Cup of Harmony Seventy-Eight: Everything Thread

[TJUN-ia]

By Peter Davis

The bye was over and in Betham, Sylestone the Jaguars of TJUN-ia emerged once again to fight for their place in the knockouts of CoH 78. The first 3 games weren't the best, with points dropped here and there, meaning the Jags found themselves in 4th and not comfortable at all. So, the next 3 games would decide TJUN-ia fate at this tournament and it kicked off against Mavinet, the champions of BoF72 and 2nd in the group.

It started off tight and it would be like that for most of the game as David Seems and Nguyen Minh Quan fought out a tight affair at The Bay Reserve. Nguyen was definitely missing midfielder Tran Hoang Minh due to injury, but Nguyen Hoai Trung Dung seemed to fit into the set up of the Water Buffaloes really well and they certainly pushed Harold Gylfisson for most of this game. TJUN-ia was having good chances also but a combination of the Mavinet defence and goalkeeper Nguyen Hoang Trung kept the Big 3 at bay. It was tight and it was wacky, but it would be the Water Buffaloes who had the last laugh in Betham. An 81st-minute corner from Le Luong Minh was headed in by the prolific Vo Thanh Hai and that was all she wrote for this one. Mavinet moved far ahead of TJUN-ia and the Jags were down again.

But that performance must have awakened something in Seems as he ripped into the team in interviews after the game. The harsh words of the usually-calm TJUN-ian manager must have had an effect come MD6 against Zeta Reka and Hugeltadom because the game that was played here could only be described as unbelievable. The scoring kicked off in the 6th minute via a nice shot from Joe Green before the Rekans struck back in the 9th through Bogdan Rawić. Rawlić got his and Zeta Reka's 2nd in the 16th minute before TJUN-ia tied it up again in the 24th through Kepo Ulawaya. The goals slowed down a bit but the game was still tight until the 41st when Valdi Di scored a spectacular strike from just outside the box to give the Rekans the lead for the 2nd time. Gylfisson couldn't do anything and TJUN-ia were a goal down heading into the changing rooms.

But once the 2nd half arrived, things changed pretty quickly. The manager of Zeta Reka made 2 great mistakes which would create the scoreline I am about to describe: the first was taking off Rawić, his best scoring threat thus far, to bring on the unseasoned 21-year-old Arnald Gal and the 2nd was taking off the chance-creating Želmir Kolarowić and replacing him with Rybki. Maybe he wanted to act more defensively and protect the lead he had, or maybe he wanted to give some experience to other players before knockout football began. Whatever the thinking was, the effects were felt pretty quickly: with Kolorowić gone and an inexperienced player in the place of goal-scoring Rawić, Zeta Reka's attack suddenly became stale and once Prince Carter came on to replace Peliniho in the 56th minute, there was only one way this game was going. Carter proved effective almost immediately and he supplied Vladimir Podolov to tied up the game for the 3rd time in the 61st. A few minutes later, Carter waved his wand again and struck a beauty past poor Zlatko Wukowić in the 68th to give TJUN-ia the lead for only the 2nd time in this game - but we weren't done there. On came fellow-Galarian Archer Andrews, and Carter set him up to score TJUN-ia's 5th in the 73rd. A free-kick from substitute Manu Kepelewako was headed in by Andrews in the 79th and just like that, TJUN-ia were 6-3 up. But Wukowić's nightmare had one more blow. Carter simple walked past the 3-man defence to score his 2nd in the 89th, making the trio look like scarecrows on the Bay. The final whistle finally blew a few minutes later.

It was an absolute demolition. TJUN-ia had destroyed Zeta Reka, the 77th ranked team in the WCC, by 7 goals to 3. Seven goals to three! This must be TJUN-ia's biggest win of all time in international competition, and it came against a team 5-points ahead of them before kick-off. It must feel like an embarrassment in Zeta Reka and Seems commentated that "it felt dirty to do that to a team like theirs. We had to do what we had to do, but that wasn't football - it was pure rage out there." But that was the point - Seems didn't go bonkers after the loss to Mavinet for nothing. He, metaphorically, kicked the Jaguars up their asses and the performance they provided in that 2nd half was pure magic and pure footballing rage. They had had enough of dropping points everywhere - they wanted to make a statement, and that's exactly what they did.

But even with that performance, it all comes down to the final game against the Suns of Barunia. With 1 point between us enter this game, the winner will move on to the playoffs no matter what. For TJUN-ia, it's simple: avoid defeat and you are in. For the 2nd tournament in a row, TJUN-ia's placement in the next stage depends on the final game - may Margaret have mercy on us all. GO JAGS!

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SCHEDULE (Group D - All group games at The Bay Reserve, Betham, Sylestone)
MD1: vs Rangers FC (141) - W 1-0 (T-2nd)
MD2: vs Sarzonia (28) - L 0-2 (4th)
-------------------BOOT IT!-------------------
MD3: vs Yuezhou (118) - D 1-1 (4th)
MD4: BYE (4th)
-------------------BOOT IT!-------------------
MD5: vs Mavinet (73) - L 0-1 (4th)
MD6: vs Zeta Reka and Hugeltadom (77) - W 7-3 (4th)
-------------------BOOT IT!-------------------
MD7: vs Barunia (96)

[Northwest Kalactin]

Sednah Leads Kalactanians to 5-0, is Very Vocal on Twii.tur
Well, Jared Sednah has done it again, and led the Kalactanians to another win in the Cup of Harmony. This is quite a great feat that he has achieved so far, and the Kalactanians have already clinched the group with their perfect record.

Wins against Oberour ar Moro and Jerusalem have given the Kalactanians a guaranteed placing in the playoffs of the 78th Cup of Harmony. The win against Jeruselem was an especially good one, as the Kalactanians played shutdown defense on a team that seems quite strong on the offensive side of the ball.

You wanna hear something crazy? Jared Sednah has put up more points this cycle in 5 games, than coach Schecter managed to do in all 18 qualifying matches. That’s crazy. We doubted this dude at first, but who knows? He may not be that bad after all.

Against Jerusalem Will Sanders and Lamar Hall were a for formidable pair, with the two players earning ratings of 10, and making the winning goal, in the 78th minute happen. Lamar is a young star, and he looks to be improving quite well by the day.

This next game will be against Omerica, who is a Pot 3 team and second place in the groups right now. It will be very tough to win, but if they can do it, then they will go down as a very strong team this cup. They have already won the group, but this match is vital for placing.

The Kalactanians, along with Xanneria, are one of the two teams placed at 5-0-0 so far. They have Xanneria beat out on Goal Differential by 2 goals, so if they win, they could easily clinch the number one seed in the Cup of Harmony, and get a much easier Ro32 Matchup.



Jared Sednah ✓

@sednah

- -Who the hell says we can’t win? We are the best team at this cup, no question.

Jared Sednah ✓

@sednah

- -Any of you people who think I am paying myself too much, look at my record.

[Southwest Eastnorth]

Footy Fever is here! New Stadium in Virginia City to be Built for the National Team
EXCERPT from http://www.SWENsports.swe


This gorgeous render of the new proposed Virginia stadium was done by the SIR group

VIRGINIA CITY - Despite some awkward performances of late on the international stage, the Pioneers/Frontiersmen have something good to look forward too! the proposed stadium in the capital of Virginia has been passed by local city council government. The proposed 40,000 seater would help not only the passionate fans of the national team. Also it gives the SWEN team a more centralized home, the previous home had been the wonderfully built First Coast Stadium in Auberlin, but Auberlin's location in the eastern portion of the nation had made it an isolated venue. And it's max capacity is only 31,000. It's thought that capacity is also why the stadium has been rejected as a host for the CdC, last year. The city of Virginia on the other hand is the second capital of Southwest Eastnorth(After Auberlin). It has two stadiums, but neither of the stadiums have a large enough capacity to hold National Team games, as both are between 20k and 25k in capacity. Also this helps the two sports teams in Virginia, V City and Virginia United both stuggled this year and if they both get access to the new stadium it could help both teams a lot. Virginia City would be more likely to jump into the new stadium as the United Stadium (ISON Stadium) is known to be more of a crumbling mess than the well kept Capital Athletic Complex, it is also likely the ISON Stadium though could be converted into a concert venue if the deal does go through.

POAFMERSIA -2
Carisa 59'
Wariq 80' (PK)

SOUTHWEST EASTNORTH - 2
Houton 12' 64'

REINA - 2
Steiner 37'
Kanzaki 82'

SOUTHWEST EASTNORTH - 3
Austin 3' 55'
Houton 90+4'

[Sarzonia]

The Sarzonian national football team have played their full complement of group stage matches in the Cup of Harmony and will finish Group D play as winners with an overall record of 5-1-0 in the group stage.

That gives manager Kevin Connelly a chance to allow his team an opportunity to completely get away from football for a couple of days. It would be a welcome break for Connelly as well.

"We could use the time away," he said. "It's going to be nice to sleep in a little bit and take our minds away from football for a while."

It also gives Connelly a chance to take stock in his career to this point. He's gotten Sarzonia into a World Cup and earned a victory against a top 5 team in Bangalore. He'd guided his team to signature victories over Nephara, Brenecia, and a third place finish in the 76th Cup of Harmony.

He was also the manager who had to guide a grief-stricken team through a swirl of emotions after manager Bryan Ostrom's suicide death. That took more out of him than he even allowed himself to show. And now he was going to face his reckoning.

Someone else was going to manage the Stars for the World Cup 87 cycle. Connelly was ready to step aside. But he wanted to enjoy one final hurrah for his team and himself before he walked away one last time.

[Mercedini]

78th Cup of Harmony Group Stage
The Loooooooong & The Short Of It
@ MFA Headquarters - Zoloroni, Mercedini

Good evening everyone and welcome back to the Cup of Harmony, coming to you from Ethane and Sylestone for it's 78th edition. With Mercedini already guaranteed qualification, we can take a step back and look at the Cup of Harmony in general, with one match to go before we know the knockout round draw, there is still plenty to play for for some teams, and everything to play for for others.Some nations' tournament lives are at steak with a kick of a ball, so we thought we would have a look at what is left at stake, and who is left to fight for it. Remember, thirty-two nations will be left upon the conclusion of the group stage, with one Pot 1 team already falling by the wayside. In a tourney where anything can happen, everything has well and truly happened in the six match days we have had so far. Let's have a look and see whose hopes are hanging by a thread in the final matchday.

Cup Of Harmony: Hopes & Dreams Rest On The Kick Of A Ball

---

Looking through the outlook of the groups, and we can confirm that eighteen of the thirty two knockout round spots have already been occupied by teams in their respective groups, but with no single group occupying their four spots, it means every group has at least something to play for on MD7. From our perspective, we have warpped up our path to progression but still have something to fight for, as a win versus the Blouman Empire means we will finish the group as first, as Tequilo will be unable to reply by virtue of playing all of their games already.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
With one match to play; eighteen nations are confirmed to the Round of 32, with eleven nations already eliminated from proceedings.
That means that there are 27 nations fighting for the remaining 14 spots in the knockout rounds of the 78th Cup of Harmony

We will begin with Group A, where co-hosts Ethane and the Blouman Empire are contesting the one remaining spot. With Ethane desperate to advance in their own tournament and the Blouman Empire facing a Mercedinian side desperate to claim the top spot in the group. It might be easy to right off the latter of the two and give the nod to Ethane, however, the co-hosts have yet to show the true grit needed to go far in tournaments like these. Ethane holds a slender point advantage over Blouman, and with the added encouragement of goal difference, a surprising set of results would need to take place for Blouman to make up the margin and push them over the top. The co-hosts don't need to get a result against Graintfjall to advance, but we think it's beyond Blouman to generate the performance required to give them a knockout round berth.

