World Cup 88- Roleplay Thread

by **Vilita** » Thu May 13, 2021 7:07 pm

Opening Matchday Slump Continues

Jungle Cats held 2-2 in opener at the Radlov Arena

For the second consecutive World Cup Qualifying campaign, the Vilitan National Team kicked off their path to the World Cup Finals on the road against perhaps their biggest projected 'Banana Peel' side - an up and coming team with loads of potential that some felt under the right conditions could steal points from the top side in the group. During World Cup 87 Qualifying, the opponent and location of that opening match was Tequilo. Champions of the Independent Associations. Now members of the Eagle's Club. Many felt 53rd Tequilo could even potentially challenge Vilita for a spot in the World Cup 87 Finals, and they lived up to the billing holding the Jungle Cats to a 1-1 draw. It was the first a three consecutive draws to open World Cup 87 Qualifying for Vilita before they finally snapped out of the funk in a five-star performance on Matchday Four against unranked nation Widaya.

Ultimately, Vilita would survive the onslaught that was World Cup 87 Qualifying only to crash out of the group stage in the World Cup 87 Finals and hit the reset button, once again being drawn against their groups 3rd-seeded nation to kick off Group 2 of World Cup 88 Qualifying.

This time the opponent would be the 60th ranked Squornshelan Remnant States but the outcome would be much the same. Historically, the Vilitan National Team have always struggled to start qualifying off on the right foot, famously dropping points on the opening matchday in the most unpredictable of circumstances - often drawing or losing to teams that had never before played a World Cup Qualifying match, or even whom didn't even show up for the very match they defeated the Jungle Cats in. World Cup 87 and World Cup 88 were dropped points of a different nature, however. When the Vilita Jungle Cats were defeated by the Giant Bird of Lymantatia, upended by Nacho Libre himself - they made for fascinating and memorable storylines but not much more. The dropped points to start the campaign in those situations had little effect on the Jungle Cats ability to advance to the World Cup Finals. They still maintained control of their own destiny, gave a couple of free points to teams that were never going to accrue enough points to be competitive in the group, and each went about their own paths.

Dropping points on the opening matchday of qualifying to the third seed was very much a non-trivial situation. Unlike when playing an unranked side ultimately playing for pride and practice, two points lost to a third seed is really three points lost in the standings. Instead of being three points clear of Tequilo after the opening matchday of World Cup 87 Qualifying, Vilita were 0 points clear of them. Now, after the opening matchday of World Cup 88 Qualifying, the same applies to third seed Squornshelan Remnant States. Instead of Vilita having opened a 3 point gap over one of their qualification rivals, they were stuck level with them while the rest of the group marched on and secured points of their own.

The match took place at the Radlov Arena which hadn't entertained a World Cup Qualifying match in ... some time. The change of venue seemed to energize certain members of the Squornshelan Remnant States team with the Anomlaies fielding a full strength squad free of injury concerns and well rested from the off season that preceded them.

 Vilita [2] - [2] Squornshelan Remnant States
				
	GOALS:	Vilita 	:: 17' Clarana Refiami:: 68' Enzoril Alabonni             		
	STATS:	Vilita 	:: Possession: 53%:: Shots: 4:: Corners: 9	Squornshelan Remnant States 	:: Possession: 47%:: Shots: 6:: Corners: 4
	Lineup:	[GK] Mako Canopii, [D.] Inteali Koranjo, [D.] Rojara Tiones, [D.] Inbekira Ajhabekk, [ML]  Jyuola Mtalata, [MC]  Kudii Davasarii, [MC] Trezisi Rokopolis, [MR]  Limu Katarakhna, [FC]  Clarana Refiami, [FC] Nii'arala Milaaso, [FC] Enzoril Alabonni			
	Bench:	[FC] Tenziki Kulakao, [FC] Fishtii Blikala, [M] Cywrenta Vlintejni, [M] Imauka Lkomorak, [U ] Polaox Torerun, [D] Narri Sebapilo, [GK] Striitca Virahat

Of course, after the match, news outlets such as the Eshialand News Network couldn't help but celebrate the points dropped by top seed Vilita, reaching deep into the archives for a crafty reference back to the very first Vilita National Sports Special News Report when then Vilita National Team head coach Helmut Vilkaous warned of a 'Vilitan Threat' during the then upcoming World Cup 13 Qualifiers

Commenting on the Squornshelous Remnant States ability to hold Vilita to a 2-2 draw, the ENN Tournament Report stated "The Confederates are the only lower-ranked team in the group to pick up any points, and I'm almost sure Vilita's worried about the threat they may pose."

Of course, Vilitan fans will hope that this threat has a similarly opposite effect of Vilkaous own threat issued during qualifying for World Cup 13 which saw the Vilitan National Team fail to score a single goal in their first 8 matches of competition, seven of which were defeats.

by **Omerica** » Thu May 13, 2021 7:12 pm

The Northern Times
The Voice of the Lallands
URSF Congress meet in Port Alexandre to discuss OPSL statute changes
Port Alexandre, Mespalia — The United Republican Soccer Federation’s highest governing body is meeting in Port Alexandre to discuss revisions to the constituting statute of the Omerican Professional Soccer League. These prospective changes come after years of conflict between the Federation and League, which are perceived to have damaged the reputation of Omerican football.

According to internal sources, who spoke with The Northern Times on condition of anonymity, these reforms would obligate Omerican clubs to participate in club competitions organised by international governing bodies the Federation is affiliated it and bar Omerican clubs from competing in tournaments not authorised by these bodies. Clubs that breach these rules could face expulsion from the League under under the Federation’s proposed rule changes.

“The aim of these changes is to make sure this farce simply cannot happen again,” the anonymous staffer told The Northern Times. “The Federation is the governing body of Omerican football, not anyone else.”

The Federation and League have been in conflict over Omerica’s international affiliation, with the Federation committing itself to independence from the so-called “Big Three” confederations and the League arguing for a return to a “confederation of convenience”. The League raised objections to the presence of group stages in the FFI’s tournaments and questioned the leadership of the organisation, two concerns which were widely raised across the independent football community, but it was the accusation that the FFI considered Omerica to be a “second-class association” that got the most attention. While the charge has been widely mocked, commentators have pointed out that the confused nomeclature of indie football proved that the use of Lusophony was inappropriate, just not in the way clubs were arguing.

Ultimately, these concerns have been eliminated, with the FFI rechristened as the “Federation of Football Independents” and moving to a straight, single-leg knockout format for its club tournaments. Leadership has also partly changed over, though—in true indie fashion—for reasons other than popular opinion. As a consequence, it is believed—though not yet confirmed—that the URSF will be scrapping a proposed “Omexit”, bringing an end to the long-running will-they-won’t-they saga. As such, League clubs would be forced to participate in FFI tournaments, though the manner in which clubs qualify would be proposed at the League’s initiative.

The League governs itself with authorisation from the Federation, which retains the authority to overturn the League’s decisions and alter the League statute. However, convention dictates that the Federation does not exercise its amendment powers against the League’s wishes unless necessary to uphold the Federation’s own rules. This convention was strained two years ago when Executive Director threatened to suspend the League’s self-governance over the IAC 11 debacle, but the threatened suspension did not come to pass. Fortunately, League clubs are confirmed to have given the nod to the new rules, partly to protect their own future self-governance.

“We have the clubs onside for these changes,” the staffer told The Northern Times. “It’s time for us to put the conflict behind us and unite for the good of Omerican football. We have not always shown it, but we the potential to do great things here and we would be criminally negligent to squander it.” ⁕

United Republican Soccer Federation
6 Jacques la Rouge Road
Port Alexandre, MS 18-A40
UNITED REPUBLICS OF OMERICA
Omerica v Gothanita Isles
World Cup 88 qualification — Matchday Two
Londonderry Court, Londonderry, Coleraine
— and —
Hainan Union v Omerica
World Cup 88 qualification — Matchday Three
Wuyuan River Stadium, Haikou, Hainan Union
Omerica lineup (4–3–3): Alexandra McGuire; Darcy Francis, Charity Kayode (captain), Raphaël Martin, Lauren Kerry; Jacques-Pierre Castell, Fearchar Mac Cléirich, Christian Marts; Maïa Bustos, Malcolm Beauchesne, Wesley Sawyer
Substitutes: Antoine Vicario, Annelise Betancourt; Alphonse Notley, Frédérique Marquetti, Noah Clement, Sacha Sepulveda; Maxime Fournier, Soraya Archambault, Thom Magalhães; Jessie Beckett, Alexis Chrysanthos, Jamal Ahmad

by **The Hainan Union** » Thu May 13, 2021 7:14 pm

(Continued from MD1's RP.)

The voice on the other end was unquestionably Lin Lei's. Jin Li remembered the post-match interviews of Lin Lei he had binge-watched in the past– from those RTM-1 broadcasts where Lin would deftly handle questions in Esperanto, but would light up when he got to answer the Hsintaian reporters' questions in Cantonese and Mandarin. Lin spoke Mandarin quietly and deliberately, with an 嗯 – a filler word akin to "eh" – now and then that he would effortlessly connect to the next point he wanted to make. Through the years, Lin Lei's voice had deepened, but he had always had this slow, perfectly distinctive cadence.

"Yes, I have time," Jin Li answered.

"That's good." A pause on Lin Lei's end. "The 88th World Cup qualifiers are to be held soon. Right now, the World Cup Committee is looking for one more entrant, and we at the Hainan Union Football Association are hoping to field a team."

"Ah!"

"We think that if we don't act soon, this spot will be taken by someone else. So, I'm going to tell it to you straight."

"Okay."

"We at the Hainan Union Football Association are very impressed by your abilities, and we invite you to be one of the starting defenders for the new Hainan Union national team. Next month, you will be playing in the 88th World Cup qualifiers."

"'Teacher Lin Lei,' I am really so honored. I accept. Yes, I accept." In Mandarin, the word for "teacher" can be used to address a master of any sport or craft. There was no doubt in any Hainanese person's mind that Lin Lei had such status. Lin Lei, the midfielder for Muralos's CSKA Urbego who scored 23 goals in his six years there. The crown jewel of the old Hsintai men's national football team. The obvious choice for head coach of a new national team.

"Congratulations. We are counting on you."

"Ah, thank you! Take care, Coach."

"Thank you. See you soon."

Jin Li hung up the phone and gasped. The big band jazz music resumed on the car stereo.

"Wow," he attempted to shout over the sound.

"Wow. Congratulations," Lin Zhiwei replied. "Don't get too excited, though, or you'll crash the car."

"I'm good, I'm good. We're almost there. Look at that." A T-intersection was just ahead, signaling the end of the road from Chengmai. Macun was just a left turn, a three-kilometer drive, and a right turn away.

Lin Zhiwei nodded his head skeptically. Just then, his phone began to ring.

The old Hsintai national football teams, like most football teams in Asian Archipelago, competed solely with other nations in Asian Archipelago. Eight nations– Li Qing, Muralos, Fengjie, Fengjiean territories, Hsintai, Jiadao, Autonomous Northern Jiadao, and Zhengguo– had an informal double round robin each year. Hsintaians would beam with pride whenever the Hsintai national football teams rose to 3rd in the round robin, occasionally staying there the whole season.

The Hsintai men's national football team last competed in the 2015 Asian Archipelago Regional Soccer Cup, which included Asian Archipelago nations plus the nation of Elbaron– then a member of the Conference of Traditional Socialist Nations. The team finished 5th or 6th in the round robin; records have disappeared. It disbanded and reformed as The Hainan Union men's national football team, making a modest group stage showing in the Asian Archipelago Embassy Cup. Then, disbandment until 2021.

The story is quite similar to that of region-mates Muralos, whose international football scene was dormant from 2016 to 2020. Muralos has many more accolades to its name, though, and it has never had to completely reassemble its teams. The Hainan Union does. With a few exceptions like Lin Lei, players play for the national team, then move on to careers that have far less to do with football. Business. Medicine. Politics. Law. Teaching. You name it.

When Lin Lei called Jin Li and Lin Zhiwei, he was building a unified national team almost from scratch, and this team was about to go where no Hainanese or Hsintaian team had gone before.

by **Independent Athletes from Quebec** » Thu May 13, 2021 7:17 pm

OOC: Will probably split the running of Part 11 and 12 into two posts, but with both the remainder of Part 11 and entire Part 12 done in next post.

Now And Forever

PART 11 (68) - Castles

Almost six months had passed. We have only entered the second month of Winter, for the winters start and finish late in the Salamantics (November-May as opposed to October-April in some places out there), but Asher Lundrigan was only saying his true goodbyes to leave Quebec City.

Asher and Eileen's life had remained quite eventful since the night of revelations just earlier. Asher and Eileen had married in the very August afternoon of 2047. Being an expectant couple, their faces had grown rounder and more toned down, and all that struck unacquainted eyes were a happy Twin Cities Brahmin couple who had moved back after a decade away in the cities.

