World Cup 88- Roleplay Thread

by **Atheara** » Tue May 18, 2021 3:00 am

No One Would Expect This So Soon

Type: Game Review
Time: After Matchday 6 and 7

Atheara vs The Grearish Union
I was wondering on how the coach wanted us to play, he was quite mysterious. I was in the starting eleven, but i am suprised that our formation for this match would be a 3 - 5 - 2. Here was the list of players that were starting.

Starting Eleven:
Mugel Krygorf - GK
Frederic Van Lieser - CB
Thames Krudisson - CB
Kanton Oliver - Gruschev - CB
Alexander Porovik - DMF
Bruno Gudderveltischko - DMF
Fabian Nagerdortch - LMF
Waiser Caroditch - RWF
Evan Osterric Hugens - AMF
Toriff Hicosia Algeer - CF
Chris Leslen - Odwell - CF

Most of us were not playing in our usual positions... was coach Lyzen trying to see if this could be a possible Line Up for use in the Future? I myself am not able to give the answers, but if the coach wants us to follow through this weird plan, then we shall follow what he wants us to follow. But this match, not much happened, apart from us losing, but we showed good potential with it.

The goal scored by the Grearish Isles, at the 50th Minute. Layla-Mae Potts was the goalscorer, a beautiful header from a corner. Mugel had been close to saving many goals that would have definitely saved Atheara from more shame, but his luck currently as of now is absolutely terrible. I better hope we turn ourselves around, because our next game is going to be... Oh no...

Atheara 0 - 1 The Grearish Isles
None / Layla-Mae Potts (50')

Electrum vs Atheara
In the locker room, we had been preparing. This was another huge game that most of the fans watching this match expected us to lose, no, after our new training regiment, and after the new tactics that coach Lyzen had given us, we were quite ready. He was quite harsh in training, but he knew what was the best for us. I was confident in this match, despite currently being 0 - 0 - 6 in the World Cup Qualifiers. I was hoping to grab some points from this match, and i was ready. Everybody here was.

Our formation was very... weird. Everyone was shocked when we announced Joseph Highland as our Goalkeeper starting this match, and Mugel Krygorf was playing... as an AMF?! This just keeps getting weirder. Mikhael Linegard and Paul Barbados were also starting as CBs. Electrum had decided to keep with their normal formation, thinking it would be some easy points from us, or something by the lines like that. This match would however shatter their confidence and turn them down those three easy points.

At the 23rd Minute, we had done something beautiful. A Goal from a corner, scored by Toriff Hicosia Algeer, whom was still starting in the Line Up. He had been training to shoot from difficult angles, as keen eyes are something that a striker should have, according to coach Lyzen. This was true with the goal Toriff had just scored.

At the 76th Minute, Electrum was still not able to equalize, so we took the chance. It was a freekick, just outside the penalty box. Mugel said "I want to take the shot." Everyone was confused, but the original taker, Zimmerman Brusteric said "Go ahead." The whistle blew, and he took the freekick, shootin it at the top right corner. It passes Electrumite GK Ralph Mills hands, hits the crossbar, and goes into goal. Goal 2 for Atheara. The final goal for this match.

Electrum 0 - 2 Atheara
None / Toriff Hicosia Algeer (23') Mugel Krygorf (76')

We prepare for our next matches, against Deniria and Eastfield Lodge, respectively.

Other News in Atheara:
Atheara Breaking the Bad!
Analysis: What The Hell Happened?
Payback Soon To Be True?
It Has Happened! Loss Streak Broken!
An Upset To Never Forget.

by **Jeruselem** » Tue May 18, 2021 4:26 am

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

Hello, this is Princess Katherine Annabelle Dallas for Naked News Jeruselem!
I'm back for another edition covering the World Cup 88 and how Jeruselem is going!
It's match day 6 and 7 in qualification, we only have like 11 left.
Last time I was talking about this, we were doing rather well!

Group 10, one look at it.
You would say, what's going on?
What's happened to the top seeds?
What the fuck is going with them?

Match Day 6, let's get it on.

Fujai hosted overachieving Bluecliff League, who are really doing great.
Fujai is struggling and need more than the one win they have.
Bluecliff League beat up the home team 3-1 just proving they are not pretenders.
Well, just proves Bluecliff League aren't fading off.

San Ortelio were at home, and had to host one of top teams Valladares.
This was a huge game for the top seeds and one of the ladder leaders.
The winner of this game, well was a big deal for Jeruselem no matter who won.
San Ortelio managed 1-1 with Valladares.
For San Ortelio, it was a good result really but for Valladares it was a disaster.

Mercedini are back in the game moving in the right direction.
They hosted Istoreya and well really needed to win keep up with the ladder leaders.
They did ... enough to win, 1-0.
Hey it's 3 points, and 3 points is 3 points no matter what the scoreline is.

Seguidores de la grasas at home and hosted Talamia.
Given Talamia are doing pretty good, you'd think they win.
HEY but this is group 10, and they lost to Seguidores de la grasas!
Seguidores de la grasas got some points and it was 3 points. Well done.

Now Siovanija and Teusland came around to Jeruselem's home.
Yes this was an important game and one we kind of dreaded as Siovanija and Teusland aren't just any team.
We know what they are capable of!
But they have shown weakness and other teams have shown them up in this cup - and they have not won a single game.
Would they beat Jeruselem to revive their campaign?

Peko and the team been working hard and the results are showing so far.
I mean, we're leading the table!
We did not crumble, we did not yield.
Well, our team showed no respect and send back home packing!
WE WON 4-2!
One of our best efforts, yes they scored two goals but 4 against them.
I think they would rather forget this game.
Far from their best efforts.

Match Day 7

Talamia disappointed last game, needing to bounce back against visiting Fujai.
Talamia did bounce back and beat Fujai 2-1.
Have to feel sorry for Fujai, Talamia were too good.

Istoreya are back home after a loss and visiting Seguidores de la grasas had their first win last game.
Sadly for Seguidores de la grasas they didn't rise to the challenge and crashed to 2-0 loss.
Istoreya have two wins, to add to their 4 losses and 1 draw.
Well, we expected them to win.

Valladares back home had to play the rising Mercedini who are winning.
Yes the higher seed was better on paper but current results say Mercedini were the better team this cup.
Valladares found it far too hot to handle going down 4-3!
Mercedini winning in a contested game and beating a team who was ranked higher.
Well, they are showing they are coming back to challenge!

Siovanija and Teusland are home and one of ladder leaders San Ortelio was visiting.
The top seed had to win and San Ortelio were not going let them have an easy time.
San Ortelio if they won, well ... are a contender!
Guess what happened, they beat Siovanija and Teusland 1-0.
Everyone, don't write off San Ortelio!

Bluecliff League flying high but the real deal was coming to play.
Yes our own bunny girl Peko and our own Princesses!
It was 1st and 3rd on the table!
The good news is Princesses rule, literally.
We won 2-0, yeah. This is best we're been doing for any world cup qualification for quite a while!

So what's the table look like?
Seguidores de la grasas are still last but have 3 points.
Siovanija and Teusland are ... 2nd last, with a paltry 4 points from 4 draws.
Valladares aren't doing much better, 8th on 6 points.
Fujai doing a little better on 7th, also on 6 points.
Istoreya on 7 points, 6th.

Now to the top 5 on the table.
Talamia with 11 points in 5th and not far off really. They aren't doing badly.
Bluecliff League sink from 3rd to 4th, but hey they are doing great with 12 points for their ranking.
Mercedini are now 3rd with 13 points, we're so glad we beat them earlier!
San Ortelio holding strong, still stuck to 2nd spot. 16 points with 5 wins and 1 draw.
And just Jeruselem on 6 wins and 1 draw with 19 points topping the table. Just us.

OK, for visitors watching this video broadcast as it is the case in some places.
The nation's leader is King Hamish I of Jeruselem, who just happens to be my cousin.
His wife is Queen Bianca, she's that grumpy looking person ... she always looks grumpy anyway.
Some people think I'm the King's wife because you don't see much of the Queen in public.
She's not very well and spends a lot of time in hospital.
Probably why she looks so grumpy ...

I'm Princess Katherine, the COUSIN of the King and not his wife.
The king's daughter is Princess Bella, my daughter is Princess Stella.
Quite a few people get those two confused even though one is a lot younger.

That's all from me.

by **Islands Of Ventro** » Tue May 18, 2021 5:35 am

Islands of Ventro still in this!

Islands of Ventro 0–0 Indusse Independent Athletes from Quebec 2–3 Islands of Ventro

After two losses in matchdays four and five, the Islander's morale is at an all-time low. They could only after around a loss or two more or risk being out of the tournament. Then we hit Matchday six and Matchday second, in our predictions before the season started the Islanders were supposed to tie 1-1 with the Indusse and lose 4-1 to the IAQ. The first one was pretty much on part but no one could have predicted the second one. The Islanders have beat the one seed in our group! Coming into the game 5-0-1 little did they think they would be leaving with a two in that last column, in fact, no one did. Well, no one except the Islanders star player, Kevin Hate. Hate scored two goals and assisted on the last one, though he did almost cost the game going for a hat trick. Here's the gameplay by play.

0' Game start!
1' Saved by Mitchell Manning!
17' Goal IOV! Scored by Mathis Vera!
20' Goal QUE! Scored by Kim Seung-Yoon!
30' Goal QUE! Scored by Kim Seung-Yoon!
44' Saved by Jang Hyo-Sook!
45' Half.
62' Goal IOV! Scored by Kevin Hate!
65' GOAL IOV! Scored by Kevin Hate!
85' Saved by Jang Hyo-Sook!
90' Game End

Until next matchday, Goodbye!

by **Tumbra** » Tue May 18, 2021 6:37 am

Garbelia 2-3 Tumbra

Garbelia (4-3-3): 1 - Otterface; 2 - Findus, 4 - Lutrison (13 - Muto, 63'), 5 - Huron, 3 - McCat (24 - Otterata, 75') ; 6 - Blisset, 8 - Otter, 10 - Kawauso; 7 - Vydra, 9 - Goodotter; 11 - Ottoman (15 - Barnes, 78')

Tumbra (4-3-3): 1 - Lennon; 2 - Hughes (18 - Hart, 63'), 4 - Henderson, 14 - Ashburn, 19 - Carter (3 - White, 73'); 6 - Hicks, 8 - McGrath (16 - Morgan, 80'), 29 - Cole; 7 - Fraser, 9 - Vaughn; 22 - Sheldon

GAB scorers: Vydra (36'), Goodotter (48')
TMB scorers: Vaughn (19'), Fraser (56'), Ashburn (68')

Player of the Match: Robin Vaughn (TMB)

Tumbra 1-4 Kandorith

Tumbra (4-3-3): 1 - Lennon; 2 - Hughes, 4 - Henderson, 14 - Ashburn - inj 18' (5 - Brown, 18'), 19 - Carter; 6 - Hicks, 8 - McGrath (16 - Morgan, 60'), 29 - Cole; 7 - Fraser (17 - van Heirolf, 72'), 9 - Vaughn; 22 - Sheldon

Kandorith (4-3-3): 1 - Tamatsuki; 6 - Takayama, 20 - Takai, 4 - Hakimoto, 5 - Ishida; 27 - Kaba (9 - Takahashi, 74'), 7 - Matsumoto, 21 - Hamada (17 - Yamada, 81'); 23 - Yoshida (19 - Nakajima, 68'), 15 - Fujiwara; 11 - Honda

TMB scorers: Cole (8')
KAN scorers: Honda (15', 74'), Fujiwara (35'), Hakimoto (64')

Player of the Match: Takeshi Honda (KAN)

SPORT: GARBELIA 2-3 TUMBRA; TUMBRA 1-4 KANDORITH
Unbeaten Run Comes To End As Tumbra Crashes To Kandorith At Home; Slips to Second With Run of Four Difficult Matches To Come

STRATON — Tumbra's run atop Group 1 came to an end, with a 1-4 home loss to Kandorith marking the start of a four-match run that will decide, ultimately, Tumbra's fate in these World Cup qualifiers. The international break began with a decent enough showing away in Garbelia, taking a narrow 2-3 win which saw the Black Eagles come from behind to take the crucial three points from the seventh seeds; yet, they were comprehensively outclassed on home turf by Kandorith, which goes to show just how much more work has to be done if the Black Eagles are to become regular qualifiers for the World Cup in the future.

Reflecting on Tumbra's first loss this World Cup qualifying cycle, manager Marco Hemmings was introspective, and downplayed the scale of the loss — mentioning that Kandorith were a "formidable opponent" to end the winning streak on, and that "a duck had been broken", resulting in "much less pressure on the players here on out", with the players being able to play without the pressure of falling behind to their opponents. Tumbra's last two opponents in this half of qualifying are a six-pointer against second-seeds Drawkland, who currently sit atop the Group 1 table; and fifth-seeds Gyatso-kai, who are currently seventh in the table.

Garbelia 2-3 Tumbra; Narrow Win Highlights Need for Defensive Shakeup

The win against Garbelia, however narrow, highlighted the need for a more secure defensive system or style of play from the Black Eagles. Despite many praising Hemmings' approach to attacking football, mirroring that of the most attacking Premier Division teams in Lakewood City and Straton; he has also come under fire for his lackadaisical approach to defending, with the sixteen goals conceded being rather more costly than expected. Already two points were thrown away at Marigred thanks to shoddy defensive work; three more were on the verge of being thrown away at Garbelia thanks to more shoddy defending.

It is possible, to some, to be able to play attractive defensive football; simply ask the Dragonflies of Ko-oren or the Sentients of Sylestone, both of which employ extremely defensive strategies yet make it extremely far, with the former reaching the Final of the previous edition of the World Cup; the Sentients are due a qualification any time soon, but with their group being considered a Group of Death, perhaps this cycle, regrettably, is out of the question. Regardless, the trap is not to play dour football while continually playing football that is conventionally considered attractive; and defensive nous could be what sends Tumbra to the World Cup one day, as much as its attacking nous can keep it up.

The reasons for this are simple; no matter how good an offense is, and the Tumbran offense is extremely potent; if they cannot break down the most determined of defences, then what point is there if attack after attack is thrown away? Much as some subscribe to the adage "winning by one goal," emphasising their preference for attacking football and winning by heart-palpitating scorelines like 7-6 (which has occurred this cycle) or 6-4 (which Tumbra won by against Revlona), 1-0 wins are perfectly solid too — and get the job done.

Garbelia took advantage of the lapses in defense to score two quick goals after the Black Eagles lost possession, with the high line falling victim to the fast counter, aided by their youthful team; it was only concerted personal efforts by Neil Fraser that brought the Black Eagles back level, and a header from a corner by Ian Ashburn that gave Tumbra the three points. Much like how Tumbra's under-21 squad conceded twenty goals en route to fourth in last year's Di Bradini Cup, including three in the decisive semi-final against Vilita and Turori, and five in the third-placed playoff against Mytanija, the defence being prioritised less than the attack has the potential to cause serious harm against all levels of the national coaching mechanism in the future.

While most Black Eagles supporters might be loath to support a return to defensive football, it is perhaps the only way to ensure heartbreak doesn't ensue in the future. Time runs out, as World Cup 86 finalists Nephara found out against Banija; Time runs noticeably faster in the world of football, too, where careers end in twenty years instead of the usual forty.

Something must be done. It is possible to play attractive and defensive football. The balance must be found lest a promising football campaign is thrown away before the halfway mark passes.

