World Cup 90--RP Thread

World Cup 81/82/83/84

This is the thread to post your IC role play (Please direct OOC questions/comments to the WC Discussion Thread)

MD1 Cutoff will be Thursday February 10 at 11:00 pm EST

World Cup Finals Pots

World Cup Finals Groups
Groups A-D to be played in Vilita, scored by Baker Park
Groups E-H played in Baker Park, scored by Vilita.

Group A
Graintfjall
Vilita
Pemecutan
Huayramarca

Group B
Ko-oren
Hapilopper
Kandorith
Squidroidia

Group C
Zwangzug
Turori
Farfadillis
Jeruselem

Group D
Pasarga
Brenecia
Valanora
Adab

Group E
Baker Park
TJUN-ia
Tumbra
Kelssek

Group F
Ethane
Squornshelan Remnant States
Vdara
The Holy Empire

Group G
Banija
Audioslavia
Milchama
Eura

Group H
Nephara
Mytanija
Cassadaigua
Ochre Islands

Schedule

Finals
Sunday Feb 6--Group Draw--following COH draw (approx 4:30 EST/2030 UTC)
Thurs Feb 10--MD 1 (1v4, 2v3)
Sat Feb 12--MD 2 (1v2, 4v3)
Mon Feb 14--MD 3 (3v1, 2v4)
Wed Feb 16--Round of 16 (A1vD2, B1vC2, C1vB2, D1vA2, E1vH2, F1vG2, G1vF2, H1vE2)
Fri Feb 18--Quarterfinal (R1vR2, R3vR4, R5vR6, R7vR8)
Sun Feb 20--Semi-Final (Q1vQ2, Q3vQ4)
Mon Feb 21--3PPO
Tues Feb 22--World Cup 90 Final

Cutoffs will remain same as during qualifying.

by **Vilita** » Sun Jan 09, 2022 6:03 pm

From Recycle Time Pod Show:

Nikkii: The whole country is excited as the World Cup is set to return to the Vilitan Cove for the first time in nearly 30 cycles - hard to believe isn't it?

Guest: It was not for lack of trying though! The Vilitan Football Association have had numerous failed bids including perhaps most famously the V is for Victory bid with Valanora and Vilita that would have collectively featured the most collective World Cups hosted between two host nations. Of course, Vilita got something better out of that cycle, their fourth World Cup Title.

Nikkii: You know Atlantian Oceania hosted six consecutive World Cup Finals to kick off the 80's - three of which saw both host nations within the region and now it seems that the 90's are getting off to a similar start.

Guest: Indeed, and this is a competition that follows closely on the heels of the 65th AOCAF Regional Cup which was hosted in these very same nations, The Tropics of Vilita and the Commonwealth of Baker Park!

Map of Vilita & Turori

(Click Here to Access the Vilitan Stadium Selection Tool to choose your Group Stage Venues)

Group A: Cove / Capital Region

Lighthouse Stadium, Lonngeylin, Vilita :: Capacity: 98140 [ Primary Tenant: Lonngeylin Coast ]
Tivali Ring Stadium, Alikki-Corra, Vilita :: Capacity: 87000 [ Primary Tenant: Vilita National Team ]
Council Stadium, Tivali, Vilita :: Capacity: 62000 [ Primary Tenant: Tivali City ]
Marine World Park, Crosaibi, Vilita :: Capacity: 57500 [ Primary Tenant: Marine Coast United ]
Sissil Bank Stadium, Sissil, Vilita :: Capacity: 55000 [ Primary Tenant: Rammsissil ]
Canopy Gate, Seraai, Vilita :: Capacity: 72000 [ Primary Tenant: Jaguar Moreda ]
National View Stadium, Morata Valley, Vilita :: Capacity: 126000 [ Primary Tenant: Inland Peaks ]

Group B: Turoki Island

Turoki Community Complex, Turoki City, Vilita :: Capacity: 125000 [ Primary Tenant: Turoki Tide ]
Turoki National Stadium, Turoki City, Vilita :: Capacity: 120000 [ Primary Tenant: Turoki Isle ]
Colonial Field, Sile, Vilita :: Capacity: 87500 [ Primary Tenant: Colonial Sile ]
Track Venture Field, Sile, Vilita :: Capacity: 86000 [ Primary Tenant: Makosile United ]
Bear Claw Stadium, Mavaloiao, Vilita :: Capacity: 69000 [ Primary Tenant: Mavaloiao FC ]
Tropicorp Park, Tropicoast, Tropicorp :: Capacity: 75000 [ Primary Tenant: Tropicorp FC ]

Group C: Northern Region

Kionao Minor Field, Kionao, Turori :: Capacity: 107000 [ Primary Tenant: Kionao Locals ]
Cednia Beach Center, Cednia, Turori :: Capacity: 103000 [ Primary Tenant: Cednia Beach AFC ]
Iobabao Legendary Park, Mliona, Turori :: Capacity: 90500 [ Primary Tenant: Mliona-Lpaka ]
Almintora National Stadium, Almintora, Turori :: Capacity: 79000 [ Primary Tenant: FC Almintora ]
Eels Park, Eelandii, Turori :: Capacity: 68000 [ Primary Tenant: Turori National Team ]
twii.tur Field at Sokattack Stadium, Mliona, Turori :: Capacity: 46500 [ Primary Tenant: Sokattack Mliona ]
Lirai Asku Castle, Yeaddin, Vilita :: Capacity: 62000 [ Primary Tenant: Yeaddin Owls ]

Group D: The Rest

Vilaye Field at Malaveisa Stadium, Vilisorma, Vilita :: Capacity: 72000 [ Primary Tenant: Yutzie Sorma ]
National View Stadium, Morata Valley, Vilita :: Capacity: 126000 [ Primary Tenant: Inland Peaks ]
Lopinka National Stadium, Lopinka, Vilita :: Capacity: 100000 [ Primary Tenant: Lopinka Rovers ]
Irottea Unity Field, Irottea, Vilita :: Capacity: 91000 [ Primary Tenant: Irottea Exiles ]
Arcticala Electrical Stadium, Arcticala, Vilita :: Capacity: 90277 [ Primary Tenant: Arcticala Inlet ]
Lirai Asku Castle, Yeaddin, Vilita :: Capacity: 62000 [ Primary Tenant: Yeaddin Owls ]

The Tropics of Vilita invite athletes from across the multiverse to compete in the Vilitan Mountain Games, a collection of competitive athletics, specialty events and local traditions from the Vilitan Mountain regions, and the return of the Kleptochase World Championships. Spectators and family are welcome to attend to take in the entertainment including traditional dance and entertainment, food and casual games for all ages over the duration of the celebration. The Tropics of Vilita is located in the region of Atlantian Oceania, the oldest remaining major Sporting Region and competition in unique sports like Kleptochase are foundational to that culture.

The Games are separated into four major categories: The Heavy Athletics, Lumberjack Competition, Strongman Competition and Open Events. In the Heavy, Lumberjack and Strongman competitions a single athlete will compete in five distinct events of that discipline with the goal of earning the title in each category. The open events are all contested on an individual basis with no requirement that an athlete compete in multiple events. There is one team event, Tug of War, which will see teams of up to 15 compete against each other in elimination competition to crown the Tug of War Champion. While many of the events are longstanding traditions in the Vilitan Mountains, some of the games originated elsewhere in Atlantian Oceania including Kleptochase - a head-to-head competition combining maze running, escape room and capture the flag in a thrilling competition that originated in Az-Cz before spreading to Miceland, Bazalonia and further throughout Atlantian Oceania.

Click Here to Signup via Google Sheets

If Google Sheets is not working or preferred you may signup in the following thread (which will also double as the discussion thread for any off-discord clarifications).

- RP Crossposting: You are welcome to crosspost between the VMG and WC90 RP Threads and may receive bonus for both competitions under the following assumptions:

WC90 is the Primary Competition and any crosspost of a partial WC90 RP to the VMG will be considered at a reduced level (Example Note: Posting a WC90 Match Report in the VMG Thread will not earn any bonus for the VMG.)
However, if you have a newsprint or developed story arc that intertwines characters in both competitions, for example, you may earn additional bonus in the VMG after your contribution has been primarily graded in the WC90 thread by posting the relevant portion(s) to the VMG thread. Similar to posting a roster, this will aid anyone participating in the VMG to find relevant RP to this competition even if the primary story exists in the larger WC90 RP Thread

- Schedule: Scorination will roughly take place throughout the course of World Cup 90 Qualifying.

World Cup 81/82/83/84

Welcome to the Commonwealth of Baker Park for World Cup 90

The Commonwealth of Baker Park welcomes fifteen national teams along with their supporters, media covering the event and fans from all over the mulitiverse to World Cup 90 Vilita--Baker Park.

The nation consists of seven constituent states—the State of Baker Park, Endover, Osheana, Ezra, Midalia, St Leon, and Lynchana—each with their own unicameral legislative body. They are united as a federal parliamentary democracy; the Parliament consists of the 175 member House of Assembly and the 56 member Council of State. The Prime Minister is the Head of the Government, currently held by Mrs Rebecca Schoenlien, the leader of the Federalist Party of Baker Park, which has governed the nation continuously since 1951 under six different Prime Ministers.

From 1893 until 1978, the central figure of country was the Prince Regent, whose duties were largely ceremonial although he held a few specific rights and privileges; the unexpected death of Prince Daniel in 1978 left the country unprepared, as there was no immediate successor. The position was renamed Head of State and it became an elected office in 1996. Timothy M Wentworth is the current holder of the office, serving the first of his two permitted six year terms.

We are centrally located within Atlantian Oceana and proud to be one of the top tourist destinations in the region and the multiverse, welcoming nearly 2 million visitors per year. Outdoor activities, parks, museums and cultural sites, natural scenery under strict conversation, and ease of travel around all 182,600 square miles of the Commonwealth are several factors in why so many from outside the country choose to spend holiday time here.

Belle Haven is the national capital of the Commonwealth, with a metro area population of over 5.6 million inhabitants--over 10% of the country's total population--making it the largest city as well as the financial, entertainment, and cultural center of the country.

The engine that drives the country's economy is the industrial conglomerate that was founded by the family that established the nation, the Baker International Corporation. Known by citizens as "The Company" or "the International" or just BI, at one time it was responsible for close to 50% of the nation's GDP; over the past 35 years it has divested itself from many of the companies that dominated the economy, opening up opportunities for more investment and growth for both those entities and competitors alike.

WHAT TO KNOW
Baker Park prides itself on the equality of citizens and the respect for the rule of law; we have an array of civil liberties that are important as the foundation of our society.
Most bars and pubs have closing time at 3am, and only such establishments that serve food can legally open prior to 11:15 am to serve alcohol. The legal age for purchase and consumption is 18.
We have legalized gambling in Baker Park; there is a modern casino downtown in Belle Haven as well as casinos in East Liverpool (just south of Endborough) and suburban Oceana. Additionally, there are video poker/slot facilities at various horse tracks.
Cannabis is legal for use and purchase, and prostitution is not illegal, but not technically legal either. By law, prostitution arrests can be charged as no more than minor misdemeanors, although in some places it is not a criminal offense at all.
Violent crime is extremely rare in the Commonwealth. There is a higher chance you will fall off a subway platform than be assaulted or robbed with a firearm, and we take enormous pride in the safety of our subways systems. 099 is the universal emergency response phone number, and especially in cities there are emergency call boxes that are well marked.

Police in Baker Park's largest cities have adopted a crowd control policy that is best described as 'hands off, but non-negotiable' for large gatherings involving sport. Generally a perimeter is established and intervention only occurs if danger to oneself or others is likely. They're not looking to arrest anyone, unless you go out of your way to give them a reason to.

People in Baker Park tend to be formal or deferential to strangers when you first meet them; this is something of an ingrained relic of the values and lessons of our ancestors, as 'propriety' is a word that every child & teen has drilled into their head from an early age. However, Parkers are extremely friendly and no one remains a stranger for long, as we are a curious nation eager to learn about people and cultures from across the multiverse.

You'll probably notice that we have a bit of Victoriana fetish here in Baker Park. You can't miss it even if you're only halfway paying attention. We have parks, buildings, bars, restaurants, streets and anything else you can think of named for Victoria, or some kind of reference to her; almost every adult over the age of 35 in this county knows some arcane trivia fact about the House of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha. Not because they necessarily want to.

TRAVEL
Travel in Baker Park is easy and safe due to the modern mass transportation infrastructure that the country has built over the last 70 years. Connections to major cities are available via rail, road, plane or ferry. Rental cars are available at relatively modest rates, as competition is fierce among rental firms; almost any type of vehicle you might wish to hire is available, as the Commonwealth automobile market is made up of about 35% imports, so you'll find about any make or model you could imagine here.

Within the Greater City of Belle Haven area, public transportation is widely available across several platforms; CARTA (Capital Area Rapid Transit Authority) provides for public buses, a modern light-rail network, a clean & efficient subway system and connections to commuter and interstate rail lines.
Transit fares are equalized across all types of accommodation; 1 day, 3 day and 7 day passes each offer discounts off the regular single ride price, and the system is fully integrated; one price allows you to access to any CARTA mode of transport along with transfers. Several other cities throughout the country have initiated or improved their commuter rapid transit systems over the past several years as people move farther away from core city areas.

A monument to the extensive public works initiatives introduced in the 1950's and 60's, Baker Park's limited access expressway grid connects all areas of the Commonwealth with the capital.
On major 'A' highways, the speed limit in less populated areas is 75, but that drops to 60 where the road goes through town and city centers.