In the past half-year since the promise, they had moved back to one of the houses in the Coxwell Park estates, with occasional returns to Quebec City or Montreal, either at Eileen's Montreal flat, or in Robert Lundrigan's house. Neither of them were seen often in the high society or the industry, and those who knew where they were would find themselves travelling to the town. It was all intended to be as such- not that Asher was content about leaving behind the society- but building a new family, the family visits, and spending almost every moment of their lives together, Asher and Eileen had little time for anything else. Of course, old friends who had known the Baron Valletta, a Vdaran title he had almost never used due to its lack of relevance in the Quebecois court, wondered what had facilitated such change.

Not that there hasn't been much work done during this time anyway. On August, he had released his book, the work that had required the second half of the previous year's recovery from the pain, 'The Death of a Quebecois Fratire Man'. Several chapters of it, framed under the short story format, had appeared in magazines, and a couple of readings were held to those of the Pleiade and other minor circles, to test out the ideas he was working on.

Of course, those who had read up to this point would remember that the promise that Asher had made to his wife was not the specific work about the inferno that condemns the moral degeneracy of a man from the fratire trope. That said, work would have to wait until the year 2050, and not be penned until the arrival of their daughter in the new year. Still, there were visible expectations marked on the public about what awaited the very next work, and if it would cause great furor upon the Quebecois society that may have needed a hero of our times.

And so it did. After arduous revision, the book was at last published just a month ago. Nothing was said or no one had appeared to represent it, as the author had kept himself quietly on alert back home, with his musing over how the public reception would be regarding the absence of the fiery figure who has made his name known in past. Not that he wasn't anticipating the impression this work would make- every author would daydream about such scenarios after all- but the challenge itself was shutting his own mouth from saying anything.

Fortunately, a month had passed, a second, and third, and the society had detected fire and fury in the authors' eyes. Those who had seen his progress among the well-read and the intelligentsia were right in that the topic was going to be a matter of contention because it served incendiary purpose mixed with the aesthetic weaponry. Those who had known him in other paths of life, who would feel slight bits of tingles upon reading this, talked of it rather as a matter of confusion or even betrayal. And the Quebecois society, being amazed with the ways he would go about with the words, simply ate them up. Not to mention the press, whose coverage had only given the silent author additional spotlight.

One of few people who happened to have noticed such changes was the Queen of this northwestern nation. The Queen had realised that his distancing had been due to fulfillment of duties, especially those he had not done so in the years prior, and she would sometimes find herself amused with second-hand news she would hear at times. There was something sure and certain in her judgment that the writer has simply chosen to retreat, but is not recluse, for that did not suit Asher's character.

'Your absence continues to make news in the public and high society. As I have told you, on the most recent letter sent to you and Eileen, the silence without its own end only makes the public feel suspicious about the intentions. Have you not learned what you had sowed from the Smurfgate the previous summer?'

It was an early afternoon, and the speaker happened to be Christine II, the Queen of Quebec and Shingoryeo who has entered the fifth year of her reign. With said words she had scolded her friend Asher, who was busy making farewell remarks to those of the High Society. She was feeling back in health after recovering for a month or two from giving birth to HRH Claire, the second child between her and HRH Caspian of Cassadaigua, the Duke of Halifax.

The Purple Room of the Palais Royale was empty. Since taking the throne, Christine II had rarely invited guests unless they had involved her family or the Prime Minister, even though the occasional guests who would come remained those of the highest ranks of the Quebec City society. This did not mean that the invitations would come in any manner expected, for they had always come in Korean, delivered on a purple and gold message and the word 'Regina Mundi expects you at [insert the certain hour].'

'I believe I have made my choice at this point in time,' replied Asher, feeling calm and yet unsurprised about the response. Wearing the tailcoat, leather shoes and a black tie with the Lundrigan family crest, he had carried a particularly compliant tone to his face. He gave the Queen a courtesy, kissed her hand, and then stood himself before the Queen, who sat on a small chair reserved for meetings.

'Most importantly, your majesty, that is not the slightest of my concerns, for I have come to say farewell to you and the court,' said Asher, unfaltering in his tone, even as there were layers of longing underneath for those who would be able to dig deeper into it.

'But are you sure you'd not want to be saying anything, even as the speculations fly over the words you write?' asked the Queen. 'How many, after all, have heard the remarks you had made leading up to the publication? I do not know how many, but it is unlikely enough to have read it for you to wrest the control over the said narrative.'

' believe not many, and that's probably the best it can get at this point,' responded Asher in his polished Korean, the kind he had been taught since the childhood, dating all the way back to life on the other side of the portal (OOC: reference goes to Interrealm Portal). 'And I frankly do not care, at this point in time, on whether it is an indictment or a work of hypocrisies. I supposed that's true, but the fetes are where all the temptations lie. I do not think going to those would be worth sacrificing an evening bonfire with Eileen and her sister and brother on the beach, or to shop for furnitures to the little guest's room.'

'Of course, there's no denying that.' Queen responded, having been reminded that she was already a mother of two, with Alexandre just turned three. Who would have thought that the time would fly this quickly? 'The children are some of my greatest joys these days, and there's no denying on that. Still, everybody misses you back here or in Montreal, where I have heard from Mylene and Augustin that the calls have been neverending on their end.'

'Of course, you are probably one of the best to know. It was over a year ago when we had first discussed, while on the hunting trip to Thetford Castle under the same invitation, the very novel. It is a social indictment aimed at those who would try to copycat me, or that of those whose conduct cannot be discussed in Her Majesty's Court. It wasn't the one that I had proposed to Leanne over, but that never matters, does it?'

by **The Gothanita Isles** » Thu May 13, 2021 7:22 pm

The scoreline didn't look fantastic, but the result surely is.

According to Zahi Castillas, he couldn't imagine that he could get any point at all against Flavovespia. And definitely, of all things, a clean sheet. The team was playing their very best, but Zahi wasn't giving any expectations, instead just asking for the team to not "disgrace themselves". After all, Zahi was extremely distracted. Though he had 70% of his attention on the match, the remaining 30% was on something being held in the same city. Something about a meeting.

The game kicked off in Stadia Hangshire, South Jeolerina. In the capital city of South Jeolerina, somehow there was around 35 thosuand pax in the stadium with 79 thousand capacity. More than normal for a TGI match. But maybe it is because fans are starting to care more about the matches of the combined TGI team. Maybe it is due to the recent controversies surrounding the domestic football league in general. The game proceeded very slowly, as the Isles chose a more laidback approach to the game. First, it was the use of a more "park-the-bus" kind of gameplan. Next, it is the use of more posession-oriented strategy, going all out to mark the players to ensure that there isn't any lapse in defending. The away side, in the end, became pretty much suffocated, and the game ended in a rather dull 0-0 draw.

The match is definitely considered a success. Especially since some of the younger players got opportunities to play minutes on the pitch. Feofilakt Leigh, Hailee Askes, Karl-Heinz MacNevin and Celsus Becket all got starts, while Kristi Mägi came off the bench to help shore up the defence in the middle of the game. As a whole, all is good. But the real prize for Zahi came from outside the pitch.

Azra Macar, Manager of Bongali United, and Tashir Haines, co-manager of Manclester City, was sitting in a cafe. The third seat at the table was left empty, apparently the person that was supposed to be here isn't here.

It is extremely strange to see the both of them, sitting on the same table, dicussing about things. But when money is at play here, even the most impossible things can happen. Azra Macar was trying to convince Tashir Haines that Manclester City should be on board with the plan, and while the club generally is split, the managers have been given the permission to represent the club at discussions with regards to the new Gothanitan Super Legaue.

"If we aren't talking about money here, I would be lying. Yes, part of this entire plan is about the money. But it is about bringing in more revenue for us to develop our football clubs better. And also, develop the football in the entire nation as a whole," begun Macar.

"Yeah, but honestly, while I get your point here, I don't see why this makes any sense. If the new established league isn't going to get popularity, where will the money be coming from? Broadcasters won't be willing to pay so much for TV rights if there isn't more popularity."

"How would popularity not increase? Currently, most of the interest in the league happens during the playoff stage, where big clubs like yours and mine fight to be champions in all of Gothanita. Now imagine that these matches exist on a weekly basis. Big clubs playing each other weekly. Not only does it bring more excitement, it would provide high quality football that fans are particularly interested in. And imagine how that would benefit our players. Instead of playing matches which they have 90% chance of winning, now the quality is more equal throughout the league. The players would gain more big-game experience, and in turn, that helps the league."

"So you are implying that popularity will increase?"

"I am not implying anything, I am merely stating the facts."

Tashir sighed. "Fine, I can get on board with this if I see the facts."

Macar immediately brought out an entire stack of documents. "If you like you can go read this. The entire proposal that we had in mind. And hopefully, we can put your club's name onto this piece of paper."

by **PotatoFarmers** » Thu May 13, 2021 7:36 pm

Adnan Suliaha must have heaved a sigh of relief when the game ended.

Thankfully, the gamble to switch from a 4-3-3 to a 3-3-4 didn't backfire, and the team got to keep their decent record against Audioslavia. It was something that Adnan never expected, trying to get 4 wins in 4 games against the Bulls, the team who has a longer history than the Red Panjias, but a win is always, a win.

Looking at the really difficult group that Poafmersia has obtained, Adnan Suliaha was never particularly sure about anything. In fact, the entire win looked absolutely shaky, and Audioslavia was pretty much unlucky that they couldn't walk home with at least a point. Well, at least in his view. Katiri didn't feel the same, instead believing that the win was grinded out pretty nicely, and the players should be glad that they perservered to bring home all 3 points. But the coaches are just 2 people in the entire team. The team was generally more relieved than anything, having gone through 90 minutes of pure stress.

"It isn't everyday that you get to win like this," said Joel Haodao after the match. "The game wasn't fantastic for us, but the players had the belief of winning. Winning must be everything to the team, because in the eyes of the home fans who cheered us on, they believed in us. And it was with that belief we fought till the 90th minute, till I got that opportunity to get it past Goran Stroud, who was absolutely heroic today."

The match was bound to be a slugfest from the start. Within the first 6 minutes, Koenraad Rijsbergen managed to break through the Poafmersian defence and was on his way to goal, but thankfully, Mitchel Rosales was able to stop the shot with his calf and get it to a position where Sandi Jaliaha was able to grab the ball. At the 21st minute, Makana Tuft tried to get into the box with the ball, but was beaten by Leo Ceron, who stood tall and held the fort really nicely. Monesty Erdos was also a threat at the side, but most attempts either were blocked by Tiago Brown or saved by Goran Stroud. The first 85 minutes of the game only saw a total of 7 shots on target for both sides, with 5 coming from the Poafmersian side, but all were brilliantly saved by Stround to prevent Poafmersia from going one up. All the way till the stoppage time of the second half, where Joel Haodao managed to sneak it in with Erdos and Aleka Dufour distracting the defence.

With the game settled, Poafmersia turn their to Suimede and Graintfjall. Adnan is expected to rotate his players in favour of putting the key players up for the home game against third seeds Graintfjall, a very important match in the grand scheme of things. Some of the newer players are expected to make a start, with Mac Rojas, Huangdi MacRae, Michael Jackson and Onesimos Jain all confirmed to be getting starts for the away match at Suimede.

Poafmersia 1-0 Audioslavia
Poafmersia Goalscorers: Joel Haodao 90+2'
Poafmersia Lineup: Sandi Jaliaha; Ariel Casey, Nasri Sanchez, Mitchel Rosales, Natalia Abbott; Gisiik Moonar, Woden Sweet, Nero Wood; Joel Haodao, Makana Tuft (c), Monesty Erdos
Substitutes: Arnold Shwentin (Wood 69'); Aleka Dufour (Casey 82'); Alex Hoboson (Abbott 82')

by **Chromatika** » Thu May 13, 2021 7:45 pm

*Baker Park's RP will count toward this cutoff.*
Here we go! This is your cutoff for Matchdays 2-3.

Results

World Cup 81/82/83/84

Slow start, but fast finish on MD 1
Scott McCrae
The Daily Mail National Soccer Writer

By this point in the NS Era, the Commonwealth of Baker Park National Team has grown accustomed to being a big target, a big day out for the home supporters on the first day of WCQ or even just a friendly, a motivation for aspiring national sides.

In Santa Margarita, the atmosphere was not alien to the squad Jennifer Prescott brought, a strong group considering the opposition and fixture list. The manager had several points to prove, and whether she covered all of them or not, three points is always considered a good day at the office in Birkenfeld.

The pageantry, the celebratory mood, the general sense of normality all would make it easy to forget about the general sense of unrest and abnormality going on at present in Montaña Verde; that's a topic for the International Affairs desk to cover, so we'll continue to focus on the match. There was a sense from the kickoff that the BP XI had specific instructions for a task that needed to be completed before they would be taken off the leash, as it were, and allowed to operate under normal conditions.

There were extended periods of possession with crisp passing and cutting, probing the defense, looking for space; the high press and closing of easy passing lanes was textbook Trevor Richmond/Pam Scott fundamental defensive tactics.

The Condors showed a discipline, confidence, and spirit that you expect from side that has come out of the Baptism of Fire having made the knockouts; from a completely blind observer perspective, it is quite enjoyable to see that sort of optimistic approach taken.

The Verdeans broke through on the half hour, their talented number 10, Primitivo (nee: Thomas Ceballos Cantú) getting the first goal at home in the nation's history; the rhythmic chanting, horns and drums, the electricity--if it could've been bottled for eternity, it would be a keepsake in every home.

