World Cup 88- Roleplay Thread

by **Hampton Island** » Wed Jun 02, 2021 4:03 pm

(Conversation between Stafford City CEO and his assistant)

CEO: This is wonderful, we will be thrilled to welcome President Kasekende here to the Stadium. Gets Suite 102. Only the best we have outside of my own personal suite.

Assistant: I am glad he has accepted the offer. Obviously, he is a very busy man.

CEO: The man loves sports, unlike the talking head we have leading this country. I like this guy, takes a bold stance with his country, and seems very pleasant to get along with. I look forward to meeting him and learning more about his country. It’s not easy to lead an island nation. Plus, do you know his son is part of their soccer team? I noticed the name but was not certain about it until I had to look it up. You know he was their goalkeeper in World Cups 81 and 82.

Assistant: Oh really? I didn’t realize that. A little before our time in the World Cup.

CEO: Now his son, a defensive midfielder. Meaning he is playing right with the bears there, but he is brave, just like his father.

Assistant: Makes sense that he was a former goalkeeper. Don’t they always say that the keepers are the smartest ones on the team?

CEO: Yeah, I think you can say the same about Edwin Conney, too.

Assistant: Edwin definitely would fit that. What are you guys going to talk about?

CEO: We’re just going to talk sports, probably about the bears a lot. I look forward to just having a relaxing evening with a head of state, and then just allowing to watch his son and his team play the game. If they win, he will be able to take the field to celebrate his team going to the World Cup. As an ex-player, that will be really special for him. I would prefer that waits at least one more Cup, obviously.

Assistant: Obviously. So, are you going to talk to him about your own political plans?

CEO: The topic might come up. The more and more I think about running for President, the more I want to do it. I don’t have the political background, but I am a successful businessman, with a ton of money and a great love for the country and capitalism! What could ever go wrong with having a President like that?

Assistant: Well, there’s nothing wrong with that. Just be diplomatic, respect political opponents, and don’t be a narcissist, and I think you’ll generate a lot of support.

CEO: Sounds like a pretty good game plan. You don’t think I am a narcissist, do you?

Assistant: No, but some people might think that you are. That could be something that works for you. Look, you have put this country on the map far more than anyone in an official political role ever has. Our leadership would be content with us just existing in Esportiva and no one ever knowing who we were. You created successful sports teams in soccer and baseball and gave us representation in NSSCRA. The world knows who we are, our fans can feel proud of being Hampton Islanders in a sports region like we are in. You know you will have my vote.

CEO: And if I win, all this would be yours.

Assistant: I would look forward to it. Probably would have to do something about Hannah Sanders, but who knows.

CEO: Yeah, two more threats recently that she is going to sue me. I’ve lost count now.

Assistant: Definitely all talk. Anyway, what about this game tonight?

CEO: Sold out quickly, fans ready to roll. Done so much for the Stafford City economy. It gets me nervous, but no matter what, they have done great. We gotta get the ball in the net. Scoreless draws are nice in the first leg when you are away. But I told Ned to just stay with the system. Stay with what works.

Assistant: The bears wouldn’t be able to just change things up anyway.

CEO: Enjoy the night. Going to be a fun game!

by **Squornshelan Remnant States** » Wed Jun 02, 2021 5:22 pm

Lifted Lamp, Chapter 11
Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3, Chapter 4, Chapter 5, Chapter 6, Chapter 7, Chapter 8, Chapter 9, Chapter 10

Nineteen matches come and gone. Eleven victories, seven draws, one defeat. One match remains.

In the locker room deep beneath the concrete bulk of the Lutenstaad, twenty-three players prepare. Pregame routines are observed, superstitions reinforced. The odd joke is told, boots are laced up and tied tightly. A few silent prayers are said.

Around the corner in a tiny office that evidently does double duty as a broom cupboard, their manager Anne-Sophie Groothuis waits, giving the players a few more moments before she addresses them. The urge to do something, anything to somehow add to her preparations for the match is overwhelming. She waits, and reviews tactics in her head. There is nothing else to do.

High above, in box seats once reserved for guests of the general secretary of the Molvanian Communist Party, SCFA president Ailen Koirala wards off nerves with cocktails and small talk. The box is filled with VIPs of one sort or another from around the Confederate footballing world and beyond. Ailen's office was overwhelmed with ticket requests, and all those lucky enough to be here are beyond excited. This is the event of the season after all.

Filling the vast bowl below them, tens of thousands of fans in Black and Red. They've come from across the Confederacy, and it's certain that it wouldn't take long to meet someone from all seven states. A respectable contingent in red and green fill one end: the visitors. The Molvanian majority among the Confederate supporters welcomes them with a series of incomprehensible chants in the local language. It's just as well; there are few languages like Molvanian for being insulting.

Out beyond the stadium in the bars and restaurants, public parks and private yards of Lutenblag, it seems the whole remainder of the city has turned out. Beer, vodka, and zeerstum (Molvanian garlic schnapps) flow liberally. The air is filled with the smell of woodsmoke and roasting meat, and the sounds of shouting and fireworks.

Similar scenes (minus the zeerstum) play out in cities and towns across the Confederacy. In downtown Brantisvogan, nearly half a million people have filled the central square to watch the match projected on the side of a building. Up in Traal, an extra cargo shipment had to be chartered to ensure that stores would have enough stock of food and drink for the anticipated demand.

All the way out east in Arkintoofle the tension of simultaneous merriment and nervousness can also be felt, but if you head out of the city, take the winding drive out the peninsula that encloses the bay, you'll find yourself on Cape Retva on the Far Sea. The furthest east you can be in the Confederacy. There are more seabirds here than people, though there are a few, likely gathered inside around the TV. If you stand in a high place on Cape Retva on a clear day though, and gaze out to sea, sometimes you almost feel you can see something out there. Not land; you'd have to be standing on top of a 4000-meter mountain to see that far. But sometimes you feel there's almost a shadow hanging just beyond the horizon, occasionally visible over it.

It doesn't make sense of course. Fishing and cargo vessels sail out further than the eye can sea all the time, and find nothing, though they do take care not to stray to far to the East. People still aren't quite sure just how far you have to go to find yourself on the other side. The military does, of course, but they're not about to share.

Out there though, across the Far Sea, cities are burning. No one thinks of football. Tomorrow, whatever the match's outcome, the war will be back on the news in the Confederacy. For one night though, the nation has set the matter aside. Let's not think too poorly of them for it. Football may seem frivolous compared to events that threaten lives, and promise to shake the foundations of a nation's government, but no one can remain sane focusing solely and constantly on the most important things.

So for tonight, the Confederacy thinks of football, and holds its breath together. Their hopes will ride on 23 players and one manager, and on one more match.

Team Selection against Trolleborg:

Starting 11: Krieven; V. Harkhan, W. Harkhan, Dalso, Achthoven; Hashemi, Marrish; Vladcik, Takala, Yonte; Petrov
Subs: Drenel, Shimski; Macar, Szimon, Buczvarov, Malgos; Arslan, Damnagoras; Naqvi, Storrev; Gerstlauer, Stienno

Qualifying Schedule and Results:

MD1:  SRS 2-2 VIL @ Radlov Arena (cap. 76,800), Brantisvogan, Megabrantis, SRS
MD2:  USD 4-6 SRS @ TBA
MD3:  SRS 1-1 SDG @ Killough Grove (cap. 31,400), Han Wavel, Han Dold, SRS
MD4:  PSI 0-3 SRS @ TBA
MD5:  SRS 3-3 SVJ @ Overburg Arena (cap. 46,222), Damogran, Algolia, SRS
MD6:  HTK 0-1 SRS @ TBA
MD7:  SRS 2-0 LIS @ Flanoil Arena (cap. 50,350), Traal, East Flania, SRS
MD8:  SRS 1-1 TFS @ Smolak Systemy Stadion (cap. 31,200), Sjerezo, Molvania, SRS
MD9:  ESH 1-2 SRS @ The Eshialand City SuperDome (cap. 75,000), Eshialand City, ESH
MD10: VIL 5-3 SRS @ Tivali-Ring Stadium (cap. 87,000 ), Alikki-Cora, VIL
MD11: SRS 3-2 USD @ Sunergy Field (cap. 37,550), Hunian, Algolia, SRS
MD12: SDG 0-1 SRS @ Stadium Persekutuan (cap. 40,000), Kambang, SDG
MD13: SRS 1-0 PSI @ Old Flamarion Stadium (cap. 26,405), Flamarion, Megabrantis, SRS
MD14: SVJ 4-4 SRS @ Nationastadion Carl Gustaff Bjurman, Sjoedrhavn, SVJ
MD15: SRS 1-0 HTK @ Pheldagriff Stadium (cap. 45,620), Yassaca, Sivolvia, SRS
MD16: LIS 5-5 SRS @ TBA
MD17: TFS 0-1 SRS @ TBA
MD18: SRS 4-4 ESH @ Chernov Stadium (cap. 57,600), Viltvodle, Megabrantis, SRS
PO1:  TRL 2-3 SRS @ 1th December Stadium (cap. 100,000), Trolleborg City, TRL
PO2:  SRS  v  TRL @ The Lutenstaad (cap. 75,000), Lutenblag, Molvania, SRS

by **Drawkland** » Wed Jun 02, 2021 5:53 pm

The Elite Eleven strode through the insides of Spartan Veteran Stadium, coming out of the spacious locker rooms built for the purpose of hosting large professional gridiron teams. For something like soccer national teams, the rooms were more than big enough for the entire team. For a team like the Elite Eleven, who had only eleven players and no entourage, there was always space for everybody to kick back. But now, the fraternity of less than a dozen men stood alone, with the echoes of a roaring crowd faintly heard through the stadium annals. More prominent was the vibrations they could feel surrounding them. Right now, the hype videos were playing, the last of the dedicated Drawkian crowd was getting into their seats, and soon the Tikariot national team would come out onto the pitch. The Eleven would come soon after.

Now, it was time for a little reflection.

"This is it, boys." Roger Apollo, the designated captain for the team, broke the silence among them. "Right here, right now. The fate of our-"

"The fate of our entire nation, our entire people, who we represent, is on our shoulders." Craig Bakker interrupted Roger partway through his sentence.

"Excuse me?" Roger asked, clearly a bit annoyed.

"Dude, do we really need to do the whole hype up speech?" Craig replied. "I mean, let's be honest here. You or Jaxon do a speech before all of our major games. Has it really made a difference?"

"I would think so. Think of all the games-"

"Really though? What about the Round of 16 match against Vilita? What about the countless IAC playoff matches we've been in? Big, hearty speech for all of them ... and not anything to show or it."

"Come on Craig, it's about the vibe. It's about the hype." Ross Hunter interjected to defend Roger.

"Man, I just want to get this game over with. It was hard enough holding them to a draw last time, and we have to be on our A game here. In all likelihood this'll probably go to a penalty shootout. Or we'll get assblasted and fail to qualify. We finally put a good streak together, and now it's time for it to come to a close. This could possibly be our last game in Drawkland as the Kick Corps. I don't want to hear a stupid speech about it. These are the facts we've already talked about for the last week."

"The defeatist attitude isn't going to help our spirits," Septimus Xander pointed out.

"So what about our spirits?" Craig shot back. "You know as soon as we bust out of this tunnel the adrenaline will get pumping and we'll be hyped up enough to get to halftime."

"Did somebody piss in your Cheerios today?" Trevor Garnett asked sarcastically.

"Sorry, that was me!" Mike Rodney quipped to lighten the mood.

"I'm just saying, guys." Craig continued after everybody chuckled. "The fact that we're even here is a shortcoming. We could've avoided this game altogether if we'd just done our job a bit better, practiced a bit harder, paid attention a little closer earlier in the campaign. Our bed has already been made for us. Whether or not Roger and Jaxon give us a rousing speech, it's not going to have an effect on this game. I think we all know that. Precedent and form and statistics are all irrelevant, and it's a bit late to be doing some last-minute preparation in the form of a hastily-prepared rousing speech. I'm just damn tired of talking about it. Are we about to leave or what?"

"Hmmm." Roger glanced up to the end of the entrance tunnel. "Looks like Tikariot are coming on. Let's get in position, boys."

The Elite Eleven followed suit, and strode to the end of the tunnel. As the announcer began the introduction, they started jogging so they could burst onto the field at full speed.

"Oh, one more thing, guys." Roger turned to address the group.

"What?" Craig asked.

"Fuck off, man. Let's kick some owl ass."

Only time would tell if that statement would sound cool or tragically ironic in retrospect.

by **Recuecn** » Wed Jun 02, 2021 6:12 pm

Gerauld Firaut

Franky Adams

Gerauld Firaut, first-line goalie, stepped out of the conference center, blinking in the sunlight. To be honest, he was a bit relieved it was over; he'd only attended due to some requirement for the ÉNRF. He knew at least one of his other teammates had been supposed to be there as well, and was somewhat surprised not to have seen him at all. There had been a few other people he recognized, the sort of people who were notable in the sports world for some reason without being athletes, and thus found themselves also obliged to be present in order to keep up appearances. He'd waved at Jeanne Chartray, for instance, but had lost her in the throngs somehow. And besides, he was ready to head home.

The conference center was in one of those modern-looking downtown high-rise office towers, and the conference room itself was on the top floor, but he didn't need to find an elevator quite yet, because he could simply take the elevated walkway across the street to the equally tall parking garage where he had left his car.

Gerauld fished into his pocket for his keys, felt his phone, and pulled that out instead. He unsilenced it, and saw that he'd gotten a text from his wife.

"How was it. Did u see Franky?"

That was just like Samantha. Franky hadn't come to visit them once since the whole thing with him getting caught up in Relié's dumb plan, and Gerauld wondered if Samantha was almost more hurt by that than he was. She was constantly dropping hints or little comments, trying to get Gerauld to address it, or do something to "get Franky back." Gerauld thought it was a bit silly. He had no business apologizing to Franky as if Franky was somehow the victim in all this. When Franky was ready to get over it, he'd come back to his senses. Hopefully.

He texted back. "No, was good tho". Then he heard steps and looked up, and there he was.

Franky Adams.

Gerauld stared at his teammate, who seemed almost agog at running into him.

"Uh, hey Gerauld," said Franky. "I, uh, didn't expect to see you."

"Oh, I thought you'd be here," said Gerauld. "How's it going?"

"Alright," said Franky.

Look at him, just pretending nothing's wrong, thought Gerauld. I thought he had some shame but he's the same cocky prick he always was.

It didn't seem like Franky was going to ask how Gerauld was doing, so it fell to him to prop up the conversation, which had died before it ever had a chance.

"What'd you think of the presentation?"

"I thought it was really good!" Gerauld was a bit surprised how fervently Franky responded. He wouldn't have thought it was Franky's thing at all. Well, good for him. Maybe - hopefully - he had actually gotten something out of it.

"You on your way home?" Oh, so that was how it was. Franky wasn't even trying to hide his spite anymore. Oh well.

"Yeah, I guess I'll see you later." Gerauld thrust his phone back into his pocket and offered a half-wave in farewell.

"Bye!"

But Franky didn't leave. As Gerauld started toward the parking garage elevator, Franky began to walk in stride next to him. What was going on? Oh no, not this. Anything but this. The pair walked side by side, glancing over their shoulders at each other without making eye contact.

"I guess we're going the same direction," Franky said.

"I guess so," said Gerauld, just for something to say.

Gerauld leaned forward and hit the down button as they arrived. The button lit up. The elevator was on the bottom floor, because of course it was. Gerauld pulled out his car keys, seven floors too early, and began to fiddle with them.

He looked up at the sun beaming down. "Great weather we're having," he remarked, although he realized as he said it that he was inexplicably covered with sweat. He'd only been outside maybe three minutes.

"Uh-huh." Franky, who was obviously trying to avoid eye contact, deigned to answer. Oh come on man, I'm just trying to make this less awkward. Play along.

The elevator arrived to spare Gerauld from his misery, and he leapt in, hitting the button for the floor where he'd parked, all the way at the bottom.

"What floor are you?" he asked Franky.

"Same as you, it looks like." Seriously, had he planned this?

The door shut and the elevator slowly began to rumble downwards. At this point it was no surprise that it was the slowest elevator Gerauld had ever ridden in his life, and to add to the derlict parking garage feel, whatever tinny speakers would usually have been playing soulless background music were broken and they were left in absolute silence. Literal minutes passed.

Gerauld faked a laugh. "This is one of those classic awkward situations, huh? 'Bye,' 'Bye,' and then we go the same direction!"

No response from Franky. Was the boy trying to make this awkward? Gerauld looked back down at his shoes. Well fine, he could shut up then. Would that make things better? There had to be some way to get Franky to drop this silly grudge.

At long last, the elevator came to a stop and the doors opened. "Let me guess, you parked in the back right corner too." Gerauld attempted another joke. But he met Franky's gaze and realized that this, too, was only too terribly true. Never had a walk across a parking garage ever seemed so daunting.

Gerauld tried to distract himself with thoughts of how to solve the ÉNRF's bad blood, but couldn't get a single coherent thought to pass through his mind. If an awkward goodbye was this difficult, how were they supposed to resolve months of disagreement? There was no way. He glanced at Franky, still walking beside him, staring at his feet. They'd used to be such good friends. Could that be saved?

They reached their cars. Gerauld noticed a tiny scratch on the side of his he suspected Franky had put there getting out of his own car too fast. Now was not the time to mention that. Then he felt a sudden impact and was almost knocked to the ground. He found himself in Franky's arms, in a tight bear hug. Both of them were breathing heavily.

"I'm so sorry man," Franky sobbed. "I was an idiot. I just want it all to be right. Can we be friends again?"

Gerauld was shocked. This was not what he had expected. Franky, crying? Franky, apologizing? A moment of self-reflection. Had he been the idiot the whole time?

"Of course, buddy," he said, hugging back, and he realized he was crying too. "Hey, I'll call you soon, okay? First things first, we gotta focus on kicking Huelavia's ass."