The inter-city river ferry system is a popular option for travelers on day trips or weekend visits. There are vehicle and passenger-only options that operate on hourly schedules or dedicated point to point trips.

Belle Haven International Airport (BHX) serves 41 foreign & domestic carriers and accommodates over 900 takeoffs and departures per day. The airport is approximately 18 miles south of the city center, and there are numerous ground transportation options for arriving visitors at Belle Haven International; Metro Transit Buses, commuter rail, taxis, for hire limos, private coaches, rental cars and both private hub-to-hub & hotel shuttles are available to carry the traveler to any part of the city (or further) as needed.

There are also large airports that serve the other areas of the Commonwealth where matches will be played. Oceana, Ezriquay/Newport, Endborough, and Shirley/Coolville have International standard airports, capable of handling inbound flights from anywhere in the multiverse.

MONEY
Baker Park's currency is the CBP dollar; generally NS$ 1 is equivalent to about CBP$ 1.35. Exchange rates at retail level are consistent, but if in doubt use of credit/debit guarantees you will receive the most current one.
The monetary system is decimalized and denominations are 2, 5, 10 and 50 cent coins, 1 and 2 dollar coins, and 5, 10, 25, 100 and 500 dollar notes.
As a result of the 1998 elimination of the 1 cent coin, general practice throughout the county is to round up or down any prices that would result in purchases or change returned ending in 1 or 3 cents; for example, a merchant may keep the extra 1 cent if your change due is 3.31, or may return 2.54 if the amount due is 2.53 (merchants and vendors have through the years generally adapted pricing so this is a rare occurrence).

Baker Park has a national Goods & Services Tax (GST) on a wide array of products and services; it is a tiered structure based upon the retail cost, meaning you will pay a lower tax on cheaper items, and a higher tax on those that are more expensive. Visitors can apply for a refund of the Federal government share of GST (generally about 75% of the collected tax) by filling out a form with proof of purchase via sales receipts; ask at customs upon your departure for Form 85. In some cases, GST is incorporated into the price; for example an item that has a retail price of $1.80 is probably GST inclusive ($1.75 with a .05 tax) so this would not be refundable.
Cash gratuities for service are not expected, but are not uncommon. Generally, workers in hospitality and tourism are more accustomed to receiving small tips, but the level of service you receive is not affected if you choose not to do so. Workers at all levels of employment are paid under a scheme known as CLAWS (Classified Labor and Wage Scale) which ensures that citizens are compensated fairly and reasonably equal to their peers based on years of work and experience.

What to do when not at the game
Visitors to Belle Haven have a wide array of activities to choose from, with most public attractions either having free admission, or just a nominal entry fee.
Baker Park's national capitol building, Parliament House, is open for tours 7 days a week when Parliament is in session and 5 days a week during recesses and is by far the most visited tourist site in country. Other nearby government buildings open for public tours include Treasury House, the home of the Ministry of State for Finance & Revenue; St John's Palace, the residence of the Head of State of the Commonwealth which was formerly the home of the Prince Regent and his family; the Commonwealth State Archives, and the Old Defense Ministry building which houses a museum dedicated to the history of Baker Park's Armed Forces.

The Commonwealth State Museum is the country's most visited museum site; it's actually three museums in one—The State Museum, which covers history and the development of the Commonwealth; the Museum of Commerce & Industry, which tells the story of Baker International, the Northern States Company and the other business entities that were key to the growth and stability; and the Museum of Science & Culture, geared to a younger audience, with plenty of interactive displays and multimedia presentations.
The National Gallery of Art, behind Parliament House right next door to the High Tribunal of the Commonwealth/Ministry of State for Justice Building, showcases a variety of domestic and classic styles of artistic works; the Baker Park Museum of Modern Art & Design, located downtown on the corner of State & First Streets highlights the influences that have transformed the country's tastes over its history.

Belle Haven City, as the main business district is officially called, also has many other attractions; Historic Charter House was the nation's first legislative building and later served as the Baker Park State and the Belle Haven City building; City Hall replaced it and is a stunning architectural landmark.
Company House Landing along the riverfront is the site where early settlers disembarked and were enrolled in the population ledgers and is also the location for "zero point", the plate all official distances within the Commonwealth are measured from; the Commonwealth Stock Exchange also is open for public tours, and the Baker International Tower--at 72 floors, it's the tallest skyscraper in the nation--has an observation deck and small exhibit area where the lives of the namesake family are presented.

Shopping more your thing? Every major retail chain has a flagship store in the city, located in clusters in three areas: on First Street from Victoria Street west to Market; Second Street from Westminster to Mercantile; and Third Street from Exchange to Commerce.

The Metro region has 2 zoos open to the public, they generally operate on opposing schedules to one another; on the South Bank of the Belle Haven River is the Keller Aquarium open year round; and there is plenty of green space to enjoy.

There is no shortage of places to find something to eat or drink in Belle Haven, especially near the three venues that will be in use for the World Cup. One area is to the east of Belle Haven Arena between Market and Commerce Streets on First Street; there is also a newer brewpub/bistro district adjacent to the BBP Stadium, while across the river, Sportsmen's Park is within walking distance of numerous establishments. For the matches at Gleason Field in College Hill, the University of Commonwealth area has it's own nightlife district just a few blocks from the stadium.

Further afield, the other cities hosting matches all have a myriad of options for the visitor; except for a couple of venues, all matches will take place in the state capitals of our nation, so museums, zoos, and other activities for the entire family are widely available. A trip between cities via our extensive river ferry system might make for a change of routine, or maybe a day trip via the train to our northern areas of the country, where the natural beauty of our own largely undeveloped "frontier" is strenuously preserved. The Lake District in northeast Endover is a popular summer getaway for families (approx. 1 hr 40 min from Endborough by rail), and in the other corner is The Old North, formerly a large holding of the Northern States Company that was heavily cleared of its forests for use in building the railways, but has been reclaimed by conservation and is becoming a popular resort area as an alternative to the Lakes (approx. 2hr 10 min from Oceana by rail).

Alternatively, the southern part of the country has its' own attractions; although not a substitute for warm water beaches, the villages and getaways along the coast in both directions from Newport are popular with boaters, fishermen and vacationers. The higher elevations in the southeastern corner of the Commonwealth have become the center of the nascent winter resort industry in areas formerly used for deep mining of coal, iron ore and bauxite, as well as gas and oil drilling.

FOOD
Cuisine is not a word that conjures up thoughts of innovative technique, imaginative flavor combinations and visually stunning dishes in the Commonwealth. There isn't what you would call a native national dish or particular characteristic of taste combinations.
That's not to say that people don't eat well in this country, nor do they eat a particularly unhealthy diet; in fact, if you wanted to pinpoint one thing that differentiates Baker Park at the dining table, it's the idea of less is more. Go to a grocery store anywhere in the Commonwealth and browse the aisles where pre-packaged food is displayed—pick an item or two and flip over to the ingredient list; the thing that will strike you is probably the absence of many commonly used preservatives that commercial processors use throughout the world. There are no long words starting with mono-, dextro-, no gums or acids. No added coloring or flavors.
Because of the size of the country, it's not necessary for food to have a long shelf life, except in circumstances where you're dealing in staple items. We eat more of what people call 'raw food' than many industrialized nations, starting with cereals & grains. We grow enough wheat to provide the equivalent of an 80 pound sack to every man, woman & child annually, and about a similar amount of rye & barley combined. The whole kernels are often substituted where rice would be used in a dish (we import all of the rice used in this country, as it is one of the few crops that has never been successfully grown on a large scale here), so a rye or wheat berry pilaf is a ubiquitous presence on menus and at family meals. Corn & oats are also grown, although a greater percentage of annual yield goes to feed livestock than the others.
Obviously, bread is also an important element of the Baker Park diet; naval ships at sea bake bread fresh every day for their crews, and local, family-run bakeries are not yet a thing of the past here; it can be a lucrative profession to enter into, especially if combined with the ubiquitous BP establishment, the luncheonette.
Luncheonettes thrive across the nation, based on a simple theory that offering a simple menu of food that can be purchased and eaten on the go is more profitable than a large menu that has to be prepared on demand. They are generally cafeteria style service—you move along in a line, choosing from the assortment of items on offer, pay and away you go. Typically there will be 2-3 choices of cold salads, soups, sandwiches or hot food (casserole, meat pie, etc) and desserts, with a rotating selection daily.
Because traditional food is basic, imported cuisines are extremely popular as dine-in experiences; East Asian, Indian, Middle Eastern, African and the usual variety of Italian, Greek, French, Spanish, and Caribbean restaurants can be found everywhere (and one reason why the government subsidizes the import of rice).

West/Southwest—Oceana, Ezriquay and Newport

While Atlantian Oceania has its "Glorious Southwest", Baker Park's southwestern corner, the State of Ezra, has much to offer and it has been an active hotbed of the sport from the earliest years of the Commonwealth.
Ezriquay is the country's fourth largest city, situated on a peninsula formed by the last major bend in the Belle Haven River, it's often referred to as "The Thumb". Much more industrialized than the three cities that have a larger population, it has more blue-collar feel to it.

The Museum of Industry highlights the development of the manufacturing and innovation in the Commonwealth; the Ezriquay Zoological Gardens in University Park house an excellent collection of species from both the animal and plant kingdoms; a ferry trip around "the Thumb" to Hampton Borough or up the Stillwater to Middletown is a way to see a bit more of the area. There is a bustling food & drink district that sits between the University of Ezriquay and the Queen Victoria Stadium that has something on offer for every fan.

Travel to and from the nation's 4th largest city is probably as convenient as any city in Baker Park; The Josiah Peter Moore—Ezriquay International Airport, across the river in Collinsville is short trip from downtown via taxi, bus or train. Inter-city rail links Belle Haven via Hamilton and joins the Trunk Line running north & south to Oceana and Newport, via Southend.

Newport is the country's major seaport and also home to the Naval Service of the Commonwealth Fleet Command, but it also has plenty of other things to see and do. It was the home of the Western & Southern Company, another BI rival in the early years and is a leader in transport and shipping of both imports and exports. It is accessible by air via Ezriquay's airport (40 minutes).

A visit to the Commonwealth Naval Officers Academy, on the west bank of the river across from the city is an option for an off day activity, and definitely don't miss the chance to take a tour of the NSC's oldest active commissioned ship, NSC City of Belle Haven, a turn of the century battleship that saw action in two wars. Also the Commonwealth Aquarium is a great trip for all ages. The stadium is a bit of a walk from the “New Strip”, the place for a pre-match drink or bite to eat (the original Strip is several blocks south, and is probably not as appropriate for family outings, if you get our drift) and most establishments give you plenty of warning when there are 30 minutes prior to kickoff by the ringing of a bell, or some other device.

Oceana is the capital of Osheana, and the third largest city. It has always had a reputation as being the "anti-Belle Haven", due to its more traditional outlook; it was the home base of the former Northern States Company, who were the second largest business venture in the country. Today it is a sprawling metropolis and headquarters to several major corporations.

The State Legislative Building is close by to Collins Park, and there are several museums and attractions nearby. There is a amusement park, LeSourdesville Lake, approximately 15 miles south of downtown (24-28 mins by car), or you could head out to Brecon Borough to see the Oceana Ship Canal, which connects the area to the Belle Haven River via the Stillwater River.
There is no defined district where pubs, restaurants, bars and other pre-match hangouts are clustered, at least not in the central city; the area around the Legislature and the civic center has a few options for daytime matches, mostly chain restaurants aimed at the work crowd and tourists.
Oceana International Airport receives direct flights from many of the major cities to the west of the Commonwealth in AO, and was one of the two major departure points (along with aforementioned EIA) for the relief efforts during the Banija drought crisis.

Central Baker Park--Springfield/Newmarket

The terms "Baker Park" and "Commonwealth" are generally interchangeable when talking about the nation, but among the citizenry, Baker Park, or BP ('beep'), is usually more used when discussing the State of Baker Park, the Commonwealth's largest and most populous political division.

Newmarket was the second most important town in BP State in the early years as the administrative seat of Westphalia County, in addition to serving as the primary conduit for the sale of agricultural products (which they were later supplanted by Springfield, see below). It remains a major crossroads for the interior part of the country.
There is a re-created settlement camp from the early days of the country before it gained self-government at the Wagnerfield Reserve State Park, approximately 20 minutes southeast of the city. There is also the City Museum downtown, in the former Newmarket High Court building, and the Market Hall itself, which still operates 7 days a week. The stadium is shoehorned into the same general area (you'll be surprised at how compact the 'downtown' area actually is) and a labyrinth of alleys, short streets, half-blocks, and pedestrian walkways surrounds it, with numerous shops, stands, and of course places to get refreshment.

Springfield would probably not be the bustling city of over 300,000 if a simple decision had not been made to route one of the east-west cross country railway lines through it instead of further south.
The city—BP's 8th largest--is the nation's agricultural hub, as the food processors & packagers, the farm commodity markets, the agri-business companies are all based here in the heart of "farm country".

The Baker Park State Fair began here in 1919 and has grown through the years to become the de facto national Agricultural Fair of the Commonwealth.
Unfortunately for the out of town visitor, the Fair doesn't happen until later in the year, but there is usually something taking place at the Fairgrounds across the road; for the World Cup, expect a lot of carnival like activities suitable for all ages on match days. There is also a museum dedicated to the various elements of the agricultural sector in Baker Park, located downtown near the A-75/A-49 expressway junction.

Unfortunately for the sports fan, there's nothing in the way of retail areas near the fairgrounds itself. Your best option is to park at the fairgrounds and take the matchday shuttle downtown for a drink or two, then back the stadium, or park downtown and avail yourself of the shuttle.

