World Cup 88- Roleplay Thread

by **Kandorith** » Sat May 15, 2021 4:55 pm

Shinonome Kyoai - International

Struggling Kandorith tries to maintains composure.
A minor win, brings some hope
By Natsumi Miyasaki
Sports

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TENKYO, KANYORI — Watanabe's Kandorith has been looking frightening on paper but failed to make a lasting impact against Saltstead. Winning by only one goal was a painful reminder of the reformation of the team and the work which has to be done to rebuilt the team to former glory. Of course Saltstead is not an easy opponent, but having to face Kelssek in the next match is a cause of concern. The game against Saltstead leaves much to be desired from the new Kandorese style of football. One remarkable thing; the team does not look as lost as they did in the previous qualification campaign and Cup of Harmony: there's a plus one for Watanabe.

The expectation of the game against Saltstead was a repeat of the Cup of Harmony, yet ended in a meagre one to zero score; which nevertheless is a win for the national team. Currently in this group any win is a welcome victory and even draws are seemingly a win for the team. There is however; a certain admiration in how Saltstead handled the Kandorese. The midfielders were unable to be effective against their organized style of play and most of the attacking play simply broke down due to Saltstead's efforts to harass and stop the Kandorese attack.

Watanabe reacted on their style of play and the state of the Kandorese Warriors after the game: "I expected more from this match, I applaud the team giving their all, but we could have had so much more. I think we have some work to do when it comes to our flow of the game and should be more prepared towards teams that are able to mark players this well. I did expect a win though, but I did not expect it to be this hard fought and sadly I also think this has caused some unnecessary loss of fitness for the players who I need for the upcoming game against Kelssek. I however want to applaud the play of Saltstead, they are a very worthy opponent as we have had this face-off two times now and both times they were able to impress.

"I do not want to speculate on the game against Kelssek however, yes our game was more difficult than I had anticipated yet I think we are ready for the upcoming game. This team is eager to win and prove themselves to the people of the Empire. After the previous campaigns the people of Kandorith need a little bit of perspective on where we stand on the stage of international football and I think we are ready to reclaim the position we should be in. Kelssek will be tough, maybe even one of the toughest games we have ever faced in the history of football of this nation."

After having faced Saltstead in the way the team did, social media was not impressed. The fans of the national team expressed their concerns with the style of play and Watanabe's coaching. Naturally, a lot of the fans in Kandorith are very vocal when it comes to the national team performing in international competition. The team was seemingly uninspired and reluctant to take their chances as Saltstead's national team was able to simple sabotage the Kandorese attack. A point for Watanabe to heed in the upcoming match against the number ten in the rankings: Kelssek.

Outclassed and outplayed.
Kelssek demolishes the Warriors
By Natsumi Miyasaki
Sports

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TENKYO, KANYORI — Before the build up against Kelssek, there was huge social media attention to the game; but people agreed that Kandorith would not be able to beat them and hoped for a draw. The game however, ended up quite different. The Kandorese were handed a trashing; losing four to one in a brilliant display of Kelssek. While they are ranked tenth in the rankings, the performance of the Kandorese was below expectation. For Watanabe this was his first big obstacle and he has disappointed with it; bringing doubt to his appointment as the manager of the Kandorese team. For many people the management style of Hayabusa is still fresh in their memory and Watanabe seems a far shot from the success he has had in the previous tournaments.

The Kelssek national team was more than a class above our beloved team, they played on a different level. Where there was hope with the Kandorese goal; it was quickly demolished as Kelssek managed to completely trash the Kandorese in an amazing footballing display. After the match being outclassed was an understatement, the exhaustion of the Kandorese team became apparent as the players and manager were interviewed. Surely, Kelssek is one of the most tough opponents the team has faced in recent years. Watanabe reacted on the match quite reluctantly:

"We should have done better, I do not know what else to say to be honest. I have always had the greatest of respect for Kelssek when it comes to football but did not expect this" he chuckled slightly. "They simply outplayed us. This is a true learning moment and believe me; we have learned from this. This learning moment is painful but necessary. Yes, we should have done better I say again, but I do not think we were ready to face this challenge. I still believe in the system I have put down here and the players in the team, yet I understand the disappointment of the fans. I want to ask the fans to have patience and in the upcoming games we will surely show once again what we are capable off.

"The thing is, Kelssek is our most challenging opponent in this group. I thought a cautious approach would be the right one, but I was wrong. In the upcoming games I want to be sure that the team will be on the attack and be in the play at all times. We let the fans down and we are humbly sorry for this. We will improve and we will not let our guard down again. I want to be clear that we were simply overrun by the efficiency of the Kelssek team."

Very strong words from Watanabe show his dedication to both the team and the fans. While the defeat was a painful one, Kelssek remains one of the best teams in the tournament and possibly a World Champion contender. In the upcoming games however, the Kandorese need to step up their game as they will face both Marigred and Revlona ranked 272 and 341 respectively. On paper this should be two easy wins for the Bushi Narehiko and the fans will be expecting convincing wins and nothing less.

Group 1                                      Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Tumbra                                      3    2   1   0     7    5   +2     7
 2 Kelssek                                     3    2   0   1     8    5   +3     6
 3 Drawkland                                   3    2   0   1    11   11    0     6
 4 Kandorith                                   3    2   0   1     4    5   −1     6
 5 The Juniper Union                           3    1   1   1     5    4   +1     4
 6 Revlona                                     3    1   1   1     9    9    0     4
 7 Saltstead                                   3    1   0   2     5    3   +2     3
 8 Garbelia                                    3    0   2   1     9   10   −1     2
 9 Marigred                                    3    0   2   1     7    9   −2     2
10 Gyatso-Kai                                  3    0   1   2     7   11   −4     1

by **Togonistan** » Sat May 15, 2021 5:04 pm

A magnificent start for Togonistan in World Cup Qualifiers

Togonistan celebrating their goal against Huayramarca

Togonistani national football team has seen a magnificent start to their World Cup endeavours. Being drafted to qualifying group 12 as complete outsiders, Togonistan is currently leading the group standings having won all three matches so far. The Yellow Warriors started the tournament with a match against Hampton Island, bringing home a 1-0 victory. The opening round's sole goal came during 73rd minute, when Togonistan earned a corner kick after Hampton Islands goalkeeper Edwin Conney managed to block Keyn Menetua's shot from a distance. Corner kick given by team captain Luca Faleta landed right in the penalty box, where Togonistani midfielder Laran Makula managed to get his foot in and guide the ball right into the goal, thus scoring Togonistan's first goal in the tournament.

Following the match against Hampton Island, Togonistan moved on to face Sarzonian team. The match saw Sarzonia being the more aggressive side right from the start, putting Togonistan under heavy pressure during the first half. Despite multiple dangerous scoring opportunities, the Togonistani goal was kept empty and the match moved to half time with a scoreline of 0-0. The second half saw an opportunity coming for Togonistan during 66th minute, when a long pass ahead got picked up by striker Karol Niue, who managed to quickly run through the Sarzonian defense line and scored the matches first goal with a well aimed shot to the top left corner. With Togonistan opening the scoreline, the attacks from Sarzonia got even more intense. After managing to block a number of dangerous threats, another opportunity opened during the 88th minute, where Martin Tui, who had just joined in as a substitution, managed to get a successful long strike at the Sarzonian goals, thus making the scoreline 2-0. Togonistan left the Dave Wilson Stadium with another victory under their belt, much to the dismay of Sarzonian fanbase.

The third match against Huayramarca saw a different pattern. With Togonistani coach Toma Maiava seemingly going for a different strategy, The Yellow Warriors showed a much more aggressive style of play than usual in the early stages of the match. Togonistan opened the scoreline on the 21st minute after launching an attack on the opponent's goal. Initial strike from Keyn Menetua ended up in a goalpost, bouncing back to the edge of penalty box where Luca Faleta's lucky bicycle kick managed to guide the ball into goal, making the scoreline 1-0. Upon opening the score, Togonistan fell back into deep defense and managed to deny Huayramarca from an equalizer, resulting in a third victory in row for Togonistan.
Group 12                                     Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Togonistan                                  3    3   0   0     4    0   +4     9
 2 Nephara                                     3    2   1   0    11    3   +8     7
 3 Quakmybush                                  3    2   1   0     6    2   +4     7
 4 Huayramarca                                 3    1   1   1     3    3    0     4
 5 Squidroidia                                 3    1   1   1     6    3   +3     4
 6 Central Shaneville                          3    1   1   1     6    5   +1     4
   Hampton Island                              3    1   1   1     2    1   +1     4
 8 Brookstation                                3    0   2   1     4    7   −3     2
 9 Sarzonia                                    3    0   0   3     2    9   −7     0
10 The united states of sonindia               3    0   0   3     1   12  −11     0
With three victories, Togonistan is currently on top of Group 11 with 9 points, ahead of reigning champions Nephara. The results have, so far, shocked the fans and experts who had marked Togonistan as the weakest team in the group. With the tournament still in early stages, anything can change and we will see if Togonistan will be able to keep up the performances they have shown so far.
READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS:
WC88 Pre-match analysis: Togonistan vs The United States of Sonindia
Another victory! Togonistan beats Huayramarca 1-0
Absolute domination! Nephara destroys Sonindia 5-0

by **Eraman** » Sat May 15, 2021 5:21 pm

CHAPTER 4
DISTRIBUTOR

The year 58 was the year I became Tun's trusted man. From the moment Tun started trusting me by showing his true self, I knew that I had a bright opportunity to go far in my career.

At the time, Tun had just announced his involvement in politics and would be contesting in the election held that year. The news shocked the whole country. Tun Sengalang Petara is the younger brother of Maharaja Nila Petara, the king of Eraman. His father was also a king. So did his grandfather and ancestors.

In Eraman, the royalties were strictly forbidden to engage in politics. That's when my services were needed. I was instructed to manage all of Tun’s transition from a royalty to a commoner. It has been done before. I just need to follow precedent. The prime minister at the time was Tun's uncle and was also a royalty who chose to drop all the privileges enjoyed by royalties and get involved in politics.

That was the time when Suri suggested that we focused on politicians. Law firms solely for politicians. I can't believe it can be done at the time Suri tells her plan. But, almost all of Suri's plans have become a reality. I thought Suri would take care of Tun but apparently, through Tun, we had to take care of 12 other MPs which required us to divide our time to take care of them.

8 of the MPs we took care of were in Acqui Bollente. Although they came to Acqui Bollente on their own with their own people and did a variety of co-curricular activities of their own, I had given each of them enough spending money for them to splurge on and for them to spend. Tun was the one who gave me that task.

My promotion to Tun's trusted man was not easy. I started by wanting to make Tun a stepping stone to make my law firm successful. At first, my work was trivial and complicated. It really tested my abilities as a lawyer.

Tun like other politicians is good at playing with words. He would take me to meet many people who had not been introduced to me beforehand.

"You come to the restaurant later at 9 pm," Tun asked me to come for dinner which I thought was between me and him only.

At 9 pm I arrived at the restaurant and Tun was out of sight. The waiter of the restaurant asked if I had made a reservation and when I mentioned the name of Tun who at that time still used his royal name Putra Daulapura Sengalang Petara, the waiter took me to the table that had been reserved for us.

At the table, another person was waiting for Tun. I, who was born friendly, greeted the person waiting for Tun.

The first time this happened, Tun left me for almost an hour with an old Palmyran man who had never met Tun in person. He has an illegal factory that was raided by the authorities who wanted to demolish his factory.

Through a Palmyran politician, the old Palmyran man managed to make an appointment with Tun. That was the appointment I was asked to attend without myself knowing the bottom line. I was asked to be at the restaurant and come to meet Tun. The one who called me was Tun's personal assistant who had become more friendly with me.