Franky grinned at him. "You got it."

Only there was no way in hell that was going to happen.

"Thank goodness I didn't have to run into Gerauld," thought Franky, sidling his way through the crowd in an effort to make a speedy exit. The presentation had just ended. It had been something about representation in sports - one of those topics Franky knew he ought to care about yet couldn't seem to find interesting. Definitely it was something Gerauld would have enjoyed, but Franky struggled to sit through it without fidgeting. Yet the thought present in the back of his mind throughout the entire thing, even larger than his growingsense of boredom, was a nagging dread of running into Gerauld somewhere in the crowd.

Things were just still so awkward between them. Ever since the 'spy mission', or whatever you wanted to call it, there had been a lot of bad blood on the national team, but Franky felt it most strongly between him and Gerauld. The two of them had not gotten along perfectly when they first met - there was that Reçueçn-Genève rivalry in the way, for one thing, not to mention their vastly different personalities - but having spent several years in each other's company playing for the ÉNRF had led to them becoming fast friends. Franky would come to Gerauld's daughter's birthday parties and meet up with his teammate outside of national team training, and quite a genuine connection had blossomed.

Now, however, the failed spy episode seemed to have entirely destroyed that. The two of them hadn't talked - really talked - in months. Sure sometimes there were still those little unavoidable interactions that take place when you share a locker-room and a team with someone. But Franky was heartbroken to have lost his friend, although he didn't entirely recognize the emotion and instead felt awkward, disappointed, and maybe a little afraid of Gerauld. The anger, at least, was gone.

For now, all Franky wanted was to not have to run into his teammate in public. He worked his way through the crowd as quickly as possible, breaking into a power-walk as he crossed the walkway to the parking garage. Franky was free now - no, no no no, it was all falling apart. He stood right in front of him on his phone.

Gerauld Firaut.

Franky uncomfortably looked Gerauld up and down.

"Uh, hey Gerauld," he said. "I, uh, didn't expect to see you."

"Oh, I thought you'd be here," said Gerauld. "How's it going?"

"Alright," said Franky.

God, this is awkward, thought Franky. Does he still have to hold a grudge? We messed up, get over it.

Franky waited to see what Gerauld would say next. The goalie took his precious time. Was he trying to find a clever but seemingly innocuous implication?

"What'd you think of the presentation?"

"I thought it was really good!" Hopefully that would earn some points with Gerauld. Not that Franky had actually paid any attention to what had been said, but this was a good chance to give an answer Gerauld would approve of.

"You on your way home?" Franky looked for a way out. If this conversation wasn't going anywhere, it was time to end it.

"Yeah, I guess I'll see you later." Gerauld waved, and Franky dipped his head in response.

"Bye!"

But then the nightmare scenario happened. As Franky stepped toward the elevator, he realized that Gerauld was going the same way. Well of course he was, there was only one elevator. Franky should have seen it coming. But did this really have to happen today, of all days?

"I guess we're going the same direction," Franky said. Yeah, astute observation.

"I guess so," said Gerauld.

Franky let Gerauld call the elevator while he pretended to be absorbed by the skyline. He put a hand on the back of his neck and looked off into the distance, looking everywhere but at Gerauld.

Gerauld must have found the silence too akward. "Great weather we're having," he said, and Franky thought he'd never heard a stupider comment. But as soon as tried to find something more intelligent to say, he drew a blank.

"Uh-huh." Gerauld scowled back in a way that didn't seem quite appropriate for someone enjoying the weather as much as he claimed to be, but that wasn't a surprise. Uptight bastard.

Mercifully, the elevator doors opened with the ring of a bell, and they both stepped inside. Firaut hit the button for the ground floor. Oh God.

"What floor are you?" he asked.

"Same as you, it looks like." Why, why, why?

The elevator began to descend, grumbling under its load as if it were carrying the entire national team. It felt like it was, for a moment. All the heat of the locker-room in the stuffy elevator, and a perfect recreation of the toxic atmosphere they'd had the last few months. Franky almost expected the elevator to pause at a floor so Relié could walk in.

Gerauld interrupted his thoughts. "This is one of those classic awkward situations, huh? 'Bye,' Bye,' and then we go the same direction!"

Franky wasn't sure what to say. He appreciated now that Gerauld was just trying to relieve the awkwardness, but it was only making things worse. Franky leaned back and forth from the balls of his feet to his heels, looking at the ceiling.

The elevator stopping suddenly almost threw him off balance. He followed Gerauld out, and was about to say bye for real, but Gerauld wanted to try a joke one last time, apparently. "Let me guess, you parked in the back right corner too." Franky looked him in the eyes as the realization hit them both at once.

They set off toward their cars, and Franky could see them now, parked right next to each other, his little sports car and Gerauld's family SUV. He looked down at his toes, each step taking him closer to the end of this miserable encounter. The tension, building the whole time was unbearable now. There was no way they could beat Huelavia by three goals if they couldn't even carry a conversation.

Suddenly, Franky felt almost on the verge of tears. He looked at Gerauld, pretending to be distracted looking at his mom van, and the memories of the birthday parties and visits and conversations flooded back. Fuck it, he thought, and he threw his arms around Gerauld, pulling him in close. Awkward? Maybe, but at this point it was never not going to be.

"I'm so sorry man," he blubbered. "I was an idiot. I just want it all to be right. Can we be friends again?"

Gerauld took a moment to say anything. Was it really all over, had he messed up too much? Surely Gerauld, the mature one, could find it in himself to forgive?

"Of course, buddy," and suddenly everything was okay and they were both crying. "Hey, I'll call you soon, okay? First things first, we gotta focus on kicking Huelavia's ass."

Franky grinned at him. "You got it."

Franky was looking forward to it. Reunited, nothing could stand in their way.

by **Cassadaigua** » Wed Jun 02, 2021 6:17 pm

Cutoff time for the 2nd leg of the playoffs

by **HUElavia** » Fri Jun 04, 2021 8:06 am

Survive and Advance!

A late goal sends HUElavia to their 3rd ever World Cup, surviving a close scare by Reçueçn.

HUElavia 1-3 Reçueçn
(HUElavia wins series 5-5 on away goals)
(Navarro 90+6' (P) | Adams 5', 38', Saunders 63')
(Estadio Nacional, Curumba)

For both HUElavia and Reçueçn, both teams were seeking to punch their ticket into the World Cup after a dramatic and thrilling first leg, where HUElavia came back from 2-0 down to win it, 4-2. Now, the second leg was here, with both teams using their Main XI and their Home Uniforms for the match. The final stop for both teams in this Qualifying Cycle was Estadio Nacional (100,000), in Curumba, where these two faced each other four years ago in the regular Group Qualifiers for World Cup 87, where Los Amarillos/Os Amarelos were the victors of the match. It was sold out once again, with Reçueçn needing to score goals to even out the series, while HUElavia had to defend the scoreline to win the series. Once the anthems were played (to which HUElavia was sung in a roaring rendition), the coin toss done, and the formalities completed, the ball was kicked and the match was under way.

Reçueçn was on a cautious level of attack, but were putting pressure from the start, capitalizing from the get-go. In the 5th minute, Hebron won the ball from Conti-Esposito, running along the byline in front of Pae, where he crossed the ball over into the box, which Adams towered over Mendieta, and headed the ball past the fingertips of Ramos into the goal, making it 0-1. Adams got the ball and ran back to center circle, while the team, bench, and crowd were stunned at the goal that was conceded. HUElavia kept on attacking, with the likes of Navarro, Hamada-Navarro, and Sol, but saves by Firault was enough to send out for clearances or corners. Despite the attacks, Reçueçn kept their cool, and in the 38th minute, Lebo was being covered by Muller, where he did a small cross into the box, and up out of nowhere came Adams, to head the ball past the fingertips of Ramos once again into the goal, making it 0-2. Adams got the ball once more to run to center circle, with the series now tied at 4-4. The crowd began to boo and whistle, while Conavacio was livid at the bench for the horrible defending. At the half, the series was tied and a scowl was seen on Conavacio's face. Once again, some cameras heard Conavacio giving a livid earful to the players in the dressing room.

The second half saw HUElavia continue with their attacks, giving pressure to Reçueçn, but the Reçueçian defense was holding out and did not want to allow another goal in the series. Despite the attacks, Reçueçn would get their chance, as in the 63rd minute, a cross was sent in by Hebron, where it reached the hands of Ramos, but the ball slipped out and right in front of her was Saunders, who tapped the ball into the goal, making it 0-3 and the series 4-5. Saunders ran to the corner flag, getting mobbed by his teammates and the bench, all while the crowd was silenced, except for the thousands of Reçueçians who traveled, and Conavacio was left in disbelief for the goal. From there, Conavacio brought on the likes of Yamane, Torrisi, and Grunberg for Sol, Guilbert, and Muller respectively. HUElavia continued with the attacks, now putting more and more pressure to Reçueçn. Time ticked away, and the crowd was growing more and more anxious as it was looking like Reçueçn was going to pull off the comeback to make the Final Tournament. In the additional time, Pae passed the ball to Torrisi, who crossed the ball into the box, which Navarro won the header from Bourguignon and headed it down to Yamane, who was clattered down by Cutrona. The referee did not hesitate to stop the play and call a Penalty Kick, which the crowd erupted for the call, and giving Cutrona a yellow card. The Reçueçians protested the call, while the HUElavians hugged Yamane for getting fouled upon and winning the kick. After the issue was cleared, the HUElavian bench went on their feet, with the crowd now looking at Navarro, who opted to take the kick. The referee blew her whistle, and Navarro stepped up, blasting the ball past the Firault's reach into the top corner of the goal, making it the definitive 1-3, and the lone goal needed to clinch the series. The crowd erupted and jumped and screamed with passion, while Navarro ran to the corner flag, taking off his shirt in celebration, with the team and bench running to him to mob him in celebration. Conavacio had a face of relief seeing the goal, along with a chuckle and smile in his expression. Reçueçn tried to get one last attack forward, but Libermann cleared the ball, and the referee blew her whistle, and HUElavia clinched their place to World Cup 88.

For the third time in the National Team's history, HUElavia has qualified for the World Cup. Throughout cities in HUElavia, the fans have come out in celebration, hugging and kissing each other, singing and dancing as well. After a long and dramatic campaign, Los Amarillos/Os Amarelos earned their right to participate in the most prestigious sporting tournament of the Multiverse. For the World Cup draw, HUElavia is now ranked 41st in the standings, and will be a Pot 4 team once again. In the coming days, the team will know who are their opponents and whether they will travel to Cassadaigua or Chromatika. From there, fans will flock to buy tickets to the matches and support the team with passion and joy once again. The Final 23-Player roster will be announced in the coming days, where Conavacio has earned praise for his work with the A-Team and bringing out up-and-coming youngsters. Here's to a fun and entertaining draw for the World Cup!

FORCA HUELAVIA! VAMOS HUELAVIA! GO HUELAVIA!

by **Busoga Islands** » Fri Jun 04, 2021 9:43 am

President Kasekende, in a suite with the Stafford City CEO

The moment it happened was the 68th minute. Both teams were defending fiercely- after a 0-0 draw in Busoga's largest city, they were back here battling again, for the final spot in the World Cup. Each of the other 5 playoff ties featured a whole bunch of offense. Over two legs, three of the other ties finished with 7 total goals between the two teams, one with 8, and the last with 10. And then, of course, there was this tie between the Busoga Islands and Hampton Island- 0-0 seemingly forever.

Hampton Island's defense, in particular, was impressive. President Kasekende was impressed at their ability to organize themselves. The four bears in the midfield made for a particularly intimidating defensive setup. They were trained to play quick and fast- a big reason why this Hampton Island squad had one of the most impressive defensive records on a national team level that has been seen in a long, long time. Hampton Island is a firm believer in the theory that defense wins championships, and that was reflected from play style to roster construction.

Of course, it meant that they had a glaring weakness- not a lot of ability to play from behind. And so, when the two teams were level at 0-0 at halftime, Alexander Bumba made an attacking subsitution. It'd be risky- but he'd need something to try and break the 0-0 deadlock. The teenage IFCF Champions League winner Ozkaya Tarhan came onto the pitch for Servet Ornet, to take over the second striker spot next to Kohut. Some fresh legs up top- would they be enough?

The President, increasingly nervous and getting into the game, spoke to the Stafford City CEO about the match. The usual banter. The President boasting glowingly about his son, the defensive midfielder, Kasekende Jr. But of course, the Islanders struggled to break behind the Hampton Island defense and truly find space within the 18 yard box. It would be Hampton Island who would take their chance on their home field. A 68th minute cross gave the captain, Chris Burroughs, a diving header on the near post. Burroughs would not miss, as Mustafa Taal could not get his hands up fast enough and the stadium exploded for joy.

1-0. President Kasekende had put his head in his hands, while the Hampton Islanders in the box celebrated. "Congrats on the goal." The President's aid said to both everybody and nobody in particular. But the mission was clear, even if the task was extremely difficult. Put just one away goal into the back of the net, and that would be enough. The Islanders basically had two real opportunities in those final, frantic, 22 minutes plus stoppage. In the 82nd minute, a long range Kasekende Jr. shot was blocked, but rebounded to about the six yard line. A sliding Artem Kohut got his foot to the ball and sent it towards goal. However, center back Clyde Benner was standing right on the goal line, took a hotly fired shot straight to the chest, the ball bounced down, and he quickly got it clear. He went down after that- a 56 year old taking the ball to the chest like that is never pretty. But, of course, he's a 56 year old who's in enough shape to play this game- he didn't leave the game, he was fine.

The final opportunity was a few minutes later, in the 88th minute. A bending cross off a free kick. Edwin Cooney came out to catch it, but missed. This left Isa Kujabi on the back post, in a position to head the ball with a contested header. She got above her defender and headed the ball towards an empty net, with Cooney trying to scramble back. However, the golden opportunity could not be converted- while Kujabi got a lot of air, being bodied out by a defender meant she could not get a clean hit on the ball. Her header hit the crossbar, and a sliding Kyle Marek was able to scramble back and clear the ball out of harms way.

When the final whistle blew, it was crushing. 14 matchdays in first place during World Cup Qualifying- and yet, they could not get the job done. Almost- but no cigar. Many of Busoga's players simply sat down and wear in tears, inconsolable, while the Hampton Island players and the home fans got their party started. President Kasekende Sr. was not in any sort of mood either. But, of course, he was a professional. "Congratulations to your team." The President said, clearly feeling the pain. The two men shook hands, and embraced each other.

The President asked to take the field to help console his team, and permission was granted. After a few minutes, he had taken the field. The first person he found was his son- Kasekende Jr., who was distraught. "Junior." He said to his son as the two embraced. It had been months since they'd spoken. And yet- the embrace was real. Kasekende Jr. felt the hurt. "You had a wonderful match. Hell- you had a wonderful campaign. But sometimes, it simply falls short. We'll get in next year." The President moved on to console a number of players on the team.

A joyous moment for Hampton Island. And a tragic one for the Busoga Islands. But it was how the sport worked- the strong would rise, and the weak would fall. Busoga had opportunities, but could not get the job done. The Cup of Harmony, a harsh, yet just, reward. And the World Cup for Hampton Island- a team that was that stout defensively, surely could not be denied a spot in the big one. In a playoffs where so many teams scored so many goals across two legs, this tie came down to simply one chance- and Hampton Island took theirs.

by **Eura** » Fri Jun 04, 2021 7:00 pm

WORLD CUP 88 QUALIFYING – MATCHDAY 18
XANNERIA 2 – 3 EURA
Scorers: Woakes 14, Woodman 33, Tomlinson 54
Lineup: 1. K Belgrave, 4. J Menard, 15. A Coles, 5. D Steele, 6. Rowland, 8. C Rogers, 11. B Malone (sub Coffey 50), 12. A Woodman (sub Bowman 45), 7. M Woakes, 10. I Tomlinson, 14. S Walker (sub Bond 62)

emplor.eur/main/sport/football
EFA ANNOUNCE EURAN SQUAD FOR WORLD CUP 88
Oslograd swings axe again but retains key figures as Robshaw returns
Report by our Euran international team correspondent Thomas Webster

Eura have announced their thirty player squad for the World Cup finals, as they mark their return to the biggest tournament of them all following a convincing qualifying campaign.

Several players have been dropped after failing to convince Oslograd during qualifying that they deserved to play at the finals themselves. Among those to fall short are goalkeeper Ethan Fleming, defenders Jane Hallam and Briar Daniels, midfielders Wallace Pickton, Tom Garner and Rob Ricketts, and forward Scott Walker. Replacing them in the squad are uncapped goalkeeper Clarence Webb, defenders Lucian Fontaine and Tom Wellington, and the midfield trio of Taron Matthews, Eamon Mullins and former stalwart Vincent Robshaw, as well as forward Tommy Sutton.

Oslograd’s decision to bring back several players from the cold after they missed out on the qualifying squad altogether could be seen as a big risk, but there can be few complaints for the players who have found themselves out of contention for the World Cup side. Fleming got a lot of gametime in qualifiers as Eura prepare for life without 35-year-old Kevin Belgrave. However, the Unioneers stopper only kept two clean sheets in seven games, conceding a goal more than Belgrave in two fewer appearances. His departure from the squad creates an opening for Webb, who has been in the wings for a couple of years.

At the back, Daniels was a left-field choice from Eura’s national pool, having been part of a relegation battling, goal shipping defence at Blackfields. He acquitted himself better than expected in six appearances but fails to make the cut, as does Hallam, who looked uneasy in her four appearances and not quite ready for international football. Tactically it seems certain that Oslograd will persist with three centrebacks and wingers deployed as wing backs, which is why he will be willing to take a bet on giving Lucian Fontaine another chance after his disastrous debut, with the Falourr fullback unlikely to play ahead of Harry Wheeler or the wingers. Wellington is a safer pick for reserve centreback.

