World Cup 90--RP Thread

by **Valanora** » Wed Feb 16, 2022 8:09 pm

Sometimes it all just comes together and the plan that you put in place is exactly what happens, letting you do everything that you had desired to and (hopefully) gain an upperhand. The opening group stage victory against Brenecia was critical, it was three points off the bad and it let the Marauders put their first foot forward when trying to escape out of the rather difficult group that they had been drawn into. It was not the most beautiful of performance that the Marauders had ever had on the big stage, but it had gotten the job done the way that the team had hoped to in that opening game. It is always better to be doing the leading than the chasing, even if it is only after a single game, having to chase the desired result and rely upon other outcomes going the way that you need them to in order to achieve your goals is not the way that Vanorians like to get things done. Fortunately, they were up to the required task despite the best attempts by Brenecia with their tactics to put them off that task and have them play down to a level that would have been quite out of character for the side. There was a bit of physicality but only when needed and that was the key difference.

Then there came the game against Adab, a game that going into it there was a lot of questions about as they were something of an unknown quantity. They had shown that they were not going to go quietly into the night in this tournament though, having been able to hold Pasarga off the scoreboard in an opening matchday draw with the Wanderers, perhaps a sign that they were going to be able to pull off a bigger upset in the group stage. They were the underdogs against a group that was all former World Cup Champions, they were here to be the team that would spoil another team's chance of glory it seemed and it looked currently to be the Rushmori's. However if they were able to get one over on the Marauders or Brenecia in the final matchday, then it could have a potential for all sorts of chaos in the rather tight group. The Marauders decided to play an unchanged lineup from the team that had been able to defeat Brenecia, looking to string together two victories in the first two group games and not be pressured to get a victory in the final game against a Pasarga side that now needed points.

And then the game happened and the Marauders were quite formidable and showed their teeth, racing out to a three goal to nil lead through the first half of the game. Laborious Hawk opened up the scoring in the seventeenth minute with a well curled effort from outside the area that crept beneath the crossbar. Seven minutes later Ralph Winter would rise above the Adab defenders on a corner and put a powerful header past the arms of the keeper. Just before the halftime whistle, Lothas Ludwig would get on the scoresheet as well, latching onto a killer through ball from Heike Schoß, taking two strides before leathering his effort into the net. It was a first half blitz that perhaps was a great showcase of the difference between a team new to the Finals themselves and a team that has won the tournament on multiple occasions and is attempting to do so again. A fourth goal in the second half, this time from Veliz, made sure that the late Adab surge would not trouble the Marauders from taking all three points and securing their progression into the knockouts with a match to spare, a most magnificent goal.

The securement from the group was exactly what Didrik Gjedrem was hoping for heading into the big match with Pasarga, knowing that the Rushmori team needed a victory against the Marauders after failing to defeat either Adab or Brenecia in the first two matches. Didrik opted for a complete change to the starting eleven, a move that likely meant that he was happy with potentially sacrificing the group title in order to have a fully fresh team for the knockout rounds. Despite that complete rotation, the Wanderers were not able to find a way to defeat the Marauders, with second half goals from Taina Vääräniemi and Selim Estrada Barrientos clawing the Marauders back into the game and taking the draw after Salai had gotten a pair of goals in the first half for Pasarga, who had so desperately wanted the victory. Even if the Marauders had not been able to find the equalizer though, it would have not been enough, as Brenecia had managed to pip Adab and grabbed the three points from their game, meaning the Wanderers were eliminated and the Marauders had won the group.

While things went somewhat the way that they were expected to in the Marauders group, perhaps most thinking though that Pasarga would advance ahead of Brenecia but it was a bit of a toss up either way, that was not true of the group that the Marauders knockout pairing would come from. Group A finishes as if it was upside almost, with the cohosts of Vilita finishing dead last in the group, a group that many would have thought that the team from the Cove would have been able to easily have dominated. Instead it was the under heralded Pemecutan team who completely ran rampant through the group, getting three victories and looking fairly comfortable when doing so as they won the group. It was the hosts loss in the last matchday to Huayramarca that means that the Anaia nation will be vying off with the Marauders for a third time this cycle, looking to get the upperhand on the Marauders after we edged out the group and the balance between the two teams during the qualifying campaign. Huayramarca likes to get out a play, meaning the defense needs to be at a high level, which it was against Brenecia, but was a bit hit and miss against Adab and Pasarga, though the latter faced a rotated defense. If the Marauders can steel their backline and play their usual attack, they will hopefully be going through a deep run to replicate their AOCAF.

by **Turori** » Wed Feb 16, 2022 8:40 pm

Eels survive dramatic Final Matchday, Will Face Kandorith in Round of 16

[b]Eels Park, Eelandii, Turori :: It was a scene very reminscent to that over at the Tivali Ring Stadium in Alikki-Corra. There were only two nations playing Matchday 3 of the World Cup Finals at their home ground. The stadium where they display their World Cup Trophies. The venue where their locker rooms are, where the National Team Coach has their office. Where the training ground sits just down the round. Where over half of the fans in the stands would be cheering them on.

Both of them were losing.

Over in the Vilitan capital, the host nation Vilitan National Team was in a must win situation. They were getting all the help they needed over at Marine World Park in Crosaibi where the surprise nation of World Cup 90, Pemecutan, was taking care of business against Graintfjall. All the Jungle Cats needed to do was defeat Huayamarca - the lowest ranked nation in Group A - and they would be through to the Knockout Rounds. Yet they couldn't do that. In fact, the Vilitan National Team couldn't even score a goal. 270 minutes of action on home soil at the World Cup Finals and Vilita were crashing out having scored just a single goal from the penalty spot - barely even a highlight for their fans to remember.

Of course, the situation wasn't quite as dire for Turori. The Eels were all-but-through heading into the final matchday as only a very specific sequence of results could see them eliminated. The fans at Eels Park weren't likely to be satisfied with a second rate effort, but that was exactly what they got - and some of them knew it from the moment the team stepped onto the pitch. There was no sign of all star goalkeeper Derizi Amatopa. There was no Nua'oma Aikiki or Meldi'ita Mungwaii. Sure, there were still plenty of good players on the pitch for the Turori National Team - but it wasn't exactly their first choice starting 11.

On the other hand, Jeruselem were a team on a mission. They needed the win more in a way comparable to the way that anyone would need a one night stand with Dazza Dallas - Something that would make Jeruselemite's happy and satisfy basically no one else. And the Jeru's played like it. They rushed out to an early lead and Turori had to be a bit fortunate to claw back late in the first half to keep the scores level at the break. It was a shot from Cuoabaza Orani'aoa that put the Eels on the board when it was redirected off the leg of a Jeruselem defender and across to the other side of the net. While the fans at Eels parked were thrilled to see the net bulge, they were just as happy to queue up for the Cocoa-bo stand just minutes later during the half time break.

Many of the extract-infused onlookers were still waiting patiently for their delicious delectables when Jeruselem found themselves back in the lead just minutes from the restart - and it was ultimately a goal that the Turori National Team would not recover from. It was a surprise even to her teammates when Sana Tsunami scored the go-ahead goal for the Princesses as Pekora Dancer celebrated on the sidelines with Jeruselem moving ahead of Farfadillis in the projected group table. Head Coach Tarek Edgeli attempted to change things up to Get the Eels back in the match making a trio of substitutions. First it was attack minded youngster Lutara Makakio entering in place of Kentu Umaka'aTwenty minutes later Jeruselem would do one better, scoring their third of the night and putting the result beyond doubt much to the chagrin of the home fans in Turori. The result meant that not only would Jeruselem win on the day but the Princesses would also usurp the top spot in Group C away from the Eels. It was, perhaps, a blessing in disguise for Turori however as by dropping to second in Group C, the Eels would be paired off with Kandorith - a nation which only narrowly qualified for the World Cup through the Playoffs and who won just one of their three group stage matchups. Jeruselem's reward for defeating Turori on the final matchday would be a Round of 16 Matchup with the reigning World Cup Champion: Ko-oren. The Ko-orenites had conceded a tournament low 1 goal in the first three matches - though just one nation scored fewer goals than Ko-oren did in the Group Stage as a collective sigh let out throughout the host country with the Vilitan National Team being affirmed as the worst performing team in the competition. With the Jungle Cats eliminated, the local focus was now entirely on the Eels who were re-affirming themselves as the top team among nations in the Vilitan Cove.

 Turori [1] - [3] Jeruselem
				
	GOALS:	Turori 	:: 41' Cuoabaza Orani’aoa              		
	STATS:	Turori 	:: Possession: 45%:: Shots: 5:: Corners: 3	Jeruselem 	:: Possession: 55%:: Shots: 9:: Corners: 20
	Lineup:	[GK]  Timaala Hualtia, [D.]  Amakli Inuro'o, [D.]  Moumouni Verre'elali, [D.]  Bvalis Amaanara, [D.]  Planio’o Nrujsa, [ML]  Daliora Toru'u, [MC]  Kentu Umaka'a, [MC]  Lati'ala Giaoka, [MR]  Cuoabaza Orani’aoa, [FC]  Loala Inkabu, [FC]  Turakia Diijelhma			
	Bench:	[FC]  Nua'oma Aikiki, [FC]  Lutara Makakio, [M]  Kinabo Telioa, [M]  Kiidallen Aeroluzzi, [U ]  Biliki Rona'atu'i, [D]  Cusaram Sakeri, [GK]  Cocoabo #86

Team: Timaala Hualtia, Amakli Inuro'o, Moumouni Verre'elali (Kinabo Telioa 72'), Bvalis Amaanara, Planio’o Nrujsa (Kiidallen Aeroluzzi 81'), Daliora Toru'u (Lutara Makakio 45'), Kentu Umaka'a, Lati'ala Giaoka, Cuoabaza Orani’aoa, Loala Inkabu, Turakia Diijelhma

TURORI NATIONAL ✓

@TuroriNat
Crisis in the Cove as both #Eels and @VilitaNT are defeated to close out the Group Stage. #Eels Survive as Group C Runners up. Follow the Story Here...

#WC90 - #TURvJER - #EelsPark

The matchup between Turori and Kandorith will be a rematch from just one cycle prior where the two teams met at the Quarter Final Stage. The Eels ultimately left World Cup 89 empty handed, having been the only nation to play a full compliment of seven matches but fail to finish on the podium, losing the third place playoff to finish fourth overall in the Tournament. One year wise and one year stronger, Turori will look for a familiar result against Kandorith to get their campaign back on track after the unexpected defeat at the hands of fourth seed nation Jeruselem to close out the Group Stage.

While many are being pragmatic about their preview of the Round of 16 matchup between Turori and the Kandorese, some are focusing not on the quality of the team being put forth by Kandorith, but the content of their character. There have been rumors of collusion between World Cup Champion Ko-oren and the Kandorese Dragons after the lackluster goalless draw that played out at the Bear Claw Stadium in Mavaloiao on Matchday 3. Everything from "Questionable Draw?" to "Disgrace at Mavaloiao!" have been headlines from print media to twii.tur as pundits wonder just how hard the players of Kandorith and Ko-oren tried to find a way to win their Matchday 3 fixture, all while knowing that a draw would be enough to send both nations through to the Round of 16. As coincidence would have it, of the four nations who contested the World Cup 89 Semi-Finals, two were drawn in the Vilitan half and two in the Baker Park half of the World Cup 90 Final. If not for Turori's defeat to Jeruselem on Matchday 3 of the Group Stage, then they each would have been playing another to kick off the Knockout Rounds with World Cup 89 Runners Up the Holy Empire squaring off against Audioslavia in the Baker Park half of the draw. By virtue of each finishing runner up in their qualifying Groups, it will not be possible for Turori and Ko-oren meet up until the World Cup Semi-Finals if at all. First up for Turori, however, will be Kandorith and the Knockout Round match will be played at the Almintora National Stadium in the Turorian capital city of Almintora and home of Turorian side FC Almintora.

TURORI NATIONAL ✓

@TuroriNat
Turori head coach @TEdgeli vows "We will Be Better" as #Eels make final preparations for World Cup 90 Knockout Rounds

#WC90 - #TURvKND - #AlmintoraNat

Turorian Social and Media Communication service twii.tur has been selected as the Official Social Media Sponsor of World Cup 90.

twii.tur is a short message communication service based in Turori allowing users to exchange content of 140 characters or less. The service originated as a way to allow officials to receive alerts and key information such as incoming weather notifications, major events and the ability to stay coordinated during a time of crisis but was under-utilized and doubts were raised as to whether the overhead of the infrastructure was worthwhile to maintain. twii.tur will be hosting a virtual watch party for the Turori National Team's Knockout Round match against Kandorith utilizing twii.tur's new 'strings' feature. The strings feature is activated using the squiggly function and the official string for the Turori National Team's World Cup 90 Round of 16 matchup will be ~WC90TUR. It is marketing season once again at twii.tur and the Information sharing service is expected to be announcing new partnerships with the NSSCRA Team Tropicorp organization as well as some minor sponsorship opportunities with other athletes throughout events such as the AOCAR as well as personal services contracts with a number of athletes throughout the Vilitan Cove. One such athlete is Turorian youngster Tsinuzpa Rana’aiao. The Eelandii Academy Prospect has made just one appearance for the Turori national Team and is not expected to make any formal appearances for Turori during World Cup 90. Despite this, many see Rana'aiao as a future star for the Turori National Team and exactly the type of relationship that twii.tur is looking to build with an up-and-coming spokesperson who shares their love and commitment to the sport and can communicate it in a way that the existing user base of twii.tur could associate with.

of the XV Olympiad and will unveil its priority threads feature first demonstrated during the recently contested AOlympic Games to the multiverse as it descends on the Terranean Coast / Bunjil for the games. twii.tur offers players, fans and media alike to interact, exchange information and share in the experience of sport together fully embracing the spirit of the Olympic Games connecting the multiverse together as it comes together for these games.

In addition to their coverage of sport as a core business area, twii.tur often has a physical presence at sporting events with displays such as photo booths where fans can pretend to be a World Class Footsport player or strap in behind the wheel of a World Grand Prix racing machine and twii.tur representatives instantly post the image to the users twii.tur account. twii.tur will hope to have Social booths at the majority of events at the XV Olympic Games with each official facility and fanzone having a photo booth to transform fans into the action of whichever event was being contested at that venue. At select locations guests may also have the opportunity to spin a prize wheel to earn special edition collectibles from the Olympic Games including Sunglasses, Socks, Pens and communication device grippers emblazoned with the Twii.tur and Olympic Logos.

OOC: Stadium Background Info

Almintora, Turori
Postcard:

Fixture :: World Cup 90 Round of 16:

Location :: Almintora National Stadium is located in Almintora, Turori. Almintora is the capital city of the Island Emirate of Turori and has been the capital ever since the time of Turorian independance.

Capacity :: 79,000 (All Seated)

Stadium History :: The Almintora National Stadium served as the home of the Football Association of Turori and the Turori National team from their entrance onto the international competition scene prior to World Cup 15 until the Football Association relocated their headquarters to the purpose built Eels Park community in Eelandii, Turori.

The Almintora National Stadium was originally constructed as a 45,000 seat stadium for use by the National Team during World Cup 15 and World Cup 16 qualification. However, when it became evident that Turori's nearby neighbors, the Tropics of Vilita, were being considered as the potential hosts of World Cup 17, the Football Association of Turori strategically aligned itself with their former colonial lands in order to ensure that of the 8 stadia selected for the World Cup Finals, one would be from Turori. Naturally, the Almintora National Stadium was the stadium of choice and would serve as the first time the Island Emirate of Turori would open its doors to a major international event. With a lot on the line, the Turorian government partnered with the Football Association of Turori to increase the capacity of the Almintora National Stadium from 45,000 to 79,000 in time for the World Cup 17 finals.

The move was proven even more fruitful when the Turori Eels themselves qualified for the World Cup 17 finals, the first finals appearance for Turori, and were able to play each of their group stage matches at their home stadium.

With the success of hosting one group of the World Cup 17 finals at the Almintora National Stadium, Turori had put itself on the map. Soon after it would be announced that the Island Emirate of Turori would host World Cup 19 in a joint bid with The Belmore Family. Naturally, the crown jewel of Turorian stadiums, the Almintora National would ultimately host the World Cup Final - the single most prestigious match in the multiverse.

Unfortunately for the Almintora National Stadium, hosting the World Cup 19 final was something of a 'peak' over the course of the stadiums lifespan. Co-sharing the arena between the Turori National Team and Turorian domestic side FC Almintora accelerated the wear, tear and aging within the facility. To make matters worse, the mediocre performance of FC Almintora in the domestic league meant that incentive to invest in further renovation of the arena was minimal. The stadium would still be chosen to host the final of the 26th Cup of Harmony, but even by that time the Cednia Beach Center in Cednia had started to become the premier sporting facility on the Island. In fact, even the Cup of Harmony 26 final was originally awarded to the newly built Coliseum of the Inurahtii in the Inura Forest, however, the Safety & Health Initiative of Turori determined that the site would not be ready in time to host spectators, with the Final site being retroactively chosen as the Almintora National Stadium due to its experience having hosted the World Cup 19 final.

Despite having been supplanted as Turori's international stadium of choice, the Almintora National Stadium has accrued one honor that no other stadium in Turori - or in Vilita, can lay claim. Almintora National Stadium is the only stadium in Vilita & Turori to have been selected as a host site for the UICA Globe Cup, having been home to the 55th Globe Cup final. Almintora National Stadium also hosted the 66th UICA Champions Cup Final.

Primary Tenants :: FC Almintora currently compete in the Vilitan Declasse Division. The Turori National Team continue to play occasional matches at the arena during World Cup Qualifying due to the arenas central location in Almintora, the capital city of Turori.

World Cup 81/82/83/84

© Sporting Times Daily 2022
Can Bees find their sting to advance?
by Mindy Cartwright, National Soccer Editor

When Brittany Byers and her Cassadaigua side meet up with Jennifer Prescott's BP National Team at the Queen Victoria Stadium in Ezriquay in the Round of 16, they will both have a good idea of what the other might be thinking thanks to the common denominator that joins the FAC and CASE in this particular era of multiverse soccer.

Former NT captain Matt Villareal returned to Birkenfeld after the last Copa Rushmori following a stint on Byers' coaching staff over the last two World Cup cycles. He knows the personnel in the squad and understands the mentality that sustains the Dagan team through ups & downs.
“There is such a culture of success throughout the nation across not only sports but other achievements, and what you find especially in the (national team) is that it's rooted a lot in family pride. Sure, we have the same desire to perform well for our family, to bring honor to the family name but we're used to looking at it from a perspective of fathers or grandfathers and sons or fathers and daughters even. There, it's matrilineal—grandmother, mother, daughter—and I'm not going to pretend to know the psychology behind it, but it brings a sense of self-belief that is very strong when faced with overcoming challenges. If I hadn't witnessed first hand, I'd think what I was saying was dubious at best, crazy at worst.”