When I was alone with the old Palmyran man I let him tell the story. The old Palmyran man told how he started his business with a capital of $500 by selling soybean milk by the roadside.

After a while, his friend invited him to open a shop. Once the shop developed, he opened a factory. Because soybean milk uses a lot of water, he made his plant illegal to reduce costs. Suddenly his factory was raided by the authorities from the local government. That is why he wanted to meet Tun to ask for mercy so that his factory would not be demolished.

The old Palmyran man was quite experienced. I don't have to suggest anything. He brought a package full of money.

"Here is 10,000. Every month I'll give 5000. You see me every first day of the month. Okay?" The old Palmyran man explained to me who just nodded.

That was the first time I took money that wasn't for me. By the time I got to Acqui Bollente, I was already a veteran in my work as a collector and distributor. I collected the money on behalf of Tun and I distributed it on behalf of Tun.

by **Valanora** » Sat May 15, 2021 5:44 pm

Who is Laborious Hawk? It seems a strange question to ask, for everyone who follows the beautiful game knows the name of the legendary captain of the Marauders, but very few people look to find out more about the man behind the player. For many people out there, all they know of Laborious Hawk is that he is a Vanorian footballer who is among the best players to have ever played the game, that he has five World Cup winners medals and more domestic honors than one could fathom. That however is not who the person is, that is what he has done and what he does for a living, not the sort of person that he is nor where he comes from and how he became the person he is today. With the person themselves quite the stoic figure, not keen to express too much emotion and keeping a relative even keel temperament, speaking only when it is really needed, it is easy to see why few people outside the closest of friends and family members would really know what sort of person the legend actually is, probably something that he is more or less content with.

So what do we know of this legend of the game? Well we know that he was born and raised in Hondo and worked at a fish market before taking up football. Several people claim that he was a street footballer as a hobby and that the manager of Hondo FC at the time witnessed the midfielder displaying his skills in one of the pick up games in the city, and was so impressed that he offered Hawk an open tryout with the Owls, who at that time were a third division club, which also was the lowest ring of the Vanorian pyramid at that time. This is where that legendary drive and ambition first seems to have made itself known, deciding to take up the managers' offer and went to the club the following week and spent a week training with the team. While reports vary depending on who ask, it became clear that Hawk was a very talented footballer in the trial, with some claiming he was superior to the rest of the team while others say he was only on par with the best players. Regardless, he was offered a full time contract at the end of his trial and was signed on to the Owls.

Two years later and Hawk had helped bring the Owls from the third tier and into the Premiership in successive promotions, all while his own raw talent was starting to get refined and polished by the training staff at the club. Due to this success, the manager of the Marauders decided to have their scouts to take a look at Hawk and they recommended that he be brought into the national pool leading into the upcoming World Cup Qualifiers. It turned out to be a very smart decision, with the Marauders getting the first of their podium finishes in the World Cup all while Hondo was able to win the title in their first season in the Premiership, despite having entered the season as relegation favorites. The professionalism and sheer skill of the number ten for Hondo was now obvious for all of the nation to see, as well as a few international scouts who had taken a keen interest in the emerging talent from the Eternal Empire at that time.

From there, Hawk would travel to Cafundeu and it is in their time there that their personality really came to shine. In a World Cup hosted in the nation, the national team would travel and normally would be subject to excessive taxes that were imposed by the local government. It was a system that most of the elves who were part of the staff and players for the national team would have been quite shocked by and perhaps even overwhelmed by, which no doubt would have lead to being frustrated and playing poorly. In a gesture of good will and leadership, Hawk used the wealth that he had accrued by playing for the famous Petardos S/A to cover all of the various fees and taxes that the players and team would have incured while in the nation for the event. It is from gestures like this that we know that Hawk is generous and thoughtful, kind to those he values as friends or respects. Stories from training grounds from all the clubs he has ever played for as well as retired internationals speak of his leadership and willing to help players learn and get better. His ambition is obvious, with the constant movement and looking to improve himself, making him an interesting character given his relatively withdrawn personality when dealing with the media.

In conclusion, the person behind the legend seems to be an ambitious and driven individual who has room for compassion and mentorship. He likely sees fellow industrious individuals in a good light, having used that behavior to have improved himself as well as the clubs that he has played for, likely doing the same for many fellow teammates through the years. It is no doubt a lonely sort of existence, especially being the last remaining elf in the national team, but he seems to have the mental fortitude to handle it and still be able to strive. Most of those inside the Empire would see him as a good person, following many of the tenets that the book of Elune put forth for people to follow in order to be considered morally good people.

by **North Japan** » Sat May 15, 2021 6:04 pm

HOKUTOU-KO DAILY
The Voice of The People

Celebration and Victory

HOKUTOU-KO (JCNA) — Today marks the twenty year rule of the Glorious Chairwoman Aki Asami, who was born on a snowy summer's day and was carried to us, humble people, by unicorns. We honour her eternal wisdom and guidance on this day. She has guided us to victory, to glory and to greatness in all these years. The Japanese people are the shining beacon of democracy and freedom in the world; shining for all the world to see with an eternal flame in all of our hearts. On this day all the world stands still to honour the great Chairwoman in her greatness and beauty. Most nations, jealous, of her stature and ever shining beauty.

Today was marked with a decisive victory over Tequilo and Sylestone; two nations misguided by lies and propaganda. It was chosen said by the gods that these days would be in victory for the people of Japan and the Chairwoman to stand victorious in the sunshine of them to lead our people to glory once more. All around us the country is surrounded by enemies of the only true ideology, the misguided and the corrupt. Two of these misguided nations are Tequilo and Sylestone.

Tequilo in the first place has the sound of corruption of modern capitalism and decadence. The pitiful attempt to face the glorious Democratic People's Republic was laughable. The players of the nation were occupied mostly with being actors rather than playing football and representing their nation. Where the Japanese played for the glory of the nation, the players of Tequilo were more occupied with their looks and vanity. The absolute sin of decadence and vanity became apparent as the players had no regard for their national anthem nor fans; an absolute shameful display which later would be punished by the People's Republic.

The Tequilo players were unable to even flinch the players of our glorious nation as they stood stalwart and tall to defend the goal like they would defend the Motherland. The only commendable effort of the Tequilo players would be a single attempt at goal, which was stopped by Hiro Akita with a display of super-human athleticism. From there on the Tequilo team crumbled under the sustained pressure of the Japanese superior side; leading to a four to nil score in the first half. Starting the second half Izo Natsuke passed five players by himself and was able to beat the goalkeeper to start the scoring menace of the second half. With goals from Izo Natsuke, Takahara and Hatsumane North Japan finished the game with an amazing score of seven to nil.

Final Results:

Japan 7 - 0 Tequilo

Sylestone, composure eventually broke down

The nation of Sylestone is another story; in the first half they were showing prowess and willingness to represent their nation. In the early game they managed to break through the Japanese defence, which was eventually ruled offside. While the players from Sylestone were more occupied with anger towards the officials, the Japanese took the advantage and shone bright like the eternal goddess of the sun herself came down unto the field. The team was no match for the supremacy of the People's Republic and their organized play, who played in the name of the Chairwoman and the glorious free lands of Japan. Eventually it would be a day the people of Sylestone would find difficult to forget as they were tossed aside by the much more organized Japanese team.

The Sylestone people are among the enemies of the state, believing in false ideologies and religions. This is why not by chance the glorious Japanese team was able to overcome the challenge with relative ease. Credit does go to them as they have been the first team to score against the People's Republic since the early qualification campaign of World Cup 87. There might be salvation for these people and we pray for them to one day follow the only true ideology and better their ways.

They were a formidable opponent who kept their composure through the first half, first segment of the second half. The second half was the moment the Japanese were done with toying with the opponent. Striking with almost surgical precision the attacks of the Japanese bombarded the Sylestone goal with strike after strike; like a well aimed artillery barrage to destroy the enemy nation. The enemy's defence broke down even more once the midfield started to attempt long distance shots, scoring from 40 meters and further; Katabushi stole the show in amazing display.

Today marks the twentieth year rule of our Glorious Chairwoman, and the heroes of the national team surely have shown their dedication to celebrating this important day.

Final Results:

Sylestone 1 - 4 Japan

by **Rangers FC** » Sat May 15, 2021 6:16 pm

Here we, here we, here we fucking go! That’s right, after a short break (following an even longer break) we’re back again. Now, you might be wondering why I needed a break, and I could go on some tangent about how I’ve worked so hard over the past couple of days, but the real answer is that I’m a lazy arsehole who couldn’t even be bothered to open letters until about five minutes ago. Nonetheless, I’m here now, and that’s what matters. You get to read about ME opening letters. What a life, eh? On that note, it’s time to get one open!

Dear Broxi,

I’ve been a regular reader of your series, and you’ve got me wondering; what do you eat?

Jean-Luc

Huh, a personal question. That only happens once in a blue moon, doesn’t it?

Well, Jean-Luc, I eat anything these days. If my benefits haven’t come through, I usually have a full three-course meal out the back of the newsagents, as it covers all the three food groups - those being sweets, plastic, and Buckfast.

I’d usually dissuade folk from trying it, but I’m not going to stop you if you wish to try out the Broxi Diet for a couple of days. Hey, who knows, you might lose weight! You might also shit your guts out, but that’s a fair compromise if you want to make your body a temple, like mine.

Yours,
Broxi

Was that a bit too much information? Probably. Do I care? Not at all. Next letter, please!

Dear Broxi,

My son reads your stuff all the time, and he seems to love it! But, I must ask that you tone down the swearing. I don’t want my little boy to start speaking like a lower-class simpleton who uses swears liberally, you see?

Yours in good faith and sincerity,
Sabina

Your SON? Jesus, I thought I made the message clear before, this ain’t right!

Dear Sabina,

Why are you letting your “little boy” read my stuff? You’re not an irresponsible parent, are you? Tut tut, Sabina. Tut tut. What on EARTH compelled YOU to ask ME to tone down my fu-I mean, goshdarn swearing when it’s my show? Honestly, the audacity of some of you people.
GET A FUCKING LIFE!

Broxi

Well, that’s her well and truly telt. I know she probably had good intentions, but this shit ain’t for kids. It’s for properly staunch adults like you and I, not literal children. Tangent over, next one please

Dear Broxi,

I hear that the mighty Rangers are playing Sylestone again. What do those toilet fuckers want? How do we deal with them? Are they all made of porcelain or is it only a select few?

From,
Baz the Plumber

Ah, yes. Sylestone. I believe I’ve received letters from there before, but they all had a thick stench of, well, excrement. Shite. Caca. Whatever you wish to call it. Hence, if any of you from Sylestone wish to ask me a question - please disinfect your letter.

Dear Baz the Plumber,

The Sylestone national team isn’t just made up of toilet fuckers. That’s highly offensive to people from Sylestone, you know. It’s also made up of oven fuckers and toaster fuckers, yeah? Be inclusive, Baz. You never know when you may need to be - I’ve spoken to a few toilets and ovens in my life, and apart from the fact that they can’t comprehend the concept of daylight savings time; they’re decent folk.

From,
Broxi

I think we’ve got time for just one more letter, don’t you?

Dear Broxi,

As a fan of a specific green-and-white club from across the city, it gives me great schadenfreude to see you lose to Sannyamathland after doing so well against Zwangzug. Hard luck, ya stupid blue cunts! You’ll always be in our shadow, ALWAYS!

Neil, from Lurgan

Dear lord, it’s Neil from Lurgan! EVERYBODY RUN AND HIDE!

Dear Neil,

You seem angry. You seem frustrated. You seem... obsessed.

