment: Fira...so sweet)no.. (smile)umm..i ask her to replace me. When I check the comment section, my eyes stuck on some comment. Some of you keep mentioning sweet couple on the comment section. But she doesn't know much about streaming so she does not see it. I laughed when I see that comment. I think you all want to see her reaction but you failed. Hahaha. But the next day someone sends video to me.NazriXFira sweet moment. I don't know I have a stalker too. I think if I show her she will laugh it. (comment: now you said on your streaming, she will know it).Wait...a I forgot I stream now. Well it ok, if she asks about it, I can tease her more. (comment: pervert, playboy, bad guy). Hahaha...I think she will refuse to see me next time.

Ok, guys, I have to go now. I think she now mad, so time for the gentlemen to soft the girl's heart. (comment: Before you persuade her, you will be killed first. Dont play with girl).I think I in a big problem now. Before she got angrier, better I go now. Ok bye.

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Group 5 Matchday 25 VS Adsuri

[Ko-oren]

Group 8 in Review

The Holy Empire
Was it ever in doubt? The best team in the group showed up exactly as expected and rolled over us lower pot peasants week in, week out. They have dropped points on only four occasions, and with a qualification stage this long, they're sitting on 56 points which is somehow still a few points away from the best across all fifteen groups. We can only hope we will one day hit this status - but we won't. In between winning football games, they were busy sticking it to the man and trying to get Cocoa-Bo banned - arguably their biggest victory of the cycle.

Cheergirls, Tequilo, Mattijana
So close, yet so far. They've done great work in developing their own teams, with the biggest compliments going to Tequilo: from the Baptism of Fire to a spot very close to the World Cup. They should appear in the Cup of Harmony so we can enjoy them for a little longer, but honestly I'm just glad we won't have to play them any more. This team will be a dragonslayer for a while before repeatedly getting to World Cup quarterfinals. The Cheergirls have been really good if only they hadn't had to play us. The Dragonflies somehow only got big wins against them, so cue our surprise to see them in 5th place. Just yesterday they kept Port Ember to a 1-1 (these draws really doing a number on their qualification chances), but we recorded a sweet 5-1 over them. Mattijana are in 7th despite taking 6 points off us, so just going by that we expected them to stay in contention until the end - but apparently they've done the nice thing and gave all of our rivals goals and points. Thanks for that.

Ko-oren

Away @ Devonta
Home v Daskel

A fantastic redemption story from the Dragonflies, going from 7 points down to 1 point up over Port Ember - who have truly sullied the bed in the meantime. Then again, the Dragonflies fell 7 points behind in the first place because of some good old bed-sullying in the first place, but it all comes out in the end. Not losing to Port Ember, or losing fewer matches against Mattijana would have put us in the World Cup already. First off, we have a tough match against Devonta - but should we survive that, we only have a match against Daskel left. If we lose that, then we never deserved the World Cup in the first place.

Team vs Devonta: Cholmondeley - Hellegeland, Van Schelven, Lampshire, Benjamin, Dalton - Yokota, Janoreirinthen, Longchambon - Pirastadhaunden, Noya
Team vs Daskel: Cholmondeley - Hellegeland, Van Schelven, Lampshire, Mizuno, Basquez - yChibwod, Ulysse, Longchambon - Vallotton, Nagamine

Against Devonta, Juliasterinthen opts for experience and stability. Dalton in over Basquez, Benjamin over Mizuno, the five-man back line will be bolstered with experience... over speed. Hellegeland should still travel all over the left wing, while Dalton will likely sit back a little more often on the right side. With the standard midfield, the team will be predictable - but good. Versus Daskel, it's time for a little more experimentation. The defence is as we've seen them for most of these qualifiers, but then the focus is on firepower for the front 5. yChibwod will make his national team debut, acting as a wide playmaker, alongside with Ulysse who has disappeared from the Dragonflies for a while but has plenty of appearances from before. Longchambon is the creative mind just ahead of them, with Vallotton up front. Nagamine is the best finisher on the team, and should take advantage of having yChibwod and Ulysse in support.

Port Ember

Away @ Vlasisitan
Home v Devonta

Port Ember are on a horrible streak that needs to end now in order to sniff the World Cup in the first place. It's out of their hands, and all they can do is win six points to end the slide and likely kick us out - I mean, chances of us winning our final two games are very, very slim. They start off against Vlasisitan, in 13th, which should put them at 44 points. Their final match is against Devonta...

Devonta

Home v Ko-oren
Away @ Port Ember

Devonta need Port Ember to lose one and draw one (or lose twice), and they need Ko-oren to lose twice. Luckily for them, they have a lot of influence on these two teams: their cursed schedule means they play 2nd placed Ko-oren first, then 3rd placed Port Ember.

Quakmybush, Petroslovania, Indusse, ADF, Daskel, Vlasisitan
This wasn't it. Back to the drawing board, and try again. Minute differences between Quakmybush in 8th and Vlasisitan in 13th, too. We expected Quakmybush and Indusse to finish higher - but here we are. I mean, they're not much lower than, say, Pot 2 team Chromatika. Or Pot 4's cursed Eastfield Lodge.

Rivals in Review
Darmen 4th, Group 7, out by the narrowest of margins. Nothing left to play for in the final days. In the end, they couldn't work magic against Sarzonia, Jeruselem, and Nephara.

Taeshan 1st, Group 4, almost certain of qualification over Main Nation Ministry and South Covello.

Banija 1st, Group 6, already in over a fun group of teams.

Cosumar 5th, Group 12, couldn't bring enough pressure to 95X and Starblaydia in this Atlantian Oceanian group. NO KICKING US OUT OF THE ROUND OF 16 THIS TIME!

Osarius 7th, Group 12, the Firebirds have some rebirthing to do to come back stronger. We know they can do it though.

Kandorith 3rd, Group 11, with a minimal chance of sneaking to second place.

Gyatso-Kai 9th, Group 2.

Equestria 1st, Group 11. Could finish as low as 2nd in a fun group with a lot of familiar faces.

Quebec 3rd, Group 15. Impressive showing, and they still have a mathematical chance!

Teams that could become rivals (but mostly through other sports)
Savojarna: 2nd, Group 3, in fierce competition with Terre Septentrionale and Eshan.
Zwangzug: 2nd, Group 5, sure of a World Cup spot.
Cassadaigua: 1st, Group 9, though could be kicked down to 2nd.
Many, many more... But we can all agree the biggest rivalry in the World Cup is Reçueçn versus text editors, character encoding, etc.

[Baggieland]

The Daily Boing

Baggieland 2 – 1 Jerauuk FT (0 – 1 HT)

Baggieland completed the double over bottom-dwellers Jerauuk. Despite the Throstles dominating most of the first half, it was Jerauuk who opened the scoring midway through the first 45 minutes, albeit against the run of play. Richardson had a fantastic opportunity to level before the break, but unexpectedly shot wide of the post when only ten yards out.