Up next is Group B which a much more convaluted set of permutations. This group has aldready produced the shock of the tournament so far with Geektopid currently the only Pot 1 side to fall by the wayside, only recording a single win en route to their early exit. New Lusitania are already through, which means four nations are fighting for three spots in the group. Valladares (who are guarunteed to go through due to Cheergirls playing all their games), Cheergirls, Squidroidia and Kohnhead are the unusual suspects who line up to be assessed, with Kohnhead currently two points back compared to their nearest rivals. They need a to pick up points against winless and already eliminated Orion Islands to be in with a sniff, and on paper, are set to do so. The Cheergirls have already played all their games so they will have no say in their fortune on the final day, whereas Squidroidia and Valladares will go head to head directly to secure their tournament futures. This will simply boil down to two matches, if Kohnhead fail to win, they're out, if they do win then Squidroidia are on the chopping block. If Squidroidia avoid defeat then it's the Cheergirls who will fall. Cheergirls basically go into this with two flimsy safety nets and need to hope that Kohnhead doesn't win and Squidroidia doesn't pick up anything. That's it.

Group C is next with much more simpler permutations, it's Mattijana and Megistos fighting for the last spot in the group. Mattijana will face already eliminated Huayramarca while Megistos will play already qualified Abanhfleft for their final match. Mattijana go into the final day with a comfortable two point margin, meaning Megistos has to win and Mattijana has to lose for the former to sneak through. Based on the margins and the calibre of opponents each team will face, it would be surprising if Mattijana fails to make it through.

Group D has two spots remaining for three teams left in contention, with Zeta, TJUN-ia and Barunia the ones fighting it out. Zeta are playing already qualified Mavinet, but the match matters little as Zeta are de facto qualified because of the fact that TJUN and Barunia are directly facing each other for the final spot. Barunia must win due to the fact that TJUnia holds the points advantage, but the latter have just come away from a massive 7-3 win to reignite their camapign. Barunia have been a force to be reckoned with in the past, but we believe this is a step too far and TJUN-ia will do enough to get through.

Group E features four teams fighting for two spots, and also features two of our groupmates in qualifying, those ebing Twicetagria (of 'You make me feel Special!' fame) and Murphtannia (of 'We win and invade your pitch wink wink' fame). They both seem out of it as they fight the rising tide of Krytenia and Tikariot. Murph will be playing already eliminated The Jovannic in a match which gives them a fighting chance if form is to be the decider. Tikariot have already played all of their matches, but all of that matters little when you factor in the Krytenia and Twicetagria are playing each other. That's right, Murph needs to win by eight goals or more and hope that there is a draw between Kry and Twice to edge into fourth place in goal difference. Otherwise, Kry can go through with a win or draw, while Twice can only advance with a win of any size. The margins are as fine as that.

Group F and regardless of the result, wE wAnT sUlSu tO WiN!!!! Back in the real world, it's South Newlandia, Indusse and Sulsuland fighting for the final ticket to Willy Wonka's Round of 32. South Newlandia hold the trump card by being the team currently occupying the fourth spot, but all that could go up in smoke upon the conclusion of MD7. This is because SN will be playing the formidable opponents of HUElavia who are already through, while Indusse and Sulsuland will be playing each other, which guarantees a result for at least one of those teams. For the neutral, a deep run by Indusse or SuLsU is a great site to see, and there is a real chance that one of them will make it to the Round of 32. It will all come down to that single match, for South Newlandia is may be a bridge to far for this cycle unfortunately.

Hang in there! We onto Group G which is an absolute mess so bare with me while I sort it all out. Two nations are confirmed to have made it through, while the remaining five are all in contention to fight for the two available. Poafmersia look safe in third, but they have played all there games and desperately need help from the rest of the group to keep them within the top four. That could come in the shape of the already qualified Tioguldós and Maccian who face Saltstead and Riena respectively, wins for both of the former teams mean Poaf have done enough to go through. The final spot could very well go down to the result from the Southwest Eastnorth-Vdara game, with the winner of that match certain of a spot. Saltstead is the dangerous name in the mix of all of that, so we end up with a situation where Riena is the only name we can write off, while for the rest it's a coin toss.

Finally, we round out the coverage of Group H, and we could have the biggest shock on the cards if certain results go the right way. The hoghest ranked nation at the tournament, Taeshan, sit in sixth place in the group with a game to go. They MUST win against Oberour Ar Moro win avoid an early exit which would blow the Cup of Harmony wide open. In a fairly simple finish to proceedings, all of the four nations in the mix are playing each other, with Jeruselem playing Savigliane in the the poignant match. Pretty much, the winner of each of OAM-Taesham and Jeruselem-Savigliane will advance. A draw in the OAM-Taeshan match matters little, but a draw in the Jeru-Savi match blows the door wide open for both of OAM and Taeshan to make it through if Taeshan wins.

Plenty of dust still needs to be settled for us to make a general outlook of the tournament , but this is already being billed at one of the most unpredictable Cup of Harmony tournaments to date. We hope that cut through the noise of the punditry and hype for each of the matches, and we hope you we meet us on the other side for when we know for certain who is left to fight it out for the title.

[Sargossa]

SSM | Sargossan State Media

International Edition - Sport



To The Victor, The Group



Blanco Borrayo reports;

Final Round Matches
Mattijana v Huayramarca
Flavovespia v Sargossa
Abanhfleft v Megistos

With Group C ascendency up for grabs Sargossa coach Brian McAllister has played down the importance of his side’s final group stage fixture against leaders Flavovespia. The winner of the match will advance as group winners, while a draw will favour Flavovespia. The Group C second seeds have a superior goal difference courtesy of having an actual functioning defence. The very worst case scenario would see the Corsairs losing to Flavovespia and being leapfrogged by Abanhfleft, qualifying instead in a less impressive third place. But qualifying, nonetheless. That qualification is already assured is the rationale behind coach McAllister’s seeming nonchalance.

Group C                  Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Flavovespia              5   4  1  0    9   2  +7   13
2 Sargossa                 5   4  1  0   14   9  +5   13
3 Abanhfleft               5   3  1  1   11   8  +3   10
4 Mattijana                5   2  0  3    8   9  −1    6
5 Megistos                 5   1  1  3    6   9  −3    4
6 The Gothanita Isles      6   0  3  3    7  12  −5    3
7 Huayramarca              5   0  1  4    3   9  −6    1

When asked whether he’d risk losing the group leadership by switching up his starting eleven the Tikariotian was unequivocable. ‘We want to win every game, of course we do. And winning the group would certainly be a bonus. But there’s no way I’m passing up an opportunity to rest some players and give game time to others. Not in a knockout tournament. Qualifying for the knockout stages is the only thing that matters, and we’ve already achieved that. Whether it is in first, second or third it really doesn’t make the slightest difference to me. The seedings becomes largely irrelevant in a competition where realistically anyone can beat anyone else’, he told the pre-match press conference.

Seeds & Their Group Positions
1: Taeshan – 6th in Group H
2: HUElavia – 2nd in Group F
3: Sarzonia – 1st in Group D
4: Mercedini – 2nd in Group A
5: Sargossa – 2nd in Group C
6: Geektopia – 6th in Group B
7: Poafmersia – 3rd in Group G
8: Krytenia – 4th in Group F

The coach’s assertions about the strength of the competition is well founded. It could be argued that lifting the Cup of Harmony is a harder task than lifting the World Cup itself. Generally a World Cup features a small pool of realistic winners. In the Cup of Harmony that pool is much deeper, and plenty treacherous. Every nation in the Sylestone half of the draw have dropped points along the way. And over in Ethane only Xanneria and Northwest Kalactin have hundred percent records with a single fixture remaining. Two nations out of the fifty six. Being seeded hasn’t helped either. Of the nations that emerged from pot one only Sarzonia lead their group. The tournament’s top seeds are… presumably a typo. But if it truly is Taeshan they have had a torrid time of it. The Purple Knights are somehow without a win and are staring straight down the barrel of a shocking early exit. While sixth seeds Geektopia are already down and out in Group B.

So Brian McAllister’s insouciance is perhaps well founded and evidence that we will in fact be seeing a much changed Sargossan line-up for the final match against Flavovespia. Although that doesn’t necessarily mean the side will be significantly weakened, with the experienced Carlos Carter and Valentín Alarcón expected to come into the back four. More interesting replacements could well be Mateo Manzanares up front and the midfield duo of Édgar Elvira and Marcos Águila. Águila’s introduction would be of particular interest as the national team’s management search for a long term replacement for the veteran César Goyoso.

Predicted Line-Up vs Flavovespia:

[South Newlandia]

Clinging to the very last straw

Yet another defeat by one goal in the Cup of Harmony, this time to Astograth, has put the team on the brink of elimination.
The team from Astograth had a 3-0-0 start to their campaign, and the Olibondeka went into the game against the Elephants as the clear favourites. Wolverine had exchanged basically the entire offense, with hope to ignite some kind of offensive spark, but it was to no avail. Throughout the game, Irving and Cohen remained almost invisible, and the all-new offense didn’t get much done either. Lancaster and Bishop didn’t manage to include Marcus Young into the game, and as a result, the Elephants were stuck with just four shots on target in ninety minutes. One thing that did work was the defense. The four man backline with Roy, Anderson, Gurero and Wright was as solid as ever, but ultimately failed to prevent the killer strike of Astograth in the 69th minute. Aire Epherra scored a very nice goal that left Rufus Rigby without a chance in the Elephant’s goal, despite Rigby having had a pretty good game until then. The substitutes didn’t help either: When Glossman came in for the still not entirely fit Bjorn Cohen, it only made matters worse, and neither could Wallis or McMora help in the end. One important note has to be made, however: In his first ever game for the Elephants, Sophie City Royal Yoshi Kaperrama had a great time, successfully stopping a lot of decent Astograthian ideas. So, a 0-1 loss. Again. The Elephants have scored just three (!) goals in five games, no team in the entire Cup of Harmony has scored fewer. Honestly, it’s a miracle we are not only still in it, but even control our own destiny. But a lot of hard work will be needed, or the team is going home prematurely.

Situation ahead of matchday 7:

South Newlandia has six points so far, the same as Indusse, while Sulsuland has five. The Elephants also hold the Head to Head advantage over Indusse, thanks to a win on matchday two. On the last matchday, the Elephants will be having a very tough schedule: They will have to play the powerhouse of The South Pacific: HUElavia, a team that was expected to reach the world cup, but just ended up falling short. Meanwhile, Indusse and Sulsuland will be in a direct duel, with both teams definitely still in the running. So, what does that mean now? There are four basic scenarios. Because only one team can reach fourth place, the Elephants would instantly reach the knockout stage with an unlikely win over HUElavia. Neither Indusse nor Sulsuland could do anything in this scenario. If South Newlandia reaches a slightly less unlikely draw against HUElavia, they would have to hope for help: If Sulsuland and Indusse draw their last game, it would still be enough; but if one of the two teams takes the win, that team would advance. If South Newlandia expectedly loses their final game, it would be game over already, no matter what happens on the other pitches. In that case, Indusse and Sulsuland would be playing out the advancing team, and a draw would be just enough for Indusse as well. Those aren’t great odds. Speaking of odds, here are a few things you can bet on: Scenario, and the amount of Newls you would win if you bet ten Newls and you end up being right:

South Newlandia advances to the knockout stage: 42,50 Newls
South Newlandia wins the Cup of Harmony: 4.250 Newls
Sulsuland reaches the knockout stage: 41 Newls
Indusse reaches the knockout stage: 25 Newls
Sulsuland wins the last game by at least five goals: 205 Newls
Robert Wolverine is NOT the coach for the next Campionato Esportiva: 17 Newls
South Newlandia advances after a goal in the last five minutes: 385 Newls
South Newlandia advances after a goal in the last five minutes, thanks to the goalie scoring, and ends up winning the Cup of Harmony: 378.000 Newls
South Newlandia advances after a goal in the last five minutes, thanks to the goalie scoring, and ends up winning the Cup of Harmony, and you get hit by lighting (and survive) before the final: 6.527.000 Newls

The last game:

Of course, South Newlandia will have no choice but to play for a win. They are aware that that will not be an easy task: HUElavia, coming from a trashing of Sulsuland and a win over the previously invincible Astograth, will be playing their best formation for the game. Meanwhile, the Elephants have lost all of the last three games (most ever in a row for the national team, and as many as over the entire World Cup qualifiers). One upside might be that South Newlandia gets to play in the classical home jerseys in Gold/Yellow and Green, while HUElavia switches to the blue alternate jerseys. The stadium is expected to be almost fully be draped in Yellow, Green and Blue (because those are the colours of both teams); maybe the South Newlandian team can leech of off the support for HUElavia this way. Here is the lineup for this crucial last game:
Trischuk (C) – Roy, Anderson, Gurero, Wright – Kaperrama, Green, McMora, Wallis – Irving, Cohen
Wolverine continues to trust in the diamond and in Kaperrama as well. The eighteen year old will have all eyes on him, and so does the offense: Without a goal, they will not have a chance. Criticism of Wolverine has increased to unusual levels at this point, and the fans don’t seem to be sure if he is the right one for the Elephants anymore. In the end, the decision will be his; and the one of SNFA president Sandra Elephantson.