Northeast/Southeast--Endover, Midalia & St Leon
Endborough is the Commonwealth's Second City, located in the northeastern part of the country. It is the state capital of Endover and the home of the nation's top institution of higher education, the University of Endover.

Places to visit include the House of Representatives Building; Old City Hall; the Schroeder Collection of Wildlife Art at the State Museum, and ferry rides along the White & Belle Haven Rivers. McKenna Street is the major downtown nightlife area in the city, sure to be packed on match days.

Endborough Airport is a bit out of the way when compared to other cities in Baker Park, but it is easy to get to & from, capable of handling the largest passenger & cargo jets and high volume air traffic.

Coolville and Shirley are the other two host cities, and the strong regional rivalry between them tends to color all discussion involving most things sporting.

Coolville is the capital of Midalia state and the fifth largest city in Baker Park. The citizens have a bit of an identity crisis, with the other main towns in the state (St Warren & Kellerville) and their down-river neighbors Shirley all having less than positive feelings for them. One of the two major cities (Lima being the other) in the Chemical and synthetic products industry. Can be reached by air via Shirley's airport (45 minutes).

Activities away from the game include tours of the State Senate Building; the Midalia Exhibition Center, a mass appeal museum; or a trip out of the city to the east, where the mountains that hug the entire southeastern border of the nation provide a backdrop to natural beauty.
Belvedere Course is a short 15 minute train ride south of the city, and hosts thoroughbred horse racing, as well steeplechase in the fall, 5 days a week (Monday/Tuesday excluded). Home to the second leg of the Commonwealth's Triple Crown, the Victoria Plate (the others being the Commonwealth Derby and the Prince Regent Stakes), first post is always at 1:27 pm.
Coolville's downtown business area is approximately a 10-12 minute walk south of Carrollton, although there are a few smallish pubs near the stadium.

Shirley is the capital and largest city of St Leon and sixth largest in the country. It was the third of the primary hubs of the Baker International (after Belle Haven and Endborough) established by the Baker family. It is the headquarters of the Commonwealth Mining Corporation, whose office tower is known as "Black Rock". It is the center of the oil, coal and gas industry.

Another city, another government building, the extravagant House of Delegates is a lesson in excess, utilizing gold leaf (there is more on the dome of the building than in the entirety of Parliament House in BH!) throughout the building. There is also the Museum of Mining east of downtown, near the University of St Leon; take a tour of an abandoned mine in nearby Shirley Heights; Mountain Circus, a modern amusement park is approximately 25 minutes southeast of the city in McIlroy Borough (have no fear, it's not a real circus!), and a ride on the elevated tramway through the city is a must.
There is a two block area of pubs & bars just diagonally across the street from the North Terrace, while the main retail district is another two blocks west on Mercantile Street (Shirley's central business area has nearly all the same street names as those in Belle Haven).
Both cities share the Shirley International Airport, approximately 20 miles northeast of the city. There is fast transportation to and from both cities via rail and expressway.

VENUES

Venues

MD1--CBP v KSK, MD2--CBP v TJN, MD3--CBP v TMB, SF/3PPO

MD1--TJU v TMB, MD2--VDR v THE, MD3--MIL v BNJ

MD1--ETH v THE, MD3--CDG v NPH, R16 TBA

MD1--MYT v CDG, MD2--AUD v BNJ, QF3

MD3--THE v SRS, R16 TBA, QF 4

MD2--OCH v CDG, MD3--VDR v ETH, R16 TBA

MD1--BNJ v EUR, MD2--NPH v MYT, R16 TBA

MD2--EUR v MIL, MD3--MYT v OCH

MD1--VDR v SRS, MD2--ETH v SRS, MD3--AUD v EUR

MD1--AUD v MIL, MD3--TJN v KSK

MD1--NPH v OCH, MD2--KSK v TMB

by **Cabo Azure** » Sun Jan 09, 2022 6:54 pm

"Flight 937, service to Sao Simone, now boarding."

Vasco Cardoso had once heard that in the course of taking a long journey, one didn't start preparing for the arrival until the trip was half over. The time prior to departure was spent preparing to leave, and only when that was accomplished could one really focus on what they had to do when one got where one was going. He supposed that was true of his journey back to Cabo Azure, as far as it went; with the sudden end of his employment at FC Orsi in San Ortelio, he'd spent most of the preceding weeks scrambling to find a contract and a place to play football in the fall, to the point where it distracted him on the pitch. The club had been reasonably supportive, acknowledging it was external circumstances and not Vasco's playing that had ended their arrangement, but they had their own concerns to attend, as did everyone else in San Ortelio. It was Vasco's agent who deserved the credit for shopping his highlights around and working the phones endlessly to come up with a solution that was better than returning to Cabo Azure with his tail between his legs.

In the flurry of calls and offers and counteroffers, one phone call had nearly been missed; the one from Paulinho, the national team manager, to Vasco's cell phone asking him to come in for a national team camp in August. It wasn't exactly a surprise; he'd been a highlight of the U17 side which had fallen just short of winning the Rushmori title, and the media hype around him was palpable. At the time, in the depths of his frustrations, Vasco remembered thinking, good, at least that's conditioning I won't have to pay for. At the time, he'd been facing the very real prospect that his time in football was over, though on some level he knew a team back home would take him. He'd pegged all his hopes on FC Orsi, and while he could now see the folly of that, it didn't change how he'd felt when that rug had been pulled out from under him.

It didn't help that San Ortelio had been awesome. Flying into the small city-state for the first time, Vasco hadn't known what to expect, but he damn sure hadn't expected what he'd found; a sun-soaked, cultured little maritime enclave that could pass for part of Cabo Azure at first blush, but was foreign enough to intrigue him. Moreover, the football there was football like he'd been trying to play his whole life. In Cabo Azure, workrate and lung capacity were king, and wily or creative players were said to be making up for a lack of physical gifts. Vasco had grown up knowing he would never have the sheer athleticism of an Amilcar Branco, but he'd always been able to work those players into the ground with crafty passes and good off-ball movement. In San Ortelio, his intelligence had been valued, and he'd been accepted as a future star at FC Orsi. Too bad it wasn't to be.

Now, in the boarding lounge at the Sabrefell airport, breathing deep of the football-rich Nepharim air, things started to fall into perspective. He was young. Not even "still young"-he was eighteen, an age at which many were still hoping for their first professional contract. Whitepill played in the Silver League, the Euran second division, but if he was honest, it was still a step up from the Liga Hidalgo Primer, and probably from the football he'd played in San Ortelio, too. Not only that, but the Whites had just missed promotion the previous year and would be contenders again this year; a young club, possibly feeling slighted, playing with a chip on their shoulder. A promotion campaign would bring recognition of its own, provided they could finish in the top three. In the meantime, and between time, however, Vasco would need goals and wins to keep his spirits up.

And he knew just where to find them.

by **Wrecker** » Sun Jan 09, 2022 7:30 pm

THE END OF WRECKERIA – Part I

The President’s Library, Halsted
A few weeks before the World Cup 90 group draw
The library of the President’s House in Halsted was a classy, yet kind of stuffy hideout, a place for President Arnold Martin to drop away to if he needed to. As far as the eye could see were enough books for an entire school filling the wooden bookshelves. At a very plush, red-velvet chair near a fireplace, President Martin was sitting at a chair, watching the fire calmly rage on. Sitting in another chair was Lena Watkins, a historian for the Wreckerian government. The two had been chatting for a bit, and the mood hadn’t been all that great.

For a year and a half, the brief strife between the Party of Pride and the True Wreckerians – a strife that got going again after a three-year break – came to a sudden end when both parties learned of the unfortunate Atlantian Oceania/Anaia split. As a show of unity in a time when it really needed to be shown, the two warring parties just stopped fighting. Everything seemed insignificant in the face of that sort of threat – and for a bit of a time, it seemed like a threat. But there was an even bigger threat looming in Wreckeria.

Ever since that fighting got started again a few years ago, the Wreckerian economy completely collapsed. Wreckerian businesses that had previously boomed – even in the face of the 54-year long civil war – failed. Some businesses, such as Warner Hall Pizza, a popular pizza place based in Halsted, moved their headquarters east to Hapilopper. There was real concern that Wreckeria would not be able to pay its debts and the economy would go into total default within weeks, if not months. It was all Arnold and the Wreckerian government could do to prevent it.

Arnold sat there for a long time in his chair and thought about where it all went wrong and wondered what he could do for the good of his people. He looked at Lena and asked one question.

“Why?” Arnold asked.

“Well, I remember hearing this story like it was yesterday,” Lena started. “John Adler, he was popular but he had a lot of enemies…”

Adler Automotive Company, Halsted
March 18, 1966 – 8:45 in the evening
John Adler was, at that time, the man in charge of Wreckeria. He was also a race car driver and had designs on competing in a couple of odd Wreckerian Stock Car Championship races. His whole family, in fact, was in racing. A son, John Adler Jr., years later, competed in the second season of the World Grand Prix Championship, scoring a couple of points. His father, Jake Adler, worked with David Hawking to import Preston automobiles into Wreckeria.

But Adler, as President, had some enemies. Two years before, a far-right rabble-rouser turned cult leader, Scott Stone, had given the “True Wreckerians” speech that whipped so many individuals into shape, to thinking they could expand Wreckeria past their borders. His actions in the last two years did so much to bring trouble to the nation, seemingly encouraging Wreckerians to take action whenever possible. And on this evening, someone did.

Richard Hatfield was a 19-year old that was looking for a purpose in life. He had barely graduated high school – in fact, a “C” in English – a borderline “D” – was the only thing that kept his high school diploma from being a mere certificate of attendance. He didn’t have a job. He kept getting fired from places – an automobile factory after a couple of days, a fast food restaurant after a week, those sort of things. He still lived with his parents, who at this point were growing tired of the fact that he just simply couldn’t hold down a job. They were growing tired of Richard moping around the house.

“You’ve got to find something to do for yourself or we’re going to throw you out,” his father told him. “Your mother and I are getting sick and tired of you sitting around the house. There’s plenty of jobs out there, go out and get yourself one!”

A few days before the incident, Richard saw Scott Stone on the television. Stone was giving a fiery speech about “being the spark” that brought about change. And it hit Richard like a shot. This was what he needed. That night, at dinner, Richard said he was going to get into politics.

“Are you sure that’s what you want to do?” his father asked. “I mean, it’s a noble profession, sure, but it’s also a harsh one.”

“I’m sure,” Richard said, showing off more confidence than he had in a while. “The True Wreckerians are my true calling.”

His parents winced.

“Rick, reconsider,” his father said, leaning forward to him over the dinner table. “I realize that Scott Stone seems like a noble individual looking for nothing but the best for this country, but his rhetoric has gone way too far. He’s going to get people hurt if he doesn’t back off. It almost seems like he wants bloodshed. He talks about sparking a new Wreckeria, and he speaks with such belligerent tones… Rick, I don’t want you to be a part of this.”

“You know what?” Richard started, offended by his father’s admonishment. “For months you’ve told me to get off my rump and do something. Well now I’ve found something and what do I get? I get you telling me I’m wrong. I’m tired of being told I’m wrong. I’m tired of being told I’m a failure. I’m going to stick to this!”

His father stood up from the table and bit back.

“You think about what you’re doing, boy!” the father snapped. “That’s a bad crowd. I don’t want you hurt.”

“You don’t want me hurt? WELL MAYBE YOU HURT ME!” Richard snapped back. “I’m leaving. I’ll see you.”

“YOU GET RIGHT BACK HERE, BOY!” the father roared. Richard went upstairs, grabbed a few things and stormed out of the house. The father sat back down, figuring Richard would come back. But he didn’t. Richard grabbed a bag, put some clothes in it, and then snuck into his parents’ room and grabbed a small handgun that the father had kept in his nightstand.

John Adler was frustrated. He had spent the whole day at his automotive shop, working on a race car that he was going to bring to the next WSCC race in Garden Park. He was convinced that if he could get out onto the race track again – something he hadn’t done in six years – he could just relax for once, and put himself in the right frame of mind for whatever came next. Everyone had left for the day, and he was putting the locks on his shop when he heard footsteps behind him.

He didn’t recognize the kid. Nobody did. All he saw was some kid, cold as hell, looking like he had been out on the streets for a couple of days, which wasn’t far from the truth. He had heard True Wreckerian speeches and visited their headquarters in central Halsted, but he had slept on park benches and under a bridge the last several days. The kid figured he couldn’t go back. He had stolen his father’s gun and he knew he couldn’t take whatever was coming from his father.

“Hello, young man,” John started. “You look rough. Can I help you?”

Richard Hatfield stared at President Adler with wide eyes, shaking badly. He didn’t know what to say.

“Mr… Mr… President?” Richard attempted to say.

He almost had regret for what he had set out to do. He had decided he was going to be that spark that Scott Stone had talked about, the spark that would set off Wreckeria becoming the dominant power in Atlantian Oceania and the entire multiverse. He had been convinced that John Adler was a cold, emotionless villain that kept people under his thumb and held Wreckeria down so badly.

But when he saw John Adler right in front of him, he realized that, for the first time ever, he had seen someone that actually looked like they cared.

“You look cold,” John said. “You want my coat? We’ll get you a place to stay.”

But Richard realized he had something to do. If only he knew what was going to happen. If only he knew what his actions would lead to. If only he knew what the next 54 years were going to look like. If he thought about what he was doing, maybe the True Wreckerians might have backed down. Maybe the Wreckerians would have been a force to be reckoned with in Atlantian Oceania and in the world, with the True Wreckerians working together with the government. After all, John had a meeting with Scott Stone for the next day.

