World Cup 91 [roleplays]

by **Adab** » Thu May 12, 2022 10:19 am

Tuesday, October 19, 2038
Ceni 2-5 Adab
Arrowsword (7’), Swan (50’) | Yargab (19’), Yissakar (35’), Barzani (48’, 78’), Samanu (89’)

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Tuesday, October 19, 2038 / 13 Ramadan 1460 / 13 Tishrei 5799
Ceni 2-5 Adab
Arrowsword (7’), Swan (50’) | Yargab (19’), Yissakar (35’), Barzani (48’, 78’), Samanu (89’)

NEWS | WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS
By: Sargon al-Basri

Barzani brace secures Adab win at Ceni

Ceni gained an early lead at home but Adab persevered and managed to run away 2-5 winners in an electrifying contest to tighten their hold on first position in Group E in the World Cup qualifiers.

Ceni’s brand of attacking football, spearheaded by Andrew Arrowsword and Ben Lorennion at the front, ensured the match would be filled with excitement from the start, and the home fans at Cenial Halcyon National Stadium had cause to celebrate just seven minutes into the match as Arrowsword blasted home a right-footed strike from close range off a Lorennion assist, the latter having run roughshod over the Adabian defense and caused Adab keeper Satchit Chandrasekar to chase after him before making the all-important final pass to the largely unguarded Arrowsword.

The Adabians themselves attacked right from kickoff, relying on their typical high pressing to force the Cenian players off their rhythm and keep them away from the ball, but took a while to impose themselves and push back on the Cenian onslaught. In the 19th minute, Rebekah Yissakar sent the ball nearly across the width of the pitch to Kastiliasu Akaptaha as he advanced into the box from the left wing. Crowded by the Cenian defense, Akaptaha fired the ball onto the crossbar, but it bounced right back onto a perfectly-positioned Enlilbani Yargab, who swept in through the center to tap the ball in and equalize for the visitors.

Ceni nearly put themselves back in the lead in the 33rd minute. Arrowsword’s shot hit Chandrasekar’s chest and flew back to Marc-André Onasi, who strode from behind Arrowsword to put the finishing touch only to send the ball just wide. Their failure to capitalize on the opportunity was punished just two minutes later, as Yissakar put Adab on the driving seat with a stunning volley which flew high over the heads of the Cenians marking her and slotted nicely into the top corner of the net.

Adab manager Saad Kaykali made two substitutions over the half-time break, replacing Yargab and defender Yousif Issou with Nadje Barzani and Sarrugi Akshak. Barzani’s appearance had an immediate effect, as she converted a Yissakar corner into a header right into the back of the net just three minutes into the second half, barely beating Cenian defenders Liam Lorechian and Miri Windtide as they leapt for the ball inside the box. Finding themselves behind 1-3, the Cenians fired back two minutes later, sending the home crowd into a fit of excitement and euphoria as Allison Swan made a run for it from the center circle, dodging a series of Adabian midfielders and defenders before passing the ball to Onasi, who promptly returned the ball to her as she entered the box. Arrowsword had trudged forward, drawing the Adabians to him, but Swan took matters into her own hands, firing straight into the net as Chandrasekar stumbled and fell to narrow the gap to 2-3.

The back-and-forth action continued throughout the second half, with Adab missing a chance to again widen their lead in the 59th minute when Akaptaha found himself before an open net only to shoot the ball high above it. Ceni could have equalized in the 68th minute when Chandrasekar barely blocked Arrowsword’s shot and promptly lost his grasp on the ball, which began to roll towards the goal line. Lorennion ran forward to ensure the ball went in but Tansu Altun was quicker, sweeping in to turn the ball back into midfield with a perfectly-controlled shot, ending the threat of a Ceni equalizer.

In the end, it was Barzani who would firmly put Adab’s stamp on the match, tapping the ball in in the 78th minute for her second goal of the night as Ceni keeper Juan Pablo Morales leapt the wrong way, prompting a renewed chorus of cheers and singing from the lively visiting fans. From the dugout, Kaykali turned to the crowd of his countrymen, raising his hands and urging them to continue cheering. The Cenians continued their offensive, with Chandrasekar saving a powerful shot from Lorennion in the 87th minute, but the Adabians would have the final word in the 89th minute, as young midfielder Naram-Sin Samanu got in on the fun, receiving the ball from Shania Enmerkar and making his way through the exposed Cenian center and blasting the ball in from just outside the box to secure a comfortable 2-5 lead for his team.

Kaykali brought Akaptaha and Yissakar out in the 92nd minute, giving veterans Adanirari Uhwan and Shamsuiluna Zambiya some playing time in the midst of rumors they would retire from the national team following the current World Cup cycle, but the match was as good as decided by this time and Adab were largely content to pass among themselves as they waited for the referee’s inevitable final whistle.

Adab lineup for World Cup Qualifiers MD5 (November 2, 2038 vs. Eshialand at home) and MD6 (November 9, 2038 vs. The Hainan Union away)

Starting lineup: Chandrasekar, Altun, Enmerkar (VC), Akshak, al-Maliki, Arthur, Samanu, Orlev (C), Akaptaha, Yissakar, Barzani

Substitutes: Shulgi, al-Tikriti, Issou, Thomas, al-Muntar, Emmita, Uhwan, Zambiya, al-Kufa, Yargab

by **Savigliane** » Thu May 12, 2022 10:44 am

Stadio del Piero, Acqui Bollente
two hours after MD4 v. Hapilopper

After a perfect start to the qualifiers, Ichi Tuzzio's first full cycle had hit a stumbling point against a red-hot Hapilopper team. Despite having to make a long journey from the faraway region of Atlantian Oceania, the Haps had been by far the more energetic of the two sides en route to a 3-2 away upset. i cigni had been on the back foot since the first minute, when Toby Bryson's speculative effort caught Nico D'Ambrosio napping. Bryson had added a second before Thea Squarciafichi got Savigliane on the board in first-half stoppage time, and Northrop had added a third to finish off a beautiful run. Finally, Nathan Ellis, hater of tables, had come up with a huge goal-line clearance in the eighty-seventh minute to deny Adrian Toscani both a brace and a point.

It had not been a completely unexpected loss - the Haps were 4-0-0 for a reason, and had at least had the courtesy to also defeat Kelssek - but it had been an unwelcome one. Tuzzio had immediately gone to the lab after the team talk, seeing how he could patch up the right flank that Bryson had taken such joy in exploiting. Having bounced a few ideas around - was it possibly Luca Cambiaso's time to shine next matchday? He felt relatively satisfied, especially given that he had a few more weeks to think about things, and went for one last walk around del Piero before heading out. There was no need to overreact, after all. The fans would forgive one small slip-up.

"Hey Ichi! You suuuuck!" a voice came as soon as he'd left the tunnel. Bewildered, the Farf looked around, to discover a Qusmi sitting basically alone in the cavernous stadium.

"Why are you still here?" Ichi asked. He looked around and made eye contact with the only security guard left in the section, who shrugged back.

"To send your ass back to Farfadillis! Tlanx-Nulzk Hal would never lose to Hapilopper! They were the gooooooat!"

Not seeing the point in arguing, Tuzzio tried to take a more gentle approach. "I also have a lot of respect for Tlanx-Nulzk Hal!"

"You should! They're the greatest!"

"But they have another job now managing Starblaydia. They're not coming back."

"They can do both!"

"How-"

"Why do you hate Tlanx, asshole?"

Tuzzio laughed, then made his way back to the tunnel. Maybe not all of the fans.

by **Ziwana** » Thu May 12, 2022 11:58 am

CHAPTER 4: RISE OF THE "BIG 6". (1966-1992)

Part 1,2 and 3 : viewtopic.php?f=7&t=473341#p38774587, viewtopic.php?f=7&t=473341#p38774614 ,https://forum.nationstates.net/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=518443&p=39587162#p39587162 .

The Amaclassico years saw the greatest rivalry in AmaZiwana football which provided football fans with entertaining and exciting football. Western United and Birnin Almalaki had to spend a lot to be competitive in the league and against each other. Both Western United and Birnin Almalaki had debts, this made the two clubs less competitive compared to the previous seasons. In the absence of these two giant clubs, football clubs such as ; Black Leopards, Red Falcons, ECOA FC and Birnin Select rose to the occasion creating the AmaZiwana Big 6 alongside Amaclassico clubs.

This era of football had its fair share of giants and rivalries. This most prominent side was Black Leopards winning 8 Liga Malicky titles followed by Western United with 6 and then Red Falcons with 5. Between 1966 and 1992 Red Falcons and Black Leopards were very competitive against each other, often finishing in top 3. Black Leopards and Red Falcons also often won titles in 2 to 3 years in a row. These two sides were the top sides of the era. The former top dog Western United did not disappear in this era but caused so many problems for the sides competing for the top tier title. Birnin Amangwazi on the other hand was not as strong as it had formerly being, only winning 3 titles in the space of 26 years

THE RISE OF BLACK LEOPARDS
Before 1968 Black Leopards was officially known as AFC Leopards. The football club had working class roots, having been founded by the children of migrant coal miners in Zibaba, Southern Zanga. The football club although an inspiration for boys all around Ziwana was a semi-professional club before 1963, moreover the club had gone into administration in 1956 whilst in the second tier of the Ziwana Football Pyramid. The Leopards where forced to sell their 1000 capacity stadium to the Zibaba City Council to save the club from becoming insolvent. The Leopards were a team that often finished at the bottom of the league, their style of play was also very disorganised. In 1957, former Western United and Birnin Almalaki striker, James Mhango became AFC Leopards manager. James Mhango had been a brilliant football player, with 6 Liga Malicky titles to his name. James Mhango had also been player/assistant manager for 2 years under famous Birnin Almalaki manager James Rooney. Under Rooney, Mhango had learned to use the best of what he had. Within 6 years Mhango was able to get AFC Black Leopards promoted to the Liga Malicky. Unlike tactics of the time, Mhango utilized a very attacking tactic. Leopards players would quickly try and get the ball into the opposition half before shooting .

In the Liga Malicky Black Leopards struggled a lot due to a lack of sufficient funds but Mhango was able to keep the team from getting relegated. Between 1963 and 1965, Leopards were a club that either was battling against relegation, usually finishing position 11 on the league table or being stagnant in the mid-table of the league. But in 1966, real hope arrived to the club in the form of former Ziwani Prime Minister Kamuzu Phiri, who acquired a 25% stake in the club for 91.6 million Silivas. Phiri was a local of Zibaba having been born there. Phiri had a great reputation in Zibaba. In 1965 Black Leopards fans had written a letter to the former Prime Minister explaining the struggles the club was facing, the success and the importance of the club to Zibaba.The letter touched Phiri's heart and he decided to buy a stake in the club to change its fortunes. Phiri had put his trust in manager James Mhango as he had helped the club get promoted and also win its first ever silverware. Mhango was given a good transfer budget but it soon became clear that unlike his mentor James Rooney, he was less impressive on the transfer-market when he had an abundance of money to spend.

Mhango failed to impress the new Chairman. With an abundance of transfer funds his 37% win ratio was incredibly very poor. Black Leopards were disorganised and looked confused on and off the pitch. The team played sloppily usually allowing easy goals. Mhango was promptly fired before the first half of the season would end, replaced by former Western United Manager, Jojo Malenga. Jojo Malenga had helped Western United to 7 titles, Chairman Kamuzu Phiri hoped Malenga would do the same for Black Leopards. Malenga would this begin a new exciting and successful era in the clubs history.

Malenga quickly promoted young fast defenders and brought in older defenders such as Dustin Chiuma. The older players would act as guides for the younger players, imparting in them different lessons. Malenga tightened up the once leaky Leopards defence, making them hard to beat. He would lead the team to a 7th place finish, the highest the club had ever reached in the Liga Malicky. They were now on their way to becoming one of the most successful club in Ziwana.

In 1967, former Black Leopards Chairman T'Challa Boseman returned to the club as Director of Football at the request of Manager Malenga. Boseman was well experienced in finding talents often watching player in Inter-High School or Academy tournaments. Boseman brought it Umpehu Srinivasan, a young Defensive Midfielder who was very good at holding on to the ball, young strikers William Kutcher and Peter Sambo were also brought in. Black Leopards did struggle in the first half of the season due to inexperience and low chemistry between the players, but soon in the second half due to the older experienced players guiding the younger players the club recovered and was able to win their first ever title 2 games before the season would end.

The title win was a blessing. The defeatism and mediocrity that had plagued the club for so long was finally removed. The Zibaba Coal Mine Company (ZCOMCO) would buy a stake in the club for 250 million Silivas the following season. Fortunes would change for the club. Black Leopards would go on to dominate for the next 26 years, winning the most titles in that period.

by **Squornshelan Remnant States** » Thu May 12, 2022 12:10 pm

Getting Our Cheeks Quak’d

The qualifying run is now well and truly imperiled. Banija as a group favorite, Baptism of Fire standouts Aleirave and Efnakia lurking, along with dangerous mid-pot sides Eraman and Sargossa. There is no margin for error, and the first three matches have been filled with nothing but. We’ve now gone from serious apprehension to full panic mode after a shocking defeat to Quakmybush.

Serious adjustments may need to be made, as the team has been unable to both maintain and take advantage of possession. In Quakmybush, the hosts had entirely too many chances, considering the difference in class and the desperation that the Black-and-Reds should have been playing with. The notched an early goal, taking advantage of a turnover, and while Gerstlauer was able to find the equalizer before halftime, the hosts remained a threat throughout the second half, when one would have hoped tactical adjustments and the edge in class would have tipped the match comfortably in the Black-and-Reds’ favor. Instead, it was the opposition who were able to adapt and thwart the Squornshelan gameplan, and even steal the win to take full points in the dying moments.

The question now is what happens next. There may still be time to save this qualifying run, if something is done quickly. Anne-Sophie Groothuis apparently met with SCFA president Ailen Koirala during the team’s bye, but no major press conferences have been held. It seems a managerial change is out of the question at least for the moment, whatever more reactionary pundits have been calling for. One has to believe it’s something the SCFA will consider if the next international break results in further disappointment. Realistically speaking, making the playoffs from this group is going to require at least around 36 points, slightly more than half of the maximum possible. With seventeen matches remaining, and assuming a loss in Banija, the Black-and-Reds would need a record of 9-7-0 or better against other opposition in order to have a realistic shot at playing in Farfadillis or Græntfjall. A tall order, but certainly possible if the team can consistently play to its full potential.

They can make a start on that task by taking full points from their next two matches, which will necessitate travel only within Atlantian Oceania, and see them host another struggling high seed in Milchama. If they don’t, we could be looking at a very different national team when it comes time to welcome Aleirave.

Schedule and Results:

FRND: SRS 2–4 TKT @ Albrechtsson Park (cap. 65,400), Damogran, Algolia, SRS
FRND: SVG 3–2 SRS @ Stadio del Piero, Acqui Bollente, SVG

MD1:  ERM 1-1 SRS @ Daulapura Stadium (cap. 40,000), Daulapura, Daula, ERM
MD2:  SRS 3-5 BNJ @ Radlov Arena (cap. 76,800), Brantisvogan, Megabrantis, SRS
MD3:  QUK 2-1 SRS @ TBA
MD4:      BYE
MD5:  SRS  v  MIL @ Overburg Arena (cap. 46,222), Damogran, Algolia, SRS
MD6:  EFK  v  SRS @ Lake Dal Stadium (cap. 55,900), Kebmot', Ssedbam, EFK
MD7:  SRS  v  ALR @ Eichlen Stadium (cap. 37,500), Rudlit, West Flania, SRS
MD8:  LMB  v  SRS @ TBA
MD9:  SRS  v  SRG @ Civic Arena (cap. 58, 300), Viltvodle, Megabrantis, SRS
MD10: BRO  v  SRS @ TBA
MD11: SRS  v  MNS @ Killough Grove (cap. 31,400), Han Wavel, Han Dold, SRS
MD12: SRS  v  ERM @ Striterax Cybernetics Arena (cap. 64,325), Striterax, Isle of Squornshelous, SRS
MD13: BNJ  v  SRS @ The Stadium of the Restoration (cap. 91,835), Busukuma, National Capitol Region, BNJ
MD14: SRS  v  QUK @ Zenith Stadium (cap. 58,400), Stavromula, Isle of Squornshelous, SRS
MD15:     BYE
MD16: MIL  v  SRS @ TBA
MD17: SRS  v  EFK @ Synesoft Arena (cap. 46,950), Syneca, Sivolvia, SRS
MD18: ALR  v  SRS @ A field (cap. 100), Lahaira, ALV
MD19: SRS  v  LMB @ Smolak Systemy Stadion (cap. 31,200), Sjerezo, Molvania, SRS
MD20: SRG  v  SRS @ Estadio Generalissimo Joaquín Delgado (cap. 108,879), Soluca, SRG
MD21: SRS  v  BRO @ Emerald Coast Colliseum (cap. 31,200), Vassilian, Algolia, SRS
MD22: MNS  v  SRS @ TBA

World Come Undone, Part 2
“We have no compassion and we ask no compassion from you. When our turn comes, we shall not make excuses for the terror. But the royal terrorists, the terrorists by the grace of God and the law, are in practice brutal, disdainful, and mean, in theory cowardly, secretive, and deceitful, and in both respects disreputable.”
CW: Violence

Imagine for a moment, what it must have been like to be one of the early West Squornshelan revolutionaries. You've made yourself an enemy of one of the most powerful militaries in the multiverse. The entirety of the state’s fanatically dedicated security apparatus is bent on tracking you down. With closed circuit television cameras and military patrols, the cities are dangerous, and if you remain there you must find some way to remain hidden. In the countryside, there are more places to avoid notice but food, water, and supplies are harder to come by. In either setting you are vastly outnumbered and outgunned, and must weigh carefully who to trust. Anyone you meet might decide to turn you into the authorities. How can you hope to make any headway in the struggle for freedom?