[Mavinet]

MAVINET CONFIRMED ROUND OF 32 SPOT WITH LUCKY WIN
by Pham Ngoc Le

Mavinet continued to stay unbeaten in the Cup of Harmony 78 with a minimal victory against second-seeded TJUN-ia in the fifth matchday of the tournament. The highlight of this match was not the fast, efficient counter attacks as have been the trademarks of Head Coach Nguyen Minh Quan’s tactic, but the absolute discipline the defense displayed throughout the 90 minutes. Nguyen Hoang Trung and companies at the back produced a display that they will be proud to look back. Nguyen Hoai Trung Dung had a solid performance in place of the injured Tran Hoang Minh, and Vo Thanh Hai, as usual, continued to prove his scoring prowess to grab the crucial win for the Water Buffaloes.

TJUN-ia came into the match determined to get a good result to avoid having to wait until the last matchday to know their fate. After a win, a draw and a loss in the previous 3 matches (they had a bye day on the fourth matchday), the Jaguars were fourth in the group with 4 points, trailing Zeta Reka and Hugeltaldom in third 2 points and only led Barunia in fifth 1 point. Any slip up in the final 3 match will seriously jeopardize their chance to qualify, and being the second-seeded, that was not something they wanted to deal with.

On the other hand, Mavinet finished the fourth matchday with 8 points and sit in second place. The gap with the pursuing pack was not comfortable – 2 point and 4 point to third and fourth place respectively – and the Water Buffaloes needed to take the bye day on matchday 6 into account. The match with TJUN-ia was the only chance to put qualification beyond doubts.

Both teams had things to win and things to lose, and that definitely showed in the encounter on The Bay Reserve. Mavinet were the more aggressive team but TJUN-ia were up for the challenge. Nguyen Hoai Trung Dung, in his first starting game since the start of the tournament, led the attacks well and created multiple dangerous chances for Vo Thanh Hai and Ho Vu Thanh Hoang. TJUN-ia were not lying down passively either, creating chances of their own through the creative outlet Peliniho. Vladimir Podolov and Joe Green were presented with the most opportunities, but a combination of luck and skill from both defenses would have it that no goal was scored before the half time break.

The second half did not differ much in terms of control. It was as tight as the first, except that both teams were increasingly desperate to break the deadlock. The ball would move back and forth with each attack and counter attack, but on a day where both defenses were organized and compact, it seemed that chances could never be converted. Until it was, to Mavinese fans’ delight, by the Water Buffaloes. A corner in the 81st minute saw Vo Thanh Hai defeated Nicolas Umkala in the air before heading the ball past Harold Gylfisson from close range. A goal was needed and a goal was delivered. The Mavinese striker, instead of celebrating the goal, paid tribute to the 52 victims of an explosion happened in Ethane with am message on his undershirt.

The match ended without any other goal scored, and Mavinet had made a long stride toward qualification.

The Water Buffaloes had a bye on the following matchday. The team spent their bye day enjoying a teambuilding session on the Betham Bay and a sightseeing trip to Kirkham. The players surely had a fun time meeting the Sentient Objects and visiting the beautiful beaches of Sylestone.

With other results coming back, Mavinet’s spot in the knockout stage was confirmed when third place Zeta Reka and Hugeltaldom were humbled 3 to 7 by TJUN-ia. Sarzonia, Mavinet and Zeta Reka and Hugeltaldom will move on to the next round, while TJUN-ia and Barunia will need to battle one another to decide who will take the last ticket. Having secured qualification, the last match with Zeta Reka and Hugeltaldom will purely be a test of prowess to see how far the teams have come since their last encounter in the Baptism of Fire 72’s final.

---

MD5

TJUN-IA - 0

MAVINET - 1
81' Vo Thanh Hai

MD6
Bye

Tran Hoang Minh injured - unavailable for next 2 matches

[Kohnhead]

Previewing the final game/b]

After a clutch 2-0 win against Cheergirls the current table is looking like this.

Group B              Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 New Lusitania          5   4  1  0   13   5  +8   13
2 Valladares             5   3  1  1    6   4  +2   10
3 Cheergirls             6   3  0  3    4   7  −3    9
4 Squidroidia            5   3  0  2    9   8  +1    9
5 Kohnhead               5   2  1  2   10   9  +1    7
6 Geektopia              5   1  1  3   10  10   0    4
7 Orion Islands          5   0  0  5    3  12  −9    0

As you can see the final three spots are up for grabs between four teams, Valladares, Cheergirls, Squidroidia, and us Kohnhead. First let's take a look at the matches and rank their importance.

1. Orion Islands Vs Kohnhead - This is cleary the most important match for us as it's our own. Orion Islands have scored just three goals all tournament, conceding twelve en route to a seventh place, pointless position in the tables. This is a game we should be winning by five or more goals with complete easy but is a game that Christopher Kohnhead would have drawn or lost during qualifiers as we remember Libonesia and the Sultanate of Oontaz. A win gets us in to the next round, dropping points will keep Cheergirls, Squidroidia, and Valladares in no matter what, we control our own destiny.
Best Case Scenario: Kohnhead win

2. Valladares Vs Squidroidia - Again any game besides our game at this point doesn't really matter for getting us into the next round however assuming that we win seeding will matter. Valladares sit on ten points having only lost to once but if they lose to Squidridia and we win, we wil pass them in the table for third. However there is no way that we end up in second so it's really just a matter of preferance. Personally I view Valladares as the bigger threat despite being them and losing to Squidroidia so I'm cheering for a Squidroidia win, honestly though it doesn't matter too much.
Best Case Scenario: Squidroidia win

3. New Lusitania Vs Geektopia - If you thought that game barely mattered for Kohnheadians, take a look at this one with New Lusitania having already clinched and Geektopia having already be eliminated. New Lusitania have in fact already clinched a top two position and are almost guaranteed to get first. For Geektopia this summarizes how depressing of a Cup of Harmony this has been having done so well in qualifiers only to be the first pot one team eliminated from the next round. There are multiple (albeit all massive stretches) takes you could have on results, a New Lusitania win makes our loss to them look better, however we view them as a larger threat so if we can get them to lose here their seeding for the next round will drop thus making them more likely to lose. This might be going way too far and really it doesn't concern us so there is no best case scenario here so all we can root for is a fun to watch match with no injuries.
Best Case Scenario: N/A


[b]Predictions
Now onto the part where I embarrass myself and try to predict all three of these games. I didn't do too poorly last time I did this so let's give it a shot.
Kohnhead 4 - 1 Orion Islands
Valladares 2 - 2 Squidroidia
New Lusitania 3 - 1 Geektopia

This means that the final table would look like this in terms of standings.
1. New Lusitania
2. Valladares
3. Kohnhead
4. Squidroidia
5. Cheergirls
6. Geektopia
7. Orion Islands

[New Lusitania and the Algarves]

STL|Serviços de Transmissão Lusitana
Sport | Football|
Cup of Harmony 78

ONE BETTER THAN LAST TIME
Cup of Harmony Matchdays 5 & 6 Review:
New Lusitania 1-1 Valladares / Squidroidia 2-3 New Lusitania

Following the results of the fifth and sixth rounds of the first phase, the Selecção can safely say they’re through to the tough(er) bit – the knockout stages. This came as an eventual expectation at the start and so far, was indeed one better than last when the nation was swiftly knocked out in the group stage. Matchday Five had initially given some trouble as the result wasn’t the maximum three points which cast doubt as to how fast they could pass this hurdle and/or win the group. Valladares were, after all, their closest rivals and the match concluded with a result that was extremely fair for both sides. Both sides had eagerly anticipated this one and now that it was on, no one could set them apart. It took until the seventy-second minute for Valladares to score from a rapid counterattack bringing it to 1-0. However, a last-minute corner for New Lusitania would see them clinch a draw when Gama crossed it over and connected the ball with Silveira’s head and into the net it went. Some might question how this makes it a fair result considering how late the goal came, but the fact that statistically the game was quite literally a case of fifty-fifty from chances to possession or shots on target, it’s logical to conclude the 1-1 was an acceptable result. Nonetheless some players did shine, namely rotational player Guerra, which connected well with the forwards ahead showing good vision, as well as Cancela, who did two great runs showing real end-to-end ability.
For the standings, a draw meant that the Cheergirls and Squidroidia could creep up to one point behind following 2-1 wins each to Geektopia and the Orion Islands, respectively; even though the former had five games played. Kohnhead had taken the day off meaning they were five points behind qualification, but should they win the remaining two games, there was no reason not to qualify. Along came game set six, where Squidroidia had the pristine chance of taking the reins of the group with Valladares on their rest day. The game started poorly for the Selecção with the Squids showing their drive and hopes to get the top spot showcasing some good link up for the first goal of the day. The way the goal was made was what flabbergasted some spectators as the play started from a Lusitanian attack and made its way to the outside of the box where a winger waited and shot it in from that distance, curving it after seeing an opening by the defence. The game would soon be square once more as Veiga managed to find a hole in the Inklings defence and struck it in with the assist prize going to the captaincy in Fernando. Before the half-time mark, New Lusitania would take the lead as this time a returning Horta crossed it in and entered a passing game with Jota putting it in from an oblique angle. With the whistle being blown, teams took fifteen and reappeared through the tunnel for another forty-five minutes of gameplay. Squidroidia weren’t around to wait and got down to business quickly with the second equaliser coming in hot with a corner-originating volley to which Patríce still laid claim to. New Lusitania however, did go one better to show the Inklings demise – a third goal, this time, from the foot of Silveira who was getting back to scoring ways following a poor season classification for his club Porto, even if they were in competitions due to the Cup Win. A great assist from two through-balls, the play came from Cancela who would pass it over to Fernando, where the ball was given for the final time before hitting the net. A fifth win for the Lusitanians meant they were qualified for the next round, but for the Squids things might have been complicated. Valladares slipped to an official second with their rest day as the Cheergirls and Squidroidia maintained positions following their defeats, with the former’s at the hand of Kohnhead, desperately needing to get stuck in for the final fight for progression, now fifth on seven – two points from safety. It was also time to say farewell to group seeds Geektopia and the Orion Islands who now played their final matches for pride.
Group A confirmed Tequilo qualified despite a defeat as well as the progressions of Mercedini and Granitfjall, meaning hosts Ethane and the Blouman Empire fight for the final spot. Over in group C the situation is similar with three positions already locked as Flavovespia, Sargossa and Abanhfleft, all strong sides, jostle for position with Mattijana and Megistos, no less dangerous, fighting for the final spot.TJUN-ia’s 3-7 win to Zeta Reka relaunched their campaign and now they fight not only with that side but also Barunia for two positions with Sarzonia and Mavinet already qualified, although the latter isn’t guaranteed second-place. In Group E, Xanneria has qualified and won the group and now gets to “rest” in the final match. Sylvestone may have gotten qualification down, but from third to sixth it’s a straight battle to the end between Tikariot (who have already played all their matches), Krytenia, Twicetgaria and Murphittania. Group F follows the suit of C with Astograth, HUElavia and Electrum confirmed in the next round but with the detail of position yet to be ascertained. South Newlandia, Indusse and Sululand will compete for the final spot in the Round of Thirty-two. Despite everything, all eyes will be on Group G. Everything is open – sure, Tioguldós and Maccian have both guaranteed slots but neither have won the group or the even the top two. It’s anyone’s game, with Poafmersia two points behind, Vdara on seven trailing by one more, Saltstead and SW-EN on 5 and Riena on 4. Poafmersia have already played all their matches and must anxiously wait for the end of the ninety minutes. The top two do play Saltstead and Riena, which could easily save the IAC Champions but the Vdara vs SW-EN could decide the final position. Additionally, Vdara could additionally edge the group, but it’ll be the group to focus on for sure in the final round of games. Finally, group H – here Northwest Kalactin took control early and has won the group with runners-up Omerica qualified. Oberour Ar Moro, Savigliane, Jeruselem and Taeshan will be the teams playing for the final two spots with plenty of drama to come, considering all four teams are in direct confrontation in the final matchday.
Over in the World Cup, teams also start to qualify as the group reach the halfway mark on matchday two of three. Hosts Newmanistan saw The Sarian out with a 5-2 win, as Zwangzug and Brenecia had a goalless draw. With the latter yet to play the group leaders, it’ll be the long way around the houses for them but they’re still in it. Group B is out in the open – Banija drew with Chromatika 2-2 as Ko-oren took a 2-0 victory against Mriin. The Merchant nation might have some trouble getting through but the group is still open so anything can happen in the last match. Quebec said au revoir after their defeat to third placed Kelssek but for them the fight remains alive due to that. Farfadillis qualified after what seemed more like a penalty shootout result than ninety minutes of football with a 7-6 win to Eura with the latter and the Kelsseks playing the final match to settle things for good. Savojarna earned their first point against leaders Valanora in group D with The Holy Empire’s loss to Reçueçn putting things in a series of permutations as anyone can still qualify. With Drawkland’s win to The Hinodejin Empire (4-2), the latter bid adieu but Starblaydia fight another day following a 1-0 win to Hampton Island. The Kick Corps finish the groups against “Hinode” meaning that they might just go from third to qualified.
The sheer size of the behemoths of Group F, things were always going to be a pleasure to see play out. Vilita’s showcase against Equestria earned them a 5-2 win and the top of the standings, but Pasarga got their first win to Terre Septentrionale (4-3). Despite not having a point, Equestria can still qualify by beating Pasarga by four or more and providing Vilita do them the favour of beating the Northmen, being an almost reciprocate deal for both their progression. Group G however, has little to say – recent victories from Cassadaigua (vs.Siovanija and Teusland, 2-1) and Nephara (vs.Trolleborg, 3-1) mean their safety in the next round with the final match being a fight for the group win. Group H does have the Commonwealth of Baker Park qualified, but the Turori’s recent 1-0 victory to Audioslavia put them in second and the latter´s draw with Kandorith (4th) means it’s a clear fight for third. The Bulls do have the lower hand though, they play the leaders whilst Turori play Kandorith which is theoretically easier.
Back in the Cup of Harmony, it is of note that New Lusitania’s last game is against Geektopia with Squidroidia playing Valladares in the battle for second (or potentially first), with Kohnhead potentially through unless the Orion Islands surprise in the final match. In the interviews, national coach Grilo said “objective one was complete and now we see where the road guides us, it’s one game at a time and it’s best no one gets ahead of theirselves just yet”. Some introspective words from the Seleccionador as he prepares for what is yet to come…