Baggieland came out for the second period much more focused than they had been in the first half, and the home fans didn’t have to wait too long for the equaliser. This time Richardson turned provider when he fed the ball through to Regis, who placed the ball in the far corner, beyond the keeper’s reach. In the final ten minutes Regis got the winner when he found himself one-on-one with the keeper and he chipped the ball expertly over the oncoming Jerauukian. The away side thought they had got an equaliser in the final minute, but the linesman flag had already been raised for a clear offside.

Baggieland stats:

Scorers:
Ronnie Regis: (49’, 81’).

Possession: 57%.
Corners: 6.

Tournament scorers:
Jeff Richardson: 11.
Ronnie Regis: 7.
Bomber Robson: 6.
Ginger Astle: 6.
Billy Cunningham: 3.
Ray Brunt: 3.
Jonas McAuley: 2.
Laurie Bassett: 1.
Len Livermore: 1.
John Moore: 1.
Cyrille Allen: 1.

International goals:
Jeff Richardson: 17.
Ronnie Regis: 9.
Bomber Robson: 7.
Ginger Astle: 6.
Ray Brunt: 5.
Jonas McAuley: 4.
Billy Cunningham: 3.
Laurie Bassett: 1.
Len Livermore: 1.
Chris Barlow: 1.
John Moore: 1.
Cyrille Allen: 1.

[Tequilo]

TAPALUPÉ, Tequilo - So many match days, so little time… don’t worry, when you don’t have time for the big read (and we don’t have time for the big write) let the GOLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL-a!!! Daily take the strain - all your favourite bits, in brief.

SIX SIXTIES & SIX
TEQUILO 6-1 Indusse HT: 1-1

Location: Estadio Pablo Invocador, Tapalupé Att: 53,209
SCORERS: Bailén 34’ Tlacolotl 61’ Tafalla 62’ 65’ (pen) 86’ Vilca Hualla 90+3’ | BH Kumar 6’

Down in six minutes, out in front with three quick goals between 61 and 65 minutes, and six in total by the end is the simple story of a cracking thrashing. The agave-blues returned ‘home’ to El Volcán and found themselves inspired by familiar surroundings and the very welcome return of captain Mateo Tafalla, who bagged himself a hatrick to remind everyone he is not done yet, and led the team to its best result of qualifying - a hark back to some of the crazy days of the Baptism of Fire. The game was a fitting end to the home matches of the cycle - and came to a close with a new record - Vilca Hualla becoming the first substitute to score for Tequilo. The only blemish on a balmy night in the capital was Baskar H Kumar’s early goal for the visitors but that only served to wake up the home crowd, who were in no mood for accepting another disappointing capitulation, that have to some extent punctured this campaign and undone good works elsewhere. That wasn’t to be, however, as Los Pitxileros powered through to a fine victory, sending supporters home happy and hopeful of a top-six finish. This is out of their hands however, with Tequilo needing Mattijana to drop points in at least one of their final two games, and for the agave-blues to at least match their result on the final matchday.

Tequilo take a break for the penultimate match of qualifying and then return for a trip to Quakmybush in the last game, where they will benefit from the return of Huracan in defence; coach Isaac Martí opts to keep Huachalla at right back and brings in Ixtub Tün to the midfield in place of the injured Callañuapa, who looks favourite at this stage to win player of the team whilst sitting in the treatment room. The rest of the midfield remains the same but up front Agustin de Leon makes his first start for the team ahead of Roxelio Toran, who drops to the bench.

---

Starting Line-Up for TEQUILO @ Quakmybush:
Bienvenida | Zambo, Apeiztegui, Huracan, Huachalla | Ixtub Tün | Artechevarria, Tafalla (Capitan), Bailén | Tlacolotl & de Leon

VENUE: The Quackerbox, somewhere in Quakmybush

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?
What ever happened to Guillermo Puertas?

He wasn’t much a of a footballer, old Guillermo Puertas, and in a reversal of trying to find where a famous footballer went after life in the state championships, this time we trace the surprising history of someone who is well known throughout Tequilo society - and mostly loathed, to be honest - to see if we can find anyone who remembers his unremarkable playing days. You probably didn’t realise but yes, we are talking about that Guillermo Puertas - supernerd, writer of ugly code, builder of cheap and nasty computers, inventor of electronic pebbles that don’t work, investor in every bad global corporation, and the man who, allegedly, wants to fit an electronic chip in every goldfish in Tequilo, so that he can, apparently, use them to spy on their owners. Reviled for his fortune but more so for his damned useless computers, it is often forgotten that he was also an appalling defender for lower league side Rápido Raití. They are such a small and useless outfit that you might think they want to grab the coat-tails of the richest man in Tequilo, and perhaps all the Wide Enness Ocean, to shout from the highest tower - “this man played for Rápido!” But none of it. They have tried editing his name from their club history and even explored a super injunction to stop us writing this piece, but couldn’t afford even to get a 3-hour ticket at the courts of justice car park. So, whatever Rápido say, you heard the truth here - incompetent super rich dumbass evil genius nerdy abombado Guillermo Puertas once played full back at Rápido Raití. It’s hard to imagine, but entirely true.

RÚI de Los ROVAS
Rúi Raza & the family company are back!

---

Read on as we find out that Great Uncle Alan has saved the day at Blackburn Rovers for Rodi Raza-Shearer, smoothing things over with youth coach Lofty Crouch and paying off the landlady at Rodi’s digs. With his career back on track, Rodi vows to get his head down and make Alan proud, but when Rúi finds out that the other side of the family have been interfering with Rodi’s career, he goes ballistic. Strangely no mention of the possibly assassinated Roque, although everyone seems to be carrying on as normal. Great-granddaughter Rita Raza plans a way to get young client Jack Grealish to damn well behave himself and sign for Manchester United.

NEXT TIME
What’s Up In The Next Issue of GOLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL-a!!!

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Coming soon - We finish our series on the Big Ten of the domestic league with a looks at three greats from Antivador, whilst wondering, whatever happened to virtual sensation Xürnô Xâmbá? Meanwhile, in the final episode of the season, Rúi de Los Rovas ends on a cliff-hanger in a highly transparent hint that the modern version of the comic will be reprised soon - can Rúi, a 125-year old former footballer and player agent, prevent World War III between Russia and Monaco? Spoiler alert: of course he can. But how?!

[The Jovannic]

What's there to say? a comfortable 1-0 victory against Warnarpu, with Ianu scoring early. Next match, Northwest Kalactin, a test of our defensive steel and attacking prowess.

[HUElavia]

HUElavia Falls Short of Clinching Qualification in Tough Loss!

Equestria 2-1 HUElavia
(REDACTED 8', REDACTED 58' (P)| Cristiano 27')

HUElavia came into Matchday 24 needing just a draw at Equestria to qualify to the World Cup, playing in a sold-out crowd while a very sizable amount of HUElavians made the trip to watch the match in the stadium. HUElavians and Equestrians were playing for 1st Place, meaning both teams were fielding their best players. HUElavia wore their Away Uniform for the match, with Lobato wearing the Away Goalkeeper Uniform.

