World Cup 89 - Roleplay Thread

[Lathamford]

The Farmers:: part 10

Matchday 6, Lathamford Nationwide League, finds Teaham FC and Farsford FC at West Lake Stadium. Before the match, during a press conference, head coach Nilson Morrow introduced Sanderson Coyle was appointed youth development officer, Teaham FC. The former assistant coach at Ian Dwights National Football Academy has extensive experience in the task of coaching young national football talents and Coyle’s selection is a step in the right direction to further enhance the progress of young players and academia at the Farmers. For this match, Morrow put up a different player from the previous match, Solinus Soundpost who is back fit from injury as a goalkeeper, as well as main striker, Antiochus Vernon who is back from injury to fill the starting lineup. Veteran midfielder Launce Brookfield also plays as a starting lineup in this match. While Farsford FC head coach Mamillius Horner, who loves to play in a classic 4-4-2 formation, lined up his best squad, Vincentio Seacoal as the main goalkeeper, captain Cranmer Gower in the defensive position assisted by Clitus Erpingham, Lear Campeius, and Rambures Lovell. The midfielder was placed Baptista Fastolfe, Thaliard Montgomery, Boult Bardolph, and youngster Hugh Glendower, and the attack was lined up by dangerous strikers Oberon Nightwork, and Cranmer Guildford. In the first minute, Teaham FC made a quick attack on the opponent's goal, as a result in the tenth minute, Antiochus Vernon produced a trademark turn in the box to fool his marker before slotting the ball past the goalkeeper. Shocked by the early goal, The Minutemen began to launch a counter-attack, a team that loves to do this longball tactic, began to get the rhythm, passes straight from the defense to the attack with accurate passes made it difficult for Teaham FC players to control the match, the result in the 41st minute, the opponent’s goal resulted when Oberon Nightwork plays a clever one-two with Thaliard Montgomery before shooting low and powerfully beyond the keeper. In the second half, Teaham FC made a change of players by replacing Launce Brookfield with young Menas Guildford to get a fresh leg as well as a high-paced player. The match which seemed to end in a draw, changed in the 80th minute, capitalizing on the weakness of the defense, Lodovico Stafford scored with a powerful and well-placed shot on the other side of the net to the keeper. [Part 1 ׀ Part 2 ׀ Part 3 ׀ Part 4 ׀ Part 5 ׀ Part 6 ׀ Part 7 ׀ Part 8 ׀ Part 9 ׀ Part 10 ׀ Part 11]

MD18: Lathamford vs. Chromatik		
@Thousandforks National Arena (30,000)	׀ Rookfish Technology

Glowsnarl
Haymoore -Skelmersdale (C) - Decker
Wymondham - Wyvernchaser -Hargreave - Colfield
Clawbrand - Kingsley - Farrowsteam

[Hapilopper]

Capital Stadium, Hapilopper City
The morning of World Cup 89 Qualifying Match 18: Hapilopper v. Mytanija
It was still several hours before kickoff, several hours before the gates were set to open in Capital Stadium for the last match of a qualifying campaign that had come to an end not too long ago. The Haps were out of the World Cup, and they would be going up against a squad that had already clinched a spot. So, on paper, it would seem like neither squad would have much to go for on this occasion. Essentially, it would be a meaningless ball game, between a team that had already won and a team that had already lost.

A lot of Hapiloppians had that same idea for the match, and as a result, it was expected that Capital Stadium was only going to be about a third-full at kickoff – if that. The Haps were scheduled for a 12:30 p.m. kickoff against Mytanija on this Sunday, and many Hapiloppians figured they had better things to do than visit Capital Stadium to see a lame-duck team play out a game because they were required to. At this point, many were either sound asleep after a night of partying, or were getting ready to watch a day full of racing – both the HASCAR Challenge Cup and the NSSCRA Multiversal Cup Series were racing on this day. The match would be shown on tape delay after the races.

Dom Probst had that in mind as he walked into the owner’s box at Capital Stadium. He knew this was going to be a depressing showing for the Haps on this day. He sat down at a chair in the front row and visualized something a little bit different. A little bit happier.

Sixty-six thousand Hapiloppians were jumping up and down, screaming, singing, roaring. The moment they had waited for, for so long, was about to come. The moment they felt had to have been inevitable since the moment the Haps took down West Phoenicia in the FFR to win the Baptism of Fire all those years ago. This was it!

The clock had just hit 90:00, and a couple of minutes of stoppage time had to go past, but it was clear that the Hapiloppians were raring to hit the pitch in celebration. The Hapiloppians led the Mytanars, 2-0, as time ticked down. The time seemed to take forever to slip by, but the Haps were reveling in it. Nathan Ellis had a huge smile on his face as he played around a little bit with the ball, reveling in the immense roar coming from the crowd, waiting for those two minutes to wind past.

The overflow crowd in the owner’s box were jumping up and down too, waiting for those two minutes to tick by. Shouts of “JUST BLOW THE GOD DAMN WHISTLE! WE’RE IN!” were about as common as could be. Fans had started coming over the stands and were waiting nervously along the sidelines of the pitch. As soon as that whistle blew, they’d be rushing towards the players, to celebrate their first qualification. And then, when the whistle blew, it was absolute pandemonium.

Nate jubiliantly kicked the ball towards the stands as his teammates, and eventually the fans, rushed towards him. It was one of the most beautiful sights in the history of Hapiloppian sports, and it promised to be the first time of many. The Haps were in the World Cup! They had finally made it!

But then Dom opened his eyes. None of that was real. There were a couple of people on the pitch, having a casual conversation with each other. The stands were empty. The only sound anyone could hear was from the chirping of birds outside and some traffic outside the stadium. The Haps were not qualifying for the World Cup on this day, or at all this year.

Dom hunched down and put his head in his hands. Sure, there’d be other World Cups, and the Haps were getting to a much better place in football, but this hurt. This hurt to think about.

Instead of getting ready to be one of 32 teams competing in South Newlandia and Tikariot in the World Cup proper, the Haps were more than likely going to be traveling to Sylestone or Zwangzug for the Cup of Harmony. Dom was hoping there’d be an invite coming the team’s way, but he couldn’t say for sure. International soccer was strange that way.

For a few long minutes, Dom sat there watching the activity – or lack thereof – on the pitch and around Capital Stadium, when, unexpectedly, the door opened. It was Nathan Ellis, still in street clothes, with a mournful look on his face. He sat down in a seat not far from Dom and stared out at the pitch. For a while, the two just stared out at the field. There was no animosity, nor was the atmosphere all that tense. It was just two old-school footballers, just reflecting.

Finally, Nathan spoke up.

“You know something, Probst?” Nathan said. “I always hated a game like this. We’re out, we ain’t getting in this year, and yet we’ve got another game to play. Not like there’s much to play for. All we can do is play and that’ll be that.”

“I hear you,” Dom replied.

“We’ll make it one day,” Nathan said to Dom. “I just know it. We’ll be fine, but in a year, two, three, we’ll make it. We’ll be just fine.”

“I sure hope so,” Dom said as he looked out at the empty stands. “Thoughts on the Cup of Harmony?”

Nathan looked over to Dom and smirked.

“You know, we might as well go for it and try to kick their asses,” Nathan said. “We’re getting better and better, our team is improving by the day, and I think we could surprise a lot of people.”

“I like that,” Dom said. “We’ll do well.”

[Trolleborg]

Greetings, compatriots! It’s TTV with the freshest news about how events are unfold in the WCQ group 8, where our team played their penultimate games.

SAVIGLIANE – TROLLEBORG 0-1

First of all, we must apologize for the poor quality broadcasting of this match. The AI responsible for the 3D broadcast again refused to transmit the picture as it is and portrayed all the players indiscriminately as men, and also "lost" due color of the hosts uniforms, display something very different instead. Those responsible for the technical support of the broadcast just shrug their shoulders, claiming that the technology needs several more years to be brought up to standard.

However, you all were nevertheless able to watch this wonderful match, appreciate the beauty of the game, wonderful combinations, inspired improvisations, the intensity of passions and the drama of the game's plot. Both teams were worthy of victory, and it's a shame that football doesn't award extra points for the beauty of the game.

Almost at the very end of the game, Gulbranden, put on the field from the bench shortly before and constantly keeping the hosts' defenders under heavy pressure, found himself to the right of the goal. He made a deceiving move and suddenly shot a pass parallel to the endline, somehow realizing where his old friend Kerr would be, just for a second managed to evade the caring guardianship of defenders.

And that, fortunately, was enough. A very important victory in a match with a more than worthy opponent.

TROLLEBORG – BAHIA ROJA+REFEREE 2-3

After all we see on the field, AI decided not allow rebroadcasting of this game, he send message that this is more than he can stand and things that take place on the field have nothing with football or sport at all. So we will just make due comments in text only format.

And yes, we are totally agree with AI. Refereeing in this game can be qualified as no less than scandalous, totally out of bounds of normalcy. As you all perfectly remember, Bahia Roja lost all chances to qualify, but it looked like someone in the World Cup committee don’t like us and decide use this occassion to humiliate us. Maybe, someone from Chromatika sneak in.

Our lads begin game very well, already after just 2 minutes Jivoglot hit the post, and on the 7th the score was opened - the same Jivoglot find the ball in the penalty area after a Gronholm cross from the wing and delivered a powerful shot despite defender’s desperate tackle. On the 25th minute, Gronholm himself, while having beaten two opponents, entered the penalty area and skillfully shot on goal. The guests' goalkeeper managed to scratch the ball, but nothing more, and he crawled into the goal. Just in case, Berglund finished it off there, altought this is probably overkill anyway. However, with such referees it might be required. 2:0 half an hour after the start of the game is a very good result. But, as it turned out, this was actually the end of football game. Then there was referee’s outrageous highhandedness. Even before the break, the referee showed three yellow cards to our players, for no particular reason at all. And just before the time of the first half expired, he awarded a penalty kick to our goal, which was converted. But in this case, there was at least a contact between the defender and the forward. In the second half, the judge was no longer engaged in such nonsense as looking for reasons for his decisions. By the 70th minute, our lads were still in the lead in score, but received as many as two red cards, one for a completely ordinary collision in the center of the field, the other for allegedly unsportsmanlike behavior.

And here, with a difference of seven minutes, he awarded two more penalties for guess, one for the ball hit our defenders into his shoulder, the other for contact clearly outside the penalty area. And for disputes with the referee, he sent off another of our players, and in the remaining minutes he issued a warning to almost all the players of the team. Even our goalkeeper received a yellow card for wasting time – definitely it was that he did when the score was 2:3! And the impression was that the bandit in the uniform of a referee was trigger-happy for another opportunity to wave a red card - either he was fascinated by the effects whih red card have, or admired the reaction of the stands and loved to feel of being in the center of events. True, the match would have ended then and our team would have been awarded a 0:3 defeat, but in the end the game ended as it ended. The disgusting and shameful orgy of arbitrariness perpetrated by the referee will undoubtedly go down in the annals of football. Something very similar to riots was attached to the game, but if was more properly that the program "Criminal Chronicle" should have told about this, if we had one.

[Zwangzug]

Zwangzug's e-Lipogram

So Zwangzug's national football squad still has a possibility of going onto a playoff spot, or with a tiny probability, qualifying outright. A goal from Hanna Suzuki got us a win in Arlington against a small Mormon nation that isn't Banija. And both Gordon Blum and Jaclyn Burkhart had a goal in a win against Quakmybush, in Cham. If you want to do a lot of analysis you can squint at our group's points and try to find out "what combination of a win, draw, or loss, along with Jalak Putih and Kadongo Kamu's showing, will put us through." But I'm too lazy for that, and also--don't say this to anybody--I'm actually hoping for Banija to go through, so as to watch our nation play in a Cup of Harmony as hosts. Graintfjall won from such a position last go-round, you know? It could occur again!

Anyway, that's all I got. Good luck to all our rivals.

[Jeruselem]

Naked News Jeruselem's Aidra Nene (naked) and Princess Kate (naked) at Dazza Dallas Stadium wearing bunny ears and a rabbit scarf.

Kate: Hello, this is Princess Kate for Naked News Jeruselem covering the qualification stage of World Cup 89. We're back home again at Dazza Dallas Stadium. With me is fellow nude Aidra Nene.
Aidra: Hello everyone
Kate: OK all but one qualification game has been played, leaving one game left. The matches on round 16 and 17 have been done and well, still a lot of undecided groups.
Aidra: You know knowing your eliminated is more certain than hanging on by a thread with lots of uncertainty
Kate: Yes well, we're used to doing both ... the usual suffering
Aidra: True

Kate: 16th round of qualification, for most teams it meant elimination. Some were eliminated to it didn't matter anyway.
Aidra: Xanneria hosted Flavovespia but came off 2nd best losing 2-1. Both needed the win but they also really needed the top 3 lose games which ... didn't happen spoiler. Pretty much they got eliminated. The Jovannic went down 4=3 to visiting Eshialand who had to win as well but it was pretty much too little too late for them as well. The other games had the top 3 playing and all those teams had to win make the best of a tight situation at the top.
Kate: Losing at this stage isn't an option, a draw isn't really any better but 1 point is better than zero.
Aidra: Commonwealth of Baker Park were at home and thrashed Kiltoch 4-0. Aut-Ves-Nat had just given up and lost at home to Polkopia 4-1. Sanjur on the other hand were rather stubborn at home and held Jeruselem to 0-0 draw, which is two points that Jeruselem didn't get.

Kate: Yeah, that was just frustrating
Aidra: They pretty much knew they were going be eliminated
Kate: We needed to win that one for sure
Aidra: Nevermind, moving on to today's round ... 17. And Group 17 pretty much had only 3 teams in contention by now.
Kate: And we know who those teams are ...
Aidra: The games of zero consequence, Flavovespia beat The Jovannic 3-1 at home and Eshialand held to a draw with Sanjur 1-1 at home. Just to note Sajnur have the most draws of all teams, 5.

Kate: Just leaving the games which did matter, where the top 3 had to win keep up with their rivals. Dropping points now could be fatal.
Aidra: Aut-Ves-Nat who crumbled 4-1 to Polkopia last game, hosted the Commonwealth of Baker Park next. Which sucks if you ask them. They did a great job resisting but went down 4-3 to Baker Park. We wish it was a different result ...
Kate: Yeah would have been nice if that was draw
Aidra: Polkopia did enough to overcome visiting Xanneria 1-0. Close run thing but it's still 3 points.
Kate: Well, those games were closer than we expected.
Aidra: Pity they weren't draws.

Kate: That leaves ... Jeruselem here taking on Kiltoch. We dropped two points last game, and we pretty much had win to this one. No more buffers!
Aidra: Thankfully we did win 2-0, any other result would have a disaster.
Kate: The table shows only 3 teams in contention. Eshialand and Flavovespia on 27 points back in 4th and 5th. Sajnur 6th on 26. Xanneria 7th on 21. Aut-Ves-Nat 8th on 12. The Jovannic 2nd last on 11 and Kiltoch last on 10. So the top 3 have been decided but not the winner or playff.
Aidra: Polkopia top the group with 37 points, Baker Park 35 and Jeruselem 34. Due to Jeruelem having to play Baker Park - Polkopia cannot drop out of the top 2. Polkopia losing is a possibility but for them a win would seal top spot. A draw could seal top spot ... but depends on the other game!
Kate: Jeruselem have no choice, they HAVE TO WIN. They way deciders are setup, a draw for us is pretty much the same as a loss. We lost the head-to-header because we lost against Baker Park and our goal difference is lower too. So for us, we must win.
Aidra: Baker Park - a draw or win is enough to stay in the top 2. If they do win, they could equal 38 points if Polkopia draw. If Polkopia lost, Baker Park would top the group.

