Independent Associations Championship 13 - Everything Thread

by **Adab** » Sun Jul 25, 2021 1:24 am

A Dance with Football
Snapshots of the lives of the people involved in Adabian football and those associated with them
For a full list of chapters click here. To read all the chapters in one go click here
For an (incomplete) list of major/prominent characters in this story click here and scroll down to the ‘Football’ section

Chapter 24: Fame

June 20, 2034
Bikarish, Poafmersia
Independents Association Championship 13

“He’s nice, Alu, but he just isn’t my type, and I guess I’m not his type either,” Emma Arthur sighed through the laptop screen. “I don’t know if I ever will find love, or if I’m even able to feel love at this point. I just feel numb to all that.”

Alulim Sinmuballit shifted in his hotel bed, rising slightly against the headboard. The crumpled blanket covered him from feet to stomach, the laptop lying on the latter. “But why? I mean you’re beautiful, and you’re, like, the most popular girl in the country. Everyone loves you.”

“They may love me, Alu,” Emma retorted, “but I don’t know if I love them, or if I even want to. I mean, this last guy that I was with, I don’t know, but I feel like he sees himself as… beneath me, you know, if you know what I mean.”

“He’s intimidated by your fame?”

Emma shook her head slightly, as if reluctantly. “Well, I guess, at least that’s the impression I got from him. Look, let’s not fool ourselves here. We’re probably the most famous young people in this country and, well, we’re in a position, a situation that most people will never reach in their lives. It’s like we’re in a different plane of existence.”

“Yeah,” Alulim nodded, mumbling, just barely clear enough to be heard on the other end of the conversation. Then he raised his voice somewhat. “So what do you want? Like, what kind of guy do you actually want?”

“Someone who sees me for who I really am, Alu,” she answered, pointing at her chest, emphasizing the last few words, “as Emma Arthur, not as a star, a model, or whatever label they slap on me.”

“Well I see you for who you are,” Alulim winked, managing a smile.

“Real smooth there, mister,” Emma sighed, rolling her eyes, but could not prevent herself from breaking into a half-suppressed laughter. “Well you’re right, I’ll give you that.” She fell silent for a moment. When she resumed speaking it was in a softer, quieter tone. “Can you imagine us being an actual couple?”

“It’ll be a disaster,” Alulim said, craning his head slightly upwards and exhaling, beaming. “You’d get bored of me pretty quickly.”

She giggled, pulling away a bit from the screen. “God knows I need a dose of boring sometimes.” He found himself giggling back, and for a while they just giggled wordlessly. “But seriously, Alu,” she resumed, “I wish more people would be like you. Sometimes I wish I were you. You don’t seem very affected by all the fame and circus. You’re still the same guy that I’ve always known. I want your life.”

Alulim shook his head. “You wouldn’t want my life. Your life is so much better than mine, and you deserve it.”

“You’re too sweet,” she said, gradually beaming. “But thanks.”

Rashid Abbas sat stooped on the edge of the bed, phone in his hand and next to his ear. His eyes cast a wistful look that pierced through the window and into the night sky. His sister was on the other end of the line. “If only Dad and you could be here. You’d love the view.”

“It’s fine, big bro,” Kara Abbas said, her voice at times reduced to a half-whisper. “You know, whenever Dad would sit and look out at the stars, I wonder if he still understands what he’s looking at.”

“Does he not remember what stars are?”

“I don’t know.” Her words came out slowly, seemingly slower and more resigned with each word. “I mean you’ve seen him. He’d just sit there and say little, say it’s good, it’s beautiful. And I don’t want to ask him because I don’t want to know if… if he can no longer answer at all.”

Rashid breathed out deeply, finding no answer or solution in his head. “You still take him out on walks?”

“Every day. Me, Sabiha, Maria,” – the latter two being their father’s nurses – “you know, we’d take him on a walk around the condo, as usual. Yesterday we even took a taxi to the beach! That’s the farthest from home he’s been in a while.”

“Oh, that’s good! Sunny day at the beach, I trust?”

“Yeah, it really was.” Kara’s voice picked up. “We sat on the beach for a while, walked along the beachfront, Dad didn’t say much but he would stare at the waves rolling in. He felt good. He actually said that.”

“That’s great,” Rashid said. “You know, sometimes I don’t know why I even agreed to be assistant manager, or manager of the under-21 team, or even to play in the World Cup of Masters. I feel like I’m just doing whatever they tell me to do.”

“You’re still the same Rashid I know. You’re duty-bound,” Kara replied. “That’s not a bad thing. Just… take care of yourself, you know, and don’t go away for so long again. You have a family, you know. You have us. You have me.”

“I know,” Rashid smiled. “We’re family.”

by **New Lusitania and the Algarves** » Sun Jul 25, 2021 5:12 am

STL|Serviços de Transmissão Lusitana
Sport | Football|

Highs and Lows: The Road To Glory
A Little Bit of History - From Beginnings to Glory

New Lusitania has had plenty of matches in the space of the last few years, since they began playing, but it's no secret it hasn't been the easiest of rides to the top like some or extremely and quickly successful as others. Nonetheless, the Heróis do Mar have an already extensive History in International multiversal football. To this day, a Equipa das Quinas has yet to qualify for a World Cup, after all.
All roads have a start point and it wasn't easy to start it all back then. The National Team started with a project by the Lusitanian FA's Tiago Loureiro who believed that multiversal football would be the way to go and as head of the project, signing on Victor Santa Cruz, known for his work in developing several teams in the country. He very eagerly took the job, but not everyone was as excited with the news of having to once more comply with the issues of international fixtures, none more than the clubs which refused to send their best players and instead the National Team was effectively a group of up-and-coming youngsters which in some cases still looked for playing time or ageing players, which created an alright blend but an inexperienced one.
New Lusitania first played a match against none other than HUElavia, at the Estádio Nacional which finished with a respectable 2-3 defeat against an already established nation. During Cycle 77, New Lusitania signed up for a small international tournament called the Global Cup of Soccer although even there success was limited, although one player did get a loan to a Fhulghamous Peninsula club. The National Team also made its way to the second IAC where there too the success wasn't much, although it did give them their first ever win, against Gim, by 1-0. New Lusitania would finally debut in the World Cup Qualifiers in its 78th running. The 65th Baptism of Fire was a poor showing once more with three defeats.
The big day was finally here though, with the first game at World Cup 78 against Kecrazia in Coimbra. A momentous occasion which even justified three screens in Lisbon, Porto and Sevilha. Despite showing real maturity in defence, the match finished with a 0-1 loss. The window finished with a second loss at the Scottopian Isles, which prompted Santa Cruz to appeal for better relations between the FLF Teams and the clubs. At the same time, in the lead-up to the October Window, this would see Victor Santa Cruz replaced, following new management.
Despite laying good groundwork, the team wouldn't be any good during 78 or 79, despite improvement, only showing competitiveness upon his return prompted by Tiago Loureiro's promotion after getting an agreement in with all clubs and reorganize the League organisation back to the FLF.
National coach from 80 to 86, he very nearly achieved the dream of the World Cup twice through playoffs, to no avail, and a Quarter-Final of the Cup of Harmony against Qusmo, but neither were the crowning achievement.
HUElavia. IAC 9. The height of a team which had been built around and constructed for several cycles now. Leaving the group stage with two wins - over Devonta and Daskel - and a draw with the Free Republics, New Lusitania topped Group B. The sensation that had been Kriegersien had been defeated 3-0 in Bello Mar and the Quarter-Final was a tough match against TJUN-ia which was a narrow 1-2 win. In San Rafael, the Lusitanians celebrated going into new territory after reaching the final against IAC13 hosts Poafmersia, still waiting for their moment(s) in the tournaments to come. Curumba set the stage for what had been a brilliant tournament, even for the neutral and could culminate in no different fashion, with what was, arguably the greatest IAC final yet. Goals galore and exciting end-to-end action from either side. Eighty minutes, 3-3. Both teams already seeing their legs give after a lengthy Tournament. The necessity to avoid extra time was serious. A blazing counter-attack spurred on by Fernando with a good run had the chance to pass it on to Silveira with a through-ball into the box. The defining moment. A shot left his foot and flew into the net. They had done it! (Now to control the final moments.) An anxious final period as the referee blew the final whistle. That was it! They were on top of the world! New Lusitania were the IAC Champions!

---
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Official Broadcasters of the IAC.
Follow the Selecção's road here!
MMXXI (in association with the FLF)

by **PotatoFarmers** » Sun Jul 25, 2021 6:23 am

MD3 Cutoff!

RP Prompt for the MD: Prominent Players
Every team has a few prominent players in their history. Trailblazers. People with strong characters. Team Leaders. Golden Boot scorers. Multiple-time Golden Boot winners. Legends. These people often stand out in the history, producing some of the fantastic storylines for the country football. Tell us more about their stories. Who are they? What are they famous for? Are there some disappointments and regrets they have?

Note (at 1.49pm UTC): There has been a slight mistake in terms of the RP bonus, as I have noticed that a few RP bonuses were incorrectly awarded for this matchday. As such, since a huge majority of the results were affected, I have made a quick decision to rescorinate ALL the results. The below results are the new ones based on the updated RP bonuses, checked and again. Sorry for the inconvenience caused.

MD3 Cutoff

4pm
Sajnur 2–2 Sixty-ninE X @ Dalaris State Stadium
Juvencus 2–0 Minardinia @ Agureo Stadium
Kriegiersien 2–1 A Mushroom Kingdom @ Davarsi Bria
Srednjaci 4–0 Lewhoten @ Rukiya Sports Stadium
Indusse 1–1 Dari Sultanate @ Potato Villa
Kohnhead 1–0 Tandeg Suci @ Red Mudra Lane
Abanhfleft 4–1 Republic of Indian States @ Stadiun of Legends
Garbelia 2–0 Raspotochje @ Offsdi Stadium
Almuzahara 5–2 Miena San Hosana @ Stadia Cochin
Eshialand 4–4 Felinetopia @ Mancodas Complex
Sannyamathland 4–2 Roless @ Theatre of Light

8pm
Volinovia 0–1 Squidroidia @ Davarsi Bria
Montaña Verde 1–1 Omerica @ Theatre of Light
Federative Republic of Brasilia 0–1 Space @ Rukiya Sports Stadium
Malandrin 4–4 Squornshelan Remnant States @ Red Mudra Lane
The H Corporation 1–2 Drawkland @ Offsdi Stadium
Adab 0–1 New Lusitania @ Bikarish Stadium
Quintessence of Dust 0–1 Reçueçn @ Stadium of Legends
Kencana 0–1 HUElavia @ Dreamers Park
Franco-Canadian Michigan 1–2 TJUN-ia @ Agureo Stadium
Saterun 1–4 Poafmersia @ Camp of Power
Galimencia 0–1 Trolleborg @ Sporting Dalaris Stadium