For many in these early days, the answer is: terrorism.

In these early days, concentrated mostly in the states of Algolia, Megabrantis, and Molvania, the fight was at its most asymmetric. The numbers of those willing to take up arms against the government was growing, but slowly. The only hope of success for the cause is if more people can be inspired to join in. Over the next several months, various targets were hit. Police stations in Damogran and Arkintoofle. A navy barracks in Vassilian. Government administration buildings in Jaglan and Lutenblag. An imperial prison outside Chalesm.

The Imperial response is swift and deadly. Before long, the skies above West Squornshelous are filled with reconnaissance and ground attack aircraft, tanks and halftracks roll down city streets, and troops of soldiers patrol major roads. Those members of the resistance still remaining in the cities are quickly, and brutally suppressed, and for a few weeks it appears that this revolt, like so many others in the Imperium’s long history, is at an end.

That illusion is shattered though, when an Imperial Army column is ambushed between Lublova and Dzrebo. Western Molvania was one of the farthest flung regions of the Imperium, and with its landscape of semi-arid steppe and relatively sparse population, was not of great economic importance to Vogsphere politicians and bureaucrats. The intensity of anti-Imperial sentiment there was also underestimated. Accordingly, Lublova, far out on the western steppe was one the last significant cities to be occupied, with only the far North of Flania considered a lower priority.

The 321st Light Mechanized Battalion, an elite unit comprising 1200 soldiers and 38 armored personnel carriers, had been ordered to take control of the city and conduct counterinsurgency operations from their base there. Believing that the open terrain would make it easy to spot any anti-Imperial force, Major Afansy Matsson, commanding the 321st conducted minimal reconnaissance of his route. Lacking enough vehicles to carry the entire force, the 321st moved at marching speed, with only a minimal skirmish line to either side. The terrain to either side of the highway was indeed treeless, but tall grass and rolling hills obscured hundreds of Molvanian resistance fighters lying in wait for Matsson and his force.

The ambush was the result of unprecedented planning and coordination between resistance groups. With no central leadership or unified ideology, many of those groups had found themselves at odds with each other nearly as often as with Imperial forces. In Western Molvania, however, the imminent approach of occupying forces served as a unifying factor. For the first time on a large scale, organizations as diverse as the far left Western Molvanian People’s Front, relatively centrist Lublovski Prawdziwosc, and the ethno-nationalist Koczownicy put aside their differences in the face of potential annihilation at the hands of the Imperial Army.

With his troops in marching formation, and heavy weapons stowed for easier transport, Matsson was utterly unprepared for the sudden hail of gunfire that tore into his column from both sides. Young Molvanian farmers and ranchers who had grown up hunting with their fathers on these very same lands, though untrained, proved to be adept at marksmanship and fieldcraft. As the surrounded soldiers quickly took cover behind their APC’s and began to return fire, the insurgents melted away into the surrounding landscape, leaving behind only spent shell casings. Over the course of the next three days, they harried the 321st’s march repeatedly, bleeding away its strength and denying them rest. Attempts to counterattack were no help to the beleaguered force, as the Imperial troops could not move quickly enough to catch the insurgents as they withdrew, and air support, flying from airfields in Lutenblag, was not available in sufficient quantity to conduct a proper air search.

When the exhausted 321st finally arrived in the relative safety of Lublova, they had suffered 400 casualties, killed or wounded, and had to abandon 14 APCs due to lack of fuel. Fatigue also seriously limited the combat effectiveness of the 800 soldiers who were still theoretically available, and the bombing of local fuel stores just prior to their arrival transformed the couple dozen remaining armored vehicles into little more than lightly armored pillboxes. Matsson, for his part, will be court martialed and imprisoned for gross incompetence and dereliction of duty. To make matters worse, images circulated of the insurgents celebrating with the captured APCs featured an unpleasant surprise for Imperial loyalists. Front and center with other leaders was none other than Zlatko Topic, 22-year-old star forward for Lublova Reds, and a substitute on the Squornshelan national team at World Cup 41. Pamphlets featuring Topic would become key to resistance recruitment drives, and possession of such materials was quickly made a capital offense.

The damage was done, however. Lublova, apart from the immediate area around the 321st’s base, would remain under the control of the revolutionaries until a brigade size force would eventually arrive in the region, and the myth of a quick end to the revolt was shattered. Across West Squornshelous, thousands and thousands of people wake up to the news that this struggle may not be a foregone conclusion after all. What they’ll choose to do next is certainly hard to predict, but I’ll hazard a guess. Emboldened by the success in Molvania, other revolutionary groups will attempt similar attacks, their numbers swelled by newly optimistic recruits. Simultaneously, the Imperium will commit ever more forces to the fight in an attempt to crush the revolt once and for all. This conflict is about to get a lot more bloody.

by **Srednjaci** » Thu May 12, 2022 12:30 pm

Igor Božić

Dear viewers, welcome to our new outfit of your favorite TV station, World Arena Sport.
My name is Igor Božić and you have the opportunity to see the premiere of our new studio exclusively build for football events.
As always WAS is here for you and always brings you the latest news from the world of football. Today's gathering is dedicated to the qualifications for WC91.
Our team is placed in group number eight with ten other football teams.
Let’s take a look at the highlights of our team’s matches.

STADIUM BLUE OYSTER - att. 64.875

Srednjaci 3-1 Mertagne

37' Isidor Matković (1:0) assist Takanobu Tavano 
56' Li Peng (2:0) assist Danijela Majić 
78' Ante Tomljanović (3:0) assist Li Peng
88' Tara Number (3:1) assist Pia Aziz

The first game, as well first at home, in front of the home crowd is always the most difficult. The opponent is the Mertagne team, a team that has a very good football school. Mertagne is one of the candidates who should be fighting to get on WC91.
In the first 10 minutes of the game we saw catastrophically bad football on both sides. The pressure did its thing and the fan hatch put an additional burden on the backs of our players.
After that initial spasm in the game our players started tying the strings. They used the whole field and increased the number of accurate passes. The ball was hidden for the opposing players.
We had the first concrete attack on the left side when Davida Zimmer tried put the concentration the opponent's goalkeeper on the test with a great shot. But goalkeeper Rhys le Besco defended that shot.
This was followed by a long attack by the opposing team. Our back line reacts great, Franko Rušković finds Takanobu Tavano with a great deep ball. Tavano runs like a fast train in a counterattack. The defense of the Mertagne team is stretched, they fail to return in time.
Tavano run with the ball into the penalty area.
Matković runs into an unguarded empty space, Tavano plays it with a great precise ball and Matković scores. Gooooal, Srednjaci have a 1: 0 advantage!

In second halftime our team was obviously better team on the field. Our attacking players put defense of Mertagne team under presure.
In 56' Srednjaci have a corner kick, Zimmer cross the ball, Danijela Majić with her's head towards the ball exactly to Li Peng, Li with a half volley hits brilliantly in the left corner of the goal. Gooooal ! Srednjaci have a lead of 2:0!
Third goal is scored with cooperation by Li Peng and Tomljnović. Tomljanović towards the ball to Matković, Matković to Peng and Li Peng returns the ball with his heel to Tomljanović on ten meters of goal, Tomljanović scored for lead of 3:0!
Mertagne manage to reduce the result gap in 88' . Tara Number was scorrer.

Gyatso-kai 3-4 Srednjaci

28' Takanobu Tavano assist Isidor Matković (1:1) 
44' Isidor Matković (2:2)
62' Ante Marinković in- Li Peng out
62' Ivana Julišković in - Takanobu Tavano out 
67' Ante Marinković (3:2) assist Ivana Julišković 
68' Marko Štegotić in - Ante Tomljanović out
81' Ante Marinković (4:2) assist Marko Štegotić

Incredible quality match was played by our players on a very difficult away match against Gyatso-kai. We saw as many as seven goals in that game, four of which were scored by our players.
Like I said, it wasn't easy at all. The hosts took the lead 1: 0, but Takanobu Tavano equalized. Then the hosts took the lead again with 2-1 and our team had to reach the result again. Isidor Matković managed to equalize at 2-2. This was followed by a period in which both sides had no idea in the attack. Our team makes changes in 62 'and 67'. It was these changes that brought new energy to our team. The middlemen are again in control of the field and the situation, and that later proved to be crucial. Ante Marinković scored two goals until the end of the game and our team went to a great advantage of 4-2.
The home team managed to score in 93 'for the final result of 4-3.

BLUE VOLCANO STADIUM - Melarit

Srednjaci 4–1 Polkopia

37' Ante Marinković assist Julia Stamatova (1:0)
42' Petra Marinović assist Elina Efimova (2:0)
50' Ivan Županović (3:0)
78' Petra Marinović assist Marko Štegotić (4:1)

In the match against Polkopia, Bojan Radulović decided to rest most of our key players and give others the opportunity to prove themselves and impose themselves to the coach.
In Melarit, at Blue Volcano Stadium, there was no space in the auditorium. Fans may have been expecting the big stars of our football after all. However, no one was disappointed with the game of our national team. Polkopia was completely outplayed and could not cope with our fast and efficient game. Petra Marinović was the first name of our team with two goals scored, but also several opportunities she had.

Our team is currently in second place, but we also have a game less than the leading Eura team. From three matches, Srednjaci collected all three victories. Hopefully this team is ripe for playing on the world’s biggest stage, WC91.

Group 8                         Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Eura                              4    3   1   0     6    0   +6    10
 2 Srednjaci                         3    3   0   0    11    5   +6     9
 3 Brenecia                          4    2   1   1     8    3   +5     7
 4 Omerica                           3    2   0   1     3    1   +2     6
 5 Maphidon                          4    2   0   2     6    7   −1     6
 6 Mertagne                          3    1   1   1     4    5   −1     4
 7 Natanians and Nosts               4    1   1   2     2    6   −4     4
 8 Gyatso-kai                        4    1   0   3     7    9   −2     3
 9 Kuraita                           3    1   0   2     4    7   −3     3
   Polkopia                          4    1   0   3     5    8   −3     3
11 Arjunnagar                        4    1   0   3     3    8   −5     3

by **Aleirave** » Thu May 12, 2022 12:33 pm

"Mikhail! Mikhail!"

Nikita Annedov was trying not to be too loud, but he still needed to grab Private Tadafirov's attention... sadly, it's sort of hard to get someone to hear you from a distance away without other, closer people also hearing you.

"Mikhail!"
"Nikita?" he responded.
"Yes, get over here! We're getting off this ship, we have to."

Mikhail was slightly confused as to what Nikita's plan could be... but at the same time, he wasn't exactly going to say no to him, knowing that Nikita had probably thought longer and harder about this than he did.

The two stepped onto the island of Bestairitza, a island that simply served as a supply stopover for the Klysevian fleet. Most soldiers weren't supposed to leave the ship under any circumstances, but... Nikita was Nikita, so he could basically do whatever he wanted. I suppose that's a part of the perks of leading a counter-coup you never asked for. "Okay, so what's your plan?" Mikhail asked, not fully understanding why he was essentially being smuggled off of the Bedisov.

"Uhhh... you're either going to love what I'm about to do or absolutely hate it, I'm not too sure which." Nikita said, as he started searching the port town of Zykrabek for... something?

The two wandered around town for 10 minutes or so before curiosity got the better of Mikhail, and he absolutely needed to know what it was that was eluding Nikita. "What are you looking for exactly? Maybe if I knew what it was, we could split up and--"

"Found it!" Nikita yelled as he ran towards a payphone.
"A... payphone?" Mikhail asked. "What exactly is the idea here?"

"I'm going to warn the Aleiravans of the impending threat. Hopefully, they'll have enough time to prepare for the invasion, and in the meantime, I can warn the captain and the military top brass that Aleirave, and by extension Eshialand, know that we're coming, and that they should turn the ships around. That way, Aleirave's prepared for Klysevia, and hopefully Kyslyev will back off from his--"

"Uh..." Mikhail interjected, "they already know."
"What?" Nikita asked.
"I told my cousin Igor down in Aleirave about the threat... it'd be foolish to assume that he hasn't told Governor Adari'ena."
"So I spent ten minutes looking for a payphone for nothing?? If you had just told me about this back on the ship, we'd never have to deal with any of this!!"

Nikita took a moment to... let's face it, he was trying to stop himself from killing Mikhail right there in the streets. "Okay," he said after a minute or so, "let's just get back to the ship and tell the Captain."

However, by the time the two had managed to get to the port... the Bedisov, along with all of the other Klysevian ships, had already weighed anchor. They were as good as gone. No stopping them from getting to Aleirave. Nikita and Mikhail were now stranded on Bestairitza, their worst fears playing out in front of them: the Klysevian Army was headed to Aleirave, where they'd be met by the Eshian Army and Navy. Lives would most certainly be lost in the battle, and those lives would be on their consciences.

It was essentially game over.

by **TJUN-ia** » Thu May 12, 2022 12:57 pm

By Peter Davis

After an expected win in Al Kalifa and an expected loss in Pasarga, the Jaguars of TJUN-ia were getting their WCQ campaign underway in a way many expected. Beating Kyhun at the Salam Liljamie was certainly a good start and while falling at Stade de Torgos was expected, the 3-0 scoreline showed that work was still left to be done in the race to get to the 91st World Cup. But no one, including both David Seems and Li Xiu Ying, was concerned at the moment as reaching the Top 3 was still within our grasp with most of the campaign left to go. As long as we don't slip up too much and get the points down, we should be OK...but only the games themselves can tell all about our journey, so let's see what Games 3 and 4 would give us.

Up first was the familiar surroundings of Tiankong Stadium as the CEA hosted a big-time opponent in the form of the Barunia Suns, a side managed by Liesel McLelland who certainly could be dangerous on their day and they certainly were a team not be underestimated at all. Tiankong was a warm atmosphere today, as always, and that certainly helped in producing a brilliant performance overall. Poor John Taylor had his work cut out for him in the first half as the Jaguars looked to try and get the game locked up against a Top 4 seed. The breakthrough finally came via Archer Andrews in the 26th minute and when Prince Carter added a 2nd in the 34th, things looked sown up. But then Rachael Cross scored only two minutes from the start of the 2nd half and suddenly, a little bit more work was required to ensure that this win was staying with us. Thankfully, Seems and Li decided to give 23-year-old Jackson Smith-Scott a chance to shine and he would certainly be the difference maker here, assisting Andrews for the 3rd before scoring himself for the 4th to mark his place in the team outright. In the end, we would certainly take this 4-1 win with open arms and with us moving up to 4th in the standings, that was certainly a result we needed.

Then came the big one everyone wanted to see...a rematch with the Snowy Owls of Tikariot at the Citadel of the North in Fort Viljan, our first contest with those Owls in WCQ since the "Playoff Semifinal" of 10 years ago. Stuart Ekstrom may be long gone now, but his former assistant Brian McAllister has certainly got these Owls rocking with a 3-0 start. The pre-match ceremony certainly put the nostalgia in us all, but told us the Owl was awaiting us In The Shadows...the question is, would they be our Jezebel or would the Sound of Silence pierce through the cold?

Well...this game was expected to be something of a back and forth affair and oh boy, it certainly was. The play was certainly intense and both sides were certainly up for it, but Carlos Pique would find a way past the Tikariot defence in the 13th and headed it past Brian Merson to open up the scoring. But Tikariot had a pretty unknown weapon on their right named Alan Castanheira and he would have a great night, starting with his first in the 43rd, just before halftime. The break would come soon enough and when everyone came back out, we would enter a new phase and it certainly would be very entertaining. Castanheira would be on the scoresheet once more, finding his way through our backline in the 56th but a response would come quickly as Prince Carter found the 2nd equaliser via a superb header off a Kelo Ngwemanagawa free-kick in the 78th to set a nervy end. The final few minutes were certainly very interesting as both Kathleen Chamberlain and Morris Nighthorse both came on and certainly brought the pressure towards the very end. Then came a corner and here, in front of the home fans, Tikariot finally exorcised the pain of WC86 with a simple header. The scorer was another substitute, Kieran Beaumont, who would be hounded by the rest of the team. That would be that for the game and while we stay in 4th, this 3-2 defeat put us 6 points off the lead after 4 games.

