[IC Thread] Hockey World Cup 19

[Schutzenphalia and West Ruhntuhnkuhnland]

Der Nordschutzenphalenglaubreiterfluchtschlamterkrötische Flümederthelweiderverlautzällegerwißmeinschlaftsörbschlimmelbeobachter.

The United Iron Principality of Schutzenphalia and West Ruhntuhnkuhnland has become one of the first nations in Rushmore to extend formal recognition to the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Kitara, leading many to say that had forgotten that Schutzenphalia and West Ruhntuhnkuhnland was even in Rushmore in the first place. Regardless, Theo von Vólkerhaus, Foreign Minister of the United Iron Principality, delivered a statement on the floor of the Diet to tumultous applause from the Catholic Democrat deputies behind him announcing that it would from this moment be the official policy of the Schutzenphalian government to recognize the DFLK as the rightful “voice of the Kitaran people”. “And not just because they have the longest name,” added von Vólkerhaus, in a pointed rejoinder to those suggesting Max Ulf needed to add several syllables to his name before Schutzenphalian recognition would be forthcoming.

The United Iron Principality has invited the DFLK to open an official diplomatic correspondence office in Uberwienerschnitzelstadt am Ruhntuhnkuhn, and has pledged to provide serious and ongoing support towards the “liberation of Kitara”. While many members of the DFLK are former or current members of the KPWC, the language of von Vólkerhaus’s statement suggests an expectation of liberalizing economic reforms in the event of a DFLK victory. Especially the bit about how sweatshops get a bad rep. Security analyst Alois Bruhn with the think tank The Peace Institute (currently being sued under the trades description act given their relentless advocacy of strongarm neoconservative foreign policy) said that while the Schutzenphalian statement would make few ripples on the international scene, it would play well to domestic audiences. “The restless public have been waiting for a more assertive foreign policy,” he said.

Some have suggested an ethnic dimension at work in the Schutzenphalian backing of the majority Osterlander/Nordlander DFLK. Viktoria Rainer, spokeswoman for the radical left fringe group People For Being Beating Workers With Slightly Softer Sticks, said that she was concerned the government was ignoring the complexity of the situation in a bid to back the rebel group whose “faces were most palatable on Schutzenphalian television”. Zdenko Ažman, a deputy with the Social Democratic Party, meanwhile questioned whether all of this was just a ruse because RPing a 1-0 hockey lost to an unrostered nation is really hard otherwise. von Vólkerhaus retorted that such statements were nonsense, adding: “It shouldn’t even have been a penalty corner, there was a blatant stick tackle in the lead-up! Fuck!”

OOC: Obviously, this nation and Græntfjall are controlled by the same user so those who do not want puppet strings getting tangled can ignore this.

[Wrengoh]

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[Lisander]

In order to cover for the late results of the last matchday, I heard your feedback and I'm postponing the third cut-off in 24 hours. Every nation who posted for MD3 before this post will be awarded a 10% bonus on the roleplay as a bonification fo comply with the right deadlines. I thank all of you for your patience.

[Wrengoh]

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[Anglo-Saxe Coburg]

Live from Kasandora

Bruno Krovoznik: Welcome to SBC's coverage of the Hockey World Cup, where we've just seen Anglo-Saxe Coburg agonisingly lose their first match of the tournament. The ladies today faced a Ko-orenite side who had easily sailed past Sendhang in the first matchday, with the knowledge that a win could see them move to the top of the group. Do you think that they may have buckled slightly under the pressure, Edith?

Edith Livsdohtor: Not really, Bruno. Despite the final result, the girls looked really tidy out there. The defensive work had significantly improved, especially for a national team that largely focuses on attacking play. The fact that we were able to let in one goal compared to three against a Ko-oren team we knew were incredibly capable is a testament to the fact that the ladies are constantly improving their own game. The exposure to such games is simply going to build confidence and resilience within what we have to admit, it a rather inexperienced side internationally.

Bruno Krovoznik: Do you think a lack of international experience is really relevant here? It is the first hockey world cup held in a considerable while, wouldn't many other nations be in a similar position to ours?

Edith Livsdohtor: It's incredibly relevant. This is the first ever time the nation has participated in an international sporting competition, with millions in the country wanting a good performance. With no experience of such an atmosphere, as well as the immense pressure that comes with it, it definitely has an effect. However, I feel that they are starting to settle into the competition.

Bruno Krovoznik: Today's match, however, did show what a threat Sam Kyung-Hu and Weber are down the left, driving numerous crosses into the D with Kyung-Hu in particular making a good many overlapping runs. It was just quite the shame that, for the most part, Rowse and Schneck could not make the most of the opportunities presented to them, then again the Ko-orenite defence was rock solid, and they were brooding with confidence. However, it really did feel like it'd go either way till we conceded towards the end of the second quarter.

Edith Livsdohtor: Yeah, I think what allowed for Ko-oren to deal the decisive blow was their brilliant use of breaking quickly, catching much of the Sæxan midfield and defence off-guard and so letting Willem Zomerdadel to score a well-placed incisive finish. As much as there was considerable improvement in our defensive performance, there were still lapses in concentration that Ko-oren already knew how to take advantage of and so moving on from this match, the next development for the defenders, as well as ensuring that they're robust enough to deal with attacking threats, is to ensure that there is consistency throughout the match to minimise the chances for opposition teams to take advantage of.

Bruno Krovoznik: We go against Poafmersia tomorrow- with Ko-oren still topping the group, do you think it'll be a match the ladies will be able to win?

Edith Livsdohtor: I wish I could say that it would with confidence, but the lack of actual data means that anything leaving my mouth in relation to that would be biased aha. But I think that if we play our game, we'll be in with a chance of grabbing the three points.