Stage 1 Table

Pos  Team                             P   W   D   L  GF  GA   GD  Pts
  1  Reçueçn                          3   3   0   0   8   1    7    9
     Srednjaci                        3   3   0   0   9   2    7    9
  3  HUElavia                         3   3   0   0   8   4    4    9
     Kohnhead                         3   3   0   0   5   1    4    9
  5  Trolleborg                       3   3   0   0   4   1    3    9
  6  Poafmersia                       3   2   1   0   8   4    4    7
     New Lusitania                    3   2   1   0   5   1    4    7
     Garbelia                         3   2   1   0   4   0    4    7
  9  Sannyamathland                   3   2   1   0  10   7    3    7
 10  TJUN-ia                          3   2   1   0   4   2    2    7
 11  Drawkland                        3   2   0   1   9   6    3    6
     Juvencus                         3   2   0   1   7   4    3    6
     Tandeg Suci                      3   2   0   1   4   1    3    6
 14  Kriegiersien                     3   2   0   1   7   5    2    6
 15  Squidroidia                      3   2   0   1   2   1    1    6
 16  Omerica                          3   1   2   0   4   1    3    5
     Almuzahara                       3   1   2   0   9   6    3    5
 18  Squornshelan Remnant States      3   1   2   0   5   4    1    5
     Felinetopia                      3   1   2   0   5   4    1    5
 20  Sajnur                           3   1   1   1   7   3    4    4
 21  Montaña Verde                    3   1   1   1   7   5    2    4
     Kencana                          3   1   1   1   5   3    2    4
 23  Adab                             3   1   1   1   3   3    0    4
 24  Indusse                          3   1   1   1   3   5   -2    4
     Sixty-ninE X                     3   1   1   1   5   7   -2    4*
 26  Abanhfleft                       3   1   0   2   6   5    1    3
 27  Space                            3   1   0   2   2   3   -1    3
     Volinovia                        3   1   0   2   2   3   -1    3
 29  Saterun                          3   1   0   2   3   7   -4    3
 30  Quintessence of Dust             3   0   2   1   4   5   -1    2
     Malandrin                        3   0   2   1   6   7   -1    2
     Dari Sultanate                   3   0   2   1   1   2   -1    2
 33  Eshialand                        3   0   2   1   6   8   -2    2
 34  Republic of Indian States        3   0   2   1   2   5   -3    2
 35  Galimencia                       3   0   1   2   0   3   -3    1
     The H Corporation                3   0   1   2   2   5   -3    1
     Minardinia                       3   0   1   2   1   4   -3    1
     Raspotochje                      3   0   1   2   0   3   -3    1
 39  Miena San Hosana                 3   0   1   2   4  10   -6    1
 40  Franco-Canadian Michigan         3   0   0   3   2   6   -4    0
 41  A Mushroom Kingdom               3   0   0   3   1   6   -5    0
 42  Roless                           3   0   0   3   5  12   -7    0
 43  Federative Republic of Brasilia  3   0   0   3   0   9   -9    0
 44  Lewhoten                         3   0   0   3   0  10  -10    0

*See box below.

The top 32 teams at the end of the First Stage will qualify for the Second Stage. Teams highlighted in blue have qualified for the Second Stage. Teams are ranked in order of the following criteria: 1) Points (3 for a win, 1 for a draw); 2) Goal Difference; 3) Wins; 4) IAC ranking coefficient (ONLY in determining pots); 5) Coin Flip (OOC: Scorinated matches between tied teams)

The ranking numbers are purely based on the first 3 tiebreakers as above. The first 8 teams will be Pot 1 for the Second Stage, 9-16 Pot 2, 17-24 Pot 3, and 25-32 Pot 4.
The full ranking system can be found at the IAC spreadsheet. (https://bit.ly/NSSIAC13)

Note: As of today, Sixty-nine X has CTE'd. Should the nation not return by MD4 cutoff, their points will be nullified, treated as having been disqualified. Team positions will be adjusted as such.

by **Kohnhead** » Sun Jul 25, 2021 7:52 am

Maltos scores late as Kohnhead get to 3-0-0

What a start to the 13th IAC it has been for Kohnhead, after a lackluster performance last time where we failed to make the Group Stage and a horrible performance at the Cup of Harmony it has been good to see a fire lit under this team. While this is only the first stage where 32 of 44 teams advance to the next round, 9 points in 3 games is always a good thing especially considering how much we needed these good results.

Tandeg Suci are a team competing in their first international tournament and they started it off really well getting six points in two games including an upset win against Space to take over second in the full table. However they were not the only team on six points as The Brains had picked up wins against Saterun and a big win against Squidroidia in the second match. We were big favorites going into this won but we also realized there was a reason Tandeg Suci had won their first two games when many had predicted them to lose especially against Space.

Despite being the heavy favorites we couldn't find the back of the net but fortunately nor could Tandeg Suci with a scoreless first 75 minutes that saw a few chances but nothing came to fruition from those. It looked like both teams seemed content with the point knowing that they were both already in the second stage pretty much.

No one told that memo to Thomas Stratford who had come on as a sub for Suzanna Barter as we transitioned to a 4-3-3 formation going up top with Korkson and Maltos. In the 79th minute Stratford received the ball megged Made Sare before getting around Ketut Paang and launching a beautiful cross that Erin Maltos was able to get her head on sending it right past Komang Klecung to give us the 1-0 lead and it would indeed prove to be the winning goal for us.

It's been the dream start for Kohnhead as we move into tied for third in the table with HUElavia behind Reçueçn and Srednjaci who are only ahead of us on goal differential thanks to all four of us (and Trolleborg) being on nine points in three games. This win wasn't the pretties for us but it got the job done and puts us squarely into pot 1 for the second stage which could be massive when the Group Draw comes.

Our next match is against Eshialand the winners of the most recent Baptism of Fire who have shown their quality in most tournaments but only sit on two points in the IAC thanks to a tough schedule that includes a draw against Malandrin, a loss to top side Reçueçn, and most recently a 4-4 draw against Felinetopia. Eshialand sit on two points and are in 33rd of the table right outside of where you need to be to get into the next stage but a point (or three) against us should do enough to get into the next stage while a loss will eliminate them.

In order to secure pot 1 for the second stage we need to beat Eshialand and I think we can do it although they will certainly be playing for their lives. It won't be an easy match but with the way Kohnhead have been playing I think we should be able to knock them off to complete the perfect stage one.

by **HUElavia** » Sun Jul 25, 2021 8:52 am

Win and In!

A late goal by Yamane gives HUElavia their place in IAC 13!

Kencana 0-1 HUElavia
(Yamane 86')
(Dreamers Park, Fiskadaha City, Poafmersia)

Entering Matchday 3, HUElavia already put their value of their team in their two matches. Two matches with plenty of goals and defensive follies has put HUElavia in prime position to qualify to the 32-team tournament in IAC 13. Their next opponent would be Kencana, who was coming off a 4-1 victory over Roless. The match was set to be played at Dreamers Park (60,000) in Fiskadaha City, where it was sold out with a majority of supporters being HUElavian. The Home Uniform was worn once again, with the B-Team playing, although Marquez was starting in goal and Torrisi was the Captain. With the anthems played, the ball rolled and the third qualifiers match was under way!

Kencana played a very defensive level of football that had HUElavia frustrated throughout the match. From the looks of it, it seemed that Kencana was looking to be satisfied having a 0-0 draw. The fans quickly realized this, and each time any player from Kencana had the ball, the HUElavians would boo and whistle the players. Players like Nascimento, Yamane, and Girault got some shots in, but were met with near misses or saves from Chik. The half ended in a scoreless draw, with the HUElavians looking frustrated, while the Kencanans looked satisfied at their efforts.

The second half was more of the same, with HUElavia trying to apply pressure, while Kencana would hold out defensively and clear the ball out. Some shots by Ali and Aslam were taken, but were met with saves and blocks by Marquez. Conti-Esposito, and Hamada-Navarro was eventually put in for Alvarado and Nascimento respectively, in the 70th minute, looking to get more passes through to get better opportunities. This eventually culminated in the lone play that HUElavia needed to get the result they wanted. In the 86th minute, a throw-in was won, where Chaupin threw the ball in, which went to Di Donato, he gave a long pass to Conti-Esposito, who was being covered by Omar, before passing it to her left towards Hamada-Navarro, where she gave a run to be covered by Zainudin, before giving a pass to her left, for Yamane to give a one-time curving shot past the reach of Chik and into the post and into the top corner of the goal to make it 0-1. The HUElavian supporters erupted, cheering and jumping, hugging each other while making the stadium rumble, while Yamane was mobbed by her teammates for the goal, including the bench running towards her and hugging her for the goal. Coach Conavacio was seen hugging and giving hi-fives to the staff, with a big grin on his face. Kencana began to attack for the remaining minutes, but HUElavia was now on the defensive, giving the Kencanans a taste of their medicine, frustrating them with clearances and blocks. Ultimately, HUElavia held out, and got not only the victory, but the direct Qualification to IAC 13.

With the victory, HUElavia are among the 15 teams to qualify for the 32-team Group Stage, still with 9 Points (3-0-0), but currently in 3rd overall, behind Recuecn and Srednjaci on goal difference. The next match will be against Srednjaci, where both teams are looking to secure their place as a Pot 1 team, and possibly have an easier path in the Group Stage (albeit with the looming possibility of being given a Group of Death). The A-Team will play, with Vannier in goal and Navarro as the Captain. The Away Alternative will be worn for the match, given that HUElavia will be the away team once again. The match will be at Dreamers Park in Fiskadaha City once again, where the players and fans have enjoyed their time and stay in the Poafmersian capital. While we have our spot in the tournament, the team continues to practice well and study film in order to give their best and make another deep run in the IAC. After all, all we can do is keep on workin'.

FORCA HUELAVIA! VAMOS HUELAVIA! GO HUELAVIA!

by **TJUN-ia** » Sun Jul 25, 2021 10:12 am

By Peter Davis

After a tight draw to Almuzahara in Bikarish brought a dent to our IAC13 campaign, the Jaguars of TJUN-ia could take solace in the fact that they were still unbeaten at least in Stage 1 of the 3-Stage Competition in Poafmersia. David Seems and Li Xiu Ying have seen their team do just enough to keep up the pace in the competition, but not be anything special...which could be either a good or a bad thing depending on your opinion on this team. Despite this division within the fanbase, the team looked to play on to their best ability and that road continued in Agureo Stadium against the unranked Franco-Canadian Michigan side that hadn't tasted any points as of yet heading into the 7 pm kickoff.

This game would actually be our best performance yet as the Jags turned things up a notch in order to grab a 2-goal cushion at halftime, with the goals coming from Joe Green in the 23rd and Pedro Vasquez in the 43rd. We generally had most of the possession overall in the game and despite FCM getting a goal back in the 56th, our defensive wall continued to hold them off brilliantly. A 2nd win of the competition will certainly be taken by the coaching staff and the nation and with the 3 points in the bag, TJUN-ia officially claimed a spot in Stage 2 with 1 game to spare.

With our main job in Stage 1 complete, the main aim now is to try and improve our seeding for Stage 2 in the final game against a fellow Pot 1 team. That game will be against the #2 Inklings of Squidroidia at Potato Villa in Sarim, a contest many are calling the "Battle for the Apple" due to the famous relationship between WGPC drivers Lane Carter and Daryl Mizushima. In that case, I hope the team does Carter proud in Game 4 and takes a bit out of that apple in victory, not defeat. GO JAGS!

SCHEDULE
Stage 1
MD1: vs Raspotochje (UR) - Theatre of Light, Kistina W 1-0 (???)
MD2: vs Almuzahara (19) - Bikarish Stadium, Bikarish D 1-1 (T-11th)
MD3: vs Franco-Canadian Michigan (UR) - Agureo Stadium, Agureo Township W 2-1 (10th)
MD4: vs Squidroidia (2) - Potato Villa, Sarim

by **Adab** » Sun Jul 25, 2021 11:09 am

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

Wednesday, June 21, 2034 / 4 Rabi’ al-Thani 1456
Adab 0-1 New Lusitania
Fernando (64’)

NEWS | IAC 13
By: Elymur Amwan

Kaykali proud of Adab performance despite New Lusitania loss

Adab’s Independent Associations Championship 13 campaign in Poafmersia faces a hurdle as the team went down in a narrow 0-1 defeat to IAC giants New Lusitania thanks to Bruno Fernando’s amazing goal from the halfway line, but manager Saad Kaykali nevertheless praised his men’s performance and affirmed his faith in the team.

Ranked 46th in the IAC, Adab were underdogs coming into Bikarish Stadium – venue of their epic 1-2 victory against Abanhfleft at the start of the tournament – to face off against 4th-ranked New Lusitania, but national team keeper and captain Mohammed Marramzi nevertheless beat an optimistic drum before the match, telling journalists that the team will do “the utmost best”.

Having drawn their previous match against the unheralded Republic of Indian States, a good result in this match and the next one against Malandrin were necessary to secure their ticket to the second stage of the tournament.

The match began pretty well for the Adabians, with Enlilbani Yargab nearly putting them ahead on the scoreboard in the 13th minute, his powerful strike towards the back right of the net only saved by Lusitania keeper António Lopes’ quick move from the other end of the net, slamming himself onto the grass as he gripped the ball.