Shakily, he pulled his gun from his pocket and shakily, without even aiming, fired off two shots. One hit Adler in his right shoulder. The other hit him in the back. Adler hit the ground, screaming in pain. Richard realized immediately what he had done, freaked out and ran for the hills, dropping his gun along the way. A couple of Adler’s people, who were still in the building, rushed out, put him in a car and sped to Halsted General.

When they got there, a reporter from the Halsted Tribune was there, reporting on an automobile accident that happened that day. He was just about to leave when he spotted a pissed-off John Adler being carried into the emergency room by two of his associates. The reporter rushed to a pay phone to tell his editor his original story was off.

“THE PRESIDENT IS HERE!” the reporter shouted excitedly. “HE’S BEEN SHOT!”

The reporter was quickly ejected from the emergency room, but the damage had been done. The newsroom at the Halsted Tribune sprung into action. Within minutes, the Wreckerian News Service, a wire service that most of the Wreckerian media subscribed to, put out a flash.

FLASH: HALSTED, MARCH 18, 0915: PRESIDENT ADLER SHOT OUTSIDE RACE SHOP. DEVELOPING

FLASH: HALSTED, MARCH 18, 0917: ADLER SHOT IN RIGHT SHOULDER AND BACK. GUNMAN UNIDENTIFIED. DEVELOPING

UPDATE: HALSTED, MARCH 18, 0918: ADLER STATUS UNKNOWN. GUNMAN APPREHENDED. DEVELOPING

The reporter who first broke the story gathered his bearings and poked his head into the emergency room. All he could hear was Adler muttering to some of his people.

“Fucking True Wreckerians, they got to that kid…” Adler said.

The reporter got back on a pay phone and informed the newsroom that it was a True Wreckerian that shot Adler. When the next update came from the wire, all hell broke loose.

UPDATE: HALSTED, MARCH 18, 0935: GUNMAN REPORTED TRUE WRECKERIAN SUPPORTER

True Wreckerians Party headquarters, Halsted
11:15 p.m. that night
Scott Stone paced around his office. He had been here a lot at night, occasionally with his secretary, but in case anything happened. Earlier that night, he had been called by a couple of his associates and informed that the media had pinned the shooting of John Adler on him. Stone went nuclear, saying the True Wreckerians would never shoot someone. He would never shoot someone.

“The fucking Halsted media has been trying to pin everything on me,” Stone spat out over the phone. “How do we know Adler is shot? They might have made that one up too to put sympathy on that pig.”

Figuring something was about to happen, Stone regardless got out a revolver from his desk, a six-shooter that he had kept in his desk for this exact moment. Several of his associates were there, figuring there was going to be something. They, too, were armed, carrying sawed-off shotguns, waiting for their moment. They ran into the front room of HQ, waiting for whoever was coming. After all, someone had to come, right? After all, the media was pinning the blame of whatever happened, IF it happened, on the True Wreckerians. Like you’d expect them to do.

Stone paced intensely in his back office, stopping when he heard screaming, swearing, and finally, the firing of weapons. Figuring he needed to let his associates do the dirty work, he hid himself behind his desk, waiting to ambush whoever had come in – whether it was some of Adler’s supporters, the Halsted police, or the military. After what seemed like forever, Stone looked past his desk and found five Halsted police officers running into his office.

“YOU! GET UP AND FREEZE!” one officer shouted out. “MR. STONE, YOU ARE UNDER ARREST!”

“For what?” Stone asked. “I didn’t do anything. You guys raided my place, not the other way around!”

“You want to tell us what you know about tonight?” the officer snapped. “About why President Adler is in a hospital, shot?”

“Fuck you,” Stone spit. “I don’t know anything. I didn’t DO anything. Get out of my office.”

And just then, Stone made a fatal mistake. He got up and pointed his six-shooter at the officers. One of the officers, off to the side, fired one shot that found its mark. Stone never knew what hit him. He never knew another thing again. He never knew what was about to come.

And it was that night that set off 54 years of violence. It was vicious rhetoric. It was a 19-year old kid who had found the first thing in his life that wasn’t going to throw him out. It was a family argument that ballooned out of control. It was panic. It was a misunderstanding in a hospital. It was a raid. All of it led to 54 years of fighting, 54 years of bloodshed, 54 years of terror.

The President’s Library, Halsted
The present day
Arnold Martin sat there, sullen and shaken at what he had just heard. All of what happened could have been avoided. All of it.

“Just one more day,” Lena said. “Just one more day. John Adler was supposed to meet with Scott Stone the next day. Adler was good at persuading people, he could have gotten Stone to calm down. They could have worked together. Wreckeria would have been fine. Stone probably would have become a footnote in history. But, no.”

“All of that, yeah…” Arnold slowly said before trailing off. “One thing leads to another, I guess.”

by **Hapilopper** » Sun Jan 09, 2022 7:32 pm

Center Street Pub, Hapilopper City
A few days before the Group Draw
The Center Street Pub, located in the basement of an apartment building not far from the Team Hapilopper headquarters, was not a well-known place for people to get a bite to eat or a drink. But that’s what its patrons liked. They liked a quieter, more subdued atmosphere to get their mind off what was bothering them and to enjoy one of the best beer and whiskey selections in town. Sure, there were times that it could get a little loud, but that was usually during Team Hapilopper football matches, when some of the most famous regulars of the Center Street Pub would compete against national teams from across the multiverse.

And members of that national squad were taking some time away from training to get a bite to eat. They enjoyed being away from the limelight to enjoy some time to themselves. They could hear their teammate and mentor Nathan Ellis tell stories and provide advice for themselves. Nathan had become an assistant coach with the team, in an effort to help the coaching staff resonate better with the players. Nathan had taken on that role with relish, and saw it as his duty to help his teammates – his kids, someone suggested – as much as he could.

The team was grateful Nathan was in that role, because as much as anything, there was a good chance Hapilopper might not be fielding a team in World Cup 90 without it. Several weeks ago, Team Hapilopper announced its withdrawal from World Cup 90. It turns out the team, along with the Hapilopper National Baseball Team, announced an immediate lockout of their players. Nathan, however, being a member of the coaching staff, was able to keep going to work.

A few weeks later, Team Hapilopper announced they were back in. When Dom Probst, head of the organization, was asked what changed, he refused to comment, simply stating that the lockout of the players was over, and he wasn’t going to answer any questions as to why. He didn’t tell the players what changed, and as a matter of fact, nobody did. Just “get ready for the qualifiers, we’re in.”

So on this evening at Center Street, members of the team were curious if Nathan had heard anything.

“Uh, yeah, I did,” Nathan said, almost like he was holding his cards close to him.

“What did you hear?” asked Jerold Dickman.

Nathan chuckled. He wasn’t sure if he could tell the story, so he hesitated. But figuring his teammates were going to hear it one way or another, better to get it out now.

The Team Hapilopper Headquarters, Hapilopper City
Several weeks before
Nathan Ellis was on the verge of snapping. He had already been in a terrible mood because of the lockout, even more so because his team wasn’t practicing, his team wasn’t getting ready, and his team wasn’t going to be even competing to qualify for the World Cup. Another World Cup missed. Another self-imposed setback for the Haps, when they really didn’t need it.

On a television screen not far from his desk, reporters on H-Sports were talking about how the team would never make it to the World Cup proper with issues such as this.

“I don’t know if there’s another team in all the multiverse as unstable as Team Hapilopper,” one pundit said. “It’s like, one step forward, one step backward with them. And if they keep doing this, they’ll never make it to the World Cup. Something has to be done to right that ship or it’s going to keep flailing like a bunch of idiots.”

Nathan turned back to look towards the window in his office, a huge window that overlooked the practice pitch. It was raining out, a cold freezing rain. He stepped out of his office and looked around the facility. Not many people were in the office at the time. Thom Perkins, his immediate boss, was working from home. Other coaches were at lunch. There were some security guards and office staff and that was it.

And Dom Probst, the head of Team Hapilopper, was sitting in his office, not doing a whole lot. Nathan realized that might be his best opportunity to get through to him. So Nathan walked right into Dom’s office and closed the door without checking if Dom had anything planned.

“Probst, I need five minutes with you alone,” Nathan said.

“For what?” Dom asked. “You just can’t come in my office without…”

“Are we seriously going to skip another god damn World Cup?” Nathan started. “You know, we can’t keep doing this if we’re going to make any progress as a team.”

“But your teammates keep asking for more money, knowing that we’re paying them all we can pay them,” Dom said. “I don’t want to do this, but your teammates can’t expect us to be OK with them demanding more money when they haven’t earned it.”

“Because you’re not giving us the chance. Let them play.”

“Then they need to drop their demands,” Dom shot back. “Those kids need to be grateful they’re on the national team because I could just as easily replace them – and you – with other players who’ll keep their mouth shut and play the game.”

Feeling like he wasn’t getting through to Dom, Nathan decided to take matters into his own hands. He lunged across the desk and grabbed Dom by the throat.

“Let me tell you something right now, Probst,” Nathan spat out. “You are robbing us, AND THIS NATION, of something great. I’m going to fight like hell for those boys and if you take us out, I’ll take you out. I’ll start up another team myself and field it. I’m sick and tired of all this meddling from people who don’t know what they’re doing. So if you don’t drop this shit and you don’t let these kids play, I’m going to rip your fucking head off right now and feed your corpse to the wolves. You drop this now or I’ll drop it for you.”

“Who the fuck do you think you are?” Dom replied, visibly shaken but enraged at Nathan’s threats.

“I’m Nathan Fucking Ellis,” Nathan replied. “I’m who you knew I was. And you will pay those kids or I will make you pay those kids.”

Center Street Pub, Hapilopper City
The present day
“So you threatened Mr. Probst?” asked Toby Bryson.

“Yeah, I felt it was the only way I could get to him,” Nathan responded. “I don’t want to see you kids not playing in this. Y’all wanted a cost of living increase and I made him give it to you. He wanted to play hardball with y’all, and I’m not going to have it. We are playing, come hell or high water.”

by **StrayaRoos** » Sun Jan 09, 2022 8:09 pm

We have been drawn in group 20 with The Salian,Chartisan,Western Sol, Squornshelan Remnant States,Southwest eastnorth,Sendhag and Kandorith and the List of Home games have been revealed so Richmond gets game 1,Pale International Stadium gets 2 and 6 Panem Stadium gets 3,and Pale Football Stadium gets 4,5 and 7

Squad for MD1 (Bolded means Sub)
Goalkeepers
1:Thomas Yesak,26,Panem Olympic
2:Matt Realaw,17,Atletico Menai
Defenders
17:Hamish Okuna,31,Pale City
3:Daniel Poalian,19,Zeal Vulcans
5:Ganmnb,36,Union Zalk
16:Mack Turean,,22,Pale United FC
6:Kai Kuyta,19,Union Zalk
8:Samuel Jedinak,31,Panem Olympic
22:Mark Forsberg,15,Real Menai CF
Midfielders
11:Alex Fitzsimmons,29,Southwest Ajax
12:Eden Bale,31,Borussia Eay
13:Gareth Hazard,29,Panem Olympic
14:Nazareth Guala,35,Circunses FC
15:James Lopai,17,FC Bayern Circunses
18:Mile Kajioup,29,FC Bayern Circunses
Forwards
4:Harry Cahill,34,Panem Olympic(Captain)
7:Cruz Kaiplo,16,Cedniavella (TUR)
9:Tim Kewell,25,Northern United

by **Starblaydia** » Sun Jan 09, 2022 8:17 pm

A presentation by

in partnership with

Welcome to the unveiling of the seventh iteration of the Starblaydi national football team kit. All of us at ediraf are immensely proud to be so intrinsicly linked with the history of one of the greatest teams in the history of sport. In World Cups 15, 25, 38, 41, 78 and 82, we have helped forge the dreams of not only the players themselves, but also fans around the multiverse. Today, in honour of an amazing three hundred years and as a dedication to the honour earned, the glory won and the blood shed, we would like to present the next stage in the ever-evolving visual language of Starblaydia and the eternal path to the greatest achievement of lifting the World Cup itself.

In this third iteration of Generation Five, which we are christening Generation Five-Star, we pay tribute to a time precisely two hundred years ago, when Starblaydia co-hosted the World Cup for the second time. That kit, that black kit, worn instead of white for the first and only time in the team's history, contained a number of iconic features that have informed and inspired our designs for this occasion. As a result, after great internal debate and, for the first time in history, the team will have a range of three kits for outfield players, representing the past, present and future.

_The Past_

The Starblaydia of the past was a mighty opponent for any team, who first felled Rejistania and then Bedistan, before coming back from nowhere to win three championships in seven editions, also winning six titles in the greatest regional tournament, Olympic gold and more besides. They stalked through the World Cup in the 20s and 40s, a purple-trimmed spectre who dominated almost every team. This team was the stuff of nightmares for their opposition. In an unsettling night-terror black, because the heart sinks with the sun, trimmed in the gold of a record sixteen championships won at senior level. We present the black-and-gold change kit.

_The Present_

White. Purple. These are the colours that Starblaydia wear, have always worn, and in Generation Five-Star they will wear them again. Taking the inspiration from World Cup 40's kit, you will see the dynamic, sweeping curves, the badge - the symbol that they play - proudly displayed front and centre, with ediraf's own logo shifted to the right shoulder as it was in the past on that beloved tribute uniform. There is a hint of gold here, too, because this is our heritage, our vision and our destiny.