The match kicked off, and both teams began making passes with precision and calculation in order to prevent the other team from regaining possession and setting up an attack. The opening goal would fall in the 8th minute, as a shot by REDACTED was blocked by Lobato, but it landed to the foot of REDACTED, who tapped it in into the goal past the fingertips of Lobato to make it 1-0. The Equestrians were happy and celebrated with passion while the HUElavian team was protesting for an offside, but the replays showed nothing and the match had to resume. HUElavia went on the attack once again, and began putting pressure on the Equestrians. Cristiano and Navarro were letting off both shots and headers while Hamada was going off with shots, all while being orchestrated by the midfield trio of Gallego, Ramirez, and Rossi. Los Amarillos would get the equalizer in the 27th minute, as a cross by Amaru into the box would pass over defenders and REDACTED, leaving Cristiano alone in front of goal and he headed the ball into the goal with ease to make it 1-1. Cristiano hugged and celebrated with his teammates while the Equestrian crowd booed at the goal, as HUElavia was getting the qualification for the moment. Both teams would attack left and right, but to no avail as spectacular goalkeeping by REDACTED and Lobato helped prevent any other goals from going in. After three minutes of additional time, the first half ended 1-1.

The second half kicked off and both teams went back to precise and calculated passes and crosses, trying to keep possession to themselves and close off scoring opportunities for the opponent. As time passed along, attacks were made by the Equestrians and HUElavians, but the shots would be saved by REDACTED or Lobato, or just go out wide. Only 2 or 3 shots all together would hit the bar or post. In the 58th minute, a pass from REDACTED to REDACTED had them running towards Lobato, only for Amaru to foul REDACTED in the box, which the referee instantly pointed to the penalty spot and called a penalty kick and gave a yellow card to Amaru. REDACTED stepped up to send Lobato the wrong way as the ball went in the center of the goal, to make it 2-1. REDACTED was mobbed by their teammates while the crowd went crazy, and the HUElavian team and supporters were left stunned at the penalty and the utter recklessness by Amaru. HUElavia would then continue waves of attacks left and right, including with the substitutions of Sissoko, Leblanc and Conti (for Navarro, Gallego and Ramirez respectively). Although, this ended in saves by REDACTED or blocks by the defense as time ticked away and chances were slipping away. Finally, after 3 minutes of additional time, the referee ended the match at 2-1, which meant HUElavia lost for the 5th time in the qualifiers.

With the loss, HUElavia stays at 49 Points (16-1-5), while Equestria essentially secures 1st Place with 53 points (15-8-0). The only other game of note was Kandorith's 0-4 away victory at South Concepthania to stay in 3rd Place with 46 Points (13-7-3). HUElavia will play their next match against the Blouman Empire in the Final Home Match of the Qualifiers at Estadio do Oro in Ourao, another stadium that will be Baptized by the National Team's visit. The A-Team will play once again, but with Ricardo in goal and Smirnov playing in the defense. The team will wear their Home Alternative Uniform for the match. Once again, a victory or a draw will qualify the team to the World Cup.

FORCA HUELAVIA! VAMOS HUELAVIA! GO HUELAVIA!

[Timuria]

Sargossa 4–2 Timuria

Quick Summary by Aliser Hasanov

Sargossa Goals: Mauricio Sainz (18, 59, 80), Esteban Pomar (49)

Timuria Goals: Vatan Ercetin (41), Ismail Burhan (53)

Yellow Cards: Reza Karaduman

What They Said After The Match:

Bekir Altingunes: "I know this isn't what you're meant to say, but in a lot of ways it's a relief that it's over and that we know for sure that no matter what happened here we wouldn't be going to the World Cup. That doesn't excuse some of the poor performances out there, which have been noted, but it does mean that we can play without that weight on us and we can start trying to assess players for the Cup of Harmony. So expect a rotated squad next time out. In terms of my contract and me getting an extension, I haven't heard anything and I'm not focussed on it at all, since I'm contracted until the end of the next AOCAF, so we have plenty of time to come to an agreement about my future."

Player Ratings:

Iskender Nur 5/10

Ozbek Sarikaya 6/10

Kemal Colak 5/10

Berker Balkan 6/10

Gokdeniz Dag 6/10

Ertan Renda 6/10

Reza Karaduman 5/10

Caner Turan 6/10

Vatan Ercetin 7/10

Volkan Ayhan 5/10

Ismail Burhan 7/10

Substitutes:

Person of the Match: Mauricio Sainz - He got a tremendous hattrick that was very clearly the difference here today. Without his spark this match most likely would have gone the other way.

Schedule and Results:

Home stadiums will have capacity in brackets

MD1: @ Xuzaqiy W 5-3
MD2: vs Cassadaigua, Dev Halk Stadium (30,000), Demir L 3-2
MD3: @ Kelssek L 2-1
MD4: vs Barunia, Tashkent Belediye Isci Stadium (18,500), Tashkent L 4-1
MD5: @ Audiasania W 3-2
MD6: Bye
MD7: vs Olastor, Belediye Park (5,800), Demir W 3-1
MD8: @ Patistan W 5-3
MD9: vs The Mann Clan, Belediye Park (5,800), Demir W 2-0
MD10: @ Grod Island W 5-3
MD11: vs Sargossa, Hisar Belediye Sendika Stadium (27,500), Demir D 1-1
MD12: @ Res Publica Nova Roma W 7-3
MD13: vs Ziwana, Halkın Güneş Çiftliği Stadium (27,000), Elektriklestirme W 4-2
MD14: vs Xuzaqiy, Demir-Is Stadium (5,500), Demir W 6-1
MD15: @ Cassadaigua D 0-0
MD16: vs Kelssek, Madenci Stadium (27,000), Uryan L 3-1
MD17: @Barunia W 3-2
MD18: vs Audiasania, Maden-Is Stadium (3,400), Uryan W 2-1
MD19: Bye
MD20: @ Olastor W 6-2
MD21: vs Patistan, Almat Jimnasyum (3,000), Demir W 3-1
MD22: @ The Mann Clan W 1-0
MD23: vs Grod Island, Tasova Belediye Stadium (2,000), Tasova W 4-3
MD24: @Sargossa L 4-2
MD25: vs Res Public Nova Roma, Dev Halk Stadium (30,000), Demir
MD26: @ Ziwana

[Zwangzug]

Amelie had slept during the day--it wasn't hard, she pointed out, not with Vaughn fairly silent. Which meant at night, when Samuel was trying to rest, she was up and pacing and finally climbed out to the bench. Except that there, it was too dark to write anything people could respond to, so Niels had joined her in the half-lit tunnel.

Couldn't sleep either?

He shrugged. "Second wind, I guess."