The Lusitanians, meanwhile, almost scored too in the 27th minute, as André Silveira and Daniel Jota ran roughshod over the Adab defense, with the ball zigzagging between the two of them as they entered the penalty box. Jota’s final strike, however, went straight to keeper Marramzi’s hand.

Overall it was a well-balanced match, with the Adabian underdogs showing plenty of confidence in their performance and launching potent attacks that put a strain on the Lusitania midfield and defense. As the match dragged into the second half, however, the Lusitanians’ superior experience began to shine through, with the team increasingly forcing Adab onto the back foot and towards their own side of the pitch.

Silveira had another great chance in the 60th minute. Receiving the ball from Gonçalo Guerra, who had barely avoided a misjudged Ephraim Orlev tackle, Silveira proceeded to make a run for it, evading a series of oncoming Adab midfielders and defenders, as well as Yargab who dropped deep to chase after him, before firing the ball into the goal. Marramzi had anticipated his move, however, and launched himself onto the ball, preventing a Lusitania goal for now.

The Lusitanians would finally draw first – and only – blood just four minutes later in epic fashion. Midfielder and captain Bruno Fernando found the ball passed to him by Fernando Ferradurra in the wake of an Adab counterattack. Noticing a lack of defenders on the Adabian side of the pitch, Fernando marched towards the halfway line and took his chance, sending the ball flying, curving down towards the Adabian goal at such speed that Marramzi did not even respond, merely turning his head in amazed frustration as the ball slammed against the net and the Lusitanian fans in the stadium rose to their feet, cheering and hollering.

Even the Adabian fans did not seem particularly concerned, recognizing Fernando’s fantastic effort and applauding him, some even chanting “Bruno! Bruno!”

Though the Adabians continued to play with conviction, putting a dent on the Lusitania defense and notably once again threatening the goal in the 79th minute – although Ephraim Orlev’s effort from outside the penalty box ended up missing the goal by a few inches – Fernando’s goal would end up being the only one of the match. With this victory, the Lusitanians secured a spot on the second stage of the IAC with one match remaining in the first stage, while Adab will have to wait until their next match against Malandrin at Naksa Stadium.

Kaykali congratulates Lusitanians, praises both teams

At the post-match press conference, Adab manager Saad Kaykali began by offering his congratulations to his opponents on their advance to the second stage.

“They very much deserve it, they are one of the best teams in this tournament,” Kaykali said. “It’s been a honor playing against them, it’s been a good match, and I’m looking forward to more matches in the future.”

Kaykali proceeded to praise the level of play by both teams, stating, “It’s a great, very much well-balanced match. My own team performed very well, they were brave and showed no fear and kept attacking, and the Lusitanians kept their heads up high under pressure.

“Bruno’s goal was simply remarkable. That’s a world-class player right there. You love to see it.”

Kaykali proclaimed that he has faith in this team, and that they will put on their best performance against Malandrin. “We will not underestimate Malandrin, or any other team in the world, in fact. They managed a draw against Eshialand I believe, and those folks won last year’s Baptism of Fire. We will perform at our highest level against them and we will win. I know my boys and girls can do it.”

Marramzi admitted that he was “slightly disappointed” at not being able to save Fernando’s goal, but nevertheless conceded that it was a “remarkable strike.”

“That kind of goal requires precision that is only found at the highest level. Many people dream of doing it, but only a few ever get to do it.

“That’s a great goal, you cannot deny it. What a remarkable goal, what a remarkable player.”

by **Almuzahara** » Sun Jul 25, 2021 6:34 pm

continued from
the preemption and the return

Fear turns to anger, anger turns to resignation. Inside the enclosure, there are no minutes or hours. The desperate struggle to escape threatens to fade into pained acceptance. Then, suddenly, it's gone.
december 25, XXX459
"Well done," the white-cloaked woman says on the twelfth floor.

"Wh-where did it go?" it's been over a day since she left him for dead, so he's too stunned to go after her.

"We bring it over here in a few hours." Despite his best attempts, she does not elaborate, but Mahmoud figures it out on his own. He is visiting the woman's recent past.

"...you said I was stable," he replies, finding again an accusatory tone.

"If you were temporally unstable, you would have left that box long ago. You travel - the Fountain's blessing - but only when you wish to - ours."

Silence. Then, as he tries to process what's happening, Mahmoud finds his words again. "How did you know I was coming here at this time?"

"I knew you were coming here because presumably, my future self told you to meet me here. As for when...the plan to bring you here has existed for years now. And we didn't expect your first jump to take you back more than a few days."

"...I see." He does not.

"Anyways, you'll want to jump back now. We're bringing you over in a few hours, and you'll want to continue your training in your original time before there's two of you here."

"But what is it all for? What am I training to do?"

She stops, contemplates, then decides to tell him: "we're sending you back to the Fountain. The only question is when."

august 29, 1517
From the journal of Yahya Léonidas del Toro

It has been decided: I will return to Alsshil Almuzahar and set up a colony on a particularly verdant isle off its shores. The jungle itself is too dense for man to penetrate, but setting up a base of power in the vicinity will hopefully allow future generations to explore more thoroughly. There is no shortage of bountiful isles that our people may harvest, and soon we will be able to return to the jungle. Abdel Simon will be my second-in-command on the journey, and the Caliphate will send someone to keep eyes on me and govern the colony once I return to exploration. It now falls to us to choose who the first generation of islanders will be.

I've also happened to run into that mysterious man who I either met or hallucinated in the Almuzaharan jungle. I'm not sure what he desires, but hope that he may be able to provide more information. That being said, I must be careful. He asked me if I knew of Oumar Bennani, and I was unable to satisfactorily answer. What if the two of them are somehow in cahoots, and he seeks the water himself?

Almuzahara 5–2 Miena San Hosana @ Stadia Cochin
AMH scorers: Abdellah ELIAS 7 - Youssef BLANCO 24 - Tariq BEN LABRAT 35 - Araz FERNANDEZ 50 - Ahmed FERNANDEZ 81
MSH scorers: [REDACTED] 12 - [REDACTED] 56

Leading Scorers: Tariq BEN LABRAT 3 - Youssef BLANCO 2 - Abdellah ELIAS, Cyril ELNENY, Araz FERNANDEZ, Ahmed FERNANDEZ 1

by **Indusse** » Mon Jul 26, 2021 3:20 am

IFA NEWS NETWORK
Memories to be brought again...

Baskar H Kumar, that name gets echoed all over the national team camp. If someone asked what is football in Indusse then we would say, Baskar Kumar. Baskar Kumar is and will be the best footballer indusse has seen. Born in New Hind City, a district magistrate and madam public prosecutor also went for a Legal LLB course after schooling. He earned a degree and also played for the Law College (Kalalmant College, now called Institute of Legal Education [ILEI])football team. His performance there got him into Indusse's National Team, made him the captain and never had to turn back. He became the all-time best soccer player from Indusse and then later as the player who scored most goals and made most appearances for Indusse. He played a major role in Indusse's independence Movement and became the first president of Indusse and was re-elected twice.

Baskar Kumar on his debut match:

This is like a dream come true, my parents wanted me to be a legal mastermind but I found that soccer is not just a passion it's my life. I hope to do great in the future, learn from my mistakes, avoid hyperactivities and make my nation Proud!

Baskar Kumar after his debut match as Captain:

I'm glad to start my captaincy with a victory. I am highly delighted to be the captain of my motherland's national team. Victory will not be ours always, but we will be fighting for victory with full efficiency. Sports isn't something easy, it's as hard as fighting against terrorists. I believe I can bring my team to great heights! Jai Mahakaal!

Baskar Kumar at the time of Bhag Alizadeh Movement:

One shall have peace only when the land they were born in is free from enemies. I shall even leave my life fighting against the colonialist Alizadeh Sultanate. I shall work, fight till I die for the nation and ensure independence and democracy hereafter. Bhaag Alizadeh!

P.S: Bhaag Alizadeh (Alizadeh Run Away) movement was an event in the indussean independence movement. Bhaag Alizadeh was a slogan raised by the patriots against their foreign colonialist oppressors and this event played a major role in attaining independence.

Baskar Kumar after his election as President:

This Midnight is indeed an auspicious occasion in the life of every indussean, the reason why a lot of indusseans gave up their life has finally been ours. Freedom isn't something that can be brought and it has to be taken from the oppressors. This is the time when we are feeling what freedom is. Thousands and Millions of people waited for this hour, many died without witnessing this gem of history, leaving their family and friends behind. This day shall be a big life-changer for everyone in this nation, we are starting a new life to be frank. Let's stand together for a greater and better Indusse.

I am proud that I was invested in such an esteemed position by my fellow citizens of Indusse. In the name of God, I swear that I shall maintain the ethics of democracy in performing my duties as a president of the nations. I pledge my loyalty to the constitution of Indusse which guides us through the democratic world like a light in the darkness and promises that I would not indulge in anything that would destroy the unity and sovereignty of the nation. I shall treat my citizens as my family members with ready help even when I am in a busy state.

by **Squornshelan Remnant States** » Mon Jul 26, 2021 8:42 am

"And the score still level at nil-nil as the teams come back out for the second half here at Rukiya Sports Stadium. The Black-and-Reds will be in a tough spot here if they can't muster up a winning goal."

The whole Tamboli family was gathered in front of the TV. Aunts and Uncles gathered on the couch, with the younger generation gathered on the floor. Daada, of course, was in his favorite recliner. The leather on the armrests was weathered and peeling, but he wouldn't hear a word of replacing it. The referee's whistle sounded, and Sajnur restarted the match, but even as the Black-and-Reds began to press forward, the image of the field abruptly disappeared. Replacing it was a sober-faced newsanchor, her dark hair gathered into a tight bun atop her head, her black suit jacket spotless. Hands clasped on the desk in front of her, she spoke in an even, measured tone. “Our sincere apologies to our viewers, but we must interrupt coverage of the IAC match between the Confederacy and Sajnur for a special public statement from the President.” An indignant hubbub from the family assembled in the room tapered off as the image on the screen switched to President Elbrus Kamenev, seated behind his desk.

“My fellow Confederates. My message to you tonight is of grave importance, and I ask your forgiveness for interrupting your evening. We are faced with a serious and unprecedented situation, and to forestall the spread of rumors, I believe it is best to share what we know now, rather than wait. The Far Sea Anomalous Phenomenon, better known to most as the Edge, has separated us from the Imperium for nearly a century, and has remained virtually unchanged in that time. This is no longer the case.” The President shifted in his seat, leaning slightly forward over the desk before settling back again. “Five days ago, Confederate naval vessels left their base at Zarss to engage in cold-weather training exercises. Upon reaching their destination, they encountered the Edge approximately five nautical miles further North than expected. Later that day, reconnaissance flights from bases in Sivolvia confirmed that the southern end of the Edge had also moved.”

The room was silent by this point, as everyone hung on the President's every word, waiting to learn what it all meant.

“We have monitored the changes since then, and the Edge has continued to expand in both directions. In fact, the rate of expansion has accelerated. At the present rate of expansion, the Edge will surround the Confederacy completely in a matter of days.”

Everyone in the house began to talk at once, some saying that it couldn't be true, others wondering if this were some final plot by the Imperium. Those sitting closest to the TV could just about hear the President's words if they leaned close.

“I will not tell you not to be alarmed, but I will counsel you to be calm. The Edge has shown no signs of approaching land, and as we know, passage through it to different points in the multiverse is possible. In the meantime, a team of the very best scientific minds from across the Confederacy has been assembled to study the phenomenon and advise the government. This will be a time of uncertainty and difficulty for us all, but I ask that all of you continue to go about your lives as much as possible. We will face whatever challenges and changes may come as we always have: together. We will endure them, and we will overcome them. When they have passed we will remain. That much, I promise you. Thank you, and good night.”

The broadcast cut back to the feed from Poafmersia. The Black-and-Reds could be seen celebrating at the corner flag, the score now 1-0 in their favor. Hardly anyone noticed though.