Tumbra 1-4 Kandorith; Black Eagles Brought Back to Earth with Humbling Loss Against Third Seeds

With a win against first seeds Kelssek (who might rightly have been accused of underestimating the Black Eagles), Tumbra was rather more confident of a win against the third seeds, as well. Yet, Kandorith sent a full-strength squad, eager to climb back up from fourth, after an early set of hiccups in the qualification campaign; their style of total football completely flummoxed the Tumbran defences, and Ian Ashburn's injury only made things worse.

Johnny Brown, erstwhile team captain who had only made two appearances this cycle before this, was completely outclassed on the pitch by the fluid, ever-changing attack; while the blame for the loss rests not on him, it is clear that Tumbra was completely outclassed by the Kandorese attack, allowing Takeshi Honda to cancel out Phil Cole's early goal from inside the box; and from then onwards the Tumbrans were completely dominated, with Fujiwara scoring a close range-shot before the end of the first half. The second half saw two more goals in a half in which Tumbra was boxed into their own half; their statistic of 1.12xG compared to Kandorith's 2.98 shows the magnitude that the Black Eagles were boxed in.

There have been rumours that Brown may step down from the captaincy after the eventual WCC competition that the Black Eagles qualify for, bringing an end to a perhaps too short yet untimely international career, its dawn coming at the dusk of his illustrious career for club and country. Perhaps if Tumbra attempted to enter the World Cup eight or ten years earlier, a fully revitalised Brown would run reign over the international football scene.

No blame can be placed on anyone for the loss — international football is a fickle mistress, and the team perhaps were feeling the stresses of having to put in performances week in, week out. This loss, hopefully, will spur the team back to winning ways, particularly in the next four scheduled qualifying matches. It is perhaps a disappointing way to end Tumbra's run of form, but the loss will have presented good lessons for the team and Hemmings.

TUMBRAN SQUAD FOR MATCH vs DRAWKLAND @ CASTLE STADIUM, RAIKENNAX, DRAWKLAND and vs GYATSO-KAI @ TUMBRAN NATIONAL STADIUM, STRATON
Starters 1 - Lennon; 2 - Hughes, 4 - Henderson, 5 - Brown, 3 - White; 28 - Stansfield, 8 - McGrath, 10 - Herlinger; 31 - Hilton, 9 - Vaughn, 22 - Sheldon
Bench 12 - Addison; 25 - Campbell, 20 - Paterson, 23 - Forrest, 19 - Carter; 15 - Aitken, 6 - Hicks, 29 - Cole, 16 - Morgan; 7 - Fraser, 21 - Cresswood, 11 - Cohen

Link to Arc Home
defender meets midfielder: season 2, part 3

Autumn changed to winter as the first flakes of snow began falling in Chromia. Snow was rare in Tumbra — only the real northern parts of the country really experienced it, and even then it was less "snow" and more "vaguely grey skies raining down generally freezing rain". The changing of the seasons, too reminded how long it had been since the two friends — one in Tumbra, one in Chromatika — had talked. Long-distance friendships weren't easy; they never were, but both of them had tried their darndest to keep it together, and keep it going. Trudy had talked to a few of the Nine, in whichever corners of the world they were in — some had found themselves as close to home as Brenecia, while some had gone for further-flung countries such as Kelssek. It was easier for most of those who had landed in Anaia — and she had to remind herself, it was Anaia now, which changed so much yet so little at the same time — because they would at least catch up at a time where the other few were still awake. But Stephen? As always, their time zones were...weird.

Change was afoot in the general region. Chromatika, instead of being the latest in a long, eminent line of Atlantian Oceanian hosts of the World Cup, would instead become the first Anaian hosts of the World Cup — something which certainly added a sort of buzz into the air. Trudy Harrison couldn't help but notice, however, that tensions in the squad — particularly coming from those who had and hadn't been involved in the split — were bubbling over, more than usual.

It would be good fodder for a conversation with Stephen when they next were able to schedule a video-call — an opportunity that thankfully arrived sooner rather than later. This time, it was on a weekend morning for Trudy — which meant it was on a weekend night for Stephen Kerr. Thankfully, there weren't any hitches like last time — Stephen's camera switched on in a rather messy room, typical of the Tumbran suburb. Seeing her caused him to smile, and seeing him smile...made her smile, too. There was that mutual recognition, that mutual friendship — which just kept their links together, despite them being physically so far away.

"Hey, dork."
"Hey, Stevie."
The two shared a laugh.
"It's...been a while. Though I somehow feel like I've said this before."
"Really? It's been so long that I can't remember."
"Well. The least you could do today is to tell me everything. It's all over the news. Anaia.", emphasising the last word.
"Yeah...that. It's a long story."
"From what I've heard, yeah. It's the biggest piece of news since...God. We haven't had something like this in a long, long time."
"It's been a bit tricky and complicated. We haven't heard anything from our clubs, though as a Tumbran I doubt that I would've done so anyway."
"That's...fair."
"But there's been a lot of tensions in our squad. I mentioned Ami, my new friend?"
"Yeah." He smiled, lightly. "Honestly, I'm really happy that you managed to find someone as a companion, a friend. Even if said friend turned out to be...fifteen."
"She certainly doesn't tackle like a fifteen year old. Anyway, yeah. Ami. She's a good friend, but after a recent training session she did mention that the news had made her somewhat worried about her future in Chromatika."
"Why would that be?"
"One of her parents is Banijan. And Banija..."
"In AO. Yeah. Mmhm."
"So mainly I've been by her side, trying to empathise, trying to tell her that it'll be fine. No matter what happens."
"Spoken like a true captain, indeed."
"Oh, shush."
"Anyone else, though? I'd assume being in a formerly-AO nation there'd be a bit more."
"Oh, there definitely are. Despite the two being utterly professional there's been a weird feeling between the Mrii and Teus in our squad, Dun Mekeus and Mario Kogler."
"Wow."
"There's definitely...something. But enough about me. How about you?"
"Me?" Stephen scratched the back of his neck. "I made my debut. For the senior side." He tried to play down his excitement, but even from three thousand miles away, Trudy could sense it.
"Really?"
"Yeah. It was as a sub, though, but — "
"Stephen, I'm so proud of you." The words came out of her mouth on autopilot. She didn't know why, but they just tumbled out of her mouth.
Trudy saw Stephen's face turn a momentary bright shade of red. He glanced away from the webcam.
"Are you...embarrassed?"
"No!" He yelped. "Just...just the lighting of the room, yeah?"
"I...I genuinely meant that. I know you wanted to debut for Straton. I'm proud of you, friend."
"Thanks..."
An awkward silence ensued. They kept chatting, about life, how it'd gone. About how nice Chromia was, and politics in Straton and elsewhere.
"So...the World Cup. Protests in the game against Kelssek. And again, against Kandorith."
Trudy's ears pricked up, eager to hear more about the cause that she'd helped start.
"Things have been going pretty well, even if we did lost to Kandorith. There's — I daren't say it out loud — but there's a chance we just might make it. That's the general feeling here, anyway. If we play our cards right, the team might be going to Chromatika. Or Cassadaigua."
"Here?"
"Personally, I doubt it. Unless our defence shapes up."
"Which is where you'd come in, I suppose."
Stephen's face went red again. "Maybe...maybe next time."
"Pffft. The Final's being played in my stadium, didja know that?"
Stephen nodded. "How does it feel?"
"Frankly? It feels surreal. Like, I'm playing on the same field that Nephara, Banija or Ko-oren will play on in a year or so. All for a title."
"Yeah, I thought as much. Lucky you. You'll probably be able to attend the Final, huh?"
"I've thought about asking the club for tickets. And, uh..."
"Yeah?"
Now it was Trudy's turn for her face to turn red. She'd been mentally preparing for this for a while now — but Stephen was just a friend, goddamnit — so why was she feeling nervous when asking him?
"I was thinking about whether...you'd want to come to Chromatika for the World Cup Finals."
Stephen's eyes widened in joy.
"Are you serious? I'd — I'd love to go if my family'd allow me!"
"Family? Ah...uh...perhaps it's best if you didn't..." she stammered.
Once again, a concerned look crossed Stephen's face. "They'll most likely be fine with it, Trudy. Don't worry."
"I...hadn't considered that."
"Is everything alright?"
"Yeah. Yeah, it is. I just thought..."
"It's okay. I'll get back to you on how it'll go."
"Really?"
"Yeah."
Somehow Stephen saying that made her calm down. Trudy didn't like talking about her family, and had noticeably steered away from the topic when Stephen had tried to talk about it. In part, it was her own experiences — and she didn't feel ready to share that with just about anyone. She said that, but really nobody knew the true situation about it.
"Trudy? Is everything okay?"
"Y-yeah. I'd love to see you in Chromatika. It'd be my turn to show you around, after all."
"Oh, after that month in Straton? Yeah, you definitely owe me for that, Trudy," with a smug grin on his face.
"Whatever, Stevie."
"It's getting late here. I'm gonna go and sleep. Thanks for today, and, well, the World Cup, of course. I can't wait to go to Chromatika and watch the football. Oh, and yeah, you, I suppose," he said in a jovial tone.
"Yeah, watching football will be nice. Seeing you, not so much."
"Still got that sharp tongue, then."
"Never lost it. Alright. I'll see you. Good night."
"Good night."

Trudy had never expected for the two to meet up again so soon. She kicked herself mentally for letting slip that comment about her family — she didn't want anyone to know what her background truly was, even to Stephen. Hopefully he'd have forgotten about it by the time the World Cup rolled round — after all, this was a throwaway line in a videocall.

But she'd have to confront her family matters, sooner or later.

by **Siovanija and Teusland** » Tue May 18, 2021 6:47 am

(OOC Note: This RP will be crossposted to the II thread for the AO/Anaia situation. In addition, all opinions expressed by S&T government members are IC only)

Castle Danneberg, Stelburg, Teusland

Chancellor Dominik Meier could hear the constant tap of the Stelburg rainstorm, even as the hundreds of delegates in the Meeting Room at Castle Danneberg chatted amongst each other.

Usually, diplomatic meetings in Stelburg were held at the old Imperial Palace downtown. But on this occasion, with so many visitors to the city, a location at which it was easier to provide security was sought. Castle Danneberg had once been home to the Kaiser and family, surrounded by fortifications that on this day were being manned by United Republics Defence Force troops - with so many leaders gathered in one place, nothing could go unplanned.

It had certainly been a different experience visiting the Castle on this day. Meier had been here for national events in the past; cabinet retreats, gala events and more. Today, however, was different. The flagpole in front of the tower had seen the flag of Atlantian Oceania raised this morning, the tourist flag-raising ceremony replaced with a more meaningful gesture to welcome the dignitaries. It was the third flag to ever fly over the castle - only the flags of the Teus Empire and the United Republics of Siovanija & Teusland had flown before.

Meier, along with President Hoskova, who was part of the Siovanija & Teusland delegation at the meeting as well, had spent much of the previous day welcoming and greeting leaders as they arrived - many on our shores for the first time. There had been dinner parties and events across the city, as Siovanija & Teusland diplomats agonized over which leaders/ministers should attend which events, and even who should be seated with who.

Meier now looked around the room. The Kabaka of Banija, and the President of Busoga, in one room - a remarkable achievement of its own. The Empress of the Eternal Empire, making her first ever visit to Siovanija & Teusland. The leaders of Vilita and Turori, Equestria, Baker Park, Hapilopper, Pluvia and the Saxean Isles, Sarzonia were here, amongst many others - and chatting in from video screens included the foreign minister of Pacitalia. Another important delegation included the Euran Foreign Secretary and the Governor General of the Euran Oceania Territories.

It was a remarkable occasion - the kind of gathering seen for royal weddings, or large funerals. The largest diplomatic gathering of nations in Siovanija & Teusland’s history. They had all chosen Stelburg to gather - symbolically, it made a point as one of the furthest possible locations from Anaia. He looked to the delegation he had brought to the event - President Hoskova, Vice Chancellor Willi Strauss, Foreign Minister Vojtech Horacek, and in a political frist, the Leader of the Opposition, Alexander Danek. Meier had felt it important to include the Leader of Opposition as a show of national unity, and to ensure parliamentary approval of any agreements made at the conference.

The President spoke up. “Chancellor Meier, it’s an important moment for our country to have all of these leaders here. I just wish it was in happier times.”

“Hopefully the ties and friendships we strengthen here today can lead to those meetings taking place,” replied the Chancellor.

The Vice Chancellor gave a nod. “This is one of the biggest moments in our history. Growing up, I’d have never dreamed of anything like this. Times have certainly changed.”

Even the Leader of the Opposition offered Meier some advice. “Dominik, if you speak as well here as you do against me in Parliament, it’ll all be ok,” he said with a grin. Despite their political differences, the two men had a strong working relationship - one reason why Meier felt it important to include Marek, as a show of unity.

Meier smiled back, and said “Good thing you’re not doing the talking, then.” The Opposition Leader laughed as he sat in his chair, and the clock ticked to the designated start time. Eyes fell on the host delegation.

No time to sit around, Meier thought - let’s get things underway. The outline for the conference had been passed to each delegation. Meier rose, and the room quieted as the host began to speak.

“My friends, first of all, welcome to Stelburg. I certainly wish that we were meeting in happier times. Just a few short months ago, the eyes of the region were on Stelburg as our talented athletes convened here for the AOCAF Cup Final. Now, the eyes of the region are on Stelburg again - on each and every one of us in this room.

The past days have been some of the most challenging in the history of our region. These challenges have brought us together, because only united can we face them. The decisions we make here over the next few days will mark an important path forward for our region. I am glad we have all converged here, together, to chart this course.

We have a great number of issues to get through together. They include issues of our own relationship with the ‘Foxchester 17’, trade, how to deal with the great number of issues including bordering nations, potential refugee populations, new intergovernmental relationships within Atlantian Oceania, the new issues of defending each other and the borders of Atlantian Oceania in all theatres, and our official response.

Siovanija & Teusland have made our positions clear. We are looking to help create a new ‘Atlantian Oceania Assembly of Nations’ which would serve as an intergovernmental body to help regulate disputes between member states, and encourage communication - communication that we and many in this room feel could have prevented the events of recent days. We are proposing review and reform of our regional defence co-operation, with new treaties ensuring collective security and the security of our borders and international waters. As a nation with one of the largest defence budgets in all of the region, we are committed to a leading role in this endeavour.

These are among many issues that must be discussed over the next few days. We are eager to hear from each of you your opinions - how shall we take the next steps together? The floor is open to reaction, debate and discussion.”

With that, Chancellor Meier sat down. The Stelburg Conference was officially in full swing.

by **Graintfjall** » Tue May 18, 2021 9:00 am

Græntfjall – 4 (3)
B. Ernestisson; Lúthersdóttir, T. Ernestisson (90+4’), Reynarsson (81’), Vilbertsdóttir (54’); Jvarsson (62’) (78’ Kristersson ), Miansdóttir; Harrysson (77’ Dannysdóttir ), Guttisdóttir (26’) (80’ Tronsson ), Kristoffersdóttir (31’); Þórhallursson (17’)

Murphtannia – 0 (0)

Zeta Reka and Hügeltaldom – 3 (0)
Gal (57’), Rekawić (70’), Kolarowić (90’)

Græntfjall – 3 (1)
B. Ernestisson; Lúthersdóttir (65’), T. Ernestisson, Kristersson (10’), Vilbertsdóttir; Jvarsson (65’ Tronsson (76’) (80’)), Miansdóttir; Harrysson (55’ Grímólfursson ), Guttisdóttir (79’ Hólmarsdóttir (83’)), Kristoffersdóttir; Þórhallursson (73’)

Two spectacular free-kicks from Græntfjall’s army of set-piece specialists followed Jason Þórhallursson’s rather more workman-like four yard thump in essentially sewing up three home points against Murphtannia within half an hour. The match at the Grand National Arena was a one-sided affair that drifted into tedium for much of the second half, punctuated only by another well taken strike from Emeli Vilbertsdóttir, scoring her third career goal, but the Snow Wolf Pack were far from complaining, eagerly cheering on every defensive back-pass to the whistle. The only sour point of the 4 – 0 drubbing was a red card for talismanic center back Hjörleifur Reynarsson, who appeared to bring some unfinished GPL business to bear in his studs-up tackle on Jake Pole.