The culling of Vincent Robshaw from the national team after the pre-qualifying friendlies caused a sensation at the time. However, the 30-year-old seems to have been given a second shot by Oslograd, taking the space vacated by Tom Garner after his short lived and uninspiring international career has come to a prompt end. It may be Oslograd has made this choice with one eye on Clint Rogers, a favourite of Oslograd’s and the replacement for Henry Patterson, who went on to put in an unremarkable series of performances during qualifying, scoring two goals in fourteen appearances. Robshaw will have to work his way back into the starting lineup, but the opening is there.

Pickton is the unluckiest of the dropped group, having put in five decent performances during qualifying and scoring a goal, only to be usurped by the resurgence of Damion Bowman. With Bowman and Adam Woodman now competing with Lucy Almwood and Stanley Burns for the left flank spot, there is no room for a fifth option on the left, leaving Pickton as the unfortunate victim of a wealth of riches in one position. Ricketts is a strikingly similar player to Rhys Griffiths and will surely get another shot at international football given he is only 23. Like Hallam, he seems a couple of years short of being the full package required for the international game. Matthews and Mullins return, hoping to take advantage of this chance to shine.

The final name to go from the squad is Walker, who struggled for form in qualifying despite starting a fair chunk of his twelve games, during which he scored just three goals. Insiders speculate that Oslograd was reluctant to remove Walker from the squad, but was persuaded to do so by the surprisingly good fitness of Brian Bond during qualifying, as the injury-prone 33-year-old managed fourteen appearances, joint top scoring alongside Isaac Tomlinson and Moira Woakes with seven goals. Sutton’s recall was unexpected, and may signal an end to the international ambitions of other experienced forwards such as Franklin Harris, Martin Blessed and Lewis Phoenix.

The rest of the squad will go into the World Cup in a cautiously confident mood, having restored Eura’s footballing dignity with encouraging performances at the last Cup of Harmony and a decent run at a Euran-hosted Copa ended by an unfortunate defeat to one of the tournament favourites. That form has continued with a ruthless qualifying performance that saw a marked defensive improvement from World Cup 87, although their record was sullied somewhat by three defeats in their final five games once qualification was assured.

Experienced goalkeeper Belgrave will once again be a key figure for Eura at the World Cup, proving he still has it with strong performances in qualifying. Nevertheless, he will be under substantial pressure to deliver the goods on the biggest stage after being one of the most senior players in the World Cup 87 qualifying failure, and with the revitalised Vance Simm in prime position to replace him. The defence in front of Belgrave will also be crucial; Jack Menard and Alex Coles have become a rock-solid pairing but Dean Steele, the most senior of Oslograd’s preferred centreback trio, showed signs of decline in qualifying. If he looks rocky at the finals, Tanya Green is likely to be slotted into the backline after some impressive qualifying performances.

On the left and right wing, Eura’s tactical revolution under Oslograd has exposed an overabundance of talent suited to playing those roles. Throughout qualifying Oslograd preferred to deploy wingers and attacking midfielders in these positions, with Bobby Malone, Woodman and Bowman all scoring roughly a goal every other game and making more appearances than wingbacks Wheeler and Almwood, whose own appearances have been limited to games where Eura have taken a more defensive approach. At the finals we may see Eura make more use of Wheeler and the immensely talented Almwood, especially if Eura reach the knockout stages and face the prospect of tense, gritty games against the top teams in international football.

Between those flank players, Eura’s central two of Monica Rowland and Rogers remains unbroken, though the lack of variety in Rogers game and his indifferent form has prompted the return of Robshaw. Even so, this won’t just be the Robshaw show; Sharon Erskine impressed during qualifying as a long term replacement for the aging Rowland, while Oscar Vincent put forth his credentials in a series of impressive appearances at just 21-years-old. Matthews is unlikely to play much due to the dominance of Rowland and Erskine in the defensive midfield role, but Mullins may have an opportunity to get into the frame if Robshaw falls foul of Oslograd’s mood yet again.

The only midfielder without any real challenge for their position is Woakes, likely to make her 150th appearance for Eura in upcoming pre-World Cup friendlies after serving as the key attacking figure in Eura’s qualifying effort. Ahead of her there seems to be no doubt that Tomlinson and Bond will start together as much as possible during the World Cup, although qualifying demonstrated the benefits of carefully rotating Bond to maintain his fitness. Sutton returns as the fourth striker this time with a lot to prove – Robson is better positioned currently to challenge the first choice two, having proven his worth in qualifying with a solid return of four goals in eight appearances. Then there is Brookfield, who presents a useful gambling option and backup for Eura to have in their pocket.

Eura will shortly play two pre-World Cup friendlies, at home to Mytanija and away in Kelssek, before the World Cup draw decides who Eura will be playing in the group stage of the tournament.

World Cup 88 Finals - Eura squad in full

GOALKEEPERS
1. Kevin Belgrave (Directus), 13. Vance Simm (Lajuno), 30. Clarence Webb (Bastion)
DEFENDERS
2. Harry Wheeler (Oakstone), 3. Lucy Almwood (Brinemouth [NPH]), 4. Jack Menard (1830 Cathair [AUD]), 5. Dean Steele (Brinemouth [NPH]), 15. Alex Coles (Oakstone), 19. Tanya Green (Revolutionaries), 21. Lucian Fontaine (Falourr), 23. Stanley Burns (Holdenberg), 25. Kevin Sherwood (Carsby), 27. Tom Wellington (Hellinic Rouge [PAS])
MIDFIELDERS
6. Monica Rowland (Bastion), 7. Moira Woakes (Crisisbless [NPH]), 8. Clint Rogers (Spartangrad), 11. Bobby Malone (AFC Treason [NPH]), 12. Adam Woodman (Directus), 16. Damion Bowman (Crisisbless [NPH]), 18. Sharon Erskine (Northern Union [BRE]), 20. Travis Coffey (Ma Alameome [FFD]), 24. Vincent Robshaw (AFC Treason [NPH]), 28. Oscar Vincent (Bastion Lions), 29. Taron Matthews (Crossroads [CMT])
FORWARDS
9. Brian Bond (Oakstone), 10. Isaac Tomlinson (Sabrefell Athletic [NPH]), 14. Stewart Robson (Directus), 17. Tommy Sutton (Hellinic Rouge [PAS]), 26. Rita Brookfield (Oakstone)

World Cup 88 Qualifying – Euran player stats

GOALKEEPERS
Kevin Belgrave – 9 apps, 4 clean sheets, 10 goals conceded
Ethan Fleming – 7 apps, 2 clean sheets, 11 goals conceded
Vance Simm – 2 apps, 1 clean sheets, 1 goals conceded

DEFENDERS
Harry Wheeler – 4 apps
Lucy Almwood – 6 apps, 1 goal
Jack Menard – 13 apps
Dean Steele – 13 apps, 1 goal
Alex Coles – 13 apps
Tanya Green – 8 apps
Jane Hallam – 4 apps
Stanley Burns – 5 apps
Kevin Sherwood – 5 apps
Briar Daniels – 6 apps

MIDFIELDERS
Monica Rowland – 12 apps, 1 goal
Moira Woakes – 15 apps, 7 goals
Clint Rogers – 14 apps, 2 goals
Bobby Malone – 11 apps, 5 goals
Adam Woodman – 8 apps, 4 goals
Wallace Pickton – 5 apps, 1 goal
Sharon Erskine – 9 apps
Travis Coffey – 5 apps, 1 goal
Damion Bowman – 9 apps, 5 goals
Tom Garner – 7 apps
Rob Ricketts – 4 apps
Oscar Vincent – 5 apps, 1 goal

FORWARDS
Brian Bond – 14 apps, 7 goals
Isaac Tomlinson – 15 apps, 7 goals
Scott Walker – 12 apps, 3 goals
Stewart Robson – 8 apps, 4 goals
Rita Brookfield – 4 apps, 1 goal

BY APPEARANCES

Moira Woakes – 15
Isaac Tomlinson – 15
Clint Rogers – 14
Brian Bond – 14
Jack Menard – 13
Dean Steele – 13
Alex Coles – 13
Monica Rowland – 12
Scott Walker – 12
Bobby Malone – 11
Kevin Belgrave – 9
Sharon Erskine – 9
Damion Bowman – 9
Adam Woodman – 8
Tanya Green – 8
Stewart Robson – 8
Ethan Fleming – 7
Tom Garner – 7
Lucy Almwood – 6
Briar Daniels – 6
Wallace Pickton – 5
Travis Coffey – 5
Stanley Burns – 5
Kevin Sherwood – 5
Oscar Vincent – 5
Harry Wheeler – 4
Jane Hallam – 4
Rob Ricketts – 4
Rita Brookfield – 4
Vance Simm – 2

BY GOALS SCORED

Moira Woakes – 7
Isaac Tomlinson – 7
Brian Bond – 7
Bobby Malone – 5
Damion Bowman – 5
Adam Woodman – 4
Stewart Robson – 4
Scott Walker – 3
Clint Rogers – 2
Monica Rowland – 1
Wallace Pickton – 1
Travis Coffey – 1
Lucy Almwood – 1
Dean Steele – 1
Oscar Vincent – 1
Rita Brookfield – 1

by **Banija** » Sun Jun 06, 2021 4:46 pm

World Cup 88 Draw Preview- Where could Banija go? Who could play whom?

The World Cup 84 Draw

CHROMIA, CHROMATIKA- The slog of World Cup 88 Qualifying is over, and the World Cup Finals are here. It was a push to the bitter end- while we had our spot wrapped up with a few matchdays left, others fought valiantly until the very end. Some did so ever bravely- a 5-5 aggregate draw for Tikariot over Drawkland was the tighest affair of the five, as both legs ended in draws but Tikariot advanced 3-2 on away goals. And some playoff qualifiers were blowouts.

But now that you're in, nobody cares how you got here. Whether you were undefeated in qualifying, or qualified via a last second goal in the playoffs, a place in the World Cup is a place in the World Cup. What matters is what you do once you're here, right? Fortunately, our campaign was good enough to move us into 5th in the KPB rankings, and very safely remain a Pot 1 side for the World Cup. This makes it our sixth consecutive World Cup where we are a Pot 1 team, including World Cup 83 where we were Pot 1 not for ranking in the top 6, but for being co-hosts.

Here, of course, are your pots.

Regional Count
Anaia- 7
Atlantian Oceania- 7
Esportiva- 4
Rushmore- 6
Independents- 8

Pot 2
Toughest Draw: Turori

Need I say more? Just on the edge of Pot 1 and absolutely one of the most in-form sides in World Cup play right now. YOu would generally do well, especially for the top tier teams like Turori, to separate qualifying form from World Cup form- it doesnt' always carry over particularly smoothly. But Turori will be hoping it will. They were the only team to reach the half-century mark in terms of total points earned throughout World Cup Qualifying, with 17 wins and a draw netting them 52 points.

They are on fire and in form. Nobody will want to face them- and yet, somebody will have to. Hopefully it isn't the Kadongo Kamu, right?

Most Intriguing Draw: Baker Park

This is a rival that we have played a number of important games against recently. Particularly, the AOCAF 61 Semifinals, when Baker Park downed us in our quest to win the World Cup/Regional double, and in World Cup 87, where we drew 1-1 with Baker Park on Matchday 2 of the group stages. When you consider that these two are AO regional rivals, and the very close and friendly relationship between the countries, it is clear that having this matchup would draw all sorts of eyes.

Pot 3
Toughest Draw: Audioslavia

This is a relatively easy one. Does anybody ever want to play Audioslavia? A World Cup fixture with a world title to their name, this is one of those teams that, even when they are ranked low, never truly consider themselves underdogs. That is the sense of belief in Audioslavia. When you consider the talent of the club game in that country, you know that their national team is capable of beating anybody on their best day, and shooting right back up the rankings. They did just that in the AOCAFs, where they won the last full-strength AOCAFs before becoming a founding member of the breakaway Anaia Region.

Can they form they had at their last major tournament be replicated? If it can be replicated at the World Cup, then this team could easily be your dark horses.

Most Intriguing Draw: Independent Athletes of Quebec

This is obvious, isn't it? Like the above, consider the history. Quebec- former colonizers in Banija. Two nations have very close cultural and historical ties because of that. Have been close allies for many many years. Participate in the Quebecois Commonwealth together as leading members. A huge population of Banijan migrants living in Quebec.

Banijan and Quebecois broadcasters would salivate at this matchup during the group stage, as it would be sure to mean heavy TV ratings.

Pot 4
Toughest Draw: Tequilo

Tequilo just smacked us around in the Eagle's Cup before World Cup Qualifying. Of course, there are all the qualifiers of the strength of squad and what not, but it is what it is- they beat us 3-0 at a tournament. On home soil. And then, followed that up by unexpectedly winning Group 6 to qualify for the World Cup Finals directly. So to say that this team is not a pushover is an understatement. They are on everybody's eye as a strong up and coming team. Are they going to win World Cup 88? No. But is this a team that is rising at such a rate where making a deep run during World Cup 90, or even 89, is realistic? Yup.

Older, more established nations have failed to put them down. It would be certainly interesting- but of course, this is the toughest matchup on paper for us out of Pot 4.

Most Intriguing Draw: Hampton Island

Talk about clash of styles. Hampton Island has conceded just one time in their last 8 competitive matches, making for one of the most stellar defensive runs over the course of a World Cup Qualifying campaign of all time. They conceded just six goals throughout their 20 qualifiers(including 2 playoff games), frustrating and stiffling some of the best offenses in this game.

What a challenge this team would be for Marcus Waters boys to try and break down, wouldn't it? Of course, the chances that we *don't* break them down are quite high.

And now... For the ultimate group of death. Who would be in it?

Ultimate Group of Death
Pot 1: Nephara
Pot 2: Turori
Pot 3: Audioslavia
Pot 4: Tequilo

As you can tell, we are very ready for the World Cup.

by **Savigliane** » Sun Jun 06, 2021 4:57 pm

click on the below image to watch a promotional video from the FSF:

Visit fsf.svg for more information.

WORLDS AWAY

8. Bianca Fiore
Stadio del Piero
Acqui Bollente, Savigliane

Then she was falling again, through something deep and hard and bottomless, and her last feeling in her reality was one of tremendous peace. Toward the end of it all, she ceased to feel her own weight as the wind rushed through her, and it felt more like she was flying, soaring up out of what her life had become.

And then she was on the ground somewhere and could feel soft grass against her cheek. Somewhere above her, the roar of a crowd had faded into a collective gasp. She blinked, slowly opening her eyes, and taking in the sight around her. It was Stadio del Piero. Where all of this had begun three years ago.

Glancing over, first disinterestedly and then in shock, was Amara Vatrican. The Acqui Bollente midfielder, eyes wide, took a few pensive steps over, big hazel eyes staring into her soul.

“B-Bianca?...we thought you were gone.”

And then everything spun and faded to black.

OOC: none of the content in the below spoilers is meant to be graded, but rather just to give additional context for the video/background images.

by **Jeruselem** » Sun Jun 06, 2021 11:40 pm

Princess Katherine Annabelle Dallas and her friend Pekora Dancer

Pekora: I hear Prince Marco and his Quebec team mates are here in Jeruselem
Kate: They sure are
Pekora: So why are they here?
Kate: It's nothing to with playing football for sure
Pekora: So no training then
Kate: Just partying

Pekora: I'm getting too old for this partying business
Kate: This ageing business sucks
Pekora: Hey, I assume Princes Marco and his friends don't have that COVID virus
Kate: I'd be more worried about what other viruses they have caught from their other activities
Pekora: Oh yes ...
Kate: I'm sure they never miss any of my video broadcasts

Pekora: You are Jeruselem's number one MILF
Kate: I have to be good at something
Pekora: No one's interested in me, they just think I'm weird
Kate: Bah, you're not weird. Just different
Pekora: I'm past my prime for sure
Kate: Don't worry, no need to get married.

Pekora: You going to Quebec parties?
Kate: I did get invited ...
Pekora: Clothing optional?
Kate: Oh yes, I'm assuming those Quebec boys won't be complaining
Pekora: I'm sure the local working girls will be happy for the additional business
Kate: Jeruselem working girls aren't exactly cheap though, but then Marco is a member of our royal family

Pekora: Those Quebec boys I hear have liking to ... Marijuana, and SMURFS?
Kate: I understand the pot but ... blue skinned tiny people ...
Pekora: Well I guess the smurf thing didn't come from Jeruselem
Kate: I'm not sure even why they had to import their own pot here. We got enough of that around here.
Pekora: Maybe their stuff is more potent
Kate: Probably

Pekora: Maybe it improves sexual performance too
Kate: If you're high as a kite, it would
Pekora: I guess if your partner is also a bit stoned, I guess a good time all round
Kate: I don't need pot to be horny. I'm just always that way.
Pekora: That's why they are here.
Kate: Figures

by **Ko-oren** » Mon Jun 07, 2021 2:58 am

We get an early look at what a CAFA Cup might look like: The Dragonflies were put in Group F of the World Cup together with... Starblaydia, Audioslavia, and Tequilo. Hosts Chromatika meet fellow-Foxcastrians Quebec in Group A, and the only Anaian nation without a brother in the group is Savigliane, in Group E - should they make it out of that group, they will run into someone from Anaian Group F.

Ko-oren

All in all, our mission is clear: just don't disappoint your fans and teammates after a wonderful second place finish at World Cup 87. Escape the group stage, don't get that Round of 16 curse going again... and once you're in the quarterfinal, as we know, anything can happen. A true Ko-orenite will stop you here and say "Anything can happen? That's a nice way of telling us to brace ourselves for the worst case scenario."