_The Future_

Declaring its allegiance - akin to our fellow nations - in Anaian regional colours, the base solidity of deep winter purple and the bold decisive highlights of spring green features one distinct difference from all other incarnations: there are no five gold stars. This team has not earned them in Anaia, and in Anaia we do not rest on the past; we look to the future through a promising and inventive lens.

Three hundred years of history have gone, and Starblaydia stands proudly among the greatest nations of all time. It is a history built on victories gained from our feet being faster and our songs being stronger. Some say that without our history to fall back on, our future cannot be bright. We at ediraf, likewise our partners at the Starblaydi Football Association, do not believe this holds true. The future is bright because our deeds will make it so. The actions we take, informed by that great and glorious past but never inexorably wedded to it, will provide that golden future, uplifting us to our place of honour. One that we will grasp for ourselves.

To the world, to our ladies, gentlemen and those beyond and between, we have our rallying cry as we proudly present our warriors' garb, to celebrate 'Starblaydia 300' and the dreams that are yet to be realised. With maximum effort and unparalleled preparation, we declare our fighting anthem:

You can find the full kit displayed in the Starblaydi roster here.

by **Chromatika** » Sun Jan 09, 2022 8:49 pm

defender meets midfielder, Supplemental 1
the departure

With thanks to Tumbra, who's allowing me to write some of the background pieces that explain the world around the main story. This piece occurs before the meal, which is Season 3, Part 4. Also, thanks to Quebec and Shingoryeo, who's let me write one of his characters.

Chromia

Being the Manager of the biggest name brand in Chromatika was an interesting life, but Jannick Kontiola wore it well. Hired all the way back in Season 4, the Quebecois was brought in to elevate the play of Chromatik after watching their biggest rival, Anomalies, complete a three-peat; Jannick had won over the fans with his player-first, laid-back attitude and a desire to win. Things didn't go over very well early - Chromatik saw Crossroads, the third team from the Capital, win their first title, and then Wirr Tsi took over the leaderboard.

However, heading into Season 7, Jannick could see the landscape of the Red League changing bit by bit. Sure, there would be smaller teams fighting for survival - there was even talk about Tor or Lanar making some noise next year - but Chromatik had bigger fish to fry.

Myana had just replaced longtime Manager Madison Bilboa and was going to go with Tumbran Marco Hemmings, banking on Marko Zup and Enrico Hanson-Conavacio, two of their young pieces. Anomalies would always be an intriguing opponent with the veteran leadership of Lainey Wadsworth and the stardom of Mithya Hashemi, while Crossroads had Junstiina Dannysdóttir.

However, he had just received an interesting offer from Wirr Tsi. Zhaxi Nanlei, fresh off of winning his first title, had an offer for Leysa Burns, Chromatik's Defensive Midfielder. With the direction that Chromatik was headed - they had just signed Cande Montalban from Krytenia and Cixin Nguyen from Chromia Central College University - there was a choice for Jannick and the Chromatik brass to make. Would they send Leysa to one of the hottest domestic teams, knowing full well that Leysa will be used to her utmost potential against them, counting on the addition of one Trudy Harrison, previous U-18 champion with Tumbra?

His thoughts were interrupted by a knock at the door. It was expected, of course, but he couldn't help but notice the different air about Leysa Burns as she entered the room, freshly showered after practice, her shoulder-length hair freely flowing.

"You wanted to see me, Gamdoknim (coach)?

"Ah, yes, Leysa. Thank you for coming after practice. Come, sit." Leysa did, and Jannick could tell that she knew what this was about.

"I'm sure you've been notified by your agent that you got that bid from Wirr Tsi. Now, I have no design on letting you go if you don't want to go - we're in a good spot, and sure, it may not be this immediate season, but we are still building up to that title shot. If you want the challenge of playing in Wirr Tsi, and facing us twice a year, go ahead. If you want to stay, we could still use you. You have that je ne sais quois (I don't know) quality about you that's irreplaceable." Jannick concluded. He meant every word he said, and though people said that he wa a bit of a smooth talker, he always maintained that he was a genuine man.

After shifting a bit uncomfortably, Lesya sighed.

"What do you think of Trudy Harrison?" she asked abruptly.

Jannick raised an eyebrow, surprised at the sudden question. He motioned for her to continue.

"Everyone says Myana's the youth movement, but we've got one going ourselves, right? Raul. Cixin. Cande. Sure, there's Dun, but he's on his way out, and besides the defensive veteran presence of Win and Jernejec, everyone else is pretty youthful and motivated. You have a perfectly capable nineteen year old on the bench who's won an international tournament. She has way more tenacity and stopping power than me, and I think that she is ready to step in," she explained.

"So, you want to leave because you think Trudy is a better fit?" inquired Jannick, starting to see where this was going.

"I think Wirr Tsi is a better fit. They need someone who can be more of a leader and spend most of the time defending. You need someone who can do that but also turn around and get the ball to Cixin and Micha. Trudy can do that. I can tell when someone else is meant for the role I'm in, and Wirr Tsi isn't a horrible lateral move from me, either," stated Leysa, "The girl was meant to play, and meant to lead. And if you end up getting that other Tumbran, and he ends up starting someday? That's going to be important that she got starting time beforehand."

Jannick sat back in his chair, stunned.

"Wow," he stammered, "Mon Dieu (My God), you're a strange one."

Then, he reached out a hand, and she took it.

"I like it. Thank you for your words, Leysa. I'll take your wishes under consideration. Bonne chance (Good luck) going forward, Maidemoiselle."

Leysa bowed, and then curtsied.

"It's been an honor. I'm sure we'll talk again before the deal's finalized," she quipped.

Then, she was out of the office.

Jannick stood up and looked out of the window of his office at the top of the Chromia Star Center. It was going to be an interesting offseason, indeed.

by **Audioslavia** » Sun Jan 09, 2022 9:31 pm

Starblaydia wrote:*blah*

Click here for full size version

by **The 14 Stars** » Mon Jan 10, 2022 1:18 am

Welcome to the new Starsian team!

Chapter 1: Announcements, preparations and tough choices

Krystof Broskov: ''Mister Landry, we have gotten our information on the qualifiers for the 90th world cup by Vilita and Baker Park and i can't say its gonna be really boring with the teams we did draw there.''

Landry: ''Ah Krystof, so how was the draw did we avoid the so called groups of death?''

Krystof kinda shook his head with a no but his face did not look concerned, that meant that there atleast was also positive news on the horizon aswell for this new young team of Starsians he was entasked with.
James Landry is a coach from Eshialand, he had been quite surprised at the chance for him to coach a national team even a non-eshian team but he was not the type to say no to that kind of experience.
Now he was here at this point together with Steve Young his loyal assistant coach that was always by his side and a staff consisting of ex-internationals who knew the Starsian very well.

Krystof: ''Well lets say there are not much really weak teams, from the pot 1 draws we have Starblaydia who are having their 300 year anniversary and certainly won't go easy here.
Further we have Tumbra and Adam as well-known nations with Adab recently winning the IAC and also having defeated our side earlier which is a bit of a thing we would have to mentally prepare for with the players.
Less established nations are Quakmybush and the Alezian Union of which we do not know a single thing as of now, we also have South Covello and Flavovespia who we know but not very well.
Those two are known among the older nations but to us they are strangers, thats about the draw we have called group 12.

Landry listened and analyzed he did not know yet what to do with the most teams but he knew a few things, Starblaydia would try to get their revenge for that one time we did beat a side of theirs.
Adab is the IAC winner and did beat us along the way, defeating them will be a tough job but without belief there is certainly no hope and Tumbra also would be a tough cookie to break, they were known as a strong and allround team but focusing on defense.

Landry: ''Interesting, we will need alot of preparations and especially practice for our special tactics because those will only work once on Starblaydians at the very best.
Those aren't the kind of people to let them be fooled twice and that also goes for Adabians or Tumbrans for that matter.
Who is the first one we play?''

Krystof: ''Flavovespia, its an away match which appears to be mostly the case for the first half and the match is in 6 days''

Landry: ''Alright then lets get the team together''

They asked the team to gather together to inform them, for the WCQ 90 most importantly Christiana Love was missing due to disciplinary issues she was not included in the teams roster data.
Her replacement was Zeyna Chardan a young up and coming talent who would use this opportunity to learn alot, for veterans Maximillian Flare and also Nicolay Moon this would be their last time internationally.
When they all were around Landry would welcome them and give them instructions for the upcoming match soon

Landry: ''Alright team, our draw is neat our most prominent opponents will be Starblaydia, Adab and Tumbra who will be likely the ones the contest any world cup spots available in the group first and for all.
I intent to go as far as we can, but you all need to understand that our soccer is nothing compared to Starblaydia, us beating them earlier was luck and something they probably have thought about for weeks.
Our first match will be in 6 days against Flavovespia, its an away match and its one that we can use to get points which we might lose against those three main teams in our group here.

Good as for preparations, i want us to work hard but not over-work ourselves, we only have so many players who can play at this level and we can't afford to lose any players who have such potential.
I will now announce my intending starting line-up, this is not final but this is pretty accurate to who will play the first match.''

Intended starting XI for MD1

GK: Calvin Princeton
LB: Dereck Yale
CB: Alan White
CB: Nicolay Moon
RB: Olivia Salisbury
LM: Dylan Diam
CM: Morris Valerian (captain)
RM: Amanda Forsberg
LW: Jude Redwood
ST: Maximillian Flare
RW: Kira Blade

There are 2 major changes here, first of all will Calvin Princeton be the starting goalie instead of Feeney due to Greenville's lack of preformance lately in the domestic league.
Secondly Amanda Forsberg will be starting instead of Becky Ray both of them being great players but in this match we want to try out a new player and thats why Becky Ray will be starting from the bench.

Tom Feeney: ''I see, so i'm being replaced....well it certainly was in line with the expectations but it hurts nonetheless as it does make me feel a bit like i've failed now as a goalkeeper coach.

Landry: ''I understand it Tom and i promise you that you will get your matches too, but currently Calvin's team has been in high spirits and he has shown great progress so we have to give him a chance aswell.''

Tom: ''I understand, well then i will continue to get better too, i really want to get better too and i won't be left out!''

Landry: ''Thats the spirit, alright thats it for now, on to the preparing!''

by **Ko-oren** » Mon Jan 10, 2022 2:50 am

NS World Cup Fantasy Qualification

Sign up and play now!

It's back! Picks open until immediately after MD1 is scorinated. As always, feel free to make multiple picks (For example: different IC personalities for those RP hot takes)

by **Starblaydia** » Mon Jan 10, 2022 5:34 am

Audioslavia ended Starblaydia's existence slightly when he wrote:*blah*

by **Soldera** » Mon Jan 10, 2022 7:03 am

Norm Carricker knew the real test was beginning soon.

The Solderan national football team advanced to the knockout rounds of a tournament for the first time ever in the Baptism of Fire Cup. However, that was where their run ended. Now, the real work begins as the Snakes prepare for their inaugural World Cup qualifying campaign representing the United Kingdom.

The Soldera manager was present for the official dedication ceremony for King Anthony Stadium, which would be the home grounds for the national team. It would also be one of the stadia in use for the new domestic league which was set to begin in five years' time. The buildup to a true national league would begin with minor leagues first. The third division teams would start with the upcoming year, followed by the eventual second division in two years. After that, the first division would finally get under way.

In the meantime, the Snakes drew their group assignment for qualifying. They would face an ancient power in Jeruselem and sporting mainstays Darmen and Mercedini among their seven group opponents in Group 10. The other teams represent Kyzhurkistan, Pluvia and the Saxean Isles, The Gothanita Isles and Ochre Islands.

"Sounds like a lot of island hopping," midfielder and team captain Joey Westway said. "I don't know if we're necessarily in a group of death per se, but every group would be tough for us considering the fact that this is our first World Cup qualifying campaign. Qualifying for the proper in our first go would be a miracle."

The Snakes may be starting out with a little bit of an advantage compared to unranked teams being tied for 236th in the multiverse with 1.44 KPB points, but Carricker said he wanted to temper expectations of anything other than "taking a lot of lumps.

"We don't have that much international experience, so this is going to be all new for us," he said.

by **Ochre Islands** » Mon Jan 10, 2022 9:06 am

--Friday, the 9th of June 2248, three months before the present-day--
---Committee Room 6, The Isles Parliament, Fort Boston, Fort Boston State, Bostopia---

'He'll have been declared dead for two weeks tomorrow. The constitution says we must have a new head of state in place by now. You know what we'll do if we don't!' Even through a webcam, the grandstanding and fist-shaking of this otherwise minor politician (on a Twin Isle scale anyway) was irritating.

Alan Sentor (Secretary of State for Bostopian Matters), muted his microphone and turned to an aide. 'Who is this, exactly?' 'That's Gary Mafbur, a Councillor from Port Flamerty State's Workers Union Party. They're the largest party in the state Parliament.' 'Right?' 'He's seeking to exploit this but it shouldn't get far.'

Citizens of Bostopia had only really been given two choices at national elections, unless you lived in the gerrymandered constituency in the centre of Fort Boston, which only covered the Emperor's Castle and Park. The electorate was one, there was one candidate (the Emperor) and he always got 100% of the votes and a seat in Parliament. Either way, for everyone else, the choices were either the Bostopian National Party or the National Party of Bostopia. At State and local level elections, it was more of an even playing field, but the Isles Parliament saw to it that the barking dogs in those didn't really have any teeth, and the ones that did were swiftly muzzled.