Missing the reigning domestic MVP, Reynarsson, and the best player of the campaign to date, Álfar Ásvaldursson, the Snow Wolves thus travelled to the Zeta Reka National Sports Complex with some defensive frailties on their mind, yet held on to a clean sheet for almost an hour of play. The 3 – 3 scoreline suggested end-to-end pinball, but in truth this was a match swung by a couple of key moments, both good – Þórhallursson’s clinical finish from a tight angle the pick of the goals – and bad – Sara Kristoffersdóttir, having impressed in the prior clash, immediately betraying the faith paid in her with a woeful error to send Želmir Kolarowić through on goal in the 90th minute. Hæming Tronsson earned his second red card of the qualifying campaign despite being on the field just 15 minutes.

Græntfjall now face their biggest test yet, with World Cup greats Audioslavia due to arrive during the next international break. Several players injured, rested, or suspended return, including Reynarsson, Ásvaldursson, and Hanne Heikkisdóttir, meaning a full-strength side should be fielded. Audioslavia are one of the most popular foreign teams in Græntfjall, with many Snow Wolf Pack fans (flattering themselves by) considering the two to have similar physical, defensive approaches. Jeremy Jaffacake enjoys cult status owing to a hilariously awful translation of a book of famous quotations that gained memetic status during the communist era. The match is hotly anticipated, but just as important as putting on a strong showing against the Pot 1 side will be trying to take three points on the subsequent trip to Ziwana.

23 player squad for MD8–9 (expected starters in bold): B. Ernestisson, Einvarðursson, Hárlaugsdóttir; Lúthersdóttir, Reynarsson, T. Ernestisson, Vilbertsdóttir, Matteosdóttir, Björnsdóttir, R. Rögnvaldursson, Kristersson; Ásvaldursson, Jvarsson (c), Guttisdóttir, Miansdóttir, Bjørnsson, Hólmarsdóttir; Mensdóttir, Heikkisdóttir; Þórhallursson, Dannysdóttir, Bergmundursson, Guðmannsson

“Welcome to GTV. I’m Jeremy Fartslam.”

Dramatic music, exciting title graphics. Jeremy, wearing an awful suit, is seated across from Kaija Michaelsdóttir, wearing a smart pantsuit.

“I’m joined tonight by Progressive Liberals leader Kaija Michaelsdóttir. Good evening.”

“G–” Kaija begins, but Jeremy cuts her off.

“Ms Michaelsdóttir, there’s not a single poll showing your party doing better than third. Why should anyone waste their vote on a party that can’t possibly lead a governing coalition?”

“R–”

“Instead of dodging my questions, why not explain how your promises on spending are compatible with your deficit reduction plan!”

“Æ–”

“Evasive answers will do you no good here Ms Michaelsdóttir, I’m going to ask you again: can you commit, right now, to avoiding sending further troops to Jabal Akhdar?”

“N–”

“Ms Michaelsdóttir, the voters simply want to know the truth. Did you, or did you not, use government funds for illicit purposes?”

“T–”

“So you don’t deny the accusations in the Markusson Papers?”

“F–”

“First you say ‘T’, then ‘F’, enough flip-flopping! A demand-side carbon reduction strategy through increased energy efficiency and promoting storage capacity or a supply-side approach investing in clean green tech and geoengineering solutions – which is it!?”

“J–”

“Now now, Ms Michaelsdóttir, there’s no need for that, I’m just doing my job. If you won’t answer that, then let me put a simple yes or no question to you: explain your tax policy.”

“A–”

“No, we’re not leaving until a get straight answer! Once again: yes or no, how many roads must a man walk down before you can call him a man?”

“L–”

“Ms Michaelsdóttir, enough, this isn’t a filibuster! I want the TRUTH…!”

“L–”

The following evening, Kaija, wearing a cute dress, was ensconced in the somewhat warmer environs of The Zero Show’s couch. The harsh lighting of Jeremy Fartslam’s inquisitorial studio had been replaced by muted pastels; the deliberately unwieldy metal stools, designed to keep those being questioned from settling in comfortably, by soft, fuzzy sofas bedecked with bright cushions, on the end of one of which a black-and-white cat snoozed affably. Ernestó Ögmundsson and Viktoria Ísgeirsdóttir, were laughing along to a report from Álfgeir “Álfi” Aðólfsson, who was reporting on a pie-eating contest, while light music jingled.

Somehow, this was so much worse.

Álfi, smeared in berries and pie crust, seemed to be reaching breaking, or at least barfing, point and the floor manager was timing down a return to the studio, so Kaija, who’d been using the break to catch up on her phone, quickly scrolled through the news alerts. Fifty in the last few minutes – something big was breaking. Wolf News was breaking some exclusive undercover documentary from the Left-slate party. Kaija curled her lip. Doubtless it was the worst kind of gutter journalism, all jump edits and out-of-context quotes and thinly veiled accusations of far worse than anything actually captured on film. But, so long as it took votes from the Left-slate, it could be worse news for her. She swiped over to messages and typed quickly.

when do you get in?? xx

She just had time to hit send before the runner came over to snatch the phone from her.

“And we’re back!” enthused Viktoria, with an enthusiasm suggesting broadcasting had returned after a ten year blackout, rather than a two minute segue to a piece on fat men competing to eat as many fruit pies as they could. “As a reminder, we’re being joined this week by the leaders of the major political parties running in the election.”

“Ooh, is there an election going on!?” warbled Ernestó, who could not have been more camp had he been sporting a feather boa.

The two burst out laughing for a solid minute at this joke, while Kaija mentally debated whether, if she were to smother them with one of their big fluffy pillows right here and now, she’d actually lose any votes at all.

“Last night, we talked with Mr and Mrs Austmannsson. Mrs Austmannsson shared her pumpkin curry recipe – I can’t wait to try that out!”

“And Mr Austmannsson joined in a spirited game of ‘whack the kraken’. Tonight we have Kaija Michaelsdóttir of the Progressive Liberals. I hope you came ready to beat his record, Kaija!”

Kaija smiled thinly. If only the game didn’t involve a foam mallet. Perhaps the studio manager correctly reasoned that supplying guests trapped in this dimension to hell with an actual cudgel was far too dangerous.

“Now Kaija, before the segment from Álfi – so fun! We were talking about how some exciting news!

“Yes, I–”

She may not have been ‘Fartslammed’, but she was cut off all the same.

“You’re getting married!”

Delirious whoops sounded from the audience. Kaija smiled again and reluctantly splayed out her hand for the camera zooming in to capture the ring on her finger.

“Again!”

Kaija smiled very hard at Viktoria. Just wait until I get my hands on that mallet, bitch.

“Yes, we’re very excited. We tried to keep it under wraps so as not to overshadow the campaign or seem like it was anything to do with that, but inevitably there really aren’t any secrets in politics.”

“And I think we have a picture of the happy couple, fresh from your Instasnap…”

A picture of Kaija and her fiancé, Guðjón, appeared on screen.

“Aww, you look very happy together! He seems like he must have a great personality!”

Kaija glanced around the studio. A piece of lead piping, a length of sturdy rope, anything…

“But you weren’t able to convince him to come on the show? That’s a shame! Tomorrow we’re having Sigjón Þjóðbjörnsson and his husband Louis. I’m told Louis is threatening to bring his lemon drizzle squares. Oh no! Keep them away from me! I’m on a diet!”

Poisoned cakes. Why didn’t I think of that?

“No, it’s just me tonight, but Guðjón will be appearing at some events with me.”

“We hear you’ll be attending the World Cup qualifier in Háttmark this weekend! What a big match that will be! Will your lucky fiancé be with you?”

“He wouldn’t miss it.”

“So exciting! Now, from happy couples, to happy cuppas, as we have a short film from Jana, who’s visiting a cafe with an amazing new policy: if your barista doesn’t serve your drink with a smile, it’s free!”

They cut to the segment as Kaija sat back, reflecting that there apparently was somewhere even worse than this studio nightmare after all. The runner came over and offered her some water and her phone back. She scrolled quickly down the messages, smiling at the latest reply.

Auðlín and Kimberley were waiting in the car for her with coffee.

“They said they’ve never had someone register that high a score before!”

“They weren’t even sure the machine went all the way up to 14! You really gave the kraken a whackin’!”

Kaija waved off their praise. “Tell me about this video.”

“It’s probably bullshit. You know how Wolf News are. One bit of it the speaker’s shirt changes color halfway through! All editing.”

“Tell me about the video,” said Kaija, the hot coffee taking none of the ice from her voice.

“OK. So, they supposedly went undercover in some Háttmark Left-slate campaign office. Stuff like… postal votes being filled out by the workers in there. A councillor saying he filled out the ballots for everyone in his house. That sort of thing.”

“Some Háttmark neighborhood. A councillor.”

“Yes.”

“…?”

“…Sóllinen.”

“Fuck’s sake. Let me guess…”

“Kamal Mahmud.”

Kaija rubbed the bridge of her nose. So maybe this would cost the Left-slate votes. But it wouldn’t be her party picking them up. If they invited her back, she was confident she could whack that kraken all the way up to 15.

“We have some notes on the speech on the green economy tomorrow. And there’s some polling Sigursveinn wanted you to look at. Apparently the stuff on prison reform isn’t polling great.”

“The people we’re talking about can’t vote, so I’m not all that surprised by that,” deadpanned Kaija. “Give me the file, I’ll look at it tomorrow.”

Auðlín and Kimberley exchanged surprised glances. Kaija usually burned it at both ends

Kaija filled the pregnant pause. “Dinner plans with Guðjón,” she smiled.

“Oh. OK!” said Kimberley, who timed her pause to perfection. “I hadn’t realized he was back from Altendalur.”

“Took an early train.”

Kimberley timed it once more, one, two, three taps of her toes. “Of course. I’d heard there were still big delays on the line but they must have cleared it up. In the last twenty minutes or so.”

Kaija glanced around the car. No mallets. Or poisoned lemon drizzle slices.

The car deposited her at home, and then swept off to take the young aides back to the office, where they’d doubtless stay up all night poring over the reasons why being more lenient on vicious criminals could possibly be polling badly in crime-ridden inner-city neighborhoods. That and watching the talking heads debating this new ‘documentary’. Was Left-slate engaged in electoral fraud on a systemic level, or just one little rogue chapter? Was there any veracity to the report at all or was it another manufacture like that ludicrous exposé they’d run last month about krakens? Would anyone be swayed into changing their vote by this or was it just a case of preaching to the converted? Questions Kaija would leave happily leave to Auðlín and Kimberley. She let herself in and after kicking off her heels and flexing her feet on the carpet in relief, moved to the kitchen. She took down two glass tumblers and retrieved a wodka bottle from the freezer. As she was chopping a lemon for garnish, her phone rang.

“Hey, honey.”

“Hi! You were great! You were so great! I watched from the hotel room!”

“Aww, thank you. I hope you’re having a good time.”

“It’s wild! No one parties like chartered accountants!”

“Alright, just stay safe and don’t do anything that would get in the press, please?”

Guðjón laughed at the idea of any journalists nosing around his accountancy conference for hot scoops. “I think we’re safe there.”

“So what are you up to now?”

“Just heading down to the hotel bar for a bite to eat.”

“Same, I just got in, going to have a bite and catch up on some of those trashy TV shows you can’t stand.”

He chuckled. “Not watching the big Wolf News exclusive then?”

“Ugh.”

“Just hope you won’t be lonely.”

Kaija smiled as gravel crunched in the driveway. A Fubar pulled up. She splashed a measure of wodka into the second glass.

“I think we’re safe there.”

PHORCED-ACRONIM #008

“Events, dear girl, events,” is a famous Græntfjaller saying about politics. Time for a couple of major events to shake up the campaign. A natural event…

0: an earthquake
1: a severe storm
2: a wildfire outbreak
3: a massive flood
4: a plague of locusts
5+: a kraken spotting

…and a human-made event…

0: terrorists escape from prison
1: terrorists hijack a plane
2: terrorists pull off a cybersecurity breach
3: terrorists win a court case against the government
4: terrorists detonate a large bomb
5+: terrorists attack using weaponized crows

PHORCED-ACRONIM #009

Meanwhile there is good news, with the discovery of…

0: a child alive in some ruins
1: an amazing object in space
2: a brilliant new sporting talent
3: the key to translating an ancient language
4: a healthy specimen of a species previously thought to be extinct
5+: a cute meme

…and bad news, with the collapse of…

0: a mine
1: a bridge
2: a business
3: a tower block
4: a pension fund
5+: a giant inflatable

by **Newmanistan** » Tue May 18, 2021 9:15 am

THE ROCKET REPORT

TWO BIG GAMES, SPLIT RESULTS

By Taylor Larson,

So far, there is reason to be excited about Newmanistan’s chances to qualify for World Cup 88. This is something that always seems to be difficult for the Rockets, as they always run into that ambitious nation who has a signature campaign and qualifies over us. That could not have been any more true in World Cup 87, when we lost out on tiebreakers to Tikariot, but the morale of this squad never seemed to go down. They played well in the Cup of Harmony, and did very well in World Cup qualifying friendlies, highlighted by a win in Cassadaigua. The first five games of this competition could not have gone better, with the team sitting at 5-0-0.

Games six and seven were going to be the difficult ones, starting off with a trip to Anaia (not Atlantian Oceania) to play Flavovespia. That would be a great success, winning 3-1 on the road, and for the moment, opening up a five point lead on second place Omerica. Up next would be the Omericans themselves. A raucous crowd at the Jungle looked to celebrate a big win, continuing the best start in Newmanistanian qualifying history for the World Cup, and potentially opening up an eight point lead on the team seen as the biggest threat to us. Of course, it would not be that way, as the team squandered a 2-1 lead, and now saw the cushion be dropped to two points. Nothing is ever easy for the Rockets in this, after all. The sky blue have a five point lead on third place Flavovespia, so at least we have that going for us.

The Rockets did a great job against the Hornets, controlling the pace of play, and taking advantage of a penalty in which they were awarded in the 17th minute. Allister Levy fired the shot past Aarif Mohammad as the crowd continued to jeer the decision to award Levy the penalty to begin with. Not that it was the wrong call, but who out there likes to see the other team get awarded with one? Newmanistan struck again late in the first half, as a pretty tic-tac-toe passing place between Madison Desalvo, Allister Levy, and Garrett Sarniak resulted in Sarniak getting Mohammad off balance with a fake shot first, then firing it against the lean of the keeper to make it 2-0. The teams played even soccer in the second half, but the Hornets needed to do much more than that. Parnell Addington was your goal scorer for Newmanistan, coming in the 68th minute, seven minutes after Scott Coleman cut the lead to one.