Offical Anthem of Rangers FC
♫ How can you see just looking through those tears ♫
♫ Don’t you know, you’re worth your weight in gold ♫
♫ I can’t believe that you’re alone in here, let me warm your hands against the cold ♫

♫ A close encounter with a hard hearted man ♫
♫ Who never gave half of what he got ♫
♫ Has made you wish that you'd never been born ♫
♫ That's a shame 'cause you got the lot ♫

♫ Hey, yeah you, with the sad face ♫
♫ Come up to my place and live it up ♫
♫ You, beside the dance floor ♫
♫ What do you cry for, let's live it up ♫

Yours smugly,
Broxi

(P.S. If you haven’t forgotten, we’ve won 55 and stopped the te... hey, wait, these trophies don’t count in the multiverse!)

Well, that’s all from me for tonight. If you would like me to open more letters, you can donate to my Bear-treon, where you can pay me as much money as you’d like for me to open an extra letter on each show. For now, however, that’s me done. See you all in another two matches, and make sure to stay staunch, and send in your questions to me - Broxi the Bear!

(P.S. Don’t even try to compare me to Hoopy. I could beat his green-and-white ass ten times over. Just watch me.)

by **Vdara** » Sat May 15, 2021 6:43 pm

A Difficult Start

Dismal.

Awful.

Lacking.

Unconfident.

Shit.

These words (and more) have been used to describe Vdara’s recent performance against HUElavia, which ended in a 3-0 loss.

Now, you might be expecting a match report here... but honestly, I’m not even going to bother with that. Instead, I’ll be skipping straight to the interview with the manager after the match, just so you can see how much of a disappointment this result was.

Interviewer: “Well, it certainly looked like a bad day at the office out there today, but how do you feel about your team’s performance today?”
Væñøœrëñbérghüïś: “Well, quite frankly, I feel like it was shit. I mean, I’ve not seen this team play with so little passion ever since the Campionato Esportiva, and that was an absolute fucking mess!”
Interviewer:”What do you think affected your team’s performance today?”
Væñøœrëñbérghüïś: “Well, I’m not sure, honestly. There’s just too many reasons to count, such as complacency, rustiness, a complete lack of communication... you know, rookie errors! We are not a rookie team, so we should NOT be making these types of errors in massive games such as this, you know?”
Interviewer: “Do you feel like your job now hangs in the balance?”
Væñøœrëñbérghüïś: “Excuse me?”
Interviewer: “Well, do you feel as if your job has become less secure as a result of this match?”
Væñøœrëñbérghüïś: “Are you REALLY going to ask a manager if he’s going to be sacked because of one result?”
Interviewer: “I didn’t say-“
Væñøœrëñbérghüïś: “You insinuated it. That’s enough, this interview is over.”
Interviewer: “No, wait-“
Væñøœrëñbérghüïś: “I’m not waiting for anyone who suggests I’m going to lose my job over ONE bad result, okay? We all have our off days, and although the performance was unacceptable that does NOT give you the right to suggest that I should be sacked, alright?”

If there’s one thing you gain from this interview, it’s this top tip: don’t suggest that someone will be sacked over one bad day at the office, otherwise you might find yourself with a faceful of fist (or an earful of anger) not long after you’ve said it.

by **Montana Verde** » Sat May 15, 2021 6:46 pm

In the town of Herehuita.

wanted

by **Huayramarca** » Sat May 15, 2021 6:46 pm

Turbulence strike against the Condors.

Despite being a difficult start, an unexpected defeat against Togonistan at home has raised some eyebrows in signal of surprise as Huayramarca got only four out of nine points during the three first matches of the World Cup Qualifier. Should we really worry? or are those voices overreacting to the situation?

Written by: Filomena Oviedo.
15/02/1983 – 7:40 PM.

We can say that Huayramarca has got a quite hard beginning for the World Cup Qualifier, I mean this in terms of the teams we faced and we’ve got to face soon: Squidroidia, Nephara, Togonistan and then Hampton Island and Sarzonia. Despite that, some people expected to see the Condors soaring in the group, perhaps with almost a clean record in the first three matches, that’s not the case since we drew Nephara at home and then Togonistan defeated us on the road. Is this something to worry about or people are overreacting, but I guess it’s pretty much the second thing and I’ll provide some argumentation for it:

1. World Cup Champions: Do we really expected, despite the altitude, to beat Nephara? Let’s not forget that Nephara are the current World Cup Champions, the top-ranked side in the Multiverse, hence, even a defeat would be something that would’ve been expected. We don’t have (as of now) a national league, they have the best league in the World, we don’t have players that do their job as continuously as they do, it’s a surprise that a squad like this had tied twice against Nephara in their three matches’ record. I mean nobody would even bet a cent on us, we are the underdog and we should be aware of it.

Nephara played as they do, strong physical, superb mindset despite playing in a 4000 masl altitude, they kept pushing and playing pretty much at the same level as the Condors did (who are used to play in this conditions). We had a chance to win it, but experience, talent and hierarchy were enough for the Nepharans to snatch a point against us.

2. Togonistan: Well, it was a surprising defeat, no way to hide the fact out of public reach. No matter what, Huayramarca will always face some hardships, specially when visiting rivals. Earning a tie is great, getting a win is splendid considering that we had to overcome the conditions imposed by the locals, pretty much in conditions we didn’t know that existed until some minutes before the match. Omar Caicedo had some failures on trying to get the match into a favorable direction for the Huayramarcan side, we are struggling with some defensive issues as of late and we need to recompose on what has been a stronghold for the Huayramarcan National Team, a defense led by Kevin Quispe that has a great personality while containing the constant ambushes made by the rival squads.

I’m sure that Omar Caicedo will correct such mistakes, the managerial team and the players have demonstrated to be a group of people very receptive to feedback in order to spark continuous improvement cycles during the Qualifiers, let’s remember that Huayramarca always has this kind of slumps during the tournament, it’s matter of supporting the team and not bashing hard against them, so we will let them correct their mistakes and they will know that they are in debt with us, the fans that we always support them and always desire the very best for them.

The World Cup Qualifiers are not an explosive speed race, instead, it’s more like an endurance race, a marathon than anything else. This is not about how you start the race; it’s how you develop yourself through it and how you finish it. Right now, we stand at the third matchday out of eighteen and there’s room for improvement for this group, Omar Caicedo knows it better than anyone outside, and I’m sure that he’s already planning new strategies and uplifting the mood of the squad in order to get back into competition and be the competitive and always troublemaking side that Huayramarca uses to be.

Against Hampton Island, our direct rival in this Qualifier, we should act straightforward and go for the three points, no room for distractions, only room for improvement and positivity, the players should be aware of it in order to come back into the positive path of victory. It won’t be easy, so, its matter of focusing and setting a victorious mindset for it, we can correct those mistakes and come back before it’s too late, so the players focusing on fulfilling their sporting dreams should be an important catalyst to start the spark that these players need to be back in the path we know about them.

So, without further ado, I can say ¡Vamos Huayramarca, carajo!

by **Turori** » Sat May 15, 2021 6:47 pm

Eels Come out Swinging in Group 15

Eel's Park, Eelandii, Turori :: After a narrow 2-1 opening matchday victory against Baggieland, some members of Nigel's Army began to express some concerns about the Turori National Team's chances of qualifying for the World Cup Finals from Group 15, a group that was seen as difficult with challengers such as Krytenia, Recuecn, Baggieland, Hispinas and Valentine Z all expected to be in the mix for the Top 2 positions in the table. After struggling to pull away in their defeat of a nation over 100 places behind them in the World Cup Committee Rankings at home on the opening matchday, there were concerns that traveling to an up-and-coming nation like Valentine Z and playing on the road in a difficult atmosphere could be a potential banana peel for the Turori Eels.

In the end, those fears were unrealized. The Turori National Team handily took care of business at Fate Stadium in Naypyithaw - putting in a fully dominating performance that would forced the Valentians to re-think their approach to the entire World Cup Qualification Campaign. While there were opportunities for Valentine Z to keep the match close, the Valentians failed to take advantage of the opportunities they did create while in contrast, the Turori National Team produced quality chances and converted over half of the quality chances they generated en route to a 4-0 thumping of their robotic opposition.

Turakia Diijelhma got Turori on the board first 25 minutes into the match after breaking free of the defense then the veteran Team Captain Mikki Mayelli headed home from a corner kick less than 3 minutes later to double the Eels advantage. The pressure in the first half from Turori was particularly relentless and they would get a third goal before the half time break when Naraize Ruaplal fired a hopeful shot towards that goal that redirected off the leg of the Valentians Chronologically youngest player, Anastasia Freya Thida Myat Yadana Aye, and out of reach of their goalkeeper Holly Aurora Lapia Radiant Starlight.

It was almost certainly a demoralizing half-time conversation in the Valentine Z locker room while the Turorians would have been brimming with confidence after a powerful first half display. The second half was a much more even affair, however, despite the fact that Turori would ultimately increase their lead and hold on for a 4-0 victory. Turori maintained the bulk of the second half possession but the numbers were much closer as Valentine Z looked to deny the Eels opportunities in the Final Third and largely effective at doing that. Turori's only second-half tally came through a Kentu Umaka'a Free Kick just on the hour mark of the match and it would be the final goal of the match as Derizi Amatopa recorded their first ever shutout in a World Cup Committee sanctioned event.

 Turori [4] - [0] Valentine Z
				
	GOALS:	Turori 	:: 25' Turakia Diijelhma:: 27' Mikki Mayelli:: 40' Naraiza Ruaplal:: 60' Kentu Umaka'a           		
	STATS:	Turori 	:: Possession: 57%:: Shots: 8:: Corners: 5	Valentine Z 	:: Possession: 43%:: Shots: 4:: Corners: 3
	Lineup:	[GK] Derizi Amatopa, [D.] Lulu Pumaziiri, [D.] Amakli Inuro'o, [D.] Biliki Rona'atu'i, [D.]  Mikki Mayelli, [ML]  Kentu Umaka'a, [MC] Daliora Toru'u, [MC]  Cuoabaza Orani’aoa, [MR]  Naraiza Ruaplal, [FC] Turakia Diijelhma, [FC] Meldi'ita Mungwaii			
	Bench:	[FC] Wiztsana Iretziia, [FC] Nua'oma Aikiki, [M] Tulaki Rauogba, [M] Lati'ala Giaoka, [U ] Karek Edgeli, [D] Moumouni Verre'elali, [GK] Timaala Hualtia

After a huge victory on the road in Valentine Z, the Turori National Team returned home to Eel's Park in Eelandii to take on Acronius. While Turori and Acronius have crossed paths in a number of Tournaments before, it was the first modern meeting between the two sides in the World Cup Finals. The Eels would pick up right where they left off in Valentine Z to make sure that it would be a game the Acronius National Team would want to quickly forget. Twenty minutes into the game Turori already had a 3-0 lead with goals from Nua'oma Aikiki and Amakli Inuro'o either side of a 17th minute penalty kick that was converted by Kentu Umaka'a after Roger Meyo took down Aikiki inside the box. The infraction saw an early end to the match for Meyo and forced Acronius to finish the match with 10 players, perhaps a major contributing factor to their struggles on the day.

Acronius still hadn't settled into their new formation when Turori scored a fourth on a corner kick 33 minutes in, the delivery by Umaka'a being whiffed at by Michael Rowland then deliberately redirected toward the empty net by Moumouni Verre'elali. Turori would hold on to their 4-0 lead through half time and use the opportunity to make some changes. Acronius would come out with a new tactic in the second half looking to absorb the Turorian pressure and then fight back on the counter attack. It resulted in a huge possession mismatch with Turori slowing the game down and controlling nearly 80% of the possession in the second half of play. When Acronius did have possession, however, they looked sharp and would actually pull a goal back near the hour mark through a smart run by winger Loïc Taubira. Acronius held on for as long as they could down just three goals but ultimately the relentless pressure from the Eels against the outnumbered Union of Acronian Kingdoms side would see Turori net two late goals - one from Biliki Rona'atu'i and a final goal from Tulaki Rauogba to finish off the match and mark Turori's biggest victory in World Cup Qualifying since a similar 6-1 result against Saintland on matchday 17 of the World Cup 84 Qualification Campaign.