Kate: So, just from the numbers ... for betting man or woman or rabbit or dog, Jeruselem are in worst spot. So it's either Polkopia-Baker Park or Baker Park-Polkopia. However, if we DID win and we could take the playoff spot. We can't top the group I think.
Aidra: The plus is the Baker Park is an away game because we're awful at home
Kate: We somehow play better in away games
Aidra: So it's simple, Jeruselem must win - just to get a playoff.
Kate: I hate playoffs
Aidra: Not ideal for sure

Kate: OK, confirmed qualifiers! Group 15 Omerica. Group 18 Chromatika. Eura are in playoffs group 18 and Ko-oren from Group 15.
Aidra: Group 13 is not decided but Turori are at least in a playoff. Group 14 is a battle between Krytenia and Pasarga. Group 16 sees our friends Cassadaigua and our recent rivals Mercedini deciding who's top dog.
Kate: Starblaydia qualified from Group, our friends Quebec are in the playoff. Brenecia qualifed from Group 2 with three teams in playoff contention. Kandorith qualified from Group 3, Vilita into the playoffs.
Aidra: Farfadillis qualify from Group 4, but 2nd spot has been decided between 3 teams. Group 5 is undecided but Ydara cannot be removed from a playoff. Group 6 is pretty much Audioslavia or Electrum to qualify.
Kate: Group 7 is undecided as well, this includes the Holy Empire there. Ethane qualified from Group 8, Trolleborg have settle for a playoff. Group 9 has Nephara qualifying but playoff is far from decided.
Aidra: Mytanija made it from Group 10. Either Siovanija and Teusland or Poafmersia go to the playoff. Group 11 has no certainies except Pemecutan cannot be dislodged from the top 2.

Kate: Group 12 has Twicetagria and Kelssek in battle for qualifer spot. It's all bit too much, I guess we find out the final results next round.
Aidra: Thanks to everyone buying the World Cup 88 coins, we're pretty much sold out except the copper ones.
Kate: The demographic buying them is interesting, mostly women not men.
Aidra: There's not many coins with bunny wabbits on them
Kate: Very true, maybe but I don't care as long we sell them
Aidra: You did make Peko look more like an anime character on the coin

Kate: That actually makes it easier to engrave
Aidra: It also makes her look younger
Kate: I pretty much look like my daughter if I was an anime
Aidra: I can barely tell the difference between your and your daughters avatars anyway
Kate: You're not trying hard enough girl
Aidra: Hey I heard most Jeruselem female vtubers don't wear clothes while broadcasting

Kate: Well, if you hide behind an anime character. You can wear whatever you like on the screen which has nothing to do with what you're actually wearing
Aidra: I see
Kate: So what you wear on Zoom calls?
Aidra: Just the top ...
Kate: So you're naked really
Aidra: Yes

Kate: That's it from us, the decider! One more game. Will we make a playoff? Or just crash out on the last day. We'll find out I guess
Aidra: See you call at Baker Park, the country - the Commonwealth. Not that Baker Park
Kate: There's a Baker Park in Jeruselem?
Aidra: It's a popular place to walk dogs
Kate: I'm not allowed to wander anywhere without security because ... I'm the King's cousin
Aidra: Oh yes, I keep forgetting that.

[Polkopia]

Marčuk and Smyefinov Talk Transfer Rumors Ahead of Their Final World Cup Qualification Match

Practice tonight had been particularly harsh for the lot of them, with most of the midfield feeling the brunt of Coach's frustration. Stepen Azarov and Maksim Pašin were screamed at for being "lazy" when they conducted their drills at a slower pace than the rest of the team and Petro Marčuk, after a series of technical errors when the team had their end of practice scrimmage, caused the practice to be cut short after Coach expressed his frustration with the team's so-called apathy at preparing for their next match, when they should have been practicing like their lives depended on it. Their next game would decide Polkopia's fate in their World Cup qualification run; the team had already qualified to playoffs at the very least, but a win would mean the very first time Polkopia had topped their qualification group prior to the World Cup in the team's history.

After practice, the overall mood in the lounge was very sour, to say the least. Most of the players had picked up their belongings and departed after making small talk to the rest of their team. Together with goalkeeper Matvei Burin, Marčuk and Smyefinov were the last ones who remained in the room, as both athletes had already expressed the desire to talk to one another about some important matters.

"So Petro..." Smyefinov said, looking at Burin who sat on the couch directly across from him, smirking, before looking to his right where Marčuk leaned back in his chair, covering his mouth with his hand.

"So Yuri..." Marčuk removed his hand, revealing that he was smirking as well. He unzipped his gym bag, which was on the floor next to him, and pulled out a small handle of Yeptsini. He grabbed his paper cup that he filled with water, drank it all, before filling it to the very brim with the vodka. He took the cup that Smyefinov was drinking as well and filled it up.

"Ah, pour my friend one too, won't you Petro?" Smyefinov laughed and grabbed Burin's cup, holding it up to Marčuk who laughed and obliged.

"Are you gonna say yes?" Smyefinov asked Marčuk, raising his eyebrow.

Marčuk lifted his cup and sniffed the liquid inside. Perfect. No scent, no taste, just the way he liked his vodka. "Well, I've told my agent that I'll make my decision tomorrow. What about you?"

"What are you guys on about?" Burin asked, his eyes darting between the two men.

"Matvei Fyodorović, I'm afraid I have some bad news for you," Smyefinov grabbed ahold of his cup and tipped it toward the goalkeeper, "I've been offered a generous sum of money to leave Polkopia and play for the Parakleion Firebirds."

Burin said nothing and looked at Marčuk, "W-what is that exactly?"

Smyefinov laughed, "Well, it's not in Polkopia and hoenstly, I can't wait to get the fuck out. The Firebirds are a prestigious team, and honestly I wouldn't expect lots of people to know about them but-"

Marčuk interrupted Smyefinov and leaned closer to Burin, "Matvei, don't listen to his shit, the Firebirds are a bottom-tier team in Tikariot Premier League. He's leaving us here in Polkopia so he can get relegated next year!" Marčuk burst out laughing and placed a hand on Smyefinov's shoulder.

Smyefinov rolled his eyes, "I mean, there aren't many Polkopians that have the chance to play abroad, so I'm going to take it! You should too!"

"You're leaving too? Where're you going?" Burin asked.

"I wouldn't say I'm leaving just yet, Matvei." Marčuk held his cup above the coffee table in between all of them, "I still have yet to make an official decision, but I'll probably say yes. I'll be headed for the Oriannor Mountaineers, also in Tikariot."

"And I'll be happy to kick your ass in Tikariot then, friend!" Smyefinov held his cup up against Marčuk's. The two of them looked over at Burin who sat for a moment, looking at them.

"Well, congratulations guys. Yuri, I'll miss having your dumb ass out on the pitch, but I wish you guys the best of luck!" Burin held his cup out to join the others'. The three of them then each took a sip out of their cups and Smyefinov let out a satisfied exhale.

"Man," Smyefinov said, "I'll admit I'll miss the vodka over here though. I doubt those Tikariot guys made stuff half as good as Yeptsini. I don't know what they drink over there, but if I can't get my hands on some good vodka then I'll probably be right back on the pitch for FK Dovogo before you know it Matvei." Smyefinov winked at Burin and took another small sip of his cup.

"Does anyone else know?" Burin asked.

Marčuk and Smyefinov both exchanged glances and laughed. "No," Marčuk said, "and we prefer to keep it that way, at least for now. I'm not too sure how some of the guys at Valinkova will react, but I know a few of them won't be too happy. I'd rather if they found out through me, so don't say anything, alright?"

Burin nodded and took another sip. "Yeah, no worries."

The three of them sat around the coffee table in silence. The only sound in the room was the custodian, who only just started sweeping the grass, dirt, and sweat that coated the floor of the lounge. "Well," Burin stood up, "guess I should head out now. Practice is next week, yeah?"

Smyefinov nodded, "Yep, practice next week and we've got our final qualification game the next day, so don't wear yourself out too much." Smyefinov winked, but grabbed Burin as he walked past them, "Also, if you're not going to finish your vodka, be considerate and share with your friends, at least."

Burin looked at the cup he left on the table and gulped what was left of the drink. He glared at Smyefinov and laughed, before making his way out of the building. "I'll never forget you!" Smyefinov called out to him, but laughed with Marčuk once he left. "Ah, he's a good guy, I'll miss him." Smyefinov said.

"What do you think, do you think there will be more of us heading abroad?" Marčuk asked.

"Yeah, I mean why not? I think everyone is starting to see that Polkopian football isn't the same joke it once was and we've got a good shot at making it to the World Cup. I'd be surprised if half of this squad remains in Polkopia by the end of the season." Smyefinov said. The last sentence was said with a bit of a somber tone and Smyefinov exhaled, "What if..." he paused for a bit, "what if all the good players leave though?"

"You mean what if the good players leave the league and we're left with a bunch of academy-level cadets kicking the ball around like a bunch of idiots?" Marčuk laughed.

"I mean, yeah!" Smyefinov jumped up, "Maybe not exactly like that, but yeah something like that."

"Well," Marčuk shrugged, "I think after this tournament, there will be a lot more investment in Polkopian football. You see Lada Kirovski, they've grown from basically nothing because a retired drug lord bought the damn team and used up all his money funding youth academies. Now you have people like Kosyo running the damn show for them."

Smyefinov sat silent for a moment, "Yeah," he said, "I guess so. I'm happy to leave and I think you should be too, but I just want to make sure that everyone back here succeeds too, you know?"

Marčuk finished his drink and nodded before standing up, "It'll be fine, Yuri. You've just gotta make a name for yourself, come back to Polkopia as a superstar, and buy out a team then. Should be too hard, right?" Marčuk winked, patted Smyefinov on the shoulder, and left the room.

Smyefinov stared at his cup and sighed. "I guess so," he said to himself, taking his cup and dumping the rest of the drink in the sink before leaving the room.

[Cassadaigua]

Houston gets unexpected action,
By Chelsea Dufresne, Concord Heights Times

The last two results in World Cup qualifying action means that the Fillies have officially clinched qualification into World Cup 89, even though our name is not in a fancy dark green color. While Cassadaigua could be passed by Mercedini (also assured qualification) in the group, the second place team in Group 16 cannot fall below the cutline of the top six second place teams. Congrats to our Fillies and congrats to Mercedini as both nations enjoy the fruits of pretty much dominating the rest of the group.

So, since we await World Cup 89 needing more to talk about. Thankfully, we have that as Stacie Houston will be back in a race car a lot sooner than expected. We knew that she was going to drive in the iROS series, as well as driving for Saint Kanye in what had seemed to be a one-off open charter race. That plan has changed following her husband’s scary wreck in Sword Island recently. Jeremiah Brooke suffered a brake failure in the Fredericksburg 400, and slammed the wall hard. Perhaps it was good that it was a short track because Brooke would have been going much faster, otherwise. It’s actually pretty similar to a wreck that Stacie had herself last year, also occurring on a short track. Jeremiah has been in the hospital with injuries that are said to be minor, but will keep him out of the next race, located at Guilin in The Sherpa Empire, at the very least.

Brooke’s race team, known as Glorious Free Republic Motorsports (GFR) was scrambling for a replacement driver. The easiest decision for GFR would have been to promote one of Saint Kanye’s own drivers from the second tier series, known as the EverLong series, but that series races in an entirely different nation and those drivers are running for an EverLong championship. They could find someone domestically, sure. But, there was a better option. “I was ready to step in as soon as we knew that he would not be able to race at Guilin,” Stacie Houston said, “there were some logistical things to take care of, such as with my own sponsors that I have a very strong relationship with (mainly Dagan automaker Blaze and Five Star Mobile). I have been around the GFR garage and with Jeremiah’s team most of the season before I went home to Cassadaigua.”

It’s a little more complicated than that, as Stacie went on to explain, “When I have talked to them, it was obviously expecting Jeremiah to be in the driver’s seat so the setups were to his liking and his driving style. Now they’ll have to adjust it to my preferences. There will be work to be done, but this is a great race team, and I don’t think Jeremiah and I are dramatically different. The good thing, too, is that I am familiar with Li River Speedway from previous years. I am glad the track is back, by the way. So, I have notes from my time there which can be given to Jeremiah’s team. We’ll figure it out.”

Houston will be driving Brooke’s #18, with his sponsor, Vylet, and was in classic stock car racing form, saying. “I look forward to representing Vylet, their speedy internet really can be seen and enjoyed on Five Star Mobile devices! I want to thank Blaze as well for allowing me to jump in a Chadwick for the race.” When asked what will be the most difficult thing about the race, she joked, “Not pitting in Maddie Alexander’s pit box by mistake!” (Alexander drives the #27 and Five Star Mobile paint scheme for Team Tropicorp now that she used to drive previously).

[Sharktail]

Sharktail Post EP 56
Thank You. See You again.

"Today surely last match we play in front of our fans. For this qualifying campaign, there are some time be quite hard for us, but also there were time can be considered good or beautiful moment for us. For now, we will have to wave and bow to all fans. Thank you, for 9 match home, you stand behind us. If we compete next time, we will rely on you again in 90th edition of world cup cycle."

The last word from Sharktail captain, Azaim as the bow down means that was their last home match this edition. 9 time they playing at home, the fans keep coming, stand behind then, chanting nonstop. Azaim said, it has been awhile since last time he play in front off home crowd, so that make a bit sentimental for him.

"Me, Maxter and Ilias three of us are away from our home, from our family. For our careers, we go out from Sharktail to see and to learn more about football. We just come home in short period of time. When we play outside, most fans will support their local, so sometime it kinda frightening to play there. I not put this like i want to scare other sharktalian not to go outside, but just as caution dont lose hope and keep thinking a way to improve."

Meanwhile, for Harold, he not have a good season with Sarim Potato, and yet he lucky to get call up. He stated his rival in LB, Thet Haikal has become reliable player. Sooner or later if he dont take cautios, that may cause him big lose. He also stated, next time he may not be able to receive this treatment again. So while he still in Sarim Potato, he will show how he can improve and glued his position in NT.

For Sharktail manager, Carrol seem to play more rotation and give every player a chance. Look at player like Zaman Sahami, Twin Zairo, Than Kadir, they are getting their playing time and sometimes as a starter. While Azaim rested for a few game in this campaign, we can see every player in this team eager to play, and one moat important things is healthy rivalry. At least, they dont break apart while fighting for a starting spot. As the campaign nearly end, SFA surely have to make a decision if they may want to keep Carrol or search for another candidate.

Talking about the future of Carrol, seem like he may stay at that position for more time. This rumour come after the news Sahami comeback to Sharktail not because he will be in charge of national team, but seem to be part of National Team committee member. His experience and knowledge will surely helpfull. Maybe we can see a combination of Carrol and Sahami once again. Let wait and see.

Line up vs Recuecn:
Zeehad Yusof, Thet Haikal, Yusri, Maqri, Izz, Twin Zairo, Azaim(c), Nazmi Shafik, Mokhtar Aidil, Balang Nazran, Zaman Sahami

[Banija]

Background Info on NYK
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5
Part 6
Part 7
Part 8
Part 9
Part 10
Part 11
Part 12
Part 13
Part 14
Part 15
Part 16
Part 17
Part 18
Part 19

Afiya Oyange, the Banijan Ambassador to Eura at the Banijan Embassy in Bastion

"Madame Ambassador! Question Time starts in 3 minutes!" Yelled the Embassy's Secretary. Afiya Oyange yelled back a thank you, and made sure to take herself to the TV room. Like every Ambassador everywhere, she had multiple roles. The strongest role, of course, being the direct manager of relations between Banija and her host country. Represent Banija well, be a great resource for Banijan citizens, act as a general walking billboard for the good things of Banija. This was everything from liasoning Euran businesses to Banija and vice versa, to regular communication with the foreign ministry.

Of course, while a prestigious position, there were still quite a few rungs above her. Banija's Ambassadors, of course, were all career appointments- the benefit of the built-in expertise, but that also meant when big events happened, they were quick to be kicked up the ladder. So while the Banijan government was heavily courting Bastion to support the Kitara Freedom Front in Nyowani Kitara, that effort was not from the Embassy level- but from Busukuma itself. The Kabaka had actually written Prime Minister Smith personally- although the Prime Minister did not respond directly, much to the consternation of His Majesty.

So on the Nyowani Kitara issue, she was more acting as a public spokeswoman than as the point of contact for the Banijan Government in the country. Good and bad, we guess. But she was effective at her job. Consistently finding media outlets within the country, acting as some sort of a cheerleader for the KFF and its forces. The Euran Government, for all they knew, was undecided- but the logic followed that Eura would either stay neutral, or eventually back the KFF. The Embassy did what they could to influence that conversation. Her speaking publicly, the Embassy tweeting about the KPWC's atrocities, etc... Doing what they can.