The sides met prior to the beginning of the World Cup at President's Park for the final BPNT match in Shirley, which was also the 850th all-time match played, and came away all square with 4 goals each way, making this encounter the 11th meeting between the nations, second most in the mixed gender era (it's 12 if you count one match in the Baker Park Open Cup) but only the second time they have faced one another in a competitive match. That was also in the Round of 16 at The Root Field in Elstrum, Drawkland during World Cup 86, the Fillies advancing 3-2, and in another twist of fate, the same sides had met in a pre-Finals friendly, won by the Bees 1-0 in Concord Heights.

Prescott is looking for any kind of consistent play from the squad, as the issues from match to match going all the way back the Eagles Cup have alternated between defensive lapses and a lack of finishing.

BP are unbeaten at the Queen Victoria in the mixed gender era, winning five and drawing five, so they hope to not suffer a first defeat to a confident Dagan side who have won 6 and tied two in the all-time series between the nations.

lineup vs Cassadaigua

Vickers; Brooks, Rasanamira, Hutchins; Eichorn, Milton, Nolan, Buxton; Wadsworth; Laing, Simmons (C)

by **Huayramarca** » Wed Feb 16, 2022 8:50 pm

Tivali Ring Stadium at the city of Alikki-Corra, the main venue of the historic Vilitan National Team, a side that has won 5 World Cups, turning them into the first place, tied, among the nations that had won the most World Cups in history with Starblaydia and a well-known foe, Valanora. 20, 68, 77, 81, 82; the magic numbers that every Vilitan fan enshrines as historic and even, some hardcore fan, could’ve tattooed anywhere in their skins. Huayramarca, instead, is a nation whose debut in a World Cup is still ongoing; aside from finishing fourth in a Cup of Harmony, no more no less in the accolades of the Condors. Abysmal differences in history, infrastructure and tradition that had to face each other for the last matchday of the group stage.

Omar Caicedo barely slept the night before the match, he was reading appointments from some World Cups ago, watching videos and getting into what the Vilitans use to do in the pitch. “They might use a 3-4-3” said a note in a random ripped off paper sheet lying in Caicedo’s bed, then another note “Remember, they are facing a must-win scenario. It’s matter to hit at the best moment possible.” The note was right, with only a single point in two matches, Vilita was in the obligation of defeating Huayramarca and hoping that Pemecutan, the revelation of the World Cup, would continue their amazing present by defeating Græntfjall to round it up and let the Jungle Cats advance to the next round of their World Cup.

Caicedo woke up and read some notes after praying “They are the ones with a giant brick of pressure in their backs!” then he said “Well, we have two points more than them, we have the edge and our players must not be stressed nor haunted by the local pressure, they must continue to live as artists, a matter of having fun in the field as normal.” He had a shower and decided to take some time in bed analysing different tactical scenarios in order to be ready to react when needed at an expected way.”

*Knock knock* came from the door and Caicedo said “wait, let me dress” He rushed and dressed, then ordered his appointments in order to let the room look tidy. He opened the door and saw Rodolfo Zelaya and Rubén Condori entering, they said “Hi!” as Caicedo let them enter, he took the computer and plugged an HDMI cable to the TV to show what he analysed during the night. “Art must continue, gentleman!” “When pressed, an artist can unleash their truest potential, this might be the right time to see them hatching.” Rodolfo Zelaya said “It will be indeed a nice chance, but keep on mind that the rival is in troubles and will go all-or-nothing against us, as they have a lot to lose in terms of image, investment, etc.” Caicedo laughed “Not our business.”

As Caicedo opened a random file to show what he considered the right way to bolster chances from taking advantage of weak spots from the rival, he said “Artists love to have the best conditions to do their art. If we manage to take an early lead and do some brain games, their frustration will be our delight.” Condori noticed “Ah, cancherear!” (To provoke your rival, in Huayramarcan football slang). Zelaya nodded “Risky yet a bold move to do.” Caicedo noted “They will do high-pressing, they will use three forwards and will expect us to play conservatively. No way we will fall into that trap! We will press them higher than they plan to do against us, surprise factor!” Zelaya added “So, the defenders will be near the midfield line? That’s what you’re trying to propose?” Condori also added “He’s proposing that, Rodolfo, and seems that it can pay good dividends if done properly, but can also be suicidal.” Caicedo added “Not that suicidal, as the players are already used to that idea, the same one that has been implemented during the whole cycle. Remember, 8 clean sheets obtained under that scheme!” Zelaya and Condori nodded, then Caicedo continued “Well, they are already used to do that, they can master it.”

Condori continued analysing and said “We will be continuing with the dynamic roles? I mean, rotating positions when needed?” Caicedo said “Of course, we will do it!” Condori and Zelaya applauded, then Rodolfo noticed his clock’s screen flashing, it was 8:30 a.m., time to meet with the team and have a breakfast. Bryan Tello knocked the door as Caicedo opened it “Andiamo” said Tello in Pacitalian, Caicedo patted him and the entire team walked towards the food court. During the hour spent for eating and doing some digestion, Ian Mamani farted by accident and the entire team laughed, Rodolfo Zelaya said “looks like the captain is nervous, eh?” Ian nodded “I’m a bit nervous, not going to lie” Juan, his brother, said “Go to the fucking bathroom, weren’t you educated by our parents?” Ian replied “says the one who used the f-word, LMAO.”

Not a fight among them, the Mamani brothers are used to that kind of strong-worded joking, everybody in the team knew that except for the hotel security, who came to see if everything was OK. Ian said “No problems here, just pranked my brother” The guards retired and the team continued doing some talking before heading to a reserved hall for the team. Felipe Calderón told Mario Ccahuantico “Ready, bud?” Ccahuantico said “Always ready when the moment comes” then Calderón replied “That’s the attitude, we dreamed to be here and we made it real, it’s time to keep fighting for what we dreamed, to turn it into a reality we can enjoy and celebrate!” Ccahuantico said “Step by step, we will continue marching forward, we must be humble and focus on our goals and strengthening from every match.”

Omar Caicedo listened to Ccahuantico words, the manager asked Ccahuantico to say once again what he said “Uh.. What?” said Ccahuantico, then continued “Ah. Be humble, focus on our goals and strengthen from every match. Step by step.” Caicedo smiled and said “You’ve understood everything, Mario! This is what is all about.” Zelaya asked the team to leave the dishes in the designated collection spots, then to order the tables and head to the hall in order to have the usual conversation they do. As the doors were locked, and keeping Huayramarcan staff outside the hall to prevent any Vilitan to get close or leak information, Caicedo saw his phone and said “All clear, proceed!”

“Ok, guys! The day has come, last matchday of the World Cup and we are still having a chance to qualify for the Round of 16, we have done a great job, your pieces of art are being contemplated by the Multiverse, it’s time to show what are you made of! The rival, and host, is nervous and will risk everything to win us, we must be careful and avoid falling into their trap.” Zelaya also added “They’ll seek to intimidate us, they have won a lot on World Cup but that doesn’t matter, we are 11 v 11 on the pitch and nothing else. When you jump into the pitch, ignore their fans, just keep the Huayramarcan ones in mind!” Rubén Condori added “He’s right. Nobody must feel intimidated here, it is your great showcase to demonstrate how great are you as players, as artists of this beautiful sport called football. Remember your family, remember your friends, remember that you have 36 million people backing you at every second.”

As the motivational speech finished, Caicedo continued “Ian, Nico (Allauca). Keep it as always, rotate positions when needed. Orlando, we will need you to keep your destroying rules fixated, we will need your presence in the middle to deter their attempts to progress into our half.” Zelaya added “Defence, make sure to push hard this time, we will need you to be as close as the midfield in order to suffocate our rivals. We will try to push hard, but you must push harder than them, keep level-headed and you’ll be able to do so.” Kevin Quispe asked “What if they try to play with large crosses?” Caicedo said “The midfielders and attackers will be our first defence line. Best defence is the best attack, as the Farves say!” Quispe nodded “Ah, so preventing the plague from its inception?” Caicedo replied “Of course, that’s the way to go against them!”.

Condori continued “Attackers, we will need to keep this going well. You’ll attack and defend, high-pressing is something that they won’t expect from us. If you do as you’re used to do during this qualifier, they might be overwhelmed by our surprises.” Zelaya invoked Bryan Tello, the striker moved forward, Zelaya asked him to tackle a trashcan that was near the corner, Tello did and Zelaya said “That’s what I want you to do with the ball when their goalkeeper tries to punt it, don’t let them breathe!” Tello nodded, while Sayritupac and Mendoza got asked “They will try to keep you out of the game, don’t buy their antics, just focus on Bryan Tello when you get the ball. In case of need, you have leeway to dribble and get into the area, be free to do what you want if that condition pops up during the game!”

“Times have changed” said Omar Caicedo “Fight with dignity, make your dreams come true! No matter the circumstances, forge your dreams!” The team clapped and keep listening to Caicedo’s ideas for more than an hour, then reviewing some videos about the rival and some plays that the Condors did and could be effective to attack the rival. Mostly based on transitions that Ian Mamani could do in the middle to let the ball move for the sides, as the rivals lacked some capability to stop attacking in their left side, the group leaders managed to exploit that in the best way possible and managed to consolidate their position as that for the group so far.

The Managerial team knew that there was a lot in game, for both sides despite pressure was tilting over the home side, but they didn’t care and wanted to do their game as best as possible to keep the hosts neutralised, as that would be their great chance to punch their ticket towards the Round of 16 for Huayramarca. The team then spent some time in the pool playing in order to alleviate the weather of the city, which was a bit humid and suffocating even for Huayramarcan standards; fortunately, the match was scheduled to happen at late night due to those factors.

As the time came, the players jumped into the bus and plugged their earphones in order to ignore the local fans and everything in the road, they were focused on what Caicedo, Zelaya and Condori asked them to do on the field, everything just summed up to “Block the rivals the most you can!” The team arrived to the stadium, went to warm-up and then to the changing rooms, Caicedo said “You know what to do, we have talked about this a lot. You’re artists, the finest of the artists, demonstrate it to the world, let them know that Huayramarca is not joking here or spending holidays, we are working and we will work hard!” The team jumped to the pitch, the protocol was done and everything was sorted out to let the game begin…

“Lub-dub, lub-dub, lub-dub” That was Bryan Tello’s heart when the match started, beating in an accelerated compass, blood rushed across his sanguineous torrent, adrenaline also did the same in his nerves, he just ran decidedly to press the rivals, he tried to recover the ball and wasn’t able to do so, but Mendoza was able to do, he passed it to the defenders in order to let the Huayramarcan play making artillery get on. Passing the ball on and on in order to desperate the rivals, they were going to keep the ball as much time as possible in order to avoid the locals harm the defence. They were working it nicely until the locals robbed the ball and tried Juan Mamani with a long-range shot at the 9th minute, Mamani was able to save the shot and laid on floor in order to prevent them gain momentum.

Omar Caicedo said a cancherear in a clear intention to waste time, part of the mental gimmicks that he asked the players to do in order to exasperate the locals. 15th minutes into the match, Huayramarca was keeping the ball and fans were booing, Rodolfo Zelaya said “That’s music for me!” Caicedo said “For real!” Condori asked Ian Mamani to push forward in order to let the ball move to the right side, as Abraham Mendoza wasn’t being able to get the ball due to pressure. Two minutes passed and Mamani moved the ball backwards, Nicolás Allauca passed the ball to Abraham Mendoza, the winger ran through the area and crossed a ball towards the penalty spot, Tello was there, waiting and he nodded the ball to score the first goal of the match for the Condors. Caicedo punched his first through the air, while Zelaya said “Surprise!”

Condori was keeping himself level-headed, he was euphoric but asked the team to keep concentrated into the game and avoid relaxation. The midfielders continued to create plays through the wings, exploiting Sayritupac and Mendoza in order to let them dig more and more, they faced strong opposition from the locals and weren’t able to dribble, so they tried to cross balls for Tello or try some backward pass to find either Ian Mamani or Allauca in the edge of the box. There were some chances that Allauca did during the first half, including a 30th minute crossbar and a 36th minute shot that the local goalkeeper managed to save with a great effort. The team was doing it greatly, keeping the locals in their half and causing frustration and desperation on them.

The first half ended, the stadium booed the locals and the Huayramarcans went to the changing rooms with a smile, Caicedo said “You listened to that? You’re doing it great if you listened boos! Cause more booing towards them, keep working as you have done during the entire first half.” The players had more chatter and then fielded back into the pitch for the second half; some substitutions were made in order to refresh the team, Mario Ccahuantico entered for Abraham Mendoza, then Saúl Castillo for Bryan Tello.

Sending Bryan Tello to the bench was a weird move, but a bold one as the Managerial team wanted to cause surprise and chaos on the rivals and their plans. The locals pushed more during the second half with some long-range shots that Juan Mamani had to deflect even a dangerous try with a bicycle kick from the edge of the box, Mamani sent to corner in order to prevent any problem. The World Cup hosts continued pushing harder and harder in order to break the Huayramarcan resistance, Kevin Quispe had to did some tackles and shots to the stands in order to keep the ball as far away from the goal as possible.

Omar Caicedo told the players “Keep the ball way from the area!” Zelaya also insisted by asking “keep that round shit away!” Clock was moving forward, fans were pressing harder and harder their team in order to score a goal, but the defending duties were great from the Condors, once again revalidating how much their defence had improved if somebody looked in retrospective two or three cycles behind the current moment.

The entire bench was near the edge of the pitch, they were waving their hands asking to the referee to finish the match, 93 minutes, there were 4 minutes added but they wanted the match to end as fast as possible. The final minute saw how the locals tried a shot but Kevin Quispe caused a foul… Caicedo said “What the fuck, Kevin?!” The local goalkeeper went to the area in order to tie the game, the ball was kicked to the area, a striker from the locals nodded the ball and Juan Mamani saved it, he laid on floor and wasted some seconds, the referee whistled and the Huayramarcans invaded the pitch to celebrate their qualification towards the Round of 16.

The match against an old known foe was ready to kick in the Round of 16, the team was getting ready to play the match. The rival was so known in fact that they played twice during the qualifiers, Huayramarca showed some progression during the time and Caicedo knew about it. The team had studied the rivals, a traditional side and also one of the winningest teams in World Cup History, despite that, the players knew something… 11 vs 11 on the pitch, history doesn’t play the game.

A song popped up in the changing room and it said “History you made, history to be done. Nobody can resist your desire to be a victor. Stars are rising, dear Huayramarca, no matter from where, we will support you as we live to do so!” Caicedo said “You’re doing history, and you’ll fight to continue to do so! No matter the circumstances, be free to be the artist you want to be, play with courage and passion, defend your nation, family and colours in the best way possible!” Ian Mamani said “We will do, coach!” Rodolfo Zelaya said “¡Vamos Huayramarca, Carajo! We can do history and we will do it for everybody who has backed us, no matter who’s opposing, we must fight until the end and keep working to turn our dreams into reality!” Bryan Tello added “Don’t fear, friends, step by step, we are closer and closer to do our dream a reality, don’t stop, it’s not the right time to stop, push harder and harder!”

by **Vilita** » Wed Feb 16, 2022 9:02 pm

Cant Stop, No Turning Back Now, Time for the Knockouts

by **Tumbra** » Thu Feb 17, 2022 7:44 am

Tumbra 3-2 Mytanija (aet)

TMB (4-2-3-1): 1 - John Lennon; 2 - Ryan Hughes, 5 - Harry Henderson (20 - Douglas Moore, 64'), 4 - Ian Ashburn, 3 - Nigel Harris; 6 - Vincent Hicks (23 - Andrew Fisher, 105'), 8 - Trudy Harrison, 10 - Phil Cole; 7 - George Hilton, 9 - Robin Vaughn (21 - Lynne Crossley, 97'); 11 - Nick Riordan

MYT (3-4-1-2): 1 - Semir Besak; 3 - Grigorij Savicevic, 4 - Bigger Mbala-Ekakia, 5 - Amar Kovacevic (15 - Kamil Jernejec, 103'); 13 - Damir Milcic (2 - Ermin Urankar, 72'), 7 - Mersudin Smajic, 8 - Alen Hrdaljko, 6 - Patrik Odonelec; 10 - Gavril Atsev (20 - Jasno Odonelec, 84'); 9 - Jezdimir Ocokoljic, 11 - Damien Gannot

TMB scorers: Robin Vaughn (16'), Phil Cole (52'), Nick Riordan (109')
MYT scorers: Jezdimir Ocokoljic (77', 82')

Player of the Match: Jezdimir Ocokoljic (MYT)

SPORT: TUMBRA 3-2 MYTANIJA (AET): EXTRA TIME THRILLER SEES TUMBRA THROUGH TO QUARTER-FINALS OF A MIRACLE RUN

OCEANA: More often than not, football games are won on the thinnest of margins. A single moment, a single shot, a single play can change everything. Whether or not a kicked ball ends up in the back of the net means so much yet so little at the same time. The World Cup is the embodiment of this; of all the balls kicked throughout history, each one means something to someone, somewhere. It is sport at its cleanest, at its finest; it is sport at its roughest, at its dirtiest.

Tumbra's journey throughout this edition of the World Cup has been one of fine margins.

A narrow one-goal opening victory over TJUN-ia. A draw with Kelssek which saw Loïc Maçon-Petrault fail to score a goal in the seventy-eighth minute which would probably have eliminated Tumbra from contention. A ninety-sixth minute penalty against Baker Park to tie the game and make the teams virtually indistinguishable on record. A coin flip to deliver the Black Eagles from the clutches of Cassadaigua and into a matchup that was less venomous but just as tough all the same; the Hoops of Mytanija.

And in the thirtieth second of the hundred and ninth minute of the game against Mytanija, Tumbra's ability to separate themselves by the thinnest of margins struck again. What ended up settling it was a shot from Nick Riordan from outside the box, soaring above the outstretched hands of Semir Besak, and into the back of the net. But it was enough. In the fourth edition of the Eagle-Rose Rivalry, that was enough to spare Tumbra the chance of agonisingly going out on penalties; and instead send them, for the first time ever, to the last eight of the World Cup.

It was a moment that will live long in the memories of everyone who was watching. It was a moment that will live long even in the memories of those who were not watching; simply because what felt like the entirety of the country exploded into cheers when the ball sailed past Besak's gloves. For a brief moment, politics, love, and everything in between was ignored; the nation was united behind the right foot of Nick Riordan. And for those who somehow missed that, the cheers that broke out when the game ended told the whole story.

Rarely have Tumbra been described as a dominant side this World Cup. As described above, none of their performances during the Group Stage looked particularly convincing or dominant; the TJUN-ia win was largely down to the Jaguars committing the classic blunder of "playing zero defensive midfielders," leaving the trio of Hicks, Fisher and Cole basically unencumbered in midfield to pull the strings. Even so, Tumbra's defensive organisation was at times lacking, as evinced by the two goals conceded; though TJUN-ia's sheer numbers in attack did provide a mitigating factor. It was, however, still the best it got for Tumbra throughout the group stage; they were lucky to get away with a largely languid performance against a stumbling Kelssek side, with the aforementioned Maçon-Petrault miss bailing the Black Eagles out of having to catch an early flight home. The ninety-sixth minute penalty awarded to Tumbra during the Baker Park match covered up, too, much of how Tumbra were on the back foot throughout the match.