That brought us to Loudon, and the game certainly had that playoff atmosphere to it. With a six point swing possible, Newmanistan knew that they could really put Omerica away with a victory while the visitors were in a situation where they had to win. They were shut down by the stingy defense of South Covello in the game leading up to it, that being a nation that cannot be looked past in the group because of their history in the tournament. The first 20 minutes or so were a back and forth affair as the two offensive minded teams looked to jump ahead of the other. In the 23rd, Newmanistan struck first, off a corner and on a goal from Ryan Singletary. This came off the rebound, as the initial shot by Garrett Sarniak was stopped by Valentine Augustin, but Singletary, as he has a habit of doing throughout his career, was in the right spot at the right time to get to the rebound, and make it 1-0. Unfortunately, this only lasted fifteen minutes as veteran Jessie Beckett tied up the score with a well placed shot of her own.

This brought us to half number two, and it would start in a similar way that the first half did, which each team playing quite well. Captain Paul Lombardi got the crowd fired up in the 70th minute, with a go-ahead goal, and it seemed like Newmanistan was in the driver’s seats. Sadly, this would not last, and the team may long regret what happened in the final eleven minutes. Jamal Ahmad in the 79th, and Maxime Fournier in the 86th. As good as things had been going, the thoughts of Newmanistan always finding a way to not qualify began to get in the heads of some of the fans. That’s just the way it is for us, though the players were upbeat and said the right things after the game. This, we all know, could really come back to haunt us later on.

Elsewhere in the world, there is a lot going on as the Atlantian Oceania that we have become so accustomed to is no longer. It has been all over the news, so this is probably not the first time you are hearing about the formation of the Anaian region. Emperor Michael V made a formal statement concerning the matter, and this is what was said.

“My dear Newmanistanians, as you have heard in the news, sixteen nations have seceded from Atlantian Oceania via the Declaration of Foxchester and have formed a new region that is to be known as Anaia. Many of the nations that are involved are countries that Newmanistan has, at the very least, a relationship with on the athletic fields. These nations predominantly made up the northern portion of Atlantian Oceania, and now the Anaian region is up to 45 nations. At this time, this has been a peaceful separation in most cases, and it is not expected that the lives of Newmanistanians would be in danger if they choose to visit a nation in Anaia, or a nation remaining in Atlantian Oceania. I also anticipate that all diplomatic relations that we have with all of the nations will remain the same. It is a situation that we should keep an eye on, as it is an interesting development in that part of the world. For the citizens of these countries, it may represent a change to their daily lives, but any of that will probably be temporary.

In light of this, this is a good time for me to declare our loyalty to the region of Esportiva. We have done great things as a region here, and I am proud of the region mates that we have. There was a time, very long ago, that we moved from the One Big Island region to come to Esportiva, and it is a move that I am very happy that my grandfather made. We will ensure that Esportiva remains strong, and we wish the best for everyone that is directly impacted in the formation of the Anaian region.”

Many Newmanistanians are in shock over the secession of these nations, mentioning that nations like Starblaydia and Krytenia were “synonymous with AO”. Other nations, such as Audioslavia, one of the current World Cup hosts in Chromatika, Ko-oren and Quebec were part of the undersigned of the Declaration of Foxchester. Jeffrey Carlucci, the Newmanistanian ambassador to Krytenia called it, “Even when I was here, there was not a lot of talk about it to outsiders like me. I am confident that everything will remain safe and peaceful in this part of the world, and that is a testament to these great nations, both the ones that have made the move, and those opting to stay put. In terms of safety and security, everything will be fine. In Raynor City, Valanora, there is a little more shock about the move, and maybe for the next little while, any Newmanistanians who planned a trip there should reconsider, but I think that even there, there is no threat to security.”

There were no reported issues amongst Newmanistanians who made the trip to Flavovespia for the World Cup qualifying match. Most called it “a little hectic” there, but did not see anything particularly unusual with the country, which is one of the ones that moved to Anaia even if it is not one the highest profile nations. It will certainly be interesting to follow.

by **Eshialand** » Tue May 18, 2021 9:53 am

Foxchestered
Pluvia and the Saxean Isles 3 - 1 Eshialand

Your plane approaches Marienburg, in an Atlantian Oceania forever changed.

On the day before the match against Sendhang (oft-referred to as the "Massacre on Highchurch Street"), 17 nations came to a difficult decision: that their time in Atlantian Oceania, the most storied sporting region in the multiverse, was going to come to a close.

These weren't just any 17 nations though, because among the names were some of the greatest and most well-known in all of soccer. Audioslavia. Chromatika. Ko-oren. Mriin. Quebec. Starblaydia. These nations, among many others, were splitting off to start their own region, known as Anaia. With one pen-stroke, it was official. The Declaration of Foxchester was enacted, and what was once one became two.

Reactions across Atlantian Oceania were mixed. Banija was against the move, but wished for diplomatic ties to stay strong between them and the nations of Chromatika and Quebec. On the other end of the spectrum was Valanora... they cut off all ties to the rebel states and treated them as if the Foxchester Declaration was one of war.

There was going to be a summit held in Stelburg, Siovanija and Teusland to decide what AO's formal response would be. Would it be a peaceful split, or would there have to be a civil war?

As your plane touches down, you ponder what could happen at that summit. What may happen to the two regions. Whether the nation you were stepping into was going to become an active warzone.

The Pluvian government had been silent about the Foxchester Seventeen, but the people of Marienburg certainly have their own opinions. Everywhere you go, everyone's talking about Foxchester this, Anaia that... thank goodness Eshialand doesn't have to deal with any regional politics. They're always fun to watch, but actually being involved in them is a recipe for disaster.

That night in your hotel room, you decide to check the news on your phone. It's always good to keep up with what's going on in Eshialand, no matter where you are.

You go to enn.esh (thank goodness that TLD change got approved, the old .ex was horrible) and see Josh Seametzle reporting some breaking news. Curious, you turn up the volume and listen intently.

"...and now, we go to Prime Minister David Peterson, live from parliament."

He steps up to the podium looking very... serious. Almost as if something was wrong.

"As you likely already know, many nations in the region of Atlantian Oceania have decided to leave the region to form their own region, Anaia.

"After intense deliberation in parliament, I am ready to announce Eshialand's formal position on the matter of Anaian secession. We, the people of Eshialand, support the peaceful secession of Anaia from Atlantian Oceania, and wish to seek diplomatic ties with the nations that form the new region.

"That being said, we demand answers on the purpose of the military alliance known as NEATO. War is not the answer to any bad blood there may be between the two regions, and we're extremely concerned about what an Anaian military alliance may lead to.

"We wish no ill will to the members of either region, and simply hope for a better tomorrow for all nations involved. May peace reign forever across the multiverse!"

You turn off your phone in sheer horror. What made Prime Minister Peterson think that commenting on the Anaia situation, even a seemingly innocuous, peaceful comment like that, was a good idea when the Eshian National Soccer Team was in Atlantian Oceania? Does he even care about the team at all? What are you thinking, of course he doesn't care. He never wanted the team to exist in the first place... someday, you promise yourself, you'd be the Prime Minister. You wouldn't involve Eshialand in other nations' problems, burning bridges and endangering Eshians abroad. You wouldn't get involved.

As for the match... it was destined to be another disappointment. In the 35th minute, Eshialand opens the scoring with a laser from Alyssa Longfield, who ran the ball all the way from midfield, but it would all be downhill from there. In the 56th minute, David Gorman slipped on the ball, with it going straight to Otto Pearce, who scored easily. 1-1.

Things keep getting worse, as in the 70th minute, Axel Newman stole the ball from Steven Lachey, with the ball being passed to Niko Gardner and then to Carsten Grisbaum, who scored on Meers. 2-1.

In the 83rd minute, the game was sealed by Otto Pearce, who scored on a penalty after Jacob Harran bumped Gregor O'Donnell the wrong way.

That was it. 3-1. Four losses in a row. And it wouldn't get any easier, as Eshialand's next opponents would be Savojarna. Hoo boy...

"Hello and welcome back to ENN Tournament Report, I'm your host Josh Seametzle. Let's look at Matchday 6's matches in Group 2 as well as for Atheara, since they're still fun to watch. Apparently. I never got it myself.

Lisander 3 - 3 Devonta
"I'm not sure what surprises me more, that Devonta's still doing so well or that Lisander picked up the draw here."

Sendhang 0 - 1 Vilita
"Nothing surprising, let's move on."

Pluvia and the Saxean Isles 3 - 1 Eshialand
"What, who was that who lost? No, I've never heard of that team. Never in my life."

Savojarna 0 - 0 The 14 Stars
"I'm not sure what just happened, but one thing's for sure: The 14 Stars (who are still goalless by the way) just pulled off the ridiculous.

Hebitaka 0 - 1 Squornshelan Remnant States
"Nothing anybody didn't expect here, just another match."

Atheara 0 - 1 The Grearish Union
"Still no points for Atheara? No? Anyone?"

"And that just about wraps it up for... oh, oh no. Alana Markai, the former host of this show, just posted a twii.tur... oh dear."

@agmarkai The date? Matchday 10. The location? Astena Stadium. We'll go to cheer for Atheara, and stay to protest Valanora. #StormAstena #FreeAnaia

"So... she's trying to rally Eshians to buy tickets to the Atheara-Valanora match, protesting Valanora's decision to cut off all ties to the Anaian nations... does she think this will work? Does she think thousands of Eshian fans will buy a ticket to watch Atheara and protest something that happening in another corner of the multiverse? They may come to watch Atheara, sure, but they won't stay to protest Valanora. At least, not if they have half a brain."

"Until next time... I've been a very confused Josh Seametzle."

by **Kelssek** » Tue May 18, 2021 10:26 am

KELSSEK’S LEADING SPORTS NETWORK

FOOTBALL > WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS
New captains steer football Voyagers to win

Colm Ó Tuathail barrelled past three defenders to ensure his first match as Kelssek captain was won with a coolly-taken finish by vice-captain Loïc Maçon-Petrault.
The winger had been kept quiet for 75 minutes by the close attention of the Saltstead backline, but a glimmer of a chance and a moment of quality was all he needed to evade Gunner Stepħenssen’s close atttention. Gabriel Lapierre did well to flick a goal kick into the kind of space that Kelssek hadn’t been able to find all game, and Ó Tuathail was quick off the mark to play it past Violeta Igesleven.

Rokus Michahels got a foot to the ball on the edge of the penalty box as Ó Tuathail ran at the central defender but the Kelssek player managed to keep his balance under the challenge and square it for Loïc Maçon-Petrault. Directus’s newest star had only a half second but he showed why he’d caught the attention of the world’s second-ranked club as he sent a low half-volley into the bottom right corner with his weaker foot.

Saltstead took the game to Kelssek, controlled the midfield with the lion’s share of possession, and will have been bitterly disappointed not to have done better with their chances. Cathal Gallagher was called into action often but never seriously tested as Kelssek’s backline were able to limit the quality of any scoring chances.

Damien Halliger made sure of a frustrating and bruising outing for Stepħanie Withöüf, but then he gifted substitute Edvard Rothås his team’s best chance at an equalizer by misplacing a breakout pass. Rothås was quicker to the ball than a fatigued Gabriel Lapierre, but Gallagher came out aggressively and was able to get enough of a touch on the forward’s shot to deflect it onto the post.

It was a much-needed win to steady the ship as Kelssek find their qualification chances already in jeopardy. They suffered two losses in their first five matches and even with this win are facing a tough task, needing to make up ground on surprise group leaders Tumbra.

Colm Ó Tuathail spoke of his pride and honour at being appointed captain, but said it didn't change anything about his relationship with his teammates and how he approaches international fixtures. Since moving to Shamrock Cathair, he’s been part of a share of disappointing defeats, including in two IFCF finals and last-minute defeats with the Audioslavian league title on the line. While teammates know they still have to beware of shoe polish if any facilities they use have black toilet seats, those high-pressure experiences have given a gravitas and maturity to the once fresh-faced winger.

“I think the mentality and the kind of qualities I have always tried to maintain, the kind of leadership I have already done, that's the reason I've been given this role, and it's what I'll strive to keep the same. I think that's what everyone expects of me, the only real difference is that it is official. I think we have leaders throughout this team but I want to set a positive tone and especially to make sure we have the right spirit in the room and represent Kelssek as best as we can.”

“Obviously really happy that we got the win today. That’s the most important thing, and yeah, as captain it’s up to you to step up when the time comes, and it’s a standard that I set for myself every time I play.”

SALTSTEAD 0
KELSSEK 1 – Maçon-Petrault (76’)
Gallagher, Liadon, Halliger, Lozic, Vinter, Blueman (Tremblay-Fillon 73’), Lapierre, Ó Tuathail, Champetier (Douglass 68’), Taleb, Maçon-Petrault (Wylten 80’)
King William VII, Ashwell (attendance 70,444)

KELSSEK 4 – Maçon-Petrault (9’), Blueman (16’), Maradrogba (pen. 43’), Champetier (63’)
GARBELIA 1 – Otter (24’)
Gallagher, Bowler, Fourtin, Marshall, Douglass, Blueman (Bogdanor 72’), Lapierre (Lafrenière 45’), Champetier, McDonald, Maçon-Petrault (Karven 45’), Maradrogba
Exhibition Place, Kirkenes (attendance 31,945)

by **Sarzonia** » Tue May 18, 2021 11:38 am

[OOC: Also posted in my thread on International Incidents.]

Haffner spent the better part of the trip on Sarzonia One poring over his notes and doing a lot of thinking.

About Atlantian Oceania. About Sarzonia. About his role in trying to piece together his country's place in the region.

The region was threatening to come apart at the seams, and he knew Sarzonia could either bind together the countries who wanted to remain in Atlantian Oceania or force the chasm even wider. The proposals from External Affairs to initiate sanctions against the countries that chose to split apart from Atlantian Oceania and form a rogue sub-region seemed a bit harsh, at least for the nations whom had a warmer relationship with Sarzonia. He'd had that conversation with Senior Vice President Conway about the proposal, reminding him that the blanket sanctions were both too harsh on the likes of Krytenia and too mild for the Starblaydias of the traitorous nations.

Treason. That's what no one in the Situation Room dared say publicly. It was a word that very likely would inflame tensions between Sarzonia and the rogue countries, rather than tamp down the hostilities. But it was a feeling Haffner could not ignore.

As for Senior Vice President Newman's proposal to activate the Ready Reserves, including the mothball fleet and the Home Guard, and to initiate military exercises was sound. His request for an immediate $100 billion transfusion in defence spending for a country whose military budget usually approached $200 billion, with some of the funding used to maintain the reserves and the mothball fleet, was not going well with Parliament. Truth be told, $25 billion was all that was needed to fund the escalation called for in activating the Ready Reserves and commissioning the mothball fleet. Newman's proposal was to implement a tiered approach to escalations, one that future Presidents, and, if the proposed new article in the Constitution were implemented, potentially lieutenant presidents, could use in the hopefully unlikely event of future wartime escalations.

A tier 3 escalation was one that was most likely to get through Parliament without difficulty. That would activate the Ready Reserves and the mothball fleet, bringing into commission some 70 warships that were actively being maintained with skeleton crews and could be upcrewed and commissioned for active service with minimal notice. The Army and Air Force could expand its numbers with officers and enlisted personnel who were theoretically ready to jump in at a moment's notice. That would also allow the activation of the Home Guard, and the federalisation of the Home Guard should it be required.

A tier 2 escalation would be more difficult to pass the Senate, and might require Lieutenant President Patrick to cast a tiebreaking vote. It would not only activate the Ready Reserves and the mothball fleet, but it would also cause the automatic activation and federalisation of the Home Guard and the Naval Reserves, which would require more maintenance to repair and refit some ships that hadn't been kept in wartime shape. This would likely include drawing funds from the federal reserve (OOC: Some U.S. states have a so-called "rainy day fund"; this is Sarzonia's term for it) without an infusion in cash from Parliament. This would put Sarzonia on a near-wartime footing without an actual declaration of war or even a declaration of hostility.