Then the kickoff for the second 45 minutes happened.

Prescott, Darren Kirby and Tony Weiss must've be satisfied with the performance during the first half, because BP came out looking like a different side. The flood of white shirts into the Verdean defensive third had to have made some observers wonder if it was still 11 v 11; a corner soon after kickoff doused the party like a afternoon thunderstorm--CB Jairo inadvertently heading the ball into the net--then like a rush of sticky humidity in the aftermath, there was nothing comfortable for the hosts.

Junior Ngoba finished an excellent individual effort in the 56th, and Alan Wiseman banged home a rebound off a blocked shot from another corner to extend the lead to 3-1.

The play began to tighten up a little after the Wiseman tally, then Nicki Stone replaced Nicole D'Amico on 71 minutes, followed by Daniel Pryor replacing Reggie Laing with 10 minutes left; there were flashes of offensive tempo, but mainly the side went back to triangles and touches.

Annabeth Westmoreland left it late to cap off a solid performance with a goal 3 minutes into stoppage time; there were a lot of congratulatory exchanges between the Bees and Condors at the final whistle.

Notes--Montaña Verde is the 150th different nation that BP has faced in the NS Era, and coincidently, this the 150th different venue outside of the Commonwealth that Baker Park has played in.

Lineup vs Taeshan:
Johnston; Bauer, Rasanamira, Harrison; Rizzo, Guitierrez, Porter, Aguilar; Sotolongo (C); Simmons, West

Lineup vs Igratia:
Vickers; Bauer, Onikambe, Jordan; Vuckovic, Milton, Buxton, Reynolds; Craig; Pryor, West (C}

*assume that where players are swapped out that they are the subs for the other match

by **Legalese** » Thu May 13, 2021 8:58 pm

“Welcome back! Sending back down to the pitch here at Stade National in Villeneuve, where Legalese comes up with an 2 - 2 result against the Savigilane hosts; Genie Carrol has Legalese Manager Myles Woodworth -- take it away, Genie!”

“Thank you, Joel. So Myles, another draw today, after a four-all draw in Eraman, putting you at five points and one back of the top of the group. What are your thoughts on this stretch?”

“Well, it was a tough match, but we knew it would be going in. Savigilane’s a good side, and playing them at home was always going to be tough. They put in some good work as well -- my hat’s off to Squarciafichi and Toscani, they both pushed us to our limit tonight -- no wonder they play their club soccer in Audioslavia!”

“The bottom line is that we have to fight for every point, and that means taking points where you can, especially on the road where you’re the clear underdog -- gang pressed hard, though, and we got that needed road point. Tim really turned on tonight, and stayed in it for the whole thing; it’s always great when you get someone who can score both early and late, like he did.”

“That’s… a very restrained comment, coming from you.”

“I can’t be an eleven every time, Genie.”

--

Hours earlier…

“Coach, you have a minute?”

Myles looked up from his notes to see Tim Ermintano looking in. He waved his second striker in.

“What’s up?”

Tim sat in the chair, his feet coming off the ground. “I wanted to talk about your post-game routine, you know, how you like to get everyone all riled up and make a spectacle?”

“Yeah, do you have a problem with that?”

“No!” the diminutive striker looked up at his coach, pausing briefly to collect himself. “I want to get in on it.”

Myles took one look at his smallest player, and roared with laughter.

“Okay, that works! I like it -- it takes a lot to motivate a team, a crowd, and a country, and sometimes, you just need to get unconventional. Show me what you’ve got Tim, and if you score tonight, it’s all yours.”

---

“...however, that doesn’t mean that someone else can’t take it to an eleven, isn’t that right, number eleven?”

“...and it looks like we have Tim Ermintano himself, the man of the match. Tim, that was a heck of a game for you today, with X goals. How are you -- what is going on here?“

“Genie, oh Mean Genie, all I know is that tonight was bad news for Savigliane. They faced the Legal Press, and got points squeezed out of them in their own house!”

“And the best part! This is our passport to booking our place in the Finals, but that means it’s going to be bad news for Juvencus, next!”

“I’m almost afraid to ask, but how so?”

“I mean, look at us right now, Genie. We’re stylin’ and profilin’, putting the press on against all odds, and reaping the rewards. Juvencus is over there studying history? We’re over here writing history. This is the new Legalese Legacy, and damn, it feels so good to be a part of it!”

--

“Calvetti.”

“Hey, Chief.”

“Ah, Marcus. How’s Foxchester?”

“Fine, but I’m on my way home. A matter came up at NEATO that we have to discuss.”

The Director-General gripped her phone tightly. “Tell me more.”

She listened as the Director of State gave his assessment.

“Okay, let me know as soon as you get in. I’m calling the Council-Plus group together.”

by **Atheara** » Thu May 13, 2021 9:31 pm

Experimenting Gone Wrong... Or Not?

Type: Game Review, POV
Time: After Matchday 2 and 3

POV: Kristian Johansson

I just saw the team lose two games in a row, one against a team i was sure the team can win, and one where my team had the chance to do a huge upset, but nothing had seemed to click. I reviewed the formations for those two games, one against Adab, and one against Mytanija. I was very sure something was not right, and it was worrying on how the team was performing. As i could possibly get sacked if my tactics don't start to give results. Sure my nation has always been limiting on International Stages, but this was something i would never had expected.

Atheara vs Adab

I had decided to switch Mugel for Krusser, as of course, everyone needs some gametime. He was playing very well, until a goal at the 56th minute from a header by Jushur Al-Kufa, which i was very certain would have been offside, was scored. The offense was playing perfectly, but for some reason, our luck just wasn't ticking. I wonder if this was our punishment for stating that we used RP during the Baptism of Fire, maybe yes, maybe no. I guess you could also say Margaret really hates us in this cycle. As goals that would count was considered offside, and moments where we can score, have the ball hit the post. Truly bad luck.

The Defense was also spot on, there were no mistakes in the pressing, but somehow the Adabians kept passing through, our adaptation was working, so how are they able to get through? Anyway, i had swapped the entire starting defense for the second defense, they were playing very well, i think they could have won the match here, or at least help us draw it. I had also done the same thing for the midfield, and they were spot on, as if no mistakes were made. Chris and Kevin were starting as well, it had seems we were playing like a completely different team due to this swap, as we were more agressive than usual. I should change that soon.

But still, i wonder how it happened... Losing by one goal again, just like that match against Valanora.

Atheara vs Mytanija

I had went with the main first team for this match, however, i had changed the formation from a 4 - 1 - 2 - 1 - 2 into a 4 - 2 - 3 - 1, just to see what would have happened. It was our usual defensive style game, as our midfield was quite dominating. But somehow two random goals in seven minutes in the first half had to ruin our chances of winning the match. And as once again, we lost, scoreless. I felt something was not right after that, the team was playing equal footing to Mytanija, how did it happen?

Jezdimir Ocokoljic had scored both goals, the first was a penalty at minute 30, and i have that for Murov to blame. He also got sent off because of it, great, one man down and a penalty for Mytanija which they scored. At Minute 37, a freekick for Mytanija just outside the box, and it was curled into the Top Left Corner by Jezdimir, i was sure that was a save, but somehow the referee counted it as a goal, our luck was at it's worst, and i don't really know how much longer our bad luck is going to last.

However, after these three losses, i realized we had gained something valuable, which may make or break the team. We had actually learned their most comfortable playstyle, and we could possibly make our own playstyle to adapt to all of theirs. Obviously there are a few other threats like Abanhfleft, whom we are going to be playing tomorrow. Another threat is Electrum, and the other is Geektopia whom we are also going to play. We would study their games recently, and see if we can devise a strategy to counter them one by one. I better hope this will work, otherwise, i might and most likely will get sacked if i don't get a result soon. I also will be making new training regiments for the team, the current one is just not going to cut it.

by **Damukuni** » Thu May 13, 2021 10:02 pm

ScoreLine presented by eLife®
Damukuni
6th in Group 3
1-0-2, 3 pts.
Silvedania 1, Damukuni 0
D: None.
S: Beaumanior 58.

Damukuni 0, Indusse 2
D: None.
I: Grundjee 37, Baskar H 72.

 Quebec (Ind. Ath.) 0, Damukuni 2 
Q: None.
D: Michigan 67, 88.

In the team locker room following the stunner against Quebec, Damukuni national team manager Hatu Sekurno studied each of his players. Yes, everyone was quite jovial, having staved off the advances of one of the "first four out" of the top 32, but the caution in the overall mood of the room suggested the elephant could not be ignored. Nah, I won't say anything about it, Hatu thought to himself. I'll just let it be brought up in the natural course of conversation.

He'd already delivered his usual, mild-mannered polemic, of course. He didn't have too much to say about the previous two losses, including the home qualifying opener against Indusse. He knew the team as a whole had slumped badly over the course of the past twelve years, and it desperately needed to recover. Not to mention that soccer was the number-two sport in the country for a reason. Sure, Damukuni were absolute rubbish at international cricket, but the rousing success of the Associations Twenty20 League, and its combination with the Busoga Islands to form the T20 Challenge, brought that sport to a more prominent light, at least in a domestic sense. Football is still heavily watched, but with the lack of a wall-to-wall broadcast contract, as well as the dissolution of the DFL and the original Damukuni FA, football was quite in a state of flux.

That changed with the Liga Palm, mostly. Hatu knew he had been brought on not because he could manage a top-level team, but because the Liga Palm, of which he managed a team for seven seasons and served as its commissioner for the most recent season, had staying power. The new bigwigs at the FA were looking for consistency as measured simply by the longevity of a domestic league, or by its teams, instead of a pool of decent playing talent.

"I'll betcha that's why Jiah Leeds decided to quit."

At first, Hatu thought that was simply his conscience talking to him. Then, the voice repeated itself.

"Wasn't that why Jiah decided not to accept a nomination this time around?"

Hatu looked around. He found himself in the front atrium of the stadium, but no one appeared to be there.

"Who's there?" he called out into the sea of apparent nothingness.

A woman stepped out from behind a pillar holding a banner with one of Quebec's former stars on it. She remained in the shadows, but Hatu could see the outline of a face. It was too obscured to be able to place. The only other physical feature that Hatu could make out was a ponytail coming straight out the back and a small whistle hanging about her neck.

"Who I am is not important. You will find out in due time." The woman's voice was colored with the strains of near middle-age -- Hatu guessed about forty-seven, but he didn't pry.

After a pause -- Hatu felt like it was an eternity -- the woman continued:

"Consistency. It's the crowning principle of sporting greats. I know you crave it."

Hatu looked confused. He didn't feel that way, but he didn't want to let on in front of this mysterious woman. He chose to keep this mouth shut. Was this a choice he would regret later?

"I've been to all three of your matches thus far, and I must agree with your assessment of the team thus far. It's nothing to worry about -- you said as much yourself. You're rebuilding the team, and that's what matters."

Hatu decided to speak up at this point.

"Who are you?" he repeated. "An evaluator from the FA? A union rep? A crazed fan?"

"None of these," the woman replied. "But I am looking out for you." She crossed the room, and Hatu got a look at more of her features. She was blonde, with a few dimples by her mouth. She wore what looked like an older national team uniform, with a number too small to see in front.

"Look," Hatu said. "You're really beginning to creep me out. I'm about to call--"

"No need for that," the woman said, holding up a radio. "Security, the FA, ... they all know I'm here. You're perfectly safe."

"I'm not convinced." Hatu was beginning to show his annoyance.

"That's understandable. Do you know about why Jiah Leeds quit?"

The woman seemed to want to circle back to that question. Seeing that she would not quit, Hatu decided to play along.

"What the FA told me was that she quit due to personal development obligations." Yeah, sure, let's start with the official explanation.

"Well, that's not what she told me."

He said, she said? Really? Who does this woman think she is? "What did she tell you?"

"That the team was inconsistent and unreliable. Too much player turnover. Not enough time to bond."

"What's your point?" Hatu was eager to get back to his hotel room.

"My point is..." The woman inserted another eternally long pause. "... that great teams are built on the shoulders of giants."

So you took all that time to tell me that?! Hatu didn't realize he was screaming that thought at the top of his lungs until he saw the woman's face scrunch in pain due to the loudness of the room they were in.

"Well, that's not the whole thing. Cherish your team. The deck is stacked against you. You know this isn't an easy road coming up. Especially playing The Holy Empire. You know how they are, with Tzimisces and Di Bradini coaching. No matter what they throw at you..." She trailed off.

"Um... OK?" Hatu was confused by what she meant.

The woman offered no further explanation of that matter. "I'll be around. The FA has allowed me clearance to speak with you after every game. I'm not some sort of team-whisperer or anything, but I can certainly offer you advice. How much of it that you take is up to you." She checked her watch. "I need to get back to my hotel."