But all of this will be forgotten. All of this rightly should be forgotten, because Tumbra did enough. They did enough against TJUN-ia; they did enough against Kelssek; Nigel Erskine did enough against Baker Park. And in a sport where fine margins make all the difference, Tumbra did prove themselves to have enough guile, enough determination, enough nerve to come out on top. And once again, against Mytanija, they were rewarded.

As all games against Mytanija go, it was fated to be an ill-tempered affair; particularly more so given what was on the line. For Mytanija, a chance to match their previous-best finish; for Tumbra, a chance to go beyond their unlucky draw two years ago and begin dreaming. And it would be a stop-start game, with neither side able to settle into a rhythm; more than a few questionable tumbles from a Mytanar were debated over by the Tumbran players, and in return the Tumbrans seemed to become amenable with turning the pitch into an acrobatic showcase. In total it was estimated that the first half only saw about thirty minutes of proper play; the rest ended up being full of stoppages. Miraculously, Tumbra would end the first half ahead; a goalmouth scrabble would see Robin Vaughn poke the ball beyond the goal-line. It was no solid strike, but it would give Tumbra the lead.

Phil Cole would double the Tumbran lead on the break, a close-range shot from inside the box proving too much for Besak. It was, however, a tenuous lead; Mytanija were running Tumbra ragged, their game-plan coming to fruition; aside from the few counterattacks on Tumbra's part. Harry Henderson would be substituted off for Douglas Moore on the hour mark, his presence proving to revitalise the team; the designated hard man of the squad, taking over from Louis Paterson, proving to make the Mytanars slightly more wary of the Black Eagles. Slightly was not very, however; and Tumbra were forced to defend, hard, with a low block and with less counterattacks. With the Black Eagles two-nil up, this was the logical course of action; but they'd forgotten Mytanija's single most influential player — Jezdimir Ocokoljic.

The Enerija Chernovets player is a force of nature unto his own; such was the consensus after the game. Indeed, even during it, the Tumbran defence was forced to deal with regular incursions from him; a fingertip save from an aging John Lennon was required to keep the Hoops from equalising in the first half. But twelve minutes before the end, he would forcibly dispossess Ian Ashburn, before getting on the end of the spilled ball; and there was no stopping him from getting one back from within the penalty box. With thirteen minutes left to go, celebrations were kept to a minimum as Ocokoljic would race to the back of the net, pluck the ball out of the back of it and race back to the centre circle. Tumbra were rattled; Mytanija had their fire back. And indeed, Mytanija would demonstrate that fire by placing a second past Lennon; and of course it was Ocokoljic who would score the levelling goal, ensuring both teams would have to slug it out over another thirty minutes; the gauntlet of extra time. Mytanar captain and experienced hand Jasno Odonelec would arrive on the pitch to marshal the Hoops through the last half an hour; meanwhile Yuan Zilai would keep his cards firm to his chest.

Robin Vaughn, the scorer of the first goal, would be pulled off for Lynne Crossley; evidently to keep him fit, and he had played more than his fair share of football, anyway. The right winger had been an influence on the entire game despite having come back from a sore thigh; but Crossley would provide the zest, the energy needed for the probable third goal. The third substitute was widely expected to be Nigel Erskine; after all, he had bailed Tumbra out of dire straits once — surely he would be called upon to do it again.

But to everyone's surprise, after the first half of extra time in which both teams had a dangerous chance on goal that just slipped away — a Damien Gannot shot on goal being parried by Lennon, and Crossley's shot from the inside right being saved by Besak — it was Andrew Fisher who would come on for an exhausted Vincent Hicks. This would prove to be the gamechanger; Fisher's energy in midfield would become extremely useful extremely soon.

Three minutes into the second half of extra time — that was twelve to penalties, for everyone checking their watches — Andrew Fisher lunged into a tackle, dispossessing Alen Hrdaljko. Surprisingly, Hrdaljko stayed on his feet; he just looked scandalised as Fisher bounded away with the ball. There was no turning back after that; the entirety of the Black Eagles set off running. The ball was passed to an out-of-position Nick Riordan, who was making his way through the midfield.

There is no telling what was going through the mind of the Serrapince striker at that very moment; there was no rhyme or reason as to why he decided to take the shot. The post-match interview provided no clarifications, either; Riordan stated his mind was "blank, just focusing on the match." He might have seen Semir Besak out of position; he might have seen something else; but whatever it was, Riordan took three steps with the ball, and decided to just go for it. "Time seemed to slow down," said the striker. "At that moment, I didn't know what I'd done, but immediately after my first thought was 'Shit. What did I do?' I knew that if the shot didn't go in I'd be in a whole lot of trouble — but it did."

The next ten seconds will probably be featured on highlight clips of the striker for the rest of his career. For Riordan, it means vindication; after all, much was made of him scoring zero goals throughout World Cup 89. He did score Tumbra's first goal this time, but his lacklustre performances against Kelssek and Baker Park meant the questions of his performances in big games resurfacing. This goal — this thirty-yard screamer — means those questions have probably disappeared. Nick Riordan does have what it takes to perform on the biggest stage.

The last ten minutes would see Mytanija desperately try to break; but momentum was firmly back on Tumbra's side. The Black Eagles would hold fast; Ocokoljic's attempt to send it to penalties and give himself a hat-trick would roll limply away after his shot was blocked by Douglas Moore. And that was it. Mytanija were out; Tumbra were through to the quarter-finals of the World Cup for the first time. Their opponents will be the highest-ranked side in the entire world — The Holy Empire.

The Holy Empire

Previous Appearances: 60 First/Latest Appearance: 1/89 Best Result: Champions (48, 60, 62, 69)
Captain: Shadow Whitmore Key: Juan Tzimisces
vs Tumbra: Quarter-Final @ Endborough

How does one describe The Holy Empire? One of the most storied teams in the World Cup? An institution unto their very own? No, the Holy Empire simply are. Not many can describe them; fewer can beat them. They were at the beginning, and they will probably be at the end. They were, as of the beginning of the World Cup, the highest-ranked team in the entire world (the term world perhaps fails to describe them properly, because it's been very difficult to place the Empire on any kind of map). They scored sixteen goals across the three games of the group stage; forty-five across the fourteen matches of qualifying. At least that is something we can place with confidence; over the many years of football they have played, they have committed to attacking football. Three, five, two. No matter who turns out for them. No matter what turns out for them.

They have reached the semi-finals of the last three World Cups, and are looking go one step further by finally coming out on top in a final to claim their first World Cup trophy in forty-two years. By our standards, at least; because the Empire as we know it expands across time, space and every known dimension; it is and it is not everything and everywhere at once. Their last World Cup victory could have, for all we know, taken place the very moment before they win their next one; it could have been an eternity ago. Nobody truly knows except the denizens of the Empire themselves. It defies description; and Tumbra's experience with the Holy Empire will be a journey off the placid island of ignorance into the black seas of infinity. We were not meant to voyage far.

Their key personality is not any kind of player, but someone who has reliably been here for the Empire throughout their existence in infinity; Juan Tzimisces. The name itself commands respect; the name itself strikes fear. He, too, is beyond description; by most accounts he is a mere man, but he is also so much more than that. He is here, in this preview, more because he is the one thing that remains when all is said and done than for what he has done on the pitch — though he has played for his realm before. He is here because if the Holy Empire's presence in football were to be distilled into two words at the edge of reality, they would simply be Juan Tzimisces. Players come, players go, but Juan Tzimisces remains. Everybody knows how they will play, because it is how they have always played, and it is how they will probably always play. Three defenders, five midfielders, two attackers; two midfielders joining the counterattack to form one of the most feared sides in football.

There is not much more to say. The Holy Empire are. Tumbra is but a grain of sand in comparison; but if there is anything the Black Eagles have proven they can do, it is play football.

That is all they will have to do.

Tumbra versus The Holy Empire; World Cup 90, Quarter-Final

Starters: 1 - John Lennon; 2 - Ryan Hughes, 5 - Harry Henderson, 20 - Douglas Moore, 3 - Nigel Harris; 6 - Vincent Hicks, 8 - Trudy Harrison, 10 - Phil Cole; 7 - George Hilton, 9 - Robin Vaughn; 11 - Nick Riordan

Bench: 12 - Nick Barker, 13 - Frank Johnson; 18 - Neal Diamond, 4 - Ian Ashburn, 14 - Stephen Kerr, 19 - Chris Carter; 15 - Craig McGrath, 16 - Leo Hooper, 23 - Andrew Fisher; 17 - Neil Fraser, 21 - Lynne Crossley, 22 - Nigel Erskine

by **Banija** » Thu Feb 17, 2022 4:10 pm

Banijan center back and captain, Demba Kinteh, watching film the morning after Banija's 4-2 win over the Squornshelan Confederacy

Demba Kinteh was using a host committee issued tablet to watch the game, while he was taking an ice bath. 120 minutes into a penalty kick shootout weren't going to be easy on anybody's legs, especially Demba Kinteh's. Kinteh was a man who had racked up all kinds of caps for the national team. He had been a starter since the mid-way point of World Cup 85 Qualifying, and had a death grip on one of Banija's center back spots, it didn't matter how many there were. He was starting alongside the all-time great, Kuma Bultum, and now, he wore the armband himself. He helped provide a lot of defense in the back for Pam Scott. The defense had not done great- but they had done enough to do more than their opponents, and Kinteh was a key part of that. Serving as the team's captain as well, he felt the full weight of responsibility on his shoulders whenever he stepped onto the pitch.

That's why he felt so much responsibility coming out for this knockout stage tie against the Squornshelan Confederacy. It had been a match that started well for the Banijans. They were able to get their attack going early, as Kamara Touré had a header from point blank range in just the fifth minute. Of course, he wasn't quite in the groove of the match just yet, so his header went high, with AFC Treason goalkeeper Paiva Shimski breathing a huge sigh of relief in goal. The Kadongo Kamu were simply doing whatever they could to get after the game early, as Pam Scott had given them clear instructions. "Understand what is at stake here- a berth in the World Cup Quarterfinals." She had told them all in a pre-game speech. "We are going to go out there and claim that opportunity, and grab it by the horns. Nothing at a World Cup can be taken for granted. We all learned that, the hard way, last cycle. Do not fear."

That attacking advice was what led to Banija's first goal. An excellent transition moment for Pam Scott's team. It would be Lolong Bokate blitzing up the sideline with the ball, as he was able to beat a Squorn defender at around midfield and open up a lot of space behind him. The talented winger dribbled towards the corner flag. Who else had sprinted up on the other side of the pitch? None other than Tairu Conateh. After Pam Scott was accused of not using Conateh properly, she told reporters that she absolutely expected to get the most out of her extremely talented wingback. Even playing in a back 3, she flew up the pitch, with Idi Mboge staying back to cover for her. The move was brilliant, a move that Conateh repeated at several moments within the match. And on film, with Demba Kinteh in his ice bath to speed up his recovery, the goal looked just as good as he remembered. No Squorn defenders were ready for Conateh's run, so they did not pick him up. Bokate looped the ball over head, and got the ball perfectly to Conateh's chest. Conateh brought it down and then struck the ball hard and low, going far post on the ground to give the Banijans an early 1-0 lead in the 21st minute.

Kinteh laughed as he watched himself sprint up to celebrate with Tairu Conateh. After rewinding to see that goal a few more times, he continued watching the replay. He admired a goal-saving challenge he had made, when the Confederates had a 2 on 1 played after a brilliant through ball. In the 32nd minute, just Kinteh against Lyzolda Petrov and Ikra Yonte, who had the ball. Kinteh was able to turn quickly, take two long strides, and make an absolutely perfectly timed sliding challenge. A second later? Easily a penalty and at minimum a yellow card, quite possibly red. A second earlier? He misses entirely, Yonte dribbles around him, and almost has to score from point blank range. He grinned, as he still got it. But it would be Kinteh's opposite, the Confederate captain, who would score the opening goal for AO's runner-up. A simple cross delivered by Lavanya Naqvi, who is Demba Kinteh's rival at the club level. Kinteh was covering Petrov. But Kemo Jawara, who was man-marking Iuri Takala, was beat by the opposing captain. Takala established position, leapt high, and headed strongly home. A diving Kouyaté did not stand a chance right before halftime, and just like that, the score was 1-1.

In the second half, both teams pushed for a goal. After Kemo Jawara made yet another mistake shortly in the beginning of the second half, Pam Scott yanked him from the game, throwing Samba Ogunsola onto the pitch. And both teams would continue their attacking ways. The Banijans were creating plenty of chances, but between poor finishing and excellent goalkeeping from Paiva Shimski, the scores were staying level. Kausu Dione had a chance to give his team the lead in the 62nd minute, when he was able to collect a bouncing ball about 12 yards from goal. But while he muscled his way into enough space to take the shot, his half-volley hit the top of the crossbar and bounced high into the stands, ultimately for a harmless goal kick. A shot that nearly gave AFC Treason's goalkeeper a heart attack. The best chance for the Banijans was probably in the 82nd minute, when substitute Mzukisi Nzo received a perfect through ball from Gereh Kama, and was one on one with the goalkeeper. But Paiva Shimski made a fantastic save, coming out, being aggressive, and making herself big as she smothered all of Nzo's shot, and Walda Harkhan was there to clear the ball away.

But the Squornshelan Confederacy also had a couple of quality opportunities for a go-ahead goal. Demba Kinteh watched one, in particular, a few times. A bad pass from Gereh Kama was intercepted, and the Confederates flew from defense to offense. Just as they've always been capable. Tairu Conateh, who had been sprinting up the field to try and provide width, had no chance of getting back in time. Mboge hadn't rotated back in time, which gave them a serious numbers advantage. And when Ikra Yonte saw that while dribbling on the counter-attack, she looked up and saw a basically wide open Lavanya Naqvi, streaming towards goal. Kinteh was occupied with Petrov in the center of the pitch, and Yonte delivered what was a perfect ball. Naqvi was able to get a head on it, and tried to turn it towards the near post. But Wanda Kouyaté was ready. She made an absolutely spectacular, instinctual save, diving all the way across and just getting her right hand on it, enough to knock the ball out for a corner kick in the 83rd minute. Naqvi was stunned that Wanda Kouyaté had somehow gotten there, and threw his hands on his head.

The SRS had a few other opportunities, but extra time was always the destiny between these two sides. With tired legs and stout defenses, there was not a ton of opportunity for a winner from either side, as neither offense could quite string enough quality passes together to get some guys open. But Purna Zazagang, off the bench, had really the only opportunity to win the match in extra time for either side. Zazagang, who had come on for Tabur just before the end of full time, was running circles around everybody, as she had fresh legs. And towards the end of extra time, she had a chance to write herself into the Squornshelan history books. They were threatening with the ball inside the 18, with Yonte having the ball on the side edge of the area. But after beating her defender on the dribble, she ran down the touchlien while Zazagang made a diagonal run across the box. She lost her man, and Yonte played the ball on the ground. Would Wanda have a chance if Zazagang hit it first time from such point blank range, inside the six? Demba Kinteh left his man and made yet another perfectly timed sliding challenge. This one, in the 115th minute. And he got to the ball right at the same time as Zazagang, with his desperate and strong challenge forcing the ball out for a corner kick. Fortunately, Wanda caught the corner kick, and there were no other serious opportunities for goals in extra time.

Penalties it was. And Kinteh remembered exactly what Pam Scott had told him, in a one on one conversation before the match. "Demba- if we go to penalties, we're going to need to play them with the utmost confidence. And that- starts with you." She had said. "You're the captain, you've got the most caps on this team, therefore, you set the tone." And Kinteh had nodded. He had remembered that, and now watching on his tablet, he saw exactly how that confidence had played out. Instead of simply walking back to the sideline, he tried to really encourage his players. He had double high fived Tairu Conateh. He yelled up at Sarafina Ikpeazu. The other veterans on the team followed his lead. They were encouraging each other. And while everybody was exhausted, by the time he had went to huddle, and then the coin toss, he knew exactly how it was going to go.

"There will be two coin tosses for this shootout. The first, shall decide who shoots first or second. The second, shall decide which end we will shoot in." The referee said. The referee then pointed to Iuri Takala. "As the designated visiting team, you will call it in the air." The referee then flipped the coin.

"Heads." Takala said while the coin was flipping through the air. The coin landed on tails. Kinteh had won. He had chosen that Banija would shoot first. They then went again. Takala called heads again. And once again, the coin landed on tails.

"I want it in the Banijan end." Kinteh had said, pointing down to his side of the pitch. He wished Takala luck, and almost sprinted back to his team huddle. He had wanted to get them amped. Throw off the nerves. They played the ultimate team sport- but a penalty shootout was the ultimate individual moment. All he could do was go to the center of the pitch, and wait. Fortunately, Kinteh was simply watching the replay. He didn't need to feel the nerves again. But it was interesting to watch the announcers say it.

"The Banijans shooting first, and the shootout in their end." The Banijan commenator had said. "The first shooter for Banija will be Idai Uster. She came onto the pitch in the 118th minute, which means she was definitely a pick for this shootout. It makes sense. She's scored the 3rd most goals all-time in the history of this national team. She's scored in a World Cup Final. She's a two-time Nepharim Premiership winner with Nephara. And her shooting first makes sense. She should be able to bury it. But she's going against her own club teammate, Paiva Shimski, at AFC Treason. How you know a club is good- two players from the same club meeting in the World Cup knockout stages, who are both foreign, right? But there's no camaraderie between the club teammates right now. She's so focused. She starts her run-up, and takes a one-hop delayed run-up. Shimski is not fooled, she goes to the keeper's left... AND IT IS SAVED!" Although Kinteh was simply watching it again, he couldn't help but have his stomach drop again, while watching. "PAVIA SHIMSKI WINS THE BATTLE OF AFC TREASON TEAMMATES, AS SHE SAVES THE OPENING PENALTY!"

Strike 1 to the Squornshelan Confederacy, am I right? Lyzolda Petrov drilled her first penalty, as the Sabrefell Moths player sent Wanda Kouyaté the wrong way. Nzo went second for the Banijans, to make it 1-1. But the Confederates had a shot in hand. Kinteh watched this penalty about seven times before moving on. Everything Wanda Kouyaté did was brilliant. You could see her talking smack to the penalty taker. A little bit of gamesmanship. After the match, he had asked her what she said to him. She told Demba that all she had said was that 'this play was going to live in Yonte's nightmares'. And Wanda was right. Yonte went to the keeper's right, and Wanda Kouyaté was all over it, making the save. 1-1 after two kicks. The next round of penalties was straightforward, with Gereh Kama finding the upper corner for Banija, while Jzeovak Vladcik went straight down the middle for the Squornshelans. 2-2 after 3.