Tequilo MD1

Death, taxes, Tequilo. Since the Pitxileros stormed upon the WCC, they've been in our qualification group twice (out of four times), and just as we hoped we didn't have to run into them as often, they show up in our World Cup group (making it 3 for 4). We're honoured that we were not just there for their first strides in qualification, but also in the main event itself - but don't let that distract you from our will to get a huge result against them. They've gone from debuting in the qualifiers for World Cup 85 to debuting in the, er, actual World Cup 88 - taking about one third of the time we needed to do the same thing. Not only did they get that done in record time, they also won an IAC and an Eagle's Cup. What's more, their win streak and unbeaten streak are both longer than anything the Dragonflies have managed. Don't get fooled by their current rank, because they'll get there in about a tenth of the time it took us to get here. All we can hope for is that their win over us isn't what puts them in immediate World Cup winning contention. If our previous meetings are anything to go by: this will be a clash of opposite styles: the meticulous tryhards of Ko-oren versus the chaotic, happy-go-lucky Tequiloa.

Starblaydia MD2

A squad we've always had nothing but tremendous respect for, we've largely managed to stay out of their way as the Purple Menace keep crushing their opponents in a search for that elusive sixth World Cup title. Starblaydia has been an incredibly skilled opponent throughout all of our own attempts at a title, but let's not further anger Fëanáro and co. by telling them that their last World Cup trophy (47, capping off their dominant 40s) stems from before Ko-oren's first ever qualification attempt (55). If we're talking major trophies since the Dragonflies descended upon international football, the two nations are dead equal at one AOCAF a piece (61 for the purple, 60 for the green and blue). They have the more recent trophy, we have the rank advantage (we still cannot believe we're top 10, let alone being ranked over the Starblaydi). There shouldn't be time for respect in the MD2 fixture - though it should be a gentle match between fair players. There's athleticism to be found on both sides, but physicality is not expected: the Starblaydi will be looking to circulate the ball quickly, focusing on teamwork and positioning, while the Ko-orenites will try to keep a clean sheet and keep the ball in the squad for long stretches. Whether you're in the stadium or just watching on tv: you might notice the 'We Want Six' chants from the purple fans. Don't let that scare you: they've been at that chant since before our parents were born.

Audioslavia MD3

With Audioslavian club soccer better than it's ever been, the Bulls hope to take some of that success with them into the World Cup. I could spend another paragraph talking about contrasts (that red on green looking especially contrasting) and similarities (that beautiful 5-4-1), but none of that will change the score (spoiler: 0-0). After the just-happy-to-be-here Tequiloa and the fair and skillful Starblaydi, we're just glad to see a team in the group that plays like us: a shipping container full of tricks, a certain lack of sportsmanship when profitable, but never resorting to all-out assault. Any further comments might weaken Van Schelven's chances at signing an extension at 1830 Cat Hair, or one of the other three Ko-orenites playing in that league (Mulvahil (Osarese Marcadia), Kaplan (AC Izotz Zubia), yTewgneoll (Sham Rock Cat Hair)).

Just a reminder: World Cup 88 Qualification Fantasy is over - and here's how your favourite team matched up to the rest of the Multiverse. (Warning: large image)

NS World Cup Fantasy Qualification Roundup

by **Audioslavia** » Mon Jun 07, 2021 4:42 am

MORTAL KOMBAT
ANAIA NATIONS

In a secret tournament in deepest, darkest Rushmore, four ancient and slightly pixellated warriors will do battle to decide an ultimate champion (where ‘ultimate champion’ means ‘team who gets reprieve from being knocked out of the World Cup at least until their 3-1 second round defeat to Cassadaigua or their extra-time capitulation against true Anaian champions Savigliane’).

The battles will not be to the death, because then how could you bring more than one of the teams back for the sequel without viewers going ‘wait only one of these guys should be alive’ and in any case, these things are better with set rules. Either way: Four Anaians enter, two Anaians leave, and then two different Anaians leave about five days later.

Here, then, are our combatants:

A Viola-tion of All that is Right
Audioslavia to line up in PURPLE against the Mauve Rogues

With Starblaydia designated as the de-facto ‘home’ team, the Putrid Puce were given first choice with regards to what colours they would wear in their opening-day barney with Audioslavia. Naturally, the team for whom the word ‘purple’ is synonymous chose their traditional home colours of, er, all-white. The various assorted Starblayians, Dim Bananas and Jahnnans might have naturally assumed Audioslavia would play in their traditional claret and green - after all, every single match between the two teams has involved the Audioslavians playing in their home shirts with either claret or black shorts to contrast Starblaydi white.

But not now.

I mean we all love Anaian purple but come on, wear it against literally anyone else

The FFA claim they have an agreement with Kirola to wear their new Anaian-purple third shirt on the opening day, with the only exception being to avoid a colour clash or a dark-colour vs dark-colour matchup that the NSWC wouldn’t want to inflict on television viewers. It’s apparent that the FFA forgot to negotiate an anti-Starblaydia clause into their agreement - a first for an Audioslavian organization.

What very much *isn't* a first is the concept of Audioslavia and Starblaydia playing one another on Matchday One of a World Cup. World Cup 88 will be the fifth World Cup to feature exactly this fixture, with the Bulls mugging the Vile Violins (okay it occurs to me we really need to reign in the anti-purple rhetoric here) on the opening matchdays of World Cups 17 (2-1), 24 (3-1), 78 (1-0) and 82 (2-1). With this fifth Day One encounter, Starblaydia will become the Bulls's most frequent opponent, with the two sides having met in competitive internationals on sixteen prior occasions, with each team taking seven wins and sharing the points on two occasions.

For Audioslavia manager Rohan Cammers, a man not unaccustomed to wearing wildly inappropriate clothing, the colour clash is the least of his worries.

"We're here for two wins" said Cammers to the media on Tuesday morning, before taking the side for training. "We'll be gunning for Starblaydia from the off, but whether or not that streak continues - and let's not forget that in the most recent four games Audioslavia have played against Starblaydia, we've lost thrice and won once - we know we need two wins from the group stage to be sure, more or less, of getting through to the second round. It's been a long, long time since we last won two games in a World Cup finals, but it's the least we expect of the Bulls in any major tournament."

That last time Audioslavia won two games in a World Cup? Cycle 82. One of those that started with putting Starblaydia to the sword.

Mortal Kombat sprites taken from this presumably very inactive website.

by **HUElavia** » Mon Jun 07, 2021 5:49 pm

23 Stars and 3 Dreams

HUElavia is placed into a formidable Group D, where anything can happen, while Coach Conavacio selects the 23-Player Roster for the tournament.

For the 3rd time in HUElavian history, Los Amarillos/Os Amarelos are participating in the most prestigious sporting tournament in the multiverse. Coming into the World Cup draw, HUElavia were ranked 41st, making them a Pot 4 team. The team and supporters had their own familiarities with the one of the hosts for the tournament. This was the case with Cassadaigua, being the nation the team played their 1st ever World Cup in, back in World Cup 84, where the team scored two victories in what was their eventual Group Stage exit, after tying on 6 Points with Farfadillis and Banija- a "guns blazing" entrance for the team.

Now, the draw was done in front of a full crowd with the representatives of each nation present. Coach Leonardo Conavacio of Quebec was representing the HUElavians and had optimism in the draw and the team to be used for the competition. "This team has proven that they can do toe-to-toe with the big teams and they do not have fear against whomever they face. Regardless of what we get in the draw, I believe in this team and the potential it has.", said Conavacio in an interview prior to the draw.

The draw was done and HUElavia (41) was placed in Group D with the likes of Tikariot (22), Pasarga (12), and Banija (5). For two of these teams, there is history between HUElavia and the two. With Banija, they met each other in Matchday 2 in World Cup 84, where the Banijans won 2-0. With Tikariot, some of the International players have played for the Tikariot League, including winger Rafael Savedra, who is the only selected player that plays abroad in that league. Pasarga is the new opponent for HUElavia, where they come off a Quarter-Finals exit in World Cup 87.

For the matches in Group D, HUElavia will play their games in the Northeast of Chromatika, in the cities of Lhor and Wirr Tsi. The two stadiums HUElavia will play at, will be The Cove (51,265) in Lhor, and The Shock (51,350) in Wirr Tsi. The matches of HUElavia vs Pasarga and Tikariot vs HUElavia will be played at The Shock, and the HUElavia vs Banija will be played at The Cove.

Shortly after the World Cup draw, the HUElavian Football Association announced the 23-player roster for the World Cup. Coach Leonardo Conavacio has selected the following players for this tournament:

Goalkeepers- #1: Ana Ramos, #12: Gabriel Vannier, #23: Sofia Baptista

Defenders- #2: Manuel Mendieta, #3: Gabriella Grünberg, #4: Chiyun Ji, #5 Ismael Lieberman, #12: Laura Ezwa, #15: Nádia Resendes, #16: Samuel Di Donato, #18: Joel Vogt

Midfielders- #6: Mathieu Guilbert, #8: Natalia Duran, #10: Aurora Conti-Esposito, #14: Napoleone Torrisi, #19: Emilia Gagne-Leblanc, #22: Diogo Nazario

Attackers- #7: Marc Navarro, #9: Ayuka Hamada-Navarro, #11: Woo-Jin Sol, #17: Rafael Savedra, #20: Manuela Braz-Bitencourt, #21: Ringo Yamane

Some of the notable absences in the team includes Goalkeeper Marta Marin, Defenders Helena Muller, Elenor Mariño, & Raul Amaru-Dominguez, Midfielders Liana Mantovani-Jardim & Maxina Ocampo, and Attackers Arina Maximovna, Gabriela Tiong Belleza, & Bruno Moutinho-Figo. While some of the omissions surprised the HUElavian fans and press, for the most part there was satisfaction with the players chosen, although some expressed concern that the midfield was a bit aged, especially with the female players selected. Despite this concern, Coach Conavacio responded with "These three ladies are the very best female midfielders this country has to offer. It would have been an injustice to leave the three of them out, especially with their experience with and skills for the team."

Thousands of HUElavians have already booked tickets to Chromatika, along with purchasing tickets to the three matches. It is expected that about 50% of these matches will be filled with HUElavians draping the stands with Yellow, Blue, and Green. Some fans are ambitious, claiming that they have faith that the team will pull upsets in the tournament. The majority though are happy that the team is in another World Cup and hope to see entertaining games and goals scored by the team. Back at home, there are plans for giant watch parties to be done throughout the cities of HUElavia, which local authorities are preparing to give protection and keep safety in these parties. The Trading Card company of Pazzini is publishing out the official Sticker Albums for World Cup 88 and Cup of Harmony 80, with the CoH album getting smaller stickers to make up the 64-team tournament, while the WC album getting bigger stickers. Despite that, the CoH album has more stickers, but both are pretty hot commodities among the sport fans and collectors. Currently though, the World Cup album is very popular for obvious reasons. Religious institutions are putting up candles and prayers for the National Team, as they prepare to travel to Chromatika, and these institutions are filled to the brim with people just praying for the team's success.

Regardless of what happens, the team and fans hope for this to be a fun and entertaining tournament, and one to be memorable.

FORCA HUELAVIA! VAMOS HUELAVIA! GO HUELAVIA!

World Cup 81/82/83/84

WC88 Media Factsheet
(Contact Sasha Henderson, FAC Director of Media Relations for additional details)

--The Commonwealth of Baker Park National Team return to the World Cup Finals, their 9th appearance in a row having qualified for World Cups 80-83 and 85-88 in addition to co-hosting WC 84 with Cassadaigua, co-hosts of this tournament. They extend their record of having never failed to qualify since their debut, and share the fifth longest streak of consecutive appearance in the Finals with Banija, trailing only Vilita (30), Pam Scott's Farfadillis (20), Brenecia (11) and current World Champions Nephara (10)

--The opening match of WCQ 88 against Montana Verde had a couple of milestones, aside from it being that nation's first home international match; MV were the 150th different opponent that Baker Park have faced in the mixed gender era, and the visit to the Estadio Metropoliano Maximo Encarcion was the 150th different venue outside of the Commonwealth that the NT have appeared in.

--Crunching those numbers, there are eight nations that have been the opposition on at least five occasions, totaling 52 matches, or 14% of the 355 NS fixtures played to date—Banija (12), Cassadaigua (9), Chromatika (6), Busoga Islands, Equestria, Qasden, Valanora and Cosumar (all with 5).
Six stadiums have played host to Baker Park at least four separate times, although not always against the home nation—Stadium of the Restoration in Busukuma (6), La Gran Avenida in Puerto Favalero (5), Royal T.V. Stadium in Qasden, Dagan Airways Stadium in Concord Heights, BCEL Stadium in Jinja City, and the Olympski-Stadion in Borograd (all with 4).

--Matchday 1 of the World Cup Finals will mark the 358th contest in the NSWC era, and will see co-captain Annabeth Westmoreland make her 119th appearance in a national team shirt—one third of the team's total—breaking the tie she currently shares with Jamari Bozeman. WC 88 will almost certainly be the swan song of her NT career, during which she's provided extraordinary displays of skill and a sense of knowing when the moment needs something special.

--The Commonwealth topped Group 7, compiling identical 7-1-1 records in both halves of qualifying for 44 points, marking the sixth time they have advanced as group winners as well as only losing two or fewer matches. The have an all-time WCC tournament record of 130 wins, 35 losses and 26 draws.

--NT Manager Jennifer Prescott became the third boss to reach 50 wins in charge on MD 16 in the 3-1 victory over Central Antarctic Peninsula at the FSFB Stadium in New Bremen, moving ahead of Trevor Richmond into third on the all-time list.

--The World Cup Draw in Chromia threw up some interesting groupings, headlined by the all-Anaian Group of Death featuring Ko_oren, Starblaydia, Audioslavia and Tequilo,
The Commonwealth National Team were the first name out of the pot among the second seeds, placing them in Group A with co-hosts Chromatika, the Independent Athletes representing the Kingdom of Quebec & Shingoryeo, and the Squornshelan Remnant States. Baker Park have faced off against the Grim Reapers since the conclusion of the qualifying tournament, a 3-3 draw in a friendly played in Kingston, Quebec; the Anomalies and Bees haven't met since the AOCAF 62 Round of 16 in Flavovespia, and the Confederacy will be facing the BPNT for the first time on matchday 1.

--That contest will see MF Nicole D'Amico potentially lining up against the nation where she currently plays her club soccer and received recognition for her contribution in helping Damogran FC to the Group Stage of the IFCF Champions League by being named to the Galactico Long List.
D Alan Wiseman and F Lainey Wadsworth will also have an opportunity to be in the starting XI against the nation where both ply their professional trade on the final group stage matchday against the co-hosts.

--Former NT Assistant Manager Shane Newman has taken over as boss of the Indusse National Team, which will be participating in the Cup of Harmony, as will Zwangzug, managed by Kate DiMarini. Matt Villareal has joined the staff of new Cassadaigua manager Brittany Byers as an assistant and with Prescott and Pam Scott leading BP and Farfadillis respectively, that will make five former staff members from the FAC on the benches of the World Cup and COH.

--Several players reached milestones during qualifying, with Nicki Stone hitting three before the second half of the tournament got underway; against Montana Verde in the opener, she appeared as a sub, putting her first all time in number of substitute caps, leaping past Maria Fernandez; she then scored her 20th NT goal against Savigliane on MD 5; and earned her 100th cap overall—off the bench, and scoring a goal--against Ranoria in a friendly during the mid-qualifying break. Antonio Sotolongo joined her in the century club in Legalese City on matchday 15 and Derion Hutchins notched his 50th cap in the same contest, celebrating by scoring his 3rd career international goal. Sam Harrison made his 50th appearance in the previous match, the 2-1 defeat by Savigliane at Rogers Stadium, and Lainey Wadsworth got her 20th goal against Chartistan on MD 9. Finally, Danielle Gaines became the most capped goalkeeper in BPNT history when she started against Juvencus on matchday 8, passing Caroline Gordon with her 61st match in net.

--Alicia Craig (4) and Marcus Nolan (3) were the leading scorers during WCQ, the only two out of the 29 players who got on the scoresheet to have more than a pair of tallies.

Finals Roster, with updated appearance totals and stats current to the opening matchday:

1   Zach Johnston 		46  	11 clean sheets
21  Danielle Gaines		62 (3)	15 clean sheets
24  Kelsey Vickers		29 (3)	 6 clean sheets

 3  Kelly O'Connell		51 (6)
 5  Alan Wiseman		37 (6)	2 goals
 2  Charlotte Bauer		23 (2)
20  Pryna Rasanamira		54 (4) 	5 goals
 4  Sam Harrison		44 (7)
19  Derion Hutchins		42 (9)	3 goals

 8  Antonio Sotolongo	        86 (15)  31 goals  Co-Captain
13  Annabeth Westmoreland      100 (18)  35 goals  Co-Captain
15  Nicki Stone		        72 (32)  21 goals
11  Travis Grimaldi		35 (4)	  5 goals
 7  Junior Ngoba		72 (5)	 13 goals
 6  Marcus Nolan		51 (16)  16 goals
14  Nicole D'Amico		32 (9)	  8 goals
16  Marcus Milton		21 (7)	  9 goals
23  Anna Porter		        40 (24)  14 goals

22  DeAngelo Simmons            67 (16) 44 goals
 9  Lainey Wadsworth            50 (21) 21 goals
10  Reggie Laing		42 (14) 30 goals
12  Alicia Craig		35 (4)	12 goals
17  Daniel Pryor		43 (14) 22 goals
18  Ayanna West	                51 (15) 32 goals

by **Alasdair I Frosticus** » Tue Jun 08, 2021 8:48 am

Cuddly Cthulhu and his playful pals were just terribly excited about the World Cup draw. So many new friends to make around the Multiverse! They resolved to write a letter to each team in their group to see if they wanted to be friends too! It was all part of the new Great Old Ones Friendship Initiative, or GOOFI.

Dear Football Association of Vilita,

We're so excited to be drawn in the same group as you. Will you be our friends? Will you join us for tea and crumpets before the match and become members of GOOFI - the Great Old Ones Friendship Initiative?

GOOFI exists to build links of cuddle-based friendship between ordinary mortals, Great Old Ones, and Elder Gods.