With the victory, Turori would find themselves alone atop Group 15 with a two point advantage over Hispinas and Recuecn. The latter will be Turori's opponent on Matchday Four in what will be the first table-topping clash of Group 15 action. After three games Turori have scored more than double the goals that any other team in the Group have tallied and will look to keep the momentum going with some important matches ahead that could set the early tone heading into the remainder of the campaign.

 Turori [6] - [1] Acronius 
				
	GOALS:	Turori 	:: 11' Nua'oma Aikiki:: 17' Kentu Umaka'a:: 20' Amakli Inuro'o:: 33' Moumouni Verre'elali:: 83' Biliki Rona'atu'i:: 87' Tulaki Rauogba         		
	STATS:	Turori 	:: Possession: 74%:: Shots: 13:: Corners: 9	Acronius  	:: Possession: 26%:: Shots: 2:: Corners: 5
	Lineup:	[GK] Derizi Amatopa, [D.] Mikki Mayelli, [D.] Moumouni Verre'elali, [D.] Yitizo Mpala'a, [D.]  Biliki Rona'atu'i, [ML]  Kentu Umaka'a, [MC] Lati'ala Giaoka, [MC]  Cuoabaza Orani’aoa, [MR]  Daliora Toru'u, [FC] Meldi'ita Mungwaii, [FC] Nua'oma Aikiki			
	Bench:	[FC] Wiztsana Iretziia, [FC] Kala'a Yuliizala, [M] Naraiza Ruaplal, [M] Tulaki Rauogba, [U ] Amakli Inuro'o, [D] Lulu Pumaziiri, [GK] Timaala Hualtia

by **Saltstead** » Sat May 15, 2021 6:48 pm

Asħwells Tijden
Vor Saxlandes en Såutsteides Königlikstad

Saltstead 5:1 Drawkland: The Stallions finally get qualifying started with an emphatic win over the Kick Corps
Jån-Pijr Michahels from the Borough of Königsplaas

After difficult, but deserved defeats to Tumbra and Kandorith, the Stallions have proven that they have Drawkland’s number with an emphatic victory over the 23rd-ranked side.

The first two matchdays came as a severe disappointment to a nation hoping for a dark horse—pun absolutely intended—ticket to the World Cup proper, as the rising Black Eagles narrowly escaped with victory on matchday 1 and the Stallions similarly came up short in a trip to former Cup of Harmony winners Kandorith. With head coach John Rosencrants’s contract up at the end of the cycle and the Royal Saltsteadish Football Association’s intent to only renew in the case that certain performance conditions were met, it appeared that the Omerican would be quickly pushed out the door at the end of the cycle.

Less than a quarter-hour into the match, the Stallions hopes of coming close to a playoff spot and Rosencrants’s hopes of keeping his job were in the gutter, with Drawkian captain Roger Apollo bagging the first goal of the game. The same Stallions players who had faltered against Tumbra appeared to be going down in flames yet again. Desperate for any spark, Nico Joxepħssen tried his hand at a long shot, which Septimus Xander swatted away.

Unfortunately for Drawkland, Edvard Rothås was there for the rebound to put Saltstead level in the 36th minute. Rothås wasn’t done for the half, though, beating Xander once again in the 44th minute to put Saltstead in the lead. The first half ended 2:1 and the Stallions had the initiative. One strike from Johanne Geuberts less than four minutes into the second half put the Stallions firmly in control of the match.

From there, the Kick Corps simply struggled to regain their footing, briefly troubling Julij Kåler a handful of times, but never managing to get over the line. Theodor Felicianus extended Saltstead’s lead in the 69th minute, with Rothås completing a hat trick in the 81st, much to the dismay of the visitors.

The result represents Saltstead’s first win of the World Cup 88 qualifying campaign and is the second time Drawkland have lost in Ashwell, after the fateful World Cup 81 playoff that saw the Stallions qualify for and the Kick Corps miss the World Cup proper for the first time in their respective histories. Nevertheless, it’s unlikely that Saltstead will qualify and likely that Drawkland will make it to Cassadaigua—Chromatika, even in spite of the poor result in the Royal City.

“It’s a good result for us,” the goalkeeper and captain told STN after the match. “I don’t think we’ve had the best luck so far and we needed something positive. I think we proved we’re still in it and you underestimate Saltstead at your own peril.”

“Drawkland are a good team and I think they just had a bad day,” Rosencrants stated after the match. “I don’t think this performance really represents what Drawkland are capable of.” When asked about Saltstead’s prospects of meeting the KSFB’s performance goals, Rosencrants was confident but cautious, stating “It’s early days still.”

Drawkland now sit third behind Tumbra and Kelssek, with Saltstead stuck down in seventh on three points. Drawkland host Kelssek next before heading to Marigred, while the Stallions now head to similarly-struggling Gyatso-kai before returning home to play Garbelia. ⁕

In other news:

Football: Tumbra race out into an unlikely lead in qualifying group 1, ahead of Kelssek, Drawkland and Kandorith
Saltsteadish professional football clubs in talks to reorganise and reduce the “overloaded” 44-game league calendar
“We are with Atlantian Oceania, but not of it”: the KSFB Executive Director sends out a cryptic and puzzling twii

★
The Royal Saltsteadish Football Association
Royal House of Sport, Ashwell
Gyatso-kai : Saltstead
World Cup 88 qualifying group stage — Matchday 4
Unknown Stadium, Unknown City, Saltstead
Starting line-up (4–5–1): Robert-Jan van Daal (captain); Micħäl Aurelius, Jan-Pijr Åudenberg, Maxime Crabshaas, Victoria Rothöüf; Mina Ratmaker, Constantijn van Bleck, Aleksa Pascal, Zacharias van den Slåp, Natasħa Aħterop; Reinhard Åubreħtssen
Substitute bench: Christijn Sänt-Andreas, Marianne Åudershof; Richard Christopħe, Pijr Josefssen, Serena van Middelkamp, Catharine de Vriħt; Nicholas Tiberius, Benni Sħåul, Thomas Lions, Adelaide de Jong, Wim Amistad; Haråud Haråudssen

Saltstead : Garbelia
World Cup 88 qualifying group stage — Matchday 5
King William VII National Park, Ashwell, Saltstead
Starting line-up (5–4–1): Kathrinita Äsħes (captain); Gunner Stepħenssen, Sebastien van Can, Dijter Ackerdiħ, Tobias Thomassen, Yorg Handel; Marina Jager, Violeta Igesleven, Margaretha Wilheumssen, Aleksa le Duc; Stepħanie Withöüf
Substitute bench: Adam van Middelkamp, Julij Kåler; Frans Richard, Rokus Michahels, Anne Hodmaker, Johan van Tilborg, Constantijn Kåler; Johanne Geuberts, Nico Swart, Theodor Felicianus, Nico Joxepħssen; Edvard Rothås

by **Pasarga** » Sat May 15, 2021 6:50 pm

A question is often asked, where are the footballing hotbeds in the dual islands that provide all of the best players for the domestic league and eventually the national team? Although a fair amount of players for the Wanderers ply their trade outside of Pasarga, and that number is likely to continue to grow if the current trend of the SuperLiga standard falling as it has of late, those players still had to come from somewhere in the nation. Something that is obvious even to most outsiders is that the various regions and cities of where there is a hotbed of talent are very prideful and would take much disdain to anyone suggesting that the talent that is developed in their area is not of the highest quality, especially compared to that of rival regions or cities within the dual islands.

The first obvious hotbed is that of the capital itself, as Torgos is a huge metropolitan city that has a diverse group of people from many different backgrounds and classes, with natives to first generation immigrants alike that live within the city limits of the nation's largest city and capital. With six clubs located in the city, there is a substantial amount of opportunity for players to showcase their abilities, though most will only know of the three largest clubs in the capital: Baskita FC, Galatica, and Fetherdron United. However with Fetherdron being a yo-yo club and the other three clubs usually nestled in the lower reaches of the Pasarga pyramid, it really is only Galatica and Baskita that provide true talent for the national team. Baskita's youth academy was among the best in the world for nearly half a decade and with four players in the pool coming from the academy, it is clear for awhile they knew how to turn that potential into true talent, though they to have fallen on rough times much like the SuperLiga as a whole.

Moving east to Peynol, there is the area around Lunas, with the two major clubs of Peynol-Lunas and Lunas FC as shining examples of clubs that like to build from within and develop their local talent. However with only one other club in the area, and it buried deep in the lower reaches of the league structure, it is a case of not enough opportunity for players to develop and flourish when compared to the rest of the regions. Like Torgos, Lunas is another metropolitan port city and that really is where the talent seems to come from, especially with former Polarian immigrants. Lunas does provide a few gems though and will often provide talent for the youth team but without the number of opportunities like there is in the nation's capital, most of the talent has to move elsewhere in the nation or abroad to truly get the chances they need to reach their potential.

Finally we come to the South Pargis area, being home to both Paulinthal as well as Stein-los, the two cities home to the largest and most successful clubs in all of Pasarga, as: CA Paulinthal, Santos Luega, Stein-los Turkish, Paulinthal FC, Club Stein-los, and Tanrısal all are in these cities and usually in the SuperLiga. The number of talented and historic clubs that have tradition, money, and success make the South Pargis area the most talented and deep hotbeds for all of Pasarga. There is a reason why those in Stein-los like to call their city the footballing capital of Pasarga, though the number of top flight titles and regional success that CA Paulinthal has had through the years as well as the number of players they developed for the national team has made the city have to relinquish that claim to the entire region. With ten clubs between the two cities, there is also plenty of opportunity for those players who might not make the cut at the very best clubs. For these reasons, it is this area that is the premier footballing hotbed for the nation and one that will hopefully allow the Wanderers to continue to be among the better teams in Rushmore and the world, as they pursue another World Cup qualification and hopefully a title.

by **Qzvarkian Qaz** » Sat May 15, 2021 6:53 pm

Bryan's Song: A Faustian tale
prior installment - viewtopic.php?f=7&t=504066&p=38644695&sid=3f1c67c33b15685260d51b2c4987e460#p38644695

Bryan and the rest of the team had a couple days after their flight landed in Starblaydia, to tour the place as visitors and of course get some team practice in. The game was one where the bettors and gamblers would put money rather on purple than black and red, but the fact that Qzvarkian Qaz was a major underdog didn't detract Bryan and Max. They had gone out on town after a morning practice session in a nearbye part Jhanna, the city that usually hosts the Starblaydian team.

Max and Bryan decided to eat at one of those small diners with shiny aluminum plating on the side. Apparently in Starblaydia that is considered a bit of a novelty while in the boys native home of Xanneria it's a fairly common site to see one of these "streamliner diners".

The boys went in and sat down within the narrow confines of the diner, when a young woman sat down in the booth across the aisle from them.

Something and lord knows what that something was gave them the idea to start a conversation with the lady.

Bryan upped his voice first

"So your a local?"

"Yeah sort of, i'm here on work. "

"We me and my friend Max are here on work to, you like this place?"

"Yeah i've tried it before, apparently it's Happilopper inspire cuisine. I recommend the tater burger guys. Half pound of beef topped with half a pound of tater tots. I can't let my boss know, he'll hate it if he knows I ate one."

"So you know much about this area?"

"Sort of, I'm working here for a few days and then heading back to Esportiva"

"Esportiva?"

This had clearly cause perked up ears from the boys both of whom were native Esportivans. They told the lady about their heritage and the conversation went on for a few hours, oh to be a fly on that wall.

They were talking for a couple hours before leaving later that day yet somehow neither cared to mention their actual profession.