'Gary.' Alan said. 'He was declared dead on a Saturday, you know that gives us 'til midday Tuesday to resolve this? We'll have found a member of the royal family by then who actually wants the throne.' 'What, someone who wants the poisoned chalice of a failed nation that comes along with it?' Gary let it hang in the air. 'You've got 'til midday Tuesday to come up with someone whose Royal arse will be taking a seat on the Coronation Bench on Tuesday afternoon!'

by **Graintfjall** » Mon Jan 10, 2022 11:16 am

Dispertag – 0 (0)

Græntfjall – 1 (0)
Snæþórsson; Matteosdóttir, Jokulsson (77’), Friðvinsson (78’ Thorleifsson ), Vilbertsdóttir (76’ Bjarnfinnursdóttir ); Ísarrsson (90+1’), Ymirsdóttir; Leonardsson (82’ Kristbergsson ), Hólmarsdóttir (59’ Álvgeirsdóttir (80’)), Svennsson (82’ Ørjansdóttir ); Þórhallursson (48’ Bergmundursson (53’))

Græntfjall – 1 (1)
Hárlaugsdóttir; Lúthersdóttir, Jokulsson (64’ Björnsdóttir ), Bensson (52’ Nicolajsson ), W. Audunsdóttir*; Tronsson, Aðalsteinnsdóttir (51’ Árisson ); Þorfinnsson (70’ Mensdóttir ), Guttisdóttir; Jonathansdóttir (6’) (61’) (81’ Bergmundursson ), L. Auðunsdóttir* (71’ L. Rögnvaldursson )

Darmen – 0 (0)

Cassadaigua – 0 (0)

Græntfjall – 1 (0)
Hárlaugsdóttir (44’ Snæþórsson ); Philipsdóttir, Reynarsson, Jokulsson, Bjarnfinnursdóttir; Ísarrsson (83’ Clemensson ), Árisson (86’ Ymirsdóttir ); Guttisdóttir (54’ Mensdóttir ), Kristoffersdóttir; Jonathansdóttir (55’ Bergmundursson ), L. Auðunsdóttir (51’ Kasperisdóttir )

* Græntfjaller orthography is not standardized, and since the fall of communism substantial deviation has occurred. Sometimes the eth (ð) has become a d through transliteration, other times it has not. Wilhelmina Audunsdóttir and Lara Auðunsdóttir are totally unrelated and have different fathers, but to avoid confusion their initials are used here. It is common for Græntfjallers to compete with their first names rather than surnames on their shirts.

Selection of articles from Græntfjaller news media.

KG, Cantor reassure faith in Sigurbjarnsdóttir despite miserable Eagle’s Cup

Ernestisson absence does little to lessen competition at center back position

Dannysdóttir, Urbansson to end careers at clubs that made them famous

Sausages spend big as they aim to buy their way back to the top

by **HUElavia** » Mon Jan 10, 2022 3:19 pm

Rebuilding with an Opportunity!

HUElavia enters the Qualifiers for World Cup 90 with a promising roster for a promising campaign!

Once again, the HUElavian National Football Team prepares for another Qualifying campaign for the World Cup. Despite a shocking and early exit in the Round-of-16 of the Independent Associations Championship, the HUElavian Football Association opted to retain head coach Leonardo Conavacio, giving an extension of the contract to a year in order to give him time to develop the young players in the National Football Team. This time around, many of the players are in their 20s, with only 3 players on the 46-player roster being at the age of 30 or older (which will be a few more by the time the qualifiers end). With the team returning from the Wonder Cup, the players have been selected, where a near full use of the roster is expected.

In the World Cup Qualifiers Draw, the draw was held in Vilita, where all 160 participants in the qualifiers (without co-hosts Vilita and Baker Park) were drawn into the Group Stage. HUElavia (41) was drawn into Group 15 with the likes of TJUN-ia (48), Aut-Ves-Nat (142), United Adaikes (242), Ranoria (67), Darkmania (104), Ethane (14), and the United States of Great America (UR). Thus, it is likely that HUElavia will be fighting for a Playoff spot in 2nd Place with likely TJUN-ia and Ranoria for these Qualifiers.

After the draw was conducted, the HUElavian Football Association and the HUElavian government went around deciding the venues for the qualifiers. The following seven venues were chosen to host matches during these qualifiers: Estadio Nacional (100,000) in Curumba, Nuevo Estadio del Rio (80,000) in Rio de HUEska, Estadio Acuático (67,000) in Bello Mar, Takoroyama Kyougijou (62,000) in Takoroyama, Estadio da Selva (58,000) in Natel, Arena Naval (41,500) in Alacum, and Stade de la Cote (38,000) in Singelles, The latter two stadiums listed will be having the National Team "baptize" the stadium with their first ever visits of the team.

Thus, with HUElavia seeded as No. 7 in the group, the schedule for the matches and venues will be as follows:

Matchday 1:
Aut-Ves-Nat vs HUElavia

Matchday 2:
HUElavia vs United Adaikes
(Arena Naval, Alacum, HUElavia)

Matchday 3:
Ranoria vs HUElavia

Matchday 4:
HUElavia vs Darkmania
(Estadio Acuático, Bello Mar, HUElavia)

Matchday 5:
Ethane vs HUElavia

Matchday 6:
United States of Great America vs HUElavia

Matchday 7:
HUElavia vs TJUN-ia
(Estadio Nacional, Curumba, HUElavia)

Matchday 8:
HUElavia vs Aut-Ves-Nat
(Estadio da Selva, Natel, HUElavia)

Matchday 9:
United Adaikes vs HUElavia

Matchday 10:
HUElavia vs Ranoria
(Nuevo Estadio del Rio, Rio de HUEska, HUElavia)

Matchday 11:
Darkmania vs HUElavia

Matchday 12:
HUElavia vs Ethane
(Takoroyama Kyougijou, Takoroyama, HUElavia)

Matchday 13:
HUElavia vs United States of Great America
(Stade de la Cote, Singelles, HUElavia)

Matchday 14:
TJUN-ia vs HUElavia

Per the usual ticket allocation, the HUElavian public will be able to purchase up to 85% of the stadium's capacity, while 15% will be given to the opponent's Organizing Federation to allow opposing fans to travel to HUElavia to watch their team. At least, it is expected for the 85% of tickets to be fully sold out, especially for the home matches against TJUN-ia, Ethane, and Ranoria.

The team look forward to their matches and are hoping to make a strong run in these qualifiers. Here's to hoping for the opening match to be entertaining and for the team to start off on the right foot!

FORCA HUELAVIA! VAMOS HUELAVIA! GO HUELAVIA!

Starting XI @ Aut-Ves-Nat: Casillas, Morquecho, Coentrao, Uzochukwu, Rosado, Font, Otaño, Sol, Torrisi (C), Yamane, Nascimento.
Special Uniform will be worn.

by **Sarzonia** » Mon Jan 10, 2022 3:26 pm

On the surface, Group 18 may not give off group of death vibes, but the pratfalls are still there for the Sarzonian national football team.

For starters, there's The Holy Empire. Literally for starters. Sarzonia's opening match of World Cup 90 qualifying is a Saints vs. Sinners battle at Dave Wilson Stadium. Talk about a baptism by fire and brimstone.

For manager Nathan Hanifer, the fact the Stars open with the top ranked team in the multiverse, especially one smarting from a 1-0 defeat to extremely defensive-minded Ko-oren in the final will go a long way in itself to temper any expectations surrounding qualifying for a spot in the proper for the first time in five World Cup cycles, though Sarzonia declined to send a team to Taeshan or Ethane in World Cup 87.

"That's a way to test us straight away," Hanifer said of the match against The Holy Empire. "We don't get a chance to ease into the schedule by playing one or two of the teams we stand a better chance of getting results against. We have to hit the ground running directly in front of our home supporters." As for the Saints vs. Sinners promotions going about, Hanifer shrugged.

"Whatever sells tickets, I guess," he said. "We don't think much about that." As for the whole cuddling thing from the previous World Cup, Hanifer shuddered.

"No way we even consider that," he said.

Following the match against the Pot 1 Holy Empire, the Stars then play away to the Pot 2 side Mytanija before returning home to play Pot 6 side Pyazhnaya. Hanifer said he intended to start goalkeeper Carlton Sandt against both The Holy Empire and Mytanija before giving Trent Woodson his first start of qualifying against Pyazhnaya. Hanifer said the fact the Stars are playing the two highest ranked sides in the first two matches of qualifying precludes the traditional practice of starting the reserve goalkeeper on the second matchday. Pot 5 opponent Eastfield Lodge away is next, followed by home contests against Eraman and Dod Rava and an away match to Magnecia. The fixtures reverse for the second half of qualifying.

"Well, we get to close out at home," striker Jake Campos said. "Getting to close out the campaign in front of our supporters will be huge for us."

As for the schedule, with only 14 matches, Sandt warned there was no room for error.

"We've started out slowly too many times. If we don't figure things out quickly, we won't be able to recover from a poor start."

SARZONIA STARS (all home matches at Dave Wilson Stadium in Woodstock, capacity 105,900)
MD1 v. THE HOLY EMPIRE
MD2 @ Mytanija
MD3 v. Pyazhnaya
MD4 @ Eastfield Lodge
MD5 v. ERAMAN
MD6 v. DOD RAVA
MD7 @ Magnecia
MD8 @ THE HOLY EMPIRE
MD9 v. MYTANIJA
MD10 @ Pyazhnaya
MD11 v. EASTFIELD LODGE
MD12 @ Eraman
MD13 @ Dod Rava
MD14 v. MAGNECIA

by **Chromatika** » Mon Jan 10, 2022 8:58 pm

Sybill & Hellion, Part 1: The Opening Interview

New Chromatik National Team Manager Sandra Sybill

The Capitalizt Dome
Chromia, Chromatika

When she'd taken this job, her friends had called her crazy, her family insane; to have your very first Manager position be that of the national team that you were a part of for so many cycles, during Chromatika's golden years? This squad hadn't been to the Quarterfinals since World Cup 78 - thirteen editions ago. All Sandra Sybill knew, though, was that it was her gut that had carried her so far. It was her gut that led her to make the move from Z'ai'ai to Real Azuris; it was her gut that had suggested to one Silian Parker that the Chromatiks field all three Central Midfielders - Alyss Montague, Rachel Hellion, and herself - back in her prime playing days. It was her gut that had led to her getting her License to be a Manager. It was her gut that had led her to meet her fiancée, Lieutenant Colonel Jean-Pierre Oh of the RQAF, almost four years ago. Every time she had a life-altering decision to make, she'd gone with what she believed in, and when she got the call from the Chromatik Football Federation, Viktor Karras, Jr., she'd agreed without much hesitation.

"Noona can do whatever you put your mind to," Colonel Oh had told her over the phone from somewhere between the skies of Quebec and Chromatika, "You go and do what you want to, ma chérie, and I will support you no matter what you do." It was hard being away from each other from time to time, but they had their wedding scheduled the next winter, and after that, he had said that he would take more of a logistics position so that he could move to Chromatika with her. At least that part of the plan had been flawless.

When Mr. Karras, Jr., had asked her who she wanted in the Assistant Manager position, Sandra Sybill didn't hesitate. She insisted that she would be able to find her own, and without much thought about time zones and the logistics of the world, she had dialed her friend and prior teammate, Rachel Hellion. Rachel, despite being awakened by a sudden phone call - it had been extremely early in Schottia - hadn't taken much convincing, either. According to Rachel, she'd been looking for a good enough reason to return home - her mother was ailing, and her brother had had twin boys the previous fall - that she was ready for the challenge.

Now, three weeks to the day that Sandra Sybill accepted the Chromatika Anomalies job - ten days after meeting Zoe "Z" Benne, whom she'd only seen in social functions with her wife, Erika Morningstar, and seven days after meeting their Social Media Coordinator, Shelby Arling - the duo were headed to their first official press conference. Arling had warned them of the types of questions that were typically asked in the inaugural press conference; they'd practiced, but Sandra knew herself enough to recognize that when the questions came, she would say the first thing that came to her mouth, and hope that that would be enough.

"You ready?" came the voice of Rachel Hellion, towering a good seven inches over Sandra without any help of heels. Rachel had the height and the size to gather the attention of anyone that she meant to, and she had the personality to boot. Rachel was going to be absolutely fantastic at taking care of the players, being the liaison, etc. Her quiet confidence wasn't lost in her loud personality, and Sandra found herself being glad again for the hundredth time since that phone call that Hellion would be on this crazy ride with her.

With a curt nod, Sandra picked up the pace, and moments later, entered the conference room. There were reporters from at least ten different news agencies, numerous cameras, and bright lights. As the cameras started going off at a breakneck pace, Sandra continued her walk to the podium that had been prepared for her. As promised, Shelby Arling was in front of the podium, ready to direct traffic; she also noticed one Jordan Lawless, longtime friend of any Chromatik national team, and nodded. He'd get the first question, and they'd get off the right foot.

With a deep breath to steady herself, she made her way to the podium and spoke.

"Thank you, my fellow Chromatiks, for being here. It is my honor to take upon this mantle of being the next Manager of the Chromatika Anomalies. As someone who has worn that uniform in the past, I am aware of the gravitas and the importance that the team has to our populace and the spirit of our nation. I am determined to give this my fullest attention, with the confidence, effort, and determination that has served me very well in the past. Chromatika has places to go in world football still, and it will be my number one goal to help our nation reach the same levels that it has enjoyed, and beyond. Thank you for this opportunity, and with that, I will take some questions as decided by our lovely Social Media Coordinator."

There was polite applause, and then Shelby Arling pointed at Jordan Lawless for the first question.