Losing two games in the opening two games sounds bad, but three of the four were against the Top 3 opponents on ranking so you can say that this was understandable in a way...but we will need to make sure we make little to no more mistakes with our other 7 games in this half. Up next come 9th placed Schima Bas to Zebra Stadium before we take a trip to 10th placed Ziwana for a rematch we never thought we would get. Tikariot deserved that one...but can we bounce back? GO JAGS!

SCHEDULE (Group 9)
MD1: vs Kyhun (310) - Salam Liljamie Stadium, Al Kalifa W 3-1 (T-2nd)
MD2: @Pasarga (15) - Stade de Torgos, somewhere in Pasarga L 0-3 (7th)
-----------------Boot It!-----------------
MD3: vs Barunia (55) - Tiankong Stadium, Tiankong W 4-1 (4th)
MD4: @Tikariot (40) - Citadel of the North, Fort Viljan L 2-3 (4th)
-----------------Boot It!-----------------
MD5: vs Schima Bas (89) - Zebra Stadium, Toropo
MD6: @Ziwana (232)
-----------------Boot It!-----------------
MD7: vs Cardenao (277) - Tallawah Stadium, Port Town
MD8: @República Guanacasteca (137)
-----------------Boot It!-----------------
MD9: BYE
MD10: vs Bollonich (85) - Ke Kahua Pāʻani o Pua Aloalo, Kepu Manu
-----------------Boot It!-----------------
MD11: @Muralos (117)
MD12: @Kyhun (310)
-----------------Boot It!-----------------
MD13: vs Pasarga (15) - National Stadium, TJUN-ia City
MD14: @Barunia (55) - Memorial Stadium, Edwardton, Marion
-----------------Boot It!-----------------
MD15: vs Tikariot (40) - Beregozera Stadium, Szensky
MD16: @Schima Bas (89)
-----------------Boot It!-----------------
MD17: vs Ziwana (232) - Estadio Universidad Carlandas, Carlandas
MD18: @Cardenao (277)
-----------------Boot It!-----------------
MD19: vs República Guanacasteca (137) - Stade de la Victoire, Roi Ville
MD20: BYE
-----------------Boot It!-----------------
MD21: @Bollonich (85)
MD22: vs Muralos (117) - Estádio do Pacífico, Rio Pacífico

by **Raspotochje** » Thu May 12, 2022 12:57 pm

KOTIGA DAILY NEWS - Sports

FOOTBALL WORLD CUP 91
IS THERE HOPE FOR US?

writter : Luka Trošić

Our footballers had an incredibly bad start. A 6-1 defeat against Chromatika is a sign of alarm. Something needs to change and urgently!
In the qualifications for WC 89, our national team had a bad performance, but not so catastrophic like this one. Currently, there are three defeats from three games, two of which are very heavy defeats.
Can we regroup our ranks? Can we start from scratch and try to defend at least our honor and not be the last in the group?
Is it too late now to change anything drastically given that the qualifiers have already begun?
We will see how things go on, but these are indicators that our football is seriously lagging behind the competition.
A lot of work is in the hands of the leaders of the football association and of course, their job is to find a solution to get this football train back on track.

Pemecutan 5–1 Raspotochje
Raspotochje 1–2 Thibaea
Chromatika 6–1 Raspotochje

by **Zeta Reka and Hugeltaldom** » Thu May 12, 2022 2:20 pm

RekanSport
Schwartzhammer Contract Causing Conundrum?
By Šojka Tomičić

Interesting times could come about for Aleiusia Capital, Rekan football, and perhaps the world. If corroborated reports hold true, national team starter, and scoring behemoth Fenstermacher Schwartzhammer could exit his club at the end of the domestic season. A highly paid player by Rekan, or perhaps world standards, Fen's contracts has created issues in Aleiusia, and he could be out the door without wishing to go.

Reports on Fen's contract place the nine year deal in the first percentile of contacts in Rekan history, with cash front loaded. “From my perspective, they're allowing Schwartzhammer to negotiate with outsiders,” sports insider David Mazel said to RekanSport. Mazel, a former Capital staff member, and founder of the Rekan Football Monitor magazine, broke the news of Schwartzhammer's contract issues to the public. Mazel elaborated, “The contract, which was signed a long time ago, received an extension to prevent a situation where Capital lost their striker. Many teams have had a key interest in adding him as a finisher for their offense, which in some cases is already strong.” On top of domestic clubs, RekanSport investigators also linked Schwartzhammer to clubs in higher ranked leagues than in Zeta Reka.

Aleiusia Capital's First Choice XI
Pos.    ##   Name                    Age   Nation
GK      01   Isak Helland (cpt.)     31    Valanora
LB      04   Maurico Franklin-Perez  25    Xanneria
CB      03   Harry Henderson         30    Tumbra
CB      25   Pablo Carrero           28    Valladares
RB      16   Markodan Čech           25    Zeta Reka
DM      18   Feo Tapper              24    Nephara
DM      06   Marko Desimirić         20    Zeta Reka 
LAM     99   Wlad Stojanowić         20    Zeta Reka
CAM     10   Constantine Wren        27    Zeta Reka
RAM/FW  07   Tim Ulrich              21    Zeta Reka
ST      09   "Fen" Scwartzhammer     27    Zeta Reka
As of Rekan season #83

After the story in the Rekan Football Monitor reached RekanSport's desk, an inquiry was launched into Schwartzhammer's contract situation. The striker, through sports agent Hans Walpers, citied an NDA when declining to comment. Schwartzhammer has been subject to wired recordings of himself for around one year. The reason? Reka TV's attempts to produce a footballing documentary about the Rekan league's top scorer, “My client is not to reveal insider information which has relevancy to recorded video or audio from Reka TV,” Walpers wrote. Aleiusia Capital as an institution also declined to comment. One person willing to talk was former Capital player Muhammed Jankowić, who claimed, “The locker room tension over money has increased in - Limited budgets and all. Ulrich and Schwartzhammer each want the other's wages, but neither wants to be paid the same as the other. The tension has prompted a bidding war of sorts, but with one buying bidding for two players.”

The bidding war, Mazel explains, has caused fiduciary issues for Aleiusia Capital. “Their wage bill is at an all time high this season,” Mazel claims, “Given the lack of Champions League group stage ball, and instead funds produced from the Challengers' Cup, their yearly budge has taken a beating.” Mazel added in a phone interview with RekanSport that, Capital are, “hesitant” to sell shares in their buisness, which is already thirty percent owned by outsiders through public trading, or to borrow from Capital's holding company. Without a funding pipeline for contracts, tough decisions have to be made. Furthermore, the front loaded cash in the contracts compounds issues, and makes Schwartzhammer an easy way to save money, but perhaps a costly one on the pitch.

Where could Fen Schwartzhammer go if his contract is annulled after season 83? As mentioned before, Fen is paid in the top percentage of Rekan footballers, and is the highest paid player for Capital. Platinstigrade are an obvious target. The club from Hügeltaldom do not have a deidicaed finisher, and have the capital to afford Aleiusia's top scorer. DD Porto Nowi are reportedly losing their striker in the offseason, and could use the threat of Schwartzhammer's entrance to get Jakow Krstowić to sign a deal. As for foreign leagues, seemingly any of them could afford a top player, but only based on those squads, and their respective needs. In addition, the buyout clause of nine millions would have been one of the highest clauses of any player in the last Transfer Window.

“I'm unsure what will happen to Fen,” David Mazel told RekanSport, “Capital wants him, but they might not be able to keep him. The contract situation could bubble up in both Capital's fixtures, and in games for the national team.” Ulrich and Schwartzhammer are each suited up to play an important matchup against Audioslavia, and for the sake of Zeta Reka's mantis, the nation hopes for good chemistry.

RekanSport Top 6:
World Cup 91; Audioslavia Game “Pivotal” Says Former NT Boss Special Free Article
IFCF Challenger's Cup; Capital Advance Into Knockouts Special Free Article
Top Flight Basketball Side Defunct, Results Annulled
Cannabis & Alcohol Lobbies Finally File Injunction
Schwartzhammer Contract Causing Conundrum?
Platinastigrade File Motion to Dismiss Banfigrade Lawsuit
Free Articles remaining this month: 4

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by **Kandorith** » Thu May 12, 2022 2:30 pm

Shinonome Kyoai - International

Hiyashi: a tale of success, destruction and revival

The Hiyashi name is well known in Kandorith, most people know them from their products and effective marketing campaigns but as of late the name Hiyashi has been connected to the Kandorese culture itself. We take a look at Hiyashi and the corporate highs and lows.
By Hiromi Sugihara
In-depth

^{SHARE THIS:}

Hologram of Kiyomi Hiyashi one of the Hiyashi Biotech stores

Unmistakably the most "Kandorese" of the mega-corporations within Kandorith, the Hiyashi name has always used marketing and naming connected to the Kandorese culture. Today, almost every household within the empire has at least five products provided by Hiyashi. The corporate giant is the most valuable company in the nation and is looking to always innovate and improve both current and future products. Although we are all well acquainted with the Hiyashi name, it has not always been very clear how the company got to this point.

Currently at the helm of Hiyashi is the illustrious yet mysterious Kiyomi Hiyashi, the daughter of the late Kazuo Hiyashi. Hiyashi is believed to be the richest person in the Kandorese empire with an estimated fortune of 4,2 trillion, but her massive success has not always been easily obtained, nor has the company always had the wind in its sails.

Even though she leads arguably the most successful company in Kandorith, she has walked a road of hardship; being ousted from multiple companies; massive product malfunctions and crashes; even an attempt on her life.
Today, we'll look at Hiyashi's various failures and successes, as well as how he came to be the multibillion-dollar powerhouse that he is today.

The early years and interest in technology

Kiyomi Hiyashi was born in Hiseguchi, Kobayashi in August 1951.
Her first look at the world of business was when travelling to the various Hiyashi locations throughout the empire, where she would watch and learn with great interest, eventually gaining the dream of inheriting her father’s position in the future.

After graduating from Hiseguchi Junior High, she attended Ginza University and earned multiple degrees in economics, science, and bioscience.
entry into the market and a rise to fame.
After graduating, Hiyashi asked her father for a loan to start her own business but was denied by him as Kazuo Hiyashi saw nothing in his daughter taking over the company or even leading a company herself. Hiyashi would then make her own plan to earn the money to start her first venture.

While employed at Shimizu cosmetics, she overheard a hostile takeover was in the making of the company, which would result in laying off half of the company’s employees. Together with a colleague, she then made the risky decision to attempt to save the company with her arm of the business, buying as many shares as possible to block the takeover. This move would prove massively successful and, together with Anri Taguchi, she would share the ownership of Shimizu.

While in the beginning, the joint venture was successful and was looking towards a bright future, the story would not last very long. After many disagreements over management, branding, and even simple things like product names, Hiyashi was voted out of the board by the shareholders and would be removed from her position as CEO. Even though she had lost her job and position, she did still have a stake in the company and would sell it after Shimizu merged with Kansai Beauty, earning her over 140 million.

Imagining a new world

With her newly found wealth, Hiyashi found a new branch in the Hiyashi family: Hiyashi Cosmetics. Her father did not support the idea but allowed her to connect it to the Hiyashi corporate name and always anticipated the branch’s failure, going as far as holding short positions in the company after it went public.
Hiyashi’s goal was to make cosmetics more flamboyant, in-your-face, affordable, and a symbol of status and creativity, while also making make-up "smart". Her ideas to incorporate technology into cosmetics were something the critics ridiculed but would eventually be proven wrong as the company took off.

Hiyashi Cosmetics would have its first real success in 1985, which would lead to an absolute breakthrough in the world of fashion and beauty. With the "Return to Myself" line of cosmetics, the daring and vivid colours would be a favourite among rock stars, sub-cultures, and even eccentric superstars. With the massive success, Kazuo started to take her branch seriously and offered full incorporation into the Hiyashi Corporation, which, of course, she agreed to.

With a position on the board of her father’s company, she could now start to share her ideas with the rest of the corporation and have more access to larger marketing teams and funds. The massive success would come to a complete halt in 1989, though. The Hiyashi Corporation was accused of fraud and embezzlement by Akihito Nishioka, the CEO of Kaito Corp. Immediately after the accusation, the Hiyashi HQ was raided by the police and, refusing to be arrested, Kazuo Hiyashi was shot and killed in the chaos and confusion.

The images were seen by billions as the Kandorese public was awestruck by the happenings at Hiyashi, and after the corporation was indeed found guilty, it completely swayed public opinion. Hiyashi was to be dismantled on orders of the court and all funds released by the company were to be used to pay all outstanding accounts. In the fall of Hiyashi, of course, Hiyashi Cosmetics would be dismantled too, leaving Kiyomi Hiyashi without a company and losing most of her fortune.

For years, there would be nothing noteworthy from the entire Hiyashi family as many members left or sold their businesses, leaving the entire financial and consumer world altogether. Hiyashi, however, developed a grudge towards not just Nishioka but Kaito Corp as a whole and swore she would do anything to try and take them out.

The rise of the machines

In an ever-changing world, the Kandorese nation was now rapidly modernising and, behind the backbone of the advances in science and technology, were the now ever-expanding massive corporations. They had hundreds of billions to spend and used their wealth to buy entire research areas and put their signature on them. Science was now mostly owned by corporations, and people were increasingly concerned about their power. The fear was mostly about what a company would do if they invested in military technology and how they would use that technology. This became a reality when Ronin Assemblies was realised.

Ronin Assemblies, led by Takeo Yoshiharu, exclusively focused its investments on the nation's ageing defence equipment and sought to modernize the Kandorese Armed Forces. Ronin Assemblies would be the IKAF's new equipment provider after signing the largest contract in history with the government. The new technology was crucial in the short-second Meiyi war, as the newly equipped Kandorese forces were able to decimate the nation within two weeks and forced the Democratic People’s Republic of Meiyi to sign a peace treaty and commit to nuclear disarmament.

After the war, much of the technology was released to the consumer market too, and this gave rise to both rising violent crime and the development of human enhancement through implants and nanotechnology.

When it came to human enhancement, it was not Ronin Assemblies that would take the lead in the field, but rather it would be Kaito Corp. But, in early 2000, there was a small whisper of another company taking on the people addicted to enhancements. People uttered the name Hiyashi Cosmetics, which, of course, was laughed at by the market as everyone knew the company was defunct and no Hiyashi had been seen in higher-up places since the ‘90s.

The market drastically changed in 2001 as the famous singer and actor "Hideo" was asked what cosmetic products he used during an interview. The answer was Hiyashi Cosmetics, a small store located in the Gawato district of Tenkyo. People flocked to the store after the interview, and quickly it was known that it was indeed run by Kiyomi Hiyashi.

Hiyashi's massive newfound fame saw beauty stores spring up all over Kandorith, including the Higakito district of Tenkyo, the beating heart of corporate Kandorith. The surge in popularity and income put Hiyashi in an interesting predicament; she would now be able to either start a whole new name, build on her father’s legacy, or even rebuild the legacy. Her decision was to rebuild the legacy, but in her own vision. Within 10 years, there would be multiple new companies founded under the now reimagined Hiyashi Corporation. Hiyashi Cosmetics, Hiyashi Biotech, Banking, Transport, and Hiyashi Electronics would be the names in bright neon lights throughout the nation. All these companies would be linked and overlooked by a massive newly constructed skyscraper in Tenkyo with the iconic holographic letters spelling either or HIYASHI depending on the time of day.

The rebuilt Hiyashi corporation would not just limit itself to what Kazuo Hiyashi deemed essential business. The company under Kiyomi Hiyashi branched into consumer electronics, private security, communication equipment, implants, enhancements, weapons, vehicles, and even advertisements, network services, finance, and social media.

As of 2015, the Hiyashi Corporation has been noted as the most successful and profitable business in Kandorith, and the company keeps innovating and growing, especially in the ‘20s. Where most brands are fairly unknown behind the Kandorese borders, there is one name that is also present in other nations; that name is the Hiyashi family name. From acquiring foreign factories, and financial services to buying entire stadiums and football clubs, one thing is clear: under Kiyomi Hiyashi, the Hiyashi corporate family name has been re-established and is here to stay as a statement of technology and corporate hardship.

by **Eshialand** » Thu May 12, 2022 2:33 pm

Ring!! Ring!!

Lucas didn't dare look at his phone. After that day he had yesterday, that one that still felt like a riddle wrapped in a dream, this call could be literally anything from his boss telling him that his first day on the job would also be his last, or his childhood sweetheart asking if he'd be free that weekend. The possibilities were very much endless in the scariest way possible.

"H... hello?" he answered, choosing to let the caller's voice let him know who they were rather than the caller ID.
"Lucas, sweetheart..." his mother answered, "how is everything going in Eshialand City?"