Bruno Krovoznik: Well there you have it, you can catch up with any hockey you've missed with world cup highlights coming up in two hours. Other than that, it's goodbye from Kasandora from us.

[Lathamford]

Brixstrywich-Gate scandal - part 3

Defense Minister Wentworth Hillingham’s press conference lasted quite a while, he detailed every accusation thrown at him by opposition leader Senator Sterling Ulysse. The essence of the press conference, among others, the two companies awarded the tender to build six Littoral Mission Vessels for the use of Lathamford Navy, are the top companies in terms of capabilities and funds, this was confirmed by audit reports from three independent firms appointed by the Ministry of Defense. As well as a public company report in Lathamford issued by the Ministry of Energies & Trade. Devito and Sons Yard, for example, has successfully completed 12 fisheries enforcement boats belonging to the Ministry of Ocean & Fisheries (MOOF) within the stipulated time without involving additional costs and meeting MOOF specifications. Furthermore, Devito and Sons Yard has two wet yards and one dry yard for ship construction and maintenance work. For Meadows Industries, the field of shipbuilding is new to them, but they are a leading company in the construction of electrical and electronic systems and radar. Their associate company, Meadows Electronic is a major company supplying public radar systems for ports in the region, so it is not a problem for them to explore the field of shipbuilding as all will be assisted in the Technology Transfer scheme by GACO Shipyard. The defense minister is also open if the authorities want to investigate the issue and are willing to cooperate. [Part 1/ Part 2/ Part 4]

[Commonwealth of Baker Park]

Commonwealth of Baker Park National Hockey Team

The Universities Athletic Coalition, the governing body of intercollegiate sports in Baker Park, presents the National Team for the 19th World Cup.
(Field) Hockey is played by females in the Commonwealth as a counterpoint to ice hockey & gridiron football (along with lacrosse) and the strength of participation is reflected by the selection of the coaches and the majority of the squad--Coolville, Oceana and Belle Haven have nearly 3/5 of the total members plus all of the staff.

Style Mod: 0

Pos	Age	Plays for:
20 Sarah Johns		GK	22	University of Belle Haven
10 Kim Douglas		GK	20	Coolville State University
 5 Kathleen Pierce	HB	21	University of Ezriquay
18 Diane Perry		HB	19	Oceana City College
19 Amy Blackmore	HB	20	University of Belle Haven
16 Elisa McKenna	HB	22	Endborough College
 4 Lisa Irvine		FB	21	Belle Haven Valley College
13 Kaylan Davies	FB	19	University of Endover
 7 Phoebe Carter	FB	19	Coolville State University
11 Alana Duncan		FB	21	Ezra State University
22 Louisa Doyle		FB	20	Baker Park A&M University
15 Tara Ford		RW	20	University of Oceana
 9 Luisa Rael		RW	21	University of Coolville
 3 Donata Jacobelli	RW	19	University of Ezriquay
12 Rachele Campobella	C	20	Kellerville State University
14 Gabby Grasso		C	20	University of Endover
 2 Xenia Gutierrez	LW	21	Coolville State University
 8 Maritza Rael		LW	19	University of Coolville
23 Aimee McLeod		LW	21	Endborough College
 1 Amber Flynn		F	21	University of Oceana
17 Kimberly Montgomery  F	20	University of Baker Park
 6 Lindsay Baird	F	19	Belle Haven Valley College
21 Brooke Bradley 	F	21	Oceana City College

Head Coach: Marla Caldwell (Coolville State)
Assistants: Julie Travis (University of Belle Haven), Denise Hugelton (Oceana City College)

Permissions: no restrictions, although a heads up on injuries via TG is appreciated.

[Wrengoh]

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[Lisander]

Ok! No more delays! This is your cut-off for MD3.

Group A, Azhaar
A Kea 1–1 Lisander (1–2 AET)
Bollonich 1–3 Quebec and Shingoryeo
Srednjaci 1–11 Hannasea
Polkopia 0–1 The Gothanita Isles

Group A                                  Pld   W  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
 1 Hannasea                                   3   3  0   23   2 +21    9
 2 Lisander                                   2   2  0    5   3  +2    6
 3 Quebec and Shingoryeo                      3   1  1    4   4   0    4
   The Gothanita Isles                        3   1  1    4   4   0    4
 5 Wrengoh                                    2   1  1    5   4  +1    3
 6 Polkopia                                   2   1  1    2   2   0    3
 7 Srednjaci                                  3   1  2    4  14 −10    3
 8 Bollonich                                  3   0  2    3   9  −6    1
 9 A Kea                                      3   0  2    2  10  −8    1

Group B, Linville
Eraman 3–1 Barunia
Trolleborg 1–0 Indusse
Lathamford 6–1 Kriegiersen
Pratapgadh 0–2 ABEN Union

Group B                                  Pld   W  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
 1 Lathamford                                 3   3  0   12   3  +9    9
 2 Eraman                                     3   3  0    7   1  +6    9
 3 Trolleborg                                 3   2  1    2   1  +1    6
 4 The Jovannic                               2   1  0    3   0  +3    4
 5 ABEN Union                                 3   1  2    3   3   0    3
 6 Kriegiersen                                3   1  2    2   8  −6    3
 7 Barunia                                    2   0  1    1   3  −2    1
 8 Pratapgadh                                 2   0  2    1   6  −5    0
 9 Indusse                                    3   0  3    0   6  −6    0

Group C, Kasandora
Moliza 2–3 Sarzonia
Ko-oren 2–1 Sylestone
Poafmersia 2–3 Anglo-Saxe Coburg
Hopal 1–2 Sendhang