The pressure was slowly ramping up. Kausu Dione went fourth for team Banija. He was Banija's main designated penalty taker for a reason. He was able to shut everything out, and just hit a perfectly placed, nice soft Panenka-style chip straight down the middle, as Shimski dove right. 3-2 to Banija. That's when Iuri Takala came up, to take the fourth penalties for Banija's opponents. Demba Kinteh, obviously, knew what was gonna happen next. What happened was honestly a nightmare moment, for any player. Kinteh hadn't seen clearly during the shootout, but he could see now, on film. Takala looked nervous throughout his walk up. The retiring captain had a legacy- captaining his country to the knockout stages of the World Cup for the first time in 50 cycles. But despite being the veteran, retiring captain, Takala had the most memorable moment of the shootout by skying the penalty. He had made a mess of it. He looked shocked, as Wanda celebrated. Kinteh remembered exactly how it had played out from there. And watching on film- everything matched his memory.

His teammates had all celebrated. Kinteh had barely reacted, just giving a small fist pump. Takala, on the other hand, was nearly in tears in his walk back. Kinteh, once again, would have a chance to win a penalty shootout. He's done this before. When he was just a teenager, hit the match-winning penalty in the RBSA Cup Final. He hit the match-winning penalty in a U18 World Cup Quarterfinal. He had done so in the AOCAF 64 Semifinals. While he missed the potential trophy-clinching penalty in the AOCAF 64 Final, they had still won. He hadn't taken a penalty during Banija's Cup of Harmony penalty loss. He had been here before. He knew how to handle the highest pressure moments. Kinteh walked down with confidence, and without fear. Not listening to anybody, not looking at anyone, head down. The referee handed him the ball, and he simply put it on the ground.

Kinteh's form on film was as good as it felt the night before. He never tried to get fancy with it- Just focus on technique and power. And Kinteh got all of it. An absolute rocket towards the upper corner. Paiva Shimski dove, and while guessing correctly, simply was never going to get a hand on a penalty with that much power at that much height. The ball went in, and Banija were through. Kinteh grinned as he watched his celebration on film. He had ran to Wanda, who had turned and ran towards the corner flag. The two both slid, on their knees, at the corner flag, as the Banijan team mobbed them.

Kinteh grinned. He was happy. What a win. It was great to be back in the World Cup Quarterfinals.

Banija v. The Sqournshelan Confederacy- Round of 16

Banija 1                                -                1 The Sqournshelan Confederacy
                                       4-2 penalties
Tairu Conateh  21'                                          Iuri Takala 44'

Shootout
First Shot- BNJ: Idai Uster- Saved. SRS: Lyzolda Petrov- Scored. (0-1)
Second Shot- BNJ: Mzukisi Nzo- Scored. SRS: Ikra Yonte- Saved. (1-1)
Third Shot- BNJ: Gereh Kama- Scored. SRS: Jzeovak Vladcik- Scored. (2-2)
Fourth Shot- BNJ: Kausu Dione- Scored. SRS: Iuri Takala- Missed. (3-2)
Fifth Shot- BNJ: Demba Kinteh- Scored. SRS: N/A. (4-2)
Contest ends 4-2 on penalties in favor of Banija

Played at the State Fairgrounds Stadium(cap. 44,000) in Springfield, State of Baker Park, Commonwealth of Baker Park
Attendance: 44,000
Banijan Starting XI: 23 - Wanda Kouyaté; 30- K. Jawara(S. Ogunsola 53'), 5- D. Kinteh(c), 20- T. Conateh(goal 21'); 11- L. Bokate(O. Uzoma 87'), 8- I. Mboge, 14- T. Sowe(M. Nzo 72'), 7- S. Ikpeazu; 
10- G. Kama; 19- K. Dione, 12- K. Touré(I. Uster 118')

Banijan Starting XI for the World Cup Quarterfinals: 23 - Wanda Kouyaté; 15- D. Kouyaté, 5- D. Kinteh(c), 20- T. Conateh; 11- L. Bokate, 8- I. Mboge, 25- M. Nzo, 7- S. Ikpeazu; 10- G. Kama; 19- K. Dione, 12- K. Touré

@KadongoKamu

Wanda Kouyaté's penalty save in the World Cup shootout against the Squornshelan Confederacy. #Hero

@AllBanijaSportsMagazine Demba Kinteh hits the winner in the shootout as Banija advance to a massive World Cup Quarterfinal tie with Baker Park. What a knockout match that was with SRS, are we right? Find all your analysis and everything you need to know on our website. #WorldCup90 #BNJvCBP

by **Pemecutan** » Thu Feb 17, 2022 7:20 pm

Saniscara Pon Wuku Sinta, Pawukon 1783

New Season Start in Limbo

Pemecutan Puri - The domestic football world is shrouded with black clouds after the death of the President of PFA, Pande Suryajaya. The shocking incident which cause his death have a connection with the last year cases of PFA headquarter fire and the murder of one of its regional director. The suspect is still becoming a fugitive until this day. But this loss give an uncertainty for the plan that have been address by the late Suryajaya.

"We are still in mourning state so we're not discussing about it at the moment. Although the plan will still be consider for the future of our domestic competition. But as the 1783 season has knocking on the door, we halt the discussion and implementation of the plan until the next season."

- Putu Ayu Kusumawardani
Acting President of PFA

On the other hand, the clubs of 2 Pemecutanian associate states, Cakranegara and Rarungan held a private meeting. The rumour has it that they would likely to create a new league. Clubs from both nations were invited to the PFA internal meeting as the late Suryajaya expansion plan would include both nations. But as the uncertainty amounted, the clubs of both nations make their move.

"We haven't got any news or confirmation about the rumour. And we're not pressuring them to follow the plan by late Suryajaya. It is their right to agree or disagree. And if the rumour is true, we are happy to help them if in any case they need support."

- Putu Ayu Kusumawardani
Acting President of PFA

The rumour has it that 16 clubs (10 from Cakranegara and 6 from Rarungan) are holding a private meeting in Ampenan, the capital of Cakranegara. The meeting was held a few days after the cremation ceremony of Pande Suryajaya. It is still not clear what's the meeting is about as the local news channel haven't coverage it yet. But the rumour of new league creation has circling around the two states for the past month after Cakranegara involvement in IAC competition.

As the plan to restructure the domestic league is on halt, then the new season of Pemecutan football league is run as the previous season. It will be start with Super Cup between Pesub Ubung (the league champion) and Pesat Satria (the cup champion) as the traditional opening competition of the season.

by **Ko-oren** » Fri Feb 18, 2022 7:06 am

An Alternative Grand Slam

The pinnacle of football is winning the three WCC-sanctioned tournaments - World Cup, Cup of Harmony, Baptism of Fire. Unfortunately, every nation gets exactly one opportunity to win the latter. For every Baptism of Fire winner, there are 20+ losers who can never get back at that trophy. Wouldn't it be fair to construct a Grand Slam that is attainable for everyone? What about... the World Cup, Cup of Harmony, and a Regional tournament?

What makes this possible is the addition of the IAC after World Cup cycle 76. For the first time, you don't have to be in one of the big three (at the time) or big... four? Five? Six? to play a prestigious tournament outside of the World Cup without having to start only youngsters (in the Di Bradini Cup).

Looking at the final list, there are some interesting things of note. First of all, five nations have outright got the Grand Slam. 'Outright', because there are two nations that qualify indirectly as sixth and seventh. Before I tell you what these seven teams are, have a guess.

Have you written your seven names down?

Then there are the nations that are probably on some of your lists, but haven't made it. Some of these teams have simply been too good for too long - they just never dipped down to win a Cup of Harmony because they were too busy qualifying for World Cups. Starblaydia has an impressive five World Cups and seven regional titles, but lack the CoH. The same goes for Valanora at 5 and 4, and Audioslavia at 2 and 4, respectively. There are a few more close ones, but we'll get to the full list later.

There's also a small group of teams that have the World Cup and Cup of Harmony, but either are in the IAC which hasn't existed for that long yet, or maybe never got lucky in their own region. Cassadaigua has the WCC-sanctioned tournaments but is still waiting for its first regional trophy.

Lastly, there are those that have dominated one tournament and never bothered to win another. Pacitalia's 10 AOCAFs spring to mind, as do Aguazul, Bedistan, Rejistania, and the Holy Empire's four World Cup titles each.

All in all, 14 nations are waiting for their first Cup of Harmony title with the other two prerequesites checked off the list. Exactly fourteen other teams have got the Cup of Harmony and the regional, but not the World Cup (yet). Only five teams have the World Cup and the Cup of Harmony, but not the regional title.

Full list

Katherine Davenport was put in charge of damage control with Juliasterinthen's rumoured looming WCC Presidency. She, as the head coach, was in charge of the team and the on-field decisions, after all. Kaya Michiyu, her Kandorese counterpart, had also downplayed the events in Mavaloiao with mixed success, although with the defeat to Turori there's less heat now. That, and the fact that Kandorith were the underdogs in that match: a draw against us is a bigger achievement than our draw against them, in a way.

"We thought it best to play it safe", "We hoped to avoid Turori in the second round", "We advanced, didn't we"... the answers were less and less convincing with every iteration of the question "Was it fixed?" and it was getting monotonous, but the underlying tone also started getting clearer. You don't respond with 'We hoped to avoid Turori' if you're trying to deny there was an ulterior motive to that awful 0-0. It seems clearer and clearer that there was a very World Cup 87 stank to this entire thing - back then, an intentional own goal put Ko-oren in second place, facing Geektopia instead of a top 10 KPB nation, and launching the Dragonflies' first successful attempt in the knockouts.

With the WCC investigation under way, the KFA had instructed everyone, down to the kit manager and water boys, to stay mum on the issue. The official line was "a tactical 0-0 is not the same as match fixing" hoping that nobody associated with the team was actually stupid enough to bet money on the result.

Looking ahead, the Eternal Empire is starting to become an Eternal part of our knockout fixtures. Nobody warned is that if we finally started winning matches, we'd start facing off against the same opponents who also were winning a lot - and Valanora certainly is one of those opponents. The gist of this matchup is probably quite predictable, with the Elves dominating possession as they like to do, with a slight emphasis on defensive security compared to their usual style - something they've been seen doing in practice sessions, perhaps more for the first knockout match rather than looking ahead to us, though. The midfield should hold the key to this game, with the Elves opting for a heavy midfield to dominate passing and immediately pressure our defence with as many players as they see fit. The Laborious Hawk-Ludwig connection is one to watch.

Countering that, Davenport likely opts for, well, the same recipe as usual. The Dragonflies have traded individual quality for a stronger overall team this cycle (the defensive starters in WC90 just aren't of the same oomph as their WC89 counterparts. Grootenhuis? Wasn't he washed up? Derjekhistun? Who? Kitchingham? Doesn't he play for a delapidated Bruncester with no NT experience at age 30?). In return, we get a fired up Grootenhuis who brings some tenacity that the 'stars' don't have, while Derjekhistun is a tall one man air force in case of corner kicks. Kitchingham has the stamina to go for 90 minutes and help out the midfield.

That midfield consists of Vaugrenard, yCinrhadd, Janoreirinthen, and Longchambon, a combination that formed over the course of the qualifiers, and what a combination it is. Vaugrenard, Janoreirinthen, and Longchambon is probably the most talented trio Ko-oren has ever seen, by far, and their radar-like ability to know where the other two are at all times is vital for the creation of space and taking it away when needed. yCinrhadd is the odd one out, the 24-year old journeyman never stays put at one club for long (currently playing in Zwangzug, he already has experience in Taeshan, Squidroidia, Quebec, Brenecia, but not our own Top League), and doesn't have the same rapport as the rest does. Then again, who does? That trio have been playing together since yCinrhadd was in elementary school. The Ephesian FC midfielder instead represents the next generation that will have to take over for the 30+ year olds some day.

As always, we're looking to Erisia to score one goal. All you ever need is one goal.

by **Turori** » Fri Feb 18, 2022 2:09 pm

Eels Outlast Kandorith in Extra Time Victory

Almintora National Stadium, Almintora, Turori :: After the Turori National Team was embarrassed in its final match of the World Cup 90 Group stage, losing 3-1 to Jeruselem, it was no surprise when Eels head coach Tarek Edgeli came in with a slew of changes to the Turori Roster for their Round of Sixteen matchup with the North Pacific based nation Kandorith. Unlike Turori, the Kandorese came into the Round of 16 having yet to lose a match at the World Cup Finals which included holding defending champion Ko-oren to a goalless draw on Matchday 3 of the Group Stage. They were the ordained team of destiny after entering the competition with roughly the same ranking that the previous two World Cup Champion nations Ko-oren and Turori had when they won World Cup 89 and World Cup 88 respectively and now they would be playing those two nations on back to back matchdays.

For Turori, there was no surprise to see Derizi Amatopa back in goal after the team had given the Eura-based netminder a break in favor of Timaala Hualtia on Matchday 3 of the Group Stage. The real surprise however came in the changed on Defense where Edgeli favored inexperience and youth over the seasoned veterans. Two of Edgeli's four chosen defenders were under the age of 21. A third had just four career national team appearances. Only Cednia Beach AFC defender Biliki Rona'atu'i had any measurable sustained presence on the Turori National Team. At just 18 years of age, Eelandii Academy center back H'munao Cagomia was the youngest player on the pitch. Not much older was the coaches own flesh and blood, Karek Edgeli playing on the Right. Opposide Edgeli would be Cusaram Sakeri, a late bloomer at 31 years of age but making just their fifth career start for the Turori National Team and first at the World Cup Finals.

The stands at the original home of the Turori National Team in their capital city of Almintora were absolutely packed. With the Vilitan National Team having been eliminated in the group stage all the local focus had now shifted to the Turori National Team as well. The capital city was packed with media and the pressure was certainly on. The Turori National Team had never made it beyond the Quarter Finals in three consecutive World Cup Finals and if they were going to do it for the first time in their history it would have to start on this day, in the Round of 16 against Kandorith. The referee for the match was a relative youngster, 35 year old Amber Bradley from Tumbra who was working with a team of officials all hailing from the region of Esportiva. From the moment that Bradley removed the whistle from her lips at the start of the match, she did not go back to the whistle for nearly fifteen minutes as the teams felt the match out around each other. The first real moment of excitement came in the 18th minute when Turori's Nua'oma Aikiki forced Michinori Tamtsuki into a stunning save keeping the scores level and offering Turori their first corner kick of the game. It would also be the first foul of the game whistled by the Tumbran official after Lati'ala Giaoka climbed over the back of Kimi Hakimoto in a failed attempt to make contact with Daliora Toru'u's corner delivery.

The next big moment of the match came less than ten minutes from the half time interval and it was a momentary lapse of concentration from the World Cup Finals debutant Cusaram Sakeri that led to the games first goal. Sakeri's pass across intended for H'munao Cagomia failed to consider the closing rate of Kandorith's Hiro Fujiwara. Although Biliki Rona'atu'i was playing deep and able to step up and cover Fujiwara's position momentarily, the Kandorese forward skillfully stepped around the Cednia Beach AFC defender then fired past Derizi Amatopa to give the Dragons the 1-0 lead. Kandorith would hold the lead through to half time where head coach Tarek Edgeli was left wondering how to get their team back into the match.

Edgeli would make just one change to the side for the second half switching from a traditional System Turori to a more offensively influenced formation as the Eels looked to pull back level with the Dragons in the second half. It was Edgeli's own namesake Karek who was left on the bench for the start of the second half being replaced by Kiidallen Aeroluzzi in an attempt to better bridge the gap between the Defenders and the Midfielders. As the second half went on, however, and Turori failed to score still - it became time for Edgeli to pull out all the stops. After adding more midfield support in Naraiza Ruaplal to no avail, Edgeli was forced to flip the switch entirely to offense in the Final 10 minutes of the regular time. Edgeli gave the fourth official the number of Veteran striker Meldi'ita Mungwaii for just the second time in the World Cup Finals - but this time the veteran striker would not be a footnote in the box score. Just minutes after coming onto the pitch Mungwaii showed that they still possess the clinical finishing skill that had made them Turori's all-time leading scorer to date. The Zwangzug based attacker added one more to their career tally and the entire capital city erupted as Mugwaii's goal had pulled Turori level with just minutes to spare.

From there the game would head into extra time where it would be another of Edgeli's second half subtitutes that would prove to be the difference maker when Naraiza Ruaplal found the back of the net just three minutes before the teams would have had to resolve a penalty shootout. It was much relief for all the Turorian fans in attendance who would, by virtue of the victory, also be rewarded with one final matchup on Turorian soil, the World Cup 90 Quarter Final against Pemecutan.

It would be the second consecutive World Cup Finals where Turori would have to face Pemecutan and like their Vilitan Counterparts in World Cup 90, Turori's matchup with Pemecutan during World Cup 89 was not one to be remembered. The lone prior meeting between the two sides came on the opening matchday of World Cup 89. It was the Turori National Teams first World Cup Finals match as reigning champions and one of the rare matches in the modern era where the Turori National Team were forced into a goalkeeper change for performance reasons. Three quick goals had chased Derizi Amatopa out of the net handing the gloves over the Inland Peaks FC netminder Timaala Hualtia. Turori would get their act together on defense by not conceding another goal all match but by then the damage had been done. Turori would be defeated 0-3 in their worst loss at the World Cup Finals since their back-to-back drubbings at the hands of Vilita during World Cup 81 and World Cup 82.

Of course, with many players returning from that World Cup 89 side there will be plenty of lock room motivation with hopes of getting revenge against The White Myna.

 Turori [2] - [1] Kandorith
				
	GOALS:	Turori 	:: 82' Meldi'ita Mungwaii:: 117' Naraiza Ruaplal             		
	STATS:	Turori 	:: Possession: 56%:: Shots: 6:: Corners: 7	Kandorith 	:: Possession: 44%:: Shots: 3:: Corners: 7
	Lineup:	[GK]  Derizi Amatopa, [D.]  Cusaram Sakeri, [D.]  Biliki Rona'atu'i, [D.]  H’munao Cagomia, [D.]  Karek Edgeli, [ML]  Daliora Toru'u, [MC]  Kentu Umaka'a, [MC]  Lati'ala Giaoka, [MR]  Tulaki Rauogba, [FC]  Turakia Diijelhma, [FC]  Nua'oma Aikiki			
	Bench:	[FC]  Meldi'ita Mungwaii, [FC]  Kala'a Yuliizala, [M]  Naraiza Ruaplal, [M]  Kiidallen Aeroluzzi, [U ]  Amakli Inuro'o, [D]  Planio’o Nrujsa, [GK]  Wiyauw An'maude

Team: Derizi Amatopa, Cusaram Sakeri, Biliki Rona'atu'i (Naraiza Ruaplal 74'), H’munao Cagomia (Meldi'ita Mungwaii 78'), Karek Edgeli (Kiidallen Aeroluzzi 45'), Daliora Toru'u, Kentu Umaka'a, Lati'ala Giaoka, Tulaki Rauogba (Kala'a Yuliizala 119'), Turakia Diijelhma, Nua'oma Aikiki

TURORI NATIONAL ✓

@TuroriNat
Drama at the Beach as #Eels need Extra Time to defeat Kandorith and advance to #WC90 Quarter Finals Follow the Story Here...