Matchday Schedule and Results:

MD1: SRS 0-0 FEL @ Bikarish Stadium (cap. 48,000), 4pm
MD2: SRS 1-0 SAJ @ Rukiya Sports Stadium (cap. 37,000),  8pm
MD3: MAL  v  SRS @ Red Mudra Lane (cap. 58,000), 8pm
MD4: SRS  v  TRL @ Libira National Stadium (cap. 68,000), 7:30pm

by **Trolleborg** » Mon Jul 26, 2021 8:49 am

Greetings, compatriots!
It’s TTV from Poafmersia, where our national football team continue to play in the IAC-13. Next opponent of our lads is Galimencia, one of the many new and unknown nations, which took part in the tournament. And just such a team often inflict a multitude of problems. We all easily can remember a good half-dozen upsets, that our team have from precisely such a nations.

But right now expectations of our fans was sky high, because previous victory against Abanhfleft was 99th in the official list of games of Trolleborg national team, so if our lads prevailed in this game, it will be their 100th victory in the history.

Morten Troghil stick to his usual habits while having free hands to some extent - he give a chance to prove themselves to the bunch of new players, only three out of all BoF winners was in the lineup. New faces of the team do whatever it takes, but sometimes the excitement and desire to achieve success to justify the confidence of the coach, had an adversary effect, there were a lot of unnecessary mistakes and clearly unnecessary passes and movements, so that the score in the end, despite the obvious huge advantage of our team, turned out to be modest.

The only goal was scored in the middle of the first half, when the Galimencians got carried away by a passing across the field closer to the center line, lost caution, and then also the ball. Having acquire possesion, our guys rushed forward Gronholm made a good cross while Gulbranden move into the box make a great headshot

It's really great that the union of youth and experience bring this winning goal – Gronholm is yesterday's junior, who is entrusted with a highly important place on the flank of the midfield, and Gulbranden is an experienced fighter, who with his goals brought a lot of points to the team and aesthetic pleasure to the fans.

But this alloy did not work anymore, so our team had to be content with a victory with a minimal score. However, victory is a victory, and this is doubly valuable because of its historical significance.

At the preliminary stage, our guys have to play against Squornshelan Remnant States team, which sit 18th overall in the table, while being unbeaten. And we all must understand, that this is not the team that give up points easily.

by **Eshialand** » Mon Jul 26, 2021 3:08 pm

The Strangest Match Ever
Eshialand 4-4 Felinetopia

It all started relatively blandly. Just another bad match from the Owls this IAC.

Eshialand were actually the first ones to find the back of the goal this time, with Melissa beating Salim Babatunde in the 16th minute, but it seemed to be all downhill from there, as Loki Iverson and Emer Clery beat Christian Meers in the 38th and 43rd, respectively, making it 1-2 at the half.

The second started out with a decent amount of goalscoring at the bare minimum, with Alyssa tying it up in the 49th and Mukami Mwangi making it 2-3 in the 55th, but that wouldn't be why this match would be remembered.

What happened next would be the memorable part.

"I'm baaaack!!"
"Wait, is that--?" Sarah and Emer asked simultaneously. Of course, it wouldn't be long before they got their answer.
"Glinda Monaghan? Why yes, it is!"
"Okay, so why are you here? Grinding an old axe?" Melissa asked her former coach.
"You put me through a lot of pain and suffering in Felinetopia! Do you know how long it took me to get my Allerjaz?"
"Okay, so? Harriet isn't here, that was her fault!"
"But you were the captain of the team, so you should've stopped her!" she told her as she picked her up by the neck of her kit.
"Hey, you can't do that to my friend!" Jake yelled.
"Oh really, little boy? What if I did it to you instead?" she asked as she threw Melissa aside.
"NO!!" Alice yelled.
"Hm?"
"Look, I know I might not be the best at standing up for myself, but you can't touch him!" she exclaimed. She then continued, "I know that you meant well when you were trying to coach us, but that wasn't our style! You can't blame us for that, just like you can't blame us for what someone who isn't even here did!"

A fight then broke out between Glinda, Jake, and Alice. Nobody could quite believe what they were watching, but it was odd to say the least.

"Has this ever happened before?" Emer asked Sarah.
"No, this is a new one..."

By the time Glinda was hauled off of the pitch, Melissa, Jake, and Alice would all be out for the match. In fact, the Owls even thought that they'd be disqualified from the match from the incident, with ENN even bizarrely reporting 2-3 as the final score! However, as the team walked off the pitch in shame, Emer yelled back at them "WAIT!!"

They turned around, wondering what exactly was happening.

"You realize that it isn't over yet, right?"
"What are you talking about," Coach Morgan replied, "after an incident like that, we have to be disqualified!"
"I just checked, and you aren't! And since all of the violence was in self-defense, you didn't even get any red cards! Now, I know it'll be hard to play without your three best players, but could you at least give it a--"

That was all the team had to hear. They were gonna play the last 31 minutes of this match, no matter how bad things seemed. Michael Horner would replace Melissa, Jonathan Harper would replace Jake, and Faith Krupp would replace Alice, with Sarah walking back onto the pitch wearing the captain's armband. They would play this out. They had to play this out.

And then Emer scored her second goal of the match in the 60th to make it a 2-4 Feline lead.

Did that stop Eshialand though? Well, to be honest, almost. But something remained for them. Their spirits may have been crushed over and over again, but they were still there. So, they continued in the same spirit that kept them going through all of their worst times. They kept going, and when Avery scored in the 75th, they knew that they could squeeze out at least a draw... and squeeze they did.

In the 85th, Sarah took the ball from Loki Iverson, and started running. She had a certain fire in her eyes, knowing that this was it, this was the team's chance. She passed it to Faith, who shot a rocket right past Babatunde. 4-4. A score so high that it tied the Eshian total goals record, first set against the Squornshelan Remnant States in World Cup 88 Qualifying.

After the match, as Sarah and Emer shook hand and paw, they knew that neither of them would forget this match for the rest of their lives.

If this stage of the tournament ended today, Eshialand would likely qualify in 32nd place, but it doesn't end today, and they still need a point against 3-0-0 Kohnhead to move on. The Brains have nothing to play for. The Owls, however, have everything on the line.

Eshialand - 4 (Carey 16'; Longfield 49'; MacDougall 75'; Krupp 85')
Felinetopia - 4 (Iverson 38'; Clery 43', 60'; M. Mwangi 55')

by **Srednjaci** » Mon Jul 26, 2021 3:28 pm

INDEPENDENT ASSOCIATIONS CHAMPIONSHIP 13

FIRST EVER WIN IN THIS COMPETITION
by
IVAN BOŽIĆ

Srednjaci 3–1 The H Corporation @ Camp of Power

Srednjaci finally came to their first historic victory in the IAC. We did not manage to achieve a single victory in the previous competition. In the match against The H Corporation, coach Hrvoje Vezmar did not want to take any risks and performed the initial, strongest team with Tavano, Li Peng, Zimmer and Matković. Of course, this composition is well-coordinated and too strong for the opponent. However, one gets the impression that our team could have done more. But the victory and three points are in our hands. The first goal was scored by Tomljanović after an excellent cross by Danijela Majić. In the 49th minute, Matković has a solo action that ends with a beautiful goal for a 2-0 lead. A little carelessness in our penalty area. two of our defensive players knock down an opponent's player and the referee awards a penalty to The H Corporation. The H Corporation takes a penalty kick. to reduce to 2: 1 in the 62nd minute. But our team still has the last word. This time Tavano assisted to Davida Zimmer and Davida used the opportunity and turned it into a goal for 3: 1 in the 77th minute.

SECOND WIN WITH SECOND TEAM

Space 1–2 Srednjaci @ Agureo Stadium

Hrvoje Vezmar had to make corrections in the second match. Due to obligations towards the IBA Champions League, he released Takanobu Tavan. But he also made other rosades. Almost the entire second team played against Space in the second match. Players who haven’t had a lot of opportunities to play so far have now been given a chance. Perica Lozančić showed enviable skills, but the first name of the match was 19-year-old Tijana Mušarović.
With her two goals, Tijana sealed the fate of the Space national football team. We must add that both times the assistant was Perica Lozančić.

MARINOVIĆ, TALIĆ AND MARINKOVIĆ IN NATIONAL TEAM

Srednjaci 4–0 Lewhoten @ Rukiya Sports Stadium

Since Li Peng and Isidor Matković are still on short break, they will be replaced by Petra Marinović from NK Bistua Nuova, Ante Marinković from NK Dinamo Katanija and Vjekoslav Talić will play instead of Tomljanović. Hrvoje Vezmar wants to better prepare the players for what is to come, which are the qualifications for WC 89 and the Olympic Games.
Talić and Marinković had a great season at Dinamo from Katanija. In the IBA Champions League competition, Dinamo played among the eight best teams. Soon these players showed their great quality here as well. Unbeliveble how modern and fast they play in this lineup. Lewhoten was lucky not to receive more goals than only four. Petra Marinović scores first goal in the game. Great cross by Davida Zimmer in 32nd minute and Petra scores. In the 41st minute, Takanobu Tavano assisted on Ante Marinković's goal for a 2-0 lead in the first half.
In the second half, our footballers had a few great 100% chances but they were not accurate enough. Petra Marinović is replaced by the young Tijana Mušarović. As soon as she entered the game, she immediately scored a goal with a great assist by Vjekoslav Talić. The last goal was scored by Ante Marinković for 4: 0.

ON TOP OF THE TABLE FOR NOW, HUELAVIA IS NEXT

The great games of our footballers brought us comfort on the table. We share first place with Reçueçn. Both teams have three games and three wins and a goal difference of +7.
Our attack is more effective but the defense has conceded a goal more. However, the next match is against a renowned opponent. HUElavia is the first stronger opponent and Vezmar will not take too many risks. Matković, Li Peng and Tomljanović will probably return.

Pos  Team                             P   W   D   L  GF  GA   GD  Pts
  1  Reçueçn                          3   3   0   0   8   1    7    9
     Srednjaci                        3   3   0   0   9   2    7    9
  3  HUElavia                         3   3   0   0   8   4    4    9
     Kohnhead                         3   3   0   0   5   1    4    9
  5  Trolleborg                       3   3   0   0   4   1    3    9
  6  Poafmersia                       3   2   1   0   8   4    4    7
     New Lusitania                    3   2   1   0   5   1    4    7
     Garbelia                         3   2   1   0   4   0    4    7
  9  Sannyamathland                   3   2   1   0  10   7    3    7
 10  TJUN-ia                          3   2   1   0   4   2    2    7
 11  Drawkland                        3   2   0   1   9   6    3    6
     Juvencus                         3   2   0   1   7   4    3    6
     Tandeg Suci                      3   2   0   1   4   1    3    6
 14  Kriegiersien                     3   2   0   1   7   5    2    6
 15  Squidroidia                      3   2   0   1   2   1    1    6
 16  Omerica                          3   1   2   0   4   1    3    5
     Almuzahara                       3   1   2   0   9   6    3    5
 18  Squornshelan Remnant States      3   1   2   0   5   4    1    5
     Felinetopia                      3   1   2   0   5   4    1    5
 20  Sajnur                           3   1   1   1   7   3    4    4
 21  Montaña Verde                    3   1   1   1   7   5    2    4
     Kencana                          3   1   1   1   5   3    2    4
 23  Adab                             3   1   1   1   3   3    0    4
 24  Indusse                          3   1   1   1   3   5   -2    4
     Sixty-ninE X                     3   1   1   1   5   7   -2    4*
 26  Abanhfleft                       3   1   0   2   6   5    1    3
 27  Space                            3   1   0   2   2   3   -1    3
     Volinovia                        3   1   0   2   2   3   -1    3
 29  Saterun                          3   1   0   2   3   7   -4    3
 30  Quintessence of Dust             3   0   2   1   4   5   -1    2
     Malandrin                        3   0   2   1   6   7   -1    2
     Dari Sultanate                   3   0   2   1   1   2   -1    2
 33  Eshialand                        3   0   2   1   6   8   -2    2
 34  Republic of Indian States        3   0   2   1   2   5   -3    2
 35  Galimencia                       3   0   1   2   0   3   -3    1
     The H Corporation                3   0   1   2   2   5   -3    1
     Minardinia                       3   0   1   2   1   4   -3    1
     Raspotochje                      3   0   1   2   0   3   -3    1
 39  Miena San Hosana                 3   0   1   2   4  10   -6    1
 40  Franco-Canadian Michigan         3   0   0   3   2   6   -4    0
 41  A Mushroom Kingdom               3   0   0   3   1   6   -5    0
 42  Roless                           3   0   0   3   5  12   -7    0
 43  Federative Republic of Brasilia  3   0   0   3   0   9   -9    0
 44  Lewhoten                         3   0   0   3   0  10  -10    0

by **Felinetopia** » Mon Jul 26, 2021 9:33 pm

In the locker room, there was total silence as the team was in disbelief of what just occurred during their match. A disgraced former manager going onto the pitch and attacking her former players. That is unheard of in Felinetopia. Yet Glinda Monaghan somehow was signed as the manager of a mid-table side in the Super League.