Now, we know you might be just a little bit wary about an offer of friendship given the long history between our teams; not least recent history. There was that little misunderstanding about another Holy Empire World Cup captain accusing Vilita of doping with a popular chocolate-topped beverage from Turori, and you may have some misgivings about us all being ancient eldritch horrors worshipped by ravening mad cultists. We understand that there's some feeling in Vilita that the Dreamed Realm may have been involved in certain recent changes in Atlantian Oceania. We wish to put your minds at rest on these points:

1) Sir Barsanuphius is a former captain of the national side, and the Holy Empire Football Association has already issued a statement this World Cup noting that his statements do not represent the official position of HEFA. GOOFI takes no position on Sir Barsanuphius's claims.

2) We can't deny that we're ancient eldritch horrors, but why discriminate against us on this basis? We can't help how we were born and/or otherwise created. We just want to be your friends!

3) We have never asked for, or encouraged, the worship of mad cultists. Frankly, they're beneath our notice. And the only thing we want to sacrifice in a GOOFI meeting is a pot of tea and some crumpets.

4) The State Bureau of Imperial Security will be making a separate statement on recent events in Atlantian Oceania in due course; but it had nothing to do with us. Frankly, we were as surprised as anyone.

So please join GOOFI! We can have ever so much fun together! It'll be ever so jolly! With tea and crumpets and cuddles!

Also, if we did ask for or encourage our hordes of mad cultists, we would give them names just like yours! Polaox Torerun, Kudii Davasarii, Va'a-Rio Kiwavn, Striitca Virahat... what absolutely perfect names for mad cultists! But don't worry, we promise we don't want you to worship us - only share tea, crumpets, and cuddles.

In the meantime, here are 100 plush cuddly Cthulhu toys to show you how much we care.

Thank you ever so much,

Your new friends in GOOFI

Dear Mr Billic,

We're so excited to be drawn in the same group as Mercedini. Will your team be our friends? Will you join us for tea and crumpets before the match and become members of GOOFI - the Great Old Ones Friendship Initiative?

GOOFI exists to build links of cuddle-based friendship between ordinary mortals, Great Old Ones, and Elder Gods.

We were so excited to read that food and drink are considered pillars of Mercedinian culture! We love food and drink too! Some of our favourite foods and drinks are tea, crumpets, squid, and the souls of the permanently insane! Our team captain once devoted an entire recipe book to cooking the souls of the permanently insane! It's called Mealtime Madness. Would you like a copy?

Perhaps we should stress that we don't encourage insanity, but it does sometimes seem to follow us wherever we go. This makes us very sad - which is why we founded GOOFI.... to cheer us up! We hope joining GOOFI would cheer you up too! And we promise it won't drive you insane; unless perhaps Mercedinians go mad for tea, crumpets, and cuddles! We'd certainly understand - we go mad for tea, crumpets and cuddles too!

So please join GOOFI! We can have ever so much fun together! It'll be ever so jolly! With tea and crumpets and cuddles!

In the meantime, here are 100 plush cuddly Cthulhu toys to show you how much we care.

Thank you ever so much,

Your new friends in GOOFI

Dear Pekora Dancer

We're so excited to be drawn in the same group as Jerusalem. Will your team be our friends? Will you join us for tea and crumpets before the match and become members of GOOFI - the Great Old Ones Friendship Initiative?

GOOFI exists to build links of cuddle-based friendship between ordinary mortals, Great Old Ones, and Elder Gods.

There's so much we do to offer your team moral support over tea and crumpets - especially if shared with a cuddle!

Take Ina Ninomae... she wants to have tentacles; we can help her grow tentacles!

Moana Calliope is obsessed with the Grim Reaper; we know Mr Reaper - he's a very old friend! - and we would be happy to introduce them!

Watame Saki is a white sheep; we assume you mean this literally - perhaps she'd like to be adopted by Shub-Niggurath? The Black Goat of the Woods always has room for another young! Why not one thousand and one?

Dolly Dozer is a cosplay queen; what could be better than to cosplay cuddly Cthulhu or some of his playful pals? Who's Dolly's favourite Great Old One?

And those are just some examples! Think of all the fun we could have together over tea and crumpets and cuddles!

Also, we just love nudity. If you like, we can even play our group match against each other with both teams playing naked! We're fairly certain you'd be able to tell us apart....

So please join GOOFI! We can have ever so much fun together! It'll be ever so jolly! With tea and crumpets and cuddles!

In the meantime, here are 100 plush cuddly Cthulhu toys to show you how much we care.

Thank you ever so much,

Your new friends in GOOFI

by **Jeruselem** » Tue Jun 08, 2021 9:27 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!
Let's talk the finals groups for World Cup 88.
Yes, we managed to qualify at least this time round so we're not talking about the Cup of Harmony for once.
There's only 32 teams left in the cup, including the two hosts who of course didn't need to play any qualification games.

Group A is first up.
Chromatika, ranked 14 is here. They also happen to be one of the hosts!
The actual highest seed is Commonwealth of Baker Park, number 13. Our favourite number!
Our friends from Independent Athletes from Quebec, ranked 31 are also here. I know 31 is 13 reversed.
Lowest ranked team is Squornshelan Remnant States, 53rd seed.

Group B!
Our other friends from Newmanistan, ranked 17 are here.
The highest seed is Farfadillis, 4th seed.
Then we have the 9th seed, Turori. Yeah two TOP TEN seeds in here!
Yuezhou is lowest seed at 62. They must be feeling a little out of place with all their opponents being top 20.

Group C!
NUMBER ONE SEED, Nephara.
Add to that Brenecia, 11th seed.
South Newlandia are next, ranked 28. Which isn't exactly a low rank either.
Hampton Island 39th are the lowest seed. 39 is not a low seed really, but here it is.

Group D!
We have 5th seed, Banija. Top dog here.
Pasarga 12th seed is next highest seed.
Tikariot ranked 22, is here too.
HUElavia ranked 41 is lowest ranked team.

Group E!
Our female friends Cassadaigua ranked 6th, didn't actually need qualify because they were hosting.
Still ranked 6th, they are contenders.
Kelssek ranked 10th, put another top 10 team in Group E.
Savigliane ranked 29, are here and 29 is respectable rank by any means.
Omerica only ranked 37th, are lowest seed. They are ranked above us still!

Group F!
Hoy, Ko-oren ranked 7th and Starblaydia ranked 8th.
Pretty stacked group already.
Audioslavia only ranked 18, here.
Tequilo ranked 46 are the bottom of the stack.

Group G!
Valanora 2nd seed top the group ranking.
Eura ranked 16 and Poafmersia 20th are next seeds.
Twicetagria ranked 48 just happened to be poor fellas with lowest rank here.

Group H, last but not least.
3rd seed The Holy Empire head the group.
Vilita 15th seeds are the next highest seed.
Hey, and look it's Mercedini again! 35th seed. Remember them?
Jeruselem! Only the 50th seed. Yeah we're the 2nd lowest seed in the finals.

Yes well, we're up against the odds with our group.
But well looking at some other groups with two top ten teams there.
It could have been a lot worse.
You know like eating spiders ... Haachama style

by **Starblaydia** » Tue Jun 08, 2021 9:56 am

"Are you alright?" he asked, not knowing what else to ask.

"I'm fine," she replied, because that's the quickest way to end that line of conversation.

"No really," he pressed the issue, somewhat foolishly, "are you alright?"

"I'm fine," she insisted, in a tone demonstrating that she was anything but.

He didn't know what to say at that point, so just stood there. His eyes wandered to the floor in front of his feet as he closed his mouth tightly, making physically sure that no further stupid words came out of it, intentionally or otherwise. She wasn't looking at him, either, as her gaze found some piece of minutiae on the desk in front of her, a particular full stop on the page that had to be stared at specifically right at that moment. He wasn't sure how it had come to this, whatever this even was. He didn't know if Ázëwyn's coldness was something he'd not noticed before, or something that had just developed recently. However they had got here, speaking like two strangers who barely knew each other, he certainly didn't know the way back, if there even was one. A way back to the ice cream on the beach, the clinking of wine glasses, in-depth tactical decisions, or even the song of swords spinning through the air. None of it happened any more, instead the life and light between them had been replaced by empty platitudes, witless icebreakers and long looks into nothingness. He felt so many ways, but just didn't know how to say it, demonstrate it, or even hint at expressing it. He missed it. He missed it very much.

"I mis-" he began to say, cut off almost immediately by the ancient Elenmacilnóre before he'd even registered she was speaking.

"I miss it," She said, still not looking up. "I miss us."

He looked at her longingly, his bottom lip trembling slightly as he closed his mouth, willing her to look up and look at him. Every muscle in his body was screaming at him simply to go to her, but his mind kept him locked in place, unmoving. Unfeeling. At least that's what he thought it would look like afterwards, when in the moment he felt like he could burst like a dam at any moment, and entire towns would be washed away by the torrent of emotion building up inside him.

"Me too," he said, after what seemed like an eon, "what happened?"

Finally she met his gaze. Her eyes raised from the desk in front of her, eyebrows twitching upward once ever so slightly but without a single other physical movement to indicate her focus of attention had changed. What he didn't realise was that it hadn't changed. It had always been on him. Every time he'd tried, she'd known. Every good-natured attempt at a social nicety, every innocent question he'd hoped would bring a full and frank confession from her, all the ways he'd expressed his concern in his own, unsophisticated way, she'd been aware of them all. But hers were not a people who responded to that line of thought, they considered the most deep and meaningful questions across what other beings would consider several lifetimes, honing and refining in the crucible of the mind until only the purest thoughts remained. He was not like that, he never had been and likely never would be. But he still cared, which was enough for her.

"This," she said as her hands, rigid at her sides throughout all this, raised up, palms to the ceiling with fingers artfully gesturing to everything around her in a shrug without moving her shoulders. The room around her was huge and filled with gold, and almost all of it was old gold. "All this happened. Forty years of failure. It took twenty years to get to the World Cup Final, and another twenty later we're no closer to winning it than we were then. Further away, even. I've never failed at any goal in my life, but I'm failing at this one. More than one."

"This is the most difficult thing in the world and, as wonderful as you are-" he swallowed, trying to keep the damn from bursting, "it can take a lifetime. There's only one opportunity at a time, and everyone wants to take it. You fight against the most dedicated and talented people in the world every day, every game, every kick. They all want it just as much as you or I do, probably moreso because they think we've had our fill of it, and it's their turn." He didn't realise how easily his emotions were bursting out, with the two things he was most passionate about in life at the same time both present in front of him. "It's been such a long, long time and yeah, we see time a little bit differently to them, but it still doesn't stop it hurting, doesn't stop the pain and the longing. It doesn't stop the numbness when you're getting used to it, and as much as you hate it there's nothing you can do because it just happens again, like before, no matter how hard you try."

"So what do you do, Mister Di Bradini," she asked, "it sounds like you just want to give up and forget any of it ever happened?"

"Then there'd be no point in having done it," Simeone said, and as much as his brain was pleading with his body to stay still, it was losing control. He stepped towards her softly, one foot at a time in front of the other, taking him on a path around the huge desk, circling at the edge of the deeply varnished wood to move around to where she stood, "you have to keep going, but that doesn't stop you from changing it up, making a bang, doing something you've never done before. It can happen, I know it can, because otherwise what's the point in any of this? We're not here by random chance, we're here for something and, even if we have to defy every expectation of us, even if we have to-"

In one fluid motion, Ázëwyn stepped towards him, brought her hands up to the side of his face and closed her eyes.

She kissed him.

For a long time their lips were pressed together, long enough to feel the breath exhaled through the other's nostrils and the rise and fall of their chest. His arms were around her waist, but he didn't know how they'd made it there. As she pulled back gently and looked into his eyes, too close to really focus but not caring because she could see his smile and the way he looked at her, she felt herself smile for the first time in too long.

"That was something," she said, suppressing a giggle.

"Something new," he smiled.

by **Mercedini** » Tue Jun 08, 2021 12:11 pm

OFFICIAL MERCEDINIAN WORLD CUP ANTHEM

IO - "Between Borders"
Tune: Davina Michelle - "Sweet Water"
Music: G. Kletinka • Lyrics: G. Kletinka, K. Marianno

The lights go down on the audience as the song presentation fades out and the music begins on Mercedini's World Cup Anthem. The opening notes ring out as the stage screen shows a starry night, with the stage floor depicting flowing waves of a deep blue ocean. It's a very dark setup to open the song, which is only lit by a light from above which illuminates IO in the centre of the stage. The young performer sits on the stage floor in a flowing grey dress, but with the notable addition of a silver foil blanket, similar to those refugees wear. The visual is strikingly similar to those seen on boats drifting at sea, which is what it is supposed to portray.

As the opening lines approach, IO seems steady on the stage with the thousands in the arena watching on, and the millions watching at home. She has represented her nation before, but not in a sporting environment. She lifts the microphone up to her lips to open the Mercedinian's performance.

Play your silly games
Sit in your ivory tower
A million miles away
Their taste is twice as sour
Hiding from the pain
Where the fate is far too tough
Why can't you see?

IO slowly begins to get to her feet following the end of the first verse, with the audience static and quiet as they respectfully watch the performance. She stands tall in the middle of the stage with the water still flowing and the stars still faintly twinkling in the background. The camera slowly sweeps along the bottom of the stage, before returning back to IO as she sings into the camera, and to the audience at home. For the second half of the verse, she turns away from the audience and faces the screen behind her, as the light of a lighthouse glimmers on the horizon, lighting up the water around her.

It's not their fault
It's not their sin
We close our eyes to feel good within
A whole new world is there, but you omit
But life's game for you to lose
And you can end just like them too
If we all just lend a hand to help them build.

For the first chorus, a flash of light fills the stage floor and the screen, briefly lighting up the arena. The shot returns to it's original view, but with lights converging on IO in the middle of the stage, it's all eyes on the Mercedinian performer as the first chorus rapidly approaches. The song begins to build with camera sweeping in from afar to reach IO. She offers out her hand to the camera as it sweeps forward, before the camera retracts and flies back out into the audience. The lights, which were once converged, now spread apart as IO opens up her body to reach the high note, which prompt a loud cheer from the crowd which is picked up by the microphone.

The lights twinkle around the arena as the beat drops and the intensity that the song built up has now been released. IO opens her body and closes her eyes as she takes in the moment. Taking Mercedini back to the World Cup dream, while simultaneously returning to the place where she started her career.

Does hope exist between borders?
Out in the cold hoping to feel a little warmer
But is life fair between borders?
We only love to turn away, to stop the horror!
(Oh oh oo-oh oh)

(Between borders)
(Living between borders)

Following the first chorus, the lights and the atmosphere dies down, giving the viewers a small rest in the song. IO lifts her hand in the air, which the camera on stage tracks as her fingers flutter and her hand floats down. As she sings the second verse, she delicately touches the side of her face with the back of her hand, signifying how she longs for a tender touch like the subject of her song.

She strains to hit the high notes so softly, but that doesn't stop her from delivering a professional performance at such a young age. The light behind her begins to get brighter as the horizon begins to reveal itself on the screen behind her.

Play your silly games
Sit in your ivory tower
We can scream their names
So your shouts are just a whisper
Time to make a change
Forget the things you feel, to block the pain

The camera returns to the stage as IO and the camera orbit the same centre point. The lights around the arena and on stage a match the same drum snare as in the song, make for a customary Mercedinian light show. You can see IO is getting into the song as she bobs along to the song with a determined look on her face to deliver. When she makes it to the centre of the stage, the camera zooms into her while physically moving away from her, making for quite a trippy transition. She offers her hand with the word 'hey', before retracting it as soon as the second build up comes in.

It's not their fault
It's not their sin
We close our eyes to feel good within
A whole new world is there, but you omit (Woah oh oh oh)
But life's game for you to lose
And you can end just like them too
If we all just lend a hand to help them build, hey!

An aerial shot kicks off the second build-up as it shows IO on the stage floor, with flowing water being portrayed on it. The foil blanket she it wearing is catching the light, and is almost glistening as the light is reflected into the camera. The wide shot of the arena shows a faint glimmer of light in a sea of darkness, with IO singing her heart out with the lights and the eyes on her. As the beat drop approaches, she sticks her free arm out wide and walks forward to the centre of the stage before stretching down to belt the second high note out.

With another beat drop, the lights spread out once again, and circle around the audience, making a sense of chaos with everything going on across and behind the stage. In the LED screen behind IO, it begins to rain in the sea and she sea begins to get choppy, with IO walking back to her centre spot.

Does hope exist between borders?
Out in the cold hoping to feel a little warmer
But is life fair between borders?
We only love to turn away, to stop the horror!
(Oh oh oo-oh oh)

(Between borders)
(Living between borders)

The second beat drop comes into the song, with steam jets flying from the stage, lighting is now flickering on the stage which is reflected by the strobe lights around the arena. Flags are flying in the audience as IO stands a lonely figure in the middle of it all. Ending the performance in the usual furore of a typical Mercedinian anthem. There isn't much left in the performance, but the Mercedinian delegation of going all-in to make an impression on their return.

Yeah is life fair between borders?
Between borders
Yeah, oh, between borders

IO keels down in the centre of the stage, still with her foil blanket over her, the chaos begins to die down as the night begins to fade away into a clam morning. Some of the crowd are already beginning to cheer as the song begins to grind to a slow halt. IO gets to her feet as the sun begins to rise on calm waters to cap off the end of the song. IO is smiling and unpins her foil blanket as land is now visible in the background. The background signified a treacherous journey across a stormy sea, and that journey has now come to an end with the conclusion of the song.

IO simply moves the microphone away from her lips and gives a wry smile as the final chimes of the song ring out in Zoloroni. Whether it's a tournament that ends in success remains to be seen, but it's a big night for Mercedini, as they leave everything on the stage.

It's not their fault
It's not their sin
We close our eyes to feel good within
We can all just lend a hand to help them build.