#WC90 - #TURvKND - #CedniaBeach

Lets face it. The Vilitan National Team just isn't very good. When you can't win a game in a home World Cup - can't even score a goal from open play in a home World Cup, you aren't very good are you? I'm forever a Jungle Cat. It's in my blood - quite literally. But I've also made a bit of a profession talking about sports and well I can't very much talk about the Vilitan National Team if they aren't playing any sports. The World Cup is the competition on everyone's mind so naturally, we're going to talk about that. One of the most interesting thing about the World Cup is how very often it doesn't go the way folks expect it to go. Take Group A, for example. On paper it was all very close but in the end if you looked at the general consensus, it would have been for host Nation Vilita and top ranked side Graintfjall to advance. Naturally, neither of them did. Regardless of the fact that there are examples of this type of situation playing out every single World Cup Cycle, the time period immediately leading up to the World Cup Finals is a very profitable time to be in one of three professions: Statistics, Betting and Prophecies.

Now there was a very interesting Round of 16 matchup that ties a bunch of these together. Kandorith and Turori. Obviously its not too hard to talk about Turori here. Colonial Neighbors and all - generally we hate them in the World Cup and Love them pretty much everywhere else. Turori gives us Cocoabo and Cocoa-bo and twii.tur and so many of the things that we love in our day to day lives. They give us lots of medals at the Olympics, help us win the Di Bradini Cup and regional competitions and have tons of engineering smarts helping us do good in Motorsports. Theres an obvious connection there that we don't need to dive into too far to justify the airtime we give them now that the Vilitan National Team is out of the World Cup. Kandorith may not typically be a team we focus on except it was Kandorith who knocked the Vilitan National Team out of World Cup 89. The Dragons who ended the longest running streak of consecutive World Cup appearances and sent the Jungle Cats off to the Cup of Harmony where we first got a glimpse of just how bad they might be when they couldn't even sniff the final as the tournaments second highest ranked team.

There was one important thing that the Statisticians, Bettors and Prophets all noticed about Kandorith at the start of the World Cup 90 Finals however: Their Rank. It had been supposed that the Kandorese were in the golden spot - the spot that Turori were in when they won World Cup 88 and that Ko-oren were in prior to winning World Cup 89. Could Kandorith break through from this golden spot to win World Cup 90?

Of course, we now understand that the answer to that question was No. It took extra time but The Turori National Team took care of business, provided a little bit of vengeance on behalf of their colonial neighbors and sent Kandorith packing. So who has the golden spot now? Who has been blessed by the power? Lets be honest, it seems pretty obvious that it was never Kandorith at all who had been blessed by Margaret for World Cup 90, but instead it was the Eels next opponents, Pemecutan, who have yet to lose in the competition. Lets, for a second, however just pretend that it was Kandorith who had the Golden Ticket and they just... kind of slipped up not taking advantage of it against Turori. So we turn to our good friend Soktiti Amakra at Fun With Flags to see what it might look like if Turori and Kandorith combined forces to cash in that Golden Ticket in route to the World Cup Final:

♫Doo-DOO-Doo-Doo Doo-DOO-Doo-Doo.♫

Cednia, Turori
Postcard:

Fixture :: World Cup 90 Quarter Finals

Location :: Cednia is the Vacation Center of the Island Emirate boasting the best Coastlines, nightlife and business opportunities within Turori in a sprawling coastal city.

Capacity :: 103,000

Stadium :: The Cednia Beach Center is one of the purest examples of capitalism and expansion in the Vilitan Leagues. Originally a modest plot for a modest team, the stadium has risen along with the rise of the club. Now, a world class stadium capacity wise, there are concessions that were made. The training grounds outside the center are second rate, and parking is virtually non-existent at the complex. Public transportation - including your own two feet, would be required for fans to access the stadium. Thats alright though, plenty of lodging surrounds the local area within walking distance.

The Cednia Beach Center has been home to International competitions for many seasons including the Cup of Harmony 53 Final contested between Darmen and New Montreal States. New Montreal States ran out 4-2 winners on the day in what was an otherwise quiet and successful day at the park for fans attending at the Cednia Beach Center, showcasing the ability for Cednia to host the marquee matchups of International Sport despite the close confines of the stadium with its Cednia surroundings. Just two cycles later, the Cednia Beach Center would be home to one of the the most talked about World Cup Finals of its era, when Atlantian Oceania powerhouse Starblaydia in search of their record 6th World Cup took on an Audioslavia side that had made more World Cup Finals without ever winning than any other nation. In that game, Audioslavia finally prevailed to earn their first World Cup title while Starblaydia still seeks that elusive 6th title.

by **Alasdair I Frosticus** » Fri Feb 18, 2022 2:59 pm

HAIL THE BLACK EAGLES!

Hello Tumbrans! We're delighted to be playing you in the World Cup 90 Quarterfinals after our hard-fought win over Audioslavia (and who would have thought that Blade Cane would have scored both our goals off headers from corners; that's a bit unusual for this Imperial side, let me tell you!).

And why are we delighted to be playing you? Why, because 'Black Eagles' sounds like something more than vaguely cult related; in fact, your team nickname strongly suggests a mad cultist association. Let's take the cult affiliations of our starting XI, and give them a little 'Black Eagle' edit to prove the point:

The Sycophants of the Black Eagle
The New Black Eagles of Eternal Doom
The Black Eagles of Scheming Thought
The Aquarian Lodge of the Black Eagle
The Interdimensional Creed of the Black Eagle (this one already had 'black' in the title anyway! Easy peasy!)
The Black Eagle Syndicate of Manifest Sedition
The Great Band of the Nine Black Eagles
The Universal Sect of the Eternal Black Eagle
The Pact of the Black Eagle
The Sorcerers of the Lustful Black Eagle (kinky!)
The Black Eagles of Bloodforged Slaughter

So it sounds very much to us like you're all either aspiring to be mad cultists, or are already members of a secret mad cult to begin with, and are just hiding it particularly well. If it's the first one, then we're happy to offer a long-term mentorship programme. If it's the second, then welcome aboard, and we're looking forward to exchanging some secret handshakes before the match, and hope you'll join us for an unspeakable ritual or two after the game, regardless of the result.

And either way.... do you have any spare virgins? Regardless of whether you're aspiring mad cultists or established secret mad cultists, surely you have a virgin or two lying around for your personal version of whatever unspeakable rites you choose to perform in service of the coming of the Great Old Ones. And assuming this is the case, could you bring them along to the match? Regardless of whether you're just learning how to perform a virgin sacrifice of summoning, or have performed more than your fair share over the years, we just know you'd like to help us out with this one.

I'll be honest... Here at MUCK we've been trying to get some virgins together for a sacrifice to bring about the Final End Times since the beginning of qualifying, and - let's be frank - we haven't had much luck here. Everyone keeps either ignoring us, or turning us down (usually politely, to be fair), or engaging in mass shagging of their entire nation before the match to deny us virgins; and then there were those lovely Vdarans who were Top Shaggers who let us score freely with them, but were virgin-free because of their shagging status. Only in the Ethane match did anyone attempt to supply us with virgins, and there were so many of them (which, again being frank, was a bit of an indictment of gender relations in Ethane) that we were totally swamped and couldn't find the time to organise a virgin sacrifice - so we had to send them all home again, untouched and disappointed.

So we're really, really, hoping that you'll help us break our string of bad luck on the virgin front. I'm beginning to think that we're much better footballers than we are cultists, which is a bit of a shame.

Drop us a line and let me know what you think!

Yours,

Shadow Whitmore
President of MUCK
Captain, Holy Empire World Cup 90

PS: Just between us, I'm beginning to suspect that Mr Tzimisces doesn't entirely approve of this whole virgin sacrifice thing, so if you are secret mad cultists, perhaps let's keep this on the down-low. He's a magnificent manager - justifiably a legend - but perhaps not entirely sympathetic to the blood sacrifice of virgins.

by **Banija** » Fri Feb 18, 2022 4:32 pm

"This was meant to be-" Pam Scott describes herself as 'motivated' before Banija's quarterfinal tilt against World Cup host nation, the Commonwealth of Baker Park

Banijan NT manager Pam Scott, two hours before Banija's final group stage match kicked off against Milchama

OCEANA, STATE OF OSHEANA, COMMONWEALTH OF BAKER PARK- Banija and Baker Park have a longstanding relationship with each other. Both nations consider each other their closest partner within Atlantian Oceania, as Banija and Baker Park hit off almost as soon as they hit the international scene. Baker Park's national team has played an incredible 27 games in the Kingdom, which dates to various tournaments, like a Baptism of Fire, a World Cup, the AOCAFs. Not, of course, the Cup of Harmony. There is no opponent, between friendlies and competitive games, that Banija has played more often than the Commonwealth. And most recently, in a friendly that took place in the midst of World Cup Qualifying, it was the Kadongo Kamu who were invited to BBP National Stadium to take on Baker Park. That friendly, of course, happened to be the 300th all-time home game in the history of their national team. Pam Scott was received graciously by the sold out Belle Haven stadium for that match. Of course, it also meant Banija got the better of their friends and rivals, 3-0, in Baker Park's capitol city.

"That game has nothing to do with the Quarterfinal that we will face here, very, very soon." Pam Scott said. "A totally different set of circumstances. We were in the middle of World Cup Qualifying, and were just starting to hit our stride within World Cup Qualifying. Baker Park, on the other hand, was just beginning a series of friendlies. We already that sort of familiarity, they were starting cold- they didn't stand a chance. A wonderful spectacle, that game was. But there's no lessons to learn from that beautiful August night in Belle Haven." It is only fitting that these two meet in a World Cup Quarterfinal. Their fates have seemingly been intertwined in the sport for so many years. World Cup 80 was the seminal moment for them, as they both qualified for the World Cup for the first time. For us, it was our painstakingly seventh attempt, finally making it to the big stage. For Baker Park, it was on their first attempt, after making a run to the BoF Final in Busukuma. And together, we flew forward. They haven't missed the World Cup since- we missed 89. Both made our first ever AOCAF Semifinals at the same time, as well, at AOCAF 58, which we co-hosted. Right after we won the World Cup for the first time, at World Cup 86, the AOCAFs were sort of Hosted on Banijan soil. Who beat us in that AOCAF Semifinal? None other than the Commonwealth, who went on to win their first ever AOCAF Final- in Busukuma.

Don't tell any Banijans how Baker Park has played in more major tournament finals(two) in Busukuma than Banija. And none of that has mentioned what really makes this a fun matchup- Pam Scott. She's managed more senior national team games for Baker Park than any other individual in history, taking charge of the senior team 99 times, as well as taking charge of the women's side 40 times as well. And she doesn't stand on our touchline- the genius tactician will stand on our touchline. She's led a fulfilling career. Success at the collegiate level brought her to the international game, and she's been successful wherever she's coached. She took Baker Park to the knockout stages of a home World Cup, she took Farfadillis to the World Cup Semifinals, and now she's here, in the final 8, with Banija. She really sits at the center here. Can the Baker Park national put tears on the faces of all her compatriots, and send Banija to the World Cup Semifinals?

We sat down with her for an in-depth interview, to reflect on this moment.

Interview Edited for clarity at the time of print

ABSM Reporter: "So Pam, tell me- how do you feel about this matchup? Are there any conflicted feelings?"

Pam Scott: "I never thought that I'd be managing against my own country at a World Cup Quarterfinal. And yet, here I am. It's a wonderful opportunity for both countries, who both have elite footballing talent and are trying to take that next step. Going to the World Cup Semifinals- that truly is the next step. There are no ifs, ands, or buts about it- if you're good enough to win two knockout stage games, at a tournament as tough and as competitive as this one, then you are good enough to win the whole damn thing. It doesn't mean you will- The Holy Empire are heavy favorites for a reason. But it does mean you're good enough to. It means you are truly in that upper echelon of national teams."

"And that's what both of us want to prove today. I don't feel conflicted. I love Baker Park, it is my home. I know many Banijans understand that. But I am managing Banija, and on this occasion, I obviously want us to win. I don't think Jen Prescott would be surprised to hear me say that. We're gonna do what we can. But the Bees, I know, have a bright future, and are on that trajectory to truly be a top team."

ABSM Reporter: "Does this make you temporarily public enemy #1 at home? Is anyone rooting for you?"

Pam Scott: "Well, let me tell you a secret. Belle Haven- best city in the world! Of course it's my home, but the people are so nice. You know, I once had my neighbor here shovel the snow out of my driveway, back when I coached the Bees, because they said it'd hurt the national team if I slipped a disc. I didn't even ask him to. He didn't even take my money! I don't think, if it somehow snowed here in the Summer, anybody would shovel my driveway right now. But the camaraderie is real. They talk about a strong relationship between Banijans and Baker Parkers, on a political level. That, of course, is true- Banija's Royals are well-liked her, and I would kill for Rebecca Schonelein's approval ratings back in Banija.

So there's no animosity, nothing like that. Nobody's rooting for me, though. I'm staying at the hotel with the team, of course- even if my home is in Belle Haven, there's no reason for me to be there during the World Cup. I think my husband and children are the only people in the country rooting for me in the Quarterfinal. Which is fair- I didn't expect them to do otherwise. My Dad, who I swear has never texted anybody in his life, even texted me a go Bees GIF. Baker Park fans have been gracious and in our favor the whole tournament, but of course they will support their own nation on home soil, especially at a World Cup. It's my job to get the team ready for what is going to be, frankly, a special environment, and for us to use what will surely be raucous energy at Collins Park against the Bees."

ABSM Reporter: "Alright. We all know it's going to be a hostile environment. And you've been clear that the friendly during Qualifying does not reflect upon this game. What does Banija have to do to win this game?"

Pam Scott: "Baker Park fans are some of the best out there. I've been a beneficiary of that, especially when I led the team at World Cup 84, on home soil. It's a special environment, truly. But we are going to have to be ready for that. It can be a pressure that sometimes feels overwhelming. I managed Farfadillis at World Cup 85. I know what it feels like to have that pressure, of being at home, just overwhelm and consume you. But the Bees have shown that they won't succumb to that. How do we take them down? We have to stay disciplined, and we want to talk the crowd out of it early. We're not necessarily going to be able to just go and score a 5th minute goal. But keep them on the back foot. Don't let them get into a rhythm. We close them down quickly, disrupt their passing, don't let them get the ball into space, and, most importantly, ensure that we are dictating the pace of play. Make them chase the game. That is our path."

*Rest of interview is continued on Page 5 of the Magazine*

Banijan Starting XI for the Quarterfinals: 23 - Wanda Kouyaté; 15- D. Kouyaté, 5- D. Kinteh(c), 20- T. Conateh; 11- L. Bokate, 8- I. Mboge, 25- M. Nzo, 7- S. Ikpeazu; 10- G. Kama; 19- K. Dione, 12- K. Touré

WCC President Adama Sowe, at WCC Headquarters in Busukuma

Adama Sowe, in one of his final acts as WCC President, was handling something that he'd never thought he'd have to handle. A match-fixing allegation. Allegations leveled in the media by an embarrassing offensive effort in the final group stage game between Kandorith and Ko-oren, a game that featured absolutely 0 shots on goal. With gambling companies from all sorts of countries breathing down his neck, and a media outcry in certain nations, particularly from Squidroidia and Hapilopper, he had to conduct an investigation. WCC Investigators interviewed officials from both Ko-oren and Kandorith.

Of course, Adama Sowe knew that it was in the best interest of the WCC to have this resolved, publicly, as soon as they could. It was made even more complicated by the fact that Ko-oren's manager, Juliasterinthen, was set to take Sowe's job in 10 or so days as WCC President. Taking the job while under scandal. When investigators spoke with KFA Officials, they all got the same response. "A tactical 0-0 is not the same as match fixing". Not the best response, of course. But a response it was. It was not uncommon for a team to play for a draw, especially at the World Cup Finals. It was frustrating for Adama Sowe, as of course he only had a few days to conduct this investigation in the first place.

Kandorith officials were the same. Functionally, stonewalling. It was a frustrating investigation- but when the annoyed investigators put their final report on Adama Sowe's desk, it was the result that made the most sense, although it was the result that the tabloids wanted least- the investigators came to the conclusion that there was no match-fixing involved in their games. Even talking to referees and other World Cup host staff, there was no evidence that the Ko-orenites and Kandorith communicated in any way with each other in the leadup to the match. They wrote that while public comments of both teams did not help establish the integrity of the game, there was ultimately no evidence that they match-fixed.

And so, Adama Sowe had a small press conference where he released full details of the report.

"The WCC has conducted a quick, and yet thorough, investigation of allegations of match-fixing in the group stage match between Kandorith and Ko-oren at World Cup 90." Adama Sowe said in front of WCC Headquarters in Busukuma. We had investigators working almost around the clock. Interviews were conducted with over 60 different people. We spoke to officials and staff from both teams, including high-ranking FA officials from both countries, as well as managers. Talking to players, as well as officials and other neutral parties from the game, there was no evidence whatsoever that Kandorith and Ko-oren officials were in communication with each other ahead of time."

"We take integrity seriously, which is why we have published a full report on this issue. We hope that, having investigated thoroughly, we can put this issue to rest." He said that, knowing that he had no control over what the media ran with. "We expect that both Ko-oren and Kandorith will publicly avow their commitment to integrity of the competition in the game." Because, of course, the investigators found both nations not guilty, there was no sort of punishment recommended to either FA, or any of the individuals involved in the match.

Full-Length Official Report on Allegations of Match-Fixing at World Cup 90 between Ko-oren and Kandorith

World Cup 81/82/83/84

Banija, Scott stand in path of Final Four
Scott McCrae
The Daily Mail Chief Soccer Writer

Upon arriving in Oceana, Jennifer Prescott took her squad straight to Collins Park for a light training session--bypassing the hotel check-in—to get the players into recovery mode following the Round of 16 match against Cassadaigua, a 7-6 penalty shootout thriller after the teams couldn't decide the match in 120 minutes in Ezriquay.

Unusual circumstances call for unusual measures, and this next match will certainly qualify in that category as the National Team will play arguably the single most important home game in the history of the Commonwealth in the quarterfinal of World Cup 90 against the side that certainly had to be the opponent for such a milestone—Banija's Kadongo Kamu, World Cup 86 Champions, seeking the ultimate redemption for missing out on the Finals last time and led by one Pamela Jean Scott, who has now taken a third nation to the Finals—with a berth in the last four at stake.

This will be the first time Scott has managed against the nation where she was born and raised in a competitive situation, and she will not let sentiment get in the way of the job she was tasked with; she coached against her alma mater while at Northern Baker Park and managed against her old pro club while at Westwood Sprites Ladies, so she won't be daunted by the magnitude of the personal ties with her old squad in black & gold.