Lucas was relieved to hear that this was his mother rather than, say, his boss, or his landlord, or the moving company telling him that they found that dent he left in their truck and that they'd be charging him an extra three thousand dollars to get it fixed. "Mom! Hi, I was just heading off to--"

"Oh, don't worry, I'll only be a minute. I was just wondering how you were settling in..."

"Well..." he replied, "it could be better... my roommates are okay, but I'd rather just not have any. My job is decent, but my boss can be a bit pushy at times... but then again, some of the things that have happened here... I wouldn't trade them in for the world. It still doesn't feel like home yet, but I think things are working out alright--"

"That's lovely dear... hey, if you have a spare moment, could you stop by your Uncle Robert's place? I think he's been waiting for you to pay him a visit--"

Lucas froze at the mention of his uncle's name. His mom's brother was always a bit of an odd bean... whenever he came to visit Lucas' family in Vaynorth, something always went wrong. Whether it was an unexpected gas leak or that time he crashed his car into a power line, knocking out electricity for two city blocks (Robert maintained that none of it was ever his fault), you could count on him to make things... interesting, to say the absolute least. Going to visit him wasn't the most exciting proposition for Lucas, but what could he do but say...

"Yeah, sure, I'll swing by after work tonight!"

"Oh, lovely. I'll tell him you're stopping by, I'm sure he'll be so happy to see you again after all this time..."

And that was it. T minus 9 hours before something strange was bound to happen.

by **Savojarna** » Thu May 12, 2022 2:34 pm

SavojarSports.sj - inside reports from all Savojarna
Crucial week ahead for Savojarna in WCQ

By Jaukka Halanen

After the autumn portion of the World Cup qualifiers resulted in a difficult streak for Savojarna, people around the Northlights already started getting nervous for the team’s prospects ahead of the World Cup 91 prospects. A calm look to the team’s schedule and results shows that there is not much lost yet; the margin of error for Savojarna, however, will be small. While the draw in the first game against Forbidden Territories at home was clearly something that should not have happened, everything that followed was more or less according to realistic expectations. A dramatic 2-2 in Jhanna in October was a solid result against a higher seed; while we may have had hope for some points in the home game against top seed Turori, the 0-1 loss in December was something that could be expected to some extent. So, while Savojarna sit down in 10th place with only two points after three games, it has to be noted that the Northlights are down a game compared to most other teams as well as having already faced the two top seeds.

However, while that means chances are intact to reach the third place and therefore the World Cup playoffs (and, should current group leaders Turori and Juvencus stumble, also the first place and direct qualification) points now need to come the Savojars’ way. Tomorrow, the side will take on Flavovespia away, a tricky game against a side that so far split its two weeks evenly. The Flavovespians lost in Starblaydia and dropped a game at home to Juvencus, showing that they should be beatable for the Northlights; their wins came away at pointless Gadria and at home to the Forbidden Territories. With Flavovespia being one of the lower seed teams that are lurking for a mistake of higher seeds to steal away a playoff spot, this is a crucial game that the Northlights have to win in order to give a positive spin to this campaign. It is obvious that coach Lijushkin is aware of the importance of that game as he nominated a very high-class 23 for this week, bringing all of his core lineup from last summer’s Cup of Harmony to Flavovespia. Four days later at the Bjurman, Savojarna will take on New Folgore, a team about which we have little information and who have lost all their games except for a 1-0 home win against Gadria in December.

Two victories will bring Savojarna up to eight points, a much different look from the current two that would likely see them move up a few spots in the table. “This is the kind of weekend that can completely change your momentum. We’ve seen this last time when Gylfi got unlucky early on and never recovered his team, if that happens you need something to break the streak and show your quality. But also, it’s a long campaign, it’s important we don’t get too scared about things early on. We’ll definitely try our best to make this weekend a success, and take things step by step”, coach Dmitri Lijushkin said before departure to Flavovespia. Veteran midfielder Morten Poulsen echoed the sentiment, stating that the team was well prepared for the challenges to come and not looking to fall short yet again, and that the mood in the squad was good despite the difficult situation. “We knew what to expect from these early matches, and I have faith in our ability to do just what we need to do”, he said.

by **Aut-Ves-Nat** » Thu May 12, 2022 2:48 pm

Diary of Dr. Kazimir Polowski

Day 1450, 23:15
After prior reports on Automations and work on the newest generation of denizens for the Autonomous Vessel Nation, progress has ceased for over a month. Attempts to use human athletes for experiments were unsuccessful. Those failures are best told by others. In the mean time I have continued to prowl the depths of this vessel. More of the ship's nature has been revealed to me. I am again left with more inquiries than answers.

A few hundred days ago I found access to an area of the ship known as Level-Sub-2. I understand now that the area is one of the deepest and most secluded sections of the entire vessel. So far as I could tell, no human had ever been in the area, and the guards seemed unable to quantify or detect my human presence. Luckily for me since I wasn't an unwelcome robot, I have essentially been able to traverse the area without worry. With my free rein I today found something most grim. I entered a room which had none of the usual bar-code like markings of other rooms on this level of the ship. The door lead to a hallway which was perhaps forty meters in length. Only one door was at the end. The room emitted a foul stench as I pulled its door towards my body.

I was in a room which I had never seen before. The room was dark, and I used the flashlight on my Personal Digital Assistant to guid me through the foul room. What puzzled me the most was that room was seemingly biological. I quickly found myself stamping, looking for a place to stand which hand’t been infused with flesh. I eventually found a metal area which was virgin, and a desk. The desk itself contained writings in the drawers. Many findings in the unmarked report I saw are similar to my own finding about sixth generation Automations, and the Aut-Ves-Nat at large. Perhaps these documents can provide a shortcut for the stalled development of my M2 Automations.

I will need to review these documents tomorrow.

~Dr Polowski

by **Mytanija** » Thu May 12, 2022 2:53 pm

EPISODE 1: DIRTY OLD TOWN

The title music begins to play and a video montage of footballers playing on muddy pitches whirs across the screen. The camera images are grainy, these are clearly some old-timey footballers, the programme is clearly set at some undefined point in the future looking back on the past. Images of the Mytanar port city of Severyan are interspersed between the football, along with street scenes from Severyan and the supporters of the only football club in the city, Ararat. Above all there is a focus on the legendary manager, Misel Ravnjak, he can often be seen drinking or smoking or even on a television chat show. Finally, the montage settles on the title image.

EPISODE 2: START AGAIN

“We won the title in the 24-25 season and then the year after we came 2nd, we pushed a really good Crvena Zvezda side all the way, think we only ended up a couple of points behind them in the end. But then after that we struggled for that same level of consistency, we couldn’t recreate that same moment and I started to ask myself was that team a sort of lightning in a bottle thing? Would I not taste that same level of success ever again? It’s difficult, especially as a goalkeeper, there’s only so much you can affect from within your own penalty area…” Pedja Kasun ponders, reminiscing wistfully on the middle years of his career, the years which were book-ended by glory on either side.

“You still finished 4th a couple of years in a row and then 5th in 28-29, 9th in 29-30, but then back up to 5th again in 30-31. I guess it was a different kind of consistency, other than that 9th in 29-30, but that was a bit of an outlier, right?” The interviewer asks, dredging up the facts and figures from the sheaf of notes sat in his lap.

“Consistency might be the wrong word, under the gaffer we were always solid defensively, we developed the style over the years and if anything he became more set in his ways. It was like he became more determined to prove that it could work. What changed was perhaps our quality in attacking areas, how clinical we were when we had chances, that sort of thing. It meant that we went from winning the Top League and challenging for the title to kind of fighting it out around the edge of the IFCF spots. Still impressive, but not quite the same level, but those of us who had tasted glory wanted to get back there.”

“Do you think the starting point of Misel Ravnjak’s second great Ararat team perhaps was that fall down to 9th in the table?”

“Potentially. The gaffer said that we had to go back to basics after that season, it wasn’t where we wanted to be in the league table, and it wasn’t where we had been in the years previous. He’d brought in talented players like Mingrong Yuan and we had the quality to be doing more. Finishing 9th might have been disappointing, but it had allowed Omer Kuhar-Arh and Dordo Urbanc to emerge and they both ended up being absolutely crucial to our style of play the next season. Both eventually contributed enormously to what came afterwards too, Dordo was right in the thick of it and whilst Omer’s contribution to the title was unfortunately an indirect one, he helped us to get there.”

“How big was the loss of Dalibor Vlahovic before the 29-30 season? Do you think that played a big role in that drop down to 9th?”

“Of course!” Kasun laughs, even if it sounds a bit hollow. “That was a big loss for us and basically on the eve of the season. He’d been our creative hub for such a long time, ever since that 24-25 season. Dalibor was a great player, really gifted technically, but I think Omer ended up being more impactful. He was one of the best passers of the ball I ever saw. Selling Dalibor allowed Omer to come through, the money secured the club’s finances and then Omer got us back up the table. Bringing Vido Mehic back to the club was a masterstroke too. Nothing ever looked pretty with Vido, but wow was he effective, him and Omer struck up a great relationship during the 30-31 season.”

The old video footage starts up again, grainy images of a slightly gangly, ungainly looking man holding up an Ararat shirt alongside the manager Misel Ravnjak. The tinny voice of a television presenter on one of Mytanija’s 24 hour sports channels informs you that it is “Vido Mehic returning to Ararat, the club where he played his youth football. He has signed from NK Dyka for a fee of NSD 750,000 after they were relegated to the Druga Liga. Mehic’s goals were crucial in the Nastan side gaining promotion to the Top League and he hit 8 goals for the relegated side last season.”

Footage of old games cross the screen, Mehic scoring all types of scruffy goals, poking the ball home from a few yards out; heading the ball in at the near post, but only after it deflects off a defender first; a goal where he chests the ball across the goal line. Nothing about his game strikes you as pretty. The commentator eulogises his finishing and spatial awareness: “Mehic is an expert at positioning himself where the ball is going to land! It is almost like he has a sixth sense for it, a real nose for goals!”

Suddenly the image changes, to a small boy wearing an Ararat kit which is several sizes too big for him, he is stood on a patchy grass pitch doing kick-ups. Even the ball seems too big for him, but his control and mastery of it tells an entirely different story. Footage of him squirming his way through opposition defences as a youngster rolls, his game is more about passing than finishing chances, though he is no stranger to a tidy finish or two either. As the footage rolls he begins to get older, starts to fill into the oversized kit and even shoots up a fair bit. In the team photos he eventually is one of the taller players, wearing the #10 shirt and still able to dribble past an entire team before laying a chance on a plate for his team mates.

“Omer Kuhar-Arh could be one of the best players Ararat have ever produced! What a pleasure to be able to watch him start his fledgling career out, if he carries on down this path he can write himself into the same category as Lev Repin, Iuliu Zaplatic, Kulikov, Stojanovic and Stojkovic!” One commentator yells as Kuhar-Arh curls a free-kick around a wall in a youth tournament final. Then he’s playing men’s football, getting roughed up a little in the early days. Pedja Kasun arrives on the scene to berate one opponent for their particularly harsh treatment of the young playmaker.

Kuhar-Arh shrugs it off, Ararat take the free-kick short and he dribbles past the same opponent who had left him sprawling seconds earlier, in turn leaving him in a heap on the ground. Revenge taken so nonchalantly it was almost sickening. Images of him heading over to the Ararat ultras, Cirkusgrupa at the end of a game and taking the megaphone to lead them in their songs demonstrates the connection he had to the club. A supporter, a supremely talented fan who was from a family of Severyan fishermen. Kuhar-Arh can be seen chanting alongside the fans as flares and stroboscopes light up the scene around him, even on the old footage.

Then Kuhar-Arh and Mehic can be seen together. The pair arm-in-arm, celebrating a goal. Kuhar-Arh plays a reverse pass between two defenders, a slide-rule pass which very few players could have seen never mind actually successfully completed. Mehic took one touch to get it out of his feet and then hit the ball underneath the onrushing goalkeeper. The image changes to Kuhar-Arh taking the ball down the right of the penalty area and playing a low cross across the edge of the six-yard box and Mehic bravely dives in to turn the ball into the net, potential injury be damned. Finally Mehic nods the ball down for Kuhar-Arh to volley into the goal first time. The two share a joke as they go over to celebrate a win with the fans.

“Omer Kuhar-Arh wins the Under-23 Player of the Season award for the 30-31 campaign. The young playmaker scored 10 and assisted an exceptional 16 goals over the course of the season, striking up an excellent partnership with Vido Mehic as Ararat finished an impressive 5th just a season after their disappointing 9th placed finish.” A presenter says alongside images of Kuhar-Arh going onto the stage to collect his award, shaking the hand of an FSM suit and smiling for the cameras.

The image changes to Kuhar-Arh trying to make his way through an absolute scrum of people, shielded by four burly security guards. The same presenter announces why: “Omer Kuhar-Arh has today completed an NSD 3 million move to Atletik Thessia. The 23 year old has completed his medical and agreed personal terms with Mytanija’s most successful club on the back of his Under-23 Player of the Season award-winning campaign with boyhood club Ararat Severyan.”

Pedja Kasun watches the footage, blinking slightly, mood a little more sombre than it was before viewing it. He seems emotional, moved by what he had watched.

“What did you make of that, Pedja?” The interviewer asks.

“Great days, it brings back so many memories for me. Those two together were so good, it’s a shame Omer couldn’t stay for one more season. He won titles afterwards with Atletik, but you feel that he could have been part of something really special for his hometown club had he been able to stay one season more. Winning the league with the club you support is something very few people get a chance to do and whilst it’s enormously difficult to turn down Atletik when they come calling I’m sure he probably regrets moving when he did when he looks back now.”

“Why is that?”

“Well, winning titles with Atletik is almost an expectation. If you go there and fail to win they’ll hound you out. Winning things with little old Ararat is different. He could have written himself into that special category of players people often talk about. He’s still an iconic player in Ararat’s history for helping to start the process which resulted in the trophies, but I’m sure he looks back at it and thinks he could have ended up being the club’s most famous son. A supporter who grew up to a fishing family… It’s a shame that it happened the way it did.”

“How big a blow was his exit after you had finished 5th and everything seemed to be back on the way up?”

“An enormous blow.” Pedja says with a degree of finality. He considers his next words carefully. “I was a senior member of the dressing room at that point, captain of the team. Myself and Zelimir Apostolov were probably the two who had to really pull the team together at that point. Mario Uzelac and Drazen Zupan had both just retired and Omer leaving left a really big hole in our starting line-up. He was our best player, the main creative force, he laid on so many chances for the whole team but him and Vido Mehic had a near telepathic understanding. Whilst Zelimir and I were saying one thing to the team I think we were both privately thinking that it could be another drop down to 9th!”

“What was Misel Ravnjak saying to both you individually and the team as a whole? Were there different messages because you were one of the senior players?”

“No, not at all. Misel always said what he believed to everybody. I think that was one of the great things about him. He was adamant that losing Omer would not be the end of the world, he said he had plans for a replacement and that he was confident that they could replace Omer. It wasn’t going to be a downgrade in his eyes. I believed him, I’m not sure everybody did, but I had faith in what he said. He was also really strong on the fact that we still had a lot of the same players: I was still there, Mingrong Yuan was still commanding the centre of the defence, Dordo Urbanc had emerged as a real option in central midfield and Vido was up front.”

“How did the rest of the team take that?”

“Like I say, I’m not sure everybody believed it, but I think those who had been around for a while or who had been around Ararat as a club did. We genuinely had good players, Ermin Urankar was there too, Viggo Sjostrom might not be the fanciest name but he was a good hard-working Top League wide midfielder. Same with Jonatan Rebernik in the middle. Vasja Vansek was improving, only 18 or so heading into that 31-32 season. A lot of these lads had been brought up within Ravnjak’s Ararat. They didn’t know any different. It sounds weird now but he had almost a bit of a cult of personality around him… He was the club. You had to get behind what he said even if you had misgivings.”

“So he was convinced that losing Omer was not the end of the world?”

“No and I think his view was proven correct eventually, even if I had my doubts at the time. He said a few times that ‘whilst we all love Omer we have no choice but to start again, it’s a new season and he’s not here so it is all we can do’. Some people might have shrunk in response to that or thought it was tough love or something but he was right. Plus we had a lady by the name of Lindse Kvasina on the way… We couldn’t be down for too long with her around.”

The same television presenter appears on the screen, shuffling some papers and then looking directly down the camera. The image flickers a little, it is unclear whether it is because the footage is old or if it was put on the footage for effect by the documentary’s occasionally over-eager production team.

“Some transfer news out of Korecky Road now, it appears that Misel Ravnjak and Ararat Severyan have their replacement for Omer Kuhar-Arh. A highly-rated Nepharan midfielder is on the way to Mytanija as we speak to complete a two-year loan move from Sabrefell Athletic, 21 year old Lindse Kvasina will be pulling on the red-and-white next season and Ararat fans will hope that she can make-up for the sizeable contribution they’ve lost with Omer Kuhar-Arh’s transfer to Atletik Thessia. We go to Gazeta Sporta’s Irma Simunec for more information.”