"So that was an eventful match that has just occurred," said Head Coach Maverick O' Malley. "I never thought I would see a fan disrupt a match by attacking the players on the pitch. Out of what I can gather, she was the former manager for the Eshialand National Team and was had a bad time in Felinetopia."

"Well, she was their former women's national team manager that they left behind in Kampawla after their match against us in the Jenna Raven Cup because, according to one of their players, they couldn't take the abuse that the team faced since the start of that cup," Emer explained. "I don't what happened after she was left behind and before she was appointed manager for my club, Felis Rovers."

"Thank you for clearing up the situation. I don't know how the Felis Rover's board didn't see this when hiring her. But that will probably get her sacked."

"Don't worry, I will make sure she is sacked from this incident. Nobody should ever experience abuse from a coach never mind having them invade the pitch to open old wounds."

"Well, I hope that I'm never like her," Maverick jokes. "Anyways, can we have Emer and Mukami join me in the press room for post-match interviews?" Emer and Mukami both nod. "Aright, see you on the bus!" The three of them left the locker room sauntering towards the press room.

"Maybe we should check on the Eshian team and see how they're doing after all of that," said Olivia Thorn to a group of felines that includes Kwaku Idowu and Furaha Mwangi. "It's probably worse than what we're going through considering that some of them actually got into a fight with them."

"I guess you're right," Furaha responded. "How about we visit them after we pack up as we're likely to finish up first." The group purrs in agreement.

by **PotatoFarmers** » Tue Jul 27, 2021 5:50 am

Poafmersia 4–3 Juvencus
@ Mancodas Complex, Greater Mancodas, Poafmersia
Poafmersia Goalscorers: Joel Haodao 18' (assist by Rios), 90+2' (assist by Innocenti); Whitney Rios 71', 83' (assist by Moonar)
Poafmersia Lineup (4-3-3): Sandi Jaliaha; Mitchel Rosales, Nasri Sanchez, Hollis Stephenson, Natalia Abbott; Daas Taisg, Woden Sweet, Arnold Shwentin; Joel Haodao, Makana Tuft (c), Whitney Rios
Substitues: Simone Gori (Stephenson 50'); Gisiik Moonar (Taisg 72'); Iulianus Innocenti (Tuft 84')

Poafmersia 4-1 Saterun
@ Camp of Power, City of Mancodas, Poafmersia
Poafmersia Goalscorers: Iulianus Innocenti 27', 50' (assist by Tuft); Aleka Dufour 43', 78' (assist by Tuft)

Poafmersia Lineup (3-4-3): Suzanne Trengove; Hollis Stephenson, Nasri Sanchez, Simone Gori; Dargis Walshor, Nero Wood, Arnold Shwentin, Whitney Rios; Iulianus Innocenti, Makana Tuft (c), Aleka Tufour
Substitues: Alex Hoboson (Sanchez 60')

Review of Aggregated Group Stage system
Commentary by Sporting Daily football team

Fiskadaha - Tonight is "Chaos Night" here in Poafmersia, where teams gather in 4 main clusters of stadiums, over 2 match time slots, on the very last day of the First Stage of the 13th IAC. 12 teams will be sent packing tonight - with only 15 teams securing access to the Second Stage, the battle is pretty much wide open.

Football pundits and officials alike will definitely start to figure out if the "Aggregated Group Stage" system used was actually benefitial at all, as the stage approaches its end with the "Chaos Night" up tonight. The verdict is still out, but here at the Sporting Daily, we decided to go one up in explaining the format, analysing what has been done, and then, determining whether the format actually has use in tournament settings like this.

Hylie Jacquan, creator of the format, proposed the aggregated group stage to allow for variety in terms of the strength of the opponents. He argues that in such competitions where rankings are close (OOC read: take up small part of total skill vis-a-vis RP bonus), and where game time is more important then ever, the format allows for a "greater variety" of team exposure. There is some facts in there. Teams are given opportunities to play against opponents who they may have rarely seen before. A similar format will be a double group stage, but that comes with difficulties in terms of ensuring the first group is balanced. Teams with lower seeding might very well get eliminated in a strong group in the first stage; in this format, the chances are lower. However, given a bad draw, a team may very well mess up as well. Pot 2 side Eshialand (0-2-1) had 3 difficult games, drawing against Malandrin, the more balanced match; lost to Reçueçn, who went 3-0-0; drew with Felinetopia, who remains unbeaten with 1 win and 2 draw; and then play Kohnhead tonight, who also went 3-0-0.

On the other hand, the format was very open to producing lots of exciting matches we would probably not see in a non-knockout stage. Tandeg Suci pulled off a narrow victory over Space. Adab defeating Abanhfleft. Drawkland losing to Sannyamathland in a 9-goal thriller. Not to mention the number of big matches tonight - Poafmersia vs Reçueçn, Drawkland vs Omerica, TJUN-ia vs Squidroidia, Eshialand vs Kohnhead, Squornshelan Remnant States vs Trolleborg, Abanhfleft vs Juvencus. These top tier level fixtures, in a group stage format, helps to keep top teams on the ball at all times, as a bad fixture will stop them from getting a good path into the second stage and beyond. It is true - the variety cannot be seen elsewhere.

However, the technical difficulties in such a format lies in the general complexity. While it is much reduced when compared to a generic Casaran stage, the difficulties still remain there. The IAC only had 1 fixture release, and that was at the initial draw. The U18 World Cup proposal puts in place a second fixture release, giving teams around 48 hours to prepare their 5th opponent in the Group Stage (Read: This is IC time; the proposal for the OOC time was 72 hours between MD3/4 and MD5/6). Teams are left wondering who their next opponents can be with a short turnaround time; unlike a normal group stage format, where teams know their opponents way in advance. Everyone doesn't have to prepare against so many teams (you only need to guess who you can meet in the knockouts) in a traditional format; in this format, you need to prepare against everyone. And with quite a number of lower-ranked unknowns sticking around in this tournament, we can't really do proper, specific preperation.

In our opinion, the verdict can't be an obvious yes for the "Jacquan format". Whether it properly replaces itself as the "new Casaran" (OOC: for newcomers, you will know this as the Swiss), we think the jury is still out. And maybe you can give your suggestion too. Write on social media a hit piece. Or for the foreigners looking at this piece of article, write to us. Or maybe write on your prominent newspaper your thoughts.

by **PotatoFarmers** » Tue Jul 27, 2021 6:19 am

MD4 Cutoff!

RP Prompt for the MD: Stop, reflect, and look forward
At the very first elimination point in this competition, it is time to reflect on what happened over the first 4 matches. Did your team do well? 4 wins? Were there any positive points? Any negative points? Something which your team can improve on, heading into the second stage?
After that, look at the impending group stage draw. Did you get into a pot you like? How is your group? Any previous head-to-head record against these teams? What are your expectations? Which side of the knockout stage bracket do you want to be in?

OOC: RP Scale Information

Pre-results note: The following post will be split into two. The first part will be the MD4 results and the tables. To help in RPing, we will be providing 2 tables - one after the first set of matches; one after the second set of matches. A reminder - top 32 teams qualify for the second stage. Sixty-ninE X will be disqualified as they have not returned as of the posting of this post - as such, they will be docked their total points + 1, and sent to the bottom of the table.
The second post (which might take a while) will contain the draw (in pot order). We will then be updating the actual order for the fixture list on the OP within the next 12 hours from this post.

Matchday 4

Kickoff: 4pm
Poafmersia 1–0 Reçueçn @ Libira National Stadium
Drawkland 2–1 Omerica @ Dreamers Park
TJUN-ia 1–2 Squidroidia @ Potato Villa
New Lusitania 1–0 Space @ United Park
Sajnur 2–4 Indusse @ Mancodas Complex
Eshialand 1–2 Kohnhead @ Camp of Power
Galimencia 0–3 Volinovia @ Offsdi Stadium
Adab 4–3 Malandrin @ Naksa Stadium
Quintessence of Dust 2–0 Roless @ Rukiya Sports Stadium
Felinetopia 2–0 Miena San Hosana @ Dalaris State Stadium
Tandeg Suci 0–0 Republic of Indian States @ Sporting Dalaris Stadium

Kickoff: 7.30pm
Squornshelan Remnant States 2–3 Trolleborg @ Libira National Stadium
Srednjaci 1–0 HUElavia @ Dreamers Park
Garbelia 0–2 Almuzahara @ Potato Villa
Kriegiersien 3–2 Sannyamathland @ United Park
Abanhfleft 2–1 Juvencus @ Mancodas Complex
Montaña Verde 2–1 Franco-Canadian Michigan @ Camp of Power
The H Corporation 6–2 Saterun @ Offsdi Stadium
Federative Republic of Brasilia 0–0 Kencana @ Naksa Stadium
A Mushroom Kingdom 0–1 Dari Sultanate @ Rukiya Sports Stadium
Minardinia 2–2 Sixty-ninE X @ Dalaris State Stadium
Lewhoten 1–1 Raspotochje @ Sporting Dalaris Stadium

Stage 1 Final Results Table

Pos  Team                             P   W   D   L  GF  GA   GD  Pts
  1  Kohnhead                         4   4   0   0   7   2    5   12
  2  Poafmersia                       4   3   1   0   9   4    5   10
     New Lusitania                    4   3   1   0   6   1    5   10
  4  Srednjaci                        3   3   0   0   9   2    7    9
  5  Reçueçn                          4   3   0   1   8   2    6    9
  6  HUElavia                         3   3   0   0   8   4    4    9
     Drawkland                        4   3   0   1  11   7    4    9
  8  Trolleborg                       3   3   0   0   4   1    3    9
  9  Squidroidia                      4   3   0   1   4   2    2    9
 10  Felinetopia                      4   2   2   0   7   4    3    8
 11  Garbelia                         3   2   1   0   4   0    4    7
 12  Sannyamathland                   3   2   1   0  10   7    3    7
     Tandeg Suci                      4   2   1   1   4   1    3    7
 14  TJUN-ia                          4   2   1   1   5   4    1    7
     Adab                             4   2   1   1   7   6    1    7
 16  Indusse                          4   2   1   1   7   7    0    7
 17  Juvencus                         3   2   0   1   7   4    3    6
 18  Kriegiersien                     3   2   0   1   7   5    2    6
     Volinovia                        4   2   0   2   5   3    2    6
 20  Almuzahara                       3   1   2   0   9   6    3    5
 21  Omerica                          4   1   2   1   5   3    2    5
 22  Squornshelan Remnant States      3   1   2   0   5   4    1    5
     Quintessence of Dust             4   1   2   1   6   5    1    5
 24  Sajnur                           4   1   1   2   9   7    2    4
     Montaña Verde                    3   1   1   1   7   5    2    4
     Kencana                          3   1   1   1   5   3    2    4
 27  Sixty-ninE X                     3   1   1   1   5   7   -2    4*
 28  Abanhfleft                       3   1   0   2   6   5    1    3
 29  Space                            4   1   0   3   2   4   -2    3
 30  Republic of Indian States        4   0   3   1   2   5   -3    3
 31  Saterun                          3   1   0   2   3   7   -4    3
 32  Dari Sultanate                   3   0   2   1   1   2   -1    2
 33  Malandrin                        4   0   2   2   9  11   -2    2
 34  Eshialand                        4   0   2   2   7  10   -3    2
 35  The H Corporation                3   0   1   2   2   5   -3    1
     Minardinia                       3   0   1   2   1   4   -3    1
     Raspotochje                      3   0   1   2   0   3   -3    1
 38  Galimencia                       4   0   1   3   0   6   -6    1
 39  Miena San Hosana                 4   0   1   3   4  12   -8    1
 40  Franco-Canadian Michigan         3   0   0   3   2   6   -4    0
 41  A Mushroom Kingdom               3   0   0   3   1   6   -5    0
 42  Federative Republic of Brasilia  3   0   0   3   0   9   -9    0
     Roless                           4   0   0   4   5  14   -9    0
 44  Lewhoten                         3   0   0   3   0  10  -10    0

Teams in blue all qualified at this point. Teams in red were eliminated at this point.