Banija will be after their fourth trip to the Semi-Final while BP are looking for their second trip after making it there in Mriin & Farfadillis, which was also the Kingdom's first ever quarterfinal victory.

Tumbra and The Holy Empire will battle in Endborough for the other spot at the BBP Stadium, while Turori will face Pemecutan and Valanora and defending champion Ko-oren round out the Vilitan half of the last eight.

The Bees and the Kandongo Kamu met in the group stage in World Cup 87, then at this same stage in the following cycle, in addition to the 3rd Place game in 85 and the semis in Woodstock in AOCAF 62; they also played just prior to the start of the World Cup at the BBP, a 3-0 defeat of the home side in the 300th all time home fixture in NT history.

Collins Park has become something of a fortress for the national team in the mixed gender era, as they've won 9 matches by a combined score of 31-3, with a 1-1 draw and a 1-0 loss the other results in eleven previous visits—notably, that single friendly defeat came in the preparation for the last World Cup Baker Park hosted, which of course was Scott's final campaign in charge.

As for the match that made it possible, it was a thrilling display of offensive firepower on the pitch and tactical chess between Prescott & Byers along the touchlines, followed by the battle of nerves and will that penalty spot shootouts provide.

Jenna Frontiera opened the scoring for the Fillies on 23 minutes after a period of buildup marked by the the interplay between Morgan Rosenblatt and Danielle Porter; Marcus Milton leveled the score 17 minutes later with a shot from 21 yards that caught Cynthia Kerr by surprise and the sides went to the break even.

Immediately following the interval, Lainey Wadsworth thought she'd given BP the lead at the 47 minute mark, but the VAR was employed to correctly adjudge the Anomalies forward offside; it was Reggie Laing who would break the deadlock 7 minutes later with a header from a Paige Eichorn cross, and the 37,000 at the Queen Vic were delirious in their joy. The Dagans struck again on the hour mark when Bayley Stanton poked home a rebound off a Rosenblatt shot that Kelsey Vickers couldn't handle cleanly, then followed that 7 minutes later with a second off a quick thinking layoff from her strike partner Frontiera.

Anna Porter replaced Kelvin Buxton shortly afterwards and immediately provided a more physical presence down the right side in combination with Marcus Nolan, the pair coming away with a broad daylight mugging of Allison Rice which was picked up by Laing, who found DeAngelo Simmons unmarked and the captain made no mistake to draw the sides level once again with 20 minutes remaining.

Byers went to her bench as Sarah Giles came on for an ineffective Krystal Sherwin, but the Bees had all of the best chances to win the match in regulation other than a Rosenblatt free kick that Vickers turned around the post with 3 minutes left; Nicole D'Amico came on for Laing before kickoff of extra time as Prescott sensed the additional 30 minutes would take a toll on the Fillies XI which had four players over the age of 30.

Christa Vuckovic came on in the 101st minute for a hobbled Eichorn, and had a great look at goal in the second half of extra time, but she sent the ball over the bar. Byers saved her final substitution—Tara Kriedel had replaced Danielle Porter at the break of extra time--until the very end, bringing on the veteran forward Madison McClain for Allison Rice.

Cassadaigua elected to shoot second and Simmons was first to go for the home side, leaving little doubt as he blasted it into the top right corner, followed by Stanton wrong footing Vickers; Nolan was next for BP and beat Kerr to the lower right in spite of the keeper guessing correctly, while Rosenblatt sent her effort high; D'Amico gave the Bees a 3-1 advantage briefly, but Frontiera slotted home a confident try, followed by Wadsworth's effort being saved, then Michelle Graves restored the deadlock by converting; Vuckovic forced the Dagans to score or go home with her successful effort and McClain was up to the challenge, sending the contest to sudden death. Pryna Rasanamira put her try into the upper left corner and was matched by Giles' conversion, then the drama ratcheted up as Milton clanged his effort off the post to give Summer Speers the chance to send the pink shirts on, but her effort was straight at Vickers, necessitating an eighth round with the score 5-5.

Anna Porter walked up slowly and set the ball on the spot without any further positioning or adjusting, then took three steps back, setting herself for the whistle at which she blasted the shot inside the post to her left; Tara Kriedel equalized with a shot that Vickers got a fingertip to but not enough to change the flight of the ball.

Derion Brooks was the ninth BP player to step up and he sent his shot right down the middle as Kerr dove to her right, bringing up Sierra Swift needing to convert.

As the veteran defender was placing the ball, the Jaguar Moreda keeper walked about a third of the way towards spot, and Swift rose to see Vickers with her arms spread, with the referee quickly guiding the BP netminder back to the goalline.
Swift tried a stutter step on her approach, but Vickers guessed right and slapped the low shot away with both hands, setting off a frenzied celebration.

Baker Park and Banija will be in the same situation in terms of lineup fatigue, as the match in Springfield also went to penalites, although the Bees will utilize the strength of their squad depth to bring on a fresh starting group, with Zach Johnston in net, Kelly O'Connell captaining the side for possibly her final time, Alan Wiseman and Sam Harrison in defense, D'Amico and Vuckovic on the left side of midfield with Ngoba on right wing alongside Nolan (or Porter), and the trio of Alicia Craig, Daniel Pryor and Ayana West up front.

by **Valanora** » Fri Feb 18, 2022 7:44 pm

Time is a valuable thing
Watch it fly by as the pendulum swings

What is time to a person like Laborious Hawk? One of the few elves who remain from when the rest of the species left this realm, at least in the spotlight, a species that can testify to have allegedly seen the start of time and can in theory see the end of it as well. What is the passage of days, weeks, months, years, decades to elves when the world around them accelerates at a pace that would have to seem like light compared to their own, methodical pace. Elves have not been known to be hasty and this Empire that remains as a testament to their endeavors was not founded nor kept through the actions or words of a people quick to action or quick to high emotions. Laborious Hawk has ever been the quiet sort, the leader through means of example rather than long drawn out speeches or decisions made in the heat of the moment, and few can question that leadership legacy when at every single stop along his long and illustrious career he has lead his team to success at either domestic or on the international arena, a few brief times even managing to do both with those respective clubs.

That being said, sometimes you have to have the fall and lose all you hold precious in order to come back the stronger, to see the error in your ways that you would have otherwise continued to have been blind to if you continued on the way you were doing. For Hawk, for the Marauders, that came nearly forty years and twenty cycles ago, when the unthinkable happened and the Marauders were unable to qualify for the World Cup, something that had not been the case since World Cup Thirty-Two, when the team was still going by the old moniker of "Elves Security Forces". The pleasure that had come from success upon success that had founded a legacy that few other nations in the history of the World Cup had turned to ash and the bitter taste of defeat and disappointment in their mouths. What had been a staple of the Marauders as well as the Vanorian public had been stripped away from them without warning, coming not too long after the team had been at one of the highest points, with a number two ranking and having contested for a title within just a handful of editions before that sudden turn of fortune.

To describe the feeling of loss and devastation after that failure, there are few words in either the common tongue or ancient elven that could begin to describe the feeling that fell upon the team. It is like a sickness that twists and turns your stomach over on you, rapid punches to the body until you are folded over in agony, while little whispers of doubt, anxiety, and depression plague the back of your mind and manifest an emotional and mental toil into a physical toll. The mental strain and feeling of loss did for a handful of the squad turn itself into an actual physical illness that they had to recover from, while the mental agony of being the team that had failed to deliver on something that was supposed to be so easy for the Vanorian national team required a whole slew of sports psychologists to try and overcome. Whether all of that team ever did recover from that mental and physical damage they took from failing to qualify will never be certain, although the smart money would likely say no with most of the team departing with the rest of the elves a few cycles later and eventually all those who stayed bar Hawk deciding to retire from the game.

However when you fall, you have to get up again or else you are conceding defeat, not just in the physical sense, but in the mental one as well. Little by little, tournament by tournament, the Marauders began to put themselves back together, even having to do it again after Calling and losing nearly that entire squad once more. It took time, it took patience, it took due diligence, but the team began to reforge itself and give itself a new identity that was not completely beholden to all that which came before it. The legacy was still in tact but it was no longer going to be a burden that could be used to weigh them down but merely a celebration of what once was and what could be again in time, if the right team was able to be put together with the right mentality. A youth movement was made, with a cadre of twenty-one and twenty-two year olds was called up to various tournaments, a manager from Raynor City United who knew how to handle egos and find ways to get results with hyper talented teams was appointed, and then most recently the team began to win trophies once more, having won the Eagles Cup and AOCAF while also having contested for the Di Bradini Cup title.

The Vilitan Cove has been the focal point of this last part of the journey, of where the rebirth has had its most greatest effect, of where the team has relearned how to win trophies again. It was where the team won both of their trophies in the last decade, it has become a home away from home of the Eternal Empire, especially as of late with rather difficult and trying times for Atlantian Oceania as a whole. In the knockout game against Huayramarca, it was where the Marauders looked their very best with a first half hattrick from wonderkid Lothas Ludwig, sealing advancement in the first forty-five as the team coasted its way through the second forty-five to the Quarterfinal stage with a sealing goal from Gideon Riemann, despite a brace from Tello in the second half from the Anaia opponents. It is in the Cove here and now that the Mauraders will look to right what they believe to have been a wrong from three tournaments ago when at the semifinal stage they were upset by then regionmates Ko-oren, a team that has come to represent most of what both the Marauders and what the Eternal Empire is not.

The sting of eighty-seven not only comes from the point of it being something of an upset at a late stage of the tournament, but also how Ko-oren had managed to get to that point, having used gamesmanship in the last group stage game to "fall" into an "easier" knockout round opponent. It left a very bad taste in the mouth of the Marauders and that the two sides are meeting again under similar circumstances, brings back old feelings of bitterness. While the WCC denies any wrongdoing, there is a lot of evidence to suggest that Ko-oren and Kandorith took part in a fixed game at the end of the group stage to allow both teams to advance, as neither team registered a shot on target in a game both just required a draw to move forward. It is the opposite of the beautiful game that the Marauders employ and what Vanorians typically prefer to watch, absolute negative football. It lacks honor and pride and trades it in for gamesmanship and the win at all costs approach. It is pragmatism over idealism. In an odd way, the Marauders, a team who have been at times described as bad for the sport, are in a way looking to fight for the honor and purity of the beautiful game against a side who would seemingly stoop to any level to get the victory.

In the end, it does not even matter. It is still twenty-two individuals on the pitch and ninety (or a hundred twenty) minutes to separate them. In this time and place of rebirth and success for the Marauders, we can only hope that ours is the stronger of wills and the more true of ways, that hard work and effort to make things beautiful is rewarded rather than looking to tire others out or merely frustrate them in their efforts.

What it meant to me will eventually
Be a memory of a time when I tried so hard

World Cup 81/82/83/84

Cutoff for the Vilitan half of the Quarterfinals of World Cup 90--who will it be the last time for in this cycle?

by **Vilita** » Fri Feb 18, 2022 10:57 pm

The job is not done yet, gotta keep fighting, who will prevail?

by **Banija** » Sat Feb 19, 2022 8:45 am

"Beautiful Chaos"- Banijans triumph in wild quarterfinal against Baker Park, advance to the World Cup 90 Semifinals

Banijans celebrate after a converted penalty against Baker Park

OCEANA, STATE OF OSHEANA, COMMONWEALTH OF BAKER PARK- It was always going to be an entertaining tie, when the Kadongo Kamu took on the Commonwealth. The sportsmanship and great respect was still there, even in both the pre and post match festivities. Pam Scott said hi to quite a few players on the other team before the game, while Idi Mboge said hello to his club teammate, Baker Park goalkeeper Zach Johnston, before the match. It was surely going to be a fierce battle on the field, but that would be held to the field. The strong relationship between the countries, on a cultural level, was emphasized when Baker Parkers sang the Banijan national anthem alongside the Banijan fans. Obviously not as loud as Hear the Commonwealth, where it truly boomed inside Collins Park, but enough where even the Banijan Foreign Ministry commented on it officially via their twii.tur account. Make no mistake about it though- despite the friendly attitudes between Baker Parkers and Banijans, there was nothing friendly about this contest. Both teams were chomping at the bit to get after it, as when something as huge as a World Cup semifinal is on the line, the only way to reach it is to grab it by the horns.

Pam Scott spoke a bit about getting the team getting going early. "We want to get off to a fast start against the Bees." She had told reporters in a pre-game press conference. "This is going to be physical, this is going to be extremely technical, as well as a tiring match. If we can get the Bees to start chasing the game, that's how we get them uncomfortable, and how we limit their home field advantage at Collins Park." Her strategy of starting fast, ironically, was absolutely brilliant. The Banijans went after it from the word go, and were almost immediately attacking, bringing the ball into their end and making the Baker Park defenders highly uncomfortable. Kausu Dione was fouled about 25 yards out in just the 3rd minute. Too early for the referee to be branding a yellow card, but he offered a stern warning to Alan Wiseman. But when Sarafina Ikpeazu grabbed the ball to take the free kick, she had an eye towards only one thing- goal.

It was a perfect position to shoot, really. The ball was basically dead center- so she could shoot towards either corner. 25 yards was a pretty good distance to try and shoot from. But the Banijans weren't going to make it easy on Johnston. Three of them stood over the ball. Idi Mboge stood directly in front of the ball, about a half yard in front of it, with his back facing the goal. The wall was 10 yards back, there was nothing that the Bees could do about it. Make the vision that much harder for Johnston. Kausu Dione was standing inside the wall, with Gereh Kama also standing behind the ball, like he would take the free kick was well. But Banija had one free kick specialist, and her name was Sarafina Ikpeazu. The whistle was blown she started her run-up, as Idi Mboge suddenly sprinted right and out of the way. Dione ducked and went straight to ground, as Ikpeazu put the free kick right where he had been. All the movement and deception worked, as Johnston was slowed just enough for Ikpeazu's brilliant shot to hit upper 90.

A brilliantly executed free kick, perfectly placed with power and pace. Ikpeazu sprinted to the corner to celebrate her 5th minute goal, and her team mobbed her at the corner flag. A brilliant strike off of a brilliant free kick design by Pam Scott, and the Banijans led, 1-0. This type of early goal, of course, would serve to open things up. The Bees knew that they could no longer afford to simply feel their way into the game. The Banijans, always aggressive, weren't going to simply kill the game because they were up 1-0 early. They wanted to really get after it, as they knew that trying to hold a 1-0 lead, in a functional road game, at the World Cup for basically the entirety of the 90 minutes was a fool's errand. Both teams were creating chances. Nicole D'Amico forced a diving save for Wanda Kouyaté on her near post in the 22nd minute. An Ayana West header in the 29th minute was saved spectacularly by Wanda Kouyaté, who had to basically flip backwards to hit the ball over the bar with her right hand. And Johnston would make his fair share of quality saves as well, having a foot save against Kamara Touré from point blank range in the 16th minute himself.

But it would be the Kadongo Kamu who would prove themselves as equal to the moment. In the 37th minute, in a transition move, Sarafina Ikpeazu was blitzing up the right side of the pitch, as Banijans were flying forward. She tried to hit a cross in, but of course, she overhit the ball by quite a bit, as Lolong Bokate had to chase the ball down to the corner flag. Idi Mboge had tracked over to try and provide help to Bokate, and Bokate played the ball to Mboge. As soon as he played the ball he started sprinting down the touchline towards goal, and Mboge played the ball back to him, first time. Suddenly, he was released, adn although on the far end of the 18 yard box, had a chance to be extremely dangerous. He beat another Bees defender on the dribble, and Zach Johnston was forced to come out and try to close down the angle. ALthough the angle was tight, Bokate was able to hit the ball with all sorts of pace, and it hit the far side netting for a goal. Bokate did a double cartwheel as he ran to the corner flag to celebrate, and the small Banijan travelling contingent was exploding. Most of the stadium was in stunned silence- get this far to a quarterfinal on home soil, and yet, go down 2-0 in the first half.

It was not the start to the game that Jen Prescott wanted, as the teams went into the halftime break with Banija up by a score of 2-0. The Banijans, on the other hand, were absolutely ecstatic. "This is exactly what we wanted, this is exactly how we've drawn it up." Said a Banijan commentator at halftime. "Try to get after them early, take our chances, and defend well against theirs. Wanda Kouyaté has been brilliant stopping a couple of chances and bravely going after crosses. Her aggression on the back line is not allowing the Bees any sort of opportunity, and the defenders are doing a good job of supplementing her play. They are obviously going to up the pressure in the second half, but if we continue playing as we have, and Pam Scott ensures we stay fresh both in the back and in the midfield, then I think we have just about as good a chance as anybody of seeing this game out in 90 minutes, and clinching a date with The Holy Empire in the semifinals."

The commentator was right- Baker Park would come out swinging in the second half. While the Banijans started kind of sluggish, the Bees, despite being down 2-0, looked to be in the better place mentally. That was all thanks to their manager, Jen Prescott, of course. The Banijans seemed to be really feeling the pressure, while the home fans were doing their best to get their players back into it. And they would not need a lot to raise the roof off of the place, and really put the Kadongo Kamu on the back foot. Junior Ngoba has blitzed consistently down the right wing for years for Jinja City FC, so we've seen him successfully leave so many Banijan defenders in the dust. It would be a great team effort that would cut the lead in half, and bring the Bees right back into this contest. A ball played from D'Amico to Ayana West had the striker with the ball about 25 yards from goal, with Kinteh on her back. It looked as if she would have no place to turn. She took one step forward, away from goal, and then played a brillinat, no-look, back heel through ball. Ngoba raced to the ball, was first to it behind the defense, and finished deflty with his left foot. Chipped the ball high over Wanda Kouyaté's head for an absolutely brilliant finish, and just like that, a 2-0 game that Banija looked likely to walk away with, was now a one goal game with an entire half to play- and an entire stadium, as well as its momentum, behind the home team.

Baker Park really started to go after this one. Jen Prescott and Pam Scott, who are good friends, both were emulating each other on the touchline seemingly. Both standing on edge, barking out all sorts of directions. Shortly after the goal, Pam Scott made her first change, taking Demba Kouyaté out of the contest and putting Kemo Jawara at the left center back spot. But Baker Park was largely dominating the next spell of the game. Fortunately, Banija's defenders were up to the task, ensuring that the Bees didn't really have any clear opportunities on goal. They cut down angles to ensure that shots could only go straight at Wanda Kouyaté, or out of bounds for a goal kick. Deflections, slide tackles, etc.. Nothing spectacular of Wanda Kouyaté required. But when the Banijans had the opportunity to counter in the 71st minute, damnit, they took it by the horns.