STL/FLF MMXX

[Megistos]

Manager Interview

Following the likeliness of the Sarzonian manager leaving, Nicola Mentes, 4th place in the recent SWC and 2-time winner of Liga Megistos Pramear

"Why do you want this position with a senior national team after managing an under 18 side?"
"For one, I've actually been in a senior manager team, being assistant coach in the Baptism of Fire team. Unfortunately, the coach at the time had full authority at the moment, and I had to deal with things to manage like training the youth, dealing with [what to do with our] money. I applied mainly because of the chance to show that in order for [your] team to be successful, they need talent for future, to keep the amazing results going. Make great batches of players, train them to their best, move on to another batch. Keep on training and you'll get better."

"Why do you believe you're the best candidate for this position?"
"I believe that I am the best candidate mainly because the tactical changes I can bring. In the modern football world, things don't go balanced anymore against better teams, keeping possession. They won't let you have so much time. The need for more tempo, more pace, more action in the Sarzonia squad is what I believe can bring Sarzonia to the best in the world. I've also brought my own U-18 team to a great 4th in the Sporting World Cup, and that was our first time."

"What strengths do you see with the current side? What areas of concern do you have? How would you wish to address those areas of concern?"
"I'll go over them by position: Sandt is too heavy for a goalkeeper. Goalkeepers that heavy won't be able to make those diving saves all the time. Your backup, Gomez, is very quick, which is good. He can get on position well, so can Sandt, but he needs to lose weight. Gomez, however, reacts on instinct. Most of the time, his instinct should be right, but sometimes he should learn to trust his knowledge of the ball coming toward him [or the net], otherwise mistakes could be made; for example, he could react too quickly and dive on a ball that was going out anyway, but he looses the ball to the opponent and the opponent can score an open net. "

"For the defense, King is a great player, but he needs to play in position more often, guarding the side rather than guarding the middle more, leaving the wide open. That is where the goals Sarzonia allow come from. Beningnati is a good player, aggressive, goes for the ball all the time, Taylor and Howard need a switch, Taylor is too pacy to be a centerback. Russel, Bowen, Morrison, this just shows how much work the bench needs. They are going to be too old soon and not very good replacements, another reason why I think I am the best."

"Midfield and Attack, nothing to say, they have done a decent job combined but until they do bad or good I can't judge them."

"Do you have any other insights into Sarzonian football you'd like to share?"
"No. None so far."

"Any questions for us?"
"What kind of training drills do you use?"

---

When all hope is lost
Open the jar of surprise.

[Sylestone]

After tonight, 24 teams will disappear from this competition. Cutoff for groups A-D, Matchday 7.

Group A
Group A
Ethane 3–1 Graintfjall
Mercedini 5–3 Blouman Empire
Pluvia and the Saxean Isles 3–4 Delaclava

Group A                        Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Mercedini                        6   4  2  0   16   8  +8   14
2 Tequilo                          6   4  1  1    8   5  +3   13
3 Ethane                           6   3  1  2   11   6  +5   10
4 Graintfjall                      6   3  1  2    8   9  −1   10
5 Blouman Empire                   6   1  3  2   10  11  −1    6
6 Delaclava                        6   1  1  4    8  12  −4    4
7 Pluvia and the Saxean Isles      6   0  1  5    8  18 −10    1

Group B
Group B
Orion Islands 1–4 Kohnhead
New Lusitania 0–0 Geektopia
Valladares 3–5 Squidroidia

Group B              Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 New Lusitania          6   4  2  0   13   5  +8   14
2 Squidroidia            6   4  0  2   14  11  +3   12
3 Kohnhead               6   3  1  2   14  10  +4   10
4 Valladares             6   3  1  2    9   9   0   10
5 Cheergirls             6   3  0  3    4   7  −3    9
6 Geektopia              6   1  2  3   10  10   0    5
7 Orion Islands          6   0  0  6    4  16 −12    0

Group C
Group C
Mattijana 2–4 Huayramarca
Flavovespia 1–3 Sargossa
Abanhfleft 3–4 Megistos

Group C                Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Sargossa                 6   5  1  0   17  10  +7   16
2 Flavovespia              6   4  1  1   10   5  +5   13
3 Abanhfleft               6   3  1  2   14  12  +2   10
4 Megistos                 6   2  1  3   10  12  −2    7
5 Mattijana                6   2  0  4   10  13  −3    6
6 Huayramarca              6   1  1  4    7  11  −4    4
7 The Gothanita Isles      6   0  3  3    7  12  −5    3

Group D
Group D
Yuezhou 2–2 Rangers FC
TJUN-ia 3–1 Barunia
Mavinet 5–2 Zeta Reka and Hugeltadom

Group D                     Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Sarzonia                      6   5  1  0   13   5  +8   16
2 Mavinet                       6   4  2  0   16   7  +9   14
3 TJUN-ia                       6   3  1  2   12   8  +4   10
4 Zeta Reka and Hugeltadom      6   3  0  3   11  13  −2    9
5 Barunia                       6   2  0  4   11  17  −6    6
6 Yuezhou                       6   0  3  3   10  14  −4    3
7 Rangers FC                    6   0  1  5    5  14  −9    1

[Ethane]

Sorry for the delay; decided to stay at a friends house because I had a minor crash on my bicycle. We're at the end of the group stages. If you don't clinch it now, you're Out Of Time. Will you enter the Round of 32? Or will you fall just short?

---

Group E
Twicegratia 2–4 Krytenia
Murphtannia 2–3 The Jovannic
Sylestone 0–1 Xanneria

Group E                  Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Xanneria                 6   6  0  0   17   8  +9   18
2 Sylestone                6   3  1  2    8   7  +1   10
3 Krytenia                 6   3  0  3   17  12  +5    9
4 Tikariot                 6   2  2  2   11   9  +2    8
5 Twicegratia              6   1  2  3   10  15  −5    5
6 The Jovannic             6   1  2  3   10  16  −6    5
7 Murphtannia              6   1  1  4    7  13  −6    4

Group F
Sulsuland 1–0 Indusse
Astograth 3–2 Ziwana
South Newlandia 1–0 HUElavia

Group F                  Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Astograth                6   5  0  1   10   4  +6   15
2 HUElavia                 6   3  1  2   12   6  +6   10
3 Electrum                 6   3  1  2    9   7  +2   10
4 South Newlandia          6   3  0  3    4   4   0    9
5 Sulsuland                6   2  2  2    5   8  −3    8
6 Indusse                  6   2  0  4    8  13  −5    6
7 Ziwana                   6   0  2  4    6  12  −6    2

Group G
Riena 4–2 Tioguldós
Vdara 4–2 Southwest Eastnorth
Saltstead 1–0 Maccian

Group G                  Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Maccian                  6   3  1  2    9   9   0   10
2 Vdara                    6   3  1  2   14   8  +6   10
3 Tioguldós                6   3  1  2   16  17  −1   10
4 Poafmersia               6   2  2  2    9   9   0    8
5 Saltstead                6   2  2  2    4   5  −1    8
6 Riena                    6   2  1  3   10   9  +1    7
7 Southwest Eastnorth      6   1  2  3   10  15  −5    5

Group H
Northwest Kalactin 2–3 Omerica
Taeshan 2–1 Oberour Ar Moro
Savigliane 3–4 Jeruselem

Group H                  Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Northwest Kalactin       6   5  0  1   17   8  +9   15
2 Omerica                  6   4  1  1   18  11  +7   13
3 Jeruselem                6   2  2  2   13  15  −2    8
4 Taeshan                  6   1  4  1    5   5   0    7
5 Oberour Ar Moro          6   2  1  3   15  16  −1    7
6 Savigliane               6   1  2  3   13  17  −4    5
7 Springmont               6   0  2  4    6  15  −9    2

---

Round of 32 Matches For seeding referencing, please see this bracket.

A - Xanneria (1) vs Megistos (32), Ethane
B - Ethane (17) vs Sylestone (16), Ethane
C - Mavinet (9) vs Jeruselem (24), Ethane
D - Valladares (25) vs Maccian (8), Ethane
E - Astograth (5) vs Zeta Reka and Hugeltadom (28), Ethane
F - Electrum (21) vs Tequilo (12), Ethane
G - Squidroidia (13) vs Abanhfleft (20), Ethane
H - Tikariot (29) vs Northwest Kalactin (4), Ethane
I - Sargossa (3) vs Poafmersia (30), Sylestone
J - TJUN-ia (19) vs Vdara (14), Sylestone
K - Flavovespia (11) vs Tioguldós (22), Sylestone
L - South Newlandia (27) vs Mercedini (6), Sylestone
M - New Lusitania (7) vs Graintfjall (26), Sylestone
N - Krytenia (23) vs Omerica (10), Sylestone
O - HUElavia (15) vs Kohnhead (18), Sylestone
P - Taeshan (31) vs Sarzonia (2), Sylestone.