Group C                                  Pld   W  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
 1 Ko-oren                                    3   3  0    6   1  +5    9
 2 Anglo-Saxe Coburg                          3   2  1    7   6  +1    6
 3 Sylestone                                  3   2  1    4   3  +1    6
 4 Sendhang                                   3   2  1    6   6   0    6
 5 Sarzonia                                   2   1  1    3   3   0    3
 6 Doge Land                                  2   1  1    1   1   0    3
 7 Hopal                                      2   0  1    5   6  −1    1
 8 Poafmersia                                 3   0  2    8  11  −3    1
 9 Moliza                                     3   0  3    6   9  −3    0

Group D, Casterwill
Takeshwar 4–1 Huelavia
Hebitaka 1–2 Schutzenphalia and West Ruhntuhnkuhnland
Brookstation 1–0 Qasden
Commonwealth of Baker Park 0–0 Rhaecia (1–2 AET)

Group D                                  Pld   W  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
 1 Takeshwar                                  3   2  0    6   2  +4    7
 2 Rhaecia                                    3   2  1    7   5  +2    6
 3 Hebitaka                                   3   2  1    7   6  +1    6
 4 Brookstation                               3   2  1    6   5  +1    6
 5 Schutzenphalia and West Ruhntuhnkuhnland   3   2  1    3   2  +1    6
 6 Melbergia                                  2   1  1    1   1   0    3
 7 Qasden                                     3   0  2    3   5  −2    1
 8 Commonwealth of Baker Park                 2   0  2    3   6  −3    0
 9 Huelavia                                   2   0  2    1   5  −4    0

[Ko-oren]

Hockey is now on the same crossroads as ice hockey was half a decade ago. Back then, the Dragonflies came off of a second place in the World Cup of Ice Hockey, and had to professionalise to keep up with the big teams. No way in hell that the national team could replicate that success while still working with twelve amateur clubs, half of which were tied down to a single, mid-sized, far-flung city (Aevanna). And ice hockey did turn pro, and it cost them several classic derbies and historical teams. They lost fans - but they gained far more in the cities that they placed their teams in, and the league is profitable and thinking of spreading their teams further around Ko-oren rather than just the northeastern islands and nearby peninsula.

The Ko-orenite Hockey Association launched an ambitious, though premature bid for a revolutionary format together with the Grearish hockey authorities - and while that format will still likely see the light of day, it's time to look inwards first to determine exactly what Ko-oren can mean for the international hockey community... on the back of twelve amateur clubs, a quarter of which are tied down to a single city. Yes, if we are serious about our ambitions in international play, we have to turn pro... or else.

The twelve clubs are even less spaced out than the ice hockey clubs were at the start of their adventures. They're all located in Intermare, with one club in Straudum in what's officially Sudaefjoll - don't let the political boundaries fool you, it's just 20 minutes by train from the nearest team.

The current situation
Three clubs in Schemerdrecht, the city that dominates the province of Intermare in population and economy. Then nine clubs are spread out along the Bay coast, from northwestern Turnaarde to southern Sterrenwolde and back up northeast to Straudum. The only club located vaguely inland is Angelwoud, but basically all clubs are on the same railway line. No club is professional, though the league they play in is protected: there is no promotion/relegation, and the clubs are set up to catch all the talent that comes through the city in order to play a 'representative' squad for that city/region - much like a national team is set up to catch all the talent that is raised in the entire country and asks the players nicely if they want to represent their country. Schemerdrecht is by and large huge enough to warrant three teams. This 'representation' set-up is unique, apart from the first class and list-A cricket teams.

Intermare is the hockey hotbed of the nation, and while there are school clubs in large cities elsewhere in the country, nothing compares with the (size of the) structure as set up in Intermare.

Proposition 1: Filling Intermare
One way to use the current 'regional' set up is to properly spread out around all of Intermare and make the best of the talent there. Get a team in the 'Frontier' - the region where Genehof and Ossendal are in - at the very least, and potentially move another team out of Schemerdrecht and put that in Toreneik so you're never far away from a decent club as long as you're on the coast. That leaves Schemerdrecht with just the one team, but so be it.

Proposition 2: Go national
Go big or go home - is what they say, sometimes, in context. In this case: create talent pools and feeder clubs elsewhere in the country - which is already somewhat saturated with other sports, it has to be said - and make hockey a national sport.
The downside: that's what ice hockey tried, and they failed. There's a reason why the ice hockey clubs are still clustered around in the north, it's not just a climate issue.

A map of hockey (pink/dark blue) and ice hockey (light blue/dark blue) teams. The inset on the right are the northeastern islands of Aerellen.

[Lathamford]

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Group B, @Linville
Lathamford 6–1 Kriegiersen
Will Columbus Glass x3; Peter Lucian Hogwood x3 ׀ Finlay Alwin

Lathamford continued his excellence in the 19th Hockey World Cup when he beat Kriegiersen 6-1 in group B in Linville. Rumors that head coach Jabez Graydon will resign and be replaced by his assistant Ephraim Scott are also getting louder. In Thousandforks, the average tabloid newspaper revealed screen-shots of text messages between ministerial special officers and Graydon about the leaked Brixstrywich-Gate scandal. It is contagious since last night, and made headlines in a number of newspapers, shutting off some of the news is more important, among other things, Thousandforks to host a conference of the region to establish the Association of Malay Archipelago Nations (AMAN), an important meeting was also attended by 10 heads of state Malay Archipelago including President Farbridge. Other leaders who were present to sign the Thousandforks Declaration were as follows:

1. For Peaceful Realm of Hundredstar: Rachel van Tailcourts, President of Hundredstar
2. For the Crowned Federation of Samudera Darussalam: Kayang Muhammad, Mangkubumi of Samudera Darussalam
3. For the United Kingdom of Pemecutan: Ngurah Agung Kusumajaya, Patih Agung of Pemecutan
4. For the Peaceful Realm of Oakwood Landing: Crawford Pierson Robert Slater, Prime Minister of Oakwood Landing
5. For the Kingdom of Eraman: Rendra Usin, Bendahara of Eraman
6. For the Federation of Sendhang: Paulus Etamba, Mahapatih of Sendhang
7. For the Southern Palm Islands, Devdatta Akiraman, President of the Southern Palm Islands
8. For the Sultanate of Sharktail: Tengku Muhammad Hazim, Crown Prince of Sharktail
9. For the Federation of Acastanha: Joao Makarin, President of Acastanha, and
10. For the United Kingdom of Lathamford: Gabriel Farbridge, President of Lathamford

Apart from that, a series of protests after protests is becoming more and more in the capital Lathamford organized by the opposition party on the issue of the Brixstrywich-Gate scandal. Thousandforks also hosted the Talamia football team for the 5th match of WCQ89 in which the Speedy Cat lost 0-1 in front of their own fans. The LathaMines -sponsored match was supposed to be won by Lathamford but luck was not on their side. But, the issue of the leaked SMS remains the focus of media attention, and hopefully, this big 6-1 win can divert media attention to a more positive issue against Graydon.

Hockey World Cup 19: Group B
MD1::	Lathamford 4–1 Pratapgadh		Will Columbus Glass x3; Rydd Vyctyz
MD2::	ABEN Union 1–2 Lathamford		Ailwin Wardyworth; Peter Lucian Hogwood
MD3::	Lathamford 6–1 Kriegiersen		Will Columbus Glass x3; Peter Lucian Hogwood x3
MD4::	Indusse vs. Lathamford
MD5::	Lathamford vs. Barunia
MD6::	The Jovannic vs. Lathamford
MD7::	Lathamford vs. Eraman
MD8::	Trolleborg vs. Lathamford
MD9::	BYE

[Kriegiersien]

TPM - The Peoples Magazine

we alarm you about everything

Voting is compulsory!
Kriegiersien was reclassified from Democratic Socialists to a Corrupt Dictatorship.

"Help, help, we are getting oppressed!!"

The International community is alarmed, after people in Kriegiersien are forced to vote.

"That all the people have to be nude, that the leadership is the same for centuries or even Millennia, the military dominating everyday life, that all was acceptable. But force the people to vote between all the parties in secret, that is the final straw. The only thing worse happening was the 1-6 loss against Lathamford in the Hockey World Cup. These are dark days for the nation and the end is near.”

Survey:
Restaurant serves Pizza with pineapple. Is the owner..

a) a madman
b) crazy
c) out of his mind
d) disgusting

Partake and win a chocolate pizza.

[Britonisea]

ABEN Roster
for the
19th Hockey
World Cup

Trigramme: ABU
Skill Modifier: +3

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For the 19th World Cup of Hockey, the ABEN Union will be sending their men's Olympic team. The Olympic team compromises members from all parts of the ABEN Union - from Estogium all the way to the far east of the Union in Nightom. Out of field and ice hockey, the former is the most popular in the Union. Similarly to quite a few sports, the hockey league here is across all member nations of the Union, but there are smaller national leagues that give teams opportunities to play amongst a more competitive field. Based on the results from the Union league, out of all the ABEN Nations, Nightom is probably the biggest fans of the sport. For the most recent Olympic Games, both Men and Women's teams qualified out of the group stage and into the Round of 32 where both teams, unfortunately, didn't make it further. There is hope that at the Field Hockey World Cup, the Union can put on a better performance. The Union is in Group B with the likes of Lathamford, Brunia and Kriegiersien.

Below you can find out the names of those part of the ABEN Union squad and the country they are from...

Coach: Austin Glover

CURRENT SQUAD

Goalkeeper
Blake Tinsleton

Defenders
Johnathon Rodgers
Ivan Pratt
Nick Blayton
Rick Hodges (Vice-Captain)
Garrett Swanson

Midfielders
Jeangu Shufflebuttom
Michael Fletcher
Rodney Mitchell
Jean-Paul Samuels
Ralph Lamb

Forwards
Dean Mendez
Kroner Kataka (Captain)
Georgi Timlinson
Jean Mason
William Medina

RESERVES

Sammy Forseight [GK]
Kiain Rusland [FW]
Douglas Luna [DF]
Nick McKenna [MF]
Joey McCloughlin [FW]

[Hannasea]

Posted on the In Brief section of the GS SuperSports+ website.

Black Sticks record biggest ever win

Five goals for Vanessa Aguirre helped power the Black Sticks to a dominating win over Srednjaci. The 11 – 1 margin was the largest in the national team’s history and propels them to the top of Group A at the Hockey World Cup in Lisander, as they await a clash with Polkopia next. Aguirre’s scoring had been a concern during the Olympic run despite the team’s eventual success, but any short corner flutters appear to have been put to bed as she found the net twice from the top of the D, and had a third drag-flick blocked by a defender’s leg, leading to a penalty stroke she converted with equal efficiency. But she showed a flair touch from open play too: her first goal was something of a mirror image, as Chloe Ross – normally the one to turn in crosses (something she did twice during the game) – turned provider and gifted Aguirre with a late cutback for an empty net opportunity; but her second was a piece of magic, dribbling in hard from the left before cutting back and unleashing a fearsome strike.

For all her efforts, the best goal of the day came from Dani Robertson, who scored twice, the second being a spectacular dribble through traffic leading to her unfurling a reverse-stick hit from the top of the D that curled inside the far post past the diving keeper. Bethany Cook, with a beautiful drag-flick into the roof of the net, and Holly George, with a nice spin move to wrongfoot the defence before powering in a whipped slap shot, completed the scoring in a rout broken at the other end only by a slightly disappointing third quarter field goal from Srednjaci. It was testament to the Black Sticks’ ambition that goalkeeper Addison Stewart appeared visibly annoyed with her defence’s error and spent much of the remaining match sulking on her backboard even as goals continued to rain in at the other end.