As for tier 1, unless tensions escalated to the point where a full-scale war was likely, it was not going to pass Parliament. This would require Parliament to allocate $100 billion in emergency defence spending, including the rapid construction of new ships and warplanes, and a call for volunteers to serve in the Army and Air Force. In the event of the opposing military faction having space borne assets, it would also activate the long-forgotten Space Force. This was an option in the event one of the Anais nations provoked Sarzonia, but Haffner was going to be careful to not provoke another country. A war, most likely with Starblaydia, was not something Haffner particularly looked forward to.

A tier 3 escalation was going to be the course Haffner and company decided upon. He would make the announcement shortly after Sarzonia One touched down and he made his way to the hotel where he was staying. First lady Gloria Haffner was not with him, as the matter was not a state visit that would allow for family to attend. Besides, she was busy with their newborn grandchild. Lieutenant President Patrick was busy with the Cabinet going over various scenarios. As Haffner saw the skyline of Stelburg loom in the distance, he thought briefly about checking his phone for the scores of the two World Cup qualifying matches the Stars were playing. He smiled when the Stars won one match, but grimaced when he realised the Stars again lost points in a match they could have and should have won.

It was going to be a long, rough qualifying campaign for the Stars. Much as it was going to be a stressful time in Atlantian Oceania.

by **HUElavia** » Tue May 18, 2021 1:31 pm

Progress, but Ever so Slowly...

HUElavia gets two draws that has their upsides and downsides.

Txakhaxi 1-1 HUElavia
(Uraikheta 38' | Savedra 15')
(Adaxa Park, Adaxa)

HUElavia 1-1 Ko-oren
(Mendieta 90+4' | Erisia 52')
(Estadio Internacional, San Rafael)

HUElavia came into Matchdays 6 and 7 needing a rebound after the surprise 3-2 home loss to Delaclava. Taking on unranked Txakhaxi and #7 Ko-oren, Los Amarillos/Os Amarelos were needing to go all out in order to rebound the results. The first game was an away visit to Txakhaxi at Adaxa Park (23,500), in Adaxa, while the second game was a sold-out home match at Estadio Internacional (82,500) in San Rafael against Ko-oren. For these two matches, the Home Uniform was opted, given that it did not conflict with the uniforms of the two opponents. Notably as well, Coach Conavacio opted to use the B-Team for the first match and the A-Team for the second match, wanting to get more points to keep good pace. Once the anthems were played and the coin toss flipped, the ball rolled and the matches were under way!

The first match was one that HUElavia had a difficult time opening up to. The defensive strategy of Txakhaxi had them taking the ball away from HUElavian midfielders and attackers and putting them away for throw-ins or a possible free kick here or there. Despite this, the opening goal would come in the 15th minute, when Mantovani-Jardim took a low shot that hit the hands of Kobotxau, and went off, leading Savedra, who was played onside by Adaxi, to tap in the ball into the goal to make it 0-1. Savedra celebrated with his teammates with an entertaing dance while the home supporters were whistling from the whiff of a save and the goal allowed. Despite this, HUElavia played more on a lax level, making shots here and there, but in the 38th minute, Torrisi was dispossessed by Hubangu, who sent a long, low pass to Uraikheta, who got past Grunberg and took a low shot that slid past the fingertips of Vannier and into the goal to make it 1-1. The crowd erupted and celebrated with joy, all while Uraikheta celebrated with his teammates for the goal. In the 2nd half, HUElavia began to put more pressure, including the additions of Navarro, Conti-Esposito, and Muller for Savedra, Mantovani-Jardim, and Grunberg respectively. Despite the attacks and clamping down on defense, Los Amarillos/Os Amarelos could not get anything more, as the game ended in a bitter 1-1 draw, that favored Txakhaxi more than HUElavia.

The second match was one that both HUElavia and Ko-oren played more cautiously, with HUElavia putting on attacks after careful buildup passes, and Ko-oren going very hard on the defensive side. There were some shots taken by the likes of Navarro, Hamada-Navarro, and Sol, but they were saved by Theshendan. Meanwhile, shots by Erisia were saved by Ramos with ease. The opening goal came in the 52nd minute when Liebermann misread a pass from Duran, which got to the boot of Yokota, who gave a pass to Erisia, to give a one-timer to blast past a reaching Ramos to make it 0-1. Erisia celebrated with his teammates while the stadium was silenced and the team frustrated. HUElavia went on the attack and made shots that would go wide or be saved in the hands of Theshendan. In the 90+4th minute, a corner was won by HUElavia, which everyone came up to take the chance. A corner by Conti-Esposito was taken and it curved into the box, reaching the head of Mendieta, who headed it past Theshendan into the goal to make it 1-1, sending the crowd into a passionate frenzy. Mendieta was mobbed while the fans chanted his name. Shortly after, the match ended in the draw, keeping HUElavia alive in the Qualifiers.

With the two draws, while the team has avoided losses, their streak without a victory now went up to 3 consecutive matches. The team has dropped to 4th place with 14 Points (4-2-1). They sit behind Leaders Vdara with 18 Points (6-0-1), 2nd Place Ko-oren with 16 Points (5-1-1), and 3rd Placed Frestovenia with 15 Points (5-0-2). For the moment, against the more direct opponents, Los Amarillos/Os Amarelos have 4 out of 6 possible points. Out of the Top 3 for that matter, they have 7 out of 9 possible points. The next two opponents will be an away match at Barunia, where it will be played at Bayview Stadium (70,000), in Bayview, and a home match against Aut-Ves-Nat at Estadio Sino (50,000) in Bagnano. The Home Alternative will be worn at Barunia while the Home Uniform will be worn against Aut-Ves-Nat. It is expected for thousands of HUElavians to be present in Barunia, while it will be Sold-Out in Bagnano. The fans have confidence in the team, even in this tough stretch so far. There is optimism that the team can have good momentum headed into the 2nd half of the qualifiers, which will be needed. Coach Conavacio has voiced his concerns of the lack of results, but puts confidence in the team. The team continues to train hard and well in order to get favorable results. Here's to us keeping it together and going all in for another victory!

FORCA HUELAVIA! VAMOS HUELAVIA! GO HUELAVIA!

XI vs Barunia: 1 Ramos, 5 Liberman, 2 Mendieta, 3 Muller, 12 Pae, 10 Conti-Esposito, 8 Duran, 7 Navarro (C), 6 Guilbert, 11 Sol, 9 Hamada-Navarro

XI vs Aut-Ves-Nat: 23 Vannier, 12 Ezwa, 15 Resendes, 16 Cachi Canchasto, 18 Amaru-Dominguez (C), 22 Nazario, 19 Ocampo, 17 Yamane, 14 Bonhomme, 21 Di Stefano, 20 Santiago

by **Sargossa** » Tue May 18, 2021 2:04 pm

Far away to the North. Or left. Or possibly down. Wherever Atlantian Oceania’s location had been established in relation to Rushmore. Far away in that direction a political storm had spilt the heavens and indeed that particular region asunder. Although the shocking revelation that AO wasn’t actually as ‘4 life’ as those outside the storied continent had been led to believe wasn’t entirely threatening the sleepy mood way up here in the Chalaco Mountains. The fact that seventeen nations stuck a shiny new flag in a big chunk of Atlantian turf and declared that this was somewhere else now wasn’t really sending ripples through Rushmore. Although there was a very real threat that it could send the Darmenis on another of their Pan-Rushmori crusades. Admittedly it made an interesting talking point for those that took an interest in foreign affairs. And indeed there were smiles raised at the slightly passive aggressive choice of ‘Anaia’ as this new land’s moniker. It apparently means ‘brother’. The Atlantian siblings left behind potentially not feeling huge familial warmth toward their former brethren. But life in sleepy Torreón went on unabated.

Sleepily, for the most part. But for two exceptions. The Digs, the area of the university city in which the majority of the student body were housed, was generally the livelier part of town. And then there was the area around El Torrigal, the football stadium that on this day just happened to be home to a World Cup qualifier. The Sargossa national side have a formidable record in their mountain fastness. Fourteen games had taken place here in prior campaigns, with the Corsairs winning twelve and drawing two. The altitude was undoubtedly a factor. Such was the record that there had long been calls to make El Torrigal the official home stadium for the team. But the higher ups at the Football Federation would never countenance such a thing. The national team is for everyone therefore its appropriate to share its fixtures around the entire nation, is what they say. The six figure crowds in Soluca and Goza are too lucrative to lose, is what they mean. Not that the arguments were being made on this particular day. On this particular day things were going quite, quite badly.

Siapa ya were in town and it was entirely possible that nobody checked the geography of this obscure nation. The unranked minnows could very well be a nation of mountain goats for all the effect the altitude had. They had managed to race into a two goal lead with just twelve minutes on the clock. Their number seven, the Siapa ya national team budget not apparently stretching to names on their shirts, cut in from the flank and curled in a beautiful effort into the corner for the first. And just when some composure was required in the wake of that Raúl Dengra played a ridiculously short back pass which allowed the visiting striker in to make it two. It was quite the mess, made only marginally tidier by Diego Alejandro Costa’s goal just before the interval that made Brian McAllister’s halftime talk a little more straightforward.

What ever he actually said sure did the trick as Mateo Manzanares’ smart finish levelled it up five minutes later, before Costa’s volleyed second edged the hosts in front for the first time. A dipping drive from distance thanks to the left boot of Enrique González increased the lead even further, and thoughts turned from a potential upset to a relatively comfortable three points. But this side have lost to Hispinas and Huayramarca. To the Islands of Ventro and Sylestone. And ruddy Krytenia. Ranking doesn’t mean a huge amount in these parts. So naturally Siapa ya scored a third to set up an unnecessarily nervy end to the encounter. Because of course they did. But what they didn’t do was get a fourth, so Sargossa ended the sixth game of a disjointed campaign with a third win.

by **Trolleborg** » Tue May 18, 2021 3:21 pm

Greetings, compatriots!
It’s TTV with the most fresh news about our beloved national team.

Bollonich – Trolleborg 0-1

Already when the lineups were made public, it became obvious that fiery football with a dozen goals was not expected. The very arrangement of the players of both sides provided for a tight guarding of opponents and a lot of struggle throughout the field, and that's precisely what happened. It was a game of one, well, a maximum of two goals. Both teams tried to play defense as accurately as possible, and you can list the really sharp moments on the fingers of two hands. But, nevertheless, the game did not degenerate into a senseless hustle when people don't let each other play, which was interrupted by the referee's whistles on the occasion of endless fouls. Players of both hosts and guests fought without breaking the rules.

At the end Trolleborg managed to snatch victory from the brave newcomers. After a powerful and sudden shot from Valgren, the goalkeeper parried the ball where and how he only could, the oncoming Troll did not shoot from an acute angle as everyone expect, but made a brilliant pass to the far post, somehow managing to see and calculate where in the crowd of his own and other players' players would be Gulbranden, who struck ball his head from less than two meters

There was still almost half an hour left until the end of the game, but at this time our lads have more chances to increase the score rather than the hosts equalize it. Valgren once again upset goalkeeper with a powerful free-kick, and in addition one of the defenders turned up on the way of the ball, slightly changing the trajectory. Sirigu managed to put out the ball with his foot, but was already completely powerless to do something against our forwards, and Severin finished it all confidently, but the referee ruled him offside.

The score did not change, and our lads took home the much needed three points from Bollonich.

Trolleborg – Rangers 0-1

The second game for some reason – probably due to widely-held opinion that crisis in our team is over – was expected to be a little easier, and, maybe, the mood of the public was passed on to the team.
But Rangers already take points from Zwangzug, win game with Sylestone, (смести с лица земли) Talkasa and not easy opponent at all. Guests is the second team in the fixture of our team that having all players looked similarly, first one is T.H.E, who put lineup from one player only. Rangers players is much more different than T.H.E ones, so in probability recognize them will be much easier, but maybe something else bring attention of our players everywhere.

The main events unfolded in the second half. On the 61st minute, Valgren gave a brilliant pass in a situation that did not seem to portend trouble for the guests. The ball passed four players and arrived right at the foots of Severin, who rushed to the gates, and he managed to successfully shoot past the goalkeeper who throw oneself on the way - but the referee said that our forward was offside

In fact it is not so easy to determine what exactly happened there, but proposals to use electronics to find out the truth were not successful. Protests of our lads doesn’t have effect – referee remain adamant and stubbornly refuse consider anything.

And on 74th minute Rangers score - after a powerful shot, the ball suddenly flew out from behind the backs of the defenders, Kotsson somehow managed to parried it, but one of the forwards arrived first and make a shot. Our lads appealed to the referee demanding to cancel the goal, claimed there was offside, but to no avail.

Our guys rushed to even, but they were desperately unlucky. So, to the surprise of almost all spectators, the match ended with the defeat of our team. Second in three home matches. We would like to note that if what happened is not an error of judgment, then all this is very strange.

by **Montana Verde** » Tue May 18, 2021 3:34 pm

Montaña Verde – 1 (0)
Dolfo; Roberta (60’ Castiglione ), Moreau (60’ Arquímedes (73’)), Jairo, Mallén (61’); Ana-Ximena; Cristo Díaz, Sara Ariadna; Primitivo (80’); Páez, Osito (78’ Thiago Montilla )

Eraman – 2 (1)
Petara (25’), Gangsa (53’)

Savigliane – 1 (1)
Squarciafichi (34’)

Montaña Verde – 0 (0)
Dolfo; Castiglione (88’), Moreau (56’), Jairo (32’ Arquímedes ), Mallén; Ana-Ximena (83’ Edgar ); Cristo Díaz, Sara Ariadna; Primitivo; Naomí Berrocal (72’), Páez (65’ Thiago Montilla )

The Condors were on a nasty streak of losing at home and winning away, and successfully managed to break that streak this time around! ¡Viva Condors!

Squad update: Justin, Edelberto, Bregmann and Osito all return from injury. Dolfo and Castiglione. Jairo will miss the next game through injury, meaning there’s still a place in the side for Arquímedes.

by **Krytenia** » Tue May 18, 2021 3:50 pm

Upheaval Upon Upheaval: Linton Loses The Witting
Mark Newton reports from Emberton

The sword of Damocles has, at last, fallen upon Charles Linton. Having survived defections, defeats, a bodged budget, and an entire nation turning their collective backs on him, the Government was undone by a metaphorical missile from a foreign source; the city of Woodstock. Like a well-taken penalty, the decision of the Sarzonian government not to recognise the Foxchester Declaration as legitimate was the final nail in the coffin for Mr. Linton and his Reform Party.

Mr. Linton had dodged a bullet the day after the Declaration, with the Conservatives convincing Socialist leader Nicole Deschamps to hold fire on a no-confidence vote as the Government attempted to fight diplomatic fires following the reactions of several Atlantian Oceania nations. The announcement from the Sarzonians, however, was seen as "avoidable and unacceptable collateral damage" to Krytenian diplomatic relations by the Conservatives, and proved to be the final straw. Opposition leader Penelope Baker, in tabling the motion, mentioned her shock and dismay that the Witting was kept uninformed of such a momentous governmental decision, and showed "the arrogance of the man who stands at the despatch box across from me which must now be stopped."