The next day after warm ups the players came out for the line ups for the Starblaydia / Qzvarkian Qaz matchup. Max and Bryan had been discussing the lineups sadly no Damion Stanford in goal, but they talked about the players for Star when the midfielder for Starblaydia was announced

"At midfield Fredirka Lee"

Suddenly as Bryan and Max looked up it was her! The girl they befriended at the diner!

"So it's Fredrika, yanno I never actually asked you your name...."

"Oh, so it's Bryan, and yeah we never actually formally introduced ourselves. Anyways you better let me have a goal, I'll tell your manager about the burger otherwise...."

QZVARKIAN QAZ vs STARBLAYDIA
31' Damocles 0-1

QZVARKIAN QAZ vs DARMEN
12' Blackwood 0-1
44' Blackwood 0-2 St. John
50' 1-2 Mohqzasid
61' 1-3 Blackwood
77' 2-3 Faust
81' 2-4 Svendsen
90+2 3-4 Janaukis (PK)

by **Sendhang** » Sat May 15, 2021 6:55 pm

DAY 24 - MONTH 3 - YEAR 6

Salahuddin not up to quality?

Sendhang lost again, this time to Hebitaka. The head coach, Teuku Wijaya made a bunch of changes to the starting line-up including giving Teuku Salahuddin his first international start. However, the striker who is currently the top scorer in Liga Super Sendhang with 7 goals in 5 matches failed to deliver. This led to questioning, is Salahuddin up to international standards?

It's clear that the qualities of defenders in international matches are much higher than the quality of defenders in Liga Super Sendhang. And if Salahuddin wants to make it, he needs to improve. He is no doubt good enough for Liga Super Sendhang standard but not yet good enough for international football.

Gusti Sing Nggawe might not be doing well in Liga Super Sendhang but he has the ability to compete in international football due to his upper body strength. Salahuddin on the other hand though should spend more time in the gym.

Much has been talked about in the last week especially the choice of striker. Gusti Sing Nggawe or Teuku Salahuddin? For me, at this moment, Gusti is by far the better striker.

by **Zeta Reka and Hugeltaldom** » Sat May 15, 2021 6:57 pm

After Zaur walked out, in came another Z-man, Zlatko Wukowić. Zaltko was quite a bit taller than Djoko, and younger in the face, Wukowić had been a bit out of the Rekan news cycle after his excursion to Vilita began, but even so, he was an important part of the national team. Djoko and Zlatko shook hands, exchanged hellos. Zlatko also gave a nod to Ljubica and took gulp of water. “Alright, let’s not keep the rest waiting,” Djoko said sat down, and he then spoke again “We can catch up tonight. The catering here is great. The goulash is killer! I am hungry to tell the truth” “I’d love to ty it” Zlatko said before filming resumed.

“Thank you, Iwan.” Djoko said again before introducing his guest, “With me know is the number on of the national team, and someone who’s had some great games for the nation under his belt, Zlatko Wukowić. I must say, Zlatko, it is an honor to have you here in Zeta Reka again —” “Thank you.” “— the pleasure is mine, my boy. I’ve gotten to know you for some years now. Even though we are here at the luxurious Klink Lodge, your life story hasn’t been as smooth as someone on the outside would think.” “Hold on though,” Djoko said, placing down his papers and looking the film crew, “Christ, why are we making everyone talk about being a kid at the start?—” “Childcare?” “—How about we change it up?” Fingers maneuvered across the pages, Djoko eyes narrowing in, “Ah ha! Alright! Okay, let’s try this again. Give me a countdown, new intro too.” Ljubica’s face was in a casaran roll, which was dropped onto the floor mid bite as she muffled out “three… two…”

“Iwan, thank you. Also thank you for being with us, Zlatko Wukowić.” Zlatko adjusted his posture “Thanks, Djoko, great to be here” Djoko’s hands fused together by the fingers, “You’re here at the Klink Lodge, right outside the largest lake in the nation. How does this compare to Vilita?” Zlatko took a sip of water, “Well, there isn’t as much Vilaye to buy in the stores.” Zlatko said with a chuckle, “Uh, it just feels more like home when I am here. Perhaps because Hügeltaldom is my home, no matter what my name suggests. Everything is different when you come home, the sights, the air, heck if I was living outside of the AO I’d never cut down my hair” Zlatko gave his buzzcut a quick rub for the cameras. Djoko smiled “Are you enjoying time in Vilita?” Zlatko nodded, “Oh yes, but it’s different than here. There is no place like home, knowing everything like the back of your hand is something you can’t replace.” Zlako took another drink of water, “Dehydrated?” Djoko asked, “Oh heavens, yes.” Djoko said, leaning forward before he continued, You know back in the youth team I was voted the most likely keeper to give up a goal on my water break.” The two men chuckled. “You know what they called me?” — Djoko laughed, — “I was the kid most likely to blow up his own bomb!”

After a laugh, and a refill on water, the shoot continued, “Okay, what’s next?” Zlatko inquired. Djoko marked down ink on his notepad. “So, now you’re in Lonngeylin, playing in a big country, with a lot of sporting pedigree. There’s challengers there, I’d imagine. How has your career and your game changed since then?” Zlatko let out a breath, “Wow, you know. Lonngeylin is a place that’s given me a lot of opportunities I never thought I would get as a kid working on ski lifts. The competition there is tough as nails. I think that is why I’m the leading man on the goal line for the country right now.” Djoko put up a hand, waving it down, “That is not disparage any of the other keepers. People like Werisokić, or Wasić, they play in some tremendous leagues.” Zlatko smirked, “Maybe tremendous for Dejan. You never know how he’d do on my teams.” Djoko looked at his producer, who pushed the air. “I’d like to expound on your thoughts abut Dejan Wasić,” — Djoko leaned forward — “Right now the football association hasn’t put full stock in either of you. Some would even say the situation has turned into a rivalry.” Zlatko shook his head, “Oh no, not for me. If he’s mad that his shirt number is too high, that’s his issue. Or if he’s soft maybe.” Djoko eyes perked up, and you’re hard? Zlatko chuckled “No, not really. But I am a fighter. You grow up working ski slopes and helping old ladies not break a hip or three, and you will appreciate what you get after that. I want to keep what I have. That’s why I fight for this team.” Djoko felt a rumble in his stomach. “You want to put a lid on this one, before you and Dejan get into a fight?” Zlatko shrugged “Sure,” “We’re on break!” Djoko yelled.

Rosters for WCQ Matches 4 & 5 (assuming no injuries or suspensions)

vs. Suimede
GK: Dejan Wasić
LB: Zaur-Luka Igorić
CB: Anubis Zlatkowić
CB: Wlad Wlad
RB: Yuri Kewić
DM: Nikola Branić
CM: Stanimir Rekawić
AM: Marko Zup
LF: Jad (c)
CF: Bogdan Rawić
RF: Miloš Simeoniwić
Named Subs
GK: Zlatko Wukowić, Branislaw Mucić
CB: Tito Jankoslawić, Damjan Protić
L/RB, CM: Hermann Hamppe
CM: Tomislaw Radowić
DM: Lazar Lasek-Lieberman
AM: Marko Opština
L/CF: Arnald Gal
FW: Wladimir Illić
CF: Adam Wladić-Hermann

vs. Poafmersia
GK: Zlatko Wukowić
LB: Hermann Hamppe
CB: Ali Faruq
CB: Wlad Wlad
RB: Yuri Kewić
DM: Stani Gröss
CM: Stanimir Rekawić
AM: Želmir Kolarowić (c)
FW: Arnald Gal
FW: Bogdan Rawić
FW: Jad
Named Subs
GK: Dejan Wasić, Ratimir Ljajić
CB: Anubis Zlatkowić, Damjan Protić, Tito Jankoslawić
RB: Steffanow Kostessen
DF: Bartolomej Wladmirowić
DM: Lazar Lasek-Lieberman
CM: Tomislaw Radowić
AM: Marko Opština
FW: Miloš Simeoniwić
C/LF: Stojan Heiden

Special notes

Coach Stanimirić is looking for a victory after three high scoring draws
Arnald Gal and Bogdan Rawić are the top scorers in the campaign with (2) goals
Scorers vs. Murphtannia: Gal (assist: Gröss), Jad (counter), Marko Zup (assist: Igorić)
Scorers vs. Auidoslavia: Rawić(x2) (assist: Kolarowić & Gal), Yuri Kewić (assist: Igorić)
Yuri Kewić and Stanimir Rekawić have collected yellow cards
Reserves italicized

by **Independent Athletes from Quebec** » Sat May 15, 2021 6:58 pm

Now And Forever

PART 11.2 (68.2) - Castles

'No, it does not,' The Queen responded, her smile indicating something. 'Especially since you always have something in mind for what's ahead.' She continued after a pause, trying to move the conversation to that of a possible manoeuvring of family relations, the matters more intimate than formal, even with all the pains of logistics and arrangements involved. 'But, you know,' she said, calmly noting the inevitable future, 'perhaps, too well, that one day you will change your mind on what you have said about retreating to Coxwell Park, and be back in the society?'

'Absolument,' Asher responded with a smile and not a slightest bit of doubt, 'If anything, I expect myself to be back in society in a few years' time. Her career, first and foremost, comes over mine though, especially since it’s easier for me to only come when the world calls me. As we have seen so far into the book, I believe that’s not yet to be the case.’

‘Having no friends in the woods, unless they were of hers or her family’s? It would be quite uncharacteristic of you.’ Christine asked.

‘I am aware. Fortunately, I could wait as long as I need for the company of strange crews. As you know, there are those who expect me to return- one of them happens to be Mikael Kasahama. You know him, and he definitely has come to the court on several occasions. The other happens to be Patrice Nelson-Ryong, who is probably best connected through his businesses in the Holy Empire and Tequilo through the Ryong family's vessels, as well as the series of football investments made by the Nelsons. He is a true Quebecois in his demeanour, but you can expect something other than a matter so predictably of ours. Have you heard?'

'Probably, the name rings the bell,' said the Queen. 'Anyhow, tell me,' she added with particular impatience, as the time of their meeting was almost bound to end. She still had one more question to ask: 'Are you already thinking about the next steps in life once back in Quebec City? It is rumoured by many that Arsene Kim hopes you'd be running for the Battersea Woods riding. That does not sound like you in any bit, but who could trust the words coming out of mouths these days...'

Not again... Asher closed his eyes briefly, before opening them again, to indicate that he had not really thought out what he had in mind for the future yet. Of course, the rumour was false, likely planted by somebody on the PJQ circuit as a noisemaker, but nothing more than that. For several years, the Prime Minister had made his intentions clear that Asher's welcome anytime to enter federal politics, but his unwillingness had not changed from that time in a Lac-Drouin underground pub three years ago.

'All I know is that Eileen and I will eventually be back, even though that may require adjusting the expectations to be as realistic as possible. Don't expect much yet, but I know you will be hearing about them anyway.' Asher responded, trying his best to hide how he had not really thought about something that far behind.

And Asher remembered the very scene between him and Her Majesty when they were seniors. Their Odeon apartment crew of Asher, Christine, Mylene Graham and Carson Yeo, were having dinner at a bistro on a Monday evening. They, like any gluttonous bunch of twenty-something year olds, were busy trying different delicacies that were reserved for their joy. From some distance away, his mother, Princess Athena of Vdara, happened to witness their presence, and approached Asher to remind him that there always stood the possibility of remaining on the Quebecois soil. The ensuing embarrassment, when Asher was left with little words to respond and his friends, was magnanimous.

And now he was struck twice by how the past and the present had merged, with which his embarrassment of 2042, in the presence of his closest college friends, had matched well with his reverie of 2047, at the heart of royal quarters. He was amazed that what he had so confidently believed to be the path of destiny, casual or serious, be interrupted with such ease, and in how the world functioned in never-ending circles. Now, he would have to live by what he had once thought as impossible.