“Thanks Josip!” Irma says, standing outside a windswept Korecky Road to break the transfer news. “Yes, Kvasina will be in Severyan tomorrow morning to complete this two-year loan deal. She is extremely highly-rated in Nepharan footballing circles, able to play either as a number ten or in central midfield and she is a very strong passer and dribbler of the ball. Very much in the Kuhar-Arh mould in that sense. She doesn’t have the same height which Kuhar-Arh boasts, but she is extremely passionate out on the pitch and has been known to lose her temper at times. That will be something which Misel Ravnjak will want to channel productively, if he can then Ararat might well have their hands on a ready-made replacement for their outgoing starlet. This is a real coup for the club, no financial outlay and a player who could potentially go on to play for Nephara if she continues her current trajectory. Ararat supporters will be very excited and they’ll certainly hope that she can do it in their colours over the next two years!”

Pedja smiles as he watches the television footage breaking Lindse Kvasina’s move to Ararat Severyan. A big grin crosses his face. The interviewer lets out a laugh off-screen, Kasun’s enthusiasm rubbing off on them.

“So I’m guessing Lindse Kvasina arriving was big for Ararat?” The interviewer chuckles.

“Lindse. Lindse, Lindse, Lindse… Where do I start with Lindse?” Pedja laughs.

“With a name like that I’m surprised nobody tried to get her to play for Mytanija…” The interviewer said.

“Well, I’m sure she might have some heritage somewhere down the line, who knows.” Pedja says thoughtfully. “What a player by the way.”

“An adequate replacement for Omer Kuhar-Arh?”

“Absolutely. Both absolutely brilliant players, but Lindse was there for the big moments, both were part of why we ended up where we did but Lindse’s impact cannot be understated. When the gaffer said we had to start again without Omer I think a few would have raised an eyebrow privately. He said he had a plan to replace him and in the end that plan was Lindse Kvasina. After her first couple of training sessions I think everybody believed what the gaffer had said. His plan to replace Omer was proven to be perfect, Lindse was top quality and everybody knew it after those first couple of days. Everybody knew that the gaffer delivered on what he said. Everybody bought in as a result of that. Losing Omer and bringing in Lindse almost galvanised us because it showed that Misel was a man of his word and that we had to trust in his methods.”

“Was Lindse as outspoken in training as she can be out on the pitch?”

“Was she?!” Pedja laughed, as if the question needed to be asked. “Lindse was so competitive, she would let you know if you were that 1 or 2 percent off it and she wouldn’t be kind with her words. I got it a few times when she put the ball past me in training with each shot and you’ve got to remember I was a seasoned pro, more than ten years older than her. Lindse was such a character in that way, so confident, sometimes unkind perhaps but only because she wanted to win. She helped to raise the standards in training though and as one of the more experienced heads in the dressing room I appreciated that. It was a good example for the younger players for one of their peers to be like her.”

“A good signing then?”

“I think that’s understating it. And we all know what happened next.”

by **Banija** » Thu May 12, 2022 2:58 pm

Part 1
Part 2
Part 3

Toyuwa Okafor, the Banijan Ambassador to Cardenao, in a virtual meeting with his superiors in Busukuma

Okafor was dressed to the nines. Because of the number of Ambassadors Banija had in their own diplomatic corps, it was not often they were able to have meetings with the big boss. Many of the Ambassadors would never see the big boss, outside of getting their credentials. His Royal Highness the Isebantu had a system for getting information regarding important developments in countries that were important to Banija. Cardenao was on the schedule on the first and third Monday of the month. Of course, everyone knows that foreign policy is about as reactive as any part of politics, so and there will always be times when you need to kick things up the ladder. Unscheduled.

Ambassador Okafor had felt that this was one of those times. Not bad enough where Okafor needed to go all the way to Busukuma- but enough to have an unscheduled meeting. That's what put him here on a Thursday morning, waiting for His Royal Highness, Isebantu Mutungi, to jump on the call. Just when he was wondering where the Isebantu was, he logged onto the call. "Ambassador Toyuwa?" Isebantu Mutungi said, in his own deep voice.

"Your Royal Highness." Said Ambassador Okafor. He simply bowed his head. You couldn't do the full bow on a video call. They exchanged pleasantries. He asked how Kabaka Mwanga was. And then, they got down to business. The Isebantu asked simply why they were there. And Ambassador Okafor informed the Crown Prince of the ongoing situation.

"So, you had particular orders from here." Said the Isebantu. "Obviously I've been informed, but where has the channeling been with Busukuma? I haven't heard a word from Cardenao's Ambassador here. Did they talk to you before they said that?"

"No they did not, unfortunately." Said Ambassador Okafor. "That's why I released the statement that I did. I presume you've seen it?" The Isebantu nodded. "We had to make sure that President Mihaly understood that we were being dead serious. Other nations doing things here, of course, that's fine. But anything that gets in the way of Banija's interests? The RTC ferry service, their exclusivity. PetroBan making a killing selling oil and gas out here. We know that tourists are coming here from all over the multiverse. That's fine. But we both have the same fear- some other nation will waltz in, and start trying to throw their weight around in Cardenao, both political and economically. That weight can't be thrown around unless we are right there..."

"And, of course, we know this has to be handled delicately." Isebantu Mutungi said. What he was thinking didn't need to be said out loud. Banija had spent years using soft power, and very limited hard power, to carve out some spheres of influence in the globe for themselves. For many years, they have seen empires like Valanora, Equestria, and even the Teus Empire, as well as the Quebecois, spread their wings and have influence as further than the eye could ever see. Banija hasn't always had the ability to do that- but in recent years, with new found oil wealth, Banija has been doing that. Slowly but steadily. Sometimes successfully, sometimes not so much. And Cardenao was one of those places that had been a wild success.

But the Banijan Foreign Policy establishment was still smarting. They made a serious bid to gain both influence and power in Nyowani Kitara- only to be shut entirely out of Nyowani Kitara in spectacular fashion. It was obviously far too simplistic to say that Nephara and Eura saw Banija as a threat, but Banija's diplomatic reputation not only in Nyowani Kitara, but in all of Rushmore, would be in tatters for a while. That made the places where Banija currently had influence, particularly outside of AO, even more important. To say Banija had a death grip on the Cardenao political system was probably too strong. But Banija was clearly not only the most influential country in Cardenao, but in all aspects, the only one.

Isolation was over for Cardenao. That was fine by Banija. But this needed to be managed well. "The President, of course, invited me over to the Prescium." Ambassador Okafor said. "I will go, with the RTC EVP. Gonna talk about expanding RTC business operations in the country."

"Hmmm." Isebantu Mutungi said. "Do you think you need backup?" The Ambassador shrugged, and asked what he meant. "Maybe we should send someone from Busukuma. Not myself, of course- but if a member of the Royal Family accompanies you, they'd understand to take this seriously."

"That won't be necessary. I think the President understands how this works, for now." The Ambassador replied. "If something changes... We can call you to come all the way out here yourself, if you so feel that it is necessary. But for now? Nothing to be worried about." The Isebantu nodded, and they ended the call.

Toyuwa Okafor, the Banijan Ambassador to Cardenao, meeting the local RTC EVP at the Banijan Embassy on the next day

Ambassador Okafor sat at his desk, waiting for the RTC EVP to walk into the room. Once he did, he came up and gave her a firm handshake, and then the two sat down. Ambassador Okafor then told his aides they could leave the room. Once they did, of course, the most shocking thing happened to the unedcuated observer. Ambassador Okafor walked up to her and gave her a huge kiss- on the lips.

The media in Cardenao had the same vibe as the Cardenao workers who originally tried to operate a ferry in this country, and Ambassadors generally weren't high-ranking enough people to really send the hounds after, anyways. While the influence of Banija was ever present, and the RTC was quite literally the force connecting the country, it wasn't like the Ambassador was a household name in this country. So while he was indeed having an affair, despite having a wife and quadruplets, he felt that as long as he was careful about it, he would be fine. And so far, he was right. Banijan media weren't off chasing Ambassadors to Anaia. Cardenao's media was having a good time, and therefore, he felt he was fine.

His fling partner, the RTC EVP, on the other hand- maybe not so much. Her name was Rasheda Arusi. She was a hotshot engineer that had simply flown up the ranks in the company. A Banijan born in Quebec, she this was the fifth country she had worked in. She was known as a rising superstar. She made the Banijan "30 under 30" for women, obviously a prestigious award as a businesswoman. Now she was just 33 years old, and sitting as a senior executive- the EVP of RTC Cardenao. That made her, of course, the sole most senior official in Cardenao for the entire company. She only answered to the C-Suite and the Board of Directors. A superstar in her own right.

She had a hell of a life. Straight 4.0 honors student in high school. Graduated Summa Cum Laude from Montréal Metropolitan University in Quebec- as well as finding time to be school President. A single woman under 35, who was making $2 million a year as a EVP? And living in the greatest vacation spot in Anaia. Not a bad life. She had moved her parents, her three siblings, and their immediate families all out to Cardenao. While she was never quite interested in having children, she was interested in ascending the Banijan corporate ladder. But it was a tough one to ascend, as a woman. The company permeated of Banija's social conservatism, even when it was abroad. Despite her being single, if word got out that she was having an affair with a married man? That would be a permanent ceiling. She had dreams to go back to Istria and join the C-Suite- maybe even one day become the company CEO.

But all those old men in suits back in Istria could've probably been born in colonial Banija. So until she ever got a husband(unlikely), things like these could only be done under top secret. The affair could be a career ruiner for both the Ambassador and the EVP, and yet, here they were. They had a steamy session in his soundproof office(courtesy of the last Ambassador), and when they both finished a few minutes later, everybody threw their clothes back on.

"Holy shit, you outdid yourself this time, Toyuwa." Rasheda said, putting her own clothes back on. "That was... A hell of a time."

"Well, you weren't so bad yourself." Toyuwa said. The two kissed, and then they sat down, on opposite sides of the desk. That's what made the affair so risky. One as an Ambassador, another as an EVP- they were supposed to work well together. "But I know why I'm supposed to be here." She put her hair together. "What's going on?"

"I'm sure you saw President Mihaly's statement a few days ago, did you not?" The Ambassador asked.

"Yes, of course I did." The RTC EVP said. "Do you not have that under control? Isn't that your job? Or do I have to clean up-"

"No, no, you don't have to clean anything up." Ambassador Okafor said.

"But it's interesting. They may want transportation infrastructure, won't they?" The RTC EVP started to stress out. "What if they want to end our exclusivity for ferrying people from one side of Cardenao to the other?"

"I doubt anything like that." Said the Ambassador. "Actually, he wrote me a letter, directly." The Ambassador pulled it out, and let the RTC EVP read it. "I'm going to the Prescium. And I think the RTC will probably be on the agenda. Look at that desire for a partnership?" She read on for a moment. "You will do yourself well to be there as well. Meeting's tomorrow morning."

"How will I get there?" She asked?

"You'll have to travel with me, Rasheda." The Ambassador said. "Get here in the morning. I hope you're ready for the Prescium- it'll be quite a time." The meeting was soon over after that. With the meeting on such short notice, she would have to talk to her own superiors. The RTC EVP, of course, basically had full power to do whatever she wanted- but such a huge expansion of resources, if they did indeed ask about expanding public transit, would likely require the approval of the Board of Directors.

He also had a letter for the President, that his own boss, the Isebantu, faxed over in the morning of the meeting.

To: President Mihaly of Cardenao

Mr. President,

I would like to thank you for your invitation given to my good friend, Ambassador Okafor, and the local RTC EVP, Rasheda Arusi. The special relationship between Cardenao and Banija must remain strong- we are two nations whose fates are intertwined, and we believe that everyone should understand that what is good for Banija, is good for Cardenao. Cardenao venturing out into the world, and ending its isolation, is, on its face, a very good thing for the people of your country. Banija has both the belief that we can be engaged partners in this process, and my father, His Majesty the Kabaka, back home in Busukuma, has also wished to expressed his support for what will happen in today's meeting.

From,

Isebantu Mutungi
Waziri of Banija

by **Tikariot** » Thu May 12, 2022 3:02 pm

-- The World Cup 91 is covered by Wilbur Sorensen and Kendora Wintrup --

Estelí, República Guanacasteca - After an excellent start to the qualifying campaign for World Cup 91 with a 5-1 win over Ziwana and a 5-3 over Cardenao, the Snowy Owls did not have to travel far for match day 3 as they were able to hop on a quick flight to Estelí in the República Guanacasteca just to the east in Pavola. Coming off a sensational 4-3 win over Pasarga and a dramatic 4-5 loss to Barunia, Los Cerdos had proven that they were not a team to be taken lightly.

Despite having scored eight goals in their first two games, the hosts fielded their traditional 5-3-2 formation, but they had proven their flexibility to switch to a 3-4-1-2 at a moment's notice with lightning quick counter attacks that are capable to surprise even the big favourites, such as Pasarga.

In front of a sell-out crowd in the Estadio Tiburcio Carías Andino in Estelí, coach Brian McAllister made several changes in the line-up with Brian Merson in goal the only returning starting player compared to the first two games. But given the very even level of quality throughout the squad, this did not mean that Tikariot was entering the game with a B team with names such as Farnsrud, Al Hak, Vacarese or Nighthorse serving as clear indicators.

The game itself was a hard-fought affair that saw a lot of the battles take place in midfield, making actual scoring chances scarce in the first 45 minutes, with the best chance coming in the 23rd when Dylan Orellana sent a long diagonal pass forward to Rodrigo Marin, who used his speed to dart past Al Hak before pulling into the box. Keeping his head up, he brought a sharp low pass across the six yard box, but Kenneth Ingram's attempt to re-direct the ball at the Tikariot goal was tipped past the post by an excellently positioned Merson. On the other side the best chance came just before half-time when Morris Nighthorse picked up a ball at the midfield line and wove his way through the Guanacestecan midfield before being stopped rather abruptly by sweeper David Monterroza, leading to a freekick. Easton Aird pushed the ball just to the right to give Vacarese a clear shot at goal, but the ball glanced off the crossbar, ending a goalless first half.

The second half started more lively with the hosts' youngsters coming out of their shell a bit more and within the first ten minutes shots by Linton, Ingram and Fuller gave Brian Merson more to do than in the first 45 minutes combined. This, however, also proved to be the way for Tikariot to get more offense in as well, as they were able to utilize the extra space to launch offensive forays of their own. Xanark City-upstart Easton Aird was a constant cause for trouble for the Guanacastecan midfield, constantly shifting position and utilizing a mix of shots and passes to remain as unpredictable as possible. He failed to get the ball past young Sergio Gonzalez in goal on three occasions within just eight minutes, which caused some of his teammates to indicate their unhappiness with his single-mindedness, however it would prove to be crucial to the game.

Guanacasteca remained dangerous with their quick switching from defense to offense, with Ricardo Linton pulling the strings and especially Vicente Calderon on the left side being a constant threat. In the 66th minute a few of the afore-mentioned details came together to break the stalemate and ultimately shift the game in Tikariot's favour when a pass by Linton was intercepted by Vacarese. Aird pulled two defenders on him, giving Welch acres of space in the centre, which Vacarese used to their advantage when he laid off the ball and the Port Rhovanyon midfielder was able to fire off a blistering shot from 25 metres out that perfectly struck the top right corner, out of reach of an outstretched Gonzalez in goal. The Snowy Owls now immediately pressed the young Guanacastecan defense to exploit the temporary disorganization and only six minutes after the go-ahead goal Easton Aird picked off an ill-directed pass and pushed forward with a pacy run down the left. He cut inside and found Vacarese perfectly placed at the corner of the penalty box, who wasted no time and curled a ball inside that missed friend and foe and somehow found its lucky way into the net to double the lead.

The Tikariotians then pulled back a bit, while the Guanacastecan team endeavoured to regain their defensive positions to avoid further damage. In the end Tikariot was content with controlling the game and play out the remaining quarter of an hour to make it their third win in three games in the World Cup 91 qualifiers, but it has to be said that the plucky youngsters on the hosts' side put up a great fight and could definitely be a stepping stone for other teams in the group to stumble over.

Fort Viljan, Tikariot - Confidence in and around the Tikariot national team was on a high when the Snowy Owls entered the pitch in Fort Viljan's Citadel of the North for their fourth-round match against TJUN-ia, with three wins out of three so far. It was a chilly evening in front of the 40,000 people, but both the players and fans were hot for retribution for the playoff loss in the qualifying campaign for World Cup 86, with Brian McAllister giving the line-up a gentle shake with Alan Castanheira back in the line-up for Morris Nighthorse, who had picked up a small ankle injury in league action and Hamish Stainthorpe getting the nod as centre forward ahead of Gary Conway and Kieran Beaumont, who had not been 100% convincing in the first few games.