The crowd kicks into full gear as the performance officially comes to an end, a beaming smile appears on her face as she covers her mouth in shock of what she has just done. She waves and takes a bow to the crowd to finish her time in the spotlight. 'Grazije Mercednia, buona fortuna!', a transition is made over to Cassadaigua and Chromatika for the beginning of Mercedini's World Cup journey.

by **Yue Zhou** » Tue Jun 08, 2021 12:27 pm

GET TO KNOW WC88: GROUP B
With three regional champions, three of the four best teams in qualifying, and three top-20 nations by the KPB Rankings, Group B looks like one of the groups most likely to produce a champion in Chromatika. Whether it's the staunch defense of unbeaten Turori, the all-out attack of Farfadillis, or the speed and skill of Newmanistan, the competition for the Round of 16 spots will be intense, as three famous nations duke it out to see which two will be advancing, and who will go home. Oh, and Yuezhou are there too. We break down Group B:

NEWMANISTAN
GROUP: B • REGION: ESPORTIVA • WORLD RANKING: 17
MD1 v. Farfadillis, Riders' Arena, Pûr
MD2 v. Yuezhou, Dragon's Nest, Anfanhar
MD3 v. Turori, Dragon's Nest, Anfanhar

HOW DID THEY GET HERE?
Comfortably. Newmanistan punched their ticket to Chromatika with two matches to spare, ultimately losing just once in Qualifying Group 9 despite facing the likes of ex-finalists South Covello and ex-champions Osarius, as well as Omerica and Flavovespia. They led for virtually all of qualifiers, ultimately finishing seven points clear of second-place Omerica, and finished with a dominant sixty-six goals scored - nearly four per match, and the most of any nation in qualifiers.
HOW DO THEY PLAY?
Manager Michael Starre favors a dynamic, attack-minded 4-3-3 formation, which the Rockets have generally stuck to in their three cycles under the Drawkian. They excel at stretching out opposing defenses with their speed and width, with Stefansson and Blades both capable of leaving opposing wingers and fullbacks in the dust, and Sarniak and Singletary excellent on the overlap. The Rockets tend to also be very strong physically, with Andrews, Conlin, and Costner forming a defensive core that will be tough to penetrate. Up front, two inside-forwards flank poacher Levy (although Sarniak will also be looked to a lot for goals), with the enigmatic Miller and speedy Callaway alternate tactical options.
WHO IS THE STAR?
Paul Lombardi may not be a big scorer, but he can do virtually everything else right from central midfield. An excellent playmaker with the strength to impose himself on both ends of the pitch, the Rockets captain will be key if Newmanistan wants to advance in the competition. Already 32 years old, the Pocono City star will be aware that this may be his final chance to make an impact on the world’s biggest stage.
WHAT ARE EXPECTATIONS LIKE AT HOME?
Newmanistan advanced to the knockout stage four years ago when they co-hosted WC86, but are not historically one of the giants of international football in the same way that Farfadillis and Turori are. Still, they have the right mix of strength and skill to threaten anyone else in the competition, and Rockets fans will be hoping they’ll be able to outplay one of the top two seeds and get back to the knockout stages - and, if their luck holds, maybe even further.
PREDICTION: THIRD (1-0-2).

YUEZHOU
GROUP: B • REGION: RUSHMORE • WORLD RANKING: 62
MD1 v. Turori, Dragon's Nest, Anfanhar
MD2 v. Newmanistan, Dragon's Nest, Anfanhar
MD3 v. Farfadillis, Riders' Arena, Pûr

HOW DID THEY GET HERE?
By the skin of their teeth. After being drawn in Qualifying Group 18 alongside former World Cup champions Farfadillis and Equestria, IAC champions New Lusitania, and Baptism of Fire runners-up Le Choix, Yuezhou shocked everyone by going 6-2-1 and surging into second place in the first half of qualifiers. The second half was much rockier, as they conceded the runners-up spot to New Lusitania several times. But an MD18 victory over Equestria was enough to get them to the playoffs by the slimmest of margins before favorites Abanhfleft were easily handled over two legs of the playoffs.
HOW DO THEY PLAY?
Lu Jialan’s 3-4-2-1 is centered around the counterattack, both keeping the team difficult to break down and dangerous when breaking free. The wingbacks and Yang Tao (or the likes of Guo Xiawei and Wan Sheping, who provide interesting tactical options from the bench) will often drop back to form a back six, with Li, Wen, and Liu favored in front of them and Huang Shedong upfront. The focus in open play will be to play more centrally and dynamically, shifting play between the two sides of the pitch when needed. Lu relies on his fullbacks-turned-wingbacks for width, with Diadora Reeve and Kang Enlai being given more license to push up and provide a wide threat, although Yuezhou will never have the personnel to play many crosses in.
WHO IS THE STAR?
The keys to the team’s attacking prowess are the “dual #10s" in the 3-4-2-1. Liu Huiying enjoyed a breakout season with Iron City after impressing in Squidroidia, and although the Stargazers were relegated in the final season of the Premiership, Liu impressed enough to earn a transfer to AFC Corvistone. Although nominally a support striker, she led the team in goals during qualifying, with eight, and is known for her speed and passing ability. However, the attacking midfielder that Yueren have all been talking about is Wen Xiaohui. The CASK Thorsborg starlet assisted seven goals during qualifiers, but what really made headlines was her decision to stay with the national team instead of playing for Sangau, her separatist province of origin. Both are devastating passers and excellent runners on the counterattack who will be key to Lu Jialan’s style of play.
WHAT ARE EXPECTATIONS LIKE AT HOME?
The Dragons could concede thirty goals and still be the best national team in the history of their long-suffering nation. A single point would flood the streets of Nanhai with fans for days. A Round of 16 qualification would be unthinkable, but maybe playing in the Dragons’ Nest will provide the boost Yuezhou needs. If not, Tahautxi has ensured that they’ll at least look stylish in defeat. PREDICTION: FOURTH (0-0-3).

TURORI
GROUP: B • REGION: ATLANTIAN OCEANIA • WORLD RANKING: 9
MD1 v. Yuezhou, Dragon's Nest, Anfanhar
MD2 v. Farfadillis, Riders' Arena, Pûr
MD3 v. Newmanistan, Dragon's Nest, Anfanhar

HOW DID THEY GET HERE?
In record-breaking fashion. The Eels were drawn in a tough qualifying group, with Reçueçn and Krytenia both former regional champions and potent threats, and several dangerous teams in lower pots. They proceeded to win seventeen of their eighteen matches, draw the other, concede just eight goals, and have the best goal difference of all 180 teams in qualifying. Tarek Edgeli couldn’t have asked for a better qualifying performance - but will be aware that the World Cup proper is a whole other beast to slay.
HOW DO THEY PLAY?
Turori have by far the toughest defense in Group B, conceding just eight goals in the qualifying stages. They favor a strong, solid 4-4-2, with the midfielders playing in a relatively flat bank of four, and the back four seemingly everywhere they need to be. That’s not to say that they’re weak on offense, as they were absolutely clinical en route to scoring fifty-two goals in their eighteen matches. But Edgeli, themselves a former defender, has prioritized locking down the opposition before venturing forward, and it’s likely that they’ll continue to play that way against the threats of Newmanistan and Farfadillis.
WHO IS THE STAR?
Arlington City’s Meldi’ita Mungwaii is an absolutely lethal finisher, whose penalty-box prowess offers a constant threat to opposing defenses. One of the most experienced players at the World Cup, the 37-year-old recently reached 100 caps with the Eels. However, although he has won an AOCAF, he’s never won a World Cup, and WC88 could be one of his final chances to do so. As a result, the already-elite striker will be especially motivated to perform in Chromatika, and could wreak havoc on the more attack-minded teams of Group B.
WHAT ARE EXPECTATIONS LIKE AT HOME?
Turori made the World Cup finals just twelve years ago, sweeping aside the likes of groupmates Farfadillis and hosts Cassadaigua before losing to Vilita, of all places. Since then, their record has been more underwhelming, with just one quarterfinals appearance in the past five World Cups, and two group stage exits. But the teams’ qualifying dominance and a rejuvenated roster may give Eels fans renewed hope as Edgeli’s long-term project continues. Could another quarterfinals appearance, or even their first semifinal in over a decade, be in the cards? We’ll see. PREDICTION: FIRST (2-1-0).

FARFADILLIS
GROUP: B • REGION: ATLANTIAN OCEANIA • WORLD RANKING: 4
MD1 v. Newmanistan, Riders' Arena, Pûr
MD2 v. Turori, Riders' Arena, Pûr
MD3 v. Yuezhou, Riders' Arena, Pûr

HOW DID THEY GET HERE?
By a wide margin. Their forty-five points were third-best in all of qualifying (although groupmates Turori and Newmanistan were first and fourth, respectively), and they were one of just three teams (alongside Turori and Eura) to secure qualification with three matches to go. As usual, their qualifying dominance was fueled by a high-octane attack, as La Vherderoja scored sixty-five goals (second-most in the world). The run was made especially impressive by occurring in a tough group with GSW Rivals Equestria and indie darlings New Lusitania, as well as groupmates Yuezhou.
HOW DO THEY PLAY?
Baker Park’s Pamela Scott isn’t your average manager of La Vherderoja. First, she’s sane. Secondly, she’s slightly dialed down the Takil since taking over for Ichi Tuzzio several cycles ago. While the Farves will still play a fast, vertical, and attack-minded style of play, they’ll focus more on pressing and playing sustainably than ninety minutes of all-out attack. Sweeper-keeper Ibrelaná and the back three will play a dangerously high line while trying to simultaneously stay narrow and start counterattacks. The likes of Gallegas, rue Cazade, Alxíkí are nominally midfielders, but are all incredibly dangerous on the attack, while the Çídh brothers are both strong goalscorers up front. It’s another incredibly attack-minded lineup, very similar to the one that went out in the quarterfinals last cycle - but will Scott have changed enough to get a better result?
WHO IS THE STAR?
There’s a reason Edmün Çídh attracted so much attention in the most recent transfer window, ultimately moving from Herzegovina City to Raynor City United for thirty million NSD and Madu Okparra. After playing a massive role in the Outlandish Lands’ World Cup 84 win at just 19, he’s matured into one of the world’s most complete strikers and best footballers, with a deft touch, a great eye for goal, and pace for days. If Farfadillis are going to contend, the striker will be absolutely crucial.
WHAT ARE EXPECTATIONS LIKE AT HOME?
It’s hard to believe at times that Xixi Êns' final penalty in Concord Heights was eight years ago. But since la Vherderoja won World Cup 84, results have been more mixed, with a group stage exit at home, a traditional fourth-place finish, and a cataclysmic penalty shootout against Ko-oren ending the past few cycles. Will this be the cycle that revives the WC84 titans? Pamela Scott will certainly hope so, and there’s reason to believe that her veteran team will have the mental strength to make the sort of deep run that they haven’t seen as much of lately. The semifinals certainly seem doable, despite a tough group draw, but you never quite know what Farfadillis will do. PREDICTION: SECOND (2-1-0).

by **Kelssek** » Tue Jun 08, 2021 5:52 pm

THE FOOTBALL MAGAZINE ALL THE COOL KIDS ARE READING
UNSETTLING MASCOTS SINCE 134 F.E.

WORLD CUP 88 PREVIEW
Are Kelssek really football elites?
Many fans blinked in confusion when the updated international football rankings placed Kelssek in tenth place, and then immediately began discounting it. Surely that couldn’t be right. It’s worth noting that this equalled the highest-ever ranking that the previous generation achieved, so it’s not like Kelssek hasn’t been here before. Yet few devotees of the football Voyagers are ready to accept the verdict of this Kelssek team as 10th-best in the world.

The team has real weaknesses, for one thing. The central defender position has been a perennial weak spot, with Damien Halliger, Phillip Lozic, and Joseline Fourtin the only clearly international-calibre players for that position. This has also held back the team offensively, as Andrea Crowe often needs to play a midfielder in a highly defensive role to provide cover. Even as Ruslan Demetriev’s abilities were on the decline, he was hard to phase out for this reason, and we might still be seeing him there if not for his decision to retire from international play.

While Kelssek maintained a strong defensive record over the course of the qualifiers, when things went wrong, they went wrong – as they did against Tumbra, Drawkland, and Kandorith. Mason Blueman, Cory Greenwood, and Matts Bogdanor have all had fill-in roles but this either wastes their attacking abilities (in Blueman’s case) or means someone who just doesn’t have the penetrating passing and attacking threat as a tradeoff for defensive excellence, for the other two.

Another part of this is the relative weakness of footballing tradition in Kelssek, as there is a clear gap between hockey and rugby as the most popular sports. Kelssekians, even football fans, just don’t think of themselves as a serious football country.

And then there’s the basis on which rankings are calculated, which gets a bit philosophical. You can only rank based on what happens, and what happened is that Kelssek went to the quarter-finals last cycle. They were among the last eight teams left standing in the World Cup. Simple enough to suggest they’re among the top ten, right?

But then there’s how they got there. Key to this was the win against Vilita. Was that a fluke? Perhaps a tad disrespectful to Vilita, some argue Kelssek merely caught out a team of jaded stars who were ripe to be upset. Maybe. And in the round of 16, a win against a Cassadaigua side who any even-handed spectator will say dominated the play and were shortchanged by the odd quirk of the rules that says the winner is the team which scores more goals.

There’s the rub: it’s very common to talk about sports and results like it’s a scientific experiment to determine the best team. So many if not most people buy in to a sort of Plato’s Cave belief that the result on the pitch is just shadows on the wall that sometimes, unjustly and unfairly, awards the win to the team that is “objectively” not as good and “should” have lost.

Yet wins and trophies are awarded to the team that actually performs in the real world, not the abstract figment of the statistics-cruncher’s imagination. Expected goals and expected points are just that – expected. An actual, objective goal has to involve a real physical ball crossing a line painted in actual grass.

Undoubtedly, this is the challenge that should motivate the Kelssek team at the World Cup: to prove, to their own fans even, that they really are as good as their ranking says. Fortunately for them, it’s in the real world that they’ll have to do it.

Déjà vu
The group draw has put Kelssek into two rematches from World Cup 87, neither of which will be any easier than the first time around. The big one will be against hosts Cassadaigua, who will be keen to avenge the 3-2 victory that Kelssek gained over a team that were front-runners to go all the way.

Cassadaigua have a new manager Brittany Byers but will be led out onto the pitch by the familiar face of captain Rachel Schanke. The core of the team remains and they are hungry for prizes as ever after disappointment in the Copa Rushmori final against the Nepharim juggernaut. They will clearly be the biggest test for Kelssek on their home turf, and clinging on for dear life and hoping an opponent gifts the ball to Shaheen Taleb like in the round of 16 match isn’t going to cut it this time.

Kelssek will also face Savigliane in the group stage for the second World Cup in a row. Here too, Kelssek were 3-2 winners in Taeshan at World Cup 87. This Savigliane side will, of course, be determined to disrupt Kelssek’s hopes of advancement and are better-placed than last cycle to do so. Anne-Marie Roux will be a familiar name, a young midfield player who has emerged as indispensable for FC Novonaya in the KFL Championship. Make no mistake, this is a team that’s improved remarkably since that last outing, and Kelssek needs to raise its game accordingly.

It’s worth noting this is one of the countries caught up in the controversial founding of Anaia, which was apparently a source of serious political controversy in Savigliane (not that it wasn’t in Kelssek, if only because our political class was upset about apparently not having even been considered) and disruption to regional tournaments in Atlantian Oceania which Savigliane’s players now won’t get to play in. What this might mean in terms of the team’s cohesion and morale, maybe nothing.

We’ll certainly hope the unhappiness of Omerica’s footballing suits about the potential threat countries like Savigliane pose to the Independents Cup will inspire a goalless draw between the two. You know, let’s host the Pan Pacific Cup and not invite them. What do you mean that’s not the point of a regional tournament?

Infantino to conduct feasibility study
Football Kelssek director-at-large Moonbeam Infantino is to conduct a feasibility study, the national soccer federation announced today. The news has already prompted reactions ranging from concern to fierce criticism.

“I understand there is confusion and many people have questions. I have many questions too, and that is why this study is so important. I intend to find the answers and truly get to the bottom of this matter,” Infantino said in a statement posted to Honkr. “I assure all stakeholders that the study will be full, fair, and completely transparent. Football deserves nothing less.”

Critics were not satisfied with this response however, especially because it remains unclear what exactly is going to be studied. A confidential itinerary seen by Hoof! sources indicates this study will include a 22-day trip surveying the hospitality capabilities of several potential international tournament hosts.

World Cup 81/82/83/84

© Sporting Times Daily 2021
Prescott speaks (!) about World Cup journey
by Mindy Cartwright, National Soccer Editor

For the first time this cycle, Commonwealth National Team manager Jennifer Prescott addressed the media in the first pre-match news conference here in Depri Sanar, where the Baker Park National Team have set up their training base at Depri Sanar United, one of two clubs in the city that play in Chromatika's Green League (4th tier).

The BP boss had refused all contact with the press in the aftermath of the Eagles Cup, with AM Darren Kirby relaying the message that she wouldn't speak publicly until she was satisfied with the squad's overall performance; certainly the accomplishment of being one of the final 32 sides for the ninth consecutive time must have met the criteria.

She opened the proceedings with a lengthy statement outlining her thinking during the qualification process.

"I came away from the Eagle's Cup quite angry about our results & effort, feeling that the overall...atmosphere of the player pool had gotten a bit stagnant. So I felt it was time to take a different approach to building the squad during the tournament, and I didn't think it was in anyone's interest for me to come out after matches or in the leadup to the next one having to discuss the player's performance whether it be good or bad. We all worked very hard to identify problems, correct and adapt accordingly and the results speak for themselves--just 2 losses over 18 matches with a 2 to 1 scoring margin."

She wouldn't be drawn on commenting upon the AO-Anaia split right from the start.
"That's a political issue that has nothing to do the sport. Personally, I'm sad that we have lost out on some really great competition, but even that's not guaranteed. We're here, we respect the hosts and have a fairly decent impression that they respect us in return."