[Sarzonia]

[OOC note: Thanks to both Mavinet and Megistos for pointing out that I got the nationality of the prospective Stars manager wrong in the original version of this. It's since been corrected.}

Zach Wilson was sitting across from Megistos Under 18 national team manager Nicola Mentes as he was answering questions about his impressions of the Sarzonian national football team.

This was his first hire for the Sarzonian national football team as the Incorporated Football Federation chairman. He'd heard stories from his father about his own process, both being hired as manager when Sarzonia returned from an extended absence and in choosing later managers, but this was a first for him.

He grimaced slightly as he heard Mentes give his assessment, both of Sarzonian football and of the team that failed to qualify for the World Cup proper for the second time in three cycles. Even though the Stars were in contention for the Cup of Harmony [OOC: this is before most of the results happened], it was interesting to hear a fresh take on what Sarzonia could and should be doing. He was, admittedly put off by Mentes's assessment of starting goalkeeper Carlton Sandt, who was already becoming a revered figure in Sarzonian football, although he remembered hearing soon-to-retire manager Kevin Connelly talk to Sandt about possibly undergoing a cutting regimen after bulking up.

Mentes praised Paolo Gomes and his agility, and yes, that was definitely an element Wilson also liked. He could only nod and smile slightly when Mentes talked about the veteran defence, and insist on the defensive unit getting younger and quicker. It was a bone of contention he'd had with Connelly, who worked with late manager Bryan Ostrom and pushed for a veteran back line for a team that was just coming back from an even lengthier absence. Well, it worked to an extent. Sarzonia had some great results in two cycles after an extended absence. But now, it was time for a younger, more dynamic Stars backline. And the praise for Charlie King was unexpected, but he was quietly emerging from his political embarrassment with the Squornshelan Imperium, even if the prices of Squornshelan coffee were still exorbitantly high.

Midfield and forwards didn't get nearly the attention; of course, with players like Brady Reynolds and Jake Campos, there was plenty to draw from for a more attack-oriented Sarzonia. He also recalled Nathan Hanifer pushing for a youth movement in the Sarzonia defence. Of course, he was the manager of the Under 21 national team, so it might have served his interests as well. That said, Hanifer was more bullish on Sandt than he was on Gomes. That said, he also talked about improving the team's fitness, and he was adamant that must also include "the starting goalkeeper." Clearly, that meant Sandt was going to have to lose some of the bulk he'd garnered.

"If there's nothing more, Mr. Mentes, thank you. We expect to get in touch with you regarding our decision." He glanced around the room after Mentes stood up, shook hands with IFF board members, and left the room and he knew what the bare majority of looks meant. And discussing next steps, he thought. Clearly, he liked what Mentes had to say. He also liked adding a little bit of a jolt to Sarzonian football. Hanifer said some of the same things, but wasn't quite as bold about change as he'd like. He looked around the room as IFF board members began making their cases for either Hanifer or Mentes, with Diogo Avarel quickly losing momentum from his interview. Clearly, the Baby Stars were going to keep their manager. The Junior Stars were possibly going to lose theirs, although it was becoming clear that Hanifer was now likely the second choice of the IFF.

***************************************************************************************************************************************************************

With the group state now wrapped up, the Sarzonian national football team would soon learn their fate in the Cup of Harmony. They were getting ready to face Taeshan, the top overall seed of the Cup of Harmony at the beginning of the tournament. The only thing was, Taeshan just slipped into the knockout rounds, defeating Oberour Ar Moro 2-1 in the group stage finale to notch just their first victory of the tournament. The one-goal margin of victory also gave Taeshan an even goal differential with five goals scored and five conceded. They would bring in a 1-4-1 mark as the 31st overall seed in the knockout rounds.

Meanwhile, the Stars entered the knockouts with a 5-1-0 record, only blemished by a 1-1 draw with Group D runners up Mavinet. The Stars would be the second overall seeds, as only Xanneria's unbeaten and undrawn mark of 6-0-0 was better than Sarzonia's.

"It's not an ideal matchup for us, that's for bloody sure," midfielder and team captain Clayton Wilson said. "They're a higher-ranked team than we are and they're likely going to be super hungry to prove themselves, and what better way to do it than against us?"

"This is when we prove ourselves," midfielder Brady Reynolds countered. "We have a chance to make a statement, and I can't think of a better way to do that than beat Taeshan."

[Squidroidia]

Excerpt from SBN 1's coverage of the Cup of Harmony Round of 32 match, Squidroidia vs Abanhfleft

---

Broadcast music

"Well isn't this a new sight to behold - Welcome to the flames of Ethane for the knockout stage of the 78th running of the Cup of Harmony! Over the last matchday 24 nations were sent packing, but Squidroidia is one of 32 still standing, trying to book their place in the round of 16 for the third time in the history of the Inkling national team - And they have to take on a familiar face. It's a rematch of the last game in Squidroidia's famed IAC X group, and the question lies here tonight, will the Inklings once again knock out Abanhfleft?

"Hello and welcome to SBN Sport's coverage of the Cup of Harmony round of 32 match between Squidroidia and Abanhfleft, live on SBN 1, my name is Takanaki Osa and once again I am joined by Rose Golden."

"It's a pleasure to stay here Takanaki."

"So of course the big news surrounding this game is that it's a rematch between these 2 nations, Squidroidia knocking out Abanhfleft last year in the 10th running of the IAC to top their group and ultimately get 3rd place. What is going through caretaker manager Chelsea Stuart's head right now?"

"Well to be honest, it's basically 'Oh crap, how do we actually try to beat them?' Bernanos can tell her one thing from that match, it's never let them have the ball."

"Of course this felt like a play-in game for both teams, with Poafmersia already qualified although they lost to Squidroidia in the previous matchday, tensions were high for both teams. It was win or go home, and ultimately Abanhfleft fell short and we all knew what happened next for Mito's team."

"And such a wonderful brace by Hideo in that game, such a barnstormer of a boy when you really needed him, tying the game early before putting in another goal to get them 3-1 up before, of course, Caufield got them back in the game. Next thing you knew Tadataka came off the bench and made it 4-2 before Hoshi made it 5 for the squids to punch their ticket into the knockouts."

"Of course Nariaki got the 2nd goal for Squidroidia as well, but he has been a relic to the past in terms of that IAC X team that beat the odds and beat the eventual champions in the groups. But now here we are, after a disappointing campaign for the Fleftic national team in qualification, meanwhile the Squidroidians got to 5th in their group on their very first attempt! What does that say for the state of Abanhfleft football?

"Unless they find a way to impress in this tournament, everything's going to stay south for them for a while. I don't think they'll make the World Cup proper again for a while, and to be honest, if Squidroidia and Ryūzaki both have luck, they could make the show before they do it again."

"Other than that, of course the biggest story in the Inkling bid for the Cup of Harmony is Squidroidian #1 Go Kyushichi. The 36 year old seems to be on his last legs for the team, and he could and very much will retire at the end of the tournament. How do you think the Squidroidian goalkeeper spot will go once IAC 11 comes around?"

"It could very well go to Shingen, he did go very well in the goalkeeper position by Squidroidian standards before he was booted in place of Go. Abe is another shout, but I think this opens an opportunity for Shunji to get back in for the first time since IAC X, at least as the 3rd choice, especially with rumors that he might leave Calamari County for a Quebecois side, one that even made Challengers. That was one of his reasons why he decided to hand in his request, because he only got Cup Winners Cup football next season and nothing else."

"It doesn't help that the team hasn't had a clean sheet since the 0-0 draw against Northwest Kalactin in a pre-qualification friendly, and speaking of them, they are one of the teams Squidroidia has to face in the last 16 if they advance!"

"Let's face it, if we face Northwest Kalactin, that game will be Kyushichi's final game. And with tough, young opposition in Tikariot, if they advance and face Squidroidia, they can make it in as well. Could be a double whammy if the team advances to the round of 16."

"Thank you Rose, but of course now is the time to discuss the FunStar Starting XI for Squidroidia as they face a chance to once again make the last 16. In goal is #1 Go Kyushichi, who as we said before could play in his final game tonight for Squidroidia and in his career. Moving onto defense, at the leftback position Mito has gone forFlorianne Meeuwessen instead of Shigeko, the Inkling girl one of IFC's hottest commodities in the Super League. Moronbu keeps his spot as centerback, but Toki has been dropped for Ogasawara Arinori in the other position, with rightback going to Toujou Shihei, who has confirmed that he will be playing his club football for Pmig Enako in Tioguldos.

"In the center of the park, defensive midfielder goes Jo Jun, fresh off a one goal performance against Valladares. The center midfielders of Shoji Shiko and Yoneda Toshikuni also keep their spots in the team, with the front three having a huge change. Hoshi and Hideo keep their roles of striker and right wing respectively, but this is the first game that Ira Alting, the young Inkling boy in blue from Real Squidroid's Caos Joven academy will start, although he might be placed on the bench for the 2nd half in favor of Kiichi.

"When we come back, more analysis from this game as well as the predictions for how this tie will go, don't go anywhere, we will be right back!"

[HUElavia]

Tough Loss puts HUElavia on a Treacherous Path for the Knockouts!

South Newlandia 1–0 HUElavia
(Irving 57')
(King Edward IV Stadium, New Sarum)

HUElavia came into Matchday 7 already Qualified to the Round-of-32, but they needed to get a favorable result to get a good seeding. Their Final opponent for Group F was South Newlandia, a Pot 3 team needing to win to secure qualification to the knockouts. The match was played at King Edward IV Stadium, which was sold out, essentially being in a sea of Yellow, Green and Blue, due to both nations using the same color scheme. South Newlandia used their Yellow and Green Home Uniform, while HUElavia wore their full-blue Away Alternative Uniform. South Newlandia played with their main players, except for two changes, while HUElavia played their main XI. The ball rolled and the match was kicked off.

South Newlandia played a solid defensive level of football, while HUElavia played a solid level of attacking football. It was ebb and flow, as they looked to unlock each other's defense and score an opening goal. Irving and Cohen gave Lobato a run for his money, making saves left and right, but these saves gave ease to the HUElavian defense. On the other side, the trio of Cristiano, Hamada and Navarro gave strong shots to test reflexes of Trischuk. Regardless, despite the attacks, the opening goal would come in the 2nd half, as a corner was taken by Wallis, where it curved into the box, and Irving headed the ball past a diving Lobato into the goal to make it 1-0. This stunned HUElavia, and the team went on the attack left and right, even making substitutes to put in Gallego and Sissoko for Sakaguchi and Navarro respectively. Despite this, South Newlandia would hold out thanks to bails by Trischuk, as they would take the victory and advance to the Round-of-32, while HUElavia once again lost a tightly contested match.

The Round-of-32 will see HUElavia seeded as #15, and will play against #18 Kohnhead, where Los Amarillos/Os Amarelos are seen as solid favorites. The main team will play again, but Mendieta will start over Fernandez-Roux, with Lobato in goal and Cristiano as Captain. The home uniform will be used. The winner will play against the winner of Taeshan and Sarzonia, the other two main favorites to win it all. Should HUElavia advance, the 1st and 2nd or 2nd and 3rd best ranked teams of the tournament can be playing for a spot for the Quarter-Finals. It is a knockout filled with traps and treacherous roads for the team, but they are determined to make the most of the situation and take it one game at a time. HUElavians will travel to Sylestone to support and cheer on the team in what can be a historic day for Los Amarillos/Os Amarelos. Here's to us beating Kohnhead and making the Round-of-16.

FORCA HUELAVIA! VAMOS HUELAVIA GO HUELAVIA!