She nodded. You're lucky my mouth is too sore to sing, otherwise I'd annoy you with my bad taste.

"Wouldn't be annoying."

You say that now. Everyone says that at first.

"Write it out, then?"

Doesn't have same effect. She gave a brief smile.

"When my grandma was sick," Niels said, "my mom said that she liked to listen to the hymn that...I forget, it's asking God to be with us whether we live or die. Same melody as the Polarian anthem, I think. Different words. Obviously."

Your grandma was Polarian?

"No. Just catchy song."

Amelie thought this over. Not the one from Bassabook????

"The one about something something now and evermore? No, not that one."

The one they want to make us sing at the cups.

"What?"

They keep telling the league office 'you know what would be a great thing to do for the cup matches'? Sing a hymn about how God watches over us even if we die that'll definitely get everyone in the mood. I mean our league is stupid but it's not THAT stupid.

"How have I never heard about this?"

The league immediately ignores them like reasonable people would do.

Niels was not sure what to make of this. If true, he felt he would have heard it from a slightly more official source. Then again, it wouldn't be past Amelie to keep tabs on Bassabook's absurd musical stunts. "I can think of a couple other better choices."

Everybody can.

"The people's net," he began, "is thin and white..."

He was just one person. No match for the organized fan clubs that quickly spread parodies, much less for whatever probably developed in more social, more raucous countries. But he remembered the lyrics; the patterns within the music made them stick in some accessible corner of his brain when other words came and went.

Keep going? Amelie wrote. I mean, only if you want.

"Three men went a-hunting," echoed Niels, "and something they did find."

It wasn't much, but if Amelie appreciated it, it was the least he could do. Newer tunes bubbled to mind, and older. There were chants from Krytenia, Audioslavia, the Archregimancy, Reçueçn. Sometimes even he wasn't sure, but he was a channel, a conduit for Amelie to focus on something else that wasn't the pain and the same bleak field where even five-a-side had grown repetitive. He kept going, until he was no longer sure if she could still hear him or had tuned him out for different harmonies.

(Messy 25, Godick 58, Kim 67; Saitta 41, Blum 70)

[Busoga Islands]

The Busoga Chronicle
The Islands #1 News Source!

The curse of #2- failure of anyone to pull away in Group 2 will give away to a thrilling, chaotic finish in this group


The crowd in Lakiska for the Busoga Islands' match against EGM

LAKISKA, SOUTH ISLAND- There are so few matches left. And yet, in Group 2, so many teams are in contention. There is Kita-Hinode, flying high and well above the rest, undefeated and dominant. And then, there's the rest of us, scrambling for position. Five teams are within 3 points of second place, a position that is held by the Busoga Islands for the first time since Matchday 11. This group has been incredibly close from the word go, as a number of teams are jockeying for what is certainly a coveted berth in the World Cup Finals. Now, of course, the Busoga Islands have the inside track, vaulting back into second place, with nobody level with us on points.

It's a nice feeling. That means, for at least Matchday 25, we won't have to scoreboard watch. But there's certainly a lot of work to do. There's no sense thinking about Matchday 26- for it'll mean nothing unless we're successful on Matchday 25. Matchday 25, we will have our last away game of Qualification. That's right, taking a trip to Lochario. This is the definition of a trap game. But all of our energies must be put here if we want to win. For one, Lochario has already beaten us once, downing us 1-0 in Dukuma on Matchday 12. The temptations to look toward Matchday 26 are obvious. To do our part in helping the players focus, we're committed, alongside a number of Busoga Islander media organizations, to only ask questions about Lochario and Matchday 25. One day at a time. Take care of business on the other side of Atlantian Oceania. And there will be huge numbers of travelling fans- ticket prices have skyrocketed, both for flights to Lochario and secondary market ticket prices for this match as they are snatched up by eager Islander fans. There will certainly be large numbers of the travelling faithful at the Zun Olympic Stadium.

There's not much to do for a preview. And we won't mention the obvious- we're sure you all can talk about it. Let's talk about the journey that Group 2 has had. Many have said that Group 2 is the weakest, as their Qualifier will likely have the least amount of points. And that second part is technically true. But we challenge claims on weakness- we think that it means Group 2 is the strongest group out of the bunch. The fact that so many teams remain in contention with just two games left show the extreme competitiveness among the group. It's not just two teams dominating a bunch of weaker ones- there are 5 teams still contending for a berth in the Finals, and chances are that will remain true going into Matchday 26.

The defining feature of this group, especially in the second half, has been the inability of the team in 2nd place to pull away. Let's go back through and detail this.

Matchday 14
Entering Matchday in 2nd: Drawkland

Lochario 3–2 Drawkland

Exiting Matchday in 2nd: Drawkland

Matchday 15
Entering Matchday in 2nd: Drawkland

Drawkland 4–1 Torisakia

Exiting Matchday in 2nd: Drawkland

Matchday 16
Entering Matchday in 2nd: Drawkland

Balaslandia 1–3 Drawkland

Exiting Matchday in 2nd: Drawkland

Matchday 17
Entering Matchday in 2nd: Drawkland

Drawkland 3–4 Wreckeria

Exiting Matchday in 2nd: Drawkland

These first four games really are just the beginning of illustrating the point. Now, you wouldn't say the curse really started at this point, although the pattern had began to form. Drawkland was able to maintain second place throughout these first four matchdays of the second half of Qualifying, which is what you'd expect for a team in Pot 2 who had taken part in the previous World Cup.

WE really mention these, however, not because of Drawkland's 2-2 record, but because of who they lost to. First, coming right out of the break, losing an away game to Lochario. Now, don't get me wrong- in this group, nothing is guaranteed, especially away from home. And hell, we lost to Lochario at our own house. But points against a team that languished in the bottom four of this group for the entire campaign should be taken, and Drawkland really wishes they had those points now. And while they won their next two, they had a tough loss at home to Wreckeria. Now, we think Wreckeria is not a terrible loss. They're an extremely tough out, even if their position on the table doesn't reflect that. But still- first four games against teams that, at that point, weren't serious competitors to qualify, Drawkland would have surely wanted more than 6 points.

Matchday 18
Entering Matchday in 2nd: Drawkland

Busoga Islands 1–3 Drawkland

Exiting Matchday in 2nd: Drawkland

Matchday 19
Entering Matchday in 2nd: Drawkland

Drawkland 0–1 Squornshelan Remnant States

Exiting Matchday in 2nd: Drawkland

Matchday 20
Entering Matchday in 2nd: Drawkland
Bye
Exiting Matchday in 2nd: Squornshelous Remnant States


And here is the first time that a different team grabbed second place during the second half of Qualifying. Now, Drawkland was able to come into Lakiska for an extra tough away game, and they largely handled the Islanders. Many had written off the Busoga Islands after they suffered back to back losses against the Squornshelous Remnant States and Drawkland. They clearly were proven wrong, but that's not the point of this article. While Drawkland won a tough one in Lakiska, they had another tough game at home, against the SRS. The Squornshelous Remnant States were able to win, and then they won again during their bye to overktake Drawkland in the standings. At this point, they had 37 total points. This is really when the chaos started happening.