Captain Jasmine Dawson however cautioned against over-exuberance. “This format is for a long group stage, so a big win here or there is really exciting but ultimately not that consequential. What matters more is putting together a winning streak.” Her team’s goal scoring proficiency has certainly helped, and she was quick to single out Robertson for her success, but questions remain about the defensive set-up and whether a 3-at-the-back formation can hold the line against physically stronger male opponents. Dawson’s own role as a roving centre-back pushing up into midfield will be key as the tournament progresses. Addison Stewart has not had much work so far but will want to rule out the sloppy errors that occasionally blighted her Olympic tournament.

[Lisander]

This is the cut-off for the MD4. Please enjoy some music while I read and grade the RPs and update the scorinator files.

Group A, Azhaar
Hannasea 9–4 Polkopia
Quebec and Shingoryeo 1–0 Srednjaci
Lisander 2–1 Bollonich
Wrengoh 1–0 A Kea

Group A                                  Pld   W  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
 1 Hannasea                                   4   4  0   32   6 +26   12
 2 Lisander                                   3   3  0    7   4  +3    9
 3 Quebec and Shingoryeo                      4   2  1    5   4  +1    7
 4 Wrengoh                                    3   2  1    6   4  +2    6
 5 The Gothanita Isles                        3   1  1    4   4   0    4
 6 Polkopia                                   3   1  2    6  11  −5    3
 7 Srednjaci                                  4   1  3    4  15 −11    3
 8 Bollonich                                  4   0  3    4  11  −7    1
 9 A Kea                                      4   0  3    2  11  −9    1

Group B, Linville
Kriegiersen 5–3 Pratapgadh
Indusse 0–2 Lathamford
Barunia 1–1 Trolleborg (1–1 AET) (2–4 pen.)
The Jovannic 0–0 Eraman (0–1 AET)

Group B                                  Pld   W  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
 1 Lathamford                                 4   4  0   14   3 +11   12
 2 Eraman                                     4   4  0    8   1  +7   12
 3 Trolleborg                                 4   2  1    3   2  +1    7
 4 Kriegiersen                                4   2  2    7  11  −4    6
 5 The Jovannic                               3   1  1    3   1  +2    4
 6 ABEN Union                                 3   1  2    3   3   0    3
 7 Barunia                                    3   0  1    2   4  −2    2
 8 Pratapgadh                                 3   0  3    4  11  −7    0
 9 Indusse                                    4   0  4    0   8  −8    0

Group C, Kasandora
Anglo-Saxe Coburg 1–2 Hopal
Sylestone 1–2 Poafmersia
Sarzonia 0–4 Ko-oren
Doge Land 0–3 Moliza

Group C                                  Pld   W  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
 1 Ko-oren                                    4   4  0   10   1  +9   12
 2 Anglo-Saxe Coburg                          4   2  2    8   8   0    6
 3 Sendhang                                   3   2  1    6   6   0    6
 4 Sylestone                                  4   2  2    5   5   0    6
 5 Hopal                                      3   1  1    7   7   0    4
 6 Poafmersia                                 4   1  2   10  12  −2    4
 7 Moliza                                     4   1  3    9   9   0    3
 8 Doge Land                                  3   1  2    1   4  −3    3
 9 Sarzonia                                   3   1  2    3   7  −4    3

Group D, Casterwill
Qasden 0–1 Commonwealth of Baker Park
Schutzenphalia and West Ruhntuhnkuhnland 2–1 Brookstation
Huelavia 2–1 Hebitaka
Melbergia 5–1 Takeshwar

Group D                                  Pld   W  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
 1 Schutzenphalia and West Ruhntuhnkuhnland   4   3  1    5   3  +2    9
 2 Takeshwar                                  4   2  1    7   7   0    7
 3 Melbergia                                  3   2  1    6   2  +4    6
 4 Rhaecia                                    3   2  1    7   5  +2    6
 5 Hebitaka                                   4   2  2    8   8   0    6
 6 Brookstation                               4   2  2    7   7   0    6
 7 Commonwealth of Baker Park                 3   1  2    4   6  −2    3
 8 Huelavia                                   3   1  2    3   6  −3    3
 9 Qasden                                     4   0  3    3   6  −3    1

[Lathamford]

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Group B, @Linville
Indusse 0–2 Lathamford
NIL ׀ Rydd Vyctyz x2

The 4th match of the 19th Hockey World Cup between Indusse and Lathamford saw head coach Jabez Graydon not on the bench, only his assistant, Ephraim Scott who appeared to lead the coaching staff in the match. Internal sources say Graydon has resigned, but there is no solid evidence to support that. President of the Federation of Lathamford Hockey (FLH), Nancy Patera also did not give any comment when asked to comment on the issue. After screen-shots of SMS between special officers of the Minister of Youth, Education & Sport, Gwendoline von Lockhart, and Graydon leaked to the media, pressure to ask him to resign grew stronger, not only domestically, but, banners asking him to resign also began to be installed in the stadium where the national team is in action. The Brixstrywich-Gate scandal saw a series of protests take place in the city of Thousandforks, as well as spread to several other major cities in Lathamford, further undermining the credibility of the government led by President Gabriel Farbridge. Going back to the 4th match, luck was still on our side, despite being led by the assistant coach, the national team was able to beat another hockey champion, Indusse with a 2-0 victory, two field goals contributed by substitute striker Rydd Vyctyz thus placing the national team on the first place of group B.