As she read Asher's mind, the Queen once again smiled. Her face suddenly assumed an expression of looking far into the future, where you could only rely on the tightropes of the inevitable destiny, the syndicate of what makes us human, and this occurred once in a while when the Monarch was noticing that the future was going to come back to them at this moment. Christine knew that one day his daughter will stand in her friend's place (but absent of his physical presence) in this universe, and the bitterness clouded over her green eyes.

Asher was once again quiet, trying not to speak out of turn against the Queen. Aware in what he's worried about, Christine quietly decided to give him a tip into the future and said:

'Now, do you see the future that you could promise for your daughter? If you had never returned, out of a matter of chance and too many mistakes committed, we would not be seeing the glories ahead. One day, as you bring your daughter to the school, and drive on your way back, you will realise that too, as my father did many years ago.'

And how they will be bounded to one another, almost as if it's all planned to be, Asher nodded before saying a mere 'yes', figuring out that Christine was not kidding when she had casually teased a possibility of his daughter's introduction to the Crown Prince. I am proud of my friend for always coming up with plans, however scary they may be to those who hear of them.

'I guess you are right,' he responded, after that long pause, the fear creeping up on him as if to show that he had just realised something. 'And won't that be the greatest feeling? Why has fate given me such a joy, to be given the privilege to be with woman I love, and this life, however short it may be cut down the road? I don't know how, and I hope I will get to speak of the same to your son someday, even if he may not be like his mother, ' he added.

And Christine once again smiled a graceful smile. She knew Asher, no matter how arrogant, was a man of the society and had no intention to disobey, even if it would mean that he would be worrying about the unknown years in advance. 'I know you are worried, but please take this seriously.' said the Queen. Her friend answered nothing. 'Do not worry about sending children when the time comes, that is all. You know your daughter, if she inherits any bit of Lauzon, or a Ramaut, will have no trouble. Mark my words when the time comes.'

'And what if your royal highness will be opposed to said idea?' he asked, adding with it a his piece of mind. 'I am afraid it is unwise to think of such matters well ahead, and for you to reprimand me, when the child is not even born yet.'

The Queen said no more, but expressed her resignation. There was no point to be made about it for the time being. 'You know,' she said after a half a minute of pause, trying to work around the phrasing of her thoughts, 'If there's anything I can help once it is time for your daughter to...' she took another pause before resuming, 'come to Avon-Gillespie...then let it be known to me. I expect you to be back and forth, and writing until your very last breath, but there's only so much a dying man and your love can do. That's all I could say.'

by **Muralos** » Sat May 15, 2021 7:00 pm

Romantic Relationships in Muralos
This is the transcript of a popular video on one of the leading video-sharing websites in Muralos's corner of the universe. The content creator goes by "All About Muralos" and has been uploading a series of videos about the nation.

This is a video topic that I have wanted to do for a while: how Muralosians view intimate relationships. Generally, to most Muralosians, the key ingredient of any intimate relationship is romance, regardless of age or any other demographic. Speaking from my perspective as a Muralosian, I think that Muralosians rarely subscribe to the notion that you are wild and free when you're young, but when you get older, you settle down and start valuing things that you never did before. This outlook tends to come off as a bit hypocritical. So, even in college, the Muralosians I know – and myself – have never really been about short flings. People tend to be much more focused on the long haul.

In Muralos, romantic relationships tend to start off in some level of schooling. In fact, according to the Havenurbo Institute of Technology – whose Polling Center has done an annual survey about this topic for decades now – around 63 percent of Muralosian couples (above the age of 18) had met while studying in some kind of school. Of that demographic, 62 percent had met in graduate school, 31 percent in undergrad, and even 7 percent in high school or earlier.

Where else do Muralosians find love? The other 37 percent? The most common spaces for that happen to be social clubs and gatherings. I'm not talking about fancy, gate-kept societies or anything of the sort. I'm talking about clubs that band around a common interest. It could be a club that organizes pick-up games in a favorite sport (soccer, football, wallball, volleyball, badminton, and more). It could be club that holds little pop-up workshops for baking or cooking or painting. This, in my experience, tends to be where people meet and in turn where sparks fly.

Dating apps are also becoming increasingly popular in Muralos. This might come as a surprise to slightly older Muralosians – which, I'm not ashamed to say, I am one of! There was a lot of skepticism about apps in the popular media; it seemed like for every newly released app, there would be an opinion piece in the "Hodiaûa ĵurnalo de Urbego." These op-eds would say things like, "hey, it can't be good to make snap judgments of people from, like, three pictures and two lines of texts." Which is true! On top of that, the apps ran against the traditional culture in Muralos of taking things very slow. Indeed, one of our most popular television shows, the imaginatively titled "Urbego Love Story," is almost infamous for the "slow burn" of the main characters' relationship. But yes, various phone apps are taking off with various designs. These enable Muralosians to easily get to know fellow single Muralosians of any gender. According again to the Havenurbo Institute of Technology, the share of Muralosians who meet on these apps has grown every year from 2013 to 2020, though it doesn't seem like it will eclipse traditional gatherings any time soon.

Love stories are well represented in Muralosian media. Ever since the establishment of Esperantism and multicultural equality in the country, there have been romantic TV shows and movies featuring main characters of various ethnicities; mirroring, indeed, the fact that many Muralosians are of multiracial descent. Songs about love are a dime-a-dozen, too. Have a sample of a somewhat sadder one: "Kio restas de niaj amoj," translated to Esperanto from the original French. You'll find the original version here.

Esperanto:
[...]
Kio restas de niaj amoj?
Kio restas de ĉi tiuj tagoj?
rest of translation removed for copyright reasons

French:
Ce soir, le vent qui frappe à ma porte
me parle des amours mortes
devant le feu qui s'éteint.
Ce soir, c'est une chanson d'automne
dans la maison qui frissonne
et je pense aux jours lointains.

Que reste-t-il de nos amours ?
Que reste-t-il de ces beaux jours ?
Une photo, vieille photo
de ma jeunesse.
Que reste-t-il des billets doux ?
Des mois d'avril, des rendez-vous ?
Un souvenir qui me poursuit,
sans cesse.

Bonheur fané, cheveux au vent,
baisers volés, rêves mouvants.
Que reste-t-il de tout cela ?
Dites-le-moi.

Un petit village, un vieux clocher,
un paysage si bien caché,
et dans un nuage le cher visage
de mon passé.

Les mots, les mots tendres qu'on murmure,
les caresses les plus pures,
les serments au fond des bois,
les fleurs qu'on retrouve dans un livre,
dont le parfum vous enivre,
se sont envolés. Pourquoi ?

English:
What remains of our loves?
What of those fine days of yore?
A photo, an old photo, of my youth.
What remains of the love letters
the months of April, the rendez-vous?
A memory that pursues me without fail
a shadow of happiness, windblown hair
stolen kisses, moving dreams
what remains of all these things
do tell me?
a little village, an old bell tower
fields and meadows, well tucked away
and in a cloud, the cherished face
of my past days.

(OOC: from https://lyricstranslate.com)

To be continued.

Match fixtures
Muralos 5 - 3 South Newlandia
Lin 10', 29', Brava 42', Abramovich 58', Lumin 81' | [redacted] 38', 52'; [redacted] 88'

Muralos 2 - 6 Eura
Brava 21', Granda 38' | Woakes 22', 40'; Rowland 33'; Tomlinson 52'; Bond 75', Bowman 89'

by **Omerica** » Sat May 15, 2021 7:00 pm

MANDATORY DISCLAIMER: Nothing in this post is meant to represent the personal opinions of the author about any person, place, thing or idea. Read with caution.

The Royal House of Sport, Ashwell, Saltstead
T-minus 14 hours

“Apologies, Heir Blåuveud, I may have got a bit lost on my way here.”

The Executive Director of the United Republican Soccer Federation had never been to Saltstead before, let alone the central borough of its Royal City. The streets of Königsplaas were seemingly slapped on this small island in the middle of the River Argent like spaghetti in a bowl, but Catriona’s Saltsteadish counterpart appeared more than understanding.

“No worries, Ms Immaculata,” Aleksänder assured her in almost-unaccented Anglian. “We have a lot to discuss and not much time to discuss it, though.”

“Something to do with the IAC, you told me.”

“In a roundabout way, yes,” Aleksänder replied as the two walked toward the KSFB chief’s office.

That was the cryptic message the Royal Saltsteadish Football Association’s freshly-minted Executive Director had sent to Catriona, just days before the Federation’s Congress was due to meet in Port Alexandre. But what would the KSFB know about the Independent Associations Championship and why would she have to come all the way out to Saltstead to know it?

The two continued in small talk on the way to Aleksänder’s office, with the Saltsteader carefully checking to make sure no one was in it before closing the door and inviting his Omerican counterpart to take a seat.

Catriona noticed a black folder on the desk just in front of Aleksänder’s seat, but couldn’t make out the white text on its front. “So what is this about the IAC,” she inquired, “and why could we not talk about it over the phone or email?”

“Well, given the nature of the discussions, we couldn’t risk comprising operational security,” Aleksänder replied as he sat down, “but there’s some debate over Saltstead’s football future.”

“That doesn’t answer my question, but go on.”

“I’m technically not supposed to do this,” Aleksänder replied, “but I thought it might be of interest for your association.”

Catriona raised her eyebrow, slightly frustrated at her host’s insistence on beating around the bush.

“Given your compatriots’…” Aleksänder hesistated, attempting to be diplomatic.

His guest was clearly getting annoyed, but he also didn’t want to invoke her wrath.

“…unorthodox opinions, I thought you needed to know what these plans entail before you made a commitment to cancel this ‘Omexit’ idea.”

“Well I’ve never been in favour of an exit from indie football, personally,” Catriona stated, slightly less irritated now that Aleksänder was approaching the point. “We’re about ready to put to bed that notion, in fact.”

“Nevertheless, I think you should read this.”

Aleksänder slid the folder in front of him to Catriona, who was then able to make out what the text on it said. The word “secret” stood out to her like a sore thumb: this was what he wasn’t supposed to do.

“Oh, I can’t read this,” the Omerican objected, pushing the binder away from her as she said it.

“I don’t think anyone will mind,” Aleksänder rebutted, “and I think it might change your outlook slightly. I just ask that this information doesn’t leave this room.”

“Are you sure about that?” she asked nervously. “We’re in a bit of a precarious position back in Omeri…”

The Saltsteader cut her off before she could finish her sentence: “As long as this does not go public before the date on the first page, we have plausible deniability. A diplomatic pouch containing a copy of these documents is on its way to the Saltsteadish consulate in Port Alexandre for your association’s use. I think this has information that will colour your judgment.”

After Aleksänder finished his long plea, Catriona hesitantly took the folder and opened it, skimming over the twelve-page document contained within. Just a bunch of nonsense, she thought. Internal politics is all. Nothing to bother us over.

“So what’s this all about then?” Catriona asked. “Do you want us to be part of this with you? We’re about to actually commit the League to the FFI. They’ve been incredibly generous in their reforms and it would be a slap in the face for us to turn our backs on them.”

“Heavens no,” Aleksänder responded. “I’m personally skeptical of this endeavour, to be honest, but I think you might need to read page four again.”

Turning back to read it over, Catriona’s brow furled in anger. It wasn’t a surprise to Aleksänder: even though Catriona and her compatriots had always openly considered indie football a clown car, the Saltsteader knew Omericans had a soft spot for indie football and the special place that Skaganes, Langtree, Centivar County and Urbego held in their hearts. Omericans were proud of the Championship, even if it didn’t always seem like it.

“You’re always the most passionate about the ones you love,” he said.