And just like that, the crowds emerged from the stadium hallways. Hatu found himself with his team, being escorted out to the bus, surrounded by security trying their best to keep angry Quebecois fans out of the way. He looked around for the woman, but she had disappeared.

by **Baggieland** » Thu May 13, 2021 10:04 pm

by **Adab** » Fri May 14, 2021 1:59 am

KickTheBall.com
Bringing you the latest news and rumors in football, in Adab and abroad

May 5, 2033 / 6 Safar 1455
Adab 2-4 Abanhfleft
Yargab (34’), Yissakar (74’) | McGinnis (25’), Rusev (45’), Woodward (67’), Liner (90’+2)

NEWS | WORLD CUP
By: Sinahhieriba Husayn

Adab lose to Abanhfleft amid rumors players engaged in “cult of Ole”

Adab ended their third qualifying match for World Cup 88 with a valiant 4-2 loss against 65th-ranked Abanhfleft but the match was overshadowed by reports that Adabian players have been secretly worshipping a deity named Ole.

Playing at home at the Adab City Stadium, the Adabians under manager Saad Kaykali were determined to perform to their best in front of home fans, but it was the vastly more experienced Fleftic players that first gained the upper hand, with striker Kelly McGinnis breaking through the Adabian defense and blasting the ball over keeper Mohammed Marramzi’s head and onto the roof of the net in the 25th minute.

Adab responded in full force, with veteran striker Enlilbani Yargab spearheading a counterattack nine minutes later that for a moment overwhelmed the Fleftic players, allowing Yargab to just barely get past Christy Shepley and net the ball.

Jushur al-Kufa came close to scoring a second goal for Adab in the 43rd minute but Fleftic keeper Bronwyn Churchill managed to stop him just a few feet away from the net, before sending the ball back to the midfield, where it landed on the feet of Cecily Segovia, who then made a dash for the Adabian goal before passing the ball to Amelie Rusev, who gave the visitors their second goal of the match just before the half-time break.

Now leading 1-2, the Fleftic players grew more confident and aggressive in the second half, pounding away at the Adabian defense. Prudence Woodward scored a daring goal from just outside the penalty box in the 67th minute, after nearly being tackled by Alulim Sinmuballit, to put the away team up 1-3.

Rebekah Yissakar narrowed the deficit with a magnificent header in the 74th minute, courtesy of a Yargab cross, but Elena Liner confirmed victory for the visitors at injury time with a nicely-timed shot that went right between and past Adabian keeper Marramzi’s legs and into the net.

Allegations of secret cult

Though the Adabians performed admirably, it was clear to everyone that the match was never going to be the biggest story of the night.

Yesterday evening, The Daily Letter published a sensational story which claims that “some” players in the Adab national team are involved in a secret cult. Their anonymous source is identified as "a close associate of the national team".

The players, the article alleges, have been gathering for the past few weeks in secret meetinghouses to give offerings to and worship a deity known as “Ole”, of whom little is currently known.

The rituals allegedly involve chanting “Ole” 20 times before a picture of the deity and offering food and drinks to said picture.

After every victory on the pitch, players are reportedly in the habit of saying among themselves, “And Ole has won it.” They also reportedly offer a prayer of thanks to the deity, saying, “Ole has won this. This victory of ours we have won because of Ole. Glory glory Ole.”

National team Mohammed Marramzi issued a denial this afternoon, posting on social media, “There is no cult whatsoever. We are not involved in any cult. I don’t know why people even believe this rumor.”

Shania Enmerkar and Enlilbani Yargab have each also denied the Daily Letter’s story on social media.

Manager Saad Kaykali has remained silent on the issue so far but will reportedly address it in a press conference tomorrow, although this has not been confirmed yet.

by **Tumbra** » Fri May 14, 2021 2:16 am

Tumbra 3-2 Kelssek

Tumbra (4-3-3): 1 - Lennon; 2 - Hughes, 14 - Ashburn, 20 - Paterson (4 - Henderson, 63'), 19 - Carter; 6 - Hicks, 16 - Morgan (15 - Aitken, 74'), 29 - Cole; 7 - Fraser (17 - van Heirolf, 68'), 9 - Vaughn; 22 - Sheldon

Kelssek (4-2-3-1): 1 - Gallagher; 2 - Bowler, 4 - Halliger, 5 - Fourtin, 3 - Liadon (13 - Douglass, 68'); 6 - Greenwood, 8 - Lapierre (15 - Dionne, 77'); 7 - Ó Tuathail, 10 - Laishram (17 - Blueman, 82'), 9 - Yusupov; 11 - Wylten

TMB scorers: Sheldon (14'), Vaughn (65'), Cole (83')
KSK scorers: Wylten (32', 43')

Player of the Match: Seamus Wylten (KSK)

Tumbra 3-3 Marigred

Tumbra (4-3-3): 1 - Lennon; 2 - Hughes, 14 - Ashburn, 20 - Paterson (4 - Henderson, 58'), 19 - Carter (3 - White, 82'); 6 - Hicks, 16 - Morgan, 29 - Cole; 7 - Fraser (31 - Hilton, 74'), 9 - Vaughn; 22 - Sheldon

Marigred (4-1-4-1): 1 - Calhoun; 2 - Bailey, 4 - Brown, 14 - Anderson (3 - McDowell, 60'), 5 - Reese; 6 - Tucker; 9 - Baldwin, 18 - Hubt (8 - Bush, 75'), 7 - Wells (17 - Powells, 75'), 10 - Hill; 11 - King

TMB scorers: Carter (31'), Hicks (35'), Vaughn (62')
MRG scorers: Hubt (8'), Hill (51'), Baldwin (76')

Player of the Match: Robin Vaughn (TMB)

SPORT: TUMBRA 3-2 KELSSEK; MARIGRED 3-3 TUMBRA
Victory Against Top Seed Confirms Precarious Place Atop Group 1; "Absolute Focus" Required Now

STRATON - A victory against top seeds Kelssek and a draw against Marigred confirmed Tumbra's place at the top of Group 1 following the second international break of the season, yet Tumbran manager Marco Hemmings was keen to ease some of the expectations placed on the team following their win against the top seeds of the group — and even criticised the team at one point, demanding "absolute focus" from the team ahead of two must-win matches in Revlona and the Juniper Union.

Tumbra 3-2 Kelssek: Cole Scores Late Winner To Put Tumbrans On Top

The marquee match of the opening half of qualifying saw Tumbra host the tenth-ranked nation and top seed in Group 1, Kelssek. While eagerly awaited, some of the gravitas of the match was taken away by protests outside the stadium which impeded the progress of the Tumbran team bus into the stadium; they sought to block the team bus' progress as it pottered down Champions' Way to the National Stadium itself. While early police cordons helped keep the crowd at bay, they eventually broke through and nearly delayed the start of the match. Police Commissioner Brian Samson later admitted there had been "failings" in the handling of the crowd, and that there would be "measures taken" to improve match security for national team matches, following a protest by the TFF.

With Hemmings naming a lineup that essentially meant that Lakewood City were playing a World Cup qualifying match by proxy, and Kelssek naming Pierre-Louis Laishram, Clyde Park's newest and record signing to their own, the match was shaping up to becoming more of a Tumbran domestic football match rather than an international qualifier.

The match got off to a good start for the Black Eagles, with them mostly putting Kelssek on the back foot; heavy pressing by the midfield of Hicks, Morgan and Cole largely meant that the main threat in their midfield, Galactico shortlister Gabriel Lapierre was largely muted, giving the defence the chance to pass the ball to Phil Cole — who dropped deeper than normal for a player in the visionary role — and allowing him to pass to either winger.

With Marcus Sheldon playing, too, the entire Tumbran offensive line would therefore be reliant on the skills of the front three — Fraser, Sheldon and Vaughn — to spark individual moments of brilliance and come off on top. Eventually, Sheldon did break through early in the game; leaving Damien Halliger for dead, Sheldon dribbled past the Kelsskian back lines to finish past Cathal Gallagher.

Kelssek got themselves back into the game after this, with Lapierre managing to break out of the heavy press several times to nearly send the ball towards actual Galactico Colm Ó Tuathail, who hit the post in the twentieth minute; eventually, however, with him facing a press from right-back Chris Carter as well, eventually resorted to crossing it to Seamus Wylten; he finished off a chance from inside the box to pull the Kelssekians level in the thirty-second minute, and indeed, putting them ahead before the half-time break.

The second half saw much of the same action as the first half; Tumbra would equalise once more thanks to Robin Vaughn cutting in on the right flank, and finishing a placed shot past Gallagher; the amount of control he had on the goal as it swung past Gallagher, with Sheldon awaiting to capitalise if it was parried, rendered the goal nigh-unsaveable; coming just three minutes before an exhausted Fraser was subbed off.

With Dylan van Heirolf now on the left flank, the game plan would change to trying to dominate the air — a challenge, what with Damien Halliger's propensity to dominate in that department. A corner taken by Vaughn, however, would prove to be crucial; Halliger missed the header, but Cole sent the ball past Gallagher to spark a wave of celebrations around the National Stadium; the game would end, 3-2 to the hosts for Tumbra to record their most famous victory yet; more famous than that 1-0 against Hampton Island last cycle or the 0-0 against Pasarga.

The protests continued during the match, but never seriously threatened to enter the stadium nor disrupt the match bar the incident with the Tumbran team bus; the TFF, as ever, continued to remain silent on the issue of women in men's football, even as Tumbra's victory against Saltstead in the previous international break saw female players put up a spirited battle against a Tumbran team.

Marigred 3-3 Tumbra: A Leaky Defence Takes Two Points Away

The away match against Marigred saw Hemmings name an unchanged lineup for the game, perhaps in a belief that if Lakewood City could see off Kelssek, they could see off the 272nd-ranked nation of Marigred. That belief perhaps made the team complacenent; and it showed, when Marigredian midfielder Wakee Hubt opened the scoring after just eight minutes, a long shot catching the team out.

The Black Eagles would take a bit more time breaking down the Marigredian defences than they should have, but eventually they found a way through, first with a corner which saw Chris Carter rise to the ocassion, heading the ball past Zakari Calhoun; Vincent Hicks, ever the type to spring up with a goal out of nowhere, popped one in with a long-range effort not long after to give the Black Eagles the lead.

Perhaps suffering a bit too much from overconfidence, the Black Eagles were rather more sluggish in this match than against the Kelssekians; however, a large part of it was also due to Hemmings playing the exact same lineup as he did in the match against Kelssek. A second goal was scored by Anjawon Hill shortly after, leading to a few defensive substitutions. Half of the defence was replaced — Henderson came on for Paterson, and Harris came on for Carter, solidifying the more defensive approach; and Robin Vaughn pulled out another piece of individual effort to bring the Black Eagles 3-2 ahead in the sixty-second minute.

Disaster would strike for the Black Eagles, however, as late in the match, Marigredian star winger Damarco Baldwin would capitalise on a defensive error by Ashburn and pull through on goal; the resultant finish, while tight, was eventually ruled onside. Tumbra, then, would walk away from Marigred with one point instead of the three they felt they were entitled to; but on the day itself, Marigred put up a spirited, excellent performance to hold the Black Eagles to a draw.

Looking Ahead

Marco Hemmings agreed as much with the media consensus, ripping into his team for being complacent; he also mentioned that "absolute focus" was required should the team want to keep the good run of form going. When pressed on the issue of female players, Hemmings remarked that there clearly was an "an attitude for change"; perhaps most tellingly about his personal stance on the matter, he "wouldn't be opposed" to calling up deserving female players, if they managed to make it whether at home or abroad, his remarks sparking controversy on the matter once more.

Tumbra next faces Revlona at home and the Juniper Union away; Hemmings in his press conference demanded six points from the two matches, or the Black Eagles could "forget about qualifying" for the World Cup; the predicted team selections also prove as much. Set to play a more defensive game against the two countries who so far have not released any information on their players, the Black Eagles will be heading in blind to both matches.

TUMBRAN SQUAD FOR MATCH vs. REVLONA @ TUMBRAN NATIONAL STADIUM, STRATON and vs. THE JUNIPER UNION @ JUNIPERIAN HOME GROUND
Goalkeepers: 1 - John Lennon, 12 - Louis Addison, 24 - Mike Hancy
Defenders: 2 - Ryan Hughes, 3 - Russell White, 4 - Harry Henderson, 5 - Johnny Brown, 14 - Ian Ashburn, 18 - Simon Hart, 19 - Chris Carter, 20 - Louis Paterson
Midfielders: 6 - Vincent Hicks, 8 - Craig McGrath, 10 - Adam Herlinger, 15 - Michael Aitken, 16 - Alan Morgan, 28 - Tom Stansfield, 29 - Phil Cole
Wingers: 7 - Neil Fraser, 9 - Robin Vaughn, 17 - Dylan van Heirolf
Strikers: 11 - Philip Cohen, 22 - Marcus Sheldon

Link to Arc Home
defender meets midfielder: season 2, part 2

Being outside of Tumbra came with its own little set of challenges — learning how to be independent, however, wasn't one of them. For it was that Trudy Harrison had long since learned to be independent, living on her own or off the meager wages being a female professional footballer in Tumbra offered. Meager was probably an overstatement, but compared to wages in the men's game, it was certainly the difference between night and day.

While she lived in Kingsbury — playing for the ladies' team of Kingsbury United, though the contract terms were so loose as to essentially not be a contract at all — she'd rented a place in the working-class district of the city, where the rent was cheap and the community close-knit. She'd gotten by on the kindness of her neighbours, too, given that she was terrible at housekeeping. It was a far cry from what she was used to in her early years, but she'd made do. With Tumbra's lax contract laws allowing minors to rent at the age of 16, there wasn't much in the way of legal troubles as well.