Hockey World Cup 19: Group B
MD1::	Lathamford 4–1 Pratapgadh		Will Columbus Glass x3; Rydd Vyctyz
MD2::	ABEN Union 1–2 Lathamford		Ailwin Wardyworth; Peter Lucian Hogwood
MD3::	Lathamford 6–1 Kriegiersen		Will Columbus Glass x3; Peter Lucian Hogwood x3
MD4::	Indusse 0-2 Lathamford			Rydd Vyctyz x2
MD5::	Lathamford vs. Barunia
MD6::	The Jovannic vs. Lathamford
MD7::	Lathamford vs. Eraman
MD8::	Trolleborg vs. Lathamford
MD9::	BYE

[Wrengoh]

.

[Brookstation]

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS

brought to you by ABQ News

4' Houghton latches on to a mistake by Brandt and passes the ball to Miller. She shoots but the ball isn't able to go past Wannemaker

7' Finkel makes a pass to Maurer in the box and he shoots but his efforts go to vain as it is saved by Alison Blackie.

10' CORNER FOR SWR !! Morgenstern takes the corner and makes a swift pass to Askin who shoots but it hits the goalpost and Everick receives it. A huge save by the goalpost.

13' Miller is afforded an open space and she shoots only to get the ball deflected by Feist's stick but Robertson is in a good position. She receives the ball does a bit of dribbling and makes a swift pass to Miller again and she didn't miss the goal this time . GOOOOOOAAAAAL !!
BROOKSTATION 1-0 SWR

The first quarter ends here.

17' Askin is played through goal by a defence breaking pass from Wiechselbraun. He takes a poor first touch and allows Carell to get the ball back.

22' GOOOOOOAAAAAL !! ASKIN EQUALISES. Brandt makes a dangerous pass into a box which is recieved by Finkel. Blackie tries her best but isn't able to stop the powerful shot by Askin.
Brookstation 1-1 SWR

24' CHANCE FOR BROOKSTATION ! Eyre gets the ball and cuts to the inside edge. Duncan receives it and shoots only for it to go by the bar.

28' CORNER FOR SWR. Brandt delivers a smooth pass to Weichselbraun who sets up Askin . Askin makes a shot but it gets deflected by Blackie.

Here ends the second quarter.
Brookstation 1-1 SWR

31' CHANCE FOR SWR. Beike gives the ball straight to Brandt who shoots but saved by Blackie.

33' CORNER FOR SWR ! Finkel latches on to the ball from the corner and swivels the ball but it is blocked by his own man Beike

38' Trickey makes a long pass into the box. The ball is at a height. Johnston shoots but it goes wide.

42' Miller sets up Beever who goes swiftly forward and tries to make a pass to Duncan but is unfortunately stopped by the SWR defenders.

The third quarter ends . Brookstation 1-1 SWR

49' SWR begins to turn up the pressure . Esmann squares it to Baier in the box and he proceeds to shot but a brilliant pressure created by the Brook defense prevents him .

54' CHANCE FOR BROOKSTATION ! Duncan receives the ball and advances towards the goal. She makes a low shot which Schwartz is easily able to deflect.

58' PENALTY FOR SWR!
Weichselbraun makes a swift pass to Askin who shoots but the ball is deflected by the defence. Baier has the ball and ne puts it into the goal. GOOOOOOAAAAAL !! SWR steals at the last minute.
Brookstation 1-2 SWR

The match ends here with SWR registering a win and climbing to the top of the table while Brookstation goes down to 6.

[Kriegiersien]

The results of the first edition of a professional Kriegiersien Hockey League weren’t surprising. The Presidents Club, filled with National Team players and players from other nations, as only club not bound to the rule “90 % of the players have to be from Kriegiersien” won it with ease.

KFHL                           Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
1 Timesteam                       14   14   0   0    89   12  +77    42
2 Pony Hoofckers                  14    8   3   3    22   22    0    27
3 Scorpion City HC                14    7   0   7    20   27   −7    21
4 Stadtstricher Hockey Bears      14    5   4   5    12   25  −13    19
5 HC Schoenwetter                 14    5   2   7    15   21   −6    17
6 Zombie Hockey                   14    4   4   6    12   23  −11    16
7 Muhr Hockey                     14    2   3   9    13   34  −21     9
8 Field Hockey Schoenwetter       14    1   4   9    12   31  −19     7

In the non gender based Timesteam players from Zombiestan, Lazy cowards and the Top scorer of the men’s and women’s Olympic team (Austen Joep and Dani Madyson) can be found.

So the winner was no surprise, but did the new professionalism help the national talent pool?

Not really until now, the same players who failed at the Olympics were selected for the World Cup.

So with two wins and two losses the team now awaits the ABEN Union, after a 5–3 against Pratapgadh. A must win if the team wants to reach the Play-offs. At least the offense, who had failed in the three games before, showed some promise against Pratapgadh.

[Sarzonia]

When you're a defending champion and you're a two-time winner in your sport, the expectations are different.

The Sarzonian national field hockey team weren't necessarily expecting to waltz into the 19th edition of the Field Hockey World Cup and just cruise to their second straight title and third overall, but a team that won the last two field hockey titles it competed for certainly had cause for optimism at the very beginning.

After their flat, uninspired 4-0 defeat at the hands of Ko-oren, manager Brad Richie called the result "a reality check."

"We shit the bed," he said in his post-match remarks. "I think if we were expecting to just show up and expect to win another title, we got a massive reality check. Ko-oren are just too good of a team to show the lack of focus and effort we did tonight. I hope this loss is a wake-up call for the players, I really do."

Normally, we'd talk about highlights, but there were none for Sarzonia, which fell to 1-2 after the ugly loss. Even worse for the Stars, their goal differential after three matches sits at a ghastly minus-four, as Sarzonia have scored thrice, but have also conceded seven goals.