“I cannot believe those [REDACTED] would try to do something like this,” the Omerican objected. “This flies in the face of everything indie football is supposed to stand for!”

“That’s exactly what we said too,” the Saltsteader replied.

“I apologise for my language there, but this simply cannot be allowed to stand.”

“I agree. We have never been football indies here and we will never be football indies. I can’t tell you what our Association will do, but we are most certainly not going to follow their recommendation. Football’s indies deserve better than that.”

“Agreed,” Catriona replied. “I just don’t know what we’re supposed to do here.”

“Nor do I,” Aleksänder said under a sigh. “Nor do I.”

For all either of them knew, this saga had just taken another turn…

United Republican Soccer Federation
6 Jacques la Rouge Road
Port Alexandre, MS 18-A40
UNITED REPUBLICS OF OMERICA
Omerica v Acastanha
World Cup 88 qualification — Matchday Four
Stephen Reading Memorial Stadium, Christiana, Mespalia
— and —
Bunkaiia v Omerica
World Cup 88 qualification — Matchday Five
Old Sample, Sampleville, Bunkaiia
Omerica lineup (4–3–3): Annelise Betancourt; Alphonse Notley, Frédérique Marquetti, Noah Clement, Sacha Sepulveda; Maxime Fournier, Soraya Archambault (captain), Thom Magalhães; Jessie Beckett, Alexis Chrysanthos, Jamal Ahmad
Substitutes: Antoine Vicario, Alexandra McGuire; Darcy Francis, Charity Kayode, Raphaël Martin, Lauren Kerry; Jacques-Pierre Castell, Fearchar Mac Cléirich, Christian Marts; Maïa Bustos, Malcolm Beauchesne, Wesley Sawyer

by **Sharktail** » Sat May 15, 2021 7:01 pm

Shartail-1
Gaby '67(Azaim)

X1:Asra(GK) • Harold • Yusri • Hidawi • Danial • Chandra(Rafdi m 70) • Nik Akif • Azaim • Rawilson(Balang m 58) • Gaby(c) • Haziq

Ziwana-1
striker '74

Pius-0

Sharktail-0

X1 vs Pius:
Ahmad(GK) • Harold • Harizul • Hidawi • Haizul(Irfan m 80) •Rafdi • Badhri • Azaim • Rawilson(Balang m 69)
Gaby(c) • Virman

Live in the city totally different from village. In village, we as a student walk to school. Some of us who lucky can go by bicycle. It's rare to see a sight of motorcycle used no matter by parents or students. There are motorcycle in village. When i asked my mom about this, she said it normal. You can feel the nature, while exercising and also can meet and greet everyone you meet on the way. I used to talk and chat with a lot of elder, so i have no problem when meet them in the morning or evening. But sometime, i smile and laughing myself seeing some kid try their best to not being spotted by anyone.

In city, i can see many using bus, taxi, even commuter as they ways to go to office or school. At first, i dont really understand about all of this. Once time i remember, i missread the station and end up in other place. What more, it was a school days and i punished cut the weeds on the fields. Not just that, quite often i sleep on the bus and when i know, the bus has stopped at their station. I feel bad for the driver of the bus. He always send me back to my uncle house. Thanks to him, i not end up sleep at bus station or go walking home.

In Sharktail, for primary school, we able to joining a competition only when we reach age 9 means in age 7 and 8, we are only able to watch the senior play. For my first year at school, it nothing interesting. More like what i doing just listen what teacher teach and try to befriend with the classmate. The club activity only eligible when we turn 9 years old, so all of us just goofing around. We kill our time creating many of of game, like paper ball, drawing contest or even eraser battle. i keep thinking how they get all the idea to create this game. Whatever, let just joining the fun.

When i 8 y.o. All of us start slowly take an interest of the things at school. I can see a lot of us going around looking at the club and activities that we can do when we enter as third year student next year. From the start, i always tell you i love football, so ofcourse they will be the one that i observe. However, seem like it more worse than i imagined. Sekolah Kebangsaan Pekan Ru, 12 years since the first time the created football club, not a single times they able to pass first preliminary round. And what more, in official match, this team only able to score just 16 goal in 12 year. Dont mention National, even a for Kantan qualifying stage they cannot even past. In that year, this team lead by the Sixth year student. Baktiar Bahri. He seem to be our school star player, playing as a goalkeeper. I dont know how to describe, whether he happy or dissapointed to be here. All i can see in players face, all of them cannot hide their dissapointment. I have a chance to have a talk with other seniors. They said if you joining this team, you will see every year, more than 5 student will apply to transfer to other school. I can understand what he say. But in the first place, why do they joining this school. The school record itself clearly show how bad this school. That senior says all that player target to be main star, but when they know they will be the only one who may be good and it can also effect their reputation, they quickly out.

I never thought it would be this bad. I dont want this to end this way. Last time when i go observe them, i can see more than 10 second year student there. So i hope, some will be interested. When i turn 3rd yeard, i have put my aim to joining football club. No matter we are worst or what, as far as i can, i will go on with this team. I promised to you, Sekolah Kebangsaan Pekan Ru football club. At least, we will be in first round. I promise.

X1 vs Graintfall:
Asra(GK) • Harold • Yusri • Hidawi • Irfan
Chandra • Nik Akif • Azaim • Rawilson
Gaby(c) • Haziq

X1 vs Murphtannia:
Ahmad(GK) • Harold • Yusri • Hidawi • Irfan •Chandra • Badhri • Azaim • Rawilson
Gaby(c) • Virman

by **Vilita** » Sat May 15, 2021 7:09 pm

Jungle Cats Slowly Back on the Track

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

After conceding a pair of goals and dropping a pair of points in their opening match against the Squornshelan Remnant States, the Vilitan National Team were at a critical moment of their World Cup 88 Qualifying campaign... Matchday 2. During the World Cup 87 Qualifying campaign it took Four Matchdays before the Jungle Cats finally recorded their first victory. This time, their opponent on Matchday 2 would be the 14 Stars. It was a nation that the Jungle Cats had never faced before. They did not come in highly ranked or highly touted. However, as the top seed in the group, games against Vilita were always circled by the opposition. They wanted to bring their A-Game. They wanted to shut the Jungle Cats down and get a signature result. A goal against the Jungle Cats. A Draw against the Jungle Cats. A win against the Jungle Cats. For smaller nations, those moments could provide the highlight of an entire campaign.

Historically, the Vilitan National team had been very generous in granting those highlights to smaller nations just trying to build their program, but this cycle would be different. At least from the highlights part. The 14 Stars actually played a fascinating game against the Jungle Cats, nullifying the Vilitan attack for large stretches of the match and keeping themselves in the contest with a respectable performance that will certainly be talked about in small circles. The difference on the night, however, was the lack of mistakes in defense by the Jungle Cats. They didn't let the 14 Stars in. The highlight of the night for the 14 Stars was their tactical execution and the final stat line. They didn't have a goal to celebrate nor a point to pop up onto the standings board. It was a simply executed 1-0 victory for Vilita, powered by a lone goal from one of the Jungle Cats all time leading scorers, Sipke Tarala - converting at the right time to ensure the Vilita National Team could break into the win column early in the World Cup 88 Qualifying Campaign and focus from thence force on execution and not on breaking some centuries old mythical curse. In a rare start for goalkeeper Striitca Virahat, it was an important shutout that preserved the three points and allowed the Jungle Cats to move on from their opening matchday draw with the Squornshelous Remnant States.

 Vilita [1] - [0] The 14 Stars
				
	GOALS:	Vilita 	:: 59' Sipke Tarala              		
	STATS:	Vilita 	:: Possession: 55%:: Shots: 2:: Corners: 1	The 14 Stars 	:: Possession: 45%:: Shots: 2:: Corners: 1
	Lineup:	[GK] Striitca Virahat, [D.] Jirak Trikala, [D.] Rintala Sekagaya, [D.] Lohani Riiyaaw, [ML]  Limu Katarakhna, [MC]  Trezisi Rokopolis, [MC] Kudii Davasarii, [MC]  Lentali Purama, [MR]  Jurzen Devmiko, [FC] Tenziki Kulakao, [FC] Clarana Refiami			
	Bench:	[FC] Sipke Tarala, [FC] Nii'arala Milaaso, [M] Cywrenta Vlintejni, [M] Intikko Kuhilana, [U ] Jyuola Mtalata, [D] Rojara Tiones, [GK] Vernasa Sanamun

On the subsequent matchday the Jungle Cats would play against the Owls of Eshialand. The present and the future teamed up to put Vilita out to an early lead with Trezisi Rokopolis setting up former Galaticos Young Player award winner Nii'arala Milaaso for the opening goal of the match. Approximately fifteen minutes later, Rokopolis would be the setup star again as they would find Clariana Refiami in a bit of space who doubled Vilita's advantage. The match would play out from that point as Vilita would hang on for a 2-0 victory, their second consecutive shutout and six points in two games. While the scorelines were perhaps less impressive than some would have hoped, in the end the important factor for Vilita was the points on the board. Six Points. Job Done.

by **The Hainan Union** » Sat May 15, 2021 7:10 pm

Fast forward to a month later, and the Hainan Union national football team is now in the qualifiers of the 88th World Cup. They have exceeded expectations. To think that a completely unranked side would beat 94th ranked Darkmania 2-0 on the first day of qualifiers...! The Hainanese players were shocked. Before, they had only dared to compare themselves to Muralos – in practice, their footballer "big siblings" – and that squad struggled to win against a 100th-ranked team (Havynwilde) back when they were ranked 259th. To think that The Hainan Union would accomplish a similar feat but with seemingly less effort... had most of the team reeling with excitement.

The next two days of qualification were more sobering, indeed. Yet, the Hainan Union had only conceded 1 goal to Omerica, semifinalists in the Independent Associations' Championship, and 2 goals to Flavovespia, just as Muralos had last year. Was the nation really on the caliber of their "big siblings" in Asian Archipelago? Perhaps you could say so, with the two teams' head coaches having shared experience at CSKA Urbego, and the Hainan Union's star players having spots in the Muralosian Premier League. But for most of the Hainanese players, only time could definitively answer this question.

by **Eura** » Sat May 15, 2021 7:14 pm

WORLD CUP 88 QUALIFYING - MATCHDAY 2
HIMEBAUGH 0 – 5 EURA
Scorers: Coffey 16, Bowman 30, Robson 34, 60, Pickton 77
Lineup: 13. E Fleming, 25. K Sherwood, 27. B Daniels, 19. T Green, 29. O Vincent (sub Erskine 45), 24. T Garner, 20. T Coffey, 22. D Bowman (sub Pickton 61), 28. R Ricketts, 17. S Robson, 26. R Brookfield (sub Bond 84)

WORLD CUP 88 QUALIFYING - MATCHDAY 3
EURA 6 – 2 MURALOS
Scorers: Woakes 22, 40, Rowland 33, Tomlinson 52, Bond 75, Bowman 89
Lineup: 1. K Belgrave, 4. J Menard, 15. A Coles, 5. D Steele, 6. M Rowland (sub Garner 73), 8. C Rogers, 11. B Malone, 3. L Almwood (sub Bowman 79), 7. M Woakes, 10. I Tomlinson, 14. S Walker (sub Bond 64)

‘So, the opening chorus, that happens just once, but it’s going to hold the whole thing together right? Then there’s a bit of a plonky transition, like, da dum da dum dum, and then its into the downbeat start.’
‘Wait, downbeat? Why would you have a song start in a way that’s going to make you want to inhale pesticides?’
‘No no, so that first chorus you know, it got you going, Eura’s gonna’ victor. Then something like, here we go again, that kind of vibe. How would you say that?’
‘Oh, good grief, I don’t know…err...’ Ollie hit out a note on the keyboard. James picked up instinctively.
‘We’re just not looking good anyorrree…’
‘Nah, that isn’t it.’
‘Uh…well you said Here we go again, why not just literally that?’
‘Doesn’t rhyme.’
‘Fuck…well, how about, ‘We just can’t seem to score, not one two three or four’, is that too long?’
‘Hang on. I’ve got it. Best way of saying it is…’

Everyone seems to know the score,
They’ve seen it all before…

‘…They just know!’ Chris perked up like a cartoon lightbulb had gone off in his head.
‘They’re so sure?’
‘Yes! But more decisive, I like it though. Boys, our first lyrics, we’ve got them. Those two lines, then-‘

They just know,
They’re so sure…

----------

‘YES! Pumped! P U M P E D.’ Skorji Oslograd mocked a knockout punch in the general direction of either the Muralos subs bench or the fourth official, possibly both, as Brian Bond rolled in a goal soon after coming off the bench. Jozefo Koltakov shook his head. His team had put in a valiant effort, and given the Eurans a run for their money with two well taken first half goals. Unfortunately for the visitors, the Eurans had Moira Woakes, and she had run them ragged as the fulcrum of an attacking unit that had “pumped” five goals past Rodion Markov.
‘Skorji!’ Rhea Fianchetto was his muse, assistant manager, lover and informal PR agent all rolled into one. ‘Left flank, look.’ His eyes narrowed towards Lucy Almwood. The golden girl at left wingback was limping, and signalling to the bench that she had to come off.
Skorji was not impressed.
‘LUCY! Head down, balls on the turf! You’re a Euran for goodness sake!’
‘My calf is tweaked…’ she shouted faintly. This did not help.