So when it transpired that Toby Barton had been paying visits to her matches with a view of sending her to the U-18 World Cup, she'd played out of her skin. Of course, she'd always played out of her skin — but before the call-up she had been seriously considering throwing in the towel and returning to her family and a life of comfort, though she wasn't sure if she'd be able to live down the shame of attempting to strike out on her own, before being forced to return, head bowed, to her family. She was honoured that Barton had deigned to visit her club on the muddy, terrible pitches that dominated women's football and probably did more to injure players than help the ball play smoothly; it was here that she'd honed her craft as a midfielder — running, tackling and passing in equal measure.

But the tournament had gone the way it had. She and Stephen lifted the trophy together; Dan Galbraith, one of her footballing heroes, helped her negotiate her contract with Chromatik; she'd be named in the senior squad, but both her and the club agreed she'd need some time in the U-18s, both to help refine her footballing skill and her leadership ability, which she'd demonstrated in droves throughout the tournament. She hadn't told her family that she was going to Chromatika; only a few days before the flight, after she'd signed the contract, had she thought of informing them; the outrage was there, of course, but it was simply water off her back for her. It was her job, after all, and she was simply applying her family's principles of placing themselves first before anything else.

And now she'd moved to Chromatika. The first days were hard, but in the end, she'd settled in gradually despite a rough beginning — and she'd made a friend in the Under-18s, 15 year-old Ami Coulibaly. The right wing-back had extended the hand of friendship to her after a particularly gruelling training session in which she'd tackled the Tumbran hard; yet, at the end of it all, they'd hung out, shared a round of drinks (non-alcoholic, of course), and got to know each other better. A straight-talker, much like her, Ami was trying to make the most of her unorthodox position on the pitch — and packed a mean tackle for someone her age. They'd struck up a fast friendship, and all of a sudden, Chromatika felt a lot friendlier to her. She'd gelled in with the squad quickly, and was looking to try and integrate herself in time for the league campaign to begin.

The training was hard, regardless of the team she trained with; with the intensity that the team trained at, she found herself too tired to respond to most messages that her friends in Tumbra had sent her; but she always tried to find time to respond to Stephen's, though, much like the time before their video call, their conversations had come to a halt, essentially.

But deep down, Trudy knew that Stephen would stay the course — but was this her taking him for granted? Either way, she messaged Stephen one day, asking for another videocall soon enough to catch up — and Stephen, despite it being close to 2am in Tumbra, responded almost immediately. She'd followed the news, of course, and had seen that Stephen was named on the bench in several Straton FC games — which meant he was probably close to making his senior debut. Deep down, Trudy wanted to get tickets for the two of them to watch several World Cup matches in Chromatika, for them to meet up properly; but she knew that most of the tickets would probably have been sold out by now, anyway.

Life was beginning to look on the up-and-up again for Trudy, and of course it was — the team were pushing to win their first ever Chromatik title, and she'd been swept up in the preparations for the 30-match season ahead. She hoped she'd be able to live up to expectations; and for the first time, she truly was coming into her own.

And she hoped it would last.

by **Indusse** » Fri May 14, 2021 3:49 am

IFA NEWS NETWORK
Back to the Track

The first match against Quebec was lost but the second and the third bought the national team back to the track. With the two goal margin victories against Esportivan strong hold of Damukuni and Siapa Ya. When we had seen two strong players last issue, let's get to see two new people.

#13 Mathias Paulson (Defender)
Mathias Paulson born to a wealthy Syrian Christian family in Southbay. He wasn't a soccer maniac or something, who would have started playing for clubs before teenage. He started playing at the age of fifteen for several local clubs including his school and college clubs. After this Sport Medicine graduation from Saint Louis Holiness College in Jawaruyah, he got a mail from the Jawaruyah XI FC for being a defence and fitness co trainer. With his outmost hardwork in the game, he soon won a lot of awards and got a call from Rockies International FC for being their defender. He soon left Jawaruyah for Rockies Islands, it was his perfect defending which let the club rise from Division to to Primary Division tournament Liga Prime. The Team reached top three of the primary division tournament after his arrival and he also received a lot of awards for his play. With his arrival in Liga Prime and as a successor to former Rockies Defender Maryland Bruno (Maryland is his nickname because he used to run a cookie brand called Maryland Food), he got into the radar of National team selectors. He later got the call of the selectors to join the national team camp which was the turnover in his career. He soon became a well known defender in the nation and the captain of Rockies International FC.

#4 Aaron McMuller (defender)
Aaron McMuller, born as Aaron Davis Miller is a thirty two year old defender who earned fame during the early transition period. He started playing for Malta FC at the age of Eighteen since his father was the owner of the club. Eventhough it's an unconstitutional admission to the club, he later got to be the key player of the team. His direct ticket to the club without any obstacles made his way to the national camp easy. His defensive analysis gameplay got famed through out Malta and it's neighborhood provinces of Sindvpore and Cheralam. With the fame rising and clubs waiting to get him to their home, the national team selectors caught on him and added him into the national team squad list. Everything was quick for him, the transition from a club player into a professional footballer. The transition from a rich kid into a really rich earning star. The transition from slow paced defense into quick defense and counter strikes... Everything. He is also known as the only defender in Indusse who has scored 100 goals in their domestic history.

These two players have been part of the strong fortresses of Indussean Defenderism. The total football from their side was seen in the matches against Damukuni and Siapa ya.

Damukuni 0-2 Indusse

Bechun Butea 43'
Aaron McMuller 77'

Siapa Ya 0-2 Indusse

Baskar Kumar 71'
Goblin Grundjee 87'

by **Jeruselem** » Fri May 14, 2021 4:37 am

OOC

Princess Kate the virtual vtuber (aka Princess Katherine Annabelle Dallas) in front of a virtual stadium

Hello, this is Princess Katherine Annabelle Dallas for Naked News Jeruselem!
I'm back for another edition covering the World Cup 88 and how Jeruselem is going!

Yeah I know my last live show was arguing with someone about sex education.
Today is about football.

As you all know now, the new format of qualification involves two games in like a short period unlike the past.

Let's get to Match day 2 of qualification in Group 10.
Yikes it was raining goals today.

Fujai hosted Valladares and it proved a little more entertaining than expected.
Both teams traded goals all game and came out 4-4 draw.
Valladares got their first points but Fujai make them work for it.
The audience got their money's worth here!

Siovanija and Teusland were at home and you know, we'd expected them to beat Istoreya.
Instead it was more drawn out 1-1 draw.
Istoreya proved a little difficult but a team like Siovanija and Teusland should have enough experience to prevail.
So not the result the top seed want, and this was at home.

Bluecliff League faced visitors Talamia and well had to see the visitor leave with all points.
Not they didn't try, they went down 3-2 in another entertaining game.
Talamia score their first win in this cup, well done.

San Ortelio had to host Mercedini who were smarting after losing to Jeruselem.
It's not good to play a high seed who lost their last game and aren't happy about it.
Well Mercedini did win 2-1 even though the hosts did do their best but you know sometimes its not enough.
Mercedini get their first win.

Jeruselem were at Dazza Dallas Stadium and Seguidores de la grasas came around for a game
Jeruselem aren't very good at home, if you look at their results as more wins away than home.
But Seguidores de la grasas didn't really bother the Princesses much and we won 2-0 for a clean sheet for once.

Let's get to Match day 3 of qualification in Group 10.

Mercedini were at home again and hoping not to repeat their loss to Jeruselem.
The visiting Fujai aren't Jeruselem and well, they did pretty good still.
They managed 0-0 draw with the hosts meaning Mercedini still don't have a win.
Well at least Mercedini got some points but I'm sure the manager wasn't very happy about the actual result.

Seguidores de la grasas were at home, the team with a name most people struggle to spell or say.
They met visitors San Ortelio who prevailed 1-0 to score their second win in three games.
Well done San Ortelio but Seguidores de la grasas weren't embarassed at all.
It also meant Seguidores de la grasas still had zero points.

Istoreya were also at home with Bluecliff League as visitors.
Another low scoring affair but Bluecliff League took three points winning 1-0.
So far not a lot of goals going on in Group 10.

Well, today was the top two seeds meeting!
Valladares was at home hosting Siovanija and Teusland.
An anticipated game with important consequences for teams like us and Mercedini.
Dunno what went on over there but it ended up being 0-0.
A slow start from these top 2 seeds.

Talamia hosted Jeruselem, and they were doing pretty good with 1 win and 1 draw so far.
So far on match day 3, none of the games produced more than ... 1 goal.
But this game was different!
The home team Talamia proved potent scoring two goals but Jeruselem equalised the score to make sure it wasn't another victim of Talamia.
This game proved quite difficult as pretty much both teams played the same tactics.
Talamia did hold a 2-1 advantage but the Princesses got one back to make sure there was zero in the loss column.

OK. The group 10 table is just WEIRD

Leading the table is JERUSELEM! On 7 points. Yes we're on the top of the table!
Then 2nd is Bluecliff League and 3rd is San Ortelio on 6 points. Say what? Aren't these teams supposed to be in bottom 5?
Talamia is 4th on 5 points, which for a team ranked 221 is ... well fantastic.
Istoreya is 5th and Mercedini is 6th on 4 points. Just a reminder is ranked 341!
Right down there, Siovanija and Teusland are 7th with just 3 points.
Fujai 8th and Valladares 9th on 2 points. Just a reminder who the top seeds are! 7th and 9th ... just yeah.
Seguidores de la grasas have zero still.

So you're looking at Group 10 going WTF
Well we're not complaining, we're on top of the table for once.
Yeah it's only 3 games in and things can change quickly but we intend to stay we are!

There was calls to change management after the last cup with our almost successful qualification and our dismal Cup of Harmony.
But in the unpredictable group 10, we're going great!

Some people have spotted me down at the local gun club doing some shooting.
I own more swords than guns but I do train to protect myself because geez I'm a magnet for crazy people.
Yeah I am a bit weird but there's a lot people who could harm me.
Because I do actually wonder around in public, I do put myself at risk.
That's all from me.

Konpeko, konpeko, konpeko! Hololive san-kisei no Usada Pekora-peko! domo, domo!

by **Queenisa** » Fri May 14, 2021 5:57 am

Wow, That Was A Crazy Ride

After the matchups, they were ridiculously bad because Reçueçn won the match by 1 point without even RPing the whole World Cup while we RPed everytime :evil:

! At least our match with Gergary was the best because he has the best rating in our group and we beat his straight up with :

Gergary 0-2 Queenisa

Since we have a lot to cover, We shall dive immediately to recurcn and his mysterious victory and how his team is really better ?. Have Fun and make sure to get some popcorn

Queenisa vs. recurcn

Queenisan Score Reporter Marcus looked at the results again, hoping for a win with recurcn because it is ridiculous that he was inactive and never even RPed with anyone and we deserve the dub. With caught his eye is that we won two matches, but lost 3 to recurcn. Recurcn is an honored sports player, hosting the baptism of fire 75 and participating in many competitions so we expected a level of difficulty and we did not expect that defeat

.
I checked the stats which recurcn said that it is against their sport laws to disclose so I must not and It looks like the Queenisa team made an blunder during the last round, which is they won would have brought the victory.

by **Eshialand** » Fri May 14, 2021 6:05 am

Two Victories
Lisander 2 - 3 Eshialand

You're standing in the airport in Soria, staring at the arrivals board. You don't speak any Portuguese, but you get the gist of what's happening: Rebecca's flight was delayed by an hour. Your reunion would have to be put on hold.

Well, one hour's fine, you think to yourself. It's just an hour.

The hour passes, and... her plane's here. Thank goodness it didn't get delayed again...

Rebecca runs to you as soon as she clears security, and you hug for a few seconds. This is probably the best feeling you've had in the whole tournament so far, and that's saying something.

Finally getting the chance to catch up with her in person gives you one of the best feelings you've had in the tournament so far, and that includes scoring that goal.

"I can't believe you flew me all the way out here!"
"It's the least I could do for my best friend... you deserve to be here."
"I don't know what to say..."
"I do... you've always been there for me, and I couldn't imagine you missing another match."
"I... I... thank you so much..."
"Wanna grab some lunch?"
"Of course!"

That night, you get to the stadium, feeling better than ever. There's nothing like emotional support from those who care about you to give you a boost better than any drug.

The whistle blows, and Eshialand starts with the first possession. Immediately, Melissa Carey and Lysander Moore start running the ball up the field, evading every defender they see. Moore puts the ball in the goal easily, shooting at an open half of the net with only 108 seconds on the clock. You never expected to be happy about a goal being called for Lisander, so you just laugh for a little while at the idea. 0-1.

A goal in the second minute definitely makes this match interesting. Now, instead of having to play against a heavily favored home team, you were playing against a heavily favored home team with a goal already on the board for you.

In the 24th minute, a Lisandeno forward tries to get past you by subtly nudging you with his elbow. This would draw a yellow card and give Eshialand the chance to make it 0-2. If Alice could just score this penalty, which she usually could, the match would basically be over.