The no-confidence motion passed easily, with around a dozen Reform backbenchers, similarly upset at a lack of transparency from the Prime Minister and the Cabinet, joining the Conservatives, MNP, Socialists, Democrats and Greens in voting out the Government. The motion automatically triggers the general election process, with Mr. Linton remaining in charge until the results of the election are known in six weeks time.

Early polls put the Conservatives in front at 26%, with Reform trailing in third well behind the Socialists and slightly ahead of the Democrats. With votes likely to be split in four different directions, however, it's unclear how the split in the vote will affect the share of seats; some pundits predict the Conservatives could win the election with as little as 30% of the vote.

by **Netop** » Tue May 18, 2021 4:59 pm

Where is Netop actually located?

With the recent Anaia saga in which numerous important Atlantian Oceania nations in the Northeast signed the Declaration of Foxchester in which notables such as Audioslavia, Starblaydia, Chromatika, Krytenia, and many more founded a new region that looks to immediately challenge the current Big Three sporting regions of the World. With this shocking new event that many never saw coming as the talks were pretty secret and not many things are known about them the people of Netop started to ask the question where exactly is Netop?

Ask any passerby on the streets of Netop, or for that matter any other country in the region where Netop is and they might say in AO, I don't know, the center of the multiverse, or what's a Netop. However none of these people can actually tell you where Netop is or if it's even in Atlantian Oceania as we know it as there are no traces of the Islands on any map. Foreign readers (if there are any) might be shocked at this but it's actually a policy that the Kohnheadian colonizers started centuries ago.

At first trade and travel flourished between the mother nation Kohnhead and the brutal colonizers that they sent here to Netop to massacre us among other things. However quickly they realized that the Islands were very important and thus they didn't want anyone else finding out about them or their location. Travel suddenly ceased almost entirely and the only way a Kohnheadian could come to Netop was if they planned to stay permanently, this was before the era of airplanes (at this in our parts) and so any travel was done by boats. The only boats that could access Netop were government boats and captained by trusted people who upon retirement were probably put to death as Kohnhead can do that. Any maps, records, or books on Netop's location were burned and the Government engrained it in the people's heads that the Islands were in a mysterious place that no one could reach unless on one of their boats.

The policy worked and Netop stayed isolated from the rest of the World until we kicked out the Kohnheadians and then the Government had a choice to make. Should we fully open ourselves and reveal ourselves to the world or should we stay in seclusion, as we all know the Government chose the latter and we closed down even further destroying any ships or planes that came anywhere near the Islands. However the destruction of planes and ships sparked concerns from some other nations who had heard myths about powerful Netop but didn't know if we actually existed.

And so with concern from the Government Netop came out of hiding, at least partially. We announced our presence to the World not by revealing our location but by saying that yes we do exist but that Netop will not reveal its location and any ship or vessel of transportation anywhere near the Islands will be destroyed, keep using the sea/air routes you currently use for venturing off of them could spell doom for you.

The people laughed at this and questioned how we planned to keep this policy going but we were able to keep this up despite their concerns and were even able to join the Sporting World. However there were certain requirements for joining the world of sports that Netop and foreigners playing here have to abide by.
1. Anytime Netopians fly out of the country or sail out of the country the plane and ships are to be on auto-route (a technology that means captains and pilots are not necessary) on a randomized route that will eventually take Netop to their destination. These ships and planes are unsee through meaning that no Netopians can see out of them and look like normal vessels of transportation so people do not think any dangerous thoughts.
2. Foreigners flying in (they aren't allowed to sail in) will also go on a randomized route and cannot see out of their plane. However their flights can be no longer than 50 hours.
3. Upon landing in Netop, foreigners are in a walled village that contains the stadium, their sleeping accomodations, and any other needs they might have. They cannot leave this village and cannot ask any locals for information about life outside of the village. They are to spend all of their time in the walled village before leaving.

This however only partially explains why Netop is not on any Atlantian Oceanian maps as no one knows where it is. The second reason is that Netop might not actually be in any maps. See before the first AOCAF that we were to participate in our officials signed us up saying that Netop is somewhere inside the boundaries of the region. When they were asked for proof we don't know what happened but Netop's exact location was not given out and the most popular theory is that one official pointed to a map and said Netop is somewhere inside of this which for some reason satisfied everyone and we joined. See we could be in AO and I would argue it's most likely that we are somewhere on the outskirts but why does a couple hundred (or thousand) miles of Ocean between us and the rest of the Region really matter. It's all just Ocean out here so we might as well just extend the boundaries as far as we want.

by **Zwangzug** » Tue May 18, 2021 6:59 pm

The Arlington Moon-Tribune

North Japan is located in The South Pacific, which already says something about how literally one can take its press reports. It's not propaganda, however, to report that they held top-seeded Zwangzug to a draw in the ZS^3. The sides were evenly matched for much of the first half, and while Nora Kent-Maner would give the hosts the lead six minutes after the restart, Izo Natsuke equalized eleven minutes from full time to give the underdogs a well-earned point.

According to the official roster, which we have no reason to distrust, all of the North Japanese starting XI are under the age of twenty-five. One wonders what they think of travelling beyond their borders: are they awed at the outside world? Jealous? Afraid of what reaction awaits them back home? Truly proud to represent their "psychotic dictatorship" homeland? We may not know, but we can say that their five-player midfield linked up well and effectively neutralized Zwangzug's own. If anything, Takeo Hitachi's charges were even more gung-ho at attacking than the home side was on defense--but while North Japan got to control much of the possession for the first half in Zwangzug's half of the field, they weren't able to convert.

Sophie Munshi has been erratic in the first few games this cycle--some bloggers have suggested she's past her peak, while others point out that after a dominant season with Mierton even more than the national team last time around, regression towards the mean is only to be expected. Nevertheless, she has plenty of skill, and/or didn't want the humiliation of losing to a side that normally has to publish fake news about its triumphs; an elegant dribble past Saburo Suzuki (no relation to Hanna) set up Kent-Maner. Zwangzug were not so much complacent as protective of the surprisingly hard-won lead, and shifted even more defensively, with Johan Idmar being replaced by the prodigious if troubled Corey Richardson in a (1)-4-6-0 reminiscent of Tavish Willow's tenure. But North Japan responded by challenging Fedya Troy-Vee from a distance, with Tomoyuki Takahara taking several long, speculative shots that deflected harmlessly off the crossbar where Akhil Sibal could clear them out. Natsuke's blast in the 79th was precise, however, and the Kirin held on for the draw.

Tequilo, in contrast, are located in Anaia, which...[Editor's note: our journalist went on a surprisingly xenophobic diatribe when all he needed was a one-line summary of current geopolitics. Fortunately, he's just as dismissive and petty about the extant Atlantian Oceania as he is about the Anaia region, but even with disclaimers, we have no desire to publish this. The only parts we can quote are that Chromatika's flag is ballin', and that he wishes the delegates in ~~Savojarna and Deusland~~ ~~Sobanija and Toysland~~ ~~Somebananas and Toilets~~ STELBURG well as they form new accords and strengthen old bonds. It was really funny and incisive, though. You'll just have to trust us.]

...anticipation of the Pitxi film festival continues to build. The Agave-Blues, as you may have seen, won the most recent edition of the Eagles' Cup, and have constructed their own Estadio Águilar appropriately. While Zwangzug's performance in the 10th installment was a far cry from their induction-worthy performance four editions prior, they would come out on top after some wobbly defensive showings from both sides.

While Oscar Bienvenida may have a great name and a strong leadership capacity, he did not get a lot of help from his defense on the day. Captain Vilca Hualla received a stern warning for a rough tackle on Simon Gannett three minutes in (to be fair, Gannett is the biggest member of our back line, and really should have been able to take it). Ixtub Tün, though desperate to get in on the action, was not able to link up well with the rest of the defense, with Munshi able to shadow him for most of the first half. Twelve minutes in, Amos Noile-Murne passed to Idmar, who wrong-footed it past a helpless Bienvenida to give the visitors the lead.

The hosts fought back, with Çenturion flicking in a long goal to equalize on twenty-seven minutes. (Somewhat annoyingly, given the detailed Tequiloan stats-counting, he has like sixty-ish games to go before he can live up to his name.) After a couple asides with the referee about how he was interpreting the sidelines as more suggestions than boundaries, Ricardo Bailén deigned to color inside the lines long enough to put the Agave-Blues ahead.

Shortly before half time, another Hualla foul--this one more blatant--gave Zwangzug a free kick. Kayla Haugen took it, Amos Noile-Murne came up with it, and poked it in. After the break, Zwangzug seemed to try forcing a slower pace--perhaps Kate DiMarini was wary of repeating the scheme that had not brought success against North Japan. While several of the hosts seemed frustrated at this sedate approach, Ostando Bertendona was able to make several decent tackles. Against the run of play, however, Tova Miovuku would break forward and evade Huracan, scoring to make it 3-2.

Both sides turned to substitutes to bolster their midfield, with Aimee Ginoud-Sachs and Esther Axelrod-Conway coming on for Zwangzug, and Tsttanauayui and Xaime Medal for Tequilo. While Ginoud-Sachs' Twineur favor an up-tempo, restless style conducive to Tequiloan play (but not so much our national team's preferred tactics on the day), it's Axelrod-Conway who's taken to the chaos of the Farfadillis side of the SFPL in a way that Paige Daunten never completely warmed to. Fortuitously for Zwangzug, she scored what proved to be the winning goal in minute 72, off a short tap from Junia McCue.

The hosts would not go quietly, however; a miscommunication seven minutes later between Troy-Vee and Lissa Crain left the former wide open for Tlacolotl to score. Tsttanauayui nearly equalized three minutes later, but whether due to an instinct to make the shot more shambolic and dramaic, or a timely tackle from Crain trying to redeem herself, wound up skying it harmlessly. Not the crispest win, but three points are three points. Unless you're converting to or from the domestic scale, in which case, three points are one point. You know what we mean. Or if you're doing the fantasy scoring thing and-- [I think we're done here. -ed]

World Cup 81/82/83/84

High Emotions, National Pride at WC Match
by Isaac J Gordon, City Desk Reporter
for The Exponent

President's Park—When the arrangements were made for the visit of the national soccer team from Legalese to face the Baker Park team, it was a routine preparation that city & state officials were familiar with.

The announcement of the split of seventeen nations from the Atlantian Oceania region brought about the need for extraordinary measures to be undertaken, as the visiting team and the traveling support from Legalese would be making the first appearance of a nation from the newly established Anaia to compete against one of their former regional partners.

In addition to an increased presence by Shirley City Police, both the Baker County Sheriff and the SATA Police were called upon to provide additional manpower, and the number of stewards inside the stadium was doubled.

The blue, white and orange regional flag flew prominently just below the Commonwealth flag at the north end of the stadium, while the flag of the visiting nation was consigned to a single, smaller flagpole at the southwest corner of the ground. There were fliers distributed to all ticketholders as they entered stressing that the Football Association of the Commonwealth considered the visitors to be non-political, and that the expectations of behavior hosts should follow remained in force.

The playing of the anthems was a potential flashpoint, but went off without incident; some catcalls and boos greeted the announcement of the Legalese anthem, but largely the home crowd remained silent, with many turning their backs to the field. The singing of Hear Our Voices Commonwealth was, by contrast, a demonstration of nationalistic fervor with a sea of waving flags and almost defiant singing.

At the conclusion of the match, a 3-2 win for Baker Park, The Exponent had an opportunity to speak with several of the foreign visitors about their experience.
A man in his mid-30's, who'd come with a group of friends: “It wasn't nearly as bad as I expected, honestly. We'd heard that this is a pretty nice place to come to for matches, the people are generally friendly. Nobody harassed us on the street coming down from the hotel, and the police have gone to a lot of trouble to watch out for us, which surprised me.”
Another member of the same group: “I think it's a shame really, that all of this political stuff has suddenly made everyone enemies against one another. I think we'd come back again in the future if things settle down, because of the reputation you lot have. We're grateful that there were people looking after us, for our safety, I know I'll be thanking the cops as we leave."

by **Legalese** » Tue May 18, 2021 9:15 pm

“Come in.”

Myles entered the room. “You wanted to see me, ma’am?”

“Lisa, please.” she gestured to the chair across from her desk.

“What’s up?”
“Well, let me put this diplomatically: what in the ever-living hell were you all thinking? By Margaret, that stunt in Baker Park right now?”

Myles smiled sheepishly. “I mean, it’s keeping to our team’s tone: press hard, play fearlessly, and in that moment, act fearlessly. Hell, we still got out of there with a one goal loss, which isn’t great, but better than we should’ve expected, and the guys played well.”

“But did you really have to wear red velour track suits, with the Legalese Naval Jack on the back and the Anaia crown on the front? And sunglasses, on top of that?”

“It was bright out!”

Lisa gripped the table. “Let’s be clear. You’ve seen the responses since the government announced The Departure, and we’re lucky that Baker Park is, in fact, one of the more conciliatory sides. Reports from travelers acknowledged that, at least -- they were gracious hosts, just as we’ll welcome them in the near future.”

“The bottom line is this: we are the most visible part of our country, and the closest we have to an official delegation in most of the places we go. Hell, we might not even have ambassadors in a lot of the places you think we would, which is a different concern, but means the job’s left to us.”

Lisa stood. “So, let me be clear: do what you need to do to motivate this team and get them out of this blip and back on track, but DO. NOT. POKE. THE. BEAR.”

“Are we clear?”

For the first time in months, Myles Woodworth was silent, as he nodded.

“Good.” Lisa smiled. “Now tell me what the hell happened that caused us to draw with Chartistan.”

by **Bollonich** » Tue May 18, 2021 9:16 pm

Vreton City Journal

Match Reviews

Bollonich 0 - 1 Trolleborg

We had won away at Talkasa, we were hyped, we had started believing in the Tigers once more. The match against Talkasa was a display of what we could achieve of what we were capable of. We arrived at Vreton geared up to face Trolleborg which is a highly ranked team, however we were prepared. The win against Talkasa was a confidence booster, and coming into the match against Trolleborg the players were confident. The match was being played in the Rose Bowl the home ground of Vreton United. People had flocked to witness this spectacle, with the number of attendees being an astonishing 73,000. Such numbers have only been reached during the Vreton derby, easily the most prestigious club match in the entirety of Bollonischian football. The match was against a skilled Trolleborg who were currently in 4th position winning 3 of their 5 matches. This match was not going to be in any sense of the term easy. As the match started, it was a see saw battle with both teams getting multiple chances to score with none capitalising, however. The success of the 4-3-3 attacking formation encouraged Gildiric to stick to it. The line up was unchanged from the win at Talkasa. The first half was a relatively quite half with both team coming close but none being able to convert. The second half begun with Trolleborg immediately being on the front foot, taking advantage of the unexacting Bollonischian defence. At 47 minutes Rolf Gulbranden scored the goal for Trolleborg. Trolleborg had pulled ahead and were now leading 1-0. Bollonich needed to make a comeback quick, hence Gildiric put on Tad Rios in place of Ed Douglas and Swanson in place of Fennimore. These changes however didn’t make much of a difference as Trolleborg successfully closed down each and every attack from the Tigers’ side. The loss against Trolleborg wasn’t as hard a loss to swallow as a draw was against Al Qurija, because Trolleborg is a high quality team which is currently ranked 25th in the world.
The match against North Japan was one in which a win would’ve been important to keep qualification hopes alive.