[Jeruselem]

Princess Katherine Annabelle Dallas with fox ears, a fox coat and a tail for Naked News Jeruselem in Ethane

Hello, this is Princess Katherine Annabelle Dallas or just Princess Kate for Naked News Jeruselem. Kate San if you're Japanese.
It's qualification match day 7 in the Cup of Harmony 78, the last one.
We were in dire situation as well as our friends Taeshan in Group H.
Both teams were in trouble and probably wouldn't qualify given crap performances so far!

The last day saw Northwest Kalactin vs Omerica, Taeshan vs Oberour Ar Moro and Savigliane vs Jeruselem.

The big game was 1st vs 2nd in the group - Northwest Kalactin vs Omerica.
WELL WELL, Omerica knocked over Northwest Kalactin 3-2 in an upset since Northwest Kalactin had not lost a single game!
This result didn't change the top 2, Northwest Kalactin won the group and Omerica finished 2nd.

SpringMont were last and had the bye so guess what ... they were still last.

Taeshan is the top seed but had not won a single game so far and even lost one, the rest were draws.
They had to win, win - nothing else was acceptable.
Oberour Ar Moro just had to win or draw, they had an easy task.
WELL WELL Taeshan finally showed it was a top seed and won!
The win pushed them to 7 points and pushed Oberour Ar Moro down.

Leaving the Savigliane vs Jeruselem game.
For both teams, it was a must win. A draw would send both teams home.
Jeruselem being the drama queens we are finally got something right.
We did win, 4-3 and it was close.
Our defense was ... shit. But we did score lots of goals and WE QUALIFIED.

So the group H table was Northwest Kalactin 15, Omerica 13, Jeruselem 8 and Taeshan 7.
Oberour Ar Moro on seven but lost out on goal difference.
Savigliane on 5 points and SpringMont on 2.

So this meant WE QUALIFIED!

What's next, we're not going home as yet.
Yes, we're not the best team in this cup at all.
We were lucky to even get into 2nd round!

Well after the rather complex ... way the second round is determined.
We face a new opponent.
Mavinet was in Group D in Sylestone.
They finished 2nd in their group on an impressive 14 points second to Sarzonia's 16.
Their 4-2-0 record was great but beated out by Sarzonia's 5-1-0 record.
They have not last a single game.
Then you got Jeruselem with our uninspiring 2-2-2 record.

Taeshan had 1-4-1 record but managed to qualify.
They face .. Sarzonia in Sylestone! Ouch!

Mavinet, let's look at their form.
4 wins, 2 draws. 16 goals for and 7 against.
Jeruselem had 2 of everything, not great.
13 goals scored, but conceded like ... 16. 5 were conceded in one game!
So ... who would you tip?
Obviously Mavinet.

There are like 15 other games I could have a look at for the 2nd round.
But I won't.
For this round of 32, we were seeded 24th. Which is higher than I expected.
So guess we did OK ...

The best team in this cup is Xanneria with 6 wins, 17 goals scored and 8 conceded. Not one point dropped.
Megistos have task of beating them, Megistos barely qualified with 7 points.

We have the capability to win this!
The problem is our defense at the moment is as leaky as a tin roof.
So what's the solution?
We cannot play defensively all game or can we just attack all game.
We're just no good at those kind of tactics.
All we can do play the way we play ... even if it is badly flawed because we're no good at other ways to doing shit.

Well, we're just glad we don't play Sarzonia.

That's it from me.
Some clown there is trying to my tail, hey you stop it.
This isn't fall guys tail tag!

[Sylestone]

Sylestone played out a hard-fought 1-0 loss against undefeated Xanneria to secure themselves second place in Group E and 16th seed. This means they get to play against the best third-place side, or 17th seed in the Round of 32. And guess who that is? None other than our own co-hosts Ethane. The game will be played in Ethane, so we don't have to move, but they do have the home-crowd advantage. It should be a thriller.
Xanneria scored early, in the fourth minute, to open up the scoring. Devon Leymore received the ball at the halfway line from Jox Alirome and ran at the goal. The surprised Sylestoneans let the goal in and Xanneria had opened up scoring. The Appliances regrouped after this and stopped any more goals from occurring this way, with the Stove pushing back into the defensive line. The formation after this move was a whopping 6-2-2, one that proved effective in stopping the relentless line of Xannerian forwards but didn't allow them to score any more goals.
At half-time, the Toaster talked the Sylestone side through how they were going to play the rest of the game. "So we're currently 1-0 down with a 6-2-2 formation. I suggest we keep this formation for the first 25 minutes of the second half, and then we switch to 4-2-2-2. That way the Stove and Toilet can push into defensive midfielders but still keep the defence strong. Is this OK with everyone?"
The answer was in the affirmative as Sylestone kept on defending heartily against the Xannerians, frustrating them with a lack of goals. The 70th minute came and went and it was still 1-0. Finally, in the 85th, Sylestone had the chance to equalise. But they couldn't do it as the Mixer's kick went a foot wide of the goal. So 1-0 it stayed and with news of Ethane's 3-1 win, meant that the two co-hosting nations are playing each other. Fun.

SYLESTONE - 0

XANNERIA - 1
Devon Leymore 4'

[Mavinet]

MAVINET PASSED FINAL GROUP STAGE TEST
by Pham Ngoc Le

With qualification already in hand, both Mavinet and Zeta Reka and Hugeltaldom (that’s two teams and not three) came into their last match against each other aiming primarily to check their progress since the Baptism of Fire 72’s final. The last encounter was a tightly contested match for much higher stakes than now, but that didn’t mean the teams treat this rematch any less than the last. Zeta Reka and Hugeltaldom wanted to get a better position in the group and repay the debt of losing to Mavinet in the BoF72 final, while Mavinet wanted to consolidate the second spot and extend the record against the Esportivan team.

Head Coach Nguyen Minh Quan rested several key players for the upcoming Round of 32 and instead gave the chance to the secondary choices. Striker Tran Duc Vinh got their second start of the tournament, while Nguyen Hoai Trung Dung continued to fill in for the still injured Tran Hoang Minh, who suffered a minor concussion in the match against Yuezhou. Ha Anh Vu also started in place of Vu Tien Linh and the pair of wide defenders were replaced as well. On the other side, Zeta Reka and Hugeltaldom also rested several of their usual starters.

The match started out fairly balanced in the first 10 minutes when both teams played with a cautious approach. Mavinet picked up the pace to put some pressure on the Rekan defense and it immediately made an impact. Ha Anh Vu, in a rare starting appearance, linked up fluidly with Nguyen Hoai Trung Dung and Tran Duc Vinh to bypass the opponent’s defense and scored the first goal for Mavinet in the 12th minute. Zeta Reka and Hugeltaldom’s defense hadn’t really been reorganized when Tran Duc Vinh added to Mavinet’s lead 5 minutes after with a well-placed shot inside the box. Jan Thimig left too much space for Tran Duc Vinh to make the shot and the Mavinese striker didn’t hesitate to make the most of the gift.

Two quick-fire goals put Mavinet in a very comfortable position to play, and the Water Buffaloes controlled much of the first half possession. Before the half time break, Mavinet would score again in the 30th minute. Nguyen Hoai Trung Dung converted a free kick from 21 meters out, which was awarded after Wlad Wlad made a reckless tackle on the attacking midfielder. The scorer’s goal celebration went a bit overboard as he taunted Wlad Wlad on his way back for the restart, obviously a reaction to being continuously fouled as well as pushed and accused of diving earlier by the Rekan center back. Tension flared out between the two before the referee and players from both side had to separate them from each other. Luckily the first half ended without any incident and the score stayed 3-0 for Mavinet.

The second half started just as well for the Water Buffaloes as the first. 4 minutes after the kickoff whistle, Tran Duc Vinh scored his second goal of the match from another wonderful team play from Mavinet. A 4-goal lead was enough for Head Coach Minh Quan to order the team to slow down and fall back to preserve the match. Zeta Reka and Hugeltaldom started to retake some ground and push up for at least a consolation goal. They would get more than one goal, however, when Mavinese defenders switched off time and time again after getting the comfortable lead. Miloš Simeoniwić caught Trinh Van Hau out of position in the 62nd minute and made a run for goal from which he scored the Rekan’s first goal of the day. Le Nguyen Viet Sang was the next defender to make a fatal mistake when a back pass in the 74th minute was intercepted by Arnald Gal and the Rekan striker could never waste a good chance like that. The score was pulled back 2-4.

The goals gave Zeta Reka and Hugeltaldom a second wind to try to get back into game. Wave after wave of Rekan attacks suddenly threatened Mavinese’s goal more than people would have expected just 20 minutes before. It seemed like the Rekans were so close to the third goal on their way to an improbable comeback, but fate would have it that Mavinet came out on top. A counter attack in the 78th minute saw Phung Thieu Van sprinting down the right wing before making a powerful low cross into the box. Zaur-Luka Igorić, in an effort to intercept the cross, touched the ball the wrong way and sent it flying into the back net instead. An unfortunate mistake from Zeta Reka and Hugeltaldom would settle the match as a convincing victory for Mavinet.

With 3 points from this game, the Water Buffaloes ended the group stage in second place with 14 points. TJUN-ia overtook Zeta Reka and Hugeltaldom and claimed third place after they came out on top of the final showdown for qualification with Barunia. The four representatives of Group D are thus Sarzonia, Mavinet, TJUN-ia and Zeta Reka and Hugeltaldom.

The first knockout opponent for Mavinet will be Jeruselem, third of Group H with 8 points and a balanced record of 2 wins, 2 draws and 2 losses. If ranks are any indicator, they will provide as much difficulty as any higher-ranked team has for Mavinet. However, judging by the form, Mavinet are the better team, and if we can get a good result against TJUN-ia, there is no reason to think we can’t do it again with a similarly ranked team like Jeruselem. There is no telling which way the game will go before the kickoff but we can be sure the national team will need to double their effort now that the stakes are higher and there is no second chance to be taken.

---

MD7

MAVINET - 5
12' Ha Anh Vu
17' Tran Duc Vinh
30' Nguyen Hoai Trung Dung
49’ Tran Duc Vinh
78' Zaur-Luka Igorić (OG)

ZETA REKA AND HUGELTALDOM - 2
62' Miloš Simeoniwić
74' Arnald Gal

Tran Hoang Minh injured - unavailable for next match

[Zeta Reka and Hugeltaldom]

Coach Dusan was pulling Zeta Reka to third place in the Group Stage, but he wasn’t in the clear yet. Three or Four teams could still bump Zeta Reka out if the nation lost its final three games. Dusan was up late again, looking over the footage and figures of the last three matches. The experiment of three at the back was improving the defense. Spirits were overall good in the lock room to Coach’s eyes. After the sudden attention, which really wasn’t much if one thinks about it, Bogdan was quite happy to get back to work against Yue Zhou. The game was a good match for Zeta Reka as a whole. A win put Zeta Reka into some secure footing, but two matchups remained.

---

Dusan was at this point giving the final talk to his team “We’ll need some more production in the later games.” Dusan said before continuing to scribble on his whiteboard, “I’m gonna put you out for a bit, Rawić. I’ll be subbing you out for Gal. I want your legs fresh for Mavinet and the knockout stage.” Bogdan nodded, “Alright sir.” “Alright indeed,” Dusan said before the match, “and so for the rest of you, I’m going to need you to stay durable. We’re past the long haul. I just mentioned the knockout for a reason. I’m going to let you men in on a secret, our opponents today are playing someone we’ve played before on the final. If that other team wins twice, this game didn’t matter. The team we just beat can’t ahead of us either. The boys we’re playing today can’t pass us without winning twice, so they would have to beat the second team I mentioned.” The players looked on silently. Mullow Dorboslawić appeared to be drawing a flow chart with his hands. Dusan coughed, “What I’m saying is that we’re going to get out of the groups!” Understanding their coach, the locker room clapped. “Just don’t kill yourself. After this we’ll get some good rest.”