The absence of a several veterans from the final roster brought about a question as to whether those left at home are at the end of their NT careers.
"No, not at all. I had private sit-down discussions with every player that had previously made tourney rosters and explained why they weren't chosen this time. There are plenty of opportunities for playing time for those in the pool who didn't make the final cut. There's talk that there may be a Women's World...Tournament, I don't know if it's going to be a 'World Cup', but that will be a single gender competition, and depending on the timing, maybe that means we'll send an all-male squad to the regionals. We have a pretty consistent history of accepting invitations from folks who host short format tourneys, and no one at State Street (FAC HQ) has expressed an idea that we won't continue to do so."

The appointment of former NT captain Matt Villareal to the staff of new Cassadaigua manager Brittany Byers got the Commonwealth gaffer far more animated than she'd been up to that point.
"We were fortunate to have had Jessica Curran work with us previously, and have been trying to arrange something on the same line for one of the coaches on our staff; I had a long phone call with Stephanie (Sweeney, former Dagan NT boss who is now head of CASE, the governing body) and David had another conversation with her back at the Qualifying draw. Matt is showing a lot promise as he's gained his Pro badge and his work on the senior staff. If he's as diligent in his work as Jessica was, he's well on his way to great things, either here or somewhere else (Curran was hired as boss for the Valladares NT not long after her stint at Birkenfeld)."

Along the same line, Prescott was also happy to discuss another former colleague's new job.
"I think they (Indusse) have made what will be seen down the line as one of the best post-WC88 quali managerial hires. Shane (Newman) really didn't deserve all of the things that happened in Hayvnwilde, and I think he'll make his mark over there. That's a vastly underrated region (India) and if he can get them in the top 3 or 4 before the next cycle, they'll be worth keeping an eye on."

When asked if she's fielded her best starting XI at some point previously, she smiled slightly.
"Wouldn't you like to know, Mindy?" (laughter) You don't just throw the most experienced and talented players out and say 'have at it', well, not unless you're Nephara or Starblaydia or Valanora. We've worked out the various combinations that work best for the particular tactical gameplan we develop for the opponent."

Baker Park will play two of their three group matches here, while traveling to Depri Lanar to face off against the Grim Reapers from Quebec & Shingoryeo on matchday 2, with a probable international battle between Lainey Wadsworth and Enrico Hanson-Conavacio--two of the Red League's most prolific scorers over the last 5 seasons--possibly providing the key to victory.

Here in Depri Sanar, the matches will be held at The Hive, home of the Orange League (2nd Division) club with the city's name; will Baker Park--as the listed 'home team'--choose to go with one of their classic black & gold hoop uniform designs when the Anomalies & Bees face off on the final match day, or reprise the AOCAF 62 'lucky' combo of white shirts and black shorts? Both nations could already be through to the knockouts when they meet, so that is a question for another day.

Prescott closed out the nearly 70 minute session with a mention of the one coaching staff member not here in Chromatika.
"All of here in the camp are sending our good wishes to Hailey (Reinhart-Zavaros) and Ryan as they wait for the birth of our next great soccer superstar (laughter) and hopefully we'll be able make her birth a memorable time for her parents and the rest of our supporters."

by **Chromatika** » Tue Jun 08, 2021 10:11 pm

Three Months Before the WC88 Opening Ceremony

When Soleil Eyken had been contacted by Keri Wyse Aart, the Premier of Chromatika, she had been extremely nervous. The Foxchester Declaration had only happened a few months ago, and she didn't want anything to do with any event planning commemorating it or opposing it. No, though she was one of the best event planners in Chromatika, she refused to deal in politics, and she was ready to face down even the country's Premier. It was with trepidation that she walked into the meeting room in Chromia.

"Ms. Eyken?" came the quite voice of Keri Wyse Aart from across the table. She didn't sound like a woman under pressure, but Soleil knew otherwise. She had friends in the Rainbow Party and even some contacts elsewhere, and the political climate of Chromatika was changing rapidly. It was good to see a Premier with poise, Soleil noted.

"Yes, Premier? What can I do for you?" she replied evenly, bracing for whatever was to come.

"We need to hire you for a very important ceremony that's going to happen in three months. As you know, we are going to be co-hosting the World Cup, and the Cassaidagans have been cordial enough to allow us to host the World Cup Final. This is the biggest sporting event to be hosted in our country, and I want to make sure that we make a good impression. I think we should feature flags of all the nations making it to our shores - along with the regional flags and a flag for World Cup 88 itself," explained the Premier.

Soleil looked at the Premier in shock. This was a bit different, and not something she was expecting.

A moment later, she responded back, "I think I can do that. Have your people contact my people, and I'll get to work."

Keri Wyse Aart stood and offered her right hand with a smile. Soleil Eyken took it, and the two women held each other's eyes for a few seconds.

It was time to get to work.

WC88 Opening Ceremony
48 Hours Before Matchday 1

As the evening sun set on a gorgeous Chromatik evening overhead, with the clock striking seven o'clock, the opening ceremonies of the 88th World Cup in Chromatika began. The stadia was packed with distinguished people from Chromatika that had been purposefully invited to be at the ceremony. Scientists, soldiers, doctors, honored students, and other esteemed guests crowded the stands. At the middle of the field were six poles - one at the very center and five around forming a pentagon. To the northwest, southwest, northeast, and southeast of that pentagon were four more poles where flags could be hung. It was simplistic but crisp.

Through the tunnel that the home side would come out came the first of the procession - the six people holding the flags of Atlantian Oceania, Anaia, Rushmore, Esportiva, Independents, and World Cup 88. They made their way one at a time to the pentagonal area but did not raise their flags. They were followed by people with the flags of Chromatika, Baker Park, Quebec, and the Squornshelan Remnant States. At the same time, a procession of flag bearers of Farfadillis, Turori, Newmanistan, and Yuezhou came from the away team side of the field. As the two professins from opposing sides neared their destination, they were replaced by a procession of flag bearers of Nephara, Brenecia, South Newlandia, and Hampton Island from the home team side and the flag bearers of Banija, Pasarga, Tikariot, and HUElavia from the away team side. With the Chromatik flagbearer going first, the applause started at a loud volume and then carried over to all the other flags coming in. Notably, the flagbearers of Baker Park, Farfadillis, Turori, and Bainja were all treated with the same volume and respect as all the others. Politics was politics, and sports was sports.

Then, one by one, the flagbearers started to raise their flags. Soleil Eyken had insisted that they be actual flags to be raised on a pole and not flags already on a pole to be put onto a post, preferring the flags to flutter in the breeze. Also, it allowed a snippet of each nation's national anthem to be played while the flag was raised. The Chromatik flag would fly fifteen centimeters above the other national flags, with the regional flags flying thirty centimeters above and the WC 88 flag flying a good thirty centimeters above all the flags.

Up first was Keira Andisori. The Shadow Writer and footballer with the most appearances and goals in Chromatik history looked the proudest she had ever been as she raised the black and white rosary of the Chromatik flag clad in her now retired uniform, northwest of the pentagon. Following her, Allison LeFleur, the Executive Vice President and Secretary General of the FAC, raised the Commonwealth’s flag. Then, Zachary Fortin, retired footballer, raised the Quebecois flag, and Mithya Hashemi, midfielder for Anomalies Football Club in the Red League and the Squornshelan Remnant States, rounded out the first four flags to be raised - the flags of the nations of Group A, headed to the Deprí District and the brother cities of Deprí Lanar and Deprí Sanar.

Then, the four flagbearers approached southwest of the pentagon. Alex Terán, retired Footballer, retired president, retired president of the FFFF, owner of La Nueva Avenida, co-founder of the SPL, and President of Farolera - perhaps the most important person to ever be born in Farfadillis - raised the flag of Farfadillis. This was followed by Cocoabo #23, Grand Prix Driver, raising the Turorian flag - rather deftly, too. Courtney Duvall, World Baseball Classic legend, followed to raise the Newmanistanian flag, and the last to raise their flag for Group B was Zheng Zhouhui, Yue Civil War veteran and community organizer. They would be heading to the Heartland District and the cities of Pùr and Anfanhar.

Approaching to the northeast of the pentagon, Nepharan delegate Constantine Weaver, the designer of the current flag, raised the flag of the defending World Champion, and a single plane flew overhead to signify their importance. A beat later, Catherine Gryphon, the Captain of Brenecia's World Cup 80 squad that had won it all, raised the Brenecian flag, almost as in defiance. Following the two representations of winning the competition was Mikhail Trischuk, the goalkeeper and captain of the South Newlandian squad, a nation that showcased the next generation of nations to lay claim to the footballing world. Jason Russo, National Secretary of State, of Hampton Island filled out that bunch. They would be headed to the Mountain District and the cities of Felswyr and Z’ai’ai in Group C.

Lastly, to the southeast of the pentagon, the Banijan flag was raised by Omugabe Ssemanda, the second son of the Crown Prince, to thunderous applause. The Pasargan delegate followed up, with Julian Holcomb, the President of the Tikariot Football Federation, raising the Tikariotian flag moments afterwards. Raul Nascimento Jardim raised the HUElavian flag to round out that bunch - the group being sent to Group D - in Lhor and Wirr Tsi.

Then, the entire stadium looked on as Mister Shakersson raised the flag of Anaia - a proud moment as the Anaian flag was raised for the first time at a major international event. Nepharan Aurelia Fern, renowned novelist and the former Margravine of Nephara, raised the Rushmori flag, while Kylene Whiteside, investigative journalist who had spent the Ward era in exile, raised the Esportivan flag to another burst of thunderous applause. Chromatika remembered being censored, being sent into exile, being acted against by the government. Then, Alex Terán came over from the Farfadillis flag to take the Atlantian Oceanian flag from Luis Bernárdez and raise it. María Alejandra Espina of HUElavia raised the Independents’ flag to round out the ceremony of raising the regional flags - done by the highest ranked teams from the nations except Anaia (as only Chromatika and Quebec were Anaian nations playing in Chromatika).

Which left one more flag to be raised. The flag to symbolize World Cup 88 itself - the hopes and dreams of winning a title but also the spirit of fair play and of the magic that all the participating nations called sport. Chromatika had looked on at the situation in Tumbra regarding the rights of female football players, and hadn’t done much, except for getting the young woman walking up to the highest flagpole to come play for one of the biggest clubs in the country.

Trudy Harrison, winner of the last U-18 World Cup and one of the nine that had changed Tumbran football forever, raised the flag of World Cup 88, high and far above all other flags. A breeze blew in from the east, sending all the flags fluttering, a beautiful, glorious, memorable sight.

The World Cup was ready to begin.

Chromatika in World Cup 88: Preview

1. The Friendly Tour

Pre-Qualification Results:
Cassadaigua 2–2 Chromatika - Juxon Fillar started this one, and was bailed out by a late equalizer from Baillaire Fillar, who made the most of a start.
Chromatika 3–3 Starblaydia - Ferret Tioux will rue this loss - a chance header in the seventy-third minute broke the Chromatik lead.
Eura 0–0 Chromatika - Juxon Fillar was clinical; the midfield, not so much. Maybe it was because they started Zuniga, Marc, and Croix-Pierre?
Chromatika 1–0 Banija - A bit of a controversial result given that Tioux was a healthy scratch. Rumors say he was dealing with a persona loss, but Fillar made the most of it, and Olimpia Vidal showed he's still got it.
Squornshelan Remnant States 4–2 Chromatika - As Tioux's absence continues to mystify, Fillar and co. were hammered by the Squornshelans, which looms large now. Conceding three goals in the last twenty-five? Not a good look.
Chromatika 3–4 South Newlandia - A rare start for one Jacob Descombes. Haley Hauser scores a hat trick, but South Newlandia prevails at the end. A lot to take away, honestly.

Mid-Qualification Results:
Græntfjall 1–4 Chromatika - A bit of a revenge match for the Chromatik A-side that had to watch the C-side lose 0-8 to Græntfjall in the Eagle's Cup.
Chromatika 1–0 Zeta Reka and Hugeltaldom - Tioux makes his return and is sorely needed as an early goal is barely enough to get by.
Busoga Islands 2–2 Chromatika - Busoga is one of those sides that continually play Chromatika tough. Thankfully, Kaytlyn Victoriane had a moment of magic that preserved the tie.

Post-Qualification Results:
Tumbra 1–1 Chromatika - Praise Mora and one of his spot kicks! Tioux started this one.
Chromatika 4–0 Euran Oceania Territories - Clinical victory, Juxon Fillar in goal.
Ethane 2–2 Chromatika - Tioux started this one, and was probably the primary reason that they drew? Hard to tell given some of the miscommunication among the back four with de Aea getting a rest.
Chromatika 1–1 Tikariot - Fillar started this one, and Olimpia Vidal scored in the second half to get the tie. Decent result given Tikariot's rise.
Xanneria 0–2 Chromatika - Kathie Begley gets in the action at goal, while Baillaire Fillar and Vasiliy Marten Kuznetsov play together in a way that reminds fans of how the last AOCAF went.
Quebec 5–2 Chromatika - Tioux's last chance to wow the Managerial staff - completely blown. Enrico Hansen-Conavacio went off, and Chromatika never really had a chance.

Overall Record: 5-7-3

2. The Squad

The biggest question facing the Anomalies heading into this World Cup Cycle was the question of who would be the Starting Keeper with Mia Ria hanging up her gloves as far as international competition goes. Everyone knew that Juxon Fillar had a leg up on Ferret Tioux after the most recent AOCAF; the oldest Fillar then further distanced himself by performing rather well in most of the friendlies that he started. Ferret Tioux has preserved his privacy on why he wasn't available for the matches against Banija and the Squornshelan Remnant States, but the result is that by the end of the friendlies, no reasonable pundit could deny that Juxon Fillar deserved the starting keeper spot.

In front of him will be four players that have really started to come together as a unit. With Kai Xiao and Valence Ilya having the size, Henri de Aea dictating possession, and Carrie Anderson pushing the pace, the Chromatik defense will be able to make sure that the ball mostly stays in the upper two-thirds of the field. When they falter, the one-eyed field general of Enigma Armageddon will be ready to assist them.

It is here that the similarities between this World Cup's squad and those prior end. Chromatika is firmly in the era of the supporting striker now. The roster lacks Keira Andisori, Rowena Sierra, Molly Thorben, and Kaytlyn Victoriane. This means that the right winger will now be more of a supporting player, and that both strikers - Olimpia Vidal and Alicia Gainsbourg, who's experienced a bit of a rennaisance since going to Molding in Græntfjall - will be willing to share the limelight as well. All of that, of course, is because of what the positions of Attacking Midfielder and Left Winger have become.

Hermaeus Mora is still the starting Attacking Midfielder, for now. He's more stable, and a master at set pieces. Do not be surprised, though, to see Haley Hauser come in every game. The fireballer with an attitude who isn't afraid to shoot from any angle has been magnetic and electric on the pitch, and with Baillaire Fillar barely being left off the roster, the future of the Chromatik squad in the Attacking Midfielder position is the brightest among any other position on the team. Joining them, though, is one Vasiliy Marten Kuznetsov.

The Crossroads man, now having moved to Kitara AA, will have the eye of the entire nation on him from now until he steps down. He's proven that he can almost will himself into situations where either the opposition needs to devote multiple people into contending with him, freeing up others on the squad, or have to contend with him being in a dangerous position. He's still young with plenty to learn but has successfully garnered enough attention and fame to be able to use that as a part of his game.

This is still an unproven squad at the senior level, which is what happens when you don't have to go through a grueling eighteen-game qualifying campaign. You get to find out now, instead. Which leads to...

3. The Opposition and The Matches

As soon as Chromatika won the hosting bid with Cassadaigua, plans went into motion regarding where the national team would play its World Cup Proper group stage matches. After discussion and thought, it was determined that they would be playing in the Deprí District, in the brothering cities of Deprí Lanar and Deprí Sanar. The Deprí District, of course, is going to be renamed to the Rainbow District in the next year to shake off the name that the Chromatik Party had given it. In the days of the Chromatik Color System, the Deprí District had been used as a glorified work camp where the troublemakers of the ROYG communities would be sent to work under scrutiny. It was the aim of the Rainbow Party and the current Chromatik government to overcome the past, and they thought that it would be best if the Anomalies played in the Deprís to show that there was hope for the future.

The first match will be held at the Hawk's Nest against Quebec, the same squad that recently thumped Chromatika 5-2 in the last friendly before the tournament. Though Chromatika wasn't fielding a full strength side in that match - Vidal and Mora were missing - Quebec has become a nation to watch for in terms of Chromatik rivalries; it will not be a match that can be overlooked.

Afterwards, the Anomalies will head to Deprí Sanar for the next two matches. Squornshelan Remnant States will prove to be an interesting opponent, another side that recently defeated Chromatika in a friendly. Mithya Hashemi will have a chance to take on Anomalies the national team, and it will be crucial for Chromatika to secure points from this match before they face the Commonwealth of Baker Park, the second seed in the group that is actually ranked one spot ahead of Chromatika. In all honesty, both nations are quite happy to have each other in the group instead of a top ten team in the world; Chromatika famously had the head-to-head edge against Baker Park in previous meetings - all in the AOCAF - until AOCAF 63, where Baker Park defeated Chromatika on its way to the Championship.

Rumors are that on the day of that concluding match between Chromatika and Baker Park, Keri Wyse Aart will sign the bill officially changing the name of the Deprí District to the Rainbow District and the names of Deprí Lanar, Deprí Sanar, and Deprí Pelar to Lanar, Sanar, and Pelar. The nation hopes that the occasion is also accompanied by Chromatika winning the group and punching its ticket to Urrheddiao. Placing in second place would send them to Eyrods instead.

As for the rest of the field in Chromatika, The most likely opponents to make their way out of Group B are Farfadillis and Turori, while having Nephara, Brenecia, Banija, and Pasarga in the same quarter of the bracket can lead to some juicy matchups in the knockout rounds - provided that Tikariot, HUElavia, South Newlandia, and Hampton Island don't cause any mishaps for the favoured sides.