It was not an easy time to be a Banijan Ambassador at the moment. Banija's Ambassador to Omerica had faced a summons to the Omerican Foreign Ministry, just the night before, to explain Banija's position regarding the KFF. She hadn't been on the call that broke down what happened, but from what she had heard, it only resulted in Omerica and Banija standing further away than ever from each other on the issue. Good for the Banijan Ambassador for having a backbone and standing strong in the face of pressure, of course. But this war with no great options was causing everybody to choose sides- and was drawing hard lines.

One of her responsibilities as an Ambassador, of course, was to keep abreast on the political situation that was going on in the host country. If there was one thing His Majesty the Kabaka hated, it was a surprise. The Anaia political crisis saw the Banijan Ambassador to Quebec lose his job, for not finding out before. Banija's Ambassador to Chromatika had barely kept his job, although Busukuma had the rare move of replacing that Ambassador's staff directly- just to send a message to the Ambassador that he was on thin ice. Ever since that split happened, Oyange had taken to watching Question Time directly.

The Euran Parliament was truly nuts. How a body of 3,000 members could function at all, was beyond her. But she grabbed her notebook to take notes, and a water bottle. She eyed her bottle of wine that was sitting in the fridge, but she decided against drinking it. It was 5'o clock somewhere- but not here. All the traditional Euran pageantry of the question time period. The Ode to Eura, the walking of the speakers, all that jazz. She quickly got an alert on her phone about Northern Moravica's women's lacrosse team winning the national semifinal. She opened the link to the article. She was, of course, not only a NMU grad- but a former captain for their women's lacrosse team. So she was distracted, looking at the box score on her phone, and she just barely heard what the Euran Speaker of the House said- '.... The Federal Government has requested the floor for a statement on the situation in Nyowani Kitara.'

"Wait, did he fucking say Nyowani Kitara?" Oyange said out loud, to herself. She dropped her phone as she looked up at the screen and realized that this was not what she normally watched when she turned on Question Time every week. "Sarah. SARAH!" Oyange boomed as her secretary came running.

"Yes, Afiya?" The Secretary asked.

"Get on the line with the Isebantu's office, and stat." Afiya Oyange said. "Tell him the Prime Minister's about to speak on Nyowani Kitara. Tell him I'll have a summary out immediately, and a report after the whole Question Time period." Her Secretary ran down the stairs, to make the phone call. And then, Prime Minister Ian Smith spoke. And she listened, and their Chamber listened, and Oyange watched on Euran television. He spoke about the horrors of civil war. He spoke about his country's history, of intervention. He said there would not be major intervention for the moment- although Oyange noted that did not explicitly rule out a major intervention in the future.

And then, came the double whammy. First- '.. I also recognise that these opposition groups do not represent viable alternatives themselves.' And then, the words that were the key to the whole speech. 'This Government therefore supports Nephara in its operation to ensure the survival of the Nyowani Kitaran state'. As soon as those words were said, Afiya Oyange swore under her breath. Busukuma was not going to be happy. Prime Minister Smith had drawn his lines. Euran military help had been given to the transit of Nepharan troops to Nyowani Kitara, who were there on the ground.

Oyange's phone then, of course, was blowing up. She just got a notification from the twii.tur of the Banijan Embassy to Nephara in Corvistone, tweeting Banija's position on the KFF. A well-oiled machine, Banijan diplomacy was. But the key was this- The Eurans had emphasized that the CRC would shape this plan. His starting gun, at this point, was not only to back Nafuna Akongo- but it would also cut Banija out of the process entirely. This was not going to play out well back home. When the speech was done, she scrambled to her desktop and started putting the notes she had been taking on notebook paper, and putting them in an executive summary format for the Palace. 30 minutes later, it was sent out to the Cabinet.

She then instructed her press officer to put out another statement maintaining Banija's support for the KFF. But her role in this saga had been played- the decision-makers were not here at this Embassy, but back home in Busukuma.

---

Full Cabinet Meeting, 12 hours later

"Nepharan troops in Nyowani Kitara! Flown over by Eura! What the hell?? Unbelievable." Isebantu Mutungi said at the Cabinet Meeting. An emergency meeting had been called in response to the Prime Minister's speech, but of course, it could not be held right away as this fell on 'Budget Amendment Day' at the Lukiiko. It was one of those votes that could not be delayed. Naturally, the Parliamentarians in the room(aka the majority of the principals) were exhausted. For the budgeting process every year, 'Budget Amendment Day' were when hundreds of amendments were proposed and debated, and then voting would occur the next day. Encourages Parliamentary debate and empowers backbenchers, yes, but an absolutely grueling day for those who are part of it- especially Frontbenchers.

So while the Royals had energy, the Parliamentarians, most of them already in a bad mood as they had spent the day mostly convincing their backbenchers not to back any budget amendments, were tired and cranky. Not only that- Prime Minister Ian Smith's speech had made many of them even more testy.

"These mother fucking Eurans." The Education Minister said. He was having a particularly rough idea. The part of his budget converting more college student aid into repayable loans, as opposed to simply direct grants, was threatening to be eliminated in tomorrow's vote. He had spent the day making quite a few calls. "First, they say nothing. Second, they go against all their values. They've spent years, treasure, and spilled plenty of blood opposing communism and dictatorships. And yet, they think Malik is the worst option?"

"Nephara and Eura man- they can go to hell." Said the Minister for Agriculture. This was a man who actually liked both nations a lot, but the stress of the day, plus the heat of the moment, was getting to him. "What do they see in Nafuna Akongo? I don't understand it. Legitimately. I've seen their statements. How does it make any sense at all that the teenager who's only got a high school education is the best option to bring peace and stability to Nyowani Kitara?" The Agriculture Minister paused, and looked around. "But we cannot be made a fool of. We cannot be made to look weak. We cannot stand down."

"Look." Said the SUB Director, the highest ranking intelligence official in Banija. "Our intelligence agents on the ground have given us an update. The Nepharan troops are not just there to peacekeep. We've got unconfirmed reports that they are on the front. Of course, these are unconfirmed, because there are plenty of groups that have gone to the country to fight now. Samebans. Euran Communists. Nepharan soldiers. YPA soldiers from Yuezhou."

"We have to take stock here, ladies and gentlemen." Said the Minister of Defense. "How committed are the Rushmori nations? How dedicated are they to the cause of Nafuna Akongo? How can you be dedicated to a cause as vile as the KPWC's?"

"Look, if they are both fully dedicated, then we understand- that's game, set, match." Isebantu Mutungi said. "But it's not quite as simple as that. Both nations have domestic political pressures they have to deal with- just like we do. And remember, while the KFF isn't perfect..." An aide cracked a 'that's an understatement' joke, causing laugther around the room. "... As I was saying. While the KFF isn't perfect, it literally cannot get worse than the KPWC. And Max Ulf- well, he seems good intentioned, but you can't trust the DFLK as far as you can throw em."

"Gentlemen, we need to think outside the box here." Said the Kabaka. He wasn't expected to talk here- His Majesty generally liked to listen, and try to build consensus before making a decision. "This situation has changed, fundamentally. We have backed a horse- and we have a duty to see it through. We cannot allow the KFF to simply be wiped out entirely. What will that say about Banija? What will that say about freedom fighting movements everywhere? The fight for freedom has always been a messy one, but allowing that to get crushed by the unholy Akongo/Lindt/Smith alliance would be disastrous."

"We'll see what kind of battlefield results we see. Volunteers are getting into the country. Any chance of a Banijan intervention is probably dead, with Eura staking out this position. Bollonich won't host our troops now." The Kabaka continued. "But whatever we do- we have to make sure that the KFF are in the strongest position possible. We've got to look at that end game. What can happen next? What is the goal here? Can the KFF win this war? Or, of course, can they remain strong enough in the South to force a negotiated settlement?"

"We're going to have to ask ourselves those hard questions. I'm not sure what's going to happen. Nobody knows." The Kabaka said. "But know this- Banija cannot, and will not, leave its ally to flail in the wind. Even if Rushmore slowly lines up behind Nafuna Akongo. And while all parties seemingly wish for us to just go away so that the KPWC can continue their regularly scheduled oppression of the Kitaran people, we will continue to stand up for what is right. In the face of pressure, we must be as firm as a rock- as that is how the Lord makes diamonds."

Banijan Press Release on Nyowani Kitara

"As Nyowani Kitara descends into further Civil War and chaos, the Kingdom of Banija would like to continue to highlight how the KPWC drives this war. They stop at nothing to deceive and achieve a stranglehold over their people, all to empower and enrich those at the top at the expense of the common man. A government led by the Kitara Progressive Worker's Coalition will only lead to further destruction.

As we have previously stated, the Kingdom of Banija stands with the Kitaran people in their revolutionary fight for freedom. Banija wants to work with its Rushmori partners to ensure a quick end to this war, the resignation of the KPWC Government, and a quick turnaround to free and fair elections, as well as offer both humanitarian and econoic aid to the country so that when peace comes, the recovery is possible.

While we remain committed to our partnerships and friends in Bastion and Corvistone, even friends and allies sometimes have disagreements. And that has happened here. Banija, due to our support of the KFF and our history in the nation, has a unique role to play to help bring peace and prosperity, and instead of being silent observers, we will remain engaged actors as the situation continues to develop."

[Chromatika]

Part 1: The Plan
Part 2: The Debrief
Part 3: The Shadow Hand
Part 4: The Explosion
Part 5: The Indictment
Part 6: The Schism

Sports: Clinched! Blanking of Eura and Sylestone Sends Chromatika to World Cup Proper
Juxon Fillar Labeled Man of the Qualifying Cycle

By: Jordan Lawless, Sports Correspondent

Matchday 16: Sylestone 0–1 Chromatika
Goals: Hauser '38
Player of the Match: GK Juxon Fillar (no goals allowed)
Starting XI (4-3-2-1): Fillar, J.; Xiao - de Aea - Ken - Ilya; Humphreys - Armageddon (C) - Kuznetsov; Phoen - Hauser; Vidal.
Substitutes: Anbient -> de Aea ('63), Larriet-Cortes -> Armageddon ('71), Mora -> Phoen ('80)

Matchday 17: Chromatika 2-0 Eura @ Capitalizt Dome, Chromia, Capital District
Goals: Kuznetsov '15, Vidal '64
Player of the Match: AM Alissar Phoen (2 Assists)
Starting XI (4-3-2-1): Fillar, J.; Xiao - de Aea - Ken - Ilya; Humphreys - Armageddon (C) - Kuznetsov; Phoen - Hauser; Vidal.
Substitutes: Fillar, G. -> Xiao ('52), Pomeroy -> Ilya ('67), Croix-Pierre -> Kuznetsov ('74)

CAPITALIZT DOME, CHROMIA, CAPITAL DISTRICT - Juxon Fillar pitched a complete shutout, Alissar Phoen assisted on both goals, and Chromatika put an exclamation point on the six-game winning streak since the bus explosion that injured twelve players to secure qualification to the World Cup Proper for the fourth cycle in a row since the disaster of World Cup 86.

The eldest Fillar, on the sixth straight start since the explosion, was absolutely brilliant against Eura, stopping all seven shots on goal; Chromatika absolutely took care of possession and never looked back.

In the last match of qualifying, Chromatika will be welcoming back Ha'nei Ighv, Baillaire Fillar, and Edith Fillar from injuries. Edith is likely to only play five minutes or so, but the Chromatiks are making a statement by fielding all the Fillars, the pillars of the team in Enigma Armageddon and Henri de Aea, the new face of the attack in Haley Hauser, the workhorse in Keira Anbient, Orianne Marc, and Karra Oveni.

Juxon Fillar would love nothing more than to pitch another shutout before heading to the World Cup Proper. Pedro Menendez-Sutra d'Ame's Lathamford has shocked many by taking a game off of both Eura and Sylestone this qualifying cycle.

"One last chance to work out some kinks," said Juxon Fillar, "While getting some of our players back out there. We're fine."

Chromatik Roster for the Next Match: GK Juxon Fillar, GK Jacob Descombes, GK Van Enax, RB Grayson Fillar, RB Victoire De Saint-Pierre, CB Henri de Aea, CB Keira Anbient, CB Nadezhda Odling, CB Theodore Rondeau, LB Ha'nei Ighv, LB Nina Pomeroy, RM/RW Orianne Marc, RM/RW Barrion Winge, DM Enigma Armageddon, DM Kaia Larriet-Cortes, DM Mare Si, DM Amélie Ju, LM/LW Edith Fillar, LM/LW Helio Hama, AM Baillaire Fillar, AM Haley Hauser, AM Tyoma Laurette, AM Alissar Pheon, ST Karra Oveni, ST Paskal Toussaint

Starting XI (4-3-2-1): Fillar, J.; Fillar, G. - de Aea - Anbient - Ighv; Marc - Armageddon (C) - Fillar, E.; Fillar, B. - Hauser; Oveni.

[Commonwealth of Baker Park]

Time once again for the rundown of the overachievers of WCQ 89, as selected by an expert panel chosen from the Commonwealth soccer media.

If nothing else, this cycle will be remembered as the Cup where the 10th seeds captured the imagination of fans everywhere. In a tournament where seeds have slowly worked their way into the expected finishing order, the Tens have proven to be made of sterner stuff than in years past.

We'll cover the criteria, unofficial and arbitrary as it is: to be considered, the nation in question must be certain, or at least be in a strong position, to finish in a spot in their group table that is at minimum 3 places above their original place at the draw. Honorable mentions are sometimes given to squads that overachieved for a long stretch of the competition but fell back in the later rounds.
Any nations deserving of mention that are overlooked is clearly an error of the crack research staff, and not an attempt to exclude worthy honorees.

Normally we start at the bottom and work our way up, but this time we'll switch it up and leave the biggest group for last.

There were several fourth and fifth seeds that shined bright--although #4's tended to crash out earlier than any of the other pots covering the top 100 KPB ranks--but we'll start with Pot 6, where The Licentian Isles and Chartistan currently lie third in the groups (12 & 1 respectively).

Pot 7: Atheara lead the way here, pushing the Farfs through much of the Group 4 fixture list, with Adab (Group 14), Lathamford (18), Sendhang (5) and Southwest Eastnorth (11) rising above to make things uncomfortable for the leaders.

Pot 8: Milchama (13), Osarius (8), St Eleanor (6) and the embattled Rushmori nation Nyowani Kitara (3) turned heads with their performances.

There were no Pot 9 nations that qualified for this list, which in the past has been the motherload of overachievers from the BOF, but Pot 10 has got that gap covered, and then some.

There can only be one nation that deserves to lead off this honor roll, as Polkopia have held the top two seeds in Group 17 at arms length for the entire second half; with Baker Park and Jeruselem facing one another at the BBP Stadium, there is nothing that will prevent Polkopia from at least advancing to the playoff, if not the actual World Cup Finals.

Mertange threatened to make it a pair of tenth seeds in Group 3 until a late push by Vilita has decided the top of the table; the other three nations in this category--Geisenfried (fifth in Group 2), Kimi-suomi and Ottoman Syldavia (both 6th in groups 12 & 9 respectively) also get well-deserved shout-outs from our panel.

Congratulations to all of the nations that refused to go along and "make up the numbers" during the qualifying; stronger low seeds makes for better competition, as well as stronger and deeper fields in the Cup of Harmony.

Til next time, keep striving to succeed.

___________________________________________________________________________________________

MOE ON SPORT

Moe Carlton
The Daily Mail Sport Columnist

There's a lot of talk at the moment about the National Soccer Team, which is not surprising as there is a great deal of alarmist reaction to the prospect that the squad could fall short in their quest to extend their nine cycle streak of qualifying for the World Cup. The issue will be decided when the NT hosts Jeruselem in the final match of World Cup Qualifying at the BBP Stadium, which has been a house of horrors so far.

I thought I'd do some research into the visitors, and boy let me tell ya, that took a turn into some hinky madness I didn't even know I didn't want to learn.

Ruled by the dynastic House of Dallas, anything that most people in the Commonwealth know about them is what they glean from Naked News Jeruselem, which is definitely a legitimate journalistic organization; according to the information I got from the Satellite & Cable TV Division audience measurement figures for the six months ending in August, NNJ is the highest rated satellite channel between 11pm & 7am in the Commonwealth.