Guess what? She scores easily. 0-2.

Man, how are they losing 0-2 to us, you think. Whatever drugs these guys are on, it definitely isn't that Ripperonin stuff that's been on the news lately...

This would be the score carried into half time. Maybe Eshialand could actually win... if not, a draw would be amazing too.

In the 59th minute, things decide to start going badly for Eshialand. A Lisandeno midfielder blasts the ball from behind the defensive line, and there was nothing Alex Kolek was going to do to stop it. 1-2.

In the 71st minute, the slide continues, as a Lisandeno striker manages to get around David Gorman and tie up the match, 2-2.

You decide to ask Coach a silly question during a timeout, just to see what would happen. Maybe, just maybe, it could work...

"Coach?"
"Yes George?"
"I think we should try the Golden Goose formation!"
"But we haven't trained much with that yet, we only formulated that after the last match... are you nuts? Why don't we just take the draw?"
"Because a win would be so much better! This is our chance to show the multiverse that we're the kind of team that deserves respect!"
"If you think so..."

The Golden Goose was named for two things: the Owls' yellow away kits and the somewhat optimistic hope that it could turn draws into wins, or "lay a golden egg" if you will. You and Dominique LaPlante move up to midfield, Melissa moves to the left wing position, and Alyssa Longfield becomes a second striker. A 2-4-2-2 formation.

It doesn't start out well for the team, but it makes a bit of sense. After all, you're bound to have some chemistry issues when you're trying out a new formation. However, in the 81st minute... it lays. Dominique is able to swipe the ball in midfield, and she passes it up to you, who's in a more advanced position. You pass it straight to Alyssa, who cleanly shoots it past Lisander's keeper. 2-3.

At full time, once the win's final, the entire team (plus Rebecca, who was sitting on the bench next to Jacob Harran and Harriet Copeland) storms the pitch in celebration of this momentous upset. Filled with adrenaline (and perhaps Ripperonin, but those allegations are still unconfirmed), you impulsively kiss Rebecca. You don't even have any time to think about how much you've just blown it before... she kisses you back. Huh... how about that.

The next day, you're standing at the waterfront, thinking about everything that's happened in the past couple of weeks. About the matches, Rebecca, everything. You think about it for a good half an hour, just staring at the bay, when you come to the decision that these past few weeks have been the best in your life.

"Hello and welcome back to ENN Tournament Report, I'm your host Alana Markai, and I have a special announcement from the network!

"Ms. Markai's views as expressed in Tournament Report do not necessarily reflect those held by ENN or the Government of Eshialand... blah blah blah... legal jargon... blah blah blah... not responsible for any and all damages caused by angry Vilitans with Molotov cocktails... okay let's get this show on the road!"

Lisander 2 - 3 Eshialand
"I don't know how, but they did it! With this surprise upset, Eshialand rises to the top of the Group 2 rankings! Why, you may ask? Because E comes before S, that's why!!!"

Vilita 1 - 0 The 14 Stars
"How The 14 Stars managed to hold the Jungle Cats to just one goal is beyond me... it's really giving me some Valanora-Atheara vibes to be honest..."

Devonta 4 - 6 Squornshelan Remnant States
"Hey look, a score that, two weeks ago, would've made me question reality! Sadly, I saw that Indusse-Independent Athletes match, so that score simply pales in comparison. It's still a great high-scoring match though!"

Sendhang 1 - 3 Hebitaka
"As much as I love Sendhang, did anyone expect anything else?"

Pluvia and the Saxean Isles 1 - 2 Savojarna
"Again, did you expect something else to happen?"

"And lastly, let's check on Atheara!"

Atheara 0 - 1 Adab
"Well, that result may be a little disappointing, but the Blue Guard can easily come back from this! Don't count them out just yet!"

"And now we look ahead to Eshialand's next match, the home opener against Vilita, which I have dubbed 'The Massacre on Highchurch Street'. Have we seen the match yet? No. Do I still know that Eshialand's gonna lose by some stupid score like 0-4? Absolutely. Until then, this has been ENN Tournament Report, and I've been Alana Markai."

by **Graintfjall** » Fri May 14, 2021 6:22 am

Græntfjall – 2 (1)
Jorgesson; T. Ernestisson (71’), Reynarsson, Bensson, Vilbertsdóttir (60’ Kristersson ); Jvarsson (59’ Jonathansdóttir (61’)), Ásvaldursson (41’) (90+1’ Jokulsson ); Mensdóttir, Miansdóttir, Heikkisdóttir; Þórhallursson

Pius Desurongcrandis – 2 (1)
unknown goalscorers (11’, 80’)

Poafmersia – 1 (1)
Daas Taisg (21’)

Græntfjall – 0 (0)
B. Ernestisson; T. Ernestisson (8’ Kristersson ), Reynarsson, Bensson (90+2’); Grímólfursson (70’ Vilbertsdóttir ), Jvarsson, Ásvaldursson (77’); Mensdóttir, Guttisdóttir (86’ Dannysdóttir ), Heikkisdóttir; Þórhallursson

The Snow Wolves face the prospect of a very long six months to come, with two miserable results giving them almost the worst possible start to any remote qualifying hopes. Before their first home match of the campaign, the team were presented with the Cocoa-Bo Challenge Cup in an awkward ceremony made all the more cringeworthy for the absence of Amanda Guttisdóttir, one of the architects of said victory, who had failed to pass a late fitness test after picking up a knock in training. But her absence could not be blamed for the lame performance against unranked Pius Desuroncrandis: in her stead, Jade Miansdóttir put in a creditable performance in central midfield and Álfar Ásvaldursson one of his most complete showings. This was a near full strength side, and yet humiliatingly, the Snow Wolves still came away with just one point from a home game to a team ranked more than 250 places below them.

The visitors rocked the Snow Wolves with an early goal, Kauko Jorgesson punching instead of catching for the first of two dreadful errors that cost the team the result and him his starting job, yet again. Kang Guilin might consider just putting a yo-yo in goal; it would bounce around less than the first choice of goalkeeper. An Ásvaldursson rocket finally levelled things up before the half, and after the break there were chances for Tom Ernestisson, who sent a free-kick skimming over the bar, Hjörleifur Reynarsson, who had a header well saved on the line, captain Hrærekur Jvarsson, who failed to wrap his foot around an opportunity he instead toe-poked to the keeper, and Ásvaldursson, again, this time with his head, just wide. Eiríka Jonathansdóttir’s arrival signalled a change to a 3-3-3-1 formation with Ernestisson, playing out of position at right-back to cover for the injured Elektra Lúthersdóttir, moved up to join the defensive midfield line while Miansdóttir dropped back.

But the formation change had little to do with the eventual goal: instead, it was just a well taken chance. Heavily marked all night without much sniff of goal, Jason Þórhallursson played creator to send a through-ball into space, and Jonathansdóttir’s first touch of the ball after being on the pitch for 90 seconds proved decisive, curling it nicely into the far corner with her favored right, across her body. It was a good bit of invention from the striker who mostly suffered a quiet week, unable to bring his usual scoring touch, and appearing sullen and disinterested at times. The Grand National Arena began to warm to the idea of a 2 – 1 victory as the Snow Wolves seemed content to sit back and defend. But Jorgesson had other ideas, dealing horribly with a back pass and ending up gifting a crushing equalizer to the visitors.

So the trip to Poafmersia saw the Snow Wolves field their third goalkeeper in as many games: frequently described as the keeper of the future, Kang was forced to decide the future was now for Björnólfur Ernestisson. The youngster had a good game and was not at fault for the hosts’ winning goal, a well taken slot home by Daas Taisg after some fluid build-up play. The Snow Wolves this time started at 3-3-3-1, switching to the 3-center back look and dispensing with Emeli Vilbertsdóttir again; when Tom Ernestisson limped off with an ankle injury after just 8 minutes, though, the system was already straining. Vilbertsdóttir was brought on later for Tinni Grímólfursson, the popular Tequilo-based midfielder making his WCC debut, as they switched back to 4-2-3-1. It made no difference: Amanda Guttisdóttir and Jason Þórhallursson were non-entities, the two best chances came from set-pieces – Jvarsson heading wide a Grímólfursson free-kick, Reynarsson’s on-target header being sent off course by a deflection from Ásvaldursson, off a Grímólfursson corner.

It was a disheartening set of results that have the Snow Wolves already stuck in mid-table oblivion. While a long campaign remains, the strong start of Poafmersia – the team they most obviously have to target in order to reach the qualifying playoffs – has Græntfjall at a major disadvantage. When the team rejoins at the Grander International Arena, there will be much work to do. Kauko Jorgesson has been banished for now based on his goalkeeping errors, the team reverts to playing an actual right-back at right-back by calling up Michelle Matteosdóttir, Johanne Álvgeirsdóttir’s suspension is over, and probably most significantly the return of Bjørnsson to the squad seems to indicate a reversion to the DM-heavy days of old.

23 player squad for MD4–5 (expected starters in bold): B. Ernestisson, Einvarðursson, Hárlaugsdóttir; Matteosdóttir, Reynarsson, Bensson, Vilbertsdóttir, Markusson, Jokulsson, R. Rögnvaldursson, Björnsdóttir; Ásvaldursson, Jvarsson (c), Guttisdóttir, Grímólfursson, Bjørnsson, Álvgeirsdóttir; Mensdóttir, Heikkisdóttir, Harrysson; Þórhallursson, Jonathansdóttir, Bergmundursson

BAN THIS SICK FILTH NOW!
Progressive Liberals want the GOVERNMENT selling hard drugs to YOUR CHILDREN!!!

In their increasingly DESPERATE search for relevance, the fruit loops at Progressive Liberals have got together and come up with their most bonkers policy proposal yet. Proudly unveiled by leader Kaija Michaelsdóttir at the party’s recent conference, the policy would involve legalizing dangerous hard drugs like ecstasy, cocaine, and cake, and selling government approved licenses for vendors!!!

The sicko Libs were the prime movers behind the Leftist government of the WINTER OF DISCOMBOBULATION decriminalizing cannabis, and their brains trust must have been SMOKING THE WACKY BACCY non-stop ever since to have come up with such a snow-hare-brained scheme!!!

INSTEAD OF SOLVING THE SERIOUS PROBLEMS OF THE COUNTRY like exorbitant inheritance tax rates that make it impossible for loving grandparents to pass on their hard-earned family legacy or the plague of immigrants practising strange barbaric rituals such as “Ramadan”, THE LIBERAL ELITE WANT TO DOPE YOUR KIDS FULL OF JUNK!!!

Not content with the demented scheme, the Lying Liberals have DECLARED WAR ON HARD-WORKING ORDINARY GRÆNTFJALLERS by announcing they would INCREASE TAXES ON ALCOHOL AND CIGARETTES!!! With almost genocidal zeal, Michaelsdóttir (who has had three abortions) announced to CHEERS from her SICK ARMY OF LIBERAL THUGS that she hoped “the last smoker has already been born”. WILL NOTHING SATE HER BLOODLUST!?!?!?

The Progressive Liberals say they want to legalize drugs so that police can shift to other priorities such as serious organized crime and community policing, and use the tax revenue to fund health services including drug rehabilitation centers, needle exchanges, and even ‘clean user rooms’. TAXING THE SHIRT OFF anyone who wants to buy a BEER to pay for junkie hangouts and perks for DOPE FIENDS!!!

Thank goodness for the PLAIN TALKING COMMON SENSE from the NDF, who came out strongly condemning the plans. They’ve advocated a TOUGH ON DRUGS platform including the death penalty for the traffickers who are DESTROYING OUR CHILDREN, lengthy sentences for repeat drug beasts, and changes to the MEDDLING LEFTIST LAWS that constrain our BRAVE POLICE OFFICERS in the name of ‘police brutality’, ‘institutional racism’ and ‘basic human rights’. TOO BAD THEY CAN’T BEAT SOME SENSE INTO THE LUNATIC LIBS!!!

ND brings you the TOP stories today:

Immigrant crime barbarism
Page 3 scorcher Elsí says “I’d never date a lad who didn’t advocate a tough enforcement-first approach to drugs law but also a more nuanced hands-off strategy on corporate white collar crime!”
Cardinal Jannik Eyjarsson’s FIERY speech should be a wake-up call to cosseted elite
EDITORIAL: Blues and NDF should follow Catholic Democrats’ bold lead on inheritance tax cuts
Does ripperonin cause cancer?

From the website of the news magazine The New Week National Atlantic News Spectating Economist Time Man.

In A White Winter Queendom, An Ageing Party Searches For Relevance

It’s too cold in Græntfjall for grassroots.

PHORCED-ACRONIM #004

It wouldn’t be an election without some questionable, controversial, or downright misleading numbers making the headlines. A bus has started driving around Háttmark, promising 350 million krónor will be spent on…

0: the national healthcare system
1: national defense
2: the national curriculum
3: a national policing strategy
4: a national house building policy
5+: party balloons

…by cutting spending on…

0: international aid
1: international security assistance
2: international trade promotion
3: international sports
4: international cultural activities
5+: maps that acknowledge the existence of other countries

PHORCED-ACRONIM #005

Similarly, a direct mail flyer is promising to build 40 new…

0: hospitals
1: statues of famous women
2: submarines
3: wind farms
4: schools
5+: border walls

…and an attack ad charges an opposing party of wanting to build 40 new…

0: mosques
1: prisons
2: missile silos
3: wind farms
4: tax offices
5+: bridges to nowhere

by **Islands Of Ventro** » Fri May 14, 2021 7:10 am

Two Nail Biters leader to the IOV Islanders being one of the three remaining undefeated teams in group three!