And the game turned out to be a high speed affair with plenty going on on both ends of the pitch. From the get-go TJUN-ia applied immediate pressure on the Tikariot defense in an attempt to catch the hosts on the wrong foot and establish an early lead and if it wasn't for the combined efforts of Brian Merson, Stian Farnsrud and Atamai Tameifuma, the Jags could easily have scored within the first ten minutes when at first left midfielder Manu Kepelewako unleashed a fierce shot from the distance that Merson could just deflect against the goal post and then both Prince Carter and Archer Andrews saw their respective efforts foiled by one body part of another of Farnsrud and Tameifuma and then a free kick of Kelo Ngwemanagawa missing the post by mere inches.

On the other side, Easton Aird continued his lively performance from the game against Guanacasteca when he set up Arrowsmith with a nifty looped pass, but his volley ended right in the arms of David N'Kude in the 11th minute. Two minutes later Ngwemanagawa sent a sharp corner curling away from goal, finding the head of Carlos Pique, whose header struck the ground first and from there into the back of the net to give TJUN-ia the early lead they had been hoping for. What followed was an angry barrage by the Snowy Owls, who were now pushing the TJUN-ian team back with wave after wave of attack, with Castanheira and Arrowsmith upfront as well as Aird and Giovanni Vacarese constantly switching sides to tearing open the opposing defense, but the bulvark of N'kude, von Krjker, Hwang, Malsharma and Ørberg somehow managed to kept the clean sheet for the guests.

Remaining highly dangerous on their counter attacks, it actually was a countered counter attack in the 43rd minute that brought the equalizer when left back Kiarra Yates intercepted a quickly executed attack by TJUN-ia, sending the ball against the united movement of the guests. With an impeccably timed run, Castanheira picked up the ball and found himself alone in front of N'kude, slotting the ball next to the goal post to make it 1-1 for half time.

In the second 45 minutes TJUN-ia would again be on the front foot early on, with another free kick by Ngwemanagawa narrowly missing the goal and a header by Mohammad Malsharma after a Kelepewako corner forcing Merson into a dive save, but it was again Alan Castanheira that would find himself at the centre of attention in the 56th minute when he chipped a pass from Vacarese over von Krjker before twisting himself around the Real Gardaresso full back to push into the box and go for the short post with a shot that N'kude still managed to get his hand onto, but not enough to prevent it from hitting the net, giving Tikariot their first lead of the game.

In order to preserve some of their energy, Tikariot tried a more tempered approach, allowing TJUN-ia more space, which would come costly for the Snowy Owls when Prince Carter converted a Ngwemanagawa corner with a beautiful header in the 78th minute to put things even again. This is when McAllister decided to try to recreate the magic of Cardenao game, bringing on Kathleen Chamberlain and Morris Nighthorse as well as Kieran Beaumont and immediately the fresh legs made a difference, tipping the scales towards Tikariot again. Then, when everybody already was expecting a draw between the two sides, Tikariot was awarded a last corner that Chamberlain whipped in, right onto the head of Beaumont and the ball made it past the outstretched hand of N'kude, sending the home fansn into a frenzy as the referee blew the whistle almost immediately after, sealing the victory for the Snowy Owls.

Operation Retribution's Dawn was still in full swing, now with four wins in four games for Tikariot as they headed into the next set of games against Muralos and Pavolan rivals Bollonich.

by **Ochre Islands** » Thu May 12, 2022 3:29 pm

You want to know more about the trees, don't you? Do they all talk to each other or is it just the ones in the much less populated interior of the Ochre Islands where nature has been left to herself? Well, they all do! Behold!

Two trees standing either side of a shady path in Bellflower's Manrique Square district, not too far from the PM's office. Two staffers were walking along the path, their conversation being picked up on by the two trees mentioned. 'Why are these books so heavy?' The first complained rather loudly, carrying records that should have been digitised long ago.

The tree to the left couldn't help themself:

'BECAUSE YOU'RE CARRYING AROUND PULPED AND COMPRESSED TREES'

I know I said they whispered! But trees aren't like you and me so they only talk in capital letters, which have been reduced in size by around 25% to indicate it's a whisper. Why? I do not know why. It is just how it is. Back to the staffers, one of whom was sure they heard something.

'What?'

'Sorry? I didn't answer your question?'

'I'm sure I heard something. What are these books anyway?'

'Ah, they hold the records of all the stuff that was left behind when we gained independence. One or two things were overlooked, like owning a motorway service station in Krytenia, and also about a mile of the motorway network that the service station actually straddled. Turns out the Foreign Secretary wants it. Positioning themselves for the top job once Senator Ginsley steps down.'

An hour later, the Foreign Secretary was pouring over the documents along with the staffers. 'So tell me' he said. 'How far away is Carbenew exactly?' 'Cardenao, Foreign Secretary. And it's around 123 miles from the south coast of Juniper to the Cardenao mainland.'

'One hundred and twenty-three?' 'Yes, that's right.' 'Bit convenient, isn't it?' 'Foreign Secretary?'

'Well it is. You mean to tell me that it's just 123 miles? One-two-three?' 'Well, yes Foreign Secretary, it is. We've checked it out ourselves. Handsby Island is around 80 miles across and you could fit one and a half of those between Juniper and Cardenao. Which would make about 120 miles. So, yes, 123 is both accurate and factually correct.'

The Foreign Sec. looked confused. It was a jolly good job there were no trees around. A desk plant gave an unseen withering look but that was about it, as it went back to watching the... highlights... of the Ochre Islands losing 4 – 0 away at Indusse, then 3 – 2 at home against Kandorith. The 4 – 0 loss against Indusse was particularly humbling, putting further pressure on Jody Dontell's position, but scoring 2 against a team in the top 15 of the world restored a little bit of pride. Tough games against South Newlandia and Saint Eleanor followed, though there were thoughts across the Islands that at least 1 point out of the 6 should be attainable, though most people were hoping for a minimum of 3.

The staffers looked at each other momentarily while the Foreign Secretary mulled over the distance to Cardenao. 'Why didn't we notice they were there before?'

'Well, the Bostopians. They took a lot of the charts and maps from us and hid a lot of satellite imagery after the embarresment with trying to shoot down a Starblaydian missile over Krytenia before we got our independence.'

'And we haven't noticed since independence, because..?' 'Trying to build a functional democracy, Foreign Secretary. No-one really elected Senator Ginsley as Prime Minister, she was just on top of the pile the Bostopians built of what they thought were "helpful idiots" when it turned out the Bostopians were very helpful and absolutely moronic.'

'Right' the Foreign Secretary said, brushing aside the fact that the Ochres were running under an unelected Head of Government also acting as Head of State when the need arose to greet dignitaries. 'And what does Cardenao have that we would want?'

'Flax.' 'Flax?' The Foreign Secretary replied, his eyes lighting up. Every Ochre Islander loved linen. This would be a great boost for his campaign. 'And... what could we send them?' He asked, excitedly. 'Well, we've identified some of our older patrol boats could easily be repaired, brought fairly up to scratch and then donated in exchange for a favourable trade deal.' The Foreign Secretary stared off into the distance, dreaming of a future where everyone had all the linen they could ever need and more so, hailing him into a new world of wrinkled, comfortable hot-weather clothes.

'Get me Cardenao on the phone. We need to talk flax fibres.'

by **Saint Eleanor** » Thu May 12, 2022 3:44 pm

World Cup 91 - fourth matchday of qualification
Fort McKinley 2 (Ernie Clyde Beard goal 36', David Guy Allen goal 74')
Saint Eleanor 2 (Harriet Williams goal 32' [pen], Steve Pilchard goal 50', Exandra Davies red card 72')

Liam West: "It's an honour to serve for the country, as I've always felt it has been"
Chief Football Correspondent Jamie Rodgers talks to the captain about a career dedicated to putting everyone else in their place
Originally published on Sunday 18th April 1999

Carpentersville is the quietest, most unassuming of Saint Eleanor's coastal districts, a boring place with nothing except the obvious amenities that was built just after independence to accommodate new and curious Eleanorians. There is no doubt, however, as to its most famous export - even if he was born in Newbanks.

Liam West moved to Carpentersville in 1977, just in time for him to attend the local community school: "the football would have been no better than Newbanks, but then most places weren't, so I thought why not?" He admits to making few friends, being more focused on studying ("especially biology; it was the closest thing I had to a passion") and reading, but says he still talks to them on occasions. He appraises Gordon Bright in particular: "in all the same classes as me; an effusive character, I'll say that much, but perhaps I'd add he kept me and everyone around him honest. Both of us were about strong relationships, not scant ones; we dealt with people as and when they needed it, not harder and not softer, and he was definitely a big help in sorting that out." His parents still live in the district, his father "nothing more than a lawnmower salesman" and his mother a member of the local hotel's front desk team: "nondescript people in public-facing jobs who know how to listen and won't get unnecessarily angry. I've been told those kinds of things whenever I've gone into the pub myself. In fairness, Gordon's mate has a shop where I work during the offseason and the customers sometimes tell me that. God bless them."

His Charles Trump Shield class of 1984 were, according to West, "typically Eleanorian to the last: neat short hair, coffee with a bit of milk in at 9am, dryly humourous, maybe a bit cynical, definitely as much freedom-loving as their parents were, deferential to authority - especially to the teacher." They didn't do too badly, either, making it to the last sixteen before crashing out against the Eleanorian Academy, Independence 1975's feeder school and eventual runners-up: "they weren't too famous in the end either but they were also solid, like a lot of schools teams in the 80s, and I think they broke us down easily. I had my chances and took them, mostly, but there were a few I didn't get and could never have gotten, they were that good." West impressed Indy enough to win a place as Frank Walter's replacement in 1986, the year after he kicked off an ignominous end-of-season brawl against champions Army and Navy. He insists that the atmosphere was "okay - we had a good team, still lots of old-timers from the autumn 1975 league, a couple of war veterans, but mostly boring people who just wanted to get on with the job, definitely no egos. I'd say everything fell apart after we won the title in 1991; Lydia [Sharp] said she couldn't take it anymore but if she'd seen what was going on the following year... goodness, that wasn't very nice."

What were the three games that shaped him most as a footballer? "I'd say I'm improving with every game to some extent, but I normally do the bread and butter stuff, nothing spectacular: I feel like I'm at my best when I know what I'm doing and I feel like everybody else is doing that, or could at least be doing that with some prodding. The first game I could think of was the one in my first title season, '88 and all that - the one that really mattered, 3-1 against the Unicorn. Big home crowd, matchup against the last champions, win and you get the title, we didn't want to wait any more than four years for it like we did the previous time, and we went out and showed them what it was really like to play football. I had a good time, everybody else did, we were cutting out anything that looked like a dangerous opportunity, creating a lot - more than normal - taking chances; even I came up with a header. Great game all round, deal sealed, job done, title back home, a force to be reckoned with for about a decade afterwards. That was how we should be playing every game, I thought; I still think that. Clean, fast, fair, a bit shaggy, proper football."

In at number two is an otherwise unremarkable 2-0 win against Occidental Olympic in 1992 - at the time ironically managed by Adam Woolley, now of Athletic. "Lydia had retired and I'd gotten the captaincy by then; she wanted me to. The season was eighteen games back then; she was gone, Gaff [Phil Farlane] was pretty much on the verge of being forced out because he thought trying to mimic Sword and Shield would be a good idea, but that didn't matter - I told the lads you play three in a row and don't win any of them, you're dead. Doesn't matter how crap your dressing room is, and this was the worst I'd ever seen it, I and maybe a couple of others were literally the only well-balanced ones because everybody else was taking a side in the formation debate, but there just isn't any excuse for being this bad when you have the potential to win every game. I think it motivated them because some twenty-year-old called Henry Green - I wonder where he is now - smacked in a couple, could have had more, I reverted to pumping the ball up the pitch so he could get hold of it, and in the end Gaff brought on Sophie [Wilton] too. We won four after that, obviously I didn't do the same speech all the time, and that was a pretty close season but we lost the second-to-last game against the college kids and it was all over for another year, really."

His final selection is the 4-1 reverse at home to Athletic Saint Eleanor last year, an almost unprecedented result for the club. "This was pretty similar to the Olympic game: good, solid team, could get into too much trouble to be worth it, no more internationals, the game that sets the tone for the rest of the season. That game - especially the second half - made a mockery of everything the club stands for. I don't know what Dave [Newcastle] was doing in our own penalty area at 1-0 to the Reds or where literally the entire defence was for most of the game, and I definitely don't know why Alice [Christopher] and James [Trott] were too happy to sit back for so long. We're defensive, yes, but we cannot be absolutely cynical. People see my play and they think exactly that; if they can see everybody else's and do that, and if we can win titles - not scrape into the IFCF spots - by doing that, then I'll be happy. That was not a good match. I wouldn't call it a failure of leadership, I'd just call it a sloppy performance that just isn't befitting of us."

Unlike his forebear at Indy, West is well-behaved and mild-mannered: he has appeared in every single game that Saint Eleanor has played, and captained the team at all of them. He is unapologetic in his belief that "it's an honour to serve for the country, as I've always felt it has been: it's the same atmosphere I remember from my first days at Indy, some people are more represented, more connected than others but I talk to all of them on a regular basis - I couldn't imagine doing that ten years ago - and I know they love playing, getting out there, working together and getting great results." Can the national team get any better? "Well, three in a row unbeaten is pretty impressive, our best start ever, and we definitely have the foundations for success there for the next few years but I'm not getting too confident - we have to work for it." And what about his club? "If Layla Grover doesn't regularly throw her toys out the pram and we keep on blooding new people who know what the team's supposed to be, then why can't we get better?"

The most important footballer in Saint Eleanor has to be inspired by somebody - seemingly an unenviable task. He praises "Mum and Dad, of course, I've talked about them already, but too many players to name here as well - I've been learning a lot of things from everyone in the setup. If I had to pick somebody I've worked with, I'll talk about Lydia Sharp again, she was the captain of Indy before I was and she retired eight years ago, but if you ask anyone who's ever met her, they'll reassure you that she doesn't take anybody's nonsense; decent, honest, forthright, somehow approachable, one of the last tea-drinkers left in the country - other than that, I had no choice but to look up to her. It definitely rubbed off on me - you've heard Sam [Newbridge] talk about the effect the captaincy had on him and I know I'm much quieter than him, as it were, but it's definitely a great incentive to be smart, don't do ridiculous things, push the team on and what have you."

Despite Newbridge's bold words before the game, the White Stars were pulled back twice at the People's Revolution Stadium in Fort McKinley, despite having the upper hand in the seventy minutes before Exandra Davies got her marching orders for a sorry foul on the hosts' first scorer, Ernie Clyde Beard - "completely inexcusable against a team like this in a place like this." Despite the captain easily heading out Clyde Beard's initial setpiece, the ball fell to star striker David Guy Allen, who bamboozled John Bailey with a first-time volley across the goalface from twenty yards out to leave the game at 2-2, where it ended. "What I did was unconscious, an attempt to stop the ball from ending in a really dangerous place, but when you look at what Guy Allen did right after that, that was an absolute banger. Not even Aranea Provost's keeping that out."

He is far more critical of his time in the communist nation: "Horrible, horrible, absolutely horrible: all I got for breakfast was an extremely hard block of cereal I tried to eat before giving up. The only building that was'nt concrete aws the local supermarket and they sold nothing that anyone would like: only those annoying cereals and porridge, no description, just CEREAL or PORRIDGE. Everything appears to be about glorifying the government, not the people who do things there: that was what all the films were about, that was what the fans did, and so on. Bridget [Coombe] says the spa was closed for renovation but they probably shut it to annoy us." What makes Saint Eleanor great? "A lot of things, but one really important thing sets us apart from [Fort] McKinley and everything else: we have a properly-functioning economy, companies succeed, companies fail, people buy and sell things, they have their own opinions and we respect them, so as long as you aren't threatening the system. If anything, we have more surnames in our starting lineup than they have in their nation has. Is that not freedom?"

If Newbridge breaks the mould, West is the mould. A controlled, fairly safe defender who has mastered the basics of his craft well - perhaps too well - his biggest skill is not, as most people think, his standing tackle or his ability to mark even the most challenging strikers like a hawk (he didn't talk about those things once). It is, instead, his leadership: friendly with all but cozy with none, eminently able to recognise faults that disrupt the entire team rather than just his own play, and beyond a shadow of a doubt a massive influence on the game, both as it happens and behind the scenes. He is a role model for tens of thousands of Eleanorians today, and surely even more overseas, for good reason.

by **Kimi-Suomi** » Thu May 12, 2022 3:53 pm

Joskus tauko on kaikki mitä tarvitset. That was what the Huuhkajat were facing as they entered the long haul of WCQ and lamented on what happened in the first two games. Losing by a tight margin to Sininen Niemi certainly did hurt a little bit, but it did show that we can certainly fight. As for the game in Stresinen, well...I think the 5-0 scoreline says it all to be honest. It was two results that showed...toivoa. Toivoa above all else.