‘Fucking…right. Fine then. Whatever happened to that magic muscle stuff they used to give us?’
‘Banned, I think. They use it on horses now.’
‘Bloody typical that. There’s too many rules in this game. The balloons don’t follow rules, Rhea.’
‘Which rules-‘
‘Gravity. Obviously.’
‘…right. I don’t know what to tell you Skorji. You’ve only been living and breathing this sport for half a damned century, maybe you should keep up with the regulations?’
‘Now why on earth would I have time to do that…when I am busy murdering you Deano, you lazy bastard! Push up!’ Almwood’s club teammate at centreback shot Oslograd a glare – he was one of the few players as psycho as he was.
Rhea sighed and instructed Wallace Pickton to get to his feet. The methodical left winger had scored off the bench against Himebaugh in a comfortable 5-0 win away from home.
‘No way! Bullshit! Boss!’ And so had Damion Bowman, who Pickton had come for that game, and was not happy to now be third choice.
Skorji strode over with purpose. ‘Got something to say?’

Skorji towered over Bowman, but the mouthy little gobshite of a winger wasn’t intimidated. ‘I said, this is bullshit. Sorry Wally but you’re a trundler in fucking icicle-land, yeah? I’m the shit. Golden shit. You need me.’
Skorji belly laughed so hard that spittle flicked out over Bowman’s face. ‘We’ve scored fifteen goals in just shy of three games. We don’t need you, or your little egg and spoon race sprints followed by keeling over at a gust of wind, but without even having the acting talent to actually shithouse us a free kick. Sit down and pipe down, alright?’
‘Listen, just put me on. Its only ten minutes and we’re 5-2 up. If I don’t score…’ Bowman stopped to do the mental arithmetic, not quite believing what he was actually about to say, ‘…then drop me. Permanently.’
‘Fine.’
‘Fine! Good. Whatever.’ The change took place moments later, while Rhea quizzically looked at Skorji as if he’d been replaced by a flash clone. ‘I don’t get it. What are you doing?’
‘What I am doing’, he said with a hint of cunning, ‘is forcing that little twat to prove himself. And when he doesn’t, I can finally be rid of this primdonna’ he added, without a hint of irony.

Bowman had a quiet start, seemingly confirming Skorji’s view. But in the last couple of minutes he would take that smug look off his managers face by racing away on a forty yard counter attacking run, and then blazing home the best goal of the game.
Rhea grinned as she saw Skorji stewing out of the corner of her eye. ‘How is uh…how is that plan going again?’
‘Brilliant. It was all motivational, of course. A Squire must sometimes be treated as a Peasant to unlock the inner Warrior, and it’s worked like a charm. All in the plan, you see. I have always rated him.’
‘Mmhmmm.’
‘…I have!’
‘Of course love, always. Totally believe you.’
‘Don’t take that tone with me!’
‘Tone? Ooh, no see, that’s just me riling you up to motivate you Skorji. Part of my masterplan. But its ok. I have always rated you.’
Skorji went red. Eura’s record looked green. Rhea smiled and shook Bowman’s hand firmly as he came off the pitch – and discreetly, Skorji eventually did too.

by **Chromatika** » Sat May 15, 2021 7:17 pm

Time to see what kind of a trend your team is on! This is your MD4/MD5 Cutoff.

Results

World Cup 81/82/83/84

10 Historic Wins in Baker Park National Team history (along with a couple of draws and a couple of defeats)

The Commonwealth National Team will play their 350th match in the NS Era during this qualifying cycle, so let's take a look back at some of the memorable moments in that time.

10) We start off with a pair of matches, so maybe 10 (a) & 10 (b) is more accurate. They came one after the other and both marked major turning points in the NS Era for the side.
The first was against Starblaydia in the Round of 16 of World Cup 85, played at Dockside in Hosingr, Mriin. BP had gone out at this stage in all four previous times they'd advanced to it, and had only faced the Starblaydi's one time previously, a 3-0 comprehensive defeat at Keller Field for the National Team's 500th Match celebration.

Ichi Tuzzio told the side to seize the moment, and Tyrek Jones put the Bees ahead after 35 minutes; Starblaydia' Sutter McCloud equalized in the 56th minute. Jessica LeClair came on for Missy Tilton, and the resulting alignment shift created an entirely new set of problems for the team in white to sort through to the whistle for full time. Jamari Bozeman made a run from deep midfield and took Daisy Callum's pass to blast the ball past the keeper just five minutes in and now it was 2-1.

Antonio Sotolongo replaced a cramping Lorenzo Taborn—who had won a tackle to spark the sequence of a few minutes previous--while Maria Fernandez replaced Ngoba; the Bees backed up into what the previous manager Pam Scott called “the Scorpion”--wingers playing higher than the rest of the packed-in, narrow midfield. Repeated Starblaydi attacks were broken up, with the ball being cleared 40+ yards downfield and almost always into touch.

The 'tail' of the Scorpion struck on 116', as a long clearing pass from Terrence Stephens reached Sotolongo, who heard Annabeth Westmoreland (spoiler: she features prominently in this list) scream his name and he played the ball into a space; trapping the ball with her left foot, she pushed it in front of her; as the onrushing keeper looked to get to the ball or commit the foul that would surely be a straight Red, she played it just out of his reach, then jumped over the sliding tackle, and flicked a slow roller towards the open net. She kissed the badge on her shirt twice before the rest of the team reached her for the celebration.

At the final whistle the 13,000 Baker Park supporters roared out the victory song, and Westmoreland made a beeline to Claudio Leopoldi, the man she'd left in her wake, to say she meant no disrespect to him or his team, parting on friendly terms with a handshake, a scene repeated a few minutes later with the legendary manager Ázëwyn Fëanáro, who also accepted the gesture with magnanimity.

Commonwealth of Baker Park 3-1 A.E.T Starblaydia

Jones 35' McCloud 56'
Bozeman 95'
Westmoreland 116'

World Cup 85 Round of 16
Dockside, Hosingr, Mriin att-30,000
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Four days later the squad once again boarded the ferry to Hosingr for the Quarterfinal against Valanora, although this time the match would take place at Iron Alley, a 54,000 capacity venue.

Taborn's cramping was slightly more serious than had been thought, so Sotolongo was brought in to take his spot, while Fernandez took her rotation turn at right wing that she and Junior Ngoba had split; Westmoreland was also due to rotate out of the lineup in favor of Nicki Stone, but she'd told Tuzzio and the staff that it was extremely important that she play in this match.

She was obviously a well known face in Valanora--she was a Galactico Short List selection playing alongside another Galactico, Aaron Aiza--for Hondo FC, and she understood the optics would be terrible if she'd gone 120 minutes against Starblaydia, but opted out of facing a squad of players she faced all the time and knew well.

On the roster for this particular tournament, it had broken down that the four male midfielders (Bozeman, Sotolongo, Ngoba, and Taborn) played on the right for their clubs, while the five females (Westmoreland, Callum, Stone, Hayes and Fernandez) were a little more diversified—Fernandez was a right side midfielder while Stone & Hayes were exclusively central mids, leaving just AB & her best friend on the squad Callum on the left.

This essentially meant that AB was Callum's backup at left wing (although Hayes specifically and Stone generally were more than willing to play out of position if needed); 'Hazy Daizey'--as Westmoreland called her—had played in all four previous matches, so if she was going to get a rest, either AB or someone else was going to have to take that spot.

Additionally on the subject of squad rotation and partnerships, the quarterfinal would see the return of what was unquestionably the best strike partnership Tuzzio could field under any circumstance; DeAngelo Simmons and Sabrina Patton would both be making their third start in the Finals, having netted twice each already and resuming their friendly rivalry.

Simmons had scored 9 times in his eight appearances in qualifying, with Patton notching 8 scores in nine starts; they were both in top form and their complimentary styles created openings for each of them as well as the midfield.

Westmoreland opened the scoring in the 18th minute with a blast into the top corner with her right foot after a pass from Hayes allowed her to cut inside of the fullback; the Marauders grabbed the lead with two goals within 7 minutes of one another before halftime. In the second half, Sotolongo and Bozeman played a 1-2 that gave the Learfield man a chance to find the gap low and away from the keeper, it was 2-2 with still nearly half an hour remaining.

Tuzzio said later that there was a lot of back and forth discussion about bringing Stone on for AB after that goal, with assistant manager Friedker Dandelleion and coach Tony Weiss both counseling patience; Stone made three separate trips to warmup over the next 10 minutes, and was ready to come on at the next stoppage of play when Westmoreland found Patton with a sublime through ball, and forward slotted it home amid the protests for offside.
The replay showed Patton had started her run 4-5 feet cleanly onside, although Sotolongo was in an offside position, but clearly out of the play. There was no signal from the VAR, so the goal stood and Stone finally replaced the scorer of one and creator of another goal, who saluted the Valanora supporters before accepting the cheers from the opposite end by her own fans.
Simmons nearly added a fourth in the 87th minute, but 'Hosingr' will live long in the memory of BP supporters, as the national team guaranteed they would get two more matches for the second major tournament in a row. That is story for later on in this review.

Valanora 2-3 Commonwealth of Baker Park

Hatsune 34' Westmoreland 18'
Møller 41' Sotolongo 61'
Patton 74'

World Cup 85 Quarterfinal
Iron Alley, Hosingr, Mriin att-54,000

lineup vs Eraman:
Gaines; O'Connell, Wiseman, Edmonds; Grimaldi, Vuckovic, Nolan, Ngoba; Westmoreland (C); Simmons, Wadsworth
Subs: Coffey, N Underwood, Brooks, Delgarro, D'Amico, Stone, Craig, West, Pryor

lineup vs Savigliane:
Coffey; Brooks, N Underwood, Edmonds; Delgarro, Stone (C), D'Amico, Ngoba; Craig: Pryor, West
Subs: Gaines, O'Connell, Wiseman, Grimaldi, Vuckovic, Nolan, Westmoreland, Simmons, Wasdsworth

by **Baggieland** » Sun May 16, 2021 12:02 am

Acronius 2 – 1 Baggieland and Baggieland 1 – 0 Reçueçn.

World Cup 88- Roleplay Thread

WC88Q Turori MD2 / MD3 - Valentine Z / Acronius

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