Matchday 2: The Licentian Isles 1–1 Islands of Ventro

Matchday 3: Islands of Ventro 1–0 Sargossa

Though only ranked 4 in the group the Islanders have their hopes set for the tournament. A surprise also at being ranked four while being undefeated. With only one win in the tournament ( Coming against Sargossa in MD 3) and two ties teams are starting to fear the defense of the Islanders. Only allowing 1 or 0 points in all their games, though only scoring 1 point in each of the games. (OOC: Which is odd considering my style is +4). The recipients of all these goals are none other than our All-Star player, Kevin Hate! Coming in clutch especially against The Licentian Isles where we were geared for our first loss of the tournament, but then out of nowhere in the '89 minute, he scores to tie it. Here's a quick run-through of the games.

Matchday 2:
'0-minute Game start.
'17 minute GOAL! for TLI
'89 minute GOAL! for IOV
'90 minute Game end.

Matchday 3:
'0 minute Game start.
'60 minute GOAL! for IOV
'90 minute Game End.

On other news a bunch of other nations have been accused of using the drug RP to increase their game. Many nations have publically admitted the use of this drug to increase their performance Due to the nature of the drug it cannot be detected if taken in small amounts. Though if taken in large amounts many people have reported seeing as if from as they put it, "A third eye". An interesting drug at that, when overdosed people have gone crazy saying that the world is fake and then they commit suicide. Cause of the extreme nature of this drug I hereby ask the WC committee to ban this drug. Also to administer NRP wich is a counter drug that the, "Brainy Scientist" at IOVU have concocted for us. This will null the effects of taking the drug and also get rid of the slight addiction that RP has on its recipients. Please be careful and mindful with drugs and see you at the next matchday!

by **Istoreya** » Fri May 14, 2021 7:30 am

The spirits were high on the plane carrying the Istoreyan team back home after their match against Siovanija and Teusland. Although the game had ended in a draw, not a win, for a team so small and new to the World Cup, that was a good result for going up against the 17th best team in the world, according to the KPB rankings.

Sat back in his chair, Nathan Rellotis raised the champagne bottle he held up to toast to Dalton Scribe as he walked back down the aisle to his seat. "Why aren't you getting a glass, Dalton?"

Dalton settled in and gave Nathan a look. "I have had two glasses already. You should go steady, mister."

"Yeah, yeah," Nathan said, taking a swig from the bottle. Across the table from him, Bo Ribbin chugged the rest of his own glass.

"I hardly think it's cause for celebration."

"It was a tie, Bo! Against Siovanija and Teusland! I think that's a celebration if ever I've heard one. It seems as though our luck is finally starting," Archie Gentell said.

Bo scoffed. "Don't be so optimistic, or you'll jinx it."

Unfortunately, Bo was right.

The next match the team played was against Bluecliff, back in their home stadium of the Infinity Centre in Ignala, and they lost when a single goal was scored against them.

Later, in the changing rooms, Archie and Bo had a nasty disagreement over the event.

"What did I say? You just got all of their hopes up for nothing!"

"At least I don't assume we're going to lose all the time. Why do you even play this game with us when you think we're so bad at it?"

"I don't think that!"

"You clearly do! You never think we can actually do this!"

"That's not it!"

"Then what is?"

"You're such a fucking peppy little idiot and it drives me insane! Thank god I'm at the other end of the pitch from you because I want to smack your head against those goalposts sometimes, I swear to-"

"Alright, enough!" Sage Castell, the captain, yelled, standing in between the two. Bo looked behind himself to notice he had raised a fist, and Abraham Vane was holding it tightly. He yanked himself out of the other man's grip.

"Whatever. I'm gonna go get a drink."

"Bo, don't. That is not the way we solve-"

"I don't give a shit how you solve it. This is how I solve it."

He stormed from the room, slamming the door behind him.

by **Tikariot** » Fri May 14, 2021 7:37 am

Walking with Shadows
--- Chapter III ---

Chapter I
Chapter II

James is sitting at the table again, the rain still lashing against the window and roof of the cabin. Two printouts and a notepad in front of him. His mysterious host is nowhere to be seen, but Nurisema is sitting next to him, unmoving, his eyes fixed on him.

“OK, dog, I know you’re protective, but this has to stop! How am I supposed to focus here?”

No reaction by the dog.

“You are a stubborn pain in the ass, you know that, right?”

Nurisema takes a step closer before sitting down again.

“Look, I am not happy about the situation either, ok? Can we strike a deal or something?”

A low grumble escapes the dog’s throat, who advances another step. James takes a deep breath and shakes his head. “Why am I arguing with a dog? OK, where is she?”

He gets up and walks towards the door, but quick as lightning Nurisema is on his feet and blocks the door. James raises his hands in exasperation.

“Really? REALLY? Hello, owner of this stubborn lump of fur, a little help?”

An amused voice comes from the other room. “I have a name, you know?”

“Yes, but someone hasn’t told me, remember?”

“Oh right. How can I help?”

“Can you tell your dog to quit staring at me?”

“I could, but he won’t listen anyways, so no use.”

He rubs his temples. “Alright, alright, you win, ok? Hope you’re happy now.”

The dog gives another low rumble, but does not move. Shaking his head, James returns to the table. A minute later she comes into the room with two steaming cups in one hand and a plate with scones in the other. She pushes Nurisema out of the way in the process, who returns to his place next to James.

“So, what are you at?”

“Still at the same spot. Nowhere. This just doesn’t make sense.”

He takes one of the printouts that looks like a scan of an old parchment.

“Lay the banner upon what once was ours. At the heart of the virgin’s blossom lies the key to the nine-pointed star, the murder shows the way to salvation. Through the eye of the sun, you will find the order with which we shall be reborn.”

As he takes one of the scones, he looks over at Nurisema, whose eyes now are on his hand. Or rather the scone. James moves it up and down and sees the dog following every move. He breaks off part of the scone and holds it out towards the dog.

“Oh, so now you’re trying to bribe him?”

“Well, reasoning didn’t work. He can eat those, right?”

She laughs. “Yes, I haven’t found anything that he doesn’t eat.”

Very slowly Nurisema inches closer, sniffing the air before gently taking the piece of scone from James’ hand. Immediately his eyes move to the rest of the scone. With a smile James tosses the remnants to the dog, who catches them midair, gulps it down and with a content grumble lays down at James’ feet.

“That’s all it took?”

She is trying her best not to laugh out loud. “What can I say? He’s just a big mooch.”

He shakes his head in disbelief. “Alrighty then. So back to the riddle. The blossom could stand for a flower.

“Didn’t you say that the order had a lily or something?”

“Yes, yes! And the lily also has related to the Virgin Mary, so it has to be the virgin’s blossom. So the heart of it has to be the pistil of it.”

“The what?”

“The yellow thing in the middle of flowers.”

“Ah!”

“So, at that heart is the key. This doesn’t make any more sense.”

“If you look at the riddle, they talk about a banner and what “once was theirs” before the flower, so it reads like if you put the banner onto whatever it is there’s the blossom. Have you read anything about a banner of the Order?”

He shakes his head. “No, there never was a mention of any banners in particular.”

He rubs his temples. “I can’t focus on this anymore. Let’s pack it in for tonight and see if we get any strokes of genius in the morning. I also have a headache from the constant howling of the wind.”

*****

Sleep does not come easy for James between the storm outside and the swirling maelstrom of thoughts on the inside. Suddenly he sits up, wide awake. “The flag! It’s the flag!”

He swings his legs off the couch and sets out to share his finding with the still nameless raven-haired woman when his feet get caught in a big lump, tripping him, and sending him down in a heap. Alerted by the noise the woman come running into the room.

“Are you ok? What happened?”

James groans. “I think I found your dog.”

He switches on the light and starts laughing uncontrollably. Nurisema still fast asleep despite all the commotion next to the cough and James sprawled on the floor, his pride hurting more than his body. He sits up, looking at her laughing and the dog sleeping.

“Please tell me I’m dreaming.”

Still laughing she shakes her head. “No, this happened! But are you ok? Did you hurt yourself?”

“No, I’m fine, the floor broke my fall. But riddle me this, how can a dog that is so fiercely protective of his owner be run and fallen over and not even wake up?”

She shrugs. “Guess you’re in his good books now. But why did you get up so fast anyways?”

“Oh yes! The banner! It’s the flag! It’s kind of a banner and it has the lily on it.”

“Ooh! That’s good!”

She turns and walks out of the room.

“Where are you going?”

“Printing a flag!”

*****

The flag sits between them on the table with both of them staring at it as if trying to get it to speak up and reveal its secret, but instead the only sound they hear is the incessant prattle of rain against the cabin. Nurisema is curled up in front of the fireplace, every now and then lightly snoring, but overall oblivious to the humans around him since the grand scone revelation.

“OK, so we’ve got the banner, but what was once theirs? I don’t get it.”

James shifts his gaze to the riddle in the hope of finding a clue they had missed.

“What did the monks originally have?”

“Well, they were monks, so they didn’t have much, they had their monasteries and then after the decree the land around them.”

She looks up. “So think about it, they once had monasteries and the land and they don’t anymore. So would the land be what once was theirs?”

“Ooh, that’s good, we need the map again!”

She gets up and walks over to the set of drawers the map was at originally. She opens drawer after drawer, her movements becoming slightly more hectic as she seemingly cannot find it.

“I know I put it here! It can’t just have… Oh no! No, no, no!” Without turning around, she storms out of the room, leaving a bewildered James behind. Moments later she comes back into the room with bits and pieces of the map.

“What happened?”

She shoots a withering look towards the malamute, who is still oblivious to everything going on around him. “Him! He has this corner where he drags all kinds of stuff, sometimes to play, sometimes to eat or sometimes to—to—aargh!”

“Did you know that you are beautiful when you are angry?”

“Sometimes I don’t know why—I what?” She breaks off and shifts her eyes towards James with a confused look.

He can’t help but laugh at her reaction. “Come, give me the map and maybe we can piece it back together.”

She hands over the pieces of the map, her mind still trying to process what he had said. “Did you—"

Without looking up from the puzzle he says: “Yes, I did, still nameless lady of the woods. OK, so this it what once was theirs. So now we have to put the flag over it and then what?”

He picks up the riddle once more. “‘At the heart of the virgin’s blossom lies the key of the nine-pointed star.’ So, the centre of the lily is the key of some sorts, but what is the nine-pointed star?”

He moves the flag across the map, trying to find a way to figure out where the flag has to be to, turning it this way and that.

“The number nine must have some special meaning to them.”

“Sophia.”

He stops mid-move and looks at her. “What does Sophia have to do with nine?”

“It’s me, my name is Sophia.”

“Oh! Uh, hello, nice to meet you, kinda.”

As she sits back down across from him, James is trying to gather his train of thought again that the sudden revelation of her name had caused to derail for a moment. She looks over at Sophia, who absentmindedly brushes a stand of black hair from her face. “Are you ok?”

She looks at him as if snapping out of deep thought. “What? Oh, yes, yes, I’m fine, I’m fine. Uh, where were we?”

“What’s the last you remember?”

She furrows her brow. “Uh, that I found the map torn by this lump over there.”

“Ah ok. So, I’m trying to figure out how to put the map here to find out what the centre of the lily supposedly points to. Something about a nine-pointed star.”

She nods slowly. “There were nine monasteries, right?”

“Yes, Veriasod, Anithero, Kyethas, Couseir, Ancarea, Samreach, Ulmiash, Asuran and Tallavia.”

Grabbing a marker on the side of the table she circles the locations on the map. “It’s a bit crooked, but it’s kind of a nine-pointed star, they’re all somewhat separated.”

He gets up and steps to the side of the table to get a better overview of the map. Sophia apparently had the same idea as they bump into each other.

“Oh, I’m sorry!” James says, but Sophia only lifts her hand as an absent-minded acknowledgement as her gaze is fixed upon the map. Then she points to the flag.

“Look at the flag, it has nine—nine, uh, compartments, if you look at the lines. Try to align them with the monasteries.”

He grabs the flag and holds it over the map, peeking underneath to see where the circled monasteries are. After a minute or so he looks at Sophia. “Do you have scissors?”

“Uh, sure, one sec.”

She briskly walks into the kitchen and returns momentarily. James takes the flag and pierces its center with the scissors before cutting out the centre of the lily. As he places the flag back down in the same position he had it in before, the name of a city is clearly visible in the hole.

“Samreach. City of Dragons. Fitting!”

Sophia looks at James. “I guess we know where we have to go!”

Gouvanarch – 2 (1)
Rocque (75') - Tanet (55' de Lorraine ), Quiviger ( 43'), de la Verdure, Prudhomme - de Vandes (30'), Desesprechin (64' Decottignies 75'), Bracquaval (75' Thomas 90'), Gane - Desreaulx, de la Cormeilles ( 75').