There’s a stereotype of coaches, possibly forged by bad experiences with gym class instructor. However, Dusan did not agree with treating players like kids who smoke in the bathroom. For the Rekan players it seemed to get a fire lit inside. The normally risk adverse team score repeatedly in the first half. Bogdan got a brace, impressing his coach. He was recalled early from the match, just like the coach had said. “Hey, I’ll be needing those legs.” Dusan said, giving the much shorter player a shove on the arm. Dusan clapped and have a fair bit of swagger after his call off from the game. The team proceeded to lose by four goals. After the matchup, the locker room was unpleased about the dirty details of the game, but the team were in a position to finish second. Dusan was shaken, but knew his team would be in the final thirty two. He penned up a roster with a few backup starting, Miloš Simeoniwić and Zaur Luka-Igorić were replacing some major players. However, Arnald Gal was a key replacement. Gal shared his position with Bogdan Rawić, who was possibly getting the game off.

---

Bogdan was flanked by two men in the technical area. One of them was speaking to him about being transferred. “Hey man,” the veteran said, “I’ve been there. I’ve moved clubs four times since I was around your age. It’s not something you always expect. Loans, sales, and anything else, it all a new opportunity.” Bogdan shrugged and looked back at his team mate. “I know man, I just don’t know if it’s time.” “I was here when Perlog coached the national team. I wasn’t captain, but he used to talk the older players about you. I’d say you were alright to him.” After the veteran to Bogdan’s left spoke his words the third player, named Klaudio, gave his import, “Alright is an understatement. You’ve seen this kid before you left Zeta Reka, Wladmirowić.” The player on Bogdan’s left, and team captain, was silent for a moment. The captain’s eyes widened, “Hey!” He had spoke suddenly, and then did so again “Alright!” he said loudly “Help us out, man. C’mon Arnald!” Klaudio moved in close to Bogdan “If it means anything to you, you don’t have to play with a rival like me. If you get your agent to do enough work, you might end up in another country.”

The crowd erupted. Coach Dusan yelled that “He just scored!” Arnald Gal had went and put one through the net. While the team still lost, and Luka-Igorić gave the national team a rare own goal, Bogdan was in good spirits for his partner Gal. The two had spent a year together at Capital’s academy before Gal was sold away, and the two used to share humor online until they both hit twenty years of age. “I don’t know what to do with this transfer situation.” Bogdan felt Gal could offer some sympathy, but instead got a smile. “Hey old friend, I don’t see what the issue is. I know you love your city. I love living in Porto Nowi too, but when my transfer clauses get all settled in contract I’m going somewhere new.” Bogdan just looked silently. “It’s alight. You’ll always have a home there. You were always popular.” Bogdan nodded with a neutral expression. “I’m not looking for big stadium and the bright lights. I want to help my town.”


Gal grabbed his friend by the arm. “You can help in a lot of ways. Look at Wladmirowić, or captain if you want to be official. He’s been saving a big chunk of his wages. The food he’s eating in Audioslavia is cheeper than the food cart slop that goes down my gullet. Do you know why our captain is doing that?” Arnald came in and whispered aloud, “He’s putting thousands into a charity fund.” Arnald I know they’re paying you a lot, but there’s place that’ll pay you double to sit on the bench.” Bogdan nodded again with his face no different than before. “Yeah,” he said “There’s also the challenge.” Gal laughed interrupted Bogdan, “Challenge? You’re scoring more than me, I’m the one who’s got a challenge with these jokers.” Gal quickly looked around the room, and saw two defenders looking at him. “So,” Gal said, looking to change the subject on a high, “Miloš told me you guy sent Janko’s bag to his home in Korvann.” Gal said to Bogdan while they two were socializing after the game. “Yeah, on 33 Zelan. His condo is there.” In earshot was Klaudio from before, who suddenly began to laugh. The two young men peered over to their third choice goalkeeper. “There’s a Janko with his clothing, alright. Didn’t you remember that the Zelen road runs parallel to the Korvan district?” Gal walked away with a chuckle, “You better overnight a letter to that house, buddy. Unless you send it to my mom!” Bogdan remembered why he stopped speaking to Arnald, again. Even though Bogdan was subjected to poor humor, he walked away with some useful advice.

[Graintfjall]

Second-string midfield fails to take chance to impress

Sigtryggur Brynjólfursson’s decision to rest key starters for the final group stage game of the Cup of Harmony proved an uninspired experiment, with a second-choice midfield group failing to make a case, individually or collectively, for starting role. The Snow Wolves crashed to a 3 – 1 defeat at the hands of the co-hosts and slipped to a fourth place seeding in the group, setting up a difficult Round of 32 encounter with the strongly favored New Lusitania. Brynjólfursson defended his decision to rest his starting midfield, saying that a fresh team for the knockout stage was “preferable to a tired third seed”, but admitted that he “hadn’t seen enough” from the replacement players. “It was a chance for them to step up and stake out a place in the starting lineup and they didn’t take it,” said the blunt national team coach. “But it was worth the experiment as we know for sure now what our best team is going forward.”

Amanda Guttisdóttir, Hrærekur Jvarsson, Bríana Noahsdóttir, and Hlégestur Snæþórsson all sat out the game – with Jason Þórhallursson and Karoline Vernerisdóttir unavailable through injury, it meant less than half of his first-choice eleven, even accounting for other player losses to injury and discipline issues, took the field – and Kalle Bjørnsson, despite being booked early on, put on a creditable performance in the center of midfield. But around him Matthias Raphaelsson, Ketilbjörg Aunosdóttir, and Lana Mensdóttir were insubstantial presences, while Justiina Dannysdóttir continued to struggle to make an impact. Lyngar Rögnvaldursson did score, turning in corner with a strong header to level just after Ethane had taken the lead, but otherwise was unable to impact the game and turned wide the one good chance that came his way, slicing wide a neat pass from Ásgautur Johannesson just after the hour mark.

Græntfjall took the 1 – 1 tie to the half, but in the second half a gap opened up between them and the Red Kites as attacking midfielder Andy Obrien took control of the game, scoring twice from well-worked passing moves. Normally a provider rather than a scorer, his brace of goals followed Scott Burgess’s first half strike, latching onto an Antonio Atanga cross. Defensively untroubled in the second half as Brynjólfursson opted for conservative substitutions, Ethane ran out deserving winners, although their reward, in a bizarre twist of fate, will be to play their fellow co-hosts in a Round of 32 meet-up. Other tantalizing knockout round ties will include Sarzonia and Taeshan, two World Cup veterans, while Græntfjall will play New Lusitania, who cruised undefeated through their group to claim a top seeding. A stronger midfield performance will be needed, but the return of rested starters should at least bolster the Snow Wolves’ ranks.

Ethane – 3 (1)
Araújo; Atanga, Wilburn-Mason, James, McArthur; Roberts (58’ Woodrow ), Obrien (74’, 79’), Montoya (77’ Cole ), Ford; Smith; Burgess (38’)

Græntfjall – 1 (1)
F. Snæþórsson; Johannesson, Farmansson, Álfarsson, Reynarsson (73’ Ernestisson ); Raphaelsson, Bjørnsson (9’), Aunosdóttir, Mensdóttir (52’ Bensson ); Dannysdóttir (47’ Antoninsson ); Rögnvaldursson (39’)

Also in the paper:

• NEWS: Budget talks run into third day
• BUSINESS: Failure to secure a budget deal sinks stock hopes – MARKET LIVE
• TECHNOLOGY: “Femtrepreneurs” driving new wave of tech start-ups
• CULTURE: Háttmark Ballet open season with dramatic reinterpretation of Moby Dick
• SPORT: Chromatik, Farf influx as transfer drama unfolds

---

BAN THIS SICK FILTH NOW!
GTV slated for showing transfer show instead of live footie

Our brave boys in blue-and-white played their HEARTS out against Ethane and were unlucky to come away with a 3 – 1 defeat. But you wouldn’t know it if you were a GTV viewer as the COWARDLY national network decided to air a ‘Transfer Special with Jessika Jünkindietrünk’ rather than televise the game, instead RELEGATING the match to online coverage only!!! The SHAMEFUL act has been criticized as ‘OUT OF TOUCH’ by many and raised serious questions about GTV’s leadership and strategic vision.

“Two hours of twaddle about which overpaid prima donna is going to be even more overpaid by some foreign league,” ranked @totallynotaNDsockpuppetaccount1 on Twitcher in reaction to the OUTRAGEOUS slight. Many agreeed, with @totallynotaNDsockpuppetaccount2 chiming in with: “Two hours of twaddle about which overpaid prima donna is going to be even more overpaid by some foreign league.” Particular criticism was levelled at the focus on Jason Þórhallursson – injured and unable to play for the national team yet able to start racking up 5 MILLION krónor offers from overseas!!!

@totallynotaNDsockpuppetaccount3 on Twitcher summed up the thoughts of many loyal Græntfjallers, saying: “Two hours of twaddle about which overpaid prima donna is going to be even more overpaid by some foreign league.” And @totallynotaNDsockpuppetaccount4 was incensed that even as Lyngar Rögnvaldursson was belting home a STUNNING goal and Kalle Bjørnsson tearing around the field playing like a CHAMPION, GTV’s cameras were squarely focussed on the studio, where Petter Erlingsson and Olle Tobiasson recycled pat lines about transfer rumors!!! “Two hours of twaddle about which overpaid prima donna is going to be even more overpaid by some foreign league,” they said.

“Two hours of twaddle about which overpaid prima donna is going to be even more overpaid by some foreign league.” That was the verdict of @totallynotaNDsockpuppetaccount5 at the SCANDALOUS display by the national broadcaster! SERIOUS QUESTIONS must now be asked about TAXPAYER MONEY being spent on such a LUDICROUS DISPLAY instead of on living up to their PATRIOTIC OBLIGATION!!!

ND brings you the TOP stories today:

• Immigrant crime scandal
• Page 3 beauty Elsa says “I’d never date a lad who’d rather watch genuinely relevant news than a meaningless dead rubber featuring a second-string XI!”
• Culture: all the juicy soap action reviewed!
• Free GHL wall-chart
• Does using spreadsheets to collate medical data cause cancer?

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Vernerisdóttir probable, Þórhallursson questionable

The Snow Wolves fill probably have first-choice right back Karoline Vernerisdóttir back in the starting XI for their knockout match against New Lusitania but the return of striker Jason Þórhallursson remains in doubt as both players recover from knee injuries sustained during the group stages of the Cup of Harmony. Vernerisdóttir participated in her first full practice session with the main squad yesterday, but Þórhallursson remains an “80%” prospect to play, leading to fears the forward might not be risked. The Snow Wolves have struggled without his goal-scoring presence, but have also had to deal with a drastic shortage at full-back thanks to disciplinary issues and injuries alike.

Against Ethane’s Red Kites Græntfjall fielded center-back Hjörleifur Reynarsson at right-back; Vernerisdóttir’s return would add positional certainty and an attacking wing-back option. Ásgautur Johannesson, starting at left-back in place of Emeli Vilbertsdóttir, was at fault in one of Ethane’s goals but also supplied a good corner that was scored by Lyngar Rögnvaldursson. With the rest of the defense and midfield more certain, the only lingering question remains at center forward. Rögnvaldursson has been less a poor man’s Þórhallursson than an utterly impoverished one, but the valuable prospect is unlikely to be risked if he is not fully fit.

The Snow Wolves will be taking on New Lusitania, who field a fast, attacking team with an excellent midfield unit, meaning much pressure will be on Amanda Guttisdóttir and Hrærekur Jvarsson to deliver. Their play in the center of midfield has been the highlight of an inconsistent Græntfjall performance thus far in the Cup of Harmony, and will be crucial to determining the outcome of the first straight elimination knockout game the Snow Wolves have played since the Baptism of Fire. “We haven’t been in this kind of pressured game since Valladares,” admitted assistant coach Særún Toresdóttir, “But it will sharpen the mind.”