That itself is a list that is a strange mix of esoterica that says as much about the nations that broadcast it as it does about the people of Baker Park who indulge in consuming it: a Fleftic channel that shows old sitcoms and soap operas; someplace in Esportiva that has live dog racing track feeds with no commentary, along with how-to cooking shows (I'm half tempted to say Tumbra is the source, but don't quote me); death metal music videos from Tikariot; Korean language game shows overdubbed into French, with English subtitles, ostensibly from Quebec; and black & white videos of classic soccer matches from World Cups 1 through 30, courtesy of Audioslavia.

But I digress. The National Team will need only to not lose on the day against Jeruselem to avoid being eliminated, which puts them in a better situation that Banija, who also have a qualifying streak on the line but will need help.


Moe on Sport appears twice weekly and every other Sunday

[Geisenfried]

The Final Showdowns: Group 2 at a Glance

X	Brenecia	Huelavia	Squidroidia	Kohnhead	Geisenfried	Le Choix	Moliza	Garifunya	Txakhaxi	Britland
Brenecia	------------	W(4-2) | D(4-4)	W(3-2) | D(1-1)	W(2-1) | W(2-1)	W(1-0) | L(0-1)	W(1-0) | L(0-1)	W(3-0) | D(0-0)	W(3-0) | W(3-2)	W(1-0) | W(2-1)	W(4-0)[A]
Huelavia	D(4-4) | L(2-4)	------------	W(3-2) | D(1-1)	W(2-0) | W(2-1)	W(4-1) | W(2-0)	W(2-0)[H]	D(0-0) | D(2-2)	W(2-0) | L(1-4)	D(0-0) | W(2-0)	W(3-1) | W(1-0)
Squidroidia	D(1-1) | L(2-3)	D(1-1) | L(2-3)	------------	W(1-0) | D(2-2)	W(1-0)[A]	W(1-0) | W(1-0)	D(2-2) | L(0-1)	W(3-0) | W(2-0)	W(3-0) | W(1-0)	W(2-0) | W(3-0)
Kohnhead	L(1-2) | L(1-2)	L(1-2) | L(0-2)	D(2-2) | L(0-1)	------------	W(1-0) | W(1-0)	W(1-0) | D(0-0)	W(3-0)[H]	W(3-0) | W(3-2)	W(6-0) | W(4-0)	W(5-0) | W(2-0)
Geisenfried	W(1-0) | L(0-1)	L(0-2) | L(1-4)	L(0-1)[H]	L(0-1) | L(0-1)	------------	W(1-0) | D(2-2)	W(4-0) | W(1-0)	W(4-1) | W(3-2)	W(3-0) | D(0-0)	W(3-0) | W(1-0)
Le Choix	W(1-0) | L(0-1)	L(0-2)[A]	L(0-1) | L(0-1)	D(0-0) | L(0-1)	D(2-2) | L(0-1)	------------	W(4-1) | W(4-0)	D(0-0) | L(1-3)	W(1-0) | W(2-0)	W(3-0) | W(2-0)
Moliza	D(0-0) | L(0-3)	D(2-2) | D(0-0)	W(1-0) | D(2-2)	L(0-3)[A]	L(0-1) | L(0-4)	L(0-4) | L(1-4)	------------	W(4-0) | L(1-5)	W(3-2) | W(2-0)	D(0-0) | W(4-3)
Garifunya	L(2-3) | L(0-3)	W(4-1) | L(0-2)	L(0-2) | L(0-3)	L(2-3) | L(0-3)	L(2-3) | L(1-4)	W(3-1) | D(0-0)	W(5-1) | L(0-4)	------------	W(2-1)[A]	W(2-1) | D(3-3)
Txakhaxi	L(1-2) | L(0-1)	L(0-2) | D(0-0)	L(0-1) | L(0-3)	L(0-4) | L(0-6)	D(0-0) | L(0-3)	L(0-2) | L(0-1)	L(0-2) | L(2-3)	L(1-2)[H]	------------	W(3-0) | W(2-1)
Britland	L(0-4)[H]	L(0-1) | L(1-3)	L(0-3) | L(0-2)	L(0-2) | L(0-5)	L(0-1) | L(0-3)	L(0-2) | L(0-3)	L(3-4) | D(0-0)	D(3-3) | L(1-2)	L(1-2) | L(0-3)	------------

Key:

- Dark green indicates two wins (6 points), Teal indicates a win and a draw (4 points), Brown indicates a win apiece (3 points), Dark blue indicates two draws (2 points), Purple indicates a draw and a loss (1 point), Dark red indicates two losses (0 points). Light green indicates a victory with one match between the two outstanding, while Light red indicates a loss with one match between the two outstanding. There are no matchups featuring a draw and one match between the two outstanding.
- First match is the home leg, second match is the away leg - order of the matchdays was not taken into consideration.
- [H]ome and [A]way indicate the leg of the match played from left to right, the leg of the match remaining, from top to bottom.

Matchday 18:
Huelavia (10-5-2) 35 pts., 33-20 +13 GD at Le Choix (7-3-7) 24 pts., 20-13 +7 GD | Previous match: Huelavia 2, Le Choix 0 -
In truth, this is the one match that really matters, as if Huelavia wins this one the rest no longer do. Le Choix have definitely shown sparks and can make magic at home, where they have suffered only a single loss to Squidroidia - every other match they've played in their own confines they've managed points in, which much be of great comfort for the two teams behind Huelavia. But Le Choix has been a team on the downturn as of late - only 4 points after MD11, with a win over Moliza in MD14 and a draw against Kohnhead in MD16. Indeed, more than half of Le Choix's points come from their magnificent start, which saw them go 4-1-0, and included a victory over Brenecia. If that team shows up, Huelavia might be in trouble, but after a rough first half of qualifying, the Huelavians have made strides in the second half, going 6-1-1 with only a loss against Brenecia and a draw against Moliza, who the Huelavians never quite figured out. As it stands, however, one must suspect that the most likely scenario is Huelavia advancing into the playoff round.

Geisenfried (9-2-6) 29 pts., 24-15 +9 GD at Squidroidia (10-4-3) 34 pts., 28-13 +15 GD | Previous match: Squidroidia 1, Geisenfried 0 -
If Le Choix was the early bloomer, with most of its points coming in the first five matches, then Geisenfried is surely the late bloomer, with most of its points coming in the last five matches. Indeed, Geisenfried has been on fire of late, with 5 consecutive victories making them the hottest team in the group and only one of five teams in the world currently with that long of a winning streak, along with Chromatika, Mercedini, Mytanija and Starblaydia. That's the sort of company one could hope to keep. Though the competition they've been facing over the last stretch hasn't been the most threatening, a solid victory over Brenecia has meant that it hasn't all been fluky. Squidroidia, on the other hand, most certainly has been feeling the pain of disappointment. Leading the group at MD15, perhaps the pressure of leading got to them, as they dropped a game against Moliza and had to settle for a draw against Kohnhead, leaving them suddenly on the outside looking in. If pressure is the problem, a match against the hot-streaking Geisenfried team may not be the solution the team is hoping for. Still, of the teams still looking to reach the World Cup, they have the advantage of the only one being on their home field - something they'll hope to make hay out of after two disappointing away results.

Kohnhead (10-2-5) 32 pts., 34-13 +21 GD at Moliza (5-5-7) 20 pts., 20-33 -13 GD | Previous match: Kohnhead 3, Moliza 0 -
If you wanted a couple words to describe Kohnhead, the ones you'd have to choose are "remarkably consistent". Up until MD15, they had not registered a single draw. Indeed, they had taken to the world rankings like a religious doctrine - scoring victories against every team they played that were below them in the world rankings and taking defeats against every team above them in the world rankings. Their last two matches changed things up by scoring a single point in both of them, but those matches were - wait for it - against the two teams bracketing them in the world rankings in the group. They have an almost admirable symmetry. Facing them is perhaps the least predictable of the group in Moliza - who in six matches against the top 3 teams have registered 7 points, one win, four draws and a loss - the best record against the top three out of any of the other seven teams in the group. They're capable of making noise and have made admirable progress after ending the first half with only a single win, but looking at the statistics, you have to think that Kohnhead has a large advantage - while a goal differential gap of 6 covers each of the other two matchups, the gap between these two is 34. Still, stranger things have happened, especially with Moliza. If you're supporting Kohnhead, meanwhile, you have to take heart that your two rivals have to overcome the two teams that have managed to beat Brenecia this qualifying sessions. But at the same time, you must recognize that the gap that's standing between you means that you're still the longest shot left. For a team so consistent, luck is now playing a maddeningly important role.

Txakhaxi at Garifunya can only change the standings if Garifunya wins and Moliza loses, moving them up into 7th and Moliza into 8th, but has no relevance to qualification. Britland at Brenecia has no impact regardless of result.

If:

- Huelavia wins, Huelavia advances to playoffs, regardless of other results - they have a very outside chance of qualifying directly, though it needs favorable results from 16 other matches to be possible.
- Huelavia does not win and Squidroidia does, Squidroidia advances to playoffs, regardless of Kohnhead's result. They cannot qualify directly.
- Huelavia draws and Squidroidia does not win, Huelavia advances to playoffs, regardless of Kohnhead's result. They cannot qualify directly in this fashion.
- Huelavia loses, Squidroidia draws and Kohnhead does not win, Squidroidia advances to playoffs thanks to goal differential tiebreaker.
- Huelavia loses, Squidroidia does not win and Kohnhead wins, Kohnhead advances to playoffs thanks to goal differential tiebreaker. They cannot qualify directly, either.

Huelavia must win AND
- Two of the following three must happen:
1. In Group 1, the Independent Athletes of Quebec must lose to Starblaydia, and the swing in goal differential must be 13 in Huelavia's favor (ex. IA of Quebec loses by 6, Huelavia wins by 7).
2. In Group 3, Vilita must lose to Kandorith.
3. In Group 12, Kelssek must lose to Darkmania, and the Huelavia must win by more than 1, Kelssek lose by more than 1 or Huelavia score more than 3 goals than Kelssek.
- All of the following must happen (unless all three of the previous happen, in which case three of four must happen):
4. In Group 5, Valanora must not defeat Treekidistan. If Valanora draws, Huelavia must have a winning margin of greater than 12.
5. In Group 10, Siovanija and Teusland must not defeat Democratic Kingdom of South India. If Siovanija and Teusland draw, Huelavia must have a winning margin of greater than 2. In addition, if Poafmersia win against Rangers FC AND Siovanija and Teusland do not, Poafmersia cannot have a winning margin more than 1 greater than Huelavia's.
6. In Group 11, Zwangzug must not defeat Southwest Eastnorth. If Zwangzug draws, Huelavia must have a winning margin of greater than 3. In addition, Banija must not defeat Cheetahs and Reptiles Coalition.
7. In Group 13, Sargossa must not defeat St. Trinians OR Turori must lose to Tjun-ia and the swing in goal differential must be 12 in Huelavia's favor.
- All of the following must happen (unless all of the previous have happened, in which case 2 of 3 may happen):
8. In Group 9, If Squornshelan Remnant States win against Nephara, Huelavia's winning margin must be 12 greater.
9. In Group 17, If Commonwealth of Baker Park win against Jeruselem, Huelavia's winning margin must be 6 greater OR Polkopia must lose to the Jovannic OR if Polkopia draw against the Jovannic, Huelavia's winning margin must be at least 4.
10. In Group 18, If Eura win against Darmen, Huelavia's winning margin must be 8 greater.
- All of the following must happen (unless all of the previous have happened, in which case 1 of 2 may happen):
11. In Group 4, Atheara must not defeat Valladares by a greater margin than Huelavia does against Le Choix. If they have the same margin, Atheara cannot score more than 4 more goals than Huelavia.
12. In Group 8, Trolleborg must not defeat Ethane by a greater margin than Huelavia does against Le Choix. If they have the same margin, Trolleborg cannot score more than 12 more goals than Huelavia.

---

Garifunya 2 - 3 Geisenfried
Agustin (14'), Grüneberg (23'), Eberhardt (37'), den Hoek (55'), Christensen (72')

Geisenfried 1 - 0 Le Choix
Voight (42')

[Lathamford]

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Matchday	Game				Arena						Game Sponsor		Number of spectators
MD1:		Lathamford 1-0. Darmen		@Thousandforks National Arena (30,000)		Aeroford					27,256
MD3:		Lathamford 1-0 Sylestone	@Thousandforks National Arena (30,000)		LathamOil					29,298
MD5:		Lathamford 0-1 Talamia		@Thousandforks National Arena (30,000)		LathaMines					27,122
MD6:		Lathamford 1-0 Srednjaci	@Thousandforks National Arena (30,000)		LathamLube					27,188
MD8:		Lathamford 1-0 Melbergia	@Thousandforks National Arena (30,000)		Organic Councils				29,801
MD11:		Lathamford 1-2 Schima Bas	@Thousandforks National Arena (30,000)		Franco deWolf International Airport		26,378
MD13:		Lathamford 1-0 Eura		@Thousandforks National Arena (30,000)		Farrowdraft Corporation				29,901
MD16:		Lathamford 1-0 Agresos		@Thousandforks National Arena (30,000)		Sprowston Energy				24,112
MD18:		Lathamford vs. Chromatik	@Thousandforks National Arena (30,000)		Rookfish Technology

Included are spectator statistics to Thousandforks National Arena during World Cup Qualification 89 matches which can be recorded for eight of the nine home games of the Lathamford national team for your information. The top three in the most-watched match were, MD13, Lathamford vs. Eura, 29,901 spectators, MD8 when against Melbergia, 29,801, and MD3 when beating Sylestone, 29,298 spectators. MD16 recorded the lowest attendance, as Lathamford beat Agresos, 24,112 spectators.

[TJUN-ia]

By Peter Davis

FT: Sargossa 4-3 TJUN-ia
FT: TJUN-ia 4-2 Sevendia
FT: Raspotochje 2-4 TJUN-ia
FT: TJUN-ia 6-1 St Trinians

How could you ever possibly describe the last 4 games of football to you all? Simple: TJUN-ia is still alive heading into the final day, but only just.

That duel with the Corsairs of Sargossa is where we fell to our lowest point. This game had it all and at the later stages, both Jags and Corsairs were tied at 3-3 (Podolov (2) and Green getting the TJUN goals, Manzanares (2) and Bienvenida for the hosts) but the death knell would come late on through Diego Alejandro Costa. The home fans were going ballistic and at that point, many thought that we were destined to fail in our quest to make this WC in particular before captain Donaldson leaves us once and for all.

But football has a way of crawling you back in during times of need and the Jags won 3 straight from there on out. Playing Sevendia in Szensky was expected to see 7 goals, but there were only six...hometown hero Podolov scored 3 of them in a 4-2 win and with the Corsairs falling in Milchama, the gap was back to 2 points. The game in Raspotochje was a rehash of the Sevendia game, with Green getting the hattrick this time and Ranoria losing to the Eels. St Trinians then came to TJUN-ia City in what could've been the final home game of this campaign and it was the Ulawaya-Donaldson show, both getting hattricks to the roar of the crowd while Ranoria's defeat to current UWC holders Pyazhnaya meant that heading into the final day, 3 teams were still in the running for progression to the WC or the Playoffs: Turori (WC/PL), Sargossa (WC/PL) and TJUN-ia (PL).

The stage is set. The Jags play the Eels at the Cednia Beach Center in Cednia while the Corsairs play the Anarchal Matriarchy at the National Stadium in Searle. The only way TJUN-ia can make the playoffs and continue their dreams of qualification is if both they and St Trinians win on the final day. Doesn't matter the scoreline, so long as Turori and Sargossa both lose.

Is this improbable? Yes. But will Seems and Li still give it everything they've got? Abso-fucking-lutely. GO JAGS!