All in all, it will be a World Cup to remember, and not just because it's the first one on Chromatik soil, nor the fact that regardless of when the Anomalies are eliminated, the World Cup 88 Final will be held in the Capitalizt Dome, in Chromia, in the Capital District, in Chromatika, when fifty years ago, one couldn't even have fathomed this happenstance.

What a time to be alive, indeed.

by **Independent Athletes from Quebec** » Tue Jun 08, 2021 11:26 pm

The Agent

PART 10 - Tilted

'Pssst.' Zina Woodcarver looked to the right and saw a short, scruffy-haired teenager around her age with a jumper and a tracksuit waving at her. Huh? She wondered, trying her best to avoid the wave of the stranger. She couldn't help but to agree with her inner thought that he probably knew who she was though. If what Pierre McCarthy had said was correct, in that he knew everybody and their respective traits in this town, that probably meant something in this city where connections were valuable, wealth was uneven, and the Underground was well-heated.

It made Zina somewhat conscious and frustrated. Even though she wanted to run away, she couldn't do so, and Zina couldn't help but to hope that he wasn't going to approach her any further. Of course, that's not what exactly happened, for the stranger shouted back at her just as she was halfway out of it. 'Zina Woodcarver!'

She turned around. It was once again the stranger, whose voice rang across the room. 'Stop! Stop!' He shouted, his voice ringing across the lobby, catching the attention of three security guards, two concierges and a valet turn around. Immediately feeling the shiver, Zina froze as he approached her like a westerly wind the very next moment.

'Uh....how do you know me?' Zina asked, trying to divert the others' attention away from the two. Nerves reaching rushing towards her head, she briefly chewed her lips twice before looking back at him. The same stranger looked back, grinned once more, and then began to speak. 'Of course. You're the new girl coming to tomorrow's trial right?' At that moment, Zina smiled and nodded to indicate that she was indeed the person Jean-Christophe Babin happened to be looking for, and then she shrugged twice over her shoulder.

'Well, good.' Jean-Christophe resumed speaking. 'Because Pierre told me to look out for a girl who may seem a bit lost in this hotel lobby.'

'Well, how did you know I was going to come downstairs?' Zinaida asked, trying to figure out the very reason behind it.

'I'm surprised he has not said one word about Jean-Christophe Babin, the latest Koreana extraordinaire!' Jean-Christophe chuckled. 'But sometimes life does go like that. It's really unfortunate but what can you do?' partly on how deliberately silly he was sounding, but also on how Zinaida flinched so little upon hearing his name. Not that his ego was that small to be hurt by his name not being among the likes of Hertels, Manitopyes, or Okellos, but still, the reminder of how much he had to go in order to really be there was something he always embraced.

'Alright. Now, why don't you stop wasting my time for a sec?' Zina shot back.

'Really, that's not why I came.' Jean-Christophe responded, his face turning into a pit of seriousness. 'Pierre asked me to find you today, when the time's right, because he wanted me to give you bits of how it's like, and what to expect here...with Koreana and whatnot. Really, that's why, and I was like 'okie dokie chief', and walked a little here.'

'So a tour guide?'

'Not exactly, because you won't be visiting the complex until tomorrow, but sure.' He responded, before he heard a loud rumble from his stomach. 'Now, I think it's just about time for dinner. Why don't we go somewhere nearby and talk there? Easier that way, I'm sure...'

'First, let's start with weekly wage. The toughest one because you've seen me demand for lot more before, and by the end of every deal you do agree that I'm giving my players what they deserve.' Pierre said after gulping a glass of Torsten's Beer, his endless experiences with the overall Sporting division of the Koreana Society laid out with his leverage. For better or worse, that's how he ran the cirque, and with the list of clients he has served for just short of past twenty years, it was inevitable.

'Why not five thousand? Unproven asset, but you seem to be too sure on her succeeding. Haven't seen that level since, what, Heo Myeong-Yoon on WQBL?' Christina asked first, starting off heavy with the amount.

'Sure, though it doesn't have to be exactly five thousand.' Pierre responded, proposing a different idea than one he would usually suggest in terms of prospects. 'Five thousand works, but only three thousand on salary. Remaining two thousand, so that would roughly combine for what, 104000 Quebecois Pounds, would instead go to her savings account that won't be open until Zina turns twenty-five. I know my client won't be happy about it, but that will actually help out nicely if she needs the money later in life, and that's the very least I can do.'

'Fair. I like that idea.' Christina nodded, the fumes coming from cigarettes and Samgyeopsal burners on the other tables clouding their eyes. It was almost as if there were mysterious layer to it, like that of a Hong Kong Noire film. 'Given the conversion rate, 312,000$ ever year would mean that generous sum be available for life after football, should she be interested in taking that path. What's the next one?'

Now getting to the more important part of the negotiations, Pierre coughed twice. 'Secondly, would be to ensure that she would be given as much support as possible. Yes, I know this is rich coming from me, the one who could easily rip off Ezra Carp in broad daylight, but I, too, am a father, and think that the orphan girl Zina, who is going to be the face of your team, deserves a better life than whatever she could have fallen into back in West Coast.' He then picked up the second bottle of beer in the last five minutes. 'And I know this can backfire. I have had many mistakes with ungrateful clients in the past, and have burned bridges with them on almost every single instance, but Zina isn't one of those. I've known her mother for lord knows how long-'

'Sure. And that's a very valid reasoning to have, especially with the way the contracts evolve with our academy products and other prospects. But why are you doing this, specifically to this prospect and not to others?'

Then they briefly paused, and watched the clock tick.

'Yes, and we all know the memories last for very long time, in this country...' Pierre gathered his thoughts together, the alcohol more than enough to further facilitate his inner thoughts into something more potent but flawed too. For someone who was rarely drinking in public capacity, and made mistakes with alcohol on rarer frequencies, this was not going well. 'Call this a product of atonement, if you wish to, but really it's best for you as well. You would not want Zina or JC to be affected by the outside distractions, especially if they are coming from the national team or other places, and Alexandre has what? 3 years? The Valladar is a great leader who does his own things his way, but you cannot rely on him forever.'

Christina resisted the temptation to call Pierre out for the hypocrisy that he has created with the clan of misfits, orgy-seekers and criminals whose he had defended their interested at CSKA Quebec, and nodded. 'Alright, fair. let's talk about the clauses then.'

'So first, there ought to be at least one or two clause(s) with refusal to national team commitments that may be viewed as too dangerous or unnecessary. Whether they be filled with injury avoidance clauses too or other ones we need less time to discuss, I will let the front office decide. But what matters is that she won’t be heading into undesirable locations, whether home or away. This country has its own history of playing games in either an arctic prison or Terra Henrius after all.'

'One that we cannot risk.'

'Exactly why, and I'm sure we cannot risk either him or her or Dong-Woon out like that, unless the entire qualifiers are hosted there.' 'He coughed once again, before resumed speaking with a smooth pace. 'As for others, those are simpler ones but we can discuss them, one by one. First, she will be guaranteed education up to A-Levels, with an education package available for any degree she obtains after that. Koreana will grant her a release clause to worthy clubs of top 10 leagues in her interest, and next we have...'

The fried chicken bistro was not the one that was commonly associated with football prospects, and definitely not those of top Quebecois clubs that have an extensive youth academy network. Jean-Christophe knew that too well- if anything, that may have been why he deliberately picked here to chat with the stranger he had just met- and his preference for something that could fill his stomach up easily and for longer time, had meant that it made too much sense for them to be here.

Of course, however, this wasn't done with particular consideration towards Zina, and really Jean-Christophe should have counted himself lucky for not making a bad impression and getting into trouble with far too many people who were involved in his eighteen year old self by this point. As Jean-Christophe slowly chomped a four piece combo meal, with generous Cajun fries and lots of barbecue sauce drenched over it, Zina was quite amused that two prospects, on the same division too, would just end up out of the blue.

The place was brightly lit, the walls filled with Acadianan memorabilia largely consisting of those who had visited the place over the last two decades, and it was mostly filled with students or locals also looking for cheap frills. Zina had a hinge that he wasn't just there to wait for Pierre, especially if he had known the superagent well enough. It was still a solid fifteen minute walk from the Complex, so he would have been required to alter plans from usual work he would have also had to do while back there, whether it's practicing on own or to complete coursework from the Lycee, and Zina could see what it had meant.

Not giving the slightest fuck… Zina gave a slight frown as Jean-Christophe continued to eat, without much awareness of their surroundings.

Unfortunately, this was something she knew she would have to deal with, if the trial with the Koreana club goes well. While she wasn’t one of thousands aware of the fact in this city, people have indeed known Jean-Christophe Babin was going to use every opportunity to avoid himself from doing 'unnecessary work', so it was almost certain that Jean-Christophe Babin had to be asked for a greater reason. No wonder he brought his own gym bag and backpack all the way to here, because he was going home after this. It was unimpressive that his intentions were that obvious, given that Zina had enough things to worry for the rest of the night, even more so after they were going to say goodbye in an hour’s time.

Somewhat startled, Zina gave him a stare, before opening her mouth. ‘So, you’re still here during the off-season? Isn’t it summer holidays here as well?’ she asked.

‘Naw fam.’ he responded, wiping his mouth with a paper napkin. ‘Schools don’t finish here until exams are through in June.’ He then coughed twice, before resuming to speak. ‘So still a couple of weeks and exams away. Not that this affects you-’

Zina glanced at how quickly the plate was being emptied. ‘So you go school, train, and back? For how long?’

‘Man, you really are new to this, aren’t you?’ Jean-Christophe looked back at her, almost as if she were unbelievably naive about the situation she was getting into, before he gulped coke from the paper cup. ‘Exactly. Team practices until six, and then we grab dinner at the cafeteria, then usually a voluntary practice session with coaches whenever we wanna schedule them.’

‘That’s entirely fair.’ she responded. ‘It seems like you could train whenever you want to, and you could study whenever you have to. Of course, you won’t be sleeping, but..’ Zina looked at a small plastic cup of Americano coffee, which she ordered from a Red Horse Cafe just outside the hotel. ‘That’s where coffee does come handy, I guess...’

‘Sure, that’s one way to say it.’ Jean-Christophe nodded. ‘The Lycee (author’s note: Lycee-Koreana, the postsecondary institution run by the Koreana Society, is considered one of the most prestigious high schools in the country.) is not easy though. I’ve seen far too many colleagues having to decide between getting below 8s or 9s, or to falter because they spend too little time on the field.’ For the young man whose academic struggles were more than enough, this simply struck too real for him to deny it. ‘Of course, I’m going for the latter because you know, I just can’t wait to play more football, earn more money and see where life takes me. 8s still get me a diploma.’

‘Uh, huh,’ Zinaida said, wondering if he’s actually not giving a darn, or more tampered by factors beyond the young man’s control. For the girl whose grades never strayed from the 90s (author’s note: grading systems in Quebec and Shingoryeo depend on what region- Zinaida is from the West Coast, where the usual 0-100 scale is used, while most of central Quebec, including the Lycees, employs 0-20 scale), and who probably had the confidence and awareness to pick right courses (important, especially given her less than impressive command in Korean language), this made little sense.
‘Anyways, how do you find Pierre as an agent? You must know a fair bit about him, having been on the senior contract for a couple of seasons now.’

‘Oh, Pierre’s jolly good fun. I mean he’s usually busy, but whenever you message him for something quick, like a favour, or a long-term contract extension, a transfer, he usually becomes your genie in the bottle.’ They both grinned and then chuckled, trying to imagine a somewhat heavy man with glasses and slowly balding hair as a symbol of modern-day Pappi Long Legs. ‘But yeah, he’s good at what he does and gives proper fucks at it.’
Zina decided to stop being a pain in the arse for a bit, and amused herself to a couple of thoughts. ‘What kind of favours do you and...uh...others usually ask?’ Zina asked, trying to get more out of this conversation.

‘Believe it or not, most of them are petty. Big enough to the point where you would rather not ask your coaches or teachers about it because it’s well beyond any of higher-ups’ pay grade, at least I think so, but petty enough to the point where you can’t ask well….Alexandre or Giles Ken or Dejan Wasic about. Heck, even my brotha, Shim Dong-Woon.’

‘And what would those favours be?’ Zina asked, looking around a couple of times to see if anybody was overhearing their conversation. ‘No way they can’t be that odd.’

‘Oh, they are really simple. Concert tickets, latest shoes, maybe beta test versions of QHL50, signed albums or if you are one of those prudes, elle-peees…’ Jean-Christophe wasn’t sure on how to explain it any further, because they were clearly on the border of excessive materialism and inherent pettiness. Youth prospects were both passionate in the game they were playing for, and also easy to fall into mental limitations of their own. The fact that many had spent several years in the academy setting with similarly-minded folks had only made it worse. ‘I got to meet Frank Lundrigan, his brother and girlfriend, who’s probably the biggest writer ever if you’re a CSKA fan that way. It was the last international break, when they had the home game at The Samseongoloondongjang.’

‘Oh?’ she enquired. Frank Lundrigan was a midfielder who, in his past two seasons with TSV Marzig, was rumoured by many as the greatest competition to Marco Hertel on the attacking midfielder position that was once thought to be permanently Hertel’s for a decade. The consistent midfielder didn’t come back to Quebec often, but for Tessa Maitfield, the Schottian international and CSKA Quebec captain, he did plenty of efforts to do so. ‘It must have been great- I’ve never been a huge Marco Hertel fan anyway.’

‘And that’s the right answer you give to any Koreana scout.’ Jean-Christophe grinned. ‘That we are chaste but not really chaste, punk-and-pop-loving children who listen to Huyton Grammaire, Aquamarine and Bataclan-chez-nous. So Clement (Mattern-Soh) got an Aquamarine ticket at Royal Walton Hall, half the guys got the new sneakers, and my last roomie, Nam-Soo, got to receive a lesson from Heo Myeong-Shin, two years before both of them actually ended up in Cassadaigua.’

It was the world’s worst-kept secret that Pierre McCarthy always made sure to separate two herds of his clients, whether in one sport or another, from each other. He knew, from the painful lessons of the last few years, that it was in his clients’ best interests to avoid meeting their opposites, especially if his clients were prospects. Perhaps he was lucky not much news has come yet of Denis Dezelac’s private life in Borograd, nor have there been anything less than decency from Daniel Galbraith, the Tumbran national team legend whose transfer from Straton FC to Perce Town landed explosions across the Esportivan sky.

‘Like don’t get me wrong. I know we are all spoiled children.’ Jean-Christophe was quick to add. ‘And really, we are lucky to have Pierre for that reason as well. He’s happy to do it, me and my buddies are happy because he gets us what we want. Of course, it’s no paradise. Hotter heads collide even among the same lads- that’s why we all know Tessa Maitfield is moving to Banija- okay, I didn’t say that, but that’s pretty much...yeah.’

by **Twicetagram and JYPe** » Wed Jun 09, 2021 2:46 am

Argavarin wasn't so sure of his next actions. Huddled in a room in a secluded mansion, he was contemplating the actions that led to his hiding.

Yes, we've already gone through what had happened earlier. In pure jealousy, he had killed a so-called "friend" of his. A friend who might not have even recognised Argavarin as someone he was close with. What happened after though?

When the FA headquarters was raided, suspicion was raised when rumours about the assassination of Vladimirescu resurfaced. A few fingers were pointed, most towards the FA, although some alarmingly suspected Argavarin. When Argavarin heard of these rumours, he became much more nervous about his surroundings. Would he finally be punished for his actions? As much as Argavarin wanted to do something about it, he decided to let fate take its course.

We fast forward to a few weeks later. The World Cup finals have ended (at least for Twicetagria), and everyone is packing their bags and going home. Just then, reports about the investigation into Augustin's murder had been released. Listing a couple of suspects, Argavarin felt a false sense of security until he saw his name. Breaking into a cold sweat, he knew it wasn't the time to go back home.

Coming back to his current situation, Argavarin surprisingly didn't feel any regret about what he did. He only felt fear and worry about himself. What would be of him when they did find out that was he the one who broke the ground in allowing Vladimirescu's murder? He didn't believe in religion, but he desperately looked for divine interference.

Just then, Argavarin felt a cold breeze whoosh past him. Even though no one was there, he could hear someone angrily yell in his ear, "You're a traitor!" repeatedly. At least Argavarin knew what Augustin felt of him. The voice eerily resembled Augustin's. Argavarin didn't believe in the supernatural either, but he was very sure that was a ghost who had just appeared on him.

Argavarin then reflected on his actions. Was he wrong to get into a hissy fit for a promise Augustin wouldn't even remember? Or was it right of him to avenge himself of the injustice that was breaking a promise? Argavarin had always been raised with the morals of honesty and trust, but no one told him holding a grudge was unhealthy.

Argavarin just knew that FA would do anything to save their faces, and he would be their scapegoat. Argavarin's mind went into a flurry. He knew that murder would get you a life sentence, and Argavarin knew he wasn't ready to spend the rest of his life rotting in prison.

Just then, he heard footsteps. "Surely those aren't ghosts?" No, they weren't. They were footsteps of policemen as they arrived to capture him. Argavarin's heart started to pound faster, knowing that he'd be finally punished for what he did. Argavarin felt a sense of second-hand déjà vu.

"Was this what Augustin was feeling when he was about to be killed?" Argavarin pondered. His thoughts were interrupted as the door in the room flew wide open. Yeah, he was screwed.

...

As Argavarin was thrown into a prison cell for the rest of his life, he felt that karma had finally done its course, as the feelings of regret and bitterness subsided into his mind. It was only at this moment when he knew the magnitude of his anger. One would find it preposterous that he only felt guilt after receiving the punishment, but that's a common feeling, isn't it?

Even as his hands were dry of anything, Argavarin could feel the blood of Augustin, as his ghost sneered at him, happy that justice had been served. One could call Argavarin's act a childish one with huge consequences; others would consider it as fratricidal. Oh, how jealousy, a great killer, could change one's life all in a second.

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