Match Events

Bollonich                        Trolleborg
57’ Tad Rios ▲ Ed Douglas ▼      47’ GOAL - Gulbranden (Torstein Holst)
57’ Swanson ▲ Fennimore ▼

North Japan 7 - 4 Bollonich

The Tigers arrived in North Japan after suffering a loss to Trolleborg, the team was still highly motivated and had the rush of adrenaline in them too. This trip to North Japan however was a bite in the toe for them with North Japan known all across the multiverse to be a propagandist and a highly dangerous country to be in. The Bollonischian government had provided adequate security but the question loomed whether any amount of security would be enough for the players. Before the match strange events took place, with the disappearance of 3 Bollonischian players being the main one. The players were Sirigu, Swanson and Marshall. The supposed disappearance was originally said to be the result of late night parties or such and that they would’ve arrived by the morning of the match day. Since they hadn’t arrived even an hour before the match the search began. It was the North Japan National Police Force that led this search with the assistance of Bollonschian Foreign Agents. Hence the match continued without the three men, with Gildiric again playing his 4-3-3 attacking formation with Fredirico Valvi standing in between the posts and Tad Rios taking Marshall’s place. The match that followed was a goals fest, with both teams banging in goals left right and centre. It all began when the Tigers took the lead on the 9th minute with a goal from Tad Rios. However not soon after in the 13th minute a brilliant equaliser was scored by Tomoyuki Takahara. North Japan’s lead was soon doubled by a goal from their number 11 Izo Natsuke who after scoring in the 19th minute again went on to give North Japan another goal to extend their lead in the 26th minute. Bollonich were trailing but not for long as with two brilliant goals from Perry on the 35th and 45th marks respectively Bollonich had equalised and were going into the second half with the scoreline being 3-3. Seeing as the numbers of goal we had conceded Gildiric decided to introduce some defensive changes such as the introduction of Swanson for Tad Rios and Klingto for Cummings. With the resumption of the second Half the Tigers immediately took the lead with a brilliant headed goal from Swanson in the 56th minute. The match seemed to be in Bollonich’s grasp however this was hardly true. Within the matter of 4 minutes Izo Natsuke scored again completing his hat trick. The score had again been tied however both teams were edging closer to the winning goal. It was in the 79th minute when Saburo Hatsumane scored a goal and put North Japan ahead, which was increased by another goal from Takanato Katabushi in the 83rd minute. As the game came to a close North Japan scored again this time from the feet of Tomoyuki Takahara who scored a brace. The score at the end of the match was 7-4 for North Japan. This match was a highly entertaining match however The Tigers will be unhappy that they were on the conceding side of things, however the attack did score a hefty amount of goals. The defensive woes faced by the team could be the result of the absence of Sirigu.
As Bollonich faces Zwangzug and Rangers next it is integral for the team to regain their lost players since these highly rated teams shall be no pushovers and will put up a tremendous challenge for Bollonich.

Match Events

Bollonich                        North Japan
9’ GOAL - Tad Rios (Schmit)      13’ GOAL - Tomoyuki Takahara (Katabushi)
35’ GOAL - Perry (Douglas)       19’ GOAL - Izo Natsuke (Katabushi)
45’ GOAL - Perry (Fennimore)     26’ GOAL - Izo Natsuke (Suzuki)
45’ William Clark ▲ Tad Rios ▼  60’ GOAL - Izo Natsuke (Okuyama)
45’ Klingto ▲ Cummings ▼        79’ GOAL - Saburo Hatsumane (Takahara)
56’ GOAL - Clark (Schmit)        83’ GOAL - Tokanato Katabushi (Suzuki)
                                 89’ GOAL - Yomoyuki Takahara (Izo)

by **Adab** » Tue May 18, 2021 9:40 pm

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

May 13, 2033 / 14 Safar 1455
Valanora 3-1 Adab
Saxstrom (49’, 80’), Ludwig (61’) | Yargab (69’)

NEWS | WORLD CUP
By: Elymur Amwan

World Cup Qualifiers: Adab loses 3-1 at Valanora

Adab fell short against 2nd-ranked Valanora in their latest World Cup 88 qualifiers match but nevertheless put up a valiant effort which was praised by pundits and national team manager Saad Kaykali.

Playing away at the Hatire Memorial Stadium in Capri, Valanora, the unranked Adabians quickly found themselves put on the back foot by the vastly more experienced Valanoran side and struggled to adjust to their counterattacks.

Manager Saad Kaykali instructed his forwards to pull back and help defend their goal against the Valanorans, and this tight defense perhaps ensured that no goals were scored throughout the first half.

It was only in the 49th minute that the dry spell was broken. As the Valanorans bore down on the Adabian defense, Yousif Issou was not quick enough to catch Shania Enmerkar’s ball and was beaten to it by opposing striker Harlem Saxstrom, who, finding his way open, bulleted the ball straight into the back of the net.

Valanoran young prospect Lothas Ludwig increased the hosts’ lead in the 61th minute, scoring off a Gideon Riemann corner.

Nevertheless the Adabians, now down 2-0, kept their cool and were able to close the gap somewhat in the 69th minute, with striker and vice-captain Enlilbani Yargab sending the ball into the net after sending the ball back and forth between him and Jushur al-Kufa to disorient the opposing defenders.

Saxstrom secured victory for the hosts in the 80th minute after outrunning, in succession, Tansu Altun, Shania Enmerkar, and goalkeeper Mohammed Marramzi who had launched himself just outside the penalty area in an unsuccessful attempt to aid the defenders and stop the Valanoran striker.

Kaykali refuses to comment on AO schism

The biggest story in multiversal football today is obviously the schism within the region of Atlantian Oceania, which has led several members to secede and form a new region named Anaia under the Declaration of Foxchester.

Asked about the schism at the post-match press conference, Kaykali admitted he has been closely following the latest developments on the matter but refused to provide further comment.

“Look, I don’t know much about the whole Anaia thing, so all I’m going to say is that I understand both sides’ concerns and I hope in the end they can work it out,” Kaykali said.

“I cannot comment on governmental matters as they’re outside my purview, so once again I wish both sides the best.”

The Adab manager spent more time praising his players’ performance, commending their bravery and teamwork.

“We know going up against Valanora, one of the very best teams in the world, wouldn’t be easy, but the players gave it all they had and we’re satisfied with the performance overall,” Kaykali stated.

“They performed to the best of their ability, and our opponents did their best, too. It’s a great match and they deserved to win.”

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

May 15, 2033 / 15 Safar 1455
Adab 4-3 Mytanija
Arthur (24’), Yargab (55’), Orlev (68’), Marramzi (90’+5) | Ocokoljik (9’), Fejzuli (44’), Smajic (79’)

NEWS | WORLD CUP
By: Sinahhieriba Husayn

Adab beats Mytanija in eventful World Cup Qualifiers match

Adab beat 106th-ranked Mytanija 4-3 in what perhaps was one of the most eventful and exhausting matches of the World Cup 88 qualifiers so far, with the winner only decided at literally the last minute, to keep their hopes of qualifying to the World Cup alive

Playing at home in the Adab City Stadium, the Adabians undoubtedly went into the match eager to please the crowd, especially after their 3-1 loss to Valanora. Manager Saad Kaykali had promised a “great” match to the fans.

The match did turn out to be a great one, but it did not go well for the Adabians at the beginning.

Adab’s 4-3-2-1 formation quickly clashed with Mytanija’s 4-3-3, which tended to morph into something resembling 3-1-3-3 when the Mytanars were securely in possession of the ball. Much of the early action played out in the midfield, as Adab’s trio of young stars Alulim Sinmuballit and Emma Arthur and veteran Ephraim Orlev struggled against the wall of Mytanar midfielders led by Tahir Fejzuli.

Orlev managed to break through and get the ball deep into the Mytanar side in the 8th minute, but in an attempting to pass to Rebekah Yissakar instead found himself launching the ball right at Mytanija’s Srdan Vukovic, who immediately made a dash for the opposite side of the pitch, passing back to Fejzuli, who in turn sent the ball to Jasno Odonelec, who himself passed to striker Jezdimir Ocokoljik for the kill.

Ocokoljik did not disappoint, turning left as he approached Adabian keeper and captain Mohammed Marramzi only to blast the ball to his right and into the net. The match was only nine minutes old.

Down 0-1 so early in the match, manager Kaykali and Marramzi ordered the rest of the team to pull back and “park the bus”, evidently hoping to strangle the Mytanar attack and lay the groundwork for counterattacks; at some points of the match the Adabian defenders were all lined up beside the goalkeeper just beyond the goal line.

It would fall to the 20-year-old midfielder Arthur, who has been widely dubbed a “prodigy” in Adab, to level the score in epic fashion in the 24th minute. Receiving the ball from Shania Enmerkar, Arthur proceeded to outrun in succession Fejzuli, Alen Hrdaljko, and Brajko Gavrilovic as they each approached her. With defenders Srdan Vukovic and Grigorij Savicevic blocking her way, she made a daring cross to fellow young midfielder Sinmuballit, who had advanced deep through the opposing side of the pitch.

As Sinmuballit entered the penalty area, he instead launched the ball wide to the left, with Arthur intercepting the ball just in time to bring it back to that area and send the ball behind Mytanija keeper Pedja Kasun, who was still facing Sinmuballit and turned around only after the ball had rolled beyond the line and into his net.

Having gained and thrown away their lead inside 25 minutes, the Mytanars were spurred on to more aggressive action. A Mytanar attack in the 44th minute instead found the ball kicked over the goal line by Shania Enmerkar, but here the visitors struck gold.

Fejzuli took the corner kick, and he sent the ball flying rather low, initially seemingly bound to go past the goal, but instead at the right time it swerved and went down into the net, with Adab keeper Marramzi too late to react and reaching out for the ball only once it had gone past the line as the away fans cheered and the home crowd was stunned almost into silence at this rare goal from a corner.

At half time, the score stood at 1-2, with Mytanija leading.

The Adabians had their revenge quite early into the second half, with Sinmuballit leading a march past his opposing midfielders in the 55th minute and passing the ball to veteran striker Enlilbani Yargab, who had run in front of Sinmuballit and then found himself in a zigzag dance with Pedja Kasun in the penalty area which lasted some seven seconds as they steadily approached the goal, which ended when Yargab finally simply blasted the ball past Kasun for the equalizer. “It’s a great move from Pedja and I enjoyed it, but I eventually grew tired of it,” Yargab said after the match.

Fejzuli had been marked by the Adabians throughout the second half, and with the pressure visibly taking its toll on the 30-year-old midfielder, Mytanija manager Lev Repin chose to bring him out of the pitch in the 59th minute, replacing him with the 22-year-old Mersudin Smajic.

The Adabians themselves were noticeably slowing down, and with the Adab Football Association not bothering to provide any substitutes for the country’s return to the World Cup in 14 years, manager Kaykali found himself pondering a return to defensive tactics to conserve his team’s energy. Yargab was a cause for concern, being constantly marked by the likes of Vukovic and Savicevic to prevent the veteran striker from approaching the net, but even more concerning were the young duo of Arthur and Sinmuballit, whose dynamic play had driven the Adabian offense so far. The older midfielder Orlev had learned to conserve his energy, and he ordered the defenders as well as Sinmuballit, if he felt the need to slow down, to direct the ball to him. He would lead the offense now.

It bore fruit. In the 68th minute, Orlev zigzagged his way past Patrik Odonelec, Mojmir Anac, and Vukovic. On the verge of the penalty area, with Yargab and Rebekah Yissakar coming up to his left, Orlev feinted as if to pass to either one of them, but instead continued on his way and shot the ball far to his left and into the net, with keeper Kasun instead leaping towards Orlev’s right and away from the ball.

For the first time in the match, the Adabians were leading. It would last 11 minutes.

In the 79th minute, swerving to avoid the incoming Ocokoljik, Adab defender Yousif Issou nearly fell, touching the ball with his hand in the process. Ocokoljik took the free kick, sending it straight to the wall of Adabian players who had gathered in front of him. In the resulting chaos, as the Adabians swarmed Ocokoljik and the other Mytanars nearby, the substitute Smajic gained control of the ball. Speeding away from the Adabians, with keeper Marramzi again advancing too far from the goal, Smajic shot his shot.

Well, he didn’t shoot, to be exact. He simply ran with the ball into the empty net, seemingly in as much disbelief as the rest of the stadium that he had managed to score so easily.

The Adabians had thrown away their lead, and the match was now tied at 3-3. Seemingly content with a tie, Kaykali ordered the team to again park the bus and play for a tie. When told of this, striker and vice-captain Yargab approached the manager in the dugout.

“We have to attack, boss,” Yargab said, noticeably sweating and exhausted. “We’ve got to win this one.”

Kaykali nodded, and both teams went into the attack, eager to secure the win as the match reached its final minutes.

But in the end, it would be Adab who gained the upper hand through the most unexpected scorer of them all.

Deep into injury time, with the score still tied at 3-3, Vukovic sent the ball past his own goal line amid an Adabian onslaught. With the clock rapidly running out and nothing to lose, Kaykali instructed all his players to move towards the opponents’ penalty area for the corner kick.

“Including me, boss?” asked Adab keeper Marramzi, visibly dumbfounded.

“Especially you,” Kaykali said.

Jushur al-Kufa took the corner, sending it flying high towards the penalty area, but not so high so as to be unreachable. Yargab nearly jumped for the ball, but it would not be his moment. Right in front of him, Marramzi leapt, his head meeting the ball and launching it down and over Kasun’s head and into the back of the net. There was pandemonium as the entire stadium erupted in cheers and roars and shrieks, realizing that their keeper had just scored the winning goal of the match. As the overjoyed Adabian players and staff swarmed Marramzi, the Mytanars were reduced into stunned silence, some dropping to their knees, knowing that they had lost the match at literally the last minute.

The time was 90’+5.

The win put Adab in fifth place in Group 4, beaten to fourth by Electrum on goal difference. Valanora currently leads the group following their 1-2 victory over Abanhfleft.

At the post-match press conference, Kaykali congratulated the Mytanars on an “amazing match”, then announced to the gathered journalists that he had nothing more to say.

“What a match,” Kaykali said.

“Football, bloody hell.”

by **Eraman** » Wed May 19, 2021 12:10 am

CHAPTER 6
ERAMAN ANTI CORRUPTION COMMISSION

On the night I was secretly recruited by the Eraman Anti Corruption Commission (EACC) to prosecute Tun, I was on my way back to my hotel room in Arupura after hanging out with my business partner, Agung.

I was at Arupura with Tun for the Eraman national football team match against Taeshan in the 88th World Cup qualifying campaign. It was a boring uneventful match that ended in a goalless draw but the country was rejoicing with the one point collected by the national team against a far superior side.

I have one company that I use to get government contracts. I shared the company with Agung. AA Pte Ltd is the name of our company which has a class A license and I am its chairman while Agung is the Managing Director who manages the day-to-day affairs of the company.

Of course, my share is more than Agung's. I found him efficient in making sure the tender documents submitted were in order and complete. The most important thing is he knew who we needed to meet in the government department that controls government money.

My job in this despicable alliance is to provide enough money for everyone who needs to be bribed and everyone who needs to have its profits distributed.

As Tun’s money keeper I just need to make sure the return I get is enough for Tun and enough for me. Tun never asked for the money I held, but Tun never paid for any meetings I attended or paid for any of his family vacations or any bills where he entertained with his mistresses or food bills with whomever he spent. I will pay any bills he leaves all over Eraman.

It’s always troublesome to babysit people like Tun who are not good at saving or keeping secrets. Everyone in politics knows Tun's character as a drunken gambler and a womanizer but this is all unknown to the voters who are happy with the gifts that Tun gives them once in a while.

by **Pemecutan** » Wed May 19, 2021 1:31 am

CHAPTER I: THE TENSION BUILD UP || CHAPTER II: THE ACCIDENT || CHAPTER III: THE ROAD LIES AHEAD

CHAPTER IV

"Come on, Laks. It's just once in a while. And we are celebrating our victory," persuade Komang Adi Prakasa.