---

SCHEDULE (Group 13)
MD1: @Pyazhnaya (181) - Krasnograd Dome, Krasnograd D 3-3 (T-4th)
----------------------BOOT IT!----------------------
MD2: vs Ranoria (79) - National Stadium, TJUN-ia City W 3-2 (4th)
MD3: @Hispinas (126) - Estadio Nacional en el Castill, Mandrid D 2-2 (T-3rd)
----------------------BOOT IT!----------------------
MD4: @Milchama (220) D 0-0 (5th)
MD5: vsSargossa (41) - Beregozera Stadium, Szensky L 0-2 (6th)
----------------------BOOT IT!----------------------
MD6: @Sevenida (UR) - Seven Stadium, Seven W 2-0 (3rd)
MD7: vs Raspotochje (336) - Tiankong Stadium, Tiankong W 3-2 (3rd)
----------------------BOOT IT!----------------------
MD8: @St Trinians (97) - National Stadium, Searle L 1-4 (5th)
MD9: vs Turori (2) - National Stadium, TJUN-ia City W 2-1 (4th/4-3-2/15pts/+0GD/UWC Holders)
----------------------BOOT IT!----------------------
MD10: vs Pyazhnaya (181) - Beregozera Stadium, Szensky W 5-2 (4th/UWC Holders)
MD11: @Ranoria (79) - Smith Field, Richardson D 0-0 (4th/UWC Holders)
----------------------BOOT IT!----------------------
MD12: vs Hispinas (126) - Tiankong Stadium, Tiankong W 5-3 (3rd/UWC Holders)
MD13: vs Milchama (220) - Tiankong Stadium, Tiankong W 3-0 (3rd/UWC Holders)
----------------------BOOT IT!----------------------
MD14: @Sargossa (41) - Independienté, Goza L 3-4 (4th)
MD15: vs Sevendia (UR) - Beregozera Stadium, Szensky W 4-2 (4th)
----------------------BOOT IT!----------------------
MD16: @Raspotochje (336) W 4-2 (3rd)
MD17: vs St Trinians (97) - National Stadium, TJUN-ia City W 6-1 (3rd/need to win and STT to beat SAR to qualify)
----------------------BOOT IT!----------------------
MD18: @Turori (2) - Cednia Beach Center, Cednia

[Ko-oren]

And so the sun is about to set on the 80s. In a few months, we're looking ahead to World Cup 90 and its qualification, and we'll soon forget how monumentally great the 80s have been for us. 279 games played for 169 wins (not yet including 89s qualifiers). Seven World Cups made with a chance to add an eighth. In all of Ko-oren's history up to the 80s, we've only made nine World Cups - just this 'decade' alone nearly doubled that. More than half of our knockout games have taken place in the 80s. We've now played our first quarterfinal, semifinal, and final.

Something we haven't done in the 80s: a qualification playoff. The Dragonflies have been involved in these cursed affairs six times (for World Cups 60, 64, 65, 68, 72, and 74). For a moment we'd almost forget they exist. I for one would love for them to not exist. At the same time, the Dragonflies haven't been completely useless at them: in four out of six cases, we were the ones ending up in the main tournament - and that's not even considering the double-rounded playoffs like for World Cup 68.

Man, our last playoff really was 15 cycles ago. That is one broken streak right there.

World Cup 60: Vilita beat us 2-0 back when there was a canyon between our skill level and theirs. The Covians beat Cosumar in the second round of the playoffs, then finished third behind Andossa Se Mitrin Vega and Cassadaigua. A sorry end to the cycle for all three of us - but it was still a milestone. The Dragonflies caught a whiff of their first World Cup - though they wouldn't get another shot until...

World Cup 64: A home and away affair versus Mytannion (not to be confused with Mytanija), with such spectacular results as 0-0 and 1-0, as you'd expect from these two teams. Luckily, the only goal fell into the Mytannion goal and the Dragonflies had their first berth. An underwhelming three games later, we finished third behind the Holy Empire and the Sylvanaes Queendom - though ahead of Eura, our first win at the big dance. That win was 5 goals to 2(???????)

World Cup 65: Unable to secure direct qualification once again, the team was back in limbo in the very next cycle. A thrilling 0-0 and 1-0, this time versus Maklohi Vai, saw us qualify for our second time - and also saw our second straight third placed exit. The Polar Islandstates - who had been in our Baptism of Fire but qualified for, and won, a World Cup before our first invitation to the top 32 - finished first, and the Sylvanaes Queendom finished second. At least we kept Farfadillis behind us.

World Cup 68: After a few not completely terrible years, the inevitable happened and we were in the playoffs again. Now, these playoffs were two-rounded and absolutely gargantuan, involving group winners and everything. It wouldn't surprise you that our national team won its group but still ended up in purgatory, again versus Mytannion, only this time the Mytanar won 3-0 after a 0-0. A playoff series with the German American States followed, and we lost on away goals, on a day better known as Red Wednesday.

World Cup 72: It took a while, but Ko-oren was now part of the vaguely defined group of 'yeah one of those teams that qualify every now and again, but more often than not', but that doesn't make you immune to purgatory. Chiata stood in our way, but a 2-1 win and a 2-2 away draw weren't enough to send us home. Instead, a group with Equestrian States and Audioslavia (1st and 2nd) was. Our only win came against the team in fourth, Gregoryisgodistan. This was also the height of "Ko-oren 1-0 Opponent" as our stat line in Group E read "Ko-oren 1 win, 1 draw, 1 loss, 1 goal scored, 1 goal conceded, 0 goal difference". Those were the days.

World Cup 74: Our last run-in with the multiverse's most anticipated but least enjoyed matches came in 74. As one of the seeded parties, we played Stvoto Latoli for two 2-0 wins. For the first time, the Dragonflies made the knockouts after a playoff: two wins and a draw over Pasarga, Turori, and Szavoda won us the group... only to get beaten up by Nephara in our fifth attempt at a World Cup quarterfinal. Needless to say, Ko-oren went 0-5 in Rounds of 16 (a curse that wouldn't be broken for a while after that) as the fancy duck team won on penalties.

Nephara won that World Cup. Nephara won two World Cups in total. I don't think I need to remind you of their final opponent in their second win. Fuck the ducks.

So, should the Dragonflies lose their playoffs, history says Nephara isn't winning the World Cup, so that would be the one upside. Losing the playoff would also mean an end to the six-time qualification streak. At the same time, since finally winning a Round of 16 in World Cup, things would only have been going down, from a 3rd place in the group stage at the 88th edition... to the hypothetical playoff loss in 89. We should also go to the Cup of Harmony in that case, a competition we haven't been in since just after the WC82 qualification campaign.

---

On that topic, how come the Dragonflies have taken so long to secure qualification? Is this team really worse than the previous ones? In six consecutive qualifications, how early (or late) have we completed our goal?

World Cup 83: After 11 out of 12 matchdays, finished in 1st, 6 points over the runner up.
World Cup 84: After 19 out of 20 matchdays, finished in 2nd, 3 points behind winner and five points ahead of the runner up. After 19 MDs we were confirmed to be one of the best runners up, confirmed for direct qualification.
World Cup 85: After 24 out of 24 tiring matchdays, finished 2nd, 14 (!!!) points behind the winner (THE) and one point ahead of the runner up. All group winners and runners up qualified (from 15 groups).
World Cup 86: After 16 out of 18 MDs. After 15 MDs we have clinched a playoff spot. We finished 8 points over second place.
World Cup 87: After 16 out of 18 MDs. We finished with a 4 point lead after losing to the runner up on MD18 - which had no consequence for us but sent them to the playoffs.
World Cup 88: After 16 out of 18 MDs. We ended up with a 7 point lead.

World Cup 89: After 17 out of 18 MDs, clinched playoffs. Beat group leader on MD17 (3-1). Teams in 1st, 3rd and 4th all lost on MD17. Lol.

---

So this is the way the 80s end. Not with a bang? But with a whimper?

[Hispinas]

OOC: On mobile right now, short RP for the meantime and may have some typos.

Harrokeria opens its store to foreign clients

Harrokeria Outfitters has just gone international.

The shirt providers have recently launched a website to take orders for the either basketball or football. Users or interested parties have to visit the site and fill up a form for the orders to be considered by the company.Once once the orders are received, Harrokeria will process them at least 1 day upon receipt of the order.

A sample product would be Anneyong Oppa for regular customers, and a 3D kit for 'diamond' clients, those who have won silverware or are considered as international or regional powerhouses in the sport.

Anyone interested can pick up their tablets or go in front of their computers and visit the Harrokeria website.

Harrokeria, the official kit providers of the Hispinas National football team.

[Squornshelan Remnant States]

It’s All Down to This
Salwan Mynhier

After rattling off four straight wins since their loss to Tumbra, the Black-and-Reds sit second in the group with 35 points. Just two points behind, having been held to draws against Eraman and Huayramarca, sit Tumbra themselves. Tumbra will travel to Ottoman Syldavia for their final match at Red Bull Stadium. The Syldavians have proven a more troublesome opponent than expected for many of the higher ranked teams in Group 9, including on matchday five when they went blow for blow with the Black-and-Reds for a three-all draw. If they can duplicate that result against Tumbra, the Confederacy would go through regardless of their own result. The test in Damogran is quite a bit sterner though. Group leaders Nephara come to pay a visit. They have already qualified as group winners, but will be looking to build momentum heading into the World Cup, preparing for what they no doubt hope will be a deep run into the knockouts, or even another championship. Still, any point earned by the Black-and-Reds will likely put them into the playoff, as Tumbra have a deficit of eight in goal differential they would need to overcome should the two teams finish even on points. In addition, Eraman, sitting fourth on 32 points are technically not eliminated yet. With the right combination of results, namely a win, a Tumbra loss or draw, an SRS loss and a combined margin of victory between the Eraman and SRS matches of 16 or greater. It’s a big, big stretch, but stranger things have definitely happened.

In order for the Black-and-Reds to hold their position and advance to the playoff, the things that have been going right for them over the past months need to keep going right. Foremost among those things is the attack. Against Delaclava and the Ochre Islands, they piled up nine more goals, giving them 32 so far in the second half of qualifying, and an overall total of 55. Only runaway Group 1 winners Starblaydia can claim a stronger stable of strikers, with their absurd total of 62 goals scored. The attack’s success can be attributed in part to contributions from a variety of players, including some who were previously not receiving as much playing time. Damnagoras has been an excellent introduction in the center, and multiple players have made an impact on the wings, not only Naqvi and Yonte the usual starters, but Popov, Feidhlim, Starosta, and Hocij as well. In the midfield, Tabur has established herself as a steady presence lying deep, whether winning back possession or making insightful passes forward, showing how she earned herself the captain’s armband at Torpedo. This has allowed the use of Hashemi, Zazagan and Volam in a rotating fashion, giving Groothuis the luxury of picking whichever players are in the best form and fitness for each match. Over the past couple cycles under Groothuis, the Black-and-Reds have quietly taken steps in the direction of becoming a team who can field a “B Team” and still expect to win much of the time, at least with regard to the attack.

The defense has been a little more hit and miss during this stretch. On some occasions they’ve played well enough, holding Eraman, the Ochre Islands, and Northwest Kalactin to a single goal each for example. On other occasions, though. They’ve looked a bit shakier, most recently allowing four goals to Delaclava at home. Now, some of that can be written off to a sublime performance by Dathan Ingram, as the finest back line in the multiverse would have struggled to contain the diminutive striker, but that only accounts for two of the goals. The positive takeaway, of course, is that Groothuis had them playing considerably tighter in their visit to New Ranton, with only a late screamer launched by Martin Thomas from extreme range spoiling Shimski’s clean sheet. It is also some comfort that the Phoenixes managed to put three goals past Nephara in their second match of the most recent international window.

Both ends of the field will be put to the sternest test of qualifying in Damogran this weekend though. The fourth-ranked Cormorants, as you’d guess from their position atop the table, have been the best and most well-rounded team of the group. They have Group 9's second-best goalscoring record behind the Black-and-Reds, but also the second-best defensive record behind Tumbra. They also aren’t exactly resting on their laurels after clinching direct qualification. Triffid Ramsey has opted to call on all her best for the visit to the Confederacy, probably a good decision from the Nepharan perspective. The last competitive match before heading to a World Cup with a real chance to win it all is no time for complacency after all. The nation may be distracted by the spiraling crisis in Nyowani Kitara, but this team's focus is strong. Groothuis will have to find a way to get the best out of her back line against this talented attack, to allow enough players to go forward to pick their way through the enthusiastically physical Nepharim standing between them and the goal. As for Ottoman Syldavia, we certainly know they have it in them to take points off a higher seed, they've done it often enough to this point. Hopefully their result won't matter though.

Home Schedule and Venues:

FRND: SRS 0-1 HUE @ Olympiastad (cap. 47,550), Arkintoofle, Megabrantis, SRS

MD01: ERM 2-1 SRS @ Daulapura Stadium (cap. 40,000), Daulapura, Daula, ERM
MD02: SRS 4-0 MTU @ Lugina Computing Field (cap. 20,450), Yassaca, Sivolvia, SRS
MD03: HUA 3-1 SRS @ Estadio Metropolitano del Guayas (cap. 62,000), Guayaquil, HUA
MD04: SRS 2-1 TMB @ Sunergy Field (cap 37,550), Hunian, Algolia, SRS
MD05: OSY 3-3 SRS @ Red Bull Stadium, OSY
MD06: SRS 4-1 NWK @ Malgacorp Arena (cap. 29,350), Hensha, Megabrantis, SRS
MD07: DEL 3-3 SRS @ Golden Phoenix Field (cap. 150,000), DNAC, Catherina, DEL
MD08: SRS 4-0 OCI @ Slavnarzeczpospolitastadion (cap. 61,230), Lublova, Molvania, SRS
MD09: NPH 3-1 SRS @ Farham Arena (cap. 88,046), Sabrefell, NPH
MD10: SRS 4-1 ERM @ Synesoft Arena (cap. 38,600), Syneca, Sivolvia, SRS
MD11: MTU 1-2 SRS @ TBA
MD12: SRS 7-3 HUA @ Raftel Park (cap. 59,870), Chalesm, Megabrantis, SRS
MD13: TMB 2-0 SRS @ Trenton Park, (cap. 74,500), Lakewood, Severn, TMB
MD14: SRS 4-2 OSY @ Eichlen Stadium (cap. 37,500), Rudlit, West Flania, SRS
MD15: NWK 1-6 SRS @ TBA
MD16: SRS 5-4 DEL @ Castle Street (cap. 57,300), Jaglan, Algolia, SRS
MD17: OCI 1-4 SRS @ Emperor Boston Stadium, (cap. 60,000), New Ranton, OCI
MD18: SRS  v  NPH @ Albrechtsson Park (cap. 65,400), Damogran, Algolia, SRS

[Adab]

Saturday, March 3, 2035 / 23 Dhu al-Hijjah 1456
Krytenia 2-2 Adab
Adab scorers: Yargab (59’), Yissakar (80’)

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Saturday, March 17, 2035 / 7 Muharram 1457
Adab 3-2 Pasarga
Yissakar (45’), Akaptaha (77’), Yargab (90’+2) | Szölösi (27’), Nagy (90’+1)

OOC: As a general rule I will not choose the opposition goalscorers for matches that I will not actually RP. Feel free to pick your scorers and RP them if you haven’t already.

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

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Saturday, March 17, 2035 / 7 Muharram 1457
Adab 3-2 Pasarga
Yissakar (45’), Akaptaha (77’), Yargab (90’+2) | Szölösi (27’), Nagy (90’+1)

NEWS | WORLD CUP 89 QUALIFIERS
By: Elymur Amwan

In elimination, Adab achieve their greatest victory

They would not qualify for the World Cup proper, but Adab’s injury-time winner against Pasarga, ranked ninth in the world, in the qualifiers seals a victory which will be remembered for many years – and may very well have marked the moment Adab truly became a power in international football.

Adab’s 1-1 draw against Krytenia on March 3 had put an end on any realistic hope of qualifying for World Cup 89, with Krytenia and Pasarga safely occupying first and second places in Group 14 with 39 and 37 points. Adab themselves were in third place with 31 points.

But Krytenia and Pasarga were ranked 40th and ninth in the world, respectively, coming into the qualifiers; Adab were 139th. For a team which had spent virtually the entirety of the qualifiers punching above their weight, reaching third place was already quite the accomplishment in and of itself. The draw with Krytenia was greeted with pleasant surprise in Adab, but there was little expectation that they would be able to do the same – or even more – with Pasarga.

Nevertheless, Adab manager Saad Kaykali was determined to have “as good a farewell” to the qualifiers as possible, telling journalists as he emerged off the team bus and into the Adab City Stadium, “We’re always here to win, not to settle for a draw or a loss. We will do our best and try to win all our remaining matches.”