Pos  Team                             P   W   D   L  GF  GA   GD  Pts
  1  Srednjaci                        4   4   0   0  10   2    8   12
  2  Kohnhead                         4   4   0   0   7   2    5   12
  3  Trolleborg                       4   4   0   0   7   3    4   12
  4  Poafmersia                       4   3   1   0   9   4    5   10
     New Lusitania                    4   3   1   0   6   1    5   10
  6  Reçueçn                          4   3   0   1   8   2    6    9
  7  Drawkland                        4   3   0   1  11   7    4    9
  8  HUElavia                         4   3   0   1   8   5    3    9
     Kriegiersien                     4   3   0   1  10   7    3    9
 10  Squidroidia                      4   3   0   1   4   2    2    9
 11  Almuzahara                       4   2   2   0  11   6    5    8
 12  Felinetopia                      4   2   2   0   7   4    3    8
 13  Montaña Verde                    4   2   1   1   9   6    3    7
     Tandeg Suci                      4   2   1   1   4   1    3    7
 15  Sannyamathland                   4   2   1   1  12  10    2    7
     Garbelia                         4   2   1   1   4   2    2    7
 17  TJUN-ia                          4   2   1   1   5   4    1    7
     Adab                             4   2   1   1   7   6    1    7
 19  Indusse                          4   2   1   1   7   7    0    7
 20  Abanhfleft                       4   2   0   2   8   6    2    6
     Juvencus                         4   2   0   2   8   6    2    6
     Volinovia                        4   2   0   2   5   3    2    6
 23  Omerica                          4   1   2   1   5   3    2    5
     Kencana                          4   1   2   1   5   3    2    5
 25  Quintessence of Dust             4   1   2   1   6   5    1    5
 26  Squornshelan Remnant States      4   1   2   1   7   7    0    5
     Dari Sultanate                   4   1   2   1   2   2    0    5
 28  Sajnur                           4   1   1   2   9   7    2    4
 29  The H Corporation                4   1   1   2   8   7    1    4
 30  Space                            4   1   0   3   2   4   -2    3
 31  Republic of Indian States        4   0   3   1   2   5   -3    3
 32  Saterun                          4   1   0   3   5  13   -8    3
 33  Malandrin                        4   0   2   2   9  11   -2    2
 34  Eshialand                        4   0   2   2   7  10   -3    2
     Minardinia                       4   0   2   2   3   6   -3    2
     Raspotochje                      4   0   2   2   1   4   -3    2
 37  Galimencia                       4   0   1   3   0   6   -6    1
 38  Miena San Hosana                 4   0   1   3   4  12   -8    1
 39  Federative Republic of Brasilia  4   0   1   3   0   9   -9    1
 40  Lewhoten                         4   0   1   3   1  11  -10    1
 41  Franco-Canadian Michigan         4   0   0   4   3   8   -5    0
 42  A Mushroom Kingdom               4   0   0   4   1   7   -6    0
 43  Roless                           4   0   0   4   5  14   -9    0
 44  Sixty-ninE X                     4   1   2   1   7   9   -2   -1*

*Sixty-ninE X has been docked 6 points for CTEing.

The top 32 teams highlighted in blue qualified for the Second Stage. Teams are ranked in order of the following criteria: 1) Points (3 for a win, 1 for a draw); 2) Goal Difference; 3) Wins; 4) IAC ranking coefficient (ONLY in determining pots); 5) Coin Flip (OOC: Scorinated matches between tied teams)

The ranking numbers above purely based on the first 3 tiebreakers as above.

Stage 2 Pots

Teams are ranked in order of the following criteria: 1) Points (3 for a win, 1 for a draw); 2) Goal Difference; 3) Wins; 4) IAC ranking coefficient (ONLY in determining pots); 5) Coin Flip (OOC: Scorinated matches between tied teams)

The first 8 teams will be Pot 1 for the Second Stage, 9-16 Pot 2, 17-24 Pot 3, and 25-32 Pot 4. The full ranking system can be found at the IAC spreadsheet (https://bit.ly/NSSIAC13)

Seeding Order

  #  Team                             P   W   D   L  GF  GA   GD  Pts
  1  Srednjaci                        4   4   0   0  10   2    8   12
  2  Kohnhead                         4   4   0   0   7   2    5   12
  3  Trolleborg                       4   4   0   0   7   3    4   12
  4  Poafmersia                       4   3   1   0   9   4    5   10
  5  New Lusitania                    4   3   1   0   6   1    5   10
  6  Reçueçn                          4   3   0   1   8   2    6    9
  7  Drawkland                        4   3   0   1  11   7    4    9
  8  HUElavia                         4   3   0   1   8   5    3    9*
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
  9  Kriegiersien                     4   3   0   1  10   7    3    9*
 10  Squidroidia                      4   3   0   1   4   2    2    9
 11  Almuzahara                       4   2   2   0  11   6    5    8
 12  Felinetopia                      4   2   2   0   7   4    3    8
 13  Montaña Verde                    4   2   1   1   9   6    3    7
 14  Tandeg Suci                      4   2   1   1   4   1    3    7
 15  Sannyamathland                   4   2   1   1  12  10    2    7
 16  Garbelia                         4   2   1   1   4   2    2    7
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 17  TJUN-ia                          4   2   1   1   5   4    1    7
 18  Adab                             4   2   1   1   7   6    1    7
 19  Indusse                          4   2   1   1   7   7    0    7
 20  Abanhfleft                       4   2   0   2   8   6    2    6
 21  Juvencus                         4   2   0   2   8   6    2    6
 22  Volinovia                        4   2   0   2   5   3    2    6
 23  Omerica                          4   1   2   1   5   3    2    5
 24  Kencana                          4   1   2   1   5   3    2    5
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 25  Quintessence of Dust             4   1   2   1   6   5    1    5
 26  Squornshelan Remnant States      4   1   2   1   7   7    0    5
 27  Dari Sultanate                   4   1   2   1   2   2    0    5
 28  Sajnur                           4   1   1   2   9   7    2    4
 29  The H Corporation                4   1   1   2   8   7    1    4
 30  Space                            4   1   0   3   2   4   -2    3
 31  Republic of Indian States        4   0   3   1   2   5   -3    3
 32  Saterun                          4   1   0   3   5  13   -8    3

*HUElavia was placed in Pot 1 by IAC rank over Kriegiersien (HUElavia 5th, Kriegiersien 39th)

And that means the pots will be as follows: (sorted in Stage 1 rank order, as per the prefix. Rank in brackets is IAC rank)

Pot 1
1 - Srednjaci (43)
2 - Kohnhead (18)
3 - Trolleborg (14)
4 - Poafmersia (2)
5 - New Lusitania (4)
6 - Reçueçn (16)
7 - Drawkland (8)
8 - HUElavia (5)

Pot 2
9 - Kriegiersien (39)
10 - Squidroidia (2)
11 - Almuzahara (19)
12 - Felinetopia (UR)
13 - Montaña Verde (56)
14 - Tandeg Suci (UR)
15 - Sannyamathland (17)
16 - Garbelia (37)

Pot 3
17 - TJUN-ia (6)
18 - Adab (46)
19 - Indusse (36)
20 - Abanhfleft (22)
21 - Juvencus (26)
22 - Volinovia (UR)
23 - Omerica (7)
24 - Kencana (81)

Pot 4
25 - Quintessence of Dust (52)
26 - Squornshelan Remnant States (10)
27 - Dari Sultanate (UR)
28 - Sajnur (28)
29 - The H Corporation (76)
30 - Space (11)
31 - Republic of Indian States (UR)
32 - Saterun (UR)

Group Draw will be conducted in a separate post, stay tuned.

by **PotatoFarmers** » Tue Jul 27, 2021 7:36 am

Stage 2 Draw
Team list will be resorted again for the detailed fixture list, to be updated in OP. Below list is sorted by pot. Please be reminded that the next cutoff is on Friday, going towards 9am EDT/9pm AWST for MD1 of the Group Stage. This will be back to normal - top 2 teams from each group qualify for the Round of 16

Group A
Reçueçn
Tandeg Suci
Omerica
Quintessence of Dust

Group B
Poafmersia
Kriegiersien
Volinovia
Squornshelan Remnant States

Group C
Srednjaci
Sannyamathland
Juvencus
Saterun

Group D
Drawkland
Montaña Verde
Kencana
Republic of Indian States

Group E
HUElavia
Garbelia
Indusse
Sajnur

Group F
Kohnhead
Squidroidia
Adab
Space

Group G
Trolleborg
Almuzahara
Abanhfleft
The H Corporation

Group H
New Lusitania
Felinetopia
TJUN-ia
Dari Sultanate

by **Eshialand** » Tue Jul 27, 2021 8:47 am

When It Rains...
Eshialand 1-2 Kohnhead

This first stage of the IAC was really only meant to eliminate nations who didn't care about their teams and teams who didn't care about their sport. Eshialand was neither, right?

In fact, the original Poafmersian bid to host this tournament had no eliminations at all in this stage, but that was changed, and when the once-mighty Owls failed to win a single match, not even against Malandrin, they were cut off.

Out of all ranked teams in this tournament, Eshialand did worse than every single one of them, except for Galimencia. Those critics were right, the golden age of Eshian soccer had ended, and the dark ages had just begun.

Let's just hope that those dark ages last one year and not twenty.

Eshialand - 1 (Carey 58')
Kohnhead - 2 (Maltos 39'; Barter 70')

by **Adab** » Tue Jul 27, 2021 10:51 am

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

Saturday, June 24, 2034 / 7 Rabi’ al-Thani 1456
Adab 4-3 Malandrin
Yargab (29’, 78’), al-Kufa (49’), Yissakar (63’) | REDACTED (7’), REDACTED (18’), REDACTED (23’)

NEWS | IAC 13
By: Elymur Amwan

Kaykali livid at Adab performance despite qualification to second stage

Adab climbed back from three goals down in an epic match to secure victory over Malandrin and qualification to the second stage of the Independents Association Championship 13 in Poafmersia, but manager Saad Kaykali made it clear to his team that their performance leaves a lot to be desired.

Following a last-minute 1-2 triumph against Abanhfleft, a draw against the Republic of Indian States and a loss to New Lusitania had put Adab’s hopes of qualifying to the second stage of the tournament in jeopardy, and the squad arrived at Naksa Stadium willing to put everything on the line against IAC minnows Malandrin, who had been enjoying a good run in the tournament – drawing against tournament powerhouses Squornshelan Remnant States and Baptism of Fire champions Eshialand – following their infamous nul-point World Cup 88 qualifying campaign.

The match went wrong for Adab. Quickly.

The Malandrin players were on fire right from the start, running circles around their slow-starting opponents. Adab had not brought any substitutes into the tournament due to financial and administrative problems involving the Adab Football Association and the Imperial Palace, and the strain was beginning to show on their players. Merely seven minutes into the match, REDACTED easily slipped past Tansu Altun and Taymour Frangieh before chipping the ball home with cool, calm precision as the Adab players could only look on, visibly dazed.