Jassey was able to intercept a pass in midfield, and played the ball overhead to Sarafina Ikpeazu, who was out racing ahead of the pack. With numbers going forward, Ikpeazu whipped a ball into the box, which was honestly a brilliant cross. Kelly O'Connell, just a half step behind Kausu Dione, fell into him as the ball was coming in. It wasn't intentional, of course, as the legs tangled. But it was too clear a scoring opportunity for the referee to simply let it go. A yellow card was brandished, and the referee pointed to the spot. Kausu Dione had his chance to potentially bury Baker Park's semifinal hopes, or at least, make them that much harder to reach. He lined up the ball from 12 yards, with the entire stadium in nervous anticipation. Baker Park fans, fearing the worst, while Banijans fans hoping for the best. But Zach Johnston had clearly done his homework. He read Dione, and when Dione went to the keeper's left, Johnston was there. He made the save, and got a strong enough hand to it to push the ball out of bounds for a corner kick. The stadium exploded in relief.

Baker Park were dominant for the remainder of regular time. But could they capitalize and send the game to extra time? Shortly after that play, Mohammed Jassey was removed from the pitch to make way for Mzukisi Nzo, to help in defending. And in the 86th minute, Idai Uster came on for Touré. A striker for a striker when needing to defend? Yes, but Uster would defend with her life, if necessary, such was her desperation to win at her age. On the other side, Jen Prescott mixed things up as well, with Reggie Laing entering the contest for Daniel Pryor as the Bees searched desperately for the equalizing goal. Fortunately for Prescott, they were able to find what they were looking for. A free kick in a dangerous position, a desperation cross. Ngoba's cross finding the head of Ayana West, who would head the ball past Kemo Jawara, who was standing on the post, into the back of the net.

Collins Park exploded. Ayana West jumped into the crowd, as the celebrations were fanatical. But as regular time finished and extra time was brought about, the Bees surely had all the momentum. This was their game to lose, right? The Banijans were reeling. And in extra time, the Bees were having the advantage. Jennifer Prescott had clearly told her players that she did not want to go to penalties again. Tired legs were sure to be a factor in this game. Both teams had gone to penalties in the Round of 16, so both teams would surely be tired. But who could dig the deepest and find the energy necessary to grab this game in the extra 30 minutes? The team that would strike first, was Baker Park. Reggie Laing was running with all sorts of energy, as he had come into the game as a subsitute. SO when an overhead ball was played to him, he was able to simply outrace Banija's back line, and have an opportunity in front of goal. He slotted the ball home, past Wanda Kouyaté, and gave the Bees a 3-2 lead in the 99th minute.

The Banijans looked shell-shocked. Reggie Laing had another chance, just on the stroke of halftime of extra time, to put this game to bed, but Wanda Kouyaté came up huge in a one v. one situation to make the save. In the second half of extra time, the Banijans really were pushing everybody forward. Tijan Sowe was the fourth substitution, in place of Idi Mboge, as the Banijans needed to get some offense going. We were sending waves of men forward, getting increasingly desperate. Could we get some of that last minute magic that the Bees had just 30 minutes before, to take this game into penalties? The answer, was yes. Not always possible, but in this case, it was. A through ball played on a cross by Sarafina Ikpeazu. A sliding Gereh Kama on the end of it, racing past his man-marker. Hitting it, while sliding, on the volley into the roof of the net. Zach Johnston had no chacne. A brilliant 119th minute equalizer, as a previously rocking stadium was reduced to near silence, with just 5,000 or so Banijan fans going crazy. Kama was mobbed by his teammates for the emotional equalizer.

Penalties. The Banijans won the first toss- and chose to kick first. The Bees won the second toss, and chose to shoot away from the Banijan end of the pitch. Both teams were coming off of penalty shootout victories in the round of 16. Which meant that both goalkeepers had plenty of film to study the tendencies of their opponents in the leadup to the game, if it indeed came down to a shootout. The Banijans came out with the same first five that we had against the Squornshelan Confederacy. Idai Uster, who had missed the opening penalty a few days ago, was called upon again to open the shootout. Shows Pam Scott's trust in her. And Idai Uster, this time, buried it from the spot, putting the Banijans up 1-0. First for the Bees was Alicia Craig, who went on the ground to Wanda Kouyaté's right. Banija's keeper was equal to it, however, saving the shot, and establishing an early advantage for Banija.

Unfortunately, we would go on to immediately squander that advantage. We could've really put pressure on them by hitting that second penalty. But Zach Johnston was always going to have his say. Nzo went to Johnston's left, Johnston went that way as well, and made the save. Marcus Nolan hit his penalty to make it 1-1. Gereh Kama, who was the hero just a few minutes earlier for his late equalizer, was far too amped for his penalty. He hit the ball straight into the 5th row, skying the ball by a country mile. D'Amico kept her composure for Baker Park and scored, to make it 2-1. Kausu Dione, who had already missed a penalty earlier in the game, was called upon to take the fourth penalty. And just like earlier, Dione missed again from the spot. Nobody wants to miss two penalties in a row, in the same game. But that's exactly what happened here. Dione's penalty was saved by Johnston, which gave Baker Park a chance to win the shootout on the next kick.

Baker Park would come to rue this moment. Ayana West, with her squad up 2-1, had a chance to send Baker Park to the semifinals. But you could see the nerves on her face. She looked at Wanda Kouyaté, and then down at the ball. While her run-up was decisive, the shot itself wasn't. She sent Wanda Kouyaté the wrong way, but she hit the post, as she missed the semifinals by mere inches. She put her hands in her face. The Banijans, who hadn't scored in their last three penalty kicks, finally started to get things going. Demba Kinteh, who hit the match winner against the Squornshelans, faced a do-or-die penalty. He made no mistake about it, putting the ball in the upper corner. Once again, Baker Park had a chance to win it. This time, Reggie Laing, who had already scored in extra time, had the chance to send Baker Park to the semifinals. But for the third straight penalty, the Banijans breathed life once again, as Wanda Kouyaté was all over it. Reggie Laing went hard to her right, and Wanda Kouyaté dove the right way to make the stunning, game-saving save.

Sudden death now. Both teams hit their sixth shots, as Lolong Bokate and Junior Ngoba both easily slotted home their penalties. Tairu Conateh took and smashed Banija's seventh penalty. Then, walked up Sam Harrison, to take Baker Park's seventh penalty. The pressure of this being a do-or-die penalty for Baker Park seemed to be a bit much. Wanda Kouyaté, once again, was all over it. She dove right, and met the ball, which she was able to parry away. The crowd reacted with shocked silence, as the Banijans celebrated wildly. Wanda Kouyaté had her mean mug celebration, as the Banijan players leapt on her to celebrate. What a save, what a shootout, what a game.

Wanda Kouyaté, the Banijan hero with three saves in the shootout, spoke briefly about it after the match. "Well, I had watched plenty of film of their shootout with Cassadaigua. And film on all of their players. Our goalkeepers coach did a brilliant job of searching through all sorts of data, to help read players tells, to take notes. A lot of work went into that preparedness, and fortunately, this was my opportunity to put that into action. I was able to make some crucial saves, including one to rescue us from elimination, and another to win it. I'm happy with how today's shootout went. And now- onto The Holy Empire!"

The relationship between the two countries, of course, remains strong. Baker Park fans, in all of their class, applauded the Banijan players following the match. And Banijan players consoled their Baker Park counterparts. Pam Scott doing so, especially, since she knew so many of the players on the opposing team. She particularly consoled Sam Harrison, who had missed the decisive penalty in the match. What a game, what a shootout, what a ride.

What's next? Banija will take on The Holy Empire at BBP National Stadium, in Belle Haven, for the right to play in the World Cup 90 Final. And this will be the first place you should stop if you want a fully in-depth preview of what we need to know for that game.

Banija v. The Commonwealth of Baker Park- World Cup Quarterfinals

Banija 3                                -                3 The Commonwealth of Baker Park
                                       4-3 penalties
Sarafina Ikpeazu 5'                                          Junior Ngoba 52'
Lolong Bokate 37'                                           Ayana West    90+2'
Gereh Kama 119'                                             Reggie Laing  99'

Additional Events
Kausu Dione 72' penalty saved by Baker Park GK Zach Johnston. 

Shootout
First Shot- BNJ: Idai Uster- Scored. CBP: Alicia Craig- Saved. (1-0)
Second Shot- BNJ: Mzukisi Nzo- Saved. CBP: Marcus Nolan- Scored. (1-1)
Third Shot- BNJ: Gereh Kama- Missed. CBP: Nicole D'Amico- Scored. (1-2)
Fourth Shot- BNJ: Kausu Dione- Saved. CBP: Ayana West- Missed. (1-2)
Fifth Shot- BNJ: Demba Kinteh- Scored. CBP: Reggie Laing- Saved. (2-2)
Sixth Shot- BNJ: Lolong Bokate- Scored. CBP: Junior Ngoba- Scored. (3-3)
Seventh Shot- BNJ: Tairu Conateh- Scored. CBP: Sam Harrison- Saved. (4-3)
Contest ends 4-3 on penalties in favor of Banija

Played at Collins Park(cap. 47,000) in Oceana, State of Osheana, Commonwealth of Baker Park
Attendance: 47,000
Banijan Starting XI: 23 - Wanda Kouyaté; 15- D. Kouyaté(K. Jawara 54'), 5- D. Kinteh(c), 20- T. Conateh; 11- L. Bokate(goal 37'), 8- I. Mboge(T. Sowe 103'), 6- M. Jassey(M. Nzo 73'), 7- S. Ikpeazu(goal 5');
10- G. Kama(goal 119'); 19- K. Dione, 12- K. Touré(I. Uster 86')

Banijan Starting XI for the World Cup Semifinals: 23 - Wanda Kouyaté; 3- S. Ogunsola, 5- D. Kinteh(c), 20- T. Conateh; 11- L. Bokate, 8- I. Mboge, 6- M. Jassey, 7- S. Ikpeazu; 10- G. Kama; 19- K. Dione, 17- A. Wesoloski-Okafor

by **Alasdair I Frosticus** » Sat Feb 19, 2022 3:41 pm

SOMEWHERE IN MUCK HEADQUARTERS

<a group of figures dressed in black cloaks gather; they are indistinguishable from each other, except for the one with gold trim on his sleeves leading the ritual>

"Prepare the Ritual of Wisdom"

<chanting> "Bless us with wisdom, oh Great Old Ones".

"Let us ask once more for wisdom"

<chanting> "Bless us with wisdom, oh Great Old Ones".

"With this knife I draw blood from my own hand"

<chanting> "His blood has been shed in search of wisdom"

"With this flame, I summon wisdom"

<chanting> "Let these candles light the path to wisdom"

"Bring forth the ancient text, the one full of wisdom that has been newly revealed"

<chanting> "Let us read the ancient text together, that it bring forth wisdom".

"I shall now read the ancient text, a text that purports to be written by the Great Old Ones themselves, aeons ago, when the world was new, in the dawn time know throughout Ordinary Reality as.... World Cup 88!"

<awed intakes of breath from assembled cultists>

"Not World Cup 88!"

"The time of GOOFI!"

"The most ancient of days, when Great Cthulhu himself walked the footballing fields of play!"

"Yes indeed... World Cup 88. A time so long ago, that none today - except for Juan Tzimisces himself - can recall a memory of that lost aeon."

<hooded figure puts hand up>

"Hmmmmmm... Isn't that just two World Cups ago?"

"Are... are you sure, brother?"

"I'm fairly certain."

"So 88 is.. just two before 90?"

"Think so?"

"Ohhhhhh... my mistake. I thought 88 came before two. These non-cultist mundy counting systems are always mixing me up."

"So what do you think it meant when we defeated Tumbra 3-2?"

"I dunno; I just thought the stadium was a bit confused about the score. By my reckoning we defeated them fortescue to shimmy."

"ENOUGH"

<several mumbled apologies>

"Even if we agree that we might have made a mistake, and a document from World Cup 88 isn't actually from the dawn times, it's still associated with the Great Old Ones, correct?"

<mumbled agreement>

"So it's still relevant, right?"

<more mumbled agreement>

"So let us consult this document for wisdom. The really important bit for our semifinal is the brief PS at the bottom of the following:"

Alasdair I Frosticus wrote:
Dear Tarek Edgeli,

We're so excited to be playing you in the World Cup 88 final. Will your team be our friends? Will you join us for tea and crumpets before the match and become members of GOOFI - the Great Old Ones Friendship Initiative?

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

Turori sounds like it's just the the bestest nation ever! You have so many ancient horrors in your land, like the cocoabo bird (and we've already had a letter from your cocoabos offering us friendship! We're so excited that we're going to write them their own letter!), and the mystical ruler of your land - the dread and mighty eel known only as 'Nigel'!

Is it true that Nigel is the true secret ruler of of Turori? Here at GOOFI we admit that we're slightly confused on this point. Opinion varies as to whether:

Turori is controlled by a secret cabal of Vilitans who pull your strings from the shadows - which is absolutely A-OK with us! We absolutely adore secret cabals who hide in the background, and pull the strings of their unwitting puppets! Some of our closest friends are members of secret cabals! Also, did you know that Vilita have joined GOOFI? So if you are controlled by a shadowy cabal of Vilitans, this means we absolutely can be friends. Hurrah!
Turori is controlled by a secret cabal of shadowy corporations who use the island emirate as a front for the distribution of the beverage known only as 'Cocoa-bo' - which is absolutely A-OK with us! We just tried Cocoa-bo for the first time the other day, and everyone in GOOFI thinks it's yummy! We think Sir Barsanuphius (remember him?) is just silly; brave, but silly. So if you are controlled by a shadowy corporate cabal, this still means we can be friends - especially if you bring Cocoa-bo to the party. Hurrah!
Turori is controlled by a giant malevolent electric eel called Nigel; although Cthulhu has suggested it's actually spelled "Nig'el". We have read all sorts of reports from World Cup 68 that suggest Nig'el is real, and that you worship him. We hope this is true, and that you bring Nig'el to the the match, so he can also join us for tea and crumpets and cuddles before the match. So if you are controlled by a shadowy malevolent electric eel, this still means we can be friends - especially if Nig'el also comes to the party. And maybe you can also wear those fetching lime green Nig'el-themed kits from World Cup 68 when you come to our party! Hurrah!

Dagon thinks he met Nig'el once, and has helped us prepare a friendly invitation card! Here's what it looks like!

(Image)

So you can see that we want Nig'el and all the other eels from Turori to be our friends! Honest we do! And you can still be our friends if you're not ruled by Nig'el, but are instead controlled by a shadowy cabal of Vilitans, or a shadowy corporate cabal! We can always be friends!

Though we really do hope that it turns out you're ruled by Nig'el. We don't get to meet many other eldritch horrors, which makes us all sad.

In truth, our attempts to make friends with other nations just haven't been that successful. This also makes us sad. Vilita joined GOOFI, which was super nice (and even nicer if they're your secret rulers!). And Audioslavia also joined GOOFI, which was super-exciting, especially when they shared scones with jam and clotted cream with us! Scones with jam and clotted cream are just as yummy as crumpets! And they served us a really delicious Audioslavian dish called Polvorice, which turned out to be made out of octopus! Cthulhu was ever so excited to try the Polvorice, and when some of the Audioslavians looked slightly queasy at the way he was stuffing those tentacles into his own tentacled maw, he was able to assure them that Great Old Ones just aren't bound by mortal morality, and that a little bit of pseudo-cannibalism never did an Elder God any harm. Which was super, because it meant that Audioslavia could join GOOFI! It's just a shame that someone had to lose the semifinal, though I think our GOOFI friends in Audioslavia will be very disappointed to have succumbed to a deflected last-minute Koenraad Risjbergen own-goal. I mean, succumbing to the Great Old Ones is something that most mortals do at some point or another, and Audioslavia do have a habit of slightly humiliating self-inflicted losses in high-pressure matches (which has nothing to do with us, promise!) but even so... we hate to see our GOOFI friends look so disappointed.

But other than Vilita and Audioslavia, no one else has joined GOOFI. Why is this? You don't think people are ... scared of us, do you? We're ever so lovely and friendly, honest we are!

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

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

Thank you ever so much,

Your new friends in GOOFI

PS: Do you think Banija's Kuma Bultum is a mad cultist? With a name like that, he certainly sounds like he is. But we're not sure. Do you know?

"So I take it the implications are clear..."

<sound of crickets chirping>

"<sigh> That the Kadongo Kamu are probably mad cultists! I mean, just look at their names! It's not just Kuma Bultum - who, sadly doesn't seem to be playing anymore - but their entire starting eleven for our forthcoming semifinal. Just look at this teamsheet...

Wanda Kouyaté
Samba Ogunsola
Demba Kinteh
Tairu Conateh
Lolong Bokate
Idi Mboge
Momodou Jassey
Sarafina Ikpeazu
Gereh Kama
Kausu Dione
Abel Wesoloski-Okafor

... I mean, those are clearly made up cultist names, aren't they? 'Lolong Bokate'? They're just making it obvious. And as for the team nickname 'Kadongo Kamu', they might as well be advertising their culty tendencies across the Multiverse!"

"So what are you suggesting, Brother Whitmore?"

"NO NAMES - this is a secret MUCK meeting."

"Sorry, Brother Whitmore."

"I SAID.. Oh, never mind. What I'm saying is that if we're ever going to find any team that's willing to share some spare virgins in order to bring about the final apocalypse in a dread ritual that ordinary mortals are not meant to know, it's this lot. So I suggest that instead of our ordinary warm-up kit, we take to the field for the immediate pre-match warm-up wearing our black cultist robes of doom and clutching our obsidian blades, and we just sidle over to this Kadongo Kamu lot, and see if they have any spare virgins that they want to sacrifice there and then. And if Mr Tzimisces disapproves, he won't have enough time to stop us."

"Brilliant!"

"What could go wrong!"

"It's just... are we sure that these Kadongo Kamu really are fellow mad cultists?"

<muttering>

"Well, I say we give it a shot; what's the worst that can happen?"

by **Pemecutan** » Sat Feb 19, 2022 10:36 pm

Redite Wage Wuku Landep, Pawukon 1783

Will Soracana Get Its Own League?

Aksamara - As the rumour about Cakranegara and Rarungan new league rising, people start to pointed out to another Pemecutanian state. The newly joining state, Soracana Islands. Whether they will have their own league or not.

Soracana Islands was diplomatically annexed by Pemecutan about 3 years ago. Started with the military coup happen in that islands country. Pemecutan was being involved after the coup leader accused them to interfere their domestic situation and helping the running royal family. Pemecutan did stationed their navy on their maritime border just in case the civil war got a little too much. But the moved was seen as an act of war by the coup leader who was already seized Soracana from the royal family. In the end, Pemecutan success to toppled the coup leader and reinstate the royal family to lead the country. But in a brief of even, an instant referendum was held which wanted Soracana to be part of Pemecutan.

Although the referendum stated as such, Pemecutan give a provision that another referendum to be held in 5 years (2 years as of now) for Soracana Islands self-determination. After the integration, Soracana Islands start to rebuild themselves internally but they are gradually getting more and more integrate with Pemecutan especially in sports.