But even the greatest of teams needs a break from time to time and MD3 was our tauon aika, allowing us time to watch the others battle it out for survival across the world. Pemecutan is very good, as are several others and it can all certainly be a bit uhkaava at times...but we are Kimi-Suomi. We did not enter this competition to simply gawk at the competition and leave it at that - we are here taistella, taistella, taistella and it does not matter whether we are in the Top 100, Top 10 or even down in 269th. Kimi-Suomi has to fight because not fighting is admitting defeat by default.

We returned to Pesä for MD 4 as a former UWC Champion in the form of Al Qurija came to Kimi Kaupunki, managed by Pau Porras and 5th entering this contest. What game we ended up with was a 6-goal thriller, one where everything was certainly on the line and everything came out in pure emotion. Al Qurija is certainly a good team and they would take an early lead through Modevideo Carpi in this 6 vs 7 battle...and then Joao Fonte-Ivanovski added a 2nd after 20 minutes....pain. Utter utter pain. Then they got a penalty in the 35th and many thought that we may be fucked...but then Kauko Loukamaa saved that penalty and everyone went wild and he got a big hug from Heidi Itälä and from there, we certainly woke the hell up. Kimi Airo scored out first just before half time but once the 2nd half arrived, Huuhkajat were certainly hungry and that is what spurred us on. Valtteri Nordström then got the equaliser in the 56th and the mood in the stadium was certainly starting to reach fever pitch. Anne Hintz would give us the lead and everyone went bonkers and when substitute Maria Tuominen added the 4th, the party was certainly in full swing. From 2-0 down to a 4-2 win...vitun loistava and with that, things change once more...now we are in 5th and Al Qurija in 7th, not the other way round.

This team is certainly in it for the long haul now and we will certainly get that next time as we face both Pot 3 and Pot 4 nations in this group - HUElavia (3rd in the group) away and Suolahevonen, a.k.a. Saltstead (6th in the group) at home. If we have any chance of putting up an argument for the Top 3, it's these nations we would have to beat...and while that may seem improbable, mikään ei ole mahdotonta jalkapallossa. NOSTA KUIN HUUHKAJAT!

by **Turori** » Thu May 12, 2022 4:05 pm

Eels head for a break before Social Showdown with Flavovespia

Cednia Beach Center, Cednia, Turori :: Despite being out possessed on the night by a fairly obvious margin, the Turori National Team had taken a 2-1 lead into the second half of their crucial Group 14 fixture with the so-called Purple Peril. An early goal from Kiidallen Aeroluzzi set Nigel's Army into early song but truth be told it was all Starblaydia for the majority of the first half from that point on. That was, until the last kick of the half when Daliora Toru'u restored the Eels advantage with an expertly taken free kick. The Turorian coaching staff would look to slow things down in the second half with a number of substitutions - introducing players such as a like for like defender swap between Cusaram Sakeri and Moumounti Verre'elali and a straight swap in midfield between Naraiza Ruaplal and Kinabo Telioa. However, the one change that would have the biggest impact was the 65th minute introduction of Jungle Strike FC forward Lutara Makakio. While Tarek Edgeli and the Turori coaching staff seemed perfectly content hunkering down and protecting the Eels narrow advantage, Makakio was one of the few Turorian players still pressuring the Purple Defenders as the match waned on. As Starblaydia pressed forward in search of a late equalizer, Makakio was able to take advantage to steal in a moment of brilliance to put the game fully out of reach. After an intercept in the back by Planio'o Nrujsa, the ball was quickly distributed up to Makakio who had just one remaining purple shirt to beat. Makakio's fresh legs did so with ease and then with a level of calmn beyond their years, placed the ball into the net to extend Turori's lead to 3-1. Nigel's Army immediately went into raptures as the pressure valve had been fully opened with the sigh of relief in the form of cheers as the Eels had secured all three points from what many considered to be the toughest opposition that they would host on the campaign.

When any lingering locker room celebrations settled down, the Turori National Team would pack their bags and hit the road to visit Savojarna - a nation very familiar to sports fans in the Vilitan Cove region of Atlantian Oceania - but largely unfamiliar to Nigel's Army and the traveling contingent of Turorian National Team supporters. Savojarna have been a side that many consider to have had unfortunate luck during recent World Cup Qualifying draws - having four times been drawn in the same group as the Tropics of Vilita and having failed to advance from each of those groups. Savojarna's performance during World Cup 90 Qualifying left many experts in a state of confusion as the Savojar team seemed unable to win in the first half of the campaign - and unable to lose in the second half, narrowly missing out on a World Cup Playoff berth. Having been drawn in a group with Turori, Starblaydia, Flavovespia and Wreckeria among other nations - many consider Savojarna to have gotten the toughest draw of all the third-seeded nations across the whole of World Cup 91 Qualifying. Yet for the Savojars - adversity in World Cup Qualifying would be nothing new.

The opening two games of the campaign were largely a wash for the team as they will have been disappointed to be held to a draw by the 9th seeded Forbidden Territories but equally pleased to have earned a draw against Starblaydia, knowing that they will have no chance of qualifying automatically for World Cup 91 without at least matching the performances of the two teams above them in the rankings. Of course, that leads directly into their next matchup - the one that the Turori National Team cared most about, Savojarna v. Turori.

The match would take place at the Nationalstadion Carl Gustaf Bjurman in Sjoedrhavn and over 75,000 were expected to attend the game in the capital city of Savojarna. The goalkeepers were first out of the tunnel with 30 year old Aleksandra Virulainen in goal for the home side and Turori's first choice netminder Derizi Amatopa wearing the gloves for Tarek Edgeli's side. It would be an important moment to remember for all the fans in the National Stadium as well as those watching the broadcast as Virulainen and Amatopa would be the stars of the game - at least for the first hour or so of the match. Both teams would have a handful of quality goal scoring opportunities during the first half and on every occasion - even as the defenses collapsed and let the teams down their goalkeepers were there to back them up and keep them out of trouble. Virulainen made an almost unthinkable stop in the 33rd minute when a shot attempt from Turakia Diijelhma struck the leg of Vidkun Nymark and redirected on its way to the goal. Virulainen had already laid out to make the save but somehow managed to point their toe outstretched just enough to block the new trajectory of the ball, forcing it up and over the bar at the final moment.

Frustrated by the general inability of their side to finish their goal scoring opportunities over the opening matches, Tarek Edgeli would make changes at the half introducing veteran Arlington City striker and Turori's all time leading active goalscorer: Meldi'ita Mungwaii. Typically a forward, Mungwaii would enter the match as an attacking midfielder playing just behind the top two after replacing Kiidallen Aeroluzzi in the lineup. Mungwaii would be there to help set up the chances and spot out the attacking play from the resumption of action in the second half. While Mungwaii's impact on the game was felt quickly, it still wasn't resulting in any goals and the Savojar players began to seemingly settle in, realizing perhaps in their half time break that if they could hold out for a draw against Turori just one game after matching the performance of Starblayida, it would be considered a very successful kick off to their campaign. Edgeli continued to change things up in search of a goal bringing in long-pass expert H'munao Cagomia on the backline just after the hour mark then bringing on fresh legs in the attack 68 minutes into the match through Loala Inkabu. Despite the fresh legs it would be a player that was on the field since the kick off that would ultimately make the difference. Playing their club career at René Skaé in Farfadillis, Tulaki Rauogba was the stranger to the scoresheet but for the National Team the 29 year old had just six career goals in over 60 appearances. With a free kick in the 75th minute against Savojarna, however, Rauogba would get to goal number 7 and perhaps one of the most critical of their career as yet. Rauogba's goal would ultimately be the only time the ball would get past either netminder on the day as Turori would narrowly escape Savojarna with a 1-0 victory that would also allow the Eels to move up into the second position in the Group 14 table behind Juvencus, who would be Turori's opponent on the final matchday of the campaign. Turori's next opponent on the schedule is Flavovespia, currently sitting 5th in the Group 14 table but level on points with 3rd place Wreckeria. The match against Flavovespia will take place in Mliona on the twii.tur Field at Sokattack Stadium, home of rising Turorian side Sokattack Mliona.

 Turori 3 - 1 Starblaydia	
	Turori Goals:	:: 8' Kiidallen Aeroluzzi:: 45' Daliora Toru'u:: 82' Lutara Makakio            
	Stats :: Turori 	:: Possession: 39%:: Shots: 4:: Corners: 4 :: Starblaydia :: Possession: 61%:: Shots: 7:: Corners: 8
	Turori Lineup :: 	Derizi Amatopa, Amakli Inuro'o, Moumouni Verre'elali (Cusaram Sakeri 45'), Biliki Rona'atu'i, Planio’o Nrujsa, Cuoabaza Orani’aoa, Kiidallen Aeroluzzi (Lutara Makakio 65'), Naraiza Ruaplal (Kinabo Telioa 67'), Daliora Toru'u, Nua'oma Aikiki, Loala Inkabu

 Turori 1 - 0 Savojarna 	
	Turori Goals:	:: 75' Tulaki Rauogba              
	Stats :: Turori 	:: Possession: 54%:: Shots: 5:: Corners: 4 :: Savojarna  :: Possession: 46%:: Shots: 4:: Corners: 5
	Turori Lineup :: 	Derizi Amatopa, Amakli Inuro'o (H’munao Cagomia 64'), Karek Edgeli, Biliki Rona'atu'i, Planio’o Nrujsa, Cuoabaza Orani’aoa, Kiidallen Aeroluzzi (Meldi'ita Mungwaii 45'), Tulaki Rauogba, Lati'ala Giaoka, Turakia Diijelhma (Loala Inkabu 68'), Nua'oma Aikiki

TURORI NATIONAL ✓

@TuroriNat
@twiitur have announced that all fans who check in from Turori's home game at #SokattackStadium will receive a special icon next to their username during the match.

#WC91Q - #TURvFVO - #Group14

Mliona, Turori

Fixture :: World Cup 91 Qualifying Matchday 6 v. Flavovespia

Location :: Mliona is the largest city on Turori's secondary island. It is known as a modern tech hub with companies such as twii.tur based within.

Capacity :: 46,500

Stadium & Tenant History :: Sokattack Stadium started as a 3,000 Capacity single-stand stadium when Sokattack Mliona entered the Turorian Lower League system as an alternative local club to the much larger Mliona-Lpaka. When Sokattack Mliona were first promoted to the Declasse Division during the 35th Vilitan League Cycle, the club were required to make capacity improvements to the stadium to ensure a permanent seated amount of 14,000. They accomplished this by adding a large stand at the Eastern end of the ground with 11,000 seats with a future expansion plan to replace the original 3,000 seat grandstands along the sideline. Sokattack's immediate relegation from the Declasse shelved those plans, however, and another one-off season in the Declasse during Vilitan League cycle 39 did nothing to re-establish those plans.

It wasn't until Sokattack Mliona's promotion from the Tropicorp Lower League as runners-up to Tropicorp FC in the 12th Tropicorp Cup that expansion plans returned. The club added 5,000 temporary seats on the Western touchline to meet the league minimum seating then completed a 22,000 capacity primary grandstand in place of the old 3,000 seater, complete with a state-of-the-art concourse for vending, refreshments and souvenirs.

During Vilitan League Cycle 61 Sokattack picked up sponsorship from twii.tur who invested in further improvements to the ground. In addition to raising the stadium capacity to the current 46,500, twii.tur invested in the clubs Youth Academy and training facilities, purchasing land across from the stadium to be used as a training ground for both the senior and youth teams at the club. This investment paid off as Sokattack Mliona won the 18th Tropicorp Cup returning to the Vilitan Declasse once more where they remain to this day. While the Sokattack Academy does not participate directly in the Tropicorp Youth League, the team participate in regional competitions and have a partnership agreement with Mliona-Lpaka to provide Sokattack Players to the Mliona-Lpaka team for the Tropicorp Youth Competition. Four Sokattack Academy players were apart of Mliona-Lpaka's 17th Turorian Youth Group Championship.

Investments & Experience :: 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.

As capabilities of interconnected and handheld communication devices improved, the Turorian Weather & Information Interchange (Twii) was adapted into a public facing service where users could sign up to create their own twii nodes where users would sign up to a twii group to receive all the twii messages delivered by members of that group.

twii.tur are the presenting sponsor of the Sokattack Stadium, officially known as the "twii.tur Field at Sokattack Stadium". twii.tur invested heavily in improving not only the stadium but the surrounding infrastructure on the complex as part of a naming and kit sponsorship agreement with the club from Vilitan League Season 61. twii.tur made significant improvements in the technology at the stadium making it a hidden gem amongst small-to-mid size stadiums within Atlantian Oceania.

The Sokattack Stadium was a host venue for two group stage matches played during the AOCAF LIVe regional championships in Tropicorp. The first was the group 2 opener between Osarius and Iskandervale and the second was the Final Match of Group 1 that saw a 2-2 draw between Demot and Komarov-Thomiya. The venue would make its first ever appearance in the World Cup hosting the opening match of Group C during World Cup 90 between Zwangzug and Jeruselem. The Popular Stadium was also the venue for the recently contested Relics Trophy Competition Final contested between Northwest Kalactin and Eraman during Eagle's Cup XIII, reprising a role it held during Eagle's Cup XI as the host of the Newcomers Cup Final.

by **Eura** » Thu May 12, 2022 4:27 pm

WORLD CUP 91 QUALIFYING – GROUP 8 MATCHDAY 3
Polkopia 0–3 Eura
Scorers:
Robshaw 7, Sherwood 42, Singh 87
Lineup:
13. T Hammond
15. K Sherwood
19. A Coles
25. Q Phillips
24. J Gates
8. V Robshaw (sub Brown 66)
11. B Malone (sub James 56)
7. M Woakes (sub Marshall 70)
12. A Woodman
9. S Robson
14. S Singh

WORLD CUP 91 QUALIFYING – GROUP 8 MATCHDAY 4
Eura 1–0 Brenecia
Scorers:
Robson 70
Lineup:
1. E Palmer
2. A Mason
5. T Green
4. J Menard
27. J Byrd (sub Sherwood 78)
3. L Almwood
6. S Erskine
8. V Robshaw (sub Vincent 60)
7. M Woakes
9. S Robson
10. C Atkinson (sub Singh 54)

Poacher

‘…this is what Eura needs you see. A proper, complete forward. Not just some poacher, we need something more. And certainly, if we’re going to have a finisher of that type, we need one who can finish consistently.’
‘Get fucked!’
Stewart Robson hauled the remote at the TV so hard he almost got whiplash. Like hell was he not a “proper forward”. But the TV pundit continued.
‘Don’t we just yearn for the days where you’d have a proper big man up top? A Skorji Oslograd perhaps? Or a technical wizard like Lee Sharp. Yeah, Singh meets that criterion, technical. That’s what is so exciting about her – she lights up the game every time she gets the ball with some new kind of wizardry.’
Stewart had put up with enough. He turned off his set, ignoring the glistening new crack in the screen, and trudged off to bed in his hotel room. For ninety plus minutes against Polkopia, Stewart had done everything that could be asked of him. Held up the ball to play in the wingers and his younger strike partner, assisted Kevin Sherwood with a delightful, chipped cross from the wing following a cleared corner, and generally caused a nuisance for the home side.

But you would think from the television coverage that he’d missed nine open goals, got sent off and flashed the referee, while Sophie Singh earned plaudits every time she so much as glanced in the direction of the ball. At the next training session, days later, Skorji spotted a residual anger in his eye like some kind of psychic…well, psychic.
‘Don’t think about those useless pricks Stewie’ he boomed from across the training ground, blowing away any hope of having a subtle conversation, ‘there’s a reason they are in a studio and you’re on the pitch. Forget them and focus on the game going on at your feet. Its what I used to do.’ Stewart tried not to backchat, remembering how Skorji put up with nowhere near us much media stick as he did when he played – no, he was too busy being hailed as a golden boy.
Still, better to listen to the man who had won a World Cup than not. So, Stewart got his head down and refocused. He tried not to crush his water bottle in his hand when Sophie showed up two minutes later and whacked in her first shot of the session without even looking at the goal.

They played in Bastion next against perennial Esportiva representatives Brenecia, a team who Eura had beaten before, but who had also been the source of much heartbreak. Everyone remembered the group stage game and that horrible, awful night for the country up north. Robson as much as anyone; his uncle had been at Pooltree and his brother spent four years in the Sameban meatgrinder. He tried not to think about how lucky it was that he got into the Directus academy while his brother dropped out. After all, that’s why he was here, not seeing a therapist.
Sophie Singh was pushing him awfully close though.
‘Here she is!’
‘Sophie, Sophie! Sign my shirt!’
‘Wow, I can’t believe its her. Wait- oh, Robson, get out of the way mate.’
‘We’re in Bastion, fuck off you Directus prick!’
He twitched. Even the warmup near the fans with his fellow forwards was infuriating.