The match started as an even struggle between the two teams – and it would remain that way for the entirety of the match. The match at the 76,500-capacity stadium was officially sold out, and the deafening roars and cheers of the Adabian fans reverberated across the building from kickoff to the final whistle. Yet the thousands of Pasargans who had made the journey to Adab refused to let themselves drown under the noise, chanting and hollering in support of their team throughout the match.

The match would be won and lost at midfield. Emma Arthur, growing into her role as vice-captain, rallied her fellow Adabians on the pitch as she, Alulim Sinmuballit, and Ephraim Orlev battled the likes of Vojmil Topić, Szalyk Földessy, Márió Szölösi, and Erik Földessy for the ball, showing grit and determination against the team ranked 130 places above them. Sinmuballit deserves special mention for his tireless movement and physical style of play, setting himself up against Szölösi, preventing him from venturing deep into Adab’s half of the pitch and linking with his fellow Pasargans, denting his playmaking abilities.

Adab had a chance to score in the 19th minute, as Jushur al-Kufa broke past Tabor Csikós and Laborc Szöllössy and swept down the wing with little resistance as the home fans cheered him on. As he turned for the penalty box, however, he found those two same players again blocking his way, having sprinted ahead him to the box. Finding the path to the goal rapidly narrowing, al-Kufa made an attempt for it anyway, shooting the ball right past Csikós, but it ended up hitting the crossbar and bouncing back out of the penalty box.

Indeed, the Pasargans would be the first to score. The pressure from the four Pasargans at midfield were gradually proving too much for Arthur and her fellow Adabian midfielders, and in the 27th minute Szölösi took the ball from under Sinmuballit’s foot and made a dash for it, as the Adabians rapidly retreated to defend their box. Running down the center of the pitch and straight for the box, Szölösi found his path heavily defended and appeared to turn on his toes to pass to Elek Salai on the left wing.

But he didn’t. Szölösi could not enter the box without having the Adabians converge on him, but he could fire off the ball from well outside the box. As he turned to Salai and noticed the Adabians scrambling towards the latter, Szölösi spotted a sizable gap Adab’s wall of defense between Tansu Altun and Yousif Issou. He quickly turned again on his toes and, with a powerful strike, sent the ball speeding through the gap and right into the net, past the unsuspecting keeper Satchit Chandrasekar.

And that was it. The Pasargans were now up 0-1 on enemy territory, but there was still a long way to go in the match, and the Adabians refused to give up. They became even more aggressive, backed by the increasingly louder and never-ending chants of their fans, and Adab manager Saad Kaykali could be seen gesticulating wildly from the sidelines, barking orders at his players to mark the most dangerous Pasargan players. Adab’s defense went into overdrive, with Szölösi, Salai, and Boriska Nagy up front becoming their prime targets. Taymour Frangieh and his fellow defenders worked to isolate those three from each other, limiting the potency of Pasarga’s attacks. Whenever the Pasargans looked to be in danger of breaching the penalty box, the Adabians would rapidly retreat en masse in a “park the bus” show, throwing no fewer than seven players onto the box to stop their opponents.

Considering the intensity of the Pasargan attacks, it was quite the surprise to see the Adabians equalize in just 18 minutes. As the half-time break approached, the Adabians gradually pushed their opponents to the midfield and even to their own half of the field, with an energetic Arthur, Sinmuballit, and Orlev pacing back and forth, outrunning their opposition’s midfielders and delivering the ball with increasing regularity to the front three of Rebekah Yissakar, Jushur al-Kufa, and Enlilbani Yargab. And the honor of equalizing would fall to Yissakar; she received the ball from Orlev in the 44th minute, barely avoiding Lõrinc Vass, who instead slipped and fell as he attempted to put himself between Yissakar and the ball. Yissakar then slipped past Asztrik Szalay on her way to the penalty box. Keeper Szescõ Mezei advanced too far to greet Yissakar, and she blasted the ball past him into the open goal. With the first half coming to an end, the score now stood at 1-1 to the jubilation of the Adabian fans.

The second half was also an even fight, with the ball regularly being traded between the two sides and no team having clear dominance over the possession. Adab could have added to their lead in the 56th minute, but al-Kufa’s pass to Yargab, who was already waiting in the box, instead found Szöllössy, who promptly carried the ball away to safety. On the other hand, Pasarga’s own golden chance was denied in the 66th minute; Nagy had broken free of the Adabian defenders and sprinted towards the box. The defenders quickly split into two columns, flanking Nagy and converging on her as she crossed the line into the box. Nagy attempted to pass the ball behind her to Salai, but the latter had been blocked by Yargab, who had dropped deep to stop the Pasargan offensive.

The close-quarters, physical style of play and man-marking had taken their toll on both teams, and they both made substitutions in the 68th minute. On the Pasargan side, Ilona Kárpáty and Eustacio Corral Magana came on for Szölösi and Salai, respectively. Kaykali sent Amara Emmita and Kastiliasu Akaptaha, both stalwarts of the under-21 team which made the final of the Di Bradini Cup and now also substitutes for the senior team, onto the pitch to replace Orlev and al-Kufa. Placing key positions in midfield and the offense in the hands of two young players was a risky move, but Kaykali hoped that their energy and already-proven capabilities could carry the team forward for the rest of the match.

It paid off, big time. In the 77th minute, Akaptaha received the ball from Sinmuballit. In an impressive show of agility and athleticism – and the reason why he has been dubbed by many as the “next big thing” in Adabian football – the 20-year-old zigzagged his way past Csikós, Szöllössy, Szalay, and Vass as he linked up with Yargab just outside the penalty box. Yargab dribbled his way into the box, but as Mezei launched himself at him Yargab sent the ball back to Akaptaha, a few feet behind and to his left, who slammed the ball past Csikós and into the net as the Adabian fans cheered and sang.

For the first time, the Adabians held the lead, yet there was still around 15 minutes remaining in the match, and Kaykali ordered his boys and girls to put on a defensive stance, cutting down on their attacks and focusing on preserving the scoreline as it was until the end of the match. Sensing their chance, the Pasargans pounded on their opponents, looking for even the smallest opportunity to score, but, marshaled by Yargab and Arthur, the Adabians held on, winning the aerial battles and shutting down the onrushing Nagy and company.

Nagy attempted a daring strike from outside the box in the 85th minute, but instead sent the ball flying well above the goalposts. Yet the Pasargans kept on coming, and eventually something had to give.

And in injury time, both teams gave.

In the 91st minute, the Adabian defense finally buckled, and Nagy had her moment. Adab’s parking the bus tactics had put the Pasargans dangerously close to the goal for far too long, and when Nagy took the ball from Frangieh just outside the box she immediately seized her opportunity. She was faced by a wall of four Adabian players. Going around them could have taken a long time, so instead she blasted her way right past the wall, shoving Issou and Sinmuballit aside. As she strode towards the net, Chandrasekar leapt forward to stop her, but in a moment of perfect timing she fired the ball over Chandrasekar’s bent body and into the back of the net. The Pasargans celebrated, perhaps thinking that they had at least salvaged a draw in this match.

In any case, their jubilation would only last a minute. Chastened by this latest Pasargan goal, the Adabians immediately went on a final all-out attack, not willing to let the possibility of beating one of the best sides in the world slip away from them. At midfield, Arthur passed the ball to Sinmuballit, who then fired it forward for Yissakar to receive. Yissakar then danced with the ball just outside the Pasargans’ penalty box, moving back and forth, leaving the Pasargans waiting to see which way she would actually go, before shooting the ball to the box, into which Yargab had surged forward past a slew of Pasargan midfielders and defenders. Just a month before his 36th birthday, the veteran forward remained Adab’s most lethal finisher, and he proved it again in this match, easily slotting the ball in with a straightforward strike as Mezei crumpled to the grass in his attempt to reach for the ball and the entire stadium erupted in pandemonium.

In the 92nd minute, ranked 139th, they had secured victory against the ninth-best team in the world.

The live rankings currently have Adab at 90th, which will be a remarkable 49-place rise if they manage to continue this run of good results, and they may even rise more should they be invited to the Cup of Harmony and perform well there.

Adab still have one remaining match in the World Cup qualifiers, an away game on March 31 at Zeta Reka and Hugeltaldom, ranked 58th in the world, which will decide which one of them will secure third place in Group 14.

At the post-match press conference, asked if he believed the team would get an invitation to the Cup of Harmony or perhaps even qualify for the World Cup next cycle, Kaykali proceeded to quote from Bruce Springsteen:

The dogs on Main Street howl 'cause they understand
If I could take one moment into my hands
Mister I ain't a boy, no I'm a man
And I believe in a promised land
And I believe in a promised land
And I believe in a promised land

Adab lineup for MD18

Starting lineup: Chandrasekar, Altun, Enmerkar, Issou, Frangieh, Arthur (VC), Sinmuballit, Orlev, Al-Kufa, Yissakar, Yargab (C)

Substitutes: Marramzi, Al-Tikriti, Sharkalisharri, Akshak, Thomas, al-Muntar, Samanu, Emmita, Uhwan, Zambiya, Akaptaha, Barzani

[The Licentian Isles]

Pascafia 0-0 The Licentian Isles – Medunia, Pascafia

Pascafian Goals – N/A
Licentian Goals – N/A

The Licentian Isles 2-2 Darkmania – Gardiner-Stewart Stadium, Abingdon, the Licentian Isles

Licentian Goals – T. Weiling (34 mins), T. Hughes (87 mins)
Darkmania Goals – Unknown (20 mins), Unknown (27 mins)

---

The Kit Hipster

Hello, and welcome to my blog that, apparently, some fuckers will read! Once again, thank you for logging on and leaving your comments about my reviews. I’ve had some really interesting debate with people in the comments section below! On the other hand, I do have a response for Vladimir in Thessia, who seems rather upset that I’m yet to review the Mytanar kits. I was considering doing them this time, but after your message which said, and I quote, “during week I gut fish, but I gut you like fish if you not review glorious Mytanar kits”, I think I’ll save them for another time. Good luck finding me x

Leaving aside the madman in the comments, we’re going to start today by talking about the kits of the Independent Athletes from Quebec. I think that’s what they’re called this week: they do seem to change the name pretty often!

For the first time, I’m reviewing a set of kits from Uni-Q of Qusmo! The home kit here is a pretty simple look, but this solid black colour is pretty appropriate for a team that calls themselves “the Grim Reapers”. The grey detailing is pretty nice as well, and the red or maroon colour on the socks brings some colour to what could be a fairly drab kit. I don’t mind this at all, and I feel like the Chromatiks might like it too!

The away kit is certainly something to look at, but I think I like it. If it was just the target like pattern in the middle, then it would be brilliant. If it was just the colour swapped shoulders, then it would be brilliant. With both, I think it is still brilliant, but I’m a little less certain of it. It’s another one of those where it might have been better had they decided on one over the other, but it certainly doesn’t look bad with both.

The goalkeeper kit is probably the best of the bunch. I accept that the symbolism might be a little obvious, but someone charging towards you with two crossed scythes on their chest is always going to be terrifying, which is sort of want you want for a keeper. The colour is nice too, and different enough from the main kits without being too out there. Overall, this is a solid set of kits!

Next, it’s time to take a look at Yuezhou, as we focus on another well-known footballing nation. Let’s see what they have to offer!

The home kit for Yuezhou is gorgeous to be honest. That combination of the light blue and yellow is good, and while I’m used to seeing the brighter cyan and gold of the Licentian Isles, the slightly less bright colours here look gorgeous. The stripes are a really classy way to combine them as well. I can see this looking very smart on the pitch, and it’s certainly high up on my list.

The away kit is also gorgeous. The colours are simplistic, but the dragon design on the torso is just perfect to my mind. It gives an impression of the nation and the mentality of their football team while, honestly, just looking really fucking cool. The black and gold combination is gorgeous too. Overall, I have to say this is pretty much perfect in my mind. One for my list to buy!

The goalkeeper kit is also pretty nice. I have to say that I think that it may be a little close to the home kit on the pitch, but I’m no expert on what they actually look like when the teams are playing: I just like how they look. I do appreciate the curved look on the torso, and I’m always a fan of light blue or cyan kits. Overall, Tahuatxi have done a damn good job with these kits!

I’ve also decided that as we go through this process of me reviewing kits, I’m going to give a ranking of my favourite kits that I’ve reviewed so far, but I have decided to expand it to five kits now I’ve reviewed a few more. Here’s the ranking so far!

1. Yuezhou - Away
2. Omerica – Home
3. The Licentian Isles – Away
4. Bollonich – Away
5. Polkopia - Away

Again, continuing with the habit of highly rating away kits! Is there something in them being a bit more out there maybe?

That’s everything for today! Comment down below what you think about these kits, and maybe suggest some for me to review going forward that you think can beat the current top five. Thanks for reading, and see you soon!

---

Cyan-and-Gold Squad to face Twicetagria in Twicetagria:
Starting XI – C. Fraser (C); C. Spijker, F. Watson, L. Allen, S. Thomson; S. van Duuren; M. Henderson, A. McGregor, A. Mazereeuw, W. Tuininga; T. Weiling
Bench – S. Heijnis, H. Shaw, R. Findlay, F. Buchan, T. Hughes, M. Louws, R. Grant

[Tumbra]

Eraman 2-2 Tumbra

TMB (4-2-3-1): 1 - John Lennon; 2 - Ryan Hughes, 4 - Ian Ashburn, 5 - Harry Henderson, 19 - Russell White (3 - Chris Carter, 65'); 6 - Vincent Hicks, 15 - Alan Morgan (8 - Craig McGrath, 85'), 10 - Phil Cole; 17 - George Hilton (7 - Neil Fraser, 79'), 9 - Robin Vaughn, 22 - Nick Riordan

TMB scorers: George Hilton (33'), Nick Riordan (81')

Player of the Match: George Hilton (TMB)

Tumbra 1-1 Huayamarca

TMB (4-2-3-1): 1 - John Lennon; 2 - Ryan Hughes, 4 - Ian Ashburn, 5 - Harry Henderson, 19 - Russell White (3 - Chris Carter, 63'); 6 - Vincent Hicks, 15 - Alan Morgan (8 - Craig McGrath, 82'), 10 - Phil Cole (38 - Leo Hooper, 75'); 17 - George Hilton, 9 - Robin Vaughn, 22 - Nick Riordan

TMB scorers: Robin Vaughn (6')

Player of the Match: Robin Vaughn (TMB)

Link to arc home
defender meets midfielder: season 4, part 1
chromia, once more

Chromia

Stephen Kerr fell gratefully into his bed, his body sinking into the sheets with an audible thomp as he closed his eyes — just for a while — enjoying the comfort of the silk sheets. Then he opened his eyes again, staring at the roof of his $2000-a-month apartment; and turned over to his side, grabbing his phone. What time was it, anyway? Christ.

00:08
Thursday, Aug 22

Little past midnight. But it was the date that had gotten him. August 22. He’d bid farewell to Tumbra two months ago; it’d been two months since he’d signed for Chromatik Football Club, who’d forked out three and a half million dollars for his services.

Sure didn’t feel like it had been two months. Then again, life had been a whirlwind since his flight touched down in Chromia. The signing, press conferences, training session after training session as he steadily got used to Jannick Kontiola’s tactical style; the way they played was a distinctly different formation from Straton’s old 4-1-4-1, even if they lined up nearly the same way.

But adjusting to life in Chromia itself hadn’t been as difficult as he thought. He had been here before, of course; so that helped - it wasn’t as if he was suddenly being thrown into another, entirely unknown country. Being able to find a house near the city centre helped, as well, even if the rent was relatively expensive; but he wanted his privacy. Since then, he’d been alone; the landlord knew enough about him to not bother Stephen. It was a roomy, airy apartment; with all the trappings of modern life. Two bedrooms, for some reason. No matter; more space was always good. But it was also a bit lonely; he’d held off on inviting anyone over until he’d properly figured out whether the house was in any state to have people over.

There was Trudy, too; she’d helped him a lot with settling in, and now Stephen really got a chance to see how she’d grown as a player and a person.