The resulting Adabian counterattacks were haphazard and poorly-organized, leaving the players widely separated from each other and vulnerable to Malandrin’s deft exploitation of openings in their defense. In the 18th minute, Malandrin’s REDACTED wrested the ball away from Emma Arthur and made a dash for the sparsely-guarded Adabian half of the pitch, running around and behind keeper Mohammed Marramzi before blasting the ball into the back of the net.

Just five minutes later, Malandrin tripled their lead through a REDACTED header from a REDACTED corner, sending the ball well away from the Adab defenders crowding REDACTED in the penalty box and into the net, with Marramzi not even noticing that the ball had gone in amid the chaos.

The Adabians were now down 0-3 in under 25 minutes. Their fans were noticeably downcast, their singing and chanting having died down. It seemed that their IAC campaign could very well end here.

In a sign of the worry and desperation evident in the Adabian camp, assistant manager Inimabakesh Thulus was warned by the referee after breaking into an overly loud rendition of Otis Redding’s 1967 hit “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay” from the dugout. Thulus would later tell journalists following the match that he did it to relieve himself of stress.

But they would live on to fight another day.

Adab’s 35-year-old stalwart Enlilbani Yargab, who had had a slow start in the game, found himself reinvigorated as the first half went on, coordinating the midfield and offense as Marramzi and Taymour Frangieh helped direct the defense. The Adabians began to actually play as a team – a world-class team – and it bore fruit; in the 29th minute, Yargab received the ball from Jushur al-Kufa and shoved his way past REDACTED and REDACTED. His right-footed strike was too quick for REDACTED to intercept, crossing the goal line before REDACTED could even move. Maybe, just maybe, the comeback was on.

The rest of the first half saw Malandrin attempt another wave of attack on Adab, but when it did not succeed they were content to retreat to their half and preserve their lead. But the Adabians regained control of the match from the start of the second half, with al-Kufa receiving the ball from Yargab who had dropped to the midfield as a false nine in the 49th minute and sending it to the bottom corner of the net to the ecstatic cheers of his country’s fans.

And even louder cheers would come in the 63rd minute, as Yissakar netted home a header from Alulim Sinmuballit’s own header just outside the penalty box to finally equalize the score, with the Malandrin players finding themselves blocked from having an aerial duel by the likes of Emma Arthur, Ephraim Orlev, and Yargab.

Their dramatic collapse visibly took its toll on the Malandrin players, some of whom could be seen arguing with each other as the match went on and they again retreated deeper into their own half, turning into a “parking the bus” tactic at times to prevent Adab from gaining the upper hand.

Yet with that tactic they drew the Adabians nearer and nearer to their goal with increasing regularity, and it was only a matter of time before the Malandrin defense would again buckle under the pressure. And it did in the 78th minute, as the veteran striker Yargab outran a number of Malandrin players and blasted the ball to the top left corner of the net, too high and too quick for REDACTED to catch as the stadium erupted in Adabian cheers and singing. Adab had gained a 4-3 lead, and they needed only to hold on to the lead against the increasingly exhausted and demoralized Malandrin players to secure victory.

And this they did, and as the final whistle blew and news filtered in of the other results from across the IAC, the good news was confirmed: Adab would advance to the second stage of the tournament as one of the top 32 teams. Ranked 33rd at the end of the first stage, Malandrin became the highest-ranked team to miss the cut.

Kaykali angered by performance

Despite securing a spot on the second stage of the tournament, Adab manager Saad Kaykali made his displeasure known to the players during and immediately following the match, including at the post-match press conference.

“It’s an epic victory, yes, but we cannot afford to be three goals down every single match,” Kaykali said. “Tonight we came back and secured victory. God knows what will happen if we are down by three again.

“As we continue to progress through the tournament, the level of play will increase. Other teams will certainly seek to improve. We must also improve.”

Kaykali singled out the “chaotic” defending at the start of the match, noting that the players were often “a step too slow and a step too late”.

“We were down by three goals in the first 25 minutes. For most teams it’s the end of the world. I hope we don’t have to go through that again.”

Nevertheless, Kaykali stated that he is proud of his players “no matter what” and is looking forward to the next stage of the tournament.

“We’ll do the best that we can,” Kaykali said. “We might even win.”

by **HUElavia** » Wed Jul 28, 2021 12:02 pm

Bittersweet Results

A Loss to Srednjaci gives HUElavia a bare edge to have a favorable draw in the Group Stage.

Srednjaci 1–0 HUElavia
(Tomljanović 66')
(Dreamers Park, Fiskadaha City, Poafmersia)

Entering Matchday 4, for both HUElavia and Srednjaci, a win was enough to guarantee a Pot 1 spot. Both teams were set to face off with their best players, wanting to get a perfect 4-0-0 record. Both teams had convincing victories heading into the match, and were set to play at a sold out Dreamers Park (60,000), in Fiskadaha City. Surely, the press and supporters expected for an explosive match to be played, with goals galore.

Unfortunately, that was not the case. The match was very much a bore fest, with not many shots being taken. The lone goal of the match came in the 66th minute, when a back pass from Wentz went a little too slow for Vannier, allowing for Tomljanović to get the ball, go one-on-one with Vannier, juke and dribble around the Franc HUElavian goalkeeper, and slide it into the empty goal, making it 1-0. Conavacio was on the bench seen with a very stern and furious look at the blunder, while Wentz had a face of shocked embarrassment for her mistake. HUElavia did try to get some shots in, with the likes of Navarro, Hamada-Navarro, and Savedra, along with the help from passes by Conti-Esposito and Guilbert, but there was no luck, as the team took a disappointing loss that could have been avoided. Regardless, there was some cheers from the crowd after the match, finding out that Kreigersien did not overcome their goal difference over HUElavia, meaning Los Amarillos/Os Amarelos got the final 8th seed in Pot 1.

The loss did get the ire from the HUElavian press and supporters, raising concern about the team's age and ability, and whether there should have been more young players selected to the team. Conavacio dismissed the words, stating that "What happened in the game could have happened to anyone and it was just an unlucky day. The only thing we can do is learn from it, study film and practice drills to make sure it doesn't happen again."

Two days after the final qualifying matches, the official Group Stage draw was conducted in Fiskadaha City, with Conavacio present while the team rested in their team base in the outskirts of Fiskadaha City. HUElavia (5) was placed as the Top Seed in Group E, being put with the likes of Indusse (36), Sajnur (28), and Garbelia (37). While on paper it would be expected for the team to go for a full sweep of Group E, they cannot take these teams for granted, especially after the loss to Srednjaci, who was ranked 43rd. Should HUElavia advance to the knockouts, they will play either the Winner or Runner-Up of Group D, where one likely match that can come up is against Drawkland, a rematch from previous IACs, including the Round-of-16 in IAC 12.

The supporters are enjoying their time in Poafmersia, enjoying the local culture, people and cuisine of the country, abiding by the environmentally-friendly laws, similar to what HUElavia has. In general, a visit to a free society is always welcomed by the HUElavian populace. For now, they look to cheer on the team, as they prepare to flock to wherever Los Amarillos/Os Amarelos play, and take over an entire endzone, in order to show their love and support for the team.

For HUElavia to make a deep run and possibly win that elusive 1st IAC Title, it will be a complicated and treacherous road. One set of mistakes could result in a difficult draw for the Round-of-16, or even an early Group Stage exit, which has not been seen since HUElavia participated in IAC 5, 32 years ago. The team knows that they have the skills and mentality to go for it all, only that they have to deliver these results. All we can do is take it one match at a time, and give it our best to finally win that coveted title.

For the opening match, The Main XI will play, with Resendes and Torrisi starting over Wentz and Fonseca-Mantovani respectively. Vannier will start in goal and Navarro as the Captain, with the team wearing their simple, yet iconic Home Uniform. Coming up as our opponent: Garbelia, the first contact for this IAC. Let's give it our all.

FORCA HUELAVIA! VAMOS HUELAVIA! GO HUELAVIA!

by **TJUN-ia** » Thu Jul 29, 2021 4:55 am

By Peter Davis

FINAL: TJUN-ia (6) 1-2 Squidroidia (2) (Green 34'/Makino 41', 56')

Welp...that was one way for the unbeaten record to go as Daryl Mizushima won the Battle for the Apple thanks to a brace by Makino Hideo (or Hideo Makino, if you prefer).

Both teams were in the 2nd Stage anyways before a ball had been kicked, but this result certainly changed things in terms of seeding.

While the Inklings ended up 10th and at the high point of Pot 2, TJUN-ia ended up in Pot 3 by only goal differential, signifying a tougher group on paper for David Seems and Li Xiu Ying to try and overcome if they want to make it to the 3rd and final Stage.

Both our Pot 2 and Pot 4 opponents were unranked entering the competition and while both the Dari Sultanate and Felinetopia are still pretty new to this competition, we shouldn't underestimate them at all - especially as Felinetopia will be entering this group unbeaten at 2-2-0.

The Pot 1 team will also enter unbeaten, this time at 3-1-0, but this team requires no introduction: New Lusitania and the Algarves

We have faced off many times in the past with NLA, including an IAC9 Quarterfinal, but we have never beaten them.

If we are to try and win this group, then that fact has to change soon.

We play them on MD2 with the Dari Sultanate up first, with all 3 of our games taking place at the Rukiya Sports Stadium on Trimidau Island.

The question is, can our stay here be fruitful or will IAC13 strike again and send us packing too soon?

Only one way to find out....GO JAGS!

SCHEDULE
Stage 1
MD1: vs Raspotochje (UR) - Theatre of Light, Kistina W 1-0 (???)
MD2: vs Almuzahara (19) - Bikarish Stadium, Bikarish D 1-1 (T-11th)
MD3: vs Franco-Canadian Michigan (UR) - Agureo Stadium, Agureo Township W 2-1 (10th)
MD4: vs Squidroidia (2) - Potato Villa, Sarim L 1-2 (17th/Pot 3/2W-1D-1L/7pts/+1GD

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Stage 2
MD1: vs Dari Sultanate (UR/27th) - Rukiya Sports Stadium, Trimidau Island
MD2: vs New Lusitania and the Algarves (4/5th) - Rukiya Sports Stadium, Trimidau Island
MD3: vs Felinetopia (UR/12th) - Rukiya Sports Stadium, Trimidau Island

by **Adab** » Thu Jul 29, 2021 12:45 pm

A Dance with Football
Snapshots of the lives of the people involved in Adabian football and those associated with them
For a full list of chapters click here. To read all the chapters in one go click here
For an (incomplete) list of major/prominent characters in this story click here and scroll down to the ‘Football’ section

Chapter 25: Nothing at All

June 2034
Adab City

Mohammed Marramzi tied the laces of his shoes and set off for the treadmill. It was 8 a.m. on a Sunday, the sky was an expanse of bright blue, and the brilliant rays of the sun penetrated through the windows right in front of the treadmill. It was already turning out to be a good day.

Entering the room where the treadmill was, he grabbed the phone and wireless earbuds from the nearby table. He stepped gingerly onto the treadmill, putting the earbuds securely on his ears, turning the treadmill on, and browsing through the phone for one of his favorite songs. The deck began to roll, slowly, at a steady speed. With it he started moving his legs, strolling, warming up his legs before the inevitable speed increase.

He raised his right hand to the ear, feeling that the earbud hadn’t been properly nestled in the ear. As he did it he felt some sort of unease, noticing that his hand felt tired, though the rest of the body didn’t. It was as if that hand hadn’t awoken yet.

The tiredness on his right hand lingered on for a while, then went away. The fingers on Mohammed’s left hand slid up and down the phone screen in search of that song. Too many songs on this particular Songtify playlist. I need to split it into a new playlist.

But soon he found that song, clicked on the name of that song, then tucked the phone safely in his pocket. As he relaxedly strolled on the treadmill, the words of Lindsey Buckingham rang into his ears, “Don’t stop thinking about tomorrow, don’t stop, it’ll soon be here…”

That was one of his late father’s favorite songs, and now it had become one of his, too.