Matt Marchment, the veteran goalkeeper, was fuming after Richie benched his former teammate after the third Ko-orenite goal just four minutes into the second half. He and Richie got into a heated exchange and had to be separated by assistant managers and support personnel. After the match, both men said the tensions were "over."

"It's just two hyper competitive guys really getting at it," said Richie. "We both want to win, and we just played terrible hockey."

"It's frustration," Marchment said. "If I were coach, I probably would've done the same thing." Richie said he would start Marchment in the team's next match against Poafmersia.

"I have every confidence in Matt back there," he said. "Today was a bad match, but it's not all on him. It's on all of us to play better, on me to manage better, the whole bit."

[Hannasea]

Article posted on the popular economics blog Independent Central Banking Is Big, Cool, and Clever.

Why in-kind aid is not the answer

With concerns developing over a possible humanitarian crisis in Nyowani Kitara, the Esportivan Union have issued a response promising “in-kind aid” and encouraging other nations to similarly contribute. This response is dangerous and could undermine attempts to provide positive assistance to people dispossessed by the evolving Kitaran crisis. This article explores several reasons why in-kind aid is generally not optimal and argues for an alternative response: cold, hard cash.

Storage

Receipt of in-kind aid poses logistical problems to affected countries. Food and medicines may need refrigeration or freezing, delicate equipment may need special transport requirements, and machinery may require upkeep or specific components. Additionally, there are problems with warehouse space, with recipient countries forced to lay aside space for collecting old clothes. An example of this was seen during the great Kijani famines of the 1970s, when Mlima Kijani experienced devastating crop failures. Well-meaning foreign governments sent food bundles, which then rotted uneaten in exposed conditions as the country lacked the warehouse space to accommodate the donations.

Appropriateness

Food and clothing are culturally coded, and sometimes donating such items to another country can end, not in valued aid, but unintentional insult. When Jabal Akhdar experienced droughts during the 1990s (as opposed to the droughts it experienced during all other decades) there was an international food drive to fill in for the supplies lost on withering farms. Jabal Akhdar is an Islamic Emirate, however, and its citizens were less than delighted to receive as donations packs of non-halal meat. In recent years the Emirate has experienced a minor succession dispute that led to rebels being bombed from their homes: the subsequent clothing drive saw Græntfjallers sending heavy winter clothes to the desert nation, while Hannasean donations reportedly included 2 out of every 3 items of clothing rejected for violating Akhdari modesty laws.

Burden

Large donation drives generate big costs for receiving countries, or the agencies processing them. Person-hours spent sorting donations, fuel-kilometres burned transported, and the above-mentioned issues of storage, all mean the donations, while will intended, may divert crucial resources from the country’s recovery at the worst time. In the 2000s, Montaña Verde experienced three successive years of flooding following intense hurricane seasons. Foreign donations of crops however overwhelmed the Verdean transport system, and when fires broke out in Santa Margarita there were not enough fire trucks on hand to deal with the blazes – because they had been requisitioned into use transporting foreign grain shipments to storage hubs.

Impact on local industry

Donating in-kind aid can depress the activities of local manufacturers and retailers. Recipient countries may face a flood of donated, and thus free, food that drives down the prices of their own goods and thus prevents their farmers making an economic recovery; similarly for clothing manufacturers or makers of other donated good. During its unsteady economic years in the 1990s, the Anaian island archipelago of Mont Vert was so overwhelmed with donations of castoff clothing that it destroyed the islands’ own textile industry. It is impossible for domestic producers to compete with free foreign gifts. Reducing the incentive for local farmers and workers to do business prevents indigenous economic recovery.

Our solution: give cash!

Economists generally agree that cash donations are better than in-kind donations in most cases. Unless a specific request for a good has been made – such as when Berdeng Bundok, experiencing an outbreak of yellow fever and with its domestic mask manufacturing capacity unable to meet demand, requested medical mask donations from abroad – it is usually better for foreign governments, aid agencies, or concerned citizens to simply donate to a cash pool. The recipient country can then choose to spend this money on the supplies it genuinely needs, supporting local businesses and obtaining better deals. Donating directly to private citizens is another response, one which avoids the pitfalls of government corruption. The app Gizza! is a popular choice with Hannasean citizens, who with a few taps on their phone can instantly send a direct payment.

In-kind aid is not the answer to the Kitaran problem.


Authored by Lexi Bates, Chief Secretary to the Treasury of the Hannasean Federation

[Lisander]

This is the cut-off for the MD5, we're halfway the group stage! Last night, it took two seasons. Let's go with the remaining two tonight.

Group A, Azhaar
Bollonich 1–1 Wrengoh (1–1 AET) (3–5 pen.)
Srednjaci 2–1 Lisander
Polkopia 1–5 Quebec and Shingoryeo
The Gothanita Isles 0–4 Hannasea

Group A                                  Pld   W  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
 1 Hannasea                                   5   5  0   36   6 +30   15
 2 Quebec and Shingoryeo                      5   3  1   10   5  +5   10
 3 Lisander                                   4   3  1    8   6  +2    9
 4 Wrengoh                                    4   2  1    7   5  +2    7
 5 Srednjaci                                  5   2  3    6  16 −10    6
 6 The Gothanita Isles                        4   1  2    4   8  −4    4
 7 Polkopia                                   4   1  3    7  16  −9    3
 8 Bollonich                                  5   0  3    5  12  −7    2
 9 A Kea                                      4   0  3    2  11  −9    1

Group B, Linville
Trolleborg 1–0 The Jovannic
Lathamford 2–0 Barunia
Pratapgadh 1–4 Indusse
ABEN Union 0–0 Kriegiersen (0–0 AET) (6–7 pen.)