She’d changed. A lot. Not only was she more mature on the ball, but she’d also grown into becoming a bit of a midfield general by herself; combining her endless stamina, pace and tackling with an uncanny ability to see where the ball was headed, making interceptions and calls all by herself. She’d grown to rely on the other two midfielders in the team to start attacks —Nguyen Cixin and Micha Burkhard — taking some pressure off herself to be creative as well.

He’d met Ami, too, Trudy’s best friend in Chromia; the Chromatik-Banijan seemed to be extremely shy when meeting him for the first time over lunch. It was, as first meetings typically went, rather awkward; though Stephen got the impression that Ami was a quiet young lady with a wonderful smile. She had been nice to him, too; but he noticed Trudy staring daggers at Ami while the latter laughed when he’d gone to pick up his food.

And she’d flourished with less on her plate. With Tumbra, she was forced to be a proper leader; with Chromatik, she fit in seamlessly with a team that was looking to go up against Wirr Tsi for the title. Though their league campaign hadn’t gotten off to the best of starts, of course; while Wirr Tsi had won all six of their games, Chromatik...had crumpled to Felswyr. And Lanar. And the Shock, of course. Who was the one that decided that the two strongest teams in Chromatika would play each other on day 1?

But above all, Stephen had been growing restless. He hadn’t played a single minute of league football since he’d stepped onto Chromatik soil; every time Kontiola made a defensive substitution, it had always been for Kattie, the experienced, smart defender who’d semi-officially taken Stephen under her wing. He was disappointed, of course, not to have started; but then again, there hadn’t been any low-stakes matches for him to start or at least come on in. And, of course, by the time he’d arrived, Stephen had missed pre-season - so no chance to stretch his legs there.

Time for bed, then; it was already midnight, after all. Then the familiar vibration went off; he’d gotten a message.

Truth be told, Stephen had become rather sick of his phone; the stress it’d caused him during his transfer saga hadn’t really helped, either. Wearily, he picked up his phone; but it was Trudy.

still awake?
yeah.
wyd lol
just in bed, nth much tbh. you?
same lol. saw you online, was wondering why you hadn’t slept yet
couldn’t sleep lol
awww. what’s wrong?
wait what
since when did me being up at midnight mean there’s something wrong lol
you’re always asleep at midnight. something about an athlete’s body being a temple. lol. back when we used to videocall you always said bye at 11.30pm because you needed half an hour to stretch/wash up/whatever the fuck it was you needed to do before you went to bed
you remember that?
yeah.
so. what’s up. you can tell me.
it’s dumb tbh
probably not as dumb as you. cmon.
been thinking that it’s been two months since i arrived in chromatika, but i haven’t played a single minute…
lol. it’s like that with jannick. he always takes his time. you’ll get your chance, don’t worry.
really?
you’re chromatik’s golden kid, boyo. forget what they say about cande, lmao. he was a known quantity. you? an unknown. they wouldn’t have spent three million on you if you weren’t good. i guess...just give it time? you’ll have to come on eventually, kamil and cameron can’t play forever.
i get that
don’t get it wrong, i genuinely wanna play with you
just gotta be patient
anw how’s that swanky new house of yours
can i come over soon lol
now what led to that?
you barely showed me your house. lol
yeah, it was in a mess lol. no shape or form to show anyone.
it’s been a month.
yeah, but i’m still...trying...to make things look nice…
do i look like i give a shit lol. it’s been ages since we hung out by ourselves. we’re both busy. you stay in chromia. i stay with the club.
ever plan on moving out?
don’t rly have the money for it, tbh. maybe when i sign another contract. but it’s nice here. it’s just a room, but there are people here. all...all busy. i like it like that.
huh.
cmon. we can order food in. watch a movie.
i was thinking i could cook, tbh
YOU CAN COOK???
...yeah?
THAT’S RLY COOL lmao why am i typing in all caps
mom taught me when i was younger! taught me and my sis a lot of her recipes
that’s cool. rly is. when if you get a girlfriend you won’t need her to be ur surrogate mom lol
smack the patriarchy and all that
it’s...a life skill, i guess. never really thought about it that way.
cook for me. i’ll be the judge of ur cooking
sure lol
can u not cook?
i’m a disaster in the kitchen
lol i’ll see if i can teach you some stuff
so if you ever live by yourself you’ll be able to cook
super cool
aight i’ll let you treat your body like a temple or whatever it is
go sleep, dork
and don’t worry about your debut. it’s coming.
lol k
you too
gn

Stephen didn’t think much of the conversation — it was just small talk, after all — but a warm feeling did wash over him as he slowly drifted off to bed.

OTTOMAN SYLDAVIA vs TUMBRA - WORLD CUP 89, QUALIFYING

Starters: 1 - John Lennon; 2 - Ryan Hughes, 4 - Ian Ashburn, 14 - Louis Paterson, 3 - Chris Carter; 40 - Trudy Harrison, 8 - Craig McGrath, 10 - Phil Cole; 17 - George Hilton, 9 - Robin Vaughn; 22 - Nick Riordan

Bench: 13 - Nick Barker; 18 - Jacob Keene, 5 - Harry Henderson, 36 - Stephen Kerr; 19 - Russell White; 6 - Vincent Hicks, 15 - Alan Morgan, 38 - Leo Hooper; 7 - Neil Fraser, 21 - Lynne Crossley; 11 - Marcus Sheldon, 44 - Nigel Erskine

[Sargossa]

SSM | Sargossan State Media

International Edition - Sport



On The Cusp



Blanco Borrayo reports;

There were many eyebrows raised when Juan José Barreto, scion of a Sargossan coaching family, was sacked and replaced by a relatively unheralded foreigner. From his position as assistant coach Brian McAllister had helped mastermind his native Tikariot’s impressive arrival onto the world stage. But the assistant coach of a new nation was hardly considered a viable candidate to take the top job in Sargossa. The Football Federation, having listened to what the Tikariotian had to say, decided that actually he was eminently viable. Such was the template to success laid out by McAllister. Whatever it was he was selling, they snapped it up. And the highs that have followed, particularly in cup competitions have proven that to be an excellent choice. Of course culminating in the Corsairs’ return to the top of the Rushmori sporting tree. But something the coach can’t shake off is the side’s continuing failure to reach the World Cup. But here, at the third time of asking, McAllister and his charges are in contention to end the hoodoo.

With qualification on the line there was a certain amount of pleasant surprise at the relative ease in which the Corsairs ended their home campaign. It’s tradition to make as hard work as possible of home games against lowly ranked sides in the dying stages of a qualifying game. Two years ago in this very stadium a tepid draw against Silvedania went a long way to confine the nation to the Cup of Harmony. But here at Daroca’s Estadio Bolero visiting Raspotochje never looked like causing a shock.

Alonzo Bienvenida got the nation off to the perfect start with a trademark cut in from the right, followed by a fiercely struck left footed drive beyond the reach of Mihaela Bošnjak. Despite the home side enjoying the lion’s share of possession that goal remained the difference until deep into the second half, when two substitutes combined to devastating effect. Mauricio Sainz was strong, holding up the ball in the box before laying off into the path of Martín de la Cavallería who side footed a low shot into the bottom corner. And McAllister’s tactical manoeuvrings paid dividends once again as Juan Pablo Montenegro, the third of the coach’s three changes, hit a twenty yard effort that went in after a slight deflection to wrap up a comfortable victory. Four nations had remained in qualification contention heading into the match. Sargossa’s win was matched by both Turori and TJUN-ia. But a costly home defeat to Pyazhnaya saw Ranoria drop by the wayside.

*  Group 13                    Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Turori                       17   12   2   3    38   14  +24    38 P
 2 Sargossa                     17   11   3   3    48   31  +17    36
 3 TJUN-ia                      17   10   4   3    46   30  +16    34 Y
 4 Ranoria                      17    9   4   4    23   16   +7    31 E
 5 Milchama                     17    6   4   7    25   27   −2    22 E
 6 St Trinians                  17    6   4   7    38   47   −9    22 E
 7 Hispinas                     17    6   3   8    38   40   −2    21 E
 8 Pyazhnaya                    17    6   3   8    38   46   −8    21 E
 9 Raspotochje                  17    3   1  13    21   42  −21    10 E
10 Sevendia                     17    0   4  13    23   45  −22     4 E

With one game to go three nations still vie for the two qualification slots. Or, as is more likely, one qualification slot and one playoff place. Turori came into this campaign as reigning world champions but have had it far from their own way. Although the Eels have at least guaranteed themselves a top two finish and will be looking to seal automatic qualification in their final match. In a dramatic conclusion, that match is against third place TJUN-ia. The Jags must win in Cednia to have any hopes of advancing. Should they manage it then it puts all the pressure on the Corsairs, who travel to the feminine fighting pit of St Trinians’ national stadium. A win would see Sargossa certain of a top two place. Anything less would open the door for TJUN-ia. And with just a single goal's worth of goal difference between Corsairs and Jags that is a situation best avoided.

But there is something even bigger at stake in the final round of games. Sevendia. Little, eccentric, weird Sevendia. The debutants have failed to win a single game so far. But, if they can end that run in their final showdown against second bottom Raspotochje, they will end the campaign on a mighty seven points. SEVEN points. Screw the World Cup, this is what the sportiverse really wants to see.

[Mytanija]

Bigger Mbala-Ekakia woke up with a start. He thought he had somewhere to be, his mind playing a half-drunken trick on him. As he attempted to find his senses he realised, he was still woozy from the night before, there certainly wasn’t anywhere to be. Mytanija had gone into their final home game of the qualification campaign knowing that a win would be enough to qualify to the World Cup finals for the first time in a very long time. Not since the days of Lev Repin – coming towards the end of his playing career – along with the likes of Narek Berozhserkovsky, Dobroslav Stojanovic, Iivari Kaitanen and Kristian Haugen had Mytanija pulled off such a feat. Danek Badjkev had been the manager back then, now he was retiring from football management altogether and Repin was in his place. The student had become the master and he had a chance to mimic Badjkev’s achievements and get Mytanija back to the top table of multiversal football.

Bigger just felt happy to be a part of it. Over the course of the campaign he had become a first choice option, overtaking the much more experienced Mojmir Anac both because of his greater physicality and primarily due to his ability to play with the ball at his feet. Mbala-Ekakia was a do-it-all defender, perfect for the modern game and alongside Savicevic and Racic it gave Mytanija a real platform to play exciting attacking football. Foreign teams had begun to take notice too, Savicevic and Racic were already abroad at Izotz Zubia and Libertas Bergheim respectively, Farfish side Rülândéá Kôstä had shown an interest in Bigger too but Atletik had quickly told them where to go. They had just sold Andrija Ugljanin and couldn’t afford to lose their bright young defensive star as well; besides, Bigger didn’t want to leave his hometown just yet. He wanted to bring more titles to Zenit Toranj after a difficult second season as a starter, the double-winning season he’d had as an 18 year old had only served to whet the appetite further.

With the national team he had impressed, constantly helping the team to attack with his passing range and then demonstrating a penchant for no-nonsense defensive work at the opposite end. Against The Sarian a ball in behind for Damien Gannot allowed the Sabrefell Athletic forward to score the opener; that was later followed up by a goal line clearance, a juxtaposition which was in keeping with Mbala-Ekakia’s performances throughout the cycle. Gannot later added a second, stooping to head home from a Damir Milcic cross, the win made sure that Mytanija had won eight games in a row and one more would ensure that they could qualify. That match – versus Yasquia – would be at Radnika, the nominal national stadium. The story almost couldn’t be written any better, but Mytanars knew that even the prettiest fairy tales could have an unwanted nightmare at the end. A reminder that real life was rarely ever as good as people would like it to be.

Fortunately Lev Repin’s team went out – the strongest line-up given performances over the cycle – and completed the job with minimal fuss. It was rather fitting that Jezdimir Ocokoljic scored the first, a thrashed effort from all of 25 yards, his 12th goal in 13 matches. If there was ever a leader through his performances it was Ocokoljic and here he was getting things on their way once again. Damien Gannot wasn’t far behind either, dribbling past two Yasquia defenders before slotting home with aplomb to add his 7th of the campaign. When Jasno Odonelec added a third before half-time it set off a pure party atmosphere in Radnika, the players could play with a smile on their faces and the party tricks were being pulled out. Ocokoljic was back-heeling every other touch, Hrdaljko even put the ball through the legs of one of his competitors in the Yasquia midfield. It was like an exhibition game.

Lev Repin was the only one remaining cool at half-time, emphasising that the job was only half done and that they couldn’t let things slip away when they’d given themselves such a strong opportunity. Bigger wasn’t sure many managed to listen, the noise outside was exhilarating, there was a feeling of a big moment looming over all of them. They were truly on the verge of history. After half-time the team carried on, although Repin substituted both wing-backs just before the hour mark, a sure-sign that he was happy with how things were going. Damir Milcic and Patrik Odonelec played lots of matches because they were so good, Repin wouldn’t give them the rest if Mytanija were playing badly or needed a goal.

Jasno Odonelec won a corner with a low effort which was tipped around the upright by the Yasquia goalkeeper. Bigger had allowed Grigorij and Dino to go up a couple of times already, but he thought that it was his chance this time. Jasno Odonelec went out to take it almost begrudgingly, he wanted another goal too. Bigger milled around the penalty spot alongside big Mersudin Smajic and Grigorij Savicevic – he had clearly won the battle between him and Racic to be the other centre-half going up for the set-piece. The ball came in, Bigger ran towards the near post and as the ball just went over a Yasquia defender’s jump he met it with just a glance of the head. Normally it wouldn’t be enough to change the direction of the ball, but such was the pace on Jasno Odonelec’s cross that it sped away from Bigger and straight past the goalkeeper. He was rooted to the spot, Bigger was off to give Jasno Odonelec a rib-crushing hug, the Radnika crowd celebrated Mytanija’s fourth goal.

Mytanija were on their way to the World Cup. A black lad, the son of Ketioulais immigrants, a proud Thessian and Mytanar had just got their fourth goal to send them there. The crowd – made-up of Zentrians and Magevs; Vojoviticans and Visoravs; Rauchiks, Nastans; and maybe even a few Avnali and Thessians too – all celebrated as one. Football is a powerful unifying force for people, for a brief moment all the trouble in Mytanija’s recent history was forgotten, an image of a new Mytanija emerged. The same had occurred with Mytanija’s historic performance at the Olympics.

The hours after the game were a bit of a blur for Bigger and for many across the nation. Cars roared down the streets, blaring their horns with young men and women hanging out their windows with flags and flares billowing in their wake. People congregated in the nation’s most beautiful squares and parks, alcohol didn’t stop flowing and there was a carnival atmosphere. Nobody would be going to work in the morning, some of the parties would go on for a few more days. Bigger laughed at the thought as he decided to go back to sleep.

Mytanija had qualified for the World Cup.

MYTANIJA TEAM TO PLAY HAPILOPPER (A)
24. Lazar Obradovic (Liria Prizren); 15. Kamil Jernejec (Chromatik [CMT], 27. Usten Odonelec (FK Arsika), 26. Andrija Ugljanin (Veriasod Wolves [TKT]); 25. Ermin Urankar (Ararat Severyan), 31. Dusko Ocokoljic (St. Thomas [TLI]), 37. Gavril Atsev (Atletik Thessia), 28. Antun Spiridonovic (Litala ’93); 38. Omer Kuhar-Arh (Ararat Severyan); 34. Mijat Simic (Liria Prizren), 39. Zlatan Andrijasevic (Atletik Thessia)

Subs from: 35. Zafer Muminovic (Tekstil Ibon); 13. Srdan Vukovic (1896 Ebor), 16. Josko Omerovic (Olympic Thessia), 17. Slobodan Vujovic (Royal Rumiatzi [ASG]); 23. Zijad Kurtcehajic (Atletik Thessia), 30. Sefir Ajanovic (FK Arsika), 36. Vlado Arzhentinski (FK Arsika), 20. Maks Shishkin (Maethoru SC [KOR]; 40. Strahinja Nanusevski (Liria Prizren)

[Flavovespia]

Xanneria 1 – 2 Flavovespia

PH: Hello and welcome to Matchday 16 of the 18 for Flavovespia in the Qualifiers. Flavovespia have flown out, without difficulty, to Xanneria for this matchup. Last time these sides met, it was certainly an entertaining game, one Flavovespia were unfortunately the losers in. Both these sides have sadly already been eliminated from qualifying for the World Cup. However, that’s not going to stop either side looking for 3 points here, as they do battle for a better final placing and ranking points. And with the pressure of qualification off, this could be a much more open game. Over to your commentary team.