Matchday 21
Entering Matchday in 2nd: Squornshelous Remnant States

Gyatso-kai 2–1 Squornshelan Remnant States

Exiting Matchday in 2nd: Squornshelous Remnant States

Finally taking over second place, the Squornshelous Remnant States had a chance on this Matchday to really solidify their lead. Entering the matchday, the SRS were of course in second place, while Gyatso-Kai was in 9th and already mathematically eliminated from contention for the World Cup Finals. But even though they knew the Cup of Harmony was their destination, they downed the SRS by a score of 2 goals to 1, on their home field. Both Busoga and Drawkland failed to take advantage, as we fell away to Donnacona on that matchday, and Drawkland had a tough 3-3 draw with an already eliminated Jantor. Any given matchday, anyone can beat anyone, right? That's certainly true in this group(unless the opponent is Kita-Hinode, of course). Kohnhead and Torisakia both took maximum points on the day, however, ensuring the group got tighter.

Matchday 22
Entering Matchday in 2nd: Squornshelous Remnant States

Squornshelan Remnant States 1–2 Donnacona

Exiting Matchday in 2nd: Squornshelous Remnant States

Another day, another surprising loss for the team in second place. Many thought, ok, maybe the SRS overlooked Gyatso-Kai, it's a tough flight, it's a tough away game. But then, an even bigger surprise came. Donnacona, who struggled in the second half but started beating competitors for Qualifying left and right in the second half, threw another dent in the race for the Finals by dropping the SRS by a score of 2-1. For the second straight week, the Squornshelous Remnant States had lost to an already eliminated side, this time at home. There was all sorts of chaos in the group, as we got another result against Kita-Hinode, a point that could prove huge down the line, while Drawkland got smoked at home by Gyatso-Kai and Torisakia could only get one point at home against Lochario.

Matchday 23
Entering Matchday in 2nd: Squornshelous Remnant States

Kita-Hinode 3–3 Squornshelan Remnant States

Exiting Matchday in 2nd: Drawkland

Frankly, this is a decent result. But you gotta face the king eventually, and the SRS had their turn in the sun. Like the Busoga Islands, they were able to earn a crucial point away from home in Kita-Hinode after a pair of consecutive back to back losses against already eliminated sides. However, Drawkland was able to ensure that they were in prime position to take advantage of the SRS slip-up, by earning three points in a crucial away game in Donnacona. We were also able to earn three points thanks to a late winner from Madhav Oojam in Orange Bull Arena, securing us three crucial points.

Matchday 24
Entering Matchday in 2nd: Drawkland

Drawkland 2–4 Kita-Hinode

Exiting Matchday in 2nd: Busoga Islands

Of course, this is also an extremely challenging matchup for the team in second place. There's a reason Kita-Hinode hasn't lost yet- they're far and away the best team in this group, and their 17-0-5(W-L-D) record reflects that. Like everybody else in this group, they weren't able to solve the riddle of the multiverse's 10th ranked team, and they fell. There's no shame in losing to Kita-HInode- but points dropped earlier in the campaign may come back to haunt them. Ikshu Amitabh's 35th minute penalty kick against EGM was all we needed to earn three points on the Matchday, and surpass Drawkland for second place.

So let's go back through it, shall we? The team entering a matchday in second place during the second half of World Cup Qualifying, in Group 2, has been 3-5-2(W-L-T), for a total of 11 points earned across 11 matchdays out of a possible 30. In comparison, after Matchday 11, 9 of Group 2's 13 sides had reached the 11 point mark. So basically, the second place side plays like a 9th place team in this group. And it gets worse. Over the last six matchdays, the team in 2nd place has lost three games and drawn two. While the draws, of course, were against Kita-Hinode, it means that the group's second place team hasn't won since Matchday 18, when Drawkland, ironically, beat the Busoga Islands.

This puts us in an interesting position. The path forward is straight, although it is incredibly dangerous. Win from a position that nobody in your group has won from in six matchdays. Beat a team on the road that you've already lost to at home. But you know what they say, right? If you want to go somewhere you've never been(the World Cup), you need to do something that you've never done. The curse of the 2nd place team is why this group is so close. Can the Busoga Islands end that curse in Lochario, and make it to Matchday 26 unscathed?

[Squornshelan Remnant States]

Sitting Down with Kornelie Tamela
Salwan Mynhier

Salwan Mynhier: Welcome readers, or listeners as I should say today. Here to answer a few questions today is none other than our National Team manager and erstwhile SCFA board member Kornelie Tamela. Kornelie, thank you for agreeing to join me.

Kornelie Tamela: Thank you for having me Salwan.

SM: Don't thank me just yet. I'm not going to be pitching you any softballs today.

KT: I think I can handle myself just fine, let's get started.

SM: No sense beating around the bush, I'll get right to the point. Your team has a 5-2-1 record against the teams currently between 1st and 5th in the standings, but is 7-1-6 against those placed 6th through 13th. How do you explain this inconsistent form, and what have you done to address it?

KT: Early on, we were playing a pretty irresponsible style. 17 goals allowed through six matches was a pretty ugly statistic, so we knew we needed to work on that. There were some tactical adjustments to be made, and I think the team was a bit uncomfortable against Gyatso-kai the first time out as a result. Unfortunately, we've had a lack of urgency in some of our matches. It's not difficult to motivate a team when they're facing top opposition, and know they have a potential six-point match on their hands, it goes without saying they need to give their all, and the players' performances against top teams have been admirable. I'm especially proud of our efforts against Drawkland. It was always going to be harder to make sure we keep focused against other, smaller teams, hence the letdowns against Gyatso-kai and Donnacona in the second half. I think to some extent, we were looking ahead a bit too much, focusing on Kita-Hinode and Kohnhead as must-wins. That rests of me, ultimately, and I take responsibility for our record, the good and the bad.

SM: That's a phrase that seems to come easy to a lot of people's lips, but it's hard to follow through. What about dropping two matches to 193rd-ranked Torisakia.

KT: It doesn't excuse our performances against them, but they've proved they're much better than their ranking. You've definitely cherry-picked your statistics by lumping them in with the bottom 7 teams, they don't deserve that, and my players don't deserve to have those two matches looked at as equivalent to playing some cupcake. Torisakia are anything but, and maybe media disregard for them as a contender has something to do with how many have underestimated them.

SM: I see. So I share some blame for the team losing to Torisakia, do I?

KT: Don't be childish. If you're going to call me out for the team's inconsistent performances, I can return the favor by complaining about how you choose to categorize those performances. Both are deserved.

SM: *laughs* All right then, I can see I'm not going to make much headway on that course. Let's move on to a different callout then shall we?

KT: By all means.