"But it's just not right. Not this moment," says Laksamana trying to refuse.

"Oh come on, Laks. Just a little celebration. Nothing will happen," Wisnu Pramana try to persuade.

Laksamana exhale a heavy breathe. "Okay, come on. But promise nothing will getting out of hands." The others just nods with a wide grin on their face.

The team feels so happy after their back to back victories. The first is against The Sahstan and the latest is against Kannap. The result catapult their position in the group table. Now they are seating in 5th place. They go to the nightclub that they know in Mengwi, the city where they are playing the match against Kannap. All of them seems to be enjoying the celebration. Drinks goes on and on. Laksamana try to remind them to not get too much. But it seems no one is listen. Arya Tungga Wijaya looks confused. He is one of the youngest in the team. Only 22. He doesn't have much experience with nightlife. So it is some kind of a new thing for him. But because he is most known that ever woman in the club are fancy on him. He feels intimidated when several women approached him and try to seduce him. Luckily, Laksamana is there to help and rescue him.

Some of the players go to the floor and moved their bodies to the loud music that being played. Wisnu Pramana is looking very energetic. He is approached by 2 women who are dancing with him. Their body move are very seductive and sensual which makes Wisnu even more enthusiastic. He even grope and hug them.

"Hey, Wisnu! You're boyfriend is here!" shouts Bayu Hermawan who is dancing near him. Wisnu freeze up and panic. He is looking around the place scanning all the people there which looks like his boyfriend. Bayu Hermawan and the others who are dancing nearby are laughing at him. Yes, Wisnu Pramana is unique because he is bisexual and he already opened about his sexual orientation, at least with his teammates. Currently, he have a boyfriend, also a football player who is playing in Peseton Tonja. Wisnu's face redden when he realize that Bayu is playing him around. With angry look he is chasing Bayu all over the place. The other teammates just laughing at their childish behavior. Wisnu is success in pin him down until Bayu give up.

The night have swift away. The time is really running fast. Laksamana is always checking on his watch noticing that it's already dawn. He urge his teammates to end the celebration and goes back to their place. But it is a harder task to do as most of them already drunk. Only Laksamana, Arya Tungga Wijaya and Riko Ferdian that are still sober. They are being helped by the club's security to bring their teammates back to the bus. It is harder for them as they arrived at the quarantine place. They are only being helped by the bus driver to take the others to their rooms. The 3 of them are also taking a rest. Even though they are not drinking nor dancing but still, it makes them exhausted enough.

"Where are they?" Coach Pramana ask Eka Putra Pradnyana, his assistant. Pradnyana is a little confuse, "Let me check."

Pradnyana goes to the dorm and search for them. He become very confuse as no one is answering his calling. He knock on each of their rooms but still no answer.

"What's going on, Eka?" Pradnyana become startled as he hear the Coach voice. "Sorry, Coach. I can't wake them up," answer Pradnyana.

"Hhmm. Get me a bucket of cold water," says Coach Pramana then. Pradnyana goes to the kitchen before the Coach stop him. "Make it 11 buckets." Pradnyana nodded as he sprints to the kitchen.

"WHAT THE F***!!!!" A loud shouts can be heard from the dorm hall as Coach Pramana and the other staff flushed them with ice water. All of them are shocked including Laksamana when he see Coach Pramana is the one who flushed him.

A LITTLE TOO MUCH

All of the players are feeling very exhausted after they are being punished by Coach Pramana for being indiscipline. They are just laying on the field managed their heavy breathe after 5 laps run.

"Coach is being mean," grumbled Surya Brata Wijaya.

"It's our fault too. We're out of control last night," says Raka Ekawana

"Yeah, but I feel pity for Laksamana. He is the one who being blamed," comment Pandu Oka Jaya.

"We've told Coach but still, he thinks Laksamana is responsible to this. I don't get it," Riko Ferdian feel confuse.

"That's because he is your captain," Dwi Natha Wijaya, the Medic Head, come to them. Everyone is looking at him. "He has a responsibility to taking care of you all. To lead you. To discipline you. Prevent you from doing anything wrong. Support you. Take the blame on your mistake as he is your leader," Natha Wijaya explain further. He checks the players condition after they are being punished by Coach Pramana, preventing any serious problem.

"We have to apologize to Laks. I'm the one who persuade him to come," says Komang Adi Prakasa.

"I'm convince him too," Wisnu added.

"You are all forgiven." Laksamana's voice makes everyone turn to where he is. Everyone standing up and hugging him one by one as a gesture of apologizing.

"You are really a big brother, Laks," praise Agus Kusumawijaya.

Laksamana just smile. They are all gather around in the center of field. Dwi Natha Wijaya with the other medic staff continue to checks their condition.

Coach Pramana is looking at all of his players who is seating in front of him at the changing room. They are having a briefing after the event.

"Honestly, I feel sad with your behavior," Coach Pramana start the talk. Everyone are just bow down as they are know their mistake. "I'm not angry for your celebration. I'm okay with a little celebration. But what you've did last night is just too much. Do you forget that you are still have to practice today?" All of them nodded. "But yet, you all dancing and drinking all night out."

"We're sorry Coach," says Laksamana in a hoarse voice.

"Hhmm. This is my warning to all of you. Please be discipline on your condition. I'm not prevent you all from doing a little celebration but please control it. Don't over do it. You see what happen today after what you did last night?" says Coach Pramana. He try to stay as calm as possible. He don't want to shout at his players especially for this kind of situation.

"It is all my fault, Coach. I'm the one who has the idea," admit Komang Adi Prakasa. "I'm also the one who persuade Laksamana to come," he added.

"Laksamana has his own fault and I have talk to him. And I don't care who's idea it is. I just want all of you to maintain your health. Your condition. Yes, we have reached 5th place, mid-table that we dream of. But we still have the hardest task ahead," Coach Pramana is looking at his players one by one. "Maintain the position. It is harder to maintain it. So please don't slip away. A little celebration is okay but don't exaggerate it. We can do more after this round ended," closed Coach Pramana.

"YES, COACH!!!" All of them shouts in unison.

"Understand everyone?" Coach Pramana ask again.

"YES, COACH!!!"

"Good. Know take a good rest for the rest of the day. Tomorrow we will start practice again for our next match," says Coach Pramana.

"THANKS COACH!!!" and they shouts again. The team feel relieve as their coach is not mad again.

by **Nephara** » Wed May 19, 2021 2:54 am

Squidroidia 0 - 1 Nephara
(4-4-2) 1 - Provost; 2 - Stride (s/o 72'), 5 - Clevinger, 6 - Brabanzon, 3 - Muscadin; 7 - Koerner (13 - Reed 81'), 15 - Horvath (4 - Timekeeper 64'), 8 - Cromwell, 11 - Considine; 21 - Basilisk, 10 - Lovelace (22 - Lind 73')
Goal: Basilisk 39'

Nephara 2 - 0 Quakmybush
(4-4-2) 1 - Provost; 2 - Stride, 5 - Clevinger, 6 - Brabanzon, 22 - Lind; 13 - Reed, 4 - Timekeeper, 8 - Cromwell (14 - E Fletcher 71'), 11 - Considine (18 - Kalevi 66'); 21 - Basilisk (16 - Marinkovic 78'), 10 - Lovelace
Goals: Reed 29', Stride 62'

THE HERALD
FORMER NEPHARAN COLONY SWEPT AWAY WITH ANAIAN TIDE
Shayna Curtis Iskandervale Correspondent

The former Nepharan colony of Iskandervale has become one of the latest nations to formally join the economic, geographical and cultural union of Anaia. While this news is unlikely to shake or even be reported by foreign media, it arguably represents the closest brush with relevance Iskandervale has had since its brutal occupation by Sameban armed forces, as collateral in the Endemian War.

Certainly the political class were optimistic about the prospects. After a bipartisan display of unity voted through Iskandrian acceptance of, or perhaps resignation to, the union, Prime Minister Xerxes Steinberg proudly announced that Iskandervale "warmly welcomed the tourism revenue represented by our Anaian cousins."

Independent MP Karolin Fischer was more guarded, a dissenting statement recording her anxiety about the regional tensions. "We'll have a hard time attracting tourist revenue when Banija drop their bombs and Equestria their horse wizards on us," she remarked. The Hansard records that, at this, a grim silence fell over the Assembly, which dissolved shortly afterwards.

Opinion on the street was chiefly non-committal. "They're what were northeast Oceanic countries, and we're one of them, so, uhm, yeah," shrugged Priam Jahan, a 49-year old joiner from Umbershore. "I guess it'll probably change that, uhm, we might get more tourism from like, Audioslavia or something."

"But maybe like less from Valanora. I dunno."

28-year old teacher Kirsten Theodore was slightly more forthright. "I think we're about to see a golden age, or at least some kind of faint uptick in relevance. This is a fresh start, an opportunity to really lay down a marker for ourselves. Bring over some capital. Or at least get some headlines, I guess. I'd settle for anything, really."

However, 74-year old retiree Alireza Maris spoke for many. "Huh? What's a 'naia'?"

In a sporting sense, the Iskandrian Football Federation has already recorded its eagerness for the Flock to join 'one or perhaps multiple' new regional tournaments. Bookies have already put the Iskandervale national team's odds to win the inaugural regional at a generous 750-1. However, this has not affected Iskandervale's chances of joining the WCC, blocked chiefly by the fact that the IFF are utterly, utterly broke.

The fortunes of the fledgeling union are unlikely to be changed much by the small island nation, still recovering from the scars of Sameban occupation. However, the average surviving Iskandrian civilian is resilient, passionate and fiercely welcoming, with a keen eye for unexploded bombs and a roughly 20% chance of having killed a man in partisan action. As Prime Minister Steinberg closed his speech, "our chief - some might say only - resource is our human capital."

NEPHARAN NATIONAL TEAM SELECTION - FORTNIGHT 5
Goalkeepers: 1 - Aranea Provost (Spartangrad, EUR), 12 - Raluca Garamond (Sabrefell Athletic), 20 - Fasolt Senninger (AFC Treason)
Defenders: 2 - Rovena Stride (AFC Treason), 3 - Vivica Muscadin (Sabrefell Moths), 5 - Reniira Clevinger (Sabrefell Athletic), 6 - Miska Brabanzon (Sabrefell Moths), 17 - Pristina Soeringer (Stein-los Turkish, PAS), 19 - Besart Sale (AFC Treason), 22 - Radeka Lind (Vermillion Rage)
Midfielders: 4 - Rook Timekeeper (Sabrefell Moths), 7 - Anselm Koerner (1830 Cathair, AUD), 8 - Lothaire Cromwell (AC Izotz Zubia, AUD), 11 - Kendra Considine Ramsey (AFC Treason), 13 - Severine Reed (Raynor City United, VAL), 14 - Exene Fletcher (Hellinic Rouge, PAS), 15 - Rashica Horvath (La Nueva Avenida, FFD), 18 - Chantal Kalevi (Stein-los Turkish, PAS)
Forwards: 9 - Bastet North (Jungle Strike, VIL), 10 - Konrad Lovelace (Revolutionaries, EUR), 16 - Danica Marinkovic (Royal Rumiatzi, ASG), 21 - Latona Basilisk (Mâ Âlâmëómë, FFD), 23 - Traudl Mrdja (Vermillion Rage)

SCHEDULE
Nephara 5 - 2 Sarzonia (97) @ Farham Arena (Sabrefell)
Huayramarca (48) 1 - 1 Nephara
Nephara 5 - 0 Sonindia (322) @ Phoenix Rise (Corvistone)
Brookstation (247) 5 - 3 Nephara
Nephara 4 - 1 Central Shaneville (154) @ Eagle's Club (Brinemouth)
Squidroidia (76) 0 - 1 Nephara
Nephara 2 - 0 Quakmybush (109) @ The Gauntlet (Treason)
Nephara vs. Togonistan (UR) @ Ludd's Hammer (Stahlburg)
Hampton Island (37) vs. Nephara
Sarzonia (97) vs. Nephara
Nephara vs. Huayramarca (48) @ Eagle's Club (Brinemouth)
Sonindia (322) vs. Nephara
Nephara vs. Brookstation (247) @ The Iron Hill (Vermillion)
Central Shaneville (154) vs. Nephara
Nephara vs. Squidroidia (76) @ The Gauntlet (Treason)
Quakmybush (109) vs. Nephara
Togonistan (UR) vs. Nephara
Nephara vs. Hampton Island (37) @ Farham Arena (Sabrefell)

by **Brenecia** » Wed May 19, 2021 3:02 am

THE ROZELLE OBSERVER
Everything you need to know about Brenecia's shining star
Annette Brisbane

The ITKs are earning their corn tonight, as an injury to Fortune Russell opened up an opportunity. Sienna Fallon, a left winger herself in her playing days, had options. She could have called in her old teammate Ceridwen Fletcher for one last tilt, or Union winger Tricia Pace. Instead, she opted to hand obscure teenager Katua Byrne a first call-up.

This was soon followed up by a first cap, which was also a first start, against Libonesia, then a first goal, earned by brutally hacking down the right winger and going on a mazy solo run towards goal, beating three men and lofting the ball over the 'keeper. People are murmuring that she may be a genuine, bona fide - whisper it - flair player.

As Byrne-mania sweeps the country, we're here to answer - definitively - all the most burning questions our readership has.

Where did she come from?
Falkner girl Byrne forced a move from Lotus Park essentially upon finding out just how highly the club rated her. She had no intention of being slowly guided to regular minutes, risking her ankles on dodgy, damp Brenecian pitches, and Park ended up securing a substantial fee from KT Itzalovalle, who also signed Stallions rightback Liza Price in the same window. Even so, she was largely an unknown outside of footballing circles at the time.

Why does she come so highly rated?
Byrne has already made a good first impression at Audioslavia, at a league considered to be at a markedly higher standard than the A-League. At her age, even respectable performances at senior level can be considered a very strong mark of future success, with conservative estimates suggesting she could single-handedly lead Brenecia to glory within five years.

Is she likely to become the greatest player in the world?
Yes.

How often does she brush her teeth?
On average, around 1.75 times a day. Always before bed, and usually before going out for the day; however, on days she doesn't leave the house, reports suggest she just doesn't brush her teeth during the day.

What is her favourite colour?
Statistically, this is likely to be blue. Brenecians typically prefer blue compared to other nationalities; one theory is that nations with better weather and less air pollution get overexposed to blue by looking at the sky, where Brenecians see only grey.

Is it unsavoury to pour a nation's expectations on an unproven teenager, demanding she become the greatest player in the world, the heir to Lauren Cheney?
No.

What is her favourite victimless crime?
We can extrapolate that Katua Byrne is of the philosophy that shoplifting is essentially victimless, falling under the expected 'shrinkage', judging by her elder sister being charged with the same three years ago.

Katua Byrne finds herself on a bridge. A runaway train approaches five people tied down to the tracks. Fortunately, there is a very large man on the bridge with the necessary heft to stop the train, at the cost of his own gruesome demise. There are no witnesses. Does Byrne push the fat man to save the five?
Judging by the selfless but ruthless edge to her play, and a high frequency of low-glory professional fouls and niggling hacks, Byrne pushes the fat man every time.

Is she likely to start against the likes of Twicetagria and Squornshelous, Brenecia's main rivals for qualification?
No.

World Cup 88- Roleplay Thread

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