Tikariot – 4 (1)
Merson - Sirois (52' Farnham ), Faizullah (76'), Coronello (50'), Al Hak (84' Liniack ) - Vainionpää, McNair (29'), Vacarese (35') - Nighthorse (35'), Morrison (61') (78' Connolly ), Mosnyk

Darmen – 3 (1)
Mac Pharlain (37'), Blackwood (78', 80')

Tikariot – 3 (3)
Merson (57') - Sirois, Faizullah (76' Knox ), Coronello (83' Farnsrud ), Al Hak (77') - Vainionpää, McNair, Vacarese - Nighthorse (8', 41), Morrison, Fredriksson (24') (56' Monteverdi )

Tikariot – 1 (1)
Merson - Sirois, Faizullah, Coronello, Al Hak - Vaniere, McNair, Vacarese - Nighthorse (51' Sheffield ), Morrison (81' Connolly ), Fredriksson (41') (56' Weaver )

Lorrana – 0 (0)

Starting line-ups for games against Pratapgadh and Kohnhead
Pratapgadh: Merson - Chitwick, Person, Thomas, McIlroy - Vaniere, Monaghan, Lambert - Nighthorse, Tomlinson, Monteverdi
Kohnhead: Merson - Farnham, Knox, Coronello, Al Hak - Vaniere, Abbott, Vacarese - Sheffield, Connolly, Weaver

by **Flavovespia** » Fri May 14, 2021 7:43 am

St Astons

Overview

St Astons, specifically St Astons City, is considered the oldest settlement in Flavovespia. Originally founded as Vitarias, it was later renamed after its founder, St Aston. Unlike Waldster and Hadford Hill, since the formation of regional parliaments, St Astons City has separated into a municipality within a region. St Astons has always had a bit of an independent streak to it, but at the same time has tried to thread the balance between Waldster (and by extension Greater Waldster) and Hadford Hill. St Astons was for a while against Republicism but more amicable to Greater Waldster than Hadford Hill, although eventually conceded to the idea of the Republic. St Astons most well known municipality is obviously St Astons City, with it’s historic architecture and the home of many cultural institutions. However the towns of Claychester, Redthwaite, Saxford and Slaton, whilst influenced by their big neighbouring city, still have their own smaller identities, more so now they’re not officially part of St Astons City. Maltserbrack has recently joined them as a town in its own right. Aston Hills and Aston Woods are 2 of a handful of municipalities in Flavovespia that don’t particularly have one large settlement in their own right, but a collection of villages.

Municipalities

Aston Hills Code: AH Population: 43'855 Land Area (sqkm): 1'244 Population Density (pop/sqkm): 35
Aston Woods Code: AW Population: 42'659 Land Area (sqkm): 798 Population Density (pop/sqkm): 53
Claychester Code: CC Population: 101'820 Land Area (sqkm): 871 Population Density (pop/sqkm): 117
Maltsterbrack Code: MK Population: 66'169 Land Area (sqkm): 631 Population Density (pop/sqkm): 105
Redthwaite Code: RE Population: 134'538 Land Area (sqkm): 477 Population Density (pop/sqkm): 282
Saxford Code: SX Population: 71'158 Land Area (sqkm): 1321 Population Density (pop/sqkm): 54
Slaton Code: SL Population: 79'986 Land Area (sqkm): 617 Population Density (pop/sqkm): 130
St Astons City Code: SY Population: 1'723'106 Land Area (sqkm): 2'176 Population Density (pop/sqkm): 792

Geography

Geographically there’s quite a difference between St Astons City and the surrounding areas. St Astons City is largely flatland, with some light woodland in the non-urbanised parts of the city. Outside of that, St Astons features rolling hills and woodland, in particular in the more rural parts of the region. Maltsterbrack is the only town to buck that trend, close to sea level, sharing a cove with St Astons City. The highest point in Flavovespia, Mount Septenton standing 1487 metres tall, is on the border of the region, between the municipalities of Slaton and Hopford. The Occidenton mountain range, of which Mount Septenton is in, covers large parts of Slaton and Saxford. The quarter of Claychester, Redthwaite, Saxford and Slaton all lie several hundred metres above sea level.

Transport

St Astons biggest road and rail connections are the M2 and North Coast railway, both going to Hadford Hill. The two are well connected to each other, with Waldster further afield. Road connections in St Astons City also include the M20, a spur road into the heart of the city, and the terminus of the new motorway in the west, the M9. The M8 is also a relatively new motorway. Cutting through the Septenton mountain range, it travels into St Astons via Claychester, and connects to the M2 right by Redthwaite. St Astons City, unlike Waldster and Hadford Hill, has no underground metro system. Originally trams and buses were popular, but over time the former began to fall out of fashion. Many tramways have now been converted to dedicated bus lanes. The bus network has expanded however, to include guided busways. With the altitude and gradient of some of the towns in St Astons, the bus network is the only effective form of public transport.

Economy

St Astons City, like many of the major cities, thrived on a tertiary services sector. Being coastal as well, it has also served as a through point for industrial goods, although the region of St Astons was never a true industrial powerhouse. St Astons City is also seen as a popular tourist destination, with its cultural heritage a major selling point, a city that does stand out architecturally. This also gives the city some economic output in the arts and media. The outerlying towns and villages have in the past struggled with being forgotten by almost everywhere outside of St Astons, and being tricky places for commuters to live in, whilst not sustaining a large economy themselves. The M8 motorway, however, looks to try and rectify this, and early signs are looking decent.

Politics

St Astons was the birthplace of the liberal movement within Flavovespia (or Greater Waldster as it was then). First as part of the Centre Party, then later the Liberty Party and now Flavovespia Forward. Whatever form liberalism takes within Flavovespia, St Astons or St Astons City at least, is a place it’ll always find votes. St Astons is a place where Independence has often won over Republicanism, but at the same time the other views of prominent anti-Republicanism parties have been at odds with the views of voters in St Astons. St Astons has also been a popular place for smaller parties. The Christian Union, thanks to strong local factors and candidates, poll well in Saxford, and previously the Libertarian Party, Pirate Party and Party of Equality have held seats in St Astons.

by **Montana Verde** » Fri May 14, 2021 7:43 am

Chartistan – 3 (2)
Latte (3’, 20’), Rodgers (89’)

Montaña Verde – 4 (1)
Mateo; Roberta, Edelberto, Jairo (62’ Arquímedes ), Mallén; Ana-Ximena; Cristo Díaz (24’), Bregmann (74’); Primitivo; Naomí Berrocal (66’ Thiago Montilla ), Osito (65’, 69’) (82’ Páez )

Montaña Verde – 0 (0)
Mateo (37’ Dolfo ); Roberta, Edelberto (89’ Arquímedes (90+3’)), Jairo, Mallén; Ana-Ximena (57’) (68’ Edgar ); Cristo Díaz, Bregmann; Primitivo; Thiago Montilla, Osito

Juvencus – 1 (0)
Martell (59’)

The Condors soared to new heights with their first ever World Cup qualifying win, on the road at the Old Town Park in Billboard, Chartistan, then came crashing to the ground with another home defeat, this one to gli attaccanti of Juvencus. Verdeans knew their team would face a long and difficult road to any possible success in this campaign, but already the weight of the challenge facing them is seeming heavier than ever. The bright spot has definitely been the play of attacking midfielder Primitivo; scorer of the first goal in World Cup history for Montaña Verde against Baker Park, he turned distributor against Chartistan. Four goals for the team – four assists for him. Against Juvencus, double-marked by Kouyaté and Russo, he found inspiration harder to come up with, but still delighted the crowd with an audacious attempt on goal directly from a corner kick that left the cross-bar rattling for several seconds.

The visit to Chartistan started badly. Dancing side to side, Air Latte immediately gave the Hot 11 the lead, and the dangerous woman promptly said thank u, next and followed up with her second of the game. Enriqueta deployed Ana-Ximena with a monopoly focus on marking her, and managed to contain her thereafter with a mixture of tight coverage and cheeky hacking. At the other end, Primitive got to work, helped by wing-backs Roberta and Mallén, who tore up and down the sides whipping in crosses. 2 – 0 down, the Condors rallied, with Primitivo’s one-touch no-look pass sensationally splitting the defense for Cristo Díaz to rush onto and finish with his side foot. The Condors went to the half down but not out.

In the second half, the big man Osito stepped up. Already comfortably the leading scorer in Condors history, he had a quiet match against Baker Park and embarrassed himself in the first half against Chartistan when he attempted an overhead kick only to send his boot flying into orbit. But in the second half he stood tall. Primitivo’s sharp cross found him with time to line up his header perfectly; then a threaded through-ball opened up a tight angle from which his savage shot ricocheted off Dollarsigns Ago and the post and somehow over the line. In between, Naomí Berrocal had limped off to be replaced by Thiago Montilla, who looked sharp in his return to playing minutes. Primitivo capped things off with another lovely pass that gave Bregmann the chance to shoot off his favored right, and even a late Olisa Rodgers strike couldn’t turn the result.

But gli attacanti proved tougher opposition. The Condors could be proud of holding the line against them for an hour, especially having cruelly lost goalkeeper Mateo, who clashed his head on the post saving a Julio Campana scorcher and had to be helped from the field dazed. In his place young Dolfo was thrown in at the deep end and proved tall enough to keep his head above water, until a silky effort from Joaquim Martell finally broke the dam. Roberta and Bregmann had shots on target but Taddeo Bulgari was more than equal to them, and the Condors faithful saw time run out on them yet again. With another very strong opponent, Taeshan, coming to Santa Margarita next, it may be some time before the Dusty Golds see success on home soil. Which made their away win all the sweeter.

Squad update: Mateo’s removal from the game was precautionary, so despite Dolfo’s good performance he can be expected to be back between the sticks. Similarly, although Thiago Montilla replaced Naomí Berrocal, her injury was not severe and she will be back against Taeshan. The only projected change is a chance for Emma Narváez playing instead of either Bregmann or Cristo Díaz; while neither have embarrassed themselves their play style is quite similar and Enriqueta wants to bring a player more like Kristjana into the side.

by **Ranoria** » Fri May 14, 2021 8:25 am

Krauts Earn First Victory Over Top-100 Opponent By Beating Natanians and Nosts, Xanniera Looms Large in MD5

Now let's be very clear with a preface: By no means should our Krauts (2-1-0) be overlooking their next opponent, Bigtopian Isles (0-0-3). Winless or not, our team has proved nothing, with only a victory in a friendly against Banijan reserves to tack onto our list of accomplishments on the international field. We're not even good enough to say losing to a winless team would be a let down, after a disastrous BoF run and a 6-1-11 run overall in World Cup 87. But for us, that's not the enticing matchup. So we - Ranorian Sports News Network - are giving you a preview of our matchup with Xanneria's (1-2-0) 52^nd ranked unit.

For starters, their offense is none too shabby. Xanneria has scored a nice 7 goals through three contests, putting our leaner offense's 2 to shame. With guys like Kyle Falcon, Bray Feltzer, and and Carlton Brower spearheading that attack, we're not surprised. This team appears to be a shoot-first, ask questions later type of squad, and really, they've started a little slow this go-round. Last cycle, Xanneria's World Cup representatives scored a staggering 46 goals in an 18 game sleight. How is that even possible? Not sure ourselves, but suffice it to say they can go on the offensive with the best of them. Fortunately, they appear to be almost as exploitable on defense as they are opportunistic with the ball.

Where the Maroons have put up that incredible 53 total goals in their last 21 contests - well over 2 per game - they've allowed a crippling 46, good for a +1 goal differential this cycle and +6 last go round. Perhaps against a fellow offensive team, it could end in a 50/50 matchup that came down to luck. Our Krauts are not in that position.

Ranoria's national team favors a conservative approach, with midfielder Rayko Grossman playing a large part in that defensive style. In World Cup 87, the team scored just 23 goals and allowed 28 - not a great defensive showing, but it does display at least the team will stick to it's philosophy over living and dying by the sword. So far in this cup we haven't conceded a goal - props to our defensive unit - but that will undoubtedly change after the Maroons visit our crimson field. The question, of course, is whether or not we can take advantage of their aggressive tendencies and keep the ball away from that three-headed monster of a striker unit Xanneria will be fielding. Our own front three - Felix Graf, Barry Chlorid, and Tony Hamilton, will have to be more aggressive themselves to take advantage of a team that will leave us openings if history is anything to go off of.

But ultimately, we can't expect to win the matchup against the Maroons, it's set in stone. They're better, they've been around longer, and they will likely walk out of Richardson with another victory in their back pocket. This contest is going to be a measuring stick, to see if the Ranorian team has the spine to at least make one of the better teams in the world work for a victory.

Meanwhile the victory over Natanians and Nosts - highlighted by Felix Graf's shoe slipping off just before he knocked in the only goal of the match - was the Krauts' first victory over an opponent ranked in the top 100 of the World Cup, an important milestone for our fledgling team with nothing to lose. While a qualification this cycle is out of reach, if the team continues to perform the way they have through three matchdays, a Cup of Harmony bid may be on the horizon.

So, with more enthusiasm than last time: Go Krauts!

World Cup 88- Roleplay Thread

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