SM: After Matchday 20, the Black-and-Reds were in second place in the group for the first time, but have earned just two points from the four matches since. If the team ultimately fails to qualify, do you think you deserve to stay on as manager?

KT: Deserve? That's an interesting way of putting it. No, I suppose I probably won't deserve to stay on if we don't qualify. if we'd had better results from the past few matches, and we definitely should have, we could've been quite a few points clear of third place, so based purely on that, I would probably deserve to be sacked.

SM: So will you step down if that happens?

KT: Not unless I'm asked to by the board. From my perspective, the decision doesn't have very much to do with whether a manager deserves to stay on or be sacked. It's about what's going to benefit the team. When we dismissed Bethany Donnell, for instance, our primary concern was not about whether she deserved it or not. We felt that a change in management was what was needed to improve the team's play, and hopefully salvage a good qualifying run. In the end, it didn't work out that way, but that was the decision we made at the time.

SM: And you don't think it would benefit the team to have new leadership if you prove unable to get them to the World Cup after being in prime position to qualify jut a few weeks ago?

KT: Not necessarily. Looking at what this team has been through over the past few years, it's a lot of upheaval. Donnell being sacked partway into qualifying two years ago, and Zaman coming in with a completely different tactical system. Zaman being sacked after the Cup of Harmony, and the team again having to adapt to a new system with me. Lets not forget they've been playing my system for less than a year. It'll be a tremendous disappointment if we aren't able to qualify, and if the board decides that means I have to go, I'll accept that decision. But unless they have a truly compelling candidate in mind, I think the best thing for the team at present is a little continuity.

SM: How do you answer the criticism that you have influenced the SCFA board to curtail the search for a new manager so that you can hang onto the job yourself?

KT: I don't? It's an absurd notion. I have recused myself from all SCFA board activity, without exception. I don't attend meetings, I certainly don't vote, I don't even get the minutes of those meetings. Whoever thinks I have the spare time to act as some sort of sinister puppet master while managing the national team full time must think I never sleep.

SM: So you really don't think you have any influence over the board's decisions?

KT: I haven't even been in contact with most of them. I talk sometimes with [SCFA president] Ailen [Koirala] but she's a personal friend. Besides that, it's not as if the board would just do what I told them even if I were in touch. We have a board instead of just a president precisely because we wanted diverse perspectives, so most of them see things differently from me. you can trust me, they're not going to do me any favors just because I'm a board member.

SM: That's fair enough I suppose. It's no secret after all that your views differ considerably from Viordar Cervkle or Eldon Prandel after all. Let's take a different tack for a moment. Assuming you're able to win your last two matches and get some favorable results elsewhere in the group, what steps will you take to prepare this team for the World Cup, is it any different from approaching the Cup of Harmony?

KT: I don't think there's a substantial difference. Wherever we play, whoever we play, we want to be at the top of our game, which is the same in either case. There's a lot of film analysis obviously, seeing what works and why, where our chemistry is breaking down, and what opposing sides will see in our play. It's my job to anticipate how we'll be attacked and defended against and put tactics in place to prepare us for different possibilities. Should we end up in the Cup of Harmony, we'll need to make sure we keep the stakes high, so to speak.

SM: What exactly do you mean by that, "keep the stakes high?"

KT: Well, as you and a lot of other people have pointed out, we've suffered some repeated letdowns against teams we should really be beating, and lost out on a lot of points that way. If we go to the cup, we'll likely be one of, if not the lowest ranked team there, so motivation based on our opponents' stature shouldn't be a problem. In the Cup of Harmony, we could be a pot 1 team, depending on the size of the tournament field. Facing lower ranked opposition, we have to do a better job of viewing them as dangerous, challenging opponents and bringing our best. Even as a 2 seed in a smaller field, we have to avoid that sort of sloppy, careless performance to get the result we want.

SM: And what result is that? Can this team make a deep run?

KT: Well no one who ends up in the Cup of Harmony is unbeatable, or else they wouldn't be there. As a competition, it's about execution and will to compete. Form trumps class in the CoH every time.

SM: You sound as if you think your team can win it all.

KT: There's no reason why they can't. That's both the opportunity and the danger of the Cup of Harmony. Every team in it has the potential to win. Yes, teams ranked in the twenties and even the teens may appear, but motivation becomes the issue there. We're no different from any other team on the edge of qualification. If we end up in the Cup of Harmony, we could easily be upset if our minds aren't focused fully on the task at hand. But we can also beat any team who might appear at that tournament.

SM: An interesting time for this type of confidence, when the Black-and-Reds haven't won in four straight matches.

KT: Is there a question in that shade somewhere?

SM: Sorry. You've stated your belief in this team's ability to win. Why, when that ability has been absent since they got their first taste of second place?

KT: Nothing I can say here is going to satisfactorily answer that question, so I'll just reiterate. I believe my players, and in this team. We need some help from the Islanders' opponents to qualify, of course, but as for why I think we can win, you'll just have to tune in for the match for that.

SM: Well said, and on that note we're out of time. Kornelie, thanks again for joining me, and good luck.

KT: Thank you Salwan.

SM: That's all for now everyone, hopefully tomorrow I'll be able to talk to you about how justified Kornelie's confidence was. Until then, keep reading.

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 0-1 SRS @ Spartan Veteran Stadium (107,500)
MD20: SRS 3-0 Jantor @ Malgacorp Arena, Hensha, Megabrantis, SRS (cap. 29,350)
MD21: Gyatso-kai 2-1 SRS @ Meshgeroya'yaim, Keldabe, Mandalore, GKI (cap. 79,890)
MD22: SRS 1-2 Donnacona @ Smolak Systemy Stadion, Sjerezo, Molvania, SRS (cap. 31,200)
MD23: Kita-Hinode 3-3 SRS @ Tentai City, Tentai, HIN (cap. 80,000)
MD24: SRS 0-0 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)

[Darmen]

8:49am, Friday, December 7, 2046
Leeward Resort
Cayo Costa, Earo, Southern Esportivan Union

Six weeks of hard work gathering information and negotiating with the government of the Southern Esportivan Union.
Five angry Earons who just wanted to have their island back.
Four brutal press conferences facing ferocious Frecmentan journalists.
Three trips to Tanamera to meet with the Benevolent Association because “We’ve another gift for you!”.
Two Vasilyev crime family assasination attempts avoided.
And one Diomedea esportiva in a palm tree.

No seriously, there was a giant Albatross at the top of a nearby palm tree and Nye Smythe was having a staring contest with it. After being cooped up in the islands of the Southern Esportivan Union for a month and a half, Smythe had run out of things to do. He was beginning to think he might end up losing his mind.

Smythe had been waiting for the Chairman of the Southern Esportivan Union, Aston West, to show up at the open-air café of the Leeward Resort. West was to review the Integration Agreement one last time before it would be given to each of the six nations for a final review. Darmeni President Tor Tong Lee was to show up in a week’s time to sign the agreement and get the process rolling.