"Jordan Lawless, The Rebel. Chromatika hasn't reached the World Cup Proper Quarterfinals in thirteen editions. The current generation of youth don't remember the days when Chromatika was a top ten nation in the world. Meanwhile, world football continues to evolve and turn at a fast pace - there were so many breakout teams in the last edition, and this one will be a testament to just how many of them had a miracle run and how many of them are actually here to stay. What do you see as a realistic goal in this ninetieth edition of the World Cup? Where do you see this team being in two, three World Cups?"

Of course, it was like Jordan to ask a big picture question. Thankfully, this was similar to one of the questions she'd practiced with Shelby, and she knew just the right thing to say that was also true.

"I remember those days fondly - I played in them. I believe that the thing that this team - our Anomalies - need the most is confidence. Confidence that they can take on anyone in the multiverse at any given day and win. My goal this World Cup is to qualify - of course - and then reach the Round of Sixteen. You are absolutely correct - the world's football is continuing to change at a breakneck pace. New powers rise and old regimes fall, all trumped by the inevitable march of time and change. We need to stay ahead of the curve, lean in to what we have going for us, and embrace what is to come."

Scattered applause, but that was expected. She'd used some broad terms, painted large strokes. The details would come in the days to come.

"Mordecai Mender, Chromia Central Courier. It's been rumored that you'll be switching to a way more offensive brand of football. What brought on this change? Why do you think that Chromatika will thrive in that kind of environment? How do you think that the defense will hold up, and what kind of changes do you foresee yourself making if the strategies don't turn out?"

Straight and to the point. Sandra and Rachel had spent some time looking at the barrage of comments about the kind of football that they were going to lead. So many people were nervous about leaving Juxon Fillar on an island, about not having the three midfielders to help the four in the back as needed. Once again, Sandra was happy with the amount of preparation that they'd had. There wasn't any topic that she and Rachel agreed on more wholeheartedly without reservation than this one, though. They (the opposing viewpoint) had no chance.

"The biggest asset on any football field is the players. Look at the type of players we have - Chromatik football's current strengths include athletic, creative playmakers with endless drive. The position of Center Midfielder - whether it be Attacking or Defensive - is the most important on the pitch alongside the wingers. You don't waste talent like Vasiliy Marten Kuznetsov, Haley Hauser, or Olimpia Vidal by playing football. No, you give opportunities for Baillaire Fillar, Wen Xhose, even the more defensively minded players with a leg like Enigma Armageddon and Kateryna Zuniga - to have a shot at helping the usual performers. When you have defenders like Kandice Sayer that can be really deadly in corners, or players like Ha'nei Ighv and the like that can shoot from any range, you tell them to do that. Why can we decide to do that, though?"

As she paused, she could see that everyone was hanging on to every word that she said. Rachel was nodding at her, while Shelby looked relaxed; the whole room was at her fingertips, and by the number of cameras that were in front of her, so was the entire nation.

"I believe in our Goalkeepers and our Defenders. Sure, we might concede a few more goals than we would if we ran the usual formations, but it also remains true that the more goals we score, the less pressure that will be felt by that same defense. There's the saying that the best defense is a good offense. We will go out and show just how true that statement can be."

Most people liked that answer. People could see that Sandra wasn't just making this up from scratch. She might not have managed anywhere big before, but she knew what she was talking about.

"Georgia Routhers, Independence. There are some new names on this roster, as well as some others who are getting moved up the depth chart. Who do you think is a player that will break out this qualifying cycle?"

A bit of a surprise question, but not a topic that Rachel and Sandra hadn't discussed already.

"I'll give you two names. Kandice Sayer is going to look like someone brand new - we haven't tried to use her in the way that we're going to try this cycle. Expect her to score some goals. Up front, it's time for Wen Xhose to shine - finally. Too long, we've let Yassaca's treasure go unnoticed. He can bring a dimension to the game that we haven't had."

"Kameron Jones, The Islander..."

Thirty Minutes Later

It had gone on for a while. A total of twenty questions were answered, and Sandra tried to be honest and thorough on every single answer.

"You handled that well enough," commented Arling, "From now on it'll be one or two, maybe three after every game. Think you can handle it?"

Sandra smiled back.

"Yeah, I think I can handle it."

Then, turning back to Rachel, who had been in the room the whole time, she said the words that she'd wanted to say since she'd agreed.

"Let's get to work."

Matchday 1: Chromatika UR) Good Samaritans @ The Islander Dome, Myana, Myana Island
Starting XI (4-1-4-1): Bautista; Chapman (C) - Ansoll - Nodis - Aimée; Pill; Kruetzberg - Phoen - Laurette - Damani; Killian.
Reserves: GK Van Enax, GK Jacob Descombes; RB Raul Vitan, CB Klavida Régine, CB Moira Ansov, LB Ha'nei Ighv, DM Amélie Ju, DM Eli Apt, RM Martha Baum, AM Baillaire Fillar, LW/LM Miranda Andersen, ST Kara Oveni

by **Ranoria** » Mon Jan 10, 2022 10:52 pm

Why World Cup 90 Can Be Groundbreaking For Ranoria

Krauts striker and gridiron Krauts kicker Barry Chlorid during domestic gridiron play

Krauts' forward Barry Chlorid stated two years ago that this team would be capable of qualifying in two to three cycles. To the contrary, we're here to tell you we can beat that mark.

In the not so distant future, we're predicting that a veteran crew coached by Mark Tilmann will have booked a ticket to the World Cup in Vilita. It's that, or they'll have become a footnote by the end of the qualifying stage for the fourth consecutive cycle.

If all goes well, The Krauts will hit a huge milestone by making their way into the World Cup proper and continuing the work of our lacrosse and baseball crews to put Ranoria on the map outside of gridiron. That's of course, if all goes well. For a squad still finding its place on the international level — and one that's failed to qualify despite back-to-back winning records in the qualifying stage — the Krauts cannot afford to stumble if they want to take the next step.

Alright alright, you're saying, we know this - if Ranoria's going to qualify for the World Cup, they'd have to step up their level of play at least two, maybe three notches. Everyone who's enough of a soccer fanatic to even know about the team knows that while they can compete, they're mediocre at best, far from able to go with the heavyweights atop the rankings like Cassadaigua, Valanora, or Banija. Well, actually, we defeated Banija in a pre-WC friendly once. No one's quite sure how that happened, even with most of the juggernaut squad's team sitting that one out.

But what's changed? Why is this year suddenly a "big year"? There's been very little roster turnover and on paper, we're not looking any different.

1: A lot of hungry players who are nearing the end of their prime

This group of players hasn't lost as step yet, but this is really the last cycle where this group will be the primary core of players. In two years when World Cup 91 hits, they'll be hitting that wall. Barry Chlorid, ours star striker? He's 31, and likely to move on to being exclusively a gridiron kicker not too long from now. His running mate, big Felix Graf is 28 and has never been known for his athleticism. Tony Hamilton, their third man up, is 35 and likely will retire after this season. The midfielders are already taking hits with long-time star Rayko Grossman now at 36 and buried in the depth chart. August Mueller and Gregor Berger are both 29, Esther Simson is 32. And the defenders? Kris Reinhardt - the best of the bunch - has a few prime campaigns left in her at 26, but Eugene Rimold, Chris Jenkins, and Jules Annina are all 28+.

And this group has had a taste of success. They were a draw away from qualifying for World Cup 88 and handled themselves respectably in World Cup 89. They're ready for one last ride, one last glorious run before youth takes over.

2: A new addition to the managing staff
Well, Tilmann seems optimistic. After meeting with team captains Barry Chlorid, Kris Reinhardt, and Vincent Emilia, his players agreed to extend their training camp period by a week. For Chlorid of course, it has little consequence, as the star striker will, as usual, miss training camp in favor of his responsibilities as Ranoria's kicker in the World Bowl. But with new assistant Manlafi Sowe on the payroll, our staff here at RSSN, including Vick Hamilton, have reported that the camp is being run like a well-oiled machine. Ranoria's looking sleek and professional compared to seasons past. Why did they have the idea to extend the camp?

Well, to get more time with their newest assistant manager, Manlafi Sowe out of Banija. Sowe has experience as the goalkeeping coach at Banija's strongest soccer franchise, Herzegovina City FC, and was the manager of Bunyoro RSC. He's been incredible, and those with a trained eye can tell he's got this team playing up a notch.

It hurt my pride a bit to outsource our coaching to Banija, but it's been an excellent move. He knows what he's doing, he's seeing things that I could never pick up on, and everything our players are doing just looks a little bit sharper, a little faster. Our understanding of the game has improved, and frankly, I think this team's ready to go to the World Cup proper. And we realized that. We here in Ranoria have no clue what we're doing. Hell, we had a broadcast team that didn't realize we weren't playing gridiron football in World Cup 88! so we went and got someone who's been successful from a country that does know what they're doing."

-Krauts Head Coach Mark Tilman, prior to the traditional friendly match vs Banija

It's still a bold proclamation. While Ranoria's gridiron success is well documented, it's been spotty in other sports. The lacrosse team is a breath of fresh air, finishing with a winning record and making playoffs in each of their first two tries, but even then this World Cup squad has been the most successful of any of our international ventures outside the nation's most loved sport. World Baseball Classic? We were seen as an up and comer for awhile, improving from 12 wins to 15 in the 39th edition, and then seemed to clearly establish ourselves as the next contender in WBC 50, when the Krauts rattled off 10 wins in their final 11 games to finish 19-11, and beat the Sherpa Empire all those years ago in one of the most stunning Ranoria victories of all time on the international stage.

Then...nothing. 14-16 in WBC 51, 13-17 in WBC 52. And while an 18-12 record in the 53rd edition was nice, the Krauts still missed the knockout stages. So they're off the table. And don't even get us started on our disastrous - and sporadic - forays in the World Cup of Hockey, International Basketball Championships, or NSSCA. Point being - Ranoria's generally going to be respectable at best if a handegg and helmets aren't involved. The addition of Manlafi Sowe to the coaching staff is great, the team may be looking good, but they're just that - respectable. No one is really looking at these Krauts as a threat to qualify, and it'd buck the trend to do so.

But hell, we'd argue that's to our advantage. Ranoria's a solid 20-6-9 in the past two World Cup Qualifying rounds, so the next step, clearly, is to knock down the damn door and whisper in some resting-on-their-laurels traditional blueblood team's ear: "My turn."

by **Romsten** » Tue Jan 11, 2022 6:10 am

Romstenian International team
https://www.nationstates.net/nation=romsten/detail=factbook/id=1596566

by **Soldera** » Tue Jan 11, 2022 3:00 pm

The days before the Solderan national football team opened King Anthony Stadium, the sparkling new home grounds for the Snakes football team would be met with some anxiety. After all, the Snakes were playing their first two matches away from home before returning to Branwen to host Darmen in that huge match.

It was true that Darmen were but a ghostly shadow of their glory days of recent past. They missed out on qualifying for World Cup 85 as an upstart No. 65 Sarzonia overtook them despite being ranked 26th. Darmen currently sat 57th ranked in the multiverse, not much higher than the 65th ranked Stars who slipped into the proper with then No. 1-ranked Nephara. In short, Darmen weren't expected to be a major factor in the race for the Group 10 crown. Could they challenge for the playoffs and an opportunity to earn a spot? Perhaps.

For their part, Soldera weren't expected to challenge any of the established teams in the group. Not being level with teams ranked 236th in the multiverse with 1.44 KPB points. Not being a team that was competing in their first-ever World Cup qualifying effort. The prospect they would play beyond the 14 matches, be it a two-match playoff to determine who would advance to either Vilita or Baker Park or to further competition, be it the proper or the Cup of Harmony was laughable. The fact that Soldera were playing their first two matches away from home might make the structural engineers happy, but not the players or the fans eager to see their team in their shiny new stadium.

Norm Carricker was being given the task of finding an opponent for the Snakes to host in a friendly to give fans, players, and others an opportunity to see the new grounds in person for the first time. To experience the new dressing room with the plush carpeting and the advanced shower heads and all the other facilities. The officials had a locker room that rivaled just about any the Snakes manager had seen in his limited experience managing Solderan football. He'd been at Dave Wilson Stadium in Woodstock and saw first hand what former world champions Sarzonia were working with. That stadium with its impossibly massive 105,900 capacity -- at least in the minds of Carricker and many of his players -- was one of the storied venues in professional football. It hosted a World Cup third place playoff and a recent AOCAF semifinal. Sarzonians were used to world class everything. Soldera had not had that same experience, at least not yet.

They had scheduled an away friendly against Oberour Ar Moro, but were now awaiting an opponent for them to host. They were glad to do away with City Stadium, as Carricker publicly called it an "overgrown high school stadium." It certainly didn't compare to the new grounds being named after the reigning King of Soldera. The football team would host the baseball Snakes in a ceremony before the match where they'd receive recognition for their shock run to third place in the World Baseball Classic. Ned Willingham would receive one final round of applause from Snakes supporters as he was expected to take the job at Sarzonia for the fired Geoff Yancey. But in the present, Snakes players would celebrate their first truly important sporting achievement in the hopes it would lead to future accomplishments.

But first, they had a nice new national stadium to inaugurate.

by **Squidroidia** » Tue Jan 11, 2022 3:35 pm

The Inkopolis Times

SPORTS

IT ALL FALLS APART

Squidroidian Super League and Challenge League not only cancelled for 2026, but merger shelved as a new format is proposed

In a shocking revelation that might set the balance of Squidroidian football tumbling, it has been confirmed that the 2026 Jecken Squidroidian Super League season will be cancelled without a ball being kicked in any stadia in Squidroidia. The Squidroidian Football Association (SFA) has announced this with all Squidroidian teams being eliminated from IFCF football in qualification, thus ending the seasons for all clubs. Not only that, but all players have been released from their contracts with their current clubs, including a majority of the Squidroidian national team who will attempt to make it back to the World Cup proper for Vilita and Baker Park 90.