During their sovereign times, Soracana Islands have joined several international and regional sports competitions. These includes Melayu Archipelago Cup (they even hosting once), Baptism of Fire (72nd), World Cup Circle (85th qualifying round) and several IFCF and CMFA Champions League editions. Their participations in international sports competition was then dispute by Pemecutan Football Association during the start of 6th Melayu Archipelago Cup which was held in Choudal. This incident that started Soracana integration with Pemecutan in sports.

Started with football when 2 of their clubs are given automatic slots in Pemecutan National League. Nilayam United in Kasa League and Calugida in Karo League (both are now in Kasa League). Then the Soracana domestic league is become the third tier in Pemecutan football system in par with the other 2 regional leagues, Giri or mainland Pemecutan and Kanginan. But with Cakranegara-Rarungan league issue arise and the closer of Soracana Islands referendum are, the question of Soracana Islands league also arise.

Interviewed during the team's practice for the upcoming season, Nilayam United manager, Duwaniyuha Hantabala stated that the club will be remain in Pemecutan national league if ever the league for Soracana is established. But he is supporting the establishment.

"It's good. A very good idea. But not for Nilayam. Maybe we can place our reserve team there.

- Duwaniyuha Hantabala
Nilayam United Manager

On the other hand, the President of Soracana Islands Football Association (SIFA), Aksabani Gudamang stated that there is no plan to make a separate league for Soracana Islands. In fact, they will be adding another clubs from Petang Islands who recently got the certification in the next season. With 8 additional clubs from Petang Islands, Soracana Islands side regional league will be expanded into 2 tier leagues of 10 clubs. While currently, there are 3 clubs from Soracana in national level, Nilayam United, FC Calugida and Ruacalu City.

"It's still prematurely to talk about this. For now we have no intention whatsoever to create a separate league. Maybe this issue is better be brought after the referendum because whatever the result is, it surely affected all sectors including sports.

- Aksabani Gudamang
President of SIFA

by **Valanora** » Sun Feb 20, 2022 1:34 pm

Things aren't the way they were before
You wouldn't even recognize me anymore

Elves Security Forces, a rather odd phrase when one sits down to think about it and yet for a period of time, that is what the lands of Valanora were known by in the international arena. Internally the government might have referred to itself as the Elven Security Alliance, a more apt name for the situation that had originally created what would soon become the Eternal Empire. There are few souls alive who would have been born witness to that age, an age where the world felt smaller in some ways and yet more full in others than the time in which we now occupy. It was an age of ancient and attacking arts, of long time custodians who would turn champions, it was a time for change that would shape the way that the World Cup Committee would function more or less for the next forty to fifty editions of the World Cup. It was an age of possibility and where laughter and wonder were around every corner it felt like when you were walking through the streets of Raynor City, before the Marauders had reached the apex of their stature within the World Cup and the inevitable fall that would come long after.

When you compare the Eternal Empire of today to the lands of the "Elves Security Forces" of then, it is like comparing night to day and water to fire. While the roots of the Empire were dug in during that time, the dynasty that would bring such great prosperity and change to the Empire already having ruled for centuries, the lands and the people of that time are quite in contrast to what the Eternal Empire is today. Travel back those vast years of time and you come upon a nation whose borders are a third of what now constitutes the Eternal Empire and whose population was entire dominated by the native elven population, with a minority population of humans, dwarves, templara, and the ever rare dragonkin. Elven culture was at the forefront of everything that was Vanorian, for better or worse depending upon whom you asked, and the secrets of elven architecture was sought after even by those who would have rather wished that the existence of elves and other non-human races was not a real occurrence. The pride does come before the fall and in that arrogance, the borders were pushed outwards and dominion over not just one continent but two was established, numerous islands claimed to be under administrative jurisdiction of Raynor City.

Only elves, other long lived species, and the odd entities that exist within the dominion known as the Dreamed Realm will have been alive to remember that time, of the power and splendor of the Empire at what seemed its greatest height. Blind to their own arrogance and the fall that would come, the Marauders too carried on like an efficient machine, every near the top of the World Cup rankings and counted to be among the contenders for the title. All of it was there until it all came crashing down, as the Empire itself waned and withered as it tried to recover from the gut punch that was the Calling, so to did the Marauders. For a brief period of time, the stability of the Empire stood upon the edge of a knife, where a single false move could have seen the entire collapse of the Empire and partitions being done to the vast amount of land that it occupied. It was then that the underrepresented Templara people showed that being a Vanorian was more than just blood deep and stood true to the vow of loyalty and allegiance to the Empire, the first domino of many that moved in order to stabilize the faltering Empire, with the election of a new Emperor and the full integration of the second continent that it administered calming the troubled waters.

As the Marauders slowly built themselves back up over time, so to did the Empire, as Sabine and Caddonia bolstered the Empire greatly and its people began to slowly see themselves as Vanorians rather than Sabine or Caddonese. Integration is a hard process and one that takes time, but like Capri and Vyinta before them, the island continent that contained the nation did become more and more Vanorian and their people represented better in government and in sport. It started with a man from Sabinal being Elected the Emporer post Calling and gained greater traction with Pánfilo Veliz, the trailblazing winger from FC Capri, signed to their academy at a young age and groomed to be a dynamic playmaker on the wing. Soon to become the first player from Sabine and Caddonia to represent the Vanorian national team and in doing so allowed more and more to see it was possible, with Selim Estrada Barrientos being the most visible example of someone who has benefitted from Veliz' impact in coming before them. The Premiership is now full of players born from that part of the Empire and we are like to see more and more of them come to represent the Marauders in due time.

In this time of rebirth though, it seems quite fitting that it was none other than that first to be the difference maker in what might be their last appearance for the Marauders, with Veliz having turned thirty-two during the qualifying campaign. The story of Ko-oren is one that we have seen time and time before, becoming the all too common approach that many have when it comes to facing the Marauders, to sit back and try to frustrate the team until their frustrations lead to a breakdown in discipline that the opponents can try to take advantage of. The Dragonflies offered almost nothing going forward, content to play the stalwart defender and only move forward when that one opportunity to hit the red and white clad team on the break. It is the way of Ko-oren, looking only for that one chance and believing in their lethality in front of goal when the chance comes to them. Julius Miljeteig smothered the chance with the smart decision to come off their line and cutting off the angle for Aenemere Erisia whose attempted chip was palmed by the Cednia Beach keeper and brought close to the chest in the seventy-second minute.

Ninety minutes was not enough time for the creative forces to crack the wall that the Dragonflies had put up before them and dared the Marauders to find a way to beat, an extra time period was now required and the nerves were set to be high. This is where the veteran presence of a player like Veliz becomes key, as some of the younger players might have been frazzled or shaken by the added pressure of the extra frame. Not the Capri winger when he brought down a header from Hawk on the right and cut into the Ko-oren box, nutmegging the defender who had attempted to stop his advance. A more shaken player might not have had the mind to round Gudo Neihof and try a chip, sending it over the crossbar, but not Veliz. Veliz used his pace to round the keeper and despite a rather acute angle, slot the ball into the gaping maw of the open net with six minutes left before the dreaded spot kick challenge would have occurred. Bit by bit, the Marauders and the Empire are building themselves back up and those who knew them back then would not recognize them now, even as the team attempts to build upon the former legacy.

Not that you knew me back then
But it all comes back to me in the end

World Cup 81/82/83/84

One final time to Let It Bleed for the World Cup, this time, it's winner take all!
CUTOFF for the Semi Final

by **Banija** » Sun Feb 20, 2022 10:19 pm

Banijan NT manager Pam Scott, immediately following the penalty kick shootout against The Holy Empire

This game was the third straight one for the Kadongo Kamu that had reached the penalty kick shootout. Not much to choose between Banija or any of their opponents throughout the knockout stages. Knocking out the Squornshelan Confederacy on penalties, and then host nation Baker Park, they had to face The Holy Empire. There was not anything to choose between these teams, so an exhausted Banija met a red-hot THE squad in yet another penalty kick shootout, but this time with a birth in the World Cup Final on the line.

But this time, it would be Banija's luck running out. Banija shooting second this time. Demba Kinteh taking the 5th penalty, to try and send this one into sudden death. The normally sure-footed clutch defender has had a ton of film taken of his penalties in recent times, with this being the sixth time he's been in a penalty shootout over the last two cycles. But the pressure seemed to be too much, this time around. Demba Kinteh took his steps forward, and hit the ball to the keeper's left. But Bloodworth got a great jump, and dove left. He got two hands to the ball. It was pushed away. Everybody's favorite MUCKers poured onto the field, celebrating their national team clinching a berth in their third consecutive World Cup Final.

And on the faces of the Kadongo Kamu? Sadness. Rejection. Tears. Demba Kinteh simply squatted on the ground, as teammates walked up to their captain to console him. Pam Scott, herself, hugged a few of her players. The team was gathering strongly in support of one another, and the Banijan fans in the building were applauding the team. After not even making World Cup 89, the last thing anybody expected was a World Cup semifinal run- but yet, here they were. She spoke, emotionally, to a TV reporter on the field after the match.

"This team, this team, this team." Pam Scott told the reporter. "They mean so much to me. Reaching a World Cup semifinal- a fantastic achievement for any nation. Especially considering where we came from. There is a ton of credit given to the RBSA, to this team, and to these players, on how they've bought all the way into what we've been trying to build, and doing so quickly. They have shown the world what Banijan football is capable of, and we should all be proud. A cycle where we beat big names like Audioslavia, Eura, and Baker Park, is a World Cup cycle that is a success. We are going to take this tournament, and use this as the foundational element for future success. We've still got one game left, and we are going to give it everything we've got against the Elves. But make no mistake about it- now that we've made this run, and firmly solidified ourselves as a top 10 nation in the multiverse, we will shift into trophy-hunting mode, and this will be the beginning of a new, beautiful era for the Kadongo Kamu."

World Cup 81/82/83/84

It's the match that no one really wants to play. Coming off a loss in the most important match of any tournament, you now have to summon the will, the commitment, the pride one final time. For some nations, it's a chance to give a final runout to the reserves, a goal to not finish a grueling campaign with back to back defeats.

Head of State Timothy Wentworth has been introduced to the starting lineups, the officials and the reserves and backroom staffs from the Kadongo Kamu of Banija, and the Marauders of Valanora. An all-AO consolation match in an all-AO World Cup, the 90th edition.

No music tonight, just respect to all 180 nations that participated.

(OOC: my valedictory speech--thanks to everyone for making this hosting opportunity such a pleasure to be able to perform, reading such great thematic storylines and other excellent submissions. Thanks to Vil for giving me a graduate level course in hosting over both the AOCAF and now the WC. It has been my privilege to be entrusted with the responsibility for a second time by the community. Thanks)

CUTOFF for the 3rd Place Playoff

by **Vilita** » Tue Feb 22, 2022 12:10 am

World Cup 90 Quick Facts:

Previous Hosts (Vilita): This will be the 5th time that the Tropics of Vilita have hosted the World Cup Finals tying the nation with Cafundeu, the Equestrian States and Krytenia for second most of all time. The First was World Cup 17 with Kaze Progressa. Subsequent events included World Cup 22 (Liverpool England, Legalese), the first and only World Cup with three host nations, World Cup 31 (The Lowland Clans) and World Cup 59 (Polar Islandstates). World Cup 59 - the most recent to be formally recognized as hosted in Vilita, is historic as it marked the record third consecutive World Cup Victory for the nation Aguazul, the first and only nation to ever achieve the mark. World Cup 90 will be just the second World Cup that Vilita have hosted where all host nations resided in the same region (Atlantian Oceania). The Tropics of Vilita have never placed on the podium in a World Cup they hosted, having been ousted in the Quarter Finals of World Cup 17. Fellow Co-host nation Baker Park have never previously participated in a World Cup that was co-hosted by the Tropics of Vilita.

Previous Hosts (Commonwealth of Baker Park): This will be the 2nd time that the Commonwealth of Baker Park have hosted the World Cup Finals. Baker Park's only previous hosting of the World Cup Final took place during World Cup 84 along side Cassadaigua. World Cup 84 was won by Farfadillis with World Cup 90 Co-Host nation Vilita as Runner-Up. The Commonwealth of Baker Park was eliminated in the Round of 16 of their only hosted World Cup, having been defeated 4-3 by World Cup 90 Co-Host nation Vilita at Rogers Stadium in Endborough.

Mascots: The Mascots for Vilita & Baker Park World Cup 90 are BeePee and Vilao, a pair of colorful footsport-loving sticks welcoming players and fans from around the multiverse to their respective sections within Atlantian Oceania for the World Cup 90 Finals. See inset pictures Left (Beepee) and Right (Vilao).

Final Site: Lunar Park, Seraai, Vilita :: Capacity: 129500 - Lunar Park in Seraai will be the site of the World Cup 90 Final. The Home of reigning Vilitan League champion club Eastal Lunar, the centrally located venue is one of the most popular stadiums in all of sport for a visiting fan even if it is not the largest in Vilita. Home of the Vilitan Space Program the Venue regularly offers some of the best scenery, excitement and one-of-a-kind photo opportunities in the World Cup. While it has since been surpassed by the Lonngeylin Coliseum in overall capacity, Lunar Park became the largest stadium in Vilita with an overall capacity of 129,000 at the time of its construction. Although some stadiums have added poor quality seating, hillside views or standing terraces to exceed the 129,000 capacity mark, Lunar Park offers quality seats all around the stadium and remains the venue with the most seats in the Tropics. While weekly visitors may get treated to events such as Rocket Launches and suborbital testing as the stadium was constructed by the Vilitan Space Program overlooking some of their active launch facilities, there will be no coincidence required at the World Cup Final. In celebration of the conclusion of World Cup 90, there will multiple planned Rocket Launches coinciding with festivities at the World Cup including numerous launches scheduled the evening of the World Cup Final to provide breathtaking views to all in attendance.

World Cup 90 Official ✓

@WorldCup90
It will be a clash to remember when The Holy Empire and Pemecutan fight for the #WC90 title. @LunarPark is sold out and no fewer than three Rocket Launches are planned from the nearby Space Launch Facility during the match. Launch crews are reading rockets at all pads, however, and hope to have even more available to launch on game day.

#WC90 : #WorldCupFinal : #THEvPEM

by **Alasdair I Frosticus** » Tue Feb 22, 2022 5:47 am

DEAR SURYA AGUNG PRAMANA OF SI JALAK PUTIH,

Please allow me to introduce myself. I'm Shadow Whitmore, president of MUCK and the Holy Empire's captain in World Cup 90. I'm writing to you in advance of the World Cup 90 final to smooth over a few potential misunderstandings.

First of all, we have no intentions of repeating that fiasco before the Banija semi-final. It's become apparent that we just don't understand the rich and distinctive cultures we're encountering in the World Cup tournament. When we took to the field for the semi-final pre-match warm-up wearing black robes and wielding obsidian blades, it's because we genuinely thought our opponents were mad cultists on the basis of their names and national team nickname. Why, we even though we had a document from the Great Old Ones themselves demonstrating as much. So you can imagine our embarrassment when it turned out that the were just ordinary footballers with absolutely no interest in virgin sacrifice. That really knocked the wind out of our sails, and - if I might write frankly, despite us never having met - we were more than a little lucky to escape with a win on penalties given how low we were on self-confidence; not to mention grateful to our goalkeeper Dexter Bloodworth of the Sycophants of the Rapturous Dark for his crucial penalty save and man of the match performance.

Anyway, we've decided to try and approach the World Cup final against your good selves with a little more tact and sensitivity towards cultural diversity. I've had a chat with our manager Juan Tzimisces - who has, after all, been doing this sort of thing for a while - and he assures me that just because you have players with names like 'Komang Trisna Mahayana' (which, to be honest, does sound a bit like a cultist name to me), it doesn't mean that you're managing a team of mad cultists. Furthermore, he also assures me that a 'Jalak Putih' is not a dread eldritch deity seeking to dominate the universe for its unfathomable purposes, but rather an adorable white bird with quite striking blue eye markings. While I profess to being disappointed, I will admit that this 'Jalak Putih' is a worthy national animal for your squad.

Now, so long as I'm being frank in a spirit of international openness, the lads at MUCK also seem to be having an ongoing misunderstanding with our opponents over this whole virgin sacrifice thing. I don't know if you've been following our team over the course of this tournament, but we've had a striking lack of success over convincing other nations to hand over their virgins for a blood sacrifice that would summon the Great Old Ones and initiate the final apocalypse. Well, except for the Ethane match, and given how embarrassing that situation was, the less said the better. Anyway, I asked Mr Tzimisces about this yesterday, and you can imagine my surprise when he told me that non-cultists don't sacrifice their virgins as a matter of course, and that indeed most cultures are firmly opposed to virgin sacrifice, never mind summoning the Great Old Ones and initiating the final apocalypse. Boy, is my face red! All this time we've been assuming that other nations would gladly join us in both the sacrificing and the summoning, and instead the opposite proves true! And not only that, but Mr Tzimisces confirmed for me that he's not terribly keen on the whole concept of virgin sacrifice either! When I asked him why on earth he allowed us to play for the Holy Empire despite this, he replied that 'it's because you're damn fine footballers'. And here I was thinking it was because of our dread ritual performing skills - to which Mr Tzimisces allowed that we were 'damn fine footballers' because of the skills we'd picked up performing those hideous rituals under the light of a gibbous moon.

Well, this was all a turn-up for the books, let me tell you.

Anyway, I wanted to reassure you that, despite the rumours that might be floating around our squad, and our staunch efforts to sacrifice virgins in previous matches, that we're not looking to sacrifice any virgins from Pemecutan, nor are we looking to bring about the final apocalypse - despite this being the World Cup final. When I asked Mr Tzimisces if there had previously been any attempts to bring about the final apocalypse during the World Cup final, his face went dark, he muttered something about 'Aztecs' (not sure what that is, to be honest) and refused to be drawn further. We won't be doing any of that, anyway.

All the same, we are still mad cultists, and it seems propitious to indulge in some sort of mad blood sacrifice before the match, in order to summon the blessings of the Great Old Ones upon our mutual endeavour, in the hope that we entertain the watching multitudes across the Multiverse. I haven't told Mr Tzimisces about this yet - we wanted to give him a nice surprise - but here at MUCK we've decided who the subjects of that sacrifice are going to be:

World Cup 90 mascots BeePee and Vilao.

We've seen them prancing around the sidelines at every match we've played now, engaging in some sort of hi-jinks that looks awfully like a dread ritual to us, so we've decided that they're practically inviting us to sacrifice them right before kick-off, that their blood may sanctify the match.

And one of the reasons I'm writing to you is ask you if your team would like to join in. I entirely appreciate that none of you are mad cultists, but have you perhaps thought of giving mad culting a try? Aren't you just a little bit mad cult curious? There's surely no better way of dipping your toe into mad cult membership to see if it's for you than joining us in the BeePee and Vilao sacrifice before kick-off.

At least think about it,

Looking forward to seeing you tomorrow,

Shadow Whitmore
President of MUCK
Holy Empire World Cup 90 captain

World Cup 90--RP Thread

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WC90 Ro16 v. Kandorith (W 2-1)

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