West meanwhile was twenty minutes late to their scheduled 8:30am meeting and when he finally did show up didn’t seem to be bothered at all by his rudeness.

“Smythe, how good to see you again. I suspect our time together is drawing to a close?”

Smythe nodded, “Just a couple more weeks and I’ll be back in Darmen once again monitoring the wonderful and excellently exciting geopolitical game of the Vatmark.”

“Sounds fascinating,” replied West, completely oblivious to the sarcasm hidden in Smythe’s response. “Shall we take a look at the agreement?”

Smythe nodded once more, spreading out three sheets of paper on the table.

Agreement on the Integration of the Southern Esportivan Union into the Republic of Darmen

Article I - Integration
§1 - The Republic of Darmen, the Southern Esportivan Union and its constituent nations, namely: Aissurop, Earo, Frecmenta, the Lee Islands, Naitpyge and Tanamera; do hereby agree that the Southern Esportivan Union shall be dissolved and its territory integrated into the Republic of Darmen.

§2 - Integration shall be dependent on the successful passage of integration referendums to be held in each of the constituent nations. Such referendums shall be held within 30 days of the adoption of this agreement and shall be held in accordance with the national laws of each of the constituent nations.

§3 - Should any constituent nation fail to pass their integration referendums, they shall maintain their present independent status.

§4 - The exact date of integration shall be set by executive order of the President of the Republic of Darmen and is to be no later than 90 days after the date of the referendums.

§5 - Upon integration, the constituent nations shall be dissolved. Each island shall be its own municipality within the Republic of Darmen. Together the islands shall form Esportivan Darmen.

Article II - Extant Laws
§1 - All extant laws of the Southern Esportivan Union and its constituent nations shall be reviewed by the High Court of Administrative Law. Laws complying with both the Constitution of the Republic of Darmen and extant national laws of the Republic of Darmen shall continue in force. All other laws shall be declared null and void.

Article III - Governance
§1 - Esportivan Darmen shall be represented in Parliament in accordance with the Political Reform Act of 2045. The Assembly of the Southern Esportivan Union shall elect two members to sit for the remainder of the present parliamentary term. Thereafter, Esportivan Darmen shall participate in all electoral activities of the Republic of Darmen.

§2 - The Assembly of the Southern Esportivan Union shall be renamed the Esportivan Darmen Regional Council. It shall continue its activities, subject to the Constitution of the Republic of Darmen and the terms of this agreement. Its current members shall retain their seats until the next elections.

§3 - Local governance of each island shall, in the interim period, be handled jointly by the Executive Cabinet of the Republic of Darmen and the Esportivan Darmen Regional Council. The exact mechanisms for such governance shall be determined by an executive order of the President of the Republic of Darmen.

Article IV - Defense
§1 - All personnel and equipment of the Southern Esportivan Union Public Safety Agency Air Wing are hereby transferred to the Darmeni Air Force.

§2 - All personnel and equipment of the Southern Esportivan Union Public Safety Agency Maritime Patrol are hereby transferred to the Darmeni Coast Guard.

§3 - All personnel and equipment of the Southern Esportivan Union Public Safety Agency Land Force are hereby transferred to the National Gendarmerie.

§4 - The National Defense Force General Headquarters shall conduct a review of the defense requirements of Esportivan Darmen and submit such review to the National Security Council and Parliamentary Committee on Defense within 90 days of the integration of Esportivan Darmen into the Republic of Darmen.

Article V - Law Enforcement and Justice
§1 - Until such time as the establishment of municipal or regional policing occurs, all law enforcement in Esportivan Darmen shall be the responsibility of the 7th Gendarmerie Regiment of the National Gendarmerie.

§2 - The Superior Court of Esportivan Darmen shall be established as the highest court in Esportivan Darmen. The court’s initial membership shall be made up of the President Justice of the Court of Justice of the Southern Esportivan Union and the six Chief Justices of each of the constituent nations. Appeals of decisions made by the Superior Court of Esportivan Darmen shall be made solely to the Supreme Court of Darmen.

§3 - The Esportivan Darmen Regional Council, in cooperation with the Courts and Tribunals Service, shall make provision for the establishment and maintenance of Municipal Courts for each of the islands.

Article VI - Finance and Taxation
§1 - The Esportivan Darmen Regional Council shall have the responsibility to levy taxes, secure financing and pay its expenses.

§2 - Esportivan Darmen shall not be subject to any of the taxes levied by the national government of Darmen.

Article VII - Education
§1 - The extant education system of the Southern Esportivan Union shall continue as is. Its maintenance shall be the responsibility of the Esportivan Darmen Regional Council.

§2 - Esportivan Darmen shall not be subject to the National Basic Curriculum. The Esportivan Darmen Regional Council shall have the responsibility to draw up a Regional Basic Curriculum to take its place.

Article VIII - Healthcare
§1 - All public hospitals in Esportivan Darmen shall be nationalized under the National Health Board. An NHB Regional Authority shall be established for Esportivan Darmen.

§2 - All private hospitals in Esportivan Darmen shall continue their operations independent of government control. The Esportivan Regional Council, in cooperation with the National Health Inspection Department, shall make provision to ensure that all private hospitals meet the minimum standards of the national health code.

Article IX - Culture and Sports
§1 - The Esportivan Darmen Regional Council shall have the responsibility to determine the cultural policy of Esportivan Darmen. The Regional Council shall be prohibited with establishing a cultural policy which is in direct opposition to the cultural policy of the rest of Darmen.

§2 - All extant sports governing bodies in Esportivan Darmen shall become members of the respective sports governing bodies of the Republic of Darmen. The national sports governing bodies of the Republic of Darmen shall make provision to integrate the extant sporting competitions of Esportivan Darmen into the sporting competitions of the Republic of Darmen in whatever way possible.

Article X - Communications
§1 - The Department of Postal Services and the Department of Telecommunications shall make immediate provision for the integration of all extant communications systems in Esportivan Darmen into the communications systems of the Republic of Darmen.

Article XI - Environment
§1 - The national government of the Republic of Darmen pledges one billion dollars for expenses incurred in handling the environmental concerns of Esportivan Darmen. The national government of the Republic of Darmen shall compensate all current and future environmentally displaced persons for their displacement and loss of property.

§2 - The Department of the Environment shall further conduct a study of all islands in Esportivan Darmen to determine any significant environmental challenges such islands may deal with in the next ten years and propose possible solutions to such challenges. Funding for the possible solutions shall be drawn from the aforementioned one billion dollars.

Article XII - Transportation
§1 - The Esportivan Darmen Regional Council shall have the responsibility to establish and maintain a regional ferry service.

§2 - The Department for Transportation shall make provision for the improvement of an existing airport in Esportivan Darmen to handle passenger and cargo flights between Esportivan Darmen and mainland Darmen.