On the bright side, Stewart was starting again. The hyped up wonderkid would be stuck on the bench with the third iteration of the Sharp dynasty and some guy with a weird surname. “Robbo”, as the Directus fans knew him, would start up front with his new partner Christine Atkinson.
Atkinson was also unfairly maligned, and they both hated it. She was less of an out and out goal scorer and more a supporting forward, who would drop deep and feed the poac- no. No. He was more than that. She would support the all-conquering number nine, which is what he was.
In the first half they struggled to make an impact up front. However, both were pressing vigorously against the seasoned Brenecian defence, throwing everything in for this key fixture in Eura’s qualifying schedule. At one point Stewart earned the roaring approval of the Bastion Arena as he chased down Anthea Finnan and forced the goalkeeper to slice a panicked clearance straight to Moira Woakes, who’s instinctive first touch volley flashed wide of the post.

In the second half Atkinson began to tire and was soon replaced by Singh. The twenty-two-year-old naturally took the glare of attention, but this motivated Stewart to go the extra mile rather than falling into her shadow once more. He tried a couple of snapshot efforts from outside the box that tested Finnan before sending in a back post diagonal cross that Casey Giltanan had to desperately head away from Oscar Vincent, who was poised to score. He had to do something more though. Something to shut up that prick on EBC for good.
It was the 70th minute and he had the ball at his feet thirty yards from goal. He had Singh ahead of him in some space and Ana Mason surging forward to the right, while Moira Woakes trudged back from an offside position, unable to receive a pass. Vincent stood a few feet to his right screaming for a pass as space opened up for a shot from range.

Stewart didn’t pass. He could taste glory.
A hurried shuffle forward took him past Kurtis Mikoliunas, who held back from putting a tackle in and would soon regret it. Substitute Kestutis Garrett charged him down from behind, only to collapse too easily after he shielded them off the ball with his back, briefly losing his balance but regaining it soon after.
As his feet somehow came together with the ball still at his mercy, he was suddenly at the edge of the box. Giltanan and Clovette Bravender both stepped towards him…
…and misjudged the situation entirely, the former being nutmegged with his left boot going slightly right while the latter found herself cut off by her teammates awkward positioning. The two defenders clattered one another and Stewart, through on goal, broke the deadlock with a fine finish as Finnan closed him down. It was a properly good goal and Stewart celebrated accordingly. The 110,000 strong crowd of the Arena joined him in reacting to his solo effort wildly – yeah, probably the Brenecians too, once they got over their anger at their strong defence crumbling, at least that’s what he thought.

Sophie celebrated too, though she was clearly a bit confused when he responded to her leaping on his shoulders with a grimace and going limp so quickly, she stacked it on the ground. Clearly, the hatred/jealousy/inferiority complex (pick all that apply) was not mutual.
For the remainder of the game, Stewart ran himself into the ground to preserve his goal as the one, true winner. He even earned himself a yellow card late on, battering Jadwiga Lofthouse in the closing stages as the Patriots searched for a late equaliser. It turned out their effort was in vain.
Stewart enjoyed the moment. He got his man of the match award for a memorable performance in a key win. There were plaudits to be found everywhere, and not a critic in sight.
And yet, deeper into the evening, he would be sat in yet another hotel room, watching yet another iteration of the same EBC late night football show and looking for the approval of the very same hard to impress pundit.
‘Well, it’s a great finish no doubt. And the build up play is fantastic. Still though, Robson might score these flashy goals, but where is the consistency? What we really need is a specialist, consistent finisher, some might say a poacher, to bury all those chances more gifted players like Singh create.’
Stewart trembled. He tried to stay calm. He really did.
‘WHAT THE F-‘

by **Vilita** » Thu May 12, 2022 4:30 pm

Geeko Shot first

Tivali-Ring Stadium, Alikki-Corra, Vilita :: Two matches into the World Cup 91 Qualifying campaign and things were going about as terribly as one would have expected for a Vilita National Team that consisted largely of players with little or no experience on the National Team having to play their first two games against the two highest ranked opponents that they would have to face all campaign in Group 13. Much like the Vilita National Team's opening match against the Holy Empire on matchday one, it was less about how well the Vilitan's played overall, and more about how they were simply late showing up to the party. Or in this case, the Cantina.

After going down five goals in the first half to The Holy Empire, Endur Rotropii and the Jungle Rebels found a new wind following some unexplained and somewhat fortunate substitutions on the other side of the field - scoring three goals and actually making a competitive match out of it in the end. It was much the same in Vilita's second match of the campaign against Geektopia - and much like the Empire, in this case, Geek-o shot first. And second. And third...

When the first shot came in, the fans were still getting settled into their seats and perhaps still trying to figure out exactly who the players were on the field representing the Vilita National Team - many playing at the home of the Vilita National Team, the Tivali-Ring Stadium in Alikki-Corra, for the very first time. With an age just a shade under 3000 years older than the entire Vilitan starting lineup, Geektopian midfielder Matkowski - henceforth nicknamed "Greedo" by the Vilitan fans, would selfishly (in the eyes of the Vilitan fans) steal the opportunity to take a free kick from a teammate who had fairly earned the free kick for themselves. Of course, within moments the Vilitan fans would understand just why Matkowski had insisted on taking the free kick because - with the first shot of the game, the tri-millenial had put Geektopia in front by a goal.

Then the hits just kept coming. After a mistake by Fyin Miateal on the ensuing kickoff, Geektopia's Pitter stole the ball in then laid it off for a streaking Germain Sophie who fired quickly, catching Zelkki Milake Jr. off guard and just like that, Geektopia were up 2-0 just over five minutes into the match. The goals sent the Vilitan fans into a silent stuper, wondering if this was the new normal they would have to adjust to. Of course, Vilitan fans were used to doing poorly to start a World Cup Qualifying campaign. In their most recent qualification campaign during the World Cup 89 cycle, the Vilitan National Team didn't win a match until their fourth game of the schedule. Of course, the difference then was that the games that preceded their first victory were all draws. 21 minutes in to their World Cup 91 Qualifying home opener, Rotropii's Jungle Rebels were down 3-0 after a headed goal by Vert after a corner kick. Down 3-0, it seemed just as likely that the Jungle Rebels would be locked up in a trash compactor deep within the depths of the Tivali-Ring Stadium than they would be allowed to come back onto the field for the second half of play.

Then, just as they did against the Holy Empire, the Jungle Rebels dug deep, focused on what they did best - scored a few goals and gave both themselves and their fans a New Hope that they could perhaps, just maybe, actually play footsport at an internationstatal level. If not for what would eventually become the game winner by Pitter in the 63rd minute for Geektopia, the Vilita Jungle Rebels just might have salvaged an escape from Cantina Night at the Tivali-Ring. Things got back on track in the 32nd minute when a long ball over the top from Injyua Klizlo found Fyin Miateal who made amends for their earlier mistake with Vilita's first goal of the night. In the second half, it was a first ever National Team goal for Awukchu L'bakka after an assist from another one of Endur Rotropii's hand-picked Jungle Rebels, Jakku'u Naboyavi. With fifteen minutes left in the game, the Jungle Rebels caught a break as Narri Sebapilo's corner kick went on an incredible trajectory as if it struck a force field and curved straight into the target - the goal itself. It brought the Jungle Rebels to within one goal of their opponents and while they would ultimately fall short of their goal, they may just have done enough to earn themselves one more fight - one more opportunity to prove themselves worthy to continue the World Cup 91 Qualifying campaign as they continued their training regimen in anticipation of a final battle against The Empire on Matchday 12.

 Vilita 3 - 4 Geektopia	
	Vilita Goals:	:: 32' Fyin Miateal:: 60' Awukchu L'bakka:: 75' Narri Sebapilo            
	Stats :: Vilita 	:: Possession: 46%:: Shots: 7:: Corners: 8 :: Geektopia :: Possession: 54%:: Shots: 7:: Corners: 14
	Vilita Lineup :: 	Zelkki Milake Jr., Injyua Klizlo (Lentali Purama 65'), Narri Sebapilo, Mikaela Äijälä (Awukchu L'bakka 45'), Riku Kasslin, Trezisi Rokopolis, Jakku’u Naboyavi, Fyin Miateal, Tyoasi Klipark, Takaara Milanzi, Diamoa Waviino (Kunaro Tlikara 72')

by **Efnakia** » Thu May 12, 2022 4:35 pm

NO MERCY
Dumo hom Ccahor thrashed twice by superior opponents

KOFF, Ub – The Blue and Golds suffered their first two defeats of World Cup qualification at the hands of Eraman and Banija, as they lost 2-0 and 3-1 respectively.

A good crowd was expected for the trip to the city of Arupura, the capital of the state of Aru in Eraman. The industrial city reminded many in the Efnak side of playing games in Ssedbam, with the smog and other pollution bringing those on the team from the province back to their childhood. This familiarity wouldn’t help the Blue and Golds on the pitch, though, as the hosts would dominate the match from whistle to whistle. Playing flowing, attacking football, the Monkey Kings continued to come in waves against the Efnak defense, and it wouldn’t be long before that defense broke. With just 25 minutes on the clock, a mistake from young centerback Ukcca Katla allowed Eramanian striker Wikra Petara through on goal, and he would calmly slot the ball past a flailing Mo Kacceo to take the lead. They would double it shortly after halftime, as on 47 minutes attacking midfielder Serigala Rudra would find himself in space at the edge of the area and lash a shot which bounced off the crossbar and in. The Eramanians would maintain this lead for the rest of the game, keeping some pressure but predominantly focusing on keeping the Efnak side toothless and unable to counter-attack effectively.

The next match for the Blue and Golds would be a return home to Efnakia, to the Western Line Stadium in Koff, Ub, to face regional powerhouses Banija. The Kadongo Kamu are currently sitting in the top 10 in the world, and that was reflected by the relative comfort with which they handled the Efnak side throughout the match. Despite the best efforts of the locals to disrupt their travel preparations, the Banijans had no real trouble getting to the stadium, as they simply got a hotel nearby the stadium and walked from there. The claustrophobic, enclosed nature of Western Line Stadium provided no real challenges for them either, with the quirk of a metro train running through the stadium every five minutes becoming extremely tiring for the foreign journalists in attendance but seemingly leaving the players unaffected. The Dumo hom Ccahor would give them a minor scare, though, with an excellent set piece routine leaving the talisman Kamosspeffe to head home at the back post on 14 minutes. The Banijans would take control of the game after that, though, with two goals from the Audioslavia-based Kausu Dione on 28 and 37 minutes putting the game well beyond the capacity of the Blue and Golds, and a poor tackle from fullback Kasmab Kaddaske on Dione left Kaddaske lucky to remain on the pitch and Banijan striker Abel Wesoloski-Okafor to calmly stare down goalkeeper Mo Kacceo and coolly roll the ball into the corner as Kacceo committed the wrong way.

The two defeats place Efnakia fifth in the table on 6 points, with a goal differential of -1. Next up for the Blue and Golds is two more matches in the Atlantian Oceania Qualifying Cup, with a trip to joint-7th placed Quakmybush before a potentially difficult matchup with the Squornshelan Remnant States in Kebmot’. Traffic is expected to be extremely heavy along Fast Route 4-1, with potentially multi-day delays expected, and cancellations have been announced (per Ssedbam Provincial) on trains to Kebmot’ due to “unscheduled necessary line maintenance”. As usual, all Efnak national team games will be broadcast live on MMSsE1 and MMSsE3 in Efnak and Common respectively, with all Group 12 matches being streamed live in Efnak on MMSsE-Ala. As always, Hok Efnakia!

   Group 12                        Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Banija                            4    4   0   0    14    6   +8    12
 2 Eraman                            4    3   1   0     9    5   +4    10
 3 Mon Sold                          4    3   0   1     6    4   +2     9
 4 Sargossa                          3    2   1   0    11    7   +4     7
 5 Efnakia                           4    2   0   2     4    5   −1     6
 6 Brookstation                      4    1   1   2    11   12   −1     4
 7 Aleirave                          4    1   0   3    12   14   −2     3
   Quakmybush                        3    1   0   2     4    6   −2     3
 9 Milchama                          4    1   0   3     3    6   −3     3
10 Squornshelan Remnant States       3    0   1   2     5    8   −3     1
11 Lumbinipur                        3    0   0   3     5   11   −6     0

Thanks, dear reader! Buccoss kal, medunffob kasal! Ccam son ccamol teb he kem Efnak-asske bef bet’ tem ssa.

Ccam son omol ohaskof he al onka asske faf kem mat' ass kem Onka Ssaddo Loksob (Ssufuta hom Kodam) 395. Ccam ssal-lak ccamol omabu he Efnakia hom ccamol an Efnak ssaccess "memekmab mef".

by **Trolleborg** » Thu May 12, 2022 4:40 pm

Previous part is here

Like the first trip of the season, travel to Potenzia did not promise any difficulties for the fans who had prepared for it in advance. But even the victory in the home match over Britonisea did not convince them that the difficulties for the team were over. The players did not look too confident, and won a very modest victory over a rather modest opponent.

After getting to the plane and take his seat, Vidar, being in a bad mood, decided to unwind a little and watch the channels of other countries, hoping that watching other matches of the qualifying tournament would help him to distract himself. And maybe something will tell something for the actual fan life, any new ideas for performance on stadiums and around? Faithful electronic assistant immediately responded to the order to select the TV channels of the states whose teams are participating in the qualifying tournament. It must be said that Vidar, of course, did not expect that the whole world was covering the World Cup matches in the same spirit as TTV-Sport, showing every aspect of previous games, analyzing them with the best coaches, recalling past battles and diluting it all with reports from fan ranks, reports of games involving old and actual rivals and information on how to get to the next game. But what he saw was not what he expected. On the first channel, which he turned on, people talked long and tediously about the elections in their country. When he switched to another, randomly selected from the list, at first he thought that he didn’t switch at all - they also talked about elections there. Vidar clicked again, but in half a second, that the auto-translator spend to adjust, he realized that the elections were also being discussed here. For some time, Vidar clicked and clicked, but did not see anything fundamentally new - with the exception of Juvencus, who relive and relive agains events of local military history, everywhere there are either elections-elections-elections, issues of local politics or some abstract adventures. Even on one channel that showed actual football, they soon also switched to discussing the elections in this country.

Even playing his favorite game and watching the new comedy about Trollish Islands inhabitants didn't quite restore his morale after that, so he arrived in Potenzia in a rather bad mood. The second country that fell to visit in this tournament was similar to the first - democracy, a welfare state, high taxes, and the leader of its region in terms of tourist flow. Unsurprisingly, in the multiverse, often the tourism leader is not the one with the potential to be a leader, but the one who cares to tell the world what he has to offer.

This time, the fans of the visiting team did not arrange the usual march through the city – due to the fact that center of the capital of the country, the city of Leon, was famous for terrible traffic jams. But the areas around the main square seemed to be occupied by visitors, and the famous portrait gallery from afar looked like it was besieged by a huge army in green colors, so many Trolleborg fans headed for it. But the local cuisine, touted by the guidebook, was mostly to have wait until after game, because the fans from Trolleborg knew from the experience of many travels how destructive to the stomach can be something cooked in distant lands.

After the affront in the first round from the participants of the last BoF, many were apprehensively waiting a duel against another participant of the same tournament, albeit one that performed far from being brilliant - having suffered three defeats in three games. To the great happiness of the fans, our players confidently won the game this time. And after the match, restaurateurs in the Leon center would have had reason to rejoice at this, as a mass of guests rushed from the stadium to the center to relieve the stress received while wondering how it would all end.

However, they did not yet know that a new occassion for stress was on the horizon – the next match with a dangerous opponent of a slightly higher class, and even on the home field, where we have been terribly unlucky lately ... and ended as the skeptics expected. Vidar went to the third trip in an even more gloom mood.

by **Graintfjall** » Thu May 12, 2022 4:42 pm

RP cutoff

RP bonus info

Combining the grading of Græntfjall and Turori for MD2 (3rd and 4th games). All RPs by the same user in one cutoff window are combined for the purposes of grading.

87 RPs were graded for MD2.
The mean RP bonus was ~66% of the max available.
The median RP bonus was ~70% of the max available.
The STDEV of the RP bonuses was ~21%.
17 RPs received at least 90% of the max bonus available.

News from the White Winter Queendom to read while I grade the last few RPs

Citizens for a Free Osterland flags seen at rally by controversial right wing speaker.
Further Græntfjaller air strikes rain down on Jabal Akhdar.
Prime Minister Kaija Michaelsdóttir wins support for a ban on teflon-coated bullets in gun bill negotiations.
Science & Technology committee holds hearings on artificial heart breakthroughs.
Defense Ministry recommends cutting funding for kraken warning beacons, drawing protests.

Results

World Cup 91 [roleplays]

HISTORY OF FOOTBALL IN ZIWANA- PART 4.1

WC91 MD3-4

Boot It!: 2/4 Ain't Too Bad At All

Liam West on Liam West (I mean "who Liam West plays with")

Sometimes, A Break Is All You Need

WC91Q MD3/4 - v. Starblaydia / Savojarna

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