Group B                                  Pld   W  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
 1 Lathamford                                 5   5  0   16   3 +13   15
 2 Eraman                                     4   4  0    8   1  +7   12
 3 Trolleborg                                 5   3  1    4   2  +2   10
 4 Kriegiersen                                5   2  2    7  11  −4    7
 5 The Jovannic                               4   1  2    3   2  +1    4
 6 ABEN Union                                 4   1  2    3   3   0    4
 7 Indusse                                    5   1  4    4   9  −5    3
 8 Barunia                                    4   0  2    2   6  −4    2
 9 Pratapgadh                                 4   0  4    5  15 −10    0

Group C, Kasandora
Ko-oren 1–0 Doge Land
Poafmersia 0–4 Sarzonia
Hopal 1–0 Sylestone
Sendhang 2–3 Anglo-Saxe Coburg

Group C                                  Pld   W  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
 1 Ko-oren                                    5   5  0   11   1 +10   15
 2 Anglo-Saxe Coburg                          5   3  2   11  10  +1    9
 3 Hopal                                      4   2  1    8   7  +1    7
 4 Sarzonia                                   4   2  2    7   7   0    6
 5 Sendhang                                   4   2  2    8   9  −1    6
 6 Sylestone                                  5   2  3    5   6  −1    6
 7 Poafmersia                                 5   1  3   10  16  −6    4
 8 Moliza                                     4   1  3    9   9   0    3
 9 Doge Land                                  4   1  3    1   5  −4    3

Group D, Casterwill
Hebitaka 0–0 Melbergia (0–1 AET)
Brookstation 1–0 Huelavia
Commonwealth of Baker Park 2–1 Schutzenphalia and West Ruhntuhnkuhnland
Rhaecia 0–4 Qasden

Group D                                  Pld   W  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
 1 Melbergia                                  4   3  1    7   2  +5    9
 2 Brookstation                               5   3  2    8   7  +1    9
 3 Schutzenphalia and West Ruhntuhnkuhnland   5   3  2    6   5  +1    9
 4 Takeshwar                                  4   2  1    7   7   0    7
 5 Hebitaka                                   5   2  3    8   9  −1    6
 6 Commonwealth of Baker Park                 4   2  2    6   7  −1    6
 7 Rhaecia                                    4   2  2    7   9  −2    6
 8 Qasden                                     5   1  3    7   6  +1    4
 9 Huelavia                                   4   1  3    3   7  −4    3

[Wrengoh]

.

[Lathamford]

Brixstrywich-Gate scandal - part 4

President Farbridge when asked during a press conference in conjunction with the Thousandforks Declaration Summit recently announced, a detailed investigation will be held into reports of abuse of power by his ministers in the issue known as the Brixstrywich-Gate scandal. He promised to detail everything in two days by planning to set up an Independent Commission to investigate, find the cause and recommend to the government measures and actions that should be taken to prevent the same thing from happening again. The Commission may also direct the authorities to investigate further if they are not satisfied with the findings or have strong evidence of abuse of power in awarding the tender to the two companies. President Farbridge also confirmed some of his ministers were asked to leave immediately until an investigation into the matter was completed. For the record several names of cabinet ministers are said to be involved in the scandal, among them; Minister of Defense, Wentworth Hillingham; Minister of Security, Dr. Quentin Newmont; and Minister of Youth, Education & Sport, Gwendoline von Lockhart. Unofficial news also mentions, the head coach of the national hockey team, Jabez Graydon, has also resigned, the news is getting stronger when his involvement was not visible when the national team beat Indusse 2-0. Ephraim Scott, as his assistant was seen leading the Lathamford coaching staff in the match. Graydon's name was tarnished when documents revealed by opposition leader Senator Sterling Ulysse named him among individuals who were proxies to the defense minister to hold shares in a company that won a government tender to supply six Littoral Mission Vessels for Lathamford Navy use. In addition to him, the name of Hillingham's wife, Dr. Elizabeth Hillingham, and the name of Hillingham's stepson, Fred Cuzier, are also mentioned. For now, other than Hillingham, no denial action has been received from the individuals mentioned earlier, they have chosen to remain silent, as has the CEOs of the two companies involved. [Part 1/ Part 2/ Part 3/ Part 5]

Group B, @Linville
Lathamford 2–0 Barunia
Ailwin Wardyworth, Stanford Ximines ׀ NIL

Hockey World Cup 19: Group B
MD1::	Lathamford 4–1 Pratapgadh		Will Columbus Glass x3; Rydd Vyctyz
MD2::	ABEN Union 1–2 Lathamford		Ailwin Wardyworth; Peter Lucian Hogwood
MD3::	Lathamford 6–1 Kriegiersen		Will Columbus Glass x3; Peter Lucian Hogwood x3
MD4::	Indusse 0-2 Lathamford			Rydd Vyctyz x2
MD5::	Lathamford 2-0 Barunia			Ailwin Wardyworth, Stanford Ximines
MD6::	The Jovannic vs. Lathamford
MD7::	Lathamford vs. Eraman
MD8::	Trolleborg vs. Lathamford
MD9::	BYE

[Kriegiersien]

Kriegiersien hockey magazine

ABEN Union 0–0 Kriegiersen (0–0 AET) (6–7 pen.)

How not to defend:


It seems like a good idea to defend with everyone in front of the goal. But except for penalty corners, that isn’t a valid strategy and makes attacking also hard.


How not to execute penalty corners:

Don’t use crazy confusing spin or your teammate will stop the ball with his face.


How not to do wing attacks:


Don’t pass to and then hit your teammate on the bench. That only knocks him out bloody and the ball is lost.


All things happened in the match against ABEN Union.

Thankfully at least the Goalkeeper was able to stop all attacks, so that the game was won after penalties, where the team was a bit better.

Now after a bye there is the chance to reconcentrate, before the crunch time, the deciding matches against Indusse, Barunia and The Jovannic.