"It pains us to announce that the 2026 Jecken Squidroidian Super League, Inklingcraft Squidroidian Challenge League, Squidroidian Amateur League, Squidroidian Youth League and the SFA Squidroidian Cup have all been cancelled for this season with no shortened formats," an SFA press release said. The press release goes on to essentially undo everything the SFA and the member clubs of the top 2 has done to further the Squidroidian game - The most drastic being to reverse the planned merger of the Squidroidian Super League and Squidroidian Challenge League to form a 16 team top flight with relegation paused for 5 seasons.

"Instead, the SFA and the member clubs will look instead to implement a new system for Squidroidian football that emphasizes the action and drama of the original Squidroidian Super League structure but maintains an uniquely Squidroidian format that benefits the fans and the players," the statement further reads. "Such plans will be revealed during World Cup 90 qualification. All players have been released from their clubs, with the Squidroidian national team still participating in the World Cup."

The future of Squidroidian football could mean a turn back to the past in many ways. After Takanori freed Squidroidia from the chaos and established the nation, a set of regional football tournaments were set up for the 2017-18 season, with 8 clubs established to compete in said tournaments for the inaugrural season, which were sanctioned by the SFA. These tournaments concluded with the Squidroidian Championship Game, a final match in Inkopolis to essentially crown the national champion. The setup ran again in 2019 with 4 added teams before the Super League and Challenge League were established. With 16 clubs in Squidroidia's top 2 leagues and another 16 in the Amateur League, this format could potentially run again, with IFCF and FFI qualification, along with the Squidroidian champion, decided with a 6-8 team final tournament in Inkopolis, anchored by 16 team World Cup style tournaments scattered throughout the country. This concept, known as the Squidroidian Football Tour, has been discussed by member clubs.

But the future of Squidroidian football is uncertain as World Cup qualification, and Squidroidia's first match against Valentine Z away from home, looms. We could see Squidroidian football stay the same with the tried and tested 9-9 format or we could see something new arise entirely. Either way, it's best to look forward to what the future holds for the sport in this country.

by **Cassadaigua** » Tue Jan 11, 2022 4:39 pm

It is time for World Cup 90!
By Chelsea Dufresne, Concord Heights Times

Very soon, the qualifiers for World Cup 90 will be getting underway, and it is always fun to see one of these apparent milestone cups. We’ve reached the 90th version, making some wonder what will happen when we hit the 100th. Who would host it? Would the World Cup field expand to 48 by then? What nations that we have never heard of before will be juggernauts by the time that rolls around? Take a look at World Cup 80 for example, as that was not really a good World Cup for us, though we did finish third in the Cup of Harmony. Baker Park debuted in that Baptism of Fire, and now ten Cups later they are co-hosting the World Cup for the second time. They’ll make do without us this time in that regard, but will get the assistance of Vilita this time around. A lot can happen in ten Cups. Consider this list:

Top ten nations from World Cup 80:
#1- Schottia: A nation with a glorious past, but as the 80’s rolled around, they would back away from World Cup competition. They are not in this World Cup, but it was reported that they were on a waiting list for it. Provides a great example of who is great might not be there tomorrow.

#2- ? - No nation with this rank signed up for World Cup 80.

#3- Farfadillis- The Favres are still around, and still performing very well. Of course, they were winners of World Cup 84 in Cassadaigua! They are not ranked quite as highly this time, but are still in the top ten, at number nine. No reason to think that couldn't win a second World Cup again with Baker Park guidance. Look for them in Group 16.

#4- South Covello- How the mighty have fallen. When Lord Almighty Gregory was in power, the players seemed to have plenty of motivation to play well, because if they failed to do so, it may cost them their lives. For a little while after the Revolution, South Covello remained at or near the top, but teams have figured out their defensive ways. This team has plummeted down the rankings, all the way down to the triple digits.

#5- Eura- One of the greats of the sport, and one of those nations that just seem to be on a bad run of form. World Cup 87 was a disaster for the Eurans, and while they made it back to the World Cup proper in our World Cup with Chromatika, they didn’t register any points in it, and would then only manage three in World Cup 89. At #26, they still need to be respected but aren’t talked about in the way they used to be as a threat to win it all.

#6- The Holy Empire- Some nations are always good, all of the time, no matter what. And while we can never predict what kind of roster The Holy Empire will unveil, they find a way to win with regularity. Perhaps it helps playing in The Dreamed Realm. They’re the top ranked team for this World Cup.

#7- Chromatika- Our co-hosting friends from World Cup 88 have seen better days. They had a disaster of a World Cup themselves during the 80’s, coming in the 85th, but they have begun to bounce back a bit. They currently sit at #19, something that could have been higher if they had more than the one point in the last World Cup. You can consider them much like Eura in that you need to respect them, but they aren’t talked about as a favorite.

#8- Electrum- Another nation that has seen better days. They would be the champions of World Cup 78, a Cup that is better known here as being the one that we returned to international play in. While we would move up, Electrum has dropped from being considered an elite nation but lately has been resurgent. They sit at #27 in the rankings, one spot behind Eura, they team they beat for the World Cup 78 title.

#9- Valanora- Even moreso than The Holy Empire, you can count on Valanora being one of the elite nations of the world. There is no nation that has a more impressive World Cup history. Sorry, Holy Empire, sorry Starblaydia or anyone else. It’s been a long time since the Vanorians won the World Cup, but every one that takes place you have the feeling that it may be the one that ends the drought. World Cup 90 will be no exception, as they ranked #4 now and ready to start another chapter of their esteemed legacy.

#10- Brenecia- They would start the World Cup ranked tenth, but would finish it by winning the whole thing. For the time being this made them more accomplished then a more well known rival of theirs, but as the 80’s went on that rival moved up and Brenecia slipped just a little. Now, they are #25, neatly situated above Eura and Electrum, other top ten nations beginning World Cup 80.

Where were our top 10 now, then?

#1- The Holy Empire (6th)
#2- Turori (16th)
#3- Audioslavia (45th)
#4- Valanora (9th)
#5- Nephara (13th)
#6- Ko-oren (79th)
#7- Cassadaigua (43rd)
#8- Pasarga (12th)
#9- Farfadillis (3rd)
#10- Starblaydia (21st- at start of World Cup Proper)

Never fear, current #43 (Siovanija and Teusland), #45 (New Lusitania) and #79 (Bollonich), starting World Cup 100, history says you can be in the top ten as well!

As for Team Cassadaigua:

Looking now at the Fillies for World Cup 90, we end up being in a pretty difficult group for a qualifying campaign. This will not be one of those qualifiers where you have only heard of half of the competition. Of our groupmates only the well named, pot 8 team, Acceptably Normal, is an abnormal nation to the memories of Cassadagan sports fans. Our main challengers figured to be Electrum, a nation that has already been talked about in this article so you know they are already elite. They aren’t what they used to be, but they’ve “Turned Up” in recent Cups, and will be looking to make a statement against us. Then, there’s Reçueçn, a nation who made it into the round of 16 in their inaugural World Cup. While Electrum has moved forward, Reçueçn has been a bit off their pace, but a nation of that caliber can certainly come right back into things and be a threat.

If only that was all we had to worry about. The random draw also gave us Polkopia, who made the World Cup on debut last time. In fact, Reçueçn (65) and Polkopia (66) are back to back in the rankings. But it doesn’t even end there! Mertagne has shown potential in sports, Schima Bas impressed in the International Baseball Slam recently (so they have the sporting pedigree), and Guanacasteca finished third in the most recent Baptism of Fire! Challenging, but should be exciting. It isn’t a common occurrence that we look at World Cup qualifiers as something this tough due to the strong opposition throughout the group. There is not just one or two challengers to worry about. That said, remember, that we are Cassadaigua and top seed of this group, so while we look at the potential of the others in the group, those others in the group are looking at us as the juggernaut they need to knock off.

That is a team that sees a lot of turnover. Not only is Rachel Schanke gone, but so two are Meghan Wolcott, Preston Newfeld, and Courtney Graham. Three of the top five in goal scoring from the last Cup, have moved on. We expected that, as they were getting older, but have people ready to step up. Jenna Frontiera should take over as the leading goal scorer of the team and Morgan Rosenblatt moves into the role of being our top threat along the wing. That’s all fine, but who takes the old Rosenblatt role? The old Frontiera role? The Courtney Graham role as a defensive midfielder? Up front, it is probable that Bayley Stanton works with Frontiera without any issue, and the two 20-year olds, Chloe Anderson (who was stellar with Montreal Koreana in Quebec) and Rachel Boldin (equally stellar with Victoriaville South End) are going to play a big role with this team, and if there is any concern about Stanton, look for manager Brittany Byers to quickly move towards either Anderson or Boldin.

I’m a little more concerned about the midfield. We do have Morgan Rosenblatt there still, thank God, but otherwise, the new faces might not give as much confidence for a successful turnover as the forwards do. They don’t lack experience on the team though as both Danielle Porter and Allison Rice have plenty of experience being used in a role of substitute on this team, or as a reserve. Porter, who is 32, will serve more of a defensive role. Danielle turned down a lower kit number from her #34, saying “the number serves as a reminder that I was once on this team in a lower capacity and if I slack off even for a second, I will be back in that capacity again. Nothing comes easy.” The Fillies would really love to see a big qualifying effort from 23-year old Krystal Sherwin. The Brattleboro Westside star was given the #8 was first offered to Porter, so you know that the team expects her to be in this position for a long time to come.

There is more stability in the back, as well as in goal. Thankfully!

Other questions I have been asked are: Is CASE going to retire Rachel Schanke’s #71? How about Meghan Wolcott’s #16? The response from CASE President Stephanie Sweeney is as follows, “I feel it is a little premature to make that decision right now. I think when you look at everything that Rachel Schanke did here with the national team, the numbers back up jersey retirement. Then with Meghan Wolcott, you have yet another example of a player that played such a successful role for these teams in some great runs that we had in two semifinal appearances. I know that well, as I was the manager of those teams. This is the first World Cup without them, and I think it is more important for us to be looking at the people who are on the field, and giving them their moment in the spotlight throughout qualifying rather than continuing to look at our legends. #71 and #16 were not re-issued for this World Cup in recognition of what they did. For now, let’s look at the people wearing the numbers on the field for us in World Cup 90.”

by **Jeruselem** » Wed Jan 12, 2022 6:01 am

Princess Kate and Aidra Nene at the Naked News Jeruselem studio

Aidra: Hello, this is Aidra Nene for Naked News Jeruselem. I'm with the boss Princess Kate, you know what that means!
Kate: It's World Cup time! Edition 90 or XC in Roman numerals. World Cup XC sounds a bit weird.
Aidra: Well the draw for World Cup 90 has been done and ... did we go there?
Kate: Um, no. We haven't attended one of those for quite a while ...
Aidra: Doesn't really matter does it?
Kate: Not really, and it's not that exciting anyway.

Aidra: World Cup has like ... err 160 teams in qualification, 8 teams in 20 groups. Of course, the finals are still only 32 teams and two of teams in the finals are two hosts. Leaving 30 teams to qualify from the 20 groups.
Kate: Which means if you don't finish 1st or 2nd, you're not going to qualify.
Aidra: Now let's look at what Jeruselem have to face, we're not going to discuss the hypertheticals of the other 19 groups because no one is really interested in that.
Kate: We got placed in Group 10, at least it wasn't number 13. Along with some familiar names and some we have to fucking idea about.
Aidra: Ok so who are familiars
Kate: Yes, well there's us of course ... ranked 37. But once again we have to run into Mercedini ranked 21 this time and Darmen ranked 57.

Aidra: Them again?
Kate: Yes, yeah they must be rather amused we're back to annoy the living daylights out of them.
Aidra: What about the other teams
Kate: The top 3 in group 10 were mentioned, so leaving the other 5. And we have never played the other 5 teams.
Aidra: Isn't that expected with such a large number of teams
Kate: I guess it is. So first up is Pluvia and the Saxean Isles ranked 86. 4th highest seed in the group. The Gothanita Isles ranked 116, Ochre Islands ranked 144. It's weird all those teams come from islands.

Aidra: Jeruselem is definely not an island ...
Kate: Last but not least is Soldera ranked 236 and Kyzhurkistan ranked ... unranked. That's Kyzhurkistan not kazakhstan.
Aidra: So the biggest threats are our rivals Mercedini and Darmen once again.
Kate: Well unless those other 5 teams have something special for us.
Aidra: Let's talk the team for this cup and well, it's pretty much a different team other than the manager who is Pekora Dancer.
Kate: Apparently she changed her mind about retiring ... err, nevermind. We have a different team from last cup with a lot of our veterans retiring.

Aidra: It's a pretty young team compared to last few
Kate: Maybe we need new blood to get into the finals like we did in World Cup 88.
Aidra: I guess old age catches up with us
Kate: I'm not getting much younger either
Aidra: I'm way past my prime as well
Kate: Well, we'll be covering the World Cup XC ... 90, me from Jeruselem and Aidra will be following the team. Mainly because she doesn't have kids to take off.

Aidra: I'm not MILF level yet
Kate: Well, that's all for now from us. See you all later here or on my vtuber channel Princess Kate
Aidra: And mine too, err Just Aidra
Kate: Why is called Just Aidra ...
Aidra: Oh, Crazy Aidra was taken by someone else ...
Kate: So see you all later, here or online.

World Cup 90--RP Thread

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