For some reason he didn’t feel like increasing the speed, so he kept on strolling, walking at a rather slow pace on the treadmill. After about thirty minutes he stopped, turning off the treadmill, then went off to the bathroom. He had a meeting scheduled at 11:30 with Alulim Sinmuballit at the Imperial Restaurant. The VVIP room had been reserved. Lunch would be had. Then they would talk about… whatever the young man wanted to discuss with him. It was Alu who asked to meet him, said there was something he wanted to talk about. Mohammed felt like he knew what Alu wanted to talk about, but for now he pushed it to the periphery of his mind.

That treadmill walk was barely a workout, but still it left Mohammed feeling a bit tired on his whole body. For a moment he even found it difficult just to pick up the towel. God I need to sleep more.

The shower lasted some fifteen minutes. He dressed for the luncheon, putting on the morning coat over his shirt, though the lunch was still more than two hours away. It was still early in the day, but for some reason he felt listless. Maybe it really was the lack of sleep getting to him.

He opened the door to the back porch and laid himself down on the reclining chair overlooking the empty swimming pool. The phone was in his hand. He raised it – rather stiffly, he realized – to his ear. “Alu, can you hear me?”

“Hey Cap, I’m here. Yeah, I can hear you.”

“Alu, I’m sorry, but I think I’m gonna have to cancel the reservation. Can you come to my house, or can I come to yours? I’ll take a taxi.”

“Oh… uh, sure, Cap, I think I’ll just come to yours if you don’t mind. Are you alright?”

“Yeah, I’m fine.” Mohammed’s eyes cast a distant look, past the swimming pool to the wall beyond. “No, it’s nothing at all.”

by **Squornshelan Remnant States** » Thu Jul 29, 2021 5:07 pm

Anne-Sophie Groothuis's press conference following the final matchday of the preliminary stage had become somewhat contentious. While her Black-and-Reds had advanced to the group stage as expected, they had not done so in the expected fashion. Two draws against dramatically lower-ranked opposition, and a loss to Trolleborg to finish things off left them a pot 4 team, and they were fortunate not to get an even tougher group than they did. As it is, they'll have to face two-time champions Poafmersia, as well as Volinovia and Kriegiersien sides with two and three wins to their names, respectively. Despite all that though, the presser had begun well enough.

Groothuis had first acknowledged the excellent effort and execution by the Trolls. It was worth remembering that Trolleborg had been eliminated from the playoffs at Confederate hands during World Cup 88 qualifying, and they definitely had brought a little something extra to the match. Still, like the draws against Felinetopia and Malandrin, it was a match the Black-and-Reds should have won, emotional storylines notwithstanding. In a continuation of a theme from the poor result against Malandrin, the Black-and Reds had allowed their opponents entirely too much space in midfield. They had difficulty winning the ball back when they needed to, and generally gave up a lot of opportunities through the middle of the field. A team with the sort of ambitions they brought to this tournament will need to tighten things up considerably.

Toward that end, Groothuis had decided to insert Selvala Tabur into the first eleven. She'd already discussed the change with the team of course. Marrish was disappointed to be benched, obviously, but she was a professional. She'd take it in stride, keep working, and be ready when the team needed her. Likewise, no one in the locker room was worried about any kind of step down or chemistry issue introducing Tabur. The press room just wouldn't let it go though. Tabur for Marrish was apparently not the substitution that was in vogue with the multiverse's media today.

Instead, they protested, asking her to justify benching Marrish again and again. They also asked, why she couldn't imagine, whether she had any intentions to make a change in goal. Her blunt response was a simple, "No." In retrospect, it had been a mistake to not give them more than one word, and the flurry of increasingly aggressive queries that followed was likely made worse by her monosyllabic answer. Still, it had caught her completely off guard for them to come after Shimski, and if she was being entirely honest, she was a little offended on her player's behalf. That was perhaps why she'd taken the bait and begun to argue with the assembled journalists, rather than simply deflecting.

"No I don't think Paiva's performance in net has been lacking at all. After all none of you were complaining when she was sitting on two straight clean sheets a couple matches ago."

"You're taking my words much more dramatically than is reasonable. This isn't about players being better or worse, it's a tactical adjustment to address an area where we've been deficient, nothing more. Honestly, you'd think no football team had ever made a lineup change before."

"Isperia Marrish is an excellent player. We've had a good working relationship to this point, and I have every confidence that will continue. If you think there's anything personal to this at all then you really must not have much of an understanding of our team culture at all."

"We aren't a team that is concerned with blame. Which player's error leads to a particular goal is not important to us, because the entire team is responsible for avoiding putting their teammates in that type of situation. So if you want to blame someone for our performance thus far, you can blame me, and leave the players out of it."

It had been exhausting, and she was probably going to regret a few of the soundbytes she'd inadvertently let loose. Still, she'd meant everything she said. The only thing to do now was play football.

Matchday Schedule and Results:

MD1: SRS 0-0 FEL @ Bikarish Stadium (cap. 48,000)
MD2: SRS 1-0 SAJ @ Rukiya Sports Stadium (cap. 37,000)
MD3: MAL 4-4 SRS @ Red Mudra Lane (cap. 58,000)
MD4: SRS 2-3 TRL @ Libira National Stadium (cap. 68,000)
GS1: SRS  v  VOL @ Theatre of Light (cap. 59,000)
GS2: PFA  v  SRS @ Theatre of Light (cap. 59,000)
GS3: SRS  v  KGS @ Red Mudra Lane (cap. 58,000)

by **Sajnur** » Fri Jul 30, 2021 5:13 am

From The Archives

Ciuru convicted of tax evasion, won’t move abroad

Joan Siva

The district court in Ciarkhan convicted Stormers forward Ella Ciuru of tax evasion in a case linked to accusations that the footballer was illegally supplying arms to the paramilitary wing of the Free Laghian Communist Party (FLCP), a minor separatist group that makes up one of several sides of the current Laghian Crisis. The FLCP has no links to the national Sajnuran Communist Party currently participating in the coalition government led by Prime Minister Emily Terjezi of the Socialist Party.

Ciuru was handed a two year sentence, which will be suspended for ten years. Additionally, she will not be permitted to fly abroad except to represent Sajnur in international football matches for nine months. The sentence has scuppered efforts to move abroad and rendered offers from Vermillion Rage of Nephara and a blockbuster $10m offer from 1093 Club de Football Atlantea of Taeshan void.

The case comes in the wake of significant violence committed by several groups in Laghia, but principally the Imperial Laghian Army (ILA), a separatist group that wishes to reinstate dictatorship in the northern region along ultranationalist and reactionary lines. The primary fighting has been between the ILA and the Sajnuran Army, but several smaller groups have sprouted up in the chaos and have initiated attempts to wrest control of towns and cities for themselves. This has mostly come in the form of skirmishes with the ILA and the national army, but a handful of towns have been occupied by these smaller groups, of which the FLCP is one.

Ella Ciuru came into the spotlight after business transactions between companies she is associated with and companies linked to the FLCP were uncovered by investigators, with the companies later linked to transactions for firearms and large quantities of ammonium nitrate. The investigation, handled by the Federal Police and the Sajnuran Tax Authority (STA), later shifted from money laundering to outright gunrunning for a paramilitary group when a truck carrying 30 tonnes of ammonium nitrate was stopped at a checkpoint in eastern Laghia, with the container carrying the logo of a company linked to Ciuru. In the indictment sent to her by the Federal Police she was charged with money laundering, illegal transport of firearms, racketeering, and tax evasion, the latter based on several irregularities relating to reported earnings and use of tax loopholes.

The FLCP, however, could only be indirectly linked to the companies with which Ciuru did business with, and after several months of investigation, the Federal Police was unable to conclusively prove that Ciuru was personally linked to any of the firearms or explosives, nor that any of the funds she sent to the FLCP linked companies were for the express purpose of purchasing said firearms. Ciuru was found not guilty of money laundering, illegal transport of firearms, or racketeering, but was found guilty of tax evasion on the basis of the significant accounting discrepancies found by the STA.

Ciuru and her lawyers have vehemently denied any links to any groups involved in the insurgency in Laghia.

Article originally printed around the time of IAC 11

by **PotatoFarmers** » Fri Jul 30, 2021 6:37 am

Poafmersia 1-0 Reçueçn
@ Libira National Stadium, Fiskadaha, Poafmersia
Poafmersia Goalscorers: Joel Haodao 50' (assist by Taisg)
Poafmersia Lineup (4-3-3): Sandi Jaliaha; Mitchel Rosales, Nasri Sanchez, Simone Gori, Natalia Abbott; Daas Taisg, Woden Sweet, Gisiik Moonar; Joel Haodao, Makana Tuft (c), Whitney Rios
Substitues: None

In the "Chaos Night" fixture against Reçueçn at the National Stadium, a 50th minute goal from Joel Haodao was enough to secure Poafmersia's advancement as a Pot 1 team into Stage 2, giving hopes for Poafmersia to clinch a record 3rd Independent Association Championship (IAC).

Poafmersia was forced to play a really tough defensive match against the West Pacific powerhouses, as they aimed to secure that singular point to protect their unbeaten record. Reçueçn has been seen as one of the key flagbearers of the Independents in the World Cup, although in recent years, Poafmersia has risen to a position where they have largely overtaken Reçueçn in recent performances. But head coach Adnan Suliaha was not going to give any chance - with a full strength squad to call upon, Suliaha returned to the tried-and-tested 4-3-3 formation, and produced a crucial 1-0 victory through pure grit and determination. Reçueçn was determined to park the bus, keep defending, and counter-attack, but the backline was having none of it tonight. Simone Gori and Nasri Sanchez synergised really well in their first start together in the backline; they were able to hold off most attacks from the opponents, and produced the clean sheet which Suliaha was very happy about.

"It was a fantastic game plan - the team really did well. They stuck to the game plan, which was to take the tempo and control possession. We did it, and after a few attack opportunities in the early game, in which we wasted the shots, we managed to score the goal we need, and keep our 3-1-0 record," said Makana Tuft. He also thanked Haodao for producing a really fine goal - the ball that squeezed into the top right corner through a nice assist from Daas Taisg.

The Red Panjias move on to the second stage, keeping their Pot 1 status. The team was drawn in Group B, playing their games in Mudra and Kistina. The first match is against Kriegiersien. With a 3-0-1 record, and having gotten a 3-2 win over Sannyamathland, they narrowly missed Pot 1 by just prior IAC record, which makes them the strongest possible opponent we can get from Pot 2. They were ranked 39th in the IAC rankings, but the brilliant performances they produce thus far makes them a strong opponent. The second game will be against familiar foes Squornshelan Remnant States, whom we had met 2 years ago in the Group Stage. Poafmersia will be aiming to defeat the Confederates this time, following the loss last cycle. They have not been doing well in the first stage, ending with 5 points and in 26th position, a Pot 4 spot. However, given the team's general capabilities, it would be foolish to rule them out. Newcomers Volinovia, who ended with 6 points in Stage 1, will round out the group. They have been doing really well, and it is important for Poafmersia to keep their form.

Poafmersia's group is generally one of the more relevant ones in this really-chaotic Stage 2. Group A, Group F, and Group G have raised eyebrows all around. West Pacific powerhouses Reçueçn, former IAC winners Omerica, rising stars Quintessence of Dust, and dark horses Tandeg Suci will play each other in group A, fighting for 2 spots in the Round of 16. In Group F, last tournament's silver medalists Squidroidia, as well as famous teams Space and Kohnhead, and rising stars Adab, will fight in the really difficult group. Baptism of Fire 71 winners Trolleborg, long-time participants Abanhfleft, and last cycle's hosts Almuzahara play in Group G, another difficult group.

Independent Associations Championship 13 - Everything Thread

Boot It!: That's More Like It, Jags!

IAC13 MD2

Boot It!: Loss On Final Games Sends Us To Pot 3

IAC13 MD4

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