Kickoff: The game kicks off in Xanneria. A few changes for Flavovespia, Cookson and Rees starting, the latter as a left midfielder, as Nick Cole experiments just a little now with the pressure of trying to qualify off the team. A small contingent of away fans have still made the journey, despite the nature of this game in terms of qualification.

15 minutes: Xanneria have started the stronger of the two sides here, helped by home advantage. 2 shots on goal so far, one for each of their strikers, but Aarif Muhammad has comfortably dealt with them both. Flavovespia still yet to get their forwards into this game at the moment, a bit bogged down for now.

24 minutes: GOAL! Well it’s against the run of play, but Flavovespia take the lead. Kishan Rees finally beats his man and drives forward on the left-wing. He crosses the ball early, and it curves through to the far post, where Scott Coleman is running in to put his laces through it, and he’s on target. Flavovespia get the first goal, and Coleman keeps up a good run of form.

30 minutes: Xanneria have gone more direct in the following minutes to find an equaliser, but it’s been sloppy and they need to be more aware of turnovers. Steven Hall nearly had a clear cut chance, but was just unable to get to the ball before the keeper smothered it inside the box.

Half Time: Xanneria 0 – 1 Flavovespia. Not as action filled as the reverse fixture earlier on. By no means is this a bad game of football, with both sides playing some positive stuff, but there’s not been any moments of magic. A little bit of a pre-season friendly feel to it.

49 minutes: GOAL! He’s only been on the pitch since the break, but Alexander Clarkson doubles the lead. David Blythe’s corner is initially headed by Stuart Cookson, but he’s denied by a goal-line clearance. The clearance doesn’t travel far, and Clarkson is there to score from close-range. 0-2 to Flavovespia, they’ll be hoping now to comfortably see out the win, but Xanneria will definitely not give up easily.

60 minutes: The second goal hasn’t dented the resolve of Xanneria, and it’s taken some good defensive work by Flavovespia to prevent a comeback from starting. Stuart Cookson in particular has shown great composure and concentration, unfazed by the attacks and clearing well when he collects the ball. A player who’s making the case to stay in the team when the next squad selection comes up.

73 minutes: GOAL! Xanneria give themselves hope with one goal back. They move the ball around the attacking third, holding onto possession well. Eventually Xander Washington takes the shot on from just inside the box. It’s squeezed into the gap past Tony Gardner’s outstretched leg and beyond Aarif Muhammad, and the hosts score.

75 minutes: Flavovespia have switched mentality since that goal, going for a more defensive outlook now. Michael Cole looks set to come off, with Anthony Hannigan making an appearance, after several games not coming on. Rees and Hall also drop back, so players going forward for Flavovespia are at a premium.

90 minutes: Plenty of possession for Xanneria, but Flavovespia stop them doing much with it. Some good defensive play from Flavovespia, but they know that it could easily be undone by just one mistake. The main mistake came from the other side a few minutes ago, Scott Coleman unlucky to not capitalise on a poor pass that nearly set him clean through on goal, a well-timed block depriving him of a shooting chance.

Full Time: Xanneria 1 – 2 Flavovespia. A late free kick wasn’t taken well by Xanneria, and from there on, Flavovespia held out to win. A good performance, maybe a stretch to call it very good for Flavovespia, but they win again, and maybe just begin to build some form under Nick Cole. That ends coverage here, we return to the studio.


PH: Than you for that. A win for Flavovespia against fellow Group 17 midtable side Xanneria. A game very much with ebbs and flows, but Flavovespia ultimately able to make the lead they built up count. For both sides, an opportunity still to get points, and for the players to impress, and a few in the Flavovespia ranks did that today. Flavovespia finish their home games next time up, as The Jovannic visit Seafront Stadium in Langmere Green. See you there!

Flavovespia 3 – 1 The Jovannic

PH: Hello and Welcome to Matchday 17, the penultimate Matchday of these qualifiers. Of course it doesn’t need explaining again that this game won’t change Flavovespia’s hopes of qualifying. For the final home game, a return to the studio for James King. It now seems all but certain Nick Cole will manage Flavovespia if they go to the Cup of Harmony, do you think that’s a wise choice?

JK: On the balance of what we’ve seen so far in the qualifiers since he took over, I would tentatively agree. The side have looked better since he took over, and whilst the results haven’t been enough to take Flavovespia that close to qualifying, the damage had already been done.

PH: It’s interesting this has happened, is it tactics, mentality, or something else?

JK: Tactically, he’s simplified the game plan, and I think the players are responding better to that. Roles are more clearly defined, the combinations on the pitch are linking up well, and the results reflect that. And mentality is there, he’s a tough manager, but he’s a fair manager and I think the players respond well to that.

PH: There’s a bit of rotation these final matchdays, is that just to see who stays in any future squad?

JK: Undoubtedly so, and the players are professionals and know that.

PH: Thanks, we head over to our commentators.


Kickoff: Flavovespia get us underway here in Langmere Green. Still a decent atmosphere all things said, as the final home game of Flavovespia’s qualifying campaign gets underway.

15 minutes: Flavovespia should’ve opened the scoring in under 10 minutes, but Michael Cole put his one on one effort into the side-netting, despite plenty of time. A miss he knows he can’t make again in more important games, and his father in the dugout doesn’t look impressed by that.

30 minutes: Flavovespia look far more likely to score. Cole had a long range effort well saved this time. Steven Hall also got close, but was unable to get the ball out under his feet to shoot, under some defensive pressure. The Jovannic hanging on for now.

32 minutes: GOAL! The Jovannic take the lead with the opener. They’ve not generated much so far, but a quick break eventually sees Juyt Dersa get behind the defence of Flavovepsia. His shot was all power, but it beat Diamond and hit the back of the net. Flavovespia and the home fans look very frustrated.

40 minutes: GOAL! Not the way The Jovannic want to end the half. Steven Hall ends a low cross into the box. Kish Dasny tries to steer it over the bar, but can only put it past his own goalkeeper Mavin Tsuniki and into his own goal. 1-1 before the break, Flavovespia back on level terms.

Half Time: Flavovespia are probably the better side statistically, but haven’t made it count and The Jovannic were clinical with their chances. A few of the Flavovespians looking a bit tired and lacking in this game so far, changes may be needed to win this.

55 minutes: GOAL! Flavovespia do take the lead now, and once again it’s Coleman. A good ball forward by Kieron Player finds Coleman in space, he keeps his head up and his shot down as he gets his 5th goal in the last 3 games.

60 minutes: Flavovespia have certainly looked more comfortable after that goal, and are playing more positively. They clearly sense more goals in this for them, and want to press their advantage. The Jovannic aren’t going to give up easily though, and are pressing across the pitch, keen to exploit some of the tired Flavovespians.

75 minutes: Not really a lot happening on the pitch at the moment. Both sides defending well, and lacking just the sharpness to create a clear cut chance. The crowd seem to be amusing themselves with comical chants and crowd actions, the game clearly not gripping them too much.

81 minutes: GOAL! That most likely ends all comeback hopes for The Jovannic. Poor play out from the back sees Flavovespia get the ball close to the box. Feld plays it back to Coleman, and on his form was always going to fancy his chances from just outside the box. It’s on target, and into the back of the net.

90 minutes: Short of a major collapse, it looks like another 3 points for Flavovespia. Since the 3rd goal they’ve been rather risk-averse, and it must be said there’s not been much going in these last few minutes. It feels somewhat like both sides just going through the motions.

Full Time: Flavovespia 3 – 1 The Jovannic. A win for Flavovespia in the end, as they keep up their form in recent games. Not a thriller of a game, but one that shows Flavovespia can win these sorts of games, just that they’ve not shown it earlier on. Back to the studio.


PH: A win is a win, how will the team be feeling?

JK: They’ll be happy, it’s been a tough campaign, and to end on this sort of form helps. It should be a confidence booster for the final game and the next tournament.

PH: Anyone stand out for you?

JK: Scott Coleman, I’ve played with him plenty of times, and it’s games like this where he shows what a talent he is. He’s out there in these final games proving the doubters wrong, and certainly I see him as undroppable.

PH: One more game to go, how will Flavovespia approach that?

JK: There will be squad rotation, and looking at a few players today, it’s needed, this campaign has taken a toll on the squad. Of course as well, with the Cup of Harmony potentially looming, it’s the last chance to impress to make that squad. I suspect some decisions have already been made by Nick Cole.

PH: Thank you James. That was Flavovespia’s last home game, a journey to Sajnur ends this qualifying campaign. Nick Cole will, if Flavovespia get a Cup of Harmony berth, be their manager, so this last fixture is make or break for some of the squad, and a time to prepare as well. See you soon!

[Mertagne]

A musty press room, Dannin, Mertagne. Tyrell Gulliver stands alone on a lectern with a cadre of microphones forming a bouquet below his head.

---

With one matchday to go in the qualifiers, you know that you now can't qualify for the World Cup. How do you feel about falling short just before the final hurdle?

"Thank you for such a deep question. I want to explain that while it looked like we were flying high for a lot of this World Cup qualifying stage, the metre-stick for success here wasn't qualification. It would have certainly been nice, I think anyone can attest, but we had some very difficult opponents vying for the same goal. Patricularly Vilita and Kandorith. The order in which we played our opponents was an important one this cycle, I think. We were lucky to capitalise on a Vilita that hadn't quite got up to speed, but we suffered against a maximum power Kandorith towards the end. Obviously if we had won that game, we'd be having a different discussion, but our next and final match against the Suns - Barunia - will still be a tough match. Barunia have a habit of slaying teams in a higher position than them, so while we'll try our best out there, please understand that they will be hungry to deny us of a top 3 finish and keep their 3rd place spot."

What are the team setting their sights on next, then?

"The Cup of Harmony is next year, and we're certainly hoping to be one of the lucky nations that gets an invite to that. This Mertagne squad has shown the world what we're capable of, but we're certainly not finished yet. The players, staff, and I understand that we've got a long way to go yet. Beyond that, we'll be looking to make a much bigger splash in the next CAFA, and who knows what'll happen after that? We might be lucky enough to take part in a Jeremy Jaffacake Jamboree or something."

Are there any particular players that have shone during this qualifying run?

"You mean apart from everyone? The whole team has really done some solid work here. I do want to particularly highlight the work of our captain and vice captain, Claudio Vantula and Luka Hazaluta respectively. They've really matured into their roles, and I'm glad to have them on board here."

"What would you say has been your favourite game from the qualifiers so far?"

"In all honesty, I really loved our narrow loss against Vilita at home. It was really exhilarating to play them away and win, and so there were moments of our game at home that really got me fired up. Ultimately, the Vilitans managed to show off their skill on our turf, and they narrowly beat us by a single goal. But I was on the edge of my seat the entire time."

It's rumoured that someone on the management staff is retiring soon. Any ideas who that might be?

"I can't say I've heard anything about such a particular rumour. I don't think I'm going anywhere any time soon, and Dornell is still doing plenty of good work behind the scenes. He's not afraid of the media, he just knows that you journalistic whippersnappers will tire out a person like him."

Speaking of rumours, I've heard that one of the squad members is pregnant and hasn't told anyone? Can you tell us who that is?

"Well, as you know, all of our athletes are regularly health screened to ensure they're in tip-top condition and performing to the best of their ability. I try to rotate the squad as often as possible, so I think you'd probably notice if something was being hidden from you in that regard. Besides, even if a member of the squad were pregnant, I'm sure they'd be able to return before our next major tournament."
"Alright, I'm not taking any more questions. You've hounded me for long enough."
Tyrell Gulliver abandoned the stage.

[Ethane]

We're back again!

Spontaneous celebrations erupted outside the King Edward IV Stadium as fans discovered that the team had qualified to the 89th World Cup. Qualification was confirmed with victory at home against Bahia Roja, giving the Red Kites the points required to remain ahead of Trolleborg in the group standings. Automatically qualifying to the World Cup was incredibly likely with the previous victory against Greater Vakolicci Haven, but the win against Bahia Roja completely confirms it.

The Red Kites is going to the World Cup. Excluding World Cup 87, when the hosting rights were shared between Ethane and Taeshan, this team has not qualified since World Cup 81. In that World Cup, the Red Kites managed to reach the quarter-finals, losing 1-0 to Turori in a very tight affair that could have gone either way. At that point, the team would have felt on top of the world. Following that tournament, the team were even ranked 8th in the world - the best the nation has ever been ranked in international football and the KPB World Rankings.

Ethane has been in the wilderness ever since. The team were unable to build on that impressive quarter-final appearance, not even making it to the World Cup or Cup of Harmony during the 82nd qualifying campaign. In fact, it was not until the 85th World Cup campaign that the Red Kites found themselves in a post-qualifying tournament. In that qualifying campaign, the team failed to make the World Cup, but did manage to squeeze into the Cup of Harmony where they performed poorly. In successive Cup of Harmony appearances, the Red Kites continued to fail to make much of an impression. In the 78th Cup of Harmony, the team were knocked out by fellow hosts Sylestone on penalties, and in the 80th Cup of Harmony they failed to even get out of the group (though perhaps unlucky to be in that position, having won 2/3 games).

But that was a different team to the one you see today. So much can change in just one international cycle. In the past two years, so much has changed. We've had a new manager come in and gel with the team. Nathan Walker has stepped into the perhaps difficult role of Ethanian manager, and has delivered a string of competent and impressive performances that warrant praise, especially considering the turnaround.

Not only that, but the team have gone back to their tactical routes. With successive managers, the team philosophy drifted away from it's founding values, moving more towards attacking, attractive football in a bid to impress fans. Managers such as Gavin Comi took it to the extreme, pushing the Red Kites into an alien offensive formation and approach to football. Joren Kreuger tamed that a little, but still never took the team back to its roots. Nathan Walker has come into this team and reinstated that founding philosophy of Ethanian football. That defensive grit and endless determination. The desire to keep a clean sheet. That willingness to track back. The knowledge to never overcommit. And the players believed. They believe in Nathan Walker - that he can deliver, that he can manage, that he can win. They believe in the tactics: it's what they know best, it's what they've had training in, it's what they feel confident playing out every game day in, day out. But they also believe in themselves. They believed that as a team, they could win. They could qualify. They believed that they had what it takes to find success on the international stage. That confidence is necessary to be successful in the qualifying campaign, and is what was lacking from other competition within the group. The belief that they could succeed.

And with that tactical transformation, we've also seen a transformation in performances and a transformation in results. This team, one of the first to qualify for the World Cup on match day 16, holds the best defensive record of all teams in World Cup qualifying. They've conceded less goals than 179 other teams over 17 games. 5 goals over 17 games is an impressive record. It's a transformation. And it's why we're seeing this team qualify again, finally.

But it's not just that. We believed as well. The fans believed that we could qualify. Since the 81st World Cup, we've become used to falling short. To not having what it takes. To some extent, we stopped believing. We thought that was that. The team would forever come close, but not close enough to actually make it. To play but not impress. Always an 'also-ran'. We lost faith. But this manager and these players - they've won us over. They have regained our trust. They've regained our faith. They've inspired us and made us believe again. The magic that the World Cup brings, we believe in that again! You saw glimpses of it when we hosted the World Cup. Passion being thrown behind our team. But never like this. The passion was one of enjoyment, but we knew deep-down that it would be short-lived. That we were only there because we were hosting it, because we were paying for it. We never earned our right to be in that World Cup, and we knew we didn't deserve it.

But now it's different. Now we feel pride. We feel we have earned a right to be at that table. To play against the big teams. Teams like Nephara. Teams like The Holy Empire. Teams like Ko-oren, Banija, and Chromatika. Teams with storied histories like Valanora. And many others. We've found our way back again. We've not bought our way in to this club. We've made it on our own feet, on our own merit. You can see that in the celebrations this evening. Pride. We are proud of this team. We're proud of what they have done. And we're proud of what they will do. Because we know that qualifying isn't the end of the road for this team. Neither is the 89th World Cup, really. There's a lot more that this team can give, and we know it. This team is only getting started.

Ethane is back again.