Article XIII - Disputes and Other Provisions
§1 - In the case of any dispute between the Republic of Darmen and the Southern Esportivan Union; or in any case where this agreement does not adequately provide for a situation which has arisen; which arises prior to the date of integration, the President of the Republic and the Chairman of the Assembly of the Southern Esportivan Union shall make a joint decision to settle the dispute or provide direction for its resolution.

§2 - Following the date of integration, all decisions shall be the sole prerogative of the President of the Republic of Darmen.

Smythe and West finished reading through the document. West nodded. He extended his hand to Smythe for the two men to shake on a job well done. “This seems most ag...”

He never finished his sentence. The Diomedea esportiva left the palm tree, flew over the agreement and the two men and...

...let loose.

West immediately had second thoughts on the agreement. Smythe couldn't help but think that the unfortunate events of the past few seconds were an omen of how the All Greens' qualification campaign was going to go. And the author of this story was fairly certain this wasn't the first time he had written something involving a bird defecating on an international agreement.

It was all a big mess really.

[Hampton Island]

(Locker room following the win over Floyssauu)

Hannah Sanders: Well done today, congratulations guys! I have more good news too, Lisander lost their game.

Clyde Benner: Wow, that is good news! Is this really happening guys? Are we really on the verge of the World Cup?

Roger Grant: How many more games do we have to play? Another 20?

Edwin Conney: No, Roger, this marathon actually really does only have two games left.

Roger Grant: I know. That wasn’t me forgetting, I was just messing with ya.

Edwin Conney: Good then, we never can tell.

Hank Andrews: My left knee is cramping up bad, guys. I don’t know how much longer I can keep on doing this, and that is with using that gel.

Brianna Carter: Don’t worry (large smile). With the new extra strength sports creme from Freestyle Mobility (holds it up to her face), you can make those cramps go away in no time.

Clyde Benner: There goes the model advertisement again.

Hank Andrews: Brianna, dear, I have to ask you something.

Brianna Carter: Yes, Hank?

Hank Andrews: If there was an extra strength version, why didn’t you just tell me about it that first time?

Brianna Carter: (Holding the extra strength gel up to her face again, smiling wide) Because with the extra strength version, you get three times the relief of our regular strength in half the time! (Places product down and exits paid commercial mode). Well, Hank, I guess you had to know how the regular strength worked first so you could really appreciate the power of the extra strength! Or at least that is what I learned in entry level marketing when I went to college one year.

Brittany Carter: And because she wanted to get into a game.

Brianna Carter: Hey now, sis, don’t give away my secret!

Hank Andrews: That’s okay, you did good.

Clyde Benner: On a side note, Hank, there is always an extra strength for a product like that. Anyway, look at that group table. It is absolutely amazing to know how close we are. And yes, Edwin, I am looking at it again and again.

Edwin Conney: Do not! The closer it seems the more pressure we will be putting ourselves under.

Hannah Sanders: Yes just keep doing what you are doing like I have been saying a thousand times, but we do have two games left that are each very winnable, plus Mercedini has one left against Lisander.

Edwin Conney: Tuning all of that out! No pressure, mam!

Roger Grant: That’s the attitude I want from my goalkeeper, though. Keep that up, Edwin.

Clyde Benner: Agreed. Edwin does have a point. We should be able to win one of these final two games and that is all it will take but I do not want it to become a case where we start thinking we have this in the bag. We have all hag long careers, so we can all remember cases when we were playing where one team looked like they had a playoff spot wrapped up and the blew it in the final games. Maybe it happened to you, yourself. We got here because of everything we have done so far. Do not change anything up. And Hank, keep using that extra strength gel.

Hank Andrews: It’s already working. Brianna, really, I should get you back for not telling me about this.

Brianna Carter: Sorry, I was just doing my job.

Edwin Conney: It’s okay, we love having you around.

[TJUN-ia]

By Peter Davis

So then, Turori. The Eels, already qualified and by a mile. Apart from a loss to Natanians and Nosts a few matchdays back, this side has been difficult for many teams to deal with. They were the Goliath of this group and the Jags, in enemy territory, were certainly the David. Before this game, David Seems, Li Xiu Ying and the players all watched and analysed Turori's loss to N&N. The hope was that the Jags could use some of the strategies N&N employed in order to make the game more competitive than 5-1 drubbing in TJUN-ia CIty.

The game would turn out to be more competitive, but the big shock was how competitive it was. The Jaguars took the game to the Eels and played like they were 14th in the world, not 104th. The Jags scored first in the 32nd, a delightful ball from Peliniho shot past Timaala Hualtia by (who else) Kepo Ulawaya. The hosts certainly fought back and got one back just before half time, Mbdiai Akarenaa getting it in the 43rd. Half time came and the teams were somehow level, a far cry for the reverse fixture.

As the 2nd half began, Seems instigated his game plan: strike early and park the bus. The strike came from Joe Green in the 49th minute, and thus the bus was parked. The rest of the game was a siege as Turori sent in attack after attack to try and bring the game back, but TJUN-ia's back four and GK Gylfisson held on for dear life. The were corners and shots and everything in between other than a penalty, but the scoreline remained. As extra time arrived, the Eels were in desperation mode as they kept sending in the shots towards the TJUn-ian goal. But Gylfisson held his ground until the whistle was finally blown.

As the boos rang out, the players collapsed to the ground. The bench was cleared, the players running to celebrate with their teammates. David Seems and Li Xiu Ying shook hands with Klaillal Tuirma and the Turori bench before the madness began. Seems carried Li in his arms as he sprinted to the players, a surprise to many (including Li herself) and that image would be on the front pages across TJUN-ia. The players were in tears as was Seems and of course, they would. TJUN-ia had beaten Turori in Turori. TJUN-ia had beaten the 12th ranked team in the world. TJUN-ia had beaten a Pot 1 team for the first time ever. Forget our 2-2 draw in Taeshan, this was the biggest result for TJUN-ia in World Cup history.

With 2 matches yet to play, TJUN-ia could play a part in deciding who joins the Eels at the main event. Audioslava and Astograth were only separated by 2 points with 2 Matchdays left. Olibondeka must play us, in TJUN-ia City, while the Bulls play N&N. Many in Cathair, Kjeligsted and beyond will be hoping that the Jaguars could do what they did in the reverse fixture: make the Olives stumble. A lot of foreign eyes will be on the National Stadium then, the final home game, as the Blue and Orange could decide who has the advantage going into MD26. GO JAGS!

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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 (?) D 1-1 (8th)
MD20: vs Villablanca (235) - Beregozera Stadium, Szensky D 1-1 (8th)
MD21: BYE (8th/OFFICIALLY ELIMINATED)
MD22: @New Lusitania and the Algarves (42) - Estádio da Anta do Dragão, Porto L 0-1 (9th)
MD23: vs Necosia (341) - National Stadium, TJUN-ia City D 1-1 (9th)
MD24: @Turori (12) W 2-1 (9th)
MD25: vs Astograth (303) - National Stadium, TJUN-ia City
MD26: @Muradil (212)