In this edition:

• Budget talks in chaos as coalition disintegrates
• Left-slate hammer government on worker safety record
• Pollution concerns over ‘inhumane’ immigrant hulk detention plans
• Short story: The Peripatetic Anesthesiologist
• Donation drive – help investigative journalism fight for your rights by selling your organs and giving us the proceeds

[TJUN-ia]

By Peter Davis

After the craziest result in the history of TJUN-ian football, the Jaguars entered the final day with their fate in their hands. It may not have been the greatest tournament so far, but that 7-3 demolition of Zeta Reka and Hugeltadom was certainly a sign that this team has more in it that people expected. Still, a job needed to be done on the final day at The Bay Reserve in Betham and that was avoiding defeat against the 5th place Barunia Suns in order to qualify for knockout football - an event TJUN-ia has been getting better at reaching in its time in existence. The match would be occurring on TJUN-ia Day, the day on the U1 and U2 calenders that TJUN-ia as a nation was founded (not to be confused with the other 2 big TJUN-ian holidays of Cross Day (April 1st) and Founding Day (April 6th)), and as such David Seems wanted to mark the occasion with a big win here in Sylestone.

On this patriotic day, the game kicked off. Both sides knew what was at stake and performed with great urgency, wanting to send their team to the Round of 32 no matter the seeding. Jaguars and Suns duelling on the bay, it was a sight to behold as blue and orange fought red and yellow. Both sides pushed early on to try and get an early advantage and play was tough, but someone had to breakthrough. That person was Vladimir Podolov, who took advantage of a defensive error from Fiona Brayshaw to calmly slot the ball past John Taylor to give the Jags the lead in the 33rd minute. The Suns wouldn't give up however and continued to fight, giving our defence a good run for their money. They would be rewarded in the 41st as Sara Moorhouse headed in a corner from Louise Cartwright to tie up the game, to the delight of manager Rafael Barrios. Half time arrived with the game poised at 1-1, TJUN-ia with the advantage for now but Barunia with the momentum they could capitalise on.

Once the 2nd arrived though, the game changed as Seems brought on the man who changed momentum against Zeta Reka: Galarian Prince Carter. Carter did his usual magic of adding a flair to the TJUN-ian attack that few can counter and he provided a spectacular ball to Kepo Ulawaya in the 68th, who simple tapped the ball past Taylor to regain the lead. After that, things were comfortable and Seems could afford to give the defensive pairing of Mohammad Kallah and Nicolas Umkala a little rest before the knockouts as he brought on Mohammad Malsharma and Nico Aquinio to get some rare game time. They actually did well for the 20 minutes they were on the pitch and certainly made themselves aware to the international community for the next transfer window. But the scoring wasn't done and Pedro Vasquez sealed the win and knockout football for the Jaguars in the 87th minute via a free-kick that was sent to the top right corner and into the net. On one of TJUN-ia's 3 National Holidays, the Jaguars prevailed in good fashion.

The job may have been hard at times but 10 goals in the final 2 games was enough for the Jaguars as they finished 3rd in the group due Zeta Reka's 5-2 defeat to Mavinet. So now it's time for playoff football, and the first one will be very interesting. We will head to the treetop city of Pesfield, to the north of Betham, to take on a team we have played in youth football but never in senior football: the 50th ranked team from Vdara, a team who arrived to this tournament on a pirate ship. Will the Jaguars sink or swim in The Trees? We shall see... GO JAGS!

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SCHEDULE (Group D - All group games at The Bay Reserve, Betham, Sylestone)
MD1: vs Rangers FC (141) - W 1-0 (T-2nd)
MD2: vs Sarzonia (28) - L 0-2 (4th)
-------------------BOOT IT!-------------------
MD3: vs Yuezhou (118) - D 1-1 (4th)
MD4: BYE (4th)
-------------------BOOT IT!-------------------
MD5: vs Mavinet (73) - L 0-1 (4th)
MD6: vs Zeta Reka and Hugeltadom (77) - W 7-3 (4th)
-------------------BOOT IT!-------------------
MD7: vs Barunia (96) - W 3-1 (3rd/3W-1D-2L/+4GD/10pts)
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RO32: vs Vdara (50) - The Trees, Pesfield

[Sarzonia]

Woodstock Daily Mail
Mentes tapped as new Stars manager

By Glenn Nelson
Daily Mail Staff Writer

Megistos Under 18 national team manager Nicola Mentes was named the manager of the Sarzonian national football team in a press conference inside Dave Wilson Stadium.

Mentes will assume the managerial duties after Sarzonia concludes its run in the Cup of Harmony with the retirement of Kevin Connelly after three World Cup qualifying cycles.

"I'm excited about the opportunity to bring Sarzonian football into the modern era," Mentes said. "We want to be more aggressive and push teams in ways that we haven't done enough of recently."

Mentes said he plans to open the competition for starting goalkeeper between Carlton Sandt and Paolo Gomes, praising the latter's agility. He also said he wanted the Sarzonian back line to get younger, which Sarzonian Under 21 national team manager Nathan Hanifer also said was important.

Hanifer did not respond to several phone calls or text messages seeking comment on the hire. Wilson said Hanifer was expected to return to his role as the Junior Stars manager.

"We just didn't feel Nathan made his case for the senior position as well as he could have," said a member of the Incorporated Football Federation Board of Governors who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the deliberations candidly. "He seemed to think the senior job was his by right and he didn't take Mentes seriously as a candidate."

"We felt a need to jolt the team out of a rut," said Incorporated Football Federation chairman Zack Wilson. "No disrespect to Kevin, who did a great job, especially considering the circumstances that led him to become manager, but we wanted to not get off to slow starts like we've developed a pattern of doing."

Connelly took over after the death by suicide of manager Bryan Ostrander, who guided the Under 21 national team during AOCAF 59 to a 2-1-7 record facing senior national teams. Connelly brings a career record of 48-19-20 into Sarzonia's Round of 32 match against Taeshan.

More importantly, he also guided the team as it processed its grief over the loss of Ostrom. The results on the pitch included the so-called Brenecia Beatdown, which saw an unranked Stars side walk into Brenecia and defeat the Patriots by the same 3-1 scoreline that the then-19th ranked side in the multiverse defeated the Stars by in Woodstock. It included the Nephara Knockout, a 1-0 victory that all but propelled the Stars into the World Cup proper. It included a bronze medal in the Cup of Harmony two cycles ago.

"I look forward to seeing the team succeed with its new manager," Connelly said. "I have every confidence in Nicola Mentes and the direction he plans to take Sarzonian football in as we approach a new era."

Mentes becomes the second foreign-born manager of a Sarzonian national team after Cafundelense native Franz Braddock.

[Flavovespia]

Flavovespia 1-3 Sargossa

For Flavovespia, déjà vu struck as they once again lost their final group game to drop out of top spot in the Cup of Harmony. Sargossa were the Pot 1 team, and slight favourites going into this match, despite some squad rotation, but there was still disappointment in the Flavovespian ranks about this result.

The match started very much like the one Flavovespia had against Kohnhead in the last Cup of Harmony. Just over 5 minutes in, and David Blythe tripped Alonzo Bienvenida inside the box. No need for any video review, that was a clear penalty, despite some half-hearted protests from Blythe. This time however, it didn’t result in an early goal, Aarif Muhammad went the right way and parried the penalty away.

Sargossa remained on top though, and got their breakthrough in the 21st minute. Good play through the midfield saw Mateo Manzanares receive a through ball, holding off Tony Gardner and Alexander May. One on one, he slotted it low and hard into the corner, to open the scoring. 0-1 to Sargossa, who now had the group lead. It seemed, like last time, Flavovepsia wouldn’t hold on to an undefeated group record

Flavovespia had looked second best in this game, but hit back with an equaliser 7 minutes later. A good turn of speed by Christopher Ace saw him come into the box from the right. His shot was blocked by Alejandro Martínez, but only into the path of Steven Hall, who had a large space to target. He put the ball into the back of the net for the equaliser, making it 1-1 and putting Flavovespia back on top of the group as it stood.

It was just after the hour mark, when Sargossa restored their lead. Plenty of good passes kept the ball away from Flavovespia, in the Flavovespian half. It was Marcos Águila who took a shot on, and the defensive midfielder’s shot beat Aarif Muhammad at the near post. The Flavovespian goalkeeper had looked impressive for most of the group stage, but that was a bit of a blight on his record. 1-2 now, Sargossa back in front, back on top and playing well.

The win was sealed in the 74th minute. A free kick from 40 metres out, close to the touchline, wasn’t well defended by Flavovespia. Nobody in a yellow shirt got anything on the ball, as it fell to Mateo Manzanares towards the far post to knock it in. At 1-3 with a little over 15 minutes to go, Flavovespia looked down and out. Valentine Richmond, Ramon Martin and Marc Sharratt were all subbed on, but could produce nothing to get Flavovespia back in the game.

1-3 it finished, Sargossa top the group and become #3 in the knockout bracket, with Flavovespia falling to 2nd, and placing #11 in the knock-out bracket. Abahnfleft were 3rd, but lost 3-4 to Megistos. With Huayramarca finally getting their first win, 2-4 over Mattijana, Megistos took a surprise 4th in the group to progress to the knockout stages.

The #22 side that Flavovespia will face in the Round of 32 is Tioguldós (Sometimes spelt Tioguldos). They’re no stranger to knockout football, runners up in the most recent Baptism of Fire, losing to Graintfjall 1-3 in the final. The gregarious sea of red that follows their national team, nicknamed The Red Army have already developed a reputation for highly passionate, albeit generally friendly spectators. In the Cup of Harmony 78, they didn’t start off well, with a 2-6 loss to Vdara. However they recovered to a 3-1-2 record, coming 3rd in the competitive Group G. They were 97th at the start of the tournament, but can still spring a surprise against Flavovespia.

Tioguldós can deploy a variety of formations, but a 4-3-3 is their favoured choice. However it’s not as simple as that, as they play a short passing game with much fluidity. Often a defender steps into the midfield during an attack, also acting as the first line of defence in the event of a counter-attack. Their centre forward will also play as a “false-nine”, looking to open space up for the wide forwards to move into, or pull centre-halves out of position. A team with a fascinating tactical setup, Arnold Stevenson must be cautious not to fall into any traps against Tioguldós.

[Krytenia]

Sentient Toilets, Meet Wet Bog Roll
By Rami Niblick in Halpenley, Sylestone

SYLESTONE is a nation probably best know to Krytenians for their penchant for sending a football team of sentient objects and appliances to recent World Cup qualifying competitions. In truth, they're outnumbered by the people of the nation, but for whatever reason the national football asssociation decided that was the way to go.

For now, though, Sylestone is the home of the Krytenian national team as they attempt to negotiate the knockout phase of the Cup of Harmony. The road ahead is fraught with obstacles - none more so that the potential of a quarter-final against old rivals Sarzonia should they get that far - but to advance from the first knockout stage they have to face up to a rather more recent chapter in Dragons history.

Six years ago, Jerome Jaffacake-Phillips began his stint as manager of the Krytenian national team by welcoming the Incorrigibles of Omerica to Ashton for the opening match of the World Cup LXXXV qualifiers. Omerica...did not expect to win. In fact, they even sent a second string side in the hope that the team's big guns would be well rested for what they expected to be the more important game against Newmanistan. Even the famed Blog de Football agreed with Krytenian predictions that the Dragons would walk away with the full complement of points, whilst jokingly concluding that "we may be completely wrong and the Kryties have the structural integrity of wet bog roll. Also, we think Martin Wallander may be part dog."

Now I'll be the first to admit that the jury's still out on the Wallander thing, but they were dead on the money with the Krytenian team's resemblance of saturated toilet paper. Krytenia's defence provided about as much resistance as an ant with a placard, and Omerica's reserves ran roughshod over their opponents, putting five past a laughable back line and an overworked Damian Carpenter. It's a day that will live long in the memory of Jean-François Fernand, who scored a hat-trick that day to forever etch his name into the history books. Krytenia would gain a modicum of revenge in the return game, winning by three goals to two, but the damage had been done.

And that brings us full circle. JJP's time in charge started with defeat to Omerica; with the vultures circling over the gaffer's head, another defeat to the same side may just end it. One thing is for sure, though; this is one match where Krytenia will not be underestimating the opposition. Onward!